《Urban God of War: The Live-in Son-in-law》


 Chapter 1 - 1 The Dragon in Shallow Waters is Teased by Shrimps

    Chapter 1: Chapter 1 The Dragon in Shallow Waters is Teased by Shrimps


    "Grandfather, what are you saying, asking me to marry a dying cripple?"


    A shrill cry suddenly echoed through the Hong Family''s great hall as Hong Yuting''s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at her own grandfather.


    Despite the late hour, the sprawling estate of the Hong Family of Jiangdu, spanning thousands of square meters, was still brightly lit with all members of the direct lineage of the Hong Family gathered there.


    The helmsman of the Hongtian Group had called everyone together tonight for one reason only, to announce that his granddaughter was to marry a man who was gravely injured, bedridden, and possibly even on the verge of death!


    "Father, what exactly is going on? We haven''t even met this man, who is grievously injured and bedridden, and now you want Yu Ting to marry him¡ªsurely this is preposterous?"


    The eldest son, Hong Tianming, was also filled with shock and confusion.


    Half a month ago, everyone only knew that Old Master Hong had brought back a person, a man covered in blood.


    Over this half-month, Old Master Hong had devoted all his attention to this man.


    After all, Old Master Hong was over seventy; when the family couldn''t stand by and offered to help,


    they were met with the edict that no one was to enter the inner courtyard, let alone visit that man, or they would be immediately expelled from the family, with serious offenders even facing on-the-spot execution!


    Master Hong, a former soldier, had extremely strict household rules that no one dared to contravene.


    Thus, during this time, confusion had filled everyone''s hearts.


    Yet, to everyone''s utmost surprise, tonight Old Master Hong had suddenly declared that his granddaughter was to marry a man she had never met, one who might even be dying.


    It was simply preposterous!


    "Father, who exactly is this man, and what is his background? You can''t possibly expect Ting''er to marry him for no reason at all?"


    Hong Tianming''s wife spoke out, the news striking them like a bolt from the blue.


    Although Old Master Hong was over seventy, his body was still quite robust; and, having been a soldier, he stood spear-straight in the center of the great hall.


    "Regarding his origins, I cannot tell you, and there is no room for negotiation on this matter!"


    Old Master Hong Zhenguo, with eyes radiating commanding authority, glared at his granddaughter Hong Yuting and enunciated every word, "But what I can tell you is that marrying him, whether he is a cripple or on the cusp of death, is going to be the honor of your lifetime!"


    "I can''t possibly marry him!"


    Hong Yuting roared: "Grandfather, have you gone mad? To marry me off to some invalid or to a man who''s nearly dead, for no reason?"


    "After all, I am the belle of Jiangdu, a laughingstock¡ªa huge joke indeed!"


    Propping herself up on the stair rail, it took all the strength of this frail woman to climb up to the second floor.


    In the moment she pushed the door open, she saw someone, or more precisely, a pair of eyes, eyes so stunning and unforgettable that they would be etched in her memory forever.


    Pale and calm, a firm resolve in the tranquility, a fierce resentment shining through that resolve, with a sharpness mixed into the resentment!


    And even within that sharpness was a dense bloodthirst!


    Hong Qingyan swore that she had never in her life seen, a person''s eyes that could convey, such complex and varied emotions.


    The man in the room was wrapped tightly in white bandages like a mummy, lying flat on the bed, his eyes not blinking and staring at the ceiling.


    Master Hong cried out in alarm, "Good heavens, you''re awake, you''re finally awake!"


    Before he had even finished speaking, Hong Qingyan saw another scene that shocked her profoundly¡ªher grandfather actually rushed over and knelt directly in front of the bed, his entire being overflowing with tears.


    Hong Qingyan was truly terrified inside!


    Who on earth was this man?


    "How are you feeling now? Any better? Do you have any instructions? Just command me!" Master Hong fired off a series of questions in rapid succession.


    The man on the bed, still with his eyes fixed on the ceiling and not turning around, suddenly, his throat slowly emitted two words.


    "Phone!"


    Master Hong was startled before he reacted, hurriedly pulling out a cell phone from his pocket but then thinking better of it, he took out another phone from the bedside cabinet.


    "This phone is custom-made for the military, not easy to be traced!" he said, passing the phone over.


    "Put it down, leave!" The man''s throat let out a gruff four words; although brief, they carried an impressive air of authority, conveying an undeniable command.


    "Yes, yes!" Master Hong nodded repeatedly, his face still unable to conceal his excitement and joy; he immediately turned and pulled Hong Qingyan out of the room, closing the door behind them as they left.


    Throughout the entire process, Hong Qingyan was lost in bewilderment. All these signs were beyond her comprehension. The man on the bed, clearly wounded and wrapped up like a rice dumpling, his injuries very severe.


    Yet his eyes remained so eerily calm and piercing, even exuding a chill and bloodlust.


    And his words, though few, were all commands, each one spoken with an authoritative and imperious tone.


    Yet her grandfather reacted with ecstasy, even displaying a sense of reverence!


    Who on earth was this man?

 Chapter 2 - 2 He is a King

    Chapter 2: Chapter 2 He is a King


    The attic was silent, allowing the sound of footsteps descending the stairs outside to be heard clearly.


    The man on the bed gazed at the ceiling in a daze for a half quarter hour before his fingers slowly began to move.


    His cell phone was right beside him, and after fumbling for quite a while, he dialed a long string of strange numbers.


    Once the call connected, a thick masculine voice came from the other end, "Hello, who is this?"


    "It''s me!" Ye Feng''s voice came from his throat, deep and low.


    "King... my lord, is that you?"


    A brief pause ensued on the other end of the line, followed by an overwhelmed and joyous query, "Thank heavens, my lord, you are still alive, you''re still alive!"


    Moving his Adam''s apple, Ye Feng said with difficulty, "How is the Northern Border now?"


    "Reporting to my lord, the Northern Border is in complete chaos right now. After your incident, the Northern Border was left without a leader, and the whole army fell into disorder. It turns out that the Mountain Eagle organization has always been the pawn of some powerful figures in the Imperial Capital!"


    The man on the phone hesitated slightly, then continued, "The day after your incident, the Imperial Capital sent the Iron Armor Army saying they were ordered to take over the Northern Border Army. Gai Jiutian, the Chief Legion Commander, wielding his Black Blood Sword, slaughtered this Iron Armor Army. That battle stirred the Blood Qi within him, forcing him to seal himself in the Cold Pool!"


    "Leng Wuming, the commander of the Second Legion, sensing that the Mountain Eagle was going to strike at the legion, took the initiative to strike, killing several assassins code-named ''Heaven'' from the Mountain Eagle, but he himself was severely injured and lost an arm!"


    "After losing his arm, Commander Leng Wuming retreated to the mountains for cultivation, saying he would wait for my lord''s return, to continue following you and conquer the world!"


    There was a brief silence on the phone, and Ye Feng asked, "Has anyone betrayed us?"


    "The Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Legions have now gone to the Imperial Capital to pledge their loyalty!"


    As the saying goes, adversity reveals true colors, and these words were indeed not the slightest bit false.


    Full of resentment, the man on the phone said, "During this time, I and several other legion commanders have been searching for you. We have always believed that you, my lord, could not have been so easily killed. Heaven truly has eyes!"


    "By the way, my lord, where are you now? I will come to find you immediately!"


    "No need, lie low, await my return!"


    Ye Feng''s body was covered in wounds and speaking was arduous. He could only produce sounds from his throat, his voice hoarse and deep. His tone was full of uncontrollable anger.


    "As you command, my lord. However, with you gravely injured and out there, I cannot rest easy. I am not in a position to show myself during this time, so I will send a top-secret guard to you..."


    Before the man could finish, the phone line went dead with a beep-beep busy signal.


    "Alright Qing''er, grandfather knows you''re full of confusion, but now is not the time to ask. The reason I want you to marry him is out of consideration for safety and trust. Your task for the time being is to take good care of him with all your heart. Do you understand?"


    "Yes, grandfather," Hong Qingyan lowered her head and replied.


    Hong Zhenguo patted his granddaughter''s head and smiled, "Although you were abandoned by your parents, heaven has shown you mercy. You probably don''t realize it, but you''ve made such a right decision tonight."


    "Grandfather''s painstaking efforts, you will understand in the future."


    Just then, a faint shout came from the attic above, "Someone come!"


    Hearing these two words, Hong Zhenguo reacted as if he had heard an imperial edict, swooshing up in a flash, with Hong Qingyan reluctantly climbing up step by step.


    "Your..." Hong Zhenguo started to speak but suddenly realized his mistake and quickly changed his words, "Do you have any orders?"


    "Water!" Ye Feng on the bed said just one word.


    "Yes, I''ll prepare it right away!" Hong Zhenguo was excited. If he wanted to drink water, it meant there were signs of improvement in his condition.


    "We have a Millennium Ginseng at home, I''ll use it to brew some ginseng water now. It should be beneficial for you."


    Hong Zhenguo scurried away, the Old Master of the Hong Family, the helmsman of Jiangdu''s Hongtian Group, at this moment resembled a servant.


    The Millennium Ginseng water was quickly prepared, and Hong Zhenguo handed the bowl to Hong Qingyan, "Qing''er, you feed him, be careful!"


    Hong Qingyan took the bowl, picked up the spoon, and slowly fed him spoon by spoon.


    Yet throughout the process, the man on the bed, his eyes neither blinking nor straying from staring at the ceiling, not only failed to utter a word of thanks but didn''t even glance at her.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help feeling annoyed. She might be weak, but she was certainly not ugly. In fact, she was considered a beauty in Jiangdu.


    But the man on the bed was utterly ignoring her!


    Hong Zhenguo laughed as he clarified on the side, "I forgot to introduce her, this is my granddaughter Hong Qingyan. From now on, she is yours, someone you can absolutely trust. Rest assured on this point!"


    Ye Feng on the bed did not utter a sound, his gaze still fixed on the ceiling. After a long while, he finally said, "That''s enough, I need to rest."


    "Yes!" Hong Zhenguo nodded, fully intent on executing every word.


    As he reached the door, Hong Zhenguo turned back, "By the way, out of trust and for convenience in caretaking, I have taken the liberty of betrothing Qingyan to you."


    "She will be taking care of you and staying by your side during this period, please do not take offense!"


    Ye Feng had slowly closed his eyes, entering into a rhythmic pattern of breathing.

 Chapter 3: The Most Beautiful Woman in Jiangdu

    Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Most Beautiful Woman in Jiangdu


    "What did you say, Old Master Hong has cooked the Millennium Ginseng just for that person''s treatment?"


    "He''s gone mad, completely mad, that old man. The Millennium Ginseng is our family heirloom, a treasure of incalculable value, and he said to cook it just like that?"


    "This is simply foolishness; I bet the old man''s been bewitched; he''s lost his mind!"


    "This can''t go on, let''s go. Today we must see that person, no matter what!"


    In the Hong Family''s main hall, everyone was talking at once, filled with frustration as they rushed toward the Inner Courtyard.


    But upon arriving at the Inner Courtyard and seeing the eight imposing bodyguards standing tall, they immediately lost their nerve.


    "You try it; I don''t believe Old Master Hong really dares to have us beaten to death or crippled!"


    "You go then, I really don''t dare to..."


    Just then, the door on the second floor of the loft inside suddenly creaked open.


    And then everyone saw Old Master Hong wheeling out in a wheelchair, with Hong Qingyan behind, pushing. Just like that, the two of them slowly moved the wheelchair down.


    In the wheelchair sat a man who actually wasn''t old, seeming to be only about twenty-four or twenty-five.


    With a square face, harsh, sharp-angular features, scruffy facial hair, he couldn''t be called handsome, but he was unique, especially his eyes. At first glance, they seemed calm, but upon closer inspection, they were like a knife.


    A sharpened knife, keen and cutting, as if a single glare from him could slice a wound in your heart, chilling to behold.


    The previously noisy crowd immediately fell silent.


    Hong Qingyan pushed the wheelchair slowly toward them, moving at a snail''s pace, having nearly exhausted all her strength just getting down the stairs.


    As the wheelchair was pushed past, the man in the wheelchair didn''t once look at the people around him. His gaze remained fixed in the distance, seemingly regarding these members of the Hong Family as nothing more than air.


    Hong Tianming finally couldn''t hold back and asked, "Father, is this the person?"


    "Indeed, it is him!" Hong Zhenguo smiled, looking very pleased.


    For a full month, the man''s injuries had finally shown initial signs of improvement. Today, for the first time, he proposed taking a walk, which made him very happy.


    "Grandfather, who exactly is this man?" Hong Tianming''s son, Hong Wei, asked.


    Hong Zhenguo''s expression darkened, and he was about to erupt in anger.


    Hong Yuting rolled her eyes and said, "Who cares who he is, what''s it got to do with us? I thought he was going to be someone with three heads and six arms, but now it seems he''s nothing special!"


    Passing through a long corridor, they arrived at a lake as calm as a mirror. A spring breeze brushed by, and the afternoon sunlight felt indescribably comfortable on their skin.


    Ye Feng squinted his eyes and gazed into the distance, suddenly asking, "I heard your grandfather has promised you to me, what are your thoughts on this?"


    Hong Qingyan hesitated before replying, "I will listen to my grandfather."


    "Even if I am disabled now, are you still willing?" Ye Feng asked again.


    He usually didn''t talk much, perhaps because he''d been bedridden for so long. It was rare for him to get some fresh air today, and the good weather may have prompted him to ask a few more questions.


    "You''re disabled, and I''m a cripple as well." Hong Qingyan smiled, but it was a bitter smile.


    Ye Feng noticed and said, "I want to thank you for this time."


    Hong Qingyan smiled radiantly, "To think you, of all people, would say thank you. I thought..."


    But before she could finish, Ye Feng had already turned his head to gaze at the tranquil lake ahead of them.


    The scene fell silent. With him not speaking, she naturally didn''t dare say more, simply observing his face quietly from the side.


    At first glance, his face seemed unremarkable, but matched with those eyes, it became extremely sharp, as if piercing through everything. Sometimes his indifference felt as though he disregarded everything.


    Especially during this past half-month, Hong Qingyan had been bathing him daily, seeing the dense scars all over his body.


    She could never have imagined that one person could carry so many scars.


    She remembered, when she was very young, her grandfather once made an offhand remark, saying that for soldiers, the scars on their bodies are their highest honors.


    Then the countless, striking scars on this man''s body, just how much honor had he accrued in his life!


    Ye Feng suddenly looked back and asked, "What''s your name?"


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback and blurted out, "Didn''t my grandfather already tell you my name a long time ago?"


    "I wasn''t paying attention."


    "Alright then, my name is Hong Qingyan." She said, pursing her lips, feeling somewhat annoyed inside.


    In this half month, she had bathed him almost daily, carefully fed him Millennium Ginseng and bird''s nest porridge, and had taken care of him so meticulously that she was practically half his fiance?e already.


    And yet, he couldn''t even remember her name!


    Ye Feng said, "Right, my name is Ye Feng. The Ye of Ye Feng, the Feng of Ye Feng."


    "..." Hong Qingyan rolled her eyes.

 Chapter 4 - 4 Unwanted Son-in-law Comes Knocking

    Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Unwanted Son-in-law Comes Knocking


    The night was deep and tranquil, bathed in moonlight that flowed like water.


    In the Hong Family''s inner courtyard, Ye Feng sat alone in his wheelchair.


    As instructed, Hong Qingyan had gone to the front courtyard to prepare a simple vegetarian dinner.


    If one looked closely, they could see Ye Feng''s chest rising and falling rhythmically.


    Holding his breath, his eyes were intently fixed on a leaf the size of a thumb, ten meters away.


    Suddenly, with a whoosh, Ye Feng opened his mouth and exhaled a breath.


    The breath turned into an arrow, flying straight out and piercing a hole through the leaf ten meters away.


    "Thankfully, my power hasn''t been wasted; at least I have some self-protective strength!" Ye Feng sighed to himself.


    Just then, a whooshing sound pierced the darkness, and a shadowy figure entered, flipping over the wall like a nimble monkey.


    "Who''s there?" Ye Feng called out coldly, about to exhale forcefully.


    "Greetings, my lord!" Before the person in black could finish speaking, he was already kneeling on the ground.


    Ye Feng suppressed his breath, his gaze sharp as a knife, "Who are you, and who sent you here?"


    The person in black knelt there, head lowered, and said, "Lord Mu, he ordered me to come!"


    "He sent you?" Ye Feng''s frown relaxed.


    If there was anyone in this world he could still trust, that person was Mu Tian.


    Having woken up half a month ago, the first person Ye Feng had called was him.


    The two were comrades who had shared life-and-death experiences for many years, bound by a friendship sealed through trials of fire!


    He remembered that at the time, Mu Tian said he would send a secret bodyguard over, who must be this person.


    "Stand up and speak!"


    "Yes, sir!" The person obeyed and stood up, tall and burly, his movements rigid and precise, appearing somewhat stiff, yet he exuded an imposing aura.


    Ye Feng didn''t inquire about this person''s specific origins, because knowing he was sent by Mu Tian was already enough.


    "What''s your name?" Ye Feng asked.


    "I have no name, sir, but from now on you may call me Seventeen." Seventeen stood there with his head bowed, speaking without any movement in his body, every nerve taut.


    "To the front courtyard!"


    "Alright!" Hong Qingyan was immediately overjoyed.


    They passed through a tree-lined corridor, turned by a few villas, and then arrived at the front courtyard.


    Through three generations of management, the Hong Family had become well-known in the Jiangdu business circles, and under Old Master Hong''s generation, they had almost become one of Jiangdu''s wealthy clans.


    Given that today was Old Master Hong''s seventieth birthday, the guests coming to congratulate him were naturally endless.


    The main hall in the front courtyard where guests were received was brilliantly lit, and the sound of toasting and merry-making was unceasing.


    Just as Hong Qingyan was about to push Ye Feng inside, Hong Yuting and Hong Wei led several people into the courtyard with laughter and conversation.


    Several young people were dressed in lavish attire; it appeared they were all scions of well-known families in the Jiangdu business circles.


    "Yo, yo, yo, I thought it was someone special, but it turns out to be our Second Miss. How about it, planning to take your disabled fiance? out tonight for a bit of socializing, to wish Grandpa happy birthday as well?"


    Hong Yuting walked over, emphasizing the word ''disabled'' heavily, with a mocking look on her face.


    Hong Qingyan wanted to retort, but anger coupled with her frailty made her cough repeatedly and unable to speak.


    A tall man in a white suit among the attendants exclaimed in astonishment, "What''s with you, Yuting, this person, this disabled man on the wheelchair, is Miss Qingyan''s fiance??"


    "Isn''t it? Grandpa himself decided!"


    Hong Yuting became even more smug, lifting the corners of her mouth and laughing, "A lame girl marrying a cripple, it''s indeed a perfect match made by fate!"


    The man in the white suit sighed, "Even though the Second Miss naturally has her defects, she''s pretty and also considered half a granddaughter of Old Master Hong. It''s beneath her to be matched with a disabled son-in-law, isn''t it?"


    A few young men and women accompanying them also said, "The Hong family is a wealthy house. As long as Old Master Hong gives the word, those second- and third-tier family disciples in Jiangdu would probably break their heads in a scramble to marry Hong Qingyan for an alliance."


    "Now that Old Master Hong has picked such a crippled son-in-law, isn''t he just inviting ridicule for no reason?"


    "I really don''t understand what Old Master Hong is thinking. Even if this granddaughter was adopted, that''s no reason to mistreat and wrong her like this. If it were me, I''d never agree to it, even over my dead body!"


    "After tonight, this crippled son-in-law of the Hong family will probably become Jiangdu''s laughingstock!"


    The crowd laughed and joked, not taking Ye Feng into consideration at all, especially the man in the white suit, whose tone seemed especially harsh as if he was trying to curry favor with Hong Yuting.


    "It''s a good thing you didn''t agree to marry this cripple, Yuting; otherwise, you would have ruined your life!"


    "Marry him? As if he''s worthy of marrying a flower of Jiangdu!" Hong Yuting said, full of disdain.


    Throughout this period, Ye Feng just watched coldly and said nothing.


    And since he didn''t move, Seventeen, who stood behind him, didn''t move either!

 Chapter 5 - 5 He Moved My Wheelchair

    Chapter 5: Chapter 5 He Moved My Wheelchair


    ```


    Looking at Ye Feng in the wheelchair, Hong Yuting felt a surge of vile courage, last time her grandfather not only demanded of her to marry this crippled man but even slapped her in public because of this cripple.


    She had never suffered such humiliation in all her life.


    "You cripple, and you, the lame bastard picked up from the streets, what are you still doing standing there, get lost, get the hell out of here now!"


    Hong Yuting roared furiously, "A cripple and a lame one at that, insist on making a fool of themselves in public. If you don''t feel ashamed for yourselves, you''ve lost all the face of our Hong Family!"


    Eldest Grandson Hongwei stepped forward and pointed at Ye Feng''s nose, spelling out each word, "Listen well, dogs and cripples are not allowed inside the gates of the Hong Family!"


    Ye Feng looked at him coldly, suddenly wanting to laugh in his heart. When had he, the Northern Border King, been stopped outside someone''s door?


    In the past, not to mention this little Jiangdu business tycoon, even the nobles in the imperial city would tremble with fear when they heard he was coming to visit, personally sweeping the floor and welcoming him at the door.


    "Listen well, no one in this world dares to block my way. Get lost right away, out of consideration for Old Master Hong, I won''t hold you accountable!"


    Ye Feng spoke calmly, for in his eyes, the likes of arrogant scions like Hongwei were no more than crawling ants.


    To quibble with ants would only demean himself unnecessarily!


    Hongwei immediately flew into rage, "Who the hell do you think you are, demanding that I, the young master, to get lost?"


    "You two, come here and throw this cripple out!"


    The two security guards naturally recognized the young master of the Hong Family and stepped forward without a second word.


    Ye Feng remained unflappable as before; these people, like ants, were beneath his notice to even lift a hand.


    Just as the two security guards grabbed the wheelchair and tried to throw it out...


    "How dare you!"


    Seventeen moved, his tall frame pouncing like a fierce tiger.


    With two bangs, the two security guards were sent flying out three meters.


    The commotion outside immediately alarmed the people in the hall. Master Hong walked out with the stride of a tiger, followed by a charming youth around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Grandpa, this cripple, he started a fight!" screamed Hong Yuting on the spot.


    "Nonsense, it was clearly you who blocked the way and even tried to throw Big Brother Ye out. Big Brother Ye was forced to strike back in self-defense!"


    "Bypass the old man?" Zhangsun Hongwei furrowed his brows, clearly lacking in intellect.


    Hong Yuting spoke firmly, "Chu Tiange, I know that the Chu Family has always wanted to have a marital alliance with the Hong Family, and you have intentions toward me. So, I will give you a chance."


    "Tonight, I don''t care what methods you use, you must humiliate that Mr. Ye severely, and best make him leave the Hong Family for good. If you can do that, then consider the first test a success!"


    Chu Tiange''s eyes lit up, "Are you serious?"


    Hong Yuting scoffed coldly, "I, Hong Yuting, am the belle of Jiangdu, when have my words not counted?"


    Zhangsun Hongwei walked over and patted Chu Tiange on the shoulder, "That Mr. Ye, now considered half a son-in-law to our Hong Family, if you want to be our son-in-law, you can''t lose to him."


    Chu Tiange laughed, "A cripple? You compare him to me? Is he worthy?"


    At this moment, the Hong Family hall was brightly lit, with clusters of Jiangdu''s business elites in suits and leather shoes, holding wine glasses and conversing.


    Although everyone was curious about the young man whom Old Master Hong had personally wheeled in, the old master didn''t seem to want to introduce him, so naturally nobody dared to disturb him rashly.


    Ye Feng sat at the most secluded dining table at the back, eating the vegetarian meal prepared by Hong Qingyan at his leisure.


    Even though the hall had all sorts of delicious dishes and fine wines from various regions, he wanted none of them, only eating plain porridge with cabbage.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t bear to watch and said, "Big Brother Ye, should I get you some nice food?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, "No need, none of the food here is as delicious as your plain porridge and cabbage."


    At these words, Hong Qingyan was overjoyed, thinking her efforts were not in vain.


    Ye Feng suddenly remembered something and asked, "Speaking of which, Qingyan, you haven''t had dinner yet, have you?"


    "No..." Hong Qingyan replied softly, looking down.


    "Then why aren''t you going?"


    "Grandfather ordered that I must take good care of you first..."


    "Bullshit, even your grandfather has to listen to me!"


    Ye Feng spoke sternly, "Now I order you, go and have your meal immediately!"


    Hong Qingyan murmured acknowledgment and then slowly walked toward the front.


    For some reason, watching her frail, solitary figure and her distinctive limp, Ye Feng''s heart, usually as hard as steel, suddenly ached without warning.


    ```

 Chapter 6 - 6 You Are Not Qualified Enough

    Chapter 6: Chapter 6 You Are Not Qualified Enough


    Ye Feng bowed his head and drank porridge, hardly glancing at these so-called Jiangdu celebrities in the hall.


    To many ordinary people, these business celebrities might be successful and esteemed, but in his eyes, they were not worth mentioning.


    Seventeen stood behind him, straight and spear-like, not moving for a long time.


    Suddenly, the young man who had followed Old Master Hong here, carrying two glasses of wine, walked over gracefully.


    "Mr. Ye, I''m sorry for coming uninvited, I hope I haven''t disturbed you?" the young man said with a smile on his face.


    Ye Feng kept his head down, continuing to drink his plain porridge.


    The young man crouched slightly, smiling, "Let me introduce myself. My name is Shen Minghua, the general manager of Hongtian Group, as well as Old Master Hong''s personal assistant."


    "Just now, Hong Wei was out of line and offended Mr. Ye. I''ve specifically come to offer an apology on his behalf, and I hope that you can be magnanimous."


    Speaking, Shen Minghua extended the wine glass in his right hand.


    Ye Feng looked up, but did not reach out to take the glass of wine, and instead said, "If it was Hong Wei who bumped into me, why hasn''t he come to apologize himself?"


    Shen Minghua smiled, "After all, Hong Wei is the eldest young master of the Hong Family. There are some things he can''t conveniently do."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "You''re apologizing for him by yourself. Do you mean to say you can represent the eldest young master of the Hong Family? Or that you can represent the entire Hong Family?"


    Shen Minghua was taken aback and laughed awkwardly, "Mr. Ye is joking. Although I''m the general manager, I''m ultimately an outsider and cannot represent the entire Hong Family."


    Ye Feng lowered his head and continued to drink his porridge.


    His meaning was clear: since you''re an outsider, then you should have the awareness of one.


    The atmosphere turned slightly awkward, and Shen Minghua had no choice but to change the subject, "May I know where Mr. Ye is from? From the way Old Master Hong conducted himself earlier, it seemed he holds Mr. Ye in high regard?"


    Having finished his plain porridge, Ye Feng put down his chopsticks and waved his hand, "Being but a cripple, why bother asking where I''m from?"


    "True, as the saying goes, heroes don''t ask about each other''s origins. Mr. Ye has gained such esteem from Old Master Hong, and now you''re even the son-in-law of the Hong Family."


    As Shen Minghua spoke, he shifted his tone, "Currently, Hongtian Group is in need of talent, and Mr. Ye, with your exceptional demeanor and eloquence, will surely make great contributions to the group in the future. I''m afraid that even my position as general manager might have to be relinquished to the more capable."


    After saying this, he laughed heartily on his own.


    Qingyan continued, "Though Big Brother Shen is a general manager of the group, he''s very frugal. He''s so economizing that he doesn''t even buy a car and takes the subway to and from work every day."


    "He''s also quite handsome, and many female employees in the company openly pursue him. All of them have been turned down, even those who have presented themselves to him, he has never taken advantage of any."


    Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged: "Go on."


    Qingyan went on, "In the company, he never allows anyone to work overtime. Sometimes, when employees work late to rush a project, he''d scold them mercilessly if he found out. That''s why all the staff adore him."


    "And?"


    "Also, he only eats two meals a day, never wastes food. Despite now wearing opulent attire, that''s only due to work necessity. In everyday life, he''s very simple, and it''s said he has a white shirt patched several times and worn for five years."


    "Go on," said Ye Feng.


    "That''s all."


    Ye Feng countered, "So based on these, you''re sure he''s a good person?"


    Qingyan shot back, "Aren''t these traits admirable enough?"


    "They are certainly admirable, but perhaps a bit too much so," he replied.


    "Too much so? What do you mean by that, Big Brother Ye?"


    Ye Feng looked up at her: "Let me ask you, what is it that you live for in this world?"


    "To repay kindness!" Qingyan replied without hesitation. "But, Big Brother Ye, why do you ask?"


    Ye Feng chuckled, "What I want to tell you is that everyone in life has their motives, like you, for repaying kindness, or perhaps for revenge. Of course, more often than not, it''s for fame or power, and others for beauty, fine food, or art, and so on..."


    Qingyan was at a loss: "But I still don''t quite understand."


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes at that figure who kept networking among Jiangdu''s elites, "This man, not motivated by money, nor by fame, nor by personal gain, nor by luxurious food and clothing, nor by the pursuit of beauty. He seems to want nothing, just a one-way giver."


    At this point, Ye Feng pulled his gaze back to Qingyan: "So what do you think his ultimate aim is with all this?"


    Qingyan was baffled: "I wouldn''t know even more now."


    Ye Feng laughed, shook his head, and said, "When a person seems to want nothing on the surface, it often might mean that what he seeks is something much grander."

 Chapter 7 - 7 Turmoil at the Birthday Banquet

    Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Turmoil at the Birthday Banquet


    "Is the scheme grand?"


    Hong Qingyan''s eyes widened, "Big Brother Ye, are you saying that Shen Minghua is up to something? But what could he be after?"


    Ye Feng chuckled, "If you don''t believe me, just watch."


    After all, he was the mighty Northern Border King, commanding the Northern Border Twelve Banners, where talent abounded like hidden dragons and crouching tigers. What kind of person hadn''t he seen?


    Shen Minghua''s petty schemes couldn''t possibly deceive his Fiery Eyes Golden Pupils!


    "I still find it hard to believe."


    Hong Qingyan shook her head, then chuckled, "Not to hide it from you, Big Brother Ye, but Grandpa was even considering matchmaking me with him before."


    Ye Feng lifted his head, jesting for a rare moment, "So that means I''m stepping in?"


    Hong Qingyan rolled her eyes, not knowing how to respond to that remark.


    At this moment, the birthday banquet hall was filled with guests, with nearly all the invitees having arrived.


    From Ye Feng''s angle, he observed Hong Zhenguo ascend the stage and gesture for silence before expressing gratitude to the guests for gracing the celebration with their presence.


    Then it was time for the Hong Family''s younger generation to step forward and offer birthday wishes.


    "Let''s also go and wish Grandpa well," said Hong Qingyan as she pushed the wheelchair slowly towards the crowd.


    Chu Tiange had been secretly watching Ye Feng, and now, he couldn''t help releasing a sneer.


    "Yu Ting, the opportunity has come. Aren''t you keen on thoroughly humiliating that Ye surname trash of a son-in-law, to completely drive him out of the Hong Family? Now''s your chance."


    Hong Yuting spoke gravely, "You''d better handle it gracefully, after all, it''s Grandpa''s seventieth birthday. If you manage to upset him, even I won''t be able to help you!"


    "Rest assured, I know what I''m doing. Take a look at this," Chu Tiange said, pulling out a Brocade Box.


    The Brocade Box was of an ancient design, evidently with some age to it.


    "What is that?"


    "This is a treasure. With it, tonight, that Ye surname won''t be able to raise his head!" Chu Tiange laughed proudly and straightened up to walk over.


    Seeing this, Hong Tianming said, "Tiange is really thoughtful. Since it''s his token of affection, Father, you should accept it."


    Zhang Yuman also said, "Yes, Father, the Chu Family and our Hong Family have always been on good terms. And this child Tiange is both decent in character and appearance."


    The couple both spoke one after the other, barely stopping short of expressly agreeing to the marriage.


    Hong Zhenguo still stood in place, not moving. To be honest, he had never considered a marriage alliance with the Chu Family.


    The atmosphere became slightly awkward. Chu Tiange''s eyes shifted, and he glanced at Ye Feng with a chuckle, "The one sitting in the wheelchair must be Hong Family''s son-in-law, right?"


    As his words fell, the hall suddenly burst into a considerable commotion, as it was clear that many present were hearing this news for the first time.


    Ye Feng kept silent, he couldn''t even be bothered to glance at the other person.


    Hong Zhenguo had no choice but to say, "Indeed, last month, I engaged Qingyan to Mr. Ye."


    "So the rumors are true. Congratulations to Mr. Ye then. Miss Qingyan is both talented and beautiful, and countless distinguished young men in Jiangdu admire her."


    Chu Tiange gave a cupped fist salute to Ye Feng, then, with a twist in his tone, said, "Mr. Ye has an extraordinary demeanor and being the new son-in-law of the Hong Family, you must have taken great care to prepare a birthday gift ahead of time for this grand occasion of Old Master Hong''s seventieth, right?"


    Hong Zhenguo''s gaze hardened, the old man''s astuteness naturally allowed him to perceive Chu Tiange''s true intentions.


    Hong Tianming also realized, "Yes, Ye Feng, as our Hong Family''s son-in-law, have you prepared a gift for today''s seventieth birthday celebration of the old Master?"


    Zhang Yuman said, "The old Master holds you in high regard. Today, on his seventieth birthday, your birthday gift might not match the Spirit King Ring, but it can''t be too shabby either. Otherwise, it wouldn''t just be your concerns as a son-in-law that would be laughed at ¨C our Hong Family can''t afford to lose this face either."


    Even Hong Wei remarked, "Indeed, Chu Tiange hasn''t become our son-in-law yet, and he has already presented the Spirit King Ring. As a son-in-law who is already part of the Hong Family, surely you can''t be worse than Chu Tiange, right?"


    This family, one after another, made no effort to conceal the mocking tone in their words.


    Qingyan was almost in tears. She knew that Ye Feng had hastily come over at the last minute and was completely unaware of tonight being her grandfather''s seventieth birthday; how could he have prepared any gift?


    Qingyan was just about to step forward to explain the situation.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng spoke up. He looked up and stared at Chu Tiange, "You say this is the Spirit King Ring?"


    Chu Tiange sneered, "Naturally, what else do you think it is?"


    Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "It''s fake!"

 Chapter 8 - 8 Give it to me hard

    Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Give it to me hard


    ```


    "Fake? You''re saying the thumb ring is fake?"


    Chu Tiange was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing: "This is truly the joke of the century. You cripple, actually dare to say my Spirit King Ring is a counterfeit?"


    Ye Feng didn''t even need to look at the so-called ring to know it was a fake, because he knew who held the real Spirit King Ring.


    As the previous guest had said, such a ring contained spiritual energy, was extremely precious, and unique in the world; it was not something a minor Jiangdu business magnate like the Chu Family could lay their hands on.


    "Look, Ye, even if you can''t bring out a decent gift, there''s no need for this, right? If you really become the Hong Family''s son-in-law, I''m afraid you''ll only bring shame upon the Hong Family!"


    Chu Tiange snorted coldly, his eyes filled with contempt.


    Hong Yuting also said, "Exactly, a worthless man who can''t present a gift, should just admit it, directly. Your actions only make us disdain you even more."


    Ye Feng looked at the two of them, his eyes gradually turning colder. Today was Old Master Hong''s seventieth birthday; he didn''t want to make a move, so as to not embarrass Old Man Hong too much.


    Secondly, with his own status, he really had no reason to bother with such ant-like figures; it was just that these two flies insisted on buzzing in his ear, relentless.


    "The real Spirit King Ring, due to the spiritual energy within, will produce fine spirit patterns, and those patterns must be green!"


    Ye Feng continued, "There are three ranks of thumb rings. The lower rank has chaotic and mixed spirit patterns with impure colors; the middle rank has pure-colored but imprecise patterns; only the high rank has spirit patterns that are completely green and crystal clear."


    Some guests remarked, "True, there are three ranks of thumb rings. I heard a jade shop expert master mention this, but I wonder, how can the spirit pattern be verified?"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng smiled faintly, thinking that there were indeed some well-informed people present, and then said, "How to verify it is quite simple, just smash it and you can clearly see the patterns inside!"


    "What did you say, smash it directly, you want to smash my thumb ring?"


    Chu Tiange immediately bristled, "You cripple really have no sense of gratitude. This is a Spirit King Ring, a treasure of immeasurable value. If you smash it, can you afford to compensate?"


    Hong Yuting scoffed, "Not to mention smashing it, even if it''s scratched a tiny bit, he couldn''t afford it in his lifetime!"


    Hong Wei also scoffed, "I say, Ye, as the son-in-law candidate of our Hong Family, can''t you be a bit more sincere? If you can''t present a gift, do you have to slander someone else''s property? Do you have no shame? Even if you don''t, the Hong Family does!"


    "Enough!"


    After speaking, Hong Zhenguo turned to Chu Tiange and said, "Smash it, smash that Spirit King Ring of yours!"


    "Smash it?" Chu Tiange''s eyes widened, thinking he had heard wrong.


    "Smash it, to see what it really looks like inside!"


    Hong Zhenguo''s voice boomed like a large bell, "However much you paid for it, Elder Fu will compensate you at the original price!"


    Old Master Hong knew that if he didn''t step in now, his two foolish grandchildren might very well lose their lives here tonight.


    Hong Yuting said, "Grandpa, what are you talking about? This is the Spirit King Ring, a treasure beyond measure. It''s worth dozens of millions at least. You can''t just say smash it!"


    Hong Wei also said, "A treasure worth millions of dollars, Grandpa, you always say I waste money, but now it seems, you''re even more extreme than me!"


    Hong Zhenguo, without another word, slapped him across the face.


    "You worthless thing, you are grounded for three months. Sell off all those sports cars in the garage and hand over the money, and you can''t have more than one hundred thousand in spending money for a year, got it?"


    After speaking, Hong Zhenguo gave Hong Tianming and his wife a glare, the implied message being that if they dared to go easy on him behind the scenes, they too would be punished.


    Of course, Hong Zhenguo had no choice in the matter; otherwise, this fool might even lose his life.


    Hong Yuting huffed, "Chu Tiange, go ahead and smash it. After all, someone will compensate for it, and your Chu Family won''t lose anything. What are you afraid of?"


    Chu Tiange shouted, "I can smash it, but if this Mr. Ye keeps insisting that my ring is a fake, when we find out this is a slander, he must kneel down in public and apologize to me by kowtowing!"


    Before Ye Feng could even speak, Hong Yuting snatched the ring and smashed it down hard.


    The ring shattered on impact, and upon picking it up, Hong Yuting said, "There''s a Spirit Pattern, although it''s not very pure. But it''s not green, it''s red. What rank is this?"


    "Red Spirit Pattern? It seems like there''s no rank, not even the lowest. Wearing it for a long time might even be harmful to the person."


    One of the guests who seemed to be more knowledgeable suddenly spoke up.


    Hong Yuting''s face darkened and she turned her furious eyes directly on Chu Tiange.


    With a sinking feeling in his heart, Chu Tiange realized he was finished; his hopes of being the Hong Family''s son-in-law were probably dashed.

 Chapter 9 - 9 Traps and Conspiracies

    Chapter 9: Chapter 9 Traps and Conspiracies


    Chu Tiange left in a disheveled state; he simply had no face to stay any longer.


    He, the distinguished young master from Jiangdu''s wealthy family, had not only spent a lot of money, but also bought a fake artifact. Moreover, everyone of status in Jiangdu had come to know of it.


    Of course, all of this was not the most hateful thing. The most hateful thing was that Tang surnamed trash!


    "Damn it, if I don''t destroy you, my resentment won''t be quenched!" Chu Tiange swore through clenched teeth as he yanked the car door open and climbed in.


    But as soon as he sat down in the car, Hong Wei also climbed in.


    "Young Master Chu, you promised to embarrass that Ye surnamed trash and drive him out of my Hong Family''s door. You''ve been quite a disappointment," Hong Wei shook his head.


    "What are you implying, Hong? Are you here to mock me?" Chu Tiange said angrily.


    "Mocking you? I don''t have the leisure for that,"


    Hong Wei said with a smile, and then he added, "That Ye surnamed trash made you lose so much face, don''t you, Young Master Chu, want to take revenge?"


    Chu Tiange said, "To take revenge, one needs a plan. If that useless son-in-law is always around in the Hong Family, what can I do?"


    Hong Wei lit a cigar and said carelessly, "Tomorrow, the Hong Family will be visiting the Qingcheng Mountain Daoist Temple to pray. Just prod a little, and that useless son-in-law should also go."


    Chu Tiange said coldly, "Even if that trash goes, if he sticks close to your old man, I still won''t have a chance to make a move."


    "Don''t worry, Hong Qingyan doesn''t drive, and the driver is our man. I will arrange for the driver to take a wrong turn and drive to a remote and uninhabited foothill."


    Chu Tiange''s eyes lit up, and he nodded, "I see, give me the address in advance!"


    Hong Wei didn''t say more, simply opened the door and got out of the car, but before he shut the door, he turned back and said, "That Ye surnamed trash, he has a bodyguard with some skills. You better bring some experts along!"


    Having returned to the banquet hall, Hong Wei found that the birthday feast had already ended, and guests were slowly leaving. Hong Qingyan, pushing Ye Feng''s wheelchair, was slowly heading towards the Inner Courtyard.


    Watching Ye Feng''s retreating figure, Hong Wei couldn''t help but sneer, "A useless son-in-law like you dares to think about sitting on Young Master Hong''s head and taking a dump. Tomorrow, you won''t be able to walk away from what''s coming!"


    On the way back to the Inner Courtyard, Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "Big Brother Ye, how were you so sure that Chu Tiange''s Spirit King Ring was a fake?"


    Ye Feng chuckled lightly, "Because with his Plane, he couldn''t possibly have access to the real Spirit King Ring."


    The minivan quickly entered the Inner Courtyard, and after everyone got on, the Hong Family''s several vehicles immediately departed.


    Ye Feng, Hong Qingyan, and Seventeen were in one car, the driver was also from the Hong Family. After leaving the city area, the road became somewhat bumpy, which suggested they had reached the suburbs where the road conditions weren''t very good.


    However, the ride got increasingly bumpy, and Hong Qingyan soon realized something was wrong. Looking out the window, she said, "Master, this road isn''t right, we''ve never taken this route in the past."


    The driver smiled, "That''s right, the usual road going up the mountain is under repair, so we have to detour and take another route up."


    "There''s another way up the mountain?"


    "I tell you, Miss Second, just be at ease. I know this place better than you do, and I was worried about making a mistake, so I specifically checked it out yesterday. There won''t be any problems!"


    Hong Qingyan didn''t ask any more questions, but turned to look at Ye Feng, who was just then closing his eyes, resting and restoring his energy on his own.


    As for Seventeen, that guy was even less of a concern, standing there like a wooden post.


    After turning through two mountain hollows, the car entered an abandoned lumber mill and suddenly came to a screeching halt with a ''creak''.


    "We''re here!"


    "Here? Where is this, this isn''t the Daoist temple!" Hong Qingyan''s eyes widened, but by then, the driver had already flung the car door open and run off in a puff of smoke.


    "Haha, folks, welcome to Forest World for a visit!" A robust and fierce man, laughing loudly, pulled open the car door.


    The man bared his chest, revealing incredibly strong muscles, especially a long scar stretching down from his left face to his shoulder, striking fear into any onlooker''s heart.


    Surrounding this scar-faced man were seven or eight burly men who encircled the car.


    "Forest World? And what is that?" Hong Qingyan tried to stay calm, but even a fool would know by then that something was wrong.


    "Without deception, this Forest World is a tourism project I''ve invested tens of billions in. For each visitor, the cost for a tour and sightseeing is ten million!"


    "Ten million, why don''t you just go rob people?" Hong Qingyan''s eyes bulged.


    "Hehehe, turns out you''ve hit the nail on the head, young lady!" several lackeys laughed in weird tones.


    Hong Qingyan felt a bitter lump in her throat and was at a loss for words.

 Chapter 10 - 10 A Good Hand

    Chapter 10: Chapter 10 A Good Hand


    Ye Feng remained in a state of closed-eye meditation, seemingly indifferent to the situation outside the car.


    Seventeen, although his eyes were wide open, did not react since Ye Feng always remained silent.


    Hong Qingyan realized something was wrong and tried to calm herself as she secretly attempted to make a phone call for help.


    But this damned place had no signal.


    "Hehe, little girl, stop struggling. The signal here has been jammed long ago!"


    The man with the scar sneered and waved his hand, "Please get out of the car, the three of you. Now that you''ve entered my territory, naturally, I will treat you ''properly''."


    While speaking, a blade unexpectedly appeared in the hand of the man with the scar.


    The seven or eight minions each revealed blades, swords, and clubs in their hands as well.


    Hong Qingyan had never seen such a scene and was so frightened that her legs went weak.


    The scarred man chuckled, "Not getting out? Fine. Do you see that cliff up ahead? It must be over a kilometer deep. If this car goes over, the people and vehicle would instantly shatter to pieces."


    Hong Qingyan was extremely scared and, clutching Ye Feng''s arm, asked shakily, "Big Brother Ye, what should we do now?"


    Only then did Ye Feng slowly open his eyes, without even glancing at the ten or so people outside, and simply asked, "Who sent you?"


    "Who sent us?"


    The man with the scar was taken aback but then sneered, "No one sent us. You drove in here. Either pay forty million for the three of you and the car, or that cliff will be your burial site!"


    "Rest assured, if the car falls off the cliff, it will definitely look like an accident. Even if someone investigates, they won''t be able to link it back to us."


    The man with the scar laughed oddly, clearly having plotted everything in advance.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained the same as he asked, "I''ll ask one last time, who sent you? Was it Chu Tiange, or that idiot Hong Wei?"


    The scarred man gritted his teeth, "So it seems you''re not willing to pay to avoid disaster?"


    "Seventeen!" Ye Feng just called out.


    "Yes, my lord!" Seventeen finally acted, pushing open the car door and stepping out.


    At that moment, Ye Feng added, "Close the car door; don''t disturb my rest. Find out who''s behind this!"


    As for such petty tricks, how could they possibly fool the Fiery Eyes Golden Pupils of the Northern Border King? The suspicious driver was evidence enough.


    Hong Zhenguo quickly approached Ye Feng, bending over slightly and asked, "Mr. Ye, how do you intend to deal with this matter?"


    Ye Feng, sitting in the wheelchair, gazed at the distant mountains and said leisurely, "You should know that for anyone who becomes my enemy, even those who plot against my life, I have only one way of dealing with them¡ªkill."


    The moment the word "kill" was spoken, a sudden cold wind blew through the courtyard outside the Daoist temple, the murderous intent chilling. Hong Zhenguo couldn''t help but jump in fright.


    "But Mr. Ye, Hong Wei..." At this moment, the helmsman of the Hongtian Group of the Hong Family of Jiangdu found it almost impossible to speak.


    "I know Hong Wei is your grandson. For your sake, I''m willing to give him a chance."


    "Thank you, Mr. Ye!" Hong Zhenguo bowed his hands in gratitude.


    "Go check immediately and tell me where Chu Tiange is right now!" Ye Feng commanded.


    "Yes!" Hong Zhenguo answered and took out his cell phone to call Hong Wei directly.


    The call connected quickly, and they heard Hong Wei on the other end, "Grandpa, you''re asking where Chu Tiange is; he''s with me right now."


    "Where are you right now?"


    Hong Zhenguo''s voice was stern and incisive; only he, as an old soldier, understood that anyone who acted against the Northern Border King could be considered as courting death.


    In other words, Chu Tiange and Hong Wei were as good as dead at this moment.


    "We''re at the Yingge Beautiful Club. What''s up, Grandpa? Is something the matter?" Hong Wei asked.


    "Yingge Beautiful Club? You still have the mood to enjoy yourself? Leave there immediately and come back home!"


    "Hey, Grandpa, what are you saying? I can''t hear you well, I''m hanging up, I''ll be back later tonight, that''s it..." With that, Hong Wei cut off the call.


    "Yingge Beautiful Club? Seventeen, let''s go!" Ye Feng ordered.


    Seventeen immediately pushed Ye Feng into the car and hurried to the driver''s seat.


    Hong Qingyan subconsciously followed, but Hong Zhenguo quickly held her back, "You shouldn''t get involved in the matter that''s about to unfold."


    Hong Qingyan asked, "Grandpa, what exactly is going on? Is it serious?"


    Hong Zhenguo sighed, "It''s a long story, and as for whether it''s serious, it depends on the Chu Family''s attitude now. Let''s hope they don''t push their luck."


    After saying that, he added, "No, I must get in touch with Hong Tianming right away and have him order Hong Wei to come back immediately. If that boy really gets involved, I''m afraid I won''t be able to save him either!"


    Hong Zhenguo immediately called Hong Tianming, but the latter just wouldn''t pick up, infuriating him as he cursed, "That idiot Hong Wei has made a complete mess of a good hand!"

 Chapter 11 - 11 Are You Ready?

    Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Are You Ready?


    Although it was still daytime, the Yingge Beautiful Club in Jiangdu was already a place filled with singing, dancing, and boisterous excitement.


    Not many common people knew about this place, as the cost of entry wasn''t low, but basically, those who came were influential figures in Jiangdu.


    Many people knew that the entertainment club''s behind-the-scenes owner was none other than the Chu Family, the only powerful clan in Jiangdu.


    Seventeen pulled up the car directly to the entrance, where two security guards came over to stop them.


    "Get lost if you don''t want to die!"


    With a fierce shout, Seventeen''s gaze, filled with Cold Qi, frightened the two guards into silence.


    And although the car he drove was a nanny van, it was by no means cheap¡ªthe Toyota Alphard. Usually, those who could afford such vehicles were either rich or noble.


    After helping Ye Feng out of the car, Seventeen then pushed the wheelchair inside.


    The two guards finally regained their composure and hurriedly made a phone call.


    Soon, the security captain led a team to the hall.


    "My friend, are you here to spend some money? If you''re here to have fun, Yingge welcomes you both."


    The captain waved his hand, and two tall women in cheongsam stepped forward to push the wheelchair.


    "Get lost!" Seventeen glared with round eyes.


    The captain''s face immediately darkened, "Friend, it seems you''re not here to play, right? Without lying to you, there are many troublemakers at Yingge on normal days, but in the end, hehe..."


    He stopped there, but the implicit meaning was clear to everyone.


    The mighty Chu Family was the big boss of Yingge, and on the turf of Jiangdu, those who dared to make trouble here invariably ran up against an iron wall.


    "Chu Tiange is inside, right? Tell him to roll out here!" Ye Feng said.


    The security captain was furious and with a big wave, he yelled, "Throw this stray dog out!"


    As his voice fell, four guards charged over.


    Ye Feng, still seated immovably in his wheelchair, did not get thrown out; instead, it was the four guards who undoubtedly found themselves ejected.


    With just one confrontation, the crowd didn''t even have time to see what happened clearly before the guards were tossed out.


    The captain''s expression changed, realizing he was dealing with a tough character.


    As he hesitated, Chu Tiange walked out of the elevator with several young people, laughing and talking.


    "So it''s you, the cripple son-in-law. How did you also get here?" The person who spoke first was Hong Wei, his eyes flashing with inadvertent astonishment.


    After all, in his view, at this moment, this useless son-in-law and that picked-up cripple should have already fallen off a cliff and shattered to pieces.


    Hong Yuting replied coldly, "Since this worthless son-in-law came to us willingly, why miss such an excellent opportunity? I want to watch him die with my own eyes, to quell the hatred in my heart!"


    Ye Feng hasn''t moved, still sitting in his wheelchair, silently watching the club''s guests quickly leave.


    In his calm gaze, the actions of Chu Tiange and his men were no different from clowns.


    Soon all the guests had left, leaving over twenty security guards in the hall.


    "Close the main door!" Chu Tiange waved his hand.


    Now that his plans had been exposed, he decided to commit fully, to simply silence any witnesses. After all, this wasn''t the first time he''d done something like this.


    Ye Feng didn''t try to stop them, and there was no need to.


    He just shook his head and sighed.


    Hong Yuting shouted, "You trash, are you scared now? Too bad it''s already too late, the moment you stepped through that door, it was already too late!"


    Ye Feng looked at her and said, "I just thought of a saying, do you want to hear it?"


    Hong Yuting scoffed, "Is this your last words? I might as well listen."


    Ye Feng sighed, "You should be thankful for having a grandfather like Hong Zhenguo."


    After finishing that sentence, Ye Feng looked up at Chu Tiange with an incisive gaze.


    "I''m not known for my patience, are you ready now?"


    "Ignorant fool, attack..."


    Ye Feng still sat in his wheelchair, not moving, but Seventeen had already sprung into action like a fierce tiger.


    In an instant, the hall erupted with loud bangs, but with the doors tightly closed, those outside were oblivious to the chaos within.


    It only took about two minutes before the doors of Yingge opened again, and a formidable man, pushing a wheelchair, slowly emerged.


    The man in the wheelchair was as calm as ever, a calmness that seemed to have seen all the suffering in the world, a detached tranquility that spoke of a once vast sea that found no other water but the clouds of Mount Wu to compare.


    After assisting the man in the wheelchair into the car, the nanny van slowly drove away.


    Shortly after, two figures crawled out from the hall of Yingge, Hong Wei and Hong Yuting, their faces ashen, trembling all over.


    They reeked of foul odor, their trousers wet, clearly scared to the point of urinating themselves.


    "Sister... sister, they are all dead, they''re all dead!"


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Leaning on the doorframe to stand, Hong Yuting watched the departing car and suddenly broke into crazed laughter, "Ha ha... it''s over, that trash actually killed Young Master Chu, he''s done for, he is as good as dead!"

 Chapter 12 - 12 Really Think You’re Somebody

    Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Really Think You''re Somebody


    The nanny van Elfa left Yingge Clubhouse, and the two occupants inside didn''t speak, their expressions neutral, not at all concerned about the recent events.


    For Ye Feng, as the King of the Northern Border, a reigning monarch who once guarded the nation''s northern territories, single-handedly holding at bay the enemy''s million-strong army of wolves and tigers.


    In his lifetime, he had witnessed blood-soaked landscapes, scenes a hundred, even a thousand times greater than this, today''s matter didn''t even ripple the surface of his calm.


    A ruler of an era, a battle-hardened star general, anyone who dared plot against him would be treated as a traitor, to be killed on the spot without discussion!


    Seventeen, evidently, had also faced great trials and tribulations, and neither was particularly talkative.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng spoke, "No need to hurry back to the Hong Family just yet, let''s take a drive around first, it''s been more than a decade since I''ve been back, I want to see how this city has developed."


    "Yes!" Seventeen responded, steering the wheel and then driving aimlessly onward.


    But what Ye Feng didn''t know, and didn''t care to know, was that at this very moment, the Hong Family of Jiangdu and the Chu Family had already stirred up a tumultuous storm.


    It wasn''t until the sun had set and night arrived that the car returned to the Hong Family.


    The welcoming hall in front of the Hong Family was ablaze with lights, with Old Master Hong personally waiting at the front gate.


    "Mr. Ye, you have finally returned."


    Hong Zhenguo, along with Hong Qingyan, stepped forward, opening the car door to help Ye Feng out.


    "It''s been years since I''ve been back to Jiangdu. This afternoon I took the opportunity to have a look around; I didn''t expect to see such great development and changes in Jiangdu City," Ye Feng said with a light chuckle.


    But Hong Zhenguo couldn''t bring himself to smile. He thought to himself, with such a big incident having occurred, you still have the mood to go sightseeing.


    However, on second thought, it made sense. Who the other party was¡ªa ruler of an era. He would never take such a trivial matter to heart.


    Coming to that realization, Hong Zhenguo relaxed a little, smiled and said, "Today I''ve called an important meeting with all the direct lineage members of the family, and we would like Mr. Ye to be our witness."


    Ye Feng replied, "No rush, I''m hungry. Let''s fill our stomachs first."


    Hong Zhenguo nodded and didn''t say more, subtly signaling to Hong Qingyan with a slight tilt of the head.


    Consequently, Hong Qingyan began to push the wheelchair, slowly entering the inner courtyard.


    As they passed through the main hall, all the members of the Hong Family younger generation, including Hong Wei and Hong Yuting siblings, as well as the couple Hong Tianming and Zhang Yuman, and other relatives of the Hong Family like the eldest and second aunts, all came out to the door.


    In a cold voice, Hong Tianming said, "Let''s wait until he arrives to discuss it, but I''m certain that the Chu Family is already seething with rage. They''ll likely come knocking on our door demanding the person soon."


    "Father, you''d better think carefully about what to do when the time comes, whether to hand him over or not!"


    After saying this, Hong Tianming swung his arm and strode into the hall.


    At this time, in the Inner Courtyard''s small attic, Ye Feng was slowly enjoying his porridge, plain white porridge with pickled cabbage and radishes. He ate leisurely, savoring every bite.


    Hong Qingyan sat by his side, silently watching him eat. She actually had many questions she wanted to ask, but seeing how calmly he was eating, she found herself unable to speak.


    Eventually, Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "How is it, Big Brother Ye, are the pickled radishes good?"


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "Not bad, just a bit too sour, and not spicy enough."


    Hong Qingyan replied, "Then next time I''ll take note to add more chili."


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at her and said, "Can I make a request?"


    "Go ahead."


    "I''ve been eating cabbage for over a month now; next time can you switch it up?" Ye Feng said with a smile that was a bit irked: "The Hong Family is wealthy and powerful, surely you have more than just cabbage?"


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback, initially thinking he was about to make a substantial request, but it turned out to be this, which inadvertently made her laugh.


    "So next time, would you like me to change to baby bok choy instead?"


    "..." Ye Feng was speechless, shook his head, and put down his chopsticks, "Let''s go, to the front courtyard hall!"


    Hong Qingyan stood up and, pushing the wheelchair, went out with Seventeen, who was waiting at the door. They pushed the wheelchair downstairs and then slowly made their way towards the front courtyard under cover of night.


    The front courtyard hall had been bustling with noise, but as soon as everyone saw the young man being pushed in the wheelchair, all the younger generation of the Hong Family fell silent, each turning their heads to look this way.


    "This loser confined to a wheelchair, to think he''s the Hong Family''s son-in-law. He commands more respect than anyone, yet Grandfather still indulges him. It''s like seeing a dog!" Hong Wei muttered disdainfully from a corner.


    "Little brother, cool down. There''s no point getting angry with someone who''s about to die."


    Hong Yuting curled her lip, "I''ve already heard the news that the Chu Family and several other great families are on their way here at this moment. Let''s just wait and see how this waste meets his end!"


    ```

 Chapter 13 - 13 This is My Attitude

    Chapter 13: Chapter 13 This is My Attitude


    "Mr. Ye has arrived, please come over and take a seat!"


    Hong Zhenguo smiled as he walked over and pushed Ye Feng''s wheelchair to the seat of honor.


    Upon seeing this, the Hong Family younger generation all revealed eyes filled with contempt and resentment. Their own Old Master Hong was becoming more and more outrageous.


    If before, this disabled person had been tolerated because he was a son-in-law of the Hong Family, but now, this waste had killed someone and offended several of the prominent families in Jiangdu, essentially facing a dead end.


    They couldn''t understand why Old Master Hong was still so concerned about this disabled son-in-law.


    Ye Feng said, "I''m a bit tired, if there''s anything to discuss, just say it. Let''s conclude the meeting as quickly as possible."


    Hong Wei couldn''t hold back any longer and, slamming the table as he stood up, roared, "What are you, at best you''re just a son-in-law, and moreover, a disabled one at that! What right do you have to command Grandfather?"


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at him, "Remember, I''ve already given you one chance."


    Hong Zhenguo''s expression changed, and pointing at Hong Wei, he scolded, "You imbecile, you still dare to be insolent!"


    "Someone, break this young punk''s leg and confine him for half a year!"


    With a wave of his great hand, Hong Zhenguo immediately had two imposing bodyguards move forward.


    Hong Tianming leaped to his feet, questioning, "Father, what are you doing? Breaking Wei''s leg, have you gone mad?"


    Zhang Yuman also said, "Who dares!"


    "I dare. You all want my stance on this, well, this is my stance. Why are you still standing there, drag this fool out, break his left leg, and apologize to Mr. Ye!"


    Hong Zhenguo stood in the hall like a spear, his presence chilly and commanding, and the two bodyguards immediately went over and hoisted Hong Wei up to take him outside.


    "Old fool, have you become even more deranged? Hong Wei is your grandson, your only grandson, and yet you want to break his leg?"


    Enraged, Zhang Yuman bellowed, "Today, anyone who dares to touch my son, I will fight them to the death!"


    "Father, aren''t you taking things a bit too far? Breaking my son''s leg, to apologize to this son-in-law, this useless son-in-law, does he deserve such a big face?" Hong Tianming walked to the center of the hall.


    "Shut your mouth, you fool, look what your son has turned into because of how you''ve spoiled him over the years."


    It must be said that Hong Zhenguo was a man of deep schemes and tactics. Ostensibly, he was suppressing Hong Tianming and others, but in fact, Hong Qingyan was now his almost betrothed.


    If Hong Qingyan really became CEO, then even being associated with the Northern Border King would elevate their status; once his own identity was made public, it would certainly be the moment for the Hong Family to soar.


    But for now, Hong Zhenguo would never dare reveal his identity, at least not without Ye Feng''s permission.


    What a pity that these good-for-nothing members of the Hong Family simply did not understand the painstaking efforts of their Master Hong.


    Members of the Hong Family thought that this son-in-law was useless, a good-for-nothing to be scorned and derided every day, but little did they know, they were dealing with a King!


    At this time, Hong Wei had been carried out by two bodyguards. A miserable scream came from outside the yard; it seemed Hong Wei''s leg had indeed been broken.


    As to whether it was true or not, no one knew.


    In any case, Hong Zhenguo knew very well that today, if he did not give a satisfactory account to Ye Feng, if he did not properly punish this fool, and if in the future he offended Mr. Ye, or even committed murder, then the Hong Family would really be finished.


    "Today''s agenda is over, the meeting is adjourned. Don''t think I''m joking again. Tomorrow, Qingyan, you''ll follow me to the group''s board meeting, where I will announce it on the spot!"


    Hong Zhenguo waved his hand grandly and then nobody left, everyone still seated in their chairs.


    They were waiting, waiting for the Chu Family and several other wealthy clans from Jiangdu to arrive.


    If there was still hope in the hearts of Hong Tianming, Zhang Yuman, and others, it would be for the Chu Family.


    Once the people from the Chu Family arrived and took this worthless son-in-law away, then the worthless son-in-law would undoubtedly be dead, and the agenda just now would become a joke!


    Everyone was waiting to see the joke unfold, waiting for the Chu Family!


    Finally, the people from the Chu Family arrived, and not a few, but a convoy of more than a dozen cars that lit up the entrance of the Hong Family.


    "Ye Feng, come out right now!"


    "Hong Zhenguo, do you understand what you are doing? You are harboring a criminal."


    "Did you members of the Hong Family hear? Hand over that cripple son-in-law to me immediately!"


    Upon hearing this, Hong Yuting and others finally showed a smile on their faces.


    Old Master Hong also smiled, he was very clear in his heart, today these so-called powerful families of Jiangdu, the more arrogant they were, the worse their end would be!

 Chapter 14 - 14 Let him come in and see me

    Chapter 14: Chapter 14 Let him come in and see me


    Ye Feng was still sitting in the wheelchair, his expression utterly indifferent.


    He did not move, and Seventeen behind him made no move either.


    Hong Zhenguo approached Ye Feng and smiled, "It''s getting late, Mr.Ye has been busy all day. Would you like to go back to the attic in the backyard to rest?"


    His words made it clear he didn''t take the several powerful families outside seriously.


    Hong Tianming snorted, "Father, that waste surnamed Ye can''t leave. If he leaves now, how are we supposed to explain to the several powerful families?"


    Hong Yuting also said, "Grandfather, things have already come to this point. Do you still intend to protect and indulge this disabled son-in-law? Aren''t you afraid of bringing disaster upon our Hong Family?"


    Ye Feng spoke up, "Old Man Hong, could you step outside for a moment? Those flies outside are too noisy¡ªhow can one sleep well with that racket?"


    "Yes, Mr.Ye is right. I will go and deal with them now!"


    Hong Zhenguo laughed and immediately turned around, striding out with the majesty of a dragon and the ferocity of a tiger.


    Hong Yuting rolled her eyes, thinking to herself: "Flies? Comparing the powerful families of Jiangdu to flies, you really are bloated with arrogance. Wait until later to see how you die!"


    At this moment, the Hong Family''s main gate was besieged so tightly that water couldn''t leak through, with dozens of bodyguards from the Chu Family and other powerful families surrounding it.


    If it weren''t for the power of the Hong Family, they would probably have already rushed in to seize the person.


    Of course, the Hong Family was no weakling either, with more than a dozen bodyguards standing at the main gate.


    Seeing Hong Zhenguo coming out, the Head of the Chu Family roared, "Hong, you finally show up."


    Hong Zhenguo chuckled, "Old Chu, it''s just the loss of a grandson. Your Chu Family hasn''t lost its line of succession, so why the fierce anger?"


    "You..."


    The Head of the Chu Family, enraged, stomped his foot and gritted his teeth, "I don''t want to waste words with you. Hand over your useless son-in-law to me!"


    Hong Zhenguo kept chuckling, "My son-in-law said, you flies are too noisy, disturbing his rest. Scram!"


    "What did you say?" The Head of the Chu Family and the other three heads of the powerful families were furious.


    "Hong, let''s set things straight here. If you don''t hand over your disabled son-in-law, tonight, we will flatten your Hong Mansion!"


    "Flatten my Hong Mansion? Big talk!"


    Hong Zhenguo also grew angry, and with a wave of his hand declared, "My men, listen up¡ªif anyone dares to step half a foot through the gate, they will be killed without mercy. I want to see who has the guts!"


    Old Man Hong was ready to go all out; after all, he had the backing of a king, a king who dyed rivers and mountains with blood¡ªwhat was there for him to fear!


    The gaze of the Head of the Chu Family sharpened, nearly ready to burst forth, but after seeing the dozen bodyguards of the Hong Family, each robust and bristling with a threatening aura, he had no choice but to suppress his fury.


    It was common knowledge among Jiangdu''s upper society that Hong Zhenguo had served in the military, and at no low rank. After returning, he had gathered many highly skilled warriors to serve as bodyguards.


    Hong Zhenguo went out and relayed the message word for word to Yan Xu.


    Inspector Yan frowned, silent, his expression grave.


    "Old Hong, give it to me straight, what is this thing?"


    Yan Xu, holding the Token, looked at the simple ancient bronze, on which a Golden Dragon was engraved, with a character for "north" on the back.


    "To be honest, I don''t know either," Hong Zhenguo replied with a chuckle.


    "You..."


    Yan Xu, gritting his teeth, said, "You can''t expect me just to make a call to the higher-ups with this kind of trinket, can you?"


    "Then you might choose not to make the call. You could also storm in there and take him now, but I can tell you, the consequences are something you absolutely cannot afford!"


    After some thought, Yan Xu nodded, "Alright, I''ll make the call!"


    He walked to a corner and then made a call.


    The call connected quickly, and after briefly explaining the situation, the person on the other end fell silent, then said, "Wait a moment, remember not to act rashly. I can''t make heads or tails of this thing; I need to report it to higher-ups."


    Yan Xu was dumbfounded, he could tell from the tone of the person on the line that the situation was very serious.


    It didn''t take long for the person to call back, and Inspector Yan immediately asked, "Well, did you find out? What does the Token represent, and what is the identity of the owner?"


    The voice on the other end replied gravely, "As for what the Token represents, the ones above me also don''t know; they don''t have the authority."


    "What do you mean ''no authority''?"


    "No authority means just that, not enough clearance to find out!" the voice on the line exclaimed.


    Yan Xu, stunned, said, "Even the people above you don''t have enough clearance?"


    As he spoke these words, his heart pounded incessantly, knowing the matter was severe.


    The person on the phone said, "Although we can''t find out, the higher-ups have sent down instructions for me to tell you to back off from this matter, and of course, it''s not something you can interfere with."


    Inspector Yan became anxious, "But, it involves a death."


    The person on the line chuckled, "I recall you saying that it was the Chu Family who first plotted to kill the other party, right?"


    Without waiting for Yan Xu to respond, the voice continued, "The higher-ups instructed me to tell you that even if the owner of the Token only killed the Chu Family''s eldest son, even if he annihilated the entire Chu Family, it would be their own fault."


    "To ensure you understand, that person from above also wanted me to tell you to go in and greet that man right away, remember to be polite and respectful!"


    "Anyway, I''ve passed the message. Do as you see fit. Oh, and don''t call me about this again. I don''t want to get involved in this mess. It''s like gods fighting, and you, Little Luoluo, why meddle? I want to keep my job for a few more years!"


    With that, the line went dead with a click, leaving the Iron Face Judge to face the chaos in the wind.

 Chapter 15: Muddy Clay Cannot Be Plastered onto a Wall

    Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Muddy Clay Cannot Be Plastered onto a Wall


    Chief Supervisor Yan''s heart was pounding hard, and for some reason, as he held the ancient bronze token in his hand, it suddenly felt heavy and hot to the touch.


    The evening breeze was a bit chilly, yet he felt his back drenched with sweat.


    Although there were no specific details about the origin of the token, he wasn''t foolish; from that person''s tone, he had grasped the severity of the situation.


    At this moment, Chief Supervisor Yan had only one question in his mind: just who was the owner of this token?


    Of course, no one provided him an answer.


    At this time, Head of the Chu Family, Chu Min, stepped forward, "What about it, Chief Supervisor Yan, can we now go in and take the person?"


    "Take a ball!"


    The Iron Face Judge, filled with anger, had found a target to vent, "You all better stay put, if you dare to rush in and grab the person, don''t blame me for being rude!"


    Having said that, Chief Supervisor Yan walked towards Hong Zhenguo with a smile and said, "Old Hong, please trouble you to introduce me, I would like to meet that person."


    Hong Zhenguo thought for a moment, then nodded, "Alright."


    Following that, the two of them went inside.


    Chu Min and the people from the other three major families were all dumbfounded upon seeing this. What on earth was going on?


    Had the Chief Supervisor who covered up his black deeds taken the wrong medication tonight?


    "Brother Chu, what should we do now?" a patriarch from another major family asked in a low voice.


    Chu Min''s complexion was extremely grim as he bit his teeth and said, "Wait, we''ll see how things go."


    At this time, Yan Xu had already reached the Hong Family Courtyard and as soon as he entered the hall, he saw a person seated in a wheelchair.


    Although he didn''t previously know who the token''s owner was, upon seeing this young man, he was certain that he was the owner of the token.


    Even though the man was seated in a wheelchair, the aura emanating from him was incredibly sharp, making him seem like a mountain. Yan Xu even felt a nameless pressure.


    Especially his gaze, which appeared calm but was incredibly piercing, was like a blood-drinking sword, sending shivers down the spine.


    At this moment, the man in the wheelchair was just quietly looking at him, with an indifferent expression on his face.


    Suppressing his pounding heart, Yan Xu walked up and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "May I ask who your excellency..."


    Hong Zhenguo said, "It''s not that I don''t want to reveal it, but knowing too much might actually be bad for you."


    "Forget it, forget it."


    Yan Xu waved his hand and sighed, "All these years, the Chu Family has been contending fiercely, trying to overpower you. Now it seems, heh..."


    As Yan Xu stepped out of the Hong Family''s main gates, he glanced at the Head of the Chu Family, Chu Min, and suddenly a look of sympathy appeared in his eyes.


    "The night is deep already, everyone should go back. Those who need to wash up and go to bed should do so," Yan Xu said, waving his hand.


    Chu Min was dumbfounded and asked, "We''re going back just like that? What about that person?"


    "That person is naturally still inside."


    Yan Xu offered a noncommittal response before opening the car door, diving in, and shouting, "Drive! My head hurts. Oh, and by the way, I wasn''t here tonight, just pretend you didn''t see me."


    The car started up with a roar and drove away, leaving Chu Min and the others eating dust.


    At this moment, Hong Zhenguo chuckled and said, "People get old and can''t stand staying up all night. If you gentlemen are willing, I welcome you to guard the gates for the Hong Family."


    After speaking, he patted his buttocks and walked in, even withdrawing the guards at the entrance.


    Truth be told, Hong Zhenguo would have welcomed the Chu Family making a rash move and charging in to seize the person. If they really did that, then all these noble families would be doomed.


    As the elderly master came in, Hong Tianming immediately approached and asked in a low voice, "Father, tell me the truth, what is the background of that crippled... of that Ye Feng?"


    After everything that had happened that night, especially after witnessing the demeanor and attitude of the Iron Face Chief Supervisor, even a fool could see that there was something more to it.


    Old Man Hong glared fiercely, "Don''t ask what you shouldn''t. When the time comes, you''ll naturally know. Besides, do your job as the financial director, assist Qingyan as she acts as president, and in the future, the Hong Family will have everything. Do you understand?"


    Hong Tianming felt a rush of heat through his body and asked, "Father, does this mean that as long as we rely on this great tree, our Hong Family will be able to become the number one noble house of Jiangdu?"


    "The number one noble house of Jiangdu? Heh..."


    Old Hong shook his head, pointed towards the sky, and sighed, "My son, can''t we look a little further beyond our own limits?"


    "Does that mean the number one noble house in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province?" Hong Tianming''s eyes widened.


    "The number one noble house in Jiangnan?"


    Hong Zhenguo shook his head again and lamented, "Though it''s nice to enjoy the shade under a great tree, there''s also a saying that you can''t help up a leaning wall with mud. I already gave an opportunity before, for Yu Ting to marry him, but what was the result? And then there''s that fool Hong Wei..."


    Hearing this from a distance, Hong Yuting felt a sudden pang in her heart. She suddenly had the feeling that she might have missed something, a sense of inexplicable loss that was distressing and suffocating.

 Chapter 16 - 16 You Are Not a Man

    Chapter 16: Chapter 16 You Are Not a Man


    Outside the Hong Family Courtyard, Chu Min and others were still standing there.


    "Brother Chu, what should we do now? Should we still charge in to seize the person?"


    Chu Min glared angrily, "Charge in to seize the person? Do you really think that charred-head Yan Xu is a vegetarian?"


    The Head of the Huang Family gritted his teeth and said, "So we''re just going to let this slide?"


    "Let this slide?"


    Chu Min snorted coldly, "To kill my grandson is a grudge that cannot be shared under the same sky. How could I possibly let it slide? As long as Hong Yuting''s crippled son-in-law is alive, I will never swallow this insult."


    "Get on the car first, and allow me to devise a plan for everyone!"


    Chu Min waved his Great Hand and was the first to get into the stretched luxury car, followed by the Heads of the other Families who also got in one after another.


    A dozen cars started up and soon left the Hong Family.


    Inside the car, the Head of the Huang Family asked, "Brother Chu, what good strategies do you have?"


    Chu Min, with half-closed eyes, pondered and said, "Judging from tonight''s situation, that crippled son-in-law of the Hong Family must have some background."


    "Of course, otherwise that charred-head Yan Xu would not have been so cowardly!"


    "Thus, we can no longer take the approach through Yan Xu¡ªit won''t work."


    "Just speak out what you have in mind, Brother Chu, stop beating around the bush."


    Chu Min huffed coldly, "I heard that there''s a master following behind that waste of a son-in-law from the Hong Family, and it seems he has been trained."


    "Therefore, we can only ask for the help of the Martial Alliance!"


    "Martial Alliance? Good idea, the Martial Alliance is full of Martial Arts Practitioners, and it''s teeming with experts. If they take action, they will surely tear that Hong Family''s waste of a son-in-law to pieces!"


    "Hong Family, daring to hinder us tonight, if we don''t uproot them entirely, it won''t quell the hatred in my heart. Perfect, the trap set ten years ago is finally ripe for harvest. It''s time to close the net!"


    At this, Chu Min let out a chilling, strange laugh that was harrowing to hear.


    At this time at the Hong Family, although the Clan Assembly had already ended, Hong Tianming was holding a small meeting on his side.


    In the villa''s grand hall were Hong Wei, Zhang Yuman, Hong Yuting, as well as the eldest aunt and the second aunt, and even Hong Wei was present surprisingly.


    Hong Yuting''s eyes wandered playfully, her figure swaying gracefully, especially since she had dressed up meticulously after last night''s family meeting.


    A low-cut, tight T-shirt paired with a mini denim skirt not only showcased her porcelain-white legs unmistakably, but also accentuated her wasp waist.


    "Come on, Big Brother Ye. Let me help you get up and get dressed!"


    Hong Yuting walked over, bent down, and deliberately revealed her chest. She knew her top already had a low neckline. Now, with such a move, it was practically all on display.


    Hong Yuting was absolutely confident that no man on earth, if he was indeed a man, could resist her action.


    Unfortunately for her, Ye Feng was certainly a normal man, but he was not an ordinary man.


    He didn''t even glance at her, his whole demeanor was like still water, and his eyes even showed a hint of killing intent.


    "Who let you in!" Ye Feng shouted lowly.


    "Qingyan, the newly appointed acting CEO of the company, left for work early in the morning. Thinking that you were without anyone to look after you, worried that you might be hungry, I came over," said Hong Yuting, her words nearly accompanied by tears, looking pitifully vulnerable.


    This technique to manipulate men had always worked without fail for her; before she could even get halfway through, those men would instantly submit.


    However, Ye Feng simply pointed towards the door with a Great Hand and said only two words: "Get out!"


    Hong Yuting''s eyes widened in disbelief, she bit her lip and said, "Listen here, Ye. I''ve already gone this far for you, don''t be ungrateful."


    It was only then that Ye Feng looked up at her for the first time, his gaze chillingly cold.


    "You have ten seconds to consider."


    "You wouldn''t dare..."


    "I never strike a woman, I hope you don''t make me break that rule!" Ye Feng''s voice was very cold.


    "You, Ye, I give you a little color and you open a dye shop..."


    "Seventeen!"


    As soon as the words fell, Seventeen was already in front of them. Hong Yuting only saw a blur before she was lifted up.


    With a splash, she was tossed headfirst into the small pond outside the attic.


    Choking on a few mouthfuls of water, Hong Yuting immediately roared hysterically, "Ye, you cripple, how dare you treat me this way, you''re not a man, you won''t die a good death!"

 Chapter 17: The Puppet Master of the Martial Alliance

    Chapter 17: Chapter 17: The Puppet Master of the Martial Alliance


    The commotion from the Inner Courtyard''s attic soon brought Hong Zhenguo into the room, along with Zhang Yuman, the Hong family''s eldest aunt, and others.


    "Ting''er, what''s going on here, how did you end up like this?" Zhang Yuman hurried over and pulled Hong Yuting out of the water basin.


    Hong Yuting burst into tears, wailing to the heavens, "It''s that worthless man, our Hong Family''s worthless son-in-law, he threw me out, he actually dared, dared to treat me like this, mom, I don''t want to live anymore."


    Her cries were earth-shattering, yet her eyes remained dry, not a single tear fell; her emotions were a play for Hong Zhenguo to see.


    Zhang Yuman cursed furiously, "That damn dog, he''s just a son-in-law of the Hong Family, yet he dares to be so arrogant. Yu Ting got up early in the morning to cook porridge, kindly bringing it to him, and this Mr. Ye not only showed no gratitude but also treated Yu Ting so terribly, is there no justice left in this world?"


    Hong Zhenguo didn''t speak, merely looking on coldly.


    At that moment, Ye Feng, seated in a wheelchair, slowly descended from the second floor of the loft, pushed by Seventeen.


    Zhang Yuman pointed at him and roared, "Mr. Ye, you''ve gone too far, you must apologize to Ting''er today, else we cannot stay in this house any longer."


    The wheelchair slowly moved past her; Ye Feng didn''t even look at her, completely ignoring her.


    Only when the wheelchair directly approached Hong Zhenguo did Ye Feng speak, "Do you remember what I said? No one is allowed to enter the Inner Courtyard''s attic without permission!"


    Hong Zhenguo bowed slightly, "I''m sorry, Mr. Ye, it was my oversight."


    Ye Feng''s cold voice stated, "Don''t let it happen again."


    "Don''t let it happen again? What is that supposed to mean, do you think this is your own home?"


    Zhang Yuman, unable to contain her anger, coldly shouted, "Mr. Ye, I''m telling you, apologize to our Ting''er right now, or this matter won''t be over!"


    "Enough!"


    Hong Zhenguo bellowed angrily, "Aren''t you ashamed of yourselves? Didn''t I give you a chance that day? Yet what was your response? Calling him ''worthless'' at every turn, with your little smarts, do you really think others are fools?"


    Without a word, Hong Yuting turned and walked away, but just as she was about to turn a corner, she stopped abruptly, turned back, and gritted her teeth, "Mr. Ye, let me tell you, I, the foremost beauty of Jiangdu, don''t think I care for you? Today it''s you who fails to appreciate what''s offered; don''t blame me for being impolite!"


    Watching their retreating figures, Hong Zhenguo shook his head and sighed deeply, "I''m truly sorry, Mr. Ye, it''s our family''s misfortune that has caused you amusement."


    Ye Feng made no comment, at his level, there were few things in the world that could disturb his calm; he simply said, "Have Qingyan come back."


    Hong Zhenguo nodded, "I have already contacted her, she should be able to return by noon."


    Ye Feng said no more and slightly tilted his head as a sign, Seventeen stepped forward and steadily pushed the wheelchair onwards.


    "Then let them in," Ye Feng chuckled lightly.


    In fact, how many citizens knew that the establishment and national expansion of the Martial Alliance were thanks to the efforts of Ye Feng, the Northern Border King?


    It was due to Ye Feng''s initiative and strong support that the Martial Alliance had risen to such prominence. However, not many knew that Ye Feng, the founder and the hidden Alliance Hierarch, was behind it all ¨C not the citizens, nor even many within the Martial Alliance itself.


    Initially, Ye Feng thought his identity had been leaked and high-level members of the Martial Alliance had come to see him. But when he saw the two people who arrived, he realized he was mistaken.


    The two visitors were young men, walking with their noses in the air and swagger in their steps, as if they owned the place.


    As the saying goes, ''true quality does not show itself,'' and just by looking at these two, Ye Feng lost all interest, finding the situation tedious.


    "Which one of you is Ye Feng?" a young man from the Martial Alliance demanded.


    Ye Feng didn''t speak. With such men, he couldn''t even be bothered to open his mouth.


    Hong Zhenguo asked, "What business do you have with Mr. Ye?"


    "Are you Ye Feng?"


    "It''s certainly not me."


    "If it''s not you, then stand aside. What do you, an old fool, have to add?" The young men were arrogant.


    Of course, they had the capital to be arrogant, for the Martial Alliance was powerful, and even commercial giants like the Hong Family in Jiangdu wouldn''t want to offend them lightly.


    Ye Feng said, "I am Ye Feng."


    "You''re Ye Feng? A cripple in a wheelchair?" The young men showed a look of confusion, questioning among themselves, "Could it be a mistake?"


    Ye Feng wasn''t angry, just asked, "At present, who heads the Jiangdu Martial Alliance?"


    The two young men laughed, "You asking about our Deputy Alliance Leader of Jiangdu? Is that someone you can inquire about? We thought the Hong Family''s son-in-law was somebody significant, but it turns out he''s just a cripple in a wheelchair, no more than a crawling reptile."


    "Such an invalid attracted our esteemed visit, worthy of our attention? Truly a waste of youth."


    "Insolence!" Seventeen moved, pouncing forward like a ferocious beast.


    The young men from the Martial Alliance wore disdainful expressions, confident in their practiced skills and martial prowess.


    Yet with just two thuds, they were sent flying backward, limbs already broken.

 Chapter 18 - 18 If She Loses a Single Hair, I’ll Annihilate Your Entire Clan

    Chapter 18: Chapter 18 If She Loses a Single Hair, I''ll Annihilate Your Entire Clan


    The two young members of the Martial Alliance wailed, almost crawling out.


    As they reached the doorway, they hysterically roared, "Ye Feng, you dare to lay hands on us, we are from the Martial Alliance, you''re dead meat, you must die, and the Hong Family, daring to oppose our Martial Alliance, you''re all doomed. Just you wait!"


    Seventeen''s expression suddenly darkened, ready to strike again and finish these two dogs'' lives.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "They are but two crawling insects, why dirty this place of the Hong Family?"


    Seventeen halted in his tracks upon hearing this, then respectfully returned to his place behind Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng looked up at Hong Zhenguo and said, "Explain in detail, what''s the situation with Jiangdu''s Martial Alliance?"


    The original purpose of Ye Feng establishing the Martial Alliance was to encourage the nation''s people to learn martial arts for a strong and healthy body, and of course, to select experts from the Martial Alliance for the Four Realms Legion.


    After all, martial persons with a foundation in combat skills had significant advantages after joining the military, whether in individual capabilities or team combat.


    After all, in the last century, the nation was weak and impoverished; foreigners even scorned it as the "Sick Man of Asia." In order to completely change this situation, Ye Feng promoted the Martial Alliance nationwide, even allowing it to supplement fresh blood into the military.


    Now, it seemed, the situation was not as he had imagined.


    Hong Zhenguo was unaware that the Martial Alliance was founded by the sovereign before him. He seemed somewhat apprehensive about the words of the two members of the Martial Alliance he had just overheard.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    He shook his head and sighed, "Initially, the Martial Alliance, started off very well, even frequently celebrated for performing chivalrous deeds. However, these past few years, the situation has only been getting worse."


    Ye Feng did not speak. He suddenly thought to himself that the saying "chivalry is often a justification for committing forbidden acts" seemed to hold some truth.


    Hong Zhenguo continued, "I''m not too clear about the situation in other provinces, but as for Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, especially Jiangdu, the Martial Alliance has enormous influence, involving all kinds of forces, with even many Hidden Families getting involved."


    "Hidden Families?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow.


    "In fact, Jiangdu''s Martial Alliance is now controlled by three major Hidden Families. Despite the Hong Family being recognized as a business giant, compared to these Hidden Families, we are nothing but a minor player. It is precisely because of this that members of the Martial Alliance dare to be so brazen and unrestrained!"


    Hong Zhenguo sighed repeatedly. The Martial Alliance''s involvement was too extensive, extending throughout the country. Not to mention the Northern Border, by now, members of the Martial Alliance were present in almost all of the Four Great Realms.


    Ye Feng nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "Currently, who is in charge of Jiangdu''s Martial Alliance?"


    Hong Zhenguo took a breath before continuing, "I had already notified Qingyan to come back at noon, but she hasn''t shown up yet. I just tried to contact her assistant, who said she left the company at noon."


    Ye Feng asked, "Can you still get in touch with her now?"


    Hong Zhenguo replied, "It''s precisely because I can''t contact her that I''m saying something''s happened. Qingyan doesn''t have many friends and rarely goes out. Even if she goes somewhere, she would tell me in advance. It''s not like her to be unreachable for half a day."


    Ye Feng''s eyes slowly narrowed to slits, and he suddenly ordered, "Go contact the Chu Family right away."


    "Contact the Chu Family?" Hong Zhenguo was taken aback and questioned, "Mr. Ye, do you think that the Chu Family is behind this?"


    Ye Feng did not answer, for he rarely responded to others'' questions. He just gave an order, "Tell the Chu Family if they have touched her, if Hong Qingyan is missing even a single hair, I''ll destroy the Chu Family entirely!"


    As he spoke, Ye Feng''s body erupted with a bone-chilling intent to kill, his eyes fiercely sharp.


    Hong Zhenguo couldn''t help but jump, but after regaining his composure, he said, "I will call them right now and convey your message word for word."


    However, just as he was about to take out his phone, coincidentally his phone began to ring, and the caller ID showed it was the Head of the Chu Family, Chu Min.


    Hong Zhenguo''s brow furrowed, instantly realizing what was happening.


    As the call connected, Chu Min on the other end chuckled first, "Old Man Hong, since we parted last night, have you been well?"


    Hong Zhenguo immediately snapped, "Did you lay your hands on Hong Qingyan?"


    "Wow, you found out so quickly. I actually wanted to give you a surprise," Chu Min said with sarcastic laughter.


    "Chu Min, do you know what you''re playing with?"


    Hong Zhenguo bellowed, "It was just a small grudge before, but you''ve completely torn apart any pretense and dared to harm Qingyan; do you realize what you''re doing!"


    "A small grudge? Old fool, spare me your cool talk. It''s not your grandson who''s dead, so of course, you''d call it a small grudge!" Chu Min sneered repeatedly, "Since last night, when you insisted on shielding your useless son-in-law, our two families have been at odds with each other!"


    "Enough with the nonsense. Where is Qingyan now?" Hong Zhenguo demanded.


    "Old man, you''re not qualified to talk to me. Have that waste of a son-in-law of yours talk to me!"


    "Give me the phone!" Ye Feng suddenly reached out, his voice cold as steel.

 Chapter 19: The Dragon Has Reverse Scales, Touch Them and You Shall Die!

    Ye Feng took the mobile phone and asked directly, "Are you Chu Min from the Chu Family?"


    "Indeed, it is I!" Chu Min retorted coldly.


    "Was Hong Qingyan taken by you?" Ye Feng asked again.


    "Correct, she is currently in my hands!" Chu Min¡¯s voice was equally frosty.


    "Very well," Ye Feng nodded, then continued, "You can start making preparations now."


    Chu Min was taken aback and asked back, "Prepare, prepare what?"


    Ye Feng enunciated, "Prepare a coffin for yourself."


    At the end of that sentence, Ye Feng hung up the phone, with no intention of wasting words with the other party.


    Such trash, in Ye Feng¡¯s eyes, were like ants, completely unworthy of his time!


    Hong Zhenguo, however, was stunned and blinked before saying, "That was it... You hung up just like that?"


    "What else did you expect, to beg them to show mercy and let Hong Qingyan go?"


    Ye Feng sneered with a wave of his great hand, "Seventeen, let¡¯s go, get the car ready."


    Seventeen didn¡¯t waste any words and started pushing the wheelchair out.


    Hong Zhenguo came to his senses and quickly called out, "But Mr. Ye, we still don¡¯t know where Qingyan is?"


    "There¡¯s no need to know, we¡¯re going straight to the Chu Family!" Ye Feng said without turning back.


    Looking at the silhouette sitting in the wheelchair, Hong Zhenguo couldn¡¯t help but sigh deeply, "Indeed, a sovereign of his generation, daunting and imperious, never easily subjected to others."


    Hong Zhenguo was very clear, the Chu Family was doomed next, given the temperament of that sovereign. If Chu Min did not hand over Hong Qingyan obediently, it was very likely that today, the Chu Family would be drenched in blood.


    The car was ready, parked in the courtyard, the same Toyota Alphard that now seemed to be Ye Feng¡¯s designated vehicle.


    But just as the three of them settled into the car, Hong Zhenguo¡¯s mobile phone rang again, still Chu Min calling.


    Like this, Ye Feng sat in the wheelchair and went straight to the largest villa.


    Members of the Chu Family, hearing the commotion, hurried out from inside.


    "Who dares to act so recklessly, tired of living, are you? To actually run wild on the Chu Family¡¯s own turf!" The first to rush out was a chubby middle-aged man, none other than the eldest son of Chu Min, Chu Xionghe, also the father of Chu Tiange.


    "So it¡¯s you! You even dared to come to us; damn dog things!"


    As the saying goes, sworn enemies are particularly hostile when they meet, and Chu Xionghe, with a wave of his arm, roared, "What are you standing there for, go on, kill that cripple on the wheelchair for me!"


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t move, sitting on the wheelchair, as immovable as a mountain, just as he had been in the face of thousands of enemy troops, let alone these few Little Luoluos.


    Seventeen moved, darting out with a whoosh, and within five seconds, more than a dozen security guards were lying around in disarray.


    This was also what Ye Feng had previously instructed, to hold back against those not involved, no need to break arms and legs.


    Over the years, Ye Feng had adhered to one principle: heaven leaves a line of survivability in everything, so he never killed the innocent wantonly. Of course, he would not be lenient either, and when faced with vicious and ruthless people, his methods were often even crueler than others.


    Chu Xionghe¡¯s face changed, and without another word, he turned and ran inside, dialing a number on his phone as he went.


    Seventeen didn¡¯t give him the chance and acted immediately to capture him.


    With a crack, Chu Xionghe¡¯s hand that was holding the phone was rendered useless, causing him to scream in agony right there and then.


    Ye Feng maneuvered the wheelchair over, picked up the cell phone from the ground, and just happened to hear Chu Min¡¯s anxious voice on the other end.


    "Hello, Xionghe, what¡¯s happening? Speak up, what¡¯s the trouble?"


    Ye Feng said coldly, "Chu Min, right? My name is Ye Feng, and I¡¯m at your Chu Family¡¯s place right now. Your son¡¯s hand has been broken and he can¡¯t talk to you now."


    On the other end, Chu Min roared, "You bastard, let me tell you, if you dare touch my... don¡¯t blame me for fighting you to the death!"


    Ye Feng remained cold, "Remember what I told you, you now have half an hour to come here, and you¡¯d better bring Hong Qingyan with you, unharmed."


    After saying this, he hung up the phone.


    As a mighty Acting King, he was used to others seeking an audience with him; he had never been the one to actively make house calls.

 Chapter 20 The Rainbow Mark of the Great Grandmaster

    The vast Chu Family estate was now eerily quiet; no one dared to speak, not even the few direct lineage members who had been extremely arrogant just moments ago. They were now as silent as dead dogs.


    Although that guy was sitting in a wheelchair, the pressure he exuded was simply immense. He was truly the embodiment of the God of Slaughter!


    Not even half an hour had passed when several luxury cars roared in from outside.


    Following that, more than a dozen individuals dressed in tight uniforms jumped out of the cars. Chu Min and the heads of the other three major families from last night were also present.


    "Well, well, who would have thought!"


    No sooner had Chu Min gotten out of the car than he ground his teeth and angrily said, "I really didn¡¯t expect that you, the waste son-in-law of the Hong Family, would actually dare to come here!"


    Hong Zhenguo demanded, "Where is Hong Qingyan? Where is she?"


    "Bring her down!" Chu Min gave a sweeping gesture with his great hand, and two bodyguards immediately pulled Hong Qingyan from the back seat of the car.


    Although her hair was somewhat disheveled, she seemed to be unharmed. Only her hands were bound, and she looked somewhat pale.


    The people of the Chu Family were targeting Ye Feng, and using Hong Qingyan as bait. Now that Ye Feng had shown up, they naturally had no need to harm Hong Qingyan.


    Ye Feng glanced at Hong Qingyan, then swept his eyes towards the dozen or so individuals in tight uniforms. These people moved with agility and even their footsteps were more solid and stable than ordinary bodyguards, indicating they were likely from the Martial Alliance.


    "Father, Father, you¡¯re finally back. This damned son-in-law of the Hong Family, he, he has crippled me!" Chu Xionghe cried out miserably at that moment.


    Chu Min¡¯s expression turned even darker as he waved his hand, "Irrelevant people, get lost. Today, I have some personal matters to settle!"


    As soon as his words fell, the guests of the Chu Family as well as the servants, and even the onlookers who were there for the spectacle, all scattered like smoke.


    Ye Feng wheeled his chair forward and slowly approached Hong Qingyan, then asked, "I am truly sorry for the discomfort you¡¯ve endured because of me. Did you lose a single hair?"


    Hong Qingyan didn¡¯t know how to respond and after thinking for a moment, said, "I wasn¡¯t harmed, but indeed, they did pull out some of my hair when they snatched me."


    Ye Feng nodded in response.


    By the side, Hong Zhenguo shook his head and sighed, knowing that today the Chu Family was probably done for.


    "You get in the car first, wait for me inside the car!" Ye Feng waved his hand.


    What had been a tense situation had ended abruptly, like a quick-moving storm that passed with the same speed as it had arrived.


    Ye Feng did not ask for details, because there was no need.


    And since Ye Feng did not ask, Seventeen said nothing more, even too lazy to elaborate.


    After helping Ye Feng into the car, Seventeen went back to the driver¡¯s seat and drove off into the distance.


    The car traveled along the Jiangdu River heading upstream. Although it was a cool spring breeze and the evening air was fresh, the atmosphere inside the car seemed oppressive.


    Of course, the main ones feeling the tension were Hong Zhenguo and Hong Qingyan. Even though the car doors had been closed and their view obstructed, the sounds of the fight and the screams they had heard were enough for Hong Qingyan to imagine the scene.


    She looked at Ye Feng, wanting to say something several times, but each time she hesitated and held back.


    After thinking for a moment, Hong Zhenguo finally said, "Mr. Ye, because of this matter, we are now thoroughly at odds with the Martial Alliance. I¡¯m afraid from their side..."


    Before he could finish, Ye Feng had already spoken, his voice as calm as ever.


    "Find an opportunity tomorrow to visit the Martial Alliance, and convey a message to the Great Grandmaster Alliance Hierarch for me."


    "Yes, what message do you need me to convey, Mr. Ye?" Hong Zhenguo asked.


    "Tell him to come see me."


    That was Ye Feng¡¯s message, decisive and straightforward, his words exuding an intense sovereign aura.


    What to him were Martial Alliance Deputy Alliance Leaders and Great Grandmasters? In Ye Feng¡¯s eyes, they were all but ants.


    "Yes, Mr. Ye, I will ensure your message is delivered," Hong Zhenguo replied after a long silence, finally nodding.


    All of a sudden, Ye Feng turned his head to look at Hong Qingyan and asked, "Are you tired?"


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback and blurted out, "I¡¯m not... not tired."


    Ye Feng nodded, "Good, I¡¯m hungry. Prepare dinner when we get back, and by the way, no big bok choy, no little bok choy either."


    Although Hong Qingyan had still been in a state of tension, she couldn¡¯t help but let out a snort of laughter at these words.

 Chapter 21 Do you understand what I mean?

    Ye Feng and the others returned to the Hong Family, and the night had darkened, passing without incident.


    As dawn broke the next day, Hong Zhenguo left the Hong Family to head for the Headquarters of the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu, presumably to convey a message on behalf of Ye Feng.


    When the first ray of sunlight shone through the window, Ye Feng got out of bed and, as usual, sat cross-legged, watching the golden morning light and began his breathing technique.


    His technique of breathing and Seal Formation was quite peculiar, and as time went by, a visible white mist gathered around him. Most astonishingly, a golden glow faintly appeared above his head.


    In the moment when the golden light surfaced above his head, Ye Feng¡¯s lips curled slightly upward, revealing a smile that had been absent for a long time.


    "As the saying goes, ¡¯without breaking, there is no establishing¡¯; now I see, now I see!" Ye Feng exclaimed with a smile.


    Just then, a knock came at the door, and Hong Qingyan entered with breakfast, smiling, "Big Brother Ye, have you stumbled upon some joyful news? You seem very happy."


    Ye Feng smiled, "Hearing that you¡¯ve prepared breakfast and it¡¯s not only cabbage dishes, of course, is a happy occasion."


    Hong Qingyan rolled her eyes at him and proceeded to help Ye Feng wash up.


    After breakfast, Hong Zhenguo returned and went straight to the attic.


    "Mr. Ye, I went to the Jiangdu Martial Alliance early this morning and have just returned from there," Hong Zhenguo said.


    "How did it go?" Ye Feng asked.


    "I¡¯m embarrassed to say that I couldn¡¯t even see the legendary Alliance Hierarch Great Grandmaster, let alone enter the doors of the Martial Alliance," said Hong Zhenguo with a bitter smile.


    Despite the Hong Family being a commercial giant in Jiangdu, they were barely noticeable in the eyes of the Martial Alliance, which was a nationwide organization. Furthermore, core members and protectors of the alliance, many of whom hailed from ancient families, held positions of power within the Jiangdu branch.


    Ye Feng¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, but he said nothing, acknowledging the Martial Alliance¡¯s arrogance which had made it the dominant force in Jiangdu.


    Hong Zhenguo continued, "However, the matter you entrusted to me last night has been relayed, and they will likely report it to the Alliance Hierarch Great Grandmaster."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, "That will suffice."


    Hong Wei humphed, "It¡¯s a good thing you distanced yourself from him yesterday, sister. You didn¡¯t get involved with him anymore. Otherwise, when the people from the Martial Alliance come knocking for payback, we might get dragged down too."


    "Get involved with him?" Hong Yuting laughed and said, "A cripple? I, the number one beauty of Jiangdu, would take notice of him? It was only because I didn¡¯t pay him any attention that Hong Qingyan, that foundling, mattered at all."


    Hong Wei nodded and asked, "By the way, father rushed out early in the morning, saying that General Manager Shen Minghua had asked for a meeting. Is there something going on?"


    Hong Yuting replied nonchalantly, "How would I know about that? That Shen Minghua also pursued me before, but I rejected him."


    Upon mentioning this, Hong Yuting¡¯s face showed pride. As Jiangdu¡¯s number one beauty and the focus of the socialite world, she was admired by many. Though Shen Minghua was one of the younger generation and quite outstanding, he was still far from being good enough for her.


    Suddenly, Hong Wei said, "Oh sister, speaking of your suitors, it reminds me of someone."


    "Who? I have many suitors; enough to circle around Jiangdu. Who are you talking about?" Hong Yuting said proudly.


    "It¡¯s not someone from Jiangdu. To be honest, none of the young talents from Jiangdu are worthy of you. Even Chu Tiange, who¡¯s ranked in the top ten here, is nothing but trash."


    "Not from Jiangdu? Are you talking about someone from the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province?" Hong Yuting raised her eyebrows inquiringly.


    Hong Wei nodded, "Exactly, from the Jiangnan Province, Jiang Tianlong of the Jiang Family."


    "Jiang Tianlong, one of the Four Great Dragon Sons of Jiangnan? I have some impression of him." Hong Yuting said somewhat proudly because her fame as the number one beauty of Jiangdu had even spread to the Jiangnan Province.


    Hong Wei said with a smile, "Just yesterday, this young master of the Jiang Family contacted me because of Chu Tiange¡¯s incident. I told him the general situation, and Jiang Tianlong said he would visit Jiangdu in a few days. Sister, if you¡¯re interested, shall I arrange it?"


    Hong Yuting pondered for a moment and then nodded, "Alright, arrange it when the time comes. Also, include those young talents from the ancient families that control the Jiangdu branch of the Martial Alliance. It¡¯ll be clear who stands out when we compare them side by side."


    "No problem, sister. You can rest assured I¡¯ll gather all the young talents from the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province and see who catches your eye," he said.


    Hong Yuting smiled smugly, her eyes gleaming as she suddenly said, "Right, while you¡¯re at it, invite our lovely crippled son-in-law too. You understand what I mean, right?"


    Hong Wei¡¯s eyes lit up, "Understood."


    Grinding her teeth, Hong Yuting said, "As the saying goes, you don¡¯t feel the pain till the comparison is made. Is that Ye fellow not arrogant enough? When he is compared with those young talents from the Jiangnan Province, he will understand what a gap truly is!"

 Chapter 22 I am his fiancé

    ```Hong Qingyan did not go directly to the orphanage; instead, she first visited a shopping mall to buy a variety of stationery and storybooks, and then headed to a toy store to purchase toys. In the process, she traversed several places.


    Ye Feng was just accompanying her, not saying much, just watching the limping girl constantly on the move and couldn¡¯t help but feel touched.


    Honestly, although Hong Qingyan wasn¡¯t as beautiful as her sister Hong Yuting, when it came to personality and kindness, she was far superior to Hong Yuting.


    Perhaps due to her background, she rarely argued with others and spoke little, her personality being solitary and quiet; however, Ye Feng knew that deep down, this woman was very proud and fiercely independent.


    For some reason, looking at this woman of good nature, pure-hearted as a Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus, Ye Feng felt a gentle affection beginning to stir within him.


    There was a time when he, a ruler who had stained the lands with blood, had a heart as hard as iron. But now, it seemed to be slowly melting.


    It¡¯s undeniable that as one of the most outstanding individuals of the younger generation nationwide, the name "Northern Border Sovereign" once drew widespread attention from aristocratic ladies in the capital. Many beautiful and talented women from noble families had yearned just to catch a glimpse of his true face.


    Ye Feng remembered how, three years ago, on a visit to Dragon City Capital, many ladies and talented women flocked to see him, causing such traffic congestion that the grand avenue tens of meters wide in Dragon City was completely blocked. It even led to a stampede; dozens of people were trampled to death or injured.


    But facing those noble beauties swarming to him like butterflies to a flame, Ye Feng remained unmoved; however, now, the tenderness buried deepest in his heart was being slowly stirred.


    Hong Qingyan, holding a stack of stationery, said with a bright smile, "I am really sorry, Big Brother Ye. I got carried away and bought so much. I should have prepared earlier, and now I¡¯ve made you run around with me. You¡¯re not getting impatient with me, are you, Big Brother Ye?"


    Ye Feng replied with a smile, "Not at all, I don¡¯t have much else to do. Today, Seventeen and I are your followers¡ªwe¡¯ll go wherever you go."


    Hong Qingyan lifted her snowy chin, thought carefully, and said, "Right, I need to buy some new clothes as well. Summer is coming, and I want to get some summer clothes for the children."


    Afterward, the two returned to the shopping mall until they had almost everything they needed. The car was packed full, and only then did they set off for the Jiangdu West Orphanage.


    The West Orphanage was located to the west of Jiangdu. Compared to the East New District, which had developed in recent years, this area had become an old district. The buildings were disorderly, short, and dilapidated, with the orphanage tucked away in a corner of these worn-down structures.


    The place was not large, the iron gate was rust-stained, and even the walls were peeling and mottled. Yet in front of the dilapidated gate was parked a brand-new, shiny BMW 530, which was quite eye-catching.


    Next to the white BMW, a young man in a white suit stood. He was well-dressed, seemingly a successful member of society. Holding a bouquet of flowers, he kept looking around as if waiting for someone.


    As soon as the young man in the white suit saw Hong Qingyan getting out of the car, his eyes lit up. He approached her quickly, smiling, "Qingyan, you¡¯ve finally arrived. I¡¯ve been waiting for you here for quite a while."


    Hong Qingyan was surprised and said, "Ah, Big Brother Yu Jie, what brings you here?"


    Yu Jie smiled and said, "Listen to what you¡¯re saying. We both came from the orphanage, this place is our home, our roots. How could I not come?"


    At this point, he hurriedly offered her the bouquet of flowers, "These are for you; I hope you like them."


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback and did not reach out to take them, instead asking, "What¡¯s this for, Big Brother Yu?"


    The young man, his hair combed slickly, said with a smile, "I don¡¯t mean anything by it, I just thought that flowers suit a beauty; moreover, when we meet, I can¡¯t come empty-handed¡ªthat wouldn¡¯t be gentlemanly. It¡¯s not my style."


    Even though Yu Jie¡¯s words seemed caring, the mocking and sarcastic tone was evident.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change in the slightest, and he couldn¡¯t even be bothered to respond, just a socially acclaimed success, not worthy of fuss over a word or two.


    Hong Qingyan also didn¡¯t pick up on that remark, just as at that moment Director Liu from the orphanage, a woman with a kind face in her fifties, came out.


    "Qingyan, you¡¯re here." Director Liu walked over quickly.


    "Mrs. Liu, hello!" Hong Qingyan turned around and bowed to Director Liu.


    Seeing this, Yu Jie also turned and bowed, calling out loudly, "Director Liu, hello!"


    Director Liu was taken aback, looking back and forth at the man, and said in astonishment, "This gentleman looks somewhat familiar, but honestly, I... "


    "Director Liu, you don¡¯t recognize me? I¡¯m Yu Jie, the one who was in the same class as Qingyan, the one you often scolded for being a troublemaker."


    "Ah... you¡¯re Yu Jie? You¡¯ve grown so much."


    Director Liu was sincerely surprised and shook her head with a sigh, "It¡¯s amazing, you¡¯ve all grown up so fast. I remember Yu Jie, you used to be so skinny and dark, and now you¡¯ve grown into a talented young man, achieving such great success in your career. It makes me so happy."


    Yu Jie waved his hand modestly and said, "Director Liu, you¡¯re flattering me way too much. My career has just achieved a little bit of success. I¡¯ve started my own company and am my own boss. Of course, having the success I have now, I owe a lot to Director Liu¡¯s nurturing and education when I was a child."


    At this point, Yu Jie pointed at Hong Qingyan and said, "That¡¯s why, as the saying goes, ¡¯When you drink water, think of its source.¡¯ Today, I came back to the orphanage with Qingyan, to express our gratitude."


    Director Liu glanced at Yu Jie and then at Hong Qingyan, expressing surprise, "You two, aren¡¯t together, are you? Well, it would make sense. You both are a handsome couple and could be..."


    But before she could finish, Hong Qingyan interrupted, "Mrs. Liu, actually, I just happened to run into Brother Yu Jie today. We¡¯re not together, and also, Mrs. Liu, I have a boyfriend now, and he came with me today."


    "That¡¯s right, Mrs. Liu, his name is Ye Feng, and he¡¯s a really good person."


    As she said this, Hong Qingyan turned her head to gesture towards Ye Feng.


    Director Liu said apologetically, "I¡¯m truly sorry, Qingyan, for the misunderstanding. Please don¡¯t take it to heart."


    With that, Director Liu nodded slightly towards Tang Feng to express her apologies.


    "Director Liu, hello!" Ye Feng greeted her proactively, even lowering his head slightly.


    This scene, if seen by the soldiers of the Northern Border, would surely shock them. Their king was taking the initiative to greet an outsider and even bowing his head slightly¡ªa totally unprecedented gesture.


    Of course, for Ye Feng, Director Liu was someone who had devoted most of her life to running the orphanage, building a home with her effort for those children without families, and she deserved Ye Feng¡¯s respect.


    Such a person, with such an admirable character, deserved respect and admiration from the bottom of Ye Feng¡¯s heart, even as the Northern Border Sovereign!


    Meanwhile, Yu Jie, having heard Hong Qingyan¡¯s words, had a thoroughly dark expression on his face, feeling extremely displeased. Director Liu had praised him highly, which he had enjoyed, but Hong Qingyan¡¯s words had severely damaged his pride.

 Chapter 23 Why Not Mooch When You Can

    Yu Jie considered himself to have good manners, particularly in business circles of Jiangdu, where he was recognized as a rising star. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t lose his sense of propriety.


    The situation seemed somewhat awkward, and Director Liu hastily said, "Right, let¡¯s not all just stand at the door. The children were so happy to hear that you were coming, Qingyan."


    Hong Qingyan smiled and said, "I¡¯ve actually missed the children too."


    "Then let¡¯s quickly go inside and distribute the gifts you¡¯ve brought to the children," Director Liu said, leading the way in.


    Yu Jie had planned to stride confidently into the orphanage, but suddenly, he changed his mind, walked over to his car, and began moving things.


    The staff of the orphanage hastily said, "Mr. Yu, we can handle these items, there¡¯s no need to trouble yourself."


    Yu Jie laughed and said, "It¡¯s no trouble at all, not in the slightest. As someone who also came from an orphanage, I have hands and feet and am glad to help out and give some love."


    He emphasized the words "have hands and feet" heavily, implying mockery towards Ye Feng, who was sitting in a wheelchair at that moment.


    Ye Feng stayed silent, too lazy to care about the remark. Even the mighty Chu Family seemed like ants in his eyes, let alone someone like Yu Jie, who was even less significant in his view.


    Hong Qingyan pushed the wheelchair slowly inside.


    Off to the side, Director Liu observed Ye Feng without any comment and then glanced at Hong Qingyan. She seemed on the verge of saying something several times but ultimately held her tongue. Although she didn¡¯t understand why Hong Qingyan would choose a man with a disability as a boyfriend, it was ultimately the couple¡¯s personal business, and she had no place to ask.


    The orphanage had many children, and when they saw Hong Qingyan enter, they joyfully crowded around her, showing how genuinely they welcomed her.


    In contrast, Yu Jie¡¯s behavior seemed a bit ostentatious, and to visibly make a show of it, he even took out money on the spot to give to the children.


    Director Liu frowned but said nothing, and neither did Hong Qingyan.


    Suddenly, a child with dirty hands from playing in the mud came over, grabbed Yu Jie by the collar, and started to smear mud on his face with the other hand.


    "What are you doing, get away from me!" Yu Jie yelled in anger and pushed, sending the child flying.


    The child was small and fell to the ground, bursting into tears immediately.


    The other children were frightened by the scene and stood still, not daring to approach Yu Jie any further.


    A slightly older child said timidly, "Big brother, actually, Little Yingzi likes you, that¡¯s why she rushed to smear mud on your face. She didn¡¯t mean to dirty you on purpose."


    "Yes, big brother, we used to do the same with Sister Qingyan, and she was willing to play in the mud with us, Little Yingzi didn¡¯t do it on purpose..."


    The crying Little Yingzi, wiping away tears, also said, "I¡¯m sorry... I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll wash your clothes clean, okay?"


    Yu Jie froze on the spot, and the situation became awkward again.


    When Ye Feng saw this, a pang went through his heart as he suddenly thought of himself and certain scenes from his childhood.


    "Yingge Beautiful Club?" Hong Qingyan¡¯s expression changed suddenly, recalling that not long ago Ye Feng had visited Yingge Beautiful Club. Although she hadn¡¯t accompanied him, she knew what had transpired there¡ªthe Chu Family¡¯s young master had been there.


    Ye Feng¡¯s face remained calm, but he was surprised that after such a big incident at the Chu Family, Yingge Beautiful Club had reopened so quickly.


    "What? Is there a problem?" Yu Jie inquired, thinking further, chuckling, "Actually, many people in the group mentioned that Yingge Beautiful Club is very expensive and it¡¯s not necessary to be so extravagant. But I thought, since it¡¯s our one-year anniversary, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, it has to be grand, right?"


    "Right, right," was all Hong Qingyan could awkwardly muster with a smile.


    "Well then, I¡¯ll head over first. See you there!" Feeling triumphant, Yu Jie pulled open the door of his BMW, plopped down inside, and then drove off with a roar.


    Only then did Hong Qingyan turn to look at Ye Feng and said carefully, "Big Brother Ye, I have a small favor to ask. Can I ask you for it?"


    Ye Feng chuckled in slight irritation, "Just go ahead and ask."


    Hong Qingyan said, "It¡¯s about... Yu Jie. When we get there, if they do something inappropriate, could you please be a little more tolerant? Of course, if they go too far, you don¡¯t have to put up with it."


    Ye Feng laughed, "No problem."


    With a beaming smile, Hong Qingyan, along with the others, then proceeded to set off in the car.


    In the evening, as the three of them reached Yingge Beautiful Club, the sun had set, and the dusk was gracefully descending.


    As soon as Hong Qingyan got out of the car, a tall woman in a red dress with high heels approached her quickly.


    "Oh my, it is you indeed, it really is you, Qingyan, our little bean sprout from back then," the woman in heels laughed heartily, her expression quite exaggerated, and with her thick makeup, she appeared slightly out of place.


    After scrutinizing her for a moment, Hong Qingyan exclaimed in surprise, "Lin Caixia, it is you! I¡¯m so happy. I never thought we¡¯d meet again."


    Lin Caixia said with a smile, "Yes, it¡¯s been a blink of an eye and fifteen years have passed. By the way, bean sprout, I heard from Yu Jie just now that you¡¯re already engaged. Is that true? And, Yu Jie also said that your fiance? is wheelchair-bound, disabled. That can¡¯t be true, can it?"


    Lin Caixia¡¯s expression was dramatically animated, and her loud voice drew the attention of several other orphans from their orphanage.


    Just then, Ye Feng emerged slowly from the car with Seventeen¡¯s help and settled into a wheelchair.


    Seeing this, the former orphanage companions immediately started to murmur among themselves.


    "That man is Hong Qingyan¡¯s fiance?, really a disabled man in a wheelchair? That¡¯s..."


    "Although Qingyan has a slight limp, she¡¯s pretty and considered a beauty. She¡¯s also the second daughter of the Hong Family of Jiangdu. It¡¯s said that the young talents of Jiangdu pursuing her could line up around the orphanage, and it seems even Yu Jie is interested in her. Who would have thought she¡¯d end up with a disabled man..."


    "Yu Jie indeed likes her, but we all know what he¡¯s really after. He¡¯s interested in pursuing Hong Qingyan, but I bet his true intent is to make use of the Hong Family¡¯s prestigious influence."


    "Makes sense, but regardless, for Qingyan to marry someone disabled, how does that saying go? A rose wed to a patch of cow dung."


    "Exactly, an excellent cabbage taken by a waste. It¡¯s just not right!"

 Chapter 24 You’re Not Even Qualified to Pour Wine

    Hong Qingyan¡¯s childhood companions were whispering to each other on the side, without any intention of hiding their conversation.


    Yu Jie watched from the side with a slight lift of the corner of his mouth, revealing a smug look of self-satisfaction.


    Among this group of companions, Yu Jie was undoubtedly the most successful, having started a small company, so naturally, everyone looked up to him.


    Yu Jie had hurried over on purpose, needing only to fan the flames a little, and these orphanage companions immediately switched to his side.


    Hong Qingyan was close to tears, standing there, not knowing how to start the conversation. If she had known it would be like this, she wouldn¡¯t have come.


    Several times, Hong Qingyan stealthily observed Ye Feng, and seeing that he remained completely indifferent, her anxious heart finally eased somewhat.


    What Hong Qingyan feared most was that Ye Feng, in a rage, would cause someone¡¯s blood to spill on the spot again¡ªthe blood from Chu Tiange a few days ago probably hadn¡¯t even dried yet.


    Ye Feng remained unmoved; he simply couldn¡¯t be bothered with such ant-like trivial characters that didn¡¯t even qualify to anger him.


    The atmosphere had become awkward for a moment, and Yu Jie knew it was time for him to step in, so he pretended to cough twice.


    "Everyone, let¡¯s not just stand around here. Since everyone is here, let¡¯s go in," he said, then gestured with a sweeping hand motion.


    Lin Caixia said, "Yes, it¡¯s rare for Brother Jie to organize such a gathering. He¡¯s spent money and made efforts for it, so we should all have a good time."


    As she spoke, this woman dressed in red high heels and heavy makeup sent continuous flirtatious glances towards Yu Jie.


    Hong Qingyan immediately saw through the act. Lin Caixia was interested in Yu Jie, and her previous deliberate mockery of Ye Feng was to ingratiate herself with Yu Jie.


    Hong Qingyan felt very uncomfortable, but since they were already at the entrance, it wouldn¡¯t look good to leave now.


    Under Yu Jie¡¯s lead, everyone walked in noisily, heading into the prestigious private room inside.


    However, when Ye Feng¡¯s wheelchair was pushed through the hall, a bartender nearby was so scared that his face turned pale, and the glass in his hand fell to the ground with a snap, his legs shaking uncontrollably.


    "What¡¯s wrong with you? Having a fit?" another bartender asked.


    "He... he¡¯s here, he¡¯s come again!" The frightened bartender pointed towards the receding figure of Ye Feng and spoke with a trembling voice.


    "He¡¯s come, but who is he?" The other bartender followed the direction of the finger, then she saw the wheelchair turn a corner and caught a glimpse of that stern face.


    "Oh my god, the God of Slaughter is here again!" the bartender exclaimed in a trembling voice.


    "What do we do now? Should we run for it right away?"


    "No, we can¡¯t run, at least not now. I¡¯ll call the boss immediately."


    After regaining composure, the bartender returned to the front desk and picked up the landline.


    The call went through quickly, and it was Chu Xionghe who answered.


    "Hello boss, it¡¯s bad, there¡¯s been an incident, that person is here again..."


    "Who? Who is here again? We have lots of regulars at our club, isn¡¯t it normal for returning customers?"


    "No, it¡¯s that person, the one... the one who killed Young Master Chu last time, he¡¯s come to Yingge Beautiful Club again."


    "What are you saying? That crippled son-in-law from the Hong Family?"


    Even through the phone, the trembling, nervous voice of Chu Xionghe, the current patriarch of the Chu Family, was clearly audible.


    "Yes, that must be him!"


    She would have been better off not saying anything, as those around began to mock, "Lin Caixia, how can you be so silly? Mr. Ye¡¯s legs are crippled, how can he still work? Besides, even if he wants to, I¡¯m afraid no one would hire him."


    Lin Caixia laughed instead of getting angry and said, "That¡¯s true, too bad. If his legs weren¡¯t crippled, he could have gone to Yu Jie¡¯s big company. Brother Jie is kind, he would have definitely arranged something."


    Ye Feng remained untroubled, still eating what was in his bowl, as if there were no one else around.


    Seeing this, Lin Caixia raised her brows, unable to hide her displeasure.


    She then turned to Hong Qingyan, "Qingyan, we are sisters, and some words might not sound pleasant, but for your own good, I feel I should still speak up."


    Hong Qingyan said with some resignation, "Say what you want."


    Lin Caixia spoke up, "I¡¯m saying, Qingyan, you¡¯re not lacking in conditions yourself, being the adopted daughter of the Hong Family. Even if you can¡¯t inherit the Hong Family¡¯s fortune, it won¡¯t be too bad for you. How could you... choose a cripple as your husband?"


    Even with her usual temper, Hong Qingyan got angry upon hearing this, "That¡¯s my business, and I know what I¡¯m doing."


    "Of course we know it¡¯s your business, but marriage is not a matter to be taken lightly. We all want the best for you, Qingyan. While he is still just your fiance? and you haven¡¯t officially married, there¡¯s still time to shake off this burden!"


    Hong Qingyan was so angry that her whole body trembled, and she began to cough repeatedly.


    Lin Caixia shook her head and sighed, "No offense, but with such a cripple, the Hong Family surely wouldn¡¯t acknowledge him as a son-in-law, right?"


    Finally having finished the food on his plate, Ye Feng put down his chopsticks. He dabbed his mouth with a napkin, paying no attention to Lin Caixia, and turned to Hong Qingyan, "I¡¯m done eating. The vegetarian food here is not bad, better than cabbage and small bok choy."


    Originally still angry, Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but laugh when she heard these words, "Since you¡¯re done, let¡¯s go back then."


    The two of them talked among themselves, treating everyone else like thin air.


    Of course, only someone like Ye Feng could be so calm and composed under such circumstances.


    Lin Caixia glanced at Ye Feng and muttered to herself, "Indeed, just a leech and an idiot."


    Hong Qingyan didn¡¯t say another word and immediately began to push the wheelchair to leave, as she was truly worried that Ye Feng would explode.


    Yu Jie hurried over with two glasses of wine, "What¡¯s the matter, Qingyan? Are you leaving already? You haven¡¯t even had a drink."


    Hong Qingyan replied, "I apologize, but I¡¯m not feeling well, so I¡¯ll be leaving first."


    "You¡¯re not feeling well? Is it serious? Should I take you to the hospital right away?" Yu Jie asked with apparent concern.


    "No need. With Big Brother Ye by my side, I¡¯ll be fine."


    Yu Jie¡¯s eyes flashed with a dark look but he soon smiled again, "Alright then, but before you go, you should at least have a glass of wine. Mr. Ye, as Qingyan¡¯s fiance?, we should definitely have a toast tonight, right?"


    Ye Feng looked up at him and said word by word, "In this world, there are less than five people qualified to clink glasses and drink with me, and you don¡¯t make the cut. Don¡¯t even talk about drinking with me; you¡¯re not even worthy to pour me a drink!"


    Bang...


    The wine glass in Yu Jie¡¯s hand smashed to the ground, shattering instantly, and the red wine spilled all over the floor.


    "What did you say? I¡¯m not qualified? Not even qualified to pour you a drink?"


    Yu Jie suddenly laughed, a mad laugh, "You, a wasted cripple, I give you an inch and you think you¡¯re something? Let me tell you, Mr. Ye, if not for Qingyan¡¯s face, you wouldn¡¯t even have the right to enter this private room tonight."


    "Forget about this private room; you probably wouldn¡¯t even make it into the club¡¯s lobby before the security guards chase you out like a dog!"


    Silence!


    The bustling private room suddenly became as silent as death!

 Chapter 25: This kind of person won’t survive the second episode

    All eyes in the private room turned to this side, no one spoke, and there was even less intent to mediate.


    The companions from the orphanage now looked up to Yu Jie as their leader, after all, the guy had started his own company, was successful in business, had luxury cars and houses, and was considered one of the most outstanding among them, as could be seen from the gathering he had organized tonight.


    In fact, tonight¡¯s gathering was meant to highlight and complement Yu Jie, especially knowing the situation with Hong Qingyan¡¯s place of practice, this relationship became even more ingenious.


    So, most people in the room looked at Ye Feng with faces of mockery and ridicule, an expression of schadenfreude.


    This disabled man, a man confined to a wheelchair, yet he had no self-awareness and even had the audacity to say that Yu Jie wasn¡¯t worthy of sharing a drink with him?


    "He¡¯s really arrogant, just a disabled man, even if he¡¯s the son-in-law of the Hong Family, he¡¯s still a useless one at that. What¡¯s there to be arrogant about?" someone snorted disdainfully.


    "A person like this, if he were in a TV show, I¡¯m afraid wouldn¡¯t survive past the second episode."


    The private room was very quiet, so these words were particularly clear and grating, making the atmosphere suddenly tense.


    "Apologize!"


    Lin Caixia suddenly spoke, her voice stern, "I¡¯m talking to you, Mr. Ye, what did you mean by your words just now? Have some self-awareness. Apologize to Brother Jie immediately. Brother Jie is a forgiving and generous person, he won¡¯t take this personally with you!"


    Click!


    The door to the private room was suddenly opened, and Seventeen stood there like a guardian deity.


    Upon seeing this guy, Hong Qingyan immediately panicked, fearing that trouble was about to ensue.


    "Alright, in any case, we are all companions from childhood, and today we are grateful for Yu Jie hosting us," Hong Qingyan quickly stepped forward to mediate, truly afraid that if Seventeen made a move, not killing one or two people probably wouldn¡¯t end things here.


    "Thanks? I¡¯m sorry, my brother Yu Jie doesn¡¯t need thanks, what he wants is an apology, an apology from that wheelchair-bound disabled man!"


    Lin Caixia shouted loudly, the heavily made-up woman, in order to flatter Yu Jie, was truly shameless.


    Yu Jie stared coldly at Ye Feng without speaking, obviously, his intention was quite clear; he wanted the other party to apologize and make amends.


    He was, after all, a rising star in Jiangdu¡¯s business world, enjoying a small fame in his circle. How could he place his face after being ridiculed like this?


    Seventeen remained silent and took a bold step forward, intending to enter.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for Seventeen to take action.


    For Ye Feng, as a once-sovereign of his generation, magnificent and expansive at heart like the sun and moon, he had never really taken serious notice of these ants before him.


    If he were to rage and lash out over such ignorant words, taking lives in the process, what difference would there be between him and those violent thugs on the streets? Had that been the case, he certainly would not have earned the loyalty and affection of a hundred thousand Northern Border Soldiers willing to lay down their lives and shed blood for him.


    Of course, Ye Feng¡¯s restraint wasn¡¯t out of fear. As the once Northern Border Sovereign, stained with the blood of battle, he had been surrounded by enemies several times his own on Heavenly Burial Mountain in the Northern Border. He led the Northern Border Soldiers bravely, slaughtering the enemy until blood flowed and the land shattered. He had never known fear.


    Regrettably, those present had no idea that the young man sitting in the wheelchair was the same sovereign who alone guarded the Northern Border, striking fear into the hearts of the millions in the ferocious army of Mingbei Kingdom, not daring to offend.


    Suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, Yu Jie¡¯s phone rang at that moment. He casually checked it and his expression changed slightly, probably because he wanted to impress his fellow orphanage companions.


    Uncertain and apprehensive, Chu Xionghe didn¡¯t dare greet him and asked, "Did you just say that everyone here is your friend?"


    "Yes, they are all my good friends." Yu Jie nodded repeatedly, even though he had no idea why someone from the Chu Family had made such a sudden visit.


    But that wasn¡¯t important; what mattered was that since the other party had come, if they could just make the talks pleasant and get acquainted, even a tiny bit of benefit from Chu Group could be very useful to him.


    Chu Xionghe seemed thoughtful for a moment and nodded, "It seems Mr. Yu is well-connected. I hope my unannounced visit hasn¡¯t disturbed you? If I have been too presumptuous, please don¡¯t take offense."


    In fact, his words were meant for Ye Feng, but the others present could not understand.


    Yu Jie was thrilled and repeatedly said, "Not at all, Mr. Chu. Your willingness to grace us with your presence is an honor; we¡¯re more than welcoming. Please, Mr. Chu, this way." He said, leading him to a quieter area with sofas.


    Chu Xionghe hesitated for a moment. He originally wanted to greet Ye Feng, but seeing that he was being completely ignored, he didn¡¯t dare to approach rashly. However, seeing that the atmosphere in the private room seemed fine and that there were no incidents, his nerves, which had been on edge, relaxed slightly.


    "Let¡¯s go." Ye Feng couldn¡¯t be bothered with the situation, not showing any response to Chu Xionghe¡¯s arrival.


    Hong Qingyan nodded and began to push the wheelchair out.


    "Stop, who said you could just leave like that!"


    Lin Caixia sharply exclaimed, quickly stepping forward to say, "Even if you¡¯re leaving, you should at least say goodbye to my brother Yu Jie and apologize to him, don¡¯t you even understand that?"


    Seeing this, Chu Xionghe instantly tensed up, hurriedly asking, "What¡¯s going on, what happened there?"


    Yu Jie chuckled and said, "You flatter me, Mr. Chu; it¡¯s nothing really, just that the man in the wheelchair is a useless cripple, not worth worrying about."


    Chu Xionghe stood up abruptly and quickly walked over, asking, "What happened?"


    Before Hong Qingyan could speak, Lin Caixia rushed to say, "Here¡¯s what happened, Mr. Chu. Brother Jie just wanted to toast the man in the wheelchair, but who knew that this waste would be so ungrateful, refusing the drink and even claiming Brother Jie wasn¡¯t worthy to pour wine for him."


    Yu Jie followed over and said with a forced smile, "Mr. Chu, you make me laugh. It¡¯s really nothing; just an ignorant cripple. Maybe he¡¯s a little twisted inside because of his disability. I didn¡¯t stoop to his level, just thought to have him apologize and that would be the end of it."


    "I see."


    Chu Xionghe nodded thoughtfully as he took the measure of Ye Feng.


    Almost in an instant, Chu Xionghe made a decision. After a slight pause, he smiled at Yu Jie and said, "Since Mr. Ye is unwilling to apologize, let me do it instead. How about I make amends to you on his behalf?"


    "This..." Yu Jie was stupefied, standing still like a stone, at a loss for words.


    Without waiting for a response, Chu Xionghe walked straight to Ye Feng, bowed with hands clasped, and said, "I¡¯m truly sorry, Mr. Ye. I never imagined that in my own club someone would be so ignorant as to offend and insult you. It¡¯s my fault for not being a good host. Please don¡¯t hold it against me, Mr. Ye."


    "But rest assured, Mr. Ye, I will make sure you receive a satisfying resolution for tonight¡¯s incident."


    Chu Xionghe¡¯s actions were quite abrupt, leaving everyone who witnessed it dumbfounded, their eyes wide open and faces filled with shock.


    Gulp...


    Yu Jie felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet to his back; he knew that tonight, he might be in big trouble.

 Chapter 26 You’re blocking my way

    The incident happened so suddenly that everyone present failed to react in time and couldn¡¯t understand why the president of the Chu Group was behaving this way.


    "This... What exactly is going on, Mr. Chu? There must be some misunderstanding here," Lin Caixia was frightened to the point of trembling all over.


    Originally, she had intended to please Yu Jie by oppressing this fellow in the wheelchair, but now it seemed that she had only made matters worse.


    "Misunderstanding?" Mr. Chu Xionghe let out a cold laugh and said, "I did not make any mistake, old man Chu has made no error."


    Chu Xionghe once again bowed to Ye Feng and said, "Mr. Ye, do you have any instructions regarding this matter?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s face remained expressionless as he replied indifferently, "Deal with it as you see fit."


    Upon hearing this, Chu Xionghe instantly breathed a sigh of relief, then slowly turned and walked toward Yu Jie.


    Without any warning, he slapped Yu Jie with a loud smack.


    Yu Jie wanted to dodge, and of course, he could have, but he didn¡¯t dare to and had to obediently take the slap, his face swelling up on one side immediately.


    "Who do you think you are? Daring to openly insult Mr. Ye and even shamelessly demanding an apology from him? Do you not know that Mr. Ye is my guest, not just any guest but an honored one?"


    Mr. Chu Xionghe berated Yu Jie fiercely, probably not feeling satisfied with just that, he promptly kicked Yu Jie to the ground.


    Yu Jie was completely soaked by the red wine that had spilled all over the floor due to the broken wine glass, looking as wretched as could be.


    "Boss Chu, there must be some misunderstanding..." Yu Jie wailed.


    "Misunderstanding?" Mr. Chu Xionghe nodded and said, "Indeed, there is a misunderstanding, and since there is one, it should be explained clearly."


    Yu Jie wanted to plead and explain because he knew that if he begged Hong Qingyan for mercy, he might be able to escape this disaster.


    Although he had no idea who the person in the wheelchair was, he could see that this fellow was on very good terms with Hong Qingyan.


    But Chu Xionghe was determined to use him as a lesson to show his loyalty to Ye Feng.


    "I remember, your little company seems to have business dealings with a subsidiary of my Chu Family, don¡¯t you? From this moment on, that business is gone, and let me tell you, having offended Mr. Ye, if your little company can land another order in the future, the Chu Family will turn our signboard upside down!"


    Upon hearing this, Yu Jie felt as if his bones had come apart, collapsing to the ground.


    All was lost, everything was over...


    Yu Jie lay on the ground like a dead dog, knowing better than anyone that for a business empire like the Chu Family, snuffing out his small company would be easier than crushing an ant.


    The people around didn¡¯t dare to so much as breathe heavily seeing Yu Jie, who was once so high and mighty, being reduced to nothing more than a wriggling worm because of a single word from the president of the Chu Group.


    This was all too dramatic!


    Who exactly was the person in the wheelchair that even the president of the Chu Group had to be so courteous? Who was he?


    However, Mr. Chu Xionghe couldn¡¯t care less about Yu Jie, who was collapsed on the ground. He turned around and walked back to Ye Feng, bowing again, "Mr. Ye, are you satisfied with the way I handled this?"


    His gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing through the person in front of him, and his words directly targeted the deepest parts of the man¡¯s heart.


    Chu Xionghe was silent; after a long while, in the darkness of the night, a long sigh could be heard.


    "Since you¡¯ve put it this way, I have nothing to hide."


    Chu Xionghe let out a long sigh, then continued, "To be honest, I do hate. The enmity of killing my son and father, we share a hatred that cannot coexist under the same sky. How could I not hate? But last night, I personally sought out that Iron Face, Yan Xu."


    "What did he say?" asked Ye Feng.


    "He told me something about your identity, very vaguely, because even he doesn¡¯t know much. However, he said one thing I remember distinctly. He said if you don¡¯t want the Chu Family annihilated, then stop thinking about revenge."


    After speaking, Chu Xionghe let out a bitter laugh, then added, "Actually, as early as the night at the Hong Family¡¯s gate, Yan Xu had already warned my father; it¡¯s just regrettable that I was not present at the time. It¡¯s too late for regrets now. But speaking of which, I¡¯m also to blame for not educating my son properly.


    He was the one who first plotted to murder you, and my father was even more foolish¡ªit was his idea to kidnap Hong Qingyan. All of this is retribution that the Chu Family has brought upon itself."


    Ye Feng only responded: "That Yan Xu did not lie."


    Chu Xionghe let out a wry smile and said, "Well, I know Mr. Ye must come from an extraordinary background, but I would rather not know more now. Knowing too much can cause trouble, and after living for most of my life, I realize that there is always someone better. It¡¯s just too bad that my father didn¡¯t understand this..."


    "I won¡¯t see Mr. Ye out any further, have a good journey!" Chu Xionghe finished speaking and turned to walk back into the clubhouse.


    Ye Feng thought for a moment, then suddenly took out a token from his bosom and tossed it over.


    Chu Xionghe caught it reflexively and looked at the ancient bronze token, upon which was engraved a Divine Dragon, partially hidden amongst clouds.


    "Hidden Dragon Token? What is this?"


    "You don¡¯t need to know about this thing, just like you said before, knowing too much can bring trouble. Remember, don¡¯t show this token to just anyone!"


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze was extremely stern, and he said word by word, "Considering your honesty tonight, I will give your Chu Family a chance. Three years from now, have the boy who wore the blue T-shirt that night bring this token to see me."


    "In five years, I will teach him Kung Fu. Give him five years to train, and after five years he will have one opportunity to challenge and kill me."


    "This..." Chu Xionghe was stunned, his mind unable to grasp the implication immediately.


    "Of course, I do not offer this without conditions. If after five years he can kill me, not only would I not regret it, I would actually be happy. But if he fails, he must submit to me and serve as my Attendant Guard for a lifetime."


    As Ye Feng left, he added just before getting into the car, "Don¡¯t think that serving me is something shameful; none of my subordinates are useless. If he qualifies to be my attendant, even just as a guard, it¡¯s not impossible for your Chu Family to become a first-class power in Jiangdu, or even in the whole Southern River Region Jiangnan Province."


    After saying this, Ye Feng got into the car and drove away.


    In the dark night, Chu Xionghe was left in astonished disarray: "Hidden Dragon Order? Five years to train Martial Arts? An Attendant Guard, just a guard, could elevate the Chu Family to become a leading power in Jiangdu, even potentially in the entire Southern River Region Jiangnan Province?"


    Chu Xionghe was dumbstruck for a long, long time, finally letting out a long sigh, "Ye Feng, who exactly are you..."


    Ye Feng was not a divine being; he did this primarily in consideration of Chu Xionghe¡¯s honesty, but more importantly, during his visit to the Chu Family that night, he spotted a good candidate, a martial arts prodigy with an excellent Innate Bone.


    It was after hearing Chu Xionghe¡¯s words that he spontaneously thought of this matter.


    Of course, what Ye Feng did not foresee was that his casual action tonight, out of appreciation for talent, would one day create a legendary figure of unmatched renown¡ªa deputy of the Northern Border Sovereign who would strike fear into those dark forces of the world.

 Chapter 27 Not Worthy Enough to Carry Someone’s Shoes

    After returning to the Hong Family estate from the Yingge Clubhouse, the night was deep, and the moon hung high on the branches.


    However, the reception hall in front of the Hong estate was still brilliantly lit.


    Old Master Hong had not gone to bed and was personally keeping company with a guest in the living room, which suggested that the guest held a high status.


    Ye Feng was unconcerned about these matters and planned to have Hong Qingyan push him back to the rear courtyard attic.


    Just then, Hong Zhenguo hurriedly came out, his tone somewhat solemn, "Mr. Ye, a guest is looking for you, someone from the Martial Alliance."


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he asked indifferently, "Someone from the Martial Alliance? From the Jiangdu Martial Alliance or the Martial Alliance of the Imperial Capital?"


    Hong Zhenguo said with a smile, "Naturally, from the Jiangdu Martial Alliance."


    Ye Feng said, "I¡¯m a bit tired tonight. I¡¯ll go back to the Inner Courtyard to rest. Whatever it is, let them come back tomorrow."


    With that, he waved his hand, signaling Hong Qingyan to push his wheelchair back to the Inner Courtyard.


    Hong Zhenguo couldn¡¯t say much more. He knew the identity of the man before him, but he couldn¡¯t afford to offend the people from the Jiangdu Martial Alliance, so he could only offer a bitter smile.


    Just then, a cold shout suddenly came from the hall, "What a grand scene indeed. I come to your door in person, and yet you dare to ignore me. Who gave you such courage?"


    Although the voice came out, the person did not come out; the one who shouted coldly still sat upright in his seat, maintaining a very straight posture, exuding a chilling and majestic air.


    Ye Feng¡¯s face showed no expression, but he looked in the direction of the voice and saw the other¡¯s sullen profile, the high, hooked nose, and the sharp eyes.


    He appeared to be around fifty years old, with a small braid, dressed in gray-white martial arts robes and cloth shoes.


    Most eye-catching were his hands, which were very wide, their knuckles obviously twisted, and covered with calluses.


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes slightly; he knew that the other party probably practiced an external martial art like the Iron Sand Palm, and judging from the calluses on the hands, it had been refined over many years.


    Hong Zhenguo quickly stepped forward, explaining in a low voice, "Mr. Ye, the one inside is the current Vice Alliance Hierarch of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance, Mr. Lei Zaiyan."


    Ye Feng waved his hand broadly, "Back to the Inner Courtyard to rest!"


    Crack!


    A crisp sound of something shattering came from the hall; Mr. Lei Zaiyan, the Vice Alliance Hierarch of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance, suddenly gripped the chair and forcefully crushed the sturdy mahogany armrest into fragments.


    Hong Zhenguo¡¯s face changed; he knew that not only was this Mr. Lei a Vice Alliance Hierarch of the Martial Alliance, but he was also from one of the three great ancient families of the Jiangdu ¡ª the Lei Family.


    Ye Feng did not turn his head, completely ignoring this so-called Vice Alliance Hierarch.


    Lei Zaiyan could not hold back any longer, and with a whoosh, he stood up from his chair, quickly charging out of the hall, followed by two attendants from the Martial Alliance.


    "You¡¯re the one called Ye Feng, right?"


    Lei Zaiyan said in a heavy voice with a cold huff, "You have injured my Martial Alliance disciples one after another, committing heinous crimes. The Alliance Hierarch knows you might have some skills, but you think you can challenge the Martial Alliance with that? I¡¯m telling you, you¡¯re not qualified!"


    "Enough!" Hong Zhenguo roared angrily, interrupting her, "I have my own judgment on this matter; there¡¯s no need for you to interfere!"


    After speaking, Hong Zhenguo, waving his hand dismissively, walked into the Inner Courtyard. He was indeed a bit worried¡ªif the situation continued to ferment and involved the Martial Alliance of the Imperial Capital, could the esteemed king still withstand?


    Watching the old master¡¯s silhouette disappearing into the night, Hong Yuting clenched her teeth in anger and frustration, "The old fool, really beyond help. It was bad enough with the Chu Family, and now the Lei Family has gotten involved. If this keeps up, our Hong Family will definitely be dragged down by that worthless son-in-law."


    Suddenly, Hong Wei said, "Sister, let me tell you some good news¡ªYoung Master Jiang Tianlong from the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province is coming to our Jiangdu tomorrow."


    "Young Master Jiang of the Jiang Family is coming?" Zhang Yuman¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing this, "The Jiang Family is a prestigious family in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, even the Lei Family of Jiangdu has to curry favor with them. Yu Ting, do you have any... thoughts about this Young Master Jiang?"


    Before she could finish, Hong Yuting shyly interrupted, "Mom, can you stop being annoying?"


    Hong Wei laughed on the side, "It seems you¡¯re not aware, Mom. The reason Young Master Jiang is coming to our Jiangdu tomorrow is entirely because of my sister."


    "Because of your sister, is that so?"


    Zhang Yuman¡¯s face gradually showed a blossoming smile, "That means Young Master Jiang has thoughts about Yu Ting. That¡¯s wonderful; the Jiang Family is a prestigious clan, and only someone like Young Master Jiang deserves our Yu Ting."


    Speaking of this, Zhang Yuman did not forget to glance at the Inner Courtyard and scoffed coldly, "What¡¯s Ye Feng anyway? A cripple confined to a wheelchair and he dares to marry my daughter? Compared to Young Master Jiang, he is probably not even fit to carry his shoes."


    Hong Wei snorted, "Once Young Master Jiang arrives tomorrow, I¡¯ll set up an event. Then, our Hong Family¡¯s worthless son-in-law will realize that there are always greater people in the world!"


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng was already sitting cross-legged on the bed, bathed in the bright moonlight coming through the window. With his hands forming an ancient Dharma Seal, he entered into a state of Breathing Technique.


    Soon, a misty white fog gathered around his body, and even the breath he exhaled took on the shape of arrows, lingering for a long time.


    Shortly after, layers of halos appeared above Ye Feng¡¯s head, colorful and numerous¡ªupon closer count, there were as many as five distinct colors.


    At this moment, if a Great Grandmaster in martial arts were present, witnessing this scene would surely be astounding.


    Five Qi Returning to Origin!


    This was a phenomenon that would appear after a Great Grandmaster in martial arts refined their Qi Force to a profound level¡ªfive Qi surging toward the origin, endlessly generating!


    The next level beyond Five Qi Returning to Origin was Nine Return to One, and achieving Nine Return to One signifies Open Aperture.


    Once Open Aperture is successful, it signifies stepping into the legendary Realm of the Martial King!


    "Five Qi Returning to Origin, finally restored to the Five Qi Realm. It seems I¡¯m not far from my previous peak, Nine Return to One," Ye Feng thought to himself.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng opened his eyes, and from his gaze, a golden light shot forth.


    Before the incident, his Inner Strength was Nine Return to One. Reaching this level of Unity, he could be considered a Half-Step Martial King. At just over twenty years old, reaching the Half-Step Martial King was already a rare existence in martial arts.


    "I was already at Nine Return to One in my early twenties, stuck at the Half-Step Martial King for a long four years, hitting a bottleneck that was extremely difficult to overcome. I wonder, after this great disaster, through death and rebirth, breaking and standing anew, can I manage to Open Aperture successfully and step into the legendary Realm of the Martial King?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes flickered with thought, looking out at the bright moonlight, deep in contemplation.


    If he had achieved the legendary status of the Martial King back then, he wouldn¡¯t have ended up being hunted by the Eighteen Grandmasters of the Imperial Capital and fleeing a thousand miles.


    "Given the current situation, I will continue to lie low until the day I achieve the Martial King status¡ªthat will be the time to return to the Imperial Capital," Ye Feng resolved with determination.

 Chapter 28: Even the Martial Alliance Must Show Some Respect

    The next morning, as dawn broke and his martial arts practice was completed, Ye Feng rose early from bed.


    Today, he suddenly decided to go out, but his destination was not the Martial Alliance of Jiangdu, but the Fu Family of Jiangdu.


    To the majority of the common folk, the Fu Family of Jiangdu might be unheard of, but for someone in high society to not know of the Fu Family¡¯s reputation, that would be foolish.


    Jiangdu had Three Great Ancient Families; the so-called ancient families had at least a hundred years of legacy and were martial arts families. These three families had suppressed Jiangdu for many years with their deeply rooted power.


    The Fu Family, like the Lei Family, was one of the Three Great Ancient Families of Jiangdu.


    And the reason for Ye Feng¡¯s visit today was because he had once been a foster son of the Fu Family.


    At the age of three, within Ye Feng¡¯s hazy memory, it was the Fu Family elder Fu Zuoming who had taken him from a garbage bin on the street and fostered him until the age of fifteen. Then, due to an unexpected turn of events, he was chosen by the former Northern Border King and subsequently entered the Northern Border.


    That departure lasted a whole ten years!


    Initially, Ye Feng thought that he would spend his entire life guarding the borderlands of the Northern Border and would never return. However, fate had played tricks on him, and now, he was back.


    Having returned, it was only proper, both emotionally and logically, to visit his foster father, after all, Fu Zuoming of the Fu Family had shown him great kindness in raising him.


    "Big Brother Ye, are you saying we¡¯re going to the Fu Family? Which Fu Family?" Hong Qingyan rolled out in her wheelchair from the Inner Courtyard, a look of confusion on her face.


    Ye Feng smiled and retorted, "How many Fu Families could there be in Jiangdu?"


    Hong Qingyan, of course, knew which Fu Family it was, and it was precisely because she knew that she was perplexed, "But Big Brother Ye, the Fu Family of Jiangdu is not just any..."


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t wait for her to finish and waved his hand, "No need for more words, just go."


    Hong Qingyan did not ask further, as she was not one to speak much anyway.


    As for Seventeen, he would say even less. As an attendant guard, if Ye Feng said to go east, he would never go west.


    It was only after Ye Feng and his two companions got into the car and left that Hong Yuting and Hong Wei suddenly emerged from a corner.


    "Sister, I didn¡¯t mishear just now, did I? That crippled son-in-law, he just said he¡¯s going to the Fu Family, the Fu Family of Jiangdu?"


    The young man from the Fu Family, Fu Shen, gave Ye Feng a careful look and his face suddenly brightened with surprise and excitement.


    "Ye Feng? Are you Third Brother Ye Feng, is it truly you?" Fu Shen said, hastily rushing forward with an inexplicable joy permeating him.


    Ye Feng said, "It¡¯s been ten years, Big Brother, I trust you¡¯ve been well. By the way, how is Foster Father doing? Is he in good health?"


    A shadow momentarily passed across Fu Shen¡¯s eyes as he waved his hand and said, "Let¡¯s not talk about that just yet, come inside and we can talk in detail."


    It was only then that Fu Shen realized that his Third Brother was sitting in a wheelchair.


    Fu Shen¡¯s brows furrowed, and he immediately demanded, "Third Brother, what happened here? Why are you in a wheelchair? Could it be your legs..."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, "It¡¯s nothing serious; I was injured by someone¡¯s scheme, which resulted in the loss of my legs."


    Fu Shen became furious, huffing, "Who would be so audacious as to harm you and break your legs? Tell me, and I, your Second Brother, will seek justice for you."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and smiled, "Let¡¯s not talk about this for now, anyway, how about Foster Father? Is he at home?"


    Ye Feng had a close relationship with Fu Shen since childhood, both of them having been adopted sons taken in by Fu Zuoming.


    Their foster father, Fu Zuoming, never married and, in his middle age, took in three foster sons and one foster daughter successively.


    Ye Feng was the third, while Fu Shen was second. The four siblings always got along harmoniously, especially the eldest, Fu Tian, who took great care of them. Despite being adopted and not related by blood, they were as close as true siblings born to the same parents.


    Entering through the iron gate into the Inner Courtyard, a tall and graceful woman in white hurried out from inside.


    "Third Brother, it really is you, you¡¯ve come back?" The lady had an oval face and a graceful figure, with stunning beauty; she was Fu Zi, the foster daughter of Fu Zuoming.


    A doting smile crept onto Ye Feng¡¯s face, "It¡¯s me, Third Brother. I never imagined the sniveling little girl from the past would grow up so much."


    Still only a girl of eighteen or nineteen, Fu Zi suddenly burst into tears.


    "Third Brother, your legs... are they really gone? Foster Father and Big Brother are dead, and now you¡¯ve ended up like this."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng¡¯s expression abruptly changed, "What did you say, Foster Father and Big Brother are dead?"

 Chapter 29: Offering Your Head as a Sacrifice

    Ye Feng¡¯s expression shook, this news was like a bolt from the blue for him.


    "My foster father has always been in good health, and he started practicing martial arts every day since we were very young. His kung fu was also quite good. How did my foster father die?"


    "Three years ago, he was beaten to death!" Fu Shen stood in the hall, his fists clenched tightly, gritting his teeth with rage.


    "Beaten to death? What exactly happened? The Fu Family in Jiangdu is, after all, one of the Three Great Ancient Families. Who would dare to do such a thing? Who has the capability to do it, and how did my older brother die?"


    Ye Feng was extremely agitated, and if one looked closely, they would see that the steel wheelchair he was grasping had even been deformed by his grip.


    Fu Zi angrily said, "The person who beat our foster father to death belongs to the Lei Family of Jiangdu, one of the Three Great Ancient Families!"


    "The Lei Family of Jiangdu? Could it be Lei Zaiyan?" Killing intent flashed in Ye Feng¡¯s eyes.


    As the proud Northern Border Sovereign, his mind was extraordinarily broad. He had always maintained his composure even as Mount Tai crumbled before him, but now, upon hearing the news of his foster father¡¯s demise, he could no longer maintain his usual composure and calm.


    Fu Shen shook his head and said, "It wasn¡¯t that dog Lei Zaiyan. He is no match for our foster father. It was another mysterious expert from the Lei Family, who is said to be a Great Grandmaster."


    Fu Zi coldly snorted, "This mysterious expert is not necessarily from the Lei Family. It is very likely that he is a mastermind from the Jiang Family."


    "The Jiang Family? Which Jiang Family?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow.


    "The Jiang Family from Jiangnan Province. The Lei Family has pledged allegiance to the Jiang Family of Jiangnan Province, so the Jiang Family sent a master to feign as a member of the Lei Family and engage our foster father in the guise of a sparring match."


    Ye Feng was somewhat puzzled and asked, "My foster father was always calm and restrained. How could he have rashly come into conflict with the Lei Family?"


    Fu Shen said, "Younger brother, you have been away from Jiangdu for too long and are unaware of the rules set by the Three Great Ancient Families. Each year, the three Great Ancient Families of Jiangdu hold contests.


    After all, being martial arts families, besides sparring with each other, it is even more common to determine the distribution of profits for Jiangdu¡¯s industries through these contests."


    Fu Shen continued, "More than three years ago, news came back from the Southern Territory that our elder brother, leading the thirty thousand soldiers of the Heaven Guard Army under his command, went deep into the Hundred Thousand Mountains of the Southern Border to eliminate the forces of the Gu&Poison Sect.


    Unfortunately, he fell victim to an ambush by a Gu&Poison Sect master and ultimately fell off a cliff. Since then, there has been no news of him."


    "The Gu&Poison Sect of the Southern Border?" Ye Feng¡¯s brows slightly furrowed.


    As the Northern Border King, he naturally knew about the affairs of the Four Great Realms and was well aware of the formidable Gu&Poison Sect within the Hundred Thousand Mountains of the Southern Border.


    In fact, over the years, the Southern Territory had repeatedly dispatched troops to fight against the Gu&Poison Sect, aiming to clear out this malicious sect. However, the vast territory of the Hundred Thousand Mountains made it incredibly difficult to wipe out, and moreover, there had been some internal chaos weakening the Southern Territory in recent years.


    After some thought, Fu Shen said hesitantly, "Moreover, I heard another piece of news that the reason the Jiang Family from the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province assisted the Lei Family of Jiangdu was because our elder brother, while serving as a Formation Lord in the Southern Border, had a conflict and dispute with another person from the Jiang Family who was also a Formation Lord."


    Fu Zi snorted coldly, "So, seeing that our elder brother was in trouble, did the Jiang Family from Southern River Region Jiangnan use the Lei Family¡¯s hand to kill our foster father in order to vent their anger?"


    Ye Feng sneered, "Although the Gu&Poison Sect of the Southern Border is malicious, its power is quite scattered and not very strong among the forces. My elder brother, as a Formation Lord, leading thirty thousand soldiers, would never have had an accident even if he encountered the Gu&Poison Sect. Therefore, it¡¯s very likely that he was trapped by someone, and this person who set the trap..."


    Without finishing his sentence, Ye Feng left the implication hanging in the air, but everyone present naturally understood. If this was indeed the case, then there was no doubt that the instigator was from the Jiang Family.


    While they spoke, the servant had already prepared lunch, but at this moment, Ye Feng had no appetite for food.


    "By the way, where is my foster father buried? I would like to pay my respects to him," Ye Feng spoke up.


    Fu Shen nodded, "Of course, let¡¯s go together."


    As the group set out from the house, the previously clear sky suddenly filled with the flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder, thick clouds gathering, followed by the onslaught of a violent storm.


    Arriving at Fu Zuoming¡¯s grave, Ye Feng was soaked through. He sat quietly in his wheelchair, staring at the tombstone¡¯s etching of the kind-faced old man, lost in thought.


    "It¡¯s my negligence, these years I never informed the King of the Southern Territory to ask him to look after the Fu Family."


    Ye Feng sighed deeply and said, "Paying respects like this feels like something is missing. Let¡¯s go to the Lei Family right now and bring back two heads!"

 Chapter 30 Outrageous Bullying

    The Lei Family really went too far in their bullying, and Ye Feng was undoubtedly furious.


    "Hold on, little brother, don¡¯t be reckless with your actions!"


    Fu Shen quickly stopped him and sighed deeply, "If there had been a way, if I had the capability, I would have personally gone to the Lei Family to avenge our foster father three years ago, but as you know, the Lei Family¡¯s power is immense, and they even have experts from the Jiang Family supporting them behind the scenes.


    Attacking them like that, not only would I fail to get revenge, but I would also lose my life for nothing."


    Fu Zi also tried to persuade him, "Big brother, let¡¯s not act on impulse. These years, the second brother and I haven¡¯t been afraid to die, it¡¯s just that we¡¯ve been struggling to find the right opportunity for revenge."


    At this point, Hong Qingyan spoke up, "The rain is too heavy. Let¡¯s first talk inside the carriage."


    Everyone then got into the carriage, and to distract Ye Feng, Fu Zi changed the subject, "By the way, about your legs, what really happened? You just mentioned you were framed, but who framed you?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "My legs are a minor issue. Those who framed me were just some nobodies, not worth mentioning."


    He didn¡¯t want to talk too much about his own issues, because it involved too much, and there was no point in discussing it.


    Fu Zi let out a long sigh, "Our family has really suffered. Foster Father was beaten to death, the eldest brother fell from a cliff and his life or death is unclear, and now your legs have also been crippled, brother. It¡¯s truly one disaster after another."


    Ye Feng suddenly thought of a question and asked, "Right, where¡¯s Uncle Fu Zuoxing? With such a big incident in the Fu Family, as the head of the family, what is his stance?"


    "Fu Zuoxing, don¡¯t even mention that coward. He¡¯s always disliked us since we were young. After the incident with our foster father, he chose to hide away completely. Far from having any thoughts of avenging our foster father, he instead grovelled to the Lei Family and gave away most of our family¡¯s assets, just to protect his last bit of land."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, without asking further. Though Fu Zuoxing¡¯s actions were cowardly and weak, he couldn¡¯t be bothered to deal with him.


    Fu Shen suddenly said, "Coincidentally, tonight someone from the Jiang Family of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province is coming over, and tomorrow happens to be the day when the three great ancient families of Jiangdu compete in martial arts to reassess the distribution of interests in Jiangdu¡¯s properties."


    Usually, in the face of Fu Zuoming¡¯s mockery, Fu Shen and Fu Zi would not respond. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t dare to, nor that they were attached to the so-called Fu Family fortune; they hadn¡¯t left yet because they hadn¡¯t avenged their foster father.


    Ye Feng put down his chopsticks and said coldly, "Uncle and Aunt, you¡¯ve gone out to flatter the Jiang Family at the airport in such heavy rain. It seems you really are working hard and honorably for the family."


    Fu Zuoxing frowned and asked sharply, "Who are you to talk about our Fu Family¡¯s affairs?"


    He began to speak, but suddenly recognized who it was and his face turned even darker as he gritted his teeth and shouted, "It turns out to be Ye Feng, the third foster son of Fu Zuoming."


    Ye Feng laughed lightly and said, "I hope you¡¯re doing well, Uncle. Going through wind and rain to meet the people of the Jiang Family, you¡¯re so enthusiastic and attentive. How come they didn¡¯t invite you to stay for a meal? If you haven¡¯t eaten yet, we have plenty of leftovers here, and we wouldn¡¯t mind asking you to sit down and join us."


    Fu Zuoxing¡¯s wife was extremely angry and was about to scold him, but suddenly, as if she noticed something, she laughed coldly, "What¡¯s the matter, Ye San? It seems you are sitting in a wheelchair. Could it be that your legs are broken, and you¡¯ve become a cripple?"


    Ye Feng actually nodded, "Although I am sitting in a wheelchair, it¡¯s still better than some people who are kneeling."


    "How dare you!"


    Fu Zuoxing burst into rage, "What are you, an adopted wild seed? Since when is it your turn to point fingers?"


    At that moment, Fu Zuoxing¡¯s son, Fu Wenhua, said coldly, "Dad, why bother talking so much to this adopted wild seed? Getting angry at such a person would only diminish our own dignity. If you ask me, a dog-like waste like him should be immediately kicked out!"


    "Exactly, letting such a waste and wild dog into our home is simply an insult to our ancient Fu Family!" Fu Zuoxing¡¯s daughter, Fu Qing, also sneered.


    With a slap!


    Fu Shen immediately slapped his chopsticks down, rose swiftly, and snorted, "Who gave you the right to kick my third brother out? It¡¯s true that we were adopted by our foster father, but don¡¯t forget, three years ago my foster father already transferred the ownership of one of these old mansions to my name."


    "I am the master of this house, so the one who should get out is you!"

 Chapter 31 I Represent the Fu Family in the Competition

    Fu Shen had not lied; the Fu Family¡¯s old Western-style houses consisted of four interconnected buildings, sharing a sprawling courtyard, even complete with a man-made hill and pavilion.


    Perhaps Fu Zuoming had taken into consideration his foster sons¡¯ circumstances, which was why, three years ago, he transferred the ownership of one of these old houses to his second son, Fu Shen.


    Fu Wenhua could hardly contain his anger, gritting his teeth as he said, "It¡¯s truly the world¡¯s biggest joke. Who in Jiangdu doesn¡¯t know that this complex of old Western-style houses belongs to our Fu Family?"


    "When Uncle transferred this building to you, I suspected there was something fishy about it. Now Uncle is dead, the dead can¡¯t testify, and of course, you can talk nonsense!"


    At this moment, Fu Zi spoke up, "Although we were adopted, our foster father has been kind to us. We are, after all, partly Fu Family disciples. Tomorrow is the martial arts competition and exchange among the three families. Is there any point in arguing and creating internal strife here instead of thinking about how to deal with what¡¯s to come?"


    Fu Qing snorted, "Pretty words, who can¡¯t say them? Do you really think we¡¯re like you, only knowing how to stay at home and indulge? Didn¡¯t we go out in the rain today precisely to settle the matters concerning tomorrow¡¯s competition?"


    Since childhood, Fu Zi and Fu Qing had never gotten along. Fu Zi was exceptionally beautiful, a true beauty, while Fu Qing had a more ordinary appearance, which led to Fu Qing, the eldest daughter of the Fu Family, being jealous of Fu Zi from a young age.


    Fu Zi asked, "Then may I ask if you¡¯ve found a solution?"


    "Of course we have!" Fu Qing scoffed with a cold huff and plopped herself down.


    Fu Zuoxing then said, "We¡¯ve come to inform you that today we met with Young Master Jiang of the Jiang Family and received two pieces of good news."


    "First, Lei Zaiyan, who was originally set to fight in tomorrow¡¯s competition, suddenly had his arms and legs broken by someone. Although it¡¯s unknown who was so bold and reckless to attack a member of the Lei Family in Jiangdu, it has, in any case, unwittingly aided our Fu Family."


    Fu Shen asked, "Does that mean I won¡¯t have to face that old geezer, Lei Zaiyan, in tomorrow¡¯s competition?"


    "Correct, but Young Master Jiang has already given orders that no matter who the Lei Family sends tomorrow, our Fu Family must admit defeat. So listen well, Fu Shen, I want you to throw a few symbolic punches tomorrow and then deliberately lose to the opponent."


    "What did you say? You want me to intentionally what to the opponent?"


    "Third brother..."


    Fu Shen and Fu Zi both started to speak, but Ye Feng waved his hand and smiled, saying, "These guys, although they¡¯re all spineless weaklings, are right about one thing, we were adopted by the foster father, and now that the Fu Family needs us, it¡¯s only natural that we should step forward."


    "Rest assured, tomorrow I will represent the Fu Family in the competition!"


    "Then it¡¯s settled!" Fu Zuoxing seemed to make the final decision with that statement.


    In his view, a cripple with broken legs competing was of no consequence, whether he lost the match deliberately or not. After all, how could a cripple who couldn¡¯t even walk defeat a master of External Strength?


    Fu Zuoxing turned to look at Fu Zi and added, "The third piece of good news is related to Fu Zi."


    Fu Zi asked, "Related to me?"


    "Correct!" Fu Zuoxing appeared to be very pleased and said, "Just now, after meeting with Young Master Jiang, he expressed an interest in you and hopes to get to know you better to foster a deeper relationship between the two of you."


    "Impossible!" Fu Zi rebutted immediately, "What kind of person is Jiang Tianlong? Nothing but a hedonist concerned only with indulgence, and his interest in me is nothing but lust, seeing me as nothing more than an object for play. To think I would foster any feelings with him is a fool¡¯s dream!"


    Fu Zuoxing¡¯s wife snorted, "You say what is Young Master Jiang worth, but have you ever taken a look at your own background? An unwanted wild child, if Zuo Ming hadn¡¯t adopted you back then, you would have probably starved to death next to a garbage can!"


    "Furthermore," she continued, "Jiang Tianlong is the esteemed Young Master of the Jiang Family in the Provincial City. His interest in you is the good fortune of eight lifetimes¡¯ worth of karma. If you behave well going forward and serve Young Master Jiang well, although you may not marry into the Jiang Family¡¯s wealth and power, our Fu Family¡¯s situation will improve a great deal."


    Fu Zuoxing spoke gravely, "Young Master Jiang has declared, if you, Fu Zi, continue to defy his wishes and refuse to submit to him, then our Fu Family will suffer the consequences. But if you do submit, our Fu Family would indirectly gain the support of the colossal Jiang Family, and our family¡¯s crisis will be easily resolved."


    "You all keep talking about repaying kindness. Listen well, Fu Zi: to submit to Young Master Jiang is the best repayment you can offer us. I have already agreed to Young Master Jiang¡¯s terms, and there is no room for discussion!"


    "Tonight, Young Master Jiang will host a banquet at Jiangdu Mingzhu Grand Hotel. Fu Zi, you must attend no matter what. If you don¡¯t go, the Fu Family is finished, and your foster father will be turning in his grave."


    Fu Zi was about to argue when Ye Feng suddenly gestured with his hand to interrupt, "Zi, agree to it. Tonight, I¡¯ll accompany you. I¡¯m quite curious to see if this so-called Young Master Jiang really has three heads and six arms."

 Chapter 32 You Have Good Taste

    ```


    Seeing that the affairs of the Fu Family were generally settled, Fu Zuoxing and his family did not stay long and directly returned to another old western-style house next door.


    Fu Shen sighed, "Third brother, to tell you the truth, although I am very happy that we brothers have reunited, I actually don¡¯t wish for you to come back given the current situation of the Fu Family."


    Fu Zi also sighed, "Indeed, the Fu Family is now nothing but a mess. Fu Zuoxing, that old chap, still thinks he is smart for having cozied up to the Jiang Family, that huge monster. In reality, Young Master Jiang is merely using him to extract his last bit of value."


    "When the Fu Family is finally gnawed to nothing, worthless, that¡¯s when they will let the Lei Family come in and completely swallow it up!"


    Ye Feng laughed and said nothing, thinking that if he hadn¡¯t returned, perhaps this would be the end of the Fu Family, but now that he had come back and encountered this situation, the so-called Lei Family, and whatever dogshit Jiang Family, all of them would be finished.


    After all, he was the reigning king of the Northern Border, and furthermore the youngest and most powerful among them. Even the King of the Southern Territory had to give him respect, let alone the Jiang Family. They were merely in charge of a genius overseeing one of the eight formations under the Southern Territory.


    The status of the Southern Territory¡¯s eight formations is even slightly lower than that of the leader of the Southern Territory, roughly equivalent to a Flag Leader of the Northern Border Twelve Banners!


    After dinner, Hong Qingyan¡¯s phone suddenly rang; it was from Hong Yuting, who said there was a high-profile banquet in Jiangdu tonight, to be held at the Mingzhu Grand Hotel.


    "The Mingzhu Grand Hotel?" Hong Qingyan frowned.


    "Exactly, tonight¡¯s banquet, someone from the Jiang Family of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province will attend, and the person¡¯s status is not low. It is said to be to discuss the business interests of Jiangdu¡¯s upper-circle, involving the future major layout of Jiangdu¡¯s industry."


    Hong Yuting revealed this, her voice tinged with a slight smile, "Qingyan, now that you are the acting CEO of Hongtian Group, it seems necessary for you to attend. After all, such high-profile meetings directly determine the future industrial layout of Jiangdu, which relates to the business interests of our Hong Family."


    Hong Qingyan did not immediately agree, but instead asked, "The person coming from Jiangnan Province, is it Young Master Jiang Tianlong of the Jiang Family?"


    Hong Yuting was taken aback on the phone, and then retorted, "How do you know?"


    Hong Qingyan smiled slightly and said, "Sister, you mustn¡¯t forget that I am now the acting CEO of the group. Shouldn¡¯t I be aware of such information?"


    Hong Yuting huffed and did not engage with her comment, obviously feeling quite aggrieved.


    Mingzhu Grand Hotel was located to the east of Jiangdu, near the river. The tall building where the hotel was situated was a landmark in Jiangdu, famous for its prestige, with Mingzhu Grand Hotel occupying the top floor. The restaurant on the top floor was of exceptional standard.


    Dining in this restaurant, with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, one could have a panoramic view of the entire Jiangdu!


    When the group arrived at Mingzhu Grand Hotel, the lanterns were just beginning to light up, with dazzling and beautiful street lamps decorating the city into a bustling metropolis.


    As Ye Feng and the others were about to enter, it happened by pure coincidence that they met Hong Yuting, Hong Wei, and others.


    "What a coincidence!"


    Dressed in a long, white gown embellished with pearls and diamonds, Hong Yuting approached with an excessively exaggerated, sinuous gait.


    "Our Hong Family¡¯s son-in-law has also arrived."


    As she said this, Hong Yuting deliberately heaved a sigh and continued, "However, considering our son-in-law is no ordinary man, possessing an extraordinary demeanor, it¡¯s natural that he wouldn¡¯t miss such a noble banquet in Jiangdu."


    Ye Feng laughed, nodded his head slightly, and smiled, "Although I¡¯ve always thought you¡¯re not that good-looking, now I have to admit you have quite an eye."


    Pfft...


    Behind the wheelchair, Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but laugh outright upon hearing these words.


    Hong Yuting instantly got angry and frowned, "What do you mean by that?"


    Ye Feng still smiled faintly, "You don¡¯t get it? It seems while you do have an eye, your intelligence isn¡¯t quite up to par."


    Hong Yuting immediately bared her teeth in a grimace, "Mr. Ye, this young lady just gave you a little praise, and you actually think you¡¯re someone important? That¡¯s hilarious. Have you looked at yourself? A waste, a son-in-law that¡¯s nothing but trash, and you dare to question my intelligence?"


    Hong Wei came over and sneered, "Sis, why should you lower yourself to argue with this waste of a son-in-law? It would only make us look bad. Let¡¯s go inside; Young Master Jiang is waiting for you."


    "That¡¯s true!" Puffing out her chest, Hong Yuting immediately felt good about herself again, although the size of her chest didn¡¯t invite any compliments.

 Chapter 33: One Should Not Be Too Ignorant

    Only after Hong Yuting and the rest had fully entered did Fu Shen step forward and ask, "I found those two people from earlier somewhat familiar, but I can¡¯t seem to remember who they are. Also, third brother, they called you a son-in-law; to which family do you belong?"


    Fu Zi¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he said, "Third brother, you¡¯re actually married? When did this happen?"No?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ye Feng rubbed his head and answered, "It¡¯s a long story. Those two just now are from the Hong Family of Jiangdu."


    "Oh right, this person behind me, she¡¯s my fiance?e, Hong Qingyan!" It was only then that Ye Feng remembered to formally introduce her.


    Fu Shen nodded slightly, greeting Hong Qingyan with a nod.


    Fu Zi lamented, "My third brother is a man of profound feelings and integrity. Although his legs are broken now, he is a decent person. You two are married now, so I hope you will take good care of him in the future."


    Hong Qingyan blushed, lowered her head slightly, and said softly, "I know."


    Fu Zi felt sentimental, for ever since they were little, Ye Feng had always displayed a temperament unlike the others.


    Ye Feng had been the king of the kids since childhood, even those children a couple of years older like the eldest brother and the second brother were thoroughly subdued by him, so Fu Zi had always felt a certain amount of respect and even admiration for him, since they were not true siblings after all.


    However, now that her third brother was engaged, and this sister-in-law seemed quite nice, she naturally felt overjoyed.


    "The Hong Family of Jiangdu, they indeed pass as a noble family, but the attitude of those two just now wasn¡¯t too good. Third brother, if you feel aggrieved at the Hong Family, you might as well come back to the Fu Family. You could even bring our sister-in-law along. After all, being a son-in-law is not easy."


    Fu Shen, who was always forthright, did not mince words even in front of Hong Qingyan.


    Ye Feng, somewhat between laughter and tears, shook his head slightly and said, "It¡¯s a minor matter. Let¡¯s go inside."


    At this point, everyone walked into the hall together. Just then, the parking courtyard suddenly welcomed several luxury sports cars driving in. They were followed by several young men emanating an impressive aura, jumping out of the cars one after the other.


    Fu Shen hurriedly stepped forward, saying in an attempt to appease, "I¡¯m sorry, Elder Long Shaowu, this is my third brother. He has just returned to Jiangdu recently and isn¡¯t quite aware of the current situation. I ask the three of you to forgive him and not to lower yourselves to his level."


    Among the three disciples from the Long Family, the oldest was the Eldest Grandson of the Long Family, Long Shaowu, followed by Long Shaogong. As for that tall and fairly beautiful woman, she was from the Dragon Sound Pavilion.


    Long Shaowu then noticed Fu Shen and Fu Zi, speaking in a cold voice, "I wondered who it was, turns out to be the Fu Family¡¯s children. But now your family is declining, the only two people of any weight are dead, and now, all that¡¯s left are these old, weak and sickly people who seem even more arrogant than before?"


    Long Shaogong snorted coldly, "Not to mention a cripple; even if Fu Zuoming were still alive, he wouldn¡¯t dare speak to our Long Family like this. And it¡¯s not just him, even that Formation Lord Fu Tian in the Southern Territory would need to show some respect to our Long Family if he were here."


    Fu Shen laughed, "I won¡¯t mention my foster father, but if my elder brother were still here, right now the ones who would need to be courteous should probably be your Long Family, right?"


    "What are you saying, Fu Shen? Do you know that you are challenging the Long Family¡¯s authority!" Long Shaogong roared in anger.


    Fu Shen stopped talking, realizing that at this time, he had to keep silent and play the submissive grandson. After all, the situation was against them. Offending the Jiang Family was already bad enough; if they also offended the Long Family, then the Fu Family probably wouldn¡¯t be able to stand in Jiangdu anymore.


    Fu Zi stepped in, "I¡¯m sorry, the three of you, my third brother is outspoken, but it was an unintentional remark. Here, I apologize to you three on his behalf. Please don¡¯t take offense."


    The young woman from the Long Family, Dragon Sound Pavilion, chuckled and said, "Big brother, second brother, let it be. The Fu Family is in decline, what is the point of beating a drowning dog? Besides, why bother about a cripple?"


    Long Shaowu and Long Shaogong glanced at Ye Feng with disdain. In their eyes, Ye Feng, sitting in a wheelchair, was basically no different from a dead dog.


    Ye Feng suddenly asked, "The current head of your Long Family, isn¡¯t he the Leader of the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu today? Did he come tonight?"


    Long Shaowu snorted contemptuously, deeming the question unworthy of a response.


    Dragon Sound Pavilion laughed and said, "My dear little brother, such a person as my grandfather is not someone you can inquire about. Since you too are a descendant of the Fu Family, you should understand what the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu means, and what it means to be the Leader of the Martial Alliance."


    Having said that, she shrugged her fragrant shoulders lightly, chuckled and said, "We should not be too ignorant as human beings, don¡¯t you think I¡¯m right?"


    After saying this, she walked away without looking back, clearly having no interest in hearing Ye Feng¡¯s response, nor did she deign to listen to any.

 Chapter 34 Do I Have This Qualification?

    Young Master Long Shaowu and his two siblings finished speaking and then walked into the elevator, displaying an air of disdain for Ye Feng that suggested they thought themselves too good to bother with him.


    In their view, as people of their status and identity, stooping to a quarrel with a disabled person in a wheelchair would simply lower their own dignity.


    Fu Shen shook his head and sighed, "This might be difficult now. Your words just now, younger brother, have completely offended the Long Family. The Lei Family wasn¡¯t daring to go too far against our Fu Family because of the Long Family¡¯s presence, for they always need the balance between the three families. But now, it¡¯s hard to say."


    Fu Zi snorted coldly, "You can¡¯t blame Third Brother for that. Didn¡¯t you see how arrogant those three were just now? Acting all high and mighty¡ªas if they¡¯re something special. What do they have, except for a grandfather who once held a command in the Southern Territory?"


    "If it wasn¡¯t for his grandfather¡¯s sake and the still present connections in the Southern Territory, I¡¯m afraid the Jiang Family would have made their move against them already!"


    "It¡¯s not entirely that. The Long Family¡¯s current head can serve as the Alliance Hierarch of Jiangdu Martial Alliance, and you really think it¡¯s just because of that relationship? The Martial Alliance¡¯s power is extremely strong; the Long Family at least still has some influence there."


    Fu Shen, having said this, waved his hand dismissively, "Let¡¯s leave it at that. What¡¯s done is done, and speaking more of it doesn¡¯t help. Let¡¯s just take things as they come."


    Ye Feng originally wanted to offer them some comfort, but seeing Fu Shen look this way, he decided it was not worth the effort to speak up.


    "Let¡¯s head upstairs first," Ye Feng said with a wave of his hand, his mind clearly elsewhere.


    The attendees of tonight¡¯s banquet, though all scions of wealthy families, were mostly second or even third generations¡ªand these pampered heirs were of no interest to him.


    It could be said that in the entire Jiangdu, only the Alliance Hierarch of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance¡ªthe current head of the Long Family¡ªmight just barely qualify to hold a conversation with him.


    Of course, that was only in terms of being privileged enough to listen to Ye Feng lecture, as for the others, they did not even deserve that honor!


    Entering the special elevator, Fu Shen and the rest of their party quickly arrived at the top floor hall.


    The top floor hall had been reserved tonight by Young Master Jiang Tianlong of the Jiang Family for a private banquet and was already bustling with activity.


    As soon as Ye Feng walked in, he immediately noticed a young man dressed in a white suit, surrounded by a bevy of young and beautiful ladies of high social standing, for he stood out the most.


    Fu Zi clenched her teeth and said coldly, "That guy in the white suit is Jiang Tianlong, the Young Master of the Jiang Family from Jiangnan Province Southern River Region."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly to acknowledge this, not bothering to give the others a second glance.


    Fu Shen clenched his teeth, facing the opponent¡¯s words, he didn¡¯t know how to retort.


    Ye Feng spoke up, with a faint smile, he said, "What about me then, do I have the right?"


    "You? What are you?" It was then that Jiang Tianlong turned his attention to Ye Feng.


    Seeing this, Hong Yuting knew it was her chance to shine, so she quickly walked up and cleverly snuggled up to Jiang Tianlong¡¯s side, leaning slightly with her chest against his shoulder.


    "Young Master Jiang, I just happen to know this kid in the wheelchair."


    Hong Yuting smiled sweetly and said, "He is the worthless son-in-law who has come to our Hong Family."


    Jiang Tianlong frowned and asked, "Your man from the Hong Family?"


    Hong Yuting feigned annoyance and rolled her eyes at him before complaining, "Look at what you¡¯re saying, Young Master Jiang. I¡¯m at least somewhat attractive, how could I possibly consider such a waste to be my man? He¡¯s the man of our second young miss of the Hong Family."


    Jiang Tianlong nodded slightly and said pointing at Ye Feng, "I don¡¯t care whose man you are, the Hong Family may have some power in Jiangdu, but in front of me, they¡¯re nothing. I can see that you¡¯re already a waste with broken legs, now I¡¯m giving you a chance."


    With a slap!


    Jiang Tianlong shattered the tall crystal glass in his hand and pointing at the broken glass on the floor, he said, "Kneel on it, knock your head in apology to me, then crawl out, and I can forgive your ignorance and foolishness."


    Ye Feng still wore a smile, and looking at him, he said, "Or else?"


    "Or else, not just you, but the entire Hong Family will have to go down with you!" Jiang Tianlong sneered with a twisted smile.


    Ye Feng laughed as well, but his gaze was as sharp as a blade, and he articulated each word, "I can also tell you that no one has ever dared point their finger at my nose. Not you, not your father, and yes, not even your grandfather who serves as the commander in the Southern Territory¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t even qualify to lift my shoes!"


    Jiang Tianlong was completely furious and with a wave of his hand, he shouted, "Throw him out the window!"


    As his words fell, the two black-suited, sunglass-wearing bodyguards behind him made their move.


    "How dare you!"


    At this moment, Seventeen made his move. Often it was only at times like this that he would act, and only then would others realize his presence.

 Chapter 35 He Must Kneel in Front of Me too

    The atmosphere had been fine, but then things escalated to violence in a flash.


    Hong Yuting saw that things were amiss and swiftly sidestepped to safety, yet at this moment her heart was already blooming with joy.


    She had been contemplating how to fan the flames to intensify the conflict between the two men, but now it seemed completely unnecessary.


    "Ye Feng, this kid, is simply courting death. It¡¯s bad enough that he offended the Lei Family, but now he¡¯s dared to be so disrespectful and insolent even towards Young Master Jiang. You should know, this is the Young Master Jiang of the Jiang Family in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province!" Hong Yuting couldn¡¯t help but think to herself.


    While she was lost in her wild thoughts, there were two loud bangs, and then it was over.


    Then, everyone saw the two burly, imposing bodyguards in black lying on the ground like dead dogs, howling and foaming at the mouth.


    As for the person who made the move, he had already returned to Ye Feng¡¯s side.


    Jiang Tianlong was trembling all over, of course, not out of fear, but out of anger, grinding his teeth in fury.


    "You... you little bastard, how dare you fight back and even injure two of my followers?"


    Jiang Tianlong¡¯s heavy voice carried a cold snort, "In Jiangdu, no one has ever dared to be so arrogant in front of me!"


    At this moment, Long Shaowu, who was nearby, shook his head and sighed, "This kid really has no fear out of ignorance. He¡¯s a foster son of the Fu Family. With his reckless impulsiveness today, he has not only doomed the Hong Family but also likely the Fu Family after tonight."


    Dragon Sound Pavilion scoffed disdainfully, "His lackey has some skills, sure, but even so, facing the Jiang Family, it¡¯s like an ant trying to shake a tree. If the Jiang Family wanted to crush him, it would be even easier than crushing an ant."


    When Jiang Tianlong heard this, he coldly huffed, "Foster Son of the Fu Family? Still a part of the Fu Family, good. Now it¡¯s not just you, not just the Hong Family, but also the Fu Family. After tonight, all of you will be finished together!"


    Ye Feng looked at him coldly and said word by word, "You ignorant fool, you are not worthy of my reprimand. Your grandfather should have already stepped down from leading the Southern Territory, right? Have him roll over to Jiangdu to see me immediately!"


    As these words fell, the scene suddenly quieted down.


    Long Shaowu shook his head and sighed, "This kid, now he¡¯s truly beyond saving."


    Dragon Sound Pavilion also snorted, "Asking the leader of the Southern Territory to roll over and see him? Who does he think he is? Does he think he¡¯s the King of the Southern Territory, or perhaps a king from one of the other Three Realms?"


    Fu Shen and Fu Zi frowned, but said nothing at this point. What could they say now? They had not considered that Ye Feng would be this impulsive, and to think of rectifying the situation now was simply impossible.


    Ye Feng humphed, "Tomorrow is the tri-family martial competition, remember to bring your grandfather over!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng turned his head, his gaze cold and sharp like a knife, and looked at the three siblings from the Long Family and said, "Tomorrow, it would be best if you also bring along the Sect Leader of Jiangdu from your family to come see me!"


    Ye Feng then wheeled his chair around, and with Hong Qingyan pushing it, they left.


    He had not taken action to kill Jiang Tianlong, after all, in his eyes, a creature as insignificant as an ant like that was not worth dirtying his hands. In other words, he wasn¡¯t worthy of dying at the hands of the Northern Border King.


    The entire hall was as silent as death; no one dared to step forward to stop them, not even Long Shaowu and the other two, who had been frightened by Ye Feng¡¯s terrifying gaze and did not even dare to breathe heavily.


    Only after Ye Feng and the others had completely entered and the elevator door had closed did Jiang Tianlong roar skyward, "Ye Feng, you are dead, I want you dead! The Fu Family must be exterminated, what are you waiting for? Why aren¡¯t you informing the family immediately!"


    It wasn¡¯t until then that the other attendants frantically pulled their phones out of their pockets to make calls.


    Only after Ye Feng and the others had completely left the Mingzhu Grand Hotel did Fu Shen let out a long sigh into the night sky.


    "Third brother," Fu Shen suddenly called out to Ye Feng.


    "What is it, Second Brother?" asked Ye Feng, turning around.


    "Things have come to this, and I know it¡¯s already too late to say anything. Of course, I¡¯m not blaming you. On the contrary, just now, it was very satisfying, damn satisfying!"


    Fu Shen said through clenched teeth, "But Third Brother, you¡¯d better run now, while the Jiang Family¡¯s people haven¡¯t arrived yet. You should escape immediately, escape from Jiangdu, and stay far away from Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, and never come back."


    "Escape?" Ye Feng suddenly laughed as if he had heard an incredibly funny joke. Him, the Northern Border King, being told to run away?


    Fu Shen said, "Yes, run now. And Fu Zi, you go with Third Brother. The Jiang Family¡¯s power is mainly in Jiangnan Province, as long as you leave, they won¡¯t be able to touch you."


    Fu Zi said, "That won¡¯t work, Second Brother. If we run away, what will you do?"


    Fu Shen said, "I cannot run. If I were to leave, there are hundreds of employees under the Fu Family, what will become of them? I need to arrange for them tonight. Besides, with such a significant incident, there must be someone left behind to bear the wrath of the Jiang Family."


    Suddenly, Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Second Brother, as your brother, I shouldn¡¯t have kept my identity from you, but now is not the time. However, I can let you in on something. Never mind a Jiang Tianlong, or the Long Family, even if the head of the Jiang Family who was once the leader of the Southern Territory comes before me, he will have to kneel!"

 Chapter 36: Our Hong Family Does Not Welcome You

    After leaving Mingzhu Grand Hotel, Ye Feng and his group first returned to the Fu Family.


    At the banquet in the Mingzhu Hotel earlier, Fu Wenhua and Fu Qing from the Fu Family had also been present and naturally witnessed the scene of Young Master Jiang being beaten up.


    However, they didn¡¯t feel any sense of relief. As soon as they saw Ye Feng getting out of the car, Fu Zuoxing rushed out hurriedly from inside.


    "Ye! I heard that at the Mingzhu Grand Hotel banquet, you beat up Young Master Jiang. Is that true?"


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "I didn¡¯t expect you to be so well-informed."


    "It¡¯s over, now we are really done for! The Fu Family is finished!" Fu Zuoxing¡¯s wife slapped her forehead, her face already ashen.


    With a clenched jaw, Fu Zuoxing said, "Who allowed you to do such a thing? Don¡¯t you know who Young Master Jiang is? Don¡¯t you realize the status of the Jiang Family in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province? Not to mention a small place like Jiangdu City, even in the entire Province, the Jiang Family is a super wealthy family!"


    Taking a step forward, Fu Zi said coldly, "So what? Do we have to be spineless cowards like you, always bending over backwards for others?"


    Fu Zuoxing roared, "You have no right to speak here, you ungrateful wretch! For Young Master Jiang to take a fancy to you is the fortune of your wild tribe for eight generations. Not only did you fail to appreciate it, you actually refused Young Master Jiang."


    Fu Qing pouted and chimed in, "Exactly, why pretend to be some Holy Maiden? What¡¯s wrong with Young Master Jiang? He¡¯s handsome and talented; his family¡¯s power is immense. If you¡¯d accepted his invitation earlier, none of these troubles would have followed."


    Fu Wenhua said, "Dad, it¡¯s already too late to say anything now. That Ye has already beaten up the cripple, and the Jiang Family will definitely not let us off. We should quickly think of a way to remedy this situation."


    "Wenhua is right. Think quickly of how to rectify this. Otherwise, we will surely suffer the consequences along with this waste!" Fu Zuoxing¡¯s wife said.


    Fu Qing snorted, "If you ask me, just capture this Ye and personally escort him to the Jiang Family. Maybe then the Jiang Family won¡¯t blame us."


    "Exactly, Qing¡¯er has a good idea. Zuo Xing, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and capture this cripple Ye before it¡¯s too late!" Fu Zuoxing¡¯s wife urged again and again.


    Fu Zi scoffed coldly, "Third brother, don¡¯t take these guys¡¯ words to heart. This damned Fu Family, if it weren¡¯t for thinking of avenging our foster father, we would have wanted to leave for good a long time ago. Do they really think we care about their little property?"


    Ye Feng looked at Fu Shen and asked, "What about you, second brother? What are your thoughts?"


    Fu Shen gave a bitter smile and said, "Naturally, I have nothing to feel nostalgic about. However, I¡¯m just wondering if what you said earlier was true."


    Ye Feng asked, "Which words?"


    Fu Shen said, "You said that even if the Jiang Family head, who once held the commander post, came here, he would have to crawl before you. Is that true?"


    Ye Feng said, "We brothers grew up together. When have you ever seen me lie?"


    Fu Shen laughed and suddenly let out a long breath, exclaiming jubilantly, "Good, very good. Ever since childhood, you¡¯ve been the king of kids, showing an extraordinary temperament. I thought that our eldest brother becoming the Southern Territory Town Master was the pinnacle of success. But you, third brother, are really something...


    "With that statement of yours just now, I¡¯m reassured. From now on, you and I, brothers together, even if it¡¯s through a sea of knives or flames, I¡¯ll jump in with you!"


    Ye Feng nodded, his heart, as firm as iron, was inevitably moved at this moment.


    Subsequently, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan left and returned to the Hong Family under the cover of night.


    The front reception hall of the Hong Family was still brightly lit, though there were no visitors. The patriarch, Hong Zhenguo, was not present. Instead, Hong Tianming, Hong Wei, Hong Yuting, and others rushed out at the sound of the car.


    "How dare you, this brash and ignorant troublemaker of a crippled son-in-law, come back? Why are you even here?" Zhang Yuman was the first to speak.


    "We¡¯ve just received the city-wide announcement from the Fu Family. They¡¯ve completely disowned you, the foster son, and now that the Fu Family doesn¡¯t want you, you have the gall to come to our Hong Family? Do you really think the Hong Family is a shelter that takes in any trouble-making cats or dogs?"


    "Get out; our Hong Family does not welcome you!"

 Chapter 37 I hope you don’t regret it

    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but feel both amused and annoyed. After all, as the reigning overlord of the Northern Border, even the nobles and magnates in the imperial city would be polite and eager to visit him, yet these families in Jiangdu dared to turn him away.


    He didn¡¯t retaliate because he didn¡¯t deign to do so, just as Hong Zhenguo had previously said¡ªpeople like Hong Tianming were simply too hopeless to be helped.


    "By the way, where¡¯s Grandpa? Why haven¡¯t I seen him?" Hong Qingyan suddenly spoke up, sensing that something was amiss.


    Given the uproar, it was impossible for Grandpa not to hear, nor was it conceivable that he would not show up and allow people like Hong Yuting to do as they pleased.


    Zhang Yuman sneered, "You¡¯re talking about that old guy? He¡¯s sick, and it¡¯s serious."


    "Grandpa is sick? That¡¯s impossible. He has always been healthy, and he was fine just yesterday. How could he suddenly fall ill?"


    Hong Qingyan demanded, her expression suddenly shifting as she said, "Could it be that you have placed Grandpa under house arrest?"


    "Nonsense!" Hong Tianming scoffed coldly. "No matter what, he is after all the Old Master, my father. How could I possibly treat him that way? I don¡¯t want to waste words with you. Mr. Ye, we won¡¯t bother bickering with you either.


    The Fu Family has already expelled you from its ranks!"


    "And we, the Hong Family, will also sever all ties with you tonight, so that when the Jiang Family arrives in Jiangdu tomorrow, they won¡¯t involve us in any trouble!"


    Zhang Yuman suddenly interjected. "That¡¯s still not enough, Tianming. We need to issue a public notice, informing everyone in Jiangdu, disowning this worthless son-in-law. Otherwise, if the Jiang Family comes after us tomorrow, the Hong Family won¡¯t be able to bear it."


    Hong Yuting also said, "Mother is right; we must announce it to the entire city just like the Fu Family did!"


    Ye Feng shook his head and simply said, "I hope you won¡¯t regret this!"


    After uttering these words, Ye Feng turned his wheelchair. He didn¡¯t waste any further words, and of course, he didn¡¯t barge in, even though he knew that the bodyguards of the Hong Family couldn¡¯t stop him. But he didn¡¯t do so, as he disdained to forcefully enter.


    For such a commanding overlord, that was the kind of spirit and courage he had; he didn¡¯t even deign to explain himself.


    Besides this estate, the Hong Family also owned a property in the Binjiang new district, bought by Hong Zhenguo specifically for Hong Qingyan, so that one day, when the Hong Family no longer welcomed her, she would have a place to go.


    Even though it was early morning, the hospital was already crowded with people. It took some effort and connections to find the VIP ward in the hospital¡¯s rear courtyard where the old master was being treated.


    Upon seeing Ye Feng, Hong Qingyan, and others arrive, Zhang Yuman¡¯s heavily made-up face instantly darkened.


    "What bad luck, seeing this disabled son-in-law first thing in the morning really ruins my mood!" Zhang Yuman muttered with a sneer.


    "What are you doing here, you disabled son-in-law?" Hong Yuting blocked the way and shouted angrily.


    Hong Qingyan cried out before Ye Feng could speak, "We heard that Grandfather is sick, so we came specifically to see him."


    Zhang Yuman let out a cold laugh and said, "The old master is indeed sick, but it¡¯s nothing serious. He has just fallen asleep. The attending physician instructed that he should not be disturbed, so there¡¯s no need for you to go in. Head back wherever you came from."


    "Impossible!" Hong Qingyan immediately rejected this and snorted, "Uncle Lian just called me, saying that the old master is severely ill, he¡¯s even in critical condition, on the verge of death. You all are clearly lying!"


    Zhang Yuman became angry, huffing coldly, "So what if we¡¯re lying? Even if the old master is seriously ill and close to death, what of it? Don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re nothing but an illegitimate child; you were picked up, not a blood member of the Hong Family Younger Generation!"


    Hong Yuting also sneered, "That¡¯s right, you should really look at yourself. As an adopted daughter, even though you bear the Hong Family name, do you really think you¡¯re a direct descendant? What right do you have to shout at us here?"


    Hong Wei also said, "There¡¯s nothing here for you. Stay wherever it¡¯s cool; if you want to make trouble, don¡¯t blame us for not being polite."


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyebrows rose sharply, "Old Master Hong has saved my life. Since he¡¯s fallen ill today, it is only right for me to visit. Moreover, as for whom I want to see or where I want to go, there¡¯s never been anyone under heaven who can block my path!"


    "Step aside, or don¡¯t force me to act!"


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze was sharp and authoritative, cold and dignified.


    Hong Wei was somewhat frightened, but Hong Yuting clenched her teeth and roared, "Ye Feng, I know the person behind you is somewhat capable, but don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re nothing but a crippled son-in-law whom the Hong Family brought in. What right do you have to speak to us like this!"


    "Furthermore, this is a hospital, under the public eye; do you really dare to make a move against us here?"


    "Seventeen, throw her into the pond next to us!" Ye Feng gave the order, and Seventeen, standing behind him, immediately sprang into action, lunging forward.

 Chapter 38 This is Poisoning

    Seventeen¡¯s figure flashed, and Hong Yuting was sent flying into the air.


    With a splash, countless droplets burst from the pool as Hong Yuting plunged in headfirst, luckily, the water was not too deep, otherwise, she might have drowned.


    "Ye Feng, you damn killer, you¡¯ve offended the Lei Family, offended the Jiang Family of Southern River Region Jiangnan, you¡¯re dead without a doubt!" Hong Yuting scrambled up, screaming her lungs out in fury.


    Seventeen turned his head and said to Hong Tianming, "My Lord, these flies are really too noisy, shall we just kill them and be done with it?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Forget it, after all, they are the old man¡¯s family, let¡¯s spare them a dog¡¯s life, and besides, their lives aren¡¯t worth much!"


    Hong Tianming and the others, who were originally standing in the corridor blocking the way, were scared stiff upon hearing Seventeen¡¯s words, trembling, they quickly moved aside.


    Hong Qingyan directly pushed Ye Feng, then opened the door and walked into the advanced ward.


    The advanced ward is private, usually housing only one patient, and there is also a small lounge for family members to rest.


    Zhang Yuman kept shivering until Ye Feng was completely inside, then she dared to speak up, "Tianming, this worthless... this crippled son-in-law, did he really dare to kill someone just now?"


    Hong Tianming was also quite frightened, however, as the acting head of the family, he tried to calm himself and hummed, "He doesn¡¯t have the guts, rest assured, this arrogant but ignorant Ye Feng, having offended the Jiang Family of Southern River Region Jiangnan, he won¡¯t survive today."


    Meanwhile, Hong Wei had already pulled Hong Yuting out of the pool, this was her second time being thrown in, she who was the beauty of Jiangdu was never humiliated and treated like this.


    "This Ye Feng, if he dies today, I will definitely set off fireworks to celebrate!"


    Zhang Yuman snorted, "Ye Feng is bound to die today, but Tianming, after all, he is now our son-in-law of the Hong Family, we can¡¯t be careless with the Jiang Family¡¯s reaction, if it affects us, that would be..."


    Before she could finish, Hong Tianming had already waved his hand and said, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve made preparations, I¡¯ve sold off a few of my properties, and my shares in the group, I¡¯ve already transferred to General Manager Shen Minghua."


    "You¡¯ve already transferred your shares to Shen Minghua?" Zhang Yuman was somewhat surprised.


    "Yes, I had to make preparations early, the money in the bank, I¡¯ve already moved it out of Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, should there be any wind and grass movements, our whole family, will just leave Southern River Region Jiangnan Province. Even if we go to any other city, our savings will be enough for us to live on."


    Hong Qingyan asked, "How is it, Big Brother Ye? Have you discovered something?"


    Ye Feng said gravely, "The old master is not ill; he has been poisoned, someone has poisoned him."


    "Poisoned, you mean someone poisoned Grandfather to harm him?" Hong Qingyan was shocked, suddenly looking up at Zhang Yuman instinctively.


    Zhang Yuman scoffed, "What a joke. Even the hospital couldn¡¯t detect anything, and this son-in-law can find out just by checking the pulse briefly?"


    Hong Yuting followed with a sneer, "Pretending to be profound, a cripple who can¡¯t even cure his own legs is putting on the airs of a divine healer. Such deliberate posturing is sure to make people sick!"


    Ye Feng was already too lazy to pay attention to these ignorant pests. Just as he was about to speak, a burst of footsteps suddenly echoed in the hallway.


    "What¡¯s going on? Why are there so many people in the ward? Haven¡¯t I said that you can¡¯t have so many visitors at once?"


    The speaker was the attending doctor, accompanied by two middle-aged men in white coats with golden-rimmed glasses.


    With a forced smile, Zhang Yuman said, "I¡¯m really sorry. Our family¡¯s son-in-law doesn¡¯t understand the rules and insisted on coming in, making a spectacle of us."


    The attending doctor replied, "Since they are family, visiting is alright, but we can¡¯t have so many people at once."


    Zhang Yuman snorted, "Did you hear that? You, the son-in-law, and you, the adopted daughter, have visited now. Aren¡¯t you going to listen to the attending doctor? Get out quickly, so you don¡¯t disturb the old master¡¯s condition."


    The attending doctor said, "Let them make some room. These two are experts we¡¯ve specially invited. Make some space for them to examine Mr. Hong."


    "Of course, thank you so much, experts!" Zhang Yuman nodded repeatedly.


    Ye Feng also wanted to see what the experts could find, so he didn¡¯t say anything and simply moved aside.


    The two experts, looking very imposing, said nothing and went straight to the bedside. They then took out various detection instruments from their cases and began examining Hong Zhenguo thoroughly.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but raise his eyebrows in secret.

 Chapter 39 People from the Divine Doctor Sect

    These two so-called experts, from the way they examined him, obviously were nothing more than a charade.


    After checking for quite a while, Hong Tianming finally couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What do the experts think, have you found anything?"


    Only then did the two experts put away their instruments, slightly shaking their heads and sighed, "No need to look any further."


    "No need to look any further? What do you mean by that, experts?" Hong Tianming asked.


    "No need to look any further means exactly that there¡¯s no need to continue," the expert said. "Prepare for the worst; he doesn¡¯t have much longer to live, I¡¯m afraid he won¡¯t make it through the night!"


    "Won¡¯t make it through the night? May I ask, experts, what illness does my father have, or has he been poisoned?" Hong Tianming asked tentatively.


    "Poisoned? If he were poisoned, why would his complexion be so pale? We have already examined his mouth, nose, and eyes¡ªthey are all grayish white. If he were poisoned, it would certainly be black, how could he possibly be poisoned!"


    The two experts asserted confidently, followed by another sigh: "Although our medical skills are excellent, we are not endowed with vast divine ability. One of his feet has already stepped into the coffin, and even King Yama must have already marked him for collection. We surely can¡¯t snatch him back from death, can we?"


    "If we talk about someone in the world with such medical prowess, our master possesses such skills. However, our master is a reclusive highbrow whose whereabouts are always uncertain. We don¡¯t know where he has wandered off to, and even if we did find him, I¡¯m afraid it would be too late!"


    "Prepare for the worst, there¡¯s no use in struggling anymore. If it had been two days earlier, we might have still had a way to extend his life!"


    After the so-called experts finished speaking, they picked up their small case and were ready to leave. But before departing, they didn¡¯t forget to turn around and say: "Don¡¯t forget, our consultation fee is not cheap¡ªa total of two million for each of us. Although we cannot save the patient, the fee must still be paid."


    Zhang Yuman said with a smile, "Of course, thank you both for your trouble. The consultation fee will certainly not be shortchanged."


    Only then did the experts hum in acknowledgment, acting all the while as if they were reclusive highbrows throughout the entire process.


    At that point, Ye Feng could see for himself that these so-called experts were nothing more than those barefoot divine doctors found in the city streets. He didn¡¯t know how the Hong Family had managed to find them, or perhaps they never intended to save Old Master Hong and were just putting on an act.


    "What a joke, those who sell dog skin like plaster dare to falsely claim themselves as expert doctors!"


    Ye Feng exclaimed, "I initially thought all members of the Divine Doctor Sect were real World-Saving Divine Doctors who rescue the dying and heal the injured. But now it seems that quite a few scum and failures have mixed in. It seems I must find time to give this matter some proper attention."


    Of course, Ye Feng did not utter this last thought aloud; he was merely pondering it internally.


    "What did you say, you little punk? Daring to call us scum and failures, how dare you!"


    The two Divine Doctor experts immediately turned their heads to glare at Hong Tianming, shouting angrily, "Hong Tianming, is this the worthless son-in-law who has come to the Hong Family? Let me tell you, apologize right now, including your entire Hong Family. You must issue a public statement throughout Jiangdu, apologizing to the two of us."


    "Otherwise, we won¡¯t let today¡¯s matter rest so easily!"


    Hong Tianming panicked, he had never imagined that this crippled son-in-law could cause such trouble. Not only had he offended the Lei Family and even the Jiang Family of Southern River Region Jiangnan yesterday, but now he had also needlessly provoked the Divine Doctor Sect.


    Zhang Yuman bellowed, "Ye Feng, is there no end to this? Even ignorance and arrogance should have their limits, shouldn¡¯t they?"


    Ye Feng coldly said, "You¡¯re right, we will not let this matter rest just like that. Call over the Sect Master of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect to see me immediately. Next, I¡¯ll show you how I will revive someone you claim your Divine Doctor Sect couldn¡¯t save!"


    The two Divine Doctor experts retorted, "What did you say? Do you, a cripple, think you can treat this person who is already half in the coffin?"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t be bothered with the two of them. He turned to Hong Qingyan and instructed, "You, go prepare a set of silver needles immediately. Remember, I need the best silver needles, and be quick about it!"


    Hong Qingyan was skeptical but did not ask any questions. After witnessing what had transpired over the past few days, she somehow developed an innate trust in Ye Feng.


    "Okay, Big Brother Ye, I¡¯ll go prepare right away!" Hong Qingyan said before she immediately took out her phone to contact the housekeeper Uncle Liaan.


    Those two expert Divine Doctors coldly demanded, "You really want to attempt to save someone with acupuncture, very well. Our medical skills might not be too brilliant, so we will call over other masters from the Divine Doctor Sect!"


    "We¡¯d like to see what kind of tricks you¡¯re trying to play. If you can¡¯t save the person later, it won¡¯t be too late for our Divine Doctor Sect to deal with you!"


    The so-called expert Divine Doctors finished speaking and directly made phone calls to summon more people.

 Chapter 40: You Are Not Worthy to Ask About My Identity

    ```


    The silver needles were quickly brought, encased in high-quality sandalwood.


    At the same time, the other two divine doctors from the Divine Doctor Sect had arrived; one was a portly middle-aged man dressed in dark robes, and the other was an elderly man with white hair and beard.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Vice Sect Leader, you¡¯ve actually come as well," the two so-called experts from earlier said, somewhat surprised.


    Hong Tianming was also quite astonished, for the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect¡¯s Vice Sect Leader held a high position. Though not a local of Jiangdu, he had many connections with the powerful and the wealthy, possessing a very extensive network of relationships.


    "I truly did not expect this, Sect Leader Luo, to grace us with your presence. I am deeply grateful," Hong Tianming said, bowing slightly as he paid his respects.


    This Vice Sect Leader was named Luo Keque, likely a name derived from the expression ¡¯a deserted street¡¯ suggesting few visitors. Twisting his grizzled beard, he huffed coldly, "You flatter me. Normally I¡¯d be busy with other matters. Today, an elder from the Jiang family of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province arrived, and I was supposed to accompany them."


    He then changed the subject, continuing, "However, I heard over the phone just now that someone dared to question the authority of our Divine Doctor Sect, claiming this person possessed medical skills that can ¡¯Reach the Sky¡¯ and save lives from the very hands of King Yama. That¡¯s why I specifically made the trip here."


    Zhang Yuman responded with a forced smile, "You jest, Sect Leader Luo. This man is merely an in-law of the Hong family, a cripple with a broken leg. What capability could he possibly have? Not to mention any medical skills. His words are no more than the ravings of ignorance, so please don¡¯t take them to heart, Sect Leader Luo."


    Hong Yuting suddenly stepped forward and said, "Mother, what you said is not correct. This Mr. Ye no longer has any relation to us. This morning, he was thoroughly ousted from the Hong family and no longer has any tie to us. So, his actions do not represent our Hong family."


    "Right, right, what Yu Ting said is correct. That crippled Ye is ignorant and arrogant, offending the Divine Doctor Sect. Sect Leader Luo, please feel free to discipline him as you see fit."


    Hong Tianming shifted the topic, "Sect Leader Luo, since you have honored us with your presence, could I trouble you to take a look at my father¡¯s condition? Someone mentioned earlier that my father has been poisoned. Do you think that could be the case?"


    "Poisoned?" Luo Keque slightly raised his gray eyebrows, pondering, "Since that¡¯s the case, let me have a look."


    After saying this, he stepped forward with his hands clasped behind his back and then extended his hand to feel Hong Zhenguo¡¯s wrist, his expression showing deep contemplation.


    After a long moment, he murmured, "Strange, truly strange. The pulse is so chaotic, and his life essence is rapidly slipping away. This is quite odd indeed. In all my years of practice, I¡¯ve never encountered such a phenomenon."


    At this point, Luo Keque had a sudden epiphany and said, "That¡¯s right, if it¡¯s indeed Gu and Poison, that explains it. His pulse is so chaotic, and his life essence is actually draining away continuously!"


    "Without a doubt, it must be Gu and Poison, and moreover, it is the extremely vicious Gu Insect that devours the life essence of the human body!"


    Ye Feng had already turned his back and picked up the Silver Needle, and said coldly, "As the Vice Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect, it seems you¡¯re not entirely clueless, somewhat more capable than those two worthless Barefoot Divine Doctors from just before."


    The two so-called medical experts from before heard this and became furiously enraged, ready to burst forth on the spot.


    Luo Keque waved his hand to stop the two of them and looked at Ye Feng, "Since you can discern that he is afflicted by Gu and Poison, you must not be an ordinary person. May I ask where you hail from?"


    Ye Feng, without turning his head, said, "You are not worthy of asking about my identity."


    Luo Keque frowned slightly displeased, but before understanding the other party¡¯s background, he held back his temper and hummed, "What a grand tone you take, sir. Since you say you can cure him, then we shall see if you truly have the ability!"


    "I will put my words here now, if you can heal him, if you can remove the Gu and Poison from his body, Old Luo will apologize to you for the earlier words, but if you cannot, then you will owe an apology to my Divine Doctor Sect!"


    Ye Feng, ignoring them, said while holding the Silver Needle, "I am about to administer the needle. All unrelated persons, get out now. Hong Tianming, stay behind, I will need your help later."


    "Additionally, Old Luo, stay as well. You seem somewhat agreeable to me, so I will allow you to observe and learn, but as to how much of the Technique you¡¯ll grasp, that depends on your own fortune."


    Naturally, Luo Keque was seething with anger inside, considering that he was the respected Vice Sect Leader of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect, known as the World-Saving Divine Doctor. When had he ever been so belittled, especially by a wet-behind-the-ears brat.


    However, seeing the other party already holding the Silver Needle, after some thought, he still swallowed his anger. His years of discipline were not for naught, and besides, he couldn¡¯t figure out the depth of Ye Feng. Moreover, if the boy failed to cure the patient, it wouldn¡¯t be too late for him to act.


    Hong Tianming hesitated and asked, "Sect Leader Luo, what do you think we should do about this?"


    Without a second thought, Luo Keque said, "Do as he says, everyone else get out, and wait for me at the doorway!"


    Only then did Hong Tianming wave his hand, and Hong Yuting and Zhang Yuman among others glared at Ye Feng but said nothing. After all, they never thought that Ye Feng could save him, and they were even eager for Master Hong to kick the bucket right now so they could naturally inherit the Hong Family fortune.

 Chapter 41: Phoenix Returns to Heaven Needle Technique

    The ward quickly quieted down, and Ye Feng slowly exhaled, trying to calm his heart as much as possible.


    Meanwhile, Hong Tianming had already helped Hong Zhenguo to his feet.


    Ye Feng pinched the needle, his gaze sharp as a knife, and with a whoosh, he thrust a needle into Hong Zhenguo¡¯s Heaven Gate acupuncture point.


    Watching from the side, Luo Keque was caught off guard and almost let out a cry of alarm.


    "Good heavens, that¡¯s the Heaven Gate point¡ªthat¡¯s not something to mess around with. A slight inattention could result in a fatality. Goodness, this young man is actually..."


    Luo Keque couldn¡¯t help but sigh inwardly, but he soon realized that the other¡¯s needle technique was very skilled, straightforward and confident, and the accuracy in finding the acupuncture point was extremely precise.


    "This technique..."


    Luo Keque couldn¡¯t help but muse to himself, "This kind of technique, I remember seeing it twenty years ago on a peerless divine doctor in the Valley of the Medicine King, but back then, even that doctor seemed hesitant to insert needles into a patient¡¯s Heaven Gate point so casually!"


    While Luo Keque¡¯s thoughts ran wild, Ye Feng had already swiftly inserted a dozen more needles; soon Hong Zhenguo¡¯s head, shoulders, and even his face and both the front and back of his chest were densely filled with needles.


    The more Luo Keque watched, the more he furrowed his brow, because this method of needling was completely unheard of and unseen by him before. Despite his reluctance to admit it, he could see the extraordinariness in the other¡¯s needle technique alone.


    Luo Keque admitted to himself that he had not yet reached such a level, and in fact, was far from it!


    At that moment, it seemed Ye Feng had finished inserting the needles, and he exhaled lightly, casually wiping the sweat from his face.


    Following that, Ye Feng exhaled and shouted, and white vapor suddenly surged from the palm of his hand, faint, and completely unclear from Hong Tianming¡¯s angle.


    But Luo Keque had the perfect angle to see it clearly; as soon as he saw the white vapor escaping from Ye Feng¡¯s palm, he was completely shocked, a thick look of astonishment spreading across his face.


    "This is... this is qi leaving the body! He¡¯s a Great Grandmaster, an actual Grandmaster of Inner Force, and moreover, a High-Level Grandmaster!"


    Luo Keque trembled with excitement, his mind exclaiming, "My goodness, this young man seated in a wheelchair, even with disabled legs, is actually a Grandmaster, and furthermore, a High-Level Grandmaster. How could this be possible!"


    If it weren¡¯t for the inappropriateness of the setting, Luo Keque might have cried out in shock.


    After completing these tasks, Ye Feng finally took a deep breath, his face drenched in sweat and his whole body appearing somewhat weakened.


    The consecutive needling, especially the use of the Phoenix Returns to Heaven Formation Technique, had drained a great deal of his Inner Strength.


    Luo Keque, looking as if in a trance, said, "It was forced out. The Gu insect was actually forced out. Truly, it is the Phoenix Returns to Heaven Formation from the ancient legends, known as one of the Three Great Needles of the Ancients."


    "The Three Great Needles of the Ancients are indeed formidable," he continued, "but the complexity of using the Needle Flicking Technique is not minor. At the very least, one must be a Great Grandmaster and cultivate Inner Strength. That threshold is not commonly surmounted!"


    At this point, Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "It¡¯s fine now, lay him down. Old Man Hong is out of life-threatening danger."


    Hong Tianming hadn¡¯t yet gathered his wits; he was an outsider. It is said that the hustle and bustle is for outsiders, while those on the inside watch the path. He couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of the situation and within one or two minutes, the treatment was over.


    "That¡¯s it? What about my father?" Hong Tianming couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "He is no longer in serious danger," Ye Feng stated. "In the coming period, he must rest quietly. He has lost a great deal of Life Essence, fortunately, he had a strong constitution to begin with. With proper rest, he should be able to return to a normal state."


    Ye Feng put away the Silver Needle and then slowly maneuvered his wheelchair to face the other way.


    Thump...


    For Luo Keque, it came without warning; he kneeled down abruptly, rigidly kneeling before Ye Feng.


    "Greetings, Divine Doctor Ye," he said, intensely moved and utterly sincere. "Just now I was blind to the greatness before me, failing to recognize your true worth, Divine Doctor. I implore your forgiveness for my earlier disrespect."


    "Enough, get up and speak," Ye Feng gestured.


    "Yes, Divine Doctor Ye!" Luo Keque then stood up.


    Ye Feng looked at him and asked, "Did you see anything from the Needle Technique just now, and what have you learned?"


    On hearing this, Luo Keque was utterly dumbfounded as he had been far too absorbed in astonishment to keep his mind on learning.


    It seemed that Ye Feng had anticipated this reaction and chuckled, "Nevermind, this Needle Technique has exceedingly high requirements. Even if you remembered the gist, without Inner Strength, you would still be unable to perform it."


    So Luo Keque simply nodded incessantly, bending halfway at the waist in front of Ye Feng like a novice disciple listening to his master¡¯s reprimand.

 Chapter 42 As Stupid as a Pig

    Suddenly, Luo Keque became very uncomfortable. As the Vice Sect Leader of Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect, he seemed quite uneasy at this moment.


    Seeing him in such a state, Ye Feng laughed and said, "From now on, the care and recuperation of Old Man Hong will be your responsibility. As the Vice Sect Leader of Divine Doctor Sect, you should have that ability, shouldn¡¯t you?"


    Luo Keque immediately felt honored and nodded repeatedly, "Divine Doctor Ye, rest assured, I will do my utmost to attend to Mr. Hong¡¯s recuperation."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then asked, "What is the name of the Sect Leader of Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect, and why didn¡¯t he come just now?"


    Luo Keque replied, "Divine Doctor Ye, the Sect Leader heard that today, in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province¡¯s Jiang Family, a master has arrived. Moreover, today is the day of the sparring meeting for the three great ancient families of Jiangdu. Worried about any unforeseen incidents, he took many of the sect¡¯s disciples to that place."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but sneer, "So eager, I suppose he went to curry favor with the Jiang Family?"


    Luo Keque fell silent because he couldn¡¯t respond to that, nor dared he. He didn¡¯t dare to speak ill of the Sect Leader behind his back. Only the person in front of him, who not only possessed miraculous medical skills but was also a fearsome High-Level Grandmaster, would dare to disregard the Sect Leader.


    Not to mention the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect, even the Jiang Family would have to treat someone of such terrifying medical skills and abilities on an equal footing.


    Ye Feng said nothing more and waved his hand, "Let them come in now."


    Hong Qingyan just came in and immediately asked, "How is it going, how is Grandpa now?"


    Hong Yuting said coldly, "What else could it be? You cannot seriously be expecting this useless son-in-law to cure Grandpa, can you? Don¡¯t make such an international joke. If he had the capability, pigs would be able to climb trees."


    Zhang Yuman also expressed her dissatisfaction, "Sky Bright, you¡¯re just too kind. Although there¡¯s the saying that a dead horse should be treated like a live horse, you shouldn¡¯t just let any cats or dogs randomly mess around with Grandpa¡¯s treatment."


    Hong Tianming was about to speak when the two so-called expert doctors from earlier coldly interrupted, "You, the cripple in the wheelchair, have nothing to say now, do you? Just now, you were boastful and rude to us."


    "Now, immediately kneel down, apologize to us, and offer an apology to our Divine Doctor Sect!"


    The two had a righteous look, but in fact, as soon as they came in, they had quickly observed the elderly man lying on the bed and saw no change, of course not realizing that this was only because the Gu insect had only just been forced out and there hadn¡¯t been time for a recovery yet.


    Unfortunately, these two so-called expert doctors didn¡¯t understand this principle.


    Ye Feng laughed, turned his head to look at Luo Keque, who was awkward on the side, and smiled, "Sect Leader Luo, these two disciples of the Divine Doctor Sect demanded that I kneel down and apologize to them and to your sect. What are your thoughts on this?"


    Hong Yuting also rolled her eyes and said coldly, "Exactly, a dog trying to catch mice, being a busybody. Does this old fool really think we want him to get better?"


    Ye Feng, hearing this, could not help but become furiously angry.


    Just as he was about to erupt, a group of people suddenly entered the ward, led by Shen Minghua, the General Manager of Hongtian Group.


    Behind Shen Minghua, there were also two middle-aged men in suits and leather shoes carrying briefcases, who looked like they should be assistants or lawyers.


    "Well, everyone is here, that¡¯s good, saves me another trip to inform you all," Shen Minghua lifted the corners of his mouth, looking like the smirk of a petty person, no longer having the composed and capable air from before.


    Hong Tianming, not understanding, smiled and said, "Minghua has arrived, are you here to visit the old man? That¡¯s thoughtful of you."


    Shen Minghua immediately waved his hand and said with a cold sneer, "No, don¡¯t get me wrong, I don¡¯t have the leisure to come for a visit. Today, I am here to notify you of a draft resolution from the board of directors of the Hongtian Group."


    "A draft resolution from the board of directors, what resolution?"


    Hong Tianming frowned slightly, then said coldly, "Neither my father nor I, both directors of the group, are present. What kind of resolution can the group issue?"


    Shen Minghua suddenly burst into loud laughter, laughing so hard that he bent forward and backward, huffed and said, "I tell you, Hong Tianming, you really can be so stupid, simply like a dumb pig, no, comparing you to a pig would be an insult to the pig¡¯s intelligence."


    Hong Tianming became furiously angry and shouted, "Shen Minghua, what do you mean by this?"


    "What do I mean? You still don¡¯t understand until now?"


    Shen Minghua laughed coldly, mocking him, "Could it be that you have forgotten that yesterday you had already privately transferred your eight percent stake in the Hongtian Group to me?"


    "I did transfer it to you, so what?" Hong Tianming still didn¡¯t understand.


    Shen Minghua let out a slight sigh, shook his head and said, "It seems you really are beyond help. Old Hong Zhenguo, that old thing, has a forty-three percent stake in the group, and together with your eight percent, originally you had over half the group¡¯s shares; the Hong Family had an absolute say on the board of directors."


    "But now..."


    Upon hearing this, Hong Tianming¡¯s face finally changed dramatically.

 Chapter 43 The Fox’s Tail Finally Shows

    Hong Tianming, even in his folly, understood now.


    Originally, the shares of the group in his hands, together with his father¡¯s portion, amounted to over fifty percent, giving him an absolute say on the board of directors. However, that changed yesterday when he transferred eight percent of his shares, making the situation uncertain.


    Especially now, with his father seriously ill and bedridden, the board of directors lacked leadership. Coupled with the Hong Family producing such a worthless son-in-law causing an uproar recently, the board was undoubtedly aware of the situation.


    What¡¯s more, Ye Feng had not only struck down Lei Zaiyan of the Lei Family but also injured the young master of the Jiangdu¡¯s Jiang Family in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province last night.


    The board could not possibly be in the dark about such matters, and fearing retaliation from the Jiang Family, they were likely having second thoughts.


    Especially since Shen Minghua was fanning the flames behind the scenes, Hong Tianming had little doubt that the board had already slipped from the Hong Family¡¯s control and was leaning towards Shen Minghua, the backstabber with honeyed words.


    Shen Minghua chuckled, "My President Hong, oh no, I can¡¯t call you that anymore, as the board has just made a preliminary decision to remove you from your position, and also to remove Hong Qingyan¡¯s role as acting president, as well as dismissing the former president Hong Zhenguo from all his duties in the group!"


    Hong Yuting, hearing this, couldn¡¯t help but scream, "No, how is this possible? You, a mere general manager, even with the eight percent of shares from my dad and your own five percent, only hold thirteen percent altogether. You have no authority to make such a decision!"


    Hong Wei also snorted coldly, "Shen Minghua, you always seemed respectful and modest, but who could have guessed you were such a villain? You actually aspire to seize control of the Hong Family Group. Don¡¯t even think about it, it¡¯s simply impossible!"


    "Impossible?" Shen Minghua laughed, a laugh filled with self-satisfaction. Grinning, he continued, "I¡¯m not afraid to tell you that the board, aside from your Hong Family, has already reached a unanimous agreement and now possesses more than half of the shares."


    "In other words, the current board can make any decision it wants, even without the Hong Family. Do you understand now?"


    Hong Qingyan turned to Hong Tianming and asked, "Dad, is the board really as he says it is now?"


    Hong Tianming remained silent, with nothing more to say. He had transferred his shares yesterday out of fear of retaliation from the Jiang Family, but he could never have imagined it would lead to this.


    Upon hearing this, Hong Tianming and Zhang Yuman couldn¡¯t bear it any longer, both collapsing to the ground, devoid of strength.


    "Mom... Dad..."


    Hong Yuting and Hong Wei cried out in shock and hurried over, helping the two of them up.


    "It¡¯s over, it¡¯s all over now. Our Hong Family, we¡¯re truly finished now," Zhang Yuman wailed, slapping her thighs and looking up to the heavens.


    As the group¡¯s general manager, she indeed was involved in using the company for personal gain, and she knew this better than anyone. The amount was not small. When the Hong Family controlled the group, such things were tacitly understood and no one thought to take serious measures.


    But now, with the Hong Family¡¯s authority in the board weakened, everything was utterly ruined.


    Hong Tianming gritted his teeth and roared, "It¡¯s all my fault, I was too foolish to have listened to the vile Shen Minghua and transfer my share of the stocks to him while Old Master Hong was gravely ill in bed. Otherwise, none of this would have happened."


    Hong Yuting shook her head and snorted, "No, Dad, it¡¯s not your fault. You did it to protect our family. If anyone is to blame, it¡¯s that useless son-in-law who has been causing so much trouble lately. If it weren¡¯t for his recent actions, you wouldn¡¯t have transferred your shares, leading us to this plight."


    Zhang Yuman also said, "Exactly, everything is because of that good-for-nothing son-in-law, all of this chaos is his doing¡ªit¡¯s all his fault!"


    Hong Wei said, "What¡¯s the use of talking about this now? Dad, your prestige in the board isn¡¯t high, but grandfather still commands great respect. Now that he has come out of danger, let him wake up, return to the group immediately, and reorganize the board."


    Upon hearing that Old Master Hong was out of danger, Shen Minghua¡¯s eyes briefly showed a flicker of panic, but it quickly vanished.


    However well he hid it, he could not escape the discerning eyes of Ye Feng, who was standing beside them.


    It was at this moment that Ye Feng truly confirmed that the one who had poisoned Hong Zhenguo was this man, and that all of this was part of his carefully laid plans.

 Chapter 44 Hong Yuting’s Despair

    Hong Tianming and his family were completely powerless; it was a classic case of being too clever by half, and in the end, they had lifted a rock only to drop it on their own feet.


    Shen Minghua seemed to suddenly remember something else, adding, "Oh right, about that estate of yours, the Hong Family, it¡¯s under investigation too. Of course, you may continue to live there for the time being, but please remember not to destroy anything or try to subvert the process!"


    "Once everything is clarified, someone from the board will come to take over the house!"


    "Additionally, Hong Qingyan, as the acting president, I need you to come with me to the group now. The board needs you to go through the handover procedures, I¡¯ll wait for you outside!"


    After finishing his statement, Shen Minghua walked out without looking back, radiating an air of utter satisfaction.


    He had every reason to be satisfied, as he had bided his time for ten years, restraining himself with great effort for this day. Fortunately, heaven rewards the diligent, and he had finally succeeded.


    Hong Qingyan was equally at a loss. She never expected that after her grandfather became critically ill, the Hong Family would suffer one catastrophe after another. As an acting president in name, she truly had little capability to handle affairs. At the moment, her heart was in complete chaos.


    After quite some time, Hong Tianming finally let out a long sigh, "Let it be, we shouldn¡¯t blame anyone else. If we are to blame, it¡¯s for our own stupidity. My father was right; we are just like a pool of mud, unable to stick to the wall!"


    "Qingyan, go to the group and take care of the handover with the board. In the world of business, when you lose, you lose!"


    Hong Yuting bit her lip and shrieked fiercely, "No, we may not necessarily lose. I am beautiful, and I¡¯ll go to Young Master Jiang right now, hoping he can help us. If he agrees, I believe the board will certainly show him some respect given the strength of the Jiang Family. As long as there is one director with more than five percent of the shares supporting us, we have a chance."


    Ye Feng heard this and couldn¡¯t help but shake his head inwardly, thinking they were still deluding themselves, still really thinking that her beauty was unparalleled?


    Zhang Yuman also said, "Yu Ting is right. Young Master Jiang had a good impression of you last night. He will definitely help, call him now."


    Hong Yuting immediately took out her phone, perhaps to show off, she put the call on speakerphone right in the hospital room.


    The call connected quickly, and Young Master Jiang¡¯s slightly irritated voice came through, "Who is this?"


    Hong Yuting replied with a smile, "Hello, Young Master Jiang, this is Hong Yuting."


    "Hong Yuting? Which Hong Yuting?" Young Master Jiang asked.


    Upon hearing this, Hong Yuting¡¯s heart sank. To think that after all the flirting she had done yesterday, he didn¡¯t even remember her name.


    "Hong Yuting of the Hong Family of Jiangdu, we met at the banquet last night, Young Master Jiang, do you remember now? Oh, and I¡¯m calling today to ask for your help with something..."


    Before Hong Yuting could finish, Jiang Tianlong on the other end of the line roared impatiently, "Don¡¯t mention last night¡¯s banquet to me! The Hong Family, is it? Your damn son-in-law who came knocking at your door broke five of my fingers last night, and I haven¡¯t even settled the score with you yet, and you expect me to help?"


    "Do you think you¡¯re so beautiful that I¡¯d fall for you, coming from a third or fourth-level family? Let me tell you, even if I were interested, it would just be for fun. Wait and see, my Jiang Family will deal with your Hong Family sooner or later!"


    With that, Jiang Tianlong hung up the phone with a snap.


    Hong Yuting stood there, trembling with rage, as if she had lost her soul, because the appearance and charm she had taken such pride in seemed utterly worthless in the eyes of others. She had always dreamed of marrying into a great household in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, but it had all been an illusion.


    At that moment, even the usually self-assured Zhang Yuman didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Hong Qingyan turned to Ye Feng and asked, "Big Brother Ye, given the current situation, should I still go to the group?"


    Ye Feng replied with a smile, "Of course you should."


    Then, with two thuds, the two sturdy bodyguards were lying on the ground, clutching their abdomens, lacking even the strength to stand up.


    The door was pushed open, Ye Feng sat in a wheelchair, and Hong Qingyan pushed the chair, slowly entering the boardroom.


    Around the boardroom¡¯s round table sat over a dozen directors and shareholders. Shen Minghua sat at the head, and upon seeing the two enter, he leapt to his feet.


    "Ye, you dare intrude into the corporate boardroom; you¡¯ve got some nerve!" Shen Minghua bellowed and then turned to introduce Ye Feng to the other directors and shareholders, "Gentlemen, you might not recognize him. This wheelchair-bound cripple is the recent son-in-law of the Hong Family, named Ye Feng."


    An elderly shareholder snorted, "He¡¯s just the Hong Family¡¯s son-in-law. Since when does he have the right to come to the boardroom? Old Hong Zhenguo has been overly indulgent with members of the Hong Family, hasn¡¯t he?"


    "Indeed, does he really think that the current boardroom is still his own private forum, that the Hongtian Group is still his Hong Family¡¯s personal property?"


    "Shen Minghua, call someone to get this cripple out immediately!"


    Many of the old shareholders in the board meeting shouted and jeered; it seemed they had long been dissatisfied with Hong Zhenguo.


    However, Shen Minghua scoffed and said, "Fellow shareholders, there¡¯s actually no harm in this. This person here is the fiance? of the former acting president, Hong Qingyan. Even if he is present, he won¡¯t affect our board meeting one bit, let alone a wheelchair-bound cripple. What kind of waves can he possibly make?"


    With that said, Shen Minghua leaned down slightly, came close to Ye Feng¡¯s ear, and whispered with a sneering laugh, "Mr. Ye, you were disrespectful to me on the night of Old Man Hong¡¯s seventieth birthday. Today I¡¯ll let you witness how the Hong Family falls into complete defeat!"


    Ye Feng nodded and said with a smile, "Good, then I¡¯ll wait and see."


    "You won¡¯t be disappointed!" said Shen Minghua with a cold huff as he stood straight up, cleared his throat, and called out, "Since everyone¡¯s here, the board meeting shall now officially begin."


    Shen Minghua continued, "First on the agenda, is the dismissal of the former group president Hong Zhenguo, the dismissal of the former group executive president Hong Tianming, the dismissal of the group financial manager Zhang Yuman, and the dismissal of the former acting president Hong Qingyan. Please cast your vote now!"


    "I agree!"


    "I second that!"


    "Seconded..."


    Almost all the shareholders present unanimously agreed.


    A slight smile played on the corners of Shen Minghua¡¯s mouth as he said, "With more than half of the board¡¯s votes, the motion passes, approved!"


    Shen Minghua then said, "Next on the agenda, the board proposes that Shen Minghua, myself, assumes the role of the new president of the group."


    "I agree!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Seconded!"


    All the boardroom shareholders raised their hands to vote. In truth, they had already colluded well before the meeting. The procedures of the meeting were merely a formality.


    Seeing this, Shen Minghua couldn¡¯t help but laugh; he had won, he truly had won.


    However, Ye Feng suddenly said, "I disagree!"

 Chapter 45: The Three Major Clan Assembly Martial Events

    "You disagree?"


    Shen Minghua laughed, as if he was listening to a clown huffing and puffing, he couldn¡¯t help but snort coldly, "You, a mere son-in-law of the Hong Family with not a single share in the group, disagree? What right do you have to speak?"


    The other group directors and shareholders also clamored, "We¡¯ve said it before, get this Hong Family son-in-law out! Disrupting the board meeting, what sort of manner is this?"


    "Shen Minghua, you are now the president of the group, hurry and have someone throw them out!"


    Shen Minghua turned his head to look at Ye Feng, with a twist of his mouth, mocked word by word, "Did you hear that? Now it¡¯s me who will have people throw you out like rubbish crawling insects, or will you crawl out like losing dogs yourselves?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all, he sat in the wheelchair, unmoved, as the Northern Border King who had survived battles with thousands of troops, this petty scene couldn¡¯t stir any waves in his heart.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I don¡¯t need a reason, just this, Seventeen!" Ye Feng gestured towards the young man standing like a javelin behind him.


    "As you command, my lord!" Seventeen promptly took a document out of the briefcase and then tossed it onto the round table.


    "Gentlemen, no need to rush, take a look at this document first, and then decide on the board meeting¡¯s agenda."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and smiled, "I believe this document won¡¯t disappoint you."


    "What is this thing, another stray cat or dog causing a commotion, disrupting the proceedings of the board meeting!"


    A dubious director and shareholder of the group picked up the document but after skimming the first few lines, his expression drastically changed.


    "This is... this is, my God, this..." In shock, he became incoherent, even his entire person started to panic.


    Seeing this, the other shareholders asked, "Old Liang, what exactly is in those documents that has caused you such distress?"


    Other people also picked up the document, and after reading just the first few lines, their faces changed dramatically as well, panic ensuing.


    Upon seeing this, Shen Minghua¡¯s heart sank, suddenly realizing something was amiss, he too picked up the document, glanced at it, and then froze on the spot.


    "How... how is this possible, this document..."


    Shen Minghua started, then suddenly turned his head, glaring at Ye Feng beside him.


    Ye Feng simply smiled, "What about these documents, didn¡¯t they meet your expectations?"


    It turned out that these documents contained records of all the unlawful deeds carried out by the board directors and shareholders during their tenure, including the abuse of power to embezzle group assets, and the private condoning of crimes, Shen Minghua included.


    Though Shen Minghua acted with apparent propriety and strict self-discipline as the general manager, in reality, he was sanctimonious. In the past ten years, he had filled his own pockets using his managerial position, with amounts that were simply staggering.


    The conference even pointed out directly that Shen Minghua did not lack houses; he owned five properties, one of which was an old mansion, and besides that, he had five luxury sports cars under his name.


    All these details in the document were not simple records, but evidence.


    Shen Minghua no longer had the earlier smugness and arrogance, he stood there stiffened, his body already strengthless.


    "Mr. Ye, upon receiving your notice, I rushed here without delay, hoping to be of service," said Yan Xu with great respect.


    Ever since he had called his superiors last time to inquire about Ye Feng¡¯s background and they had given unclear answers, which led his superiors to make further calls, even the higher-ups were still without the authority to access that information.


    That was when Yan Xu realized that the young man seated in the wheelchair before him was essentially a legendary figure, and therefore, he had no choice but to show his respect.


    The shareholders of the board were stunned, unable to believe what they were seeing before them. The Iron Face Judge of Jiangdu, known for his impartiality, was being so respectful to this young man. This...


    Ye Feng handed another set of documents about Shen Minghua to him and said, "I don¡¯t need you to do anything troublesome, just handle it fairly and impartially."


    Yan Xu looked over the documents and roughly understood the situation. He nodded then and there, "Rest assured, Mr. Ye, I will handle it according to the law!"


    Ye Feng said nothing more and turned to leave.


    Yan Xu was not in uniform, considering that it might negatively affect the Hongtian Group. He was dressed in plain clothes, accompanied by only two equally plain-clothed subordinates.


    "Mr. Shen Minghua, although I¡¯m dressed in plain clothes today, you know who I am, I hope. I¡¯d like you to come with me. Of course, you may resist, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware of the consequences!" Yan Xu said, his voice stern.


    Where could Shen Minghua still dare to resist? At this moment, he had already collapsed to the ground like a lump of mud.


    "Take him away!" With a wave of Yan Xu¡¯s hand, his two subordinates lifted Shen Minghua and took him out of the boardroom.


    As he was leaving, Yan Xu didn¡¯t forget to bow to Ye Feng and say, "Thank you, Mr. Ye, for helping me to crack several old cases."


    Ye Feng just waved his hand, "Go take care of the things you need to take care of."


    "Yes, then I shall not disturb you any longer, Mr. Ye!" With that, Yan Xu made his exit.


    "Damn!" Ye Feng suddenly exclaimed.


    Hong Qingyan, who had just relaxed, became anxious again and quickly asked, "What¡¯s the matter, Big Brother Ye? What¡¯s happened now?"


    Ye Feng smiled bitterly, "In dealing with the Hong Family issue, I¡¯ve forgotten about the Fu Family. Today is the day of the martial arts exchange between the Three Great Ancient Families of Jiangdu."


    Hong Qingyan also suddenly realized the gravity of the situation and exclaimed, "This is bad. The Jiang Family from Jiangnan Province surely sent people, and Fu Shen and Fu Zi will definitely not be able to hold on!"


    "No time to delay, let¡¯s leave immediately for the Jiangdu Martial Arts Hall!" Ye Feng said, gesturing with his hand.


    After speaking, they hurriedly left the board, exited Hongtian Group, got into the car, and sped towards Jiangdu Martial Arts Hall.


    Meanwhile, Jiangdu Martial Arts Hall was not as noisy and bustling as usual because today was reserved for the martial arts exchange between the Three Great Ancient Families, hence it was closed to the public.


    However, the parking lot outside the martial arts hall presented a rare sight, hosting over a dozen limited-edition luxury cars. Even the relatively less expensive ones had prices over a million.


    At this moment, Fu Shen and Fu Zi had already arrived, as well as people from the Lei Family and the Long Family. In addition, people from the Jiang Family of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, who should not have been there, also arrived, and they brought not just a few people but also one of their elders, a Half-Step Grandmaster.


    Fu Shen and Fu Zi stood at the entrance, looking around anxiously, "It¡¯s already this late, and our third brother still hasn¡¯t arrived. Should we give him a call?"


    After thinking for a moment, Fu Shen said, "No need. Perhaps it¡¯s better that he doesn¡¯t come today. After all, we¡¯re facing the Jiang Family, a Half-Step Grandmaster. It¡¯s likely of little help even if he came."

 Chapter 46: Life or Body?

    Fu Zi let out a long sigh, feeling disappointed would be an understatement, after all, every young girl idolizes heroes, and she truly hoped that Ye Feng was that legendary hero, wishing for his powerful return to rescue the Fu Family from dire straits.


    But now it seemed...


    "I may have been too selfish," she thought, "after all, Third Brother has left Jiangdu for ten years and doesn¡¯t have much affection for the Fu Family. It¡¯s unreasonable to ask so much of him. Perhaps I should be more generous and agree to Young Master Jiang¡¯s demands."


    Fu Zi¡¯s mind was filled with chaotic thoughts.


    Fu Shen said, "Let¡¯s not wait any longer, the martial arts sparring should be about to start, let¡¯s go in. No matter what, today Second Brother has already prepared for the worst. If it really comes down to it, we¡¯ll just leave Jiangdu."


    Fu Zi gave a bitter smile and said, "After what happened last night, Young Master Jiang had five fingers twisted off. Do you think the Jiang Family will let us leave easily today?"


    Fu Shen sighed, "What does it matter? We can¡¯t be spineless cowards without integrity, like that old bastard Fu Zuoxing, can we?"


    Fu Zi shook her head without saying more, then the two of them entered.


    The venue was divided into three parts, with the Lei Family¡¯s people in the middle, the Long Family¡¯s on the left, and the people from the Fu Family were isolated in a corner on the right.


    As for the Jiang Family, they were basically at both ends of the arena, evidently the directors of this martial arts contest.


    As soon as Fu Wenhua saw Fu Shen and his companion walk in, he immediately stepped forward quickly and asked, "How did it go, did that foster son, Ye Feng, show up?"


    Fu Shen and Fu Zi didn¡¯t speak, their faces filled with a sense of dejection.


    Fu Wenhua glanced outside the door and saw no one coming. He immediately burst into a torrent of curses, "That damn brat, he caused a ruckus last night, after promising everything would be sorted, and now he¡¯s nowhere to be seen. He¡¯s leaving us Fu Family to clean up his mess?"


    Fu Qing also stepped forward and said, "Brother, you¡¯re still too naive. I, your sister, never had any expectations for that crippled foster son. If he had been a son-in-law to those prestigious families in the capital, perhaps our Fu Family could have had some hope."


    At this point, Fu Qing shrugged slightly, her face full of disdain as she mocked, "But look at him, he¡¯s just the son-in-law of the Hong Family, and a cripple with a broken leg at that. You¡¯re expecting him to help? That¡¯s less likely than a sow climbing a tree!"


    Fu Zuoxing also snorted angrily, "That damn brat, if he doesn¡¯t come today to bear the brunt of the Jiang Family¡¯s rage, what are we supposed to do!"


    Having said this, Fu Zuoxing suddenly glared at Fu Shen and said through gritted teeth, "The trouble last night was caused by you two. Today, you sisters have to take responsibility. In the upcoming fight with the Lei Family, you must lose to them!"


    "Furthermore, Fu Zi, listen to me well. You understand what Young Master Jiang wants. Tonight, you¡¯ll go to the hotel booked by Young Master Jiang and serve him well. Perhaps that might appease Young Master Jiang¡¯s anger, otherwise our Fu Family is finished!"


    Fu Shen bit back a retort, "To deliberately lose to the Lei Family is one thing, but to expect my sister to attend to that waste Jiang Tianlong, that¡¯s impossible!"


    Fu Zuoxing coldly retorted, "I¡¯m not discussing this with you. Let me tell you, the Jiang Family has brought quite a number of people today, and have now completely taken control of the entire martial arts hall. Do you really think that if we don¡¯t comply with them today, we¡¯ll live to walk out of here?"


    Fu Wenhua¡¯s face suddenly paled, and in a panic, she said, "Dad, you¡¯re not serious, are you?"


    Fu Qing was also scared and said, "Dad, we had nothing to do with what happened last night. It was all Ye Feng, that waste. He¡¯s the one who injured Young Master Jiang, surely the Jiang Family won¡¯t kill us, will they?"


    "He must have fled. Should we send people to capture him? That kid has broken five of my fingers, and this debt must be paid with his blood!" Jiang Tianlong said.


    The elder pondered for a moment before replying, "Rest assured, he won¡¯t be able to escape. Go and contact Yan Xu now, have him find people. And the operatives in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province will also make a move. Let¡¯s see how that greenhorn can escape from the palm of our Jiang Family!"


    Immediately, Jiang Tianlong nodded and said, "Yes, Third Grandfather, I¡¯ll get in touch right away!"


    On the other hand, Fu Shen, upon hearing the host¡¯s call, stepped forward to ascend the stage.


    Fu Zi hastily shouted, "Second Brother, this year¡¯s competition is totally under the Jiang Family¡¯s control. There¡¯s no need for us to make a futile struggle. Just admit defeat when it¡¯s your turn."


    Yet Fu Shen shook his head firmly, grinding his teeth, "No, Zi¡¯er, I¡¯ve made up my mind. I will not intentionally lose. On the contrary, I¡¯ll strike back¡ªeven if I die today, I will beat a member of the Lei Family half to death to avenge our foster father!"


    "No, Second Brother, you mustn¡¯t do this. You¡¯ll die..."


    Before Fu Zi could finish, Fu Shen had already stepped onto the stage. Then, Long Shaowu from the Long Family had also made his way up.


    What surprised everyone, though, was that the person from the Lei Family who stepped up was not a young family member but an old man from the Jiang Family.


    "This... An expert from the Jiang Family is directly representing the Lei Family in the competition? How shameless can the Lei Family get, not even caring about saving face anymore?"


    Voices of discussion immediately spread from the Long Family¡¯s side.


    "The Lei Family has been shameless for some time now. They had this expert from the Jiang Family step in last year, or else Fu Zuoming from the Fu Family would not have been beaten to death!"


    "Right, now that you mention it, I remember. The one who beat Fu Zuoming of the Fu Family to death on the stage last year was this expert from the Jiang Family, wasn¡¯t it?"


    "Exactly that man. It looks like this year, the Jiang Family still has no intention of letting the Fu Family off the hook. Plus, with what happened last night with Jiang Tianlong¡¯s fingers being broken, I¡¯m afraid Fu Shen will follow in his foster father¡¯s footsteps today!"


    "Oh, speaking of last night, what about that foster son from the Fu Family named Ye Feng? He was quite arrogant yesterday, so why haven¡¯t we seen him today? Could it be that he didn¡¯t come?"


    "Haven¡¯t seen him, he probably got scared witless, or maybe he has already fled by now. I thought this Ye fellow was something special, but it turns out he¡¯s just a coward lacking the guts!"


    Fu Zi¡¯s complexion had already drastically changed, and she yelled at Fu Shen, "Second Brother, don¡¯t be impulsive. Just admit defeat when it¡¯s your turn, you absolutely mustn¡¯t act rashly!"


    Fu Shen had his back to her and did not reply, his eyes fixedly staring at the blue-robed elder from the Lei Family, with towering rage flooding in his eyes.


    "The three representatives, please come over to draw lots!" the host commanded.


    The order of the drawing was quickly determined, which didn¡¯t really surprise many, because the Lei Family was in control of the lots that were drawn.


    The first match would be between the Fu Family and the Lei Family, which meant Fu Shen against the blue-robed expert from the Jiang Family.


    "This Fu Shen, he¡¯s quite a man. It seems he¡¯s likely to meet his end here today..."

 Chapter 47 You’re Actually a Great Grandmaster?

    Everyone was acutely aware that yesterday, Ye Feng, the foster son of the Fu family, had injured and broken five fingers of the Jiang family¡¯s eldest young master. Today, the sudden invitation of this Elder of the Jiang family by the Lei family side clearly indicated a desire for revenge.


    Fu Shen knew this too, but he equally knew that he had no way out.


    "It was you, it was you who killed my foster father, on the very same day last year, on this same platform!" Fu Shen clenched his teeth and bellowed furiously, word by word.


    The Jiang family elder, with his hands behind his back, sneered, "That¡¯s correct, it was me. Are you thinking about seeking revenge?"


    Grinding his teeth, Fu Shen roared, "Today, even if it means death, I won¡¯t make it easy for you!"


    At this moment, the host waved his hand and shouted, "Since both parties are ready, let¡¯s begin the first bout of this martial competition right now!"


    No sooner had his words fallen than the Jiang family elder, Jiang Biehe, made his move. As a Ninth Stage of External Strength expert, his attack was lightning fast.


    Even though Fu Shen was prepared, he still failed to react in time.


    With a thump!


    Fu Shen¡¯s chin was struck by a fist, and he immediately fell backward.


    Jiang Biehe¡¯s elbow strike hit Fu Shen¡¯s abdomen, causing him to curl up like a shrimp on the spot.


    However, this was far from enough, Jiang Biehe clearly had the intent to kill and did not give his opponent any chance to concede and beg for mercy.


    Another sound of collision!


    With a sweeping kick, Jiang Biehe knocked Fu Shen to the ground, blood spewing from the corner of his mouth.


    The crowd below watched in silence, feeling somewhat emotional, as this scene was strikingly similar to the one from last year.


    Last year, when Fu Zuoming of the Fu family dueled with the Lei family, he was also killed by Jiang Biehe with almost the same moves.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    Just three moves, and Fu Zuoming had breath his last without even a chance to surrender!


    Now, his foster son Fu Shen was subjected to the same treatment, but it seemed he was tougher; he hadn¡¯t died after three moves.


    Fu Shen spat out blood but still struggled to get up!


    Fu Zi, upon seeing this, had bloodshot eyes and yelled hysterically, "Second brother, hurry... hurry up and concede. Concede right now, or you¡¯ll really die. Just surrender, don¡¯t do something foolish!"


    "Surrender? Impossible. Even in death, I will never surrender!" Fu Shen staggered to his feet from the ground.


    Jiang Biehe sneered, "Seems you still have some spirit? But..."


    As he spoke, he threw a punch, and Fu Shen once again hit the ground hard, collapsing onto the surface.


    Jiang Biehe walked over, step by step, looming over him and said coldly, word by word, "A mere worm dares to contend with the Jiang family? Your foster father was overconfident last year, and this year you are naively ignorant!"


    After finishing his words, Jiang Biehe stepped directly onto Fu Shen¡¯s palm, then gradually applied pressure, nearly crushing Fu Shen¡¯s five fingers.


    Fu Shen had almost become a Blood Man and was still struggling incessantly.


    Suddenly, he burst forth, biting fiercely into Jiang Biehe¡¯s thigh, tearing off a large chunk of flesh.


    "Ahh..." Jiang Biehe roared in pain, kicked Fu Shen off the platform with one foot.


    Ye Feng laughed and stared at him as he said every word, "My identity is none of your concern. All you need to know is that you have already violated the sect¡¯s rules by not coming forward to treat the injured in time. If you do not take action now to treat my Second Brother, I will strip you of your position as Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect."


    "Strip me of my Sect Master position?"


    Qi Tianmen was taken aback, then burst into laughter as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world, "Utterly arrogant and ignorant. You also delude yourself into thinking you can strip me of my position as Sect Master? A cripple confined to a wheelchair, a foster son of the Fu Family, do you think you are the Chief Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect?"


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t bother arguing with him any longer, turning his head to Hong Qingyan, "I forgot to ask earlier; contact Hong Tianming immediately, tell him to notify Luo Keque to bring healing medicine and rush here without delay!"


    Qi Tianmen sneered, "Vice Sect Leader Luo Keque holds what status and position; would he take orders from you?"


    Ye Feng already couldn¡¯t be bothered with him; now wasn¡¯t the time to settle accounts.


    "Jiang Biehe? Was it you who killed my foster father last year?" Ye Feng slowly turned his head, his gaze sharp as a blade as he stared at the other party.


    Jiang Biehe instantly felt an immense pressure; however, she laughed the next moment, thinking he was just a disabled man confined to a wheelchair, and besides, the Jiang Family had yet another Half-Step Master expert present today. What was there to fear?


    "Indeed, it was I who killed Fu Zuoming. He lost a fair contest on the fighting stage due to inferior skills. What can a brat like you do to me?" Jiang Biehe sneered.


    "Very well, since that¡¯s the case, you may go to your death!" Ye Feng nodded slightly and slowly uttered two words, "Seventeen!"


    As soon as his voice fell, Seventeen pounced like a ferocious tiger, swift as the wind.


    "Not good!" Jiang Biehe¡¯s heart sank, realizing she was up against a formidable opponent and instinctively wanting to retreat.


    But how could she possibly evade? She was immediately seized by the neck by Seventeen.


    "Third Brother, save me..." Jiang Biehe managed only to cry out these words before her neck was twisted, and quickly she crumpled to the ground like a mudslide.


    "How dare you! Stop right there!" A thunderous roar erupted from within the martial arts hall as if a bolt from the blue.


    The Half-Step Grandmaster expert of the Jiang Family, who had been sitting at the edge of the arena, suddenly raised his voice. Yet ultimately, being only a Half-Step Master, he was incapable of projecting his inner strength externally and naturally failed to stop the assault.


    "He¡¯s dead... Uncle Six is actually dead, Uncle Six has been killed, Grandfather, Uncle Six was killed by this man!" Jiang Tianlong howled.


    "Daring to kill a member of the Jiang Family, you¡¯re courting death!"


    The Elder of the Jiang Family, Jiang Youhe, roared furiously, leaping high into the air towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng remained immovable in his wheelchair, even his facial expression did not change in the slightest.


    Seventeen flashed, blocking in front of Ye Feng, and then threw a punch.


    Jiang Youhe subconsciously countered with a punch, and the two fists met, with their edges crossing each other.


    With a massive bang!


    Jiang Youhe was sent flying like a broken kite, striking over several chairs behind him, spitting blood on the spot with his right arm hanging limply, clearly broken.


    "You... you actually... actually repelled me with one punch, and broke my arm?"


    Jiang Youhe looked horrified, his eyes fixated on Seventeen as he said word by word, "You¡¯re a Grandmaster, you¡¯re actually a Grandmaster of Inner Force?"


    Everyone present heard these words and their faces showed shock. They turned their heads, looking incredulously at Seventeen.


    Seventeen still did not speak, and his face showed no expression. He usually didn¡¯t say much, only acting when given instructions by Ye Feng.

 Chapter 48: This Son-in-law Who Comes Knocking is Really Arrogant!

    Jiang Youhe looked pale and no longer dared to step forward.


    Although a Half-Step Master was formidable, facing a true Grandmaster, he would still be easily killed in a single move.


    "So it turns out that a Grandmaster has been following this foster son of the Hong Family, no wonder he has been so brazen recently!" Long Shaowu sighed.


    "I remember now, wasn¡¯t it this guy who broke Lei Zaiyan of the Lei Family¡¯s arm a while ago? And the Chu Family, the turmoil they¡¯ve stirred up in Jiangdu recently, it¡¯s all because of this son-in-law of the Hong Family!"


    "This son-in-law really is audacious, he¡¯s a veritable Frenzied Son-in-Law!"


    The surrounding crowd whispered to each other, their expressions when looking at Ye Feng changing, since having a Grandmaster by one¡¯s side truly wasn¡¯t a minor matter.


    Take the three great ancient families of Jiangdu, for example, both the Lei Family and the Fu Family didn¡¯t have a Grandmaster; only the Long Family had slightly deeper resources, but they also only had one Grandmaster, who was the current patriarch of the Long Family and also the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Jiangdu.


    "However, he is after all wheelchair-bound and handicapped, having a Grandmaster by his side is fearsome, but in the end, there is only one, the Jiang Family of the Southern River Region is different, they alone have as many as three Grandmasters. This kid probably doesn¡¯t think that, with this, he can contend with the Jiang Family, right?"


    Long Shaowu of the Dragon Sound Pavilion curled his lip and sneered, "Also, the way he has caused such unrest in our Jiangdu city recently, his behavior is extremely rash. This Frenzied Son-in-Law of the Hong Family doesn¡¯t seem to have taken our grandfather, the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance, into consideration at all!"


    Long Shaogong nodded and said, "Exactly, our grandfather is still in secluded cultivation, once he comes out, he will certainly not stand idly by, after all, the Martial Alliance of Jiangdu has the responsibility and duty to maintain peace and harmony in the Martial Dao World of Jiangdu!"


    Ye Feng could not be bothered with the murmuring of the three siblings of the Long Family, feeling that he was not to the point of stooping to their level. Everything would wait until that person came out of cultivation.


    Just then, Luo Keque hurried in with several people, rushing in from outside carrying a medicine box.


    Luo Keque didn¡¯t take the time to glance at anyone else but instead came straight up to Ye Feng, because on the way here, he had already learned the general situation.


    "Mr. Ye, rest assured, I will do my utmost to treat Mr. Fu Shen!" Luo Keque bowed and cupped his hands towards Ye Feng.


    "Much appreciated!" Ye Feng waved his hand.


    Luo Keque hesitated no longer, turned, and walked over to Fu Shen, who was still unconscious, then opened the medicine box and began the treatment, together with two assistants.


    Several times, Sect Master Qi Tianmen of the Divine Doctor Sect wanted to step forward to ask Luo Keque about the specifics because he noticed that Luo Keque¡¯s attitude towards this wheelchair-bound young man was quite unusual. However, considering the circumstances, he finally held back.


    At this crucial juncture, he did not want to complicate matters, not realizing that this was his last opportunity because his hesitation had completely ruined his prospects.


    Jiang Youhe clenched his teeth and exclaimed angrily, "Ye, I really didn¡¯t expect that you, a wheelchair-bound cripple, would actually be able to enlist a Grandmaster. You, this son-in-law of the Hong Family, do have some capabilities and methods!"


    Having said that, Jiang Youhe let out a breath and said with a heavy tone, "But do you think, with this, you can contend with the Jiang Family of the Southern River Region? I¡¯m not afraid to tell you that you have now completely offended the Jiang Family, and you are not far from death."


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "I also can¡¯t believe that, even now, you still dare to jump around in front of me. A minor Jiang Family really thinks it¡¯s an imperial noble clan? In my eyes, Ye Feng, your Jiang Family is nothing but ants!"


    "Seventeen, cripple his legs!"


    It is known that the Southern Territory governs seven or eight provinces in the south, and aside from the Sovereign, there are four leaders and twelve Formation Lords under him. Fifteen years ago, the Jiang Family from Jiangnan even had a leader among their ranks, which showed the formidable power of the Jiang Family!


    Therefore, Sect Master Qi Tianmen was sure that this man in a wheelchair, even with a Great Grandmaster behind him, couldn¡¯t possibly contend with the Jiang Family. Thus, at this moment, he felt it was even more crucial to cling to the Jiang Family¡¯s coattails.


    "What are you all waiting for? Since we¡¯ve brought medicine, hurry and go treat the Jiang Family¡¯s wounded!"


    Realizing the situation, Sect Master Qi Tianmen waved his hand and scolded several disciples of the Divine Doctor Sect, who didn¡¯t dare to protest and quickly rushed towards Jiang Youhe and Jiang Tianlong.


    Seeing this, Luo Keque silently shook his head and sighed, thinking to himself that Sect Master Qi Tianmen, after all, was the leader of the Divine Doctor Sect but was blinded by foolishness, not being able to see the true big shot. Trouble seemed to be brewing.


    Ye Feng, however, slowly narrowed his eyes but for the moment couldn¡¯t be bothered with the flip-flopping Sect Master Qi Tianmen. He turned and asked, "Mr. Luo, did you happen to bring a stretcher with you?"


    "In response to Mr. Ye, indeed I did bring one. I will order someone to carry Mr. Fu on the stretcher and send him back to the Fu Family," answered Luo Keque.


    "Thank you for that. You¡¯ve done well; I see potential in you," Ye Feng said with a slight wave of his hand, and Hong Qingyan, coming to her senses, moved to push the wheelchair away.


    It wasn¡¯t until Ye Feng and others had completely left the martial arts hall that everyone finally let out a sigh of relief.


    Long Shaowu was the first to snort coldly, "That son-in-law of the Hong Family is far too arrogant. He is utterly disrespectful of others!"


    Long Shaogong also huffed, "He alone has thrown the noble families of Jiangdu into chaos, showing no regard for the martial Dao world of Jiangdu. This cannot stand; we must report this to our grandfather. As the leader of the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu, he must step in to suppress this man!"


    "If this son-in-law of the Hong Family isn¡¯t suppressed, I¡¯m afraid the martial Dao realm of Jiangdu will never be able to hold its head high again. Grandfather will certainly not sit by idly once he learns of this," declared someone from Dragon Sound Pavilion.


    By this time, Jiang Youhe had awakened from his stupor; in fact, he hadn¡¯t fainted at all but had pretended to be dead because he was genuinely afraid that the other party would kill him.


    "Ye Feng, that son-in-law of the Hong Family, a cripple confined to a wheelchair, you broke my legs, humiliated my Jiang Family. This enmity is irreconcilable; my family¡¯s disgrace today can only be washed away with your blood!" Jiang Youhe roared towards the sky.


    As for the Lei Family, they were completely silent at this point, because they knew the situation was beyond their capacity to be involved in.


    Fu Qing and Fu Wenhua were scared stiff earlier, and only now began to recover. Fu Wenhua tugged at the clothes of Fu Zuoxing, who was also in a dazed state, and said in a low voice, "Dad, what should we do now?"


    "Shh... don¡¯t talk, let¡¯s go, right now!" Fu Zuoxing ran off after speaking, not even caring for his son and daughter, fearing that the Jiang Family and the Lei Family might retaliate against them soon after regaining their senses.


    Only when they were completely out of the martial arts hall did Fu Zuoxing take a long breath, feeling as though he had narrowly escaped a calamity.


    "Dad, what should we do now? Ye Feng, the foster son, seems rather formidable. Should we go and mend fences with him now?" Fu Wenhua asked after getting into the car.


    "Mend fences with him? You must have water in your brain," Fu Zuoxing scolded sharply. "Can¡¯t you see the situation? With the commotion that Ye kid has caused today, his days are numbered. Do you think the Jiang Family will let him go?"


    Fu Qing nodded and said, "Right, Dad is correct. Not only should we not repair our relationship with him now, but we must also sever all ties with him completely and immediately send a message to the Jiang Family, stating that we have already driven that Ye out of the Fu Family and that today¡¯s incident has nothing to do with us!"


    "Exactly, that¡¯s what we should do. Otherwise, our Fu Family will sooner or later be dragged down by that cripple Ye!"

 Chapter 49 I Have a Hundred Ways

    When returning to the Hong Family, Hong Zhenguo had already been discharged from the hospital and was quietly recuperating in the Inner Courtyard.


    After the events of today, especially after hearing about what had happened at the Hongtian Group board meeting, the family of Hong Tianming seemed to show some awkwardness towards Ye Feng.


    "Our esteemed son-in-law is back, come in quickly!" Hong Tianming was rather open-minded and was the first to make his stance clear.


    "Have you had dinner yet, son-in-law? If not, I¡¯ll go and tell someone to prepare it right away!" Hong Tianming¡¯s attitude was quite attentive.


    However, it was Hong Yuting, with her arms crossed and leaning against the doorframe, who showed an unprovoked displeasure in her expression, and her look towards Ye Feng was filled with disdain.


    Hong Tianming hummed, "Yu Ting, what are you standing there for? Go and prepare dinner for our Hong Family¡¯s esteemed son-in-law right now!"


    Hong Yuting immediately became unhappy and clamored, "Why should I do it? I¡¯m not his woman and his fiance?e is Hong Qingyan, not me, Hong Yuting!"


    It turned out that Hong Yuting was just sour grapes for not being able to have what she couldn¡¯t attain. Even though she already knew that this son-in-law of the Hong Family was no ordinary person, due to previous events, she still refused to acknowledge him, largely because of her unwarranted sense of superiority.


    Ye Feng also smiled and said, "No need, I¡¯m used to the food Qingyan makes. I¡¯m not accustomed to and don¡¯t trust food made by others!"


    Hong Yuting hummed, "What do you mean by that? Are you beating around the bush with your accusations? Don¡¯t think you are something special just because you saved Grandfather and our Hong Family. Let me tell you, you are still a cripple with a broken leg!"


    "Enough!" Hong Tianming immediately became furious.


    Zhang Yuman couldn¡¯t help but say, "Look Tianming, I have no issue with the way you treat our son-in-law, but why are you taking it out on Yu Ting? Did she do something wrong?"


    Hong Yuting rolled her eyes and said, "You must have heard about what happened at the Jiangdu martial arts school today. Now that our son-in-law has completely offended the Jiang Family, they surely won¡¯t let it go. We in the Hong Family should start thinking about what to do next!"


    Zhang Yuman nodded in agreement, "Yu Ting is right. The influence of the Jiang Family is not something ordinary people can provoke with impunity. This son-in-law..."


    As she said this, Zhang Yuman turned her head to look at Ye Feng and asked, "Tell me Ye Feng, now that you¡¯re our son-in-law, and not an outsider, can you share with us the truth about your background? Are you capable of standing against the Jiang Family?"


    Ye Feng laughed and retorted, "What if I say I¡¯m not capable of contending with the Jiang Family? Would you kick me out or distance yourselves from me?"


    Zhang Yuman was taken aback, and Hong Yuting rolled her eyes, with a look that seemed to say, "Just wait for your doom."


    Hong Tianming chuckled and said, "Look at what our esteemed son-in-law is saying. But no matter what, we should get to know each other better. Father has always said that you are no ordinary person. Could it be that you come from the Capital?"


    Ye Feng shrugged and replied, "As for my background, you¡¯d better not ask too much. Asking too much won¡¯t be good for you. Besides, you are not entitled to inquire!"


    Hong Tianming didn¡¯t press further, but Hong Yuting, rolling her eyes and pouting, said, "Look at that. With a bit of skill, he really thinks he¡¯s ascended to the heavens. Just wait. When the Jiang Family sends someone over, we¡¯ll see who has the last laugh!"


    Zhang Yuman also said, "Yu Ting is right; we have to prepare. In my opinion, we should draw a clear line with him..."


    Before she could finish, Hong Tianming glared at her with such fury that she was abruptly silenced mid-sentence.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t be bothered with these shortsighted folks. Just then, Hong Qingyan had finished preparing the meal, so the two of them started to eat, ignoring everyone else.


    The Hong Tianming family stood on the side of the hall, initially wanting to strike up a conversation, but not knowing what to say, leading to an extremely awkward situation.


    After all, Hong Qingyan had a kind heart. To relieve the awkwardness, she asked, "By the way, Uncle Tianming, how is Grandfather doing now? Is he feeling better?"


    Shen Minghua¡¯s expression was unchanged as he sneered, "I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about."


    "You do. You know better than anyone why Elder Hong Zhenguo went to the hospital, why he was poisoned." Ye Feng¡¯s voice was cold and his gaze sharp as a knife.


    Schen Minghua¡¯s face flickered with a moment of panic, but he quickly regained his composure and pretended to be completely clueless.


    "Poisonous Gu!" Ye Feng began slowly: "You could get ahold of the Southern Border Poisonous Gu, which means there¡¯s someone behind you. Otherwise, with your abilities, you couldn¡¯t have accessed it. That¡¯s why I suspect you were acting on someone else¡¯s orders!"


    Shen Minghua scoffed loudly, "I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about!"


    "Pretending to be crazy and stupid in front of me?" Ye Feng snickered.


    "So what?" Suddenly, Shen Minghua looked up, staring at Ye Feng with a fierce smile, "I¡¯m well aware that the crimes I committed will have me locked up for life. My life is over and has no meaning anymore, so why would I tell you anything?"


    Ye Feng laughed, shaking his head, "You may not have any hope of getting out for the rest of your life, but that doesn¡¯t mean you have to die."


    Upon saying that, Ye Feng sized him up and then spoke deliberately, "Since you came in, your hairstyle is still slick and stylish, your clothes are still neat. That means you still hold out hope for life, you don¡¯t want to die, you¡¯re afraid of death and suffering!"


    "So? What are you trying to say?" Shen Minghua lifted his head to meet Ye Feng¡¯s gaze directly, grunting through clenched teeth, "You¡¯ve turned me into this, I¡¯d love to tear you limb from limb. Do you still expect me to tell you the origin of the poisonous gu?"


    Ye Feng shook his head with a sigh, "Dealing with someone who isn¡¯t afraid to die might indeed be difficult for me, but for someone like you, I have a hundred ways to make you reveal the truth!"


    Shen Minghua snorted.


    Ye Feng continued, "You probably saw yesterday, Yan Xu listens to me. With just one command from me and with his abilities, your future prison life will certainly be ¡¯interesting.¡¯ I can assure you that the second half of your life behind bars will be worse than death!"


    Shen Minghua¡¯s face changed, true fear setting in. He had already abandoned any hope for life, but this fate worse than death...


    Ye Feng continued, "By then, even if you wish for death, you won¡¯t be able to achieve it. Conversely, if you disclose the truth, reveal the source of the Poisonous Gu, I can pass on a message to Yan Xu. Although it won¡¯t be enough to get you out, at least you wouldn¡¯t suffer too much inside."


    "Are you serious?" Shen Minghua suddenly lifted his head.


    Ye Feng smiled, "For a creature as insignificant as you, I hardly need to lie!"


    Shen Minghua fell silent for a long moment before finally biting the bullet and saying, "Fine, I¡¯ll tell you. But I hope you¡¯ll do as you say!"


    Ye Feng remained silent, waiting for him to continue.


    "It¡¯s the Yin Family from Southern River Region Jiangnan Province. A junior from the Yin Family, it was he who gave me the Poisonous Gu!" Shen Minghua suddenly raised his voice.


    "The Yin Family from Southern River Region Jiangnan Province?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow.


    "Yes, my rapid rise to the position of General Manager in the Hongtian Group and later my ascension was also thanks to the Yin Family pulling strings in the shadows. This time, with the administering of the Poisonous Gu and consolidating the board of directors, it was the Yin Family manipulating everything behind the scenes. I was just a pawn for the Yin Family!"


    Having said this, Shen Minghua gnashed his teeth, "The Yin Family, they promised to back me up, but now that everything has come to light, they abandoned me. Since the Yin Family is heartless, don¡¯t blame me for being unrighteous!"


    He added, "Right, three years ago, I heard that drunk Yin Family junior say something. Although the Yin Family isn¡¯t well-known in Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, they have an extremely terrifying force behind them, reportedly a branch of the Southern Territory Gu&Poison Sect."


    "The Southern Territory Gu&Poison Sect, it all makes sense now!" Upon hearing this, Ye Feng finally unraveled the mystery.

 Chapter 50 The Martial King, A Peerless Master!

    ```


    The Gu&Poison Sect of the Southern Border is extremely secretive. Aside from their Gu and Poison techniques, they also possess evil arts such as bewitchment. Moreover, the Gu&Poison Sect has always been elusive, and even the soldiers of the Southern Territory would find it no easy task to eradicate it.


    That''s because the Southern Border boasts the Hundred Thousand Mountains, which are dense and primitive forests where one can easily get lost without knowledge of the terrain, let alone carrying out an extermination.


    However, as the Northern Border King, Ye Feng knew that although the Gu&Poison Sect''s base camp was hidden within the Hundred Thousand Mountains of the Southern Territory, they had proxies operating outside.


    After all, to cultivate Gu and Poison, or to maintain a family''s survival, a vast amount of money is needed.


    And this is why the Yin Family of Jiangnan Province in the Southern River Region has the Gu&Poison Sect behind them.


    The Gu&Poison Sect, through controlling the Yin Family of Jiangnan, and the Yin Family, by various means, plundered the industries of the cities in the Jiangnan Province, aiming to seize wealth for the Gu&Poison Sect. It must be said that this channel is very secretive, only Ye Feng would have noticed.


    "It seems that once the matter in Jiangdu is settled, it''s time to take a trip to the Provincial City of Jiangnan Province. The Jiang Family and Yin Family of Jiangnan, these scum must be eradicated!"


    Ye Feng left the Supervision Bureau with a gaze as cold and sharp as a knife, his mind already made up.


    Seventeen pushed the wheelchair silently from behind throughout, while Yan Xu dared not ask any more questions.


    The two then returned to the Hong Family; the night was already deep, and there were very few pedestrians on both sides of the streets.


    All of a sudden, Ye Feng felt an oppressive sensation that made him extremely uncomfortable.


    Almost in an instant, Ye Feng realized it.


    "We''re being followed!" He didn''t turn around, nor did he look through the rearview mirror. This was the spirit sense born from years of battling on the fields.


    Seventeen looked through the rearview mirror and didn''t spot any noticeable people or vehicles, and couldn''t help saying, "Is that really possible?"


    Ye Feng immediately ordered, "Take a detour, don''t go back to the Hong Family for now, circle around the foothills outside the city!"


    This is what''s called luring the snake out of its hole. If someone was indeed following them, the mountain outskirts would undoubtedly be the best place to strike. Rather than having the pursuers skulk in the shadows, it''s better to draw them out and capture them all in one fell swoop.


    This is the audacity of the highly skilled, and of course, the bearing of a regal ruler!


    Seventeen didn''t say anything, simply turned the steering wheel, and headed towards the western foothills.


    The car sped away, quickly leaving the city area and entering the winding mountain paths.


    However, even as a Great Grandmaster, facing the fierce joint attack of three Jiang Family Grandmasters, Seventeen found himself overwhelmed and gradually began to lose ground.


    "This guy can''t hold on any longer. You two distract him, and I''ll free up my hands to take down this waste surnamed Ye. Otherwise, if we delay too long, we''ll attract attention!"


    After one of the Jiang Family elders finished speaking, he withdrew from the battle and lunged toward Ye Feng.


    "My lord..." Seventeen cried out in alarm, wanting to break away to intercept, but was repelled by the opponent''s palm.


    Throughout this time, Ye Feng sat bolt upright in his wheelchair, his expression unchanged, his eyes watching the battle unfold with hardly any sign of distress.


    He didn''t even spare a glance at the Jiang Family elder who was about to pounce on him.


    At this moment, the Jiang Family elder had raised his hand high, ready to bring down a heavy blow.


    Yet, just then, Ye Feng opened his mouth and a Qi Arrow shot out with a whoosh, piercing through the opponent''s throat on the spot.


    The Jiang Family elder''s body fell, his eyes wide with shock, unable to believe what he had just witnessed even in death.


    "What? What''s going on? Old Jiang, just what happened?" The other two Jiang Family elders were greatly shocked.


    "Qi Force from... from..." The Jiang Family elder didn''t finish speaking before he breathed his last.


    The remaining two elders were not fools; though they could not understand the specifics of what had happened, they knew they had stumbled upon a tough opponent tonight.


    "We''re in trouble, there''s a mysterious expert, a mysterious expert who can project Qi Force from the body, we must retreat quickly!" The two Jiang Family elders spoke before attempting to flee.


    "I went to the trouble of choosing such a fine spot for you three brothers, and now that you''re here, you think you can just leave?"


    Ye Feng let out a cold laugh, and then spat out two breaths in succession. Like arrows, the breaths whistled through the air and pierced through the hearts of the two Jiang Family elders.


    "This... this level of Qi Force... a Martial King?" The two men uttered before collapsing to the ground.


    "A Martial King? Unexpectedly, you even know of the existence of a Martial King?"


    Ye Feng chuckled coldly, but soon shook his head, sighing, "Alas, it''s just a bit short of the Realm of the Martial King, otherwise, I could immediately return and take revenge upon the Imperial Capital!"


    Seventeen stood silently, his face still expressionless, but a look of surprise appeared in the depths of his eyes.


    Obviously, he was taken aback to discover that his master was not a cripple, not only was he not useless, but also a legendary peerless expert on the verge of stepping into the Realm of the Martial King!

 Chapter 51 Am I not concerned about face?

    ```


    Having returned to the Hong Family from the suburban hills, it was already very late, yet Hong Qingyan still hadn''t gone to sleep.


    This slender girl was leaning against the door, incessantly looking left and right, clearly waiting for Ye Feng, worried that something might have happened to him.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s heart, originally as hard as steel, involuntarily softened.


    "It''s so late, why haven''t you gone to sleep?" Ye Feng got out of the car, his tone carrying a hint of reprimand.


    "How could I sleep when you hadn''t come back so late!" Hong Qingyan blurted out, and immediately realizing her slip, she lowered her head, her cheeks reddening. Fortunately, it was night, and no one noticed her embarrassment.


    "How is the old man?" Ye Feng asked.


    "Grandpa woke up a while ago and asked about you, but he''s asleep now!" Hong Qingyan answered.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ye Feng nodded and couldn''t help but smilingly say, "What are you standing there for, not pushing me to the Inner Courtyard to rest?"


    Hong Qingyan then came to her senses, but just as the two of them were about to head back to the Inner Courtyard, bright lights suddenly shone in from outside the Hong Family''s main gate.


    The glare of the car lights and the shiny metallic body of the car indicated it was a limited edition luxury vehicle.


    "Who would be visiting so late?" Hong Qingyan wondered.


    At that moment, Long Shaowu, Long Shaogong, and members of the Dragon Sound Pavilion stepped out of the car and swaggered in.


    The two security guards at the gate, out of habit, went to stop them. After all, the Hong Family was still one of Jiangdu''s business magnates, and in the middle of the night, not just anyone could barge in.


    "Are you blind, you dogs! Do you know who we three are, daring to stop us?" Long Shaogong immediately shouted angrily and kicked out, sending one of the security guards flying.


    As for the other guards, who would dare to step forward? Ye Feng saw this and frowned, but said nothing.


    The commotion woke up Hong Yuting and Hong Wei, who charged out fuming with anger.


    Ye Feng smiled and replied, "Good, I got it. Since Old Long has come out of seclusion, then let him roll over and see me tomorrow morning!"


    "What did you say, tell my grandfather to come see you? You do think quite highly of yourself!"


    Long Shaowu immediately became furious and coldly shouted, "Who do you think you are? You''re nothing more than the Hong Family''s son-in-law. Even if you have a Master of Inner Force as a follower, you think you''re something special?"


    "Ignorant and arrogant, no wonder the whole of Jiangdu is saying that you are the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family. Now it seems you''re not only arrogant but recklessly so!"


    Dragon Sound Pavilion rolled her eyes and disdainfully snorted, "Why bother talking more to someone so ignorant and arrogant? Let''s just handle the task my grandfather assigned us and leave. This wheelchair-bound waste is so revolting that even one glance from me is too much."


    Ye Feng did not get angry; he was not to the point of being enraged by such debauched youth.


    Long Shaowu directly took out a gold-embossed card from his bosom and snorted, "My grandfather has come out of seclusion, aware of the chaos you''ve caused in Jiangdu recently. Especially today, at the martial arts school, you did not only kill an Elder of the Jiang Family but even injured and crippled many people. Outraged, my grandfather sent me to deliver this Battle Challenge Letter to you!"


    Having said that, he threw the gold-embossed Battle Challenge Letter towards him.


    "A battle challenge?" Ye Feng casually caught it and couldn''t help but laugh, "Old Long really thinks highly of himself; he dares to issue me a battle challenge at his plank level?"


    Dragon Sound Pavilion rolled her eyes again and coldly said, "We''ve delivered the message. Tomorrow morning at nine o''clock, the location will still be the martial arts school of today. You act so brash and arrogant. Don''t chicken out!"


    "Let''s go!" Long Shaogong waved his hand grandly, ready to climb into the car.


    "Stop right there!" Ye Feng suddenly spoke up.


    The three members of the Long Family had no choice but to stop, asking coldly, "What now, do you have more to say?"


    Ye Feng looked at the security guard who had been kicked to the ground and still couldn''t stand up, and coldly said, "Now that I am the son-in-law of the Hong Family, I am at least half a member of the Hong Family. You injured a Hong Family security guard for no reason and think you can just walk away? Do you think I have no face?"


    The three Long siblings couldn''t help but scoff continuously. Long Shaogong snorted, "So what, you dare to lay your hands on us?"


    Ye Feng directly issued an order, "Just now, was it your left foot that kicked the security guard? Seventeen, break his left foot!"


    Seventeen''s figure instantly sprang into action, pouncing out like a fierce tiger.

 Chapter 52 The Challenge of the Leader of the Martial Alliance

    Long Shaogong had no ability to resist, and his left leg was directly shattered by Seventeen''s punch.


    Long Shaowu and the other of Dragon Sound Pavilion looked on, not daring to intervene to help; they were all frightened out of their wits.


    "Ah..."


    Long Shaogong screamed miserably, gritting his teeth and roaring, "You... you actually broke my leg, you dare!"


    Only after Seventeen retreated behind Ye Feng did Long Shaowu dare to rush over, helping Long Shaogong up and pulling him back to the car.


    "Ye, we are both direct lineage scions of the Long Family, and you dare to cripple my brother''s left leg; my grandfather will definitely not let you go, just you wait!"


    "A waste from the Hong Family, relying on a powerful bodyguard, dares to act so recklessly? You really think no one in Jiangdu can handle you, let''s go, and immediately go back and tell Grandfather. Tomorrow at the martial hall, even if you, young man, don''t come, you''re definitely on a path to death!"


    After dropping these words, the individual from Dragon Sound Pavilion directly got into the car, and then the driver accelerated, the car immediately roaring away.


    Throughout this whole time, Ye Feng was just sitting in the wheelchair, his expression utterly unmoved, considering them nothing more than a few pompous noblemen''s sons, unworthy of his attention.


    "A battle challenge letter, just a leader of the city''s Martial Alliance dares to issue me a challenge? Tomorrow, I really want to see what abilities you actually possess!"


    Ye Feng uttered a cold laugh and then asked Hong Qingyan to push his wheelchair as he headed back to the Inner Courtyard.


    Hong Wei looked at his departing figure, his eyes spinning with some admiration, "Sister, whether we admit it or not, our son-in-law from the Hong Family seems quite domineering. The way he spoke earlier about breaking Long Shaogong''s damned leg was really too cool and satisfying!"


    Hong Yuting pursed her lips, rolled her eyes, and said, "Quite domineering? Are your ears stuffed with dragons? Didn''t you hear just now? That old man from the Long Family, the leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance, has already issued a battle challenge to that useless son-in-law!"


    "Tomorrow, a year from now, will probably be the death anniversary of that Ye fellow. Domineering? I think ignorant arrogance is more like it!"


    Hong Yuting finished speaking with disdain, crossed her arms, and walked back to her own bedroom.


    Ye Feng slowly clenched his fists, and just then, the door to the room was opened. Hong Qingyan walked in carrying a copper basin.


    "Big Brother Ye, you''re awake. Come, wash your face first. I have already prepared the lean meat and mustard soup porridge; it will be ready to serve shortly."


    Hong Qingyan came over and began to help Ye Feng wash his face. She had been taking meticulous care of him this whole time.


    Ye Feng nodded and asked, "How is the old master doing now?"


    "He''s much more stable now. Grandfather woke up just a while ago and had some plain porridge. However, he''s still lacking in essence, Qi, and spirit, and has gone back to sleep," answered Hong Qingyan.


    "He''s been poisoned by a Gu, leading to severe vitality damage. It''s only because he has a strong foundation that he''s been able to hold on. During this time, it''s inappropriate to consume too many tonics. Drinking more glucose to replenish his strength is advisable. In half a month, once he has recovered some, he can start taking bird''s nest and other such nourishments," Ye Feng said.


    "I''ve got it, Big Brother Ye. The doctor from the Divine Doctor Sect also gave the same instructions this morning."


    Ye Feng nodded, he didn''t add anything more.


    Hong Qingyan helped Ye Feng into his wheelchair, looking at his completely immobile legs, she eventually couldn''t help asking, "Big Brother Ye, your legs... is there really no way to heal them?"


    Ye Feng was taken aback for a moment but then smiled and said, "My legs are fine, don''t worry about them."


    "How can you say it''s fine when it''s like this?" said Hong Qingyan.


    Ye Feng didn''t want to dwell on this topic, so he changed the subject and asked, "If my legs can''t be healed for the rest of my life, would you despise me? Would you still serve me as you have before?"


    Hong Qingyan didn''t avoid his gaze and replied, "What are you saying, Big Brother Ye? You never despised my background, so how could I ever despise you? Besides, I''m also disabled, and since grandpa has betrothed me to you, I naturally will take care of you for life."


    A wave of emotion stirred unexpectedly in Ye Feng''s heart. Adversity reveals true feelings, as the saying goes. Perhaps that''s exactly what this meant. In his past life, as a once great king, he enjoyed immeasurable glory, and there were far too many women flattering and fawning over him every day.


    But Ye Feng knew that those women from noble clans and powerful families admired not the man he was, but the title of the Northern Border King. What they really coveted was the supreme vanity and power the Northern Border King title could bring.


    "Let''s go have breakfast together. After that, we''ll set off for the Jiangdu martial arts gym to meet this so-called Great Grandmaster, the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Jiangdu!" Ye Feng said, looking at the frail woman with a long-lost gentle smile on his face.

 Chapter 53 Youre Not Qualified to Talk to Me

    The Jiangdu martial arts hall was much busier today than yesterday because the Long Family had specially publicized the event, announcing to the public that the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance would be sparring with Ye Feng, the Hong Family''s son-in-law, today.


    Overnight, nearly all the elite families in Jiangdu had come to know of this and had also been invited. So early in the morning, to secure a good spot, whether it was the Fu Family, the Lei Family, or the Long Family, as well as the Jiang Family, the Chu Family, and other powerful families of Jiangdu, had all arrived early.


    The martial arts hall that could accommodate thousands of people was now packed with a dense crowd, which could be said to be the cream of the crop of Jiangdu.


    Ye Feng had yet to appear because he probably did not like to arrive early, or maybe it''s because important figures always prefer to make a grand entrance.


    At the moment, however, the whole venue was already buzzing with conversation like the tide.


    "This son-in-law from the Hong Family, I heard he''s a cripple in a wheelchair? And he dares to contest the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance, is he insane?"


    "I heard this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family was originally a foster son of the Fu Family and has a Great Grandmaster by his side. He''s obviously not just another person, he''s over the top, so arrogant that there are no bounds. Overnight, the reputation of this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family has reverberated through the entire Jiangdu!"


    "That''s right, I also heard that last night when several young masters of the Hong Family went to deliver a Battle Challenge Letter, they were beaten up by this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family, breaking their legs. Is there really such a thing?"


    "It''s true, because of this the Long Family was furious, proclaiming that today they must make this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family crawl out of the martial arts hall!"


    The people from the Long Family were right in front at the arena; Young Master Long Shaogong, despite his legs being wrapped in bandages, insisted on coming in a wheelchair because today he wanted to see with his own eyes the scene of his grandfather defeating and crippling the hands of this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family.


    "Has this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family not arrived yet?" gritted Young Master Long Shaogong with clenched teeth.


    "He hasn''t arrived yet. Could it be that this waste of a son-in-law doesn''t dare to come today?" Young Master Long Shaowu snorted coldly.


    At this time, a middle-aged man from the Long Family said with a smile, "Don''t worry. Once a Battle Challenge Letter is issued by the Martial Alliance, even if he lacks the courage to compete, he absolutely cannot be absent. Otherwise, he will be hunted down by the National Martial Alliance. It''s clearly stated on the letter, so he wouldn''t dare not to come!"


    Dragon Sound Pavilion turned to ask, "Right, where is Grandpa, is he ready? I heard that this time Grandpa''s secluded cultivation has led him to a higher level?"


    "Indeed!"


    The middle-aged man from the Long Family huffed, a triumphant expression emerging on his face as he said, "Five Qi Returning to Origin, Father has reached the legendary state of Five Qi Returning to Origin. At his level, even the Long Family from the Jiangnan Province can now sit on an equal footing with him."


    Just at that moment, the previously noisy martial arts gymnasium suddenly quieted down, everyone turned their heads toward the entrance.


    Then they saw a young girl, limping, pushing a wheelchair slowly into the room. A young man sat in the wheelchair, looking straight ahead with a calm gaze.


    Following behind the wheelchair was a young man in his late twenties, dressed in black. He was Seventeen!


    "It''s him, the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family, Ye Feng, he has come, he really did come!" someone in the crowd suddenly exclaimed in a low, excited voice.


    "Hard to believe, this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family actually dared to show up. Does he not fear death?" a member of the Lei Family sneered.


    Long Shaowu walked straight up to Ye Feng and sneered word by word, "Yesterday, you broke my younger brother''s leg. My grandfather said today he will cripple your hands as punishment."


    "Furthermore, this bodyguard and follower behind you killed a Lei Family scion yesterday and maimed people from the Jiang Family; such an offense must be punished severely, with death without mercy!"


    "Death without mercy?" Ye Feng laughed and shook his head with a sigh, "In this world, no one born yet dares to tell me ''death without mercy''!"


    At this point, Ye Feng''s gaze intensified as he said, "You''re not qualified to talk to me. Where is your grandfather, the Leader of the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu, now? Tell him to roll out and see me!"


    "You really have quite the audacity!"


    Just then, suddenly from behind the arena came a spirited roar of anger, and following that, a white-bearded, sixty-something-year-old elder slowly stepped onto the arena. He was Long Zaitian, the family head of the Long Family and the current Leader of the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu.


    Long Zaitian stood on the arena, gazing at Ye Feng with each word sneered, "You really are extremely arrogant. While the Leader of the Martial Alliance was in secluded cultivation, you caused havoc and committed crimes in the Martial Arts World. Now that I am out of secluded cultivation, there''s no way I can let you continue your rampages!"


    "To clean up this cancer that is you and return a clear Heaven and Earth to the Martial Dao world of Jiangdu, as the Leader of the Martial Alliance, I bear an inescapable responsibility. Last night, I have issued a Battle Challenge Letter; do you dare to accept the fight?"


    Long Zaitian, standing tall on the arena, his voice like rolling thunder, appeared righteous and indignant.


    Ye Feng, sitting in the wheelchair, looked at him from afar and sneered, "You, you''re not qualified to challenge me. Beat my subordinate first!"


    "As the Leader of the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu, you allowed the Jiang Family from the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province to run rampant in Jiangdu. You should be punished. Seventeen, go up there and break this old man''s eighteen ribs!"

 Chapter 54 His Identity Reaches the Sky Horizon

    Seventeen didn''t say another word and directly leaped onto the fighting platform.


    "Qingyan, push me closer; I actually want to see what sort of skills this so-called Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance really has!"


    Ye Feng waved his hand; in fact, he was a bit worried about Seventeen, so he wanted to be closer, just in case he needed to intervene should an accident occur.


    After all, the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance was no ordinary person.


    Long Zaitian laughed heartily and coldly sneered, "To brag about breaking seventeen of my ribs is simply insanity taken to its limits. Since that''s the case, I will first eliminate your subordinate bodyguard, and then I''ll come after you to settle the account!"


    As he spoke these words, Old Long''s gaze casually swept toward Ye Feng, but it was just a glance, and he stood dumbfounded on the spot as if struck by lightning.


    He simply couldn''t believe his eyes and thought he had seen incorrectly, so he hurriedly rubbed his eyes with his hands and took another careful look.


    "My heavens!"


    After uttering these words, Long Zaitian, not caring about Seventeen, who had already made his move, immediately jumped down from the fighting platform.


    Everyone watching was dumbfounded, completely unclear about what the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance was doing.


    However, in the next moment, something even more unexpected happened. Long Zaitian quickly took three steps and turned them into two, rushing over to Ye Feng, and then he bowed deeply with his hands clasped in front of him in a gesture of respect.


    "I was blind and failed to recognize Mr. Ye. Please, Mr. Ye, forgive me!"


    Long Zaitian bowed deeply, his attitude very respectful and his words even carried a thick sense of awe.


    At this moment, not just Ye Feng, but everyone around them was stunned, their eyes wide open, and their faces showed shock.


    "What...what on earth is going on?" someone in the crowd asked.


    At first, Long Shaowu thought he had seen wrongly and vigorously rubbed his eyes. Realizing that the man was really his grandfather, he hurriedly rushed over, calling out loudly, "Grandfather, what''s gotten into you? Are you confused? How can you be giving respect to this cripple?"


    "This wheelchair-bound cripple was the one who broke my second brother''s legs last night. Grandfather, please make your move. Just cripple his hands and make him crawl out like a dog!"


    Now standing before Ye Feng, Long Zaitian no longer had that overpowering aura from before and instead appeared to be rather uneasy.


    Three years ago, the General Assembly of the Martial Alliance was held in the Imperial Capital; leaders of the Martial Alliances from provinces nationwide would attend. Although Long Zaitian held a very high status in Jiangdu, at the General Assembly of the Martial Alliance, he was but a minor figure, even relegated to a corner.


    At that time, Ye Feng did not sit at the main table of the General Assembly of the Martial Alliance. He had merely shown his face briefly before quickly departing.


    But upon his entrance, the five people on the Martial Alliance''s leadership stage, that is, the five most powerful people in the General Martial Alliance, all stood up to greet Ye Feng with utmost respect and humility, filled with reverence.


    Upon witnessing such a scene, even a fool could discern this young man''s extraordinary status. Of course, Long Zaitian was no fool. Even if he did not know the specific details of this young man''s identity...


    Nevertheless, judging from the attitude of the highest echelons of the Martial Alliance, this young man''s status was obviously far above the top figures in control!


    Long Zaitian could hardly believe that such a significant figure, even one as high as the Sky Horizon, would actually come to Jiangdu and be so low-key.


    Thinking of this, Long Zaitian couldn''t help but feel a sense of fear and relief. He was thankful for his earlier recollections, remembering that scene from the Martial Alliance three years ago; otherwise, his Long Family might well have met with disaster.


    At first, the members of the Long Family were resentful and even wanted to reprimand Ye Feng openly, but now they were silent as cicadas in winter, not even daring to breathe loudly.


    Ye Feng said nothing but continued to look at Long Zaitian, sizing him up from head to toe, and eventually asked, "So, you know who I am?"


    Long Zaitian replied with a wry smile, "Shamefully, I inquired afterward, and I even questioned the higher-ups of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province Martial Alliance, but they all knew nothing. Perhaps, it''s because our plane is too lowly and unworthy."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Well, knowing too much about my identity would not be good for you!"


    "Yes!" Long Zaitian bowed once more, then asked, "May I inquire, Mr. Ye, about today''s matters..."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, pondering for a while before responding, "The juniors of the Long Family... I don''t bother myself with them. However, as the Leader of the Martial Alliance in Jiangdu, you originally had the responsibility to maintain the peace of the Martial Dao world here, yet you allowed the Lei Family to act recklessly due to fear of the Jiang Family''s power!"


    Long Zaitian said, "I recognize my mistake; I also deeply understand that I''m unworthy to be the Leader of the Alliance. I will apply today to resign my position."


    "No need," Ye Feng waved his hand, "I''ll give you one chance to restore order in the Martial Dao world of Jiangdu, to ensure justice and fairness. Should there be another offense in the future, I will be merciless!"


    "Yes, thank you, Mr. Ye, for your clemency!" Long Zaitian bowed deeply once again, his demeanor both respectful and sincere.

 Chapter 55 Kneel Down and Beg for Mercy Calling Daddy

    The martial arts competition had been the talk of the town for a while, but its end turned out to be dramatic beyond anyone''s imagination, concluding in an unexpected way.


    Ye Feng left quickly because he didn''t want to be gawked at and discussed like a monkey.


    Long Zaitian had intended to invite him for lunch as a form of apology, but upon reflection, he realized that his own plane was probably not worthy enough.


    Even though Ye Feng had departed, the sensation he caused remained for a long time, with everyone savoring the recent scene. Eventually, everyone came to the same realization, the Hong Family was on the rise.


    All the while, Long Zaitian remained rooted to the spot, staring blankly in the direction of Ye Feng''s departure.


    Long Mingbo approached and whispered, "Father, he''s already gone, gone far."


    Long Zaitian then snapped out of his daze, sighing deeply, "Gone, finally gone, just like that."


    His sigh was laden with a complex mix of emotions, relief, regret, and, of course, lingering fear.


    After a pause, Long Mingbo asked, "Father, what exactly is the identity of that man, that even you would..."


    He didn''t finish his question, for Long Zaitian''s expression had suddenly darkened, and he interrupted sharply, "Don''t ask any more. Even if I didn''t know, I wouldn''t tell you. With his level of plane, knowing too much will bring no benefit at all!"


    Lowering his head, Long Mingbo dared not ask further. He could feel that, although the man had long gone, his father was still under immense pressure.


    After some thought, Long Mingbo asked, "Father, it''s said he was once the foster son of the Fu Family. Now, how shall we deal with the Fu Family?"


    Long Zaitian pondered for a moment before replying, "That''s exactly where he showed his cleverness. He didn''t punish me directly; I fear his real intention was to use my hand to help the Fu Family!"


    "Order the Lei Family immediately to return the properties originally belonging to the Fu Family. Do it now!"


    "But Father, the Jiang Family of Southern River Region Jiangnan Province backs the Lei Family. If we do this, the Jiang Family might..."


    Before Long Mingbo could finish, Long Zaitian glared at him furiously, bellowing, "Are you brainless or is your head filled with water? Compared to that man, what is the Jiang Family of Southern River Region Jiangnan? They don''t amount to even a fart."


    "Yes, Father, I understand now!" Long Mingbo''s mind seemed to be still reeling, but after thinking for a while, he asked again, "About the Lei Family, should we specifically suppress them to please him a bit?"


    The car drove into the Hong Family Courtyard, and with the aid of Hong Qingyan, Ye Feng slowly got out of the car.


    Hong Yuting walked out from the main hall, crossing her arms and sneered, "Wow, who would have thought that our ''Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family'' would actually come back? This is truly unexpected!"


    Hong Wei also rushed out and exclaimed with widened eyes, "You actually came back? Didn''t you have a martial arts duel with the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance this morning? Didn''t you go? Otherwise why didn''t the Leader of the Martial Alliance beat you, the ''Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family'', to death or into cripple?"


    Zhang Manyu sauntered out with her hands on her hips and sneered repeatedly, "Beaten to death or into a cripple? He''s already crippled like this, how more could he be beaten? In my opinion, it must be that our ''Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family'' was kneeling and begging for mercy, and the magnanimous Leader of the Martial Alliance decided not to lower himself to that level in the end, right?"


    "Mom, you can''t possibly be serious. If that''s really the case, then our Hong Family''s face would be utterly lost by this so-called ''Mad Son-in-law''!"


    The three of them didn''t go to the martial arts hall because they didn''t want to witness the ''Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family'' kneeling and begging for mercy, causing the Hong Family to lose all its dignity. Therefore, naturally, they were also unaware of everything that had transpired at the martial arts hall.


    As for Hong Tianming, he had wanted to go, but he was tied up with a stack of corporate board matters and couldn''t make it.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t stand it anymore and retorted, "Saying Big Brother Ye was kneeling and begging for mercy, you didn''t go, but if you had gone, you would have been in for an eye-opener. It wasn''t Big Brother Ye who was kneeling; it was the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance. He was the one begging Big Brother Ye for mercy!"


    "The Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance begging for mercy from our Hong Family''s crippled son-in-law?" Zhang Yuman and Hong Yuting widened their eyes as if they had heard the world''s biggest joke.


    "What kind of international joke is this? You crippled girl, although ''one follows the husband like a chicken or a dog'', you still can''t be spouting nonsense like that. Who is the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance, and why would he beg for mercy from a cripple."


    "If the Leader of the Jiangdu Martial Alliance were begging for mercy, then this young lady here would kneel down to this crippled son-in-law and call him daddy on the spot. But, is that even possible?" Hong Yuting sneered repeatedly.


    "You..." Hong Qingyan was furious and about to argue.


    Ye Feng held her hand and said calmly, "They''re just three buffoons. Arguing with them would only lower our intelligence."


    "Three buffoons?" Zhang Manyu laughed, ready to hurl an insult.


    However, at that moment, from outside the Hong Family Courtyard, there suddenly came a series of rumbling car horns, with at least a dozen luxury vehicles arriving.


    The first to get out of the cars were people from the Long Family, followed by the Lei Family, then the Fu Family, and after that the Chu Family along with other large and small wealthy families.


    ```

 Chapter 56: The Powerful Families, All of You Kneel Before Me!

    The sudden turn of events had Zhang Yuman and the others completely stunned.


    "Why are the people from the Long Family, the Lei Family, and the Fu Family coming to our Hong Family?"


    "Isn¡¯t that obvious, they must be here to settle accounts with our Hong Family¡¯s arrogant son-in-law!" Hong Yuting¡¯s mouth curled up, her face full of schadenfreude.


    "We¡¯re done for, our Hong Family is doomed now. That son-in-law really is a troublemaker; he has completely offended our Hong Family now!"


    Zhang Yuman wailed repeatedly, without any hesitation, she turned and ran. Hong Yuting and Hong Wei also quickened their pace and hurried inside.


    They were undoubtedly scared. With such a commotion outside and so many noble families coming to settle scores, they had never witnessed such an imposing scene.


    But they had only taken two steps when Long Shaowu from the Long Family and those from the Dragon Sound Pavilion walked in and immediately knelt down in front of Ye Feng.


    "Mr. Ye, I hope you can be magnanimous and not hold our past offenses against us small folk!" Long Shaowu¡¯s voice was very loud.


    Zhang Yuman¡¯s stepping foot suddenly froze mid-air, her body stiff as if struck by lightning.


    "Small folk, the young master of the Long Family actually called himself small folk, and he is kneeling to this worthless son-in-law?" Zhang Yuman doubted whether she was seeing things correctly.


    Hong Yuting was also wide-eyed, her face filled with disbelief.


    However, things were far from over. Following that, the Lei Family patriarch and Fu Zuoxing, the patriarch of the Fu Family, hurried over with several young members of their family. They, too, knelt down before Ye Feng.


    "Mr. Ye, please forgive us, our Lei Family was blind and failed to recognize your greatness before, offending you. Please punish us as you see fit!" The Lei Family patriarch begged for mercy.


    "Ye Feng, your uncle realizes his mistake. I have been blind, like a flood that washed away the Dragon King Temple and even drove you out of the Fu Family. All of us at the Fu Family regret deeply and have specifically come to apologize today. I hope you can consider your foster father¡¯s position and not hold it against us!"


    Fu Zuoxing¡¯s words were tearful, he even went so far as to crawl forward to lick Ye Feng¡¯s shoes.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow: "Aren¡¯t you disgusting?"


    Fu Zuoxing quickly responded: "Yes, yes, Mr. Ye, you are right to chastise me. Moreover, if Mr. Ye is willing, as your uncle, I will give Fu Qing to you to be your maidservant, to attend to you for life."


    The rest of the Jiangdu¡¯s elite also left one after another, but before they did, they offered up gifts, a large portion of which were jewelry intended for Hong Qingyan.


    Ye Feng did not refuse them, so Hong Qingyan happily accepted them. She didn¡¯t particularly value the jewelry, but she knew that by letting her accept the gifts, Ye Feng was acknowledging their relationship.


    Hong Yuting¡¯s heart grew even more sour at this scene. She suddenly regretted, regretted why she had refused her grandfather¡¯s request. If she had agreed back then, to marry this wheelchair-bound guy, she would be the female lead today.


    "Qingyan, let¡¯s go back to the Inner Courtyard," Ye Feng beckoned.


    "Okay, Big Brother Ye!" Hong Qingyan handed the gifts to the servants and came over to push the wheelchair.


    The wheelchair moved slowly past Hong Yuting and the others, Ye Feng¡¯s gaze indifferent, not even bothering to give these people a glance.


    However, Zhang Yuman suddenly stepped forward and knelt down unexpectedly in front of Ye Feng.


    "Mr. Ye, oh no, our respected son-in-law, we were blind and offensive before, it¡¯s really... like the great flood hitting the Dragon King Temple. Please be magnanimous!"


    At this, Zhang Yuman cried out, "Yu Ting, what are you standing there for? Come over and apologize to Mr. Ye at once!"


    But Ye Feng called out, "There¡¯s no need!"


    Zhang Yuman was overjoyed and said, "Does this mean, Mr. Ye, you have forgiven us?"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "Forgiveness isn¡¯t quite the right word, because from the beginning to the end, you were never in my sight!"


    After saying this, Ye Feng slowly moved past them, his gaze straight ahead, never giving them a second look. This wasn¡¯t contempt but indifference; such insignificant people didn¡¯t even deserve his scorn.


    Watching Ye Feng¡¯s retreating figure, Zhang Yuman stood there, dazed, feeling a tremendous humiliation. It had taken her great courage to kneel and apologize, yet he had not even looked her in the eye. The feeling rendered her inexplicably powerless.


    This inherent disregard was more painful than a slap in the face!


    Hong Yuting was consumed by deep despair, feeling as though she had been hollowed out.


    "Now I understand why, after Hong Qingyan agreed, grandfather said it was the best decision of her life. It¡¯s because of this decision that Hong Qingyan would gain immense honor!" Hong Wei lamented sadly.

 Chapter 57: Achievement of the Martial King, the Respect of Ten Thousand!

    Ye Feng returned to the Inner Courtyard and had earlier visited Old Master Hong.


    Hong Zhenguo was out of bed; although still very weak, he could barely sit up.


    "Mr.Ye, my health is not well, so I can¡¯t pay you my respects!"


    Hong Zhenguo leaned forward with a smile and added, "I have heard about the events that have taken place these past few days."


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t pick up the conversation, instead, he asked, "How is your health?"


    "Much better now."


    Hong Zhenguo nodded and continued, "Thank you for everything that has happened during this period. As for Hong Yuting and the others, I hope Mr.Ye won¡¯t take offense."


    Ye Feng rarely smiled and said, "If I took them seriously, I¡¯m afraid they wouldn¡¯t know how many times they¡¯d died by now."


    Hong Zhenguo could only offer a bitter smile in response.


    Just as the man before him had said, what status did he have, the Sovereign of the Northern Border, the youngest and most promising king among the four realms and eight wastes of the country. Such breadth of spirit and magnanimity naturally wouldn¡¯t stoop to the level of ants.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Mr. Ye, you have mostly recovered by now. Jiangdu is after all too small, it cannot contain a True Dragon. When do you plan to start your journey back to the capital?" Hong Zhenguo asked.


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment and did not hide his intentions, "I won¡¯t return to the capital for now. I¡¯ll first make a trip to Jiangnan Provincial City; there are still some matters that need resolving."


    Hong Zhenguo nodded and did not inquire about the specifics, as it was not within his place to ask.


    "When does Mr.Ye plan to set off?"


    "Tomorrow!" said Ye Feng.


    "If you¡¯re leaving tomorrow, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to see you off, Mr.Ye. If you don¡¯t mind, allow Qingyan to accompany you. After all, the two of you are acquainted, and with her looking after your diet and daily life, it will be more convenient."


    Ye Feng turned his head, glanced at Hong Qingyan who was standing to the side with hopeful eyes, and nodded, "Alright, I¡¯ll take her with me!"


    Hong Qingyan¡¯s big eyes twirled, she wanted to say something but in the end, kept silent. Of course, she knew that Ye Feng¡¯s willingness to take her with him spoke a volume by itself.


    Before the age of thirty, it was definite that Ye Feng could not become a Martial King, because he was too young, needing at least until the age of thirty-five to accumulate experience!


    However, even if he became a Martial King at thirty-five, he would still be the youngest and most potential sovereign in the nation!


    Indeed, it was precisely because of this that some people in the nation, seeing his tremendous potential and supreme authority within the Four Realms, began to harbor unusual thoughts.


    Ye Feng was in a peaceful state of mind, as he hadn¡¯t expected to break through so soon, having been stuck at this barrier for over two years already.


    However, it was precisely because of this tranquil and calm state of mind that suddenly there was a cracking sound within him, as if something had been broken through and opened up.


    Then, Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes, and two beams of golden light shot out from his vision.


    "Eyes flashing with golden light, Eye Acupoint open, all of Heaven and Earth can be observed!" Ye Feng suddenly had an epiphany.


    In that moment, his aura began to surge, strengthening more than fivefold, and the Qi Force inside his body became even more robust and powerful.


    "The Realm of the Martial King, this is the Realm of the Martial King. No wonder those old monsters in the nation said that below the Martial King, all are as ants, it really is so!" Ye Feng was filled with excitement.


    "Who would have thought that the bottleneck which held me back for two years would break through so inexplicably today? Is this the legendary concept where things must be broken down before they can stand anew? The fact that all my bones were broken earlier seemed to have prepared me for this?"


    Ye Feng slightly raised the corner of his mouth into a cold smile, feeling that this was probably the fortune that follows great disaster.


    "Now that I¡¯ve achieved the Martial King realm, my return to the capital or the Northern Border is even more certain. Once the matters in the Jiangnan Province are settled, I¡¯ll make a strong comeback!"


    Ye Feng clenched his fist slightly, and a thought suddenly crossed his mind. He immediately heard distant rustling footsteps.


    After opening the Eye Acupoint, not only was his vision strength remarkable, but his hearing had also greatly improved. Of course, Ye Feng also recognized that these were the limping steps of Hong Qingyan.


    Hong Qingyan knocked and entered, then started to help Ye Feng wash up, before the two of them headed to the outer courtyard for breakfast.


    The breakfast was lavish, specially prepared by Zhang Yuman. Ye Feng didn¡¯t say anything, just buried his head and began to eat heartily. After achieving the Martial King realm, his appetite had greatly increased, and he chose to directly ignore the occasional furtive glances and expressions that Hong Yuting sent him in secret.


    Just then, a guard suddenly walked in to announce that Mr. Luo Keque from the Divine Doctor Sect had come with an urgent matter to discuss.


    "Luo Keque? Let him in!" Ye Feng said.

 Chapter 58: A Major Incident in the Divine Doctor Sect

    Luo Keque only entered after receiving permission. He came to Ye Feng and respectfully performed a salute before saying, "I apologize for disturbing Mr. Ye early in the morning, but it was a necessity. I hope Mr. Ye does not take offense."


    Ye Feng inquired, "Has something happened to the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect?"


    Luo Keque replied, "Not exactly the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect, but rather the Provincial City in the Southern River Region Jiangnan."


    "The Provincial City in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and put down his chopsticks.


    "It is like this. Late last night, an urgent message suddenly came from the Divine Doctor Sect in the Provincial City, stating that the elders of several major families, even including one or two heads of the big clans, have all suddenly contracted a strange illness."


    "A strange illness? Is it that even the Divine Doctor Sect in the Provincial City has no solution?"


    "None. This strange illness is quite rare, and they are at a loss in the Provincial City. Therefore, they issued a decree overnight to the Divine Doctor Sects in the several cities under them, ordering all high-level members of the Divine Doctor Sects to gather and go to the Provincial City for a consultation."


    As Luo Keque spoke of this, he let out a bitter laugh and continued, "Although I possess some medical skills, they are merely superficial. If even the Provincial City is at a loss, my humble capabilities are likely of no help either. However, I suddenly thought of Mr. Ye..."


    "It was already late last night, and I didn¡¯t dare to disturb Mr. Ye¡¯s rest, so I came early in the morning to make this request."


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "You mean to say, you want me to accompany you to the Provincial City in the Southern River Region Jiangnan?"


    Luo Keque replied, "Mr. Ye¡¯s medical skills reach the sky. If Mr. Ye is willing to make a move, any strange diseases or rare poisons will naturally be trivial matters!"


    Although his words contained some flattery, they were sincerely meant. After all, to his knowledge, within the entire Divine Doctor Sect, there were only a few who had reached the status of Huajin Grandmaster, and even fewer who could perform the Ancient Divine Needle Technique of Phoenix Returns to Heaven.


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment and then said, "If that¡¯s the case, I will accompany you to the Provincial City!"


    Ye Feng had also planned to take a trip to the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province. Apart from needing to learn about the Jiang Family¡¯s situation, there was also the Yin Family, which appeared to be subtly connected to the Gu&Poison Sect in the Southern Border. He was determined to investigate this thoroughly.


    Luo Keque bowed deeply and thanked him, "Then I thank Mr. Ye. I will go back to the Divine Doctor Sect to make arrangements. Would Mr. Ye be so kind as to deign to visit the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect first and then we travel together by special car to the Provincial City?"


    "Agreed," Ye Feng uttered just one word.


    "Then I will wait respectfully for Mr. Ye at the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect!" Luo Keque said and after bowing once again, he left.


    Hong Yuting had been sitting silently the whole time, but seeing Ye Feng about to leave, she suddenly stood up and roared word by word, "Mr. Ye, listen well!"


    "You¡¯ve humiliated me in every possible way today, and even mud figures have a temper to lose, let alone a young lady of status. I know you have some abilities behind you, but don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re ultimately just a wheelchair-bound cripple, and the Provincial City of Southern River Region Jiangnan is not the same as Jiangdu!"


    "You can be arrogant in Jiangdu without anyone affecting you, but do you think no one in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province can deal with you? I assure you, the moment you step into Southern River Region Jiangnan, the Jiang Family will be the first not to let you off!"


    Hong Tianming¡¯s complexion changed drastically upon hearing these words, and he hurried forward to pull her away, but he was shaken off by Hong Yuting.


    "Why are you stopping me? You all may fear this Frenzied Son-in-Law of the Hong Family, but I sure don¡¯t. It¡¯s nothing great if you don¡¯t take me along; I can go to Southern River Region Jiangnan Province all the same. And then, I want to see for myself how this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family is going to die!"


    Upon hearing this, Seventeen suddenly stopped, his entire body tensing up¡ªan omen he displayed before taking action.


    Ye Feng waved his hand casually and said, "If she wants to watch, then let her watch."


    "Yes!" Seventeen nodded and resumed pulling the suitcase.


    After getting into the vehicle, the three of them set off, circling around most of the city district before arriving at an ancient manor in the eastern suburbs.


    The manor comprised old-style buildings, which had been refurbished and were exquisitely decorated.


    Luo Keque was already waiting outside the gate. Seeing Ye Feng get out of the car, he approached quickly and said, "It¡¯s truly an honor for Mr. Ye to condescend to visit the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect!"


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "Let¡¯s forego the pleasantries; let¡¯s talk inside."


    Luo Keque nodded and led the way, saying, "Mr. Ye, the Sect Master of the Qitian Gate heard that you would be visiting today and postponed his trip to the Provincial City. He is waiting in the hall."


    Ye Feng asked, "Have you told him about my business?"


    "I haven¡¯t mentioned anything to the Lord of Qi!"


    Luo Keque naturally knew that the other party was referring to the Phoenix Returns to Heaven Needle Technique. Sighing, he added, "The Lord of Qi usually holds himself in high regard. I seldom converse with him, and besides, without Mr. Ye¡¯s permission, I wouldn¡¯t dare to spread the news recklessly."


    In truth, Luo Keque had his own ulterior motives for behaving this way; he hoped that this mysterious young man would have a direct confrontation with the Qitian Gate, preferably overpowering the Qitian Gate completely, so he could then naturally claim the position of Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect.


    Of course, Ye Feng wasn¡¯t blind to Luo Keque¡¯s intentions, but he simply couldn¡¯t be bothered to call him out on them.

 Chapter 59: I’m Not a Pushover Either

    The architecture of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect was ancient, evoking a sense of the great river of time.


    There were already seven or eight people in the hall, mostly high-ranking members of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect. Lord Qi of Qitian Gate sat resolutely in the center, with another Vice Sect Leader beside him, along with several elders who managed the sect¡¯s affairs.


    Looking out from the door along the hall, those inside could clearly see a young girl with a limp, slowly pushing a wheelchair towards them.


    The young person sitting in the wheelchair was indeed very young. He didn¡¯t look particularly handsome, but he had a unique and firm appearance, the sort whose face wasn¡¯t initially striking but became increasingly appealing and charismatic the more one looked.


    If there was anything especially notable, it was the young man¡¯s eyes, which always looked straightforward, calm to a surprising degree, even carrying an air of transcendence.


    This young person was, of course, Ye Feng!


    Another Vice Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect, Liang Zhong, squinted as he sized up Ye Feng for a moment before whispering, "Lord Qi, what is so special about this young man?"


    Lord Qi of Qitian Gate snorted coldly without speaking, but his anger was unmistakably etched on his face.


    A few days ago at the Jiangdu martial arts school, during the martial gathering of the Three Great Ancient Families, Ye Feng publicly insulted Lord Qi in front of everyone in Jiangdu, showing no regard for him. Considering that Qi himself was the esteemed Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect, how could he not be furious?


    If it weren¡¯t for the rumors he had heard about this Mr. Ye in the past couple of days, indicating that the wheelchair-bound cripple had some capabilities, he would have already sent people to settle the score.


    But Lord Qi could never have imagined that this cripple, this frenzied son-in-law of the Hong Family, would be so audacious as to dare to personally visit the Divine Doctor Sect!


    An administrator pondered before saying, "Lord Qi, I¡¯ve heard some rumors that this young man in the wheelchair shouldn¡¯t even be offended by Long Zaitian of the Martial Alliance. Shouldn¡¯t we be cautious for the time being?"


    Lord Qi of Qitian Gate let out a snort and said, "So what? The Jiangdu Martial Alliance oversees the Martial Dao World, and the Divine Doctor Sect is in charge of the medical field; they are two different concepts. If the Jiangdu Martial Alliance fears this kid, that¡¯s Long Zaitian¡¯s lack of courage!"


    The other administrators and elders remained silent, clearly having made up their minds about the situation.


    At that moment, led by Luo Keque, Ye Feng¡¯s wheelchair had entered the hall.


    After his laughter ceased, Qitian Gate then snorted coldly, "This seat I occupy today is secured by superior medical skill and ethics. When I step down is not something that just anybody can decide with a few words!"


    Ye Feng smiled, on the verge of saying that he didn¡¯t need a few words but just a phone call to kick you off that seat.


    But before he could speak, Deputy Sect Leader Liang Zhong spoke coldly, "Luo Keque, you are a Vice Sect Leader after all. Don¡¯t you know the rules of the Divine Doctor Sect? Our sect has always kept its distance from outsiders. Now you let such an outsider in, what is your intention?"


    One of Qitian Gate¡¯s trusted stewards sneered, "Isn¡¯t it obvious? Deputy Sect Leader Luo probably thinks he stands above the rest in the Divine Doctor Sect and can override the rules."


    Luo Keque was not flustered because he was acutely aware of what manner of figure this young man in the wheelchair really was.


    "Let¡¯s not get angry, gentlemen, allow me to do a proper introduction!"


    Luo Keque slightly moved forward, smiling, "Lord Qi¡¯s medical skills are unquestionably excellent, but my friend Mr. Ye¡¯s medical skills are also extraordinary, even to the extent of being called a Peerless Divine Doctor. Although he is not one of us from the Divine Doctor Sect, medics share a common heart and hence I took the liberty to invite him here."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but snicker inwardly, thinking how this old geezer Luo Keque really knew how to ride coattails, boldly proclaiming in front of all these people that he was his friend.


    Nevertheless, Ye Feng didn¡¯t say much. Even though Luo Keque had his own agendas, it was generally harmless and his attitude was sufficiently respectful, which was far more compliant with the times compared to Long Zaitian and others.


    "A Peerless Divine Doctor?"


    As expected, as soon as Luo Keque¡¯s words fell, the entire hall bristled with outrage, almost all the stewards and elders showing anger on their faces.


    "In the face of the Divine Doctor Sect, to call him a Peerless Divine Doctor, Luo Keque," Liang Zhong said with a sneer, "you should know there¡¯s a limit to flattery, aren¡¯t you afraid of lifting this cripple so high that he can¡¯t bear it and falls to his death?"


    "Exactly, calling an outsider a Peerless Divine Doctor in the presence of the Divine Doctor Sect is like showing off one¡¯s swordsmanship before Guan Yu."


    Luo Keque¡¯s face remained unchanged, but inwardly he was elated, thinking that these myopic fools should just go ahead and mock and belittle to their heart¡¯s content. The harsher they scorn and suppress him now, the more painful it¡¯ll be when they witness his capabilities!


    "I must tell everyone, Mr. Ye is indeed a prodigious doctor; I haven¡¯t lied about this!" Luo Keque declared firmly.


    With a sudden move, Qitian Gate stood up abruptly, enraged!

 Chapter 60 A High and Mighty Person

    Seeing Lord Qi stand up, the elders and stewards all fell silent, evidently, the authority of the Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect was quite substantial.


    Lord Qi took strides forward, step by step, until he stood before Ye Feng, looking down at him with a sneer curving his lips, he coldly asked, "Luo Keque just now claimed you''re the Peerless Divine Doctor, do you think you are?"


    This statement was brimming with provocation!


    Ye Feng''s expression remained serene as he replied, "No, I am not."


    When Lord Qi heard this, he laughed, but before the sound could escape his lips.


    Ye Feng suddenly added, "Compared to you all, I should not be called the Peerless Divine Doctor, but rather, the Great Luo Divine Doctor!"


    Whoosh...


    The atmosphere instantly surged with agitation once again, as the complexions of the other stewards and elders changed drastically. They had long heard that this young man in the wheelchair was known as the Frenzied Son-in-Law of the Hong Family, and it seemed today''s events proved it true.


    Utterly audacious, to the point of no bounds!


    Lord Qi''s eyes narrowed further, and his brows furrowed deeper, anger rendering him momentarily at a loss for words.


    The trusted steward scoffed, "You claim to be a divine doctor, but tell me, have you formally studied medicine and obtained a license to practice? I''m referring to one officially recognized, not some counterfeit bought from the streets."


    Ye Feng shook his head, saying, "I haven''t, nor do I have a license to practice medicine!"


    "Ridiculous, truly the height of absurdity!"


    The trusted steward laughed coldly, "You haven''t even formally studied medicine, let alone have a license to practice, and yet you call yourself a divine doctor? Do you think we''re three-year-old children? If you are a divine doctor, then wouldn''t we all be Great Luo Divine Doctors, and Lord Qi could be declared the King of Divine Doctors!"


    True to form as the Sect Master''s confidant, he did not forget to flatter Lord Qi in the end.


    Luo Keque said, "Mr. Ye might truly not possess a license to practice medicine, but..."


    He was unable to finish his sentence as Lord Qi interjected with a cold huff, "Enough, no need to say more. Not having a license to practice medicine is preposterous enough as it is. Right now, we need to rush to the Provincial City in the Southern River Region, so there''s no need to waste words here."


    After finishing his statement, Lord Qi turned to Ye Feng and said, "As for so-called Divine Doctor Ye, I consider myself to be magnanimous, and given that you were invited by Luo Keque, I will not stoop to your level. You may leave."


    "You''re very smart!" Ye Feng said.


    At this, Luo Keque''s heart leaped with joy, but the next words from Ye Feng immediately dampened his spirits.


    Ye Feng continued, "The reason I say you''re smart is that you know how to take advantage of situations and how to cunningly lay traps for Lord of Qi. You pushed me forward, wanting to use me to eliminate Lord of Qi, to help you ascend to the position of Sect Master of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect."


    Sweat was streaming down Luo Keque''s face, and his legs even began to shake as he stammered, "Mr. Ye..."


    "Don''t rush to explain!"


    Ye Feng waved his hand to interrupt, never allowing interruptions when he was making a point. He continued, "When I say you are smart, I am not being sarcastic. However, you must understand that it is but a clever trick!"


    Luo Keque quickly asked, "Then may I ask, Mr. Ye, what is true wisdom?"


    "True wisdom lies there..." Ye Feng said, pointing to the plaque hanging overhead.


    Luo Keque looked up and glanced at it, his face showing puzzlement; clearly, he did not understand.


    With a sigh, Ye Feng said, "I don''t mind your trickery, but I want you to remember the four characters on that plaque, and you must know that the spirit of the Divine Doctor Sect is ''a doctor''s kind heart.'' As long as you have a kind heart, as long as you are willing to study and refine your medical skills, you shouldn''t just aspire to be the minor Sect Master of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect.


    Even becoming the Sect Master of the Provincial Divine Medical Sect is not too far-fetched!"


    "Even the position of Chief Sect Leader of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect is not out of the question!"


    After saying this, Ye Feng pushed his wheelchair out of the hall, leaving Luo Keque standing there, stunned and alone.


    Luo Keque was as still as a statue, but inside, he was shaken by enormous waves.


    "Promised to let me be the Sect Master of the Provincial Divine Medical Sect, or even the Chief Sect Leader of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect? That''s just too..."


    Originally, he wanted to say that Ye Feng was being too arrogant, but it was clear that Ye Feng was not lying. That meant he held that kind of power!


    "Heavens, what sort of powerful person have I allied myself with?"


    Luo Keque shivered all over, but quickly cleared his head: "Of course, it''s not without conditions. The prerequisite is that the medical skills be enough, and more importantly, one must be willing to ''hang the pot to help the world'' and save lives!"


    "A doctor''s kind heart... I understand now, that is true wisdom and great intelligence!" Luo Keque sighed deeply and hurried to catch up.

 Chapter 61 Dont Ask What You Shouldnt Ask

    Several luxury cars drove out of the ancient estate of the Divine Doctor Sect, with Qitian Gate, the leader, sitting in the backseat with one leg crossed over the other, looking completely at ease.


    "Thinking it over," the Vice Sect Leader, Liang Zhong, said, "Luo Keque is always steady, and he never acts without purpose. Since he claims that youngster surnamed Ye is a Peerless Divine Doctor, he might really have some skills."


    "Peerless Divine Doctor? You tell me, all of us here have been studying medicine since we were kids, and we have spent most of our lives delving into the medicinal arts, yet none of us dare to call ourselves divine doctors. That kid, a greenhorn barely weaned from milk, do you think he has that capability?"


    Qitian Gate snorted, then nodded and added, "But you''re also right. We should be prepared for the improbable, just in case. If even Long Zaitian doesn''t dare to act rashly against this kid, perhaps he really has some abilities. We cannot let our guard down."


    Liang Zhong asked, "Then, may I ask the Sect Leader, how should we prepare?"


    "That''s simple," he scoffed, a confident expression revealing his control over the situation. "To deal with him, there''s no need for the Sect Leader to take action personally. Just a little brainpower is enough to give that kid a hard time!"


    Qitian Gate sneered, "Wasn''t that kid responsible for killing an elder from the Jiang Family? Now he is heading to the Provincial City in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province. All I need to do now is to make a phone call to inform the Jiang Family of this news. Just think about it, what do you think the Jiang Family''s response will be?"


    "Do you even need to ask? The Jiang Family will definitely be thunderously furious and will send experts to intercept and kill him," Liang Zhong blurted out without hesitation.


    "Exactly!" Qitian Gate said, rolling his eyes and then bursting into laughter.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng was sitting in the last car, leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed, resting. He wasn''t naive; he was well aware of the potential dangers of his upcoming journey to the Southern River Region Jiangnan, even Hong Qingyan had warned him about it.


    Although he was the Northern Border King, he might still be cautious before finally breaking through to become a Martial King; after all, it could lead to complications with the Gu&Poison Sect in the Southern Border, which even the Southern Territory had not been able to completely eradicate over the past decade.


    Now, however, Ye Feng had succeeded in Opening his Aperture and achieved the esteemed status of a Martial King. In this world, there were hardly any threats to him anymore!


    After one hour and a half, everyone finally arrived in the Provincial City of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province. It was, after all, the Provincial City, undoubtedly more bustling than Jiangdu City, with towering buildings on both sides and a constant stream of traffic like an endless procession of horses and carriages.


    Luo Keque, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and said, "Mr. Ye, we have now arrived in the Provincial City. We''ve just received word from the Divine Doctor Sect here that we don''t need to gather at the Sect. We''ll head straight to the Provincial City''s No. 1 Hospital."


    "Straight to the hospital?" Ye Feng inquired.


    But before he could finish, Ye Feng interrupted in a deep voice, "From now on, when I command something, just do it. Don''t ask about things you shouldn''t, understood?"


    "Yes!" Luo Keque immediately nodded, although his mind couldn''t help but race.


    The other party wanted to investigate the Yin Family; could it be that he had not only made an enemy of the Jiang Family but also offended the Yin Family? If it were true, he would have to carefully consider how to interact with him from now on.


    After all, offending one Jiang Family was terrifying enough, but if he had also offended the low-key and mysterious Yin Family, it meant half of the Four Great Families in the Provincial City were made enemies of, suggesting it would be nearly impossible to gain a foothold in the Jiangnan Province afterward.


    After the car entered the Provincial City, it slowed down, circling around the highway for half an hour before finally arriving at the first hospital in the city.


    "Mr. Ye, we''ve arrived!" Luo Keque got out of the car and then hurried over to Ye Feng''s side to open the car door.


    Ye Feng alighted from the car with the help of Hong Qingyan and Seventeen and sat in a wheelchair.


    Ahead, people from Qitian Gate had also alighted, and Liang Zhong gave Ye Feng a glare before whispering, "Sect Leader, that crippled frenzied son-in-law from the Hong Family really followed us here."


    "Don''t bother with such an arrogant and ignorant young man. I have already notified the Jiang Family. Now we just wait and enjoy the show. Let''s hurry inside; we don''t want to keep the big shots of the Provincial City Divine Doctor Sect waiting."


    After saying this, Qitian Gate straightened his attire and quickly entered the hospital with the aid of his assistant.


    "Mr. Ye, they are already in the large conference room at the back of the hospital. Should we go there directly now?" Luo Keque asked.


    "Go straight there!" Ye Feng''s gaze remained level, and, though his face seemed expressionless, it somehow exuded an air of commanding pressure.


    Luo Keque said no more and led Ye Feng into the hospital. Upon showing the Divine Doctor Sect''s credentials, they quickly reached the large conference room on the top floor.


    The conference room was crowded with people from the high ranks of the Provincial City Divine Doctor Sect, a few in charge from each city district''s Divine Doctor Sect, and representatives from various grand families.


    The conference room was bustling, resembling a marketplace. Ye Feng frowned slightly but said nothing. He quietly wheeled himself in.

 Chapter 62 Alarming the General Martial Alliance of Jiangnan

    None of those present paid attention to Ye Feng''s arrival; after all, the meeting room was crowded, and no one paid much attention to one more person, especially since he was in a wheelchair.


    In the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, there are a total of five cities under its jurisdiction, so there are ten seats in total.


    Among them, the central seat is occupied by the Divine Doctor Sect of the Provincial City, with five seats belonging to the Sect Masters of the Divine Doctor Sect from each city, and the remaining four seats taken by representatives from the Four Great Families of the Provincial City.


    As for the others, they could only sit below. Ye Feng chose a secluded corner, glanced slightly at the chairman''s seat, found no familiar faces, and thought it was normal. After all, it is just one of the provinces in the south; it''s not significantly outstanding in the entire country, so it was normal that no one recognized him.


    Even the high-ranking leaders of the Divine Doctor Sect of Jiangnan Provincial City, when placed within the National Divine Doctor Sect, only hold very ordinary statuses.


    Sect Master Qi Tianmen of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect was seated to the left of the Divine Doctor Sect of the Provincial City since Jiangdu City was the best developed among the five cities under the jurisdiction of the Provincial City.


    Suddenly, the previously noisy large meeting room fell silent, and soon after, several elderly men dressed in silk robes walked out one after the other from the back.


    Those who were sitting immediately stood up, including Qi Tianmen, who immediately bowed respectfully to the three elders.


    Luo Keque introduced to Ye Feng from the side, "These three are the current leaders of the Divine Doctor Sect of the Provincial City. The one with the high cheekbones in the center is the Sect Master, and the other two are the Vice Sect Leaders."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and asked in a low voice, "Has anyone from the Yin Family come?"


    "They have, over there!" Luo Keque pointed ahead.


    Following the direction of his pointing finger, Ye Feng saw a man in his forties with a hooked nose and a thin figure sitting there, his expression somber and cold, not revealing anything on the surface.


    At that moment, Sect Master Pang Dahai of the Divine Doctor Sect of the Provincial City waved his hand slightly to signal everyone to be quiet, then spoke, "Originally, the convening of all the Divine Doctor Sects of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province should have been a happy event, but at this moment, there is no joy in my heart, quite the opposite, it feels very heavy!"


    A Vice Sect Leader of the Jiangnan Divine Doctor Sect said, "The Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan has indicated that while they investigate the perpetrators, we should be responsible for saving people and provide them with as many useful clues as possible."


    Qi Tianmen added, "The senior members are absolutely right. Our Divine Doctor Sect has the duty to save lives and heal the wounded. Now that several powerful family leaders in the Provincial City have fallen ill, our Divine Doctor Sect naturally has an unavoidable responsibility."


    Although his words were obvious and added nothing new, they were quite well-received by the wealthy families of Jiangnan, with many leaders nodding repeatedly towards him, which made Qi Tianmen quite pleased with himself, feeling as though he had made a grand display.


    "Master Pang, is it now possible for us to go in and take a closer look at the current physical condition of Head of the Cui Family?" one person asked.


    "I''m afraid that''s not possible, at least not for many people to go in and check," said Pang Dahai, shaking his head lightly. "Because up to this point, we are not yet certain if this strange illness is contagious or what kind of risks it entails!"


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    He continued, "The purpose of today''s consultation is to first let everyone get a general idea of the situation and develop a preliminary consensus and direction. After that, we will select the five most skilled Divine Doctors to enter the isolation ward for the critically ill to conduct medical diagnoses, and then formulate a treatment plan."


    At these words, the crowd began to stir again, with many eager to try their hand. After all, this was a consultation involving the entire Divine Doctor Sect of the Provincial City. Who wouldn''t want the opportunity to showcase their medical skills at such a high-profile event?


    Of course, it wasn''t just about making a grand appearance. Those afflicted were controllers of the Jiangnan wealthy families. If one were to cure these individuals, it would undoubtedly lead to forming connections with these wealthy families.


    After that, entering the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan would be almost a sure thing, and one might even be specially chosen to become an elder of the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan, henceforth leaping through the Dragon Gate.


    "Alright, let''s turn on the high-definition projector!" ordered one of the Vice Sect Leaders, waving his hand.


    The staff acted promptly, and soon the screen was revealed, displaying a skeleton-thin old man. He was so gaunt that he appeared to be skin and bones as he lay on the hospital bed, his breath weak to the extreme.


    "This is the head of the Pang Family of Southern River Region Jiangnan; he was suddenly admitted to the hospital in a coma ten days ago. After two days with no effective diagnosis from the hospital, the case was reported to the Divine Doctor Sect. These past few days, the most significant symptom of the disease has been progressive wasting, with essence, qi, and spirit diminishing by the day."


    Upon seeing this, Ye Feng''s eyebrows twitched; he mused to himself, "Just as I expected!"

 Chapter 63 At this moment, the whole audience was shocked.

    Luo Keque looked intently at the projection screen for a moment then suddenly turned to Ye Feng and said, "Mr. Ye..."


    "Don''t rush, watch and then speak," Ye Feng''s expression remained calm.


    Then another person appeared on the projection screen, a middle-aged man in his forties, the family head of the Yan family, a second-rate family in the Southern River Region Jiangnan.


    "Yan Family head, Yan Bukuan, I believe many people here know him. Originally, he was a big fat man, his belly bulging as if he was nine months pregnant, but now look at him, he too has become skin and bones!"


    Pang Dahai said with a grave expression, "He was admitted to hospital eight days ago, and after two days of fruitless treatment, the Divine Doctor Sect was notified. Over the following days, his clinical symptoms progressed much like those of the head of the Pang Family, continuously wasting away with vitality steadily ebbing from his body!"


    Qitian Gate frowned and said, "Judging from the symptoms of both heads of the Pang and Yan Families just now, they seem to be exactly the same!"


    "Indeed, they''re basically the same. In fact, not just the two of them, the symptoms of several other family heads are also quite similar!"


    After Pang Tianhai finished speaking, he waved his hand again, and the screen subsequently projected several other patients who, like the previous two, had nearly the same symptoms, and the timing of their illnesses was also roughly eight to ten days prior.


    With that, the projection was turned off. Pang Dahai turned back to the crowd and spoke loudly, "You all have a general understanding of the patients'' symptoms. Now, let''s discuss and see, what are everyone''s opinions and viewpoints on this?"


    Qitian Gate was the first to speak out, "From what we''ve seen now, what Master of Pang Sect said earlier is correct; it''s almost certain that these illnesses are man-made, not natural. First, their symptoms are almost identical. Second, the timing of the infections is consistent. And third, their identities!"


    A Vice Sect Leader from the Divine Doctor Sect of the Southern River Region Jiangnan said, "I''m saying, Qitian Gate, can''t you say something useful? There''s no need to repeat the conclusions that Master of Pang Sect has already made. Are you still trying to suck up at this time? Don''t you feel like you are barking up the wrong tree?"


    Qitian Gate stopped talking and didn''t dare to retort. He had intended to curry favor and make a show, knowing full well the limits of his own medical expertise. If it came down to a fair competition, he might never get his turn.


    Pang Dahai waved his hand and said, "Alright, Tianhai wasn''t wrong, he just didn''t hit the nail on the head. Everyone here is a top-notch divine doctor from various cities of the Divine Doctor Sect, professionally trained, most having devoted half a lifetime to the study of medicine. Let''s hear from all of you. Have you ever encountered such a disease before?"


    No one else spoke up. Pang Dahai surveyed the room, and almost no one dared to meet his gaze.


    One of them asked, "May I ask Master of Pang Sect, concerning these patients losing their vitality for no apparent reason, hasn''t the latest medical equipment been employed in the investigation by the hospital?"


    Pang Dahai answered, "Of course they''ve been examined, inside and out, including all internal organs, and even the blood has been cleansed using dialysis, but to no avail. No suspicious signs could be found. As the saying goes, ''a problem well stated is a problem half-solved,'' but now we can''t even figure out the cause, so there''s really no starting point for treatment."


    More importantly, Ye Feng simply did not want to waste his breath with the useless crowd present. If he were to go up himself, he would definitely need to explain his identity and origins. As an acting king, to explain himself to these no-hopers seemed demeaning even to think about it.


    Luo Keque straightened his body and said, "Then, Mr. Ye, may I proceed? After going up there, what should I say?"


    "Just tell the truth!" Ye Feng remained indifferent.


    Luo Keque did not say anything further, gathered his courage to stand up, and then walked towards the podium.


    Although the podium was not far from him, merely about ten meters away, Luo Keque felt this was the most difficult and oppressive walk of his life. Because as soon as he stood up, all eyes in the room were on him.


    Stopping two meters away from the podium, Luo Keque then said, "Master of the Pang Sect, I know the origin of this illness!"


    Not just the Master of the Pang Sect, but the other members of the Divine Doctor Sect present, and even over a dozen representatives of prominent families, all showed shock and astonishment on their faces.


    "You know the origin of this illness, who are you?" Master of Pang Sect asked.


    "I am Luo Keque, vice sect leader of the Divine Doctor Sect of Jiangdu City," Luo Keque replied with a slight bow.


    "If you say you know, then please enlighten us!" Pang Dahai waved his hand.


    Luo Keque said, "In fact, they are not suffering from ordinary illnesses, but have been poisoned!"


    "Poisoned? How is that possible? They show no signs of being poisoned!" someone in the crowd immediately expressed their doubts. Stay updated via empire


    Pang Dahai stared at him intently and asked, "Poisoned? Are you joking? Other than their bodies wasting away and vitality slipping, they show none of the typical signs that fully indicate poisoning!"


    "Their lips are not black, the whites of their eyes have not changed, and even their blood and viscera have not turned black. How could it be poisoning?"


    Unruffled, Luo Keque mimicked Ye Feng''s tone from earlier and articulated, "If it were a common poison, indeed the poisoned would mostly have black lips and their viscera would also be blackened. However, they are not afflicted by ordinary poison, but by Gu and Poison!"


    "Gu and Poison?" At that moment, the entire room was in shock.

 Chapter 64 The Jiang Family Reacts Violently

    Pang Dahai paused for a while before responding in a deep voice, "Gu poison? So it''s Gu poison. Now that you mention it, I do recall something." Find your next adventure on empire


    A city-level sect leader from the Divine Doctor Sect said, "It is said that the Gu&Poison Sect has a very ancient history within the Hundred Thousand Mountains of the Southern Territory, could it be, Master Pang, that this Gu poison is indeed from the Gu&Poison Sect of the Southern Territory?"


    "Exactly!"


    Pang Dahai said somberly, "Although the Gu&Poison Sect is a faction, it has many branches, especially in modern times, where its factional dynamics have become even more complex. Furthermore, the means of the Gu&Poison Sect are said to not be limited to Gu and poison."


    Unable to restrain himself, Lord of Qi asked, "May I dare to ask Master Pang, is the ailment that Cui Yan and the other family heads contracted really Gu poison?"


    "Indeed, it is Gu poison."


    As Pang Dahai spoke, he shook his head with a sigh, "I should have thought of this earlier. I remember back when I was a young man learning medicine, my master, the previous Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect, had mentioned it to us, though I did not take it to heart."


    "It wasn''t until Deputy Sect Leader Luo mentioned it that I suddenly remembered," Pang Dahai finished speaking and turned his head to look at Luo Keque, his face showing approval.


    He hadn''t directly called Luo Keque by his name but had referred to him as Deputy Sect Leader, which was evidently a sign of respect, an acknowledgment of Luo Keque.


    Lord of Qi, seeing this, couldn''t help but frown slightly, with a hint of displeasure in his heart. After all, he was the Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan, and Luo Keque was merely the Vice Sect Leader; for the spotlight to be stolen by Luo Keque, how could he be pleased?


    Liang Zhong asked in a low voice, "Lord Qi, does this old man Luo Keque truly have the skill to cure illnesses?"


    Lord of Qi replied coldly, "Don''t be hasty; just watch and wait."


    Suddenly someone asked, "May I dare to ask Master Pang, if you have recognized the Gu poison within the family heads, do you already have a treatment plan?"


    Pang Dahai shook his head and said, "I''m ashamed to say that my medical skills have not reached that level, and I am unable to find a solution."


    "Even Master Pang, you don''t have a way?" Many people in the audience asked in surprise.


    Pang Dahai said with a bitter smile, "To tell you the truth, it''s not only about me. Even if my esteemed master were still alive, he wouldn''t be able to completely eliminate the Gu poison. At most, he could only delay the onset of its effects, and this was something that my master had told us firsthand."


    The crowd was once again greatly shocked, "Is Gu poison really that formidable?"


    Ye Feng slowly said, "You want me to come over there to talk? Master of Pang Sect, your legs are in good working order, so why do you not come here?"


    His words were still courteous. He, the Northern Border Sovereign, was used to others seeking an audience with him, never before having anyone so bold as to demand he walk over to meet them.


    Pang Dahai frowned, his face showing signs of displeasure. After all, as the Chief Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, his status was the highest among those present. Personally going over to invite someone would be akin to lowering his own worth, would it not?


    So Pang Dahai remained unmoved. Seeing this, Lord of Qi secretly signaled the young man from the Jiang Family with a glance.


    The young man of the Jiang Family, Jiang Tianhu, slammed the table, sprang to his feet, and called out loudly, "What complete nonsense! This man in the wheelchair, this disabled man, this son-in-law of the Hong Family of Jiangdu, he can cure diseases and remove Gu poison? What a joke!"


    In an instant, the whole hall was stirred, and all eyes were drawn once again to Jiang Tianhu.


    Pang Dahai hurriedly asked, "Tianhu, do you know this person?"


    "I certainly do!"


    Jiang Tianhu snorted coldly, "This man is named Ye Feng, originally the foster son of the Fu Family of Jiangdu. However, due to his arrogant and ignorant nature, he has since been driven out of the Fu Family. Now he is nothing but a worthless son-in-law at the Hong Family of Jiangdu!"


    "The Hong Family of Jiangdu, that Hong Family of Jiangdu?" a representative from the Cui Family asked.


    Jiang Tianhu scoffed, "That Hong Family of Jiangdu is merely a third-rate prestigious family, not even worth mentioning. And this worthless frenzied son-in-law of the Hong Family, some say he can remove Gu poison? Nonsense, this frenzied son-in-law, relying on the support of a Great Grandmaster behind him, has been causing trouble, beating to death my Jiang Family''s elder Jiang Youhe in cold blood.


    His actions are simply outrageous!"


    As his words fell, the room was immediately abuzz, many people''s expressions changed.


    The Jiang Family is one of the Four Great Families of Jiangnan Province, with immense power and influence. To dare to beat an elder of the Jiang Family to death, one had to wonder whether this person was extremely arrogant or foolish to the extreme.


    Seeing this unfold, Lord of Qi also stood up and said, "Master of Pang Sect, I also have something to say about this Mr. Ye Feng in the wheelchair."


    Pang Dahai turned his head and asked, "What would you like to say? Please speak freely."


    Lord of Qi directly pointed to Tang Feng and let out a chuckle, "This person, this disabled man here, his claims of being a divine doctor are utter rubbish!"

 Chapter 65 My Pang Family, Willing to Give it a Try!

    Lord Qi of Qitian Gate walked to the center of the hall with an overbearing air.


    "Gentlemen, you may not be aware that this so-called Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family claims to be a Peerless Divine Doctor, but in reality, not only has he never systematically studied any medical knowledge, he doesn''t even have a medical practice license!"


    "Do you all think that such a barefoot doctor could cure the legendary and terrifying Gu poison? How is this man any different from those quacks peddling Dog Skin like Plaster on the streets?"


    Pang Dahai''s complexion grew increasingly stern, and he gritted his teeth and hummed, "Lord Qi, are you serious about what you just said?"


    "Of course I am serious. I have personally asked him about it, and this Frenzied Son-in-Law of the Hong Family has admitted it himself!" Lord Qi of Qitian Gate snorted coldly.


    The whole place was suddenly abuzz with astonishment, and someone hummed, "He doesn''t even have the most basic medical qualification certificate, to say that he could remove Gu poison, I decidedly can''t believe it!"


    "Indeed, that''s too far-fetched. Tell me, Lord Qi, this man comes from your Jiangdu, isn''t he one of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect?"


    "Of course not. How could such an outsider, who doesn''t even understand the basic medical knowledge, be from our Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect? Our Divine Doctor Sect gathers the world''s Divine Doctors, not just any street quack can join!"


    Lord Qi of Qitian Gate appeared righteous and proud, feeling secretly delighted in his heart, because the situation was unfolding in the direction he had steered.


    Pang Dahai asked in a cold voice, "If he is not from the Divine Doctor Sect, nor a representative of the prominent families of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, then why was he allowed to attend this meeting?"


    Immediately, Lord Qi of Qitian Gate clasped his hands in apology, "Master of Pang Sect, please forgive me. I had tried to dissuade him from participating, but someone specifically recommended him, and I couldn''t stop it."


    "Who? Who recommended him?" Pang Dahai looked very angry.


    Seeing this, Luo Keque had to step forward and say, "Responding to Master of Pang Sect, it was I who recommended Mr. Ye, because he truly can..."


    But before he could finish, Pang Dahai abruptly cut him off, "Outrageous, Luo Keque, you are the Vice Sect Leader of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect, don''t you even understand the rules of the Divine Doctor Sect? How dare you bring in outsiders privately, do you really think the Divine Doctor Sect is your own backyard?"


    Luo Keque was scolded to the point of not daring to retort, and of course, he also knew that the situation had reached this point entirely because of the despicable actions of Lord Qi of Qitian Gate fanning the flames in the shadows.


    The representative of the Jiang Family, Jiang Tianhu, spoke in a cold voice, "Master of Pang Sect, this useless son-in-law of the Hong Family, there''s no need to waste words on him, just kick him out directly!"


    The room fell silent once again.


    Luo Keque spoke coldly, "Since you have such distrust, why don''t we let one of the family heads here give it a try?"


    Lord Qi sneered, "Let one of the family heads try? Do you really think these family heads are guinea pigs? Ask around, who among those present would be willing to try?"


    Jiang Tianhu grumbled, "Are you joking? These family heads are all respected figures in Southern River Region Jiangnan, each with assets over a billion. Who would be so foolish?"


    A representative of the Cui Family declared, "My Cui Family certainly won''t easily agree to try!"


    "The Yan Family may not be the premier family of Southern River Region Jiangnan, but we can''t just let someone experiment on us!"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng slightly furrowed his brow. Human life was at stake, and he could have been forgiving of their ignorance and fussing, but now he saw that they were truly overstepping.


    At that moment, a representative of the Pang Family suddenly stood up, "My Pang Family is willing to give it a shot."


    Luo Keque was overjoyed at hearing this, "Brother Pang, this is truly wonderful."


    The Pang Family representative smiled, "Brother Luo, you and I have some ties, and I understand your character. I trust you, so please have Mr. Ye try his hand at treating."


    With that, the Pang Family representative stepped forward towards Ye Feng, then bowed respectfully in front of everyone and said, "Since it''s a trial treatment, there might be risks. Nevertheless, I can assure Mr. Ye here!"


    "Whether or not the treatment is successful, or even if the family head''s condition worsens after treatment, as long as Mr. Ye doesn''t deliberately cause harm, my Pang Family will not blame Mr. Ye. On the contrary, if the treatment is successful, my Pang Family will be most grateful. Here is five million as a deposit; please, Mr. Ye, accept it."


    Ye Feng didn''t look at the gold card handed to him and simply smiled, "Originally, I had decided not to take action, but seeing your sincerity, I''ll agree. Where is Master of Pang Family now?"


    "He''s here in the hospital, Mr. Ye, if it is convenient for you, we can start the treatment immediately!" said the Pang Family representative.


    "Lead the way up front!" Ye Feng gestured lightly.


    "Please, Mr. Ye."

 Chapter 66 My Words are Never Repeated

    Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Ye Feng remained composed, pushed in his wheelchair by Hong Qingyan as they left the conference room, heading towards the intensive medical care room in the back courtyard.


    Pang Dahai followed closely, together with people like Master of Qitian Gate, while representatives of the major families from Jiangnan''s Provincial City stayed in the conference room.


    "What do you think," the Yan Family representative said as he lit a cigarette, "can this so-called Mad Son-in-Law of the Hong Family really eliminate the Gu and Poison?"


    Tapping the table, the Cui Family representative coldly said with slight indifference, "That''s not something we need to be concerned about. Now that the old fellow from the Pang Family is willing to be the guinea pig, all we have to do is watch."


    The Yan Family representative nodded and said, "That''s right, Mr. Cui is correct. With someone from the Pang Family trying it out, let''s just observe. Even if that Mad Son-in-Law of the Hong Family can''t cure or remove the Gu and Poison and, in the process, kills the Master of the Pang Family, it won''t cause us any loss."


    "On the contrary, if he truly cures him, we can then come forward and ask this Mad Son-in-Law of the Hong Family to treat us without delay!"


    Suddenly, the Cui Family representative turned his head to look at Jiang Tianhu and asked, "Tianhu, you mentioned earlier that this Mr. Ye of the Hong Family brazenly killed an elder of your Jiang Family in Jiangdu, is that true?"


    "Absolutely true. Would I joke about something so serious?"


    Jiang Tianhu snorted and then, gritting his teeth, said, "Not only was my Uncle Jiang Youhe killed, but my Third Uncle Jiang Biehe was crippled by that guy, and my cousin Jiang Tianlong was even castrated by him!"


    Hiss...


    The others in the room took in a sharp breath, and the atmosphere in the conference room became somewhat strange.


    After pondering for a while, the Cui Family representative asked, "As far as I know, Mr. Jiang Biehe was one of the rare experts in your Jiang Family, a Huajin Grandmaster, and even he was crippled. That suggests this Mr. Ye of the Hong Family is no small fry!"


    As he spoke, his hands continuously tapped on the table, clearly pondering other matters.


    "This Mad Son-in-Law of the Hong Family, being a cripple with broken legs, is not to be feared," Jiang Tianhu huffed. "However, the attendant following him is a great expert, who might very well be a Master of Huajin Level!"


    The entire conference room fell silent again, with each person contemplating on their own, clearly deep in thought. After all, an ordinary Master of Inner Force might not be much to them, but a Huajin Level Grandmaster was not to be underestimated.


    "Perhaps..."


    Ye Feng''s expression became stern, "I never repeat myself!"


    Luo Keque, seeing the situation unfold, promptly tugged at Pang Youze''s sleeve.


    Pang Youze came to his senses and hurriedly stepped forward with a clasped fist, "Master Pang and esteemed Divine Doctors, perhaps Mr.Ye finds it inconvenient when performing his needling technique, or maybe there are family secrets not meant for public knowledge, so I kindly ask everyone to step back for the time being."


    Qitian Gate spoke with a cold voice, "Mr. Pang, as Master Pang just said, if we are present, we can bring up any errors that may arise timely."


    Pang Youze laughed lightly, "Thank you for your kind intentions, but I respect Mr. Ye''s wishes, and even if there are any accidents with the family head, my Pang Family will not blame or resent anyone."


    Qitian Gate wanted to say something more, but was stopped by Pang Dahai.


    "Very well then, Pang Youze, if this so-called Divine Doctor Ye can cure Master Pang, then all the better. Conversely, if he ends up killing him, then it''s not like we didn''t warn beforehand. Let''s go!"


    With a cold snort, Pang Dahai gestured grandly with his hand and immediately left the ICU. As the Sect Master of Jiangnan Provincial City''s Divine Doctor Sect, his status was extremely noble. Having been asked to leave, he couldn''t cling shamelessly to stay; wouldn''t that mean losing face?


    Soon the door to the ward closed, Ye Feng casually flicked open the Brocade Box and instructed Pang Youze to help the old man on the bed to sit up.


    Ever since his breakthrough to the Martial King Realm, Ye Feng found administering acupuncture much easier. It was no longer as strenuous as the time he treated Hong Zhenguo, and he inserted over twenty silver needles rapidly, the speed of his needling being extremely fast.


    He then began to use his Inner Strength, invoking the Phoenix Returns to Heaven Formation Technique. Soon, the entire ward was filled with a humming sound, as if a phoenix was singing.


    Although Luo Keque was mentally prepared, he was still incredibly excited. Throughout, he kept his eyes wide open, afraid to miss any detail, and had even reviewed the human acupoints in the past few days. Now, he committed all the needling acupoints to memory.


    However, deep down Luo Keque still felt powerless because even though he remembered all the needling acupoints, he couldn''t perform the Rejuvenating Needle Technique of the Ancient Phoenix. Firstly, because he wasn''t a Huajin Grandmaster.


    Secondly, even if he reached the Huajin Grandmaster level, he wouldn''t know how much Inner Strength to use for each point; after all, the strength needed for each acupoint was different, not to mention the sequence of their execution. Unless Ye Feng was willing to teach him, he couldn''t possibly learn by just watching; at best, he could only grasp a general idea.


    "Done, the Gu and Poison have been removed!"


    Suddenly, Ye Feng made a sweeping gesture with his Great Hand, directly collecting the extracted poison and placing it into a pre-prepared sealed bottle.


    "It''s done, just like that?" Pang Youze was still in a daze, as it was only a matter of a few minutes from start to finish.

 Chapter 67 Just state your conditions.

    Compared to the last time he removed poison for Hong Zhengguo, Ye Feng found this time to be much easier.


    After all, having succeeded in opening the first acupoint and achieving the Martial King Realm, his inner strength was far superior to what it had been before.


    "Luo Keque, the following matters will be handed over to you to explain to this Mr. Pang," Ye Feng said.


    Luo Keque immediately nodded and replied, "Yes, Mr. Ye, I can take care of these trivial matters!"


    After finishing, he turned to Pang Youze and gave some instructions on how to recuperate and what to pay attention to.


    It was not until this moment that Pang Youze came back to his senses from the shock. Without a word, he walked straight to Ye Feng intending to kneel in gratitude.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Alright, enough with the pleasantries, I only extended my help because I saw that you had a good character."


    With those words, Ye Feng, pushed by Hong Qingyan in his wheelchair, left the sickroom.


    Outside the sickroom, Pang Dahai and Qitian Gate''s other Divine Doctor Sect high-ranking members were waiting. Upon seeing people coming out, they immediately went forward and asked, "How is it, does this surnamed Ye really have a way to remove the Gu and poison from Master Pang''s body?"


    "It''s been removed. The Gu and poison inside my brother''s body have been completely eliminated by Mr. Ye. We owe him a great debt, his life has been saved!"


    Pang Youze stepped forward to explain, his tone filled with emotion.


    "Really cured? Truly cured? Pang Youze, are you not lying?" asked a high-ranking member of the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan.


    "Of course, it''s true. Why would I lie about such a matter? Besides, if you don''t believe it, you are welcome to go in and see for yourselves. Just one look and you''ll know!"


    Possibly out of high spirits, Pang Youze couldn''t help but add, "My brother''s health is much better than before, and even his complexion has some color back. He''s no longer as pale and emaciated as he was."


    "Is it really that miraculous? In such a short time, you managed to remove the mysterious Gu and poison?"


    The Divine Doctor Sect high-ranking members were skeptical, and immediately, two of them quickly entered the room to investigate. They soon came back out.


    Pang Dahai asked in a deep voice, "Well?"


    "It''s just as Pang Youze said, it seems that Master Pang''s Gu and Poison have truly been removed!"


    "Master Pang, if you ask me, this Ye fellow is really too presumptuous, completely ignoring even you," Qitian Gate sidled over and fanned the flames. "No wonder quite a few people in Jiangdu call him the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family!"


    Pang Dahai narrowed his eyes and hummed with a heavy voice, "Even if he has some medical skills, even if he can remove the Gu and poison, so what? In the medical community of the Jiangnan Province, I''m still the one who calls the shots. If he wants to make a name for himself in Jiangnan''s medical circles without my approval, he''s deluding himself!"


    A member of the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan spoke up, "But Sect Master, now several heads of the great families have been hit with Gu and poison. Next, the Cui and Yan families will surely ask this young man for help. By then, he will surely gain renown in the upper echelons of Jiangnan..."


    "You need not worry about that!"


    Pang Dahai waved his hand slightly, "Even if he makes connections with the Cui, Yan, and other wealthy families, did you not hear what Jiang Tianhu said just now? This youngster killed an elder of the Jiang Family; they will certainly not let him off. By then, with our Sect Master''s assistance, the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan will also cause trouble for him.


    Just wait and watch!"


    Upon hearing this, Qitian Gate''s heart settled, and he gave a thumbs-up, "Master Pang is wise..."


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already turned the corner in the corridor, preparing to leave. Just then, from the direction of the left turn, representatives of the Cui Family, Yan Family, and a few other major families rushed toward him hurriedly.


    It seemed these family representatives had heard that Ye Feng could remove the Gu and poison and had rushed over in haste.


    "Mr. Ye, please wait, Mr. Ye, stay a moment!"


    "Divine Doctor Ye, please don''t go. We beg you to save our Head of the Yan Family!"


    Ye Feng''s wheelchair was no match for their speed, and he was quickly caught up to and blocked.


    "Mr. Ye, since you''ve already completed a trial needle for Master Pang and proven that you really can remove the Gu and poison, why the hurry to leave?"


    Ye Feng responded indifferently, "Since Master Pang''s illness has been cured, why should I stay any longer?"


    The representatives of the Cui and other families immediately made a respectful gesture, "Mr. Ye, it wasn''t that we didn''t believe you before. It''s just that we had never seen you in action, and we apologize for any offense. We beg your forgiveness and ask you to help us with treatment."


    Ye Feng said sternly, "And why should I help you?"


    The representative of the Cui Family was taken aback, then quickly said, "Well, Mr. Ye, as long as you cure our Head of the Cui Family, name your conditions. We''ll pay you directly if you want. Is ten million enough, or maybe twenty million, or even fifty million? Just name your price!"


    At this, Ye Feng laughed.

 Chapter 68 You Wont Die If You Dont Seek Death

    ```


    Upon seeing Ye Feng laugh, the representative from the Cui Family spoke in a grave voice, "If fifty million isn''t enough, then let it be one billion. As long as you can cure our family head, one billion will be yours. This is a fifty million down payment!"


    ```


    ```


    As he spoke, the representative from the Cui Family pulled out a gold card and handed it over rather generously.


    ```


    ```


    Ye Feng didn''t reach out to take it; he didn''t even glance at it.


    ```


    ```


    The representative from the Yan Family, seeing this, spoke out sharply, "One billion, are you still not satisfied? To ask for so much is rather exorbitant, isn''t it? One billion is no small sum, enough for you to live a life of luxury for a lifetime!"


    ```


    ```


    Ye Feng looked at him and said word by word, "Don''t talk about one billion, even if you placed your entire family''s wealth before me, I wouldn''t give it a second glance."


    ```


    ```


    "What exactly do you want then?" the Cui Family representative became angry.


    ```


    ```


    He was, after all, the Deputy Family Head of the Cui Family, and within the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, the family was one of the Four Great Families with immense power.


    When had they ever needed to demean themselves by pleading with someone like this, even Pang Dahai, the Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan, would have to be polite in the presence of the Cui Family''s upper echelon!


    ```


    ```


    Ye Feng did not answer the question but instead pointed at Pang Youze next to him, "Do you know why I only saved the Pang Family and refuse to help the rest of you?"


    ```


    ```


    The representative from the Yan Family immediately asked, "Why?"


    ```


    ```


    "Because of attitude!" Ye Feng declared with a cold voice, "Do you really think that in this world, with money, you can do whatever you want? All of you get lost and don''t block my way!"


    ```


    ```


    The countenance of the Cui Family representative suddenly darkened, and he clenched his fists as if he was about to erupt, but in a blink of an eye, he managed to suppress his anger.


    ```


    ```


    "Mister Ye, it is truly fitting that you are known as the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family. You were wild enough in Jiangdu, but I never expected you to be this arrogant upon arriving in our Southern River Region!" The Cui Family representative suddenly sneered, "Mister Ye, I am aware that you hold a grudge against the Jiang Family.


    Ye Feng stared back coldly and asked, "And what if I don''t leave, what will you do?"


    ```


    ```


    "What will I do?" Jiang Tianhu sneered twice and said, "I order you now to treat these family heads immediately, then personally go to the Jiang Family to apologize. Perhaps, in consideration of the other families here, we might be kind enough to leave you a whole corpse!"


    ```


    ```


    A smirk tugged at the corner of Ye Feng''s mouth as he taunted, "Do you know how your cousin, Jiang Tianlong, broke his fingers?"


    ```


    Jiang Tianhu''s eyebrows twitched as he demanded, "Wasn''t that done by you, kid?"


    Ye Feng shook his head with a sigh and said, "He did to me exactly what you just did, using his finger to point at my head!"


    "Seventeen, shatter one of his yellow teeth and break his four limbs!"


    As soon as Ye Feng finished speaking, Seventeen behind him sprang into action, pouncing forward like a ferocious tiger, whipping up a gale along the long corridor.


    Although Jiang Tianhu was also a martial arts practitioner and confident in his abilities, he was utterly incapable of even reacting to the onrushing tiger before him.


    Boom!


    Jiang Tianhu''s mouth took a heavy punch, his teeth were knocked out, and he immediately reeled backward.


    With a reach of Seventeen''s large hand, which toyed with him like a puppet on strings, Jiang Tianhu''s limbs were broken, and he lay on the ground, whining helplessly like a dead dog.


    The representatives of the several large families behind were so frightened that they turned pale, standing still, not even daring to breathe heavily.


    With a slight wave of his hand from Ye Feng, Hong Qingyan began to push the wheelchair calmly along the end of the corridor, followed by Seventeen at an unhurried pace.


    It wasn''t until the three''s figures completely vanished down the corridor that the crowd finally let out a long sigh of relief.


    "This Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family, he actually... actually dared to cripple the Second Young Master of the Jiang Family!" the representative of the Cui Family said in a grave tone.


    The representative of the Yan Family huffed, "The boy is truly arrogant, but at the moment, only he can cure the illness of our family heads. What shall we do?"


    A representative of a second-rate family said, "This kid dares to be arrogant solely because he''s backed by a Great Grandmaster. But he''s just one man; surely, our mighty families aren''t afraid of him, are we?"


    "If you ask me, since this kid is so arrogant and impertinent, why don''t we just take action and capture him? We can torture him for a while. Let''s see if he still dares to be so brazen in front of us!"


    Qitian Gate couldn''t help but chuckle secretly at this, originally worried that Ye Feng would intervene to heal the heads of the large families, thereby forging connections with the families of Southern River Region Jiangnan, and Luo Keque, relying on his relationship with Ye Feng, would certainly replace him as the Sect Master of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect.


    But now it seemed that things were unexpectedly working out to his delight.


    "If you don''t seek death, you won''t die. Ye, you''ve completely offended the great families of Southern River Region Jiangnan. Now you''re doomed!" Qitian Gate sneered to himself.


    Pang Dahai suddenly stepped forward, "Representatives, there''s really no need for this. If you act rashly, you might very well kill the boy by accident. I, however, have a cunning plan."


    "What clever plan do you have? Speak quickly!"


    "It''s actually quite simple. This Ye has openly crippled the Second Young Master of the Jiang Family in Southern River Region Jiangnan and also killed an Elder of the Jiang Family. If we report these matters to the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, they certainly won''t stand by and do nothing!"


    "Indeed, if the Martial Alliance takes action, there will be more assurance, and it will be more justifiable."


    "Of course!"


    Pang Dahai smiled and then continued, "I won''t hide this from you, five years ago, our Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan lost a precious Medical Acupuncture Technique. At that time, my mentor mentioned that this lost Needle Technique could completely eradicate Gu and Poison."


    "Does that mean this kid might have stolen the Needle Technique from the Divine Doctor Sect?" the representative of the Cui Family asked.


    Pang Dahai huffed, "I cannot be certain for now, which is why we must ask the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan to intervene and demand that the boy hand over the Technique. Once I see it, I''ll know if it''s the one my Divine Doctor Sect lost."


    It turned out that this sly old man, by bringing the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan into the picture, was eyeing Ye Feng''s Rejuvenating Needle Technique of the Ancient Phoenix.


    It had to be said that Pang Dahai was not only narrow-minded and petty but also shameless beyond the ordinary.

 Chapter 69 The Legendary Eye Opening

    ```


    Leaving the number one hospital in Jiangnan, night had already fallen.


    The streets were bustling with traffic and brightly lit by thousands of homes, all of which highlighted the prosperity of this first-tier city in the heart of the country.


    Pang Youze hurried forward and said, "Mr. Ye is not from our Southern River Region Jiangnan, and it is your first time here, so you are unfamiliar with this place. If you don''t mind, I can arrange accommodation for you. You cured the master of my family, and I still don''t know how to thank you."


    Ye Feng, however, turned his head to look at him and said, "Now I have offended most of the powerful families in Jiangnan. Aren''t you afraid they will retaliate against you for being close to me?"


    Pang Youze laughed and said, "Mr. Ye you must be joking. Although the Pang Family is not a top-level noble Clan in Jiangnan, we are not ungrateful. You have shown favor to my Pang Family, and I will repay that. As for the others, I won''t bother myself so much with them."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Good!"


    Although it was just a single word, Pang Youze and Luo Keque did not know how rare it was to receive praise from the Northern Border King.


    "My Pang Family has a villa by the South River banks, it''s tranquil and the environment is elegant. If Mr. Ye has no objections, you can stay there temporarily. Of course, if Mr. Ye likes the villa, it will be given to you as a gift."


    "There''s no need for a gift, just lead the way!" Ye Feng waved his hand.


    Pang Youze didn''t say anything more, after all, the person beside him was someone who didn''t even consider a hundred million to be important. If he wanted, by saving a few clan leaders, he could amass a fortune in an instant.


    However, all these things seemed beneath the dignity of Mr. Ye, as if wealth was like dung to him.


    Carrying a heart full of curiosity, Pang Youze got into the car and led the way.


    Ye Feng entered the vehicle and then closed his eyes to ponder slowly.


    His decision to not save Cui Yan and the other clan leaders was not because Ye Feng lacked the medical ethics of saving lives and helping the injured. He had firmly refused for two reasons: one was because of the attitude of those clan representatives, and the second was an even more important reason.


    Up to now, Ye Feng had dared to determine that the involvement of Gu and Poison within several clan leaders of Jiangnan was definitely the work of the Gu&Poison Sect from the shadows of Southern Border, and the Sect''s actions were most likely an attempt to control these powerful families.


    "Ever since the King of the Southern Territory fell seriously ill and went into secluded cultivation three years ago, the Southern Territory appeared united but was actually fragmented. The great commanders governed independently, leading to the soldiers becoming loose and lazy.


    The Gu&Poison Sect took advantage of this, surfacing from the shadows, and even stretched their hands into the secular cities!"


    "I can''t find out; I won''t hide the fact from you that I have some connections in the Imperial city as well, and I''ve asked around using them, but nothing came out!"


    Luo Keque shook his head and pondered, "At first, I thought he was a young man from a Noble Clan in the Imperial city, but that didn''t seem right. Then I thought he might be a descendant from the higher echelons of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect, but after inquiries, he wasn''t!"


    "That''s really strange, a man in his early twenties with such extraordinary medical skills, and with a Great Grandmaster as his follower. What''s more crucial is his temperament; his aura is very unique, overwhelmingly domineering and powerful. I truly have no clue about his origins." Pang Youze''s brows were tightly furrowed.


    After some thought, Luo Keque spoke seriously, "He once told me that as long as one always possesses a benevolent heart and sufficient medical skills, let alone the position of the Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan, even the seat of the Chief Sect Leader of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect, he could let me take it!"


    "Is that true?" Pang Youze''s eyes brightened.


    "Of course it''s true! Therefore, Mr. Ye''s background is undoubtedly extraordinary; he might just be the greatest benefactor we will ever meet in our lifetime. If we follow him closely, the future will be bright!"


    "Yes, moving forward we''ll see if the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan will be able to subdue him. If even they can''t touch him, then that really would be..."


    The two ended their conversation here, evidently, they already had a plan in mind and knew what was next to do.


    At this very moment, Ye Feng was sitting cross-legged on a bed in one of the villa''s bedrooms.


    Even though he had now opened his first Acupoint and achieved the rank of Martial King, he still had no intention of ceasing his cultivation.


    On the path of Martial Dao, being a Martial King was merely the beginning. There are a total of ninety-nine Acupoints to be opened!


    With each of the body''s eighty-one Acupoints that one broke through, the internal Qi Force grew more solid and powerful, and naturally, so did the combat power.


    Ye Feng closed his eyes, his hands resting on his thighs, forming a strange Dharma Seal, and his breathing became rhythmic as he quickly entered a process of the Breathing Technique.


    Under his deliberate guidance, the Qi Force within his body circulated through his meridians, performing a Zhou Tian cycle, and then some barely perceptible Qi Force entered his eyes.


    Now that the Eye Acupoint was open, as the Qi Force entered, Ye Feng suddenly felt a unique sensation.


    Even though his eyes were closed, he had the feeling he could see the outside world. He could actually see the surroundings within a five-meter radius, although it was hazy, he could make out the general scene clearly.


    "What is this..."


    Ye Feng was astonished in his heart and then sighed aloud, "Could it be... is this what is said to be the ''opening of the eyes'' in the legends?"

 Chapter 70 The Strange Ghost Dao Sect

    ```


    The concept of "opening the eye," as Ye Feng once saw in ancient books, describes how a martial artist, during the cultivation process, could either achieve it through a serendipitous enlightenment or by sheer coincidence.


    "According to ancient records, there are many kinds of ''eye-opening,'' including the opening of the naked eye, spirit eye, wisdom eye, and Dharma eye, among others. However, I still don''t know which type I have opened this time," Ye Feng contemplated.


    Based on the current situation of his eye-opening, it seemed that he had opened what was considered the lowest level, the naked eye.


    As the saying goes, the naked eye is mortal. In this complex world, it is estimated that what the human naked eye can see is but a small part of the entire world.


    For instance, various rays that require instruments to detect cannot be seen by the naked eye, yet after one opens the eye, many sights invisible to the naked eye become observable.


    For example, now Ye Feng, upon channeling his inner strength into the eye acupoint, could open his eye. Then, the world would appear as a white expanse, allowing him to see through the surface of plants to their roots and through human bodies to their bones.


    "To see through the surface of things and perceive their essence is indeed the function of opening the naked eye!" Ye Feng silently marveled.


    Before he was injured, he had encountered several true Martial Kings. These Martial Kings had opened different numbers of acupoints in their bodies but he had never heard of them opening the eye acupoint to gain sight beyond the mortal.


    "It seems that this was indeed a lucky coincidence for me!"


    Ye Feng inwardly sighed, feeling fortunate that since his injury six months ago, not only had his cultivation progressed rapidly, but he had also, by chance, opened his naked eye.


    It appeared that a great misfortune could indeed bring an unexpected blessing.


    However, at that moment, Ye Feng furrowed his brows and his expression grew stern.


    Through the wall, he suddenly saw a black figure, ghostly as a specter, drifting in from outside.


    "What is this?" Ye Feng was shocked.


    The entity was so light, its movement technique was beyond comprehension, even surpassing the lightness that Ye Feng could achieve after attaining the status of a generation''s Martial King.


    Without changing his expression, Ye Feng slowly lay down, breathing evenly, simulating the state of deep sleep, yet he kept his naked eye open.


    This ghostly entity slipped through the gap in the window, surprising Ye Feng with its ability to contract and expand at will, defying all logic.


    The shadow moved silently into the room with a twisting, uncertain form, appearing to be quite elusive.


    "Die!" Ye Feng slapped with his right palm, and a torrent of Qi Force burst forth, instantly scattering the wisp of black smoke.


    But the overwhelming palm strike also shattered the window, and the scattered black smoke hurriedly took the chance to escape through it.


    Ye Feng leapt like a Golden-winged Roc, landing outside the window in a flash, but by that time, the wisp of black smoke had already vanished without a trace.


    "Unexpectedly, he escaped right under my watch. Such techniques, truly ghostly and evasive like a specter!"


    Ye Feng sighed inwardly and the next moment, he returned to his bedroom. He crouched slightly and picked up a piece of yellow paper from the ground.


    The yellow paper was densely inscribed with blood-red talismans, resembling bizarre, unsettling sigils.


    After one glance, Ye Feng''s gaze immediately sharpened: "Is this... the rumored Art of Talisman Spell from the Ghost Dao Sect?"


    As the Northern Border King, Ye Feng had had access to numerous secret scrolls within the country, and there were some records about the Ghost Dao Sect, though not many.


    It was rumored that the main base of the Ghost Dao Sect lay in the Western Territory, skilled in using talisman curse techniques, exceedingly strange, and even more mysterious than the Gu&Poison Sect.


    For instance, the shadow that had attempted to assassinate Ye Feng had utilized the yellow talisman in his hand, infusing it with Curse Incantation Secret Techniques and the essence blood and shadowy soul of the caster, eventually conjuring a semi-tangible shadow figure.


    No wonder the shadow earlier could sneak in so lightly and even lurk through the slit of the window; it seems only such a semi-tangible talismanic shadow could achieve that.


    "The Ghost Dao Sect''s lineage has nearly vanished to this day; how did it suddenly appear in Jiangnan, even orchestrating an assassination against me?"


    Ye Feng''s eyebrows shot up, and he suddenly thought of the Mountain Eagle organization, but he shook his head almost immediately, dismissing the thought; although Mountain Eagle was an assassin organization, it was unlikely they had connections to the Ghost Dao Sect at this level.


    "Could it be the Jiang Family of Southern River Region Jiangnan, or the Gu&Poison Sect, or perhaps those Aristocratic Clan Gates in the imperial capital?" Ye Feng pondered.


    However, since he could not figure it out, he did not bother to dwell on it further. As the saying goes, "The boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridge," he would just leave it for a future investigation. For now, the priority was to root out the Gu&Poison Sect.


    Suddenly, Seventeen arrived outside the door and called out, "My lord, did you hear strange noises just now? Was there an assassin?"


    Ye Feng responded, "It''s nothing, just some shortsighted riffraff. You go back and rest."


    "Yes!" Seventeen replied and withdrew.


    After a half night''s cultivation, Ye Feng was also somewhat tired, especially his eyes, which after being used for a long time, felt a slight soreness, so he soon fell asleep.

 Chapter 71 Are You That Ye Feng?

    The night passed without incident, and early the next morning, Pang Youze, accompanied by Luo Keque, came to the door, expressing their intention to invite Ye Feng out for morning tea.


    "Mr. Ye, I received a phone call from the hospital this morning, indicating that our family head is now out of danger. Your life-saving grace will never be forgotten by the Pang Family!"


    Having said this, Pang Youze deeply bowed.


    Ye Feng, seated in his wheelchair, waved his hand and said, "There''s no need for further pleasantries. Just lead the way."


    "As you wish, Mr. Ye!" Pang Youze could hardly contain his joy.


    He had been unable to sleep the previous night, fretting over the matter, and had suddenly realized that to insist on bestowing gold and silver treasures upon such an extraordinary person would be to fall into cliche?, especially since, regardless of the price offered by the Cui Yan family and others the day before, the man had not shown the slightest inclination to accept.


    So Pang Youze understood that to move and befriend such a person, it was best to start with basic human kindness and a heartfelt approach.


    Therefore, he had arrived early in the morning to invite him for morning tea, and indeed, just as he had surmised, Mr. Ye had not declined!


    Ye Feng was just about to get into the car, when a black limited-edition luxury vehicle suddenly sped towards them, and screeched to a halt with the piercing sound of rubber tires grinding against the pavement.


    Two men in tight-fitting clothes leaped from the car before it had even come to a complete stop, showing agility and nimbleness that clearly marked them as martial arts practitioners.


    The last person to emerge, clad in opulent attire and corpulent in size, appeared to be what the secular world would term a middle-aged successful businessman.


    This middle-aged man alighted from the vehicle, straightened his impeccable suit, cleared his throat, then called out loudly, "Is the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family of Jiangdu here?"


    When Pang Youze recognized the newcomer, he exclaimed in surprise, "It turns out to be Second Master Jiang of the Jiang Family, what an honor to meet you."


    "Pang Youze, since you''re here, it seems that the crippled boy called Ye Feng must also be here, right?"


    Second Master Jiang of the Jiangnan Province Jiang Family huffed, scanned the crowd, and his gaze suddenly locked onto Ye Feng, "Are you that Ye Feng?"


    Ye Feng remained unmoved in his wheelchair, as steady as a mountain, and simply responded, "And who might you be?"


    Second Master Jiang sneered, "Who I am is not important. What''s important is them two!"


    It was then that Ye Feng shifted his gaze to the two tight-clothed men; they were not particularly old, possibly in their early thirties, yet they emanated an exceedingly sharp and compelling air.


    Ye Feng was no stranger to that kind of demeanor, for it was indicative of the expert fighters typically cultivated by the Martial Alliance, which he himself had established.


    At this moment, Pang Youze was still frozen in place because he couldn''t imagine that Mr. Ye would actually dare to reject the invitation of the Martial Alliance coach, even saying that the coach should personally come to visit him.


    Such words would have surely been too presumptuous even for the Four Great Family Heads of Southern River Region Jiangnan!


    But Luo Keque was the first to react and said, "We''ve arranged for morning tea at the Elegant Pavilion in Southern River Region Jiangnan. The environment there is tranquil. Please, Mr. Ye."


    "How dare you!"


    The two Martial Alliance experts were furious and spelled it out clearly, "Ye, you actually dare to defy our Martial Alliance coach. He, the distinguished one, specifically wanted to see you to mediate the grudge between you and the Jiang Family. You don''t know what''s good for you, do you realize the trouble you''ve gotten yourself into?"


    Ye Feng''s brows furrowed as he said, "Two mad dogs barking at me early in the morning. Seventeen, slap them, break their teeth."


    "Understood!" Seventeen moved immediately, pouncing forward like a ferocious tiger.


    "Ye, you dare..."


    The two Martial Alliance experts roared in anger, but their following words were cut off as Seventeen had already reached them.


    Although these two were at the Peak of the Ninth Stage of External Strength and not far from Grandmaster level, they had no chance to fight back against Seventeen.


    With two thuds, each of the men received a punch in the mouth, and more than half of their teeth were broken off, leaving their mouths full of fresh blood.


    Jiang Feihe, witnessing this scene, couldn''t help but roar, "Ye, you dare to attack a member of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan. You''re finished, you''re truly finished this time. Not even a Great Luo Immortal descending to Earth could save you!"


    "What an ignorant fool. I don''t even put the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan in my eyes, and you, a mere Deputy Family Head of the Jiang Family, also dare to yell in front of me?"


    This time, Seventeen acted again without waiting for Ye Feng''s command, and with just a punch and a slap, Jiang Feihe''s legs were broken, and he immediately fell to the ground, wailing like a dying dog.


    Ye Feng didn''t even glance at the three as he instructed Hong Qingyan to push his wheelchair and slowly walked to the vehicle before getting into the car without any rush.


    As the car door was yet to be closed, Ye Feng''s indifferent voice came out, "If the people from the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan want to see me, tell them to come... oh right, the place for morning tea..."


    "Morning tea is at the Elegant Pavilion in Southern River Region Jiangnan, Mr. Ye!" Luo Keque hastily said.


    "Then let him come to the Elegant Pavilion in Southern River Region Jiangnan. Listen carefully, tell the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan this. I don''t like to be disturbed while I''m eating breakfast. If that coach wants to visit, let him wait outside until I''m done eating before he can come in!"


    As Ye Feng finished speaking, the car door closed slowly, and then the vehicle drove off in the distance.

 Chapter 72 Ill Treat You to a Cup of Tea

    The Elegant Pavilion of the Southern River Region Jiangnan was located in a secluded area, but it was anything but simple. A narrow path lined with green bamboo led straight through, giving one a sense of serenity before even entering the place.


    After the car stopped, Ye Feng got out with his usual calm and composed expression.


    However, Pang Youze and Luo Keque couldn''t help feeling somewhat distracted during the trip.


    After all, the person Ye Feng had just injured was a master from the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, and this incident was no small matter.


    It was almost certain that the Martial Alliance would not let this go easily and would undoubtedly come knocking.


    "And now, I wonder how Mr. Ye will face the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan Province. Can he handle it?" Pang Youze sighed.


    Luo Keque said, "Right now, your Pang Family is already in the same boat as Mr. Ye."


    "Exactly, and now it''s impossible to get off. If Mr. Ye can''t beat the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, even if he survives, he will surely be driven out of Jiangnan Province. By that time, my Pang Family is doomed to be finished, certainly to be carved up by the other major families out of spite!"


    Pang Youze shook his head and, looking at Ye Feng''s back, said, "No, I still need to prepare for the worst and start moving a part of the family''s assets out of Southern River Region Jiangnan."


    As he spoke, he took out his phone and began to make calls. Luo Keque didn''t say much, since this was a common human reaction.


    In the private room of the Elegant Pavilion, after everyone was seated, the server quickly brought over a variety of pastries. It seemed they had inquired about Ye Feng''s preferences in advance, so the morning tea served wasn''t greasy.


    But just as Ye Feng was about to pick up a crystal bun, the door of the private room was suddenly kicked open with a bang.


    "Your Excellency really has fine tastes, injuring a member of our Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan and still being able to eat so leisurely?"


    A rough and burly man sneered, then strode in with the imposing air of a black Vajra, followed by two young men.


    Ye Feng''s chopsticks, still holding the bun, froze mid-air as he frowned and said, "Didn''t those two mad dogs on their way back tell you that I don''t like to be disturbed when I''m eating?"


    The burly man sneered, "Don''t like to be disturbed, who do you think you are, the Grand Alliance Leader of the national Martial Alliance? Quite a big talker you are, hurting a member of my Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan. Go ahead and eat, I guarantee you''ll vomit out as much as you consume later!"


    Ye Feng stopped eating, not because he was worried about being beaten to vomiting, but because he had lost his appetite.


    Ye Feng spoke again, "Tell me about the second path."


    Hong Qitian huffed, "This second path is naturally much easier to take than the first."


    "Yesterday, Sect Master Pang Dahai of the Divine Doctor Sect said that you, lad, have a way to eliminate Gu and Poison, but the technique of handling the needles seems to be the same as what the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan had previously lost, so they suspect you of stealing their medical techniques!"


    Ye Feng suddenly laughed, shaking his head, "I never would have thought Sect Master Pang Dahai could be so shameless. It appears this so-called Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect has reached the end of his rope."


    "The end of his rope?"


    Hong Qitian also laughed, "Whether he can sit as the Sect Master is not for you to decide, not even the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan has the authority to intervene. However, speaking of which, you are quite fortunate, boy, to possess the medical technique to remove Gu and Poison!"


    "Some time ago, families like Cui Yan''s and several others, along with the Divine Doctor Sect backed by Pang Dahai, have vouched for you. They believe that if you are willing to hand over this medical technique and use it to rid the heads of several major families of their Gu and Poison, they can negotiate with the Jiang Family on your behalf."


    "Of course, the death penalty can be spared, but escaping punishment for other crimes would be difficult. After all, a Jiang Family elder was killed.


    The Jiang Family, under pressure from the major families and the Divine Doctor Sect, has already agreed that if you could treat them, the families would compensate the Jiang Family, and then the Jiang Family wouldn''t take your life but only both of your arms."


    "To still demand the amputation of Big Brother Ye''s arms for this? The Jiang Family is truly too oppressive. That Jiang Youhe, he clearly killed Big Brother Ye''s foster father first, and then aggressively tried to kill Big Brother Ye himself. Such a person truly deserved death!"


    Hong Qingyan, standing to the side, could no longer stay quiet and suddenly let out a cold snort.


    Hong Qitian''s face wrinkled with displeasure, and with a bang, he struck the table, scattering the food and dishes all over the place.


    "Who do you think you are, you wretched woman? How dare you question me, the Master Instructor Hong? Kneel down and apologize this instant, or I will show you no mercy!" Hong Qitian bellowed with thunderous rage.


    Ye Feng chuckled suddenly, and said with a laugh, "What stature the Master Instructor Hong holds! Why bother with a young lady? Seeing you so furious, let me offer you a cup of tea."


    Hong Qitian subconsciously thought the other party was yielding and couldn''t help but smile, reaching out to take the teacup.


    But to his surprise, Ye Feng did not hand over the teacup he had picked up. Instead, he placed it on the table and gently pressed down with the palm, causing the cup along with the tea to sink completely into the wooden tabletop.


    Even more terrifying was that the porcelain cup, having sunk into the table, did not break, and not a single drop of tea spilled out.


    Upon seeing this, Hong Qitian''s face instantly turned pale with fright, and his legs even began to tremble.

 Chapter 73 The Problem is Somewhat Serious

    Hong Qitian''s heart cried bitterly. As a Master of Inner Force, he was keenly aware of what it meant to press a teacup into the table with just a pair of fleshy palms.


    This power, let alone a Master of Inner Force, even a Huajin Grandmaster would probably not be able to do it, at the very least it would take a higher level High-Level Grandmaster, or even a Martial King.


    No matter what, Hong Qitian couldn''t have imagined that someone who was clearly just a young man in his early twenties, and even wheelchair-bound with disabled legs, could possess such terrifying power and realm.


    This realm could kill him in an instant!


    Luo Keque and Pang Youze, who were standing by, were also stunned on the spot, but soon after, they were overjoyed. They too had seen that this single move was enough to explain everything.


    Ye Feng said with a faint smile, "Master Instructor Hong, how is the taste of my tea?"


    Hong Qitian''s throat was dry, making it impossible for him to answer; his entire body shook uncontrollably like chaff.


    "Ye... Mr. Ye, previously it was I, the scoundrel, who was blind and failed to recognize Mt. Tai, offending Mr. Ye. I hope Mr.


    Ye can show mercy!"


    Hong Qitian couldn''t keep sitting in his chair and stiffly stood up.


    Ye Feng sighed, then asked straight away, "Now, who is in charge of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan Province?"


    Hong Qitian answered truthfully, "It''s Murong Huangtian. He is currently the Leader of the Martial Alliance."


    "Murong Huangtian from the Gusu Murong clan of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow in inquiry.


    "Yes, indeed. He is the current head of the Gusu Murong, an ancient family. In the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, this branch is just a fragment. Last year during the election for the Leader of the Martial Alliance, Murong Huangtian dominated his rivals and came out on top as the Alliance Hierarch!" Hong Qitian said, bowing his head.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and then asked, "What about the Yin Family?"


    Hong Qitian shook his head and said, "The Yin Family of the Four Great Families didn''t vie for the position of Alliance Hierarch. They have been very low-profile these years, seemingly retracting their business ventures."


    "Has anyone from the Yin Family been poisoned with Gu and Poison this time?" Ye Feng asked with a heavy tone.


    Hong Qitian pondered for a while before speaking up, "That... I really do not know. After all, this is not within the jurisdiction of the Martial Alliance. The Divine Doctor Sect should have a clearer picture."


    Throughout the whole process, Hong Qitian''s heart was filled with turmoil. He couldn''t help thinking, what was the background of this young, peerless high-level martial artist in front of him?


    "Get the hell away from me!"


    Hong Qitian swung his arm and pushed the two away, then slowly rose to his feet, gnashing his teeth in a hysterical roar, "Ye, you damn Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family, I want you dead, swear you''ll meet a terrible end!"


    The two followers said, "Instructor Hong, regarding what happened today with that guy named Ye, perhaps we should hurry back to report to the alliance, let others know."


    "Tell the others?"


    Hong Qitian suddenly realized the implications, and with a swift kick, knocked the speaker to the ground, bellowing, "I''m telling you, not a word about today''s incident is to be leaked. Anyone who dare to spill, don''t blame me for not being polite!"


    If this incident got out, Hong Qitian would probably become the laughingstock with his current status as a Master of Inner Force unlikely to hold any weight in the Southern River Region Jiangnan anymore.


    "But Instructor, that guy..."


    "None of this ''but'' crap!" Hong Qitian kicked the men to the ground again, raging, "Don''t say I didn''t warn you beforehand¡ªif anyone dares to let slip even half a word, I''ll eradicate your entire families!"


    Finally , the two understood that the head of the Hong Family was indeed harboring murderous intent and dared not utter another word.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had caused such a stir that he no longer had much of an appetite, hastily eating some pastries before leaving the Elegant Pavilion.


    "Mr. Ye, where shall we go next? Or rather, do you have any plans after this?" Luo Keque asked.


    Having witnessed the incident with the teacup, Luo Keque''s reverence towards Ye Feng was almost at the point of complete submission.


    Ye Feng thought for a moment, then asked, "Which is closer from here, the Jiang Family or the Divine Doctor Sect?"


    Pang Youze said, "The Jiang Family is closer, about only a twenty-minute drive away. Mr. Ye, you are planning to...?"


    "Let''s go to the Jiang Family first!" Ye Feng declared, waving his hand, and then got into the car with the assistance of Hong Qingyan.


    Pang Youze and Luo Keque exchanged looks; they naturally knew the implications of Ye Feng''s decision to visit the Jiang Family.


    "Keque, are we both supposed to follow?" Pang Youze was somewhat apprehensive after all, it was the Jiang Family they were dealing with, one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan.


    Luo Keque pondered briefly before assertively saying, "If Mr. Ye dares to make a visit on his own, it means he is absolutely confident. At this critical juncture, we cannot hesitate, or we''ll miss the opportunity."


    "All right, let''s go together. I have a premonition that our Southern River Region Jiangnan Province is about to witness a change of times!"

 Chapter 74 You Have One Opportunity to Ask

    Twenty minutes later, Ye Feng arrived at the Jiang Family.


    As one of the Four Great Families of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, the Jiang Family occupied a vast manor at the foot of Gold Mountain.


    The manor was replete with villas, a kingdom belonging to the Jiang Family¡ªits main gate guarded by no less than eight sentinels, usually admitting only the direct lineage of the Jiang Family.


    As for outsiders, they could enter only with permission or an invitation from the Jiang Family.


    As expected, the car was stopped by the eight guards upon reaching the gate.


    "Seventeen!" Ye Feng didn¡¯t get out of the car but simply called out two words.


    Since he had come personally to settle accounts, there was nothing much to say¡ªtime to get down to business.


    The reason Ye Feng visited the Jiang Family in person was that they had outrageously sought to exterminate the Hong Family of Jiangdu and the Fu Family. This was a provocation that touched Ye Feng¡¯s raw nerve!


    One could imagine that if he didn¡¯t completely flatten the Jiang Family today, one day when he returned to the Imperial City or the Northern Border, the Jiang Family would certainly seek vengeance against the Hong and Fu families.


    By then, facing the Jiang Family, a ferocious beast of a flood, the Hong Family of Jiangdu and the Fu Family would surely be unable to withstand them.


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t relish killing, but he would never tolerate his relatives and brothers suffering due to him!


    Seventeen immediately took action, pouncing like a fierce tiger. The eight sentinels, merely martial arts practitioners of the fifth and sixth stage of External Strength, couldn¡¯t possibly withstand him.


    Just in a blink, the eight men were already sprawled all over the place.


    With the obstruction removed, the car drove straight in, following the mountain foothill trail towards the ostentatious villas ahead.


    At this moment, in the largest villa hall at the mountain base, Old Patriarch Jiang of the Jiang Family, Jiang Xianhe, was sitting leisurely in a Taishi Chair.


    Beneath Jiang Xianhe stood two middle-aged men, both standing respectfully.


    "Have you found out yet why the three family elders suddenly disappeared?" Jiang Xianhe sniffed his snuffbox, his hand holding the box withered like tinder.


    His whole person was also very haggard, shrunk into the Taishi Chair with a face so comical that he looked like a monkey, his voice weak as he spoke.


    Jiang Xianhe¡¯s gaze sharpened, having investigated for so long, he naturally knew who had come.


    "It¡¯s you, you actually dare to come here on your own accord?"


    Jiang Xianhe snarled between clenched teeth, without standing up from the Taishi Chair as he felt there was no need to, for this was the Jiang Family¡¯s base camp after all, and besides himself, a Huajin Grandmaster, the family had many masters.


    Thus, he thought the other party coming here in person was like a lamb walking into a tiger¡¯s den!


    Ye Feng chuckled lightly, "I¡¯m here to ask you some questions!"


    Just as enemies meeting are especially resentful, Jiang Xianhe snorted coldly, "You may ask, but before you do, I need to be clear about one thing!"


    "You have one chance to ask!" Ye Feng stated.


    Jiang Xianhe snorted, "First, let me ask you, were the three Grandmasters of my Jiang Family killed by you?"


    Ye Feng said, "At the cliffs below Serpent Coil Mountain in Jiangdu, the feng shui is quite good!"


    Although this statement did not directly answer, it was as good as a confirmation, and Jiang Xianhe knew the answer.


    Jiang Youjun and Jiang Zuo Army, the two brothers, inhaled sharply, their faces showing grave concern, realizing that one capable of slaying three Masters of Inner Force was clearly not average.


    However, matters had developed to this stage; clearly, there was no way back¡ªit was either his death or their own.


    Jiang Xianhe suddenly started to chuckle coldly, grunting, "Very well, in light of your impending death, you may now ask!"


    Ye Feng said, "Before I ask, you need to understand one thing: the answer to this next question will determine the survival of your Jiang Family, so I hope you think carefully before you answer!"


    Jiang Xianhe merely scoffed in response.


    At this moment, the servants in the hall had already withdrawn, and at the same time, all the skilled members of the Jiang Family had been summoned here, creating an atmosphere of an imminent storm, ready to strike immediately upon Old Patriarch Jiang¡¯s command.


    Ye Feng asked, "Let me ask you, if one day I¡¯m no longer in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, will your Jiang Family strike at the Hong Family of Jiangdu and the Fu Family, eradicating them both?"


    Before Jiang Xianhe could speak, Jiang Tianhu, who had rushed over, gnashed his teeth and said, "Ye Feng, you¡¯ve killed our Jiang Clan members, and it doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re not in Southern River Region Jiangnan; even if you are, my Jiang Family will definitely wipe out the Hong Family and the Fu Family, sparing no male and forcing their women to spend their lives as slaves under our Jiang men!"


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze hardened, and a storm of killing intent surged around him like a raging cyclone.

 Chapter 75 The Majesty of the Martial King, Not to Be Defiled!

    "Kill!" Ye Feng¡¯s voice burst forth with his breath.


    Seventeen moved, launching himself forward like a ferocious tiger.


    Jiang Xianhe was clearly prepared and, together with the remaining two Inner Strength Grandmasters, charged directly at Ye Feng.


    Being Inner Strength Grandmasters, especially Jiang Xianhe who had already stepped into the realm of a Huajin Grandmaster, their presence was formidable, with their robes billowing and snapping without any wind.


    Jiang Xianhe¡¯s speed was even faster than Seventeen¡¯s; in the blink of an eye, he was already in front of Ye Feng.


    But Ye Feng still sat immobile in his wheelchair like a mountain, not even a frown crossing his brow.


    There had been a time when he, the Northern Border King, faced thrice his number in enemies, surrounded by legions of soldiers without changing his expression, let alone being fazed by a mere Huajin Grandmaster.


    "Die!"


    With lethal intent, Jiang Xianhe reached out with a great hand towards Ye Feng¡¯s throat, which would have been severed instantly had he been grabbed.


    However, at that moment, a tempest-like force burst forth from Ye Feng¡¯s entire body.


    The Martial King of his generation, his inner strength surged like a storm.


    With a bang, Jiang Xianhe was sent flying backward.


    Ye Feng had not even lifted a finger; it was merely the force of the inner strength emanating from his body that sent him, along with the two other Inner Strength Grandmasters who had charged over, tumbling through the air.


    Jiang Xianhe slammed heavily into the wall, even causing several cracks to appear on its surface. When he fell to the ground, he was already gasping for breath.


    "You... you¡¯re not a cripple, you are actually... actually a king..."


    Jiang Xianhe¡¯s words trailed off as he drew his last breath, dying with his eyes wide open!


    The rest of the onlookers were stupefied, frozen in place, not daring to make another move.


    "Cripple those two, and for the unrelated others, spare their dog lives for now!" Ye Feng¡¯s gaze was sharp, his voice icy.


    Seventeen swept past and directly crippled the two men of the Left Army and the Right Army.


    Pang Youze nodded before daring to say, "I just received a message from my family. The Yin Family from the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan has suddenly made a move, announcing that in two days, they will host a banquet for the commercial elite families of Jiangdu!"


    "Hosting a banquet to invite all the commercial elite families in Southern River Region Jiangnan?" Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help laughing upon hearing this news.


    He knew the Yin Family, or more accurately, the Gu&Poison Sect behind them, could no longer wait and had to make a move.


    It was understandable; the Gu&Poison Sect backing the Yin Family aimed to control the large and wealthy families of Southern River Region Jiangnan by using their Gu poison, thereby achieving control over the region¡¯s industry.


    Since the Gu and Poison had already been laid out, it was time for them to start reaping the rewards.


    Pang Youze said, "After two days, it is the seventieth birthday of the Yin Family¡¯s patriarch. There are even rumors suggesting that they might have a way to get rid of the Gu&Poison, so now several major families, including Cui Yan¡¯s, can¡¯t wait to visit them."


    Having said his piece, Pang Youze closed his mouth. He did not comment on the phenomenon, as he had a feeling that whatever he said about the Yin Family would seem childish in the eyes of this young Martial King.


    Ye Feng said, "Good, in that case, it saves me the effort of looking for them. In two days, we will visit the Yin Family!"


    Luo Keque spoke up, "Then, Mr. Ye, where should we go next? Are we still visiting the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan?"


    Ye Feng intended to visit, of course. Pang Dahai, the dog, dared to publicly claim that the Phoenix Returns to Heaven Needle Technique was his master¡¯s Supreme Knowledge.


    This score, Ye Feng naturally intended to settle it clearly. Moreover, with such a degenerate emerging from the Divine Doctor Sect, if Ye Feng didn¡¯t completely remove him, wouldn¡¯t that tarnish the original intent of the Divine Doctor Sect to serve the world with a benevolent heart?


    Before Ye Feng could speak, Hong Qingyan suddenly said, "Big Brother Ye, after this, I want to go back and rest for a while. I was a bit tired just now and also a bit frightened!"


    It must be said that this was the first time Hong Qingyan had personally witnessed such a scene. For an ordinary woman like her, her heart was surely not calm.


    Ye Feng thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright, we will head back to the villa first. Also, Pang Youze, have someone send over some exquisite meals. We¡¯ll eat at the villa at noon and won¡¯t go out for now."


    Both Pang Youze and Luo Keque could see that although this woman was slightly limp, she held a significant place in Ye Feng¡¯s heart, so they readily nodded in agreement.


    Once they returned to the villa, Hong Qingyan was already completely drained. After having a simple meal, she went back to her room to rest.


    Just at that moment, someone unexpectedly arrived with a message.


    "Who is it at the door?"


    "The Divine Doctor Sect has arrived. Will the people inside not come out swiftly to receive us?" The person outside let out a cold laugh.

 Chapter 76 Just name your price!

    The Divine Doctor Sect had a profound presence, and for ordinary people, it was almost an unreachable entity, always seen as above the masses.


    Over the past two years, as the Sect¡¯s influence had grown, it had gradually evolved into a private medical institution for the wealthy nobility, having already strayed from its original purpose.


    And precisely because it usually provided medical care to the noble families, the wealth of the Divine Doctor Sect grew rapidly, and its members became increasingly ostentatious and overbearing.


    It was for this reason that Ye Feng thought of taking this opportunity to properly rectify the Divine Doctor Sect.


    "Let them in!" Ye Feng raised his eyebrows.


    The ones knocking on the door this time were not Master Pang Dahai of the Divine Doctor Sect; with his status, Pang Dahai was not about to lower himself to make a personal visit.


    Only two messengers had come.


    "May I ask which of you is Mr. Ye Feng?" The two men were quite polite, probably because they had already heard of the reputation of the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family and didn¡¯t dare to be too arrogant.


    "I am he," replied Ye Feng, "what brings you here?"


    "We come bearing a message from the Sect Master!" replied one of them.


    One of the men continued with a snort, "The Sect Master says that the Needle Technique you possess is very likely the one his master had lost before, and of course, for prudence¡¯s sake, as well as out of respect for you, the Sect Master has invited a steward from the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect in the imperial capital to come to the Southern River Region Jiangnan."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Keque couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, "Someone from the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect in the imperial capital is coming?"


    The other Divine Doctor Sect member humphed, "That¡¯s right. This steward from the capital¡¯s headquarters was a good friend of Master Pang¡¯s late master and it is said he has witnessed Master Pang¡¯s master perform the Needle Technique."


    "Therefore," the Sect member continued, "The Sect Master would like Mr. Ye to pay a visit to the Divine Doctor Sect in person and demonstrate the Medical Acupuncture Technique you possess in front of everyone. Just one glance from that steward from the capital¡¯s Sect will reveal whether it was stolen by you or not."


    "How dare you!" Pang Youze immediately interrupted with a cold shout. "With Mr. Ye¡¯s status, would he engage in such thievery?"


    After learning that Ye Feng was a Martial King, Pang Youze¡¯s attitude did a complete one-eighty, knowing full well what a Martial King represented. Not to mention a small Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, even in the imperial capital, a Martial King was an influential figure!


    Ye Feng¡¯s brow raised, showing a trace of displeasure.


    Luo Keque quickly tugged at Pang Youze¡¯s sleeve and said, "Just carry out Mr. Ye¡¯s order. Since Mr. Ye is so concerned, I think we should handle this personally, lest we botch the matter."


    Only then did Pang Youze come to his senses, nodding continuously, "Yes, yes, that was thoughtless of me. Please don¡¯t take offense, Mr. Ye. We will see to it immediately!"


    Ye Feng then nodded, "Just keep watch. No matter what you find out, do not act recklessly, just report back to me directly!"


    The two men repeatedly agreed, then left together.


    The villa finally quieted down, and Seventeen had also retired by then.


    Ye Feng thought for a moment, then maneuvered his wheelchair into the bedroom and found that Hong Qingyan was already fast asleep, so he did not disturb her and decided to rest in another room instead.


    At half-past seven in the evening, Luo Keque and Pang Youze returned to the villa. There had been no unusual activity from the Yin Family, except for them preparing joyfully for the seventieth birthday celebration of the old family head of the Yin Family.


    Ye Feng said nothing more. He was helped into the car by Hong Qingyan, then the group set off.


    The car wound its way through much of the Jiangnan Provincial City before arriving at a manor in the suburbs.


    The manor was both new and imposing, apparently newly built. Before even entering, one could see ivy climbing all over the courtyard walls, and through the steel fence, catch sight of the grand garden with its artificial hills and pavilions, exuding tranquility.


    As soon as the car stopped at the main gate, an old man dressed in a luxurious long robe immediately approached and respectfully said, "I am Cui Hao, Deputy Family Head of the Cui Family in the Southern River Region Jiangnan. I¡¯ve had the honor of meeting Mr. Ye. I was almost convinced that Mr. Ye would not come."


    Getting out of the car and sitting in his wheelchair, Ye Feng looked up and said, "Are you trying to suggest that you thought I wouldn¡¯t dare to come?"


    Cui Hao was startled, then smiled and said, "Mr. Ye really has a sense of humor. As the saying goes, the innocent prove their innocence by daring to face questioning. Since Mr. Ye dared to come, it might signify that you have nothing to hide. By the way, Mr.


    Ye, my Cui Family maintains our previous offer¡ªif Mr. Ye is willing to take action to save the life of the Head of the Cui Family, you can name your price!"


    The Deputy Family Head of the Yan Family along with several other family representatives also came forward and said, "We were at fault for our previous offense. We echo the same sentiment¡ªif Mr. Ye is willing to provide treatment to save our family heads, mention any amount of money you desire, and as long as it¡¯s within our capabilities, we guarantee to agree!"

 Chapter 77 The King, Three Refusals to Save!

    Ye Feng sat in his wheelchair, fixing his gaze on Cui Hao, "You say I get to set the conditions?"


    Cui Hao said with a smile, "Indeed, Mr. Ye, feel free to state your price!"


    "Very well, I want half of all your families'' assets!"


    Ye Feng said, "Each family, if you wish for my help, must hand over half of your assets!"


    "Half of the family assets? Why don''t you just rob us!"


    The Deputy Family Head of the Yan Family immediately bristled and glared, "Do you know, not to mention the Cui Family, just half of my Yan Family''s assets are worth how much money, not to mince words, but at the very least several tens of billions. You really have the nerve to ask for that much."


    Cui Hao''s expression also darkened considerably. The color drained from his face as the Yan Family was only a second-tier family in the Southern River Region Jiangnan, while his Cui Family, being one of the Four Great Families of Jiangnan Province, had assets worth a few hundred billion for just half.


    He had initially thought that even if the other party asked for a very high price, it would be no more than two or three billion. After all, this was just to save one person, and it would already be an exorbitant price. But Cui Hao could never have anticipated that the other party would ask for something even more immense than the heavens themselves.


    "Mr. Ye," Cui Hao said, his tone now carrying the hint of annoyance and threat, "Asking for too much can sometimes be indigestible, and you might just burst!"


    Ye Feng responded with a cold chuckle, neither confirming nor denying, "Does that mean you can''t do it?"


    "It''s impossible to do!"


    Cui Hao said emphatically with a snort, "Not to mention half, even one-fifth of the assets, we definitely can''t do!"


    The Deputy Family Head of the Yan Family narrowed his eyes, "Mr. Ye, by making such exorbitant demands, it seems like you genuinely have no intention to negotiate, do you?"


    Ye Feng turned to look at him, "Negotiate? Why not? I''ve changed my mind now, I don''t want half of your assets."


    Cui Hao couldn''t help but laugh, thinking to himself, "I knew it; this young fellow just wanted to inflate the price initially and then press us down. This is a common tactic used by merchants, and now it seems reasonable."


    But what Ye Feng said next left him completely astounded once again.


    Cui Hao sighed and said, "Whether that Ye fellow really stole Master Pang''s technique isn''t important. We don''t care about that; what we''re concerned about now is whether Pang Dahai can get his hands on that technique!"


    "From the attitude of that Ye fellow earlier, it''s clear he has no intention of helping. Our only hope now is if Pang Dahai, that old traitor, manages to acquire it."


    "So, when we go in later, we must unify our statements and firmly support Pang Dahai. With the support of that eminent figure from the imperial capital, and under his pressure, Pang Dahai should have a very good chance."


    As Cui Hao spoke, his eyes narrowed into two sinister slits, "Once Pang Dahai gets it, that will mark the end for the kid. To provoke us so brazenly, without any regard for our position, we must kill him to quell our wrath."


    Ye Feng didn''t deliberately listen to their discussions at the door, as he wasn''t interested. Of course, even without using his Inner Strength to hear, he could still guess what they were saying.


    It wasn''t that he was unwilling to help the dying. Ye Feng had initially proposed the establishment of the Divine Doctor Sect with the intention of saving lives and aiding the injured.


    However, as the Northern Border King, a ruler in his own right, he naturally had his own medical ethics!


    The first principle was not to save those who were arrogant and despondent. The second was not to save those who were contemptuous and looked down on others. And the third was not to save those who committed evils!


    And these principles, these great families had nearly managed to violate them all.


    Had the deputy heads of the families been able to humble themselves and earnestly apologise and plead at the gate, Ye Feng might have considered helping after dealing with the Gu&Poison Sect. But their performance had been utterly disgraceful!


    After passing by the pavilions, rockeries, and even a small lake in the courtyard, Ye Feng finally arrived at the main hall.


    Pang Dahai was quite arrogant and had not come out to greet him. Even as Ye Feng''s wheelchair was about to enter the hall, Pang Dahai remained seated, not bothering to stand¡ªan extremely haughty attitude.


    "At last you''ve come, they say that a guilty conscience needs no accuser, but your nerve seems to be quite sturdy!" Pang Dahai directly started with sarcasm.


    The hall was already occupied by many high-ranking members of the Divine Doctor Sect, including Sect Master Qi Tianmen of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect.


    Pang Dahai sat in the main seat, which suggested that the officer from the headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect in the imperial capital hadn''t yet arrived.


    Ye Feng retorted with a cold smile, "You spew slander without a shred of evidence, your own nerve doesn''t seem too bad either, does it?"


    Before Pang Dahai could respond, Sect Master Qi Tianmen from the side coldly interjected, "What do you mean by that, Mr. Ye? To say that Master Pang is slandering you is absurd. What status does Master Pang hold, and what standing do you have? How could he slander you?"

 Chapter 78 Do You Consider Yourself a Big Shot?

    ```


    Qitian Gate could be said to be flaunting his authority, relying on the backing of Pang Dahai, the Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect from the Provincial City, he was shouting orders left and right.


    Ye Feng did not even look at Qitian Gate, considering such a petty character beneath his notice.


    He did not even spare a glance at Pang Dahai; things as insignificant as ants did not merit his attention!


    Ye Feng directly asked, "The deacon from the imperial capital, where is he now?"


    Pang Dahai snorted, "That deacon, being weary from the long journey, I had two favored girls attend to him, helping him to sleep. He has not yet awoken at this hour."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile, seeing the obvious bribery at play. But then, it seemed normal; inviting someone from the imperial capital to take care of business, it was only right to offer some perks.


    "You lot, do not have the qualifications to speak with me, have him come out to meet me!" Ye Feng''s wheelchair was right in the center of the grand hall, his words and manner bearing an unmistakable haughtiness.


    Yet, these very words set everyone off, as they bristled with indignation.


    Qitian Gate, the bootlicker, roared angrily, "Who do you think you are, spouting such insolent bravado, demanding the deacon come out to meet you! Have you looked in the mirror, you worthless Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family, do you think you''re worthy?"


    "Exactly, the deacon has not yet rested well, who would dare disturb him!"


    "This brat, he''s truly become wildly arrogant!"


    The many high-ranking officials of the Divine Doctor Sect in the hall were righteously incensed, spewing accusations.


    By now, representatives of a few major families, including Cui Hao, had also entered, but since this was the headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect in the Provincial City, they, being outsiders, naturally did not presume to intervene directly.


    Cui Hao pondered for a moment before stating, "Master Pang, why bother talking nonsense with this man? Don''t forget the main point of calling this meeting!"


    "Indeed, the focus of this meeting is to discuss this brat''s theft of Master Pang''s revered Medical Acupuncture Technique!"


    Master Pang slowly rose to his feet, walked over to Ye Feng, and said with a smile, "I suppose Mr. Ye has also heard, my master, the former Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect of the Southern River Region, passed away last year, but he left behind a Needle Technique!"


    Ye Feng also smiled, looked up and said, "A small figure? You call me a small figure, so does that mean you consider yourself a big shot?"


    Pang Dahai instantly laughed heartily and said, "I dare not claim that. I don''t dare to call myself a big shot, but I can say that in this Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, I do count as a person of status."


    As the loyal lackey he was, Luo Keque immediately said, "Master Pang, you are being too modest. If someone of your status and stature is considered a small figure, then what does that make us¡ªwe wouldn''t even qualify as figures at all, would we?"


    "Exactly, exactly..."


    "Master Pang is being modest!" Numerous high-ranking officials of the Divine Doctor Sect echoed and bootlicked in quick succession.


    Pang Dahai felt quite pleased with himself and thought that Luo Keque, this cur, really knew how to flatter insightfully. Once this matter was dealt with, he might as well transfer him to the Provincial City to be his side as a Vice Sect Leader.


    "Mr. Ye, have you given proper thought to my previous proposal?"


    Master Pang suddenly emphasized his tone and scoffed, "You''d better make a decision before the steward officer appears because once the steward officer intervenes, there will be no room for turning back. A smart man like you must surely know the consequences!"


    Ye Feng said, "Just go tell that steward, someone named Ye Feng wants to see him. He''s got five minutes to show up in front of me, or else he can forget about being this so-called steward."


    "Hahaha..." Luo Keque burst into laughter on the spot.


    The crowd also followed with a great laugh, as if they had heard the biggest joke in the world.


    Pang Dahai''s face darkened, and he huffed, "Boy, you don''t know how to appreciate favors or understand the situation. So be it, then you can''t blame me."


    "Considering the steward officer should be well-rested by now, I will go and invite him to deal with this!"


    After speaking, Master Pang turned and walked out through a side door into the inner courtyard.


    He had intentionally arranged for the steward officer to rest, partly as a benefit to the steward and partly to use the time to pressure Ye Feng into voluntarily handing over the medical acupuncture technique.


    If things went as planned, Pang Dahai would have the initiative, and he would no longer have to share the needle technique with the steward. When it came time to treat the great family head for Gu and Poison, he would undoubtedly reap most of the benefits.


    But despite all his calculations, even having brought in a high-ranking official from the capital, this mad son-in-law from the Hong Family, Ye Feng, remained unyielding.


    Cui Hao, witnessing this, muttered to himself: "From the looks of it, the deal should be done; now, all that''s left is for the steward to make an appearance!"

 Chapter 79 I am blind!

    The crowd in the hall did not have to wait long before the deacon from the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect in the imperial city made his appearance.


    Fluttering unsteadily, supported by two beautiful young women, the deacon was draped in a brocade robe, exuding an intoxicating aura of lazy indolence.


    He appeared to be around fifty years old, with beady eyes set into a small face, and whiskers that made his visage seem quite comical.


    Just as he was crossing the threshold, the deacon stumbled on the doorstep, nearly tumbling to the ground.


    Yet no one dared to laugh. The members of the Divine Doctor Sect all rose to greet him, for after all, he was a deacon from the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect in the imperial city, wielding considerable power.


    "Honestly, if someone dares to steal the Medical Acupuncture Technique of the Divine Doctor Sect, just arrest them. Why bother dragging me out here?" The deacon was quite impatient and somewhat angry.


    He had been looked after by two young women and indulged in comfort; he really did not want to leave that behind.


    Pang Dahai could only reply with a bitter smile, "Forgive me, Deacon, but we had to involve you since the other party refuses to confess, and their attitude is extremely bad. It seems only you have the ability to suppress them and make them bow their heads in admission of guilt."


    The deacon snorted coldly, "Who has the audacity to commit theft and then refuse to confess? Just grab them, and if they won''t confess, beat them with a stick until they do and hand over that Medical Acupuncture Technique, isn''t that straightforward?"


    Pang Dahai said with a smile, "Since the Deacon has spoken, I will follow your instructions and arrest this person, shall I?"


    "Do just that, grab them now, immediately, and beat them until they confess. Don''t waste my damn time; afterward, I still need to go back to sleep," said the so-called deacon, not forgetting to sneak grins at the two young women by his side.


    With the Deacon''s command, Pang Dahai straightened his back, cleared his throat, and was about to take action.


    At this moment, Ye Feng spoke up with a mocking laugh, "I was wondering who it could be, turns out it''s you, Black Rat. Here I am; if you''ve got the guts, try to arrest me and beat me to death."


    "Rascal!"


    The deacon was immediately furious. Although his nickname was Black Rat, because he indeed resembled a rat, not many dared to call him that to his face, except for a few high-ranking officials in the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect.


    "Is it you, lad? Stealing the Medical Acupuncture Technique of the Divine Doctor Sect, this is outrageous! You''ve committed a capital offense; do you know that? Someone! What are you dawdling for? Capture this youngster for me and we''ll start with fifty lashes!"


    The deacon then waved his hand, an authoritative gesture as though commanding an army.


    Pang Dahai nodded slightly, and several experts from the Divine Doctor Sect who had been waiting rushed forward.


    After doing all this, the deacon straightened his clothes, which shocked everyone further; he suddenly knelt before Ye Feng.


    "Lord Ye, I was blind and did not recognize you immediately. Please, I beg for your punishment!" the deacon wailed at Ye Feng''s feet.


    Gulp...


    Pang Dahai felt a sinking feeling in his heart, as if he''d fallen into an abyss; a chill surged from his feet to his head.


    "It''s over, it''s all over now... I''ve kicked the iron board!" Pang Dahai inwardly cried out.


    Among those present, there were many who shared this sentiment, including Qitian Gate, whose face turned ashen.


    Cui Hao, on the other hand, sensed that something was terribly wrong.


    The Yan Family representative whispered, "This man with the surname Ye... he''s going to suffer now. I never imagined that he..."


    "It''s over. Considering how we''ve offended him, our Family Head is probably beyond help now!"


    Cui Hao muttered coldly, "Thinking about saving the Family Head at this time is pointless. We should be planning for what comes next. If we''re not careful, the entire clan could suffer repercussions!"


    Everyone felt a wave of headache wash over them.


    Ye Feng, looking down upon them, said, "Having eyes but failing to recognize Mount Tai, it''s not exactly your fault, but it''s fortunate that you still recognized me."


    The deacon trembled with fear, fortunate indeed to have recognized him; otherwise, he would likely have paid with his life today.


    He lay prostrate, not daring to lift his head: "Lord Ye, with your awe-inspiring presence and dignified bearing, you astonish both heaven and earth. Although I''ve only seen you once before, it is something... it is something I dare not forget for all eternity!"


    Though aware of his mistake, it never hurt to lavish praise in such situations. At this moment, the deacon bitterly regretted not being better at his literary studies, which would have allowed him to list even more complimentary idioms.


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "What is your name?"


    "In front of you, Lord, I dare not mention my own unworthy name. Since you just called me Black Rat, then let me be known as Black Rat!"


    The Black Rat Deacon lay on the ground. Ye Feng hadn''t instructed him to rise, so he didn''t dare to lift his head.


    ```

 Chapter 80 Sir, I know I was wrong!

    Everyone in the hall at that time dared not even breathe heavily, silently watching Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s expression was calm as he said, "Since you already know that you have made a mistake, let''s hear what mistakes you have made."


    The Black Rat Deacon immediately felt like he was facing a formidable enemy, knowing this was his last chance¡ªif he didn''t answer correctly, he was likely finished today.


    Although he had only seen the other party from a distance at a high-profile conference of the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect, that was enough for him to know how terrifying the identity of the person was.


    Even though this person held no official position in the Divine Doctor Sect, even the three Old Divine Doctors of the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect treated him with the utmost respect, let alone the Sect Master of the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect, a personage like a whirlwind in the Imperial Capital, was also extremely respectful in front of this man.


    The Black Rat Deacon could never have imagined that such a shocking and mysterious figure would suddenly appear in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province without any prior knowledge on his part.


    After weighing his options, the Black Rat Deacon could only honestly say, "Replying to Lord Ye, the crimes I have committed are threefold."


    "First, I should not have blindly trusted Pang Dahai''s slander of others'' theft; second, I should not have accepted benefits under the table from Pang Dahai; third, I was arrogant and impolite, without regard for others, losing the humility and decorum of our Sect''s rules, and also forgetting the oath of our Divine Doctor Sect to heal the world!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile, "You are quite clear about your own mistakes."


    The Black Rat Deacon said, "This humble one is well aware that he cannot escape his crimes, and I ask for your punishment, my lord!"


    He made no attempt to excuse his misdemeanors, for he knew that any attempt to hide or shift blame would only make things worse in front of such a person.


    "Stand up and speak!" ordered Ye Feng.


    The Black Rat Deacon immediately breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had managed to save his own life.


    Ye Feng continued, "A petty deacon such as yourself isn''t worth me notifying the Headquarters. You know what you should do after you go back, right? No need for me to teach you again?"


    Staggering to his feet, the Black Rat Deacon said repeatedly, "No need, no need, it''s not worth troubling you over such a small matter, my lord. After I return, I will resign from the position of deacon and, to make up for my mistakes, I am willing to donate half of my earnings over the years to the Divine Doctor Sect, to help support those in need."


    Ye Feng nodded and said nothing more, as the other party''s admission and realization of his mistakes were not too disappointing, and he did not care to dwell on them any further.


    "I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong," he pleaded. "This lowly one will resign from the position of Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect immediately and will donate all the wealth gained through extortion over the years. I beg for your forgiveness, sir!"


    Ye Feng then nodded slightly and turned to Black Rat, "Go back and tell that person to remove Pang Dahai from his positions as Sect Master in both Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect and the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan. The position of Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect of Southern River Region Jiangnan is vacant.


    Let Luo Keque, the former Vice Sect Leader of the Jiangdu Divine Doctor Sect, serve as the acting Sect Master. If he passes the six-month probation period, he can officially take over as Sect Master!"


    After these words, Ye Feng instructed Hong Qingyan to wheel him away.


    It was then that Black Rat reacted and immediately clasped his hands, "Understood, Lord Ye. I will convey your message faithfully. Farewell, my lord!"


    The wheelchair slowly passed by representatives of several major families like Cui Hao, and wherever Ye Feng went, they all bowed their heads, not daring to make eye contact with him.


    It was only after Ye Feng had completely left the hall and disappeared from sight that everyone let out a long sigh. The aura exuding from him had almost made their throats dry and their legs weaken.


    Some time later, Cui Hao said to himself, "Who exactly is this Ye, to possess such influence?"


    Qitian Gate stood up and said in a cold voice, "Even if he has some background, he can''t just directly dictate the staffing of the entire Divine Doctor Sect, can he?"


    "You despicable cur..." Anger surged in Black Rat, and he lashed out with another kick, knocking Qitian Gate to the ground on the spot.


    "Cur, I know you all are very dissatisfied in your hearts, and some of you might even be thinking of seeking revenge on him. But let me tell you, unless you think your life is too long, don''t provoke him again!" he chided them.


    Pang Dahai, clutching his broken arm, gritted his teeth and snarled, "Now that things have come to this, you should at least tell us who this kid really is!"


    "Who is he?" Black Rat laughed ruefully, shaking his head, "I must tell you, even I don''t know the specifics of his background."


    Upon hearing this, everyone became furious, thinking to themselves, if you don''t know his background, how could you kowtow to him so subserviently?


    Black Rat continued, "However, there is one thing I can tell you. Even though I only met him once a year ago, at that time, three Elders of the Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect, even the two Vice Sect Leaders of the Divine Doctor Sect, all bowed and paid their respects to him!"


    "And, even the Sect Master of the Headquarter of the Divine Doctor Sect, in his presence, could only behave like a following little brother. As for his identity, I dare not speculate or imagine anymore. If you think you''re capable, you can investigate on your own!"


    Having said that, Black Rat dusted off his bottom and walked away, leaving the rest with faces full of shock and disbelief.

 Chapter 81 Gifting You a Clock as a Birthday Present

    With Black Rat''s departure, the high-ranking members of the major families from Southern River Region Jiangdu, represented by Cui Hao, also swiftly left the Divine Doctor Sect, as staying there had lost its significance.


    "Head of the Cui Family, what should we do next?" a representative of the Yan Family asked.


    "You''re asking me? Who should I ask?" Cui Hao rolled his eyes.


    Despite more than two hours having passed, Cui Hao still couldn''t forget the gaze of the man in the wheelchair¡ªthe sharpness of those eyes was truly terrifying.


    Even though Ye Feng didn''t cause them any trouble on the spot while they were in the Divine Doctor Sect''s reception hall, Cui Hao knew it wasn''t because the other party didn''t dare to¡ªit was disdain!


    It was the kind of disdain only a highly esteemed person would have. And until the moment they left, Ye Feng hadn''t even bothered to give them a second glance, treating them as if they were air.


    "Sigh... If only we had known, we wouldn''t have offended that guy with the surname Ye. If we were willing to lower our stance from the start and beg him, our family head would surely have been treated early like the Pang Family and gotten rid of the Gu and Poison," a representative of a second-tier family lamented with regret.


    Cui Hao snorted coldly, "What''s the use of saying this now? If it were useful, would I still be here?"


    "Indeed, regret is useless now," said the representative of the Yan Family. "Everyone think of a solution. Several family heads won''t last many days, and they are all unconscious without having arranged their affairs. The succession of the group isn''t settled yet. If they die like this, the families will surely descend into chaos."


    After pondering for a while, Cui Hao huffed, "In any case, that Ye Feng kid is someone we shouldn''t provoke anymore, at least we shouldn''t. This kid has a very mysterious background. If there''s someone in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province who can overpower him, it''s probably only the Martial Alliance."


    "That''s right, the Martial Alliance gathers almost all the experts from our Southern River Region. As long as the Martial Alliance is willing to take action, they''ll definitely be able to deal with that kid!" someone immediately agreed.


    "This Ye Feng kid ¨C I reckon his formidable aspect is related to the capital''s Headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect. He might even be the young master of one of those Aristocratic Clan Gates!" Discover hidden tales at empire


    "That''s a possibility!" The Yan Family representative sneered, "Although this kid is disabled, just think about it ¨C he''s followed by an attendant who is a Grandmaster of Inner Force. It would certainly seem that only those Aristocratic Clan Gates from the capital possess such a foundation."


    "Right, Deputy Patriarch Yan, now that you mention it, it all makes sense. Only those ancient Aristocratic Clans from the capital could have such a foundation, and this kid is probably a direct lineage young master who, due to his disability, couldn''t inherit his family and therefore left for our Southern River Region."


    In a small conference room, representatives of the great families speculated, of course, these were just their assumptions.


    "Mr. Ye..."


    Luo Keque hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "I''m endlessly grateful for Mr. Ye''s promotion. However, as for my abilities, Mr. Ye is surely aware, to take on the role of Sect Master for the Provincial City''s Divine Doctor Sect, I fear that my capabilities..."


    Before he could finish, Ye Feng interrupted, "You are now at the peak of the Ninth Stage of External Strength, do you think you can break through to become a Huajin Grandmaster in half a year?"


    "Break through to Huajin Grandmaster in half a year? I do have some confidence in that." Luo Keque said.


    "In half a year, if you can break through, I will pass on several Medical Acupuncture Techniques to you. If you can''t, you''ll return to Jiangdu," Ye Feng declared decisively.


    Luo Keque''s expression grew solemn, "Yes, thank you for Mr. Ye''s cultivation. I will do my utmost in these six months. If I still can''t break through, I will roll back to Jiangdu myself, forever ashamed to face Mr. Ye again."


    Ye Feng''s tone suddenly became serious, "Remember, if you become the Sect Master of the Divine Doctor Sect, you must always bear in mind the four words ''benevolence of a healer.'' I will teach you three medical skills; you must not charge ordinary people, but for officials and nobles, that''s up to you. If you ever violate this, there will be no mercy!"


    "Yes!" Luo Keque stood up straight away, his spine ramrod straight.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, signaling him to sit down, then turned his head to look at Pang Youze and said, "These next two days, go prepare a gift for me."


    "Prepare a gift? May I ask what kind of gift Mr. Ye is planning to prepare?" Pang Youze asked.


    "Get me a bell, a big bell!" Ye Feng said.


    "A big bell? That''s not really a suitable gift to give someone. Who is Mr. Ye planning to give it to?" Pang Youze asked further.


    "Two days later, it''s the 70th birthday of the old patriarch of the Yin Family. It''s for his birthday gift!" Ye Feng said with a light smile.


    Hiss...


    Upon hearing that, Pang Youze took in a sharp breath.

 Chapter 82 Today, We Can Slaughter the Sheep

    In the following two days, the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province seemed to have entered a state of tranquility, and nobody came to bother Ye Feng, including the Martial Alliance, which also appeared to be quiet.


    Enjoying the rare leisure, over the past two days, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan got to tour the scenery of Jiangnan. However, during this time, Hong Qingyan''s mood didn''t seem very good, she was reticent, and appeared preoccupied with heavy thoughts.


    Ye Feng asked twice, but Hong Qingyan merely smiled and said it was nothing, so he didn''t press further.


    After two peaceful days passed, the whole region of Southern River Region Jiangnan appeared to be caught in an undercurrent of unrest.


    Today was the seventieth birthday of the elder patriarch of the Yin Family, one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan, so early in the morning, the ancient gates of the Yin family were flung open.


    The Yin Family also owned an estate in the suburb, ancient and elegant. Just the sight of those fading vermilion gates showed they had weathered many years. Today these long-unopened gates were welcoming guests who were coming from all directions to celebrate.


    In the last two days, possibly to curry favor with Ye Feng, Pang Youze had nearly exhausted his family''s resources to investigate the Yin Family and made a startling discovery.


    "Are you saying that this Yin Family is connected to some Dao Sects hidden deep in the mountains and forests?" In the villa, Ye Feng frowned slightly.


    "Yes, Mr. Ye, the Yin Family has an ancient lineage, and it seems they possess a breathing technique within their family, which comes from the Daoist Family," said Pang Youze.


    Next to him, Luo Keque pondered and said, "So, it seems that the ancestors of the Yin Family were originally from a Daoist Sect."


    Pang Youze nodded and answered, "Indeed, the ancestor of the Yin Family later left the Daoist Sect and came to Southern River Region Jiangnan to branch out and grow, relying on what may have been an incomplete Daoist breathing technique to rise step by step!"


    Ye Feng remained silent. If what Pang Youze had said was true, the Yin Family indeed seemed unusual, as it was already involved with the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    In this world, there are many things that ordinary people do not know about, or rather, ordinary people have not reached that level, so they cannot comprehend. Find more chapters on empire


    But as the Northern Border King, Ye Feng needed to understand far more than ordinary people, and he was aware that there indeed existed Sects of Ancient Martial Arts in this world.


    These Sects of Ancient Martial Arts differ from what the secular world or the market thinks of Shaolin and Wudang. Or rather, what is currently known as Shaolin and Wudang is merely for show; the real Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have retreated behind the scenes and seldom make public appearances.


    Actually, a significant reason for Ye Feng''s current achievements and his status as the Northern Border King was because he had a special breathing technique.


    Ye Feng swept his arm broadly, "Let''s go, we''ll head to the Yin Family now!"


    At once, several people headed out, taking a small truck to transport the large bell towards the Yin Family.


    At this very moment, the Yin Family''s residence was already bustling with festive decorations, and some guests had arrived early.


    After all, as one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan, with family businesses spread across the entire Jiangnan Province, the several city-level influential families, all of whom had dealings with the Yin Family, could not afford to miss the opportunity to bring gifts and pay their respects on this birthday celebration.


    The elderly Patriarch Yin, dressed in a bright red robe embossed with the character for fortune, was aglow with health. Although he was over seventy years old, he was full of vigor and robustly healthy.


    To become the head of one of the Four Great Families, one must at least be a Master of Inner Force, and the stronger candidates could even be Huajin Grandmasters. Barring any accidents, one could easily live beyond ninety or even past a hundred years of age.


    "The Cui Family has arrived..." As the butler''s voice echoed, Cui Hao, accompanied by two young family members, got out of the car and walked towards the main entrance.


    Elder Patriarch Yin Songping, followed by his eldest son and grandson, briskly stepped forward to welcome them with clasped hands, "It''s an honor for an old man like me to receive the visit of the Cui Family, also one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan, on this special day. Your presence brings glory to our family."


    Cui Hao chuckled in a formal manner, "Elder Patriarch Yin is a paragon of virtue. On this important 70th birthday, it would be unthinkable for the younger generation not to come."


    "Deputy Family Head Cui, please come inside!" Yin Songping gestured towards the interior and let his eldest son usher the guest in, while he himself stayed to welcome other visitors.


    Of course, he would only personally greet the more important guests, and the others would be received by his eldest son or his grandson.


    Soon enough, the Yan Family and other second-tier families from Jiangnan also gathered to pay their respects. In the whole Jiangnan Province, only the exceedingly mysterious Gusu Murong Family and the now withdrawn Jiang Family had not made an appearance.


    "Father, most of the guests have arrived, shall we go inside?" Yin Angli, the eldest son of the Yin Family, suggested.


    Yin Songping nodded his head and was about to move when he suddenly remembered something and quickly gestured for his son to come closer, whispering, "Go to the backyard and check if the two honorary masters are ready. Tell them the timing is ripe, and today, they may proceed with the slaughter."


    "Yes!"


    Eldest son Yin Angli immediately retreated, his expression revealing barely concealed excitement as he muttered, "If nothing goes wrong, from today on, my Yin Family will be the leader of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan!"

 Chapter 83 You Wont Die If You Dont Seek Death

    "Let''s go, the important guests have arrived, let''s go in!"


    The elder patriarch, Yin Songping, waved his great hand, ready to walk into the bustling manor.


    However, at this moment, a cold shout suddenly echoed: "Ye Feng, Mr. Ye has arrived..."


    The one calling out was not from the Yin Family, for in their eyes, this Mr. Ye wasn''t significant enough to warrant a loud announcement from them.


    The caller was Pang Youze, who obviously knew that Ye Feng had come today intending to stir trouble, so he simply decided to play along.


    The eldest grandson of the Yin Family, the young master Yin Junde, frowned and said, "Ye Feng? Who is this person? Since when did our Jiangnan have a Mr. Ye?"


    The elder patriarch, Yin Songping, also raised an eyebrow but said nothing, clearly he had also never heard of such a person before.


    The butler hastily stepped forward and said, "Could it be that fellow who claims to be the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family of Jiangdu?"


    "The son-in-law of the Hong Family of Jiangdu?" Yin Songping frowned.


    Before he could speak, the young master Yin Junde huffed, "A mere son-in-law of the insignificant Hong Family of Jiangdu dares to be so loud and put on airs at our Yin Family''s door? He really knows how to give himself face!"


    The butler said, "Young Master, this Frenzied Son-in-Law of the Hong Family is no ordinary man."


    Yin Songping asked, "Let''s hear it, how is he not ordinary?"


    "Recently, he has caused quite a stir in Jiangdu, even the Martial Alliance there has no way to deal with him. Moreover, there are rumors that this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family has killed an elder of the Jiang Family, and just a few days ago, news came that this man can even cure Gu and Poison!"


    "What did you say, he can cure Gu and Poison?"


    Yin Songping was genuinely alarmed, his eyes slightly narrowing: "It seems that this man is indeed out of the ordinary, and there''s a good chance today''s event could be disrupted by him!"


    The young master, Yin Junde, sneered, "So what? We have those two masters backing us, why should we fear a mere Mad Son-in-Law of the Hong Family? Besides, our Yin Family is strong in itself, with three Masters of Inner Force, and Grandpa, you are a Great Grandmaster of Huajin Level!"


    Yin Songping''s gaze turned grim, as he pondered, "His intentions are unclear, but what Junde said is correct, our Yin Family is rich in martial prowess, and here in our family base camp, we have nothing to fear. As long as he dares to make trouble, we will make sure he leaves horizontally even if he comes in vertically!"


    During their conversation, Ye Feng had already gotten out of the car and sat down in a wheelchair.


    Yin Songping furrowed his brows, "What''s this, a cripple with broken legs?"


    "Today''s birthday banquet hosts a gathering of guests; let''s not be rude and become a laughing stock!"


    Yin Songping glared at his grandson before turning his head and saying with a chuckle, "Mr. Ye''s birthday gift will be graciously accepted by this old man. Everyone, please come inside. Although my Yin Family cannot be considered a wealthy household, whenever any cats or dogs stray in, we always give them some leftover food."


    Sharp!


    It must be said that this old fellow, having lived for seventy years and weathered many storms, his retort was watertight, and remarkably resolute.


    In other words, he was directly referring to Ye Feng as a stray cat or dog begging for food.


    Ye Feng shrugged and said, "The Yin Family is indeed charitable, not only letting in any cats or dogs but also welcoming all sorts of questionable characters. One can only hope that these people won''t bring any trouble to the Yin Family." Your next read awaits at empire


    This statement was undoubtedly a warning, and Ye Feng''s words were just as leak-proof.


    Yin Songping''s gaze sharpened, and he thought to himself, could it be that this youngster has discovered something?


    But even if he had discovered something, with things about to come to a fruitful conclusion, what was there to fear from a disabled man causing trouble?


    At this thought, Yin Songping snorted and said, "A visitor is a guest, Mr. Ye, please come inside. There are many distinguished guests inside, and I regret I cannot accompany you further. Please make yourself at home!"


    After saying this, Yin Songping stepped into the mansion, followed closely by the butler and the eldest son of the Yin Family.


    As soon as he entered the gate, Yin Songping immediately gestured to Yin Junde, "Notify your father to arrange for experts to keep an eye on this young man. If he shows any unusual behavior, have him secretly apprehended."


    Yin Junde snorted coldly, "Grandfather, this guy dares to provoke our Yin Family. In my opinion, we should just take the opportunity to capture him, either beat him to death with random sticks or simply throw him into the South River to feed the fish, why bother talking to him at all."


    Yin Songping waved his hand and said, "You handle it. Just make sure it''s kept under wraps and not too many people find out!"


    Meanwhile, at the entrance, many guests watching the scene couldn''t help but whisper among themselves, "This young man is truly courting death! It''s the old master of the Yin Family''s 70th birthday, and he actually brought a bell as a birthday gift, that''s really..."


    "This man, I think, is either too audacious or completely brainless. Just wait and see, the Yin Family will not let this slide. He who seeks death cannot complain when it comes. I guarantee, after today, this man will end up dead or crippled."


    "Maybe it won''t come to that. Didn''t Elder Patriarch Yin refrain from making a scene?"


    "What do you know? Not one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan is simple. They didn''t make a scene because they were considering the family''s reputation. Once the birthday banquet is over, this kid will definitely suffer!"


    As Ye Feng listened to these whispering voices around him, he shook his head and smiled faintly, then instructed Hong Qingyan to wheel him into the Yin Family mansion.

 Chapter 84 The Immense Divine Healer of the Mysterious Void Grand Heaven

    The Yin Family Manor was massive, with a bustling front courtyard teeming with guests.


    As soon as Ye Feng entered, he immediately noticed that there were people lurking in the shadows in several corners, watching him. He smiled faintly and couldn''t be bothered with these clowns.


    No one came over to strike up a conversation. Cui Hao and representatives from a few of the other great families were taken aback when they saw him, as they had not expected Ye Feng to attend the event.


    "Deputy Head of the Cui Family, could it be that this youngster with the surname Ye has already colluded with the Yin Family? The rumor put out by the Yin Family previously said they could remove Gu and Poison, could it be referring to this Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family?" a person in charge from a third-rate family asked in a low voice.


    "If that''s really the case, we''ll truly be at a disadvantage," a representative of the Yan Family said through gritted teeth.


    Cui Hao, holding a cup of wine, declined the guests who came to toast him and after scrutinizing for a moment, hummed coldly, "Impossible, this lad surnamed Ye, after coming in, there was no one from the Yin Family toasting him, nor was there any company of significant figures from the Yin Family."


    "So obviously, this kid surnamed Ye is not familiar with the Yin Family!"


    "That''s right, Deputy Head Cui''s analysis is spot on. With this peace of mind, as long as this youngster doesn''t join hands with the Yin Family, we will have no need for further worries."


    Cui Hao raised an eyebrow and said, "I''m afraid things aren''t that simple. This youngster surnamed Ye, a prominent scion of the Imperial Capital Nobility, if he isn''t close to the Yin Family, why would he come to the birthday celebration without any reason? Everyone be cautious and refrain from acting recklessly!"


    Representatives from seven or eight families nodded slightly, signaling their agreement.


    Ye Feng sat in a corner, leisurely burying his head in the feast as if he truly came just to celebrate.


    Pang Youze and Luo Keque sat in silence beside him, but in their hearts, they were puzzled. After all, Mr. Ye, who had presented a clock to the Elder Patriarch of the Yin Family, clearly came to provoke them, but now he seemed to be acting as if nothing was wrong, an enigma they couldn''t unravel.


    Ye Feng did not rush to make a move, at least not until the disciples of the Gu&Poison Sect appeared.


    Yin Family''s young scion, Yin Junde, though constantly conversing with guests, kept his gaze firmly fixed on Ye Feng, his eyes often revealing a sinister glint.


    As one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan with immense power, the audacity of someone daring to present a clock during the old man''s 70th birthday banquet was nothing short of provocative for the Yin Family. If he hadn''t been concerned about the family''s reputation, he would have acted already.


    "You damned fool, continue eating all you want. Once the birthday feast ends and most of the guests have left, I will make sure you spit it all out, with interest!" Yin Junde thought angrily to himself.


    Hong Qingyan also seemed to sense that something was off in the atmosphere and felt as though there were eyes on her back. After a moment of thought, she said, "Big Brother Ye, I have a feeling that there''s something strange about the atmosphere of this banquet. Should we leave now?"


    Ye Feng chuckled, "The Yin Family, as one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan, offers such a wide array of rare delicacies, all for free. Wouldn''t it be a shame to not eat our fill here and make the Yin Family pay for it?"


    "Oh, I was so preoccupied with talking, I forgot to introduce them. These two, on the left is Master Mo, and on the right is Grandmaster Li, both from the Western Region. It is their custom there to slightly cover their faces, so I hope you won''t take offense," Yin Songping said with a smile.


    "Greetings to the two masters!" Cui Hao extended his hand and immediately asked, "Masters, do you truly have a way to remove Gu and Poison?"


    The one on the left, Master Mo, scoffed and said, "It is merely Gu and Poison. We are disciples under the Infinite Divine Doctor of the Great Hanging Cave of the Western Region. Naturally, removing such a trivial Gu and Poison is nothing for us!"


    Pfft...


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng almost spit out the wine he had sipped.


    Stay tuned to empire


    These disciples of the Gu&Poison Sect really knew how to bluff. The Infinite Divine Doctor of the Great Hanging Cave of the Western Region?


    With such a domineering title, no wonder they easily fooled Cui Hao and the others.


    "That''s wonderful, the masters truly have a solution¡ªour family head is saved!" the representative of the Yan Family exclaimed with ecstasy.


    Cui Hao nodded emphatically, "Then we shall trouble the two masters to take action. Rest assured, as for the terms, you just name them."


    The representative of the Yan Family said, "Exactly, no matter the cost, just state your price, masters."


    The two Gu&Poison Sect disciples smiled faintly but did not immediately state their demands.


    Seeing this, Yin Songping suggested, "This place has too many people, too many ears. How about everyone finishes the birthday banquet first, then we proceed to the Inner Courtyard to discuss in detail afterwards?"


    The representative of the Yan Family said, "Elder Patriarch Yin, this matter concerns a human life; how can we have the mood for a birthday banquet? Let''s go directly to the Inner Courtyard, finalize the discussion, and then invite the masters to start the treatment right away."


    Cui Hao also said, "Indeed, it''s not that we wish to be abrupt, but the situation of several family heads cannot afford further delay."


    Yin Songping responded, "If that''s the case, then let us go to the Inner Courtyard to discuss now. As for my birthday banquet, when compared to the lives of the family heads, it''s naturally unimportant."


    After speaking, Yin Songping led the way, taking Cui Hao and the others, along with the two so-called masters from the Western Region, into the Inner Courtyard.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng shook his head secretly. Cui Hao and the others were clearly walking right into the tiger''s mouth!

 Chapter 85 What Kind of Trash Are You

    Ye Feng still hadn''t moved, first because he wasn''t yet full, and second, because the time hadn''t come.


    He would not make a move until these two so-called masters from the Western Region revealed their true colors.


    The hall was still bustling with activity, as the Yin Family was indeed one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan. There were many people who came to offer birthday wishes, even representatives from family clans from various smaller cities below.


    Ye Feng was enjoying his meal when Hong Qingyan suddenly pointed ahead and said, "Big Brother Ye, look, those two have actually come as well."


    Following the direction of Hong Qingyan''s finger, Ye Feng immediately saw Hong Yuting. Dressed in lavish clothing, she was proudly clinging to a tall and handsome young man, looking as triumphant as possible.


    Behind the couple, a group of young men and women surrounded them, seemingly with the tall and handsome young man as their leader, suggesting his high status.


    Ye Feng simply shook his head and smiled faintly, paying it no mind.


    By coincidence, Hong Yuting also looked their way, her entire demeanor freezing for a moment before she curled her lips into a cold, mocking smile, her eyes showing undisguised malice.


    "Young Master Murong, do you know about that person sitting in the wheelchair over there?" Hong Yuting asked the tall man in a coffee-colored suit beside her.


    "Oh? Who is he, to gain the attention of Jiangdu''s number one beauty like this?" Young Master Murong asked with a smile.


    Hong Yuting merely sneered slightly and was about to speak when Yin Junde, the elder son of the Yin Family seated beside her, hurriedly interjected, "Young Master Murong, you actually don''t know this person?"


    Young Master Murong looked even more surprised and said, "How come even Young Master Yin is so astonished? When did our Southern River Region Jiangnan produce such a character?"


    Yin Junde sighed and said, "Young Master Murong truly has lived a reclusive life. You haven''t even heard of the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family during this time."


    Originally, Yin Junde was still struggling to find an excuse to trouble Ye Feng and vent the frustration of being humiliated by him, but now, upon seeing the Gusu Murong Young Master, an idea immediately came to his mind.


    "It seems that Young Master Murong hasn''t heard of this person. Let''s go over, and I will introduce him to you," said Yin Junde, who then unceremoniously dragged the Gusu Murong Young Master over. Your next journey awaits at empire


    Clasping his arm, almost rubbing her soft chest against him, Hong Yuting giggled, "Don''t laugh, Brother Murong. This person is my sister, not a real sister though. She was picked up by our Hong Family. And the one beside her is her fiance, our Hong Family''s son-in-law."


    Murong Qinglong nodded and extended his hand, "Hello, I am Zhuge Qingyun. It''s a pleasure to meet you."


    Ye Feng didn''t look up and just said, "All of you back off, don''t disturb my meal!"


    Murong Qinglong''s brow furrowed deeply, considering that he, the Gusu Murong Young Master, was among the three famed ''Young Dragons'' of Jiangnan, and he was the leader of those three.


    "My friend," he said, "considering Yu Ting''s feelings, I greeted you politely, but not only have you not reciprocated, you''ve not even stood up, and you''ve even uttered such words. Aren''t you being a bit too arrogant?"


    Murong Qinglong snorted coldly, unable to imagine someone in his generation in the Provincial City of Jiangnan daring to be more arrogant than him.


    Of course, Murong Qinglong was unaware that Young Master Jiang Tianlong of the Jiang Family, also touted as one of the three great Young Dragons of Jiangnan, had already been crippled by Ye Feng, even losing his capability as a man.


    If Young Master Murong knew that, he probably wouldn''t have thought the same way.


    Hong Yuting laughed and said, "It seems, Brother Murong, you haven''t realized that this ''Mad Son-in-Law'' of our Hong Family is originally a cripple with broken legs. Such a person who can''t even take care of himself ¨C how can you expect him to stand up?"


    Murong Qinglong scoffed, "So he''s a cripple, no wonder then. Naturally, I wouldn''t stoop to arguing with someone who can''t take care of themselves; wouldn''t that make me look tasteless?"


    Yin Junde added fuel to the fire, "But Young Master Murong, even if he''s a cripple, we wouldn''t take offense to that, yet he just told us to get lost. That''s going too far. I don''t mind, since today is my grandfather''s seventieth birthday banquet, but with your status, letting it go just like that...


    If word gets out, wouldn''t that imply any cats or dogs can disrespect the three great Young Dragons of Jiangnan?"


    Hong Yuting also nodded in agreement, "Brother Murong, I think Young Master Yin''s point is very reasonable. Even though we all know of your magnanimity and not stooping to others'' levels, that guy was just too rude and arrogant."


    "In my opinion, he has to apologize!"


    Murong Qinglong slightly nodded and then picked up a bottle of wine, swiftly pouring three glasses. He said, "Kid, considering you''re a cripple, I won''t make things difficult for you. Drink these three glasses of wine, and we''ll consider the matter settled!"


    Ye Feng stopped eating, having completely lost his appetite. He slowly put down his chopsticks, looked up at Young Master Murong, and said word by word, "What do you think you are, not to mention who you are, even if your grandfather, who became the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Jiangnan, came here, he would still not be qualified to pour me wine!"

 Chapter 86 Stirring Trouble atop the Tai Suis Head

    Murong Qinglong was furious, with veins bulging on his face. It was bad enough that this person didn''t take him seriously.


    Now, he had even dared to utter such words, showing disrespect not just to himself, but to his grandfather as well¡ªand even claiming that his grandfather wasn''t worthy of serving him wine!


    Murong Qinglong could no longer tolerate it. Unfortunately, he was unaware of Ye Feng''s true identity. Had he known, he would never have thought Ye Feng''s words to be mere arrogance.


    A former Northern Border King, the behind-the-scenes founder of the Martial Alliance, a mere leader of the Provincial Martial Alliance in a small city indeed had no right to drink with him!


    Murong Qinglong turned his head and barked at Yin Junde, "Young Master Yin, despite today being your grandfather''s grand seventieth birthday, and I shouldn''t be causing trouble at his banquet, you heard it yourself¡ªthis kid is extremely arrogant."


    Yin Junde smiled. In his heart, he couldn''t wait for Murong Qinglong to pick a fight, even better if it blew up into a bigger issue.


    "Brother Long, as I said earlier, this so-called Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family is not a guest of the Yin Family. He''s just a small-time son-in-law from a Jiangdu family. Although the Yin Family isn''t a noble clan, we certainly don''t treat just any cats or dogs as guests."


    Yin Junde''s faint smile implied one thing: go ahead and start the fight.


    "I see!"


    Murong Qinglong snorted and gestured with his hand, immediately causing three middle-aged men to walk over to them.


    Ye Feng remained seated in his wheelchair, his expression unchanged.


    "Brother Long, what can I do for you?" a muscular man with a full beard asked, bowing his head.


    Pointing at Ye Feng, Murong Qinglong said, "Martial Instructor, this brat is disrespectful to everyone, not only offending me but also showing disrespect to my grandfather. He even boasted that my grandfather isn''t worthy of even holding his shoes. What do you think should be done about this?"


    The burly Martial Instructor exuded a murderous aura, glaring at Ye Feng with his large, copper bell-like eyes, "Kid, is what Brother Long said true?"


    Ye Feng looked up at him but didn''t reply. He seldom answered others'' questions but was quick to ask, "Are you one of the four great instructors of the Jiangnan Martial Alliance?"


    The Martial Instructor snorted coldly, "Yes, I am indeed one of the four great instructors of the Jiangnan Martial Alliance, the Martial Steel Instructor. Now I ask you, is what Brother Long said true?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, "I did not say those words."


    Murong Qinglong was about to rebuke him for being cowardly.


    However, before he could speak, Ye Feng calmly continued, "What I mean is, your young master''s grandfather, oh right, the current Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan Province, if he truly came here, I wouldn''t let him hold my shoes because he isn''t even worthy of licking them."


    Murong Qinglong stood frozen in place for quite some time before he finally snapped out of it. Though his entire body trembled with rage, he was not foolish and knew that the one who had just made a move was a master, so he dared not act recklessly.


    "Young Master Yin, this man has dared to cause trouble in your Yin Family''s territory and has also injured the Martial Instructor of the Martial Alliance. Could it be that your Yin Family is just going to watch?" Murong Qinglong barked.


    Yin Junde had been waiting for just this moment, and immediately snorted, "Young Master Murong, rest assured, this brat dares to cause trouble during my grandfather''s birthday celebration, showing no regard for my Yin Family. Come, people!"


    As his words fell, three Yin Family experts immediately surrounded them, including two Masters of Inner Force.


    "Ye Feng, I''ve tolerated you for a long time. You dare to present a clock on my grandfather''s seventieth birthday, and now you disregard Young Master Murong, even injuring a Martial Instructor of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan. Today, you will surely die!"


    Murong Qinglong clenched his teeth and growled, "Don''t kill him just yet, first cripple his hands. I want him to crawl like a worm and kneel before me, then torture him bit by bit until he dies!"


    Yin Junde said, "Don''t worry, Young Master Murong. After we cripple his hands, we will hand him over to you for disposal!"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng shook his head silently and sighed, "I really thought the third generation of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan might amount to something, but it seems they''re just a bunch of uneducated and useless rich kids!"


    "The timing on that side should be about right now. Seventeen, can you handle this?" Ye Feng suddenly called out sternly.


    "Your Highness, rest assured, do you want them all killed?" Seventeen inquired.


    The people around who heard these words all trembled inwardly, especially upon seeing Seventeen''s cold eyes, no one doubted that he meant what he said.


    Ye Feng said, "You decide!"


    With that said, Ye Feng instructed Hong Qingyan to push his wheelchair, slowly heading toward the back of the hall.


    In the backyard, the several big families and those two so-called masters from the Western Region should be coming to an understanding by now.


    "Ye Feng, you think you can just walk away? It won''t be that easy!" Yin Junde bellowed.


    However, as soon as he spoke out, Seventeen pounced and sent him flying with a punch.


    Ye Feng didn''t look back, for there was no need to; sounds of fierce fighting and cries of pain immediately followed behind him.


    Just as he stepped out of the main hall, the fighting already ceased, with Seventeen returning to stand behind Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng did not ask; there was no need, for a group of uneducated spoiled brats did not warrant his concern.

 Chapter 87 I Come Only for One Thing, to Kill You

    Ye Feng quickly made his way to the back courtyard, walking along the corridor from the main hall. Discover hidden stories at empire


    Yet before he even entered the conference hall, he could already hear Cui Hao''s roaring voice from inside.


    "Yin Songping, your Yin Family is truly harboring malicious intentions, daring to scheme swallowing up the assets of our major families. I must say, the appetite of your Yin Family is also outrageously large, isn''t it?"


    "The Yin Family is colluding with outsiders to strike against our families. Yin Songping, by doing this, are you not afraid of being annihilated by the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan?"


    At that moment, Yin Songping''s cold, mocking laughter could be heard: "Afraid of being annihilated by the Martial Alliance? Why should I be afraid? It''s not like I''m forcing you. It''s you who are willingly giving up your family assets to save your respective family heads!"


    "Wishful thinking!"


    Cui Hao angrily retorted with a cold voice, "Do you really think we are fools? You want to threaten us with this? Even if we don''t rescue the Family Heads, don''t even dream of us handing over our family assets!"


    Yin Songping sneered, "If it were only the heads of your families, of course you wouldn''t comply so easily."


    Cui Hao and the others demanded, "What do you mean by that?"


    It was then that the two so-called masters from the Western Region spoke up: "If those poisoned by Gu include you, and your lives are already in our hands, tell me, will you yield or not?"


    "You...what did you say, we''ve also been poisoned with Gu?" Cui Hao and the others were shocked once again.


    It was only at this moment that they fully came to their senses, gritting their teeth and saying with indignation, "I understand now. These two people, they are not any masters from the Western Region at all; they are from the Gu&Poison Sect. Your Yin Family, you''ve been in cahoots with the Gu&Poison Sect all along, haven''t you?"


    Yin Songping sighed with a smile, "Representatives of the families, now that you understand, isn''t it too late? I can tell you that it''s not just you few; all the direct lineage of your major families have been infected with Gu and Poison."


    "Just a word from the masters can take your little lives in an instant. So think carefully about whether you want your money or your lives!"


    Cui Hao and the others turned deathly pale. If what the other party said was true, then the situation was indeed grave.


    "Yin Songping, you old thing, you''re truly sinister and vicious!" Cui Hao appeared to grit his teeth in rage.


    Yin Songping burst into hearty laughter, "As the saying goes, a man without poison is not a true man. Blame yourselves for being too stupid, too naive. Of course, I''m not one to push too far.


    Cui Hao gritted his teeth and said, "Things have come to this, what can I do? Let''s leave it to fate then. If the heavens want to destroy us, then we must resign ourselves to our fate."


    The Yan Family representative said, "If we had known this would happen, why did we do it in the first place? If we hadn''t been so full of ourselves at the beginning, looking down on Mr. Ye and even offending him, how could we have brewed such a bitter outcome today!"


    Ye Feng, upon hearing this, knew the time was nearly right, and turned his head slightly to give a subtle signal to Seventeen behind him.


    Without saying a word, Seventeen immediately pounced forward and kicked the room door to smithereens with one foot.


    "Who? Who dares to barge into my Yin Family''s stronghold? Have you no desire to live?" the eldest son of the Yin Family, Yin Angli, suddenly exclaimed, even grasping a knife in his hand.


    The rest were also startled and hastily turned their heads to look outside, only to see a wheelchair slowly being pushed in, and upon it sat a young man with a stern face and a full beard.


    There was no expression on the man''s face, but his eyes were as cold and sharp as steel knives.


    "It''s Mr. Ye, thank goodness, he''s here, he finally came!"


    "Thank heavens, Mr. Ye, you''ve finally arrived, we are saved now."


    "Mr. Ye, we were wrong, we''ve realized our mistake, please save us. If you can save us, we are willing to hand over half of our family''s property!"


    Ye Feng did not look at them but instead stared intently at the two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect seated in the main seats.


    The two of them were sitting there in a Golden Blade posture, wearing wide black robes with their faces covered by a black veil, obscuring their features, but their eyes were as fierce as eagles''.


    Yin Songping was startled at first, but quickly regained his composure and with a cold snort said, "Ye Feng, you are the son-in-law of the Hong Family, and have nothing to do with these major families. Are you really intending to stick your nose in this business?"


    The two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect sneered, "A mere cripple at that, even if he wants to intervene, does he have the ability?"


    Ye Feng suddenly lifted the corners of his mouth and smiled, "Patriarch Yin, you are mistaken. I didn''t come here to meddle in other''s affairs, nor am I here to save these major families."


    "Then what is your reason for barging in?" Yin Songping demanded.


    "I''ve come for one thing only, to kill you, and those two as well!"

 Chapter 88: Bragging in the Face of Death

    The two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect burst into laughter, "Kill the two of us, just with you, a cripple?"


    Yin Songping also sneered, "Has this boy¡¯s head been kicked by a donkey? Does he really think that having a Master of Inner Force by his side means he can do whatever he wants!"


    "Come, someone take this boy down!" Yin Songping ordered.


    However, the outside remained dead silent, and no one rushed in. Yin Songping waited for a moment, his face slightly changing, but he was not panicked.


    Today, with two masters in place, there was nothing to worry about.


    At that moment, suddenly, the steward hurried over, exclaiming, "Something terrible has happened, master! The young master has been crippled, and the family¡¯s three Masters of Inner Force have all had their legs and feet broken, right in the outside banquet hall."


    Yin Angli asked sternly, "Who did this?"


    "It was that Mr. Ye, the one who came to deliver the clock..."No?v(el)B\\jnn


    As the steward spoke, he suddenly caught sight of Ye Feng sitting to the side, and he couldn¡¯t help exclaiming in shock, "It¡¯s him, it¡¯s this guy in the wheelchair!"


    The two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect finally stood up slowly, they weren¡¯t fools; anyone capable of taking down three Masters of Inner Force was certainly no ordinary person.


    Yin Songping, grinding his teeth in fury, said, "Mr. Ye, you good-for-nothing, crippling three of my Yin Family¡¯s grandmasters, but the foundation of my Yin Family will make sure you have no place for your corpse to rest today!"


    "Both masters, please take him down!" Suddenly, Yin Songping turned and bowed his hands in request.


    The two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect paid him no mind and slowly stepped forward, moving step by step toward Ye Feng, their eagle eyes fixed tightly on him. Your journey continues on empire


    "Given that you were able to take down three Masters of Inner Force, you seem to be a martial arts practitioner as well, it seems we have underestimated you," the two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect said with a smile.


    Ye Feng sat still in his wheelchair, his expression unchanged. There was even a faint hint of mockery as he spoke, "So the two of you can really endure, not willing to make a move even now?"


    The two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect said, "No rush, you speak with a certain air of distinction, and you¡¯re likely no ordinary individual. May we know your background, or are you perhaps the young master of one of the capital¡¯s Aristocratic Clan Gates?"


    Ye Feng laughed and shook his head, "You two deliberately beat around the bush, unwilling to make a move. Is it because you are unsure of victory, or are you taking the opportunity to secretly poison me?"


    The faces of the two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect changed slightly, but luckily their faces were veiled and outsiders couldn¡¯t tell.


    "What are you talking about? We don¡¯t understand, why not tell us your background? We know quite a few Aristocratic Clans in the capital, it¡¯s possible we might recognize your family elders."


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "You two claim to be from the Great Hanging Cave of the Western Region. What a coincidence, I am the third-generation Cave Master of the Great Hanging Cave of the Western Region, your great-granduncle in other words. Mischievous children, kneel down and pay your respects to your great-granduncle!"


    "You insolent fool, you¡¯re seeking death!" The two masters from the Gu&Poison Sect exploded in rage, clenching their fists tightly, yet they still did not make a move.


    But at this moment, Ye Feng waved his Great Hand, and two invisible Qi Forces shot out. With two thumps, the men cried out in pain and fell to the ground.


    As they lay there, vomiting blood from their mouths, their bodies were like dead dogs on the ground, unable to struggle to their feet.


    The patriarch of the Yin Family turned deathly pale and his legs shook uncontrollably; he knew it was over, the Yin Family was finished.


    With a thud...


    Yin Songping knelt before Ye Feng, begging, "I was wrong, I know my mistake. Please, Mr. Ye, show mercy and spare my Yin Family. I¡¯m willing to provide the antidote to save Cui Yan and the heads of the other noble families, and I¡¯ll give you an additional one billion. Please spare my Yin Family!"


    The representatives of Cui Yan and the other noble families couldn¡¯t help but feel the joy of a narrow escape, though they knew Mr. Ye hadn¡¯t intended to save them. Nonetheless, it seemed their lives were saved.


    "The old Yin fellow thinks he can bribe Mr. Ye with a billion? He really thinks Mr. Ye has never seen money before?"


    Cui Hao sighed inwardly. Only now did he fully understand that it wasn¡¯t that the other party was arrogant or disdainful of money, but rather they simply weren¡¯t interested.


    Ye Feng did not look at Yin Songping, who was kneeling and begging on the ground. He pushed his wheelchair towards the two Gu&Poison Sect masters and then looked down at them from his elevated position.


    "Do you know why I didn¡¯t pierce your hearts directly, allowing you to remain alive?" Ye Feng said coldly.


    The two Gu&Poison Sect masters had several broken ribs, and they dared not imagine that a mere wave of the hand from their opponent could shatter so many of their bones. His power was truly terrifying.


    "Mr. Ye, we know you¡¯re no ordinary person, but do you know who we are? I must tell you, if you kill us, you will definitely get into big trouble, and you will surely die as well!" the two Gu&Poison Sect masters gritted their teeth and said.


    "Your origins?"


    Ye Feng laughed, shaking his head and sighing, "If I came specifically for you two, how could I not know about your origins? Are you not masters from the Gu&Poison Sect of the Southern Border, or am I mistaken?"


    The faces of the two disciples from the Gu&Poison Sect went deathly gray. Gritting their teeth and forcing themselves to maintain composure, they said, "Since you know we are from the Gu&Poison Sect of the Southern Border, then you should also know how terrifying the Gu&Poison Sect is. If you kill us, the Gu&Poison Sect will not let it go."


    "If you let us go now, the Gu&Poison Sect might still forgive you for disrupting their grand plans!"


    "You¡¯re on the brink of death and still have the nerve to talk big!"


    Ye Feng shook his head helplessly and then said sternly, "I¡¯m sparing you not because I fear killing you, but because I¡¯m using you to wait for someone."


    "Using us to wait for someone?"


    The two from the Gu&Poison Sect paused, then suddenly realized: "You¡¯re waiting for our eldest senior brother?"


    ```

 Chapter 89: I’ll Wait for You on Yellow Springs Road

    Ye Feng no longer spoke; he never liked to waste words.


    The two disciples from the Gu&Poison Sect also shut their mouths, clearly worried that saying too much might anger this fellow and cost them their lives.


    Besides, everything could wait until the arrival of the eldest senior brother.


    The eldest senior brother was a Huajin Master, and most crucially, he was also proficient in the Bewitching Technique. Once he arrived, it would surely be the end for this youngster.


    The entire inner hall suddenly fell silent. Naturally, the Yin Family was also waiting; if the eldest senior brother of the Gu&Poison Sect could turn the tide and kill this man surnamed Ye, then without a doubt, the Yin Family would be fortunate to survive a great disaster.


    Cui Hao and the others, however, became anxious. The effects of the Soft Muscle Powder hadn¡¯t worn off yet, leaving their bodies still limp and unable to move.


    "Mr. Ye, are we really going to wait like this?" Cui Hao thought for a moment before speaking up.


    Ye Feng sat in his wheelchair as if deaf, totally uninterested in responding.


    Cui Hao then forced a bitter smile and said, "Of course, Mr. Ye, I don¡¯t doubt your strength, but the origins of the opponents are unclear, and it is said that they are skilled in that strange Bewitching Technique, so accidents could easily happen."


    Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but say, "If you¡¯re so worried, you are free to leave now!"


    Cui Hao, with a drooping face, wailed, "We¡¯d like to leave, but we can¡¯t even move; Mr. Ye, why don¡¯t we leave now? We can take these two disciples of the Gu&Poison Sect and the dog of the Patriarch of the Yin Family to the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan. As long as we get to the Martial Alliance, we¡¯ll be completely safe."No?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Shut your mouth!" Ye Feng suddenly spoke.


    Cui Hao dared not speak any further, only lamenting inwardly, wondering why they had to risk so much.


    Yin Songping, witnessing this scene, sneered in his heart, "Just wait, when our eldest senior brother arrives, that will be the end for all of you, and the Yin Family will rise again, even more determined to make you pay!"


    Time ticked by. No one spoke. Everyone waited with their own schemes or inner turmoil.


    However, the wait was not long; suddenly, a whizzing sound of someone cutting through the air came from outside the courtyard.


    Suddenly, with a "whoosh" sound, someone leaped over the courtyard wall, landing firmly on the ground like a nail.


    Even ordinary people could tell that this newcomer was not weak; his Qinggong was evidently very impressive.


    Cui Hao and the others inwardly cursed their luck, thinking that the Grandmaster brother had indeed arrived.


    The person outside shouted, "Junior brothers, have you completed the task assigned by our sect?"


    Ye Feng remained silent, merely staring coldly at the two Gu&Poison Sect disciples.


    On the other side, the Gu&Poison Sect elder, with his nerves tightly wound and teeth clenched, seemed still to be using Qi Circulation to apply his Bewitching Technique, completely unaware that his so-called Bewitching Technique had no effect on the person it was cast upon.


    Ye Feng shook his head with a slight sigh, thinking the opponent¡¯s so-called Bewitching Technique would be somewhat special, yet now it seemed it was nothing much after all.


    "So you¡¯re nothing but a jumping clown..."


    "Suppress!"


    Ye Feng suddenly let out a voice that wasn¡¯t particularly loud, but a fierce Qi Force burst forth from it like a rampaging dragon, heading straight towards the other party.


    Sputter...


    The Gu&Poison Sect elder spat out blood on the spot and slowly collapsed into his own pool of blood, his hands covering his chest.


    "You... you are actually... a king..." Before he could finish his words, he was already out of breath and voiceless.


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t make a move. Of course, the opponent wasn¡¯t worthy of his attention.


    Merely the word "suppress" was enough to shake the life out of his foe!


    When Cui Hao and the others saw this, they were all shocked silly; this kind of method was almost beyond their imagination.


    Meanwhile, Patriarch Yin Family, who thought he would be lucky to survive a great disaster, slumped soft to the ground; his family was truly finished this time!


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at the two remaining Gu&Poison Sect disciples, "Reveal the location of your sect¡¯s gate, and I shall grant you a quick death."


    "You think we would tell you where our gate is? Dream on!"


    The two Gu&Poison Sect disciples roared furiously, "Ye, you dare to oppose our Gu&Poison Sect from the Southern Border, let us tell you, though we may not live, you won¡¯t live long either. The Gu&Poison Sect will surely come to settle the score with you!"


    "We will be waiting for you on the Yellow Springs Road!" After howling these words, the two Gu&Poison Sect disciples took poison and committed suicide, apparently they had long been keeping poison in their mouths.


    Ye Feng¡¯s face showed no expression as he turned his head and coldly said to Yin Songping, "Now you should understand why I gave you a whole hour on your seventieth birthday, right?"


    Yin Songping felt a bitter taste in his throat, hardly able to speak. After a long time, he managed, "No... you can¡¯t kill me. If you do, the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan will come after you. If you let me go, I can promise you money, as much as you want!"


    "Your two complicit friends are waiting for you on the Yellow Springs Road; don¡¯t keep them waiting too long!"


    Having said that, Ye Feng pushed his wheelchair and slowly started moving towards the outside.


    Yin Songping kept howling, "No... I don¡¯t want to die. I am the Patriarch of the Yin Family, I have immense wealth, I haven¡¯t enjoyed my life yet, I have so many young and beautiful women, I can¡¯t die, I don¡¯t want to die!"


    Without turning his head back, Ye Feng simply waved his hand, "Seventeen, see him off."

 Chapter 90 The Untrustworthy Scoundrel

    Ye Feng left the Yin Family soon after. As for the so-called properties, he didn¡¯t care about them at all.


    Of course, he knew that it was unlikely to trace the whereabouts of the Southern Border Gu & Poison Sect with this lead.


    The Southern Border Gu & Poison Sect had many branches, and this one they had encountered might just be a splinter, not the elite of the actual Gu & Poison Sect.


    Cui Hao and the others didn¡¯t dare to linger long and, with the help of the servants, also left the Yin Family.


    The originally lively and festive Yin Family quickly went from celebrating a wedding to mourning a death.


    The Yin Family did not say much to the outside world. Despite the servants¡¯ confusion, they didn¡¯t understand why in a sudden turn of events, the old head of the Yin Family had died, the eldest son, Yin Angli, had been disabled, and even the eldest grandson, Yin Junde, had become an idiot.


    Leaving before Ye Feng, however, was Gusu Murong Young Master, Murong Qinglong.


    "Ye Feng... this damned bastard, actually severed my right arm. This score... it absolutely cannot end like this!"


    Sitting in the carriage, Murong Qinglong kept roaring in anger. Although his severed right arm had been set in a cast, even if it would recover, he would never be able to practice martial arts again. For him, from a martial arts family, it was like a tiger losing its teeth.


    As for the martial instructor who had accompanied him, he fared even worse. With both legs disabled and carried out of the Yin Family¡¯s home, he was still unconscious.


    Sitting in the back seat, Hong Yuting kept fanning the flames, snorting, "This Ye fellow, although he is our Hong Family¡¯s son-in-law, was utterly lawless. We couldn¡¯t even lift our heads under his oppression when he was at the Hong Family!"


    "Brother Murong, you might not be aware, but when he was in Jiangdu, he already wiped out several great families. This man has committed monstrous crimes!"


    Murong Qinglong¡¯s eyes revealed a deep resentment, "If this man doesn¡¯t die, my heart¡¯s hatred cannot be extinguished. Call my grandfather immediately!"


    The bodyguard in the passenger seat, who was also a member of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, said, "Young Master Murong, the Alliance Hierarch is currently in a meeting at the Martial Alliance, calling him now..."


    "Don¡¯t give me that nonsense, just call him immediately, right now!"


    Murong Qinglong was livid as he asserted, "His most precious grandson has been crippled along with the martial instructor, one of the four great instructors of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, being carried out like that. If we don¡¯t retaliate, how can I ever assuage my resentment if that Ye fellow doesn¡¯t die?"


    "Yes!" The Martial Alliance bodyguard dared not say any more and immediately made the call.


    Hong Yuting¡¯s eyes swiveled before she spoke to Brother Murong, "Although your grandfather is the Leader of the Martial Alliance of the Southern River Region Jiangnan, that Ye fellow is said to possibly be from some aristocratic clan, a great young master from the capital. Your grandfather, he..."


    "No matter what his background is, he¡¯s just a cripple now. Even if he truly is a young master from some capital¡¯s aristocratic clan, he¡¯s surely been abandoned by his family. Such a person is not to be feared!"


    "But, didn¡¯t we already agree to it when we were with the Yin Family? If we go back on our word now, wouldn¡¯t that be dishonorable?" another representative said.


    The representative from the Yan Family turned to Cui Hao and asked, "Deputy Head Cui, what do you think?"


    Cui Hao was still mulling it over and after a long while said, "Indeed, the man did save us, and we should be grateful. However, to directly give away half of our family¡¯s holdings to this person, that¡¯s surely going a bit too far, isn¡¯t it?"


    "Who would disagree? After all, hasn¡¯t each one of our families painstakingly built up their assets over the decades? To now simply hand over the majority of them to someone else, how could we bear that?"


    "But... we already promised this before. Furthermore, that Ye Feng, he¡¯s very formidable. If we anger him..."


    "Ye Feng is formidable, but now that our family heads have been rescued and the threat is gone, surely our combined families are not afraid of him, are we?"


    "Enough!"


    Cui Hao abruptly gestured with his hand and continued, "Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do: Ye Feng is too powerful; it¡¯s not wise to confront him for now. Of course, we can¡¯t just outright refuse him either. Before we proceed with transferring our assets, we must first meet someone."


    "Meet someone? Who?" everyone immediately asked.


    "Of course, Murong Zhantian, the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan!" Cui Hao replied with a cold laugh.


    "Meet Murong Zhantian? Do you think that old fox will agree to help us broker a deal?" the Yan Family representative asked.


    "Exactly. That old Murong Zhantian would love nothing more than to weaken the power of our Four Great Families, so he can take them down one by one and ultimately dominate the Southern River Region. It¡¯d be strange if he would help us!"


    Cui Hao shook his head and said, "No, he will intervene. And I dare to assert that he must confront that Ye Feng!"


    "You¡¯re so sure?" the Yan Family representative asked.


    "Of course!"


    Cui Hao gave a cold smile and explained, "When we left the Yin Family¡¯s place, I overheard a servant mentioning that the eldest son of the Murong Family had also attended the birthday celebration, and coincidentally, his arm was broken by Ye Feng, who even crippled one of the martial instructors of the Martial Alliance."


    "Is that really true?" The representatives of the great families¡¯ eyes lit up.


    "Make a phone call right now to confirm whether this is true!"


    With a command from Cui Hao, he suddenly thought and then said, "Let¡¯s not go back just yet. Drive around a bit so we can regain some more strength. As soon as we get confirmation from the Yin Family, we¡¯ll head straight to the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan!"

 Chapter 91 Alliance Hierarch, Your Word, Please!

    Ye Feng returned to the villa and then had dinner with Hong Qingyan.


    However, during dinner, Hong Qingyan kept her head down and didn''t speak, appearing to be in a rather poor mood.


    Ye Feng set down his chopsticks and asked, "What''s the matter, Qingyan, you seem to be troubled?"


    Hong Qingyan was startled for a moment, then gave a wry smile and said, "Big Brother Ye, actually, there''s something that has been weighing on my mind for a long time, but I don''t know how to tell you."


    Ye Feng quietly watched her, watched this girl whose heart was as pure as the Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus, pale from illness yet with a pitiable grace that only made her more endearing.


    "What''s our relationship, you can speak your mind without hesitation," Ye Feng said with a slight smile.


    As the Northern Border King, he rarely smiled, and it was only in front of Hong Qingyan that he would put aside his kingly demeanor.


    Hong Qingyan mustered up her courage and said, "Big Brother Ye, I know you are no ordinary man, especially given the events of this period that have further proven your extraordinary background. And me, not only am I crippled but also frequently ill. Sometimes I feel that following you, I am just a burden."


    To Ye Feng''s surprise, he asked back, "How are you a burden? You take care of me day to day, if not for your care, how would I, a man with a broken leg, manage my life?"


    "But..." Hong Qingyan wanted to say more, yet suddenly didn''t know what to add.


    Ye Feng reached out, touched her head, and said with a chuckle, "Everyone has different abilities. If you feel that taking care of these daily chores is boring and trivial, then from now on, I''ll find something else for you to do, how about that?"


    "No, I don''t find it boring or trivial, it''s just that someone as extraordinary as you might find a cripple like me inadequate. In fact, I know that the Pang Family wanted to send you several young and beautiful female assistants to take better care of you."


    By the end of her sentence, Hong Qingyan''s voice was almost too low to hear.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, saying irritably, "So it''s about that. The Pang Family may mean well, but I already declined. Besides, all the beauty in the world combined couldn''t compare to one smile from you."


    Hong Qingyan didn''t respond, just stared blankly at Ye Feng, her eyes filled with emotion and gratitude.


    "Big Brother Ye, you''re really kind. In fact, you''re a good person, not at all like what people say about you," Hong Qingyan said before continuing to eat her meal with her head down.


    Ye Feng shook his head with a smile and then said no more.


    Meanwhile, Cui Hao and the others still wandering on the road finally received a reply from the Yin Family.


    "Sure enough, Young Master Murong Qinglong of the Gusu Murong Family really did get one of his arms broken by that Ye guy, and also one of the martial instructors from the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan was said to have been carried out when he left!"


    He was Murong Zhantian, titled as the greatest expert in the Jiangnan Province, and a Huajin Grandmaster!


    The several core higher-ups of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan naturally did not dare to say much and had to stop.


    The steward went straight to Murong Zhantian and whispered a few words into his ear.


    "What did you say?"


    Murong Zhantian immediately raised his thick grey eyebrows and shouted angrily, "Who has such audacity to break my grandson''s arm, rendering him incapable of practicing martial arts for the rest of his life, and even maimed the martial instructor?"


    The steward replied softly, "It was a young man named Ye Feng."


    "A young man? What is his background, have you found out?" barked Murong Zhantian.


    "We have checked, but can''t determine the specifics just yet. We only roughly know that this person is the son-in-law of the Hong Family of Jiangdu. This person sits in a wheelchair, and by all appearances, is a cripple; he is always followed by a Grandmaster. Based on preliminary inferences, he is very likely from one of the Aristocratic Clan Gates in the Imperial Capital," the steward reported.


    "A young master from an Imperial Capital Aristocratic Clan Gate, impossible!" Find more to read at empire


    Murong Zhantian suddenly stood up and said through gritted teeth, "Those Aristocratic Clan Gates in the Imperial Capital, every reputable one, I''m well aware of, and there is no one with a severed leg or a cripple among their direct lineage. What''s more, even if there were, if he came to Jiangnan, we would be informed so as to take good care of him."


    The steward asked, "What does the old master imply?"


    Murong Zhantian slowly narrowed his eyes and said word by word, "I only have this one precious grandson, and someone dared to cripple him, destroying his ability to practice martial arts for life. This is practically the same as cutting off the roots of my Gusu Murong Family. I, as the Alliance Hierarch, must make him pay the price regardless of his background!"


    The steward asked, "Then old master, shall I return to the family and bring some of our top experts to deal with that young man..."


    "No need!"


    Murong Zhantian suddenly interrupted with a gesture, snorting coldly, "Since this youngster also incapacitated the martial instructor, this matter is not only a family affair of the Murong Family, but it also involves the Martial Alliance."


    At this point, a robust middle-aged man sitting on the lower left asked, "May I ask the Alliance Hierarch, who is so blind as to provoke and anger you, sir?"


    Murong Zhantian turned his head to look at him, sighed deeply, and then roughly explained the situation of Murong Qinglong being crippled.


    "This is utterly outrageous; truly, utterly outrageous! That Ye surname boy is far too arrogant; he even dared to harm Young Master Murong. This is utterly lawless!"


    The Martial Alliance high-level member who had spoken earlier stood up abruptly, exclaiming, "Alliance Hierarch, just say the word, and I will take people to bring that boy back!"

 Chapter 92 Subordinate Pays Respect to My King!

    Murong Zhantian showed a pleased expression, but still pondered and said, "That Ye Feng, he was able to easily disable my grandson and even crippled the Martial Instructor, which shows that his strength is not weak, at the very least he is a Grandmaster!"


    The high-ranking official from the Martial Alliance who had just spoken sneered, "Even if he is a Grandmaster, what of it? He''s just a cripple in a wheelchair. How strong can the guards following him be? I will take action myself and guarantee that I''ll capture the lad easily and bring him back for the Alliance Hierarch to deal with!"


    The speaker was none other than the Vice Alliance Hierarch of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, named Tan Tiannan, who was also a Grandmaster, and moreover, on the verge of entering the realm of Huajin Grandmaster.


    He was not yet forty years old and even had hopes of advancing to Huajin Grandmaster before his fortieth birthday, which was already considered as promising and having unlimited potential in the national martial arts world.


    Now, as Murong Zhantian was getting on in years, it was likely that he would step back from the limelight in a couple of years; with Tan Tiannan''s youth and strength, along with his high prestige among the younger generation of the Martial Alliance, it was very possible that he would take over the position of the Alliance Hierarch after Murong Zhantian stepped down.


    This was why he was eager to show himself in front of Murong Zhantian; as long as he could gain the recognition of the old Alliance Hierarch at that time, it would be nearly certain that he would take over as the next-generation Alliance Hierarch. Discover hidden content at empire


    Once he became the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, his family, which was backing him, would very likely leap to the forefront as a first-class noble house in Jiangnan over the next decade, contending and standing alongside the original Four Great Families!


    Murong Zhantian naturally understood what the other party had in mind, but as things stood, all the second-generation descendants of the Murong Family, like his own son, who was also in his forties, simply fell far short in comparison to Tan Tiannan.


    As for the third-generation disciples, like Murong Qinglong, that was even more to say. He had his arm broken by someone and couldn''t practice martial arts for life, even losing the qualification to enter the Martial Alliance ever again, which grieved Murong Zhantian deeply.


    "Deputy Leader Tan, are you really willing to go?" Murong Zhantian asked.


    He had not taken action directly first because he was the Alliance Hierarch, dealing with a cripple in a wheelchair which seemed rather beneath his dignity, and secondly, of course, he also had the idea of testing the waters with Tan Tiannan.


    Tan Tiannan, eager to show his worth, puffed out his chest and said, "Lord Alliance Hierarch, just give the order!"


    Murong Zhantian nodded in satisfaction, about to speak, when a guard suddenly rushed in hurriedly.


    "Reporting to the Alliance Hierarch, Cui Hao and representatives from a few great families, such as Cui Yan, seek an audience outside, asking the Lord Alliance Hierarch to preside over the matter!" the guard said.


    "The Cui Family?"


    Murong Zhantian frowned and then said, "It seems today''s meeting cannot continue. Let them in!"


    Once permitted, Cui Hao and the others strode into the hall, paid their respects and exchanged pleasantries, after which Cui Hao immediately said, "Leader Murong, please make a decision for us!"


    Murong Zhantian, without changing his expression, asked, "The Cui Family, being one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan, I wonder what trouble you''ve encountered that you can''t resolve and require the intervention of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan?"


    Cui Hao sighed and said, "Shamefully, the opponent we''ve encountered this time is too arrogant and domineering, and also skilled in martial arts. Since even the Cui Family cannot take him down, and moreover, he has publicly declared that he wants half of the properties of our major families, or else he will show no mercy!"


    Murong Zhantian quietly watched the scene unfold, the corners of his eyes revealing a trace of coldness. He was of course aware that Tan Tiannan was using the opportunity to curry favor with Cui Yan and the other families.


    Naturally, this was inevitable; Tan Tiannan held a high prestige among the younger generation, and not only was he strong and full of vitality, but his martial arts talent was also formidable. As long as he himself held power, he could suppress him.


    But once he stepped down, the future was uncertain. Once Tan Tiannan secured the support of the other major families and formed his own faction, it would be difficult to control.


    Unfortunately, the lineage of the Gusu Murong had fallen into decline, and among the second and third generations, almost none could rival Tan Tiannan.


    Of course, everyone was well aware of this, but no one would be foolish enough to voice it aloud.


    At this time, on Ye Feng''s side, after having dinner, as twilight descended, Pang Youze and Luo Keque came to report the situation and had already left.


    The setting sun bled red, dying the western sky with shades of crimson, just like the Southern River which appeared as a red ribbon. Ye Feng, sitting in a wheelchair, was pushed by Hong Qingyan; the two were taking a stroll along the riverbank, with Seventeen following at a comfortable distance behind them.


    As night fell, they were just returning to their villa when Ye Feng immediately saw two people upon entering the courtyard¡ªtwo men standing as straight as javelins.


    Upon seeing the backs of these two men, Ye Feng''s expression turned solemn, and his entire being became somewhat agitated.


    The two standing in the courtyard heard the noise and then swiftly turned around, and after glancing at Ye Feng, they immediately rushed toward him.


    Thump!


    Without a sign, the two men knelt before Ye Feng, lowering their heads in deep respect, "Your subordinate greets my King!"


    Their voices rang out like a long rainbow, echoing in the night sky.


    "You''ve come, you''ve actually found your way here, excellent, rise all of you!" Ye Feng nodded vigorously, his face betraying his excitement.


    The two men remained kneeling, insisting, "We, your subordinates, arrived late to guard our liege, causing Your Highness undue hardship. Please, my King, punish us!"


    Ye Feng''s expression darkened, and he barked angrily, "All of you rise; has my command become unworthy of heed now that I am not in the Northern Border?"


    Upon hearing this, the two men dared not kneel any longer; they rose immediately, standing ramrod straight, emanating a daunting aura of authority.


    These two were none other than Xiao Chuanqi, the First Legion Commander of the Northern Border, and Sima Zhantian, the Fourth Legion Commander!


    Both of them were Huajin Grandmasters, and both were subordinates to Ye Feng!

 Chapter 93 Who Dares to Trespass the Important Ground!

    Ye Feng with a sweep of his great hand, "Come in and talk!"


    Having said that he himself pushed his wheelchair, taking the lead towards the living room.


    Hong Qingyan, while pushing the wheelchair, looked at these two individuals who exuded an imposing aura from head to toe, her heart trembling, especially with that phrase "greetings, my king" from just now, which deeply shook her.


    "Your Highness?" Hong Qingyan was both shocked and confused because this was far beyond her comprehension.


    Seventeen, on the other hand, was silent, also sizing up the two sudden guests just as the two legion commanders were also observing him. To some extent, there was a resemblance in the air about them.


    However, the two legion commanders clearly had a more awe-inspiring presence, and of course, they were much more powerful.


    Seventeen did not speak, nor did he ask any questions; he just did what a follower should do.


    The First Legion Commander, Xiao Chuanqi, following behind, asked, "My king, these two..."


    Ye Feng, without turning his head, said, "Everyone come in, they''re not outsiders!"


    The two legion commanders didn''t say anything further; since the prince had said they were not outsiders, they were considered one of their own, or in other words, trustworthy!


    Ye Feng sat in the center of the hall, quietly looking at the two legion commanders who had followed him through life and death for many years. To say they were subordinates was less accurate than to say they were brothers in arms.


    It was only then that the two commanders noticed something amiss, and they exclaimed in shock, "Your Highness, your legs?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said with a light smile, "It''s nothing."


    "Damnation!"


    "It''s our incompetence that allowed Your Highness to go to the Imperial City alone, resulting in an ambush and ultimately causing the loss of your legs!"


    The two legion commanders clenched their teeth and their faces were filled with regret and anger.


    Ye Feng calmly looked at the two and asked, "That''s all in the past, there''s no need to dwell on it. Tell me, you two, how did you find this place?"


    Xiao Chuanqi bowed and said, "Lord Ye Feng, it was Lord Mu Tian who informed us."


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and asked again, "When did he tell you?"


    "Yesterday, Lord Mu Tian told us yesterday, and even disclosed your exact whereabouts. Originally, Lord Mu Tian also said that Your Highness was still in hiding to recover, and it was not advisable to let too many people know, so he forbade us from coming."


    "So you acted on your own initiative and left the Northern Border all the way here?" Ye Feng''s brows raised, his expression commanding respect without anger.


    "We beg for Your Highness'' forgiveness!"


    However, Legion Leader Leng said that when Your Majesty returns to the Northern Border, he will emerge to support the king and once again follow Your Majesty to cut down the evil-doers and charge into battle across the world!"


    Throughout the period, it was the three of them conversing. Hong Qingyan stood behind Ye Feng, quietly listening. Even though she was still unclear about what a Northern Border King does, just these few words were enough to shock and excite her, even making her blood boil.


    Of course, she was also aware of how incredibly significant Ye Feng''s identity was.


    "The Northern Border King. There are Four Realms in the world, each one guarded to protect the lands, and he is actually the Northern Border King, a king of his generation!"


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan''s mind was buzzing. Although she had previously considered that Ye Feng had an extraordinary background, she had never imagined that her fiance? was the Northern Border King, a reigning monarch!


    Seventeen, on the other hand, was completely calm, obviously having learned a bit about Ye Feng''s identity from Lord Mu Tian before coming here.


    "Your Majesty, when will we return to the Northern Border? The countless soldiers of the Northern Border are eagerly waiting, looking forward to Your return to take charge of the overall situation!" the two legion commanders asked earnestly with clasped hands.


    "No rush, the time has not yet come," Ye Feng waved his hand.


    So the two legion commanders did not ask further. Since His Majesty said the time was not yet right, they would wait.


    Ye Feng looked at the two of them and then suddenly smiled and asked, "Now, my legs are disabled, and I am not the glorious figure I once was. I might even have to sit in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Do you still wish to follow me?"


    Upon hearing this, the two legion commanders did not hesitate to kneel on the ground.


    "No matter what happens to Your Majesty, as long as your original heart doesn''t change, as long as the principles of the Northern Border remain the same, we are willing to follow Your Majesty to the death, to guard the Northern Border!"


    "Good, very good, all rise!" Ye Feng was gratified. These two, along with the First Legion Commander Leng Wuming, had always had close relations with him.


    In fact, Ye Feng was more than a decade younger than the two of them. However, Ye Feng''s abilities were clear for all to see.


    That child king, when just a teenager, had demonstrated astonishing strength and courage, rapidly rising through the ranks to become a legion commander at the age of eighteen.


    And after the old Northern Border King passed away, this outstanding figure, who was also the youngest legion commander in history, naturally became the new Northern Border King as everyone had hoped. That year, he was only twenty!


    In the following three years, this youngest and most powerful Northern Border King in history led them to guard the Northern Border and to battle across the world. Not to mention anything else, just the battle at the Sunset Mountain Range against the Northern Snow Wolf Country was enough to shake the world.


    The two legion commanders stood up and then respectfully stood in front of Ye Feng, as if waiting for their lord to issue commands at any moment.


    Ye Feng was about to speak when suddenly, there came a rapid knocking from outside the door.


    Just as the knocking stopped, there was suddenly a loud crash; the iron gate of the villa''s courtyard had been kicked down by someone with a single blow.


    "How audacious, who dares to intrude upon this place recklessly!" the two legion commanders were instantly furious, having never encountered such a thing before.


    "The brat named Ye Feng, I, the Vice Alliance Hierarch, know you''re inside. Hurry up and roll out here to meet your death!"


    Outside the door, in the darkness of the night, came Tan Tiannan''s arrogant and domineering shout.

 Chapter 94 A Minor Errand Runner

    Xiao Chuanqi was furious, his rage boiling over.


    "How preposterous, to dare address His Majesty by name outright; this is courting death!"


    "Who is this person, to have the audacity of a wild dog!" Sima Zhantian was also uncontrollably enraged.


    In the Northern Border, Ye Feng was king, the true ruler of all under heaven, revered by the countless soldiers of the Northern Border, with no one daring to act out of turn before him.


    Not to mention within the Northern Border, even on a national level, no one would dare to disrespect the Northern Border King!


    "Your Majesty, allow me to go and bring this man''s dog head before you!" Sima Zhantian bowed slightly and then strode forward.


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    Ye Feng shook his head gently and said, "He is but a lackey; there is no need to go to great lengths to kill. For now, simply break his two dog legs!"


    "As Your Majesty commands!" Sima Zhantian immediately turned and went out.


    As Tan Tiannan watched someone approaching from outside, he shouted, "Are you that lad Ye Feng? No, that''s wrong, that Ye fellow is a crippled wreck in a wheelchair, you''re not him, call him out quickly to face his death!"


    Sima Zhantian exuded a dignified aura and snorted coldly, "Remember, the one who renders you incapable is called Sima Zhantian!"


    Having said that, he made his move, pouncing like a thunderclap, clearly with no intention of wasting words with his opponent.


    Tan Tiannan was caught off guard, instinctively stepping back while saying, "You scoundrel, do you know who I am!"


    "You''re as insignificant as an ant, you''re not worthy of my recognition!" Sima Zhantian dashed over in an instant, his speed inconceivably fast.


    Tan Tiannan''s expression finally changed; as a Master of Inner Force, he naturally realized that his opponent''s strength was not to be underestimated, it was not only formidable but also terrifying.


    What was even more terrifying was that the aura emanating from his opponent completely suppressed him, leaving Tan Tiannan with no chance to dodge.


    With a bang¡ª


    Sima Zhantian''s fist hammered into his chest, sending him flying instantly.


    As the First Legion Commander and a confidant at Ye Feng''s side, Xiao Chuanqi naturally knew that the Martial Alliance was founded by Ye Feng. Although he was not the current Alliance Hierarch, his prestige and strength far outmatched the present Leader of the Martial Alliance.


    In other words, even the current Leader of the Martial Alliance was merely Ye Feng''s underling ¨C what could a mere Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan count for?


    "The Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan is even called Murong Zhantian, he also dares to use the name ''Zhantian''¡ªdamn it all!"


    Sima Zhantian was angry again and immediately made a cupped fist salute to Ye Feng, "My lord, please permit me to go directly to the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan and see this Murong Zhantian for myself, to see if he has really eaten the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard to dare call himself ''Zhantian''!"


    Xiao Chuanqi also said, "My lord, now even a lowly Leader of the Provincial City Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan dares to affront you. Let Zhantian take care of it; just have him bring the fellow''s head back, and that will do!"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and couldn''t help but say with a laugh, "You two guys, remember this is not the Northern Border, and this place is especially not a battlefield. Don''t use the methods you apply on the battlefield against enemies here."


    "Yes, my lord!" Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian promptly cupped their fists. They never defied the reprimands of the Northern Border King.


    "However, my lord, a mere Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan dares to be so bold and audacious, even trying to capture you and bring you back? This kind of indignity is absolutely unbearable for me no matter what!"


    Sima Zhantian spoke with a stern cold voice. This man had a full face of beard and a very burly physique which accordingly made him the most hot-tempered among them.


    Ye Feng shook his head with a faint smile and said, "No matter what, the Martial Alliance has a deep connection with me, like a child."


    If a child does wrong, as an adult, one cannot simply resort to hitting or killing. At this moment, Ye Feng probably felt this way ¨C a disappointment yet expecting better.


    His words were clearly understood by Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, but to Tan Tiannan and the others, they were utterly baffling.


    Ye Feng then followed up, "Go back and tell Murong Zhantian to come and apologize tomorrow. If he misses tomorrow morning, then he need not come. If so, I will go to him!"


    After saying this, Ye Feng turned his wheelchair around and returned to the hall.


    In fact, his words were not yet finished. If Murong Zhantian did not come to apologize by morning, the nature of Ye Feng''s subsequent visit would be entirely different ¨C it might not just be an apology that was required, but rather a plea for forgiveness with his life.


    "Now, scurry off!"


    Sima Zhantian radiated a murderous aura, glaring with his copper bell-like eyes, "After tomorrow morning, if Murong Zhantian wishes to come, he can, but he better bring his own head when meeting me!"


    Tan Tiannan and the others dared not utter a single word of dissent, nodding repeatedly before scrambling away in total disarray.

 Chapter 95 The Mysterious Lord Mu Tian

    Ye Feng returned to the grand hall inside the house.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian followed closely behind, not particularly concerned about the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, but rather, the presence of Hong Qingyan piqued their curiosity.


    After all, over this period, they had realized that the woman who always followed by his side seemed to have a relationship with their master that was anything but ordinary.


    Xiao Chuanqi cleared his throat twice before asking, "My Lord, there''s a question I''m not sure whether it''s appropriate to ask?"


    Ye Feng turned to look at him and said, "Ask!"


    Xiao Chuanqi bowed slightly and asked, "May I know what the relationship is between Miss Hong and our Lord?"


    Ye Feng smiled wryly and said, "It seems I have forgotten to formally introduce her to you two. Her name is Hong Qingyan, and she is my... fiance?e."


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian''s expressions stiffened, and without another word, they walked over to Hong Qingyan, bowed, and paid their respects, "We pay our respects to the Princess Consort!"


    Hong Qingyan was completely stunned, standing there unsure how to react.


    Ye Feng said with a smile, "They are paying their respects to you. As the Princess Consort, you mustn''t be discourteous."


    Finally catching on, Hong Qingyan hesitantly said, "There''s no need for such formalities."


    Only then did Xiao Chuanqi straighten his posture, laughing as he said, "Who would have thought, our Lord has indeed faced great misfortune, but it seems he has been blessed with good fortune after all, even finding a wife. If this news were to spread back to the Northern Border, the soldiers would be extremely joyful."


    "Yes, congratulations to our Lord, this is truly a joyous occasion!" Sima Zhantian also said with a laugh.


    They didn''t inquire much about Hong Qingyan''s background, knowing it wasn''t their place to do so.


    All they knew was that she was chosen by their Lord, and that meant there could be no mistake; her background was of no consequence to them!


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Once we return to the Northern Border, I will bring the Princess Consort with me to announce to the thousands of soldiers!"


    This statement undoubtedly confirmed Hong Qingyan''s identity as his wife, and for the Northern Border King, his word was as good as gold!


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan''s head buzzed, and her thoughts were in complete disarray. She wanted to say something, but found herself at a loss for words.


    Initially, when her grandfather wanted her to marry the other party, Hong Qingyan hadn''t thought too much about it¡ªeven when she first saw him lying on the sickbed, barely clinging to life, her feelings were mostly of sympathy and pity, not to mention gratitude towards her grandfather.


    Hong Qingyan had not truly considered marrying him at that time, nor had she imagined his identity would be so terrifying¡ªhe was the Northern Border King!


    Ye Feng made no comment on this, asking, "When Zhu Guangbo from the imperial Zhu Family came to take over the Northern Border, did Mu Tian make any appearance?"


    Xiao Chuanqi shook his head, saying, "He did not. Lord Mu Tian seems to have vanished during this period, and according to casual remarks from his personal guard, Lord Mu Tian seems to have been personally training his Demon Guard lately."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly but did not inquire further. Experience tales at empire


    Sima Zhantian said, "If Your Majesty has something to ask Lord Mu Tian, why not directly send him a secret message...?"


    He had barely spoken when Xiao Chuanqi, who clearly had a much subtler mind than the straightforward Sima Zhantian, interrupted him with a meaningful glance, seemingly having discerned something.


    In any case, the recent behaviors and actions of Mu Tian appeared somewhat abnormal.


    "Your Majesty, as long as you do not return, the Northern Border is like a dragon without a head. It seems you must return sooner rather than later to take charge," Xiao Chuanqi said, bowing.


    "Yes, Your Majesty, once we deal with the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan tomorrow, we should return directly to the Northern Border, otherwise the military morale will remain unstable over time!" Sima Zhantian also spoke.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "Let''s discuss this matter later, I have my plans, and now is not the best time to return!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and the other did not say much more, and then the three of them sat at the stone table in the courtyard, chatting over light drinks until late into the night.


    Ye Feng returned to his room, only to find the light still on in the adjacent bedroom; Hong Qingyan had not yet gone to sleep. Moreover, upon hearing the noise, she immediately came out.


    "Big Brother Ye, have you finished talking?" Hong Qingyan asked.


    Ye Feng asked, "Why haven''t you slept yet? Have you been waiting for me to come back this whole time?"


    Hong Qingyan could only laugh and say, "I couldn''t sleep, and besides, I''m used to it; I normally attend to Big Brother Ye before I go to sleep."


    Ye Feng, feeling a surge of self-reproach, purposely put on a stern face, "Big Brother Ye''s legs and feet may be inconvenient, but it''s not to the point where I''m a helpless invalid unable to take care of myself."


    Hong Qingyan lowered her head and fell silent, looking pitiful.


    Ye Feng, unable to help feeling compassion, patted the bed beside him, "Come over here and sit down."


    As told, Hong Qingyan walked over and sat down beside him.


    Ye Feng stretched out his hand, gently pulling her into his embrace.


    Hong Qingyan trembled slightly, then rested her head on Ye Feng''s shoulder, and her pretty face involuntarily filled with tender sweetness.

 Chapter 96 Tell Him, This Is His Last Chance!

    A quiet night passed, and the next morning, Ye Feng got up early and sat cross-legged at the head of the bed.


    The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a faint golden glow over his body, giving him an indescribable aura.


    Ye Feng took a deep breath before placing his hands on his thighs and forming an ancient Dharma Seal, quickly entering a state of meditation.


    His breathing followed a certain rhythm as he inhaled and exhaled; the naked eye could see the golden sunlight, which was actually vital energy being absorbed into his lower abdomen.


    Ye Feng exhaled deeply, and a white mist emerged from his nose that was half a meter long before it finally dissipated.


    In this way, he entered a rhythmic state of breathing technique and cultivation.


    After an unknown duration, Ye Feng''s initially closed eyes suddenly flashed with two rays of golden light.


    At that moment, his inner strength began to surge wildly within him, becoming even more robust.


    "Finally, the second acupoint, the Ear Acupoint, has been unblocked!" Ye Feng mused internally.


    Since stepping into the Realm of the Martial King, he needed to unblock the 108 acupoints within the body, and with each acupoint unblocked, the Inner Strength of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians would become more robust. Of course, another huge benefit of unblocking acupoints was life extension and greatly enhanced vitality.


    Furthermore, the inner strength in the muscles and veins could also be stored in the acupoints.


    It is well known that the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are very small, so the inner strength they can store is quite limited. However, unblocking the acupoints is different, as each acupoint can store much more inner strength than the Eight Meridians.


    This is also why martial artists in the Martial King Realm are far more powerful and have more enduring combat power than Huajin Grandmasters!


    "After unblocking the second acupoint, the Ear Acupoint, my hearing has greatly improved!"


    Ye Feng listened intently. Not only could he hear Hong Qingyan making breakfast downstairs, but he could also clearly hear the sound of insects crawling in the courtyard outside.


    "The Realm of the Martial King is truly extraordinary. If all 108 acupoints are unblocked, there would be a massive transformation throughout my body then!"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, then broke out of his cultivation state, for he had already heard Hong Qingyan coming upstairs.


    Just as he exhaled the last bit of turbid air from his body, Hong Qingyan knocked and then pushed open the door.


    "Big Brother Ye, you''re awake. Breakfast is ready. Shall I help you get out of bed now?" Hong Qingyan said with a smile.


    After last night''s events, their relationship had undoubtedly become much closer. Ye Feng nodded.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhan Tian were seething with rage, and at this moment, both were looking to Ye Feng, waiting for him to speak. With just one command from their lord, they would pounce like fierce tigers to twist off the opponent''s head.


    Even Hong Qingyan was sneaking glances at him from the corner of her eyes at this time.


    "Ye Feng, did you hear that, the leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, his grand presence visits and you still have not come out promptly. Do you really want to seek death?"


    "Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family, our Alliance Leader said that as long as you crawl out and kneel to admit your wrongs, the Alliance Leader in his magnanimity might just spare your life!"


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    "Ye Feng, did you hear that? This is your last chance, come out and kowtow to admit your mistakes!"


    The person outside kept calling out, and although Murong Zhan Tian had not spoken from the beginning to end, the arrogance and haughtiness could still be seen through his subordinates'' shouts.


    After all, as the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan and a Huajin Grandmaster, also being the head of the Gusu Murong Family, he was a top-notch presence in Jiangnan Province. Thus, Murong Zhan Tian naturally believed he had the capital to be arrogant and proud.


    "Ridiculous, he has truly turned against us, to actually have our lord crawl out and kneel to admit wrongs. I have never seen anyone dare to be so arrogant and presumptuous in front of a prince!" Sima Zhan Tian''s hair was practically standing on end.


    "My King, please allow me to go out now!" Xiao Chuanqi bowed again.


    Ye Feng had finally finished eating. His expression remained utterly calm, to him, a mere leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan was nothing but a fart.


    He slowly put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a napkin before finally speaking, "Seventeen, go out and tell that old guy Murong Zhan Tian to kneel and crawl in here. I might just spare his life."


    "Remember, this is his last chance, otherwise, no mercy!" Ye Feng''s tone was very calm; to him, this was not a big deal at all.


    "Yes!" Seventeen bowed and took the order, then turned to pass the message.


    The members of the Martial Alliance burst into angry shouts upon hearing Seventeen''s message: "What did you say, that Ye Feng dares to demand our Alliance Leader to crawl in on his knees, he truly thinks he can revolt against the heavens!"


    "This Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family seems to be truly beyond his limits in madness, daring to be so arrogantly disrespectful to our Alliance Leader. Not killing this man is insufficient to vent our anger!"


    "We must kill him, our Alliance Leader''s dignity must not be challenged!"


    "Ye Feng, not only is he arrogantly wanton, but he also wishes to swallow the assets of families like Cui Yan''s, he truly deserves death. Alliance Leader, please give your order!"


    Murong Zhan Tian stood at the entrance with his hands behind his back, squinting as he looked inside, he then snorted coldly, "This is really outrageous, all of you, heed my command. After entering, if anyone dares to resist, kill without mercy!"


    "Yes, Alliance Leader!" In an instant, several of the Martial Alliance''s high-level experts moved, along with the experts from several major families like Cui Yan''s as well.

 Chapter 97 A mere Murong Family dares to claim kingship?

    "Kill!"


    The command to kill was earth-shattering, and all the high-ranking experts of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan sprang into action, each charging into the villa, followed by experts from several major families including Cui Yan.


    In an instant, these people had rushed into the courtyard, about to burst into the main hall.


    "Seeking death!" Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were furiously enraged.


    "Go, but mind your force," Ye Feng said indifferently with a mere two words. He remained seated in his wheelchair, his face as tranquil as a gentle breeze and soft clouds.


    Ye Feng didn''t go out. Perhaps to ordinary people, the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan was an awe-inspiring figure, but in his view, they were merely crawling ants on the ground. There was no need for him to take action personally; having Xiao Chuanqi and the other man was already more than enough.


    Murong Zhantian and the others just began to charge in when they saw two towering figures with murderous auras burst through the doors.


    "Who are you, and where is that brat Ye Feng? Bring him out to meet his death!" Murong Zhantian bellowed angrily.


    "You ants are not worthy of my master showing up!"


    "You are the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, die!"


    Sima Zhantian let out a furious roar and charged forward like a ferocious tiger, his body wrapped in unstoppable Qi Force, undoubtedly displaying the aura of a Huajin Grandmaster.


    Murong Zhantian was taken aback, utterly unexpected that the opponent was also a Great Grandmaster¡ªnot just one, but two!


    "What on earth is going on?" Murong Zhantian suddenly had a terrible premonition.


    But the arrow was already let loose, leaving him no time for second thoughts, he had to go and face the challenge.


    However, there was no suspense. Even though Murong Zhantian himself was a Huajin Grandmaster, how could he possibly compare to the Commander of the Northern Border Commanding Legion? With just one palm strike, he had already been sent flying.


    Sima Zhantian''s roar thundered, and he charged out again!


    In an instant, the courtyard erupted with thunderous booms, yet it was like a summer rain, fast in its arrival and quick in its departure!


    In less than two minutes, the storm had ended, and calm returned to the outside of the courtyard.


    Ye Feng actually nodded his head and said with a smile, "Of course, you are right, this matter naturally cannot end just like this."


    Upon saying this, he sighed lightly then continued, "There''s something you, Murong Zhantian, ought to know."


    "What should I know?" Murong Zhantian demanded coldly.


    Although he had lost, even though his ribs were broken and he was temporarily devoid of combat power, he was not afraid. Not to mention he was the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, he had the backing of the Headquarters of the Martial Alliance in the Imperial Capital above him, and just his family background alone made him not someone the common folk could provoke.


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    Even the ordinary Aristocratic Clan Gates from the Imperial Capital wouldn''t dare to easily provoke him, and it was for this reason that Murong Zhantian dared to be so fearless and confident!


    Ye Feng said, "You should know that you are not worthy of being the Leader of the Martial Alliance, and more importantly, you should know that you deserve to die!"


    Murong Zhantian''s expression grew sharp, and he exclaimed in shock, "What did you say? You want to kill me, do you dare to kill me? Do you know who I am..."


    Before he could finish, Ye Feng''s cold voice interrupted, "For the others, given they were not the main culprits, I might spare their lives, but you must die!"


    Murong Zhantian still couldn''t believe it, but at that moment he suddenly saw the young man in the wheelchair wave his hand, and the burly middle-aged man behind him charged forward.


    He finally realized that the other party was not bluffing; the opponent truly dared to kill!


    In that moment, Murong Zhantian was enveloped by a chill; he knew death was certain, and he burst out hysterically, "You surnamed Ye, I am the outer nephew of the King of Gusu Murong of Jiangdu; if you dare to kill me, the Murong King of Gusu, East River, will not let this go! You best think this through."


    Ye Feng''s eyebrows raised as he asked, "The Murong King of Gusu, East River?"


    "Exactly, our branch in the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province of Gusu Murong is but a branch, the direct lineage of the Zhu Family in the East River. The Gusu Murong legacy has lasted a thousand years and is the real Martial Arts Family; the King of Gusu Murong is a true king of his generation!"


    Murong Zhantian roared angrily, seeing the other party''s hesitation, he couldn''t help but smirk inwardly, thinking that now you''re finally realizing the magnitude of the situation.


    However, Ye Feng''s brow furrowed, and he said in a deep voice, "The world has always known only the kings of the Four Realms; a small family of Gusu, Jiangdu, dares to claim kingship, a False King?"


    "Kill him and send his head over to the Murong Mansion in Gusu, East River!" With a wave of Ye Feng''s Great Hand, the head of Murong Zhantian instantly fell to the ground.


    Even as his head hit the ground, this Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan still had his eyes wide open in disbelief. He simply couldn''t accept that the other party had indeed dared to act. Of course, Murong Zhantian had no knowledge of Ye Feng''s identity. Had he known, perhaps he would have died with his eyes closed.

 Chapter 98 If Only We Had Known This Would Happen

    All those present were utterly shocked, especially Cui Hao and others, whose faces were already ashen, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.


    "It''s over, it''s really over now. If I had known it would come to this, why did I even start?"


    Cui Hao howled in his heart. He had thought that by following Murong Zhan Tian, they wouldn''t have to worry anymore and wouldn''t need to hand over half of their family''s assets.


    But they could never have imagined that Murong Zhan Tian, the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan, would not only fail to take down the opposition but would be defeated at the first encounter, with his head rolling to the ground.


    The elders of the Gusu Murong Family, despite their towering rage, didn''t dare to let out even a fart, having been thoroughly frightened out of their wits.


    Ye Feng swept them with a cold glance and said directly, "Take this old fogey''s dog head straight to East of the River and tell Murong of Gusu, East River, that I shall await him here!"


    "A mere secular family daring to claim kingship is truly the height of arrogance!"


    After saying this, Ye Feng turned his wheelchair and then slowly entered the villa,, not sparing a glance for Cui Hao and the others lying prostrate on the ground.


    Of course, aside from the death of the leader Murong Zhan Tian in this conflict, no one else died, because Ye Feng had shown mercy. Although he was the King of the Northern Border, he was not one to recklessly slaughter the innocent.


    Soon after, the various experts of the Martial Alliance of Southern River Region Jiangnan also withdrew. Representatives of several great families, including Cui Hao, remained kneeling there, their minds in complete disarray.


    At that moment, Pang Youze and Luo Keque had just steadied their nerves and were about to walk past them into the villa.


    "Master of Pang Family, please wait a moment. Sect Leader Luo, please also pause for a bit!" Cui Hao hurriedly called out.


    Luo Keque stopped in his tracks to look at these people but didn''t speak., inwardly sighing, "If only they knew then what they know now, but alas, there is no medicine for regret in this world."


    Pang Youze, considering they were both powerful factions from Jiangnan, asked, "May I know what it is?"


    Cui Hao, as if grasping at his last lifeline, pleaded, "I beseech Master Pang to lend a hand and save us. Otherwise, our families are truly finished!"


    Pang Youze gave a wry smile and said, "To be honest, the situation you have brought upon yourselves is entirely of your own making. Back at the hospital, had you been a bit more humble, things would not have come to this pass."


    Upon hearing this, Hong Qingyan was taken aback and immediately said, "No, Big Brother Ye, how can I take on the role of president? I''m simply not up to the task."


    Ye Feng said with a smile, "For the past two years, you''ve been helping Grandfather manage the affairs of Hong Family Group. You''re more than capable of being the president. What''s more, Mr. Pang Youze will be there to guide you on specific matters."


    "Miss Hong can rest assured," Pang Youze immediately said, "With my guidance, Miss Hong only needs to oversee the general situation. If there''s anything you don''t understand, just ask me."


    Hong Qingyan still wanted to decline, but seeing that Ye Feng had turned away, it was clear the matter was no longer up for discussion. Resignedly, she pursed her lips and said, "Alright then, I''ll give it a try, but if there''s anything I don''t do well, Big Brother Ye, you can''t blame me."


    Ye Feng waved his hand with a smile, "Go on, start handling this matter now with Mr. Pang."


    Hong Qingyan nodded and left with Pang Youze. However, she was frail with inconvenient legs and feet, walking with a limp.


    "Then I shall take my leave as well!" Luo Keque bowed slightly and promptly left the hall.


    Ye Feng suddenly spoke in a stern voice, "Seventeen, close the door and guard it from the outside!"


    Seventeen immediately obeyed. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, upon seeing this, both grew solemn. They undoubtedly knew that a serious matter was about to be discussed. Clearly, Ye Feng sending Hong Qingyan away with Pang Youze was a pretext to get her out of the room.


    "Your Majesty, are you worried about Murong from Gusu, East River?" Sima Zhantian asked with a slight bow.


    However, before Ye Feng could speak, Xiao Chuan next to him coldly said, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? His Majesty, the Northern Border King, worried about a minor Gusu Murong Family?"


    Sima Zhantian quickly grinned and said, "That''s true, but right now, it''s just the three of us, and His Majesty, he still..."


    Ye Feng raised his hand to interrupt, "Use the secret channels to send a message to Mu Tian, and have him investigate this Murong Family of Gusu, East River."


    With that, he scoffed, "Murong is an ancient family. According to the sporadic information, His Majesty seems to have royal lineage. Now, daring to openly claim kingship¡ªalthough just a False King¡ªthey must have some capabilities to be so bold."


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded and said, "Your Majesty''s order for the Murong Family Members to bring Murong Zhantian''s head to the East River seems to indicate a determination to extinguish this Fake King of East River?"


    Ye Feng spoke with a cold laugh, "Under the heavens, there have always been only the Kings of the Four Realms. In addition, there is the King of the Guardians in the capital. There are the five kings as protectors. Apart from them, there has never been anyone else so audacious as to declare themselves king."


    "The East River declaring a Fake King is an act of rebellion, a defiance of national law. They must be executed!"

 Chapter 99 The Shocking Great Assassination is Coming!

    Xiao Chuanqi said in a cold voice, "Your Majesty, shall we immediately head to Jiangdong and exterminate the Murong Fake Prince Mansion?"


    "No rush, let''s wait for the news from Mu Tian before we proceed," replied Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively. His intuition told him that the Fake King of Murong, East River, was by no means as simple as he seemed on the surface.


    After all, he was a descendant of an ancient imperial lineage and from a martial arts family, far from comparable to the wealthy households of Southern River Region Jiangnan. Moreover, the territories under his jurisdiction in East of the River were vast and bordered the eastern seas.


    At the moment, the King of the Southern Territory was showing weakness. In recent years, the management of the Southern Territory had been chaotic, not only did the Gu&Poison Sect of the Hundred Thousand Mountains in the Southern Territory frequently stir up trouble, but even the Southeast Coast had not been peaceful.


    There had been reports of Wa People Wanderers roaming the area along the Southeast Coast.


    Therefore, Ye Feng couldn''t help but suspect that the Murong Fake Prince Mansion of Gusu, East River might be connected to these Wa People Wanderers.


    Thinking this, Ye Feng suddenly sighed softly and said, "I am not worried about the Fake Prince Mansion of East River. What truly concerns me is the shocking great assassination that we will have to face next."


    Sima Zhantian immediately snorted coldly, "A shocking great assassination? Who would dare to be so bold as to attempt to assassinate Your Majesty!"


    Xiao Chuanqi interrupted, "I say, big guy, your muscles might be well-developed, but can you use your brain for once? Didn''t our master already have an incident last time?"


    Sima Zhantian fell silent, suddenly remembering that just half a year ago, his master had encountered a major assassination attempt on the outskirts of the Capital Region.


    Ye Feng said, "It has been some time since I''ve shown myself. Mountain Eagle is no fool and it''s impossible for him not to find anything out, especially given those aristocratic clan gates in the capital with their reach to the sky. Therefore, before I return, as long as they are relentless, they will surely launch a second assassination attempt!"


    "And this time, the assassination will be far more ferocious than the last!"


    Sima Zhantian suddenly said again, "If that is the case, Your Majesty, I will immediately send a message to the Northern Border and call upon the millions of soldiers of the Eight Legions to gather in Jiangnan. The moment Mountain Eagle and those damned National Scholars dare to make a move, we will make sure their heads roll!"


    "There''s no need for such an overwhelming show of force!"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said with a cold smile, "Last time I was caught off guard. If they succeed again this time, then I, the Northern Border King, truly would not be worthy of my title."


    "But Your Majesty, currently you..."


    Seven or eight people got out of the cars and, as if it had been prearranged, started wailing loudly at the gate.


    "Who disturbs the peace here, are you aware of where you are? Leave at once!" a gate-guarding martial artist called out sternly.


    "We are from the Gusu Murong branch in Jiangnan. Our family head has been tragically murdered; the brazen villain even declared we must deliver our family head''s head to the main house, the Murong Prince Mansion. His heinous and vicious actions are truly abhorrent!"


    "We had no choice but to comply and come to the main family, hoping the main family would stand up for us!" cried the man in the middle, holding a black brocade box.


    The gate-guarding martial artist frowned and then said, "Wait here, I will go and report this!"


    Before long, the martial artist returned with haste, accompanied by a middle-aged man in a purple silk long coat wearing a jade thumb ring on his right thumb.


    "Are you truly from the Gusu Murong branch in Jiangnan?" the middle-aged man in the luxurious purple coat asked. Find exclusive stories on empire


    "Absolutely, we have a token as proof!" one person said, handing over a jade pendant.


    The man in the purple coat glanced at it and then said, "Indeed it is. I am Murong Hai, the acting family head of Murong in Gusu. Dear cousins, please come inside."


    "So, it is Family Head Murong Hai, we greet you with respect!" The visitors from Jiangnan bowed with clasped hands and then followed into the manor.


    Murong Hai asked with a frown, "The guard reported that my clan brother Murong Zhantian was killed. Although our families in the East and South Rivers do not often communicate closely, we do occasionally have dealings. Zhantian was the head of your branch and also the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Jiangnan; how could he be killed without reason?"


    As they spoke, they entered the hall where the man holding the brocade box, the son of Murong Zhantian, spoke through clenched teeth in grief, "It''s a long story, uncle, please look at this brocade box."


    Upon opening the brocade box, Murong Hai gasped, his entire being momentarily in shock.


    "Is... is this brother Zhantian''s head?"


    "Indeed, that despicable villain not only killed my father but also ordered us to personally deliver my father''s head to the main house."


    "Outrageous, this is absolutely outrageous!"


    Murong Hai burst into rage, gritting his teeth, "This is an excessive provocation, not only a challenge but also an utter disregard for the Murong Prince Mansion. This is an insolence that is infuriating beyond limits!"


    "Everyone, wait here. The main family will not ignore this matter. I will go now to summon the old family head and several elders!" Having said that, Murong Hai immediately turned and strode into the inner hall.

 Chapter 100 The Calm Jiang Family, A New Turmoil Arises!

    ```


    Just as the Murong Prince Mansion east of the river hosted a clan meeting to discuss how to deal with the murder of the head of the Southern River Region Jiangnan branch family, the Jiang Family that had been quietly out of sight suddenly lit up with bright lights.


    The Jiang Family, one of the Four Great Families of Southern River Region Jiangnan, normally conducted their affairs with great fanfare, but ever since their chief and several elders were killed, they became utterly silent, closing their doors to visitors, with the direct lineage refraining from stepping outside.


    The usually bustling and crowded Jiang Family compound suddenly became deserted, but tonight, all the lights were turned on, and even the tightly shut vermilion gates were suddenly thrown open with a loud bang.


    Following that, the newly appointed chief of the Jiang Family, Jiang Youcai, hurried out with the direct lineage of the family, and even Jiang Tianlong, whose legs had been crippled, was carried out.


    Led by Jiang Youcai, all the direct members of the Jiang Family formed a line, seemingly expecting the arrival of an important figure.


    About two minutes later, down the straight street ahead, two olive-green Mercedes G-Class SUVs suddenly appeared.


    The vehicles, whistling through the air, came to a screeching halt in front of the gate, the rubber tires making a sharp noise against the ground, and then a burly middle-aged man in an agile motion jumped out of the car.


    This man was dressed in olive-green military trousers and a tight white tank top that highlighted his sturdy muscles without a doubt. He wore leather military boots and black sunglasses on his head, moving with an indescribably brisk efficiency.


    "What''s going on, what exactly is going on, cousin, why was my uncle killed all of a sudden?" the strapping, agile middle-aged man had barely stood firm when he immediately shouted at Jiang Youcai.


    Also getting out of the car was another middle-aged man wearing sunglasses, with a long horse-face and a hooked nose, giving him a particularly fierce and ruthless appearance. An imperceptible aura of menace emanated from him, and ordinary people dared not meet his gaze.


    In addition to them, there were two young men who appeared to be deputies or attendants.


    Jiang Youcai immediately wailed in agony, "Cousin, you''re finally back, at last, you don''t know, our Jiang Family almost met its end, nearly wiped out!"


    The strapping, agile middle-aged man said, "Enough, cousin! No more crying here. If outsiders see us like this, where will our Jiang Family''s face go? Let''s go inside to talk!"


    After speaking, he did not forget to turn around and say to the hooked-nose man, "Commander Xia, there has been a little mishap in my family, which might amuse you. Please come inside."


    Commander Xia, the man being addressed, gave a faint cold laugh and said, "Look at you, making such a scene. What''s the relationship between the two of us? If your Jiang Family hadn''t had such a major event, I might not have even come."


    The middle-aged man from the Jiang Family nodded and smiled repeatedly, "It seems that the opponent our Jiang Family has met this time is no ordinary one. It might be necessary to have Commander Xia lend a hand."


    Commander Xia said, "Sure thing, we are brothers, let''s not talk such alienating words. Let''s go in!"


    After greeting Commander Xia inside, the middle-aged man from the Jiang Family immediately turned to Jiang Youcai and said, "This is Commander Xia from the Southern Territory, ranked third. Have someone prepare some fine food and send it to the rear courtyard. Once we have dined, we will talk business."


    "Of course, of course, I''ll take care of it right away!" Jiang Youcai nodded repeatedly. Upon hearing about Commander Xia''s background, his attitude instantly became extremely respectful, and he couldn''t hide his excitement and agitation.


    The middle-aged man accompanied Commander Xia into the inner courtyard, while the rest of the Jiang Family''s direct lineage, such as Jiang Tianlong, were left in the outer hall, since they were not qualified to go in.


    As it turned out, this middle-aged man from the Jiang Family was named Jiang Yicai. Not only was he born into the prestigious Jiang Family, but he was also the Deputy Commander of the Third Legion, quite famous in the Southern Territory. Commander Xia was his immediate superior.


    "The son-in-law of the Hong Family in Jiangdu, that small Hong Family?" Jiang Yicai''s frown deepened.


    "Furthermore, according to the intelligence from the Cui Family a few days ago, this kid could very likely be from one of the Aristocratic Clan Gates in the Imperial City. He himself is crippled in both legs and is simply relying on a grandmaster follower behind him," Jiang Youcai added after pondering for a moment.


    "A scion from one of the Aristocratic Clan Gates in the Imperial City?"


    Jiang Yicai''s eyes narrowed to slits, and then he demanded, "Did the man directly admit it or not? Which Aristocratic Clan from the Imperial City does he belong to?"


    Jiang Youcai shook his head and said, "No, the kid himself has never said he''s from the Imperial City, nor has he identified which Noble Clan Aristocrat he belongs to."


    "He hasn''t said? That''s even better. If he really admitted to being from one of those clans, I''d have to think twice before taking action. After all, these Aristocratic Clan Gates from the Imperial City are no small matter. Even I can''t afford to offend them rashly!"


    Jiang Youcai asked, "Cousin, how do you plan to handle this matter?"


    Jiang Yicai glared at him and snorted, "How to handle it? He killed members of my clan, do I need to say more? If this child does not die, our Jiang Family will never be able to lift our heads in Jiangnan again. I, Jiang Yicai, Deputy Commander of the Third Legion of the Southern Territory, would not have mixed in these years for nothing!"


    The sole remaining Elder of the Jiang Family in the room immediately gave a thumbs-up and said, "That''s the spirit. That''s how a man of our Jiang Family should act. Yicai, from here on out, the Jiang Family will rely on you."


    Jiang Youcai felt a mix of emotions. Although he was the current head of the family, his martial prowess and prestige were far inferior to that of this younger cousin.


    Jiang Yicai swept his gaze across the room and said, "Rest assured, fellow kinsmen, that boy Ye Feng killed members of our clan. I, Yicai, guarantee here that his head will be taken and offered at the Jiang Family ancestral hall to commemorate the deceased uncles!"


    "Youcai, come with me!" With those words, Jiang Yicai stepped out of the great hall and headed straight back to the Inner Courtyard, with Jiang Youcai following closely behind.


    In the Inner Courtyard, two attendants stood guard at the door, while Commander Xia sat on a meditation mat, seated on the floor.


    "Commander Xia..." as soon as Jiang Yicai entered, he bowed with his hands folded in front.


    But before he could finish speaking, Commander Xia waved his hand to interrupt, "I''m already aware of your Jiang Family''s situation. I promise you, if you can''t handle the matter, I am willing to intervene. But there is one condition: figure out the enemy''s true capabilities first."


    Jiang Yicai gritted his teeth and said, "Originally, I wanted to storm in now and bring that madman''s head back, but since Commander Xia has spoken, I shall send someone with a letter first, to see how the other party reacts."


    Commander Xia nodded, "Good. You are a leader in your own right. In the art of war, it''s vital to know both yourself and your enemy to ensure victory in all battles. Don''t act recklessly before you have a clear understanding of the opponent. Otherwise, it is easy to bring disaster upon oneself."


    "Go pass on the message. Let''s first probe the real situation of the other party!" Commander Xia waved his hand.


    "Understood!"


    Jiang Yicai immediately bowed and then called to Jiang Youcai, "As for that madcap Ye, do you already have his whereabouts?"


    "Of course, I have been secretly having someone watch him this whole time. He''s staying at the Jiangwan Villa," Jiang Youcai said.


    "That''s excellent. Go and give the orders to pass the message as I intend!" Jiang Yicai said in a stern, cold voice.

 Chapter 101 Testing the Waters with a Letter?

    The night was already deep, and Ye Feng was still immersed in the state of cultivation.


    Suddenly, there was a loud rumbling from within his body. Ye Feng trembled all over, and then an invisible surge of energy burst forth, causing the vase on the nearby table to wobble unsteadily.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s breath soared once again!


    "The third acupoint, finally opened, inner strength has doubled again!" Ye Feng sighed inwardly, slowly opening his eyes.


    If there were outsiders present at this moment, they would see two beams of white light shooting out from Ye Feng''s eyes, shining brightly.


    Just then, the sound of a car horn came from the courtyard gate below, as someone alighted from the car and then knocked on the door.


    "I am the steward of the Jiang Family, specifically here to see Mr. Ye and deliver a letter."


    "People from the Jiang Family? What are they here for?" Ye Feng muttered to himself, then turned his wheelchair and slowly made his way out of the bedroom to the first-floor hall.


    The Jiang Family steward handed the letter to Seventeen, who took it and walked in, passing it on to Ye Feng.


    The white envelope, once opened, contained only a short line of text: "Meet tomorrow to resolve personal enmity, venue Listening Wind Pavilion, Jiang Yicai of Southern Territory!"


    Although the message was brief, Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened upon reading it, and his brows furrowed slightly, his attention fixed on those two characters¡ªSouthern Territory.


    Seeing this, Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but ask, "What''s the matter, my lord? Has something happened?"


    Ye Feng didn''t speak, simply handing the envelope to him.


    Xiao Chuanqi took a glance and said in a deep voice, "Southern Territory? The person who delivered the letter just now seemed to be from the Jiang Family of the Southern River Region Jiangnan, how could this Jiang Yicai be a person from the Southern Territory?"


    Sima Zhantian scoffed upon hearing this, "What about the Southern Territory? Even if the King of the Southern Territory himself were to come, we would not be afraid, let alone some obscure nobody!"


    Ye Feng shook his head slightly with a smile, paying no mind to this hot-tempered fellow.


    However, the fact that the other party signed off as from the Southern Territory rather than the Jiang Family gave it a different implication.


    Xiao Chuanqi, obviously much more meticulous, asked, "My lord, how do you plan to handle this?"


    Ye Feng didn''t answer, simply asking, "Where is the messenger now?"


    "Still waiting outside," replied Sima Zhantian.


    "Go back and tell him, if the Jiang Family wants to settle accounts and resolve enmity, let them come and see me directly!" After saying this, Ye Feng turned to go upstairs.


    What about the Southern Territory? Unless the King of the Southern Territory himself came, he might consider agreeing to the meeting, but as for anyone else, even the few Commanders of the Southern Territory did not have such qualifications.


    The Northern Border King, and moreover, the youngest and most powerful king in history, his majesty as imposing as a mountain.


    "Or, my lord, I could simply storm the Jiang Family and capture this Jiang Yicai at once?" Sima Zhantian suggested with a big grin.


    Ye Feng did not respond to her, already slowly ascending the stairs.


    Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but scratch his head and laughed sheepishly, "So the Princess Consort has forgiven me. I was just saying, not only is the Princess Consort beautiful, like a fairy descending from the heavens, but she also has a very kind heart."


    Seeing him act this way, Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but laugh.


    Ye Feng also found it amusing and said, "You two fellows, it''s so late now, the lights in other houses are almost out, and you still want to stay here and light up the place like light bulbs?"


    Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi immediately realized their faux pas and hurriedly said, "Yes, Master, it is our lack of discernment that has disturbed Master and the Princess Consort''s world. We shall leave immediately!"


    The sound of their voices had not yet faded when the two men hurriedly exited the hall and left the villa.


    Of course, they didn''t really leave but together with Seventeen, the three chose to rest in another villa nearby.


    At this very moment, the butler from the Jiang Family had already returned to the clan.


    Jiang Yicai was furious upon hearing the report.


    "Outrageous, truly outrageous!"


    Jiang Yicai clenched his teeth, slammed his great hand down on the table, and said through gritted teeth, "That Ye brat actually refused to give me face and didn''t come to the meeting?"


    The butler replied, "Indeed, Young Master, it is as you said. That Ye brat said he wishes for you to personally visit him tomorrow, and he also said... he also said..."


    "What did he say?" Jiang Yicai roared.


    "Mr. Ye also said that you, Young Master, are not yet qualified to meet with him."


    "Nonsense!" Jiang Yicai slammed the table again.


    At that moment, Commander Xia suddenly snickered, "Actually, this is a good thing!"


    Jiang Yicai quickly turned his head and asked, "Commander Xia says this is good, but why is that?"


    Commander Xia asked, "Did you, as I instructed, sign the envelope with ''Southern Territory''?"


    "Naturally. The Commander personally instructed it, so I did exactly that," Jiang Yicai replied.


    "If so, the other party saw it and didn''t show the slightest reaction. What do you think the reason is?" Commander Xia''s gaze pierced Jiang Yicai as if he could see through everything.


    Jiang Yicai frowned deeply in thought, unable to grasp the key point, and had to bow and say, "I ask Commander Xia to enlighten me."


    Commander Xia laughed heartily, "The reason can only be one of two things. One is that the other party knows the implications of ''Southern Territory'' but truly does not care, which is very unlikely. The second is that the brat simply does not know what ''Southern Territory'' means."


    Jiang Yicai pondered for a moment before his eyes brightened, and he said, "Commander Xia means to say that the Ye brat truly has no idea about the Southern Territory, in other words, he''s just an ignorant youngster?"


    Commander Xia laughed, "Someone who doesn''t even know what ''Southern Territory'' signifies poses no threat to us whatsoever. Tomorrow, you can personally go to him and just take his head!"


    Jiang Yicai immediately gave a thumbs up and praised repeatedly, "Brilliant, truly brilliant. Commander Xia is indeed a great leader, dubbed the half strategist of the Southern Territory. When it comes to strategizing, it''s hard to find a second like you in the Southern Territory. Just a letter, just two words, and you''re able to test the depth of your opponent."


    Commander Xia just chuckled, his face showing a semblance of profound wisdom and control over the situation.


    Jiang Yicai immediately clenched his teeth and said, "If that''s the case, I will visit him tomorrow and finish off that Ye brat!"

 Chapter 102 I Can Let You Leave Upright

    In the Murong Prince Mansion at East of the River, an elder clad in purple-gold resplendent attire sternly planted his dragon-headed cane into the ground.


    "The heavens must truly be turned upside down, for a mere scion of an Aristocratic Clan to dare such arrogance. Not content with killing a man, he even sent the head over¡ªthis is clearly a disregard for my Murong Prince Mansion!"


    This coldly rebuking elder was none other than the current old family head of the Murong Prince Mansion, Murong Tongming.


    Although Murong Tongming was already past seventy, being a Martial Artist and a Huajin Grandmaster meant his physique was still remarkably robust and his spirit vigorous.


    Murong Hai said, "Although we have little contact with the Fen Family of Jiangnan, they are, after all, representing our Murong family. This is something our prince''s mansion cannot overlook!"


    The several members of the Fen Family seated below nodded incessantly, but at this moment, they did not dare to speak rashly before the senior members of the main house.


    Murong Hai turned his head and asked a lean man below, "Has the background of that Ye surname brat been clarified after a night?"


    The lean man immediately bowed, "Replying to the young house lord, it has been investigated, but..."


    "But what? Speak quickly!" old family head Murong Tongming demanded in a vehement tone.


    "Yes!"


    The lean man dared not hesitate any longer and promptly said, "After a night''s searching, even calling upon our networks and informants in the imperial city, we have come up completely empty. Although there is an Aristocratic Clan named Ye in the imperial city, that brat does not come from the Imperial City Ye Family."


    Murong Hai coldly huffed, "You''ve found nothing? How can there be nothing? Could that brat have sprung from a stone?"


    The lean man, serving as a strategist for the Murong Prince Mansion and holding a folding fan, pondered and said, "We only discovered last night that this brat suddenly appeared in the Hong Family of Jiangdu three months ago, seemingly brought back by that old coot Hong Zhenguo."


    Murong Hai demanded, "Since he was brought back by the Hong Family, have you asked those from the Hong Family?"


    "We''ve asked. There are also our prince''s mansion''s informants in the Hong Family. According to their servants, they don''t know the origins of Ye Feng either. As for Hong Zhenguo, given his special status, it''s problematic for us to address him directly."


    Murong Tongming asked in a deep voice, "What is the relationship between that Ye surname brat and the Hong Family?"


    "According to the servants of the Hong Family, that brat is their son-in-law, and the powerful families of Jiangdu refer to him as the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family. So far, this is all we''ve managed to find. As for his background before three months ago, I am incapable, and was unable to discover anything!"


    After speaking, the military advisor of the Murong Prince Mansion bowed and retreated to the side.


    Murong Tongming pondered, his mind unclear as to what the King of East River was thinking.


    Murong Hai snorted coldly, "Father, although we can''t figure out this person''s exact background, from the current intelligence, he definitely is not one of those aloof scions from the imperial Aristocratic Clans. Even if he were, he surely wouldn''t be from the Direct Lineage, so there is truly no need for concern. We..."


    Before he could finish, Murong Tongming immediately raised his hand to interrupt, demonstrating the capacities that let him firmly hold the reins of power in East of the River.


    "Our Gusu Murong Family, although descended from imperial royalty, is not as prominent as in days past. I, although titled the King of East River, still must exercise careful prudence!"


    Having said this, Murong Tongming suddenly swept his Great Hand, stating, "First, send those two retainers from the prince''s mansion, declaring the name of our mansion, to probe the other party''s reality before making a decision!"


    Hong Qingyan went downstairs. No sooner had she left than a stretched Bentley roared up to the house.


    Immediately afterward, a burly and muscular man jumped out of the front passenger seat. Without a word, he kicked down the villa''s wrought iron gate with a loud bang.


    "How audacious! Daring to cause trouble at such an important place, have you grown weary of living?"


    Sima Zhantian leaped out, his veins bulging all over, looking ready to explode with anger. Had it not been for Xiao Chuanqi holding him back, the hot-tempered man might have started throwing punches then and there.


    At that moment, a tall man in olive drab military pants and combat boots, wearing sunglasses, casually stepped out from the back seat of the Bentley.


    "It''s Jiang Yicai from the Southern Territory. Any irrelevant people, clear off to one side," he commanded.


    Jiang Yicai slightly lowered his sunglasses, giving Sima Zhantian a disdainful glance, and then snorted coldly, "Of course, if you''re tired of living, you''re welcome to come at me!"


    "You loser Dingxi, you think you''re worthy of yelling here? I''ll crush you first!" Sima Zhantian bellowed in rage.


    But Xiao Chuanqi was the first to speak, "Sir, may I ask your identity from the Southern Territory?"


    Compared to the simple-minded and irascible Sima Zhantian, Xiao Chuanqi was obviously much more cautious.


    Jiang Yicai swept Xiao Chuanqi with a glance, again showing a look of contempt in his eyes. As the Deputy Commander of the Southern Territory, he always looked down on these so-called commoners, seemingly carrying an innate sense of superiority.


    "My identity is not something for two guard dogs like you to know. Is that Ye fellow inside? Tell him to roll out here!" Jiang Yicai shouted loudly.


    Xiao Chuanqi was also angered, unable to maintain his temper so he clenched his fists, ready to strike.


    Just then, Ye Feng''s voice leisurely drifted from inside the hall.


    "Since he is from the Southern Territory, he''s barely qualified enough. Let him in to speak!" From the sound of it, Ye Feng was having breakfast.


    Xiao Chuanqi held back, glaring as he spoke, "Aren''t you going inside to pay respects to our master?"


    "Pay respects to your master? Quite the bold statement. Let''s see if your master really does have three heads and six arms!"


    Jiang Yicai snorted and strutted in with his entourage in tow.


    Then he saw a young man, who appeared to be several years his junior, sitting in the dining room having breakfast.


    "Are you Ye Feng, the so-called Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family?" Jiang Yicai stood firm in the hall like a javelin.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, he was drinking porridge. Without looking up, he said, "I have one question for you. You have a status, but today, are you here representing the Southern Territory, or are you here on behalf of the Jiang Family?"


    Jiang Yicai stared coldly at him, sneering, "I''d like to ask you, if I represent the Southern Territory, what would you do? And if I''m here for the Jiang Family, what then?"


    Ye Feng put down his chopsticks and said, "If representing the Southern Territory, out of respect for that person from the Southern Territory, I would let you leave upright. And if it''s for the Jiang Family..."


    "What then?" Jiang Yicai''s face was full of mockery.

 Chapter 103 Come in Vertical, Leave Horizontal

    ye feng chuckled lightly, "the jiang family has committed many injustices, if you come for this reason, i''ll make sure you enter upright and leave horizontally!"


    jiang yicai was furious, his fist edge already clenched tightly.


    "the whole southern river region is saying that you, kid, are extremely arrogant. today, i shall see just how much weight you really carry!"


    as the words fell, jiang yicai moved, his whole body leaping up like a soaring eagle towards ye feng in the dining hall.


    ye feng still sat there, his expression utterly indifferent, he did not even glance at the other party.


    to him, a mere deputy commander of the southern territory was at most nothing more than a slightly stronger reptile.


    "presumptuous!"


    accompanied by a roar, sima zhantian sprang forward like a tiger or leopard, launching his attack after but arriving first, rushing up close in an instant, then throwing a punch.


    the fist edge was piercingly cold, jiang yicai had no chance to dodge and had to brace himself to meet the punch head-on.


    bang!


    a loud noise echoed in the hall, jiang yicai''s figure was sent flying on the spot, retreating a dozen steps backward before crashing into the coffee table and overturning it.


    jiang yicai finally stabilized himself, but by then, his right arm was already hanging limply.


    "my arm... you actually... you actually crippled my arm!"


    jiang yicai howled, the severe pain turning his face deathly pale, his entire body trembling uncontrollably.


    sima zhantian stood beside ye feng like a vajra, snorting, "don''t say you are just a small deputy commander of the southern territory, even if your great commander came in person, i would still cripple him with a single punch!"


    jiang yicai gritted his teeth and demanded, "who are you people, with such power, nearly stepping into the ranks of the huajin grandmasters? in the four realms, you can''t be nameless individuals. what is your background?"


    ye feng sneered, "i''ve already told you, you''re not qualified to know my identity. if your great commander were to come, perhaps he might just barely be worthy."


    xiao chuanqi stepped forward and said, "my lord, from what that guy said just now, it seems the third great commander from the southern territory has also arrived in jiangnan?"


    ye feng nodded slightly and said, "he should have."


    xiao chuanqi said coldly, "in recent years, the southern territory has really gone downhill. these commanders casually leave their own jurisdictions to enter the mundane world. doesn''t the king of the southern territory know how to keep them in check?"


    ye feng shook his head and sighed, "in recent years, the southern territory has been in chaos, with the military factions vying against each other. the great commanders, in particular, are at each other''s throats. if i''m not wrong, it''s very likely that the king of the southern territory has met with trouble."


    "the king of the southern territory in trouble? surely that''s unlikely?" xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian were both slightly surprised.


    within the nation divided into four realms, the kings of the four realms are the highest controllers of their respective territories. although the prestige and power of the king of the southern territory were far from matching that of the northern border sovereign ye feng, their status and authority were equally significant.


    under extraordinary circumstances, it would be unlikely for them to encounter trouble so easily.


    ye feng said with a sigh, "the king of the southern territory should have not made a public appearance for three years now, right?


    it''s rumored that he is in secluded cultivation trying to break through to the realm of the martial king, but as far as i know, he was still a small distance from reaching the perfection of the huajin grandmaster, so the theory of his secluded breakthrough doesn''t hold up!"


    continuing, ye feng lamented, "i hope my conjecture is wrong, for if the king of the southern territory is indeed in trouble, the huge mess that is the southern territory would not be easy to clean up."


    sima zhantian, who was rather thoughtless, snorted coldly, "even if something unexpected has happened to the king of the southern territory, what does it have to do with us? keep in mind that our northern border has nothing to do with their southern territory."


    ye feng did not speak but slightly furrowed his brows. although the southern territory was separate from the northern border, they both belonged to the four realms of the nation.


    and should the southern territory be thrown into turmoil because of this, ye feng, as the northern border king, naturally could not just watch the chaos unfold.


    xiao chuanqi glanced at ye feng and asked, "my lord, if what you say is true and the king of the southern territory has met with an accident, what will you do?"


    ye feng did not answer. he rarely gave one, only saying, "send a message to the jiang family, have them call that third great commander of the southern territory to meet me at the elegant bamboo residence at noon!"


    to find out whether the king of the southern territory had encountered an accident, the most direct and effective method was to question the third great commander of the southern territory.


    "yes, my lord. i will deliver the message right away!"


    xiao chuanqi was worried that sima zhantian''s fiery temper would cause a row if he visited the jiang family, so he quickly volunteered. he also realized that his lord was very likely about to intervene in the southern territory''s affairs.

 Chapter 104 Even You, Do Not Have This Right

    jiang yicai swaggered in but left like a beaten dog, unconscious and defeated.


    having returned to the jiang family, jiang yicai had regained consciousness. he endured the excruciating pain in silence, his face twisted into an expression of sinister intent.


    "when you meet with commander xia later, the two of you must not mention anything about what just happened. do you understand?" jiang yicai suddenly snapped coldly.


    the two followers from the southern territory were startled before they understood; they then assured him, "deputy commander jiang, rest assured, if the great commander asks later, we will certainly not divulge too much!"


    jiang yicai was probably worried that if too much was said later and more details about that man with the surname ye were exposed, it could lead to commander xia''s worry and reluctance to intervene.


    even though jiang yicai hadn''t truly discerned the specific origins and background of the young man with the surname ye, his instincts told him that the other party must be an extraordinary figure, for he seemed to have seen such an air of authority that was revealed by the other party in those lofty and high-ranking individuals.


    in fact, it was also because jiang yicai had not been in the southern territory for long and, coupled with the great distance between the southern territory and the northern border, and considering ye feng rarely showed his true appearance, otherwise, he should have recognized the renowned northern border sovereign.


    having learned of the incident, the jiang family had already arranged for several bone-setting physicians to wait at the entrance. as soon as jiang yicai exited the carriage, he was carried on a stretcher into the inner courtyard for treatment.


    at this time, the entire jiang family was shaken; jiang youcai and others looked at each other in disbelief. they could hardly believe that even with their cousin personally taking action, the man could not be subdued¡ªand that was a deputy commander of the southern territory.


    how could such a deputy commander of the southern territory, so prominent in power and skilled in combat, fail to handle the mad son-in-law of the hong family who was confined to a wheelchair?


    the jiang family was thrown into turmoil; some were worried, but others tried to remain calm. after all, at this moment, the jiang family not only had deputy commander jiang youcai but also another even more formidable individual¡ª the third great commander of the southern territory.


    as long as commander xia would agree to help, the jiang family would have a chance to salvage the situation!


    throughout this period, the tall and slender commander xia merely stood quietly in the pavilion, admiring the goldfish in the lake, seemingly indifferent to the events that had befallen jiang yicai.


    of course, during this time, no one dared to disturb the high-ranking third great commander of the southern territory!


    after being bandaged up, jiang yicai''s injuries seemed to be initially stabilized.


    "cousin, what exactly happened here? how could even you..." jiang youcai stood at the head of the bed, looking at the pale jiang yicai lying on the bed with a sigh.


    in a flash, commander xia almost wanted to flee the jiang family, not wishing to get involved any further.


    but after pondering for a moment, he still asked, "did you find out exactly who the other party is?"


    "i asked, but the brat didn''t say, claiming i wasn''t qualified to know," jiang yicai said, gritting his teeth.


    he continued, "he also said, even the great commander wouldn''t be qualified to know his identity."


    commander xia became furious, bellowing, "did you reveal my presence as well?"


    jiang yicai quickly said, "commander xia, please calm your anger. given the circumstances at the time, for the sake of my life, i had to bring you up. moreover, with the other party''s capability, finding out who has recently visited the jiang family wouldn''t be difficult. if they wanted to check, they surely would find out that you are currently with the jiang family."


    with a long sigh, commander xia waved his hand, "well then, since i have come, i am naturally not afraid of others knowing my whereabouts."


    jiang yicai said, "also, commander xia, that fellow surnamed ye of the mad son-in-law of the hong family said to meet him at the elegant bamboo residence by noon today!"


    commander xia immediately questioned, "to meet him? did he mention what for?"


    "nothing specific, he simply asked for your presence," replied jiang yicai.


    jiang yicai then scoffed and said, "commander xia, after all, you are a huajin grandmaster, not just a formidable force in the southern territory but also a top-level expert even within the nation. why would you fear a handicapped young man in a wheelchair!"


    having said that, jiang yicai let out a sigh, and then added, "of course, involving commander xia without cause today, i feel extremely remorseful. but as you can see, the jiang family has been backed into a corner today, so i earnestly ask for commander xia''s intervention to save the jiang family."


    "if commander xia agrees to eliminate that youngster surnamed ye, i, jiang yicai, in my capacity as the head, promise to give half of the jiang family''s assets to you."


    commander xia''s eyes, small and beady like a rat''s, suddenly lit up and he quickly asked, "half of the jiang family''s assets, are you serious?"


    "of course, i am serious. i can have jiang youcai write the transfer agreement right now!" said jiang yicai.


    "very well, if that''s the case, i shall agree to your request and meet with that youngster surnamed ye!"

 Chapter 105 Are You That Monarch of the Northern Border?

    at noon in the elegant bamboo residence, ye feng had arrived early and had taken a private room, ordering a selection of exquisite dishes.


    xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian stood behind him like two vajra warriors of formidable presence, while seventeen stood guard at the door, fulfilling the duty of an attendant guard.


    as for hong qingyan, she had been busy setting up a foundation and did not have the time to come over.


    hong qingyan was kind-hearted. the foundation was the first major task ye feng had entrusted to her, so she took it very seriously. moreover, it was a charity cause she was passionate about, which made her all the more enthusiastic.


    ye feng didn''t say much about this and let her handle it on her own.


    the dishes were few, but all were delicate, looking incredibly tasty. however, just as ye feng was about to start eating, a noisy and boisterous shouting suddenly came from outside the private room.


    "may i ask if the frenzied son-in-law of the hong family named ye feng is inside!" three people arrived in the corridor of the private rooms, unmistakably commander xia and his two followers.


    commander xia was tall and thin, his horse-like face bearing a smile that was not quite a smile, which seemed a bit eerie. coupled with what seemed to be his focus on training his legs, his limbs appeared unusually slender and long, making him seem even more bizarre.


    seventeen said coldly, "the master is having lunch, please wait a moment." with that, he turned around to push the door open to report.


    however, at that moment, commander xia became furiously angry, grinding his teeth as he shouted, "such grandeur indeed! i, your father, have graced this place with my presence, and yet i am asked to wait outside. in the southern territory, no one has ever had the audacity to do this!"


    before he could finish speaking, commander xia kicked the door with such force that it was left in shambles, and then he swaggered in.


    "are you that ye fellow?" commander xia walked in, and sat down directly opposite ye feng with great pomp.


    "impudence!" sima zhantian burst into fury, ready to pounce right then and there.


    ye feng waved his hand and said, "no rush to make a move and spoil my lunchtime pleasure."


    sima zhantian managed to suppress his anger, but his eyes glared furiously at the other man.


    commander xia''s rat-like eyes were narrow yet filled with viciousness, quickly scanning sima zhantian and xiao chuanqi. he could sense that among those present, only these two men had imposing auras that posed the greatest threat to him.


    as for the young man sitting in the wheelchair, he did not take him seriously at all. in commander xia''s view, had it not been for the presence of powerful protectors, such a handicapped cripple could be crushed to death with a mere flick of his finger.


    ye feng looked up for the first time, fixing his gaze upon him, and merely asked indifferently, "is the king of the southern territory really in secluded cultivation right now, or has he encountered some mishap?"


    originally prepared to strike, commander xia was taken aback by these words, and replied almost reflexively, "someone of your stature has no right to inquire about the likes of the king of the southern territory. no, wait, you''re aware of the existence of the king of the southern territory¡ªwho exactly are you?"


    ye feng shook his head and heaved a slight sigh, saying, "well, it''s only right that you, as a commander of the southern territory, should be begrudgingly qualified to know my identity!"


    having said that, ye feng slightly nodded at xiao chuanqi.


    xiao chuanqi stared at commander xia and snorted coldly. then he pulled a token from inside his garment and threw it over, "open your dog eyes and see clearly!"


    commander xia caught it, and was immediately dumbstruck. he observed the dazzling gold token engraved with a domineering five-clawed golden dragon on the front and then inspected the back, where three ancient seal script characters were inscribed.


    "northern border king"!


    the sight of those three characters frightened commander xia to the point of wetting himself, collapsing onto the ground.


    "you are... you''re actually the southern... northern border king, how... how is this possible!" commander xia was sweating profusely, his legs shaking uncontrollably.


    although he uttered words of disbelief, his heart already accepted that the man before him was indeed the ruler of the northern border, the one who commanded the winds and looked down upon the world, whose prestige even overshadowed that of the king of the southern territory, outshining the other kings of the three realms.


    because that token could not possibly be a fake. he had previously seen the token of the king of the southern territory with his own eyes, and it was made of exactly the same material.


    only now did commander xia have a sudden realization, no wonder the man before him had three grandmasters as his retinue, two of them huajin grandmasters. it seemed that only a king of his stature would travel with such grandeur.


    at this point, commander xia was filled with regret. it was his arrogance and the blinding desire for the jiang family''s assets that made him so presumptuous.


    in fact, being in the southern river region jiangnan province, which is the stronghold of the southern territory, there was a subconscious belief in commander xia that he, as the third commander of the southern territory, could do as he pleased within the earth region of the southern territory.


    but he never imagined that the northern border king would come all the way to the southern river region jiangnan!


    "your highness... your highness, i realize my mistake, i had no idea you were the northern border king, it was just... just an impulsive offense, please have the magnanimity not to take offense!" commander xia, almost kneeling by now, pleaded at the end.


    to offend a sovereign, especially when he had even contemplated killing the northern border king, was a capital offense of treason. by law, there was no forgiveness; execution was the only punishment!

 Chapter 106 Death Penalty May Be Avoided, But Punishment Is Inescapable

    ye feng retracted his king''s token, looking down condescendingly at the man beneath him, his expression still one of utter indifference.


    "once more i ask you, where exactly is the king of the southern territory now, and is it true that he is in secluded cultivation?"


    commander xia dared not conceal anything and promptly replied, "to answer the northern border king, the king of the southern territory has proclaimed his seclusion to the outside world since three years ago and has not appeared since. as for the specifics, i have no knowledge!"


    "i do not wish to intentionally conceal, but i truly do not know. i implore the northern border king for understanding."


    ye feng nodded slightly and continued to ask, "what was the realm of the king of the southern territory before he entered seclusion, and were there any unusual actions?"


    commander xia said, "the king of the southern territory had already reached the eighth level of huajin eight years ago. as for his realm before seclusion, i do not know. at that time, the king of the southern territory launched a campaign against the gu&poison sect in the hundred thousand mountains; after returning, he didn''t say much and directly announced his seclusion.


    i did not see the king of the southern territory then, so i''m also unaware of any unusual actions."


    ye feng did not speak again, but stood there lost in thought.


    the other''s words didn''t provide any useful information, but ye feng faintly guessed that something unexpected must have happened to the king of the southern territory when he led his troops to eradicate the gu&poison sect; otherwise, he wouldn''t have rushed into seclusion immediately upon his return.


    and over these five years, it was precisely because the king of the southern territory was in seclusion that the great commanders in the northern border had begun competing against each other, even with occasional conflicts.


    even more extreme, the nine domains of the southern territory now act independently, showing signs of disregard for the king of the southern territory!


    and all these were not seen by ye feng¡ªeven though the southern territory and northern border are distinct regions, now that he, the northern border king, had come to the southern territory, it was a matter he could no longer ignore.


    sima zhantian said, "your majesty, how should we deal with this man? he has dared to commit insubordination; i say kill him and take his head to the southern territory!"


    xiao chuanqi also said, "a king''s authority cannot be defiled. your majesty, please issue the order."


    hearing this, commander xia turned cold, and without begging further, he just looked earnestly at the young man sitting in the wheelchair.


    though seated in the wheelchair, the pressure he exerted on commander xia was heavier than a mountain.


    however, ye feng just looked at him and said with a light laugh, "you tell me then, why would i come to your southern territory all of a sudden?"


    not many people knew about the assassination attempt that happened on the outskirts of the capital region of the northern border king three months ago. probably only the top figures knew about it, and given the significance of the event, they were not likely to talk about it either.


    moreover, since the incident might involve multiple forces, those who knew some inside information weren''t likely to speak out, to avoid bringing disaster upon themselves.


    ye feng knew that at this very moment, countless eyes in the imperial capital must be watching him from the shadows; among these watchers were those who felt pity, but more likely, many were taking pleasure in his misfortune, and of course, some were malicious.


    the situation in the imperial capital seemed calm for now, but the ancient aristocratic clan gates, especially those with overwhelming power, were all watching to see whether he, the king of the southern territory, could return to the northern border smoothly.


    ye feng was not in a hurry. since they wanted a show, he was going to give them a grand one!


    commander xia pondered for a long time, then as if struck by sudden realization, he said, "the northern border king is busy with countless affairs. his arrival in the southern territory must surely have a purpose. hence, i dare to guess that the northern king has come for the king of the southern territory. am i right?"


    ye feng couldn''t help but smile and said, "you are quite perceptive. now that you have guessed my intention, you should know what to do next without me having to say it, right?"


    commander xia quickly replied, "i understand. the north and south territories jointly uphold the balance of tiannan, and the kings of each territory should not enter the other''s base camp unless there is an urgent matter. i guess that the northern king is planning to head to the base camp next."


    as he said this, commander xia looked up at the youngest and most promising king since the establishment of their nation, waiting for his response.


    instead of giving a response, ye feng simply said, "continue."


    commander xia felt overwhelmed, finding it difficult to converse with the northern border king and to grasp his thoughts and motives.


    after some thought, commander xia continued, "currently, the king of the southern territory is in secluded cultivation and does not emerge. the great commanders of the south are undermining each other in strife, and the lords of the nine domains seem to be falling apart.


    furthermore, the gu&poison sect''s influence grows stronger, and even the ancient yue kingdom has shown signs of invasion and provocation!"


    "therefore, along with the other two great commanders, i boldly request the northern border king to enter the southern territory''s base camp and take charge of the overall situation!"


    "well done!" ye feng said, his face finally breaking into a smile. after all that talk, the man had indeed not disappointed him.

 Chapter 107 Hes Someone You Cant Afford to Provoke

    ye feng subsequently left the elegant bamboo residence, and as for commander xia of the southern territory, he wanted to follow along but was refused.


    helpless, commander xia left the private room without a word.


    in truth, he naturally wished to follow this younger yet most potential king from high above, but commander xia also knew that even though his own skills were decent, after the previous incident, it was impossible for him to become the confidant of the other party.


    in other words, the northern border king wouldn''t accept him, and it was already a mercy that he wasn''t killed.


    "who would''ve thought that the northern border king would come to the southern territory so quietly? it seems the southern territory will not be peaceful for long!"


    commander xia smiled bitterly as he sat in the car, but soon he thought of a key point, "this king of the southern territory is said to be wise and god-like, comparable to a celestial god descending to earth, so why is he a wheelchair-bound cripple with broken legs?"


    for a moment, commander xia considered using his contacts to investigate, but after giving it some thought, he decided against it.


    "forget it, i''ll do my best with my duties, as for the rest, i don''t want to invite disaster upon myself!"


    commander xia sat in the back seat with his eyes closed, while the two southern territory attendants, though very curious as to why their commander had respectfully seen off the wheelchair-bound youth upon his departure, found it quite unscientific.


    of course, this was a question that, although the subordinates were curious about, they would never dare to ask outright.


    the car soon returned to the jiang family home, where jiang youcai and several jiang family elders stood at the gate to welcome him.


    "commander xia is back. you''ve worked hard. surely the issue has been resolved by now? that ye feng, the mad son-in-law of the hong family, is probably already thrown into the southern river and fed to the fishes, right?" jiang youcai cheerfully approached to open the door.


    without a word, commander xia kicked him, sending him sprawling on the ground.


    "get lost, you damn dog, you almost got me killed!"


    swearing angrily, commander xia still seemed unable to let it go and kicked jiang youcai three meters away again.


    the people from the jiang family looked at each other but didn''t dare to utter a word.


    commander xia strode into the interior, heading straight to the backyard.


    jiang yicai, due to his broken leg, could only sit in a wheelchair, but having already received a call from jiang youcai, he dared not speak when commander xia entered.


    naturally, murong yi had a not insignificant talent for martial arts. now barely past his twenty-eighth year, he had already broken through to inner strength half a month ago, becoming a true grandmaster. such talent was considered quite outstanding among his peers.


    without any unforeseen circumstances, he would be the head of the gusu murong family for who knows how many generations and might even become the king of east river!


    thus, when it came to beheading the rival, murong yi felt at ease, as if it were as commonplace to him as eating and drinking. he was somewhat disdainful, even feeling that it was making too much ado about nothing.


    after all, they were dealing with a cripple with a broken leg; the family had actually dispatched three grandmasters for this task, and that wasn''t all¡ªthey even called upon two retainers!


    at that moment, those two retainers were sitting in the back seat of the car behind him, one thin and one fat. the thin one had a slender figure, whereas the fat one was rather short.


    these two were the retainers of the gusu murong king''s mansion. to be able to serve as retainers to the mansion, they naturally could not be mediocre. at that moment, both were reclining in their seats with closed eyes, resting, yet their bodies radiated an aura of menace.


    what was more dreadful was that the two in the driver and passenger seats were shivering with cold. despite it being the peak of summer and the air conditioning not set especially low, they felt extremely cold, as if chilled to the bone.


    the whole car seemed to be filled with a sinister cold air, which, astonishingly, seemed to emanate from the breaths of these two retainers of differing heights!


    in the leading car, murong hai frowned slightly and laughed, "though i am not gifted in martial dao talent, thankfully i still have a bit of a head for business. our murong branch in the southern river region has suffered a setback, but for us at the murong king''s mansion, this is a rare opportunity."


    murong yi didn''t understand his father''s scheme, so he simply frowned slightly and listened on.


    murong hai sneered slightly and continued, "as the saying goes, ''you can''t make an omelet without breaking eggs.'' over the years, due to the deep-rooted influence of the four great families, we at the murong king''s mansion have tried several times to extend our reach and control over the southern river region, but we''ve returned frustrated each time. now, however...


    things are different, the situation has changed!"


    murong yi finally understood, and his eyes suddenly lit up, "father means to say, we at the murong king''s mansion can take this opportunity to gather these families and thereby achieve the goal of controlling the southern river region?"


    "naturally, that''s half of the properties of several major families! with these, our strength at the murong king''s mansion can rise to the next level, and then it might not be impossible to stand toe-to-toe with the king of the eastern border!"


    "according to intelligence, the headquarters of that foundation is located at the martial alliance of southern river region jiangnan. presumably, the representatives of those major families are there right now, busy discussing how to transfer their assets into the foundation. so, father, is this why you changed course to the martial alliance of southern river region jiangnan?" discover hidden tales at empire


    "indeed, let''s head to the martial alliance of southern river region jiangnan forthwith. compared to these big fat lambs, what does a small mad son-in-law of the hong family count for? first we''ll gather these wealthy clans, then it''ll be a simple matter to dispose of that ye fellow!"


    "father is wise; truly the ''living zhuge liang,'' the ''fan li of the business world''!" murong yi praised repeatedly, fully flushed with excitement.


    the cars immediately changed direction and sped toward the martial alliance of southern river region jiangnan.


    and as for all of this, the person in question, ye feng, naturally knew nothing. of course, he didn''t care. to him, this gusu murong king''s mansion, though known as the king of east river, was just a somewhat stronger crawler in his eyes.

 Chapter 108: Your Majesty, the Princess Consort is in grave trouble!

    ye feng returned to the villa in the afternoon. hong qingyan was not yet back, so he simply entered the bedroom to cultivate.


    next, a major matter at hand was traveling to the southern territory.


    the situation in the southern territory was complex, not to mention the current struggle between the several great commanders, but just the lords of the nine domains alone were enough to give one a headache.


    ye feng remembered very clearly that even the old king of the southern territory from the previous generation was unable to completely subdue those lords of the nine domains, and the current king of the southern territory was even less capable.


    the southern territory not only had the hundred thousand mountains, but also various minority groups living together. due to historical issues, nine domains were formed within the deep mountains of the southern territory.


    these nine domains were ostensibly under the control of the southern territory, but in fact, they each governed themselves and paid lip service to the king of the southern territory.


    given these conditions, if ye feng wanted to enter the southern territory, it wouldn¡¯t be too easy.


    however, on the other hand, he was the youngest and strongest among the kings of the four realms, even stronger than the king of the southern territory. something the king of the southern territory couldn¡¯t do, he might not necessarily be unable to accomplish.


    "next, i must enhance my realm and combat power as much as possible. not to mention the southern territory, those so-called distinguished scholars and powerful families in the imperial capital will probably become restless soon!"


    ye feng smiled faintly. he had a premonition that a larger-scale assassination attempt was definitely brewing against him in the imperial capital!


    and the reason ye feng had yet to return to the capital region or the northern border was precisely because he was waiting for their move!


    of course, another important reason was that during the last attack in the capital region, his travel date was confidential, known to few people. yet, the attackers seemed to know his whereabouts perfectly well, which allowed them to set up that precise assassination attempt.


    "there must be a spy among my people, and furthermore, it must be someone very close to me!" ye feng¡¯s eyes blazed.


    however, up to now, he hadn¡¯t completely pinpointed who the spy was, so he didn¡¯t wish to immediately return to the northern border!


    "who could this hidden betrayer be?" ye feng murmured to himself, and without realizing it, a killing intent surged through his body.


    but soon, ye feng suppressed his emotions, made a dharma seal with his hands, and immediately entered the cultivation state.


    along the spacious streets, the car hurtled forward, racing crazily toward the east along the river.


    following the south river, they saw a small island after about ten minutes¡ªa slight exaggeration, as it was more of a somewhat larger sandbar.


    surrounded by green trees, from the shore, one could see quaint buildings, with a seven-story tower at the very center.


    and this sandbar was the headquarters of the martial alliance of the southern river region jiangnan!


    there was no bridge connecting the sandbar to this side of the riverbank. however, there were plenty of man-made boats available for crossing. thus, ye feng and the others had to abandon their car and board a boat.


    displeased with the slow rowing of the boatman, sima zhan tian took over, while xiao chuan urged him on, knowing the princess consort was also trapped inside. any mishap could tear a hole in the sky over jiangnan.


    throughout this time, ye feng merely sat in the middle of the bed, his expression still calm, yet everyone could feel that at this moment, the northern border king exuded a different sort of formidable aura.


    as they rowed past the center of the river channel, two attendant guards on the opposite sandbar immediately reported, "a young man in a wheelchair, that must be him. we must go and inform the others!" with that, they turned around and ran toward the ancient buildings in the depths of the sandbar.


    "young master, he¡¯s arrived, he¡¯s here!" the two attendants shouted from a distance.


    at the main entrance of the central ancient building complex, murong yi was practicing his martial arts poses. hearing the shouts, he sneered, "arrived? that ye feng, the mad son-in-law of the hong family, really has come. unexpectedly, that cripple dares to show up at our doorstep!"


    "you few, follow me. let¡¯s meet this brat and see if he really has ¡¯three heads and six arms¡¯!" murong yi waved his hand, ready to head toward the ferry landing.


    an older attendant guard of the murong prince mansion hurriedly called out, "young lord murong, this might not be appropriate. the old master instructed us not to act rashly should this ye fellow arrive!"


    "what do you mean by ¡¯not to act rashly¡¯?"


    murong yi was irritated and stared at him coldly, snorting, "do you mean to say that i am not capable of handling it on my own, or are you doubting my ability?"


    "your subordinate wouldn¡¯t dare, your subordinate wouldn¡¯t dare!" the attendant guard repeatedly bowed.


    "hmph, i thought as much. you wouldn¡¯t dare. what¡¯s there to fear? i am now a master of inner force; he¡¯s just a crippled wastrel. there¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. i will go and extinguish him now, then take his head to present to my father!" murong yi snorted and then, with his face full of arrogance, strode toward the ferry landing. find adventures on empire

 Chapter 109 When the King is Angry, Heads Will Roll!

    murong yi wouldn''t listen to anyone, as the most outstanding talent of the third generation in the gusu murong king''s mansion, he naturally felt he had the capital to be arrogant.


    a few people had just arrived at the ferry crossing when ye feng and his companions had already come ashore.


    murong yi crossed his arms and stood on a stone, looking down from above at the young man who was slowly being helped into a wheelchair, his face involuntarily revealing a sneer of contempt and mockery.


    "so you are that surnamed ye, the frenzied son-in-law of the hong family, a cripple with broken legs?" murong yi snorted coldly through his nose.


    ye feng lifted his head and gave him a glance, but didn''t speak. against such insignificant beings like ants, he seldom opened his mouth.


    sima zhantian shouted angrily, "presumptuous, who are you to speak so brazenly and disrespectfully to our master?"


    "your master?"


    murong yi laughed, a cold laugh, "if i may say so, you three attendants are probably grandmasters, following around such a crippled man with broken legs, don''t you feel that your talents are being wasted?"


    upon saying this, murong yi puffed out his chest and proclaimed loudly, "let me tell you, i never change my name or my surname when i sit or stand; i am murong yi, the genius grandmaster of the third generation of the gusu murong king''s mansion!"


    ye feng laughed too, but it was a cold laugh, "nearly thirty years old and you have only just managed to condense inner strength and become a grandmaster, yet you dare to falsely claim to be a genius?"


    "insolent, to be rude to our young master murong, kneel down immediately and kowtow to admit your mistake!" a household servant of the murong family coldly shouted.


    ye feng''s eyes were sharp as he stared at the man, "are you of the direct lineage of the murong family? that so-called fake king of east river, what is he to you?"


    "since i am young master murong, the king of east river would naturally be my grandfather!" murong yi said arrogantly.


    however, before he could speak again, ye feng suddenly shouted, "kill!"


    murong yi was taken aback, thinking he had heard wrong, and was just about to speak when he suddenly saw a burly man, pouncing over like a tiger or a leopard.


    sima zhantian, a huajin grandmaster, had an exceptionally powerful qi force that was almost mystical. he was certainly not someone those junior grandmasters who had barely broken through internal strength could compare with.


    of course, for the murong prince mansion, it wasn''t that they didn''t want to completely swallow up these prominent families of jiangnan; they simply knew that too much is as bad as too little, so they decided to gradually plan and asked only for a quarter of the industries as protection fees for the time being.


    this was, of course, just the first step for the murong prince mansion.


    the second step would be for the king of east river to pull some strings for murong hai to become the new leader of the martial alliance for southern river region jiangnan province, undeniably strengthening the influence of the king''s mansion of east river in jiangnan even more.


    following that, the third step would be to use a divide-and-conquer strategy, to gradually eliminate these prominent families of jiangnan, thereby achieving the goal of the murong prince mansion having uncontested control over southern river region jiangnan.


    it must be said that the schemes of the king''s mansion of east river were meticulously crafted, seamless in every aspect, but their human calculations could not match heavenly fate; in the end, they overlooked one thing.


    murong hai, who sat in the main seat on the grand tutor chair, snorted, "rest assured, gentlemen, i give you my word that as long as the king''s mansion of east river stands for one day, you shall know peace for a day. as for that so-called mad son-in-law of the hong family, if he dares to come, i will ensure his head hits the ground!"


    no sooner had he spoken these words than suddenly, a human head flew into the hall and, after landing, rolled directly to murong hai''s feet.


    everyone was startled, and as they recognized the face of the head, an uproar broke out in the hall.


    "yi''er? what''s going on, is this really yi''er?"


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    murong hai was first shocked, then, staring intently, he realized the truth. shortly after, he knelt on the ground before the head, roaring with grief, "yi''er, how could you be... who is it, who killed my yi''er, who!"


    "it was me!" ye feng said coldly, then, pushing his wheelchair, entered the hall slowly, accompanied by xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian.


    "it''s you!" murong hai turned around abruptly, his eyes now bloodshot with a thick intent to kill, and he hissed through clenched teeth, "you''re the mad son-in-law of the hong family, ye feng, you actually... actually killed my son, how dare you!"


    ye feng looked calm and indifferent, coldly meeting the other''s gaze, word by word he said, "i not only dare to kill your son, i also dare to kill you, to destroy your entire clan!"


    "kill!" ye feng issued the command directly, he would never hesitate or waste words on those who deserved death.


    when a king erupts in anger, heads are destined to fall, blood spilling for a thousand miles!

 Chapter 110 Xuan Ming Sect, Xuan Ming Divine Palm!

    as ye feng''s killing word fell, the three behind him moved, pouncing forward like tigers descending the mountain.


    xiao chuanqi soared to the side of the hall, swiftly dealt with the two murong family guards holding hong qingyan, and then brought qingyan to ye feng''s side.


    "my lord, the mistress is unharmed!"


    ye feng nodded slightly and then looked up at hong qingyan, relieved to find that although she was a little frightened, she was not seriously hurt.


    at this moment, sima zhantian was already facing off against murong hai, and the martial alliance hall erupted with the whistling sound of fistwinds.


    with just two moves, sima zhantian pressured his opponent into continuous retreat, almost powerless to counterattack.


    after all, sima zhantian was a huajin grandmaster, and having battled on the fields for many years, his horizontal refinement kung fu was exceptional, especially when compared to a grandmaster like murong hai.


    with a bang, murong hai suffered a blow to the chest and was sent flying by a punch.


    "die!" sima zhantian surged forward, seizing the advantage.


    "hmph, do you truly think we do not exist?"


    the two murong family attendants let out a cold snort and, soaring high like great eagles spreading their wings, attacked sima zhantian from both sides.no?v(el)b\\jnn


    "nothing but a bunch of rats, get out of my way!" roared sima zhantian with murderous intent, throwing out two punches in rapid succession.


    however, those two murong family attendants were not ordinary figures, they not only caught sima zhantian''s punches but even managed to push him back a step. read exclusive content at empire


    "to think you two rats actually have some ability!"


    unfazed and growing ever more fierce, sima zhantian lunged out again, engaging in intense combat with the two, differing in height and build.


    meanwhile, seventeen was dealing with a few of the murong family attendants. though only a master of inner force, seventeen easily overcame these attendant guards, and in the blink of an eye, had laid several of them on the ground.


    as for the martial alliance''s experts, they did not dare to make a move at this point.


    throughout this period, ye feng sat immobile in his wheelchair in the center of the hall, appearing as unshakable as a rock, not lifting a finger.


    of course, to outsiders, he just looked like a cripple with broken legs, with no martial prowess of his own, wholly reliant on his three attendant guards.


    yet, what they did not know was that ye feng''s lack of action stemmed from disdain; such riffraff were not worthy of his effort!


    xiao chuanqi stood at ye feng''s side, guarding his lord and mistress against any unforeseen threats.


    now with one opponent less, the pressure on sima zhan tian greatly diminished, and he launched a counterattack in an instant, soon having the shorter, plumper custodian completely suppressed.


    the tide of battle instantly turned. the two murong family custodians were beaten back repeatedly, and eventually, they were nearly powerless to fight back.


    "damn it, where did these experts come from? to think that we brothers would..."


    "these two are too formidable. if we keep entangled with them, we are bound to meet our end here. let''s go..."


    with a joint shout, they suddenly launched a palm strike, and the center of their palms burst into dazzling white light. it was the xuan ming true qi, extremely cold and chilling.


    neither sima zhan tian nor xiao chuanqi dared to take it head-on and had to swiftly dodge out of the way.


    during this brief moment of action, the two xuan ming sect disciples had already soared away, eyeing the rear exit for their escape.


    xiao chuanqi and his companion hurriedly gave chase, but it was obvious they were one step behind.


    ye feng''s gaze sharpened. resting his right hand on his thigh, he suddenly flicked his fingers, shooting out two qi blades like arrows, aiming at the backs of the xuan ming pair.


    "ah..."


    accompanied by two screams, the xuan ming pair fell forward onto the ground, their backs pierced through, with blood gushing out¡ªevidence of severe injury.


    by the time xiao chuanqi and his companion arrived, they smote down with their palms, directly finishing off the so-called murong family custodians.


    murong hai, lying on the ground, turned deathly pale at this sight. his whole body seemed to have lost its spine and he collapsed weakly to the floor.


    "ye feng, mr. ye, i am the head of the murong family, and the king of east river is my father. you can''t kill me, you really can''t! if you kill me, my father, the king of east river, he will not let this go!"


    while sobbing painfully, murong hai tried to crawl away.


    "the one to die is you. rest assured, your entire east river family will soon be reunited down below!" as sima zhan tian pounced over, he directly snapped his throat.


    at this moment, representatives of several large families from the southern river region jiangnan, like cui hao, had been frightened out of their wits, trembling with fear. some had even wet themselves from sheer terror.


    thud...


    cui hao knelt on the ground and begged for mercy, "mr. ye, i was wrong. i acknowledge my mistake. we shouldn''t have been treacherous, but i swear, this was the last time. i won''t dare again, please have mercy and spare me one more time!"


    ye feng simply couldn''t be bothered to look at them anymore. they had already been given a chance, but now, they had clearly touched the northern border sovereign''s raw nerve.


    "kill them, leave none alive!"


    after he spoke, ye feng slowly turned his wheelchair, grasping hong qingyan''s hand as they slowly made their way out of the hall.

 Chapter 111 Subduing the Three Great Commanders of the Southern Territory

    ye feng had just left the hall when the fight inside had already ended.


    this time, ye feng showed no mercy and slaughtered them all, leaving no one else on this sandbar other than a few of them in mere moments.


    what relieved ye feng was that, although murong hai and others had taken control of the headquarters of the martial alliance of southern river region jiangnan, many members of the alliance were unwilling to heed his commands and leave; only a few remained.


    without exception, all those who stayed behind had been executed!


    "qingyan, how are you doing? you''re not hurt, are you?" ye feng slightly lifted his gaze, looking at the pale, frail woman.


    hong qingyan managed a weak smile and said, "i''m fine, big brother ye, it''s just that..."


    ye feng raised an eyebrow and asked, "just what?"


    hong qingyan said with a wry smile, "it''s just that i failed again to handle the matter you entrusted to me, and mr. luo keque and mr. pang youze were killed right before my eyes. at that moment, i truly..."


    ye feng couldn''t help but laugh and shook his head, "do you know the origins of those men just now?"


    hong qingyan shook her head; naturally, she wouldn''t know.


    ye feng said, "the leader of them was named murong hai, the head of the murong prince mansion east of the river. not to mention you, even if the four great families of southern river region jiangnan were combined, they wouldn''t reach a fingertip of his. therefore, you need not blame or feel guilty about this matter."


    hong qingyan nodded slightly, though her heart still couldn''t help feeling a bit sorrowful.


    "let''s head back first!" ye feng waved his hand.


    immediately, hong qingyan began to push her wheelchair forward. at this time, xiao chuanqi, sima zhantian, and seventeen, the three of them, had also walked out of the hall and followed closely behind ye feng.


    as for the corpses strewn haphazardly in the hall, they didn''t bother to deal with them. of course, there was no need for them to do so. it was believed that soon someone from the martial alliance would come out and inform the murong prince mansion east of the river about what happened here.


    just as they boarded the vessel from the ferry crossing, ye feng suddenly ordered, "legendary, give a call to commander xia and ask him to come see me."


    "as you command, my lord!" xiao chuanqi immediately bowed.


    however, if he were to refuse, he would probably lose out on an opportunity.


    standing behind him, sima zhantian saw this and snorted coldly, "you bastard, if it weren''t for the fact that our lord is currently at a disadvantage, would he take a glance at your sort? the chance to recruit you is a blessing earned through eight generations of your ancestors'' good fortune!"


    hearing this, commander xia knew he could not hesitate any longer. he quickly knelt on one knee and said, "your subordinate, xia lengchan, is willing to submit to his lord. from now on, i swear to be loyal to death to the prince, willing to follow his highness in conquering the world!"


    yet, ye feng only smiled faintly and said, "there''s no rush. before i officially include you in our ranks, there is a small test." read latest chapters at empire


    xia lengchan clasped his hands, "my lord, please give your orders!"


    ye feng said, "i will give you one day to summon the two commanders from the southern territory who are on good terms with you, to come to jiangnan to meet me."


    xia lengchan replied, "my lord, do you also intend to recruit those two commanders? i dare not deceive my lord, although those two commanders have a good relationship with me, their situations in the southern territory are unlike my own. currently, they hold significant power, while i am sidelined and pushed aside. convincing them to submit might be difficult..."


    ye feng waved his hand, interrupting, "just call them here for now. whether i can make them submit is my concern."


    although the kingdom was divided into four realms, with each realm having its own army commanders or flag leaders, there was no strict control over their allegiance. meaning, if both parties are willing, they can freely change jurisdictions and follow a certain prince.


    however, there is a prerequisite¡ªthey must both be willing. of course, despite the lack of restrictions within the kingdom, cases of commanders switching allegiance spontaneously are quite rare.


    xia lengchan said, "if i can bring them here, there would be no issue, as after all, my lord is the northern border king. if i invite them in my lord''s name, they will surely come."


    ye feng waved his hand, "go and make it happen."


    "yes, i will go right away," xia lengchan replied and immediately took his leave.


    xiao chuanqi could no longer contain himself, stepping forward slightly and asking in a low voice, "my lord, i don''t understand why you would suddenly choose to recruit xia lengchan and even subsequently recruit the other two great commanders from the southern territory. such a move, if it gets out, might provoke dissatisfaction from the lord of the nine domains of the southern territory."


    sima zhantian snorted and retorted, "afraid of what? they''re just three commanders. if the lord of the nine domains of the southern territory is discontent with our prince''s actions, i''ll just chop them down. let''s see who dares to talk then!"


    xiao chuanqi gave him a disapproving look and slightly shook his head, evidently exasperated with this hot-headed and simple-minded brute.


    ye feng, on the other hand, gestured with a hand to silence the two of them, then heaved a long sigh and said with profound significance, "if my predictions are correct, an earth-shattering assassination aimed at me is about to come."

 Chapter 112 Big Brother Ye, Youre Really Nice

    ye feng returned to the villa and entered his bedroom, where he began to cultivate.


    for some unknown reason, he had felt a sense of unease in his heart, as if something significant was about to happen.


    this feeling was quite inexplicable, yet it was genuinely there, and even ye feng couldn''t explain why he had such a premonition.


    of course, though this feeling was sudden, he wouldn''t dismiss it as mere fantasy, and after much consideration, the only source of his vigilance could be from the direction of the capital region.


    that was also why, on his way back, he decided on the spur of the moment to bring xia lengchan into his fold and even to recruit two commanders from the southern territory.


    it wasn''t that there were no capable people under him, the northern border sovereign. besides the two huajin grandmasters, xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian, he also had several top-notch experts in the northern border, but for now, ye feng didn''t plan to make use of those people in the northern border.


    that was because, up to now, he had not yet confirmed who the secretive betrayer was!


    so far, xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian were not suspects since, at the time of the attack in the capital region, these two were still dealing with the aftermath at the northern border, unaware of his trip to the capital.


    of course, facing the upcoming earth-shattering assassination attempt, ye feng was not without confidence as he had already achieved the realm of the martial king and possessed absolute combat power.


    however, ye feng had more in-depth considerations, and he was not yet ready to fully reveal the strength of his realm. at least until he found out who the secretive betrayer was and returned to the capital, he had to hold back some of his trump cards.


    ye feng had a vague guess that the person behind the scenes betraying him was able to connect with both the mountain eagle organization and the nobles of the capital region, indicating that the person''s background was anything but simple.


    therefore, after much thought, recruiting top fighters from the southern territory seemed like the most appropriate choice!


    as his mind continuously plotted, ye feng slowly closed his eyes, and soon he entered the void cultivation state.


    soon his breathing, which was part of his breathing technique, began to show a long, powerful flow of qi. any grandmaster witnessing this scene would be shocked because only when inner strength reached a profoundly high realm would such a phenomenon appear during cultivation.


    and at this moment, above ye feng''s head, there were no flashes of colorful light, because he had long since reached the level of nine return to one, even return to simplicity. to the average person, he appeared no different from an ordinary vendor selling vegetables in the street.


    with his continuous breathing technique, ye feng''s inner strength kept intensifying and refining.


    as time passed bit by bit, suddenly, there was a buzzing sound within his body as another acupoint was cleared, and his realm improved once again.


    by now, he had cleared a total of ten acupoints, which was enough to consider him a primary martial king!


    she hurriedly explained further, "but big brother ye, i didn''t offer the donations myself. after all, the foundation isn''t fully established yet. i wouldn''t donate right away. it was just that mrs. liu from the orphanage suddenly contacted me yesterday. she said that three years ago, the orphanage no longer got financial subsidies and is now nearly at a breaking point, so i..."


    ye feng shook his head, half-annoyed, "since i''ve entrusted you with full authority over the foundation, i naturally won''t scold you for it. rest assured, the foundation won''t be abandoned. i have already contacted the pang family of southern river region jiangnan to send a representative to assist you!"


    "the foundation will continue to be organized. for now, ask the pang family to advance some funds to help alleviate the orphanage''s current predicament!"


    hong qingyan was overjoyed, clapping her hands, "big brother ye, you''re so kind."


    ye feng smiled and shook his head, "let''s go have dinner!"


    the two then started having dinner. of course, characters like xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian would not dine here.


    xiao chuanqi originally suggested hiring a few servants, but ye feng refused. for one thing, he wasn''t the type to seek glory, and secondly, it seemed simpler and more peaceful just to be with qingyan.


    just as they finished dinner and night had completely fallen, there was suddenly some commotion outside the villa as two aggressive-looking suvs stopped at the gate.


    soon after, xia lengchan led two people out of the cars and into the yard.


    "my lord, your subordinate has not failed in her mission and has now brought two great commanders from the southern territory to see you!" commander xia called from outside the hall, observing basic meeting etiquette.


    "let them in!" ye feng''s voice came out.


    "please, great commanders!" xia lengchan gestured with a wave of her hand.


    both nodded and stepped into the living room.


    hearing the noise, xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian from the neighboring villa came over as well.


    ye feng put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a napkin, then pushed his wheelchair slowly forward, scrutinizing the two men as he approached.


    the one on the left was a burly figure dressed in a white vest and camouflage pants, his clear muscular lines exuding explosive strength.


    the other was dressed in a gray robe, tall and well-proportioned, with a folding fan in hand, giving off a somewhat scholarly vibe.


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    "greetings, northern border king!" both gave a salute but did not kneel, as their relationship was not that of sovereign and subject yet.

 Chapter 113 Let Me Show You My Strength

    ye feng glanced over them briefly before withdrawing his gaze, then gestured slightly with his hand, "sit!"


    the two commanders from the southern territory then turned around and sat on the sofa. the one whose body was full of explosive strength moved in a rigid and deliberate manner, which seemed somewhat slow, but his body exuded an indefinable grandeur.


    as for the middle-aged man dressed in the scholar''s long robe, his expression was calm, seemingly carefree and detached.


    at this moment, xia lengchan stepped forward and said, "perhaps our lord is not yet familiar with their names. the muscular one is commander li jingang, who is known in the southern territory for the moniker ''great hand li jingang''. the other is called zhuge yu, hailed as ''little zhuge'' in the southern territory."


    ye feng nodded slightly. he could see that both individuals were grandmaster-level experts, on the verge of stepping into huajin, with strength not much different from xia lengchan.


    of course, in the southern territory, above the commanders, there are nine domain lords. these lords of the nine domains, akin to the nine legion commanders of the northern border, are generally at the huajin grandmaster level.


    ye feng looked at them and spoke word by word, "for this summons, has xia lengchan conveyed my intentions to you?"


    li jingang and zhuge yu simply sat there and for a moment did not reply.


    xia lengchan hurriedly stepped forward and said, "to answer you, my lord, i had already conveyed your intentions to them on our way here. as for their willingness..."


    at this point, commander xia closed his mouth, clearly unsure of the attitudes of these two companions. however, having brought them here, whether they were willing or not was now out of his hands.


    sima zhantian saw this and couldn''t help calling out, "the lord is asking you a question!"


    ye feng did not urge them, instead watching the two with interest.


    the great hand li jingang suddenly stood up and cupped his fists, "we are deeply grateful that the northern border king holds us in such high regard and wishes to recruit us. however..."


    sima zhantian immediately shouted, "however, what? stop beating around the bush like a fussy old woman and speak your mind."


    li jingang thought for a moment before saying, "the following words may be disrespectful to the northern border king, so i hope you will not take offense before i speak them!"


    ye feng nodded slightly, "speak freely, without reservation."


    only then did li jingang say, "although we two are not very prominent figures in the southern territory, not quite comparable to the esteemed lords of the nine domains, we are commanders in our own right and believe ourselves to have certain skills.


    in fact, not just the two of them, even xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian wore blank expressions, not understanding what the northern border king meant by his words.


    ye feng''s expression suddenly turned stern, and he looked at li jingang and the others, uttering word by word, "watch carefully, next, i will show you my power!"


    as his voice fell, ye feng struck out with a palm through the air, aiming at a marble column five meters away.


    the palm appeared light and breezy, seemingly devoid of any strength, without the momentum of inner strength, feeling as if it was a child playfully pretending.


    li jingang and zhuge yu looked at each other, unable to comprehend.


    xiao chuanqi, sima zhantian, and xia lengchan were also dumbfounded, unable to discern the depth of it.


    li jingang hesitated before finally asking, "may i ask, what palm technique is this? it seems so effortless, just a powerless palm, you''re not mocking us, are you?"


    "mocking you?" ye feng laughed; as a once great ruler, he certainly had no such leisure.


    "but this palm technique, it''s just too..." li jingang was at a loss for words.


    if the other person hadn''t been the northern border king, but anyone else, he would likely have erupted in anger on the spot.


    however, just then, the marble column five meters away started to dust and pieces began to fall; more and more dust fell off.


    suddenly everyone saw the sturdy column, thick enough for a grown man to embrace, had been pierced by a single palm, with a huge great hand seal in the middle, which looked shockingly awe-inspiring.


    "this..." li jingang and zhuge yu saw this and both widened their eyes, their faces revealing an expression of disbelief.


    xia lengchan''s mouth hung open, her whole body so agitated she couldn''t speak. she was both excited and thrilled, yet also a bit frightened.


    sima zhantian and xiao chuanqi exchanged shocked glances, both were ecstatic.


    "a light, effortless palm from afar, yet it pierced through such a tough column, this level of power... a huajin grandmaster definitely couldn''t do this, could it be... a martial king?"


    "that''s right, just now we didn''t feel any fluctuation of inner strength; clearly, it has reached the ''nine return to one'' or even the ''return to simplicity'' realm. it''s definitely a martial king. my heavens, northern border king, you... you truly are a martial king!"


    at this time, the way li jingang and zhuge yu looked at ye feng had changed.

 Chapter 114 Shicha Sea, Master Owl Dominates

    even xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian could not have imagined that their master had already become a martial king.


    one must know that the current kings of the four realms, although revered as supreme leaders, were only at the ninth level peak of the huajin master, and the strongest defensive force of the imperial capital, the taishan net, was merely at the half-step martial king realm.


    yet now, their own master had already become a true martial king. how could this not excite xiao chuanqi and the others?


    "master, have you truly broken through to the martial king realm, a real martial king? that is the stuff of legends!" xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian were incredibly excited.


    they, of course, knew what this meant. once ye feng''s strength was made public, he would inevitably rise above the other kings of the three realms, and even the king kao shan of the kingdom would be pressured by ye feng.


    it was even very possible that in the near future, ye feng would enter the imperial capital or become the leader of the four realms'' kings, completely taking control of the entire four realms and possibly becoming the legendary supreme emperor!


    xia lengchan was also very excited. only now did she realize what a correct decision she made that morning, to follow this northern border king; her future was undoubtedly promising!


    li jingang and zhuge yu exchanged looks, then, in sync, they both dropped to one knee with a thud.


    both of them saluted and said, "subordinates pay their respects to the master. we are willing to submit and henceforth follow the northern border king, willing to accompany the northern border king in conquering the world!"


    ye feng simply nodded slightly, signaling for the two to stand up.


    clearly, ye feng was not surprised at the two''s willingness to submit; after all, a martial king represented too much significance and weight.no?v(el)b\\jnn


    "during this time, stay here for a while. when the time is ripe, we will proceed to the southern territory together," ye feng said.


    "as you command, master!" said the three, including xia lengchan, as they immediately saluted.


    they, of course, were very clear about what it meant for this northern border king, who had achieved martial king status, to arrive in the southern territory. without a doubt, it would cause a tremendous uproar, not to mention the remaining great commanders of the southern territory.


    most importantly, the lords of the nine domains of the southern territory would definitely not submit to the northern border king.


    sitting there, big as life and twice as natural, were eight figures dressed in black and their faces covered by black cloth. each had a straight back and a sharp gaze, exuding a formidable aura, and they were unmistakably all masters of grandmaster level.


    all eight of them sat without glancing sideways, with no intention of talking to each other. they didn''t even spare a glance for one another.


    when the four huajin masters entered the zen room, the eight seated figures didn''t stand up, and they didn''t even turn their heads to look at them. the four newly arrived individuals seemed to have no intention of greeting anyone either. they walked straight in and stood firm at the head position, appearing like the four great heavenly kings.


    in such a torrential rainy night, amidst flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder, through the dark alleys and the dilapidated ancient temple, the sounds of sutras and wooden fish mixed with the thunder in a way that was eerily disturbing, as the twelve masked experts in black sat there in silence.


    suddenly, a deep voice came from inside.


    "master has arrived!"


    with that announcement, a middle-aged bald monk in a yellow kasaya, with his upper body bare and sticking out a greasy, round belly, walked in.


    "greetings, master!" upon seeing the newcomer, the four huajin masters who had arrived earlier all stood up straight and saluted the bald master with respect. even the eight who were seated stood up at once, showing ample respect for the bald master.


    it was evident that this master held a very high status, or perhaps his realm or strength was terrifyingly formidable, powerful enough to be respected even by huajin masters.


    however, the master was indeed stout and not very tall, with a large belly and a very round face, always wearing a smile, appearing much like the amiable maitreya buddha from the outside.


    of course, if those tycoons from the imperial capital dark forces knew someone called the master of shicha sea amiable, they would surely be stunned.


    as a matter of fact, the master who dominated shicha sea was far from being a gentle figure; on the contrary, he was a formidable figure with blood-stained hands and an imposing aura, a true owl of the ages.


    the master always wore a smile on his fat, round face, waving his hand to signal everyone to be at ease. then he said, "on such a rainy night, i''m truly sorry to have summoned you all here. thank you for your efforts, it is deeply appreciated."


    no one spoke, only watching him quietly, not daring to utter a word at that moment. there was a legend in shicha sea that once, while the master was speaking, a subordinate happened to let out a fart, a loud and embarrassing one at that.


    later, that subordinate died, forced to consume croton oil for three days and nights, ultimately farting and defecating himself to death!


    seeing that no one was speaking, the master shrugged his shoulders and then said, "well then, without further ado, i''ll get straight to the point. i have some mixed news. the one from the northern border isn''t dead, but, someone has already found his whereabouts!"

 Chapter 115 A Shocking and Massive Attack Unleashes

    master''s words did not stir any emotions among those present. clearly, they were already aware before they came; otherwise, there would have been no need for their presence.


    of course, master was aware of this as well, but he still had to speak.


    "i, master, truly did not expect that the one from the northern border could be so lucky¡ªfleeing for thousands of miles and still managing to survive!"


    at this point, the master, with a smile on his face, laughed heartily, "however, this time, even if he were the great luo immortal reincarnated, i fear he would not be able to escape with his life!"


    a man in black sitting at the lower left sneered, "that''s only natural. as the saying goes, ''a tall tree catches the wind.'' those who want him dead are numerous!"


    master''s eyebrows twitched slightly, displaying a trace of displeasure, but he did not erupt on the spot. after all, he knew that the eight people sitting here were no ordinary individuals; they were representatives from various aristocratic clan gates of the imperial capital.


    although he did not know the exact backgrounds of these eight people, the familial powers they represented were all exceedingly fearsome.


    as for the four huajin masters who entered later, they were no ordinary characters either. they were the four great protectors of the mountain eagle!


    "since you all are ready, i, master, will not prattle on. let''s set out now. three days from now, i hope to hear good news from you all!"


    having said this, master licked his round belly and leisurely walked into the rear courtyard of the ancient temple. he was just a middleman drawing these major clans of the imperial capital nobility together.


    of course, everyone was also aware that this master was merely a frontman pushed into the spotlight by others. behind him, there certainly lay even more terrifying forces!


    everyone couldn''t help but be curious. with master of shicha sea already having significant power, there was still someone who could make him move. it seemed that the power behind the scenes must be exceptionally extraordinary!


    as master''s figure disappeared into the buddha hall of the ancient temple, the eight individuals all stood up simultaneously. still, without exchanging a word, each one turned and left, along with the four huajin masters of mountain eagle, all stepping into the rainy night together.


    eight experts, along with the four huajin grandmaster protectors of the mountain eagle organization, twelve people in total, took advantage of the rainy night to board a plane and immediately rushed to the southern river region jiangnan.


    perhaps it was because of their arrival that the heavy rain was also brought to the provincial city.


    all night long, the provincial city was battered by fierce winds and torrential rain. even the water level of jiangnan river outside the villa had risen significantly overnight.


    the villa was quiet. ye feng had already returned to his bedroom. after a night of cultivation, he had unclogged several more acupoints. he now had eighteen acupoints opened, and his inner strength was incredibly surging and robust.


    however, in the latter half of the night, the sense of unease in ye feng''s heart grew stronger, and even his eyelids were twitching incessantly.


    unable to continue his cultivation calmly, he simply sat in his wheelchair and moved out of the bedroom downstairs, then went out to the courtyard.


    despite the torrential downpour, ye feng''s clothes remained dry. a faint white qi blade enveloped his body, keeping the rain at bay.


    his stature was imposing, managing to fight three against one, suppressing three grandmaster-level experts by himself.


    xiao chuanqi soared upwards, his wrist flickering, sword flowers shimmering, swiftly knocking down the hidden weapons aimed at ye feng.


    in no time, all the masters had sprung into action. on the banks of the south river amidst the torrential night rain, a colossal battle erupted.


    ye feng sat in his wheelchair, watching the fray. after only a short glance, he let out a cold laugh.


    "they''ve only sent twelve grandmaster-level experts; they didn''t even do as well as the last time. looks like they really don''t give face to me, the king of the northern border!"


    ye feng chuckled coldly, giving a slight shake of his head. he had thought that this time the enemy would send even more formidable assassins and that the traitor lurking in the shadows would be unable to contain himself and would come out to attack.


    but now it seemed he had overestimated them!


    however, on second thought, it was normal. after the last assassination attempt, he had been gravely wounded, his legs were broken, and the enemy must have believed his combat power had diminished, which is why they had only dispatched twelve grandmaster-level experts.


    the battle was as tumultuous as a storm, coming swiftly and ending just as quickly. in the blink of an eye, six black-clothed experts had been slain, and the rest were firmly suppressed, about to fall and meet their death.


    seeing this, ye feng''s gaze sharpened, and he suddenly shouted, "leave one alive!"


    xiao chuanqi, who could have killed an enemy with a palm strike, stopped upon hearing the order. then he soared high, snatching the already injured enemy below like a great peng spreading its wings.


    "damn it, this guy was prepared. not only have two commanders come from the northern border, but they''ve also brought three additional experts. the intelligence was wrong; we must retreat immediately!"


    "it''s too late to retreat, we must fight to the death!"


    but just as the two finished speaking, heads soared into the air, and another five fell within moments.


    under ye feng''s command, though there were only five people, each was a veteran expert. moreover, xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian were among the top-tier huajin grandmasters.


    xiao chuanqi reached out with a great hand, subduing the enemy and finally capturing a live one.


    "speak, who sent you?" xiao chuanqi''s gaze was piercing; he naturally understood the reason his lord wanted a survivor.


    who knew the person would just grin and say, "if i don''t speak, only i die; if i do, three hundred of my family will perish!"


    as soon as he finished speaking, the man bit his own tongue and committed suicide.


    ye feng''s brows lifted, he said nothing, and wheeled himself back to the villa.

 Chapter 116 A Mysterious Old Man in the Rainy Night

    the battle had ended, and everyone returned to the villa''s hall, drenched.


    ye feng sat in his wheelchair, his clothes as dry as they had always been, his expression as calm and nonchalant as ever.


    xiao chuanqi and his four comrades stood in a row, respectfully in front of ye feng.


    seeing them, ye feng chuckled disapprovingly, "what are you standing there for, looking dazed? aren''t you going to change into clean clothes quickly?"


    xia lengchan was dumbfounded at his words and asked, "my lord, after such a serious incident, aren''t you going to say anything?"


    "say something?"


    now it was ye feng''s turn to be puzzled and he said, "what do you want me to say? right, you all put up a brave fight in this battle, not bad at all."


    xia lengchan could only smile foolishly, realizing that the man sitting before her didn''t take this ambush to heart at all.


    yet, they were facing an attack by a total of twelve grandmasters, including four huajin grandmasters; this force was decidedly not trivial.


    xiao chuanqi laughed heartily, "the three of you have only followed our lord for a short while, naturally, you don''t know what he has gone through all these years. it''s not just an ambush like this, even if an army of thousands were to descend, our lord would remain unfazed!"


    xia lengchan, zhuge yu, and the other two immediately clasped their hands in salute, "with a spirit so grand, seeing our lord today truly lives up to his reputation. we admire you greatly!"


    ye feng gestured with his hand, "alright, you may all withdraw. tomorrow, follow me to east of the river, and then to the base camp in the southern territory!"


    stay tuned for updates on empire


    "yes!" everyone saluted and quickly dispersed.


    of course, the ones most excited were xia lengchan and the other two; tomorrow they would follow their lord to the southern territory, where they would inevitably face off against the commanders there or even the lord of the nine domains. they anticipated the scene would be extremely thrilling.


    however, they also understood that their lord''s visit to east of the river was first and foremost directed at the murong prince mansion. as for the so-called king of east river, not only did ye feng, the northern border king, disregard him, even the legion commanders didn''t take him to heart.


    a small secular family daring to claim kingship was tantamount to seeking death!


    the old man did not say a word; instead, he promptly sat down in the grand tutor chair.


    murong tongming, not daring to take a seat himself, stood at his side and forced a smile, "elder xuan ming, please enjoy some tea. this is the finest foo shouchun from jiangnan, freshly picked. do give it a try."


    the one known as elder xuan ming did not reach for the tea, but instead stared at murong tongming with a chilling gaze. the entire hall seemed to drop several degrees in temperature due to his stare.


    after a long glare, this cold elder xuan ming spoke in a frosty voice, "both of my precious disciples are dead. do you think i''m still in the mood to enjoy tea? or say, that i''ve come all this way just for a cup of your tea?"


    murong tongming could only respond with a sheepish smile, "i won''t lie to you, elder. the deaths of your two beloved disciples indeed involve a mistake on our murong prince mansion''s part; i have been negligent. however, it wasn''t our murong prince mansion that killed them."


    it turns out this elder xuan ming was none other than the master of the two retainers of the murong prince mansion, and this elder xuan ming was also one of the few remaining senior experts of the xuan ming sect.


    no wonder murong tongming, despite calling himself the king of east river and possessing formidable power, still had to show a degree of humility in front of this xuan ming elder.


    with a cold snort, elder xuan ming said, "of course, i know that. otherwise, the one hundred and thirty-two lives in your murong prince mansion would already be corpses by now!"


    murong tongming could only nod repeatedly with a wry smile, not daring to engage with such a retort.


    elder xuan ming demanded sternly, "let''s hear it. what exactly happened? and who killed my two disciples?"


    murong tongming immediately replied, "elder xuan ming, your two disciples were retainers we invited to our murong prince mansion. a branch of the gusu murong in jiangnan offended someone and was slaughtered, then came to us for help."


    "as you know, since we''re the head family, we naturally couldn''t just stand by when our branch family came pleading for help!"


    "get to the point, stop babbling!" elder xuan ming interjected coldly.


    "yes, yes!"


    murong tongming nodded repeatedly and continued, "to save the branch family, we asked your two disciples and some of murong''s experts to go to jiangnan. but in the end, they were outmatched. your two disciples were killed by that person on the spot, and even my eldest son and the eldest grandson perished there."


    "the man who killed my disciples, what is his name?" elder xuan ming was furious.


    "his name is ye feng!"

 Chapter 117 The Murong Family Has An Ancestor

    "ye feng, who is he?"


    elder xuan ming''s gray eyebrows twitched, and a cold expression appeared on his face.


    murong tongming bowed respectfully and said, "to answer the elder, ye feng''s background is not well known, but it is known that he is the son-in-law of the hong family of jiangdu."


    "the hong family of jiangdu, are they very formidable?" elder xuan ming asked again.


    "not formidable, they are merely an insignificant small clan, far from comparable to my murong prince mansion!" murong tongming said this with some pride.


    "if they are not formidable, why were your son and grandson wiped out?" elder xuan ming said with a cold snort.


    at this, murong tongming could no longer smile, and after a pause, he said, "although the hong family of jiangdu is not formidable, and that ye fellow himself was a cripple with broken legs, he has several powerful followers!"


    "according to the intelligence that has been reported back, among that mad son-in-law of the hong family''s followers, there are two who are at the huajin grandmaster level!"


    "huajin grandmaster?"


    elder xuan ming''s eyes, appearing cloudy, narrowed slightly. after pondering for a while, he said, "it seems that this ye fellow doesn''t have any formidable background, but since my two disciples could die at their hands, the other party must have some skills."


    murong tongming could only nod. in the past two days, he had considered seeking revenge, but he was well aware that the other party, able to easily slay even two of his enforcers, would likely be more than he could handle even if he took action personally.


    unless, the family ancestor personally came out of his secluded cultivation!


    but up to now, the ancestor was still in deep secluded cultivation, preparing to break through to the realm of the martial king, and unless absolutely necessary, he must not be disturbed!


    after all, once the ancestor achieved the status of martial king, then his position as king of east river would secure, and then, not just east river, but even the whole eastern border or the southern territory, the gusu murong family might also be able to extend their reach!


    "elder xuan ming, now that you have arrived in east river, i wonder what your plans are, whether you are prepared to immediately head to jiangnan to exterminate that ye fellow and avenge your disciples?" murong tongming inquired after some thought.


    now that this senior elder from the xuan ming sect had stepped in, he was only too eager, for after all, using another''s hand to kill his enemy was something he had done many times in his life.


    elder xuan ming snorted coldly, "killing my disciples, this vengeance certainly has to be avenged, but this old man has been hurrying day and night, and has expended too much energy, i need to properly rest."


    murong tongming immediately said, "of course, in that case, elder, please rest well. oh, i will have two young maidens of fine appearance come to attend to you."


    furthermore, the territory of east river was awkwardly situated between the southern territory and the eastern border. since it was jointly governed, both territories would easily neglect it.


    "let''s go!" ye feng waved his hand, then left the hall in a wheelchair pushed by hong qingyan, before getting into the car.


    hong qingyan was naturally very happy because ye feng still chose to bring her along on this distant journey. she could see that this king of no ordinary status genuinely regarded her as his fiance?e.


    this made hong qingyan both happy and apprehensive, to the point where she had several sleepless nights.


    the three cars quickly left the southern river region jiangnan, and after getting on the highway, they sped eastward.


    as for the aftermath with the four great families of southern river region jiangnan, ye feng didn''t pay much attention. he only instructed master of pang family to establish a foundation and, additionally, used secret channels to contact the headquarters of the martial alliance in the imperial capital, asking them to send another reliable person to take charge of the situation in jiangnan.


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    four hours later, the car left the highway and entered the territory of east of the river!


    at that moment, at the murong prince mansion located in the suburbs'' old garden, an off-road vehicle roared in and stopped abruptly at the mansion''s gate. a young man dressed in a close-fitting martial outfit quickly jumped out of the car.


    "bad news, he''s come, that youngster is here, quickly report to the king of east river, that ye fellow has arrived!" the man shouted as he rushed into the mansion.


    inside, murong tongming was enjoying afternoon tea in the pavilion, opposite elder xuan ming.


    at this very moment, elder xuan ming, draped in shoulder-length loose hair, wore a silk brocade short robe with buttons undone, exuding an undisciplined air. two beautiful maids were behind him, massaging his back and shoulders.


    the informant barged in, hollering all the way and interrupting the scene.


    "this is outrageous, what is this ruckus about, have you no sense of decorum at all!" murong tongming instantly berated him in fury.


    "it''s terrible, master, he''s come, that ye chap, he''s entered our east river, and now he''s heading straight for our palace!" the informant panted out the news.


    crack!


    perhaps out of great anger or anxiety, murong tongming clenched the teacup in his hand too tightly, shattering it on the spot.


    across from him, elder xuan ming glanced over and said with a cold laugh, "what''s there to panic about? since the youngster has come to us, it couldn''t be any better. i shall eliminate him here and save us a trip to jiangnan!"


    having said that, elder xuan ming slowly stood up and picked up his strange-looking cane.

 Chapter 118: The Greatest Hero is the One Who Serves the Country and the People

    gusu murong king¡¯s mansion, originally a garden architecture from the last century, was built against the mountains with small bridges over flowing water. in modern times, such grand garden architecture has been extremely valuable, if not priceless.


    being able to possess such a garden in this day and age sufficiently illustrates the illustrious status of its family.


    by late afternoon, the remaining sunlight cast the western sky a blood red, as if stained with blood, inadvertently adding several touches of solemn killing intent.


    three black vehicles suddenly arrived at the spacious square in front of the murong mansion gate.


    immediately afterward, five individuals stepped out of the cars in unison, followed by a young man who seemed unable to walk on his own and was supported into a car.


    behind this revolver-toting youth was an extraordinarily beautiful young lady.


    this youth was none other than ye feng, the august and majestic ruler of the northern border!


    ye feng looked up, surveying the murong prince mansion.


    spanning hundreds of acres, the term ¡¯vast¡¯ was fitting to describe it, especially the two stone lions in front of the vermilion gate that exuded a majestic air. above the gate, four vigorous and powerful characters were inscribed.


    "king¡¯s mansion of east river!"


    after just a glance, ye feng spoke in a deep voice, "take down that plaque for me!"


    "as you command, master!"


    sima zhantian, with his rough temper, took the lead and was about to rush over to tear down the vermilion plaque.


    however, at that moment, an angry and cold shout rang out, "how dare you! who is causing trouble at the king¡¯s mansion of east river, tired of living?!"


    as the voice fell, suddenly two groups of agile individuals rushed out of the gate, quickly surrounding ye feng and the others. upon closer inspection, there were as many as thirty people, all of whom were martial arts practitioners at the eighth and ninth segments of external strength.


    then murong tongming, flanked by eight huajin masters, strode out with an imposing air, accompanied by the bare upper-bodied elder xuan ming.


    "thirty martial artists of the eighth and ninth stages of external strength, eight masters of inner force, two huajin masters¡ªsuch meager backing, and yet you dare to presumptuously call yourself the king of east river. truly, i wonder who gave you the audacity and gall!"


    ye feng let out a cold huff, considering this force to be nothing of significance in his eyes.


    yet among those present, there was one individual who marginally caught his attention¡ªnone other than elder xuan ming.


    elder xuan ming was so angry that his face turned ashen and he gritted his teeth, but he didn¡¯t know how to retort.


    ye feng continued earnestly, "last century, when the country was in chaos, and foreign invaders came, your xuan ming sect from the western territory did not think of serving the country or fighting against the enemy; instead, you conspired with foreigners amidst the nation¡¯s chaos to profit from the nation¡¯s distress.


    how does your xuan ming sect still have the face to call itself a reputable sect, and how do you, elder xuan ming, have the face to call yourself a hero?"


    elder xuan ming was shaking with rage, grinding his teeth and said word by word, "you, boy, seem to know our xuan ming sect affairs very well. who on earth are you?"


    "who am i? you¡¯re not qualified to know, nor do you deserve to know!"


    ye feng snorted coldly and went on, "in that battle last century, many true heroes stood up to defend the nation, paying with their lives or becoming maimed, while traitors like you, seeking glory through betrayal, emerged claiming to be heroes. it¡¯s truly a case of ¡¯when the great tigers are absent, the monkey calls itself king!¡¯"


    upon being reminded of his scars, elder xuan ming became infuriated and roared skyward, "ye feng, you brat, you killed my disciples. today, i, the great hero, shall have your head fall to the ground!"


    murong tongming also suddenly shouted, "murong retainers, heed my command¡ªthis man has killed a member of the murong family. kill him and you will be handsomely rewarded by me!"


    ye feng¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he said word by word, "swallow dock¡¯s gusu murong, presumptuously claiming royalty, a capital crime, kill; elder xuan ming of the xuan ming sect from the western territory, a traitor seeking glory through betrayal, a national thief, kill!"


    with those two decisive words, xiao chuanqi, sima zhantian, and others sprang into action, each charging forward like a fierce combination of wind, thunder, tigers, and leopards.


    in an instant, the broad plaza in front of the murong prince mansion¡¯s gate was engulfed in the sounds of battle, plunging into a great war.


    "brat, die at my hands!"


    elder xuan ming moved at an astonishingly fast pace, his body turning into a series of afterimages, and in the blink of an eye, he was in front of ye feng, and then he struck out with his palm.


    "get lost!" xiao chuanqi, seeing this, furrowed his brows and met the palm head-on.


    boom...


    the palms collided in an instant, erupting with a dull booming sound, and white wisps of xuan ming¡¯s biting cold qi suddenly began to shoot out above elder xuan ming¡¯s head.


    xiao chuanqi let out a muffled groan and was pushed back three meters, his entire arm drooping down limply.


    "xuan ming divine palm, i didn¡¯t expect it to be so domineering. let¡¯s go again!" xiao chuanqi gritted his teeth and was about to rush forward once more.


    seeing this, ye feng immediately exclaimed, "step back, you¡¯re not his match yet!"

 Chapter 119: Inviting the Ancestor Out of Retirement

    xiao chuanqi was taken aback upon hearing the words and immediately ceased insisting, retreating to one side.


    elder xuan ming¡¯s robes rustled in the wind, his inner strength surged throughout his body, and the walking stick in his hand, though merely a wooden stick, was wielded with such ferocity that no one could approach within three yards of him.


    "i thought you were something special, but now it seems you¡¯re just this, no matter the two grandmasters following you. today, your death is certain!" read exclusive adventures at empire


    murong tongming laughed out loud, "elder xuan ming truly possesses remarkable martial arts. today, let none of these thieves escape ¨C kill them all!"


    filled with rage, sima zhantian charged directly at murong tongming, and in an instant, an intense battle unfolded between them.


    however, this king of east river was no incompetent either; even faced with a huajin grandmaster like sima zhantian, he could not be subdued.


    elder xuan ming let out a cold shout, leaping high into the air, pointing his cane towards ye feng¡¯s throat.


    yet ye feng remained seated in his wheelchair, motionless as before, his expression not even rippling slightly, calm like an ancient well without a wave.


    he just quietly watched the old man in front of him, seeming for a moment as though he had been scared stiff.


    "die!"


    elder xuan ming flicked his wrist, and the tip of the cane was poised to strike.


    if he were to let this strike descend, even though it was just a wooden cane, with inner strength behind it, it could pierce through a stele, let alone a person¡¯s throat.


    however, at that very moment, ye feng moved. his right hand shot out like lightning and grabbed the cane.


    "what?" elder xuan ming exclaimed in surprise, his instinct was to pull back the cane and retreat.


    but at that moment, to his horror, he found that he could not withdraw it; it seemed as if it had rooted itself in the other¡¯s hand.


    "traitors seeking glory through betrayal, die!"


    ye feng hummed softly, and then his whole body exerted force. a torrent of inner strength, surging to the extreme, suddenly passed through the meter-long cane, rushing towards elder xuan ming like a tidal wave.


    the next moment, elder xuan ming, as if struck by electricity, shook violently all over, then stood rigidly in place, motionless thereafter.


    elder xuan ming¡¯s deathly pale eyes were wide open, his face filled with shock. he stared with bulging eyes, then the life in his gaze began to fade.


    ye feng only needed to exert force while seated in his wheelchair to violently shake a huajin grandmaster to death, without even actually moving to strike.


    "go, help zhan tian, and quickly finish off that old murong tongming!" ye feng commanded.


    "king of east river?"


    ye feng burst into laughter, his voice resonant, "the lowly king of east river is nothing in my eyes, and your murong family wishing to be a dog by my side? you don¡¯t qualify!"


    murong tongming abruptly lifted his head and said, word by word, "are you truly intent on wiping us out?"


    "the gusu murong family daring to claim kingship without authorization, deserves death, no mercy!" ye feng¡¯s voice was resounding and firm.


    "good, very good!"


    murong tongming suddenly laughed wildly, "boy, my gusu murong family is, after all, descendants of the emperor. you really think we would claim kingship in east of the river without any trump cards? since you insist on pushing things to the extreme, then i shall fight you with everything i¡¯ve got!"


    having said that, murong tongming suddenly turned his head and shouted into the void, "the gusu murong family is at a moment of life and death. i invite our ancestor to come out of secluded cultivation!"


    "i call upon the ancestor to come out, ring the warning bell!"


    "invite the ancestor to emerge, let the warning bell ring!"


    at this very moment, a deep, muffled sound suddenly came from the depths of the murong prince mansion¡¯s garden.


    ye feng furrowed his brows and sneered, "the ancestor? very well, let¡¯s see who this ancestor is. your gusu murong lineage is known for its family¡¯s supreme knowledge ¡¯star shifting¡¯. i hope you do not disappoint me today!"


    as soon as the voice fell, a black figure suddenly soared into the sky from the depths of the mountain behind the murong prince mansion.


    in midair, the person twisted their body as if executing a profoundly skilled movement technique, and in the blink of an eye, he arrived at the front gate, then stood below the ridge of the roof above the entrance.


    it wasn¡¯t until that moment that everyone could see clearly: this person was clad in a black, form-fitting outfit, but his hair and beard were already white as frost, indicating an age of at least a century old.


    however, his face was without a single wrinkle, instead, it was ruddy and looked very healthy.


    ye feng, seeing this, narrowed his eyes slightly and blurted out, "nine return to one¡ªi had no idea the gusu murong had such a character. a huajin grandmaster peak, just a hair away from setting foot into the realm of the martial king!"


    this black-clothed, white-haired old man was obviously the ancestor murong, a grandmaster peak practitioner in huajin.


    yet, it appeared that despite many years of secluded cultivation, he still could not break through huajin to enter the legendary realm of the martial king.


    ancestor murong, from his high vantage, surveyed the people below and suddenly said in a deep voice with a sigh, "my gusu murong, originally of imperial lineage with an exceedingly noble status, to think that over hundreds of years we have fallen to such a state, where any cats or dogs can bully their way to our doorstep!"


    hearing this, ancestor murong¡¯s tone shifted and his chilly gaze fixated on ye feng, word by word he said, "this ancestor knows you are extraordinary. you may state a reason that will convince this ancestor not to kill you; otherwise, today, all of you shall die!"


    "the dignity of i, the king of gusu murong jiangdong, shall not tolerate any provocation from anyone!"

 Chapter 120: Accusing the King of the Eastern Border, What Arrogance!

    ye feng suddenly laughed, looking at the impressive old fellow on the rooftop eaves and snorted, "i now understand, you are murong tiannan!"


    ancestor murong was taken aback, exclaiming, "you actually know this old ancestor¡¯s name? who exactly are you? speak! if you are an acquaintance, this old ancestor may spare your life!"


    ye feng shook his head and sighed, "last century, the nation faced great calamity, especially in the eastern border. when foreign enemies pressed in and internal strife was rampant, a so-called whirlwind decapitation operation was initiated in the eastern border."


    "whirlwind decapitation operation? you brat even know about this secretive operation plan from the last century!" murong tiannan¡¯s body shook slightly.


    perhaps others did not know, but murong tiannan could not claim the same. at that time, this whirlwind decapitation operation was mainly due to foreign forces pressing in, making the eastern border precarious. out of desperation, the nation resorted to a risky strategy designating a decapitation operation.


    the so-called decapitation meant to kill the enemy leaders, but required infiltrating deep into enemy territory. as one can imagine, once the operation was underway, whether successful or not, those involved were almost certain to meet a grim fate either way.


    what murong tiannan could not have imagined was that at that time, the whirlwind decapitation operation was only known to a few, and those were the big shots of the nation. after its failure, it never became widely known. so how could this young man in a wheelchair know of it?


    of course, he could not possibly know that this youth in the wheelchair was of such a status. had he known, he would never have asked this question.


    as the northern border king, who had grown up in the northern border army since childhood, he was well versed in the national disaster that befell the country last century. he had even seen many secrets unknown to the public in the forbidden books kept in the nation.


    "back then, you, murong tiannan, were also fortunate enough to participate in this decapitation operation. originally, it would have been a matter of honor¡ªbeing selected was, in itself, recognition of your strength!"


    at this point, ye feng snorted and shouted, "unfortunately, the esteemed eldest son of the gusu murong family, the genius of the southern river region jiangnan at that time, turned out to be a cowardly deserter, feigning death and fleeing as soon as the decapitation operation began!"


    "the world only knows you as a great hero who sacrificed himself for the nation, but who knows that the ancestor of the gusu murong family turned out to be a cowardly deserter!"


    ye feng¡¯s words hit murong tiannan like a heavy hammer, striking him hard.


    murong tiannan¡¯s wrinkled face contorted and twisted until it became terrifyingly gruesome¡ªhe gnashed his teeth and roared, "who the hell are you?"


    it seemed that being exposed had driven the so-called ancestor of the murong family into hysterics.


    ye feng sneered, "a cowardly deserter like you doesn¡¯t deserve to know my identity!"


    ancestor murong suddenly burst into mad laughter, shouting angrily, "good, very good. i didn¡¯t expect a green boy like you to be so bold in front of this old ancestor. today, all of you will die, not one of you will escape!"


    as his voice fell, ancestor murong leaped forward with a highly adept movement technique, charging at ye feng with great speed.


    but before he could finish his sentence, ye feng exerted force, and a terrifying surge of inner strength instantly entered the other¡¯s body through his arm.


    only a muffled grunt was heard from ancestor murong; then his entire being stood there, eyes wide with shock.


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    clearly, by this time, not only his internal organs but also all his eight extraordinary meridians had been shattered by ye feng.


    "you actually are... are a martial... king!"


    ancestor murong¡¯s voice grew weaker and weaker, ever failing to catch his breath, he fell to the ground with a thunderous thud.


    "ancestor..."


    murong tongming, upon seeing this, let out a scream of utter despair.


    ye feng said word by word, "during a national crisis, you fled from battle, and later even allowed your descendants to rebelliously claim kingship, you deserve to die!"


    as these words were spoken, ancestor murong finally closed his eyes slowly.


    the one hundred and thirty members of the gusu murong family watching this scene immediately scattered like frightened birds.


    of course, ye feng did not pursue to kill them all; he simply turned his gaze to murong tongming and said word by word, "what now, do you wish to make your ancestor wait for you too long on the yellow springs road?"


    murong tongming¡¯s face alternated between green and white, he gritted his teeth and roared, "ye feng, do you truly intend to annihilate the gusu murong?"


    ye feng replied solemnly, "it is not i who seeks your destruction, but you who have brought it upon yourself!"


    murong tongming snorted coldly, "i¡¯m not afraid to tell you, the reason why gusu murong dares to claim kingship in the east of the river is with the nod of the king of the eastern border. in other words, gusu murong is under the protection of the king of east river; if you kill me, you will offend the king of east river, you had better think carefully about the consequences!"


    "offend the king of east river?"


    ye feng laughed out loud, saying, "i forgot to tell you, after eradicating you, this false king, i will also go to the eastern border to ask the king of the eastern border who gave him the authority to commit such outrageous acts in his own territory!"


    just then, from a distant street corner, suddenly a cold shout came, "what a bold statement from you, daring to accuse the king of the eastern border. exactly who gave you the audacity!"

 Chapter 121 Leave Your Head Behind if You Want to Go!

    accompanying the cold shout was a muscular middle-aged man dressed in a sharp suit and leather shoes.


    despite his gentlemanly attire, those present could still discern an iron-blooded aura about him as he moved.


    this quality could not have been honed in the mundane world of the city; it must have been forged on the battlefield through bloodshed.


    to a great extent, xiao chuanqi, sima zhantian, and xia lengchan were of this ilk, so they quickly guessed the man''s identity.


    he must be from the eastern border, and his status was certainly not low.


    following the middle-aged man were two agile followers, the trio striding in with a haughty gaze suggesting they were superior to others.


    "in the territory of the eastern border, you dare act recklessly and even speak insolently towards the eastern border king. do you really think the eastern border has no one?"


    the middle-aged man snorted coldly, stepping directly in front of ye feng, and then looking down at him with an air of superiority.


    seeing the newcomer, murong tongming hurriedly called out, "left pavilion master, you''ve finally arrived, please save the murong family!"


    with that said, the so-called king of east of the river once again knelt down, only this time it was not before ye feng, but before this so-called left pavilion master.


    the left pavilion master huffed, "i am the pavilion master of the east river pavilion. when trouble stirs in the east of the river, i naturally cannot sit idly by. old murong, rest assured, today i will head this issue. i want to see for myself who dares to be so presumptuous!"


    "the pavilion master of the east river?"


    ye feng slowly raised his head to look at the muscular man and suddenly laughed, "so it''s one of the seven pavilions of the eastern border. i thought it might be someone else."


    just as with the northern border twelve banners and the nine domains of the southern territory, the eastern border also has seven pavilions, of roughly equal standing, and the middle-aged man before him was zuo bihui, the pavilion master of the east river pavilion, one of the seven pavilions of the eastern border!


    zuo bihui was taken aback and then arrogantly said, "to think that you, boy, are also aware of the seven pavilions of the eastern border. it seems you have some background!"


    ye feng was about to respond when he heard this.


    however, before he could speak, the arrogant zuo bihui once again snorted coldly, "since you, boy, know of the seven pavilions of the eastern border, then you surely must understand the might of their masters, and even more what the eastern border king signifies!"


    ye feng couldn''t help laughing, and even xiao chuanqi, sima zhantian, and xia lengchan couldn''t suppress their laughter. at this point, their gaze towards the so-called pavilion master of the east river was akin to looking at a jumping clown.


    the pavilion master of the east river might be unknown to the average person, but to those great familial clans, he could be a significant figure. however, in the eyes of the northern border king, he was nothing more than a trifle.


    the northern border twelve banners, any flag leader among them, was far more domineering and stronger than the east river pavilion, not to mention the northern border king who commanded the twelve banners!


    "old head of the murong family, it seems your injuries are quite serious. it''s crucial that i take you for treatment first. as for these madmen, if you have the courage, just wait for me. after i have treated the head of the murong family''s injuries, i''ll come back to settle the score with you!"


    although zuo bihui spoke with vehemence, everyone could see that he was obviously chickening out.


    murong tongming, after all, was a veteran in the martial arts world and could clearly see the current situation. he suddenly cried out in pain, "i can''t hold on much longer, my internal organs have been severely damaged, and i must receive immediate treatment, or else i fear i truly won''t survive."


    "i will take you for treatment right now!" zuo bihui said, as he moved to help murong tongming up, looking for an excuse to leave.


    he thought to himself that today was too rushed, he completely did not anticipate the opponents would come so fiercely with so many masters; he should temporarily back down, return to the east river pavilion to gather his subordinates, and later annihilate this group of remorseless madmen.


    seeing this, sima zhantian could not help but say, "my lord, i request permission to strike, to behead this bird-man!"


    xia lengchan also followed, "my lord, i request to fight, to exterminate this unblinking thing!"


    zhuge yu and li jingang bowed as well, saying, "a mere east river pavilion master dares to offend. my lord, we request to fight, to execute this dog!"


    zuo bihui, feeling his eyelids twitch and a chill down his spine, still gritted his teeth and said, "it''s truly laughable, this is east of the river, and i am the east river pavilion master. don''t tell me you really dare to strike?"


    "i''m not afraid to tell you, if you dare to make a reckless move before me, with just one word from me, the king of the eastern border will surely be thunderously furious. whether you have any background or not, all of you will undoubtedly have to die!"


    upon hearing this, ye feng shook his head slightly and said, "east river pavilion master, right? rest assured, i won''t make a move. i merely wish to borrow something from you."


    zuo bihui breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, while also thinking to himself that they wouldn''t dare to make a move. after all, the reputation of the east river pavilion master was not something to be taken lightly.


    with that in mind, zuo bihui snorted coldly, "what do you want to borrow?"


    "borrowing your severed head as a greeting gift for the king of the eastern border!"


    "you..." zuo bihui''s complexion underwent a drastic change.


    "zuo bihui, as the east river pavilion master, you colluded with murong jiangdong, the fake king of east river, committing treason. the sentence is death, execute!"


    "murong tongming, claiming to be the king of east river, the sentence is death, execute!"


    ye feng''s words were clear and forceful, essentially pronouncing their death sentence!


    sima zhantian had been waiting for this command for a long time. upon hearing the order, he lunged forward, and with the raise and fall of his blade, two heads rolled onto the ground.


    ```

 Chapter 122 This Suggestion Could Work

    at this moment, the northern border king''s domineering presence and dignity were fully displayed beyond doubt.


    "you three, take zuo bihui''s head back to the eastern border, and tell the king of the eastern border, just say the killer is, the northern border''s ye feng!"


    "the northern border''s ye feng? alright, we will definitely relay the message!" said the three attendants.


    ye feng did not pay them any more attention. he immediately turned his wheelchair and left. as for the gusu murong family, several members of the direct lineage had already been executed, so he naturally would not continue to kill the innocent.


    of course, ordinary people might not understand what the northern border''s ye feng specifically meant, because the vast majority of ordinary people actually did not know the real name of the northern border king, but the king of the eastern border certainly had no reason not to know.


    ye feng got into the car, and xiao chuanqi and the others quickly followed suit.


    seeing this, the gusu murong family members finally breathed a sigh of relief. however, after coming back to their senses, they began to feel great sorrow and pain.


    this incident had caused such a commotion that many onlookers had already gathered around. everyone sighed at the sight, commenting that the young man in the wheelchair was indeed too domineering and powerful. from now on, the gusu murong would probably be erased from east of the river.


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    in the car, xiao chuanqi sat in the passenger seat and turned his head to ask, "my lord, where shall we go next? shall we return to the northern border first?"


    "no rush!"


    ye feng spoke, his lips curling into a hint of a sarcastic smile, "now is not the time to return. we''ll head to the southern territory first, and tell xia lengchan and the other three to lead the way!"


    "yes!" xiao chuanqi acknowledged the order, and then his lips moved as if he had something to ask. but after thinking it over, he ultimately remained silent.


    in fact, he was worried that heading to the southern territory like this seemed a bit weak in terms of power, and given the deep-rooted power of the nine domains of the southern territory, even if the northern border king went there, the local powers might not recognize his authority.


    hadn''t it been seen that since the king of the southern territory took office, he had always wanted to completely integrate the southern territory, but due to the entangled powers of the lords of the nine domains, he was ultimately unable to succeed. moreover, in recent years, the king of the southern territory was largely a nominal title.


    the lords of the nine domains defied authority in secret, holding absolute control within their own territories, making the influence of the king of the southern territory almost negligible.


    thus, even if ye feng arrived in the southern territory, he might not be able to achieve much!


    however, what xiao chuanqi didn''t know was that ye feng naturally wouldn''t come to the southern territory for no reason. he certainly had his own intentions and strategic considerations!


    hong qingyan suddenly felt somewhat embarrassed and unconsciously lowered her head.


    "you talk too much. if you said less, no one would think you''re mute!" xiao chuanqi glared at the big guy.


    sima zhan tian just laughed with a ''hehe'' and cleverly chose not to speak any further.


    ye feng shook his head, smiling, and said, "qingyan, let''s go!"


    the food festival in sky sand city was bustling with activity at night, with people coming and going, and there were plenty of tourists. it indeed lived up to its reputation as a tourist city.


    all the way, ye feng let hong qingyan push the wheelchair, indifferently ignoring the surprised looks of the people around them. as the northern border king, he had seen all sorts of situations; the gaze of the ordinary people mattered little to him.


    soon, the two of them chose a small stinky tofu shop. hong qingyan sat aside, watching the bustling street filled with the breath of life.


    "this is really nice," hong qingyan couldn''t help but lament.


    ye feng turned his head to look at her and suddenly realized that hong qingyan''s beautiful oval face, bathed in the moonlight, was filled with tenderness. his heart, as hard as steel, was touched once again.


    he knew that she was a gentle girl with a selfless and pure heart, like a snow lotus on the heavenly mountain, untainted by worldly matters.


    in that moment, ye feng''s heart suddenly had a conviction: in this lifetime, it would be her!


    "big brother ye, after the trip to the southern territory is over, you will probably return to the northern border, right?" hong qingyan suddenly turned her head and asked.


    ye feng was startled, then said, "after the southern territory, i will probably take a trip to the eastern border and then head straight back to the northern border!"


    hong qingyan thought for a moment and asked, "then, we won''t be going back to jiangdu?"


    ye feng immediately understood and laughed, "of course, we will. before returning to the northern border, i have to pay a visit to old master hong."


    "then... will you take me back to the northern border with you?" hong qingyan asked in a timid voice after thinking long and hard.


    "of course!" ye feng responded without hesitation.


    hong qingyan fell silent, looking up at the moon in the sky, her eyes soft as moonlight at that moment.

 Chapter 123 Arrival at the Base Camp of the Southern Territory

    the moonlight flowed like water, and after leaving the food street, the two slowly made their way back, as the hotel was not far from there.


    however, along the way, ye feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened as he noticed something unusual in the surroundings.


    seeing this, hong qingyan asked, "what''s wrong, big brother ye?"


    ye feng then shook his head slightly and chuckled softly, "it''s nothing, let''s go."


    hong qingyan nodded and slowly pushed the wheelchair back along the path through the darkness.


    yet, at this moment, ye feng''s brow was already deeply furrowed, for he had realized that someone was following them.


    although these secret agents were very skillfully concealed, they could not escape his keen eyesight.


    ever since he had opened his eye acupoint, ye feng possessed a photographic memory, and he noticed that several groups of people had been lurking around on their way here, and even after taking such a long detour, they were still stealthily roaming nearby.


    moreover, ye feng had also opened his nasal acupoint, making his sense of smell extraordinarily sensitive; he could detect a very peculiar herbal scent on these people.


    this scent, which he had previously encountered on two disciples of the gu&poison sect while at the yin family in the southern river region, led ye feng to confidently conclude that these secret observers must be from the gu&poison sect.


    with this realization, ye feng''s gaze in the darkness became fierce, "if you don''t remove the roots, the spring breeze will bring them back to life. i never would have imagined that decades later, not only has the southern territory''s gu&poison sect revived from the ashes, they now even dare to brazenly move about in the secular world!"


    "they even dare to surveil me, the northern border king, their audacity is truly growing!"


    despite this, ye feng did not take action, not because he worried about harming hong qingyan, but because these followers were merely insignificant figures.


    taking action now would be useless and might instead alarm them.


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    without further incidents, the two returned to the hotel where sima zhantian and xia lengchan were specifically waiting at the entrance.


    "my lord, just now in our hotel room, it seems that some mysterious person tried to sneak in, but xiao chuanqi discovered them and has already chased after them. my lord, have you encountered any unexpected situations on your side?" sima zhantian hurriedly inquired.


    "daring to sneak into the hotel? were you able to figure out where they came from?" ye feng raised an eyebrow in anger, as the remaining evildoers of the gu&poison sect seemed to be audaciously reckless.


    ye feng nodded and, supported by hong qingyan, sat down in his wheelchair. what puzzled him was that the vast square was eerily silent, without a single person in sight.


    xia lengchan, li jingang, and zhuge yu all frowned at this sight.


    "it''s truly strange. before we left, i had clearly notified the great commanders of the southern territory that the northern border king would come, instructing them to come out to welcome him. but now, there''s not even a shadow to be seen!" xia lengchan said coldly.


    xiao chuanqi asked, "did you explain my lord''s identity?"


    "of course i did, and i gave them strict and repeated instructions!" xia lengchan''s brows furrowed deeply.


    by all accounts, the arrival of the northern border king to the southern territory should be a significant event, with a welcoming of no low standard. but now, there was not even a sole figure to greet him, let alone a formal welcome.


    without saying another word, xiao chuanqi observed as even sima zhantian, who was a bit slow, seemed to comprehend something and couldn''t help snorting, "it would be fine if the king of the southern territory didn''t come out to welcome him, but for the other great commanders of the southern territory to be so full of themselves is quite something!"


    xia lengchan and the others felt somewhat embarrassed and, after thinking for a bit, said, "i''ll go to the southern king''s palace and look for them!"


    "no need!"


    ye feng suddenly gestured for them to stop and scoffed, "they''ve already arrived."


    as he was speaking, down a small sandy path from the east, a group approached them directly.


    the person at the head of the group was a gaunt old man, around fifty years old, with a goatee beard, wearing a purple robe, holding two pebbles in his right hand.


    he strolled over casually and leisurely, clearly having seen ye feng and the others, yet not hastening his pace; instead, he slightly raised his head in an arrogant posture and demeanor.


    ye feng just quietly watched him, his face as calm as still water.


    sima zhantian and xiao chuanqi, however, were glaring furiously. had it not been for the fact that this was the southern territory''s base camp, they would have probably lashed out already.


    after a good while, the old man, leading a dozen people, arrived at the square and came up to ye feng; he made a perfunctory bow and said, "this must be the legendary northern border king, i presume? rumors say the northern border king is peerless and unmatched in elegance and grace, but the person before me is a cripple in a wheelchair, which doesn''t quite fit the stories, does it?"


    his words seemed complimentary on the surface, but everyone there could tell it was mockery, thick with scorn.


    in an instant, the square was filled with a powder keg of tension!

 Chapter 124 Daring to Disrespect the Northern Border King, Seeking Death!

    xia lengchan hurried forward and said, "your majesty, this man is yang bugui, the third great commander of the southern territory."


    ye feng nodded without saying much. he wasn''t about to concern himself with a mere little commander. it would be a different story if it were a domain lord of the nine domains of the southern territory. a little commander simply wasn''t significant enough.


    but who knew that upon hearing this, the third great commander, yang bugui, sneered coldly and said, "xia lengchan, you''re a commander of the southern territory after all. yet you defected to the northern border. the king of the southern territory is still in seclusion. did he nod in agreement?"


    xia lengchan snorted coldly and replied, "it has always been permitted for commanders of the four realms to voluntarily follow a king of their choosing. this is a rule that was established long ago!"


    "that may be so, but shouldn''t one still consider personal loyalty?"


    yang bugui looked disdainful and mocked, "over the years, the king of the southern territory has treated you well. you switch allegiance just like that, how is that different from deserters on the battlefield?"


    "yang bugui, watch your mouth," xia lengchan burst out angrily. "as for the king of the southern territory, i will report to him once he comes out of seclusion. it''s not your place to point fingers here!"


    li jingang and zhuge yu were equally furious and shouted, "the two of us also plan to follow the northern border king. yang bugui, mind your words carefully. calling us deserters is a capital offense of slander!"


    yang bugui laughed scornfully and said, "ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. you three, as commanders of the southern territory, should at least look to switch to a stronger domain, shouldn''t you?"


    "look at this one, a cripple in a wheelchair with broken legs, and you decide to defect to his command? what should i call you, brainless or blind? it''s no wonder after so many years, the three of you are just little commanders at the bottom of the list!"


    "how dare you!" sima zhantian erupted in anger, standing up abruptly and biting out, "disrespecting the northern border king is tantamount to seeking death!"


    yang bugui regarded him with contempt and scoffed, "who are you to speak here?"no?v(el)b\\jnn


    sima zhantian''s teeth were practically grinding together in rage. he thought he was arrogant enough, but now someone was outdoing him by a hundredfold. how could he, with his explosive temper, tolerate this?


    just as sima zhantian was about to take action, ye feng suddenly raised his hand and commanded, "stand down!"


    sima zhantian reluctantly stepped back. no matter how furious he was, the northern border king''s order was paramount; he would never disobey.


    seeing this, the third great commander of the southern territory, yang bugui, couldn''t help but sneer. his face was even more arrogant, as if to say, you wouldn''t dare lay a hand on anyone in the southern territory.


    however, ye feng simply lifted his head slightly, a smile on his face as he said, "yang bugui, as the third great commander of the southern territory, you ought to understand the rules of our nation. i ask you, within the four realms, if someone dares to speak irreverently towards the king of the four realms, how should they be dealt with?"


    ye feng replied, "you each have one chance to strike. i will remain seated in my wheelchair, and you can use your full power. if you can make me retreat even slightly, then i lose, and i, the king, will turn around and head straight for the southern territory, never to set foot in it again!"


    "is that a true promise?" yang bugui immediately asked.


    "a king''s word is as heavy as the nine tripods!" ye feng sneered, these two commanders from the southern territory might have been slightly stronger ants in his eyes.


    daring to prance about in front of the lion king, wasn''t this courting death?


    moo xilin said gravely, "i have devoted my life to the martial arts with these two swords. if you agree that i can use them to attack, then you have my consent."


    ye feng laughed, shaking his head, "it''s not just two swords, even if you wield a hundred, i would not mind!"


    "alright, then i have no objections either!" moo xilin said, then slowly backed away, forming a pincer attack with yang bugui.


    sima zhantian saw this and roared, "my lord, no need to use a butcher''s knife to kill chickens. let your subordinate handle it and slice them down!"


    "stand down," commanded ye feng with a wave of his hand.


    deciding to take action personally, ye feng certainly had his calculations, one aspect was to reveal his own strength to better plan the next moves.


    secondly, it was to establish his authority. today, he was going to use these two men to assert his dominance in the southern territory!


    seeing this, sima zhantian and the others could only retreat to the side.


    moo xilin stated, "this is at your own request. blades and swords have no eyes, so if you get hurt or stabbed to death by accident, don''t blame us!"


    ye feng scoffed, "hurt me? you two don''t have the capability. if you''re going to strike, then come at me. no need for so much useless talk!"


    "fine, since you''re looking for discomfort yourself, then you can''t blame us!" with a gnash of his teeth and a roar, yang bugui clenched his fist and swung a vigorous punch towards ye feng.


    he had absolute confidence in his own strength. with this punch, not to mention a person, even a cow would be killed instantly.


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    however, in the next moment, yang bugui realized he was severely mistaken!

 Chapter 125 Do You Really Think I Wouldnt Dare to Kill You?

    just as yang bugui''s fist was about to strike, ye feng raised his hand.


    with a casual lift of his hand, he grabbed the other''s wrist, and no matter how much yang bugui struggled, he couldn''t break free.


    a mere master of inner force dares to act up in front of a martial king, this is simply ignorance of the highest order!


    ye feng still sat in his wheelchair, his arm suddenly exerting force, using only a fifth of his power.


    everyone heard a loud bang!


    yang bugui was directly sent reeling back, staggering uncontrollably, until he finally fell on his bottom on the ground, looking extremely embarrassed.


    on this side, moo xilin, a secular disciple of the south hengshan sword sect, swung his longsword in mid-air, creating several dazzling sword blossoms as he cunningly thrust forward.


    ye feng raised his hand again, and with his right index and middle fingers, he flicked upwards twice, easily pinning moo xilin''s two longswords between them.


    "is this the extent of your abilities, trying to show off in front of me?"


    with a cold snort from ye feng, his fingers applied force, and with a clang, the longsword broke into two pieces.


    the entire person of moo xilin, the second great commander of the southern territory, stumbled backward, and even the hand that held the sword drooped down.


    sima zhantian couldn''t help but sneer, "i thought you had some skills, but it turns out to be nothing more than amateurish kung fu, akin to wielding a broadsword in front of guan gong!"


    xia lengchan stepped forward and shouted, "yang bugui, moo xilin, are you two convinced now?" explore more stories with empire


    yang bugui scrambled up from the ground and gritted his teeth, "the northern border king is indeed skilled, i have nothing more to say, farewell!"


    having said that, he turned around to leave.


    "you stop right there!" ye feng''s expression suddenly turned stern as he coldly said, "you think you can just leave like that? who do you think i am?"


    yang bugui had no choice but to stop in his tracks and demanded, "may i ask if the northern border king has any further advice?"


    ye feng looked at him intently and said word by word, "do you really think that in the southern territory, i wouldn''t dare to kill you?"


    "you truly..."


    would these nine domain lords accept the northern border king''s authority?


    obviously, that would be impossible!


    "i will obey the northern border king''s order and relay the message. by the way, northern border king, would you like me to summon the lords of the nine domains to the base camp to receive you and the northern soldiers and cleanse the dust of travel?" moo xilin said as he stood up.


    his words were watertight, directly putting forward the lords of the nine domains, thus reducing his own pressure significantly.


    as long as the northern border king agreed, the situation would become tense whether the lords came or not.


    ye feng, a very astute person, immediately saw through the other''s cunning plan, and waved his hand slightly, "no hurry, we are weary from our journey. let us find a place to settle first, and after i meet with the king of the southern territory, we can discuss other matters!"


    "yes!" moo xilin did not dare to speak further, bowed, and withdrew, but the smile on his face quickly turned gloomy as he turned away.


    ye feng glanced sideways and asked xia lengchan, "this moo xilin is a lay disciple from the south hengshan sword sect; do you know how well-regarded he is in the sword sect?"


    xia lengchan bowed and replied with a bitter smile, "your majesty, i am ashamed, i don''t know much about moo xilin, and even less about the south hengshan sword sect."


    zhuge yu, who was by his side, quickly stepped forward and said, "your majesty, i have heard a thing or two about him."


    "let''s hear it!" said ye feng with a nod.


    "as you command, your majesty!"


    zhuge yu, opening his fan out of habit, said, "although moo xilin is slightly stronger than us, his swordsmanship is quite ordinary, and his reputation and status within the south hengshan sword sect isn''t high. otherwise, he wouldn''t just be a lay disciple, but..."


    "but what? why can''t you just spit it all out? must you always be so cryptic?" sima zhantian cursed, hot-tempered as always.


    ye feng just smiled and shook his head, without saying a word.


    zhuge yu continued, "but moo xilin has an elder brother whose status in the south hengshan sword sect is very high; he''s a swordsmanship genius. and this elder brother of his just so happens to be the chief military instructor under one of the domain lords of the nine domains of the southern territory."


    "which domain lord?" xiao chuanqi couldn''t help but ask.


    "the hengling domain lord!" zhuge yu replied with a bow.


    "hengling domain lord? i''ll remember that," said ye feng with a nod, and then waved his hand, "let''s go, we''ll settle down first!"

 Chapter 126 Let Me Treat You to Your Last Meal Before You Go

    the night gradually descended, and ye feng and his company settled down before they proceeded to the banquet arranged by xia lengchan.


    however, the banquet inevitably felt somewhat shabby. as the northern border king descended into the southern territory, besides xia lengchan, li jingang, and zhuge yu, there were no other southern territory generals in attendance. moo xilin had not been seen since his departure.


    at the dinner table, xiao chuanqi couldn''t help but laugh and say, "your majesty, it seems they simply don''t recognize your authority as the northern border king at all; there''s not even a single person to keep you company."


    sima zhantian clenched his teeth and coldly snorted, "these little commanders and domain lords of the southern territory are so arrogant and rude. sooner or later, i''m going to pluck all their feathers out!"


    ye feng smiled without saying much. in fact, such a situation arose partly because of his current state; a northern border king seated in a wheelchair, coupled with the uncertain situation in the northern border, naturally wouldn''t have these so-called commanders fawning over him.


    furthermore, the king of the southern territory''s performance since ascending to power had been excessively weak. typically, only a few commanders somewhat recognized his authority. as for the nine domain lords, they most likely didn''t consider his opinions in their actions at all.


    thus naturally, they wouldn''t regard him, the northern border king, as a significant figure either!


    of course, an essential point was that he, the northern border king, was incomparable to the king of the southern territory!


    the banquet had just reached its midpoint when suddenly a commotion came from outside.


    "who dares to make such a racket outside!"


    xia lengchan frowned and barked, then stood up with a clasped fist salute, "it seems there is some dispute outside, disturbing your majesty, i''m terribly sorry. i will go check on it immediately!"


    however, he had just reached the dining hall''s doorway when suddenly a loud bang came from the outside door, followed by a guard being brutally kicked flying in.


    "what is this, a mere gatekeeping dog dared to obstruct me, the chief instructor? have you all tired of living? let me tell you, even in the king of the southern territory''s estate, i can come and go as i please, let alone in the doorway of some little commander''s residence!"


    as this was being said, a middle-aged swordsman, dressed in white and brandishing a longsword, stepped right over the fallen guard and into the room, with moo xilin following behind him.


    xia lengchan, upon seeing this scene, was so angry he nearly burst a blood vessel, but he also recognized the identity of the intruder: it was sima yang, the chief instructor from the hengling domain among the nine domains of the southern territory.


    sima yang was a genius swordsman from the heng mountain sword sect, wielding the powerful and domineering azure jian sword. it was said that he was not only the number one expert of the hengling domain but also the premier swordsman in the base camp of the southern territory.


    "it was your grandpa, i!" sima zhantian did not back down at all, directly picking up the huge sword placed beside him.


    the atmosphere was about to become tense when ye feng slowly put down his chopsticks, raised his head, and looking at moo xilin, asked, "this person, did you bring him here?"


    his tone lacked authority, but moo xilin felt an inexplicable pressure bearing down on him like a mountain.


    almost instinctively, he quickly bowed and said, "your grace has misunderstood, my senior brother was not brought here by me. he just heard that commander xia had some uninvited guests over, so he wanted to come have a look. he happened upon the guards stopping him, and that''s how the conflict arose."


    ye feng nodded slightly, then turned his head to sima yang and said word by word, "do you know who i am?"


    sima yang, however, curled the corner of his lips and said, "what does it matter if i know? and what if i don''t?"


    to the surprise of many, ye feng actually smiled, nodding and saying, "that''s true."


    sima yang snorted, full of arrogance and disdain.


    ye feng pointed to the lavish spread on the dining table, smiling as he spoke, "sima yang, right, the number one expert of the hengling domain, the genius swordsman of the contemporary heng mountain sword sect. have you eaten? if not, how about dining here?"


    sima yang laughed upon hearing this, a smile of pride on his face as he lifted his chin and said, "the chief instructor does not share meals with the disabled. moreover, in the southern territory, only the king of the southern territory and the nine domain lords are worthy to invite me to dine!"


    his implication was clear: besides those ten individuals, no one else was worthy to invite him to a meal.


    sima zhantian was furious, barely able to restrain the one-meter long sword in his hand, even xiao chuanqi had already stood up.


    yet ye feng remained seated, shaking his head sadly and remarking, "i thought of inviting you for a last meal before you hit the road, but since you won''t eat, i won''t insist."


    hisss...


    as these words were uttered, sima yang''s eyes suddenly narrowed, and he bellowed, "regardless of your identity, in the southern territory disrespecting me is a capital offense; this man must die today!"


    suddenly, the ring of a sword being drawn sounded, and sima yang unsheathed his blade, pointing the tip directly at sima zhantian.


    the hall was immediately filled with a deadly aura, tinged with a bit of azure light, the sword light of the contemporary first swordsman of the southern territory.

 Chapter 127 The King, There is No Need to Explain Actions to Anyone!

    sima yang stood with his sword, snorting, "out of respect for you being a grandmaster, i am reluctant to kill you just yet. do you dare sign a battle challenge letter, a life-and-death contract with me?"


    sima zhantian''s entire body exuded a resolute fighting spirit, but he didn''t immediately respond, turning his head to look at ye feng instead.


    "my lord, grant your subordinate permission to fight and chop off this mongrel''s head!"


    "granted!" ye feng slammed his chopsticks down on the table.


    "very well!"


    sima yang laughed, then turned his head to moo xilin and said loudly, "go and relay my message, please inform the other commanders of the southern territory to assemble at the training ground. i want them to witness a great spectacle!"


    in fact, this was sima yang''s intention. upon entering, he had deliberately ignored ye feng''s identity as the northern border king, acting as if he was unaware. thus, the northern border king naturally could not charge him with the crime of disrespect, at most it would be a matter of ignorance.


    once the two parties signed the battle challenge letter, the fight to the death would become justifiable!


    after that, as long as he defeated or even killed his opponent, he would have regained his standing.


    "i will relay the message at once!" moo xilin immediately clasped his hands and then withdrew.


    "since that is the case, i shall wait for you at the training ground. i hope you won''t be cowards, but of course, if you wish not to come, i have always been magnanimous and will not hold it against you!"


    with a grand gesture, sima yang swiftly turned and departed.


    ye feng watched him leave, his face devoid of any expression. a mere talented swordsman wasn''t even worth his concern; what slightly caught his interest was the heng mountain sword sect behind the man.


    the heng mountain sword sect had a long history and, despite its decline in the last century, had been growing considerably more powerful in recent years with the hengling domain lord''s leadership, gaining significant prestige in the southern territory as many disciples entered the military.


    ye feng knew clearly that if he were to perish sima yang, neither the heng mountain sword sect nor the hengling domain lord would let the matter rest.


    of course, none of these concerned ye feng, the northern border king, too deeply.


    sima yang, however, was quite pleased with himself, his lips curving up irresistibly. if he won today''s battle, not only would he be able to get justice for his junior brother, but he would also greatly boost his own reputation in the southern territory.


    "looks like everyone is almost here, let''s begin over there!"


    sima yang immediately stepped forward three paces, then subtly gestured towards an elder.


    understanding the cue, the elder picked up an agreement from the desk and announced loudly, "both parties have agreed to a competitive match, but swords and sabers have no eyes. this is a life and death contract. once signed, each is responsible for their own life or death!"


    sima yang immediately waved his hand toward sima zhantian and said, "please!"


    without saying another word, sima zhantian dragged his tall frame over briskly and quickly signed his name and pressed his hand seal on it, followed by sima yang doing the same.


    "with that, the duel begins. to the arena!" the elder declared and swiftly moved to the side.


    "i hear you are from the northern border, aren''t you? i hope you don''t disappoint me too much next, or else if word of this gets back to the southern territory, i''m afraid the flag leaders there won''t be able to save face!"


    sima yang let out a loud laugh, lightly tapped his foot, and his whole body soared up, reaching the arena in a blink of an eye.


    without a word, sima zhantian charged forward.


    ye feng''s expression remained indifferent throughout; with keen eyesight, he could clearly see that sima yang had just entered the huajin grandmaster realm and that even the qi force within his body hadn''t fully reached a divine state.


    more importantly, sima yang was a chief instructor, a person who had always taught others, never having been on the battlefield. people like that simply couldn''t compare to someone like sima zhantian, who was a great commander seasoned by countless battles.


    moreover, sima zhantian himself was a profound huajin master, whose qi force had long since achieved divinity!


    "three moves, i only need three moves to chop off your dog head!" sima zhantian gripped the saber, his whole being exuding deadly energy.


    "ignorant braggart, you dare to act so arrogantly in front of me, it''s simply seeking death!" sima yang flicked his wrist, and the azure jian sword in his hand immediately began to produce a series of sword flowers.


    "meet your end!" sima zhantian raised his saber and lunged forward like a ferocious tiger, indeed a sight of vigorous might.

 Chapter 128 Killing You Would Only Take Three Blades!

    sima yang, the foremost swordsman of the southern territory, couldn''t help but scoff, his face brimming with contempt as he swung his longsword to block across the void.


    however, the very next moment, his expression dramatically changed, becoming one of utter horror.


    with a crisp clang, sima zhantian''s meter-long greatsword chopped down, and sima yang''s longsword was knocked right out of his hand, flying away. his whole body was violently jolted backward by the force of the other''s sword strike.


    "that was the first strike!" sima zhantian snorted coldly, his entire being radiating an intense fighting spirit.


    the people below who had been cheering for sima yang were left speechless, their mouths agape, unable to utter a single word when they witnessed this scene.


    sima yang was even more dumbfounded where he stood.


    at this moment, sima zhantian swept across the sky, striking down with another sword.


    the white blade light was dazzlingly bright against the night, causing sima yang to break out in a cold sweat. in a panic, he swiftly retreated, but it was still too late¡ªhis arm was severed and fell to the ground.


    "this is the second slash, remember, my name is sima zhantian, commander of the third legion under the northern border!"


    in the act of speaking, sima zhantian leaped up explosively, his speed like that of a tiger or leopard, as he delivered a sweeping blow.


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    under the starry sky, a long stream of blood spurted out, carrying sima yang''s head with it, before it thudded and rolled across the wooden battle platform.


    dead silence fell upon the spectators below, where over a thousand soldiers dared not even breathe heavily.


    sima zhantian sheathed his sword, grabbed the opponent''s head, and huffed, "with your caliber, you dare commit follies in front of the northern border king; truly a creature oblivious to life and death. now, who else dares to defy me?"


    with that, sima zhantian scanned the crowd, his body exuding chilling murderous intent without even a trace of rage.


    in the northern border, he was known as the god of slaughter; although his combat power might not be the highest among the nine legion commanders, he was certainly the one that most soldiers feared.


    no one dared to speak up. wherever sima zhantian''s gaze reached, those below invariably lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eye.


    the night in the southern territory suddenly became very quiet, so quiet that even the breathing of the people could be heard.


    ye feng asked, "is the king of the southern territory in secluded cultivation within the base camp?"


    "responding to my lord, he is in the base camp, in a small courtyard behind the mountain," xia lengchan answered.


    "how far is it from here?" ye feng asked again.


    "not far, it''s about a twenty-minute walk."


    "good, let''s set out now. i shall pay a visit to the king of the southern territory!" ye feng decisively declared.


    he had originally planned to wait until the next day, but just now at the training ground, he noticed that many soldiers of the southern territory had almost completely disregarded the king of the southern territory. the current state of the southern territory was essentially leaderless and fragmented.


    the lords of the nine domains, in turn, were acting independently, and these commanders and young generals had developed increasingly arrogant and imperious traits. if this continued, the southern territory would undoubtedly be doomed!


    "going to see the king of the southern territory now? but the king of the southern territory has given strict instructions, forbidding anyone from disturbing him..."


    xia lengchan''s words were cut short when she suddenly saw ye feng''s stern expression, and she quickly changed her statement, "as you command, my lord. i will lead the way!"


    subsequently, they changed their route, heading westward. twenty minutes later, they arrived at the foot of the mountain.


    at the foot of the mountain was a small courtyard. the courtyard was not very large, with only three rooms in the elegant bamboo residence. it was surrounded by bamboo and had many flowers and plants within, appearing somewhat like a utopia.


    however, there were as many as eight guards at the entrance of the small courtyard.


    "halt, this is a restricted area, no one is allowed to enter!" the eight guards firmly stood their ground.


    ye feng came forward; after all, the king of the southern territory inside was of equal status to himself. even though the king of the southern territory was not considered strong in ability or martial arts, both morally and reasonably, he deserved ample respect.


    in a sense, to show respect to the other party was to show respect to oneself!


    xia lengchan was about to speak when ye feng preemptively said, "please go in and inform him that the northern border king ye feng has come to visit."


    this statement already showed enough sincerity, yet the eight guards responded coldly after hearing it, "no, there are orders from above that no matter who comes, they are not allowed to enter. not to mention the northern border king or the king of the eastern border, even if the king kao shan of the imperial capital were to personally arrive, it wouldn''t be permitted."


    upon hearing this, ye feng''s eyebrows instantly furrowed. he sensed that something was amiss here, something very amiss!

 Chapter 129 When the Kings Order is issued, all retreat!

    logically speaking, unless the king of the southern territory was cloistered in deathly seclusion, it would be absolutely impossible for him to refuse an audience with the other three realm rulers, let alone the king kao shan from the imperial capital.


    after all, king kao shan''s status was even above the rulers of the four realms, and his identity was revered, so the king of the southern territory could not possibly fail to give him face!


    in other words, this command denying entry to anyone was not issued by the king of the southern territory, but someone else had presumptuously done so!


    ye feng slowly narrowed his eyes and asked, "in this courtyard, apart from the king of the southern territory, are there any other people who enter on regular days?"


    however, those eight guards merely sneered, not even bothering to look at the youth seated in the wheelchair, let alone respond to him.


    zhuge yu stepped forward and said, "reporting to your majesty, although we are not allowed to enter on regular days, the divine doctor from the hundred herbs realm and the domain lord of hundred herbs are often seen coming and going. it is said, it seems to be for treating the king of the southern territory''s illnesses and injuries."


    ye feng''s expression suddenly darkened, and in an instant, he understood everything.


    "give them one last chance, step aside, or we will directly cripple them without further ado," ye feng issued the order, not wasting any more words.


    "as your majesty commands!" xia lengchan bowed and accepted the order.


    once the northern border king issued an order, it did not matter if they were just eight little guards or if there were several great commanders standing in front ¨C it would still not work.


    the eight guards sneered, "you have a lot of nerve to act rashly. could it be that you don''t even consider the king of the southern territory, thinking of seeking an early grave?"


    "a mere little guard dares to question this commander? it seems like you''ve grown tired of living!"


    with an angry shout, xia lengchan charged forward and quickly subdued the guards.


    just then, a cold rebuking voice suddenly came from the courtyard.


    "who dares to make a racket and cause trouble outside, do you have no wish to live?!"


    xiao chuanqi sneered, "if no one is allowed to enter, then how did you gain entry?"


    xiao jingyuan was taken aback and suddenly realized he had misspoken, but he quickly regained his composure and snorted, "of course we''re different. as the domain lord of the hundred herbs realm, i am skilled in the healing arts. i must come here every now and then to treat the king of the southern territory. this is something the whole southern territory knows!"


    ye feng lifted his head to look at the courtyard inside and noticed that despite the commotion lasting for so long, not a hint of movement had come from inside, and the king of the southern territory had yet to appear, which was completely unreasonable.


    at this thought, ye feng took out his northern border king''s order and declared, "the northern border king''s order is here. i urgently need to discuss important military matters with the king of the southern territory. anyone who dares obstruct me shall be executed without discussion according to the law of the land!"


    xia lengchan stood up straight in an instant and shouted angrily, "domain lord xiao jingyuan, step aside, unless you wish to die!"


    xiao jingyuan''s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing tightly. after a moment of contemplation, he gnashed his teeth and ordered, "someone, where are the four great protectors? this man forges the king''s order and impersonates the northern border king, in an attempt to assassinate our king of the southern territory. kill him!"


    it must be said that upon hearing xiao jingyuan''s command, whether it was sima zhantian, xiao chuanqi, or xia lengchan, the three former commanders of the southern territory, they were all shocked. they could never have anticipated that the domain lord of the hundred herbs realm would dare to defy orders, even to the point of wanting to kill the northern border king.


    this was practically the crime of grand treason!


    "arrest him!" ye feng gave the direct order.


    in an instant, sima zhantian and xiao chuanqi swept out, with xia lengchan, zhuge yu, and li jingang, the three little commanders moving as well.


    meanwhile, four figures leapt out from behind xiao jingyuan, and by their appearance, they seemed to be the four great protectors of the hundred herbs realm, four huajin grandmasters.


    however, these four huajin grandmasters were all low level, and their combat power was far inferior to the two great military leaders, xiao chuanqi and sima zhantian.


    so, not even lasting one round, the four great protectors were defeated, two dead and two injured, and even xiao jingyuan was directly captured.


    ye feng fixed his gaze on him and said sternly, "spare his life for now. after i meet the king of the southern territory and investigate the facts thoroughly, we will then question his crime!"


    having said that, ye feng pushed his wheelchair and went directly into the courtyard.

 Chapter 130 Its you, take him down for me

    ye feng entered the courtyard.


    the courtyard was not large, containing only three small bamboo buildings, the ground floor of which was empty, with living quarters above due to the region''s humid climate.


    "where is the king of the southern territory?" ye feng turned his head and asked the already-bound xiao jingyuan.


    xiao jingyuan did not answer at all but simply snorted, "you brat, how dare you impersonate the northern border king, kidnap this domain lord, and even kill my subordinates. now you have the audacity to break into the king of the southern territory''s place of secluded cultivation, you have committed a heinous crime!"


    "surrender immediately, or it won''t just be you facing punishment, but your entire family will be implicated as well!"


    ye feng''s gaze hardened, and he waved his hand, "break his front teeth for me. if he dares spout more nonsense, break his limbs!"


    sima zhantian said nothing and with a punch, greeted xiao jingyuan, shattering several of his front teeth on the spot, causing him to wail again and again in pain.


    the old divine doctor wu zhong from the hundred herbs garden, seeing that the situation was unfavorable, attempted to sneak away but was caught by xiao chuanqi.


    "old sir, things are yet to be clarified. why the hurry to leave?" ye feng could not help sneering, waved his hand and said, "follow me, let''s go see the king of the southern territory together!"


    in the front house, the king of the southern territory was not there; ye feng then immediately entered the inner house.


    this room was extremely dark and damp. upon entering, everyone could feel a piercingly cold chill rush towards them.


    "what is going on here?" ye feng''s brows suddenly furrowed, further solidifying the suspicion in his heart.


    the layout of the sitting room at the front of the house was simple, but direct. beyond the sitting room, further inside was a bedroom that was even colder. the chill was more intense.


    on the large bed in the bedroom lay an old man, as thin as a skeleton, with an exceptionally pale face, so emaciated that he was nearly skin and bones.


    ye feng could hardly believe his eyes; the old man on the bed was actually the king of the southern territory!


    on the surface, xiao jingyuan, the domain lord of the hundred herbs realm, seemed utterly righteous and indignant.


    but just then, ye feng''s nose twitched. he suddenly caught a strange scent, a faint and unusual fragrance.


    logically, there should be no way for this place to naturally produce such a fragrance. at that moment, he understood everything, and it also confirmed that his previous suspicions were not wrong!


    without saying much, ye feng reached out with his great hand, ready to examine the southern king''s body.


    seeing this, xiao jingyuan immediately shouted, "how dare you, you unknown youngster, to meddle with the southern king? if something goes wrong, it''s a death sentence for you!"


    "break his arm!" ye feng ordered, and sima zhantian immediately took action, breaking xiao jingyuan''s right arm on the spot, causing him to howl in pain once again.


    at this, the old divine doctor of the hundred herbs garden, wu zhong, inexplicably tensed up and subconsciously wanted to step forward, but was stopped by a secret signal from xiao jingyuan.


    ye feng first checked the southern king''s pulse, then examined his eyes and tongue. although the process looked like that of an ordinary traditional medical examination, there was no change in his expression throughout. experience tales at empire


    the old divine doctor wu zhong, seeing this, sneered inwardly, "a kid who knows nothing about medicine, you''re unlikely to discover anything of significance!"


    however, what this so-called old divine doctor wu zhong did not know was that not only was ye feng skilled in medicine, but his medical skills even surpassed those of the valley master of the valley of the medicine king, whose reputation far exceeded that of the hundred herbs garden.


    otherwise, ye feng would not have been able to persuade the valley of the medicine king to establish the divine doctor sect in the kingdom by himself!


    after a brief examination, ye feng understood everything. apart from the unusual scent in the room, there was something abnormal about the southern king''s tongue¡ªit wasn''t that there was an issue with his tongue itself, but rather with the residue that remained on it.


    this sort of residue should be the remnants left over from food, which means there was something wrong with what the southern king had been eating.


    "on a daily basis, who is responsible for the southern king''s food and lodging?" ye feng suddenly turned around and asked sternly.


    the old divine doctor wu zhong replied, "it''s me. after the southern king fell ill, he specifically named me to come over."


    "so it''s you. seize him!" ye feng abruptly ordered coldly.

 Chapter 131 You Watch Carefully with Your Eyes Wide Open

    divine doctor wu zhong coldly shouted, "i, as a divine doctor, have been conscientiously working on treating the illness of the king of the southern territory. even the southern king has shown me great respect. how dare you, a mere lad, apprehend me? aren''t you being overly presumptuous? and on what grounds do you take me?"


    "on what grounds? you''ll find out soon enough!"


    ye feng snorted coldly and, with a wave of his hand, li jingang took action and immediately detained the so-called old divine doctor.


    domain lord xiao jingyuan suddenly burst into laughter, "well done, lad, well done. for many years, no one has dared to be so presumptuous in the southern territory''s base camp. i am truly curious to see how you will end this!"


    "if you can''t give a valid explanation later, i, as the domain lord, will surely tear the imposter dog claiming to be the northern border king into a thousand pieces!"


    even now, he incessantly claimed that the other was an imposter, despite internally acknowledging that the young man in the wheelchair was indeed the true northern border king.


    however, xiao jingyuan knew that as long as he did not acknowledge it, there would not be any serious consequences. even if things did turn sour, at most he could claim it was a misunderstanding.


    should his personal guard unit arrive, they could simply dispatch the man in the chaos. after all, a soon-to-be-discarded northern border king would have no one to stand up for him.


    ye feng simply ignored the other party and turned to ask the medicine boy with the medicine chest on his back, "do you have silver needles inside there?"


    that medicine boy, who had never seen such a situation before, was already scared silly.


    sima zhantian coldly shouted, "are you deaf, lad? his highness is asking you a question. do the medicine chest contain silver needles for treatment?"


    only then did the medicine boy snap back to reality and nodded his head.


    sima zhantian without another word went over, took the medicine chest, and handed it to ye feng.


    ye feng took it over, opened it to look inside, and indeed found a complete set of silver needles. he then pinched the longest one between two fingers.


    "light a lamp and take off the king of the southern territory''s shirt!" ye feng ordered again.


    by this time, everyone had realized that the northern border king was likely preparing to perform acupuncture treatment on the king of the southern territory. zhuge yu quickly stepped forward and carefully removed the southern king''s shirt.no?v(el)b\\jnn


    seeing this, domain lord xiao jingyuan could not help but bellow, "what do you think you''re doing, lad? how dare you attempt to assassinate the king of the southern territory? men, come quick! arrest this villain who attempts to assassinate the southern king!"


    the next moment, the eighteen silver needles began to quiver in unison, emitting a humming sound, which upon close listening, resembled bird chirping.


    seeing this, old divine doctor wu zhong''s pupils dilated and his face was filled with intense shock.


    "is this... is this the legendary phoenix returns to heaven needle technique?"


    old divine doctor wu zhong''s entire body trembled as he exclaimed, "that sound, there''s no mistaking it, it''s the phoenix returns to heaven needle, my heavens, this heaven-defying needle technique of the ancients hasn''t been lost to time? how is that possible!"


    as he spoke, wu zhong suddenly deflated like a balloon, sagging to the ground, his legs trembling incessantly as he mumbled, "it''s over, it''s all over now, everything''s finished."


    the domain lord of the hundred herbs realm, xiao jingyuan, upon hearing this, widened his eyes and reprimanded, "what are you saying, ''over''? make yourself clear, what exactly is over?"


    old divine doctor wu zhong was as if he had not heard, already collapsed on the ground.


    xiao jingyuan was frantic, struggling nonstop and bellowing, "what on earth are you doing, young man, stop at once, do you hear me? i forbid you to tamper with the king of the southern territory any further!"


    at that moment, the emaciated body of the king of the southern territory suddenly emitted strands of black smoke, expelling it from his nose and mouth.


    then, an insect as small as an ant crawled out of his nose. ye feng saw this and, with a motion of his palm, captured it and stored it in a bottle.


    turns out this creature was not an ordinary insect but a gu insect of the gu&poison sect from the southern border, and it was among the most formidable ones! experience new tales on empire


    xia lengchan, li jingang, and zhuge yu were all dumbstruck by the sight, their eyes bulging out of disbelief. even if they were slow on the uptake, they had begun to grasp what was happening.


    "in a moment, he will awaken!" ye feng spoke slowly, then one by one, he removed the silver needles, his expression remaining remarkably calm and composed.


    in the past, after executing this phoenix returns to heaven formation, he would be drenched in sweat and utterly exhausted. but now, it hardly affected him at all, indicating that his inner strength had vastly increased from before.


    just then, the king of the southern territory''s fingers twitched, his lips moved, and then he slowly opened his eyes.


    "he''s awake, the southern king is awake, the king of the southern territory has finally awakened!" xia lengchan and li jingang exclaimed joyfully upon witnessing this.


    ye feng also smiled slightly and said, "it seems his constitution is better than i expected; after all, he was once a huajin master."

 Chapter 132 Moon Spring Residence, Four Great Protectors

    the king of the southern territory opened his eyes, and his eyeballs involuntarily rolled around, a look of bewilderment spreading across his face.


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    "where is this, and what has happened to me?" the king of the southern territory murmured softly.


    the domain lord of the hundred herbs realm, xiao jingyuan, hurriedly called out in a loud voice, "thank heaven, your majesty, you have finally awakened. this is truly wonderful. your majesty, this is the bamboo forest residence. you have been unconscious for nearly half a year. do you really not remember?"


    although xiao jingyuan appeared to be smiling on the surface, his expression was uglier than crying, and if possible, he would have wished the southern king never woke up.


    "bamboo forest residence? i remember now. i was gravely injured and afflicted with the gu and poison sect''s poisons, and then i kept slipping in and out of consciousness, my mind somewhat unclear!"


    the king of the southern territory sighed slowly, only then noticing that many more people had suddenly appeared in the room.


    xiao jingyuan, the domain lord of the hundred herbs realm, wanted to say more, but this time, the strategically-minded zhuge yu didn''t give him the chance, and hastened to speak, "your majesty, you were seriously injured and poisoned by gu toxins. thanks to the northern border king, it was he who saved and treated you, removing the gu poison for you!"


    "the northern border king?" the king of the southern territory turned his head and saw ye feng sitting in a wheelchair next to him, and was slightly startled, immediately struggling to sit up.


    ye feng quickly stopped him, "southern king, there is no need for courtesy while your injuries have not yet healed."


    the king of the southern territory, dugu ming, said, "it is rare for the northern king to visit our southern territory; these injuries of mine are nothing much!"


    as he spoke, he forced himself to sit up. given that ye feng was also seated, it was acceptable in terms of status and etiquette. although the north and south territories are very far apart, the two had met before and naturally recognized each other.


    xiao jingyuan, the domain lord of the hundred herbs realm, appeared increasingly anxious as he watched this unfold. the situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable for him, and he needed to come up with a plan quickly, or else he might very well be doomed today.


    but he was tightly bound and could not move at all, and divine doctor wu zhong seemed to have lost his soul at the moment, and xiao had almost given up hope on him.


    the king of the southern territory, dugu ming, lamented, "the northern king is busy with the affairs of the realm, and the northern borderlands are in constant warfare. why would you suddenly come to the southern territory?"


    xia lengchan had no choice but to remind him, "southern king, had you not issued an order that no one should enter this small courtyard?"


    "when did i ever give such an order?" dugu ming denied coldly.


    even if his thoughts were still not completely clear, he finally realized something, and he immediately turned his head and glared fiercely at xiao jingyuan and divine doctor wu zhong outside.


    immediately, the southern king hurriedly took off a crescent-shaped jade pendant hanging around his neck, handed it to zhuge yu, and said solemnly, "take this crescent jade pendant and go to moon spring residence at once. please ask the four people inside to come over. once they see the pendant, they will follow you immediately!"


    "yes!" zhuge yu accepted the order at once. although he had agreed to follow ye feng, he still needed the southern king''s consent. before that, he felt he should do what a subordinate ought to do.


    zhuge yu took over the jade pendant, then bowed respectfully and said, "northern king, i shall take my leave for now."


    "go," ye feng nodded slightly, pleased with zhuge yu''s performance. of course, he knew who the southern king dugu ming was summoning¡ªthese four people.


    the moon spring residence had originally been a place for the old southern king to rest and recuperate in his old age. in a sense, it was also his home, where aside from the old southern king himself, only his four retainers resided. after the old southern king''s death, these four retainers continued to live there.


    after dugu ming became the new king, these four major retainers of the old southern king naturally came to be honored as the four great protectors of the southern territory, representing almost the highest combat power of the southern territory.


    now that dugu ming had sensed something was amiss, he immediately sought to call these four great protectors out of retirement, proving that he was not as foolish as he initially seemed.


    "xia lengchan, li jingang, the two of you immediately detain xiao jingyuan and wu zhong. remember to keep a close watch on them and prohibit any contact with outsiders.


    also, summon all the deputies and the lord of the nine domains to gather at the base camp!" dugu ming ordered in one breath, then suddenly realizing something amiss, changed his instructions, "wait, do not send out notices yet, wait until the four great protectors of moon spring residence arrive, then take these two away!"


    after he finished, dugu ming turned to ye feng and said with a wry smile, "the affairs of the southern territory have truly become a mess. i''ve embarrassed myself in front of you, northern king."


    ye feng smiled and said, "southern king, you flatter me. even though we are separated by the north and south territories, we should still support each other like branches of the same tree. now that you, southern king, have been cured of the poison, you still need time to recuperate and stabilize. i shall take my leave for now."


    if nothing unexpected happened, ye feng did not intend to intervene any further. after all, the southern king had come to his senses, and any further interference could make the southern king lose face.


    southern king dugu ming, who also cared about his face, nodded subtly and then ye feng and the others withdrew.

 Chapter 133 Are You Still Claiming to Be Innocent?

    in the dead of night, the four great protectors of chess, calligraphy, poetry, and painting from moon spring residence finally arrived. what was unexpected, however, was that they also brought two other domain lords with them, namely the lords of shuheng ridge and nan dong territory.


    the four seasoned protector dharma kings entered one by one. the great protector wore a white robe and held a dark harp in his hands, the second protector held a square inch chessboard, the third protector pinched a creamy-white square seal stamp, and the fourth protector grasped a vajra brush.


    the quartet strode in with an imposing air. although they were all over seventy years old, the moment they walked into the southern territory base camp, all the soldiers and fighters present couldn''t help but rise in respect.


    in the southern territory, these four protectors enjoyed extremely high prestige. especially after the death of the old southern territory king, these four retainers virtually became the spiritual pillars of the southern territory. their status at one point was even higher than that of the new southern king.


    "the four protectors, you have finally arrived. please, come in quickly!"


    in the main hall of the southern territory base camp, after three hours of breath regulation, the southern king dugu ming finally recovered somewhat. his body was no longer as weak as before.


    however, after suffering from the torment of gu and poison for five years, even with a strong constitution, one could hardly bear it. therefore, although dugu ming now had the ability to move, his martial skills were far from recovered. moreover, his foundation had been damaged, and it was estimated that it would be difficult for him to return to the peak realm in his lifetime.


    the four protectors entered with their heads held high, not only without saluting but not even bothering to greet anyone. after stepping inside, they directly took their seats on the left and right at the lower head of the table.


    this left the southern king dugu ming, who had intended to exchange a few more pleasantries, at a loss for words.


    now that he had lost his martial powers, and given that he didn''t fully trust the northern king ye feng¡ªit wasn''t a lack of trust so much as a feeling that, in this matter, ye feng, being an outsider to the southern territory, should not get involved¡ªthe southern king thought of the four protectors first, inviting them to come out of retirement to take charge.


    otherwise, the southern king was well aware that he couldn''t possibly control the commanders below, nor even the lord of the nine domains!


    sitting in a position further back, ye feng raised his eyebrows slightly as he witnessed this scene, sensing something unusual.


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    logically, even if these four protectors were the retainers of the old southern king, since the old dharma king had asked them to assist the new southern king after his death, no matter how high their status, the southern king was ultimately their new lord. they should not be acting in such a manner.


    but ye feng said nothing, merely sitting in the back like a spectator. in such a situation, it would be unseemly for him to step forward and embarrass the southern king.


    "bring forth the evidence!" following the king''s command, quickly four guards came in, carrying a brocade box.


    "open the brocade box!" southern king dugu ming struggled to stand up and then slowly walked to the brocade box, bent down, and took out an ancient bronze incense burner.


    "divine doctor wu, do you recognize this object?" dugu ming demanded as he spoke, not waiting for a response, he continued, "this is the incense burner from my bedroom!"


    for an instant, a flash of panic crossed the depths of wu zhong''s eyes, but seeing xiao jingyuan''s confident demeanor beside him, he quickly overcame his fear.


    "with all due respect, king, i am not sure what you mean. what is the bedroom''s incense burner doing here?" wu zhong asked in return.


    "doing what? naturally, the incense burner contains something it shouldn''t!"


    southern king dugu ming then turned to face the four protectors and said, "today, i asked the four protectors to come to bear witness. according to what the northern king has said, this incense burner contains a type of bewitching incense. although it is not a poison, long-term inhalation can cause mental confusion and disorientation."


    at this point, he picked up a piece of white cloth with dark gray residue on it.


    dugu ming continued, "the residue on this white cloth was scraped from my lips by the northern king. he claims that this residue comes from a plant known as blue noble grass, found in our southern border. it carries a mild toxin and while it can suppress gu and poison to an extent, prolonged consumption eats away at a martial artist''s essence of inner power.


    over time, the martial artist''s power will naturally decline!"


    "now, with both witness and evidence here, xiao jingyuan and wu zhong, you two scoundrels, what else do you have to say now!"


    king of the southern territory dugu ming was uncontrollably furious. now he finally understood why he had been in a constant state of sluggish confusion for the past five years¡ªit was all due to the influence of the bewitching incense.


    originally, he was at the peak realm of a huajin grandmaster, with an immensely sturdy foundation. even if he were poisoned, he could suppress it to a degree, never experiencing a bout of unconsciousness that lasted five years. but with the bewitching incense and the blue noble grass, the situation was entirely different.


    now that his power was lost, it was all because of the blue noble grass''s harm!


    thinking of this, a murderous aura burst forth from dugu ming, and he yearned to immediately behead these two culprits.

 Chapter 134 Whats He Supposed to Be!

    facing dugu ming''s rage, xiao jingyuan showed not the slightest hint of panic or fear, which was a significant change from his demeanor in the bedroom, in fact, since the arrival of the four protectors, the two domain lords, and the great commander of the southern territory, his attitude had changed.


    ye feng could see this clearly, so from this point, he could deduce that there was a problem with the so-called four guardian realm kings.


    unfortunately, up to this point, the king of the southern territory, dugu ming, had still not noticed anything amiss; it seemed that as a king, the dissatisfaction from the several commanders and nine domain lords of the southern territory was not without reason.


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    the hundred herbs realm lord said, "of course, i have something to say. your majesty, the southern king, i have not even heard of the bewitching incense and blue aristocrat grass that you mentioned just now. moreover, the incense burner and the routine administration of medicine are all managed by divine doctor wu zhong.


    i am only responsible for guarding on a daily basis, and i don''t involve myself in anything else."


    wu zhong was in a panic, blurting out, "this has nothing to do with me, your majesty, the southern king. i am responsible for your diet, daily life, and medical treatment, but i have no knowledge whatsoever of what you''ve just mentioned."no?v(el)b\\jnn


    xiao jingyuan said, "could it be, it''s this so-called imposter sitting in the wheelchair who is framing us? it must be so. your majesty, the southern king, you''ve been deceived by this lad. this nonsense about bewitching incense and blue aristocrat grass is completely unfounded!"


    the southern king could not help but tremble with rage, yet at this time, he did not know what to do.


    ye feng, upon seeing this, shook his head silently. he wondered how the old southern king had allowed this man to ascend to the throne, or perhaps, was the southern territory really out of options at the time and had no other choice?


    dugu ming suddenly turned his head and looked at the four guardian realm kings, asking, "four great protectors, what are your views on this matter?"


    the four protectors remained unmoved, and the one holding the jade seal said, "this is indeed bewitching incense. i have spent some time in the hundred herbs garden before, so i can naturally recognize the scent of bewitching incense. besides, i can also recognize the blue aristocrat grass."


    dugu ming, hearing this, was overjoyed, thinking that the four great protectors were indeed worthy of being the four great guardian realm kings of the southern territory. but before he could even rejoice,


    xia jingyuan snorted coldly, "release me! i''ve said from the beginning that i am innocent. what are you all waiting for? hurry up and untie me!"


    the southern king was so angry he gnashed his teeth. had he not lost all his martial arts prowess at that moment, he probably would have slapped this annoying fly to death.


    all at once, king dugu ming of the southern territory finally thought of ye feng. he quickly turned his head and said, "northern king, since you discovered this matter, and it was you who cured my poison and captured xiao jingyuan and wu zhong, you must know their plot inside out. i earnestly implore you to step forward and testify against them!"


    upon hearing this, ye feng secretly sighed. he thought how naive the southern king was. anyone with clear sight could see the situation for what it was¡ªa clear case of sacrificing the pawns to save the king, although it was not so much about saving the king as saving a few domain lords.


    it was evident that several domain lords had participated in the conspiracy against the king of the southern territory, but for some reason, the lords of nan dong and hengling had heard the rumors in advance and rushed to the moon spring residence to plea for mercy from the four protectors, eventually earning their forgiveness.


    perhaps these so-called guardian dharma kings believed that executing these three domain lords at once could potentially lead to unrest in the southern territory. moreover, with the king of the southern territory having lost all his martial arts abilities, he was almost unfit to sit on the throne.


    that''s why the four protectors, at the price of directly executing wu zhong, insisted on saving xiao jingyuan!


    from this perspective, it seemed very likely that king dugu ming of the southern territory might not be able to hold onto his position for much longer!


    ye feng let out a silent sigh. although he did not want to get involved at this juncture, since he had uncovered the matter, it was only natural for him to step out and clarify his position.


    however, just at that moment, the great protector suddenly let out a cold snort, "northern king? what are you saying, southern king? the crippled boy sitting before us with his legs broken, is he the northern border king? are you joking?"


    ye feng''s gaze sharpened as he abruptly turned his head to look at this so-called protector dharma king of the southern territory!


    the southern king was also taken aback, and for a moment, he had no idea how to respond.


    the great protector hummed, "as far as i am concerned, the current acting ruler of the northern border is named zhu guangbo. this crippled person in a wheelchair, what is he supposed to be!"

 Chapter 135 Because, You Shouldnt Die Yet!

    the great protector had barely finished speaking when sima zhantian and xiao chuanqi abruptly stood up, yelling furiously, "how insolent! who do you think you are, a mongrel who dares to show such disrespect to our master? that''s a capital offense!"


    having said that, sima zhantian quickly turned around and cupped his fists toward ye feng, saying, "your majesty, this old wretch has committed insubordination and dared to disrespect the northern border sovereign''s majesty. i request permission to enter the battlefield and chop off his dog head!"


    at this moment, ye feng also became angry. originally, he didn''t want to get involved in the internal affairs of the southern territory, after all, the north and the south were different. if he acted rashly, it would be inappropriate both emotionally and reasonably. but the words of the great protector were simply too arrogant.


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    "granted!"


    ye feng, although seated in a wheelchair, exuded an awe-inspiring presence and snorted, "as the northern border sovereign, i have never been so brazenly and presumptuously challenged!"


    the great protector then sneered with a face full of disdain. of course, he knew that this young man in the wheelchair was indeed the northern border sovereign, but that was in the past. now, the northern border had already been taken over by zhu guangbo, who had come from the imperial capital.


    nowadays, who in the four realms of the nation doesn''t know? zhu guangbo has already become the acting northern border sovereign!


    although the great protector didn''t know what exactly had happened in the northern border, combining the current situation of the former northern border sovereign with a broken leg and zhu guangbo''s appointment, it was clear something big had happened in the northern border.


    and the former northern border sovereign before him had certainly fallen from power, or rather, had been opportunistically sidelined!


    it was for this reason that the four great protectors of the southern territory no longer paid him any attention. a dethroned sovereign, especially one with a broken leg, was worth less than a dog. many in the imperial capital wished for his death.


    "a crippled wretch dares to strut around unchecked in the southern territory base camp? do you really think there''s no one left in the southern territory? lan youzhong, step forward!" the great protector bellowed with rage.


    "yes!" lan youzhong stepped forward with a proud bearing. he was the great commander of the southern territory. though his status wasn''t as high as the lord of the nine domains, it was hardly any different, and with his extraordinary combat power, he was one of the few huajin grandmasters in the southern territory.


    the great protector pointed at ye feng and said, "this youngster has been rampaging unchecked in our territory, outrageously so. first, he killed the fourth commander, yang bugui, then the chief instructor under the hengling domain lord, moo xilin, and finally even slew eight personal guards of the southern king, with methods most outrageous!"


    "you are to fight now, capture them, and then execute them all!"


    "god dammit, you cur, you''ve got some nerve, daring to execute the northern border king, i think you''re tired of living!" sima zhantian could hardly contain his rage and was about to rush forward.


    kneeling on the ground, lan youzhong did not make a sound, not even a furrow in his brow, ready to meet his death without begging for mercy right there.


    ye feng hadn''t intended to intervene, but witnessing this scene, he couldn''t help but feel stirred. from a certain perspective, despite them being from opposing camps, he had to admit that lan youzhong was indeed a man of fortitude, a battlefield general full of tenacity and bloodshed.


    to kill such an iron-clad individual would truly be a pity!


    "stop!" ye feng spoke up.


    sima zhantian''s broadsword, over a meter long, hovered just above the opponent''s head when he heard the command and suddenly stopped.


    having prepared for certain death, even closing his eyes, lan youzhong could not have expected that his opponent would stay his hand midway. the former northern border sovereign would show mercy and spare his life?


    for a moment, lan youzhong swiftly turned to look at the four great protectors, but at that point, they didn''t even deign to glance at him. it seemed in the eyes of the four protectors, a general who had lost a battle, not only failing to defeat the enemy but also bringing shame upon the southern territory, was truly dispensable.


    all of a sudden, lan youzhong''s heart ached painfully; he realized how worthless his own efforts seemed. for decades he had devoted himself to guarding the southern territory national gate; the old southern king had appreciated him while he was still alive, but after the old southern king''s death, everything appeared to have changed.


    in recent years, with the southern king dugu ming seriously ill and withdrawn, the four protector dharma kings, who had once secluded themselves at moon spring residence, began to surface, frequently meddling in the affairs of the southern territory and even liaising with several domain lords.


    lan youzhong hadn''t cared about these things, thinking it sufficient to guard the southern territory''s border gates, but now, especially after seeing the plight of southern king dugu ming that night, he suddenly felt a sense of desolation wash over him.


    this southern territory was truly no longer the same as it was during the time of the old southern king!


    with that thought, laan youzhou suddenly raised his head to look at ye feng and demanded, "i am just a defeated subordinate, why didn''t you kill me just now?"


    ye feng, though seated in a wheelchair, had a gaze full of unwavering determination and a demeanor calm and composed, as he said, "because you are not meant to die yet!"


    "not meant to die yet?" lan youzhong was stunned; he did not quite understand what that meant.


    ye feng merely smiled faintly, without offering further explanation.


    at this moment, the faces of the four protector dharma kings had turned utterly grim.

 Chapter 136 The True Kings Momentum!

    "Indeed, a good lad, truly worthy of being the former Northern Border King; even if he was ostracized from the Northern Border, a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse!"No?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Great Protector''s voice was deep and cold, his face still filled with contempt.


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at the four of them and said, word by word, "If I remember correctly, before the old Southern King passed away, he entrusted Brother Dugu to you four, telling you to assist him well. Now, less than five years after the old Southern King''s death, you have cast his words to the back of your minds. As retainers, do you not feel ashamed?"


    "As subjects, you four secretly conspired with the Lord of the Nine Domains, openly defying the command of the Southern King and even attempting to murder the deposed Southern King Dugu Ming. As retainers who are neither loyal nor filial, what right do you have to claim the title of Southern Territory Guardian Realm Kings?"


    "Such rebellious ministers and traitorous subjects who commit insubordination should be put to death without mercy!"


    Ye Feng''s words rang out forcefully; although he was in a wheelchair, his entire being exploded with an authoritative aura.


    The four Guardian Realm Kings were so angered that they trembled all over, among them the one holding the Iron Brush, the Fourth Protector, coldly sneered, "It''s utterly laughable. We four were entrusted by the old Southern King with the responsibility of maintaining the peace of the Southern Territory.


    Now that the Southern Territory is in turmoil, it''s natural for us to stand up and stabilize the situation. What''s more, what right does a boy with a broken leg have to meddle in the affairs of the Southern Territory?"


    "That''s right, even if you were still the King of the Northern Border, you wouldn''t have the right to interfere with the matters of the Southern Territory. What''s more, you''ve become nothing more than a short-legged stray dog, not even able to preserve your own Northern Border King''s position, and you think about meddling in the affairs of the Southern Territory?


    It''s truly laughable to the extreme!"


    "Where are the soldiers of the Southern Territory?" the Great Protector suddenly called out sternly, and although the old fellow was over seventy years old, he was still a Huajin Grandmaster, and his voice boomed, almost spreading throughout the entire Southern Territory base camp.


    "The soldiers of the Southern Territory are here!" Suddenly, the night-time base camp erupted with thunderous shouts.


    Although the soldiers stationed at the Southern Territory base camp were not numerous, there were nearly two thousand of them, and they were mostly elite troops. At this command, they began converging towards this direction one after another.


    Meanwhile, two thousand soldiers had already assembled and were rapidly advancing toward them.


    Through all this, Ye Feng watched coldly, showing no intention of interjecting.


    The Second Protector, holding the Square Inch Chessboard, sneered, "I have to say, Southern King, you''ve truly disappointed us. We thought you had brought some powerful master here, but it turns out he is just a lame cripple. If this Ye fellow were still the Northern Border King, we might have some reservations, but now, he''s nothing but an insect. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    Killing him is nothing to worry about - we need not be concerned at all."


    Dugu Ming''s face showed a grave expression; he realized that if today''s events escalated further, he himself might not leave unscathed, especially since he had lost all his martial arts and didn''t even have a single guard by his side, leaving him virtually undefended.


    "Northern King, what should we do now?" asked Southern King Dugu Ming as he came over.


    Ye Feng turned to look at him, then said, "Do you still have the King''s Token with you?"


    Dugu Ming was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and replied, "Of course, I carry the King''s Token with me."


    "Good, you must now take the Southern King''s Token and order these two thousand soldiers to retreat immediately!" Ye Feng said sternly.


    Dugu Ming was startled, "Northern King, given the current situation, even if I take out this Southern King''s Token, I doubt these two thousand soldiers will listen to me. Will this actually work?"


    "Whether it works is not your concern. Just take the token and go!"


    Ye Feng smiled briefly, then his face darkened, and his killing intent surged. He said through gritted teeth, "You are, after all, still the King of the Southern Territory. If these two thousand soldiers still refuse to stand down after seeing the Southern King''s Token, it would be an outright act of insubordination, equivalent to rebellion.


    If they continue to disobey after you''ve warned them thrice, then I need not show any further restraint. All will be killed without mercy!"


    All the while, the Great Commander of the Southern Territory was watching Ye Feng closely, noting every move. When he heard Ye Feng mention "killed without mercy," he couldn''t help shivering, thinking to himself, "Such a strong killing intent, such domineering authority... could this be the true aura of a king?"

 Chapter 137 Lan Youzhong, Truly Daring

    Dugu Ming understood; it wasn''t important whether he could make these two thousand soldiers retreat. The Northern King was only interested in the process itself.


    For once he produced the Southern King''s Order to command these soldiers to withdraw, he would stand on the moral high ground. If the soldiers retreated, all would be well. But if they dared to advance despite the order, that would be rebellion and insubordination, punishable by death according to the law.


    At that time, when Northern King Ye Feng made his move, it would be entirely justified!


    "I''m going to make them withdraw right now!"


    After saying this, Southern King Dugu Ming, dragging his weary body, walked out of the main gate. Then, holding the Southern King''s Order, he faced the dense crowd of soldiers in the bamboo forest and roared loudly, "The Southern King''s Order is here, I command you, retreat swiftly back to your posts. Anyone who disobeys will be revolting, and the defiant shall be executed without mercy!"


    Xiao Jingyuan, who had already been untied by that time, laughed upon seeing this, sneered and said, "Dugu Ming, do you really need to be so naive? Things have come to this point, and you still delude yourself into commanding them? Do you think these soldiers will still heed your orders?"


    Dugu Ming trembled with fury. Although he had been psychologically prepared, seeing the two thousand soldiers remain unmoved by his command and completely ignoring his order still infuriated him.


    Domain Lord Hengling laughed heartily, saying, "Dugu Ming, your position as the Southern King is nearly invalidated. Now, all the soldiers in the base camp follow the orders of the Four Great Guardian Realm Kings. You might as well save your breath!"


    Dugu Ming gritted his teeth and turned to Ye Feng with a bitter smile, "Northern King, I''ve carried out your instruction and issued the command. But as you can see, I''ve been completely sidelined now, and I''m afraid it''s impossible to reverse this situation!"


    With those words, Southern King Dugu Ming, a man barely into his forties who should have been in the prime of his life, slumped to the ground, overcome by a deep sense of powerlessness.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained as calm as ever, as tranquil as if Mount Tai were crumbling before him without causing him to bat an eye. Compared to him, the Southern King seemed far inferior.


    The Great Protector shouted, "Soldiers, heed my command! These people have trespassed into the Southern Territory Base Camp, brutally killed the Southern Territory''s soldiers and guards, and now they even plot to murder the Southern King. They must be executed without mercy!"


    "How presumptuous! By daring to attempt the assassination of the Northern King, it seems you wish for death. Damn it, I''ll wipe you all out this instant!" Sima Zhantian roared in a fury, ready to charge with his great saber.


    Ye Feng gestured for him to be calm and then turned to the Great Protector, word by word, "Great Protector, I caution you, if you don''t want to become a criminal of the Southern Territory, then quickly withdraw these soldiers. Do you really believe they can take me down? I have yet to strike only because I value the lives of these soldiers.


    The scene suddenly shifted, and even Ye Feng was surprised, not understanding why the chief commander of the Southern Territory would make such an abrupt change.


    "Lan Youzhong snorted, "Whatever schemes you have among yourselves, I can''t be bothered to deal with, and it''s not my place to manage. But one thing is clear, don''t treat the lives of the soldiers as expendable. The Northern King is right; they are my men, and I''d rather they die on the battlefield than under some vile conspiracy."


    With these words, the imposing figure of the Southern Territory''s chief commander waved his hand grandly, turned around, and left, before pulling out his own Token.


    "All soldiers, heed this order: Withdraw immediately, return to your units. Those who disobey will face military law!"


    "It''s the Grand Commander''s military order, and the Southern King issued the same command just now. What on earth is going on? If that''s the case, why did the Four Protectors still order us to come?" The soldiers discussed amongst themselves.


    "Who cares? We can''t fathom the affairs of these high-and-mighty figures anyway. But one thing I do know is that the Four Protectors don''t have the authority to deploy us. His recent command was based only on the prestige of the old Southern King, but it was against common sense."


    "Right, Commander Lan loves his soldiers like his own children. We must heed his orders. Withdraw, we''re withdrawing now!"


    "Indeed, withdraw, everyone withdraw, back to your posts!"


    In a flash, the two thousand elite soldiers arrived quickly and left just as swiftly, vanishing in the blink of an eye.


    Only then did Lan Youzhong turn and step back inside. What surprised everyone was that this chief commander didn''t report back to the Southern King; instead, he walked straight up to Ye Feng, bowed, and said, "Previously, as your defeated adversary, you spared my life. Now, by ordering the soldiers to withdraw, I''ve repaid the favor. From now on, we owe each other nothing, agreed?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, looking at the big man with growing satisfaction. Indeed, Lan Youzhong truly had courage. He nodded, "Alright, we shall do as you say, we owe each other nothing!"


    With that, Lan Youzhong turned abruptly, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Jingyuan and the other two Domain Lords, and finally glaring at the Four Protectors. He barked, "Gentlemen, I, Lan, am a soldier and a simple man. I don''t understand all these maneuvers and I have no desire to get involved. If you ask me to go to battle and kill the enemy, I, Lan, won''t even bat an eyelash.


    But these filthy acts, I, Lan, will have no part in. Farewell!"


    Having said his piece, Lan Youzhong immediately turned to leave.


    "How insolent! You''re just a mere commander, and you really think you''re some invincible War God?" It was then that the Hengling Domain Lord spoke up.

 Chapter 138 The Sword of Xiao Chuanqi!

    The Hengling Domain Lord had just finished speaking and slowly rose to his feet when everyone realized there was an old man in grey standing behind him.


    This elder had been hiding in a dark corner since he came in, and if the Hengling Domain Lord hadn''t moved forward two steps, no one would have noticed him.


    Of course, Ye Feng was an exception; in fact, he had already taken notice of the elder. The man''s presence was unremarkable, and he seemed ordinary on the surface, but could a commoner appear at such an occasion?


    With a sword in his hand, the elder leaned casually against the corner, looking utterly ordinary and relaxed in demeanor.


    But Ye Feng knew he was a master, and a highly formidable swordsman at that!


    If he wasn''t mistaken, this grey-clothed swordsman was likely from the Heng Mountain Sword Sect of the Southern Territory, at the very least a Sect Elder.


    Lan Youzhong had been about to step through the threshold when he stopped in his tracks at the sharp command, turned his head back, and replied coldly, "Hengling Domain Lord, who do you think you are? You''re not qualified to shout at this commander!"


    It had to be said, this Lan Youzhong indeed had nerve!


    The Hengling Domain Lord burst into laughter and gritted out each word, "You really do have nerve, a mere commander daring to shout at this Domain Lord and disregard me completely. Just for that, you deserve to die!"


    The grey-clothed elder holding the sword behind him slowly stepped forward as the Domain Lord pronounced the sentence of death.


    Lan Youzhong shouted furiously, "What, you want to kill me? But I''m afraid you don''t have the capability to do so!"


    By this time, the grey-clothed swordsman had already approached him.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s expression suddenly sharpened, knowing if things continued, Lan Youzhong might very well die there. He had no choice but to intervene; Lan Youzhong was much to his liking and had spine, so he must save him.


    At this moment, Lan Youzhong had clearly noticed the grey-clothed swordsman too. He wasn''t foolish, naturally recognizing the swordsman''s extraordinariness. But having already spoken, he had no reason to back down now.


    Otherwise, Lan Youzhong might as well change his name.


    Just then, Ye Feng spoke up sharply, "Hengling Domain Lord, how dare you, in front of the Southern King, plot an assassination against a commander under his command? It seems clear to me that you wish to rebel!"


    The Hengling Domain Lord turned abruptly, glaring at Ye Feng and barked, "Who are you to speak here? If you know what''s good for you, get lost to the side, otherwise you''ll be dealt with too!"


    The Heng Mountain swordsman''s right arm went limp in an instant, appearing to be disabled. As a swordsman, with his right hand out of commission, he could no longer wield a sword, essentially losing most of his power.


    Xiao Chuanqi flicked his soft sword, resting it directly on the opponent''s neck, and then said word by word, "What else have you got to say now?"


    The Heng Mountain swordsman clenched his teeth and said coldly, "Defeated by your hand, I have nothing to say. But what I want to say is, if I die today, you won''t live long either. What I can tell you is that in my Southern Territory Heng Mountain Sword Sect, there are countless sword masters. Any one of them could make you beg for mercy!"


    Xiao Chuanqi laughed and then said, "Very well, you may go."


    The Heng Mountain swordsman also laughed, his face showing a smug expression. He couldn''t help but snort, "I knew it, you wouldn''t dare to kill me. If you did, you''d be hunted endlessly by my Heng Mountain disciples in this life!"


    Suddenly, with a swish, Xiao Chuanqi waved his soft sword and cut off the opponent''s right ear, then said coldly, "I took one of your ears to tell you, you aren''t even worthy to die under my sword. Now, get lost!"


    "You..." The Heng Mountain swordsman covered his ear, the whole person writhing in pain and shrieking, "You''ve got guts, daring to provoke the dignity of Heng Mountain Sword Sect like this. Do you dare to leave a name!"


    "Why wouldn''t I dare? I am Xiao Chuanqi, the Northern Border Chief Legion Commander!" Xiao Chuanqi laughed coldly.


    "Good, very good, Xiao Chuanqi, I will remember you. Just you wait!" The Heng Mountain swordsman said and then turned to leave.


    "Stop right there!" At that moment, Ye Feng suddenly spoke.


    The Heng Mountain swordsman trembled, struggling to suppress the fear in his heart, turned back, and said, "May I know if you have any further advice? Or do you intend to go back on your word?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and smiled, "Go back on my word? We wouldn''t deign to do such a thing. Please kindly inform the head of your Sect when you return that I, the Northern King, shall come to visit Heng Mountain on the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month."


    "What did you say? You want to visit my Heng Mountain Sword Sect? Is it a civil visit or a martial challenge?" The Heng Mountain swordsman asked, visibly moved.


    According to the rules of the Martial Arts World, there are two types of visits: a civil visit is naturally a friendly call, while a martial challenge, well, is not so friendly. In fact, it is akin to challenging the Sect, just phrased in a more euphemistic manner.


    "What do you think?" Ye Feng looked at him with a cold smile.


    "Very well, very well!" The gray-clothed swordsman couldn''t help but snort internally, daring to issue a martial challenge to Heng Mountain was practically seeking death!


    "I shall certainly convey your message. On the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month, my Heng Mountain Sword Sect will await your distinguished visit!" The swordsman snorted coldly and quickly departed.

 Chapter 139 Brahma Kingdom, Great Wheel Zen Master!

    The council hall of the Southern Territory fell into a brief silence, but beneath this silence, the atmosphere was incredibly oppressive.


    The four Great Guardian Realm Kings'' faces looked terrible, and the Great Protector gnashed his teeth and roared, "What audacity, you, a cripple with broken legs, even daring to challenge the Heng Mountain Sword Sect of the Southern Territory with a martial bow. In three hundred years, no one has ever dared to do so!"


    The Hengling Domain Lord suddenly interjected, "Not so, Great Protector, there was one, one person did so three hundred years ago, but now, his grave is already covered with grass!"


    Upon hearing this, the Great Protector sneered repeatedly, his face full of even more mocking disdain as he huffed, "Never mind the Heng Mountain Sword Sect, Mr. Ye, you dare to barge into the Southern Territory, killing our people, and show us no regard at all. Do you really think that the Southern Territory is without capable men?"


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at the four men and sighed, "You''re all already of an advanced age, with even half a foot stepping into the grave, yet you can''t help but come out to fight for fame and profit. Why bother?"


    "Insolent!"


    The Second Protector flew into a sudden rage, standing up and saying, "You truly think you are still the Northern Border King of old? You are now but an empty shell of a man, a waste. What right do you have to judge us, and what authority do you have to meddle in the affairs of the Southern Territory?"


    The Third Protector also slowly stood up, snorting coldly with a laugh, "I say to my two senior brothers, why bother arguing with this self-important waste? If he were still the Northern King of old, that would be one thing, but now, just kill him directly!"


    "I shall take action myself and end his life!" The Fourth Protector similarly stood up.


    For a moment, the four Protectors were brimming with killing intent, ready to not rest until they had taken Ye Feng''s head.


    "You four old things, daring to show disrespect to our Northern King, today I will exterminate you!" Sima Zhantian stood up directly, with Xiao Chuanqi also standing on Ye Feng''s left and right, while Xia Lengchan, Li Jingang, and Zhuge Yu likewise stood up.


    Seeing this, the Southern King Dugu Ming moved his lips, originally wanting to say something, but considering his current situation, he shook his head with a slight sigh and eventually walked to a corner, silently becoming an invisible person.


    Xiao Jingyuan, the Hengling Domain Lord, and the Lord of Nan Dong similarly stood behind the Four Protectors, and both parties immediately formed a confrontational stance, with a great battle appearing imminent.


    "You shut up! How the Great Protector acts is none of your business, least of all a cripple like you who has no right to criticize!"


    The anger of the Great Protector could not be contained. He detested when others accused him of being disloyal to his master. If this accusation were confirmed, even if he became the New Southern King, it was likely that his followers would not be truly loyal to him.


    "Kill, kill him for me! These people have barged into the Southern Region Base Camp without reason, slaughtered the Southern Region Guard, and even tried to assassinate the Southern King. Don''t let any get away, kill them all!" Under the Great Protector''s command, he was ready to make his move.


    However, just at that moment, a rushed shout suddenly came from outside: "Great Protector, something terrible has happened!"


    As these words were spoken, a guard hurried in and then knelt on the ground, cupping his hands and said, "Great Protector, something terrible has happened, there''s been an incident!"


    The Great Protector had to suppress the surging qi force within his body and gritted his teeth as he coldly grunted, "Speak if there''s an issue, what''s with all this panic?"


    "Yes, Great Protector, a group of people has suddenly come from Brahma Kingdom, claiming they wish to meet the Southern King and the Four Protectors!" said the junior guard.


    "People from Brahma Kingdom?" The Great Protector''s eyes narrowed, and a solemn expression spread across his face.


    Since ancient times, Xuanyuan Nation has been at odds with Brahma Kingdom, with numerous conflicts erupting over the past few centuries.


    Brahma Kingdom, considering itself a grand ancient nation, has always looked down on Xuanyuan Nation and persistently provoked it. The Southern Territory, which borders Brahma Kingdom, especially in recent years, with the Southern King absent and the Nine Domains of the Southern Territory governing independently, witnessed Brahma Kingdom''s increasing arrogance and offenses.


    Yet, nobody could have imagined that today, Brahma Kingdom would dare to send people directly to the Southern Region Base Camp, their audacity growing greater still.


    "Did you get a clear look at how many people came, and who is leading them?" demanded the Great Protector in a stern voice.


    "Reporting back to the Great Protector, not many people came, just a dozen or so. The one leading them, according to their own introduction, appears to be the Great Wheel Zen Master," replied the guard.


    "What did you say, the Great Wheel Zen Master? That man has left his secluded cultivation?" The Great Protector''s face immediately turned ugly.

 Chapter 140: If the good don’t come, those who come are not good!

    Upon hearing the name of the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master, even Ye Feng furrowed his brows and a solemn expression spread across his face.


    Over the years, Brahma Kingdom had been coveting the Southern Territory of Xuanyuan Nation, even going so far as to send secret agents to infiltrate and spy on them. Xuanyuan Nation did not sit idly by either; in fact, even the Northern Border, where Ye Feng was, although far from Brahma Kingdom, had once dispatched a squad of elite scouts to penetrate the enemy¡¯s interior.


    So, as for Brahma Kingdom, and for this Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master, Northern King Ye Feng, who had intelligence network lines, was no stranger; on the contrary, he was rather well-informed.


    According to intelligence, three years ago, this Grand Zen Master, who held great prestige in Brahma Kingdom, announced he would enter secluded cultivation, meditating on life and death. It was said he would not leave until he broke through to the Arhat Fruit Position, vowing not to take even half a step outside, even if he were to die in his cave.


    Brahma Kingdom¡¯s system of martial arts was different from Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s, although both practiced the Martial Dao and their realms were not identically categorized. However, they could largely be corresponded. The Arhat Fruit Position of Brahma Kingdom was approximately equivalent to the Realm of the Martial King in Xuanyuan Nation.


    In other words, now that the Grand Zen Master of Brahma Kingdom had emerged from his retreat, it meant that he had achieved the Arhat Fruit Position!


    Ye Feng remained expressionless, still sitting in his wheelchair, but his gaze sharpened, and he immediately opened his eyes, looking through the doorway into the dark night outside.


    In the darkness of the night, beneath the blanket of stars, suddenly there appeared a figure revealing half an arm and clad in the distinctive red kasaya of Brahma Kingdom, followed by more than a dozen imposing martial artists.


    "This kind of aura is already restrained, having reached the realm of ¡¯Return to Simplicity.¡¯ He has indeed achieved the Martial King, but although the Qi Force within his body is surging, it is somewhat turbulent. It seems he has just had a breakthrough, and his realm is not yet completely stable!"


    Though watching silently from his wheelchair, Ye Feng¡¯s keen perception allowed him to see everything far more clearly and truly than anyone else present.


    At this moment, the Four Protectors were obviously somewhat anxious and in disarray, exchanging uneasy glances.


    The Second Protector, who was holding the Square Inch Chessboard, hummed lowly, "This Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master, who secluded himself two years ago, vowed not to emerge unless he achieved the Arhat Fruit Position. Could it be that he has truly broken through to the Realm of the Martial King?"


    The Third Protector gritted his teeth and said, "This time the other party has come aggressively and without following normal diplomatic channels, it must be with ill intentions. So, this old bald monk has most likely achieved the Arhat Fruit Position!"


    For a time, all four Protectors fell silent. After a while, the Fourth Protector hummed, "Now what to do? The four of us alone may not be able to contend with this old bald monk, and there¡¯s too little time to notify the imperial capital to dispatch an unparalleled master¡ªit¡¯s obviously too late!"


    The Great Protector put on a smile, quickly walked out to greet the guests, and laughed heartily, "I had no idea distinguished guests were visiting. The Southern Territory has been remiss in extending a warm welcome, my apologies."


    As he spoke, he bowed slightly, maintaining a manner that was neither servile nor overbearing, without losing the proprieties.


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master laughed heartily, "To be honest, my visit this time is a personal one, not on behalf of the Brahma Kingdom. Thus, I did not notify in advance. My sudden disturbance is regrettable, and I hope the Great Protector of the Southern Territory does not take offense and is generously understanding!"


    Despite his repeated emphasis on a personal visit, as a Great Zen Master of the Brahma Kingdom and one of its Eight Protectors, his every move and word naturally represented the Brahma Kingdom, especially when visiting another country.


    The Great Protector, of course, was not foolish enough to point this out. He too laughed heartily, "As the saying goes, a visitor from afar is a guest. Since the Great Zen Master has come from a long distance, the Southern Territory naturally welcomes you. I only wonder, what business brings the Great Zen Master here?"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master chuckled, "Since we have come from afar, naturally we have matters to attend to. ¡¯No one visits a temple without a cause,¡¯ as the saying goes in your Xuanyuan Nation. But surely, the Great Protector, you aren¡¯t planning to leave me standing outside without inviting me in for a cup of tea, are you?"


    It must be said that this Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master was very familiar with Xuanyuan Nation and understood its cultural etiquette perfectly, speaking without a single flaw.


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    The Great Protector smiled apologetically, "Look at me, so happy to see the Zen Master after so many years that I forgot my manners. Please, come inside, venerable master!"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master nodded slightly, then led his entourage of more than a dozen followers into the great hall.


    Fortunately, the hall was vast enough to accommodate everyone, and the looming armed confrontation that was once on the brink of erupting within was held off due to the sudden arrival of the Zen Master.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng and others had already moved to the corner on the left side, sitting in connection with the King of the Southern Territory, while Xiao Jingyuan and the other three Domain Lords also took their seats on the left side.


    The Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master and his followers unifiedly took their seats on the right side, with a clear division between the two camps in the great hall, apparent at a glance.


    Outside, more than two thousand soldiers, having received the command from Lan Youzhong, the Great Commander, swiftly surrounded and secured the perimeter of the large courtyard.

 Chapter 141: Are There No One Left in the Southern Territory?

    The Great Protector glanced at the Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master, and although he felt an inner trepidation, his outward demeanor was as imposing as ever. With a grand gesture, he commanded, "Serve tea!"


    As his words fell, two alluring maids brought the tea forward. Experience tales at empire


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master picked up the teacup, only sniffed it but did not drink, probably worried that it might be poisoned. After all, the Southern Territory of Xuanyuan Nation is home to the Hundred Herbs Garden, and although it¡¯s filled with divine healers, many of them are also skilled in poisons.


    "As I was coming in, I heard that the King of the Southern Territory was also present, so why don¡¯t I see him?" the Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master set down the teacup and asked casually.


    The Great Protector didn¡¯t speak; instead, he shifted his gaze towards a corner on the left, where Dugu Ming was seated.


    Clearly, at this moment, the once aggressive and domineering Great Protector didn¡¯t wish to take the lead. He would have loved to push the Southern King out to deal with this unwelcoming Zen Master.


    Southern King Dugu Ming knew all too well, but at this point, he had resolved to be invisible, considering that he had lost all of his martial arts skills. He couldn¡¯t be bothered with the rest, and even if he were to step forward, he doubted he could suppress this commanding presence of the Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master.


    Unfortunately, at that moment, the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master noticed him and chuckled, "Isn¡¯t this gentleman sitting in the corner the King of the Southern Territory? Why does Southern King look so pale, and even his breath seems unstable?"


    At that, the Great Zen Master slowly stood up and continued, "I heard that five years ago, due to a campaign against the Gu&Poison Sect of the Southern Border, Southern King was severely injured, and even his martial arts greatly damaged. It seems that the news is true, isn¡¯t it?"


    Ye Feng, who was beside them, his gaze suddenly sharpened upon hearing this. He finally realized that the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master¡¯s visit tonight was not without cause, but to probe for information.


    If it were confirmed that the Southern King was ill and his martial arts depleted, it could lead to instability in the Southern Territory. Then the neighboring Brahma Kingdom might take advantage of the situation to seize the disputed Hundred Thousand Mountains region at the border of the Southern Territory.


    Nowadays, a large part of the Hundred Thousand Mountains region along the border of the Southern Territory remains disputed, and the boundary has not been clearly defined. This area abuts the Brahma Kingdom, the Ancient Yue Kingdom to the southwest, and the Xuanyuan Nation, causing the chaos that has persisted for decades.


    The Southern King had also discerned the visitor¡¯s intention. He responded with a cold laugh, "The Zen Master is kind to show concern. I am merely suffering from a slight chill. There are no serious issues with my health."


    Dugu Ming remained seated without getting up, carrying a certain air of dignity. He then said, "Since the Zen Master¡¯s visit is merely a personal call, according to the customs and rules, I need not present myself. It is sufficient for the Great Protector to do so!"


    "Not at all!"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master immediately interrupted with a cold voice, "You do not know that after being defeated by the Old Southern King, I reflected deeply on the pain and practiced night and day upon returning. This matter became an obsession of the heart. Moreover, I had already made a toxic vow that I would return to the Southern Territory within ten years.


    You of the Xuanyuan Nation have a saying, ¡¯A promise made by a gentleman is irrevocable even by a team of horses.¡¯ Can the words that have been spoken be taken back?"


    Once again, the four protectors fell silent, and the hall suddenly descended into quietude, the various Domain Lords who had been full of oppressive presence, now became invisible spectators.


    Then, a bald monk wearing a red kasaya with exposed shoulders spoke up, "Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master, if I may suggest, the matter is not difficult to solve. Since the Old Southern King of the Southern Territory has passed away, let his disciple or successor come out to contest and share insights with the Great Zen Master."


    Upon hearing this, the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master immediately nodded, "Indeed, this is a good solution. But I wonder, did the Old Southern King have a successor or disciple?"


    The Great Protector awkwardly smiled and said, "The Old Southern King spent his life on the battlefield and did not take any disciples. However, the New Southern King Dugu Ming is his adopted son."


    "Then let the New Southern King accept the challenge!" said the bald Grand Lama who had just spoken.


    "How dare you! With the high status of the Southern King, it is not for you to dictate when he should fight. It seems to me you are blatantly challenging the majesty of our Southern King. Are you seeking death?" Lan Youzhong immediately stood up and rebuked sternly.


    Lan Youzhong truly had courage, and with a good nature and loyalty, Ye Feng nodded inwardly upon seeing this.


    However, the bald monk appeared utterly unafraid and coldly stated, "With the Southern King¡¯s noble identity, it is indeed inappropriate for him to fight. Then please have the Southern King designate another skilled subordinate to accept the battle!"


    Dugu Ming said in a deep voice, "As I have already mentioned before, since this is a personal visit, and since you are neither the Lord of Brahma Kingdom nor the Dharma King in person, according to custom and etiquette, I shall naturally not make an appearance. All matters will be decided by the Great Protector!"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master had no choice but to turn to the Great Protector again, "Then, please have the Great Protector make the decision and send forth a skilled fighter from the Southern Territory!"


    The Great Protector was immediately troubled, unsure of how to respond.


    Then the previously speaking bald Grand Lama opened his mouth again, "What¡¯s the matter? You of the Xuanyuan Nation often boast that your land is vast with copious resources and abundant in martial talents. We are only asking you to send a skilled fighter to match our Great Zen Master, and yet you are silent? Could it be that there is no one left in the Southern Territory?"

 Chapter 142: The Number One Expert in the Southern Territory?

    ```


    The Grand Lama of Brahma Kingdom stood in the hall, his tone stern and his attitude haughty. With his declaration that "there is no one in the Southern Territory," his arrogance was extreme!


    "Presumptuous! What are you to dare provoke the entire military of the Southern Territory? I, the Commander, will personally enter the battle!"


    Furious, Lan Youzhong, as the Chief Grand Commander of the Southern Territory, could not tolerate such an affront. He stepped forward and pointed at the Grand Lama¡¯s nose, enunciating each word, "Listen well! My name is Lan Youzhong, the Grand Commander of the Southern Territory. I now challenge you to a fight to the death!"


    The Grand Lama¡¯s face immediately changed colors. He had just entered the Hua Jin, having also stepped into the realm of Grandmasters, but how could he possibly be a match for Grand Commander Lan?


    Although the Grand Lama felt timid in his heart, he didn¡¯t show it on his face. After all, losing face wasn¡¯t just about him; it would bring shame to the entire Brahma Kingdom. He smiled slightly and said, "I have long heard of Grand Commander Lan of the Southern Territory and have wished to experience your prowess.


    However, today, the Great Zen Master is fulfilling a long-held aspiration, and it would not be proper for me to thwart the wishes of the Great Zen Master."


    He didn¡¯t wait for Lan Youzhong to speak before hurriedly adding, "Of course, if Grand Commander Lan wishes to take action, you might wish to have a bout with our Great Zen Master!"


    The Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master, upon hearing this, nodded and said, "Indeed, although I have been in secluded cultivation for many years, I have always heard of Grand Commander Lan¡¯s reputation in the Southern Territory. As you are the Chief Grand Commander and a capable general under the Old Southern King, it would be fitting for you to make a move."


    Lan Youzhong immediately clenched his teeth and said, "If I have to fight, then so be it! I¡¯m not afraid of you!"


    It must be said that although Lan Youzhong had courage and ferocity, he was imprudent. Incited by a few words, he became restless.


    Ye Feng shook his head. He knew better than anyone present that if Lan Youzhong went into battle, he would be undoubtedly defeated, unable to withstand even half a move from the Great Zen Master.


    After all, the Great Zen Master was already a Martial King, and while Lan Youzhong was a Huajin Grandmaster, he was probably on par with Sima Zhantian, not even matching the conference Swordsman from the Heng Mountain Sword Sect, let alone contending with a Martial King.


    Clearly, the Four Great Guardian Realm Kings also understood this but preferred someone else to take the initiative at this moment. After all, it was not their faces that would be lost, so all four Protectors became silent, turning invisible.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng shook his head in secret and then whispered a few words to Dugu Ming by his side.


    Moreover, if he refused to fight today, his prestige in the Southern Territory would undoubtedly plummet, and the capital would never allow him to become the King of the Southern Territory.


    Thinking this, the Great Protector wished he could just kill that guy in the wheelchair right there and then. But given the situation, he had no choice but to harden his scalp and slowly stand up with a smile.


    "Southern King honors me too much. I dare not claim to be the number one expert in the Southern Territory. The territory is filled with numerous experts; it¡¯s just that they are not in the base camp at the moment," he said.


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master snorted coldly, "After all is said and done, will you fight or not? Do you dare to accept the challenge? If you¡¯re too scared, I shall immediately return to Brahma Kingdom. But then, I¡¯m afraid that the whole world will laugh at Xuanyuan Nation for having no one, laughing at your Southern Territory for being cowardly and weak!"


    The more than ten Brahman Kingdom Grand Lamas behind him also started to jeer, "From our point of view, what ¡¯vast Xuanyuan Ancient Kingdom¡¯ with its ¡¯origin of national martial arts and ancient martial arts¡¯¡ª we see it as nothing but hot air. It is our Brahma Kingdom that is the true martial arts ancient nation, the real cradle of martial arts!"


    Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi couldn¡¯t bear to hear this and were about to stand up abruptly.


    Ye Feng immediately waved them down, saying, "Sit down, both of you. This is not the time for you to step in!"


    The two could only obediently take their seats.


    The Great Protector let out a silent sigh and said loudly, "In that case, I accept the challenge!"


    The Great Zen Master laughed, thinking that whether the battle happened today or not, he would profit.


    "Very well, in that case, Southern King, please announce to all the soldiers in the Southern Territory that they gather at the training ground. I want them to witness the true national martial arts and ancient martial arts of our Brahma Kingdom!" The Grand Zen Master declared, gesturing grandly with his hand and a smile on his face.


    The Great Protector¡¯s expression, however, turned grim, thinking that this damned Old Bald Donkey couldn¡¯t have come at a worse time.


    "Commander Lan, immediately notify all the soldiers at the base camp to gather at the training ground!" Southern King Dugu Ming issued the command in a stern voice.


    "Yes!" Commander Lan saluted and promptly left the hall.


    "Let¡¯s go to the Southern Territory¡¯s training ground!" The more than ten Brahma Kingdom Grand Lamas all stood up, each carrying an arrogant stance.

 Chapter 143: Not a Single Good Fighter!

    Following that, everyone made their way toward the training ground.


    On the way, the usually silent Hong Qingyan rarely initiated a conversation, asking, "Big Brother Ye, do you think that Great Protector, can he defeat that bald-headed Grand Lama monk from the Brahma Kingdom?"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh as he asked back, "What do you think?"


    Hong Qingyan paused for a moment and said, "I wouldn¡¯t know, I can¡¯t tell at all. That Great Protector just now seemed quite arrogant and fierce, his Kung Fu should also be strong, I guess, and he¡¯s also the top expert from the Southern Territory."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng only shook his head silently.


    Hong Qingyan asked, "Does Big Brother Ye think he can¡¯t defeat that bald-headed Grand Lama? If we lose, this time the Southern Territory will probably lose face, and Xuanyuan Nation will be humiliated by association."


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "Don¡¯t worry, everything is under my control."


    "Mm, hearing Big Brother Ye say that, I have nothing to worry about," Hong Qingyan obediently nodded her head.


    After spending some time together, for some reason, Hong Qingyan had developed a strong confidence in Ye Feng; she probably wouldn¡¯t doubt him even if he said he was going to pluck the stars from the sky.


    By the time Ye Feng and the others reached the training ground again, the vast area paved with sand from the Western Sands was already surrounded by a dense crowd of people.


    More than two thousand elite soldiers from the Southern Territory base camp had gathered there, apart from those who could not leave their posts.


    Many were whispering and speculating in private: "What do you think, can our Great Protector win? Can he defeat the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master?"


    "It¡¯s hard to say, that Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master is a high-ranking expert sent by the Brahma Kingdom. It is said that he even contended with our Old Southern King in the past, while at that time, the Great Protector was merely a retainer under the Old Southern King."


    "Let¡¯s just wait and see; if we lose this battle, the Southern Territory will have suffered a great dishonor!"


    All the soldiers of the Southern Territory were undoubtedly very nervous, as the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master had come with an aggressive momentum, obviously well-prepared.


    "Silence!" Grand Commander Lan commanded, and the entire training ground immediately fell into silence; you could hear a pin drop. These two thousand soldiers were indeed elite, strict in discipline.


    The Southern King, although sitting on the high platform, had a face full of worry. Seeing Ye Feng coming over, he suddenly spoke with a grin, "Northern King, after today¡¯s battle, regardless of the outcome, I intend to resign from my position as the Southern King."


    Ye Feng, sitting in his wheelchair, turned his head to look at him and asked, "Does the Southern King no longer have confidence in himself?"


    All at once, the night over the training ground was shattered by an explosive shout. The Great Protector¡¯s aura surged, and the sand beneath his feet was swept up in the air, creating a whirlwind of flying sand and stones full of imposing momentum.


    Then, the Great Protector launched himself forward like a cannonball, throwing a punch that even caused the air to burst with a ringing explosive sound.


    A Half-Step Martial King, truly formidable!


    Yet the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master remained still, standing upright and calmly watching the other party charge at him, his smiling face even betraying a hint of disdain.


    Just as the Great Protector¡¯s Fist Edge was about to smash into his face, the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master finally moved. His right hand shot out like lightning and grabbed the Great Protector¡¯s fist.


    In an instant, everything halted, all surging auras coming to a sudden stillness.


    The Great Protector was taken aback and instinctively tried to retreat, but what shocked him was that he couldn¡¯t break free at all. His Fist Edge was grasped tightly by the other party, and what was more terrifying was the mountainous pressure emanating from the opponent¡¯s body, leaving him almost breathless.


    This was the aura of a Martial King. As the saying goes, beneath a Martial King are all but ants. A Half-Step Martial King in front of a true Martial King, at best, is only a slightly stronger ant.


    The Great Protector¡¯s face flushed red, but he still couldn¡¯t break free.


    Then, the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master suddenly exerted force, throwing the Great Protector¡¯s fist aside, and in an instant, the Great Protector was tossed aside like a child.


    The Great Zen Master let out a thunderous shout and stomped forcefully onto the ground, creating a large crater, before shooting out like an arrow.


    The Great Protector hadn¡¯t even landed when the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master was already upon him, and then he threw another punch.


    Howl...


    The Great Protector cried out miserably as he was knocked away like a kite with its string cut, spewing three mouthfuls of blood and stumbling to remain upright, eventually half-kneeling on the ground.


    The Great Zen Master walked up to the Great Protector, looking down on him from above and snorted heavily, "Is this the number one master of the Southern Territory? In my opinion, he¡¯s nothing special at all. Weak, truly weak. It seems the Southern Territory truly doesn¡¯t have anyone capable of putting up a fight!"


    The silent night was pierced by the words of the Great Zen Master, resonating like a grand bell long after they were spoken, intolerably grating on the ear.


    An eerie silence fell over the training ground, with more than two thousand soldiers clenching their fists, their bodies trembling due to rage.


    Yet in such a scenario, not a single person dared to stand up and refute the Great Zen Master¡¯s words!

 Chapter 144: You think too highly of yourself!

    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master stood tall and proud atop the fighting platform, his demeanor arrogant and his eyes showing contempt for everyone beneath him.


    The Great Protector knelt at his feet, trembling with rage, yet unable to retort, feeling an overwhelming sense of humiliation.


    Just then, the followers of the Brahma Kingdom¡¯s lamas began to shout, "The Grand Zen Master is mighty, sweeping across the world, unmatched and invincible!"


    "We congratulate the Grand Zen Master on a victorious start. After today¡¯s battle, the Grand Zen Master¡¯s fame will sweep across the Southern Territory. Next will be the Western Territory, the Eastern Border, and the Northern Border, ultimately challenging the Xuanyuan Nation!"


    "The Grand Zen Master¡¯s power is boundless; he will surely dominate the Xuanyuan Nation."


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master, upon hearing this, grinned broadly and burst into a hearty laugh, his face full of self-satisfaction.


    All the people of the Southern Territory shook with anger at this moment, grinding their teeth in spite, yet powerless to counter.


    Ye Feng, witnessing this, his gaze sharpened, thinking that it was probably time for him to intervene.


    However, just then, the Second Protector suddenly stood up and said with a cold snort, "Your country¡¯s Grand Zen Master indeed possesses profound power, and the Arhat Fruit Position is certainly formidable. Our Great Protector lost to you, and there¡¯s naturally nothing to say about that, but still..."


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master turned his head abruptly, staring at the Second Protector on the high platform and demanded coldly, "What exactly do you wish to say?"


    The Second Protector said solemnly, "What I wish to clarify is, the four of us grew up together and truly excel at combined attack techniques. If we fight separately, our power will greatly decline."


    The Grand Zen Master sneered and said, "So, what are you trying to imply."


    The Second Protector continued, "What I want to express is that, while the Grand Zen Master won against our eldest brother, that¡¯s hardly an achievement. After all, we are not adept at fighting solo. If you could win against the four of us brothers, that would count for something!"


    This was a bit shameless. The guy lost and couldn¡¯t accept it, and now he wanted four to go against one. However, most of the audience was from the Southern Territory and naturally didn¡¯t point out the unfairness.


    But these lamas from the Brahma Kingdom were obviously displeased, each of them snorting coldly, "Unable to accept defeat, you now want one to fight against four. Are the Southern Territory and even the whole Xuanyuan Nation so shameless as to wish for victory against the few with the many? How could this be considered a fair duel?"


    The Second Protector smirked and said, "We four have been nothing but household servants to the Old Southern King all our lives, mere retainers at best. We certainly cannot represent the entire Southern Territory.


    If they even lost this sword to the opponent, then the future of the Southern Territory would truly have nowhere left to hide their shame¡ªthey would lose face completely!


    Given the gravity of the situation, none of the Four Great Protectors wanted to be responsible, so they turned and looked towards Southern King Dugu Ming on the platform.


    Dugu Ming also felt troubled, as a simple martial competition had escalated to such an extent. He didn¡¯t know how to reply, so he turned and looked to Ye Feng next to him.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng sighed slightly and then turned his head to whisper something to Dugu Ming.


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master kept watching the platform, and upon seeing this scene, he frowned, giving Ye Feng a meaningful look. However, considering that Ye Feng was just a young man in a wheelchair with a broken leg, he didn¡¯t take it to heart.


    Dugu Ming slowly stood up and then, overlooking the entire training ground, declared loudly, "The Old Southern King¡¯s personal sword is no ordinary item¡ªit is not just a treasure but also a spiritual symbol of the Old Southern King, so it cannot be taken out lightly!"


    At this point, Dugu Ming¡¯s tone shifted as he continued, "However, since the esteemed Great Zen Master of your nation insists on having the Glazed Sword as a stake, then for the sake of fairness, the Great Zen Master should also put something of equal value as a counter wager, shouldn¡¯t he?"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master furrowed his brow, pondered for a moment, and then said in a cold voice, "The Southern King¡¯s words are fair. In the spirit of fairness, if I lose this battle, then I will sever one of my arms and never set foot in Xuanyuan Nation again in this life. How about that?"


    Dugu Ming was about to agree when Ye Feng suddenly interrupted with a sneer, "That¡¯s not enough. One arm in exchange for the Old Southern King¡¯s Azure Glaze Sword? That¡¯s overestimating oneself too much."


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master glared at Ye Feng, gritted his teeth, and said, "Fine, one arm plus one leg¡ªshould that be enough for that sword? But even so, do you truly believe you can win against me?"


    "We won¡¯t know if we can win until we¡¯ve fought!" Dugu Ming snorted, then went back and sat down on the high platform chair.


    After all, he had said everything he wanted to say, and as for the final outcome, he didn¡¯t care anymore, especially since he no longer had the power to care.


    However, Dugu Ming was hesitant in his heart. He had intended to refuse since the Old Southern King¡¯s Azure Glaze Sword couldn¡¯t be lost, but the Northern King had persuaded him to accept. With no choice, he had to comply.


    In that moment, something dawned on Dugu Ming¡ªhe realized he hadn¡¯t yet fully understood this young Northern King.


    "Good, since that¡¯s the case, then the four of you, come forth. But what I can tell you is that I am set on that Azure Glaze Sword!"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master laughed loudly, his whole body exuding a wild and furious aura, the aura of the Martial King!

 Chapter 145 Truly Ignorant of the Immensity of Heaven and Earth

    The Four Great Protectors of the Southern Territory, experts in qin (zither), chess, calligraphy, and painting, among them the Great Protector suddenly sat cross-legged, placing the zither on his thighs.


    The Second Protector held the square inch chessboard, guarding by the Great Protector''s side, while the Third Protector wielded the square seal stamp, and the Fourth Protector, armed with the Iron Brush, charged forward.


    It seemed that these four fellows hadn''t lied before; they were extremely skilled in combined strike techniques, with the Great Protector leading the attack, the Second Protector in a supportive and defensive role, and the Third and Fourth Protectors flanking and coordinating with the Great Protector.


    All four had been retainers of the Old Southern King since their youth, growing up together with a deep understanding between them, hence their exquisite coordination.


    Clang...


    The Great Protector suddenly plucked the strings with one hand, his inner strength following his fingertips into the zither strings, then attacking the Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master with ripples of sound waves.


    The Second Protector held the square inch chessboard, guarding on the side, while the Third and Fourth Protectors each launched attacks with their respective weapons.


    In an instant, sand and stones filled the air, and the night erupted with resounding Qi Break noises, their imposing presence quite formidable.


    Dugu Ming, upon seeing this, couldn''t help but exclaim, "The inner strength of a Half-Step Martial King is indeed extraordinary. Now that the four of them are joining forces, I''m afraid they might be able to contend with the Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master, right?"


    To this unquestionably addressed to Ye Feng, who merely smiled faintly, saying, "That may not be the case."


    Dugu Ming was taken aback, then fell silent.


    At this very moment, the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master still stood his ground, unmoving. Suddenly, he struck like lightning, a palm thrust dispersing the surging qin sound waves. By then, the Third and Fourth Protectors had also charged in close.


    The four worked together flawlessly, nearly sealing off all the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master''s vital points and launching a storm-like fierce assault, which seemed to leave the Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master scrambling and continuously retreating.


    As sand flew beneath their feet, the Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master retreated while executing the unique Thousand Hands technique of the Brahma Kingdom''s Buddhist Sect, sending out layer upon layer of shadowy palms.


    "Three, get up there and help! That bald donkey has already been suppressed by my Qin Sound Waves; make sure to deliver a fatal blow!" the Great Protector suddenly called out.


    "Understood!" The Third Protector immediately leapt into action, slamming the square inch chessboard down towards the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master from above.


    "Buddha''s Thousand Hands!" The Reincarnation Wheel Zen Master''s hands moved rapidly, creating afterimages that blocked the Third Protector''s assault.


    But in doing so, the omnipresent Qin Sound Waves, like a storm, shot through, piercing the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master''s shoulder and causing a trickle of fresh blood to spill out.


    Spurt...


    The tumultuous Qi within the Great Protector couldn''t be suppressed, and he spat out a mouthful of blood before collapsing completely, lying there gasping like a dying dog.


    Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master leapt forward and looked down at him from on high, word by word he said, "Now, do you four old dogs have anything else to say?"


    With cloudy old eyes, the Great Protector stared, incapable of uttering a word. The other three protectors were also badly injured, gripping their fists but lacking the courage and the right to even meet the antagonist''s gaze.


    The four had joined forces, yet they were defeated so miserably. The reputation of the Four Great Guardian Realm Kings of the Southern Territory was thoroughly tarnished today!


    At that time, over a dozen Great Lamas in Red Robes were frantically waving their hands and shouting, "All hail the mighty Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master, all hail the mighty Brahma Kingdom!"


    "Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master possesses boundless dharma power, supreme divine skills!"


    "Boundless dharma power, supreme divine skills!"


    In the dead of night, the shouting of over a dozen Lamas in Red Robes was deafening, echoing across the skies of the Southern Territory.


    On the training ground, over two thousand elite soldiers of the Southern Territory were fuming with rage, their chests on the verge of exploding from humiliation.


    Upon seeing this, Dugu Ming, King of the Southern Territory, slumped in his chair, sighing helplessly, "Had I known this would happen, why allow it to reach this point? Today, the face of the Southern Territory is completely lost. It''s not important if I, Dugu Ming, lose face, but if this gets out, I fear the entire nation will be tarnished."


    Ye Feng turned his head toward him and jokingly said, "Brother Dugu, as the King of the Southern Territory, if you don''t step forward at a critical moment like this, how will you ever hold your head high again? I''m afraid that eventually, hundreds of thousands of Southern Territory soldiers will curse your spine!"


    Dugu Ming was taken aback and after a moment of thought, he nodded and said, "That''s true. As the King of the Southern Territory, at least for now, I am the Southern King. Given the situation, if I do not step forward, I''m afraid even in death I''d be dug up from my grave."


    With that, he heaved a long sigh and said, "Enough is enough. I had hoped to retire from all this strife over power, but since I''m already a broken man, I might as well die to atone today and preserve some dignity for the Southern Territory."


    After speaking, he slowly rose to his feet, about to step down from the platform.


    Ye Feng suddenly reached out to hold him back, smiling and said, "Brother Dugu, I was just joking with you."


    Dugu Ming also smiled and said, "But I wasn''t joking."


    Ye Feng''s expression became solemn as he stood up straight and said, "To think that a mere Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master would dare to come to my Xuanyuan Nation and stir up trouble, he truly knows neither heaven nor earth. Brother Dugu, step aside and watch me!"

 Chapter 146 What is the Northern King up to?

    Dugu Ming was greatly astonished, "Northern King, what do you mean by this? Are you really considering taking action?"


    Ye Feng turned his head and smiled, "Do you think that''s impossible?"


    "Absolutely not!" Dugu Ming hurriedly came over and urged, "If you were at your peak, I would be extremely grateful if you stepped forward. However, given your current condition, it''s not that I don''t trust you, but it''s really... it''s really..."


    He couldn''t bring himself to say any more, but what he meant was pretty obvious¡ªit was as if you are practically a cripple now; if you go up, wouldn''t you just be throwing your life away?


    Sima Zhantian suddenly stepped forward, clasping his hands and saying, "My lord, allow me to fight and extinguish this bald Grand Lama!"


    Ye Feng shook his head with a smile, "You''re not up to it. To defeat him, you''d need at least another ten or eight years of training."


    Sima Zhantian fell silent, though with his hot temper, he knew very well he couldn''t defeat the opponent. Nevertheless, he still wanted to stand up and offer himself, because he could not allow his master to take any risks.


    Xiao Chuanqi had also stood up, looking as though he was keen to join the fray.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and sighed, "Enough, all of you, step back. Just keep your eyes wide open and watch. Qingyan, wheel me down!"


    Hong Qingyan was momentarily stunned. Although she wanted to persuade him, she knew that once the man in the wheelchair made a decision, absolutely no one could change his mind.


    Thereupon, Hong Qingyan slowly pushed the wheelchair down the aisle towards the training ground ahead.


    On the training ground, several physicians from the Hundred Herbs Garden had already arrived to bandage the Great Protector''s wounds.


    The Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master stood under the starry sky, standing on the Southern Territory''s ground, proclaiming loudly before the faces of over two thousand Southern Territory soldiers, "At first, I thought with Xuanyuan Nation''s vast lands and abundant resources, some expert might emerge. Now, it seems, that''s hardly the case!"


    "No one in the Southern Territory of the Xuanyuan Nation can fight, what ''Ancient Xuanyuan Kingdom,'' what origins of ancient martial arts, it''s all worthless. Only our Brahma Kingdom is the true source of ancient martial arts!"


    Faced with the arrogant humiliation from the Great Zen Master of the Brahma Kingdom, over two thousand soldiers on the training grounds were seething with rage and felt deeply insulted, yet not one of them dared to speak out.


    "I truly did not expect this. In my mind, the Northern King was an unparalleled and majestic leader. Yet, seeing you today, I must say it is quite a shock." After a moment of astonishment, the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master laughed, his face once again twisting into a sneer of contempt.


    The dozen or so Lamas in Red Robe burst into laughter: "So what if you''re the Northern Border King? A man with broken legs, unable to walk, thinks he can still jump around? It''s simply laughable! It seems that not just the Southern Territory, but the entire Xuanyuan Nation lacks true masters. Otherwise, they wouldn''t let a cripple come to the forefront!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze hardened as he pointed at the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master and said, "Control your subordinates. This is the Southern Territory, this is Xuanyuan Nation. Dare to insult me again, and it will be instant execution, believe it or not?"


    As he spoke these words, an intense aura burst from him, catching the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master off guard and startling him.


    The more than two thousand elite soldiers outside the training ground became excited at this sight. "Damn it, that''s the demeanor of a true king!" they thought. "So dominant, so authoritative¡ªhe deserves respect, or he''ll execute you on the spot!"


    After a moment''s thought, the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master abruptly waved his hand and addressed the Lamas, "Silence! Regardless of everything, he is still a king, and a king should not be insulted. We were the ones who offended you!"


    With that, the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master placed his right hand across his chest and bowed to Ye Feng, prompting the Lamas to hold their tongues.


    However, after the bow, the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master''s tone changed sharply as he said coldly, "I''m not sure why the Northern King has decided to show up, but could it be that you intend to stand up for the Southern Territory?"


    Ye Feng chuckled coldly, "The Southern Territory has over a million soldiers, and masters are plentiful. They are stationed throughout the land, not at the Base Camp, otherwise why would I need to step in? Furthermore, Great Zen Master, you keep saying that Xuanyuan Nation has no one, which is extremely arrogant.


    As part of Xuanyuan Nation, and in particular the Northern Border, how could I just stand by and do nothing!"


    The Grand Zen Master snorted and exclaimed, "The Northern King is welcome to intervene. In fact, I had planned to take care of the Southern Territory''s business first and then go north to seek your guidance, Northern King. Now, it seems unnecessary to make an extra trip. However, one thing should be clear, the bout earlier was won by me, claiming the Old Southern King''s sword as my spoils of victory.


    Surely the Southern Territory isn''t thinking of reneging on the deal?"


    Ye Feng laughed heartily, "Every soldier in the Southern Territory is an honorable and trustworthy person. How could we renege? And why would we need to? I ask the Southern King to bring out the Old Southern King''s sword!"


    Dugu Ming was taken aback, then waved his hand and said, "Grand Commander Lan, fetch the Old Southern King''s personal sword."


    "Yes!" Grand Commander Lan bowed and was about to leave, but before he did, he gave Ye Feng several puzzled glances, wondering what act the Northern King was putting on.

 Chapter 147 The Unparalleled Domineering Northern Border King!

    Soon after, Grand Commander Lan brought the personal sword that had belonged to the Old Southern King. He approached Ye Feng, presenting the Azure Glaze Sword with both hands.


    Ye Feng took it, and instantly felt a chill dissipating through the blade; he couldn''t help but exclaim, "What a sword, truly a peerless Sharp Sword!"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master across from him couldn''t help but sneer, "Of course, it''s a good sword. Ten years ago, I was defeated by this very sword, pierced through the stomach with one thrust!"


    Having said that, the Grand Zen Master couldn''t help but burst into wild laughter, "But after today, this sword will belong to me. The humiliation I suffered under this sword back then will all be washed away clean!"


    The dozen or so Lamas in Red Robes behind him also laughed loudly, "Great Zen Master, after we return to the Brahma Kingdom, we must hold a grand sword appreciation event. We shall invite all the renowned figures of our country to participate. Imagine the grandeur of that scene."


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master laughed heartily, "No, we won''t just invite the famous personalities from our Brahma Kingdom. I will invite friends from both within our country and abroad. After all, this is the personal sword of the former Southern King of the Xuanyuan Nation from the Southern Territory!"


    At this, all the Lamas from the Brahma Kingdom laughed unrestrainedly, their laughter wild and arrogant to the extreme.


    Everyone from the Southern Territory clenched their fists in anger. If things turned out as they said, the face of the Southern Territory would be lost to the whole world.


    But what could they do? The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master was so mighty that even when the Four Great Protectors joined forces, they couldn''t defeat him. It was feared that there was no one in the base camp of the Southern Territory who could be his match.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained calmly undisturbed all along, and he then said indifferently, "Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master, according to the agreement, the sword can be given to you. However, I''m a bit concerned that after your insults upon Xuanyuan Nation claiming it lacks skilled people, you may find it difficult to walk out through the gates of the Southern Territory."


    "Hmm?" Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master furrowed his grey eyebrows, saying in a cold voice, "Are you threatening me?"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, "Indeed, this is a threat, but I can tell you that I seldom threaten others, and you, you''re not worthy of my threat!"


    Upon saying this, Ye Feng changed the subject, "How about we make a bet?"


    The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master''s cold and ruthless eyes were fixed on him as he said word by word, "What wager do you propose?"


    Just then, Ye Feng, who had originally been seated in the wheelchair, suddenly soared into the air as if he were a Golden-winged Roc taking flight.


    At that moment, sand flew and stones scattered, with the yellow sand filling the sky over the entire training ground; even the leaves on the surrounding trees shook nonstop, and the sudden terrifying gust of wind made people around stagger backward repeatedly.


    Amid the swirling yellow sand, spectators watched in astonishment as Ye Feng''s figure reached Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master in an instant, and then he chopped out with a palm.


    In the next moment, Ye Feng was back in his wheelchair.


    All of this happened as swiftly as lightning.


    Then, a miserable scream echoed through the training ground as the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master flew backward like a kite with a broken string, eventually crashing heavily to the ground.


    As the dust gradually settled, the crowd could finally see that the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master was covered in blood, his body convulsing repeatedly, and what was worse, his right arm had snapped off, revealing a chilling half-length of white bone!


    "This..." More than two thousand soldiers from the Southern Territory who witnessed this scene were all dumbstruck, frozen in place.


    In pain, the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master''s face twisted as he grated out, "You... you have actually... actually achieved a breakthrough..."


    Seated in his wheelchair, Ye Feng''s gaze sharp as a blade, fixed upon him, word by word, he said, "You should be grateful that since you stepped into my Xuanyuan Nation, you haven''t killed anyone, otherwise, you would already be lying on the ground, a dead body by now!"


    Silence!


    For a moment, in the vast training ground, amongst more than two thousand people, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, no one dared to speak.


    Looking again at the figure in the center, although seated in a wheelchair, at this moment he seemed incredibly tall, imposing and domineering!


    This is the Northern King, peerlessly elegant, the unparalleled King of the Northern Border!

 Chapter 148 I Will Definitely Come Back Again

    The night was still and windless, the previously arrogant and haughty lamas of the Brahma Kingdom, all clad in red, lowered their heads, daring not to speak falsehoods or act recklessly anymore.


    Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master clenched his teeth for a long time before he was finally able to forcibly suppress the surging energy within him.


    "Northern Border King Ye Feng, very well," I admit defeat this time, Great Zen Master vowed. "But I swear I will return!"


    "Let''s go!" the Quasi-Wheel Grand Zen Master commanded with a cold shout, and a dozen lamas in red came forward to support him as they prepared to leave ignominiously.


    "Stop, who gave you permission to leave just like that?" Ye Feng suddenly shouted coldly.


    Staggering slightly, the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master turned around and gritted his teeth, "You can''t seriously believe you have the audacity to kill me, can you? I must tell you, I am the anointed Zen Master by the Lord of Brahma Kingdom, and now I''m of the Arhat Fruit Position. I came to your Xuanyuan Nation for a friendly visit today, without killing a single one of your Xuanyuan people."


    "If you kill me, it will inevitably provoke a war between our two nations. The Southern Territory is weak, and although the Northern Border is strong, it cannot reach us here, you better think carefully about the consequences!"


    Ye Feng sneered, "Who was it, stop looking around, it''s you, you who just now had the audacity to insult my royal dignity with your insolent remarks, under the heavens, the majesty of kings is inviolable!"


    "Escort, chop off his head!"


    Sima Zhantian didn''t utter another word and charged forward directly.


    "What are you doing, you dare..." the red-robed lama panicked. He was the most insolent just before and had shouted the loudest insults.


    "Despicable cur, you actually dared to insult the Northern Border King, you are truly seeking your own death!"


    Sima Zhantian raised his broadsword and with a swift motion, the head of the red-robed lama flew off, even spurting a streak of blood.


    "Take his head and the body back to your Lord of Brahma Kingdom. If he wishes to wage a great war, my Xuanyuan Nation is ready to accompany him to the end!" Ye Feng''s words came with cold bites, his stance imperious and his tone resonant and powerful.


    More than two thousand soldiers from the Southern Territory felt their blood boiling, overcome with excitement and enthusiasm.


    Unsure who, someone suddenly called out loudly, "The Northern King is mighty, the Northern King is majestic!"


    Following that came a flood of shouts, "The Northern King is mighty, the Northern King is majestic, the Northern King is peerlessly graceful, unmatched in his energy!" Stay connected via empire


    "To the Northern King..."


    At this, he simply couldn''t continue.


    At this time, the Great Protector suddenly let out a long sigh, saying, "Alas, to think that we four brothers made our names in the Southern Territory in our early years, then followed the Old Southern King in campaigns across the land, considering ourselves figures of some standing. But now we realize... we were nothing but frogs in a well, it''s all meaningless!"


    "The four of us should go and apologize for our mistakes," the Great Protector said, then hurriedly went after Ye Feng, the other three protectors following quickly behind.


    Seeing this, Dugu Ming hesitated briefly before he, too, chased after them.


    Soon more than two thousand soldiers on the training ground dispersed, leaving only the Hengling Domain Lord, the Lord of Nan Dong, and the Hundred Herbs Realm Lord on the vast training ground.


    "What do we three do now? Can it be that we also have to grovel and apologize like those four old dogs?" the Hundred Herbs Realm Lord asked through clenched teeth.


    "That''s impossible. I am a dignified Domain Lord. Even when the Old Southern King was alive, I never kneeled. To kowtow to that cripple, that''s absolutely out of the question!" the Lord of Nan Dong said coldly.


    The Hengling Domain Lord furrowed his brows tightly and stood silent in the dark night.


    Xiao Jingyuan from the Hundred Herbs Realm couldn''t help but say coldly, "Speak up, old ghost of Hengling. I''ve heard that even your Chief Instructor in the Hengling Domain was crippled by that brat!"


    The Hengling Domain Lord suddenly sneered, "Apologize by kowtowing? You overestimate that brat. To be fair, he does have some skills, but don''t forget that the Northern Territory is now in chaos¡ªit''s a complete mess. Zhu Guangbo from the Zhu Family in the imperial capital is now the acting ruler of the Northern Territory.


    Have you ever thought about why this Ye fellow has not returned to the Northern Territory until now?"


    All three asked in unison, "Why?"


    The Hengling Domain Lord snorted coldly, "What else could be the reason? Of course it''s because he dares not. Because he knows that the moment he steps into the Northern Border, his death is certain. Zhu Family would never want to see that happen. And it''s not just the Zhu Family¡ªa number of ancient noble clans in the imperial capital don''t want to see him return either.


    So we have nothing to worry about. That kid won''t live long!"


    "Indeed, the old ghost of Hengling has a point!" The Lord of Nan Dong nodded again and again.


    The Hengling Domain Lord bared his teeth in a cold smile, "In fact, we''re worrying unnecessarily. Forget about him wanting to return to the Northern Territory, he won''t even be able to leave the Southern Territory. The grey-robed swordsman he defeated just now is the favored disciple of the contemporary sect leader of the Heng Mountain Sword Sect.


    Think about it, would the Heng Mountain Sword Sect let him leave the Southern Territory alive?"


    At this remark, all three Domain Lords laughed together unanimously.

 Chapter 149 The Impending Storm Is About to Hit the Tower

    Ye Feng wasn''t moving fast; after all, he was sitting in a chair, taking advantage of the dark night to slowly return to his residence.


    Hong Qingyan was slowly pushing from behind, filled with questions in her heart. She had clearly seen Ye Feng fly into the air. How had he done that?


    The incident at the training ground had unfolded too swiftly. Hong Qingyan only saw a blur before Ye Feng was sitting back in his chair, so she couldn''t make out what had actually happened.


    Hong Qingyan really wanted to ask Ye Feng whether his legs were truly broken.


    But she restrained herself multiple times. Since Ye Feng chose to act this way, he must have his reasons.


    "Lord Northern King, Lord Northern King, please wait!" Suddenly, the Four Great Protectors hurriedly caught up from behind.


    "Why have they come!" Sima Zhan Tian''s gaze sharpened, ready to make a move.


    Ye Feng didn''t turn around but waved his hand and said, "Show no disrespect!"


    Sima Zhan Tian managed to hold back.


    Ye Feng stopped in his spot, and the four protectors ran directly toward him, then with a thud, all four knelt before Ye Feng.


    "Lord Northern King above, we were blind and offended the Northern King earlier. We plead for your magnanimity to forgive our disrespect," the four said as they clasped their hands together.


    Right after, the Great Protector added, "I have committed a grave sin and feel terribly remorseful. I originally wanted to die to thank the Southern Territory, but considering the current instability in the Southern Territory, my presence is somewhat needed to maintain control, hence I cannot die yet, otherwise..."


    At this point, Ye Feng laughed and teased, "Does the Great Protector think that with me, the Northern King here, the Southern Territory could still fall into chaos?"


    The Great Protector was startled, looking up at Ye Feng without being able to say a word.


    Watching the old man''s deflated demeanor, Ye Feng shook his head slightly, sighing, "All right, I was joking. I wouldn''t go as far as taking your old lives."


    Hearing this, the four protectors breathed a sigh of relief, but Ye Feng continued, "Of course, I''m sparing you mainly out of respect for the old Southern King. Don''t think I can''t kill you. From now on, ensure the stability of the Southern Territory, or else don''t blame me for being ruthless!"


    The four protectors nodded repeatedly, then showered Ye Feng with grateful and tearful words of appreciation.


    After that, the Northern King entered the hall, and the doors of the hall were quickly closed. Even Hong Qingyan chose to come out, leaving guards like Xia Lengchan and Sima Zhantian outside, both of whom found this quite strange.


    They were very curious. What on earth were these two kings of the north and south discussing inside?


    No one knew that, about an hour later, Southern King Dugu Ming emerged. Although his power had still not recovered, the expression on his face was no longer as dejected and dim as before; he even appeared somewhat excited.


    Seeing this, Xia Lengchan was undoubtedly more curious, but of course, they couldn''t possibly go up and ask, for the deliberations of kings were certainly not for them to probe into.


    Nothing was said overnight, and the next day, Southern King Dugu Ming came early again, this time carrying two large chests. What was contained within those chests, likewise, no one knew.


    After breakfast, Ye Feng¡ªwho was seated in a wheelchair pushed slowly by Hong Qingyan¡ªcame out. At the same time, he hurried Sima Zhantian, Xiao Chuanqi, and others, and the Southern King also summoned Grand Commander Lan and another high-ranking officer from the Southern Territory.


    "I have an announcement to make!" Ye Feng spoke, looking at the Great Commanders, his voice very serious.


    "What are your orders, my Lord? Just command us!" The commanders bowed in unison, equally serious because they seldom saw Ye Feng in such a solemn mood.


    Whenever the Northern King put on such a serious demeanor, it meant the upcoming announcement was bound to be of utmost importance, a matter of great significance.


    Ye Feng spoke with gravity, "For the next half month, I and the Southern King will enter into secluded cultivation. Remember, it is a closed-door retreat, and during this time, we shall not allow anyone to disturb us, no one at all. Is that clear?"


    "We understand clearly!" the Great Commanders responded aloud.


    "May I ask, Lord Northern King, if during this period the Southern Territory Lord requests an audience, what then?" Grand Commander Lan inquired.


    "Don''t see him, see no one at all. Let alone the Lord of the Nine Domains, even if emissaries from the imperial court come, unless it''s a matter of national extinction, we shall meet no one. Wait until we emerge from our retreat!"


    Ye Feng''s words resonated firmly, then he continued, "Furthermore, Grand Commander Lan, you must immediately notify the Lord of the Nine Domains that three days from receiving this message, they must arrive at the Southern Territory Base Camp without fail!"


    Grand Commander Lan turned his head to look at Dugu Ming, as if seeking his opinion.


    Dugu Ming said in a deep voice, "That is also my will, Commander Lan. Go and issue the order immediately. Remember, this is a King''s Order. Make sure every one of the Lords of the Nine Domains must arrive. It''s an order to discuss military and national affairs, and no one is to be absent!"


    "Yes!" Grand Commander Lan bowed immediately, but his brow furrowed slightly, as he suddenly felt a sense of an impending storm brewing. Find your next read at empire

 Chapter 150 The Extremely Arrogant Lord of the Tiannan Region

    Fifteen days blinked by.


    Because the King''s Order had been issued, from the third day of receiving the order, the Southern Territory Lords started to arrive one after another. By the fourteenth day, several Lords had already reached the Southern Territory Base Camp.


    The Lords of the Nine Domains of the Southern Territory usually wouldn''t stay at the Base Camp unless there was nothing else to do, and they only gathered there for discussions of serious military and national matters.


    However, what shocked and infuriated Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi was that the King''s Order had been issued, and even after the fifteenth day¡ªthe deadline¡ªhad passed, three of the Lords of the Nine Domains still hadn''t followed the order to appear. To them, this was simply unimaginable.


    Had this been the Northern Border, after the Northern King issued a King''s Order for the Twelve Banners'' Flag Leaders to come to the Base Camp for a meeting, by the next day, all twelve of them would have arrived on time without fail, unless they had extremely compelling reasons not to.


    Because this was the King''s Order!


    Yet in the Southern Territory, there were actually several Lords who had failed to show up¡ªthis was truly inconceivable!


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but sneer, "Indeed, throughout these years, with the Southern Territory showing weakness, each Lord of the Nine Domains has harbored their own scheming thoughts. Today proves it beyond a doubt!"


    Xia Lengchan said with a wry smile, "Not just the Lords of the Nine Domains, even the leaders below them all have their own little calculations. Otherwise, when the Northern King descended upon the Southern Territory, people like Yang Bugui wouldn''t have dared to be so arrogant."


    Sima Zhantian humphed, "In the Northern Border, no matter what the Lords think, I would''ve chopped their bloody heads off right away! And just look at those who have arrived; each one of them is so damn insufferably arrogant. If this were the Northern Border, I''d definitely beat them down!"


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but laugh, "Calm your rage. This is the Southern Territory, not our Northern Border. Besides, I noticed that the Lords who arrived all have masters by their side, and among them are those with strength not inferior to ours. We must not act rashly. Let''s wait for our Lord to finish his seclusion!"


    On the morning of the fifteenth day, the Lords who had arrived were already impatient, sitting in the council hall, waiting all morning without seeing the King of the Southern Territory show up. They even started to curse out loud.


    "Damn it, we were summoned here ten days ago with talk of discussing important military matters. Now, I''ve been waiting for ten whole days and still haven''t caught sight of a single shadow of Dugu Ming. What kind of farce is this? Are they playing us for fools?"


    One burly middle-aged man cursed loudly, his voice bold and full of brash arrogance.


    When Sima Zhantian saw this, he became furious and couldn''t help but want to burst into the council hall.


    Xia Lengchan could only give a wry smile and said, "Lord of Tiannan Region, truth be told, this brother Sima Zhantian is a Legion Commander under the Northern King, and his position is not low either."


    "Under the Northern King? So he''s not even from the Southern Territory? When the hell did our Base Camp here in the Southern Territory start taking orders from people from other regions?" the Lord of Tiannan Region grew even angrier after hearing this.


    At that moment, another sitting Lord added with an odd tone, "Really, a Legion Commander from the Northern Border daring to be disrespectful to our Lords of the Southern Region; isn''t that too presumptuous and disrespectful to us here?"


    "Exactly!"


    The Lord of Tiannan Region stood with hands on hips again, pointing at Sima Zhantian''s nose and said, "This is the Base Camp of the Southern Territory; it''s not your place, people from the Northern Border, to issue commands here. Get the hell out immediately, and before you do, kneel down and admit your error. Did you hear me, kneel down!"


    "How presumptuous!"


    At this point, Xiao Chuanqi also got angry, stepping forward in a rage, bellowing, "Such arrogance, daring to ask our Legion Commander from the Northern Border Army to kneel, where do you get your confidence? I''ll have you know, the King''s Order from fifteen days ago was issued jointly by our Northern King and your Southern King.


    In other words, we, as Legion Commanders from the Northern Border, also have enough qualification and reason to stand here!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking than the Lords present burst into laughter, filled with mockery and disdain.


    "Damn it, wasn''t I clear enough, or are all your ears deaf? This is the Base Camp of the Southern Territory; I don''t care about your Northern King, Western King, or Eastern King!"


    The Lord of Tiannan Region, with his mouth wide open, said word by word, "Kneel down and kowtow to admit your mistake right now, otherwise, I''ll have my followers paralyze you both. Do you believe me or not?"


    "Try it if you''ve got the guts!" Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian promptly stood their ground.


    Your next chapter awaits on empire


    "Good, do it, cripple them both for me!" The Lord of Tiannan Region gestured vehemently, and the two followers lunged forward.


    However, just at that moment, a resounding voice suddenly came from outside, "The Southern King and the Northern King have arrived!"

 Chapter 151 Who Gave You Such Courage?

    Hearing the shout, the Lord of Tiannan Region was also stunned for a moment; he then slightly gestured with his hand, and the two attendants stepped aside. He might be arrogant and despise everyone, but he dared not make a move in front of the Southern King.


    As the words fell, Southern King Dugu Ming walked in leisurely. Judging by his complexion, he seemed in good spirits, not at all showing the listless demeanor from when he began his secluded cultivation half a month earlier.


    Next to him, Ye Feng was sitting in a wheelchair, with Hong Qingyan pushing from behind, as the three of them slowly entered the hall.


    Even if the various Domain Lords in the hall didn''t hold the King of the Southern Territory in high regard, at this moment they all stood up from their chairs. After all, necessary courtesies still had to be observed, at least on the surface.


    Not only had Dugu Ming lost his previous dispirited air, but his whole demeanor seemed to have changed, becoming somewhat more sharp.


    Ye Feng appeared to have changed little if at all; on the contrary, he looked rather weary.


    The Domain Lords stood quietly in their places, making no move to greet them. They didn''t dare take Southern King Dugu Ming lightly, knowing him too well and not holding him in high regard. Their focus was on this Northern King!


    Half a month ago, there had been a battle involving the Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master of the Brahma Kingdom, which these Domain Lords had certainly heard about. But they didn''t believe for a minute that this cripple, who had been driven from the Northern Border and couldn''t even walk, could be all that powerful.


    They were also skeptical about the claim that the Grand Zen Master had broken through to the level of Martial King, achieving the Arhat Fruit Position. After hearing this, the Domain Lords simply assumed the Grand Zen Master was bluffing.


    Otherwise, this wheelchair-bound cripple could not possibly have defeated a Martial King!


    "What''s going on, all this commotion; what exactly is the matter?" Dugu Ming had just entered and immediately demanded in a cold shout, his presence somewhat formidable.


    Only then did the Domain Lords snap back to reality. They glanced at Dugu Ming but were too lazy to answer his question. One of them spoke coldly, "I say, Southern King, you had us gather at the Base Camp ten days ago to discuss urgent national affairs. Yet, we have waited over ten days without a trace of you. Isn''t this utterly absurd and disrespectful?"


    As the atmosphere grew tense, a domain lord spoke, "Southern King, we''ve also been waiting for far too long. We waited for several days to find out what important military affairs these leaders have to discuss, but they couldn''t provide an answer. We wanted to go to you, but it wasn''t allowed, and these days have truly left us stifled."


    "Because you''re stifled, you think you can behave recklessly in the Southern Territory Main Hall? And you wish to summon a maid to massage your legs? Don''t forget the Old Southern King''s Treasure Sword is still hanging there. Do you truly think I wouldn''t dare lay my hands on you?"


    Having said that, Dugu Ming strode to the front of the throne and took down the Azure Glaze Sword hanging there.


    The other domain lords tensed slightly at this move. One quickly spoke up, "Southern King, please calm your anger. What the Lord of Tiannan Region did was indeed improper, but it''s not a significant matter, after all, the military council hasn''t started yet."


    With that, the domain lord hurryingly turned to Lio Nanba, "Brother Lio, won''t you hurry and apologize to the Southern King? Let''s put this matter to rest."


    By this time, everyone had seen the change in the Southern King; he was different from before. Not only had he become much more assertive, but even his aura seemed stronger than before.


    These domain lords, accustomed to arrogance over the years, hadn''t taken the Southern King seriously and therefore, had not brought many skilled guards to the Base Camp. This left them in a somewhat passive situation now.


    Lio Nanba, seeing the current turn of events, after a moment''s contemplation, cupped his hands and said, "Indeed, there was an impropriety on my part in this matter. I apologize to the Southern King here."


    However, Lio Nanba''s tone abruptly shifted as he pointed at Sima Zhantian''s nose, gritted his teeth, and raged, "But this dog just now dared to insult me, and as an outsider, he had the audacity to shout and cause a scene in our Southern Territory Main Hall.


    He must kneel down immediately and kowtow to make amends, otherwise, my resentment cannot be dispelled, nor can our Southern Territory''s dignity be upheld!"


    With that, Lio Nanba waved his Great Hand and commanded, "Come, seize this dog. If he does not kneel and kowtow, break both of his dog legs!"


    The two attendants leaped forward upon hearing the order.


    Upon seeing this, Ye Feng, filled with rage, clenched his teeth and exclaimed coldly, "Who gave you such audacity to lay your hands on my man!"

 Chapter 152 The Northern Border King, His Momentum Is Too Overwhelming!

    Lio Nanba of the Southern Region suddenly turned his head and glared at Ye Feng, coldly spitting out each word, "And who are you supposed to be? This is the Main Hall of the Base Camp of the Southern Territory. Since when does a crippled piece of trash like you have the right to speak here?"


    Xia Lengchan, Li Jingang, Zhuge Yu, and several other Great Commanders inhaled sharply upon hearing this. The look in their eyes towards the Lord of Tiannan Region no longer held fear, but pity and sympathy.


    It could almost be certain that the fate awaiting the Lord of Tiannan Region would be exceedingly grim!


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "It seems you do not recognize me. Well then, let me tell you, I am the Northern Border King, Ye Feng!"


    To everyone''s surprise, Lio Nanba looked up and burst into roaring laughter upon hearing this, his laughter causing everyone in the great hall to feel their eardrums tremble. After a good while, he let out a cold snort and said, "Ridiculous, truly ridiculous. Let''s not even discuss whether you are the Northern Border King; even if you were, what of it?"


    "This is the Main Hall of the Base Camp of the Southern Territory, not your Northern Border. When did our Southern Territory Main Hall fall under the command of you Northern Territory people?"


    Ye Feng stretched out his hand and pointed towards the twin thrones above, saying, "Do you see what is on those seats?"


    "What is that?" Lio Nanba turned his head to look and saw something resembling a Token on the thrones, though he did not understand it.


    "That, is my King''s Order," said Ye Feng.


    "Your King''s Order, so what?" Lio Nanba coldly huffed.


    "So what?" Ye Feng laughed and shook his head with a sigh, "Open the Summoning Orders in your hands and see if they bear my Royal Seal."


    One of the Lords thereupon decisively took out the Summoning Order he had received over ten days ago, opened it, and after glancing at it, exclaimed, "I hadn''t paid attention before, but sure enough, this Summoning Order bears the seal of the Northern King!"


    Lio Nanba still sneered, "Even if this Summoning Order bears the seal of the Northern King, what of it?"


    He remained utterly fearless, for this place was the Southern Territory, after all; the Southern King himself dared not lay a hand on him, let alone a foreign ruler from beyond their borders.


    Ye Feng declared, "If it bears my Royal Seal, it means this Summoning Order was jointly issued by both myself and the Southern King. That means, the matter of military and state discussed here is presided over by both the Southern King and myself. So you tell me, do my subordinates have the right to sit in counsel in this hall?"


    "Advance again and you die!" Sima Zhantian''s aura of murderous intent surged, and his opponent didn''t dare to even fart, let alone anything else, quickly turning tail to leave.


    Behind them, Lord of Tiannan Region Lio Nanba, upon seeing this, was already scared pale and trembling all over. Seeing that things weren''t going his way, he said nothing and attempted to flee backwards.


    Grand Commander Lan Youzhong blocked him directly and said, "Lord of Tiannan Region, the military meeting isn''t over yet. Where do you think you''re going?"


    In total panic, Lio Nanba blurted out, "Grand Commander Lan, we''ve had some rapport in the past. Are you not only going to stand by and watch me die but also block my path?"


    Grand Commander Lan, with an expression of impartiality, said, "In the face of martial affairs, personal relations cannot be accounted for!"


    Xiao Chuanqi moved in a flash, kicking him to the ground and restraining him.


    "Ye Feng, I am the Lord of the Tiannan Region, guarding the Southern Border''s South Gate. Do you really dare to touch me? If the region loses my guardianship, the Ancient Yue Kingdom will surely seize the opportunity to stir trouble. Then, no one will be able to stop their invasion!" Lio Nanba bitingly roared.


    Hearing this, Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but shake his head repeatedly. Even at this point, he was trying to use his contributions as leverage. He should know that the thing the Northern Border King disliked the most was exactly this. If at this moment the opponent had obediently knelt down and admitted his error, perhaps the Northern Border King might have shown leniency, but he hadn''t!


    "Take action!" Ye Feng gave a faint, cold snort.


    "No... Southern King, won''t you do something about this? And the other domain lords, please plead for me!"


    Lio Nanba howled, but quickly he despaired, realizing that he had been foolish, as foolish as a pig.


    The situation at hand suggested that the Southern King aimed for a strong comeback, intent on reconsolidating his authority. The Northern King was evidently a major force he had invited. Now was the moment for the Southern King to establish his power, and the last resort would be to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys, creating a warning for all.


    Yet, at this crucial time, he had stood out, becoming that sacrificial chicken. As for the other domain lords present, they naturally became the monkeys. But now, these monkeys were coldly watching, every one of them looking out for their own safety, not one stepping forward to intercede.


    Xiao Chuanqi''s wrist flicked twice, and he directly severed the other''s Achilles tendons. Lio Nanba was thoroughly crippled!


    "Stop the bleeding for him and have him sit aside. The military meeting is not over, and he''s not allowed to leave!" Ye Feng ordered and then turned to face the domain lords, saying gravely, "Now, let the military meeting commence!"


    Throughout the period, these five domain lords didn''t dare to breathe loudly. The reason was simple: the aura of the Northern Border King was too overwhelming, pressing upon them so heavily they could hardly catch their breath.

 Chapter 153 Northern King, what do you make of this?

    Under the impetus of Hong Qingyan, Ye Feng slowly approached the throne on the right side of the main hall, but he did not move over and continued to sit in his own wheelchair because he had grown accustomed to it.


    The Southern King Dugu Ming, on the other hand, took his seat on the throne to the left, with the remaining five Domain Lords taking their seats below.


    As for the Lord of Tiannan Region, Lio Nanba, whose Achilles tendons had been severed causing him great pain that made him clench his teeth and shudder, he still forcibly bore the pain without daring to cry out or even think about leaving. He knew that if he left, he would likely never be able to reclaim his position as the Lord of Tiannan Region.


    One of the Domain Lords thought for a moment before mustering the courage to speak up, "May I ask the Southern and Northern Kings, we several Domain Lords have been waiting for more than ten days, what exactly is the urgent military affair?


    Recently in the Southern Border, there seem to be no signs of harassment from neighboring countries, nor any offense from enemy nations, yet we don''t know what the urgent military affair might be?"


    The other Domain Lords also nodded in agreement, each filled with doubt in their hearts. The Southern Border had been too peaceful lately for there to be any significant military affairs.


    Ye Feng turned to look at Dugu Ming beside him, indicating that he should speak, as it was more appropriate for the Southern King to speak in such a situation. Moreover, since they were in his base camp, he needed to consider Dugu Ming''s dignity.


    Southern King Dugu Ming just smiled slightly and said, "I have been in secluded cultivation for too long, and in these years, I have not been well-informed about the outside world. Let the Northern King speak."


    Ye Feng nodded and then said, "As you all must know, the Southern Territory is faced with two predicaments. One is an external element, represented by the Brahma Kingdom and the Ancient Yue Kingdom, both of which have been eyeing us covetously. The other is an internal element, which I presume everyone is aware of without me needing to elaborate, right?"


    One of the Domain Lords nodded and responded, "Of course, we are well aware. The internal threat is, naturally, the Gu&Poison Sect within the Hundred Thousand Mountains of the Southern Border!"


    "Indeed, it is the Gu&Poison Sect!" Ye Feng nodded slightly and continued, "The Gu&Poison Sect, hidden deep within the Hundred Thousand Mountains and skilled in the use of myriad poisons, has always been difficult to eradicate. Of course, if the Gu&Poison Sect remained secluded within the Hundred Thousand Mountains, it wouldn''t matter much.


    The important thing is, I have recently discovered traces of the Gu&Poison Sect in places like the Southern River Region Jiangnan."


    "What? Traces of the Gu&Poison Sect have been found in the Southern River Region Jiangnan and other places? But Jiangnan is a major city in the Southern Territory. Could it be that the Gu&Poison Sect has even extended its reach to these bustling major cities?" An astonished Domain Lord exclaimed.


    "Not only have they reached the major cities, but they even intend to use Gu and Poison to control the powerful families of these cities. So as long as the Gu&Poison Sect exists, it will be a significant threat to the Southern Territory and to the Xuanyuan Nation!" Ye Feng declared loudly.


    One of the guards, with hands clasped, said, "Reporting to the Southern King, when we delivered the order, the Lord of Yanshan Territory claimed to be seriously ill and unable to attend, outright refusing on the spot. As for the Hundred Herbs Realm Lord, the Lord of Nan Dong, and the Hengling Domain Lord, they were all in the residence of the Hundred Herbs Realm Lord at the time.


    Upon receiving the King''s Order, they tore up the Summoning Order on the spot and even said the so-called King''s Order was nothing they''d consider at all!"


    The guard who spoke knelt on the ground.


    "This is preposterous, truly preposterous! They show no regard for me whatsoever!" Southern King Dugu Ming raged with fury.


    The few other domain lords witnessing this secretly exchanged glances, not daring to raise their voices openly. Yet each of their faces turned strange, as if they all agreed without speaking.


    Clearly, they knew there was likely to be an interesting development to watch next.


    Grand Commander Lan snorted coldly, "That Lord of Yanshan Territory is one thing; if he truly is ill and cannot attend, that might be acceptable.


    However, the other three domain lords, the Lord of Nan Dong, the Hundred Herbs Realm Lord, and the Hengling Domain Lord, such matters of military command and king''s summons, they dared to tear the order up and now outright fail to appear, this is simply a crime worthy of death!"


    Li Jingang, Zhuge Yu, and Xia Lengchan all shouted angrily, "These three domain lords, usually in the Southern Territory''s base camp, have always been arrogant and imperious, often reprimanding and punishing the soldiers at will. Now they openly defy the King''s Order, they must be severely punished!"


    Dugu Ming pondered, but found it hard to make a decision right then and there, as this matter involved three domain lords at once. To execute them directly might cause considerable unrest.


    After a serious moment of thought, Dugu Ming was still undecided, so he turned his head to ask Ye Feng, "Northern King, what do you think of this matter?"


    Ye Feng did not answer his question, and despite the fact that the other was the Southern King, Ye Feng did not reply but instead commanded, "Are the Four Great Protectors still at the base camp? Have them come see me immediately!"


    The domain lords who heard this had their expressions suddenly change. The tone of the Northern King was truly not small, directly ordering the Four Great Protectors to come for an audience.


    One must know that the Four Great Protectors were no ordinary individuals; they were the Protector Dharma Kings of the Southern Regions. Even the Southern King usually treated them with great respect, but here was the Northern King, not asking someone to invite them but directly commanding their presence. It was unthinkable that the Four Great Protectors would come.


    However, it did not take long for the domain lords to realize they were mistaken. In less than half a quarter of an hour, a loud shout came from outside: "The Great Protectors have arrived!"

 Chapter 154 The Arrogant and Presumptuous Three Great Domain Lords

    The Four Great Protectors walked in side by side, heading straight to Ye Feng. They then bowed with hands folded in front and said, "Greetings to the Northern King. May we know why the Northern King has summoned us here?"


    The five Domain Lords watching were dumbfounded. What exactly was going on?


    The Four Great Protector Dharma Kings of the Southern Territory had come in and immediately paid their respects to the Northern Border King. While paying respects could be considered normal courtesy, their demeanor was excessively reverent¡ª bordering on awe.


    Moreover, the Southern King was still present. By choosing to ignore the Southern King and pay respects to the Northern King instead, one must realize that this was happening in the Southern Territory, not their own Northern Border. This was quite inappropriate.


    Suddenly, the five Domain Lords came to a realization¡ª the incident that occurred half a month ago had not been exaggerated. The Reincarnation Wheel Grand Zen Master from Brahma Kingdom had indeed become the Martial King and was indeed defeated by Northern King Ye Feng in the end.


    In other words, despite still sitting in a wheelchair at the moment, the Northern King''s combat power had long surpassed that of an ordinary Martial King!


    This was quite terrifying; in fact, it was almost on par with King Kao Shan from the Imperial City!


    Ye Feng looked at the four and asked, "The Southern King just asked me about the ongoing military council meeting. The Lords of Nan Dong, Hundred Herbs Realm, and Hengling Domain received the King''s Orders but not only did they not comply, they tore up the Summoning Orders on the spot. I am indeed an outsider in this matter, how do you four view this situation?"


    In truth, Ye Feng was not clueless on how to handle the situation. In fact, he had already made a decision upon entering. The reason why he still questioned these four was merely to observe their attitudes and choices.


    The expressions of the Four Great Protectors shifted slightly, as they too realized the gravity of the situation. If mishandled, not only the three Domain Lords might fall, but even the four of them could be affected.


    The four knew that the Northern King was asking them to take a stand and declare their allegiance. Moreover, it was abundantly clear that with Northern King Ye Feng''s return to the Southern Territory, he was evidently intent on supporting Southern King Dugu Ming to fully consolidate control over the Southern Territory.


    Having understood this, the Four Great Protectors knew exactly what to do.


    "All land under the heavens belongs to the king. The Lords of Nan Dong, Hundred Herbs, and Hengling, as subjects of the Southern Territory, dared to openly defy the King''s Orders. According to the laws, they should be executed without exception!"


    "Good!" Ye Feng spoke, having waited for these very words.


    After speaking, Ye Feng turned to Dugu Ming and said with a smile, "Southern King, the next steps are up to you."


    Xiao Jingyuan burst into loud laughter. In his own residence, he was the Heavenly Emperor Laozi, free to do whatever he wanted¡ªsuch a merry life.


    The Lord of Nan Dong was so enticed that his eyes almost popped out, repeatedly nodding and saying, "Not bad at all, not bad, Brother Hundred Herbs really knows how to have fun. I''ve lived such a long time and have yet to taste what these are like."


    "Haha, no problem. If Brother Nan Dong likes them, just pick any two. After the banquet is over, you can take them directly to the private chambers. There''s nothing to it!" Xiao Jingyuan said, his demeanor that of a boastful and powerful nouveau riche, clearly much more domineering.


    Being in his Hundred Herbs Realm, with a full five hundred guards at his disposal, all elite, and over fifty of them top-notch experts, such a force was already considerably strong. Moreover, he controlled a formidable army under his banner.


    The Lord of Nan Dong laughed giddily, but suddenly, as if he remembered something, he changed the subject, "Right, today I heard there was a discussion about important military affairs at the Base Camp. If we three don''t show up, could it cause any trouble?"


    "What trouble could it cause?" Domain Lord Xiao Jingyuan snorted disdainfully, "We''ve missed it before and nothing happened. Besides, the three of us are Domain Lords, each ruling over our own domain, guarding the Southern Border Gate. I doubt Southern King Dugu Ming would dare to do anything to us!"


    The Lord of Nan Dong said, "I''m not afraid of Southern King Dugu Ming¡ªthat guy is nothing but a wimp, and I don''t even take him seriously. What I''m worried about is that cripple with the broken legs from the Northern Border. Could he possibly..."


    "He dares!" Xiao Jingyuan glared furiously and growled, "That kid with the broken legs has some skills, but if he dares to come to my Hundred Herbs Garden, let him try!"


    At this time, the Hengling Domain Lord who had been drinking all along also laughed and said, "Brother Nan Dong, don''t worry needlessly. What I can tell you is that the cripple with the broken legs won''t live much longer."


    "Oh? Could it be that Brother Hengling knows some insider news?" The Lord of Nan Dong asked, turning his head.


    "Of course!" The Hengling Domain Lord set down his wine cup and sneered, "Three days ago, the Heng Mountain Sword Sect sent someone with a message saying that many of their elders were very angry and insisted that the kid from the Northern Border must be slain.


    They even said that in two more days, they would send out their inner sect experts without waiting for the kid with the broken legs to personally visit and pay his respects to the mountain."


    "Great!" Xiao Jingyuan roared, "I''ve been annoyed with that kid for a while now. His legs are already broken, yet he still hops around everywhere. He''s barely able to hold onto his Northern Border King throne and he still wants to swagger around in our Southern Territory!"


    "Damn it, I''m declaring this now¡ªif that kid dares to come to my Hundred Herbs Realm, I''ll chop him up and feed him to the dogs!"


    However, just at this moment, a guard hurriedly rushed in and shouted frantically, "Bad news, my lord, something terrible has happened! Trouble at the Base Camp, they''re coming, they''re killing their way here!"

 Chapter 155 The King of the Southern Territory Stands Again

    Lord of the Hundred Herbs Realm, Xiao Jingyuan, appeared unruffled as he coldly chided, "What''s with all the panic? How many times have I told you, remain calm and composed when something happens. Don''t disgrace our Hundred Herbs Realm. Now tell me, who has come from the main base of the Southern Territory?"


    The Hengling Domain Lord couldn''t help but let out a cold laugh, "No matter who they are, with us three Domain Lords here, even if that Dugu Ming shows up, it won''t make a difference!"


    The Lord of Nan Dong quickly agreed, "Exactly, with us three protecting the Southern Border National Gate, who would dare to move against us? If they did, I''m afraid even the South Gate of Xuanyuan Nation would fall, and Ancient Yue Kingdom would certainly seize the opportunity to invade!"


    The guard regained some composure and answered, "Reporting to the Domain Lord, it''s the Southern King. The Southern King has come, and not just him, but also several Great Commanders, and even the Four Great Protectors. Even that Northern King you mentioned before--they''ve all come!"


    "What?" Xiao Jingyuan leapt up from his chair, his demeanor no longer calm, his face betraying his shock.


    The Lord of Nan Dong was so frightened that he turned pale and began to tremble all over.


    The Hengling Domain Lord asked in a cold voice, "Beside these people, is there anyone else, like those two thousand elite soldiers from the base camp?"


    "They''ve come too. Grand Commander Lan himself has arrived to lead them, with an extremely formidable presence. By now, I expect they''ve already surrounded the Hundred Herbs Realm mansion. What should we do now, Lord? Should we let them in?" the guard asked.


    Xiao Jingyuan stood there utterly stunned, looking completely at a loss.


    The Hengling Domain Lord slowly rose to his feet and gritted his teeth, "It looks like they really mean serious business this time, don''t they?"


    The Lord of Nan Dong couldn''t help asking, "So what do we do now? Does Dugu Ming really dare to take action against us?"


    After pondering for a while, Xiao Jingyuan bit his teeth and said, "It''s hard to tell. Dugu Ming probably doesn''t have the guts, but that crippled Northern King Ye Feng is another matter entirely. What''s even more troubling is that the Four Great Guardian Realm Kings have unexpectedly joined as well; this is totally unforeseen!"


    "Let''s go out and assess the situation!" The three Domain Lords then strode out of the banquet hall, into the courtyard outside.


    It was dark night, yet the whole mansion of the Hundred Herbs Realm was brightly lit. More than two hundred guards had moved quickly into action, securing the main entrance.


    At that moment, there was a loud bang at the main gate; the thick redwood doors were broken by a blunt object, and a large crowd surged in like a tide. Immediately following, the five Great Commanders and Four Great Protectors entered swiftly, with the Southern King among them.


    Ye Feng finally entered, his wheelchair pushed by Hong Qingyan, moving slowly into the mansion, flanked by Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, with Seventeen having been dispatched to Sky Sand City to gather intelligence and now absent from his side.


    The eyes of the Lord of the Hundred Herbs Realm, Xiao Jingyuan, sharpened, and he coldly said, "I was unaware of the Southern King''s distinguished arrival, and we failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive us. However, Southern King, having traveled a long way to our Hundred Herbs Realm, may I inquire the purpose of your visit?"


    "The purpose of our visit?" Southern King Dugu Ming snorted softly and gave a slight nod to Lan Youzhong at his side.


    Lan Youzhong stepped forward three paces, speaking loudly, "Lords of the Hundred Herbs, Nan Dong, and Hengling Domains, you have brazenly torn up the Summoning Orders, defied the King''s Order, and have not gone to the base camp for a council on matters of state. You disrespect the royal authority, and what''s more, you''ve attempted to murder the Southern King.


    The evidence is conclusive, and by law, the sentence is death!"


    "Man and Sword as One, such formidable sword qi, how is this possible!" The most shocked among those present was Xiao Jingyuan.


    After all, no one knew Dugu Ming''s physical condition better than he did. Over the years, he had been administering medicine to Dugu Ming from Wu Zhong, the Old Divine Doctor of Hundred Herbs Garden, to gradually weaken his body and cripple his martial arts.


    But now...


    Xiao Jingyuan was utterly panicked.


    The four Great Protector Dharma Kings also showed looks of horror on their faces. As grandmasters themselves, they could clearly perceive the magnitude of power Dugu Ming now possessed.


    "At the peak of Huajin Master, and just a hair''s breadth from stepping half a foot into the Martial King Realm, this is simply impossible!" The Great Protector exclaimed in disbelief, subconsciously glancing towards the young man sitting in the wheelchair.


    When he saw the indifference and even a hint of mockery on Ye Feng''s face, the Great Protector realized everything in an instant.


    Enjoy new chapters from empire


    It turned out that over the past half-month, Ye Feng had been healing the Southern King, not only curing his injuries but also restoring his power. In just fifteen days, not only had Dugu Ming''s strength recovered, but it had become much stronger than before.


    "This Northern King Ye Feng is becoming more and more inscrutable. What secrets does he still hide within him?" The Great Protector sighed inwardly, feeling an urge to follow him at the core of his being.


    Meanwhile, Dugu Ming, with one sweep of his sword, unleashed sweeping sword qi that instantly sealed off all of Xiao Jingyuan''s paths of retreat.


    Suddenly, a splurt was heard, and a spurt of fresh blood sprayed out as Xiao Jingyuan''s neck was sliced through.


    With a flick of his wrist, the Glazed Sword erupted once again with a dazzling light, its sword blooms cascading towards the Lords of Nan Dong Territory and Hengling Domain nearby.


    Both Domain Lords were indeed Huajin Grandmasters, but they didn''t even have the chance to parry, as their heads fell to the ground in an instant.


    In that moment, Dugu Ming stood proudly, lifting the Glazed Sword in his hand and feeling as if he had grown much taller.


    "The Lords of the Hundred Herbs Realm, Nan Dong Territory, and Hengling Domain have been executed. Those who remain, lay down your weapons and submit, and I shall not pursue your offenses. Otherwise, you will be killed without mercy!" Southern King Dugu Ming bellowed in a high-pitched voice.


    Those over two hundred guards dared not hesitate any longer, they dropped their weapons on the spot and knelt, shouting, "Long live the Southern King! We are willing to submit and follow!"


    "Long live the Southern King!" At that moment, even the two thousand or so accompanying soldiers knelt all at once.


    Upon seeing this, Dugu Ming finally allowed himself a slight smile, at this moment, he truly resembled a sovereign of his era.


    Ye Feng, witnessing this, couldn''t help but smile. It seemed that his efforts had not been in vain.

 Chapter 156: Deploying Troops to the Southern Border Gu&Poison Sect

    With the matters in the Hundred Herbs Realm resolved, Ye Feng immediately returned to the Base Camp in the Southern Territory. The three Domain Lords had already been executed, so there was no longer a need for him to worry about the situation.


    At last, the Southern King Dugu Ming finally shed his previous timid image and personally instructed on various matters, ensuring the three territories did not fall into chaos.


    By the time he returned to the headquarters¡¯ Base Camp, it was already deep into the night. To Ye Feng and his companions¡¯ utter surprise, a gaunt old man with pale complexion was shakily standing at the entrance of the headquarters. Experience tales at empire


    Upon sighting Ye Feng, the elderly man did not utter a word and instead sprinted towards him, then knelt before him.


    "Spare my life, Northern King Ye Feng, I, the Lord of Yanshan Territory, Lii Qingyuan, have been stricken with a serious illness and couldn¡¯t make it to the military state council in time. I beg both kings for mercy and to judge my crime!"


    The Yanshan Territory Lord presented himself with genuine fear and trepidation. It seemed that he had heard about the events that had taken place in the Hundred Herbs Realm and therefore came posthaste to the headquarters to plead for mercy.


    Ye Feng glanced at him with a faint smile, "Looking at your complexion, Lord of Yanshan Territory, you indeed suffer from a serious illness, so this doesn¡¯t count as deception. However, as the Northern Border King, I should not interfere with matters of the Southern Territory. You seem to have sought the wrong person for forgiveness."


    Lii Qingyuan was taken aback, but then he quickly realized his mistake and crawled towards the Southern King Dugu Ming nearby, proceeding to sob and beg for mercy.


    The Southern King Dugu Ming glanced at Ye Feng, realizing that the latter was helping him to establish authority, as well as giving him face.


    After a brief moment of contemplation, Dugu Ming said, "If Lord of Yanshan Territory is indeed afflicted with a severe illness, that can be deemed an understandable excuse. However, I see you are old and sickly, no longer fit to serve as the Yanshan Territory Lord. With that said, I permit you to abdicate."


    Lii Qingyuan was startled once again and took a serious look at Dugu Ming. Although the latter¡¯s face bore a smile, Lii understood very well that if he dared to utter even half a word of dissent, he would likely be executed on the spot. It was clear that Dugu Ming was making a statement to reassert control over the Southern Territory.


    With this in mind, Lii Qingyuan hastily responded, "Thank you, Southern King, for your compassion. I am also keenly aware of my declining health and the ever-waning energy that leaves me unfit to serve as the Lord of Yanshan Territory. I hereby abdicate."


    "Very well, stay here in the Base Camp for now, and have someone send the Territory Lord¡¯s seal to me," Dugu Ming sternly instructed.


    Observing this, Ye Feng nodded slightly. It seemed Dugu Ming was quite adept in his methods; now, the Southern Territory should be able to be completely reformed.


    Ye Feng also laughed, replying, "You guess."


    Dugu Ming laughed and said, "If my guess isn¡¯t wrong, you are here for the Gu&Poison Sect, right?"


    As he said this, he shook his head and then continued, "Actually, that¡¯s not entirely accurate. To be more precise, you¡¯re here for Commander Fu Tian."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng put down his chopsticks, turned his head to look at him, and remained silent for a moment.


    Dugu Ming quickly waved his hand, "Brother Ye, please don¡¯t misunderstand, I did not intend to investigate your identity. It was someone below me who took the initiative to report it, and I only found out last night that our Southern Territory¡¯s Commander Fu Tian is actually your sworn brother, the Northern King."


    Ye Feng shook his head with a smile, "It¡¯s said that three years ago, my sworn brother led the soldiers of the Southern Territory in an attempt to eradicate the Gu&Poison Sect in the Southern Border. Unfortunately, they were ambushed by the Gu&Poison Sect, fell into a cliff, and his life or death has been uncertain since then. Is this true?"


    Dugu Ming nodded, "It is true. I contacted the Four Great Protectors about this matter last night, and I also asked Grand Commander Lan. They all confirmed it. Additionally, according to what Grand Commander Lan reported, the cliff where Commander Fu Tian fell is called Sunset Mountain."


    "Sunset Mountain? Good, I¡¯ll make a note of it!" Ye Feng nodded slightly, his expression looking somewhat grim.


    In fact, his decision to come to the Southern Territory was motivated partly by the desire to help Dugu Ming stabilize the Southern Territory completely and partly to find his own sworn brother, Fu Tian.


    Dugu Ming pondered for a moment and then said, "It has already been three years since the incident with Commander Fu Tian, and Sunset Mountain is extremely steep. I fear... Anyway, Brother Ye, you should be prepared. According to Grand Commander Lan, at the time Fu Tian fell from the cliff, he had already been seriously injured by a master from the Gu&Poison Sect, so..."


    Ye Feng cut him off with a wave of his hand, "Regardless of the outcome, I must eradicate this Gu&Poison Sect!"


    It was then that Dugu Ming truly understood the other¡¯s intention, and he couldn¡¯t help but ask, "So, Brother Ye, are you planning to make a move against the Gu&Poison Sect?"


    "Of course!"


    Ye Feng gave a snort and then said, "After breakfast, I would ask the Southern King to summon all subordinates of the commander level and above to the main hall. I have an important announcement to make!"


    "Very well!" Dugu Ming nodded decisively.

 Chapter 157 Ye Feng’s Deep-Rooted Schemes

    After breakfast, Ye Feng, sitting in a wheelchair pushed by Hong Qingyan, arrived at the main hall of the Southern Territory Base Camp, only to find that the meeting hall was already filled with people.


    Following the orders of Southern King Dugu Ming, the Grand Commanders of the Southern Territory and even the Four Great Protectors had arrived early to wait.


    From this, it was clear that Southern King Dugu Ming¡¯s authority had risen, at least it had increased significantly with Ye Feng stationed there.


    "Greetings to Northern King!" Everyone in the hall immediately clasped their fists and bowed.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and proceeded to the center. Southern King Dugu Ming had also arrived, and he gestured, "Summoning all of you early in the morning was Northern King¡¯s intention. The Northern King has urgent matters to discuss with everyone!"


    "Please, take your seats!"


    Ye Feng gestured slightly. After everyone was seated, he began, "I presume some of you have guessed the matter for discussion today. Indeed, it concerns the Gu&Poison Sect. After consultation with the Southern King, we have decided to take this opportunity to eradicate the Gu&Poison Sect from the Southern Border."


    In the room, apart from a few commanders from the Southern Territory and both Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, Ye Feng had not invited the several Lords of the Southern Territory, fearing that some among them might be secretly communicating with the Gu&Poison Sect and potentially spoil the plan.


    Zhuge Yu, holding a fan, stood up and said, "May I inquire about something, Northern King?"


    "Please, speak!" Ye Feng waved his hand.


    Zhuge Yu was reputed as the young military strategist of the Southern Territory, indicating his high intellect and strategic acumen; naturally, Ye Feng was pleased to hear his opinions.


    After a brief contemplation, Zhuge Yu said, "I feel unsure about something. Just yesterday, the Southern Territory dealt with the three Lords of Nan Dong, Hengling, and Hundred Herbs, who were guarding the gates to the Northwest of the Southern Territory.


    The Ancient Yue Kingdom has always coveted those Northwest gates, and I believe their informants have already received the news of last night¡¯s events."


    He paused before continuing, "Therefore, I¡¯m concerned that if we deploy our troops to eliminate the Gu&Poison Sect today, the Ancient Yue Kingdom, upon learning this, might seize the opportunity to threaten our Northwest gates."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng smiled faintly, "Your concern is not unreasonable. However, this time, I do not intend to mobilize a large army."


    Ye Feng entered directly, and then he even went straight into their Treasure Pavilion, home to hundreds of years of the garden¡¯s precious herbs. It took him half a day to emerge, by which time he had prepared everything he needed.


    In the afternoon, Ye Feng led his group out. The number of people was not large; apart from Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi, two high-level experts from the Northern Border, the rest were a few commanders from the Southern Territory and the Four Great Protectors, making up a total of just over ten people.


    In fact, everyone only knew on the surface that they were going to eliminate the Gu&Poison Sect, but for Ye Feng, there was a deeper plot at play, a plan he had been scheming since his time in Sky Sand City.


    "This time, if my speculation is correct, I should be able to uncover the person behind the scenes, right?" Ye Feng thought to himself.


    Two SUVs sped out of the Base Camp and then rushed further south.


    By the time it was completely dark, there was no road ahead. Even if there were, the vehicles could no longer proceed forward, as what lay ahead were narrow trails leading into the Hundred Thousand Mountains.


    "Northern King, ahead lies the Hundred Thousand Mountains, spanning thousands of miles. The headquarters of the Gu&Poison Sect is deep within these mountains, but we have no knowledge of its exact location," Xia Lengchan reported as she stepped forward.


    Ye Feng looked ahead into the night, the mountains before him sprawled out like a giant dragon lying across the land, and he frowned slightly, "Let¡¯s first visit the place where Commander Fu Tian had his accident."


    By that time, everyone had already learned that Fu Tian, the former Seventh Commander of the Southern Origin Territory, was Ye Feng¡¯s sworn brother. Xia Lengchan immediately saluted and said, "As you command, Northern King!"


    The party ventured into the mountains, all dressed in sturdy clothes. Yet at this time, Ye Feng was still sitting in his chair, carried by two men. If it weren¡¯t for the recent witnessing of his martial prowess, the few remaining commanders might have struggled to hold back their questions.


    For a man with a broken leg, insisting on exterminating the Gu&Poison Sect¡ªwasn¡¯t that a suicide mission?


    Of course, among those present, many doubted whether this expedition, led by Northern King Ye Feng to eradicate the Gu&Poison Sect, could end in success. After all, the Southern Territory¡¯s rulers had attempted to destroy the sect countless times over the past decades, each time to no avail.


    In the latter half of the night, the group finally arrived at a cliff. It was precipitous, the bottom unfathomable. Above the cliff stretched a narrow plateau, which is where Commander Fu Tian had been knocked down by members of the Gu&Poison Sect.


    "We¡¯ll camp here for the night," Ye Feng announced. Then he slowly approached the edge of the cliff, looking down into the abyss, his thoughts transported back in time. He remained lost in reminiscences for the whole night.


    The next day, the group continued on their way, but after turning the fourth mountain head, Xia Lengchan, Zhuge Yu, and the others had become lost. They had never been to this area before. At that moment, everyone turned their eyes to Ye Feng.

 Chapter 158: I’ve Been Waiting for You for a Long Time

    After a day and night of arduous trekking, the group had now deeply penetrated into the Hundred Thousand Mountains. Upon their arrival, there were not even any goat trails to be seen; everywhere they looked were towering shrubs and luxuriant primeval forests.


    Ye Feng remained silent, looked around, and upon spotting a towering tree three meters ahead, signaled his followers to carry him forward.


    The spectacle puzzled everyone; they couldn¡¯t understand what he was doing. Could it be that by looking at such tall trees, he could locate the Gu&Poison Sect¡¯s lair?


    When Ye Feng arrived in front of the ancient tree, he bent down to look and indeed found a small, special mark, then waved his hand and ordered, "Proceed in this direction!"


    "Northern King, is this truly feasible? Within this towering ancient tree, could there be some kind of mystery?" Zhuge Yu couldn¡¯t help but ask. As the Little Zhuge of Southern Territory, he considered himself extremely intelligent, yet now he could discern nothing.


    Ye Feng simply smiled and said, "Just follow, it¡¯s a secret."


    Zhuge Yu could only shrug in vexation, then the group set off toward the southwest.


    Continuing in this manner, every kilometer or so, Ye Feng would stop and meticulously inspect the tallest tree nearby.


    Following this method, they walked for yet another day and night, and as the sky started brightening on the following morning, Ye Feng suddenly gestured with his hand, whispering, "Stop, take cover, we¡¯re almost there!"


    Upon hearing this, everyone became excited and couldn¡¯t help exclaiming, "We¡¯ve arrived? Are we really about to reach the Gu&Poison Sect¡¯s lair?"


    Xiao Chuanqi hushed them in a low voice, "Keep it down, don¡¯t alarm the secret sentries around."


    Ye Feng smiled noncommittally, "No matter, if my guess is correct, they probably knew we were coming even before we set out."


    "The Gu&Poison Sect knew in advance that we were coming? That¡¯s hardly possible, after all, our operation was completely confidential. Apart from the Southern King and a few other trusted individuals, almost no one else knew, right?" Zhuge Yu, Li Jingang, and others expressed.


    Ye Feng did not explain much, as it couldn¡¯t be clarified briefly.


    The typically composed and collected Lan Youzhong questioned, "Northern King, what do we do now? Do we rest here or charge straight into their lair?"


    Ye Feng surveyed the surroundings and said, "Considering the terrain, there should be a flat valley below. We¡¯ll rest there to gather our strength, and then enter the Gu&Poison Sect lair when the day breaks. I believe there will be a tough battle awaiting us!"


    After finishing speaking, Ye Feng leaned on his two crutches, taking steps forward steadily, something only possible thanks to his exceptional balance abilities.


    They soon arrived at a hefty wooden gate that stretched across the ends of the cliff, blocking the way forward. By holding this narrow pass, which resembled the bill of a duck, it would be difficult for outsiders to enter the inner base camp.


    However, to everyone¡¯s utter surprise, the thick gate was not closed; it was wide open with just one person standing atop the tower.


    "Welcome, travelers from afar. Please come in," the person said, then stepped aside with a gesture inviting them in.


    "This..." The sight only deepened everyone¡¯s confusion.


    Unable to restrain himself, Sima Zhantian asked, "What¡¯s going on? Could it be that the Gu&Poison Sect already knew we were coming?"


    Zhuge Yu also couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What is the meaning of this? Did you already know our identities?"


    The middle-aged man standing atop the tower, dressed in colorful Southern Border attire, kept his mouth tightly shut, with no intention of speaking further.


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "Let¡¯s go, regardless of what strangeness or mystery lies inside, we¡¯ll find out once we enter."


    "Exactly, now that we¡¯re here, there¡¯s no way we¡¯re afraid of the Gu&Poison Sect. Let¡¯s go in!" Sima Zhantian and Li Jingang called out.


    Walking along the mud path beside the creek, the group headed straight for the grand seven-story ancient tower up ahead, encountering no one along the way.


    In truth, this place seemed more like a stronghold, yet the inhabitants of this stronghold had apparently vanished into thin air, which made everyone feel even more apprehensive. Had the members of the Gu&Poison Sect fled?


    The members of the Gu&Poison Sect hadn¡¯t fled, at least their elite experts hadn¡¯t. They were all gathered inside that seven-story ancient tower!


    Ye Feng had felt this the moment he stepped through the gate; moreover, there were quite a number of them.


    "Strange, truly strange. It defies all logic, none of this makes any sense!" Along the way, Zhuge Yu continuously waved his folding fan. Little Zhuge, who always considered himself extraordinarily clever, suddenly felt out of his depth.


    Just then, a sound as resonant as a large bell suddenly rang out from the grand ancient tower ahead.


    "Ha ha ha... At last, you have arrived. I, the sect master, have been waiting for you for quite some time!" Amidst the conversation, an elderly man wearing oddly colorful attire emerged, flanked by a host of Grandmaster experts, from within.

 Chapter 159: Northern Mountain Marquis, the Schemer Behind the Scenes?

    The elder leaned on a dragon-headed cane, his frame thin yet exuded an impressive imposing air. From his multi-colored outfit, unique to the Southern Border, it was clear that he was undoubtedly the current master of the Gu Poison Sect.


    The Great Protector couldn¡¯t help but snort coldly, "Been waiting for us for a long time? Could it be that you knew we were coming?"


    The Gu Poison Sect Master sneered, "Of course, my Gu Poison Sect has stood unchallenged in the Southern Border for hundreds of years, do you really think we live in isolation, ignorant of the outside world?"


    As he spoke these words, the Gu Poison Sect Master¡¯s face showed a thick layer of mockery and sneer, along with a confidence of being in control.


    Lan Youzhong suddenly stepped forward and snorted coldly, "You seem quite confident, even though you sent away the ordinary disciples of Gu Poison Sect early on, but with the mere thirty-plus elites you kept here, do you really think you can withstand us?"


    "Hahaha..."


    The Gu Poison Sect Master burst into wild laughter upon hearing this and loudly exclaimed, "If we couldn¡¯t withstand you, why would I, the sect master, dare to stay and wait for your arrival? I am fully confident that I¡¯ll ensure you all won¡¯t return!"


    Ye Feng, hearing this, smiled lightly and said, "No need to hide anymore. I know there are more experts hidden inside the main hall, why not invite them out? If I¡¯m not mistaken, they should be some old acquaintances of mine, right?"


    The Gu Poison Sect Master was taken aback, then turned to size up Ye Feng as if trying to see through him, before asking after a long while, "Are you the legendary Northern Border King, Ye Feng?"


    "Indeed," Ye Feng said with a light chuckle.


    "Tsk tsk tsk!"


    The Gu Poison Sect Master clicked his tongue in succession, lamenting, "Who would have thought, the esteemed Northern Border Sovereign himself would come to our Southern Border¡¯s Hundred Thousand Mountains. But I¡¯ve heard that the Zhu Family is now in control of the Northern Border, so could it be that, having no place to go, you¡¯ve slunk down to the Southern Territory?"


    The sentence was full of scorn, and even the Gu Poison Sect guards behind him laughed coldly, saying, "Isn¡¯t that obvious? This so-called Northern Border King now has to walk with two canes, and such a sorry figure dares to come to our Gu Poison Sect, clearly not knowing what death is."


    "Ah, ah, ah, be a bit more respectful when you speak, after all, he was once the Northern King, a sovereign of a generation. Though there is a saying that a fallen phoenix is inferior to a chicken, there¡¯s also one that says a starved camel is still bigger than a horse!"


    After saying this, the elite disciples of the Gu Poison Sect burst into loud laughter.


    "Northern Mountain Marquis, it¡¯s actually you, it really is you!" Xiao Chuanqi roared, veins bulging on his hands.


    Even Sima Zhantian bellowed, "Northern Mountain Marquis, what on earth is going on here? You should be in the Northern Border now, how come you¡¯re here?"


    Xiao Chuanqi gritted his teeth and snorted, "You big lump, can¡¯t you think a little? Don¡¯t tell me you still don¡¯t understand?"


    "Understand? Understand what?" Sima Zhantian obviously still hadn¡¯t caught on.


    Xiao Chuanqi shook his head and sighed, "You really are all brawn and no brains. Just look at who is standing behind him."


    Behind the Northern Mountain Marquis stood a good number of people, at least thirty Grandmasters, among them was Seventeen distinctly in their midst.


    As soon as Sima Zhantian saw Seventeen, even with his simple mind, he fully understood, grinding his steel teeth, "Northern Mountain Marquis, you dog, it turns out, all of this was your doing. Seventeen, the boy, was the spy you deliberately planted by our lord¡¯s side, wasn¡¯t he? No wonder you knew of our movement plans."


    Xiao Chuanqi snorted coldly, "Not only that, I¡¯m afraid that even the attack on our lord in the Capital Region three months ago was orchestrated by this dog. Very few knew of the lord¡¯s exact itinerary at that time, and this dog was one of the few that did."


    "So it was all you, Northern Mountain Marquis, you traitor!" Sima Zhantian¡¯s eyes were ablaze with fury.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng appeared much calmer by contrast, showing neither anger nor irritation, his face not even rippling an iota.


    The Northern Mountain Marquis, seated on a Taishi Chair, as a marquis of the Northern Border, although his status was far from that of a sovereign, was also absolutely not low, second only to the Northern Border King.


    Nobody present had expected that the one who had betrayed the Northern King was the Northern Mountain Marquis; even the Four Great Protectors and the Southern Territory¡¯s Great Commanders were surprised.


    The Northern Mountain Marquis lifted the corners of his mouth in a cold smile, "Northern King, it seems that you¡¯re not surprised. Aren¡¯t you angry about this marquis¡¯ scheming against you?"


    Ye Feng laughed, his words deliberate, "Why be angry with a dead man."


    The Northern Mountain Marquis¡¯s gaze sharpened, his voice cold, "What a bold claim. Do you really think you¡¯re still the Northern Border King of old? Look at you now, you can¡¯t even stand steadily on both legs. Do you really think you can still contend with me?"

 Chapter 160 Where Did You Get the Courage

    The Northern Mountain Marquis slowly rose from the Taishi Chair and said with a cold laugh, "There¡¯s one thing, I must admit, you were indeed the Northern King in the past. When exactly did you start suspecting Seventeen? Did he inadvertently give something away?"


    At this, the Northern Mountain Marquis shook his head repeatedly, "Impossible, that fellow Seventeen, he was personally trained by me. He¡¯s more cautious and careful than anyone, it¡¯s impossible he¡¯d reveal any hints!"


    Ye Feng glanced at Seventeen, who stood behind the Northern Mountain Marquis. Even at this juncture, there was not the slightest ripple of emotion on Seventeen¡¯s face, but that was to be expected. As a Death Warrior, he had long been cultivated into an unemotional tool.


    Considering this, Ye Feng shook his head with a slight smile and said, "The fact is, I didn¡¯t catch the other party in the act, as you have just mentioned. This Death Warrior called Seventeen has performed very well from the beginning, serving by my side faithfully and dutifully without ever doing anything improper!"


    "If that is the case, then why did you leave him in Sky Sand City, instead of keeping him by your side?" the Northern Mountain Marquis demanded.


    "This can be termed as ¡¯leaving obvious clues in my wake¡¯, or perhaps ¡¯using your strategy against you¡¯!"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, his face ever composed, and continued, "Since I couldn¡¯t be sure, I decided to let him go immediately, then set up a trap using the Gu&Poison Sect. And isn¡¯t it so that you, the Northern Mountain Marquis, jumped out by yourself?"


    The Northern Mountain Marquis thought hard and actually nodded in agreement, "Indeed, this is a good idea. You left Seventeen in Sky Sand City to monitor the activities of the Gu&Poison Sect, then told him to prepare for a deep incursion into the Southern Border¡¯s Hundred Thousand Mountains to besiege the Gu&Poison Sect. All along, this was your scheme that you intentionally revealed."


    "If Seventeen had no issues, then he would¡¯ve dutifully continued to monitor the Gu&Poison Sect in Sky Sand City. But if there was a problem, he would surely report it. I must say, that was indeed a clever move!"


    Ye Feng laughed lightly, "It seems you¡¯re not too dull after all!"


    The Northern Mountain Marquis snorted, "There¡¯s still one point that I can¡¯t wrap my head around."


    Ye Feng chuckled, "You may ask!"


    Therefore, the Northern Mountain Marquis asked, "If you had already begun to suspect Seventeen and predicted that I, together with the Southern Border¡¯s Gu&Poison Sect, would make a move, why would you personally enter the mountains? Isn¡¯t that a major taboo for a military strategist?"


    Ye Feng looked at him with a smile and replied, "If I hadn¡¯t come in person, I¡¯m afraid you wouldn¡¯t have shown yourself, right?"


    "Truly, had I not seen you enter the mountains with my own eyes, I would never have appeared!"


    Having said this, the Northern Mountain Marquis suddenly changed the subject, "But there¡¯s still one thing that I can¡¯t fathom."


    Ye Feng raised his eyebrows, his voice grave, "You may ask one last question."


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    Ye Feng smirked and said, "Judging by his fluctuating energy, he has only stepped halfway in recently."


    The Northern Mountain Marquis snorted, "Even if I¡¯ve only stepped halfway in, it¡¯s more than enough to kill you, the so-called Northern King. Kill!"


    With a roar of rage, he charged again.


    At this moment, the hall had already descended into a chaotic brawl.


    The dozen or so Grandmasters Ye Feng brought, if only facing the Gu&Poison Sect, would have certainly been more than sufficient. After all, the Four Great Protectors, Lan Youzhong, and Xiao Chuanqi were Peak Grandmasters.


    But with the current situation, as the Northern Mountain Marquis joined the fray, bringing over thirty Grandmasters with him, the tide had significantly turned. Within a short time, the dozen experts from the Southern Territory were nearly completely suppressed, even Xia Lengchan and others had sustained injuries.


    Especially the Gu Poison Sect Master, though this old fellow was over seventy years old, his attacks were incredibly fierce, and his palm strikes carried poison. Even the Great Protector found himself at a disadvantage against him.


    Upon seeing this, Ye Feng¡¯s expression still remained calm and composed.


    The Northern Mountain Marquis, biting his teeth, couldn¡¯t help but coldly snort, "Do you know what I hate about you the most?"


    Ye Feng asked with a smile, "What is it?"


    "It¡¯s that face of yours!" The Northern Mountain Marquis bellowed, "The current situation is clearly against you, and soon all the people you brought will be killed, yet you still maintain a calm and composed demeanor, as if everything in the world is under your control. It¡¯s that face, an ignorant yet arrogantly self-assured face, that I can¡¯t stand!"


    Ye Feng chuckled and said, "Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t have to see it much longer, and you won¡¯t be able to anymore."


    "Hmph, still so arrogant when death is at your doorstep. Today, I will take your head back to the Northern Border as a tribute to the Zhu Northern King!"


    As soon as the Northern Mountain Marquis finished speaking, he tapped the ground with his foot and immediately pounced over like an arrow.


    Ye Feng still stood in his place, unmoving, simply watching calmly and serenely.


    "Die!" the Northern Mountain Marquis let out a cold and strange laugh, his Great Hand flashing out like lightning, aiming straight for the opponent¡¯s throat.


    However, in the next moment, he couldn¡¯t laugh anymore!

 Chapter 161: The Greater Mastermind

    Ye Feng raised his hand like lightning, and in an instant, he had grasped the wrist of the Northern Mountain Marquis, who, no matter how much he struggled, couldn¡¯t break free.


    "This... how is this possible!"


    The Northern Mountain Marquis¡¯s face showed an extreme look of horror. After all, he was in the realm of a Half-Step Martial King, with combat power far beyond that of any ordinary Huajin Grandmaster, and he had always concealed his strength without ever revealing it over the years.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    Moreover, he knew that although Ye Feng was the Northern Border King, at that time he was merely at the realm of a Half-Step Martial King, but now...


    Now the Northern Mountain Marquis could feel that Ye Feng¡¯s body was like an unmoving mountain, while inside him seemed to be an unfathomable abyss, inscrutable, and as for his Inner Strength, he couldn¡¯t sense it at all.


    "Half-Step Martial King realm, you¡¯ve indeed hidden deeply, but in my presence, you are still nothing more than a slightly stronger ant!"


    Ye Feng sneered, and suddenly exerted force.


    Right after, the Northern Mountain Marquis felt a mighty surge of Inner Strength come crashing towards him like a tiger descending a mountain, aiming straight for his body.


    Then the Northern Mountain Marquis heard a cracking sound, as his arm¡¯s joints were directly broken.


    At that moment, Tang Feng threw out a punch, aimed at his chest.


    The Northern Mountain Marquis wanted to dodge, but he was shocked to find that he couldn¡¯t move at all, as Ye Feng¡¯s imposing manner was like a mountain, completely pressing him down.


    With one punch aimed at his chest, the Northern Mountain Marquis immediately let out a piercing scream as all his organs and even his heart were shattered by the punch.


    "You..." The Northern Mountain Marquis couldn¡¯t even finish his sentence before he breathed his last, his eyes wide open, unable to close even in death. Experience more on empire


    He had calculated everything perfectly, first bribing Mu Tian¡¯s trained guard Seventeen to monitor Ye Feng¡¯s every move, waiting for the perfect moment to strike a deadly blow to Ye Feng in collaboration with the Gu&Poison Sect.


    But he had miscalculated one crucial move, the Northern Border King was still the Northern Border King, far beyond his capacity to plot against!


    Ye Feng, unperturbed, turned to look at the Gu Poison Sect Master beside him.


    At that moment, the Gu Poison Sect Master was full of vigor, despite facing the siege of the Four Great Protectors, he was still holding his ground without showing any signs of weakness.


    "Kill!" Ye Feng roared in anger and joined the fray.


    When the Gu Poison Sect Master saw the person suddenly joining in, his complexion changed drastically, and he blurted out in shock, "You... how are you still not dead?"


    The other Gu&Poison Sect disciples, upon seeing this, had already become scared to death, each fleeing in panic.


    "Kill, spare none!" Ye Feng gave the command.


    The tide of battle reversed in an instant; the Four Great Protectors all took action, and soon the battle was over. Over thirty elite members of the Gu&Poison Sect, along with more than thirty High-Level Grandmasters brought by the Northern Mountain Marquis, not a single one escaped, all were slain.


    Ye Feng stood in the center of the hall, his figure upright, exuding an air of a king.


    Subsequently, one by one the masters returned and knelt on the ground, half-kneeling before Ye Feng: "Reporting to the Northern King, the battle in the east is over, not a single person has escaped, and none of us are injured!"


    "Reporting to the Northern King, the battle in the south is concluded, not a single enemy got away, and one of us is injured!"


    "Reporting to the Northern King, the west and north battles are all over, we have come back to report!"


    Ye Feng looked at the various great commanders below him and nodded slightly, "You have all done well, and worked hard!"


    The great commanders immediately responded, "We serve our country and eradicate the tumor that is the Gu&Poison Sect; it¡¯s our duty, we dare not speak of hardship!"


    Lan Youzhong, the Great Commander, said, "By the way, Northern King, before we came in, the Gu&Poison Sect seemed to have already dispersed some of the Outer Sect Disciples. These people have now scattered and fled to various places, should we continue to pursue them?"


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment, then waved his hand, "No need, those who remain are merely ordinary Outer Sect Disciples. Although they know some poison-using techniques of the Gu&Poison Sect, they do not know the core secrets. Even though they have escaped, they won¡¯t be able to make much of a wave. At least for a few hundred years, they will not become a major threat!"


    Lan Youzhong immediately clasped his hands and said, "Yes!"


    Ye Feng looked around and then said, "Go, search thoroughly once more to see if there are any suspicious remnants. Destroy them all, and reconvene here in one hour!"


    "Yes!" Everyone immediately set into action, while Xiao Chuanqi stayed behind, as he needed to stay by his lord¡¯s side as an internal ally.


    Soon, everyone dispersed to search meticulously throughout the large stronghold, while Ye Feng slowly paced in the hall. He came beside Seventeen¡¯s corpse and slowly crouched down.


    No matter what, Seventeen had followed him for a while, and looking at the body, Ye Feng felt somewhat heavy-hearted.


    But suddenly, Ye Feng had a vague feeling that this affair was far from being as simple as it appeared on the surface.


    How to put it, the Northern Mountain Marquis had exposed himself too blatantly, or rather too hastily, which simply did not make much sense.


    "Or could it be that behind the scenes of this affair, there is an even greater manipulator controlling everything, and the Northern Mountain Marquis was just a scapegoat?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s brows suddenly furrowed, and he fell deep into thought.

 Chapter 162: Heng Mountain Sword Sect Seeks an Audience

    An hour later, the group had not discovered anything particularly useful. It was clear that the Gu&Poison Sect had made adequate preparations in advance.


    After a long period of contemplation, Ye Feng still couldn¡¯t figure out who might be behind the events, so he had no choice but to give up for the time being. However, he had to admit, the person hiding in the shadows was very deep, and possessed the power to control figures like the Northern Mountain Marquis, indicating an even higher status and position.


    "Above the Northern Mountain Marquis, there aren¡¯t many people left in the Northern Border. I believe it won¡¯t be long before you can¡¯t help but jump out!"


    Ye Feng sneered in his heart and slowly got to his feet, but just as he was passing a high-ranking expert who accompanied the Northern Mountain Marquis, he suddenly noticed something strange about the man.


    Above this person¡¯s head, there was a Scar of Abstinence!


    "A Scar of Abstinence? Was he a monk before?"


    Ye Feng hesitated in his heart. If it weren¡¯t for a part of the man¡¯s hair being chopped off, he wouldn¡¯t have discovered this clue.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Ye Feng quickly went to the other corpses of the Northern Mountain Marquis¡¯s guards to examine them. To his astonishment, he found that three of them had the same Scar of Abstinence on their heads.


    This was clearly not a coincidence!


    "So, these people were once from the Buddhist Sect, and they either let their hair grow long later on, or they were lay disciples of the Buddhist Sect?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes shone with excitement; he suddenly had a breakthrough. Combining this with the previous assassination attempt originating from the capital, it was apparent that the capital held the key.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    "It looks like it¡¯s time to take a trip to the capital!" Ye Feng slowly narrowed his eyes.


    Although the capital¡¯s waters were deep and the aristocratic clans were no ordinary foes, with his current strength, he had nothing to fear!


    At this moment, the Great Protector and others approached and, seeing Ye Feng standing there in thought, could not help but ask, "Northern King, have you found something?"


    Ye Feng shook his head slightly and said, "I can¡¯t see anything. It¡¯s evident that the enemy was fully prepared before they came here and there are no clues to find on these people!"


    Ye Feng naturally wouldn¡¯t say more about the discovery of the Scar of Abstinence. After all, the person behind the scenes had the power to mobilize people like the Northern Mountain Marquis; they certainly had the capacity to extend their reach to the Southern Territory.


    Ye Feng waved his hand with a smile and reassured, "Don¡¯t worry. The Southern Territory has the Southern King to oversee it, and all will certainly be at peace. Now that the Southern King has recovered his strength, which has significantly increased, and with the sincere allegiance of the Lord of the Nine Domains, the Southern Territory will surely be as solid as iron."


    At this moment, Lan Youzhong and the others also understood and merely nodded without speaking further.


    Dugu Ming smiled and said, "Come now, let¡¯s not stand and talk at the entrance of the base camp. Hurry in, the banquet is ready. We¡¯ll eat and chat at the same time!"


    As everyone started to enter, Hong Qingyan suddenly hobbled out, calling loudly, "Big Brother Ye, it¡¯s great that you¡¯re back at last! These past few days, I¡¯ve been worried sick..."


    But as she spoke, she suddenly realized something was amiss because Ye Feng was no longer sitting in a wheelchair but was standing tall with his legs, looking majestic and powerful.


    Hong Qingyan stopped short and then exclaimed with joy, "Big Brother Ye, your legs... your legs are all right! Can you stand and walk now?"


    After she finished, Hong Qingyan threw herself into Ye Feng¡¯s embrace without holding back.


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    Ye Feng gently patted her head and laughed lightly, "I told you not to worry. What kind of man do you think your Big Brother Ye is? I¡¯m not someone who would remain a cripple with broken legs for life!"


    Hong Qingyan hummed in response, her heart filled with happiness.


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "Alright, there are quite a few people around us. Let¡¯s go eat first, and we can have a proper chat in private later."


    It was then that Hong Qingyan realized numerous eyes were upon her. Her face reddened instantly, and she quickly wriggled out of Ye Feng¡¯s embrace and dashed into the hall.


    The crowd burst into laughter at this scene. Ye Feng called out loudly, "Let¡¯s go in and drink. Whoever dares to laugh will be punished with a jar of liquor later!"


    Hearing this, the laughter grew even louder. Lan Youzhong chuckled and called out, "Having the chance to drink with the Northern King is a privilege - not just one jar, but even ten or eight jars wouldn¡¯t be too much. Getting utterly drunk is no issue at all!"


    Many commanders of the Southern Territory also loudly agreed, which showed just how esteemed the Northern King, Ye Feng, had become in the Southern Territory.


    Throughout the banquet, many came forward to toast to Ye Feng as a sign of respect, and naturally, he accepted with grace. However, Dugu Ming seemed to be somewhat less cheerful, spending most of the time drinking morosely by himself.


    But nobody expected that, right in the middle of the feast, a loud voice suddenly came from outside: "The Heng Mountain Sword Sect from the Southern Territory requests an audience!"

 Chapter 163: The Southern King Dugu Ming’s Little Scheme

    Originally, the crowd was in the midst of a merry drinking spree when the shouting outside ceased the laughter suddenly, and everyone turned their heads to look at Ye Feng, who was seated in the place of honor. It was clear to everyone that this visit from the Heng Mountain Sword Sect was intended for the Northern Border King.


    "The Heng Mountain Sword Sect is a major faction of our Southern Border. Please invite them in quickly!" King of the Southern Territory Dugu Ming called out loudly.


    King Dugu Ming had not been enjoying the banquet because the limelight had been stolen by the Northern King, and as the host, he had been reduced to a mere background figure. Even the Four Great Protectors and various Commanders had been toasting the Northern King, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.


    However, Dugu Ming knew that the Northern King Ye Feng had once saved his life and owed him a great debt of gratitude, so he couldn¡¯t just flare up in anger. Now, seeing the envoys from the Heng Mountain Sword Sect, he was naturally pleased to witness a break from the current situation.


    Soon enough, everyone saw three middle-aged men in deep blue cotton robes, swords in hand, gracefully making their entrance.


    None of the three men seemed particularly old, only around forty years of age, but their presence was calm and composed, clearly indicating that they were Great Grandmasters at the Huajin Level. It was evident that these three were meant to represent the Heng Mountain Sword Sect.


    The Heng Mountain Sword Sect Grandmaster stepped into the hall, and with a brief bow toward King Dugu Ming, asked in a deep voice, "Which of you is Northern King Ye Feng?"


    "I am Ye Feng," Ye Feng spoke up.


    "So you are Ye Feng?" The three men frowned.


    The intelligence had described him as a cripple in a wheelchair, but the man before them did not seem to fit that description. However, since he could sit at the main seat next to Southern King Dugu Ming, his status must not be low.


    Ye Feng did not put down his chopsticks and simply said indifferently, "Are you looking for me?"


    The three were momentarily taken aback, but without wasting more words, the man in the middle immediately pulled out a gold-embossed invitation from his sleeve and handed it over, saying, "On the Double Ninth Festival this month, which is in three days, our Heng Mountain Sword Sect cordially awaits the grand presence of Northern King Ye Feng!"


    A nearby guard stepped forward to receive the invitation and then handed it to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng took it without looking and nodded, "Go back and tell your Heng Mountain Sect Leader that on the Double Ninth, I shall visit and pay respects to the mountain. Remember, it will be a Martial Bow."


    The three Heng Mountain messengers raised their eyebrows and retorted coldly, "Your Excellency should think carefully. The Double Ninth is a festive day, and many friends from the Martial Arts World will gather at Heng Mountain. If you wish to pay your respects, especially with a Martial Bow, you had better consider the consequences!"


    Ye Feng chuckled and responded, "We are in the midst of a banquet here. If you three have come in good spirits, you¡¯re welcome to stay and have a drink. If you¡¯re looking for trouble, you can leave right now!"


    The three Heng Mountain Sword Sect messengers huffed, "Then we take our leave. Now that the message has been delivered, we hope Your Excellency takes it to heart!"


    Having said this, the three bowed slightly and then turned to leave.


    Seeing this, King Dugu Ming smiled and said, "Regardless, the Heng Mountain Sword Sect is a major Martial Sect of our Southern Territory. I shall see the messengers out personally!"


    As the voice fell, the Southern King walked in with several Great Commanders and the Four Great Protectors in tow.


    "Oh my, I almost arrived too late, nearly missing the chance to see you off, Northern King. I truly feel extremely apologetic!" said Southern King Dugu Ming with a smile.


    Ye Feng had to stop in his tracks and turned around, smiling, "You jest, Southern King. If I¡¯m not mistaken, you are probably about to depart for the Heng Mountain Sword Sect to attend the Double Ninth Festival as well?"


    Southern King Dugu Ming paused for a moment, then smiled, "You truly have a divine foresight, Northern King. The Heng Mountain Sword Sect has indeed extended an invitation to me, and since I happen to be free these few days, I was planning to take a trip there."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "In that case, why don¡¯t we set out together?"


    Dugu Ming hurriedly waved his hands, "No rush, the Northern King should go ahead. I have some matters to attend to, and leaving in the afternoon will not be too late."


    He did not want to accompany Ye Feng, as the Northern King¡¯s trip was clearly a gesture of challenge by performing a Martial Bow, signifying a settling of scores. If he went along, it would likely make it difficult to establish good relations with the Heng Mountain Sword Sect later on.


    Ye Feng saw through this but did not point it out, as he wanted to leave some room for maneuver for the other party.


    "In that case, I shall take my leave. I have troubled you much these past days, please forgive any inconveniences," said Ye Feng with a bow, then got into the car.


    He could tell that the Southern King Dugu Ming was not a straightforward man, quite the contrary, he was somewhat petty and lacked vision. With such people, Ye Feng seldom bothered to become closely acquainted.


    At this point, Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang stepped forward to the Southern King, and with a bow, they said, "Southern King, as per our agreement from last night, we are no longer your Commanders of the Southern Territory. From now on, we choose to follow the Northern King. Thank you for the past years of nurture!"


    In reality, talking of nurture was just a formality; in their three years as Commanders of the Southern Territory, they had hardly met the King of the Southern Territory and had, instead, faced constant sideline. Thus, they hardly had any affection for the Southern Territory or its King.


    Dugu Ming did not care; as long as he could establish good relations with the Heng Mountain Sword Sect, was he worried about a lack of experts in the Southern Territory? He waved his hands, saying, "Go on then, to each their own. I can understand."


    Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang then bid farewell to the other Commanders and got into the car as well.


    As for Chief Commander Lan Youzhong, he glanced at Ye Feng inside the car, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he held back, although the look he gave Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang was undeniably envious.


    Honestly, Lan Youzhong wanted to seize the opportunity to follow Northern King Ye Feng, seeing that the gap between the Southern King and the Northern King was significant. However, Lan Youzhong knew that the Southern King had shown him favor, and unlike Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang, who were outsiders, his own family had deep roots in the Southern Territory, making it impossible for him to leave.


    "Everyone, let¡¯s part here for now, until we meet again, let¡¯s set off!" Ye Feng declared.


    Sima Zhantian stepped on the gas, and the SUV roared out of the Southern Territory Base Camp, speeding along a broad road.


    Leaving the broad road behind, the vehicle made a turn, heading in the south-east direction. By following this path, in about a day and a half, they would arrive at the foot of Heng Mountain!

 Chapter 164 You Finally Came After All

    The journey that normally would take a day and a half was extended due to a stopover at Sky Sand City, where Hong Qingyan desired to wander the streets, all because Ye Feng¡¯s leg had already recovered.


    "Although we¡¯ve already strolled through here last time, it¡¯s different now. This time, we¡¯re openly and properly hitting the streets for a walk. I feel there¡¯s a very different significance to it. What do you think, Big Brother Ye?" Hong Qingyan asked, sitting beside him.


    Ye Feng pretended to muse for a moment before smiling and saying, "Seems like there is some truth to that!"


    So, the carriage made a big turn into Sky Sand City, ready to spend another night outside, since there was plenty of time to join the Heng Mountain Sword Sect on the occasion of the Chongyang Festival on the ninth day of the ninth month.


    Sky Sand City might boast many famous landmarks and wonderful things, but none leaves a more lasting impression than its stinky tofu. Initially, Hong Qingyan wasn¡¯t too accustomed to it, but since taking the first pinch-nosed bite, she had completely fallen in love with it.


    This time, the pair didn¡¯t need a wheelchair to explore the market. Hong Qingyan wasn¡¯t trailing behind Ye Feng but rather, was arm in arm with him, leaning against his side, wandering aimlessly down the gourmet street. They looked no different from any ordinary couple, yet the happiness and sweetness that shone on their faces were the same.


    There were no events of note overnight. After breakfast the next day, the group continued on their journey toward the Heng Mountain Sword Sect.


    Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, they found the parking lot at the base already filled with various luxury carriages. Coincidentally, just as they approached the entrance, a loud shout echoed from the gate.


    "The King of the Southern Territory, Dugu Ming has arrived!" As the voice fell, four people quickly emerged from the gate at the base of the mountain.


    One, dressed in purple robes, was an elder. The other three were messengers from the Heng Mountain Sword Sect who had previously gone to the Southern Territory.


    The elder in purple robes didn¡¯t carry a sword, but his aura was stable, and his bearing exuded authority, clearly holding a high position within the Heng Mountain Sword Sect.


    At that moment, the Southern King, Dugu Ming, stepped out of his luxury carriage, accompanied by several great commanders and three or four protectors.


    "Truth be told, I never expected the Southern King to condescend to visit our South Hengshan Sword Sect and attend the Chongyang Festival we¡¯re hosting. This is truly an honor that makes our Heng Mountain glisten!"


    The purple-robed elder stepped forward with a loud laugh, his manners thorough yet not overly flattering.


    Even though the South Hengshan Sword Sect fell under the Southern King¡¯s jurisdiction, the Martial Sects of the Martial Arts World had seemingly agreed upon a convention to rise above the mundane and not be subjected to secular governance. Therefore, even when faced with the Southern King, there was no need for obsequiousness.


    Of course, since he was a monarch, a certain degree of courtesy was still necessary. Moreover, the Heng Mountain Sword Sect wanted to place more disciples in the Southern Territory and still needed the king¡¯s nod of approval.


    The unexpected arrival of the Southern King naturally drew the attention of numerous guests around. Of course, those invited to join the festival at Heng Mountain were no ordinary individuals. They were generally notable and respected families of the Southern Territory.


    Even ordinary nobles were probably not qualified to be invited, as only hidden aristocratic families with generations rich in martial heritage could enter this circle. Those nouveau riche who had recently risen to wealth were not eligible.


    The nearby guests began to discuss among themselves, "Who would have thought that the Southern King would take the initiative to come? It looks like he intends to turn the South Hengshan Sword Sect into a reserve of martial experts for himself, or perhaps he plans to make them his private backers."


    Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian immediately came to his senses and quickly shouted with a high voice, "Northern King Ye Feng has arrived!"


    With that shout, instantly a significant disturbance arose, and countless guests all turned to look in this direction.


    Many people murmured in private, "What¡¯s going on here? Why has the Northern King come to this Double Ninth Festival?"


    "Could it be that the Heng Mountain Sword Sect invited him too? If that¡¯s true, then the Heng Mountain Sword Sect sure has great face. If they befriend both the Northern and Southern Kings, it won¡¯t be long before Heng Mountain shouldn¡¯t be called Southern Peak, but Central Peak!" Continue reading on empire


    "Change to Central Peak? Are you joking? Do you think the Zhongyue Songshan Sword Sect doesn¡¯t exist?"


    "What¡¯s going on with Northern King Ye Feng? Oh, right, I heard that a major event rocked the Northern Border over three months ago and Northern King Ye Feng seems to have been sidelined already. Could he be here seeking help?"


    At this time, Southern King Dugu Ming heard the name of the Northern King and subconsciously frowned, showing displeasure on his face.


    As for the man in purple robes, that is, Daoist Qingyu of Heng Mountain Sword Sect, annoyance flashed across his face.


    Seeing the expression on Daoist Qingyu¡¯s face, the surrounding guests couldn¡¯t help but murmur, "Looks like he¡¯s not just here for the Double Ninth Festival; now this will be a good show!"


    As they were speaking, Ye Feng stepped forward, accompanied by several Great Commanders, and holding the fair hand of Hong Qingyan, he walked step by step towards the sect entrance.


    To those unaware, it seemed as if he came for a leisurely visit; after all, Northern King Ye Feng did not look old, only around twenty-four or twenty-five years of age, accompanied by a stunning beauty as if he were on an outing.


    However, at that moment, none of the guests around spoke further, all eyes fixated on Northern King Ye Feng, and suddenly, the atmosphere turned serious and tense.


    The Deputy Sect Leader of the Heng Mountain, Daoist Qingyu, did not move, standing ramrod straight, just watching coldly as Ye Feng approached step by step, while his three disciples behind him were already on tenterhooks, two of whom even had their hands on the hilt of their swords.


    Southern King Dugu Ming stood in the middle, feeling a bit awkward. After thinking slightly, he stepped forward towards Ye Feng, and laughed loudly, "Haha, Brother Ye, you finally made it here."


    Ye Feng laughed as well, "It seems the Southern King is indeed swift, setting out a day later than us but arriving earlier. You must have been eager to attend this Double Ninth Festival, right?"


    Upon being seen through, Dugu Ming¡¯s expression froze for a moment, suddenly unsure of how to reply.


    To be honest, although both were kings, the aura emanating from the other was far more compelling, almost suffocating him.


    Just then, Daoist Qingyu in purple robes took a small step forward and huffed coldly, "Are you the legendary Northern King Ye Feng?"


    Approaching, Ye Feng responded with a slight bow, "Pleased to meet you!"

 Chapter 165: Always Gives a Steady Impression

    Daoist Qingyu raised the corners of his mouth in a slight smile, then raised his voice suddenly and said, "I hear that you, sir, intend to visit our South Hengshan Mountain, and it is a ¡¯Martial Bow¡¯?"


    He deliberately pronounced the words "Martial Bow" very loudly, aiming to ensure that everyone present could hear.


    Just as he expected, the crowd around them was taken aback after hearing this, with many people immediately speculating, "Martial Bow, the Northern King Ye Feng is actually preparing for a Martial Bow, could it be that he is planning to trouble South Hengshan Mountain?"


    "You¡¯re wrong, he¡¯s no longer the Northern King, the current Northern King is now that member of the Zhu Family, this Ye seems to have been forced out of the Northern Border and has nowhere to go, so he has come to the Southern Territory seeking a sense of presence!"


    "Hmph, truly arrogant, what if he¡¯s the Northern King? These Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have long since broken free from the secular world, not constrained by its governance; his intention to perform a Martial Bow, is this an attempt to show off? South Hengshan Mountain is not easy to provoke either, how could they tolerate him!"


    The discussions were intense among the crowd, and of course, these people were all on good terms with South Hengshan Mountain, so naturally, they would side with Heng Mountain; moreover, with a huge incident occurring in the Northern Border over four months ago, the current Northern Border King was inevitably Zhu Guangbo of the Zhu Family, so naturally, no one would favor the former Northern King Ye Feng.


    According to the customs of the Martial Arts World, there are two types of visits: a ¡¯Civil Bow¡¯ and a ¡¯Martial Bow.¡¯ A ¡¯Civil Bow¡¯ naturally means a friendly visit, whereas a ¡¯Martial Bow¡¯ in secular terms means challenging a place, openly provoking a confrontation.


    Ye Feng remained composed and spoke in a cold voice, "Could it be that the three messengers did not convey my intentions clearly when they returned last time?"


    The Vice Sect Leader of Heng Mountain Sword Sect, Daoist Qingyu, suddenly turned grim and shouted, "So it seems there is no room for negotiation, very well, Heng Mountain Sword Sect has been established for hundreds of years, and never has anyone dared to challenge us with a Martial Bow!"


    The three second-generation disciples behind him also scoffed, "Elder Uncle, talking further to such an arrogant and ignorant person is a waste of words. Hengshan Mountain has long been prepared; should he truly dare to attempt a Martial Bow, then let him come. This will be a good opportunity for us to let the whole Martial Arts World know that South Hengshan Mountain is not to be trifled with!"


    Southern King Dugu Ming, caught in the middle, frowned slightly, then turned and said, "Northern King, although we are both kings of a territory, when it comes to matters of the Martial Arts World, we are not in a position to interfere directly. It¡¯s said that ¡¯the Martial Arts World has its own rules...¡¯"


    Before he finished speaking, Ye Feng interrupted sharply, "If I did not follow the rules of the Martial Arts World, right now there would probably be an army pressing down, flattening your South Hengshan Mountain. Southern King, you have your choices, and I have my path. Today, we have nothing to do with each other!"


    While there is a cable car at South Hengshan Mountain, it is only for the section near the mountain gate, which has been opened for tourists¡¯ convenience to enjoy the ascent. However, the later part of the gate leads to the true Heng Mountain Sword Sect, and tourists are not permitted there.


    Furthermore, with the coming of the ninth day of the ninth month, the festival of Chongyang, Hengshan had already announced its closure to visitors, so no tourists could be seen at this time.


    An ancient stone stairway, covered in green moss and winding upwards, stretched out of sight from the base, revealing the immense scale of Heng Mountain Main Peak.


    Following the stone stairs, Ye Feng climbed steadily, with Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others closely behind him.


    Daoist Qingyu, Southern King, and many guests watched from behind with detached interest.


    Due to her difficulty in walking, Hong Qingyan was assisted by Xiao Chuanqi. Looking up at that figure as straight as a green pine, she couldn¡¯t help but express her concern, "Do you think Big Brother Ye will be in danger?"


    Xiao Chuanqi didn¡¯t know how to respond to that question, as even he couldn¡¯t fathom the depth of the Heng Mountain Sword Sect. Truthfully, the Northern King¡¯s Martial Bow at Southern Peak Heng Mountain wasn¡¯t necessarily a good thing.


    Whether successful or not, there was no benefit for the Northern King. Failure was self-explanatory, and even if successful, while South Hengshan Mountain would certainly lose face, it would likely send shockwaves through the entire Martial Arts World.


    For these Ancient Martial Arts Sects, although they often fight amongst themselves, they typically present a united front to outsiders. In other words, the Northern King¡¯s Martial Bow could potentially displease the entire Ancient Martial Arts Sect of the Martial Arts World.


    However, since this was a decision made by the Northern King himself, he naturally had his own considerations, and his subordinates would say no more.


    After some thought, Xiao Chuanqi said, "Don¡¯t worry. Having followed our Lord for so many years, I have never seen him take action without assurance. If he decides to take on the Martial Bow and climb the mountain, he is sure to win, and moreover, he¡¯ll do it impressively!"


    Hong Qingyan smiled gracefully and said, "Mm, that¡¯s what I think too. Big Brother Ye always seems so dependable!"

 Chapter 166 The Power of This Kick

    Ye Feng stepped forward, his pace not fast.


    The news had already reached those above, and suddenly, one after another, disciples of the Heng Mountain Sword Sect rushed down the ancient path, standing on both sides.


    Looking up from below, the winding ancient path with no end in sight was lined with disciples of the Heng Mountain Sword Sect, each wielding a longsword, creating an imposing scene.


    However, no one made a move, as these were merely ordinary disciples, most of whom were at the Level of External Strength. They were there to maintain appearances for the Heng Mountain Sword Sect, aiming to showcase the imposing style and overwhelming strength of Southern Peak¡¯s Heng Mountain.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he continued to climb step by step, with Daoist Qingyu closely following behind, along with many guests from the current gathering of Chongyang Festival.


    Soon on the ancient road, a stone pillar archway appeared, with two large characters engraved on the placard above the archway which read "Central Gate", flanked by eight individuals.


    Eight middle-aged men dressed in tight-fitting clothes, each standing with arms crossed over swords, their postures as straight as the ancient pine trees beside them.


    This must be the first challenge of the Martial Bow, the Eight Pine People Pass of the Central Gate!


    Ye Feng walked straight up to them, glanced briefly at the eight men, and to him, these eight ordinary Grandmasters were no more than ants.


    "Draw your swords!" Ye Feng suddenly said as he exhaled.


    "You dare to challenge Heng Mountain, today you shall be stopped here, letting all in the Martial Arts World know that the prestige of our Southern Peak¡¯s Heng Mountain is not to be provoked!"


    Having finished their declaration, suddenly with a clang, they all drew their swords, the white blinding blades reflecting the sunlight, emitting a piercing brightness.


    Ye Feng kept walking, proceeding upwards without stopping.


    The eight men shouted in unison, their movements sharp and swift as sprouting pines, stabbing forward with the swiftness of thunder that leaves no time for ears to react.


    Ye Feng continued to step forward, not even deeming it necessary to glance at the eight men.


    The multitude of guests below couldn¡¯t help but gasp in anticipation, but at that moment, there came a sudden loud bang. All eight Heng Mountain Swordsmen were sent flying backwards, their longswords slipping from their grasp, some even snapped into two pieces.


    The crowd below instantly inhaled sharply, their faces revealing expressions of shock.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng slightly furrowed his brows and said with a cold laugh, "It¡¯s unexpected that an array formed by a group could wield such power. This level of Sword Qi should be comparable to an ordinary Martial King, right?"


    Behind him, Daoist Qingyu sneered, "You actually have some insight. Since you¡¯ve seen the extraordinariness of this Great Formation, it¡¯s still not too late to descend the mountain now!"


    But before he had finished speaking, Ye Feng moved, lifting his Big Foot, and then stomped fiercely onto the ground.


    In the blink of an eye, a thunderous boom sounded, like an earthquake, the ground shook, and a finger-width crack appeared on the ground, splitting the square in two.


    A terrible Qi Force, like a rampaging dragon, swept out, charging towards those Heng Mountain disciples.


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    Then, the eighty-one disciples were blown away on the spot, the ordinary ones not to mention, but even the nine Huajin Grandmasters lay on the ground, each with blood seeping from their mouths.


    With a single foot, he split the earth; his kick not only satisfyingly broke the opposing Great Formation but also shattered the hearts of the numerous guests below, each of them stood petrified, their faces as if struck by lightning.


    At this point, even Daoist Qingyu stood frozen, his face betraying a look of shock. After a long while, he sighed deeply, "This...this level, Martial King, I did not expect that you... you have already become a Martial King!"


    Dugu Ming, watching this, had a complex expression on his face, and it was hard to know what he was thinking at this moment.


    Sima Zhantian, however, burst into hearty laughter, "What a lame Guardian Great Formation. In front of our lord, it¡¯s nothing but a paper tiger. In my opinion, this so-called Heng Mountain Sword Sect is nothing special after all!"


    Daoist Qingyu was so enraged that he ground his teeth and snorted coldly, "What if you are a Martial King? If you have the guts, continue to walk upward. Today, we will let you understand the might of Southern Peak Heng Mountain!"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste words with him and directly began to walk up.


    After a short while, he finally reached the summit, standing before a huge marble archway that was extremely imposing. The plaque bore the four characters for Southern Peak Heng Mountain!


    Further up past the gate, laid a series of majestic palaces; this was the Heng Mountain Sword Sect!


    And beneath the main gate, stood an elder in white garments, with white hair and beard, even the sword in his hand was white.


    Ye Feng walked up to this point and finally halted his steps.

 Chapter 167 Under the Heaven, All Lands Belong to the King

    The elderly man in white stood with his sword, and as the downpour grew heavier, a thin layer of Qi shield was enveloped around him, preventing the drenching rain from wetting his clothes in the slightest.


    Ye Feng was likewise protected, in fact, anyone who had reached the Huajin Grandmaster Level could release a Qi force shield to fend off the rain.


    However, for a Huajin Grandmaster like Xiao Chuanqi, maintaining the shield for an extended period would consume a great deal of inner strength and could quickly become overwhelming.


    Yet, the white-clad elder before them had a look of complete tranquility on his face, clearly indicating that he was a Martial King, a rank above the Huajin Grandmaster!


    The elder¡¯s gaze suddenly left the distant downpour and settled upon Ye Feng, smiling as he said, "It is indeed remarkable for Your Excellency to have breezed through two challenges to arrive here, living up to the legendary reputation of the Northern Border King!"


    Ye Feng returned the smile and said, "Judging by such an aura, you must be the legendary Grand Tutor Uncle of the South Hengshan Sword Sect?"


    The title of Grand Tutor Uncle referred to the current Heng Mountain Sect Leader¡¯s martial uncle, and traditionally, the third challenge was meant to be faced by the Sect Leader in person.


    However, after witnessing Ye Feng effortlessly overcome two challenges, knowing he was no match, the Half-Step Martial King Realm Heng Mountain Sect Leader urgently summoned this Grand Tutor Uncle who had been in secluded cultivation for many years. Discover hidden content at empire


    After all, the honor of South Hengshan could not be tarnished on this day!


    The Heng Mountain Grand Tutor Uncle slightly shook his head with a chuckle, "I do not deserve such praise, I am ashamed. This humble one is called Mingxu."


    "So it is the esteemed Daoist Master Mingxu of the ¡¯Ming¡¯ generation, it is an honor to meet you!" Ye Feng said, inclining his body slightly in a bow.


    Those of the ¡¯Ming¡¯ generation in Heng Mountain were already of very high seniority, and the elderly man in white appeared to be at least in his eighties.


    The many guests around them couldn¡¯t help but murmur among themselves, "Who would have thought that even Daoist Master Mingxu would be roused to action? The Northern Border King truly deserves his legendary status; it seems he does have some substance."


    "Hmph, what of it? Now that Daoist Master Mingxu has emerged from seclusion, there¡¯s no room for anyone to challenge the prestige of Heng Mountain. Just wait and see. Despite how dominant that Ye fellow seemed before, he¡¯ll surely be chasing his tail down the mountain before long!"


    Daoist Master Mingxu suddenly spoke up, "Your Excellency may not be a man of the Martial Arts World, but you have established a certain reputation within it. How about we make a bet?"


    Ye Feng asked, "What do you propose we bet on?"


    Daoist Master Mingxu said, "If during this duel Your Excellency wins, I, the old man, will sever my own arm. Of course, if I happen to win, then Your Excellency will stay at our Hengshan and partake in three years of vegetarian meals, how does that sound?"


    Ye Feng replied with a faint smile, "No move."


    "No move?"


    Daoist Master Mingxu was stunned, standing still for a long while before he finally gave a wry smile, exclaiming, "What a ¡¯no move,¡¯ to win over all moves. I have practiced the Dou Chong Sword Technique for more than seventy years and thought that I had reached the realm of Man and Sword as One. Little did I expect that today..."


    He didn¡¯t finish his sentence, and of course, there was no need to say more.


    After a long while, Daoist Master Mingxu sighed heavily and said, "I have lost. Such martial arts prowess at such a young age, I am impressed!"


    Now that the three challenges had been overcome, it meant that the Martial Bow was successful, which also meant that from this moment on, no one in the Heng Mountain Sword Sect could stop Ye Feng, even if Ye Feng wished to enter their sacred Scripture Pavilion, all disciples of Heng Mountain were not allowed to obstruct him.


    In simple terms, Ye Feng could now walk unhindered across Heng Mountain!


    Of course, Ye Feng did not do so; he walked straight ahead to the biggest and most majestic palace on Heng Mountain.


    The palace was supported by eighteen wooden pillars piercing the sky, the entire hall covering more than three hundred square meters, divided into three levels with staggered flying eaves like dragons, truly imposing.


    Above the main entrance to the palace, hanging on a large gold-inlaid plaque, were four powerful characters that read "South Hengshan Mountain"!


    Ye Feng walked directly beneath the great door, raising his head to look at this plaque, he suddenly lifted his finger towards it.


    Qi Force erupted from his right index and middle fingers, Ye Feng¡¯s wrist danced, inscribing onto the plaque from afar.


    The onlookers found this strange, not knowing what he was up to.


    In just a few seconds, Ye Feng stopped and then turned around, waving his hand, "Let¡¯s go, down the mountain!"


    Having said that, he immediately headed down the mountain, followed closely by Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian among others.


    And just at this moment, wooden chips suddenly began to fall from the giant gold-inlaid plaque, and it was only then that everyone could see that a line of characters clearly appeared at the top next to the original inscription, pressing beneath the four big characters of "South Hengshan Mountain."


    "Under the sky, all land is the king¡¯s soil!"


    These eight characters startled everyone who saw them, and their expressions changed as they looked towards Northern King Ye Feng, realizing that this act was a warning, a silent yet powerful warning.

 Chapter 168: Carry Your Own Woman, Who Dares to Laugh?

    "True to the adage that heroes with Martial prowess defy prohibitions!"


    Everyone on Heng Mountain knew that even though this was merely a verbal warning, if there were a next time, the Northern Border King would likely embark on a killing spree.


    "The Martial Arts World has been peaceful for dozens of years, but now, it seems we must prepare for an upcoming storm of blood and fury!" Daoist Master Mingxu stood atop the summit, gazing longingly at Ye Feng¡¯s retreating figure and sighed deeply.


    King Dugu Ming of the Southern Territory, though, wore a look of regret. As a King of One Realm himself, he felt considerably less impressive by comparison.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had reached the Central Gate halfway up the mountain. After leaving his message, he didn¡¯t even enter through the gate, choosing instead to descend directly.


    All the way down, none amongst Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian and the others spoke, as they could all feel the overwhelming aura of authority exuding from Ye Feng. It was unmistakable, the demeanor of a reigning king.


    Even Hong Qingyan didn¡¯t dare to approach at this time, due to the immense pressure the aura of a king generated.


    "Ouch..."


    Suddenly, Hong Qingyan let out a cry of pain. She had been so focused on Ye Feng and, compounded by her existing leg injury, she had carelessly twisted her ankle.


    Ye Feng abruptly turned around, only then realizing that he had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he had almost forgotten about his companions behind him.


    "How are you, are you alright?" Ye Feng hurried over to support Hong Qingyan.


    "I¡¯m fine, Big Brother Ye, don¡¯t worry about me. I just wasn¡¯t careful and twisted it!" Hong Qingyan forced a smile, though the excruciating pain from her foot was almost too much to bear.


    "Let me have a look!" Ye Feng said, bending down to lift the hem of her clothing, only then noticing the large swollen area around her ankle.


    Without a second word, Ye Feng squatted down with his back facing Hong Qingyan and then said, "Get on, I¡¯ll carry you down the mountain!"


    Hong Qingyan was struck dumb, staring with wide eyes and hesitating for quite a while before saying, "This... Big Brother Ye, is this really appropriate?"


    Ye Feng, with an arched brow, replied, "What¡¯s wrong with it?"


    Stammering, Hong Qingyan said, "Because Big Brother Ye, you... you have now publicly revealed your identity as a king. If the people around us were to see you, a king, stooping to carry a nameless woman like me down the mountain, it might cause ridicule, embarrassing you."


    Before long, the sky grew dim. The Southern Territory was mountainous, full of tortuous snaking roads, extremely rugged and steep. Moreover, as the sky darkened, the speed of the car had to decrease. Fortunately, Sima Zhantian was a Huajin Grandmaster after all, with keen perception, so there was no need to worry.


    There were not many cars on the mountain road. However, after midnight, ahead in the distance on the mountain road, suddenly came the sounds of roaring engines.


    These were the rumbles of car engines running at high speeds, resembling distant thunder. And from the sound of it, these cars must be of high value, many of them advanced sports cars.


    From the passenger seat, Xiao Chuanqi could not help but hum coldly, "Doing a car chase on this kind of winding road in the middle of the night, they must have a death wish!"


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    Sima Zhantian drove and snorted, "Most likely they are the second and third-generation offspring of wealthy families in the Southern Territory. These wastrels usually have nothing better to do, living off others, and enjoy seeking thrills in the middle of the night."


    Ye Feng, sitting in the backseat with his eyes closed for rejuvenation, has always been too lazy to pay attention to such trivial matters.


    But the roaring grew louder, and in the blink of an eye, more than a dozen luxury sports cars, as swift as the wind, were about to surge upwards.


    At this moment, someone suddenly used a loudspeaker from below to announce, "Serpent Coil Mountain is used for usual car races. Bystanders, make way! Those of you above, did you hear that? If you don¡¯t want to die, find a wide area to stop immediately!"


    Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian got angry, grinding his teeth and cursing, "Dammit, they really are tired of living, expecting me to move over?"


    Xiao Chuanqi furrowed his brows, worriedly saying, "The cars below are moving too fast. If those spoiled brats are careless and one changes lanes to overtake, crashing into us, it might be dangerous, especially since there are cliffs and precipices below."


    At that moment, Sima Zhantian hesitated; they were not too concerned for themselves, but they had Hong Qingyan in the car.


    Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes, speaking in an indifferent tone, "What¡¯s the quality of our car like?"


    Sima Zhantian laughed and said, "This car was procured from the Southern Territory. It may look quite ordinary on the outside, but it has been modified. Bullets can¡¯t even penetrate it."


    Ye Feng further inquired, "What about collision protection?"


    "Collision protection naturally isn¡¯t an issue either, it¡¯s more than capable of crushing any of these so-called supercars on the market," replied Sima Zhantian.


    "Then good, no need to hesitate, don¡¯t stop the car, speed up!" Ye Feng calmly instructed and then closed his eyes once more.

 Chapter 169 The Jiangzuo Alliance Will Not Let You Off

    Sima Zhantian was also a ruthless man. He had seen scenes involving thousands of troops in the Northern Border over the years, and was not at all frightened by the relatively minor scene before him. Gritting his teeth, he stepped on the accelerator, and the car roared off.


    At that moment, several luxurious cars howling furiously like beasts were charging up from the bottom of the mountain.


    Suddenly, with a loud bang that tore through the darkness like thunder, the leading fiery red sports car, which had been driving recklessly, collided fiercely with another. It flipped over on the spot, tumbled down the slope several times, and plummeted straight into the cliff.


    It was likely due to quick reflexes that a blond young man leapt out of the rolling car, for had he plummeted into the ravine, he would have been smashed to pieces.


    Even so, the tremendous impact and inertia left him with a broken arm and his head cracked open.


    The vehicles behind were startled by the sight, frantically applying their brakes, but due to the immense inertia, several still ended up rear-ending each other.


    As for Ye Feng''s car, it remained stationary on the road, impressively stable. It must be said that the modified vehicle was extremely formidable and robust; such a severe collision had left it utterly unshaken.


    Of course, this was because Ye Feng was sitting inside, activating a powerful surge of energy within him, making the car as heavy as Mount Tai.


    Moreover, the instant the blond young man jumped out of the car, Ye Feng had discreetly wrapped his body''s vital areas with Inner Strength, protecting him from certain death in that situation.


    "What happened, what the hell just happened!" After a short period of chaos, the dozen or so wealthy youths driving luxury cars finally regained their composure.


    "Damn it, someone didn''t give way. There was someone blocking the road upfront, causing the collision with Lu Benlu!"


    "Didn''t give way, weren''t people arranged to clear the road ahead? Still, someone didn''t make way, what a damned mess!"


    As they spoke, over a dozen pampered youths stepped out of their respective cars. Among them were both men and women, none of them much older than twenty, but all dressed in flashy designer clothes, clearly signaling their status as prodigal sons and daughters from rich and powerful families.


    "Lu Benlu, how are you? Are you alright? Damn it, who the hell dares to block the way? They''re asking for death!" a green-haired youth bellowed furiously.


    As he spoke, more than a dozen people swarmed forward.


    Xiao Chuanqi suddenly moved, rushing out like a whirlwind. His speed was incredibly fast, and loud thumping sounds followed in the darkness of the night.


    In just a few breaths, the clamorous shouting had calmed down. Xiao Chuanqi stopped, and at this moment, the dozen or so youthful scions were all lying on the ground in disarray, wailing in pain.


    Xiao Chuanqi shook his head, pulled open the door, and got back in the car. Enjoy new adventures from empire


    "Let''s go!" Ye Feng said at that point.


    "Just a few little punks daring to meddle with us, truly clueless," Sima Zhantian cursed as he started the car.


    At that moment, the green-haired youth lying on the ground howled, "You assholes, daring to stir up trouble under Tai Sui''s nose. Do you know who we are? I am the young master of the Tian family from East of the River. I''ve memorized your license plate number. My Jiangzuo Alliance will never let you go!"


    Another yellow-haired man, Lu Benlu, also roared, "And you won''t escape the wrath of the Jiangzuo Alliance either! Even if you leave Serpent Coil Mountain tonight, you won''t make it out of the Jiangzuo Alliance''s Earth Boundary in one piece!"


    By now, the car had already moved a distance away, but Ye Feng''s hearing was extraordinary, and he had heard everything. His brows furrowed as he said to himself, "Jiangzuo Alliance? I did not expect that these spoiled young masters would have ties with the Jiangzuo Alliance."


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but snort in derision, "The Jiangzuo Alliance is a behemoth in the Jiangzuo Alliance''s Earth Boundary, almost encompassing all the powerful and noble families in East of the River. It''s no surprise that these scions are tangled up with the Jiangzuo Alliance."


    Ye Feng frowned even deeper and mused, "I remember the Jiangzuo Alliance was established about twenty years ago, wasn''t it? Initially, the intent was to counter those Ronin Martial Artists from overseas, to protect our homes and country, and to safeguard the people of Xuanyuan Nation."


    Xiao Chuanqi snorted coldly, "It has long since deviated from its original purpose. Now the Jiangzuo Alliance has almost become a tool for all the noble families in East of the River to pursue their private interests.


    Your Majesty, back then, your efforts to extend the Martial Alliance throughout the country were hindered by the Jiangzuo Alliance, which is why it has never been able to get off the ground in East of the River."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and then ordered solemnly, "Change course, we''re going to East of the River!"

 Chapter 170 East of the River, Jiangzuo Alliance

    Under Ye Feng''s orders, Sima Zhantian''s hands rotated the reverse disk by a half-turn, heading directly eastward.


    Since ancient times, the region east of the river has bred many heroes and, because of this spirit, the chivalry in East of the River has always prevailed, naturally leading to a large martial arts-following population.


    Initially, Ye Feng truly intended to promote the Martial Alliance in East of the River, but the effort had been largely ineffective. A significant reason for this was the local resistance in East of the River, along with overt and covert obstructions by the Jiangzuo Alliance.


    Of course, there was also the presence of the King of the Eastern Border!


    The King of the Eastern Border governed the eastern regions of Xuanyuan Nation, which included the majority of the lands east of the river.


    As dawn faintly broke, Ye Feng and his companions had already arrived in the region east of the river. The first thing that met their eyes was the wide, surging flow of the mighty East River cutting through the entirety of Jiang City.


    "Master, where do we head now? Shall we go straight to the Jiang City Martial Alliance Headquarters?" Sima Zhantian inquired.


    "No need, let''s check into an inn first," Ye Feng said indifferently, "Just ask the person in charge of the Martial Alliance to come over."


    "Alright!" Sima Zhantian nodded in agreement.No?v(el)B\\jnn


    Over the years, the spread of the Martial Alliance in East of the River had been minimal, and its establishment had been merely for show, with no real influence in East of the River. Even more frustrating was the fact that they had to act according to the Jiangzuo Alliance''s whims, which infuriated Ye Feng.


    When dawn was still dim, the group arrived at a five-star hotel and quickly completed the check-in procedures.


    After an entire night of travel, everyone was indeed a bit weary, especially Hong Qingyan, who was extremely tired. This was precisely why Ye Feng had been eager to find a hotel to rest.


    Of course, for Ye Feng, this was not much of an issue. After going into the room and waiting for Hong Qingyan to fall into a deep sleep, he quietly stepped into the hall, sat cross-legged on the sofa, and then skillfully entered a clear and lucid cultivation state.


    Through years of constant cultivation, he was on the verge of penetrating all 108 acupoints within his body. Even Ye Feng eagerly anticipated what lay beyond the Martial King Realm once all acupoints were opened.


    But by midday, they were all woken up by a racket, as a group of black-clad figures burst into the hotel with an aggressive momentum.


    "Listen up, people in the hall, get lost immediately. As for those staying in the rooms, you''d better stay put and not wander around. If any accidental deaths happen, don''t blame anyone else!"


    "Butler Ye, it was them. It was them who attacked us last night!" Green-haired Lu Benlu pointed directly at Xiao Chuanqi and accused.


    The elder butler dressed in a Tang suit stepped forward slightly, clasped his hands, and said, "It seems that you both are people from the Martial Arts World. Please state your names and backgrounds."


    Xiao Chuanqi replied coldly, "With you lot, you''re not even qualified to know our origins!"


    Green-haired Lu Benlu flew into a rage on the spot, gritting his teeth and roaring, "Butler Ye, you heard them, didn''t you? These bastards are simply too arrogant and presumptuous. Last night, they attacked us without saying a word, without discerning right from wrong, and injured us badly."


    Butler Ye narrowed his eyes slightly and gave a sinister laugh, "My friends, it''s good to be tough in the Jianghu, but you also need to recognize the right occasion. Here in East of the River, there aren''t many who dare to talk to me like this, and not a single one who would dare to offend the Lu Family of Jiang City."


    Sima Zhantian roared in anger, "What bullshit is this, a small broken family in Jiang City acting all high and mighty as if they own the place. I can''t stand people like you who are so full of themselves and think they''re better than everyone else!"


    While speaking, Sima Zhantian, who had a fiery temper, charged forward.


    Butler Ye waved his great hand and commanded, "Get them, break their limbs first. This hotel belongs to the Jiangzuo Alliance; we don''t want any fatalities. After they''re crippled, throw them into East River to feed the fish!"


    However, in just an instant, Sima Zhantian had charged over, and then Butler Ye was stunned.


    After all, there were a dozen of them on his side, and all of them Martial Arts Practitioners, but in the blink of an eye, they were all laid out by the opponent.


    "Didn''t expect we have a master here, looks like you might be a Grandmaster. I''m going to end you right now!" the burly lead thug had just finished speaking.


    Suddenly, with a bang, Xiao Chuanqi punched him in the stomach, and the man crouched on the ground, curled up like a shrimp.


    Butler Ye was shocked by the sight and hastily said, "Gentlemen, let''s talk this over; with your skills, I estimate you must know..."


    "Who knows you!" Sima Zhantian said as he kicked him flying out the door.


    "You should consider yourselves lucky; our mistress is still resting and doesn''t want to see a dead body. Otherwise, you''d already be lying there as corpses. Now scram before I lose my patience!"


    Sima Zhantian roared furiously, his entire being erupting with a chilling murderous aura.

 Chapter 171 With Me Here, What Are You Afraid Of?

    ```


    The Lu family and the others were directly scared stupid, although they were strong, they were not foolish, and it was clear they had realized that these two people were extraordinary, likely to be Huajin Grandmasters.


    "Who would have thought we''d provoke two Huajin Grandmasters, and what''s more detestable is that we knew nothing about it!"


    The elderly steward gritted his teeth, staggered to his feet from the ground, and then said, "Today, we admit defeat, let''s go!"


    While they spoke, a dozen or so people helped each other out, leaving with uneven steps, but just as they reached the corner of the hallway corridor, the Lu family''s steward suddenly turned back and shouted, "Just you wait, on the land east of the river, if you dare to offend the Lu family, you will undoubtedly die!"


    "Damn it!" Sima Zhantian erupted in anger and couldn''t help but want to rush out.


    Xiao Chuanqi waved his hand to stop him and shook his head with a sigh, "That''s enough, they''re just a few small shrimps. Our lord doesn''t even bother with them, otherwise they wouldn''t be alive till now. Remember, our lord''s visions have never been about these people, not even these so-called Jiang City tycoons."


    Unable to help himself, Sima Zhantian asked, "Then who is our lord truly plotting against?"


    Xiao Chuanqi smiled slightly and said, "Naturally, it''s the Jiangzuo Alliance. Just wait, it won''t be long before people from the Jiangzuo Alliance show up, let''s head back first!"


    After speaking, the two turned and walked into the hall, where Ye Feng was sitting on the sofa sipping tea. He did not inquire about the situation outside, as there was simply no need to ask. Discover exclusive content at empire


    Ye Feng looked up at Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Xia Lengchan, and Li Jingang, and said softly, "In the days to come, it seems we shall be staying east of the river for a while. Legendary, make a trip to the Jiang City Martial Alliance and have the person in charge come to see me."


    "As you command, my lord, I will summon them immediately!" Xiao Chuanqi bowed respectfully.


    "Remember, do not reveal my identity," Ye Feng spoke again.


    This time, the usually astute Xiao Chuanqi was taken aback and asked, "My lord, if we don''t reveal your identity, it''s likely that no one from the Jiang City Martial Alliance will come, right?"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "You just need to tell them that we are martial artists being pursued by several big families on the lands of Jiang City."


    Enlightened with a revelation, Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but say, "I understand now, my lord. You wish to test the Jiang City Martial Alliance, to see if the Alliance Hierarch dares to handle this matter."


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice, slowly, "Of course, and this is also their last chance!"


    It was precisely because of the immense backing of the Jiangzuo Alliance that the Tian and Lu Families dared to act so arrogantly in Jiang City.


    Lu Benlu gritted his teeth and said with a sigh, "It''s truly embarrassing, but we were indeed driven out by others."


    The leader from the Tian Family burst into laughter and said, "I never imagined that the esteemed Lu Family of Jiang City would one day be beaten so badly they''d be like fleeing mongrels."


    Steward Lu roared in anger, "Tian Buguang, watch your mouth! We simply let our guard down; do you really think our Lu Family experts are so easily bullied? Since your Tian Family has come prepared, then go inside and finish off those people. We''ll just watch."


    The Tian Family steward sneered, "Why would I be afraid? Hear me, all you members of the Tian Family, follow me and let''s flush out these ungrateful wretches!"


    Upon hearing this, Lu Benlu couldn''t help but snort, "Arrogant fools, thinking you can take them down with your numbers. They have two Huajin Grandmasters. All of you are just garbage, probably not even enough to fill in the gaps between their teeth."


    "What did you say? They have two Huajin Grandmasters!"


    The Tian Family heir froze then quickly called out, "Stop, everyone stop! They have two Huajin Grandmasters. We don''t stand a chance against them, so don''t act rashly!"


    The Tian Family''s leader was also slightly startled and asked, "Young Master, what are you saying? They have two Huajin Grandmasters? Are you sure about this?"


    The Tian Family heir responded, "This was personally confirmed by Lu Shao, it can''t be wrong."


    At this point, Lu Benlu had clearly realized his slip of the tongue and was looking away silently, not engaging.


    Steward Lu couldn''t help but complain, "Young Master, you shouldn''t have mentioned that. It would have been better to let the Tian Family rush in and then watch them scamper out, just to see if they would still dare to mock us."


    "Look, Steward Lu, that''s enough. We''re all in the same boat right now. Besides, the Tian and Lu Families are essentially one family; there''s nothing for us to fight over. Right now, with the opponent having two Huajin Grandmasters, we cannot act hastily."


    Steward Lu said, "With two Huajin Grandmasters, they can''t be nobodies in the Martial Arts World. Let''s report back to our family heads first and decide what to do next. If we can''t handle it, we''ll report directly to the Jiangzuo Alliance and let them send experts."


    "Well said, let''s all head back!" Subsequently, members of both parties turned around, got into their respective cars, and quickly drove away.


    Outside the hotel entrance, Xiao Chuanqi was watching this scenario unfold with a cold expression. Just moments ago, a murderous intent had surged within him; had these people dared to charge back inside, he would have been forced to unleash a massacre.


    "A bunch of rats!" Xiao Chuanqi shook his head, then got into his car and headed straight for the Jiang City Martial Alliance.

 Chapter 172 The Mysterious and Terrifying Old Blind Monk

    Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan made some preparations before going out. The two of them walked on streets lined with fully grown parasol trees. It was deep autumn, and the parasol trees glowed golden, inevitably offering a sight that was pleasing to the eyes and spirit-lifting.


    This time Ye Feng no longer needed a wheelchair. The couple strolled arm in arm. But even as a sovereign ruler, Ye Feng didn''t wear anything particularly branded. They both looked quite young, really in their early twenties, just like any ordinary couple you might see on the street.


    To Hong Qingyan, it was precisely this feeling that she loved the most. She considered herself just an ordinary woman, with a gentle and approachable nature. Therefore, every time she faced the kingly aura that Ye Feng exuded, she undoubtedly felt a tremendous pressure.


    Only now did she truly feel a peaceful happiness.


    "Big Brother Ye, where shall we go next?" Hong Qingyan asked softly.


    The evening sun cast a golden glow over the Jiang City River.


    Ye Feng said, "Let''s go eat something first. I''ve heard that there are lantern decorations at night, and we can take a boat ride on the lake here. Also, there''s an Iron Mountain Temple across the lake, a famous historic site that we can visit."


    "Sure, I''ll go along with what Big Brother Ye plans!" Hong Qingyan said with a gentle smile.


    Right away, the two found a clean and quiet noodle shop on the pedestrian street and tasted the local special rice noodles. After dinner, they headed to the lakeside, ready for a boat ride.


    Just then, Ye Feng''s eyebrows slightly furrowed. He immediately felt someone was following them. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong, Big Brother Ye?"


    Ye Feng''s eyebrows relaxed immediately, and he smiled, "It''s nothing. Let''s go boating on the lake."


    In fact, he had already sensed that indeed someone was following them. If his guess was correct, it should be a few so-called wealthy families from Jiang City.


    However, Ye Feng couldn''t be bothered with them. These wealthy families might look high and mighty in the eyes of ordinary people, but in his eyes, they were just ants. Ye Feng''s real target was the Jiangzuo Alliance."@@@@


    As night fell, it was a perfect time for couples to come out for intimate meetings. A black-awning boat quickly paddled over. After agreeing to pay extra, the two boarded the boat.


    There were two large phoenix trees on either side of the Inner Courtyard. It was deep autumn at the time, and leaves were falling everywhere. But where the Blind Monk had swept, not a single leaf could be found.


    Since the Blind Monk did this every day, everyone had become accustomed to it, naturally attributing it to his proficiency.


    While Ye Feng was sizing up the other party, the Blind Monk also seemed to sense something. Though he continued to sweep, he had already lifted his head and looked in Ye Feng''s direction.


    Even though the Blind Monk was blind, Ye Feng had the feeling that the other person could somehow see him, as if he was being scrutinized with a penetrating gaze.


    Ye Feng withdrew his gaze, for it was ultimately a bit impolite to stare at someone for such a long length of time. After a moment of thought, he stepped forward, brought his hands together in greeting, and said, "Master, I am a bit thirsty. May I have the honor of some tea?"


    This was, in truth, a test.


    The Blind Monk leaned the broom against his chest, brought his hands together, and said, "Amitabha. I am but a simple Sweeping Monk, deaf and blind. Your Excellency is of noble status, and I have no fine tea to offer. I should go and invite the abbot of Jinshan Temple instead."


    Ye Feng waved his hands with a smile, "You are too modest, Master. As they say, ''The greatest hermits hide in plain sight.'' In my opinion, not just in Jinshan Temple, but perhaps in the Entire Jiangdong, there would not be a second person who could be compared with the Master, right?"


    The Blind Monk was momentarily taken aback before smiling and responding, "I''m flattered that you think so highly of me. Please come this way then. However, due to my poor eyesight, I''ll still need to ask the abbot to come over."


    After saying this, he turned and walked inside. Although this Old Blind Monk could not see, his steps were very stable, and his complexion was rosy, with a vitality that was quite enduring.


    Hong Qingyan, who was confused, asked, "Big Brother Ye, why are you insisting on having this Master serve us tea? Is there something special about him?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "Indeed, there is something special about him. I dare say, in the Entire Jiangdong, probably only this Old Master''s tea is the most delightful. Let''s go in."


    Saying this, the two walked past the side door of the courtyard and then entered the Zen Rooms inside.


    Three Zen Rooms formed a small quadrangle courtyard. In the yard, there was a stone table with a set of simple tea utensils on top. Around the court, bamboo was planted, creating a sense of tranquility.


    When Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan stepped into this bamboo courtyard, aside from the Blind Monk, three others had already appeared. Three monks in luxurious robes and Kasayas, who seemed to be the abbot and the stewards of Iron Mountain Temple, were in attendance.

 Chapter 173 The Contest Beneath the Teacup

    "Please take a seat,"


    The blind monk waved his hand slightly, seated himself at the principal seat to the north, with the abbot and steward of Iron Mountain Temple accompanying him on each side.@@@@


    It was apparent that within Iron Mountain Temple, this blind monk held an extremely high status, far above that of the abbot, although he usually kept a low profile.


    Ye Feng didn''t dither, and immediately sat down, while Hong Qingyan took a seat to the side.


    "Judging from the donor''s imposing manner, surely he is not from an ordinary household. May I ask where you hail from?" the abbot asked with his hands pressed together in salute.


    Ye Feng answered with a smile, "I am here today merely to enjoy some tea. As for my origins, that need not be mentioned."


    The abbot replied with a laugh, "It was impertinent of this old monk. As the saying goes, ''A hero need not mention whence he comes.''"


    Ye Feng did not continue the conversation. Throughout this time, he was glancing at the blind monk opposite him with his peripheral vision.


    Even though the blind monk continued to sit solemnly, expressionless, Ye Feng, who possessed insights beyond the naked eye, could detect an almost imperceptible murderous aura emanating from the man.


    Although this murderous aura was very faint, it was extremely sharp. Ye Feng was certain, the old blind monk had killed before, and not just a few.


    In other words, decades ago, the other party might have been a formidable figure in the Martial Arts World.


    However, Ye Feng was puzzled. If one were to look at the major figures in the Martial Arts World over the last hundred years, he was generally familiar with them all. Yet he had never heard of a Martial King Realm blind monk.


    "Perhaps the other party is dressed as a monk on purpose to hide his identity," Ye Feng pondered silently, maintaining a calm exterior.


    Although the blind monk was sightless, he was adeptly preparing tea, and his movements clearly showed that he was well-versed in the art of the tea ceremony.


    Soon, wafts of tea fragrance permeated the small courtyard. All of a sudden, the blind monk spoke up, "Honorable guest, take a guess. What tea is this old monk brewing?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and replied, "I haven''t had this tea before and cannot make it out, but it is said that the Longjing Tea from East of the River is unparalleled. Since Iron Mountain Temple is a renowned place in the East of the River, the tea served to guests must surely be Longjing, I presume?"


    The blind monk laughed heartily, "The guest is indeed exceptionally intelligent. At such a young age, you possess such a keen sense, your future achievements will surely be boundless. However, you might not be aware that the tea this old monk is brewing has another name."


    Smiling, Ye Feng said, "Oh? Please enlighten me."


    The abbot and the steward of Iron Mountain Temple were puzzled, wondering what their leader was doing. Why wasn''t he acting now?


    But given the current situation, they did not feel it was appropriate to ask.


    After drinking three cups in a row, Ye Feng finally stood up and said with a smile, "Indeed, the tea is good. Thank you, the three of you. I shall take my leave."


    Having said that, he turned around, took Hong Qingyan''s small hand, and slowly left the courtyard.


    The Blind Monk still sat without moving. As he remained immobile, the abbot and the steward dared not make any rash moves, quietly watching Ye Feng''s retreating figure until both had completely disappeared around the corner of the courtyard''s corridors.


    "Leader, why did you just now..." Only then did the abbot finally dare to speak out.


    But before he could finish, the Blind Monk suddenly spat out a mouthful of old blood with a ''pfft'', coughing and shaking so violently that he almost couldn''t sit straight.


    "Leader, what''s the matter... are you hurt?" The abbot and the steward were shocked and hurried over to support him.


    The Old Blind Monk waved his hand, sighing weakly, "Don''t worry, I won''t die just yet, I''ve just suffered some internal injuries."


    The abbot asked in shock, "Was it just now, that boy, who shook you up? How is that possible!"


    The Old Blind Monk sighed, "At first I also thought it was impossible, perhaps I was careless as well. But no matter how you look at it, this young man, despite his age, has a power... far above mine. It is truly terrifying!"


    The steward exclaimed, "That boy''s power is even stronger than yours, Leader? Doesn''t that mean he is already a High-Level Martial King? That''s too terrifying. He doesn''t even seem to be thirty yet, does he?"


    The Old Blind Monk, suppressing the turbulent Qi within his body, waved his hand and said, "This young man surely has an extraordinary background. And tonight, he sought out Iron Mountain Temple. Whether intentionally or not, we must be on guard."


    "Does it mean he has already found out our origins?" After uttering these words, the abbot''s face was overtaken with a look of astonishment.


    "He shouldn''t have. If he did, he wouldn''t have left so easily just now and would not have let us off so lightly," the Old Blind Monk said.


    The abbot continued, "But no matter what, he has already sensed something just now. We must send someone to track and investigate this boy thoroughly."


    The Old Blind Monk said, "Sending someone is fine, but ordinary people absolutely won''t do. This young man is already a High-Level Martial King, nearly fully opening his acupoints. If ordinary people even get slightly close, he would immediately detect them. Call the third brother back from the headquarters of the Jiangzuo Alliance, let him take action personally!"


    The abbot agreed, "Indeed, the third brother possesses peerless Qinggong. This matter must be investigated by him personally."

 Chapter 174 One Phone Call Did the Trick

    By this time, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan had already crossed to the other side of the lake by boat, and the night had deepened. Naturally, the two did not visit any other places and thus decided to return.


    However, on the way back, Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "Big Brother Ye, that Blind Monk we encountered earlier, he''s not an ordinary person, is he?"


    Ye Feng asked with a smile, "Oh? How did you figure that out?"


    Qingyan responded, "I don''t have your Fiery Eyes Golden Pupils to see through him, but I just had a feeling. Even though he is blind and seems peaceful on the surface, the feeling he gives off in his bones is very sharp, as if there''s a kind of ferocity, similar to that of a tiger or a wolf."


    Ye Feng laughed heartily, "I didn''t expect even you to sense it. It seems that the Blind Monk''s years of painstakingly hiding were not so effective after all."


    Qingyan asked, "Big Brother Ye, do you already know their identities?"


    "I have my guesses, but I cannot confirm them just yet. However, that''s not important. I believe that they will surface soon enough!"


    After Ye Feng finished speaking, he turned to look out the window, clearly not intending to continue the topic, and Qingyan tactfully refrained from asking further.@@@@


    Half a quarter hour later, everyone returned to the hotel. Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang, seeing the arrivals, quickly came forward to open the car door and welcomed the two as they got out. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng asked, "Has Xiao Chuanqi returned?"


    "Reporting to my lord, Brother Chuanqi has returned. He is currently waiting for you in the hall. We wanted to call you, but were afraid of disturbing you both," Xia Lengchan said, bowing.


    Ye Feng nodded, then everyone entered the hotel elevator and went straight to the top floor.


    When Xiao Chuanqi saw Ye Feng enter, he immediately stood up from the sofa and said soberly, "Reporting to my lord, I have just returned from the Jiang City Martial Alliance."


    Ye Feng asked, "What about the people from the Martial Alliance? Didn''t they come with you?"


    Xiao Chuanqi''s face showed a hint of embarrassment as he said with a bitter smile, "I didn''t expect this, but the Jiang City Martial Alliance, which wouldn''t dare confront the Jiangzuo Alliance on a regular basis, put on quite a show. I couldn''t even meet the higher-ups when I went there because I didn''t reveal my identity!"


    Ye Feng pressed on, "Didn''t you clarify the situation regarding the Tian and Lu Families to them?"


    "By the way, Brother Vajra, suddenly reaching out to me, is there something you need?" Li Tiegang on the other end suddenly asked again.


    "Actually, it''s nothing much. I just arrived in Jiang City and I thought, since Brother Tiegang you''re here, why not give you a call? We brothers haven''t met in a few years, right?" Li Jingang said this with a chuckle. Despite appearing carefree on the surface, he was actually quite thoughtful.


    Li Tiegang on the other end couldn''t sit still anymore and hurriedly said, "What are you talking about, brother? You''re in Jiang City now? Then say no more, where are you? I''ll come over to meet you immediately."


    Li Jingang said, "There''s no need for formalities, I''ve reserved a place at a bar called Yingge, and I have a few friends over here. As you might know, my friends here, their identities are all..."


    "I understand, I understand. With someone like Brother Vajra, your friends are certainly not of ordinary status. Say no more, I''ll head over now. And to show proper respect, I''ll bring a few reputable friends from the Martial Alliance to keep you company."


    Li Tiegang seemed very excited, and after he finished speaking in one breath, he still couldn''t help but exclaim, "My, my, I really didn''t expect that Brother Vajra would think of me when coming to Jiang City. This truly honors me greatly."


    Li Jingang said, "Don''t bother with that, if you''re a brother, just come to the supreme private room at Yingge Bar!" After saying that, he hung up the call.


    Xiao Chuanqi, upon hearing this, couldn''t help but pat the man on the shoulder and laughed, "Nice one, you big lunkhead Vajra. I didn''t expect you to have such tricks up your sleeve. I couldn''t get them to come even if I intervened personally, and here you are, having done it with just a phone call."


    Li Jingang chuckled and said, "That''s only because Brother Legendary didn''t want to use his status. Otherwise, the Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance himself would probably be scrambling to come and pay his respects to you."


    "Oh, oh, oh, look at you, big man, you''ve even learned to flatter now, haven''t you!" Xiao Chuanqi laughed heartily, and the others also burst into laughter.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Alright, go get ready. I will also make a trip to Yingge."


    Li Jingang couldn''t help but say, "Your Excellency, you''re coming as well?"


    Ye Feng said with a smile, "Not only am I coming, but Hong Qingyan will also be there."


    Li Jingang said, "But Your Excellency, a bar is too messy for someone of your stature..."


    "What about my stature? First and foremost, I am a person. Let''s get ready to head out. I believe your good buddy will be here soon. Remember one thing: no revealing my identity. Is that clear?" Ye Feng said sternly.


    "Yes, Your Excellency!" The crowd bowed.

 Chapter 175 Looks Quite Handsome

    The Yingge Night Banquet is the largest entertainment venue in Jiang City. Even as night had just fallen, the place was already teeming with people. The vast parking lot in front was filled with all sorts of luxury cars, while the front of the bar was likewise crowded with scantily clad, heavily made-up women with seductive figures.


    At half-past ten in the evening, Ye Feng and the others arrived at the Yingge and subsequently entered the private room they had reserved in advance.


    The first-floor lobby of the clubhouse was a huge bar. The place was ablaze with neon lights and raucous noise, as countless men and women in the dance floor gyrated their bodies violently to the heavy beats, channeling their excess hormones.


    Ye Feng and his entourage would naturally not be in the main hall; they bypassed the side corridor and then entered their private room.


    Above the Yingge Clubhouse was a bathing and sauna complex, and at the top of the high-rise was a hotel¡ªits facilities were fully equipped.


    After entering the private room, Li Jingang''s mobile phone rang. He looked at it and said, "It''s Li Tiegang, the guy. Didn''t expect him to be so quick."


    Ye Feng sat on the sofa with Hong Qingyan by his side. He smiled and said, "Go out and greet him. After all, he is your childhood friend, isn''t he?"


    "I''ll go with him," Xia Lengchan suddenly spoke up.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly as a sign of consent. Following that, Li Jingang and Xia Lengchan left the private room, but soon returned with a group of people, laughing and talking.


    "Ay, my brother, what''s our relationship? Since you''ve come to Jiang City, you didn''t even notify me in advance, so I could make arrangements for you," one of the newcomers bellowed¡ªa tall, dark-skinned fellow who had been walking in with his arm around Li Jingang''s shoulders, undoubtedly the so-called Li Tiegang.


    Besides Li Tiegang, there were two other accompanying people. One of them was dressed in a blue robe, tall and slim but with prominently high cheekbones and a face that was cold yet held a certain sense of authority.


    The other one was much shorter and a bit overweight; these two must also be high-ranking members of the Jiang City Martial Alliance.


    Ye Feng remained seated on the sofa without moving. He glanced over these three people and then withdrew his gaze, for although these individuals had some ability, they had only just entered the Grandmaster Realm, and were not considered great masters.


    Li Jingang laughed and said, "My arrival to Jiang City was quite sudden as well."


    Li Tiegang waved his hand and said, "Come, brother, let me introduce the two of you. This lanky gentleman here is Mr. Gao Xuan, one of the two Vice Alliance Hierarchs of the Jiang City Martial Alliance. The other is the team leader of the protectors, Tong Qianqiu. They''re both good brothers of mine."


    As he said that, Li Tiegang turned and added, "And this is my childhood friend Li Jingang, formerly the commander of the Southern Territory and quite a person of status."


    "Pleased to meet you!" Gao Xuan and the protector team leader quickly greeted Li Jingang. After all, the status and identity of a former Southern Territory commander were not low.


    Li Jingang was already feeling troubled, but hearing this he nodded again and again, saying, "Yes, yes, that was my negligence. I''ll take care of it right away. Brother Gao, please bear with me for a moment."


    "That sounds a bit more reasonable," Gao Xuan hummed indifferently, then he too plopped down next to Li Tiegang.


    The atmosphere in the private room was not very congenial. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian sat together, both seething with anger. Had it not been for Ye Feng''s prior instructions to keep their identities a secret for the time being, this so-called Gao Xuan might have ended up either dead or disabled. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Li Jingang returned quickly and began to pour drinks in a flurry.


    Li Tiegang waved him over and said with a cold voice, "I say, Li Jingang, although we grew up in the same village and trained in martial arts together as kids, it''s been many years since we last saw each other. Tell me the truth, do you need something from me today?"


    Li Jingang stopped what he was doing and looked over at Ye Feng before sighing, "Brother, you truly have a discerning eye, spotting my purpose right away. Since you asked, I''ll just tell you."


    Li Tiegang said solemnly, "Go ahead. If it''s not a major issue, considering our years of acquaintance, I''ll help if I can. But let me say this in advance ¨C we at the Jiang City Martial Alliance aren''t recruiting right now."


    Actually, he was worried about introducing Li Jingang into the Jiang City Martial Alliance and losing his own job, for Li Jingang had always been stronger than him since their youth.


    Li Jingang waved his hand, saying, "Here''s the thing, brother. Last night, a few of us went up to the northern Serpent Coil Mountain to drive and unwind, but unexpectedly we ran into conflict with some young people speeding on the mountain road."


    Gao Xuan unexpectedly laughed and said, "A bunch of young people whose hair hasn''t even grown out, what''s there to worry about?"


    Li Jingang forced a smile and said, "If they were ordinary people, naturally I wouldn''t be afraid, but unfortunately, these people aren''t simple at all. You can tell just from the cars they drive, valued at several hundred thousand to millions."


    Li Tiegang asked, "Are they from Jiang City?"


    "They are from Jiang City," Li Jingang replied.


    "If they''re from Jiang City, then there''s nothing to worry about. Don''t forget, all three of us are high-ups in the Jiang City Martial Alliance. Not to boast, but the Jiang City Martial Alliance commands the entire Jiang City region. In Jiang City, there''s nothing we can''t handle," Tong Qianqiu laughed loudly.


    Li Tiegang, however, furrowed his brows. He knew his childhood friend wasn''t the type to scare easily. Since he seemed so worried, it meant the opponents'' background could be complicated. He then asked, "Do you know who they are?"


    Li Jingang said, "I don''t know their exact identities, but we did hear that among these people, some are from the Tian Family of Jiang City, oh and also someone from the Lu Family, I think."


    "What did you say? The Tian Family and the Lu Family from Jiang City?" When Li Tiegang, Gao Xuan, and Tong Qianqiu heard this, their expressions suddenly changed dramatically.

 Chapter 176 Join us to watch a good show

    Li Tiegang, Gao Xuan, and Chubby Tong looked at each other, grave expressions surfacing on their faces.


    Li Jingang feigned ignorance and asked, "What''s the matter, brother? It can''t be that these two families pose a problem, can it? Given the status of the Martial Alliance in Jiang City''s Martial, they shouldn''t be afraid of a mere worldly family, right?"


    Li Tiegang stared blankly for a good while before cracking a wry smile and saying, "It seems you''re unaware of the situation in Jiang City; do you really think they''re just ordinary secular families?"


    The expressions of Gao Xuan and Chubby Tong had turned completely cold, and they had even turned their heads to the side.


    Li Jingang said, "Last night at Serpent Coil Mountain, it was the Tian and Lu Families who were at fault first; we were merely defending ourselves. Having you here tonight, I was hoping you could help resolve this matter."


    Gao Xuan suddenly spoke in a strange tone, "You''re not a three-year-old child anymore. In the Martial Arts World, it''s not about who''s right or wrong, it''s about the fist, understand?"


    Li Jingang didn''t know how to respond and subconsciously turned to look at Ye Feng. Inviting Li Tiegang and other high-ranking members of the Martial Alliance here today was solely to clarify their attitude and course of action.


    Ye Feng said, "Now the Tian and Lu Families are openly declaring they want to annihilate all of us. It is well known that the Jiang City Martial Alliance stands for fairness and justice in the Martial Dao. Now that we are facing such circumstances, are you going to sit by and do nothing?"


    "Why should we get involved?"


    Vice Alliance Hierarch Gao Xuan let out a cold snort and a strange laugh, "There''s so much unfairness in this world. If we were to deal with every case, when would we have the time to enjoy ourselves? Isn''t that right, Chubby Tong?"


    Chubby Tong nodded repeatedly and chuckled, "Exactly. You really think the Martial Alliance exists for your sake? We have countless matters to attend to on a normal day; we don''t have the time to bother with these things. Besides, the Tian and Lu Families are not to be trifled with."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and said, "So what you''re saying is, the Martial Alliance intends to stand aside with indifference to our plight?"@@@@


    Gao Xuan and Chubby Tong let out a humph but were too lazy to pay further heed to Ye Feng, both displaying a contemptuous and scornful attitude.


    Li Tiegang said, "Iron Steel brother, we''ve been friends since childhood, growing up wearing the same pants. Besides, you''re a high-ranking member of the Jiang City Martial Alliance; you can''t just stand by and watch this happen. If nothing else, mediate on our behalf."


    Li Tiegang gave a faint sneer, flicked the ash from his cigarette, and then said, "First, tell me about the conflict yesterday. Why exactly do the Tian and Lu Families want to put you to death?" Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire


    Li Tiegang''s mouth twitched, and he found himself at a loss for words.


    The Lu Family Patriarch snorted and said, "Since you have come, there is no need to rush off. Stay and enjoy the show with us."


    Li Tiegang, Gao Xuan, and the others naturally couldn''t just leave and could only keep nodding their heads, even though, ostensibly, the Jiang City Martial Alliance governed the entire Martial World of Jiang City and outranked the Tian and Lu Families considerably in terms of status and position.


    However, the problem was that the Tian and Lu Families had the Jiangzuo Alliance as their backing, and it was rumored that a certain young member of the Lu Family was also affiliated with the Eastern Border, seemingly holding a not insignificant position there.


    The Jiangzuo Alliance was powerful, the true overlord of Jiang City''s surface world, and the Jiang City Martial Alliance had to kowtow to this colossal presence for years.


    "Let''s go, let''s enter!" The two family heads from Tian and Lu gestured grandly and led the way, rushing into the private room immediately.


    At this time, Ye Feng was still sitting in his original spot, his expression undisturbed, not even sparing a glance for these people outside. He only glanced briefly when they entered and then retracted his gaze.


    Though these more than ten people had arrived with considerable momentum, their overall strength was rather modest, being only four Huajin Masters!


    For ordinary people, such strength could definitely be considered mighty, but in the eyes of Ye Feng and his peers, they were just jumping clowns.


    "Close the main door, lock it well, give orders that no one is allowed to enter, and also take down all the surveillance in the private room!" the Tian Family Head ordered out loud with a cold snort.


    Seeing this, Sima Zhantian couldn''t contain his anger and was about to erupt on the spot.


    But Ye Feng waved his hand to signal him to quiet down, saying, "It''s better if they take them down, to avoid spreading the word everywhere later and making it known to everyone."


    Sima Zhantian then realized and couldn''t help but sneer, "That''s true."


    Only then did the Tian and Lu Families turn their heads, their ice-cold and stern eyes sweeping over Ye Feng and the others, before saying word by word, "Last night and this morning, which one of you hurt my son."


    "Stand out immediately, kneel down, and prepare for death!"

 Chapter 177 Ask Them if They Dare to Intervene?

    I must say, the Tian and Lu Families are incredibly arrogant and overbearing, demanding death at the outset.


    Ye Feng still sat on the sofa, looking at the two of them coldly, and said, "As for last night''s incident, the fault was not with us, it was your sons who were driving recklessly in the wrong direction. Afterward, they even wanted to silence us by killing us, and we merely acted in self-defense."


    "Now you threaten our lives at the drop of a hat, do you really want to be so rampant? Does no one in Jiang City have the power to manage you?"


    To their words, the people from the Tian and Lu Families just laughed loudly, looking up at the sky. The Tian Family Head scornfully snorted, "Manage us? In Jiang City, our two families are the law, who dares to control us? If anyone is to blame, it''s only you for not knowing whether to live or die."


    The Lu Family Patriarch then turned, pointing at Li Tiegang and the other three, and said, "These three, they must have been invited by you, right? The Vice Alliance Hierarch of the Jiang City Martial Alliance and a coach, they indeed have a bit of background. But do you really think they are enough to suppress our two families?"


    "Right, the three of them are right here, why don''t you ask them if they dare to intervene?"


    Ye Feng swiftly turned his head to look at Li Tiegang and asked word by word, "Li Tiegang, I''m asking you one last time, as the high-ranking officers of the Jiang City Martial Alliance, do you also ignore matters within your jurisdiction?"


    Li Tiegang stuttered, not daring to let out even a fart.


    It was Gao Xuan who coldly huffed, "It''s truly a joke. Why should we bother? It''s clearly you who are courting death, not knowing better and crippling or even killing the young masters of the Tian and Lu Families, this is what you deserve!"


    Saying that, Gao Xuan immediately turned his head, bowed his hands to the two family heads, and said, "Since we are here today, let us make a statement. You do as you please; destroying such ignorant fools, it''s as if we were never here."@@@@


    Tong Qianqiu followed, saying, "That''s right, consider us as air. We from the Jiang City Martial Alliance will definitely not interfere in this matter, whatever you two family heads want to do, just do it!"


    "Hahaha..."


    The Tian and Lu Families'' patriarchs burst into laughter on the spot, pride swelling on their faces.


    "Look, see now; you thought having the Jiang City Martial Alliance backing you up, you''d dare to oppose our two families, truly ignorant fools. Whoever took action last night, stand out now, end it yourself, and for the others, break both arms and legs!"


    That was when Lu Benlu suddenly spoke up, "Dad, this woman is quite pretty, she doesn''t need her arms and legs broken right? I''ll take her back to play for a few days, and after I tire of her, she can be rewarded to our brothers below. After all, we can''t let such heavenly goods go to waste!"


    "Haha... good, as long as you''re happy!" the Lu Family Patriarch laughed out loud.


    Ye Feng''s eyes suddenly hardened upon hearing these words, and a surge of killing intent rose from within. He directly issued the command, "The ones in charge, show no mercy!"


    Ye Feng stopped in his tracks but didn''t turn around and asked, "Is there something else?"


    Li Tiegang forced an awkward smile, then composed himself and said with a wry laugh, "I now truly realize that you are no ordinary man, very extraordinary indeed. May I ask your esteemed name and whence you come?"


    Ye Feng suddenly laughed, turned his head to look at him, and said, "You''re asking now, isn''t it a bit late?"


    Li Tiegang was stunned, standing there speechless.


    Gao Xuan couldn''t help but snort coldly, "You do have some strength, we can''t deny that, but if you truly think you can act with impunity in Jiang City, after what happened in that private room, the Jiangzuo Alliance will not let things slide. Do you really believe you can contend with the Jiangzuo Alliance?"


    Li Tiegang also nodded and added, "Indeed, the power of the Jiangzuo Alliance is not to be underestimated, especially the three Vajra behind the scenes. Their Kung Fu is unfathomable. I genuinely advise you to leave quickly. Perhaps you still have time to save your lives."


    Ye Feng just shook his head with a faint smile and said, "I don''t need you to worry about whether my life can be saved or not. It is your lives, I''m afraid, that cannot be saved."


    "What do you mean by that?" demanded Gao Xuan with a somber voice.


    Ye Feng turned and looked at him, pronouncing each word clearly, "You are the Vice Alliance Hierarch of the Jiang City Martial Alliance, right? Wait for me, for in three days, I will surely come knocking at your door!"


    After finishing his words, Ye Feng pulled open the car door and dove inside, no longer bothering with these people.


    Li Tiegang paused, then a thought struck him, and he quickly walked over to Li Jingang and whispered, "Brother, we grew up together, wearing the same pair of pants. Just level with me today, this master of yours, what is his background?"


    Li Jingang laughed and replied, "Sorry, as you said, we''re not that close, right? Besides, you already had your chance and you didn''t cherish it. As for him..."


    At that point, Li Jingang changed his tone and said coldly, "His identity is not something a few of you are qualified to know. Farewell!"


    After that, Li Jingang and the others got into their cars and drove off into the distance.


    Li Tiegang still stood motionless, suddenly feeling an indescribable sensation. His intuition told him that today he might have made a grave mistake and worse, seemingly lost an incredible opportunity.


    "Alright, Iron Bull, so he''s got some abilities, probably some young master from an Aristocratic Clan Gate from the capital city, but don''t forget, three years ago there was also a noble young master from the capital who ended up vanishing without a trace. Having offended the Jiangzuo Alliance, this lad is bound to die, let''s just wait and see!"


    "Indeed, he even dared to put on airs with us, let''s see how long this kid can survive!" Tong Qianqiu also sneered disdainfully.


    "Let''s go, let''s go back and continue drinking!" Gao Xuan wrapped an arm around Li Tiegang''s shoulder, and the three of them left together.

 Chapter 178 A Single Sentence Could Take Your Life

    Just after Ye Feng and the others left the Yingge Clubhouse, four or five cars quickly swooshed in.


    Subsequently, the entire Yingge Clubhouse announced a shutdown, and the men and women inside were quite annoyed, after all, they were having a blast at the peak of their fun.


    However, the owner of the Yingge Clubhouse grabbed a megaphone and shouted, "Anyone who doesn''t want to die, stay here!"


    At that, no one dared to even fart, and they scattered like birds and beasts instantly, then the entire clubhouse went on lockdown. Despite the crowd of onlookers still surrounding the place, murmuring among themselves, they had no idea what had happened, only speculating that someone must have died that night.


    Soon, a coffee-colored stretch Lincoln slowly drove in. The previously chaotic parking lot instantly quietened down as people swiftly made way, and before long, many stewards from the Tian and Lu Families hurried over and stood respectfully by the side of the car.


    First, a young man in a black suit got out from the passenger seat and then quickly jogged to the back to open the car door.


    Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, a portly middle-aged man slowly stepped out of the car.


    This portly middle-aged man was about in his forties, dressed in a loose robe, with a duckbill cap on his head, looking very ordinary. But those small, piercing eyes were extremely sharp, and his cold, expressionless face was filled with an air of solemnity.


    "Three Alliance Leaders, you finally came. We need you to stand up for us on behalf of the Tian and Lu Families this time," a steward from the Tian Family said in a low voice as he stepped forward.


    It turns out this portly middle-aged man was none other than the famously influential Third Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance in East of the River. Of course, everyone only knew him as the Three Alliance Leaders, as to his real name, outsiders were not privy to that information.


    The Three Alliance Leaders didn''t say a word, nor did he even glance at the steward. He immediately stepped forward and walked inside, followed closely by eight agile figures clad in black Martial Arts Practice Clothes, all experts from the Jiangzuo Alliance.


    The stewards of the Tian and Lu Families looked at each other, unclear about the thoughts of the Three Alliance Leaders. In the Jiangzuo Alliance, the Three Alliance Leaders always had the nickname Cold-faced Gentleman, with an icy face that masked an equally ruthless heart.


    Although the Tian and Lu Families were affiliated with the Jiangzuo Alliance and handed over thirty percent of their annual business income profit for the Alliance''s protection, their relationship wasn''t as close as rumors suggested.


    In fact, up until now, the Jiangzuo Alliance still exuded a mysterious aura, with no one knowing the true identities of the three leaders, and the Alliance itself didn''t specifically operate any businesses. Yet, almost all prestigious households in East of the River, including Jiang City, would pay their respects to the Jiangzuo Alliance annually.


    At this, the Cold-faced Gentleman, the Third Alliance Leader, let out a cold laugh and continued, "Among the eight, besides the two young masters from the Tian and Lu Families who are but sacks of wine and rice, the remaining six, in front of them all were Grandmasters."


    The elder in the Tang suit was taken aback and couldn''t help but ask, "Six Grandmasters, and they were all unable to beat the killer and got killed?"


    "Killed? All six of them were struck down with a single blow!" the Third Alliance Leader said, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    "A single blow to the kill? If all six were Grandmasters, their skills must have been outstanding. To be taken down in a single blow, the murderer''s martial arts must be extraordinary!" the elder in the Tang suit revealed a shocked expression.


    "Of course, at the very least, it would have to be a Huajin Grandmaster, and moreover, one experienced in the art of slaying in battle!" the Cold-faced Gentleman, the Third Alliance Leader, said this before once again turning and walking away with his hands behind his back.


    The people from the Tian and Lu Families, upon seeing this, quickly followed and said, "Third Alliance Leader, then for this matter, your Jiangzuo Alliance..."


    Before they could finish, the Cold-faced Gentleman interrupted sternly, "The Tian and Lu Families, you pay tribute every year, and always on time. Rest assured, since my Jiangzuo Alliance has accepted the tributes of the two families, we will not stand idly by. Although we won''t exterminate their entire families, anyone who participated in the affair, I guarantee, won''t live past three days!"


    The managers of the Tian and Lu Families nodded continuously and cupped their hands in thanks, "Thank you, Jiangzuo Alliance; thank you, Third Alliance Leader, for taking charge for us!"


    The Cold-faced Gentleman suddenly beckoned the owner of the Yingge Clubhouse and said, "Come here."


    The owner of the Yingge Clubhouse immediately approached with trepidation and said, "What are your orders, Third Alliance Leader?"


    The Third Alliance Leader sneered, "Eight people, dead in your Yingge Clubhouse, yet you are alive and well. I''ve heard that at the time of the incident, you were upstairs, holding two girls in your arms?"


    Upon hearing this, the owner of the Yingge Clubhouse felt his heart sink, but before he could speak, the Third Alliance Leader immediately added, "You have half a day to prepare for what''s to come. Of course, during this half-day, you can also choose to run away."


    "Whether you can escape from East of the River depends on your own skills!" Saying this, the Cold-faced Gentleman patted his shoulder and then strolled off.


    A look of utter despair and misery came over the face of the owner of the Yingge Clubhouse, his body involuntarily collapsing, as if his backbone had been extracted in an instant.


    A single sentence from the Third Alliance Leader was tantamount to a direct death sentence for him.

 Chapter 179 Clearly Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey

    The Cold-faced Gentleman, Three Alliance Leader, walked directly out of Yingge Clubhouse and came to the parking lot before suddenly asking, "Those guys, especially the one called Ye Feng in charge, where are they now?"


    The Elder in Tang Suit hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Your excellency, Ye Feng and company have all returned to Jiang City Grand Hotel."


    "They didn''t run off?" asked the Three Alliance Leader coldly.


    "They did not. Those guys went straight back to the hotel after leaving Yingge, and their driving route shows no intention of seizing the opportunity to leave Jiang City," the Elder in Tang Suit reported truthfully.


    "Hmph, it seems they are truly confident, as if my Jiangzuo Alliance just sits around doing nothing," huffed the Three Alliance Leader.@@@@


    The Elder in Tang Suit said, "Your excellency, these people seem to have some status and background, and some of them are quite skilled too. Should we report this and inform the Second Alliance Leader and the Grand Alliance Leader to take action personally?"


    "What, from the sound of it, do you think I cannot handle them alone?" The face of the Three Alliance Leader instantly darkened, a cold air emanating from his entire being.


    The Elder in Tang Suit, who seemed to be a manager for Jiangzuo Alliance, quickly said, "That''s not what I meant. I only mean to suggest caution. Your excellency is now at the peak of Huajin Grandmaster, just a hair away from becoming a Martial King. In this land of Jiangzuo, no one can match you except for the Second and Grand Alliance Leaders, let alone a few clowns."


    The Cold-faced Gentleman snorted and said, "Just a few petty thieves, I alone can exterminate them without hesitation. My eldest and second elder brothers never show themselves easily, and there''s no need to bother them." Find more adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    The Elder in Tang Suit dared not contradict but asked, "Then, may I ask your excellency, shall we head to the Jiang City Hotel right now?"


    "To Jiang City Hotel? For what?"


    The Cold-faced Gentleman snorted and then sneered, "I heard that when the incident happened in the Yingge Private Room, Gao Xuan, Li Tiegang, and the others from Jiang City Martial Alliance were also present, weren''t they?"


    The Elder in Tang Suit nodded and said, "Indeed, there were three people from Jiang City Martial Alliance on the scene at the time, Vice Alliance Hierarch Gao Xuan, Martial Arts Instructor Li Tiegang, and another named Tong Qianqiu. These three are high-level members of the Martial Alliance, and they were certainly there, as witnessed by our informant."


    The Cold-faced Gentleman, Three Alliance Leader, snorted heavily and said, "Truly, they are so bold to defy heavens, Jiang City Martial Alliance dares to get involved, it seems they don''t take my Jiangzuo Alliance seriously at all!"


    Having said this, the Cold-faced Gentleman waved his Great Hand and ordered, "Let''s go, straight to Jiang City Martial Alliance!" After speaking, he ducked his head and squeezed into the luxury car.


    Tang Feng, dressed as an elder, asked, "Then, your excellency, what about those people at Jiang City Grand Hotel?"


    Sima Zhantian and Li Jingang exchanged glances and then turned to leave. The moment they opened the door, they immediately saw an elder in a Tang suit standing outside.


    "Inside, may I inquire if this is Mr. Ye Feng?" the elder in the Tang suit asked with a slight bow.


    "Who are you, and what do you want with our master?" Li Jingang asked sternly.


    "I am a steward of the Jiangzuo Alliance, sent by the Three Alliance Leaders to deliver a message," said the elder in the Tang suit.


    "Jiangzuo Alliance''s Three Alliance Leaders? What message?" demanded Sima Zhantian with a cold voice.


    The elder in the Tang suit bowed again, knowing full well that these men were not to be trifled with, so he maintained appropriate decorum and said with a smile, "The Three Alliance Leaders are already aware of the incident at Yingge Clubhouse. He sent me to invite you all to make a trip to the Jiang City Martial Alliance."


    Inside the hall, Ye Feng frowned upon hearing this and demanded, "Where is this Three Alliance Leaders from the Jiangzuo Alliance now?"


    The elder replied, "The Three Alliance Leaders left for the Jiang City Martial Alliance twenty minutes ago. By now, he should have arrived there. He said he will be waiting for you, and he also mentioned that since you all hold positions and status, as long as I deliver the message, you will definitely agree to go to the Jiang City Martial Alliance."


    It had to be said that the elder in the Tang suit, being a steward of the Jiangzuo Alliance, spoke and acted in a manner that was watertight. Sima Zhantian and Li Jingang had no grounds to become enraged.


    Raising an eyebrow, Ye Feng sat in the sofa in the hall and called out, "Go back and tell your Three Alliance Leaders, I will be there in half an hour!"


    The elder in the Tang suit bowed again and said, "Then I will wait to welcome the arrival of Mr. Ye and the others at the appointed time. I have relayed the message and will now take my leave."


    After delivering his message, he turned and left.


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but say coldly, "This so-called Three Alliance Leaders, choosing to be at the Jiang City Martial Alliance, it seems he is intending to make an example out of somebody."


    Ye Feng replied with a light smile, "He may want to kill the chicken to scare the monkey, but I might as well be doing the same. Have you all finished eating? Get ready, we''re heading to the Martial Alliance."


    After Ye Feng had slowly risen to his feet, he said, "Choosing the Jiang City Martial Alliance is also fine; it saves me an extra trip. We can directly resolve the matter there."


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others nodded in agreement, and after briefly getting ready, they left. As for Hong Qingyan, since she was already asleep, Ye Feng did not call for her.

 Chapter 180 Give You One Minute to Say Your Last Words

    Ye Feng and the others left the Jiang City Grand Hotel, got into two cars, and sped towards the Jiang City Martial Alliance where Tang Feng was.


    At this moment, despite it being late into the night, the vast courtyard of the Jiang City Martial Alliance was still brightly lit, with nearly all high-ranking members having hurried back.


    Yet beneath this illumination, the entire Martial Alliance was eerily quiet, oppressively silent.


    Although there were quite a few people sitting in the reception hall, not a single person dared to speak.


    The Cold-faced Gentleman, also known as the Third Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance, was currently seated in the central Taishi Chair of the reception hall of the Jiang City Martial Alliance.


    Normally, this seat of honor was reserved for the Leader of the Martial Alliance, but at this moment, it was occupied by the Cold-faced Gentleman.


    As for the Leader of the Martial Alliance of Jiang City, he was relegated to sitting at the lower end of the table in accompaniment.


    This Leader appeared to be around fifty years old, dressed in a lavish Tang suit, with six of his ten fingers adorned with precious gemstone and jade rings, even sporting a necklace on his neck that was worth a fortune.


    From the look of him, those unaware would mistake him for a complete nouveau riche.


    As for Vice Alliance Hierarch Gao Xuan, he was seated behind the Leader, Xiang Zuoming, with Li Tiegang, Tong Qianqiu, and others arranged behind in order.


    No one spoke, as the Cold-faced Gentleman hadn''t yet spoken, and so everyone else dared not make a sound either.


    Although on the surface, the Jiang City Martial Alliance governed all matters within the Martial Arts World of Jiang City, maintaining control over the entire city, in reality, it was the Jiangzuo Alliance that held dominance!


    Thus, even the Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance had to act respectfully and wouldn''t dare make a wrong move in front of the Third Leader, the Cold-faced Gentleman.


    Suddenly, a car slowly drove into the ancient courtyard of the Martial Alliance, and the messenger from the Jiangzuo Alliance got out of the car and strode into the hall, coming up beside the Cold-faced Gentleman.


    "Reporting to the Gentleman, I have delivered the message, and the other party has indicated that they will arrive at the Martial Alliance within half an hour." The steward''s voice was loud, clearly intending for everyone in the hall to hear.


    Everyone in the hall turned their heads to see a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties leading the group. Although young, his stature was upright and his presence overwhelming, signaling at first glance he was no ordinary person.


    The Cold-faced Gentleman still sat in the Grand Tutor Chair without any intention to stand, just fixing the leading young man with a pair of frosty eyes.


    This young man, brimming with lofty grandeur and overwhelming presence, was none other than Ye Feng!


    In fact, as soon as Ye Feng stepped into the hall, his gaze fell upon the Cold-faced Gentleman. Instantly, their eyes met, both conveying an palpable intent to kill without the need for words.


    "You must be the Cold-faced Gentleman, the Third Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance!" Ye Feng stood in the hall, his voice cold.


    The Cold-faced Gentleman remained seated, smirking, "Indeed, I am the Cold-faced Gentleman. And I''ll ask you, were the people of the Tian and Lu Families at the Yingge Clubhouse killed by you?"


    Zhuge Zhantian immediately bellowed, "So what if they were? Damn it, with just you, this cur, you think of seeking vengeance? Your so-called Jiangzuo Alliance is nothing. Let me tell you straight, today we''re going to flatten your pathetic alliance!"


    The Cold-faced Gentleman''s eyelids twitched repeatedly, and he could barely contain the murderous aura enveloping him. All his life in the Martial Arts World, he had encountered many madmen, but he had never seen anyone as wildly arrogant as this.


    "Out of regard for you being part of the Martial Arts World, I''ll give you one minute to make any last words," the Cold-faced Gentleman declared, as if he were the Grim Reaper issuing an edict.


    Ye Feng turned his head, looking at the people in the hall, and asked, "Among you, who is the Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance?"


    Upon hearing this, Xiang Zuoming, seated in his chair, snorted lukewarmly, "I am the Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance. What is it, young man? Do you have something more to say?"


    Ye Feng, pointing at him, said, "Regarding today''s matter, does your Martial Alliance truly intend to stand idly by? And now that the Jiangzuo Alliance has already ridden roughshod over you, will you still choose to be turtles pulling in their heads?"


    "Impudent!" Gao Xuan burst into fury, his teeth clenched as he coldly shouted, "What insolence from a nobody questioning our Leader! The incident at the Yingge Clubhouse was your own death wish; to expect our Martial Alliance to stand up for you is utterly delusional." Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng turned his head back to the Cold-faced Gentleman, saying, "I''ve said my piece."


    Upon hearing this, the Cold-faced Gentleman discarded the tiger skin coat draped over him and slowly stood up, the atmosphere in the hall also becoming icy at that moment.


    Everyone knew that the Cold-faced Gentleman was about to make his move!

 Chapter 181 Remember to Be a Good Person in Your Next Life

    The Cold-faced Gentleman stood up, and instead of offering help, the many high-ranking members of the Jiang City Martial Alliance retreated one after another, fearing being caught up in the impending battle.


    Ye Feng stood still, mockingly watching this so-called Third Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance. A mere Half-Step Martial King dared to act recklessly in front of him, clearly ignorant of how to write the word ''death''.


    "Since you, boy, are the leader, I shall kill you first!"


    The Cold-faced Gentleman roared wildly. In an instant, his figure leaped forward like a wild wolf, and the bones in his body crackled with a powerful momentum.


    Ye Feng still stood motionless, as if he had been intimidated by the ferocious momentum of this wild wolf. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    In the blink of an eye, the Cold-faced Gentleman pounced to Ye Feng''s front and then hurled a punch at his head.


    At that moment, everyone closed their eyes, seemingly unable to bear the sight of the young man''s brains about to be splattered.


    Just then, the hall that was buzzing with the sound of the onslaught suddenly fell silent, with no sound of a skull being shattered.


    The crowd couldn''t help but find it strange, and they opened their eyes, only to see a scene so shocking they could hardly believe it in their lifetimes.


    The Cold-faced Gentleman''s fist stopped just one centimeter from Ye Feng''s head, not smashing down. Of course, it wasn''t that he didn''t want to, but that he couldn''t.


    Ye Feng''s right hand had shot up from below, directly grabbing his wrist.


    Ye Feng still looked completely at ease, holding the man''s wrist as if he were holding a feather, with no need to exert any strength at all.


    Contrastingly, the Cold-faced Gentleman was now trembling all over, his face turning red as he struggled in vain to break free.


    "You..." The Cold-faced Gentleman suddenly felt an icy chill shooting to the soles of his feet, and he finally realized something, his eyes showing fear.


    "You are a Martial King, this... this is impossible!" The Cold-faced Gentleman roared in denial, but in his heart, he had already come to a guess.


    After all, with his combat power at the Half-Step Martial King Realm, no one on this earth but a Martial King could hold him down so effortlessly.


    "In your next life, remember to be a good person!" Ye Feng said, suddenly exerting force within his body.


    The Cold-faced Gentleman shuddered violently, then his body stiffened, instantly immobilized. As he died, his eyes were still wide open, still unable to believe the scene before him.


    What Ye Feng had done was utilize the overwhelming Qi Force within his body, channeling it through the man''s arm to disperse his internal organs.


    The onlookers were stunned by this spectacle, especially the several high-ranking experts of the Jiangzuo Alliance that had come along.


    As for the high-level executives of the Jiang City Martial Alliance, they were still in a state of shock and panic.


    "Spare him, kill all the others!" Ye Feng commanded.


    The next moment, Sima Zhantian, Xia Lengchan, Li Jingang, and Xiao Chuanqi moved in unison, striking swiftly. The so-called high-ranking experts of the Jiangzuo Alliance couldn''t even defend themselves and were killed on the spot.


    Glancing at him, Ye Feng said coldly, "Xiang Zuoming, you have been the Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance for around three years now, haven''t you?"


    Xiang Zuoming quickly nodded, "Three years and two months to be exact."


    Ye Feng nodded and continued, "Over three years, that''s not a short time. What a pity, such a pity..."


    With that, Ye Feng shook his head repeatedly and sighed incessantly.


    Xiang Zuoming, puzzled, asked, "May I ask what is it that you find regrettable?"


    Ye Feng, no longer looking at him, waved his hand dismissively, "Just go away. After I''ve dealt with the Jiangzuo Alliance, I''ll come back for you!"


    Xiang Zuoming felt a surge of anger inside, thinking to himself that he was, after all, the Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance, a person of no trivial standing. He represented the entire Martial Alliance of Xuanyuan Nation. Even if this young man was a Martial King, his arrogance was excessive.


    Of course, despite his indignation, Xiang Zuoming dared not show it; over the years, he had become accustomed to the suppression by the Jiangzuo Alliance. He was just thinking that once the other two Alliance Leaders arrived, they would finally kill this bastard, and then see if he would still dare to be so bold.


    Li Tiegang thought for a moment, then suddenly stepped in front of Ye Feng, cupping his hands, "Mr. Ye, despite the series of misunderstandings and unpleasantness between us, considering that you and Li Jingang are from the same hometown, there''s something I wonder if I should say."


    Li Jingang said angrily, "If it''s not appropriate, then don''t say it."


    Li Tiegang bowed his head and was about to step back.


    But Ye Feng gestured for him to continue, "Let''s hear it."


    Li Tiegang thus stopped and cupped his hands again, "What I''m about to say means no disrespect to your lordship, it''s just that you and your friends may not know much about the Jiangzuo Alliance."


    Ye Feng looked sideways, signaling for him to continue.


    Li Tiegang went on, "The Jiangzuo Alliance has a total of three Alliance Leaders. The Cold-faced Gentleman who appeared earlier ranks third among them, the Third Alliance Leader, and his combat power is the lowest, already at the Half-Step Martial King Realm. From this, one can infer that the other two Alliance Leaders have realms much higher than that of the Cold-faced Gentleman."


    Ye Feng inquired, "Why don''t you tell me about those other two Alliance Leaders?"


    Li Tiegang cupped his hands, "Regrettably, although I have had dealings with the Jiangzuo Alliance for more than two years, to this day, nothing is known about the other two Alliance Leaders. In fact, it was only half a year ago that I caught a glimpse of the Second Alliance Leader. As for the Grand Alliance Leader, supposedly no one yet knows their true identity."


    Ye Feng became intrigued, thinking to himself that all of Jiang City and even the Entire Jiangdong had been buzzing about the mysterious strength of the Jiangzuo Alliance. It seemed that these three Alliance Leaders were indeed shrouded in mystery.


    "Tell me about the Second Alliance Leader you''ve seen," Ye Feng commanded.


    Li Tiegang said, "The Second Alliance Leader is known among the People of the Martial Arts World as the Snake Face Lord, wielding the Silver Snake Sword. I don''t know the specifics of his realm, but his Qi Force feels much stronger than that of the Cold-faced Gentleman.


    And since the Cold-faced Gentleman is at the Half-Step Martial King Realm, it is likely that the Snake Face Lord is also a Martial King."


    At this point, Li Tiegang inadvertently glanced up at Ye Feng, perhaps trying to gauge his reaction. Unfortunately, he could discern nothing, as Ye Feng''s face remained as calm as an ancient well.


    Of course, sometimes having no expression at all is an expression in itself.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng spoke, "What about the Grand Alliance Leader? Tell me what you know."

 Chapter 182 Isnt It Good to Be Alive? Why Seek Death?

    Li Tiegang shook his head and said, "As for the Grand Alliance Leader, I have no knowledge of that."


    At this point, Xiang Zuoming, who was sitting aside, suddenly spoke up, "As for the Grand Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance, I, as Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance, do happen to know something."


    Ye Feng suddenly shouted in a deep voice, "I didn''t ask for your input, so shut your damn mouth!"


    Xiang Zuoming immediately became furious, his whole body seething with anger, and even his fists were clenched tight as if he was ready to throw a punch.


    Of course, had it not been for his recent first-hand experience of the other''s terrifying abilities, he would never have been able to endure, but at this moment, even in his towering rage, he could only hold back for now.


    Gao Xuan could not help but scoff, "Mr. Ye, no matter how you put it, this is the Jiang City Martial Alliance, and we''re in the headquarters. This man is our Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance, the true host here. Don''t you think it''s somewhat inappropriate to talk to him like that in this place?" Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire


    Clearly, Gao Xuan was unable to stand by any longer and wanted to stand up for Xiang Zuoming.


    Xiao Chuanqi suddenly stood up, pointed at his nose, and said word by word, "I''ll say it one last time, if I didn''t ask you to speak, then keep your damn mouths shut, or do you believe I''ll eliminate you two right now?"


    Because of anger, Gao Xuan''s face had turned beet red, but under the gaze of Xiao Chuanqi''s eyes filled with murderous intent, he ultimately dared not speak.


    Xiang Zuoming suddenly laughed, shook his head, and said, "Fine, we won''t speak then. I, as the Leader, will just watch for now and see if you can still be so tough when the two Alliance Leaders from the Jiangzuo Alliance arrive!"


    Gao Xuan let out a cold snort and then sat back down in his original chair.


    Li Tiegang frowned and then suddenly said, "Oh yes, I just remembered, in the Martial Arts World east of the River, there seems to be a nickname for that Grand Alliance Leader. He''s called the Buddha-Faced Lord."


    "The Buddha-Faced Lord?" Ye Feng slightly raised his eyebrows.


    "Exactly, the Buddha-Faced Lord. According to friends in the Martial Arts World, this Grand Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance was most likely previously a member of a Buddhist Sect!" Li Tiegang said.


    "A member of a Buddhist Sect?" Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened, and an image surfaced in his mind.


    Ye Feng suddenly pointed at him and said, "Good. I am very glad that you''ve decided to pull back from the brink. However, I can tell you this, as long as I am here, you will not die today. None of you will."


    Gao Xuan, hearing this, couldn''t help but snort softly in the corner, "How ignorant. Soon you will realize how foolish you are ¡ª dying yourself and dragging a bunch of people to be buried with you. And that Li Tiegang, still talking about righteousness this late in the game. Isn''t living well enough?"


    Xiang Zuoming whispered harshly, "Why bother with them so much? They are all a group of dead people. What does it matter if we let them strut around a bit longer? We just need to stand aside and watch coldly."


    Because Li Tiegang had suddenly chosen to join, Li Jingang was very happy; after all, he still very much hoped that his childhood friend would pull back from the brink and stand by his side.


    Ye Feng then slowly closed his eyes, taking advantage of this time to cultivate quietly.


    Since the accident half a year ago, he had clearly found that his body had become different from before. One significant change was that his cultivation faced almost no bottlenecks; it was all smooth sailing, and very fast.


    He did not know whether his condition was good or bad, but for now, it seemed to be a good thing.


    After uninterrupted day and night cultivation during this period, out of the one hundred and eight acupoints in his body, to date, one hundred and four had been unlocked. Only four remained, which were also the most difficult to unlock and the most vital.


    At this stage, even Ye Feng did not dare to be careless, for any slight negligence could result in severed meridians, complete loss of martial arts, disability, or even death.


    Therefore, for the moment, he was just gently cleansing the acupoints with his own Qi Force, without choosing to forcibly break through.


    Time passed bit by bit, and it was now three or four o''clock in the early morning. As it was a suburban area, everything around was silent, and nobody was talking in the hall either.


    However, suddenly, this silence was shattered by a humming noise. First, beams of light from car headlights penetrated the iron gates of the yard. Then, seven or eight cars roared in.


    In an instant, the yard was filled with approximately thirty-four martial arts practitioners dressed in black, all lithe and strong, with varying degrees of murderous aura on their faces. Among them, five were even Great Grandmasters at the Huajin Level, and there were also six lesser Grandmasters of Inner Strength.


    Even Ye Feng had to admit that such a force was not small, almost equivalent to a small Sect, no wonder the Jiangzuo Alliance had such a huge and terrifying force East of the River. Even the Jiang City Martial Alliance was extremely wary of it.


    All of a sudden, the forty or so black-clad martial arts practitioners moved swiftly and soon stood neatly in two rows. At this moment, a custom-ordered, extended, bulletproof luxury car slowly drove in from the outside.


    Seeing this formation, everyone in the hall immediately knew that the two legendary figures of the Jiangzuo Alliance, the Second Alliance Leader, and the Grand Alliance Leader, who were as elusive as the Divine Dragon, had arrived.

 Chapter 183 My Younger Brother Does Not Recognize a Superior

    In the courtyard, bathed in the glow of the lights, the doors to the rear seats of the extended armored limousine were pulled open by a bodyguard, and soon after, a tall and thin woman around forty-five years of age with a pale face slowly stepped out of the vehicle.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but be surprised at this sight, as he had never expected the Second Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance, known in the Martial Arts World as the Snake Face Lord, to be a woman.


    The woman''s complexion was eerily pale, utterly devoid of color, and even her eyes were white, lending her an indescribable strangeness especially in her plain white dress against the backdrop of the night.


    The Snake Face Lord''s expression was cold as ice, her whole body emitting a chilling aura, and with her triangular eyes, she bore an unsettling resemblance to a snake accustomed to the dark and damp.


    Over forty bodyguards in the courtyard all bowed their heads, standing respectfully without daring to look directly at the Second Alliance Leader, the Cold-faced Gentleman.


    Ye Feng merely glanced at her before withdrawing his gaze. Although her presence was strong, she had only just entered the Martial King Realm and managed to open merely five acupoints, or perhaps even less.@@@@


    To Ye Feng, such a level was hardly worth considering!


    As for the Grand Alliance Leader, Ye Feng hadn''t seen him descend from the car and wasn''t sure if he had arrived at all.


    At that moment, the Cold-faced Gentleman slightly turned her body and spoke softly into the car, "Big brother, would you like to get out?"


    A hoarse and aged voice came from the car, "No need, your participation is sufficient. Unless it''s absolutely necessary, I won''t show myself. Once I do, none of those present may be left alive."


    "Understood!"


    The Snake Face Lord nodded and added, "But brother, rest assured, a youngster just over twenty, even if he has entered the Martial King Realm, is not likely to cause us any trouble!"


    The person inside the car merely grunted in response and then fell silent, apparently not intending to get out, as if his presence was merely symbolic to fill the scene.


    Ye Feng, however, slightly frowned, finding the voice somewhat familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before.


    At that moment, the Second Alliance Leader, the Cold-faced Gentleman, waved her hand and commanded, "Surround everyone in the hall, don''t let a single one escape, and tell the Martial Alliance not to make any rash moves, or they will be executed without mercy!"


    "Yes!" Instantly, the thirty or forty elite bodyguards moved like a tide spreading in all directions, encircling the entire hall.


    By now, she knew beyond doubt that this young man''s power and realm far surpassed her own.


    Standing in front of the car door, Ye Feng peered through the dark window and said, "Since you won''t get out, then I''ll come in." With that, he reached for the car door.


    The surrounding bodyguards roared angrily, "Insolence, kill!" And with that, they charged towards him en masse.


    But just at that moment, the deep, aged voice from inside the car commanded, "Back off, all of you, Snake Face, you too. None of you are his match!"


    Snake Face Lord, who had been prepared to strike, stopped in her tracks at the rebuke, her pallid eyes watching Ye Feng with a venomous glare like that of a serpent.


    Ye Feng, unconcerned by the others, simply smiled, slowly opened the car door, and sat down inside, then pulled the door shut again.


    The previously noisy courtyard fell sudden silent, all eyes on the black luxury car.


    Suddenly, the Grand Alliance Leader of Jiangzuo Alliance inside the car let out a shocked and fearful exclamation, "It''s you!"


    Following closely, Ye Feng replied with a slight smile, "As I thought, it really is you. No wonder your voice sounded familiar. I didn''t recognize it immediately because you deliberately altered your tone, you old fox."


    The luxury car was long, with seats arranged facing each other. At that time, Ye Feng was sitting on the side closer to the driver''s seat, and opposite him sat an elder, an old man with blind eyes.


    This elder was none other than the Blind Monk from the temple the night before, the elusive Grand Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance, known as the Buddha-Faced Lord, whose reputation struck fear into the entire Martial Arts World in East of the River.


    Even Ye Feng could not help but marvel at the disguise; the ordinary-looking, blind old monk from the temple was actually the Grand Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance. It was no wonder his true identity had remained such a well-kept secret all these years.


    At that moment, the Buddhist Sect Lord had lost the usual benevolent demeanor, his face twisted in creepy snarl as he hissed, "I should have known it was you. After all, there aren''t many in the Martial King Realm in Jiang City''s Earth Boundary."


    Upon hearing this, those in the courtyard began to murmur among themselves, "What''s going on here? The Grand Alliance Leader knows him, are they friends?"


    The Cold-faced Gentleman was completely confused, yet she was certain that the man could not possibly be a friend of the Grand Alliance Leader.


    The subsequent exchange between the two further astonished everyone present in the courtyard.


    The Grand Alliance Leader, in a tone lower and even pleading, addressed Ye Feng, "Mr. Ye, I admit that I am no match for you. My third brother failed to recognize your greatness, and his death is his own doing. The Jiangzuo Alliance has decided not to pursue this matter further. What do you say?" Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 184: What Goes Around Comes Around

    Hearing the words of the Buddha-Faced Lord, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh, shaking his head and saying, "You¡¯ve been around the Martial Arts World for quite some time, and yet you still say such things? Don¡¯t you find it ridiculous?"


    The complexion of the Buddha-Faced Lord changed, and with a cold snort he said, "Then may I ask Mr. Ye, what exactly do you want?"


    Ye Feng looked up at him and said word by word, "Why don¡¯t you tell me, what do you think I want?" Explore hidden tales at novelhall.Co?m


    The Buddha-Faced Lord stood there startled. Although blind and unable to see the other¡¯s expression, he could feel the scorn surely present on his opponent¡¯s face.


    Needless to say, this made the Buddha-Faced Lord very angry. After all, he had been making his way in the Martial Arts World for fifty years. Despite many years of struggling and even losing his sight, he had finally carved out a considerable foundation in East of the River.


    It could almost be said that in the whole East of the River, he was the underground Sovereign, who could cause an earthquake throughout the region with a mere stomp of his foot.


    So facing the young man sitting across from him with such disdain, how could he not be furious?


    Yet, he dared not erupt with anger, and even felt a deadly fear inside, because just the previous evening, they had already tested each other¡¯s strength. Although it was merely a tentative skirmish while sitting at a tea table, the Cold-faced Gentleman knew his power was far too inferior.


    Even now, the Cold-faced Gentleman could not fathom his adversary¡¯s depth, and he had the feeling that if the other party wished, he could take his life with a simple flick of the wrist!@@@@


    At that moment, everyone outside in the courtyard was just quietly listening, not daring to make the slightest sound.


    The Snake Face Lord had already reached the side of the carriage, but he did not dare open the door, for the conversation inside the carriage had already intimidated her.


    Even the Snake Face Lord could not imagine that his own elder brother was no match for that man!


    After pondering for quite some time, the Buddha-Faced Lord said in a deep voice, "How about this, Mr. Ye, since the position of the Third Alliance Leader is vacant, why don¡¯t you take a seat as the Third Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance? As long as you are willing to join, I can guarantee that money will never be an issue for you in this lifetime."


    Ye Feng sneered and said, "At our level of the Plane, do you think I¡¯ll lack money?"


    The complexion of the Buddha-Faced Lord changed again, and after a brief thought, he continued, "In that case, as long as you are willing to join, from then on, you¡¯ll be the Left Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance. The territory south of the East River, including Jiang City, will be under your control, while I¡¯ll be the Right Alliance Leader.


    You and I will sit on equal footing, together dominating the whole East of the River, and possibly even the entire Southern River Region Jiangnan in the future!"


    Ye Feng immediately burst into loud laughter and said, "You think you can buy me with just a small East of the River? Aren¡¯t you underestimating me a bit too much?"


    "Then what exactly do you want?" the Buddha-Faced Lord asked through gritted teeth, his tone almost pleading.


    Everyone outside the carriage was shocked to hear that the Grand Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance would actually bow to a young man.


    Ye Feng shrugged and said, "It¡¯s simple. Since it¡¯s a matter of the Martial Arts World, then let¡¯s follow the rules of the Martial Arts World. There¡¯s a saying that goes well here, ¡¯When you mix in Jianghu affairs, you have to repay your debts eventually.¡¯


    The expression of the Buddha-Faced Lord finally turned grave; he clenched his fists tightly and tensed his body, saying, "I¡¯m over seventy years old this year and have already lost my sight. I¡¯m nothing but a cripple. If my younger brother has offended you, so be it; I¡¯ll offer you an arm as an apology. That should be enough, right?"


    "An arm? You think too highly of yourself!" Ye Feng said with a faint smile.


    Then, Xiang Zuoming and the others steadied their minds and spirits and slowly walked into the great hall, while members of the Martial Alliance had already started cleaning up the courtyard.


    "Mr. Ye..."


    Xiang Zuoming called out, thought for a moment about how to phrase his words, and then said, "It¡¯s beyond imagination, Mr. Ye¡¯s martial arts are so unparalleled, like a Celestial God descending to earth. It seems we didn¡¯t misjudge you before. The Grand Alliance Leader and Second Alliance Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance seem like a joke in front of Mr. Ye, not withstanding a single blow!"


    Ye Feng smiled, looking at him and said, "I remember just now you were still saying that when the Jiangzuo Alliance¡¯s people arrived, they would give me a good look, weren¡¯t you?"


    Xiang Zuoming was startled, then immediately offered an ingratiating smile, "Really? I don¡¯t recall saying such a thing, Mr. Ye must have heard wrong. I never spoke such words. After all, we all know that for someone as young as Mr. Ye to possess such martial arts, the future is bound to be limitless."


    Sima Zhantian listened and angrily said, "You cur, now you know how to flatter. What were you doing just now?"


    Xiang Zuoming didn¡¯t dare to retort and could only keep offering apologetic smiles.


    The Vice Alliance Hierarch, Gao Xuan, suddenly huffed coldly, "Mr. Ye¡¯s martial arts are indeed formidable, but one shouldn¡¯t kill indiscriminately. To exterminate the Jiangzuo Alliance is one thing, after all, that¡¯s removing a menace for the people, but what did we of the Jiang City Martial Alliance do wrong? Surely you aren¡¯t planning to eradicate us too?"


    Tong Qianqiu followed with a cold huff, "Exactly, our Martial Alliance hasn¡¯t done anything wrong, nor have we offended you. Do you intend to kill us just like that? If so, we will surely report this to the Imperial Capital Alliance, and once a nationwide manhunt is issued, you will undoubtedly meet your death."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but retort, "I really can¡¯t understand, the Jiangzuo Alliance was so arrogant in the past, they even overstepped the bounds over your Jiang City Martial Alliance, why didn¡¯t you report it, or ask for powerful masters from the overall alliance to come down?"


    Gao Xuan and Tong Qianqiu snorted, looking as though they deemed the question beneath them.


    Li Tiegang stepped forward and said, "Lord may not be aware, it¡¯s not that we didn¡¯t report it. In fact, for the past two years, I have been reporting to the Imperial Capital Alliance, but they say that Jiang City falls under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Border and it¡¯s not easy for them to intervene."


    "Not easy to intervene, how absurd!" Ye Feng exclaimed furiously.


    Li Tiegang sighed and said, "In truth, our Jiang City is in a rather awkward position. Geographically, it falls under the Eastern Border, but the Martial Alliance does not belong to the Eastern Border¡¯s control; we take direct orders from the Imperial Capital Alliance. As such, the Eastern Border doesn¡¯t manage us, and it¡¯s also inappropriate for the capital to directly reach out its hand here.


    After all, the Eastern Border is very averse to the Martial Alliance, and this has led to the rise in power of the Jiangzuo Alliance in recent years."


    Gao Xuan couldn¡¯t help but snort coldly, "But why bother talking about all this to outsiders? Is it of any use?"


    Ye Feng laughed, then suddenly flung his hand and said, "Xiao Chuanqi, show them my Token!"


    "Yes, Lord!" Xiao Chuanqi responded and went out. He quickly returned with a sandalwood box, which contained a token.


    "Calling us outsiders? Open your damned eyes and see clearly what this is!" Xiao Chuanqi took out the Ancient Bronze Token from inside and tossed it over.


    Gao Xuan casually caught it, looked it over, then laughed and coldly scoffed, "This thing, you can buy on the market for five coins; you really have the nerve to bring it out, trying to scare kids?"


    But at that moment, Xiang Zuoming suddenly saw the character for ¡¯King¡¯ on the back of the token, his face drastically changed, and he fell to his knees with a thud.


    "Spare me... Spare me, King..." Xiang Zuoming cried out, immediately begging for mercy.

 Chapter 185: Hong Qingyan is in Trouble

    ```


    Seeing Xiang Zuoming in such a state, Gao Xuan was immediately shocked and couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Brother Xiang, why is this happening? Why on earth are you kneeling to him?"


    Xiang Zuoming, at this moment, could no longer be concerned with anyone else; his entire body was prostrated on the ground as he repeatedly begged for mercy, "I am blind and failed to recognize the Northern Border King. I am unworthy, I should die!"


    "Brother Xiang, are you saying he is the Northern Border King? The one who single-handedly created the Martial Alliance?"


    Gao Xuan¡¯s eyes widened suddenly, and then he knelt down rigidly. At that moment, he desperately wanted to beg for mercy, but he found his throat was parched as if it were blocked by something, and he could not utter a word.


    There he knelt, trembling all over, a look of fear spreading across his face.


    At that time, in the hall, under Ye Feng¡¯s instructions, the rest of the high-ranking members of the Martial Alliance had already been sent away, leaving only Xiang Zuoming, Gao Xuan, and Tong Qianqiu.


    It seemed that Tong Qianqiu was a bit slow on the uptake, and it wasn¡¯t until this moment that he realized the situation. Likewise, he knelt down with a thud.


    The hearts of the three were besieged by towering waves, and by then, they didn¡¯t even have the courage to lift their heads to look at Ye Feng.


    They simply couldn¡¯t believe that the person before them was the renowned Northern Border King, who was also the man who single-handedly created the Martial Alliance.


    He not only governed the entirety of Beijing, but also controlled the Martial Alliance of Xuanyuan Nation from behind the scenes. Although he was not the Grand Alliance Leader, he was the true Controller of the Martial Alliance. Sadly, Gao Xuan and the others had just called him an outsider with no right to interfere in the matters of the Jiang City Martial Alliance.


    Thinking of this, cold shivers ran down the spines of Xiang Zuoming and Gao Xuan. They knew that their future prospects were definitely ruined, and should things go poorly, they might even lose their lives here.


    That Li Tiegang also knelt down at this time, clasping his fist and saying, "I never imagined that Your Highness would be the Northern Border King, the true Controller of the Martial Alliance. I was wondering why Li Jingang would acknowledge you as his leader, but now it seems he truly chose the right person."


    Ye Feng looked at him and smiled, saying, "You too ended up following the right person in the end, didn¡¯t you?"


    Li Tiegang was taken aback, then realizing, laughed heartily, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your magnanimity. Not only did you forgive my previous ignorance and offense, but you also took me under your wing. From now on, I will follow you with unwavering loyalty!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Gao Xuan and the other two, Tong Qianqiu and Xiang Zuoming, and asked, "Now, do I not have the authority to question the affairs of the Jiang City Martial Alliance?"


    Only then did Ye Feng look up and notice that the east had already lightened, signaling the approach of dawn. After a night¡¯s work, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of fatigue wash over him.


    He didn¡¯t continue to stay at the Martial Alliance; after all, with the likes of Xiang Zuoming having been expelled and rendered powerless, the Martial Alliance was currently in a state of disarray. Moreover, Hong Qingyan was still alone in the hotel.


    Ye Feng walked out of the hall, sat in the car, and Xia Lengchan drove them straight back to the Jiang City Grand Hotel.


    By the time they returned to the grand hotel, the sky was already bright, but as he got out of the car, Ye Feng suddenly felt an inexplicable stirring in his heart, as if a bad premonition was taking hold, causing him to frown slightly.


    At his level of cultivation, the legendary Eighth Sense often proved to be very accurate and did not give rise to such unfounded feelings without reason. In other words, once such a bad premonition emerged, it usually meant something unfortunate was about to happen.


    "What¡¯s wrong, Leader? Is there something bothering you?" Xia Lengchan asked, noticing Ye Feng¡¯s unusual demeanor.


    Ye Feng waved it off without saying much and hurriedly quickened his pace to enter the lobby and rush into the elevator, with Xia Lengchan following closely behind without another word.


    Once out of the elevator, Ye Feng dashed to the hotel room door and pushed it open to enter, but before he could check the bedroom, he already called out in a cold voice, "Damn it, something has indeed gone wrong!"


    The moment he entered the lobby, Ye Feng noticed that the items had been tampered with carelessly, but more importantly, he could not sense Hong Qingyan¡¯s presence in the bedroom.


    Ye Feng rushed over and pushed open the bedroom door, only to find it completely empty ¨C Hong Qingyan was not in there.


    "This... Where is Miss Hong? Wasn¡¯t she resting and sleeping in there before we left? Could it be..."


    Xia Lengchan¡¯s expression changed drastically, and then she clenched her teeth and roared, "Someone dared to kidnap the Princess Consort; who is so tired of living? It must be the doing of the Tian and Lu Families!"


    Ye Feng did not respond; his expression had turned utterly grave at that moment.


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    "Immediately call Li Jingang, Xiao Chuanqi, and the others, and have them gather all the members of the Jiang City Martial Alliance. Head to the Tian and Lu Families right away and take control of both families!"


    "As you command, Leader!"


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xia Lengchan immediately pulled out her phone to make the call. It was foreseeable that the whole Jiang City was on the verge of change and, at the very least, a major shakeup was about to hit the Tian and Lu Families.

 Chapter 186: Make Your Move, Regardless of Life or Death

    "Xia Lengchan, immediately call the Tian and Lu Families. If they¡¯ve kidnapped her, tell them that if Hong Qingyan is missing even a single hair, I will exterminate their entire clan!"


    Ye Feng glared furiously, his whole body exuding murderous fury.


    Xia Lengchan was taken aback, having followed Ye Feng for such a long time, this was the first time she had seen her own master erupt in anger, and his murderous aura was truly terrifying.


    Without any hesitation, she immediately took out her cell phone and dialed the number again.


    Ye Feng turned and strode towards the elevator.


    Just as the two got into the car, Xia Lengchan¡¯s cell phone suddenly rang.


    "My Lord, it¡¯s a call from the Lu Family," Xia Lengchan said.


    "Answer it!" Ye Feng commanded.


    As soon as the call connected, the person on the other end spoke in a cold voice, "Let your master answer the phone."


    Xia Lengchan had no choice but to hand the phone to Ye Feng, while she herself started the car and roared out of the hotel parking lot.


    "So, it¡¯s you who killed the members of the Lu Family?" the voice on the phone sneered coldly.


    "Who are you? Also, is Hong Qingyan with you?" Ye Feng asked directly.


    The person on the phone let out a chuckle and said, "You don¡¯t need to know who I am. The person is indeed in my hands, at the Lu Family. You have ten minutes to show up, or you know what the consequences will be!"


    After saying this, the person on the other end hung up the phone.


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze suddenly intensified as he commanded, "To the Lu Family!"


    Xia Lengchan turned the steering wheel, then sped along the west side of the Jiang City River.


    By this time, the sky had already brightened, and fortunately, there wasn¡¯t much traffic on the road. The car raced along, and after half an hour, they arrived at a solitary courtyard in the outskirts.


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    The courtyard was impressive, covering several dozen acres. There were two vermilion gates flanked by two majestic stone lions. The gate¡¯s plaque bore the words ¡¯Lu Mansion¡¯.


    Before the car had even come to a complete stop, Ye Feng had already jumped out.


    It seemed he planned to catch them all in one fell swoop.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but sneer. This guy was quite confident in himself, but this time, he was likely kicking an iron plate.


    "A bunch of ignorant fools, you¡¯re not even worthy of my taking action, lest the old king back in the Eastern Border accuse me of bullying the weak!"


    After seeing this, Ye Feng turned his head towards Xia Lengchan and asked, "With just these people here, are you confident you can take them down?"


    Xia Lengchan¡¯s expression suddenly turned stern, and she said word by word, "I thought I was facing some formidable experts, but who knew they were just a bunch of pathetic Little Commanders from the Eastern Border. Rest assured, my lord, I alone am more than enough!"


    "Then go ahead, attack freely, regardless of life or death!" Ye Feng said, then stepped aside with his hands clasped behind his back.


    "Dogs and bastards, to actually look down on us, I¡¯ll be the one to chop you up first!" A follower by Lu Bentian¡¯s side roared and charged out.


    Xia Lengchan bit down on her teeth and dashed forward to meet him head-on. In just an encounter, the follower was sent flying by a strike from Xia Lengchan.


    Then, like a ferocious tiger or wolf, Xia Lengchan charged left and right relentlessly. Wherever she went, the guards brought from the Eastern Border were knocked down one after another.


    "Damn it, turns out to be tough opponent. But do you think you can act so tyrannically? You¡¯re seeking death!"


    Ultimately, Lu Bentian, furious as thunder, clenched his Fist Edge and sprang forward like a leopard. His speed was fierce; he was clearly a Grandmaster himself.


    Ye Feng stood to the side, hands still clasped behind his back; of course, there was no need for him to intervene.


    In just three rounds, Lu Bentian was swept away by a kick from Xia Lengchan and slammed heavily to the ground.


    "That¡¯s it? What a pathetic Eastern Border commander. In recent years, the Eastern Border has become increasingly disgraceful, and the commanders beneath have become so weak, they¡¯re no match for anyone!" Xia Lengchan scoffed disdainfully.


    Over the years, as the old king grew older, the Eastern Border had become increasingly weak, almost unable to control its territory. Otherwise, powers such as the Jiangzuo Alliance would not have risen unchecked in East of the River.


    "You... who exactly are you?" Lu Bentian, lying on the ground, gritted his teeth and asked in anger.


    Xia Lengchan snorted, "You don¡¯t deserve to know our lord¡¯s identity; a mere Little Commander dares to kidnap the Mistress, truly ignorant of how to write the word ¡¯death¡¯!"


    Just then, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, among others, finally arrived. After getting the whole story, the hot-tempered Sima Zhantian roared like thunder, "You bastard, dare to touch our Mistress! My lord, please allow me to act and exterminate the Tian and Lu Full Clan!"


    Ye Feng shook his head and remained silent. This man was not only explosive in temper but also far too eager for killing.


    Ultimately, it was Xiao Chuanqi, thoughtful and meticulous, who took advantage of the lull to slip into the rear courtyard, and soon after, brought Hong Qingyan out.


    ```

 Chapter 187 This old thing really knows how to play

    Seeing Hong Qingyan limping out, Ye Feng hurried over and said softly, "I''m sorry, I was careless not to leave you alone in the hotel, making you worried and scared. How are you? Are you all right?"@@@@


    Originally, Hong Qingyan was still filled with fear, but upon hearing Ye Feng''s gentle and delicate words, she quickly calmed down, especially knowing that after she was captured, Ye Feng had rushed over without regard to his own safety. She couldn''t help but feel touched.


    "Big Brother Ye, don''t worry, I''m fine," Hong Qingyan tried to show a smile. By the side of such a man, she did not want to show her vulnerability.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and then turned his gaze toward Lu Bentian.


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and asked, "My lord, how should we deal with these people? Do we kill them directly?"


    Upon hearing this, Lu Bentian couldn''t help but roar, "Dare you kill me? Do you know who I am? I am the Great Commander of the Eastern Border. If you kill me, the Eastern Border will undoubtedly tear you to pieces!"


    "Indeed, we are all from the Eastern Border. If you dare touch a hair on us, the King of the Eastern Border will definitely not let you off easily!"


    Xiao Chuanqi sneered, "If your Eastern King was truly so powerful, then Jiangzuo Alliance would not have emerged east of the river."


    Lu Bentian shouted angrily, "If you know what''s good for you, release me immediately. We are not people you can afford to provoke; otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable!"


    Ye Feng laughed, stepped forward until he was towering above Lu Bentian, and looked down at him, "Do you really think I don''t dare to kill you?"


    Lu Bentian glared back and challenged, "If you''re brave enough, try it!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly hardened as he said, "Well then, I won''t kill you."


    Upon hearing this, Lu Bentian burst into wild laughter, his face showing a triumphant expression as he shouted, "I knew it..."


    Before he could finish, Ye Feng coldly interrupted, "Killing you would only dirty my hands. You think that just because you''re the Great Commander of the Eastern Border, no one dares to touch you? In that case, I''ll take you directly to the King of the Eastern Border and let him deal with you personally!"


    Lu Bentian was taken aback and asked incredulously, "What did you say? You''re taking me to the Eastern Border? You''re going to see the Eastern King?"


    Ye Feng, now too lazy to reply further, waved his hand and commanded, "Tie up these three people in charge and after that, we will all head to the Eastern Border Base Camp."


    Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea to the east, as long as the only passage was guarded, it would be quite difficult for anyone to try to enter the Base Camp.


    Indeed, all along the way, Ye Feng had noticed the hidden sentry posts along the roadside, heavily armed Eastern Border guards on duty. It was only because their party was led by Lu Bentian, Great Commander of the Eastern Border, that they were able to enter so smoothly; otherwise, it would probably have been quite troublesome.


    After driving for half an hour through the mountain paths, the vehicle entered the valley, which housed a small town with villas scattered throughout. On the beach facing the sea was a huge training ground, and right at the center stood a tall tower that looked like the Base Camp''s watchtower.


    However, what surprised everyone was that, almost reaching the center of the small town, there was still no sign of the Eastern King coming out to meet them. Not even half a commander appeared to welcome them, which was almost as poor a reception as Ye Feng had gotten when he previously visited the Southern Territory.


    Sima Zhantian immediately cursed aloud, "Damn it, the Old Eastern King, this old fart, can''t even bother to come out and meet us. We might understand he''s an old bag of bones, but he could at least send someone decent to receive us, right?"


    Li Jingang also coldly chimed in, "From the looks of it, they don''t even care about our lord at all!"


    Xia Lengchan couldn''t help but sigh, "This Eastern Border really seems to be conceited and arrogant!"


    By this time, the vehicle had entered the town''s center, and beyond that lay the forbidden area accessible only to the high-ranking officials. There were checkpoints on both sides of the road, with pairs of guards on duty, and Xiao Chuanqi was also standing there.


    The vehicle was forced to stop here, and Sima Zhantian thrust open the car door, shouting loudly, "What in the hell is going on? Where is the Old Eastern Territory King? Why hasn''t he come out to meet us? Weren''t we told in advance that our lord was coming?"


    Xiao Chuanqi responded with a wry smile and a wave of his hand, "The Old Eastern King is not at the Base Camp now. That old geezer has apparently taken a cruise with a dozen women out to sea for a getaway."


    "Out at sea for a getaway, his grandmother''s! This old guy really knows how to live it up!" Sima Zhantian cursed passionately, and he was bold enough to directly call the Eastern King an "old fart" within the Base Camp of the Eastern Border; others probably wouldn''t have had the nerve to do so.


    Xia Lengchan asked, "Brother Xiao, didn''t you notify anyone else?"


    Xiao Chuanqi laughed and said, "I wanted to, but it just so happens that I can''t get in touch with any of the few commanders with some clout around here. Each one of them is either in Secluded Cultivation or recovering from illnesses, completely ignoring us."


    At that moment, Lu Bentian sneered and shouted, "What a joke. Who do you think you are, expecting the commanders or even the Eastern King to welcome you? Now that we''ve reached the Base Camp, it is my territory. If you''re wise, you''ll quickly release me, or else you all won''t even know how you died when the time comes!"


    "His grandmother''s! Do you really think I won''t dare to touch you just because we''re in your Eastern Border Base Camp?" Sima Zhantian roared angrily and charged forward, raising his fist to start a fight.


    However, just at that moment, a figure with a commanding presence arrived, bringing a dozen guards in a threatening manner, bellowing, "Who are these people who dare to kidnap our Eastern Border Commander? Aren''t you a little too bold? Are you sick of living or what?"

 Chapter 188: Just Treat It Like Your Own Home

    The person was wearing a red robe, his figure immensely imposing, with a big belly like a wild bear, exuding a very strong aura.


    Seeing the newcomer, Lu Bentian hurriedly shouted, "Loo Manager, you¡¯ve arrived just in time! These madmen are outrageously bold, not only have they kidnapped me, but they¡¯ve also dared to come to our Eastern Border Base Camp, showing absolute disdain and arrogance to the extreme."


    It turned out that this rotund man was the manager of the Eastern Border Base Camp. Normally, when the King of the Eastern Border was not at the Base Camp, the management of affairs would fall to him. His power in the Eastern Border was very substantial.


    Loo Manager scanned Ye Feng and coldly huffed, "Truly audacious, the Eastern Border has been established for many years now, yet never has it encountered such brazen and arrogant behavior. To kidnap a leader of the Eastern Border and actually dare come to the Base Camp, are you ignorant or just foolish!"


    After finishing his sentence, Loo Manager slanted his eyes toward Ye Feng and sneered with a grin, "Are you the leader?"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh. A mere Eastern Border manager was putting on quite a grand air. Without responding directly, he demanded, "Where is the King of the Eastern Border now? Notify him immediately to come back!"


    Loo Manager couldn¡¯t help but laugh, taunting, "You, the boy who dares to kidnap the Eastern Border leader, must not be of unknown status. However, whatever you are, you¡¯re nothing in my eyes. You still want to see our King of the Eastern Border? You really have no idea how high the sky is or how thick the earth is!"


    At this point, he waved his Great Hand and bellowed, "It seems you still don¡¯t realize that Lu Bentian¡¯s father-in-law is none other than the Lord of Dongcheng Ridge. By the looks of you, you probably have no idea what Dongcheng Ridge signifies. In short, release him immediately, kneel and admit your wrong, or all of you will die!"


    Sima Zhantian erupted in anger, roaring, "Damn it, a petty manager dares to be insolent before his lord; it looks like you¡¯re tired of living!"


    Ye Feng was also furious. It wasn¡¯t this petty manager that made him angry, but the fact that the sacred Eastern Border Base Camp could be in such a chaotic state.


    "Take them down!" Ye Feng issued the order directly.@@@@


    Sima Zhantian had been waiting for the command. Even before Ye Feng¡¯s words had finished, his men were already pouncing forward.


    "You¡¯re seeking death!" the manager erupted in rage, his hands morphing into claws as he spread them wide, swooping out like an eagle.


    But suddenly, with a loud bang, Sima Zhantian kicked the man flying with one foot and then stepped on his head.


    "My lord, such a birdman should just be killed directly!" Sima Zhantian was overflowing with a murderous aura.


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    Lu Bentian pondered and said, "I¡¯m thinking, if those guys dare to come to our Eastern Border Base Camp, could they actually have some background?"


    "So that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about. Who cares about their background? They dare to kidnap in our Eastern Border Base Camp, even if the Heavenly Emperor Laozi himself came, he¡¯d have to kneel!"


    "That¡¯s true. After all, my father-in-law is indeed a Lord!" thought Lu Bentian, taking it for granted.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already entered the main hall. For some reason, not only was the King of the Eastern Border absent, but no other influential person appeared either.


    According to Xiao Chuanqi, there were still a few commanders in the Base Camp, but until now, none had shown their faces. It seemed they were just watching from the sidelines or perhaps they were eager to see Commander Lu Bentian killed.


    This revealed that the entire Eastern Border had utterly lost the united front of old, and had nearly become a loose sand, with everyone governing by themselves for their own benefits and playing their little schemes.


    Ye Feng shook his head at this thought. If it continued like this, the Eastern Border would truly be finished. In recent years, without the pressure of strong enemies, the commanders and lords had become increasingly decadent. Not to mention, but the fact that the Old Eastern Territory King went to sea with a dozen women and would be gone for years was telling enough.


    Ye Feng sat in the hall and suddenly turned to Hong Qingyan, "Seeing that it¡¯s getting dark, you must be hungry, right?"


    Hong Qingyan nodded and said, "I¡¯ve been hungry for a while, but is it really appropriate for us to stay here like this?"


    "What¡¯s inappropriate about it? Here, just treat it like your own home!"


    Ye Feng laughed and then waved his hand, "Xia Lengchan, go to logistics and let them know to prepare dinner. We can¡¯t neglect our bellies just because the Old Eastern Territory King isn¡¯t back."


    "As you command, my lord!" said Xia Lengchan and then she left.


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and asked, "My lord, what should we do next?"


    "Wait. Everything can wait until the Old Eastern Territory King returns!" replied Ye Feng without a second thought.

 Chapter 189: Lord of Dongcheng, Dongfang Sheng!

    Despite knowing that this group was approaching with aggression, the Base Camp¡¯s logistics still prepared a sumptuous dinner, after all, they knew that those who would dare to forcefully enter the Eastern Border Base Camp were neither madmen nor cowards. Enjoy new stories from novelhall.Co?m


    After nightfall, the Eastern Border Base Camp quieted down, but beneath this silence, countless eyes watched closely, especially the other commanders who were all discreetly paying attention to the situation.


    Although they did not directly intervene, it did not mean they were unconcerned. Their absence was, firstly, because they competed with Commander Lu Bentian, and secondly because they had yet to ascertain the identities of these people.


    Originally, Xiao Chuanqi intended to announce Ye Feng¡¯s identity upon arrival, but with the Old Eastern King¡¯s absence, nothing further was said, leading to the current situation.


    As for the eyes hidden in the shadows, Ye Feng took notice, but he showed no reaction. If they wished to watch, he allowed them to watch.


    The dinner was soon ready, sumptuous as could be, and after that, Ye Feng and his group began to eat in the Old Eastern King¡¯s dining room, as if they were the hosts, with no regard for their outsider status.


    During the meal, Sima Zhantian couldn¡¯t stop cursing, "Damn it, these commanders of the Eastern Border seem to have lost all their spine. People have broken into their Base Camp, and yet they can just stand by coldly and watch. This is just preposterous!"


    Li Jingang also sighed, "The Eastern Border is no longer what it was decades ago. Nowadays, with the Old Eastern King aging and slowly losing his deterrent power, those commanders and lords below him are becoming increasingly scheming."


    Ye Feng just listened without expressing any opinion until everyone had finished dinner at eight o¡¯clock in the evening, then they took a walk in the Old Eastern King¡¯s courtyard.


    Suddenly, a multitude of car lights shone from outside the courtyard, and a jeep roared into the compound.


    "With such fanfare, could it be the Old Eastern King has returned?" Xiao Chuanqi frowned and said.


    Ye Feng, however, shook his head with a smile, "It shouldn¡¯t be. If I¡¯m not mistaken, it should be people from Dongcheng Ridge."


    He wasn¡¯t wrong. After five or six cars stopped in the compound, a nimble-looking young man jumped out of one and called out loudly, "I heard that some thieves took advantage of the Old Eastern King¡¯s absence to cause trouble in the Base Camp. Dongcheng Ridge has come to purge the bandits!"


    One after another, extraordinary bodyguards leaped from the cars and in the blink of an eye, surrounded the entire courtyard.


    Later, the doors of the central top-level luxury car were slowly pulled open, and an obese, mustachioed old man struggled to get out from inside the vehicle, accompanied by two elderly men in grey jinyi attire at his side.


    Dongfang Sheng laughed and said, "Brother Legendary, you jest. I heard my son-in-law was kidnapped, so I rushed over to see what¡¯s really going on. By the way, Brother Legendary, why did you suddenly come to our Eastern Border?"


    Xiao Chuanqi chuckled and replied, "To be honest with you, Brother Dongfang, the one who kidnapped your son-in-law is me, and that thief you spoke of is also me."


    After saying this, Xiao Chuanqi looked at Dongfang Sheng with a teasing expression.


    Dongfang Sheng¡¯s face changed slightly, and he said in a heavy tone, "What exactly is going on here? Could there be some misunderstanding? Also, where is my son-in-law?"


    "He¡¯s inside in the corner of the hall, along with that Loo Manager who is also tied up there," said Xiao Chuanqi with a laugh.


    Dongfang Sheng¡¯s gaze suddenly sharpened as he stared at Xiao Chuanqi, saying in a deep voice, "Brother Xiao, you are also a man of status; surely you don¡¯t just kidnap people for no reason. What is the situation here? Please explain it to me first."


    Xiao Chuanqi said, "The matter is actually not complicated. Your esteemed son-in-law, in Jiang City, attempted to murder my Lord, but with his meager skills, he was quickly subdued and then taken to our Eastern Border Base Camp by my Lord."


    "What did you say, your Lord?" Dongfang Sheng¡¯s complexion changed completely. He had known about Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s identity since the conference in the imperial city five years ago.


    Of course, he also knew who Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s Lord was¡ªa ruler of the Northern Border!


    However, a change had occurred in the Northern Border six months ago, and it was said that the Northern Border King had been replaced. Thus, Dongfang Sheng couldn¡¯t immediately determine which "Lord" Xiao Chuanqi was referring to.


    "Brother Legendary, where is your Lord now?" Dongfang Sheng asked. He might not have truly considered Xiao Chuanqi a threat, but now that a King of One Realm was involved, he had to be cautious.


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped aside and pointed to Ye Feng, standing in the middle of the hall entrance.


    Dongfang Sheng hurriedly turned his head and stared at Ye Feng intently for a long while before finally stepping forward, bowing, and asking, "I¡¯m not sure how to address you sir. Is it Ye or Zhu?"


    Ye Feng smiled. He naturally understood the implication of those words¡ªif it was Ye, it would naturally mean himself; and if it was Zhu, it would refer to Zhu Guangbo, the current acting ruler of the Northern Border.


    With a slight curl of his lips, Ye Feng stood there. He would certainly not answer directly but instead countered, "May I ask the Lord of Dongcheng, what about being surnamed Ye and what about being surnamed Zhu?"

 Chapter 190: A Kind of Contempt in the Bones

    Dongfang Sheng was taken aback and stood rooted to the spot; he had not expected to be questioned like this, and was at a loss for words.


    After all, a wrong answer to such a question could likely invite fatal trouble.


    If the man¡¯s surname was Ye, then Dongfang Sheng naturally would not take it to heart, as he had heard about the incident that happened in the Suburb of Capital Region half a year ago.


    And now, Zhu Guangbo of the Zhu Family had entered the Northern Border. Although he was only acting as the Northern Border King for the time being, he had already begun to take control of the Northern Border.


    More importantly, the influence of the Zhu Family behind Zhu Guangbo was no small matter, and Zhu Guangbo himself was young and promising, so it wouldn¡¯t be long before he truly had control over the Northern Border.


    As for that Ye surname, after the Capital Region incident, he had been effectively driven out of the Northern Border and could almost be considered a homeless stray dog.


    While Dongfang Sheng was still in a daze, a sturdy elder behind him stepped forward slightly and whispered a few words into his ear.


    In an instant, Dongfang Sheng, the Lord of Dongcheng of the Eastern Border, smiled and the look in his eyes turned from reverence to Ye Feng to thick mockery.


    "This Lord understands now. Your last name should be Ye, shouldn¡¯t it? The one from the Zhu Family is already thirty-five, obviously much more composed, whereas you appear to be barely into your twenties, much younger indeed. Am I correct in my analysis?" Dongfang Sheng said with a playful smile.


    Ye Feng also smiled and responded, "Since you have already guessed, what will you do about it?"


    Before the words were even finished, Dongfang Sheng burst into loud, mocking laughter.


    "If we were talking about half a year ago, I might have had respect and fear for you, but now, well, I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but I want to ask you, how is your current situation any different from those homeless stray dogs outside?"


    "Insolence, Dongfang Sheng, you are courting death!" Xiao Chuanqi roared in fury, his fists clenching tightly as he prepared to take action.


    Sima Zhantian also bared his teeth and snarled, "A mere Lord of the Eastern Border dares to insult our Northern Border King in public. Dongfang Sheng, you are committing a capital offense!"


    "Capital offense?"


    Dongfang Sheng¡¯s laughter became even more triumphant, and he hummed, "The current Northern Border King is Zhu Guangbo. What is he worth? He can¡¯t even protect his own throne and he wants to come to my Eastern Border and act wildly? Utterly laughable!"


    Turning to Xiao Chuanqi, Dongfang Sheng said, "Brother Xiao, you are after all a heroic figure, and I once had quite the respect for you. How could you, of all people, lack such foresight, still following a fallen house? What future can there be in that?"


    In the yard, Dongfang Sheng, full of terror, stood there. His legs trembled nonstop like sifting chaff, while Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s knife was pressed against his throat.


    The two highly skilled experts he was proud of were now powerlessly collapsed in a corner of the yard, with bloodstains at the corners of their mouths. Although they were not yet dead, they had been severely wounded.


    Although these two elders were also Huajin Grandmasters, they ultimately could not compare with battle-hardened Peak Grandmasters like Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi.


    However, Ye Feng had been standing at the top of the hall¡¯s stairs from the beginning to the end, he didn¡¯t even lift a finger.


    Dongfang Sheng¡¯s face was filled with panic as he looked toward Xiao Chuanqi and repeatedly said, "Brother Chuanqi, we knew each other back in the day after all. What are you doing? Surely you don¡¯t really intend to kill me?"


    Xiao Chuanqi did not answer, instead, he turned to look at Ye Feng and asked, "Your Highness, how shall he be dealt with?"


    "Kill!" Ye Feng spoke.


    That Dongfang Sheng¡¯s face suddenly contorted with fear, and he exclaimed, "No... you can¡¯t kill me, I am the Lord of Dongcheng in the Eastern Border, if you kill me..."


    But before he could finish his words, Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s knife swiftly slashed downwards, and Dongfang Sheng¡¯s head soared into the air.


    "Spread the word, the Northern Border King has arrived to discuss matters of great importance with the King of the Eastern Border. Anyone who dares to make the slightest move against this edict shall be put to death without mercy!" Ye Feng finished speaking, turned around, and walked into the hall with Hong Qingyan.


    At this time, Lu Bentian inside the hall was also trembling, a look of terror emerging on his face.


    "Dead... My father-in-law, he was actually... he¡¯s been killed, how could this be, how is this possible!" Lu Bentian obviously could not believe it.


    The expression on Loo Manager¡¯s face turned ashen. He knew that this time his fate was more likely to be unfortunate than fortunate.


    Seeing Ye Feng walk in, Lu Bentian looked up to the sky and howled, "Ye Feng, you¡¯re no longer the Northern Border King, by killing my father-in-law, who is the Lord of the Eastern Border, you¡¯ve gone too far. Once the King of the Eastern Border returns, he will never pardon you. You will surely be beyond redemption!"


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t respond, he didn¡¯t even bother to look back at him. He just held Hong Qingyan, walked straight across the hall, and entered the Inner Courtyard from the side.


    Lu Bentian suddenly stood frozen in place, suddenly feeling an indescribable sense of loss and bleakness. He felt like a loudly barking dog while the person who he was barking at never spared him a glance from beginning to end.


    This was an act of disdain, a deep-rooted scorn!


    This instantly fueled Lu Bentian¡¯s rage like thunder, and he gnashed his teeth and roared, "Just you wait, once the King of the Eastern Border returns, I will make sure to report this matter. Ye Feng, I will make sure you die!"

 Chapter 191: The Twilight of a Hero, King of the Eastern Border

    The night passed without incident, and as dawn broke, Ye Feng got up out of habit to practice his martial arts. However, after reaching the total of 105 acupoints, his cultivation speed had slowed down, and for several days he had been unable to break through even a single acupoint.


    Yet Ye Feng was not in a hurry, knowing the higher he climbed, the more difficult it became. There was also the risk of deviation or even death if one was not careful, as opening acupoints was not to be taken lightly.


    The most prudent method was akin to boiling a frog in warm water or the steady erosion of rock by dripping water, using the potent and vigorous Qi Force within oneself to gradually erode the acupoints until they opened one day.


    Compared to other Martial Kings, Ye Feng¡¯s cultivation speed during this period was much faster. An ordinary Martial King, like the Buddha-Faced Lord he had encountered in Jiang City, probably entered the Martial King Realm thirty years ago.


    Yet, despite thirty years of devoted cultivation in a secluded ancient monastery, the Buddha-Faced Lord had opened only about ten of the easiest acupoints.


    In contrast, since stepping into the Martial King Realm over three months ago, Ye Feng had already successfully opened 105 acupoints. In just three months¡¯ time, his progress astonished and amazed, and he could feel that his Qi Force seemed even more potent, far stronger than other warriors of the same rank.


    Because he was re-cultivating after a severe injury, his foundation was much more solid than that of other martial artists.


    The morning sun streamed through the window, casting its light upon Ye Feng¡¯s rugged bronze face, revealing a kind of masculine handsomeness. If one looked closely, they would notice a faintly visible swirl of qi shrouding the top of his head.


    This white swirl spun in a regular pattern, appearing quite extraordinary. At that moment, inside Ye Feng¡¯s body, the Qi Force circulated non-stop, completing a Grand Circulation and then starting anew.


    Suddenly, the bedroom door was knocked, and Hong Qingyan called from outside, "Big Brother Ye, breakfast is ready."


    Coincidentally, Tang Feng had just finished his Qi Circulation. He smiled slightly as he got out of bed, washed up quickly, and then they began to eat breakfast together.


    Hong Qingyan had prepared the breakfast specially, and although there was a cook available, she seemed to have grown accustomed to it over the past half-year. So she didn¡¯t ask the cook to do it, and Ye Feng had also grown accustomed to her simple breakfasts.


    The entire morning, the yard remained quiet. Ever since the Lord of Dongcheng, Dongfang Sheng, was annihilated, no one dared to offend them lightly. It was clear to everyone that although this former Northern Border King had been expelled from the Northern Border, he was still not to be trifled with.


    Back then, you were still happily leading horses around me!"


    Ye Feng exclaimed with a smile, "Indeed, I remember back in the Northern Border, I even plucked at your beard while you were drunk and sound asleep."


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    Hearing this, the Old Eastern King burst out laughing heartily. It was evident that the two shared a very close relationship.


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t surprising. After all, the Old Eastern King was from the previous generation. Twenty or thirty years ago, he and Ye Feng¡¯s master, the previous Northern Border King, rose to prominence together. At that time, the Old Eastern King and the Old Northern King had a very good relationship.


    Back before he became the King of the Eastern Border, he often visited the Northern Border, and naturally he became well-acquainted with Ye Feng.


    As for Ye Feng, the Old Eastern King had virtually watched him grow up, knowing his talent and strength were astonishing, and he was one of the few younger generations he favored.


    The Old Eastern King, stroking his big belly, coughed twice, and asked, "Tell me then, what exactly is going on here? Since you¡¯ve come to my Eastern Border, come you have, but why have you created such a big mess?"


    Ye Feng responded with a bow, "This matter can¡¯t be explained in just a few words. Old Eastern King, you must be tired from the morning¡¯s journey. Should we go inside and talk it over?"


    The Old Eastern King nodded and then, stroking his big belly, stepped into the hall. As he entered, he noticed Lu Bentian and Loo Manager tied up in the corner, which made him pause, but he said nothing and put on an expression as if he hadn¡¯t seen anything.


    Lu Bentian was completely dumbfounded, and Loo Manager was equally frozen in place. It made no sense that their lord, seeing his subjects tied up, wouldn¡¯t even ask one question. The situation was completely unreasonable.


    "Brother Lu, I don¡¯t know why, but I have a bad premonition now. It feels like we might be done for," Loo Manager said.


    Lu Bentian turned pale with fear but still managed to grunt coldly, "Rest assured, we are the Old Eastern King¡¯s loyal subordinates. He has no reason not to stand up for us. Once the Old Eastern King understands what happened, he certainly won¡¯t let that youngster off easily!"


    Loo Manager wanted to say something at first but ended up shaking his head and letting out a sigh, choosing not to say anything further; in his heart, he couldn¡¯t help but feel that the man was still deluding himself, hopelessly beyond help.

 Chapter 192 My Waist is Getting Worse

    In the hall, the Old Eastern King sat in the main seat. By then, the servants had already presented the fine Bi Luo Chun Tea. He picked up the teacup and took a slight sip, then looked towards Ye Feng as if to say, "Now, you can speak, young man."


    Ye Feng sat at his side, accompanying him. Even though the Old Eastern King was now in his twilight years, he had been a hero in his youth, so Ye Feng still owed him some respect.


    Therefore, Ye Feng succinctly recounted the entire event, including the part where the Lord of Dongcheng, Dongfang Sheng, had eventually been beheaded. There was no embellishment in his account.


    Upon hearing the whole story, the Old Eastern King, Muu Tianye, froze, his brows tightly furrowed, as if he were deep in thought.


    "Summon Loo Manager and Lu Bentian here!" the Old Eastern King commanded with a wave of his Great Hand.


    Instantly, two guards brought Lu Bentian and Loo Manager forward, and the Old Eastern King ordered coldly, "Unbind them!"


    With a flash of his knife, a silver-armored guard sliced through the ropes on their wrists cleanly in two, yet without harming their skin in the slightest. The swift cut and precise control of his blade clearly demonstrated that this silver-armored guard was a master with the knife.


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn¡¯t help but say to Ye Feng, "My lord, this..."


    Ye Feng gestured with his hand for him not to say more.@@@@


    The Old Eastern King sat up straight, his voice solemn, "Now, I ask the two of you, is what the Northern King just said true?"


    "Not at all, Eastern King. That Ye chap is lying!" Lu Bentian blurted out. Enjoy more content from novelhall.Co?m


    The Old Eastern King¡¯s expression did not change as he turned to look at Loo Manager and said in a grave tone, "And you, do you think the same?"


    Loo Manager glanced at the Old Eastern King and then at Ye Feng, sitting dignifiedly, and finally made up his mind. He knelt on the ground and burst into tears, "I beg to report to the Eastern King, everything Northern King Ye Feng said is completely true, there has not been the slightest exaggeration. It was Lu Bentian, this man, who committed insubordination.


    "Eastern King, why? Why won¡¯t you kill Loo Manager and instead reward him, and why kill me? Why?" Lu Bentian bellowed repeatedly.


    "Why? Simply because you kidnapped the Northern King¡¯s woman, and that¡¯s reason enough for you to die a hundred times over!" the Old Eastern King declared sternly.


    In fact, the Old Eastern King was fully aware that Ye Feng had left Lu Bentian to wait for his return not because Ye Feng didn¡¯t dare to kill him, but rather, it was just affording him some semblance of respect.


    All the way Lu Bentian wailed and cried miserably, but once he was taken to the yard, the sound quickly ceased.


    "Alright, those irritating matters have been dealt with; Ye Feng, you¡¯ve rarely visited my Eastern Border, come on, let¡¯s go to the side hall, and we¡¯ll have a good drink!" The Old Eastern King said, and tried to stand up, only to grab his waist halfway up and let out a pained cry.


    Upon seeing this, Ye Feng exclaimed in alarm, "Old Eastern King, are you alright?" he said, moving to help steady him.


    The Old Eastern King hastily waved his hands and said, "It¡¯s nothing, nothing at all. It¡¯s just my back, it¡¯s been getting progressively worse over the years. As one gets older, the body just isn¡¯t the same as it was."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I say, Old Northern King, in the past you were a renowned expert. I remember over thirty years ago, how you and my master, the Old Northern King, roamed the battlefield with such might that enemies quaked at the mere mention of your names. Though you are older now, your body can¡¯t possibly have deteriorated to this extent. Come, let me take your pulse."


    "Oh no, no need, no need. It¡¯s just a minor issue, nothing serious!" The Old Eastern King repeatedly rejected the offer with a wave of his hand.


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t insist further, merely saying, "Then allow me to help you up, Old Eastern King."


    As he said this and extended his hand, the moment he helped the Old Eastern King up, Ye Feng¡¯s two fingers deftly touched the other¡¯s wrist. Afterwards, Ye Feng understood everything.


    It wasn¡¯t due to old age that the Old Eastern King¡¯s body was in poor shape. After all, he was still a Martial Arts Practitioner and a Huajin Grandmaster; even at an advanced age, he shouldn¡¯t be in such a bad condition.


    The real reason was that the Old Eastern King had been indulging in excessive debauchery and had completely sapped his strength; he had even leaked much of his vital yang energy, leaving very little essence in him.


    Ye Feng suddenly remembered that just the other day the Old Eastern King had gone out to sea on a cruise ship, bringing along over a dozen young and beautiful women. This was sheer folly.

 Chapter 193 The Spirit is Willing but the Flesh is Weak

    Because the front yard needed cleaning, the Old Eastern King suggested moving to the Inner Courtyard.


    Along the way, Ye Feng finally caught a good opportunity and spoke solemnly, "I say, Old Eastern King, you¡¯re quite advanced in years; why not take it easy on yourself? I¡¯ve heard that just a few days ago, you went out to sea for leisure and took along over a dozen young and beautiful girls!"


    The Old Eastern King was taken aback and then immediately realized that the other party had discovered the problem with his health. His old face blushed, feeling somewhat embarrassed.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, among others at the rear, couldn¡¯t help but snicker in secret.


    However, the Old Eastern King quickly remembered that he was still a monarch, cleared his throat twice, and said with dignity, "It is only natural for a man, besides, I am getting on in years now, and I fear I don¡¯t have many years left to live. If I don¡¯t enjoy myself while I can, when will I have the time?"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but shake his head and sigh. Previously, everyone just said that the King of the Eastern Border had aged, no longer possessing his former vigor. He initially did not believe it, but now it seemed that the Old Eastern King was not only physically aged, but his spirit was aged as well, having lost all of his former sharpness.


    The current Old Eastern King¡¯s mind was no longer on the Eastern Border but entirely focused on personal pleasures. However, this was also understandable. After all, when one feels they don¡¯t have much time left to live, unless one has great determination, this change in mindset is inevitable.


    Suddenly, the Old Eastern King said, "That¡¯s right, Little Northern King, when I was at the Northern Border, I heard that you young man inherited the entirety of the Medicine King Valley¡¯s knowledge. Your medical skills must be quite formidable. How about taking a look for me? See if you can treat my waist and, also, that other aspect?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and said, "Treating your waist is not difficult, after all, Old Eastern King, you were once a Huajin Grandmaster, and you¡¯ve still got the basis of good health."


    The eyes of the Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, instantly brightened. Over the past six months, as his waist kept getting worse, that certain aspect was increasingly problematic. He had finally managed to take more than a dozen young and beautiful girls out to sea for a good time, and he thought he could enjoy himself for a while.


    But who knew that in the end, it would turn out that he could only look on, unable to perform. This feeling of being willing but unable was enough to drive him mad.


    "So you¡¯re saying you have a way? Let¡¯s head to the inner hall quickly, and you prescribe me a few doses of medicine!" the Old Eastern King said eagerly, grabbing Ye Feng¡¯s hand and wanting to head inside.


    But Ye Feng stopped in his tracks, standing still on the spot.


    Moreover, at this time, they did not wish to have too much interaction with Ye Feng, because once Zhu Guangbo fully took control of the Northern Border, those who had previously been close to Ye Feng would likely face retribution. Their attendance at the banquet was solely due to the command of the Old Eastern King.


    The Old Eastern King, of course, noticed this, but he couldn¡¯t be bothered to deal with these machinations. By now he was of an age where he had no interest in engaging in these battles for power and influence anymore.


    After three rounds of wine, the Old Eastern King suddenly began to sigh repeatedly, shaking his head continuously.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng felt compelled to ask, "Old Eastern King, why are you sighing for no apparent reason?"


    The Old Eastern King sighed once more, then took Ye Feng¡¯s hand and said, "My good nephew, I really didn¡¯t want to discuss this embarrassing matter, but now, I¡¯m completely at a loss. Since you¡¯re here, nephew, you must help me out no matter what. If you don¡¯t assist, then I am truly finished."


    Ye Feng was somewhat speechless and could only reply, "Eastern King, you might as well tell me the matter first."


    The Old Eastern King continued shaking his head with a sigh, "Nephew, the Northern King, this matter is not difficult for you; it¡¯s merely a small favor. No matter what, you must help me. If you don¡¯t, this old man will have no choice but to hang myself on a crooked-neck tree."


    Ye Feng responded, "Alright, tell me what it is. As long as it doesn¡¯t go against my principles, I will lend a hand."


    Only then did the Old Eastern King sit up straight and said, "Good, that¡¯s a promise from you, my nephew. To be honest, this matter has to start with Bliss Island."


    As soon as he mentioned Bliss Island, the four commanders and two lords of the Eastern Border simultaneously put down their chopsticks and looked over intently.


    "East Pole Island?" Ye Feng raised his eyebrows inquisitively.


    "Indeed, East Pole Island. It has only risen in the past three years, but its power and influence are so formidable that it¡¯s startling!" the Old Eastern King said with a tone of apprehension.


    At this, Ye Feng grew even more curious.

 Chapter 194: Boy, You Have Great Ambitions

    Regarding the matter at hand, no one at the table continued to eat, all turning their heads to look at the Old Eastern King.


    The Old Eastern King let the high proof alcohol in his blue and white porcelain cup fan the flames, and then, with a spicy, long sigh, he lamented, "It is indeed shameful to admit, I, as the King of the Eastern Border, have not even been able to handle East Pole Island."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but sneer inwardly, thinking it was not just East Pole Island you couldn¡¯t deal with, but also the Jiangzuo Alliance to the east of the river within your own territory.


    Of course, Ye Feng would not say this out loud, after all, it would be a great blow to the Old Eastern King¡¯s dignity.


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn¡¯t help but inquire, "May I ask the Old Eastern King, is East Pole Island indeed so formidable that even the numerous masters of the Eastern Border cannot destroy it?"


    The Old Eastern King just sighed, seemingly resolved not to speak anymore.


    At that moment, a commander of the Eastern Border across from Xiao Chuanqi spoke up, "This East Pole Island suddenly rose to power three years ago, previously showing no signs of such strength. Once it emerged, it shocked the entire Eastern Border. In just three short years, we have lost count of how many of our luxurious cruise ships have fallen prey to East Pole Island."


    "It is almost safe to say that, in these three years, likely no fewer than a hundred people from the Eastern Border have died on East Pole Island. This island specifically targets the wealthy merchants on these cruise ships and has plundered an endless treasure over these three years."


    Sima Zhantian clenched his teeth and said, "Then, over these three years, have you of the Eastern Border just watched, with your eyes wide open, as this so-called East Pole Island committed its crimes without making a move against them?"


    The chief commander replied, "How could we not make a move? Over these three years, we have launched three sieges against East Pole Island, but each time we returned in defeat, with many soldiers lost. Even among our nine great commanders of the Eastern Border, four have been sacrificed!"


    Ye Feng slightly nodded as he listened, finding it odd that there were so few commanders for such a vast Eastern Border. It turned out that four had been sacrificed, and with the Eastern King getting on in years, focusing solely on indulgence, his mind no longer on the affairs of the Eastern Border, it naturally became difficult to attract other masters.


    After some thought, Ye Feng asked, "May I ask the Old Eastern King about the general strength of East Pole Island?"


    The general strength?" The Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, fell into contemplation at this point, suggesting that even after more than three years, he still did not know the rough strength of his foe.


    The chief commander of the Eastern Border, Song Cheng, said, "The approximate strength of East Pole Island is still not completely clear to us, but there are relevant rumors that East Pole Island has seven Island Masters, each one a master in their own right, and we cannot rule out the presence of an Aperture Opening Martial King!"


    The Old Eastern King suddenly stood up, turned to Ye Feng and said, "Younger Brother Ye, I was once sworn brothers with the Old Northern King, but he has been gone for many years, and you have already grown capable enough to stand on your own. Therefore, I think it¡¯s fitting to simply address you as Younger Brother Ye now."


    "What condition? Just speak, Younger Brother Ye. As long as it¡¯s within my power, there¡¯s no problem!" said the Old Eastern King, patting his round belly.


    Ye Feng spoke earnestly, "After East Pole Island is destroyed, the Eastern Border must agree not to interfere or obstruct the Martial Alliance¡¯s construction and promotion in the Eastern Border."


    The Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, was taken aback and after some thought, he asked, "May I inquire, Younger Brother Ye, what is your relationship with the Martial Alliance?"


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "You don¡¯t need to know its relationship with me. What I want to know is whether the Old Eastern King is willing to agree. In fact, if the Martial Alliance is promoted throughout the entire Eastern Territory of Quan, it will not interfere with the dominion of the King of the Eastern Border. On the contrary, it will enhance the overall strength of the Eastern Border.


    When those in the Martial Alliance who have practiced successfully could become the new blood incorporated into the Eastern Border."


    However, the Old Eastern King fell silent. He wasn¡¯t foolish and had a vague understanding that this Martial Alliance was laying out a grand scheme. Especially since, in the short span of three to four years, the Martial Alliance had almost been established across the vast majority of the Xuanyuan Nation, representing a very terrifying force.


    It was imaginable that if the Martial Alliance were to be promoted nationwide, its influence spreading across the entire nation and then infiltrating the Four Realms, the significance would be completely different. Especially concerning the hidden Controller of the Martial Alliance, their power by that time would likely be frighteningly immense.


    Of course, the Old Eastern King was unaware that the true Controller behind the Martial Alliance was none other than Ye Feng!


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    However, that being said, the nationwide promotion of the Martial Alliance was no easy task. Even if the Martial Alliance was present in all of the nation¡¯s major cities, local forces would likely attempt to influence or control it.


    When Ye Feng first promoted the Martial Alliance, his original intention wasn¡¯t about establishing any power for himself. He did it merely to benefit the masses, improve the physical condition of ordinary people and maintain the local order of the Martial Arts World.


    Seeing the Old Eastern King¡¯s hesitation, Ye Feng chuckled and said, "Now look at you, Old Eastern King; you¡¯re probably only two or three years away from stepping down. Why bother thinking so much about the aftermath?"


    Upon hearing this, the Old Eastern King nodded and said, "Indeed, I am about to retire anyway, and I¡¯m too lazy to care about what happens after that!"


    "That settles it then. From now on, the Eastern Border will permit the establishment and promotion of the Martial Alliance. Younger Brother Ye, please join us three days from now so that we can utterly eradicate East Pole Island!"


    After finishing his statement, the Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, approached Ye Feng, leaning in to pat him on the back and whispering, "Younger Brother Ye, I only now realize that you have grand ambitions, and you¡¯re still so young. Your future is truly boundless."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng just smiled and shook his head repeatedly.

 Chapter 195: The Number One of the Young Generation in the Eastern Border

    The old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, although advanced in age, was impetuous by nature. He immediately issued the King¡¯s Order, commanding all commanders of the Eastern Border as well as the other five lords to proceed to the Base Camp for a council.


    Up for discussion were matters of military and state affairs. Since Hong Qingyan was not particularly suited to attend such meetings, Ye Feng escorted her to the attic in the backyard, then returned to the Base Camp at the front. By this time, the sky had gradually darkened.


    When Ye Feng entered the Base Camp and sat down in the first chair at the bottom end, a roar like rolling thunder suddenly came from outside, the sound of steam whistles piercing the air.


    Five cars drove into the courtyard, whistling as they entered, their formation appearing quite formidable.


    Old Eastern King Mu Tianye said with a smile, "Judging by this scene, it seems the five lords have arrived."


    No sooner had his voice faded than five figures came filing in one after another. They varied in height and build, each one emitting an extraordinary aura.


    After all, they were lords of various ridges in the Eastern Border, tantamount to feudal lords who normally commanded many under their authority, hence they exuded imposing auras. Two of them were elderly, probably around sixty years old; the other three were in the prime of their life, and the last one was a youth.


    The young man had a spirited and imposing presence with eyes as sharp as stars and eyebrows like drawn swords. Among the five, it was actually he who carried the most vigorous aura, which did catch Ye Feng by surprise. The young lord, at Huajin Grandmaster Peak level, was already halfway into the Realm of the Martial King.


    He was only in his mid-twenties, and to have achieved such power at this age certainly qualified him as a genius.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but sigh inwardly; if this young man could continue to grow smoothly, he might have the chance to succeed the throne of the Eastern Border King one day, assuming, of course, that his character and nature were also up to par.


    What surprised Ye Feng a bit, however, was that following the young man, there were two tall, thin elders.


    These two elders were dressed in golden robes and both had hooked noses; their gestures and expressions emitted a menacing fierceness, both clearly Grandmasters at the Huajin Level Peak!


    Old Eastern King Mu Tianye pointed to the young man and introduced him, "This is Su Keming, the lord of Coastal Ridge, and also the foremost among the younger generation in our Eastern Border. Among all the ridges of the Eastern Border, it is his Coastal Ridge that is the strongest.


    After I abdicate my position, unless something unexpected occurs, he will take over as the acting Eastern Border King."


    Suddenly, Su Kesu spoke with a smirk, "May I inquire of the Old Eastern King, isn¡¯t Zhu Guangbo from the Zhu Family the current Northern Border King? Since when did it become Ye Feng?"


    "Insolence!"


    Sima Zhantian was furious, stepping forward from behind Ye Feng and directly confronting Su Kesu, shouting, "You dare question the authority of my liege, the sovereign? That is a capital offense. Believe it or not, I can behead you right now!"


    The Coastal Ridge Lord Su Kesu still sat immobile in his chair, merely lifting his eyelids with a sneer as he glanced at Sima Zhantian and then retorted coldly, "Where did this mad dog come from, barking so loudly in the Eastern Border Base Camp? Believe it or not, I can take you out right now and chop off your dog head!"


    "You¡¯re courting death!"


    Xiao Chuanqi, Xia Lengchan, and Li Jingang could not stand it any longer, stepping forward with a posture that suggested they were ready to throw down immediately.


    The Old Eastern King slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Enough, I have yet to abdicate. Is it too much to ask for a bit of peace here in the Eastern Border Base Camp?"


    Hearing this, Ye Feng gestured to Xiao Chuanqi and the others, saying, "Stand down for now."


    It was then that Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the rest stepped back to Ye Feng¡¯s side. However, Su Kesu managed to catch Ye Feng¡¯s attention, although the two had no prior contact, nor could their relationship be considered fraught with enmity or complications.


    Nevertheless, that remark made by Su Kesu clearly staked out their respective positions!


    Currently, in the Northern Border, Zhu Guangbo indeed acted as the nominal interim Northern Border King. However, the imperial capital had not formally announced the revocation of Ye Feng¡¯s position as the Northern Border King, creating a rather awkward situation.


    If the Northern Border King Ye Feng did not return, then Zhu Guangbo would continue to act as regent of the Northern Border. Of course, as the saying goes, a single mountain cannot harbor two tigers. Clearly, everyone was aware that sooner or later, these two men would face a real showdown.


    The hesitation from the imperial capital most likely arose from waiting to see which of the two would emerge victorious. If Ye Feng prevailed, then the imperial capital would probably declare outright that Zhu Guangbo had overstepped his bounds.


    But if Zhu Guangbo won, then it would follow logically for the imperial capital to depose Ye Feng as the Northern Border King and to officially proclaim Zhu Guangbo as the legitimate Northern Border Sovereign. This is the principle of the victor being king and the vanquished being the bandit, where everything is decided by strength!


    Of course, given the current situation, because Ye Feng had not returned to the Northern Border for half a year, there were already voices of doubt about him throughout the nation. Not to mention that after the assassination attempt six months ago, many still believed that Ye Feng, the Northern Border King, had been gravely injured and had possibly become a cripple.

 Chapter 196: These Two Old Guys are Tough Cookies!

    It was precisely because of such reasons that at this moment, the lords of the Eastern Border were filled with suspicion and disdain for Ye Feng, especially Suksu of Coastal Ridge, who was the youngest and had the greatest potential.


    From beginning to end, the two hook-nosed elders standing behind Suksu stood erect, their gazes unwavering, their expressions filled with indifference.


    Ye Feng had been observing these two men for quite some time, and from this, he could tell that these two old fellows from the Sky Eagle Sect were ruthless characters!


    The atmosphere in the council hall had become awkward for a moment when the Old Eastern King feigned a cough twice, and was about to speak.


    However, just at that moment, an aged lord from the Eastern Border seated on the right asked, "May I ask the Eastern King, it is rumored that the Lord of Dongcheng, Dongfang Sheng, has died, and that he was murdered. Yet, it is unclear who killed him. Have you summoned us here today to discuss this very matter?"


    The Old Eastern King suddenly felt somewhat embarrassed and, after thinking for a moment, said, "Dongfang Sheng is indeed dead. That man had no respect for laws and brazenly provoked the authority of the Northern Border Sovereign, and thus was executed on the spot by the Sovereign himself, a well-deserved death."


    That elder in the first position on the right, Wu Feng, the Lord of Wuyi Ridge, and also the most senior among the lords of the Eastern Border, let out a cold chuckle and then asked, "May I ask the Eastern King, since Dongfang Sheng was killed by the Northern Border Sovereign, may I know which Northern King it was?"


    Sima Zhantian heard this and roared with rage, "It¡¯s truly the biggest joke under the heavens, today there is naturally only one Northern Border Sovereign, and that is my lord Ye Feng. You old fool, knowingly asking such a question, are clearly provoking the authority of my lord, and that is a capital offense. Believe it or not, I can execute you right here on the spot!"


    Wu Feng responded with a sneer and a cold laugh, "If your lord truly has such great ability, why not return to the Northern Border sooner to drive out Zhu Guangbo, instead of coming to our Eastern Border to throw your weight around?"@@@@


    No sooner had his words fallen than another aged lord echoed, "Exactly, this is the Eastern Border, not your Northern Border. What airs are you putting on here? Do you really think the Eastern Border has no one left?"


    Wu Feng bowed to the Eastern King and said, "Eastern King, although our Eastern Border has declined over the years, we are not so weak as to be bullied at our doorstep. Dongfang Sheng was one of our Eastern Border lords, and cannot simply be killed without clarity. Moreover, there is also the commander of the Eastern Border, Lu Bentian, who is rumored to have been executed by someone as well."


    The Old Eastern King, Muu Tianye, once again slammed the table furiously and bellowed, "I¡¯ve said this before, Dongfang Sheng deserved death for his insubordination. As for Lu Bentian, it was I who ordered his execution. Are you questioning that too?"


    "I may be old, but I am still the King of the Eastern Border. You may not accept this in your hearts, but hold it in at least until I abdicate. Don¡¯t make a fuss in front of me again, or do not blame me for being impolite!"


    "I disagree!"


    Martial Peak immediately bellowed in anger, "Regardless of whether he¡¯s still the Northern Border King or not, he just killed Dongfang Sheng of Dongcheng Ridge the day before yesterday. And now you want me to join forces with him? I must say, I cannot do it!"


    "I also disagree!"


    "Flora Ridge does not agree either. Dongfang Sheng was my good friend, and his death at another¡¯s hand cannot be avenged by me due to certain reasons. But to ask me to cooperate with his murderer, I cannot do it. If the Eastern King insists on this, then please strip me of my Lordship!"


    At that moment, several Lords of the Eastern Border unanimously expressed their opposition.


    The Old Eastern King found himself in a difficult position. As he had neglected the affairs of the Eastern Border over the years, his personal control over the Base Camp¡¯s forces had dwindled, while the critical powers of the Eastern Border had become concentrated in the hands of several Lords.


    If these Lords all disagreed, his position as the King of the Eastern Border would be nothing but empty authority.


    At that point, only Su Kesu of Coastal Ridge had not given his opinion, and the Old Eastern King seemed to see a glimmer of hope as he asked, "Lord of the Coastal Ridge, you didn¡¯t speak up just now. May I know your thoughts?"


    Su Kesu smiled and slowly said, "Although I wasn¡¯t close to Dongfang Sheng, he was still a colleague. Now that he has been slain, my subordinates and I decisively cannot cooperate with his enemy. My opinion is the same. If the Old Eastern King insists, then please take away my Lordship as well."


    The Old Eastern King immediately felt powerless; it was naturally impossible for him to strip the positions of all five Lords at once. To do so might well throw the entire Eastern Border into chaos.


    However, Su Kesu swiftly changed the subject and continued, "But Old Eastern King, as you just mentioned, if we want to attack East Pole Island and completely eradicate this cancer, my Coastal Ridge could also contact a strong foreign ally."


    The Old Eastern King¡¯s eyes brightened as he immediately asked, "You can still contact strong foreign support? Which power is it?"


    A slight smile played on Su Kesu¡¯s lips, and then he slowly enunciated, "The Sky Eagle Sect!"

 Chapter 197: The Sky Eagle Sect Has Great Schemes

    "Sky Eagle Sect?" the Old Eastern King Muu Tianye narrowed his eyes slightly and subconsciously turned his head to look at the two tall, thin elders behind Su Kesu.@@@@


    Over the years, the Sky Eagle Sect had developed rapidly along the Coastal Ridge, significantly bolstered by the support of Su Kesu. Now that it had grown more powerful, the sect was clearly no longer satisfied with just staying at the Coastal Ridge.


    The Old Eastern King was aware of the Sky Eagle Sect¡¯s ambitions. In fact, half a year ago, Su Kesu had repeatedly brought up the idea of allowing the Sky Eagle Sect to expand in the Eastern Border, proposing that as a bargaining chip, the sect would provide a large number of masters to join the Eastern Border Base Camp.


    Although the Old Eastern King was advanced in years, he wasn¡¯t foolish and naturally wouldn¡¯t agree to the Sky Eagle Sect¡¯s scheme of encroaching upon the Eastern Border.


    Su Kesu claimed loudly, "Indeed, the Old Eastern King, it is the Sky Eagle Sect. Over these years, the sect has rapidly grown in power, which is evident to all. With the help of the Sky Eagle Sect, annihilating East Pole Island in the Outer Sea would naturally be an easy feat."


    At this moment, another lord chimed in agreement, "Lord Su¡¯s proposal is good. I support it. After all, the Sky Eagle Sect is a local power of our Eastern Border. It is far more reliable than those so-called experts from outside, and of course, much stronger."


    Furious, Sima Zhantian retorted, "What are you saying? Are you questioning the strength of my lord?"


    The lord with white streaks in his beard laughed and said, "That¡¯s a bit too serious. I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m questioning, but just look at you few, and then look at East Pole Island, which has seven island masters, each of them highly skilled in martial arts. As the saying goes, ¡¯two fists can¡¯t defeat four hands.¡¯ Surely you understand this, right?"


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn¡¯t help but snort with laughter, "Just the few of us would be more than enough to annihilate East Pole Island!"


    Another lord scoffed, "Anyone can talk big. Haven¡¯t there always been those who are all talk and no action? Launching a military expedition against East Pole Island is no child¡¯s play. If we don¡¯t handle it well, our entire force could be annihilated. So we must find a reliable, trustworthy, and powerful ally. Clearly, the Sky Eagle Sect is an excellent choice."


    "King of the Eastern Border, we propose that the Sky Eagle Sect serve as our ally. In three days¡¯ time, we set out to conquer East Pole Island!"


    "We also agree. Old Eastern King, just give the nod!" several other lords also voiced their support.


    The Old Eastern King Muu Tianye still remained silent, saying not a word. Su Kesu, seeing this, said, "Eastern King, all the major lords have already agreed to have the Sky Eagle Sect as our ally, and the sect possesses a large number of masters, truly our optimum choice. What are you still hesitating for?"


    The Old Eastern King didn¡¯t answer him directly but instead turned to Ye Feng and asked, "Younger Brother Ye, what do you think?"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh and said half-heartedly, "Old Eastern King, you shouldn¡¯t be asking me. As you have said, I am but an outsider and should not interfere in the affairs of the Eastern Border. So the decision still has to be made by you."


    The Left Protector of the Sky Eagle Sect said, "In reply to the Eastern King, our Sky Eagle Sect is abundant in masters. We have five at the Huajin Grandmaster level, one of whom is a Half-Step Martial King, and I¡¯m not afraid to tell you, our sect master is a Martial King!"


    Hisss...


    The Old Eastern King instantly sucked in a breath of cold air. He had never imagined that the Sky Eagle Sect, holed up in the Coastal Ridge, possessed such formidable and terrifying strength.


    Five Huajin Grandmasters, one Half-Step Martial King, plus a Martial King, this level of top-tier combat power was almost enough to contend with the Eastern Border.


    No wonder the Sky Eagle Sect could develop so rapidly in just three years. Now it seemed, their ambitions were not small at all!


    Muu Tianye, the Old Eastern King, sighed softly in his heart and then asked, "If your Sky Eagle Sect is willing to lend a hand this time, may I know what conditions are there?"


    The Left Protector smiled slightly and said, "I heard of the Eastern King¡¯s valiance in my early years, and today you are still as forthright and quick-spoken as ever. Since you¡¯ve asked directly, I won¡¯t beat around the bush.


    Our sect master had already advised that as long as the Old Eastern King agrees to let our Sky Eagle Sect expand within the designated range, we will certainly help the Eastern Border to completely wipe out East Pole Island."


    The Old Eastern King¡¯s face showed no emotion, evidently, he had already anticipated this condition, not unlike what the Northern Border King had proposed.


    At this thought, the Old Eastern King couldn¡¯t help but inwardly sigh, realizing that he might truly be getting old. Within his home borders, so many powers had sprung up in the last few years; had this been during his prime, he would not have tolerated it and would have sent armies to wipe them out without leaving a trace.


    Su Kesu couldn¡¯t help but say, "Eastern King, I think the Sky Eagle Sect¡¯s condition is reasonable. Moreover, they have promised to supply our Eastern Border Base Camp with talents and masters in the future. That¡¯s a good thing."


    The Old Eastern King inwardly sneered, a good thing for you perhaps, but a complete disaster for me. Once the Sky Eagle Sect starts supplying a large number of skilled people to the Eastern Border, I fear that in less than five years, the Eastern Border Base Camp will belong to the Sky Eagle Sect.


    "Allow me to think it over for a day," the Old Eastern King waved his hand, suddenly feeling somewhat dispirited.


    "Eastern King..." Su Kesu called out.


    "Retire. I¡¯ll give you an answer before the sunset tomorrow!" The Old Eastern King waved his hand, then turned and walked through the side door into the Inner Courtyard.

 Chapter 198 Of Course, That’s Not What I Meant

    Ye Feng had just stepped out of the council hall when the notoriously hot-tempered Sima Zhantian couldn¡¯t hold back any longer, and asked, "My Lord, why didn¡¯t you let me take action just now to eliminate that Lord of the Coastal Ridge, and those two members of the Sky Eagle Sect behind him? I get angry just looking at their arrogant demeanor."


    Ye Feng shook his head with a smile and said, "This place is, after all, the Base Camp of the Old Eastern King. If the Old Eastern King were not present, it would be another matter, but since he still holds sway over the Eastern Border, we should show him some courtesy. The Old Eastern King has a deep friendship with our Old Northern King, after all."


    Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian immediately fell silent. It was probably more than a decade ago when the Old Northern King was still alive, and the Old Eastern King was that brave warrior who, with a sword in the left hand and a horse¡¯s reins in the right, often visited the Northern Upper Territory to discuss the great trends of the world with the Old Northern King.


    It was during that time that Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi, among others, spoke of the influence of the Old Eastern King. After the death of the Old Northern King, combined with the Old Eastern King¡¯s advanced age, the interactions between the Northern and Eastern Borders gradually became less frequent.


    Xiao Chuanqi asked, "May I ask, my Lord, regarding East Pole Island in the Outer Sea of the Eastern Border, are we truly going to stand by and do nothing, allowing that Coastal Ridge and the Sky Eagle Sect to act recklessly and uncontrollably?"


    Ye Feng turned to glance at the Base Camp behind him, then sighed, "Rest assured, as long as the Old Eastern King is not completely senile, he will surely know how to make a decision. You need not say more. Given the temperament of the Old Eastern King, I fear that the results may only be known by early morning tomorrow."


    Having said this, Ye Feng quickened his pace and headed briskly toward the accommodations on the left.


    Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi exchanged glances, then shook their heads and hurried to follow him, with Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang closely behind.


    The night grew deeper, and the Eastern Border¡¯s winter was rainy. In the second half of the night, a light, drizzling rain started to fall, occasionally mixed with bits of ice.


    Although it didn¡¯t snow in the winter of the Eastern Border, once it rained, it was always freezing rain. This kind of freezing rain was extremely cold and damp, making one feel miserably uncomfortable without reason.


    Of course, this severe cold was nothing to Ye Feng; he spent almost the entire night sitting cross-legged on the bed, his hands forming a strange Dharma Seal, constantly practicing his Breathing Technique. It was uncertain how many Grand Circulations his Qi Force had completed in his body.


    It was not until dawn was breaking that Hong Qingyan came to knock on the door. Ye Feng still hadn¡¯t managed to open a single Acupoint. After reaching the status of a High-Level Martial King, especially after surpassing a hundred Acupoints, each additional Acupoint became increasingly difficult to penetrate.


    Ye Feng shook his head, and then called out, "Come in!"


    Hong Qingyan entered slowly, carrying a basin of steaming hot water, which sent up rolling wisps of steam.


    "Naturally, or else I wouldn¡¯t have troubled Younger Brother Ye by asking you to come early in the morning."


    As Muu Tianye, the Old Eastern King, said this, he coughed out of habit and then said solemnly, "After pondering the whole night, I finally came up with a perfect plan. The plan to eradicate East Pole Island in two days remains unchanged. As for the allies, Younger Brother Ye, you naturally must go, and I have already agreed about the Sky Eagle Sect as well."


    A look of ¡¯as expected¡¯ appeared on Ye Feng¡¯s face. Based on his understanding of the Old Eastern King, he had already guessed that the latter would make such a choice.


    Sima Zhantian couldn¡¯t help but ask, "May I ask what you mean, Eastern King? Surely you¡¯re not suggesting we both serve as allies simultaneously?"


    "Exactly, that is what I mean," replied the Old Eastern King.


    The Old Eastern King chuckled and remarked, "This East Pole Island of the Outer Sea is said to have five Island Masters, each a Top-Level Grandmaster. They¡¯re truly not easy to deal with. So, to be cautious, I invited both parties. Of course, the conditions previously promised to you will need to be adjusted somewhat."


    "What sort of adjustments?" Xiao Chuanqi asked.


    "Quite simple," said the Old Eastern King. "It will be determined by your contributions. For example, if one of you manages to slay one of the five Island Masters of East Pole Island, then I agree to let either the Martial Alliance or the Sky Eagle Sect develop in one of the ridges. If two are slain, then there are two ridge regions available, and so on.


    If Younger Brother Ye and your group can eliminate the five Island Masters of East Pole Island, then the Martial Alliance can fully proceed to develop in five ridges within the Eastern Border. As for the Sky Eagle Sect, they can get lost."


    Having said this, Muu Tianye, the Old Eastern King, turned to look at Ye Feng and smiled, "Younger Brother Ye, what do you think?"


    Ye Feng replied with a slight smile, "I naturally have no problem. How about the Sky Eagle Sect?"


    The Old Eastern King said, "The Sky Eagle Sect certainly wouldn¡¯t dare to dissent. They¡¯ve already replied a moment ago, and they have agreed. Since Younger Brother Ye also has no issues, then it¡¯s decided. In two days¡¯ time, we set sail together to eradicate East Pole Island and purge the Eastern Border¡¯s scourge to the benefit of the people!"


    "Eradicate East Pole Island, purge the Eastern Border of its scourge for the good of the people!" echoed through the meeting hall as several commanders and deputy commanders raised their voices in support, all appearing passionate and determined.


    Ye Feng just smiled, then bowed and said, "In that case, we shall take our leave for now and set out together in two days!"

 Chapter 199: Sky Splitting Eagle and Sky Splitting Tyrant

    Two days had passed in the blink of an eye, and the winter rain had been getting heavier. By the next morning, a thick fog had even set in.


    "Haha, heaven truly aids us, with this heavy fog on the sea covering our approach, we will be able to get near East Pole Island without anyone knowing!"


    In the council hall, Mu Tianye, the Old Eastern King, laughed heartily, exuding an air of high spirits.


    At this moment, in the hall, the eight deputy commanders and several lords from the Eastern Border had gathered, and to the left were Ye Feng and his four companions.


    To the right, there were also five people, five slender figures in black robes with unusually long arms, nearly reaching their knees, which were very conspicuous. Of course, what stood out the most were their palms, wider than those of ordinary people, with each finger noticeably thicker.


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze sharpened slightly as he took this in; he had realized that these five experts from the Sky Eagle Sect were likely practicing something like the Eagle Claw Technique.


    Although the Eagle Claw Technique was an Outer Sect Kung Fu, focusing much of the power in the hands, what Ye Feng hadn¡¯t expected was that the Qi Force of these five experts from the Sky Eagle Sect was exceptionally robust, including three Huajin Grandmasters, one Half-Step Martial King, and the person in the center was remarkably a Martial King.


    According to Su Kesu, the Lord of the Coastal Ridge, this represented only half of the Sky Eagle Sect¡¯s forces, with the other half already waiting on the ship. This showed the strength of the sect, which was now comparable to the whole Eastern Border.@@@@


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help feeling puzzled. It seemed that in the world of commoners, there were indeed hidden dragons and crouching tigers. The saying that there¡¯s always someone better out there really did hold true.


    "Gentlemen, in order to approach East Pole Island undetected by the enemy, we shall use a cruise ship for our ocean voyage. You all may disguise yourselves as wealthy merchants and the like, with the general guise of heading out to sea for leisure!" the steward of the Eastern Border announced.


    The gathered had already been aware of this plan, and the steward¡¯s announcement was simply a formality. Soon, all arrangements were complete and it was time to set out.


    By this time, Hong Qingyan was already waiting outside the door. Seeing Ye Feng emerge, she approached and asked, "Big Brother Ye, you plan to take me to sea this time, even though you said we were going to carry out a dangerous mission. Isn¡¯t it inappropriate to bring me along?"


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "You¡¯re mistaken; we¡¯re not going to carry out a dangerous mission, but rather to enjoy a cruise. Since it¡¯s for leisure on the high seas, it¡¯s natural to take you with us."


    As for the Old Eastern King, there was no need for him to pretend¡ªseeing his rotund figure, sometimes Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but suspect that he was indeed a genuine tycoon turned nouveau riche.


    "Are we all ready? Let¡¯s set off!" The Old Eastern King led the way. He wasn¡¯t very tall, with a protruding belly, and with a young woman in each arm, he swayed pompously as he walked, looking every inch the wealthy landlord.


    The east side of the Base Camp led to the coast, where a huge cruise ship was already docked. Everyone boarded one by one, and with a deep horn sound, the cruise set out to sea.


    It wasn¡¯t until this moment that Ye Feng finally saw the other half of the Sky Eagle Sect¡¯s power, also five elegantly dressed figures, each just as formidable. Especially the one in the middle¡ªhe was also a Middle Rank Martial King.


    This meant that the Sky Eagle Sect had two Martial Kings, which was indeed a considerable force!


    Shortly after, the other five masters of the Sky Eagle Sect came over. As all ten people gathered together, they sat in the grand hall, exuding a formidable presence, especially the two Martial Kings, who were seated in the main seats, emanating an aura of authority.


    Even when the Old Eastern King went up to make small talk, the Middle Rank Martial King, who was the leader of the Sky Eagle Sect, responded with barely a glance, completely disregarding Mu Tianye, the King of the Eastern Border.


    Old Eastern King Mu Tianye, feeling snubbed, could only turn away resentfully and walk towards Ye Feng, muttering under his breath, "What arrogance, to behave like this before me, I... If it were ten years ago, I would have dealt with him by now!"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I¡¯m afraid that even ten years ago, Old Eastern King Mu Tianye, you might not have been able to deal with him." Read exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m


    At this, Ye Feng shook his head slightly and sighed softly, "A Middle Rank Martial King is indeed a rarity, I wonder where this guy has sprung from. By the way, these two Martial Kings are the leader and deputy leader of the Sky Eagle Sect, what are their names?"


    Still indignant, Old Eastern King Mu Tianye replied, "The leader is named Sky Splitting Eagle, and his deputy is Sky Splitting Tyrant. It is said that the two are brothers."


    "Sky Splitting Eagle?" Ye Feng mused and then shook his head in secrecy; he had not heard of this name before, nor had he seen it in the secret records of the previous era. Of course, this did not rule out the possibility that the two were using aliases.


    Suddenly, Sky Splitting Eagle, the leader of the Sky Eagle Sect, whispered something in the ear of his deputy, Sky Splitting Tyrant, and right after, Sky Splitting Tyrant stood up abruptly and walked directly over to Ye Feng.

 Chapter 200 How do you want to play?

    At this moment, the Sky Splitting Tyrant was no longer clad in his usual black tight-fitting attire but donned a black formal suit, appearing like an extraordinary noble. He stood tall with his head held high, taking steps toward Ye Feng.


    "Are you the one called Ye Feng?"


    The Sky Splitting Tyrant approached and asked. Without waiting for Ye Feng to reply, he continued, "Our Sect Leader invites you to have a talk over there."


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyebrows slightly raised, but he said nothing more.


    It was Old Eastern King Mu Tianye whose expression suddenly became strange. Of course, he could tell that this Sky Splitting Tyrant¡¯s demeanor was far too haughty, and his way of extending an invitation was exceedingly impolite and overbearing.


    Sima Zhantian immediately bellowed, "Your Sky Eagle Sect really puts on quite the show. If your Sect Leader wishes to meet our lord, then let him come here."


    The Sky Splitting Tyrant flashed a grin and said, "I¡¯ve heard that the former Northern Border King had a heart as vast as the sun and moon. Surely you won¡¯t quibble over such a trifle, right?"


    Sima Zhantian wanted to roar in anger, but Ye Feng gestured with his hand to stop him.


    "You do have a way with words. That flattery was not particularly good, but quite enjoyable," Ye Feng said with a faint smile, then turned and walked toward the grand hall ahead. Sima Zhantian glared at the Sky Splitting Tyrant before swiftly following Ye Feng.


    The cruise ship had four layers and was incredibly luxurious and enormous. Currently, Ye Feng and his party were on the highest top layer, which hosted a grand hall with a massive round conference table set in the middle. At this moment, the Sky Eagle Sect Leader, Sky Splitting Eagle, was seated at the head of this round table.


    Ye Feng walked straight to the table and sat down opposite Sky Splitting Eagle.


    Sky Splitting Eagle sat with his legs wide open in a commanding manner. He was tall and powerfully built, with exceptionally long arms. His fingers were like gnarled tree roots, strong and forceful. He pulled out a cigar and offered one to Ye Feng as well.


    Ye Feng shook his head to decline.


    The Sky Splitting Eagle didn¡¯t insist. He bit onto the cigar, and a follower promptly stepped forward to light it. After taking a deep puff and exhaling a long plume of smoke, the Sky Eagle Sect Leader then spoke in a deep voice, "I have indeed heard of Your Excellency¡¯s feats in the Northern Border."@@@@


    In front of Ye Feng, a cup of tea had appeared. He picked it up, took a slight sip, and chuckled. "Your Sky Eagle Sect may only dwell in the Eastern Border¡¯s Coastal Ridge, but you have ears in all directions, even dabbling in the affairs of the Northern Border. It seems to me that what you aspire to is no small feat."


    The Sky Splitting Eagle burst into loud laughter, his voice echoing in the hall like a great bell, even suppressing the sound of the sea waves outside, which showed the robustness of his inner strength.


    Dice were just the surface; what they were truly comparing was their own power!


    The Sky Splitting Eagle sneered and said, "Since we¡¯re going to play, we should put up a wager. What do you think?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained as calm as the water in a deep well as he smiled faintly, "You decide."


    "Fine, if I win, from this point on, you will leave the Eastern Border and never set foot here again. However, if by chance I lose, you shall have the final say in this territory of the Eastern Border." The Sky Splitting Eagle said.


    Ye Feng listened and then shook his head with a smile.


    The Sky Splitting Eagle asked coldly, "What, you don¡¯t dare?"


    Ye Feng chuckled and said, "You made one mistake. Who has the final say over the Eastern Border isn¡¯t up to me to decide, and certainly not up to you either. That¡¯s something you should ask the Old Eastern King."


    The Old Eastern King straightened his back subconsciously upon hearing that. Although he was quite angry about the Sky Splitting Eagle¡¯s words, Ye Feng¡¯s statement undoubtedly salvaged his dignity.


    The Sky Splitting Eagle just swept a cold glance at the Old Eastern King, having long since stopped regarding this twilight-stricken old man; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to act out today.


    The Old Eastern King chuckled and suggested, "Since both of you have come for the five ridges of the Eastern Border, why not stake them in the gamble?"


    "Not a bad idea!" The Sky Splitting Eagle suddenly grinned, "If I lose this bet, then my Sky Eagle Sect will henceforth withdraw from the Eastern Border. But if I win, then you shall no longer have any say over the Eastern Border, how about that?"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, "With that settled, let us begin."


    The Sky Splitting Eagle snorted coldly and grabbed the Gu Bell, swiftly shaking it as the die clattered crisply against the porcelain walls.


    All of a sudden, he slammed the Gu Bell onto the table and said, "Please, large or small?"


    At this moment, all eyes in the room turned to Ye Feng, many nervously on edge.


    Ye Feng still maintained his faint smile, "Heaven and earth allow me passage; naturally, I choose large!"


    "Then I¡¯m sorry, you might lose!" The Sky Splitting Eagle opened his mouth wide, his face brimming with excitement and a mocking, teasing expression.

 Chapter 201 - A Real Fight with Real Swords and Guns

    From start to finish, Ye Feng¡¯s face was still brimming with a faint smile, a smile that revealed a strong sense of certainty and confidence.


    "Open it!" Ye Feng simply waved his hand.


    The Sky Splitting Eagle grasped the lid with one hand, but at that moment, he suddenly exerted force in the palm of his hand, subtly channeling the Qi Force through the Gu Bell¡¯s lid, causing the dice that had originally shown five points to suddenly spin, turning into two points.


    This move was executed flawlessly, unbeknownst to everyone present. Even the Old Eastern King did not sense it, after all, the Old Eastern King only had the strength of a Half-Step Martial King at the moment.


    And this Sky Eagle Sect Leader was a Middle Rank Martial King, with nearly half of his Acupoints already opened. His Qi Force was not only vast and mighty, but it had also reached a level of mastery that was nothing short of magical.


    Of course, the Sky Splitting Eagle¡¯s trick could not escape the eyes of one person, and that person was naturally Ye Feng!


    Ye Feng remained impassive, only tapping the table surface with two fingers of his right hand. A strand of Qi Force passed directly through the table, and the dice inside the Gu Bell changed from the original two points to six points.


    Just as the Sky Splitting Eagle was about to lift the lid, he suddenly sensed something amiss, his expression changing drastically. He exerted force in his palm once more, unleashing a torrent of Qi Force in an attempt to alter the dice points again.


    However, at that moment, Ye Feng¡¯s right hand, resting on the table, moved ever so slightly.


    The next instant, the Sky Splitting Eagle¡¯s expression changed yet again, as he shockingly discovered that his Qi Force could not disturb the dice at all.@@@@


    Clearly, the dice were being overridden by Ye Feng¡¯s Qi Force, making it impossible for the Sky Splitting Eagle to change them.


    Seeing this, the Sky Splitting Tyrant next to him also changed his expression, exclaiming inwardly, "How is this possible, even my elder brother..."


    At this time, the look in the Sky Splitting Eagle¡¯s eyes towards Ye Feng was no longer one of contempt, but rather filled with intense gravity.


    As the saying goes, outsiders watch the excitement while insiders watch the technique. This single move was enough to show that this young man of perhaps only twenty-four or five years old sitting across had reached a terrifying level in the mastery of his Qi Force.


    Ye Feng slightly raised his head and said with a light chuckle, "What¡¯s the matter, still not lifting the lid? Why the daze?"


    The Sky Splitting Eagle was in a dilemma. Having tried to use his Inner Strength multiple times, he still found it impossible to affect the dice, so much so that sweat began to bead on his forehead.


    Of course, he was also quite aware that if he revealed the outcome now, his defeat would be undeniable. The stakes of the bet might not concern him much, but right now, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, a loss would mean losing all his face.


    Sky Splitting Eagle could certainly tell that Ye Feng¡¯s last remark was filled with deep disdain for him, even treating him like a little brat, not paying him any attention at all.


    "Ye Feng..." Sky Splitting Eagle slowly clenched his fists, his face revealing murderous intent.


    Sky Splitting Tyrant stepped forward slightly, leaned in and asked in a low voice, "Big brother, during the brief exchange just now, were you able to gauge the strength of this Ye fellow?"


    Sky Splitting Eagle suddenly withdrew his gaze, gritting his teeth, word by word, "This kid¡¯s strength, even I can¡¯t quite fathom it; unfathomable is the only way to describe it."


    Hiss...


    Sky Splitting Tyrant took a sharp intake of breath and couldn¡¯t help asking, "Big brother, after three decades of roaming the Martial Arts World, fighting countless battles, do you really have no confidence in taking down such a green youngster?"


    Sky Splitting Eagle shook his head slightly, then mused, "No, I can¡¯t see through him. Even if you and I joined forces, we might not be his match."


    Discover hidden stories at novelhall.Co?m


    "So, what should we do next?" Sky Splitting Tyrant couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious.


    "This... it looks like we need to think of a foolproof plan," Sky Splitting Eagle fell into deep thought.


    Suddenly, Sky Splitting Tyrant said, "Or maybe, big brother, we could simply cooperate with East Pole Island..."


    Upon hearing this, Sky Splitting Eagle¡¯s eyes lit up, and the more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He then stood up from his chair with a jolt and clapped his hands, "Not bad, not bad at all, your suggestion is indeed excellent. However, we must absolutely keep this a secret; we cannot let a single word slip.


    Otherwise, we might not even make it to East Pole Island before we lose our lives."


    Sky Splitting Tyrant nodded repeatedly, a grave expression surfacing on both of their faces.


    "It¡¯s easy to talk about this matter, but it¡¯s not easy to implement. Firstly, there¡¯s not much time, and secondly, whether East Pole Island is willing to cooperate is another matter altogether."


    Sky Splitting Eagle, a veteran in the Martial Arts World, quickly thought through the entire matter, then said, "Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do: you contact the steward right away, have him make a trip to East Pole Island without fail to probe their inclinations. Of course, the most important thing is to clarify the strength of that Ye fellow.


    I believe East Pole Island wouldn¡¯t dare to underestimate him, and upon understanding the stakes, they will agree to join forces with us."


    "Alright, big brother, I¡¯ll take care of it right away!" Sky Splitting Tyrant said and then left. At the same time, a special phone appeared in his hand.

 Chapter 202 Each Harboring Their Own Schemes

    The Eastern Border, on an island sixty nautical miles from the coast.


    From a distance, the island was lush with trees and various seabirds fluttered up and down, appearing to be an ordinary island. However, once through the dense forest, one would discover a different realm altogether.


    "Big Brother, are we really going to cooperate with the people from the Sky Eagle Sect?"


    In the very center of the island, hidden deep within the mountains and forests, stood a palace-like luxurious villa. At the moment, by a large open-air fish pond, a one-eyed man sat in a vacation chair feeding the fish, and what swam below were the most ferocious sharks in the ocean.


    The speaker was a tall and thin man in a white suit sitting beside the one-eyed man, looking particularly refined.


    "Cooperate, of course we should cooperate."


    "A top-level expert who might be a Middle Rank Martial King, to be honest, this is much more interesting than dealing with the useless Old Undying, the Eastern King. Coincidentally, the two envoys are visiting our East Pole Island at this time. There¡¯s an old saying in Xuanyuan Nation: it¡¯s better to be timely than early, don¡¯t you think so?"


    Suddenly, the one-eyed man stood up and waved his hand across the pond, and in a moment, several subordinates escorted two men covered in blood and indifferently pushed them into the water.


    His fish weren¡¯t full yet!


    "The people from Xuanyuan are always cunning. I¡¯m just afraid they might play tricks."


    In the pond, a hungry great white shark swam menacingly while the suited man, watching the two men calling for help, sneered coldly at the corner of his mouth.


    "In the face of absolute power, any tricks are futile."


    "Since they like acting, let¡¯s play along with them. I¡¯ll personally lure the target to the island, and you go invite the two envoys to join forces. No matter who comes to our island, I¡¯ll make sure they won¡¯t return."


    "Also, order Old Three, Old Four, and Old Five to lead men to ambush in the shadows. After I lure the target away, take care of that old trash, the Eastern King."


    Having said that, the one-eyed man picked up the mountain-splitting knife by his side and turned to leave, into the foggy outdoors ¨C a perfect convergence of time, place, and people.


    He was asking for death!


    "Done!"


    On the cruise ship, Sky Splitting Tyrant smirked sinisterly.


    "How¡¯s the preparation for the task I assigned to you?"


    Lei Tianying sat calmly in his chair. Despite his excellent disguise, the gleam of scheming in his eyes couldn¡¯t be hidden. He spoke with his heart voice.


    "The elders have left seclusion. Rest assured, Big Brother, before we set off, I had already released the Cloud Eagles. No one will be able to trace them."


    "That ignorant Old Eastern King, this time, there¡¯s no need for him to return!"


    Apart from the heavy clouds and mist, it would not be hard to spot several tiny dots soaring in the sky above the cruise ship. No matter where the cruise ship went, they always followed. Those were the Cloud Eagles raised by the Sky Eagle Sect, and although eagles were creatures of the plains, their hunting did not rely solely on sight.


    "It¡¯s my first time out to sea, I¡¯ve grown this big."


    On the deck, Hong Qingyan opened her eyes wide, immersing herself in everything the sea had to offer. Despite the thick fog, her heart¡¯s joy was boundless.


    "Do you like watching the sea?"


    Ye Feng swung the seven gold rings on his hand, and with a big cigar clasped in his mouth, he asked. With the Old Eastern King¡¯s meager abilities, it was probably hard to find a spy not on this cruise ship.


    Since it was a performance, it had to be convincingly real.


    "I love it!"


    "Big Brother Ye, I don¡¯t know why, but I feel an inexplicable closeness to the sea, as if I was born to be on the sea. Isn¡¯t that a bit funny?"


    Hong Qingyan¡¯s body leaned forward, seemingly unfazed by the possibility of falling into the sea.


    "Of course, it¡¯s not funny. You¡¯re so beautiful that whatever you say can be forgiven. Besides, look who your man is?"


    Great Hand gently wrapped around Hong Qingyan¡¯s slender waist.


    The game was simple¡ªseveral women were placed at a distance, and the participating men, blindfolded, had to find their partner in the shortest possible time to win.


    As the game progressed, a fleet of speedboats, fast as torpedoes, approached the cruise ship on the sea surface.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The sound of water mines exploding interrupted the playful atmosphere inside the cabin and forced the cruise ship to a halt as bandits from East Pole Island leaped aboard one after another.


    "Muu Tianye, I¡¯m here."


    A roar echoed like thunder, making everyone¡¯s eardrums ring within the ship.


    A master fighter!


    Old Eastern King¡¯s face turned ashen. With the power emanating from the intruder, the enemy was beyond his capacity to deal with. They had arrived indeed, but why so soon?


    "You outlaw and villain, who are you to dare defame our Eastern Border King?"


    Wuyi Ridge Lord Martial Peak bellowed angrily.


    "Scram!"


    "You¡¯re not worthy of talking to me!"


    At the front of the deck, a one-eyed man with his hands on his knife hilt glared at Martial Peak. Just one look was enough to make Martial Peak¡¯s qi-blood surge and cause hidden injuries.


    "Which Island Master from East Pole Island are you?"


    Old Eastern King squinted his eyes and secretly broke into a cold sweat. If Ye Feng hadn¡¯t been right beside him at that moment, he would have thought of fleeing the battlefield. The blood trickling from the corner of Martial Peak¡¯s mouth hadn¡¯t escaped his notice.


    "I¡¯m the great Island Master of East Pole Island, the One-Eyed Lv Xiangyang."


    Lv Xiangyang was arrogant, utterly unfazed by the increasingly hostile glances from around Old Eastern King.


    "You¡¯re One-Eyed Lv Xiangyang? No, Lv Xiangyang, weren¡¯t you supposed to have died over a decade ago?"


    Flora Ridge Lord Shen Sanwan exclaimed in shock.


    One-Eyed Lv Xiangyang had been a notorious bandit in Flora Ridge more than a decade ago, and it was believed he had died in a crackdown led by Shen Sanwan and the former lord of Flora Ridge.


    "I¡¯m tough to kill!"


    "So you¡¯re the son of Shen Yunlong? Perfect, I¡¯ll start with you."


    As Shen Sanwan recognized Lv Xiangyang, the latter also recognized him. Without further words, Lv Xiangyang stepped forward, brandishing a large knife.


    "Stop right there, you insolent thief."


    A figure shot over the heads of the people, as the Sky Eagle Sect Master, with claws like hooks, reached out towards Lv Xiangyang¡¯s face.


    "Away with you!"


    In an instant, the large knife swung up, bringing with it a surge of powerful Qi Force sweeping towards Lie Tianying.


    A Middle Rank Martial King!


    "Meet your end!"


    Lie Tianying was delighted at the sight, and without changing his moves, he slightly leaned back as he suddenly kicked out at Lv Xiangyang.


    Having mastered the Eagle Claw Technique, although his claws were the most formidable weapons, his leg skills were hardly inferior; an eagle has two talons, but a human has four limbs.


    "It seems you¡¯re the one courting death."


    Lv Xiangyang stood unmovable as a mountain, his left hand forming a palm strike that shot out.

 Chapter 203: The One Who Comes to Kill You

    The battle commenced the moment the two strong fighters engaged.


    Lv Xiangyang brought no few men, with dozens at the Grandmaster Level alone and as many as nine at the Huajin Grandmaster Level. But with just these people, swallowing up an entire force of Eastern Border warriors was clearly impossible.


    "Your Majesty, shall we make our move?" Xiao Chuanqi transmitted his voice.@@@@


    "Let¡¯s wait and see."


    "East Pole Island claims to have five great island lords, yet only one has shown up. What, do you think, are the others doing?" Ye Feng asked while covering for Hong Qingyan as they retreated behind a group of privileged young men. This battle was very fishy.


    To outsiders, the two combatants in the sea seemed to be exchanging masterful and lethal moves. But to Ye Feng, they appeared to be putting on an over-acted show, not even a genuine probing, when battles between Martial Kings could end in a blink. Dozens of exchanges and not a scratch on either of them?


    Did they take everyone for fools?


    Furthermore, the other experts from the Sky Eagle Sect had yet to show themselves, nor the remaining island lords of East Pole Island; even the Personal Guard Unit of the Old Eastern King and the followers of Muu Tianye were nowhere to be seen. Given the Old Eastern King¡¯s fear of death, Ye Feng firmly didn¡¯t believe the old fellow had not arranged some backup.


    "Kill!"


    "Those who disturb the peace of the Eastern Border, who bring chaos to the soil of Xuanyuan Nation, shall be slain without mercy. There is no need for captives in this battle; those who slay the enemy will be richly rewarded upon return," the Eastern King bellowed.


    In a certain moment, Ye Feng even felt as if the once formidable Old Eastern King had returned, only to then tail behind him like a thief.


    He wasn¡¯t foolish; if he couldn¡¯t detect anything amiss after such a lengthy, injury-free melee at sea, his head would have long been hung at the Ghost Gate Pass.


    "Tell me, Old Eastern King, as a general, is it appropriate for you to flee the battlefield like this?"


    Seeing the Old Eastern King sticking close behind him, Ye Feng was utterly speechless; the old man was blatantly exposing their position by following so closely.


    Old b*tch!


    "No worries, it¡¯s victory that counts on the battlefield. Such a small number wouldn¡¯t even get stuck in their teeth."


    Indeed, mighty rewards breed valorous warriors.


    The one-sided nature of the battle on the ship was clear, with a group of Eastern Border warriors charged up as if injected with chicken blood, yelling as they rushed at the thugs from East Pole Island, with one or two occasionally falling under the chaotic swords.


    "Stop hurting my brother, you thieves!"


    Just as the battle on the ship neared its end, another person rushed to the sea to encircle and attack Lv Xiangyang with Lie Tianying.


    "Victory to the Eastern Border!"


    "The Sky Eagle Sect is valiant!"


    "Both Sect Leaders are truly models for our kind!"


    ...


    With the addition of Sky Splitting Tyran¡¯s forces, the situation suddenly changed. Lv Xiangyang was repeatedly knocked into the water by the two attackers and sustained multiple injuries.


    Seeing this, the Eastern Border warriors, led by the Lord of Coastal Ridge, began cheering, and under intentional encouragement, others who didn¡¯t understand the situation also joined in the cheers.


    This was exactly what the Lord of Coastal Ridge, Su Kesu, wanted to see. In fact, his real name wasn¡¯t Su Kesu; it was Lie Keming, the biological son of the Sky Eagle Sect Leader. Otherwise, how could someone of his status as Lord of Coastal Ridge provoke the constant protective presence of the two great protectors of the Sky Eagle Sect?


    "Despicable!"


    "Sky Eagle Sect, I, the One-Eyed, will remember this."


    After yet another submersion, the injured Lv Xiangyang turned to make a desperate escape.


    "Where do you think you¡¯re going, you thief?"


    "Hahaha! King of the Eastern Border, my brother and I will destroy that pathetic East Pole Island. Don¡¯t forget our agreement."


    With that, a gang of Sky Eagle Sect¡¯s experts leapt out of the cabin one after another and pursued in the direction of the two.


    "I think your Sky Eagle Sect must be having a tough time developing on that piece of land in the Eastern Border. Rather than being constrained by others, it would be better to come to my East Pole Island and live boldly and happily. Strong people should have their own stance."


    Lv Xiangyang laughed wildly.


    At this moment, three people had already walked out of the forest.


    Who are these?


    Island Ronin!


    Their loose, dark brown samurai robes were unmistakably the attire of Ronin from the Fusang Island Nation. Seeing the three approaching, Sky Splitting Tyrant¡¯s face turned ashen. The weakest among them, a man in a suit, also possessed the strength of a Primary Martial King.


    But more importantly, it was the two Fusang Ronin that caused Sky Splitting Tyrant¡¯s heart to tingle with fear. Even the weakest one among them was stronger than him, and the strength of the other one was inscrutable.


    "Mountain Wilderness Lord!"


    "Lord of the Water Source!"


    As the two Ronin approached, Lv Xiangyang bowed with exaggerated respect.


    "Brother Xiangyang, there¡¯s no need for such formality."


    "These two must be the esteemed leaders of the Sky Eagle Sect that you mentioned to us before. Truly remarkable. Friends, may we have the honor of inviting the two of you to join our East Pole Island?"


    The Ronin named Mountain Wilderness Lord bowed slightly.


    "Big brother, what should we do?"


    Lie Tianba sent a message in a panic, inwardly anxious. They had set a trap for Ye Feng, but now they were the ones caught in it.


    "Go along with it."


    "Let¡¯s play along with them for now. This East Pole Island is quite nice. When we have a chance to get away, we can ask our master to come out of seclusion. By then, East Pole Island will be in our pockets."


    One must admit, Sky Splitting Tyrant had a full plan in his heart.


    "As Ronin from Fusang, I wonder if my brother and I join East Pole Island, and if our actions are exposed one day, attracting the pursuit of strong pursuers from Xuanyuan Nation, could we count on protection?"


    Sky Splitting Tyrant asked intently.


    By now, if he still couldn¡¯t see that East Pole Island was a force supported by overseas Ronin, he would have been unworthy of being the leader of a sect. Enjoy exclusive chapters from novelhall.Co?m


    "Of course, by joining East Pole Island you two will be guest elders of the entire Ronin Guild. I forgot to introduce myself; I¡¯m the vice-chairman of the Ronin Guild, Yamano Okawa. This is Shuiyuan Longzhi, and we both are honorary island masters of East Pole Island."


    Yamano Okawa and Shuiyuan Longzhi exchanged a knowing smile.


    "Interesting!"


    "The worm that squirms has not died yet. Twenty years ago, you Fusang Ronin were chased away in a humiliating defeat, and yet you¡¯ve managed to make a comeback so quickly by forming a guild."


    A figure emerged leisurely from the woods; it was Ye Feng.


    In fact, earlier than Lv Xiangyang and the others, he had already reached East Pole Island. However, Ye Feng wanted to wait and see whether the three would start fighting amongst themselves, allowing him to take advantage of the situation. Instead, he witnessed this dramatic scene unfolding.


    "Who are you?"


    Yamano Okawa looked coldly at Ye Feng, his hand lightly gripping the hilt of his sword.


    "Don¡¯t ask who I am. The answer is, I¡¯m here to kill you."


    Ye Feng¡¯s demeanor was arrogant, with a cruel smile on his lips.


    After so many days, he had finally caught someone who could be considered an adversary. To be frank, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t wait to test out his true combat strength at this moment.


    In other words, he was brimming with energy and looking to vent it on someone.

 Chapter 204: The Bizarre Recovery Ability

    A stalemate in one sentence.


    For the Ronin of the Fusang Island Nation, regardless of whether Ye Feng was the Northern Border King or not, there was only one principle: kill without mercy.


    However, this statement elicited a loud laugh from Lv Xiangyang, who, swinging his broadsword, disdainfully asked,


    "Just by yourself?"


    Since he had witnessed this scene and had no intention of joining them, and coincidentally, they were in need of someone to make an example of, Lv Xiangyang and the two Ronin looked at each other and made up their minds.


    "Haha! Not to hide from you two, I know this kid¡¯s identity. He is the Northern Border King of the Xuanyuan Nation, and it is impossible to recruit him."


    Seeing that the three men had formed an encirclement, Lie Tianying¡¯s party was overjoyed and did not forget to add fuel to the fire.


    The Northern Border King?


    Unexpectedly, Lie Tianying¡¯s purposeful words instead caused the two Ronin to pause their movements, with Yamano Okamura meaningfully asking,


    "Are you Ye Feng or Zhu Guangbo?"


    Clearly, the vice-chairman of the Ronin Guild was not unfamiliar with the major events occurring within the Xuanyuan Nation, and his intention was punishable.


    "Ye Feng!"


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed. The world¡¯s powerful nations had always coveted the Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s land, but he wondered how many inside the nation had become traitors.


    "So, it is Mr. Ye Feng."


    "Heroes emerge from youth throughout history; Mr. Feng is truly an extraordinary talent. It¡¯s my pleasure to meet you. May I be so bold as to ask if we could become friends?"


    The moment these words were spoken, Lv Xiangyang¡¯s face sank instantly, but he held back due to the overwhelming strength of the two Ronin.


    "What kind of friends?"


    Ye Feng smiled with interest. He wanted to see what tricks these two Ronin could come up with.


    "Of course, the kind that can help each other out as good friends."@@@@


    "Without concealing it from you, our Ronin Guild has long admired your great name. As long as you¡¯re willing, the Ronin Guild will certainly lend you a helping hand to reclaim the throne of the Northern Border King."


    Yamano Okamura¡¯s posture was low, but not in the least servile, his left hand always close to the katana tied to his waist.


    "Ridiculous!"


    "I think you have yet to understand one thing¡ªI am the Northern Border King, and from the beginning to the end, there has only been me, Ye Feng. Since you have come here, then don¡¯t bother returning."


    Ye Feng¡¯s figure lunged violently forward, bearing down on Yamano Okamura.


    "Kill!"


    The flash of a blade unsheathed¡ªa silver arc swept by Yamano Okamura¡¯s katana in an instant, slashing down diagonally towards Ye Feng.


    The Blade Draw Technique!


    In the Fusang Island Nation, it is also known as the Iai Slash, famous for its speed and demands a severe understanding of the blade, which even a Martial King might not be able to comprehend.


    The figure merged into one, slashing through the air.


    However, as if forewarned, Ye Feng¡¯s body skimmed past the swift blade, avoiding the heavy slash, and he aimed a palm strike at Yamano Okamura¡¯s abdomen.


    Another swift blade swung towards Ye Feng¡¯s right palm. Yamano Okamura¡¯s mouth curled into a sinister smile as the blade he had swung out unexpectedly curved mid-flight.


    The essence of the Blade Draw Technique lies in the action of the swing; wherever the Blade Warrior¡¯s heart desires to cut, the blade can reach there. Both drawing and sheathing the blade are killing moves.


    A silver afterimage once again brushed past Ye Feng¡¯s abdomen, but fortunately, at the moment Shuiyuan Longzhi¡¯s attack came, he had already given up on attacking and slapped the ground in mid-air, employing "Dragonfly Touching Water and Soaring."


    Now, this is interesting!


    After landing, far from being intimidated, Ye Feng¡¯s fighting spirit surged even higher. The two Fusang Ronin were indeed strong. In that split second a moment ago, any hesitation could have meant he would be soaked in his own blood¡ªa feeling of danger he had not felt for a long time.


    A perfect opportunity for a battle!


    "Kill!"


    Ye Feng unleashed eighteen palm strikes in succession; his robust Qi Force made even the void tremble, kicking up sand and rocks on the beach, and his figure also dashed around in an instant.


    The two Ronin had mastered the "One Flash" realm of the Blade Draw Technique to a profound level, and the seamless cooperation between their attacks and defense left no room for Ye Feng to be anything but extremely cautious.


    "When there were two of you, you failed to kill me, now..."


    "You think you can do it alone?"


    Ye Feng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, laughing wildly.


    "You will see how you die."


    Yamano Okamura remained still, not agitated by Shuiyuan Longzhi¡¯s loss of combat ability, but instead unusually calm.


    Both hands held swords, Twin Blade Technique!


    The peak of extravagance and radiance, another Blade Draw Technique. Two silvery flashes moved with Yamano Okamura¡¯s figure intertwining towards him.


    "Heh! Unmoving as a mountain."


    The so-called ¡¯Unmoving as a mountain¡¯ amounted to the Martial King gathering Qi Force around the Protective Qi Shield, forming layers upon layers of protection. Ye Feng had not learned the Mahayana martial skills, but that didn¡¯t stop him from copying the technique.


    The true strength of a Martial King lay in their Qi Force¡ªas long as their Qi Force was powerful, it was impervious to the Ten Thousand Laws.


    The blade light cut against Ye Feng¡¯s Protective Qi Shield, piercing through to the inner layer in just a moment. Instead of retreating, Ye Feng met the attack head-on.


    Ugh! One by one,


    That was the sound of the blade penetrating flesh. In that moment, Ye Feng¡¯s right hand, which had been gathering power, lashed out, carrying with it his substantial Qi Force, aimed at a punch to Yamano Okamura¡¯s abdomen.


    Bang! Continue your saga on novelhall.Co?m


    Without any ¡¯ifs,¡¯ Yamano Okamura¡¯s figure flew back like a kite with its string cut, landing motionless on the sand.


    "Kill him, he¡¯s already seriously injured."


    Watching Ye Feng pull out the katana embedded in his own flesh, the four didn¡¯t give him a chance to catch his breath; they came at him in a group to pummel him.


    "Blade Draw Technique, let me give it a try."


    Ye Feng held the hilt of the blade, the next second his figure disappeared from the spot.


    In the blink of an eye, a flash of silvery light passed by, and Ye Feng¡¯s figure brushed past Lv Xiangyang¡¯s side.


    The blade was the same, however, the blood was invisible.


    "Blade Draw Technique!"


    Shuiyuan Longzhi, watching from a distance, was aghast at the scene.


    "You..."


    Lv Xiangyang collapsed helplessly. Ye Feng¡¯s slash had severed his heart and lungs, and his gaze turned towards the oncoming Han Feng. There were a thousand things he wanted to say but never had the chance.


    "I want you dead!"


    Because his back was turned, Han Feng didn¡¯t see the triumphant smile on Ye Feng¡¯s face. As he launched a punch, it was as if nothing had happened to Ye Feng, who turned around and responded with a punch of his own.


    Another figure was sent flying through the air.


    "No way, you aren¡¯t injured?"


    Slow to realize, even Lie Tianying, as foolish as he might be, noticed something was amiss. To kill two Martial Kings in quick succession, could this be the act of someone gravely wounded?


    "If I weren¡¯t a little hurt, what if you all ran away?"


    "Now that you think to run, it¡¯s too late."


    It had to be admitted that the Blade Draw Technique was indeed an excellent skill for killing. In Ye Feng¡¯s hands, it was precise with every strike.


    In just a brief moment, both Lie Tianying and Lie Tianba had become ghosts under the blade.


    "Do you know why I didn¡¯t kill you?"


    Ye Feng gently pressed at his wounds, his expression filled with an oddity.


    Because during the fight just now, the two katana wounds on his body that hadn¡¯t been dealt with not only stopped bleeding, but the insides had also started to heal.


    How strange!


    Could it be that upon breaking through as a Martial King, his body had also started to change? But Ye Feng had never heard of any Martial King with regenerative abilities; moreover, at this rate, he¡¯d probably scab over in less than half a day.

 Chapter 205 Undefeated Legend, Xiao Chuanqi

    The battle on East Pole Island had just ended when Ye Feng, without a moment¡¯s rest, pushed Shuiyuan Longzhi back with haste.


    Now that East Pole Island¡¯s current Island Master, Lv Xiangyang, and the Second Island Lord, Han Feng, were dead, plus two never-publicly-seen Honorary Island Masters, one dead and one captured, the remaining small fries were simply not worth fearing.


    What was truly frightening was the possibility that the people from Sky Eagle Sect were colluding with East Pole Island.


    Ye Feng was well aware that the experts from Sky Eagle Sect had not pursued them to East Pole Island, but rather had departed the cruise ship to head in the opposite direction. Whatever they intended to do, it definitely wasn¡¯t anything good.


    Looking back at the cruise ship, within five minutes of Ye Feng¡¯s departure, sinister figures began emerging from the calm sea¡ªthese men had fierce looks in their eyes, clearly bandits from East Pole Island, and their clothes were similar to those of the first group encountered.


    "Kill!"


    Without any warning, waves of pirates leaped onto the cruise ship, drawing swords and mercilessly slaughtering.


    Among those jumping aboard was East Pole Island¡¯s remaining three Island Masters, each of them being figures at the Peak of the Grandmaster level, and even two that had reached Half-Step Martial King.


    "Haha!"


    "Good, send the signal."


    A flare shot up into the sky, but it wasn¡¯t long before the Old Eastern King could no longer laugh, as he had underestimated the combat power of these soldiers from the Eastern Border; two leaders were cut down with just a slash across the face.


    "Protect the Mistress."


    Xiao Chuanqi drew his sword from its scabbard. If these soldiers of the Eastern Border were all to fall, it wouldn¡¯t just be a personal threat, it would be a huge loss for Xuanyuan Nation.


    However, Xiao Chuanqi was also frustrated. These men had just been fiercely indomitable; why did they crumble like a landslide when facing a few tough adversaries?


    A sword flashed coldly.


    Xiao Chuanqi intercepted the opponent of Flora Ridge¡¯s Lord, who was similarly a sword expert¡ªEast Pole Island¡¯s Third Island Lord, Li Ming.


    "Quick battle, quick decision, these people are all useless weaklings."


    Li Ming licked the blood from the corner of his mouth, brandishing his sword and charged at Xiao Chuanqi, daring to block his way.


    Only death awaited!


    "Damned, heaven has forsaken me too."


    Seeing one Eastern Border soldier after another falling, the Old Eastern King was racked with regret, pounding his chest and stamping his feet in anguish. He roughly guessed where the problem lay.


    It must have been his indulgence in pleasures and negligence in management that led his soldiers of the Eastern Border to emulate slackness and frivolity, rendering such an army incapable of fighting a tough battle. They could only pose as formidable when facing the lesser-numbered.


    Now reality had struck!


    "My Lord, we cannot hold any longer. As long as we preserve the green hills, there¡¯s no fear of running out of firewood."


    Lord Duan Yuntian of Haiyun Ridge said anxiously.


    "Without the hills, where would the firewood come from?"


    "Yuntian, you are a fine man. Go protect that girl. As the King of the Eastern Border, how could I flee from battle?"


    At this moment, the Old Eastern King finally stood up straight. He grabbed a Wolf Fang Club and charged straight into the battlefield with his figure erect. Find adventures at novelhall.Co?m


    "My Lord!"


    Lord Duan Yuntian¡¯s mouth was bitter beyond words. If only he had known, why did he even start? Sighing, he turned and walked towards where Hong Qingyan was.


    In fact, Lord Duan Yuntian didn¡¯t know that by sending him to protect Hong Qingyan, the Old Eastern King was also protecting him, because by her side were three top experts who hadn¡¯t yet made a move, brought by Ye Feng.


    "Good, very good!"


    Watching as one figure after another fell on the deck, Su Keming was not worried but rather pleased. Beside him, two elders were always blocking danger for him. In time, no blindly aggressive bandit dared to trouble him.


    Yet, having nothing to do, Su Keming did not help his comrades; instead, he stood on the deck as a cold observer.


    Of course, now they had to fight for their lives even more desperately, for Su Keming made it clear he would spare none¡ªin Xuanyuan Nation, assaulting and murdering a territorial ruler was a capital offense.


    "We will hold off the enemies for you two later, take the opportunity to get the Princess Consort out."


    Xiao Chuanqi transmitted the message secretly.


    "Regiment Leader Xiao, but you..."


    Xia Lengchan was astonished, he could tell that Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian had a chance to escape, but the latter did not seem to think so.


    "No buts, I am the First Legion Commander. With the lord absent, you listen to me."


    Xiao Chuanqi said decisively.


    Amidst this sorrow, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian exploded into action, pushing back the Sky Eagle Sect experts in front of them with punch and sword, and then moved to intercept the enemies facing Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang.


    "Go!"


    Without any hesitation, Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang lifted Hong Qingyan, intending to jump into the sea without further ado.


    But could they really escape?


    The moment Xiao Chuanqi drew his sword, the two Great Protectors by Su Keming¡¯s side had already taken to the air and flew towards them.


    "The person I¡¯ve set my sights on thinks to run? Since those two are seeking death, then let¡¯s begin with them."


    Pick on the weak.


    In this fight, the four opponents Xiao Chuanqi and company faced were originally the most relaxed, given their most intact fighting power. However, with a single sentence from Su Keming, the four enemies abandoned their original targets and converged on the two.


    "Find a chance to escape and inform the King."


    Who could have expected, Xiao Chuanqi surged forward again, his sword intercepting those four enemies. He was still determined to create an opportunity for Sima Zhantian to escape.


    One against five, it has to be said, Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s courage was much like Ye Feng¡¯s, but his situation was ultimately unlike Ye Feng¡¯s. After all, his strongest enemy was only at the Half-Step Martial King level.


    "Flying Heaven Throat Lock!"


    Five silhouettes, uniformly using the Eagle Claw Technique, clawed towards Xiao Chuanqi; there was no place for mercy against any opponent.


    Bang! Bang!


    One figure fell to the ground first, it was the Third Island Master of East Pole Island, Li Ming. His final gaze was not towards his enemies, but on the struggling Xiao Chuanqi, his lips faintly moving as if to say: I am still no match for him.


    "Ah! I will make you pay with your life."


    In his fury and power, Sima Zhantian found the enemy¡¯s weak spot, and with a fatal punch, he crushed the enemy¡¯s chest. Yet before he could take two steps to aid Xiao Chuanqi, another two assaulted him.


    "Idiots!"


    Seeing Sima Zhantian not immediately taking to the sea to escape, Xiao Chuanqi could only bitterly smile, at this moment, he too was at the end of his strength.


    Under the assault of five Sky Eagle Sect experts, scratches covered Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s body, blood was pouring out, and some of his wounds were so deep that the white of his bones showed through.


    Yet even so, Xiao Chuanqi did not fall.


    "King, you must survive, everyone is waiting for you."


    Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s face was resolute. As the First Legion Commander of the Northern Border, how could he allow himself to die without dignity?


    In an instant, Xiao Chuanqi gave up defending his front, let two experts claw at his abdomen, and turned his mourning sword into a flash of silver light.


    Thud! Thud!


    Two heads fell to the ground, along with a stream of blood pouring from Xiao Chuanqi.


    The three remaining Sky Eagle Sect experts withdrew instead of advancing. Although Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s aura was incredibly feeble at this point, as they looked upon the figure that still refused to topple, they hesitated to approach, their eyes filled with fear and respect.

 Chapter 206: Don’t Give Up on Treatment

    The Five Qi seemed to have dissipated.


    Within his body, there appeared to be some strange little qi clusters, like clouds of mushrooms blooming or like little pale white flowers.


    Eventually, the flowers bloomed and then withered away.


    Heh!


    A faint smile appeared on Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s lips. He no longer had the energy to care about the changes happening inside his body, as his consciousness was fading. He was the First Legion Commander of the Northern Border, and even in death, he would die standing!


    The will does not die, the body does not fall.


    "A bunch of beasts, I¡¯ll kill you."


    Am I dead?


    Sima Zhantian wanted to say he wasn¡¯t dead, but he couldn¡¯t feel Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s presence anymore. Tears mixed with blood. A moment that should have been filled with weeping was, instead, met with wild laughter from his lips.


    It was utterly desolate!@@e on, aren¡¯t you going to kill us all?"


    At that moment, Sima Zhantian became just as frenzied as Xiao Chuanqi. All the defenses were in vain. Rather than this, it was better to fight with their lives on the line.


    Whoever comes will be the first to die!


    Perhaps it was the fearless aura exuded by Sima Zhantian that made the two Sky Eagle Sect experts, who were attacking him, exchange uncertain looks. For a moment, neither wanted to be the first to engage, since nobody willingly chooses death unless driven to desperation.


    As for the three who survived the attack on Xiao Chuanqi, they decided to seek out the disguised Fusang Ronin quite openly.


    Idiots!


    If Xiao Chuanqi could still move, he would definitely kick this big idiot into the sea. At a time like this, not fleeing meant you weren¡¯t just seeking death; you were begging for it.


    "All is lost!"


    The Old Eastern King, his body covered in wounds, heavily fell onto the deck, even though the people from the Sky Eagle Sect didn¡¯t strike the killing blow against him.


    What they wanted was for him to be alive; as long as he was breathing, that was enough, and that¡¯s why the Old Eastern King was the most miserable one. Perhaps there was a hint of intentional torment by Su Keming, yet he didn¡¯t wish to die just like this.


    The Lord of Flora Ridge has fallen!


    The Island Master of East Pole Island among the Four Island Masters, that Fusang Ronin, has fallen too!


    Li Jingang, the Southern Territory leader who had sworn loyalty to Ye Feng for less than half a year, ultimately fell under the onslaught of the Right Protector. His final gaze held no regret, only resentment for not being able to die standing like the other.


    Standing!


    On the battlefield, Xia Lengchan was struggling to hold on. Three Sky Eagle Sect experts were tasked with watching over Hong Qingyan and the Old Eastern King. Those attacking Sima Zhantian had increased from two to four. As for the rest, they rushed into the ship¡¯s interior to begin the final purge.


    If there were no surprises, only two people would survive on this luxury cruise ship. After ensuring no other survivors were left, the entire ship would eventually sink to the bottom of the sea.


    It¡¯s finished!


    Everything is finished!


    With a face ashen as death, the Old Eastern King knew that although only a third of the soldiers from the Eastern Border had come, most of these men held important positions.


    Now, except for the three commanders guarding the camp, the high-ranking officers of the Eastern Border really existed in name only.


    Yet, there was a grievance in the Old Eastern King¡¯s heart that he could not swallow.


    Why?


    Why didn¡¯t the people from the Mu Family come?


    It was bad enough that the Mu Family didn¡¯t come, but why didn¡¯t his Personal Guard Unit show up either?


    Those who should have been the first to arrive as backup had become the cause for the Eastern Border¡¯s defeat. Of course, some of it was his own doing, bring disaster upon himself by inviting the enemy in, filled with regret.


    Who was there to blame?


    "I respect that you are a real man."


    "The Fourth Legion Commander of the Northern Border, Sima Zhantian, right? Submit to me, and I shall spare your life."


    It was just a fearless struggle.


    Ye Feng commanded coldly.


    Sima Zhantian: "?"


    Knowing Ye Feng was not jesting, Sima Zhantian dropped to the floor with a "thud," having longed for a moment of rest.


    "Idiots, if you¡¯re not dead, stop pretending like you¡¯re dying to bleed out, for God¡¯s sake," Ye Feng said.


    Typically, raising an injured arm can indeed help to slow the circulation of blood, thus reducing blood loss.


    But for someone like Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, who were riddled with holes and still standing, wasn¡¯t that just hastening their own deaths?


    Water flows downward, and so does blood within a human body¡ªthus, Ye Feng was both frustrated and affectionate at this moment.


    "Hehe, I could do with a massage too," Sima Zhantian chuckled, sensing from Ye Feng¡¯s tone that Xiao Chuanqi probably wasn¡¯t going to die after all.


    "Get lost!"


    "If you can move, swallow three pills yourself," Ye Feng said without paying attention to Sima Zhantian, who was typically the sort to take an inch if given a nose¡ªhe thought this was a massage?


    Ye Feng was saving a life, his face still stern. Fortunately, he was a Martial King, and luckily, Xiao Chuanqi had made a breakthrough, protecting his heart with a breath of True Qi. Otherwise, even a Great Luo Immortal would struggle to save him now.


    "Let me do it!"


    Hong Qingyan came to Ye Feng¡¯s side, her eyes red with emotion.


    "Mmm!"


    "Xia Lengchan, you need to take two pills as well. The Great Rebirth Pills specially made by the Valley of the Medicine King are not only beneficial for healing wounds, but also for your cultivation level," Ye Feng explained.


    Ye Feng usually kept such pills hidden for personal use, as even in the Valley of the Medicine King these Great Rebirth Pills were extremely rare. But now he couldn¡¯t worry about that¡ªif they were gone, he¡¯d just make those people refine them again. If the ingredients were nowhere to be found,


    they would just have to be taken by force!


    "Mistress, it must not be so," protested Sima Zhantian as he tried to refuse, but upon seeing Ye Feng¡¯s expression, he fell silent.


    Open your mouth!


    Don¡¯t give up on treatment. Sima Zhantian and Xia Lengchan silently accepted the situation, quietly gaining a new understanding of Hong Qingyan.


    Right from the moment when Hong Qingyan was held up by the two of them, she had whispered to Xia Lengchan, "If sacrificing me could save you all, I would do it."


    However, Xiao Chuanqi and the others gave her no chance to speak, which was why her eyes were red but she could not shed a single tear.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to cry; her mute acupoint had been pressed.


    "Ye..."


    The Old Eastern King struggled to his feet, wanting to ask for a pill, but upon seeing Ye Feng¡¯s despondent silhouette, he found himself unable to voice the request.


    Before Ye Feng lay the body of Li Jingang.


    Li Jingang was indeed dead. Kill shots through his heart with a claw-like grievous wound had fragmented his heart¡ªthere was no turning back. Ye Feng had excellent medical skills, but he couldn¡¯t overcome that threshold.


    "Found it, we finally found it."


    Voices carried over the sea surface, and then one by one, warriors clad only in undergarments leaped onto the cruise ship.


    This was!


    The person in the lead was shocked¡ªthere wasn¡¯t a clean spot anywhere on the entire cruise ship; it was drenched in blood everywhere.


    "King, we are late to save you, please forgive our tardiness," a group of soldiers of the Eastern Border knelt before the King of the Eastern Border. It was evident that these men were part of the King¡¯s Personal Guard Unit.


    "Give me one reason not to kill you," said the Old Eastern King with unmatched coldness, looking at the protector commander as if he were looking at a dead man.


    "King, our ship had been tampered with; it sank," said a protector in a hushed voice.


    "I curse your ancestors for eighteen generations, Su Keming!" Even with his temperament, the Old Eastern King couldn¡¯t help but explode with expletives¡ªwithout guessing, he knew this must be another of Su Keming¡¯s machinations.


    Who in the world could have anticipated this? His Personal Guard Unit was delayed precisely because of this.


    Blame himself; everything was his own fault!


    "There are still three Sky Eagle Sect members inside¡ªkill them," the Old Eastern King waved his hand, ultimately refraining from punishing them further.


    His Personal Guard Unit was the most well-equipped fighting force in the Eastern Border, and yet here they were, having made it this far wearing nothing but thin singlets.


    Not bad at all!

 Chapter 207: The Old Eastern King’s Decision

    After Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s breath gradually stabilized, Ye Feng finally let out a sigh of relief.


    However, this did not mean his calm face was a reflection of a calm heart, on the contrary, at this moment Ye Feng¡¯s heart was already filled with a stormy rage.


    Sky Eagle Sect, well done, capturing them all in one net.


    Good!


    Very good!


    "What are you going to do?"


    Seeing the cold, knife-like gaze directed at him, Su Keming was filled with terror, especially since Ye Feng had appeared here.


    Did that mean his father and uncle were both dead?


    "My lord, let me kill him."


    Xia Lengchan, holding a blade, spoke up. He and Li Jingang, both from the Southern Territory, had the best of relationships in the past.


    "Take a break!"


    "Don¡¯t worry, I will avenge Jingang¡¯s death."


    Ye Feng¡¯s figure flickered and in an instant, he was at Su Keming¡¯s side.


    "Prince Ye, spare..."


    You want to beg for mercy?


    If such scum did not die, then who in the world deserved to die?


    With just one punch, Ye Feng smashed Su Keming¡¯s mouth, shattering his teeth, then quickly grabbed at his right arm once more.


    Dislocating and breaking bones!


    One could see Su Keming¡¯s right arm, clothes torn apart, as from the palm upward, the arm twisted and spiraled upwards, with tendons dislocated and everything broken, the airflow indicating complete destruction wherever it moved.


    On the surface, it seemed intact, but inside it was completely mangled.


    Looking at Su Keming, his whole face was twisted in agony, his mouth quivering non-stop. However, the torture Ye Feng was administering was clearly not going to end there, as he reached for Su Keming¡¯s left foot.


    Another bout of excruciating torment.


    With a "thud," Su Keming¡¯s body heavily fell to the ground, his body still convulsing even as he lay there.


    "Do you want to live?"


    Ye Feng squatted down, giving a cruel smile.


    Yes!


    Of course, Su Keming knew that Ye Feng wouldn¡¯t let him off easily, but innate instinct still made him nod.


    "There are quite a few sharks in the water now. I¡¯ll give you a chance to live. If you can escape from the jaws of the sharks, I won¡¯t pursue you."


    Ye Feng propped Su Keming up against the railing like a puppet.


    "No!"


    Su Keming¡¯s voice was hoarse as his body shook violently.


    Above the sea, dozens of black dorsal fins were circling constantly. Without guesswork, Su Keming knew what lurked beneath the waters. Even at the height of his power, he would not dare face a school of sharks alone in the water, let alone now that he had lost a hand and a foot.


    Droplets of blood dripped from Su Keming¡¯s powerless right hand into the sea, and he could already see the cold, death-like stares briefly surfacing above the water.


    A dead-end!


    "Remember to be a good person in your next life."


    Just as Ye Feng was about to let go, a sharp shout suddenly came, "Let him go."


    A large ship arrived belatedly.


    The Mu Family of the Eastern Border¡¯s unique dragon boat, a product of the fusion between ancient civilization and the new era, was an odd sight to behold with a large golden dragon head hanging prominently at the very front of the ship.


    Looking at the ship, there were many people on board, three layers inside and out, with over a hundred individuals, each holding a weapon. Even the weakest among them had attained an Inner Strength cultivation level, particularly the nine people standing at the center, exuding unquestionably Grandmaster Level auras, with two of them even at the Half-Step Martial King Realm.


    The speaker was a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties. Decked in bright light blue armor and wielding a Wolf Fang Club, his expression was incredibly arrogant.


    It was clear that the young man had considerable authority on this ship, as the nine Grandmasters all stood behind him, their eyes downturned.


    "I told you to put him down; don¡¯t you understand human speech?"


    "When I was making a name for myself, devastating enemies from all sides, you weren¡¯t even fully grown."


    The Old Eastern King discarded the Wolf Fang Club, realizing that at this point he was unable to wield it for a second strike.


    "Qing¡¯er!"


    "Mu Tianye, you¡¯re ruthless. Kill him, I want him torn to pieces."


    A frail figure burst from the crowd, his gaze fixed upon Mu Haiqing¡¯s shattered skull, tears streaming down his face.


    "Not a single one left."


    Strangely, when the Old Eastern King spoke those words, he wasn¡¯t addressing his Personal Guard Unit but rather another direction.


    The next second, Ye Feng moved, his figure explosively lunging forward as all the scattered swords and blades floated by his side.


    "Kid, don¡¯t be presumptuous."


    The crowd instantly parted, revealing an old man whose eyes blazed like torches, hefting a mountain-splitting sabre that cleaved through the air with a slash.


    The saber¡¯s glow was like a torch, the Martial King, the Great Elder of the Mu Family!


    "Who do you think you are?"


    With a swipe of his hand, Ye Feng set the weapons at his side into a storm of flying feathers, indiscriminately sweeping towards the people on the Mu Family Great Ship.


    Slaughter!


    This was a massacre without any suspense, as the Great Elder of the Mu Family fell dead to Ye Feng¡¯s thrown blade after issuing just one slash, and those remaining, seeking to escape, were utterly unable to evade the shadow that descended upon them like a demon god.


    Even as they plunged into the sea, they would still be pierced through the heart by the surging waves.


    The sea turned even redder.


    And it seemed the sharks had their fill as well.


    The Mu Family Great Ship, under Ye Feng¡¯s foot, slowly sank to the seabed.


    Three different forces, all with their own hidden agendas, yet, in the end, it was this bloodstained cruise ship that came through.


    Only now, what began as a noisy departure had returned in somber quietness.


    "Why did you do it?"


    On the deck, Ye Feng was helping the Old Eastern King stem his wounds.


    "Can you still call me the Old Eastern King?"


    The Old Eastern King asked with a bitter smile.


    At this moment, the Old Eastern King seemed older, and from the moment he spoke, the Mu Family too was ruined.


    "In my heart, you are still the Old Eastern King," Ye Feng stated emphatically.


    "Alas!"


    The Old Eastern King looked up to the sky, the tears flowing from his eyes conveying an emotion that was neither joy nor sorrow.


    "Give me a Great Rebirth Pill."


    Suddenly changing the mood, the Old Eastern King extended his left hand.


    Ye Feng was taken aback, finding this old man more tenacious than he expected, reluctantly handing over a Great Rebirth Pill.


    "Two of them!"


    Despicable to the core, and without the slightest embarrassment, the Old Eastern King demanded.


    "The Great Rebirth Pill is for healing injuries, do you think it¡¯s a Realm-Breaking Divine Pill?"


    In an instant, Ye Feng guessed his intention and, after a pause, still handed over another one.


    "Heh heh, how do I know if I don¡¯t try?"


    "Nephew Ye, you should be well aware that the Xuanyuan Nation will never allow any armed forces to become the personal property of any family."


    "Over the years, my debt to the Mu Family has long been repaid. If they choose to be unkind, they can¡¯t blame me for being unjust."


    Ye Feng sat on the deck, remaining silent for a long time.


    He was the executioner, but the Old Eastern King was the instigator; this was the choice of the old cunning fellow.


    Perhaps only the first half of his statement was true!

 Chapter 208: Princes and Generals, Would Rather Have Seed

    ```


    In this world, sometimes things are just so magical.


    Some people walk and walk, not knowing they are becoming a Martial King; some people close their eyes, sleep through a dream, and wake up the next day as a Martial King; others do nothing at all, and quite confusedly become a Martial King themselves.


    In fact, for a Grandmaster to break through to Martial King is not such a difficult task¡ªthere¡¯s an old saying in Xuanyuan Nation that goes, "With sufficient accumulation, launching will happen naturally, like water flows once the channel is formed."


    Xiao Chuanqi achieved enlightenment upon his near-death experience, yet when the Old Eastern King took two Great Rebirth Pills, it actually enabled him to break through, so at that time Ye Feng was somewhat stunned.


    Was it his words that were effective, or the pills? Originally, he had to lie in bed for more than half a month, neither breaking through nor establishing a new state.


    Of course, Ye Feng tended to think that neither was the cause, since after all, this old fellow seemed quite pitiable, stuck at the Half-Step Martial King bottleneck for who knows how many years.


    Upon reflection, it was probably because the shackles in his heart were unlocked.


    When the great fog dissipated and the sunlight shone on the seas of the Eastern Border, the bloodstained cruise ship had already entered its exclusive harbor. A group of people had been waiting on the dock¡ªmilitary doctors from the Eastern Border Camp, holding the country¡¯s most sophisticated medical equipment.


    The moment the ship docked, they had already begun an orderly and unpanicked rescue operation.


    Ye Feng did not refuse, as all three of his companions required blood transfusions.


    Looking up, he saw body after body stained with fresh red being carried off the boat. Ye Feng lit a cigarette and remained silent for a long time.


    Carnage!


    The slaughter caused by three experts of the Sky Eagle Sect was actually greater than his own. In this world, if Martial Artists are not constrained, then indeed, they are a disaster to ordinary people.


    Sects!


    Great Families!


    A cold light flickered in Ye Feng¡¯s eyes¡ªusing martial force to control martial force.


    When he established the Martial Alliance, he was under the impression that he was providing fresh blood for the Four Realms of the Xuanyuan Nation, but he also hoped that the members of the Martial Alliance would embody benevolence and take it upon themselves to maintain social stability and protect the common people.


    Yet, his recent experiences had clearly told Ye Feng that the people of the Martial Alliance had forgotten their original intentions.


    Had the people from the Sects and Great Families become stronger, or had the Martial Alliance members become weaker?


    The answer was obviously not the latter. The development of the Martial Alliance had far exceeded Ye Feng¡¯s expectations. As for how powerful the forces under the Martial Alliance¡¯s command truly were, even Ye Feng, the founder, was unclear.


    Furthermore, the Martial Alliance was very likely no longer his own.


    "Are you troubled?"


    The Old Eastern King, having broken through, was like an undying cockroach. Rejuvenated, he was the only one who could come out for a sunbath, unlike others who needed to lie in bed for observation and treatment.


    "Let me ask you a question,"


    "Do you think the Sects still need to exist today?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze was as sharp as a torch.


    To his surprise, as soon as he asked, the Old Eastern King¡¯s face changed dramatically. He looked around stealthily and then gestured for Ye Feng to come closer.


    Such caution?


    Seeing the Old Eastern King¡¯s actions, Ye Feng immediately realized that this question was not ordinary.


    "Are your thoughts on the various Sects within Xuanyuan Nation because of the Sky Eagle Sect incident?"


    In a sealed room, the Old Eastern King turned his head and asked.


    "Correct,"


    Ye Feng admitted, his thoughts extending not only to the Sects but even contemplating the removal of the Great Families. However, unlike the Sects that were active in secular affairs and could affect the whole with a single move, the Great Families¡¯ influence was not as vast as the Sects¡¯, but they were deeply intertwined.


    To act against the Great Families could more easily disturb social stability, which was why Ye Feng needed to be cautious.


    "Sigh!"


    "Not everyone in this world is a good person, nor is everyone a bad person. There are many chivalrous individuals within the Sects,"@@@@


    The Old Eastern King sighed and said, his eyes somber.


    "I used to think I didn¡¯t have many days to live, so I took each day as it came."


    "Breaking through to Martial King level really lifts your spirits. Tell the one on the bed that I will help him forge a powerful Eastern Border for him, for Xuanyuan Nation, and don¡¯t make me wait too long."


    The Old Eastern King waved his hand.


    Without breaking, nothing can be established. The high ranks of the current Eastern Border had fallen, save for the Old Eastern King himself, presenting a good opportunity to rebuild.


    "How is it appropriate for you to take my men like this?"


    Ye Feng left with a smile on his lips.


    Some people, despite saying the harshest words with their mouths, do the most useful things with their hands. He vaguely guessed the Old Eastern King¡¯s intentions.


    This trip to the Eastern Border was quite interesting!


    By evening, Ye Feng traveled non-stop, making his way to the Coastal Ridge of the Eastern Border.


    Falling Eagle Mountain is so named because the mountain range resembles a proudly soaring eagle, except that the eagle¡¯s feet are buried underground.


    The Old Eastern King instructed Ye Feng to lead a group to annihilate the Sky Eagle Sect. Even a clay Buddha has some temper, and towards the Sky Eagle Sect, even the old man, despite his wariness of Sects, found it unbearable.


    However, Ye Feng didn¡¯t bring any soldiers with him, as he alone was sufficient.


    Walking up the mountain path, Ye Feng strolled towards the summit where the lair of the Sky Eagle Sect was hidden. It was evident that peace still prevailed here¡ªthe people on the mountain were unaware of the news.


    No wonder some say that Sect members are just like a broom that cherishes its own corner!


    "Halt, who goes there?"


    At the gate, two guards with swords stopped Ye Feng. Disciples who are unwelcome in a Sect like this cannot learn the Sect¡¯s supreme knowledge.


    "Who is in charge of the mountain now?"


    Ye Feng stood and inquired.


    Destroying the Sky Eagle Sect was simple¡ªkill gods if gods blocked the path, kill Buddhas if Buddhas stood in the way, and simply march upwards, slaughtering all the way to the summit. But the words of the Old Eastern King made Ye Feng reconsider his initial intention.


    "I¡¯m talking to you, who are you?"


    The man on the right raised his sword, intending to strike Ye Feng¡¯s face.


    "Forget it, no matter who it is, have him come out immediately."


    Ye Feng caught the right-hand man¡¯s neck with a reverse hand and pressed lightly, frightening the other into scrambling up the mountain.


    Five minutes later, a group of people rushed out.


    "You looking for me?"


    A man dressed as a steward asked grimly.


    "Are there any who have not killed, any who don¡¯t want to stay here, any who want to leave the mountain right now?"


    Ye Feng completely ignored the steward, his gaze sweeping over the group of Sky Eagle Sect disciples behind him.


    "It seems you are here to cause trouble."


    "Take him down, execute him if he resists!"


    Before he could finish speaking, the steward realized the person in front of him had disappeared. Immediately after, his body flew out, with various internal ruptures.


    Death!


    Ye Feng began his merciless slaughter, sparing only those few whose eyes had shown any flicker earlier. One after another, the disciples of the Sky Eagle Sect fell to the ground.


    No blood was spilled, and the forest was eerily silent.


    In less than a quarter of an hour, Ye Feng had all but decimated those who had approached, leaving only six trembling figures standing in place.


    "Burn this place, then follow me."


    There was no need to go any higher.


    Ye Feng¡¯s senses reached out¡ªindeed, there were still people on the mountain, but those people did not even emit the most basic fluctuations of life force, likely seized to serve as slaves.

 Chapter 209: White Brows’ Battle Challenge Letter

    The following day, two pieces of news caused great upheaval in the Eastern Border.


    First was the Sky Eagle Sect of Coastal Ridge, this mysterious sect that had recently emerged in the Eastern Border, had overnight turned into ashes. The mountain fire on Falling Eagle Mountain had burned throughout the entire night. It is said that the villagers living nearby had each shed tears of excitement.


    This indicated that the Sky Eagle Sect had also been a carcinoma in the Eastern Border.


    What drew the most attention wasn¡¯t the Sky Eagle Sect but another piece of news¡ªthe Eastern Border¡¯s largest family, the Mu Family, had also collapsed overnight. The expansive Mu estates within several miles had all turned into rubble.


    However, what was strange was that not a single body was found among the ruins, and all the signs indicated that there had been no battle.


    Had the entire Mu Family relocated in one night, or had someone wiped them out cleanly?


    Just as the populace was righteously indignant and demanding a thorough investigation into the matter, the Eastern Border Camp disseminated a statement:


    "The Mu Family conspired to rebel and has been executed for it!"


    With that statement, judgement was delivered.


    There was going to be a change of power in the Eastern Border!


    The surviving heads of the great families sensed a different kind of danger from this incident. Ordinary people might not know, but how could they be unaware that the Old Eastern King¡¯s true surname was Mu¡ªan individual who came from the Mu Family.


    Now, if someone dared to lay hands on his own kin, what was there that he would not dare to do?


    Ruthless and decisive!


    Impressive!


    Ye Feng made only these brief comments upon seeing the report, thinking back on what the Old Eastern King had said to him the day before. It seemed that the old fellow was determined to thoroughly shake up the Eastern Border.


    This was good!


    The Mu Family could only be described as paying the price for their greed, courting their own destruction.


    For three days, Xiao Chuanqi did not awaken, and Ye Feng¡¯s journey was thus delayed. Even if he never returned to the Northern Border in this lifetime, he would not abandon Xiao Chuanqi.


    Moreover, before leaving the Eastern Border to return to Jiangdu, Ye Feng still had a very important matter to attend to, although he still needed to wait for Xiao Chuanqi to wake up.


    "Big Brother Ye, thank you for accompanying me to see the sea," she said.


    On the clifftop, a man and a woman sat snuggled together, with the sparkling sea stretching out before them.


    "Do we still need to say that between us?"


    Ye Feng nuzzled the fragrance of the woman¡¯s hair, looking blissful.


    "Alright, no need then," she said.


    "But Big Brother Ye, I¡¯m really fine."


    A smile played on Hong Qingyan¡¯s lips. Ye Feng had carried her on his back for dozens of miles of mountain road under the pretext of wanting to see the sea, but she knew the true reason.


    "You¡¯re fine now because I don¡¯t want to wait until something is wrong before you tell me about it."


    "Qingyan, whatever thoughts you have in your heart, you¡¯ll feel better once you speak them out," Ye Feng said earnestly.


    Ye Feng looked at Hong Qingyan¡¯s haggard face, and his heart ached.


    He should never have taken her there.


    That level of killing, not to mention a woman, even a soldier who had never been on the battlefield would have long-lasting psychological shadows.


    "Am I really useless?" she asked.


    Unexpectedly, the question from Hong Qingyan made Ye Feng¡¯s heart hurt even more.@@@@


    "If you were that useful, what would you need a husband like me for?" he replied.


    "I remember drinking your cabbage and bok choy porridge for half a month. How could such delicious porridge be made by someone useless?"


    Clearly, Ye Feng wouldn¡¯t go along with her mood. Otherwise, instead of helping her out of the shadow, he would be leading her deeper into it.


    "No more cabbage, and no more bok choy," she replied.


    Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but recall the past, remembering the expression Ye Feng had when he said those words, and slowly, her lips curved into a smile.


    "If you keep laughing at me, from now on I¡¯ll only make you cabbage dishes every day: cabbage with pork slices, cabbage with stewed mushrooms, cabbage with salted fish..."


    Moments later, the cloud eagle that had been resting unfolded its black wings and produced a letter from beneath its feathers.


    Whoosh whoosh!


    The cloud eagle took flight, and the letter fluttered into the hands of the Old Eastern King. All the gestures of the cloud eagle were thoroughly calculated, as if it was sentient.


    On the day of Winter Solstice, atop Qian Yun Mountain, a challenge to the strong ones of the Eastern Border for a fight, limited to five people. The culprits who destroyed our Heaven-Destroying Eagle Sect must attend. Defiance will not be tolerated, disobedience will be met with death!


    Signatory: White Brows.


    The letter was short but carried an air of imperious authority.


    This was a Battle Challenge Letter, targeted at the entire Eastern Border ¨C a preposterous declaration of a one-on-five fight, so audacious that it was intimidating.


    The Old Eastern King silently put away the letter and furrowed his brows. Since the letter had reached his hands, avoiding confrontation was now out of the question. If the other party was clear about being unmerciful towards defiance, what room was there for bargaining? Stay updated with novelhall.Co?m


    White Brows! Well! Very well!


    The Old Eastern King¡¯s gaze gradually chilled. This bold attitude treated the Eastern Border as if it were without defense; such audacity on the Eastern Border¡¯s grounds needed to be curbed with some deterring measures.


    Returning to his bedroom, the Old Eastern King pulled out a black box containing a red phone, which was followed by a very serious conversation.


    What a joke!


    The Old Eastern King couldn¡¯t possibly think of White Brows as an ordinary individual, given that he had trained a cloud eagle to such a level. Since White Brows wanted to challenge the entire Eastern Border,


    then let him be completely responsible for the consequences!


    At this moment, there were five days left until the Winter Solstice, and Ye Feng only became aware of this matter the next day.


    "How many people have you found?"


    In the camp, Ye Feng asked nonchalantly.


    "Not a single one."


    The Old Eastern King replied straightforwardly. The Mu Family used to have a Martial King, but that man had long since become a lost soul under Ye Feng¡¯s command.


    "You can be so calm without having found anyone."


    Ye Feng sneered, thinking the old man was terrified of death, scared to a degree that seemed perfectly justified.


    "That¡¯s because you are here, take a look," said the Old Eastern King as he tossed the letter over.


    "The one they¡¯re looking for is you, and it¡¯s your Eastern Border that will be challenged," the Old Eastern King said with a smile.


    Ye Feng shattered the letter with one strike¡ªthe content of the letter didn¡¯t matter whether he read it or not.


    "But what they see, the member of the Heaven-Destroying Eagle Sect, is you," remarked the Old Eastern King, smiling.


    How did I have such foresight back then?


    "Would it be difficult to find out who is behind all this?" asked Ye Feng, giving the Old Eastern King a disdainful glance. The old man was already content without the actual enemy showing up yet, confident of a sure victory?


    It seemed so!


    "Not difficult."


    "Nephew Ye, considering our relationship now, you should..." began the Old Eastern King, but Ye Feng cut him off right away:


    "Stop right there!"


    "You are the King of the Eastern Border, and I am the Northern Border King. Our relationship is separated by at least five hundred miles. If anything, we can only say that we are both subordinates of the Xuanyuan Nation, but the two borders do not interfere with each other¡¯s internal affairs, you know the drill."


    Ye Feng spoke with such a well-grounded argument that left the Old Eastern King speechless¡ªfinally learning to play smart.


    "So, what do you want?" the Old Eastern King asked directly.


    "I don¡¯t want anything. No matter how many people you have invited, tell them not to bother coming," Ye Feng replied.


    "I alone am sufficient."


    Arrogant?


    As for arrogance, Ye Feng never felt he had lost to anyone. No matter what strength White Brows truly possessed, now that all one hundred and eight acupoints in his body were fully opened,


    he held unparalleled confidence!

 Chapter 210: Battle with White Brows

    Five days, it would seem, also pass by in a flash.


    During these five days, Ye Feng did not spend all his time idly wandering but instead took a special trip back to Jiang City, bringing with him Li Tiegang, the Leader of the Jiang City Martial Alliance, to the Eastern Border to put a new agenda in place for the expansion of the Martial Alliance in the Eastern Border.


    To Ye Feng¡¯s surprise, the Old Eastern King, far from standing aloof, offered much convenience for the matter. However, as the Old Eastern King¡¯s figure began to appear frequently in the teaching quarters of the Martial Alliance, Ye Feng¡¯s face turned green. He was all too clear about what the old b*tch was up to¡ªpicking peaches!


    Ye Feng pondered the situation and decided to let it be. After all, his original purpose in joining the Martial Alliance was to strengthen the power of the Four Realms Legion of the Xuanyuan Nation. The current situation in the Eastern Border was indeed dismal, with most of the high-ranking officers almost wiped out in the battle at sea.


    As for how many people the Old King could poach from the Martial Alliance to fill the gaps, that was not Ye Feng¡¯s concern. There was no point in selling off his kid and then helping others count their money, although "this kid" might very well end up returning to his own family in the end.


    Meanwhile, during these five days, despite the Old Eastern King¡¯s gag order, news of the challenge at Qian Yuan Mountain had somehow slipped out, causing a stir throughout the Eastern Border. People were looking forward with such eager anticipation that they all but wished they could spit a mouthful of saliva to drown White Brows, that arrogant fool.


    The great families of the Eastern Border also took advantage of this opportunity, sending their "strongest" subordinates to the Eastern Border Camp, requesting a duel by order. However, all those who came were turned away by the Old Eastern King.


    "Yun Yi, the current Family Head of the Yun Family, is indeed the strongest person in the Yun Family."


    After each visitor left, a Guard Officer would be tasked with delivering the message, and another person would be responsible for recording everything.


    Indeed, possibly, not at all.


    Three attitudes were shown depending on who the great families sent, which would also determine the Old Eastern King¡¯s future attitude towards these families.


    Ye Feng believed that to completely eliminate the influence of the great families in one move was too drastic, and to dispose of them one by one would also be tremendously difficult since minor squabbles aside, unity in interest meant they would inevitably band together. The heads of the great families were all too aware of the principle that when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.


    Has he already started playing the game?


    Regarding the Old Eastern King¡¯s actions, Ye Feng chose to remain silent. This old man at times appeared as if waiting for death, yet when serious, commanded respect.


    "Let¡¯s go. Don¡¯t make them wait too long."


    After lunch, the Old Eastern King began to usher Ye Feng to set off.


    "My lord, I want to go too."


    Sima Zhantian said with all his might.


    These past few days, Sima Zhantian and Xia Lengchan had been forcibly ordered by Ye Feng to rest in bed, undergoing various major and minor inspections every day, under the pretense of leaving no lingering maladies, nearly driving the two strong men to red-eyed frustration.


    "Go where? You two stay behind to protect Legendary."


    Ye Feng dismissed them with a single sentence.


    If there was anything he felt regrettable about these five days, it was that Xiao Chuanqi had yet to awaken, though it seemed he would be conscious soon.


    "You must come back."


    Sima Zhantian silently turned his head away, realizing that even though he was a Great Grandmaster, he felt more and more unable to keep up with the lord¡¯s pace.


    "Definitely!"


    Ye Feng brought only Hong Qingyan. If he didn¡¯t bring this girl along, there probably wouldn¡¯t be a single cabbage leaf left to eat within a week.


    "Big Brother Ye, today is the Winter Solstice. Let¡¯s make dumplings when we get back tonight."


    On the big ship, Hong Qingyan suddenly put down the medical book in her hands, her face looking forlorn.


    "Sure, as long as they¡¯re filled with cabbage."


    Ye Feng grinned.


    In Xuanyuan Nation, the Winter Solstice is not just a solar term, but for ordinary people, it¡¯s an important festival as well. Every household makes a meal of dumplings or wontons on this day, but Ye Feng, having spent years in the army, was not particularly moved by the tradition.


    "Can I scrounge a meal then?"


    The Old Eastern King jokingly moved closer.


    "Of course."


    Before Ye Feng could even respond, Hong Qingyan answered for him.


    "Remember to bring a gift."


    Just as the Old Eastern King was about to rejoice, Ye Feng said with a stern face.


    "I¡¯m broke, you know the situation in the Eastern Border right now. I¡¯ll save up some money and when you two have a little baby, I¡¯ll bring a generous gift."


    The Old Eastern King remained his usual self, but then he suddenly fell silent.


    "That¡¯s fine too."


    Seeing the Old King¡¯s suddenly desolate look, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t bear to continue hitting him where it hurt.


    "Where is White Brows?"


    "I, Situ Yang, have come to fight you!"


    Upon reaching the summit, the man burst forth with a look of unrivaled dominance.


    "Sima Yang of the lone boat, known as the Hero of Dongcheng Lake?"


    "So it¡¯s the Hero of Dongcheng Lake. I didn¡¯t expect the Old Eastern King would invite him to come."


    "I heard that the Hero of Dongcheng Lake became a Peak Grandmaster ten years ago and is probably even stronger now. With him here, victory is certain."


    ...


    Hearing these words, Ye Feng was speechless. This so-called Hero of Dongcheng Lake, Situ Yang, was not somebody the Old Eastern King had invited.


    In this day and age, wanting fame so badly, aren¡¯t they afraid of losing their lives?


    "White Brows, you old thief, come out and fight!"


    The taunting continued.


    Screech!


    A piercing cry of an eagle descended from the sky.


    Suddenly, a large Cloud Eagle swooped down from the sky, and from its back, a white figure leaped up. Enjoy new chapters from novelhall.Co?m


    "You wretched beast, courting death!"


    Watching the Cloud Eagle rush towards him, Situ Yang retrieved a pair of claw hooks from his back, with six claws fitted on the long hooks, aimed at the eagle¡¯s wings to clasp them.


    However, the Cloud Eagle suddenly flapped violently, and a gust of wind carrying powerful Qi Force easily knocked away Situ Yang¡¯s twin hooks.


    "Not good!"


    Situ Yang concentrated his fists and struck up towards the Cloud Eagle¡¯s belly, but he still underestimated the speed of the Cloud Eagle, and in an instant, his feet left the ground.


    An eagle¡¯s prey is captured in a blink.


    Rip!


    Outside the cliff, Situ Yang¡¯s body was torn in half by the Cloud Eagle, silently plunging into the sea.


    "How could this be?"


    "What kind of ferocious bird is this, how can there be such a powerful bird in the world?"


    "Too terrifying, this eagle grabs people as if it¡¯s playing."


    ...


    The abrupt turn of events shook everyone to their core, the scene was too domineering and too cruel to accept, as the illustrious Hero of Dongcheng Lake was killed by someone¡¯s Cloud Eagle.


    "Do you still have confidence in the person you invited now?"


    Ye Feng leaped down.


    Interesting!


    The gaze of the Old Eastern King told him, he did have faith!


    "Who is he?"


    "How can this man walk on the surface of the sea?"


    "No, he¡¯s not just walking, he¡¯s using Qi Control to move atop the water, a true expert, a top-level master."


    ...


    Those with keen eyes immediately noticed something extraordinary. Both were moving on the surface of the sea, but Situ Yang relied on his light Qinggong skills and a bit of buoyancy to leap across the water, whereas Ye Feng was using Qi to manipulate the water, propelling himself forward.


    The two were not on the same level at all.


    Boom!


    Below the mountain cliff, Ye Feng lightly stepped on the water, instantly creating a three-meter-deep depression on the sea surface, and then his figure soared into the sky.


    "It seems someone decent has finally arrived, worth my personal effort."


    Next to the Cloud Eagle, there was an old man dressed in white robes, with white hair, white eyebrows, and white beard, his high cheekbones prominent.

 Chapter 211 The Path Above Martial King

    ```


    Eyes blazing, sharp as a sword.


    Ye Feng had never seen such an elder, who did not show any signs of old age; on the contrary, he exuded a vigor that suggested he could hold his ground against any foe, an invincible aura that seemed to say he was a one-man blockade that a myriad of enemies couldn¡¯t breach.


    "Who are you?"


    White Brows gently slapped the back of the bird, and the Cloud Eagle soared into the sky.


    "Ye Feng, the person who¡¯s come to kill you."


    Ye Feng looked up at the Cloud Eagle in the sky and said coldly.


    "You¡¯re not old, but you¡¯re quite arrogant."


    "It¡¯s indeed the fearlessness of youth. Let this old man break your legs and see if you dare to spout such nonsense."


    The battle was about to erupt.


    As White Brows flung his sleeves, three pebbles lifted from the ground, turning into sharp arrows shooting towards Ye Feng¡¯s heart, while he himself moved in a flash, his hands forming eagle claws as he attacked in the pose of a roc spreading its wings.


    Kill!


    Ye Feng kicked the pebbles to pieces, his body also plunging upwards, as he unleashed a continuous barrage of twelve palm strikes, each palm creating a hand seal, each more solid than the last.


    Golden palm seals sliced through the sky, like howling grenades.


    "Child¡¯s play, Sky Eagle Strike!"


    White Brows¡¯ claws turned a dark golden color as he effortlessly shattered Ye Feng¡¯s palm seals with his attack.


    "Old thing!"


    Ye Feng¡¯s face showed ferocity as he lashed out with his fists like a violent storm.


    Bang bang bang!


    In midair, two figures clashed fiercely, exchanging blows with neither gaining the upper hand. Streams of golden fist seals and black claw marks flowed out from their sides every now and then, exploding violently whether they hit the mountains or the sea.


    "So strong!"


    "In a fight of this level, being hit even slightly by the residual effects would be fatal for us. Below a Martial King, all are ants. Is this the legendary Martial King?"


    "Why are there such powerhouses in the world who can unleash the might of artillery shells with every move they make?"


    ...


    The battle atop Qian Yuan Mountain was more fantastical than television dramas for those unaccustomed to the world, while for those who practiced martial arts more deeply, apart from shock, there was only envy.


    "Vast Cosmos Eight Forms."


    The two figures split apart, and after dozens of exchanges, White Brows finally showed his age. His breathing became erratic.


    Without waiting for breath regulation, White Brows performed the Void Step, unfolding a new set of moves that blurred his figure even more.


    "Damn your grandfather!"


    Ye Feng would not let the old man continue his display, propelling his body forward, he unleashed one golden fist seal after another, carelessly overwhelming the remnants of shadow.


    Shriek!


    A cry of an eagle resounded from the shadows as a giant white eagle soared into the sky. With a flap of its wings, countless white feathers transformed into feathered arrows, raining down upon him.


    There were still moves like this?


    Ye Feng swiftly dodged to the side, and as he escaped, feathers bombarded the spot he just vacated, leveling a meter off the top of the mountaintop in mere moments.


    "You little brat, let¡¯s see where you can run to."


    The white eagle flew after Ye Feng¡¯s retreating figure.


    "Can that kid win?"


    At this moment, aboard the Old Eastern King¡¯s battleship, an old man in a Tang suit appeared at some point. The old man stood with his hands behind his back, his presence as profound as the ocean.


    "Hard to say."


    "White Brows has grasped another level, albeit just superficially, but it¡¯s much stronger than a high-level Martial King. However, Ye Feng¡¯s Qi feels quite extraordinary to me."


    The old man narrowed his eyes, a sharp light flitting across them.


    "Another level, what kind of level?"


    Old Eastern King asked, frowning.


    "Divine Path!"


    "Is that Ye Feng¡¯s Divine Path?"


    The Old Eastern King¡¯s eyebrows relaxed.


    "I don¡¯t know, it probably isn¡¯t. There¡¯s something strange about that kid. That Qi Force of his is quite unusual, very special."


    "Wait, what did you call him?"


    The elder asked, turning his head in surprise.


    Even Ye Feng¡¯s feat of killing White Brows didn¡¯t shock him as much as this did.


    "It¡¯s that guy from the Northern Border."


    The Old Eastern King knew what was on the elder¡¯s mind.


    "How is that possible!"


    "Half a year ago, he was just a Great Grandmaster stuck at a Half-Step Bottleneck, and now he is a bona fide High-Level Martial King."


    The elder¡¯s lips twitched, feeling as if his decades of cultivation had all gone to the dogs.


    Monster!


    Such talent could only be described with the word ¡¯monster¡¯¡ªno other words would suffice.


    The Old Eastern King said nothing, obviously stricken as well. The elder beside him would not lie to him¡ªless than half a year to advance from breaking through as a Martial King to becoming a High-Level Martial King; was this something a human could accomplish?


    Never mind High-Level, no one would believe it even for Middle Rank.


    "Keep Ye Feng¡¯s strength a secret."


    After the shock, the elder spoke sternly to the Old Eastern King.


    "I know what to do."


    The Old Eastern King nodded.


    "This won¡¯t be able to be kept a secret for long. Tell him not to wander around when there¡¯s nothing going on and hurry back to clean up his mess. I have a feeling that the world, as it is now, is starting to change."


    "That young man is coming back; I¡¯d better go. For the time being, don¡¯t let him know about my existence."


    Without waiting for the Old Eastern King¡¯s agreement, the elder disappeared in the blink of an eye, coming without a trace and leaving without a shadow.


    "Is Ge Lao¡¯s Divine Path wind?"


    The Old Eastern King blinked in surprise.


    A gust of wind blew by, and just like that, the person was gone?


    "Honey, you are amazing!"


    When Ye Feng returned to the ship, Hong Qingyan immediately ran over to praise him,


    Uh!


    This sudden appellation caught Ye Feng a bit off guard, but his heart was elated. He embraced the beauty¡¯s waist, smiling:


    "Honey has even more amazing things up his sleeve."


    A group of soldiers from the Eastern Border held back their snickers.


    "Where¡¯s the man?"


    After the joke, Ye Feng turned his head to look at the Old Eastern King.


    "He¡¯s gone!"


    "What are you staring at me for, do you expect me to invite him to dinner? Including those three sick men in the big camp, you guys will have your hands full making dumplings tonight."


    The Old Eastern King grinned, immediately adopting a butcher-like demeanor, about that one, he couldn¡¯t say.


    He couldn¡¯t say it to his death!


    "Alright, I always felt his aura was a bit familiar."


    "Are you suggesting that Xiao Chuanqi has awakened?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up.


    "Yes, he has awakened. I received the news right away, less than ten minutes after we set out to sea."


    "You don¡¯t need to look at me like that; I wanted to give you a surprise. Now, it¡¯s a double celebration, which couldn¡¯t be better."


    As if fearing that Ye Feng might hit him, the Old Eastern King, with his protruding belly, quickly left the cabin.


    "Set sail, let¡¯s return to camp."


    More and more ships were gathering around the warship, yet the Old Eastern King did not give these people a chance to ingratiate themselves.

 Chapter 212: The Lonely Boat Heads East, The Path of Slaughter

    The Eastern Border Ocean, a military speedboat with an engine roaring at a speed of up to 85 knots, was carving out a long wake across the sea surface.


    At this moment, only three people were in the speedboat¡¯s rest area: two imposing men in military uniforms were resting with their eyes closed, and the other was a ronin, lying on the deck with his face covered in blood and his hands bound by black chains.


    East Pole Island.


    A week ago, Ye Feng experienced a fierce battle on the beaches of East Pole Island. After securing victory, he left the island in haste, and now he had returned once again.


    "These bandits sure know how to pick a place."


    The two disembarked, with Xiao Chuanqi gripping his treasure sword, his eyes flashing with a sharp and cold light. He learned from Ye Feng that East Pole Island was a power base established by the overseas ronin.


    Those who mess with our homeland shall be pursued, no matter how far!


    Today was the day of reckoning. Not only were the people of Sky Eagle Sect detestable, but those on East Pole Island needed to be killed even more so.


    "They only know how to sneak around and use tricks that can¡¯t be seen in the light of day."


    "Let¡¯s go and see if there are any small fish left inside."


    Logically, after the brutal battle from last week that resulted in the demise of the Five Great Island Lords and two Honorary Island Lords of East Pole Island, this overseas force should have been left empty-handed.


    But Ye Feng¡¯s intuition told him that these people, supported by the overseas ronin, would definitely not give up and abandon East Pole Island so easily.


    "Ye Feng, you are no longer the Northern Border King, but you are a meritorious officer. Xuanyuan Nation treats you this way, what makes them worth such actions from you?"@@@@


    Shuiyuan Longzhi was secured to a wooden plank and dragged along by Xiao Chuanqi.


    "Do you know what faith is?"


    "Whether I am the Northern Border King or not doesn¡¯t really matter to me. What belongs to me cannot be taken by anyone else. From the moment I enlisted, I knew what my lifelong duty was, and I also knew what things require undying protection."


    "No matter how many hardships I encounter in this life, the things I hold dear in my heart will not collapse."


    Faith is an eternally indestructible thing!


    It can never be shaken by any trivial matter.


    Xiao Chuanqi knew what Ye Feng¡¯s faith was: it was the unwavering resolve of the Northern Border King to protect the people and the land of Xuanyuan Nation until death.


    And this was also the reason why, faced with numerous temptations, he still joined Sima Zhantian at Ye Feng¡¯s side without hesitation.


    However, while Ye Feng had never betrayed this vast country, some people indeed had betrayed him, causing him to nearly lose his life in the imperial capital. Thinking about this, Xiao Chuanqi gripped his sword even tighter.


    This injustice!


    Even if Ye Feng didn¡¯t want to settle accounts, he would pull up those people one by one and clean them out with his sword.


    "It¡¯s a pity!"


    "If Fusang had more talented individuals like you, why couldn¡¯t they step beyond their borders? Why endure others¡¯ warships stationed on their land without the capacity to express their anger?"


    Upon hearing this, Shuiyuan Longzhi commented with a sigh.


    He harbored resentment against Ye Feng, but not all enemies were unworthy of respect. The ronin¡¯s samurai spirit was highly esteemed worldwide.


    "Stepping beyond the borders!"


    "So this is why, over the years, Fusang Island Nation has been deluded with the ambition to invade other people¡¯s territories?"


    Ye Feng scoffed inwardly.


    "There are some things you don¡¯t understand, and neither do I."


    "From the moment I became a samurai, it meant that I had to find a future for this nation. No one truly likes war, and those with ambition are ultimately in the minority. I too yearn to spend time with my beloved during the cherry blossom season."


    "But in this world, when all choices become no choice, that¡¯s when we must make a choice. Life and death, survival and extinction; there is no right or wrong in these."


    Shuiyuan Longzhi spoke calmly, seemingly finding some peace within himself after voicing these thoughts.


    "Who told you all this?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, as these words contained much that he did not understand.


    "No one told me; it¡¯s just a guess."


    "Just like your enlistment oath, and when I became a samurai, I too took on many responsibilities I didn¡¯t fully understand," responded Shuiyuan Longzhi with a complex look in his eyes.


    Some things, even though unclear, still drive one to forge ahead. This is the most tragic part of being a samurai.


    "I won¡¯t let you die too painfully."


    Shuiyuan Longzhi: "..."


    Do I look like I¡¯m asking you for mercy?


    Is he really giving me a way out?


    The man kept looking back with every step he took, fearful that Ye Feng might suddenly attack him. Eventually, after stepping out of the palace doors, he broke into a frantic sprint. As he dashed past several corpses and was about to leave the manor, a human head was suddenly tossed into the air.


    Just because I don¡¯t kill you doesn¡¯t mean someone else won¡¯t.


    "Rise!"


    Ye Feng exerted force between his palms, opening an Earth Gate. He didn¡¯t know what was hidden inside, but there were quite a few living breaths.


    "Come out!"


    Ye Feng stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes still stern.


    Clang clang! One by one,


    It was the sound of chains rolling, and Ye Feng¡¯s murderous aura suddenly dissipated. A dirty little hand slowly crawled out from the dungeon.


    What is this?


    Ye Feng silently sighed. Before him was an emaciated little boy who lay on the grass, looking up at Ye Feng with a venomous expression.


    "I¡¯ll go feed the fish."


    A moment later, the little boy said through gritted teeth.


    "Feed the fish?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression chilled, and in an instant, an overwhelming aura surged from his body, finally resting inside the pool.


    Damn the East Pole Island!


    Damn the ronin!


    In that instant, Ye Feng felt that letting those bandits die so easily was truly too merciful.


    "I¡¯m not here to catch you to feed the fish; I¡¯m here to rescue you."


    Ye Feng¡¯s face softened, suddenly feeling the urge to embrace the little boy. At his age, he had borne far too many pains not meant for him.


    "Rescue us?"


    Now, it was the little boy who was puzzled.


    "You say you¡¯re here to rescue us, wait, his clothes?"


    "Let me see, he¡¯s a soldier, he¡¯s from our Xuanyuan Nation, we¡¯re finally saved."


    ...


    One after another, the trapped people crawled out, looking at Ye Feng with tears streaming down their faces.


    "I¡¯m late!"


    Ye Feng bowed deeply, there were seventeen people in total, each with an unhealthy pallor on their face, some even had broken legs.


    Without words, everyone looked at Ye Feng, silently staring, the air was eerily still.


    "Uncle, thank you for rescuing us."


    Finally, it was the little boy who spoke up, with the innocence of a child.


    That¡¯s enough!


    Ye Feng smiled warmly and said:


    "I need to ask everyone to wait for another hour or two. I am arranging for people to come pick you up."


    "Little guy, what¡¯s your name?"


    After giving instructions, Ye Feng picked up the little boy.


    "Zhang Tao."


    "Do you want to become a soldier?"


    "Uncle, my parents are fishermen, and I¡¯m just a little fisherman."


    "A fisherman can only provide for your family, but becoming a soldier not only allows you to provide for your family, you can also protect your family like I do, and even more people.


    "Uncle, my parents are already dead."


    "Uncle, I want to be a soldier!"


    ...

 Chapter 213: Hong Qingyan’s Test Guinea Pig

    East Pole Island was but a minor episode.


    Only after completely eradicating the sea bandits on the island did Ye Feng and his companion depart by boat, speeding eastward on their speedboat, cutting through wave after wave with unstoppable momentum.


    Within the Eastern Border Camp.


    Two figures were fighting fiercely, one with bare hands and the other wielding a large saber.


    As the saying goes, "With a saber in hand, I have the world." Despite Xia Lengchan having the advantage of being armed, she was still forced to retreat step by step by the unarmed Sima Zhantian.


    His weapon, faced with Sima Zhantian¡¯s fists, was like a swallow in a storm, struggling to find an opening. His blade movements were heavy, but the fist force was fiercer; the iron fists seemed to be everywhere, nearly capable of catching the blade¡¯s edge with bare hands.


    "There¡¯s a chance."


    In an instant, Xia Lengchan spotted an opening in Sima Zhantian¡¯s defense, and with a powerful push from her back leg, she thrust the long saber directly forward.


    "Hey!"


    Watching the saber break through the fist wind, Sima Zhantian did not retreat but laughed instead.


    Madness!


    Xia Lengchan hastily redirected her force, already clear that the opening was a deliberate feint by Sima Zhantian. But why he did not dodge was not a question to consider at the moment.


    With such a close-range thrust, even if she pulled back, the blade could still penetrate flesh.


    "Break for me."


    Sima Zhantian bellowed, altering his fist momentum to a crossed-palm stance, snapping towards the incoming saber.


    Clang!


    The sword broke, and Sima Zhantian advanced again, striking Xia Lengchan¡¯s chest with a palm, sending her flying backwards.


    "You¡¯re crazy."


    After a brief silence, Xia Lengchan cursed, clutching her chest.


    "You¡¯re still able to stand up even with your craziness. Why did you pull back your force just now?"


    Sima Zhantian, extremely frustrated, pulled out the broken blade that had stuck in his body and tossed it aside, understanding the question all too well since he would have done the same.


    After all, it wasn¡¯t a real fight to the death!


    "Look, Zhantian, I understand your desire to break through the Martial King¡¯s level, but there¡¯s no need to torture yourself like this," Xia Lengchan said, looking at the broken saber on the ground with a look of helplessness.


    The man had taken a blow to his ego, having sought her out for a fight three times in one day, and while in prior two times it was she who got hurt, this time he took it a step further by standing still and letting her stab him.


    Instant enlightenment?


    Xia Lengchan wanted to say: "This isn¡¯t instant enlightenment, it¡¯s your head that¡¯s been squeezed by a door."


    "What do you know? A real man bleeds. If you hadn¡¯t suddenly pulled back your force just then, maybe I would have already broken through," Sima Zhantian said, covering his wound with an expression of bitter regret.


    Enough already!


    Enjoy new tales from novelhall.Co?m


    Knowing when to stop talking, Xia Lengchan held her tongue wisely. This guy was indeed provoked quite badly. Does he really want me to stab through his belly before he¡¯ll thank me?


    "Hey, have you two been injured?"


    "I¡¯ve just learned some medical skills from a book, go lie down in the medical department, and I¡¯ll get something to treat you. This will be a good chance for me to experiment," Hong Qingyan suddenly pitched in, whether they liked it or not.


    Whether to stay or fight was a tough call for Xia Lengchan, but fortunately Hong Qingyan appeared just in time to come to her rescue.


    Wait, experiment?


    Xia Lengchan shuddered, very aware that Hong Qingyan had never learned proper medical techniques before; if she was allowed to experiment by stabbing them all over, wouldn¡¯t that be a disaster?


    "Mistress, I¡¯m fine, just a bit of chest pain. Resting will fix it, but look at Zhantian, he¡¯s bleeding. He¡¯s the one in need of urgent treatment," Xia Lengchan quickly threw Sima Zhantian under the bus.


    The Martial King¡¯s power was enough to deal with any ordinary firearms. Only if faced with specially-made sniper rifles could they pierce the protective qi shield and be lethal with a single shot.


    "Martial King!"


    "It¡¯s not just him who¡¯s a Martial King; I didn¡¯t see anything."


    "Friends, it¡¯s a misunderstanding."


    ...


    Pirates are pirates after all¡ªeach one more afraid of death than the next. What business of theirs is it what Ye Feng came to do, as long as he isn¡¯t looking for them?


    The crowd dispersed in an instant, leaving the place spotless.


    The only rule on the high seas is if your fists are hard enough. Ye Feng¡¯s expressionless face showed that it wasn¡¯t yet certain whether this group of pirates could leave.


    "Feng!"


    Lying on the stretcher, Shuiyuan Longzhi weakly spat out the word.


    A blade light, carrying a dull yellow glow, struck from behind Xiao Chuanqi with the force of a bamboo splitter.


    "I¡¯ve been waiting for you."


    The blade light was fast, a signature blade draw technique unique to the ronin, but Ye Feng¡¯s movement was faster than the blade light, shielding Xiao Chuanqi in an instant.


    Palm blade, unleashed in a flash.


    "How could this be?"


    A ronin¡¯s eyes bulged as he slowly fell to the ground.


    "How is this possible?"


    "Ye Feng, have you broken through?"


    Shuiyuan Longzhi was horrified. The man who had fallen was on the same level as him¡ªone of the Four Great Protectors of the Ronin Guild known as "Mountain."


    "No."


    Ye Feng said indifferently. His fear wasn¡¯t that these ronin would attack; it was that they might escape.


    "Damn it!"


    Suddenly, Shuiyuan Longzhi burst his chains open, slapped the ground with his palm, and propelled himself into the air.


    H could wait no longer. His opponent¡¯s strength had grown inscrutably powerful; if this went on, the entire Ronin Guild might be toppled by him. Then he, Shuiyuan Longzhi, would become the criminal of the Fusang Kingdom.


    In the face of the instinct to survive, potential is limitless, not to mention someone like Shuiyuan Longzhi who embodied the spirit of samurai.


    Mid-air, Shuiyuan Longzhi wildly struck out with his qi force, propelling himself forward in flight.


    "How foolish."


    It was because Shuiyuan Longzhi didn¡¯t look back; otherwise, if he had seen the expressions of Ye Feng and his companion at that moment, his urge to flee might have instantly cooled.


    "It¡¯s just a matter of sooner or later. Have the roots of these pirates been figured out yet?"


    Ye Feng wasn¡¯t in a hurry to pursue. He had already installed a new type of tracking device on Shuiyuan Longzhi.


    "It¡¯s been found. They¡¯re from Charlotte Lingqiong¡¯s Reserve Corps, one of the Four Great Pirate Kings."


    In Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s hand, there was a silver screen flashing through faces rapidly.


    "No wonder. It must be that foolish woman who vowed to conquer the East Sea, apart from her, I guess no pirate would dare to be so blind as to oppose us, the Xuanyuan Nation."


    "A mere Reserve Corps, what a pity. Kill them all!"


    A casually uttered phrase determined the fate of all pirates on the island. Daring to work with ronin and oppose the Xuanyuan Nation?


    Death!


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded, his lips curling into a smile once more¡ªa Grim Reaper¡¯s smirk¡ªas his figure leaped away.

 Chapter 214: The Path of Godslaying

    ```


    Few people can remember that before becoming a Legion Commander, Xiao Chuanqi had another resounding nickname: Lone Shadow. He was the most cold-blooded and ruthless assassin on the Northern Border Battlefield. The most formidable aspect of Xiao Chuanqi was never about confronting enemies head-on.


    Now, as the fierce tiger enters the forest, the God of Slaughter returns to the battlefield.


    An expansive island fell silent in the instant Xiao Chuanqi left. Ye Feng mentally counted; with each count, the presence of one less pirate dissipated from the surroundings¡ªthe speed was incredibly fast.


    Indeed, the Lone Shadow of the battlefield, the indifferent God of Slaughter!


    Ye Feng¡¯s figure flashed as he headed toward the southeast corner of the woods. He had his own business to attend to¡ªif he didn¡¯t destroy the Ronin Guild, this expedition would be a failure.


    "Lord of the Water Source, who inflicted such injuries on you?"


    Inside the cottage, Shuiyuan Longzhi, in utter disarray, leaned against the wooden door. In front of him stood several ronin dressed in samurai outfits, each with hair tied back and a small ponytail.


    There were four people total. At the due north side of the table, only one meditation mat was set, upon which an elderly man sat meditating with his eyes closed. Dressed in a white samurai robe, he appeared benevolent and kind, exuding the air of a sagely daoist.


    To both sides, there was a meditation mat each. However, the one on the right was empty, while the person who spoke was an old man seated on the left.


    Directly across from the old man, four additional meditation mats were aligned, and at this moment, there were only two figures sitting on them¡ªtwo were empty.


    "East Pole Island is no more."


    Shuiyuan Longzhi coughed lightly, and two tall women dressed in kimonos brought him water and food.


    Upon hearing that East Pole Island had been destroyed, several ronin furrowed their brows deeply, but the old man in the middle remained unaffected. He opened his eyes and asked:


    "Is the Mountain Wilderness Lord dead?"


    The voice was rich and powerful, imbued with a unique persuasiveness.


    "Yes, Lord Sato."


    Since the Guild President had spoken, Shuiyuan Longzhi certainly dared not hide anything. Hesitating, he then continued with a somber expression:


    "Not only is the Mountain Wilderness Lord dead, but Mr. Nanyang is also dead. He was killed on the road as I was returning."


    "Lord Sato, now is not the time to discuss this. The enemy is very strong, incredibly strong. I suggest we choose to retreat temporarily."


    In Fusang, among the ronin samurai, one only addresses another with such respect when they truly acknowledge their strength. Even Shuiyuan Longzhi faintly believed:


    He is no match for Ye Feng!


    In fact, Shuiyuan Longzhi never denied that Sato Shinichi was weak. Even the High-Level Martial King and Vice President of the Ronin Guild, Yamano Okamura, was only addressed as ¡¯Lord.¡¯ This showed how respected and powerful Sato Shinichi was supposed to be.


    "Retreat?"


    "Lord of the Water Source, don¡¯t tell me a trip to Xuanyuan Nation has scared you out of your wits."


    One of the ronin turned around with a sneer and disdain on his face.


    He was one of the four ¡¯Ministers¡¯ of the Ronin Guild, known as ¡¯Fire,¡¯ whose real name was Nara Akio. He held the same rank as ¡¯Wind,¡¯ which Shuiyuan Longzhi represented.


    "Mr. Nara, must I tell you that Mr. Nanyang was killed by the enemy with a single strike for you to take our enemy seriously?"


    "This isn¡¯t about feeding the enemy¡¯s ego while undermining our own. It¡¯s that the Ronin Guild doesn¡¯t need to take this risk," Shuiyuan Longzhi said darkly. Had he escaped Ye Feng¡¯s vicinity risking death just to be ridiculed?


    "Lord Sato, I agree with what Lord of the Water Source has said,"


    The man on the left calmly spoke, revealing his identity. The Ronin Guild had one President, two Vice Presidents, and four Ministers, and he was the other Vice President, Asano Forest.


    "I agree as well,"


    The remaining ¡¯Forest,¡¯ Tanaka Moritaka, seconded the motion.


    "I would also like to agree with what you¡¯ve all said,"


    "But Lord of the Water Source, have you ever considered that your ability to escape doesn¡¯t mean the enemy was completely unguarded?"


    Sato Shinichi opened his aged eyes, eyes full of vicissitudes.


    "President, I haven¡¯t,"


    Looking at Ye Feng again, in the moment of shattering the fierce tiger, he was sent flying back¡ªa result of being slashed and also his method to minimize the damage.


    "The old fella¡¯s got skills!"


    "He must be somebody, not just a nobody."


    Ye Feng landed and grimaced, blood dripping steadily from his fingertips. Sato Shinichi¡¯s Blade Draw Slash had easily penetrated his Protective Qi Shield, and even the golden light hadn¡¯t stopped it.


    Luckily, his hand was not severed.


    "You flatter me. I am the youthful hero, Sato Shinichi," Sato Shinichi replied.


    Sato Shinichi¡¯s twin blades drew another foot from their sheaths.


    "So, you are the Lord of the Path of Divine Slaughter. No wonder your killing power is so formidable. To have the opportunity to fight with you is an utmost honor for this junior," Ye Feng once again clenched his fist, his golden fist growing ever more intense.


    It was unclear whether that was a compliment or sarcasm, but the Lord of the Path of Divine Slaughter, Sato Shinichi, was most famous for a battle where he killed the top five Supernatural Ability Users of the Great Eagle Empire in a single day. More famous, however, was not his own Path of Divine Slaughter but his master, the world-renowned Great Swordmaster: Sword Saint Musashi!


    "Delaying is useless."


    Sato Shinichi¡¯s expression turned cold, and he charged forward with his dual blades.


    The Blade Draw Technique couldn¡¯t be executed continuously without a pause, as the accumulation of spirit and combination of Qi Force couldn¡¯t be replenished in a short time.


    "Divine Slaughter, Ghost Extinguishing Slash!"


    The extreme movements of the dual blades resembled open fangs of malevolent ghosts, tearing towards Ye Feng.


    "Try my second move, Qi Break!"


    Suddenly, a golden Great Fist formed in Ye Feng¡¯s right hand, growing larger and larger. But upon a closer look, it seemed to vanish, with the fist still dripping blood.


    Boom! One by One.


    A punch was thrown, crushing everything in its path, and all semblances of the fangs and malevolent ghosts dissipated in an instant.


    "Tiger Hunt!"


    Sato Shinichi looked shocked and had no choice but to retreat. The fist loomed large, and he crossed his twin blades before him to unleash a surge of Qi Force.


    From a distance, it looked like a black tiger was facing off against a giant fist, being pushed back steadily.


    A great opportunity!


    The three Ronin would not miss the chance to exploit Ye Feng¡¯s brief period of weakness. In unison, two drew their blades and one enlarged his small fast blade into a Great Sword that descended in a slash.


    "First move, Open Heaven!"


    Ye Feng scoffed.


    Others might enter a period of weakness after exerting themselves, but not him. In fact, Ye Feng himself found it odd that after activating all 108 acupoints, his Qi Force seemed inexhaustible, with his spirit energized and Qi Force abundant.


    Where was the limit to the battle? Damn, he wanted to know.


    Two golden Palm Blades, disregarding the oncoming Blade Draw Technique, crossed paths, and the big blade above his head was impossible to dodge. But...


    Worth it!


    With a thunderous crash, Ye Feng dodged the fatal blow. The blade¡¯s light struck his shoulder, and his body sank down with it.


    No kneeling!


    Ye Feng clenched his teeth and sprang from the ground, fresh blood again pouring from his shoulder, sacrificing himself to take down two.


    Too valuable!


    "I, Sato Shinichi, recognize you as a peer. As a sign of my respect, I will leave you an intact corpse to be sent back to your country."


    "Divine Slaughter, the Calm of Autumn Wind!"


    How can one still the wind in a vast gale?


    The answer was not to cut the wind, but one could sever waterfalls, hold up space, and cut the very path of the wind.

 Chapter 215: Discussing Insights with Someone

    The Path of Divine Slaughter, also known as the Path of the God of Slaughter.


    Fierce as a tiger everywhere, a devourer of men in all places.


    At dusk, the canopy of the sky seemed to grow even darker, a black line approaching from afar, fragile beyond measure, swaying as if blown by the wind. In truth, wherever the black line passed, the chilly sea breeze became stiff and still.


    The Lord of the God of Slaughter, with autumn winds dying down, people wilt away.


    "I was careless."


    Such a stunning, peerless Sure-Kill Blade Technique had already surpassed any Blade Draw Slash. The Lord of the Path of Divine Slaughter truly lived up to his reputation. One wonders just how formidable Musashi must be?


    Ye Feng eventually crushed an object, the only thing that the old man had left him, and also the thing he had sworn never to use against his countrymen. All this time, Ye Feng had held it as a desire in his heart.


    A massive claw stretched out.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression turned peculiar. Was this the thing that the old man swore would save his life, just a big claw?


    The appearance was indeed impressive, black and white scales intermingling, giving off an unparalleled sense of vigor at first glance. The grey claws gradually turned a dark red, the red of slaughter.


    What if I can¡¯t win and end up being roasted and eaten?


    In fact, Ye Feng¡¯s worries were superfluous, as the sharp claw seemed to come to life, grasping towards the black line. In that instant, everything became clear again.


    Sato Shinichi¡¯s figure spilled out from the gaps in the massive claw, lying on the ground, violently coughing up blood. His aggressive moves had been broken, resulting in an unclear backlash.


    "An Object of the Divine Path!"


    "Such an incredibly real and matchless Divine Path Object has reached the Great Accomplishment Level. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s excessive for someone of your standing to make a move against me, and beneath your dignity?"


    Sato Shinichi, standing with his sword planted, looked up at the massive claw with lingering dread.


    "Excessive?"


    "You, an Enlightenment Period old geezer, bully a man in his twenties. Why don¡¯t you say that you¡¯re the excessive one? Give him five more years, and don¡¯t you believe he could beat you until you can¡¯t find your way home?"


    "Little fellow, you¡¯re not qualified to converse with me. Quickly use the Sword Spirit hidden on you, or I¡¯ll slaughter you right now."


    The massive claw transformed into a golden shadow, standing aloof with hands behind, possessing the air of someone who looked down upon the world.


    "Xin Yi, didn¡¯t I warn you not to use it unless it¡¯s a life or death situation?"


    A deep blue light blade blossomed in Sato Shinichi¡¯s hand and then transformed into a white-robed figure.


    "Master!"


    Sato Shinichi lowered his head and didn¡¯t dare to speak; his master, Musashi, was known to the world as the Sword Saint, his Divine Path Object, a sword.


    "No, who are you?"@@@@


    The figure in the white robe turned solemn, realizing the existence matching his own above his head.


    "Old geezer, seems like you¡¯re not up to par if you can¡¯t even recognize me."


    "Come with me, a good beating and you¡¯ll remember everything."


    Without concerning himself with whether Musashi agreed or not, the gold shadow turned back into the giant claw and, in an instant, snatched up Musashi¡¯s avatar, soaring into the clouds.


    All went quiet!


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression flickered in disbelief. Was the old man really that incredible? Chasing after Musashi as if herding him off. Who was the fool that spied on the old woman bathing and got chased with a broom for it?


    Read new adventures at novelhall.Co?m


    The Divine Path!


    Ye Feng and Sato Shinichi both instinctively adopted offensive stances. However, Sato Shinichi¡¯s brow was now slightly furrowed, and his gaze, previously firm, was now hesitant.


    "Sir, what¡¯s your master¡¯s name?"


    After rendezvousing with Asano Forest, Sato Shinichi had finally regained some of his confidence. That undying old man was too ruthless; despite not looking as ragged as Ye Feng, he was actually injured more severely, an internal injury.


    "You go ask him yourself."


    Ye Feng made a comment that particularly annoyed both of them.


    Within the hurricane, Black Tiger seemed to transform into another shape, but before he could get a closer look, he was engulfed by the black storm.


    A black tornado roared through the wasteland, slicing everything in its path into powder.


    "Stop for me."


    From outside the storm, Ye Feng threw punch after punch, golden fist imprints striking the hurricane and emitting a series of metallic clangs.


    Punch after punch, relentless in his assault.


    Throughout it all, Ye Feng¡¯s body resisted the hurricane, retreating step by step, his feet now buried in the ground up to his waist as he was pushed further back.


    Finally, the wind ceased, and the hurricane diminished.


    "Old man, I¡¯m sorry, but I won¡¯t leave your body intact."


    The Golden Yellow Battle Suit was now stained a layer of crimson, a vivid red painted by blood. The hurricane finally tore open, and without any hesitation, Ye Feng charged directly towards the figure inside.


    Bang!


    Their heads collided straight on, and Sato Shinichi, in his wildest dreams, never imagined he would die from a head injury caused by a collision.


    Which normal Martial King would practice such a shameless Iron Head Technique?


    Ye Feng, of course, had never practiced the Iron Head Technique, but he had a suit of armor. After the fierce collision, although his head felt heavy, he was not the one with a cracked skull.


    "You¡¯ve won, but this won¡¯t be the end of it."


    Sato Shinichi looked at Ye Feng with a bitter smile at his lips before finally collapsing.


    Whoosh!


    A flash of sword light, heading straight for Ye Feng, who was still swaying. Asano Forest once again wielded their prized Blade Draw Technique.


    Clang! The silver steel sword was instantly broken in two. Ye Feng didn¡¯t even try to dodge. The blade that had previously managed to injure him now hit the armor and did nothing.


    "You can go join him!"


    Ye Feng grabbed Asano Forest¡¯s neck and then twisted it forcefully. Afterwards, he picked up the two pieces of Broken Blade and stabbed them towards Sato Shinichi¡¯s face and heart.


    "This isn¡¯t over, ance¡ª"


    Shortly after Ye Feng finished the battle, up in the sky, the two fighting figures also determined a victor. Musashi, turned into a White Shadow, was utterly shattered by a massive claw.


    The giant claw once again transformed into a golden figure, who silently watched Ye Feng, lying exhausted on the ground, for a long while before fading away.


    "Old guy, who exactly are you?"


    The armor receded, and his military uniform was soaked in fresh red¡ªblood from his enemies, but more so, his own. In the end, Ye Feng laughed, as if he could see the old guy smiling at him again.


    Meanwhile, atop a deserted peak in the Xuanyuan Nation, an old man roasting sweet potatoes said, "He really killed him!"


    The old man glanced eastward, his gaze growing sharper by the moment.


    "Grandpa Long, what¡¯s been killed?"


    Next to the old man sat a girl with large eyes that shone like black gems, holding a book in her hands.


    "Your Little Martial Uncle killed someone quite troublesome."


    The old man pulled out the sweet potato, smelled its fragrance, and handed it to the little girl.


    "Grandpa Long, you¡¯ve mentioned it N times now, but who is Little Martial Uncle?"


    "Also, will Little Martial Uncle be in danger?"


    The little girl put down her book, knowing well that the sweet potato was most certainly "borrowed" from some kind old lady.


    "Of course, there will be danger. In the world of men, it¡¯s not always smooth sailing. But your Little Martial Uncle killed someone beyond his own limits, he has my old flair."


    "Little Jiu, eat here while Grandpa goes to share some insights with someone."


    In the mountains, the sound of a dragon¡¯s chant carried on the wind as a massive figure flew eastward.


    Better to take the initiative and trouble Musashi himself rather than wait for him to cause trouble¡ªthat was the reasoning.

 Chapter 216: Probably a Fool

    In the world of Martial Dao, inheritance is a matter as grave as life and death.


    It is akin to the prevalent maxim in the secular world: of all the unfilial acts, failing to produce descendants is the worst. This holds true for the Sects and Branches, regardless of alignment¡ªneither good nor evil factions can afford any negligence in the continuation of their lineage.@@@@


    Yet, the stronger an individual in this world is, the harder it becomes for them to have offspring. It¡¯s as if by some cruel twist of fate, they are being punished by the heavens. As a result, those mighty beings, sparse in kin or entirely without heirs, often turn to the mortal realm to select disciples with exceptional innate bones to pass on their mantle.


    Sato Shinichi was not only a disciple of Musashi but also the brightest and most esteemed pupil in his life. It is a common practice for the mighty to bestow their favored disciples with a life-saving item, a token that could be revealed in dire times to vouch for their Sect, prompting both parties to temporarily step back from conflict, barring irreconcilable hostility.


    For a life-saving item is also a tool for vengeance; should a beloved disciple die, the perpetrator can be traced through those who fought with the deceased. If you were the killer, your death is sealed; if not, the absence of the real culprit still warrants your doom.


    Ye Feng was unaware of this.


    The old beggar from whom he had obtained three pages in exchange for two buns on a rainy day; the shameless old man who had found him during a vacation and spent days in the Northwest Countryside being pursued relentlessly by a flirtatious sister-in-law; the old fellow who never bothered to have him call him master¡ªhe had no idea how much the old man had done for him this time.


    Of course, even if Ye Feng knew, he would probably just grin. With the elder¡¯s knack for saving his own skin, hunting him down was only proper!


    As the night approached and after a brief rest, Ye Feng sought out Shuiyuan Longzhi, the Ronin Guild¡¯s officer who had not fled. He was watching Ye Feng quietly, with a katana laid out in front of him.


    "Ye Feng, do you know whom you have killed?"


    Shuiyuan Longzhi¡¯s face was composed as he gazed at Ye Feng, his expression mingling respect with pity.


    "I know."


    "The Lord of the Path of Divine Slaughter, Sato Shinichi, disciple of Sword Saint Musashi."


    Ye Feng¡¯s own face was equally calm; there was nothing left to hide for a man about to die.


    "Right, but not exactly."


    "That¡¯s just one of Lord Sato¡¯s identities. You wouldn¡¯t understand the spirit of a Fusang Warrior. Not just anyone can be chosen as guild leader, not even Musashi¡¯s disciple."


    "Ye Feng, if you don¡¯t want to involve others because of this matter, then take those two Black Blades. They are famous swords. Incidentally, one of them is the Mourning Blade."


    Indeed, none of the prior owners of the Mourning Blade had met good ends.


    Hidden within the handkerchief was the gleaming blade. Shuiyuan Longzhi smiled as he gripped the sword and performed seppuku, a determined act pointing to certain death. He was a criminal, and the entire Ronin Guild perished because of him.


    One could only hope his homeland would grant forgiveness.


    "I don¡¯t understand, and I don¡¯t need to."


    "You have your spirit, and I have my faith."


    Ye Feng watched in silence until Shuiyuan Longzhi had passed. He then tilted his waist slightly; even for a sworn enemy, he was willing to give such a person the respect they deserved.


    The two swords were Black Blades, their dark-colored blades exquisitely patterned.


    Ye Feng understood what Mourning Blade meant¡ªit signified an ominous blade. But for supernatural and esoteric beliefs, Ye Feng obviously did not care. Looking at the scabbards, he saw two small seal characters engraved on each.


    One read ¡¯Autumn Water,¡¯ the other, ¡¯Yama.¡¯


    Autumn Water!


    Ye Feng suddenly grasped some of the meaning behind Shuiyuan Longzhi¡¯s words. The sword known as Autumn Water represented a family in Fusang with an esteemed reputation¡ªthe Longma Family.


    "King, how are your wounds?"


    Before Ye Feng could leave, Xiao Chuanqi had already come over, having executed a group of pirates woefully weaker than even a Half-Step Martial King with little more than the effort of running an errand.


    Seeing Ye Feng¡¯s uniform darkened to a green shade by blood, Xiao Chuanqi was genuinely shocked¡ªbone was faintly visible in the wounds on his shoulder and palms.


    "It¡¯s no big deal. Did you finish them all off?"


    Ye Feng looked at his palms, where flesh flayed by the blade was regrowing at a rate invisible to others, discernible only by sensation.


    "Not one left!"


    A hint of bloodlust flashed across Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s eyes.


    Here it comes again!


    "Huh? Ye Feng!"


    "Let me think, you¡¯re Ye Feng, aren¡¯t you the one from the Northern Border?"


    Tankuli suddenly slapped his forehead and pointed at Ye Feng to ask.


    This time, it was Ye Feng¡¯s turn to be surprised, because the expression on Tankuli¡¯s face was one of excitement, and it was not feigned. Quietly, Ye Feng said:


    "There is more than one Ye Feng in Central China. In the Northern Border, well, to tell you the truth, I am Ye Feng, the Northern Border King."


    "By the way, I¡¯m the one who killed the people on the island."


    Seeing that this guy was straightforward, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t be bothered to beat around the bush with him anymore.


    "The Northern Border King, it really is you."


    "This makes things difficult. Although you¡¯ve saved my sister, you have killed someone from our Reserve Corps."


    Tankuli¡¯s recently relaxed brows furrowed once again.


    "Joking, how would I save someone from the Soul Pirate Group?"


    Ye Feng scoffed coldly.


    You should know that Charlotte Qiongling, that foolish woman, even boasted about conquering the East Sea; even though the East Sea is an ocean, it is still part of the Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s territory, and will not tolerate anyone¡¯s trampling.


    So, Ye Feng killing someone from the Soul Pirate Group was long overdue, just like earlier.


    "The person you saved is in the Mingbei Kingdom."


    Now Ye Feng understood.


    The Northern Border of the Xuanyuan Nation is indeed the vast Snow Kingdom, the Mingbei Kingdom.


    Ye Feng, as the King of the Northern Border, had destroyed countless Mingbei Kingdom strongholds in his lifetime. The Northern Border Legion had killed many people, but they had also saved many; after all, not every country in the world was as friendly as the Xuanyuan Nation.


    "That¡¯s because I didn¡¯t know her identity; what do you want to do?"


    Ye Feng was clearly not interested in accepting this gratitude. If he knew that a woman was from the Soul Pirate Group, she would probably have already met her end.


    "You saved my sister Atehui, my only sister. I must repay that debt, but you¡¯ve also killed our people."


    "Let¡¯s do this, you and I will duel."


    "If you win, you can leave, and I won¡¯t send anyone after you. If you lose, then join our Soul Pirate Group."


    Ye Feng wasn¡¯t sure if this man was genuinely foolish or pretending, but looking at the man¡¯s slightly dull expression, Ye Feng was more inclined to believe the former.


    Agreed!


    It wasn¡¯t that he was afraid of the pirates on this ship; he simply wanted an opportunity to reassess these pirates.


    There are good and bad people everywhere.


    "Ye Feng, you are injured; this is not fair."


    The battlefield quickly cleared for the two of them, and as Tankuli looked at Ye Feng¡¯s injuries, he paused and then suddenly thrust his trident towards his own stomach.


    Hiss! One by one


    The trident almost pierced through.


    This action stunned Ye Feng and Xiao Chuanqi, and they both independently came to the same conclusion.


    Probably an idiot!


    Of course, they had to admit, such an idiot was somewhat endearing.


    "Tankuli, I suddenly don¡¯t want to kill you anymore; you deserve a second look from me."


    This man, pulling out the trident from his belly to confront him, was too good a man to be a notorious pirate.


    It was truly a pity!

 Chapter 217: Sea Ability User

    ```


    Clearly, Tankuli did not understand what Ye Feng¡¯s words meant. He extended his left hand and said with a gentlemanly gesture:


    "Please, I will not hold back."


    In other words, that also meant he would give it his all.


    "I¡¯m afraid if I make a move, you won¡¯t have a chance, so you go first."


    Ye Feng shook the pair of Black Blades in his hands without any intention of drawing them from their sheaths.


    "No offense!"


    Tankuli still did not move, but everything on the beach seemed to change, turning into a vast expanse of white paste.


    Beneath their feet, it kept stirring.


    Ye Feng¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, as if something dreadful was trying to invade his body. He didn¡¯t dare to be careless and quickly mobilized his Qi Force to form a set of Golden Battle Armor.


    "A Sea Ability User?"


    Ye Feng asked with some interest.


    Just as Supernatural Ability Users appear on land, in the vast ocean there also awaken individuals known as "Sea Ability Users". Both possess strange powers, evenly matched, the only difference being how well one controls their abilities.


    Sea Ability Users lose the ability to swim.


    Land Ability Users, on the other hand, are unable to fight in the sky.


    Unless they reach the Transcendent Level, both are bound by these limitations. Ye Feng had not seen a real Transcendent Ability Owner, but it was clear that Tankuli was not one of them.


    "I am a Sugar Yuan Ability User."


    "To so easily withstand my Sugar Yuan invasion, Ye Feng, you truly are worthy of being my opponent."


    To Ye Feng, those words were full of nothing but disdain. Whether you are worthy to be my opponent remains to be seen!


    Silently traversing this viscous white world, a Martial Artist¡¯s Qi Force could split mountains and shatter stones, but the ability to transform an entire space like this was truly eerie.


    However, the space that Tankuli had transformed gave Ye Feng an odd feeling because it was too reminiscent of something found inside a man¡¯s body, only denser and firmer underfoot.


    Luckily, there was no fishy smell, or else Ye Feng would have been unable to stay.


    "Kill!"


    As Tankuli brandished his weapon, one after another white puppet raised its bladed hands and struck down at Ye Feng.


    A waste of effort!


    Ye Feng quickly showed Tankuli with his actions that such moves were superfluous. The white puppets shattered like children beneath the golden fists.


    Bang! Bang, bang!...


    White Shadows broke and then reformed, continuing for over five minutes. Even someone as patient as Ye Feng was now annoyed by the disturbance.


    "Suppress!"


    Drawing breath and focusing his energy, a wave of force roared out in tandem with Ye Feng¡¯s shout, shattering all the white puppets within a six-meter radius instantly.


    "Aren¡¯t you tired?"


    Ye Feng turned his head and glared at Tankuli through gritted teeth. Was this all he could do?


    "Aren¡¯t you tired?"


    Tankuli was equally puzzled.


    In his mind, a Martial Artist¡¯s Qi Force was never infinite, while an Ability User¡¯s space could be used in a great loop, at a high mental cost but also with utmost sensitivity.


    Seeing Ye Feng still full of vigour after five minutes dumbfounded Tankuli.


    I get it!


    This guy looked silly, but his approach was anything but. Yet, Ye Feng casually asked, "Do you have any other moves?"


    "I do!"


    You sure answered that quickly.


    A twitch formed at the corner of Ye Feng¡¯s mouth. Was this a joke? Did he not understand the concept of visual fatigue?


    "Then show me your true strength."


    At that moment, Ye Feng no longer held back. Clutching the twin blades, he dove toward his opponent.


    "Shatter!"


    Strands of golden Qi Force, like thunderbolts, roared through Asano Forest as Ye Feng raised his palm, thundering toward this world of Sugar Yuan.


    Crack! One by one.


    The space suddenly fractured, the sea remained as it was, the ship was still there, and Xiao Chuanqi chuckled, his expression mocking as he watched Tankuli.


    What a bore Wang Ye was, playing for so long.


    "No, I can still fight."


    Tankuli was as pale as a ghost, still refusing to concede defeat even while holding his Trident.


    "Then we¡¯ll see if your Trident can withstand my blade."


    Worthy of being called a Great Fast Blade!


    Ye Feng drew his sword, feeling as natural as a fish in water. Autumn Water traced a black line, and in a blink, it was in front of Tankuli, the back of the blade slashing down.


    Fast, too fast!


    Tankuli could only sense a darkness before his eyes, and then he was knocked down.


    "Now, do you still think you have a chance to win?"


    The Black Blade hung at Tankuli¡¯s neck as Ye Feng asked coldly.


    "I can still fight!"


    The tone was still the same as before, no longer just stubbornness, but almost a belligerent attitude.


    Ye Feng frowned slightly. Was this big guy¡¯s way of thinking about victory and defeat based on the belief that as long as he could keep fighting, he hadn¡¯t lost?


    "My patience has limits."


    "Tankuli, just as if I decapitated you in an instant and then threw your body into the sea, do you think you¡¯d die?"


    The answer, obviously, was yes.


    Even a Transcendent Level Sea Ability User, who swims freely in the ocean with their own power, can still drown.


    "You¡¯ve won!"


    "Ye Feng, you may leave. The next time we meet, I will surely defeat you."


    In the end, Tankuli turned his head away. As a loser, he was no longer worthy to look directly at the victor.


    "Suit yourself!"


    "But I want to tell you, Tankuli, the reason I don¡¯t kill you is that I think someone like you brings a different air to the sea. Should you dare to appear in the territorial waters of the Xuanyuan Nation, upon our next encounter..."


    "I will kill you!"


    Ye Feng sheathed his sword and left Tankuli lying on the ground, bewildered. For some reason, he found himself unable to refute Ye Feng¡¯s words, as if the speaker himself...


    Carried a convincing force!


    "Is this the dominance I have been seeking?"


    Tankuli sprang to his feet and bowed respectfully to the departing ship, finally finding his direction forward.


    Dominate!


    It was time for those who had bullied his sister to pay the price.


    "Wang, that big guy seems to be saluting us."


    It wasn¡¯t just seeming, Xiao Chuanqi smirked, finding Tankuli quite interesting.


    "I see it."


    "He¡¯s lucky this time. If he encounters an Ability User he can¡¯t handle in the future, he must run immediately and not fall into their power space."


    Ye Feng spoke earnestly.


    Little did this guy know, the reason Ye Feng didn¡¯t slaughter the people on that ship was that he didn¡¯t want Xiao Chuanqi to delve further into killing.


    Of course, he could do it himself, and even more easily, but as the Northern Border King, doing such things could attract unwanted attention from other nations.


    "Understood!"


    "Wang, what are Ability Users¡¯ spaces like?"


    At that question, Ye Feng suddenly felt uneasy, because he couldn¡¯t simply tell his subordinates: Ability Users¡¯ spaces are all like that, just like that, could he?

 Chapter 218: The North Has Fierce Tigers, but the East Has No Dragons

    Supernatural Ability Users are quite magical.


    They can do many things beyond your imagination, and the changes they can effect with their abilities leave even Martial Artists in awe.


    However, in Ye Feng¡¯s view, Supernatural Ability Users are also quite useless¡ªif their abilities cannot affect a person, then they¡¯re no different from lambs to the slaughter.


    In other words, Supernatural Ability Users belong to the cream of the crop within their own tier, but they lack the capability to battle beyond their rank; they have various methods, yet their limitations are too rigid.


    The ship finally entered the port of the Eastern Border the next afternoon.


    Coming and going took four days. Few people knew the purpose of Ye Feng¡¯s long voyage. Even Hong Qingyan was kept in the dark by Ye Feng, who only told her he was going to scout the enemy¡¯s situation and that there wouldn¡¯t be too much danger.


    "You¡¯ve worked hard!"


    The Old Eastern King personally came to meet them, and he was the only person in the entire Eastern Border who knew what Ye Feng went to do.


    Seeing Ye Feng¡¯s military uniform covered in bloodstains, the Old Eastern King fell silent, uncertain whether to feel happy or guilty. This was a matter for the Eastern Border, yet the young Northern Border King had to risk his life for it.


    As the saying goes, the new waves of the Yangtze River push forward the old waves; it¡¯s just sad that while the North has fierce tigers, the East lacks mighty dragons.


    "Hmm!"


    Ye Feng nodded, polite when it was appropriate to be so, but foregoing such pleasantries with the Old Eastern King.


    "How did the mission go?"


    The Old Eastern King asked with a smile, immediately resuming his normal expression.


    "A complete victory."


    "The Ronin Guild won¡¯t be able to regroup for another three to five years. Seize this opportunity to work hard. I hope that the next time I come to the Eastern Border, you will present me with a fortress as solid as gold, one that can fight and win battles," Ye Feng said with meaning as he glanced at Xiao Chuanqi.


    That Token; the man scarcely took a second look at it after the first. Passing it around, and now it¡¯s still in his own hands¡ªis the position of the King of the Eastern Border less appealing than that of a Northern Border Legion commander?


    It must be his own overwhelming personal charm, Ye Feng thought to himself.


    "Haha, of course, the old sword isn¡¯t rusty yet; it can still charge into battle," the Old Eastern King laughed.


    "Let¡¯s go back, I¡¯ve prepared a victory banquet for you all."


    The Old Eastern King laughed heartily.


    Ever since his breakthrough to Martial King, his entire spirits had been rejuvenated, and more importantly, his backbone was now stiffer than before. It was possible that he could experience a second spring in his life.


    "Oh, you¡¯re willing to spend a fortune this time?"@@@@


    Ye Feng jested.


    "What are you talking about, you are a great hero of our Eastern Border. If I don¡¯t do something about it, wouldn¡¯t people reproach me if they heard about it? They might even say I have no spine. Besides, look at this Eastern Border; can it really be that much poorer than your Northern Border?"


    Show-off!


    Buttering up too much, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t be bothered to give the Old Eastern King any face.


    It¡¯s true, though; located along the coast, the Eastern Border lead the nation economically. But the Northern Border was also the birthplace of industry and included the capital city, so its economy wasn¡¯t poor by any means. The two were simply on par with each other.


    "Where is Qingyan?"


    Not only had Sima Zhantian and others not arrived, even Hong Qingyan hadn¡¯t, and this puzzled Ye Feng.


    "She went to work," the Old Eastern King replied.


    "Work? What kind of work is she doing?"


    Hong Qingyan needed to work outside as well? Ye Feng grimaced.


    "Don¡¯t get angry when I tell you, but Miss Qingyan is working as an assistant for someone," the Old Eastern King said, feeling a surge of murderous intent the moment the words left his mouth, and he quickly moved away from Xiao Chuanqi.


    Such intense killing intent!


    The Old Eastern King was inwardly alarmed. While it was true that Xiao Chuanqi and he had broken through to Martial King at roughly the same time, if it really came to a fight, the one who would surely die would be him.


    Ye Feng shed his military uniform and switched to urban fashionable attire. Even without the green uniform, his demeanor lost none of its distinction, resembling a dashing young nobleman.


    After a wide detour, Ye Feng finally found the department where Hong Qingyan was working¡ªthe surgical outpatient clinic.


    A simple general surgery¡ªhowever, after asking around, Ye Feng was told that Hong Qingyan had gone to the operating theater.


    The operating theater?


    Ye Feng was somewhat surprised. She was quick to assist in the operating theater, undaunted by the possibility of making a big mistake.


    "Young man, what are you doing here?"


    Outside the operating room sat a middle-aged man, whose wife was undergoing surgery inside.


    "I came to see my wife."


    Ye Feng replied.


    "Your wife is inside? Must be Miss Qingyan, young man, I must say you¡¯re really impressive."


    The middle-aged man asked tentatively, his tone cautious.


    "I also think I¡¯m quite impressive."


    To his surprise, Ye Feng¡¯s response was offhand, causing the middle-aged man to be taken aback. Such a young man,


    and not modest in the slightest!


    The middle-aged man sighed and shook his head without speaking further, knowing from Ye Feng¡¯s expensive clothes that he was of a distinguished background, born either to officialdom or wealth.


    And for someone who could get a department head to personally perform surgery on a family member, this middle-aged man was certainly no less perceptive or influential.


    "Young man, standing here so long, what can you see?"


    Watching Ye Feng stand at the door for over ten minutes, with his straight posture and concentrated gaze, the middle-aged uncle couldn¡¯t help but feel a deeper respect and approached him as he stood up.


    "I can¡¯t see anything, but I can feel her presence."


    In truth, Ye Feng could see, but he didn¡¯t want to come across as extraordinary, and besides, peeping on others wasn¡¯t a good thing.


    "Who knew that you and she were so affectionate? No wonder many male doctors and some rich young masters here have pursued Miss Hong to no avail."


    The middle-aged man heaved a light sigh.


    "There have been such things?"


    Ye Feng turned his head.


    In just less than four days, Qingyan had already drawn attention. He hadn¡¯t realized before that she held such allure¡ªhad he hidden her charm all along?


    "Of course, I¡¯ve been here for a week, and Miss Hong arrived three days ago. But in just those three days, those wanting to invite her out to eat may have tripled."


    The middle-aged man went back to his place, which included his own son, though of course, he couldn¡¯t say that.


    Some twenty minutes later, the doors to the operating theater finally opened.


    The first to come out was an elderly woman. Ye Feng stepped aside to make way, knowing she was the chief surgeon and also the department head, well-regarded in terms of character. Hong Qingyan was doing her internship under her.


    "Old Liu, your other son?"


    The female department head glanced at the middle-aged man.


    "I¡¯m not that fortunate, he¡¯s waiting for your disciple."


    The middle-aged man explained.


    Great, another suitor!


    The female department head Yan Yan didn¡¯t think much of it and turned to head for the changing room. In fact, when she learned that Hong Qingyan was assigned to intern under her, she was a bit annoyed, but the latter quickly won her over with her actions.


    Diligent, eager to learn, clever, and hard-working, what Yan Yan couldn¡¯t understand was why a girl who could easily rely on her beauty chose to take on such grueling work?

 Chapter 219 The Unique Black Card

    Hong Qingyan, dressed in white nurse attire, finally stepped out from the operating room.


    Tall, beautiful, and pure, Ye Feng¡¯s eyes lit up. No wonder some men have a thing for women in uniform. This Hong Qingyan, like a blooming daffodil, was pure and flawless, possessing a unique charm.


    "Qingyan!"


    Ye Feng greeted her with a smile.


    "Wait, I¡¯ll settle accounts with you in a bit."


    Upon seeing Ye Feng, Hong Qingyan¡¯s delicate body visibly trembled but quickly regained composure, and she shot him a fierce glance.


    Great, now I¡¯m in trouble.


    Ye Feng shrugged his shoulders, following sulkily behind. Not having seen her for a few days, the little girl now had more guts, even daring to speak to him about settling accounts.


    Only after arranging for post-surgery care of the patient and handing over work to another nurse did Hong Qingyan seem to remember Ye Feng, and they left together.


    "Where have you been?"


    Hong Qingyan asked with a stern face.


    "The High Seas."


    Ye Feng answered truthfully.


    "If you leave me behind again, I¡¯m not going to bother with you anymore."


    Hong Qingyan looked away, her eyes rimmed with red.


    If it weren¡¯t for the information from Sima Zhantian, she wouldn¡¯t even know that Ye Feng had specifically sought out the so-called Ronin Guild. She wasn¡¯t clear about how strong that organization was, but knowing the rampant state of East Pole Island under its support wasn¡¯t hard to imagine its power.


    All that detective stuff is just deceitful nonsense.


    "I did it because I was afraid you¡¯d be in danger," he explained.


    Ye Feng attempted to embrace the beautiful woman by the waist, but Hong Qingyan avoided his touch.


    "Aren¡¯t you scared that I would worry myself to death?"


    "Big Brother Ye, I have no way out. From the moment Grandpa betrothed me to you, in life I am yours, and in death, I am your ghost."


    Hong Qingyan stopped, tears uncontrollably streaming down her face.


    "Qingyan, I¡¯m sorry I shouldn¡¯t have lied to you."


    Ye Feng felt a pang of heartache and went over to take her small hand.


    "Can¡¯t you be a bit selfish?" she said softly, wiping away her tears.


    "Everyone in this world can be selfish, but as the Northern Border King, I cannot abandon my duties for that selfish desire within my heart. It¡¯s my responsibility."


    "Just as it is natural for soldiers to obey orders, duty calls, and I cannot shirk it."


    How tough it was, yet in the end, it was she who understood others so well.


    Ye Feng felt a heavy weight in his heart. He couldn¡¯t even grant such a small request. At that moment, he suddenly considered retiring to a life of peace.


    "Can you take me with you next time? I¡¯ve learned a lot, maybe I can help."


    This was what she truly wanted to say, her face filled with hope.


    "Alright!"


    Ye Feng nodded, his eyes revealing much.


    Just like the lyrics of a certain song: We who are unskilled at showing tenderness, once thought that dying for love was just an ancient myth, how painful can parting sorrow be, how intense...


    The one thing in this world you cannot bet on is the one in your heart, because there is only one.


    In fact, Ye Feng knew that Hong Qingyan wasn¡¯t really angry. The one who truly likes you doesn¡¯t need much coaxing¡ªthey understand naturally. The one who doesn¡¯t like you can¡¯t be coaxed anyway.


    ...


    "Yo! Qingyan, what a coincidence, where are you headed?"


    Just moments after leaving the hospital entrance, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz stopped by them, its window revealing a suited urban white-collar worker.


    Hong Qingyan was stunned. Yeah, where to?


    "All right!"


    Sometimes, the speed at which a woman¡¯s attitude changes can be faster than you¡¯d imagine.


    Indeed!


    It was the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce. Looking at the golden, glittering maple leaf on the signboard, Ye Feng had already surmised that this jewelry store was one of the businesses owned by the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce in the capital.


    When it came to the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce, Ye Feng was certainly no stranger. It was a chamber that had been covertly supported by the former Northern Border King and had grown strong over more than a century with immense capital. Its businesses were so expansive that they could match the big families in the capital.


    As for Ye Feng, after the old Northern Border King passed away, the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce had likewise fallen into his hands, although Ye Feng had never really paid much attention to this.


    "Wow, so many, so beautiful."


    "Big Brother Ye, come and look, they¡¯re so expensive. Such a small bracelet costs a hundred thousand."


    Hong Qingyan bent down to look at a row of bracelets in the display case, shook her head, and then stood up again, her face filled with reluctance.


    She was a foster daughter adopted by the Hong Family; being able to eat well and drink well was already quite good. As for jewelry, Hong Qingyan had never had such an aspiration.


    "Miss, this is a kelly bracelet, crafted from pure white gold with top-level craftsmanship, set with 61 white diamonds, and the price is absolutely fair."


    "This way, we have something more affordable. Would you like to come and take a look?"


    Upon hearing this, the salesperson probably realized that this person would not be able to afford it and started leading Hong Qingyan towards another display case.


    "No need. Come with me, I¡¯ll take you to buy the best."


    Ye Feng pulled Hong Qingyan toward the center without even glancing at the disdainful look on the salesperson¡¯s face.


    At this moment, the center of the Daoyi Jewelry Store was already surrounded by a group of young people, who had blocked off the center of the venue with a three-tiered crowd.


    These people, dressed in luxurious clothing, were all from renowned brands. Everyone was eagerly anticipating what was concealed under the black cloth on the display table.


    "Make way!"


    Ye Feng forcefully pushed his way through the crowd.


    "Thank you, dear friends, for coming to observe our revolving Calming Treasure Exhibition organized by Daoyi Jewelry. We at Daoyi Jewelry promise, solemnly promise, to serve you with the utmost sincerity and to sincerely reward each and every customer so that everyone can obtain the taste they most desire."


    ...


    "Now, please admire the Calming Treasure we have brought for this occasion, ¡¯Love at First Sight.¡¯"


    The black cloth was finally lifted.


    Encased in the glass display, there was a crystalline diamond necklace with two blue diamonds suspended at the center, ingeniously joined together by masterful craftsmanship, with a white diamond arrow piercing through the heart of the piece.


    Such a ¡¯Love at First Sight¡¯!


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    Truly luxurious and grand. Just this necklace, without looking at the other delicate decorations, had its price, taste, connotation, and craftsmanship technique reaching an impeccable standard.


    Ye Feng turned around, wanting to ask Hong Qingyan if she liked it, but when he saw her enraptured gaze, he immediately knew it was superfluous.


    Click! Click!


    Ye Feng snapped his fingers and said, "Waiter, I want that necklace."


    "I¡¯m sorry, sir, we only exhibit this necklace and don¡¯t sell it," the qipao-clad beauty next to the display politely said with a smile.


    "Take this card to your manager. He will make an exception for me. If he does not recognize this card, have him call the headquarters."


    Ye Feng took out a card, a Black Card.


    The highest level membership card issued by Daoyi Chamber of Commerce externally is the Purple Gold Card, limited to twenty in the whole country. As for the Black Card, there was only one, unique, and very few people were aware of its existence.


    "Who is this guy? Such big talk."


    "So many fools these days. Even the second-generation rich from the capital don¡¯t get any respect from Daoyi Chamber of Commerce; this guy should take a look in the mirror."


    "Let¡¯s just wait and see the drama. I remember the most prestigious card issued by Daoyi Chamber of Commerce is the Purple Gold Card. A Black Card? Quite likely he made it himself."


    ...


    Rumors and gossip were flying all around.


    ```

 Chapter 220: Believe in This Era

    Hong Qingyan, after all, wasn¡¯t as composed as Ye Feng in the face of the many unusual gazes and derogatory comments. Her face turned shades of green and white, wanting to argue back but not knowing what to say. Thankfully, that strong hand in hers never left.


    With him by her side, she feared no storm, no matter how great.


    The lobby manager didn¡¯t keep Ye Feng waiting for long. Two minutes later, a middle-aged man with a slicked-back hairstyle and carrying a briefcase hurried over.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Chairman, I had no idea it was you gracing us with your presence."


    Lv Wenhe didn¡¯t even bother to wipe the fine sweat from his neck, hastily bowing to Ye Feng and bending extremely low, almost to ninety degrees.


    In the hall, the previously noisy crowd waiting to watch the drama fell into an eerie silence. The female attendant who had just introduced Hong Qingyan turned pale, her body going weak. Daoyi Chamber of Commerce¡¯s reputation in the business world was infamous; its high profile also meant high entry thresholds for its recruitment, many college graduates couldn¡¯t even get in.


    The Chairman, the largest shareholder of the entire Daoyi Chamber of Commerce.


    Inside the jewelry store, at that moment, the silence was almost terrifying. Those young masters and mistresses who had just sneered at Ye Feng and his companion all bowed their heads very low, afraid of being called out to settle accounts.


    After all, the Chairman of Daoyi Chamber of Commerce, merely by his status, could be compared with the patriarchs of those big families in the empire¡¯s capital; dealing with them was a trivial matter for someone like him.


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t speak; he just quietly observed the man in front of him. After a long time, he finally said, "Stand up. There¡¯s no fault in ignorance."


    As if granted amnesty, Lv Wenhe hurriedly said, "Thank you, Chairman."


    After speaking, he lifted his head slightly, stealthily sizing up Ye Feng with the corner of his eye. To tell the truth, Lv Wenhe really didn¡¯t know the origin of the Black Card; after all, he was just a branch manager of one of the jewelry outlets under the gigantic Daoyi Chamber of Commerce.


    Yet, the response from the headquarters frightened Lv Wenhe. The holder of the Black Card was none other than the Great Chairman of the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce. In a moment of folly, he had asked: "The Chairman of which group?"


    It was known that Daoyi Chamber of Commerce had developed into two major groups, domestic and overseas, until now, across the centuries. But the other side had only said, "The biggest Chairman."


    "Find a quieter place."


    Ye Feng commanded.


    "Understood, please wait a moment, Chairman."


    Seeing Ye Feng nod, Lv Wenhe instructed the woman in the cheongsam: "Ahui, package the necklace for the Chairman."


    Then turning around, he addressed the crowd with an apologetic tone: "Ladies and gentlemen, there has been a small interruption in today¡¯s exhibition. We had not anticipated the honor of our Daoyi Forest Society¡¯s Chairman¡¯s presence. As an apology to everyone and to welcome our Chairman, all jewelry in the store will be 20 percent off today."


    Lv Wenhe thought he would earn some praise, but instead, he was met with a cold gaze.


    "Please, follow me, Chairman."


    For a moment, Lv Wenhe felt he might be outsmarting himself.


    Little did he know, Ye Feng, though seeming indifferent, precisely approved of this action.


    "Chairman, please have some tea!"


    "This lady, please enjoy some tea."


    Initially assuming Hong Qingyan was just a lover Ye Feng brought out for fun, he was soon corrected with a serious:


    "My wife."@@@@


    Hearing this, Lv Wenhe¡¯s heart twitched, and he quickly corrected himself: "Please have some tea, Chairman¡¯s wife!"


    "Thank you!"


    Hong Qingyan responded with a pleased smile; she was far more polite than Ye Feng.


    "I dare not accept such honor."


    Lv Wenhe quickly waved his hand to indicate it wasn¡¯t necessary. Without a seat offered by Ye Feng, he could only stand aside, waiting to be questioned.


    "It seems you¡¯re quite good at enjoying yourself," Ye Feng casually remarked, surveying the layout of the office.


    The entire office was divided by glass into three rooms. There was the front computer desk for work, followed by a reception box for entertaining guests, and to the right, a separate bedroom, not only with beds but also a bathroom.


    The problem lay in the bedroom on the left. What normal office would have a bed set up inside it? Any man could guess what it was for.


    "Chairman, this was all left to me by my predecessors, please understand."


    Lv Wenhe immediately became anxious, nearly ready to kneel down.


    Zhang Wenyuan nodded, acknowledging that his insight and strategies were never as good as Zhang Wenyu¡¯s.


    "Since ancient times, there¡¯s been no affection in imperial families¡ªpitiable is our young master."


    Unexpectedly, Zhang Wenyuan suddenly sighed lightly.


    "Did I ask you to reflect on this?"


    Zhang Wenyu¡¯s expression twitched. He understood the reasoning; compared to them, Ye Feng was just another piece on the chessboard, not the true mastermind behind the game.


    But to treat a meritorious official this way, if not the ruthlessness of emperors, what is it?


    "He¡¯s not dead, is he?"


    "Surviving is but a trial. It seems those big shots also want to give our young master a taste of hardship, to teach him the principle that being too rigid makes one easy to break. But they never really consider whether the master needs it. A bunch of scoundrels, not fearing that their actions might backfire."


    Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s eyes gradually deepened.


    "The current question is, which side do you think will win this chess game?"


    Zhang Wenyu began to close his eyes and rest.


    "Haven¡¯t you already made your choice in your heart?"


    "I belong to this era and am willing to believe in it once more."


    After a brief silence, Zhang Wenyuan voiced the thoughts closest to his heart.


    "Father always liked to teach us that debts must be repaid. Do you think the old man had some kind of foresight?"


    Hearing Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s reply, Zhang Wenyu¡¯s expression relaxed, and he even began to joke.


    "I always thought that saying was quite annoying. Why should we brothers have to pay back the debts our old man owed?"


    Zhang Wenyuan pursed his lips.


    "Uh!"


    Zhang Wenyu had no answer to that; the principle that the son must pay for the father¡¯s debt didn¡¯t align with his brother¡¯s way of thinking. Just then, his phone rang.


    "Chairman, the number you asked me to monitor has called again."


    "Connect it to my phone."


    In just a moment, the voice of a man came from the other end of the phone: "Hello!"


    "This is Zhang Wenyuan."


    The breathing on the other end of the phone clearly became heavier, "President, the chairman tasked me to relay a message to you: wait for him in Jiangdu."


    "Tell him I¡¯ll be there tomorrow." Experience more content on novelhall.Co?m


    Zhang Wenyuan said immediately.


    "President, the chairman has already left."


    Beep, beep, Lv Wenhe had barely finished speaking when the call on the other side was disconnected.


    "It seems our young master doesn¡¯t quite trust us, hmm?"


    Zhang Wenyu shook his head; he had been on speakerphone.


    "As it should be. There¡¯s a saying that one only becomes wise through adversity. Big brother, take some people with you to Jiangdu; there¡¯s no need to hide anymore."


    "Also, I will return to the country next week."


    A serious expression finally appeared on Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s face.


    "Why are you coming back?"


    Now it was Zhang Wenyu¡¯s turn to be displeased.


    Even after making a choice, the chessboard of power remained murky, with the outcome uncertain. The Overseas Tianyi Group was the fallback he had left for the Zhang Family.

 Chapter 221 The Challenger

    What choice the Zhang brothers made and what decision they came to, Ye Feng neither knew nor cared, and would certainly not stick around specifically to wait for an answer.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had already left the Daoyi Jewelry Store with Hong Qingyan in style, leaving behind envious gazes. The store''s treasure had been so effortlessly taken away on the very first day it was showcased.


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    The key question is, what was the chairman after?


    Hand in hand, the two sauntered freely down the street, and by now, the "Love at First Sight" necklace was already gracing Qingyan''s neck.@@@@


    If before, Qingyan in Ye Feng''s eyes was only ninety percent beautiful, then with the necklace on, she undoubtedly made up for that last ten percent. The saying goes, "Clothes make the man, and jewelry makes the beauty," and sometimes that''s just how it is.


    "Big Brother Ye, do I really look that good?"


    Qingyan''s pretty face blushed a little because on the street, the rate at which people turned to look at her was frighteningly high, with some people bumping into others and still not turning around.


    "Of course, with such a great beauty around, anyone who can''t appreciate that is blind."


    In fact, the one who looked the most was Ye Feng himself, who found Qingyan inexhaustibly captivating. At this moment, he couldn''t have been more pleased with himself.


    "You''re teasing me again. That necklace must have cost a lot, right? I''m ready to go home and munch on cabbage for a month."


    Qingyan''s gaze carried a hint of cunning.


    "Look Qingyan, you can''t mix up the two, you saw for yourself, the necklace was free."


    Actually, Ye Feng really wanted to calmly ask, does our house lack money?


    Take the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce we just saw, a big enterprise ranked within the global top hundred. If your husband wanted something, it would only take a phone call.


    "How could it cost nothing? As the chairman, you''re not doing your job properly. Manufacturing costs, raw material costs, design fees, aren''t all of these supposed to cost money?"


    "I don''t care, in our home, I''m the boss, and you have to listen to me."


    After a round of unreasonable arguments, Hong Qingyan asserted her dominance with a stern face.


    Fine!


    You win.


    Ye Feng immediately surrendered, although in his heart he couldn''t help but find it strange. Qingyan, who was previously so demure, had changed so suddenly!


    Qingyan mentioned she had learned a lot recently. Now Ye Feng wanted to know, who did she learn from, what book taught her, what else was there he didn''t know about?


    Four hours later, Qingyan was finally tired from shopping, and Ye Feng didn''t want to walk anymore either. At this point, his hands were full of large and small bags. The Northern Border King reduced to such a state, it was lucky his subordinates weren''t present, or their jaws would''ve dropped.


    The car eventually stopped at a resort villa about thirty kilometers from the Eastern Border Camp. Though Ye Feng and his people could move in and out of the camp freely, it was a place for men, and there was no reason to make Qingyan uncomfortable there.


    In the living room, Xiao Chuanqi was present, and there was also one more person.


    "King, I''m sorry for disappointing you."


    Upon seeing Ye Feng enter, Li Tiegang knelt down with a "thud", his mouth swollen up high, clearly having been struck.


    "Get up!"


    "You aren''t my subordinate, so you don''t need to address me as king. Just remember to call me ''my lord'' in the future."


    Ye Feng instructed Hong Qingyan to go upstairs first and then walked toward the sofa.


    "I''ll remember, my lord."


    Li Tiegang nodded repeatedly.


    "Tell me, what happened."


    Sima Zhantian and Xia Lengchan hurried back, fiery with haste. Ye Feng, who had been planning to reprimand them, held back upon seeing the variety of wounds covering their bodies and ultimately just told them to go rest.


    What fools!


    Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling a mixture of frustration and affection for his troops. What exactly had Sima Zhantian and Xia Lengchan gotten up to in the last three days?


    They''d gone to challenge the strong members of the Great Families in the Eastern Border!


    Ye Feng knew their true purpose, but it infuriated him that these two had been blatantly used by the Old Eastern King, and without any sign of protest.


    The next day, a modified off-road jeep left the Eastern Border Camp. The Old Eastern King and his entourage escorted them for fifty miles, repeatedly urging them to visit often when there was no trouble, and saying that gifts and such were not important. The most crucial thing was to bring along the man with the sword.


    The man with the sword, Xiao Chuanqi.


    A man who, within three minutes, made a group of Eastern Border leaders utterly convinced of his strength, lying on the ground and chanting in adoration, the First Legion Commander of the Northern Border, and also the future...


    "Dongyun City, the Feng Family?"


    "Why didn''t you say something sooner, my Lord? If I had known yesterday, I could have taken care of the Feng Family with Xia Lengchan," exclaimed Sima Zhantian in a loud voice upon hearing that Ye Feng was heading to the Feng Family in Dongyun City.


    "Were you at the Feng Family yesterday?"


    This left Ye Feng at a loss for words.


    "Not at the Feng Family. We traversed several places in one day, and had only fought there," explained Sima Zhantian.


    "The Feng Family is nothing. They don''t deserve your presence, my Lord. Just give me the word, and I''ll go right there by myself and deal with them, ensuring everything is clean and leaving no future troubles for you to continue on your way to Jiangdu."


    Sima Zhantian said enthusiastically.


    "There''s no rush for that. Consider it a chance to experience the local culture," Ye Feng waved his hand, signaling that Sima Zhantian need not continue.


    It wasn''t that he doubted Sima Zhantian''s ability; rather, it was a remark Li Tiegang had made unintentionally the day before that caught his attention.


    The Jiangzuo Alliance had once invited the Feng Family to join them.


    The strong recognize the strong¡ªthis Ye Feng never doubted. The Buddha-Faced Lord of the Jiangzuo Alliance was of Middle Rank Martial King level, and would not have extended an invitation to the Feng Family without good reason.


    Approaching noon, their vehicle finally entered the Earth Boundary of Dongyun City. The Feng Family was the unrivaled Great Family in Dongyun City, easy to find.


    While Ye Feng was on his way to the Feng Family, at this very moment in the hall of the Martial Alliance in Dongyun City, a White-Bearded Elder was dominating the scene, having taken the main seat. With an arrogant air, he addressed Li Tiegang:


    "Leader Li, what have you considered about the proposal we from the Feng Family suggested?"


    "Not much at all, Feng Shanyi. Don''t think I didn''t see through you. Your Feng Family can forget about becoming the Leader of the Dongyun City Martial Alliance. Aside from the fact that I don''t have the authority to appoint you, even if I did, I would never agree."


    Seeing Ye Feng''s response, Li Tiegang felt greatly reassured.


    "So you prefer punishment over a toast? Li Tiegang, don''t assume that because I address you as Leader Li, you actually amount to something. In the eyes of the members of the Feng Family, you''re less than nothing."


    "Let me tell you, we desire more than just the leadership of Dongyun City; it''s your position that our Feng Family members truly covet."


    The elder looked at Li Tiegang with a mocking gaze.


    "Hahaha!"


    "You want my position? My position was given by the Lord; do you really believe your Feng Family can take it with such ease? What a grand joke."


    Basking in borrowed authority, Li Tiegang knew he could no longer afford to let Ye Feng down.


    "Which Lord?"


    The elder frowned slightly.


    "Why should I tell you? Coincidentally, the Lord might already be at your Feng Family''s doorstep by now."


    Slamming the table, Li Tiegang watched as three Great Grandmasters entered from outside.

 Chapter 222 Wind Fist Style

    ```


    Peak martial artists are just that, not Martial Kings, there''s ultimately no insurmountable chasm. Li Tiegang had been ruthless this time, having invited three friends over to join the fray overnight.


    "As if the old man is afraid of you."


    Feng Shanyi shattered the Taishi Chair beneath him with a single palm. Though his mouth professed fearlessness, his heart secretly sensed trouble brewing, facing four Great Grandmasters, and two of them alarmingly close to peak levels.


    "All of you, come at me together; beat him into a pulp and throw him out."


    Whether or not you''re afraid is your concern, whether I fight is up to me.


    Li Tiegang gripped two mallets the size of fists and launched a triple-pronged attack towards Feng Shanyi, while the three others exchanged glances and struck like thunderclap.


    Compared to Ye Feng and others, it was the Martial Alliance hall in Dongyun City that erupted into conflict first. Li Tiegang''s intention was clear: today, no matter what, he intended to detain this arrogant elder of the Feng family. As for any trouble that might follow¡ª that was no longer his concern.


    Wind Holding Villa, the Feng family of Dongyun City, was situated within.


    Arriving at the entrance of the Feng family, Ye Feng began to hesitate. Along the way, he had studied much about the Feng family and realized that this Dongyun City clan wasn''t like the typical tyrannical landlords. On the contrary, the Feng family had an excellent reputation in Dongyun City, often standing up for the oppressed villagers.


    "My Lord, shall we tear it down?"


    Sima Zhantian looked at the golden Feng family plaque, itching to take action.


    "Leave it be, let''s go inside first."


    Ye Feng strode forward.


    "Stop right there!"


    "Where do you folks hail from? If you have matters requiring the Feng family''s assistance, please wait here momentarily while I send someone to announce you. If you''re here for a visit, please state your names."


    Four guards, inside and outside the doors, reached out to block Ye Feng''s way.


    "Out of the way, a good dog doesn''t stand in the way."


    Sima Zhantian clenched his fists, ready to strike at any moment, but was halted by Ye Feng.


    "Neither seeking help nor paying a visit, I am Ye Feng. You have two minutes to bring out your family head to see me. If you''re even a second late, I''ll dismantle this place entirely."


    Ye Feng flicked his wrist.


    "What a bold claim. How dare you..."


    The guard to the right hadn''t even finished speaking when a gust of wind blew in, sending him flying five meters back, landing with a cough that spewed blood.


    Looking for trouble!


    The remaining three guards finally realized that the persona before them was not someone they could contend with. One sprinted into the courtyard to raise the alarm while the other two retreated inside, readying themselves for battle.


    "Who is this bastard so bold and reckless to cause trouble at our Feng family''s doorstep?"


    Soon after, a middle-aged man dressed in a green long robe hurried out. Astonishingly, all who followed him were martial artists ¡ª five were Grandmasters.


    "Feng Yansong, open your damned eyes and see clearly. It''s your grandpa, me!"


    It was only yesterday that Sima Zhantian had clashed with the man now emerging, the head of the Feng family. If the Old Eastern King hadn''t declared the fight was to be limited to light contact only, Feng Yansong wouldn''t be standing here capable of speaking today.


    Why should Sima Zhantian show respect to the man he had just defeated?


    "Sima Zhantian, what brings you back here?"


    On recognizing Sima Zhantian blocking the door, Feng Yansong was momentarily taken aback and then filled with anger.


    His impression of this wild and aggressive man was indelibly marked. They had agreed to a friendly spar with clear limits yesterday, yet this brute fought like a man possessed, ferociously and desperately. Feng Yansong wasn''t completely overpowered; rather, he couldn''t withstand the other''s reckless determination.


    Damn it, a ruthless man!


    "I find you disagreeable and came to beat you up," said Sima Zhantian arrogantly, fists at the ready.


    "Bringing so many men today doesn''t look like you''re here for a friendly match."


    Feng Yansong didn''t pay attention to Sima Zhantian''s taunting, knowing well that this was the Feng family''s turf and that he had no reason to be genuinely afraid of an outsider.


    But when he laid his eyes on Ye Feng and the others, a deep fear struck his heart. Feng Yansong wasn''t a Martial King, but having been in close quarters with one in his family, he was well-acquainted with the unique aura of a Martial King.


    This person whose depth was hard to measure, looking ordinary from afar but profound as the sea up close, making him unfathomable, surely, this man could only be a Martial King.


    Ye Feng''s expression revealed slight surprise; the motion of Feng Yansong''s punch reminded him of an ancient school, the Wind Fist Style.


    Glancing at Sima Zhantian, he was already exchanging blows with Feng Yansong in close quarters. Both were excellent masters of the fist; yet, their fist forces were totally different. Sima Zhantian''s fist force was mainly fierce and powerful, whereas Feng Yansong''s was extremely soft and weak, wavering with the wind.


    "My lord, it seems the battle is turning unfavorable for Brother Sima. Could it be this old thief hid his true strength yesterday?"


    Watching Sima Zhantian unable to overpower Feng Yansong, and occasionally even taking a hit or two, Xia Lengchan''s brows furrowed deeply.


    No trifling in the military!


    Sima Zhantian was backed by his own military pledge; no one could help him now.


    "Don''t worry, Zhan Tian is best at turning the tables and counterattacking. Didn''t you notice that he seems to be taking hits on purpose, clearly allowing them to happen?"


    Ye Feng was completely calm.


    In the Northern Border Legion, who had more fighting experience than Sima Zhantian? With just a word, a fight would break out, and if he had too much energy, he would look for someone to spar with.


    All in all, Sima Zhantian''s battle experience was so vast that even Ye Feng had to admit his own inferiority. In a battle of equals, dragging it out would only make him more adept.


    "He won''t lose. If he does, cut off both my heads."


    Xia Lengchan felt a chill down her spine. Xiao Chuanqi was making shocking statements, never content unless he startled others. Having broken through to Martial King, his killing intent had also risen.


    "Sima Zhantian, you''ve lost."


    Five minutes later, Feng Yansong had already figured out Sima Zhantian''s attack patterns.


    He closed in, his body swaying elusively, dissipating the punch''s force that came his way. His right fist, like a snake of water, writhed its way up Sima Zhantian''s arm toward his armpit.


    If it landed, he could render Sima Zhantian instantly powerless, thus clarifying the outcome of their battle.


    "That remains to be seen."


    Sima Zhantian showed no emotion, his swollen body suddenly pressing down, his right hand also beginning to sway in the wind with Feng Yansong''s.


    "What!"


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    Feng Yansong''s face turned to shock, as he tried to defend.


    But it was too late. Sima Zhantian, not one to miss such an opportunity, altered his fist force, pushing forward abruptly and striking Feng Yansong directly under the armpit.


    "Ah!"


    Feng Yansong couldn''t resist the onslaught and went limp.


    But it wasn''t over; Sima Zhantian followed up his advantage, circling behind Feng Yansong''s enfeebled body in an instant, and promptly broke his right hand.


    "Stop!"


    Just as Sima Zhantian turned to break Feng Yansong''s second arm, an enraged voice boomed, accompanied by a gale.


    In the midst of the raging wind, there seemed to be thousands of fists surging forward, with an impressive force.


    "Qi Break!"


    Ye Feng also threw a punch.


    A golden-colored fist print shot out, unstoppable as it shattered the oncoming fist wind, before crashing into the artificial hill.


    Bang!


    The three-meter-tall artificial hill instantly crumbled.


    "Father!"


    Feng Yansong''s face was filled with shame; he had been defeated, and both his hands had been crippled.


    "Let him go."


    An old one-armed man leaped over the wall and walked step by step towards Sima Zhantian.


    "The elder arriving after the younger has been beaten, you old fool, do you think my master is easily scared? Just say ''let him go'' and expect me to obey?"


    Sima Zhantian held Feng Yansong by the neck and lifted him up.

 Chapter 223 One of the Ten National Warriors

    There is a type of madness.


    It fears neither the heavens collapsing nor the earth splitting open, nor the change of mountains and rivers, let alone the oppression of the strong.


    This is courage, something that cannot be learned or grasped through intellect; it is born from one''s innate valor, and Sima Zhantian was such a person. He even dared to lift up someone in front of the visitors to show them.


    "Zhan Tian, let him go,"


    Initially looking fierce and ready for a desperate fight, Sima Zhantian, upon hearing Ye Feng''s words, immediately submitted like a little cat, releasing the man without hesitation.


    "Grandfather, you must stand up for us."


    "These bad people, they come to our door demanding that our father cripple his own martial arts; if he refuses, they threaten to slaughter our entire Feng Family. They are a bunch of bastards, kill them!"


    A girl around seventeen or eighteen years old, with a delicate and pretty appearance, ran over and knelt beside Feng Yansong, sobbing uncontrollably, her words filled with hatred.


    "Our Feng Family has been established for over thirty years, and we have always prided ourselves on our honorable conduct. I don''t know who this young brother is and why he has come here looking for trouble?"


    The one-armed elder turned around.


    This was an aged man full of vigor and tribulation, with a round, sharp face, gaunt and withered features, and also sporting a shiny bald head.


    "Might you be Feng Zhen?"


    Ye Feng did not answer but instead asked for the elder''s name. In fact, as soon as Feng Yansong had used the Wind Fist Style techniques, Ye Feng had his suspicions.


    With the name Feng Zhen mentioned, the air became almost terrifyingly still.


    Everyone on Ye Feng''s side went quiet, even Sima Zhantian, who had been so aggressive just a moment ago, now lowered his head.


    "Indeed, I am Feng Zhen,"


    The elder looked deeply at Ye Feng, his expression filled with puzzlement. He had been in seclusion for so many years and did not expect to be recognized.


    "Northern Border King Ye Feng, pays respect to Senior Feng Zhen,"


    "First Legion Commander Xiao Chuanqi, pays respect to Senior Feng Zhen,"


    "Fourth Legion Commander Sima Zhantian, pays respect to Senior Feng Zhen. I apologize for the offense just now, and I hope you will forgive me,"


    ...


    One by one, four of them expressed their sincerest respect to the elder before them.


    Dumbfounded!


    At this moment, the members of the Feng Family were baffled. Weren''t these visitors here looking for trouble? How did their attitude change so abruptly? Was the reputation of their old man really that significant?


    Not only were the Feng Family members baffled, but Feng Zhen was even more so. The Northern Border King, the First Legion Commander¡ªwhat kind of lineup was this? How did such esteemed figures from the Northern Border end up in a small city in the Eastern Border?


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    In the last century, he was a celebrity well-known throughout the Xuanyuan Nation and also a Grandmaster of the Way of the Fist. If only for that, it would not be enough to earn Ye Feng''s respect. In fact, not just Ye Feng, but anyone who still remembered the name Feng Zhen, would grant him ample respect.


    Because Feng Zhen was one of the Ten National Warriors of the Xuanyuan Nation.


    The Yanhuang Land had gone through over half a century of war last century, and with its people living in deep suffering and misery, that era of turmoil gave rise to numerous men of aspiration. It was thanks to their sacrifices, one after the other, that the birth of the Xuanyuan Nation was made possible.


    After the establishment of the Xuanyuan Nation, ten great generals were selected for their outstanding military achievements, but simultaneously, ten individuals were also chosen and awarded the title of National Scholar.


    Each of these ten had participated in no fewer than dozens of wars, with military achievements that qualified them to be generals. However, knowing their limited scholarly abilities, they quietly left the stage after the nation''s founding and even denied public acknowledgment of their deeds.


    Ten National Warriors, with Feng Zhen ranked third (the ranking was based only on the number of battles participated in).


    Ye Feng had long admired the Ten Great Generals and Ten National Warriors even before he became the Northern Border King. How could he not recognize their portraits? Hence, upon seeing this face, Ye Feng was almost certain of his guess.


    However, Ye Feng did not understand why Feng Zhen, who was supposed to have died twenty years ago during the Eastern Border''s Whirlwind Decapitation Operation, was still alive.


    "Isn''t Ning Wuya the Northern Border King?"


    Feng Zhen asked with his usual composure, expressing the doubt in his mind.


    Since death was imminent, Feng Yansong did not hesitate to expose his ambition.


    "Aren''t you afraid I''ll kill you right now?"


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    "Afraid!"


    "But fear is useless. Even my father has abandoned me; a man''s death is but the heavens'' concern."


    Feng Yansong spat out a mouthful of blood, a consequence of Feng Zhen''s strike.


    "You have great ambition, and you''re not lacking in courage and responsibility."


    "Feng Yansong, I can give you a chance. As long as you can help Li Tiegang secure the position of the Leader of the Martial Alliance of the Eastern Border, come to the imperial capital to follow me after two years. By then, I will offer you a broader world."


    Ye Feng spoke earnestly.


    "Prince Ye, there''s no need to go to such lengths for me."


    Feng Zhen turned his head away, fully aware that the Northern Border Kings of the past were ruthless in their killings, not sparing a single worry for the future.


    "As an elder who has given so much to the Xuanyuan Nation without asking for anything in return, I, Ye Feng, may be the Northern Border King, but I am also human. This small favor is nothing."


    Ye Feng waved his hand, signaling Feng Zhen not to continue.


    Ye Feng didn''t know how to describe this elder who was even urging him to kill his own son.


    "Prince Ye indeed shows mercy because of my father''s face."


    "Having lived far so many years, Feng Yansong does not seek to surpass my father in reputation, but a hero''s son cannot be a cowardly bear. I''ll take the path you''ve offered, but please do not forget your words today, Prince Ye."


    "In two years, I will go to the imperial capital."


    The statement that followed radiated Feng Yansong''s inner confidence. After all, only his hands were broken, and they could be set right again.


    "Hmph! Prince Ye''s words are always decisive, and you''d best remember what you''ve said today. Step out of line, and I, Sima Zhantian, will come for your head."


    Sima Zhantian made a motion as if to behead someone.


    "Just wait!"


    "Sima Zhantian, in two years I will also come to the Northern Border to challenge you to a duel. If I lose, I''ll kneel and be your mount, but if I win, you call me ''dad''."


    Feng Yansong threw down his words and entered the Feng Family''s residence without looking back.


    "Prince Ye, now that matters are settled, let''s turn our swords into plowshares."


    "Why not be a guest at my Feng Family tonight? Join this old man for a drink and have a chat, how about that?"


    Without waiting for Ye Feng''s refusal, Feng Zhen took the initiative to speak.


    "I would be delighted!"


    Ye Feng smiled.


    Indeed, the situation had taken an unexpected turn; he was truly going to be a guest at the Feng Family¡ªall the more, not as a guest to be killed as before.


    To drink and converse with the last living National Scholar was indeed a regret lessened in life, truly memorable!


    "Elder, weren''t you already declared dead twenty years ago?"


    The two quickly set off together, and Ye Feng asked, with the three people behind pricking up their ears.


    "Of course I didn''t die; if I had, how could you be seeing me? It seems someone deliberately concealed the truth for me."


    "During the operation twenty years ago, I unexpectedly broke through to the Martial King level and defeated my opponent. But I was also left with my left arm cut off by a ronin named Asano Forest who arrived later. Although I was lucky to escape back here, such a disgraceful occurrence is better left unmentioned."


    "After losing my arm, I retired here and have since remained uninvolved with worldly affairs."


    So, the ronin he had killed named Asano Forest, was it him?


    ```

 Chapter 224 The Frenzied Son-in-Law Returns

    You have stories, I have wine.


    No, neither were Ye Feng''s. He freeloaded both food and drink, considering himself a dutiful drinking companion and even more so, a faithful listener.


    Those of advanced years always like to reminisce, to chew over old tales that linger on their lips, not easily forgotten. Even someone like Feng Zhen couldn''t escape this rule. He ended up chatting with Ye Feng for the best part of a day, and then some.@@@@


    Fortunately, one was willing to talk, and the other loved to listen.


    "My Lord, I feel like I''m close."


    In the car, Sima Zhantian unusually didn''t raise his voice; he seemed a lot quieter.


    Close to what?


    This tone was somewhat off from usual. Ye Feng glanced at Sima Zhantian, who was sitting by himself in the back seat. His complexion looked perfectly normal, so why talk such nonsense?


    "When we get to Jiangdu, I''ll give you a checkup to make sure there are no lasting effects."


    Ye Feng thought for a moment and then said so.


    During the days Ye Feng and Xiao Chuanqi had been at the High Seas, Sima Zhantian hadn''t had a quiet day. If he wasn''t in a fight, he was on his way to one. God knows if he had accumulated any occult injuries.


    "My Lord, that''s not what I mean. I''m saying that the day of my breakthrough to become a Martial King is approaching fast."


    Ye Feng listened, unable to help the silent chuckle.


    Xiao Chuanqi tapped lightly on his Treasure Sword, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. Good, once you''ve made your breakthrough to Martial King, I''ll beat you up again. As the fourth brother, you don''t seem to know how to stay out of trouble.


    Xia Lengchan cried out in despair, why did she get on board Ye Feng''s ship of thieves? Each one was either a pervert or a lunatic; regret filled her past.


    "My Lord, I''m serious. This morning, Elder Feng Zhen sparred with me and helped me understand the flaws in my boxing technique."


    Seeing the others remaining silent, Sima Zhantian quickly became anxious. He was the typical type that wouldn''t guess unless you told him outright.


    Was that called sparring?


    Ye Feng truly felt helpless. A Middle Rank Martial King against a Peak Grandmaster, their strengths were worlds apart. To call it sparring seemed more like teaching.


    "All the fist techniques in the world combine hardness with softness, unmatched under the heavens."


    "Just grasping the concept of ''hardness'' in your technique is not enough. Even if you are lucky enough to break through to Martial King one day, if you face a master of Jeet Kune Do Water Form, as soon as you exhaust your Qi Force, they could defeat you without a fight."


    "What you mimicked and brought yesterday, the Flowing Wind Fist, was too rough. Watch how I do it, kid, and catch it."


    Ye Feng wasn''t there at the time, but he heard Feng Zhen''s words loud and clear.


    This was a gift!


    Even if it was given to Sima Zhantian, who had a robust build.


    "Got it, I''ll strive to break through as soon as possible."


    "Also, about Elder Feng Zhen, you must not mention it to anyone."


    Ye Feng said solemnly.


    "Why?"


    Sima Zhantian asked unwillingly.


    "It is the elder''s own wish. If a National Scholar seeks fame, how can he be called a National Scholar?"


    And then thinking of today''s influencers who rack their brains to become famous, Ye Feng knew it wasn''t about right or wrong; the times have shaped the people of today.


    We can only sleep, so please do not forget the past.


    In the afternoon, the car finally arrived at Jiangdu. The eastern sky of the south was not cold. It wasn''t a bright sunny glory, but it was still quite warm. A shirt and a jacket were enough, and the beauties on the streets continued to be a splendid sight, each exuding the essence of the southerners.


    "Big Brother Ye, you also grew up in an orphanage when you were a child. How come you''ve never mentioned which orphanage in Jiangdu it was?"


    Perhaps stirred by the conversation, Hong Qingyan suddenly asked.


    This question instantly silenced Ye Feng. After a long pause, he finally spoke with a look of regret on his face:


    "Let go of me."


    Captured, the man was shocked, unable to free his arm from the grip, and suddenly his intention to draw a knife was revealed.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Hong Qingyan, who was checking her phone, looked up and saw the short blade the man by her side pulled out. Startled, she dropped her phone with a clang to the ground.


    "Seeking death!"


    Seeing the thug attempting to stab Hong Qingyan, Ye Feng''s expression turned ice-cold. With a firm squeeze of his fingers, he then chopped at the hand wielding the knife.


    "Ah! My hand."


    In an instant, both hands were crippled¡ªtruly crippled¡ªas Ye Feng used his Qi Force to crush and shatter the bones in the assailant''s hands.


    At that moment, several young men with unfriendly expressions surrounded them. Ye Feng calmly watched them approaching, knowing that people bold enough to rob in broad daylight were likely not alone.


    "Ayi, what happened to you?"


    A gloomy-faced man bent down, he could see for himself what had become of his companion''s hands on the ground.


    "Brother Cheng, my hands are ruined, kill him and throw him in the river."


    The injured man said through gritted teeth.


    "Kid, my brother just wanted to touch your woman, and you went and crippled both his hands. Attack together, cripple him first, then we''ll see how to return the favor."


    Killing was definitely not an option; they were pickpockets, and once they got involved with murder, they would have to run for the rest of their lives.


    A gang of men brandishing iron rods rushed at Ye Feng, who had already shielded Hong Qingyan behind him.


    Nothing but trash!


    Ye Feng snatched up an iron rod like lightning and swept it horizontally, causing four people to release their grip. Before they could cry out in pain, they each received a blow on the arm that had just wielded a weapon.


    Ah! One by one.


    Another series of wails ensued.


    "You still have one hand left¡ªmake a call and summon your boss to pick you up. If he''s not here within ten minutes, you can forget about keeping your other hand," Ye Feng said, tossing aside the iron rod and then kicking the men, causing the leader to tremble with fear.


    With that kick, he clearly heard the sound of several ribs breaking.


    This is bad luck!


    Leaning on the railing with Hong Qingyan, Ye Feng was still furious. Just when they were having a moment alone, it had been disrupted.


    Seven minutes later, a string of vans roared up.


    "Are you the one who hurt my brothers?"


    A bald man with Big Golden Tooth walked over, followed by a gang of uniformly armed thugs.


    "Kneel down and apologize, or die," Ye Feng said with an arrogant and ice-cold tone.


    Such arrogance, who do you think you are?


    Big Golden Tooth frowned; something about that face seemed familiar¡ªhad he seen it somewhere before?


    "What''s your name?"


    Big Golden Tooth asked, puzzled.


    "Ye Feng!"


    With a clang, the iron rod fell from Big Golden Tooth''s hand, and he knelt down, pleading, "Please spare my life, sir! I didn''t recognize you; I wasn''t aware it was you."


    "I''m surprised you know who I am."


    Big Golden Tooth nodded repeatedly; how could he not recognize Ye Feng? When Ye Feng had beaten up the whole of Jiangdu, even if one hadn''t seen pigs running, they would have eaten pork.


    Why had the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family returned!

 Chapter 225 Hong Yutings Decision

    The name Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family had already become famous throughout Jiangdu.


    In the past, Jiangdu was a place where as long as you didn''t offend those three families, everything could be discussed. But after Ye Feng''s arrival, everything changed. The Lei Family was destroyed, the Fu Family rose to prominence, and the Long Family willingly bowed down, proclaiming allegiance. Throughout the whole of Jiangdu, Ye Feng had long been established as an unquestionable authority.


    Didn''t the Frenzied Son-In-Law go on a trip to Jiangnan?


    Big Golden Tooth complained incessantly. A man''s reputation was like the shadow of a tree. For the formidable Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family to deal with a small-time hoodlum like him was akin to courting death without knowing how it even happened.


    "From what you''re saying, it seems that you would dare to make a move as long as it''s not me, right?"


    Ye Feng''s fists crackled as he clenched them.


    The group of over thirty people, all able-bodied, could be doing anything else, yet they chose to be involved in such shameful activities.


    "Yes, no, it''s not like that, sir, listen to me. Our Fushui Gang wasn''t like this before. At most, we''ve done some work collecting protection fees, and normally we just do some small business deals."


    "Sir, you are unaware. Ever since you left, a Sha Family Gang suddenly emerged in Jiangdu and caused chaos. First, the big brother in the city was tragically killed overnight, and then, they also demanded that us small-time bosses from the county towns pay tribute every month with a hefty fee."


    "Sir, we were forced to do it. If we can''t pay up, we die."


    Big Golden Tooth knelt on the ground, covering his face, tears streaming relentlessly, whining with such exaggeration that an uninformed bystander might think he''d lost his parents.


    What a performance!


    Could you exaggerate any more? Ye Feng watched, his eyebrows raised in disdain, and couldn''t help but kick. These tricks were far inferior to those of the assassins from the Mingbei Kingdom.


    "Ah!"


    Big Golden Tooth covered his mouth as he fell backward. The spot where Ye Feng kicked was precisely where his two dazzling golden teeth were located, an irritating sight to see.


    "Cry out one more time, and I''ll knock out all your teeth."


    Without so much as a glance at the bewildered underlings, Ye Feng dialed a number. The person on the other end said they''d arrive promptly, after which Ye Feng sent a message to a hidden number.


    After one minute, the data came out.


    Damn it!


    Ye Feng looked at the text message on his phone and was stunned. There truly was a Sha Family Gang causing trouble in Jiangdu, and the timeline matched exactly with what Big Golden Tooth had said.


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    "Sir, who did you just call? The voice sounded somewhat familiar."


    Big Golden Tooth asked sorrowfully, covering his swollen corner of the mouth.


    "Yan Xu."


    Ye Feng responded with a stern face.


    Nice name!


    Wait a minute, holy shit, could it be the Iron Face Judge Yan Xu?


    "Chief Yan?"


    Big Golden Tooth''s scalp went numb, and upon seeing Ye Feng''s dismissive expression, he knew the answer.


    Clank! Clank clank!


    One by one, iron rods started to drop to the ground. The underlings looked at each other, and none of them spoke a word. They ran, I ran, we joyfully ran together.


    Less than a minute later, the scene was deserted, leaving behind only the noticeable iron rods. Big Golden Tooth stayed stunned for a few minutes.


    The nerve of them, deserting like that!


    The four men lying on the ground were regretting things bitterly. Of all people to cross, they had gotten in trouble with the Mad Son-in-law of the Hong Family and with Yan Xu possibly arriving soon, even thoughts of revenge would be worthless, let alone how they would get out of custody.


    "It''s all because of you, this nonsensical dog, who troubles anyone and everyone, you had to trouble our Lady Ye."


    Big Golden Tooth picked up an iron rod and wildly beat the pickpocket who had earlier attacked Hong Qingyan. Overcome by rage and knowing his good days were numbered once Yan Xu arrived, he lashed out.


    Ye Feng discreetly looked away from Hong Qingyan. Dog-eat-dog, he couldn''t care less. However, he was somewhat surprised. He had not realized the extent of the deterrent force of Black Face Yan''s name.


    After some thought, Ye Feng said:


    "I forgot."


    "Shall I call him to come back for us?"


    Hong Qingyan: "...".


    ...


    At the Hong Family of Jiangdu, even before Ye Feng and company returned, things were already running full steam ahead with Hong Zhenguo wearing a look of helplessness. He knew Ye Feng didn''t like such arrangements, but it was the collective decision of the family, claiming it was to give Ye Feng a sense of belonging to the family. Unable to argue with them, he eventually gave up.


    "Big Brother Xiao, I''ve stewed some chicken soup. It''s getting cold, and this should be nourishing for you."


    In the courtyard where Xiao Chuanqi lived, Hong Yuting walked in, happily holding a bowl of chicken soup. It wasn''t even dark yet, and she was shamelessly lying through her teeth about the weather.


    Cold my foot!


    In fact, Hong Yuting was wearing a very, very low-cut dress today, and indeed she felt chilly¡ªabsolutely cold as a ball. Bringing chicken soup, of course, her intentions weren''t solely about the drink.


    After the fuss in the Southern River Region Jiangnan and the Southern Territory camp, the members of the Hong Family finally grasped Ye Feng''s identity¡ªthe King of the Northern Border, wasn''t that a high-ranking official?


    No wonder Grandpa had treated Ye Feng with such respect!


    With this, everyone in the Hong Family, aside from the patriarch Hong Zhenguo, started getting more animated ideas. Now, it was clearly out of the question to try climbing onto Ye Feng''s bandwagon, but there was a Plan B.


    Getting close to someone around him wasn''t a bad idea either!


    Here in front of Hong Yuting was one such person¡ªa cold and handsome guy who proclaimed himself as the First Legion Commander of the Northern Border upon his arrival.


    "It''s not cold, get lost!"


    Xiao Chuanqi was sitting in the courtyard, breathing deeply and meditating. The trip to the High Seas had shown him that the gap between himself and Ye Feng had not narrowed at all.


    "Big Brother Xiao, I spent all afternoon making this chicken soup. I''ll leave it on the table, will you drink it later, please?"


    Hong Yuting put on a pitiful face.


    "Take it away, and if you dare to step one foot closer, you''ll be killed without mercy!"


    She hadn''t moved, but a sword brimming with murderous intent was already unsheathed, pointed straight at Hong Yuting''s throat.


    Gulp!


    Hong Yuting swallowed nervously, backing away in panic.


    "Damn Xiao Chuanqi."


    On her way, Hong Yuting couldn''t stop cursing inwardly, but she quickly arrived at Sima Zhantian''s courtyard and repeated the same routine, same tone.


    Sima Zhantian looked deeply at Hong Yuting, or more precisely, at her bust, muttering to himself, "The size is right, too bad she was born in the wrong place."


    "Brother Zhan Tian, what are you saying?"


    Hong Yuting was thrilled, mistaking Sima Zhantian''s reaction for a sign of opportunity.


    "Nothing much, I heard that your lord threw you into the pond twice before, well, this is the third time."


    Instantly, Sima Zhantian was in front of Hong Yuting and then he flung her into the pond.


    With a splash, Hong Yuting was stunned, and after a long time, she yelled frantically: "Sima Zhantian you''re inhuman, you jerk, a damned turtle!"


    "Swear one more time and I''ll twist your head off."


    Oh come on!


    Hong Yuting felt like crying, what sort of people were these? Was this her home or someone else''s? Their threats were always directed at her life.


    After getting changed, Hong Yuting arrived at Xia Lengchan''s courtyard gate again, only this time, the large door shut with a "bang."


    After being rejected three times in a row, Hong Yuting ran crying to Zhang Yuman and said, "Mom, I can''t take it anymore, they''ll never take me to the Capital or to the Northern Border."


    "Mom, I''m going to the Capital myself, right now. I''m going to show that Ye guy that Miss cannot be bullied like this."


    With that, Hong Yuting immediately booked a flight.

 Chapter 226: The Pursuer

    Ye Feng was unaware of Hong Yuting¡¯s decision, and had he known, he probably couldn¡¯t help but utter two words: "brain-dead."


    God knows if that woman¡¯s mind was compromised, from the very moment Hong Zhenguo brought him into the Hong Family, he had never deliberately targeted any member of the Hong Family. If it weren¡¯t for those people busying themselves with mocking him all day long, he had even prepared to elevate the Hong Family to a prominent position in the imperial capital.


    Hong Zhenguo once told his son Hong Tianming to look farther ahead, but he also dared not imagine that the promise Ye Feng made was in the imperial capital, at the nation¡¯s head.


    If they want to wait, then let them wait!


    Knowing that the Members of the Hong Family had arranged a welcome ceremony for him, Ye Feng simply took Hong Qingyan out to eat everywhere, eating and playing, and then watching movies, under the guise of honeymooning.


    In short, he was not going to the Hong Family today.


    In fact, until night fell, he had not visited the Hong Family Courtyard even once, instead, he took Hong Qingyan to the villa that belonged to her, the matter of the Hong Family publicly disowning him was not forgotten.


    Now those people have no shame, but does he, the Northern Border King, need to have any?


    "Big Brother Ye, do you think grandpa will be unhappy?"


    On the sofa, Hong Qingyan leaned sweetly on Ye Feng¡¯s shoulder with a smile. After a day of fun, it was impossible not to feel tired.


    "Dares Old Master Hong to be unhappy?"


    Ye Feng asked as he turned his head.


    At these words, Hong Qingyan was at a loss for words. She pretended to be angry and pinched Ye Feng¡¯s waist, but he just laughed heartily.


    "Sleep."


    Ye Feng stopped teasing Hong Qingyan and persuaded her instead.


    The night was very quiet.


    Suddenly, a ferocious aura came rolling towards the villa. It was a determined rage. Ye Feng¡¯s eyes snapped open, his expression furious.


    Couldn¡¯t resist striking again?


    The next moment, his figure left the bedroom, while outside the villa, pairs of figures moved in sync, a total of four black-clad people leaped by, their speed incredibly fast.


    "Sneaking around, who are you looking for?"


    Before the four could scatter into the house, Ye Feng had already arrived in front of them.


    Clang! one by one


    The gleaming katanas were drawn in an instant, while the other two shaped their hands into strange seals, ready for battle on both sides.


    "Ronin, and the other two are... ninjas?"


    Ye Feng was slightly surprised; he had thought it would be people from the imperial capital, but it turned out to be individuals from the Fusang Island Nation seeking vengeance.


    "Ye Feng, hand over Autumn Water and Yama, otherwise everyone inside will be killed along with you,"


    the ronin on the right said ominously.


    It was indeed people sent by the Longma Family, but Ye Feng found it odd that a proud samurai family was colluding with ninjas. He did not give it much thought and mocked:


    "Nothing but four pieces of trash. I dare you to come try and take one down."


    The Golden Battle Armor condensed around Ye Feng.


    Three Middle Rank Martial Kings and one Low Level. With such power, they wouldn¡¯t last a second against Sato Shinichi; they dared to come seeking his swords with this strength?


    Ye Feng found it amusing. He could only wish the Longma Family would send more of such men, so he could gauge just how many Martial Kings Fusang really concealed.


    "Kill!"


    "Barrier Technique, Wind Seal Formation!"


    The two ninjas each took out a scroll and pressed down with their seal formations. Instantly, within a radius of twenty meters, a pale blue barrier rose.


    Ninjas and samurai were two distinct schools in the Fusang Island Nation. In the early days, ninjas came into being to assassinate the daimyos of Fusang, while samurai existed to protect them. The two have been in conflict and bore grudges for a long time, with relations as incompatible as water and fire.


    Even in modern times, although ninjas and samurai don¡¯t fight on sight, cooperation like today¡¯s was a first for Ye Feng.


    "Qi Break!"


    Ye Feng was unfazed. The Barrier Technique of Fusang was, after all, derived from the earliest Talisman Spells of the Xuanyuan Nation. Such a barrier couldn¡¯t trap anyone.


    Strength breaks Ten Thousand Laws!


    "Of course, I¡¯m unharmed. But that means you¡¯ve got a problem."


    "The Fusang people came so quickly, you think I should thank you for that?"


    A streak of golden light swooped down.


    "No, Ye Feng, listen to me, I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª."


    Before the figure in black could defend himself, a golden katana came crashing down upon his head.


    Do I need to bother with whether you did it on purpose?


    Ye Feng walked away at ease. A middle-rank Martial King from Xuanyuan Nation, who seemed to have just broken through, was not worth interrogating. A treasonous collaborator.


    Death sentence!


    The next morning, after enjoying his meat porridge, Ye Feng left the villa satisfied, taking Hong Qingyan with him. Although he didn¡¯t like the actions of the members of the Hong Family, Old Master Hong was someone he still needed to visit.


    "Big Brother Ye, why is that hill over there burnt? It was fine just yesterday."


    Hong Qingyan asked Ye Feng, turning to him. She had played too hard and slept too deeply the previous day, not even aware of the big fire that had taken place near the villa.


    "If it¡¯s burnt, it¡¯s burnt; it¡¯ll grow back."


    "What if I said there was a lunatic there last night, setting himself on fire; would you believe me?"


    Ye Feng said half-jokingly.


    "I believe!"


    Hong Qingyan looked firmly at Ye Feng.


    When did this girl get so smart?


    Ye Feng felt a headache coming on, instantly realizing what it meant to ¡¯shoot oneself in the foot¡¯. He had meant the joke to be good for health and heart.


    "Let¡¯s go, Big Brother Ye. We should visit Grandpa."


    Hong Qingyan took the initiative to grab Ye Feng¡¯s hand, her face full of tenderness.


    This isn¡¯t how the script should go!


    Ye Feng nodded blankly, expecting what should come next was an inquisition to get to the bottom of things.


    Hong Family!


    Ye Feng hadn¡¯t slept well during the night, and neither had the members of the Hong Family, who had awaited his visit from noon to evening, and from evening to deep night, without seeing even a shadow of him.


    Now they had gotten their wish, as Ye Feng arrived early in the morning before the members of the Hong Family had even woken up.


    "Your Grace honors us with your presence, truly a blessing for our humble abode!"


    Upon seeing Ye Feng coming with Hong Qingyan, Hong Zhenguo¡¯s face bloomed with joy as if a flower had opened.


    "Grandpa, I¡¯m going to offer incense to Grandma first,"


    Hong Qingyan said with a smile.


    "All right!"


    Hong Zhenguo nodded.


    "I say, old man, given our current relationship, it doesn¡¯t seem fitting for you to call me ¡¯Your Grace¡¯ anymore, does it?"


    Ye Feng was empty-handed, his presence unencumbered, as the gifts had already arrived the day before.


    "That¡¯s true. However, positions must still be respected; order must be maintained, and propriety should not be disregarded,"


    Hong Zhenguo said earnestly, stroking his chin.


    "Nonsense!"


    "When abroad, a commander may disobey the sovereign¡¯s orders. And Hong Zhenguo, do you really think you¡¯re still that old bodyguard? You¡¯ve been dismissed long ago."


    Ye Feng beckoned for Hong Zhenguo to join him inside. The Hong Family Courtyard wasn¡¯t unfamiliar to him; as a younger man, he should give some leeway to his elders, even if it meant turning the tables.


    "Your Grace, what are you trying to say? Though I¡¯m not Huang Zhong, I still have the strength to carry your orders on my back,"


    A commander may disobey the sovereign¡¯s orders?


    Do you even consider who¡¯s now lurking under my watch, Hong Zhenguo laughed as well.

 Chapter 227: Cultivating Loneliness

    Is this old man as vigorous as Huang Zhong?


    What are these crazy thoughts? Even if you, an old geezer, want to go to battle, I wouldn¡¯t let you. Ye Feng felt exasperated. Isn¡¯t it just about changing a title? Why so uncooperative?


    "Change the title."


    Ye Feng decided to be straightforward about it. This using ¡¯Your Highness¡¯ left and right...


    The old man was entitled to such address, but those who didn¡¯t know better might think I, your son-in-law, am mistreating you, sir.


    "I thought it was something serious. That¡¯s easy."


    "Ye Feng, Mr. Ye, Feng¡¯er, Grandson?"


    That last one, who¡¯s taking advantage of whom?


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng¡¯s eyebrows twitched slightly. Hong Zhenguo, this old man, had just been talking about how there must be respect between master and servant, and now he¡¯s getting too familiar.


    "¡¯Your Highness¡¯ is too common, and Mr. Ye is unnecessary. From now on, it¡¯s ¡¯General Ye¡¯!"


    Ye Feng decided firmly, to Hong Zhenguo¡¯s delight.


    Excellent!


    Hong Zhenguo immediately nodded in approval. Calling him ¡¯General¡¯ seemed to let him envision the commanding presence of Ye Feng, as it stirred something within him.


    The Northern Border, a place where years and ideals are buried.


    There, generation after generation rose, and loyal souls of the nation perished. It was a stage for heroes and an abyss for the weak. It was laughable that the Zhu Family of the Northeast, mere local snakes, aspired to claim what never belonged to them.


    It was time to drum up the spirit and reclaim the Northern Border!


    "When we are alone, we needn¡¯t be so courteous, right Grandpa?"


    Of course, Ye Feng didn¡¯t know what Hong Zhenguo was thinking, but he could tell that the old man had become much more spirited.


    In their conversation, the topic changed unexpectedly.


    Stay updated with novelhall.Co?m


    "We¡¯ll follow the General¡¯s orders."


    Hong Zhenguo laughed heartily, satisfied with the address of ¡¯Grandpa¡¯.


    Months had passed in the blink of an eye since he left Jiangdu and then returned. Ye Feng didn¡¯t chat much with Hong Zhenguo but went to the courtyard himself. It was clear that the place had been kept very clean, and there was not a speck of dust on the furniture, nor any sign that someone had been living there.


    Somebody cared!


    Ye Feng sat alone in the courtyard, lost in thought. After a while, he closed his eyes slowly and formed a Seal with a peculiar hand posture. His breathing became slow and steady, then continued at a strange rhythm.


    What is this!


    In the small courtyard, Xiao Chuanqi, who was practicing martial arts, opened his eyes. Immediately his figure floated in the air, looking towards Ye Feng¡¯s location. But just one glance almost caused him to lose his balance and fall to the ground.


    This speed!


    What kind of martial art was his Highness practicing to have such an exaggerated speed of absorbing Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth? It was even more outrageous than robbery¡ªit was like a whale constantly drawing in water.


    Getting further and further behind.


    Xiao Chuanqi felt helpless as he landed back on the ground. He had thought that after breaking through to Martial King, he could catch up with Ye Feng, but now it seemed that the gap had not only remained but was getting wider than before.


    It wasn¡¯t that he wasn¡¯t trying hard enough; it was that he had met someone "unreasonable."


    "Who is it?"


    Ye Feng asked with a frown, realizing he had fallen asleep there.


    "Someone named Zhang Wenyu."


    Sima Zhantian replied.


    "Ask him to come here."


    Ye Feng immediately said.


    Unexpectedly, the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce had some ability; they found this place so quickly. He had thought it would be Yan Xu with his big, dark face coming to pay a visit.


    Soon, a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in formal attire and sporting a slicked-back hairstyle, came before Ye Feng.


    Daoyi Chamber of Commerce, Zhang Wenyu, Chairman of the Daotian Group.


    "Zhang Wenyu pays respects to the master."


    Zhang Wenyu quietly observed Ye Feng; after a moment, he then spoke with a slight bow.


    Calm, restrained, profound as a peerless devil lurking within the abyss, Zhang Wenyu couldn¡¯t shake off an odd thought that seemed to come out of nowhere. It was as if, during that brief eye contact, an invisible mountain had been placed on him by Ye Feng.


    "The Daoyi Chamber of Commerce belongs to the Old Northern King, so how could I be your master?"


    Ye Feng said indifferently.


    "You are the master. Whoever inherits the Black Card becomes the master of the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce. This has been the case from my father¡¯s time to my two brothers, and it will not change."


    Zhang Wenyu dared not look Ye Feng in the eye anymore, said with his head lowered.


    "I was serious, I didn¡¯t really want the Black Card. Sadly, the teacher had no descendants to pass it on to. All these years, I, likewise, haven¡¯t managed the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce."


    "Zhang Wenyu, the Black Card is right here. I don¡¯t like to force others. The Old Northern King¡¯s purpose in supporting the Daoyi Forest Society was not as complicated as you think. The teacher only hoped that more wealthy people who aren¡¯t from prominent families would rise up and genuinely help society."


    "You have two options. One, take the Black Card and leave, from now on the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce is under you and your brothers¡¯ control, as long as you don¡¯t go against the Old Northern King¡¯s wishes, I won¡¯t trouble the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce in the future; Two, follow me and work for me, never to betray, or face death upon violation."


    "You are surely aware of my predicament, so there¡¯s no need to rush your answer. Take a good think about it. I will give you one day to consider it; after you decide, then come and take the Black Card."


    Ye Feng placed the Black Card on the stone table.


    "Please take it back, master."


    Just as Ye Feng turned around, Zhang Wenyu already had his response.


    "You don¡¯t want to consider it?"


    This time, Ye Feng was the one surprised. Even if he wasn¡¯t well-acquainted with their affairs, he knew that the Daoyi Group today boasted assets in excess of a hundred billion. Such an enormous wealth that was easily attainable.


    Not tempted?


    "No need to consider. I had already made up my mind before coming here."


    "Why would the master need to test me, knowing full well whether the holder of the Black Card could really become the master of the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce, as the king is well aware."


    Zhang Wenyu said with a wry smile, clearly no novice in such matters.


    "Indeed, from the beginning, I knew the Black Card might not be useful, but what I said before was all true. You don¡¯t need to take risks for me; just coming here personally shows enough."


    Hence, what Ye Feng wanted all along was merely an attitude; he just wanted to see whether the Daoyi Group was on his side or not.


    The rest simply didn¡¯t matter!

 Chapter 228: The Long Family in Trouble

    Daoyi Chamber of Commerce, founded by Zhang Family¡¯s Zhang Daoyi.


    Ye Feng was well aware that after the establishment of the nation, within less than a hundred years, the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce developed from an obscure small enterprise into a world top 100 company. The secret support from the Old Northern King was one convenience, yet more depended on the efforts of two generations of the Zhang Family.


    Therefore, deep down Ye Feng believed that he, having never contributed anything, was not fit to be the master of the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce. Snatching away the fruits of others¡¯ labor was also not his intention.


    Moreover, the Old Northern King had given Ye Feng the Black Card when he was nearly out of breath, not because the last matter was the most important, but precisely because it was the least important and mentioned last. With such an attitude from the Old Northern King, Ye Feng became even more casual about it.


    "For Your Highness to speak so candidly with me, Wen Yu is content."


    Zhang Wenyu said earnestly.


    A Black Card, not some secret imperial decree, certainly didn¡¯t represent much. One could acknowledge it or not; Ye Feng understood, and the Zhang brothers were even more keenly aware. For them, to undermine the power of the Black Card was no difficult feat.


    "Really not considering it?"


    Ye Feng held the card between two fingers. Such a small Black Card, yet it hid wealth beyond the common man¡¯s imagination. Funnily enough, both people present didn¡¯t want it.


    Three strikes and you¡¯re out; this was the last chance!


    "Please take it back, Master!"


    Su Wenyu responded with dignity and decisiveness.


    "Tell me, what are your thoughts?"


    With a little effort between his fingers, Ye Feng destroyed the Black Card right in front of Su Wenyu.


    Pitifully, this Daoyi Black Card, just introduced to the public, had already become history without getting to be understood by the world.


    Seeing this, Su Wenyu was startled, then wholeheartedly convinced. He said, "Before coming here, my brother once said to me ¡¯I¡¯m willing to believe in this era once¡¯, and though I don¡¯t grasp its deeper meaning, I think the Zhang Family has already made enough money."


    "Not to be laughed at by you, Master, but I, Su Wenyu, have always regarded money merely as a tool in my hands. Now, what I want is no longer money. If there remains any pursuit, it¡¯s to ensure the next generation of the Zhang Family, or the generation after that, all have wealth," he continued.


    In other words, to maintain a family business from faltering.


    As for how to do that?


    Naturally, it¡¯s to have someone up top to look after them, like the prior Old Northern King, followed by the future Ye Feng, or for the Zhang Family to produce a true upper-echelon figure themselves.


    It may seem strange, but not just the founder, Zhang Daoyi¡ªeven the Zhang brothers have never really considered the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce their own. They are more like diligent workers for someone else, although, as top-level managers, they have also become wealthy.


    Believe in this era once!


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t speak but pondered carefully over these words¡ªa phrase that was intriguing and meaningful.


    Yet how could such words come from the mouth of a businessman?


    Zhang Wenyuan from the Zhang Family might prove quite interesting!


    "Your request is no trouble at all. Prepare yourself, and come back to the capital with me in two days. Also, give me a detailed report on the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce."


    "Zhang Wenyu, the opportunity was yours to refuse. I am a prince, and moreover, the Northern Border King. To each their own limit, so from now on, don¡¯t ever try any underhanded tactics with me. And just call me Your Majesty."


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze shifted, for to use men he must trust and to distrust is not to employ.


    This person harbored hidden ambitions and was also a smooth operator who knew how to act appropriately. How loyal he would be depended on how capable his master was. He bore a resemblance to the Old Eastern King, albeit Zhang Wenyuan ultimately lacked that overbearing aura.


    Such a person was more suited to be a steward.


    "Check up on Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s information for me."


    Once Zhang Wenyu left, Ye Feng immediately took out his phone and ordered the person on the other end.@@@@


    That was the Martial King, a figure second only to none. Long Dingchang had witnessed firsthand how his father was defeated by Sha Hong, beaten into a state of near-death with a single move.


    "If you don¡¯t answer, I¡¯ll take it as your acceptance of the challenge."


    Sha Qing¡¯s expression turned colder as he suddenly swung his knife at Long Dingchang, in the latter¡¯s own territory no less, with unbridled audacity.


    What!


    Long Dingchang¡¯s face filled with shock. In his haste, he quickly raised his fists to meet the attack.


    Slash!


    A single cut, and an arm fell to the ground.


    "Ah!"


    Two screams rang out, one from Long Dingchang and the other from his daughter, Dragon Sound Pavilion. Even Fu Zi was frightened pale at this moment.


    "This is just a small punishment for you, Long Dingchang. Now tell me, will you hand over the Long Family¡¯s assets or not?"


    Sha Qing raised his knife, pointing it directly at Long Dingchang¡¯s face.


    In an instant, everyone¡¯s gaze turned to Long Dingchang, bleeding from his severed arm. Some felt relief while others sorrow. The latter spoke with a wretched tone, "I will give them up!"


    "Sha Qing, as long as I, Long Dingchang, live a single day, I will never forget the shame of today or the vengeance for this severed arm."


    Long Dingchang, enduring the excruciating pain, vigorously pressed several points on his body, while his two sons didn¡¯t dare utter a word.


    "Are you trying to threaten me?"


    "Very well, Long Dingchang, I¡¯ll tell you this: now you¡¯ve lost even that quarter of assets, and I will still take your daughter with me."


    "You, come over here,"


    Sha Qing¡¯s knife turned towards Dragon Sound Pavilion.


    "I, I..."


    Dragon Sound Pavilion immediately began to cry.


    "That¡¯s enough, Sha Qing. Do you think I don¡¯t exist?"


    Yan Xu roared furiously as he interjected.


    "It looks like you¡¯re the one who thinks I don¡¯t exist. Private family matters, why are you sticking your nose into our business?"


    The man beside Yan Xu responded with a cold tone.


    "Inspector Li, we both eat from the same bowl. A man can have a dark face, but his heart must not be dark."


    Yan Xu eyed the Deputy Inspector who had come from above, his expression filled with sorrow and anger.


    "Yan Xu, you can mess up at eating, but you must not mess up at speaking. Does Inspector Li need a Little Supervisor like you to judge my actions?"


    Inspector Li¡¯s expression grew increasingly colder.


    "Little dark face, I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t meddle in what doesn¡¯t concern you."


    "Come here, beauty. I¡¯m giving you three seconds to decide, or your fate will be just like your father¡¯s."


    Sha Qing glanced at Yan Xu, his face full of disdain.


    "I..."


    Dragon Sound Pavilion looked towards her father and brothers, only to find they had all lowered their heads. At that moment, she knew she had been abandoned.

 Chapter 229: Try to move one and see

    ```


    Rampant! Presumptuous!


    Amidst his laughter, Sha Qing enveloped Dragon Sound Pavilion in his embrace, his hand roving over her body; then, with a flick of his blade, he pointed it once again at Lei Shen and asked, Experience more content on novelhall.Co?m


    "Lei Family Patriarch, do you also wish to show some backbone?"


    Backbone, dare I show it?


    Lei Shen forced a smile, his skin crawling with fear as he said, "Second Gang Leader, our Lei Family is willing to hand over our properties, just please allow us a way to survive."


    Laughable, Lei Shen knew all too well¡ªeven the look in Sha Qing¡¯s eyes told him that the Long Family making it through the night was in doubt.


    Better to lose the properties than to lose both properties and lives.


    "The Lei Family Patriarch is far better than some who consider ¡¯a wise man submits to circumstances¡¯ a virtue,"


    Sha Qing mocked with a laugh, the tip of his blade gradually shifting back until it pointed at Fu Shen.


    "Your Fu Family, you¡¯re taking half of the properties."


    "Pretty little thing, you¡¯re called Fu Zi, right? As long as you¡¯re willing to come with me obediently, I¡¯ll consider that half of your brother¡¯s properties your dowry."


    Sha Qing retracted the cleaver, his gaze fixated on Fu Zi. Valuing her more than Dragon Sound Pavilion, he was equally determined to have her.


    "The two of you, thank your benefactor quickly."


    Fu Shen¡¯s uncle, Fu Zuoxing, hastily ingratiated, revealing that the other half of the Fu Family¡¯s properties had already been transferred to the Sha Family Gang.


    "Why am I worth a quarter, but she¡¯s worth half?"


    Seeing Fu Zi¡¯s predicament brought Dragon Sound Pavilion some balance, but she became upset as soon as Sha Qing uttered those words.@@@@


    "Who do you think you are? Merely a lowly slave, and you dare to question me?"


    To her surprise, not only did Dragon Sound Pavilion not receive an answer but instead she received a resounding slap from Sha Qing that sent her tumbling to the ground.


    Pain, hatred.


    Laughable was Dragon Sound Pavilion¡¯s resentful gaze, which now included Fu Zi as well.


    "Sha Qing, I can give you the other half of the Fu Family¡¯s properties, but you absolutely cannot take my sister,"


    After glancing at his sister, Fu Shen stated decisively.


    "It seems the bond between brother and sister is quite deep,"


    "But I¡¯m sorry, do you really think you can reject what the Gang Leader proposes? There¡¯s nothing I covet that I cannot obtain."


    Sha Qing kicked the wailing Dragon Sound Pavilion aside and took slow steps towards Fu Shen and his sister.


    "Second Brother, I¡¯ll take Fu Shen,"


    spoke Sha Yan, who had remained silent until now; a woman of average looks but heavily made-up.


    "Haha, since Third Sister likes him, naturally, it shall be as you wish."


    "Even better, being doubly related, you two won¡¯t need to worry about that half of the properties. As long as you can bring joy to us siblings, the Fu Family¡¯s properties will all be yours."


    The two of them, one speaking after the other, arranged the fate of the siblings right in front of Fu Shen.


    Her brother to become Sha Yan¡¯s boy toy, and his sister to be... with Sha Qing?


    "Sha Qing, you¡¯ll never take my sister away,"


    Fu Shen stood up, protecting Fu Zi behind him, a scene that Dragon Sound Pavilion found ironically amusing.


    "Stand up. Are you challenging me as well?"


    Sha Qing licked his lips disdainfully.


    A man who hasn¡¯t even perfected his Five Qi Returning to Origin, not even qualified as a Master of Inner Force¡ªdoes he dare rise against me?


    "If it¡¯s a fight you want, then a fight you¡¯ll have. If I win, let us siblings go,"


    Fu Shen said through clenched teeth.


    "As you wish, strike now,"


    Sha Qing surprisingly consented and provocatively beckoned with a hooked finger.


    "Ha!"


    Fu Shen summoned his energy, turning everything he had learned into a punch and leaped towards Sha Qing¡¯s chest with a roaring fist.


    Discarding Sha Qing¡¯s body, Ye Feng walked up to Sha Yan again, his tone demanding.


    "Who are you?"


    Sha Yan did not rise, his instinct telling him that the man who had just killed Sha Qing was extremely dangerous.


    "What a joke. Didn¡¯t your Sha Family Gang come here from the Western Territory to target me?"


    "Where is Sha Hong? Get him out here fast, or there¡¯ll be nobody to collect the bodies of his two siblings."


    He was treating himself as if he was already a dead man, Sha Yan¡¯s expression turned frosty.


    "I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about."


    Sha Yan remained seated, his face contemplative.


    Just as Ye Feng said, the Sha Family Gang indeed came from the Western Territory. As for why they came to such a small place as Jiangdu and what they were planning to do, only big brother Sha Hong knew.


    Sha Yan wasn¡¯t stupid. Big brother¡¯s power had skyrocketed overnight. After that, making them change their names and come to Jiangdu must have been under someone else¡¯s orders. But exactly who that person was, she had no idea either.


    "Don¡¯t understand?"


    "The three Sha siblings, Sha Hong, Sha Qing, Sha Yan, your names aren¡¯t chosen just any ordinary way, do you know what my wife¡¯s name is?"


    "My wife¡¯s name is, Hong Qingyan!"


    Ye Feng laughed, an icily cold laugh. The three people behind him wore equally chilling expressions.


    Link the last characters of the Sha siblings¡¯ names and add a homophone in front, doesn¡¯t it mean ¡¯kill Hong Qingyan¡¯?


    "Done for!"


    When Ye Feng uttered those words, Sha Yan instantly knew that there was no way this was going to end well. She and Sha Qing had been sold out without even realizing it.


    Where is big brother?


    Sha Yan wanted to know as well. At this crucial moment, the only one who knew the truth was nowhere to be seen.


    In fact, not only Sha Yan was unaware, but even Ye Feng didn¡¯t know the man in black he had easily dealt with last night was Sha Hong.


    "Friend, I was not informed about this matter. Those who don¡¯t know are not at fault. I apologize and I¡¯m willing to step back, how about that?"


    Though Sha Yan said this, her feet were moving, trying to grab Fu Shen to take a hostage.


    "Don¡¯t move!"


    Ye Feng looked down from his height, deep in thought. This woman seemed genuinely unaware.


    "What if I say no?"


    Sha Yan¡¯s movement froze as her energy was sealed.


    "Try moving, I dare you."


    Ye Feng just watched Sha Yan, not holding back in the least as his overwhelming presence crushed down on her.


    Martial King, a peak-level Martial King!


    Sha Yan was scared. Under Ye Feng¡¯s oppression, she couldn¡¯t even circulate her energy properly, fearing it even surpassed that of a Martial King.


    "I¡¯ll give you a chance, beat him and you can leave."


    Ye Feng pointed at Xiao Chuanqi.


    Xiao Chuanqi was smiling as he interjected, "My lord, if I don¡¯t kill her within the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, I¡¯ll kill myself."


    Whoosh!


    The crowd turned their heads, another madman it seems, like master, like follower.


    "Quite confident, handsome guy."


    Sha Yan got up.


    She lacked the courage to face Ye Feng, but against Xiao Chuanqi, who was also a Primary Martial King, she naturally was unafraid.


    "Not as confident as you Sha Family folks, daring to claim you¡¯ll kill our mistress."


    Xiao Chuanqi, sword in hand, walked towards the courtyard, drawing an envious look from Sima Zhantian, who badly wanted to steal the limelight. In fact, he wanted to smash Sha Yan¡¯s head in just as badly.


    "Hold on, this man has committed murder in front of me, take him down."


    In the silence, Inspector Li gave an order.


    However, the several policemen simply looked at each other, none showing any intention of making a move. They had all seen Ye Feng the day before and were well aware of the attitude their superiors held toward him.

 Chapter 230 Sword Intent

    "Silence is golden."@@@@


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at the Inspector Li from the Southern River Region Jiangnan, who was indeed quite handsome and had the appearance of a gentleman. However, his conduct was anything but; he was corrupt and abused his power, neglecting his duties while in his position. It was questionable how such a person even became the Deputy Inspector in the first place.


    "Tie him up!"


    Ye Feng coldly spat the two words, though it was unclear to whom he was speaking.


    "Inspector Li is tired, send him back to rest."


    After a brief contemplation, Yan Xu waved his hand casually and ordered his subordinates to deal with the matter.


    "You... You dare to bind me, Yan Xu? I will definitely report this to the higher-ups, have you expelled, and all of you fools with you," Inspector Li roared as he saw himself being carried away.


    "Expel him, just with your say-so?"


    "I am quite curious to know who you are running errands for. I hope they step forward, but I guess they don¡¯t have the courage to expose themselves, let alone come out for your sake. Think carefully about how you want to spend the rest of your life in prison."


    Interesting!


    With both the righteous and the wicked present, this show of power was quite meaningful. Ye Feng no longer paid attention to this so-called Inspector Li. Such a person wasn¡¯t even worthy of being a pawn and probably wouldn¡¯t reveal anything of significance.


    The Long Family revered martial arts. Therefore, there was a martial arts training field in the front courtyard.


    "Handsome, what is your name?"


    Sha Yan licked her lips and posed like a siren, her heart racing at the sight of the man¡¯s unapproachably cold demeanor.


    "Dead men don¡¯t need to know so much."


    Xiao Chuanqi stood with his sword embraced, his gaze seeming to fall on Sha Yan but at the same time not really on her. His mind was clear and undisturbed.


    "So unfriendly."


    "Handsome, you¡¯re staring at me so intently. Am I really that beautiful?"


    In the presence of everyone, Sha Yan began to undress herself right then and there.


    What is this all about?


    It is said that women from the Western Region are passionate and open, but to do such a thing during a duel wasn¡¯t being open; it was madness.


    Admittedly, Sha Yan, having shed her upper garment to reveal a peach-red transparent gauze dress, displayed a spring view both vague and distinct. Her figure was truly exquisite, causing Long Shaowu and his brother Long Shaogong¡¯s eyes to nearly pop out, their mouths drooling.


    Charm Technique!


    Of course, Ye Feng didn¡¯t think Sha Yan¡¯s act was futile. He saw through her intentions at a glance.


    "Suppress!"


    The same word echoed in the minds of both Sima Zhantian and Xia Lengchan, snapping them back to reality. They looked at Ye Feng and then back at Sha Yan, their faces filled with lingering fear.


    Just a moment ago, as they watched her, their minds had begun to drift away, as if their thoughts consisted solely of Sha Yan; if she were to ask, they¡¯d do anything for her without hesitation.


    "My lord, I..."


    Sima Zhantian looked ashamed.


    As a military man, he understood all too well the disaster it would mean to lose oneself on the battlefield, becoming nothing but a weapon wielded by another.


    "You needn¡¯t blame yourself. She has cultivated the Charm Technique. It¡¯s only natural that with your current power, you are unable to resist it," Ye Feng consoled, seeing right through what Sima Zhantian wanted to say.


    In the Western Region, many strange and eccentric left-path techniques have emerged, such as the Talisman Spell, Puppetry Technique, Charm Technique... even the legendary Pet Training Technique. A Charm Technique cast by a Martial King, even those of the same level struggle to withstand it, not to mention Grandmasters below the rank of Martial King.


    Back on the training field, Xiao Chuanqi had at some point closed his eyes. He still stood still as ever, straight as a tall pine.


    "Handsome, come play with me!"


    Sha Yan¡¯s voice became even more seductive, as if layered with magnetism, irresistibly enticing to the ear.


    Yet the man before her remained unmoved. But how could Sha Yan stay still? She continued to perform strange dances, gradually inching closer to Xiao Chuanqi.


    Finally, when she was just two steps away from Xiao Chuanqi, Sha Yan launched her attack. A ribbon flew from her hand, lashing out toward Xiao Chuanqi with astonishing speed.


    "Hmm!"


    Fu Shen nodded, placed his hand on the table, and bit down on his molar.


    "There¡¯s no need to be so resigned to your fate; it will be over soon."


    Ye Feng smiled at the corner of his mouth and, in the instant that Fu Shen was astonished, moved his hand.


    "Ao!"


    Poor Fu Shen had no time to react before he let out a wail, but it was brief as the pain came and went quickly.


    When he came to his senses, Ye Feng had already finished.


    "Sister, take Second Brother back to rest first. I¡¯ll look for you after dealing with things here," Ye Feng told Hong Qingyan.


    In the hall, aside from that Inspector Li, no one else had left. Not that they didn¡¯t want to leave; at the very least, Fu Zuoxing really wanted to, but with two Vengeful Gods standing by the door and the swordsman from before in the center, who would dare leave?


    "I spared you all once before, but knowing full well the nature of the Sha Family Gang and what you¡¯re really after, you still chose to aid them. Tell me, how should I deal with you this time?"


    Ye Feng took the seat of Inspector Li, his expression grim.


    To his right, clan leaders headed by Fu Zuoxing looked terrified. They indeed knew the intentions of the Sha Family Gang and were aware of Hong Qingyan¡¯s reputation. But if they could overthrow the three great families, wouldn¡¯t that be their opportunity to rise?


    "No one¡¯s talking? Fu Zuoxing, you speak. If you speak well, I¡¯ll spare you. But if not, none of you will leave this place today."


    Ye Feng had no regard for this great uncle of his.


    "I will hand over half of my family¡¯s property."


    Fu Zuoxing said, keeping his head down. He had thought that with the support of the Sha Family Gang, he could regain control of the family, only to have Ye Feng cast him back into the abyss so quickly.


    "Half of the Fu Family¡¯s property has already been given to the Sha Family Gang by you. You¡¯re still using it as a bargaining chip now, don¡¯t you find that funny?"


    "Having martial skills but not dealing with people properly, leave Jiangdu and never let me see your family here again."


    With that, Ye Feng directly disabled Fu Zuoxing¡¯s inner strength.


    "We are also willing to hand over half of our family¡¯s property."


    As Ye Feng turned his gaze to those fair-weather friends, several of them quickly bowed their heads in agreement.


    "Not enough!"


    Ye Feng coldly uttered two words, then added, "I want all of it."


    All of it then!


    Who would dare not comply? The family heads mournfully conceded¡ªthis time they truly lost both their wife and their soldiers.


    "Young Master Ye, please wait."


    Ten minutes later, just as Ye Feng was about to leave, Long Dingchang, unable to mind his severed arm, quickly followed.


    "Is there something you need?"


    Ye Feng asked with a frown.


    "My father was injured by a palm strike from Sha Hong during a match and has been unconscious in bed ever since. I have heard of Young Master Ye¡¯s medical skills and humbly ask for your help."


    Long Dingchang spoke while supporting his broken arm and leaning to the side.


    "I can do that, take me to see him."


    "However, my services do not come cheap. Hand over half of your family¡¯s property to Fu Shen, or else find someone more capable."


    Having incapacitated a Half-Step Martial King like Long Zaitian with a single palm strike, Ye Feng had already begun to suspect who Sha Hong really was. It couldn¡¯t truly be that unfortunate soul from the night before,


    Thinking of the man in black, Ye Feng really felt he should have let him finish his sentence.


    Four hours later.


    Ye Feng and his party leisurely left the Long Family. Long Zaitian¡¯s injuries were indeed severe; his inner strength was sealed and his organs severely damaged. But with the Phoenix Returns to Heaven Needle Technique, such a profound Ancient Needle Technique, it was hardly a problem.

 Chapter 231 Warmth

    Fu Family.


    Long before Ye Feng went to the Southern River Region Jiangnan, Fu Zuo Xing had very appropriately returned Fu Zuoming¡¯s share of the family assets to Fu Shen, only for the arrival of the Sha Family Gang to rekindle his hopes.


    In a word, insatiable greed, a dog can¡¯t change its habit of eating shit.


    As long as the Fu Zuo Xing family hadn¡¯t really touched his bottom line, Ye Feng was willing to give them a way to live. However, as long as these people remained in Jiangdu, they would be an eyesore.


    "Third brother, it¡¯s the second time, huh? Coming back to Jiangdu without saying a word first."


    In the Fu Family¡¯s old residence, Fu Shen and Fu Zi had been waiting at the door for Ye Feng for a long time.


    "Isn¡¯t this meant to be a surprise for you?"


    Ye Feng looked up at the sky, rarely indulging in feigning ignorance.


    The home remained the same as before, the plants and furniture here still held many memories of childhood. However, there were quite a few new pieces of furniture.


    The old times and flowers, gazing upon the empty sparrow tower.


    The Foster Father was no more, and the eldest brother was also gone. Such a home eventually left many voids in Ye Feng¡¯s heart; if only he could have paid more attention to the Fu Family earlier, perhaps the Foster Father wouldn¡¯t have passed away so soon.


    "It is quite a surprise. By the way, where is your sister-in-law? Why didn¡¯t she come with you?"


    Fu Shen did not possess the same silent sentimentality as Ye Feng. Over the years, he and Fu Zi had moved on.


    "Yeah, where¡¯s my sister-in-law? You didn¡¯t bully her, did you, third brother?"


    Confirming that Hong Qingyan truly hadn¡¯t come, Fu Zi revealed her two small, shiny canine teeth, looking quite fierce.


    "Where would I dare to bully her? She had quite a bit to deal with at the Hong Family, and since things were urgent, I didn¡¯t bring her along," Ye Feng explained helplessly.


    Thinking to himself, Qingyan should have returned to the Hong Family by now. Should he call her to come over? With that in mind, Ye Feng stepped aside and made a phone call.


    Actually, before he left, he had intended to bring Hong Qingyan along but was informed that she had gone to Hongtian Group.


    "Is she coming?"


    Fu Shen, of course, knew what Ye Feng was up to.


    "She¡¯s already on the way."


    A sneaky smile played on Ye Feng¡¯s lips; just now, without uttering a word, Hong Qingyan had taken the initiative to say she would come to him.


    Now, who¡¯s worrying about whom?


    "That¡¯s great. Little sister, go and get a room ready for your third brother and his wife. They¡¯re staying over tonight. Let¡¯s drink to our heart¡¯s content and not return until we¡¯re drunk!"


    "Third brother, have a seat here. I¡¯ll go and cook some dishes."


    Fu Shen looked excited yet also somewhat sentimental. His intuition told him that Ye Feng¡¯s visit this time would be brief.


    Parting again, who could know when they might meet next?


    "Second brother, your hand?"


    Ye Feng frowned; cooking was not his forte. Of course, the Northern Border King shouldn¡¯t be expected to do such things.


    "It¡¯s nothing, it¡¯s not being used for any heavy duty work."


    Alright then!


    Knowing he couldn¡¯t persuade Fu Shen, Ye Feng simply let him go.


    "How¡¯s the situation?"


    As the other two left, Ye Feng returned to making phone calls in the hall¡ªthis time to the stern-faced Yan Xu.


    "I was just about to report to you, everything went smoothly."


    "However, I interrogated quite a few people personally, and they all claimed they didn¡¯t know where Sha Hong went. They only knew one thing: Sha Hong said he was going out for business yesterday afternoon. As for what that was, nobody knew, and he hasn¡¯t shown up since then," Yan Xu¡¯s side was noisy, clearly still in the midst of chaos.


    After leaving the Long Family, Ye Feng had ordered Yan Xu to immediately set out to eliminate the Sha Family Gang. Yan Xu certainly didn¡¯t hesitate, but given that the Sha Family Gang had become the biggest local snake in Jiangdu, it wasn¡¯t going to be a quick cleanup.


    "If anyone has seen Sha Hong, get them to make a sketch and send it to me."


    Looking at Xiao Chuanqi, who was completely passed out, Sima Zhantian finally found some comfort.


    "Do I have to report to you when I drink?"


    "There¡¯s a place where everyone is a master, not just the men. Even the women can drink more than you."


    Ye Feng was also quite drunk and was less cautious with his words. It had been a long time since he¡¯d felt this happy.


    He remembered the last time was when the old man took him to a village in the northwest. He went from house to house, drinking with each family. In the end, he finished drinking on the entire street without falling over. Back then, Ye Feng didn¡¯t sway, but the old man beside him was the one to float away first.


    "I don¡¯t believe it, how could a woman outdrink me?"


    "If there¡¯s a woman in this world who can outdrink me, I, Sima Zhantian, won¡¯t say a second word¡ªI¡¯ll marry her."


    Sima Zhantian, old and full of vigor, still held his glass firmly. He wasn¡¯t going to give up until the very end. Read new adventures at novelhall.Co?m


    Really now?


    As Ye Feng drank, he pondered. Should he take the time to return? Get a few spicy girls to come out and drink Sima Zhantian under the table, and solve his bachelor problem?


    Finally, after who knows how many bowls later, Sima Zhantian lay on the table with a mournful expression. From now on, if anyone dared to call him a barrel, he would get angry.


    You little rascal!


    Looking at the few men who had all collapsed clearly and plainly, Ye Feng stood up with a laugh, shook off the alcohol from his body, and with one in each hand and another over his shoulder, tossed all three back onto their beds.


    "Third Brother, I¡¯ll clean up. Sister-in-law is still waiting for you,"


    Fu Zi gave Ye Feng a meaningful glance, with a sneaky smile tugging at the corner of her eyes.


    "Mm!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    "Humph, finally done drinking. Who won, hubby?"


    This call of "hubby" made Ye Feng¡¯s heart blossom with joy. He stood up and puffed out his chest, laughing as he said:


    "Your hubby here came back standing. Who else could have won?"


    The losers were now all lying on the beds.


    "So amazing. Then why don¡¯t you tell me what day it is today?"


    Hong Qingyan smirked slyly.


    What day?


    Ye Feng suddenly sat at the table, deep in thought. It didn¡¯t seem like today was any special day!


    "You forgot, huh. Today¡¯s your birthday."


    Hong Qingyan stepped closer and said.


    A birthday for an orphan like me?


    No, that¡¯s not right!


    Ye Feng was about to object when he suddenly remembered something he had once said. He had told Hong Qingyan that the day Fu Zuoming took him away was set as his birthday because from that day on, he had a new life.


    "You remembered that."


    Ye Feng said, moved. Only then did he notice that Hong Qingyan was dressed somewhat differently from usual¡ªshe was wearing less.


    "Of course I have to remember!"


    "I don¡¯t have anything nice to give you, Big Brother Ye, so I¡¯m giving myself as a gift. Do you accept?"


    Hong Qingyan lowered her head, her cheeks red as ripe apples.


    "Accepted!"


    Ye Feng felt the bloodline in his body surge. The next second, he picked up Hong Qingyan and they tumbled onto the bed together, their hearts colliding.


    A night of warmth, a night of passion.

 Chapter 232: Does Heaven Have Eyes?

    Two months ago, Jiangdu saw the arrival of an even more formidable foreign commerce guild: the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild.


    This was a massive commerce guild jointly established by two ancient families from Northern Su, the Liang and Xu Families. Although the commerce guild represented only the tip of the iceberg in terms of their strength, it was not something that the local "bumpkins" of Jiangdu could compare with.


    The arrival of the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild had swept through Jiangdu like a forceful dragon crossing a river, overwhelmingly suppressing the various small and large local enterprises.


    In just two short months, half of Jiangdu¡¯s enterprises had been annexed, and the remaining ones were either facing closure or awaiting acquisition.


    Northern Su, one of the three S-class provinces in the north, where even a provincial city that could be considered the capital of the Southern River Region Jiangnan Province is merely ranked A within Xuanyuan Nation; and with the Liang Family being the First Family of Northern Su, one could imagine how profound their heritage and how vast their influence were.


    As for the Xu Family, their renown was hardly any less than that of the Liang Family.


    Nobody knew why the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild had come to Jiangdu. With the capabilities of the two Great Families, if they wanted to expand their strength, they certainly wouldn¡¯t have considered such a small place as Jiangdu.


    Even less known was the fact that the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild had been secretly colluding with the Sha Family all along. Anything that was inconvenient for the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild to handle was taken care of by the Sha Family.


    A single Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild had caused the business community of Jiangdu to lament and grieve, with complaints to the heavens unanswered and pleas to the earth unheard.


    By noon, Ye Feng had finally gotten up from bed, lazy and leisurely.


    He had no choice; with a beauty in his arms, and her tender, dripping charm full of endless temptation, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help himself from becoming wildly lustful once again in the early morning. All rules and habits, he cast completely aside.


    When it came to impulsiveness, Ye Feng felt that from now on he would only ever act impulsively for Hong Qingyan.


    "How long will it take you to take down the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild?"


    In the backyard of the Fu Family, Ye Feng, while enjoying his afternoon tea, asked Zhang Wenyuan with a sharp, penetrating gaze.


    The Sha Family, plus the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild!


    Without guessing, Ye Feng already knew that these two foreign powers had come for him, and he had a vague idea of who was behind it all. It was merely to clear out any potential back-ups he might have left, making such a big fuss, from the Western Territory to the north.


    Who are they trying to scare?


    "Half a day!"


    Zhang Wenyuan thought for a moment before answering.


    With the might of the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce, comparable to the Eight Noble Families of the Imperial Capital, snapping up a mere Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild naturally wouldn¡¯t take much time. Nonetheless, if the main family forces behind them were to get involved, it¡¯d be a serious contest.


    Just half a day! Within half a day, he believed he could force the two major families of Northern Su to back down. Such was the confidence from the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce.


    "Too long!"


    "If those two families don¡¯t make a move, how long will it take?"


    Half a day, for the Northern Border King to play with a lackluster Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild? Half a day¡¯s time?


    Ye Feng certainly wouldn¡¯t allow such a thing to happen. If he did, not to mention the people lurking in the shadows laughing at him, he would feel disdain for himself.


    "At most, an hour,"


    Zhang Wenyuan asserted confidently.


    Even now, he didn¡¯t understand why Ye Feng suddenly wanted to move against a newly risen small commerce guild, but he knew better than to question his master¡¯s arrangements. What must be done, should be done, and what shouldn¡¯t be asked, should not be questioned.


    "Splurge the money, shorten the time to half an hour,"


    "Don¡¯t worry about the loss. Whatever the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce loses now, I¡¯ll reclaim it for you twofold later,"


    Ye Feng stated assertively.


    "My lord, you take it too seriously. It¡¯s your Daoyi Chamber of Commerce,"


    Zhang Wenyuan said somewhat helplessly.


    From Ye Feng¡¯s tone, the other party still seemed not to consider himself as the master of the Daoyi Chamber of Commerce. Was it because he didn¡¯t want to manage it, or did he simply underestimate the power of a commerce guild?


    "Just do it!"


    Ye Feng merely waved his hand.


    ...


    In Jiangdu City, within the Great Xia, the headquarters of the Hongtian Group.


    Just as Hong Tianming was bending down to sign, Liang Chenghuan¡¯s phone rang. He answered the call brazenly in front of Hong Tianming.


    "Hurry back, the assets of the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild have been attacked by a formidable enemy, completely collapsing."


    The voice was very soft, but Hong Tianming heard it clearly.


    Collapsing?


    Liang Chenghuan no longer cared about the document on the table and suddenly left on both legs. Who had the power to cause the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild¡¯s assets to completely collapse in less than half an hour?


    Damn it, where are our people? What are they doing?


    As a business elite, Liang Chenghuan was very clear about what collapse meant; it indicated that things had gotten out of control and the only thing waiting for the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild was bankruptcy.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    When Hong Tianming came back, Zhang Yuman weakly said.


    "Where to?"


    Hong Tianming asked blankly; his mind still hadn¡¯t caught up.


    "Of course, it¡¯s time to pack up and leave. The company now belongs to someone else¡ªare we supposed to wait for them to kick us out?"


    Zhang Yuman was about to start cursing again immediately.


    "Not yet, not signed." Stay connected with novelhall.Co?m


    Hong Tianming stammered out four words.


    "Hong Tianming, do you have a pig¡¯s brain? Without money, how will you support the Hong Family? How could I have fallen for such a useless thing like you? You¡¯re infuriating."


    Zhang Yuman said and then wanted to leave the office to chase after people.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Zhang Yuman, come back here! It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t want to sign, it¡¯s that the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild seems to be done for."


    Done for?


    Zhang Yuman¡¯s footsteps, as she stormed out the door, retracted back; she said excitedly, "What did you just say was done for?"


    Hong Tianming had to repeat it, including what happened in the living room.


    "Heaven has eyes, those bastards at the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild finally got what they deserve. Go fire that secretary from earlier for me."


    Upon hearing everything, Zhang Yuman was overjoyed and still did not forget to want to discipline Little Lin, the secretary from earlier.


    "Alright!"


    Hong Tianming also nodded agreeably.


    Heaven has eyes!


    Does heaven really have eyes? Hong Tianming wasn¡¯t foolish; he wouldn¡¯t believe such words. His instinct told him that the person cleaning up the Fallen Leaves Guild in the shadows was Ye Feng. However, he couldn¡¯t find a shred of evidence.


    That man, unwilling to see them, even if he had helped them, did not want to get involved with them again. Perhaps from the moment they had driven Ye Feng out of the Hong Family, their relationship had been severed.


    "Young Master Ye really has some impressive tactics."


    At the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild headquarters, in a pose similar to Liang Chenghuan¡¯s, Ye Feng sat with his legs crossed, laughing as he looked at the person across from him¡ªone of the two major persons in charge of the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild, Xu Jin of the Xu Family.


    "Shouldn¡¯t you address me as the Northern King by now?"


    Unseen?


    Now you finally can¡¯t resist coming to see me. From the moment Ye Feng stepped into this place, the supply chain of the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild began to break down, one by one, until it was now completely collapsed.


    "If Young Master Ye were dressed in the Black Dragon Robe and holding the Northern Border Marshal¡¯s Seal in front of me right now, then I¡¯d have to address you as Northern King, even if I didn¡¯t want to."


    "But as you are now, what are you?"


    Xu Jin said with contempt.


    This was just a trivial little game; losing meant nothing. To Xu Jin or Liang Chenghuan, it was not a loss at all.

 Chapter 233 Departure, Xu Family of Northern Su

    "What are you supposed to be?"


    A descendant of a general, daring to question a true Great General of the nation, Ye Feng nearly burst into laughter at this joke. Everyone calls him a stray dog, but how many know that before Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s dismissal decree came down, he was still the Northern Border King?


    Zhu Guangbo should be the one to be questioned, what is he supposed to be?


    Even now, this Zhu only serves as an acting representative; the supreme authority of the Northern King actually remains in Ye Feng¡¯s hands.


    Those who insult a general, kill without mercy!


    There was no need for Ye Feng to act, as Xiao Chuanqi, who stood behind him, made his move. With a flick of his finger, a treasure sword cast a swift cold silver light, and sadly, the elder who followed beside Xu Jin¡ªwho might have been a worshipper of sorts¡ªhad already been struck between the eyebrows before he could adopt a defensive posture.


    A Grandmaster facing off against a Martial King had no other path but death.


    "I didn¡¯t hear clearly, do you want to repeat that?"


    It was Ye Feng who stopped Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s next sword thrust, after all, there was a descendant of one of the Ten Great Famous Generals, and naturally he could not be treated just like anyone else.


    What, what to say?


    Xu Jin was so frightened that his legs gave out, and the worshipper Qiu, who laid on the ground, stared up at him with eyes wide in death.


    Although Xu Jin often strutted around with an impressive presence, at the end of the day, he was merely flaunting his family¡¯s status and bluffing.


    Killing at the slightest disagreement!


    Xu Jin did not dare to speak again for a long time, as he was truly terrified by Ye Feng.


    "Since you don¡¯t dare to speak, would you like me to repeat it for you?"


    Ye Feng continued, unyielding and amused.


    "Enough!"@@@@


    "Ye Feng, how dare you kill a worshipper of my clan on your own impulse? Do you know who I am?"


    Xu Jin suddenly stood up and yelled furiously, not believing that Ye Feng, a fallen Northern King, would truly dare lay a hand on him. It was just an attempt to intimidate, who was he scaring?


    Listening to the implication of these words.


    In Ye Feng¡¯s ears, it sounded as if he were saying, "Do you dare to make a move against me?" He touched his forehead, a look of pity on his face.


    Damn it!


    They say a dragon begets a dragon, a phoenix begets a phoenix, and the son of a rat will dig holes. How could a descendant of one of the Ten Great Generals from this generation turn out to be such a clueless fool?


    "Kneel down and say it."


    Ye Feng¡¯s command was uttered coldly, and naturally he was not addressing Xu Jin in front of him.


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded, and in the next moment, he struck again with his sword. Without hearing the sound of the sword being drawn, with just an effortless gesture, Xu Jin¡¯s knees shattered, and with a "thud," he was on his knees on the ground.


    When the king commands you to kneel, you must kneel!


    Xiao Chuanqi pressed on, his hand on Xu Jin¡¯s head preventing him from falling over, while the blood from his shattered knees flowed visibly to the naked eye.


    "Don¡¯t play the old man in front of me. Not to mention that you aren¡¯t qualified, even if your father came, if I wanted him to kneel, he wouldn¡¯t dare to stand up and talk to me. He would have to respectfully kneel and call me General Ye."


    "Fool, let me tell you, the reason you¡¯re still alive is indeed thanks to your family¡¯s status behind you."


    Ye Feng squinted his eyes and stopped talking, resting with his eyes closed, ignoring Xu Jin¡¯s expression of resentment and pain. He was waiting for someone else.


    Finally, after about ten minutes, Liang Chenghuan hurried back, only to find that Xu Jin had already passed out.


    Good people do not come; those who come are not good?


    In the current Imperial Capital, countless people wished to covertly end Ye Feng¡¯s life. Yet this man still considered heading to Northern Su, openly drawing attention?


    If Ye Feng wasn¡¯t digging his own grave, then he must have connections that ¡¯Reach the Sky¡¯, rendering him fearless of all enemies. Of course, Liang Chenghuan didn¡¯t believe the latter to be true.


    "You may leave. Go back and tell the patriarch of your Liang Family that I, Ye Feng, will be visiting soon. Remember, the welcome ceremony must be lively."


    Ye Feng tapped on the armrest lightly, lost in thought.


    He¡¯s seriously letting me go?


    Liang Chenghuan felt bewildered. This wasn¡¯t how the script was supposed to play out. He hadn¡¯t suffered at all. He slowly got to his feet and walked forward, looking back three times with each step, until he was certain Ye Feng truly was dismissing him. Then he vanished in an instant.


    "Halt, did I give you permission to leave?"


    Watching Liang Chenghuan leaving so unscathed, Xu Jin also thought of fleeing.


    "What are you trying to do?"


    Xu Jin panicked.


    "I don¡¯t want to do anything, but you don¡¯t need to hurry back," Ye Feng said dismissively.


    Yet, Xu Jin seemed to mishear, his face suddenly twisted into a ferocious snarl and he bellowed, "Ye Feng, do you dare kill me?"


    "If you dare lay a finger on me, my brother will surely exterminate your entire family!"


    The living room suddenly fell into silence so deep that Xu Jin could hear his own breathing.


    At that moment, Xu Jin was truly frightened because Ye Feng was not angered but eerily calm, looking at him as if he were already dead.


    "In Xuanyuan Nation, there¡¯s an old saying: ¡¯A dragon has its reverse scales, touch them and you will die.¡¯


    "Do you know, those of us in the military, including your grandfather, understand one taboo¡ªnever bring disaster upon one¡¯s family. I had no intention to kill you, but you insisted on challenging my limits."


    "Take him away!"


    The last sentence was clearly addressed to Xiao Chuanqi.


    "No, Ye Feng, I was wrong..."


    Before Xu Jin could finish his sentence, Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s sword had already returned to its sheath.


    It didn¡¯t matter whether it was the descendant of a general or even the Great General himself in front of him. If Ye Feng ordered him to kill, Xiao Chuanqi wouldn¡¯t hesitate for a moment.


    "I originally wanted to give the Xu Family an opportunity to step back from this conflict. It seems that¡¯s no longer possible," Ye Feng shook his head, having never intended to kill Xu Jin.


    He had thought of taking Xu Jin along to make the Xu Family weigh their options carefully, whether they wanted to continue their opposition. It was a pity that Xu Jin chose his own death.


    Killed, so be it!


    When it came to crossing his bottom line, Ye Feng would not hesitate.


    "Everything in this world deteriorates over time; why should Your Highness blame himself?"


    Xiao Chuanqi was far less sentimental than Ye Feng, even though the man he had just killed was the descendant of a Great General.


    "You¡¯re not wrong, but among the Ten Great Generals and the Ten National Scholars, very few have descendants left. And we, as their offspring, should inherit the shade and tend to their descendants."


    "Enough, notify Zhan Tian and the others to set out immediately for the Xu Family of Northern Su."


    No one knew that because of the Xu Family of Northern Su, Ye Feng¡¯s journey to the north was so abruptly brought forward. Still, he hoped the Xu Family would withdraw from the fray.


    Because Ye Feng would not show mercy to any existing enemy.


    Feng Zhen once said that while the Northern Border King bore supreme glory, he also carried an endless tide of blood. How could one without a bloody resolve deter the savages of Mingbei?

 Chapter 234: Three Thousand Years of Reincarnation

    One pavilion sets the course of history, unchallenged by thousands.


    This saying refers to the renowned Fengyun Pavilion in Xuanyuan Nation, which also happens to be one of the three ancient pavilions of the imperial capital.


    Its status lies above that of the Minggong Pavilion, which is housed within the Lie Yingling and displays the portraits of the Ten Great Generals and ten National Scholars as well as many plaques commemorating fallen heroes; yet it is beneath the most mysterious Utility Pavilion.


    Early in the morning, nine of the thirteen seats within Fengyun Pavilion had been filled, and the astonishing aura emanating from these nine figures was like dragons soaring for thousands of miles, howling through the forests; it was a sight that made one¡¯s mind and spirit tremble. Explore more at novelhall.Co?m


    Yet, upon closer examination, they all seemed so unassuming, just like ordinary people, but they were indeed anything but ordinary.


    Any one of them was a presence no weaker than Ye Feng, and these nine individuals were none other than the true power brokers of Xuanyuan Nation.


    To the left, four aged individuals occupied their seats; they were the Four Great Guardian Pavilion Sect Leaders.


    On the right side, although there were five seats, for the moment only the person at the very front had arrived. Observing this man, who had a square face and was dressed in garb befitting a mountain man, and who appeared to be around fifty with a resolute and stern countenance, he was none other than the most unique king within the entirety of Xuanyuan Nation, King Kao Shan, dubbed "Nation Guard."


    At the very front sat an elder with the air of an immortal sage; he was also a Guardian Sect Leader. However, it was clear that his status was slightly higher than the other four, for he was the Grand Elder of Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s Guardian Pavilion.


    Opposite the elder sat three aged individuals, clad in different military uniforms, sitting in a row and without uttering a word. They were the directors of the Three Great Offices within Xuanyuan Nation.


    With the exception of the four people aligned with King Kao Shan who had not arrived, it could be said that the highest weight-bearing existences of Xuanyuan Nation had now gathered together.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, I have summoned you all here today to discuss a single matter."


    "The Outer Battlefield is about to open."


    The Grand Elder was an efficient old man. Seeing that the appointed hour had come and those who should have arrived were present, while those who shouldn¡¯t wouldn¡¯t come regardless, he spoke directly to the point.


    The Outer Battlefield!


    Aside from the four Guardian Sect Leaders on the left who had already received the news and were expressionless, the rest, including King Kao Shan, felt a shock, followed only by deep solemnity.


    The Outer Battlefield, a place within the rules known for its utter chaos and ruthlessness.


    "Grand Elder, it has not been a full century since the last closure of the Outer Battlefield. The timing clearly isn¡¯t ripe. Why then has it been decided to open the Outer Battlefield once again?"


    The Supervisory Heaven Department Director asked, furrowing his brows.


    The Three Offices of Xuanyuan Nation¡ªSupervisory Heaven Department, Heaven Governance Division, and Punishment Heaven Department¡ªworked in tandem, jointly managing the affairs of Xuanyuan Nation, without any distinction of size or importance.


    "Damn it all!"


    "Opening the Outer Battlefield at this time is definitely not good news for us."


    The Director of Punishment Heaven Department blurted out a curse.


    The Outer Battlefield, otherwise known as the High Seas Outer Battlefield, was a vast secret realm hidden within the ocean. Its territory, vast as the very map of Xuanyuan Nation, was a place where danger and opportunity coexisted.


    Because it was located in international waters, it was the collective property of many nations, and dating back to some unknown era, the various countries of the world had designated the Outer Battlefield as a place to distribute interests.


    There, they deployed all sorts of military forces, financial resources, and material power to engage in battle, seizing territories¡ªsince the conflicts occurred outside their own domains, there were fewer scruples, and the space there was relatively more stable, able to withstand the troubles.


    The Outer Battlefield opened every hundred years and each opening lasted ten years. The ultimate contest determined the distribution of interests within the territories of the real world.


    The reason for the Director of Punishment Heaven Department¡¯s outburst was because, in the last opening of the Outer Battlefield, Xuanyuan Nation had suffered a tragic defeat, which led to the nation enduring warfare for decades.


    "We all know this isn¡¯t good news, but we¡¯re just incapable of preventing it!"


    The Second Elder shook his head and bitter-smiled.


    The last opening of the Outer Battlefield indeed led to defeat because of the Last Dynasty, but as the ancient saying goes, the covetous hearts of powers around the world for Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s territory have always been undying.


    In the past, eight nations were formidable enemies; who could say for the future?


    "Indeed, we can¡¯t stop it."


    King Kao Shan said quietly, his eyes flickering. Since they couldn¡¯t prevent it, the only option was to go all out.


    Clearly, the topic of today¡¯s meeting was to discuss how to face the Outer Battlefield.


    "The Five Elders is absolutely correct, and that¡¯s also the main reason why I recommended Ye Feng."


    "What you may not know is that I recently visited the Eastern Border. Some fool wanted to threaten our Grand Eastern Border. What do you think happened?"


    Ge Nie¡¯s lips curled into a smile.


    "Out with it already, if you have a point, make it. Stop beating around the bush."


    The Second Elder bluntly cut to the chase.


    "Ha ha! Of course, I didn¡¯t need to lift a finger that time. Not because I didn¡¯t want to, but because someone else did. That someone was Ye Feng."


    "I¡¯m not afraid to tell you that the fellow named White Brows, a loose cultivator, was someone who had begun to comprehend the Divine Path."


    That last sentence was the key point.


    So-called ¡¯comprehension of the path¡¯ implies being not far from the Divine Path Realm, such a person could be described as a Peak Level Martial King.


    "I always feel something is off!"


    King Kao Shan frowned in thought. What was off?


    Of course, the person was off!


    "Of course it¡¯s off; the last time Ye Feng was ambushed and escaped from the capital, which was four months ago, he was only at the cultivation level of a Great Grandmaster."


    Once the Grand Elder spoke, everyone understood, and then one by one, their expressions grew more peculiar.


    To progress from a Grandmaster to the peak of Martial King in just four months?


    Damn it!


    That¡¯s some great news!


    Our Xuanyuan Nation has finally produced a freak among freaks.


    "There¡¯s another point that¡¯s not quite right. Don¡¯t be too quick to celebrate. Whether Ye Feng is willing to lead the Outer Battlefield is still an unknown."


    King Kao Shan threw a bucket of cold water over everyone¡¯s enthusiasm.


    "The greatest moral of a hero is to serve the people, the greatest moral of a nation is to join the army."


    "For this matter, Nation Guard and the Three Office leaders should make an extra effort. I believe Ye Feng will agree. Let¡¯s keep our existence a secret from him for the time being."


    The Grand Elder immediately gave his directive.


    ...


    A meeting that lasted for over three hours finally ended, and only then did the attendees leave the Fengyun Pavilion "to their heart¡¯s content."


    "Why has the Outer Battlefield reopened so quickly?"


    King Kao Shan, the Grand Elder, and the Second Elder met at the top of the Fengyun Pavilion.


    "Because it¡¯s time for the three-thousand-year cycle again."


    The Grand Elder¡¯s words carried a tinge of weariness; heaven had not been stingy to Xuanyuan!


    "Indeed, this century has seen Martial Kings sprout up like bamboo shoots after a rain. From the start, I felt something was amiss."


    "Damn it, the days of comfortable living are over."


    King Kao Shan took a fierce drag of his cigarette, smoking unabashedly in front of the two Great Guardian Sect Leaders, indulging in his unrestrained actions.


    The three-thousand-year cycle!


    A cycle that occurs once every three thousand years, what will come, will come.


    That is what everyone fears!

 Chapter 235: The Frenzied Youth of Northern Su

    No one knows what the Reincarnation that happens every three thousand years means or what exactly will happen.


    Buddha spoke of the Three Thousand Great Worlds; thus, every world experiences reincarnation once every three thousand years. This is but a legend, yet it¡¯s a well-reasoned one. Like a deep nightmare, it entwines itself around the minds of the people, making everyone who hears this tale deeply anxious and uneasy.


    Just look at the Xuanyuan Nation.


    Three thousand years ago, the last human emperor, also known as the "First Emperor" by posterity, almost single-handedly killed tens of thousands of cultivation practitioners and burned nearly one million books. He destroyed a crucial part of the legacy of the cultivation practitioners, resulting in the Martial Dao being stuck at a bottleneck for the entire subsequent three thousand years.@@@@


    No one knows why the First Emperor did this, just as no one knows what the three-thousand-year Reincarnation means. Perhaps he was the only one who knew, which is why he committed such a tyrannical and unparalleled catastrophe upon the world.


    Ye Feng was unaware that in the Fengyun Pavilion of the Imperial Capital, there was a conference so related to him, let alone that behind the conference, there were matters as shocking as a tsunami waiting to unfold.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had just disembarked from his private jet and was driving toward the Xu Family of Northern Su.


    The Xu Family breaks tradition in the inheritance of power!


    Looking at the family reports concerning the Xu Family¡¯s affairs that he held in his hands, Ye Feng rubbed his temples, not sure what to say.


    General Xu, who was one of the Ten Great Generals worthy of being honored in the Minggong Pavilion, actually only had one biological son. The other son was an orphan his kind-hearted wife had adopted amid the chaos of war years earlier.


    The eldest son, Xu Tiefeng, was indeed the true descendant of General Xu. As for the second son, Xu Tierui, he was the orphan brought home back then.


    However, reading this family report, Ye Feng had just learned that less than eight years after General Xu¡¯s death, the Xu Family had passed from Xu Tiefeng¡¯s hands to those of Xu Tierui.


    Therefore, the current head of the Xu Family was Xu Tierui, that Foster Son.


    "It looks like the Xu Family raised a thankless wretch!"


    Ye Feng concluded to himself.


    Such matters about the Ten Great Generals were not only classified but also tacitly ignored by certain people, even if they were aware of what had happened. After all, at the end of the day, it was still an internal affair of the Xu Family.


    "Tired, aren¡¯t you?"


    "Turn the car around, let¡¯s find a place to rest first."


    Looking at Hong Qingyan beside him, Ye Feng suddenly changed direction and tone as he noticed her leansing on his shoulder, looking visibly unwell.


    Not accustomed to the local conditions!


    Ye Feng immediately made his judgment. The climate difference between the north and south was vast; for someone like Hong Qingyan, who had never been to the north, it would be strange if her first visit went smoothly.


    Besides, after a long and tedious journey that took almost half a day to reach Northern Su, it would be a lie to say that a common person wouldn¡¯t feel tired.


    "Big Brother Ye, I¡¯m fine."


    Hong Qingyan straightened up and gently shook her head, knowing full well that Ye Feng¡¯s early trip to the north must have been for some important matter.


    How could she cause a delay!


    "Even if you¡¯re fine, we need to rest. When we¡¯re outside, listen to me."


    Seeing that Hong Qingyan was about to speak again, Ye Feng hugged her forcefully into his arms in a very domineering way, finding her naivety truly endearing.


    The others watched, each practicing restraint and understanding the situation without saying a word. They knew that Hong Qingyan had done well not to complain so far.


    Rest is rest; what¡¯s the Xu Family anyway?


    For Xiao Chuanqi and the others, Ye Feng¡¯s decision was everything. When it was time to rest, one shouldn¡¯t think about working; it was time to conserve energy.


    No rush!


    The car slowly turned away from the direction of the Xu Family¡¯s residence. Having read the Xu Family¡¯s information, Ye Feng suddenly felt that the trip to the Xu Family might not be so difficult after all.


    In a nutshell, people matter the most in the world, and our Qingyan matters the most to us.


    "Two million, you¡¯re dreaming," Liu Youcai said angrily.


    Trying to ask for an outrageous sum without considering where he was. This was a five-star hotel under the Liang Family¡¯s name. Who in all of Northern Su dared to offend that First Family?


    "No, no!"


    "Even if you gave me two billion, I wouldn¡¯t want it. The two fingers mean to tell you, you¡¯re just an idiot," Ye Feng said with a cold laugh.


    "You¡¯ve got guts!"


    "So, it seems you don¡¯t want to leave, but rather, you¡¯re intentionally picking a fight with me," Liu Youcai said, smiling as his round face crinkled and his small eyes narrowed deeply.


    "No, no!"


    "What makes you think you¡¯re even worthy of picking a fight with me? Get lost and don¡¯t disturb my wife¡¯s rest, or I will not be lenient. I don¡¯t care who booked the entire place today, but I have settled in the room, and you will give it whether you agree or not," Ye Feng said, pointing outside, his meaning clear.


    "What if I refuse?" Liu Youqian¡¯s expression grew more hostile, not even considering if someone was trying to cause trouble on his turf.


    "There are no ¡¯ifs,¡¯" Ye Feng said softly.


    What does he mean?


    Just as Liu Youqian was puzzled, Ye Feng made his move. He grabbed the former¡¯s arm and tossed the big fat man out like taking out the trash, throwing him a full ten meters away.


    When he landed, it was light and graceful.


    He wasn¡¯t unharmed, but the damage wasn¡¯t visible on the outside. Liu Youqian lay on the floor, gasping for air with a pale face, unable to get up.


    You¡¯ve got nerve!


    To dare lay hands on him. In this moment, Liu Youqian was genuinely infuriated. It wasn¡¯t a big deal to disrespect him, Fatty Liu, but disrespecting people from the Liang Family was a different story.


    You¡¯re dead meat!


    A wise man does not eat the food in front of him. After resting for quite some time, Liu Youqian finally skulked away gingerly, his heavy body aching all over as though someone had kneaded his flesh.


    "Idiot, you can¡¯t even handle this."


    "Liu Youqian, you should know our Liang Family doesn¡¯t keep the useless around. Don¡¯t let me think you¡¯re worthless. Otherwise, I¡¯ll chop you up and feed you to the dogs. I¡¯ll give you twenty men to make him regret what he did just now," said a voice inside the office.


    Just having walked a short distance that felt torturous like purgatory, Liu Youqian had not yet caught his breath when he immediately became on high alert due to a phone call.


    Because of the person on the other end of the call.


    "Second Young Master, please rest assured, I will make sure everything is handled perfectly," Liu Youqian said.


    "I hope so," came the reply.


    By the time Liu Youqian respectfully ended the call, his back was already soaked with cold sweat. Name precedes a person just as shadows follow a form; the Northern Su? madman was more like a rabid dog.


    "Don¡¯t blame me for being heartless; it¡¯s your own fault for not being observant," Liu Youqian muttered to himself as he lay on the sofa, a slight smile on his lips as he silently awaited the arrival of his reinforcements.


    In Northern Su, a saying was quietly passed around: When the Liang Family wants you dead by midnight, they never leave anyone alive till dawn.


    What¡¯s the meaning of being the king of your turf?


    The Liang Family was a living example; it was the biggest king of the Northern Su turf. The former Liang Family would not have dared to be so brazen, but everything changed after their marital alliance with the Xu Family.


    Ye Feng had no idea what that fat manager was waiting for. Even if he did, he¡¯d only laugh it off. Forget Liang Chengyu, even the entire Liang Family of Northern Su might not be an adequate challenge for him.


    The scenery is quite beautiful!


    As the most luxurious five-star hotel in Northern Su, it was also a great vantage point for viewing the landscape. From inside the room, Ye Feng could enjoy the splendid sight of Northern Su through the glass window.


    Such a magnificent era was once intoxicatingly beautiful.


    Yet in this world, unbeknownst to all, someone in the distance stands guard.

 Chapter 236 The Old Master Taught Too Right

    ```


    Six jeeps drove into the Star Luxury Hotel together.


    Thirty people dressed in black suits stepped out of the vehicles. They had seemed amiable enough while walking outside, but upon entering the hotel, they immediately changed demeanor, each now like a formidable ghost or evil spirit as they drew out concealed blades and clubs from behind their backs.


    They were clearly a gang of thugs in suits!


    Anyone with discerning eyes knew that the arrival of these individuals foretold no good, for they were the private squad cultivated by that little madman of Northern Su, codenamed "Hunting Dogs."


    The Hunting Dogs did not just bite, they devoured.


    "Brother Gou!"


    Liu Youqian greeted the leader, a man with arms covered in scars, with respect.


    "Enough with the small talk, where is he?"


    The man known as Brother Gou didn¡¯t even glance at Liu Youqian. His accent was heavy, not the pure accent of a person from Xuanyuan Nation.


    This was a hired killer from the Ancient Yue Kingdom.


    "Still upstairs, come with me."


    "Brother Gou, there are three who refuse to leave, I checked their information, they¡¯re with that guy."


    Liu Youqian led the way as he spoke.


    "Three more who are too blind to see?"


    "Liu Youqian, I advise you not to disappoint the boss too much. I¡¯ll let it go this time, and I¡¯ll take care of all of them for you."


    Brother Gou glanced at Liu Youqian¡¯s body, full of excess flesh, with utter contempt.


    "It won¡¯t happen, I absolutely won¡¯t let the Second Young Master be disappointed again."


    "This time, I¡¯ll trouble you, Brother Gou. Once the job is done, I will surely express my deep gratitude to you and the brothers."


    Liu Youqian secretly broke out in a cold sweat.


    Heaven knew where that little madman from Northern Su found these people. Not only were they loyal, but each one of them was capable of fighting fiercely and mercilessly.


    Now we¡¯re getting somewhere!


    Brother Gou smiled slightly and said nothing more. In their line of work, wasn¡¯t selling their lives all for the sake of money?


    One minute later, the thirty-plus men finally arrived at the floor where Ye Feng was located.


    Courting death!


    Ye Feng naturally heard the footsteps. It seemed the fat man couldn¡¯t understand simple logic and had the gall to bring trouble to him. He looked at Hong Qingyan, still deep in sleep, and turned to walk towards the door.


    Squeak¡ªthe door opened gently, and before those men could arrive, Ye Feng had already stepped out ahead of them.


    A special forces soldier from the Ancient Yue Kingdom had arrived!


    Ye Feng was slightly surprised, not because the man was particularly formidable, but because in recent years, the Ancient Yue Kingdom had rarely sold its special forces personnel abroad. Only those with secret channels could barely manage to acquire one or two.


    "This is Northern Su¡¯s way of hospitality?"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but inwardly sigh, wondering if he had picked the wrong day to travel.


    Damn it all!


    He chose the most luxurious hotel, only to run into such trouble, forcing one to be constantly vigilant.


    "I dare not claim to represent Northern Su, I am but a minor figure."


    "As for representing Northern Su, indeed there is a family who could, but unfortunately, you just had to offend that very family."


    Liu Youqian¡¯s expression was vivid, showing an air of fortune for having the backing of a powerful benefactor.@@@@


    "You¡¯re referring to the Liang Family, aren¡¯t you?"


    "Tell me, fat man, how would you like to settle this matter?"


    It seemed that the old saying was true: enemies are bound to meet on a narrow path. Now he was somehow connected to the Liang Family, when in fact, Ye Feng¡¯s ultimate intent in coming to Northern Su was indeed to target the Liang Family.


    Now he wants to beg for mercy?


    Liu Youqian, not understanding Ye Feng¡¯s true intentions, scoffed, "Sorry, it¡¯s not up to me to decide what to do with you."


    Ye Feng withdrew his pressure. He asked casually and unexpectedly everything turned out to be aimed at him. The madman of Northern Su seemed to be a bit too mad.


    "Thank you!"


    Seeing Ye Feng turning around, Liu Youqian immediately had tears streaming down his face, wanting to kowtow in thanks, but before he could bow his head, a punch had already struck him in the back.


    No need for thanks!


    If the king demanded not a single one be spared, how could I leave you out?


    Sima Zhantian rubbed his fist, looking at Xia Lengchan¡¯s face showing dissatisfaction, but she simply ignored him.


    Want a fight?


    If you have the guts, challenge Xiao Chuanqi. If you can beat him, I, Xia Lengchan, will even take your surname.


    Until nightfall, the Liang Family didn¡¯t send anyone to disturb Ye Feng, and Hong Qingyan, who had slept for several hours, finally woke up.


    "Husband, I¡¯m hungry."


    Seeing Ye Feng by the bedside, Hong Qingyan suddenly wrapped herself around his neck, appearing to be full of energy.


    "If you¡¯re hungry, then let¡¯s eat."


    Ye Feng immediately felt a burning desire rise within his lower abdomen, really wanting to say: I¡¯ll eat you first.


    "Where should we eat?"


    Hong Qingyan then inquired.


    "Of course, downstairs. It¡¯s ready-made, nothing is wasted if it¡¯s free."


    Ye Feng certainly wouldn¡¯t say the next part out loud and embarrass himself.


    The young madman of the Liang Family hadn¡¯t sent people to disturb him, but the event he hosted for many young masters and misses of Northern Su was still going strong in the Star Luxury Hotel. However, the floor where Ye Feng and his company were located was declared off-limits, prohibiting outsiders from entering.


    Ye Feng knew things were happening downstairs, but he turned a blind eye. As long as that little madman didn¡¯t rush to his death too eagerly, Ye Feng didn¡¯t mind letting him jump around a little longer.


    "That¡¯s true, I forgot that these kinds of hotels provide free food; there¡¯s no need to spend extra money for downstairs meals."


    Hong Qingyan spoke very seriously.


    Ye Feng listened, grimacing. Why bring up money now? Was he, the Northern Border King, short of cash for a meal?


    "Husband, are you hungry too?"


    Hong Qingyan suddenly asked again, her face gradually turning red.


    "We don¡¯t get hungry that easily."


    Unaware of Hong Qingyan¡¯s implication, he naturally replied.


    As a Martial King, he didn¡¯t need to fast completely, but even if he went without food or water for ten days to half a month, there wouldn¡¯t be any adverse effects. The constitution of a Martial King is not something ordinary people could understand.


    "I mean, are you... that kind of hungry?"


    Hong Qingyan¡¯s voice was very soft, as soft as a whispering mosquito.


    These words!


    If he still couldn¡¯t understand, then Ye Feng would really be less than a beast. He suddenly stood up and aggressively pulled Hong Qingyan into his arms, pinning her fiercely beneath him.


    "Wife, I¡¯m curious, who taught you all this?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s breathing became gradually heavier.


    The former Hong Qingyan was gentle, kind, and empathetic, but regarding matters of men and women, her vibe to Ye Feng was one of innocence and restraint, barely letting go. Over the past few months, he hadn¡¯t even managed to kiss her once.


    "Grandfather taught me when I went back home."


    "Grandpa told me that to keep a man¡¯s heart, you have to capture his person first. And to keep his person, you have to sacrifice your own body."


    "Husband, be gentle, we still need to go eat later."


    ...


    Hong Qingyan¡¯s voice grew lower and her face redder.


    That¡¯s well taught, Grandpa! Spot on!


    If only Hong Zhenguo were here. Otherwise, Ye Feng would have liked to award him a big medal. Having such skills in duping his own granddaughter like this, you just can¡¯t help but admire it.

 Chapter 237: Going to Find Little Martial Uncle

    In the Northwest, within a secluded little mountain village, there lived a group of strange people.


    The reason they were considered strange primarily boils down to three points.


    First, the attire of the village residents was drastically different from that of modern people; their clothing could indeed be described as varied and colorful. Some wore official robes and gowns from the Ancient Dynasty era, others were clad in long robes that seemed to come straight from a Branch Sect, exuding an air of Immortal Qi, and still others simply draped themselves in animal skins.


    And then there were those whose outfits were simply beyond description.


    Next was the geography of the village, nestled in a valley high in the mountains, surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides without any roads leading down. The cliffs were almost vertical, yet there was not a single ladder or staircase to descend the mountain; was it that they had no need to leave the mountain, or was it simply impossible?


    The villagers¡¯ names were another oddity. The names they chose were utterly whimsical; you couldn¡¯t predict them, and nothing seemed off-limits. Names like Zhao Meizhu, Qian Youguang, Sun Xiaoyang, Li Qiye, Wang Jiudan... In short, finding a pleasant-sounding one was like stumbling upon a treasure outside.


    There were plenty more peculiarities, like how some villagers walked with earth-shattering steps that truly left footprints on the ground, and others who casually slept on tightropes.


    At dusk, a girl of about fourteen or fifteen with two braids like goat horns appeared on the village street. She was carrying something resembling a Book Bag, and her obsidian-like eyes sparkled.


    Oh dear, the little thief is here!


    Facing such a devilishly adorable girl, the villagers all had the same reaction: as if a storm had come, they scrambled to bring in the laundry, pushing and shoving each other out of the way, clearing out in three seconds flat without a soul in sight, like leaves swept away by an autumn wind.


    Could they really hide?


    A sly gleam flashed across the girl¡¯s eyes as she looked up at the shop on her left, a medicine store. It¡¯s your turn, she decided, and with her hands behind her back imitating the haughty manner of an adult, she strode over with a determined gait to knock on the door.


    "Grandpa Qian, is your door solid?"


    The girl didn¡¯t knock; instead, she approached the door and touched it seriously.


    "Solid enough, made of thousand-year-old nanmu wood, how could it not be?"


    An old man¡¯s voice came from within the house.


    "Oh!"


    The very next second, the grand door that had just been declared to be made of thousand-year-old nanmu wood collapsed with a thunderous "boom," the noise reverberating through the entire valley.


    "Grandpa Qian, it seems not so solid after all!"


    The girl clapped her hands innocently and entered the shop.


    I really shouldn¡¯t have!


    The elderly gentleman inside was so frustrated he wished he could smack his grandson. His face cringed at the sight of the young girl, the pain as acute as one could imagine.


    After a pause, he put on a forced smile and said,


    "Young miss, what would you like to ¡¯borrow¡¯ this time?"


    Qian Youguang enunciated the word ¡¯borrow¡¯ with particular emphasis.


    "Grandpa Qian, you and I have such a good relationship. I¡¯m about to go down the mountain, don¡¯t you have something you¡¯d like to give me?"


    They say a woman¡¯s face changes faster than the sky in June!


    But the tears of the girl in front of him came faster than any weather, her crying so sincere and free, as though it cost nothing. A stranger might have thought she was the one who had just been wronged.


    "My dear, please don¡¯t cry anymore. If you cry any harder, there¡¯ll be a flash flood."


    Outside, thunder actually did begin to rumble.


    "Alright, alright, Grandpa Qian will splurge this time. Take whatever you like from the shop."


    Although he said this, nine figures emerged from the old man¡¯s body and rapidly began sorting through the shop¡¯s goods.


    "How could I, Grandpa Qian?"


    In an instant, her tears were gone, and there was no hint of tear stains at the corners of the girl¡¯s eyes.


    Monster!


    Although the girl claimed to be embarrassed, she adeptly made her way to the medicine cabinet and, without looking, started grabbing bottles and tossing them into her "Book Bag." The small backpack somehow accommodated several times its volume without showing any bulge.


    Before leaving, the girl still didn¡¯t forget to ruffle Li Xianglong¡¯s hair, yet the latter could only nod incessantly, unaware that the girl was only a year or two older than himself.


    This youthful love, who doesn¡¯t take it as a joke?


    An apothecary.


    A blacksmith.


    Next, an artist.


    "Grandpa Sun, the colors are vivid, the strokes are clear, the form and spirit captured without diminishing either. It¡¯s only been a few days since I last saw you, but what an eye-opener ¨C other people¡¯s drawing skills are like hens pecking at grain, improving minutely year after year, but with you, it¡¯s like a rising tide lifting a boat, swiftly soaring up!"


    This time, the door was standing open.


    Seeing the door, the girl glanced at the wall where a Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Map hung and praised it with some highfalutin commentary she¡¯d learned from who knows where.


    Whether others believe it or not is unimportant, as long as I believe what I praise.


    "It¡¯s not as good as you say, it hasn¡¯t grown as fast as your martial arts skills," replied Old Man Sun, sitting at the desk, still holding a brush in his hand.


    "What are you painting, Grandpa Sun?"


    "I¡¯m about to go down the mountain; why don¡¯t you paint one for me too?"


    The girl leaned in closer, unable to see clearly or understand the odd, twisted characters on the desk.


    "Nonsense!"


    "You must never think of asking someone to paint your portrait in the future. Only the dead need that sort of thing. My work here isn¡¯t finished yet. Go visit the other houses first, then come back to collect it from me."


    They say those who read and paint are decent folk; with Sun Xiaoyang, this was his principle. Seeing him so earnestly painting, he indeed seemed much more capable than the ones before him.


    The girl nodded and continued on to the next house.


    ...


    She made her way along the street, visiting every place where there was an opportunity to glean something, reaching the last stop, the one dedicated to martial arts.


    "Sausage Sister, is that you?"


    Seeing who opened the door for her, the girl wore a somewhat puzzled look.


    She heard from her grandfather that Sister Feng Yuan had gotten married there, but on the wedding day, the groom said he was going to fetch a present and ended up dead.


    A husband-cursing demon!


    "Girl, you¡¯ve grown up so much, curious, are you? Whenever the sister decides to return, she¡¯ll return."


    This time it was the girl¡¯s head being touched, and she unwillingly said:


    "Sausage Sister, I¡¯ve grown up."


    She very much wanted to shake off the hand on her head but couldn¡¯t escape.


    "No need to go inside, there¡¯s no one else at home now. This time, I will accompany you on a walk outside."


    When speaking of there being no one else, the mood in both their eyes dimmed for a moment.


    "No!"


    "Sausage Sister, with your big size, if you go out, would you leave any chance for me, Long Nannan, to survive?"


    The girl protested on the spot.


    Heaven knows where she got the dream of conquering all the men in the world, including whether it encompassed her little martial uncle; nobody could tell.


    "Then you better grow up!"


    "Grow up fast, or your sister will get impatient and not wait for you. And, girl, your opposition is useless; this is your grandfather¡¯s order, so be a good girl and follow me."


    You win again!


    The girl turned around on the spot, and as she watched the girl with a defeated look on her face, Feng Yuan laughed delightedly,

 Chapter 238 Dont Be Too Arrogant

    In the night, a dragon and a phoenix flew out from the high mountains, disappearing into the distance.


    Divine Path, both are strong warriors of the Divine Path Realm, one is Hui Shen, and the other, an unimaginably real Fire Phoenix, is none the lesser.


    The villagers weren''t incapable of leaving the mountain. Instead, once the village men came of age, they had to descend the mountain. Even the women rarely stayed in the village. When Ye Feng came here on vacation, coaxed by that old fellow out of the blue, he found himself drinking only with the elderly.


    Inside the Star Luxury Hotel.


    Ye Feng, with his arm around Hong Qingyan''s slender waist, descended the stairs leisurely.


    There was no helping it. Our Beauty Hong had been so tormented by Ye Feng that she still felt pain somewhere, and naturally couldn''t walk without giving herself away. Wouldn''t it be odd?


    And say what you will, but this little wild man from Northern Su knows how to save face.


    Once out of the elevator, Ye Feng immediately sensed a different atmosphere in the lower levels of the hotel, with celebrities singing and internet stars accompanying guests¡ªquite a display of pomp and grandeur.


    "Quite lively!"


    Could a five-star hotel really be this upscale?


    Hong Qingyan''s forehead twinkled with several unanswered questions. She still didn''t understand what was going on here and naively thought this was intrinsic to a luxury hotel.


    "Small scene, so-so. Wait till we get to the capital, and then you''ll see what''s heaven and what''s earth," Ye Feng said casually with a smile.


    Such a scene, by the capital''s standards, would be just average. In the capital, those young heirs throw weddings and banquets that cost no less than several hundred million. Once, there was a Mr. Wang who spent a billion just on a meal.


    "Ah!"


    "So when we get to the capital, won''t we have to spend a lot of money?" Hong Qingyan asked with eyes full of inquiry, quite seriously.


    !!!


    In that moment, Ye Feng was truly disconcerted. Apart from teaching him that, had Old Master Hong taught her something else? It was as if Hong Qingyan''s avarice had suddenly surfaced.


    Regretting he had destroyed that black card.


    Ye Feng was at a loss for words, wondering if he should have Zhang Wenyu (there was a mistake before, the one accompanying Ye Feng wasn''t Zhang Wenyuan) get a new card for him and put some money on it, just to let this girl know that their money was endless.


    "Don''t worry about money. In your husband''s eyes, money is just a number."@@@@


    Tsk! Tsk Tsk!


    A chorus of disdainful sounds came from around, as Hong Qingyan''s voice had been a bit loud, drawing attention whether she liked it or not.


    "Husband, I believe in you." Hong Qingyan must have realized what her previous remark did to Ye Feng. Her face was a bit sheepish as she quickly bolstered him.


    It wasn''t that she was reluctant to spend money, but about being thrifty.


    Grandfather said that after a woman takes charge of a household, she must understand the value of thrift. Hong Qingyan believed this to be true. Thriftiness was a traditional virtue. Her grandmother had been thrifty, and she had followed in her footsteps.


    "You believe in him, and I want to believe as well."


    "My friend, your girl is so beautiful, may I ask your surname and where in the capital you reside?"


    In Xuanyuan Nation, the richest and most influential people resided in the capital.


    Now, a young man had come over to inquire. These gatherings were all about face, and insulting others was just another way to lift oneself up.


    "Good taste!"


    Ye Feng responded as if the question had been about Hong Qingyan. As for the rest, he simply ignored it. There are many boring people in the world; no need to entertain them.


    "Look, he doesn''t dare to say it."


    "If you ask me, beautiful, your necklace isn''t bad. But it couldn''t have been him who bought it, right?"


    Seeing Ye Feng failing to speak up, the man''s lips curled slightly as he turned his attention to Hong Qingyan.


    A rare gem!


    No one cared about Ye Feng''s table situation, nor did anyone dare to disturb it; after all, they were just guests, not the hosts. It was laughable that among the hundreds in the hotel, not a single person took the initiative to greet Ye Feng or engage with him.


    In an era of prosperity, flowers bloom with laughter and talk.


    Pity those who stand against the tide, with no one to care or love them. And when, having achieved fame and fortune, they finally fall from grace, people tend to remember them not to offer a hand but to add insult to injury, to elevate their own prestige.


    "Husband, eat more kidney to replenish yourself."


    A large feast, yet only two people sat there.


    Having sensed the chill in the air, Hong Qingyan stood to pick some dishes¡ªshe did exactly as suggested, piling Ye Feng''s plate with lamb kidneys.


    "Did Old Master Hong teach you this?"


    Ye Feng had a puzzled expression. Did he really need this kind of replenishment? It seemed his wife truly considered him a Martial King with a vegetarian''s constitution.


    Fine!


    I''ll replenish. How could I not eat when the dish is right in front of me? Ye Feng wolfed down the food with a fierce glare but thought about how he would teach Hong Qingyan a lesson when they got home.


    "No, I read it in a medical book."


    Every statement from Hong Qingyan was nothing but earnest truth.


    "Studying medicine isn''t all about reading; it requires practice."


    "When we get to the capital, you don''t need to go to any hospital to study. Western medicine focuses more on surgical procedures, and with the current level of technology, instruments can do a better job than humans. I''ll get an old fellow to teach you. Of course, I will teach you myself when I have the time," Ye Feng added, pausing to frown.


    It''s said that Western medicine treats only the symptoms, not the cause. Traditional medicine targets the interior, and indeed its effects are mild. But much of traditional medicine is intertwined with inner strength.


    That''s problematic!


    Honestly, Ye Feng didn''t want Hong Qingyan to practice martial arts, but without inner strength, she could never reach the pinnacle of medical expertise.


    "Okay!"


    Hong Qingyan nodded. In truth, she hadn''t neglected even a bit of her medical studies.


    As they were eating and discussing, a group of people walked in and, without a word, one of them came up to Ye Feng''s table, intending to overturn it.


    However, it wouldn''t budge!


    Bang!


    His palm slammed onto the table, instantly causing dishes to scatter. Glaring at Ye Feng, he said,


    "Eat, eat, eat¡ªyou killed my brother, and you think you can eat so peacefully?"


    "Big Brother Xu, please grieve with restraint. Even before the executioner''s block, there''s a bowl of wine¡ªno one should die hungry like a ghost," two voices said, one after the other.


    Ye Feng looked up, only to be slightly taken aback.


    Martial Alliance uniform!


    One, two, three... nine¡ªnine auspicious clouds. This guy who smashed his table wasn''t just from the Martial Alliance; he was a genuine Great Grandmaster.


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I advise you, it''s unwise to be so unruly,"


    "In this world, no one has dared to demolish my dining table. You''re the first and will be the last," Ye Feng said, looking at Hong Qingyan to ensure she wasn''t frightened. His expression softened just a bit.


    "The last?"


    "Ye Feng, who do you think you are? I''ll have you know, this is Northern Su. My name is Xu Wu. Go on, try to touch me if you dare," he taunted.


    In Northern Su, if Liang Chengyu is a hot-headed young man, while Xu Wu is the leading hothead. Xu of the Xu Family!


    The number one lunatic of Northern Su, the foremost youth, and the top figure in the Martial Alliance of Northern Su¡ªXu Wu had earned many titles, gained through his own sheer effort.

 Chapter 239 Unique Show

    Xu Wu truly had the qualifications to be arrogant.


    Not yet twenty-five years old, he was already a peak level Great Grandmaster. In Northern Su, he was not only considered the number one madman but also, in the past hundred years, the person most likely to break through to Martial King before the age of thirty.


    Had this been a mere few months earlier, his cultivation level would have been the same as Ye Feng''s, and he was even younger. The extent of his natural talent was evident¡ªit was not just hot air.


    A defiant challenge to "just try and touch me" truly revealed the nature of a madman.


    Looking behind Xu Wu, just at the grandmaster level, there were eight people, some from the Xu Family, some from the Martial Alliance, and others whose backgrounds Ye Feng couldn''t discern.


    One had to admit, such treatment with eight Grandmasters in tow was rare even among the sons of the Eight Great Families in the capital.


    What a character!


    Ye Feng now understood why Xu Jin had dared to speak such words before¡ªhaving such a brother taught you how to act with utter disregard for anyone else.


    "Where are the soldiers of the Northern Border?"


    Ye Feng let out a sudden shout.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, the First Legion Commander of the Northern Border, answering to the King''s call!"


    "Sima Zhantian, the Fourth Legion Commander of the Northern Border, answering to the King''s call!"


    "Xia Lengchan, the Commander of the Northern Border, answering to the King''s call!"


    The three leading generals came forward to report, having already agreed to dine together earlier. They simply didn''t want to play third wheel beside Ye Feng.


    "What is the punishment for subordinates who rebel against their superiors?"


    You dare not strike me?


    A joke, indeed. Ye Feng, the legitimate Great General of Mingbei Kingdom, had killed more than just a handful. A descendant of a general, the sword might not be lifted against those inside, but when faced with such a disrespectful madman...


    Ye Feng''s heart was filled with a deadly intent.


    "Death is the punishment for such a crime!"


    The majesty of a king must not be infringed, and the transgressors meet with death, the three generals responded in unison.


    "Who are you trying to scare?"


    "Do you really think you''re still the Northern Border King of before? Putting on airs like a king in front of me, pah! I''m not afraid to tell you, now you''re just a lost dog, and soon you won''t even qualify as that."


    "Whoever dares to strike first, treat them without mercy!"


    Xu Wu smiled smugly.


    He wasn''t afraid of Ye Feng striking first, but rather was afraid that Ye Feng wouldn''t dare. After all, in any country in the world, a king is a king; even if he has fallen from his throne, he isn''t someone who can be killed on a whim.


    Along with Xu Wu, the eight Grandmasters behind him readied their stances. Only the young madman, Liang Chengyu, who had spoken up earlier, quietly retreated at this moment.


    "Kill!"


    Ye Feng gently turned Hong Qingyan''s face aside.


    The cold gleam of the sword arrived first, and in terms of killing momentum, Xiao Chuanqi was undoubtedly number one. As he drew his sword, almost instantly two men inexplicably fell, and with another strike, before one could even launch an attack, he was pierced between the eyes.


    A Grandmaster, a Peak Grandmaster, and a Martial King!


    Damn it!


    Who said that Ye Feng was like meat on a chopping block, easy to handle? By the time Xiao Chuanqi once again dispatched someone and advanced forward, Xu Wu''s punches had become sloppy, his whole body going weak.


    In this world, unless there are thousands of Grandmasters employing a war of attrition to take down a Martial King, there would be no suspense. A dozen or twenty, even if they attacked together, would still be just delivering themselves, not one would survive if they did not flee.


    "Ye Feng, let''s talk this through properly."


    Like picking only the soft persimmons, Xu Wu''s opponent was Xia Lengchan. Suddenly exerting strength, he pushed her back and hastily waved to Ye Feng, signaling for a halt.


    In a matter of moments, the eight Grandmasters had all fallen; six of them under Xiao Chuanqi''s sword, while Sima Zhantian just managed to take down two.


    "I..."


    Kneel!


    Liang Chengyu wanted to say he was a clean freak, but he knew Ye Feng wouldn''t listen to that. If he didn''t kneel, he might well end up like Xu Wu. He pinched his nose and did as necessary.


    It became quiet.


    Seeing a trace of weariness on Hong Qingyan''s face, Ye Feng ordered Xiao Chuanqi to send her back to rest. Even those with genuinely kind hearts feel weary when faced with slaughter, and the sight of those eight bloody corpses on the ground constantly stirred up turmoil within Hong Qingyan.


    It''s better to rest!


    Ye Feng felt helpless. He knew Hong Qingyan would not advise him to stop, and he could not simply put down his sword and end the killing, because the dignity of the Northern Border King wasn''t something won with mere words.


    Compared to Liang Chengyu, Xu Wu was very quick to make the call. After all,


    Even if Ye Feng didn''t go looking for trouble with the Xu Family today, someday they would come looking for him. After killing an Xu Jin and boldly showing up in Northern Su, did they really think the Xu Family would swallow this grievance?


    Not lively enough?


    Liang Chengyu sneered inwardly, worthy of the Northern King, equally mad. He could discern the subtext in Ye Feng''s words: Bring everyone you think can help, I''ll be waiting.


    As you wish!


    After making the call, Liang Chengyu also quietly sent out a text.


    The luxurious Tian-character room where Ye Feng was located quieted down.


    The banquet hall outside also became considerably quieter at that moment. People looked at the scene unfolding inside, with puzzled glances exchanged before a knowing smile spread across everyone''s faces.


    Interesting, exceptionally interesting.


    Whose spectacle is it not to watch? To be fortunate enough to see the grand and young madmen kneeling together in this lifetime, what a thrilling sight!


    It must be admitted that in bygone days, these two madmen had suffocated the younger generation of Northern Su. Now, look, they''re finally behaving, aren''t they? Who''s the real madman now?


    It''s absurd to have aided an outsider. Ye Feng stands out alone.


    Tonight in Northern Su was destined not to be peaceful, as car after car, luxury and ordinary alike, rushed toward the Star Luxury Hotel, their speeds unfailingly swift, even brazenly breaking through when necessary.


    A change was upon us!


    In Northern Su, who didn''t recognize the vehicles of the Liang and Xu families? But now, both families seemed to be emerging in full force. Who else had the clout to cause such a stir?


    The Supervisory Heaven Department.


    As one of the Three Offices of Xuanyuan Nation, the headquarters of the Supervisory Heaven Department wasn''t set up in the bustling capital, but on the land of Northern Su.


    And here was Ge Nie, who had just returned from the capital and had barely had a chance to rest, when his subordinates woke him in a rush.


    "You''re telling me the Liang and Xu families are out in full force?"


    "Damn it, if they dare to cause trouble, I''ll exterminate them. Wait, that''s odd, I know all the big shots in Northern Su. They''ve always kept to their own lanes. Do you have any idea why they are mobilizing, and where they''re heading?"


    Ge Nie rapped on his desk, looking somewhat displeased.


    Aren''t they just two big local snakes causing a fuss? Such small incidents shouldn''t even necessitate waking him up.


    "Our scouts say they''re moving against someone named Ye Feng."


    The deputy director''s brow raised slightly.


    Dealing with two big local snakes was usually not beyond his ability, but Ye Feng, that was a different story. That man had the same level of notoriety as him.


    He was unsure how to handle this.


    "Ye Feng?"


    "Damn it, why has he come to Northern Su? Get people on it immediately, everyone!"


    Ge Nie didn''t even have to question if it was a case of mistaken identity. He immediately gave the order, and didn''t forget to alert the other two offices as well.

 Chapter 240 The Three Offices Descend

    People were growing increasingly numerous.


    As the most luxurious five-star hotel in the entirety of Northern Su, the Star Luxury Hotel towered into the sky, and the capacity of its underground parking lot was immense. It was no surprise that, in less than an hour, it filled up, and the continuous stream of cars, regally and boldly, parked along the roadside.


    Boss Xia of Binhu Real Estate, Chairman Ling Mantang of Shengtian Group, Chief Inspector Feng Jin of Northern Su, Su Yu, Leader of the Su City Martial Alliance... The cheongsam-clad ladies tasked with welcoming guests at the entrance of the Star Luxury Hotel were almost worn out from fatigue.


    Each of the arrivals was a figure they had to look up to.


    Outside the banquet hall, the crowd was swelling, and quite a few people were leaving as well. When the bustle reached a certain level, not everyone could bear witness to it; those without the necessary credentials naturally had to leave the scene. After all, in a great storm, it was the small boats that struggled most.


    The people from the Xu and Liang families had not yet arrived; they were meant to be the first on the scene but their absence was not due to cowardice but rather a brewing storm.


    Inside the hall, not a single one of the group of young masters and mistresses was any sort of pushover!


    The very least of them knew how to imitate and follow suit. The early arrivals had obviously been summoned by them. If tonight''s drama wasn''t about a mighty dragon crossing the river, it would be about that formidable dragon being unable to suppress the local snakes.


    Look and see, there''s no harm; maybe if two families topple, an opportunity will arise. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    Finally, when Liang Ye and Xu Tierui, the two patriarchs, arrived together, the atmosphere of the banquet reached its peak. The menacing demeanor of the two patriarchs was akin to that of wild beasts about to open their enormous maws. And behind them, Grandmasters were everywhere, each a skilled hand at their craft.


    "Ye Feng, release my son," Liang Ye, the Liang Family Patriarch and father of Liang Chengyu, spoke first. However, he did not step into the room.


    "If you want to fetch your son, why don''t you dare to come in and talk?"


    On the table, tea was freshly served, and Ye Feng, unhurriedly blowing on the steam that rose from his cup, was the picture of composure.


    The spacious ''Heaven'' VIP room held only five living people. Ye Feng was sitting in the seat of honor by himself, while Sima Zhantian and Xia Lengchan were positioned on his left and right, tasked with guarding the door. The remaining two were kneeling.@@@@


    "Hmph!"


    "You think I''m afraid? If you do not release my son, you had better think carefully about how you''re going to walk out that door."


    After a wave of his hand, a solid row of Grandmasters promptly lined up in two rows, securing the entrance. Beside Liang Ye stood an old man, silent and with high cheekbones.


    "Liang Family Patriarch?"


    "In my book, you are definitely required to come in. You can spare yourself some suffering by coming in on your own, otherwise, when I come out to invite you... Well, the outcome might not look so good."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly.


    This was a real madman!


    To outright ignore Liang Ye''s words as if they were merely a breeze past his ear, even intimidating the other party. All those pretenders to madness paled in comparison to Ye Feng.


    Of course, the crowd outside the hall didn''t dare to voice their amusement, with everything being understood without words.


    "A stray dog is nothing to fear."


    Liang Ye smirked disdainfully. He glanced at his younger son, his brows furrowing slightly¡ªas if he had been stricken mute by Ye Feng and couldn''t speak.


    Just as Liang Ye was about to step forward, Xu Tierui intercepted him, placing a hand to block his path and saying,


    "My dear in-law, there''s no need for haste. I''ll handle this matter first."


    "Ye Feng, there''s nothing left to discuss between us. Release my son and you might still have a complete corpse left. Otherwise, today I''ll make sure you''re chopped into thousands of pieces."


    Behind Xu Tierui stood not a few but many people, with the foremost two being officials in distinct uniforms¡ªone clearly from the Supervisory Heaven Department and the other from the Heaven Governance Division.


    The one from the Supervisory Heaven Department declared,


    "Ye Feng, to knowingly break the law and still do wrong, release the hostage and surrender at once. Northern Su will not tolerate your audacity."


    That final "Northern Su" was evidently the true intent of the message.


    As a descendant of the significant figures of the top ten, it was not surprising that the famous could cast long shadows. This time, many figures from The Righteous Path had come to support the Xu family, and standing a bit behind Xu Tierui were not only Great Grandmasters but also many well-known figures from the Northern Su underworld.


    In plain terms, it was about positioning the Xu family at the apex of public opinion and bringing Ye Feng down.


    A group of people were posturing and, following the lead of the two figures at the front, began to chastise Ye Feng with words, stopping just short of slapping him with a charge of treason.


    Ye Feng, listening to the crowd talk and preach while savoring his tea without a word, they say a sharp tongue and cutting words were the most lethal. If he let these people substantiate their words today, his reputation as the Northern Border King would begin to stink.


    "Xu Tierui, now that things have come to this, do you still want to hide your skills?"


    Liang Ye waved his hand to signal the Great Worship to stop. The situation hadn''t reached the worst point yet, and he certainly did not want to have a heated fight with Ye Feng.


    To deal with the Martial King, at least another Martial King is needed.


    The Liang Family only had one Martial King, and if that one-in-a-million chance happened, their loss would mean the Liang Family''s days as the Premier Clan were over.


    Liang Ye dared not gamble, and even less wanted to gamble.


    "Get lost!"


    "You think I want to hide my skills? If that old guy would listen to me, he would have come already."


    Xu Tierui''s heart bled.


    Such a group of Great Grandmasters, at least seven of them, were just finished like that. If you also count the two that Xu Wu brought earlier, part of Xu Tierui''s Xu Family heritage.


    All gone!


    A son can be born again, but once heritage is lost, it''s difficult to rise again from the east.


    "As I thought!"


    Hearing Xu Tierui''s words, Ye Feng was slightly surprised. It was certain that the Xu Family had a Martial King; otherwise, they wouldn''t be on par with the Liang Family.


    But if he didn''t come, that was interesting!


    "It seems the Liang Family Patriarch isn''t willing to come in on his own."


    Ye Feng stood up after he finished speaking, his eyes shining like stars, his demeanor proud and chilly.


    Hmm?


    Just as Ye Feng took a step intending to retrieve someone, he suddenly stopped. More people were coming¡ªquite a group at that.


    As expected.


    "Who dares to touch my Xuanyuan Nation''s meritocrat, if anybody touches Northern King Ye Feng, they will be killed without mercy!"


    A throng of people swarmed in, and even before they arrived, a domineering voice rolled in like thunder.


    In just a moment, the people from Xuanyuan Nation''s Three Great Offices swiftly entered the scene and surrounded the entire hall. Among them, three individuals led the way, with the Chief Director of the Supervisory Heaven Department, Ge Nie, at the forefront.


    Behind Ge Nie were two others, likely the chiefs of the other two Offices in Northern Su, their status obviously not enough to be on equal footing.


    "Kill without mercy!"


    Everyone''s scalp tingled, the Chief Director of the Supervisory Heaven Department spoke in person, and no one dared question the truth of those words.


    In Xuanyuan Nation, the Four Realms Legion primarily handles border defense and repelling foreign enemies.


    As for internal affairs, they are managed by the Three Great Offices, where the Supervisory Heaven Department is in charge of enforcement and public order, the Heaven Governance Division deals with governance and trade, and the Punishment Heaven Department handles legal punishment.


    If one were to say who had the greatest authority and who was the most feared among the Three Offices, it would undoubtedly be the Supervisory Heaven Department.


    "Northern King, I apologize for the inconvenience."


    Ge Nie looked at Ye Feng, strolled into the room, and found himself quite pleased with the man.


    A sovereign of a generation, the kind of decisiveness and matchless aura he desired.


    The pride of a nation couldn''t be attained by compromising with others.


    "Three Offices, on my command, those who commit insubordination, seize them!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze passed by Ge Nie, and he immediately issued the order.


    This!


    Everyone broke out in a cold sweat. Ye Feng was daring enough to do anything, bold enough to command the people of the Three Offices right in front of the Chief Director of the Supervisory Heaven Department.

 Chapter 241 Human Heart

    Overstepping your bounds!


    In terms of power, the vassal kings of the Four Realms and the Chief Directors of the Three Great Offices are on the same level, each attending to their own duties, responsible for different domains. Only the Great General of Nation Guard and the Great Guardian Sect Leader in the imperial capital truly have the right to mobilize all the nation''s resources.


    Ge Nie cursed Ye Feng in his heart, calling him no good. The old man had made a special trip to support him, yet Ye Feng was so overeager to order him around as if he were a servant?


    Don''t think that just because this old man admires you, you can do whatever you wish, it''s for the sake of the nation''s grand strategy.


    Endure it!


    Ge Nie communicated secretly, as a matter of fact, at this moment, the people from the Three Great Offices were hesitating. With the message from the Chief Director of the Supervisory Heaven Department, they immediately took action to apprehend.


    After all, although the three main offices of the Xuanyuan Nation were entrusted with different duties, the three heads at the top usually acted as one. The will of one person represented the collective will of all three, in other words, they shared a bond as close as wearing the same pair of trousers.


    Dare to resist?


    Of course, no one dared, just as the king''s authority is untouchable. When the three main offices come together to take someone down, even if you have a great injustice, you must obediently surrender. Those who resist are directly disposed of as traitors to the state, killed without the responsibility of disposing of the body.@@@@


    The Liang Family was the first to be taken down; the Xu Family had almost been wiped out, followed by the people of the Martial Alliance. At this moment, the leaders of these Three Great Powers were ashen-faced.


    The three main offices were actually obeying Ye Feng''s orders!


    What did this mean?


    The way the people around looked at Ye Feng changed. If before they saw him merely as someone who could show off the valor of a common man, now, he was undoubtedly seen as a person who possessed both courage and strategy, a true human True Dragon.


    "Director Elder Ge, please, take a seat!"


    "Who would have thought, who would have thought that my Xuanyuan Nation would have such a figure like Director Elder Ge, old but vigorous, and excellent in Kung Fu. If I''m not mistaken, half a month ago in the Eastern Border, that was you, wasn''t it, Director Elder Ge?


    And if I remember correctly, a few months ago, the directors of the Three Great Offices were all in the imperial capital," Ye Feng said with a playful tone, his smile implying something deeper.


    Before, I didn''t know that the directors of the three main offices were above the Martial King. Now that I think about it, I often urged that old bastard Cao Yi from the Punishment Heaven Department, who is so feeble he can barely walk, it''s laughable. Perhaps this is what they call...


    Only after climbing one mountain do you realize how high the next one is!


    "Yes, what you said is right."


    Ge Nie agreed, probably knowing where Ye Feng was coming from with his anger.


    You guess!


    Guess all you want, I, for one, don''t know a thing. In the end, it''s the older ones who have thicker skins; Ge Nie was just short of feigning insanity and stupidity.


    "Director Elder Ge, there is no need to be nervous. My respect for you and the other senior predecessors is like the water of the great river, endless and unceasing."


    "And today, I have to thank Elder Ge!"


    Ye Feng raised his cup, substituting tea for wine, and drank it down first.


    No need to say anything!


    After all, Ye Feng had already fumbled his way through to a lot of clues about the assassination attempt in the imperial capital, and the truth was not far from him.


    "It''s nothing!"


    "Old Northern Ning teaching you, such a disciple, is not only a blessing of three lifetimes but also a fortune for our Xuanyuan Nation," Ge Nie complimented, indirectly flattering Ye Feng, who gladly accepted, especially since it involved things related to Old Northern King.


    You compliment, feel free to compliment!


    If it could bring the dead back to life with praise, I would thank you for a lifetime.


    "What''s next?"


    The topic shifted, and both men looked outside. Ye Feng smiled. Why was everyone now looking down? Where had the courage to face off and provoke him just moments ago gone?


    "You come, of course, you come. Right now, old man, I''m just your henchman," Ge Nie replied nonchalantly.


    This old coot!


    Still holding grudges, Ye Feng''s mouth twitched slightly. He didn''t bother with Ge Nie anymore and commanded:


    "Bring in Liang Ye and Xu Tierui."


    The Great Worship of the Liang Family had just shown signs of flinching but was immediately stopped by a glance from Liang Ye.


    "Xu Tierui, I''m very curious."


    "Xu Tierui, do you think by betraying me, you can survive? You always claim you descend from the Ten Great Famous Generals, are you even worthy?"


    "Pah! Everyone in Northern Su knows that you, Xu Tierui, are nothing but an outcast bastard. General Ye, Director Ge, what I want to say is, Xu Tierui began plotting against his own brother more than twenty years ago. His venomous tactics first made Xu Tiefeng sterile, and then he colluded with me to ambush him, taking the chance to usurp the position of Xu Family Patriarch."


    "The most heartless and ruthless person in this world is Xu Tierui. He deserves to die the most!"


    Liang Ye laughed, his laughter tinged with madness and exhaustion. He knew he was too culpable to live, but if he could take this traitor down with him.


    It would be satisfying!


    In contrast, Ye Feng and Ge Nie were silent at this moment.


    Such is the human heart!


    Ye Feng inwardly sighed. He had suspected that there were secrets within the Xu family, but he had not anticipated such depravity, beginning over twenty years ago¡ªtruly vile.


    "Beast!"


    "Despite the kindness General Xu showed you, you dared to commit such atrocious acts. If you do not deserve death, then who does? I''ll execute you myself."


    While Ye Feng stood still, Ge Nie couldn''t take it anymore.


    In an instant, he was at Xu Tierui''s side, giving no chance for excuses, and struck down towards his head. Xu Tierui''s eyes instantly filled with blood, and with a loud crash, he fell to the ground.


    "Descendant of General Xu?"


    Ye Feng looked at Ge Nie. Such matters were happening in Northern Su, where the headquarters of the Supervisory Heaven Department was located. No wonder the old man was enraged.


    "He''s not dead. That bastard at least has a hint of conscience. Otherwise, I would have flayed him alive."


    Ge Nie said ferociously, the rage still evident in his eyes.


    "It''s your turn now."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow towards Liang Ye.


    "General Ye, the person who incited me against you was Shasha Sea..."


    Before Liang Ye could finish speaking, a sudden flash of silver light attacked from behind him.


    "Die!"


    The corner of the Liang family''s Great Worship''s mouth curved in a smile, followed by him instantly flinging away two guards who were watching him.


    "Damn it!"


    "It infuriates me beyond belief that you dare to be violent in front of me."


    As two members of the Supervisory Heaven Department met their ends, Ge Nie was beyond furious. Ye Feng only saw a blur as the Great Worship''s movements stiffened.


    Hiss! One by one¡ª


    In the hall, all onlookers were horrified to see the body of the Liang family''s Great Worship continuously cracking and then falling to the ground piece by piece like shards of glass.


    Such a death was truly horrendous to witness!


    Was this the might of the Divine Path?


    Ye Feng''s pupils also contracted¡ª even he couldn''t see how Ge Nie had struck. And if one looked closely at the Great Worship''s eyeballs, they were still moving.


    God only knows the level of his despair!


    "Director Elder Ge, with your vast knowledge, do you know where Shasha Sea is?"


    Liang Ye was dead, and the Great Worship was closest to him. Nobody expected that the latter would suddenly strike a deadly blow to silence him.


    "Shasha Sea," seemingly a place name, so at this moment, Ye Feng wasn''t inclined to think of it as a person''s name.


    "Never heard of it, but I''ll keep an eye out for you."


    Ge Nie shook his head.


    Let it be!


    Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    Seeing that Ge Nie did not appear to be lying, Ye Feng let it go, fully aware that the old man had just now had the ability to control the Liang family''s Great Worship but chose not to.

 Chapter 242: First Take Back What’s Yours

    ```


    A banquet concluded with Ye Feng, this rising True Dragon among men, emerging victorious.


    Whispers of a lost dog, of a desolate Northern Border King, were all but jests; tonight, Ye Feng had proved to the world that he was still a sovereign, a true sovereign.


    People had come to realize that the star belonging to Ye Feng had never dimmed, even for a moment, and perhaps, in the near future, it would shine even more fervently, until it blazed with boundless brilliance.


    The Northern Border King?


    I¡¯m afraid that title hardly suffices to describe Ye Feng at that time.


    The Liang Family was finished; the patriarch was dead and the remaining members had been taken away by Ge Nie. With the grudges and connections amassed over the years now lost, the Liang Family, even without Ye Feng lifting a finger, would no longer be able to stand its ground in Northern Su.


    Ye Feng did not inquire about how Ge Nie would deal with the Liang Family; from the old man¡¯s implicit meaning, could it be that these Grandmasters would be of great use in the future?


    As for the Xu Family, of course, there was hope for their rise, but did they still have capable people? The previous head of the Xu Family, which would be General Xu¡¯s legitimate successor Xu Tiefeng, had been ill and faded from public view five years ago, and it was unknow whether he was dead or alive.


    With both families¡¯ people gone, more and more guests started to leave the great hall; this smokeless battlefield inadvertently initiated by Ye Feng would result in unsettled times for Northern Su in the coming two or three years.


    Ye Feng left the Martial Alliance¡¯s people behind.


    The Su City Martial Alliance, being the largest in the entire Northern Su region, indeed boasted formidable strength¡ªwith four Great Grandmasters standing, not including Su Yu. Their unease was palpable, and if one were to count the three that Xu Wu brought earlier, that made seven.


    "The Martial Alliance, in compliance with the distribution in the Four Realms and the Central Region of the Xuanyuan Nation, has appointed five Chief Instructors and Ten Great Stewards. Five Chief Instructors and five of the stewards are tasked with overseeing the Imperial Capital, and the remaining five stewards are responsible for managing their respective areas."


    "There is supposed to be one steward for Northern Su¡ªwhere is that person?"


    As the founder of the Martial Alliance, if anyone claimed to understand the internal structure of the Martial Alliance best, it would be Ye Feng. The steward responsible for the north, in particular, was someone he had deliberately arranged to settle in Northern Su.


    Because, does running a martial arts school not require money?


    Of course it does. When Ye Feng founded the Martial Alliance, he commanded the five leaders to open a path for the children of ordinary families, while also preserving a route for the offspring of the wealthy. The former required passing some tests, while the latter necessitated a fee. As for where that fee would go, it seamlessly looped back to benefit the Martial Alliance.


    With its developed economy and wealthy populace, Northern Su was chosen by Ye Feng back then precisely for this reason.


    So clear?


    The four people looked at one another, initially unable to fathom Ye Feng¡¯s intentions. After a brief contemplation, Su Yu finally mustered the courage to respond:


    "Deacon Sun passed away three months ago."


    Dead!


    This response was indeed unexpected for Ye Feng; even though many of the Ten Great Stewards were old, none were on the brink of decaying.


    "What was the cause of death? And the newcomer?"


    Ye Feng continued to inquire.


    "This..."


    Su Yu hesitated, truly puzzled by Ye Feng¡¯s intentions. Why such detailed questions, why so meddlesome?


    Is the Martial Alliance yours?


    "If the Northern King tells you to speak, then speak quickly. Do you find the way he died not novel enough? Director Elder Ge doesn¡¯t mind showing you several other ways to die."


    At the banging of the table by Ge Nie, several people¡¯s legs trembled with fear.


    "I will speak. Deacon Sun died of a sudden, violent death."


    "I don¡¯t know what exactly happened, General. Deacon Sun passed away mysteriously in his room three months ago. I even reported it to the Headquarters of the Martial Alliance in the Imperial Capital, but so much time has passed and not only has no new steward been dispatched, but not a single inquiry about it has been received."


    Su Yu¡¯s face was one of helplessness. The matter would have been left as it was, and everyone considered Deacon Sun¡¯s death an accident. He hadn¡¯t expected Ye Feng to bring it up.


    "Are there any clues?"


    Ye Feng frowned and turned to Ge Nie. It would be hard for anyone to believe this was normal, given the Martial Alliance Headquarters¡¯ bizarre indifference.


    "I don¡¯t know about your own family¡¯s affairs."


    Ge Nie merely pursed his lips.


    There¡¯s an old saying, "Respect the Buddha not the monk." Who doesn¡¯t know who founded the Martial Alliance among the top echelons of Xuanyuan Nation? Therefore, the attitude of the Three Offices towards the Martial Alliance has always been one of turning a blind eye.


    Of course, this incident had also taken place in Northern Su; without finding a way to brush it off, Ge Nie himself would feel unable to save face.


    "Tong Qiubai, from now on, you¡¯ll be the Leader of the Su City Martial Alliance. As for you, Li Xiaoshu."


    "Die!"


    Ye Feng flicked out another paper ball.


    Why?


    The Grandmaster named Li Xiaoshu died with eyes wide open; he had always been cautious, committing the least crimes. Had it not been for the coercion and temptation from Su Yu tonight, he would have never partaken in such an event.


    But still, he died!


    "Do you know why I didn¡¯t kill you?"


    Ye Feng looked at the Grandmaster named Tong Qiubai, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.


    "Because I didn¡¯t write anything."


    Tong Qiubai bitterly smiled.


    Not writing didn¡¯t mean ignorance; on the contrary, he knew a lot. As a steward of the Su City Martial Alliance, what he knew was second only to Su Yu.


    The reason he didn¡¯t write was that he was well aware that the crimes he committed didn¡¯t leave much chance for survival. If he was going to die whether he wrote down his wrongdoings or not, why bother wearing out his heart more?


    "That¡¯s right,"


    "Remember, your life is granted by me. Reflect well on what you can do in the future and what you must absolutely not touch,"


    Ye Feng finally stopped flicking paper balls and waved his hand to dismiss them.


    "Thank you, General Ye, for sparing my life!"


    Tong Qiubai bowed deeply and left without looking back, having narrowly escaped death at Ghost Gate Pass this night.


    Unforgettable it was!


    "And you just let him go?"


    With that, the turmoil seemed to have settled.


    "Otherwise?"


    "The Martial Alliance has changed, but if everyone is killed, who will take over? Unless absolutely necessary, I ultimately cannot bring myself to destroy it," Discover more content at novelhall.Co?m


    Ye Feng sighed deeply.


    A rebellious child, as long as it didn¡¯t betray its own and walk down an irreversible dark path, he was willing to put in the effort and work to bring it back.


    Besides, the achievements of the Martial Alliance over the years were not insignificant.


    "You did nothing wrong, and the Martial Alliance did nothing wrong. The only ones in the wrong are those with ulterior motives,"


    Ge Nie pondered while sipping his tea.


    Ge Nie knew something about what was wrong with the Martial Alliance. Everything is difficult at the beginning, and in such complex times, it¡¯s normal for the Martial Alliance to have been targeted by those people.


    It was just a matter of waiting out the storm before looking for ways to help Ye Feng rebuild it!


    "Elder Ge, with your advanced age, you should take good care of your health. If there is anything you want to say, feel free to speak your mind now,"


    Clearly, Ye Feng had long been accustomed to such platitudes.


    "How did Ning Tianya manage to raise a brat like you,"


    "Final advice: go retrieve what belongs to you first, then think carefully about how you want to seek revenge,"


    After speaking, Ge Nie patted his behind. Has he been used and dismissed just like that? He couldn¡¯t bother to check Ye Feng¡¯s expression anymore.


    Time to leave!


    "A bunch of old bastards, all fond of keeping people in suspense,"


    Although Ye Feng thought so in his heart, he still sincerely thanked Ge Nie.


    Retrieve what belongs to me?


    Of course, having been away for so long, Ye Feng longed for them indeed.

 Chapter 243: I Don’t Need It, Demonstrating Mercy

    The next day, Liang Chenghuan from the Liang Family arrived at the hotel early to wait.@@@@


    Just the night before, not only were the various businesses of the Liang Family attacked, but even the old Liang estate suffered an assault by masked experts. Without the protection of a Great Grandmaster, it was imaginable how devastating the losses were when the Liang Family faced such sudden and formidable enemies.


    The first to bear the brunt was the "Little Madman" Liang Chengyu, who was dismembered on his own turf and died a gruesome death. The majority of his family also perished, while those who survived were scared out of their wits.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for Liang Chenghuan going to the Supervisory Heaven Department to help someone and staying out all night, he¡¯d probably have not escaped disaster either. As it was, he didn¡¯t dare to even visit his home this morning, and came rushing to find Ye Feng, trembling in fear.


    After listening to Liang Chenghuan¡¯s account, Ye Feng¡¯s expression was somewhat strange.


    The kid¡¯s life was indeed quite tough. He had spared him once in Jiangdu, and unexpectedly, Liang Chenghuan managed to escape the catastrophe that befell his family the previous night.


    "General Ye, please save me," Liang Chenghuan begged.


    He was truly frightened, his whole journey marked by fear and apprehension.


    "Your Liang Family has also perished because of me. How is it that before asking for my help, you shouldn¡¯t hate me first?" asked Ye Feng, sitting on the sofa.


    Compared to the "Little Madman" Liang Chengyu, Liang Chenghuan may not be very clever, but when it came to understanding the situation, he was far superior, now kneeling on the ground with all his heart.


    Begging someone was showing the right attitude.


    "Chenghuan dares not. The Liang Family tried to plot against General Ye, and it¡¯s our just desserts," he said.


    It was only called just desserts after a failure. If it had been successful, it would have been glorified.


    Ultimately, it was a matter of victors and losers. Liang Chenghuan¡¯s face was filled with despair, and he didn¡¯t dare lower his head too much for fear that Ye Feng might see a trace of resentment on his face.


    "No, of course, you dare," Ye Feng retorted.


    "Otherwise, why did you still go to Jiangdu knowing it was me and knew the true meaning behind the Sha Family Gang and the Fallen Leaves Commerce Guild?"


    What a way to pin the blame!


    Hong Qingyan turned her face away quietly, trying not to laugh out loud, knowing full well that Liang Chenghuan wasn¡¯t bold enough. But Ye Feng said he dared.


    Would the Liang Chenghuan on the ground dare to say he didn¡¯t?


    Intimidation!


    Sure enough, after hearing this, Liang Chenghuan¡¯s face went blank. After pausing, he then spoke with a panicked face, "General Ye, I was confused for a moment. Please forgive me this time."


    With those words, Liang Chenghuan began to kowtow on the ground.


    "Get lost, you don¡¯t have enough lives for me to spare," said Ye Feng.


    "People need to save themselves. Before asking me for help, ask yourself, what does the person who wants to kill you really want? Just understand that for yourself," Ye Feng¡¯s gaze grew colder.


    Understood!


    Seeing Ye Feng¡¯s determined attitude, Liang Chenghuan didn¡¯t waste more words and left the room disheartened. When a mighty force falls, the greedy wolves and leopards come to feast.


    This was the law of survival in the Great Northern Su.


    Liang Chenghuan felt incredibly bitter inside. Ye Feng was unwilling to save him but pointed out a path for him. The Liang Family¡¯s decline was inevitable, but its ruin came unexpectedly fast.


    Indeed, what a "harmonious" high-society.


    "Why not save him a little?"


    Once Liang Chenghuan had left, Hong Qingyan turned around and asked with curiosity.


    Not to mention saving Liang Chenghuan, even allowing the Liang Family to rise again wouldn¡¯t have been difficult for Ye Feng, but Hong Qingyan didn¡¯t understand why he refused. Such opportunities to win people¡¯s hearts and demonstrate benevolence to the world were rare.


    "I¡¯m afraid it will chill your heart, but as the Northern Border King,


    I don¡¯t need to demonstrate mercy to the world," said Ye Feng.


    These words indeed made Hong Qingyan¡¯s expression stiffen momentarily before Ye Feng hurriedly stood up and gently embraced her by the waist.


    "Grandfather said a lot of blood was shed in the Northern Border. Perhaps I still don¡¯t understand that place, so you need not worry about me," Hong Qingyan said softly, nestled in Ye Feng¡¯s arms.


    "Soon you will understand the Northern Border,"


    "Trust me, once you get to know the Northern Border, you¡¯ll come to love it there," Ye Feng assured her.


    In this world, the fragrance of a woman is truly intoxicating.


    Ye Feng held the beauty in his arms and didn¡¯t speak anymore, wondering what expression those bastards back home would have when he brought Hong Qingyan with him.


    "My king, I¡¯ve made a breakthrough," exclaimed Sima Zhantian, the moment he got into the car, clearly exhilarated.


    "Just right!" was all Ye Feng said, his brief words carrying significant depth.


    Okay then!


    Ye Feng suddenly laughed, thinking how fitting the name was to that place. Could it be destiny?


    "Nice name."


    Ye Feng stood up and looked towards the house.


    "Little Yuan, go out and play somewhere else."


    Seeing that Ye Feng did not make things difficult for Xu Liuyuan, Su Ping breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Is it General Ye?"


    "I can¡¯t rise to receive you due to illness, and it¡¯s truly embarrassing to have the General visit in person."


    The furnishings in the room were very simple, just a set of basic furniture and a reclining chair. Beyond that, there was nothing else. On the bed lay a man as thin as a rake, an "old man."


    The reason for calling him an old man was not that he was very old, but that he appeared that old. Without a doubt, he was Xu Tiefeng himself.


    "Uncle Xu is being too courteous."


    Ye Feng approached the bed, looking at Xu Tiefeng and inwardly sighing.


    A man not even sixty years old looked like he was eighty, his face full of wrinkles, utterly void of any color.


    "Please have a seat, General. To what do I owe this visit?"


    Xu Tiefeng¡¯s gaze toward Ye Feng was full of entreaty.


    "The matter concerning Xu Tierui,"


    Ye Feng said, deliberately pausing.


    "I heard about it this morning."


    Xu Tiefeng¡¯s response was calm and simple, leaving no follow-up.


    "Just taking a look!"


    Ye Feng grinned.


    Xu Tiefeng¡¯s response was somewhat unexpected to him. Perhaps the man on the bed already knew that his suffering was courtesy of Xu Tierui.


    "Thank you, General Ye!"


    Xu Tiefeng sincerely thanked him, seeing that Ye Feng bore no killing intent.


    "What¡¯s there to thank? Rewards for rewards, punishments for punishments. You haven¡¯t done anything wrong, why would I take my anger out on you?"


    Ye Feng shook his head.


    He really wanted to say he wasn¡¯t that scary, and it wasn¡¯t necessary for everyone to be so cautious around him.


    "What about Xu Liuyuan?"


    Su Ping, who was cleaning the courtyard, let her broomstick drop to the ground with a "clatter."


    "He was adopted, if General Ye doesn¡¯t believe me, you can investigate."


    Xu Tiefeng¡¯s tone turned more serious.


    "No need to be nervous, even if he was the child of those two, I wouldn¡¯t harm him."


    "But, aren¡¯t you afraid history will repeat itself?"


    This question was, of course, directed at the little boy who had left.


    "I¡¯m not afraid!"


    "Anyway, I¡¯m a descendant of the Great General. Phrases like ¡¯once bitten, twice shy¡¯ do not apply to me. If worst comes to worst, a person dies and their soul ascends to heaven. Honestly, I don¡¯t think I have much longer to live anyway."


    After a moment of impassioned talk, Xu Tiefeng ended up coughing out some blood.


    "Uncle, you are quite unconstrained. However, that reasoning doesn¡¯t seem to hold up now, does it?"


    Ye Feng turned and looked at Xu Tiefeng seriously.


    "I wanted a child."


    Su Ping came in and interjected, her voice breaking with emotion.


    Okay then!


    So it was just that simple. Ye Feng nodded at Su Ping, understanding the unwavering sorrow etched on her face.

 Chapter 244 Yu Feiyu

    Is it inhumane for a woman to be childless?


    Ye Feng turned his head away from Su Ping; such feudal thoughts ultimately tormented one¡¯s self.


    But it¡¯s not surprising; although the modern era is quite open, such openness still exists to an extreme. The poorer are more conservative, and the richer are also more keen to conserve, for they are clearer on how to continue their legacy.


    Su Ping also came from a Great Family. Ye Feng knew this when she mentioned that Su Yu was her cousin.


    "Uncle has been lying there for so many years. If he could get up, what would he most like to do?"


    Ye Feng changed the subject and started chatting casually with Xu Tiefeng.


    It seemed casual, yet it held deeper meaning.


    "I have never really thought about it."


    "I always wanted to make a trip to the Lie Yingling. Everyone in Northern Su knows I¡¯m a descendant of one of the Ten Great Famous Generals, yet I don¡¯t even know what kind of achievements my old man had. Isn¡¯t it a bit ridiculous?"


    At this point, Xu Tiefeng¡¯s tone became much more gentle; he didn¡¯t dare to raise his voice anymore.


    "Not ridiculous at all!"


    "Indeed, the Minggong Pavilion inside the Lie Yingling does contain the lifelong records of the Chief."


    Ye Feng suddenly became somewhat silent.


    Minggong Pavilion!


    The so-called Minggong, as its name suggests, is the clear record of achievements, documented clearly in black and white, all archived. A Minggong Pavilion doesn¡¯t just hold the portraits of the Chiefs.


    Stored within are all the contributions made by soldiers, both great and small, for Xuanyuan Nation from before and after its founding.


    Unfortunately!


    No matter how dazzling the achievements, they were all sealed within the Minggong Pavilion. Anyone who entered the Minggong Pavilion had to promise that they could look but not speak.


    "Can Chief Ye tell me about it?"


    Xu Tiefeng asked.


    "I can¡¯t do that. Uncle, since you wish to know, why not make a trip to the Lie Yingling yourself someday? With your status, you could enter the Minggong Pavilion."


    Ye Feng said with a smile as he refused.


    "Haha!" Stay updated via novelhall.Co?m


    "I¡¯ll take it as you came to comfort me. I¡¯ll ask the old man myself another day."


    Xu Tiefeng hadn¡¯t finished laughing before he coughed again.


    "It¡¯s not a comfort!"


    "It¡¯s not that difficult for Uncle to stand up again," Ye Feng said confidently.


    "You say it isn¡¯t just talk, but I know my own body. Even the healers from the Divine Doctor Sect can¡¯t do anything."


    "It¡¯s really just that I would like to see for myself, ah! The old man really is no good. Back in the day when I constantly wanted to join the army, he resisted to the death. If I had joined, wouldn¡¯t I know everything by now?"


    Xu Tiefeng¡¯s tone was filled with helplessness and deep nostalgia.


    This!


    Ye Feng could only be silent upon hearing this; he did not understand whether Elder Xu was worried about his offspring being pampered in the military or whether, having seen too much life and death, he didn¡¯t want his son to follow in those footsteps.


    "A blessing in disguise," Ye Feng uttered, when he found it difficult to answer.


    "You¡¯ve seen me make a fool of myself."


    Xu Tiefeng quickly composed himself.


    Whether the old man is good or not, everyone in Xuanyuan Nation knows Xu Yongyi is one of the Ten Great Famous Generals. If he isn¡¯t good, then I¡¯m even lesser so.


    "Uncle is willing to confide in me. Ye Feng is too happy to complain. It¡¯s just, the person on the roof, don¡¯t you intend to call him out for an introduction?"


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t continue speaking.


    He watched long enough and should have had his fill. Does he really think if I made a move, he would be able to stop me?


    "That was discourteous of me."


    "Uncle Tao, come down."


    Xu Tiefeng said with an apologetic face and then lightly called out.


    Ye Feng looked at the middle-aged woman in red. His half-disciple, who was also the Vice Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect, Yu Feiyu.


    "Hearing that my master was in Northern Su, I rushed over last night. When I heard something was happening here, I came to take a look¡ªnever expected to run into you." Yu Feiyu replied with a smile.


    What was this all about?


    The elder was befuddled, Xu Tiefeng was too, and the remaining person from the Divine Doctor Sect was even more confused.


    "Why come over? There¡¯s nothing left for me to teach you."


    Ignoring the astonished looks from everyone, Ye Feng¡¯s increasingly revealed identities from the moment he stepped into the Northern Border, were destined to be shown to the public one by one.


    "Master, is it proper for you to drive away your disciple like this? Can¡¯t you let me honor you as a token of respect? Aren¡¯t you afraid that my heart will grow cold?" Yu Feiyu¡¯s gaze now carried the ultimate grievance.


    "Enough. Stop acting spoiled, or I¡¯ll have you instantly roll back to the capital."


    Looking at his female disciple who was more than a decade his senior, Ye Feng was utterly troubled.


    If there was someone in the world Ye Feng felt was "difficult to deal with," Yu Feiyu would undoubtedly be one of them. Born with six fingers and a compassionate heart, she was destined to be an excellent candidate for learning medicine and healing the world¡ªmoreover, she was also the daughter of a good friend from the Divine Doctor Sect.


    "Alright, as long as you don¡¯t send me away, I¡¯ll do whatever you wish."


    That statement sounded somewhat odd, but the others chose to ignore it.


    Joking!


    Who was Yu Feiyu?


    One of the three unapproachable figures of the capital, her reputation well-known even to those who had never been there, the Vice Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect, the spinster blossom of the capital.


    There was a rumor that whoever married Yu Feiyu would gain control over the entire Divine Doctor Sect.


    Don¡¯t ask why just look at the surname and given name of the Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect, and who her father was, and you¡¯ll understand.


    "Did you treat Xu Tiefeng¡¯s illness?" Ye Feng¡¯s gaze flicked to the still stunned member of the Divine Doctor Sect.


    "Yes, it was me, my lord!" Zeng Hong timidly responded.


    "Heart-renewing Grass and Sunflower used together will block a person¡¯s Eight Extraordinary Meridians, don¡¯t you know that?" Ye Feng¡¯s eyes suddenly turned frosty.


    "Zeng Hong, what good have you done as the Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect in Su City?" Upon hearing Ye Feng¡¯s words, Yu Feiyu sensed something was amiss and immediately her pretty brows furrowed, her face turning hostile.


    "Lord Yu, it wasn¡¯t my fault. I was forced! Someone threatened me at knifepoint to prescribe a slow-killing medicine for Xu Tiefeng¡ªI didn¡¯t want to do it either."


    Poor Zeng Hong, the grown man, dropped to his knees before Yu Feiyu with a thud.


    "Scoundrel!"


    "No wonder Tiefeng¡¯s health has been deteriorating over the years. Could the earlier statement that his condition was untreatable also be a lie?"


    Tao Yongshan, the Martial King of the Xu Family, was utterly unforgiving. He was Elder Xu¡¯s bodyguard and had always treated Xu Tiefeng like his own son since they were children.


    "Yes!"


    "My esteemed lords, Xu Tierui forced me to do it; truly, you can¡¯t blame me."


    Zeng Hong was flustered; he could feel the murderous aura emanating from Tao Yongshan.


    "Chief Ye! Sect Leader Yu!"


    "May I have the honor of dealing with him?"


    Tao Yongshan suppressed the urge to kill boiling within him and asked through gritted teeth.


    "I follow my master¡¯s instructions."


    "Medicine can heal or kill. Xu Tiefeng has been taking it for years now, proving this man has not had a sliver of remorse. Devoid of a healer¡¯s compassion, saving him would be in vain."


    These words effectively meant Zeng Hong was abandoned by Ye Feng.


    Slain!


    Tao Yongshan erupted in fury, striking Zeng Hong so forcefully that his body was embedded into the wall.


    "Thank you, Chief Ye, for your indulgence!"


    "Please save Tiefeng. I, Tao Yongshan, have nothing valuable except my life. Should you command it one day, I will face death without hesitation."


    After calming his state of mind, Tao Yongshan suddenly knelt down before Ye Feng.


    "This mess was caused by the Divine Doctor Sect."


    "You come!"


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, Ye Feng refused to take action, this time deciding to pass the decision to Yu Feiyu.

 Chapter 245: The Old Guy’s Letter

    Traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology is a very important field of knowledge.


    Various kinds of drugs, when combined, some can become good medicine, and others may turn into unknown poisons. When Ye Feng entrusted his friends from the Valley of the Medicine God to establish the Divine Doctor Sect, he particularly emphasized the four characters "physician¡¯s benevolent heart," insisting that they must not be misused.


    Just as Ye Feng said, Xu Tiefeng¡¯s illness was really not a troublesome matter to deal with. He merely had blockages in the Eight Extraordinary Meridians within his body, which led to a disruption of Qi-Blood circulation and eventually triggered an old, latent ailment, leaving him bedridden now.


    Yu Feiyu didn¡¯t dare to refuse, nor could she refuse.


    This was a mess created by the Divine Doctor Sect. It was bad enough that their people wouldn¡¯t treat the patient, but to then contrive ways to torment the man to death was even more deplorable¡ªare Zeng Hong not already dead, the violation of the sect¡¯s principles alone would dictate his return as a dead man.


    However, when facing the Vice Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect, the attitude of Tao Yongshan and Xu Tiefeng was not so friendly. After all, once bitten, twice shy, and though they verbally expressed no ill will, Xu Tiefeng had been confined to his bed for years; to truly let go is not an overnight endeavor.


    They could only endure!


    Yu Feiyu treated Xu Tiefeng with a bitter expression. They say she¡¯s one of the three people in the imperial capital you don¡¯t want to provoke, but would she dare to displease Ye Feng?


    This round of treatment took Yu Feiyu half a day. Although it wasn¡¯t a troublesome issue to treat, to help Xu Tiefeng clear the blockages in his Eight Extraordinary Meridians required painstaking effort, bit by bit.


    Before they knew it, night had fallen.


    Enough!


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    Considering that Hong Qingyan was just an ordinary person and that traveling overnight would be bad for her health, Ye Feng decided to spend the night in the Xu Family¡¯s residence. It wasn¡¯t an inconvenience since he and Xu Tiefeng got along well.


    "Master, what would you like to eat?"


    "Master, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere? Let me give you a massage. I¡¯ve learned a new technique that all the old men in the capital can¡¯t stop praising."


    "Master, look, there¡¯s a moon in the sky tonight."


    ...


    Ye Feng had his head full of black lines.


    Yu Feiyu was like a piece of cowhide candy¡ªand an especially stinky and tough one at that. Otherwise, Ye Feng wouldn¡¯t have listed her as one of the "difficult to deal with" types.


    Back in the capital, with that old man keeping check, she had been somewhat well-behaved. But now, she had cast aside all semblance of shame and clung to Ye Feng, stopping him from having a private world with another.


    Are you going to make a fuss tomorrow if the sun rises from the east?


    "Offering help when none is needed. What brings you to Northern Su?"


    With a look of helplessness, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan withdrew to a room while she clung stubbornly to the doorway, refusing to leave.


    With one sentence, "I won¡¯t disturb you, I¡¯m just here for the scenery, you carry on."


    "There¡¯s nothing, just missing you, Master, and wanted to come and see you," said Yu Feiyu, who stealthily cast a sidelong glance at Hong Qingyan, who was inside the room reading a book¡ªan actual medical text.


    No reaction?


    Having no reaction was the best reaction; the more composed one played it, the more it indicated how much they actually cared.@@@@


    Yu Feiyu internally made a judgment call. Having been through so much in the capital over the years, if she couldn¡¯t comprehend even this, it would enormously waste her name as one of the top three people not to provoke.


    "Speak plainly!"


    Ye Feng expelled three words heavily.


    Was the old man who loved to teach his daughter Anti-Wolf Techniques so much, going to let her come to Northern Su by herself for no reason?


    "Master, is there still such a thing as trust between people?"


    Yu Feiyu tossed her head, her face full of exasperation.


    "Really, nothing¡¯s wrong?"


    Now it was Ye Feng¡¯s turn to be surprised. Yu Feiyu was not one to joke around when it came to serious matters.


    "Actually, there is one thing."


    All of a sudden, Yu Feiyu adopted a hesitant demeanor.


    In the entire room, there was only one bed. If I¡¯m not sleeping in your bed, where am I supposed to sleep?


    The sofa!


    Ye Feng conceded. It was his own fault for not having clarified this matter with Hong Qingyan earlier. He had thought there would be plenty of opportunities to discuss it slowly in the future, not expecting Yu Feiyu to show up on her own initiative.


    The night was a bit long.


    Ye Feng simply sat on the sofa practicing martial arts, knowing Hong Qingyan had fallen asleep. Her sleeping was a good thing; if she hadn¡¯t, that would be cause for concern.


    However, before an hour had passed, Tao Yongshan arrived, speaking in a very deep and grave tone:


    "Chief Ye, there are two people outside looking for you, they are masters."


    If a Martial King like Tao Yongshan admitted they were masters, then they were undoubtedly true masters.


    Ye Feng frowned. He secretly sent a message to Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhan Tian, then left with Tao Yongshan, ready to face whatever demons or dragons waited outside.


    One look was all it took to know!


    "Miss Long, how did you know for sure that your Little Martial Uncle would be here?"


    Outside the manor, a tall and a short female stood calmly at the gate, their utterly relaxed demeanors showing not the slightest fear of unexpectedly facing a Cheng Yaojin.


    "It¡¯s a secret."


    "Sausage Sister, could you maybe tone down what you¡¯re wearing? It¡¯s blinding me."


    Long Nannan pretended to rub her eyes.


    "Can things that have grown be shrunk back down?"


    Feng Yuan asked with her arms crossed.


    Throughout the journey, the little girl had been constantly complaining to her, and the more she complained, the happier Feng Yuan became. That¡¯s the charm of a mature woman; what do kids know.


    "A turtle¡¯s can."


    Long Nannan replied without a second thought.


    "Alright then, little girl, you dare to insult me, see how I deal with you."


    After speaking, Feng Yuan fiercely pinched toward Long Nannan¡¯s face.


    Everyone in the small mountain village thought Long Nannan was unreasonably cute, because she indeed looked just so unreasonable ¨C a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old still sporting a tender, babyish face like a little fairy, slightly chubby with large black eyes that went beyond the norm.


    They made you just want to pinch them!


    When the door opened, witnessing the scene before him, Ye Feng was utterly disheveled by the sight. These were not the demeanor of great masters, but rather that of a tall and a short woman "squabbling" with each other.


    "Miss Long, stop, they¡¯re coming out."


    Seeing someone emerge, Feng Yuan felt embarrassed to pinch Long Nannan¡¯s cheeks. Meanwhile, the latter, relentless, said:


    "I won¡¯t, it won¡¯t do any good no matter who comes out, if you won¡¯t shrink them, I will help you."


    "Ahem, who¡¯s looking for me?"


    Unable to stand it anymore, Ye Feng felt his adrenaline skyrocketing. These two women¡ªtall and short¡ªwere even more demonically enchanting than Yu Feiyu.


    "Oops! All messed up now, forgot to leave a good impression. Hello, Little Martial Uncle!"


    "My name is Long Nannan, this is something my grandfather sent me to deliver."


    Finally, Long Nannan stopped hugging Feng Yuan¡¯s waist and jumped down.


    She straightened her clothes and formally handed a letter to Ye Feng, without needing to consider whether he really was Ye Feng.


    The old guy!


    Ye Feng quickly took the letter with both hands, opened it, and after just one glance, he put it back into his breast pocket.


    "Why are you called Little Martial Uncle?"


    The letter contained three sheets of old paper that Ye Feng was extremely familiar with. At that moment, his mind and spirit were profoundly shaken, as he squatted down, intending to hug Long Nannan.

 Chapter 246: Courting Death with Might

    Ye Feng had always considered the old guy his master.


    But Ye Feng also knew that the old guy never allowed him to call him "Master," saying those three old sheets of paper were the payment for his buns, and nobody owed anybody anything.


    Why did he take him on a special trip to that little mountain village in the Northwest?


    Why did he also leave him a life-saving item?


    "Because Nannan wanted a little martial uncle."


    Obviously, Long Nannan wasn¡¯t planning on telling the truth.


    In fact, the little girl knew the reason. All six pages were found by her grandfather in ruins, one after another, but who exactly the legacy belonged to, even he was not clear.


    The only reason he gave the first three pages to Ye Feng back then was because he had just escaped from the ruins without anything else valuable on him.


    Important things, of course, couldn¡¯t be given away, and unimportant ones had already been destroyed in the ruins.


    Thus, there were only those three old sheets of paper left, which grandfather couldn¡¯t understand. At that time, he, gravely injured, didn¡¯t want to see the efforts he¡¯d brought out of the ruins destroyed if his enemies found him, so he simply gave them to Ye Feng.


    So, the truth absolutely could not be told.


    If Ye Feng really became a disciple, what could grandfather teach him? Goodness, there were only six sheets of paper. Even the old man couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of them.


    After much thought!


    It was simpler to acknowledge a junior brother to deflect future questioning from Ye Feng.


    "Who is this?"


    Ye Feng picked up Long Nannan in his arms.


    "She¡¯s Sausage Sister."


    "You don¡¯t have to be polite to her, little martial uncle. She¡¯s my underling."


    Long Nannan gave Feng Yuan a defiant look, as if to say, "See, you pinched so hard just now, and I¡¯ve caught you at it."


    Is that a name or a title?


    Ye Feng looked puzzled, but by the naming customs of that little mountain village, it really could be true.


    "My name is Feng Yuan."


    Feng Yuan laughed lightly, her voice extremely pleasant.


    She didn¡¯t mind the small advantage Long Nannan took of the situation, but instead, she kept curiously examining Ye Feng, wondering what made this man affirmed by the elders of the village so remarkable?


    "Miss Feng, what a nice name. Come in with me," Ye Feng nodded at Feng Yuan.


    The name was chosen well, but how about that nickname, "Sausage Sister"?


    "General Ye, who are they?"


    Seeing Ye Feng bringing people in, Tao Yongshan couldn¡¯t help feeling surprised. Those who came to the door at this time were expected to be foes, not friends; he was prepared for a fight to the death.


    "Friends!"


    Ye Feng smiled and uttered two words, but when Long Nannan heard them, she was not satisfied and retorted:


    "Friends aren¡¯t close enough. It needs to be closer."


    Closer meant being family. Ye Feng didn¡¯t think much of it and nodded:


    "You¡¯re lovely, so as you say."


    What Ye Feng didn¡¯t know at that moment was that the person he was holding was already fourteen or fifteen years old; otherwise, he would have certainly found himself off-balance.


    "General Ye is truly of vast divine ability. I¡¯ll go tell the servants to prepare something to eat."


    Tao Yongshan left, sighing.


    In the afternoon, a Vice Sect Leader from the Divine Doctor Sect had come, and now two superb experts had appeared. The Northern Border King was truly becoming more and more unfathomable.


    In the peaceful night, noise flared and then faded again.


    Ye Feng was, of course, incredibly welcoming of Long Nannan and Feng Yuan¡¯s arrival, but soon, trouble came. Long Nannan insisted on sleeping with him.


    "Little martial uncle, don¡¯t you like me?"


    "Little martial uncle, don¡¯t you want me?"


    "Wuu, Nannan is so pitiful, traveling such a long way only to be disliked."


    ...


    This series of unreasonable questions forced Ye Feng to swallow the many answers he had prepared. Fairly speaking, Long Nannan was very cute, even exceedingly so.


    "Don¡¯t cry, Nannan. If little martial uncle agrees, will that be enough?"


    Feng Yuan said with a smile, flicking her hair and standing up.


    "In all these years, you¡¯re the first woman who dared to speak to me like that."


    Sima Zhantian stood up too, his eyes blazing with a will to fight.


    "A battle of fists?"


    Feng Yuan saw that Sima Zhantian was a fighter, asking tauntingly.


    "Of course, a battle of fists."


    "Beat that thing on your chest and you¡¯re fierce,"


    Sima Zhantian turned, wanting to move outside where there was more room for a fight.


    "No need to go outside; beating a piece of trash like you doesn¡¯t require changing locations."


    As soon as these words fell, a ball of firelight had already drifted in front of Sima Zhantian.


    That fast?


    No, it was an afterimage. Sima Zhantian clenched his fist and smashed it toward the afterimage, his punch full of powerful momentum, ripping through the air with a series of sonic booms.


    Bang! One by One!


    Outside the living room, their fists collided, and Sima Zhantian felt as though he¡¯d struck an intensely hot steel plate, making him almost reflexively let go.


    "That¡¯s it?"


    In the living room, Feng Yuan stood with her hands on her hips, scornfully inquiring.


    Suddenly, that fiery red figure in front of Sima Zhantian exerted force, and before he could even think about retreating, he was sent soaring through the air with a "swoosh."


    "Oh dear mother, what have I gotten myself into?"


    Sima Zhantian was stuck against the wall, his face a mask of stunned pain.


    Ouch!


    Looking at his arm, it was broken. Sima Zhantian was in a lot of pain, especially since Feng Yuan clearly had no intention of letting him off easy.


    "You still watching?"


    Feng Yuan walked out and asked haughtily.


    "I¡¯m watching!"


    It had always been him who subdued others. No one could subdue him. With that, Sima Zhantian confirmed his stance through action.


    Indeed, she was beautiful, more so than any others he had seen before.


    "Do you like what you see?"


    Feng Yuan¡¯s face was full of a spring breeze, brimming with a smile.


    "What¡¯s that supposed to mean?"


    Sima Zhantian didn¡¯t answer - did he need to say if she was beautiful or not? If she wasn¡¯t, he¡¯d have to be insane to look.


    Clearly, Feng Yuan understood Sima Zhantian¡¯s answer without him saying a word. Read new chapters at novelhall.Co?m


    "Do you have a doctor here?"


    Feng Yuan asked something else Sima Zhantian didn¡¯t understand.


    "Yes!"


    How could they not? There were more than one. Sima Zhantian¡¯s answer was very sincere.


    "Then I can rest easy."


    You can rest easy about what?


    The next moment, Sima Zhantian understood. An afterimage swept out from Feng Yuan¡¯s position and instantly appeared behind him. She smashed a punch into his back while another fist was thrust toward him from the front.


    "Sister Feng Yuan is still so violent."


    In a small courtyard, Long Nannan shook her head with a sigh.


    "Where did that title come from?"


    Listening to the succession of punches from afar, Ye Feng involuntarily shuddered. He dared not face Feng Yuan¡¯s punches!


    "To beat someone until they¡¯re like a stick, then set them on fire to roast."


    Long Nannan answered seriously.


    The people in the village said Sausage Sister¡¯s name shone brightly there, but Long Nannan thought her future would shine even brighter.

 Chapter 247 North of the North

    Convinced or not?


    Not convinced. All night long, the Xu Family Manor was filled with Sima Zhantian''s howling and wailing, which frightened the servants into a state of panic. Thankfully, the kind butler Tao Yongshan was there to calm and explain things, so all was well.


    No worries, all is well!


    The problem wasn''t with the people inside the manor; Tao Yongshan was utterly relieved. But at this rate of beating, how many days would it take for Sima Zhantian to be able to get out of bed?


    "My head hurts!"


    Yu Feiyu tried her best to fall asleep, but with worries on her mind and the occasional ghostly screams in the distance, it was odd if she could actually fall asleep.


    The real intention for her deadbeat dad to send her to find Ye Feng was obviously clear to Yu Feiyu, but why did he so vigorously protect him before, only to be overtaken by someone else now?


    Isn''t this an indirect way of tormenting your daughter?


    My head really hurts! Tomorrow, I''ll have to treat that screaming brute. Yu Feiyu knew this task would inevitably fall on her; there was no escape unless she ran away now.


    Honestly, Ye Feng was starting to admire Sima Zhantian''s tenacity. What kind of beating did he have to endure to produce such "disingenuous" cries? But why be so stubborn? Just apologize nicely to the lady.


    Is that so hard?


    Anyway, Ye Feng didn''t think it was so hard. He had just brought Long Nannan home and had to face quite a few cold looks from Hong Qingyan, rushing to privately apologize and admit his wrongs.


    You just can''t avoid apologizing!


    At this moment, Ye Feng was still sleeping on the couch. If Hong Qingyan kicked him out of the room, where would that leave the face of the Northern Border King?


    However, he soon saw that Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan had become close, and the latter had boldly taken over his spot in the bed. Now Ye Feng felt entirely out of sorts. You just sleep if you want to sleep.


    This little monster''s hands are not only restless but also never forgets to provoke Ye Feng from time to time.


    Inviting trouble!


    For a moment, Ye Feng couldn''t help but want to grab Long Nannan and toss her out. What on earth was this little brat thinking about all day?


    The next day.


    When everyone saw Sima Zhantian again, they were genuinely startled. Not only had he "gained weight" overnight, but his complexion had also darkened. The ring of "black flesh" on his body was the result of Feng Yuan beating and roasting him.


    As expected of Sausage Sister!


    Sima Zhantian was so black that Ye Feng almost didn''t recognize him. He sighed, trying to wake Sima Zhantian up, thinking how carefree he must be to sleep through this.


    Little did he know!


    It was because Feng Yuan had gotten tired of beating him the night before and simply knocked Sima Zhantian out with a punch.


    "Not convinced!"


    Indeed, when Ye Feng called out to him, Sima Zhantian was still out of it, and the words that came from his mouth were still the same two defiant words from last night.


    Without hesitation, Ye Feng used his Qi Force to help clear Sima Zhantian''s blood stasis, then looked towards Yu Feiyu, who immediately nodded in agreement.


    "Let''s set out for the Northern Border!"


    In that moment, a fierce wind arose out of nowhere, filling the screen with a deadly calm. Xiao Chuanqi felt his sword humming softly as his blood also began to boil.


    Finally, the day had come!


    "Grandpa, what is the Northern Border?"


    Xu Liuyuan gazed at the man departing in the morning light, suddenly feeling a sense of longing in his little eyes.


    "It''s a place of dreams."


    Xu Tiefeng lay back in the chair, gently stroking his grandson''s head, his expression filled with melancholy.


    If you''re not from the Northern Border and have never been there, who are you to speak of that bloody place? People would only go there for their dreams and the peace of the nation.


    Otherwise, who would willingly go to such a place?


    But Xu Tiefeng still had an unspoken thought in his heart, that it''s a place full of buried dreams just as much as it''s a place where countless dreams are buried.


    When young, it''s enough to fill their hearts with dreams.


    Today, Feng Yuan had wrapped herself up. Over her fiery red leather outfit, she''d donned a jacket of the same fiery red color.


    This question!


    Sima Zhantian''s expression grew ugly. Clenching his teeth, he said,


    "If you dare to show, I dare to look."


    If he said he wouldn''t look, wouldn''t the beating he received yesterday have been in vain?


    Sima Zhantian was frightened by Feng Yuan''s horrifying strength; just one avatar of hers was able to beat him into being unable to care for himself, but he wasn''t afraid of the beating.


    Fighting was either you beat someone, or you get beaten by someone; there was nothing much to say. The key was never to admit defeat, especially not to a woman.


    "Heh heh!"


    Feng Yuan really did open her down jacket to reveal a flash of white.


    Truly vicious!


    Sima Zhantian had an inkling of what was to come after just a few glances. He couldn''t help laughing, and sure enough, Feng Yuan''s fist came down mercilessly yet again.


    "Everyone else is paired up; why do I do this to myself?"


    Yu Feiyu listened to the commotion nearby, her face showing an air of having met with poor company. Later, she''d have to help that idiot patch himself up again. To be honest, she was starting to admire Sima Zhantian.


    Why just refuse to admit defeat?


    An hour later, Ye Feng returned with a fat hare in hand. At this moment, Hong Qingyan was lying on his back, and Long Nannan hung onto his front; such hard labor really was unrivaled.


    "Little Martial Uncle, bunnies are so cute, why do we have to eat them?"


    Watching Ye Feng skillfully slaughter and skin a snow hare in no time, Long Nannan tilted her head and asked.


    "Is it that you can''t eat something because it''s cute?"


    Ye Feng looked up at Long Nannan sitting on the snow, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.


    "Little Martial Uncle, don''t scare me. I''m cute too; do you want to eat me?"


    In the end, there was a tiny voice that added, "You want to eat, but you don''t dare to tell Sister Qingyan."


    "Stop right there, I advise you to give up on that dream in your heart."


    If it hadn''t been for Feng Yuan telling him personally, Ye Feng never would have believed that this seemingly harmless and tender Little Monster dreamed of conquering all the men in the world.


    "I won''t!"


    "If you tell me to give up, I''ll just go conquer all the women in the world instead."


    Long Nannan declared earnestly.


    Forget it!


    You might as well keep your original dream. Ye Feng tossed another big white hare to Long Nannan and said,


    "If you think it''s cute, then you should raise it."


    Unexpectedly, Long Nannan only glanced at it, then quickly skinned and gutted it, imitating Ye Feng''s motion; her composed demeanor made Ye Feng raise his eyebrows in surprise.


    "Little Martial Uncle, bunny really is yummy."


    When Ye Feng handed over the first roasted rabbit leg to Long Nannan, she took a bite and became excitedly animated.


    "My lord, I want some too."


    This was the food that Ye Feng, when he was still the commander of the Northern Border Legion, used to conquer the taste buds of the Old Northern King. Seeing everyone enjoying their meal, Sima Zhantian grew anxious.


    "Those who are injured can''t eat meat."


    "Right, eating meat makes you vigorous, and it could strain the wounds."


    "I''ll go feed him."


    When Feng Yuan''s words came out, everyone''s eyes grew strange, as if her beating had awakened some feelings.


    Incredible!

 Chapter 248 A Battle Challenge Letter

    When spring arrived, all things were revived. At that time, even the ice on the vast snowy plains would begin to melt. It wouldn''t take long for the entire wasteland to regrow with grass, transforming into an endless great grassland.@@@@


    Ye Feng did not head to the Northern Border Camp but went to a settlement of a nomadic tribe instead.


    "King, are you really determined to do this?"


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    Inside the spacious tent, Xiao Chuanqi hesitated with a face full of reluctance as well.


    In his hand, there was a letter, which was actually a battle challenge letter personally written by Ye Feng to Zhu Guangbo of the Zhu Family.


    Xiao Chuanqi''s reluctance stemmed from the fact that Ye Feng could have used thunderclap methods to seize back his rightful throne, but instead, he chose this way to give Zhu Guangbo a chance.


    What merits did that Northeast Tiger have to deserve sitting on that throne?


    "It must be done!"


    "In the past few months, Zhu Guangbo has been busy. He has successfully bribed many soldiers. Coupled with the allegiance of the commanders of the Third, Sixth, and Eighth Legions, I am not sure how many soldiers would heed my command if I were to call them to arms now in the Northern Border Camp."


    "Go, it is not that I''m giving Zhu Guangbo a chance, but rather I wish to give those soldiers who have sided with him an opportunity. Unless absolutely necessary, I don''t want to harm a single soldier within the Northern Border Camp. Doing so would only cause pain to those dear to us and delight to our enemies."


    Ye Feng waved his hand, signaling Xiao Chuanqi to leave.


    "King, but what if Zhu Guangbo refuses the battle challenge letter and instead comes to harm you in secret?"


    Xiao Chuanqi still refused to depart.


    After all, this was his greatest concern; no one could be certain whether Zhu Guangbo would stoop to such despicable acts, and he could not ignore the safety of Ye Feng.


    "He will surely accept it!"


    "Don''t worry about other matters. Once you are in the Northern Border Camp, stabilize the soldiers'' morale and wait to welcome my return."


    Ye Feng patted Xiao Chuanqi''s shoulder. Having such a loyal and considerate general, what more could he ask for in this life?


    Still, Xiao Chuanqi would have to endure some hardships as it was most appropriate for him to undertake this mission. With the Eastern Border Token on him, Zhu Guangbo, no matter how ruthless and deranged, would not dare to openly harm Xiao Chuanqi.


    "King, why don''t I go? It is said that envoys are not harmed when two armies are at war, and my martial arts skills are not high. Staying here doesn''t help you much."


    Seeing Xiao Chuanqi still hesitating, Xia Lengchan stepped forward.


    "No!"


    "If you go, you will certainly die. This is not a case of two armies at war."


    Ye Feng immediately stopped Xia Lengchan''s thought.


    Two armies at war?


    How could it possibly be two armies at war when Zhu is a usurper? Throughout history, countless dynasties on the path to claiming the throne have shown that such struggles are even crueler and more merciless than wars.


    "I will go!"


    "If I forge a grave error today, I shall one day wash the entire Zhu Family in blood and offer my death as atonement."


    Xiao Chuanqi looked deeply at the three people, then knelt on one knee before Ye Feng, giving a heavy bow, before picking up his sword and striding away into the snowstorm.


    "What nonsense is Xiao saying? The next time I see him, I must beat him up."


    Sima Zhantian said with a wide-open mouth.


    The bandages wrapped around him were more numerous than the clothes he wore, and apart from his eyes, there wasn''t a spot on his face that was intact.


    "I agree!"


    Xia Lengchan rarely sided with Sima Zhantian.


    "He deserves a beating. Call Feng Yuan, and you''re sure to win."


    Ye Feng smiled.


    Talking such downhearted words, didn''t he trust himself? Hadn''t the Northern Border King ever engaged in a battle he wasn''t assured of winning?


    "Just kidding!"


    "To beat Xiao Chuanqi, I wouldn''t need some woman''s help."


    It said it was a camp, but it was actually a fortification built into a city. Ye Feng had ordered the construction of a fortified city five hundred miles away from the national boundary. The climate of the Northern Border was harsh; to continue pushing farther north, they needed a strong and steady approach, as even military tents couldn''t withstand the cold winds and snow of the Northern Border.


    Nomadic tribes might choose to pitch their tents under wind-sheltering hills, but it was clearly not feasible for the vast Northern Border Camp if they intended to defeat Mingbei Kingdom.


    What''s most important was never about defeating the towering savages first but rather conquering the extremly harsh weather of the Northern Border.


    Unflappable as ever, Xiao Chuanqi entered the city and eventually the commander''s tent.


    "Regiment Leader Xiao''s return is indeed a cause for celebration!"


    Sitting on that familiar chair now was a middle-aged man in luxurious robes, with a round and resolute face that carried an air of inherent authority.


    "Tsk tsk, after following that defeated dog for so long."


    "Now that you''re back, what happened? Were you dumped, or did you not get even a bone?"


    Not long after Xiao Chuanqi entered, five people walked in two rows. The one who spoke was also a Northern Border commander in military attire, Third Legion Commander Guan Bohou.


    Xiao Chuanqi looked around, to his left stood Third Legion Commander Guan Bohou, Sixth Legion Commander Ouyang Qing, and Eighth Legion Commander Zhong Chengyun.


    The other two to his right were Fifth Legion Commander Qin He and Seventh Legion Commander Shangguan Fenghua.


    "Disrespect the king, and you''ll face death; Guan Bohou, don''t you believe I can cut you down right now?"


    Xiao Chuanqi''s eyes grew colder by the second, and just as he was about to draw his sword:


    Two elders walked into the camp and with a sneer, they stood beside Zhu Guangbo without saying a word.


    "Insult the king?"


    "You''ve got some nerve, Xiao Chuanqi. The Northern King is right before you, and here you are not kneeling to greet him, and still armed. Are you planning to assassinate the Northern King?"


    Guan Bohou shouted angrily.


    Following his outburst, the two elders beside Zhu Guangbo released a powerful aura.


    Two High-Level Martial Kings!


    "In my eyes, there has only been one Northern King from beginning to end¡ªYe Feng!"


    "Zhu Guangbo, you''re wasting your time playing these useless tricks with me. Here is the Battle Challenge Letter that the Northern King asked me to deliver to you."


    Xiao Chuanqi pulled out the letter from his bosom and tossed it over.


    Battle Challenge Letter!


    The mention of a Battle Challenge Letter, especially coming from Zhu Guangbo, caused the faces of the three legion commanders, led by Guan Bohou, to flush with panic. They knew all too well what those words meant¡ªthe one they feared was back.


    Qin He had excitement hidden in his eyes, which he masked perfectly, while Shangguan Fenghua appeared utterly indifferent.


    "Not just any cats or dogs are worthy of challenging me to a battle."


    "Never mind, he was once the Northern Border King."


    Zhu Guangbo made no moves himself; it was the elder to his left who picked up the envelope, verified its contents without issue, and then handed it to him.


    The message was brief. Zhu Guangbo glanced at it and placed it on the table, tapping the surface silently, his face betraying no emotion.


    "The letter has been delivered. No point in speaking further when we don''t see eye to eye. Farewell."


    Xiao Chuanqi turned and walked out.


    He ultimately didn''t draw his sword. In truth, the moment he arrived, he indeed had the thought of executing Zhu Guangbo then and there. Even if it meant giving up the position of First Legion Commander, he wished to eliminate that potential threat for Ye Feng. However, Zhu Guangbo now had his full retinue of supporters.


    "Northern King, Xiao Chuanqi shows you no respect. Shall we...?"


    Guan Bohou''s eyes became incredibly insidious.


    "Guan Bohou, I know you''ve always coveted the position of First Legion Commander."


    "But why should I kill him? Xiao Chuanqi is a qualified commander. Such talent is exactly what the Northern Border Camp needs the most. You and I may contend for power, but I have not forgotten who our ultimate enemies to the far north are."


    "I know you''re dissatisfied, but you''ll have to swallow it. All of you and Xiao Chuanqi are legion commanders who can win battles. The difference is, without Ye Feng, he can still win battles, but you...this world has no use for the worthless. Put aside your petty thoughts and focus them where they belong."


    These words were quite frank.


    Yet they caused Guan Bohou and the others to break out in cold sweat, knowing they had overstepped. The life or death of Xiao Chuanqi was not theirs to decide.

 Chapter 249 Clash of Kings

    Into the night, Ye Feng did not sleep, and Zhu Guangbo in the Northern Border Camp also remained awake.


    Before the desk, Zhu Guangbo sat up straight, his eyes shining brightly. Suddenly, he smiled, flicked his fingers, and the ink brush on the inkstone came to him. Then he nourished his qi and concentrated his spirit, quickly dipped the brush in ink, and when he began to write, his movements were as smooth as a cloud flowing through water, done in one go.


    On the desk lay two pieces of rice paper. On the left a couplet: The dragon is not a dragon, the phoenix not a phoenix, heaven commands me to go where all eyes turn; on the right a couplet: I am myself, not what I am, who dares to contend in the Vast Sea and behave carelessly.


    The scroll reads: Life itself is hard to bear.


    Unable to see the life ahead, as complex as a game of chess, looking at the couplet, Zhu Guangbo could not help but feel more sentimental, and he brought the flame from the front to burn the freshly copied couplet to ashes.


    "What are you writing? Not willing to let me have a look?"


    About ten minutes later, a figure wearing a black robe and a black Evil Ghost Mask walked in.


    The voice was not old, clear and resonant. The person removed the mask, revealing an exceedingly clean face, to which people often say, "In this world, people are like jade, and the young master is unparalleled." This face belonged to that very young master.


    If Ye Feng were here, he would certainly be very familiar with this face.


    "Mere trivial words, not worthy to be shown before the young master."


    Zhu Guangbo stood up and bowed to the newcomer, then gestured for him to take the seat of honor.


    "No need to be modest."


    "In the Northeast, those who know Zhu Guangbo as a great calligrapher are not few."


    The man glanced over the ashes, his expression clearly one of disdain.


    "I am ashamed!"@@@@


    "May I be so bold as to ask the young master, how does my calligraphy compare to Ye Feng''s?"


    Zhu Guangbo feigned ignorance as he asked.


    "In his presence, you could barely pass as an entry-level student, while he is a teacher who has nurtured countless others."


    Obviously, this young man had more than a passing knowledge of Ye Feng and spoke with affirmation of him.


    "Then I am even more ashamed."


    Although he spoke of shame, Zhu Guangbo''s face showed no genuine concern.


    "The letter?"


    The man''s tone turned cold, filled with authority.


    "Please, young master, have a look!"


    Zhu Guangbo seemed accustomed to this, smiling as he handed over the letter written by Ye Feng, another Battle Challenge Letter.


    On Chuwu of the following month, sixty li to the east, I sincerely invite the Northeast Tiger to a life-and-death competition. Taking the Gesang River as the boundary, each will choose one main peak and eight hills as strategic points to arrange troops. Limited to seven days, whoever captures the opponent''s main peak will be the victor.


    Condition: excluding the soldiers from the main camp, all else as you please.


    Sealed by: Ye Feng.


    The man read the short Battle Challenge Letter over and over, each time with extreme care, causing Zhu Guangbo to wonder whether the man was just putting on an act of seriousness.


    "I used to think he was an ambitious hero, but now it seems I misunderstood him. Do you think people in this world, once they have something they care about, become sentimental and indecisive?"


    Finally, after about five minutes, the man who had read the letter countless times put it down and began to ask casually.


    "Man is the most intelligent creature because humans understand the word ''emotion'' best. I believe there is truly no one in this world able to erase all feelings."


    "After all, you are not Ye Feng''s man, how could you truly understand him?"


    In the presence of this man, Zhu Guangbo maintained a respectful tone, yet he did not mince his words, because this is what the man had requested.


    "This is the path Ye Feng has chosen for himself; he wants to declare to the world that the Northern Border King has returned powerfully."


    The man withdrew his gaze.


    Having said so much, in fact, he didn''t care at all; he just thought Ye Feng was bold and confident enough.


    "What now?"


    Zhu Guangbo quickly bowed his head to ask for instruction. Feeling somewhat panicked at the heart, he''d heard that the Snow Wolf Riders from Mingbei were certain to come.


    Who wouldn''t be moved?


    "You have seven days. Gather your people from the Zhu Family; I have an agreement with the imperial capital, and the strength I can mobilize is ultimately limited."


    "As for the Snow Wolf Riders, you needn''t worry about them."


    The man kept a thought to himself: if Ye Feng were defeated, he would still crush the Snow Wolf Riders, as a gift to his deceased close friend.


    Of course, it was also to prove he could do better than Ye Feng.


    In this world, despite the rivalry, just as Zhu Guangbo said he was competing with Ye Feng for the title of Northern Border King, neither would forget the enemies to the far north.


    While the man competed with Ye Feng too, it was a contest between the powers behind them, but regarding external enemies, their stance remained united.


    "I''ll get to it right away."


    Zhu Guangbo sought affirmation with his eyes, and the man nodded in agreement.


    Once Zhu Guangbo had left, a robed figure appeared in the camp, as if from nowhere. The man seemed unsurprised by the robed figure''s presence and asked:


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    "What did Zhu Guangbo write?"


    "Dragon or not, Phoenix or none, destiny beckons to the crowd''s wish; I am me, not someone else, in Vast Sea''s contest, who dares to play games."


    "The horizontal inscription is ''Hard to tolerate life.''"


    The robed figure''s voice was cold yet full of awe.


    "Seems our acting Northern Border King has some thoughts of his own," the man chuckled upon hearing this.


    "Young Master, if he''s disobedient, should we?"


    Icy killing intent filled the eyes behind the mask.


    "He does have some smarts."


    "Clever people are useful. No wonder he''s the chess piece recommended by those people. Let him be. I don''t know why, but I always feel that whatever he does is in vain."


    "Am I too into my role these years? Are the death guards ready? It''s time to send a ''gift'' to my good friend."


    For a moment, the man reverted to his graceful, gentlemanly demeanor.


    "They''re all ready."


    "If you''re worried, Young Master, why don''t I take people to finish off Ye Feng right now?"


    The robed figure bowed deeply, aware that the Young Master with this demeanor was the most formidable one.


    "Didn''t you hear what I just said?"


    "The Battle Challenge Letter has been sent out; if we dare touch Ye Feng now, those from the imperial capital would not turn a blind eye. Your task is only to protect me. Don''t speak of killing in front of me ever again."


    As a dog, all you need to do is obey; don''t bark unnecessarily.


    The man left with a flick of his sleeve. Big or small, everyone had their place in this contest, even the kings behind the scenes.

 Chapter 250 Gathering of the Winds to the North

    ```


    Winter snow arrives early in the north and leaves late.


    And in the Northern Border, this is even more so. In the frigid winter, the nomadic tribes unite more than ever. During the day, women gather to work hard together, while men venture out to herd the livestock, searching for fresh grasslands that survive under the cover of snow and ice.


    "Big Brother Ye, you say that in winter they encounter frozen lakes and those fragmented ice fields, where one wrong step could mean life-threatening danger. Why don''t they find a safer place to live?"


    At dawn, robust men ride majestic horses, waving their lassos vigorously to herd the sheep ahead. Their loud and clear calls are like authentic songs of the grasslands; winter seems not to scare them at all.@@@@


    Hong Qingyan didn''t understand. In this day and age when most people have moved into small western-style houses, why were there still nomadic tribes risking their lives, wandering on the vast grasslands?


    "It''s not that they don''t want to find one, but they can''t."


    "The reason they''re called nomadic tribes is ultimately due to the latter character ''nomadic,'' which is related to herding. Think about it, what do all those cattle, sheep, and horses eat?"


    Ye Feng gently encircled Hong Qingyan''s waist. This starkly different way of life was something she, hailing from the south, could not comprehend so quickly.


    "Isn''t it possible to reclaim the wasteland?"


    Hong Qingyan gave it some thought before speaking.


    In the north of Xuanyuan Nation, what was laughed at as the ''Northern Wilderness'' last century has now turned into a rich grain-producing base camp.


    "A soldier who casts away his spear is no longer a true soldier, and a man who discards his lasso is no longer the hero in women''s hearts."


    "It is a belief. Every ethnic group has its own beliefs. You worry about their survival in winter, but have you ever seen them worry about themselves?"


    Ye Feng lifted Hong Qingyan onto the horse and headed towards the east.


    "Let''s change the subject. Why do they respect you so much?"


    As Ye Feng had said, real nomadic tribes, although hospitable, are not any tourism industry. It is not easy to stay in their tents.


    Not to mention in this freezing environment, where money can''t even buy warmth.


    But the fact is, upon Ye Feng''s arrival, the local nomads willingly vacated three tents for him. This showed the level of respect and admiration he received, and calling it adoration would not be an exaggeration.


    "Because in the past, there were enemies to the further north that scared them all. They were a group of savage predators. My arrival made those enemies dare not tread on this land anymore."


    It was time to visit that battlefield.


    Ye Feng cracked his whip, spurring his horse into a wild gallop, causing Hong Qingyan, who was sitting in front, to yell out in panic and confusion.


    The Qin Mountains, the hidden base camp of the Divine Doctor Sect, also known as the Valley of the Medicine God, is here.


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    Inside Frost Valley, an old man with white hair looked sorrowfully at the man submerged in the Cold Pool, his eyes filled with deep regret.


    He shouldn''t have sent him to the Northern Border!


    "I must go!"


    "Father, the King is summoning me. Until I truly retire this General''s Robe, the King''s command is my command. Where his blade points, I will follow without hesitation."


    The man in the Cold Pool spoke without opening his eyes, but his resolute and commanding voice filled the entire Frost Valley.


    "Ye Feng."


    "What a Northern Border King, to have my son willingly risk his life for him. This is the Pill Medicine the Valley Master crafted for you. It can''t heal the Blood Qi within you, but it can freeze your heart''s vessels."


    The old man left a box on the shore, then sighed deeply and walked away.


    "Father!"


    Only after the old man was gone did the man in the Cold Pool slowly open his eyes, murmuring softly, his expression complex as he watched his father''s departing figure.


    Looking closely at his eyes, they were filled with bloodshot lines, and his hair floating on the Cold Pool was tinged with red at the tips.


    Similarly, those related to Zhu Guangbo were also on their way to the Northern Border.


    The capital city, the Zhang Family.


    Zhang Wenyuan, who had just returned from overseas, had a talk with his brother Zhang Wenyu about the council, and immediately without stopping, he went to a quiet courtyard of the Zhang Family.


    At this moment, Zhang Wenyuan was dressed in Martial Arts Practice Clothes, and without the usual suit and shoes, his face no longer showed the vibrancy of the past, replaced now by a sharp edge.


    "Teacher!"


    Zhang Wenyuan, waking from meditation, respectfully bowed to the white-robed elder in front of him¡ªthis was none other than one of the most prestigious individuals in Xuanyuan Nation, the Great Guardian Sect Leader, Zhao Gongming.


    "How many times have I told you, you don''t need to be so formal with me."


    Zhao Gongming''s tone carried a hint of displeasure.


    Though he verbally expressed dissatisfaction, deep down he was very pleased. The tradition of respecting teachers has always been revered, and while a teacher may not demand a particular attitude from their disciple, it''s the disciple''s genuine respect and dedication that reveal their attentiveness in daily life.


    In other words, it''s one thing for me not to mind it, but it''s quite another if you don''t mind it either.


    "One day a teacher and a lifelong father, please take a seat, Teacher!"


    Zhang Wenyuan gestured with his hand.


    "Did you slack off in your practice while overseas?"


    Actually, this question was redundant.


    What level of Cultivation Level Zhang Wenyuan had achieved, Zhao Gongming knew very well. If not for his assistance in suppressing and concealing it, Zhang Wenyuan would have been on the verge of comprehending the Divine Path.


    "I always feel like I''m missing something."


    Zhang Wenyuan looked at Zhao Gongming, knowing what he lacked.


    "Don''t look at me like that."


    "I came today to talk to you about this matter. Go find Ye Feng in the Northern Border, and train well there. It''s the perfect opportunity to consolidate your cultivation, killing two birds with one stone."


    No real combat experience!


    This was Zhang Wenyuan''s flaw. While one''s talent in Martial Arts Study is important, how it is wielded in battle is another matter.


    "Okay!"


    Zhang Wenyuan agreed immediately.


    Ye Feng!


    Again, Ye Feng. In fact, his return this time was precisely for Ye Feng. The debt the Zhang Family owed the Old Northern King, the two generations that had been spent repaying it¡ªit should be enough by now.


    "Would you feel wronged being Ye Feng''s subordinate?"


    Zhao Gongming asked directly.


    "The bird chooses the best tree to nest in. If Ye Feng truly has some exceptional qualities, I would be happy, not to mention..."


    "Teacher, by promoting Ye Feng like this, won''t he blame us when he discovers the truth?"


    Zhang Wenyuan looked helpless.


    As the only direct disciple of the Great Guardian Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, he certainly held a prestigious status, but with it came great risks. To be frank, if he dared to reveal it, those people would treat him a hundred times more fiercely than they would Ye Feng.


    "Let them blame me then; what can they do to an old man like me?"


    "Besides, that boy is now bold enough to openly give orders to the members of the Three Offices. Ge Nie is also messing around. There''s no need to speak further about pushing Ye Feng into the limelight to divert attention away from you. The path he has picked for himself surpasses our little schemes by far."


    Zhao Gongming felt a headache, a particularly strong one.


    Revealing himself so early, wasn''t that throwing himself into the lion''s den? And what frustrated him the most was that this was all Ye Feng''s own doing.

 Chapter 251 Taking the Initiative

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    Overseas island nation, Fusang, also known as the territory of the Dongying people.


    Nowadays, although the Fusang Island Nation''s national power is far inferior to that of the Xuanyuan Nation, its strength in the realm of Martial Dao is extremely formidable, not to be underestimated by countries around the world.


    The entire Fusang Island Nation''s Martial Dao inheritance mainly divides into three different schools: Ninja, Samurai, and the most mysterious Onmyoji.


    The Onmyoji are the fewest yet most powerful, followed by the Ninja, and lastly comes the Samurai. However, the so-called "weakest" Samurai have become the backstage power dominating the Fusang Island Nation, in what is referred to as the era of the "Three Families Joint Rule," which denotes the current situation of the Fusang Island Nation''s three major Samurai families.


    These three major Samurai families are the Longma Family (Kamakura), the Ashikaga Family (Muromachi), and the Tokugawa Family (Edo).


    Shuiyuan Longzhi once said not just anyone could become the President of the Ronin Guild; even being a disciple of Sword Saint Musashi doesn''t suffice. Ye Feng took away two fast swords from Sato Shinichi, Autumn Water and Yama, knowing only that Sato Shinichi possessed the famous blade Autumn Water, he was undoubtedly from the Longma Family, but he was unaware of Sato Shinichi''s other identity.


    To become the President of the Ronin Guild, one must obtain the approval of two major Samurai families. Sato Shinichi''s other identity comes from his mother, Tokugawa Reiko, who belongs to another Samurai family.


    Today, at the Longma Family estate, the person in charge of the Tokugawa Family, Tokugawa Xin Tian, made a personal visit. He appeared unremarkable at first glance, with average looks and around sixty years of age, dressed in a loose, blue Samurai outfit, with somewhat lazy features. Compared to a genuine Samurai, it looked as if only the outfit on his body seemed appropriate.


    Indeed, his appearance was plain, but to assume he was ordinary as well would be a huge mistake; even on the Celestial God Mountain, Tokugawa Xin Tian was a man with considerable influence, and even the Guardians of Celestial God Mountain, such as Sword Saint Palace Musashi, have spoken highly of him.


    Observing Tokugawa Xin Tian arriving alone with a sword, the Longma Family head, Sato Taketsuki, had a changing expression. To be frank, he did not have the courage to visit the other two families alone.


    Three Families Joint Rule!


    Any family head from the three major families who did not wish to turn the ''three'' into ''one'' was not qualified, a fact both Sato Taketsuki and the man before him were well aware of.


    Moreover, the Onmyoji of Fusang did not concern themselves with worldly affairs, but there were many Ninjas who hoped for discord among the three great families.


    "For Xin Tian to visit alone is truly an eye-opener for me, please come in!"


    Sato Taketsuki, a rather portly man, had a particularly warm smile on his face at this moment.@@@@


    "It''s nothing, there''s nowhere in Fusang we can''t go. I dare to go anywhere you dare," Xin Tian replied with a hidden implication, suggesting that he dared to venture places even Sato Taketsuki would not. Such was the absolute confidence of Tokugawa Xin Tian.


    "The more I see, the less interested I am."


    "It''s only those places I haven''t seen that are worth longing for and seeing. What do you think, Xin Tian?"


    Sato Taketsuki did not acknowledge the hint of mockery, remaining untroubled.


    "That is true," Tokugawa Xin Tian said, striding into the Longma family estate with his head held high, walking more familiarly and comfortably than the following Longma family patriarch, Sato Taketsuki, whose gaze narrowed with each step.


    "Xin Tian, are you here today for a particular reason?" Sato asked.


    Can''t I come if there''s nothing urgent?


    Tokugawa Xin Tian''s aunt Tokugawa Reiko had married into the Longma Aristocratic Family, so technically, he and Sato Taketsuki were cousins, though Sato Taketsuki''s mother was not Tokugawa Reiko.


    Of course, if there was nothing important, Tokugawa Xin Tian truly wouldn''t bother making social visits. He placed the blade in his hand on the table and casually said:


    "Autumn Water was taken, and yet you, the Longma family patriarch, still sit here calmly drinking tea¡ªit truly broadens my horizons."


    The blade on the table was named Muramasa.


    It had another name, Demon Blade Muramasa, one of the top ten famous blades of Fusang, with even greater renown than the Longma Family''s Autumn Water and likewise an heirloom of the Tokugawa Family passed down through generations.


    "How can a living man be bound by a sword blade?" replied Sato Taketsuki with a smile, quickly adding:


    There was one more thing left unsaid¡ªthe face of Celestial God Mountain was also the face of all samurai.


    After hearing this, Sato Taketsuki got a fright. He knew he shouldn''t have such thoughts. Questioning Sword Saint Musashi would be an extremely dangerous signal for him.


    "Thank you, Lord Xin Tian, for the message."


    Sato Taketsuki said sincerely, his gaze incredibly complex.


    "I''ll go visit my aunt and take the opportunity to pay respects to my cousin. By the way, is his spirit tablet in the ancestral shrine?"


    This latter question seemed somewhat overreaching. However, Tokugawa Xin Tian didn''t seem to mind at all.


    "Once his remains are brought back, they''ll be placed there."


    Sato Taketsuki''s cold brows imperceptibly twitched, his tone flat, without sorrow or anger.


    "Then I''ll come to pay my respects next time. Enjoy your meal, Mr. Wu Yue."


    Having said this, Tokugawa Xin Tian picked up the Demon Blade that was on the table and turned to leave.


    He didn''t need to be shown out. If Sato Xin Yi had not died, within thirty years Tokugawa Xin Tian would have made three families into two¡ªthe Longma Family had long been considered his for the taking. After another ten years, he was even more confident he could swallow up the remaining one.


    This was the opening move!


    The former head of the Tokugawa Family had arranged this new move by having his daughter marry into the Longma Family and then having her son slowly become a disciple of Musashi.


    It''s a pity that a good card was messed up by Ye Feng.


    Beyond the Northern Border, outside the national boundary, Gai Jiutian, clad in a black robe and carrying the Black Blood Sword, faced his first strong enemy in his life¡ªa masked Martial King.


    Gai Jiutian, who once single-handedly slaughtered the Black Armored Army without flinching, still kept his composure in front of this Martial King, even though at this moment, he was only a Grandmaster.


    A Grandmaster, regardless of how powerful, was not enough to contend with a Martial King.


    "One more step, death!"


    The masked Martial King had but one sentence, each word cold as ice. His mission was to stop Gai Jiutian from advancing northward and prevent him from supporting Ye Feng.


    The opening move¡ªall those who were loyal to Ye Feng, which included those from Zhu Guangbo''s camp, were also making their opening moves now. Any forces under Ye Feng''s command would be stopped one by one.


    "Just you?"


    If there were any Grandmasters here, they would surely give Gai Jiutian a thumbs up, admiring his guts for daring to speak to a true Martial King in such a tone.


    Mad as a hatter!


    "Worthy of being the son of Gai Dugu, just perfect for a warm-up."


    The masked Martial King chuckled.


    The next second, a gigantic hand seal, condensed from Qi Force, smashed down towards his head, burying him deep in the ground instantly, his life and death uncertain.


    "Warm up your mother...!"


    A familiar voice sounded in Gai Jiutian''s ears.


    ```

 Chapter 252 Same People, Different Fates

    Gai Jiutian did not bother to check whether the Martial King was alive or dead, nor did he wait for the owner of the voice to show up. He sheathed his sword and, without looking back, dashed northward.


    One Martial King could not stop him.


    After Gai Jiutian''s figure had completely vanished into the distance, a kind-looking old man slowly appeared beside the snow pit. With a stomp of his foot, a bleeding figure suddenly flew out.


    "I don''t care how you vie and scheme in the shadows, but tell the people behind this that I have only one son. If he dies, I will seek them out one by one to settle the score, slaying gods if they block my path and Buddhas if they stand in my way."


    In the vague background, a black Great Sword manifested behind the old man, its aura challenging the heavens.


    "Gai Dugu, peerless Iron Sword!"


    The Martial King who had been thrust into the pit, after all, was not dead. He looked at the Iron Sword, which gradually disappeared into the sky, his face filled with terror.


    The once Gai Dugu, wielding a Black Iron Sword, had single-handedly defeated the entire Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect, killing until no one in Xuanyuan Nation dared to claim supremacy before him. The reason the Valley of the Medicine God still stands today is precisely because of such a fearsome figure''s presence.


    What does it mean when people are born under the same sky but live different lives?@@@@


    Gai Jiutian is such a person.


    If Leng Wuming had witnessed this scene, he would surely have been astonished by how different it is for those with a strong backing. At this moment, he was facing a great predicament himself, with five Great Grandmasters coming to intercept him, two of whom were of the same cultivation level as him, in the Half-Step Martial King Realm.


    "Last time you escaped, this time you won''t be so lucky."


    Leng Wuming looked at one of the masked men and spoke. He would never forget the aura of the person who had caused him to lose his left arm.


    Mountain Eagle''s ace assassin!


    The title of ace is given because such individuals are outstanding among Mountain Eagle''s ace assassins. There are only seven in total, known externally as the Seven Kings of Assassins. Although their rank is below that of the Eight Protectors, their combat power is above them.


    Enemies often cross each other''s path!


    No, it''s more accurate to say that on a narrow path, the brave emerges victorious. Judging from their intent, it''s clear they want to eliminate me swiftly. Leng Wuming understood very well that today neither would let the other off easily.


    "Escape?"


    "Leng Wuming, do you really think you are that strong? If someone hadn''t wanted to keep you alive, you wouldn''t have had the chance to stand before me today."


    The masked assassin pointed out by Leng Wuming looked at him with disdain in his eyes.


    If he could sever Leng Wuming''s arm at the height of his power, why couldn''t he just flee for his life after being severely injured?


    "Li, don''t waste words."


    A masked elderly figure beside the assassin spoke coldly.


    "Understood!"


    "I humbly request the Three Protectors to allow me to handle this person."


    Every King of Assassins is a proud and solitary figure, and this one, codenamed Li, apparently wanted to prove his point.


    On one hand, the two leaders of Mountain Eagle were conversing; on the other, Leng Wuming was sending messages to Yu Nan:


    "I will distract the five of them for you. You must escape on your own. Whether or not you make it out alive will depend on fate. I hope they haven''t left any tricks up their sleeve to catch you."


    Clearly, facing Mountain Eagle''s five raging powerhouses, Leng Wuming knew his odds of winning were not very great.


    "Sir, I am your protector. As a protector, how can I flee the battlefield when my master is in peril?"


    Yu Nan''s face was grim.


    He too was a Grandmaster, but as an independent cultivator with rough skills, facing an adversary of the same level was challenging enough, let alone two at once, which would certainly mean a grim fate.


    This Grandmaster who had just expressed willingness to follow him did not think of fleeing, which to Leng Wuming''s surprise, prompted him to say:


    "You don''t need to get involved in this mess with me."


    If the Leng Wuming from before simply did not want a life unrelated to him to be lost because of his situation, now he truly hoped Yu Nan wouldn''t die.


    This man, who used to rely on his powerful martial arts skills to bully others within a Martial Alliance in Beiping, was not without means.


    "Such a pity."


    Leng Wuming looked at the bloodstain left on the ground, his expression grim. The Blade Spirit, not easy to condense from the Fiery Sun Blade, had been wasted¡ªLi wasn''t dead.


    What kind of weapon was this?


    Facing the Fiery Sun Blade coming at him, one of the Three Protectors had a hint of fear in his eyes, for the blade seemed to possess a life of its own, which was not a quality normal blades of this world could have.


    "To think a mere blade could restrain me, wishful thinking."


    The Great Protector''s fists turned dark as night. He cultivated the Iron Sand Palm, a first-class palm technique, and his entire combat power relied on his fists, hard as ironstone.


    With his fist lifted, the Great Protector abandoned the disheartened Yu Naan and, with the posture of a godly drummer, smashed towards the Fiery Sun Blade. His fists swung down fiercely, causing snow and ice to scatter all around.


    Boom! One by one,


    The Fiery Sun Blade was smashed down by him, but the Great Protector''s arms were forcefully broken by his own effort.


    "Aow!"


    The Great Protector howled in pain, the sturdiness of the blade surpassing his expectations. The force rebounding back had broken both of his arms.


    This!


    Leng Wuming''s face showed a strange expression. He had seen foolish people, but never someone as foolish as this¡ªwho the hell gave him the confidence to smash the Fiery Sun Blade with his arm?


    Did he really think the blade had no temper?


    Fortunately, the Great Protector, now unable to use his arms, was like a beast that had lost its sharpest fangs. Facing Yu Naan, the latter was under much less pressure.


    Sure enough, Yu Naan, looking at the Great Protector who was wailing even more miserably than himself, immediately regained his spirits and, without a second word, charged toward him.


    Sato Shinichi had once said that the Iron Head Technique in this world was a shameless Kung Fu. But no matter what kind of Kung Fu, for an Independent Cultivator, obtaining it was a rare blessing.


    Yu Naan cultivated a Dao Technique similar to the Golden Body Path, his physical toughness far exceeded that of a normal Grandmaster. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to withstand the Great Protector''s blows for so long without any serious fatal injury.


    Thus, the scene turned into Yu Naan beating up the fallen foe.


    "Die!"


    With no need to take care of Yu Nan anymore, Leng Wuming launched another fierce attack on the three watchful assassins. The Fiery Sun Blade flashed out of thin air, returning to his hand.


    The Blade Energy was even more ferocious than before.


    "Fiery Sun Blade, Scorching Heart!"


    One divided into two, two into four, four into myriad images. The Fiery Sun Blade in Leng Wuming''s hands changed as if a thousand blades burst forth, killing towards the three assassins.


    "Condensing Formation!"


    Seeing this, the three joined forces instead of fighting separately.


    Clang! One by one,


    A succession of blade touches rang out, and the assassins felt increasingly colder with each block because Leng Wuming''s blades seemed endless, each one as real as the other.


    We''re going to die!


    Just as the three were about to despair, three Crimson Fire Swords broke through the blade shadows, stabbing towards the very center of Leng Wuming.


    In the end, behind Leng Wuming, a figure appeared at some unknown time, executing the same move as Li.


    King of Assassins¡ªthe Heaven and Earth Combination¡ªwhere there was a Heaven-ranked lead assassin, there must also be an Earth-ranked assassin lurking; something Leng Wuming didn''t know.


    "Die!"


    A black Great Sword came with the wind, easily repelling the Earth-ranked assassin hiding behind Leng Wuming to who knows where.


    "Die again!"


    Another sweeping sword strike, cutting all of Leng Wuming''s enemies in front of him at the waist.

 Chapter 253 Mu Tian Returns

    Arrogant and ostentatious, Leng Wuming looked at the tall figure carrying the Great Sword, feeling both joy and helplessness; with one breath, he had just killed five Great Grandmasters.


    Very strong!


    But couldn''t you have left one for me?


    Leng Wuming naturally recognized the man before him, the former Chief Legion Commander and now the Vice Governor and advisor Gai Jiutian, who held a status in the entire Northern Border Legion second only to one and above tens of thousands. In terms of achievements, only Ye Feng could overshadow him.


    Back then, if Gai Jiutian hadn''t known that he couldn''t suppress his Blood Qi and thus given up competing for the title of Northern Border King with Ye Feng, what the Northern Border would look like now was anyone''s guess.


    After all, there had also been no shortage of people who supported Gai Jiutian at the time.


    "Surprised?"


    Gai Jiutian, who rarely showed a smile, had a rare hint of a smile on his face.


    He had been rushing northward, and, by a stroke of fate, he encountered Leng Wuming in the midst of battle. To bully the one-armed Second Regiment Leader: that was beyond negotiation.


    All must die!


    "Did the Vice Governor come all this way just for me?"


    Leng Wuming also sheathed his sword, standing shoulder to shoulder with the man, both overtly watching Yu Naan who was still fighting.


    What a man!


    Despite his head being broken, he dared to ram into someone else''s skull. In terms of fierceness, Yu Naan deserved a second look from both of them, having been very brutal.


    Of course, the Three Protectors of Mountain Eagle didn''t fare much better than him. Compared to Yu Naan, he was in a worse state, his head full of dents and his face covered with fresh blood. Every time Yu Naan charged, he wanted to block with his hands, but his broken arms were useless.


    Scared!


    The Three Protectors really felt like neither heaven nor earth was responding to his pleas. He had never seen such a shameless way of fighting. Wouldn''t you expect someone who practiced the Golden Body to enjoy this kind of rascally Iron Head Technique less? Why couldn''t he stop and have a proper talk?


    "Yu Naan!"


    Did someone call me?


    Yu Naan was once again bewildered; he didn''t respond, instead heading straight for the Three Protectors'' round head, determined to smash it into a pulp to calm the rage from having been previously overwhelmed in battle.


    "Where did you find these people?"


    Gai Jiutian drew his Longsword again and swiped it across, having no leisure to watch such a spectacle.@@@@


    Bang!


    The sword diverted from Yu Naan, and the Black Blood Sword, heavy as a massive Heavy Hammer, struck down in an instant, smashing the Three Protectors into a puddle of flesh.


    This sword also finally jolted Yu Naan back to reality.


    "My new protector."


    Leng Wuming looked at Gai Jiutian, his eyes as if asking, What do you think of him?


    "I was just passing by and happened to sense your presence. Let''s rest for a while and head to the Northern Border together."


    Gai Jiutian nodded slightly.


    A Great Grandmaster serving as a protector indeed suited the status of a legion commander.


    "Alright!"


    Leng Wuming didn''t refuse. As for whether there were still ambushes up ahead on the road, it was uncertain.


    According to Leng Wuming''s understanding of the Mountain Eagle organization, if they wanted to successfully reach Ye Feng''s side, there was certainly a big unknown battle awaiting them. Even if there were no ambushes, there would be pursuers.


    "Take this!"


    Gai Jiutian threw a small medicine bottle and stood with his arms folded, guarding the two men.


    In fact, Leng Wuming was not really injured; it was just that his complexion seemed off as if he had been backlash by something that affected his mind and spirit.


    Ten minutes later, the three set off together.


    ...


    "Little Martial Uncle, what are we waiting for here?"


    Fifth Legion Commander Qin He and the Northern Border Mountain Guard Marquis Jin Wuming, one of the Four Great Marquises of the Northern Border.


    In the Xuanyuan Nation, unlike the other Three Realms, there was no Ridge Lord in the Northern Border; there were only four marquises. The deceased Mountain Stabilizing Marquis was one, and the others were Mountain Guard Marquis, Mountain Stabilizing Marquis, and the last, Mountain Sealing Marquis.


    All four marquises held Ye Feng in high regard and were illustrious figures. Although each had their own territory, they all came to the frontlines with Ye Feng.


    For the sole reason that Ye Feng had once declared: if the Mingbei Barbarian does not die, I would rather wrap my body in horsehide and return, than to indulge in a moment''s glory and riches for the rest of my life.


    "Fifth Legion Commander Qin He, reporting to the Northern King!"


    "Northern Border Mountain Guard Marquis Jin Wuming, reporting to the Northern King!"


    The two high-ranking officers of the Northern Border immediately knelt on one knee, pledging loyalty to Ye Feng.


    "Rise."


    Ye Feng''s demeanor was quite majestic.


    The presence of Fifth Legion Commander Qin He was expected; after all, the young man had been saved by Ye Feng on numerous occasions, according to Xiao Chuanqi, he was the most eager to find Ye Feng.


    Next was the arrival of Mountain Guard Marquis among the Four Great Marquises¡ªJin Wuming''s presence came as somewhat of a surprise to Ye Feng, as he had lost any expectations of the other three marquises after the betrayal of the Marquis of Peace Mountain.


    Of course, Mountain Guard Marquis''s loyalty was no less than good news.


    "I only brought two with me."


    Mu Tian''s expression carried a hint of self-mockery, and then he quickly asked:


    "Your daughter?"


    This question was clearly rhetorical, as he and Ye Feng knew each other all too well, and it would have been unthinkable for Ye Feng to suddenly have a grown daughter. Mu Tian''s arms were already reaching out towards Long Nannan.


    However, Long Nannan not only dodged but also protested with dissatisfaction:


    "Who tries to hug someone without giving a gift first?"


    "And handsome boy, why does the aura around you make me feel disgusted?"


    Upon hearing this, the intensity of the five Death Servants behind Mu Tian suddenly condensed, and Mu Tian paused for a moment before waving his hand and saying:


    "Do not be disrespectful!"


    "Children, they don''t know any better."


    Ye Feng pretended not to have witnessed the previous scene; the relationship between him and Mu Tian was not something others could understand.


    "That was presumptuous of me."


    "Unexpected indeed, I didn''t think there would be such a cute little girl. This is the Jade Pendant I carry with me, it''s yours now."


    Mu Tian took off the White Jade Dragon Pendant from his waist and handed it over, then turned to Ye Feng and said:


    "I just returned from Mingbei Kingdom, and I might have picked up something that the child finds disagreeable."


    Mingbei Kingdom!


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng''s brows furrowed slightly; no wonder Mu Tian had not been in contact with him for so long¡ªhe had been to the even more northern Savage Kingdom.


    "Nannan, you''ve received a gift from someone, hurry up and thank Uncle Mu Tian."


    The two were of the same age, with only a three-month difference, Mu Tian being the younger.


    "Thank you, Uncle Mu Tian!"


    "Please don''t try to hug me, Uncle Mu Tian, Nannan will refuse."


    Having spoken, Long Nannan reached out her hand to the two behind, having already received a gift from one person, it wouldn''t be right not to collect from the other two as well, right?


    "I didn''t bring any gifts, how about I make up for it double next time?"


    Qin He touched the back of his head, looking embarrassed, whereas the Mountain Guard Marquis handed over something that resembled a Copper Coin.


    "Come inside with me."


    Ye Feng stopped Long Nannan from continuing to demand more gifts.


    As the Northern Border King, Ye Feng had never been fond of such customs, and it was only because Long Nannan dared to do so¡ªhad it been anyone else, Ye Feng would undoubtedly have been displeased.

 Chapter 254 The Power of Mingbei

    About Lord Mu Tian, very few people in the Northern Border Camp truly understood him, not even Ye Feng dared to claim he truly understood Mu Tian.


    The mystique of Mu Tian lay in the fact that he was a unique existence within the Northern Border Camp.


    He held no official position, nor was he sent by higher authorities; he didn''t have to obey anyone, yet he could still freely come and go in the camp, revered by thousands of soldiers. Not only did the leaders of the Eight Legions trust him and were willing to heed his commands, but even the Four Great Marquises felt they couldn''t hold their heads up high in his presence.


    If Gai Jiutian was merely a counselor, then Mu Tian was truly a military counselor without question. Sometimes, when Ye Feng played the bad cop, Mu Tian would take on the role of the good cop.


    Rumors once spread throughout the Northern Border Camp.


    With Mu Tian or Jiutian, one could defend the world, and with both, one could expand territories, all the way to reigning supreme over all.


    Hong Qingyan was momentarily lost in thought when she saw Mu Tian, unable to imagine that the Lord Mu Tian Ye Feng had mentioned to her was so young and handsome.


    Of course, the moment they saw Hong Qingyan, they were clearly taken aback.


    They understood but did not voice it, the three laughed without saying anything, not expecting that even the Northern Border King had finally become enlightened, understanding the concept of keeping a beauty hidden. Looking at the way the two of them exchanged glances, it was impossible to say there wasn''t a connection between them.


    Belief or disbelief was clear in their hearts.


    "The position of the Northern Border King was always yours, why not use a more direct method?"


    Inside the council tent, only Ye Feng and Mu Tian were present. Looking at them, there was not a hint of the seriousness one would expect during a council, but rather it was like a conversation between friends of different ages.


    It always had been this way, and it still was.


    "In the Northern Border, I''ve only ever had one enemy."


    "It''s rare to find an opponent in life. Since the Zhu Family wants to cross swords with me, why not indulge them!"


    In front of the two of them was a small sand table. Although small, it was complete and incredibly accurate. This was the result of observations made in the company of Hong Qingyan over the course of two days.


    Ye Feng never underestimated any opponent. On the battlefield, the key to defeating the enemy was not numbers, but rather patience and dedication of the lead commander.


    "Have you ever thought that what you see as a spar, others might be scheming for your life, which could put you at a great disadvantage?"


    Their gazes both drifted over the sand table.


    The current Northern Border Camp was stationed on the upper stream banks of the Gesang River. To the south lay the Northern Border of Xuanyuan Nation, and to the north was the vast Snow Kingdom, Mingbei Kingdom. All the savages of the entire Mingbei Kingdom were known descendants of Vikings, naturally tall and incredibly strong.


    Choosing this location was Ye Feng''s decision, a necessary one.


    If they were to cross the Gesang River, they''d need to guard against the savage''s sneak attacks day and night. Moving further north would mean losing the advantages of weather, terrain, and alliance. The climate in Mingbei was even colder, a tough trial for the many Northern Border soldiers. And though there was no worry about food for a million soldiers, water usage was a major issue.


    As for alliance, beyond the Gesang River was truly the Savage Kingdom.


    When a nation is truly invaded, its people will unite. Ye Feng did not dare claim he understood Mingbei, for he had never truly ventured deep into it. The Polar Regions were inhabited by many ascetic monks. Aside from savages, the presence of martial artists and cultivators in Mingbei was surprisingly rare.


    "Do you think I would let Zhu Guangbo have the chance to return to the Northeast?"


    Their final gaze rested on the mountainous area sixty miles to the east, which was also Ye Feng''s chosen battlefield.


    This was a complex and changeable terrain. Going further east, mountains crisscrossed, and the Gesang River, around two miles wide, would narrow infinitely until it passed through several natural tunnels resembling bridges. The natural bridges, each about a hundred meters wide, had their peaks seemingly cleaved off by a sword, inspiring awe at the thought of who could possess such great strength.


    "This is the you I know."


    Mu Tian simply smiled faintly.


    This was a spar, but as long as Ye Feng perceived it as a lethal move, there was no need for further warnings.


    "What did you find on the other side?"


    Ye Feng asked.


    Ye Feng nodded. Anyone who understood Curse Technique was never easy to deal with, just like those Onmyoji from Fusang.


    "There''s something else I must mention to you. The Blood Qi in Gai Jiutian''s body, I suspect it''s the handiwork of those Shamans from Mingbei."


    "In the west, there''s a group who specializes in Blood Qi cultivation, known as Vampires. They have a voracious appetite for human blood and create chaos wherever they go. Mingbei Kingdom''s largest battlefront is against those Western nations. As you know, if a nation falls into disorder first, it can collapse without attack, so I believe they''re all afflicted by what''s known as Curse Technique."


    Mu Tian didn''t continue, knowing that Ye Feng understood perfectly.


    "I might not have believed it before, but now I do."


    Ye Feng smiled, but his smile was somewhat chilly.


    A splendid strategy to cause internal collapse without a battle!


    If Gai Jiutian''s Blood Qi were an accident, but now Xiao Chuanqi was also heading down that path, it was certainly no coincidence.


    What was more important was that Ye Feng knew his own medical skills. He had once collaborated with the Valley Master of the Valley of the Medicine God to treat Gai Jiutian, but to no avail. Anything that couldn''t be cured in this world wasn''t considered a disease.


    "What do you need me to do?"


    Their gazes naturally turned northward over the Gesang River. Mu Tian was very aware of why Ye Feng had made such a big show; he understood the plotting behind it.


    "There''s no need for you to intervene against someone like Zhu Guangbo."


    "Head to the Northern Border Camp. When the Mingbei Snow Wolf Riders arrive, I need troops from there to respond immediately. Relying solely on Xiao Chuan might not suffice. I was originally thinking of sending Gai Jiutian, but since you''re back, you''d be a better fit."


    North of the Three Bridges lay an even more majestic mountain range. Ye Feng''s gaze drifted off to that land as he became lost in thought.


    In the dead of winter, whoever was in that region would be unfortunate."


    "Are you sure you don''t need my help?"


    "You should understand that your enemies are not limited to the Zhu Family of the Northeast."


    A playful look flashed across Mu Tian''s face as he pondered something else.


    "I realized that long ago, but do you really think I can''t prioritize matters?"


    Ye Feng shifted his gaze back to Mu Tian.


    "Then don''t worry me anymore. And there''s the matter with Seventeen."


    Mu Tian stopped short of saying more.


    "You think I can''t trust you?"


    Ye Feng asked with a smile.


    "I was overthinking it."


    "Ye Feng, I really hope to fight alongside you in the future. Since I''m not needed here, I''ll await your good news."


    Mu Tian stood up.


    The only person in the entire Northern Border Camp who could command him was Ye Feng.


    "When I was in Northern Su, those people told me it was their home ground. Don''t worry, the Northern Border is my home ground, and you''ll see how I''ll triumphantly raise the flag of victory."


    Ye Feng also rose to see Mu Tian off.


    There was no relationship of subordination between the two. Whether to act or not and how to act had always been and would always be dependent on the intentions of Mu Tian''s heart. Of course, as for trust, at least Ye Feng had always believed so. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    He trusted Mu Tian!

 Chapter 255 Different Camps

    ```


    Mu Tian''s visit was exceedingly brief, as he hurriedly arrived and left, carrying with him Ye Feng''s entrustment as well as his trust, heading to the Northern Border Camp.


    How many people will the Zhu Family have?


    Within the spacious tent, only Ye Feng remained, sitting alone above the sand table deep in thought. The outcomes for the main peak and eight hilltops chosen by Zhu Guangbo were now clear, and whether by coincidence or design, the main peak he chose, Azure Cloud Peak, was situated right behind Ye Feng''s designated Sky Sword Peak.


    Of course, the choice of location wasn''t the most important aspect. What mattered most was that beyond Sky Sword Peak lay the bridge spanning Gesang River. To put it more clearly, if the savages from Mingbei also arrived at that time, it would result in a pincer attack from both front and back.


    "Why has Sister Feng Yuan returned?"


    Ye Feng did not look up; Feng Yuan''s strong fiery aura was too easy to recognize.


    "Just popping by for a visit, or do I need your permission to go somewhere?"


    Feng Yuan took off her fiery red down jacket and casually tossed it on the ground.


    Around the council tent, an invisible ring of fire had been set up, insulating against snow as well as sound. Long Nannan was familiar with Feng Yuan''s methods. She glanced at Hong Qingyan with her big black eyes rolling around curiously, seemingly lost in thought.


    Seductively attractive!


    Feeling the fiery passion emanating from before him, Ye Feng couldn''t help but shake his head. In all fairness, whether in terms of figure, appearance, or temperament, Feng Yuan surpassed Hong Qingyan.


    "As if I would dare to command Sister Feng Yuan."


    Ye Feng looked straight into the eyes before him that resembled clear autumn waters. Feng Yuan''s family lived in a little mountain village and seemed to practice martial arts, no wonder she possessed such unfathomably deep power at her age.


    But was this an attempt to test him?


    "I''m thirsty."


    Feng Yuan licked her enticing red lips deliberately, lowering her body further.


    "Let''s talk about serious matters!"@@@@


    Ye Feng ignored the display and remained indifferent as he calmly poured tea for Feng Yuan, while cursing "demon" to himself in silent frustration.


    Such seduction, aren''t you afraid it might really get out of hand?


    "The serious matter is that I''m still feeling quite hot."


    Feng Yuan sipped her tea and started to untie her clothing once more.


    "Testing my resolve like this, don''t you find it very tedious, Sister Feng Yuan?"


    Ye Feng''s eyes suddenly turned icy as his expression turned displeased.


    "It is tedious."


    "Forget it, overpowering you wouldn''t be difficult; using such tricks is just annoying to me."


    After finishing her statement, Feng Yuan''s gaze turned fiery as she looked at Ye Feng with an aggressive demeanor. In terms of skills, she could easily restrain Ye Feng in an instant.


    Is this it?


    Intending to be forceful?


    Ye Feng smiled and shook his head, maintaining a proper seated posture without showing any intention to resist or comply.


    "The person valued by Old Long doesn''t seem to be anything special in my eyes."


    After staring each other down for a full two minutes, Feng Yuan eventually retied her belt.


    "Why must there be something exceptional about someone, isn''t it also good to be an ordinary person?"


    Valued?


    Ye Feng didn''t think so. He really hadn''t felt that his nominal senior brother showed any particular regard for him. Such a laissez-faire attitude from his martial sect was not common.


    "Perhaps I was mistaken, being an ordinary person is quite nice indeed."


    Feng Yuan said sincerely.


    "Was the story over there intriguing?"


    One could tell that there was a hint of sorrow in Feng Yuan''s eyes at that moment. Such a change made it hard not to feel a sense of pity, to the point where one would struggle not to want to embrace and comfort her.


    Cao Yi said nonchalantly.


    Looking at Cao Yi, with his sharp face and typically sly expression¡ªthis kind of man is usually not up to any good, vengeful by nature. However, in Ye Feng''s eyes, this seemingly frail old man,


    was a good man!


    He took the seat of honor, which was unashamedly occupied by Cao Yi.


    "If you used your personal power to back me up, then I would believe. But if you tell me that the hundred or so people outside are your men..."


    "Boss Cao, please have some tea first!"


    The unspoken rest of that sentence, of course, was disbelief.


    In the Xuanyuan Nation''s Three Offices, Cao Yi''s Punishment Heaven Department had the best relationship with Ye Feng, who always treated Boss Cao like an elder of his own.


    "Figured it out? Guessed it?"


    "What are you thinking? If I had so many powerful subordinates under me, wouldn''t the other two old guys be bowing and scraping, calling me ''big brother''?"


    These words were something Cao Yi dared to say only in a low voice.


    "Right, you old man are so mighty, and Ge Nie is just your little sidekick."


    Ye Feng intentionally raised his voice loud.


    At that moment, many of the hundred or so people outside showed a strange look in their eyes¡ªGe Nie, a little sidekick?


    Hehe!


    The Punishment Heaven Department has such great authority.


    "Little Yezi, I''ve come all this way, is this how you repay me?"


    Cao Yi was so irritated he clenched his teeth.


    It was just that he had spoken without thinking and now Ye Feng had turned the tables on him. In the Xuanyuan Nation, who didn''t know that it was Ge Nie who was the real big brother here?


    "Boss Cao dares say he doesn''t harbor that desire?"


    Ye Feng responded coolly.


    "Even if I did have that desire, I''d have to be able to win a fight. Just you wait; when I get back, I''m telling Ge Nie this was all your teaching."


    Cao Yi quickly thought of a means of retaliation.


    Now!


    It was Ye Feng''s turn to feel uncomfortable. He immediately said,


    "Boss Cao, I was speaking up for you. If you betray me, then forget about this year''s tea leaves and the like."


    It was customary to send gifts to elders during festivals and holidays.


    Even in the past, if Ye Feng could not personally visit, he would always have someone send gifts to Cao Yi.


    "Alright, I know you kid mean well."


    "Don''t think I brought many people; this is power that''s beyond the rules. The people standing on that side are no less than those outside. If you dare to lose, then in the future, I''ll pretend I never had you as a ..."


    Cao Yi really wanted to say the word "grandson," but after all, he was not Ye Feng''s grandfather.


    "Can you tell me which two factions are in conflict?"


    Ye Feng asked solemnly, knowing Cao Yi was serious at this moment.


    "Now that things have reached this point, it''s not impossible to tell you."


    "In our nation, some people do not wish to see power so dispersed. Previously, those people didn''t dare act too blatantly, but now, with strong figures backing them, it''s inevitable that their true colors will show."


    Ge Nie didn''t spell things out too clearly, but he knew Ye Feng would understand.


    "Are they seeking a centralized authority, a revival of the¡ªdynasty?"


    Ye Feng laughed.


    It was not easy for Xuanyuan Nation to finally reach its current state of prosperity. This nascent nation had everything running on trials, but now, some people couldn''t resist the urge to monopolize the fruits of success.

 Chapter 256 The First Battle Begins

    ```


    Power can drive people insane.


    Atop Sky Sword Peak, Ye Feng stood alone on the summit, his mind endlessly pondering the words Cao Yi had said the day before. Behind him, danced the Black Dragon Banner of the Northern Border, swaying in the wind. Adorned on the flag was an exquisitely lifelike Five-clawed Flood Dragon, its entire body black, and the way it raised its head as though it could command the storms and the winds.


    This flag, within the Northern Border and even throughout the Xuanyuan Nation, was unique and known as the Black Dragon Banner.


    On the distant Azure Cloud Peak, there stood another large flag. Unlike Ye Feng¡¯s Black Dragon Banner, Zhu Guangbo¡¯s banner was embroidered with a Northeast Tiger roaring towards the sky.


    He was not truly the Northern Border King and dared not fly the same flag as Ye Feng.


    But if he could seize the flag behind Ye Feng, then from that day forward, the Black Dragon Banner would belong to him, Zhu Guangbo, by right and no one could dispute that.


    "The Black Dragon Banner, which Ning Tianya regarded as more important than his own life, do you think if it were lost to Ye Feng, he would be tormented to death?"


    On Azure Cloud Peak, there were a total of three people, two of whom were masked men in black, both sitting cross-legged beside the Tiger Banner, their composure incredibly arrogant, not once looking directly at Zhu Guangbo from the beginning until the end.


    "Of course."


    The person on the left immediately replied.


    From their tones, it seemed as though they held endless resentment towards the Old Northern King who had already passed away.@@@@


    "If the two distinguished ones are so fond of the Black Dragon Banner, this humble one may not be talented but is determined to seize it for the distinguished ones as a congratulating gift."


    Zhu Guangbo slightly furrowed his brows after hearing this, his tone sycophantic.


    What was the origin of these two people?


    Zhu Guangbo himself did not know, only aware that these were individuals arranged by that masked Young Master, and even people from the imperial capital had to obey them. Furthermore, the two of them had taken up the mission to be stationed at the main peak by themselves.


    "Zhu Guangbo, I advise you not to play any clever tricks."


    "To be a dog, just obey orders. The Black Dragon Banner belongs to the Young Master, and only the person the Young Master wishes to grant it to can possess it."


    To their surprise, the right-sided black-clothed man, rather than being pleased, scolded and warned Zhu Guangbo.


    "Your Excellency is absolutely correct."


    Zhu Guangbo hurriedly bowed his head in response, his expression hidden behind his face unseen.


    The public¡¯s choice?


    To say Northeast Tiger, at best, is just a pet cat being manipulated by others; in the struggle of the Vast Sea, minor characters are only suitable to be chess pieces under the hands of the mighty.


    Since they are chess pieces, they could at any time be discarded, all dependent on the whims of the mighty; no one knows the eyes hidden under Zhu Guangbo¡¯s mask held a trace of stubborn unwillingness.


    In terms of the weight of a chess piece, he knew he could not compare to Ye Feng, because the latter and that masked Young Master were the true strategists, while Zhu Guangbo was merely a spokesperson pushed to the forefront.


    "Kill!"


    Amidst the frost and snow, at the border between Lu Mountain and Heavenly Sound Mountain, a battle was about to commence between the forces of Ye Feng and Zhu Guangbo.


    Over a hundred Grandmasters and more than a dozen Martial Kings commenced their first round of confrontation, and surprisingly, it seemed as though the people from both sides recognized each other and each sought out their own opponents.


    Damn it, what¡¯s going on here?


    This is the Central Battlefield, where Ye Feng had invested the most troops. The people brought by Cao Yi were the strongest and most numerous among those who came to support him, and were now all deployed here.


    The original plan was to catch the enemy unawares, attempting a direct assault at the heart.


    Yet it seemed as if the opponent had a similar strategy?


    Looking at Zhu Guangbo¡¯s forces, it was clear that they were both more numerous and stronger than Ye Feng¡¯s side.


    If it¡¯s not a coincidence, then there must be a traitor among those close to the ruler!


    The more Zhan Tian fought, the grimmer his expression became. The forces sent by Zhu Guangbo continued to grow as they flanked from both sides, clearly intending to swallow up the ruler¡¯s troops.


    "Sire, we¡¯ve encountered a formidable ambush, their numbers surpass ours, and the reinforcements are still increasing. If we don¡¯t retreat now, I fear..."


    Sima Zhantian didn¡¯t finish his sentence.


    At the same time, the Martial Kings on Ye Feng¡¯s side began to roar continuously, taking the initiative to cover the rear and resist the enemy fire. Like Zhang Che, those who sought personal glory were, after all, in the minority.


    Let them go!


    Just as Zhu Guangbo¡¯s faction contemplated whether to pursue their victory, orders from above arrived.


    The troops from both sides quickly disappeared into their respective positions, leaving behind nothing but dozens of desolate and pale corpses in the snowy field. Without the passing of snow wolves, the bodies would be covered by snow and ice within a night.


    The battle ended with neither side gaining an advantage. Ye Feng lost many Great Grandmasters, while Zhu Guangbo lost a Martial King.


    "Thank you!"


    Atop Sky Mist Mountain, Zhang Che approached Sima Zhantian to express his gratitude. Regardless of whether the man intended to save him or not, in the end, his survival was due to the latter¡¯s actions.


    "Thank your grandpa!"


    "What¡¯s your name? You¡¯re quite the man."


    Sima Zhantian¡¯s tone fluctuated between kindness and aloofness, confusing Zhang Che for a moment.


    "Zhang Che, and you?"


    Zhang Che offered a smile, having a general idea of what Sima Zhantian was getting at.


    "Commander of the Fourth Legion of the Northern Border Army, Sima Zhantian."


    Sima Zhantian spoke with an open and loud voice, immediately attracting plenty of attention.


    What a hero!


    Several Martial Kings nodded in approval. Truthfully, they understood that this battle was a clash between the great powers behind the scenes.


    But if the Northern Border hadn¡¯t caused these issues, how would this competition come about?


    Although resentment certainly existed, Sima Zhantian¡¯s actions somewhat soothed the thorn in their hearts.


    "So, it¡¯s Brother Zhan Tian. I¡¯ve long admired your reputation."


    Zhang Che offered his compliments, though his expression hardly conveyed any admiration.


    It was merely a courtesy. In terms of cultivation level, he was at the Middle Rank, while Sima Zhantian was only at the Primary Level.


    "Where are you from?"


    Sima Zhantian didn¡¯t take the previous comment seriously, instead asking another question.


    He was one of the first to arrive at Heavenly Sound Mountain, but with so many people showing up in just one day, he had too many questions.


    "The Imperial City, Utility Pavilion."


    On mentioning the Utility Pavilion, Zhang Che¡¯s expression clearly turned reverent.


    In the entire Xuanyuan Nation, the only entity he respected was that most mysterious Utility Pavilion, just as the soldiers from the Four Realms revered the untouchable Minggong Pavilion as sacred.


    "And these brothers?"


    Sima Zhantian quickly turned his gaze to the group on the mountain.


    No matter what, these people were all worthy of his respect and deserving of having their names remembered. Just now, they had fought in a disadvantaged position, and everyone present¡ª


    Not one was a deserter!


    "Come to think of it, I¡¯m also a general. In this place, Brother Zhan Tian, you¡¯re the Military Governor, and I¡¯m the commander, the Great Guardian General Lin Chong."


    A man with a determined face and crew cut stood up with a smile.


    Lin Chong!


    "So it¡¯s the Chief Instructor of the Forbidden Army. I¡¯ve long admired your great name."


    In the Imperial City, there were the Guardian Sect Leaders and a group of Great Guardians, led by the Great General of the Nation Guard. Except for rare occasions, their deeds were not well-known, but they had nurtured many talents for the Four Realms.


    Lin Chong, Chief Instructor of the Imperial City¡¯s Forbidden Army, was one of the key figures under the Great General of the Nation Guard. Though Sima Zhantian, as a commander of the Northern Border Legion, seldom visited the Imperial City, he could still recall the names of several famous Great Generals of his time.

 Chapter 257: The Regular Cast and the Trump Card

    As the Forbidden Army Instructor, who also equated to the ancient Imperial Guard, Lin Chong was definitely a prominent figure in the Imperial Capital.


    Upon heart-searching self-inquiry, this National Guardian Great General, in Sima Zhantian¡¯s eyes, though not as eminent as Northern King Ye Feng, surely wouldn¡¯t be far behind. However, such a person in the Imperial Capital, with authority reaching the sky,


    why did he also come?


    Following Lin Chong, several more people successively reported their names and origins.


    Including Zhang Che, four individuals from the mysterious Utility Pavilion arrived; in terms of cultivation level, they were the strongest group, with three Middle Rank Martial Kings and one High-Level; on the National Guardian General side, including Lin Chong, there were two generals in total, except Lin Chong¡¯s bodyguard was also a Martial King; three Martial Kings came from the Three Offices of the Xuanyuan Nation, they were the heads of various Earth Regions, among whom the head of the Supervisory Heaven Department, Sima Zhantian, had once briefly encountered, this person had appeared alongside Ge Nie at a banquet in Northern Su.


    As for the other four, they came from different noble families; however, these families within the entire Xuanyuan Nation were of the kind without a shred of fame. Sima Zhantian was fairly certain these people were either from the families of several Guardian Sect Leaders or related to the Great General of Nation Guard who was far away in the Imperial Capital.


    The remaining Great Grandmasters looked at each other, all shook their heads with wry smiles and felt envy; below a Martial King, all were as ants, and this topic among Martial Kings, how could their group of Grandmasters get involved?


    A total of fourteen Martial Kings, all related to the actual power holders of the Xuanyuan Nation, Sima Zhantian inwardly muttered trouble. Clearly, this war had surpassed the dispute for the Northern Border King¡¯s throne, the high-level confrontation had become so urgent.


    Is the King really ready?


    In the Central Battlefield, Heavenly Sound Mountain, belonging to Ye Feng, was now devoid of people as everyone retreated to deal with orders from secondary peaks.


    "Young Master, Heavenly Sound Mountain is empty now, shall we take it?"


    Above Qing Yun Peak, Zhu Guangbo was in contact with that mysterious Young Master, the call being encrypted and direct.


    Although it appeared that the contest was between Zhu Guangbo and Ye Feng, in reality, all control wasn¡¯t in the hands of Zhu. Even the people who came over from the Zhu Family of the Northeast didn¡¯t hesitate to follow the mysterious Young Master¡¯s orders.


    And Zhu Guangbo, although he was a General overseeing the main peak, had no choice but to stay there. Two masked men in black, while watching the flags, were also guarding this person in charge.


    Before the contest was decided, the three people on Qing Yun Peak couldn¡¯t leave, unless they were prepared to leave their lives behind before doing so.


    "Take it down!"


    "Don¡¯t worry about any empty-fort strategy, I know Ye Feng too well, he would never resort to risky tactics unless absolutely necessary."


    The phone call was brief, only replying with two sentences before hastily ending it, Zhu Guangbo then acted according to the instructions.


    On the upper battlefield, at a secluded point in Destiny Mountain, a young man wearing a blue tight-fitting suit was breathing and regulating his breath with eyes closed; he had well-proportioned features, and his eyes and eyebrows exuded a sharpness that was hard to describe.


    "Young Master, are we really doing nothing?"


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    The meditating person was Zhang Wenyuan, who came from the Imperial Capital to assist Ye Feng, and the people around him were the force secretly cultivated by the Daotian Group over the years, two Martial Kings and twelve Grandmasters.


    Upon first meeting this Second Young Master of the Zhang Family, Ye Feng was surprised, and also very curious; the little-known Second Young Master of the Zhang Family turned out to be rather extraordinary, as the cultivation level he displayed was that of a Martial King.


    Even more bizarre was that Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s cultivation level could be both Primary Level and Middle Rank.


    "Do what?"


    Zhang Wenyuan opened his eyes and retorted.


    "Er!"


    The subordinate did not know how to respond; wasn¡¯t I asking you, yet you turn around and ask me.


    "Ye Feng didn¡¯t ask us to do anything."


    "The scenery is nice, it¡¯s a bit cold, but squeezing together we can still have a good sleep, don¡¯t idle about, those who should rest, rest."


    After saying this, Zhang Wenyuan closes his eyes again.


    Indeed, Ye Feng had not arranged anything for Zhang Wenyuan, only saying to him: play it by ear; as for what role Zhang Wenyuan could play, that was not for Ye Feng to consider.


    To distrust the suspicious, to trust those employed.@@@@


    Perhaps Zhang Wenyuan could become a trump card in Ye Feng¡¯s hands, or perhaps Ye Feng never really cared about him, just perfunctorily dealing with him.


    In such an atmosphere, with such a woman, such a beauty, you can actually bear to let her come to the battlefield?


    If Ye Feng hasn¡¯t lost his mind, then this Miss Yu Feiyu must have genuinely offended the sovereign. Qin He felt he couldn¡¯t stay much longer; this team claimed to be fit for observation, not suited for war.


    "Yawn!"


    Could someone be cursing me?


    Atop the main peak of Sky Sword Peak, Ye Feng, seated under the Black Dragon Banner, yawned for no apparent reason, his face filled with melancholy¡ªit would be seven days before he could see Hong Qingyan again.


    The military chess remains unmoved!


    "Did you go see Sima Zhantian?"


    A fiery red figure descended beside Ye Feng.


    "Hmm."


    Feng Yuan answered directly, without any concealment.


    "I didn¡¯t expect a woman like you to think highly of him,"


    Ye Feng mused to himself with surprise.


    Considering Feng Yuan¡¯s cultivation level, which even he could hardly catch up with, her affection for a big shot like Sima Zhantian suggested that perhaps feelings really could be hammered out.


    "His personality is very in line with that side; do you think when I choose people, I must look at their cultivation level?"


    Feng Yuan casually set up a fire shield.


    Her existence was something Ye Feng said had to remain a secret from everyone, at least for now.


    "Got it!"


    "Sister Feng Yuan is straightforward, I admire you, Ye Feng. Then, with my character, how would I fare if I went there?"


    Ye Feng gestured for Feng Yuan to have a seat.


    To be honest, if Feng Yuan really ended up with Sima Zhantian someday, Ye Feng would wholeheartedly support it; at first, he thought she was just joking around.


    "You¡¯d get beaten."


    Feng Yuan thought for a moment and said.


    A single Alien Great Wall, which they had defended for three thousand years, had no need for someone like Ye Feng who calculated everything to perfection. All they needed was a bowl of wine and a man who could leap into battle and slay hundreds of enemies.


    "I can also drink."


    Ye Feng grinned, unconvinced that he was someone who just stood there to be beaten.


    "I know that; let¡¯s drink together sometime."


    Feng Yuan was equally unconvinced.


    Good at drinking? Even better. After a few drinks, the fighting becomes even crisper.


    Moved by her words, Ye Feng smiled and said:


    "That sounds great, how about inviting Sima Zhantian too?"


    Ye Feng had a hunch that Feng Yuan¡¯s alcohol tolerance wouldn¡¯t be far off, and inviting Sima Zhantian was part of another agenda. It was time for that big shot to wake up and realize that the world didn¡¯t just belong to men.


    "That¡¯s fine."


    "Although I don¡¯t know why, I¡¯m sure Old Long wants you there too,"


    Feng Yuan avoided Ye Feng¡¯s gaze and looked out at the snowy landscape below the peak.

 Chapter 258: Sacrifice and Meet the Enemy

    The snow-laden night was truly beautiful.


    In the sky, the crystal-clear snowflakes fell gently, one by one. Some say they are like the smiling faces of lovers, evoking memories when seen; others say they are like the spirits of the snowy fields, pure and flawless upon reflection.


    A cluster of travelers moved quickly through the snow field, without any firelight or bright beams, only the harsh glint of blades and swords.


    At last, groups of people from the left front to both flanks gathered completely and commenced their charge towards the enemies at Heavenly Sound Mountain.


    The clamor of battle and the clash of weapons suddenly erupted.


    During the day, Ye Feng had deliberately conceded one of the peaks of Heavenly Sound Mountain. Out of eight, even if all were lost, as long as the military flag on the main peak still stood tall and the generals remained unvanquished, then this contest could not be considered a loss.


    "Enemy attack, get up and face the enemy!"


    Atop Heavenly Sound Mountain, those allied with Zhu Guangbo faced the encroaching formidable enemies from all sides with bitter expressions. But soon, their faces hardened with determination.


    They really came!


    These people, with swift movements, ignited their tents before the enemy could reach them, setting fire to everything that could burn. In reality, there weren¡¯t as many people hiding inside the dozens of tents.


    The fires that blazed on the mountain would also serve as a signal.


    On Heavenly Sound Mountain, there were only three Martial King-level masters, and the remaining Grandmasters were pitifully few. These individuals took up their weapons and charged toward the enemy without regard for their own lives, following only one order: to hold the adversary as long as possible.


    And death would be the inevitable outcome.


    "Kill!"


    War holds no place for pity.


    This was destined to be an unequal battle. The number of enemies almost tenfold, with no less than fifty participating in the assault. The people on Zhu Guangbo¡¯s side couldn¡¯t endure even five minutes under the brutal slaughter and fell one after another.


    The battle ended in a resounding victory.


    Yet the few commanders on Ye Feng¡¯s side couldn¡¯t seem to rejoice, even Yu Feiyu, who knew little of military strategy, looked grimly at the fires that were still not extinguished.


    This battle was won too easily, and their enemies were too few.


    "Ye Feng, oh Ye Feng, what do you think my next move will be?"


    In a distant place, two figures in black stood shoulder to shoulder; one of them, a man wearing an Evil Ghost Mask, looked at the fires on Heavenly Sound Mountain and couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "King, that should be the situation on this front,"


    Leng Wuming reported to Ye Feng with a furrowed brow.


    Sacrificial pawns!


    Summing up the battle, all the conclusions the commanders came to were encapsulated in the words "sacrificial pawns."


    These were people Zhu Guangbo had intentionally thrown away to lure Ye Feng into his trap. Using the blood of three Martial Kings and over a dozen Great Grandmasters as bait, everyone received their first harsh lesson on the ruthless tactics of the Zhu Family¡¯s Northeast Tiger.


    Cruel and utterly ruthless!


    "Understood."


    "There are some ronin looking for trouble. I¡¯m giving you a vanguard mission: find and completely annihilate the Fusang Ronin lurking to the east. Leave none alive."


    Ye Feng responded in his usual indifferent tone.


    "King, are you asking us to withdraw from the battlefield now?"


    Leng Wuming asked in disbelief.


    Wasn¡¯t now the time to quickly retreat to the main peak for defense, to face the unknown number of enemies that had infiltrated their ranks? That would be the most accurate course of action, wouldn¡¯t it?


    "I know you are confused and worried, but now, carry out the orders!"


    Ye Feng said sternly.


    "Yes!"


    Leng Wuming hung up the phone.


    Sacrificial pawns. Zhu Guangbo, you are willing to use the blood of a dozen people as sacrificial pawns, but am I, Ye Feng, such a person?


    Atop Sky Sword Peak, Ye Feng did not waver. What needed to be done?


    Nothing needed to be done, only to wait eagerly for the arrival of the enemy, until they were at the gates. Who says the people outside are my last resort? From the beginning, Ye Feng had never placed too much hope on those reinforcements.


    Enough with the pretense and playacting.


    His lord was unaware of how deeply he was troubled; he even wanted to disobey the order.


    ...


    "Nine Martial Kings have passed by, along with twenty-seven Great Grandmasters and forty-two Grandmasters."


    Atop Destiny Mountain, Zhang Wenyuan and others were still lying in ambush, counting the enemies passing by. His lips curled into a meaningful smile.


    Ye Feng, you truly dare to do anything!


    "Young Master, what are you counting?"


    Seeing Zhang Wenyuan muttering, a subordinate asked in confusion.


    "Why should I tell you?"


    Zhang Wenyuan countered.


    The subordinate: "..."


    Could the boss not always throw the question back?


    "Let¡¯s move!"


    "It¡¯s time to act. To Qing Yun Peak, to capture the flag."


    Zhang Wenyuan cleaved the piled-up snow at the cave¡¯s entrance and leapt out.


    "Sir, shouldn¡¯t we continue to move covertly?"


    "Sneak my ass! Walk boldly with me and keep up the pace."


    The team from Daotian Group instantly chased after the figure ahead. For some reason, the eyes of the two Martial Kings looking at Zhang Wenyuan were always filled with awe.


    "What did you say? Ye Feng has ordered a retreat?"


    Atop Qing Yun Peak, a voice full of disbelief came through the phone.


    "Yes!"


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    "Aside from the people from Valley of the Medicine God heading to Sky Sword Peak, the rest are withdrawing and hastening to the east."


    Zhu Guangbo stated with certainty.


    "The east? The people from Mingbei Kingdom shouldn¡¯t be coming from that direction either."


    The voice on the phone was filled with deep confusion, and quickly continued:


    "Since they have left, order the men to stand by in place and wait until I figure out the details before making the next move."


    Ye Feng, what are you doing?


    Inside the Northern Border Camp, a man who had just returned from outside muttered to himself.


    "Young Master, shouldn¡¯t we launch a full attack now and take Sky Sword Peak in one fell swoop?"


    Next to the man, a figure in a black robe appeared and asked.


    "You don¡¯t understand Ye Feng; he is not someone who acts so recklessly."


    "Moreover, if you were me and you were Ye Feng at this moment, what do you think would be the most appropriate course of action?"


    The man pondered and asked.


    From another perspective, it might not be regarded as far-sighted planning. However, listening might reveal reality; observers can be confused.


    "Wait!"


    "Ye Feng has already sent his men away. What else could he be doing on Sky Sword Peak right now besides waiting?"


    The black-robed man replied without much thought.


    "Wait?"


    The man lightly tapped the tabletop, lost in thought.


    The enemy¡¯s arrival calls for waiting, and waiting for news of victory to spread is still waiting. It is still unclear what exactly Ye Feng is waiting for!


    The man rubbed his brows. If it was the latter, he was not overly concerned or afraid of what trap Ye Feng might have set around Qing Yun Peak, but he did fear that at this moment, Ye Feng was sitting calmly on Sky Sword Peak, ready to meet the enemy head-on.

 Chapter 259: The Artillery of the New Era

    Winter skies, the break of dawn comes exceedingly late.


    Throughout the night, both sides affiliated with Ye Feng and Zhu Guangbo were busy. The Zhu¡¯s men were busily investigating each hilltop, searching for any traces possibly left by Ye Feng, while Ye Feng¡¯s people were scattered in the east, searching for those Fusang Ronin who had infiltrated.


    "Ye Feng, what tricks do you still have up your sleeve?"


    All night long, the mysterious Young Master behind Zhu Guangbo stayed awake, painstakingly recalling every little detail about Ye Feng throughout the years, yet failed to find any useful information.


    All who could come to Ye Feng¡¯s aid had arrived.


    And the outcome of the investigation revealed nothing unusual, apart from the few insignificant individuals previously hiding at Destiny Mountain.


    Only Sky Sword Peak remained.


    "Young Master, perhaps Ye Feng has run out of tricks?"


    The man in the black robe, looking at the still furrowed-brow Young Master, felt a tinge of disdain - of course, it was disdain for Ye Feng.


    A mere Ye Feng, without those who stand by his side, dares to contend with the Young Master?


    In terms of the chess game, no matter if Ye Feng is the commander, he still has to dance at someone else¡¯s fingertips, while the Young Master can be both the General on the chessboard and the player controlling the game from beyond the board.


    "Impossible!"


    "Forget it, it¡¯s just a game. Since Ye Feng has cleared the way for me, if I continue to hesitate, he might just look down on me."


    Thereafter, the mysterious Young Master picked up the phone that was set aside and issued a command to the person on the other end.


    Launch a full-scale attack!


    No matter what tricks Ye Feng might still have hidden, one trial would reveal all.


    "Yu Feiyu, I am now ordering you to retreat from the battlefield with utmost speed."


    As dawn began to break, the snow suddenly stopped.


    When Ye Feng learned that Yu Feiyu was coming to support him at Sky Sword Peak, he felt both irritated and affectionate. Annoyed that this half-disciple of his had the audacity to defy his orders, but, of course, he cherished her intent.


    "Master, don¡¯t worry. Give me at most half an hour, and I will join you at Sky Sword Peak to fight side by side."


    Little did Yu Feiyu realize she had misunderstood Ye Feng¡¯s intent.


    At this moment, Yu Feiyu, weary and worn, was still on the frontline ridges at the foot of Sky Sword Peak, on the waist of Heavenly Feather Mountain. En route, she had encountered too many ambushes. The Valley of the Medicine God¡¯s team was decimated, and only three out of the five Martial Kings remained.


    A journey of less than two hours unraveled over the course of an entire night.


    Zhu Guangbo¡¯s men dared not kill Yu Feiyu outright but also wouldn¡¯t allow her to lead the Valley of the Medicine God¡¯s people successfully back to Sky Sword Peak. Once they crossed over Heavenly Feather Mountain, less than thirty percent of the survivors still faced death.


    Didn¡¯t hear me clearly?


    After a pause, Ye Feng spoke coldly, "Now, immediately, leave the battlefield, or I can plainly tell you that you, Yu Feiyu, will die; and the person who will take your life won¡¯t be Zhu Guangbo, but me."


    Yu Feiyu, who was pressing forward, abruptly halted.


    In that moment, she finally understood. It turned out that her master deliberately laid such a trap to lure the enemy in, continuing towards Sky Sword Peak.


    She was not helping, she was definitely making things worse!


    "Qi Worshipper, Loo Attendant, lead everyone and rush out of this battlefield at full speed."


    Yu Feiyu turned and uttered.


    The first to come up was not Zhu Guangbo¡¯s team but the batch of Death Servants Ye Feng had sent down to kill the enemy. All of these people were unharmed, standing in their battle formation, looking coldly at Ye Feng.


    "Ye Feng, you still want to run away like a lost dog?"


    Within the Zhu Family team, a sinister-looking man stepped forward. His name was Zhu Youkang, Zhu Guangbo¡¯s second uncle, and also the leader of the entire Zhu Family team.


    Looking at Ye Feng¡¯s outfit, Zhu Youkang was filled with puzzlement¡ªthe dark red mecha suit exuded a robust aura of steel and might, and on his back were four pairs of blade-like wings. Observing the chilly barrel holes exposed on Ye Feng¡¯s shoulders and arms, Zhu Youkang suddenly felt an inexplicable palpitation.


    Thinking of flying?


    Don¡¯t forget that although Martial Kings can¡¯t truly fly, the brief moment they took to the air to strike was enough for them to smash Ye Feng¡¯s armor to pieces. What¡¯s more, Sky Sword Peak and the Black Dragon Banner were right here.


    Can you escape from the monks but not from the temple?


    The key to winning or losing this contest was to seize the other¡¯s main peak. As long as one could plant their own flag on the occupied main peak, victory was theirs.


    "Escape?"


    "Those words should be my farewell to you. The game is over. Now, feel the fire of the new era!"


    Ye Feng pulled out the Black Dragon Banner and hoisted it onto his shoulder, while four dark red metal tubes on his back spouted silver-white flames.


    At the same time, up a bit from the middle of Sky Sword Peak, where everyone had passed, over twenty people dressed the same as Ye Feng flew out together.


    White, green, blue... a variety of mechas hovered in the sky, all chillingly aiming their barrels down at Sky Sword Peak.


    "Stop him!"


    The moment Ye Feng rose to his feet, the Martial Kings of Zhu Guangbo¡¯s side, including the Death Servants, all made their move, with about thirty Martial Kings executing earth-shattering moves.


    But Ye Feng had already replenished his mecha with an additional layer of golden battle armor, his rich vital energy, reminiscent of the Great River of Time. When Sato Shinichi first saw Ye Feng¡¯s battle armor, he mistook Ye Feng¡¯s Divine Path Object for the armor itself.


    A series of moves struck Ye Feng, only propelling him higher into the air.


    "Fire!"


    It seemed like the only sound left in heaven and earth was Ye Feng¡¯s cold and merciless voice.


    Scorching beams of light flowed from the various metal tubes, gold, red, even some dual-colored... a succession of beams didn¡¯t hit the mass of enemies, but rather struck the thick snow on Sky Sword Peak, instantly exploding.


    It¡¯s over!


    This was Great Snow Mountain; a mountain like Sky Sword Peak, with an altitude of kilometers, was home to snow that had withstood the ages. If an avalanche were to occur, one could imagine how tremendous its force would be¡ªmuch less one that was deliberately caused.


    Even if Martial Kings could take to the air, they would find nowhere to land.


    The bombardment continued.


    The sound of the avalanche, along with screams, also continued.


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    Ye Feng had no intention of letting any enemy go. He once asked Cao Yi how to deal with enemies, and Boss Cao¡¯s answer was to kill if possible.


    "This is bad!"


    "It¡¯s a chain reaction triggered by the avalanche, a supermassive avalanche! If you don¡¯t want to die, give it everything you¡¯ve got!"


    Watching as nearby mountain tops also began to avalanche, Yu Feiyu¡¯s eyes trembled uncontrollably. She finally understood what Ye Feng¡¯s ultimate move was.


    Master, can you survive?

 Chapter 260 Mu Tian Leaves

    ```


    Millennia of accumulated snow collapsed in an instant.


    A massive avalanche, its momentum thunderous and earth-shattering, originated from Sky Sword Peak where Ye Feng stood and set off continuous avalanches in the surrounding mountains large and small. The torrents of accumulated snow rolled down unstoppable, sweeping away everything on the mountainsides with overwhelming force.


    People thought they could conquer natural disasters, and the Martial Kings were considered superior to others. However, when faced with such a catastrophic act of nature, even the Martial Kings were rendered powerless, their resistance pale and weak.


    To the east, not far from the bank of Gesang River, the battling sides stopped their fight unusually. Everyone looked towards the distant avalanche, their minds and spirits deeply shaken.


    Of course, it was only a momentary pause. In a narrow path only the brave prevail, and the Ronin from Fusang Island Nation had finally found their chance. Facing these sneaky Dongying Ronins, the group led by Lin Chong from the capital city was filled with a sky-reaching killing intent.


    Those who disturb our land, those who trespass on Xuanyuan Land, shall be killed without mercy!


    On Qing Yun Peak, Zhu Guangbo watched the super avalanche in the far distance, trembling with a sense of bleak sorrow.


    It¡¯s over!


    The team from the Zhu Family of the Northeast, caught in an avalanche of this magnitude, had almost no chance of survival. It was the elite force that the Zhu Family had built up over nearly a century, and yet, it was all buried just like that.


    "Why is this happening?"


    In the Northern Border Camp, the mysterious Young Master had already learned the outcome there. He showed not the slightest sorrow or guilt on his face for the many Martial Kings and Grandmasters who had been buried or even died under the snow.


    What he felt was only incomprehension.


    And this mysterious Young Master was no other than Ye Feng¡¯s "left arm", the enigmatic Lord Mu Tian.


    What Mu Tian could not understand was how, despite his extreme caution and care, not a single one among the one hundred and eight Death Servants inside Sky Sword Peak and the many Martial Kings and Grandmasters had sensed those hidden Qi Forces.


    Were they just the artilleries of the new era?


    "Ye Feng, since when have you been wary of me?"


    With confusion and incomprehension, Lord Mu suddenly stood up and, regaining his composure, slipped back into his black robe before saying:


    "Let¡¯s go, Elder Ling, it¡¯s time to return."


    Lord Mu looked around and finally his gaze settled on the python robe, the royal robe of the Northern Border King. It was laughable that Zhu Guangbo had been there for so long without ever daring to drape it over himself.


    In the end, he¡¯s a worm that cannot be helped up!


    "Young Master, there are still many people on Qing Yun Peak, isn¡¯t it too early to admit defeat?"


    The man in the black robe standing behind Lord Mu spoke with a hint of unwillingness.


    Losing like this to Ye Feng would surely affect the Young Master¡¯s prestige if it got out in the future. The man in the black robe knew full well he was but a dog, and as such, it was his duty to protect his master.


    "With the first avalanche already occurred, do you think Ye Feng will show mercy and not trigger another? This method of annihilating the enemy without much sacrifice is really admirable. I¡¯ve underestimated Ye Feng after all. I thought I was ruthless, but it seems he¡¯s even more so. Let those people disperse and don¡¯t bother with futile struggles."


    Lord Mu smiled.


    He knew the worry in the eyes of the man in the black robe, but were a group of flowers raised in a greenhouse worthy to be his opponents?


    "Young Master need not be modest."


    "Thinking about time, it¡¯s been five years already. It¡¯s time to return, otherwise those people might start to forget about the existence of the Young Master. Before we leave, should we collect some interest?"


    The man in the black robe asked in a low voice.


    "Who would have thought, it¡¯s been five years already."


    Lord Mu¡¯s expression suddenly grew reflective.


    Throughout these five years, he had watched step by step how Ye Feng became the King of the Northern Border, how he intimidated the Northern Heroes, became authoritative with a single word, and how he led his army to conquer the Mingbei Barbarians and stationed the Northern Border Camp on the bank of Gesang River.


    Looking back on the past, the great river of time was dense with events, but regrettably, the protagonist was not himself. Lord Mu shook his head and said:


    "Let¡¯s leave now. If it weren¡¯t for our differing stances, I would indeed like to be brothers with these people."


    What was the interest Elder Ling was talking about?


    Lord Mu certainly knew. Was it killing Xiao Chuanqi? Or was it destroying half of the Northern Border Legion?


    The first to reach the top of Qing Yun Peak was not Ye Feng, but Zhang Wenyuan and his group. Strangely, they hadn¡¯t encountered a single ambush along the way.


    This journey was smooth and unobstructed. Even Zhang Wenyuan began to doubt whether this was really a battlefield or if Zhu Guangbo¡¯s men had all perished in the avalanche? He felt a distinct lack of presence.


    Fortunately, Zhu Guangbo was still there, and so was the Tiger Banner.


    Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s eyes shone brightly, two Peak Martial Kings, very good, just the right opponents to practice on.


    "Who are you?"


    Facing the young man wanting to fight two on one, the two masked men were quite surprised and uncertain.


    Because Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s aura was also at the peak of Martial King. Where did this genius come from?


    "Zhang Family, Zhang Wenyuan!"


    After revealing his name, Zhang Wenyuan continued:


    "I know you two are elders from the Heaven Darkness Sect. The one on the left must be Elder Sky Cold, and the one on the right must be Elder Sky Ice. Don¡¯t say I don¡¯t respect the elderly; both of you please come at me together."


    Is that considered respecting the elderly?


    Young master, you¡¯re trying to infuriate these two old fellows, aren¡¯t you? The people from the Daoyi Group were provocatively quiet, but it turned out to be the same young master he was familiar with.


    The youth is wild, still wild!


    "Zhang Family?"


    Haven¡¯t heard of it. The two elders from the Heaven Darkness Sect looked at each other, their eyes filled with deep astonishment.


    This young man could actually see through their identities, no ordinary feat!


    "Are you Zhang Daoyi¡¯s son?"


    As one of the Great Families, Zhang Family¡¯s Daoyi Group was a force that could match up to the Eight Noble Families in the imperial city. How could Zhu Guangbo not know of it?


    But, was Zhang Daoyi¡¯s son really this fierce?


    "Of course, you stay out of this, someone else will come to settle scores with you."


    Zhang Wenyuan instantly took his stance.


    It was clear to see that the elders from the Heaven Darkness Sect had developed a killing intent towards him.


    Kill! One by one.


    The attacks happened in the blink of an eye. Elders Sky Cold and Sky Ice, both Peak Martial Kings, unleashed superior Ice Qi Energy with a sweep of their hands, turning the snowflakes in the air into the sharpest hidden weapons, sweeping towards the people of the Daoyi Group.


    Now that they knew their origins, they could not be spared.


    "Great Shifting of Heaven and Earth!"


    Golden Qi Force erupted from Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s hands. His gestures resembled Tai Chi, yet they were not actually Tai Chi.


    Unlike the Tai Chi Palm Technique, the waves of Qi produced by Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s hands were not soft and powerless; instead, they surged like raging seas, sending all the hidden weapons back where they came from.


    "Great Shifting Divine Technique, who in the world are you?"


    The two elders formed ice crystals with their hands, instantaneously knocking down all the hidden weapons.


    Divine Skill!


    A cultivation technique endowed with the words ¡¯Divine Skill¡¯ was an existence of astonishing power in this world. Elders Sky Cold and Sky Ice were not shaken by Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s cultivation level.


    But rather, it was the "Great Shifting Divine Technique" that had supposedly been lost.


    "If you ask me, to whom should I ask?"


    "No need to ask so much, alive or dead, you both have to die, go all out."


    A madman!


    Zhu Guangbo¡¯s scalp tingled. How had the Zhang Family produced such a formidable character without any buzz?

 Chapter 261: What’s So Hard About Using the Word ’Take’?

    ```


    Life, it seemed, had played an enormous joke on Zhu Guangbo.


    Five months ago, a mysterious figure had arrived at the Zhu Family of the Northeast, instructing the martial arts prodigy to head to the Northern Border Camp to assume the role of the new Northern Border King.


    The ambitious Zhu Guangbo naturally would not pass up this rare opportunity and eagerly set out, with the Zhu Family Members unanimously believing it to be the herald of the Zhu Family¡¯s rise.


    Zhu Guangbo was the chosen one of fate.


    Yet, having arrived here, everything had gone against his wishes. Zhu Guangbo found himself to be nothing more than a puppet in someone else¡¯s hands, unable to resist, only capable of obedient compliance.


    Yes, a martial arts prodigy.


    Now, Zhu Guangbo realized just how laughable his so-called "martial arts prodigy" status was. Any random person from the Zhang Family, unheard of and unknown, had become an existence he needed to look up to.


    Not to mention Gai Jiutian, and that mysterious Young Master.


    The chosen one of fate, who in this world is truly the chosen one of fate?


    Watching Zhang Wenyuan holding his own against two opponents without showing any signs of weakness, Zhu Guangbo knew he was not the one. Not by a long shot. He was a Martial King, and moreover, one who had broken through before the age of thirty - a feat that in the past would have been enough to fill him with pride.


    But what did it amount to when compared with the man before him now?


    "This kid is tough, we can¡¯t hold back anymore."


    After exchanging dozens of rounds with Zhang Wenyuan, the Two Elders of Ice from the Heaven Darkness Sect grew increasingly alarmed; the young man before them showed not the slightest sign of fatigue. On the contrary, he seemed to grow stronger as the battle continued, his combat skills becoming ever more refined.


    Clearly, he was using them for practice.


    "Fine, let¡¯s kill him and be done with it."


    Sky Ice communicated back via sound transmission.


    A genius, but what of it?


    Any genius who cannot grow to the end is a fool. The Two Elders, Sky Ice and Sky Cold, stood back to back, touching palms, transmitting their Power to one another.


    One cultivated Ice Qi Energy, the other cultivated Cold Qi.


    If these two were to merge, it would form the genuine Ice Qi Energy. Sky Ice and Sky Cold were brothers who had practiced together since childhood, their energies long since harmonized. Normally, they practiced individually, but when facing enemies, they would join forces.


    "We knew you had this trick up your sleeve."


    "Such a Dual Cultivation Method does yield twice the result with half the effort. Let¡¯s see just how formidable the so-called Divine Ice Palm truly is."


    To their surprise, during the Two Elders¡¯ transmission of power, Zhang Wenyuan did not launch a full-scale attack but instead watched with great interest from the sidelines, still brimming with confidence.


    "Should we assist the Young Master later?"


    Within the Daoyi Group¡¯s team, two Martial Kings communicated with each other through sound transmission.


    "Do you really not understand the Young Master, or are you just pretending not to?"


    One of the older Martial Kings asked.


    "What do you mean?"


    The younger Martial King, clearly not understanding, asked blankly.


    "If there were any danger, the Young Master would¡¯ve run without a trace long ago without waiting for your help."


    Look, he hasn¡¯t run!


    That means, the so-called Two Elders of Ice, no matter what tricks they pull out, are nothing to be afraid of. The older Martial King would not forget a phrase Zhang Wenyuan had said before:


    "When fighting, be ruthless; when it¡¯s time to run, do not hesitate at all."


    Discussing martial virtue with the Young Master, the Young Master only talks about the correct way to defeat an opponent, never about the feasibility of begging for mercy when outmatched.


    "You¡¯re about to witness."


    The Two Elders of Ice exchanged glances, both somewhat surprised. Was this young man too arrogant?


    The two figures lunged at Zhang Wenyuan together. Unlike before, they now seemed to fuse into a current of Ice Qi Energy, the atmosphere solidifying wherever their Qi Energy passed.


    "This is more like what a Divine Path Expert should look like. Witness my Acalanatha Divine Skill," Zhang Wenyuan said, bringing his palms together, and immediately a golden color great Buddha¡¯s silhouette appeared on his body.


    The Golden Buddha was not tall, about three zhang, manifesting over Zhang Wenyuan as it chanted Buddhist Scriptures. An unending flow of golden light soaked through the Buddha¡¯s body, dispersing layers of encompassing Ice Qi Energy.


    Eventually, like sunlight clearing away the heavy clouds, the layers of frost covering the Buddha were dispelled, dissipating into nothingness.


    Gazing at this majestic young man, Zhu Guangbo felt an unexpected surge of competitive spirit.


    Yes!


    This confrontation should have belonged solely to him and Ye Feng.


    "Of course, I haven¡¯t forgotten!"


    "Zhu Guangbo, you have remembered the code of the camp over these past few months, but have you ever considered whether you are truly one of the Northern Border Soldiers? Dealing with you, with your Zhu Family, I will decide."


    Clearly, Ye Feng did not regard Zhu Guangbo as a member of the Northern Border Camp.


    "I admit I¡¯ve lost. What do you wish to do?"


    Zhu Guangbo¡¯s expression turned downcast.


    Unexpectedly, after several months of striving, he was, in the eyes of Ye Feng, not even worth a common soldier of the Northern Border.


    "To send you on your way!"


    Ye Feng responded decisively.


    In this struggle, it was destined that one of them, either he or Zhu Guangbo, would lose their life to the Yellow Springs.


    "The Zhu Family?"


    Zhu Guangbo asked again.


    "Leave it to the Punishment Heaven Department."


    Ye Feng stated without hesitation.


    To exterminate a Northeast Zhu Family as a warning to others?


    Just as Ye Feng had previously told Hong Qingyan, he did not need to showcase his kindness to the world, nor did he ever need to constantly remind the world of his cruelty. Handing the Zhu Family over to Cao Yi, he believed Boss Cao would understand his intentions.


    "Thanks!"


    "Ye Feng, if you want the Tiger Banner, I will not agree."


    Zhu Guangbo unfolded his right hand and, with his hands clasped behind him, stared at Ye Feng with fighting spirit brimming on his face.


    "You think you can fight against me?"


    "The Northern Border is mine. If I wish to take it back, then it is just taking it back. Even without the help of those people from the Imperial Capital, you heard clearly what I am saying."


    The voice was profound!


    In just an instant, Ye Feng, with the Black Dragon Banner on his shoulder, had reached Zhu Guangbo.


    What kind of power was this?


    The next second, Ye Feng delivered the answer ¨C a golden fist, like the Fallen Heaven Strike of a War God, hurtled with the force of ten thousand pounds towards Zhu Guangbo¡¯s face.


    Bang! One by one.


    All resistance was in vain before the golden fist, and Zhu Guangbo¡¯s body shattered with a thunderous crash after being struck by the punch.


    This flag, which symbolized a hundred years of the Zhu Family¡¯s glory, became stained with the blood of its descendants at this moment. In the cold wind, the great banner let out a whining sound, like a silent weep.


    To claim a word¡ªwhat difficulty lies in that?


    Do not take it!


    Ye Feng had never found it difficult, he did not take down the Tiger Banner but merely glanced at it, then lightly stomped on the ground.


    The Tiger Banner, in an instant, shot upward and exploded into pieces mid-air.


    On the peak of Azure Cloud Peak, within just two days, the Black Dragon Banner, belonging to Ye Feng and to the entire Northern Border, was planted.


    Won!


    People from the Daoyi Group saluted the Black Dragon Banner, no matter what, this flag that symbolized the glory of the Northern Border, having endured a century¡¯s vicissitudes since the founding of the Xuanyuan Nation, deserved the respect of everyone.


    "Congratulations!"


    Zhang Wenyuan sincerely offered his congratulations.


    "There¡¯s nothing to celebrate about. To me, it doesn¡¯t come close to the glory of winning a battle against a hundred men. I, Ye Feng, once stood on the land of the Xuanyuan Nation, intent on moving northwards, leading armies on northern expeditions without complaint, devoting myself for the country and its people."


    "If one day the nation¡¯s suppressors do nothing, I will take their place!"


    Under the Black Dragon Banner, in front of everyone, Ye Feng directly made this resounding vow.

 Chapter 262: Act First, Report Later

    A game of the highest order in the Northern Border, belonging to Xuanyuan Nation, concluded in just two days; neither Ye Feng nor Mu Tian behind the scenes ever thought of stretching the seven-day timer to its limit.


    The supposed seven-day limit was nothing more than a signal Ye Feng had sent out.


    In the east, the battle along the Gesang River, which lasted several grueling hours, finally came to an end when the last Dongying Ronin fell.


    For those on Ye Feng¡¯s side, the battle was anything but easy.


    The Ronin from Fusang, with sixteen of them at Martial King Level and among them three at Peak Martial King Level¡ªone from Celestial God Mountain, a retainer from the Longma Family, and the last a disciple of Sword Saint Musashi¡ªcame prepared to die.


    The moment these Fusang Ronin encountered their opponents, they immediately showed a fierce desire to kill or be killed, fighting viciously; of the three Peak Martial Kings, aside from one who went to engage Lin Chong, the other two were ferocious enough to take on five opponents each.


    If not for their numerical advantage, if not for the last-minute reinforcement led by Yu Feiyu, the battle could indeed have resulted in the annihilation of the enemy, but it would have been a pyrrhic victory.


    Still, in this battle, the toll on Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s soldiers exceeded twenty lives; six Martial Kings fell, including Zhang Che of the Utility Pavilion, a Martial King named Zuo Jianqiu, one from the Cao Family loyal to Cao Yi, Supervisor Su Haomin from Northern Su, Lin Chong¡¯s personal guard, and the National Guardian General Zhang Zhen who also came¡ªthe latter two also perished.


    These men, up until the moment of their deaths, bore no trace of regret in their eyes, remaining resolute throughout, even though they were aware that they were taking shots intended for Ye Feng.


    These secretly infiltrated Ronin Samurai were all targeting Ye Feng.


    Longma Family!


    Sword Saint Palace!


    Celestial God Enlightenment Mountain!


    Such dedication from the Ronin Samurai, such spirit of bushido¡ªwhen the corpses of those who died in battle were brought back one by one, Ye Feng sank into a deep silence.


    They had followed his orders in this battle, but the will they showed to slay the enemy far exceeded his commands. What kind of sentiment was that?


    Ye Feng knew that he owed those who had fallen in battle, an explanation.


    "Back to the Northern Border Camp!"


    After a great battle, fortunately, his three generals¡ªLeng Wuming, Sima Zhantian, and Qin He¡ª all survived, and Xia Lengchan, too, advanced to the rank of Peak Grandmaster.


    All other words were pretentious!


    If fate would have it, we shall fight again in another life, Ye Feng quickly took his leave from the imperial envoy and embarked on the road back to the Northern Border Camp.


    They had won.


    But such a victory could not bring joy to Ye Feng; it was an internal power struggle within Xuanyuan Nation, a fight where, regardless of who perished, they were all his countrymen.


    How could one be excited over such a victory?


    Moreover, what truly pained Ye Feng was Wu Yi¡¯s betrayal and Mu Tian¡¯s treachery; why the imperial capital was attacked months ago, and who was behind the betrayal, he finally had his answers.


    Northern Border Camp.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, as fellow commanders in the Northern Border Legion, by what right do you imprison us three?"


    At the Third Legion Camp, it was now bustling with people, with both sides on edge. Xiao Chuanqi, leading the First, Fourth, and Fifth Legions, had barged in and now besieged the place, forbidding anyone from leaving.


    This included the commander of the Third Legion, Guan Bohou, the commander of the Sixth, Ouyang, and the commander of the Eighth, Zhong Chengyun, who were all inside the main camp.


    Outside the camp, Northern Border Soldiers faced off against one another, most wearing expressions of bewilderment, while only the loyal followers of the three commanders showed indignation.


    In terms of authority, although Xiao Chuanqi was the Chief Legion Commander within the Northern Border Camp, he truly had no right to command or detain any other legion commander.


    Everyone in the Northern Border Camp knew that the only one with the sovereign authority to reward or punish the Eight Legions¡¯ commanders was the Northern Border King.


    But would Xiao Chuanqi be reasonable?


    Clearly not. He stood before the camp gates with his sword, declaring coldly, "I obey the King¡¯s Order to guard the Northern Border Camp, until the Northern King returns, anyone who dares to leave the camp will be judged as a deserter and dealt with accordingly."


    In the Xuanyuan Nation of the Four Realms, all four kings have their exclusive tokens. Seeing the token is as if seeing the king himself. One of the main reasons Zhu Guangbo had not been able to win over the people was that he lacked the Northern Border Token.


    And the Northern Border Token had long been entrusted to Xiao Chuanqi by Ye Feng, precisely to prevent this scenario.


    A singular King¡¯s Order, unmatched in the world, no one dares to impersonate.


    Seeing Xiao Chuanqi raising the Northern Border King¡¯s Order, the soldiers who had taken action were astonished and then one by one dropped their weapons to the ground.


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    Of course, some discarded their weapons, and others refused to surrender them. Facing these men, Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s eyes instantly hardened, and in the next moment, sword lights flashed all around.


    Xiao Chuanqi did not move; it was only the small Sword Intent that did.


    Can they escape?


    Watching the three flee in the opposite direction, Xiao Chuanqi stopped his slaughter and, retrieving the token, turned to chase after them.


    "Damn it, those men have stopped."


    In less than two minutes, Xiao Chuanqi caught up with the three legion commanders, who still hadn¡¯t managed to escape the Northern Border Camp.


    How dare they move!


    Facing Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s Sword Intent and slaughter, the followers of the three were already terrified, their hands shaking with fear. Not to mention that their commanders had fled the field¡ªwhat was there left to fight for?


    "Xiao Chuanqi, what do you intend to do? Don¡¯t forget who you are, you¡¯re just a legion commander."


    As Xiao Chuanqi drew his sword, the three became panic-stricken.


    "You seem to have forgotten what I just held. With the King¡¯s Order in hand, I can execute first and report later."


    "In your next life, remember not to betray again. Considering your past services to the Northern Border, I will not let you suffer."


    With a flick of his wrist, three sword blossoms drifted toward the tops of their heads.


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    The three legion commanders were simultaneously struck by the sword and fell almost at the same instant.


    "Farewell!"


    Xiao Chuanqi sheathed his sword and solemnly closed the eyes of the three men.


    In the past, the eight legion commanders had sung and drunk together; they had fought side by side against mighty foes; they had even secretly vowed never to fall unless it was in battle, preferring death to seeing each other perish.


    Alas, when brothers turn their weapons against one another, whose fault is it all?


    "Shangguan Fenghua, who exactly are you?"


    A figure arrived slowly, the senior Seventh Legion Commander.


    "I understand what you mean, but I was never anyone¡¯s man, just a true soldier of the Northern Border. Who wins or loses in this struggle actually isn¡¯t important to me," he replied.


    "Besides, at the moment, I am one to send them off."


    Shangguan Fenghua took off his military cap, gazing deeply at the three fallen legion commanders, then bent over. When he stood up, tears streamed down his face.


    Ye Feng had won, and the three legion commanders who had betrayed him would die.


    Likewise, had Zhu Guangbo won, even if he had shown favor to Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian and Qin He would still have to die.


    The palm and back of the hand, both belonged to the same comrades.


    If only they hadn¡¯t been born in the Northern Border, their hearts devoted to their original purpose, now pained as if being wrenched apart.

 Chapter 263: Compassion Does Not Command Troops, Only a Voice is Needed

    A person who has betrayed once, how can he be worthy of his master¡¯s trust again?


    Zhu Guangbo did not take Guan Bohou and the others to the battlefield, and Mu Tian, when he left, likewise did not take the three with him. In fact, Ye Feng, Xiao Chuanqi, and the others all knew that Zhu Guangbo kept the three simply to use their influence to steady his own position.


    How ridiculous that the three thought betraying Ye Feng could bring them a bright future, little knowing that such an outcome awaited them, where even in death, they would leave behind a bad name and a tarnished reputation.


    Amid the twilight, a group of people slowly returned.


    The person walking at the forefront, of course, was Ye Feng. He was seen wearing ordinary civilian clothes, with only a pair of heavy military boots crunching through the snow, making a "crunch, crunch" sound. Gone were the dazzling royal robe, the many resplendent medals, and the spirited demeanor that once captivated the world.@@@@


    Ye Feng at this moment seemed like a different person, transformed. If the former Ye Feng was always flamboyant and never hid his edge, then now he seemed more reserved.


    His eyes were still bright as stars. Though he didn¡¯t speak, the confidence exuded in his every move was still so natural, as if, no matter how the mountains and rivers and epochs changed, his overwhelming pride and passion would remain forever unchanged.


    "Greetings to the Northern King!"


    Within the camp, outside and inside, the Northern Border Warriors formed row upon row, looking at Ye Feng, looking at the once Northern King, bowing on one knee.


    Who was it, with peerless might, that intimidated the Northern Mountainous Terrain, forcefully subdued the Feudal Lords, and eliminated the invaders¡¯ claws?


    Who led an army six hundred miles north, unstoppable as a bamboo splitting the ground, slaughtering the iron hooves of Mingbei descending southward, making the Nomadic Tribe known as Northern Barbarian Ghosts cower beyond the Gesang River¡¯s national boundary?


    And who was it, that once shared life and death with them?


    All of these, were Ye Feng. Who else could be the one the millions of Northern Border Soldiers most looked forward to as the Northern Border King?


    Without a doubt, the answer was Ye Feng. What was Zhu Guangbo compared to him? In the few months he was here, his greatest achievement was not leading the Northern Border to rise, but successfully dividing the Northern Border Camp into two factions.


    A military camp is a place that values blood and martial achievements.


    Yet Zhu Guangbo never realized this point. Everything he did with all his heart and mind, was all about how to seize the position of the Northern Border King, without spending even a bit of effort on gaining the recognition of the Northern Border Soldiers.


    One gaze after another, full of respect and eagerness, could be seen, and in unseen places, there were even more.


    This was something Zhu Guangbo dreamed of but never received.


    "Northern King!"


    "Welcome Northern King Ye Feng back to his position!"


    "Peerless Ye Feng, Peerless Northern King, the Northern Border is peerless!"


    ...


    The shouts, wave after wave, made the snowflakes of winter seem to melt silently with this soaring enthusiasm.


    What¡¯s mine is ultimately mine!


    Gazing at this boundless warmth and admiration, Ye Feng¡¯s gloomy mood swept away. The past efforts were all worth it. He calmly accepted the Northern Border King¡¯s Order and shouted as he held it aloft:


    "I am the Northern Border King, Ye Feng."


    "From this day forth, let it be known to the world, the Northern Border shall not fall, Xuanyuan will not perish!"


    From now on, with me guarding the Northern Border, who dares to be the enemy?


    This was the true demeanor and promise that a legitimate Northern Border King should possess. The soldiers were completely convinced, Ye Feng was still Ye Feng, still the Northern Border King they were familiar with. Some old soldiers, looking at this scene, already had tears in their eyes.


    ...


    Inside the vast Main Commander¡¯s Tent, only Ye Feng was there.


    The royal robe and its seal were still there, but the ones who used to come and go freely in the Main Commander¡¯s Tent, neither was present.


    Mu Tian, Gai Jiutian!


    "Ye Feng, by killing us, are you not afraid of disheartening many others?"


    "Hahaha, I may die, but Ye Feng, I curse you to suffer a terrible death. You call yourself the Northern Border King, but you¡¯re nothing but a dog that will one day be cast aside by its master."


    ...


    The three had their respective pleas, but they were short-lived, for some did not wish to hear more.


    "The confidants of the three mutinous legion commanders ¡ª anyone who acted yesterday and injured others shall be summarily executed without mercy, and the rest shall be discharged from military service and handed over to the Supervisory Heaven Department for investigation."


    After the three were taken away, Ye Feng quickly issued a new order.


    Disheartened?


    It is not executing such chaos-makers that truly disheartens, for Ye Feng has never been known to be merciful; otherwise, the three legion commanders would not have attempted to flee, heedless of their lives.


    "My King, this action may be ill-advised."


    "The rebels are certainly at fault, but they were instigated by others. Moreover, a significant number acted yesterday."


    Shangguan Fenghua stepped forward.


    The mutiny yesterday hadn¡¯t resulted in many deaths because Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s sword was faster than those daring to kill, and the others were deterred. But once weapons are drawn, numerous injuries can result.


    "There¡¯s no need to dissuade, Seventh Legion Commander."


    "As soldiers who forgot their original oath and raised hands against their comrades, they¡¯ve committed an unforgivable sin."


    "Where is the Military Discipline Officer? Execute immediately!"


    Before Shangguan Fenghua could advise further, a Military Discipline Officer had already taken the orders and departed.


    Outside the tent, a large group was still being restrained, easily numbering over a thousand, and among those who¡¯d acted yesterday, there were at least several hundred.


    When the Military Discipline Officer read out Ye Feng¡¯s order in front of them, they immediately erupted.


    The crowd lost control instantly; those who refused to die resisted fiercely, but Ye Feng seemed to be prepared, and swift executioners dashed forward, the first to resist met with their heads rolling on the ground.


    In less than a few minutes, dozens of severed heads lay in a macabre display.


    "Sigh!"


    Watching this scene, Shangguan Fenghua couldn¡¯t help but breathe a heavy sigh. He understood Ye Feng¡¯s intent. By only killing those who resisted, indeed, so many had acted yesterday, and weapons do not discriminate.


    Who could truly discern who had injured whom?


    Such a large camp, indeed, did not need those with ulterior motives. To execute some as a warning to others was what Ye Feng truly sought. After all, the Northern Border Camp, stirred into chaos by Zhu Guangbo, needed to stand unified once again.


    This scene was exactly what Ye Feng wanted those people to see; he was the Northern Border King, and any who dare to cause havoc in the Northern Border or the camp,


    I will kill them all!


    Zhu Guangbo did not dare to enforce iron-clad control, but Ye Feng was different. He dared. Going forward, the Northern Border Camp needed only one voice, and that voice would be that of Ye Feng.


    "Take the corpses of the three legion commanders and those others back to their hometowns, tell their families they died for the country. If they have no families, bury them in the local public cemetery."


    Beneath the green mountains, many a loyal soul is buried without a pompous return.


    Alas!


    The tombs at Lie Yingling in the imperial city could not accommodate these people.


    Of course, Ye Feng wouldn¡¯t send them there either. Lie Yingling is a sacred place for war-deceased ancestors, not a place these people deserved to rest in peace ¨C not to mention that even if Ye Feng agreed, the people of the Xuanyuan Nation would not consent.


    A sacred ground shall not be tainted or trampled upon.

 Chapter 264 You Dare Touch My People

    Those who were to be killed, were killed; those who were to be punished, were punished.


    No sooner had the matter of dealing with the rebels subsided than Ye Feng issued several decrees that shook the entire Northern Border Legion to its core.


    The Eight Legions would be abolished, to be reorganized into Five Great Legions, with appointments as follows.


    Xiao Chuanqi as the First Legion Commander.


    Leng Wuming as the Second Legion Commander.


    Jin Wuming as the Third Legion Commander.


    Shangguan Fenghua as the Fourth Legion Commander.


    Qin He as the Fifth Legion Commander. Explore more at novelhall.Co?m


    The positions of Marquis and commander were permanently abolished; the Northern Border would not recognize them, nor would it confer such titles in the future. The personnel structures under the Legion Commanders were to be arranged according to the latest international military regulations, rewarding merit and promoting in due course.


    Three new armies were established in the Northern Border: the Military Governor, the Xing Jun, and the Hidden Army. These three would not be in charge of leading troops; the Military Governor would be responsible for the management and coordination of all legions, the Xing Jun for military discipline, and the Hidden Army for all espionage activities.


    It¡¯s worth mentioning that the Military Governor was Gai Jiutian, who was also the Vice Governor of the Northern Border, while the leader of the Xing Jun was Sima Zhantian.


    The Northern Border Legion allowed all soldiers aged fifty or above to retire and return home; the maximum service age was set at fifty-two, with special exceptions, and the minimum enlistment age was raised to seventeen (previously fifteen). All underage recruits were to attend the military academy and could only enlist upon graduation.


    ...


    This succession of decrees left the million-member Northern Border Soldiers with hardly a moment to blink¡ªsome happy, some sad¡ªand among the happiest was Sima Zhantian. He had become a legion commander and would no longer have to reluctantly follow in Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s wake; he could now proudly compete with him head-on.


    "What are your thoughts or opinions regarding the latest decrees I¡¯ve issued?"


    In the commander¡¯s tent, except for Gai Jiutian, all five of the Great Legion Commanders and Sima Zhantian had arrived.


    What else is there to say?


    You, the king, have already acted first and reported afterward. Everyone was speechless, but since Ye Feng said this, naturally, he wanted to hear their opinions.


    "My king, we certainly have no objections about the reorganization into Five Great Legions and the establishment of the Northern Border¡¯s exclusive military academy, but what about the Imperial City?"


    Xiao Chuanqi frowned and left his sentence unfinished.


    Ye Feng had barely returned before initiating these actions, which would certainly stir criticism and rumors among those in the Imperial City with ulterior motives.


    "That¡¯s not a problem."


    "The rulers of the Four Realms all have the power to govern their own troops. Besides, the Northern Border is unlike the other Three Realms, and the military academy also needs to be adapted to local conditions. If the Imperial City has any objections, I will handle them myself."


    Opinions, rumors¡ªwhat do they amount to?


    In the presence of others, if the Nation Guard does nothing, and if I, Ye Feng, dare to say I will do so, then I¡¯ve already shown enough loyalty and revealed my intentions. If the Imperial City cannot handle such a trivial matter, the one who truly objects is myself, Ye Feng.


    Fight as we might, struggle as we must.


    Why should the soldiers from the Military Department bleed for you, settle your tabs?


    Today, many have been killed, but in Ye Feng¡¯s eyes, their death was worthless. They did not deserve such a fate; each one of them was once a valiant warrior on the battlefield.


    "The king can decide for himself."


    Xiao Chuanqi kept his mouth shut, knowing Ye Feng was determined.


    "My king, may I take on the position of school principal for the military academy? I¡¯m also no longer young. Within three years, I will certainly help you create one, or even a batch of suitable candidates for legion commanders."


    Shangguan Fenghua stepped forward to offer his services.


    It was apparent that this old legion commander, who had served two generations of princes, had been contemplating retirement after the events of the past few days.


    "Yes!"


    Ye Feng nodded and then added with a smile:


    "However, after you, it won¡¯t be so easy for anyone who wants to be a legion commander."@@@@


    Ye Feng was not averse to this neutral old legion commander; on the contrary, he was quite willing to respect Shangguan Fenghua.


    In fact, Ye Feng had always hoped that each Northern Border Soldier would remain loyal to their duty and position in this life, without being drawn into any power struggles.


    "Thank the king for granting my request!"


    Shangguan Fenghua bowed; he dared not look directly into Ye Feng¡¯s penetrating eyes.


    Although unaware of what Ye Feng had gone through, Shangguan Fenghua felt that Ye Feng had become more assertive than before, and yet he concealed his sharpness extremely well.


    The two commanders kept their heads down in silence; they couldn¡¯t do otherwise. The presence of Ye Feng by now was too powerful, too domineering, and the three standing individuals...


    Each one was a true and proper Martial King!


    "Immediately dispatch two ten-thousand-man units to the Mountain Sealing Marquis¡¯s camp. If anything has befallen Liang Zhi, forget about any good days ahead for you."


    Ye Feng rose with a flick of his sleeve, his trip having been in vain.


    "Yes!"


    The two commanders dared not disobey the order. They might listen to the Mountain Stabilizing Marquis, but all four Marquises were under the command of the Northern Border King.


    One could see that Ye Feng was clearly in power now. The king had returned, his prowess as commanding as ever.


    An hour later, the group once again reached the camp of the Mountain Sealing Marquis.


    "Qi Guosheng, what exactly are you trying to pull off?"


    Gazing at the camp of the Mountain Sealing Marquis, Ye Feng¡¯s expression was complex.


    Deep down, Ye Feng had always believed that among the Four Great Marquises, the one who should least and would least betray him was the Mountain Sealing Marquis Qi Guosheng, because this man was once the Old Northern King¡¯s bodyguard, known for his unwavering loyalty.


    It could be said that in watching Ye Feng grow up, Qi Guosheng played a part. When Ye Feng first ascended as king, raw and inexperienced, the one who stood steadfastly behind him, the one who supported him the most, was also Qi Guosheng.


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t order his men to surround the camp of the Mountain Sealing Marquis but instead walked straight in. In the camp of a hundred thousand, tens of thousands of eyes fell upon Ye Feng, yet he ignored them all as if he were strolling in his own courtyard.


    "Mountain Sealing Marquis Qi Guosheng, I pay my respects to the Northern King!"


    Before Ye Feng reached the main tent, Qi Guosheng had already come forth to greet him.


    The atmosphere chilled instantly.


    Ye Feng quietly observed Qi Guosheng, who was still not looking up, and after a long while, he finally spoke:


    "Take him away!"


    No sooner had he spoken than Sima Zhantian charged forward.


    "Who dares?"


    Before Qi Guosheng could utter a word, the two commanders behind him had already stood up and drawn their swords.


    "Kill!"


    Another figure rushed forward, sword gleaming whiter than snow.


    "Northern King, what is the meaning of this?"


    As he watched the two commanders instantly fall to the ground, Qi Guosheng¡¯s eyes reddened.


    "No need to pretend any longer, where is Qi Guosheng?"


    Approaching Qi Guosheng, Ye Feng swiftly tore off the mask from his face.


    Liang Zhi!


    "Ye Feng, how did you discover it?"


    Seeing his hidden weapon also taken by Ye Feng, a frustrated Liang Zhi asked.


    "Answer my questions."


    Ye Feng¡¯s voice was exceptionally cold.


    "Dead."


    Liang Zhi forced a bitter smile and uttered two words.


    Indeed!


    Ye Feng inwardly sighed, his face instantly filled with murderous intent as he angrily declared:


    "You dared to harm my man, who gave you the audacity? Speak, who instructed you to do this?"


    The snow on the ground at that moment turned into myriad tiny blades, flying toward Liang Zhi¡¯s feet.


    "If I don¡¯t speak, only I die; if I do, my whole family will die."


    "I know I¡¯m beyond redemption, but Ye Feng, considering my past contributions to the Northern Border, please spare my family from hardship."


    A muffled voice came out from Liang Zhi.

 Chapter 265: The Dispute over the Martial Alliance

    The winter in the Northern Border, the snow only grew heavier.


    Nomadic tribes migrated southward, not just Hong Qingyan and the others nearby, but all the herders close to the south bank of the Gesang River continued moving south in succession, as per Ye Feng, Northern Border King¡¯s wishes, regardless of whether the savages further north would come or not.


    In short, it¡¯s better to be prepared than sorry.


    Warfare taught Ye Feng how to think about defeating enemies; notions of emerging unscathed from every battle are pure fallacy ¨C timing, terrain, harmony among people, strategies, courage, and tactics ¨C wars in this world are never won simply because one wishes it so. No commander could afford to be a fool.


    What Ye Feng could do was use every means possible to minimize his own losses while inflicting the greatest possible losses on the enemy, which was in itself a form of victory.


    How vast was the Mingbei Empire?@@@@


    Available records showed that, including the ice-covered northernmost reaches, it was once the most expansive nation in the world; however, divided they must be after unification, and the Mingbei Empire of the present had split into several forces of varying sizes.


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t believe he could breach the entire Mingbei Empire. In fact, even if he wished to do so, many in the Xuanyuan Nation would rise in opposition. To continue to campaign northward would bring nothing but harm without any benefit. Even if conquered, what then?


    To say nothing of whether it could be held, the assimilation between different races was a tremendously difficult and protracted affair. Why would the northern savages make large-scale incursions southward during autumn and winter? The underlying reason lies in the abundance of frozen soil in Mingbei; not enough could be grown to eat so taking from others to fill their bellies seemed only natural.


    Hence, even Ye Feng didn¡¯t feel that conquering the lands north of the Gesang River was sensible. Being forced into a defensive posture, though it was a reluctant necessity, was still an act of necessity, regardless of whether the northern nomads acknowledged themselves as people of the Xuanyuan Nation.


    Whoever troubles our lands shall be killed!


    "Grandpa Cao, did you bring the gift?"


    Seeing Cao Yi arrive, Long Nannan was the happiest to call out.


    During the two days that Ye Feng was stationed at Sky Sword Peak, Cao Yi, under the pretense of "experiencing the Northern Frontier ambiance," had stayed there; as for the real reason, Ye Feng appreciated the sentiment.


    However, such a short span of two days was enough for relationships to form; both Long Nannan and Hong Qingyan had become Cao Yi¡¯s adopted granddaughters.


    Didn¡¯t that mean he himself might as well be Grandpa Cao¡¯s adopted grandson?


    Ye Feng pinched his nose and accepted it. His status in Xuanyuan Nation was on par with that of Cao Yi¡¯s, yet what could he do when Hong Qingyan had accepted the relationship? A man must accompany his wife on the path she chooses, even if it means shedding tears.


    "Of course, I brought it."


    "Look, this is a pure gold ¡¯Bara Bara Transformation Magic Wand¡¯, and this, an ¡¯Immortal Fate Dao Transformation Pendant,¡¯ Nannan, these treasures are extraordinary, unique in the world. I wouldn¡¯t even bear to give them to my own grandchildren, but if you wear it, becoming a fairy would be just around the corner."


    Cao Yi held the gleaming Transformation Rod in his left hand and an Azure Jade Pendant in his right, smiling like a blooming flower.


    "Thank you, Grandpa Cao, you¡¯re the best."


    Long Nannan rushed over with a smile.


    One little monster, one old fox!


    Seeing this, Ye Feng smirked. If he hadn¡¯t seen with his own eyes that Boss Cao¡¯s son also carried what was alleged to be an ¡¯Immortal Fate Dao Transformation Pendant¡¯, he might have believed it himself.


    Of course, although the name ¡¯Immortal Fate Dao Transformation Pendant¡¯ might be somewhat exaggerated, it truly was a very rare treasure. The pendant contained an engraved special Array, capable of gathering the sparse spiritual energy from heaven and earth for absorption.


    Boss Cao willing to part with such an item indicated he had high hopes for Long Nannan¡¯s martial cultivation aptitude.


    What puzzled Ye Feng, however, was whether the old fox couldn¡¯t see what cultivation level the little monster was currently at? To put it bluntly, did she even need such a thing?


    Just practicing meditation and Kung Fu casually, Long Nannan could gather more energy in a day than that Jade Pendant.


    One loved to perform, the other loved to pretend!


    Ye Feng was too lazy to expose these two; how they chose to amuse themselves was their business.


    "Grandpa Cao, good day to you!"


    In contrast with Long Nannan, Hong Qingyan was undoubtedly more polite.


    "Qingyan, Grandpa Cao noticed you enjoyed reading last time, so I had people look specifically for some books for you. No need to be courteous with me."


    With that said, Cao Yi commanded his subordinates to bring the items out.


    At just a glance, Ye Feng felt like everything was not alright with him. These nearly a hundred volumes of books laid out on the shelf were, damn it all,


    all medical books!


    "Good!"


    "Don¡¯t make the lady wait too long. When the time comes, I¡¯ll call the other two old guys to back you up."


    Cao Yi, like a good-hearted old man, helped them out of the awkward situation again.


    In the snowy land, only four lonely tents remained, the surrounding nomads having moved further south. They left these for Ye Feng, and each tent had been carefully reinforced. One tent, in particular, was stocked full of butchered cattle and sheep.


    "Did you come this time to tell me something?"


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t believe that Cao Yi was here simply for a casual visit without an actual reason.


    "Indeed, there¡¯s quite a bit."


    "Many from the Zhu Family of the Northeast are trying to exonerate them, including two Guardian Sect Leaders."


    Cao Yi¡¯s tone was particularly calm.


    "What do you mean?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression showed slight confusion.


    "Nothing in particular, just a heads-up for you. I¡¯ll handle this matter."


    Cao Yi¡¯s face flashed a hint of ruthlessness.


    The world knew Cao Yi of the Punishment Heaven Department, but how many truly understood him? Consider the prisoners under his watch¡ªWho wouldn¡¯t fear him like a fierce tiger?


    "Which two Sect Leaders?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s voice deepened.


    In the imperial capital, there are twelve Guardian Sect Leaders signifying the twelve Heavenly Stems, and including the Nation Guard Great Generals, there are also twelve of them, representing the twelve Earthly Branches.


    However, out of the twelve Guardian Sect Leaders and Nation Guard Great Generals, only the first five Sect Leaders and one Nation Guard Great General have the qualifications to enter the Fengyun Pavilion for deliberations.


    "Mo Daoxing, Qiu Kuzhen."


    "There are no walls in the world that do not let through wind. Everyone in the Utility Pavilion should be trustworthy. Zhao Gongming will handle this matter. You don¡¯t need to worry about it."


    "Additionally, Duan Tian has spoken. He said that if you can pass his test, he will cede the position of Great General of Nation Guard to you."


    King Kao Shan of Xuanyuan Nation, who is also the Great General, originally named Duan Tian, had the audacity to change ¡¯Duan¡¯ to ¡¯Duantian¡¯, a minor difference in characters, yet revealing extraordinary determination.


    Clearly, the words Ye Feng said that day on Azure Cloud Peak had reached the ears of Nation Guard Great General Duantian.


    "A test?"


    "I, Ye Feng, am not afraid of any test he has. If he acts irresponsibly one day, I¡¯ll take it whether he gives it or not."


    This response narrowed Cao Yi¡¯s eyes even further.


    Still a young man, full of vigor. Did he really think that the Nation Guard Great General was an easy target?


    "There¡¯s another matter concerning the Martial Alliance."


    "The current Martial Alliance is not the one you established. Many hidden figures are eyeing it greedily, and the Utility Pavilion hopes you can incorporate the Martial Alliance into its jurisdiction. This way, they won¡¯t hesitate when they need to act."


    This was indeed the crux of the issue.


    After finishing, Cao Yi didn¡¯t look at Ye Feng¡¯s expression, knowing full well what it would be regardless.


    "I don¡¯t agree!"


    He said this with utter decisiveness.


    "Feng¡¯er, you still don¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying. Since people from the Utility Pavilion are involved, it means that the matter of the Martial Alliance is now beyond your capacity."


    Cao Yi spoke earnestly.


    The Martial Alliance was, after Ye Feng¡¯s Northern Border Camp, another of his passionate endeavors. He knew how much Ye Feng cared for it. Frankly, Cao Yi was reluctant to persuade Ye Feng, but no one was better suited than him.

 Chapter 266: The Path of the Sword

    Good people are hard to be!


    Cao Yi deeply felt what it meant to be a good person was hard. Asking Ye Feng to give up the Martial Alliance was like asking him to abandon his own child. How could he bear it?


    "Beyond the scope of ability, ¡¯the weak are prey to the strong¡¯ indeed."


    "Who would have thought that I, the Northern Border King of such a mighty Northern Border, am seen as nothing more than a slightly bigger marionette in the eyes of others. Is this the will of the Utility Pavilion or the decision of the Fengyun Pavilion council?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s face regained composure.


    The Utility Pavilion and the Fengyun Pavilion, the former could be said to be the birthplace of the twelve Guardian Sect Leaders, while the latter represented the will of Xuanyuan Nation. Any resolution made within the Fengyun Pavilion would have a profound impact on Xuanyuan Nation.


    "It¡¯s the intention of the Utility Pavilion and the decision of the council as well."


    Cao Yi said solemnly.


    "Understood."


    "Tell those Guardian Sect Leaders that I¡¯m not completely opposed to handing over the Martial Alliance, but I have one condition¡ªthe Martial Alliance must be reformed into a Martial Academy."


    Martial Alliance, Martial Academy.


    It seemed to be only a difference of one character, but the implications were huge. Even with Cao Yi¡¯s monk-like composure, his mind and spirit trembled upon hearing this.


    A Martial Academy, this meant bringing Martial Dao to the masses.


    The current Martial Alliance was, at best, a relatively large martial arts organization. But if it were reformed into a Martial Dao Academy as Ye Feng wished, that would be a completely different matter. Once Martial Dao Academies were established nationwide, students would no longer have the sole path of university ahead of them.


    It was foreseeable¡ªMartial Dao would flourish!


    The flourishing of Martial Dao also implied the weakening of the scholarly path. The fundamental problem lay in the phrase "Even heroes are forbidden to practice martial arts". Looking at the history of Xuanyuan Nation, no monarch of any dynasty ever liked the Branch Sects, let alone thought of promoting Martial Dao on a large scale.


    To avoid becoming weaklings, one must practice martial arts to be strong. Continue your journey on novelhall.Co?m@@@@


    Yet, to maintain an everlasting era of peace, it is necessary to eliminate those who practice martial arts and cause chaos.


    A contradictory existence!


    Alas, humans themselves survive amidst various contradictions. Cao Yi¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. Ye Feng¡¯s condition had too great an impact on the future.


    Who would dare to respond lightly?


    "I will report this matter to the two in charge at the imperial capital."


    "Fengzi, asking you to give up the Martial Alliance is actually for your own good. You should understand the principle that ¡¯one who possesses jade without guilt incurs the crime of possessing it¡¯."


    Clearly, Cao Yi still wished to persuade Ye Feng.


    "So that¡¯s how it is, is it? No wonder I was assassinated."


    "Director Cao, I¡¯ve made up my mind. If these conditions are not met, then let me bear everything and see who in the future can take my life."


    A surge of heroic spirit arose spontaneously.


    A true man guards all quarters and sets order beyond the borders. Ye Feng was keen to see, in such a vast Xuanyuan Nation, how difficult it could be to bring peace.


    ...


    North of Sky Sword Peak, passing through three natural stone bridges formed by the mountains, lies the vast lands of Mingbei. Looking at the nearer locations, mountains tower high. Compared to the snow mountains in the south, there¡¯s an even greater density of Great Snow Mountain ranges.


    In the year when the Northern Border Army fought the Mingbei Snow Wolf Cavalry, neither side was willing to cross the river boundary. If it weren¡¯t for Ye Feng¡¯s willingness to lure the enemy by feigning defeat in seven battles, the situation might have dragged on indefinitely.


    One Dao Bridge is actually not difficult to cross, but the real challenge is the snow mountains themselves.


    Compared to the Northern Border soldiers, the Snow Wolf Riders had too many advantages. They were swift and sensitive in combat. No matter which bridge was crossed, the first thing to come into view would always be the snow mountains.


    And where there are snow mountains, avalanches occur.


    Today, this vast array of snow mountains has already experienced several avalanches. Thankfully, a chain reaction causing a mega-avalanche did not occur. Observing a mountaintop, figures were seen fighting fiercely.


    One person holds off seven powerful foes!


    The more Blood Qi, the crazier he became until he fell into becoming a Blood Demon.


    The falling snow from the sky seemed stained with a layer of blood-red. Gai Jiutian, with his eyes closed, opened them to reveal a brilliant scarlet light. At this moment, his aura reached an unprecedented extremity.


    How strong was he at this moment?


    Gai Jiutian no longer knew. When the Blood Qi released from his body reached a level beyond his control, he ceased to be the Gai Jiutian of the past; he became a killing fiend.


    All of this, he had no other choice!


    Even if it meant dying in battle, even if he became a frenzied demon, he could not let himself be caught by these people, to be used to constrain the Northern Border or to constrain Ye Feng.


    In fact, Gai Jiutian understood well that the man¡¯s heart was actually very fragile. Those who have been through a hundred battles crave warmth more than anyone and value that sentiment even more.


    You and I are the same!


    When the boundless Blood Qi surged to the heavens, Ye Feng, who was far away, sensed it.


    Gai Jiutian!


    Looking at the terrifying column of Blood Qi that shot straight into the sky, Ye Feng¡¯s eyes instantly reddened. He couldn¡¯t hear anything else and rushed madly toward it.


    "Sausage Sister, what is that?"


    Simultaneously, Long Nannan and the others also came out. The girl, who was not afraid of heaven or earth, felt some inexplicable trepidation looking at the Blood Qi in the distance.


    "I don¡¯t know."


    Feng Yuan shook her head.


    Strong, an incredibly powerful presence. Even Feng Yuan, who had reached the Divine Communication Stage, didn¡¯t want to face the owner of that aura.


    "Protect her well."


    Cao Yi looked deeply at Feng Yuan. He hadn¡¯t noticed this hidden woman before. After speaking, he chased after Ye Feng.


    "Oh God of Nature!"


    "He¡¯s not a Blood Eater; he¡¯s a vessel for the Blood Demon. Which bastard cast this curse? Hado, run, and don¡¯t look back."


    As Gai Jiutian¡¯s aura soared, the masked man¡¯s visor shattered, revealing a weathered old man with white hair. He gripped his magic wand firmly, a blue light shot out and enveloped Hado. The latter¡¯s body uncontrollably fled into the distance.


    Escape?


    Just then, Gai Jiutian¡¯s gaze followed that receding blue light, his expression utterly devoid of emotion. Suddenly, he sliced down with his sword.


    A blood-colored Sword Qi swept across, cleaving through mountains as if with divine might, reaching its target in an instant.


    "No!"


    Watching the shattered blue light, the elder cried out heart-wrenchingly, but his cry also drew Gai Jiutian¡¯s attention.


    A surge of blood-colored Sword Qi erupted from within.


    The Great Snow Mountain, hundreds of meters high, lost half its mass in an instant, and along with it disappeared the seven werewolves and the elder.


    The air was tinged with a faint scent of fresh blood, but this was nothing compared to the rich Blood Qi emanating from Gai Jiutian¡¯s body.


    "Kill!"


    Gai Jiutian¡¯s gaze fixed on the Mingbei lands.


    For some reason, there was a voice in Gai Jiutian¡¯s heart calling him relentlessly to head north.


    Even though his heart aimed south, why go north?


    A moment of confusion flashed across his face, but in the next second, the Black Blood Sword turned into the Blood Red Sword, shooting towards the north, with Gai Jiutian standing on the sword.


    Sword go!


    Wherever the sword goes, so shall I, slaughtering all in my path, gods or buddhas alike.

 Chapter 267 Breaking the Ice

    Humans always try to control powers they cannot harness.


    The Martial Dao of the world is mottled and complex. Among these, the most mysterious are undoubtedly the Talisman Spell and witchcraft. The scarcity of spiritual energy in this age has driven more and more people to abandon the ancient magic techniques and turn to the practice of more pure Martial Arts. However, there are still some who incessantly pursue the old ways.


    Such as the Onmyoji of Dongying, the Sorcerers of Curses in Southern Yue, and the Shamans of the Mingbei Empire and so on.


    If the strength of a Martial Artist comes from the force of their Qi, then the enigmatic strength of a Magician who also cultivates with the aid of Heaven and Earth¡¯s spiritual energy is from an origin that has always been a mystery.


    In the Mingbei Empire, the Blood Curse Technique was once strictly forbidden to be practiced. However, as the later generations of Shamans modified the technique and with its powerful effects in warfare, it has been decreed permissible.


    The Shamans of Mingbei call those cursed by the Blood Curse Technique Blood Eaters. In many countries of the West, a great number of calamities to mankind have been born, known by the world as Blood Eaters who become Vampires. Those who cannot control their thirst for fresh blood lose their sanity and become crazed if they go too long without drinking blood.


    In conclusion, although the Blood Eaters have carved out a path of cultivation for themselves, in the eyes of the Shamans, they are still failures. How can a Vampire who cannot control himself be controlled by others?


    Over the years, the Shamans in Mingbei continued to study the Blood Curse Technique, all the while seeking someone who could control the Blood Qi within them. The appearance of Gai Jiutian brought great joy to two Shamans who sensed his presence.


    Since Gai Jiutian behaved very normally, in their eyes, the two Shamans saw not a trace of thirst for fresh blood. Whether he was the only one who could control the Blood Qi inside him was unknown to anyone.


    But Gai Jiutian was the very person whom the Shamans in Mingbei had been searching for.


    So when they discovered Gai Jiutian, the two Shamans did not hesitate to summon seven Werewolves to capture him alive.


    Alas, forbidden techniques remain forbidden techniques.


    Those uncontrollable forbidden techniques are extremely dangerous things. It wasn¡¯t until Gai Jiutian unleashed his Blood Qi and became a Blood Demon that the Old Shaman realized his mistake.


    It makes sense why people abandon the practice of magic. Practicing magic, it seems as though people are using various techniques, but in reality, there¡¯s an unknown force that uses them through the magic.


    Yet all truth dissolved into nihility within the Killing Sword Intent released by Gai Jiutian. He had lost control and became even crazier than all other Blood Eaters, carrying his final obsession and an endless desire to slaughter, he flew toward Mingbei with his Sword Control.


    By the time Ye Feng arrived, he only saw a mountain peak that was missing half of its side. He did not hesitate and immediately followed the fading Qi.


    Brother, that was his brother!


    Mu Tian had left; why must you also leave me?


    Ye Feng was in extreme pain. It was he who had ordered Gai Jiutian to investigate, and at this moment, all he wanted was to chase after Gai Jiutian and protect his dear friend and brother.


    However, the Qi he followed seemed to grow ever more distant.


    "Fengzi, you can¡¯t chase him any longer."


    Director Cao showed up and blocked Ye Feng¡¯s path. He had already sensed several powerful presences ahead. If they continued chasing northward, it would be a road to death.


    "Get out of my way!"


    Ye Feng roared.


    "Lingtian Cliff left you in charge of the Northern Border; for fuck¡¯s sake, even if you want to die, you should at least find a successor for him."


    Director Cao rashly made a move, sending Ye Feng flying dozens of meters with a palm strike, landing him in the snow.


    "Calm down!"


    Looking at Ye Feng not getting up, Director Cao felt a stab of pain. The man¡¯s physical injuries were not severe, but his heart was deeply wounded.


    Was it Gai Jiutian?


    "Director Cao, take me back."


    After lying down for a full two minutes, Ye Feng finally spoke in a subdued voice.


    "Alright."


    Director Cao did not hesitate to grab Ye Feng and break through the air to leave swiftly.


    Behind him, at least three strong presences were closing in. Those people did not relentlessly pursue them. After gritting their teeth and watching Director Cao¡¯s figure for a good while, they turned and headed in a different direction.


    A major trouble has arrived from another side.


    "Tsk tsk, the old man runs fast!"


    "Yes."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    "That¡¯s a bit troublesome. That old man will surely go mad."


    Cao Yi frowned deeply.


    The reputation of Gai Dugu, who had once overshadowed the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Cultivators and earned the unofficial title "Dugu Bubai," though Gai Dugu had been inactive for decades, no one would foolishly think his kung fu had decayed.


    "It would be proper for him to come for me."


    Ye Feng stated calmly.


    "To come for you would mean at most a beating. What I fear is not that he comes for you but that he..."


    Cao Yi glanced over his shoulder.


    Your journey continues on novelhall.Co?m


    Mingbei!


    With Gai Dugu¡¯s fearlessness and his protective nature for his offspring, if he didn¡¯t draw his sword and head to Mingbei to find his son, he wouldn¡¯t live up to the name "Dugu Bubai."


    The problem lies in whether or not he can find his son, and even if he does, what then? Can they recognize each other as father and son? Worse still, Gai Dugu might fall by his own son¡¯s sword. That would be the greatest tragedy of all.


    Trouble!


    Without Gai Dugu, the Valley of the Medicine God would be like a lamb laid out for dinner. The Valley had always been on good terms with the Utility Pavilion; it was just that Ye Feng was unaware of this fact.


    "Let¡¯s keep this matter secret until I visit the Valley of the Medicine God."


    A bitter taste arose in Ye Feng¡¯s heart.


    No matter what, he had to find a way to dissuade Gai Dugu from going to Mingbei. He had also envisioned the scene of father and son turning on each other; once they clashed, the one to die would only be Gai Dugu.


    Damn Mingbei Barbarians!


    After bidding farewell to the two, Ye Feng didn¡¯t return to his camp to rest. Instead, he went straight to the Northern Border Camp.


    "Since you¡¯re here, don¡¯t think about leaving."


    A mad thought of revenge kept circling in Ye Feng¡¯s mind.


    The Mingbei Barbarians had ultimately come, just as he and another pursued Gai Jiutian. On the way, Ye Feng spotted the shadows of the Snow Wolf Riders.


    All troubles were caused by these barbarians.


    Clearly, Ye Feng blamed the Mingbei Barbarians for Gai Jiutian¡¯s descent into demonization.


    "By orders, within three days, the Northern Border New Fifth Corps must be fully integrated."


    "By orders, command Xiao Chuanqi to lead the First Legion to Sunlight Bridge for immediate reinforcement, Leng Wuming to lead the Second Legion to Moonlight Bridge for immediate reinforcement, and Shangguan Fenghua to lead the Fourth Legion to Xinghua Bridge for immediate reinforcement."


    "By orders, the Northern Border Army is to enter a state of battle readiness immediately."


    Without waiting for Xiao Chuanqi and the others to find out what had happened to the north, Ye Feng began to issue commands in the commander¡¯s tent.


    Three orders in rapid succession, executed with thunderous speed and decisiveness.


    Finally, it was time for war!


    At this moment, truly long-awaited, surprisingly, the Northern Border Soldiers did not become tense upon hearing the news but were invigorated, eager for the test of battle.


    Winning battles under the Northern King had long become a catchphrase for the Northern Border Soldiers.


    At night, a group of mysterious figures clad in mechas arrived at the Gesang River, this vast river nearly three hundred meters wide, already frozen over with nearly one meter of ice.


    In war, of course, one must fight to win.


    Ye Feng aimed his gaze at the Gesang River. Did the Mingbei Barbarians really think that the Northern Border Soldiers would only dare cross those three bridges? The era had changed, and tonight, he was going to...


    Break the ice!@@@@

 Chapter 268 The Disaster of Mingbei

    The Northern Border belonged to Ye Feng''s million-strong army, which was bustling day and night.


    However, in Mingbei, stationed fifty miles away from the Gesang River, the Mingbei camp displayed a demoralized and bleak scene. Over three hundred thousand Mingbei Barbarians appeared distracted, glancing back frequently, while even the elite Snow Wolf Riders were full of worry.


    All of this was because of one person, a Blood Demon to be precise.


    Almost every Barbarian within the Mingbei camp knew of a terrifying Blood Demon that had invaded the lands of Mingbei. It slaughtered upon sight, indiscriminately killing anyone it encountered, regardless of innocence or guilt, regardless of age or gender.


    Wherever the Blood Demon passed became a short-lived Life Forbidden Zone.


    The massacre by that Blood Demon continued unabated, and the Barbarians were no exception; they too had feelings. How could they fight in peace here when their families in the rear might encounter the Blood Demon and perish the next day?


    As for the Snow Wolf Riders, their leader, General William, had long since been furious. The Empire had commanded him to come here, appointed him as the overall commander to lead the Snow Wolf Riders, and his mission was to dampen the Xuanyuan Nation''s spirit. They even sent two Shamans and a hundred Werewolf Druids to support him.


    Those Cultivators were originally his trump cards, but what about now?


    The two Shamans had vanished without a trace, and all the Werewolves had been hastily conscripted. They said it was to gather all the strength of the Cultivators to deal with the Blood Demon.


    Damn it!


    It''s not a problem that you want to deal with that Blood Demon, but why take people under my command? Do you realize how much this messes up my plans? How passive it makes me?


    General William was indeed the leader of the Snow Wolf Riders, but he was also the overall commander of the entire Mingbei camp. As he watched the demoralized Mingbei army, after venting his spleen, he just felt a profound sense of weariness.


    No wonder they are called savages!


    Simple-minded with brawn over brain, General William felt helpless. They didn''t even understand the principle that internal troubles must be settled before dealing with external threats. Mingbei was so vast; how many people could one Blood Demon possibly kill?


    Indeed, General William wasn''t wrong in thinking that.


    But not everyone in the world is so selfless.


    And looking at Gai Jiutian, after two days of aimless travel and slaughter, the Mingbei People who died by his sword ultimately numbered only tens of thousands. Compared to Mingbei''s population of hundreds of millions, this number was hardly worth mentioning.


    Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    But did Gai Jiutian stop?


    He did not!


    The logic of the world is that small streams make big rivers. Gai Jiutian, as if deliberately, slowed down to a walking pace despite being capable of flying out of Mingbei lands within five days with his Sword Control. He wandered toward wherever there were more people, with no certain direction at all.


    For two whole days, Gai Jiutian turned Mingbei lands upside down, to the point that even the raging war in the Western Region stopped due to his emergence. Cultivators from all over rushed back.


    With the nation''s efforts, exterminate the Blood Demon!


    In fact, it wasn''t just that¡ªthe leader of the Mingbei Empire and other powers had come to a consensus agreement. They must try everything, at any cost, to eliminate that Blood Demon. Letting it continue its slaughter was a disaster for all Mingbei Races.


    General William underestimated the number of Gai Jiutian''s killings, but the Mingbei Emperor knew precisely how many lives vanished within a day, and what was worse, the Blood Demon''s strength kept increasing with it.


    "It''s the Blood Demon, the Blood Demon has arrived, everyone run for your life!"


    One clear morning, Gai Jiutian arrived again at the outskirts of a large tribe.


    Too late!


    Half an hour later, more powerful beings kept arriving only to witness the blood-soaked ground, their sights filled with desolation; dead, all dead, even newborn babies were lying in pools of blood.


    Why!


    What wrong had they done?


    The many experts who rushed to the scene were trembling with fear; this was the Blood Demon''s most extensive slaughter to date. They had pursued the Blood Demon day and night, attempting to encircle and suppress him, yet he managed to initiate one massacre after another right under their noses.


    "No, this Blood Demon is getting smarter. He''s toying with us; we must change our approach," said an elder in a white robe.


    For the past four days, during the first two days, the Mingbei Cultivators could occasionally find traces of Gai Jiutian to battle with him. However, before they could form an encirclement, he would kill people and escape. Over the next two days, they could only follow behind Gai Jiutian, being toyed with in circles.


    The Blood Demon was getting smarter and no longer only knew how to slaughter.


    The people looked to see one of the three leading figures among the plant-type Druids, a highly revered senior, the Old Birch King.


    "Old Birch King, our urgent priority is to eliminate the Blood Demon as quickly as possible, so please speak directly," said a great Shaman clutching a golden staff.


    His name was Poseci, a Mingbei Shaman, his rank discernible from the gemstone color embedded in their staffs, which were of five levels. The most esteemed was purple, followed by gold, green, red, and white.


    "The Blood Demon likes to flee to places where people are numerous. I propose that the King issue an order to disperse the populace residing in various places and then deploy the army here. All we need to do is relax and wait for his reappearance."


    "You all should be well aware that the Blood Demon can conceal his presence, and none of us have the confidence that two or three individuals could successfully intercept him. Finding him may not be useful," the Old Birch King said, turning his gaze to Poseci.


    Among the many Mingbei Cultivators, those closest to the Imperial rulers were undoubtedly these mysterious Shamans.


    "I agree with the Old Birch King''s sentiment," said one.


    "I also agree," said another.


    "Agreed," echoed more voices.


    ...


    Within moments, everyone had expressed their wishes.


    "I will consult the King on this matter shortly and proceed as Old Birch King suggests. There''s no need for you all to continue the search. We just have to wait for the arrival of the army to jointly exterminate the Blood Demon," declared Poseci decisively.


    "That''s acceptable."


    "Poseci, I have a question on my mind: is the Blood Demon somehow related to you Shamans?" another asked suddenly.


    The atmosphere turned noticeably colder.


    As the Old Birch King''s question hung in the air, more and more people turned their gazes towards the Shamans, and Poseci''s face showed his hesitation.


    "The Blood Demon is from Xuanyuan Nation, sent by them to create chaos in Mingbei," Poseci firmly claimed.


    "I know he''s from Xuanyuan Nation, I also know his name is Gai Jiutian, I''m aware he was the former First Legion Commander of the Northern Border, and more so, I know he''s under your Shamans'' Blood Curse Technique," the challenger continued.


    "Poseci, it doesn''t matter if you don''t admit it. Among the Shamans, the ten Golden Staff Pharaohs are not the ones with real authority. After this matter is resolved, I, along with many Cultivators, will confront the Old Dharma King. Isn''t the lesson from three hundred years ago not enough for you?" the Old Birch King said indignantly.


    Plant-type Druids, more so than animal-type Druids, were reluctant warriors, their hearts desiring and preserving peace. What truly infuriated the Old Birch King was that the Shamans, knowing they were at fault, still refused to admit their wrongdoing.

 Chapter 269 Borrow the Auspicious Timing, Battle Mingbei

    ```


    Dispatching an army of several hundred thousand men just to eradicate one person?


    As absurd as it sounds, the Monarch of the Mingbei Empire actually did just that. Of course, it was a matter of necessity. What would become of the citizens of Mingbei if the Blood Demon continued his carnage unchecked?


    If they weren''t killed, they would flee or escape. Who knows, one day the Blood Demon might come for the Monarch himself, and then it would all be over with a single sword strike.


    Thus, a massive army of two hundred thousand was once again dispatched from the Mingbei Camp near the Gesang River. What choice did they have, being the closest?


    If it wasn''t for the need to defend against the enemies from Xuanyuan Nation to the south, the Mingbei Monarch would have wanted to mobilize all his forces, combining the twenty thousand from the south with those sent by other leaders for a total force of four hundred thousand.


    That should be enough to bait the Blood Demon.


    General William nearly cried. You mobilize my two hundred thousand soldiers just to deal with one person?


    However, no matter how angry or how much he protested, it was useless. In Mingbei, the orders of King Peter XVI were absolute. Those who were supposed to leave did so without a single soldier less from the two hundred thousand.


    Looking at the remaining force of less than one hundred and twenty thousand soldiers, their faces showing they would prefer to be hunting the Blood Demon, devoid of any fighting spirit, General William felt utterly exhausted.


    Damn it all!


    Do they all really think the Northern Border Army of Xuanyuan Nation wouldn''t dare to attack?


    As a skilled commander with extraordinary martial talent, General William had already sensed the war''s imminence. Over these past days, his meticulous understanding of Ye Feng, the Northern Border King, led him to believe absolutely that a battle was inevitable.


    Perhaps, the struggle for the Northern Border''s throne was nothing but a play directed and performed by Ye Feng himself.


    ...


    Ye Feng was unaware of the commotion that Gai Jiutian had caused in Mingbei.


    Of course, had he known, he would have been deeply worried. While Gai Jiutian had indeed disrupted the state of an entire nation on his own, how could the vast Mingbei Empire let him off the hook?


    For five full days, Ye Feng was busy without rest, day and night. Two days ago, the Northern Border''s New Fifth Corps was fully integrated, canceling out the structures of the four marquesses and successfully expanding each legion to two hundred thousand soldiers.


    But with a million soldiers in strict formation, waiting day after day, Ye Feng''s command to attack was still not issued.


    "Pass the order, command the First, Second, and Fourth Legions of the Northern Border to lead with the heavy-armored troops, dispatching light cavalry towards the Mingbei Camp for a surprise attack. Do not seek victory, nor to kill enemies, just to disturb is sufficient."


    "Order the Fourth Legion Commander, Jin Wuming, to lead his troops to inspect the Gesang River and find ice surfaces suitable for crossing."


    Just when the soldiers thought this war might wait until the next spring, Ye Feng suddenly issued two commands.


    Fight!


    Less than an hour after Ye Feng''s orders were issued, on the three bridges, supply troops from the three legions advanced, engaging directly in their first battle with the Mingbei Barbarians.


    The roar of cannons, the charge of troops, and the sound of iron hooves rose continuously.


    In less than half an hour, the three Mingbei bridges were lost, and the three legions successfully took control of all the bridges.


    Was it really this smooth?


    Even with the astute mind of Xiao Chuanqi, he found it hard to understand the situation. Logically, the Mingbei Barbarians came for revenge and should have placed great importance on defending the only bridges that allowed crossing the river, but their defense was weak.


    If the reasoning wasn''t clear, then there was no need to ponder it further.


    In any case, such matters were for the King to consider. Xiao Chuanqi personally took to the field, leading the Light Cavalry Troop into the Northern Great Snow Mountain.


    Not to kill enemies?


    How could they not take the opportunity to spill some blood, having come all this way? Were they here just to catch the North Wind?


    Since the King''s command was only about not seeking to kill the enemy, it was fine to act within one''s own capabilities. Killing as much as one could manage was totally permissible.


    Sharing Xiao Chuanqi''s mindset was the Second Legion Commander, Leng Wuming.


    As for the Fourth Legion Commander, Shangguan Fenghua, someone of his age ought to be more prudent. With old arms and legs, it was better to let Xia Lengchan take charge.


    "Master, what are your orders for me?"


    "My lord, the Mingbei Snow Wolf Riders have finally begun their pursuit."


    Over there, no sooner had the Snow Wolf Riders moved than Ye Feng in the Northern Border Camp received the news.


    "Good, it seems Xiao Chuanqi and his men have succeeded."


    "Tell the men of the three legions to put in more effort, and if necessary, shed some blood. Snow wolves are bloodthirsty and ferocious creatures; once they get riled up, even the barbarians won''t be able to control them."


    Ye Feng smiled knowingly.


    Of course, his smile was cold, because his command would surely result in the death of thousands of light cavalrymen in Mingbei.


    But, such is war!


    The heaven didn''t make Ye Feng wait long; on the eighth day, a blizzard began in the Northern Border.


    "Order the First, Second, and Fourth Legion light cavalry troops to attack the Mingbei Camp, fight while retreating, and make sure to draw the Snow Wolf Riders out of the camp."


    "Order the Third Legion to do everything possible to cross the river and attack the Northern Border Camp."


    Following two consecutive orders, Ye Feng''s figure also vanished from the Main Commander''s Tent.


    "C''mon, you wolf cubs, come and kill your grandpa!"


    Outside the Mingbei Camp, Xia Lengchan taunted wildly, having gradually adopted the temperament of the Northern Border dwellers.


    Say the cruelest words, fight the harshest battles!


    What of the Snow Wolf Riders? They still ended up with a two-for-two exchange, of course referring to two men for one man and one mount.


    "Xia Lengchan, that''s not enough. Everyone in the light cavalry already knows that; watch me."


    Leng Wuming lifted his sleeves without hesitation and cut the back of his hand, letting the blood flow out immediately.


    Clank! Clank!


    One after another, the Northern Border light cavalrymen drew their waist daggers, following Leng Wuming''s action.


    At that moment, about fifty thousand light cavalrymen from the three legions gathered there, letting their blood spill on the ice.


    I''m this brazen, this deranged in my lure.


    "Kill, slaughter through them!"


    At last, the Snow Wolf Riders couldn''t wait any longer and surged forward without an order from the Main Commander''s Tent; if they didn''t strike now, the snow wolves beneath them might go berserk first.


    A bunch of cowards who only know how to flee, seeking death¡ªthen let''s fulfill their wish.


    Nearly twenty-five thousand Snow Wolf Riders charged fiercely, leaving only the old, the young, the sick, and the weak to guard the camp.


    The opportunity had arrived!


    "Orders to the Fifth Legion to attack in full force, release the oil-burning bombs."


    Attack!


    Less than ten minutes after many of the Snow Wolf Riders had left.


    From the north, where the enemy''s presence was least expected, the mighty Fifth Legion soldiers marched forth, flinging oil-burning bombs directly over the Mingbei Camp.


    Where had the Northern Border''s Fifth Legion gone?


    They had long since crossed the Gesang River and lay in wait in the distance, waiting for just the right moment¡ªthe arrival of the blizzard.


    Wait for the right time to fight Mingbei!


    A great storm could hinder one''s sight and hearing, and with some camouflage, the Fifth Legion could truly "do as they pleased."


    Flames erupted instantly within the Mingbei Camp.


    The sky above the Northern Great Snow Mountain also ignited its fiercest fire at that moment.

 Chapter 270 Slaying Enemies with Ease

    A great fire, ruthlessly raging.


    In the cold blizzard, many Mingbei Barbarians had sought warmth inside their tents, but the thick clothing on their bodies now became the best kindling.


    Heart-wrenching screams pierced the sky.


    "General, run!"


    As merciless as fire and water, the sight of soldiers already in complete disarray surrounded General William as he left the main tent with his aides, his heart sunk with despair.


    "Run, where to? I hate this!"


    The defeat was conclusive!


    At such a time, the crucial Snow Wolf Riders were lured away, unable to provide an effective protective circle for those engulfed in flames. General William didn''t need to look to know that the Northern Border Warriors were mercilessly reaping every life outside.


    Thousands of mistakes, but whose fault was it?


    If only he had 300,000 Mingbei warriors, he, William, would have long led an attack south of the Gesang River.


    Alas, in the end, he alone had to bear all the blame.


    "Charlie, you go surrender."


    "Xuanyuan Nation has never killed captives, maybe one day, you might return to the Mingbei land."


    General William pulled out a cigar, his expression one of profound dejection.


    This campaign was like a huge joke to him, as his greatest support was stripped away time after time. Without enough soldiers, how could he fight a national war?


    "The general must be joking. As a deputy, how can I abandon my commander and surrender?"


    "For the glory of Mingbei!"


    Deputy Charlie drew his sword from his waist. He had killed many with this Western foil, and now, it seemed, it was his turn to repay.


    This battle was truly a bitter pill to swallow!


    Charlie truly felt that General William did not deserve this, not in the least. The youngest three-star general in the history of the Mingbei Empire, William had commanded thirty-nine battles in the West, with only four ending in defeat.


    He was the most eligible to become Military Commander, yet he had never imagined to end his career in such a stifling way.


    "For the glory of Mingbei!"


    General William likewise drew his longsword.


    "Kill!"


    "If you don''t want to die kneeling, if you don''t want to be looked down on by the enemy, then bring out your courage, pick up your weapons, and kill the enemy with me!"


    In the midst of the battle, there was a will to live, as well as a fighting spirit forced out by desperation.@@@@


    More and more Mingbei soldiers who escaped the inferno picked up weapons and joined General William''s ranks.


    "Order the Third Legion to take a detour at full speed to the vicinity of the Great Snow Mountain, coordinate with the three great legions to encircle and annihilate the Snow Wolf Riders, leave no one alive."


    Outside the sea of flames, Ye Feng watched everything inside with cold detachment.


    War has no room for mercy.


    Surrenderers were not to be killed, but those who resisted were shown no mercy. Yet Ye Feng did not intend to abide by this rule when dealing with the Snow Wolf Riders; he would never forget the scene of the wolves heartlessly gnawing on the corpses of Northern Border Warriors.


    "Command the Fifth Legion, to finish this war within two hours."


    The fire''s effect was a slight surprise to Ye Feng.


    What surprised him even more was that there were not as many Mingbei Barbarians in the camp as he had expected. Their number and scale of troops were inferior to those who had confronted him at the Great Snow Mountain years ago.


    Such few people, who gave them the courage to seek vengeance?


    Damn it!


    Annoyed at all the effort he put into so many days of preparations, watching the weather, calculating human nature, trying to wear down the enemy¡ªif he had known there were so few, bringing all Five Great Legions could have crushed them in one fell swoop.


    Inside the sea of flames, Mingbei warriors were still resisting, but Ye Feng had already departed.


    The Snow Fox King took the lead in launching an attack. His white claws tore through the sky as he pounced towards the Blood Shadow in front.


    In an instant, everyone began to attack. Some Blood Shadows grew small trees from their bodies; some, for some unknown reason, fell as if struck by a heavy blow, while others spoke words identical to those of their opponents.


    "Die!"


    Before the Snow Fox King could tear his enemy apart, a dazzling blood light eerily arrived in front of him.


    Does shouting joyfully help?


    Facing danger, the Snow Fox King immediately transformed into his Divine Path Body, his seven massive tails propped up a dazzling white light screen in front of him. Alas, the blood light easily sliced through his defensive screen and descended upon him.


    A ray of sword light split the Snow Fox King in two.


    Ye Feng smiled coldly and swung his sword at another person. What did it matter if there were a hundred more? They would still only become his feast.


    All of them great nourishment!


    This time, the sword light was aimed at the Shaman Pharaoh, Poseci.


    "Guardian light of nature, Spear of Life!"


    Seeing the sword light flying towards him, with the precedent of the Snow Fox King, Poseci quickly retreated and chanted a string of spells.


    A green spear slowly gathered from his magic wand.


    "Kill!"


    In a moment, Poseci advanced instead of retreating, wielding his magic wand and driving the spear towards the sword light.


    Bang! One by one¡ª


    A powerful storm suddenly blew everyone within a ten-meter radius apart, with Poseci trembling at the corners of his mouth, struggling against the sword light in front of him.


    "Go!"


    The Blood Shadows merged into the blood light without hesitation.


    It''s over!


    The magic wand in his hand could no longer hold and was cut in half.


    Poseci''s face was the epitome of despair. The power of the Blood Demon was already far beyond them. The calamity of three hundred years ago was about to repeat itself.


    If the Blood Demon took only one strike to deal with the Snow Fox King, then dealing with Poseci would undoubtedly take only two.


    Until Poseci''s body also fell, the people came to a shocking realization that they could not kill the Blood Demon with their strength alone.


    "Run!"


    It was unclear which powerhouse shouted first, but they were not just contending with immortal Blood Shadows¡ªthere was also a terrifying Blood Demon at play, killing at will.


    How could the battle continue?


    With the first leading the way, suddenly there was a second. Roughly a dozen powerhouses turned and scattered in all directions.


    "Bastards!"


    William XII roared with irrepressible fury.


    These deserters, they deserved death! Just a short battle and a dozen had already fled, not to mention the impact on morale, but what about the four hundred thousand people below?


    "Become my servant, and I won''t kill you."


    In a moment of trance, Ye Feng appeared before William XII.


    "I..."


    Before William XII could utter a word of refusal, Ye Feng''s right hand easily pierced through his chest, crushing his heart in an instant as he said coldly,


    "You don''t have a say."


    Another powerhouse had fallen.


    William XII''s eyes gradually dimmed, but that wasn''t the end. Once his gaze completely faded, it eerily opened again¡ªalready turned a blood-red color.

 Chapter 271 Sending You Away

    Another mighty warrior had fallen.


    William XII of the Mingbei Holy Capital, Petersburg''s oldest and most esteemed Grand General of the Royal Court, a meritorious servant and defender of the nation, had a fearsome combat power and had once been the pride and faith in the hearts of countless young people in Mingbei.


    Yet, even an existence like him was easily slain by Gai Jiutian.


    Strange Blood Qi constantly poured into the body of William XII, quickly healing the large hole in his chest. Those dim eyes suddenly brightened, bursting forth with a vivid crimson light.


    "Kill!"


    William XII let out an earth-shaking roar, like a wild beast gone mad.


    It was not for you to decide!


    You had no say over life, let alone after death.


    "Kill them all!"


    Gai Jiutian''s finger coldly pointed toward the ground, and in an instant, a burly figure charged fiercely forward; it was the "resurrected" William XII.


    Great General!


    Why is it you who comes to kill our people?


    Looking at William XII swooping down from the sky, at that moment, the hearts of countless warriors in the entire Mingbei camp were filled with desolation, as the Royal Court''s Grand General they had always admired and cherished was now turning his blade on them after his death.


    This was certainly not the General''s will!


    "Send the old General off!"


    Following the desolation, an endless rage took its place.


    Rows upon rows of Mingbei warriors rushed towards William XII recklessly, even though they knew they were futilely trying to stop a speeding carriage.


    On the ground, blood shadows exploded one after another.


    William XII was powerful; even in life, he had been a Divine Ability Realm Level powerhouse. Even without the ability to think after death and a decrease in fighting strength, his terrifying killing power was still present. Many tried to stop him, but not a single person was actually able to do so.


    He was practically a demon!


    Even more frightening was that what William XII exhibited was not a fearless fight to the death, but the fact that he was already dead and knew nothing but slaughter.


    No matter how many attacks struck him, none could halt his murderous stride; his Iron Fists rampaged, eerily reminiscent of Gai Jiutian''s initial descent into demonhood.


    "He can actually do this."


    In the sky above, King Hua felt utterly exhausted.


    No matter how he tried to shatter the blood shadows before him, they would instantly regenerate, appearing nearly Immortal and Undying.


    These blood shadows created by Gai Jiutian weren''t actually very strong.


    But their strength lay in the fact that they couldn''t be killed; they would resurrect just as before, indestructible, and the slightest carelessness could lead to a fall into their Curse.


    King Hua certainly saw the massacre below, but even he was powerless to help at the moment, how could he go to the aid of those people?


    The Blood Demon Gai Jiutian had disappeared.


    Yet, no one could feel any joy; everyone in the midst of battle knew he had gone to hunt down those fleeing, and his return was only a matter of time.


    Below the heavens, powerful bursts of energy continuously erupted, the blizzards became intermittent, but the battle was still in a deadlock.


    To fight or to flee?


    Just as everyone was entertaining the idea of retreat and hesitating, a golden-curled female Shaman suddenly spoke up:


    "My friends, I have a way to destroy these undead creatures; who can buy me some time?"


    Among Mingbei''s ten Golden Staff Pharaohs, the youngest and only female, Tina.


    "I''ll do it!"


    Bear King Luli roared, forcefully smashing a blood shadow into silence, reverting to human form and flying toward Tina.


    Of the twenty-three Divine Communication Realm and Divine Ability Realm warriors, some had died, others had fled.


    "Tisis was right, even if a sacrifice is needed, it''s not your turn. Live on, the Shamans have lost their way, but with you, I believe they can find their way back to the light."


    In a silent chant, the purple magic wand once again emitted a beam of light.


    Forbidden Technique: Life Transfer!


    The old man stood silently, his seemingly frail body standing tall and steadfast, as the light dissipating from Tina fell upon him.


    Another forbidden technique!


    This elder''s forbidden technique was clearly not as powerful as the Judgement of Light, but Tina couldn''t even begin to compare her cultivation level with his. And this elder was none other than,


    the only living Old Dharma King among the many Shamans of Mingbei!


    When the Stagnation Domain dissipated, Tina had returned to her original form, and the others regained their freedom, while the nine Blood Shadows now appeared sluggish.


    "Tisis, from now on, this magic wand is yours. Use it to protect those you wish to protect," said the Old Dharma King.


    The magic wand, inlaid with purple gems, flew into the hands of Tisis, who was utterly bewildered.


    Poor Tisis wasn''t quick to grasp the meaning. What is the Old Dharma King doing? Why give it to me?


    "Go!"


    Without the magic wand or any incantations, everyone in the vicinity found their bodies uncontrollably plummeting to the ground like ripe fruit falling from the vine.


    Suddenly, a dazzling beam of light burst forth, indistinguishable as to whether it shot up to the heavens or fell from above. Where everyone had stood, there was only a blinding expanse of light.


    "Teacher!"


    Tina cried out, kneeling on the ground, the only one who knew what had happened.


    Judgement of Light, listed as the second of the Seven Forbidden Techniques, is not so easily defied. The Old Dharma King used a forbidden technique to transfer the Judgement of Light onto himself, triggering a second explosion of the Judgement of Light.


    A bright silhouette shot out from the midst of the white glow.


    "I had no idea there was still someone like you."


    Gai Jiutian coldly regarded the indistinct white figure before him.


    "Gai Jiutian!"


    The white figure did not attack, simply uttering three words.


    Yet, these three words struck Gai Jiutian''s heart like a spell, causing his brows to furrow deeply.


    "Useless." Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    "I''ve slaughtered so many people day and night, all to make that person''s heart become like mine. Did you really think that just by a Blood Curse Technique, I could have been born?" Gai Jiutian covered his chest, laughing wildly.


    "I see."


    "It''s too early to laugh now. I may not be able to kill you, but I can exile you."


    Spot after spot of light flew out from the white figure like eyes, all enveloping Gai Jiutian.


    "What are you doing?"


    Gai Jiutian suddenly lost his composure.


    The Old Dharma King had not come with an intent to kill, but it was this calmness, almost self-sacrificial in nature, that made him extremely uneasy.


    "Granting you your graduate cultivation level and sending you away from this world," the Old Dharma King''s voice grew fainter.


    "No!"


    In the skies above, dark clouds swiftly gathered, and Gai Jiutian roared ceaselessly while his aura climbed higher and higher.


    Crack! One by one


    An abrupt crack of darkness spread beside Gai Jiutian, who desperately tried to flee, but from the fissure came an overwhelmingly strong suction force.


    "You''re ruthless!"


    Gai Jiutian glanced at the flickering lightning above his head, ultimately giving up resistance, allowing the crack to engulf him.

 Chapter 272 This is Not Over Yet

    No one knew that just as Gai Jiutian was about to be engulfed, his hair standing on end, he, like a demon god of legend, coldly said a sentence toward the sky:


    "I will come back!"


    These words, resembled the ultimate declaration of a great villain as he was being repelled, and yet regardless of who it was, one could feel the unparalleled confidence in his voice.


    Gai Jiutian''s last gaze lingered to the south of Mingbei, that merciless look seemed to hold a hint of longing.


    In fact, whether it was "him" or the real Gai Jiutian, they had always been watching each other from the deepest recesses of their hearts, they were existences inherently part of each other, neither able to kill the other.


    The path ahead would simply be a matter of who would become the other, nothing more.


    William XII, who was in the midst of carnage, suddenly ceased all movement without any reason. A moment before, he had been fighting with brute force, sending Bear King Luli reeling with a punch, yet the next second his fist was frozen just in front of a soldier''s vital point.


    Saved, saved?


    This soldier, still in shock, scrambled backwards, only to see William XII fall to the ground with a strange posture, with a heavy thud.


    It''s over!


    Actually, as soon as the Blood Demon looked up to the sky and uttered that sentence, everyone could no longer sense his presence, the blood fog in the sky had long been cleansed by the Judgement of Light''s power.


    It was laughable, twenty-three Divine Path Experts had ambushed Blood Demon, only to be casually killed by him¡ªthree dead instantly, eleven were so frightened they fled for their lives.


    Even more laughable was the fact that out of the eleven who ran, only five survived in the end, whereas the nine who had continued to fight had all lived.


    "William XII''s body cannot be left behind."


    War can drive people to despair, but it can also make them stronger. Fortunately, the still living Tina now had a face of utter determination.


    Crying, is pointless!


    The light shines because it has darkness to outshine, the Old Dharma King was gone, and without her teacher to care for her, she had to learn to shoulder everything.


    "Lady Tina, William XII was the Great General of the Royal Court."


    Two generals clad in general''s robes entered, one in charge of commanding the local 400,000 soldiers, the other born in the Royal Court of the Sacred Capital.


    The speaker was the general from the Royal Court of the Sacred Capital, Benjano.


    "Of course, I know that."


    "If you plan to take his body back to the Royal Court to be buried in the Protector of the Hero''s Tomb, aren''t you afraid that he will suddenly rise up along the way and kill every single one of you? Don''t forget, even my mentor couldn''t eradicate the Blood Demon, who can assure that this is not a ploy he deliberately left behind?"


    In short, what Tina wanted to do was to eliminate the problem once and for all.


    Skilled in a few Forbidden Techniques, Tina was very aware that in this world, even she had many things that were beyond her understanding, and with the Blood Shadow''s nature of near-immortality, leaving William XII''s body behind seemed like a certain time bomb.


    "Lady Tina, I stand in your shoes and would wish to destroy William XII''s body, but if you consider the position of a million soldiers, a Great General who died in battle, if he can''t be honored in the Hero''s Tomb after his death, aren''t you afraid the soldiers will feel disheartened?"


    "We will handle this matter."


    If Tina was standing from a humane standpoint, feeling that the body should be destroyed to prevent future threats,


    Then Benjano was standing from a rational standpoint, a Great General who had dedicated his life to the nation, how could he be treated like this after death?


    Looking at how many soldiers were willing to die under William XII''s fists, one after the other, it was clear how beloved this Great General of the Royal Court had been while he lived.


    "Do as you see fit."


    Seeing more and more soldiers gather around, Tina no longer insisted on having her way and left with Tisis, pulling him along. The Old Dharma King had passed away suddenly, and in the days to come, even among the Shamans, a series of troubles would arise.


    She was still too young!


    In such an unhappy parting, King Hua shook his head. He couldn''t be bothered to say more¡ªShamans were getting too close to the empire, which was not a good thing for the many Druids.


    What kind of thing was an empire?


    For those Druids who were at least a hundred years old, they had long seen through the ultimate essence of any empire in the world.


    At the foot of the mountain.


    Battalion after battalion of Northern Border soldiers were retreating in an orderly manner.


    This battle could be called a great and special victory. With the sacrifice of less than ten thousand men, they had taken the lives of more than a hundred thousand Mingbei barbarians. Such battle achievements were unprecedented.


    And certainly second to none!


    In the Royal Palace of Petersburg, Mingbei Holy Capital, as the Northern Border soldiers retreated one after another, King Peter XVI was also discussing important matters with his Prime Minister Richard.


    "Your Majesty, it seems that there''s some discontent with the shamans at the Royal Court,"


    The old man with a receding hairline, Prime Minister Richard, after a thorough review, his expression became grave.


    In fact, suggesting this was clearly superfluous because how could the king before him not be aware of it?


    Richard simply wanted to understand the king''s stance.


    "Richard, what do you think? Who is more loyal? An organization that has grown numerous followers on its own territory and pretends to cooperate with me, or the Royal Court that is in my hands?"


    King Peter XVI looked at the Prime Minister with interest.


    He knew very well that the Prime Minister''s son was now a mage-level figure among the shamans.


    "Why should Your Majesty ask me?"


    Richard kept his head low, silently.


    The majesty of the king was untouchable. This bearded Mingbei king always seemed amiable on the surface, but when it came to killing, he was cold-blooded and ruthless.


    "Very good."


    "There used to be a man who''d occasionally come to see me. Regardless of whether I did something good or bad, he''d say nothing, making me anxious all day long. Yet I couldn''t kill him. Now it''s fine, that old thing has finally died."


    King Peter XVI laughed unrestrainedly.


    Now, he no longer had to worry about his laughter being heard by that old man, he no longer had to guess what the old man was up to, and he no longer had to fear that he might not wake up the next day after falling asleep.


    "Congratulations, Your Majesty,"


    Richard immediately greeted him with a smile.


    "Have Max return to take up the position of Grand General of the Royal Court,"


    "I can''t figure it out, why would that old man send the Purple Gold Staff to Tisis? Was he really not afraid of making me angry?"


    After laughing, King Peter XVI looked somewhat wistful.


    Why give it to Tisis?


    Did you always know that he was my planted man?


    "Your Majesty, bringing Max back might trouble William''s family,"


    Richard hesitated, stopping mid-sentence.


    Back when the two great generals competed for the position of Grand General of the Royal Court, it was William XII who ultimately won. If it was not for King Peter XVI''s intervention, Max would have long been dead.


    The two had enmity, deep and bitter hatred.


    "Do as I say!"


    "Over the years, both an old William and a Little William managed to garner more fame than me. I must admit, the emergence of the Blood Demon has done me many favors."


    Each of the troubles that had plagued King Peter XVI disappeared one by one with the departure of the Blood Demon Gai Jiutian.


    Suddenly feeling as if he had been released from a cage back into the wild, King Peter XVI stood up and walked straight to the balcony. Outside the palace, masses of people were kneeling on the snowy ground to welcome the body of William XII back.


    Truly beloved!


    King Peter XVI then looked towards the Wizard Tower, which soared higher than the palace, his lips slowly curving into a smile. The era that truly belonged to him had just begun.

 Chapter 273 Return to the Imperial Capital

    ```


    Like a cooking pot turns on the rabbit once the hunting dog catches it.


    In the ruthless imperial family, Richard dared not speak up for William XII anymore. How much could conscience possibly be worth in this world? To risk one''s own life for someone already dead seemed utterly unworthy of consideration.


    Outside the royal palace, people still grieved for the Grand General of the Royal Court who had died in battle.


    Within the palace, however, Peter XVI had already coldly abandoned William''s family. Once General Max returned, the William Family would undoubtedly be doomed.


    "Richard, how many years have you followed me?"


    Peter XVI quickly shed his indulgent demeanor, composedly returning to the hall.


    "Twenty-two years."


    Richard counted carefully in his heart, fearing he might misspeak by even a year.


    "Not easy, it''s been twenty-two years."


    "Since I took the throne at twenty-four to now, a full twenty-two years, I''ve never dared to speak a word of truth to someone. Sometimes I cursed him¡ªwishing he''d die soon, but when he actually was gone like that, I found I wasn''t accustomed to it at all."


    As Peter XVI looked up at the sky, his profound eyes seemed lost in thought.


    Silence!


    Richard didn''t join the conversation, nor did he dare; when the king was contemplating, he couldn''t tolerate any interruption.


    "Issue a decree to appoint Pharaoh Tisis as the national advisor."


    "Additionally, how to direct the public''s anger towards Xuanyuan Nation will be your task to manage."


    Two commands!


    Richard immediately obliged, one left him puzzled, the other made him slightly furrow his brows.


    "The Blood Demon originated from Xuanyuan Nation, that matter is not difficult. As for the losses in the south, with Little William''s forces over ten thousand men depleted, does Your Majesty intend to shift the main battlefield to the south, and have a major battle with the forces of Xuanyuan Nation''s Northern Border?"


    All along, the main battlefield for Mingbei had been in the west.


    A shift of the main battlefield was no trivial matter. After decades of fighting and plundering, many countries in the west already loathed Mingbei to the bone, vigilant against any opportunity they might seize.


    Furthermore, Xuanyuan Nation was by no means an easy bone to chew.


    Richard''s greatest concern was that there were still many small states in the south. If Mingbei mobilized its troops in large numbers to the south, it would make these small states anxious about their safety, ultimately driving them into the arms of Xuanyuan Nation.


    "Of course, we must have a major battle!"


    "Otherwise, with more than half a million men dead, where should the suppressed anger of the people be vented? This is a scarce opportunity. You should make arrangements for more youths to join the military, to be embraced by our Royal Court."


    "As for when to fight, that''s not for us to decide just yet. The later the battle, the better, but unfortunately, the Outer Battlefield is about to open soon, so you should clearly understand my meaning."@@@@


    Peter XVI looked at Richard, who, as a monarch, always thought first and foremost of maximizing his own interests.


    It wasn''t easy!


    Loyal Richard had followed him for twenty-two years, but when Max returned, someone eventually had to face the public''s questioning.


    ...


    In the Northern Border, the Northern Border Army stationed along the Gesang River withdrew.


    Here they had stayed for four full years, day by day, month by month, guarding the blue skies and land to the north of Xuanyuan Nation, watching for attacks by the Mingbei Barbarians.


    However, the first thing Ye Feng did after winning a battle was to order a continuous retreat, falling back three hundred miles.


    In the middle of the great plains, they chose suitable terrain and began to build a city.


    Building a city was not about constructing a Great Wall, but creating a secure refuge for a million Northern Border Soldiers on the vast plains. They would no longer need to worry about blizzards, be troubled by surprise Barbarian raids, or stand guard in the central area, ready to face any attacks.


    All this, just to prepare the future Northern Border Army.


    To advance or retreat at will!


    "Sire, once this city is built, we''ll have solidly moved our nation''s boundary out by three hundred miles,"


    The mighty Northern Border Army retreated along the way.


    And the First Legion led by Xiao Chuanqi was ordered by Ye Feng to stay behind for the rearguard task. As the Northern Border Camp lessened by forty percent, the dry ground was quickly re-covered by fresh snowfall.


    How many people in the future would know?


    That this ground once had a million soldiers who, undaunted by the bitter cold and arduous tasks, stood their ground night after night, swearing to watch over the Northern Border skies.


    "You don''t need to pack anything, rest assured that nothing will be left behind. I''ll bring everything to you."


    What a joke!


    Does she not realize who her husband is? The Northern Border Queen need not trouble herself with such trivial matters.


    "Little Martial Uncle, let''s race to see who''s faster. The loser must agree to do one thing for the winner that''s not too difficult."


    By his side, Feng Yuan was in the front, and Dragon Nannan was behind, both sharing one horse.


    To Ye Feng''s annoyance, it was Dragon Nannan who held the reins. Despite her tiny frame, her horsemanship was no less skilled than his own, which made him frown even darker as he watched where her other hand was placed.


    "Okay!"


    "The riverbank thirty miles up ahead is the finish line. The first one there wins."


    Ye Feng declared loudly. There was no way he would lose to a child, right?


    "You''re definitely going to lose!"


    As soon as the words were out, Dragon Nannan''s horse nearly soared into the air, galloping wildly on the snow. Ye Feng was dumbfounded; he hadn''t even finished speaking.


    You''re already cheating!


    "Haha!"


    "My dear husband, do you know whom in this world it''s almost guaranteed to win against when betting?"


    Hong Qingyan teased as she watched Ye Feng at a disadvantage.


    "Who?"


    Ye Feng asked, perplexed.


    "It''s Nannan, of course. Didn''t you know that she almost always loses when she bets?"


    It was obvious.


    Hong Qingyan and Dragon Nannan have been getting along very closely these days. Ye Feng shook his head to indicate he was unaware.


    "I bet they''ll get lost."


    Hong Qingyan said with gleeful anticipation.


    How bad is Dragon Nannan''s gambling luck?


    According to her, even if she played dice with someone else who rolled three twos, she''d end up with lower numbers without fail.


    "By the way, their horse looks like it''s flying over the snow. Is their horsemanship really that amazing?"


    As the two of them disappeared out of sight in the blink of an eye, Hong Qingyan was full of questions. She turned to Ye Feng, as though asking:


    Why is yours so slow?


    "Their horse is a Pegasus."


    Seizing the opportunity, Ye Feng immediately leaned in to kiss her. He could say,


    That both of their cultivation levels were enough to completely overpower his?


    I don''t believe you at all!


    Hong Qingyan, sitting on the horseback, wanted to resist, but soon gave in, letting Ye Feng have his way. So you only bully me because I''m no good at martial arts, huh?


    Tonight I''ll ask Nannan to sleep with me!


    The wind continued, snow drifted, but Ye Feng''s horse trotted slower and slower. He didn''t care about the bet¡ªwhat did it matter if he lost? This rare moment for just the two of them was better savored slowly.


    A journey that should barely take ten minutes was stretched into half an hour by Ye Feng''s slow pace. Leisurely, the two of them arrived at the bridge.


    Sure enough!


    Not a shadow in sight. Glancing at the positioning device in his hand, Ye Feng finally believed Hong Qingyan''s words¡ªDragon Nannan and Feng Yuan had indeed gotten lost.


    "Could it really be that she always loses when she bets?"


    Ye Feng said with a resigned smile, turning the horse around to search for the two.


    "Are you silly? They don''t know the way, so of course they''d get lost running that fast."


    What ''always loses when she bets''!


    With Dragon Nannan''s shrewd nature, only those who trusted her would end up losing everything.

 Chapter 274: The Changed Hong Yuting

    Mountains have the Five Sacred Mountains, the country has the Imperial Capital.


    In the vast lands of Xuanyuan Nation, people could fail to name all the Five Sacred Mountains, but the words ¡¯Imperial Capital¡¯ were as familiar as a household meal, known to everyone except for those young children who had yet to understand the ways of the world.


    How many young people had spent their lives yearning to travel north, dreaming of establishing themselves in the Imperial Capital? And if they were lucky enough to take root there, it would be a matter of great honor for their ancestors.


    And how many heads of the wealthy families spent their lives doing the same thing, striving to plant their family¡¯s roots in the Imperial Capital? In Xuanyuan Nation, how could a family be considered great if it didn¡¯t have a place in the Imperial Capital?


    The Imperial Capital was vast.


    So vast that even two of the Southern River Region Jiangnan capitals would not compare to its expanse. How could one dare to marvel at the other peaks from the Tai Mountain Summit without having been there, and how could one presume to speak of no other city in the world without having visited the Imperial Capital?


    The Imperial Capital!


    In its name, the character for ¡¯emperor¡¯ led the way, signifying both the capital of Xuanyuan Nation and an ambition to lead the world. The origins of the Imperial Capital included it being the Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties, but to bear the ¡¯emperor¡¯ character to the present day without a hint of decline hinted at the profound secrets it kept, not revealed to outsiders.


    A center of power, a political hub, a nexus where grand ambitions converged¡ªthe Imperial Capital indeed!


    As the Northern Border King, although the Imperial Capital lay in the north, Ye Feng had actually visited only a handful of times. Others longed to live there, to establish roots within.


    Yet this Northern Border King held no such desire; in fact, he could come and go to the Imperial Capital as he pleased.


    To Ye Feng¡¯s eyes, the vast Imperial Capital was more like an enormous bird¡¯s nest.


    It attracted "birds" from all directions within Xuanyuan to nest there, to build it up, to aid in its rise, and in the end, it bound them one by one, using them as nourishment for its own growth, until it cast them off mercilessly.


    Those living in the Imperial Capital were all too easily caught up in their own "imperial dreams."


    Afternoon.


    Hong Yuting, meticulously dressed, headed to the Grand Club for work as usual, unabated by any sense of weariness.


    In the month since she had arrived in the Imperial Capital, she had truly changed a lot. Our Jiangdu¡¯s Hong Family young lady, used to being waited on hand and foot, had actually learned to go to a job.


    Of course, Hong Yuting had her reasons for doing so.


    As one of the rarer sought-after socialites of Jiangdu, she understood well how society was stratified. What kind of people would have what kind of circles, and well-known young ladies and gentlemen would not deign to frequent the same entertainment venues as the common folk. They had their own private party locales.


    Nearly a month¡¯s efforts had brought Hong Yuting some achievements. At least the Nebula Club where she worked was one of the places where the noble young ladies frequently spent their time, and she, too, had become a star of the entire Nebula Club.


    "Yu Ting, good morning! You¡¯re here early today," a fashionably dressed woman in crystal high-heels greeted Hong Yuting with a smile. Her name was Xie Ziyan, and like Hong Yuting, she was also a popular figure.


    "It¡¯s nice out. I came to unwind a bit," Hong Yuting glanced at her, not giving Xie Ziyan much acknowledgment, but also not wanting to be too offensive.


    The women who worked here were never truly friends with one another. Here, they all shared the same objective: to find a distinguished gentleman.


    Put plainly, they were each other¡¯s competitors.


    And like them, the ones who stood out were not ordinary. Placed in their hometowns, none would be viewed as trivial figures.


    Take Xie Ziyan, for instance, she hailed from Salt City of the Eastern Border. Her family was ranked among the top three there, comparable to the powerful families in Jiangdu like the Dragon, Lei, and Fu families.


    "Indeed, it¡¯s beautiful weather," Xie Ziyan said, brushing off the interaction with a smile, not at all troubled. If it weren¡¯t for Hong Yuting being more popular than her, she wouldn¡¯t bother cozying up to someone showing her the cold shoulder.


    So full of herself!


    With that, the two went their separate ways.


    Not long after, a string of statuesque beauties arrived, each dressed distinctively. The Nebula Club employed many, but only those like Hong Yuting, who had the credentials to entertain distinguished guests, really needed to exude an air of elegance.


    For to those at such a level, beauty was commonplace and what they often sought was elegance; and that provided the opportunity for these sought-after ladies.


    She opened the bottle, poured a glass, and then downed it in one go.


    Hong Yuting appeared graceful and unrestrained, and during the whole process, everyone in the room watched her silently.


    "Good, gentle yet generous, come sit by my side."


    Only after Hong Yuting finished drinking did Han Yu clap his hands. Suddenly, a series of cheers erupted throughout the private room.


    However, Han Yu showed no intention of touching his glass.


    "You, come next to me."


    ...


    One by one, the beauties were selected by the men present. Counting them, there were seven people who could join Han Yu in this private room, aside from him.


    "Brother Han, you didn¡¯t call us brothers here today just for fun, did you?"


    After some raucousness, the slightly overweight man on Han Yu¡¯s left tentatively spoke up.


    This man was named Liang Mo, the eldest young master of the Liang Family, and also Han Yu¡¯s most loyal supporter.


    "What, can¡¯t this young master invite you guys out just for fun because I¡¯m in a good mood?"


    Han Yu asked with feigned depth.


    "Of course, of course you can!"


    "Brother Han, what happy occasion have you encountered? Share the joy with us too."


    Following the agreement, another person spoke up, and everyone perked up their ears.


    "Actually, it¡¯s nothing much. It¡¯s just that today, I finally am able to wear the ninth cloud badge."


    Han Yu casually placed one hand on Hong Yuting¡¯s thigh, an indescribable pride on his face.


    "Congratulations to Brother Han on becoming a Great Grandmaster!"


    Clearly, everyone present knew what the nine cloud badges meant.


    In the Martial Alliance, martial artists of levels one to nine wear colorful ribbons, but once their Inner Strength reaches the Grandmaster Level, their chest adornments change to cloud badges.


    Nine cloud badges signified that Han Yu was now a Great Grandmaster of the Five Qi Returning to Origin Level.


    One more step, and he would reach Nine Return to One, the Martial King Realm.


    "Young Master Han, achieving such an amazing feat at such a young age must have required enduring no small amount of hardship, right?"


    Hong Yuting did not refuse the hand on her thigh, but instead placed her own hand on top of it, showing an extremely tender expression.


    She had thought it through; simply congratulating Han Yu was not enough to catch his attention. While seeing his brilliance, she also needed to acknowledge the hardships behind his success.


    "Just average, everyday diligent practice; one must endure the bitter to become better than the rest. I¡¯ve not had many chances to hang out with you all, so I called you out to have fun tonight."


    Han Yu cast a meaningful glance towards Hong Yuting with his large hand.


    Sure enough, she¡¯s from the South!


    Gentle and bold, she was not short on schemes either. He then took Hong Yuting¡¯s hand in his own. Since this woman was intent on climbing up, he didn¡¯t mind indulging in a little game.


    ```

 Chapter 275 Captive Bird

    If everything went smoothly, tonight Hong Yuting would be able to use her own methods and charm to establish a connection with the prestigious figure in his eyes, the second young master of the Han family in the capital, Han Yu.


    Given some time, she was confident she could play Han Yu like a fiddle, thereby moving a step closer to her goal of avenging herself on Ye Feng.


    However, fate ultimately played a cruel joke on her.


    At the end of the banquet, those who had drunk too much naturally started speaking more freely, and Liang Mo began to boast:


    "Brother Han, those sons of bitches in Northern Su all say that the Northern Border King is the True Dragon among men, and it¡¯s only a matter of time before he becomes the Great General of the Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s Nation Guard, if you ask me."


    "Pah!"


    "What Northern Border King? He¡¯s nothing but a stray dog chased around by others. How is such a person a True Dragon? Only someone like you, Brother Han, truly deserves those two words."


    Liang Mo didn¡¯t dare to make bold statements about the General of the Nation Guard.


    But as for the Northern Border King, he was far less friendly, his words filled with extreme disdain.


    "Exactly, the Northern Border King counts for nothing. Arriving in the capital, even a dragon has to coil up obediently. To me, if he ever encounters Brother Han in the future, even the so-called Northern Border King might have to call Brother Han ¡¯Grandpa¡¯."


    ...


    Everyone had their say, the young masters chatting and discussing loftily.


    In their talk, they endlessly praised Han Yu, while the few popular beauties at their side also joined in the adulation, seizing the moment to curry favor.


    Belittling others to elevate oneself?


    Han Yu, upon hearing this, simply remained silent, letting these people lavish him with praise indiscriminately.


    And this was precisely what he wanted to see. If he really wanted these young masters to work for him, he had to firmly grasp their weaknesses, the more the better, until they were powerless to resist.


    As they praised him, they realized that the main subject wasn¡¯t voicing any opinions, and soon lost interest. Yan Youbin on the right then turned with a smile and said:


    "Look at how happy we¡¯ve made our Brother Han; he can¡¯t even speak. Come on, everyone, let¡¯s have a toast to Brother Han."


    A few young masters raised their glasses in unison.


    Han Yu raised his glass in return, merely sipping lightly, and then said:


    "Do you know that the ¡¯stray dog¡¯ you spoke of has reclaimed his throne as the Northern Border King?"


    His casually spoken words suddenly sobered everyone up a bit.


    "So soon? Who won?"


    Calling him a ¡¯stray dog¡¯ over and over, only now did Liang Mo realize he didn¡¯t even know the Northern Border King¡¯s name.


    "Ye Feng won," Han Yu added.


    "Ye Feng!"


    Unbeknownst to them, upon hearing these two words, Hong Yuting¡¯s hands involuntarily shook.


    This tremble wouldn¡¯t have mattered much, if not for the fact that Han Yu¡¯s hand was above hers, and she accidentally knocked his glass of wine, spilling it. At a glance, it was apparent that Han Yu¡¯s brand-new white suit pants were now stained with a clay-red color.


    Upon seeing this, Hong Yuting paled significantly, hurriedly knelt down to help Han Yu clean it up, while timidly saying:


    "I¡¯m so sorry, Young Master Han, I really am very sorry!"


    But no matter how Hong Yuting tried to wipe, she couldn¡¯t remove the wine stain.


    "Get out!"


    Seeing his pants smeared with colors everywhere, Han Yu¡¯s face grew increasingly gloomy. He kicked Hong Yuting in the stomach.


    If a Great Grandmaster made a full effort, a regular person couldn¡¯t escape with their life, but Han Yu ultimately didn¡¯t let Hong Yuting die. Her body flew over everyone and crashed into the doorframe with a loud bang.


    The heavy sound frightened the beautiful ladies, turning their faces pale, while the young masters coldly watched, thinking that a mere nobody dared to offend Han Yu.


    Her death would not be pitied!


    "Young Master Han, I¡¯m sorry, I truly didn¡¯t mean it, please forgive me this once," Hong Yuting pleaded from the ground without getting up, her mouth stained with blood, enduring the severe pain in her abdomen as she looked up at Han Yu, still begging for mercy endlessly.


    At that moment, Hong Yuting suddenly regretted coming to the capital. Her resentment towards Ye Feng grew stronger in her heart¡ªif it weren¡¯t for him, how could she have ended up in such a plight?


    An astonishing background!


    "No need, I didn¡¯t come to see you."


    Mu Tian didn¡¯t even look directly at Han Yu as he bent down gently and said:


    "Endure it a bit."


    In just an instant, Mu Tian had already healed Hong Yuting¡¯s fractured left hand, and only then did she let out a cry of pain.


    Who is he?


    Hong Yuting quickly stopped crying out. She looked dazedly at Mu Tian, this man who had suddenly appeared, as if he were a ray of light in her life.


    "Does Lord Mu know her?"


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    Seeing this scene, Han Yu felt even more uneasy.


    "I don¡¯t."


    "But a friend of mine certainly does. You seem to have kicked her, right?"


    Mu Tian helped Hong Yuting to her feet.


    "Yes."


    Han Yu said through gritted teeth.


    "According to the rules of my friend, that has to be repaid. At your age, you¡¯ve only become a Great Grandmaster¡ªwhat pride do you have?"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than Mu Tian was in front of Han Yu, releasing an overwhelming aura that left Han Yu unable to move or speak.


    Mu Tian kicked out.


    The kick appeared lackluster, but it was not the least bit lighter than Han Yu¡¯s kick on Hong Yuting; a violent energy wreaked havoc on Han Yu¡¯s right leg, tearing everything inside to shreds.


    If someone were to roll up Han Yu¡¯s pants at that moment, they would find the inside of his right leg resembling ground meat, the bones nowhere to be seen.


    "Remember to tell your father every single detail; don¡¯t make me make a special trip to your Han Family."


    Mu Tian glanced neither at Han Yu, whose mouth was twitching, nor at Aunt Yun, before turning to her.


    "Master, I know what to do."


    Aunt Yun frowned, her Palm Blade in hand, and without hesitation, she chopped at her own left leg, breaking it instantly.


    "There¡¯s no need for that. How will you find yourself a Feng Shui Treasure Land in the future?"


    Mu Tian showed no pity, supporting Hong Yuting as he left, leaving Aunt Yun ashen-faced.


    Mysterious, handsome, and incredibly powerful!


    Hong Yuting had never encountered such a flawless man. She didn¡¯t know what purpose this man had in seeking her out, but what she did know was that he had saved her. Unconsciously, this man seemed to have become her entire world.


    "I haven¡¯t told you yet, my name is Mu Tian. ¡¯Mu¡¯ as in ¡¯shepherd¡¯ and ¡¯Tian¡¯ as in ¡¯heaven¡¯."


    Inside the carriage, Mu Tian spoke with restraint.


    "My name is Hong Yuting."


    Hong Yuting stared intently at Mu Tian, never blinking.


    "I know."


    "My only friend told me that the imperial capital is a huge bird¡¯s nest, which isn¡¯t quite right; the birds in the nest can come and go freely. In my view, it¡¯s more like a birdcage."


    "Hong Yuting, would you be willing to be my caged bird?"


    Mu Tian spoke gently, without the slightest intent to force.


    To be your caged bird?


    Hong Yuting¡¯s heart fluttered wildly, and without any hesitation, she nodded her head, even though she knew that once she became the Canary,


    she would no longer be free!

 Chapter 276: Take Him Down

    Winter also has its sunshine.


    For several days in a row, the Imperial Capital was blessed with good weather¡ªthe sun hung in the sky, and the long-missed sunlight, though not as fervent as in June, caressed faces like a mother¡¯s touch, bringing an indescribable comfort and warmth.


    The snow, too, was silently and stealthily melting away.


    With the year coming to an end and the weather being so fine, the number of people traveling to the Imperial Capital to visit relatives or for sightseeing substantially increased.


    The entire Imperial Capital can be divided into an Inner Capital and an Outer Capital. Along various provincial roads and through numerous toll stations, once you pass a milestone marked with the character "Jing," you are considered to have entered the Imperial Capital.


    This merely represents the Outer Capital, which is divided into Seven Counties. As you move from one county to the next, each becomes more bustling and its people more affluent and of higher social status. Countless youths from within Xuanyuan Nation, even if they spend their whole lives struggling to work within a single county, are ultimately just passing through.


    Beyond the Seven Great Counties lies the Inner Capital. In ancient times, the Inner Capital was widely known by another prestigious name, "Purple Thorn City." Nowadays, however, more and more people have forgotten that title. The words "Purple Thorn City" now only live in the memories of some elderly who have experienced many months.


    Dongyang Gate.


    The most direct boundary between the Inner and Outer Capitals is the grand gate that still looms at the outskirts of the Inner Capital. Today, the walls that once connected the four great gates have long been demolished. The solitary and imposing Stone Gate, aside from bearing witness to the Great River of Time and now serving as a symbol, seems to have no other significance.


    And among them is Dongyang Gate.


    Dongyang Gate, which on normal days is bustling with carriages and pedestrians, now appears unusually desolate. The road is sparsely populated, and people move hastily. Anyone with discernment knows that this signifies either the travel of a high-ranking official or someone entering the capital.


    To the People of the Imperial Capital, accustomed to these occurrences, it¡¯s just a matter of stepping aside when such things happen. With so many dignitaries inside the Inner Capital, who would bother to keep track of them all without growing weary?


    However, this only applies to ordinary people. For some, they take a particular interest in monitoring such activities.


    Leaves whirled in the breeze and the empty road all at once grew heavy with an aura of chill and silence. Several domestic cars slowly approached, surrounded by an eerie absence of any other vehicles.


    The VIP was inside the cars, and the direction in which the convoy was traveling was inward, not outward.


    Just when people thought the cars would pass through directly, they stopped in front of Dongyang Gate, and then the car doors opened.


    A young man in a General¡¯s Robe stepped out.


    After more than half a year, I return to the capital uninvited.


    The man who alighted the vehicle was none other than the Northern Border King, Ye Feng. He looked up quietly at the ancient Stone Gate towering twenty meters high before him and gradually curved his lips into a smile.


    A smile brings the harsh North Wind!


    For some reason, when onlookers saw the young general¡¯s smile, an inexplicable chill crept into their hearts. Was that smile not brimming with murderous intent?


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Hong Qingyan asked softly. She had never seen Ye Feng reveal such a side before.


    That cold murderous aura dispelled the sunshine, sending a chill through her heart. What was most important was that all these people, one after another, bore the same expression.


    The air was thick with the intent to kill!


    "Half a year ago, I brought four of my guards and eight hundred of the finest warriors selected from the Eight Legions into the capital. What do you think happened to me?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s smile faded as his expression turned sorrowful.


    "Them?"


    Hong Qingyan looked at Ye Feng incredulously, feeling a sudden and even greater chill in her heart. Yes.


    Guards!


    She had never seen Ye Feng with any guards, knowing only that her grandfather was one of Ye Feng¡¯s protectors when he was a legion commander. According to Xiao Chuanqi, each of the Eight Legion commanders had two personal guards, and Ye Feng, as the Northern Border King...


    How could he not have any?


    "It was right in front of this gate that a group of mysterious people appeared. They didn¡¯t use guns nor carry ammunition, attacking us without questioning and all I could do was watch as they fell before me. Do you know what they told me to convince me to flee?"


    Ye Feng spoke through clenched teeth:


    "They said that if the king died, they would be powerless and unable to take revenge for me and the many brothers who had died; but if I lived, I would be able to seek vengeance for them in the future."


    So in that battle, Ye Feng fled.


    Four guards and eight hundred warriors desperately defended and fell one by one on this broad avenue. In the months since, Ye Feng knew that many were saying he was a beaten dog. He wasn¡¯t angry about it because that battle...


    "Guess who¡¯s come this time?"


    Within the Utility Pavilion, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming watched the sky with interest, showing no intention to take action, as if his expression conveyed,


    Come on, hurry up and make your move!


    "Guess my ass, we¡¯ll know once they¡¯re here."


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong said with a curled lip.


    "After being blocked once you¡¯d think they¡¯d have the sense not to try a second time. Pff, Second, tell me, can you still tolerate this? Do you even want to?"


    The Grand Sect Leader turned to the Second Sect Leader, looking righteously indignant.


    "Whoever tolerates it is the king of turtles."


    The Second Sect Leader stated firmly.


    Aren¡¯t these words like scolding oneself?


    The Grand Sect Leader suddenly felt a toothache, then with profound seriousness, said, "Old Second, do you know the purpose of our visitor?"


    "Others may not know Ning Wuya is your disciple, but how could I, the Grand Sect Leader, not be aware? Your grandstudent has been bullied by others, tell me, as his master, can you stand by and watch? Do you want to fight?"


    He looked at the Great Seal on the table and beckoned it into his hand.


    "Get him!"


    The Second Sect Leader didn¡¯t even glance at the Great Seal and instantly soared into the sky.


    "I wasn¡¯t finished talking. At least it¡¯s a pseudo-divine artifact. You really don¡¯t want the Kongtong Seal I¡¯m offering, for free? Rich people really are different."


    This was more like it!


    The Grand Sect Leader became animated, weighing the Kongtong Seal in his hands, lifting and lowering it.


    "Give it here."


    The Second Sect Leader returned briefly.


    "And here I thought you really didn¡¯t want it."


    The Great Seal suddenly shrank in size and flew into the Second Sect Leader¡¯s sleeve. Such a versatile brick that could be used for stamping and, when necessary, hitting people, was indeed a desirable treasure.


    It¡¯s a bit hard to part with it!


    The Second Sect Leader charged once more towards the streak of light.


    "Second, I only said you could use it against our enemy, don¡¯t you dare pocket it for yourself."


    "Of course. Those who dare to flaunt their martial prowess on the grounds of Utility Pavilion¡ªif you can kill that bastard, the Kongtong Seal is yours."


    Without shedding blood, making an example, how can we ever intimidate them?


    The Grand Sect Leader¡¯s narrowed eyes gradually grew colder, for he had heard the words that Ye Feng spoke in front of Dongyang Gate.


    Meanwhile, at the General¡¯s Mansion in the Imperial Capital, a burly man with two Purple Gold Hammers strapped to his waist made a visit. His way of visiting was direct, even rude.


    With one punch, the metal gates shattered into pieces.


    Yet, this burly man had no intention of stepping into the General¡¯s Mansion. He stood with hands akimbo right in the middle, neither advancing nor retreating.


    He only blocked the way!


    "Battle Maniac from Tang Sect, Tang Nuhuo?"


    Soon after, a middle-aged man dressed in a general¡¯s robe emerged, carrying a large saber on his back.


    "By daylight, nobody goes out for the next three days."


    To hell with you!


    Before Tang Nuhuo could finish speaking, the middle-aged man drew his saber.

 Chapter 277: So What If There Are Ten?

    The battle commenced the moment Ye Feng set foot in the Dongyang Gate.


    In the skies above the Utility Pavilion, the Second Sect Leader, wielding a long spear, was locked in a fierce duel with an elder who exuded the aura of a celestial hermit with white brows. The elder, clad in a long robe and stepping upon white clouds, held no weapon in hand. Yet, with the mere flick of his fingers, he managed to neutralize every spear thrust from the Second Sect Leader.


    Suddenly, with a wave of his two fingers towards the clouds, a number of white-armored flying generals burst forth, charging fearlessly toward the Second Sect Leader.


    These clouds, oscillating between illusion and reality, true and false, made the elder¡¯s techniques vexingly difficult to counter. And the Divine Path Object he wielded was none other than these seemingly ordinary white clouds, untouchable and unreachable by others.


    Consequently, the identity of this elderly man clothed in white was about to be revealed. He was the Second Sect Leader of the Sacred Mansion, one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, Master Bai Yun Yun Tiange.


    "White Brows, there¡¯s still time to withdraw."


    In contrast to Yun Tiange¡¯s endless array of techniques, the Second Sect Leader¡¯s approach was singular and straightforward, relying solely on a single long spear.


    Your armies may be legion, but I shall sweep them aside with one thrust of my spear.


    Behold the spear, unmistakably the Black Tiger Golden Lance, seven feet and one inch in length, with a blade three inches wide. The spearhead shaped like a flying tiger, with bladelike wings on either side, exuded a dazzling pale blue glow as if a pair of light wings. In the hands of the Second Sect Leader, every move, every thrust and slash, was accompanied by the roaring sound of tigers. Experience exclusive tales on novelhall.Co?m


    This imposing and frightful long spear, full of murderous aura, was the Divine Path Object of the Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong. Even amongst the many experts with Divine Path Objects, its lethality was ranked among the first class.


    "You impudent brat, to scare me you¡¯re still twenty thousand years too early."


    Such arrogance was simply off the charts!


    White Brows remained untroubled, deploying a variety of techniques with ease. Standing amidst the clouds, he was nearly invincible, exuding such confidence and ferocity.


    Indeed, even Divine Path Experts could not escape the ravages of time. With today¡¯s technology, the average lifespan of a common person could reach up to a hundred years, while Martial Kings, who were a cut above the rest, could live twice as long without much difficulty.


    As for Divine Path Experts, even those who sequestered themselves in hidden realms to eke out an existence could count their lifespan on one hand at best.


    Therefore, White Brows¡¯ mention of the "twenty thousand years" was an extreme exaggeration. Even his grandfather¡¯s great-grandfather wasn¡¯t born yet.


    "Pah! You old feather duster, living over two hundred years but still merely in the Spirit Division Realm. Since you are so bent on seeking death, let¡¯s see how I put you down."


    "Spear Form, Raging Sea Ascending to the Heavens!"@@@@


    ...


    Compared to the Second Sect Leader¡¯s battle, the life-and-death decision at the gates of the General¡¯s Mansion was clear and swift. Great General Duantian had only used one blade strike. Without moving, his self-created Sky Splitting Blade Intent had already arrived.


    Pity the Tang Sect¡¯s Tang Nuhuo, who had traveled from far to blockade the gate. Just a moment ago he was arrogantly confident, and the next, a bloody line split open at his brow. Without even getting a chance to raise his hammers, he fell down stiff.


    "Throw him out."


    Duan Tian barely glanced at the corpse on the ground, his brow furrowing slightly. Then, as if he heard something, he turned and went back to his General¡¯s Mansion.


    Inside the capital.


    After passing through the Dongyang Gate, Ye Feng moved unobstructed, though as he continued, he noticed something odd. Normally, the deeper one ventured into the capital, the busier and noisier it would become. Yet, the further he went, the fewer people he encountered, and the quieter It became.


    The route, surely, was correct.


    The passengers in the car posed no issue either.


    Ye Feng, who was resting with his eyes closed on the second vehicle, suddenly opened his bright eyes, piercing and sharp as a sword.


    Excellent!


    Those who were meant to come had still come, so let¡¯s see this time, who kills whom.


    "Worthy of being the imperial capital of Xuanyuan Nation. Indeed, the saying ¡¯dragons hide and tigers crouch¡¯ does exaggerate, but there are still quite a few who can fight."


    On the extended limousine that belonged to Ye Feng, Feng Yuan sat alone in the back with one leg crossed over the other. Her tone carried a hint of surprise, sensing the probing presence of numerous strong individuals in just a short while.


    "Sausage Sister, are there any who can beat you?"


    Long Nannan asked with her large eyes squinted.


    "Of course, there are."


    "Miss Long, let me remind you that your grandfather only asked me to protect you, not to clean up your messes. If you cause trouble and someone beats you up, don¡¯t come crying to me."


    Feng Yuan knew all too well the mischief brewing in Long Nannan¡¯s thieving eyes. It wasn¡¯t that she feared the locals, but there were traditions to consider.


    The small village had its own rules!


    "Are you still the closest and dearest Sister Feng I know? How can you say such hurtful things and wound my fragile heart?"


    "I¡¯ll take seventy, you thirty. If not, forget it."


    Long Nannan¡¯s quick change in tone was truly astonishing.


    From within the woods on the other side, the sound of slicing air could be heard as hidden weapons whistled through the air, with six masked people standing on the trees, continuously throwing their weapons at Ye Feng.


    "My king, I¡¯ll handle this!"


    Before Ye Feng could make a move, Leng Wuming had already arrived, his hands clasping blades in an odd stance.


    "Fiery Sun Blade ¡¤ Scorching Heart!"


    Now a Martial King, Leng Wuming displayed a power with this technique far beyond anything previously seen. As the blade thrust forth, countless blades followed, and the incoming hidden weapons were either knocked aside or sliced into scrap metal by the force of his strike.


    "Stop!"


    A sonorous voice rang out from within the woods.


    Ten figures appeared together from the thick of the trees. Their footwork was peculiar, and in an instant, they faced Ye Feng.


    Compared to all other masked assailants, these ten wore no masks¡ªeight men and two women, young and old, each with a look of mockery on their faces.


    Judging by their aura, they were unmistakably ten Martial Kings!


    "Mountain Eagle¡¯s men?"


    Ye Feng looked at the two elderly figures in black robes centered before him, his face calm and composed.


    "What if we are, what if we¡¯re not?"


    "Ye Feng, turn back now, and we can still grant you a way out," said the same black-robed elder speaking again.


    "Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s laughable?"


    "The other eight, I can guess where they¡¯re from. You two just need to tell me, yes or no?"


    Ye Feng glanced deeper into the woods. Too bad, only ten had come.


    "I am Mountain Eagle¡¯s Vice Sect Leader, White Face!"


    "Black Face!"


    The two declared their identities, one after the other.


    "The six in the trees, go and kill them."


    Ye Feng said nothing further. His Golden Battle Armor flowed out, and he charged towards the ten Martial Kings as fast as lightning.


    What did it matter if there were ten? To seek death!


    "All together, kill him fast. If we delay, none of us can escape."


    Clearly, these ten Martial Kings had no idea what sort of being they were about to confront.


    "Open Heaven!"


    In an instant, a golden Palm Blade appeared before White Face.


    "Block this!"


    White Face chuckled grimly, his hands clad in white bracers, thrusting upwards with all his might.


    A figure was split in two in a moment.


    "Qi Break!"


    "Open Heaven!"


    ...


    These same two phrases, like a curse, marked each of Ye Feng¡¯s attacks, which left a Martial King to fall with each move. In less than a minute, only two of the ten Martial Kings remained.


    This wasn¡¯t a battle of equal classes!


    Why?


    The last man and woman, facing Ye Feng, couldn¡¯t help but tremble as they gripped their swords.


    Ye Feng¡¯s aura was undoubtedly that of a Martial King, so why was he so powerful, able to execute moves without the slightest break?


    "Speak, who sent you?"


    Ye Feng walked toward the two survivors with his left fist clenched and right hand forming a Palm Blade.


    "Nobody sent us!"


    "Haha, Ye Feng, you deserve to die. You and Ning Wuya alike should be dead. So what if you win today? You won¡¯t escape the capital. I, Qiu Hongyan, will wait for you on the Yellow Springs Road," said the older Warrior Queen, rashly drawing her sword to end her own life.

 Chapter 278 Terrifying Brute Force

    One committed suicide, and only one man with an ashen face remained. With a flash of inspiration, he kicked the corpse toward Ye Feng and, without looking back, fled into the depths of the small grove. He knew he could never win in a fight, and he didn¡¯t have the courage to kill himself either.


    His only option was to flee!


    As for whether he could escape or not, he¡¯d worry about that after he had gotten away.


    "Go ahead, try to escape."


    Ye Feng¡¯s lips curled with a cruel smile. He didn¡¯t give chase, but simply watched the corpse on the ground quietly, then suddenly reached down and tore off their masks.


    A bunch of cowardly fools!


    There¡¯s a saying that one might evade the first day, but what about the fifteenth?


    Allowing one or two of them to get away was exactly Ye Feng¡¯s intention from the start. Killing them all would certainly be satisfying, but it was more important to follow the trail back to its source. What he feared wasn¡¯t that they would escape but that they were all Death Servants.


    However, just as Ye Feng was about to return, a figure suddenly came hurtling from the depths of the grove. At first glance, it was the swordsman who had just fled.


    And he brought bigger trouble!


    Ye Feng¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted. The swordsman¡¯s head was pitched forward, his body stretched out flat¡ªit was clear someone had thrown him back. His eyes were wide open with terror, or perhaps pleading, yet not a sound was heard.


    Dead!


    Without a shred of pity, Ye Feng reached out with his right hand, grabbed the swordsman¡¯s head, and then slammed it violently into the ground.


    The skull shattered, and a Martial King died pitifully on the spot.


    "This is getting interesting."


    Just as Ye Feng was about to stand up, a light voice suddenly came from his right, followed by a fist radiating blue light that incredibly struck at his head without any reason.


    One punch could be fatal!


    Thankfully, the Glazed Light Armor he wore split apart suddenly, and converged in front of Ye Feng¡¯s right forehead, forming a glittering golden shield.


    Bang! One by One


    With just one punch, Ye Feng¡¯s body was sent flying to the ground, dragging along the grove floor leaving a trail like a plow had passed.


    "Martial King!"


    Leng Wuming cleaved the last assassin in two and rushed desperately toward Ye Feng.


    "Don¡¯t come any closer."


    It was both a plea and a command!


    Ye Feng suddenly leaped up, his right forehead bleeding, staring intensely at the one who had just attacked him. Very powerful!


    Just doesn¡¯t know, which realm of Divine Path does this person belong to?


    "Still not dead."


    "Ye Feng, have you ever entered the Divine Path Realm?"


    The newcomer was a burly man. His face was square, and he wore only a thin, tattered cotton garment. His muscular arms were exposed, looking extraordinarily robust and powerful.


    Clearly, the burly man mistook the shield that had just blocked his attack as a Divine Path Object belonging to Ye Feng because there was no other reasonable explanation for how a Martial King could withstand his full-powered strike.


    The Divine Path, the world was full of a wide variety of strange and peculiar Divine Path Objects.


    And a strong man who had once reached the Divine Path Realm, even if he later fell from that realm, his Divine Path Object would not disappear as a result.


    "If you came here to kill me, asking such a question is meaningless. But I wonder if someone like you would also wear a human skin mask?"


    Ye Feng spat out a mouthful of blood, speaking scornfully.


    Not until he was hurt did he realize his mysterious healing ability had become even stronger than before. His right skull, which had been smashed, had mostly healed already.


    What in the world was going on?


    There was a condition inside Ye Feng¡¯s body that was different from other martial artists; he frowned deeply, realizing that his level of Qi Force seemed to be perpetually stuck at the Peak Martial King level.


    Inside the Utility Pavilion, the Grand Sect Leader looking up at the sky suddenly felt a disturbance in his mind and spirit. His expression turned cold, and he immediately swung his sword toward the heavens.


    Streams of golden light, substantial in appearance, flowed continuously from within Ye Feng. He cried out through gritted teeth, fighting desperately.


    This moment!


    Inside Ye Feng¡¯s body, all one hundred and nine acupoints opened up like the floodgates of a dam, with golden vital energy bursting out.


    A straight pillar of golden light shot up into the sky.


    "The person valued by Old Long is indeed extraordinary."


    Within the carriage, Feng Yuan looked thoughtfully at the golden pillar, realizing that the path Ye Feng was taking seemed somewhat different from theirs.


    She couldn¡¯t figure out where the difference lay, though.


    "That¡¯s right, my Little Martial Uncle will definitely become someone who can protect me in the future."


    "Long Nannan is also going!"


    Shameless, a high-level expert of the God Gathering Realm picking on a Martial King; it seems her Little Martial Uncle can¡¯t be counted as just a Martial King, but no matter, Feng Yuan thought to wait a bit longer. She couldn¡¯t just stand by as such a justice-loving beautiful girl.


    Of course, she couldn¡¯t bear to watch!


    "Uncle, have you seen my Transformation Rod?"


    Out of nowhere, Long Nannan arrived at Tao Ming¡¯s feet.


    "Damn!"


    Tao Ming broke out into a cold sweat; he had no idea when this suddenly appearing, unreasonably cute little girl had gotten so close.


    Moreover, what on earth is that gleaming gold Magic Wand in your hand?


    "Die!"


    No matter how cute she was, Tao Ming only had one principle in his mind: strike first. However, he seemed to have forgotten that the confidence of this little girl coming so close to his feet meant something!


    "Not cute at all."


    Pouting, Long Nannan threw her metal rod into the air, then extended her arms aiming for a hug and grabbed at the fist Tao Ming had swiped down.


    This pose didn¡¯t look at all like she was fighting.


    In truth, Tao Ming¡¯s blue fist was easily caught by Long Nannan, her little hands perfectly fitting around Tao Ming¡¯s wrist.


    "Windmill, spin around!"


    Inside the carriage, Feng Yuan touched her forehead, this childlike way of fighting was simply unbearable to watch, it seems the little monster was addicted to pretending to be young.


    Come to think of it, had she ever even seen Long Nannan¡¯s true appearance?


    Ten meters away, Ye Feng watched this dramatic scene dumbfounded; the golden radiance around him faded, his face as thrilling as could be. Tao Ming, in Long Nannan¡¯s grasp, had no ability to resist at all, just being flung around like a toy.


    True to the name little monster!


    Bang! Bang, bang!...


    After spinning enough, Long Nannan didn¡¯t seem satisfied; she firmly held onto Tao Ming¡¯s arm and, like swatting flies, smashed him wherever there were rocks.


    Brute force!


    How terrifying must that brute force be?


    Listening to that series of crashing sounds, Ye Feng felt a chill down his spine, telling him to be nicer to Long Nannan no matter what in the future.


    On Long Nannan¡¯s body, Ye Feng had never felt the flow of Qi Force, which meant that this seemingly harmless little monster could play with a Divine Path Realm expert with just her brute strength.


    "I¡¯m bored now; I¡¯ll leave him to you, Little Martial Uncle."


    Grudgingly letting go, Long Nannan kicked the muddy Tao Ming over to Ye Feng.


    Why do I have to deal with this?


    The guy¡¯s been beaten to death by you, Ye Feng¡¯s eyelid twitched; the little monster was harsh with her hits, and Tao Ming¡¯s bones had evidently been shattered by her unknown techniques. Tao Ming, now lying on the ground, had long since stopped breathing, his bones gone, his internal organs probably vanished even earlier.


    Ye Feng gave a helpless smile and stomped him into the ground.


    ```

 Chapter 279: You Dare Me?

    ```


    We must make it in time!


    Above the Utility Pavilion, the Grand Sect Leader, having entered the Star Chessboard, had already lost perception of the outside world. Fortunately, during the previous exchange of swords, he had managed to send a message. As for whether Ye Feng could save his own life,


    Let¡¯s leave it to fate!


    At this moment, the Grand Sect Leader¡¯s entire mind and spirit were immersed in the chessboard. Although he seemed motionless, the killing intent inside raged like a torrent. No matter which step the shadow in his eyes took, it would encounter a variety of different enemies: Ancient Savage Beasts, Purgatory Evil Ghosts, Celestial Fairies, and even a Heart Demon identical to himself.


    In contrast, Chess Daoist Qisheng was sitting cross-legged within the chessboard, continuously moving his hands through the void, adjusting and shifting the pieces. A fine sweat was evident on his forehead.


    "Eternal Spear!"


    On another battlefield, the Second Sect Leader¡¯s figure passed through the body of Master Bai Yun.


    There were no wounds, not a drop of blood, but the life force of Yun Tiange was dissipating steadily. Why could he find his true self?


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    The clouds of this world pass by swiftly like a white horse flashing past a gap. Everything is but an illusion.


    Standing among the clouds, Yun Tiange¡¯s invincible essence was also like the clouds in the sky. All techniques, whether lethal or illusory, hid his body. If the true body wasn¡¯t destroyed, killing thousands upon thousands of illusions would be in vain.


    Yet, the Second Sect Leader had found his true body and made that fatal thrust.


    As Yun Tiange fell to the ground, he saw what seemed to be a Great Seal in the sky and let out a self-deprecating laugh. In the end, who was trapped in whose game?


    "King!"


    An assassination came to an end, and the fifteen subordinates of Ye Feng stood before him without a single one missing.


    "Good!"


    After a glance, Ye Feng knew that these men were not badly injured, except for Xiao Chuanqi, who looked a bit pale. He nodded to himself, silently praising Xiao Chuanqi.


    What a Xiao Chuanqi!


    In the previous assassination group, two Martial Kings had blended in. Had it not been for Xiao Chuanqi, who produced two Sword Spirits and fought one against two without falling behind, how could these fifteen men have stood before him unscathed?


    "Let¡¯s continue on our way!"


    Ye Feng waved his hand, ready to move on.


    Ahead of the road, another group hurriedly approached, dressed in dark combat clothes and with stern expressions. The newcomers were not many, about less than fifty, but these people¡ª


    "Who is causing trouble again?"


    The man leading the group shouted angrily. The speaker, a man in a General¡¯s Robe, had a longer face and his gaze was commanding even without displaying anger.


    In the Imperial Capital, the only group that could still "roam freely" while carrying weapons, is the Imperial Capital Guards.


    The Imperial Guards, numbering fifty thousand, have always been the unshakable golden signboard of the Imperial Capital, contributing greatly to the peace of the capital and wielding vast power.


    "General, we are people of the Northern Border King."


    Leng Wuming stepped forward to introduce themselves.


    "I don¡¯t care where you¡¯re from. Dare to cause trouble in the Imperial Capital, seize them!"


    At the command, both sides instantly drew their blades.


    "I am Ye Feng, holding the Northern Border King¡¯s Order. Who dares to make a move?"


    Ye Feng took a step forward, his expression extremely cold, and in his hand, the Golden Dragon Token that symbolized the authority of the Northern Border King gleamed.


    "Seize them!"


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, the general merely glanced at it and maintained his stance.


    "Kill!"


    Ye Feng immediately gave the order.


    The battle erupted again with Ye Feng being the first to act. He stepped forward to the general, his golden fist smashing down towards the man¡¯s face.


    Following Ye Feng, three others quickly joined in.


    Imperial Guards, so what?


    To people like Xiao Chuanqi, they would only follow Ye Feng¡¯s commands. These people, without asking right from wrong, sought to seize them. If they were not arrogant, they had ulterior motives.


    No matter which, daring to strike at the King.


    "Good, very good, what an Imperial Guard."


    "Zhang Zhen, you should understand why I came to the capital this time. I have also made it clear to all of you, whoever dares to touch my people, watch if I dare to level the Imperial Capital."


    His words sent a ripple of excitement through everyone¡¯s mind and spirit.


    "You dare?"


    Zhang Zhen asked, squinting his eyes, truly startled by Ye Feng¡¯s words.


    "It seems General Zhang doesn¡¯t believe it. Three hundred thousand Northern Border men are stationed just outside the suburbs. Do you think I dare not?"


    "Open fire!"


    In the Outer Capital Suburbs, all 804 cannons, which had been prepared in advance, launched one after another special shell into the sky.


    This time, there was no target, and only pure smoke shells were used.


    Yet the deafening noise still spread throughout the entire Imperial Capital. Countless people looked at the dense plumes in the sky, thoroughly shaken, for today was not a day for celebration.


    The unwarranted sound of cannon fire seemed to startle all birds in their nests into alarm.


    Above the Utility Pavilion, the Grand Sect Leader heard the 804 cannon shots and quietly sighed to himself, while at General¡¯s Mansion, Duan Tianzhao looked up at the sky with a worried expression.


    Dare or not?


    The answer was, of course, "dare." Three hundred thousand troops had arrived unseen and unheard; Ye Feng was clearly preparing for a reckoning, no matter the cost.


    "Ye Feng!"


    Zhang Zhen uttered the two words heavily, his breathing labored.


    "Are you done talking?"


    The fire flared up, and Feng Yuan appeared before everyone. She brushed her hair aside, then, using a move that was incomprehensible to the observers, she sent the stupidly grinning Sima Zhantian flying with one punch.


    Embarrassing yourself and still finding it funny?


    "Who are you?"


    Zhang Zhen suddenly became extremely cautious.


    No wonder Ye Feng was unharmed; he had been hiding such a profoundly mysterious and powerful figure by his side.


    "I don¡¯t need to answer your question."


    "Madam here only wants to tell you that my people can only be hit by me."


    Two fiery red figures suddenly charged towards Zhang Zhen.


    Is this even possible?


    Brutal!


    The battle between Feng Yuan and Zhang Zhen was about to erupt, and it was as quick as lightning; in less than five breaths, everyone saw Zhang Zhen fall to the ground, followed by a familiar scene.


    The once domineering Zhang Zhen was now being grabbed by the hand by Feng Yuan and thrown around against the ground uncontrollably.


    Where did the King find these people?


    Each of them seemed to like using brute force, and every time it was somehow satisfying!


    "Now, do you understand what I am saying?"


    After the thrashing, Feng Yuan threw Zhang Zhen heavily to the ground and crossed her arms, asking.


    "Understand what?"


    Poor Zhang Zhen seemed a bit dazed, asking weakly.


    "It seems you still don¡¯t understand."


    The two figures moved again, one a kick, the other a hit, burying Zhang Zhen directly into the ground, and then Feng Yuan pulled him out again, asking:


    "Do you understand now?"


    This time, Zhang Zhen didn¡¯t play the fool, answering deeply and painfully.


    Understood!


    Another figure rushed from the Sky Horizon, a dusty old man. For some reason, upon seeing this person, Ye Feng felt an inexplicable sense of kinship.


    Had someone finally arrived to help him?

 Chapter 280: Fortune Stealing Technique

    ```


    People often say that eyes are the windows to the soul.


    And to discern whether someone truly wishes you well, it can often be seen in their gaze¡ªat least that¡¯s what Ye Feng believed. This enigmatic old man who had suddenly appeared truly cared about him, for his first look lingered on Ye Feng, filled with unmistakable concern.


    The arrival was none other than Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong of the Utility Pavilion, who had hurriedly come here. He observed Ye Feng for quite some time, his tense face slowly giving way to a smile before he finally asked,


    "Are you injured?"


    Ye Feng merely nodded his head.


    He was surprised, wondering what identity this elder held. Honestly, in the entire Imperial Capital, the number of people Ye Feng truly knew and interacted with did not exceed ten.


    "I know you have many questions, we¡¯ll talk slowly later."


    "Thank you, miss!"


    The Second Sect Leader thanked Feng Yuan, naturally aware of the recent events but unable to arrive in time.


    "Sausage Sister, is he one of them?"


    Long Nannan seemed to have run over at some point, her large eyes fixed on the Second Sect Leader as she contemplated something.


    "No."


    Feng Yuan paid no heed to the Second Sect Leader; her intervention was not for the sake of helping Ye Feng.


    Looking down the road, a certain burly figure was still sprawled on the ground chuckling. The punch had been heavy, but his heart felt warm.@@@@


    "Old man, you¡¯re really pathetic. And I thought I could rely on a strong supporter."


    The voice of Long Nannan grew softer as she spoke, her baby-face displaying a look full of disdain.


    Ye Feng: "..."


    The Little Monster was definitely doing it on purpose!


    But this comment gave Ye Feng a measure to consider¡ªFeng Yuan was strong, stronger than the elder before him, but he wondered to which realm of the Divine Path she had reached?


    "Little friend, what did you just say?"


    The gaze of the Second Sect Leader was entirely on Ye Feng, clearly asking the question again.


    Your daughter?


    Ye Feng met eyes, sending the thought:


    "My junior martial niece."


    Junior martial niece?


    The relationships here seemed a bit chaotic, causing the Second Sect Leader a headache. He temporarily set aside these doubts and strode, furious, to Zhang Zhen.


    "Zhang Zhen, what did Great General Duantian send you here for?"


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    A Black Gold Staff appeared in the hands of the Second Sect Leader. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the staff was missing its most important part.


    Holding half a Divine Path Object in hand, what was he up to?


    Zhang Zhen intuitively felt that something was amiss, speaking weakly:


    "To rescue people."


    Yes, to rescue people, under the order of Nation Guard Great General Duantian, specifically to save the Northern Border King Ye Feng and others.


    "To rescue people?"


    "If I haven¡¯t misperceived just now, you were actually trying to kill someone."


    And that someone was one of Ye Feng¡¯s people!


    The staff in the Second Sect Leader¡¯s hand suddenly swung down sharply. Apart from the brainy Great General of Nation Guard, were all those other National Guardian Generals so rusty from their prolonged stay in the Imperial Capital?


    You were sent to save people, yet here you are trying to kill them.


    Poor Zhang Zhen, having just endured a beating from Feng Yuan, was now subjected to being thrashed by the Second Sect Leader with the staff, looking utterly flustered.


    Where had he gone wrong?


    In the Imperial Capital, Xuanyu Tower.


    On Dongyang Gate Avenue, Ye Feng was in a carriage with the Second Sect Leader, and in the Xuanyu Tower, famous for hearing and discussing important matters, there was a father and son pair in an elegant room on the top floor.


    "Father, you have lost."


    Two men were seated cross-legged, with a game of weiqi set out before them.


    "Is that so certain?"


    In front of Mu Tian, a man with an ethereal air, though in his fifties, bore a face with many similarities to Mu Tian¡¯s, still looking quite youthful.


    It¡¯s worth mentioning that this middle-aged man wore his hair up with a headpin and donned a sky-piercing crown on his head, which made him particularly conspicuous, giving one the impression of an immensely self-confident individual.


    The man calmly placed a piece on the board. His name was Mu Rongtian, and his identities were many!


    With one move played, what looked like a collapsing position on his board suddenly came to life as if aided by divine intervention.


    "My dear friend, Ye Feng, is still alive,"


    Mu Tian stated flatly.


    "This so-called ¡¯strategizing behind the curtains¡¯ often hinges on the last whim of fate. Whether it¡¯s one chance in a thousand, the result is worth deep reflection,"


    Mu Rongtian remained serenely composed.


    "Ah, I¡¯m somewhat perplexed. Why must Father have Ye Feng die?"


    Most importantly!


    The man before him not only wanted Ye Feng dead but also did not intend to let him die a swift death, which was somewhat at odds with Mu Tian¡¯s inner feelings.


    "Without his death, what you stole from him will never truly be yours. Do you realize that I tore out the last page of the Fortune Stealing Technique I passed on to you?"


    Mu Rongtian looked at his son with a profound smile.


    "What was it about?"


    Mu Tian¡¯s hand, which was about to place a piece on the board, shook slightly.


    Fortune Stealing Technique!


    He had stayed by Ye Feng¡¯s side for a full five years, and of course, it wasn¡¯t to make a close friend but rather to steal from Ye Feng what he himself didn¡¯t possess.


    Luck!


    One born with great fortune is destined to achieve success. The density of the luck on Ye Feng had reached astonishing levels, and as of now, Mu Tian could not claim to have successfully stolen all of it.


    "Heavenly Dao is unkind, to steal or not to steal, both have no end."


    "Despite having consulted countless texts over the years, I have never understood the true meaning of this phrase. In my eyes, all the incomprehensible words in the world are just nonsense,"


    Because they¡¯re nonsense, I tore it up.


    Mu Rongtian¡¯s approach was simple: if Ye Feng died, the luck that was stolen wouldn¡¯t be able to go back, would it?


    "That sounds a little frightening,"


    Mu Tian felt a wave of unease as he was about to place another piece.


    "Are you afraid?"


    Mu Rongtian seemed to see through his son as if he could peer into his thoughts and asked imperatively.


    "To have a sense of awe towards heaven and earth, isn¡¯t that what Father taught me?"


    Mu Tian looked up and asked.


    "That¡¯s right!"


    "Can the gods be revered? But do the gods exist? Having a sense of awe can make you realize your insignificance and keep you from becoming arrogant. Let me share another truth with you: a martial artist¡¯s cultivation is itself an act of defiance against the heavens."


    Mu Rongtian placed the last piece down, and the large dragon on the board was suddenly slain.


    The most terrifying thing in this world has never been the notion that ¡¯while the world is drunk, I alone am sober,¡¯ but rather the fact that even if you¡¯re awake, you still have to be drunk with everyone else.


    If everyone is doing it, then one can only rely on one¡¯s own methods and try all means to reach the end of the road; only then might there be a chance to see the exit.


    Good and evil, right and wrong have been murky from the start.


    The phrase that was torn away led Mu Rongtian to a clear realization: if Heavenly Dao is unkind, then if man does not seek self-interest, wouldn¡¯t it truly mean annihilation?


    ```

 Chapter 281: Suspicion is a Seed

    "There is a saying that planning lies with mankind but the outcome is determined by the heaven."


    "Did Mu Rongtian fail, and is everything really over?"


    Of course not. Mu Rongtian had long anticipated the possibility of such an occurrence and had even prepared a contingency plan, which involved sacrificing dozens of Imperial Capital Guards he had cherished for years, in order to put into motion an even greater strategy.


    "Are you, Ye Feng, not arrogant and decisive in your killing?"


    But have you ever considered that the more swiftly you kill, the deeper the thorn in Duan Tian¡¯s heart will lodge? With three hundred thousand soldiers of the Northern Border raging outside, and now with forty-five unjustly killed Imperial Guards, suspicion is inevitable.


    Mu Rongtian let Mu Tian continue to ponder over the game in rewinding wonder, as he turned and walked up to the attic, casting his gaze upon this middle-aged man, whose comfortable and peaceful smile seemed only to appear incredibly "fitting."


    A view of the entire Inner Capital lay before him.


    Doubt in this world is like a seed, which takes root and sprouts slowly in the depths of a person¡¯s heart, until trust is no more.


    You, Ye Feng, boast that the Imperial Capital is a great bird¡¯s nest, and now that the eagle has arrived, will you, who have outspokenly professed your love for your country, be the dove that claims the nest, or will you allow the people here to be oppressed and battered?


    Many contingencies, await and watch.


    "Tian¡¯er, why have you always been reluctant to kill Ye Feng?"


    With his hands clasped behind him, Mu Rongtian looked up towards the sea of clouds on the horizon.


    "Has father ever mingled among the secular world?"


    Rather than answering, Mu Tian asked a seemingly irrelevant question.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Mu Rongtian was not disturbed by speculation.


    "There¡¯s a saying that a gentleman does not reap the fruits of coercion. I¡¯ve traveled to many places and seen many unfortunate people in this world, yet not all of them meet their end in failure."


    "I am rather curious if such actions will lead to the opposite effect, inadvertently propelling Ye Feng towards an unprecedented height."


    Mu Tian quietly stepped beside his father.


    He looked up at Mu Rongtian¡¯s towering Sky-Piercing Crown, smiled subtly, and then shook his head, turning his gaze towards the distance.


    Father and son, one looking at the sky, the other at the earth.


    As the ancients said, it is colder at the top.


    Mu Tian knew his father¡¯s ambitions soared higher than the heavens, and his actions were more ruthless than anyone else¡¯s. But he was different; he was Mu Tian, an earthly presence among men. He had walked firmly on the ground, and had even felt the warmth of the secular world in the Northern Border.


    Not killing Ye Feng was certainly not out of soft-heartedness.


    Rather, it was because killing Ye Feng meant denying his past self. In Mu Tian¡¯s heart, he had always seen Ye Feng as a reflection of his former self.


    "Do you not want to deny your past self?"


    It cannot be denied, the father knows his son best; with just one glance, Mu Rongtian guessed the thoughts deep within Mu Tian¡¯s heart.


    "Dare I ask, father, when have I ever been inferior to others?"


    Mu Tian retorted.


    "Excellent!"


    "There¡¯s nothing better than being the best. Tian¡¯er, why not stand with Ye Feng on the same side and try to outwit me in a game?"


    Mu Rongtian looked at his only son with a smile, his eyes possessing unusual depth.


    The Northern Cloud Residence occupied no less than ten acres. For Ye Feng, accommodating a dozen people in it would only make him feel the confines of his own small space.


    Entering the villa, one could see a landscape of desolation; the maple leaves had turned yellow and fallen, until they turned to mud on the ground, a thick layer of it. Fortunately, it was winter, and there was no foul stench emanating.


    It was evident that no one had been here for a long time.


    "In these years, while I was at the Utility Pavilion, I was either in secluded cultivation or attending some important meetings, and I seldom went out," Shi Yehong sighed from the bottom of his heart at the scene before him.


    "Is Weiwei still in the Utility Pavilion?" Ye Feng suddenly asked.


    Ning Weiwei, the only daughter of the Old Northern King Ning Wuya, was someone Ye Feng still did not understand to this day; why did she refuse to acknowledge her father?


    During the Old Northern King¡¯s funeral, Ning Weiwei only made a brief appearance before vanishing completely. Ye Feng knew that she had entered the Utility Pavilion, and over the years, while visiting the Lie Ying Tomb to pay respects to the Old Northern King during Qingming, he never saw Ning Weiwei visit once.


    The Old Northern King did not ask Ye Feng to take care of his daughter for all her life before he died because to a man that meant something all too clear. However, he repeatedly asked Ye Feng to ensure Ning Weiwei¡¯s safety at all costs.


    Yet Ning Weiwei had gone to the Utility Pavilion, where no one would dare to take her life given her identity. Furthermore, Ye Feng felt somewhat resentful in his heart.


    What kind of daughter refuses even to light a stick of incense for her own father after his death?


    "She is there, and she is doing well," the Second Sect Leader directly answered the question weighing on Ye Feng¡¯s heart.


    "It¡¯s a bit desolate, but it¡¯s peaceful."


    "Later, let¡¯s all clean together. I warn you all; this is the Old Northern King¡¯s legacy. Whoever dares to screw it up should deal with it themselves," Ye Feng said, with more than a dozen people following behind him.


    "Okay!"


    Hearing that it was the Old Northern King¡¯s former residence, many people became excited.


    "Forget it, I see that your men are at least officers, who would hardly be doing any rough or dirty work. I¡¯ll call for some people to come and clean up and bring some necessary supplies," the Second Sect Leader shook his head.


    Whether it was the number of times he came to the Northern Cloud Residence or the emotional attachment to it, he was no less committed than Ye Feng.


    "Sure!"


    Ye Feng did not refuse. Had it not been for that incident, he would have undoubtedly gone to the dwelling arranged by the General¡¯s Mansion.


    "Little Martial Uncle, I want a big, big room."


    "Pfft, no, that¡¯s not right. I don¡¯t want a room, I want to sleep with Sister Qingyan," Long Nannan changed her mind faster than anyone could, like a naive child.


    "May I ask, Miss, where are you from?"


    As the group began to enter the Inner Courtyard, two of them simultaneously slowed their pace.


    "Don¡¯t you already have an answer in your heart?" Feng Yuan said nonchalantly, facing the Second Sect Leader¡¯s stern expression.


    "People from the Northwest have always stayed out of worldly affairs, haven¡¯t they?"


    At such an age, her cultivation level was even above his own.


    If such a person were in the Nine Great Sects, using current terms, she would have been a celebrity of the moment. Nevertheless, regarding Feng Yuan, the Second Sect Leader was utterly clueless from beginning to end.


    Aside from those who came from that place, there was no one else in the whole Xuanyuan Nation!


    "Are you implying that I am now meddling in worldly affairs?" Feng Yuan asked with her arms crossed and a meaningful tone.


    "Stepping into the mortal world is getting involved," the Second Sect Leader stated outright.


    "No matter what you say, it¡¯s you. Whatever you do is up to you. But I really want to know, how do you intend to deal with a ¡¯criminal¡¯ like me?"


    Suddenly, the clouds in the sky burst into a shade of rosy red.


    In the front courtyard, Ye Feng abruptly turned around, his gaze enigmatic, while Long Nannan, who was still talking and laughing, instantly darkened, her big eyes blazing with anger.

 Chapter 282: What Crime Can Last Three Thousand Years

    As observers look upon the Martial Dao of the Xuanyuan Nation in this era,


    the most renowned and representative are two sacred lands: Heaven Forged Mountain and Valley of the Medicine God, the Four Great Ancient Clans, the Nine Great Sects, and the newly rising Utility Pavilion. Adding to these is a little-known Northwest Little Mountain Village, which can be said to represent the pinnacle of the Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s Martial Dao.


    Some would say the Martial Alliance as well, but in fact, it is not so; the Martial Alliance cannot yet bear the burden of the words "Martial Dao," as its starting point is low, and its heights are limited.


    Among them, Heaven Forged Mountain and Valley of the Medicine God have always led a life of non-contention with the world, maintaining a relationship like water in a well not interfering with river water with external forces. The Four Great Ancient Clans had announced their seclusion long ago, and have been in silence for at least a thousand years.


    Therefore, the only ones active in the secular world are the Utility Pavilion and the Nine Great Ancient Martial Sects. As for the little Northwest village, even within the entire Martial Dao World, very few people are aware of its existence.


    Those who do know about the Northwest Little Mountain Village are well aware of what it means.


    The strongest in the world!


    The premier place for martial arts training!


    Both of these titles, one commanding respect and the other envy, shroud the little village in honor, which should make people flock there to seek teachers and learn arts, shining brightly. However, the reality is quite the opposite.


    All things about this little village have been erased from memory since ancient times.


    As for why this is the case, there has been a blurred saying passed down about the little village in the Northwest since ancient times.


    Sinners!


    All those born in the little village are criminals. Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s tolerance of this land of sin is the greatest forgiveness, and no sinner from within the village may leave at will.


    All in all, there are many things about that little Northwest village that are still inside stories.


    But even a person such as the Second Sect Leader knows very little. The origin of the term "sinners" is so ancient that it is impossible to trace, going back perhaps three thousand years.


    No one knows just how bitter Feng Yuan feels when she speaks the word "criminal."


    Why should they be branded as sinners from the moment they are born?


    Why must they bear the title of "sinners" and not be allowed to walk the world, sentenced to confinement to the Realm for life?


    Why do they guard the Realm¡¯s Great Wall day and night, yet still incur the scornful eyes of many in this world?


    ...


    So, Utility Pavilion, now that you know, do you also want to come kill me?


    Feng Yuan watched the Second Sect Leader with cold eyes, quietly awaiting an answer. The red glow in the sky was just like her feelings at that moment.


    Within Northern Cloud Residence, a sudden chill roared forth, sending shivers through all present. Everyone felt the disturbance and stopped in their tracks, while Ye Feng held Long Nannan¡¯s hand tightly.


    Criminals!


    In fact, when the old timer took him to the Northwest Little Mountain Village, Ye Feng had already learned of this matter. He had spent a half quarter hour of leave there and had personally experienced everything about the place.


    The only regret was that he still didn¡¯t know where the young men and women of the village had gone.


    What kind of crime could endure for three thousand years?


    "Let me tell you how it is,"


    "It¡¯s not up to Old Second to decide how to deal with the young lady, nor does he have the capacity to do so."


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming suddenly appeared at Northern Cloud Residence.


    The small temple had a strong gust of wind as, with the arrival of the Grand Sect Leader, Northern Cloud Residence seemed to be invisibly pushed to the brink of collapse, at any moment ready to fall. Divine Path experts are not only fearsome in their killing power but also their destructive capabilities rival that of natural disasters.


    Fortunately, Zhao Gongming immediately dispelled his hostility.


    A Divine Communication Realm expert of less than forty, and inside, a fellow not yet twenty who is nearly at the peak of the Spirit Division Realm. The name of the premier martial training ground, and the strongest in the contemporary world.


    Indeed, the reputation is well-deserved!


    "Big brother."


    But why, at this very moment, is his heart with outsiders, and why am I not angry?


    "Just you wait. If they really dare to hurt Sausage Sister, once I reach Divine Ability Realm, even if Grandfather tries to stop me, I will flatten your so-called Utility Pavilion," Long Nannan said.


    Enlightenment, God Gathering, Spirit Division, Divine Communication, Divine Skills¡ªshe counted, only three Realms away from herself.


    In less than a decade, she, Long Nannan, could make good on her word.


    Ye Feng suddenly felt a headache. If you really went and flattened the Utility Pavilion, wouldn¡¯t that put me in a tough spot?


    "Your Grandfather!" The Second Sect Leader tensed up upon hearing this.


    More than two decades ago, in Xuanyuan Nation, a monumental battle had erupted. In that battle, apart from the Buddhist Sect and Dao Sect, the other Seven Great Sects sent numerous top-level experts to besiege a mysterious person emerging from the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    It could be said that none involved in that battle were beneath the Divine Communication Realm.


    And yet, the outcome was that more than twenty experts from the Seven Great Sects all perished, resulting in the current situation where none of the Seven Great Sects had any elder-level figures. The identity of that mysterious person, along with his Divine Path Object, the Heavenly Giant Dragon, was recognized during the fight.


    However, wasn¡¯t it said that this being had also suffered grave injuries, teetering on the brink of life and death?


    "What about my Grandfather? He¡¯s just a bastard," said Long Nannan, not understanding.


    He¡¯s just a bastard, who taught her so much, made her read so many books since she was little. And what for?


    How many people in this world would reason with them, the so-called Sinners?


    She thought, if she had known it would come to this, she would have been better off spending more time practicing martial arts!


    The Second Sect Leader did not reply.


    That being might have already taken the final step onto the Divine Path, stepping into the legendary Saint Realm. Such an existence, though unable to fully unleash the power of the Saint Realm in this world, would have no problem taking a group of Divine Path Experts down with him if he chose to disregard his own life.


    In short, one should respect and keep a distance from such an entity.


    In less than a half quarter hour, the rosy light vanished from the sky. Feng Yuan and the Grand Sect Leader reappeared where they started, with the Grand Sect Leader appearing more relaxed, while Feng Yuan seemed somewhat pale.


    "Sausage Sister, I have some medicine here given to me by a merchant. Take a look and see if any of them can help you, and after taking it, you give it to him good," Long Nannan said.


    The group was instantly dumbfounded.


    Like magic, Long Nannan produced a small backpack and began to rummage through it, pulling out a bunch of small bottles.


    "You little rich girl!"


    Just like a wealthy landowner¡¯s child, they watched as Long Nannan kept pulling out more than a dozen bottles and still didn¡¯t stop.


    The merchants showed such favoritism; they were so generous with Long Nannan?


    "Nannan, stop searching. It won¡¯t help you win." Feng Yuan took one of the bottles, swallowed two green medicine pills, and with great reluctance, tossed the bottle back to Long Nannan.


    "That¡¯s just lame!" Long Nannan muttered softly.


    Feng Yuan: "..."


    Do you know that this Grand Sect Leader, in this imperial city, could likely not gain any advantage even if your grandfather came in person?


    She is at the Divine Communication Realm!


    "Little friend, do you sell your medicine?" In truth, the Grand Sect Leader was very eager to ask Long Nannan.


    What else do you have in that bag?


    Feng Yuan wasn¡¯t wrong; this child was indeed a rich girl. Just considering the dozen or so bottles she had produced, if word got out, it would drive the members of the Nine Great Sects mad with desire.


    The little mountain village had been boycotted and sealed off, that¡¯s true.


    But the "peaceful" people there had retained many ancient treasures. Without even needing to verify, the Grand Sect Leader knew these medicines were crafted from ancient recipes. As for that little mountain village in the Northwest, he knew some even more secretive ins and outs.


    Did they really think the strongest of this age could simply blockade them?

 Chapter 283: Flying Off to the Impossible

    All things under heaven and earth are born with spirits, and when a boundary is drawn, rules are established.


    As the Great Guardian Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion and the entire Xuanyuan Nation, Zhao Gongming well understood a principle: Rules are dead, but people are alive.


    So, one must never think that another¡¯s self-imposed restraints are signs of weakness to be exploited. Standing at the highest echelon of Martial Dao within the Xuanyuan Nation, the group that was the most untouchable and also the most capable fighters resided in that little mountain village in the Northwest.


    Since ancient times, the Grand Sect Leader had never heard of any power daring to join forces to attack the Northwest Little Mountain Village. There must have been such attempts, but the fate of those who failed was obviously the same as the village itself: any traces of them had been wiped clean.


    Speaking of which, this is indeed a prime example of a little rich girl.


    Even he, the Grand Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion, felt the urge to rob it. Sometimes, things are just that strange. Everyone openly joined forces to resist anything to do with the Northwest Little Mountain Village, but in the shadows, they were frantically scrambling for any little thing that leaked from it.


    Looking back at the root cause of that great battle those years ago, wasn¡¯t it because the people from the Seven Great Sects thought they could jointly slaughter a fat sheep?


    Now think about it, if the small one is already so plump, what about the big one?


    "I as a female hero have a principle, I only give gifts, I never sell them."


    Long Nannan suddenly hugged Ye Feng¡¯s thigh and spoke in an old-fashioned tone.


    No way around it!


    Even Sausage Sister said so. Here I am, inadvertently walking into the tiger¡¯s den¡ªno, the "dragon¡¯s" den. Holding someone feels safer, and besides, that old geezer looks at me with clearly no good intentions.


    Feng Yuan quietly turned her face away from this. They say dragons like to collect treasures. She didn¡¯t know if Old Long had that habit, but Little Monster Long Nannan, that villagers dreaded with the phrase "Oh my, the thief is here," had given countless people headaches.


    Not for sale?


    That¡¯s a bit hostile. Zhao Gongming stroked his beard, glanced at Ye Feng, then at Long Nannan, and concluded this matter was not urgent. He then turned to Feng Yuan with a serious look and asked,


    "May I have the honor, Miss Feng?"


    Clearly, apart from the two involved, no one knew what they were talking about.


    "Really going?"


    "Don¡¯t blame me for not warning you, there are plenty who can take you down."


    Feng Yuan crossed her arms and spoke coldly.


    She only lost due to her youth. Give her another twenty years, and the outcome of a rematch might be far from certain.


    "I must go!"


    The Grand Sect Leader nodded and said.


    "Come with me."


    Said go, and just like that, gone!


    Feng Yuan didn¡¯t waste a second. She leapt into the sky, and with a phoenix cry, all the birds in the Inner Capital took flight, heading toward the holy light. The glow of dawn faded, and leaving with it was the Grand Sect Leader, who had come uninvited.


    Wait, wasn¡¯t Sausage Sister here to protect me?


    No principles at all!


    Only after confirming that Feng Yuan had really left did Long Nannan start mumbling complaints. Didn¡¯t we agree on a seven-three split? I get the head, and you take the damage.


    Pah!


    It¡¯s me who should be making the money and you covering the rear. And here, before anything even started, you turn into a deserter.


    Utter contempt!


    "Martial Ancestor, do you hold a high position here?"


    Long Nannan let go of Ye Feng and looked up expectantly at the Second Sect Leader.@@@@


    At this address of ¡¯Martial Ancestor,¡¯ Ye Feng had a pained expression, while the Second Sect Leader was visibly thrown into disarray.


    The Second Sect Leader, what merits does he have to deserve such an... what¡¯s it?


    If Long Nannan goes even further, she¡¯ll enter the Realm that puts her on par with him. Maybe she¡¯ll even be someone he couldn¡¯t beat no matter how hard he tries. How embarrassing, the Second Sect Leader thought, his heart filled with mixed feelings.


    Ye Feng called this quirky little girl his martial niece, so what does that make him? By a stretch, he might be considered Ye Feng¡¯s Martial Grandfather. So her calling him Martial Ancestor was...


    The others behind him turned their heads in unison.


    Sima Zhantian, you¡¯ve got style!


    Just please don¡¯t walk with us at night in the Inner Capital, lest we get dragged down with you.


    "Big guy, well done!"


    Long Nannan was the typical kind who enjoyed chaos, completely unaware of the bitterness in Sima Zhantian¡¯s heart at the moment.


    Let alone whether he¡¯d have the ability in the future, would Sima Zhantian really dare to strike the Great Sect Leader?


    It¡¯s done.


    Wouldn¡¯t he be spat to death by the populace of the entire Xuanyuan Nation?


    "Keep up the good effort."


    Ye Feng patted Sima Zhantian on the shoulder with a serious tone.


    Big guy, this certainly isn¡¯t the start of your nightmare. Falling for Feng Yuan ¡ª that¡¯s the beginning of the nightmare of your life.


    Knowing that the Great Guardian Sect Leader was the person in question, everyone relaxed quite a bit. Considering the two sudden powerful auras that had just erupted, they could easily crush existences like them a hundred times over.


    In the end, it was because they were too weak!


    Arriving in the Inner Capital, even the Martial King felt useless ¡ª calling it a den of dragons and a pit of tigers was by no means an exaggeration.


    It was their first day in the Inner Capital.


    Apart from the incessant troubles during the day, the night was rare and peaceful. The fifteen soldiers under Ye Feng¡¯s command all entered their own cultivation states, including Ye Feng himself.


    It was the same with him!


    It wasn¡¯t that Ye Feng didn¡¯t want to rest, but that a large and a small woman had completely taken over a bed, and Hong Qingyan was clearly sulking at him. The Northern Border King sleeping outside the door ¡ª what would that look like?


    Given the circumstances, better to practice martial arts.


    Later in the night, the Second Sect Leader, who was feigning sleep, suddenly woke with a start. With a swish, he arrived above the Northern Cloud Residence. Looking around, the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth that diffused throughout the air was surging toward this spot non-stop like tides, an astonishing sight.


    This wasn¡¯t cultivation, this was plainly robbery!


    The Second Sect Leader hurriedly used his skills to conceal the commotion here. Damn it, what was this situation!? Normal martial artists would absorb the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth iteratively, nourishing themselves back and forth.


    Like this night, absorbing the surrounding Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth with the insane speed of a whale drawing water, he never saw such a thing in his nearly one hundred years in the Great River of Time.


    Seeing the direction where the Vital Energy was converging, the principal was in Ye Feng¡¯s room, and at this moment, the Second Sect Leader was sure that only Ye Feng was inside.


    "Not simple at all, Ye Feng, from which sect do you hail?"


    Second Sect Leader Nannan muttered to herself.


    No wonder Ning Wuya didn¡¯t pass on his life¡¯s martial studies to Ye Feng; turns out the latter already had such an earth-shaking cultivation technique.


    "Hm, this is different from before?"


    In another room, Xiao Chuanqi appeared particularly puzzled. He had personally experienced the speed at which Ye Feng absorbed the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth.


    Cultivating alongside Ye Feng, in the end, he couldn¡¯t even catch a duck feather, but now, it was clearly different. The Primordial Qi filled his room, far more than what his current strength could attract.


    Could it be that a king can control the flow of the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth?


    Didn¡¯t understand!


    Xiao Chuanqi didn¡¯t give it much thought. Instead, he quickly entered a meditation state, thinking this was a good thing no matter what.


    Taking another look at the Second Sect Leader, he obviously hadn¡¯t noticed this change either. After checking the surroundings once more, he quickly returned to his own room. Only Long Nannan, who was lying on the same bed as Hong Qingyan, had her large eyes shining brightly in the dark.


    She was indeed his Little Martial Uncle!


    This maneuver of controlling the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth was simply too impressive. It was unheard of and unseen by anyone, not something even those in the Divine Ability Realm could accomplish.


    How she wished to join in and share a piece of the pie!


    Long Nannan eventually looked helplessly back at Hong Qingyan, then let her gaze wander downward. The darkness posed no obstacle to her sight. She glanced at the heavy blossoms of whiteness on the other¡¯s chest and couldn¡¯t help but think,


    Though not as impressive as Sausage Sister, once transformed, she should be about that size too, right?

 Chapter 284: Ning Weiwei’s Arrival

    This night, inside the Northern Cloud Residence of the Inner Capital, was undoubtedly peaceful.


    However, the seemingly tranquil night of the Imperial Capital was mixed with many undercurrents. Ordinary people were probably the first to fall asleep this night, like a flock of migrant birds. Unlike those with significant families and businesses, if this place proved restless, they would simply relocate elsewhere.


    The really restless and scheming, of course, were the notable figures of the Imperial Capital such as the major business tycoons, ancient Noble Clans, aristocratic family doors of all sizes, and the true noble families of the Imperial Capital.


    Every change of the ruling class in the history of Xuanyuan Nation meant that if there was a major shift in the Imperial Capital, inevitably two-thirds of the families would diminish. What was Northern Border King Ye Feng plotting with his sudden, uninvited move to the south?


    Prompting everyone to be extremely cautious!


    And what did those eight hundred and four cannons fired during the day signify? Anyone who understood the implications found it hard to remain calm. The 300,000 soldiers of the Northern Border, with their chilling murderous aura, had already marched from the Sixth County of the Outer Capital to the Fifth District.


    Overnight, another 200,000 Northern Border soldiers swarmed towards the south.


    The Buddha says, it¡¯s better to rely on oneself than to seek help from others.


    The Imperial Capital¡¯s General¡¯s Mansion was lit up all night, with a constant flow of people and vehicles.


    All in all, throughout the night, far too many people moved around this prosperous and bustling ancient city. In the alleys and main streets, those with sharp eyes could spot many who seemed ordinary but were most certainly not. As for which group these people belonged to, probably only they themselves knew.


    It¡¯s like the calm before a storm!


    The following day.


    The sunshine seemed to be there just to welcome Ye Feng¡¯s arrival. The next day, the Imperial Capital was once again hit by a cold northwest wind. Although it was overcast and no snow fell, the weather felt colder than snowy days. Fortunately, the residents of the Imperial Capital were well accustomed to this.


    "Once the Great Guardian Sect Leader returns, the Fengyun Pavilion should have another meeting,"


    Ye Feng quietly listened to Shadow¡¯s report in the study, a report that detailed the overnight activities of powers big and small throughout the Inner Capital.


    Eleven of the Imperial Capital¡¯s big shots had visited the General¡¯s Mansion.


    Seventy-six people had called on the headquarters of the Imperial Capital Supervisory Heaven Department.


    Among the Eight Great Clans of the Imperial Capital, how many members of each family had gone out and come in.


    ...


    Such a vast amount of data was completely recorded both on the list on the desk and in Shadow¡¯s verbal report. And to achieve this, manpower was indisputably an essential part.


    As for how many members Ye Feng¡¯s newly established Hidden Army had, it remained a mystery.


    "Is the Grand Sect Leader leaving at this time intentional?" Shadow asked doubtfully.


    "Not necessarily," Ye Feng replied, lightly tapping the armchair.


    Intuition told Ye Feng that he was more inclined to believe the Grand Sect Leader¡¯s statement that he had flown away and could not return, and he had a rough guess about where Feng Yuan might be. However, being able to hold the position of Great Guardian Sect Leader for half a century...


    Ye Feng admitted that he couldn¡¯t fathom the cunning of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming.


    "Master, there is another matter regarding the Shasha Sea. There¡¯s some new information," Shadow didn¡¯t pry further.


    Long ago, she considered herself as Ye Feng¡¯s shadow. Whatever Ye Feng did, she would follow, and anything inconvenient for Ye Feng to handle, she¡¯d step in.@@@@


    "Let¡¯s hear it."


    "It¡¯s about a person named Shasha Sea Buddha Master. I am diligently investigating this person¡¯s whereabouts and specific movements. I believe it won¡¯t be long before there are results," Shadow reported confidently.


    "Good, tell me immediately once you have results," Ye Feng instructed right away.


    Shasha Sea Buddha Master?


    The nickname sounded quite interesting. Ye Feng wondered if it would turn out to be a false alarm.


    "Master, I won¡¯t disturb you further if there¡¯s nothing else,"


    With Ye Feng¡¯s nod, Shadow casually drew across the air as if opening a shadowy door, turning into a black light as she dived into it, disappearing without a trace.


    The way she appeared and left changed, huh!


    Ye Feng was secretly amazed. It seemed that Shadow¡¯s abilities had evolved yet again. Supernatural Ability Users indeed had peculiar powers. Even someone as strong as himself couldn¡¯t keep Shadow by his side.


    On the desk, there remained many more things waiting for Ye Feng¡¯s attention.


    Understandably, they were surprised!


    Most importantly, the person capable of owning such a villa must be extraordinary.


    "It was presumptuous of me,"


    Yu Cheng nonchalantly stepped aside, his gaze signaling to the others.


    Thud thud! One by one,


    A sensible minion stepped forward to knock on the door for him.


    Once, twice... before the fifth knock, the door creaked open, and facing them was a woman.


    A beauty!


    Such a refined and elegant girl, brimming with spiritual energy. As a veteran in the realm of romance, Yu Cheng instantly recognized the unique quality in Hong Qingyan; her aura, understated yet prominent, was utterly distinct from those worldly women covered in rouge.


    She was like a lotus flower untouched by mud!


    More impressive than a poised career woman, she resembled an ancient empress.


    "I am the lady of this house, Hong Qingyan. Are you friends here to visit?"


    With instructions from the Second Sect Leader, Hong Qingyan¡¯s attitude was evidently very gentle.


    Lady of the house!


    The group remained quietly silent, their eyes shifting back and forth between Hong Qingyan and Ning Weiwei. What was this all about?


    "What a joke."


    "This is clearly my home. Since when did you become the lady here?"


    After watching for a while, Ning Weiwei said coldly.


    "Are you Ning Wuya¡¯s biological daughter, Ning Weiwei?"


    Hong Qingyan immediately guessed the identity of the person before her upon hearing this, as Ye Feng had just mentioned her yesterday. The main character came today? Indeed!


    The so-called Utility Pavilion was hidden within the Imperial Capital, it seemed to be a simple matter, but why didn¡¯t they come earlier or later if not to look for trouble now? No wonder the Second Sect Leader looked so uncomfortable.


    "Shut up, don¡¯t speak of him to me."


    Ning Weiwei¡¯s face changed drastically upon hearing this, and she immediately shouted fiercely.


    Just as Ye Feng had said!


    However, even Ye Feng didn¡¯t know what had happened between the old Northern King, Ning Wuya, and his own daughter that nearly caused her to turn against him.


    Hong Qingyan hesitated slightly but still said:


    "Weiwei, your father loves you."


    If he didn¡¯t love his daughter, why would he specifically instruct Ye Feng to protect her before dying?


    However, these words infuriated Ning Weiwei. She stepped forward and raised her right hand without saying a word, attempting to slap Hong Qingyan.


    To keep mentioning it after being told not to!


    Unexpectedly, Hong Qingyan dodged the slap as if she knew a movement technique, and suddenly a strong chill came from inside Northern Cloud Residence.


    Two figures, one to the left and one to the right, quickly moved to protect Hong Qingyan, one holding a knife, the other a sword. Both had grim expressions with anger burning in their eyes.


    A master of the Northern Peace Territory.


    The achievements of the old Northern King, Ning Wuya, were legendary, and all respected him in the Northern Border. How could there be such a daughter?


    "Step back!"


    Xiao Chuanqi said coldly.


    Their eyes, sharp as knives, rested solely on Ning Weiwei. If it weren¡¯t for the intuition that she wasn¡¯t of sufficient status, he would have rushed up to slap her hard. Such an undutiful child truly deserved punishment!

 Chapter 285: Master Li Erlong

    For five whole years, right in this imperial capital, yet Ning Weiwei, as Ning Wuya¡¯s only daughter, had never once offered a stick of incense for her deceased father.


    With such indifferent behavior, how could you face entering these gates?


    The two Martial Kings, Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming, immediately released their auras, forcing several people who were just about to step through the doorway to retreat.


    "To kill or not?"


    Rather than rushing to the gate, Ye Feng had first gone to the Second Sect Leader and spoken just two words.


    "Spare a life."


    "Ye Feng, Wuya indeed did not treat Weiwei right in this life, don¡¯t blame her."


    The Second Sect Leader sighed heavily with great weight.


    Family and country!


    When a man truly has to make a choice between these two, how difficult it is, yet Ning Wuya ultimately chose the latter, resulting in Ning Weiwei witnessing her own mother¡¯s death.


    "There¡¯s no blame, just some hate."


    The anger in Ye Feng¡¯s heart suddenly dissipated quite a bit; he believed what the Second Sect Leader said.


    Feng Zhen once said the Old Northern King had endured the most difficult times, Ye Feng didn¡¯t understand what had happened during that period, but that man, truly rarely had a smile.


    He might not be a qualified father, but he was certainly a true king.


    The Northern Border King!


    "I have tried over these years, but Weiwei has never been willing to forgive Wuya; she¡¯s not truly heartless, she just can¡¯t forget her mother¡¯s death."


    "Go ahead!"


    No one is to blame; you can only blame the times back then for being too harsh!


    The Second Sect Leader waved his hand, truly feeling weary; despite his efforts as her master, five years had gone to waste, and Ning Weiwei was still the same.


    "I will bring her back around."


    Ye Feng turned and left.


    Every year during Qingming, when Ye Feng offered incense and swept the Old Northern King¡¯s tomb, he would stay very late, his heart actually always hoping that Ning Weiwei would appear, even if just to simply look at her father.


    This was the only wish the Old Northern King had not told Ye Feng.


    The man on his deathbed had his mind full of concern for her, his only daughter.


    "Get out of the way!"


    "Do you know who I am?"


    Unable to strike anyone, Ning Weiwei could just consider she had a momentary lapse, yet the remaining indignation in her heart was not so easily quelled.


    "Ning Weiwei."@@@@


    Xiao Chuanqi stated her name outright.


    These Northern Border Soldiers had respect for the Old Northern King, but as for Ning Weiwei, had she not been the daughter of the Old Northern King, Xiao Chuanqi¡¯s sword would have been bloodied by now.


    "Forget it, Regiment Leader Xiao, after all, she is... let them in."


    Hong Qingyan looked at Ning Weiwei with complex emotions on her face.


    In this woman, who was not even a few years younger than her, she could see a bit of Hong Yuting¡¯s image¡ªstubborn and unreasonable.


    "Shut up, this is my house, and I don¡¯t need you to play pitiful."


    "I¡¯ll say it again, get out of the way. Two mere Primary Martial Kings, do you really think you can stop us?"


    A fine sword had already appeared in Ning Weiwei¡¯s palm.


    She too was a Martial King. The entire team of thirteen, weren¡¯t they all genius talents from the Utility Pavilion?


    Among them, including her, there were three at the Martial King level, one of whom had a higher Cultivation Level than the two "Gate Guardians." Who would be afraid in a fight?


    It was nothing more than not wanting to destroy the things here!


    "She does resemble the Old Northern King in temperament a bit."


    Xiao Chuanqi thought to himself, and then he asserted firmly:


    "By the king¡¯s order, all who step into the Northern Cloud Residence without permission..."


    "Shall be killed without mercy!"


    Hong Qingyan had tried to speak up and Xiao Chuanqi was prepared to let them pass, but seeing Ning Weiwei¡¯s aggressive tone...


    Fight then, who¡¯s afraid?


    "Junior Sister, leave the fighting and killing to your Senior Brother."


    "I¡¯ve seen arrogant people, but never have I seen someone so audacious that they dare to evict others from their own home, do you know who I am?"


    And they were of the same age!


    Judging by the age of Ye Feng and his companions, they were actually not much different from themselves.


    "Come on, fight. So you all can learn that there¡¯s always someone better out there and that there are heavens beyond this heaven," said the Second Sect Leader within the Northern Cloud Residence, her voice filled with indescribable wistfulness.


    Those thirteen talents carefully cultivated by the Utility Pavilion had been truly cowed by Ye Feng and his two companions, defeated before the fight, outclassed in skill indeed.


    Embarrassed right at their own doorstep!


    "Enemy?"


    "Say it again, what did you call me?"


    Holding Hong Qingyan¡¯s hand, Ye Feng walked slowly towards Ning Weiwei, his brows knotted in cold displeasure.


    "Friend, my master Li Erlong."


    Here we go again, Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes.


    Is the name Li Erlong that significant?


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t even look at him, saying only one word:


    "Leave!"


    "I¡¯ll count to three, anyone who hasn¡¯t left, I¡¯ll throw you out one by one."


    Fine, you¡¯re tough!


    They say a wise man does not eat the losses before his eyes; Yu Cheng immediately turned around, not expecting to encounter a group of stubborn fools who didn¡¯t know better. Unable to beat them and failing to impress with his signature moves, he thought, let them be arrogant for a while.


    "Friend, do you know who we are?"


    Not everyone had the awareness of Yu Cheng; descendants of the Utility Pavilion just swept aside by a rebuke?


    Wouldn¡¯t that be a complete joke?


    "I¡¯m giving you a chance, draw your weapons."


    Seven people, including Ning Weiwei, remained.


    "Attack all together!"


    Seeing the two women take the lead, the five behind them immediately charged as well.


    "Foolish."


    Ye Feng advanced with his head held high, casually neutralizing the attacks of Ning Weiwei and another woman, before pushing forward with a palm.


    Just one palm, and the five Grandmasters behind were instantly knocked over, tumbling down the stairs.


    "So strong!"


    Yan Hongqian had found out whether she was a match with just one move.


    "Throw them out."


    Ye Feng instantly moved behind Yan Hongqian and pushed her toward Xiao Chuanqi.


    And then!


    Hong Qingyan saw a scene that troubled her; Xiao Chuanqi had no intention of showing mercy, grabbing Yan Hongqian by the neck and dragging her outside.


    In just a few brief moments, seven had been thoroughly defeated, leaving only Ning Weiwei standing dazed in place.


    "When did you advance to a Martial King?"


    Five years ago, Ning Weiwei¡¯s cultivation level was still above Ye Feng¡¯s, and if it weren¡¯t for the presence of many significant figures around, she wouldn¡¯t have been hit.


    But five years later, Ye Feng completely overwhelmed her in cultivation level.


    "Before asking a question, what should you call me?"


    Ye Feng flicked away the Soft Sword in Ning Weiwei¡¯s hand with a snap of his fingers, his words authoritative.


    Enemy?


    A gaze filled with gentleness and sorrow fixed on Ning Weiwei; unexpectedly, after five years, she came seeking him, this so-called enemy.


    To settle a score!


    "Ye Feng, why do you get to control me, why do you get to hit me?"


    Ning Weiwei suddenly shouted out loud, her eyes shimmering with tears, standing strong without letting them fall.


    "Because I¡¯m your brother."


    Ye Feng shouted back in response; the bond he shared with the Old Northern King was incomprehensible to the rest of the world.


    Though they bore no name of father and son, their bond was stronger than that of blood.


    ```

 Chapter 286 Of Course, My Disciple Can

    Emotion is a familial farce!


    Outside the Northern Cloud Residence, the group of disciples from the Utility Pavilion that had just picked themselves up were not feeling great. Ye Feng hadn''t dealt them a deadly blow, just a simple lesson, and now aside from Yu Cheng silently feeling lucky, the rest cursed their misfortune.


    Just, what kind of background did Ning Weiwei''s brother have?


    He wasn''t old, but his kung fu was incredibly strong. Such a cultivation level, unceremoniously speaking, was not inferior compared to those core disciples of the Utility Pavilion¡ªthe Sect Leaders'' disciples.


    "Close the door, I won''t see anyone today."


    The wide-open vermilion door was shut with a bang.


    This!


    "Senior Brother Yu, what should we do now? Our sister is still inside."


    Someone immediately addressed Yu Cheng with the question.


    Clearly, among the Utility Pavilion disciples, Yu Cheng was undoubtedly the top dog, and his recent actions seemed insufficient to affect his prestige.


    "What can we do, are you stupid? Didn''t you hear what that man called Weiwei?"


    "No matter who he is, we absolutely cannot swallow this insult. Otherwise, not to mention the Utility Pavilion losing face, none of us would be able to lift our heads in the Sect. Call others. Senior Brother Xue just returned from training overseas, didn''t he? He and Sister Weiwei joined the Utility Pavilion at the same time, and they are often in contact with a good relationship. He will surely come."


    Yu Cheng said through clenched teeth.


    He didn''t know it, but inside he was secretly pleased. It was better if Xue Chengbi came; it would allow him to kill two birds with one stone. As the saying goes, the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. By then, wouldn''t Ning Weiwei have to look at him with new eyes?


    "Senior Brother is right. Our reputation is minor; the Sect''s reputation is what truly matters. I''ll send a message to our brothers in the pavilion right away to inform the Fifth Senior Brother."


    A minion of Yu Cheng echoed him immediately after seeing this.


    Yan Hongqian wanted to speak up, but seeing everyone nod their heads, she felt powerless and said nothing more, afraid of what might happen once the Fifth Sect Leader arrived.


    It would be futile anyway!


    From the recent fight, she had the deepest understanding of Ye Feng''s strength, which was just the tip of the iceberg. That man unquestionably possessed strength that could match a Divine Path Expert of the Enlightenment Realm.


    "Damn you, Xiao Chuanqi!"


    Yan Hongqian cursed inwardly, feeling the red marks still vivid on her neck.


    "Damn you, Ye Feng!"


    Ning Weiwei was also gritting her teeth in secret hatred. After Ye Feng finished shouting, he had left her standing there.


    Without saying anything, without asking anything, what exactly was his intention?


    After thinking it over, Ning Weiwei picked up her Fine Willow Sword and sullenly followed after Ye Feng. A gentleman may take revenge after ten years, and she was no gentleman¡ªeager for revenge, which is why she had organized people overnight and came knocking the next day.


    Don''t let me catch an opportunity!


    "What do you want to do?"


    Hong Qingyan quietly asked, her beautiful eyes occasionally glancing back, surprised that Ning Weiwei was actually following.


    "Idiot, don''t you know she can hear us talking now?"


    Ye Feng looked amusingly at Hong Qingyan and then pointed behind to Ning Weiwei.


    A Martial King of high stature, if without even that much audibility, there''s no need to talk about the saying that everyone beneath the Martial King is merely an ant.


    Hong Qingyan''s mouth opened slightly in an embarrassed expression. What could she do? She knew nothing about martial arts and even had a slight limp.


    "Say whatever you want. What can she do even if she hears it?"


    Ye Feng spoke dismissively.


    Hmph!


    Behind, Ning Weiwei exhaled heavily through her nostrils. Are you two treating me as if I''m invisible as a couple?


    It looked like she couldn''t do anything to them after all!


    Ning Weiwei calmed her mind and looked curiously at the couple ahead. It was clear that, despite Hong Qingyan taking careful steps, she couldn''t conceal the fact that she was lame.


    The Northern Border King actually found such a woman?


    "It seems not too good to tell you about this."


    Pressed by Hong Qingyan''s gaze, Ye Feng sighed helplessly and had no choice but to share the story the Second Sect Leader had told him.


    Afternoon.


    A man and a woman came to the Northern Cloud Residence together; the man, with a longsword on his back, had a gloomy and resolute face, and a long scar on his left cheek, which instead of making him seem more sinister, gave him an unusual handsomeness.


    As for the woman, she was dressed in a light blue plain long dress, her beautiful hair danced with the wind, and she had a flawless face. Her gaze would inadvertently drift towards the man beside her, revealing a fleeting softness filled with all sorts of tender emotions.


    "Senior Brother Xue, Senior Sister Loo!"


    Seeing these two people, the disciples of the Utility Pavilion who had been waiting for a while all came forward to greet them, their faces filled with excitement.


    Senior Brother Xue Chengbi, a direct disciple of Peerless Ye, the Fifth Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion.


    Senior Sister Loo Xia, a direct disciple of Mo Daoxing, the Seventh Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion.


    Without doubt, these two were the true core disciples of the Utility Pavilion. The ten Grand Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion would only take one direct disciple in their lifetime. Three years ago, Xue Chengbi and Loo Xia were already figures of the Martial King Level; their cultivation levels were likely even higher now.


    "Is Junior Sister Weiwei inside?"


    After some nods and gestures, Xue Chengbi''s first question brought a momentary shadow over Loo Xia''s eyes.


    "Yes, Senior Brother Xue. Not long ago, we heard Weiwei crying inside."


    Yu Cheng said with feigned anger.


    "How outrageous!"


    "Weiwei never had any brothers or sisters, and this person who came out of nowhere is taking advantage without fail, and even dares to bully Weiwei like this."


    Xue Chengbi was instantly furious, the longsword on his back "swooshed" into his hand in an instant.


    "Senior Brother Xue, please wait."


    "When I came here, Master specifically instructed me not to damage a single grass or tree of the Northern Cloud Residence."


    Loo Xia hastily tried to stop him.


    "Why?"


    "Master didn''t say."


    This answer caused Xue Chengbi to furrow his brows slightly, but soon he said:


    "Can''t worry about that now. At worst, I''ll take the punishment when I go back."


    The longsword in Xue Chengbi''s hands spun rapidly, with a single wave transforming into a rainbow that flew towards the wooden door.


    Bang!


    But alas, a faint glimmer of light flashed in front of the door, causing the Flying Sword to fall to the ground. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Old Fifth, your disciple really can hold his own!"


    Inside the Utility Pavilion, while practicing martial arts, the Fifth Sect Leader, Peerless Ye, inexplicably heard the Second Sect Leader''s message and thought to himself, of course, my disciple can.


    That''s not right!


    The tone didn''t sound like praise. The Fifth Sect Leader hesitated for a moment but ultimately did not move; with the Second Brother watching over, it shouldn''t escalate into anything serious.


    "Indeed not simple. I want to see if, just a door, can stop me, Xue Chengbi."


    Xue Chengbi''s eyes narrowed, both hands drew the sword back into its sheath, and then Vital Energy began to condense around him incessantly.


    This isn''t Martial King Level!


    Loo Xia was shaken inside; the dense Sword Intent, now pouring out from Xue Chengbi, with that almost real Flying Sword, was not something Martial King Level could condense and refine.


    "Ha!"


    Xue Chengbi pointed forward, turning into a stream of light that rushed towards the wooden door.


    Just then, as he made his move, the wooden door cracked open a sliver and a black smallsword, carrying an unstoppable momentum, charged towards him.


    Ting!


    A crisp sound faded in an instant; ultimately, Xue Chengbi had the upper hand, knocking the small black sword flying away. However, his body eerily froze just one foot in front of the door.

 Chapter 287 The One Hundred and Tenth Acupoint

    A wooden door finally stopped Xue Chengbi in his tracks.


    "Open!"


    Xue Chengbi''s anger surged, and behind him, his long hair stood on end as a continuous stream of blue light burst forth from his body, then converged into the two fingers of his right hand.


    Though no sword was drawn, the endless sound of a thousand swords humming filled the air.


    "Who would have thought that Fifth Senior Brother''s Divine Path Object would turn out to be water?"


    Yan Hongqian was extremely surprised.


    Water forming a sword, that blue light condensed by Xue Chengbi''s fingers turned out to be a unique longsword; a sword without a blade, but wherever the flowing water passed, that was the direction of the sword''s pointing.


    Impressive, to think that a Divine Path Object could be used like this!


    The group of Utility Pavilion disciples below marveled incessantly, advancing from the Martial King Realm to the Divine Path requires finding a Divine Path Object that resonates with oneself from the countless spirits of heaven and earth, some people succeed in one go, while others never achieve it in their entire lives.


    One could say that every Divine Path Expert in the world is the favored child of heaven.


    Envy!


    Even the Seventh Senior Sister Loo Xia couldn''t help but show her sincere admiration at this moment. Although she was also a direct disciple of the ten Grand Sect Leaders, to this day she had no clue what her Divine Path Object should be.


    It is often said in the world, water drops wear through stone.


    The watery Sword Intent at the tips of Xue Chengbi''s fingers was extinguished and reformed again and again, yet his figure still couldn''t move forward an inch.


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    Finally, a majestic voice rang in his ear.


    Idiot!


    Inside Northern Cloud Residence, the Second Sect Leader burst out cursing. Just having entered the Divine Path and already showing off, don''t you know that using a Divine Path Object requires consuming a considerable amount of spiritual power?


    All things between heaven and earth, exhausted to death.


    Just an Enlightenment Realm youngster daring to use it so recklessly, the Second Sect Leader trembled with rage, how did Old Fifth teach his disciple, if he didn''t speak up to stop this, Xue Chengbi wouldn''t die but could end up an idiot from overexertion.


    Second Sect Leader?


    Xue Chengbi, scolded till his face was ashen, hastily dispersed his energy, standing timidly on the spot not knowing what to do. It was just like a deluge hitting the Dragon King Temple, and he was actually trying to smash the door of the Second Sect Leader''s home.


    No wonder Loo Xia advised me not to destroy anything!


    After Xue Chengbi dispersed his energy, the doors of Northern Cloud Residence opened once again, Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming emerged side by side, both faces bristling with murderous intent. These Utility Pavilion disciples, do they think this place is a playground?


    To enter as they please, to smash the door when they want?


    "Fifth Senior Brother, these two gods of doorkeeping are that person''s accomplices."


    Yu Cheng took the opportunity to instigate further.


    Fight!


    Seeing Xue Chengbi standing there dumbfounded, Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming weren''t about to ask for your permission, a knife and a sword instantly burst into action, fiery red knife light and white Sword Qi directly greeted the former person.


    "Overestimating yourself!"


    Feeling the imminent danger, Xue Chengbi abruptly snapped back to his senses, his longsword flew out between his fingers, the move "Dragon Ascending to Heaven" immediately parrying the longsword in Xiao Chuanqi''s hand, followed by a palm strike heading for the back of Leng Wuming''s blade.


    He was, after all, a core disciple of the Utility Pavilion, on a higher realm.


    It was like Xue Chengbi was toying with them, his sword blade continuously danced around the two men''s bodies, occasionally leaving a mark on them, meanwhile, even if Xiao Chuanqi and his companion managed to break through Xue Chengbi''s defenses by chance, they still couldn''t penetrate his latent Protective Qi Shield.


    "As expected of the Fifth Senior Brother, truly impressive."


    "Let''s see how arrogant these two gatekeepers can be, Fifth Senior Brother don''t hold back, show them what you''ve got."


    "Why hasn''t that person come out yet, nothing more than a shrinking turtle, haha, scared of our Fifth Senior Brother."


    ...@@@@


    The group of people below cheered continuously, blatantly lying through their teeth.


    "Let go!"


    With a flick of his hand, Xue Chengbi used the move "Seven Stars Encircling the Moon," and white sword flowers sprang forth, instantly flicking away the weapons from Xiao Chuanqi and his colleague.


    "Call that person out."


    The white longsword pointed straight at Xiao Chuanqi''s throat, Xue Chengbi''s expression cold, even the Second Sect Leader had said that as long as he didn''t destroy anything inside Northern Cloud Residence, he could do whatever he wanted.


    So what was there to fear?


    "Kill if you''re going to kill, the King said he''s not seeing anyone today."


    "Anyone who dares step one foot into Northern Cloud Residence again, die!"


    Having said that, Ye Feng then turned his gaze toward Yan Hongqian, who stood there cold and terrified.


    Don''t look at me!


    Yan Hongqian shivered all over, immediately relaxing her grip on Xiao Chuanqi, knowing Ye Feng''s intentions.


    The gates of Northern Cloud Residence closed once more, and Ye Feng left as quickly as he had come. However, his actions this time cast an indelible shadow in the hearts of these Tianyong Pavilion disciples.


    Too violent, too terrifying!


    "Second Sect Leader!"


    The group of people came back to their senses and knelt before the Second Sect Leader.


    "All of you, go back. Anyone who dares to cause trouble again will be dealt with according to the sect rules."


    The Second Sect Leader did not even glance at those people as he coldly dropped a comment, dragging Xue Chengbi away in an instant and disappeared without a trace.


    All was quiet!


    "Nobody is to speak of today''s incident to anyone else."


    Loo Xia commanded coldly.


    "Yes!"


    The twelve Tianyong Pavilion disciples dared not object.


    "All return."


    Loo Xia looked back toward Northern Cloud Residence and smiled faintly.


    Good!


    Today''s trip had not been in vain, as Ye Feng had indeed come here. So how many more exciting scenes would gradually unfold in the capital?


    ...


    What''s this!


    Inside Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng, who was removing the internal injuries from Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming, suddenly shook with a start, his Acupoints that had been stalled for a long time, at last, opened another one.


    The one hundred and tenth.


    At his chest, Ye Feng could clearly feel a small light orb formed at his heart, which was vigorously absorbing the Vital Energy gushing out from the other Acupoints at the moment.


    It seemed there was no change, his aura was still at the peak of the Martial King Realm.


    "King, what''s wrong?"


    Seeing Ye Feng suddenly spacing out, Leng Wuming asked in confusion.


    "How many Acupoints have you now opened?"


    Ye Feng asked.


    "Acupoints?"


    "King, the human body has one hundred and eight vital points, but I''ve never heard that these have to be opened!"


    Leng Wuming was full of perplexity.


    "Not right!"


    Ye Feng suddenly realized that he made a mistake in his thinking. His method of cultivation might be different from others.


    "What''s not right?"


    "What do you mainly cultivate during the Martial King Period?"


    This question made both Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming''s expressions turn strange, as they exchanged glances before Leng Wuming said:


    "Are you alright, King?"


    "Cultivation during the Martial King Period, of course, involves expanding the Dantian inside the body to accommodate more Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth."


    Indeed different!


    Ye Feng suddenly understood. No wonder his aura remained in the Martial King Realm, almost all the Qi Force in his Dantian had been appropriated by the opened Acupoints.


    "It''s nothing, you should continue to cultivate diligently, striving to reach the Divine Path as soon as possible."


    Xiao Chuanqi: "..."


    Leng Wuming: "..."


    You really don''t seem alright, my King!

 Chapter 288 Take Care of Yourself

    How far is it for a martial artist to progress from Martial King to entering the Divine Path?


    There''s no straightforward answer to this question; it varies from person to person, including both internal and external factors. Internally, it refers to the martial artist''s talent and willingness to diligently train and study. Take, for example, a prodigy born with unobstructed governor and conception vessels¡ªif they neglect their martial arts practice every day, how could they possibly improve?


    Externally, it''s about cultivation techniques and the environment in which one trains. One of the reasons martial sects exist is to legitimately control exceptional training grounds. Furthermore, many hands make light work¡ªsome wish to learn martial arts while others aim to reach greater heights, focusing solely on their cultivation without minding mundane affairs.


    Thus, they need others to take care of such matters for them. Setting aside the matter of legacy, the real beneficiaries of all the branch sects and their likes are always those standing at the very top.


    In summary, progressing from Martial King to the Divine Path requires one to gradually fill and expand their energy reserves, step by step. People often say that those below the Martial King are mere ants, but becoming a Martial King is merely a key to the gate leading to the strongest.


    For those with both favorable internal and external conditions, the journey from Martial King to Divine Path is much easier and faster compared to others. But even the most talented individuals could not complete it in just a year or two.


    Ye Feng obviously was not aware of this fact, and moreover, he was not some kind of "Divine Path" being.


    However, Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming were dumbfounded. To put it bluntly, how long had it been since they became Martial Kings?


    Wait, that''s not right!


    Xue Chengbi, who also seemed to be in the Martial King Realm, was badly beaten by someone in the Enlightenment Realm of the Divine Path. Was that something a Martial King could do?


    "Where is your sword?"


    Xiao Chuanqi came to his senses and asked Leng Wuming.


    The sword, of course, wasn''t referring to any Fiery Sun Blade, but to that little something hidden inside Leng Wuming''s body.


    "I can''t wield it as casually as you do,"


    From Leng Wuming''s brow, a fiery red blade flew out instantly. On closer inspection, it was none other than a miniaturized version of the Fiery Sun Blade.


    It seems there are still some differences from his own!


    Xiao Chuanqi figured it out at a glance. No wonder Leng Wuming found it strenuous to use; it turns out that the Blade Spirit wasn''t his own, not like the two small swords inside his own body that he could control at will.


    "The Vice Governor''s Black Blood Sword, and your Fiery Sun Blade, are no ordinary items."


    The Black Blood Sword, the most notorious weapon of the Northern Border.


    Gai Jiutian was Ye Feng''s predecessor as Chief Legion Commander, and it was not only because the Black Blood Sword in his hands had tasted much blood that made it notorious but also because the sword itself was very eerie¡ªthe more it killed, the sharper the bloodstained blade became.


    Xiao Chuanqi had more than once considered the fact that Gai Jiutian''s rapid descent into devilry might have been assisted by the "contributions" of the Black Blood Sword.


    And this Fiery Sun Blade of Leng Wuming, seemingly ordinary, yet if one looked at it for a long while, a burning desire would grow within their heart, the urge to wield it and cut down everything.


    "I''ve always known it''s a relic passed down from my ancestors, and I have my own restraint,"


    Leng Wuming said calmly, noting the worry in Xiao Chuanqi''s eyes.


    Is it the person who controls the sword, or the sword that drives the person?


    To Leng Wuming, this wasn''t something to worry about at all. The Fiery Sun Blade might become something else entirely in another''s hands, but in his own, it was simply the weapon he used to dispatch his enemies.


    "Shall we practice?"


    Xiao Chuanqi suddenly asked, his eyes brimming with a fighting spirit.


    When sword meets blade, a contest is inevitable.


    He hadn''t enjoyed the battle today; he was completely suppressed by others. Regardless, the path to becoming a Divine Path Expert was a long one. Yet, it was essential to enhance his combat power, and the fastest way to do that was to temper himself in battle.


    "I''d ask for nothing more,"


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    Leng Wuming''s figure flashed as he headed straight for the Martial Arts Training Field.


    There was a Martial Arts Training Field in the Northern Cloud Residence, though Ye Feng didn''t know what the Old Northern King purposed it for. Though small, it was fortunate enough to have a place to fight.


    Such fools!


    Had he known that the two of them were going to fight again, he wouldn''t have bothered checking their wounds. Ye Feng muttered to himself with a low laughter.


    Let them fight, then!


    "Doctors Have Compassion!"


    As Ye Feng looked up at it, a sigh stirred within him.


    Traditional medicine, a long and arduous journey!


    "Why does this writing look somewhat familiar?"


    Hong Qingyan, with a puzzled look on her face, stared at the inscription above.


    "Heh!"


    "I say, miss, in every branch of the Divine Doctor Sect across the various regions of the Xuanyuan Nation, there is a similar plaque. Your familiarity might stem from seeing it at one of the branches,"


    An elderly man in a white robe, passing by, turned back and remarked with emotion.


    This was the Divine Doctor Sect!


    With countless branches under its name, it was not an academy but surpassed any academy.


    "No, I meant the style of writing looks familiar, like someone''s handwriting I know,"


    Hong Qingyan shook her head.


    Who would have thought, her words immediately caused the old man''s expression to turn serious; he took a good look at Hong Qingyan. Such a young lady didn''t seem like she would seek empty fame, and he said,


    "Miss, it''s easy to boast without drafting lies. As they say, divine strokes bring spirits to life. The four characters you see here are actually mixed with a sense of righteousness; it''s called ''capturing the divine essence from outside the norm.'' The person who wrote these characters must be a great master with a heart full of compassion and righteousness."


    "I''ve been working for the Divine Doctor Sect for a good four years. Not only have I never seen the master''s authentic work, but I also don''t even know which great master''s handwriting it is."


    Therefore, it was only natural for the old man to think that Hong Qingyan was just trying to impress the crowd.


    Uh!


    Hong Qingyan blushed as she was spoken to in such a manner. Glancing covertly at Ye Feng, she noticed he was chuckling softly, and at that moment, she had an epiphany.


    No wonder it seemed familiar!


    Not only did he not speak up for her, but he also had that wicked smile. Hong Qingyan pinched Ye Feng''s waist with two fingers.


    "Old sir, just because you haven''t seen it doesn''t mean others haven''t,"


    Four years, and the Divine Doctor Sect had been established for a total of only five years.


    This old man could work at the Imperial Divine Medical Sect headquarters for four years. His medical skills were yet to be known, but his medical ethics must be passable. For such a person, Ye Feng naturally preferred to interact with courtesy.


    "That''s true, but some things do require seeing to believe,"


    The old man did not deny Ye Feng''s words, but his tone still conveyed disbelief.


    "That''s indeed the truth. May I ask for your distinguished surname, sir?"


    What, trying to make connections?


    "Surname Zhong, name Chulan. I have some pressing matters, so I bid you farewell,"


    Being a medical practitioner, he was very robust, quickly disappearing from their sight.


    "Husband, it seems your status as a master isn''t all that impressive, you''re even despised by others,"


    Zhong Chulan hurried away, casting a glance at Ye Feng and the others as if he didn''t want to associate with them. Hong Qingyan quickly taunted in return.


    That''ll show you for laughing at me earlier!


    "It''s normal, it''s normal. Such writing, I could easily pull off myself,"


    Long Nannan spoke boastfully, in agreement with Hong Qingyan.


    "Isn''t it good not to know?"


    Ye Feng did not elaborate further.


    All the warriors under heaven, what need they justify to others? True, he was a doctor, but he was also a commander, the supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Border.

 Chapter 289 Come Back Together

    The world is vast, with its green mountains and bright moon.


    For Ye Feng, whether someone was knowledgeable or not was never an important matter; throughout the entire Xuanyuan Nation''s Four Realms, there are countless soldiers, but very few can actually be remembered by name.


    A small plaque was simply made in response to a friend''s invitation, inspired in the moment.


    Doctors have benevolent hearts!


    May all doctors in the world never forget their original aspirations and remain steadfast from beginning to end, both in learning medicine and in practicing it.


    "If Little Martial Uncle''s realm had been higher back then, this plaque could have been used as a family heirloom, probably fetching a good price," said Long Nannan as she walked and looked around. Her previous remark was somewhat complimentary, but the latter statement turned three faces dark.


    Born a lover of money?


    After all, this is the headquarters of the Divine Doctor Sect, where even the gatekeepers are two Martial Kings, one on each side. Looking at the two sword-wielding men, their expressions solemn and similar, both with oval-shaped faces and sharp features covered with stubble. Aside from their different postures while wielding their swords, everything else about them was identical.


    It was clear that they were twins.


    As Ye Feng and his companions were about to enter between them, they were suddenly stopped.


    "Halt, who goes there?" asked the guard on the left, his gaze lingering on Long Nannan for a moment.


    "Is it a rule that everyone who enters must first report their origins? I wouldn''t think that the Imperial Divine Medical Sect would have such a ridiculous rule," Ye Feng said calmly, with a hint of playfulness in his tone, surprised that he would be stopped on a visit to the Divine Doctor Sect.


    Of course, he himself was to blame for not asking that friend for an identity token.


    "Of course there are no such ridiculous rules!"


    "However, if you want to enter, there are only two kinds of people allowed: one is those who practice medicine, and the other is those who come seeking it."


    The two guards didn''t draw their swords; they simply extended their hands to block the way, as immovable as a wall of bronze and steel.


    Whether or not Ye Feng and his companions could enter, the answer was given back to them. Without even looking, the guards knew these people were neither sick nor in pain, and thus did not belong to the latter group.


    "What if I say I am neither?" pondered Ye Feng with an expression of deep thought.


    No wonder the Divine Doctor Sect doesn''t fare so well in the Imperial City, just this one rule alone could easily offend many.


    "Wherever you came from, go back there," said the guard on the left dispassionately.


    "That''s going to be troublesome if I insist on going in today," Ye Feng said with determination. He had decided that he must enter.


    Looking for trouble?


    The brows of the two guards immediately furrowed. Over so many years, they had not seen anyone foolish enough to cause trouble at the Divine Doctor Sect. Underestimating the Sect was one thing, but to offend Valley of the Medicine God, which stood behind it, was akin to courting death.


    "If you dare, you can force your way in, but whether you can leave afterward¡ªthat will depend on how lucky you are," said the guard, his idle hand now resting on the hilt of his sword. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Little Martial Uncle, these two are so ferocious," whined Long Nannan, pretending to be scared and hiding behind Hong Qingyan.


    Acting up a storm!


    Ye Feng felt helpless; who would have thought that such an innocent-looking little girl could play an expert of the Divine Path Realm like a toy?


    Tao Ming''s death was truly a suffocating one!


    "Enough of this, we''re not here to cause trouble. As for the first type of person, what are the requirements?" Ye Feng paused for a moment, finally curious about the Sect''s atmosphere.


    "Simple. Go wait over there and we will report to someone inside. Someone will come out to ask you some questions and if you pass the assessment, naturally you can go in," said the guard on the left, now finally looking Ye Feng in the eye.


    Strange!


    Why did this man, whose presence seemed so ordinary just a moment ago, give him a feeling of inexplicable suffocation? Could he be a master?


    "That''s fine, please report to them as soon as possible," replied Ye Feng upon noticing a special waiting room on the right. It dawned on him that the Divine Doctor Sect had been recruiting over the years.


    It makes sense!


    The Divine Doctor Sect had many branches in Xuanyuan Nation. Relying solely on some unqualified doctors was merely a drop in the bucket.


    Soon enough, Ye Feng realized they were being targeted.


    Two hours passed without anyone coming to meet them. Ye Feng wasn''t afraid of the promised assessment and even Hong Qingyan could manage it now, but the problem was that no one came!


    "Little Martial Uncle, are things outside always this delicious?" questioned Long Nannan, her small hand filled with snacks.


    "Who wants to be assessed, where from, what''s the name?"


    The elder arrived with an air of arrogance, nose turned up to the skies.


    "Ye Feng!"


    Ye Feng looked at the elder who wasn''t even glancing at him and spat out two words lightly.


    "Hmm, from where..."


    The elder abruptly paused mid-sentence, snapping to attention and staring straight at Ye Feng.


    Two idiots!


    Yang Buhui suddenly felt an urge to curse; his complexion changed dramatically as he timidly said:


    "M''lord!"


    "This humble one deserves death, unaware that it was you who graced us with your presence. But why didn''t you directly announce your own name, m''lord?"


    This Yang Buhui turned out to be one of the ten stewards of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect, holding a position similar to the gaunt rat that had gone to Southern River Region Jiangnan. Given that he was appointed here for the assessments, it demonstrated that the Divine Doctor Sect was indeed earnest in their recruitment.


    Yet, the attitude leaves much to be desired! Recognizing himself so quickly, Ye Feng sneered:


    "Isn''t it better this way?"


    "Making me wait for nearly three hours, Old Goat, you''re doing a great job."


    Done for!


    As soon as Ye Feng uttered those words, Yang Buhui knew his position as a steward was over. Though this m''lord didn''t hold an official position within the Divine Doctor Sect,


    he was a truly eminent figure at the level of a Grand Elder!


    Realizing this, Yang Buhui quickly tried to remedy the situation:


    "M''lord, it wasn''t my intention to slight you, truly. I just had no idea it was you, and moreover, there happened to be a patient inside that I couldn''t leave at a moment''s notice."


    "Lead the way!"


    Ye Feng had only two words to say.


    "Yes, yes, m''lord, please follow me."


    There''s still hope, Yang Buhui couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Ye Feng was now looking to verify the answers.


    Approaching the main doors, Ye Feng paused once again.


    The assessment is done so quickly?


    The two brothers exchanged looks silently, having specifically requested Steward Yang to thoroughly assess these individuals.


    Something wasn''t right!


    "Have you been instructed to target me specifically?"


    Ye Feng''s voice was exceedingly cold.


    Objectively speaking, he hadn''t offended these two gatekeepers, yet their pettiness had made him wait nearly three hours¡ªan impressive feat.


    "Yes, m''lord, it was my folly."


    Yang Buhui dared not push all the blame away.


    M''lord!


    The two men were dumbstruck, for in the entire Divine Doctor Sect, the title of m''lord was reserved for only five individuals: the three Grand Elders and the two leaders, yet they recognized all of them.


    Who was this?


    "In practicing medicine and handling affairs, negligence is a responsibility to life itself; let them pack up and roll out. If you can''t handle that, I''ll personally have a word with Old Man Yu."


    Ye Feng spoke without turning back and continued walking inside, ignoring the pleading looks in the men''s eyes.


    Had they known earlier, why bother with such pettiness.

 Chapter 290 Miasma in the Central Region

    In Xuanyuan Nation, Heaven Forged Mountain and Valley of the Medicine God were recognized by the world as the two holy lands of the time, precisely because their existence differed greatly from that of the various branch sects.


    Whether it was Heaven Forged Mountain or Valley of the Medicine God, both had a round tower established within. These towers represented power and prestige. The artifact smiths of Heaven Forged Mountain were divided into nine levels, and similarly, so were the physicians of Valley of the Medicine God.


    Take, for example, the Divine Doctor Sect''s tower that Ye Feng belonged to. Starting from the second floor, each level corresponded to a physician of a particular rank. Physicians wishing to ascend higher had to pass multiple assessments administered by the higher-level physicians before they could be considered successful in advancing.


    The higher the level of the physician, the more power and prestige they undoubtedly held. This was the greatest distinction between the two holy lands and the branch sects.


    Speaking on the basis of genuine skill!


    The tenth floor housed the peak physicians of the current age. Throughout the generations, only a handful of individuals had left their biographies in the tenth-layer tower of the Valley of the Medicine God. As for the round tower of the Divine Doctor Sect, Ye Feng knew without verification that there was still only one person there.


    Of course, beyond the eleventh layer of the tower, after the ninth level physicians, there were even higher ranks. However, such beings no longer used ordinary numbers for their classification but instead were given titles, namely those truly revered as Divine Doctors.


    In the history of Xuanyuan Nation, the title of Divine Doctor was probably only deservedly held by the legendary founder of the medical path, Bian Que.


    The first floor, frankly speaking, was just a general living room, where people came to seek medical treatment, to participate in upper-level assessments, and even to visit and study as disciples.


    "So many people today?"


    At a glance, the hall was bustling with people, prompting Ye Feng to feel somewhat puzzled.


    In this society today, the number of people who honor their own hearts by following the traditional medical path is, candidly speaking, fewer than those who practice martial arts. This is also why the Divine Doctor Sect has so far been unable to compare to the Martial Alliance.


    The underlying implication¡ªthat the Divine Doctor Sect has this many people every day?


    "My lord, this is all because the sect leader wanted to hold a grand marriage proposal event," someone said.


    "Moreover, this morning a group of patients was brought in. The hospital said they were overwhelmed and didn''t dare to operate recklessly without seeing a clear path, hoping our Divine Doctor Sect would come up with a solution."


    Yang Buhui''s face clearly showed he had more to say.


    What he really wanted to ask was whether Ye Feng, who neither came earlier nor later, returned precisely at this time for the marriage proposal?


    Medical Marriage Proposal Event!


    Ye Feng immediately thought of what Yu Feiyu had told him. However, he ignored the trace of peculiarity in Old Goat''s eyes and asked directly:


    "Where is the patient you treated?"


    Clearly, Ye Feng wanted to get to the bottom of this.


    No matter whether the Divine Doctor Sect had anything to do with him or not, Ye Feng absolutely would not tolerate the existence of those in the Divine Doctor Sect who treated other people''s lives as a joke. The same motto remained:


    Every second counts in treating and saving patients. There must be no hint of negligence.


    "Please follow me, my lord."


    Yang Buhui couldn''t help but secretly sigh that he had run into bad luck when he left his house today. If it weren''t for this matter, he could have gotten out of it.


    Today was surely doomed!


    On the way, Ye Feng and his entourage attracted many sidelong glances.


    This was because those people realized that Steward Yang, whom they had always regarded with high esteem, appeared to be more like someone leading the way for a person of great importance, displaying humble manners.


    Where did this young upstart come from?


    Many people felt indignation and looked down on Ye Feng, none of them believing that it was Ye Feng''s superior medical skills that had impressed Steward Yang, but rather he was just a second-generation rich kid here to show off his family''s name.


    Such people shouldn''t be allowed in at all!


    Angry as everyone was, no one dared to block their way. Anyone who had been here before knew all about Steward Yang''s little defects; he was sharp and petty.


    Soon, Yang Buhui led Ye Feng and the others into a spacious ward.


    Inside the room, it was noisy, and Hong Qingyan frowned because the ward was filled with an extremely unpleasant stench.


    Looking around, a group of elderly traditional Chinese doctors stood inside, engaged in endless quarreling, and in the ward, there were also quite a few patients with purple complexions¡ªthe stench was emanating from them.


    "It''s Steward Yang, Steward Yang has come back."


    The group quickly noticed the returning Yang Buhui and greeted him. Among them was Zhong Chulan, who had encountered Ye Feng and his companions before.


    How did he get in here?


    If anyone among the Ten Great Stewards knew Ye Feng best, it would undoubtedly be him because he is the unnamed disciple of the Divine Doctor Sect''s sect leader.


    "Miasma!"


    "Where are Old Man Yu and those other three elders?"


    With so many complicated patients having arrived, how could those in management not show up to handle it?


    Ah!


    Shentu Mo and Yang Buhui exchanged glances. Only a person of status could dare to address the sect leader so boldly, probably only him. Having reached their position, they were well aware that the so-called sect leader of the Divine Doctor Sect was actually the Valley Master of the Valley of the Medicine God.


    His background was astonishing!


    "The sect leader and the three elders, along with four other stewards, left early with people from the General''s Mansion. These patients were sent later, and from what the Imperial Guards said, these patients are the lucky ones who managed to escape from the outer layer."


    In other words, there are even more who are ill.


    "Where were they found?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but frown.


    The kind of miasma that could corrode even the Vital Energy of a Martial Artist was exceedingly rare in this world, and whichever type it was, it was extremely troublesome to deal with.


    Because in essence, the Vital Energy inside a Martial Artist still belongs to the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth; there are very few things in the world that can contaminate Spiritual Energy, which is not the same as air.


    "In the vicinity of Fallen Dragon Valley in the Central Region."


    Central Region is at the intersection of the Four Realms of the Xuanyuan Nation, and there is an area known as the Central Region. It was once referred to as the Country of the Heavenly Mansion, but it has been prone to calamities.


    This isn''t good!


    Another incident in the Central Region. Ye Feng inwardly sighed; every incident in the Central Region was a major disaster. Moreover, no one could really claim authority over this area of the Four Realms.


    For years, it has been the Imperial City that has been sending people to govern the Central Region.


    "Are you two in charge here?"


    Ye Feng asked once more.


    "No!"


    Shentu Mo answered knowingly.


    "Who is, then?"


    "Tell him to come and see me immediately."


    His tone was increasingly arrogant!


    A group of old doctors deeply furrowed their brows; however, since the two stewards had said nothing, what was their hurry?


    "It''s me!"


    A familiar voice arose from behind Ye Feng.


    "Look, you said you weren''t here looking for Feiyu. Little Martial Uncle is really disappointing, not even daring to seek someone out openly like Great Zhan."


    Upon Feiyu''s arrival, Long Nannan immediately started muttering, her voice barely above a whisper.


    It''s so quiet!


    "Get me ten boxes of Fine Silver Needles crafted from Ice Crystal Stones, and also find me ten doctors at the Grandmaster level who are skilled in Minute Needle Acupoint Control and are proficient in the Qi Propulsion Technique, half male and half female."


    Saving people was urgent, and Ye Feng couldn''t be bothered with what these people thought. If it came to it, he would just endure a few more days of sleeping in the study.


    After all, practicing martial arts wasn''t bad either!


    "Alright, Master!"


    Feiyu immediately agreed.


    The requirements were many, but with so many doctors arriving from various places, finding ten people wasn''t an impossible task.


    ```

 Chapter 291 Anomaly

    Vice Sect Leader Yu Feiyu''s master!


    If they hadn''t seen it with their own eyes, which old physician present would dare to believe that such a young-looking man could be her master?


    It is often said that "blue is made out of indigo but is more vivid than it." Yu Feiyu''s medical talent had been widely recognized. Born with six-fingered orchid-like hands, she had become an unparalleled Eighth Level Physician by the mere age of thirty, an accomplishment that not even in the Valley of the Medicine God could surpass.


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    Now, not yet thirty-five years old, she possessed the qualifications to strive for the Ninth Level.


    To put it bluntly, the end of Yu Feiyu''s journey might not be confined to the Ninth Level.


    And yet, such a brilliant figure was willing to respectfully call this young man her master?


    The old physicians couldn''t help but flush with embarrassment, feeling as if their lifetimes had been lived in vain. They had just haughtily lectured others on their lack of medical knowledge, which now seemed like a joke.


    How could someone who didn''t understand medicine make Yu Feiyu obey them so loyally?


    "Perhaps what she said is true."


    If anyone seemed composed aside from the two stewards, it would be Zhong Chulan, though he too was consumed with shame.


    If only he had let go of his pride at that time, by now, he, Zhong Chulan, might have been the one forming connections with them. Unfortunately, he missed the opportunity, and now Ye Feng was out of his league.


    Yu Feiyu came in a hurry and left just as swiftly.


    She had scarcely arrived before she disappeared from everyone''s sight, yet she clearly understood Ye Feng''s character. As a doctor, one couldn''t afford the slightest negligence with patients, attending to serious matters meticulously.


    One by one, two by one, three by one...


    Following Yu Feiyu''s departure, Ye Feng began examining the patients present one after another, a total of thirty-one patients all exhibiting the same symptoms. Such a large number of people had fallen ill, and yet somehow the situation had been kept tightly under wraps.


    On the contrary, this was no small matter, but a truly serious one.


    Ye Feng frowned deeply. Among worldly disasters, man-made wars undoubtedly ranked first, but natural calamities could be just as terrifying. The reason for the lockdown was self-evident¡ªto avoid public panic.


    The fear was that things weren''t so simple!


    Ye Feng regretted concentrating his attention solely on the Imperial Capital these past two days. He now approached a middle-aged man, who appeared to be in his forties or fifties, his furrowed brow indicating the pain he must have endured before falling unconscious.


    "A blade!"


    Ye Feng asked for a blade, his hand reaching back. The Vital Energy within all thirty-one patients had been eroded, now void of any breath or fluctuation, rendering it impossible to discern their levels of cultivation.


    Intuitively, the middle-aged man in front of him had the highest level of cultivation.


    Seeing Ye Feng''s outstretched hand, Hong Qingyan was flabbergasted, quickly realizing what Ye Feng truly wanted, but she didn''t have it!


    At the Hong Family, she hadn''t even killed a chicken, let alone have a blade to offer.


    "My lord, here''s mine."


    Fortunately, Shentu Mo carried a short blade with him, which he promptly handed over.


    "A fine blade!"


    Ye Feng pinched the blade between two fingers, white heat rising from them. He quickly grasped the hilt and swiped it across the man''s wrist.


    At that swipe, the entire scene burst into exclamations.


    Leaving aside Ye Feng''s control of force, one could see from the middle-aged man''s arm, an incision two centimeters in length from which not a single drop of blood flowed.


    "Blood coagulated; no wonder those Western doctors said there was no saving them."


    "What kind of Miasma is this that it can be so severe?"


    "The Western doctors being powerless is one thing, but not only has the blood of these patients congealed, even their Qi is blocked. Do we have a way to deal with this?"


    ...


    Setting aside the complexities, the most rudimentary principle of traditional medicine is to circulate Qi¡ªessentially, through various means, to make a patient''s Qi-Blood flow smoothly again, known as invigorating the circulation of Qi.


    What left the old physicians at a loss was that their highly relied upon techniques of "look, listen, question, feel the pulse" were clearly ineffective, with all the patients in a near-death state.


    "Big Sister Yu!"


    Lan Qi clenched his teeth as he looked at Yu Feiyu with a complex expression, then incredulously glanced at Ye Feng before finally hanging his head and walking out.


    "Sect Leader Yu, we will remember this event," one of the remaining six men and women said as they followed Lan Qi out, including a man whose cultivation level had reached that of a Great Grandmaster.


    Although Yu Feiyu hadn''t addressed each of them individually, her words just now were equivalent to offending all those who left.


    In the blink of an eye, the hospital room had emptied out quite a bit.


    "Grandmaster, you had them come only to send them away again. What exactly is the purpose of this?" Aside from two ministers, the only elder left was the old physician in green standing before them, looking at Ye Feng with an incomprehensible expression.


    "We''ll have the answer very soon," Ye Feng turned and quietly looked toward a patient in the east corner of the room.


    After Long Nannan spoke those words, Ye Feng had quietly unfolded his Power of Gratitude, closely monitoring each and every move of all the patients.


    That woman had just moved her finger a bit.


    What is she up to? Is she going to wake up on her own?


    Ye Feng stayed silent, and although everyone was confused, no one spoke up. They all quietly watched the direction Ye Feng was looking, only to see Long Nannan''s complexion quietly turning ugly.


    Her cultivation level was actually much higher than Ye Feng''s, and she had noticed it long ago.


    Two minutes later, under the astonished gazes of everyone, the woman patient in the east corner of the room suddenly sat up straight.


    "She''s awake?" Shentu Mo asked, confused.


    But something seemed off because the patient, a woman with her hair tied back, had a very vacant look in her eyes, and the purple on her face had not faded at all.


    "Sister Yu, what''s going on here?" The only remaining girl among the three young men and women couldn''t help but swallow hard.


    This scene was rather terrifying. Not every woman possessed the same kind of nerves and courage as Yu Feiyu.


    "Don''t be afraid!"


    Honestly, even Yu Feiyu felt a bit frightened herself, considering the surrounding people all asleep.


    But they were just regular people, right?


    "Little Martial Uncle, no need to collect any more evidence, it''s definitely it," sighed Long Nannan softly.


    The world was about to change. As the disaster arrived, it also signified the birth of a new world.


    Ye Feng nodded; he also had many questions, but he walked towards the woman who had gotten up, asking, "Do you want some water?"


    Any patient lying down for a long time would feel thirsty and parched.


    Quiet!


    The woman seemed to have not heard a word, she didn''t even glance at Ye Feng, but her nose twitched strangely as if she had smelled some unbeatable delicacy. She pounced toward Ye Feng in one leap.


    Lie down!


    Ye Feng swiftly pressed down on the top of the woman''s head, putting her back to bed.


    Rip! Rip!


    The group soon saw the woman, still struggling, frantically tearing everything she could get her hands on.


    "Little Martial Uncle, people tainted with Ghost Qi will revert to ''ordinary people.'' The best way to deal with them is to chop off their heads," said Long Nannan, her voice unnervingly calm for a young girl.


    No one could have anticipated such a ghastly statement coming from a little girl, but at the moment, no one cared about that either. The surrounding patients were beginning to stir one after another.


    What in the world was going on? Was this some mutation?


    "Tie them all up and hurry," Ye Feng commanded at once.


    No sooner had he spoken than he cut a sheet into strips with one hand and quickly tied the woman''s hands and feet.


    Turn into ordinary people?


    No matter how crazy ordinary people become, they are still ordinary in the end, and easier to manage.

 Chapter 292: The Return of the Ancient Needle Technique

    ```


    No matter the reason, everyone present, except for the woman who had just been scared out of her wits and was still looking confused, including Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan, all moved to act. Despite her small stature, her movements were swifter than anyone¡¯s.


    Was this something she had done before?


    Watching Long Nannan¡¯s skilled method of binding, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but wonder how many people she had tied up to become so adept at it.


    It all happened very quickly; in less than two minutes, thirty-one patients were chaotically tied to their beds. The man with the highest cultivation level was given special attention by Sima Zhantian, who even bent the iron frames to secure him.


    "Husband, what exactly is wrong with these people?"


    Hearing the continuous sound of the patients grinding their teeth and howling, Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but feel creeped out by this strange situation.@@@@


    Is this still considered a disease?


    "It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll tell you when I come back."


    "Keep an eye on these people. You must not let them run away."


    Ye Feng comforted Hong Qingyan briefly and hurriedly left the sickroom.


    The patients brought here had already mutated. It was certain that the Central Region would not be spared. Ye Feng¡¯s biggest worry wasn¡¯t that the patients would get up and hurt people, but rather, besides the imperial capital,


    how many patients had been sent elsewhere?


    Leaving the first floor, Ye Feng¡¯s figure flashed wildly as he quickly reached the bottom of the tower. Then, he dialed a number that he hadn¡¯t used in a long time. After a serious conversation was over,


    he dialed another familiar number.


    "I just hope everything isn¡¯t as bad as I imagine it to be."


    Three thousand years before, three thousand years after.


    Ye Feng lifted his eyes to survey the imperial capital and the vast expanse of Xuanyuan Land, feeling somewhat impulsive¡ªlike the eve of a storm.


    This world was likely to become even more turbulent and unsettled than before!


    "Nannan, what is Ghost Qi?"


    Five minutes later, Ye Feng returned to the sickroom.


    "That¡¯s what you call Miasma, but it¡¯s a very powerful kind. Ghost Qi is something common in that place. You¡¯re just not used to it. Year after year, day after day, there are endless wars there. The multitude of souls who die turn into Ghost Qi when they lay exposed in the wild with their resentments from life."


    "Normally, Ghost Qi shouldn¡¯t enter this world."


    Long Nannan sighed softly.


    Her grandfather made her read many, many books, one of which, "Xuan Record," clearly stated that when something from a different world enters the known world, it often means that the spatial barriers of the known world are no longer stable¡ªmerging with one another is only a matter of time.


    Like two continents separated by vast seas, drifting apart and together.


    "From what you¡¯re saying, does this thing also possess consciousness?"


    Obviously, now wasn¡¯t the time for Ye Feng to worry about what should and shouldn¡¯t be. Because it had already arrived.


    "No consciousness."


    "Little Martial Uncle, don¡¯t think of Ghost Qi as something too fearsome. As I said, it¡¯s just a common occurrence there and not frightening. Though to say it has no consciousness isn¡¯t entirely right either. Ghost Qi can erode a person¡¯s entire being, including consciousness. Besides, Ghost Qi itself carries a kind of strange emotion."


    "Do you know why that person attacked you just now? Because her consciousness was completely eroded. Ghost Qi needs blood and flesh to grow stronger, so those infected with Ghost Qi will madly tear and devour any living being with flesh."


    After hearing this, Ye Feng¡¯s eyelids couldn¡¯t help but twitch.


    Isn¡¯t this just a variant of zombies?


    "Just like you said it¡¯s not dangerous, is there any way to save them?"


    To call them zombies wouldn¡¯t be accurate either!


    "And my master and I, my name is Yu Feiyu."


    After the three had spoken, Yu Feiyu inserted her comment with a smirk.


    "I¡¯ll be passing on a set of Needle Technique to you shortly."


    "However, before that, I must make one thing clear, you can use the Needle Technique to treat diseases and save people, but if anyone dares to misuse it, don¡¯t blame me for taking it back."


    The implied meaning of taking it back was clear from the hint of killing intent in Ye Feng¡¯s eyes.


    "Does that mean we could also be considered your disciples?"


    Luoo Xueyan asked curiously.


    "No, you do not yet have the qualification to become my disciples."


    That one sentence was like a cold shower to the three who had been quietly excited but Ye Feng quickly added:


    "Of course, it¡¯s not without opportunity, if you can pass the examination for Seventh Level Healer before the age of thirty, you could become disciples of Yu Feiyu."


    That¡¯s just mean!


    Yu Feiyu¡¯s face instantly soured, wasn¡¯t this just setting her up to have disciples?


    She hadn¡¯t planned on taking disciples yet, but Ye Feng just went ahead and assigned her three.


    Er! Er!


    The three were momentarily speechless; it could actually work like this? Seeing that Yu Feiyu didn¡¯t object, they realized it was possible.


    After all, becoming a disciple of Yu Feiyu was something many longed for in their dreams.


    "Don¡¯t get too happy, that¡¯s just my master¡¯s requirement, I as a future master will have my own requirements when the time comes."


    Yu Feiyu spoke thoughtfully.


    The master had only said it was possible to become, but whether or not one could ultimately become a disciple was still up to her, Yu Feiyu quickly understood Ye Feng¡¯s intent.


    "Remember what I just said."


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression turned cold once more.


    The three, with their minds abuzz, immediately felt a chill; this presence was perhaps even stronger than that of the Martial King, no wonder he could be Yu Feiyu¡¯s master, with such formidable power.


    The three nodded in unison.


    "Pay attention, I will only demonstrate it once. Those who can¡¯t learn it can leave afterward."


    Ye Feng quickly approached a human-sized dummy.


    In an instant, the Silver Needles placed on the table lifted into the air, causing the three to focus intently as Ye Feng held multiple needles, as many as five in one hand.


    "This Needle Technique is called the Heavenly Martial Rejuvenation Needle Technique."


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    At that moment, even Yu Feiyu was stunned; she hadn¡¯t expected that Ye Feng would bring out one of the Three Great Ancient Needle Techniques that had long been lost to time.


    The Heavenly Martial Rejuvenation Needle Technique!


    Looking back at the three, after their initial shock, they were nervous, not daring to miss a single detail of Ye Feng¡¯s demonstration, and as healers themselves, they knew well the legendary reputation of the Ancient Needle Techniques.


    The Heavenly Martial Rejuvenation Needle Technique, the Phoenix Returns to Heaven Needle Technique, and the Dragon Buddha Salvation Needle Technique.


    Having any one of these three lost Ancient Needle Techniques would be a lifetime blessing for any healer; they might not guarantee raising the dead, but assuredly, a cure with the prick of a needle was indisputable.


    It could be said that these three Ancient Needle Techniques caused countless healers in the world to yearn for them unattainably in their lifetimes.


    The small infirmary, unbeknownst to when, began to echo the cheering of countless people, a sound reflecting their intense will to overcome disease, as well as praises for healers. The origin of the Heavenly Martial Rejuvenation Needle Technique, after all, lay in the very words ¡¯Heavenly Martial¡¯.

 Chapter 293 Heading to the Central Region

    The hand that held the needles moved with swift precision.


    Between the index and little fingers of Ye Feng¡¯s hand, five crystal-clear fine silver needles were skillfully inserted with each movement¡ªa mere flick of his fingers¡ªand for Heavenly Martial Rejuvenation Needle Technique, mastery of speed was one of the most demanding aspects.


    For those who had reached great accomplishment in this technique, the interval between the insertion of two needles was almost synchronous, imperceptible to onlookers who couldn¡¯t fathom the depths of its mystery.


    For Ye Feng, performing the Heavenly Martial Rejuvenation Needle Technique was a matter of mere moments, like the time it takes to brew half a cup of tea. However, for Gu Mu and the others, it felt like several centuries passed as they watched, their eyes growing blurry until a layer of sweat covered them from sheer urgency.


    Too fast!


    When Ye Feng finally ceased his movements, three bitter expressions bloomed across the faces of his onlookers. They could scarcely remember the insertion points of each needle; the depth of penetration and proper sequence were completely muddled.


    "Master, Great Master, you taught too quickly," said the woman amongst them, Luo Xueyan, her face flushed.


    With such a lightning-speed lesson and nearly a hundred silver needles, if they could learn simply by watching once, they¡¯d already be geniuses¡ªnot still fourth level healers.


    Ye Feng, with an impassive expression, inquired directly:


    "How much do you remember?"


    How were they to answer that question? The three exchanged uneasy glances and eventually Luo Xueyan stepped forward to speak softly:


    "Great Master, we only managed to discern the techniques and positions."


    Tsk! Tsk!


    Yu Feiyu let out a light laugh. If they could truly learn that way, it would be nothing short of miraculous.


    Ye Feng undoubtedly taught the true Heavenly Martial Rejuvenation Needle Technique, but what they learned might not necessarily be its true form.


    There¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch in this world!


    "Not too bad," Ye Feng commented.


    Was this praise or was there another meaning? After Yu Feiyu¡¯s scoff, the three were even less sure.


    Ye Feng glanced at Yu Feiyu, perhaps recognizing the gap between them; after all, she had truly learned it after a single observation, and then added:


    "I¡¯m praising you. If you¡¯ve remembered those two aspects, you can begin to save lives. Come with me."


    Inside the sick ward, thirty-one patients had apparently "demonized," tearing frenzically at their bedsheets and straining madly. Their purple eyes were extraordinarily eerie.


    Ghost Qi!


    Ye Feng shook his head silently. According to Long Nannan, she obviously hadn¡¯t grasped the true essence of Ghost Qi, which seemed easy to deal with. But was something that inexplicably permeated this world truly that simple?


    The more mundane a thing appeared, the more profound the mystery one would uncover upon delving deeper.


    "You two, guard the door. Nobody is to disturb us until I come out," he commanded, clearly addressing Shentu Mo and his companion.


    For enforcers of the Divine Doctor Sect, when had they been relegated to doorkeepers? Bluntly speaking, even the Sect Leader of the Divine Doctor Sect wouldn¡¯t dare to command them thusly.


    Yang Buhui and Shentu Mo looked at each other and exchanged wry smiles.


    So be it!


    The two walked out dejectedly. Ye Feng¡¯s presence was so overwhelming they couldn¡¯t dare to object, but such a commanding aura¡ªwhat background did he have?


    A remaining elder healer named Lv Qiaodong looked at Ye Feng and silently made to leave.


    Medical practitioners often held their own taboos.


    "Old healer, no need to go anywhere. Act as an assistant for now!"


    Lv Qiaodong stopped in his tracks, filled with doubt, though he still replied:


    "Sure!"


    An assistant was an assistant, after all¡ªhe was intrigued to see how Ye Feng healed others.


    "Come here, Zhan Tian, let him go; control him so he doesn¡¯t move," ordered Ye Feng as he approached the patient with the deepest cultivation¡ªa particularly burly man.


    "Yes, sir!" exclaimed Sima Zhan Tian without hesitation. He pried open the iron restraints and grasped the patient once more.


    "Did you save me?"


    How much had happened since he fell unconscious? Having been transported from the Central Region to the headquarters of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect in the Imperial Capital, the big man was full of puzzlement and gratitude.


    "No, the person who saved you is him!"


    Yu Feiyu pointed to Ye Feng, his mouth corner betraying a hint of mockery¡ªhe had no eye for talent.


    "Thank you, Divine Doctor, for your assistance!"


    The big man sincerely said to Ye Feng.


    "What is your name, and what exactly happened where you are from?"


    Ye Feng simply nodded his head, then asked sternly.


    "My name is Ruan Qing. As for what happened, I¡¯m not very clear."


    "A few days ago, a purple smoke wafted out of Fallen Dragon Valley. Many nearby people have since fallen into a coma. I was ordered by my sect to investigate, and somehow I became afflicted as well," Ruan Qing said with some difficulty.


    Fine! Stay updated through novelhall.Co?m


    Asking him was the same as not asking. Ye Feng then commanded:


    "Take him to another room to rest."


    "You four, follow the method I¡¯ve taught you; work in pairs to start saving people."


    Yu Feiyu swiftly paired up with Luoo Xueyan, eliciting a dim look from the two men.


    "May I ask the Divine Doctor¡¯s esteemed name?"


    Ruan Qing glanced at the silver needles still in his body, wanting to remove them but not daring to.


    "Ye Feng!"


    "I¡¯m no Divine Doctor. What was your cultivation level before?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand, instantly retracting all the silver needles.


    "High-Level Martial King."


    As soon as the words came out, Ruan Qing immediately gave a bitter smile. Now it seemed he had lost even the cultivation level of a Peak Grandmaster¡ªwhat a misfortune from this illness.


    That¡¯s tough!


    Luckily, Ruan Qing was not the type to dwell on such things. He was not yet fifty; losing his cultivation level meant he could cultivate again, while losing his life would be truly disastrous.


    Even a High-Level Martial King couldn¡¯t resist the miasma?


    "Nannan, over there, what level of cultivation is needed to withstand the Ghost Qi?"


    Ye Feng asked in his mind.


    "At least Divine Path!"


    "Little Martial Uncle, Divine Path experts may not be abundant here, but in that place, Divine Path cultivators are everywhere. As long as a Divine Path expert does not disperse the Protective Gang Qi around them, the Ghost Qi cannot affect them," Long Nannan said dismissively.


    At least Divine Path?


    After hearing this, Ye Feng¡¯s gaze quietly sharpened. From Long Nannan¡¯s tone, it was clear that there were higher realms above the Divine Path, and it seemed they were not scarce.


    Before Ye Feng could ponder further, his phone rang. Checking the caller ID, he promptly left.


    ...


    That evening, Ye Feng put aside his dealings with Hong Qingyan and others, boarding a special plane to the Central Region.


    Personal vendetta was minor compared to the importance of national affairs!


    The situation in the Central Region was more serious than he had imagined. On board the special plane, aside from himself, five of the ten Grand Sect Leaders of the Heavenly Stems had mobilized, while of the twelve National Guardian Generals, two had already proceeded to the Central Region earlier, and now six more joined, including.


    The Great General of Nation Guard, Duan Tian.


    This lineup, without mincing words, meant that the special plane rushing to the Central Region overnight almost accommodated half the top-tier strength of the Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s high echelon.

 Chapter 294 Opening of the Outer Battlefield

    Ye Feng still hadn¡¯t understood one thing.


    According to the celestial calendar, there were only ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches. Xuanyuan Nation proclaimed to the outside world that there were only ten Great Guardian Sect Leaders, so why deliberately add two honorary positions to align with the twelve national guardians?


    Not until today did Ye Feng see an old man in front of the five Grand Sect Leaders.


    The five Great Guardian Sect Leaders were Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, Four Sect Leaders Meng Changtao, Five Sect Leaders Ye Wushuang, Seven Sect Leaders Mo Daoxing, and Ten Sect Leaders Mi Qin. However, Ye Feng had absolutely no recollection of the old man sitting before these five leaders.


    Unquestionably, the identity of the person who could sit in front of the five wouldn¡¯t fall short of those behind him. Moreover, the respect from the heart was clearly visible in their eyes.


    He wore a spotless white Tang suit.


    The elder¡¯s hands rested quietly on his knees, sitting upright, and his face, weathered and strong, often conveyed a smile that made it clear he was a kindly old man.


    What really concerned Ye Feng was that the old man¡¯s aura was as ordinary as that of any normal elder from the market, with no trace of cultivation.


    But was that possible?


    "Do you know who he is?"


    Ye Feng mentally asked Zhang Wenyuan, who had made his way to his side.


    As for how this kid got onto this private jet, everyone had their own secrets. Anyway, when he saw Ye Feng, he just came over naturally to say hello, and the two peers chatted from time to time.


    Zhang Wenyuan followed Ye Feng¡¯s gaze and landed on the elder, his expression immediately turning whimsical. As if scolding from the Second Sect Leader to the Five Sect Leaders on how to teach disciples.


    Wasn¡¯t there an issue with himself?


    "Tang Bai!"


    "Respect for nobility. We¡¯d better look less. The Utility Pavilion actually had two founders at its inception, and Senior Tang was one of them. Now, he is truly the revered elder of the Utility Pavilion. Did you know, the old Senior had a notorious name long ago, Bai Ao!"


    "And, this way of psychic transmission, to me, holds no secrets."


    Zhang Wenyuan glanced sideways, resolutely not wanting to discuss Tang Bai further.


    No secrets!


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression involuntarily stiffened. Had Tang Bai¡¯s power reached such a realm that he could eavesdrop on heart-to-heart conversations?


    As if to confirm Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s words, an ancient voice suddenly echoed in Ye Feng¡¯s mind:


    "What are you two young friends chatting about? Why not come over for a talk?"


    Ye Feng swiftly turned his head to look at Zhang Wenyuan, who nodded and conveyed a wave of excitement in his eyes.


    This confirmed it, didn¡¯t it?


    Incredible!


    Willing to have a chat, Ye Feng promptly rose, and the two approached the elder under the gaze of all the prominent figures.


    "Ye Feng pays respect to Senior Tang!"


    "Zhang Wenyuan pays homage to his teacher¡¯s grandmaster!"


    The two young men, with slightly different titles, obviously, Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s terms carried a bit more reverence.


    "No need for formality, sit!"


    Tang Bai said softly, his voice gentle and inviting.


    Behind, the five Grand Sect Leaders exchanged surprised looks. It was unforeseeable for their master (uncle master) to actually meet these two young people face-to-face!


    Everyone knew that since the Utility Pavilion had had ten Grand Sect Leaders, Tang Bai withdrew to a secondary role, leading a wanderer¡¯s life, unpredictable and detached. Few could ever catch his eye again.


    "Not bad, not bad, all of you!"


    Tang Bai squinted his eyes, even more profound.


    On the other side, Duan Tian faked sleep with a slight upward curve on his lips. The formidable Ye Feng had garnered appreciation from the old Senior.


    "Great Grandmaster has worked hard, where have you wandered recently? I¡¯d like to visit and pay my respects after a few days."


    Without any shame, Zhang Wenyuan had decided right then he didn¡¯t need a face.


    Ye Feng did not understand, Tang Bai examined his palm and suddenly became a different person, as if they had become strangers passing by in an instant.


    "Ye Feng, you must never let anyone investigate the condition within your body in the future, or you will have no place in this vast world to stay."


    After speaking, the two seemed to return to the airplane once again.


    Ye Feng suppressed the shock in his heart and turned back to his seat, because Tang Bai had already closed his eyes, and his demeanor had changed, warding off people from afar ¨C more specifically, warding off himself.


    He offered no further solutions to Ye Feng¡¯s confusion, nor did he impart any further advice, only warning Ye Feng never to reveal his own secrets.


    "What happened?"


    This time, Zhang Wenyuan did not communicate using the mind, he could feel Tang Bai¡¯s change in attitude.


    "Nothing, just a small dispute."


    Ye Feng spoke softly.


    "How dare you, awesome!"


    A dispute with Tang Bai?


    The sincere Zhang Wenyuan couldn¡¯t help but give a big thumbs up. The two Supreme Elders who appeared and vanished unpredictably had great power, and with just a move, they could indeed cause mountains to crumble and the earth to split!


    Three hours later, the private jet landed at the Central Region Airport.


    Over the distant Eastern Ocean, a calm sea surface suddenly formed a huge whirlpool as large as a kilometer across, resembling a gaping maw, bizarrely not swalling seawater but instead continuously spewing out gas.


    Huge waves churned, rolling out layer upon layer.


    "We can¡¯t go any closer, Mike."


    Not far from the whirlpool, an international couple was quickly approaching, and the one speaking was a blonde woman.


    "Don¡¯t be afraid, Vellis."


    "Xuanyuan Nation has an old saying, ¡¯seek fortune amidst danger.¡¯ We are the first to discover the entrance to the Outer Battlefield. Every time the Outer Battlefield opens, it spews out many treasures. We can¡¯t waste this opportunity."


    The red-haired man was covered in Flame Armor, his eyes burning with eagerness as he continued to rush toward the whirlpool.


    "But."


    Vellis tried to speak again but noticed her husband was already far ahead, so she had no choice but to stop thinking and follow.


    The opening of the Outer Battlefield did indeed spew out rare treasures, but the space at the newly opened entrance was extremely unstable. The slightest mishap could lead to being transferred into an alternate space-time, and once someone was transferred into an alternate space-time, it was akin to waiting for death.


    "Hurry, Vellis!"


    Unbeknownst to them, the two had arrived at the edge of the whirlpool. Mike was frantically chasing after various glowing objects, gathering them into his own bag as he caught them.


    It was indeed a bountiful harvest!


    Seeing this, Vellis couldn¡¯t help but feel joy and quickly joined the scavenging ranks, though compared to her husband, she was much more cautious.


    "What¡¯s that, Vellis, come and see, what¡¯s that?"


    Less than fifty meters inside, a mass of black fog stood upright, with surging energy spewing forth from it.


    "I can¡¯t tell."


    Vellis shook her head, saying that even for a Divine Path Expert, visibility in such an environment was extremely limited.


    "I¡¯ll get it."


    The fervor in Mike¡¯s eyes grew hotter.


    "No, Mike, it might well be situated within an alternate space-time."


    Vellis immediately said.


    "Stay calm!"


    "Promise me you¡¯ll wait here. This is the last one; once I grab it, we¡¯ll leave."


    Mike was very clear about one thing: those eyeing the position of the Outer Battlefield entrance were not the only ones, others were also watching from the High Seas. Whoever had the bigger fist had the bigger say. Although they had gathered many treasures, only by truly taking them back to their country would they become really theirs.


    There was no time for hesitation. A trail of fire trailed behind Mike as he plunged directly into the space above the whirlpool.

 Chapter 295: Grey Sky

    Black luster, rich aroma.


    Although it was impossible to tell what it was, one couldn¡¯t hide the fact that it was a treasure. They say fortune favors the bold. Having stumbled upon such a treasure, how could Mike give up on it? It would be against all reason not to seize it.


    It seemed that the Goddess of Luck was also looking after Mike. The distance of less than fifty meters, he flew smoothly, all spatial cracks passing by him narrowly. Finally, when he was less than five meters away from the upright black light, he saw what it was.


    It was a sword!


    The deep black Great Sword stood solemnly in the void, and around it, space appeared to be cracking like a turtle shell, spreading into the depths of the void. Occasionally, eerie wind sounds emitted from within. Looking at the Great Sword again, its blade was streaming with black bloodstains.


    Eerie, powerful!


    Facing such a treasure, the corners of Mike¡¯s mouth couldn¡¯t help but lift with difficulty. Still, he dared not rashly reach for it. Stopping in a crack-free spot, he conjured two Fire Snakes.


    The tiny Fire Snakes, as if they were sentient, flew forth and sprang forward.


    Shh! One by one.


    "Sure enough, it¡¯s dangerous."


    The Fire Snakes had not yet approached the Great Sword before they were shredded by the weird powers emanating from the cracks. Unmoved, Mike stretched out his hand, and five more Fire Snakes flew from his fingertips.


    Divine Lord, please bless me!


    Mike continued to pray earnestly in his heart. He was only one step away from success, but the damned spatial cracks prevented him from moving forward. He could only try to hook the Great Sword and pull it out. The key to success depended on whether the Fire Snakes could reach it.


    Every additional minute he spent there meant facing one more danger upon leaving.


    The High Seas were a ruthless killing field, where humans die for treasure as birds do for food. Here, nationality mattered not. To kill for loot was the simplest thing.


    "Mike, someone¡¯s coming."


    Velia said anxiously from behind.


    "Velia, hold off those people. Give me one more minute. If I can get it out, we can both escape no matter how many enemies there are."


    Mike said, focusing his spirit.


    He didn¡¯t want to give up, he truly didn¡¯t. After some attempts, he had successfully advanced the Fire Snakes by one meter. Just one more meter, and the Great Sword would be his.


    If something could remain intact in space filled with cracks, the black Great Sword had indeed deeply stirred Mike¡¯s nerves. Its power was undisputable.


    "Hurry up!"


    Velia gritted her teeth, dropped a phrase, and turned to face the enemies.


    As time ticked away, Mike used both hands, sending Fire Snakes on the original trajectory repeatedly forward. With each small leap forward, a number of Fire Snakes vanished for nothing.


    "Divine Lord, just a little more."


    Mike had already heard more than one or two voices, his heart pounding with urgency.


    If someone outside took action against the space he was in right now, he didn¡¯t need any fatal moves; the unstable space itself would devour him.


    Luckily for Mike, the Goddess of Luck had not abandoned him. Just one minute had passed when he finally managed to touch the black Great Sword and hastily pulled it toward himself.


    The Treasure Sword, it came out!


    Looking at the Great Sword within arm¡¯s reach, Mike¡¯s tense face finally revealed a smile. He couldn¡¯t wait to stretch out his hand to grasp the hilt.


    "My thing, you also dare to take?"


    An emotionless voice suddenly sounded out in front.


    Looking up, Mike was immediately scared out of his wits. Not far ahead, at some point, a disheveled person had appeared, with blood-red hair obscuring his face, only a pair of blood-red eyes shining brightly.


    A person from an Alternate Space-Time!


    Escape! One by one.


    Zhang Wenyuan said carelessly.


    "Talk about serious matters, what are you doing in the Central Region?"


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression turned cold.


    Instinct told him that Zhang Wenyuan would never be like Xiao Chuanqi, loyal to him for life.


    This kind of person had ambitions.


    "If I don¡¯t say, will you not let me follow?"


    Zhang Wenyuan showed a touch of seriousness.


    Of course, the answer was yes. Ye Feng nodded his head. To be honest, his visit to the Central Region was purely in the capacity of a physician, not as a monarch on an expedition. Where did he have so many means to instruct others?


    "To undergo trials. Society has its obligations, and every man is responsible. So many powerful characters came to the capital, and frankly, I felt I could not just do nothing, so I decided to follow you."


    So the answer is that I have nothing else to do and want to find someone to hang out with.


    "Suit yourself."


    "I will say this upfront, I don¡¯t care about your identity. Since you have decided to follow me, don¡¯t play any tricks on me."


    Ye Feng turned away, no longer paying attention to Zhang Wenyuan.


    "Ye Feng, are you curious about my identity? I might as well tell you, I am the direct disciple of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming. Speaking of status, shouldn¡¯t you call me ¡¯Uncle-Master¡¯?"


    Zhang Wenyuan was clearly grasping at straws for conversation.


    "Uncle-Master?"


    "Zhang Wenyuan, do you think you¡¯re very good at fighting? Also, have you forgotten that I am not a disciple of the Utility Pavilion?"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but wince having heard this.


    This Zhang Wenyuan, obviously more obnoxious than Yu Feiyu, was even more annoying.


    "Whether I¡¯m good at fighting is not something I can say. It¡¯s for the opponent to decide. As for what kind of opponent is worthy, that¡¯s another topic."


    "Ye Feng, we are both Peak Martial Kings. Are you interested in having a match?"


    Zhang Wenyuan deliberately left out three words.


    Unusual!


    Neither he nor Ye Feng was an ordinary Peak Martial King. One¡¯s combat power was not inferior to a Divine Path Expert of the Enlightenment Realm, and he himself had entered and then retreated from the Divine Path twice.


    "Right at this moment?"


    Ye Feng stopped in his tracks.


    Listening to what that old man Tang Bai said, the so-called "Great Art of Fivefold Reincarnation" seemed very formidable?


    "Come on, Ye Feng. Your name may contain the character ¡¯Feng¡¯ for sharpness, but it¡¯s not the ¡¯Feng¡¯ for madness. Fighting and such, how can that be more important than handling matters?"


    "But on the other hand, none of the disciples of the ten Grand Sect Leaders are as outstanding as us. That youngster Xue Chengbi, I can beat him easily. The disciple of the Second Sect Leader Li Shengmin is someone, but it¡¯s a pity he has been missing for years, and whether he¡¯s dead or alive is still unknown."


    Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s expression became a bit strange as he looked at Ye Feng.


    He was already the Northern Border King. It seemed that Duan Tian intended to groom Ye Feng as the next Great General of Nation Guard. So could he still take over the position of Guardian Sect Leader?


    It should be known that the ten Guardian Sect Leaders and the twelve Great Generals could have a myriad of connections, yet one person absolutely could not hold both positions simultaneously.


    This was an ironclad rule!


    Unfortunately, the Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong had not taken any new disciples for years, leaving people unclear about what he was really thinking. Although Ning Weiwei had been in contact with the Second Sect Leader, she lacked in talent by far.


    ```

 Chapter 296 Strong Alliance

    ```


    Frankly, Zhang Wenyuan was just surreptitiously praising himself.


    Fighting him was definitely out of the question. Being the direct disciple of the Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, if someone could beat this youngster up, the expression on Old Man Shi Yehong¡¯s face would surely be priceless. However, how powerful Zhang Wenyuan actually was, Ye Feng found difficult to gauge.


    From what he said, does it mean ¡¯the tougher the opponent, the tougher he becomes¡¯?


    Of course, there would always be a limit to this. Ye Feng simply blocked out his senses and let Zhang Wenyuan chatter endlessly behind him. They say a disciple¡¯s temperament reflects the master¡¯s, but this direct disciple of Zhao Gongming...


    How come his character completely changed?


    In the Central Region, the area isn¡¯t actually vast. It¡¯s roughly the size of a mid-level provincial region within the Xuanyuan Nation, which is why most people in the country focus only on the Four Realms.


    The Central Region, not too large or small, is only remembered for the unending disasters that befall it through the years¡ªfrequent earthquakes and the occasional rare blizzards.


    Some say the Central Region is a cursed land. Despite its fertile soil and abundant resources, the territory, known as the Country of the Heavenly Mansion for its beauty, has always been unwelcoming to habitation.


    Now, it looks indeed as if a curse has been cast upon it.


    Looking up, the sky was overcast; everything around was dying. No one¡¯s mood could brighten in such a scene. Ye Feng¡¯s pace quickened, and in less than ten minutes, he arrived at his destination.


    The Divine Doctor Sect, or rather, the location of the delegates from the Valley of the Medicine God.


    Worth mentioning is that even though they were at the outer edge, the arrivals from the Divine Doctor Sect were still within the Imperial Capital Camp boundaries. Further beyond stood two more camps, and upon looking over, one could see a camp filled with women in plain clothes moving around, while the other was full of men in black.


    Before Ye Feng could approach, someone came out to welcome him.


    "Young friend, you truly are swift!"


    A large group of people, none of whom were young. Ye Feng recognized a few of them, while the others were unfamiliar.


    The one who spoke was a plump old man in the center, his face a picture of beaming health and his cheeks round, though his eyes seemed small. He was smiling mirthfully.


    Yu Xianhe!


    The Sect Leader of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect, the Valley Master of the Sacred Land Medicine God Valley, the Medicine King of his generation, and a Ninth Level Great Doctor, also the biological father of Yu Feiyu.


    It is said,


    "Heaven¡¯s Xianhe, earth¡¯s divine medicine, grow and thrive, heal the dead and support the injured." Continue your adventure at novelhall.Co?m


    Don¡¯t be fooled by Old Man Yu¡¯s sly and rat-like appearance; he is indeed a genuine good person. The number of patients the Medicine King has cured over the years likely exceeds the entire population of the Divine Doctor Sect.


    "I dare not dawdle."


    Ye Feng responded with a smile.


    His gaze then shifted to the elderly man with the heavy sword beside Yu Xianhe, and he couldn¡¯t help but focus.


    Unexpectedly, even Dugu Baitian had arrived!


    The latter seemed to feel Ye Feng¡¯s gaze as well. His eyes, sharp as swords, squinted slightly.


    "Long story short, follow me."


    This tone clearly did not regard Ye Feng as an outsider.


    Dao techniques are not determined by seniority but by proficiency. The appearance of Ye Feng, who was personally welcomed by a unique figure like the Medicine King, caught the attention of many, including those from the two camps outside.


    "Very well!"


    Ye Feng immediately replied.


    Being the Medicine King, one could see the powerful experts following him. Ye Feng counted silently¡ªthere were eight of Martial King Level, and even four at the Divine Path Realm.


    Look at that!


    The woman he loved!


    "Enough idle talk, let¡¯s discuss the important matter."


    "I¡¯m aware of the situation over in the imperial capital. I¡¯ve invited you here to see if we can work together to find a feasible solution," the Medicine King said, also taking a seat with a serious expression.


    "What do you mean by a ¡¯feasible solution¡¯?" asked Ye Feng, puzzled.


    "Ancient Needle Technique is powerful, but it¡¯s only a temporary fix, not a cure. Do you know how many people have been infected in the Central Region this time? Just in Dongchuan, where we are, there are at least millions infected, not to mention that the infection is still spreading."


    The Medicine King did not continue.


    He had seen many diseases and epidemics, but this kind of vicious and troublesome Ghost Qi was something he had never encountered before.


    It was a bit like being tied up with no recourse; if it was a disease, at least it would be just a disease!


    "Why let it spread further?" Ye Feng¡¯s face turned furious.


    He had already emphasized the enormity of the threat posed by Ghost Qi, but now someone was still telling him that it was spreading?


    "Because it¡¯s uncontrollable. To use modern language, it¡¯s undoubtedly a kind of unknown virus. Air, the migration of all living beings with blood and flesh, can spread it, and how it appeared in the first place remains a mystery."


    "The approach taken by the imperial capital was merely to relocate the people on the periphery," the Medicine King explained helplessly.


    "Any discoveries?"


    Ye Feng took a deep breath to calm himself down.


    "Sunlight. Ghost Qi is not only afraid of sunlight over there but it also dares not spread in places where there is sunlight during the day. However, the thing seems to be cunning. Did you see the layer of grey mist in the sky when you came? That¡¯s its way of coping with the sunlight."


    "I¡¯ve tried a combination of various medications. The results were minimal, only slowing the infection rate inside the patients." In plain terms, the Medicine King didn¡¯t have a good solution.


    If there was a way, why would he need your help?


    "So what you¡¯re saying is, currently, no one has a way to deal with it, and we can only let it continue to wreak havoc?"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but feel sad.


    How could Xuanyuan Nation, so vast and strong, be rendered helpless by the Ghost Qi that Long Nannan described as trivial?


    The power of a Different World, is it truly that terrifying?


    "Currently, there are two possible paths."


    "One, you and I join forces to continue experimenting with various drug combinations. There must be something that can cure Ghost Qi; we just haven¡¯t concocted it yet. Two, find living creatures that are still alive despite being eroded by Ghost Qi. As the saying goes, where there is extreme death, life must follow. Just as underworld flowers can grow where the dead reside, the same can happen here."


    The Medicine King stated decisively.


    "There¡¯s no use. Infected individuals only have seven days for treatment, and I don¡¯t know how many days some people are in by now. Like you said, it¡¯s a short-term remedy, not a cure. Ancient Needle Technique won¡¯t save many. With so many people infected, by the time we successfully concoct an antidote, how many will be left to save?" Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly.


    A sudden catastrophe always lacks time, alas, Ghost Qi is too ferocious, and although the time given is not short, there are too many people to treat.


    "We can¡¯t just stand by and watch as people die."


    The Medicine King said heavily.


    This time, he had brought not only the elite of the Imperial Divine Medical Sect headquarters but also called in several Ninth Level Great Doctors from the Valley of the Medicine God. Everyone was working hard, yet no one was successful.


    "Of course, we can¡¯t just stand by and watch as people die."


    "Go ahead with my suggestion, you continue to lead the effort in concocting medicines, and I¡¯ll look for that thing. Compared to those who search blindly, we have a clearer idea of what works."


    The tea had been drunk, and Ye Feng stood up immediately.


    Actually, before coming here, Long Nannan had already provided the answer. Ghost Qi isn¡¯t to be feared; once entering the Divine Path Realm, one can ignore it.


    Such a culling, for this world, is too cruel.

 Chapter 297: Protecting the People of a Nation, Slaying Through Ten Million Enemies

    Doctors practice the art of healing.


    Medicine King Yu Xianhe was one of the few people in Ye Feng¡¯s life who garnered his utmost respect¡ªnot for the powerful Sacred Land Medicine God Valley behind him, nor for his title as the contemporary Medicine King, but because he was a true physician, a pure healer.


    A true healer saves lives and eases suffering, provides benevolence and aid to the world, without shirking from duty.


    As one of the rare Ninth Level Great Doctors of his time, their meeting was very brief. After Ye Feng shared some startling news, about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he bid his farewell and departed. He set off to the Central District to search for a medicine capable of resisting the Ghost Qi, while the Medicine King continued to lead his physicians in the development of new drugs.


    A strong alliance, yet operating separately, appeared to be divergent approaches, yet their objectives were the same. Stay updated through novelhall.Co?m


    "Can you drive?"


    Outside the camp, Zhang Wenyuan was deep in conversation with several female disciples of the Medicine God Valley when Ye Feng cut straight to the chase with this question.


    "Are you kidding? I can even pilot planes and tanks, let alone something as simple as a four-wheeled vehicle."


    Zhang Wenyuan chuckled, his speech brimming with confidence.


    "Good. Now go find a vehicle and follow me to Fallen Dragon Valley."


    Ye Feng lit a cigarette for himself and commanded.


    Ever since Hong Qingyan entered his life, Ye Feng seldom smoked. As the saying goes, "smoking dispels sadness while drinking dispels worries". The reverse holds true as well, and for this medicinal quest, he had little confidence¡ªnevertheless, there were so many "lives" depending on him.


    As a physician, how could he stand idly by and watch people eroded by the disease go untreated and ultimately become completely unconscious monsters?


    Man does his part, and leaves the rest to fate!


    "Going to Fallen Dragon Valley, you¡¯re not joking?"


    Zhang Wenyuan seemed to know something and asked with a frown.


    "Do you think I am joking?"


    Ye Feng raised his eyebrows, signaling no time for pointless chatter.


    "Wait a moment, I¡¯ll be right back."


    Seeing a hint of displeasure on Ye Feng¡¯s face, Zhang Wenyuan did not dawdle any longer. After a brief promise of future meetings to the beauties, he swiftly disappeared.


    Who is this man?


    When Zhang Wenyuan left, the female disciples from the Medicine God Valley couldn¡¯t help but curiously size up Ye Feng. They had come with their respective teachers for experience and to assist, and they had just witnessed this man walking alongside the Medicine King.


    Could he be a reclusive expert?


    Yet he didn¡¯t quite seem like one. Noble in bearing, with profound eyes, he smoked a cigarette from the corner of his mouth, but his posture was erect as a pillar, standing tall and proud. There was an air of soaring ambition around him, subtly emanating.@@@@


    However, the worry between his brows was heartbreaking.


    The hearts of the women couldn¡¯t help but be moved, not just because he was angry, nor just because he could walk with the Medicine King, but because this man was someone they could only look up to.


    Less than two minutes later, Zhang Wenyuan roared up in a Land Rover.


    "Ye Feng, are you really set on going to Fallen Dragon Valley?"


    The car sped away, and Zhang Wenyuan drove with furrowed brows.


    In the Eastern Dongchuan of the Central Region, Fallen Dragon Valley, the name alone didn¡¯t mean much. Many local names within the Xuanyuan Nation had a legendary flair. If it were the past, Fallen Dragon Valley would be a place anyone could visit.


    But things were different now. It had only taken three days since the outbreak of the Ghost Qi for Fallen Dragon Valley to become an unequivocal realm of death, reputed to be the originating location of the Ghost Qi, with unknown dangers hidden there.


    Life is precious and should be cherished.


    Zhang Wenyuan pondered whether he should join Ye Feng on this perilous venture. He had his reasons for coming to the Central Region, none of which included throwing his life away recklessly.


    Silence is often the best answer. After some time, Ye Feng finally spoke coldly,


    "If you don¡¯t wish to go, then don¡¯t follow me any longer."


    "The Daoist Family, have the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts also come?"


    Ye Feng then asked.


    The first time he heard about the Nine Great Sects was from Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong. The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, representing the pinnacle of the Martial Dao powers within the Xuanyuan Nation today, were respectively: the Buddhist Sect, Dao Sect, Mount Shu, Kunlun, Underworld, Tang Sect, Hundred Flowers, Heaven Poison, Sacred Mansion.


    The Nine Great Sects, each with a two-character name, their heritage was incomparable to those prevalent among the populace, minor schools and sects of various kinds.


    "They¡¯ve come."


    "Did you really think that so many experts came to the Imperial Capital just to cope with a group of ¡¯ordinary people¡¯ who¡¯ve been eroded?"


    Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s words obviously had an implication.


    "The Formation is strong but can¡¯t stop the spread of the Ghost Qi."


    The grey sky outside was the best proof.


    "Don¡¯t panic!"


    Zhang Wenyuan stressed three words emphatically.


    Indeed!


    Ye Feng immediately understood, disaster was often not the most frightening thing; people¡¯s hearts were even more terrifying.


    "On what grounds, why can¡¯t you let us out?"


    "Let us go, or else I will die right here for you all to see."


    "Please, please have mercy on us, let us out. If we don¡¯t get out, we¡¯ll all die."


    ...


    Before Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan were subjected to an inspection, perhaps because they saw important people coming, the emotions of the people inside shouting suddenly became more agitated.


    Curses, disturbances, pleas for mercy... even threatening death, nothing was missing.


    "Let¡¯s go take a look."


    Watching this scene, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    All sorts of offensive items were blocked by the light screen, yet those unbearable noise disturbances were truly heart-wrenching.


    Two troublemakers looking for trouble!


    No sooner had they managed to quell a major disturbance, it was "stirred up" again by these two. Many soldiers inwardly cursed, judging from the attire of the people in front of them, who else could it be but the offspring of officials from the Imperial Capital?


    Despite the cursing, the soldiers standing guard naturally did not voice their thoughts. Soon, a commanding officer came out and asked,


    "Why have the two young masters come to visit?"


    The words were proper, but the disdain in his eyes was extreme. It was already bad enough for them to guard here, and yet they had to deal with these dignitaries.


    "It¡¯s nothing, carry on with your duties."


    Ye Feng pointed towards the people behind the officer.


    Officer Tian couldn¡¯t help but frown, paused, and without another word, picked up the microphone hanging from his waist and shouted,


    "Be quiet, my compatriots, please calm down a bit."


    "I understand your desire to go out, but if you were to go out and cause more people to be infected, wouldn¡¯t that be harming both yourselves and others? Everyone has family, and you all have many friends and relatives on the outside, surely you don¡¯t wish for them to end up like you?"


    "You¡¯re not free, nor are we. But to allow more people to be free, we must stay here unfree. Please, my compatriots, patiently wait. Just ten days¡¯ time. I, Tian Yan, assure everyone, you will regain your freedom."


    Ten days!


    Ye Feng realized that the appearance of the Ghost Qi was three days ago. If people in the Infection Zone could endure seven days without mutating, then it meant they were not affected.

 Chapter 298 The North, the Northern Border King?

    Human hearts are not so easily soothed.


    Heard one too many times, even the most common truths can become tiresome, not to mention in the Infection Zone, where there are plenty of cunning individuals with ulterior motives.


    After Tian Yan delivered an impassioned speech, the effect was minimal. Some people even went as far as to throw objects at him from their surroundings.


    Unrelenting rebuttals, curses, and pleas for mercy continued.


    In this world, when you stand outside a cage, trying with all your heart to calm a group of people trapped within, with beasts among them, how can they possibly stay calm?


    The truths of life are clear to enlightened Buddhas, but it''s the obfuscated that are truly human.


    Tian Yan felt exhausted by the situation. They were soldiers transferred from the Eastern Border, and enduring such heart-wrenching days was much more difficult than guarding the borders, which were at least peaceful in comparison.


    Just as Tian Yan picked up the microphone, intending to speak again, a resolute voice came from behind him:


    "Let me do it."


    Turning his head, he saw one of the young men.


    Tian Yan couldn''t help but take a few extra looks. If he didn''t see, he wouldn''t know, but upon looking, the man seemed somewhat familiar, though where he had seen him before, he couldn''t recall at the moment.


    As if compelled by a ghost, Tian Yan handed over the microphone he was holding.


    Ye Feng weighed it in his hand and then brought it to his mouth, calling out:


    "Who wants to be the first to come out?"


    With just one sentence, the various shouting and clamor noticeably quieted down, as many people murmured among themselves, unclear about Ye Feng''s intentions.


    "Kid, who are you trying to fool? Get lost. If it were possible to get out, we would have been long gone," someone quickly stood up and scolded Ye Feng.


    "If I say I can get someone out, I will definitely make it happen," Ye Feng stated emotionlessly, each word resounding with determination.


    Several soldiers tried to intervene upon seeing this, but Tian Yan stopped them, his instincts telling him:


    This young man can be trusted!@@@@


    "Pfft, as if big talk isn''t common these days."


    "Just get lost, stop annoying us, or else pay respects to your ancestors for eighteen generations."


    "He looks decent enough, but who knew he''d be so sinister, pah, still joking at a time like this."


    ...


    Clearly, Ye Feng''s words were not enough to convince the people there. Those who had come to cause trouble were "experienced" and would not easily believe it was that easy to leave.


    "Is there really no one willing to give themselves a chance?"


    Seeing this, Ye Feng laughed.


    As the Northern Border King, he had always been a man of his word, and yet today, he was ignored by a crowd.


    An opportunity!


    These words did indeed provoke many people, and a man shouted loudly:


    "Me!"


    Afterward, several others echoed one after another. Whether they could get out or not, what was the harm in trying?


    "Let him out," Ye Feng said, pointing to the man who had shouted first.


    Upon seeing this, Tian Yan''s brow furrowed. He had thought Ye Feng was just speaking offhand and hadn''t expected him to actually mean it, putting Tian Yan in a difficult position.


    After all, the order from above was clear: no one was allowed outside without passing the quarantine check!


    The soldiers remained unmoved as well, ready to obey only their commander, Tian Yan.


    "I am Zhang Wenyuan, the Imperial Guards Commander, here''s my identification. I''m now ordering you to let him out," Zhang Wenyuan interjected before Ye Feng could reveal his identity, showing his credentials.


    "Commander, it''s authentic," a soldier responsible for verification quickly reported back to Tian Yan.


    "Commander Zhang, you''re aware of the situation in there; if something happens..." Tian Yan began but was cut off by Zhang Wenyuan, who sharply retorted:


    "Enough with the nonsense. If something happens, I will take responsibility. Release him."


    This feels quite good!


    Zhang Wenyuan reveled in his little moment of glory, secretly pleased with himself for having the foresight to get a commander''s title from Duan Tian. Although it carried little real power, it had its influence, and nobody dared to defy him.


    Looking at Ye Feng again, even the title of the Northern Border King might not work; these people transferred from the Eastern Border would only follow orders from the imperial capital.


    The cold wind was chilling, but Tian Yan stood motionless as if saluting in respect.


    "What did the Northern King write?"


    After a long while, Tian Yan finally came back to his senses. Many soldiers of the Eastern Border knew they owed a huge debt of gratitude to the Northern King Ye Feng.


    "Seeking medicine."


    The soldier spoke only two words, which was all Ye Feng had written.


    "Notify all guard units, should they see the Northern King, to treat him with the highest courtesy of the Eastern Border." Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Tian Yan looked somewhat wistful.


    Seeking medicine, what medicine could Northern King Ye Feng be looking for in Dongchuan at this time? Tian Yan regretted that he could not accompany him.


    ...


    "You even carry the title of Commander of the Imperial Guards, what other secrets do you hold that I don''t know about?"


    After passing through the first line of defense, the path ahead for Ye Feng became unobstructed. Perhaps it was due to the Ghost Qi, but there were no vehicles driving on the road.


    Everywhere he passed was eerily quiet, a desolation of withering things that was deeply lamentable.


    "That''s it, I''m good friends with Duan Tian, and he insisted on giving me the title. Actually, I really didn''t want to accept it at first."


    Accepted and now disclaimed unwillingness?


    Zhang Wenyuan loved to brag and seemed to seize every opportunity to climb higher. Ye Feng simply ignored him; unless one was a fool, they wouldn''t believe Zhang Wenyuan''s words.


    "You should head back once we reach the second defensive line,"


    Ye Feng said indifferently.


    "Not going back. Wherever you go, I will follow?"


    Zhang Wenyuan''s hands on the steering wheel visibly shook.


    "You being there or not makes no difference. It would be better for you to go do what you need to do."


    The Direct Disciple of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming.


    If Zhang Wenyuan claimed he was just here for the experience, Ye Feng would not believe it for a second. That old man was as sly as the sea, and the man before him, seemingly a bit of a rascal...


    ...was missing half a beat!


    "Ye Feng, is it right for you to denigrate someone like that?"


    "How can you dismiss me, Zhang Wenyuan, like that? I''m capable of fighting those in the God Gathering Realm. And before coming here, I had already handed over control of the Daoyi Group to my brother, so don''t you try giving me orders."


    Listening to him, Zhang Wenyuan seemed determined to stick with Ye Feng.


    "No need for so many words, nobody is desperately trying to stop you from following."


    Ye Feng smirked.


    Having such a fighter willingly offer his services, he would be foolish to refuse.


    "We''re heading straight to Fallen Dragon Valley now?"


    Zhang Wenyuan disregarded the small triumph in Ye Feng''s heart.


    A person with such a big reputation eager to claim even a small advantage, who could he complain to?


    "Of course,"


    Ye Feng replied.


    "That won''t do, you must heed my advice. You can go to Dragon Valley, but you can''t go at night. As for why, several masters have already fallen."


    Zhang Wenyuan said with seriousness.


    "I''ll take your advice. Let''s find a place to spend the night and set off at dawn."


    Ye Feng quickly made his decision.


    He was there to find medicine, and if he fell before even getting the medicine, that would be truly regrettable. Anyone considered a master by Zhang Wenyuan must have a cultivation level at or above the God Gathering Realm.


    "That''s more like it."


    Zhang Wenyuan pressed hard on the accelerator.


    Actually, his resolve to follow Ye Feng was to protect him. Duan Tian clearly hadn''t informed him of that matter, and Ye Feng...


    ...clearly did not realize his own importance to the Outer Battlefield!

 Chapter 299 Born Fearless, Battle Soul Immortal

    The roaring Range Rover, like the most agile cheetah on the grasslands, moved with unmatched swiftness. The somber sound of its engine fleeting yet profound as it sliced through the vast wilderness.


    The silent night in Dongchuan gained an additional tapping noise due to this.


    Approaching speeds of nearly two hundred kilometers per hour, and following the map, it took less than half an hour for the two to arrive at a small town. In the light, only the shadows of trees shivered in the cold wind, while human figures could vaguely be seen moving behind the glass of distant buildings, even though it was not yet midnight.


    Ye Feng and his companion couldn''t help but wonder if they had come to a deserted town.


    "We can only spend the night here. People have moved out further in because of fear, leaving behind only a few stubborn elderly who refused to leave. It''s almost like a ghost town."


    Zhang Wenyuan slowed the car down, his tone tinged with a touch of emotion.


    "Alright, let''s find a motel nearby to stay for the night."


    Ye Feng nodded, not insisting on going any further.


    When you''re on the road, sometimes listening to a friend''s advice can save you from taking many wrong turns. Ye Feng, although overbearing in his methods, was not so arrogant as to ignore others'' opinions. Besides, Zhang Wenyuan wasn''t wrong; it''s just that his demeanor was a bit too unrestrained.


    "Who would''ve thought that we, the future leaders of Xuanyuan Nation, would also stay in a shabby motel."


    After searching for a while, Zhang Wenyuan grudgingly parked the car in front of a small motel, which looked more like a refurbished private residence rather than a motel.


    No choice, all the hotels nearby were closed.


    "Better than sleeping outdoors."


    Ye Feng also seemed somewhat amused, not to mention the future, but when had he, the Northern Border King, ever been reduced to such straits?


    For the two of them, measuring their worth with money was an insult.


    "That''s the truth. Damn capitalist society, the wealthy hear the slightest rustle and hurry to transfer their money and run off, leaving behind a bunch of poor people who have nowhere to go."


    Zhang Wenyuan complained briefly.


    The success of Overseas Tianyi Group in a foreign land was inseparable from his shrewd mind. In just a short while, he had figured out the cause and effect.


    "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."@@@@


    Ye Feng took the lead and stepped inside.


    In fact, it wasn''t a big deal. Back in the Northern Border, as a legion commander, Ye Feng had even slept on open grasslands, so why would he care about this? After all, if you don''t mention it and I don''t bring it up, such trivial matters won''t spread to a third person.


    "Boss, do you have any vacant rooms?"


    Zhang Wenyuan tapped the counter lightly, putting on a warmly enthusiastic fac?ade.


    The person in charge of the motel was an elderly woman with presbyopic glasses, engrossed in watching TV. Only when she heard a voice did she turn her head.


    "Yes, they''re all vacant."


    "You two just came from out of town, huh? Ah, the keys are all here. Choose any room you like upstairs."


    The old woman took down a bunch of keys from the wall and casually placed them in front of the two men.


    So casual?


    Zhang Wenyuan looked slightly bewildered; he had never stayed in such a place before and didn''t know the rules.


    "Boss, how could you tell that we are from out of town?"


    Ye Feng asked with a smile.


    "Young man, who would need a room at this time of night but outsiders? One look at the lively spirit on your faces and I knew."


    The elderly woman couldn''t help but take another look at Ye Feng.


    Quite handsome!


    Possibly reminded of something, she quickly added:


    "You shouldn''t have come."


    Then she shook her head and sighed to herself, thinking that nowadays in the Infection Zone, everyone wants to get out, but once you''re in, getting out is tough!


    "You are tired."


    Ye Feng didn''t reply, in fact, he couldn''t make a sound. In the moment he was lost in thought, the scene changed, and the Emperor arrived at the edge of a Lotus Pond, beside it was a woman of stunning beauty, her voice melodious and pleasant.


    "Not tired, as long as the Divine Race does not perish, my battle doesn''t cease."


    "Are you going to die too?"


    The Emperor looked at the woman with deep affection. Ye Feng knew he wanted to embrace her, yet for some reason, he did not, which was profoundly sad.


    "Who in this world can avoid death?"


    "Although I am a demon, having lived for tens of thousands of years, this moment is inevitable. Thank you for your care all these years. This is my gift to you, please continue its legacy."


    The woman turned with a smile, enchanting all the flowers around her.


    "You consumed humans in the first half of your life, why then did you choose to save people in the second half?"


    The Emperor received the gift, which contained three needles, and at that moment Ye Feng felt a tremendous shock.


    "Because I wanted to become human!"


    "In this life, I couldn''t be your wife, but I hope in the next life, we may meet again."


    In the shimmering light, a white glow emanated from the woman.


    The towering Emperor, in silent contemplation, shed two streams of tears, and unnoticed, Ye Feng''s eyes also began to moisten.


    "Emperor, the Divine Race''s army has arrived."


    It was still the same grand hall, but now there were more people. The general named Heaven was still present, and looking at the silhouettes, one person shouldered the Twin Swords, another had protruding gauntlets.


    "The Divine Race, they are but a bunch of beasts who have lost their humanity."


    There was another person, a woman draped in black Battle Armor.


    "Fight!"


    "As long as we live, they shall not dominate Heaven and Earth nor fabricate Reincarnation."


    The golden spear once again appeared in the Emperor''s hand.


    "Kill!"


    Blood rained from the sky, and the flames of war swept across the Nine Heavens.


    From the heavens to the earth, countless figures were engaged in battle, Ye Feng saw many strange creatures, including the legendary dragons roaring, bizarre creatures spewing thunder and lightning, and people with wings on their backs.


    This battle lasted for a very long time.


    Ye Feng saw the bare-handed general get completely destroyed, the great general who bore Twin Swords coughing up blood as he bravely fought an Eight-Winged Divine General, until at last his Twin Swords shattered, and his abdomen was pierced.


    "Even in death, I shall fight you to the end, the Battle Soul will not perish!"


    In the end, as the sky went mad, he laughed wildly, dragging the enemy with him to be buried at the bottom of the sea.


    "Did you see that?"


    In the now-empty grand hall, Ye Feng knew that the voice belonged to the Emperor.


    "The Sword Maniac died, the Fist Emperor died, Heaven also died, and now it is also my time to die."


    "There are no gods in this world, they do not save people. I have watched this world for far too long, hated to the point of death, loved to the point of madness. As the last Emperor, I have not failed my ancestors nor the people of this great earth."


    "This life has passed, I bestow upon the world, my Battle Soul unextinguished!"


    In Ye Feng''s hand appeared a box.


    It was the last gift from the woman beside the Lotus Pond to the Emperor. The Imperial Palace had vanished, replaced by a wall soaring into the clouds.


    Why you?


    Ye Feng looked at the gift box in his hand, but the dream suddenly shattered.


    The three needles represented the Three Great Needle Techniques of the Ancients. The ancient characters from Ye Feng''s old Brocade Book, although understandable to all, now revealed to him his own misunderstanding.

 Chapter 300 Forest Ambushed

    ```


    Real yet unreal, searching and searching.


    Ye Feng looked at his left hand, which was empty ¡ª the box from his dream didn''t exist. He hadn''t had the chance to open it to look inside, yet somehow, as if he could foresee the future, he knew it contained three different ancient needles, and each needle represented a type of Needle Technique.


    Was it merely a coincidence?


    Ye Feng sighed, thinking of the woman in his dream. A wave of sadness rose from the depths of his heart, much like the emotion of that emperor-like figure. In the dream, he seemed to be that emperor clad in golden armor, empathetically experiencing everything.


    But it wasn''t quite so ¡ª everyone in a dream is but a passerby.


    "Old Long, whose legacy did you give me?"


    Ye Feng condensed his spirit in contemplation.


    All six pages he had amassed were on his person, but Ye Feng had never known their origin. Over the years, he''d compared them with many scripts of the world, to no avail ¡ª none matched the characters on the pages.


    The writing and patterns on the pages, and even the silk book collected by the Old Northern King, seemed inherently comprehensible to Ye Feng.


    The night was tranquil, sleep elusive once more.


    The next day, just as dawn broke, Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan drove towards the Central District.


    Passing the second line of defense, it was apparent that the air here was darker and murkier than the outside, with a faint, almost imperceptible, smell of blood.


    "Let''s start searching."


    Ye Feng got out of the car and proceeded on foot.


    As a tourist attraction, Fallen Dragon Valley in the Central District had a denser population than other areas. When the ghost qi outbreak occurred, except for a very few patients who were evacuated, the rest affected by the contamination were quarantined in place.


    What struck Ye Feng as odd was the sheer silence ¡ª it was excessively quiet.


    "Something''s not right!"


    Zhang Wenyuan''s brow furrowed slightly.


    The two walked through the town for nearly ten minutes without sighting a soul or even the shadow of a living creature; it was the epitome of a deserted city.


    "Have the people from the imperial city ever delved into this place?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but ask Zhang Wenyuan.


    As a direct disciple of the Grand Sect Leader, Zhang Wenyuan presumably knew more about the imperial city''s upper echelons than Ye Feng, the Northern Border King.


    "Yes, but there are only a few who can really stay in this place; the rest have all retreated," replied Zhang Wenyuan.


    At the beginning, there were two National Guardian Generals investigating inside, but one got corrupted by the qi and they had no choice but to withdraw beyond the defensive line.


    "Let''s go to Fallen Dragon Valley," said Ye Feng, resolutely, paying no mind to the actions of those people.


    "Okay!"


    Zhang Wenyuan pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.


    In the Central District, there were hundreds of thousands of people infected by ghost qi, who turned into something akin to "ordinary people" in a state without consciousness.


    Where did all the people go?


    Not only was Ye Feng puzzled, but Zhang Wenyuan was equally confounded. It seemed that those outside hadn''t yet discovered the situation inside, with all attention focused on the second layer of the Infection Zone.


    "Do you hear anything?"


    As they moved forward, Ye Feng suddenly stopped in his tracks, his ears straining to listen. He thought he heard the sound of a baby crying.


    But the sound was too faint!


    "What sound? Don''t scare me, okay?"


    Zhang Wenyuan listened intently, but everything was silent around them, creating an eerie atmosphere like the calm before a storm.


    "Stay put and don''t move!"


    Ye Feng closed his eyes, concentrating even more on his hearing.@@@@


    Really, am I supposed to act like I''m one of your subordinates?


    Seeing Ye Feng''s behavior, Zhang Wenyuan internally complained. He was none other than the direct disciple of the Great Guardian Sect Leader and would undoubtedly be among the top five Guardian Sect Leaders in the future, if not the Grand Sect Leader himself.


    Whether it was fate or not didn''t matter¡ªit was important that Ye Feng had taken a liking to the baby girl. He believed Hong Qingyan would also be happy to take care of her. Moreover, both of them knew all too well that her survival, untouched by corruption, was far from mere coincidence.


    "Are we still heading to Fallen Dragon Valley?"


    Zhang Wenyuan gestured toward the child in Ye Feng''s arms, still hoping that he wouldn''t take the risk, even at this moment.


    "Let''s go!"


    Ye Feng expressed his decision through action.


    Along the way, there was silence. Ye Feng carried the baby, patiently searching for something on the ground as the little one quietly awoke from time to time to eat from the bottle by herself, occasionally emitting a few "Yiyi yaya" sounds.


    "Pass through this forest, and we''ll reach Fallen Dragon Valley."


    The once dense forest, now eroded, had become a scene of desolation; all that could be seen from the treetops were rotting leaves, truly a desolate sight.


    As they walked side by side, little Yingning had fallen back asleep when suddenly, a shadow of a green snake shot up from the ground, aimed at Ye Feng''s neck.


    "Be careful!"


    Zhang Wenyuan immediately chopped down towards the snake''s head with his hand.


    Before the snake could bite, Ye Feng was already covered in golden armor. Fortunately, with little Yingning with him, he had never let his guard down.


    Hisss!


    The two-foot-long green snake was knocked down by Zhang Wenyuan with a single slap, instantly dissolving into nothingness, clearly not a real entity.


    A Divine Path Object!


    The two quickly positioned themselves as a hunched figure slowly emerged from the woods.


    "Underworld Blue Snake Lord."


    Zhang Wenyuan quietly signaled Ye Feng and spoke in an icy tone.


    "Boy, you can discern my origin; who might you be?"


    The voice of the Green Snake Lord was extremely hoarse, as if his vocal cords had been damaged.


    "A nameless soldier from the Sacred Mansion, may I ask why the senior has attacked us?"


    Zhang Wenyuan said without any change in expression.


    Between the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the Underworld and the Sacred Mansion always had grievances. When Zhang Wenyuan falsely claimed to be from the Sacred Mansion, he clearly had ulterior motives. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    "This path is blocked. Leave the baby and I''ll spare your lives."


    Without offering any explanation, the Green Snake Lord''s staff touched the ground and transformed into a grey long snake slithering around.


    "That shouldn''t be difficult."


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than Zhang Wenyuan''s expression changed, and he immediately charged at the Green Snake Lord.


    At that moment, another snake head burst from the ground, but Ye Feng, as if ready, easily avoided the attack.


    Underworld Blue Snake Lord!


    They never fought one-on-one; a couple, Green Snake Lord and Huashe Poison Sister-in-law, their martial arts were strong, but they always used underhanded methods, earning them a notorious reputation.


    In the forest, a strangely dressed woman appeared. She glanced at Ye Feng, licked her lips, and without saying a word, her Green Staff immediately began to swirl, flinging the staff''s shadows everywhere.


    "Ye Feng, make it quick."


    Despite being in the midst of battle, Zhang Wenyuan still managed to send a message to Ye Feng.


    In an instant, golden flames surged outward, and Ye Feng''s eyes bathed in gold, he clenched his fist and charged towards the staff shadows.


    After two ambushes, Ye Feng''s killing intent was ice-cold.


    "Hua Shehai!"


    All the myriad staff shadows were shattered with a punch, Huashe Poison Sister-in-law stumbled backward dozens of steps with her staff, shock written all over her face. Only now did she begin to truly regard the enemy, quickly resorting to her signature skills.


    The flick of her wrist and a myriad of flowers blossomed, everything becoming a blur.


    "Do you find it beautiful, young master?"


    A voice as ethereal as music suddenly rose within the sea of flowers, continuously disturbing Ye Feng''s mind and spirit.

 Chapter 301 The Six Great Sects Unite

    Heard the voice but saw no one.


    Soft and gentle, the voice was delicate without being seductive, like a soothing breeze in the night, as tender as a woman''s caress, listening to it was intoxicating.


    Charm Technique!


    As the enchanting flowers gradually caught his eye, Ye Feng''s vision became increasingly bewildered. He searched through the blossoms, surrounded by their sweet fragrance. At this moment, it seemed as though all the flowers were blooming just for him, this scene, coupled with the continuous whispering dreams of a beauty, was indeed quite beautiful.


    Sadly, she had chosen the wrong target; unable to find Huashe Poison Sister-in-law, Ye Feng couldn''t be bothered to keep up the act. He bent down to look at the flowers on the ground and gently exhaled two words:@@@@


    "Earth Spike!"


    Golden light emerged from the soil, and rows of sharp spikes arose from amongst the flowers, centering around Ye Feng. In an instant, the blossoms were annihilated.


    Divine Path Object? Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng actually had no idea what constituted a Divine Path Object, but he was able to control the Qi Force overflowing from his acupoints at will, transforming it into any shape he desired.


    "Found you."


    In the flowers, hurried footsteps could be heard. Ye Feng flipped his palm and rapidly struck out with five successive golden Palm Blades.


    "Quite impressive, but let''s see how you handle my blooming poison fumes," she retorted.


    New flowers sprouted up, successfully blocking Ye Feng''s Palm Blades. Huashe Poison Sister-in-law clapped and gave a flirtatious smile as the once peaceful flowers suddenly erupted with billows of purple smoke.


    The flower was a Divine Path Object, but the poison was her typical sinister move.


    Slaughter, one by one.


    Ye Feng charged forward undaunted, unconcerned about the poison. In fact, almost all Peak Martial King warriors had their own Protective Qi Shield, and poison attacks were disdained among masters. But he had Little Yingning to think about.


    The unstoppable golden light bridged a hundred steps in an instant.


    "How could you possibly withstand my poison!" came the shocked and panicked voice from within the poison fog. Using her Divine Path Object, Huashe Poison Sister-in-law had sprayed poison smoke that was highly corrosive to any Divine Path Object.


    But Ye Feng was unscathed.


    Upon arrival, the golden War God stood before her. In the moment of her distraction, Huashe Poison Sister-in-law missed the best chance to escape. She had no choice but to reveal her blue poison claws and lash out at Ye Feng.


    "Divine Pillar!"


    Last time I just drove you away, this time I will crush you to pieces.


    The golden light became solid, as Ye Feng opened all one hundred and ten acupoints and even burned a part of his strength. At this moment, he had reached an unprecedented peak, and the golden flames he emitted wilted the flowers on the ground without him even noticing.


    All moves were reduced to a single punch.


    Bang! One by one.


    A sudden rain of blood fell in the air, and all flowers and petals vanished in an instant. Ye Feng was slightly taken aback as he killed a Divine Path Realm expert with a single strike.


    That strong?


    The three pages given to him by Long Nannan, with only one actually related to cultivation, explained how to utilize the strength of acupoints, while another taught a Dao Technique to further refine acupoints.


    This was the first time Ye Feng employed the burning technique recorded on the pages, and he clearly underestimated his true combat power.


    "Damn, that''s strong!"


    Zhang Wenyuan caught a glimpse of Ye Feng''s battle and was utterly shocked. The God Gathering Realm master was killed in an instant, exceedingly powerful.


    Is this the strength expected of someone at the peak of the Martial King realm?


    "Floating Light Mirror, Heart Demon of a Lifetime!"


    No matter if it''s a python or a flood dragon soaring in the sky, as Zhang Wenyuan''s hand moved, a figure in black stepped out of the mirror. This figure''s left arm was entwined with a flood dragon, while its right hand held a chain, at the end of which hung a Headsman Axe.


    "No!"


    Green Snake Lord clearly saw what he feared most, filled with terror.


    "Kill!"


    The chain in the shadow''s hand whipped through the air, regardless of how the Green Snake Lord darted around, he was bound and unable to free himself. The left arm''s flood dragon shot two ghostly lights.


    "An excellent medicine for healing and martial arts practice, not particularly rare, but these white, high-quality pills are less common. Each of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts has their own alchemists, and to say this stuff is hard currency is no exaggeration."


    Zhang Wenyuan smiled and tossed two bottles to Ye Feng. To be fair, he wasn''t exactly short on Rejuvenation Pills, but he wouldn''t pass up getting something for free.


    "Hold on, you''re letting Yingning eat this?"


    Ye Feng gasped, hastily picking up Yingning from the ground to check on her.


    "No need to panic; after so many years of improvement, Rejuvenation Pills are now suitable for all ages. Even the grand household heads in the Imperial Capital can''t buy them to feed their children."


    "How about letting me be Yingning''s godfather in the future?"


    Speaking of which, Zhang Wenyuan felt helpless; after all, Ye Feng was the one who had found Little Yingning first.


    "Ptui!"


    Little Yingning spat out some bubbles, seemingly with a face of disdain.


    "It''s not that easy. You think you can be my daughter''s godfather just for two bottles of Rejuvenation Pills?"


    Ye Feng calmly pocketed the medicine pills.


    He was also a great physician. As the saying goes, medicine and medical practice go hand in hand. He planned to somehow acquire the method of alchemy in the future. Perhaps he could craft them himself.


    "You drive a hard bargain; they''re all hers."


    The remaining five bottles of pills were all pushed towards Ye Feng by Zhang Wenyuan.


    "That''s more like it."


    After speaking, Ye Feng couldn''t help wincing with a pang of regret; he knew he should have held back a little with that punch earlier.


    By evening, Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan stealthily made their way, groping along until they neared Fallen Dragon Valley. As they descended the slope, they were startled to find two formidable individuals unabashedly roasting a bonfire.


    "People from Tang Sect."


    Zhang Wenyuan immediately communicated through a psychic message.


    "These two are no less formidable than the Green Snake Couple."


    Having gone through the battle at noon, Ye Feng had gained a new understanding of the power levels of Divine Path Realm experts.


    "Let''s hope they are just here by chance. Let''s go, we''ll find another way around."


    In the end, Zhang Wenyuan rejected the idea of trying to confront them. From a distance, he couldn''t probe into what the two men were thinking.


    "Alright!"


    Ye Feng memorized the appearances of the two individuals and promptly left.


    No sooner had Ye Feng and his companion left than one of the men, a burly figure with an axe tied to his waist, said:


    "Big brother, the Green Snake Couple has been killed. Isn''t it unsafe for us to continue guarding here?"


    For some reason, this man named Kui Yuan had felt uneasy for a while.


    "Keep calm, Kui Yuan. Isn''t it better that the notorious couple is dead? There hasn''t been anyone born who dares oppose the Six Great Sects. We''ve been ordered to guard any checkpoint with our lives, so let''s not make any mistakes."


    "It''s strange, who could have killed the Green Snake Couple? Where did these people come from?"


    The man with the Purple Gold Hammer paused for a moment before sneering dismissively.


    There were experts in charge of containment at the Tianyong Pavilion of the Imperial Capital, so where could these mighty figures have suddenly come from? Maybe it was an inside job, as that couple had made many enemies over the years.


    "The Azure Cloud Twin Swords of Mount Shu."


    As they spotted two old men meditating and cultivating with swords leaning against pine trees below, Zhang Wenyuan''s expression turned particularly grave.


    It really was his worst fear; the people of the Great Sects were guarding Fallen Dragon Valley.


    "Underworld, Tang Sect, Mount Shu, the three Great Sects are all here. Going anywhere else is useless; let''s stay here and observe for a while."


    Ye Feng also concealed Little Yingning''s presence along with his, as though they were playing dead.


    In the world of Ancient Martial Arts, this group of people stood at the peak of Martial Dao. If Ye Feng believed the ominous Qi in the Central Region was unrelated to them, he couldn''t be more fooled.

 Chapter 302 Relentless Slaughter

    Two white-haired elders sat down for an entire night.


    Left with no choice, Ye Feng and his companion departed. Over the next two days, no matter where they attempted to infiltrate from, they found each valley entrance guarded by powerful figures from the Great Sects¡ªMount Shu, Kunlun, Underworld, Heaven Poison, Tang Sect, Sacred Mansion¡ªthe Six Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had all gathered here.


    A place like Fallen Dragon Valley, never mentioned in any records, now seemed to have received their "blessing."


    The dark night fell once again, and Ye Feng and his friend returned, coming back to the Azure Cloud Twin Swords. They saw the two elders, still carrying longswords on their backs, maintaining their meditative postures; had their breath not still been present, one might have thought they had ascended through meditation.


    "After dealing with them, you''ll grab Ying Ning and run back."


    In the veil of night, Ye Feng''s face showed unyielding determination.


    They had seven days, but in reality, Ye Feng had at most only six days left. If he found the antidote only on the last day, even if he rushed back, it would be too late. Now only two days remained.


    Why were the Six Great Sects guarding Fallen Dragon Valley?


    Of course, Ye Feng wanted to know this, but he had never forgotten the purpose of his journey¡ªto find the cure that could reverse the Ghost Qi-inflicted ailment.


    "You have to think this through. Entering Fallen Dragon Valley is like walking into a trap."


    "Ye Feng, I''ve already reported this matter to the Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion. They absolutely won''t ignore it. Trust me, just wait a little longer for our people to come."


    Zhang Wenyuan showed hesitation.


    Force their way through!


    Dealing with the Azure Cloud Twin Swords might not be difficult, but the unknown was how many more experts the Six Great Sects had hidden inside Fallen Dragon Valley. Frankly, from Zhang Wenyuan''s point of view, it made no difference which one of them tried to force their way into Fallen Dragon Valley with such cultivation levels¡ªit was akin to seeking death.


    "Those who should have come have already arrived."


    Ye Feng coldly responded.


    This!


    Zhang Wenyuan found himself unable to refute. Indeed, he had reported to the outside world three days ago, but now not a single person had shown up. What the Utility Pavilion and the General''s Mansion were thinking was now even unclear to him.


    "If I don''t make it back, please entrust Ying Ning to Qingyan."


    Ye Feng involuntarily glanced back, where the little one remained obedient.


    These words were also an entrustment; how could Zhang Wenyuan bring himself to advise Ye Feng at this juncture?


    "Is it worth it?"


    He had asked before and was raising the issue again.


    Carefully cradling Ying Ning, Zhang Wenyuan wondered, was it truly worth sacrificing everything, ignoring one''s own safety, for a group of unrelated people?


    "It''s a responsibility that cannot be shirked."


    "You once said you were willing to trust this era once. If an era lacks a guide, how can it move forward?"


    Some things simply needed to be done.


    I may not be responsible for the Central Region, but I will still protect its people. Not only am I the King of the Northern Border, but I am also the Northern Border King of the entire Xuanyuan Nation. If the path ahead is long and arduous, let me shoulder the burden.


    "No matter how grand the reasoning, it''s the reality that matters. All the talk in the world doesn''t compare to one act of doing."


    "There are very few people I respect; you are one. Remember, you must survive¡ªthis country needs you."


    Zhang Wenyuan spoke sincerely.


    Some things, he admitted to himself that he couldn''t do, and it was because he couldn''t, that he truly admired those who could.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The clear sound of chains rattling grew closer and closer. Just as the two were ready to make a desperate move, they halted and swiftly headed towards the source of the noise without a word.@@@@


    They saw eight disciples of Mount Shu, carrying two large iron cages and hurrying along. The people locked in the cages, bound with iron chains, their flesh lacerated¡ªnone of this was the focal point though.


    Following the cages was a group of oddly behaving people, competing to get closer, with one or two reaching into the cages from time to time, scratching bloody marks on the captives or tearing off pieces of flesh.


    Cold, bloody, numb!


    Ye Feng was reminded of what Long Nannan had once said: Ghost Qi needs flesh and blood to grow stronger; hence, those polluted would crazily bite all living creatures with blood and flesh.


    People were actually using living humans as bait; unless witnessed with their own eyes, who would believe this was real?


    Ye Feng''s face darkened, his eyebrows knotted into a line. These disciples of Mount Shu, deserved death!


    "Don''t attack."


    The leader inwardly cursed, thinking did they consider that all this constant carrying of cages day and night wasn''t exhausting? But the retort he wanted to make was swallowed back.


    "Continue on the road."


    The lead man called out expressionlessly.


    "Wait!"


    Suddenly, the woman in the tree wearing half a Horse Face mask spoke out.


    Had they blown their cover?


    Disguised as an Underworld disciple, Ye Feng looked calm, but inwardly he grew cautious.


    "What is it, Uncle Master Ma?"


    The lead man asked, leaning to one side.


    "Are you a disciple of Huashe Poison Sister-in-law?"


    The woman jumped down, casting a glance at the crowd intentionally or unintentionally.


    "Yes!"


    "Subordinate Yue Dengchuan, the second disciple of Huashe Poison Sister-in-law."


    The lead man, Yue Dengchuan, said with a nervous face.


    "How about joining my tutelage?"


    The woman gave a playful smile, her charm omnipresent even with half her face covered.


    "Disciple pays respects to master!"


    Yue Dengchuan directly knelt on the ground and hastily pulled out a box from his chest to offer up after finishing his words.


    "Tsk tsk, such a good boy!"


    "No need for gifts. But from now on, you will do as I say. Let''s go."


    The woman waved her hand gently.


    "Dengchuan will bear Master''s teachings in mind and will obey her every command."


    Seeing this, Yue Dengchuan was elated. With a large gesture, the team set off again.


    "What''s the meaning of this, Sister Ma?"


    As soon as the team left, the man with the Ox Face mask inquired.


    "Huashe Poison Sister-in-law thinks she can oppose me everywhere just because she has a great first disciple. This Yue Dengchuan has good potential. If I train him into a loyal dog, I wonder how that little bitch Hua Yuerong will end up."


    The great first disciple of Huashe Poison Sister-in-law, Hua Yuerong.


    If there was one thing within the Underworld that made the other powerful members respect Huashe Poison Sister-in-law, it was her remarkable first disciple, Hua Yuerong, who ranked among the Underworld Saintesses and had entered the Divine Path.


    Women!


    The man with the Ox Face mask simply smiled. Such petty matters didn''t concern him.


    "Congratulations, Senior Brother Yue!"


    From a distance, various Underworld disciples, including Ye Feng, congratulated Yue Dengchuan.


    "You''re too kind, fellow sect members."


    Yue Dengchuan responded with a smile, but inwardly he was cursing continuously.


    Sister Ma ranked among the Eight Deacons of the Underworld, holding a position even higher than Huashe Poison Sister-in-law. How could he, a mere disciple-level person, dare to offend her?


    Her taking him as a disciple now clearly indicated she had no good intentions.


    Interesting!


    Ye Feng thought to himself with amusement that the stories of these Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were even more spectacular than ordinary people''s, which seemed right. The stronger the person, the more competitive they tended to be.


    He had finally entered Fallen Dragon Valley!


    But the pleasure was fleeting, as Ye Feng soon witnessed a scene he would never forget.


    In front of an abyss, he saw hundreds of living people who were captured, and those ordinary people who had followed the journey and been invaded by the Ghost Qi were met by another group who were beheading them and then throwing them mercilessly into the abyss.

 Chapter 303 Stirring Up Trouble

    As swords rose and knives fell, severed heads tumbled to the ground.


    Who would have thought that in this era of peace, such bloody and cruel violence lay hidden in Fallen Dragon Valley? The people, corrupted by Ghost Qi, couldn''t understand what was happening. They had followed the scent of flesh and blood here, only to be greeted by death.


    How many had been buried in the abyss?


    No wonder his journey had been through deserted cities; no wonder the central Infection Zone had an inescapable stench of blood; no wonder the Six Great Sects had joined forces to guard every valley entrance.


    At just a glance, Ye Feng felt his blood boiling with anger. His heart ached, and killing intent surged within him. The Six Great Sects were slaughtering these ordinary people who had been corrupted by Ghost Qi, all in the name of righteousness.


    This was sheer madness!


    "Let them out."


    The disciples of the Underworld, who had already set down the iron cages, looked at the carnage before them with exceptionally cold eyes. Some even shone with a bloodthirsty light, wishing they could join in the slaughter.


    The bloodstained cages were soon opened, but the two pitiful figures inside were already so mangled that they didn''t even have the strength to come out.


    "Roll out of there,"


    Yue Dengchuan said with a cruel smile on his lips.@@@@


    In this place, the duties might be boring, but the compensation was generous. After the disciples of the Six Great Sects delivered the cages, they were afforded one to two hours of reward and rest time.


    During this leisurely rest period, they of course did what they wished.


    For instance, tormenting the two people they had carried all the way here. To be served by these elite disciples was a treatment not easily enjoyed and had to be repaid.


    "Didn''t you hear me telling you to get out?"


    A disciple of the Underworld with a scorpion-shaped mark on his face yelled.


    "Yue Dengchuan, you despicable villain, I won''t spare you even as a ghost,"


    a man slowly crawled out, his eyes filled with hatred for Yue Dengchuan.


    "Despicable, me?"


    "How about when you knocked me down a valley for a Three-flower Green Snake Grass? Wasn''t that despicable? Hou Yuqi, let''s not argue who''s better. It''s just unfortunate that after so many years, you''re still a loser,"


    Yue Dengchuan said with a foot on the cage, his expression arrogant, while toying with a flying knife in his hand.


    "What do you want?"


    Hou Yuqi bowed his head.


    Victors thrive, losers suffer. Knowing he had no chance to live after falling into Yue Dengchuan''s hands, he simply wished for a quick death.


    "I''ve heard your sister is at Mount Shu. Do me a favor, call her out,"


    Yue Dengchuan leaned forward, his words mocking.


    "In your dreams!"


    Hou Yuqi spat at Yue Dengchuan, but the latter easily dodged.


    "You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit,"


    Yue Dengchuan swiftly moved in front of Hou Yuqi and stomped on his left hand.


    Crack, crack! One by One.


    It''s nothing but a dog-eat-dog world.


    Ye Feng no longer paid attention to their petty squabbles. He was struggling to control his emotions while carefully observing the situation in the valley.


    Only two masters were on guard, one in a thatched hut on the mountain peak, and the other lying on a large rock, sleeping. Ye Feng saw the Purple Gold Heavy Hammer, a symbol of the Tang Sect, at the waist of the man on the rock.


    Cultivation level, at least above Spirit Division Realm.


    Perhaps numb to it all, Hou Yuqi, regardless of how often Yue Dengchuan stomped on him, made no sound. He convulsed slightly as if on the brink of death.


    "Stop!"


    A group of Mount Shu disciples carrying longswords arrived one after another, with the leading figure wearing a tall coronet and possessing a remarkable presence.


    Ye Feng noticed that these Mount Shu disciples weren''t the same ones he saw the day before; clearly, each sect had at least two groups of disciples working in shifts.


    "Who do I owe the displeasure, if not Jian Yunchong from Mount Shu? I mistook the sounds for those of a pig calling out,"


    Yue Dengchuan''s foot not only remained on the cage but also stomped down even harder.


    Ha ha! One by One.


    "Let''s bet, Hou Bubai, waste him."


    Jian Yunchong seemed full of confidence in Hou Bubai too.


    Clang! One by one


    Hou Bubai drew his sword and said to Ye Feng,


    "Kid, remember to speak politely to others in the future."


    In an instant, swords danced all around. Hou Bubai, with Void Step, didn''t rush to close in on Ye Feng but instead danced with his longsword, condensing his spirit and being on guard as his aura continued to surge.


    Secret Technique!


    If Hou Bubai was merely a Ninth Stage Grandmaster a moment ago, then by now he was truly a Half-Step Martial King. In the dance of his sword, the sounds of wind and thunder emerged unmistakably.


    "Kill!"


    Ye Feng shattered rocks with his foot and rushed forward with clenched fists.


    "Courting death."


    Seeing Ye Feng''s reckless charge, Hou Bubai couldn''t help but feel a surge of joy and immediately pointed his sword repeatedly, using the move "Seven Stars Linked Beads" aimed at the upper three paths of Ye Feng.


    In response, Ye Feng casually threw a punch that instantly shattered all kinds of sword glows, sending Hou Bubai, along with his sword, flying through the air.


    "Damn it, you''re a Martial King."


    Seeing Ye Feng rise to attack again, Jian Yunchong drew his sword and rushed forward.


    Bring it on!


    "How dare you!"


    Yue Dengchuan followed and acted when he saw this.


    Unnoticed by anyone, a sinister smile played on Ye Feng''s lips as he threw a punch towards Jian Yunchong, gradually weakening the force of his punch.


    Before the longsword could reach him, the sword qi already had. Jian Yunchong was a High-Level Martial King, but before he could stab Ye Feng, the latter oddly flew backward, at which point Yue Dengchuan, holding a short blade, stabbed towards him.


    How could this be!


    Jian Yunchong''s face showed horror, and as he tried to swing his sword for defense, he found himself suppressed, unable to move. The short blade, without suspense, pierced into his heart.


    How could this happen?


    Having succeeded with a single blow, Yue Dengchuan stood in shock. Was Jian Yunchong''s cultivation all just paper-thin?


    "You brat dare to kill someone."


    From the thatched cottage on the mountaintop, a figure flew out rapidly and in a moment was in front of Yue Dengchuan, not hesitating before slashing out with a palm.


    "Senior Brother, be careful."


    At that moment, Ye Feng stood in front of Yue Dengchuan.


    Boom! One by one


    A bloodied figure flew backward in retreat.


    Damn it, this old man doesn''t hold back, Ye Feng thought, feeling sick to his stomach, but he forced himself to spit out several mouthfuls of blood.


    "Qin Xiao!"


    Now wasn''t the time to be stunned. Yue Dengchuan hastily retreated, then yelled out:


    "Master, save me!"


    Master, wasn''t Huashe Poison Sister-in-law already dead?


    The old warrior from Mount Shu paused slightly. It was because Huashe Poison Sister-in-law was dead that he dared to attack Yue Dengchuan without any scruples.


    "You old hairy thing, dare to touch my disciple again!"


    A thunderous voice came from afar, belonging to the woman with the half-horse face mask in the forest.


    "Ma Qinghuan, if you''re looking to pick a fight, just say it. Others may fear you, but I do not. This person dared to kill a disciple of Mount Shu; it''s a life for a life," the old warrior of Mount Shu said, though he ultimately did not strike.


    "Damn it, old matted hair, I want you dead," Yue Dengchuan shouted brazenly.


    No one knew, but Zhang Wenyuan''s State of Mind had another function, and that was to plant a seed in the heart of the person being observed.


    A seemingly insignificant seed, yet it had the power to cause momentary confusion for the one under its effect.

 Chapter 304 The Secret of Fallen Dragon Valley?

    Yue Dengchuan''s words undoubtedly added fuel to the fire, instantly igniting the rage of the elderly man from Mount Shu.


    "What nonsense, a mere Martial King, yet you dare show such disrespect to me!"


    After all, the elderly man from Mount Shu was a Divine Path Level expert. With a wave of his hand and a surge of azure light, a Glazed Sword had already pierced through the air.


    Mount Shu, among the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, does not hold a weak influence. This is mainly due to their Immortal Sword. Of course, this Immortal Sword cannot be considered entirely divine, but its mere association with the word ''immortal'' is enough to underline its extraordinariness.


    In fact, almost all Disciples of Mount Shu specialize in swordsmanship, and Divine Path Realm experts mostly have swords as their Object of the Divine Path, and the Dao Techniques they practice also tend to be sword-related.


    The Glazed Sword, like a rainbow flash, was already above Yue Dengchuan''s head in a swoosh, and only then did Yue Dengchuan feel a chill rushing from the soles of his feet to his spine.


    He completely sobered up, but couldn''t help cursing himself, wondering how he could have been so impulsive. He was merely a Martial King Realm fighter, and yet he had dared to directly confront a Divine Path Expert in a situation where they were already at loggerheads. If that wasn''t courting death, what was?


    Of course, even at this moment, Yue Dengchuan still had no doubts about his State of Mind having any issues. Ye Feng couldn''t help but sigh secretly upon seeing this, wondering what origin Zhang Wenyuan''s artifact of the Divine Path had, for not only could it see through people''s hearts, but it also had such demonic functions. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng suddenly realized a serious problem: had Zhang Wenyuan already seen through his own State of Mind? But after some thought, it seemed rather unlikely.


    From the way Zhang Wenyuan had used his power just now, while affecting his opponent''s State of Mind with the artifact of the Divine Path, Zhang Wenyuan clearly felt a sense of strain, and there was also an invisible fluctuation produced.


    Ye Feng could faintly sense this fluctuation. If that guy had also tried it on him, he would not have failed to notice something amiss.


    As quick as lightning, the Glazed Sword, carrying supreme pressure, fell directly towards Yue Dengchuan. Even if he wanted to dodge, it was already impossible for him at that moment, as the pressure from the artifact of the Divine Path had already left him immobilized.


    "You old coot, how dare you!"


    Ma Qinghuan was seething with rage. Since she had already declared in front of everyone that Yue Dengchuan was her newly accepted disciple, this old man from Mount Shu still dared to assassinate him in front of her. This was outright disrespect!


    Suddenly, the ground surged like a stampede of ten thousand horses, as a ferocious black steed came thundering over with the force of a thunderclap.


    Ma Qinghuan snorted coldly, "Then what exactly do you want?"


    It seemed that Ma Qinghuan had chickened out, facing two God Gathering Realm Divine Path Experts, she saw no chance of victory, and also, the other side hadn''t spoken incorrectly, this place was too important, if she spoiled the big picture, the Nine Great Sects would never let her off.


    Hiding among the crowd of Underworld Sect disciples, Ye Feng frowned slightly upon hearing this conversation, subconsciously turning his head to look down at Fallen Dragon Valley.


    "From what both parties are saying, this place seems very important, is it the core of their guard?"


    Ye Feng thought to himself, looking down from where he stood, he couldn''t see the entirety of Fallen Dragon Valley, and importantly, at this moment, he couldn''t blatantly release his Divine Sense to investigate, or he might be detected.


    "Could it be, the problem lies underneath Fallen Dragon Valley?" Ye Feng speculated in his thoughts.


    At this moment, the entire Fallen Dragon Valley was a sea of grey, with roiling Ghost Qi and Miasma surging from the valley, spreading in all directions.


    Seeing such a scene, Ye Feng was already seventy to eighty percent certain, but he still wasn''t sure why the people from the Nine Great Sects kept throwing those infected with Ghost Qi into the Fallen Dragon Valley?


    What secret lies beneath?


    The Nine Great Sects are guarding here, but what exactly are they plotting?


    Ye Feng couldn''t figure it out, and just then, he no longer had time to think.


    Tang Family Mountain suddenly pointed with a Great Hand towards him and Yue Dengchuan, "These two bastards, just now they dared to kill an Underworld Sect disciple right in front of the two of us. Others I might leave be, but these two must die!"


    Mount Shu''s elder also stepped forward angrily and shouted, "Hand over the two of them, I shall use their blood to quench the fury of Mount Shu!"


    Ma Qinghuan, however, didn''t budge an inch, standing her ground, "I''ve already said that Yue Dengchuan is my newly accepted disciple. If you want to kill him in front of me, you are also showing me no regard. I can tell you, Yue Dengchuan, no matter what, I will protect him. As for the other one, you can kill or slaughter, I have no objections!"


    As soon as Ye Feng heard this, he immediately thought, trouble!@@@@

 Chapter 305 The Tall Guy Takes the Fall

    Ye Feng had never expected that his well-hidden presence and the successful provocation of internal strife among the three Great Sects due to the deaths of two disciples of Mount Shu would suddenly turn the tables, pointing the finger at him instead. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    How does the saying go, "Fortune turns like a wheel; who is spared by the heavens!"


    This time, Yue Dengchuan unexpectedly kept his mouth shut and did not stand up to protect his good brother, Qin Xiao (Ye Feng), because he could clearly see that, under the current circumstances, and especially in a crucial place like Fallen Dragon Valley, having Ma Qinghuan willing to protect him was already the utmost extent of help he could expect.


    If he were still to foolishly oppose the two undying old men from Mount Shu and Tang Sect like he did before, even Ma Qinghuan might abandon him.


    The elder from Mount Shu, donning a high crown, swung his longsword and bellowed, "Killing two of Mount Shu''s disciples, one a Martial King and the other a Great Grandmaster, if the Underworld does not offer our two men''s lives in exchange, where does Mount Shu put its face?"


    While Ma Qinghuan was hesitating, Ye Feng knew that he could no longer remain silent. Of course, it was still inappropriate to reveal his identity, for if he did, not only would the three God Gathering Realm experts immediately make their move, but the Divine Path Experts guarding each entrance of the Fallen Dragon Valley would also rush over upon hearing the news.


    Moreover, Ye Feng had a vague intuition that with the Nine Great Sects causing such a stir this time, even going so far as to draw the Ghost Qi from an alternate space-time, it must be for no small purpose, and it was very likely that the Divine Ability Realm experts from the Nine Great Sects had already been dispatched.


    Of course, up until now, Ye Feng had not seen any experts of the Divine Communication Realm or Divine Ability Realm Level, which could be related to the several Grand Sect Leaders and the Great General of Nation Guard.


    For this event in the Central Region, several Guardian Sect Leaders as well as a few from the General''s Mansion had come; the Nine Great Sects would definitely have taken precautions.


    In other words, Ye Feng only needed to worry about the God Gathering Realm experts guarding Fallen Dragon Valley.


    "Master Ma, everyone knows your prestigious name within the Underworld; even among the Nine Great Sects, you have a pivotal status. Since you have already taken Senior Brother Yue as your disciple, I am also considered half your disciple. My worthless life dying is not a big deal, but them pressuring me to kill in your presence is clearly a sign of disrespect towards you!"


    Ye Feng stepped forward and began to speak out, brazenly making things up without much thought.@@@@


    Ma Qinghuan''s complexion instantly turned sour, thinking that it did seem to be the case. Coming from the same Underworld, if she couldn''t even protect her half-disciple, how could she ever hold her head up high before the Nine Great Sects in the future?


    Ma Qinghuan was, after all, a woman, and a prideful and stubborn one at that. When this woman got vicious, she often didn''t care about the consequences, whether it involved the Fallen Dragon Valley or the grand scheme of the Nine Great Sects.


    "To think of killing someone in front of me? There''s no way! Senior Brother Niu, how long do you intend to watch? They are about to trample all over me. You''ve ridden my coattails for so long; if you''re a man, show yourself!"


    Ma Qinghuan turned her head and roared towards the dense woods to her left.


    Tang Family Mountain swung the Purple Gold Heavy Hammer in his hand, rushing towards the burly Ox Head for battle.


    In an instant, the entire valley was filled with battle cries, a black steed thundered out, and a ferocious yak roared as it trampled the earth, rolling into battle.


    The four God Gathering Realm Divine Path Experts each revealed their Divine Path Objects and stood together.


    At this moment, on another side of the valley, two middle-aged men in white Confucian robes, one holding a fine folding fan, the other wielding a Red Gold Pen, stood atop a bluestone.


    Looking in the direction from which the sounds of battle came, they couldn''t help but curse under their breath, "Damn it, these rascals from the Underworld and Mount Shu really know how to make a mess at the most critical moment."


    The man holding the Red Gold Pen chuckled, "Senior Brother, we''re cultured men, how could we resort to cursing? The Master has said, ''In dealing with others...''"


    "Enough, enough, stop with your pretentious culture, isn''t it just sour?" The man with the folding fan interrupted impatiently.


    It turned out these two were also from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, from the Sacred Mansion. Both had a strong presence, were also God Gathering Realm Divine Path Experts, and at the peak of the God Gathering Realm, just a step away from entering the Divine Communication Realm.


    Actually, the Sacred Mansion of present days was not called so three thousand years ago; it was known as the Confucian Sect. However, due to the earth-shaking calamity at that time, many from the Confucian Sect died or fled, and the survivors dared not call themselves by that name, hence the change to Sacred Mansion.


    "They really don''t know how to lighten up over there. If they mess up the big plan, the Nine Great Sects definitely won''t let them off easily. Senior Brother, should we go over and take a look?" The Red Gold Pen Scholar suddenly asked again.


    "Go over for what? Don''t forget, our duty is to guard this pass. Whatever happens over there isn''t our concern, but if we leave our post and something goes wrong..."


    At this point, the man with the folding fan snorted coldly and did not continue, but his meaning was very clear.


    The other Red Gold Pen Scholar nodded, "Senior Brother is absolutely right. No wonder no one from the other checkpoints has rushed over. We don''t need to worry about their nonsense."


    "However, Senior Brother, it''s been almost six days. Do you think there will be any movement from the Utility Pavilion?"


    "If there''s movement, it''s normal. If there''s no movement, that would be abnormal. Just rest easy. If something happens, there are taller people to handle it. Didn''t you see that several Mansion Lords from our Sacred Mansion have already taken action? We just need to stand guard here.


    As long as we get past seven days, our duty will be done!"


    The man with the folding fan let out an impatient snort, then chuckled as he opened his fan, seemingly interested in watching the great battle unfolding elsewhere.

 Chapter 306 Great Powers Emerge One After Another

    On the edge of the Fallen Dragon Valley, the grand battle between the Underworld and the Disciples of Mount Shu was still raging. Four Divine Path Experts manipulated their Divine Path Objects with such force that heaven and earth seemed to tear apart.


    Initially, everyone exercised restraint, but as the fight progressed, anger flared, and they resorted to direct and fierce clashes with their Divine Path Objects.


    Streams of light dazzled, shimmering and swirling. Shockwaves like towering waves swept out, nearly flattening the nearby hillock.


    An elder from Mount Shu faced off against a member from the Tang Family Mountain of the Tang Sect. They clashed with Ox Head and Horse Face from the Underworld. All four were God Gathering Realm experts of the Divine Path with comparable power. Despite the deadlock where neither side could gain the upper hand, no one could defeat the other.


    However, the ordinary disciples from Mount Shu and the Underworld were fighting with a red-eyed ferocity, especially Ye Feng, transformed as Qin Xiao, along with Yue Dengchuan. Having just killed two disciples from Mount Shu, they were naturally the target of focused hostility.


    Yue Dengchuan, after all, was a Middle Rank Martial King with remarkable combat power. Facing an opponent from Mount Shu of the same rank, he did not give an inch. On the other hand, the situation for Ye Feng seemed rather dire.@@@@


    Two Martial Kings, including one Middle Rank Martial King, attacked from both sides with a deadly determination, forcing Ye Feng into a relentless retreat. His situation looked perilous and desperate, as if he could fall any moment under their coordinated assault.


    "Qin Chuan, hold on! You must persevere! Once I''ve dealt with this damned fool, I''ll come and help you. You have to hang in there!" Yue Dengchuan shouted while striking his opponents, not forgetting to encourage his ally.


    Unexpectedly, this seemingly arrogant and overbearing man also valued friendship and loyalty. However, it was unfortunate that Qin Xiao was no longer the Qin Xiao of before.


    "Senior Brother Yue, don''t worry about me. I think I''m done for. You must survive!" cried out Ye Feng, feigning desperation. Since the other showed such loyalty, he felt obliged to display some in return.


    With a loud thump, the Middle Rank Martial King struck out with a palm, smacking Ye Feng away like a kite with a broken string.


    "A mere Primary Martial King daring to kill disciples from Mount Shu, truly courting death. Kill!" The two Martial Kings from Mount Shu, their auras ferocious and swords flickering, wove a dense and inescapable Sword Net and launched it toward Ye Feng.


    Of course, Ye Feng''s disadvantage was all an act. Otherwise, two mere Intermediate Martial Kings could be crushed into pulp with a flick of his hand.


    Even facing the four God Gathering Realm Divine Path Experts, such as Ox Head and Horse Face, Ye Feng was not afraid. Even if he couldn''t beat them, escaping would be no issue at all. However, he couldn''t flee yet as he had important business to attend to.


    "Given the current situation, I must investigate the true depths of the Fallen Dragon Valley. The Ghost Qi emanates from there. To stop the spread of the Ghost Qi and Miasma, I must start at the source!" Ye Feng pondered, quickly devising a plan. With everyone deeply engaged in battle, no one took notice of him, a seemingly insignificant figure.


    If he played his cards right, he could make his escape smoothly.


    Just then, an elderly man dressed in a black long robe and a burly man carrying a Great Sword swept across the sky to arrive, and in the blink of an eye, they hovered in the air above.


    "Presumptuous, who gave you the nerve to fight privately at this critical moment? Stop at once!"


    The one who spoke was the elderly man in the black robe, his dark long robe rustling in the wind. If one looked carefully, they could discover that the back of this black robe, with its gold trim, bore the embroidery of an Underworld Python.


    The Underworld Python opened its fangs and claws, extremely ferocious and intimidating. An intense aura unintentionally emanated from him, and as he spoke with a shout, it was like thunder exploding in the valley, causing both groups below to involuntarily stop their actions.


    Particularly the four God Gathering Realm Experts, the sound exploded in their ears like rolling Golden Thunder, making their organs quake incessantly, feeling extremely uncomfortable.


    "It''s the Fifth Mansion Lord! The Fifth Mansion Lord''s arrival is timely, your lordship must preside over justice for us!" the disciples of the Underworld exclaimed upon seeing the black-robed Underworld Python Elder hovering in mid-air, immediately kneeling on the ground, even Ox Head and Horse Face showed respect by bending one knee to the ground.


    It turned out that this black-robed Underworld Python Elder was the Fifth Mansion Lord of the current Nine Great Sects of the Underworld, whose strength was far above the God Gathering Realm. It was said he had even reached Minor Accomplishment in Divine Ability, a Divine Ability Realm Great Power Expert.


    On the other side, the disciples of Mount Shu, upon seeing the man carrying the burly Great Sword in the sky, also kneeled down and called out, "It''s the Eighth Sword Master! The people of the Underworld have killed two of our Martial Kings, please, Eighth Sword Master, preside over justice for us!"


    And this burly man shouldering the black iron Great Sword was none other than the Eighth Sword Master of Mount Shu, ranked eighth, whose realm was unfathomably deep, and his strength as formidable as the Underworld''s Fifth Mansion Lord beside him.


    "Truly a bunch of useless trash, small disturbances are typically overlooked, but what time is it now that you dare to act so recklessly? If you ruin the grand scheme of the Nine Great Sects that has been planned for a thousand years, not just me, even the Great Mansion Lord cannot protect you!"


    "What are you staring at? Ox Head and Horse Face, return to your own posts at once, and the rest of the common disciples also do as you were told and carry those walking corpses outside in here!" the Underworld Fifth Mansion Lord shouted angrily.


    At this moment, the Eight Sword Master of Mount Shu also said, "Let this matter end here. Disciples of Mount Shu should disperse as well, quickly return to your positions. The grand plan takes precedence. Otherwise, if there are any slip-ups, even if the Great Sword Master does not take action, I will not spare you!"


    The disciples of Mount Shu and the Underworld, upon hearing this, dared not speak further and turned to leave. However, from their angry gazes, it was clear that this matter was far from over, and there was bound to be another fight in the future.


    The two Great Power Experts in mid-air shook their heads, with the Underworld Fifth Mansion Lord frowning and saying, "It''s said that the Utility Pavilion has already set many capable people in motion, not only has Zhao Gongming returned, but even one of those two Undying ones has come."


    The Eight Sword Master of Mount Shu coldly huffed, "So what? For a thousand years, we, the Nine Great Sects, have plotted this grand scheme. Even if another one of those Undying ones from the Utility Pavilion comes, they won''t be able to ruin our plan!"


    "True, but we cannot afford to be negligent. It''s said that the Utility Pavilion is getting impatient and ready to act. To be on the safe side, we should hurry over as well," the Underworld Fifth Mansion Lord asserted.


    With that, both individuals stepped on the tree leaves on the branches beneath their feet, rising into the air like Spirit Cranes, and rapidly flew off toward the east.

 Chapter 307 Who Enters Hell if Not Me

    The once noisy valley quickly quieted down, whether it was Tang Sect from Mount Shu or Underworld, numerous disciples had already returned to their positions, and Divine Path Experts had also retreated to guard their respective checkpoints.@@@@


    At this moment, Ye Feng remained motionless, squeezed atop a dense ancient tree, his whole body concealing his breath without leaking a trace. After all, there were quite a few Divine Path Experts nearby, and he would be detected the moment he was careless.


    Although on the surface, he was covered in blood, with wounds all over his body, these were just superficial injuries. Coupled with his robust physique, it only took a few short breaths for these wounds to fully heal.


    "Looking at the situation, it seems the people above must have all withdrawn, their focus no longer here,"


    Ye Feng pondered inwardly while his eyes turned toward the valley below.


    The valley was still shrouded in gray mist, with streams of Ghost Qi rising tumultuously and spreading in all directions.


    What made Ye Feng even more furious was that during this period, an unending stream of zombies was still being tossed down from above, clearly a deliberate act by the members of the Nine Great Sects.


    Although these zombies had temporarily lost consciousness due to the Ghost Qi, being in a dazed state, most of them still showed vital signs. If the Ghost Qi and Miasma inside them could be expelled, they could recover. These were living lives after all.


    Yet, in the eyes of the Nine Great Sects, these people were nothing but mere weeds, even inferior to pigs and dogs. How could Ye Feng not be angry!


    "There''s only one day left; I must find a way to cut off the source of Ghost Qi and find the antidote!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze was resolute. This was the purpose of his journey. As the Northern Border King, this place was in the Central Region and not something his authority covered, he was under no obligation to take risks.


    Yet, he still came here, heedless of the danger. As the saying goes, true heroism is for the country and its people. Compared to the so-called heroes from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, Ye Feng was the embodiment of true chivalry.


    The sky gradually darkened, and only when there were no more intense auras from Divine Path experts above paying attention to this area, did he finally start moving slowly downward.


    His speed wasn''t fast because he needed to conceal his own breath and could not activate the Qi Force within his body. He had to rely solely on the Power of the Flesh Body to climb, which was fortunate since the valley was neither steep nor very deep, and he soon reached the bottom.


    The valley floor was a wide-open space, and what shocked Ye Feng was that there were four top-level great powers seated in the four cardinal directions, guarding the place. Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    To the east, a man with two long white eyebrows was sitting cross-legged like an old monk Entering Meditation, baldheaded, with a string of Buddha Beads around his neck, clearly a mighty Buddhist Sect expert.


    The person to the south was clad in a spacious, jujube-red robe, with thick brows and piercing eyes, his presence fierce and sharp. Judging by his attire, he should be a member of the Tang Sect, as there was a row of small knives next to him.


    The common knowledge was, from Shuchuan''s Tang Sect, the true Divine Path Object was the Throwing Knife Hidden Weapon!


    The person to the west was a high-crowned Daoist, holding a horsetail whisk, meditating with his eyes closed, a member of the Kunlun Dao Sect. As for the person to the north, whose presence was sinister, must be from the Underworld.


    The aura of these four Divine Path experts was incredibly powerful, even stronger than Ox Head, Horse Face, and those from Tang Family Mountain earlier, all at least in the Spirit Division Realm.


    Ye Feng did not dare to act rashly. The four of them were clearly here to guard this valley entrance.


    In the center of the valley entrance, there was a hole three meters wide, its depths enigmatic and unclear from the outside, with Ghost Qi continuously gushing out from this hole.


    "The source of the Miasma lies here. The Nine Great Sects sent out so many experts, but what exactly is their true purpose?" Ye Feng grew even more puzzled.


    Ye Feng, watching this, couldn''t help but click his tongue in amazement. It could be said that not only the Utility Pavilion, but also the Nine Great Sects, and nearly all the prominent powers had already appeared, and almost all were top-level forces.


    "The Utility Pavilion has only been established for a hundred years, do you really dare to wage war against the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts? Withdraw quickly, and we might let you go without pursuing the matter. Otherwise, tonight, none shall step forward even half a step!" The Elder Kunlun Cultivator spoke again, clearly the overall commander of this operation by the Nine Great Sects.


    Zhao Gongming shouted coldly, "Concerning the lives and well-being of the people, we cannot shirk our duty. If it''s a battle you want, then so be it. Enough talk, take this¡ªmy sword!"


    Before his voice even fell, he had already thrust out his sword.


    A sword streaked across the sky, the dark void brightening as if a scorching sun had descended, illuminating the land below.


    This was Zhao Gongming''s Xuanyuan Sword, as well as his Divine Path Object.


    That the Xuanyuan Sword shared a name with Xuanyuan itself indicated its extraordinary nature within the Xuanyuan Nation.


    The Elder Kunlun Cultivator waved his hands, and a diagram emerged into the air, flashing with black and white light¡ªthe Tai Chi Yin-Yang Diagram.


    As the Xuanyuan Sword descended with an unrivaled presence, the Tai Chi Yin-Yang Diagram trembled continuously, dispersing terrifying shockwaves like tidal waves in all directions, causing the sky to change color and the ground to howl with violent winds.


    This Tai Chi Yin-Yang Diagram was about using force to fight force, and even with the immense power of the Xuanyuan Sword, as it spun wildly, much of its formidable sword momentum was dispersed.


    Simultaneously, Great General Duantian had also launched his attack, chopping down with his Red Gold Heaven Suppressing Blade in the air.


    But suddenly, the Grand Sword Master of Mount Shu made his move, his Sky-soaring Azure Dragon Sword collided with the Red Gold Heaven Suppressing Blade in the void, causing an explosive rumble and sparks to scatter like thunder and lightning.


    Meanwhile, the Great Mansion Lord of the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion had also made a move, his Cosmos Brush reshaping the landscapes as he clashed with the Second Sect Leader.


    Six top-tier Divine Path experts clashed, instantly stirring the wind and cloud, changing the colors of the sky. Additionally, the other Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion and several National Guardian Generals from the Great General''s Mansion had also taken action.


    It seemed that the Nine Great Sects had been prepared for a while, as powerful figures immediately rose to intercept and confront them.


    Ye Feng looked up quietly, with no intention of intervening¡ªbesides, with this level of combat, he couldn''t be of much help at the moment. Moreover, throughout the process, the four Spirit Division Realm experts sitting cross-legged at the bottom of the valley remained unmoving, not even lifting their heads for a glance.


    It was evident that their duty was to guard this place¡ªthe entrance was of utmost importance!


    As time passed by, Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling a bit anxious.


    "There''s not much time left. It all must be resolved before midnight!" From what he had gathered from the words of the Nine Great Sects'' members, Ye Feng deduced that once midnight passed, the grand scheme of the Nine Great Sects would be deemed a success.


    And then...


    Ye Feng couldn''t imagine the consequences, nor did he dare to consider them!


    "No other way now, I have to take a gamble!" A resolute, fearless determination burst forth in Ye Feng''s eyes.


    As the saying goes, "If I don''t enter Hell, who will?" At this moment, every top-tier expert from the Utility Pavilion and the Great General''s Mansion had been intercepted and entangled. Aside from him, there was no one else who could reach this place.

 Chapter 308 The Secret in the Depths of the Burrow

    ```


    Above Fallen Dragon Valley, the fierce battle raged on. Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming''s Xuanyuan Sword moved powerfully in all directions, its rainbow light scattering across the sky. Yet, the Yin-Yang Taiji Diagram from the old cultivator of the Kunlun Dao Clan was equally unfathomable.


    No matter how the Xuanyuan Sword attacked, it was always fended off by the Tai Chi Yin-Yang Diagram, leaving the two combatants in a deadlock.


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and the Great Mansion Lord from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion found themselves in a similar state. For the time being, neither the forces of the Utility Pavilion nor those from the Great General''s Mansion could gain an inch, as they were held back by the people from the Nine Great Sects on the perimeter.


    "There''s not much time left, Master. I implore you, Elder, to come out of seclusion and save Xuanyuan from this peril!" Zhao Gongming suddenly spoke up.


    He knew that his master, one of the two founders of the Tianyong Pavilion and a Supreme Elder from heaven, had withdrawn from worldly affairs for the past fifty years. Had he not been truly desperate, he would have never made such a request.


    After all, making such a request also meant admitting his own incompetence, unable to resolve the situation, ultimately forcing him to ask his master to intervene.


    As soon as his voice faded, a massive Palm Seal suddenly appeared in the void, reaching the sky with supreme power, making even the heavens change color.


    Watching from the valley, Ye Feng couldn''t help but inwardly marvel. Beings of such level had clearly surpassed the scope of Divine Path Realm experts, seeming to have reached the legendary Half-Saint Level.


    Indeed, one of the two founders of the Tianyong Pavilion of Xuanyuan Nation, this Elder named Tang Bai, was profoundly inscrutable.


    The huge Palm Seal pressed down, and the Yin-Yang Taiji Diagram immediately began to wobble, faintly showing signs of dispersing. Moreover, the Sky-soaring Azure Dragon Sword wielded by the Grand Sword Master of Mount Shu also issued incessant screams.


    One could imagine just how formidable the power contained within Supreme Elder Tang Bai''s Great Hand Seal was!


    However, at that moment, a splendidly golden Buddha suddenly appeared in the void, a gigantic Buddha stationed in the vacuum, raising its Great Hand to meet the massive Palm Seal.


    Boom...


    The sky shook, and the earth quaked as the terrifying shockwave spread out like a violent storm in all directions.


    "The Supreme Elder of the Buddhist Sect!" Zhao Gongming could not help but snort coldly.


    What infuriated them even more was that the enemy had already reached a spot more than twenty meters away. For powerhouses of their level, a distance of twenty meters could be covered in less than a tenth of a second.


    So by the time they realized what was happening and started to rush over with all their might, the figure that had shot out like lightning had already plunged into the cave from which the rolling ghost qi was emanating.


    "Damn it, what now? He has already rushed in. Should we go after him?" One of them asked.


    "Follow him in? Do you think your life is too long? This is the source of the ghost qi; you know very well where it comes from. Would we have any life left if we went in?"


    The one who had spoken earlier immediately fell silent, clearly agreeing with his companion''s words.


    Another added, "Don''t worry. It''s just one person who went in. He can''t cause much trouble on his own. Besides, even Divine Path Realm powerhouses, let alone the legendary Half-Saints, would struggle to come out alive from that place. We don''t need to worry."


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    "Let''s go, let''s quickly return to our positions to prevent more people from breaking in. The Utility Pavilion is currently attacking with full force. All we need to do is defend this place!"


    The four Spirit Division Realm powerhouses glanced one last time at the cave from which the ghost qi surged and then swiftly returned to their original posts.


    As for Ye Feng, as soon as he entered the cave, he immediately felt an overwhelming pressure that made it difficult for the Qi Force within his body to flow.


    Indeed, if it were not for the special nature of the cultivation technique he practiced, others of the same realm, not to mention a Martial King, even a Spirit Division Realm powerhouse would likely be unable to circulate their Qi Force at this time.


    In a place where the ghost qi was so dense, once one was unable to circulate Qi Force, they naturally could not release a protective Qi barrier. Naturally, they would be infected and could not even fly out.


    The pressure grew heavier, but having already rushed in, Ye Feng was determined not to return without achieving his goal. With no other choice, he had to release his Golden Armor for defense, which significantly alleviated the pressure around him.


    The cave was pitch black, and since Tang Feng did not dare to recklessly release his Divine Sense to explore, he could only control his descent slowly. However, the cave seemed bottomless. After half an hour had passed, there was still no sign of reaching the end.


    As he continued downward, the pressure became even more intense. Ye Feng felt as if mountains were pressing down on him, nearly suffocating.


    Yet even so, he did not give up, and it didn''t take long¡ªperhaps ten minutes, or maybe an hour¡ªbefore he finally saw a light, a strange and enchanting green glow.


    ```

 Chapter 309 That Man, Ancestral Dragon!

    "What is this?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but exclaim in surprise. In such an environment, emitting such a bewitching green light was obviously not normal. His figure flashed, and he directly arrived at the deepest part of the cave.


    Only then did he clearly see that what he had found were green fruits hanging in bunches on small trees without leaves, only fruits.


    The bewitchingly green fruits, the size of a little finger, were strikingly conspicuous in this environment, and what surprised Ye Feng even more was that the Ghost Qi dared not approach these fruits.


    The ceaselessly surging pitch-black Ghost Qi would scatter far away upon encountering these fruits, as if they had seen a natural predator. Seeing this, Ye Feng''s eyes suddenly flickered, "Could it be... this is the Antidote?"


    Master of the Medicine God Valley, Yu Xianhe, had once said that for all things toxic in the world, there will inevitably be an Antidote; this is the principle of mutual generation and suppression, the so-called balance of Yin and Yang. Based on the current situation, Ye Feng was almost certain that this was the Antidote.


    With a wave of his hand, a streak of golden light shot out, and those bewitchingly green fruits growing in the depths of the cave were all gathered into his bag.


    "Now that the Antidote is in hand, but the source of the Ghost Qi has yet to be dealt with. Otherwise, even with the Antidote, it would only be treating the symptoms and not the root cause. The source of the Ghost Qi must be severed!"


    Ye Feng looked around and discovered that at an even deeper part of the cave, there was a bizarre door.@@@@


    A door, nearly two meters tall and one meter wide, with an ancient and pitch-black frame that was made from an unknown material. Atop the frame, there were two massive ancient bronze dragons.


    The fierce and vigilant bronze dragons were situated at each end of the frame, their claws clutching the corners of the door as if they were strenuously pulling the door open.


    And Ghost Qi was incessantly pouring out from this door.


    "Could it be that this door was intentionally opened by someone? And what could it possibly connect to on the other side?"


    As Ye Feng pondered this, his expression suddenly changed dramatically, recalling the words that Long Nannan had said earlier: the Ghost Qi was actually from another world, the same place the people from the Northwest Little Village had gone to.


    If what Long Nannan had said was true, did that mean this door connected to an Alien Space-Time?


    Thinking this, Ye Feng''s gaze towards the door changed. Judging by the lifelike ancient dragons on it, this door was clearly not a natural formation, but man-made.


    "The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have expended such enormous efforts, not hesitating to open a portal to Alien Space-Time and releasing Ghost Qi. What exactly are they plotting?"


    Ye Feng still couldn''t understand, but suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind, recalling the emperor he had seen in his dream before, thinking of the words the emperor had uttered just before his death.


    "I won''t just annihilate you; I will also burn your Dao Tradition to ashes and unify the world under one rule..."


    "Your Majesty, catastrophe has struck! The Great Sects, seeking immortality for their own ends, have opened the gateway to Alien Territory, and the armies of the Alien God Clan have broken through the Great Wall of Heaven''s defense and are killing their way here."


    "Broken through the Great Wall of Heaven? Laughable... Truly laughable. I have built the Great Wall of Heaven with the nation''s might, just to fend off these Alien God Clans and to maintain peace in the Xuanyuan World. Yet they... they call me a tyrant, they say I exhaust the people and squander wealth, utterly laughable.


    Boom...


    The ancient portal vibrated instantly, but the two ancient and vast Golden Dragons atop it remained undamaged.


    "Again!" Ye Feng gritted his steel teeth, his body covered in Golden Armor, and hurled himself at it like a cannonball.


    Boom!


    With all his might behind the hit, the portal shook again, and finally, cracks started appearing on the ancient dragons at the top of the portal, seemingly on the verge of breaking. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    However, at this moment, an extremely formidable figure suddenly appeared.


    "How dare you attempt to destroy the millennium plan, you''re seeking death!" the figure roared in anger, reaching out with a Great Hand to grab.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s face turned to horror, as he realized his entire body had been restrained. The opponent''s simple gesture of reaching out had completely locked him down.


    Ye Feng had no doubt that a slap from the opponent would instantly reduce him to mush.


    Too strong!


    This power exceeded that of a warrior in the Divine Path Realm. Ye Feng simply couldn''t contend with it.


    Just then, an even more formidable presence suddenly emanated from the other side of the portal.


    "Old Daoist with Bull Nose, what skill is there in bullying a youngster!"


    As the voice fell, a Fist Edge shaped like a golden dragon''s head smashed directly into the tall figure, sending him flying away.


    "Damn it, you little old man, not having completely wiped you out back then, and now you dare interfere with our great cause!" the tall, grey-clothed elder raged uncontrollably.


    Although Ye Feng couldn''t see the elder''s face clearly, he roughly guessed that the person must be from the Dao Sect of the Nine Great Sects, definitely a figure at the Supreme Elder level.


    As for the presence coming from the other side of the portal, Ye Feng had already sensed that it was indeed his own senior brother, the little old man from Northwest Little Mountain Village¡ªLong Nannan''s grandfather!


    As soon as the Dao Sect Supreme Elder was repelled, Ye Feng immediately regained his ability to move. Without any hesitation, he punched the portal once more.


    Boom!


    Accompanied by an earth-shattering noise, the two ancient dragons on the portal finally shattered!

 Chapter 310: Who the Heck is He?

    And just as the two ancient dragons were shattered, the portal immediately began to collapse, and the surging ghost Qi emanating from within ceased abruptly.


    To Ye Feng¡¯s greater surprise, as the portal collapsed, suddenly streaks of white, golden, and red light burst forth from the other side of the portal.


    Initially, he thought these were members of the Alien Clan from the alternate space-time rushing through, but upon closer inspection, Ye Feng was overwhelmed with joy.


    The lights were not from the Alien Clan. Among them, a fist-sized white treasure bead, a golden fruit, and as for the red one, it was a light orb¡ªits exact nature he could not quite discern.


    Far from being aggressive, these items were indeed treasures, as Ye Feng had already realized.


    Ye Feng had long known that whenever an alien space-time was breached, treasures often surged forth, a fact he had heard about when the portal to the Outer Battlefield had been opened.


    Without a second thought, Ye Feng reached out with a Great Hand, and the three treasures were already in his grasp.


    What shocked Ye Feng even more was that before the portal completely collapsed, he felt a summons, a strong calling from the other side of the alien space-time.


    This calling was so strong that it seemed as if something in the alien space-time was summoning him, inviting him to return.


    "What is calling me, seeming to beckon me back?" Ye Feng¡¯s heart quivered. He didn¡¯t know the nature of the entity summoning him.


    In an instant, the portal completely collapsed, then returned to calm, reverting back to the original rock wall, with the ghost Qi thoroughly sealed off.


    The vague figure in high-crowned grey was furious, shouting angrily, "You little rascal, daring to disrupt my millennium-long grand plan, you are doomed to die!"


    As these words fell, the Dao Sect¡¯s Supreme Elder, an unmatched expert from above, reached out to seize him once again.


    Ye Feng was immobilized instantly, unable to move at all, he could only watch helplessly as the large hand approached, about to clutch his neck.


    At this moment, Ye Feng felt so helpless and so insignificant; he so desperately craved strength, yearning for mighty power!


    "Could it be that I am really going to perish here?" Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but lament internally.


    Defending against an attack from a being beyond the Divine Path Expert was beyond his ability. In the face of such a supreme power, any resistance he could muster was doomed to be in vain.


    However, just then, a Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron suddenly appeared, bearing down on the high-crowned grey-clothed old Daoist with a thunderous crash.


    "Old Daoist with Bull Nose, did you really think I didn¡¯t exist?" The voice came, but the speaker did not show himself.


    "Damn it, so you really didn¡¯t die. Old man of the Utility Pavilion, you¡¯ve really hidden yourself well!"


    The high-crowned grey-clothed old Daoist was so enraged he gritted his teeth and roared, "But even at the cost of this Avatar, I will resolve this boy¡¯s life!"


    While speaking, the reaching hand suddenly turned into a Fist Edge, striking Ye Feng directly.


    The Fist Edge was tyrannical, carrying supreme power, and in an instant it tore apart Ye Feng¡¯s golden Protective Armor. The domineering surge of Palm Power caused his internal organs to shift positions, even the Eight Extraordinary Meridians were snapped one by one, and his bones were all shattered.


    But at that moment, the Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron crashed down, squashing the shadowy figure of the high-crowned grey-clothed old Daoist, who then dissipated completely.


    Ye Feng vomited blood frantically. Although he was still desperately hanging on, his consciousness was becoming more and more blurred; the injuries he suffered this time could be described as grievous.


    After the three Great Powers spoke, they dashed directly into the cave.


    By this time, the ghost Qi had already been severed, the originally oppressive ghost Qi had gradually dissipated, and even the portal to the Alien Space-Time had been destroyed, the oppressive force was no longer present.


    In the deepest part of the cave, aside from a scene of utter chaos, there was no sign of Ye Feng. What remained underground were the shattered remnants of two ancient dragons, scattered across the floor.


    "Cease, the millennium plan, ruined in a single moment, ruined in a single moment!" Whether it was the Elder Kunlun Cultivator from Kunlun, the Grand Sword Master of Mount Shu, or the Great Mansion Lord from the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect, they all stamped their feet and beat their chests in anguish.


    The four Spirit Division Realm experts who were supposed to guard the place were now prostrating on the ground, barely daring to breathe.


    "Enough, enough, a cycle of three thousand years; perhaps, this is fate, this is fate. Heaven and Earth are heartless, Heaven and Earth are heartless!"


    After the Elder Kunlun Cultivator spoke, he disappeared from view, quickly taking with him the Spirit Division Realm expert from Kunlun among the four.


    "You failed in your duty to guard, punishment, there must be severe punishment. Furthermore, investigate thoroughly to find out who exactly breached the Fallen Dragon Valley!" Having said this, the Elder Kunlun Cultivator¡¯s figure vanished into thin air.


    The matter was not difficult to unravel. They soon traced it back to the recent battle between Mount Shu and the Underworld, and after identifying the involved parties, they finally noticed that Qin Xiao from the Underworld had disappeared.


    Later, around the outskirts of Fallen Dragon Valley, they discovered the corpse of Qin Xiao from the Underworld, by which time the truth had become quite clear¡ªit must have been someone who had impersonated the ordinary disciple Qin Xiao to infiltrate the valley.


    Yet, the Nine Great Sects had no lead on who this impersonator might be, as the clues ended there.


    Punishment came swiftly. Ox Head and Horse Face from the Underworld were obliterated on the spot, and even all the participants in the melee were executed without exception.


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    As for Ye Feng, he was already far from the Central Region and his whereabouts unknown, still unconscious from the serious injuries he suffered.


    At this moment, on a solitary and precipitous peak in Kunlun, a figure suddenly appeared. If Ye Feng were here at this moment, he would undoubtedly recognize that this person, in a high-crowned gray robe, was the one who had struck him down in the depths of the cave.


    "Dammit, outrageous, truly outrageous! Zhuge Wuming, you old scoundrel, you¡¯ve hidden yourself well, even deceiving me. Despite all precautions, I hadn¡¯t expected you had laid out plans so long ago!"


    This high-crowned gray-robed old Taoist cursed repeatedly, but suddenly, the winds and clouds churned, and an emaciated old monk with a bald head and dressed in a golden-red kasaya appeared above the clouds.


    This old monk was none other than the Supreme Elder of the Buddhist Sect who had clashed with Tang Feng, the Supreme Elder of the Utility Pavilion.


    "What happened? Weren¡¯t you supposed to keep an eye on that other old man from the Utility Pavilion? How did you end up falling for his scheme at the end!" the old monk scolded as soon as he spoke.


    Ordinarily, the high-crowned old Taoist would have retorted with curses against the old monk from the Buddhist Sect¡¯s rebuke, but this time, there had indeed been an oversight.


    "I¡¯ve been outwitted by that old scoundrel Zhuge Wuming. I thought I was watching him, but I didn¡¯t expect he had already set up the Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron at the portal!" the high-crowned old Taoist said indignantly.


    It turned out that the owner of the Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron was none other than Zhuge Wuming, one of the two Supreme Elders of the Utility Pavilion.


    According to the calculations of the Nine Great Sects, the bald Supreme Elder of the Buddhist Sect would contain Tang Bai while a Daoist elder would secretly monitor Zhuge Wuming. Even the Supreme Elders from the other sects had been mobilized to secure the small village in the Northwest, and this time, they thought their plans were foolproof.


    But what they didn¡¯t anticipate was that Zhuge Wuming had already made arrangements long ago.


    Nor could they have predicted that someone would bypass all the barriers and enter the portal within the cave.


    "Who was that person who entered and disrupted the portal?" the old monk suddenly demanded, his normally stern face suddenly radiating intense killing intent.

 Chapter 311 He is Not Qualified to Sit on the Throne

    Facing the question from the old Buddhist monk, the high-crowned old Taoist from the Dao Sect let out a long sigh and said, "I don¡¯t know, and to my shame, up until now, I am still ignorant as to who exactly is responsible."


    .Co?m


    The old monk was shocked and said, "Even you don¡¯t know? According to our agreement, haven¡¯t you already dispatched an avatar to guard the gateway? How could you not know who the intruder is."


    The high-crowned old Taoist smiled ruefully, "It was all because of that old scoundrel Zhuge Wuming. Although I had an avatar in place guarding there, the other party¡¯s real body arrived, directly using the Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron to trap my avatar and even severed the connection with my true self.


    Therefore, I received no feedback from my avatar and naturally did not know who the intruder was."


    With that, the two fell silent. Speaking of these two, they almost represented the peak combat power of the Nine Great Sects. For this grand scheme that the Nine Great Sects had plotted, the supreme elders from all the sects had nearly all been mobilized.


    Yet, in the end, all came to naught. They had calculated everything, thinking there was no oversight, but fate had other plans, proving that man¡¯s calculations are inferior to heaven¡¯s!


    "Let it be, let it be. Perhaps this is the will of the heavens. The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are ultimately unable to escape the will of the heavens. They say that every three thousand years there is a cycle of reincarnation, but even after three thousand years, we still cannot escape destiny!"


    After the old Buddhist monk had spoken, he stepped forward, and in the next moment, his figure had reached the sky¡¯s horizon at the west end. Another second later, he had completely vanished at the edge of the sky.


    Similarly, the high-crowned old Taoist from the Dao Sect also let out a quiet sigh before disappearing into thin air.


    Meanwhile, in the Valley of the Medicine God, nearly all pharmacists above the sixth level were busily coming and going. In fact, for the past several days, the entire valley had been in an unprecedented state of busyness, including Master Yu Xianhe of the Medicine God Valley.


    However, despite their round-the-clock busy research, they had still achieved nothing up to this point. The ghost qi was truly beyond reason, even beyond the boundaries of this world, leaving them completely at a loss.


    "Master of the Valley, we have researched tirelessly for so many days, and we have truly done our utmost. Yet, we still haven¡¯t made any substantial progress.


    At best, we are only able to slow down the spread of the ghost qi in the bodies of those poisoned," lamented a seventh level pharmacist, his eyes red with exhaustion from not resting for three days and nights straight, his spirit nearly at its limit.


    Master Yu Xianhe shook his head with a sigh, but almost instantly recovered his fighting spirit, word by word he said, "As pharmacists, it is our duty to hang the pot to help the world and to save the dying and heal the wounded, especially at a critical moment like this. We should not easily give up. Continue your research.


    Even if we cannot find the antidote, being able to slow the spread is already very good."


    Although the many pharmacists felt helpless upon hearing this, they did not complain any further and kept working diligently.


    It was at this moment that a deep and ancient voice suddenly rang out above the Valley of the Medicine God, "The benevolent heart of the Medicine God Valley¡¯s healers is truly admirable!"


    "Who has come to my Valley of the Medicine God, why not reveal yourself!" The Martial King guards of the Medicine God Valley immediately shouted out in response.


    Even though these guards were at the Martial King level, they still could not detect the speaker¡¯s location. Not to mention the Martial Kings, even ordinary Divine Path Realm practitioners, let alone those below Divine Communication Realm, would not be able to respond in time.


    The entire Valley of the Medicine God immediately became tense, and it was undoubtedly clear to everyone that since even Divine Path Realm powerhouses couldn¡¯t sense the specific whereabouts of the visitor, the newcomer must be extraordinary, at least a top-level Divine Ability Realm powerhouse.


    After finishing his declaration, Yu Xianhe noticed that the Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron had already disappeared, and the barrier of light points around it had also dissolved.


    Yu Xianhe was clear in his heart, since Senior Zhuge didn¡¯t wish to reveal himself and had secretly brought Ye Feng here, he naturally did not want more people to know, so Yu Xianhe also couldn¡¯t make a big fuss.


    He pondered briefly, then turned and walked towards the inside of the study. He tapped a inconspicuous compartment on the bookshelf, which immediately rotated to reveal a secret passage.


    Yu Xianhe waved his Great Hand, leading Ye Feng into this secret passage, followed by the bookshelf slowly closing up.


    Meanwhile, in the Central Region, with the severing of the Ghost Qi, the representatives of the Nine Great Sects retreated like deflated balloons, withdrawing to their own mountains within half an hour.


    The masters from the Utility Pavilion and the General¡¯s Mansion, after a brief search and finding no anomalies in the Central Region, also took their special aircraft back to the imperial capital.


    "Where is Ye Feng? Why is there still no sign of him until now?" Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming suddenly asked.


    On this special aircraft, seated were several Guardian Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion as well as the Nation Guard Great General Duantian from the General¡¯s Mansion.


    No one could provide an answer, and as Wen Yuan saw this and was about to respond, he hadn¡¯t even had the chance to speak when a harsh and piercing rebuke suddenly rang out.


    "Hmph, that youngster Ye Feng, as the Northern Border King, although the Central Region is not his domain, as one of the Four Realm kings, he should have stepped forward in times of national crisis, shouldn¡¯t he? But he lay low from beginning to end, not showing his face!"


    The speaker wore a grey robe, with two grey eyebrows hanging nearly down to the corners of his eyes, appearing to be over sixty years old. The high cheekbones gave off an impression of being sharp and harsh.


    This man, named Mo Daoxing, was the Seventh Sect Leader, ranked seventh within the Utility Pavilion. His disciple, Loo Xia, had previously had a conflict with Ye Feng, hence his anger and dissatisfaction were hardly surprising now when mentioning Ye Feng.


    Equally cold, Ninth Sect Leader Qiu Kuzhen added, "Just now, while battling high-ranking members from the Nine Great Sects, this Northern Border King Ye Feng kept talking about serving the country and its people to the point of exhaustion and even death, but when push came to shove, he became a turtle hiding its head. Indeed, a disappointment to us all!"


    The other Sect Leaders present did not comment, including Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, who was closest to Ye Feng and had no intention of speaking.


    Mo Daoxing suddenly turned to look at the Great General Duantian, and coldly said, "Brother Duantian, I heard that Ye Feng, that Northern Border King, made some presumptuous remarks, saying if the Nation Guard ever faltered, he would take its place. Is there such a matter?"


    The Nation Guard Great General Duantian, who had been pretending to nap with his eyes closed, now found he could no longer feign deafness, as the matter had implicated him personally.


    Clearing his throat, Duantian chuckled and said, "If one day in our nation there is someone more capable and virtuous than me, I would willingly relinquish my position as Great General."


    One must say, the Nation Guard Great General¡¯s response was impeccably crafted. Although he didn¡¯t specifically mention Ye Feng, he still managed to include him.


    However, Qiu Kuzhen snorted coldly in response, "Nation Guard Great General¡¯s magnanimity and prioritizing of state affairs are truly admirable. However, at the critical moment, Ye Feng retreated and didn¡¯t exert himself. His behavior, in comparison to the Nation Guard Great General, is far too lacking.


    If it weren¡¯t for Ning Wuya passing the Northern King title to him, this Ye Feng would never have been qualified to sit on the throne!"


    Sitting at the end, Wen Yuan could no longer contain himself upon hearing this. But just as he was about to speak, he was halted by a look from his master, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, and reluctantly swallowed back his words.

 Chapter 312: The Old Man Smoking a Dry Pipe on the Great Wall

    At the break of dawn, after the General¡¯s Residence of the Utility Pavilion as well as the members of the Nine Great Sects had departed, two figures suddenly appeared on the highest peak of the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley.


    One of them was a stern, awe-inspiring figure who sported a high crown and hairstyle unusual among ordinary folks, and was dressed in a black robe that rustled in the mountain wind.


    This man¡¯s gaze was sharp as he looked out over the vast Central Region, with a posture of arms behind his back that conveyed a sense of looking down on the world. He was none other than the enigmatic Mu Rongtian.


    Standing behind Mu Rongtian was a handsome young man in white, with the delicate features of a pretty boy. He was Mu Tian, Rongtian¡¯s son and the close friend Ye Feng had known in the past.


    "Father, you¡¯ve lost again," Mu Tian spoke up first, breaking the silence of the predawn.


    "I¡¯ve lost?" perched atop the summit, Mu Rongtian was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this.


    "Isn¡¯t it so? It was also my good friend Ye Feng who ultimately thwarted the grand scheme you had been plotting for many years.


    Father, your stratagem has been in the works for over a decade, not hesitating to secretly persuade the Nine Great Sects for a long time, and even finding the ancient Dual Yi Dragon Gate, but in the end, it all came to nothing and was spoiled by my good friend," said Mu Tian, his tone steady, almost dangerously so. Continue your adventure at novelhall.Co?m


    Even when speaking to his own father, he maintained this manner, showing none of the subservience expected of a son.


    However, Mu Rongtian simply chuckled and said, "True or false, false or true, it seems on the surface that I have indeed lost, but do you really think I have lost?"


    Mu Tian did not quite understand what he meant. In fact, he often found the words of his father murky and usually only comprehended them partially.


    So Mu Tian immediately continued, "Father¡¯s plan was to use the Nine Great Sects to open the gate to an alien space-time, thereby achieving your ultimate goal, but now, the gate has been destroyed by my good friend Ye Feng, and the channel connecting to the alien space-time can no longer be opened. Doesn¡¯t this mean that Father has lost?"


    Mu Rongtian laughed again, "My son, do you really think that the gate guarded by the Nine Great Sects is the culmination of your father¡¯s plans?"


    "Isn¡¯t that the case..." Mu Tian¡¯s words halted abruptly, because from his father¡¯s expression, he knew that his father indeed had a grander scheme still in play.


    "As the saying goes, those who plan for one domain cannot plan for the whole. A truly great power¡¯s schemes are never just surface-level, nor are they merely the immediate steps before you," Mu Rongtian said slowly.


    Mu Tian said nothing further. He had always prided himself on his exceptional intelligence, having even calculated against Ye Feng, the King of the Northern Border. Yet compared to his father, he was vastly outclassed.


    Even though he had been following his father closely, he was still utterly unable to see through his true plans.


    Mu Rongtian¡¯s gaze swept over the Central Region, looking towards the distant horizon and suddenly muttered to himself, "My true scheme lies over there..."@@@@


    "Over there?"


    Mu Tian¡¯s expression suddenly turned solemn, and his face seemed to become anxious as he said, "But Father, over there, there is that person in charge, and there are also the Four Great Ancient Clans. Father, you..."


    Mu Rongtian finally smiled, a smile of satisfaction, a father¡¯s affirmation of his son.


    Yet Mu Tian couldn¡¯t help but laugh. "No wonder I had my suspicions before. Why would such a mysterious little girl appear in that place out of nowhere? It turns out it was arranged by Father. I finally understand."


    At this point, Mu Tian shook his head with a wry smile. "I must admit, compared to Father¡¯s stratagems, my own plans are far too inferior. I had intended to use that woman Hong Yuting to restrain Ye Feng, but compared to the little girl Father has arranged, my plan is truly negligible."


    Mu Rongtian then declared loudly, "Come, follow me to the Outer Battlefield!"


    Having finished speaking, the two immediately soared into the air, flying nonstop toward the east. It took them half a day¡¯s time before they reached the eastern sea of Xuanyuan Nation. They then went straight out to sea until they arrived at the Outer Sea.


    The massive whirlpool that had appeared in this High Seas region a few days prior had gradually calmed down. Although the space was still highly unstable, it was no longer as chaotic as before.


    Mu Rongtian grasped his son, and a faint golden glow suddenly emanated from his body, enveloping the two of them before diving headlong into the huge whirlpool wormhole.


    Just as the two disappeared from this world, far in the distant sky¡ªperhaps a sky that no longer belonged to this space-time¡ªa vast, towering wall radiated a dim, gray-golden glow.


    Atop the wall sat an unremarkable old man dressed plainly, with an aura just as average. He seemed like an old man who had spent years toiling in the fields, casually seated on the wall, chewing on a stem, puffing away at his pipe.


    The smoke was strong and harsh, causing the old man to cough repetitively. Suddenly, though, he looked up toward the distant eastern horizon and sneered coldly, "A truly cunning scheme, a terrifying setup. Yet do you also know that your so-called arrangement, all of your calculations, are actually within my own?"


    As he said this, the old man¡¯s demeanor suddenly turned fiercely sharp. An overwhelming aura burst forth from his body involuntarily. He spoke coldly, "Mu Rongtian, you better quit while you¡¯re ahead, or else don¡¯t blame me for my lack of sentiment!"


    As his voice fell, the old man¡¯s figure vanished into thin air, and in the void above, a Sword of the Divine Dragon materialized, its radiance spanning three thousand miles. The Demon Clan members who had climbed upon the wall were immediately decapitated, their blood painting the sky.


    Meanwhile, in the Valley of the Medicine God, Valley Master Yu Xianhe had already harvested a number of enchantingly green fruits from Ye Feng. With just a whiff, he instantly recognized that these fruits were the antidote to remove the Ghost Qi and miasma.


    Yu Xianhe immediately convened a grand meeting of the Valley of the Medicine God and handed the fruits over to two Vice Sect Leaders, charging them to develop as many antidotes as possible as quickly as they could. Afterwards, he returned with an elder to a small loft.


    For three whole days, they did not leave the chamber, and outsiders did not know what was happening inside, nor did anyone dare to inquire.


    However, with the enchantingly green fruits, the pharmacists of the Valley of the Medicine God did not disappoint Ye Feng¡¯s expectations. They quickly developed a medicinal solution, and then they used helicopters to sprinkle half of the solution into the sky, completely removing the lingering Ghost Qi.


    The other half of the solution was distributed by the soldiers of the Central Region, administered to the civilians affected by the Ghost Qi. In the end, several hundred thousand people were spared from disaster.


    Those who were rescued were naturally immensely grateful, even though they did not know that their benefactor was still lying unconscious.


    For three consecutive days, Yu Xianhe and the elder from the sect had been in the underground secret chamber attempting to save Ye Feng. From the third day on, they no longer intervened, as they had done all that they could.


    Surprisingly, from the third day, Ye Feng¡¯s injuries started to miraculously heal on their own. They had initially thought it would take at least half a year, but by the fourth day, Ye Feng¡¯s injuries had healed, and he had even returned to his peak condition.

 Chapter 313 Consecutive Breakthroughs, Return!

    In the underground secret chamber of Valley of the Medicine God, Ye Feng''s injuries had already healed, but he did not plan to immediately leave his retreat because there were many things he had not figured out yet.


    Fortunately, through Yu Xianhe, he had learned that the ghost Qi in the country had dissipated and that the people affected by it had largely been cured, which finally allowed Ye Feng to breathe a sigh of relief.


    As for the enigmas in his mind, like the origin of the sudden appearance of the high-crowned old Taoist''s apparition in the depths of the portal underground in Fallen Dragon Valley, and the identity of the owner of the Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron that saved him.


    These mysterious figures were all more powerful than the next, but one thing Ye Feng could be certain of was that the high-crowned old Taoist must be from one of the Nine Great Sects, although which specific sect remained unknown.


    Among the Nine Great Sects, the Dao Sect and Kunlun did indeed follow the Dao tradition, and that old Taoist would likely be from one of these two.


    Moreover, what troubled Ye Feng the most was the man wearing the golden dragon robe in his dream. Who exactly was he?


    About the dream he had a few days ago, Ye Feng believed it was not without cause, and that it must be tied to him in some significant way. Furthermore, there was the summoning from the alien space-time. What exactly was calling out to him?


    Even the words spoken by the man in the golden dragon robe from the dream, such as those about the successors regarding the Six-foot Divine Path and even the Spirit Channel Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall, Ye Feng could infer from these words that there might be more to these things than meets the eye.


    What made Ye Feng feel even more uneasy was the last words said by the man in the golden robe as he fell.


    "I shall return!"


    It was this phrase that had been stirring his nerves these past few days, giving him an unsettling feeling. Intuition told Ye Feng that when the man returned someday, it would likely involve him as well.


    "Forget it, let it be. These matters are still far away. Right now, improving my own strength is most important!" Ye Feng sighed inwardly.


    This trip to the Fallen Dragon Valley undoubtedly made Ye Feng realize that his strength might not be weak, but compared to the Nine Great Sects, there was still a considerable gap.


    Ye Feng flicked his right wrist, and three treasures appeared in his palm. These three treasures had been transmitted from alien space-time when he was at the portal underground.


    He closed his eyes again and continued the Qi circulation following the route, breaching acupoint after acupoint, until he finally halted after reaching one hundred and nineteen acupoints in one go.


    "Phew... At last all the energy has been absorbed!" Ye Feng exhaled a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes, instantly two beams of brilliant golden light shot out, completely changing his demeanor, making him seem even more majestic and vast than before.


    "After fully absorbing the energy from this sphere of light, even though my realm has not changed, my combat power has nearly doubled!"


    Ye Feng clenched his fists, feeling their new strength. Before increasing the number of his acupoints, his power was roughly equivalent to the God Gathering Realm of the Divine Path Realm. But now, those at the God Gathering Realm would likely be killed by him in one move, and even Spirit Division Realm warriors could fully contend against him.


    "Let''s see what this treasure bead is all about!" Ye Feng shifted his attention to the small, sparkling, golden bead in his hand.


    The bead was not large, about the size of a baby''s fist, but its light was intense. Ye Feng didn''t swallow it directly because his intuition told him that the bead should not be consumed.


    "How exactly should I use this?" Ye Feng furrowed his brows, and suddenly an idea struck him. He recalled how some powerful treasures from ancient times could be bound to a person by blood.


    With an attitude of giving it a try, he pricked his fingertip and dropped a bead of blood onto the treasure bead. Instantly, an unusual sight occurred. The bead suddenly shone radiantly, then with a whoosh, it shot into Ye Feng''s body.


    It was too late for Ye Feng to try to stop it, but he quickly became overjoyed.


    "It turns out that this treasure bead is a defensive magic treasure!" Ye Feng was shocked. With a single thought, a thin layer of golden armor slowly surfaced and covered his skin.


    "With this defensive magic treasure, I fear nothing below the Divine Communication Realm!"


    Ye Feng finally smiled. This time his gains were tremendous. It is said that risk and opportunity coexist. Although delving into Fallen Dragon Valley was fraught with extreme danger, even nearly costing his life, the rewards were also enormous.


    Only the fruit remained, a seductively red fruit that Ye Feng could not see through, and so he dare not use it carelessly. He decided to preserve it for future examination.


    "Having stayed in the Valley of the Medicine God for one day, or five days, I wonder what it''s like outside now. It''s time to return to the Imperial Capital!"


    Having said that, Ye Feng slowly stood up, but suddenly his aura shifted, and once again he took on the appearance of an ordinary Martial King.

 Chapter 314 The Lord is Insulted, the Kings Wrath!

    When Ye Feng emerged from the underground secret chamber, it was during a morning of warm sunshine and a clear sky that stretched for miles. This prompted an unfamiliar feeling in him, a sharp contrast to the dome of the sky that looked like the end of the world, shrouded in a gloom just a few days before. The now pure blue canvas above was an incredibly beautiful sight.


    "Finally decided to show up, didn''t you?" Yu Xianhe said as he stepped forward to greet Ye Feng, who had just walked out of the chamber. "In your absence, the imperial capital has turned into a complete mess!"


    Ye Feng slightly furrowed his brows and asked, "What has become of the imperial capital?"


    Yu Xianhe cracked a slight smile and said, "This old man has aged, and I''ve long been out of the loop with worldly affairs. However, according to news from Feiyu, it''s not just those aristocratic clan gates in the capital; even the Divine Doctor Sect has been affected."


    "The Divine Doctor Sect has been affected as well? How can you, old man, still sit here so calmly?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but say.


    Yu Xianhe took a leisurely walk to the stone table in the middle of the courtyard, sat down, and began serenely pouring himself tea before sipping it, then chuckled, "As I just said, I am but an old bag of bones who doesn''t wish to stir anymore. Those who have jumped out are merely clowns on a string, used by others at most. Hence, I am not worried."


    At this point, Yu Xianhe''s tone shifted suddenly, and he continued, "However, as for you, young man..."


    Ye Feng asked, "As for me, what?"


    Yu Xianhe shook his head with a sigh, "In the five days you were injured and out of sight, rumors started from nowhere claiming that you were severely injured, had lost all your martial arts, and had become a cripple. Now, many from the aristocratic clan gates in the capital have jumped out, some even openly declaring they intend to strip you of your title as the Northern Border King."


    As he said this, Yu Xianhe laughed and picked up his teacup for another sip, looking at Ye Feng with an expression that seemed to relish the unfolding drama.


    Ye Feng kept quiet; as astute as he was, he knew that the news of his severe injury must have been spread by the Nine Great Sects. The sects wanted to incite the aristocratic clan gates in the capital to target him.


    "Let them jump out; it''s better that way," Ye Feng laughed as well, "The fish have leaped out of the water, making them easy to catch all in one net!" With these words, he walked over, took a seat, and finished his tea in one gulp.


    Indeed, as the saying goes, ''Only a father knows his daughter best.'' How could he, as a father, not know of his daughter Yu Feiyu''s thoughts? But in the teeming melting pot of the Imperial Capital, especially now that she had gotten involved with Ye Feng, Yu Xianhe couldn''t help but worry.


    Yes, unlike Ye Feng who compared the Imperial Capital to a bird''s nest, in Yu Xianhe''s eyes, the Imperial Capital was like a great dye vat. No matter how pure and white a person might be, as soon as they entered the city, they would be muddied. And this was why he always preferred to live hidden away in the Valley of the Medicine God.


    Ye Feng left. In the afternoon, he took a special flight back to the Imperial Capital. He hadn''t telephoned to notify anyone because he wanted to see whether, in the Imperial Capital''s bird''s nest, eagles were spreading their wings or if jackdaws had taken over the doves'' nest.


    When the blood-red sun in the west had dyed the entire Imperial Capital a fresh and bloody red, Ye Feng finally appeared at the gate of the Northern Cloud Residence in the Inner City.


    What Ye Feng had never expected was that the ancient vermilion gate of the Northern Cloud Residence was now in disrepair, and even the stone lion to the left of the gate had lost a leg.


    What enraged Ye Feng even more was the disappearance of the Northern Cloud Residence signboard which, in some respects, represented the identity of the Northern Border King.


    Ye Feng''s fury, like the western sun, instantly spread throughout the entire Imperial Capital. It was a flagrant provocation, an intolerable insult!


    Perhaps sensing Ye Feng''s presence, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and the other legion commanders rushed out and then knelt before Ye Feng with a thud.


    "We are incompetent, unable to protect the Northern Cloud Residence, allowed the Mistress to be humiliated, and brought shame upon you, sire. We deserve death!" Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng''s gaze was sharp as he commanded, "Family disgrace should not be aired publicly. Stand up first, we''ll talk inside!" With that, he strode inside, and Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others followed closely behind.


    In fact, Ye Feng was well aware that from the moment he appeared at the Northern Cloud Residence, numerous eyes seemed to appear out of nowhere around him. Many people were secretly watching his every move. It was just because he hadn''t informed anyone when he returned; otherwise, if his whereabouts had been leaked in advance, he might have been greeted with another huge ambush!


    "Speak, what exactly happened!"


    In the main hall, Ye Feng''s angry voice echoed coldly. He was trying hard to suppress his rage because after entering, he discovered that Hong Qingyan was injured, and her injuries were severe. Both her body and spirit had suffered immense trauma and humiliation.

 Chapter 315 The Imperial Capital, Turbulent Undercurrents!

    Ye Feng immediately headed to the Inner Courtyard and discovered there that Hong Qingyan was lying down, injured. Her breath was extremely weak, and there was even a deep palm print on her face.


    Yu Feiyu was tending to Hong Qingyan''s wounds while Long Nannan stood beside the bed, her head lowered like a child who had done something wrong.


    "What exactly happened?" Ye Feng''s sword-like eyebrows lifted in anger.


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and said, "This subordinate deserves to die, for failing to protect the Mistress. Two days ago, the Mistress attended a high society gathering of notable ladies in the imperial city, and unexpectedly..."


    Ye Feng barked, "Qingyan has a calm nature and has never liked such gatherings. For no reason at all, why would she attend this so-called gathering of notable ladies?"


    Xiao Chuanqi fell silent, and Sima Zhantian along with Leng Wuming and others also remained silent.


    At this moment, just like a child who had misbehaved, Long Nannan slowly stepped forward and said, "Little Martial Uncle, if you want to hit or scold someone, then blame me, but please don''t hit me. This matter is all my fault, I''m to blame."


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at her but didn''t ask any questions, instead waiting for this little troublemaker to speak.


    Long Nannan, although usually fearless, felt guilty about this matter. She didn''t dare meet Ye Feng''s piercing gaze and only mumbled, "Because these past few days at home were so boring, and Little Martial Uncle, you weren''t here, I suggested we invite Sister Hong out to have some fun. Just then, one of Sister Qingyan''s friends came over to our place."


    Ye Feng frowned and asked, "Qingyan''s friend, which friend is that?"


    Hong Qingyan liked her quiet, and Ye Feng knew she had hardly any friends in the imperial city.


    Long Nannan said, "I''m not sure about her exact name. All I know is that Qingyan refers to her as her cousin, and there were a lot of people that night. I was busy eating¡ªall the food there was really, really delicious¡ªso I didn''t pay much attention to Sister Qingyan."


    Faced with this person showing such a wronged expression, Ye Feng truly couldn''t bring himself to be angry, even knowing she might be feigning innocence. Yet, those pitiful, big eyes seemed so sincere.


    "Qingyan''s cousin, could it be... Hong Yuting? When did she come to the imperial city?"


    Ye Feng''s brows tightened. Of course, he knew that someone like Hong Yuting alone wouldn''t have such great influence in the imperial city. Therefore, the person who really acted against Hong Qingyan couldn''t be Hong Yuting; at most, she was just an accomplice.


    "About that gathering the other night, who else was there?" Ye Feng inquired.


    Long Nannan pouted and said, "I don''t know about that. You know me, Little Martial Uncle, when I see delicious food and fun things, I forget everything else. I only noticed that they were all flimsy, gaudy women, so vulgar, I didn''t bother to look closely."


    Ye Feng waved his hand to cut him off, "Alright, is there anything else?"


    Sima Zhantian spoke, "There is one more matter. Yesterday, the daughter of the Old Northern King, Ning Weiwei, came with a group, and among them were people from the Utility Pavilion, including a high-level master."


    "A master? One you couldn''t defeat?" Ye Feng asked, unable to suppress a smirk. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Chuanqi replied with a wry smile, "We couldn''t defeat him. The opponent is a practitioner of the Divine Path Realm, moreover, at the God Gathering Realm. None of us were a match for him, but in the end, that person didn''t dare to set foot in Northern Cloud Residence. Instead, he left a message."


    "What message?"


    "He ordered us to vacate Northern Cloud Residence within three days. Furthermore, he said that if Your Majesty returned, he would visit again to issue a challenge to Your Majesty," said Xiao Chuanqi.


    Ye Feng snorted. A mere God Gathering Realm practitioner was, in his eyes now, hardly worth mentioning. Probably just another thug Ning Weiwei had not been able to hold back from hiring.


    However, this Sky-piercing seemed a little more complex to Ye Feng. It was one thing for madness to spread through the Imperial Capital, but support within the General''s Mansion indicated that this person had significant influence, and that influence surely originated from the General''s Mansion.


    Ye Feng recalled that when he went to the Central Region, he had been with Great General Duantian. Although Duantian had not shown anything unusual during the entire journey, his attitude had been inexplicably cold.


    Clearly, the buttress of the Imperial Capital, the Great General, harbored some misgivings and perhaps even dissatisfaction toward Ye Feng, the Northern Border King¡ªespecially after that remark Ye Feng had made: ''If the day comes when the Great General fails to act, I shall stand ready to take his place.''


    Strictly speaking, Ye Feng''s foundation lay in the Utility Pavilion; more precisely, his backer was Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, for the latter had been the venerable master of the Old Northern King, and thus Ye Feng and the General''s Mansion had never gotten along well.


    With these thoughts, Ye Feng shook his head and smiled faintly, turning to walk into his study. Asking Xiao Chuanqi was unlikely to yield any fruitful information, so after sitting down, he lifted his hand and snapped his fingers.


    Suddenly, a dark shadow appeared in the corner of the study''s shadows.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty. You have summoned me; do you have any orders?" the Shadow asked as he bowed.


    "Three things: Firstly, the mastermind behind the attack on Qingyan and those noble ladies¡ªwho is it?"


    "Secondly, the details of this Sky-piercing!"


    "Thirdly, the background of the person Ning Weiwei brought!" Ye Feng said leisurely, the truly useful intelligence could only be obtained from the master of the Hidden Army, the Shadow.

 Chapter 316 Even Dragons Must Bow Before Me

    ```


    The Shadow bowed and, with utmost respect, said, "Your Majesty, the person behind the attack on the Mistress is named Zhang Yuancheng. He is the eldest son of the Aristocratic Clan Gate Zhang Family in the Imperial Capital!"


    "And that Sky-piercing, he is the godson of the Great General Duantian from the Great General''s Mansion."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but furrow his brows and said, "Duantian''s godson?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty. However, there''s a deeper background to Sky-piercing. If our Hidden Army had not infiltrated deeply enough, I fear we would not have been able to uncover it," Shadow responded.


    "Continue," Ye Feng said as he picked up a cup of tea that had already been prepared on the table.


    Shadow continued, "This Sky-piercing is the grandson of the Heaven Guard National Pillar, who was one of the four great national pillars of the Xuanyuan Nation in olden days."


    "The four great national pillars?" As Ye Feng heard this, his face finally showed a slight change in expression.


    If it were just the matter of the general''s mansion, he wouldn''t have taken it seriously, but the four great national pillars were not to be taken lightly.


    In the last century, when the Xuanyuan Nation was in turmoil and even at the brink of collapse, it wasn''t just the two supreme elders of the Utility Pavilion who turned the tide, but also the four great national pillars, each boasting illustrious military achievements.


    It could be said that each of the four great national pillars was a cornerstone of the Xuanyuan Nation in those years, their prestige even exceeding that of the Ten National Warriors. However, as the Great River of Time flowed, not many of the four pillars remained in this world.


    Shadow paid no regard to the changes in Ye Feng''s expression, as her duty was merely to report intelligence. She went on, "As for the person Ning Weiwei brought with her, his name is Autumn Parting Crane, the direct disciple of Qiu Kuzhen, one of the Nine Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion."


    At this point, Shadow suddenly added, "Moreover, Your Majesty, concerning the rumors about you spreading throughout the Imperial Capital, my surveillance has found that they are mostly released by Qiu Kuzhen and another individual, one of the Seven Sect Leaders, Mo Daoxing."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then said, "What other useful intelligence is there? What about the progress with Master of the Shicha Sea? Is there any development?"


    The Shadow, who had just risen, bowed once more and said, "I am incompetent, Your Majesty. Although we have located the whereabouts of that Master, we have not yet discovered his connections. Therefore, we have not acted rashly, so as not to startle the snake."


    In other words, as long as he, the Northern Border King, did not cause trouble in the Inner City, even if the Outer City was turned upside down, those from the Aristocratic Clan Gate within the Inner City wouldn''t care in the slightest.


    An hour later, the car arrived in front of a resplendent building on the West Suburb of Kyoto Riverside. The horizontal sign hanging on the building was just as splendid, bearing the words "Magnificent Gold".


    In the Imperial City, anyone with any social standing recognized these four words, for it was a clubhouse, the Magnificent Gold clubhouse, and also a gathering place beloved by high society ladies.


    No one knew who the owner of Magnificent Gold was, but there was absolutely no doubt about the influence of its owner!


    And at this moment, in the top-tier venue of the Magnificent Gold clubhouse, spanning more than five hundred square meters, lay a swimming pool on the left, a huge dance floor in the middle, and a rest and business area to the right, from where one could overlook a large part of the Outer Imperial City.


    Three handsome young men sat there, each donning luxurious, limited-edition suits, legs crossed, with two so-called enchanting socialites by their side.


    The young man in the middle, dressed in a white leisure suit, swirled the tall crystal glass in his hand and suddenly grinned, "I heard ''he'' is back?"


    He didn''t specify who ''he'' was, but the other two knew exactly whom he was referring to. The tall and thin young man on the left said in a deep voice, "Yes, it''s said he arrived at Northern Cloud Residence at dusk."


    Having said this, the tall and thin young man paused thoughtfully before continuing, "Young Master Zhang, the day before yesterday, you invited that woman with the surname Ye to a banquet and made a setup to humiliate that limping lady. Could this lead to trouble? With his temperament, will he tolerate this insult?"


    This young man known as Young Master Zhang was named Zhang Yuancheng. Outsiders in the Outer City might not be aware of his background, but those in the Inner City were certainly no strangers; he was the eldest son of the Inner City Zhang Family.


    Although there were quite a few Zhang surnames in the Inner City, there was only one Zhang Family, that is, the Aristocratic Clan of the Zhang family.


    Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire


    The Zhang family had been in business for three generations, with industries spread across much of the Xuanyuan Nation, but their real foundation actually came from Zhang Yuancheng''s grandfather, Zhang Mouguo, who was the deputy director of Xuanyuan Nation''s Heaven Governance Division.


    With such a strong background, the day-to-day wealthy Magnificent Gold clubhouse stood unchallenged, and precisely because he had his grandfather to back him up¡ªand his grandfather had even more powerful backers¡ªdid he dare to mess with the woman of the Northern Border King.


    "What trouble could it possibly cause? How could it cause any trouble? So what if he has returned? Ever since he arrived in the Imperial City, word has been out that even if he''s a dragon, he''d better lie low. And if he''s a worm, then he''s just a frog crawling into a snake''s hole, looking for its own death!" Zhang Yuancheng snorted, his lips curling up in a disdainful sneer.

 Chapter 317 Do You Know Who My Grandfather Is?

    Zhang Yuancheng finished speaking, picked up the cigar on the table, and a bodyguard immediately bent over to light it for him. He took a deep drag and exhaled a thick soke ring before he leisurely said, "I hear that kid compared the Imperial Capital to a bird''s nest?"


    No one answered him. Although there were a few young masters from the Imperial Capital''s rich and powerful families present, the backgrounds of their families paled in comparison to the lineage of an Aristocratic Clan Gate like the Zhang Family.


    It was clear that in this circle of wealthy youths of the Imperial Capital, Zhang Yuancheng was the leader. He probably knew no one could answer this kind of question. He humphed to himself before continuing, "A bird''s nest? What a backwater hillbilly.


    To merely call the Imperial Capital a bird''s nest¡ªrumor has it that the elder from Valley of the Medicine God once likened the Imperial Capital to a huge dye vat, refusing to get involved with it. At least that old man from Valley of the Medicine God knew his place."


    Finally, a rich second-generation spoke up, "Young Master Zhang, you''re absolutely right. If that Ye family kid had any self-awareness, he should''ve obediently rolled back to the Northern Border. What''s he doing coming to the Imperial Capital? Isn''t he just asking for death?"


    Zhang Yuancheng suddenly burst out laughing and said, "The waters of the Imperial Capital are deep. Without real skills, you dare to strut around here? You could get drowned by the waves at any moment. Just wait and watch, that Northern Border kid won''t last long!"


    Having said that, he got up, took off the coat he was wearing, and prepared to walk over to the opposite side of the huge swimming pool. Two tall, supposedly famous socialite women by his side hurriedly followed him.


    However, just at that moment, the heavy door was suddenly kicked open with a bang. Two strong bodyguards were sent flying in like cannonballs, crashing into a row of liquor cabinets on the wall. A clatter of expensive liquors from the cabinets shattered onto the floor.


    Immediately after, a group of people charged in. Leading them was, of course, Ye Feng!


    The sudden commotion inevitably caught the attention of those inside, but not many felt panic. They were very aware of the backing and power behind this clubhouse. It was not uncommon for someone to cause trouble, but in the end, if they weren''t left with broken limbs, they were dumped into the Imperial Capital River to feed the fish.


    Zhang Yuancheng, who had been about to dive into the water with two socialites, stopped when he heard the noise. But he didn''t come over because he instinctively believed that such a minor issue didn''t require his attention and someone would take care of it.


    "Who is Zhang Yuancheng? Roll over here and face your death!" Sima Zhantian''s booming voice exploded in the large VIP room.


    "You bastards, daring to cause trouble in the resplendent clubhouse, are you sick of living!"


    Suddenly, four bodyguards leaped out, their fists flying like the wind, each apparently at the Grandmaster Level.


    Ye Feng stood still, not even bothering to look, while Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming stood like javelins behind him. Only Sima Zhantian moved, charging forward like a ferocious tiger.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    In just a brief encounter, the four Grandmaster Level bodyguards were blasted away, their fate unknown.


    "Listen up, Zhang Yuancheng, Lu Shuiming, Liang Chengche, Zhong Tianhan. Roll over here and face your death. The rest of you who are unrelated, if you don''t want to die, get the hell out!" Xiao Chuanqi spoke again.


    "Dare to harm my woman, it doesn''t matter if it''s the Heaven Governance Division or the General''s Residence of the Utility Pavilion, I will kill without hesitation!"


    Boom!


    That statement exploded like a thunderclap, leaving Zhang Yuancheng and the others frozen on the spot, their faces finally showing fear.


    Grinding his teeth, Zhang Yuancheng said, "You can''t kill me, and you wouldn''t dare. If you kill us, you won''t have a place in the Imperial Capital. Not to mention that my Zhang Family won''t let you off, but the General''s Mansion will definitely not let this go either, so you''d better think carefully about the consequences!"


    "One more minute," Ye Feng said distinctly.


    "No... I am the eldest grandson of the Zhang Family; you can''t kill me. I have money, lots and lots of money. I haven''t even enjoyed myself fully. I still want to sleep with a thousand women..."


    At this point, Ye Feng waved his right hand and then slowly turned around.


    In an instant, Sima Zhantian and Leng Wuming made their move. In the blink of an eye, more than a dozen people lay on the ground, thoroughly transformed into corpses.


    Cloaked in a black coat, Ye Feng strode out with measured steps, leaving the people in the corridor outside dumbstruck. Even though dozens of glittering bodyguards rushed over at that moment, no one dared to block his path.


    The group didn''t give a glance to anyone around them, walking straight out of the club and melting into the night as swiftly as they had arrived, much like a gust of wind.


    However, this wind, glittering with gold, stirred up instantly throughout the Inner City of the Imperial Capital, waking up all the aristocratic clan gates completely.


    Rumble...


    Thunder roared above the Sky Dome, and in no time, a torrential rain and fierce wind began to pour down. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.


    "Master, where shall we go next?" Xiao Chuanqi asked.


    He was well aware that once their master had killed the Zhang Family''s eldest grandson, what that would signify. It was tantamount to an outright declaration of war against the aristocratic clans of the Imperial Capital.


    What followed was likely to be a great battle.


    "To the Great General''s Mansion!" Ye Feng replied, his expression unchanging as he sat in the back seat.


    The car suddenly turned in a new direction, charging toward the General''s Mansion like a fierce beast in the darkness of the night.

 Chapter 318 I Like to Talk with My Fists

    As Ye Feng''s carriage made its way to the Great General''s Mansion, countless shadows swiftly surged in the dark night, darting in all directions. These were undoubtedly sentries, stationed by the major powers of the Imperial Capital to keep an eye on Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng was aware of them, but he chose to ignore them. What did covert tracking matter? This very night, he intended to let these so-called Aristocratic Clan Gates know of his actions.


    At the Zhang Family, a shadowy figure fell into the courtyard like a ghost and then shouted in a panic, "It''s bad, Patriarch, it''s terrible news¡ªYoung Master Yuan Cheng, he..."


    Before the words were finished, two figures dashed out from the main guest hall and stood under the eaves, barking coldly, "What is this panic about? Haven''t you been taught better? What kind of behavior is this, losing all decorum?"


    The Zhang Family of the Imperial Capital also occupied a vast estate in the Inner City, which in itself was enough to showcase the exceptional foundations of the Zhang Family.


    The heavy rain was torrential, stirring up layers of mist in the dark night. The black figure stood in the rainy night, head bowed, and reported, "To inform the Patriarch, Young Master Yuan Cheng... he has been killed!"


    "What did you say?" A middle-aged man clad in luxurious silk robes with thick eyebrows furrowed in anger and roared, "Yuan Cheng has been killed? How is that possible? Who would be so bold as to dare kill my son?"


    This was the Patriarch of the Zhang Family, Zhang Lihao, also the father of Zhang Yuancheng. He was a renowned figure in the business circles of the Imperial Capital. With the support of his own father''s power and influence, he had expanded his business to cover a vast portion of the Xuanyuan Nation.


    The man in black replied, "The one who killed Young Master Yuan Cheng was none other than the Northern Border King, Ye Feng!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Lihao''s body jolted as if electrocuted, and his face surfaced with fright and confusion, unable to speak for a long time.


    An elderly steward spoke up, "What exactly happened? There was no reason, no cause. Why would that man from the Northern Border suddenly kill the Young Master?"


    The man in black replied, "This subordinate does not know!"


    As a Martial King and a shadow informant for the Zhang Family, this man was only responsible for stealthily monitoring Ye Feng and naturally was unaware of the incident from three days prior.


    "It''s no longer important. None of that matters now. Uncle Foo, you dispatch someone to bring back Yuan Cheng''s body. Additionally, go personally and call my father back!" Zhang Lihao said, clenching his fists tightly with each word.


    "Yes, Patriarch. However, Patriarch, now that this has happened, you must also take care of your health," Uncle Foo said.


    "Rest assured, I can take it. Even if he is the Heavenly Emperor Laozi himself, I will make him pay for killing my son. I had originally planned to scheme for a bit longer, waiting for the opportune moment to strike against that lad, but I never expected..."


    Almost no one in Xuanyuan Nation knew that the current Great General Duantian was actually the direct disciple of the Heaven Guard National Pillar. It was because of this relationship that the two families remained very close to this day. In fact, the descendants of the four great national pillars had intricate relations within the Imperial Capital''s General''s Mansion and Utility Pavilion.


    Without putting down the book in his hand or turning around, Duantian simply asked, "He has returned, so you are worried?"


    Sky-piercing couldn''t help but smile slightly, which strangely had a touch of feminine enchanting charm, quite at odds with his name. He replied indifferently, "Ever since I could walk, the elders of the clan have been devoted to training and teaching me martial arts. At the age of six, I was sent to my master, and at sixteen, I entered ''that place,'' not emerging until now..."


    He paused for a moment, looking up at Duantian, and asked word by word, "Foster Father, do you understand what this means?"


    Duantian casually asked, "What does it mean?"


    Sky-piercing laughed and said, "This means that in the vast Xuanyuan Nation, aside from the two from the Utility Pavilion who might make me slightly wary, there is no one else whom I fear."


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    Only then did Duantian slowly turn his head and put down the book in his hand. Of course, he knew whom his foster son was referring to as the two from the Utility Pavilion, the current two Grand Elders.


    What an audacious claim.


    "Looking at this generation, there are a few notable talents. The one from the Northern Border is one, another is Zhang Wenyuan, the direct disciple of the Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming from the Utility Pavilion, and there''s also a direct disciple of the Sixth Sect Leader, a very secretive individual, whose exact background even I am unaware of," Great General Duantian said leisurely.


    Sky-piercing smiled slightly and asked in return, "Foster Father, don''t you think I count as one?"


    Duantian did not answer directly but said, "Of course, I hope you count as one, but my word alone is not enough; facts must speak for themselves. More precisely, fists must do the talking. You understand what I mean?"


    Sky-piercing couldn''t help but laugh, "I like to speak with my fists!"


    Duantian nodded approvingly. Honestly speaking, since his foster son was accepted by that person, he was not worried at all. His only concern was, if Sky-piercing were to defeat Ye Feng, what would be the attitude of the Utility Pavilion?


    Just at that moment, someone outside suddenly reported, "Great General, Ye Feng from the Northern Border requests an audience!"


    "Why has he come?" Great General Duantian immediately stood up.

 Chapter 319: I Can Cut You Down Right Now

    Duan Tian¡¯s expression was constantly changing. Although his relationship with the Northern King had not broken down and become openly hostile, it was also far from friendly. Moreover, with the addition of Sky-piercing, the relationship between the two had undoubtedly become tense.


    At such a critical juncture, the Northern King suddenly seeking him out made it all somewhat puzzling.


    "Did he mention any business?" Duan Tian asked the guard outside in a loud voice.


    "He did not!" the guard answered. After thinking for a moment, he added, "Since the Great General has a distinguished guest, might we refuse the visit?"


    "No need, tell him to please wait in the main hall!" Duan Tian immediately responded.


    After all, if he refused to see the Northern Border King who had come to visit, it would make him, the Great General, seem petty and small-minded.


    Sky-piercing now stood up as well, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Foster Father, do you think the Northern King is here for me?"


    Duan Tian furrowed his brows and then shook his head slightly: "It doesn¡¯t seem like it."


    Having said this, he closed his mouth, although there was a second half to his thoughts he did not voice¡ªwhich was that the Northern King, in all his stature, wouldn¡¯t bother to come for someone insignificant like you.


    While Duan Tian acknowledged that Sky-piercing was no ordinary individual, until tonight, he was still relatively unknown. Neither the generals from the Utility Pavilion nor those from the General¡¯s Mansion were fully aware of Sky-piercing¡¯s Direct Lineage status.


    "Then, Foster Father, should I avoid the meeting?" Sky-piercing inquired.


    "What do you think?" Duan Tian threw the question back at him.


    Sky-piercing smiled slightly, then said, "I¡¯ve long wanted to meet this legendary Northern King. It¡¯s said that recently in the Northern Border, he even declared that if the Great General failed to act, he would take his place. I am quite curious to see if he¡¯s as formidable as the legends suggest!"


    After saying this, Sky-piercing walked out. What he didn¡¯t say was that if he were to leave now, wouldn¡¯t it appear as though he feared the Northern Border King? Engaging in actions that would diminish his own spirit was something he would never do.


    Duan Tian did not speak, and his silence was tantamount to consent. The two of them walked out of the study, through an exquisitely crafted corridor, and turned toward the front main hall.


    At that moment, Ye Feng, leading Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming, was walking through the pavilions and towers to enter.


    "I was unaware of the Northern King¡¯s honorable visit and failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive my rudeness!" Duan Tian, carrying himself with a commanding presence, strode forward with a face full of warmth.


    Of course, this was merely lip service. If their relationship were truly intimate and friendly, and in consideration of the Northern King¡¯s status, Duan Tian as the Great General would have been expected to personally welcome him at the door rather than merely offering verbal courtesies.


    Despite this, Ye Feng was not the kind to point this out. With a smile on his face, he said, "Great General of Nation Guard is too courteous. I apologize for intruding uninvited in the late hours, please don¡¯t take offense."


    "Not at all, please come in!" Duan Tian said, stepping aside to usher them into the main hall, then everyone took their seats according to status and seniority.


    At that moment, Sky-piercing coldly interjected with a laugh, "The Northern King indeed has a grand manner, but let¡¯s not forget, this is the imperial capital, not your Northern Border!"


    Ye Feng abruptly looked up, staring at Sky-piercing, and slowly said, "I am conversing with the Great General. It is audacious for anyone else to speak. If it were not for the Heaven Guard National Pillar¡¯s past great services to Xuanyuan Nation, I would behead you right now!"


    Sky-piercing¡¯s face suddenly darkened, and he clenched his fists so tight that the force even caused a bursting sound to emanate from his palms.


    Worried that the situation was turning sour, Duan Tian quickly stood up and said, "Since the Northern King is so forthright, I will also ask you a question. To deal with these families, are you planning to use your status as the Northern King or as a private individual?"


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    Ye Feng replied with a cold laugh, "If I were to use the status of the Northern King, I wouldn¡¯t have come here tonight. By now, the army from the Northern Border, a million strong, would already be assembled outside the capital!"


    Since he was talking to the Great General of Nation Guard, Ye Feng changed his tone, softening it, "Our statuses are, after all, extraordinary, and personal grudges are just that, personal. If I were to use the pretense of national hatred, I would be undeserving of the title Northern King."


    Duan Tian nodded in response, "The Northern King is magnanimous. Given this, I can promise you that I will not act out of national hatred, but since these families have old connections with me, I can¡¯t completely disregard this affair. You understand what I mean, Northern King?"


    Ye Feng did not respond, but turned around and walked away. He had conveyed his message; it was a show of courtesy before force. As for how the other party would respond and to what extent was no longer his concern, and frankly, he was indifferent to it.


    In the rainy night, Ye Feng and his entourage arrived swiftly and departed just as quickly. It wasn¡¯t until Ye Feng completely disappeared from view that Duan Tian finally regained his composure, turned, and asked, "What do you think of the Northern King, who is currently as illustrious as the midday sun in Xuanyuan Nation?"


    Sky-piercing spoke gravely, "Not bad, indeed an air of unmatched dominance. He even dares to speak his mind directly to the current Great General. It¡¯s becoming interesting, I suddenly find it quite interesting."


    "Interesting?" Duan Tian frowned.


    Sky-piercing coldly articulated word by word, "Because, only a person like this is qualified to be my opponent. Otherwise, it would be utterly pointless."


    Duan Tian laughed, giving a silent nod of approval. He was already old and his ambition was no longer, so naturally, he thought of fostering a successor. Clearly, the man before him was the ideal candidate.


    Sky-piercing then asked, "Foster Father, what do you plan to do next? Are you going to lay all your cards on the table with the Northern Border once and for all?"


    Duan Tian waved his hand, "No, it¡¯s not the time yet. Since just now both sides have made their stance clear and it¡¯s a matter of personal enmity, not of national hatred, then I can¡¯t make a move, nor can you."


    "What, is it not my time either? I was actually looking forward to taking this opportunity to test how capable he really is," Sky-piercing said teasingly.


    "No need to be hasty, the time isn¡¯t right yet. This is a good chance to see his hand. Once I plan and arrange everything again, you can take action and ascend with even more legitimacy," Duan Tian advised.


    Duan Tian let out a cold scoff and then added, "While I can¡¯t intervene directly in this matter, I still need to make some moves. If it can be resolved smoothly, all the better. If not, at the very least he¡¯ll end up with a broken arm or leg."


    As he spoke these words, Duan Tian¡¯s expression grew stern, his eyes even filled with frost.

 Chapter 320 Waiting for Someone!

    After leaving the Great General¡¯s Mansion, Xiao Chuanqi, who was seated in the passenger seat, couldn¡¯t help but say, "Your Majesty, based on the current situation, it¡¯s already obvious that the assault on you in the Capital Region a year ago was very likely related to the shadow of someone from the General¡¯s Mansion."


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t speak; he had suspected as much long ago, but what of it? Knowing didn¡¯t change anything, and knowledge alone couldn¡¯t solve anything.


    For instance, regarding his visit tonight, all he could do was just this much; just as he had told the other party, national hatred was national hatred, and family hatred was family hatred, the two absolutely shouldn¡¯t be conflated. This was something that the Great General understood even better than himself.


    After all, the identities of both parties were very special. If they truly treated each other with national enmity, then it would not only be the Capital City that was thrown into chaos but possibly the entire Xuanyuan Nation as well.


    Duan Tian understood this better than anyone, which was why both parties had restrained themselves earlier, resulting finally in an agreement to treat the issue as family hatred.


    This ultimately limited the scope and circumstances of their confrontation, keeping it within a certain and controllable range.


    "Your Majesty, where shall we go next?" Xiao Chuanqi inquired, not skilled in such smokeless battles of wits.


    "Originally I needed to make a trip to the Utility Pavilion, but that should be unnecessary now. I believe they have already arrived at Northern Cloud Residence. Let¡¯s go back first; moreover, there are some matters that still require final confirmation," Ye Feng answered, slowly closing his eyes.


    The rain was getting heavier, enveloping the entire Capital City in a relentless downpour. Beneath the rage of the rain, the ancient city was also stirring with an undercurrent of activity. The Inner City Zhang Family estate was brightly lit at the moment, filled with a dense crowd of people in the courtyard.


    Despite the heavy rain, these people all stood as though they were javelins, each of them emanating a sharp aura, their presence extremely powerful. All were Great Grandmasters, as many as thirty in total.


    In addition, standing inside the grand hall of the Zhang Family were eight Martial Kings and two Divine Path Realm powerhouses. The highest authority in the Zhang Family, the Vice Director of the Heaven Governance Division, had returned to the clan and now sat silent in the principal seat.


    This was a thin old man with piercing hawk-like eyes, which revealed a sinister gleam amid their sharpness.


    "Have all the best fighters in the clan assembled?" Patriarch Zhang asked suddenly in a cold voice.


    "Father, two Divine Path experts, eight Martial Kings, and thirty Great Grandmasters have all been taken care of, and additionally, three of the clan¡¯s Supreme Elders are also ready to emerge from seclusion," the head of the family, Zhang Lihao, spoke from the side.


    Patriarch Zhang then asked, "What about the other families?"


    Zhang Lihao replied, "The Lu Liangzhong and several other families have also finished assembling. They are ready to take action at any moment, just awaiting Father¡¯s command."


    Patriarch Zhang said coldly, "We can¡¯t act now. With this level of strength, we are still not enough to contend with that one at the Northern Border. We have to wait for one more person."


    Zhang Lihao couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Wait for one more person, wait for who?"


    Patriarch Zhang didn¡¯t answer but coldly said, "You¡¯ll know when that person arrives."


    At this moment, Ye Feng had already made his way back to the Northern Cloud Residence amidst the rain, and just as he expected, guests had arrived¡ªquite a few of them. They were no other than Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong from the Utility Pavilion, Boss Cao Yi from the Punishment Heaven Department, and this guy Zhang Wenyuan, which was somewhat surprising to Ye Feng.


    Even though this was a jest, everyone could hear that there was an implied message in Ye Feng¡¯s words: If he failed, it would undoubtedly mean he would be stripped of his position as the Northern King, and possibly even the power that the Second Sect Leader controlled in the Capital City would be purged.


    The Second Sect Leader¡¯s direct disciple, the Old Northern King Ning Wuya, was already dead. Of course, Ye Feng could now be considered the inheritor of his power. In such a power struggle, it often resulted in mutual glory or mutual downfall.


    Conversely, if Ye Feng won this time, not only would his opponent¡¯s forces suffer greatly, but it would also mean that Ye Feng¡¯s status as the Great General would be solidified. That¡¯s why Boss Cao Yi said it was a high-stakes gamble.


    Shi Yehong clearly understood this, so he could not help but worry while also feeling excited, because this was the confrontation that would determine whether Ye Feng could firmly establish himself in the Capital City.


    "I¡¯ve only brought two people!" After Shi Yehong finished speaking, he waved his hand, and in an instant, two dark shadows swept from a dim corner to the forefront.


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t help but sharpen. Just now, he hadn¡¯t even noticed these two people hiding in the corners of the main hall; this was enough to show that the two people Shi Yehong had brought were far more formidable than those brought by Boss Cao Yi, their strength unfathomable.


    "Much obliged!" Ye Feng nodded to the two grey-clad elders. These individuals were not only Divine Path Realm experts but might even have reached the level of the Divine Communication Realm.


    Shi Yehong asked, "Have you picked a location? Do you plan to do it here?"


    "Of course not here. If I stay here, they probably won¡¯t have the courage to come to my door!" Ye Feng said with a slight smile, then stood up and walked out.


    Zhang Wenyuan immediately got up to follow closely behind, and Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming also hurried to keep up. Boss Cao did not move, but the people he brought followed Ye Feng out, while the two Divine Path Divine Communication Realm masters that Shi Yehong brought had already vanished, evidently hiding and following in secret.


    Just as Ye Feng reached the door, the voice of Long Nannan suddenly burst from the side hall corridor.


    "Little Martial Uncle, I heard you¡¯re preparing for a big event¡ªit sounds so fun, how can you not include me!" Long Nannan trotted over, holding a lollipop in her hand.


    Ye Feng said without good humor, "Why follow in such heavy rain."


    Long Nannan retorted without hesitation, "I don¡¯t care. As long as there¡¯s fun to be had, I want to participate." With that, she dashed into the rain, pulled open a car door, and sat down inside.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng could only shake his head and let it go. Although others might not know, he was well aware that Long Nannan, seemingly harmless on the surface, might actually be stronger than even the two powerful experts brought by Shi Yehong.


    Of course, Ye Feng had never considered asking Long Nannan to lend a hand. In his eyes, she was still a child. Since she was a child, she should enjoy the innocent life that children deserve.


    "It¡¯s such a big event, and you didn¡¯t even tell me, Master; you¡¯re really not cool," suddenly Yu Feiyu emerged from the corridor, followed by nine Martial Kings and two Divine Path Realm experts.


    This was undoubtedly a powerful display, possible only for the apple of Valley of the Medicine God¡¯s eye.


    Ye Feng felt somewhat moved in his heart. When faced with trouble and difficulties, Yu Feiyu, Zhang Wenyuan, Cao Yi, and the others stepped forward to help without a second word¡ªtrue friendship is seen in times of trouble, it seemed.


    Thus, he did not send Yu Feiyu away because he knew that even if he tried to persuade her, the apple of the Valley of the Medicine God would not listen. Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Let¡¯s go, to Heartbreak Cliff!"


    Heartbreak Cliff, a place where hearts are broken, but tonight, it might not be just hearts that are broken, but lives!

 Chapter 321 He’s Finally Here!

    Heartbreak Cliff isn¡¯t actually a cliff but rather a desolate area adjacent to barren hills beyond the public cemetery. Located on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital, it used to be a chaotic burial mound years ago. With the heavy rain pouring down and it being deep into the night, one wouldn¡¯t expect to see a soul here, let alone a ghost shadow.


    Suddenly, a string of vehicles roared along the mountain road, one after another, and eventually stopped at a rocky area at the foot of the desolate hills.


    The vehicles formed a line, but no one alighted, as they were all waiting for Ye Feng, sitting in the central black domestic car to get out ¡ª it was clear they were waiting for someone.


    Ye Feng was seated in the back seat. Long Nannan originally wanted to sit at the back as well, but was sent by him to join Yu Feiyu instead.


    Suddenly, a black shadow flashed by and silently appeared in the passenger seat.


    She was dressed in black, her face covered with a black veil, and even her entire body emitted a faint black mist, obscuring her true appearance.


    In fact, up until now, Ye Feng had no idea what the Shadow looked like, and he never inquired, after all, everyone has their secrets.


    Xiao Chuanqi, in the driver¡¯s seat, was curious. He had long heard that the Northern Border Hidden Army Commander was an extraordinary woman, but he had never seen or even met her. However, he didn¡¯t look back, and instead got out of the car and walked away.


    The Shadow spoke directly, "My lord, just as you predicted, under your ¡¯luring the snake out of its hole¡¯ strategy, Master Bu that serpent was finally drawn out. After injuring the snake, we intentionally did not kill it but let it go instead."


    Ye Feng asked, "Where did the snake end up going?"


    A wounded snake seeking to escape would naturally seek out what it considers a safe haven, which was precisely what Ye Feng wanted to find out; he needed to confirm who was pulling Master Bu¡¯s strings from behind.


    The Shadow unusually joked, "I presume, my Lord, you must have guessed that the snake would flee to the Great General¡¯s Mansion, am I right?"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and asked, "Is it not so?"


    The Shadow let out a rare chuckle, a sound as pleasant as pear blossoms blooming, refreshing to the ear, akin to an ethereal echo, and said, "It went to a seemingly abandoned mansion outside the city."


    Ye Feng grew even more curious, "An abandoned mansion outside the city? Whose mansion is it?"


    "Ghost Mansion," replied the Shadow, then remained silent, knowing that her master must already understand.


    That was already a very formidable force. The major families understood that ever since their involvement in the ambush at the Capital Region a year ago, this clash today was inevitable. The death of Zhang Yuan Cheng, the eldest grandson of the Zhang Family, was merely a catalyst that hastened the battle.


    Suddenly, a black stretch car slowly entered the Zhang Family Residence. Patriarch Zhang stood up upon seeing this, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.


    "He has finally arrived!"


    The visitor was dressed in black, his face also covered with a black cloth, rendering his true appearance indecipherable. Yet his tall and robust frame exuded an indescribable dominance.


    "You¡¯ve finally arrived," Patriarch Zhang personally went to greet him, his attitude carrying a hint of humble reverence.


    The other high-ranking members of the major families grew curious upon seeing this, wondering who the visitor was to command such deferential respect from Patriarch Zhang, even though he was the Deputy Director of the Heaven Governance Division.


    The visitor stood in the rainy night, not entering the Zhang Family¡¯s great hall. The rain poured down on him, but it was repelled by an invisible barrier around him.


    He suddenly gestured and said, "I will not take action this time, nor can I. However, I have brought you all the strength I could muster!"


    Patriarch Zhang nodded and said, "Your special identity aside, with just your nod of approval, we will surely be victorious this time."


    The visitor¡¯s face was expressionless, his eyes incredibly sharp and cold, as he said, "Ten Divine Path Realm warriors, thirty Martial Kings, is that enough?"


    "It¡¯s enough. With ten Divine Path Realm warriors joining us, we are bound to win this battle!" Patriarch Zhang nodded.


    "Then let us depart. I await your triumphant return. After tonight, if you can return, the Zhang Family¡¯s position in the Imperial Capital will be unshakable!" Having said that, the man in black dove into the car and left.


    "After tonight, the Zhang Family will rise as the new power in the Imperial Capital. Entering the Utility Pavilion in the future is within our grasp. Ye, you dared to kill my eldest grandson. The ambush a year ago failed to eliminate you, but tonight will be your end!"


    After speaking, Patriarch Zhang waved a Great Hand, then got into his own car. The others followed suit and got into their vehicles, while the Divine Path Realm experts naturally did not take cars, disappearing into the night with a flicker of their forms.


    "Heartbreak Cliff, it¡¯s indeed a fitting place. Tonight, it shall be your burial ground, Northern King!"


    Thinking this, the high-ranking members of the major Aristocratic Clan families, including the Zhang Family, watched as a dozen cars roared out of the Outer City, whistling toward Heartbreak Cliff in the outskirts.

 Chapter 322: The Most Trusted Friend, Betrayal!

    The rain became heavier and heavier, enveloping Heartbreak Cliff and the surrounding wilderness in a dense mist. Suddenly, a line of cars slithered along the mountain road like a snake.


    "Your Majesty, they have arrived!" Xiao Chuanqi moved directly outside of the car and said.


    "Get out!" Ye Feng pushed the car door open, and in an instant, everyone got out of their vehicles. The pouring rain hit everyone¡¯s bodies, but, wrapped in their Qi Force, the water didn¡¯t even dampen their clothes.


    After all, even the weakest among those gathered here tonight were at the Grandmaster Level, and a Grandmaster can project Qi Force from their body. However, these Grandmasters didn¡¯t dare to use too much of their Qi Force carelessly since an intense battle was looming.


    Ye Feng stood on a high ground, looking from afar as car after car roared towards them. Around him stood six mighty warriors of the Divine Path Realm. Some of them were sponsored by Boss Cao and his four associates, others were privately funded by Shi Yehong,


    and then there were the experts brought by the young girl Yu Feiyu. In total, there were over thirty Martial Kings, and a significant number of Grandmasters as well.


    But in a blink of an eye, the approaching cars had already reached their feet, and everyone began stepping out of the vehicles.


    A dark mass emerged, the Zhang Family had brought over three hundred people this time, mostly Grandmasters. There were over sixty Martial Kings and, shockingly, even ten warriors of the Divine Path Realm.


    In terms of both sheer numbers and the high-end combat power of Martial Kings and Divine Path Realm warriors, the Zhang Family¡¯s side held a clear advantage. It was to be expected. The Zhang Family Patriarch was also the deputy director of the Heaven Governance Division, and the Great General¡¯s Mansion had covertly sent many warriors. There were even a few Sect Leaders from the Utility Pavilion.


    With these forces combined, the number of powerful allies was naturally substantial. This was the reason the Zhang Family dared to come tonight¡ªthey had the confidence. In fact, Zhang Yuancheng of the Zhang Family had once dared to openly humiliate Hong Qingyan, precisely because the Zhang Family had such powerful support.


    "You finally arrived," Ye Feng spoke indifferently.


    The Zhang Family Patriarch slowly stepped forward, followed by twelve Divine Path Realm warriors, radiating an incredibly fierce aura.


    "You killed my grandson, you dared to kill my grandson, how audacious of you!" the Zhang Family Patriarch bellowed angrily.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh. "We are all adults here, so let¡¯s spare ourselves the pointless talk, shall we?" he said with a chuckle.


    To his surprise, the Zhang Family Patriarch nodded, "True, our grievances began a year ago. People said you¡¯re a sensible man who would just show face in the Capital Region and then leave. Who would have thought you¡¯d dare stir up trouble here, in a place like the Capital Region?"


    "Even worse, you¡¯re thinking of staying in the Capital Region indefinitely, and most fatally, you¡¯re coveting ¡¯that¡¯ position. This seals your fate ¨C under no circumstances can the Capital Region tolerate your presence!"


    The Divine Path Realm powerhouses on Ye Feng¡¯s side also stepped forward to meet the assault, and the top combatants from both sides instantly clashed in a fierce battle, with the Zhang Family quickly gaining the upper hand.


    "Ye Feng, look around and see, what you so-called rely upon is nothing but a joke in our eyes. Once we¡¯ve dealt with them, your time to die will come!" the Zhang Family Patriarch said, his face twisted with cruelty and his body surging with killing intent.


    "Is that so? It looks like this must be all you¡¯re relying on, then. In that case, let me show you my true strength!"


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    With a cold shout from Tang Feng, he suddenly waved his Great Hand, and instantly thirty shadows broke through the earth and soared into the sky.


    Though these thirty shadows only had the cultivation of the Peak Martial King Realm, they were enveloped in raging flames, and each one had conjured a strange set of battle armor. Even more terrifying was that they formed a Great Formation together.


    The thirty Martial Kings joined to create a formidable battle formation. The moment they joined the fight, they immediately formed an overwhelming advantage. The Great Grandmasters on the Zhang Family¡¯s side were hardly worth mentioning; they were being cut down as if slicing through tofu. Even the Martial Kings had no choice but to be harvested.


    Two Divine Path Realm powerhouses from the Zhang Family let out a cold shout and charged into the fray, trying to break the Great Formation. Yet they were soon caught, like a bull trapped in the sea, unable to extricate themselves.


    Then, two more Divine Path Realm powerhouses rushed in, but the outcome was the same. The formation formed by these thirty was simply too strong, and their movement techniques were unexpectedly agile, so much so that even Divine Path Realm powerhouses couldn¡¯t keep up.


    "Supernatural Ability Users, these are Supernatural Ability Users! All thirty Martial Kings are actually Supernatural Ability Users!" someone from the Zhang Family suddenly screamed in alarm.


    "Not good, Patriarch, if it goes on like this, all our people are destined to die here tonight!" the Lu Family Patriarch said, losing his composure.


    "Damn it, how could this happen? Didn¡¯t we already investigate our opponent¡¯s details before coming here? What about the Caos and that Zhang Wenyuan? And Shi Yehong, as well as the Divine Doctor Sect, what¡¯s the deal with these thirty Supernatural Ability Users?" the Zhang Family Patriarch couldn¡¯t help panicking.


    Standing beside Ye Feng all this while, Zhang Wenyuan, who had not made a move, couldn¡¯t help but say, "Ye Feng, you really hid your strength quite well. I thought I knew you well enough, but now..."


    Ye Feng just smiled noncommittally and said, "Not bad, one must always have some cards up their sleeve, don¡¯t you think?"


    Zhang Wenyuan didn¡¯t respond, but suddenly made his move. Surprisingly, his target was Ye Feng himself.


    This was the second time Ye Feng had experienced betrayal, the betrayal of his most trusted friend!

 Chapter 323: Technique of Fivefold Reincarnation

    Zhang Wen Yuan was the direct disciple of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming of the Utility Pavilion. Although he publicly appeared to have cultivation at the peak of the Martial King Realm, only a few knew that this was due to the special nature of his cultivation technique.


    The Cultivation Technique of Fivefold Reincarnation was very special, allowing practitioners to fall from their Divine Path Realm, but their strength did not diminish; on the contrary, it would accumulate over time.


    It involved Five Turns in total. Once one Cultivated to Great Perfection in all Five Turns, they would undoubtedly be a crushing presence among their peers, but each fall in realm would be extremely painful, something ordinary people could not endure.


    So far, Zhang Wen Yuan had only undergone the Second Turn and was currently striving for the Third Turn, yet his power had already reached unfathomable depths.


    Seeing Zhang Wen Yuan suddenly attack Ye Feng left everyone around them stunned.


    "My lord!" Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming, the three Great Army Commanders, cried out in alarm, almost rushing over immediately, but they were only at the Martial King Realm, both their speed and strength a great deal inferior to Zhang Wen Yuan¡¯s.


    Besides, Zhang Wen Yuan had attacked like a thunderclap; they obviously couldn¡¯t react in time.


    However, to everyone¡¯s surprise, Ye Feng remained unmoved as a mountain, standing there with his hands clasped behind his back like a javelin, and even the look he gave Zhang Wen Yuan couldn¡¯t help revealing a hint of mockery, with a trace of pity as well.


    Seeing Ye Feng¡¯s piercing gaze, Zhang Wen Yuan was startled. But as the saying goes, a shot arrow does not return. He threw a punch directly.


    He had absolute confidence that if this punch connected, even a mountain could be shattered, let alone Ye Feng¡¯s fleshly body.


    Yet it was at this moment when two black figures suddenly appeared in front of Ye Feng, throwing punches of their own.


    With a thunderous boom!


    Zhang Wen Yuan was directly sent flying by the powerful palm force, each step he staggered backward left deep footprints on the ground, evidencing the fierce and powerful nature of the strike.


    Eventually, Zhang Wen Yuan crashed heavily into the boulders behind him, shattering the rocks on impact, and he himself received a serious blow; he took a deep breath to suppress the surging energy within him.


    As his voice fell, two gray figures appeared out of thin air like ghosts. These two were brought by the Great General¡¯s Mansion, undoubtedly masters among masters, no less formidable than the Divine Ability Realm experts provided by Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong.


    "The Great General¡¯s Mansion has indeed interfered after all," Ye Feng sighed slightly upon seeing this.


    The Zhang Family Patriarch shouted coldly, "The two of you, please keep those two occupied. As for this Ye, Zhang Wenyuan, you deal with him. Make sure you kill him!"


    Zhang Wenyuan didn¡¯t say much upon hearing this. Although it was his grandfather giving the commands, honestly, he had no feelings for the Zhang Family. The only reason he agreed to take action was to repay a favor from the past.


    A favor owed for being raised, as long as he repaid this kindness today, he would have no further relation with the Zhang Family.


    "After today, I, Zhang Wenyuan, will have nothing to do with the Zhang Family!" Zhang Wenyuan abruptly made this statement, then began to walk towards Ye Feng step by step.


    Ye Feng looked at him and said, "Honestly, if you didn¡¯t have the last name Zhang, I think we could have become good friends."


    Zhang Wenyuan also said, "Indeed, sometimes you have to admit, a rival often makes the best friend because they understand you, even more so than a friend."


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t refute this statement; he merely exclaimed, "So it seems, tonight only one of us can leave alive?"


    Zhang Wenyuan said, "It¡¯s either your death or my demise!"


    Ye Feng nodded and calmly said, "Good, I¡¯ve wanted to have a real fight with you for a long time. Let me see tonight just how strong your so-called Technique of Fivefold Reincarnation is!"


    Zhang Wenyuan didn¡¯t speak again; his demeanor suddenly changed, and his aura climbed rapidly. In a blink, he had broken through from the Peak Martial King to the first Dao Enlightenment Realm of the Divine Path.


    Ye Feng¡¯s aura remained unchanged, still at the Martial King Level, but everyone knew that the power of the Northern Border King had long surpassed that of a Martial King, even an ordinary Divine Path Realm expert could not contend with him.


    Zhang Wenyuan raised his Great Hand, and a huge Hand Seal suddenly appeared in the high sky, pressing down on Ye Feng like thunderclap.

 Chapter 324: I Don’t Believe It, I Can’t Lose!

    The enormous Seal Formation carried a rolling pressure, and at this moment, the winds and clouds surged as faint flashes of lightning could be seen twinkling in between.


    At this moment, Ye Feng also made his move, soaring into the sky, his entire body¡¯s acupoints flowing dynamically, his Qi Force gushing forth. Then, with a punch, he shattered the Great Hand Seal.


    "How is this possible!" Zhang Wenyuan was shocked to the core at this sight.


    Although he did not deny that Ye Feng was strong, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have qualified as his opponent, he could never have imagined that someone within the Realm of the Martial King could be so powerful.


    "Divine Path Object, appear!" Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s gaze sharpened, and four silver-white Treasure Swords materialized around him, their brilliance dazzling, each emitting a forceful Cold Qi.


    The Sword Qi surged without wind, even bending the surrounding trees, its intense energy pelting the ground like a sandstorm, an aura so terrifying that perhaps even a Martial King couldn¡¯t come close.


    Ye Feng¡¯s body was then clad in a layer of Golden Armor, making him look immensely divine, like a War God descending, majestic and domineering.


    Since his fortunate disaster at Fallen Dragon Valley last time, he had now opened up a hundred and fifty acupoints, his Qi Force increased several times over, his Combat Power naturally incomparable to what it once was.


    "Go!" Zhang Wenyuan waved his hand, and the four Treasure Swords tore through the air, emitting a series of piercing screeches as they shot towards Ye Feng.


    "Shatter for me!" Ye Feng was fearless, the Cultivation Realm displayed by his opponent was merely the Spirit Division Realm, a level he wouldn¡¯t even consider a threat.


    Protected by the Golden Armor, Ye Feng could be said to be invulnerable to blades and spears, completely ignoring the Treasure Swords. With a punch, he unleashed a formidable Qi Force, creating a tornado-like dragon.


    The fierce dragon swept out and instantly sent the four Treasure Swords flying, two of them breaking upon landing while the other two showed fractures.


    Zhang Wenyuan was dumbstruck, and for a moment, he stood frozen in place, forced to admit that Ye Feng¡¯s displayed battle prowess far exceeded his expectations.


    "Just a Martial King, and yet... and yet so formidably powerful!"


    Zhang Wenyuan let out a cold snort and formed another Seal Formation, invoking the Second Turn of the Great Reincarnation Technique, in an instant his presence soared again, his Cultivation Level rising from Spirit Division Realm to Divine Communication Realm.


    Above the Martial King is the Divine Path, and the Divine Path Realm consists of five Minor Realms. The beginning is Dao Enlightenment, above Dao Enlightenment is the God Gathering Realm, above which is Spirit Division, and above Spirit Division is the Divine Ability Realm.


    With that, Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s hands began to form Seal Formations rapidly, and a resolute expression surged across his face, "I refuse to believe it. As a matchless genius, I shall not lose to you, nor will I allow myself to lose to you, even if it means death, I will not be defeated!"


    Upon witnessing this, the Zhang Family Patriarch couldn¡¯t help but exclaim in alarm, "Zhang Wenyuan, have you gone mad? You¡¯re actually trying to forcibly initiate your Third Turn. It¡¯s not ready yet. If you do this, it will cost you your life!"


    "What if it costs me my life? My life now belongs only to myself, no one has the right to interfere!" Zhang Wenyuan suddenly broke into a grisly grin, twisted with indescribable bitterness.


    Ye Feng frowned at this sight, instinctively wanting to stop the other, but he didn¡¯t move. He could not stop him, and more importantly, he had no reason to stop him.


    The Zhang Family Patriarch roared, "Zhao Gongming, how much longer will you watch? Do you want to see him die before your eyes?"


    After uttering those words, the Zhang Family Patriarch collapsed weakly to his knees on the ground, knowing all too well that by speaking out, he had sealed the Zhang Family¡¯s complete doom.


    If Zhao Gongming intervened, Zhang Wenyuan might be saved, but the Zhang Family would be beyond any hope of rescue.


    On the other side, Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s body turned bright red as if set aflame, emitting heart-wrenching screams of agony.


    Just then, a Great Hand came out of nowhere, grabbing Zhang Wenyuan. With just a gentle press, Zhang Wenyuan deflated like a balloon, utterly collapsed.


    Afterward, the Great Hand, along with Zhang Wenyuan, disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    Ye Feng did not try to stop it, knowing who the owner of that Great Hand was. He also understood that while Zhang Wenyuan helped the Zhang Family, there was no life-and-death feud between the two.


    "Fight!" With Zhang Wenyuan no longer there to aid them, the Zhang Family undeniably lost a top expert of the Divine Communication Realm. Ye Feng joined the fray directly, quickly tipping the scales one-sidedly, as one Zhang Family expert after another fell in the rainy night.


    Blood mixed with the rainwater, flowing freely down, even staining much of Heartbreak River red.


    Heartbreak Cliff might not literally break one¡¯s intestines, but it certainly could cause one¡¯s death, and indeed, it was the lives of the Zhang Family members that were severed this moment, their elite fighters all buried at Heartbreak Cliff.


    After this night, the Aristocratic Clan Gate of the Zhang Family would vanish from the capital, and the situation in the capital would undergo an earth-shattering change.


    Originally, the Noble Clans of the capital saw the man from the Northern Border as a barbarian. To be frank, everyone looked down on Ye Feng, considering him more of a nouveau riche. Even though he strutted around the capital, everyone scorned him in disdain while feeling indignant.


    But after this night, the ancient Noble Clans of the capital were forced to recognize and even revere this ruler from the Northern Border!

 Chapter 325 This Time the Big Deal Has Come

    Ye Feng won the battle but felt little joy in his heart because a contest of this level was not even on the same plane of comparison. His true enemies were actually still lurking behind the scenes.


    Moreover, the betrayal of Zhang Wenyuan made him quite uncomfortable. To be fair, Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s actions couldn¡¯t really be called betrayal since he was neither a subordinate nor a friend.


    Realizing this, Ye Feng¡¯s mood brightened somewhat. If a person couldn¡¯t even be counted as a friend, why bother keeping him in mind?


    With the end of the great battle, the rain finally began to ease. None of the people brought by the Zhang Family survived the ordeal at Heartbreak Cliff, including the two Divine Ability Realm powerhouses from the Great General¡¯s Mansion.


    Ye Feng stood on the high ground, hands clasped behind his back, calmly observing everything. Over the years, he had grown accustomed to such scenes.


    "Lord, we have not failed you. Not a single enemy has escaped!" Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and the other three legion commanders reported back after the clean-up. As for Ye Feng¡¯s thirty-plus Supernatural Ability Users, they had already left earlier.


    These thirty-plus Martial King Peak Realm Supernatural Ability Users were, in fact, Ye Feng¡¯s trump card, a secret force already assembled secretly during the lifetime of the Old Northern King.


    These Ability Users had a low Cultivation Realm at the time and it was Ye Feng who later raised their level. However, now that they had been revealed, they could no longer be considered a secret force.


    "Let¡¯s go back," Ye Feng ordered and stepped forward. But just as he bent down to get into the car, he cast a meaningful glance at the big mountain to the west. He knew there had always been someone watching from the shadows.


    He had thought that those hiding in the darkness would seize the chance to strike, and Ye Feng was prepared to counter-attack, but it seemed now he might have overestimated them.


    One by one, the vehicles roared off, arriving fast and leaving just as quickly. In the blink of an eye, Heartbreak Cliff was quiet once more. As for cleaning up the battlefield¡¯s corpses, Ye Feng would not do it himself, knowing that people from the Great General would certainly take care of it.


    Just as Ye Feng drove away, on the peak of Great Battle Peak to the west, three figures stood. One of them spoke in a deep voice, "Just now, why didn¡¯t we make our move and kill that Ye surname kid?"


    "This Ye surname kid, though only at the Realm of the Martial King, has shown strength comparable to that of Divine Ability Realm powerhouses. With such talent and potential, if we don¡¯t eliminate him, he will surely become a serious problem in the future!" Stay connected with novelhall.Co?m


    The Old Taoist continued, "The intention of the Nine Great Sects is that the Martial Dao Academy is about the future direction of the luck of the Martial Dao, and it may even shake our foundation in the future. Therefore, we cannot ignore this Martial Dao Academy; we must intervene!"


    "Intervene, how?" the strong one from the Heaven Poison Sect asked.


    "It is said that the Martial Alliance was founded by that young fellow, Northern King Ye Feng. By now, branches of the Martial Alliance have already been established in most areas of Xuanyuan Nation. The Martial Dao Academy is likely to be built upon the existing foundation of the Martial Alliance. So, no matter what, it will not bypass that young fellow Ye Feng!" the Old Taoist said.


    "It¡¯s that Ye surname kid again, how is it that he is involved in everything? No wonder the Nine Great Sects are so eager to completely wipe this kid out!" the strong one from the Heaven Poison Sect grumbled indignantly.


    "Currently, at the Tianyong Pavilion and the Great General¡¯s Mansion, the decision on who will lead the organizing team of the Martial Dao Academy and who will be the president has not been finalized.


    While there are many supporting Northern King Ye Feng to be elected as the president at the Tianyong Pavilion side, there are also numerous opposing voices, especially the Great General¡¯s Mansion, which is vehemently against it!"


    "Very well, with this turmoil, the Great General¡¯s Mansion has indeed taken an opposing stance against this Ye surname kid!"


    The strong ones of the Three Great Sects still could not reason it out, so they said, "This matter is of great significance, and the Martial Academy involves various aspects. It may even change the future direction of Xuanyuan Nation, so this is not something we can decide. For now, let¡¯s wait and see what the Elder Seat of the Nine Great Sects thinks."


    After they finished speaking, their figures suddenly vanished into the darkness of the mountain top¡¯s night.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had taken advantage of the night to return to Northern Cloud Residence. Unexpectedly, he found that Boss Cao Yi and Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong had not left yet, and moreover, they had stayed up all night.


    "It¡¯s just dealing with a few minor thieves not worth the fuss. Look at how nervous you all are, staying up all night. Was that really necessary?" Ye Feng approached, smiling involuntarily.


    Boss Cao Yi said, "The Zhang Family is nothing but a jumping clown, not worth mentioning. We weren¡¯t too worried about that. The reason we stayed up all night was naturally due to other matters. Ye Feng, big business has come your way this time."


    Upon hearing Boss Cao¡¯s words, Ye Feng¡¯s brows furrowed. A matter that could make Boss Cao and the Second Sect Leader take such a serious stance was certainly unusual.

 Chapter 326: The Grand Martial Dao Conference

    Despite it being late at night, the lights in the meeting hall of Northern Cloud Residence were still bright, but there were not many people, just three of them.


    Ye Feng sat in the seat of honor, with Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and Punishment Heaven Department¡¯s Boss Cao Yi sitting below him.


    "Let¡¯s all talk, what big event happened again in the imperial capital?" Ye Feng picked up his teacup and asked, his mood exceptionally good because the hatred from a year ago had finally been avenged.


    Although the masterminds behind the scenes were still at large, at least those underlings had been thoroughly eradicated. Ye Feng knew that to move against those few masterminds, unless they really could not sit still and jumped out themselves, it would be difficult for him to take direct action.


    After all, the relationships of those few behind-the-scenes masterminds were extraordinary, pulling one hair would affect the whole body.


    If he were to really move against them, then Xuanyuan Nation might become unstable as a result, not only would people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts make a move, but even the Snow Country from the north and vampires from the west would mobilize.


    In addition, there was the small island country of Fusang to the east. Although the country was small, it claimed to be the orthodox holy land of Martial Dao and even many samurais presumptuously stated that the Martial Dao of Xuanyuan Nation was actually inherited from their Sword Saint Palace.


    Especially in the past two hundred years, the hatred between Xuanyuan Nation and Fusang Kingdom had been escalating. Only because of Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s increasing power, and its Martial Dao flourishing daily, did Fusang somewhat restrain itself. But those from Sword Saint Palace and the Longma Family still harbored sinister intentions.


    "This time, I¡¯m afraid it concerns not just the imperial capital, but the entire Xuanyuan Nation, and even the whole lineage of Ancient Martial Arts. This is about the luck of Martial Dao!" Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong spoke slowly.


    Ye Feng, being extremely shrewd, frowned slightly and immediately understood, asking, "Does Second Sect Leader mean the Martial Alliance?"


    The Second Sect Leader smiled and said, "It can no longer be described as the Martial Alliance. The Martial Alliance is more like a loose organization."


    "Are you saying that Utility Pavilion has already agreed to reorganize the Martial Alliance into Martial Dao Academy? And agreed to promote it nationwide?" Ye Feng¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Indeed, three years ago, he had proposed this to the authorities in the imperial capital. However, at that time, the imperial authorities rejected his proposal with the excuse that martial artists should not use martial arts to break the law. So, out of helplessness, Ye Feng had no choice but to use his own influence to continuously promote the Martial Alliance.


    Boss Cao Yi was also sitting upright, speaking seriously, "The Martial Academy, the Martial Dao Academy, once promoted nationwide, will be of great significance. It will be akin to making education universally compulsory. By then, everyone will study martial arts, and Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s Martial Dao luck will surely prosper."


    Shi Yehong gave him a look and said, "You, Boss Cao, control the Punishment Heaven Department with means that reach the sky, how could you not know?"


    Boss Cao stopped talking. In all honesty, he really didn¡¯t know. Although the Punishment Heaven Department held significant power in Xuanyuan Nation, it had never been able to enter the Utility Pavilion, and his influence had never made it in, which was his sore point.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but sneer, "The Martial Alliance is the result of many years of my hard work. To think they want to take it for renovation without offering compensation, do they really think I¡¯m that easy to fool?"


    Boss Cao Yi also nodded and said, "Not to mention a chancellor, they won¡¯t even agree to a vice chancellor. The Utility Pavilion is being too...you know what I mean. Even I can¡¯t stand to watch this!"


    Shi Yehong could only smile wryly and said, "Truthfully, Ye Feng, you have been in the limelight too much recently, especially with your performance in the capital. As the saying goes, ¡¯the tallest tree catches the most wind.¡¯ You have already aroused many suspicions. It¡¯s natural for some to want to suppress you."


    "They want to suppress me? They¡¯ll have to see if they have the ability to do so!"


    Ye Feng stood up and said word by word, "Go back and tell the Utility Pavilion, they can¡¯t take my Martial Alliance for nothing!"


    Shi Yehong said, "Don¡¯t be in a hurry to make a statement. Although the Utility Pavilion vetoed you as vice chancellor, they have offered another bargaining chip. For example, the Martial Academy will establish eight Chief Instructor positions, and you could have three spots."


    After hearing this, Ye Feng raised his eyebrows but did not speak, clearly not swayed by the offer of three Chief Instructor spots.


    Shi Yehong continued, "Once the Martial Dao Academy is established, it will inevitably shake the foundation of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, so these sects will definitely not sit still. Some high-level sect members have already come to discuss with the Utility Pavilion.


    The specific matters have yet to be agreed upon, but the intention of the Utility Pavilion is, it seems, to hold a grand Martial Dao conference for all the world!"


    "A Martial Dao conference for all the world?" Ye Feng asked.


    "Yes, a Martial Dao conference for all the world. Not only the secular warriors of Xuanyuan Nation, but the experts from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will also come to participate. A true Martial Dao conference for all the world. The winner at that time is expected to be the first chancellor of the Martial Dao Academy!" Shi Yehong explained.


    After hearing this, Ye Feng finally nodded slightly.

 Chapter 327: Aren’t You Going a Bit Too Far?

    Ye Feng was very clear that since it involved the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, it was definitely not something that the Utility Pavilion could decide on its own. Naturally, he was more than willing to contribute his Martial Alliance to the reconstruction of the Martial Academy, after all, it was a matter that benefitted both the nation and its people.


    Moreover, now that the Outer Battlefield was further opened and the barriers to the Alien Space-Time were showing signs of breaking down, Xuanyuan Nation had to prepare as soon as possible, otherwise, it would inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences.


    Of course, Ye Feng wasn¡¯t so selfless as to hand over the Martial Alliance for nothing; the other party naturally had to pay a corresponding price.


    "I¡¯m going to the Utility Pavilion!" Ye Feng said as he stood up.


    Shi Yehong¡¯s expression turned unsightly in an instant, "Are you just going to march into the Utility Pavilion like that?"


    Ye Feng sneered, "What else can I do? Should I maybe change into some nicer, more formal clothes?"


    Shi Yehong said with a bitter smile, "You know that¡¯s not what I mean. The King of the Four Realms, by all logic, shouldn¡¯t be allowed to enter the Utility Pavilion."


    "Logic is made by people!" Ye Feng turned and walked out, naturally, he didn¡¯t finish his sentence. Since this logic was established, it was also up to people to abolish it.


    Usually, the weak are the ones who are bound by logic, for the strong, such "logic" is worthless in their presence!


    Boss Cao stood up too, "Well, having stayed here for so long, it¡¯s time for me to move my old bones as well. There¡¯s a big change coming in the Imperial City tonight, and there are many matters that need attention."


    As Ye Feng walked, he said, "With the number of Aristocratic Clan Gates in the Imperial City reduced so drastically, there are also many vacancies in the Three Offices. Aren¡¯t you going to hurry and arrange to get your people in?"


    Boss Cao just chuckled with a "heh heh," repeatedly saying, "This deal, not bad at all!" After saying that, he quickly walked out, got into his black car of an unknown brand, and zoomed off.


    "Ye Feng, since you are determined to go to the Utility Pavilion, I might as well go with you. Otherwise, I really worry that you¡¯ll be taken advantage of!" Shi Yehong shook his head and sighed.


    Ye Feng just smiled without saying anything. In fact, his sudden decision to go to the Utility Pavilion, while partly for the sake of the Martial Alliance or the future Martial Academy, was mainly because he had just received a tip-off that someone from the Great General¡¯s Mansion had already gone to the Utility Pavilion overnight.


    Going to the Utility Pavilion now was, of course, to lodge a complaint. Ye Feng wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with, and he wouldn¡¯t let anyone slander him!


    This time, Ye Feng didn¡¯t bring any subordinates with him, because he believed that after tonight¡¯s battle, there weren¡¯t many left who would dare to attack him. Even if there were some left, those people, to maintain appearances, wouldn¡¯t make a move in the shadows.


    The Utility Pavilion was located right at the center of the Inner City, where any building or establishment in the very center symbolized status and power.


    "Since the Grand Sect Leader has spoken, then I¡¯ll speak my mind. Regarding the establishment of the Martial Academy, the people from the Great General¡¯s Mansion have always been trained in martial arts. Why then are there no arrangements for our people to become instructors this time? Are you implying that the people from the Great General¡¯s Mansion aren¡¯t qualified?"


    The voice of Great General Duantian boomed like a bell, sounding even louder in the night.


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    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming did not respond to him directly but instead turned to look at Ye Feng, smiling as he asked, "Northern King, what¡¯s your opinion on this matter?"


    Ye Feng said bluntly, "I have no opinion!"


    Sometimes, having no opinion is in itself an opinion, an opinion of great significance at that. Those present could hear the thick tension building between him and the Great General¡¯s Mansion.


    This was to be expected. Although the two had not yet completely fallen out, after tonight¡¯s battle on Heartbreak Cliff, the grievances between them had been nearly laid bare, saved only by the fact that they all refrained from tearing apart the lifeline of Xuanyuan Nation.


    Nine Sect Leader Qiu Kuzhen couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "Setting up the Martial Academy is being led by your Martial Alliance, and you have no opinion on this?"


    Ye Feng likewise responded with a smile, "I have no opinion; I have conditions!"


    The Nine Sect Leader fell silent, his face revealing a shade of displeasure. After all, this was Utility Pavilion, where they, the Sect Leaders, held supreme authority. And here was the Northern Border King, not even giving due regard to the Sect Leaders?


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming said, "Conditions? Didn¡¯t the Second Sect Leader discuss them with you?"


    "He did, and made them very clear," Ye Feng said.


    "Then why do you still have objections?" Zhao Gongming asked.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but sneer, "May I ask the Grand Sect Leader, if someone wanted to forcibly tear down your house to build a better villa, which admittedly is a good thing, but those demolishing it only give you the job of a watchdog, would you, the original owner, agree?"


    Hiss...


    Those present all drew in a sharp breath, even the complexion of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming sank.


    "Northern King Ye Feng, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re going a bit too far?" Zhao Gongming¡¯s tone became sharp as he spoke.

 Chapter 328 The True Origin of the Small Mountain Village

    Facing Zhao Gongming''s questioning, Ye Feng was too lazy to bother with a response. Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Shi Yehong felt compelled to speak up, "Indeed, the Northern King''s words were a bit much just now, but what he said is also true. He proposed establishing the Martial Academy three years ago, but it was rejected by both the Utility Pavilion and the General''s Mansion."


    "At that time, the Northern King had no choice but to create the Martial Alliance on his own. Seeing it starting to show some results, Xuanyuan Nation realized the importance of establishing the Martial Academy and wanted to restructure the Martial Alliance for that purpose. Just think about it, the Martial Alliance is the Northern King''s blood, sweat, and tears.


    If it were to be commandeered like this, would any of you feel at ease?"


    Meng Changtao from the four said, "Of course we understand that the Northern King would not feel at ease, which is why we are gathered here tonight to discuss this matter. Moreover, the General''s Mansion has always been rooted in martial training, and most matters related to Martial Dao in Xuanyuan Nation are handled by the General''s Mansion.


    The Martial Academy surely can''t just disregard the General''s Mansion, right?"


    Duan Tian of the Great General''s Mansion nodded heavily, "Exactly, the Martial Academy''s organization can''t go without us. As for the headmaster, well, that''s one thing, but among the two deputy headmasters, one must come from our General''s Mansion!"


    Zhao Gongming stood up abruptly, slamming the table, "All this discussion will lead to no conclusion. One thing I must clarify is that upon the establishment of the Martial Academy, there will be four Supreme Elders, two from the Utility Pavilion, and two nominated by the Nine Great Sects. That has been decided!"


    "As for the headmaster and deputy headmaster, they will be selected at the upcoming World Martial Arts Tournament. Therefore, the only matter up for dispute are the few instructor positions. It''s decided by the Utility Pavilion that the Northern King will nominate two, and the other two will be selected from the Great General''s Mansion. This matter is settled!"


    At this point, Zhao Gongming turned his head to look at Ye Feng and said, "I know this might not be fair to the Northern King, but based on the previous principles, Northern King, you can propose other terms as compensation."


    "This is the wish of the two elders!"


    With that said, Zhao Gongming took his seat again, and no one else spoke up. Since it was the wish of the two Supreme Elders, there was nothing much to say. Who in the secular realm of Xuanyuan Nation could ignore the words of those two elderly figures?


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment, then said, "Since that''s the case, I have two conditions: first, from the Utility Pavilion''s Treasure Vault, I want to choose one treasure weapon; second, I want five spots in the soon-to-be-opened Outer Battlefield."


    "Five spots in the Outer Battlefield is not a problem. As for choosing a treasure weapon from the Treasure Vault Pavilion, that needs to be reported to the two elders," said Zhao Gongming before turning and walking away, evidently going to convey the message to the two Supreme Elders.


    At this moment, in a small wooden courtyard behind the Utility Pavilion, filled with a bamboo forest, the two elders, Tang Bai and Zhuge Wuming, were sitting at a stone table, playing a game of Go.


    Tang Bai held the white pieces, Zhuge Wuming held the black. The two took turns, and since they were just entertaining themselves, no one was taking it too seriously.


    "What do you think about that young Northern King?" Zhuge Wuming suddenly asked unexpectedly.


    "Northern King Ye Feng?" Tang Bai frowned reflexively.


    "What''s your opinion?" Zhuge Wuming raised his head to look at him.


    At that moment, Tang Bai put the black piece he was holding back into the treasure box without an immediate answer. He slowly stood up, hands clasped behind his back, pacing as he looked around at the lush bamboo forest, sighed deeply, and then spoke.


    "You probably have already seen the origins of the Cultivation Technique that the boy practices."


    Having said this, both Tang Bai and Zhuge Wuming fell silent. That episode from three thousand years ago involved far too many significant relations, and even for them, the elders of the Utility Pavilion, it was difficult to exactly reconstruct the scenario of that time.


    Of course, if that old man from the Northwest who smoked the large tobacco pipe were here, he would certainly scoff at their words.


    The world only knows the vast national resources consumed in the construction of the Great Wall of Heaven, which even led to countless civilians being rendered homeless or dying in vain. But how many people can see the result?


    If it weren''t for such a Great Wall of Heaven to hold back, the Alien Races from the Alien Space-Time would have already invaded the lands of Xuanyuan Nation, which would have certainly caused even more misery for the living beings.


    In addition, regarding the burning of books and burying of scholars, back then, whether it was Confucianism or Daoism, all of the Nine Great Sects, in their pursuit of immortality, did not hesitate to try to forcefully open a channel to the Alien Space-Time. It was only for the stability of the overall situation that such actions were taken by the person in charge three thousand years ago.


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    Speaking of the pursuit of immortality, that person from three thousand years ago could be said to be the most obsessed, even more so than the members of the Nine Great Sects, which eventually led to his relentless pursuit of the immortal sects from the Alien Territory, becoming indifferent to worldly matters, and ultimately being destroyed.


    "We''ve strayed too far, after all, it is a matter of three thousand years ago, and the era today is not the same as it was then. The thoughts of our country''s people have progressed, and are incomparable to those from three thousand years ago. So, there is no point in comparing the two, and we need not compare them anymore."


    Zhuge Wuming suddenly chuckled, deftly steering the conversation back on track.


    Tang Bai said, "Then let''s get back to the point. What''s your opinion on that boy, the Northern King?"


    After serious thought, Zhuge Wuming reached a conclusion, "I think he is not bad, at least not right now. Therefore, I believe that we should not judge the present with the lessons of past history, nor should we rashly predict a person''s future."


    Tang Bai couldn''t help but laugh, "There you go again with your dialectics, your little tricks. I''m not making wild predictions based on history alone. There''s a pattern here. That boy has practiced the Cultivation Technique of that person from three thousand years ago and inherited his legacy.


    According to the pattern, it is very likely that he will become the second version of that person in the future!"


    Zhuge Wuming was still chuckling, "Don''t worry, if that child really does become the second version of that person, you don''t need to say anything. I''ll be the first to act and end his life."


    But no sooner had he finished speaking that Zhuge Wuming suddenly fell silent with a wry smile, shaking his head, "If it really came to that point, you and I might not be able to handle him. A paradox, this is indeed a paradox!"


    Tang Bai chuckled, "I am different from you. You''ve always been kind-hearted, and it has always been me playing the heavy. If that boy reveals even the slightest sign, I''ll eliminate him with the force of a Thunderclap and nip him in the bud, like tonight. The boy''s actions tonight were extremely vicious, nearly exceeding my tolerance.


    Fortunately, after he achieved his goal, he did not directly settle accounts with the General''s Mansion; otherwise, he would have surely died tonight!"


    "Furthermore, if the boy does not agree to the reform of the Martial Alliance tonight, he must die as well. Someone so selfish and self-centered, if allowed to grow in power, is undeniably a grave danger. Therefore, I must kill him!"


    Ye Feng had no idea that tonight he had walked a fine line at the Ghost Gate, but fortunately, he prioritized the greater good, with everything for the sake of Xuanyuan Nation.


    At this moment, the antique mobile phone on the table in front of Zhuge Wuming suddenly vibrated, and he said, "Here it comes. I suppose they have come to a decision over there. Let''s wait and see how the boy, the Northern King, chooses and if he disappoints you!"

 Chapter 329 The Key Lies in How He Sees It

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    Tang Bai stood with his hands clasped behind his back, coldly observing, or rather, waiting for a message to come through his phone. However, he didn''t ask about it, as he felt that a mere Northern Border King was still not important enough to warrant his attention.


    Zhuge Wuming glanced at the message on his phone and laughed, "It seems that you''re disappointed again. That kid Ye Feng has ultimately agreed to convert the Martial Alliance into a Martial Academy. It looks like after all, the boy is willing to sacrifice his self-interest for the greater good."


    Tang Bai couldn''t help but sneer, "Did he not make any requests?"


    Zhuge Wuming replied, "Of course he had conditions. After all, the Martial Alliance is dear to his heart. He had two requests, one is to have five places in the next Outer Battlefield, and besides, he wants to enter the Treasure Vault and select a Treasure Weapon at will."


    "Choose a Treasure Weapon at will?" Tang Bai narrowed his eyes again and then said, "Strictly speaking, neither condition is too demanding. If he had wanted to enter the Scripture Vault, I would have never allowed it."


    "So, you have no objections?" Zhuge Wuming asked.


    "Considering the boy was a great help in the Fallen Dragon Valley, he deserves to be rewarded with a Treasure Weapon. Although I have my reservations about his cultivation techniques, so far, I have no complaints about the man himself," Tang Bai said, then turned and paced back to his seat.


    "Since that''s the case, I''ll go ahead and restore Zhao Gongming''s position. Besides, we also need to prepare for the representatives from the Nine Great Sects who will arrive tomorrow for negotiations, to finalize the specific rules for the world''s Martial Dao conference!" Zhuge Wuming finished speaking and picked up his phone.


    Tang Bai nodded slightly and then looked up at the vast night sky, sighing, "I always have this feeling that not just the skies over Xuanyuan Nation, but this entire planet, might undergo major changes soon."


    Zhuge Wuming gave a wry smile, "I feel the same. And at our age, many things seem to be beyond our control. If it were not for your disagreement, I would''ve been completely in favor of training the Northern King as my successor."


    Tang Bai neither agreed nor disagreed, and instead asked, "I heard that Zhao Gongming''s direct disciple seems quite remarkable. He has cultivated to the Second Turn peak of the Technique of Fivefold Reincarnation at his age, which is quite the achievement."


    "But tonight, Wen Yuan has lost to Ye Feng!" Zhuge Wuming declared.


    "A temporary win or loss does not determine the future," Tang Bai commented lightly, then added, "Also, the grandson of the Heaven Guard National Pillar, known as the Sky-piercing kid, seems to have both talent and temperance."


    Zhuge Wuming nodded, "Sky-piercing, after the National Pillar, has the most suitable background. But the problem is, this boy has never faced any adversity growing up, and I worry that if he ever fails one day, he might not be able to withstand it. We''ll just have to wait and see!"


    "We''re not going to fall so soon. There is still time. Let''s give them a period to prove themselves. Let''s set these matters aside, and continue our game of chess!" Zhuge Wuming said, chuckling.


    The night grew denser, the darkest moment before the dawn. Once the rising sun broke through the horizon in the east, the earth would once again shine bright with hope.


    After a long pause, Ye Feng finally smiled slightly and said, "How I see it is not important. What matters is how he sees it. After all, the Zhang Family is now a thing of the past."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming finally smiled and nodded slightly. "I understand," he said.


    Although Ye Feng''s response was not specific, the message was clear. Sometimes, when speaking with intelligent people, it''s not necessary to lay everything out completely. Leaving some room and space for interpretation is an art of conversation.


    "By the way, Zhang Wenyuan must have also told you that after tonight, regardless of the Zhang Family''s situation, he will no longer have anything to do with them. His actions tonight were purely to repay the Zhang Family''s debt. Since the debt has been paid, they are even," Zhao Gongming continued as they walked.


    "I can understand that," Ye Feng nodded.


    Suddenly, Zhao Gongming stopped again and said, "There is another matter I feel I must mention to you: he''s attempting the breakthrough to the Third Turn. With his current accumulation, it''s either ascend to the heavens in one step or die trying."


    Ye Feng did not speak, for he could only remain silent.


    Zhao Gongming then said, "Lately, there has been unrest starting all over again in the Southern Territory. The King of Ancient Yue has passed away, and the Peacock Dynasty from the southern end is even more ambitious. The King of the Southern Territory, Dugu Ming, with his cultivation level and methods, is too weak to hold the situation in check."


    That was when Ye Feng interjected, "So, you want Zhang Wenyuan to take up the position of the Southern King?"


    Zhao Gongming chuckled and replied, "It''s not what I want, but the arrangement of the Utility Pavilion, and what Xuanyuan Nation needs. Of course, the precondition is that he must succeed in the breakthrough to the Third Turn!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, expressing rare approval. "His nature is good, and the setback tonight will only enhance his morale. The breakthrough to the Third Turn shouldn''t be a big issue for him."


    In fact, there was something else Ye Feng did not say. If Zhang Wenyuan didn''t have a good chance of making the breakthrough to the Third Turn, as his master, Zhao Gongming would probably not be here leisurely chatting with everyone tonight.


    As they talked, they reached a small artificial hill. In front of the hill, there was a passage that led onward. Following the passage, Ye Feng discovered that the narrow corridor stretched downward for about a hundred meters before he saw a massive ancient bronze gate ahead.


    "This is the Treasure Vault of our Utility Pavilion!" Zhao Gongming chuckled, taking out a twisted and ancient-looking Long Travel Key and inserting it into the grooves on the bronze door.


    The ancient bronze door buzzed and slowly opened, and Zhao Gongming gestured for Ye Feng to enter with a wave of his hand.


    Ye Feng was naturally very curious, having always heard about the vast treasures stored in the Utility Pavilion''s vault, but had never seen them with his own eyes.


    However, at the moment he stepped into the vault, an inexplicable sense of summoning suddenly came from the depths of the vault.

 Chapter 330 Were Booming!

    "Again, this inexplicable feeling of being summoned?"


    Ye Feng was quite astonished. He had previously felt a mysterious summons from an alien space-time when he was at the dark gate beneath the Fallen Dragon Valley Floor, but at that time, it was impossible for him to enter the alien space-time to investigate the cause.


    But this time, no matter what, he was determined to take a careful look!


    "This is the Treasure Vault of our Xuanyuan Nation. The collections of nearly a hundred years are basically all here," Zhao Gongming laughed heartily, a proud expression on his face.


    Ye Feng merely nodded slightly. In fact, he was well aware that the items in the Treasure Vault were not the best, because the finest treasures had essentially been claimed by the two seniors and various Sect Leaders.


    For example, the Grand Sect Leader''s Xuanyuan Sword and Kongtong Seal, along with the Great General Duantian''s Black Gold Broken Tiger Spear, not to mention the treasure cauldron of the Supreme Elder Zhuge Wuming, among others.


    Nonetheless, there was no shortage of Treasure Weapons in the vault, swords, sabers, clubs, and staffs¡ªthese were all made by famous craftsmen. Of course, there weren''t many that carried the color of legends.


    The entire Treasure Vault was about two hundred square meters, filled with shelves. Ye Feng walked past rows of shelves, merely skimming through without much interest, but at this moment, the feeling of being summoned from deep within became even more intense.


    He didn''t head straight for the source, as it was his first visit and rushing straight to the destination might give away his intentions. Instead, he came to a corner and bent down to pick up a heavy hammer.


    "This is the Thunder Hammer, weighing three hundred and fifty-six jin, forged from Xuan Iron, suitable for those with Innate Divine Strength¡ªnot suitable for you!" Zhao Gongming explained.


    "Indeed!" Ye Feng nodded, then turned and went to the side, reaching out to pick up a pen that was placed upright and orderly on the table.


    The nib was black, the barrel was silver-white, inscribed with complex and esoteric patterns, clearly indicating that it was no ordinary item.


    "This is the Void Spirit Brush. The barrel is hollow, allowing one''s own Qi Force to be infused into it and projected through the nib, which can enhance the power by about double!" said Zhao Gongming.


    "Doubling the power is quite impressive; it''s as if one''s Combat Power has significantly increased. However, compared to Divine Path Objects of the Divine Path Realm, it is indeed lacking," Ye Feng commented.


    Zhao Gongming nodded slightly and said, "That''s only natural. Divine Path Objects of the Divine Path Realm are cultivated and condensed through external objects and are part of oneself. When used, their power is naturally much greater."


    At this point, Zhao Gongming suddenly sighed, "I do not understand why you are still at the Peak of Martial King Realm up until now. Why haven''t you broken through to the Divine Path Realm?"


    Ye Feng shrugged and said, "If I could figure it out, I wouldn''t still be stuck at the Peak of Martial King Realm."


    Zhao Gongming could only smile wryly and said, "However, fortunately, although you have always been at the Peak Martial King, I can feel that your internal Qi Force is becoming more powerful and of higher quality, so your Combat Power is also continuously strengthening. That''s probably the real reason you were able to defeat Zhang Wenyuan, right?"


    Ye Feng did not understand this point, but Zhao Gongming''s words reminded him that perhaps in the future, he would need to deliberately conceal his aura, such as the extra Acupoints he had over ordinary Martial Artists?


    Next, Ye Feng walked another round and, apart from the few treasure weapons he had seen before, he also found a Mountain Seal, a black-gold Mountain Seal, square and only the size of a fist, placed on a shelf.


    "This is the Wushan Thunder Treasure Seal. It is called such because once you infuse your own Qi Force into it, it not only grows larger but can also unleash some of the power of thunderclaps," Zhao Gongming said, then added, "This Wushan Thunder Treasure Seal is also a decent treasure weapon, about on par with the Azure Flowing Light Blade we saw earlier.


    If you are going to choose, I suggest you pick between these two."


    That was indeed true. If it weren''t for the call of that long gun, Ye Feng would choose between these two treasure weapons. But now, there was an issue: he had to have that long gun, but how could he acquire it without drawing attention?


    If he asked outright, it could attract attention, even alarming the two elderly folks, which would be troubling.


    After a brief pondering, Ye Feng casually picked up the fist-sized Wushan Thunder Guide, smiling slightly, "I''ll take this one. I''m not good with swords, but this treasure seal looks quite pleasing to me. In battle, just infuse Qi Force and smash it directly on the enemy. Saves trouble!"


    Zhao Gongming could not help but chuckle in response, "That''s true, but that said, once you reach the Divine Path Realm, especially against those who have advanced to Divine Communication and the Divine Ability Realm, the effect of such treasure weapons is limited."


    Ye Feng ignored the comment and walked back to the pile of scrap metal, first picking up a block of iron and casually weighing it, then shaking his head and tossing it aside before finally grabbing the long gun.


    "Interested in this long gun?" asked Zhao Gongming.


    Ye Feng shook his head, "What interest could I have in this thing? But it just occurred to me that I have a personal guard who uses long spears. He''s in the Martial King Realm and is in need of a weapon. Plus, with the upcoming venture into the Outer Battlefield, I thought I might as well take this gun and give it to him."


    Without waiting for Zhao Gongming''s approval, he casually slung the long gun over his shoulder and walked out.


    Zhao Gongming was a bit helpless and said, "Didn''t we agree, only take one item when coming in?"


    Ye Feng rolled his eyes and said, "This long gun is just scrap metal. What''s the harm in taking one more piece? Surely the grand Great General of the Utility Pavilion is not that stingy?"


    Zhao Gongming listened and had no choice but to nod, "Alright then. These items aren''t of much use anyway. One more or less doesn''t matter. If you want to take it, then take it."


    "That''s more like it," Ye Feng said with a faint smile. However, at this time, a storm of ecstasy was raging in his heart.


    Because when he had just called the long gun scrap metal, Ye Feng distinctly felt the gun in his hand seem to resist. Although it was a silent and inexplicable resistance, Ye Feng could clearly understand what it was trying to convey.


    That was clearly a protest: I''m not scrap metal. You''re blind, you damn dog. I am obviously an exceptional treasure!


    "I''ve struck it rich, struck it rich!" Ye Feng thought. "This is indeed no ordinary item. It vaguely shows the birth of wisdom and sentience. How could this be just a treasure weapon? This is clearly a Spiritual Artifact!"


    ```

 Chapter 331 Becoming Stronger, Hong Qingyans Transformation!

    Despite the ecstatic joy in his heart, Ye Feng maintained a calm and unruffled expression on his face. He turned around, walked out of the Treasure Vault, and then left the Utility Pavilion, returning to the Northern Cloud Residence under the cover of the last shred of darkness before dawn.


    Without a doubt, the Imperial Capital was sure to be a hotbed of activity in the coming days. Not to mention the annihilation of several Aristocratic Clan Gates like the Zhang Family, the upcoming Martial Arts Study Conference alone would be enough to set the Imperial Capital Nobility bustling about.


    Ye Feng wasn''t concerned with these developments. Having taken two Treasure Weapons from the Treasure Vault, he knew he must refine them as soon as possible. The Wushan Thunder Seal went without saying, but especially the spear, which he needed to examine thoroughly.


    What Ye Feng hadn''t expected, however, was that upon entering the Inner Courtyard, Hong Qingyan had not slept. Her injuries seemed to have improved a lot, but her red eyes and tired expression made it clear that she hadn''t slept all night.


    "Why aren''t you sleeping?" Tang Feng closed the door, his heart pricking with pain.


    Qingyan managed a weak smile and said, "I can''t sleep."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng felt an even deeper discomfort. It was clear to him that Qingyan had stayed up all night worried about his safety.


    "It''s my fault for making you worry," said Ye Feng as he walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders.


    This time, it was rare for Long Nannan, the little imp, not to interfere, and the bedroom was very quiet and cozy. Of course, the reason Long Nannan wasn''t there was entirely because she was distracted by the baby that Ye Feng had brought back from Fallen Dragon Valley.


    After a brief silence, Hong Qingyan suddenly became serious, "Big Brother Ye, these past few days, I''ve been thinking about something, something very important."


    Before Ye Feng could respond, she continued, "All along, I just wanted to be an ordinary, quiet woman. At least that was the case before I met you, and even after meeting you, I never thought that we would end up together."


    Ye Feng, who couldn''t bear to hear such words, opened his mouth to comfort her but was immediately interrupted by Hong Qingyan''s wave, "Big Brother Ye, I know what you want to say. I know you don''t care, but others do, and I can''t ignore what others care about."


    Clearly, Hong Qingyan was significantly agitated this time.


    Although she was stunningly beautiful, she was born with a limp, and had it been an average noble''s son, it might have been alright. But Ye Feng was no ordinary figure; as a ruler with supreme power, the pressure on Hong Qingyan was immense.


    She had always tried to quietly endure, convincing herself not to mind the strange words and stares from others, but the incident yesterday made her realize she could not do it. She was not strong enough to ignore external factors.


    The reason he wanted to do this was simply to let the whole world know of his esteem for Hong Qingyan, and as the Second Sect Leader''s closed-door disciple, it also served as a layer of identity protection for her.


    From then on, if anyone dared to harm Hong Qingyan, they would really have to think twice.


    "Thank you, Big Brother Ye!" Hong Qingyan finally smiled relievedly, snuggling into Ye Feng''s embrace like a little bunny.


    These past few days had been eventful, starting with the incident at the Fallen Dragon Valley, Ye Feng''s long journey to the Central Region, followed by the severe injuries he suffered. After his injuries healed, he rushed back to the Imperial Capital non-stop, and then there was the Zhang Family affair. It could be said that he hadn''t had a good rest for more than ten days.


    Even with his special constitution and superb cultivation level, his spirit was a bit tired. So, the two of them simply lay down to sleep, and they didn''t wake up until the sun was high in the sky, while Long Nannan, the mischievous little devil, did not come to disturb them for once.


    After lunch, Hong Qingyan went to the study to learn medical arts from Yu Feiyu, while Ye Feng thought for a moment, then turned and walked to the right side of the courtyard. He crossed a corridor with artificial hills and pavilions and before even entering the side yard, he could already hear Long Nannan''s non-stop giggling.


    To Ye Feng''s surprise, there were also bursts of silver bell-like baby laughter.


    "Oh my, you little cutie, you really can eat! You just finished a big bottle of milk, are you hungry again? Really, you''re even better at eating than Granny, that''s just unscientific!" Long Nannan quickly complained again, but despite her grumbling, she jovially picked up the milk bottle and held it to the baby''s mouth.


    The baby was held by a honest-looking middle-aged woman, and it was obvious that Long Nannan was never going to hold a baby herself. The only reason she was there to feed the baby was that she found the child fun and amusing, a way to pass the time.


    Ye Feng was about to step in but suddenly stopped, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.


    The appearance of the baby from Fallen Dragon Valley had coincidental aspects. Although he hadn''t thought much of it at the time due to the urgency of the situation, now, upon closer consideration, he found several problems.


    Firstly, the timing of the child''s appearance was too coincidental; secondly, the fact that the baby was at the heart of the Fallen Dragon Valley but wasn''t affected by the miasma; and thirdly, the child sometimes behaved a bit abnormally.


    For example, the baby really didn''t like Zhang Wenyuan and would cry whenever he held her, but when Ye Feng held her, she would giggle with laughter. Moreover, there was something about the child''s gaze, so clear it was almost unrealistic, and she would even occasionally show emotional expression on her own.


    "Perhaps this child is naturally intelligent and matures earlier than her peers," Ye Feng mused, unable to come to a conclusion. He shook his head and wondered if it might be because of his unique charm that the infant liked only him and not Zhang Wenyuan.


    With this thought, he finally stepped into the yard.

 Chapter 332 Refining the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!

    Ye Feng had just walked into the courtyard when the infant seemed to sense it; the laughter stopped immediately, and her big eyes, which shone like stars, stared unblinkingly at Hong Qingyan, radiating a distinctly intelligent light.


    Ye Feng had no choice but to love such an infant who wasn''t even a year old yet. He took her from the nanny''s arms without hesitation, but what felt strange to him was that the moment he held the baby, he experienced an odd sensation.


    This sensation was subtle and indescribable, but it made him feel rather uncomfortable, and he even felt a bit dizzy.


    This slightly alarmed Ye Feng because, at his cultivation level, his physical constitution was extraordinarily strong, and it was rare for him to have such adverse reactions under normal circumstances.


    "What in the world is going on?" Ye Feng wondered internally. However, his face revealed nothing, and he vaguely guessed that this might have something to do with the mysterious origin of the infant in his arms.


    Long Nannan, standing nearby, couldn''t help but tease him with a laugh, "Little Martial Uncle, tell me, who is this little girl? She couldn''t possibly be your child with some wild woman, could she?"


    Ye Feng always found Long Nannan, who was uninhibited and whimsical, to be a headache. Jokes like these were harmless between them, but if Hong Qingyan heard about them, who knew what she might think?


    "Don''t talk nonsense. I just stumbled upon her. Her parents died from the miasma, so I brought her home."


    As Ye Feng spoke, he quickly changed the subject, "By the way, Sausage Sister has been gone for so long. Has there been any news from her?"


    If he didn''t shift the topic quickly, given Long Nannan''s nature, she would undoubtedly dig deeper into the issue, and she might even come up with all sorts of wild theories¡ªwho knows what went on in that brain of hers.


    Long Nannan pouted and said, "How would I know? That place isn''t like our world; there''s no way to communicate. And Grandpa said I''m not allowed to go there before I''m grown up."


    Ye Feng had intended to bring up that other world, so he immediately asked, "What exactly is that other world like? Since it isn''t the same as ours, how is it that your grandfather and others can enter it?"


    Long Nannan quickly grew impatient and said with annoyance, "Little Martial Uncle, I''ve told you, I''m not yet of age. I''m still a young girl. How could I know about adult matters?"


    Ye Feng was speechless. Although Long Nannan wasn''t of age, she was actually no longer young and was only half a year away from adulthood. However, she appeared and behaved as though she were only twelve or thirteen.


    "Alright, take good care of this little girl for this period. I have other matters to attend to!"


    Since Ye Feng couldn''t determine the cause of the unusual sensation in his body, he decided not to pursue it further. He simply chose to distance himself from the oddly unsettling little girl. Having said that, he turned and walked away.


    From behind, Long Nannan shouted, "Hey, Little Martial Uncle, you are really shirking your responsibilities, you know? She''s not my child with you. Why should I take care of her?"


    Ye Feng was left speechless and, without turning back, he swiftly ran off.


    "Could this thing be a glutton? It''s still not satisfied after absorbing so much?" Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling a headache coming on. It was said that the more Qi Force a magic or spiritual artifact could absorb during the initial refining process, the stronger the weapon itself would be.


    However, the amount of Qi Force this spear could absorb was excessive. At this rate, he feared that his current level of Qi Force might not be enough to sate it, which would be a waste of his laborious effort.


    Fortunately for Ye Feng, he didn''t have to worry for long. Just as he watched his own Qi Force nearly depleted, the rusty spear suddenly trembled all over and emitted a sharp, piercing sound.


    Immediately after, a different kind of energy fed back from the spear into Ye Feng''s body, giving him a very peculiar sensation.


    This feeling was like the spear in his hand was part of his own body, and he had absolute control over it. At this moment, Ye Feng finally came to his senses.


    He had completely refined the spear!


    "Rise!" Tang Feng, excited, gave a light wave of his right hand, and the spear flew up into the air.


    "Disperse!" Tang Feng''s thoughts moved again, and the spear suddenly began to vibrate and spin intensely. The rust covering it began to peel off in chunks, followed by dazzling golden light emanating from within the spear.


    The blinding, splendid golden light grew more intense, and the true appearance of the spear was finally revealed: majestic and imposing, it hung motionless in mid-air.


    The entire secret chamber had been filled with darkness, but under the illumination of the golden light, it became extremely bright. From afar, the spear looked like a shining sun, filled with a domineering aura.


    "This... is the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!" After refining the spear, Ye Feng finally understood its origin.


    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, the personal weapon of the Ancestral Dragon of the Human Race from three thousand years ago, who once wielded it to sweep across the world and dominate the eight wildernesses and the six harmonies.


    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon might not have been first in the weapon rankings at the time, but it definitely ranked in the top three!


    "I understand now, I finally understand why the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon called out to me as I approached the Treasure Vault."


    Ye Feng had an epiphany. The cultivation technique martial arts he practiced was the legacy of the Ancestral Dragon of the Human Race from three thousand years ago. Perhaps because it sensed a familiar aura, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon had summoned him.


    "It''s a pity, this Spear of the Ancestral Dragon seems to have suffered some damage and lost most of its Spiritual Wisdom, with only a small part remaining. No wonder it has been discarded as scrap metal and left in a corner over the centuries," Ye Feng sighed to himself.


    Nevertheless, despite being somewhat damaged and unable to exert the true power of the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, it was still an extraordinary spiritual artifact.


    This Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Ye Feng could certainly use as his secret trump card!

 Chapter 333 Refining the Fruit, Power Skyrockets!

    Compared to the Wushan Thunder Seal, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was easier to refine because it still possessed Spiritual Wisdom and actively merged with Tang Feng''s Qi Force, making the refinement process much simpler.


    Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    After refining the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Ye Feng distinctly felt an added connection to it, a connection that was like a part of himself, controllable with just the intention of his Mind and Spirit.


    In fact, this was almost no different from a Divine Path Object. Of course, the only reason it was possible was because the Spear had spontaneously developed Spiritual Wisdom.


    The speed of refining the Wushan Thunder Seal was obviously much slower since the thunderclap energy could not merge on its own and was purely passively accepted. One thing for certain, even after it was refined, Ye Feng would not be able to manipulate it as freely as he could the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon. It would be more about directly summoning it to smash his opponents.


    Luckily, Ye Feng''s Qi Force was robust, and it recovered very quickly. Roughly half a day later, he finally fully refined the Wushan Thunder Seal.


    "Rise!" Ye Feng gave a great wave of his hand, and after infusing his own Qi Force into it, the Wushan Thunder Seal soared upwards and expanded rapidly, filled with a black-gold luster, looking as heavy as a thousand catties.


    "Not bad, the magic artifact is of good quality. I will use this Wushan Thunder Seal openly from now on. As for the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, I''ll keep it as my trump card!" Ye Feng felt even more resolute in his heart.


    When he had chosen a magic artifact in the treasure vault, he believed that every move he made must have been closely watched, including his choice of artifact. He estimated that those people would try every means to probe and thus formulate countermeasures against him.


    After all, the upcoming Martial Dao competition was bound to be extremely fierce!


    Having refined both treasures, Ye Feng still did not plan to end his Secluded Cultivation. The Martial Dao competition would probably start soon. To vie for the position of Principal of the Martial Academy, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would surely send masters, and the Great General''s Mansion would also be determined to win.


    If Ye Feng wanted to triumph and keep control of the Martial Academy, he could not miss the Martial Dao competition. Therefore, he must do his utmost to enhance his strength now.


    With a flip of his wrist, a fruit appeared in his palm. This emerald fruit was what had come through from the Alien Space-Time when he was in the secret cave of the Fallen Dragon Valley, and it was surely a treasure from that Alien Space-Time.


    He had been studying this fruit for a while and had also consulted the Master of the Medicine God Valley, but no one could figure out anything substantial. In the end, he decided to cut off a tiny bit and secretly fed it to a monkey.


    Without a doubt, this was a method to cultivate the Muddy Pellet Palace, the Heavenly Heart Palace. Ye Feng knew that for a martial artist, the Muddy Pellet Palace, the Heavenly Heart Palace, was even more crucial than the Lower Dantian, as it directly related to one''s Divine Sense and, on a deeper level, to the soul and spirit of a person.


    "What a pity that this special Xuanhuang colored energy is too scant. If there were more, it would be possible to determine if this is merely a coincidence," Ye Feng lamented to himself.


    What he didn''t know was that even in Alien Space-Time, this Xuanhuang colored energy was exceedingly rare. The appearance of even a trace would cause a frenzy of competition, let alone in Xuanyuan Nation.


    Moreover, the fact that this Xuanhuang Qi was able to directly enter his Heavenly Heart Palace and settle there was entirely due to chance, or maybe luck. For ordinary martial artists, not to mention the Martial King Realm, even those in the Divine Path Realm, or even higher in the Saint Realm, would find it nearly impossible to discover a method to cultivate the Heavenly Heart Palace.


    Once one discovered their own Heavenly Heart Palace, it was akin to opening another, far wider door. Their future cultivation would surely be much more convenient, not to mention the incredible benefits that would come with it.


    Very quickly, Ye Feng discovered the immense benefits. He suddenly realized that his Divine Sense had strengthened significantly. Previously, his Divine Sense could only cover about ten meters around him, but now it was a full one hundred meters.


    Moreover, both his hearing and Vision Strength had greatly enhanced. Even his perception of the world had subtly shifted. It was as if he could see the essence through the surface of things. Although his current vision was still rather fuzzy, he was at least touching upon the threshold.


    In addition, the number of acupoints in Ye Feng''s body increased from over one hundred and fifty to two hundred twenty, adding up to an increase of seventy. Naturally, his Combat Power also received a terrifying boost.


    "This fruit is indeed very mystical. No wonder, three thousand years ago, those Sects were so determined to open the channel to Alien Space-Time in search of the Method of Longevity. Could it be that Alien Space-Time truly contains the secret to immortality?" Ye Feng mused.


    Of course, he was aware that despite the mysteries and unknowns of Alien Space-Time, it also harbored immense dangers. Not to mention anything else, just the Miasma leaking from Alien Space-Time was already unbearable for most people in this world.


    "Alien Space-Time, and also the Outer Battlefield, what is the relationship between these two? Could they be related?" Ye Feng speculated.


    The Outer Battlefield had opened once three years ago, but at that time, the Northern Border was in turmoil, and his Cultivation Level had not yet reached the necessary level, so he had not been able to enter it to investigate. However, this time, he was determined not to miss the opportunity.


    "Even though I am still at the Peak Martial King, my Combat Power has increased more than threefold. With the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon added to the mix, I can face anyone in the Divine Communication Realm without fear. Even those in the Divine Ability Realm may be powerless against me!"


    Gripping the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Ye Feng slowly stood up, his eyes shining with resolute determination. After two full days of Secluded Cultivation, it was time for him to emerge.


    ```

 Chapter 334 The Eerie Ning Weiwei

    On the third day, it was the time for Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong of the Utility Pavilion to take on his land''s owner Ning Wuya''s new apprentice. That day, the Northern Cloud Residence was exceedingly busy, with virtually every important figure from the capital in attendance. The scene was indeed grand.


    After all, setting aside the old Northern King Ning Wuya''s original prestige, just the identity of the Second Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion was astonishing enough, not to mention that Hong Qingyan was also the woman of the current Northern King Ye Feng, and his only woman at that. This woman might very well become the Princess Consort in the future.


    Within the capital, not many might know of Hong Qingyan, but if one were to mention Northern King Ye Feng, he was universally known and acclaimed. Now, the reputation of the Northern King was not only resounding throughout the capital but also around the entire world.


    Regarding this apprenticeship ceremony, what many valued might not have been Hong Qingyan herself, but through the nature of this event, perceptive people could immediately discern the weight Hong Qingyan held in Ye Feng''s heart.


    Thus, from then on, anyone who dared to move against Hong Qingyan would have to carefully consider the consequences.


    Although the entire Northern Cloud Residence was filled with jubilation, there was one person who was contrary to this master-apprenticeship ceremony, and that person was the whimsical Long Nannan, who had been opposed to it ever since she heard the news.


    In Long Nannan''s words, that Second Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion was simply useless, and Sister Hong finding such a person for apprenticeship would lead nowhere, not to mention apprenticing to someone else''s disciple.


    But as for this girl who was nearly of age yet still looked like a young maiden, everyone simply ignored her, including Ye Feng, who didn''t bother to deal with her. So, Long Nannan spent the whole day sulking.


    "Grand Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion has arrived!" With this announcement, Zhao Gongming, dressed in a white robe and embodying a celestial presence, stepped out of a limited-edition carriage, accompanied by Zhang Wenyuan.


    As the host, Ye Feng, considering the substantial status of the Grand Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion, naturally had to come out to greet them personally. Seeing Zhang Wenyuan arriving together, he didn''t say much.


    However, Ye Feng noticed that compared to a few days ago, Zhang Wenyuan seemed to have changed. Although he was still at the Peak Martial King Realm, he appeared much more composed.


    Immediately, Ye Feng knew that Zhang Wenyuan had succeeded; he had mastered the Four Turns of the Reincarnation Wheel Great Technique. With every turn of this Ancient Reincarnation Wheel Technique, one would have to fall from the Divine Path Realm back to the Peak Martial King Realm and withstand unbearable pain. Even Ye Feng had to admit that Zhang Wenyuan was a real man.


    "Congratulations!" Ye Feng said with a slight smile to Zhang Wenyuan. Three days earlier, on the way to the Utility Pavilion''s Treasure Vault, he had already cleared things up with Zhao Gongming, and naturally, his relationship with Zhang Wenyuan was also resolved.


    Thus, subtly, it seemed that three different factions had formed within the Imperial Capital, with the two elders from the Utility Pavilion sitting on high, watching to see who would ultimately come out on top or stand out from the rivals.


    By noon, the guests at Northern Cloud Residence had mostly arrived. By this time, those who should come had come, and those who probably did not want to come would not come. However, those who should not come often would.


    In the living room, Shi Yehong was sitting in the place of honor, with Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming and Boss Cao Yi from the Punishment Heaven Department seated beside him, both there to bear witness.


    This mentorship ceremony followed ancient traditions. Hong Qingyan, carrying evening tea, slowly walked toward the beaming Shi Yehong. Although she was still limping, not a single person among the hundred in attendance dared to make a sound of mockery. After all, in such a setting, anyone who dared to mock would surely be courting death.


    However, it was exactly the sort of person who did not care about their own life that burst in just as Hong Qingyan was preparing to kneel and perform the teacher-apprenticing ritual. From the outside of the hall, suddenly a cold shout came, "By what right do you take on a disciple, and by what right do you accept others as apprentices without asking for my agreement?"


    As the voice fell, the originally lively and harmonious scene immediately turned icy. Ye Feng''s expression did not change; he still stood like a javelin beside Hong Qingyan, guarding her. At that moment, he was holding a long spear in his hand, albeit wrapped in cloth.


    "Who dares to run wild and cause a disturbance in Northern Cloud Residence, disregarding their own life!" Sima Zhantian promptly jumped out to block the entrance to the hall. At the same time, Leng Wuming and Xiao Chuanqi also made their moves.


    "What a joke. Northern Cloud Residence is my home, yet someone has the audacity to claim I''m creating a disturbance. How shamelessly thick-faced can they be?"


    It was not until this moment that people realized the newcomer was the daughter of the Old Northern King, Ning Weiwei.


    Ning Weiwei was in a green dress, holding in her right hand a green sword inlaid with green gems. It was then that the crowd noticed Ning Weiwei was actually a Divine Path Realm powerhouse.


    Behind Ning Weiwei followed six oddly dressed individuals, all with rather strange auras and unusual looks, not resembling people from the Central Plains.


    "People from the Western Region?" Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong couldn''t help but frown upon seeing this.


    Ye Feng''s swordlike eyebrows also slightly raised, clearly noticing something was off about Ning Weiwei, as there was an eerie aura about her.

 Chapter 335 He is a Good Father, I Have No Regrets!

    From the attire of Ning Weiwei and the six individuals she brought with her, it was clear they were from the Western Region, specifically the people of Tianluo Kingdom in the southwest of Xuanyuan Nation. However, no one understood why Ning Weiwei was involved with people from Tianluo Kingdom.


    Although there were no historical enmities between Xuanyuan Nation and Tianluo Kingdom in the southwest, their relationship couldn''t be described as particularly friendly either. Tianluo Kingdom wasn''t very large and its cultivation practices were rooted in the Buddhist Sect''s secret techniques, always looking up to Brahma Kingdom to the south.


    And the southern Brahma Kingdom, proclaiming itself an ancient country, often clashed with Xuanyuan Nation, even experiencing frequent frictions at the southern borders. Thus, Xuanyuan Nation wasn''t very welcoming towards people from Luo Heavenly Kingdom.


    It was only due to Ning Weiwei''s special circumstances that the people present did not confront the six unexpected Luo Heavenly Kingdom intruders.


    Ye Feng spoke coldly, "Ning Weiwei, out of respect for your father, I won''t make a big issue out of this. If you''re here today to wish Qingyan well, I welcome you, but if you''re here to cause trouble, don''t blame me for not being polite!"


    "Not polite? What a joke!" Ning Weiwei stood with her sword, her voice heavy with a cold laugh. "Who in the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation doesn''t know that Northern Cloud Residence was the dwelling left by my father? I am the rightful owner of Northern Cloud Residence. All of you are outsiders!"


    With that said, Ning Weiwei turned to look at the several Grand Sect Leaders of Utility Pavilion seated in the place of honor, uttering word by word, "You elders have been around for a long time. Come and judge for yourselves if Northern Cloud Residence belongs to me, Ning Weiwei!"


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming did not speak, observing the proverbial nose before him, nose before heart, with an air of detachment as if the matter didn''t concern him. The other Sect Leaders also turned a deaf ear; to them, this was someone else''s family affair, which they were too lazy to meddle with.


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong said, "Northern Cloud Residence, indeed, was your father''s residence while he was alive, but..."


    "There are no ''buts''!" Ning Weiwei suddenly interrupted with a stern voice, looking as though she would not allow anyone to reason with her, and shouted, "Even you, the Second Sect Leader of Utility Pavilion, have admitted it. What more is there to discuss!"


    Without waiting, Ning Weiwei turned to face Ye Feng, enunciating each word, "Northern Cloud Residence was my father''s, and with my father gone, it should now belong to me. I am the master here, and now, you are not welcome here!"


    Ye Feng stood still, his expression growing completely somber. It was apparent that Ning Weiwei had come today with the intention to make trouble.


    Ning Weiwei knitted her brows and gritted her teeth, "What''s the matter, Ye Feng, can''t you understand what people are saying? Northern Cloud Residence does not welcome you. Get out of here immediately with all your people¡ªget out!"


    It was obvious that this time Ning Weiwei had brought six Divine Path Realm powerhouses, and seemed to have a lot more confidence than before when she only brought a few useless Outer Sect disciples from Utility Pavilion.


    This time, she had undoubtedly come prepared, with no less than six Divine Path Realm powerhouses backing her, and considering she herself was also a powerhouse of the Divine Path Realm, she naturally felt fearless.


    Despite there being over two hundred people in the hall, not one spoke out. Some even showed schadenfreude on their faces, as they weren''t particularly close to Northern King Ye Feng, and, at this moment, they were eager for this rising star of a Northern King to make a fool of himself.


    Ye Feng''s expression didn''t change. He took a few steps forward and stated word by word, "You say Northern Cloud Residence is yours? I truly don''t understand how you have the gall to say such a thing!"


    "You..." Ning Weiwei was immediately enraged.


    "It''s true that Northern Cloud Residence belonged to the Old Northern King, but it surely does not belong to you!"


    Without letting her respond, Ye Feng spoke loudly and directly interrupted her, "First, although you are born of the Old Northern King, you do not deserve to be his daughter. When the Old Northern King died, you didn''t even go to see him one last time. Over the years, you haven''t even visited his grave to burn a single incense stick. Do you think you deserve to be his daughter?"


    "Second, Northern Cloud Residence is an official residence. Do you understand what an official residence is? An official residence is the Northern King''s palace in the Imperial Capital. When the Old Northern King was alive, Northern Cloud Residence was indeed his. Now that I am the Northern King, it naturally belongs to me.


    Ye Feng said and couldn''t help but sigh repeatedly. But things had come to this point, and he had no choice but to bring it out. At that moment, he waved his Great Hand, and Xiao Chuanqi immediately turned and walked into the Inner Courtyard. Shortly after, he walked out and presented a Brocade Box.


    "You should recognize this Brocade Box, shouldn''t you?" Ye Feng asked.


    Ning Weiwei didn''t speak. This was the Brocade Box her mother had treasured during her lifetime, and it was also the token of love her father had given to her mother. It was the most precious thing in her mother''s life.


    "When the Old Northern King passed away, he gave this Brocade Box to me. He instructed me that unless it was absolutely necessary, I was not to give the Brocade Box to you. But now, I think it is probably time," Ye Feng said with a hint of pain, regret, and also self-reproach.


    After all, when the Old Northern King died, he had asked him to watch over Ning Weiwei, and he had agreed. But he had failed to do so.


    Ning Weiwei''s whole body was trembling as she reached out with shaky hands to receive the Brocade Box and opened it. Inside the box was only a handkerchief with two lines written on it.


    "He was a good father!"


    "I have no regrets!"


    It was just these two brief lines. Looking at them hit Ning Weiwei like a thunderbolt, and tears began to stream down her face.


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    All along, she had resented her father. From childhood, that so-called father had always prioritized state affairs, and he hadn''t even seen mother and daughter for several years, especially that time they were kidnapped...


    But now, she realized she had been wrong, terribly wrong!


    The handwriting on the handkerchief was indeed her mother''s, and it had been written in blood. She understood the meaning behind her mother''s final words.


    "Ah..." Ning Weiwei suddenly screamed, and the Qi Force within her body began to rampage uncontrollably.


    "Not good! Her state of mind is disturbed; she''s deviating!" several Sect Leaders exclaimed in alarm.


    But at that moment, Ye Feng had already made his move, swooping over and swiftly pressing several acupoints on Ning Weiwei''s body. She then fell into unconsciousness.


    "How dare you! She is the Holy Maiden of the Tianluo Kingdom. What have you done to her?" Six Divine Path Realm experts of the Tianluo Kingdom roared in anger.


    Ye Feng suddenly turned his head and looked at the six men coldly, saying word by word, "Today is a day for my lady''s apprenticeship ceremony, and I do not wish to commit a massacre. Leave!"


    The six Divine Path Realm experts of the Tianluo Kingdom coldly said, "So you are the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation? You have quite the nerve, but we can leave if you just hand over the Holy Maiden!"


    "Presumptuous!" Zhang Wenyuan stood up abruptly.


    "Kill!" Ye Feng ordered directly.

 Chapter 336 Having You is Enough

    Zhang Wenyuan stood up at this time because he was about to assume the position of the new King of the Southern Territory. Although the official appointment had not yet been announced, the news had essentially spread among the upper echelons of the imperial capital, and it was a done deal.


    The Tianluo Kingdom is located at the southwest end of the Xuanyuan Nation and is, in a sense, within the jurisdiction of the King of the Southern Territory. Therefore, Zhang Wenyuan''s interjection at this time was undoubtedly a declaration of his stance.


    However, this was the Northern Cloud Residence, the home of the Northern Border King. Given Ye Feng''s temperament, it was natural that he would not allow others to dictate in his own home, not even the King of the Southern Territory.


    So, as soon as Zhang Wenyuan stood up, his command had already been issued; Xiao Chuanqi, Leng Wuming, and Sima Zhantian, who had been waiting, immediately pounced.


    Although at this moment, the three chief legion commanders under Ye Feng were still at the peak of Martial King Realm, their combat power should not be underestimated by the standards of an ordinary Martial King.


    The spacious hall suddenly shimmered with golden light as a vast flow of Sword Qi, resembling a mighty river, instantly filled the entire hall. This was Xiao Chuanqi''s doing; he was inherently adept at the way of the sword, and his constitution was particularly unique, being a very powerful innate Sword Body.


    Although this innate Sword Body had not yet truly reached the Divine Path Realm to consolidate its own Divine Path Object, it was nonetheless capable of contending with Divine Path Realm powerhouses.


    Suddenly, with a soft ''pfft,'' the head of a Tianluo Kingdom Divine Path Realm powerhouse closest to him rolled off, and his body thunderously fell to the ground. The speed of the Sword Qi was so fast that the opponent did not even have a chance to deploy his Divine Path Object.


    At the same time, a flash of green blade light appeared in the hall!


    This blade light, unlike the previously ethereal Sword Qi, was thick and heavy, akin to a mountain, teeming with killing intent that inspired dread. Almost simultaneously, as the head of the first Divine Path Realm powerhouse rolled off, another Tianluo Kingdom Divine Path Realm warrior was cleaved into two halves by a single slash.


    At this point, Leng Wuming had also swept into the center of the hall, wielding a Vajra Pestle. The sound of the wind howled within the hall as the Vajra Pestle cast shadows, enveloping his opponent.


    Suddenly a heavy blow struck down, and the Tianluo Kingdom Divine Path Realm powerhouse was instantly reduced to mincemeat.


    In just a brief confrontation, three Tianluo Kingdom Divine Path Realm powerhouses were killed, and the entire hall plunged into a deathly silence. Not only were the remaining three Tianluo Kingdom Divine Path Realm powerhouses petrified, but the high-ranking officials of the imperial capital were also deeply shocked.


    Even the heads of the Utility Pavilion, including Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, were staring wide-eyed, their faces showing signs of astonishment.


    All along, people in the imperial capital only knew of the Northern Border King Ye Feng''s strength and dominance, but they knew very little about his generals. After all, these officials considered the Northern King''s attendants as merely Martial King Realm powerhouses, hardly significant.


    But now they realized they were wrong, terribly wrong. From their performance just now, it was clear that although the three were still at the peak of Martial King Realm, the combat power they displayed was enough to dominate the first layer of Divine Path Realm, Enlightenment Realm, and even match the second layer, the God Gathering Realm.


    What they didn''t know was that the truly formidable one under Ye Feng''s command wasn''t any of those three, but Gai Jiuyou, the former Chief Legion Commander, who also held immense prestige in the Northern Border.


    Ye Feng didn''t respond to that question, but instead countered, "Judging from the tone of your voice, it seems that you''re still harboring some resentment for my stopping you from acting against those three from Tianluo Kingdom earlier?"


    Zhang Wenyuan couldn''t help but laugh, saying, "You know me, I''m not someone who is so petty."


    Ye Feng also smiled and said, "You should also know that I''m not someone who is so petty."


    After their exchange, both looked at each other and shared a knowing smile. Even though neither had explicitly stated their thoughts, as clever as they were, both had already understood what the other was trying to convey.


    Just as they had said, neither were petty people, and with no real life-or-death grudges, why cling to the past? A true king''s vision should not be restricted by what''s in front of them but should encompass the entire world!


    "You specifically stayed behind, and I''m assuming it wasn''t just to discuss this issue with me?" Ye Feng then asked. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Of course not." Zhang Wenyuan shook his head, then said, "The appointment letter will arrive tomorrow, and I will head to the Southern Territory. I know you have been to the Southern Territory before and have some acquaintances with the former Southern King Dugu Ming."


    "What would you like me to do?" Ye Feng asked.


    Zhang Wenyuan''s expression suddenly turned serious. "You know what Dugu Ming is like. Do you think he can outmaneuver me?"


    Ye Feng, with a cold voice, replied, "No."


    Zhang Wenyuan suddenly laughed, a confident laughter.


    Ye Feng then added, "Just as you said, I understand Dugu Ming. I know he''s currently disinterested in power. Rest assured, he will step down peacefully."


    Zhang Wenyuan nodded and said, "Actually, I just wanted to tell you in advance, in case he''s not willing to give in, I hope you can talk to him. If he still refuses to let go, then I..."


    "Don''t worry, if he doesn''t want to step down, I''ll talk to him. Of course, my words may not be effective, but when the time comes, you can just handle it as official business," Ye Feng said.


    "Good, with your word, I feel reassured," Zhang Wenyuan responded, then suddenly added, "By the way, there''s still some time before the World Martial Arts Tournament begins. Are you interested in a trip to the Southern Territory with me?"


    Ye Feng, somewhat surprised, asked, "You''re not planning to attend the World Martial Arts Tournament?"


    Zhang Wenyuan chuckled. "Not going. With you there, that''s enough!"

 Chapter 337 Little Martial Uncle, You Dont Care About Me

    In fact, Ye Feng was acutely aware that Zhang Wenyuan invited him to the Southern Territory mainly because he was worried that the former Southern Origin King, Dugu Ming, and others would not accept the situation and cause trouble. He hoped Ye Feng would appear and stabilize the situation.


    The reason he declined was firstly because Ye Feng, as the Northern Border King, should not intervene too much in the affairs of the Southern Territory, and secondly because he believed in Zhang Wenyuan and trusted that his strength could stabilize the overall situation in the Southern Territory.


    The apprentice ceremony banquet lasted until sunset and, despite some minor incidents, ended without too much tumult. On that day, Hong Qingyan received two mysterious gifts from her master, the Second Sect Leader. One of them was said to be a defensive tool, impervious to harm under the Divine Path Realm, which relieved Ye Feng quite a bit.


    As night fell, servants cleaned up the main hall while Ye Feng suddenly felt a stir in his mind and spirit and turned toward the study. Just as he stepped out of the doorway, Long Nannan suddenly came up to meet him, looking as if she had been waiting there for a while.


    In fact, Long Nannan had been in low spirits all day, which was somewhat unusual. After all, this mischievous little devil usually loved excitement. Even though she did not like Hong Qingyan becoming an apprentice, it shouldn''t have made her so downcast.


    "It''s rare for the one hailed as Northern Cloud Residence''s happy nut to have an unhappy day," Ye Feng joked.


    Long Nannan hung her head with a sulky face and did not pick up on his humor. Ye Feng immediately sensed that things were probably more serious, so he asked, "What''s wrong? Did you run into some trouble?"


    Only then did Long Nannan raise her head to look at him, speaking in an almost rote manner, "Little Martial Uncle, you really don''t care about me at all."


    Ye Feng was taken aback and retorted with a smile, "How can you say I don''t care about you?"


    Long Nannan pouted and said, "If you cared about me, how come you didn''t even notice that I''ve starved and lost weight these past few days?" Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng let out an exasperated laugh but soon realized this was not the real reason the little troublemaker had sought him out. He immediately asked earnestly, "Come on, what''s the matter?"


    It was then Long Nannan revealed, "In two days, it will be my birthday."


    Ye Feng suddenly understood but also felt somewhat speechless. Although he was her Little Martial Uncle, he was not particularly close to Long Nannan. It had been less than half a year since they met, and since he had entered the sect halfway through, he naturally did not know her exact date of birth.


    "So what you mean is, in two days, I should throw you a lively birthday party, inviting all the eminent figures of the imperial city to come, and then you can rightfully receive gifts?" Ye Feng asked with a smile.


    Ye Feng himself couldn''t help but laugh at the quirkiness of the girl. He nodded and said, "I believe that one day, you will become a hero, a great hero. When that day comes, I will announce it to the whole world for you!"


    "It''s a deal then, pinky swear, no changing for a hundred years!" Long Nannan extended her chubby, somewhat baby-fat fingers.


    Ye Feng then extended his finger and said, "Pinky swear, no changing for a hundred years!"


    With that, Long Nannan was completely happy again. Ye Feng thought for a moment and then said, "Tomorrow, I will take you there."


    To his surprise, Long Nannan immediately refused, "No, I don''t want Little Martial Uncle to take me, nor do I want anyone else to either. I fear parting too much, because when it''s time to say goodbye, I can''t help but cry. Sausage Sister said that women don''t look good when they cry."


    Ye Feng didn''t know what to say upon hearing this.


    But Long Nannan laughed cheerfully and said, "Don''t be too sad, Little Martial Uncle. Grandpa said that one day, Little Martial Uncle will go there as well, and you will descend upon the place like the sun."


    "I, too, am looking forward to that day!" Long Nannan said this and turned around, then leapt up and took off into the night sky, leaving just like that.


    Ye Feng did not expect this mischievous girl to leave so suddenly. By the time he reacted, Long Nannan had already swept up onto the eaves.


    "Be sure to stay alive and wait for my arrival!" Ye Feng suddenly exhaled deeply.


    Long Nannan stood under the eaves and suddenly turned back with a smile, and at that moment, Ye Feng was suddenly shocked and at a loss for words. This was the first time he had seen Long Nannan''s true face.


    Under the moonlight, she wore a white dress. That one turning glance seemed to bring all charm to life, and she was breathtaking, as if the entire nation fell for her beauty. This, then, was the true Long Nannan.


    Suddenly a wind arose in the night, and with a gentle wave of Long Nannan''s slender, white arm, she flew away like a fairy from the heavens, as if she was returning to the Heavenly Palace.


    Ye Feng stood still for a long while, then suddenly heaved a deep sigh, feeling an indescribable sense of loss.

 Chapter 338 Im Ugly, Afraid Ill Scare You!

    Ye Feng was no ordinary man, and although his state of mind had been unsettled by Long Nannan''s sudden departure, he soon collected his thoughts and calmed down, then slightly shook his head and turned to walk into the study.


    Because he knew that the separation was only temporary, and he believed that it would not be long before they met again, and by that time, he was certain to meet her in a heroic manner.


    The study was not brightly lit, only a single oil lamp burned, a specific request by Ye Feng. At this moment, in the corner of the study, there was already someone, or to be exact, a shadow.


    Her name was Shadow, the shadow belonging to the Northern King Ye Feng. It was because the Shadow had secretly communicated with him that he had turned to enter the study, an encounter with Long Nannan having been but a minor interlude on the way.


    "Subordinate pays respects to His Highness Northern King!" Shadow immediately knelt to the ground to salute, but even as she knelt, she still appeared as a mass of black shadow, her true appearance unclear, and in Ye Feng''s eyes, this mass of black mist seemed even denser than before.


    Only by her voice could one tell that Shadow was a woman, and moreover her voice was like the echo of a serene valley, very pleasing to the ear, revealing a hint of iciness among its charms. Judging by her voice, Shadow''s appearance should be not bad.


    In fact, up until now, Ye Feng had never seen Shadow''s true face, although he knew that if he requested it, she would definitely reveal herself. But from the beginning to the end, he had never done so. After all, everyone, whether subordinate or attendant, as long as they are a person, should retain some secrets. As a master, he should respect this right of his subjects.


    To be precise, they had known each other for almost five years. The main reason why Shadow often appeared in the form of a shadow was, on one hand, due to the needs of her missions, and on the other hand, more so because of her physical constitution.


    She was a Supernatural Ability User, specifically a Shadow Ability User. Her supernatural ability was inherently to become a shadow!


    Ye Feng looked her over and said, "It seems that your power has increased again during this period."


    Shadow responded with a smile, "To my embarrassment, I have only advanced to the Fifth Segment, which is approximately equivalent to the Divine Path Realm as mentioned by those martial cultivators. Compared to master, it is still far too lacking."


    Ye Feng shook his head noncommittally. Although Shadow said this, he understood that Supernatural Ability Users could not be simply equated with the Ancient Martial Realm. In other words, even if their strength was equal, Supernatural Ability Users possessed various special abilities.


    Take the Shadow before him as an example, her ability was not just to turn herself into a shadow, but also to merge into any darkness, using anything dark to hide and move around. In summary, as long as there were dark places in the world, that was Shadow''s battlefield.


    "Speak, what important news have you discovered that made you message me suddenly?" Ye Feng walked over slowly and sat on the only chair in the study. On the table in front of him was a book, although this book had no text.


    Shadow replied, "Master, the investigation you ordered us to conduct on the Terracotta Warriors of the Emperor''s Mausoleum, the Six-foot Path, the Spirit Channel, and other architectural constructs from over two thousand years ago, now there''s some progress."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng''s brows furrowed slightly and he said, "Oh, tell me in detail, which area made progress?"


    The reason Ye Feng had Shadow investigate these ancient constructions well-known to the people of Xuanyuan Nation was because of the strange dream Ye Feng had in the Central Fallen Dragon Valley. Although it was a dream, Ye Feng knew it was not a fantasy.


    However, suddenly, Ye Feng asked, "Shadow, think carefully, you should be twenty years old by now, right?"


    Caught off guard by the question, Shadow hesitated, not expecting her master to ask such a thing. After a brief pause, she answered, "Yes, my lord. You saved me five years ago when I was fifteen. Now, I am indeed twenty years old."


    "Five years have passed in the blink of an eye," Ye Feng mused, then continued, "In these five years you''ve been with me, have you ever regretted it?" Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    Upon hearing this, Shadow immediately became anxious. Just as she was about to speak, Ye Feng raised his hand to interrupt her, "Let me finish. You are now twenty, the most precious years for a woman. Hence, if you wish, you are free to leave me now and live freely. The gratitude you owe for these five years, is surely repaid in full."


    Suddenly, there was a loud thump!


    Shadow immediately knelt on the ground and said, "My lord, saving my life was greater than building a seven-tiered pagoda. At that moment, I swore to follow you forever. Unless my lord deems me useless and casts me away, I will not leave."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng sighed softly and then said, "Tell me the day you grow tired, or no longer wish to live with this identity, desiring to walk openly and proudly in the light."


    Shadow was taken aback, then quickly smiled and said, "That won''t do."


    "Why not?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but ask.


    "Because I am ugly. If I were to show my true face to my lord, I''m afraid I''d scare you!" Shadow hadn''t finished speaking when she disappeared into the dark corner.


    Ye Feng heard this and could only shake his head with a wistful sigh, then slowly rose to his feet. After some thought, he decided to give Zhang Wenyuan a call to let him know that he would join him on the trip to the Southern Territory the next day.


    An anomaly in the Spirit Channel, combined with the dream at the Fallen Dragon Valley, indicated that there was certainly something in the Southern Spirit Channel¡ªlikely something left behind by an emperor more than two thousand years ago. Therefore, Ye Feng was determined to see it for himself, no matter what.


    Ye Feng had to unravel everything about that emperor. He had a premonition that the Spirit Channel in the south might not be the most important matter; the crucial element was likely the Emperor''s Mausoleum in the Northwest!


    Beneath that mausoleum lay countless Terracotta Warriors. Intuition told Ye Feng that these warriors were far from ordinary; perhaps they were the contingency left behind by the emperor from over two thousand years ago!


    Zhang Wenyuan was extremely pleased upon receiving the call, as Ye Feng''s willingness to join him relieved him of great trouble. Nevertheless, Zhang Wenyuan was puzzled. The other man had clearly refused just a moment ago; why had he suddenly changed his mind?


    Zhang Wenyuan couldn''t fathom the reason, but he had one advantage: if he couldn''t understand something, he didn''t dwell on it. He left it to time.


    "Southern Territory, here I come. The Northern Border King now fully controls the entire Northern Border and has even extended his influence to the imperial capital. Next, I must seize control of the Southern Territory with the utmost speed. Only then will I have the capital to advance into the imperial capital!"


    Under the moonlight, Zhang Wenyuan sat beneath the high eaves, gazing at the half-moon in the sky dome, emanating the vibrant energy of a young man.

 Chapter 339 The Secret of Hong Qingyan!

    In the study, Ye Feng thought it over and decided not to return to the inner chamber. Although Long Nannan was no longer around, which meant no one would disturb him and Hong Qingyan; usually, the little imp Long Nannan would cling to Hong Qingyan every night, which troubled him greatly.


    But tonight, because she had just taken up a master and Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong had just taught Hong Qingyan the cultivation technique and the tricks of cultivation, Hong Qingyan was now in secluded cultivation, foregoing sleep and food.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel a twinge of pain in his heart. As his woman, a woman so noble as the Northern Border Sovereign, was supposed to only be responsible for being beautifully adorned, she didn''t need to struggle so hard.


    However, Ye Feng understood Hong Qingyan and knew that she was a woman soft on the outside but resolute within. She was not content with being merely a vase; she aspired to stand equal with her better half. From this perspective, the stimulus of the recent events had not been small on Hong Qingyan.


    Ye Feng thought it over and then simply sat down cross-legged and entered the cultivation state as well. Almost instantly, his mind became calm as still water, and immediately the air currents above Northern Cloud Residence began to change, becoming stormy.


    In fact, ordinary people wouldn''t have this kind of sensation. Only those in the Realm of the Martial King, like Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and Xiao Chuanqi, would have such sensitivity. At this point, the air currents became very unstable, and even the spiritual energy in the world was greatly affected and fluctuated.


    Right now, even Martial Kings could no longer cultivate because they were unable to absorb the extremely weak spiritual energy between heaven and earth.


    All fingers were pointed at the study in Northern Cloud Residence, and Xiao Chuanqi, seeing this, had no choice but to exit his cultivation state, shaking his head and chuckling bitterly, "Our lord is cultivating again, making it impossible for us to cultivate."


    Sima Zhantian also had to exit his cultivation state and laughed heartily, "This is great; no need to cultivate anymore. I''ll go drink with Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming!"


    Back to the study, where air currents surged, countless tiny strands of spiritual energy were extracted and, like plugging leaks, poured into the study. They then entered Ye Feng''s body through the seven apertures and pores.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng had an intuition. He sensed that Hong Qingyan was at the most crucial juncture, and with a thought, he directed the spiritual energy away from the study, leading it to the bedroom where Hong Qingyan was.


    As for Hong Qingyan, who was just starting out, she naturally noticed none of this. Strangely enough, according to the usual state of cultivation, Hong Qingyan, who was just beginning, should have been using the spiritual energy to temper her body, which is the most fundamental Level of External Strength.


    When a martial artist begins cultivation, they first cultivate the body, which is at the Level of External Strength. Only when the body''s various functions have been sufficiently honed will Qi Force emerge within the body, entering the Level of Inner Strength.


    When one''s Inner Strength accumulates to a certain stage and is refined to an exquisite Level, they reach what martial artists call Hua Jin, which is the realm of a Grandmaster and Great Grandmaster. At this stage, one is generally considered a master within the Xuanyuan Nation.


    A step above Great Grandmaster is Martial King. At this stage, one needs to rotate one''s Qi Force to open acupoints within the body. Once the acupoints are opened, one enters the Martial King Realm.


    Above the Martial King is the Realm of the Divine Path, where one needs to combine their Qi Force with external objects to condense a Divine Path Object. The Divine Path Realm is divided into five minor levels: the First Enlightenment Realm, the Second God Gathering Realm, the Third Spirit Division Realm, the Fourth Divine Communication Realm, and the Fifth Divine Ability Realm.


    Despite his intense curiosity at this point, Ye Feng still forcefully suppressed it, knowing that it was absolutely not the time to disturb Hong Qingyan, otherwise she would undoubtedly miss a tremendously good opportunity.


    Without much thought, Ye Feng immediately mobilized more spiritual energy and drove it towards Hong Qingyan.


    At this moment, over the Northern Cloud Residence, the sky was turbulent, and even common people could tell that clouds were gathering towards the Northern Cloud Residence, even creating a sensation as if dark clouds were about to crush the town, and inexplicably, gusts of wind sprang up over the Northern Cloud Residence.


    At this time, Sima Zhantian was entertaining Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming; the three of them were drinking and chatting in a small courtyard, unable to cultivate normally anyway, so they were perfectly justified in enjoying their wine.


    "Damn, what is his majesty trying to do? Making such a ruckus while cultivating, can''t a man enjoy his wine in peace!" exclaimed Sima Zhantian, as he drained his wine cup and looked at the dark clouds overhead.


    Leng Wuming lamented, "His Majesty is the same as us, also at the peak of the Martial King Realm, but his power is becoming stronger, and just regular cultivation causes such a huge commotion!"


    Only Xiao Chuanqi, squinting his eyes, watched for a moment and then shook his head, "That''s not right, this is not his majesty cultivating, this is... in the back yard... The Princess Consort is cultivating!" Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    "The Princess Consort? That''s hardly possible, even if the Princess Consort has just started cultivating today, she''s just taking the first steps, she couldn''t cause such a big commotion!" Leng Wuming said.


    Xiao Chuanqi said gravely, "It''s His Majesty who is moving the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to the Princess Consort''s side, indeed very strange. The Princess Consort has just started cultivating, how could she possibly need such a massive amount of spiritual energy? With her current stage, she shouldn''t be able to absorb so much."


    Sima Zhantian suggested, "Since His Majesty is moving so much over there, that means the Princess Consort needs it, otherwise he would not do so. Could it be that the Princess Consort is practicing some supreme secret technique, or an ancient method of the flesh body, so she needs such a vast amount of spiritual energy to practice?"


    "That''s possible!" Leng Wuming nodded.


    Sima Zhantian''s eyes lit up, "To think that her first cultivation attempt is causing such a huge commotion, makes one really curious, what exactly is the technique that the Princess Consort is practicing, how about it, do you two feel like going over to take a look?"


    No sooner had he finished speaking, the three immediately thought about standing up, but at the same moment, all three sat back down, joking aside, no matter how curious they were in their hearts, they could not go over, at least not now, as the one practicing was their Princess Consort.


    "Let''s not worry about all this messy business. With His Majesty protecting her, we don''t need to worry. Come on, let''s drink!" shouted Sima Zhantian.


    So the three once again picked up their wine cups and drank heartily, but it was obvious that although everyone was drinking, their minds were not on it anymore. The three of them kept glancing surreptitiously towards the back yard to see what was going on.


    And this massive commotion between heaven and earth lasted nearly four hours before it finally ended, naturally attracting the attention of some great powers in the capital, even the two old men from the Utility Pavilion were disturbed.

 Chapter 340 Cultivator, Golden Core Great Dao!

    For four hours, Ye Feng was drawing upon the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth to Hong Qingyan''s bedroom, the high intensity and long duration of manipulating such energy was almost too much for even him to bear. Fortunately, after four hours, a thunderous change occurred within Hong Qingyan''s body.


    She finally made a breakthrough, successfully opening her acupoints and directly advancing to the Realm of the Martial King!


    Seeing this, Ye Feng finally let a slight smile appear on his face, his efforts had not been in vain. By now, his face was covered with sweat, and he felt somewhat drained.


    "Who would have thought that Qingyan harbored such a great secret unknown to others; it seems she either has a special constitution or some kind of legacy within her. She''ll need time to consolidate her realm, and this is a perfect opportunity for me to recover!"


    Thinking this, Ye Feng sat down with his legs crossed once again and absorbed the scattered spiritual energy from around him. Within half a quarter hour, he had returned to his peak condition. Then, he stepped out and headed toward the backyard, eager to uncover the secrets within Hong Qingyan.


    By now, Hong Qingyan had completely stabilized her realm. After breaking through to the Martial King Realm, her entire demeanor had changed, her skin had become fairer, and even her features had altered somewhat, no longer was she limping.


    When Ye Feng pushed the door open and saw Hong Qingyan, he was stunned. She seemed to glow all over, like a celestial being descended from Heaven amidst the night. She exuded an ethereal and noble aura.


    Just with this demeanor alone, if anyone still said Hong Qingyan did not deserve to stand beside him, Northern King Ye Feng, that person would either be blind or brainless.


    "Big Brother Ye, thank you so much for just now. You must be exhausted!" Seeing Ye Feng enter, Hong Qingyan stepped forward to meet him; in truth, with just a light step she seemed to glide towards him like a gentle breeze brushing through willows.


    The grace and ease of her movement had an otherworldly charm; Ye Feng couldn''t help but stare once again. However, he quickly regained his composure and smiled, "I''m fine, but how do you feel now?"


    "I feel better than I ever have before!" While Hong Qingyan had made a breakthrough and her demeanor underwent a dramatic change, the way she looked at Ye Feng became even more tender, even carrying a hint of allure within that gentleness.


    She knew that everything she had now was thanks to Ye Feng; even the cultivation tonight would not have been possible without his selfless assistance.


    In Hong Qingyan''s eyes, and even in her heart, from now on there would only be one person for her, and that was Ye Feng.


    The two entered the bedroom, and Ye Feng said directly, "During your cultivation, did you feel anything strange?"


    Immediately, Hong Qingyan nodded, "It was indeed strange, I was originally cultivating according to the Martial Arts Method my master gave me, but as soon as I truly entered the cultivation state, my subconscious took over."


    "So, are you saying that your subconscious skipped over the External Strength, Inner Strength, and the Hua Jin stages, directly hitting the acupoints?" Ye Feng asked.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed as he once again cautiously drove his Divine Sense downward to inspect. He was extremely careful because he feared injuring her, so he proceeded slowly.


    But this time, when he saw what was supposedly the Acupoint Hong Qingyan had just opened, he was shocked once again. In fact, it was one of the most shocking moments of his life. He was completely stunned, his mouth agape and his eyes reflecting sheer disbelief.


    Seeing his reaction, Hong Qingyan grew worried and asked, "What''s wrong, Big Brother Ye? Could there really be a problem with my body?"


    Snapped out of his shock by her voice, Ye Feng took a deep breath and finally said, "I understand now, I finally understand!"


    "What do you understand, Big Brother Ye?" Hong Qingyan asked, growing more anxious.


    Ye Feng withdrew his hand and let out a long breath as if removing a weight from his chest, then said meaningfully, "I had previously read in some fragmented ancient texts that in the Ancient Era, there were Cultivators in our world. At first, I didn''t believe it, but now, I do."


    "Cultivators? What does that have to do with me?" Hong Qingyan''s confusion deepened.


    "It has everything to do with you because you are a Cultivator. To be precise, you carry the heritage of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator!" Ye Feng raised his head to look at Hong Qingyan with a complicated look in his eyes.


    Hong Qingyan''s eyes widened with a gleam of brightness and vitality, and she inquired, "What do you mean? Is this heritage of a Cultivator a good or bad thing for me?"


    "Of course, it''s a good thing!" Ye Feng immediately replied. After a sigh, he continued, "The truth is that what you''ve just opened is not an Acupoint in the ordinary sense, but rather your Qi-Blood Sea Dantian, or in terms of Ancient Cultivators, that would be referred to as the Divine Mansion."


    Hong Qingyan was even more perplexed and couldn''t help but say, "The more you explain, the more confused I become. But since you say it''s a good thing, Big Brother Ye, I shouldn''t worry. And from now on, during cultivation, as long as I follow my subconscious, that will make things simpler." Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng couldn''t help laughing at her words, because Hong Qingyan herself didn''t realize what path her cultivation was actually on, nor did she understand the implications of that path.


    "Qingyan, you might not fully understand, so let me give you an analogy. For example, what people generally cultivate now is the path of the Martial Dao, even including the practitioners from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts who are all on the ancient Martial path. You, however, are different.


    What you''re cultivating is the Golden Core Great Dao, the true path that Ancient Daoist Cultivators practiced!"


    Having said that, Ye Feng slowly stood up because he knew that with his explanation, Hong Qingyan should be able to understand. And just then, someone unexpectedly came to visit from outside.


    Given that it was already late at night and someone had come suddenly, it was probably due to the immense disturbance that the Northern Cloud Residence had caused earlier with the abundant surge of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. Ye Feng did not want to publicize the secret of Hong Qingyan''s heritage, so he needed to think of an excuse in advance.

 Chapter 341 Let me finish speaking!

    The guests arriving this time were not few. As Hong Qingyan''s stand-in master, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong naturally could not miss this occasion, especially since he himself had a good relationship with Ye Feng. Moreover, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming and the remaining two Sect Leaders were also present.


    To Ye Feng''s surprise, one of the two elders from Utility Pavilion, Zhuge Wuming, also paid a personal visit, which astonished Ye Feng quite a bit.


    Regarding this senior, he had once saved Ye Feng''s life at the bottom of Fallen Dragon Valley. At the time, Ye Feng did not know that he was one of the two supreme elders of Utility Pavilion. It was only later, through what the Grand Sect Leader had mentioned, that he found out. Therefore, no matter what, this person was his life savior, and he was very grateful in his heart.


    "I did not expect Senior Zhuge to visit in person. I have neglected to greet you from afar, please forgive me!" Ye Feng quickly walked out and went to the doorway to welcome him.


    Although these few individuals had all arrived flying through the night, since they had reached such a level of cultivation, the capital, though very big, was just a moment''s journey away for them. However, upon arriving at Northern Cloud Residence, perhaps out of due respect, they did not fly directly into the residence but stopped at the entrance.


    The elder Zhuge Wuming was merely dressed in a simple Tang suit. Although his hair and beard had already turned gray, he still looked very fresh and clean, and he held himself very erect.


    Ye Feng surmised that this senior must have lived well past a hundred years, but due to his profound cultivation, he did not show the slightest sign of old age, and seemed more like a man in his fifties or sixties.


    "There is no need for such ceremony. Truth be told, it was just an impromptu visit on my part, so there is no need for everyone to be so formal!" Zhuge Wuming waved his hand to indicate that there was no need for pretense.


    Within Xuanyuan Nation''s secular society, the status of the two elders of Utility Pavilion was extraordinarily high. Even personages such as Grand Sect Leader and Second Sect Leader would have to show the utmost respect upon meeting these two elders. After all, they were the founders of Utility Pavilion, and most of the leaders there had received guidance from them at one time or another.


    "Please come in, Senior Zhuge. Sect Leaders, please," Ye Feng gestured invitingly with an open hand. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    He could see that Zhuge Wuming''s attitude toward him was very friendly, certainly much more so than the other elder, Tang Bai. Moreover, this senior had once saved his life, so Ye Feng''s attitude was very respectful. After all, this person had previously made a great contribution to Xuanyuan Nation by playing a crucial role in turning the tides.


    Thereupon, the group made their way into Northern Cloud Residence under cover of night. Although everyone knew the real reason for this unexpected visit and that the recent disturbance of spiritual energy was due to the mistress of Northern Cloud Residence, they suddenly found it difficult to address the matter.


    Since no one else mentioned it, Ye Feng certainly wasn''t going to bring it up himself. The Dao that Hong Qingyan was cultivating was very special and important, and unless absolutely necessary, he would never reveal it. So everyone just sat in the reception hall, drinking tea silently, making the atmosphere undoubtedly a bit awkward.


    Being Hong Qingyan''s master''s master, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong was the most appropriate person to broach the subject. After taking a sip of tea, he set down his cup and said, "Ye Feng, about tonight''s disturbance of spiritual energy at Northern Cloud Residence, was it caused by Qingyan?"


    Ye Feng thought that it was expected to be brought up and replied with a slight smile and unconcerned tone, "It seems there has been a misunderstanding. I was cultivating tonight, and it was a critical moment, so the spiritual energy from heaven and earth was naturally a bit more intense. Just as I finished, I saw my wife cultivating in the backyard.


    Since it was her first time, I simply directed the spiritual energy her way, hoping it would help her a little with her cultivation."


    In other words, in Senior Zhuge''s eyes, Northern King Ye Feng already appeared to be on the same level as the many masters of the Utility Pavilion. If it weren''t for Ye Feng''s young age and relative inexperience, he probably would have been able to enter the Utility Pavilion directly by now.


    Thinking of this, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming couldn''t help but feel a subtle sense of concern. He was obviously worried about his disciple; compared to Northern King Ye Feng, his disciple, the New Southern King Zhang Wenyuan, undoubtedly seemed lesser in Senior Zhuge''s opinion. Otherwise, Zhang Wenyuan would have no reason to be absent from this meeting.


    However, it should be mentioned that although Ye Feng has been given special attention by Senior Zhuge, another elderly figure held a negative view of Ye Feng but had a favorable impression of Zhang Wenyuan.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Please speak freely, Senior."


    Senior Zhuge went on, "Once the Martial Academy of Xuanyuan Nation is established, it will ignite a wave of Martial Dao. At that time, the nation will likely hold martial arts in the highest regard, making the Martial Academy extremely important.


    After discussions with the Nine Great Sects, it has been decided that the academy will have five Supreme Elders: two from the Utility Pavilion and three from the Nine Great Sects."


    One of the sect leaders couldn''t help but say, "The Nine Great Sects holding three Supreme Elder positions, one more than the Utility Pavilion, does that mean the Martial Academy will essentially be run by the Nine Great Sects?"


    "Let me finish speaking first!" Senior Zhuge raised his hand to interrupt, then continued, "Although there are only five Supreme Elder positions, the Principal of the Martial Academy will have the same voting power and decision-making rights as the Supreme Elders, making the position of the principal extremely significant."


    What Senior Zhuge did not say was that although the Nine Great Sects held three seats, not all the Sect Influences within those Nine Great Sects were enemies of the Utility Pavilion. One or two of them were actually backers of the Utility Pavilion, but such high-level secrets naturally wouldn''t be disclosed openly.


    "Have the details regarding the selection for the Martial Academy Principal been decided?" Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming asked.


    Senior Zhuge replied, "It has all been agreed upon. The competition for the position of the Principal of the Martial Academy will be open to those below thirty years of age and above the Martial King Realm, who are eligible to contend in the Martial Dao Tournament."


    "Below thirty years of age and above Martial King Realm, does that include those at the Martial King Realm?" Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong asked hastily, as this condition was directly related to Northern King Ye Feng, who was still at the Peak of the Martial King Realm.


    "It includes!" Senior Zhuge smiled slightly, turning his head to look at Ye Feng, then continued, "The reason for such criteria is to choose a truly peerless prodigy for the Martial Academy of Xuanyuan Nation, who can lead the academy on a path of growth and glory."


    As he spoke, Senior Zhuge''s tone suddenly became serious, and he said word by word, "The Martial Academy is transformed from the former Martial Alliance. I am aware that this has been the labor of many years for Young Friend Ye, and for this reason, I hope you will represent the Utility Pavilion in the competition."


    Upon hearing this statement, the expressions of the numerous masters present subtly shifted. If someone else had made this remark, they might not have taken it seriously, but coming from one of the two venerable seniors, Senior Zhuge, it carried considerable weight.


    In a certain sense, Northern King Ye Feng was almost the candidate preordained by the elderly figure.

 Chapter 342 Found a Treasure This Time

    Regarding the old man''s expectations, Ye Feng didn''t immediately make a promise. Perhaps to ordinary people, being valued by this powerful and prestigious elder would be a cause for great joy, but Ye Feng knew what it truly meant¡ªa heavy burden of pressure.


    As the saying goes, with great position comes great responsibility, which is probably what this means.


    "Senior Zhuge, could you tell me, besides myself, who else has the Utility Pavilion sent to compete for the position of head of the Martial Arts Competition?" Ye Feng asked after thinking for a while.


    Zhuge Wuming nodded, then said, "Apart from you, there are three others. One is the New Southern King Zhang Wenyuan who you are familiar with. The second is the adopted son of the Duantian Great General''s Mansion, Sky-piercing, who is also a descendant of a loyal family, the grandson of the Heaven Guard National Pillar."


    "In addition, there is one more person. It''s not convenient for me to speak much about it now, because this person has a rather special identity. For the sake of caution, I can only keep silent about it at this moment," Zhuge Wuming added, apologizing with a smile.


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "I understand."


    In fact, everyone knew that the reason the last person''s identity couldn''t be announced was because the Utility Pavilion was keeping it as their final trump card, or rather, their last ace in the hole. In other words, the person the Utility Pavilion truly valued was this last individual.


    Zhuge Wuming then chuckled, "Speaking of which, the person I truly value the most is you, Ye Feng. I also believe that you are the one who ultimately has the best chance of winning. I trust you will not let me down when the time comes."


    At this point, Zhuge Wuming slowly got up, seeming to intend to leave. Noticing that the other Sect Leaders were hesitant to leave, he couldn''t help but say, "What are you waiting for? It''s so late; do you intend to disturb this couple further?"


    The Sect Leaders had intended to understand the real reasons behind tonight''s disturbance of the spiritual energy between heaven and earth, but since the elder had spoken, they naturally couldn''t refuse to leave. They each followed Zhuge Wuming out one after another.


    Ye Feng naturally got up to see them off, escorting them all the way to the door.


    However, suddenly Shi Yehong smacked his forehead and said, "Oh right, I almost forgot. I haven''t discussed some important matters regarding cultivation with my disciple''s disciple. These matters are quite important, and any further delay could lead to big trouble. I need to go back!"


    Without waiting for the reaction of the other Sect Leaders, Shi Yehong immediately turned around and slipped into Northern Cloud Residence. Ye Feng had anticipated that the old man would return so he wasn''t surprised; however, the other Sect Leaders couldn''t help but curse under their breath, calling him an old fox.


    Not until the doors of Northern Cloud Residence were shut heavily did Shi Yehong burst into laughter, "Let''s go and take a look together. There are no outsiders here anymore, so you shouldn''t hide it from me any longer. What exactly happened tonight?"


    "Second Sect Leader, please follow me to my study," Ye Feng said and then promptly turned to walk towards the side courtyard, with the Second Sect Leader scurrying after him. Actually, after Hong Qingyan had called himself Grandmaster today, Shi Yehong hoped that Ye Feng would call him Grandmaster too, but the guy had stubbornly remained silent, leaving him quite frustrated.


    Of course, he couldn''t force him to say it. According to Long Nannan, the fact that Sister Hong would take him as her master was already a blessing from her ancestors. If she were to call you Grandmaster, even the heavens might strike her down with lightning.


    Once the two entered the study, Ye Feng personally closed the door and set up a simple Formation to prevent eavesdropping. Shi Yehong, seeing this, immediately became serious, knowing that the matter at hand was probably not so simple.


    "Second Sect Leader, please take a seat!" Ye Feng said, gesturing, but then walked back to his own seat and picked up the book with no words on it.


    In fact, the book wasn''t really wordless, it was just that ordinary people couldn''t see the words. Just like the three pages given to him by his senior brother, the little old man from the Northwest, they appeared blank to everyone else, but only Ye Feng could see the words and even practiced the cultivation techniques and martial arts written on them.


    It was evident that Shi Yehong was eager for the Golden Core cultivation method of ancient cultivators. After all, in ancient legends, those cultivators could ascend to immortality and achieve undying life after reaching Great Perfection in their cultivation. And it wasn''t just Shi Yehong who would be moved by this prospect¡ªwho in the world wouldn''t be?


    Ye Feng immediately responded with a wry smile, "I''ve asked her, and Qingyan doesn''t know."


    "If she doesn''t know, then how did she start on this path of the ancient Daoist Cultivator?" Shi Yehong immediately asked.


    "It''s the result of her subconscious acting on its own. In other words, her body has been cultivating on its own, and as for the actual cultivation method, she currently knows nothing about it," Ye Feng said truthfully.


    Shi Yehong''s brows furrowed instantly, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.


    Ye Feng said, "Second Sect Leader need not be too disheartened. At the moment, Qingyan''s Cultivation Realm is too low, just at the entry-level stage, and she doesn''t understand much about Martial Arts Practice. I believe that as she continues to delve deeper, she will eventually figure out this cultivation technique.


    By then, our current Earth might very well see the glory of ancient cultivators reincarnated."


    Upon hearing this, Shi Yehong nodded slightly, but couldn''t help sighing, "Yes, she''s just at the entry-level stage, but the strength Qingyan has shown is already comparable to that of a Martial King. Moreover, judging by the level of Spirit Essence, she can almost crush anyone at the Realm of the Martial King. And this is just on the first day of her cultivation.


    Ancient cultivators are truly miraculous!"


    Ye Feng listened without agreeing or disagreeing, thinking that with the combat power displayed by Hong Qingyan, it''s not just about crushing ordinary Martial Kings. In fact, she could likely easily overpower martial artists in the first three minor realms of the Divine Path Realm.


    And this is the terror of ancient cultivators¡ªa true Golden Core Great Dao, pointing directly to the path of longevity!


    Of course, this is just a prospective outlook. Currently, nearly all records of ancient cultivators have disappeared into the river of history, and only sparse accounts are left in ancient texts. Whether Hong Qingyan will be able to tread that path is still hard to say.


    Suddenly, Shi Yehong stood up and grabbed Ye Feng, saying, "Come, let''s go see Qingyan immediately!"


    Ye Feng was puzzled, and Shi Yehong explained, "The commotion tonight was so great that it has attracted the attention of many in the Imperial Capital. They didn''t dare to investigate blatantly because this place is the Northern Cloud Residence and you are overseeing it, but once you''re not here, they might come knocking again."


    "So, to be safe, I have to set up a Formation for Qingyan to hide her body''s true situation. This way, unless Divine Sense enters her body personally, no one else will be able to detect anything."


    Ye Feng nodded with a clasped hand and said, "In that case, thank you, Second Sect Leader."


    The Second Sect Leader immediately waved his hand impatiently, "Why mention such needless things? Qingyan is after all the disciple of my disciple. How could I, as her grandmaster, not care about this matter? Am I right?"


    As he spoke, Shi Yehong''s heart was blooming with joy, thinking that this time he had truly stumbled upon a treasure. Fortunately, it had fallen under his guidance; if Hong Qingyan had started cultivation earlier, he would not have been part of it.


    Ye Feng naturally couldn''t say he was wrong, so he could only remain silent, leading Shi Yehong towards the Inner Courtyard where Hong Qingyan was.

 Chapter 343 The New Official Sets Three Fires

    The next day at dawn, when Hong Qingyan walked out of the Inner Courtyard, she had reverted to her usual appearance, showing no trace of the transcendent and extraordinary air that seemed to have transformed her the day before; only her walk was no longer the limp of days past.


    This was specifically instructed by Shi Yehong, as the cultivation technique she practiced was too special, necessitating a certain level of concealment.


    At this time, Ye Feng had already led Xiao Chuanqi and others away from the Northern Cloud Residence and had met up with Zhang Wenyuan and others. Now that Hong Qingyan had not only become a disciple of the Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong but also progressed rapidly in her cultivation, becoming a top expert, Ye Feng naturally felt much more at ease.


    One could say that as long as she wasn''t suddenly attacked by a great power above the Divine Path Realm Level, Hong Qingyan could essentially handle it. Moreover, even if it were a great power at the Divine Communication Realm Level, in a one-on-one situation, Hong Qingyan could still hold her ground without falling short.


    After all, she was now following the ancient path of cultivators of the Ancient Era, and she was no longer the Hong Qingyan of yesterday!


    Although Ye Feng didn''t bring many people on his journey to the Southern Territory, he was accompanied by Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and other trusted followers. Of course, aside from these people, the truth was that last night, Ye Feng had already dispatched some of his hidden forces to the Southern Territory.


    As for Hong Qingyan, she remained at the Northern Cloud Residence. According to her, she could now fully stand on her own and ought to share her husband''s worries. Thus, she specially stayed to keep an eye on any movements in the Imperial Capital.


    After pondering for a moment, Ye Feng did not insist on her accompanying him, as staying in the Imperial Capital was undoubtedly safer for her at this time than going to the Southern Territory.


    Because in half a month, the Xuanyuan Nation would be hosting the Grand Martial Dao Tournament, which would be attended by members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Thus, everyone''s focus during this time was on the Martial Dao Tournament, and they were unlikely to cause trouble intentionally.


    The Inner City Airport wasn''t large and seemed somewhat cramped and modest, but don''t be fooled by its appearance. Even the scions of Noble Clans from the Inner City of the Imperial Capital wouldn''t necessarily qualify to come here.


    One could say that those who could board the private aircraft here were all of more than ordinary status, mainly consisting of the Sect Leaders of Xuanyuan Nation''s Tianyong Pavilion, generals from the General''s Mansion, and the heads of the Three Offices, the most important institutions of Xuanyuan Nation.


    "I am truly pleased you could come. I believe with you accompanying us, I can certainly avoid a lot of trouble," Zhang Wenyuan said, putting down what he was doing and quickly walking over as he saw Ye Feng approaching.


    Ye Feng responded with a faint smile, "It''s been a while since I went to the Southern Territory. Since there''s nothing much happening during this period, I might as well take a trip and visit some old friends."


    As he spoke, Ye Feng remembered something and turned to ask, "By the way, are you really not planning to compete in the upcoming Martial Dao Tournament in half a month?"


    Zhang Wenyuan let out a bitter laugh, then shook his head and sighed, "I originally had no intention of participating, but my master came to me last night particularly for this purpose, insisting that I compete no matter what... so I really had no choice..."


    Having said this, Zhang Wenyuan gave a slight shrug, revealing an expression of helplessness.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile lightly, "The Grand Martial Dao Tournament is open to everyone in the world. Although we are friends, when the time comes, we will rely solely on our own abilities, and you need not feel sorry for me."


    Zhang Wenyuan nodded, "Rest assured, precisely because I consider you a friend, I will give it my all when the time comes!"


    So after a brief greeting, led by Zhang Wenyuan, everyone went directly to the headquarters of the Southern Territory''s base camp. Of course, Dugu Ming, as the former king, would not come to greet them in person, and his few remaining confidantes naturally wouldn''t come either, but they were waiting in the council hall of the base camp, waiting for Zhang Wenyuan to come for the handover.


    The handover process was actually quite simple: it involved reading the appointment letter and then handing over the King''s Order of the Southern Territory, which marked its completion. Afterward, it was time for Zhang Wenyuan to reappoint personnel and arrange affairs.


    When Ye Feng stepped into the council hall of the Southern Territory''s base camp again, although it was a return to a familiar place, his heart was calm, as if he were just a bystander. However, he could see that Southern Origin King Dugu Ming seemed not to be in a good mood, as if he was discontented.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but go over and personally pat Dugu Ming on the shoulder.


    Dugu Ming seemed to notice the Northern King''s presence only then, and said with surprise, "I really didn''t expect you to come."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Mainly, I came to see how you were."


    Dugu Ming appeared very pleased upon hearing this and finally showed a rare smile, "Everyone adds flowers to the brocade, but not many send coal in the snow. Thank you for coming to see me at this time."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "There''s no need for such formalities between men. In fact, you should be happy. Zhang Wenyuan is a decisive person. You can rest assured entrusting the Southern Territory to him."


    In fact, Ye Feng knew that what Dugu Ming couldn''t bear to part with was not his kingship, but the people of the Southern Territory. He was concerned that the new king taking office wouldn''t be as good as himself after his own retirement.


    Dugu Ming smiled and said, "Since even you say so, then I can truly rest assured. Are you free tonight? I''d like to treat you to a drink. Although I''ve stepped down, I still have a few bottles of good wine left."


    "A call from an old friend is worth risking one''s life for¡ªI''ll happily join you!" Ye Feng replied with a light smile.


    Subsequently, the official sent from the Imperial Capital read the appointment letter, and then Dugu Ming, holding a small Brocade Box containing the Southern King''s Seal, passed it to Zhang Wenyuan through the official.


    With that, Zhang Wenyuan officially became the King of the Southern Territory!


    But what no one expected was that as soon as Zhang Wenyuan took the Southern King''s Seal, he suddenly turned and swept his gaze over the people in the hall and shouted, "Where is Yu Wenji, the Fifth Commander of the Southern Territory?"


    An elderly steward of the Southern Territory immediately stepped forward and said with clasped hands, "Replying to the Southern King, Commander Yu Wenji has taken leave due to illness, and is therefore not present."


    Zhang Wenyuan rebuked angrily, "How preposterous! At such a crucial moment of the Southern King''s appointment, he dares not to come, which is a clear disrespect for the laws and contempt for me as the new King of the Southern Territory!"


    Having said that, Zhang Wenyuan waved his hand vigorously and ordered, "Who will apprehend Yu Wenji immediately? According to national law, execute him!"


    Everyone was startled by this pronouncement, utterly shocked that the New Southern King, who had not even warmed his seat, had sparked a conflagration so abruptly.

 Chapter 344 Please Give an Explanation!

    Faced with Zhang Wenyuan''s, the New Southern King''s, command, the leaders of the Southern Origin Territory and the Domain Lords didn''t dare to utter a word of dissuasion. Immediately, two experts of Martial King Realm Level turned and left to fetch the person in question.


    Of course, the reason why Zhang Wenyuan''s first order could be carried out so smoothly, aside from the support of his mentor, the Grand Sect Leader, also had to do with the several great masters he had brought with him this time.


    Just as before, although the people from the Southern Origin Territory did not dissuade, no one made a move to fetch the person, and in the end, it was still the people brought by Zhang Wenyuan himself who went to carry out the task.


    The Fifth Commander, Yu Wenji, was quickly brought in, bound tightly from head to toe, and directly thrown down to kneel on the ground.


    "Yu Wenji, do you know your crime?" Only then did Zhang Wenyuan sit down in the seat of the King of the Southern Territory, with an air of grandeur and authority.


    Yu Wenji roared, "What crime does this commander have? I have clearly taken sick leave. Besides, everyone knows that I was injured in the recent battle against the Brahma Kingdom. Just for this, the New Southern King wants to seize me¡ªI refuse to accept this!"


    Zhang Wenyuan let out a cold snort, "According to the laws of the nation, new kings cannot take leave, let alone be absent. As a commander of One Realm, do you not understand this law?"


    Yu Wenji, realizing something was amiss, stammered, "I naturally know this, but I am truly grievously wounded, and moreover, it was incurred in battle against the Brahma Kingdom."


    "This is clearly an attempt at sophistry!"


    Zhang Wenyuan immediately cut in, "I know you are on work-related injury leave, and I know even more what an honor it is for a commander of One Realm to be injured in service to the country. But you have become arrogant and complacent because of it, showing complete disregard for me. This is a capital offense!"


    Having said that, Zhang Wenyuan''s voice became deep and stern as he continued, "Rest assured, after your death, I will treat you as a soldier who has sacrificed for his country, and I will ensure your family is well looked after."


    Upon hearing these words, Yu Wenji''s body went limp; he knew he was finished. But he couldn''t reconcile himself to this fate and quickly turned his head to look at the Southern King Dugu Ming, pleading, "Southern King Dugu, save me, oh save me! I beg you to beseech the New Southern King for mercy, save me!"


    Dugu Ming felt a twinge of pain in his heart but remained motionless, seated where he was. The Fifth Commander, Yu Wenji, was one of his most trusted men; if not, he wouldn''t have deliberately been absent today. Yet Dugu Ming knew that no matter what, he couldn''t speak up to plead for Yu Wenji today, for once he did, all his remaining dignity would be lost.


    Moreover, Dugu Ming knew even if he did plead, Zhang Wenyuan wouldn''t listen to him. But he knew there was one person Zhang Wenyuan would listen to¡ªthat person being none other than the Northern King Ye Feng. After all, Northern King Ye Feng was specially invited by Zhang Wenyuan, which showed how much Zhang Wenyuan valued him.


    So, Dugu Ming immediately turned his head and looked at Ye Feng with a pleading gaze, hoping for his intervention. Ye Feng had intended to be just an observer this time, but unexpectedly, he found himself drawn into the matter.


    Such powerhouses could nearly be discussed in the same breath as the top-ranked Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion.


    "Things seem to have gotten serious," Ye Feng thought, yet his face betrayed nothing. As the saying goes, good people do not come uninvited, and uninvited ones are not good. This unsolicited visit from the three great nations of the Southern Countries, accompanied by such formidable experts, was obviously for provocation.


    Zhang Wenyuan had seen his share of troubles and began with a loud laugh, saying, "Who would have thought that the Three Southern Countries would personally send envoys to congratulate me. That is indeed thoughtful. You have come from afar, and it must have been a laborious journey."


    Among these three great Southern Countries, the envoy from the Brahma Kingdom wore a red kasaya, the envoy of the Ancient Yue Kingdom donned a black kasaya, and the delegation from Tianluo Kingdom wore yellow and blue robes. The various nations'' delegations were clearly distinguishable as they sat in the Guest Welcoming Hall.


    The envoy from the Brahma Kingdom in the red kasaya immediately stood up and said, "This must be the newly-appointed Southern King. As rumored, he is indeed a youthful hero."


    Next came the Ancient Yue Kingdom''s envoy in the black kasaya to offer congratulations, followed by Tianluo Kingdom, and then the envoys from the three nations clapped their hands, prompting staff to deliver gifts immediately.


    Zhang Wenyuan gladly accepted all the congratulatory gifts, with the rationale, as he put it, that since they were from enemy countries, it was not wrong to accept them.


    Throughout the process, Ye Feng sat by and watched coldly. He, too, had apparently noticed those three top-notch experts, just as they had undoubtedly noticed his presence, and very possibly were aware of his identity as the Northern King.


    The proceedings remained very friendly and harmonious, as though the three nations of the Southern Countries had truly come only to offer congratulations.


    However, suddenly, the envoy from Tianluo Kingdom changed his tone, saying, "There''s a saying in your country, which goes ''courtesy before force''. Just now, we have done with courtesy, and now it''s time for force."


    As soon as these words were spoken, the once-bustling Guest Welcoming Hall immediately fell silent. Everyone turned their heads towards the envoy, and the atmosphere undoubtedly became tense.


    However, Zhang Wenyuan burst into laughter and waved his hand, saying, "I didn''t expect the envoy from your country to be so proficient in our Xuanyuan Nation''s culture. Then, please, tell us, what kind of military move will we see next?" Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    The Tianluo Kingdom envoy spoke sternly, "Sometime ago, several protectors from our Tianluo Kingdom went to your imperial capital but were unjustly killed. It is said that they were murdered at the Northern Border King''s residence in the Northern Cloud Residence within the capital!"


    With that, the envoy from Tianluo Kingdom suddenly turned his head and glared directly at Ye Feng, sneering word by word, "This must be the famous Northern Border King Ye Feng, right? Well, since you''re here, please give us from Tianluo Kingdom an explanation!"


    As expected, the people from these three nations of the Southern Countries truly came to stir up trouble!

 Chapter 345 You pick one, the rest are mine.

    Facing the aggressive gazes of envoys and many experts from the Three Southern Countries, Ye Feng remained motionless in his chair without even a change in his expression. As the King of the Northern Border, he had never furrowed his brow even when facing an enemy army of a million strong soldiers, let alone now.


    "An explanation?" Ye Feng sneered coldly and hummed softly, "People of Tianluo Kingdom, you dare to intrude into my Northern Cloud Residence. Just for that, you could be killed without mercy. May I ask, esteemed envoy, is this explanation sufficient for you?"


    This was the assertive dominance of Northern King Ye Feng. Among the Kings of the Four Realms, only he could possess such boldness!


    Seeing this, many Domain Lords and leaders from the Southern Territory, even those who had no fondness for the Northern King, couldn''t help but admire his boldness. It was no wonder the Northern King had the highest acclaim among the Kings of the Four Realms, and there were even hints of him joining the Utility Pavilion.


    The face of the Tianluo Kingdom''s envoy changed repeatedly, and he clenched his teeth and said, "Your words are too disdainful, do you not consider the consequences at all? If you provoke a war between the two nations, can you afford the consequences?"


    In the face of threats, not only did Ye Feng not show any signs of weakness, he burst out laughing instead.


    The Tianluo Kingdom''s envoy clenched his teeth and said, "What are you laughing at?"


    Ye Feng snorted coldly, "I''m laughing at where you''re getting your confidence from. A mere Tianluo Kingdom dares to talk of waging war with our great Xuanyuan Nation. Let me tell you, if this were the Northern Border, my Northern Border soldiers would already have their blades pointing towards Tianluo Kingdom. Do you believe that?"


    With that statement, the envoy''s face changed yet again. He could certainly feel that the other party wasn''t bluffing. Indeed, it was to be expected, as even when facing the powerful Snow Country of the north, this Northern King had not shown any concern, let alone for his small Tianluo Kingdom.


    Now, the envoy of Tianluo Kingdom didn''t know what to say. He had originally hoped to take this opportunity to demand an explanation, but not only had he failed to get one, he had been rebuffed instead. There was nothing he could do¡ªthe King of the Northern Border of the Xuanyuan Nation was too domineering and assertive.


    Zhang Wenyuan, observing this, knew he was the Southern King and the host here. He couldn''t let Ye Feng steal all the limelight; otherwise, his own authority as the New Southern King might be greatly diminished, and in the future, it was very possible that everyone would only know of the Northern King and not the King of the Southern Territory.


    Immediately, Zhang Wenyuan slowly rose from the main seat, stepped forward to face the Tianluo Kingdom''s envoy, and said word by word, "If you are here to sincerely congratulate me, I will welcome you. But if you''re here to stir up trouble, let me warn you in advance¡ªdon''t blame me for being rude!"


    Compared with the Northern King, although the New Southern King had not shown such mountain-like domineering presence, Zhang Wenyuan''s performance was quite commendable, especially since he had only just taken office today.


    And the envoy from Tianluo Kingdom, who had already been left speechless by Ye Feng, now faced adding the New Southern King Zhang Wenyuan to the mix. It was foreseeable that if the Northern and Southern Kings joined forces to march their troops, his tiny Tianluo Kingdom would inevitably be doomed.


    However, just at this moment, the envoy from the Brahma Kingdom, a fat man clad in a red kasaya, suddenly stood up and said coldly, "In that case, our Brahma Kingdom also wishes to demand an explanation from your nation. Three months ago, one of your Southern Territory leaders slaughtered fifteen of our Brahma Kingdom''s people with extremely cruel methods.


    New Southern King, how do you intend to account for this to our Brahma Kingdom?"


    "Account for?" Zhang Wenyuan laughed, his expression suddenly turning grave as he retorted sharply, "I''ve always only answered to the Tianyong Pavilion of Xuanyuan Nation. Who are you to demand an explanation from me?"


    Zhang Wenyuan''s gaze suddenly sharpened, and even his expression revealed a hint of astonishment. He couldn''t believe that Ye Feng could really contend with two of them by himself, knowing that these two individuals were both at the level of a half-step Divine Ability Realm Great Power.


    However, at this moment, Ye Feng already couldn''t be bothered with Zhang Wenyuan''s reaction. He took steps forward, approaching the people from the Three Southern Countries, and one word at a time, said, "A few mere envoys dare to run wild in my Xuanyuan Nation. You truly have some nerve."


    Seeing this, Zhang Wenyuan knew there was no better solution, so he also stepped forward, shoulder to shoulder with Northern King Ye Feng, and likewise uttered coldly, word by word, "Today is the day of my inauguration, and you come under the pretext of congratulations to provoke us, showing no respect for me or the Northern King, and even openly challenging the might of Xuanyuan Nation!"


    "Seeing that today is a day of great joy, it is not suitable for me to create a slaughter. Retire immediately, and I will forgive your disrespect. Otherwise, it will be death without mercy for all!"


    "Death without mercy, your Excellency really has an arrogant tone," that great figure from the Ancient Yue Kingdom directly stepped forward.


    The great figure from the Brahma Kingdom sneered, "It is said that the Xuanyuan Nation is known for its distinguished Northern and Southern Kings. The two of you right now are among the finest of Xuanyuan''s younger generation, and even more so, expected to become lords of the Utility Pavilion. Should you die here today, it would surely be a tremendous loss for Xuanyuan Nation, wouldn''t it?"


    More than just a tremendous loss, such a loss could even likely affect the peace and tranquility of the whole world.


    The great figure from Tianluo Kingdom also moved swiftly, and shouted through clenched teeth, "Enough talk! Today, come what may, these two must be slain. By doing so, Xuanyuan Nation will be afraid to make any reckless moves for the next fifty years!"


    So this was the true intention of the Three Southern Countries, they had realized that the Northern and Southern Kings were the two most acclaimed figures among Xuanyuan Nation''s youth, so they seized this opportunity to eradicate them directly.


    No wonder they dispatched three half-step God-Connecting Realm Great Powers. After all, beings of such level are essentially the pinnacle of a nation''s power. It looks like the Three Southern Countries had been eyeing today''s situation and chose to make their move.


    "Kill!" All of a sudden, a cry for killing echoed throughout the Southern Territory Base Camp, and in an instant, the camp filled with murderous intent, and everyone was on the move.


    Ye Feng was the first to act, channeling the Qi Force from the over two hundred acupoints in his body, with majestic force surging out like a deluge and instantly pouncing towards the closest figure from the Brahma Kingdom.


    Following him was Zhang Wenyuan, whose aura skyrocketed in an instant, scaling from the Peak of Martial King Realm right up to the Peak of Spirit Division Realm, bypassing the levels of the Enlightenment Realm and God Gathering Realm, which lie before the Divine Path Realm.


    After all, he cultivated the Xuanyuan Nation''s rather formidable and mysterious Method of Fivefold Reincarnation. Zhang Wenyuan normally kept a low profile, but his true strength was essentially on par with some of the latter-ranking Sect Leaders from the Utility Pavilion. That was also why his master and even the elder Tang Bai were so optimistic about him.


    In an instant, the entire Base Camp was in turmoil, the strong men from the Three Southern Countries, aside from these three Great Powers, were mostly of the Divine Path Realm Level, with the least powerful being at the Peak of Martial King Realm.


    The Southern Origin Territory on their side had a hard time competing, but fortunately, both Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan brought their own trusted experts. Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming also rushed forward at the first opportunity.


    Apart from that, Zhang Wenyuan''s side also had three Divine Path Realm Level warriors and five Peak Martial King experts joining the fray.


    "How dare you, a mere Peak of the Martial King Realm, gesticulate in front of this Dharma King! You die!" The great figure from Brahma Kingdom coldly shouted, his presence bursting forth, and then his hand shot out like a claw, aiming straight for Ye Feng''s throat.

 Chapter 346 The Initial Display of Power of the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon

    The great power from the Brahma Kingdom struck like lightning, yet he grasped at air, for Ye Feng''s speed was no slower; with just "One Flash," he retreated three zhang away. Coincidentally, he moved closer to another great power from the Tianluo Kingdom.


    In the blink of an eye, just as he was about to close in, Ye Feng mobilized the surging Qi Force within his body and threw a punch. Instantly, the Fist Gang swirled like a tornado, carrying a ferocious tempest as it rushed toward the great power of the Tianluo Kingdom.


    However, this great power from the Tianluo Kingdom was a half-step Divine Ability Realm level expert. Even though he couldn''t yet deploy various formidable Divine Skills, he was not someone the Divine Communication Realm level could contend with. With a mere light tap forward, he cleanly shattered Ye Feng''s overwhelming assault.


    "Just a Realm of the Martial King, no matter how strong your talent is, as long as you don''t transcend the Divine Path Realm, there is an insurmountable gulf!" the great power from the Tianluo Kingdom coldly shouted, as he leaped high into the air, swooping down like an eagle spreading its wings.


    Ye Feng instantly felt a heavy pressure envelop him. As expected of a half-step Divine Ability Realm level great power, just his aura alone was incredibly powerful, even making it almost impossible for the Qi Force within his body to circulate freely.


    It was only because Ye Feng''s Cultivation Technique was unique, whether it was his meridians, body, or Acupoints, they were far beyond what others at the same level could compare with.


    Otherwise, if it were any other normal Peak Martial King, even a Divine Path Expert at the First Stage Enlightenment Realm, they might have been pressured to kneel on the spot facing this great power from the Tianluo Kingdom.


    Boom...


    At that moment, Ye Feng ignited the Qi Force in most of his Acupoints; the Qi Force from over a hundred Acupoints burned, and his aura surged in an instant, then he punched out.


    The terrifying Fist Momentum, like a roaring dragon, immediately sent the great power from the Tianluo Kingdom flying.


    "Good lad, just at the Peak of Martial King Realm to possess such terrifying combat power. Such combat strength could even contend with a Third Rank Divine Path Expert at the Spirit Division Realm!" the great power from the Tianluo Kingdom, while retreating, performed a big spin in mid-air before landing steadily.


    Ye Feng inwardly sighed at the sight. He had already burned half of his Acupoints'' Qi Force, yet he had only managed to symbolically repel the opponent. Moreover, it was when the opponent was caught off guard. His punch just now didn''t inflict even the slightest injury on the opponent. Truly deserving of being a half-step Divine Ability Realm great power, indeed formidable.


    The great power from the Tianluo Kingdom couldn''t help but snort, "Heavenly Eye Dharma King, this child is highly talented. To avoid a drawn-out battle, let''s join forces to swiftly eliminate him and prevent future trouble!"


    In fact, there was no need for his reminder, as the Heavenly Eye Dharma King from the Brahma Kingdom had been attentively by his side all along. Suddenly, he formed a strange Dharma Seal with his hands, and in an instant, a blinding disc appeared in the sky.


    The dazzling Heavenly Eye Disc hung above a branch, shining so brilliantly that even the sun lost its color at that moment.


    "The Heavenly Eye Disc, this is the Heavenly Eye Dharma King ranked third in the Brahma Temple of the Brahma Kingdom. The Heavenly Eye Disc is his Object of the Divine Path!" an onlooker among the Southern Territory Lords immediately exclaimed, as the Southern Territory bordered the Brahma Kingdom, they were naturally aware of the significant figures from there.


    At the same time, the great power from the Tianluo Kingdom also released his Object of the Divine Path¡ªa Reincarnation Wheel, a black and massive wheel suspended in mid-air, spinning continuously as if it could slice through all things in this world.


    Ye Feng, while retreating, glanced over the battle circle and recognized the perilous situation. His side must firmly hold back, for if one of these two great powers could free a hand to join the other battlefronts, it would undoubtedly put Zhang Wenyuan and Xiao Chuanqi in mortal danger.


    "Die!" At that moment, a great power from the Tianluo Kingdom marshaled his Object of the Divine Path and charged directly at Ye Feng.


    What was even more critical was that the roulette hanging on the branch burst forth with dazzling light once again. Three beams of light converged and enveloped Ye Feng in an instant; it seemed these two great powers would not hesitate to use their Objects of the Divine Path to slay Ye Feng right there.


    "Damn it, I had originally wanted to keep my final trump card hidden until the World Martial Dao Conference, but now I have no choice!"


    Ye Feng clenched his teeth and flicked his wrist, and a long spear appeared in the palm of his hand¡ªa two-meter-long Golden Divine Spear made entirely of gold, with a spearhead shaped like a dragon''s head, imposing and commanding.


    This spear was the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, transcending the existence of a Magic Artifact, it was a true Spiritual Artifact!


    As a Spiritual Artifact, it was already capable of striking from the air, just like those legendary Spirit Swords. However, Ye Feng''s Qi Force was still too weak to manipulate the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon through the air for long periods.


    With the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in hand, Ye Feng''s aura underwent a dramatic transformation. The Qi Force within him surged wildly into the spear, and in an instant, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon erupted with dazzling gold light.


    "What is this? It has such a terrifying presence; is this still a Magic Artifact? Could it be your Object of the Divine Path? No, you are still at the peak of the Martial King Realm, you couldn''t possibly have cultivated an Object of the Divine Path!"


    The great powers from the Tianluo Kingdom and the Brahma Kingdom both displayed shock on their faces, and even the great power from the Ancient Yue Kingdom stopped fighting to look over. After all, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was too eye-catching and radiant.


    Zhang Wenyuan, on the other hand, had a complicated look in his eyes as he observed the long spear in Ye Feng''s hand, his expression fluctuating uncertainly.


    "Kill!" With the spear in hand, Ye Feng lunged forward. At that moment, he seemed to merge with the spear, sweeping out like lightning. In the next instant, he reached the black and sharp Reincarnation Wheel and thrust out with his spear.


    The Reincarnation Wheel spun madly as if trying to slice and shatter the so-called Golden Spear. However, in the next moment, the great power from the Tianluo Kingdom''s expression drastically changed.


    With a bang, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon charged through, piercing the black wheel with an unrivaled domineering force, creating a hole in it. Then, with a flick of Ye Feng''s wrist, the Reincarnation Wheel burst into pieces under the terrifying destructive force.


    Thud...


    His Object of the Divine Path was destroyed, and the great power from the Tianluo Kingdom spat out a mouthful of blood, his internal energy turbulent and clearly wounded.


    "Kill again!" Ye Feng''s gaze hardened as he lunged with his spear once more, seizing the opportunity while his opponent was weakened¡ªstrike while the enemy is sick, as the saying goes!

 Chapter 347 This Time, He Was Defeated Again!

    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon came crashing down with an unparalleled might, and the great power from Tianluo Kingdom''s visage turned ashen in an instant. With his Object of the Divine Path destroyed and his body suffering heavy injuries, there was no way he could muster his usual combat power.


    Moreover, the Golden Spear in his opponent''s hands was terrifyingly powerful, capable of damaging even his Divine Path Object. After all, he was a great power at the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm, while his opponent was only at the peak of the Martial King Realm.


    "Heavenly Eye Dharma King, save me!" In desperation, the great power from Tianluo Kingdom had no choice but to cry out for help. Without even needing his plea, the countenance of the Brahma Kingdom''s Heavenly Eye Dharma King next to him darkened drastically as Qi Force surged wildly out from within him.


    In an instant, the roulette suspended in the tree branches erupted with a blinding and terrifying radiance, with the light coalescing into a massive beam that seemed to carry the might of thunderclaps, imbued with devastating destructive power.


    The beam descended directly, reaching the top of Ye Feng''s head in a flash!


    None present harbored any doubt that if one were struck by this beam of light, even a body of steel would likely be pierced through, not to mention the flesh body of a person.


    However, to everyone''s surprise, Ye Feng did not defend himself this time; he stood firm in place without moving. Suddenly, a layer of Golden Armor protective gear emerged all over his body.


    It was clear that his Golden Armor possessed incredibly strong defensive power.


    Yet when the golden beam descended, it instantly tore through the thick armor, but fortunately, at that moment, the power of the beam was greatly diminished.


    The next moment, Ye Feng shot up into the sky, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in his hands soared high, swooshing towards the roulette hanging in the branches.


    "Not good..." The Heavenly Eye Dharma King''s face changed dramatically, and only then did he realize why his opponent, who obviously had the ability to dodge or could have completely blocked his roulette beam attack with that spear, did not do so.


    Ye Feng didn''t because he wanted to use the insufficiently defensive Golden Armor protective gear to weather the attack, leaving an opportunity for the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon to strike. Indeed, as Ye Feng had anticipated, his calculation was correct.


    The Heavenly Eye Dharma King had not expected Ye Feng''s strategy, and now it was too late to retract his Divine Path roulette. The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, carrying a terrifying dragon-like shockwave, instantly swallowed the golden roulette.


    Without any surprise, as the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was a Spiritual Artifact that greatly amplified the combat power of its wielder when infused with one''s own Qi Force, Ye Feng, who had already unlocked more than two hundred acupoints, with Qi Force already robust to a terrifying degree, struck earth-shatteringly with the infused spear.


    The void erupted with a loud explosion, and the dazzling golden roulette shattered on the spot. The Heavenly Eye Dharma King below spat out blood and staggered, nearly falling to the ground.


    The surrounding crowd, whether from the Southern Territory or the people of the Three Southern Countries, stood dumbfounded, with shock painted on their faces, and even Zhang Wenyuan was astonished.


    They could hardly believe that Northern King Ye Feng, on his own, was taking on two great powers at the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm, not only causing them severe injuries but also destroying their Divine Path Objects.


    "This... what is the origin of that spear? It''s so domineering; it''s certainly not an ordinary magic artifact!" Zhang Wenyuan lamented in his heart.


    "Kill!" Ye Feng gritted his teeth and bellowed, his killing intent soaring to the heavens. With the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in hand, his aura burst forth, and his long hair flew wildly as if he were the God of Slaughter descending to the mortal realm.


    The first to bear the brunt was the great power from Tianluo Kingdom who was closest to him. Ye Feng dived towards him, and in an instant, he was in front of his foe, then he thrust out the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon.


    It was precisely during this moment that the three half-step Divine Ability Realm Great Powers had already fled without a trace. At this point, it was impossible even for Ye Feng to give chase and eliminate the three of them.


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    "Not a single one of the remaining enemies shall be spared!" Ye Feng immediately issued the order.


    Without the support of the three powerful beings, the remaining dozen or so Divine Path Realm and a few Peak Martial King Realm followers from the Three Southern Countries proved no match and were quickly dispatched.


    "This time, thanks to the Northern King''s strength alone, he repelled three enemy Great Powers and turned the tide during the Southern Territory''s time of crisis. The Northern King is mighty!"


    "The Northern King is mighty, long live the Northern King!"


    "The Northern King is mighty!"


    For a time, the entire Base Camp of the Southern Territory was filled with earth-shattering cheers, and many soldiers even knelt on the ground on the spot, expressing their respect and awe for the Northern King Ye Feng.


    As for the Southern King Zhang Wenyuan, at that moment, he was directly overlooked, after all, everyone had just seen that compared to the imposing and mighty presence of the Northern King Ye Feng, the Southern King Zhang Wenyuan was much weaker, being utterly overpowered by one of the Great Powers.


    People didn''t even dare to imagine, if the Northern King Ye Feng hadn''t been present today, the entire Southern End Base Camp might have faced total annihilation.


    Listening to the wave-like cheers echoing throughout the Southern Territory Base Camp and, even more fatally, that all these cheers were for the Northern King, Zhang Wenyuan couldn''t help but feel lost. He suddenly realized he had made a mistake; from the start, he should not have invited the Northern King to join him in the Southern Territory, but it was too late for regrets.


    At this thought, Zhang Wenyuan sighed inwardly. However, as the host of the Base Camp, although he had just shown weakness, he couldn''t afford to be petty anymore; otherwise, his prestige in the entire Southern Territory would keep plummeting.


    "The Northern King''s martial arts are unparalleled. We owe a lot to the Northern King for averting a crisis in the Southern Territory. On behalf of the Southern Territory, I thank the Northern King!" Zhang Wenyuan turned, walked up to Ye Feng, gave a cupped fist salute, and then bowed deeply.


    Ye Feng graciously accepted the thanks. Regardless of whether Zhang Wenyuan''s gesture was sincere or just for show to all of the Southern Territory, it did not matter. What mattered was that the Southern King had paid his respects to him, and that was enough.


    "We are all subjects of the Xuanyuan Nation; in times of national crisis, it is everyone''s responsibility!" Ye Feng said indifferently.


    "I admire the noble righteousness of the Northern King!" said Zhang Wenyuan. With a grand wave of his hand, he then said, "The Northern King thwarted the enemy and saved the Southern Territory. It is only right for me to hold a banquet to celebrate the Northern King''s achievements.


    However, considering that those three old things have fled in panic, now is the time to strike and eliminate the provocative forces of the Three Southern Countries at the southern end of our Xuanyuan Nation!"


    Ye Feng immediately nodded and said, "Very good. It is a most wise strategy for the Southern King to think of this now. The Southern Territory is fortunate!"


    Hearing this, Zhang Wenyuan finally smiled and said, "Once I stabilize the Southern Territory, I will drink merrily with Brother Ye. All soldiers of the Southern Territory, follow me to the council hall!"


    ```

 Chapter 348 The Pillar of the Flat Sky Great Nation, Borrowing a Treasure

    Zhang Wenyuan issued an order, and all the soldiers of the Southern Territory mobilized. Not only the lords of the Nine Domains of the Southern Territory and all the commanders, but even Yu Wenji, who had narrowly escaped his execution just moments ago, were stirred into action, filled with a shared animosity and indignation.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but nod silently to himself. Zhang Wenyuan''s ability to use the current situation to promptly think of purging the hidden threats of the Three Kingdoms along the Southern End border of the Xuanyuan Nation showcased his intelligence.


    Moreover, he cleverly used the current circumstances to solidify all the soldiers of the Southern Territory into a united force, ensuring that they all followed his command.


    Seeing this, the Southern Distant King, Dugu Ming, couldn''t help but sigh deeply and said, "Brother Ye Feng, you were right. Compared to the New Southern King, I indeed fall far short. With the Southern Territory in his hands, I can now rest assured."


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "Since you feel at ease, shall we go drink then?"


    With his spirits immediately lifted, Dugu Ming burst into laughter, his gloom swept away, and loudly declared, "It''s rare to have Brother Ye accompany me today, we shall not return until we are drunk!" The two then left the Guest Welcoming Hall together and walked toward a small courtyard nearby.


    Now that Dugu Ming was no longer the Southern King, he naturally couldn''t stay in the Southern King Mansion. Therefore, he had made his way to the small courtyard next door, which he had specially chosen as his place of retirement, and Zhang Wenyuan had tacitly agreed to this arrangement.


    As for Zhang Wenyuan, at this time, he had already gathered all the soldiers of the Southern Territory and was issuing orders in an orderly fashion. He was deploying troops, and soon squad after squad of Southern Territory soldiers were dispatched. Ye Feng watched all of this unfold and didn''t go forward to help.


    After all, these matters were now within the purview of the Southern King''s responsibilities. If he were to intervene, it would be overstepping his bounds.


    While he and Zhang Wenyuan were friends, they were also competitors. Thus, they both skillfully maintained a certain distance between themselves.


    On the contrary, with Dugu Ming, Ye Feng appeared more at ease. The two drank freely and chatted about trivial matters. Most of the time, it was Dugu Ming talking, with Ye Feng quietly listening, interjecting only a word or two occasionally.


    It wasn''t until late at night, after Dugu Ming had drunk countless bottles, that he finally fell asleep. Then Ye Feng returned to his own lodging.


    "What is the current situation at the border of the Southern Territory?" As soon as Ye Feng returned, he asked Xiao Chuanqi.


    Though Xiao Chuanqi had also been drinking that evening, he knew Ye Feng well enough to understand that one must not let their guard down, even while socializing over drinks¡ªespecially now that battles to purge the enemy were underway along the border of the Southern Territory.


    "Reporting to my lord, everything is under control. The Southern King has led the soldiers of the Southern Territory to completely purge all remaining soldiers of the Three Kingdoms from the frontier. While they did encounter some minor resistance from small enemy forces, all have been subdued!" Xiao Chuanqi bowed and replied.


    This information did not come from the Southern Territory but rather from attendants under the Northern King''s banner.


    Standing at the doorway with hands clasped behind his back, Ye Feng continued to ask, "What about those three old farts? Have their exact whereabouts been discovered, and are they still within the Xuanyuan Nation''s territory?"


    "I am ashamed to admit that we have not been able to pinpoint the exact location of those three old farts. However, according to the accounts of the commoners near the border, there have been sightings of these three fleeing the Xuanyuan Nation and escaping back to the Ancient Yue Kingdom!" Xiao Chuanqi reported.


    Staying awake at such a late hour generally meant one was unable to sleep, and that might well be due to encountering some tricky matter.


    On the Taishi Chair in the study, Great General Duan Tian sat with his legs apart, eyes squinting at the lantern in front of him, seemingly lost in thought.


    There was another chair at the side where a person stood restlessly beside it rather than sitting. This man was no other than the Great General Duan Tian''s foster son, Sky-piercing, who was also the grandson of the Heaven Guard National Pillar.


    "Foster Father, please say something! You''re already aware of what happened in the Southern Territory today. The World Martial Arts Tournament starts in less than half a month, and we need to quickly come up with a complete plan," Sky-piercing urged.


    "What''s the hurry!" Duan Tian suddenly turned his head to glare at his foster son, coldly snorting, "You''re usually so composed; why are you so flustered over such a trifle today? It''s just that Northern King Ye Feng has obtained a Spirit Artifact Divine Spear!"


    With a wry smile, Sky-piercing replied, "Foster Father, as you know, that''s a Spirit Artifact. Northern King Ye Feng was already strong to begin with. Under equal conditions, I naturally wouldn''t fear him, but with a Spirit Artifact in his possession, it''s like adding wings to a tiger¡ªhis combat power has soared by several times, not that I''m boosting his morale and diminishing my own prestige."


    Upon hearing this, Great General Duan Tian also let out a long sigh and said, "Indeed, a Spirit Artifact. The stuff of legends. Even I do not possess one, and even that old man Zhao Gongming only has the semi-Spiritual Artifact Xuanyuan Sword. How can that Ye lad be so lucky as to have such a powerful Spirit Artifact come to him out of nowhere!"


    "Foster Father, to be honest with you, with that Spirit Energy Divine Spear in his hand, Ye Feng''s combat power is almost on par with a Divine Ability Realm Level fighter. Not to speak of me being no match for him, within the entire World Martial Arts Tournament, I fear there are fewer than three people who could surpass him!"


    "So, Foster Father, we must come up with a method or this time we''re bound to lose!" Sky-piercing insisted.


    Duan Tian frowned deeply and remained silent. After a while, he let out a long sigh and said, "There''s no other way, it seems. We''ll have to swallow our pride and ask for help from that person."


    "Foster Father, whom are you thinking of asking? Who could help us?" Sky-piercing asked.


    "The Pillar of the Heavenly Peace!" Duan Tian articulated each word.


    "Heavenly Peace Family Pillar, but wasn''t he, just like my grandfather, already passed away?" Sky-piercing questioned again.


    "To be precise, it''s the descendant of the Heavenly Peace Family Pillar. As far as I know, back in the day, it was precisely by wielding a Spiritual Artifact that he swept across all foes, making the nations of the Western Region tremble in fear!" Duan Tian uttered disdainfully.


    "I''ve heard that the Heavenly Peace Family Pillar had a Spiritual Artifact, which has now become their family heirloom. They wouldn''t lend it to us for no reason¡ªafter all, my grandfather, the Heaven Guard National Pillar, didn''t have the best relationship with him," Sky-piercing responded with a hint of helplessness.


    "No, don''t worry, they will lend it to us," Duan Tian reassured as he slowly stood up.


    "Foster Father, how can you be so sure?"


    Duan Tian smiled faintly and said, "Eight years ago, I saved the life of the only grandson of the Heavenly Peace Family Pillar. With this favor owed to me, they have no reason to refuse. Besides, with this sole heir of theirs unable to practice martial arts, a mere wastrel, the Heavenly Peace Family needs to find a patron.


    Otherwise, in another ten or twenty years, when the older generation is gone, they''ll be done for."

 Chapter 349 Your Vision Is Still Too Small After All

    ```


    After finishing their conversation, Duan Tian and another person left the Great General''s Mansion overnight. Taking advantage of the dim morning light, they boarded a special aircraft and directly headed northwest. Meanwhile, in a side courtyard of the Tianyong Pavilion of the Imperial Capital, an old man sat under a tree, continuously sighing.


    "Spiritual Artifact, who could have imagined that the spear would actually... actually be a Spiritual Artifact!"


    This elder, who was constantly sighing, was none other than Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming of the Tianyong Pavilion. He had accompanied Ye Feng when he entered the Tianyong Pavilion''s treasure vault to choose that long spear. At first, he thought the long spear was just scrap metal, but who could have imagined...


    Thinking of this, Zhao Gongming''s heart bled. He had been in and out of the treasure vault for decades, yet he had failed to distinguish a true gem. Even now, he only possessed a single Half-Spirit Artifact.


    "Indeed, the lad is exceptional. He even managed to deceive me that day. However, I am really curious how, on that day, you youngster were able to discern the true nature of this Spiritual Artifact?" Zhao Gongming bitterly smiled to himself, but soon his thoughts turned to his Direct Disciple.


    Even though Zhao Gongming was defeated once again, defeated by Ye Feng, as a master, he still did not believe his disciple was inferior to Ye Feng. He thought that the current defeat was only temporary and that his disciple would ultimately be the best.


    This kind of mindset is somewhat like that of all parents in the world. Even if their child is inadequate, in the eyes of the parents, they are still the best. Fortunately, Zhao Gongming was still a man of understanding. He lamented, "Now that this lad Ye Feng has a Spiritual Artifact, it is like giving a mighty weapon to a tiger, enhancing his might.


    If Wen Yuan wants to contend with him, he needs to have a Spiritual Artifact in hand as well. However, finding a Spiritual Artifact is truly not easy!"


    With that thought, he silently looked up at the tallest tower on the left. That tower usually housed two elderly individuals, unquestionably the two highest-ranking individuals in conventional influence within the Xuanyuan Nation.


    "Seems like I''ll have to swallow my pride and ask him for a favor," Zhao Gongming said to himself, thinking of elder Zhang who held Wen Yuan in high regard.


    "Hopefully, he will not refuse to help, even if it''s just a temporary loan." Rising to his feet and dusting off his bottom, the old man Zhao Gongming was planning to ask for assistance from none other than Tang Bai, one of the Tianyong Pavilion''s two sovereign elders.


    At this very moment, in a place not belonging to this timespace of Earth, there is a place with a wall stretching across the void - the Great Wall of Heaven. This winding wall of thousands of miles effectively seals off the space passages to the west.


    An emaciated old man, wearing a coarse long robe and dangling a big tobacco pipe, sat leisurely on the edge of the Great Wall of Heaven, puffing away at his pipe. Next to him was a young girl with bright, moonlight-like eyes.


    The girl appeared to be only twelve or thirteen years old, but the wisdom and slyness revealed in her bright, large eyes were unmatched by adults.


    "Grandpa, how much longer do we have to guard this place?" the girl, tilting her head, asked suddenly while looking up at the hazy sky dome.


    This world is different from the conventional Earth. There is no sun, no moon, and no stars. The sky is always murky. There is no concept of days here, and it seems that those who come to this place are not too concerned about it.


    The gaunt old man sat atop the Great Wall of Heaven with a big smoking pipe in his mouth. All of a sudden, his expression changed as he looked towards the distant sky horizon, his face taking on an odd expression.


    "Mu Rongtian, oh Mu Rongtian, do you really think you''ve calculated everything, that your thieving heart isn''t dead? Twenty years ago, this old man forgave you once, but why haven''t you learned your lesson?"


    The old man shook his head as he spoke and then added, "Since you still don''t know when to stop, you can''t blame anyone in the future."


    At this, the old man seemed to mind the wind here, because at night, a bone-chilling cold wind suddenly blew, and even someone with his Cultivation Realm couldn''t stay long, seeing as this chilly wind was blowing from that Alien Space-Time.


    And at this very moment, at the distant end of the Great Wall of Heaven, two men dressed in black robes stood. The older one, appearing to be in his forties, had a square and upright face that radiated integrity and handsome righteousness.


    His posture was straight, exuding a commanding presence. He was none other than Mu Rongtian, the man the old man with the big tobacco pipe had just mentioned, and also Mu Tian''s father.


    At this moment, Mu Tian, whose figure was equally upright, was standing behind his father. The two stood in a muddled gray world, silently observing the desolate and ruined scene before them, neither speaking, the atmosphere steeped in desolation.


    However, the silence didn''t last long, for at that time, a white wind blew from the far North, a wind with a color that could chill even a High-Level Martial Artist to the bone.


    Suddenly, Mu Rongtian said, "It''s unimaginable to think what this space-time would be like without the Great Wall of Heaven. Would Earth still be called the green planet now?"


    Although his words were vague, Mu Tian understood, nodding and saying, "Without the Great Wall of Heaven to hinder it, if that cold wind could sweep through unimpeded along with the Alien Race invasions from Alien Territory, Earth might not have remained Earth for over two thousand years."


    Mu Rongtian laughed suddenly and turning around, asked, "I suddenly really want to know, what do you think of that person from over two thousand years ago?"


    Even though he did not mention who that person was from over two thousand years ago, Mu Tian understood; after all, they were father and son, and no one in the world knew his father better than he did.


    "That person from over two thousand years ago, no matter their grand contributions, achievements, or even how much they were despised by many, all of that is irrelevant now, isn''t it? Everything has become dust. To judge them after they''ve turned to dust, isn''t that superfluous?" Mu Tian calmly stated with what seemed like reasoned arguments.


    Having heard this, Mu Rongtian sighed deeply, with an indescribable melancholy in his resignation.


    Mu Tian couldn''t help but ask, "Father, is what I said incorrect?"


    Mu Rongtian replied, "It''s not that it''s incorrect, but it''s not entirely right either, or perhaps it''s just too one-sided. My son, your view is ultimately still too narrow. That person from two thousand years ago might have turned to dust, but look at the Great Wall of Heaven spanning the horizon in front of us; it still stands, doesn''t it? Do you dare say that person really just became dust?"


    This time, Mu Tian once again fell into silence.

 Chapter 350 Harvest on the Thousand-Year-Old Spirit Channel

    Mu Tian remained silent for a longer time on this occasion because he was pondering. He was trying to decipher the meaning behind his father''s words. However, as his father had said, his vision and understanding were still too limited, which of course meant that he couldn''t fully comprehend it.


    Seeing this, Mu Rongtian had no choice but to change the subject. "How is your good friend doing recently?"


    Mu Tian, of course, knew who his father was referring to and immediately asked, "Let''s hear it."


    The corners of Mu Rongtian''s mouth curled into a mocking smile as he said, "He has already successfully obtained the first expected spiritual artifact. Moreover, according to my predictions, it won''t be long before he can get his hands on the second one."


    Mu Tian also smiled and said, "I wouldn''t have thought that he already has a spiritual artifact. With that, his combat power will inevitably surge. This makes things more interesting; otherwise, I wouldn''t even be excited about facing him when he enters here."


    Mu Rongtian then asked in return, "Aren''t you afraid that once he obtains all the heritage treasures of that person from before, his power will soar tremendously, and you will no longer be his match?"


    Mu Tian laughed heartily and said, "I''m not afraid, not in the slightest. Hasn''t father already arranged a contingency plan, for example, that little girl? Once Ye Feng gets hold of the entire heritage treasure from over two thousand years ago, that could very well be the time of his demise."


    This time, Mu Rongtian truly laughed, nodding with satisfaction as he said, "It seems you''ve fully grasped my plan. As such, I won''t make arrangements for you to go back and compete in the World Martial Arts Tournament. That sort of thing is truly uninteresting when you get down to it."


    Mu Tian replied, "Father, the World Martial Arts Tournament is indeed of little significance; it''s merely a facade. However, the Martial Academy of the Xuanyuan Nation seems rather extraordinary. Don''t you want to take it into your own control?"


    Mu Rongtian burst into hearty laughter upon hearing this and said, "Rest assured, I''ve arranged everything already. Even if that youngster with the surname Ye obtains two heritage spiritual artifacts, he has no chance of winning at the World Martial Arts Assembly. The position of Martial Principal is tied to the future direction of the Martial Dao''s luck, and I must firmly keep it in my hands!"


    As he said this, Mu Rongtian''s tone suddenly shifted. "As the chilly winds rise again, I believe the Alien Territory is no longer peaceful. Tian''er, I''m giving you half a year''s time; you must step into that realm. Then, I''ll take you into the Alien Space-Time.


    Only there can it be considered a vast expanse of heaven and earth, and only there is it worthy to be the true battlefield of our father and son!"


    "Yes, father. Half a year should be enough!" Mu Tian said, clenching his fist slightly. Even at his level of cultivation, the thought of that Alien Space-Time still filled him with indescribable excitement.


    Not many people in this world could enter that Alien Space-Time. It wasn''t that people didn''t wish to, but rather that their cultivation levels were insufficient. Therefore, despite the known extreme danger of the Alien Space-Time, it also held a massive allure.


    After all, there''s a legend that the Alien Space-Time harbors the secret to immortality!


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already left the Southern Territory Base Camp under the cover of night and, after four hours, finally reached the Spirit Channel in the southwest.


    Ye Feng inspected the temple repeatedly but noticed nothing unusual. Then, he thought to himself and decided that he would still have to use his Divine Sense since earlier it was only with Divine Sense that he could see that pattern; this time, he might only find something using Divine Sense as well.


    As expected, the moment his Divine Sense enveloped the small City God Temple, Ye Feng immediately sensed the horizontal table inside. The table itself was not large, only about half a meter in length.


    "It seems that the object should be hidden inside this table," Ye Feng said with a slight smile. He reached out with a Great Hand and gently pressed on the dirty stone slab of the table, which immediately shattered, revealing the contents inside.


    It was a piece of purple cloth; it wasn''t quite a cloth, as it wasn''t made of fabric. Perhaps due to the ravages of time, the purple hue had faded, but the item was still intact.


    "What exactly is this thing?" Ye Feng wondered, but his intuition told him that it was no ordinary object.


    "This isn''t the place to study it. It looks like it''s better to take it back for a closer look!" With that thought, Ye Feng prepared to stand up, but right then, his Divine Sense stirred and shifted onto the broken statue of the City God Lord.


    Under the observation of Divine Sense, the City God Lord emitted a faint yellow glow. Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "Who would have thought that even this City God Lord would have a treasure on him?"


    After a moment''s thought, he struck the statue with a palm and it shattered immediately, revealing a glinting golden armor.


    "Is this actually a Spirit Artifact Level armor?" Ye Feng''s heart leaped when he held the item in his hands, which somewhat resembled Golden Thread Soft Armor. He clearly felt the armor bursting with joy.


    "So it seems that the real treasure of the Spirit Channel is indeed this Spirit Artifact Treasure Armor!" Ye Feng sighed to himself, grateful that he hadn''t retracted all of his Divine Sense earlier, or he would have missed it entirely.


    "I remember now, this Treasure Armor, it''s almost identical to the one worn by the emperor I dreamt of in Fallen Dragon Valley. Could it be that this is that very same piece?" Ye Feng''s heart stirred, and he was once again shaken, realizing that his Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was also the weapon wielded by the man in his dream.


    However, back then in the dream, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon had been thrust into the head of a gigantic monster, while the man held a sword in his hands! Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "It appears that the legacy of that man from over two thousand years ago includes not only the spear but also a sword, even more formidable. However, it''s a pity that it isn''t hidden here in the southern Spirit Channel!"


    Ye Feng felt a pang of regret. As he delved deeper, the events that had transpired over two thousand years ago gradually became clearer to him, and he also came to understand the true nature of the Heritage Cultivation Technique he was practicing.


    "Let''s leave this place now!"


    To be cautious, Ye Feng used his Divine Sense to scan the area thoroughly one more time before leaving the site of the Spirit Channel. He didn''t head towards the Southern Territory''s Base Camp since everything was already resolved; instead, he decided to head straight north, taking advantage of the night to continue his journey back to the capital city by transfer.

 Chapter 351 Cloth and the Emperors Armor!

    Back in the imperial capital, everything seemed normal, at least on the surface, as there were still ten days or so before the great Martial Dao tournament would be held there. Consequently, during this period, all factions were making an effort to restrain themselves.


    Of course, everyone understood that this calm was just the quiet before the storm. Once the Martial Dao tournament began, it would surely become an intense battle of dragons and tigers.


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    Leaving aside the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the competition in the imperial capital alone was already fiercely intense. According to what the two elders of the Utility Pavilion had decided, there would be a total of four people representing the Utility Pavilion in the competition!


    These four people were Northern King Ye Feng, Southern King Zhang Wenyuan, Sky-piercing of the General''s Mansion who was a descendant of the Heaven Guard National Pillar, and as for the last person, the Utility Pavilion had not yet announced it.


    Obviously, everyone knew that since the last person''s background and identity had not been revealed, the Utility Pavilion intended to use them as a trump card.


    As for the Nine Great Sects, the customary agreement among everybody was that each sect could only send two representatives to compete. With eighteen people from the Nine Great Sects and four from the Utility Pavilion, there would be a total of twenty-two people vying for victory in this Martial Dao tournament.


    The winner would assume the position of Principal of the Martial Academy of Xuanyuan Nation.


    Of course, if one of the four individuals sent by the Utility Pavilion emerged victorious, they would undoubtedly join the Utility Pavilion and might even control it in the future. So, the upcoming competition was a very important step.


    When Ye Feng returned to Northern Cloud Residence, he found that Hong Qingyan seemed to have transformed into another person. She was not only taller and more enchanting but also exuded an even more ethereal and otherworldly aura.


    Hong Qingyan''s presence had become more elusive and profound¡ªso much so that even Ye Feng could no longer accurately sense her true condition or gauge her current level of strength.


    "Have you been continuously cultivating these past two days?" Ye Feng asked in the living room.


    Hong Qingyan nodded, "You weren''t here these two days, and neither was Long Nannan, nor was Yu Feiyu in the imperial capital. I don''t have other friends or acquaintances in the city, which inevitably leaves me somewhat bored. So, I''ve had to cultivate to pass the time."


    Ye Feng nodded and asked, "During these two days of cultivation, have you felt anything unusual? Moreover, have you been practicing any cultivation method, and how exactly did you cultivate?"


    Actually, this was what puzzled Ye Feng; Hong Qingyan had previously mentioned she did not know the specific Dao Techniques of Ancient Daoist Cultivators. Yet, she had embarked on this path and demonstrated considerable strength which was evident to all.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but smile and said, "Honestly, Big Brother Ye, I still don''t know how I cultivate. Each time I sit down to cultivate, I just close my eyes, and cultivation happens on its own. As for the process, I''m not entirely clear either."


    At those words, Ye Feng''s heart skipped a beat, thinking it was just as he feared; however, Hong Qingyan excitedly continued, "Big Brother Ye, you probably don''t realize it, but the quantity of my Spirit Essence has actually increased, and it seems the quality has improved too. This is truly incredible; could it be because of the craziness just now...?"


    Saying this, Hong Qingyan closed her mouth again as if what she was about to say next shouldn''t be spoken out loud, to avoid embarrassment.


    Ye Feng, however, was wide-eyed and froze in place, exclaiming in surprise, "Not only has the quality of your Spirit Essence improved, but the quantity has increased too? Is this real?"


    "It''s real, Big Brother Ye. Don''t you find this a bit unbelievable?" At this moment, Hong Qingyan''s gaze towards Ye Feng changed, becoming charming and even flirtatious.


    Ye Feng burst into loud laughter, then walked over. The wind and rain battering against the windows intensified, and so did the commotion inside their house. It wasn''t until the afternoon that the storm subsided, and quiet returned to the house.


    It was then that Ye Feng discovered that there were no further changes in his Qi Force or his Acupoints, and there were also no changes for Hong Qingyan. Only now did he fully understand that it was because this was Qingyan''s first cultivation that there had been changes.


    "It makes sense. Otherwise, we''d spend our days doing nothing but staying in bed." With this thought, Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh quietly to himself. Then the two of them got out of bed, leaning on each other as they walked into the living room looking for something to eat, their stomachs had been growling for a while due to not eating all day.


    After dinner, Ye Feng chose to go to the study. In the following period, it was time to carefully examine the two ancient treasures he had obtained last night in the Spirit Channel of the Southern Territory, both over two thousand years old.


    The first one was, of course, the Treasure Armor¡ªemitting a faint golden light. But because it lacked sunlight for many years and was stored in a dark, damp place, a thin layer of dark sheen had formed over it.


    Armed with his experience from the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Ye Feng proceeded with ease. He channeled his Qi Force directly into the Treasure Armor, and then something unbelievable happened.


    The previously grubby, lusterless Treasure Armor suddenly burst into brilliant flashes of golden color. Even more unbelievably, the petite armor began to expand and transform, quickly becoming a full set of body armor.


    "It''s truly a complete set of armor. With it, my defensive power in battle will undoubtedly be greatly enhanced!" Ye Feng felt a surge of satisfaction. Of course, he knew that refining the armor would still require some effort.


    Once he refined it, he would be able to use the Treasure Armor at any time. Another advantage was that when not infused with Qi Force, the armor was just a small, soft piece of Golden Thread Armor, which could be worn on the body. It would expand and take shape as a whole set of armor only when Qi Force was channeled into it.


    "Next, it''s a matter of patience, slowly refining it!" With that thought, Ye Feng sat down cross-legged and entered secluded cultivation in the study room''s secret chamber. It took him a full two days to completely refine the Emperor''s Armor.


    "Now, let''s take a look at this piece of cloth."


    As Ye Feng spoke, he waved his hand and a dirty piece of cloth appeared in his palm. Precisely speaking, this wasn''t simply a cloth; it seemed to be made of silken damask, but not completely, so Ye Feng wasn''t entirely sure what material it was made from.


    However, Ye Feng didn''t have high hopes for this dirty object and was merely curious to study it, as it seemed too ordinary materially and seemingly had no significant use from its appearance.

 Chapter 352 Ancient Dao Technique, Divine Path Heavenly Edict!

    ```


    The dirty cloth unfolded to reveal a rectangular shape, about half a meter in length and thirty centimeters in width, with two scroll handles gleaming with gold at the sides.


    "This thing looks to have some history, but what could it be?" Ye Feng furrowed his brows and studied it incessantly, yet on the surface, there seemed to be nothing unusual about it.


    Its shape did resemble the imperial edicts of ancient times, except that there were no words on it. Of course, there could be some means to conceal them, but he hadn''t yet found a way to reveal them.


    The reason he only likened it to an ancient imperial edict without definitively identifying it as one was mainly that those ancient scrolls and silk typically had patterns of dragons amidst clouds, but this grubby scroll in Ye Feng''s hand had none.


    "Could it really just be something someone carelessly tucked away?" Ye Feng couldn''t figure it out. He had already tried to infuse it with Qi Force, since if this object truly were a spiritual artifact or treasure, there would definitely be a reaction.


    But when he infused Qi Force into it, this seemingly worn scroll showed no reaction at all; it didn''t absorb the Qi Force, nor was there the slightest response, which made Ye Feng doubt whether it was indeed just an ordinary item.


    "Maybe I should try using divine sense. After all, it was with divine sense that it was originally discovered. Perhaps there will be something to find!" Ye Feng wasn''t about to give up. After all, this object was hidden in the same City God Temple as the treasure armor, so by all logic, it shouldn''t be an ordinary item.


    However, Ye Feng soon became frustrated again, for no matter how he used his divine sense to probe around, he still came up empty-handed. He couldn''t detect anything special about it, nor could he see any writing inside the scroll.


    "Should I try burning it in flames? Maybe that would reveal something!" Ye Feng thought, glancing subconsciously toward an oil lamp that was burning nearby. But as he lifted his hand, he held back.


    It would be a joke if he was wrong and ended up destroying the item with fire¡ªwhere would he find another?


    "It seems I have no choice but to give up," Ye Feng sighed inwardly. He had hoped for a surprising encounter, but now it seemed he had been too optimistic.


    However, just as he was about to put the scroll away for good, an idea suddenly struck him. He recalled from some fragmented ancient texts he had read that, in the Ancient Era, there were ways to refine spiritual artifacts or even more powerful treasures. Besides using one''s own Qi Force and spirit essence to continuously refine them, there was another method¡ªblood sacrifice!


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    As the name implies, blood sacrifice involved using one''s own blood for the ritual. The method was simple: just dripping one''s own blood onto it, otherwise known as "blood recognition." Of course, needing to use such a method often meant that the magic treasure was of a much higher grade.


    "Could this method be effective?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but smirk. He didn''t really believe it; after all, in today''s world, it was already incredibly rare to encounter even one or two spiritual artifacts, let alone a treasure of higher grade.


    "The first stage of the Emperor''s Dao involves the cultivation of the Technique of Luck; this..." When Ye Feng saw this, his brows furrowed deeply, and a troubled look appeared on his face.


    After all, when he returned to the Northern Border to retake control, Ye Feng had declared he would not restore imperial rule, not let history repeat itself, and even cut apart his Royal Robe to demonstrate his resolve. Yet now, this Emperor''s Dao Technique seemed to demand that he...


    Once he embarked on the path of cultivating the Emperor''s Dao, he would almost inevitably have to follow that very path if he wished to cultivate it to the stage of Great Perfection, for only by walking the path of the Emperor could he truly unleash the power of the Emperor''s Dao.


    Overall, the Technique of Luck of the Emperor''s Dao revolved around the Heavenly Edict Scroll as the core. The more subordinates one had, the stronger their Cultivation Realms were, and the larger the territory one controlled, the more powerful the Luck obtained by the master would be.


    Only by founding an imperial enterprise could one cultivate the Emperor''s Dao to the level of Great Perfection and, by then, step into the legendary Emperor Realm!


    "The Emperor Realm? So above the Divine Path Realm lies the Saint Realm, and atop the Saint Realm is the Emperor Realm!" Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile slightly, though he wondered whether he should really cultivate this Emperor''s Dao.


    "With the world in turmoil now, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts stirring, the Outer Battlefield continually expanding, and worse still, the Alien Space-Time probably about to invade this land, if truly no one can lead the people against the Alien Race of the Alien Space-Time, then I will take up this banner, lead everyone out of this chaotic situation, and why not!"


    Having thought this through, Ye Feng finally made up his mind that as long as it was for the good of the world''s people, it would be a good era, regardless of what era it might be.


    "In that case, I shall cultivate this Emperor''s Dao. Now that I am already the Northern Border King, just by pressing the Royal Seal of the Northern Border King onto this Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, I will get recognized by the Heavenly Edict Scroll and can immediately cultivate to the Minor Achievement Stage!"


    Ye Feng sighed inwardly. The Emperor''s Dao also had three stages of cultivation, starting with Minor Achievement, roughly signifying one''s status as a ruler of a territory, while the Intermediate Level required one to become an emperor, and the ultimate Great Perfection meant achieving the status of an Emperor!


    Right then, Ye Feng flipped his wrist over, and a small Royal Seal appeared in his palm. Next, he gripped the Seal and pressed it directly onto the scroll. In an instant, his Mind and Spirit shook violently, and an elusive and profound aura descended from Heaven and Earth, pouring into his body.


    "Is this what they call Luck? The Luck of a King of One Realm, so strong and majestic, way superior in quality to my Qi Force!" Ye Feng was greatly moved, and it was at this moment that he truly understood what this Luck meant.


    He had previously observed the Spirit Essence of Hong Qingyan, a type of Spirit Essence that Ancient Cultivators would typically generate within their bodies after cultivation, different from the Qi Force cultivated by martial artists of the present, with Spirit Essence being far superior to Qi Force.


    And now, this Luck was even more powerful and advanced than Spirit Essence. Ye Feng immediately realized that this so-called Emperor''s Dao was even stronger than the common cultivation techniques of ancient times.


    "It seems that this time, I''ve truly stumbled upon a treasure. The techniques cultivated in the remote Ancient Era are indeed much more powerful than those from the Ancient Era!" Ye Feng felt deeply moved as he didn''t hesitate any further and quickly began to use this Luck to break through his Acupoints.


    Contrary to Ye Feng''s expectations, using Luck to assault his own Acupoints was surprisingly effective. In the blink of an eye, he had broken through more than thirty Acupoints, reaching nearly two hundred and fifty in total, and the speed showed no signs of stopping.


    After three full minutes, he broke through another fifty Acupoints, totaling over three hundred, and Ye Feng''s Combat Power soared at that moment!

 Chapter 353 Trouble at the Valley of the Medicine God

    ```


    Within a moment, over a hundred acupoints were opened, evidencing the formidable strength of this luck. It should be known that Ye Feng had been practicing this martial arts study for no less than ten years, yet only managed to open a little over two hundred acupoints by yesterday.


    However, just now, in a mere moment, he had opened over a hundred, truly befitting of an ancient cultivation technique from the Ancient Era.


    "The Emperor''s Dao Fortune Technique is indeed extraordinary!" Ye Feng felt boundless emotion in his heart when suddenly, a stream of information appeared in his mind, about the origins of the Technique of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict.


    According to the information, it is said that during the Ancient Era, when heroes rose and Immortal Sects stood in great numbers, these Sects, constantly at strife, were immensely powerful, so much that even the states of the time did not compare. Thus came a remarkable prodigy who emerged from a minor country.


    This small country, frail and often suppressed by the neighboring Immortal Sects, inspired the young prodigy to dream of strengthening his homeland. Eventually, he created the Technique of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict. From a minor nation, it eventually became an Immortal Kingdom, and this unparalleled prodigy was revered as the Great Emperor of the Immortal Kingdom.


    The once numerous Immortal Sects were deemed illegal!


    What stunned Ye Feng even more was that this Great Emperor of the Immortal Kingdom had only cultivated to the Second Level, the stage of the Dao of the Immortal King, after unifying the realm. The Third Stage that he conceived remained theoretical and had never been practiced to this day.


    "Merely reaching Great Perfection in the Second Level, the stage of the Dao of the Immortal King, he already possessed such terrifying and formidable strength, truly worthy of an ancient cultivation technique!" Ye Feng was utterly shocked in his heart.


    Having opened up to three hundred acupoints, Ye Feng clearly felt he had reached a bottleneck, since opening so many in a short time required him to stabilize his cultivation realm somewhat. The troubling part was that there was still an abundance of luck inside him that he had yet to absorb.


    A crazy and bold idea suddenly emerged in Ye Feng''s mind, which was to combine this luck with his Qi Force, thereby indirectly enhancing the quality of his Qi Strength.


    After all, Ye Feng was well aware that in terms of the quality level of his Qi Strength, he was still considerably below the Spirit Essence cultivated by Hong Qingyan. In other words, if he were to use his Qi Force in a confrontation against a cultivator with Spirit Essence at the same cultivation realm, he was bound to lose.


    However, if the luck were to transform it, then it would be a different story altogether; after all, the ancient Great Emperor of the Immortal Kingdom had swept away those Immortal Sect cultivators. Hence, the idea once conceived was irresistible to Ye Feng, who immediately began to try it out.


    Following his speculation, if that ancient Great Emperor could sweep aside all Immortal Sect cultivators, then the Qi Force within him must be of a higher class than Spirit Essence.


    Thus, for Ye Feng to be more powerful than a martial artist of the same rank, and even more so to confront those alien races from an Alien Space-Time in the future, he could not rely solely on Qi Force, for its limitations became apparent after reaching higher levels.


    Thereupon, he sat down cross-legged again, repeatedly performing seal formations, compressing his Qi Force with this profoundly mysterious luck and integrating it into his Qi Force during the whole process.


    Soon, the effect manifested as Ye Feng anticipated; although the overall quantity of his Qi Force diminished, its quality had improved tremendously. If previously his Qi Force resembled a faint mist, it had now undoubtedly become much denser.


    This also meant that Ye Feng''s combat power had once again increased significantly!


    The visitor was the deacon steward of the Valley of the Medicine God. Ye Feng was also familiar with this old steward. Not long ago, when he was seriously injured in Fallen Dragon Valley, he was sent to the Valley of the Medicine God by an elder from the Utility Pavilion, Zhuge Wuming, and it was this old steward who had taken care of him.


    "It turns out to be Senior Liang. I was in secluded cultivation the day before yesterday and was unaware of Senior Liang''s visit. I neglected the senior and hope the senior won''t take offense," said Ye Feng as he quickly walked into the hall and greeted with a cupped fist salute.


    Although he was known as the Northern Border King, Ye Feng still lowered his stance and showed enough respect to an elder who had done him favors. Moreover, in the eyes of people from the martial arts world, the position of Northern Border King didn''t count for much.


    Deacon Liang quickly returned the gesture with a cupped fist salute, "Mr. Ye is too courteous."


    In the eyes of people from the martial arts world, they never address someone by their official position, because what they respect more is one''s character, righteousness, and cultivation level; the importance of an official rank is secondary.


    Ye Feng asked anxiously, "Senior Liang has come for a visit, has something big happened in the Valley of the Medicine God?"


    Deacon Liang, twisting his grey-white mustache, smiled and said, "To say it''s a big affair is indeed a big affair, but to say it''s a big affair, it doesn''t really qualify as one."


    Ye Feng was left speechless. This old man seemed to like playing with words. If someone with a short temper met him, they could be driven mad. Fortunately, Ye Feng had dealt with him before and knew how to handle him.


    Ye Feng asked straightforwardly, "The Valley of the Medicine God sent you, is there any order? I have other matters to deal with, so please be direct, Senior Liang."


    Indeed, upon hearing this, the old man said directly, "The Valley of the Medicine God indeed encountered a problem, as for what the problem is, Master of the Valley has instructed me not to tell Mr. Ye for now. But he said that no matter what, Mr. Ye must be asked to visit the Valley of the Medicine God."


    "You''re asking me to go to the Valley of the Medicine God, now?"


    "Yes, now!"


    "Is it absolutely necessary?" Ye Feng frowned.


    "Yes, it is absolutely necessary. This is something the Valley Master himself has ordered. Mr. Ye must go!" Deacon Liang said, continuing to twirl his long gray-white mustache.


    After pondering for a long while, Ye Feng asked, "By the way, is the young girl Yu Feiyu currently in the capital? Or has she returned to the Valley of the Medicine God? Be honest with me, Senior Liang, does this have to do with Yu Feiyu?"


    Senior Liang was shaking his head and rocking back and forth, "I can''t say, I can''t say. The Valley Master has instructed that nothing shall be said. You''ll know once Mr. Ye arrives. The message has been delivered, and whether you go or not is now up to you."


    In reality, everyone was quite clear that as long as the message was conveyed, Ye Feng would surely go. After all, everyone understood Ye Feng as a man of deep loyalty and righteousness. Moreover, the Valley of the Medicine God had once saved his life. Out of both sentiment and reason, it was impossible for him not to go.


    What depressed Ye Feng was precisely this point; knowing he couldn''t refuse, yet that old man, Yu Xianhe, wouldn''t tell him what the matter was, clearly relying on the fact that he had no fear.


    "This old man, he has always wanted me to be the Valley of the Medicine God''s son-in-law. Could it be that he''s laid a trap for me, like the banquet at Hong Gate?" Ye Feng was rather speechless at the thought.

 Chapter 354 Dont Take Us Seriously?

    Although he was speechless, Ye Feng still had no reason not to take a trip to the Valley of the Medicine God. After a simple grooming and having lunch with Hong Qingyan, he took a private jet accompanied by Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming.


    Now that his cultivation level and power had greatly increased, he was fully capable of contending with Divine Ability Realm masters of the fifth stage of the Divine Path Realm, so he didn''t need to be as cautious when going out. Even if he encountered Sacred Realm level experts, as long as he was a bit careful, escaping shouldn''t be a problem. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire


    Three hours later, Ye Feng and the others arrived at the Valley of the Medicine God. The valley was actually located close to the Central Region of Xuanyuan Nation, nestled within the Heavenly Mansion Basin, where a mystical fog blanketed the area all year round. In reality, this fog was a harmless medicinal mist deliberately concocted by the Valley of the Medicine God to create a sense of mystery.


    Furthermore, the Valley of the Medicine God had intentionally set up some simple Five Element Formations. Even those with the most wilderness experience could get lost upon entering this valley. At that moment, disciples assigned to guard the valley would appear, knock the intruders unconscious and then escort them out.


    Therefore, generally speaking, the Valley of the Medicine God was almost always inaccessible to outsiders; to be precise, ordinary people could not reach it. For someone like Ye Feng, a small Bewitchment Formation naturally would not trouble him.


    Ye Feng''s private jet landed directly on the lawn deep inside the Valley of the Medicine God. However, when he got off the jet, he found that he was only being greeted by two young men. It might be excusable for Yu Xianhe to be too busy with other matters to meet him, but for Yu Feiyu, the girl, not to come, this made Ye Feng quite puzzled.


    Logically, that was not supposed to happen. After all, everyone in the Valley of the Medicine God knew that Ye Feng was practically their son-in-law, nearly having been forcibly taken back by Yu Xianhe already. Now that the most suitable son-in-law for the Valley of the Medicine God had arrived, it was a bit unreasonable for the prospective father-in-law not to come out to welcome him.


    "Mr. Ye must be tired from the long journey," said the two young men as they approached. "The Valley Master is currently receiving some important guests and cannot leave them, and the Miss is also there, hence we could only come to greet Mr. Ye!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly. Although he was puzzled, he wasn''t one to make a fuss over such things. He said, "Since there are guests in the valley now, I will go to the secondary hall to rest first, then call for me later."


    Ye Feng was naturally familiar with the Valley of the Medicine God. In fact, due to a fortunate coincidence, he had stayed here for a while before, and during that short period of a few months, Ye Feng had read all the medical books stored in the Valley of the Medicine God, and his medical skill had almost surpassed that of the current Valley Master of the Medicine God Valley in no time.


    Thus, when Valley Master Yu Xianhe witnessed this, he was utterly astounded and didn''t hesitate to actively offer his daughter to Ye Feng, even generously offering the entire Valley of the Medicine God as a dowry. Unfortunately, Ye Feng remained indifferent.


    The two young men said promptly, "Actually, Mr. Ye, the Valley Master has instructed that once you arrive, you are to be taken directly to the Guest Welcoming Hall, so please follow us this way."


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and asked, "Is it appropriate for me to go over there while there are guests?"


    The two young men smiled and said, "We''re not sure if it''s appropriate, but this is what the Valley Master personally instructed, so..." They shrugged their shoulders here, their faces bearing an apologetic look.


    When Yu Xianhe saw Ye Feng walk in, he immediately stood up and smiled, "What''s the matter, Ye Feng? Why have you suddenly come to my Valley of the Medicine God?"


    Ye Feng thought to himself, wasn''t it precisely because you, the old fellow, lured me here? But now, you''re pretending. However, he wasn''t foolish and knew that Yu Xianhe was acting, so naturally, he wouldn''t nai?vely listen.


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "I''ve been quite bored lately with nothing to do, so I thought I''d visit Mr. Yu''s Valley of the Medicine God to relax a bit. It seems I''ve chosen the wrong time and must have disturbed you all; I''ll take my leave now."


    Having said that, he immediately turned to leave. You''re good at acting, old man, so I won''t entertain you. After all, he followed the order to pay a visit, so leaving now was still fulfilling his social obligation.


    But Yu Xianhe, after all, was an old hand in the Martial Arts World, and as they say, the older the ginger, the spicier it gets. Now that Ye Feng had delivered himself to the doorstep, how could he let him go so easily?


    Yu Xianhe immediately waved his hand and said, "Look at you, since you''re here already, why leave so soon? If this were to spread, wouldn''t others say that my Valley of the Medicine God has slighted a distinguished guest? Feiyu, what are you standing around for like an idiot? You don''t understand any hospitality. Big Brother Ye has come all this way; you should go out with him and show him around.


    I still need to discuss some things with your uncles and aunts."


    "Yes, father." Yu Feiyu thought, just as she was waiting for those words. She turned to the people from the Flora Sect, smiled apologetically, and said, "I''m sorry, uncles and aunts, I''m going to accompany Big Brother Ye for a bit; please excuse my absence."


    Having said that, she began to chase after Ye Feng. However, just then, a white-haired elder from the Flora Sect, sitting at the first seat to the left, suddenly snorted coldly, "May I ask Valley Master Yu, is this Mr. Ye a honored guest? Does that make us from the Flora Sect poor guests?"


    Another middle-aged woman from the Flora Sect, dressed in colorful clothes, added, "Indeed, Young Master Hua Youque has been at your Valley of the Medicine God for two days, yet we haven''t seen Miss Yu escorting him around. This man arrives and you can''t wait to have Miss Yu accompany him. Mr. Valley Master, it seems you really don''t regard our Flora Sect highly."


    Upon hearing these words, Yu Xianhe immediately laughed bitterly and hurriedly explained, "Not at all, not at all. Senior Brother Hua, you''re being too serious. You are unaware that Mr. Ye has a special status, and he''s also half a master to my daughter. It''s not every day that we get such a visitor; we can''t just let him wait, so please bear with us."


    The white-haired Senior Brother Hua said coldly, "Valley Master Yu, since we cannot have him wait, does that mean we can be kept waiting? We have been here for two days already, regarding the matter of our Young Master Hua Youque. Whether it''s a success or not, you ought to give a definitive answer, shouldn''t you?"


    Ye Feng, listening to this, thought as expected. The trouble the Valley of the Medicine God was facing was indeed related to Yu Feiyu. Judging by the situation, the Flora Sect had come to force a marriage, intending to strong-arm Yu Feiyu.


    However, Ye Feng was a bit puzzled. Logically speaking, although the Flora Sect was one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the overall strength of the Valley of the Medicine God shouldn''t be so weak as to fear them.

 Chapter 355 You are the goddess in my heart

    I must say, the four from the Flora Sect were quite arrogant, each with an air of confidence and fearlessness. On the other side, Yu Xianhe and the two elders were all smiles, seemingly afraid to offend the guests, which only added to Ye Feng''s confusion.


    However, the matter at hand had little to do with him, so Ye Feng chose to merely watch from the sidelines without speaking up.


    Just then, another lady dressed in gaudy red and purple, no longer young but still trying to appear so, cast a cold glance at Ye Feng and said, "This newcomer seems to be highly regarded by Valley Master Yu, definitely no ordinary person, even being Miss Yu''s half master. Might I inquire as to your esteemed identity?"


    This was an inquiry into Ye Feng''s background. Yu Xianhe replied with a slight smile, standing up and saying, "It seems that you are not aware of Mr. Ye''s background, though I''m certain you''ve heard of him before."


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    "Certainly we''ve heard of him? That seems questionable. Had he been from one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, that would be another matter. We''ve met and know of the gifted young members from those sects, yet we''ve never heard of a Ye among them," the flamboyantly dressed matron said sarcastically, her tone thick with mockery toward Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng still stood tall and unmoving, without any expression on his face. It was mainly because his cultivation level had changed. Ever since he obtained the cultivation technique of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict from the Ancient Era, his perspective had greatly elevated.


    Although the four from the Flora Sect were of high realms, with the white-bearded elder being a Fourth Stage practitioner in the Divine Path Realm, in Ye Feng''s eyes, they were no challenge at all.


    Yu Xianhe chuckled and looked at Ye Feng with a serious gaze, stating solemnly, "This Mr. Ye is none other than the Northern King Ye Feng, who has been the talk of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts recently!"


    "What did you say? He''s the Northern King Ye Feng?" The first to react was Hua Youque. He abruptly turned to stare at Ye Feng, his face showing shock and a strong desire to fight.


    It was apparent that this young talent from the Flora Sect was quite disgruntled and openly displayed his eagerness to challenge Ye Feng. Of course, the two had not met before, but Hua Youque''s animosity stemmed from the recent widespread reputation of the Northern King Ye Feng in the Ancient Martial World.


    Secondly, and more importantly, it was because of Yu Feiyu. The moment Ye Feng had walked in, Yu Feiyu had completely changed, showing boundless tenderness and affection. Hua Youque had been at the Valley of the Medicine God for two days, and not only had Yu Feiyu not spent time with him, she hadn''t even given him a kind look. How could he not be angry?


    After all, he was considered a genius in the Flora Sect and ranked within the top twenty among the young generation of the Nine Great Sects. Where did he fall short?


    At this moment, the white-bearded elder from the Flora Sect slowly stood up and walked towards Ye Feng. Regardless of how the Sects of the Martial Arts World felt, the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation was a king, and one had to observe at least the basic courtesies openly.


    "So you are the Northern King Ye Feng. I''ve long heard of the Northern King''s reputation, and seeing you today, it seems your fame is well deserved. At merely around twenty-five years old, to possess such bearing is truly impressive," the white-bearded elder remarked.


    Ye Feng was about to return the courtesy since it didn''t make sense to offend someone who was being polite. Just as he was about to bow, the heavily made-up lady scoffed, "What bearing? At twenty-five years old, he''s merely at the peak cultivation of the Martial King Realm. Compared to our Flower Prince, he''s far behind."


    Ye Feng''s expression darkened, but he refrained from lashing out, considering that this was the Valley of the Medicine God and he owed some respect to Yu Xianhe.


    "No, no, Flower Prince, you misunderstand. Please let me finish. It''s not that the Valley of the Medicine God is unappreciative of past kindness, but I am indeed in a difficult position," said Yu Xianhe, turning to look at Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng felt a sudden jolt in his heart, thinking to himself that this old Yu Xianhe might be planning to sell him out again.


    But now, Ye Feng also understood that the Valley of the Medicine God was not afraid of the Flora Sect. Facing such an aggressive stance, the reason why the Valley of the Medicine God couldn''t retaliate was entirely because it owed the Flora Sect a huge favor from the past.


    Moreover, Ye Feng knew that Yu Feiyu was a man who valued loyalty and righteousness, so even if he truly didn''t want to marry his daughter to the Flora Sect, he would never outright refuse. With this realization, Ye Feng suddenly understood why Yu Xianhe had brought him here at this time.


    The three elders from the Flora Sect turned their heads to look at Ye Feng, and said, "Could it be that Valley Master Yu doesn''t want to marry his precious daughter off to our Flower Prince, because of Northern King Ye Feng?"


    Seeing that the moment was ripe, Yu Xianhe heaved a sigh and nodded, "It''s indeed embarrassing to say, but it''s mostly my fault. About half a year ago, I set up a martial competition to find a husband for my daughter in the imperial capital."


    Hearing this, Hua Youque immediately interrupted, "That''s impossible. Half a year ago, I''d already sent someone to watch Miss Yu Feiyu, how come I never heard of this?"


    Yu Feiyu felt a deep sense of disgust upon hearing this, thinking to herself, could this person be a pervert? To have been under surveillance since half a year ago, such a person was simply too terrifying.


    But Yu Xianhe was not angry, merely smiling as he replied, "Given my daughter''s request at that time, the martial competition for her hand was conducted secretly, not publicly announced, so it is normal for the Flower Prince to be unaware of it."


    "It was conducted secretly? But how could a husband be selected through a secret competition?" inquired an elder from the Flora Sect.


    Yu Xianhe continued with a smile, "As you know, our Valley of the Medicine God prides itself on our medical skills, so naturally, the most important criterion for our son-in-law would also be medical expertise. The marital competition wasn''t based on martial arts but rather medical skills!"


    "Medical skills were compared? How was that done?" Hua Youque promptly asked.


    "Actually, my daughter and I were discussing this matter half a year ago but couldn''t settle on an arrangement. Just at that time, an earth-shattering miasma outbreak occurred in Xuanyuan Nation, which you must all know of, right?"


    "Of course, we know. The source was from the Fallen Dragon Valley."


    "That''s right. The miasma was extremely dangerous. Not to mention the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, even our Valley of the Medicine God was at a loss. So, at that time, I felt that if someone could resolve this miasma and save the countless people of Xuanyuan Nation from this poison, then that person would be deemed successful in the marital competition.


    My daughter agreed to this as well," he continued.


    Hearing this, Ye Feng suddenly had an ominous feeling that he, the fish, had finally been caught on the hook.


    ```

 Chapter 356 As Long as Youre Bold, Next Year Youll Be Pregnant!

    Upon hearing her father''s words, Yu Feiyu''s first reaction was to turn her head sharply towards Ye Feng. To her delight, however, Big Brother Ye did not object straight away, which meant there might be a chance.


    After all, although Yu Xianhe had planned to hold a martial competition for marriage in the imperial capital, it was initially the moment Yu Feiyu had vehemently opposed it. It was simply preposterous for her to agree to such an absurd marriage recruitment¡ªafter all, what era were they living in?


    Additionally, following the outbreak of miasma in the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley, Yu Xianhe had put the matter on hold, allowing Yu Feiyu to narrowly escape this calamity.


    Yet, it seemed that no matter if it was in the secular world or among these hidden ancient martial arts families, older unmarried women couldn''t escape the fate of being rushed into arranged marriages¡ªa pitiable reflection of a parent''s heart.


    But now, listening to her father say that the way to win the martial competition for marriage was to eliminate the miasma, Yu Feiyu immediately chose to tacitly agree, since the eventual victor was her Big Brother Ye.


    From this perspective, what women actually opposed wasn''t the matchmaking or marriage contest itself, but rather, the major reason for their disapproval was dissatisfaction with the prospective suitors.


    However, the most frustrated person present was undoubtedly Ye Feng, forced to watch this father-daughter duo blatantly lie without being able to object, for he could see that Yu Xianhe was using him as a shield to fend off the advances of the Flora Sect.


    After all, the Valley of the Medicine God did owe Ye Feng a favor. And with Yu Feiyu being his half-disciple, anger aside, Yu Feiyu''s individual qualities were not subpar at all. In both appearance and figure, she was top-notch, her elegant long hair paired with a pale green gown lending her a hint of refined grace, the elegance of a well-bred lady in full display.


    Furthermore, Yu Feiyu''s talent in both medicine and martial arts was actually quite impressive. At her current age, she had cultivated to the Divine Path Realm, ranking within the top twenty even among the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    So, to say that Ye Feng harbored no special thoughts about Yu Feiyu would certainly be a lie. After all, what man could remain indifferent upon seeing such a celestial being as her?


    An elder of the Flora Sect asked coldly, "Valley Master Yu, this sounds rather frivolous. You wouldn''t be using such an excuse merely to pacify us, would you?"


    Although Yu Xianhe was lying through his teeth, his face was as thick as an old tree''s bark, utterly unabashed as he said, "Could I possibly fabricate such a tale? After all, this concerns my daughter''s reputation!"


    In fact, the old man had calculated that Ye Feng would not expose him on the spot. Even if Ye Feng disagreed, he would certainly not do so publicly, and Yu Xianhe was counting on this.


    At this point, the three elders of the Flora Sect found themselves at a loss for words. The matter had already progressed to the point of nearly being settled in marriage; there was no place for their proposal.


    Of course, the happiest person present was none other than Yu Feiyu. At this moment, she coyly tucked her head down without speaking, casting tender, longing glances at Ye Feng from the corner of her eye.


    How could Hua Youque stand such a scene? He stepped forward and said, "Valley Master Yu, I object!"


    Yu Xianhe''s brows furrowed slightly, clearly somewhat displeased. If not for the fact that the Valley of the Medicine God owed the Flora Sect a favor, his impatience would have manifested the day prior. Now, with his stance made clear, to still refute him was unacceptable.


    Reminded of this, Yu Xianhe felt a surge of irritation; after all, for over twenty years, the Valley of the Medicine God had supported the Flora Sect in many ways, such as providing annual supplies of Healing Pills and materials required for martial arts practice.


    Seeing that the time was almost ripe, Yu Xianhe chuckled, "Both of you, rest assured, my Valley of the Medicine God may lack other things, but we will never run short of healing medicines. As long as it is not instant death, even if someone''s half a step into the Hall of King Yama, I can pull them back."


    His words were quite clear, and besides, even though the competition was about fighting and killing, as long as no one died, it would not be a big issue. Of course, the reason Yu Xianhe said this was firstly to deliberately heighten the tension. Secondly, and most importantly, he believed in Ye Feng''s strength.


    Even though Hua Youque was considered a rare talent among the current generation of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, in front of Northern King Ye Feng, not to mention competing with him, Hua Youque wasn''t even fit to carry Ye Feng''s shoes. In fact, Yu Xianhe had already long been plotting this scene.


    "This hall is not a place for a contest, Valley of the Medicine God has a dedicated Martial Arts Training Field. Please, would the two outstanding young heroes move there?" Two elders of the Valley of the Medicine God spoke up.


    "Excellent, but before the competition, we need to make things clear. If our Flower Prince wins by chance today, then what should the Valley of the Medicine God do?" the elder with white beard from Flora Sect asked.


    Yu Xianhe pondered for a moment, then said, "If today Ye Feng loses to this Hua Youque, then the original agreement between my Valley of the Medicine God and Young Master Ye shall be null and void. Additionally, on the spot, I would agree to Flora Sect''s marriage proposal."


    Here, Yu Xianhe suddenly said coldly, "However, if the Flower Prince is defeated today, then please do not bring up this marriage matter again."


    "Very well, then it is settled. Young master, let us proceed to the Martial Arts Practice Field to examine the terrain!" The three elders from Flora Sect straightened their backs, their demeanor full of confidence, as if victory was already assured.


    Ye Feng felt his head swell with the turn of events; things were becoming increasingly difficult to clarify. If this continued, his relationship with Yu Feiyu might truly become impossible to define.


    Yu Feiyu stepped forward, giggling, "Master, from now on, my happiness is all in your hands. But I believe in you, Master. It would be best if you beat that damned Flower Prince to a pulp. I have a Three-turn Rejuvenation Pill right here, just beat him as hard as you can for me!"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng could only shake his head helplessly, then stepped forward to leave.


    Yu Xianhe, following behind, quietly said to his daughter, "How about it, my daughter? Isn''t your father''s strategy superior?"


    Yu Feiyu was naturally delighted, not only escaping the entanglement of Flora Sect today but also clarifying her relationship with Ye Feng. She immediately gave a thumbs up and said, "Superior indeed, Father is truly superior!"


    Yu Xianhe chuckled and assured her, "Don''t worry, my daughter. Tonight, I will spare no expense, bringing out the treasured Flora Brew I''ve kept for many years to try getting the youngster drunk. Then it will be your turn to make the cooked rice raw."


    "Don''t be shy, my daughter. There''s a saying in the Mortal World, as long as you have the guts, next year you will have a big belly!"


    "..." Yu Feiyu was left speechless, not daring to pay any more attention to her shameless old father, and hurriedly rushed after Ye Feng.


    Yu Xianhe, meanwhile, shook his head and sighed from behind, saying, "To find a good son-in-law for my one precious daughter, is it easy for me?"


    With no one responding to his words, the group quickly arrived at the Martial Arts Training Field to the west. By that time, the sun was near setting. The huge sunset hanging over the valley bathed the entire valley in blood-red hues, adding an extra sense of solemnity and tension.


    Hua Youque, in his colorful, vibrant long robe, fluttered in the wind as he swiftly moved to the top of the Martial Arts Training Field, then extended a hand that was longer and whiter than an ordinary person''s and said, "Please!"

 Chapter 357 One Move is Enough to Deal with You!

    The sunset cast its fading glow as Hua Youque stood with one hand behind his back and the other holding a folding fan. If not for the flamboyantly extravagant attire he was wearing, he would have appeared to have a dash of elegance at least superficially.


    Ye Feng simply smiled indifferently. He then leisurely stepped forward into the martial arts training field, walking up to Hua Youque.


    Hua Youque said with a smile, "Northern King of Xuanyuan Nation, a name that resounds with great fame. It is a great honor to duel with you today. It''s just that I see you are merely at the peak of Martial King Realm and have yet to reach the Realm of the Divine Path."


    At these words, the corners of Hua Youque''s mouth lifted in a mocking tone as he said, "To be fair, I''ll allow you the use of one weapon, of course, a treasure weapon would also be acceptable. Otherwise, if the word spreads out, people in the martial arts world might say that my victory over you was not won by true martial prowess."


    At that moment, Ye Feng laughed as well, replying with an indifferent smile, "Sorry, to deal with you, I don''t even need to use a weapon!"


    The smile on Hua Youque''s face instantly faded, and he hissed through clenched teeth, "You really have a big mouth. Since that''s the case, let me tell you, it will take me only three moves, just three, to defeat you!"


    "If you can still stand unharmed after three moves, then consider it my loss!"


    "Three moves?" Ye Feng shook his head slightly. He then said, "For you, one move is enough!"


    "Arrogant and ignorant fool!" Hua Youque exploded in anger, his aura bursting forth in an instant. The overwhelming aura swept across the field, creating a maelstrom of flying sand and stones, with even the surrounding flora rustling wildly.


    It must be said that for Hua Youque to reach the First Stage of the Divine Path Realm at such a young age was a testament to his talent. The mistake, however, was in encountering a monster like Ye Feng.


    "Condense!" Hua Youque formed a Dharma Seal, and in front of him, a brilliantly golden folding fan emerged. This was his Object of the Divine Path - the folding fan hadn''t even been opened yet, but a formidable aura was already cascading from it.


    "Down!" A sweeping motion from Hua Youque''s Great Hand caused the folding fan to snap open with a whish, and with a forward flick, a terrifying gale surged towards Ye Feng like a tempestuous storm.


    The raging winds were powerful and even carried the threat of thunder within them, showcasing the extraordinary nature of his Divine Path treasure, the folding fan.


    It was conceivable that as long as Hong Qingyan continued her cultivation, honing her flesh body with Spirit Essence, her flesh body would soon become terrifyingly strong.


    "You still have two moves left!" Ye Feng slowly raised his head, looking coldly at Hua Youque.


    Hua Youque snapped back from his shock, gritting his teeth and roaring, "Impossible, you cannot possibly withstand my attack with just your flesh body. You must have a Treasure Weapon hidden on you. I don''t believe you can hold out much longer!"


    With that, Hua Youque clutched the brilliantly golden Folding Fan and, with a build-up of momentum, furiously unleashed it, sending a white and gold light blade hurtling toward Ye Feng. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng still remained standing in place without flinching. In fact, he did possess defensive treasures, not just one but several. However, he hadn''t needed to use them just yet, but now, he could not afford not to use them.


    After all, the quality of his Qi Force was not too high yet, and he hadn''t spent much time toughening his flesh body. No matter how strong his body was, he could not completely ignore the unrestrained attack of a Divine Path Realm warrior.


    Almost in an instant, an armor appeared on the surface of Ye Feng''s body, a Golden Armor. Strictly speaking, this armor was only a semi-finished Treasure Weapon. As soon as Ye Feng infused his Qi Force into it, the golden light shone brightly.


    With a clang... the white light blade came shooting forward, directly creating a long crack in the Golden Armor.


    Although he blocked the second attack, the Treasure Armor sustained damage.


    Seeing this, Hua Youque finally smiled, humming to himself, "I said it before, you must be using a Treasure Armor for defense. How about that, wasn''t I right? But even if you have Treasure Armor, you absolutely cannot be my match. The third move, you definitely won''t be able to withstand this third move!"


    Ye Feng just sneered without saying a word. The reason the Treasure Armor showed damage wasn''t because the opponent''s white light blade was that strong, but because the armor had been used too many times previously and had already been damaged.


    Moreover, this Treasure Armor was not Ye Feng''s true line of defense. His strongest defense was the Emperor''s Armor he had acquired from the Spirit Channel in the Southern Territory!


    Of course, using the Emperor''s Armor against a mere first-stage Divine Path Realm opponent would be a desecration of its value!

 Chapter 358 You Actually Have No Martial Virtue

    Seeing the cracks appearing in Ye Feng''s defensive armor, Hua Youque finally smiled with satisfaction and, with an upturned mouth, said, "Just as I expected, you do rely on treasure armor for defense. Considering its defensive power, it must be a semi-finished treasure weapon, and it seems to have suffered great damage from multiple uses!"


    At that point, Hua Youque spread his golden treasure fan with a whoosh and sneered, "Here comes the third attack. Without your defensive armor, I would like to see how you can still resist!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Hua Youque struck again. Suddenly, he began to spin wildly, stirring up a tornado-like tempest. More terrifying was the golden wind blade that appeared right in the center of the storm.


    The tornado swept out, and the Valley of the Medicine God was filled with whistling sounds. The vast martial arts training field was hit by flying sand and rolling stones, even the weapon racks placed at the edge of the field were blown down, and the flowers and trees outside the field were bent over. The clouds in the sky were even churned up, showing the tremendous power of his move.


    Ye Feng still stood unmoving in his original spot. The swirling tornado engulfed him in an instant, and from the outside, it was impossible to see the specific situation inside.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Yu Feiyu shouted from outside the field, her face full of worry. Although she knew that her Big Brother Ye was very powerful, in her view, Big Brother Ye was ultimately just at the peak of Martial King Realm, while his opponent had already reached the Divine Path Realm, and even the peak level of the Enlightenment Realm at that.


    However, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming¡ªthe three of them¡ªhad maintained a calm and composed demeanor the whole time, their arms crossed over their chests. They weren''t worried because they knew the strength of their lord.


    Not just the first realm of the Divine Path Realm''s Enlightenment Realm, but even if it was the God Gathering Realm or the Divine Communication Realm, their lord had nothing to fear.


    Suddenly, a dazzling golden light burst out from within the tempest, indicating Hua Youque had made his move. The blinding light turned into a rainbow that soared into the sky, followed by the sound of a metallic clank, as if Hua Youque''s treasure fan had struck an indestructible object.


    "Hmm? What''s going on? That sound seems off!" exclaimed a Flora Sect''s leading elder in astonishment.


    The Flora Sect elder to the left, an attractive mature woman, scornfully said, "Elder Brother need not worry. Our young master''s move is invincible among peers of the same level. It''s not just that Ye fellow who is merely at Martial King Peak, even if it was Divine Path..."


    She stopped abruptly, her mouth gaping open wide, and her face was overtaken with an indescribable shock.


    Of course, Ye Feng wouldn''t answer him and just scoffed, "Your three moves are done, now it''s my turn. I had already said, for you, one move is enough!"


    "Of course, you can choose to admit defeat yourself, or you will bear the consequences!"


    Hua Youque''s gaze suddenly concentrated. After the recent exchange, he clearly understood the opponent''s strength, and he knew that those words were not an empty threat. Let alone the fact he was already injured, even at his peak, it likely would have been difficult to withstand a strike from his opponent.


    Yet, Hua Youque knew better that if he chose to admit defeat now, he would lose all face today. Moreover, once word of this got out, he might very well become the laughing stock within the Nine Great Sects of the Ancient Martial World.


    For a moment, Hua Youque clenched his fist tightly, his body trembling, but he didn''t utter a word.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng suddenly shouted and was about to take action.


    The three elder clansmen of the Flora Sect, having lived their years and possessing keen insight, understood their scion''s predicament at a glance.


    "Ye Feng, after all, you''re the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation, being the King of One Realm. Yet just now, you resorted to despicable methods to wound our young master. Have you no sense of martial virtue at all?"


    The leading elder of the Flora Sect suddenly shouted, moving swiftly to block in front of Hua Youque, clearly coming to his defense.


    "Indeed despicable and shameless, with no regard for martial virtue. Such scum of the Martial Arts World should be put down by everyone!" At the same time, the remaining two elders of the Flora Sect also flew forward.


    "How audacious!"


    "You''ve got some nerve!" At that moment, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming, the three great legion commanders, also became enraged and flew forward, escalating the situation instantly.


    ```

 Chapter 359 If You Dare Resist, Show No Mercy!

    ```


    The situation became serious, and Yu Xianhe had no choice but to step in. After all, the matter now involved elders¡ªcharacters at the elder level. If it were only the younger generation sparring, he could ignore it, but with three elders of the Flora Sect stepping forward, he could no longer remain an indifferent onlooker and had a reason to intervene.


    "Please be patient, elders. The match hasn''t ended yet. According to the rules of the arena, we shouldn''t interfere midway. By doing so, wouldn''t we be breaking the rules?" Yu Xianhe slowly approached and said.


    The leader elder of the Flora Sect immediately rebuked, "Valley Master Yu, you are mistaken. If they were fighting fairly and justly, then our Flower Prince''s defeat would be acceptable, and there would be nothing to say. But now, this Ye Feng, he actually resorted to despicable tactics, and we cannot ignore that!"


    "Exactly, Valley Master Yu. Now our prince has been heavily wounded by despicable means, and even the Divine Path Object has been destroyed. This is a tremendous hurt to our Flower Prince, as well as a contempt and provocation against our Flora Sect. Thus, we cannot overlook this matter today!" the other two Flora Sect elders also said in a cold voice.


    Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian, known for his explosive temper, couldn''t bear it and roared through gritted teeth, "Bullshit! To deal with such trash, does our lord need to resort to tactics? Dare to insult our lord, believe it or not, I will tear you alive?"


    Xiao Chuanqi also exclaimed coldly, "You keep saying our lord resorted to schemes, but where is the evidence? Where is it? Without solid proof, it''s nothing but slander. According to Xuanyuan Nation''s laws, anyone who dares accuse the king of one realm without evidence will be executed without mercy!"


    Even though Xiao Chuanqi was only at the peak of the Martial King Realm, his unique physique and the burst of Sword Qi from his body, made the word ''kill'' emanate a momentum that nearly forced the three Flora Sect elders to take a step back.


    The three Flora Sect elders looked at each other, thinking that these were indeed the capable followers under the Northern King, possessing formidable power not to be underestimated. Of course, as cultivators in the third stage of the Divine Path Realm, the Spirit Division Realm, they didn''t need to be fearful, but the difficulty was that they had rushed forward on a whim to defend Hua Youque.


    Now, being asked to produce evidence, where could they have it? After all, the storm had obscured the sky, and they hadn''t even seen clearly what had happened inside.


    Ye Feng did not speak, merely looking at the three Flora Sect elders coldly. A very important reason he had yet to take action was that the Flora Sect had always had good relations with the Utility Pavilion.


    The atmosphere grew tense once more. Yu Xianhe, seeing this, couldn''t help but secretly come over to try to dissuade Ye Feng, but Ye Feng simply ignored him. Yu Xianhe knew that today''s matters were beyond repair.


    However, Yu Xianhe understood the temper of Northern King Ye Feng and knew that once this man made a decision, not even his future father-in-law could do anything to change it¡ªin fact, no one''s intervention would be of any use.


    The three Flora Sect elders had no choice but to halt their steps and turn their heads to stare at Ye Feng, speaking one word at a time, "What did you say? Have the guts to repeat your words to me!"


    Of course, Ye Feng had no intention of repeating himself; he was always the one asking questions and issuing commands. He coldly pronounced, "You have two minutes to consider!"


    This statement completely enraged the three Flora Sect elders, who shouted, "What an arrogant claim! But what do you count for, really? As the Northern Border King, do you really think you are that impressive? You are truly ignorant. Let me tell you, even the Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion wouldn''t dare to speak to us in such a tone when they see us!"


    Actually, Yu Xianhe knew of the relationship between the Flora Sect and the Utility Pavilion, so at this moment, he found himself in a dilemma. He was starting to regret asking Ye Feng to play this role of a shield.


    "Ye, I''m telling you, our Flora Sect will not fear a mere Northern King like you. Even with just one word from us, your position as Northern King might not be secure. Do you believe that?"


    Ye Feng was unmoved, still replying sentence by sentence, "Half a minute left."


    "You..." The three Flora Sect elders were truly unable to suppress their anger; it seemed as though all their previous words had been for nothing.


    "Boy, since you are so unappreciative, then we shall teach you a proper lesson and then proceed to the Utility Pavilion to reason with those few Sect Leaders properly. Valley Master Yu, you have seen it too¡ªthis youngster is being unreasonable, so you best not get involved!"


    After saying this, the three Flora Sect elders put Hua Youque to one side, then turned on their heels, ready to make a move.


    Ye Feng watched them coldly, then suddenly gave an order, "Attack. If anyone dares to resist, kill without mercy!" Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 360 How could you possibly do it!

    "You, Northern King, truly do have a big mouth!"


    At this moment, the leader of the Flora Sect''s team, an elder, was completely enraged. His aura burst forth like a tempest, forming a terrifying wave of Qi around him, revealing the might of a Spirit Division Realm powerhouse in the Third Stage of the Divine Path Realm.


    "A mere King of a Realm, and you actually think you are invincible under the heavens!" The other two female elders of the Flora Sect charged over as well, their Divine Path Objects surprisingly being flower vines, which swept over like whips in an instant.


    At this time, Ye Feng continued to stand with his hands clasped behind his back, with no intention to make a move. What of a Spirit Division Realm powerhouse? At present, he was able to disregard them completely. His three great subordinates were more than enough to handle it.


    Although up till now, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming were still at the peak of the Martial King Realm, their physiques were extremely unique. Even when facing a Divine Path Realm powerhouse, they did not fall short.


    "Slash!" Xiao Chuanqi roared angrily, and suddenly, a dazzling silver light erupted from within his body. With a flash of light, sword brilliance rained down from the sky, instantly shredding the sweeping vines to pieces.


    "Break!" At the same time, Sima Zhantian soared into the sky, a great hand beckoning, and a golden tiger-headed broadsword appeared in his grasp, broad and heavy in design.


    With one slash, a surging Blade Qi burst forth, splitting the countless incoming vines in two. The Martial Dao Arena itself was gouged with a shocking ravine.


    At this point, Leng Wuming also made his move, but compared to Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, he fell somewhat short. However, with the three of them taking action, they not only crushed the attack of the two female disciples of the Flora Sect but even forced them to retreat step by step.


    "Good fellow, mere peaks of Martial King Realm, and yet you possess such great strength. But looking at your moves, this seems to be as far as you go!" The white-haired elder leading the Flora Sect roared angrily, and the ground beneath his feet suddenly surged wildly as if an earthquake had struck.


    The ground roiled tumultuously, and suddenly, layers of soil churned up like a giant mole turning over, and a fierce and formidable Earth Dragon burst forth from the dirt.


    With a roar, the Earth Dragon shook the ground, its might unparalleled!


    Ao...


    Amidst the roaring, the Earth Dragon soared into the air, rushing toward the nearby Sima Zhantian with an incredible speed.


    Sima Zhantian''s gaze sharpened. Known for his volatile temper, he never backed down from a challenge. Even though he was aware of the formidable power of the Earth Dragon, his brow did not crease. He charged forward, raising the broadsword in his hands for an overhead strike.


    But after all, he was at the peak of the Martial King Realm. Regardless of how unique his physique, and even possessing the Body of the Treasure Blade, the level of his Qi Strength was ultimately too low. The Earth Dragon charged straight at him, instantly knocking his sword away, and even Sima Zhantian and the others were shaken back repeatedly. In contrast, the Earth Dragon remained unstoppable.


    Ye Feng''s sword-like brows slightly raised. He could tell that the Divine Path Object of the old man from the Flora Sect was actually not this Earth Dragon but related to the Earth Element of the Five Elements. As for the Earth Dragon, it was created by making use of the Divine Path Object.


    Such Divine Path Objects related to the Five Elements are actually quite rare, and this rarity also means they are much more powerful than the common Divine Path Objects. It could be said that although the old man from the Flora Sect is only in the Spirit Division Realm, because of this special Divine Path Object, he could exert combat power comparable to the Divine Communication Realm.


    "Alright, alright, your Big Brother Ye is about to make a move. Just gather your wits and watch closely with wide eyes!" Yu Xianhe said impatiently, waving his hand.


    The truth was, his composure came not only from Ye Feng''s calm demeanor but also from his almost complete understanding of Ye Feng.


    Despite being the Valley Master of the Valley of the Medicine God and seemingly reclusive, not concerning himself with the mundane world, this was not actually the case. Yu Xianhe was no less informed about the affairs of the world than any Sect of Ancient Martial Arts.


    After all, with many coveting the existence of the Valley of the Medicine God, one would have to be truly capable and have their own intelligence network, or else they might be devoured without ever knowing it.


    Thus, Yu Xianhe was almost completely knowledgeable about everything Ye Feng had experienced in the imperial capital recently, even what happened in the Southern Territory a few days ago. He roughly estimated that Ye Feng''s strength should be on par with that of a Half-Step Divine Ability Realm Great Power.


    This level of combat power was quite terrifying. After all, the Divine Ability Realm was the fifth and final stage of the Divine Path Realm, and not many among the leaders within Utility Pavilion could step into this realm.


    Therefore, Yu Xianhe was not worried at all. The Elder of the Flora Sect, merely at the Spirit Division Realm, and even if his Divine Earth Element Object were special, it was only comparable to the Divine Communication Realm, still several major gaps away from the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm.


    "Ye, in light of your status as the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation, this elder can give you a chance. Bow your head and admit your fault now, and this elder won''t require you to kneel. However, you must announce to the Martial Arts World that you resorted to despicable means to harm my son. Otherwise, this elder swears that I shall not spare you today!" Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Elder emitted an imposing aura with Earth Dragons swirling around his body, looking extremely domineering.


    Ye Feng continued to stand with his hands behind his back, but he suddenly burst into laughter, exclaiming, "I really don''t know where you get your confidence from. It''s just an Earth Element Divine Object, but to me, it''s nothing more than a crumbling dog of earth."


    With that, Ye Feng leaped forward, and with a summoning gesture of his Great Hand, the Wushan Thunder Seal suddenly materialized out of the void above.


    "Seeking death!" The Elder could not contain his fury, driving the Earth Dragon to roar as it charged towards Ye Feng.


    As Ye Feng infused his Qi Strength into it, the Wushan Thunder Seal swiftly expanded dramatically, in the blink of an eye growing as large as a small mountain and emitting a purple-golden glow. There were even traces of thunder and lightning entwining around it.


    Perhaps because Ye Feng''s Qi Strength Quality had improved, this instance of the Wushan Thunder Seal was undoubtedly larger and more fearsome than the last time he used it!


    Suddenly, with a thunderous explosion, the Wushan Thunder Seal came crashing down, instantly crushing and pulverizing the ferocious roaring Earth Dragon.


    "How... How is this possible!" The Elder of the Flora Sect froze on the spot, his face filled with shock.


    "You... You actually managed to resist my Earth Dragon. How could you possibly do that!"


    "Rise!" Ye Feng, uninterested in replying, sneered as he made a gesture, causing the Wushan Thunder Seal to soar up again.

 Chapter 361 When the King Moves, Heaven and Earth Change Color!

    The Elder Gao of Flora Sect''s complexion changed, yet his reaction was anything but slow, as his hands quickly formed a seal technique. In an instant, the ground once again trembled tumultuously, and masses of earth surged upwards, reaching heights of more than a dozen meters.


    Massive amounts of earth kept churning as if to overturn the entire Martial Arts Training Field. Upon seeing this, Yu Xianhe couldn''t help but wail, "What a miscalculation, what a miscalculation! Had I known, I wouldn''t have let them do this on the training field; I should have taken them directly to the area behind the mountain. Now look, it will take time and effort to repair."


    Yu Feiyu was clearly taking pleasure in the misfortune, sneering, "Serves you right for always scheming. Now your schemes have backfired on you. But, Dad, didn''t you use to scold us when we were little that if we broke something, we had to pay for it? You can just make the two of them pay!"


    Yu Xianhe rolled his eyes and huffed, "Make them pay? You''re too funny. If I ask your Big Brother Ye to pay, I''m afraid you''ll never get married. Then you''ll stick around in the Valley of the Medicine God forever, and won''t I be driven mad by annoyance?"


    Yu Feiyu simply rolled her eyes at her father and then crossed her arms, refusing to speak. Honestly, when she was away from the Valley of the Medicine God, this old man always nagged about his daughter growing wings and not coming home. And now that she finally returned, he''s complaining again. There''s really no justice in this.


    Of course, Yu Feiyu also knew that arguing with her father was in itself the most unreasonable thing to do.


    Meanwhile, Elder Gao of the Flora Sect had managed to conjure a thick wall of earth in front of him, using the roiling, swirling dirt.


    Boom...


    Just then, the Wushan Thunder Seal came crashing down from above, slamming into the earthen wall. The wall immediately developed cracks, but it did not shatter. Elder Gao, who was shielded behind it, was jolted so that his Qi-Blood surged, but he was not seriously harmed.


    "Hmph, kid, I admit you are indeed strong, but let me tell you, you are after all just a mere Martial King, too inexperienced to fight against me. Now, meet your death..." Elder Gao exclaimed as the earth under his feet surged up again. The wall in front of him quickly healed at a speed visible to the naked eye, becoming thicker and sturdier than before, naturally enhancing its defensive power.


    "You talk too much!" Ye Feng shouted coldly, flicking his wrist, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon appeared in an instant. Then, he soared out like a dragon gliding through the sky.


    Seeing the golden gleaming spearhead of the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Yu Xianhe''s gaze sharply focused, and he thought to himself, "Indeed, it''s that spear. It seems that the legend from two thousand years ago is not just a mere tale. Could this young man really have received that person''s heritage?"


    At that moment, Yu Xianhe''s expression undeniably turned grave. He suddenly thought of many things. After all, he had to consider them because he knew what that person from two thousand years ago represented. If Ye Feng truly inherited that person''s legacy, then the hardships he would face in the future would undoubtedly be much more than those of ordinary people.


    It was simple. If the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts found out, they would definitely not let Ye Feng off easily. This was destiny, a destiny decided more than two thousand years ago, just as that small village in the Northwest had been branded a village of criminals two thousand years ago.


    The moment the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was brandished, it brought with it a terrifying wave of Qi Force. Even the air itself made a humming sound of an air explosion, and space itself seemed to distort where the spear passed.


    All of a sudden, there was a thunderous explosion!


    The thick, dark earthen wall burst apart instantaneously. The terrifying and powerful Spear of the Ancestral Dragon directly sent Elder Gao, who was hiding behind the wall of earth, flying out.


    Yu Xianhe let out a slight sigh, somewhat helpless. He suddenly regretted inviting Ye Feng to Valley of the Medicine God, for never had he expected such a massive situation to ensue. It was foreseeable that Flora Sect would not let things lie upon learning of this and might even join forces with other Sects of Ancient Martial Arts to deal with Ye Feng.


    "First, help Hua Youque to the back for treatment, then notify the people of Flora Sect to come here and tend to this aftermath," said Yu Xianhe, waving his hand. Immediately, two elders came forward to examine Hua Youque''s injuries, carried out some simple treatments, and then carried him to the back courtyard.


    Ye Feng, who was about to leave the Martial Arts Training Field, paused in his steps upon hearing Yu Xianhe''s words, turned his head, and asked, "Flora Sect''s people will come knocking again. Do you want me to stay and handle the aftermath?"


    Yu Xianhe couldn''t help but roll his eyes and said, "If you stay now, it would be like pouring oil on the fire."


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "If I leave, when Flora Sect''s people come, won''t they tear down your Valley of the Medicine God?"


    Yu Xianhe said annoyed, "You know that Flora Sect''s people will tear down my Valley of the Medicine God, why didn''t you listen to me earlier then?"


    Ye Feng shrugged his shoulders and said, "I''m not your son-in-law, why do I have to listen to you?"


    At that moment, Yu Feiyu had already walked up briskly, originally intending to say something, but hearing Ye Feng''s words, she suddenly froze, her mind a blank, and she found herself at a loss for words.


    But Ye Feng simply shrugged his shoulders again and said, "Don''t worry Old Man Yu, as the Northern King, I need not heed others. When people from Flora Sect arrive, you tell them it was Northern King who did it. If they seek revenge, let them come to the imperial capital!"


    Ye Feng was about to take a step when he suddenly paused again, turned his head to look at the stupefied Yu Feiyu, and said, "What are you spacing out for, girl? Why aren''t you leaving?"


    Yu Feiyu finally snapped back to reality and asked reflexively, "Leave, leave for where?"


    "Naturally, to return to the imperial capital with me. Where else could you go? If you stay here, when Flora Sect''s people come, they''ll just continue to hassle you!" said Ye Feng, annoyed.


    "Go back to the imperial capital with you? Oh, alright!" Yu Feiyu almost instantly agreed, which was strange; she was usually a very clever and shrewd person, but whenever she was with Ye Feng, she felt as if her intelligence vanished, leaving her foolish, much to her own vexation.


    Without delay, Ye Feng proceeded to leave Valley of the Medicine God, with Yu Feiyu following close behind. After walking some ten meters, she then realized and hurriedly looked back, saying, "I forgot to tell you, Dad, I''m going back to the imperial capital with Big Brother Ye. Take care of yourself.


    When Flora Sect''s people come, bear as much as you can for Big Brother Ye, after all, this was a situation provoked by our Valley of the Medicine God."


    "..." Yu Xianhe could only shake his head speechlessly, sighing in exasperation, "A daughter is just like water once thrown out. Look, she hasn''t even married yet, but she''s already favoring someone else over her family."


    At that time, Ye Feng had reached the side of Valley of the Medicine God, which was a flat grassland where a helicopter was parked. Although he was imperious, he had not forgotten his gentlemanly demeanor, and upon reaching the door of the cabin, he stepped aside with a gesture of his hand, inviting her in. Yu Feiyu finally felt elated as she saw this and joyfully boarded the helicopter.

 Chapter 362 The Cultivation Method of the Emperors Dao

    An hour later, the helicopter arrived in the imperial city, and originally, Yu Feiyu wanted to take advantage of the flight to talk to Ye Feng about her feelings, but regrettably, it wasn''t just the two of them on the plane, and to make matters worse, they were all men, which made it very embarrassing for her, a delicate beauty, to speak up.


    And it seemed that Ye Feng was also tired, after all, he had been traveling back and forth recently, and he quickly fell asleep against his seat after sitting down, leaving Yu Feiyu huffing in frustration and giving up.


    Of course, as the daughter of the head of the Valley of the Medicine God, Yu Xianhe naturally wouldn''t just leave his precious daughter unattended. Right after Yu Feiyu boarded the plane, he immediately ordered two half-step Divine Ability Realm senior elders of the Valley of the Medicine God to set out, and by a stroke of coincidence, they too arrived in the imperial city after the plane landed.


    However, Yu Feiyu was unaware of all this; but this didn''t escape Ye Feng''s perception, he simply couldn''t be bothered to point it out.


    According to the plan, the private jet landed directly at the designated small airport of Northern Cloud Residence, and Ye Feng stepped out of the cabin door and said directly, "You''ve been away from the Imperial Divine Medical Sect for a while now, and I guess things must be quite chaotic without you in charge. I think you should return as soon as possible to check on things."


    Yu Feiyu made an acknowledgment, swallowing the words she had wanted to say whole, and obediently got into the car arranged by Ye Feng, with her head down. However, as she pulled the car door open, she suddenly turned her head and asked loudly, "Big Brother Ye, don''t you have anything to say to me?"


    Ye Feng said with a smile, "I trust you in what you do, and I have no worries entrusting the Divine Doctor Sect to you. Just go ahead and do what you need to do; I have a lot of faith in you."


    Yu Feiyu immediately shook her head and said, "No, Big Brother Ye, I''m not talking about the Divine Doctor Sect, I mean that matter..."


    "That matter? Which matter?" Ye Feng asked, puzzled.


    Seeing Ye Feng''s expression, Yu Feiyu''s happiness from after boarding the plane turned into gathering storm clouds, her whole heart seeming to fall into a valley in an instant, her entire being permeated with an indescribable sense of loss.


    Even her eyes were already brimming with tears, but she stubbornly held them back, for she couldn''t let herself cry in front of this man, at least not now.


    Yu Feiyu had thought that, after her father''s speech in the Guest Welcoming Hall of the Valley of the Medicine God, her relationship with Ye Feng was clear, especially since her father had stated that whoever eliminated the miasma and solved the problem for a million people of Xuanyuan Nation, he would give her away to that man.


    And the one who eliminated the miasma was none other than Ye Feng. He didn''t reject the proposal on the spot, so at that time, Yu Feiyu happily thought that this matter was settled. But now, seeing Ye Feng''s indifferent behavior, she abruptly realized that everything was just her own wishful thinking.


    She fully understood that Ye Feng''s lack of direct rejection was only to avoid embarrassing her father, simply acting as a shield to fend off Hua Youque from the Flora Sect.


    But recently, Ye Feng discovered that whenever he approached the girl, especially when he picked her up, he would feel a peculiar sensation. This feeling was very special and hard to pinpoint, but it made him quite uncomfortable and even nauseated.


    At Ye Feng''s current cultivation realm, it was illogical for him to suddenly experience such a strange physiological condition. At first, he thought it was his own health issue, but after several experiments with the same result, he began to suspect something was amiss.


    Ye Feng even conjectured that the original appearance of this infant girl in Fallen Dragon Valley was so bizarre and abrupt that it might have been orchestrated by someone, and since it was deliberate, it would naturally be targeted at him. As for how the other party intended to use the infant girl against him, he had yet to realize it, but it was clear that Ye Feng had to be on guard.


    Therefore, in nonessential situations, he would basically not enter this side courtyard and rarely visited the little girl, leaving her in the careful watch of others. Of course, he would no longer consider adopting her as his goddaughter, no matter how special her constitution was; he could no longer act rashly.


    Holding the infant girl in his arms, Ye Feng once again felt that sense of suffocation and irritation. Therefore, he did not stay long and promptly left, deciding that he must reduce the frequency of his visits in the future. However, Ye Feng soon grew troubled ¡ª the little girl was on the brink of learning to walk and was gradually understanding simple matters, often clamoring for him.


    Was he supposed to ignore her from now on?


    This was indeed a problem! Or perhaps, should he send the little girl away now? But Ye Feng found it hard to bear the thought of letting her go, so after some contemplation, he decided to put the matter aside for the time being and returned to the bedroom in the backyard with Hong Qingyan.


    The saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Moreover, as Hong Qingyan''s physical condition gradually improved, their moments of intimacy became more frequent. As a result, once they entered the bedroom, Ye Feng was not to be disturbed.


    However, what shocked Ye Feng was that in the middle of the night, after the frenzy had ended and they were preparing to sleep, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness inside the Heavenly Heart Palace suddenly vibrated. Then a massive flow of luck surged directly from the scroll into his body.


    "Hmm? What on earth is going on? Why would the scroll suddenly release this kind of luck?" Ye Feng was astonished. Of course, he knew that now was not the time for inquiries. He quickly got out of bed, sat cross-legged, and began to drive this lucky essence, transforming his body on the one hand, and on the other, using this extraordinary luck to enhance the Qi Force in each of his Acupoints.


    "Big Brother Ye, what''s happening to you?" Hong Qingyan sensed something was amiss and turned to ask. However, the next moment she understood. Ye Feng had entered a state of cultivation, so she obediently got out of bed and went to another bedroom.


    The quantity of this miraculous luck was not substantial, far less than the first time, so it took less than half a quarter-hour for Ye Feng to completely refine and absorb it. His Qi Strength Quality had also been slightly improved because of this.


    Of course, if Ye Feng wished, he could also use this marvelous luck to break through his Acupoints. However, he thought of quickly elevating the quality of his Qi Force first, to see if it would transform from its current thin gaseous state to the liquid state of Spirit Essence, or even a higher-level form.


    Of course, the amount of luck needed to fully transform the Qi Force in his body''s Acupoints was enormous, something that couldn''t be achieved in a short time. Just then, the voice of Sima Zhantian suddenly came from outside, "My lord, Xiao Chuanqi has made a breakthrough; he''s entered the Divine Path Realm."


    Hearing these words, Ye Feng''s mind immediately grasped the likely reason for the sudden emergence of the luck and also roughly figured out the unique method of cultivating the Emperor''s Dao.

 Chapter 363 Something big is about to happen

    Although Sima Zhantian was a bit rough and had a fiery temper, he was also refined in his own way. Despite knocking on the door, he had always refrained from pushing it open and entering, considering that this was the Northern King''s bedroom, and the Princess Consort was inside.


    "Your Majesty, Xiao Chuanqi has made a breakthrough to the Divine Path Realm, and there have been no unexpected incidents. He is now consolidating his realm. I am so happy that I wanted to report to you at once," Sima Zhantian said with a chuckle.


    Ye Feng replied, "Good, wait for me a moment, and let''s go have a look together!"


    "Yes!" Sima Zhantian responded loudly.


    So Ye Feng got out of bed, dressed, and then stepped out the door, asking as he walked, "When exactly did Xiao Chuanqi make his breakthrough?"


    Sima Zhantian respectfully answered, "Just now, about five minutes ago!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said nothing more. From the current situation, the moment the mysterious luck appeared was precisely when Xiao Chuanqi had his breakthrough, which meant there was a connection between the emergence of this luck and Xiao Chuanqi''s breakthrough.


    Considering this, Ye Feng further inferred that the cultivation of the Emperor''s Dao seemed to be related to the progress of his subordinates. In other words, when his subordinates made progress, the master controlling the Emperor''s Dao would also advance alongside them, and the more progress the subordinates made, the greater the master''s advancement tended to be.


    "It seems this is one of the ways of cultivating the Emperor''s Dao," Ye Feng muttered to himself, then turned his head to look at Sima Zhantian.


    The big man Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but stare blankly, asking, "Your Majesty, why are you suddenly looking at me like that?"


    Ye Feng was indeed younger than Sima Zhantian, now just over twenty-five while Sima Zhantian was close to thirty. Yet, not only did Sima Zhantian deeply respect the Northern King Ye Feng, but even the old men in the Northern Border who were over fifty years old also admired him wholeheartedly.


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "You, this fellow, started cultivating at the same time as Xiao Chuanqi, and your physiques are similar. Now that Xiao Chuanqi has broken through to the Divine Path Realm, you can''t be lagging behind him, can you?"


    Sima Zhantian thought his lord was about to say something important, but upon hearing this, he immediately grinned ear to ear and laughed, "No rush, no rush. Cultivation is about letting things take their natural course. No amount of hurrying will help if the ripe moment hasn''t come yet."


    Ye Feng nodded in agreement with that logic, but soon added, "I see now, the reason your ripe moment hasn''t come is probably because Sausage Sister isn''t here. I remember that when she was around, your cultivation level advanced by leaps and bounds."


    At the mention of Sausage Sister, the ironclad Sima Zhantian''s expression immediately turned pensive, showing that even tough guys have a tender side.


    Not wishing to distress him further, Ye Feng only said, "Cultivate well. The place Sausage Sister has gone to is rather special. Unless you can reach the third stage of the Divine Path Realm, I won''t take you there!"


    Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian promptly said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will break through to the Divine Path in the next few days and strive to enter the third stage of the Divine Path Realm as soon as possible!"


    Only then Ye Feng smiled. As they were talking, they had reached the bedroom in the eastern part of the residence where Xiao Chuanqi was staying. The door slowly opened, and Xiao Chuanqi himself came out to greet them¡ªit was, after all, his lord arriving at the doorstep.


    "Has your realm been consolidated?" Ye Feng asked.


    "As you commanded, Your Majesty, my realm has been completely consolidated!" Xiao Chuanqi replied with slight excitement; after all, having made a breakthrough to the Divine Path Realm, he was not only able to greatly stimulate his body''s potential but also naturally condensed his own Divine Path Object.


    Ye Feng inquired, "Your Divine Path Object, if I''m not mistaken, should be a sword, right?"


    Shadow swiftly took out a rolled-up paper from her waist and held it out with both hands. Ye Feng took it and unrolled it, quickly scrutinizing the contents, his gaze slightly sharpening.


    The paper featured lines weaving across it, depicting the Six-foot Paths from two thousand years ago. Strikingly, when these paths were combined, they indeed formed a subtle pattern, somewhat resembling a hexagonal Star Radiance Map.


    "Is this...a Great Formation?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but remark.


    Shadow was taken aback by his words and quickly asked, "Your Majesty means to say, the combination of the Six-foot Paths from two thousand years ago forms a Great Formation? This is earth-shattering news."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "I''m not entirely sure, but from the look of the map, it indeed resembles a Great Formation. If it really is a Great Formation, then the scope is simply too vast. To lay out such a formation across the entire landscape of the Xuanyuan Nation."


    Shadow couldn''t help but say with a laugh, "What of it? The deeds of that figure from two thousand years ago were not minor. Not to mention the Six-foot Path, even the Terracotta Soldiers of the Emperor''s Mausoleum in the Northwest are probably not smaller in scale compared to the Six-foot Path."


    At this point, Shadow suddenly recalled something and immediately asked again, "If, as Your Majesty said, the Six-foot Path forms a Great Formation, what exactly was that person from two thousand years ago trying to accomplish by expending such a grand effort to construct this Great Formation?"


    Ye Feng was silent for a long moment before saying, "I''m afraid not only the Six-foot Path but the greatest secret of the person from two thousand years ago is likely still in the Emperor''s Mausoleum in the Northwest."


    Shadow immediately saluted and said, "This subordinate has failed Your Majesty. I have still not found the entrance to the Emperor''s Mausoleum this whole time, and to this day, there have been no findings."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "You have done quite well; there is no need for self-reproach. Originally, I had considered giving you some time off, considering you haven''t visited your hometown for over a decade, haven''t you?"


    Shadow immediately responded, "My hometown was destroyed long ago, and I have almost no kin left. Moreover, I am happy to serve Your Majesty and do not feel tired, so I do not need a holiday. I have already said that unless Your Majesty no longer needs me, I will never leave Your Majesty''s side!"


    Ye Feng, somewhat helpless, could only nod slightly and shifted the topic, "Tell me about the other two discoveries."


    Shadow once again spoke solemnly, "The other two findings are, firstly, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are fully prepared and about to enter the imperial city.


    Of course, Your Majesty need not be concerned, the Nine Great Sects entering the imperial city will be watched by the Utility Pavilion, but there are three individuals among them that Your Majesty needs to particularly watch out for."


    "Which three people?" Ye Feng asked.


    "One from Flora Sect, another from Mount Shu, and also one from the Buddhist Sect. These three are not the most famous within their respective sects, but in the upcoming Martial Dao Convent, they will undoubtedly be significant threats to Your Majesty," Shadow stated.


    "Were their specific names found out?" Ye Feng inquired.


    At this, Shadow suddenly let out a rare chuckle and playfully said, "Allow me to keep Your Majesty guessing and not reveal their names and backgrounds. But I believe that as soon as Your Majesty meets them in person, you will immediately know."


    "Alright!" Ye Feng smirked and nodded, then prompted, "And the third discovery?"


    "The third finding is from the Southern Territory. According to the secret agents, a large number of masters from Tianluo Kingdom, Ancient Yue Kingdom, and Brahma Kingdom are currently assembling in secret!" Shadow reported.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng''s expression instantly became grave, his keen senses telling him that something major was about to happen to the Xuanyuan Nation.

 Chapter 364 Big Brother is Indeed Big Brother

    Ye Feng had known long in advance that two days ago, at the Southern Territory base camp, he killed and severely injured several masters from Tianluo Kingdom, Ancient Yue Kingdom, and Brahma Kingdom. These three nations would inevitably not let the matter rest and would seek revenge.


    Moreover, in the past two days, Zhang Wenyuan, the newly appointed King of the Southern Territory, had been eager to establish his authority in the region.


    Therefore, for the full two days, Zhang Wenyuan had personally led the troops, and even engaged in combat himself, to completely root out the hostile forces from these three nations that had been harassing the Southern Territory for years, undoubtedly exacerbating the conflict.


    With furrowed brows, Ye Feng reflected that an excess can be as bad as a deficit; Zhang Wenyuan had wielded his power too broadly upon taking office, naturally provoking an extreme reaction. It was just that Ye Feng did not expect such a fierce response to come so quickly.


    "Looking at the situation, it''s very likely that the three major Southern nations will choose to make their move during the World Martial Arts Tournament!" Ye Feng frowned, and as a ruler of a realm who had led troops for many years, he had a thorough understanding of warfare. If he were in their position, he would certainly choose to launch an offensive during that time as well.


    After all, the Xuanyuan Nation''s World Martial Arts Tournament would not only be attended and closely followed by all the elites from the Utility Pavilion, but the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would also send their best. Such a grand tournament almost universally captivates the entire nation, leaving little attention to spare for anything else.


    Watching Ye Feng deep in thought, Shadow remained silent, simply observing him. In fact, were it not for the thin layer of dark mist that enveloped her, one could easily discern that her gaze toward Ye Feng was filled with a hidden tenderness.


    After a long moment, Ye Feng suddenly looked up and asked, "Do you know if the Southern Territory has detected the movements of the Three Southern Kingdoms?"


    Shadow immediately replied, "They probably haven''t yet, after all, our intelligence is always a step ahead. The scouts in the Southern Territory would probably need another day or two to confirm the details."


    "One to two days is too late. The World Martial Arts Tournament starts in three days. We have at most one day left. The day after tomorrow, the capital will need to be prepared to welcome the representatives from the Nine Great Sects. There''s not much time left."


    Having said this, Ye Feng looked up again and instructed, "Send this intelligence in a secret way to the Southern Territory through a specific method. However, make sure they can''t trace it back to us."


    Unfortunately, Zhang Wenyuan was not the Northern King Ye Feng; he did not possess the decisiveness and courage of the Northern King!


    After coming to this realization, Ye Feng then moved to the underground secret chamber to continue studying the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. Although he already had a conceptual division of the three great realms of the Divine Path Edict in his mind, there was no detailed method of cultivation; everything had to be figured out by himself through constant exploration.


    "Apart from increasing my subordinates'' strength to obtain that mysterious luck, what other methods are there to acquire it?" Ye Feng mused to himself. After all, this mysterious luck was much more profound than the so-called spiritual energy between heaven and earth.


    Ye Feng could even imagine, if from the very beginning he had cultivated this Emperor''s Dao, then what would have derived within him would not just be Qi Force, nor Spirit Essence, but something even more advanced than these, which of course meant that his combat power at an equal realm would be much stronger, even potentially overwhelming ancient cultivators at the same level!


    "Emperor''s Dao, a path of emperorship. Besides gaining luck through increasing the strength of my subordinates, would increasing their numbers also grant me this type of luck? In addition, would expanding the territories under my rule and enhancing my reputation as an emperor also contribute to acquiring it?"


    Ye Feng put forth numerous conjectures, feeling that the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. However, at the moment, there was no way to test it. Indeed, recruiting subordinates was the simplest method, but if he only gathered those with strength and status, the increase in luck might not be significant.


    "The World Martial Arts Tournament is coming up next. If I can emerge victorious, my prestige will surely increase greatly, and then I should be able to see the difference," Ye Feng thought to himself.


    Although he was currently incapable of practicing the Emperor''s Dao, that didn''t mean he couldn''t cultivate at all. His own cultivation technique was extremely special, to the point where it could even manipulate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Once he entered a state of cultivation, the airflow within Northern Cloud Residence underwent a drastic change. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Of course, ordinary people couldn''t see it; all they could feel was a sudden gust of wind. But for those formidable beings at the Divine Path Realm, they could clearly sense the fluctuations of spiritual energy contained within these changes of the air currents.


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan was preparing breakfast, suddenly perceiving the changes in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. She subconsciously turned her head toward the direction of the study and then said with a smile, "Big Brother Ye truly is Big Brother Ye.


    Even with my current cultivation level, I''m afraid I couldn''t achieve this extent of manipulating the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The Qi Force that Big Brother Ye holds within him is indeed too vast and mighty, that''s why his combat power is so terrifying!"

 Chapter 365 Sufficient to Maintain but Insufficient to Advance!

    Ye Feng stayed indoors practicing in the secret chamber of his study for two full days. Although he could not cultivate the Emperor''s Dao Cultivation Technique of the first realm in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict during those two days, he was able to practice the cultivation technique given to him by his cheap senior fellow disciple¡ªthe little old man from the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    By now, Ye Feng had vaguely guessed that this cultivation technique actually originated from the Eternal Emperor who lived more than two thousand years ago. He also understood why Tang Bai had a complete change of attitude, doing a one-eighty, when he realized the provenance of the cultivation technique Ye Feng was practicing.


    Without a doubt, Tang Bai was worried that once Ye Feng cultivated the technique to Great Perfection, he would follow the same old path as the one tread more than two thousand years ago¡ªa prospect the two old men of the Utility Pavilion were decidedly against.


    Moreover, Ye Feng understood why, in the beginning, it was said that the origins of this cultivation technique must never be known by the people of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    After all, more than two thousand years ago, the master of this cultivation technique had a deep-seated enmity with the people from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts¡ªa hatred that has continued to this very day!


    Of course, Ye Feng, although reflective on these matters, didn''t bother to dwell on them too much. After all, those events were from over two thousand years ago. Right and wrong depended on the people involved; the fault wasn''t with the cultivation technique itself.


    It wasn''t as if by cultivating someone''s technique, one must inevitably follow in that person''s footsteps¡ªsuch a notion was a feudal superstition.


    Having stayed indoors for two full days to cultivate, Ye Feng''s progress was undoubtedly immense. In that time, he had opened up more than a hundred acupoints, bringing the total number he had opened to an astonishing four hundred. This number was undoubtedly shocking and caused his Qi Force proficiency to double again.


    Of course, his combat power also nearly doubled from before, which was quite terrifying. Now, as he continued to open up acupoints within his body, Ye Feng felt an illusion: could it be that the acupoints in his body were endless? Could he really keep cultivating like this? Or could there be a limit to the number of acupoints?


    Ye Feng guessed that there must be a limit, as it seemed unrealistic to cultivate indefinitely. However, he didn''t know where this limit lay, so for now, he could only keep cultivating and find a solution when he could no longer progress.


    The only thing that Ye Feng felt a bit regretful about over these two days was that he had made no progress in cultivating the Emperor''s Dao, which would not only have increased the number of acupoints he could open but undoubtedly would also have greatly improved the quality of his Qi Force.


    During the two days that Ye Feng stayed indoors, Xuanyuan Nation was brewing with tumultuous forces and waves of change as the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts continuously gathered in the capital to participate in tomorrow''s World Martial Arts Tournament.


    Besides that, there were some invisible forces hidden among the common people of various countries that naturally took this opportunity to infiltrate. Of course, even if these people managed to blend into the capital''s Inner City, it would be very difficult for them to enter the venue of the World Martial Arts Tournament tomorrow, let alone take the chance to cause trouble during the tournament.


    After all, this was the capital, the most important place under the feet of the Son of Heaven of Xuanyuan Nation. It would not be easy for other countries to come here and cause trouble!


    Apart from these, there remained the Southern Territory¡ªas Ye Feng had predicted, even if Zhang Wenyuan, new to his position, had sharpness, he still lacked a bit in terms of strategy and courage, especially compared to the boldness of Northern King Ye Feng.


    After learning of the movements of the Three Southern Kingdoms, Zhang Wenyuan didn''t act as Ye Feng had expected. Instead of seizing the opportunity to strike before the three kingdoms could fully assemble, he chose to defend.


    However, Zhang Wenyuan''s defensive deployment was quite good, as he quickly integrated and mobilized all forces of the Southern Territory, almost completely securing the border fortresses of the entire Southern Territory, preventing the three southern countries from finding a good breakthrough.


    But then a problem arose. According to his master''s instructions, Zhang Wenyuan needed to return to the capital to attend the World Martial Arts Tournament, leaving the Southern Territory temporarily without a leader for the time being. Therefore, everyone was very concerned about the situation in the Southern Territory that would unfold next.


    Even if I couldn''t eradicate them completely, I would have definitely destroyed their unity, and the current situation would not be what it is!"


    At this point, Zhang Wenyuan looked up at Ye Feng and sighed, "Now everyone says that among the Four Realms, only the Northern King truly resembles a sovereign. To be honest, I was very unconvinced when I first heard this, but now I have to admit that in the position of the King of One Realm, you have done better than I have. I am not your equal!"


    Ye Feng put down his teacup and chuckled, asking, "Do you mean to say that I''ve only performed better than you in the position of the King of One Realm? What about other aspects?"


    Zhang Wenyuan was slightly startled by the question, then smiled and said, "As for other aspects, well, that may not necessarily be the case. Besides asking you the previous question today, I actually wanted to tell you something else."


    "Go ahead," Ye Feng nodded. He certainly knew the man had other matters to discuss.


    Zhang Wenyuan stood up solemnly and enunciated each word, "Today marks the start of the World Martial Arts Tournament, and if we end up facing each other on the stage, I will not show any mercy. This time, I will let you, in the face of all martial artists across the world, know that I, Zhang Wenyuan, am at no disadvantage to you!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile and nodded, "Thank you for being so honest, and of course, I hope your wish comes true."


    Zhang Wenyuan then said, "I''ve heard that you killed three elders of the Flora Sect a couple of days ago?"


    Ye Feng countered, "You don''t mean you''ve only found out about it today, do you?"


    Zhang Wenyuan did not answer; he was just as proud and self-confident, and like others with that temperament, he was used to asking questions and rarely responded to others'' inquiries.


    Zhang Wenyuan asked again, "Don''t you realize that the Flora Sect has always been friendly with our Utility Pavilion, and that in this World Martial Arts Tournament, the Flora Sect might even become our assistant. But now, because of your actions, not only the Flora Sect but also another sect friendly to our Utility Pavilion is likely unwilling to cooperate."


    Ye Feng looked at him and asked with a smile, "So what?"


    Zhang Wenyuan was somewhat astonished and countered, "If these two great sects are unwilling to cooperate, it means that they might be swayed by the other Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. This will significantly increase the pressure we face at the Utility Pavilion.


    What''s more, for this Martial Academy, our Utility Pavilion has two seats, while the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have three seats, one of which comes from those two sects."


    "Now that these two great sects are not aligning with us but have shifted towards the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, it means that even if we win the World Martial Arts Tournament and secure the position of Martial Principal, we will only have three votes, still unable to exert absolute control. So by now, you should realize what you''ve done..."


    However, Ye Feng wouldn''t let him continue and abruptly interrupted with a gesture, "Let me make one thing clear to you. This time at the World Martial Arts Tournament, I am determined to be the victor, and the position of Martial Principal is mine to claim!"


    "Moreover, I''ll have you know that as long as I become the Martial Principal, regardless of the number of votes from the Council of Elders, nothing will stop the Martial Dao policies I want to implement, nothing will stop any of my actions!" Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Zhang Wenyuan, upon hearing these words and especially when he saw the overpowering aura that Ye Feng emitted, froze in place.

 Chapter 366 Zhang Wenyuans Adventurous Decision

    Zhang Wenyuan simply couldn''t believe his own ears. Ye Feng had actually dared to utter such words!


    It must be known that these words were tantamount to disregarding the Utility Pavilion completely, even bypassing the two elders of the Utility Pavilion outright. How could this not shock Zhang Wenyuan?


    Although Zhang Wenyuan acknowledged that Ye Feng was strong, one of the few opponents he had met in his life, he didn''t believe that Ye Feng was currently capable of contending with the leading Sect Leaders, let alone challenge the two elders of the Utility Pavilion.


    But there was one thing Zhang Wenyuan had to admit, that Ye Feng had changed compared to a few days ago, and it was a significant transformation. Although he didn''t know what exactly Ye Feng had experienced over these days, Zhang Wenyuan knew that Ye Feng had undoubtedly become stronger than before, a kind of intuition.


    Of course, his intuition was often accurate!


    For Ye Feng, these words were certainly not ones of arrogance. If it had been before, he might not have had the courage, but after obtaining the Technique of Luck from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict, Ye Feng had thoroughly obtained the confidence.


    He could even foresee that in the not-too-distant future, he would not only surpass the several Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion, but even surpassing the two elders was just a matter of time.


    Moreover, to cultivate the Emperor''s Dao faster and better, Ye Feng would have to tread paths that might infringe upon the interests of the Utility Pavilion!


    After a good while, Zhang Wenyuan recovered from his shock, and said with a faint smile, "From the look of it, you''re bound to take the position of the Martial Academy Principal, aren''t you?"


    Ye Feng didn''t immediately answer his question. Instead, he looked up through the gate at the fiery red sun that had just risen and then slowly uttered, "I can tell you right now that no one can stop my progress at the upcoming Martial Dao Conference. Not only am I set on becoming the Martial Academy Principal, but the policies that I am going to implement will also be unstoppable by anyone!"


    Zhang Wenyuan suddenly found that he had nothing to say. Perhaps it was because the aura exuded by Ye Feng was too strong. He shook his head with a wry smile and then said, "There is something I have to tell you. I hadn''t made up my mind before I returned, but now, I feel I must go through with it."


    He left unsaid another thought, "If I want to win against you, Ye Feng, then I must go through with that!"


    Zhang Wenyuan left immediately after speaking, without waiting for Ye Feng to respond. Although in a sense, the two seemed like good friends, sometimes they were more like enemies. As the saying goes, there are no eternal friends or enemies in this world, only timely circumstances and interests.


    In fact, Ye Feng knew what that "something" Zhang Wenyuan was referring to. Originally, Zhang Wenyuan was full of meticulous care before returning, but after meeting Ye Feng his confidence wavered, so if he wanted to surpass Ye Feng in the upcoming Martial Dao Conference, he had to undergo the Fivefold Reincarnation.


    The Method of Fivefold Reincarnation was the Dao Technique cultivated by Zhang Wenyuan, highly unique and powerful, with each Turn leading to an explosive increase in strength. However, Ye Feng knew that for Zhang Wenyuan, with his current Cultivation Realm, to attempt the Five Turns, he would be taking an enormous risk.


    But Ye Feng offered no warnings because he could see that Zhang Wenyuan was not only a person who strived for strength but also cared about his reputation. It was very difficult to change his mind about something he decided on, which, in this respect, made them somewhat similar.


    Truth be told, from the beginning to end, Ye Feng never considered Zhang Wenyuan as his rival. His true adversaries were those unknown beings from the alien space-time, and of course, Mu Tian was also one of them.


    In addition to that, important nations around the world would also send delegates. Of course, the identities of these delegates were rather sensitive. On the one hand, they came to observe, and on the other hand, they naturally took this opportunity to gauge the general situation among the younger generation of Xuanyuan Nation.


    It was not ruled out that foreign powers could take this chance to send spies to cause trouble.


    Therefore, this Great Martial Dao Tournament had virtually tensed the nerves of the whole Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation. The Imperial Guards from the Great General''s Mansion were almost fully deployed, setting up checkpoints at every crucial location.


    These were all things Ye Feng didn''t concern himself with. As long as his Northern Border wasn''t in chaos, others would worry about the rest. However, Ye Feng also knew that if trouble arose in the Southern Territory or unexpected events occurred in the capital, his Northern Border would definitely not be spared, and the chaos would likely be worse than anywhere else.


    Therefore, for this trip to the Martial Dao Tournament, Ye Feng only brought Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming with him. In secret, a group of Supernatural Ability Users was also in tow. As for the majority of the Northern Border Army and most of the generals, they remained in the Northern Border to prevent the Snow Wolf Country from the Wild North from taking advantage of the situation.


    The Vermilion Bird Platform was a high platform, though not very high in reality. Strictly speaking, it was an ancient and exquisite large venue. The venue was already under strict control, guarded by the Imperial Guards from the Great General''s Mansion, and commoners were not only barred from entering but weren''t even allowed to approach.


    Ye Feng''s carriage, of course, was not stopped and drove straight in. After all, the carriage exclusive to the Northern Border King had significant recognizability; the "North 00000" on the domestic car plate said it all.


    The venue at the Vermilion Bird Platform was enormous, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people. So, despite representatives from various powers converging, the venue was not crowded at all, and because everything had been meticulously planned in advance, everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion.


    As soon as Ye Feng stepped out of the carriage, he immediately saw Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong approaching him with a stern face.


    Shi Yehong, still at a distance, spoke with a cold voice, "You still dare to show up now. Where have you been these last few days?"


    Despite knowing full well the situation, Ye Feng''s expression didn''t change as he asked, "What''s wrong, has something happened? Were you looking for me?"


    "What happened? The mess you made, don''t you know about it?" The Second Sect Leader rolled his eyes in irritation and said, "These past two days, the Grand Sect Leader has been looking for you; you''ve been playing missing, not answering calls, and when people went to your Northern Cloud Residence, they were told you weren''t there.


    You''ve really gotten bold, even daring to publicly execute an elder from the Flora Sect."


    As he continued, the Second Sect Leader seemed exasperated, "If you were going to kill, fine, but couldn''t you have picked a night when it was dark, and the deed would go unnoticed? Why make it known to everyone?"


    Watching the Second Sect Leader puff out his beard and glower, Ye Feng remarked with a light smile, "Old man, I think you''re more suited to be the Grand Sect Leader. Even he isn''t as worried as you are. There''s a saying that goes well: the emperor isn''t in a hurry while the eunuch..."


    The Second Sect Leader was so infuriated his teeth hurt, but before he could say anything further, two imposing and awe-inspiring men approached straight toward them.


    "Well, what a coincidence, His Excellency the Northern King has also arrived. I thought you wouldn''t show up today!" The burly man spoke coldly, strutting forward with his chest puffed out and head held high, walking straight toward them.

 Chapter 367 The Great Generals Scheme, a Step to the Heavens!

    The young man with an imposing aura wasn''t old, but he had an air of importance. In a place like the Vermilion Bird Platform, for someone to have such a presence meant that he was no fool and must certainly have a solid background. Of course, a fool would not have been allowed in to begin with.


    Ye Feng didn''t know the man very well, but he recognized him. This fellow was none other than Sky-piercing, the grandson of one of the late Xuanyuan Nation''s Four Pillars, the Heaven Guard National Pillar, and also the current Great General''s foster son.


    Either of those statuses was extraordinary, which explained why Sky-piercing was so arrogant now, behaving as if he didn''t take his peers seriously.


    Great General Duan Tian followed behind him. Although his position had so far prevented him from completely falling out with Ye Feng, everyone in the capital''s upper echelons was aware that their conflict was intensifying, and had even reached a point where swords were drawn and bows bent.


    Great General Duan Tian, now in his forties, was in the prime of life and driven by ambition, naturally aspiring to join the Utility Pavilion soon. However, he had been constrained in the capital over the years and thereby lacked the opportunity to display his martial prowess to its fullest.


    In contrast, Northern King Ye Feng had risen to prominence in recent years, repeatedly achieving notable feats. He not only stole Duan Tian''s limelight from previous years but also seemed to surpass him. It was just that Great General Duan Tian was rather proud and, being a generation older, couldn''t compete directly with Ye Feng without degrading his own status.


    Therefore, Duan Tian naturally pushed forward his foster son to deal with Ye Feng, which appeared quite reasonable. The spectators would not see him as petty, and if Sky-piercing won, all the better; even if he lost, it wouldn''t be a great disgrace.


    Duan Tian, walking with the commanding presence of a dragon and the ferocity of a tiger, approached with a smile, "It''s been a while, Your Highness the Northern King. You still look as elegant as ever, and your aura seems even more vast and stable. It appears your power has greatly increased during this time."


    Of course, this was merely small talk. Ye Feng responded cordially with a bow and a chuckle, "Same to you, Great General. Your presence is as imposing as a dragon''s, just as befits a general of the nation. I truly admire and envy that!"


    As for the provoking Sky-piercing beside him, Ye Feng chose to ignore him outright, for he was the esteemed Northern Border King, on equal footing with Great General Duan Tian. And Sky-piercing, though he was a descendant of the Heaven Guard National Pillar, was currently nothing but a commoner, without any title or official position.


    In other words, in Ye Feng''s eyes, Sky-piercing didn''t even qualify to converse with him. Sky-piercing, of course, sensed this contempt, and his teeth clenched in anger. He was about to lash out, but his foster father gave him a look that stopped him.


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    According to the Shadow Army''s intelligence, representing the Utility Pavilion in the grand Martial Dao conference were a total of four individuals. Ye Feng was one of them, then there was Sky-piercing whom he had just seen, as well as Zhang Wenyuan, and the last person''s identity had yet to be publicly disclosed even to this day.


    Ye Feng had even utilized the power of the Shadow Army but was unable to uncover it.


    Thus, Ye Feng was naturally curious about this fourth contender representing the Utility Pavilion. However, the individual had yet to appear, and even Zhang Wenyuan was nowhere to be seen, which made it seem like Zhang Wenyuan had truly taken the risk to go through the Fifth Turn.


    Ye Feng silently scrutinized his surroundings, especially the area where the Nine Great Sects were situated while making his way to his designated area. In the process, several important figures from the Three Offices of Xuanyuan Nation approached him to greet, to which he simply responded with a smile, without engaging in much conversation.


    However, when Cao Yi, the Boss of the Punishment Heaven Department, showed up soon after, Ye Feng had to abandon such casualness. After all, they were friends, and this Boss Cao had helped him quite a bit over the years. Even if Boss Cao''s assistance was mostly of an investor nature, regardless, Ye Feng owed him a favor.


    "How confident are you?" Boss Cao approached and immediately asked. It was hard to imagine that such a person, who wielded enormous power over one of the Three Offices, would show up in such a public event dressed in nothing but a tank top and shorts. What''s more, the shorts were colorfully patterned, topped with a pair of large sunglasses, presenting a carefree and irreverent appearance.


    Before Ye Feng could respond, Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but laugh and say, "Uncle Cao, if you go out dressed like this, aren''t you afraid your subordinates will laugh at you?"


    Boss Cao replied seriously, "Dare they? If they dare to laugh at me, I''ll dock their salary for half a year, and punish them by making them run ten kilometers on the street without clothes!"


    Hong Qingyan fell silent, for she had nothing else to say.


    Ye Feng didn''t answer Boss Cao''s question but instead asked directly, "The members from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts should be almost all here, right?"


    Boss Cao glanced over at the area where the Sect members were gathered and said, "Almost, I guess. You know me, the Ancient Martial Arts realms are beyond my scope of influence, so I don''t have additional intelligence. I''m purely here to enjoy the spectacle."


    Ye Feng nodded and said no more. According to intelligence from Shadow, among the contestants sent by the Nine Great Sects, only those from the Flora Sect, Mount Shu, and the Buddhist Sect were somewhat of concern to him.


    Of course, the Nine Great Sects have always been shrouded in mystery, and even the information uncovered by Shadow might not be entirely true. Therefore, in this grand Martial Dao conference, no matter who the opponent, Ye Feng would take nothing lightly¡ªnaturally, he would show no mercy!

 Chapter 368 If Youre a Man, Then Stand Up

    ```


    As time passed, the number of attendees at the Vermilion Bird Platform''s event kept increasing, with not just the capital''s Aristocratic Clans and Noble Clan dignitaries in attendance but also many from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Moreover, there were guests from various nations.


    Among the world''s nations, the ones that truly concerned Ye Feng and warranted his caution were first and foremost the Northern Snow Wolf Country; in addition, there were the Vampire Kingdom of the west and the Mitiao Kingdom, which claimed to be the descendants of the Atlantis Divine Clan.


    The Vampire Kingdom and Mitiao Kingdom to the west did not border the Xuanyuan Nation, so despite some conflicts and confrontations on regular days, these were not as intense and direct as those with the Northern Snow Wolf Country.


    Besides these three major powers, Xuanyuan Nation also faced other forces, such as Fusang Island Nation to the northeast, and to the south, Tianluo Kingdom, Great Brahma Kingdom, and Ancient Yue Kingdom, but these nations were relatively weaker and had no direct conflicts with the Northern Border controlled by Ye Feng.


    There was no shortage of international visitors, and of course, some smaller countries were friendly with Xuanyuan Nation. These western nations had in the past suffered invasions from the Northern Snow Wolf Country. It was only with the help of the Old Northern King and now Ye Feng that they managed to repel the Snow Wolf Country''s aggression.


    Thus, the delegation from these smaller nations, upon entering the event hall, didn''t make their way to pay respects to the two elders of the Utility Pavilion but went straight to ascertain the location of Northern King Ye Feng and headed directly to him.


    Quite the sight, a delegation of over a hundred guests from nearly a dozen countries waded through much of the venue to reach Ye Feng, naturally drawing the attention of most present. Even more astonishing was that upon reaching Northern King Ye Feng, they removed their hats and bowed deeply with their fists clenched in salute, paying their highest respects from their respective nations.


    "We pay our respects to Northern King Ye Feng!" Some tall figures with dark skin even dropped to one knee before Ye Feng, who, of course, didn''t put on airs and hurriedly helped everyone back to their feet.


    In fact, when he and the Old Northern King had developed a strategy to aid these smaller western nations against the Northern Snow Wolf Country, there was indeed a notion of denouncing injustice and advocating for peace, but more importantly, it was for the benefit of his own nation.


    After all, once the Northern Snow Wolf Country took over these small western nations and grew stronger, Xuanyuan Nation would undoubtedly face great threats from both the north and the west. The results, in fact, proved that this strategy was absolutely correct.


    Seeing this, the people from the Great General''s Mansion scoffed at the display, deeming it unworthy, with many even snorting disdainfully, "This Northern King truly puts on too big a show. All these western delegations come here not to pay respects to our Great General''s Mansion, let alone the Utility Pavilion, and instead head straight for him. This really is too much, isn''t it?


    Anyone who didn''t know better might think that the Xuanyuan Nation is his, Northern King Ye Feng''s!"


    "Indeed, this Northern King Ye Feng has grown increasingly presumptuous. Not long ago, he outright annihilated the Northeast Tiger, and just a few days ago, he even massacred the Zhang Family of the Aristocratic Clan in the capital, with methods that are truly chilling!"


    "That''s not all; it''s said that just two days ago, he also killed three elders of the Flora Sect. Everyone in the capital knows that the Flora Sect has always been on good terms with the Utility Pavilion. Now, by killing their elders, isn''t he pushing the Flora Sect entirely towards the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts?"


    The many officers in the Great General''s Mansion were all abuzz with discussion¡ªafter all, they didn''t consider their achievements to be any less than the Northern King''s, and yet all the limelight and honors had been taken by him, leaving them with discontent in their hearts.


    Great General Duantian suddenly snorted coldly, "Enough, what''s all this noise about? This place is crowded, and outsiders might laugh if they hear you. Anyone would think our Great General''s Mansion is small-minded!"


    Ye Feng''s voice slowly followed from behind, "As the saying goes, ''No flower blooms for a hundred days, and no man is esteemed for a thousand.'' Remember this: this is not your Flora Sect. You''d better rein in your arrogance, or I won''t hesitate to send you down to reunite with those three elders of yours!"


    "Impudent, Ye, are these words of yours a challenge to our Flora Sect? Are you trying to incite a war between sects?" The remaining three disciples of the Flora Sect were instantly enraged.


    Ye Feng gave a faint smile, saying, "A war between sects? If you truly believe so, then why not?"


    There was suddenly a moment when Ye Feng had a stroke of inspiration. He thought of a rapid method to cultivate the Emperor''s Dao¡ªstarting a war with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. If possible, to destroy the Nine Great Sects in one fell swoop and establish a brand-new Martial Academy.


    No sooner had this idea come to him than his heart skipped a beat. He had already stated that he would not let history repeat itself. If he openly waged war against the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and even leveled these sect influences, how would he be any different from that person from over two thousand years ago?


    So with this in mind, Ye Feng could only suppress this audacious thought. Moreover, with his current strength and background, he was far from being able to contend with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Hua Bairi suddenly halted his steps, not turning back, and said coldly, "Sir, you do have quite the confidence. However, I hope you will still stand and repeat these words at the end of the grand martial arts tournament. My words remain the same: if you have the guts, accept my challenge later!"


    "Hey now, the people of your Flora Sect sure are hasty, aren''t they? If you ask me, Northern King, you should rather accept our challenge from the Underworld Sect. The disciples of the Flora Sect are too weak, not worth the effort. If there''s going to be a fight, pick the strongest to fight!"


    The young elites of the Underworld Sect at that moment also stepped forward. Unlike the Flora Sect, the disciples of the Underworld Sect wore unified black robes, black shoes, and even black lips, which, due to the special nature of their cultivation methods, meant their auras were also dark and chilling.


    Before Ye Feng could speak up, several young elites from the Dao Sect and also from Mount Shu made their way over.


    "If we''re choosing the strongest to fight, then naturally it should be Mount Shu. Who in the world doesn''t know that our Mount Shu''s Flying Swords are the most powerful, able to kill from a thousand miles away? Northern King, I trust you won''t let us down later, choose Mount Shu!"


    "To hell with that! If you''re picking the strongest, then of course, it''s our Dao Sect. Who doesn''t know in the world that the Flying Swords of your Mount Shu originally came from our Dao Sect, derived from our Immortal Swords? So when it comes to the authentic lineage of ancient martial arts, it has to be our Dao Sect!" A few Dao Sect disciples in Dao robes shouted out.


    Suddenly, the disciples from these Great Sects began to argue and bicker, leaving Ye Feng feeling a headache coming on, as he saw even the disciples from several other Great Sects like the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect, Kunlun, and Heaven Poison Sect approaching, drawing everyone''s gaze in the assembly to his location, which made him quite helpless.


    However, Ye Feng also knew the reason he had been targeted by the disciples of the Nine Great Sects was primarily because of the incident at Fallen Dragon Valley. After all, he had by himself broken through the layers of the Nine Great Sects'' defenses and ultimately thwarted their plans, naturally leaving the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts with a grudge in their hearts.


    Beyond that, there was the matter concerning the Valley of the Medicine God. The status of the Valley of the Medicine God in the Ancient Martial World was, in fact, very special, and the beloved daughter of the Valley Master, Yu Xianhe¡ªFish Not Fish¡ªheld a unique position in the Ancient Martial World.


    In a sense, whoever married Fish Not Fish would essentially gain the support of the Valley of the Medicine God, raising their standing among the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Yet, because two days ago, Yu Xianhe had announced that it seemed Northern King Ye Feng had already won the martial contest for marriage held by the Valley of the Medicine God, how could the many young geniuses of the Ancient Martial World accept this?

 Chapter 369 Breakthrough, Nine Turns Reincarnation Technique!

    ```


    Perhaps noticing Ye Feng''s irritation, the keeper of the Punishment Heaven Department, Boss Cao Yi, stood up and berated with anger, "What a disgrace with all this racket, get the hell out of my way, you''re blocking my view of the beauty, got it?"


    The disciples of the Underworld Sect had the most volatile temperaments, and one immediately retorted coldly, "You old fool, are you seeking death? Don''t you know who we are, to speak to us like this..."


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    Before he could finish his sentence, Cao Yi subtly signaled to someone on his left, and then the grey-robed elder seated behind him made his move. However, the moment the grey-robed elder stood up, Sima Zhantian had already pounced forward.


    With a loud thud, the Underworld Sect disciple who had just spoken was sent flying by a punch from Sima Zhantian.


    "Damn it, you dogs, if you dare to make a scene in front of my master again, I''ll chop you up with a knife," Sima Zhantian glowered, his eyes as big as a bull''s, his aura incredibly domineering.


    The cultivation level of the Underworld Sect disciple who had just spoken wasn''t weak at all. After all, it was the Great Martial Dao Convention where representatives from each sect were chosen to come to the imperial capital, so naturally, they wouldn''t be mediocre.


    A Divine Path Realm strongman, although only at the first stage of the Divine Path Realm, was sent flying with a single punch, which was enough to show that the puncher''s strength was nothing to scoff at.


    For a moment, the young elites from the various great sects were all stunned. However, they were all martial artists with vigorous Blood Qi, and someone soon spoke up, "You dare to attack a disciple of my Underworld Sect, you''ve got some nerve. If the information is correct, you must be Sima Zhantian, the legion commander under the Northern King, right?"


    "That''s right, it''s me. So, what, you want to have a go with me?" Sima Zhantian immediately roared back. When it came to fighting, he had never backed down from anyone, even knowing he might not win, he wouldn''t frown.


    You should know that back then, when he was beaten black and blue by Sausage Sister, to the point of flesh wounds and searching for his teeth on the ground, he still refused to submit. In Sima Zhantian''s own words, a man can be knocked down, but never defeated!


    Ye Feng had intended to intercede because he realized that the cultivation realm of this Underworld Sect disciple wasn''t low. He had already reached the third stage of the Divine Path Realm, the Spirit Division Realm, which already counted as a strong opponent. And Sima Zhantian was currently only at the Peak Martial King level.


    Even with his unique constitution, he wouldn''t be able to compete with a cultivator of the Spirit Division Realm.


    The Underworld Sect disciple shouted, "Alright, you''ve got guts. It''s not quite appropriate to settle things here and now, so after sunset, when the Martial Dao Convention ends, I''ll be waiting for you on the dueling platform. I hope you''ll have the balls to show up!"


    After speaking, the Underworld Sect disciple swept away in a flourish of his sleeve, followed by disciples from the Dao Sect and Mount Shu leaving as well because they had seen Northern King Ye Feng stand up, clearly indicating he was about to take action.


    As the young disciples of the several great sects left to return to their respective areas, the leading elders from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had already arrived at the highest floor of the Vermilion Bird Platform.


    Ye Feng had already stood up and was about to step away when he saw Zhang Wenyuan approaching briskly. From a distance, Zhang Wenyuan called out, "Guess what the outcome is?"


    Knowing what he was asking, Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile and said, "Judging by your essence, qi, and spirit, you''ve clearly succeeded. Congratulations on reaching the Fifth Turn!"


    Zhang Wenyuan waved his hand and replied, "You probably don''t know that my joy isn''t from successfully reaching the Fifth Turn, but from another discovery."


    "Oh? What discovery has the King of the Southern Territory in such high spirits?" Ye Feng teased.


    Zhang Wenyuan whispered, "This matter, I''ve only told you and have yet to even inform my master. The Great Art of Fivefold Reincarnation doesn''t just have five turns¡ªthere are actually nine turns in total!"


    "Nine Turns Reincarnation?" Ye Feng was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. At his level of cultivation, he naturally knew what Nine Turns Reincarnation implied. The saying goes, ''Nine Return to One,'' and once the nine turns are completed, Zhang Wenyuan would surely surpass the Divine Ability Realm and step into the legendary Saint Realm.


    Zhang Wenyuan nodded, "Yes, nine turns in total. I discovered it after breaking through to the Fifth Turn. Nine is the ultimate number. After reaching the ultimate, one will surely enter another level. To be honest, I''m very much looking forward to it!"


    At this point, Zhang Wenyuan suddenly clenched his fist and said, "Ye Feng, with this Technique of the Nine Turns, once I complete the nine turns, I will surely become invincible below the Divine Path Realm. So you need to push harder, don''t let me leave you too far behind."


    Ye Feng just smiled faintly in response. If it were before he obtained the Divine Path Heavenly Edict, an ancient cultivation technique, he might not have been completely sure he could surpass Zhang Wenyuan. But with the Emperor''s Dao Technique, Zhang Wenyuan was doomed to be left behind, and as time passed, he would leave him so far behind that not even the dust could be seen.


    In fact, it''s not just him¡ªZhang Wenyuan might be strong now, but he probably couldn''t even beat Hong Qingyan, an ancient cultivator. After all, they were not on the same level.


    However, Ye Feng suddenly thought of a key point and asked, "By the way, Brother Wen Yuan, although there''s no change in your aura after the Fifth Turn and you''re still at the Peak Martial King, has your qi strength changed at all?"


    Zhang Wenyuan was immediately surprised by the question and blurted out, "How did you know my qi strength changed after the Fifth Turn?"


    Ye Feng smiled and did not say much more. He finally knew that the core of Zhang Wenyuan''s Nine Turns Reincarnation Technique, particularly after the Fifth Turn, was also to enhance the quality of qi strength, which coincided with the path he was currently on.


    Zhang Wenyuan also finally noticed something unusual about Ye Feng and exclaimed in surprise, "I understand now, I finally understand why your combat power has been increasing all this time, but your aura is still at the Martial King Peak. I''ve been wondering about this, and now I get it. You''ve been quietly improving the quality of your qi strength, right?"


    Saying this, Zhang Wenyuan began to express his annoyance, "It looks like I''m one step behind you again. You always seem to be one step ahead in everything, but I refuse to give up. Now that I have the Nine Turns Reincarnation technique, I believe I will soon surpass you!"


    Ye Feng just shook his head gently and said with a light laugh, "I can''t say too much about other things, but there''s one thing I can tell you: the path you''ve chosen to enhance the quality of your qi strength is the right one!"


    Zhang Wenyuan nodded in agreement, and just then, both of their gazes suddenly shifted to a young man in white. Their expressions instantly grew serious.

 Chapter 370 The Mysterious Young Man in White

    Under the watchful eyes of Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan, a young man in white swayed towards them with a casual, languid gait, clutching an old gourd in his hand and taking deep swigs of alcohol as he walked. He exuded an air of unrestrained and even arrogant nonchalance, giving the impression that he didn''t take anyone present on the Vermilion Bird Platform seriously.


    One must know that those who could participate in the Martial Dao Association''s grand meeting at the Vermilion Bird Platform were essentially the cream of the crop from various great powers or leading figures from sect influences. Yet, even so, the young man in white still did as he pleased.


    Such a person must either be a fool or someone who truly possessed remarkable abilities¡ªa person of significant prowess!


    Ye Feng watched the man closely, his eyes reflecting a deep seriousness. He had already discerned that this young man in white was far from a fool; instead, he was a formidable expert, one so powerful that even Ye Feng felt a hint of apprehension.


    It might not be evident to ordinary people, but Ye Feng had already noticed that the young man possessed a mighty and surging Qi Force that had solidified to the extent that it formed an invisible barrier around him.


    "Although this person is also at the Peak of the Martial King Realm, his Qi Force is so formidable that even I feel a sense of oppression!" Zhang Wenyuan commented lightly with a sigh.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "That''s natural. In a certain sense, he is the same kind of person as us."


    "The same kind of person as us? What do you mean by that?" Zhang Wenyuan didn''t understand, as his vision and knowledge of martial arts study were still far inferior to Ye Feng''s.


    Ye Feng said with a slight laugh, "This person may be at the Peak of the Martial King Realm, but the quality of his Qi Force has solidified to a terrifying extent, almost turning from gas to liquid. In other words, he''s nearly in a Half-Spirit State!"


    "Half-Spirit State?" Zhang Wenyuan was taken aback by the revelation, but then he suddenly understood and exclaimed, "Yes, the three of us are at the Peak of the Martial King Realm, and although we haven''t broken through to a higher realm, there''s one thing we all do¡ªwe improve the quality of our Qi Force to enhance our combat power significantly."


    Ye Feng sighed and said, "There''s something you might not know yet. The martial arts that are now practiced in the Xuanyuan Nation are mostly Ancient Martial Arts, which, to ordinary people, seem very powerful. But to the Ancient Daoist Cultivators, such Ancient Martial Arts are merely scratching the surface!"


    "Ancient Daoist Cultivators?" Zhang Wenyuan was once again startled, as this was the first time he had heard of them.


    Upon reaching the young man in white, the two elders, Tang Bai and Zhuge Wuming, smiled and greeted him with a bow. From their demeanor, it was clear they didn''t just consider the young man as a peer but showed a faint sense of respect!


    "Who exactly is this person that even the two elders treat him with such an attitude?" exclaimed Zhang Wenyuan in surprise.


    Ye Feng was somewhat surprised and looked at Zhang Wenyuan, "You don''t know his background?" Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Zhang Wenyuan shook his head, "I don''t. I have also asked my master about the background of the last participant from our Utility Pavilion, but even he said he didn''t know!"


    "Even your master doesn''t know?" Ye Feng was undoubtedly even more surprised. It seemed that the background of the young man in white was indeed not simple and could even be described as mysterious.


    Ye Feng said no more and turned to sit back in his seat. However, he had a feeling that this Martial Dao meeting of the younger generation in Xuanyuan Nation was truly a gathering of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Not to mention the Flora Sect, but there were also one or two individuals from the Sacred Mansion and Dao Sect with incredibly strong auras.


    After greeting, the two elders Tang Bai and Zhuge Wuming left, and then the young man in white casually took his seat, half-slouching in his chair, drinking heavily while playing with the wine gourd in his hand, carrying a carefree and lofty demeanor that was hard to describe.


    By this time, the attendees of the meeting had mostly arrived. Those who should be there had come, and those who shouldn''t probably wouldn''t come now. It was at this moment that the Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming slowly stepped onto the Martial Battle Platform at the center of the venue.


    With this scale and level, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming of the Utility Pavilion could only serve as the host of the event, which, of course, was probably most suitable for him.


    As soon as Zhao Gongming spoke, the countless cameras and video recorders below started clicking away. This Martial Dao meeting of Xuanyuan Nation truly captivated the attention of the world.


    Fortunately, Zhao Gongming didn''t make too many unnecessary remarks. After giving the necessary courtesies, he announced the beginning of the Martial Arts meeting directly.


    "Now, please welcome the participants of the Martial Dao meeting to the stage for the first martial combat segment, the free challenge segment!" Zhao Gongming announced in a clear voice.

 Chapter 371 I Want One Against Five!

    The Martial Dao tournament this time had a total of twenty-two participants, and of course, these twenty-two people were all the cream of the crop among the younger generation of the Great Powers. After Zhao Gongming''s words settled, Ye Feng slowly stood up and walked towards the Martial Battle Platform at the front.


    "Be careful," began Cao Yi, Boss Cao, "Though the number of participants in this Martial Dao tournament is not large, they are all experts among experts, especially since there are one or two who are extremely formidable. Do everything within your means and remember not to overexert yourself!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then with a swift movement, he reached the platform. He could see that within the vast imperial capital, there truly weren''t many who cared about him. Boss Cao Yi counted as one, and Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong was included as well. Besides, those dignitaries he had made connections with all had more or less some interests tangled with him.


    The Martial Battle Platform was very large, and occasionally there were flashes of light around it. It was clear to the discerning eye that this was the gleam from an array barrier, meant to prevent the aftermath of the battle from spilling out and impacting others around it.


    Zhao Gongming stood upon the high stage and announced in a deep voice, "According to the free challenge rules, each person has only one chance to issue a challenge, and each person also only has one chance to be challenged. Those who fail will be eliminated without exception!"


    Originally, this free challenge round was not part of the schedule, but it was proposed on the spot by the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, with the main purpose being to address those with deep-rooted grudges in private. Utility Pavilion considered it largely harmless and thus agreed to it.


    The current situation among the upper echelons of Xuanyuan Nation had roughly formed two major camps. On one side was Utility Pavilion at the helm, and on the other side was an alliance formed by the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Overall, the alliance of the Nine Great Sects was a bit stronger.


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    However, there were also divides within these Sects, and many secrets in the Utility Pavilion unknown to the public.


    And since Utility Pavilion was nominally the representative of Xuanyuan Nation and the symbol of rule over the Mortal World, both parties had formed a balance of power for the time being.


    "Now, the free challenge officially begins!"


    No sooner had Zhao Gongming''s words fallen than two disciples of the Flora Sect stood up together, glaring at Ye Feng and declared, "We of the Flora Sect, Hua Bairi, challenge Ye Feng of Utility Pavilion!"


    "I from the Underworld Sect also challenge Ye Feng!" a disciple from Underworld Sect suddenly declared.


    "And I from Mount Shu Sword Sect also challenge Ye Feng!" a disciple from Mount Shu Sword Sect, holding a longsword, suddenly stepped forward.


    "I, a disciple of the Dao Sect, would also like to learn from Mr. Ye Feng!"


    Instantly, several elite disciples from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts stood up, one after another with imposing momentum, looking at Ye Feng as if they couldn''t wait to tear him to pieces.


    Zhang Wenyuan couldn''t help but laugh quietly, "It seems you''re the popular one, Ye Feng. Just as the saying goes, ''Fame brings trouble as the fattened pig attracts the butcher.'' Now I truly understand this sentiment."


    Ye Feng also responded with a smile, "Are you calling me a pig?"


    Zhang Wenyuan didn''t pick up on that comment but instead asked, "Who are you going to choose?"


    The crowd''s discussions bubbled over, with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts all sneering and cursing, while the Utility Pavilion members were indignant, with quite a few people cursing the Northern King for his arrogant insolence!


    As Zhao Gongming was only the host and not the highest authority, this decision was not his to make, so he had to seek guidance from the eleven elders seated at the highest platform. The instruction came down quickly; the conference did not forbid fighting against multiple opponents, provided that the challengers agreed to it willingly.


    After receiving the reply, Zhao Gongming raised his voice and said, "Ye Feng, you may choose multiple challengers, but there is one thing I must make clear to you: everyone here has been carefully selected by the Great Powers, and not one is mediocre."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and looked at the five challengers before him, then took a step forward and declared loudly, "Since you all wish to challenge me so eagerly, I''ve never liked to disappoint. Let''s all fight together!"


    "What did you say? All of us together? You want to accept all our challenges¡ªwe are five people!" Hua Bairi of the Flora Sect exclaimed with wide eyes.


    "Ye Feng, if you have the guts, say it again. We are five people, five genius talents from different sects. Each of us is in the Divine Path Realm, and even the least among us is in the Second Level of the Enlightenment Realm within the Divine Path Realm. You''d better think this through!" Ming Jiujing, a disciple of the Underworld Sect, coldly rebuked.


    Ye Feng answered with a faint smile, "What, can''t you all hear clearly, or do I need to repeat myself?"


    Hua Bairi shouted angrily, "Alright, Ye, you''re cocky enough, but since you''re seeking death, we''ll oblige you!"


    Ming Jiujing, too, clenched his teeth and said, "Ignorant brat, thinking you''re invincible just because you''re the Northern Border King? You''re nothing but a frog in a well. Now, let us show you just how different our status is from that of worldly nobility like you!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t be bothered with these fools and looked up at Zhao Gongming, "I''m up against five, can we start now?"


    Zhao Gongming replied, "Please, non-participants must step down from the platform before we can begin!"


    The others swiftly flew down from the platform. Seeing this, Boss Cao Yi''s body went limp, and he said weakly, "It''s over. My wager on a Spiritual Treasure is as good as lost."


    Standing nearby, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong said, "This is indeed the impetuosity of youth, but it''s also good. Hopefully, this failure will teach him a lesson. After all, the people of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are simply incomparable to those in the Mortal World!"


    By now, the entire Vermilion Bird Meeting Hall was abuzz, yet Ye Feng remained as calm as a gentle breeze and soft clouds on the Martial Battle Platform. Choosing these five people was not an impulsive decision.


    In fact, he had long discerned that including the two from the Flora Sect, one from the Underworld Sect, one from the Mount Shu Sword Sect, and one from the Dao Sect, none could be considered top-notch, and none posed the slightest threat to him.


    Furthermore, Ye Feng had another deeper consideration. The upper echelons of the entire Xuanyuan Nation were now concentrated in the capital, which resulted in the Four Realms being temporarily without leadership.


    The situation in the Southern Territory was already tense, seemingly on the brink of a confrontation, and even the Snow Wolf Country to the north, due to the posture of the Three Southern Kingdoms, was restless and amassing a large number of troops to their south.


    Thus, Ye Feng needed to conclude this Martial Dao Conference as swiftly as possible, to free up his energies to stabilize the situation in the Four Realms. However, his deep thought and foresight were mistaken by others for presumptuous arrogance.


    Indeed, the world laughs at me as too mad, yet I laugh at them for not seeing through the truth!

 Chapter 372 This Motherfucker is way too Strong!

    The arena had become a place bristling with swords and bows drawn, the five young geniuses of ancient martial arts had already surrounded Ye Feng.


    Hua Bairi of the Flora Sect clenched his teeth and barked, "Ye, you previously killed two elders of my Flora Sect, causing us to bear shame. Today, I must wash away that humiliation with your blood!"


    A disciple of the Underworld Sect sneered coldly, "The daughter of the Valley of the Medicine God is not for someone of the secular world like you to deserve. To think that you, a mere toad, aspire to consume swan meat¡ªtoday, I''ll let this toad realize what it means to be a frog at the bottom of the well!"


    The young geniuses from Mount Shu and the Buddhist Sect displayed a face full of indifferent arrogance, carrying their hands behind their backs with a demeanor of relishing the drama. It seemed they felt it beneath them to make a move, suggesting that with the three individuals already in the fray, it was more than sufficient.


    Ye Feng remained silent, only lamenting in his heart that these sheltered flowers had never experienced the thrashings of society, which is why they''d developed such arrogant and blind attitudes. If they had taken the slightest effort to investigate the recent activities of Northern King Ye Feng, they would have understood just how formidable he was.


    Among the five, Hua Bairi of the Flora Sect, alongside the prodigies from the Dao Sect and Mount Shu, were at the third stage of the Spirit Division Realm of the Divine Path, while the other two were at the second stage, the God Gathering Realm. Of course, these levels seemed insignificant to the current Ye Feng.


    "What''s the point of all this talk? Just use whatever skills you have!" Ye Feng scoffed coldly.


    "Fine, then let this genius teach you a lesson and see if your Kung Fu is as fearsome as your bragging suggests!" Another prodigy from the Flora Sect shouted as he darted out.


    Two afterimages were left on the stage as the prodigy from the Flora Sect suddenly appeared before Ye Feng, his Great Hand reaching straight for Ye Feng''s throat.


    But suddenly, with a loud bang, the prodigy from the Flora Sect was sent flying and crashed heavily onto the ground. He then spat out a mouthful of blood, evidently injured.


    The entire scene was in an uproar in an instant, not just the four prodigies on the stage, but also the spectators offstage, including the eleven big shots at the highest place, all were slightly taken aback.


    "This...this speed is simply too fast. Is this truly the speed that a Martial Artist at the peak of the Martial King Realm can possess?" many from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts exclaimed in admiration.


    "Moreover, this Ye fellow, the power of his punches, is far too terrifying. His fleshly strength is this frightening. The prodigy from the Flora Sect is after all at the second stage of the God Gathering Realm of the Divine Path, yet he was defeated by a single punch that broke through the Qi Strength Shield. How strong must that punch be?"


    All the people from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were shocked, and even Ye Feng himself was somewhat astonished. In fact, he had not made a move in two days. It was only now that he realized that his flesh body, in terms of both speed and strength, had greatly improved.


    Of course, such a transformation was entirely due to the Divine Path Heavenly Edict, after all, that was a Dao Technique from the Ancient Era, a top-level cultivation method from an era, even stronger than the cultivation methods of most Ancient Era Cultivators!


    At this moment, the remaining four young geniuses of ancient martial arts felt a surge of pressure. Without saying another word, they all released their Qi Strength Shields. Instantly, the entire arena was filled with howling wind, and a solid protective shield enveloped each individual.


    At this time, the mysterious young man in white who had been drinking wine indifferently below the stage also couldn''t help but glance at Ye Feng, yet it was just a glance. He then withdrew his gaze, not forgetting to curl his lip in disdain.


    "The Qi Force is a bit special, more vigorous than that of an ordinary martial artist, and with a higher quality. But that''s it!" The young man in white stopped looking at the stage, slumped entirely in his seat, legs crossed, and continued to drink his wine.


    Of course, what this young man did not know was that Ye Feng was deliberately suppressing the quality of his Qi Force. In fact, he was using less than a third of it, and the golden armor he had condensed with his Qi Force was the most basic kind.


    If he were to use his strongest Qi Force and condense the Emperor''s Armor, and then wield the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, his combat power might reach a terrifying level. Of course, these four opponents in front of him were not worthy of him using the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon.


    Suddenly, there were clanking sounds. First came the sweeping vines from Flora Sect''s Hua Bairi, followed by the black chains of the Underworld Sect disciple. In the blink of an eye, they tightly wound and bound Ye Feng.


    But at that moment, the golden Qi Force within Ye Feng burst forth again, and with a thunderous noise, the vines exploded, and the chains broke apart!


    Hua Bairi and the Underworld Sect disciple were hit by the backlash and sent flying!


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Just then, the Buddhist Sect disciple''s Zen Staff came attacking, but Ye Feng clenched his fist and swung out, punching the golden shimmering Demon Subduing Zen Staff and sending it flying through the air. At that moment, the sword of the Mount Shu sword cultivator came slashing through the sky, but Ye Feng simply reached out with his Great Hand and instantly grasped it in his palm.


    "A mere broken sword wants to behead me? Ridiculous!" Ye Feng declared with a deep, cold voice. He exerted force in both hands, and with the Qi Force enhancing his strength, he exerted a terrifying power that snapped the treasure sword in two with a crisp sound.


    The proud Mount Shu cultivator felt the backlash from his Divine Path Object being damaged, spitting out a mouthful of blood and even collapsing to his knees on the ground.


    Hua Bairi clenched her teeth, spreading her hands wide, and immediately, thick dense green vines rushed toward Ye Feng. With a cold shout, Ye Feng charged out, plunging into the mass of vines. He burst left and right, swiftly turning the vines into a mess.


    At that moment, the Buddhist Sect prodigy''s Demon Subduing Zen Staff came surging over, but Ye Feng abruptly twisted his body and leaped into the air. Then, with a thunderous stomp, he pinned the Zen Staff to the ground!


    In a single encounter, just one, these five prodigies from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were either knocked down or injured, and even three of their Divine Path Objects were forcibly broken by Ye Feng''s brute force.


    In an instant, the entire venue fell silent, nearly ten thousand people didn''t make a sound, all stunned with their mouths agape, too shocked to speak. Only the reporters'' cameras continued to flash in the corners.


    Ye Feng stood upright on the platform, with the five prodigies of the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts lying at his feet. This scene undoubtedly created an incredible contrast.


    "Strong, this is just too strong!" Suddenly, someone finally exclaimed, breaking the silence of the venue.

 Chapter 373: Im Ready to Make a Big Move!

    After waiting for several minutes without a word from the host on the high platform, Ye Feng couldn''t help but look up slightly, smiling and saying, "Host, is it now possible to announce the result? If the result is still undecided, then I am afraid I will have to take action again!"


    If he were to take action again, then the five supposed talents from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would probably suffer more than just injuries. According to the rules and regulations of the Martial Dao tournament, a certain death ratio is permitted. In other words, if someone is killed in an uncontrollable situation, no one could be held accountable afterward.


    At this moment, the leader of the Flora Sect''s delegation simply could not sit still any longer and stood up abruptly, shouting, "Zhao Gongming, what are you hesitating for? Announce the result quickly!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming shook his head slightly and smiled wryly before loudly declaring, "I announce that in this battle, Ye Feng of Utility Pavilion emerges victorious. Two exceptional disciples from Flora Sect, together with disciples from Underworld Sect of Mount Shu and the Buddhist Sect, are defeated and eliminated!"


    Only after his words concluded did the entire venue burst into an uproar. No one expected that Ye Feng, who obviously fought one against five, would actually win, and what was even more surprising was that he won so effortlessly.


    Everyone present was no fool; it was clear to see that Ye Feng hadn''t used all his combat power in the battle. So, just how strong was he, really?


    No one knew the true extent of his combat power, but one thing was certain: with Ye Feng''s current combat strength, he was more than capable of instantly killing Divine Path Realm warriors below Third Stage, and even those at the Fourth Stage of Divine Communication might not dare to contend with him.


    At this time, from the northwest side of the venue, a group of martial artists with white bands around their foreheads, dressed in Samurai Outfits, each holding a katana¡ªthey were not accurately described as martial artists; it would be more correct to say they were ninjas.


    These individuals were from Fusang, the island nation to the east of Xuanyuan Nation, belonging to the inner sect disciples of Fusang Sword Saint Palace.


    The Sword Saint Palace of Fusang is considered holy land in the hearts of the ninjas. Previously, not only did Ye Feng severely dampen the spirit of the Fusang ninjas, but he also reclaimed the Demon Blade Muramasa, a legacy of the Sword Saint Palace. Now, this very Demon Blade Muramasa was placed in the Northern Border, hanging within the Northern Border Base Camp.


    Therefore, the enmity between Northern King Ye Feng and the Sword Saint Palace was one of life and death, and all the Fusang ninja warriors yearned nothing more than to flay Northern King Ye Feng''s skin and drink his blood.


    Of course, the ninja warriors that Ye Feng had encountered before could not be considered the top force of the Sword Saint Palace; the Longma Family from Fusang was merely one of the many forces within the palace.


    "Okamoto Matsuki, what is your assessment of this Northern King Ye Feng? Are you capable of contending with him?" A Fusang samurai with a short and stout figure, yet very bulky and strong, suddenly asked in a cold voice.


    Next to him was a mustached elder with a black patch on his upper lip. After pondering for a while upon hearing this, he finally shook his head and said with clenched teeth, "I am ashamed, ashamed indeed. This young man is too strong for me to contend with. I''m afraid only by mobilizing the grand figures from Sacred Mountain can we hope to kill him!"


    The samurai who had previously spoken said, "Yes, judging from the strength this young man just displayed, even if you and I joined forces, we might not be able to contend with him, let alone slay him. It seems that our previous plans need to be revised."


    "We should not discuss this matter now, since we are in the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation, we must be cautious in all we do. With Northern King Ye Feng''s talent being so formidable and him being only twenty-five or twenty-six, having grown so powerful, we must kill him as soon as possible. Otherwise, once he breaks through to the Divine Path Realm, he will become unbeatable!"


    The priest, worthy of being a strategist, immediately understood and nodded, "I understand. Leave this matter to me. I can handle it. Although I cannot guarantee that I will persuade the Great General''s Mansion to backstab that Northern King, I am very confident that we can get the Great General''s Mansion to turn a blind eye when necessary."


    "Once war breaks out, just ensure that the Great General''s Mansion does not interfere and provide support. That will be enough. At that point, I, as General, can guarantee that this so-called Northern King Ye Feng will surely die!"


    As Great General Max spoke, he sighed inwardly, "Actually, the most reliable move would be to persuade those so-called Ancient Martial Cultivators of Xuanyuan Nation. If we can persuade them to join hands with us at the same time, we''d be even more certain!"


    The Qishen Practitioner strategist glanced towards the area of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts of Xuanyuan Nation and said to himself in a low voice, "I can manipulate a little in this matter as well, but I am not sure of success. After all, those Ancient Martial Warriors of Xuanyuan Nation have quite peculiar temperaments, and our contact with them has been minimal."


    At that moment, two figures from the Western Blood Clan''s forces were seen approaching them. Seeing this, Great General Max couldn''t help but laugh and said with a grin, "Look, here they come. Using the words of Xuanyuan Nation, speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives. This is truly heaven aiding our cause. It seems that heaven itself wants to eliminate Northern King Ye Feng.


    If there''s anyone to blame, it''s just that he''s too arrogant and outstanding!"


    With that, the two burst into hearty laughter.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had lightly leaped down to the area below the stage and returned to his own spot.


    Hong Qingyan immediately came over and smiled, "Big Brother Ye is getting stronger and stronger; this is really great!"


    For the current Hong Qingyan, the stronger Ye Feng was and the higher his status became, the more inferior she used to feel. But since she began her cultivation, especially after practicing the Ancient Daoist cultivator''s techniques, her sense of inferiority had vanished. Now she could finally walk alongside Ye Feng on a parallel path.


    Boss Cao immediately gave a thumbs up and laughed heartily, "Well done! What a good lad. To think that in just half a month''s time, you''ve become this powerful. This is truly a surprise to me."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile and asked, "Come on, how much did you make this time? I guess you''ve earned enough for your coffin, right?"


    Boss Cao just kept chuckling without answering, then turned to ask, "That youth in white, and the one from the Dao Sect, the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion has a strong contender too. Do you have the confidence to beat these guys? Give me a private tip-off; I plan to make a big bet!"


    Ye Feng shook his head gently and smiled, "Except for that one in white, you can bet on anyone else. However, Zhang Wenyuan''s upcoming match with that guy will give me a better idea."


    "Alright, I''ll trust you this time. I''m going to earn enough for the rest of my life with this bet. Haha!" Boss Cao laughed loudly. Dressed in a very fashionable and even non-mainstream style, nobody would guess that this elderly man was actually the Controller of Xuanyuan Nation''s Punishment Heaven Department.


    Just then, Zhao Gongming announced the next match, pitting Zhang Wenyuan against the youth in white!

 Chapter 374: Wind Dispelling Divine Palm, Four Great Ancient Clans!

    ```


    Despite his reluctance, Zhao Gongming, as the host of this Martial Dao assembly, had no choice but to announce, "Next, please welcome Zhang Wenyuan of the Utility Pavilion and Code Zero to the stage!"


    "Code Zero?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer secretly, "This guy doesn''t even give his name, just uses a code, he really does seem quite mysterious!"


    The Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong sighed, "Indeed, it is mysterious enough. In fact, not only you guys, but even we are not quite clear about his origins, only knowing that he was brought here at the request of two elders."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help asking, "Logically speaking, besides the Nine Great Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion and their direct disciples, whose talents are basically familiar to all, even the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts may not be able to cultivate someone as powerful as this young man in white. Where on earth did this guy come from?"


    Sect Leader Shi Yehong laughed, "Even you don''t know, old man I know even less. But the affairs of this world, ah, they''re not as simple as they appear on the surface, nor as plain as just the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts."


    Ye Feng thought about it and realized it was true, after all, with the existence of unknown creatures from an Alien Space-Time, it''s possible that Earth still harbors other unknown powerful forces or families. Take, for example, that small mountain village in the Northwest; if this young man in white came from there, it would indeed be possible for him to reach this level.


    After all, even the young from that Northwest Little Mountain Village are capable of contending with a Grand Sect Leader.


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming watched Zhang Wenyuan intently, still not entirely at ease with his treasured disciple, and he commanded with a deep voice, "Zhang Wenyuan, listen, do not overexert yourself in what comes next. Did you hear me?"


    Although Zhao Gongming as well did not know the origins of this young man in white, it did not prevent him from realizing that the opponent was very strong. Even he, a powerful figure of the Divine Ability Realm at the Fifth Stage of the Divine Path Realm, felt a sense of wariness towards this young man in white.


    Zhang Wenyuan, however, ignored his master''s admonition, instead turning to look at the young man in white who stood lazily on the stage and couldn''t help but sneer, "Code Zero? I never spar with nameless individuals. Better state your name!"


    The young man in white held an old gourd, took a sip from it, then grinned and said, "You''re not worthy of knowing my name!"


    Zhang Wenyuan spat out a mouthful of blood and struggled to his feet, teeth clenched as he huffed, "I admit you''re strong, but if you think this is enough to defeat me, you''re underestimating me too much. Now, let me show you my true prowess!"


    As the sound of his voice dropped, Zhang Wenyuan formed a Dharma Seal with his hands, and then released his aura all at once. Swift and fierce gusts of wind sprang up around him as he immediately activated the Fourth Stage of Reincarnation.


    "The Technique of Fivefold Reincarnation, I can''t believe you''re cultivating this magic technique!" The young man in white was slightly startled, but soon sneered again, "Even if you''re practicing the Fivefold Reincarnation Technique, you''re still no match for me, unless you''ve cultivated the legendary Nine-turn Reincarnation Technique of the Ancients and reached the Sixth Turn!"


    With that, the young man in white abruptly slapped his hand down, and dense white palm seals immediately appeared in front, piling up on one another like an overwhelming tidal wave.


    "This is... the Heavenly Cloud Wind Repelling Divine Palm!" Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, sitting on the main stage, suddenly exclaimed, "Could it be... could this young man be from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans? But weren''t the Four Great Ancient Clans supposed to have isolated themselves and renounced worldly affairs long ago?"


    "There''s no mistake, this Heavenly Cloud Wind Repelling Divine Palm can only be performed by the Bu Family from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans!"


    Upon saying this, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming looked up at the two elders seated at a higher position and murmured to himself, "I didn''t expect that the elders had even invited the descendants of the Four Great Ancient Clans. Xuanyuan Nation might undergo a huge change; with the appearance of the Ancient Clans, I''m afraid the whole world will no longer be at peace."


    Meanwhile, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong also blurted out, "The Heavenly Cloud Wind Repelling Divine Palm, this is... this young man must be from the legendary Four Great Ancient Clans. It''s unexpected that the two elders managed to invite a descendant of the Ancient Clans!"


    Ye Feng frowned upon hearing this, asking, "May I ask the Second Sect Leader, what are these Four Great Ancient Clans?"


    Shi Yehong looked around before sending a telepathic message, "The Four Great Ancient Clans are said to have existed since the Ancient Era, even more mysterious than that little mountain village in the Northwest. The existence of these clans seems to be to guard certain things, thereby not allowing themselves to set foot in the secular world.


    I would never have thought that the two elders would be able to invite a descendant of the Ancient Clans."


    "Handed down from the Ancient Era, no wonder his cultivation technique is so formidable!" Ye Feng inwardly sighed with admiration, learning about the Four Great Ancient Clans for the first time, even more mysterious and formidable than the Northwest Little Mountain Village!

 Chapter 375: I admit defeat, I concede right now!

    Though it seemed late, everything happened quickly; the dense, layered Wind Dispelling Palm Shadow crashed down like a torrential wave, instantly breaking through Zhang Wenyuan''s defense and sending him flying with a loud bang.


    "I told you, even if you''ve cultivated the Ancient Era''s Technique of Fivefold Reincarnation, thinking you can contend against me with merely the Four Turns, you''re vastly overestimating your own abilities!" The youth in white held a wine gourd, a mocking smile playing across his face.


    Zhang Wenyuan staggered to his feet from the ground, biting his teeth. This was the second time he had been knocked down, but he was not yet defeated.


    "As expected of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator, your Qi Force...oh no, it shouldn''t be called Qi Force, but rather, Spirit Essence, is more appropriate. Your Spirit Essence is indeed formidable!" Zhang Wenyuan couldn''t help but snort coldly.


    The youth in white was taken aback for a moment before laughing coldly, "I didn''t expect you to know about the Ancient Daoist Cultivators, let alone Spirit Essence. It seems you''re not as ignorant as you appear."


    Zhang Wenyuan snorted, "Since your Spirit Essence is so powerful, let''s see how you fare with other things!"


    As his words fell, Zhang Wenyuan''s hands swiftly formed Seal Formations. Strangely enough, his aura suddenly retracted and was no longer as violent and unrestrained as before, and in the next moment, his glabella and both eyes suddenly lit up with beams of yellow light.


    "This is..." Ye Feng instantly understood upon seeing this, Zhang Wenyuan had activated his Divine Path Object. In fact, after the fifth turn, each Reincarnation Wheel was a forced descent from the Divine Path Realm, which allowed him to successfully condense five of his own Divine Path Objects.


    However, up to now, Ye Feng was not entirely clear about the specific nature of Zhang Wenyuan''s five Divine Path Objects, but he knew one of them well because he had seen Zhang Wenyuan use it before in Fallen Dragon Valley. This Divine Path Object was special; it did not affect the flesh body but targeted the soul, specifically the Martial Artist''s Divine Soul.


    Accompanied by a streak of yellow Qi, it silently entered the body of the youth in white.


    In the next moment, the youth''s eyes began to look dazed, his body even staggering a bit, and he seemed to be in a state of confusion.


    Boss Cao Yi couldn''t help but exclaim in shock, "No way, could it be that simple? If that''s the case, then this white-clad youth from the so-called Four Great Ancient Clans doesn''t seem to be all that strong!"


    Shi Yehong followed up, "Hard to say, Zhang Wenyuan is actually not weak, and his Divine Path Object is quite special. It targets the Divine Soul specifically, which is incredibly difficult to guard against. If someone were unaware before the fight, even I might fall for his tactic!" Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Feng, however, shook his head and sighed, "No, the youth in white has not fallen for it, his Divine Soul has not been affected."


    "How can you tell? Ye Feng, how did you discern that when we couldn''t? After all, this involves the Divine Soul, which can''t be seen by the naked eye on the surface," Boss Cao Yi was very surprised.


    "Just wait and see, you''ll know," Ye Feng said with a faint smile, as he wasn''t about to reveal that it was all thanks to the special nature of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict that allowed his Divine Sense an exceptional sensitivity.


    Zhang Wenyuan suddenly smiled, his expression likely showing he thought he had succeeded as he revealed a look of pride. He couldn''t help but scoff to himself, "I thought you had immense strength. Now it appears you''re nothing but a pillow embroidered with flowers!"


    Boss Cao Yi also lamented, "With such Talent Potential, if he continues to grow, one of those two seats at the Utility Pavilion will surely be his!"


    The two seats he referred to, of course, were those occupied by the two elderly figures, the highest positions in Xuanyuan Nation within the Mortal World.


    Ye Feng, though, was secretly shaking his head, "Five Turns is just the beginning; in other words, it''s only the threshold to enter that realm. The road ahead is still long, and the young man from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans has already traveled quite a distance."


    This was the gap. Although Shi Yehong and Boss Cao Yi did not fully understand, they did comprehend the seriousness of the matter. Boss Cao Yi couldn''t help but ask, "Ye Feng, are you saying that even with Five Turns activated, Zhang Wenyuan still isn''t a match for the young man in white?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and sighed, "He can''t win. That is, unless he reaches Six Turns and, with some luck, consolidates a powerful Divine Path Object. Maybe then he might have the strength to contend!"


    Only after reaching Five Turns did Zhang Wenyuan begin to gradually refine the quality of his Qi Force in order to transform it into Spirit Essence. However, the young man from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans was already cultivating in a state of high-quality Half-Spirit Transformation.


    Of course, Ye Feng was on a similar path but a bit further ahead than Zhang Wenyuan, and slightly behind the young man in white. Luckily, he had other means to make up for the gap between him and the young man, an advantage Zhang Wenyuan lacked.


    "I''ve told you already, bringing out mere Five Turns is only going to embarrass you. Since it''s like this, I will now use my true strength and crush you in one fell swoop, so you can fully taste despair!"


    With a cold snort from the young man in white, he tossed his Wine Gourd into the air, and to everyone''s astonishment, this palm-sized Wine Gourd suddenly radiated dazzling light and expanded rapidly.


    "This is... this is a legendary Magic Artifact!" The eleven elders on the main stage cried out in surprise at this moment, shock apparent on everyone''s faces.


    A Magic Artifact was undoubtedly a level above a Treasure Weapon. Of course, the eleven elders on the highest stage had their Magic Artifacts too, but as they cultivated Qi Force, they could manage their weapons with ease. However, controlling Magic Artifacts, the Qi Force within their bodies might seem somewhat inadequate, nothing like the young man in white who handled it with such ease.


    The Wine Gourd kept expanding, then shot towards Zhang Wenyuan, suppressing him from above.


    Zhang Wenyuan clenched his teeth and fisted, punching upward. With a thunderous boom, his Fist Edge struck the shimmering Wine Gourd, yet it remained unmovable.


    In contrast, Zhang Wenyuan was shaken continuously backward by the fearsome impact of the Wine Gourd.


    As the Wine Gourd still furiously spun towards Zhang Wenyuan, to everyone''s surprise, Zhang Wenyuan suddenly raised both hands and said briskly and decisively, "I concede, I concede!"


    Since he had confidently conceded, according to the rules of the Martial Dao tournament, the opponent must not attack any longer, or they would be disqualified. Therefore, although the young man in white was gritting his teeth in frustration, he had to halt his action and promptly restrained his formidable Wine Gourd.


    It was then that the crowd realized that his Wine Gourd wasn''t just for drinking¡ªit was an extremely powerful Magic Treasure!

 Chapter 376: If it’s a fight you want, then a fight you’ll get!

    Zhang Wenyuan was straightforward in defeat; losing was not such a big deal to him. Moreover, he seemed to think that there was no shame in losing a match. After all, it simply meant that his skills were not as good as his opponent¡¯s, and all he needed to do was to strive harder in his cultivation to catch up in the future.


    So he staggered to his feet, clapped the dust from his clothes, and without even a glance at the white-robed young man who stood towering above him, he turned and walked away. His departure was the epitome of nonchalance and decisiveness.


    Ye Feng had to admit that what he admired most about Zhang Wenyuan was precisely this aspect. Although not the strongest in terms of power, this guy was not afraid to lose face, almost like a cockroach that couldn¡¯t be stomped to death.


    When Ye Feng had first encountered him, Zhang Wenyuan was only at Two Turns, but despite repeated defeats, he had fought time and again, and now he was at Fivefold Reincarnation.


    Ye Feng had no doubt that this guy¡¯s defeat would not discourage him. On the contrary, he would likely redouble his efforts and might soon break through to the Sixth Turn and perhaps even the Seventh Turn. With this thought, Ye Feng felt a sense of urgency¡ª he needed to work twice as hard in his cultivation, lest he be surpassed by this man one day.


    The white-robed young man on the stage had stepped up to Zhang Wenyuan, looking as though he intended to utter some victorious mockery. However, seeing Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s demeanor, the words that reached his lips were swallowed back.


    After stepping down from the arena, Zhang Wenyuan did not return to his assigned area, nor did he accept treatment from the medical staff, but instead walked straight towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng watched him quietly, and when Zhang Wenyuan approached, Ye Feng smiled and said, "Even though you¡¯ve lost, I must still congratulate you."


    Zhang Wenyuan grinned and said, "Congratulate me? For what reason should you congratulate me?"


    With a light smile, Ye Feng responded, "Although you lost this time, you only lost to your opponent, yet you have won against yourself. If I¡¯m not mistaken, you already have some insight into the Sixth Turn, don¡¯t you?"


    Zhang Wenyuan broke into a smile, heaving a long sigh, "I originally thought that the world would laugh at my madness, while I laughed at their inability to see through me. Now it seems, you truly understand me, and only you do."


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t respond to that statement. After all, he often harbored similar sentiments. However, he could empathize with Zhang Wenyuan, but that didn¡¯t mean Zhang Wenyuan could necessarily do the same¡ªthis was the proverbial loneliness of a lofty position.


    Zhang Wenyuan spoke earnestly, "To be honest, that guy is very strong. Even at the Sixth Turn, I might not be his match. The battle is now yours to fight. Of course, I don¡¯t expect you to defeat him, I just hope you won¡¯t lose as miserably as I did."


    "Don¡¯t worry, I will," Ye Feng said with a faint smile.


    After witnessing the strength of the white-robed young man, and especially after some knew of his origins from the Four Great Ancient Clans, nearly everyone started to favor the white-robed youth as the prime candidate to win the championship.


    Zhang Wenyuan didn¡¯t say anything more. To be frank, his injuries were severe, and he needed to enter secluded cultivation to heal immediately, so after speaking, he turned and left.


    At that moment, Boss Cao Yi spoke up, "Ye Feng, tell me honestly, do you have confidence in defeating that white-robed young man from the Bu Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans?"


    Ye Feng raised his eyebrows. To speak the truth, he did not have absolute confidence in defeating his opponent, his chances were at best fifty-fifty. He could sense that the other¡¯s Wine Gourd was anything but simple, suggesting that the opponent had not exerted his full strength in defeating Zhang Wenyuan.


    Boss Cao Yi couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Are you going to answer me, kid? My retirement savings for the latter half of my life might just depend on you."


    Ye Feng turned to look at him and asked, "What are the odds between him and me right now?"


    "Two to eight, he¡¯s two and you¡¯re eight," Boss Cao Yi replied without hesitation.


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyebrows twitched, and he let out a cold chuckle, "So little faith in me?"


    Boss Cao could only shrug his shoulders; there was nothing he could say to that.


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    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "Fortune favors the bold. If I face him, I have a fifty percent chance of losing, and of course, a fifty percent chance of winning. That¡¯s all I can tell you."


    Upon hearing this, Boss Cao Yi immediately rolled his eyes. That was as good as saying nothing. Dammit! But then again, fortune does favor the bold. Currently, betting on Ye Feng would pay eight to one. If he won, the payout would be huge.


    "Damn it, I¡¯ve bet the whole family fortune on you, I don¡¯t even care about my retirement money, all in! Whoever bets against you, I¡¯ll take them all!" Boss Cao Yi burst out immediately.


    Ye Feng, however, couldn¡¯t be bothered with this stylishly dressed guy. He didn¡¯t know by what means the man was placing bets on the outside gambling, but he didn¡¯t care at all.


    At this moment, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming¡¯s voice rose again, calling for the remaining contestants to draw lots on stage.


    "After the first round of free challenges, twenty-two contestants, with six eliminated in the first round, are left with sixteen. Now come up to draw lots, contestants with the same number will duel against each other, losers will be eliminated, and victors will advance!" After Zhao Gongming finished speaking, he waved his Great Hand, and then sixteen tokens flew over.


    The order of the sixteen tokens was scrambled, covered with a minor Formation, and it was stipulated that the contestants could not use Divine Sense to detect them before choosing, or else they would be considered in violation of the rules.


    Sixteen individuals stretched out their hands and chose one of the tokens. Ye Feng also reached out with a Great Hand, and the token closest to him landed in his grasp. At that moment, the Formation Restriction was lifted, revealing the number "two" on it.


    "The second team to the stage, I wonder who my opponent is this time!" Ye Feng turned to glance at the fifteen others around him. Of course, among these people, except for the prodigies from the Dao Sect, the Buddhist Sect, and the Sacred Mansion, that is, the Confucian Sect, as well as the young man in white, he didn¡¯t regard anyone else as a concern.


    "Hey, Ye, what number did you draw?" Suddenly a disciple from the Underworld Sect coldly called out.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t be bothered to respond, just briefly revealed his token.


    "Two, hey everyone, who drew number two, the same as this Ye guy?" the disciple from the Underworld Sect shouted loudly.


    All disciples from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts started checking, but strangely, no one had drawn the same number two. Seeing this, Ye Feng felt a chill in his heart, thinking it couldn¡¯t be so coincidental that in the first round he drew the lot to face the young man in white.


    However, by that time the young man in white had already moved to the outskirts and returned to his original spot, half spread out on a chair, drinking wine from his face with no regard for anyone else.


    "It shouldn¡¯t be him, so who could it be..."


    Just then, a burly guy walked straight up to him, and Ye Feng instantly felt as if a small mountain suddenly blocked his view, and at this point, he finally knew who it was.


    This person was none other than Sky-piercing, the foster son of the Duantian Great General¡¯s Mansion, and the grandson of the Heaven Guard National Pillar of Xuanyuan Nation!


    Sky-piercing, with his towering stature like an iron tower, glared at Ye Feng with a Vajra-like stare and then coldly snorted like thunder, "Hey, Ye, did you also draw the number two?"


    Ye Feng simply raised the token in his hand, showing no interest in engaging with the big lug. In fact, he had never taken Sky-piercing seriously from beginning to end. The only reason he paid this guy any slight attention was because he was the foster son of the Great General Duantian and also the grandson of the previous Heaven Guard National Pillar.


    The previous Heaven Guard National Pillar had worked tirelessly until his death for the sake of Xuanyuan Nation, earning immense merit. Ye Feng truly respected the old general from the past generation, but he knew very well that Great General Duantian took Sky-piercing as his foster son solely to use him, treating Sky-piercing as nothing more than a pawn.


    On one hand, after taking Sky-piercing as his foster son, it was easy for Great General Duantian to win over the forces inherited from the Heaven Guard National Pillar, gaining support from that lineage, thereby making it convenient for Duantian to later enter the Utility Pavilion.


    In truth, it was clear to everyone that Great General Duantian was strong and capable, and now he had certain authority within the Utility Pavilion, but all of these were not what he truly desired. What he really wanted was one of the two old men¡¯s positions in the Utility Pavilion someday.


    These were all seen by Ye Feng, who frankly wasn¡¯t very concerned with the so-called strife within the Utility Pavilion, but unfortunately, Great General Duantian thought otherwise. In Duantian¡¯s eyes, he had already seen Ye Feng as his greatest threat, which was why he didn¡¯t hesitate to bring Sky-piercing into play to stop Ye Feng¡¯s progress in the imperial capital.


    Sky-piercing looked at Ye Feng with eyes full of almost frenzied fighting spirit. He gritted his teeth and enunciated each word, "What a coincidence, we¡¯ve come up against each other in the first round, it truly seems like fate!"


    "Next, let me see how strong you, the so-called Northern King, really are. Today, only one of us is destined to walk off this platform standing!"


    Ye Feng said nothing more, since they had already met, what more could be said? If it was a fight they wanted, then let the battle begin!

 Chapter 377: Still Got Something There, Huh!

    Sky-piercing saw Ye Feng as his greatest adversary in life, but unfortunately, in Ye Feng¡¯s eyes, he was still far from sufficient. Although to most people, Sky-piercing was quite impressive, having reached the second stage, God Gathering Realm, of the Divine Path Realm at the age of 23 or 24, undeniably making him a genius.


    However, today, he encountered a prodigy, even a monster surpassing a prodigy!


    Ye Feng looked at him with the tone of a superior, "Heaven Guard National Pillar is one of the few people I respect. Out of consideration that you are his grandson, I will let you have three moves!"


    "Let me have three moves? Truly laughable, you are simply too arrogant!" Sky-piercing flew into a rage, as he saw this as a tremendous insult.


    Suddenly, with a roar, Sky-piercing¡¯s body, as sturdy as a Vajra iron tower, shot straight up into the sky before launching a punch his way. Despite his massive size, his speed was not slow, after all, he was a Divine Path Realm powerhouse.


    Ye Feng watched him coldly but did not move. Perhaps to many, the opponent¡¯s speed seemed very fast, but at this moment, Sky-piercing¡¯s movement speed seemed slow as a snail to him.


    Just as the opponent¡¯s fist, big as a bowl, carrying a fierce wind wave, was about to land on his face, Ye Feng finally moved, with a swish, his entire body vanished into thin air like a ghost.


    "One move!" The next moment, Ye Feng¡¯s figure reappeared ten meters away from Sky-piercing.


    Only now did Sky-piercing come back to his senses, and it was then that he found Ye Feng¡¯s exact location. He turned his head abruptly, completely infuriated, feeling like he had been toyed with.


    Meanwhile, the youth in white, sitting crookedly with a wine gourd in hand, drinking, now curled his lips, withdrew his gaze from the platform, and sneered softly, "Nothing but two insignificant clowns. It seems, looking at it now, these Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and Utility Pavilion don¡¯t have any notable people among their peers, truly disappointing."


    Having said that, the youth in white stretched languidly, then leaned back in the chair and fell asleep, as if the fight above failed to pique his interest at all, and, of course, he did not take it seriously.


    At this moment, on the stage, Sky-piercing¡¯s gaze suddenly concentrated, and an ancient bronze knife abruptly emerged into existence.


    The ancient bronze knife looked extremely heavy, with a golden light flickering faintly.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng nodded to himself and said, "Not unworthy of being a descendant of the Heaven Guard National Pillar, even your Object of the Divine Path is a blade. It seems that the objects of the Divine Path in your lineage are mostly such blades. Right, you have two moves left!"


    Sky-piercing, without a word, gripped the knife with both hands, and swung it down. Instantly, a terrifying Blade Qi, like a tornado, surged toward Ye Feng with a force capable of moving mountains and overturning seas.


    Wherever the blade¡¯s force passed, the platform was cleaved into a deep gorge. Fortunately, the entire platform was protected by an array barrier, otherwise the platform would likely have been bisected on the spot.


    Ye Feng still stood in place unmoving, just as the Blade Qi was about to sweep over him, his body suddenly burst out with streaks of golden light, and a set of golden armor immediately materialized over his body.


    The previously dozing youth in white now slightly opened his eyes to glance at the platform, then closed them again, curling his lips in secret and saying, "It looks like they really have nothing impressive to show, such a level of defensive armor probably couldn¡¯t block even one of my strikes!"


    Only then did the youth in white rest easy and fall asleep; before coming here, the two elders of Utility Pavilion had told him that the only person he needed to watch out for among his peers was that Northern King Ye Feng.


    But at this moment, in his view, this so-called Northern King Ye Feng, who had recently become famous in the Mortal World, was nothing special.


    Boom...


    The Blade Qi charged directly at Ye Feng, immediately tearing through his protective armor, but at that moment, the Blade Qi had already dissipated entirely, and Ye Feng remained standing there perfectly fine.


    Of course, this protective armor was just Ye Feng¡¯s first set and was also the weakest in terms of defensive power, nowhere near the Emperor¡¯s Armor he had acquired recently.


    However, to resist someone of Sky-piercing¡¯s level, he certainly did not need the Emperor¡¯s Armor; as the quality of his Qi Force gradually improved, so did the defensive power of the armor he conjured, more than enough to withstand Sky-piercing.


    "You have one move left, after three moves, it will be my turn to make a move!" Ye Feng spoke calmly.


    Those below could not help but be slightly startled, and many sighed, "This Northern King Ye Feng truly is among the strongest of the younger generation in the mortal world. Despite his aura clearly indicating he¡¯s merely at the peak of the Martial King Realm, the Protective Armor he just conjured was so strong that even Sky-piercing wasn¡¯t able to wound him!"


    "Isn¡¯t that the truth? Sky-piercing, who possesses Innate Divine Strength, unleashed a slash that¡ªdespite being at the God Gathering Realm¡ªheld combat power comparable to the Third Level of the Spirit Division Realm. This Northern King Ye Feng is certainly not to be underestimated!"


    Clasping his blade with both hands, Sky-piercing was gnashing his teeth in fury, "Damn it, you even managed to defend against that slash. It seems you must have more than just incredible defensive power; was that why you deliberately let me strike, to try and exhaust my Qi Strength beforehand?"


    Ye Feng slightly raised the corners of his mouth, smiling, "What do you think?"


    Sky-piercing certainly didn¡¯t think so, for he had already been informed through intelligence reports about the events concerning Northern King Ye Feng in the Southern Territory several days earlier, where Ye Feng, alone, fought against three and overpowered the powerhouses from the God Realm of the Three Southern Kingdoms.


    At that time, Ye Feng had demonstrated terrifying offensive power, using a spear¡ªa very terrifying Magic Artifact!


    Recalling this, Sky-piercing¡¯s gaze suddenly became intense, and the Qi Strength within his body surged out crazily, pouring into the Ancient Bronze Knife in his hands. Instantly, countless dark golden lights started to emerge.


    "Go!" Sky-piercing bellowed, and his Golden Blade flew out from his hand, swiftly reaching above Ye Feng¡¯s head before slashing down.


    The terrifying Blade Qi had completely enveloped Ye Feng. At that moment, apart from enduring it, Ye Feng had no other choice. Of course, at this time, Ye Feng would not choose to dodge, he was prepared to withstand the blow.


    Needless to say, it was also the strongest slash that Sky-piercing could unleash! Read new chapters at novelhall.Co?m


    As the moment stretched, the horrifying Golden Blade instantly fell upon Ye Feng¡¯s head, but at that instant, brilliant golden lights burst out from all over Ye Feng¡¯s body, and a set of Golden Armor once again condensed into being.


    Of course, this was just a superficial phenomenon; beneath the Golden Armor was another layer¡ªthe Emperor¡¯s Armor¡ªa double-layered defense.


    Boom...


    The dreadful Blade Qi, like a tidal wave, surged forth and instantly tore through the outer layer of the Protective Armor. However, when it encountered the Emperor¡¯s Armor, it could not compete at all and scattered in every direction, for with Sky-piercing¡¯s current Cultivation Combat Power, breaking through the defensive force of the Emperor¡¯s Armor was impossible.


    Even though Ye Feng intentionally concealed the Emperor¡¯s Armor, it was difficult to fool the top-level leaders present. The two elders from Utility Pavilion suddenly narrowed their eyes, and Tang Bai couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, "Is this... Could this possibly be the legendary Emperor¡¯s Armor? Did this kid actually find that item too?"


    Though Zhuge Wuming was somewhat surprised, he was much more composed than the other, as after all, he ostensibly remained neutral but secretly supported Ye Feng, unlike Tang Bai, who wished to directly crush Ye Feng.


    Suddenly turning his head to look at Zhuge Wuming, Tang Bai said coldly, "Brother Zhuge, you see it now, don¡¯t you? This kid hasn¡¯t only cultivated that person¡¯s technique, but it¡¯s also said he found that person¡¯s Ancestral Dragon Spear. Now he even has this Emperor¡¯s Armor. Aren¡¯t you the least bit worried?"


    Zhuge Wuming didn¡¯t answer directly but instead retorted, "Worried? Why should I be worried? After all, that person is that person, and Ye Feng is Ye Feng. Aren¡¯t they different?"


    "What¡¯s the difference? The paths they¡¯ve taken are the same. This kid is walking the very path of that person. Moreover, you¡¯ve also heard about the legend, haven¡¯t you? The person from over two thousand years ago left behind various methods, just to be reborn. If the legend is true, the consequences would be unthinkable!" Tang Bai called out coldly.


    Zhuge Wuming still remained unmoved, only replying with a faint smile, "That person¡¯s legend belongs to that person. What we need to worry about is what that person left behind. Even if you want to do something about it, it should be to prevent the two-thousand-year-old legend from coming true, not to target Ye Feng. I think your starting point is wrong.


    The reason you are targeting Ye Feng so strongly, I have reason to doubt your motives are personal."


    Indeed, the other people from Utility Pavilion were not aware, but Zhuge Wuming knew very well that the white-garbed youth from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans had been brought over by Tang Bai specifically to target Ye Feng.


    Of course, the very fact that Tang Bai was able to invite a successor from the Four Great Ancient Clans already demonstrated the importance of the fact that Tang Bai himself was one of the Ancient Clan members, although not a member of the Direct Lineage, being more like an Attendant Guard in the clan.


    However, this also made it clear that even a single Attendant Guard or family retainer from the Four Great Ancient Clans possessed such terrifying combat power, illustrating the fearsomeness of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    And at this moment, the white-garbed youth, who had been nearly dozing off, suddenly sat upright, his unblinking eyes fixated on Ye Feng for a long while before he finally said to himself, "What is that? That set of light golden armor is extraordinary. I can sense its strong defensive power; even if I tried to break through, it would probably take some effort!"


    With this, the corner of the white-garbed youth¡¯s mouth lifted slightly, and he said with a light smile, "Indeed, worthy of being the Northern King Ye Feng, the strongest among the younger generation in the secular world of Xuanyuan Nation. It seems after all, he does have something up his sleeve!"

 Chapter 378: We Shall Fight Again Someday!

    Sky-piercing stood still, eyes wide and face filled with disbelief as he stared at the scene before him. He simply couldn¡¯t believe it; despite having unleashed his strongest slash, he hadn¡¯t been able to inflict the slightest damage on his opponent¡ªhow was this possible!


    After all, he was a strong warrior at the Third Stage of the Divine Path Realm, while his opponent was merely at the Peak of Martial King Realm. Even if his opponent possessed exceptional talent, it shouldn¡¯t be monstrous to such an extent, thought Sky-piercing¡ªhe simply couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    Ye Feng remained standing casually in place, well aware that he had had no choice but to use the Emperor¡¯s Armor just now. He believed the more than ten elders at the highest platform, and the youth in white, had clearly seen it, but there was nothing he could do about it. If they saw it, they saw it¡ªafter all, they would come to know about it sooner or later.


    "Three moves have passed; now, it¡¯s my turn to make a move!" Ye Feng turned his head toward Sky-piercing, his face still composed.


    Sky-piercing¡¯s expression had turned incredibly dark. Only now had he realized that his opponent¡¯s strength far surpassed his imagination, and that he had indeed underestimated Ye Feng. Fortunately, he had made thorough preparations before coming.


    "I won¡¯t give you the chance to make a move!"


    Suddenly, Sky-piercing roared furiously as a massive shadow descended from the sky at terrifying speed, rapidly approaching right above Ye Feng¡¯s head.


    The shadow was immense, and it wasn¡¯t until this moment that the crowd could slightly make out that it was actually a Mountain Seal. The bronze-colored Mountain Seal radiated a faint golden glow, signaling to anyone that it was no ordinary object.


    "That¡¯s the Kunlun Ancient Mountain Seal, an incredibly powerful magic treasure. Who would have thought Sky-piercing had such a treasure on him¡ªtruly a surprise!"


    The crowd below immediately exclaimed in shock, with someone commenting in surprise, "And it seems that the Ancient Mountain Seal had been placed by Sky-piercing in the sky in advance; this move is truly unexpected!"


    At that moment, Ye Feng let out a faint cold laugh. As he beckoned with his right hand, the Ancestral Dragon Spear appeared in his grasp. Approximately one meter eight in length, the spear shone with a golden hue. Along its shaft were lifelike Five-clawed Golden Dragons, adding an air of imposing majesty.


    Ye Feng held the spear in one hand, and in that moment, the Qi Essence within him surged out wildly, pouring into the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon. Indeed, after cultivating the Divine Path Heavenly Edict, the quality of his Qi force had continuously improved, transitioning from a purely gaseous state towards Qi Essence.


    It wouldn¡¯t take long for his Qi Essence to evolve deeper into Spirit Essence. By then, his combat power would surely greatly increase!


    Swiftly, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon thrust forth like lightning, aiming straight for the descending Ancient Mountain Seal above!


    Boom!


    With a single clash, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon unleashed incomparable power, shattering the small Ancient Mountain Seal apart in an overwhelming display.


    The terrifying aftermath spread in all directions, shaking the array barrier at the edges with undulating ripples, as if it could burst apart at any moment.


    Ye Feng stood with the spear, no longer making a move¡ªin fact, there was no need for him to act further. On the surface, the Kunlun Ancient Mountain Seal seemed strong, but it actually wasn¡¯t even comparable to his Wushan Thunder Seal. When it came down to it, Sky-piercing was not among the strongest of the younger generation; at best, he was only middle-tier.


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    At this moment, Sky-piercing seemed to have lost his soul, standing there with a vacant gaze as if his spirit had been shattered by his opponent.


    The area below the arena was already in an uproar, as many people exclaimed, "Northern King Ye Feng truly deserves to be Northern King Ye Feng, so incredibly strong. He is truly the idol of our youth!"


    This battle was being broadcast live globally, and almost all the citizens of Xuanyuan Nation were paying attention to this competition between geniuses. Undeniably, Northern King Ye Feng held great prestige among the people, and especially after witnessing this battle, many were so excited that they danced with joy, with quite a few even shedding tears of excitement.


    "Northern King Ye Feng, the guardian of the Northern Border, will surely be the guardian of our Xuanyuan Nation in the future. In this vast country, from now on, I only acknowledge Northern King Ye Feng," many people exclaimed in their hearts at this time.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained calm, yet his heart was suddenly shaken, for he discovered that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll that had been absorbed into the Heavenly Heart Palace within his Sea of Consciousness was now beginning to fluctuate.


    Even faintly, from all directions came the profound energies of Heaven and Earth¡¯s luck, pouring into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict.


    "Hmm? What exactly is going on? Why has the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll suddenly undergone such a change without any reason?"


    Inwardly astounded, Ye Feng quickly came to a realization, "Could it be related to my victory in this battle? The Emperor¡¯s Dao of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict revolves around the imperial lineage, and the most crucial aspect of the Emperor¡¯s Dao is the prestige and luck of an emperor.


    Now that I¡¯ve won this battle and my prestige has naturally increased, is that why the scroll is showing such anomalies?"


    Although it was just a speculation and not yet verified, Ye Feng was already somewhat certain. Up to now, he had grasped two methods of cultivating the Emperor¡¯s Dao: one was to greatly develop powerful subordinates, benefiting whenever they made a breakthrough, and the other was to continuously enhance his own prestige.


    Following this clue, Ye Feng deduced that if he could continuously expand his territories, it would probably greatly boost the cultivation of the Emperor¡¯s Dao. In other words, an emperor needs to constantly conquer new lands in order to strengthen his power.


    As the saying goes, the Emperor¡¯s Dao is indeed the path of an emperor!


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng felt a sense of admiration, but for now he could not absorb this sudden surge of luck energy. However, to his surprise, when this energy suddenly poured into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll from all around, the eleven elders on the highest platform did not notice anything at all. This meant that this type of prestigious luck energy was of a higher level.


    Only at this moment did Sky-piercing finally regain his senses from his dispirited state, but he only stared directly at Ye Feng without saying a word.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, "What, still not convinced?"


    Sky-piercing didn¡¯t speak, not uttering a single word, he simply turned his head and left, swiftly leaping off the stage and dashing out of the arena. Only then did his voice finally ring out.


    "Ye Feng, I admit you are strong, and I am not your match for now, but as my grandfather said, victory and defeat are common in warfare. I will never concede, and I will not always be lesser than you. After today, I will enter the Outer Battlefield by myself, and one day we shall fight again!"


    After these words, Sky-piercing completely disappeared. On the side of the Great General¡¯s Mansion, including Great General Duan Tian, all were silent with gloom, for with Sky-piercing¡¯s defeat, it meant that their hope for victory was now gone.

 Chapter 379: Just Stake Everything!

    Ye Feng turned and stepped down from the platform, but as he walked, his mind was continuously pondering the matter of the Outer Battlefield mentioned by Sky-piercing. Up to now, he had not yet visited the Outer Battlefield, though he had heard of it from many people.


    One thing was certain, the Outer Battlefield was definitely not the same as Earth now, and in fact, the two were different spaces altogether. Whether the Outer Battlefield was the legendary Alien Space-Time, however, was unknown to anyone.


    Ye Feng guessed that it probably wasn¡¯t, considering that the Alien Space-Time was no ordinary place. It wasn¡¯t just home to a vast number of terrifying alien beasts but also various types of terrifying gases. For instance, the miasma that erupted from the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley earlier originated from the Alien Space-Time.


    At that time, that miasma was something even ordinary Divine Path Realm experts couldn¡¯t withstand.


    If the Outer Battlefield was indeed that Alien Space-Time, then probably not many people would dare to venture into it for training and exploration.


    Carrying full-hearted doubt, Ye Feng descended from the platform to his designated seat. At this moment, Boss Cao, with an excited face, said, "Not bad, lad. You really didn¡¯t let me down. Although the odds for you against Sky-piercing weren¡¯t high, it still made me a tidy sum."


    Ye Feng paid no mind to the gambling enthusiast and instead turned to ask Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong beside him, "By the way, Second Sect Leader, how much do you know about the Outer Battlefield?"


    Shi Yehong was caught by surprise, but he quickly guessed why Ye Feng was asking, probably because of what Sky-piercing had said. He smiled and responded, "Actually, the Outer Battlefield is something that you will soon come into contact with. In fact, earlier the Utility Pavilion had proposed that you lead the team to explore it, but it was postponed due to the Martial Dao Academy."


    Ye Feng wasn¡¯t concerned about leading a team; what he cared about was the unknown Alien Space-Time. He then asked, "Second Sect Leader, does the Outer Battlefield have any connection to the Alien Space-Time?"


    "There is a certain connection!" Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong frowned slightly, then continued, "The Outer Battlefield is not the Alien Space-Time in the true sense. Strictly speaking, it¡¯s a buffer zone between the Alien Space-Time and our space-time."


    "A buffer zone?" Ye Feng questioned.


    "Yes, a buffer zone. Oh, and there¡¯s also a huge barrier from ancient construction, the Great Wall of Heaven, which serves as the protective shield against the Alien Space-Time!" As the Second Sect Leader spoke, he paused as if he had more to say, but in the end, he chose not to speak further.


    He wanted to mention that the small village in the Northwest, the reason they became historical criminals, and how that crime has endured for over two thousand years, was related to the Great Wall of Heaven.


    However, Second Sect Leader quickly realized that since Ye Feng wasn¡¯t aware of this, the elderly man from the Northwest probably didn¡¯t want him to know too soon. Therefore, there was no need for him to speak prematurely and potentially provoke unnecessary thoughts in Ye Feng.


    Deciding to end the topic early, the Second Sect Leader then said, "After the Martial Dao Assembly ends, the Outer Battlefield will be open to all nations. If you can win this Martial Dao Assembly, you will most likely lead the team into the Outer Battlefield for exploration and experience."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, thinking that since he would be able to enter it soon, there was no need for him to rush. However, he suddenly thought about Gai Jiuyou, who had been missing for some time with no trace to be found. Could it be that he had already entered the Outer Battlefield?


    Moreover, there was Mu Tian, who had seemingly vanished from the earth. It was highly probable that he had already entered the Outer Battlefield too, as for characters like him, only the Outer Battlefield could be attractive enough.


    "The Outer Battlefield... After the Martial Dao Assembly ends and the Martial Dao Academy of Xuanyuan Nation is established, and once the practice of Martial Dao among all citizens is promoted, I will certainly go to see its true nature for myself!" Ye Feng thought to himself silently.


    At this moment, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming had already announced the second group¡¯s turn to compete. This second group consisted of disciples from Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the disciples of the Heaven Poison Sect and those from the Dao Sect.


    As the name suggested, the disciples of the Heaven Poison Sect were masters of using poison. Normally, by reaching the Divine Path Realm, standard poisons would no longer affect them significantly, but if the poisoner was also of the Divine Path Realm and if the poison they used was derived from Divine Path Objects, then the situation was entirely different.


    The disciple from the Heaven Poison Sect wore a russet-red long robe, and even their hair was red, with nails also painted a dark red hue, giving off an indescribable eeriness.


    As for the Dao Sect, in a sense, was considered the foremost among the Dao Sects of the world. Kunlun, on the other hand, styled itself as the cradle of the Dao Sects, the heritage source from which all Dao Sects derived. They even boasted that even the current Dao Sect had branched out from Kunlun.


    Therefore, in the Ancient Martial World, the relationship between Kunlun and the Dao Sect was often tense. It was common for disciples of the two schools to come to blows. Fortunately, the Dao Sect was located in the North while Kunlun was in the Southwest, and the two were separated by a great distance.


    The Dao Sect disciple wore a Dao Robe and held a horsetail whisk, emitting an ineffable essence of ethereal detachment.


    Ye Feng sat in his chair, staring unblinkingly at this Dao Sect disciple. He had no interest in the disciple from the Heaven Poison Sect, but he had to pay close attention to this excellent pupil of the Dao Sect.


    In fact, among all the competitors, aside from that young man in white from the Four Great Ancient Clans, the disciple of the Dao Sect, as well as the disciple from the Sacred Mansion¡ªthat is, from the Confucian Sect¡ªand a bald monk from the Buddhist Sect, these three were among those whom he was particularly watchful of.


    The Dao Sect disciple carried himself with an air of calm and indifference. He offered a faint smile and said, "I am Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect. May I ask the senior brother for your esteemed name?"


    Under normal circumstances, this would¡¯ve been a courteous form of greeting, but to everyone¡¯s surprise, the Heaven Poison Sect disciple coldly snorted and retorted, "My name is not something a puny Dao Sect disciple like you is qualified to know!"


    Presumptuousness, truly boundless presumptuousness. Of course, everyone could tell that the Heaven Poison Sect disciple¡¯s remarks were in imitation of what the white-robed youth had earlier said to Zhang Wenyuan. The difference was that the white-robed youth had the credentials to be arrogant, whereas this disciple¡¯s attempt seemed rather laughable in comparison.


    Yet, Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect did not laugh. He simply shook his head slightly, his expression still neither sad nor happy. Ye Feng could tell at a glance that this man¡¯s state of mind was exceptionally stable, and of course, that also meant he was an extremely difficult opponent to deal with.


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    "If that is the case, I, who am unskilled, ask for senior brother¡¯s instruction!" Dao Buhui flicked his horsetail whisk and gestured invitingly with his body.


    The Heaven Poison Sect disciple snorted coldly and warned, "Let me make it clear beforehand, our Heaven Poison Sect is proficient in using poison, and some poisons even we may not have an antidote for. Even if there is an antidote, if treatment is delayed even for a second or two, it could cost a life. So before we begin, you¡¯d better think carefully.


    It¡¯s not too late to concede defeat now and save yourself from throwing your life away!"


    Despite the extremely arrogant and threatening statement, Dao Buhui showed no anger, only calmly smiled, and said, "Please, senior brother, go ahead and enlighten me. I am not talented but would like to experience your superior skills!"


    "So be it, but don¡¯t blame me then!" The Heaven Poison Sect disciple roared angrily, and his whole body suddenly erupted with a thick dark-brown aura. This terrifying presence sent the dark-brown color out like a violent storm, charging directly at his opponent.


    Dao Buhui, however, remained standing in his original spot, unmoving. As the dark-brown wave of Qi approached, he just raised his hand slightly and with a gentle flick of the whisk in his hand, the rolling dark-brown poison mist was swept clean in an instant.


    The Heaven Poison Sect disciple¡¯s complexion changed drastically at this scene; he finally realized he had encountered a formidable opponent. Biting his teeth, a dazzling light burst out from above his head, and immediately after, a ferocious Heavenly Scorpion appeared.


    Its entire body was covered in golden yellow scales, indestructible, making it evident at a glance that it was no ordinary object¡ªit must be the Heaven Poison Sect disciple¡¯s Divine Path Object.


    "Go!" The Heaven Poison Sect disciple pointed with his right hand, and the golden yellow scorpion flew out at breakneck speed. Even more dreadful was the rolling red mist it emitted wherever it passed.


    This red mist was undoubtedly a deadly poison, and just a slight whiff of it could overwhelm even a Divine Path Realm expert. Furthermore, it could directly corrode a Qi Strength Shield, which was quite terrifying.


    Still, Dao Buhui remained standing in the same spot, motionless. As the red mist was about to engulf him, he suddenly took a deep breath, causing his Dantian to swell like a bellows.


    Then, he opened his mouth wide and exhaled a long breath. Instantly, a terrifying wave of Qi Force burst forth like a tsunami, dispersing the red mist in the air and sending the scorpion reeling uncontrollably, unable to advance.


    "That¡¯s the Qi Wave Technique of the Dao Sect, what a formidable Qi Wave Technique!" Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong exclaimed in admiration.


    Ye Feng silently nodded in agreement. Frankly speaking, Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect was indeed very powerful. Even when facing the promising youth of the Heaven Poison Sect, he had not yet exerted his full strength.


    At that moment, Dao Buhui surged upward like a rocket from dry land. With one sweep of his whisk, a golden ray of light, like lightning, struck towards the Heavenly Scorpion.


    In the next instant, the scorpion, hit hard, plummeted to the ground. After struggling for a moment, it lay motionless.


    The Heaven Poison Sect disciple immediately spit out a mouthful of blood. With his Divine Path Object, the Heavenly Scorpion, destroyed, he naturally suffered a backlash and was seriously injured.


    After Dao Buhui landed, his expression remained very calm. He folded his hands and said, "I feel ashamed. Senior brother, you must have been careless to let someone as insignificant as myself win so fortuitously. I admire the power in senior brother¡¯s techniques!"


    The Heaven Poison Sect disciple, originally full of anger ready to erupt, found himself unable to say anything in response to those words. He could only give a cupped fist salute and, with a dejected head, leaped off the stage¡ªeffectively conceding defeat, making Dao Sect¡¯s Dao Buhui the victor.


    Boss Cao Yi, upon witnessing this, couldn¡¯t help but think to himself, "This Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect seems quite capable. Ye Feng, what about you? Do you think you would have a chance against him if you encountered him?"


    Ye Feng simply smiled lightly and said, "If I were to face him, you can bet all you own on me!"


    Boss Cao immediately burst into laughter, slapping his thigh and exclaiming, "Good! With that word from you, I know what to do now!"

 Chapter 380 The True Golden Core Great Dao!

    The remaining twelve competitors across six groups, barring the youth in white from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, were all from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. As the sunset painted the sky with shades of dusk, the second round of the competition came to a close, and with it, the day¡¯s events.


    The eight finalists of the dance competition were born, led by Northern King Ye Feng representing the Utility Pavilion, and the youth in white, who, even now, had yet to reveal his name. In fact, during the second round, he didn¡¯t even need to make a move.


    His opponent, knowing they faced the white-garbed youth, chose to forfeit immediately. This seemed perfectly normal to the young man; in his eyes, anyone who didn¡¯t surrender was merely courting a thrashing, so why bother?


    Aside from the two representatives from the Utility Pavilion, Dao Buhui from the Dao Sect also made it into the top eight, alongside a bald disciple from the Buddhist Sect, a member from Sacred Mansion or the Confucian Sect, and one each from the Underworld Sect, Mount Shu Sword Sect, and Tang Sect.


    As for the disciples sent by Heaven Poison and Hundred Flowers, they had all been defeated, signaling that these two sects no longer stood a chance of victory. For the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the Martial Dao Academy of Xuanyuan Nation was no small matter.


    Victory meant that the winning sect¡¯s representative would become the principal of the academy, effectively controlling it to some extent. This was no mere Martial Academy, but a nationwide movement, with at least one institution opening in every earth-level city.


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    One could easily imagine the potential surge of martial arts talents arising from a nation learning combat arts. As the principal, they would enjoy priority in selecting the top talents for their own sect.


    It might take a year or two to see the effects, but over a longer period, say a decade or so, the impact would be tremendous. The sect would be significantly strengthened, and after twenty or thirty years, as these talents matured, the sect would undoubtedly surpass all others, even dominating the entire Ancient Martial World of Xuanyuan Nation.


    This was precisely why the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were fiercely competing for the position of Martial Academy Principal!


    As night fell and the Vermilion Bird Meeting Hall emptied, Ye Feng led Hong Qingyan and the others away, utilizing the cover of darkness to return to Northern Cloud Residence. Now that Hong Qingyan¡¯s cultivation strength had improved through her training, Ye Feng could finally breathe a little easier.


    Others might not see it, but Ye Feng was well aware that Hong Qingyan¡¯s combat power now qualified her for the final eight. In other words, she could readily compete with the so-called prodigies of today¡¯s Ancient Martial World. Of course, the youth in white was an exception; coming from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, he had an edge over Hong Qingyan.


    After a light meal at Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng retired to the study¡¯s secret chamber for secluded cultivation, understanding that fierce battles awaited him the next day. Everyone respected his need for solitude. Meanwhile, Hong Qingyan also chose to cultivate on her own.


    Cultivation had become much more effortless for Hong Qingyan by now, and she could now harness the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth for her training. However, her Spirit Essence was of a higher quality, and the Qi from Heaven and Earth was too varied, requiring constant refinement before she could absorb it, thus slowing her cultivation pace significantly.


    Of course, this was unavoidable since Earth today was nothing like it was during the Ancient Era, which was rich with Spiritual Energy. Daoist Cultivators from that time only needed to refine it slightly before absorption¡ªfar different from today¡¯s conditions.


    Fortunately, Hong Qingyan was patient and not driven by a competitive spirit. For her, cultivation was merely a pastime, a way to while away the hours, so there was no hurry on her part. This kind of meticulous and patient approach was essential for Ancient Daoist Cultivators.


    According to the realms defined by Ancient Daoist Cultivators, Hong Qingyan had just stepped beyond the entry-level stage and entered the Foundation Establishment stage, dedicated to forging a strong foundation. It was the most crucial time for patience, as a skyscraper must be built upon a solid groundwork to reach greater heights in the future.


    Success in Foundation Establishment would set an Ancient Cultivator on a prosperous path. This path was distinct from the Qi cultivation of Ancient Martial Artists, not leading to the Divine Path Realm, but rather to the legendary Golden Core Realm!


    Currently, Hong Qingyan was in the Foundation Establishment Stage, as was the youth in white¡ªboth cultivating Spirit Essence, with Hong Qingyan in the early stages, and the white-clad youth already at the mid-stage.


    As for Ye Feng, he might be considered in a half Foundation Establishment state, as he had not yet condensed Spirit Essence within his body; it was more a Qi Essence state. Once he refines his Qi or Qi Essence into Spirit Essence, he, too, will embark on the Golden Core Great Dao, rather than what is known as the Divine Path Realm in the Ancient Martial Arts.


    This is also why, until now, not only Ye Feng but also Zhang Wenyuan and the youth in white have remained at what the Ancient Martial World terms the Martial King Realm, or Foundation Establishment Realm, without progressing into the Divine Path Realm.


    If Ye Feng were to grasp the essence of this mystery, he would further deduce that the Ancient Martial World¡¯s current Divine Path Realm has veered off into a misunderstanding. Although transitioning from the Martial King Realm to the Divine Path Realm can significantly boost a Martial Artist¡¯s combat power,


    progressing beyond the Divine Path Realm often becomes an insurmountable challenge. This explains why many leaders of the Utility Pavilion, despite decades of life, remain stuck at the Divine Path Realm¡¯s peak.


    And if they don¡¯t rush to break through into the Divine Path Realm during their time in the Martial King Realm, instead continuously honing and refining their Qi Force to achieve the level of Spirit Essence, they would certainly be able to embark on another Cultivation Technique, which is the legendary Golden Core Great Dao!


    Of course, it¡¯s not easy to set foot on this path. One needs the patience to persistently polish their abilities, while also resisting the temptation of the overwhelming combat power brought about by the Divine Path Realm. Hardly anyone in the world can withstand this temptation, not even the two elders from the Utility Pavilion.


    After all, not everyone can be as lucky as Ye Feng, who not only possesses a special Acupoints cultivation method but also obtained the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Technique from the Ancient Era, which, when combined, were like adding wings to a tiger for him!


    On one hand, that special Acupoints cultivation technique allowed him to continually expand his Acupoints, thus increasing the total amount of his Qi Force. On the other hand, the cultivation of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict was able to continually improve the quality of this Qi Force.


    One focuses on quantity, the other pursues quality¡ªthe two complemented each other perfectly!


    Of course, although Ye Feng hadn¡¯t yet completely figured out the cultivation systems of both the Ancient Martial Warriors and Ancient Daoist Cultivators, he had vaguely grasped the key points and had already embarked on the most correct path.


    At this moment, he sat cross-legged in the secret chamber of the study, continually observing the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace. However, no matter how he used his Divine Sense to inspect it, he couldn¡¯t discern the special characteristics of this profound and mysterious Technique of Luck.


    "It seems my Cultivation Realm is still not high enough; I can¡¯t even discern the essence of such luck!" Ye Feng shook his head in secret. Thankfully, though unable to see its essence clearly, this did not prevent him from absorbing it.


    He gently exhaled a breath, and with a thought, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll within his Sea of Consciousness began to unfold, and from it, streams of earth-yellow gas emerged.


    This gas was extremely profound. It could be used to open up Acupoints within the body, as well as to condense and refine the quality of one¡¯s Qi Force. If there was any drawback, it was that this Mystical Qi was too difficult to obtain, and the amount was too little.


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment before dividing the gas in half¡ªone half entering various parts of his body, and the other half entering his Dantian. Prompted by the Mystical Qi of Luck, several Acupoints were opened in no time, while the Qi Force in his lower Dantian was continually refined, and its quality was also improved.


    However, Ye Feng¡¯s cultivation soon came to a halt, as the Mystical Qi of Luck was used up in just a few breaths, and by then, the number of Acupoints in his body had reached a total of three hundred and eighty. Yet, a large portion of his Qi Force had not been converted into Qi Essence, let alone Spirit Essence.


    Of course, this was also because the amount of Qi Force in his body was far greater than that of Same Rank Warriors, so much so that even a warrior in the Fourth Stage of the Divine Communication Realm might not have as much Qi Force as Ye Feng!


    With the increase in both Acupoints and the amount of Qi Force, the most direct benefit was the enhancement of Combat Power. At this moment, compared to before he entered the secret chamber, Ye Feng¡¯s Combat Power had undoubtedly doubled¡ªan astonishing rate of cultivation!


    Of course, such an effect was naturally due to the supreme ancient cultivation Technique of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict!


    "After winning tomorrow, my prestige will rise again, and I estimate I¡¯ll get some more Mystical Qi. Then, my Combat Power will naturally increase again!" Ye Feng thought to himself. Having put it into practice today, he undoubtedly held even greater expectations for the position of Martial Academy Principal.


    Once he becomes the Martial Academy Principal after winning the Martial Dao tournament, his prestige would certainly reach an unprecedented level, and the amount of Mystical Qi he received would undeniably be vast. Accordingly, his Combat Power would rise accordingly.


    Ever since he started cultivating the Emperor¡¯s Dao from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict, Ye Feng found it frustrating that ordinary cultivation became very slow. For example, if he were to correctly use the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth to open up the Acupoints within his body, the speed would be several times slower than when cultivating the Emperor¡¯s Dao.


    In fact, this is only a relative statement. Ye Feng¡¯s ability to manipulate the Primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth was truly astonishing; his normal cultivation speed was very fast, it only felt slow compared to the Emperor¡¯s Dao. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been called a genius before.


    Now, however, he was more than just a genius¡ªhe had almost become a peerless genius or a monstrous prodigy!


    Without further ado, the next day as dawn broke, Ye Feng came out of the secret chamber in the study. After a brief preparation, he headed to the Vermilion Bird Fighting Platform. Today was the quarterfinals, where the final two contenders would emerge to vie for the title of the strongest youth of Xuanyuan Nation on the third day!

 Chapter 381: Where Would They Have the Guts?

    Ye Feng had just arrived at the Vermilion Bird Meeting Hall when Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong rushed toward him, anxious and hurried, accompanied by Boss Cao Yi, the head of the Punishment Heaven Department. Both men appeared hasty and even somewhat worried; it looked as though something significant had occurred the previous night.


    After all, these two were heavyweights in the Xuanyuan Nation, and it was unlikely for common affairs to cause them such distress, which is why Ye Feng stopped and waited for the two to approach.


    Shi Yehong had hardly reached him before he said, "Ye Feng, have you received the news? The Southern Territory has sparked a war; the armies of the Three Southern Kingdoms have joined forces and are pressing against our borders, having initiated the conflict."


    Ye Feng immediately asked, "When did this happen?"


    "Just past midnight. It looks like you haven¡¯t received the news, but that¡¯s normal. After all, you are the Northern Border King; the affairs of the Southern Territory are not within your jurisdiction," Shi Yehong explained.


    Ye Feng did not speak; he simply stood there and pondered. Since the conflict had only started past midnight, roughly less than an hour ago, it was normal for him not to have received any news, especially since Shadow was currently investigating the Soldier Chamber Pot from more than two thousand years ago in the Northwest.


    "How is the battle situation at the moment? By the way, what about Zhang Wenyuan? As the King of the Southern Territory, has he reached the Southern Territory yet?" Ye Feng asked.


    Shi Yehong replied, "Zhang Wenyuan was injured yesterday. Last night, it was his master and I who treated his wounds. However, after receiving the news, he disregarded his master¡¯s objections and flew back to the Southern Territory immediately."


    At this point, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong suddenly remembered something and hastily added, "Oh right, Zhang Wenyuan entrusted me with a message for you before he left." Your next chapter is on novelhall.Co?m


    Ye Feng asked, "What message?"


    "Zhang Wenyuan said that as long as the Southern Territory is in his hands, even if he dies in battle, he will not let the Three Southern Kingdoms trample a single inch of the territory. That¡¯s his resolve and his stance," conveyed Shi Yehong.


    "His resolve and stance are good," Ye Feng nodded slightly. However, he had more to say¡ªsometimes resolve and stance alone are not enough; what is more important is to have the corresponding strength and ability to back them up.


    The Three Kingdoms Army, with its overwhelming momentum, had come with ill intentions, clearly evident from their joint force. This power was definitely not to be underestimated; even with Zhang Wenyuan¡¯s abilities, handling the situation would be far from easy.


    At that moment, Boss Cao Yi of the Punishment Heaven Department scoffed coldly, "The damned Three Southern Kingdoms probably saw that our Xuanyuan Nation is hosting the Martial Dao Conference and couldn¡¯t spare the attention, so they took the opportunity to invade. On any regular day, they would never dare to be so bold!"


    Shi Yehong also scoffed, "Now that Zhang Wenyuan has returned to the Southern Territory to take control, and besides, he has a secret and powerful force that his master gave him secretly, I suppose he should be able to stabilize the situation for the time being. Once the Martial Dao Conference is over, the Great General¡¯s Mansion will be able to lend support.


    Then, we¡¯ll severely punish the Three Southern Kingdoms!"


    Ye Feng, having listened, did not offer any comment. In fact, his thoughts were much deeper and more comprehensive than those of the two men. As Boss Cao Yi had said, the Xuanyuan Nation was currently occupied with the Martial Dao Conference and thus vulnerable, which is why the Three Southern Kingdoms dared to make their move.


    Of course, that was only one reason, but not the primary one. Ye Feng speculated that the Three Southern Kingdoms dared to attack the Xuanyuan Nation at this critical juncture mainly because they had allies!


    In other words, the Three Southern Kingdoms had likely already reached a secret agreement with other major powers; otherwise, with their national strength, they would never dare to invade so boldly.


    Ye Feng speculated that the most likely country to have reached a secret agreement with the Three Southern Kingdoms was the Snow Wolf Country to the north, with the Fusang Kingdom bordering the sea to the east also possibly being involved. Additionally, it was likely that the Vampire Kingdom in the west had also joined the fray.


    In some ways, the Martial Dao Tournament of Xuanyuan Nation had inadvertently provided an opportunity for these countries to join forces. If Ye Feng¡¯s conjectures were true, it would mean that his Northern Border might not remain peaceful for long.


    Moreover, the situation in the Eastern Border would also become unstable, even including the possibility of chaos spreading to the lands of the Western Territory.


    Speaking of the Western Territory, as of now, the Utility Pavilion had not established a Realm Lord there, nor had they stationed any troops. However, this was not for lack of wanting, but rather for lack of ability.


    Because the land of the Western Territory was essentially under the control of the Nine Great Sects, agreements with these so-called Hidden Sects were made at the inception of the Xuanyuan Nation. As such, no Realm Lord was appointed in the West, and while there were governing bodies, they did not have the authority to impose restrictions on these Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    In other words, these so-called Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are self-regulating, and are not under the control of the Utility Pavilion.


    If the Western Territory were to fall into chaos, it would likely be instigated by the Western Vampire Kingdom. Should that happen, the entire Xuanyuan Nation would be surrounded by enemies on all sides and might even fall into an unprecedented crisis.


    Of course, this was all just Ye Feng¡¯s conjecture and planning. As to whether things would unfold as he envisioned was still unclear, but after all his years on the battlefield, his keen understanding of warfare was far beyond that of ordinary people.


    "For now, let¡¯s just wait and see. Let¡¯s finish the Martial Dao Tournament first. Even if multiple countries join forces, as long as I am here, the Northern Border will not fall into chaos. If the Northern Border remains stable, so will Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s rear," Ye Feng thought to himself. As he mused, he and the others entered the meeting hall, returning to their positions from the previous day.


    Today, the venue was still packed with people. The Martial Dao Tournament of Xuanyuan Nation could be said to be the center of worldwide attention. After yesterday¡¯s competition, today¡¯s event was undoubtedly even more highly anticipated, with virtually every citizen of Xuanyuan Nation glued to their television screens, eager to see who would emerge victorious from the tournament.


    Of course, the most talked-about contestant was the mysterious white-robed young man. After a night of secret investigations, people had learned that his surname was Bu, but which of the Four Great Ancient Clans he hailed from remained a mystery to most.


    Ye Feng naturally did not know this, nor did he care. Aside from him, the elegant young man from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion, named Yawen, also had a high level of support. In contrast, not many people had faith in Ye Feng, as his Cultivation Realm was considered too low compared to the other eight contestants.


    Within this group of eight, excluding Ye Feng, who had the Cultivation of the Peak Martial King Realm, the worst of the other seven were at the Third Stage of the Divine Path Realm, the Spirit Division Realm. Moreover, six of them were at the Fourth Stage, the Divine Communication Realm.


    Of course, the white-robed young man surnamed Bu also had the Cultivation of the Peak Martial King Realm, but his uniqueness meant he could not simply be compared with the rest.


    Once the participants had mostly arrived, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming made his appearance on the hosting platform and immediately announced, "After overnight deliberation by the organizing committee, some minor adjustments have been made to the proceedings of the Martial Dao Tournament.


    Instead of three days, the competition will now conclude in two days, meaning today we must determine the champion and runner-up!"


    There was little objection to this. It seemed that the committee must have adjusted the schedule due to the sudden provocation from the Three Southern Kingdoms. Finishing early was better to relieve the immense pressure on the Southern Territory.


    "Now, I invite the eight prodigious talents, the eight strong contenders, to come on stage and draw lots. To expedite the process, we will now have two groups of four contestants compete simultaneously!" Zhao Gongming¡¯s voice fell, and Ye Feng and the others promptly moved onto the stage.


    The drawing numbers came out quickly, and Ye Feng drew number two, meaning he was in the second group. His opponent, unfortunately, happened to be Dao Buhui from Dao Sect!


    When Dao Buhui learned that his opponent was Northern King Ye Feng, his expression hardly changed, only giving Ye Feng a brief indifferent glance before looking away, exuding immense confidence, and indeed, a sense of contempt and disdain for Ye Feng.

 Chapter 382 To me, it’s nothing special

    According to the new competition rules, the first two groups of four went on stage at the same time, the first group being a contest between the Underworld Sect and the disciple of the Tang Sect, and the second group was Northern King Ye Feng against Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect.


    As the two disciples from the Underworld Sect and Tang Sect were relatively weaker among the eight, most people¡¯s attention was focused on Ye Feng¡¯s group.


    After all, the title of Northern King Ye Feng was now very resounding throughout the entire Xuanyuan Nation, especially with great prestige in the Mortal World, while Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect was also one of the outstanding young generation.


    Dao Buhui today still wore a blue Dao robe, and he stood straight with a calm complexion that revealed an arrogance. After ascending the stage, he didn¡¯t even deign to look directly at Ye Feng, clearly not viewing him as a worthy opponent.


    Ye Feng, just as indifferent, suddenly activated his Qi Force, and in an instant, a faint golden light appeared all over his body, and a suit of Golden Armor condensed into being.


    At this moment, Dao Buhui spoke, but it was with a sneer, "You should know that the best defense is to attack, only the weak rely purely on defense!"


    It was clear that he was ridiculing the protective capability of Ye Feng¡¯s armor. Ye Feng responded with a calm smile, "Everyone says you¡¯re the finest of the Dao Sect¡¯s younger generation. Today, I will see for myself if you truly merit my personal offensive!"


    Dao Buhui¡¯s expression suddenly darkened, as he shouted, "What arrogance! With such a level of defense, I can break it with just one sword strike!"


    As soon as these words fell, Dao Buhui¡¯s black Treasure Sword clanged as if a dragon was unleashed from its sheath. Then, like a shooting star, it broke through the air towards Ye Feng, aiming a lethal strike at his head!


    His sword strike seemed to possess the power to destroy heaven and earth, filling the entire arena with a raging storm of momentum. Fortunately, the entire arena was split into two parts by an array barrier, so the contests between the two groups were not affected.


    Ye Feng stood erect, unmoving. But at this moment, his brow slightly wriggled; he could certainly feel the power of the opponent¡¯s strike.


    Chzzzt...


    Before the sword even struck, the terrifying Sword Momentum already tore multiple cracks in Ye Feng¡¯s Golden Armor.


    The surrounding crowd was abuzz, all of them marveling that Dao Buhui truly deserved to be known as the foremost among the Dao Sect¡¯s young generation, as well as the Great Sword Master!


    The young man in white from the Four Great Ancient Clans surnamed Bu was no longer lazily reclining in his chair like yesterday. After all, today¡¯s top eight contenders were not comparable to those of the previous day, and even he needed to take things seriously.


    "Dao Buhui¡¯s Sword Momentum is extraordinary; this Ye chap won¡¯t be able to withstand it with that level of armor. He will probably have to resort to that mysterious defensive armor he used yesterday!" the young man in white mused silently.


    Just as the Sword Momentum peaked, Ye Feng¡¯s Golden Armor was completely torn apart. However, at this moment, his body suddenly shone brightly with golden light, and another suit of armor inscribed with ancient Profound Runes once again condensed and emerged.


    This suit of armor was majestic in shape, and what surprised people even more was that the entire suit of armor was engraved with lifelike yet fierce Five-clawed Golden Dragons. Especially the helmet, which looked more like a dragon¡¯s head, exuding an overall tyrannical and formidable air.


    The nine elders from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts in the highest seats, on seeing this, suddenly grew solemn, their expressions filled with both shock and seriousness, as they had all recognized the origin of the armor adorning Ye Feng.


    "Good lad, I did not expect him to have obtained the Emperor¡¯s Armor¡ªa defensive legacy from that figure more than two thousand years ago. How did it come into his possession?" the elder from the Dao Sect could not help but hum coldly.


    "Indeed, it is unexpected. No wonder this boy dares to be so defiant, standing unfazed in the face of Dao Buhui¡¯s attack, because he has the Emperor¡¯s Armor by his side!" muttered the elder from the Underworld Sect, with a hint of envy and covet in his eyes.


    Even though the assembled elders represented the peak of their respective Great Sects, and each was generally at the Fifth Level of the Divine Path Realm with Divine Abilities, some even having surpassed the Divine Ability Realm, stepping half into the legendary Saint Realm, they still showed a touch of covetous heat at the sight of the Emperor¡¯s Armor on Ye Feng.


    After all, this Emperor¡¯s Armor was the defensive legacy of that person from over two thousand years ago. Back then, its owner nearly swept through all the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, almost exterminating all the Ancient Martial Sects,


    The elder of the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion¡¯s complexion suddenly changed as he blurted out, "Right, have any of you noticed? The Cultivation Technique practiced by this Ye chap is somewhat peculiar. What is the origin of his technique?"


    No sooner had he spoken than the other eight elders¡¯ expressions turned strange, and they all turned to look towards the two elders seated at the far left, namely Tang Bai from the Utility Pavilion and Zhuge Wuming.


    Tang Bai snorted but did not respond; he had long been aware of the origin of Ye Feng¡¯s cultivation technique. When he first recognized the technique, he immediately warned Ye Feng and skillfully distanced himself from Ye Feng.


    Even during this period, he tried every means to suppress Ye Feng, hoping to submerge him in trouble, but unfortunately, with Zhuge Wuming¡¯s mediation and help, Ye Feng¡¯s reputation only grew more prominent.


    Thinking of this, Tang Bai couldn¡¯t help but sneer coldly. The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had already sensed something amiss and would soon realize the details of Ye Feng¡¯s cultivation technique. When that time came, there would likely be quite a spectacle.


    After all, this was a grudge spanning more than two thousand years; when that time arrived, Ye Feng would probably have to face the relentless attacks of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Such old hatred ensured a fight to the death!


    "Ye, I warned you long ago not to let the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts know the details of your cultivation technique. Now, look what you¡¯ve done; you¡¯re seeking your own death, and no one else is to blame!" Tang Bai snorted secretly.


    Zhuge Wuming, of course, understood this very well. But his view of Ye Feng was completely opposite to that of Tang Bai. So, when faced with questions from the elders of the Ancient Martial Arts Sects, he simply smiled lightly and said, "Cultivation techniques are static, people are dynamic.


    It has always been common for different people to follow different paths with the same cultivation technique since ancient times. As enlightened individuals, if you cannot understand this simple truth, isn¡¯t that rather laughable?"


    Unfortunately, the Sect elders from the Ancient Martial Arts did not listen to his explanations, and the elder from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion immediately snorted coldly, "So are you saying that this kid surnamed Ye has inherited the cultivation technique from that person from more than two thousand years ago?"


    Zhuge Wuming still did not confirm it directly but merely smiled lightly, "Does it matter whether it is or isn¡¯t? After all, this is something from more than two thousand years ago."


    "Of course it matters; you know very well the grudge from over two thousand years ago!" the elder from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion immediately roared in anger.


    More than two thousand years ago, particularly the Confucian Sect¡¯s enmity with that person was the greatest. Had it not been for some Loose Cultivators not aligning with the Sects, the entire Confucian Sect might have been exterminated by that person, as the infamous persecution of scholars was a shame that lingered until now.


    Similarly, an elder from the Dao Sect snorted, "If Ye Feng has truly inherited his cultivation from that person, then we must re-evaluate him thoroughly, especially his position as the head of the Martial Academy. We cannot allow history to repeat itself, which could lead to a disaster like that from two thousand years ago; history could even regress because of it!"


    Tang Bai still remained silent, completely distancing himself from the situation, even wishing in his heart that the elders of the Ancient Martial Arts Sects would press Ye Feng down and strip him of his qualification to compete. Of course, he knew this was impossible as Zhuge Wuming was still standing up for Ye Feng.


    Zhuge Wuming could not help but sneer, "It¡¯s truly laughable. You are defining the present and especially a person based on past history, negating a person¡¯s worth on some speculative future event¡ªdon¡¯t you find that absurd?"


    At that moment, an elder from the Buddhist Sect spoke up, "What Master Zhuge said is not necessarily wrong; naturally, the elders of the Ancient Martial Arts Sects have their concerns. However, it is not appropriate to start a conflict now."


    The Buddhist Sect had joined the Xuanyuan Nation later on, so they were not particularly concerned about the millennia-old grudge.


    The elder from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion snorted, "Let¡¯s put that aside for now. But this young man has not only practiced that person¡¯s Heritage Cultivation Technique, but he has also obtained the Emperor¡¯s Armor and even the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, becoming almost a complete shadow of that person!"


    He snorted heavily, continuing, "I¡¯m being frank now¡ªif Ye Feng ever shows signs of following the same path as that person, our Sacred Mansion will not spare him. We will be the first to stand up against him, even if it means rallying the power of all Confucian Sects in the world to extinguish him!"


    "That¡¯s right, and the Dao Sect as well. We will not allow this young man to gain power, threatening the security of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts!"


    Zhuge Wuming did not respond to this; he acted as if he hadn¡¯t heard anything. Although he defended Ye Feng on the principles of justice, he was somewhat worried himself¡ªafter all, there was a legend from over two thousand years ago. Should the legend come to life and that person be resurrected, the world would likely descend into chaos.


    Therefore, the Ancient Martial Arts Sects¡¯ precaution was not entirely without reason. Of course, Zhuge Wuming also realized that a large part of the Nine Great Sects¡¯ indignation towards Ye Feng was out of covetousness for the Heritage Magic Treasure in Ye Feng¡¯s possession¡ªif these elders acquired it, they would probably practice it themselves.


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    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, after donning the Emperor¡¯s Armor, stood tall like a sovereign ruler, with the Treasure Sword above his head striking downward only to clang against the armor, failing to cause any damage to the Emperor¡¯s Armor.


    "How is this possible, how can it be? My Hidden Dragon Overcast Sword can¡¯t break through your defense!" Dao Buhui stood rooted to the spot, his face showing a look of shock.


    Ye Feng simply smiled and said, "The so-called top young figure of the Dao Sect of this generation, I see he¡¯s nothing special."


    Dao Buhui¡¯s expression suddenly darkened with anger, his aura surging immensely. With a wave of his Great Hand, the Hidden Dragon Overcast Sword flew up again, drawing a powerful surge of Qi Force, and once more shot towards Ye Feng.

 Chapter 383: Do I need to take action?

    The Hidden Dragon Overcast Sword was filled with a terrifying force of brittle ash, causing the entire arena to surge. Although duels were happening on other stages at the time, the gaze of the entire crowd had undoubtedly focused on this one, and by comparison, the fight between the disciple from the Underworld Sect and the Tang Sect seemed much less impressive.


    The terrifying sword momentum created waves of energy like a wild dragon, engulfing Ye Feng under a sky-obscuring onslaught.


    Ye Feng remained immovable, standing there calmly, his eyes undisturbed as he watched his opponent. At that moment, a golden light suddenly flickered all over his body, making the Emperor¡¯s Armor he wore even more solid.


    Boom, boom, boom...


    The Hidden Dragon Overcast Sword came crashing down like a landslide, completely engulfing Ye Feng. At that point, people outside the ring could no longer see what was happening within, nor could they tell what situation Ye Feng, at the center of the storm, was in.


    "Sigh, what do you think? Can the Dao Sect¡¯s Dao Buhui defeat Northern King Ye Feng with this ultimate strike?" Whispers arose from the crowd, with most people beginning to discuss it.


    "It¡¯s hard to say, although Dao Buhui from the Dao Sect is very strong, Northern King Ye Feng also seems quite formidable, especially his defense, which is incredibly strong. I heard it has a significant history!"


    "But even if the defense is strong, it can¡¯t withstand that terrifying sword momentum. We may not feel it from our position, but seeing that overwhelming force, you know it¡¯s extraordinary. Even a small mountain would probably be destroyed, let alone a person!"


    Compared to the casual discussions among the crowd, Cao Yi, Boss Cao, was noticeably more nervous. After the pairings were revealed, he had bet almost all his fortune on Ye Feng. If Ye Feng lost, his savings for the latter half of his life would be gone.


    The Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, standing nearby, also felt some concern. After all, Dao Buhui was not only from one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts but was also the strongest in his Sect currently, with combat power that allowed him to fight across levels.


    However, it was Hong Qingyan who spoke up with a smile at this time, "The two seniors don¡¯t need to worry. Rest assured, Big Brother Ye won¡¯t lose, at least he definitely won¡¯t lose to this Dao Buhui!"


    Perhaps ordinary people couldn¡¯t see it, but Hong Qingyan could clearly sense that although Dao Buhui was higher in realm, his Qi Force was not solid, and he was far behind Ye Feng in terms of quantity.


    In both quality and quantity, he fell short of Ye Feng, not to mention Ye Feng¡¯s powerful Cultivation Technique and Martial Skills, as well as his strong Magic Artifact and even Spiritual Artifact. This nearly amounted to a complete overwhelm in all respects ¨C even a pig would hardly lose.


    And at this moment, amidst the ongoing murmurs of the crowd, the terrifying waves of energy gradually dissipated. To everyone¡¯s surprise, Ye Feng stood there unharmed, without even a hair out of place.


    "This..." The first to be shocked was, of course, Dao Buhui. He stood frozen in place, his eyes wide with an intense sense of disbelief.


    The crowd erupted into a buzz of astonishment, as many people exclaimed, "From this, it seems that Dao Sect¡¯s Dao Buhui is likely to have lost this duel!"


    Ye Feng, with one hand behind his back, said with a light smile, "Well, do you need me to make a move or not?"


    Unable to help himself, Dao Buhui sneered back, "What? Do you think that you can make me concede like this? If so, then you¡¯re surely underestimating me, Dao Buhui!"


    At this time, a burst of exclamations erupted from the Dao Sect¡¯s side as well, with many Dao Sect disciples sneering, "What a huge joke, to think that with just this, they expect our big brother to concede defeat. Who does he think he is? Big Brother hasn¡¯t even used his full strength yet!"


    Just then, suddenly there was a ringing sound like a dragon¡¯s chant, and a beam of golden light shot out from Dao Buhui¡¯s body, reaching mid-air in an instant. It wasn¡¯t until then that everyone could clearly see that this too was a sword.


    However, this sword, with its golden hue, was different from the Hidden Dragon Overcast Sword, which was wholly cold and yin. This Sword of Golden Light burst forth with a fierce, yang energy. It was apparent that these were two swords, one yin and one yang.


    At this moment, exclamations of shock came from most of the people of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, other than the Dao Sect disciples, "Could it be... the legendary Flying Dragon Sun Sword? Who would have thought that Dao Buhui actually managed to master this sword?


    He divided his Divine Path Object into two, turning it into two Yin-Yang Swords, naturally greatly enhancing the attack power, almost doubling it."


    "Exactly, Dao Buhui is truly worthy of being the number one among the younger generation of the Dao Sect, not even thirty years old and he has managed to split his Divine Path Object, comprehending the Flying Dragon Sun Sword. If the two swords combine, then his combat power will definitely double. Now, that so-called Northern King Ye Feng is probably in danger!" Stay tuned to novelhall.Co?m


    "Indeed, with Dao Buhui comprehending the Twin Yin-Yang Swords, even that individual from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion may not dare claim victory over him. Dao Buhui might even very likely become the foremost person among the younger generation of the Nine Great Sects!"


    While everyone was discussing fervently, the battle on the neighboring stage had ended¡ªthe disciple of the Tang Sect had won, and the Underworld Sect disciple had lost. However, due to the excitement on this stage, hardly anyone paid attention to the other battle. The winning disciple of the Tang Sect also found it rather dull.


    Usually, after achieving a difficult victory and entering the semifinals, one would expect a barrage of shouts and cheers, but now there was scarcely any response, leading the disciple of the Tang Sect to shake his head slightly before stepping down from the stage.


    Back to the other side, after Dao Buhui released the other Sun Sword, his entire demeanor transformed. With a slight upturn of his mouth, he coldly sneered, "How about it, Ye Feng? Do you still have the confidence to ask me to concede defeat?"


    Ye Feng simply glanced indifferently at the other¡¯s sword and said, "It¡¯s nothing but superfluous. I have allowed you two moves, now I shall let you witness my true capabilities!"


    "Good, show me whatever skills you¡¯ve got!" yelled Dao Buhui, who waved his Great Hand, and the Twin Yin-Yang Swords whistled as they tore through the sky.


    The Twin Yin-Yang Swords spun around each other in flight, and in a moment, condensed a nearly tangible Tai Chi Yin-Yang Diagram with the swirling Sword Qi, and the two swords were like the two dots within the diagram.


    Propelled by the Twin Yin-Yang Swords, this Tai Chi Yin-Yang Diagram, filled with terrifying destructive power, charged directly towards Ye Feng.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was still standing firmly in place, but suddenly, with a wave of his hand, a black light streaked out.


    The black light burst forth, and the Wushan Thunderclap Seal immediately revealed its form. Although at that moment the entire Wushan Thunderclap Seal was only the size of a washbasin, it began to rapidly increase in size with the continuous infusion of Qi Essence from Ye Feng, swelling to the size of a small mountain in the blink of an eye.


    Even more astonishing was that the entire mountain seemed to be entwined with faint strands of purple-gold lightning.


    "Suppress!"


    With a sweep of Ye Feng¡¯s Great Hand, the gigantic Thunderclap Mountain Seal flew out, instantly arriving atop the Tai Chi Yin-Yang Diagram, and on the spot suppressed those so-called Yin-Yang Swords, pinning them down motionless!

 Chapter 384: Northern King Ye Feng, I’ve Remembered You!

    The immense Wushan Thunder Seal weighed as much as a thousand jin, and regardless of how the Twin Yin-Yang Swords struggled, they simply could not break free.


    Dao Buhui¡¯s face turned red from exertion. At this moment, Qi Force surged wildly within him, flowing into the Twin Yin-Yang Swords, and faintly, one could even hear the hissing sound they emitted.


    But in terms of Qi Force, how could Dao Buhui compare with Ye Feng? Whether in quantity or quality, Ye Feng¡¯s Qi Essence completely overpowered the other.


    Ye Feng¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, and Qi Essence burst forth from within him, rushing into the Wushan Thunder Seal. Then, with a thunderous boom, the Twin Yin-Yang Swords were directly suppressed onto the ground.


    Pffft...


    Dao Buhui spewed a jet of blood from his mouth on the spot, clearly injured by the severe damage to his Divine Path Object, which in turn injured him as well, leaving his entire face deathly pale.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained unaffected as he coldly asked him, "Do you admit defeat?"


    Clenching his teeth, Dao Buhui¡¯s face twisted into a ferocious expression, "Think I will admit defeat just because of you? Not a chance! You really think you can defeat me like this? What a joke!"


    With a furious bellow from Dao Buhui, his hands formed a Dharma Seal in a flash, and the Twin Yin-Yang Swords, suppressed under the Wushan Thunder Seal, began to tremble violently, merging into one to form the Yin-Yang Sword.


    The moment the Yin-Yang Sword took form, a terrifying Sword Qi burst forth, spanning three thousand li. It sent the Wushan Thunder Seal flying, and as the Yin-Yang Sword soared into the sky, its sword light purged all, sending shivers down the spines of those who felt it.


    The spectators around could not help but exclaim in surprise, "Wow, no one expected Dao Buhui to have another trick up his sleeve. It¡¯s too powerful; his technique of merging the Twin Swords is incredibly potent!"


    "This sword light is almost on par with the Fifth Realm of the Divine Path. Right now, Dao Buhui is only at the Fourth Meridian Divine Connection Realm of the Divine Path, but when it comes to combat power, he might be able to slightly contest with the bigshots of the Divine Ability Realm of the Fifth Realm!"


    "Dao Buhui, worthy of being considered the number one of the Dao Sect¡¯s younger generation at this age. So strong, unfathomably strong!"


    At this moment, Dao Buhui¡¯s complexion was extremely pale, even the skin on his face seemed to wither, with his hair at the temples faintly turning white.


    The disciples from the Dao Sect looked on, each clenching their fists and silently fuming, "Our eldest senior brother... he actually... he¡¯s actually forcefully using that move, which he hasn¡¯t fully comprehended!"


    "Using Twin Swords as One by force, although he greatly increases his combat power, he will certainly suffer backlash, even shedding several years of his lifespan. Is it really worth doing this?"


    "Of course, it¡¯s worth it. As long as our senior brother can win this match, then it¡¯s all worthwhile, both for himself and for our Dao Sect. Everything our senior brother is doing is worth it. We should feel proud of him. What is so great about this so-called Northern King Ye Feng? Our senior brother is the most formidable!"


    For a time, all disciples of the Dao Sect became incredibly fervent and excited, and many Dao Sect disciples had even stood up, shouting loudly in support.


    Although Dao Buhui¡¯s breathing was somewhat disordered, he stood tall and firm. He curled his lips into a sneer, looking at Ye Feng and mocking, "What about now, do you still have the nerve to demand that I admit defeat?"


    Ye Feng shook his head in response and sighed, "Just to win this duel, to fulfill my demand, you are willing to waste your lifespan and overdraw your talent. Don¡¯t you think that is tragically pathetic?"


    "Tragically pathetic?" Dao Buhui sneered and retorted, "I tell you, in this world, it¡¯s only the weak and the losers who are pitiful. And today, you are destined to be defeated!"


    As his words fell, Dao Buhui swept his Great Hand, and the radiant Yin-Yang Sword in midair charged towards Ye Feng, slashing down directly at him.


    Under this one sword strike, Sword Qi spanned three thousand li, and with one sword, the chillness swept across the Nineteen Continents!


    Ye Feng still stood tall, not even bothering to look at the sharp Yin-Yang Sword slashing down at him. At that moment, with a flick of his wrist, a spear appeared in his hand.


    This was none other than the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!


    The next moment, Ye Feng rose like a soaring dragon, shooting straight upward. From afar, it appeared as though he had merged into one with the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in his hand.


    Boom...


    The massive sound of impact echoed instantly throughout the entire Vermilion Bird Meeting Hall. The tip of the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon hadn¡¯t even touched the so-called Yin-Yang Sword before its terrifying spear intent directly shattered the sword to pieces.


    Spitting sound...


    Dao Buhui spat out another mouthful of old blood, and this time he could no longer hold himself up, his knees weakening and he dropped to his knees on the ground. Not only was his complexion as pale as paper, but his aura had also withered to its utmost extent.


    Like lightning making a turn in mid-air, after destroying the Yin-Yang Sword, Ye Feng changed direction and charged directly towards Dao Buhui.


    In the blink of an eye, the spear point was already pressed against Dao Buhui¡¯s brow.


    "You have three seconds to consider whether or not you concede," Ye Feng said coldly.


    At this moment, Dao Buhui¡¯s face finally showed fear. In fact, if Ye Feng had not stopped in time as the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon struck, his head would likely have been pierced already.


    "I concede, today I, Dao Buhui, admit defeat!" Dao Buhui finally lowered his so-called proud head.


    Ye Feng retracted his spear and turned to leave the stage without looking back. Although Dao Buhui was not weak, he hadn¡¯t caught Ye Feng¡¯s eye, and Ye Feng hadn¡¯t even used all his strength. In fact, it was just one move¡ªunder the power of the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, the opponent was defeated with just one strike.


    The white-clothed young man from the Bu Family, one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, straightened up slightly upon seeing this. The corners of his mouth lifted into a slight smile as he said, "Interesting, very interesting. Northern King Ye Feng, I¡¯ll remember you."


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    Having said that, the white-clothed young man lay back in his chair and took up his Wine Gourd, taking big gulps once again.


    Meanwhile, all around the Vermilion Bird Meeting Hall erupted into a hubbub. Disciples of the Dao Sect naturally had gloomy and sorrowful expressions, while the other Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were mostly shocked.


    After all, they knew the strength of Dao Buhui, who as the foremost among the younger generation of the Dao Sect and even ranked among the top five of the younger generation throughout the Ancient Martial World, yet he was defeated like this, brought down with just one move.


    "This Northern King Ye Feng, who would have thought... who would have thought he would be so strong. It seems we have underestimated him before!"


    "Yes, even Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect was defeated, and it looks like this Ye didn¡¯t even use his full strength. This is very bad. It seems only someone from the Buddhist Sect or the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion could contend with him now!"


    At this moment, at the highest platform where the elders were seated, chaos had erupted. An elderly member of the Dao Sect spoke indignantly, "The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, it turned out to be the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon.


    Now this youngster Ye Feng not only cultivated that man¡¯s Cultivation Technique and possesses that man¡¯s Emperor¡¯s Armor, but he even has the inheritance of that man¡¯s Spear of the Ancestral Dragon. What exactly is going on? How will the Utility Pavilion explain this?"


    Tang Bai, with an aloof demeanor, appeared unconcerned with the affair, even showing a hint of schadenfreude. To a certain extent, as Ye Feng grew stronger, he wished the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would press him down, hoping to crush him completely.


    After all, Tang Bai was one of the two elders of the Utility Pavilion, holding a unique status. Even if he had his own thoughts, it wasn¡¯t appropriate for him to act directly, so he could only hope that the Great Sects would step in to suppress Ye Feng, hence his silence throughout the event.


    However, Zhuge Wuming was different. His attitude towards Ye Feng was the exact opposite of Tang Bai¡¯s, so he immediately said, "How to explain? This is Ye Feng¡¯s own opportunity, why should the Utility Pavilion need to explain? Could it be that if your Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, like your Dao Sect, happened to acquire a treasure, you would explain it to the Utility Pavilion?"


    The elder from the Dao Sect snorted but said nothing more, though his face still brimmed with anger.


    An elder from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion said coldly, "Now, this youngster Ye Feng is gradually following in the footsteps of that figure from over two thousand years ago. To this day, we of the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion will not sit idly by and allow history to repeat itself; therefore, we must sanction him!"


    "Indeed, the Dao Sect agrees to sanction and suppress him. We can¡¯t let him grow any further, or it will become a future scourge!"

 Chapter 385: The Appetizer Before the Main Course

    Several of the major sects had not taken Ye Feng seriously, but now, seeing that he even possessed the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, its significance was vastly different. In other words, Ye Feng had almost obtained that person¡¯s inheritance, which was undoubtedly very dangerous for the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    In the end, not only the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion and the Dao Sect, but also others including the Underworld Hundred Flowers Sect decided to join the alliance to sanction Northern King Ye Feng. Of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, only the Buddhist Sect chose to remain neutral for the time being.


    This was normal, after all, the Buddhist Sect had been introduced to Xuanyuan Nation later and had not experienced the catastrophe of over two thousand years ago, hence they had no significant grudge.


    As for this, Tang Bai remained indifferent and even seemed to take pleasure in Ye Feng¡¯s misfortunes. After all, Ye Feng was not someone he valued or wished to cultivate, so naturally, Tang Bai did not wish to see Ye Feng continue to grow.


    Zhuge Wuming, however, looked solemn and could not help but coldly huff, "Gentlemen, I can advise you. Northern King Ye Feng is a pillar of Xuanyuan Nation and a key future figure for our Utility Pavilion. If any of you dares to use despicable means against him, do not blame the Utility Pavilion for being impolite!"


    The elder from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion sneered, "Zhuge Wuming, when we, the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, want to deal with someone, I¡¯m afraid we don¡¯t need the consent of your Utility Pavilion. Since when can your Utility Pavilion cover the sky with one hand?"


    Zhuge Wuming huffed, "You want to deal with someone, and of course, that¡¯s none of my business. But, if any of you dares use vile means against Ye Feng, don¡¯t blame me for being ruthless. I will definitely use the same methods against the talented descendants of your sects!"


    His words forced the elders from the Confucian Sect and others to take notice. After all, Zhuge Wuming was no ordinary figure, having almost stepped half a foot into the Divine Path Realm and the other half into the legendary Saint Realm.


    Facing such a Great Power, if they antagonized him and he set his heart on opposing the sects¡¯ talents, the entire Sects of Ancient Martial Arts might be thrown into disarray.


    After all, to slay such an existence was virtually impossible, and as long as he lived, all the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would be under great threat.


    The elder from the Dao Sect suddenly huffed, "Fine, just as you, Zhuge Wuming, have said, we won¡¯t resort to dirty tricks to kill this Ye fellow. But there is one thing I¡¯d like to tell you: my Dao Sect will never allow him to grow unchecked, we will definitely sanction him!"


    The elder from the Confucian Sect also huffed, "I concur. If the Utility Pavilion dares to interfere, then the Nine Great Sects will have no choice but to join forces. At that time, the whole Xuanyuan Nation will be in turmoil, even facing the danger of national extinction. I hope the Utility Pavilion thinks this through."


    At this point, Zhuge Wuming could not say much more. He had done almost everything he could for Ye Feng, and the rest was up to Ye Feng himself. This was Ye Feng¡¯s fate, his destiny. Ever since he chose to cultivate that person¡¯s cultivation technique, his destiny had been determined.


    Of course, unless he wished to remain an ordinary person. But then again, having cultivated that person¡¯s technique and inherited so much from him, his life was destined to be extraordinary.


    As for the schemes of the elders of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, Ye Feng himself was naturally unaware. He had already stepped down from the arena and returned to his area.


    Neither Boss Cao Yi, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, or anyone else knew about the origins of Ye Feng¡¯s cultivation technique, so they had no suspicions. Seeing Ye Feng approach, Boss Cao immediately gave a thumbs up and said, "Good man, you really didn¡¯t disappoint me, making it to the top four! Now you¡¯re in the semifinals!"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "What¡¯s come before was just an appetizer¡ªthe real feast is about to begin."


    Shi Yehong nodded and sighed, "Indeed, to be able to enter the top four, each one is a pride of heaven, and practically every one of them represents the very pinnacle of their respective sect¡¯s influence. These beings all possess extremely powerful methods, capable of fighting across levels."


    Ye Feng shrugged, "Judging from their previous performances, if there are no surprises, the four to advance to the finals should be from the Buddhist Sect and the Sacred Mansion, plus me and that youth in white."


    In fact, the disciples of the Buddhist Sect and the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion gave Ye Feng an even stronger impression than Dao Buhui of the Dao Sect. These two fellows were likely ranked among the top three of the younger generation within the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Of course, that was the official ranking. Whether there were any hidden monsters within the Nine Great Sects, Ye Feng didn¡¯t know. But for now, the strongest in the Nine Great Sects seemed to be those from the Buddhist Sect and the Confucian Sect.


    Moreover, that youth in white from the Bu Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans was undoubtedly going to be victorious. After all, he was the person most likely to win the Martial Dao conference this time.


    Now that the final four had been decided, besides Ye Feng, the disciple from the Buddhist Sect had already won his match. Next up were the third and fourth groups. The third group¡¯s match was between the Confucian Sect and Mount Shu, while the fourth group¡¯s match was between the youth from the Bu Family in white and a disciple of the Tang Sect.


    Without any surprises, the fourth group¡¯s match ended the quickest. The youth with the surname Bu in white didn¡¯t even need to use his wine gourd and directly defeated the Tang Sect disciple. In comparison, the Tang Sect disciple was not even on par with Zhang Wen Yuan.


    Previously, Zhang Wen Yuan hadn¡¯t managed to force the youth in white to exert his full strength, so the Tang Sect disciple was even less likely to do so.


    Therefore, until now, no one could see the true depth of this youth in white. He exuded a feeling of boundless strength.


    Even as he entered the top four, the youth in white¡¯s face showed no signs of joy or excitement. He still carried an air of nonchalance, and the slight curve of his lips even revealed a mocking sneer as if, in his eyes, this level of competition was like child¡¯s play, and he was simply not on the same plane as the rest.


    At this time, the match of the other group had also reached a fever pitch. Unexpectedly, the disciple from the Confucian Sect displayed the legendary Book Mountain.


    As the saying goes, "There is a path to the top of Book Mountain with diligence as its conduit" and "The sea of bitterness is boundless, but turning back is the shore." Book Mountain, one of the three great inheritances of the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion, was incredibly powerful.


    It was unexpected that one of the three great inheritances of the Confucian Sect¡ªBook Mountain¡ªhad come into his hands.


    The dark mass of Book Mountain hovered in mid-air, its size and imposing aura far more powerful than Ye Feng¡¯s previously used Wushan Thunder Seal. The whole Book Mountain emitted a vast righteousness that was daunting to behold.


    As Book Mountain bore down, it directly sent the outstanding disciple of Mount Shu flying, even breaking the Immortal Sword he relied on. Left with no other option, the disciple from Mount Shu had to admit defeat. Since even his Immortal Sword was damaged, there was no longer any need to continue the match.


    Thus, the final four were born: the bald disciple from the Buddhist Sect, alongside the disciple from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion and the youth in white from the Bu Family, and finally Ye Feng. After a short rest, these four would go on stage to draw lots for the battle to determine the top two spots!

 Chapter 386: Encountering me, you are destined to lose!

    The four finalists had emerged, and by this time the entire Martial Dao tournament had clearly entered a sort of climax, with many in the audience exclaiming in shock. As for the Ancient Martial World, it seemed much quieter in comparison, and there were even those who felt a sense of frustration.


    After all, practitioners from the Ancient Martial World had trained in martial arts from a young age, with some even starting their cultivation in their mother¡¯s wombs. Thus, in terms of Martial Arts Cultivation and Innate Bone, they were much stronger than those from the Mortal World.


    Yet now, of the Nine Great Sects of the Ancient Martial World, only two individuals had made it into the final four, representing the Buddhist Sect and the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion. In contrast, the Utility Pavilion had only four competitors, but two of them had made it into the final four, taking up half of the slots.


    This was nothing short of humiliation for the Ancient Martial World. They naturally couldn¡¯t be pleased, and what was more important was that the young man in white showed a Martial Arts Talent and Combat Power that seemed to be far stronger than that of his peers, which was the last thing the Ancient Martial World wanted to see.


    As for Northern King Ye Feng, even now, not many had high hopes for him. After all, as the fights had progressed to this point, Ye Feng had nearly exhausted all his trump cards. In other words, people were close to seeing through his depth, while the others still had some reservations.


    At this moment, the host Zhao Gongming reappeared on the high platform and spoke loudly, "First, I must congratulate the four talents who have made it to the final four. No, you are no longer just talents, but having reached the final four, you are the dragons and phoenixes among men, the Heaven¡¯s Proud Sons of your peers, true prodigies!"


    As his voice fell, thunderous applause erupted once more around him. Fortunately, Zhao Gongming knew very well that his beloved disciple was still in a difficult situation in the Southern Territory, so he didn¡¯t ramble for too long and soon announced for the four to come up on stage for the drawing of lots.


    Since it was the semifinals, even if time was pressing, it wasn¡¯t possible to have the matches run concurrently. After the four went on stage for the drawing, the results came out, Ye Feng had drawn the letter A, and so had the young man in blue robes from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion. The two automatically became each other¡¯s opponents.


    The bald-headed man from the Buddhist Sect would face off against the white-robed young man from the Bu Family Ancient Clan, as theirs were letter B, meaning the contestants holding letter A would take the stage first.


    "There¡¯s no need for the two contestants of group A to leave the stage; they may start their bout immediately. The two contestants of group B, please step down and wait for your turn!" Zhao Gongming¡¯s voice rang out.


    The young man in white had already turned to leave, but suddenly, he twisted his head back to look at Ye Feng, smiled slightly as he lifted the corner of his mouth, and asked, "If I remember correctly, your name is Ye Feng, right?"


    Ye Feng was taken aback, completely unclear why the man would suddenly ask such a question. He smiled faintly and replied, "You have a good memory."


    The young man in white said indifferently, "Perhaps others can¡¯t see it, but you can¡¯t fool me. The path you are on already bears some semblance of the Ancient Era. You are quite impressive; I look forward to you becoming my opponent, and I hope you won¡¯t disappoint me!"


    Without waiting for Ye Feng to react, the young man in white shrugged and walked down the stage.


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but shake his head inwardly, thinking ruefully, "He really does act superior. Well, in that case, I won¡¯t mind knocking him down from his pedestal!"


    It was at this moment that the Heaven¡¯s Pride of the Confucian Sect across from him suddenly laughed coldly and said, "If you want to reach the end, you¡¯ll have to get past me first!"


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at him and couldn¡¯t help but ask with a smile, "You talk as if you¡¯re not afraid, but I wonder if your fists are as big as your words."


    The pride of the Confucian Sect stood stiff and straight, clad in a blue robe that made him appear exceptionally upright and handsome, especially with a faint aura emanating from him, seemingly vast and righteous, adding to his imposing stature.


    The pride of the Confucian Sect spoke with a cold voice, "Just now, my teacher messaged me, saying you¡¯ve inherited that person¡¯s martial arts and magic treasures. He told me to be wary of you, but as I see it now, you¡¯re just slightly stronger. You haven¡¯t grown strong enough to be a threat."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but ask with a smile, "So you¡¯re saying that you¡¯ve completely seen through me?"


    The pride of the Confucian Sect also smiled and said, "Of course, I¡¯ve been paying attention to you since your first match, all the way until now. You¡¯ve finally used all your techniques, the Emperor¡¯s Armor, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, as well as the Wushan Thunder Seal. Those are all your magic treasures, right?"


    As he spoke, the pride of the Confucian Sect slightly lifted the corners of his mouth and teased with a playful smile, "If you have any other moves that you haven¡¯t shown yet, it would be your acupoints. Since you¡¯ve practiced his cultivation technique, your acupoints are far more numerous than other martial artists. But this... won¡¯t pose any threat to me!"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but express his admiration, "To be honest, you do know me very well. However, it¡¯s unfortunate that what you know of me is still just the tip of the iceberg!"


    The two exchanged words on the platform, and if the audience below were not aware of the situation, they might think they were old friends catching up after many years apart. Meanwhile, the Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming on the high platform grew secretly impatient, thinking they should hurry up and fight, considering that the Southern Territory was preparing for battle.


    However, Zhao Gongming knew that even as the host, he couldn¡¯t rush them. After all, this seemingly mild conversation was actually a form of confrontation: a psychological battle, so he couldn¡¯t intervene.


    The pride of the Confucian Sect chuckled and then said, "The tip of the iceberg? Don¡¯t make yourself sound so mysterious. No matter what, facing me, you are destined to lose!"


    "Remember my name. The one who will defeat you is called Cui Youya!" After Cui Youya finished speaking, he leaped into the air. As a warrior of the Fourth Stage of the Divine Communication Realm within the Divine Path, even his casual movements carried immense power.


    A powerful gust surged towards Ye Feng, which would have stifled an ordinary warrior of the God Realm with its overwhelming force, making even their Qi Force struggle to circulate, let alone retain any combat power. This was the overpowering might of Vast Righteousness.


    Yet, unfortunately for him, Ye Feng was no ordinary man. Although his realm wasn¡¯t as high as his opponent¡¯s, trailing by an entire Great Realm, when it came to the robustness of Qi Force, he was undoubtedly much stronger than Cui Youya, in both quantity and quality.


    As for the understanding of martial arts, Ye Feng was certainly not inferior. The only shortcoming was the opponent possessed an incredibly powerful Object of the Divine Path. Of course, Ye Feng¡¯s Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was far from ordinary too.


    "Condense!" Cui Youya brought out his Object of the Divine Path right from the start, the same Book Mountain from before.


    The massive Book Mountain radiated a terrifying Righteous aura, containing immense power, and loomed over Ye Feng¡¯s head like Mount Tai, pressing down upon him.

 Chapter 387: The Strongest King!

    Watching the immense Book Mountain bear down, Ye Feng stood his ground, unmoving. He swept out his hand, and the Wushan Thunder Seal flew directly towards it.


    However, as everyone expected, the Wushan Thunder Seal, being of too low a level, crumbled upon contact and finally, with a booming explosion, shattered completely.


    Cui Youya watched this and couldn¡¯t help but sneer with delight, "To think this meager low-grade magic artifact would dare to contend with my Boundless Book Mountain, is truly to overestimate your own abilities. Hurry up and use your Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, so this genius of the heavens can see what might that spear, from more than two thousand years ago, truly possesses!"


    "As you wish!" Ye Feng exclaimed deeply, and with a flourish of his right hand, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon materialized. His entire being lunged forward with the spear, and as he channeled the frenzied Qi Essence within his body, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon burst forth with a blinding golden light, producing a spear thrust that seemed almost tangible, like the form of a dragon.


    Boom...


    In an instant, the heavens roared, the earth shook, and even the array barriers around the edge of the stage trembled continuously, as if they would be shattered by the violent collision.


    The previously unstoppable Boundless Book Mountain, under the overwhelming might of the spear thrust, was directly catapulted away. Although it wasn¡¯t broken, it wobbled uneasily in midair, and the terrifying impact force nearly caused Cui Youya to lose control of it.


    Cui Youya¡¯s expression finally changed as he shed his previous disdain and arrogance. He finally understood that this so-called Northern King Ye Feng, who gained so much praise and admiration from the Mortal World, indeed possessed considerable abilities.


    Originally, his Boundless Book Mountain was almost capable of contending with those of the Divine Ability Realm Level gods, and now, having been repelled by his opponent, it suggested that Ye Feng¡¯s combat power might be comparable to that of a Fifth Realm of the Divine Path, Divine Ability Realm Level great power.


    The key point was that Ye Feng was currently at the Martial King Realm in terms of cultivation realm, not even at the Divine Path Realm, and yet his combat power was already so immensely strong, which was utterly incredible!


    Of course, Cui Youya couldn¡¯t possibly understand this; only a few amongst those present grasped this truth, one being the white-clothed young man from the Bu Family Ancient Clan.


    In fact, for those Ancient Daoist Cultivators, today¡¯s so-called Martial Arts Study was entirely a misconception. The breakthrough above the Qi Strength Martial King to the Divine Path Realm was merely an alternative, secondary path and not the true Dao of cultivation.


    The true Dao involved cultivating the Spirit Essence. In the Martial King Realm, which is equivalently the Foundation Establishment Realm, one ought to cultivate a Golden Core within the Dantian, to embark on the genuine path of the Golden Core Great Dao, rather than the side-door Divine Path.


    However, that being said, in today¡¯s world, Cultivators were exceptionally rare after all; most were Martial Artists cultivating Qi Force.


    Certainly, if a Martial Artist, after reaching the Peak of the Martial King Realm, could keep their ambition at bay from advancing to the Divine Path Realm and instead continuously refine their Qi Force, enhancing its quality to form Qi Essence and even Spirit Essence, then moving towards the Golden Core Great Dao might also be a possibility.


    The regrettable fact was that very few were aware of this cultivation method, including Ye Feng, who only truly comprehended it after witnessing Hong Qingyan¡¯s cultivation and receiving that ancient Divine Arts echo the Divine Path Heavenly Edict, eventually embarking on this path.


    And Zhang Wenyuan was also fortunate, his Nine Turns Reincarnation Method was originally part of an Ancient Daoist Technique, no wonder the old man from the Utility Pavilion held Zhang Wenyuan in such high esteem, obviously not without reason.


    Cui Youya¡¯s breath suddenly deepened, and then he sprayed a mouthful of essence blood onto the Book Mountain, after which it shone brightly, unleashing an even more ancient and formidable aura.


    The white-clothed young man from the Bu Family Ancient Clan saw this and couldn¡¯t help but sneer inwardly, "Truly ignorance abounds. A mere Qi Strength Martial Artist, what¡¯s so great about the Divine Path Realm? In the presence of an Ancient Half-Cultivator, they¡¯re nothing but paper tigers, crumbling at a single blow!"


    His words had barely faded when Cui Youya spurred the Book Mountain into a rolling assault towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng stood with his spear, his gaze intensifying. Suddenly, a third of his acupoints burst into flames, and in that moment, his aura surged, climbing directly to the peak of the Divine Communication Realm of the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path.


    The nine elderly martial artists of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, sitting at the highest stand, all exclaimed, "This is... This is the Sky-burning Great Technique from more than two thousand years ago! Who would have thought this fellow would have also learned it! It seems this youngster is likely to have inherited all of the legacy of that person!"


    "This man cannot be allowed to live, he absolutely must not remain! Otherwise, it will bring endless trouble in the future, and the Xuanyuan Nation might yet face a catastrophe from which it cannot recover!"


    Almost all elders of the ancient martial sects were outraged; after all, that one from over two thousand years ago had almost eradicated all martial arts studies of the ancient sects. Naturally, they were reluctant to witness history repeat itself.


    At this very moment, as the acupoints burned, Ye Feng exuded an intense desire for battle. The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in his hand emitted majestic golden rays that surged forth. His aura climbed to its peak at this moment, just a thread away from stepping into the Fifth Realm of Divine Powers.


    In this instant, Ye Feng, wielding the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon and clad in Emperor¡¯s Armor, appeared as if he were an emperor in the mortal world, akin to a celestial god descending to earth!


    Cui Youya¡¯s complexion couldn¡¯t help but change, for he had certainly felt the terrifying aura emanating from Ye Feng. This powerful presence seemed to compress the Qi Force around him, hindering its smooth flow so much that even the Boundless Book Mountain he had unleashed faced immense suppression as if encountering great resistance.


    "Kill!" With an aura resolute as ever, Ye Feng pushed off the ground, transformed like a divine dragon on the prowl, and thrust his spear towards the advancing Book Mountain.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, an earth-shattering explosion resounded. Under the terrifying impact of the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, the enormous Book Mountain shattered on the spot, causing Cui Youya to stagger, barely able to keep his stance, as he nearly sprayed blood from his mouth.


    Since the Book Mountain was his Object of the Divine Path, a treasure cultivated with his life essence, its complete destruction naturally dealt Cui Youya a severe blow. His breath had dwindled to an extreme low, with many of his Eight Extraordinary Meridians broken and his Sea of Qi churning tumultuously.


    Ye Feng swept past like a roaming dragon, halting the spear tip at his opponent¡¯s brow. However, he promptly arrested the thrust, not letting it penetrate; otherwise, Cui Youya¡¯s head would likely have burst on the spot.


    "Considering you are a prodigy of this generation and cultivation comes not easy, as long as you admit defeat, I shall spare your life!" Ye Feng, from his commanding position, radiated an emperor¡¯s imposing and vast aura, which now rendered the righteousness on Cui Youya¡¯s body exceedingly weak.


    Struggling not to fall, Cui Youya clenched his teeth tightly, his face painted with deep reluctance. However, he also knew that, despite his unwillingness, the combat power of his opponent was far too superior. Apart from bowing his head, he had no other choice.


    Otherwise, according to the rules of the Martial Arts Tournament, Ye Feng was entirely within his rights to slay him!


    "I admit defeat!" Finally, Cui Youya lowered his proud head.


    Ye Feng withdrew his spear and then, turning around, he leapt off the platform. With the grace of flowing water, he did not look back at Cui Youya again.


    In the hushed Vermilion Bird Platform, where nearly ten thousand people were silent, no one spoke; they were obviously shocked. It wasn¡¯t until Ye Feng returned to his place that thunderous applause erupted throughout the venue.


    "Strong, truly strong, Northern King Ye Feng is indeed powerful, deserving of being the strongest ruler of our Xuanyuan Nation!"


    "With Northern King Ye Feng here, our Xuanyuan Nation has nothing to fear!"


    "Northern King is mighty, Ye Feng is mighty!"


    Instantly, chants at the venue rose wave after wave. In contrast, the expressions of those from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts weren¡¯t looking good, and neither were the faces of foreign forces. They were taken aback, clearly, as Ye Feng¡¯s displayed combat power had far exceeded their expectations.


    And just at that moment, inside the Sea of Consciousness of Ye Feng, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll suddenly unfurled on its own. Then, a profound and mysterious Luck flowed from all directions, converging into the scroll. Find your next read at novelhall.Co?m


    Feeling this in his heart, Ye Feng rejoiced silently to himself, "Good, the prestige of the Emperor¡¯s Dao has risen again, and my power should be able to ascend another level!"

 Chapter 388 Let me see you use it

    As the duel between Ye Feng and Cui Youya concluded, the host Zhao Gongming announced the next match, featuring a young man in white from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, the Bu Family, and a prodigy from the Buddhist Sect of Ancient Martial Arts.


    However, the young man in white still had a nonchalant look on his face as he stepped onto the stage, and even paused when he reached Ye Feng, turning his head to look at him and grinning, "You really surprised me, but fortunately, you¡¯ve only taken half a step and haven¡¯t come into your own yet!"


    His mention of taking "half a step," while unclear to outsiders and even causing Boss Cao Yi and Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong to be confused, was understood by both Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan.


    Ye Feng remained seated and simply replied with a faint smile, "Don¡¯t be so quick to boast, wait until you can walk off the stage successfully later before you say such things to me. You don¡¯t have that privilege yet."


    The young man from the Bu Family laughed mockingly, shook his head, and said, "I must say, in the Mortal World, you¡¯re the only one who dares to talk to me like this, but soon I¡¯ll make you realize that your so-called confidence will collapse just like a breached dam!"


    After saying this, the young man in white no longer paid attention to Ye Feng or waited for him to respond. He took a large swig from his wine gourd and leapt onto the stage in a swift motion.


    At the same time, the disciple of the Buddhist Sect soared up as well. In contrast to the white-clad youth, this disciple looked rather simple and even a bit blockheaded, with a round face coupled with a bald head, giving him the appearance of a wooden-headed person indeed.


    Of course, being among the top four, no one present believed this disciple of the Buddhist Sect was a fool.


    The disciple wore a dark red monk robe. His body was large but seemed somewhat bulky. Yet in his hands, he held Buddha beads that emitted a faint scarlet glow under the sunlight, making it clear they were no ordinary item.


    "This must be a magic artifact, and very likely, an extremely powerful one!" Boss Cao Yi suddenly chimed in, then turned to Ye Feng and asked, "Younger Brother Ye, which of the two do you think will come out victorious in the end?"


    Ye Feng answered with a slight smile, "That disciple from the Buddhist Sect, although he has a hefty Qi Force and appears to have cultivated their robust Body Refinement Technique, it¡¯s a pity he¡¯s met this white-clad youth. I¡¯m afraid his technique won¡¯t prove to be very effective!"


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong also asked, "This Buddhist Sect prodigy has already reached the peak of the Fourth Realm of Divine Path, and that young man in white appears to be at the peak of the Martial King Realm. Could it be that this isn¡¯t even a contest?"


    Ye Feng responded teasingly, "Am I not at the peak of the Martial King Realm myself? And wasn¡¯t Cui Youya just at the Peak of the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path? Could he defeat me?"


    Shi Yehong fell silent, and although Boss Cao Yi wanted to ask more, by that time, Ye Feng had slowly closed his eyes, thus Cao swallowed the words he had at the tip of his tongue.


    For some reason, just as he looked at Ye Feng, Boss Cao Yi had suddenly experienced an inexplicable palpitation, seemingly intimidated by the imperceptible aura emanating from Ye Feng.


    "Indeed, new waves drive on the old ones. There was a time when this young man had already reached ahead of me, even far surpassing my own progress. Ning Wuya indeed wasn¡¯t mistaken in his judgment," thought Boss Cao Yi to himself, with a silent sigh.


    There were times when the Old Northern King Ning Wuya was still around, and Boss Cao Yi would often visit the Northern Border to drink with him. Back then, Ye Feng was still very immature, occasionally even seeking advice from him on matters of Martial Arts Study. But now, this fellow had actually made him feel a sense of trembling astonishment, and Boss Cao couldn¡¯t help but muse over it.


    At that moment, Ye Feng had entered a state of clear awareness, oblivious of the reactions from Cao Yi and the Zhou People. With time of the essence and the white-clad youth being exceptionally strong, he needed to utilize every possibility to enhance his own strength.


    Now having advanced to the final two, his prestige had increased again, and a massive amount of Xuan Qi emerged from the first layer of Technique of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict. Ye Feng thought it would be a good time to absorb it.


    Experience more on novelhall.Co?m


    As his mind stirred, his entire Sea of Consciousness suddenly churned, and the Xuan Qi from the Heavenly Edict Scroll rapidly flowed out. Some of it was used to clear his Acupoints, while the rest was employed in refining the Qi Force within them.


    Up to this point, Ye Feng had already cleared over 350 Acupoints, yet there was still no end in sight. He didn¡¯t even know how many more Acupoints he could clear within his body. But this wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing; after all, the more Acupoints he cleared, the stronger his Combat Power and the more solid his foundation would be.


    Ye Feng understood a cultivation phenomenon from helping Hong Qingyan practice. For those Ancient Daoist Cultivators, during the Foundation Establishment Stage, which is the stage of building one¡¯s foundation before entering the Golden Core Great Dao, the more solid and robust the foundation, the higher and further one could go in the future.


    Of course, as things stood now, having too many Acupoints and powerful Qi Force was quite troublesome for Ye Feng. If he wanted to transform all the Qi Force in his body into Qi Essence, and even further refine and transform it into Spirit Essence, he undoubtedly needed more time and a greater amount of Xuan Qi.


    "A thousand-mile journey begins with a single step; I can only take it one step at a time!" Ye Feng mused to himself. The cultivation continued, and as the Xuan Qi kept flowing in, the Acupoints in his body were unblocked one by one. He was fortunate to have the Technique of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict; otherwise, the speed of opening up Acupoints in his body would not have been as fast.


    Finally, when the number of acupoints Ye Feng had opened in his body reached four hundred, his body suddenly underwent a transformation. The four hundred acupoints abruptly connected in a line, and in that moment, Ye Feng felt as if his entire being had been sublimated.


    What shocked him even more was that, as these four hundred acupoints were connected, a sword suddenly appeared in his lower dantian¡ªa majestic and authoritative Sword of the King with an overwhelming aura.


    "What is this..." Ye Feng was immensely shocked, but he quickly realized, "This must be the martial skill that accompanies the magic technique when cultivating to the point of opening four hundred acupoints. The Sword of the King, truly a domineering name, and it seems even more powerful than the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!"


    "Excellent, with this Sword of the King, my combat power has surged once again!" Ye Feng rejoiced inwardly, but maintained a calm exterior. To anyone observing, it would seem as though he was simply closing his eyes to rest, completely unaware that he was cultivating and that his strength had made a monumental leap.


    There was still plenty of Xuan Qi left, but at this point, Ye Feng no longer used it to open acupoints. After reaching four hundred, he had clearly hit a bottleneck and needed to stabilize them before continuing to cultivate and open more.


    Moreover, the showdown on the arena was about to start. So, Ye Feng diverted a portion of his mind and spirit to keep an eye on the platform while secretly using the remaining Xuan Qi to enhance the level of his Qi Force within his body.


    At this moment, the prodigy of the Buddhist Sect on the stage brought his hands together and announced his Buddhist chant, saying, "This humble monk is Wu Zheng. May I inquire the esteemed name of the benefactor?".


    The young man in white from the Bu Family still had a faint smile on his face as he replied, "I¡¯ve already said earlier, you lot are not worthy to know my name!"


    It must be said that this young man in white was very arrogant. It was one thing to speak like that to Zhang Wenyuan, but now he was facing one of the top four prodigies of the Buddhist Sect, Wu Zheng, and was still so disdainful, without the slightest regard for his opponent.


    However, having good cultivation in Buddhist teachings, Monk Wu Zheng did not get angry. He nodded and said, "The benefactor speaks truly, a name is but a codename, there is no need to know it. This is indeed an attachment I have harbored."


    This response actually made the young man in white feel somewhat uncomfortable. He huffed lightly, "I¡¯ve heard that your Buddhist Sect has an extremely profound ancient body refining technique called Arhat Golden Body. Have you cultivated it?"


    Monk Wu Zheng brought his hands together and replied, "This humble monk does not excel, and although I have cultivated it, it is only superficially. I beseech the benefactor to show mercy in the forthcoming exchange!"


    The young man in white immediately grew impatient and waved his hand, saying, "Enough, don¡¯t keep beating around the bush. This Arhat Golden Body, even during the Ancient Era, was renowned for its ability to withstand a cultivator¡¯s strength with just one¡¯s own body. Now, show it to me!"


    Monk Wu Zheng, sincere as he was, nodded immediately, "Since the benefactor has specifically requested it, I shall not decline!"


    As soon as he spoke, Monk Wu Zheng¡¯s loose monk robe billowed without wind, his body emitting streaks of golden light, appearing to grow significantly taller as if an Arhat Golden Body had descended to earth.


    The young man in white glanced over and shook his head slightly, "Indeed, you¡¯ve only cultivated the superficial layer. It seems the Arhat Golden Body of your Buddhist Sect might not have anyone who has cultivated it to Great Perfection."


    At this point, even Monk Wu Zheng, no matter how good his temperament, could not help but get angry. Annoyed, he said, "The benefactor really does have a high opinion of himself. Since that is the case, let me experience your outstanding skill!"


    Before even finishing his sentence, he charged like a dragon or a tiger, each step causing the ground to tremble, reflecting the terrifying strength of his flesh body.


    However, at that moment, the young man in white still stood his ground, not even deigning to glance at the opposition. As Wu Zheng was about to charge at him, he threw a punch also using the power of his flesh body.


    Bang!


    At the clash of the fist edge, a thunderous explosion resonated, a massive wave dispersed in all directions, and along with it, Monk Wu Zheng was sent stumbling back, nearly falling off the platform.


    With just one punch, the young man in white had overwhelmed his opponent, using the power of his flesh body as well¡ªindeed, a shockingly powerful display.


    At that time, Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help asking, "Big Brother Ye, this person has such a strong power in his flesh body, could it be that he also cultivated some body refinement technique?"


    Having just used up all his Xuan Qi, Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes and shook his head, "No, he hasn¡¯t cultivated any body refinement techniques. It¡¯s just that his foundation is very solid, which is why the strength of his flesh body appears so formidable."

 Chapter 389: You’ve Got Some Nerve

    Hong Qingyan¡¯s talent for cultivation was not at all low, she only needed a little guidance from Ye Feng to immediately understand. She nodded slightly and said, "I understand now, Big Brother Ye. So, in the future, we should also try our best to lay a solid foundation during the Foundation Establishment Stage, and not blindly think about entering the Golden Core Great Dao.


    Only then can we become even stronger afterward, right?"


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "I am relieved that you can understand this. The Foundation Establishment Stage is, in fact, equivalent to the Martial King Realm of ancient martial arts. However, the Foundation Establishment Realm of ancient daoist cultivators is quite different.


    If one cultivates to the Great Perfection level in Foundation Establishment, then even martial artists in the Divine Ability Realm of the Martial God Realm might not be able to contend against them!"


    "I understand now, Big Brother Ye. I will work hard, and I am not in a rush anyway. Since I don¡¯t have anything else to do right now, I will slowly build my foundation and strive to reach the Great Perfection that you just mentioned, then step into the legendary Golden Core Realm in one go!" Hong Qingyan said with a smile.


    In fact, what Hong Qingyan didn¡¯t know was that her tranquil and desireless state of mind and character was exactly what those ancient daoist cultivators needed most and was most in accordance with the mental requirements of the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    For most ancient daoist cultivators, it was very difficult to resist the temptation of the immense power of the Golden Core Realm, so it was usually hard to cultivate their foundation to the level of Great Perfection.


    Generally, when they were almost there, they would be eager to step into the Golden Core Great Dao, seeking the immense strength and even magical powers that the Golden Core Realm could bring them.


    In fact, not just those ancient daoist cultivators, but even the martial artists from the Nine Great Sects of the Ancient Martial World are probably aware of the importance of a solid foundation at the Martial King Realm, especially those old timers who are expected to understand this principle.


    But still, they find it difficult to resist the temptation of the immense power brought by the Divine Path Realm.


    Therefore, for the vast majority of martial artists, as long as there is a chance, they will definitely choose to enter the Divine Path Realm as soon as possible. Only a minority of people in the world have the willpower to resist it, such as Ye Feng and a few other Heaven¡¯s Proud Sons like Zhang Wenyuan.


    Meanwhile, at this moment, Monk Wu Zheng from the Buddhist Sect had already pressed forward with his restless aura. Although the other party¡¯s previous punch was very powerful, fortunately his Arhat Golden Body was not to be underestimated, and he didn¡¯t suffer any substantial damage.


    However, Monk Wu Zheng was still quite shocked in his heart and couldn¡¯t help asking, "Could it be that you have also cultivated a powerful Body Refinement Technique? But just now, I didn¡¯t feel any flow of Qi Force from your body, but merely the power of the flesh body!"


    The young man from the Bu Family in white clothes sneered faintly and said, "The so-called Body Refinement Techniques are merely sideshows. Only those without talent for cultivation would choose to practice them!" The implication being that, as a cultivator like him, he disdained to practice such external sect techniques.


    Monk Wu Zheng became enraged again. After all, he was the Heaven¡¯s Proud Son of the Buddhist Sect and ranked among the top three among the younger generation in the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. However, he had repeatedly suffered contempt and even insults from the other party, which made him furious.


    Monk Wu Zheng¡¯s aura swelled, and a blinding golden light burst from his body once again. Amidst the overflowing golden light, his figure rose and enlarged, giving off an unshakable Vajra presence.


    "The Arhat Golden Body of the First Stage is somewhat interesting. However, for me, it still falls far too short!" The white-clothed youth sneered and with a slight tap of his foot, he had already skimmed out.


    In the midst of his flight, one hand held a wine gourd, while the other was lightly pressed forward. It didn¡¯t seem to carry much momentum on the surface, as if his hand was flimsy and weak.


    However, only a few knowledgeable people could see what was truly happening. Of course, this included Ye Feng. In Ye Feng¡¯s eyes, the hand that the white-clothed youth pushed out was not weak, but the display of an extremely terrifying force.


    It was because the white-clothed youth¡¯s control over his own strength had reached the point of mastery. He had even condensed all his strength into a single point without any dispersion, so it appeared plain on the surface. However, when this point exploded, it would surely be earth-shattering and even capable of destroying a small mountain.


    Monk Wu Zheng let out a sudden roar and charged out as well, throwing a direct punch with his fist edge towards the front.


    As fist and palm collided, an astonishing loud boom erupted once again. Without any suspense, Monk Wu Zheng was once again sent flying by the youth¡¯s strike and even spat out a streak of blood during the backward flight, seemingly severely injured.


    "A mere Arhat Golden Body of the First Stage, if it were a Great Perfection Arhat Golden Body, maybe it would be somewhat interesting. As for you now, you are far from qualified!" The white-clothed youth stood in the center of the platform with one hand behind his back, his expression cold and proudly arrogant.


    Of course, he had the capital to be arrogant. Everyone in the venue watched him, and for a moment, no one spoke up, clearly intimidated by the youth.


    "How... how strong, truly powerful. This guy, truly worthy of coming from one of the legendary Four Great Ancient Clans!" Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong suddenly exclaimed in a deep voice.


    Then, Boss Cao, Cao Yi, turned his head and asked, "Younger Brother Ye, tell me honestly, if you face this white-clothed youngster later, do you have confidence you can beat him?" Enjoy exclusive content from novelhall.Co?m


    Ye Feng did not directly answer his question, but instead asked, "What are the odds for me against him outside right now?"


    Boss Cao, Cao Yi, said, "It seems to be one to ten, one for him to ten for you."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh, slightly shaking his head with a wry smile, "So it seems that the vast majority of people still aren¡¯t optimistic about my chances, huh?"


    "Isn¡¯t that obvious!" Cao Yi, Boss Cao, chuckled, "Younger Brother Ye, tell me honestly, if you don¡¯t have any confidence at all, then I might just bet on that lad in white."


    Ye Feng looked over at the figure in white on the stage. If it was to say whether he had complete confidence in winning within two minutes, he might not have been entirely sure before, but after cultivating the Sword of the King, he now had absolute assurance of victory.


    Thinking this, Ye Feng slightly raised his sword-like eyebrows and smiled, "If you trust me, then bet on me, put all your retirement savings on it. With the odds at ten to one, I believe this time it should be enough to earn a full pot."


    However, Boss Cao fell deep into thought. Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What, don¡¯t you trust me?"


    Cao Yi quickly replied, "That¡¯s not it. You¡¯re someone I¡¯ve watched grow up since you were a child; of course, I would trust your word. I¡¯m just thinking, the Great General Duantian has a family heirloom, said to be an extremely formidable magic treasure that is not easily revealed."


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, upon hearing this, couldn¡¯t help but say, "Boss Cao, you¡¯re not thinking of going after that heirloom of the Duan family, are you?"


    Boss Cao let out a hearty laugh, "Of course, that guy Duantian is just as obsessed with gambling as anyone, but he¡¯s a bit of a coward at heart. If I don¡¯t find a way to properly provoke him, I¡¯m afraid he won¡¯t take the bait!"


    Ye Feng just shook his head with a faint smile, not intending to get involved in such conversations. He had no interest in gambling, especially not on matters involving the Great General Duantian.


    In fact, Ye Feng was very clear that, after defeating Sky-piercing, the adopted son of Heaven Guard Great General Duantian, the conflict between him and the Great General¡¯s Mansion would only deepen.


    It was very likely that their dispute would soon become public and even in the near future, the two of them might have a confrontation¡ªa confrontation that would undoubtedly determine the political direction of the Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s upper echelons.


    Over a year ago, Ye Feng was ambushed in the Capital Region.


    Although on the surface, it was orchestrated by the Zhang family, he knew deep down that if someone more powerful wasn¡¯t behind it, allowing it to happen, the Zhang family wouldn¡¯t have had the means to do so, including when he fled to the masterless Northern Border, and the Northeast Tiger directly attempted to take over¡ªthere must have been backing from behind the scenes.


    And now, the powerful figure who allowed all this, gradually coming to the forefront, was none other than the present Great General Duantian!


    Of course, even though Ye Feng had once said that he would take Duantian¡¯s place if the General failed to act, to be honest, he was still reluctant to have a direct conflict with the General. After all, if a conflict erupted between the two, it would definitely have a significant impact on Xuanyuan Nation, and might even cause instability within the country.


    Therefore, unless it was absolutely necessary, or Duantian really couldn¡¯t restrain himself from jumping out, Ye Feng would never take the initiative to strike. It wasn¡¯t that he feared the so-called Great General; he was just considering the bigger picture.


    Meanwhile, back on the stage, Monk Wu Zheng had finally managed to stabilize his stance and suppress the restlessness of his breath. Gritting his teeth, he snorted coldly, "Alright, your power of the flesh body is indeed impressive, but if you think that¡¯s enough to defeat me, you¡¯re still lacking!"


    As he spoke, Monk Wu Zheng swung one hand and the Buddha beads wrapped around his wrist flew out, spinning in the air with a shrill whistling sound.


    The Buddha beads shone with dazzling golden light as they flew, growing larger and stirring the surrounding energy until it formed a raging cyclone, making a tremendous noise.


    The white-clothed youth from the Bu family watched unfazed, his slightly raised mouth corners even betraying a hint of mockery. He flung his hand up, and the wine gourd in his hand shot out toward the Buddha beads.


    In just a flash, followed by a clang that sounded like metal striking metal, the Buddha beads were sent flying, and the string that held them snapped. The beads fell to the ground, and the white-clothed youth, with a wave of his Great Hand, collected them all.


    "Although these Buddha beads are of low rank, the material isn¡¯t bad. They¡¯ll make good marbles for the children of my family," said the white-clothed youth as he put them away.


    Monk Wu Zheng spat blood in anger and bellowed, "That¡¯s a treasure of the Buddhist Sect, and you dare take it by force! How audacious!"


    The white-clothed youth snorted disdainfully, then turned to where the elder of the Buddhist Sect was sitting, and huffed faintly, "If the Buddhist Sect has the guts, they can come to the Bu family to reclaim it. Of course, if they don¡¯t dare, they can shut their stinking mouths!"


    Faced with the white-clothed youth¡¯s arrogant threats, even the old man of the Buddhist Sect, a venerable elder who was almost at the brink of entering the Saint Realm, did not utter a word, not even daring to let out so much as a fart.

 Chapter 390: The Ancient Technique of Aura Reading

    The Four Great Ancient Clans of Xuanyuan Nation are existences beyond the mundane, and even the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts dare not provoke them.


    On ordinary days, the Ancient Martial Sects might dare to slightly provoke that small village in the northwest, but when it comes to the Four Great Ancient Clans, they don¡¯t even dare to cause trouble, or even know where the clan¡¯s young members are.


    Fortunately, for over two thousand years, the Four Great Ancient Clans have rarely shown themselves, mostly remaining hidden from the world. Had it not been for the last century when Xuanyuan Nation almost faced the crisis of extinction, the Four Great Ancient Clans would never have made an appearance, let alone meddle in the nation¡¯s affairs.


    At that time, it was not the entire Four Great Ancient Clans that took action. It was merely two individuals who turned the tide ¨C those two individuals were none other than the two old men from the Utility Pavilion today, Zhuge Wuming and Tang Bai.


    What was even more terrifying was that Zhuge Wuming and Tang Bai were not of the Direct Lineage of the Four Great Ancient Clans but mere Outer Sect Disciples they had taken in.


    This goes to show the terrifying strength of the Four Great Ancient Clans. It is said that they are inheritors from the Ancient Era, but what that specifically entails, no one knows. In short, to the people of both the Mortal World and the Ancient Martial World, the Four Great Ancient Clans are a mystery.


    So, when faced with the threat and provocation from the young man in white, the old man from the Buddhist Sect did not dare to even fart, let alone stand up to him. Just sending out an Outer Sect Disciple was enough to compete equally with the peak existences of his sect; if one or two from the Direct Lineage were to come out, wouldn¡¯t that spell the end for his entire sect?


    Although the disciples of the Buddhist Sect were visibly shaken with anger, none of them dared to speak out. Not even their Grand Sect Leader dared to make a noise, so how dare the disciples and grandchildren of the sect take a stand.


    Seeing this, the young man in white let out a cold snicker before turning his head back to Monk Wu Zheng and said, "You haven¡¯t shown your Divine Path Object yet, have you? Want to give it another try?"


    Monk Wu Zheng did not respond, merely clenching his fists and biting his teeth in silence. He knew very well that his opponent was overwhelmingly strong, and that even using his Scarlet Divine Path Object would be in vain.


    In the end, it was the old monk from the Buddhist Sect who spoke up. With a long sigh and a chant of Buddha¡¯s name, he said, "Wu Zheng, come down. The Dao Technique this young man cultivates is very special. It¡¯s not that your talent is inferior to his, but your starting points are different."


    Although what he said did not make much difference, Wu Zheng felt much more comfortable hearing it, knowing that his Sect Leader was simply providing him with a way to step down gracefully.


    Therefore, without any hesitation, Monk Wu Zheng brought his hands together and said, "Esteemed fighter, your combat power is strong; I am thoroughly convinced and concede defeat willingly!"


    After saying this, Wu Zheng turned and walked down from the arena, showing himself to be a gracious loser. The young man in white could not say much at this point and merely shrugged, seemingly finding this level of competition boring, then walked down from the arena as well.


    At this moment, although the Vermilion Bird Meeting Hall erupted with thunderous applause, the area occupied by the Nine Great Sects was deathly quiet. Not a single person applauded, and they all lowered their heads in shame.


    With the emergence of the Top 2 of the competition¡ª the young man in white from the Bu Family and Ye Feng¡ª both represented the Utility Pavilion. In other words, the side of the Nine Great Sects had been completely wiped out.


    Even though the number of participants from the Utility Pavilion was far fewer than that of the Nine Great Sects, the two who made it to the final were both from the Utility Pavilion, a fact that could only make the members of the Nine Great Sects feel ashamed.


    At this time, the eleven elders at the highest platform of the meeting hall erupted in uproar, especially the old man from the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect who was most furious and shouted, "Tang Bai, you better give us an explanation. This competition was meant to be a contest between the Nine Great Sects and the Utility Pavilion. Why did you invite someone from the Four Great Ancient Clans?"


    Tang Bai sneered upon hearing this, "According to the competition rules we decided on, there was no stipulation that neither party could invite outside help, was there? Besides, have you forgotten that I myself am from the Bu Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans? Inviting a member of the Bu Family for assistance, what is so surprising about that?


    That none of you even considered this possibility, isn¡¯t it rather pitiful?"


    At this point, Tang Bai could hardly restrain his laughter. Now that the two finalists were from the Utility Pavilion, it meant that they had already won, and subsequently, they could rightfully take control of the Martial Dao Academy.


    While the impact might seem limited in the short term, if it persists over time, it could affect the Martial Academies across the country, perhaps even influencing the future direction of the Martial Dao. The position of the Nine Great Sects might be shaken or even dissolved. Thus, how could the old men of the Nine Great Sects not be angry?


    Tang Bai was very pleased but still had some reservations, as one of the top competitors was Ye Feng. To some extent, Ye Feng¡¯s backstage supporter was Zhuge Wuming, and the young man from the Bu Family was the one he had brought in.


    In other words, these two individuals respectively represent their elders, and whoever wins the upcoming match will determine not only which elder succeeds but also who claims the seat of the Supreme Elder of the Utility Pavilion.


    However, Tang Bai was not worried, for the representative of the Bu Family was after all from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans. Even though he was not from the Direct Lineage, he was undoubtedly extraordinary. As for the Northern King Ye Feng, he did possess some talent for martial arts, but it was far too inferior compared to the scions of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Throughout this process, Zhuge Wuming had remained silent. He certainly had his concerns, but he trusted Ye Feng more, for he practiced a particularly unique Ancient Method that allowed him to perceive phenomena that were invisible to ordinary people. This technique was the Ancient Qi Gazing Technique.


    Zhuge Wuming saw that the young man in white from the Bu Family had a scarlet Qi that soared like a rainbow, and it was cyan in color, even materializing to some extent in the form of columns. According to the levels outlined by the Qi Observing Technique, every person¡¯s Qi is different, and it is linked to one¡¯s life and can even determine the height of one¡¯s achievements.


    According to the Qi Observing Technique, from lowest to highest, it is classified into red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple, with red being the lowest and purple being the most noble. A typical emperor, for example, has purple Qi. The phrase "Purple Qi Comes from the East" refers to this concept.


    Of course, within these seven levels, there are three Ranks ¨C advanced, intermediate, and basic ¨C based on purity or turbidity.


    For instance, if two people are on the same Level, both having red Qi, but one person¡¯s red Qi is very pure while the other¡¯s is quite chaotic, then the one with the pure Qi will have a higher Rank and, naturally, greater future achievements.


    In fact, this Qi Observing Technique is quite rare, especially during the Ancient Era, where it was highly popular, only to have been less transmitted to the present times. Zhuge Wuming could very clearly see that the young man in white from the Bu Family had cyan Qi above his head, a pillar of cyan that reached towards the heavens.


    This was already considered a very high Rank and Level, even surpassing some of the more tumultuous blue Qi.


    This indicated that the young man in white was an extraordinary individual. As for the Northern King Ye Feng, what puzzled Zhuge Wuming was that under his Qi Gazing Technique, Ye Feng had Qi of all seven colors, which were constantly shifting and changing.


    Especially recently, the Qi above Ye Feng¡¯s head had been gathering more tightly, even showing signs of dissipating. According to the highest records of the Qi Observing Technique, it is impossible for a person to have no Qi at all. However, if a person¡¯s Qi changed from nonexistent to existent, there were two possibilities.


    One possibility is that this person is about to die, and the other is that this person is gradually reaching a level of control over their destiny. Once the Qi above their head completely consolidates, that would mean they could govern their own fate, becoming the master of their own life.


    Such individuals are often quite terrifying because it¡¯s not just that they are powerful, but it also indicates that their accomplishments have endless potential. This level of Qi has already surpassed the previous seven kinds and is even more noble and powerful than purple Qi.


    In reality, Zhuge Wuming was not mistaken. Initially, Ye Feng had Qi of all seven colors because he had cultivated the techniques of someone from more than two thousand years ago, which led to those results. Now, the gradual disappearance of his Qi was due to his possession of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, through which he was steadily taking control of his own Qi and destiny.


    Although Zhuge Wuming saw all this, he did not share it with anyone, not even the one ancient clan behind him that was among the Four Great Ancient Clans, as he had his own personal agenda.


    An elder from the Buddhist Sect said with a cold snort, "The Four Great Ancient Clans always remain hidden and do not show themselves. If they sent the two of you out because the Xuanyuan Nation faced danger in the last century, that was one thing, but now they have let this young man from the Bu Family come out. Could it be that the Four Great Ancient Clans are planning to emerge into the world?" Your next read awaits at novelhall.Co?m


    This was what the Nine Great Sects were most worried about. If the Four Great Ancient Clans emerged, the Nine Great Sects would undeniably have to step aside.


    At this point, Zhuge Wuming finally spoke, "The Four Great Ancient Clans have their own mission, and they will not appear in the world lightly. Please rest assured on this matter. However, the Martial Academy is not to be underestimated; it must be controlled by the Four Great Ancient Clans."


    At this, Tang Bai¡¯s expression darkened, and he snorted coldly, "So if you refuse to accept this, you¡¯d better weigh carefully whether you have the strength and courage to contend against the Four Great Ancient Clans!"


    His implication was that the Martial Academy must be under the control of the Four Great Ancient Clans. The young man in white from the Bu Family was merely a representative put forth by the clans. Right now, they spoke as if they had already decided that the young man from the Bu Family would be the winner of the Martial Dao Competition, completely overlooking Ye Feng.


    Of course, aside from Zhuge Wuming, almost no one in the entire meeting hall was optimistic about the Northern King Ye Feng¡¯s chances, and even his few followers did not believe that their lord could win the upcoming battle.


    Just then, the host, Zhao Gongming, reappeared on the platform and announced loudly, "Let us first congratulate the top 2 for making it this far. Next, I invite both to the stage for the final contest of Heaven¡¯s Proud Sons!"

 Chapter 391: The Clash of the Two Great Heaven’s Proud Sons

    As Zhao Gongming¡¯s voice faded, Ye Feng slowly stood up, and at the same time, the white-clad young man from the Bu Family also got to his feet. However, no matter how one looked, the white-clad youth appeared quite indifferent, his expression cold and haughty.


    The entire venue erupted in thunderous applause. Yet, it was evident that the cheers for the white-clad youth were the loudest. Of course, the vast majority of those in the venue were more optimistic about this mysterious and dashing white-clad youth.


    As for Northern King Ye Feng, let alone outsiders, even those from the Northern Border who served under him, such as Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi, didn¡¯t believe their lord could win.


    After all, this white-clad youth came from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, the Bu Family. Although not many people knew about the Four Great Ancient Clans, everyone who had heard of them spoke of their power; just seeing Tang Bai, a disciple from the outer sect of the Bu Family Ancient Clan, was proof of their strength.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained calm. If it had been before he had cultivated the Sword of the King, he might not have been completely sure, but now, he was fearless of his opponent. As for the white-clad youth, his figure lightly swept across, already standing on the platform.


    Ye Feng was just about to make a move when Boss Cao, Cao Yi, suddenly spoke, "Younger Brother Ye, you might not be aware of the betting situation outside regarding you two; it has reached quite a state."


    Out of curiosity, Ye Feng inquired, "What state is that?"


    In a low voice, Cao Yi said, "One hundred to one, your odds are one hundred, while your opponent¡¯s are one. Even so, there are still very few bets on you winning, only a sparse few."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "What about you? Are you betting on me to lose or to win? Oh yes, you just mentioned that you wanted to acquire the magic artifact passed down by the Duan Tian Family; have you settled the deal yet?" Read the latest on novelhall.Co?m


    With a chuckle, Boss Cao replied, "I wasn¡¯t sure about your situation, so I haven¡¯t made up my mind yet. But to be honest, Younger Brother Ye, the opponent is from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans. The two old men from our Utility Pavilion were also from the Four Great Ancient Clans. Are you really confident?"


    Ye Feng chuckled, "Let me tell you something. The Martial Alliance was built with my utmost effort and care, like my own flesh and blood. The position of head of the Martial Academy, I won¡¯t relinquish to anyone!"


    Having said this, Ye Feng lightly tapped the ground with his foot, and his whole body soared, gracefully landing on the platform like a startled swan. By this moment, the cheers from the entire venue had reached their peak.


    Although the prodigies from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were utterly defeated this time, the sects did not leave. After all, they needed to observe the upcoming duel to gauge the combat power and martial skills of these two individuals; knowing both your enemy and yourself secures victory in every battle, so they were naturally keen on understanding their opponents fully.


    Especially now that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had almost reached a unanimous agreement to join forces in suppressing Northern King Ye Feng, it was even more important for them to understand him fully. As for the white-clad youth from the Bu Family, the Nine Great Sects did not dare to make a move; after all, he was from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    The white-clad youth gave Ye Feng a glance and smiled, "Being able to make it this far, you do have some skills, which has indeed surprised me. However, you probably can go no further!"


    At this point, the white-clad youth suddenly shook his head and said, "No, I misspoke, it¡¯s not probably, it¡¯s definitely and certainly that you will go no further."


    Ye Feng, with an indifferent smile, asked, "Am I also not worthy of knowing your name?"


    Teasingly, the white-clad youth laughed and said, "Of course, unless you can defeat me. In that case, I would tell you my name. But that¡¯s impossible. You¡¯re half a step into the ranks of cultivators. Perhaps if you had another five years, there might be a possibility, but for now, you¡¯re not qualified!"


    As his words fell, the breath of the young man in white suddenly sank, and the arena was instantly stirred without any wind.


    By this time, the audience below the stage had already started discussing, as both men appeared to be of similar ages, and they were both at the peak of the Martial King Realm. Clearly, everyone knew that the martial techniques they practiced must be very special, and they were indeed the most outstanding prodigies of their generation.


    "Next, I will let you see just how strong my flesh body is after achieving Great Accomplishment in Foundation Establishment!" The young man in white gently stamped his foot, and a deep footprint immediately appeared on the stage. His body shot out like lightning, reaching a speed that was unbelievable.


    Without using Qi Force, relying solely on the power of his flesh body, he achieved such a speed that it could only be described as terrifying.


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze sharpened, and to be honest, in terms of speed, he couldn¡¯t match his opponent, as he had only recently established his foundation, and only a small part of the Qi Force within his body had transformed into Qi Essence, far from reaching the level of Spirit Essence, and his flesh body had not been fully enhanced either.


    However, Ye Feng had opened more acupoints, and thus he possessed a considerable amount of Qi Essence. Another very important point was his Divine Sense, which was far stronger than his opponent¡¯s.


    The advantage of having strong Divine Sense was that his perception was incredibly sharp and clear. Even though he couldn¡¯t keep up in speed and couldn¡¯t track the opponent¡¯s movement with his naked eye, his strong Divine Sense allowed him to clearly perceive the opponent¡¯s trajectory and even anticipate it in advance.


    So before the opponent¡¯s fierce and domineering Fist Edge could strike, Ye Feng¡¯s figure had already dodged in anticipation, causing the young man in white to miss with his punch.


    "Good kid, you can actually dodge!" the young man in white bit his teeth and coldly shouted, his figure twisted and charged again.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained calm and undisturbed as he lightly dodged again, effortlessly avoiding the young man in white¡¯s punches, which were like dragons and the Fist Momentum like tigers roaring fiercely, yet he could never land a hit on Ye Feng, not even coming close to touching a hair on him.


    After more than a dozen consecutive misses, the young man in white finally realized the futility of his assault and had to stop, biting his teeth and angrily shouting, "Are you just going to dodge blindly, not daring to confront me head-on?"


    Yet Ye Feng simply smiled lightly and said, "It seems that the power of your Foundation Establishment Mastery Body is not all that impressive after all."


    The young man in white was infuriated. After all, he came from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans and possessed an innate pride. Now, he was being mocked by a mere mortal, which was something he could not tolerate.


    "If that is the case, then let me show you what I¡¯m capable of!" The young man in white declared, throwing the gourd in his hand, which flew out directly.


    Under the infusion of his Spirit Essence, the gourd spun wildly in mid-air, releasing a series of dazzling golden lights. The golden lights converged, and then a beam of golden light shot out directly.


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression tightened, and he also slapped his wrist, flying out the Wushan Thunder Seal toward the golden light. What he didn¡¯t expect was that the Wushan Thunder Seal had barely touched the golden light before it was torn apart by the terrifying beam and nearly exploded on the spot.


    "Hmph, thinking that a mere treasure weapon could contend with my Golden Light Gourd, that¡¯s truly overestimating oneself!" the young man in white scoffed disdainfully.

 Chapter 392: I am the Undefeated War God in My Heart

    It must be said that the gourd held by the young man in white from the Bu Family is very powerful, it is a Spiritual Artifact, surpassing the existence of a Treasure Weapon. Ye Feng¡¯s Wushan Thunder Seal is simply a Treasure Weapon, and comparatively a lower-grade one at that, naturally unable to contend with it.


    Fortunately, the Thunderclap Seal does not belong to Ye Feng¡¯s Object of the Divine Path, nor is it a Magic Treasure with which his life is intertwined; thus, even if it is damaged, it has no effect on him personally.


    Ye Feng stood his ground, unmoved. He had to admit that this man in white was so far the most powerful opponent he had encountered among his peers, and even Mu Tian was likely not his match.


    Of course, Mu Tian was very mysterious, and up to now, Ye Feng did not know much about him, nor the details of his strength; he only knew that the guy had hidden himself well. Ever since reclaiming the Northern Border, Mu Tian had vanished completely, with no news to this day. Ye Feng guessed that the other party had probably entered the legendary Outer Battlefield.


    The young man in white sneered, "Bring out your Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, or you won¡¯t stand a chance against me with just one move. However, even the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, coupled with your so-called Emperor¡¯s Armor, is absolutely no match for me!"


    Ye Feng let out a cold snort, summoned the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon with a flick of his wrist, and the spear appeared out of thin air, shimmering with a dazzling golden light that made it seem extraordinarily extraordinary.


    "This Spear of the Ancestral Dragon is at most just a minor half-step Spiritual Artifact. Watch as I destroy it!" The young man in white was extremely arrogant. With a wave of his hand, the gourd floating in mid-air flew out directly, scattering light all around, dimming even the sun above.


    Ye Feng, fearless, charged forward with his spear, aiming directly at the opponent. However, the ancient golden gourd suddenly veered towards him at an incredible speed, reaching him in the blink of an eye.


    As the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon thrust out of thin air, the very next moment, Ye Feng felt a terrifying rebounding force explode from the gourd. He was not only unable to pierce through the gourd, but he was also repelled backwards.


    "Kill!" The young man in white gritted his teeth and issued a cold command, waving his hand slightly, and the gourd spun and charged again.


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes focused sharply as he urgently swung his spear horizontally to block. With a sudden loud boom, he was smashed and sent flying. At that moment, the ancient golden gourd seemed as immovable as a mountain.


    Ye Feng staggered before landing, continually retreating backwards, the rocks of the arena crushed into deep footprints by his feet. Even his breath surged violently, almost spitting out blood, but he managed to forcefully suppress it eventually.


    The crowds at the venue once again erupted into a commotion, with many exclaiming in admiration, "This young man in white is truly powerful, and that gourd in his hand certainly looks like an extremely formidable Magic Treasure. Northern King Ye Feng is simply unable to shake it."


    "Looking at this, Northern King Ye Feng seems to be defeated. The end is already decided!"


    At this moment, Boss Cao Cao Yi, watching from below the arena, felt his heart rise to his throat. He had staked all he had on this match, even placing a bet with Great General Duantian. If Ye Feng lost, even his position among the Three Offices would be gone.


    "Ye Feng, you¡¯ve got to hold on, my boy. Otherwise, I might have to beg on the streets for the rest of my life!" murmured Boss Cao, lamenting.


    Hong Qingyan, however, turned her head slightly and smiled calmly, "Don¡¯t worry, Uncle Cao. Big Brother Ye won¡¯t lose so easily¡ªoh, sorry, I misspoke. He won¡¯t lose at all. In my heart, he is an undefeated War God!"


    Boss Cao couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes. It seemed he was on brotherly terms with Ye Feng, and here was Hong Qingyan calling him ¡¯Uncle¡¯, making him feel unnecessarily old, which was rather depressing despite his age.


    "Little sister, although your Big Brother Ye is an eternal War God in your heart, it doesn¡¯t stop his opponent from being formidable. That guy comes from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, quite a formidable force!" chuckled Boss Cao teasingly.


    Hong Qingyan fell silent. She was never one to argue, but it was curious that every time she watched the white-clothed youth, she felt a strange sensation, yet she could not pinpoint what it was¡ªlike an inexplicable connection, which was odd at her level of cultivation.


    Unable to discern the reason, Hong Qingyan did not think too much of it. She always loved tranquility and found it easy to let go.


    Back on the arena, Ye Feng finally steadied himself, retracting the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon. He knew that the spear alone could not contend with his opponent, and even the Emperor¡¯s Armor was not much of an aid, as the opponent¡¯s gourd represented a type of thick and brute force attack.


    The young man in white could not help but smirk coldly, "What, you¡¯re retracting it already? Looks like you¡¯re ready to surrender and admit defeat, aren¡¯t you?"


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    "Up next, let me show you my true ace move!" Ye Feng retorted with a cold snort.


    As he finished speaking, his breath sank, and the Qi Force in over two hundred of his acupoints ignited all at once, even part of his Qi Essence burned alongside. In an instant, his aura began to skyrocket, and his form seemed to grow and stretch invisibly.


    "Burning Qi Force, somewhat interesting!" sneered the young man in white with disdain, flicking his fingers, and the gourd hanging mid-air charged forward again, speeding towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng stomped on the ground, and it shook. His inherited Dao Technique, paired with the burning Qi Force, not only caused his aura to surge but also greatly strengthened his flesh body. At this moment, he appeared like a Vajra Giant.


    With a thunderous roar, Ye Feng charged forward and then hammered his fist towards the ancient golden gourd.


    ```


    Boom...


    An earth-shattering roar burst forth in an instant, and even though there was a formation barrier within the arena, the crowds outside could still hear the thunderous reverberations, and even spatial ripples erupted.


    The gourd was actually forcefully knocked back by a punch!


    The young man in white focused his eyes suddenly, his face filled with disbelief. He had not anticipated that the other party could counter his Treasure Weapon Gourd with just a pair of flesh fists, which was simply astounding.


    "Your flesh body is incredibly strong to such an extent, how did you do it!" the young man in white gritted his teeth and demanded coldly, his face showing solemn seriousness for the first time.


    Ye Feng did not speak, responding instead with another punch, fierce and domineering, even carrying the momentum of a dragon and tiger.


    Clang!


    The Ancient Golden Gourd was once again sent flying, eventually crashing heavily to the ground; yet, even so, it remained intact. It seemed that even with Ye Feng burning half of his acupoints¡¯ Qi and vital energy, he could only repel it but not break the gourd.


    Of course, Ye Feng was not targeting the gourd, but the young man in white. He stomped and burst forward again, charging towards the young man from the Bu Family.


    The young man in white had never imagined his opponent would be so decisively murderous. He watched helplessly as the fist came thundering towards him, and it was clearly too late to dodge now¡ªworse still, the opponent was even faster than him.


    Bang!


    Just as Ye Feng¡¯s fist was about to strike the young man¡¯s face, and just when everyone thought the young man¡¯s head was about to explode, a flash of white light suddenly swept across his neck, forming a protective shield around it.


    Apparently, there must have been something like a necklace around his neck, which seemed to be a powerful Self-Defense Magic Treasure.


    However, it looked like this Self-Defense Magic Treasure was a single-use item. Although it saved him once, the shield shattered with a loud noise, and the necklace around his neck fell to the ground.


    "Damn it, you actually destroyed my Self-Defense Magic Treasure! For me to have to use it because of you is an immense humiliation!"


    At that moment, the young man in white was furious. The white Spirit Essence within him surged out tumultuously, all pouring into the gourd behind him.


    In an instant, the gourd began to shake violently and expand drastically, unleashing terrifying power!


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression hardened at this sight; without any hesitation, he ignited the Qi and vital energy in over four hundred of his acupoints, and his aura climbed to its peak as well.


    At this point, it was undoubtedly clear to the onlookers that both combatants had reached a critical moment, as both had deployed all their strength.


    Ye Feng stepped forward and, with the posture of one cleaving mountains, thrust out a punch. Clang! The Ancient Golden Gourd was once again sent flying. This time, the audience could clearly feel the golden light on the gourd fading, its size shrinking, and its aura no longer as sharp as before.


    Although the Treasure Weapon Gourd was still unbroken, it had indeed been beaten back into its original form1


    The onlookers outside the arena instantly erupted in amazement, as many exclaimed, "So powerful! Northern King Ye Feng is truly powerful. Although he is only at the peak of Martial King Realm, the combat power he has exhibited, I¡¯m afraid, could instantly defeat even those in the fourth level of Divine Path Realm, Divine Communication Realm!"


    "Indeed, if it were Cui Youya from before, faced with this move from Northern King Ye Feng, his flesh body would probably have been shattered by a single punch. Northern King Ye Feng is truly formidable!"


    At this moment, Ye Feng stood in place like a Celestial God descending to earth, his gaze commanding as he addressed his opponent word by word, "Your Magic Treasure Gourd has now been beaten back to its original form by me. Your greatest reliance is gone. What will you fight me with now?"


    Yet, the young man in white suddenly laughed, a laugh filled with mockery and anger. Grinding his teeth, he said word for word, "Ye Feng, I admit you are strong. To cultivate to such a level in the Mortal World, your talent is truly first-class, truly deserving of the title of Heaven¡¯s Proud Son!"


    "However, it¡¯s a pity you¡¯ve met me. Today, you will inevitably suffer defeat and humiliation here. Now, let me show you my true trump card, the most powerful technique of the Four Great Ancient Clans!"


    As his words fell, the young man in white formed a Dao Technique with his hands. In the blink of an eye, the shrunken Ancient Golden Gourd suddenly emitted a white rainbow light from its mouth, a rainbow that pierced the sky. It was only now that the people saw clearly¡ªit was a sword.


    A Spirit Sword!


    ```

 Chapter 393: It Just So Happens I Have a Sword as Well

    Sword Qi soared into the sky like a rainbow, piercing the heavens!


    At this moment, Tang Bai couldn¡¯t help but sigh from atop the platform, "Who would have thought, Ye Feng is so strong that he has forced the young master to use his Spirit Sword. However, with this, Ye Feng¡¯s defeat is also without regret."


    Zhuge Wuming could only offer a helpless wry smile. In fact, when Tang Bai first proposed inviting someone from the Four Great Families of Ancient Martial Arts, he didn¡¯t oppose the idea since he too was worried that Northern King Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan would be unable to contend with the young prodigies of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Looking back now, he wished he had strongly opposed the idea because if this young man in white from the Bu Family had not appeared, Ye Feng would undoubtedly be deserving of the title of the foremost person among the young generation of his time.


    "What a pity, it seems he is going to be defeated this time," Zhuge Wuming silently lamented in his heart.


    In reality, he was not a person from any of the Four Great Ancient Clans. Although rumors circulated in the outside world claiming he and Tang Bai were both from the Four Great Ancient Clans, the truth was that only Tang Bai was from the Bu Family, one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, while he himself had climbed to his current position as one of the two seniors of Utility Pavilion from scratch.


    Meanwhile, at Utility Pavilion, the reason for calling on this young man in white from the Bu Family, rather than a young person from the other Three Great Ancient Clans, was very important¡ªit was because Tang Bai was an Outer Sect Disciple from the Bu Family of the Ancient Clan.


    However, with Tang Bai¡¯s growing power and influence in Xuanyuan Nation over the years, he now held some standing within the Bu Family Ancient Clan.


    Perhaps others did not understand the significance of the situation, but Zhuge Wuming was acutely aware that once this young man in white from the Bu Family emerged victorious, it would naturally follow that he would take control of the Martial Academy. Following that, he would be able to enter Utility Pavilion, and in the future, he might very well gain control of Utility Pavilion.


    And judging by the overall trend, it was very possible that in the future, not only Xuanyuan Nation but perhaps even the entire realm would fall under the control of the Bu Family of the Ancient Clan. This was something Zhuge Wuming absolutely did not want to see, as it could lead to a regression in history, even creating an autocracy dominated by a single person.


    Tang Bai was always going on about resisting or even sanctioning Ye Feng, all because Ye Feng had cultivated a Cultivation Technique from someone from over two thousand years ago, fearing that Ye Feng would follow the same path of tyranny. Yet isn¡¯t Tang Bai himself walking down that very path?


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    With this thought, Zhuge Wuming suddenly felt a heavy sense of helplessness in his heart. Although he strongly supported Ye Feng, it now seemed that Ye Feng simply couldn¡¯t match this young man from the Bu Family. The Four Great Ancient Clans, after all, were the Four Great Ancient Clans, and even the Northwest Little Mountain Village would probably be unable to stand against them.


    "If this young man from the Bu Family enters Utility Pavilion, I must ensure that Northern King Ye Feng gets in as well, to balance the two forces against each other. Only then can the situation become somewhat stable," he resolved.


    Zhuge Wuming had a far-reaching vision for the future. Thinking up to this point, he clenched his teeth and thought to himself, "Now that the Four Great Ancient Clans have begun to show their ambitions, it seems I should take a trip to the Northwest Little Mountain Village and have a discussion with that old smoker."


    As for Zhuge Wuming¡¯s contemplations, Tang Bai, who sat nearby as immovable as a mountain, naturally remained unaware. At this moment, a victorious smile began to play upon his lips¡ªa smile that belonged to the winner.


    After all, the person he had personally recommended was on the verge of victory. This was the first step in his strategy, and also the most crucial one. If this step was taken successfully, all other matters would naturally fall into place.


    Back at the arena, suddenly there was the sound of a lightning strike hissing in mid-air, following which the Spirit Sword appeared out of nowhere, instantly reaching in front of Ye Feng at an inconceivable speed.


    With a "pfft" sound!


    Even though Ye Feng had ignited all the Qi Force and Qi Essence in his acupoints, taking his reaction speed to a terrifying level, he was still much slower compared to the Spirit Sword. He had only just begun to react when the Spirit Sword had already slashed past his left side abdomen.


    What was even more dire was that Ye Feng had already activated his Emperor¡¯s Armor, but the opponent¡¯s Spirit Sword directly penetrated the defense of the Emperor¡¯s Armor, almost as if ignoring it completely, cutting through it as easily as slicing tofu¡ªit was simply too horrifying.


    In an instant, a ghastly wound appeared on Ye Feng¡¯s left side abdomen, with blood spurting out profusely. However, Ye Feng¡¯s gaze slightly furrowed, and suddenly a golden light twinkled over his abdomen. The long wound began rapidly healing and, in the blink of an eye, the wound healed completely. His flesh body¡¯s regenerative power was truly formidable.


    "Impressive regenerative ability, but what comes next won¡¯t be as simple as your abdomen being injured. This next sword strike may take your head off, unless you have the ability to regenerate a severed head. Otherwise, you might as well surrender and spare yourself¡ªdon¡¯t blame me if you end up dead!"


    The young man in white from the Bu Family sneered lightly, his confident manner indicating that his words weren¡¯t mere intimidation but stemmed from sheer confidence in himself. Of course, he also had a reason for that confidence, for the Spirit Sword in his hand was no ordinary weapon.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng laughed, baring his teeth and saying, "A Spirit Sword, eh? You really think with a Spirit Sword in hand you¡¯re invincible? It just so happens I have a sword too. Let¡¯s see whose sword is stronger!"


    As his words fell, a golden rainbow light suddenly burst forth from Ye Feng¡¯s forehead, shooting into the sky. Only then did the crowd realize it was also a sword, one that looked even more colossal, magnificent, and ancient compared to the young man from the Bu Family¡¯s sword¡ªits Sword Qi was much more powerful too.


    This sword was none other than Ye Feng¡¯s Sword of the King!


    At this moment, the Bu Family youth couldn¡¯t help but change his expression. Looking at the Sword of the King, filled with vast Sword Qi and hovering in mid-air, he exclaimed in shock, "How is this possible? You actually... actually also have a Spirit Sword, and your Spirit Sword..."


    Ye Feng suddenly interrupted him, "The words you said earlier, I now return to you. It¡¯s not too late for you to admit defeat and surrender, otherwise, don¡¯t blame me for eradicating you!"


    The Bu Family youth suddenly clenched his teeth and roared vehemently, "I am the strongest! If we¡¯re talking about the Four Great Ancient Clans, that¡¯s another thing, but no one in the mere Mortal World could possibly defeat me, even you, Northern King Ye Feng, it¡¯s impossible. To ask me to admit defeat? Even more impossible!"


    As his words fell, the Bu Family youth suddenly swung his Great Hand, and the Spirit Sword in front of him whistled as it broke through the air.


    "Slash!" Tang Feng thrust his Great Hand forward, and the Sword of the King immediately took action, assuming a king¡¯s stance. In an instant, it was upon the opponent¡¯s Spirit Sword, and then it slashed down from above.


    Clang!


    Accompanied by an earth-shattering boom, a radiance burst forth from the collision point between the two swords, outshining the sun above. Under the impact, the Sword of the King stood unmoved, like a true king, while the sword of the Bu Family youth was blasted away, eventually falling to the ground.


    The sword¡¯s radiance had already dimmed, and even the Sword Qi had mostly dissipated, no longer possessing the initial brilliance it once had!


    Sputter...


    The Bu Family youth spat out blood, looking to have suffered a serious injury. It wasn¡¯t until this moment that the crowd realized that this sword was his Lifebound Treasure bonded with his life.


    Of course, to be regarded as a Lifebound Treasure was no ordinary matter, but even so, it was disabled by Ye Feng¡¯s Sword of the King in a single strike. If one looked carefully, they could see several black cracks appearing on the young man¡¯s Spirit Sword. Although it did not shatter on the spot, it was heavily damaged.


    "Go!" With a slight movement at Ye Feng¡¯s brow, the Sword of the King shot out, instantly arriving in front of the Bu Family youth.


    Seeing this, Tang Bai abruptly stood up on the high platform, tensed all over. He appeared very anxious because the Bu Family youth was from the Direct Lineage of the Bu Family Ancient Clan. If something untoward happened to him today, the entire Bu Family Ancient Clan would be thunderously furious.


    Ye Feng¡¯s death wouldn¡¯t matter, but he didn¡¯t want to be implicated, especially as it was he who proposed to invite the Bu Family youth.


    However, Ye Feng didn¡¯t deliver a killing blow. Apart from the opponent possessing considerable talent, and the fact that there was no deep-seated hatred between them, Ye Feng wouldn¡¯t go around killing a person from Xuanyuan Nation who could potentially become a Supreme Master.


    "Now, do I have the qualifications to know your name?" Ye Feng¡¯s mouth lifted slightly, his expression filled with mockery.


    Clenching his fists tightly, the Bu Family youth already knew he could no longer contend with his opponent, as his strongest Lifebound Treasure had been disabled. This meant he had lost, and in just one move at that.


    Although unwilling to accept it, he had to acknowledge the strength of his adversary. With that thought, the Bu Family youth gritted his teeth and said, "You indeed have that qualification. My name is Bu Tianyun!"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "That¡¯s a good name. You seem to be a man of backbone. If you still wish to fight, then pick up your sword. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t give you the chance. Of course, if you have any self-awareness, you should leave now!"


    Grinding his teeth, Bu Tianyun said word by word, "I admit, you are strong, to have cultivated to such an extent in the Mortal World, your talent is astonishing. But one thing I must tell you: though I have lost today, I will never admit defeat. In no more than three years, I, Bu Tianyun, will reclaim the humiliation of today¡¯s defeat!"


    After these words, Bu Tianyun summoned his Lifebound Spiritual Sword back into his gourd with a gesture, then shot up into the sky, leaving the venue straight away.


    And it was not until this moment that the entire venue erupted with thunderous applause, and the Martial Dao tournament finally ended perfectly with Ye Feng¡¯s victory, which also meant that he was going to assume the position of dean of the Xuanyuan Nation Martial Dao Academy.


    At this moment, every person in the venue was cheering for the name of Northern King Ye Feng, with joyous shouts and thunderous applause swelling like relentless waves, stirring the entire venue, and even the common folk of Xuanyuan Nation in front of their TVs joined in the celebration. Indeed, it was a national jubilation.


    And at this instant, in the Sea of Consciousness of Ye Feng, the scroll suddenly manifested an immense surge of Emperor¡¯s Luck.

 Chapter 394: The Fight Between Two Elders of the Utility Pavilion

    Indeed, as Ye Feng had anticipated, now that he had won the championship, his prestige had skyrocketed like never before. The first part of the cultivation technique of the Emperor¡¯s Dao from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict indeed required prestige to cultivate. This Xuanhuang-colored Qi Essence was surging more powerfully than at any time before.


    "This is fantastic, if I can fully absorb this Xuanhuang Luck, my Qi Force could probably be converted into Qi Essence by about half, and it¡¯s likely that I¡¯ll be able to open up around four hundred and fifty acupoints. I estimate that my combat power could increase by double!" Ye Feng felt immensely satisfied within.


    Of course, at this very moment, although the nation was celebrating, the mood at the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts was gloomy, with many looking incredibly indignant. Some hadn¡¯t even waited for Zhao Gongming, the host, to announce the end of the contest before storming off in a fury.


    In addition, there were foreign guests from other countries, particularly those from Snow Wolf Country and Fusang Kingdom, as well as the Western Nations that were in opposition to Xuanyuan Nation. These countries were more interested in watching the spectacle, with some showing mocking expressions, which seemed to suggest they were harboring some kind of scheming intent.


    On the high platform, an old man from the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect stood up and said, "Gentlemen, although the Martial Dao conference has concluded, our Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect will be hosting a martial exchange meeting next. Would you honor us with your presence and jointly discuss our next move and strategy?"


    The Underworld Sect and the Flora Sect were the first to answer, and two elderly men said, "Since it concerns the future direction of our situation, we naturally will not be absent. Additionally, we should discuss in detail how to punish this so-called Northern King Ye Feng!"


    "Since it¡¯s about punishing the kid, Dao Sect certainly won¡¯t be absent!" An elder from Dao Sect responded.


    Seeing the other sects responding, those like Mount Shu and the Buddhist Sect naturally wouldn¡¯t stand aside; they all expressed their participation.


    "In that case, three days from now, our Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect will host the Martial Dao exchange conference and invite heroes from all over the Martial Forest to participate!" The elder of the Sacred Mansion declared, bowed, and left with a sweep of his sleeve. The other Sect elders did not stay to bid farewell to Tang Bai or Zhuge Wuming but left one after the other.


    Tang Bai¡¯s expression was not pleasant; he sat there with a sullen face. Of course, Zhuge Wuming was quite happy. The strength of the Northern King Ye Feng had been beyond his expectations, and given the circumstances, it seemed likely that Bu Tianyun of the Bu Family would be too ashamed to enter the Utility Pavilion again.


    Consequently, the influence of the Bu Family Ancient Clan would naturally fail to penetrate further into the Utility Pavilion.


    "What¡¯s this? Shouldn¡¯t you be happy since our Utility Pavilion has won? You seem quite unhappy," Zhuge Wuming taunted, reveling in the rare opportunity to deride the other person. Over the years, Tang Bai had always used the support of the Bu Family Ancient Clan to suppress him, and now he was nearly suffocated by it.


    But now, he finally got some relief, so he was rare in taking this chance to mock his counterpart.


    Tang Bai slowly stood up and said coldly, "You¡¯ve also seen the attitude of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts just now; they¡¯re all talking about punishing Ye Feng. The kid probably won¡¯t have good days ahead and not to mention the prospect of him taking over as the head of the Martial Academy!"


    Zhuge Wuming couldn¡¯t help but laugh and said, "Whether they want to punish Ye Feng is none of my concern. But I have already made my stance clear¡ªif they dare to use any despicable means, they can¡¯t blame me for turning against them!"


    Tang Bai scoffed and said, "To punish someone, does one need to resort to dirty tricks? Without going far, just look at the Martial Dao Academy. If it weren¡¯t for the collaboration of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, could it work? Relying solely on Ye Feng, could he hold it together?"


    Zhuge Wuming immediately retorted, "Why couldn¡¯t it? Didn¡¯t you see that the Martial Alliance was also propped up by a single person? The Martial Academy is just an expansion built on the foundation of the Martial Alliance. It¡¯s being promoted under official auspices¡ªthat shouldn¡¯t take much effort, right? Even if the Nine Great Sects are not involved, it¡¯s not a big deal."


    Still unconvinced, Tang Bai argued, "Haven¡¯t you forgotten? Once the Martial Academy is promoted nationwide, it will inevitably be of a national nature, meaning that more martial arts educational resources will be needed, including instructors, masters, and cultivation techniques, among others. Can our Utility Pavilion handle that on our own?"


    Zhuge Wuming met him head-on, "Regarding educational resources, including coaches, masters and cultivation techniques, didn¡¯t we sign an agreement with the Nine Great Sects before? They promised to provide masters and techniques, right?"


    "But what if they renege because Ye Feng becomes the headmaster? What can you do about them?" Tang Bai snorted coldly.


    In the end, it came down to the fact that old man Tang Bai simply didn¡¯t want Ye Feng to become the head of the Martial Academy. He would prefer Bu Tianyun for the role, and the suppression from the Nine Great Sects was just his excuse.


    His true intention was to hope that the Bu Family Ancient Clan could slowly infiltrate and eventually completely control the Utility Pavilion, allowing the Bu Family to ultimately take full control of Xuanyuan Nation.


    Zhuge Wuming laughed, "All of this can wait until after Ye Feng becomes the headmaster. If in the future he can¡¯t handle these matters as the headmaster, then we can consider replacing him. But right now, since Northern King Ye Feng has won the championship, he is the headmaster, and that is something no one can change. Besides, that¡¯s my stand on this matter!"


    It had to be said that at this moment, Zhuge Wuming was very assertive. He was always easy to talk to, but he didn¡¯t relent on this matter, and he knew he couldn¡¯t afford to¡ªif he did, the situation would be completely reversed going forward.


    Tang Bai probably knew he was in the wrong; after all, he had managed to clearly identify the people from the Bu Family Ancient Clan, but in the end, he still had not achieved victory. Thus, his arguments had no leg to stand on. He glared at Zhuge Wuming for several seconds before finally saying coldly, "Fine, we¡¯ll just wait and see how the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts punish Ye Feng.


    If that kid can¡¯t smoothly operate the Martial Academy, I¡¯ll make sure his position as the Academy¡¯s Chief is revoked, no matter what!"


    Having said that, Tang Bai turned around and left with a sweep of his sleeve. Zhuge Wuming silently turned to look in Ye Feng¡¯s direction, sighing deeply and thinking, "Kid, there¡¯s not much time left for you. You need to grow up quickly. Otherwise, even I might not be able to protect you from the storm that¡¯s coming."


    In fact, what people did not realize was that Tang Bai did not have the true background of a commoner; he came from a little mountain village in the Northwest, a village that had inherited from the Personal Guard Leader of an emperor over two thousand years ago.


    Back in the day, the Personal Guard Leader, disapproving of that emperor¡¯s autocratic and domineering ways, had even agreed to collude with the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. What was most fatal was that he had secretly opened the gates of the Great Wall of Heaven, allowing alien races from a different space-time to invade, which led to widespread desolation across the lands of Xuanyuan Nation.


    Eventually, the Personal Guard Leader realized his mistake, recognizing himself as a criminal of Xuanyuan Nation. That was why he personally vowed that his descendants would forever guard the Great Wall of Heaven. They did this because they were criminals¡ªcriminals for two thousand years.


    It was because of this that when the One Eternal Emperor died over two thousand years ago, the Personal Guard Leader managed to preserve most of the Emperor¡¯s legacy so it wouldn¡¯t be taken by the alien space-time race. Indeed, the small village in the Northwest had been searching for a suitable successor for over two thousand years without success, until the emergence of Ye Feng.


    As for why the old man with the Big Smoking Pipe from the Northwest little mountain village chose Ye Feng as the suitable candidate, Zhuge Wuming had no idea. Although he had asked many times, the old man with the Big Smoking Pipe always managed to evade the question.


    And at this very moment, Ye Feng was oblivious to the so-called sanctions that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts might impose as well as the disputes between the two elders of the Utility Pavilion. Of course, he wasn¡¯t concerned; some things were still too far away for him. All he needed to do was to take care of the matters at hand, step by step.


    Of course, when he returned to his own place, the first person to rush over and greet his victory wasn¡¯t Hong Qingyan, because Hong had a reserved nature and wasn¡¯t accustomed to expressing her emotions so openly in front of so many people. The first person to rush over was Boss Cao Yi, who hugged Ye Feng the moment he arrived.


    If Ye Feng hadn¡¯t dodged, that guy would probably have kissed him on the face.


    No doubt, Boss Cao Yi was probably the happiest person in the place. Now that Ye Feng had won, he would have more silver than he could spend for the rest of his life, and the key point was that he had also won the Family Heirloom of Great General Duan Tian, which couldn¡¯t have made him any happier.


    After Cao Yi and Shi Yehong finished speaking and left, Hong Qingyan finally whispered, "Big Brother Ye, I don¡¯t know why, but there¡¯s something strange about that Bu Tianyun."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and asked, "What¡¯s strange about him?"


    Hong Qingyan pondered and said, "I can¡¯t quite put my finger on it, but when I saw him, I always felt a special kind of feeling."


    Realizing that she might have used the wrong words, she quickly smiled and explained, "Of course, this special feeling doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m interested in him, but it¡¯s related to a feeling about bloodlines."


    "A feeling about bloodlines?" Ye Feng¡¯s expression suddenly turned serious. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Speaking of which, Qingyan, has your grandfather ever mentioned anything about your origins?"


    Hong Qingyan was also momentarily taken aback before replying, "You mean that Bu Tianyun might be related to my background?"


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "It¡¯s possible. As you know, when we reach our level of cultivation realm, especially when stepping on the path of the Golden Core Great Dao, our divine sense can produce certain intuitions. These are not unfounded nor without reason."


    Hong Qingyan nodded and said, "That¡¯s what I was thinking, but since I can remember, grandfather has never talked about my origins. He said that he adopted me from an orphanage because my adoptive parents didn¡¯t have children."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "It looks like Grandfather might not be very clear himself, but there¡¯s no need to be anxious about it right now. When the time comes, I will personally ask Bu Tianyun, and if there¡¯s a chance, I will take you to visit the Bu Family Ancient Clan. Then everything should become clear."


    "Okay!" Hong nodded obediently, and the two left the venue together.


    As for Sima Zhantian, Xiao Chuanqi, and others, they escorted a small troop alongside Ye Feng. After all, at this point, Ye Feng¡¯s fame and prestige were so great that wherever he went, he attracted countless onlookers, necessitating someone to clear the path. Find adventures at novelhall.Co?m

 Chapter 395: Invincible Below the Saint Realm

    Having just returned to the Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng went straight into the study. Hong Qingyan, along with Xiao Chuanqi and others, stopped outside and did not follow, as they knew the study was the Northern King¡¯s sanctuary, where no one was allowed to enter without his command.


    Inside, the Northern King dealt with major military affairs of the nation, and it was also where intelligence from various regions was gathered.


    Indeed, the moment Ye Feng stepped into the Northern Cloud Residence, he instantly sensed the presence of Shadow. Judging by the looks of it, Shadow must have been waiting in the study for quite some time, appearing rather urgent. This likely meant that something significant had occurred.


    Therefore, Ye Feng abandoned his original plan to immediately absorb the luck of the emperors from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and instead walked into the study. As soon as he entered, Shadow¡¯s figure immediately emerged from the darkness.


    Supernatural ability users were extremely rare in the world, but each one was a pet of heaven and earth, as they usually possessed one or two unique supernatural abilities. Indeed, those with twin supernatural abilities were exceedingly rare. For instance, Shadow¡¯s ability was to turn into a black shadow and move stealthily within it.


    Compared to before, Shadow¡¯s aura was undoubtedly much more subdued and, of course, much stronger, which naturally aided her stealth. Moreover, from a woman¡¯s perspective, Shadow¡¯s figure was undoubtedly more exquisite and voluptuous. Usually, only in front of Ye Feng would she reveal her true appearance, otherwise, she would appear in the form of a black shadow.


    Shadow seemed to be a very tall woman, at least 1.7 meters tall, with a full and slender figure. However, her features were not revealed, but judging from her figure, one could tell she must be an enchantingly beautiful woman.


    In fact, Shadow was not very old. Ye Feng remembered when he first rescued her, she was only seventeen or eighteen years old. Now, five or six years had passed, and in total, she was not more than twenty-four, still a young maiden.


    "I pay my respects to Your Majesty!" Cloaked in a black robe, Shadow looked truly valiant as she knelt with a bow.


    Ye Feng, seated in the study, waved his hand and said, "Spare the formalities, get straight to the important matters."


    Shadow, likely a person of swift action, immediately stood up and said, "Reporting to your Majesty, there are three major issues this time!"


    Ye Feng did not respond but waited for her to continue. Shadow immediately went on, "First, the situation in the Southern Territory. Although the Southern King Zhang Wenyuan personally rushed there last night to take command, the combined forces of Brahma Kingdom, Tianluo Kingdom, and Ancient Yue Kingdom are powerful and aggressive.


    If things continue like this, I fear the Southern Territory¡¯s defenses will not hold, and they will break through our southern defense lines in at most three days, entering our nation¡¯s southern regions."


    Ye Feng remained seated, silent and pensive, as Shadow was there to report intelligence, not to seek counsel. So, she continued, "Second, our Northern Snow Wolf Country in the Northern Border is amassing its army, and Fusang along with multiple Western Nations seem to be stirring as well, possibly planning a joint invasion. Your Majesty must prepare in advance.


    The Northern Snow Wolf Country is probably planning another incursion into our Southern Territory."


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained unchanged, sitting unshakably, like mount Tai. As the Northern King for many years, he was no longer the novice from the past, who would panic and lose his composure at every incident. Now he could remain composed even if faced with invasion by enormous forces and several powers agitating for war, truly embodying the demeanor of a great general.


    "And the third?" Northern King Ye Feng suddenly asked.


    "The third pertains to the Ancient Martial World," Shadow said after a brief pause, then continued, "Regarding the Ancient Martial World, our forces cannot infiltrate deeply, so the intelligence we have is limited. It¡¯s roughly understood that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are possibly planning to collectively sanction you, Your Majesty."


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    "Jointly sanction me?" Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but raise the corner of his mouth in a cold smile, humming to himself, "These old fogeys, watching the loss at the Martial Dao conference, probably cannot accept their defeat. I would like to see how they plan to jointly sanction me!"


    Ye Feng was not worried about the so-called Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Ostensibly, they were practitioners of Ancient Martial Arts, but underneath, these individuals were selfishly profit-driven. The first thing they considered was the benefit of their own Sect, especially since they were targeting him alone and not involving innocents.


    However, the situation with Snow Wolf Country, Fusang, and the Western Nations was different. If these powers truly joined forces to invade the Northern Border, the situation would be dire. Even Northern King Ye Feng would have to handle it with utmost seriousness.


    "Give the order!" After a moment of contemplation, Ye Feng quickly formulated a plan and said, "You lead the Shadow Army and the Supernatural Ability Group back to the Northern Border. Once there, continue to gather intelligence on the local forces. I will return tomorrow to prepare early."


    "As you command!" Shadow immediately bowed and, after a moment of thought, asked, "Your Majesty, only three months ago, we obliterated a division of the Snow Wolf Iron Cavalry from Snow Wolf Country. Moreover, the great Gai Jiuyou once journeyed alone to the Snow Wolf Country and wreaked havoc, killing so many that humans and horses were turned upside down.


    It¡¯s even said that the ascetic monk from the Snow Wolf Country was slain by Gai Jiuyou."


    Ye Feng spoke indifferently, "What are you trying to say?"


    Shadow promptly said, "Subordinate means to say, the Snow Wolf Country has just suffered a heavy blow a while back and is unlikely to rashly invade the Northern Border now. Where would they find the strength for that?"


    Ye Feng let out a low cold laugh, then slowly said, "If it were just the Snow Wolf Country alone, they indeed would not dare to act so boldly. But with the current situation in our country, there¡¯s the uprising in the Southern Territory combined with the disturbances from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Of course, none of these are my concern."


    Shadow couldn¡¯t help but ask, "May I know what Your Majesty is truly worried about?"


    Ye Feng raised his eyebrows slightly and looked towards the direction of the Great General¡¯s Mansion as he said word by word, "What truly worries me is that my relationship with Great General Duantian is becoming increasingly tense. The faster I grow, the tenser our conflict becomes. One day it might escalate to an untenable hostility!"


    Shadow did not respond to this, as such matters were beyond her purview to comment upon.


    Suddenly smiling, Ye Feng said coldly, "Of course, I have previously stated that in the face of a great enemy, if Great General Duantian does not act with virtue and position and does not prioritize national affairs, he should not blame me for my lack of courtesy when the time comes!"


    At that moment, Shadow suddenly felt an overpowering presence surging from Ye Feng¡¯s body, which would have likely brought a normal Divine Path realm powerhouse to their knees right on the spot.


    After regaining his composure, Ye Feng asked, "By the way, have you found out anything about the Terracotta Warriors?"


    Shadow bowed and answered, "I am incompetent, thus far I have not discovered any traces, including nothing unusual about the Six-foot Path."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Do not blame yourself, this is not something that can be uncovered in a day or two. Besides, I was negligent before, with your level of insight and vision, even if you went there in person you would probably not notice anything. Henceforth, we should change the direction of our investigation."


    "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty!" Shadow bowed again.


    "Take this Token of mine, you can go to the royal treasury archives and look for records about the secrets of that era. There might be some unexpected discoveries!" Ye Feng said, casually tossing his Token over.


    Shadow caught the Token and said again, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will not disappoint you!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "You do not need to be so tense. I have said before, you are free to leave at any time. There is no strict master-servant relationship between us, and you are not really my subordinate."


    Shadow bowed and said, "As I have already said, unless Your Majesty sends me away, I will follow and remain loyal to Your Majesty for my entire life."


    Ye Feng did not say anything more, only shook his head with a sigh. He couldn¡¯t help but feel it was not worth it for such a girl to follow him day in and day out, even risking losing herself in the pursuit of gathering intelligence.


    Ye Feng was well aware of Shadow¡¯s feelings, but now that he had Hong Qingyan, he simply would not consider anyone else.


    Shadow probably understood this too. Therefore, although she had countless things she wanted to say to Ye Feng each time she was about to visit, when she came face to face with him, those tender words just couldn¡¯t leave her mouth.


    Fearing that once she poured out her heart, she might never be able to stay by his side again, she had to disguise herself in the persona of a strong woman, and all their conversations revolved only around official matters.


    "If Your Majesty has no further instructions, then I shall take my leave," bowed Shadow.


    "You may leave," Ye Feng waved his hand, prompting Shadow to reluctantly depart. In her heart, she wished so much that His Majesty would speak a few more words to her, allowing her to accompany him a bit longer, especially since they met for less than ten hours in a year.


    But she knew this was impossible, so, silently, she turned around and left.


    As soon as Shadow had left, Ye Feng immediately called out in a stern voice, "Summon Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming to see me!"


    "Yes!" With a command, a figure suddenly flashed, having quickly left the study area.


    From the surface, Ye Feng¡¯s attendant guards seemed to comprise only a few corps leaders like Sima Zhantian, Xiao Chuanqi, and Leng Wuming, plus several trusted aides, which did not seem to be a numerous following. However, in unseen places, that is, secretly, Ye Feng had a Hidden Guard.


    This Hidden Guard unit was distinct from other corps and also different from Shadow¡¯s Shadow Army. After the incident in the Capital Region, Ye Feng undoubtedly learned his lesson, so for the past year, he personally trained and formed a Hidden Guard.


    The number of Hidden Guard members wasn¡¯t large, probably only seven or eight people, but each one was undoubtedly a master among masters, the elite of the elite, capable of taking on a hundred by themselves.


    Moments later, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming entered briskly, knelt with a bow, and said, "Your Majesty has summoned us, what are your orders?"


    Ye Feng slowly stood up and looked at the three of them, saying word by word, "According to intelligence, the warfare at the Northern Border is escalating. The three of you are to rush back to the Northern Border tonight and make preparations for your troops."


    Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian immediately clenched his teeth and exclaimed, "Damn it, we¡¯re heading for a major battle at the Northern Border again. Could it be those bastards from the Northern Snow Wolf Country? Seems like they¡¯re not afraid of a fight."


    Xiao Chuanqi, who was much more attentive, couldn¡¯t help but say, "Your Majesty, if the three of us rush back overnight, what about you? Who will ensure Your Majesty¡¯s safety then?"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "Do not worry about my safety, it¡¯s an order, take action immediately!"


    With Ye Feng¡¯s current cultivation realm, even if he faced a Divine Ability Realm powerhouse from the Fifth Realm of the Divine Path, he would not be afraid. Furthermore, there was a secret expert by his side, Hong Qingyan. If the two of them joined forces, they would be nearly invincible below the Saint Realm.

 Chapter 396 Under the Heavens, All is the King’s Land

    Since it was the King¡¯s Order, Xiao Chuanqi and others naturally had nothing more to say. They left Northern Cloud Residence for the Northern Border overnight. As for Ye Feng, he decided to stay here for the night.


    In fact, the reason he did this was partly to absorb and digest the imperial luck contained in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, and more importantly, to see the movements of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and the Great General¡¯s Mansion.


    Now that he had won the championship at the Martial Dao Conference, and was about to take up the position of Dean at the Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s Martial Dao Academy, it was certain that many forces would be watching the Northern Cloud Residence. The overnight departure of Xiao Chuanqi and his party would not go unnoticed by those with intentions.


    If the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts wanted to sanction him, seeing that he had no attendants following him, they would certainly become restless, and Ye Feng was waiting for them.


    "Great General, I hope you will act as a general should, don¡¯t disappoint me," Ye Feng tapped on the table, then stood up ready to enter the basement to cultivate.


    With various powers surging at the moment, the best, and the only, way to respond was to maximize one¡¯s own strength. Therefore, Ye Feng would not miss any opportunity to enhance himself, as this had become his habit over the years.


    What Ye Feng didn¡¯t expect was that as he was about to turn and enter the basement, someone suddenly reported from outside: "Your Highness Northern King, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and an old man called Zhuge Wuming have come to visit!"


    Hearing this, Ye Feng immediately turned around and went out. If it was just Shi Yehong, that would be fine; the man could be considered half the master of Northern Cloud Residence, and there was no need for Ye Feng to be overly courteous with him. But the old man Zhuge Wuming, he dared not neglect; aside from Zhuge Wuming¡¯s identity, he had once saved Ye Feng¡¯s life in Fallen Dragon Valley.


    In the reception hall, Ye Feng clasped his hands in salute and said, "Junior pays respects to Senior Zhuge. What brings Senior visiting so late at night?"


    Zhuge Wuming was not sitting in the main seat, but standing in the hall. His attire was a gray robe, and he looked somewhat frail. To the outside world, his simple attire could make him seem like any ordinary old man, and those unaware would never think him to be an elder of the Utility Pavilion, one of the two great influential characters in the Xuanyuan Nation.


    The other elder, Tang Bai, usually wore luxurious purple clothes and wore two Emperor¡¯s Green rings inherited from the Ancient Dynasty, giving him a very wealthy and noble appearance. Compared to him, the two elders were like night and day.


    Zhuge Wuming waved his hand to indicate Ye Feng need not be overly polite, before he said, "Today, I have come first to congratulate you on winning the championship at the Martial Dao Conference. According to the agreement, you should next assume the position of Dean. However, there has been a sudden development."


    "What development?" Ye Feng asked.


    "Regarding the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts!" Zhuge Wuming got straight to the point and said, "Originally according to the agreement, after the Martial Dao Conference, a Martial Dao Academy would be established in the Capital, and it would be promoted nationwide. But now, the Nine Great Sects have used various excuses to back out."


    Shi Yehong couldn¡¯t help but say, "Even if they have excuses, they can¡¯t keep backing out, right? Isn¡¯t that clearly reneging on the deal?"


    Zhuge Wuming smiled faintly and said, "Indeed, they intend to renege because their people were not elected as the Dean. So they¡¯re simply playing dirty. If this continues, all the resources that were agreed upon, including the most important Cultivation Method and Martial Technique, I expect they will no longer provide."


    At this point, Zhuge Wuming looked up at Ye Feng and said, "If the Nine Great Sects do not cooperate this time, even if the Martial Academy is established, it will surely fall short. I wonder what you, as the Dean, think about this?"


    Ye Feng chuckled and said, "Since we have agreed on this and have a contract in hand, we shouldn¡¯t fear their evasions."


    Zhuge Wuming gave a wry smile and said, "That¡¯s true, but if they stubbornly continue to renege, what can you do to them?"


    Ye Feng said sternly, "My stance is singular¡ªthey can fail to contribute manpower and effort if they wish, but they must provide the resources that were agreed upon before, such as various Pill Medicines and Treasure Weapons. Additionally, the most important Cultivation Method and Martial Technique must be presented.


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    Otherwise, relying solely on our Utility Pavilion is utterly insufficient, and we cannot carry out the national promotion in the strictest sense."


    Zhuge Wuming then asked, "Cultivation Method and Martial Technique are the lifeblood and most important legacy of each sect. Do you think they would so easily hand them over? Now that you are the Dean, once these are handed over, it would be equivalent to giving them into your hands, and they would lose that legacy."


    Ye Feng spoke with an icy tone, "According to the agreement, isn¡¯t it stated that each sect is allowed to withhold its most vital part of the heritage? The agreement only requires them to offer a small portion of their less important Cultivation Method and Martial Technique."


    "However, even this small part of less important Cultivation Method and Martial Technique, they may not be willing to give. You¡¯re not ignorant of the temperament of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts¡ªif it weren¡¯t for this, last century, our Xuanyuan Nation nearly faced annihilation," Zhuge Wuming sighed deeply.


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze turned colder, and he said slowly, "If they can¡¯t even do this most basic thing, then they shouldn¡¯t blame me for being impolite later."


    Zhuge Wuming was undoubtedly curious and immediately asked, "When that time comes, what do you intend to do?"


    Ye Feng sneered and replied, "How I will act specifically is hard to say now; it will depend on the state of affairs at that time. But I have one thing to say at this moment, ¡¯Under the broad heavens, all land is the King¡¯s; along the shores of the land, all are the King¡¯s subjects!¡¯"


    Upon hearing these words, Zhuge Wuming¡¯s gaze could not help but sharpen. He suddenly thought of the worry Tang Bai had expressed earlier¡ªfearing that Ye Feng might inherit that person¡¯s legacy and retread the same old path from over two thousand years ago. Now it seemed that this possibility could not be ruled out.


    However, Zhuge Wuming understood in his heart that today¡¯s world was no longer what it was more than two thousand years ago, and Ye Feng was definitely not the person from back then.


    Moreover, with the Alien Space-Time stirring restlessly on the other side, the Great Wall of Heaven, which had stood for over two thousand years, had seen its Great Formation weather the relentless passage of time, its efficacy steadily weakening, and it would not be able to hold off the forces much longer.


    Therefore, the nationwide implementation of the Martial Academy was imperative. Furthermore, should real chaos arise, it would be necessary for a preeminent hero to take charge, and Zhuge Wuming naturally preferred that hero to be the Ye Feng before him.


    With this thought, Zhuge Wuming said, "Of course, this is just the worst-case scenario. I came tonight to give you a heads-up, so that you¡¯re mentally prepared. Also, don¡¯t feel psychologically burdened. However, the inauguration ceremony for the headmaster might have to be pushed back a bit."


    At this moment, Shi Yehong said, "With your ability to gather intelligence, you must have noticed the movements of the other nations by now. The situation will likely take a turn soon, so you need to prepare as soon as possible."


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but smile and said, "I was already making preparations. It¡¯s just that you arrived at this moment."


    Zhuge Wuming let out a wry chuckle and said, "In that case, we were the ones who disturbed you. We¡¯ll take our leave now. There are many matters where it¡¯s inconvenient for us old folks to step in, so we¡¯ll have to rely on you young ones going forward."


    Suddenly Ye Feng thought of a question and asked, "By the way, Senior Zhuge, given how the situation is unfolding, it is very likely that a response from the Great General will be needed soon. If he is uncooperative or inactive, what should be done?"


    Without a second thought, Zhuge Wuming said, "Everything must take the greater good into account. If anyone dares to ignore the nation¡¯s well-being for personal grievances, they should be dealt with accordingly!"


    "I understand. Thank you for the guidance, Senior!" Ye Feng said, bowing slightly.


    Zhuge Wuming nodded slightly and then stepped away to leave.


    Shi Yehong walked over, patted Ye Feng on the shoulder, and said with a sigh, "As the saying goes, ¡¯With great power comes great responsibility.¡¯ From now on, it¡¯s up to you. This old fellow wants to help, but I¡¯m no longer able. With your recent prominence, be careful of the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and avoid repeating the old path of the Capital Region¡¯s ambush."


    After finishing his words, Shi Yehong turned and left, but just as he reached the threshold, he suddenly added, "By the way, this time I¡¯ve left you four people. These four are pretty much all I have left. As your senior, this is all the help I can offer you."


    Ye Feng gladly accepted. In the entire imperial capital, there were not many who truly cared for him, and Shi Yehong was one of them. After seeing off the two, he turned and walked into the study¡¯s secret chamber.


    To Ye Feng¡¯s surprise, during this period, the Luck within the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had continued to strengthen, suggesting that his reputation was still expanding. This was clearly a good thing.


    "One night should be enough to absorb and assimilate it. By then, my combat power should be able to double!" Ye Feng thought to himself. Then he sat down cross-legged and, after calming his mind, entered into a state of cultivation.


    As he cultivated, a portion of the Luck from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was used to open the Acupoints while another portion was used to enhance the quality of his Qi Force. Time slowly passed, and in the blink of an eye, the night went by, and with the dawn, Ye Feng finally opened his eyes from the cultivation state.


    After a full night of cultivation, he had successfully opened four hundred and sixty Acupoints; his quantity of Qi Force had undoubtedly increased significantly, and additionally, half of the Qi Force in his Acupoints had successfully transformed into Qi Essence.


    Yet Ye Feng knew that Qi Essence was just a transition and that his real goal was Spirit Essence. Only by transforming all the Qi Force and Qi Essence in his body into Spirit Essence could he embark on the true Golden Core Great Dao.


    "My Acupoints show no signs of exhaustion, and the Qi Force is multiplying. Transforming Qi Force entirely into Great Spirit Essence is no easy task, even with the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. It seems there¡¯s still a long road ahead!"


    Ye Feng inwardly sighed and then slowly stood up. At that moment, the bones of his body crackled and popped. It turned out that the mysterious Luck that transformed his Qi Force was also reshaping his flesh body.


    Only then did Ye Feng realize that Foundation Establishment not only involved cultivating Spirit Essence but also transforming the flesh body; it was a phase for holistically building one¡¯s foundation. No wonder Bu Tianyun was so physically formidable¡ªit was this terror that characterized the Ancient Daoist Cultivators.


    "Next, it¡¯s time to return to the Northern Border. Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, I hope you won¡¯t disappoint me!" Ye Feng let out a faint cold laugh and then stepped out of the study.


    By this time, Hong Qingyan had already prepared breakfast. Even now, as a foremost Ancient Daoist Cultivator whose Cultivation Realm had achieved some success, Hong Qingyan¡¯s attitude towards Ye Feng had not changed at all. This was just like how, despite Ye Feng¡¯s successful return to the Northern Border and regaining control of power, his treatment of her had not changed one bit.

 Chapter 397: Turmoil in the Northern Border Situation

    After breakfast, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan got into the domestic off-road vehicle with the license plate "North 00001" and headed out from the Northern Cloud Residence toward the Northwest.


    No sooner had the car left the gate than the secret agents hidden in every corner scattered like birds and beasts, presumably in a hurry to return and make their reports.


    Of course, the one with the quickest speed was the Great General¡¯s Mansion. A grey-clad elder figure swept into the Inner Courtyard and straight into the study, and after a brief report, he pushed the door open and entered.


    At this moment, Great General Duan Tian was sitting behind his desk, holding a copy of "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. His unfocused eyes indicated he was deep in thought rather than reading the book.


    After the grey-clad elder entered, he knelt down and reported, "Your Excellency, there¡¯s movement at the Northern Cloud Residence: a car, two people!"


    "Two people, which two people?" Duan Tian asked with a slight turn of his head, knowing from last night¡¯s message that the situation at the Northern Border was uneasy. He had anticipated that the next move would likely involve action, so he expected that Northern King Ye Feng would certainly return. However, he hadn¡¯t expected him to take his time and only set off this morning.


    What surprised Duan Tian even more was that His Highness Northern King had dispatched several of his legion commanders and his guard team to rush back to the Northern Border last night. Ye Feng, however, journeyed alone this morning. That was something Duan Tian couldn¡¯t fathom.


    After all, given the current situation, Northern King Ye Feng had just won the Martial Dao competition and was the center of attention. There must be untold numbers of eyes watching him from the shadows right now, and no shortage of people out for his life. Yet, Ye Feng decided to travel alone.


    "Northern King and his Princess Consort, just these two people!" said the grey-clad elder, pausing before adding, "Your Excellency, should we continue to follow them?"


    "No need, pull our men back immediately."


    Duan Tian abruptly waved his hand and said coldly, "Who would¡¯ve thought, this Ye lad has such nerve, or perhaps the debacle at the Capital Region wasn¡¯t enough of a lesson for him?"


    "Do you mean to say, Your Excellency, that someone may make a move against this Northern King?" the grey-clad elder asked.


    "Not may, but will!" Duan Tian sneered softly. "As the saying goes, the taller the tree, the more wind it catches. This kid has been too prominent lately¡ªnot to mention, just among the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts alone, there are plenty who wish him dead."


    Pondering, the elder said, "Given that, Your Excellency, the Northern King¡¯s rapid rise suggests he¡¯ll soon be competing with you. Why not take advantage..."


    He was interrupted as Duan Tian abruptly barked, "You¡¯d best get rid of that little scheme. Let me tell you, while it¡¯s true that Northern King Ye Feng and I are competitors now, don¡¯t forget our identities and the responsibilities we shoulder. Even if I end up at odds with him in all earnest, I would never stoop to underhanded tactics!"


    Duan Tian continued, "Pass on my command, pull our men back immediately. We¡¯re done with this matter. As for whether that Ye kid lives or dies afterwards, that¡¯s not our concern anymore. Of course, as far as I¡¯m concerned, I hope he kicks the bucket sooner rather than later, so he won¡¯t be a thorn in my side when he returns to the imperial city!"


    The grey-clad elder did not quite understand. With the increasing hostility between Northern King and the Great General, an opportunity had presented itself, and yet they weren¡¯t taking it. Wasn¡¯t this a wasted chance?


    Of course, what each one considered differed greatly based on their perspective. While Great General Duan Tian desperately wished for Ye Feng to die at this moment, he would never take action himself. Rather than saying the Great General was honorable, it was more that he was protecting his reputation, not wanting to be faulted later when he would seek entry into the Utility Pavilion.


    As the grey-clad elder just left the study, a guard hurried in, bowed, and said, "General, there are visitors at the gate asking to meet you."


    "Who is it?" Duan Tian asked without looking up.


    "They refused to reveal themselves, but judging by their attire and aura, they appear to be from the Mortal World. There are three of them in total, each at the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path ¨C the Divine Communication Realm."


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    "People from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, what do they want!" Duan Tian had to lay down his military treatise and get up, pondering before saying, "Lead them to the guest hall. Wait, invite them to my study instead."


    The guest hall was a place of many ears and eyes, and obviously not the place for important and private conversations. The study, however, was different. Duan Tian had an inkling that the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts¡¯ visit was of significant importance.


    In reality, there weren¡¯t just three visitors but five. As the Great General and a man of broad experience and countless encounters, he needed only one glance to identify the three elders as people from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. They were the Deputy Sect Masters or Vice Sect Leaders from the Confucian Sect of the Sacred Mansion, the Dao Sect, and the Underworld Sect.


    Although Duan Tian, as the Great General and part of the Utility Pavilion, had few interactions with the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, he couldn¡¯t guess the reason for the visit of these three Sects¡¯ high-ranking members.


    And the other two men were not from the Xuanyuan Nation¡ªone was a shaman from the Snow Wolf Country, and the other was a martial artist from Fusang. Both were dressed in luxurious clothes and exuded a long and strong aura, clearly possessing high levels of cultivation.


    It seemed these two powerhouses from the Snow Wolf Country and Fusang had come together with people from the Three Great Ancient Clans. Duan Tian couldn¡¯t fathom when the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had started to mingle with people from the Snow Wolf Country and Fusang.


    "Please take a seat. May I know the purpose of your visit? As a man from the military, I would appreciate a direct approach," Duan Tian said, settling back in front of his desk.


    The Deputy Mansion Lord from the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect said with a smile, "I¡¯ve long heard of Great General Duan Tian¡¯s reputation. Seeing you today indeed proves that your fame is well-deserved, truly formidable!"


    Seeing that Duan Tian did not respond, he immediately realized that the other was a straightforward person and got straight to the point, "As such, I presume the Great General is aware that Northern Cloud Residence has just left. If my conjecture is correct, they are likely preparing to return to the Northern Border."


    Duan Tian laughed and said, "I¡¯m surprised that people from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts show such concern for the affairs of the mortal world. This truly is unexpected to this general."


    The Deputy Mansion Lord from the Confucian Sect replied with a smile, "Normally, we do not intervene in mundane affairs but when it concerns Northern King Ye Feng, we cannot disregard it."


    At this point, with a serious tone, the Deputy Mansion Lord said, "Let¡¯s not beat around the bush. I¡¯ll be straightforward¡ªwe all know that this so-called Northern King has risen to prominence, even seemingly surpassing you, Great General, in some respects. Don¡¯t you have any thoughts about this?"


    Duan Tian chuckled and replied, "What could I possibly think? Northern King Ye Feng¡¯s growing reputation is a result of his true strength. He deserves it, and I wholeheartedly recognize it."


    Without clear knowledge of their intentions, Duan Tian kept the conversation light, a common tactic in such discussions, always keeping his true thoughts obscure.


    The Deputy Mansion Lord from the Sacred Mansion ceased speaking, unable to grasp Duan Tian¡¯s mindset, so he turned to look at the others.


    The Deputy Sect Master from the Dao Sect gave a slight smile. Suddenly, he flipped his hand over, revealing an exquisitely ancient brocade box in his palm. With a flick of his finger, the box opened, displaying a small silver sword within.


    The temperature in the study room dropped instantly, and everyone felt a bone-chilling coldness, even causing goosebumps. Duan Tian¡¯s gaze sharpened, immediately recognizing that this sword was no ordinary object.


    With a smile, the Deputy Sect Master from the Dao Sect said, "This is a Half-Spirit Artifact, a truly rare treasure. I wonder, does the Great General fancy it?"


    While Duan Tian was certainly tempted, he maintained his composure and said, "State your intentions."


    At that moment, the shaman from the Snow Wolf Country spoke in broken Chinese, "I believe the Great General has already received the news that my Snow Wolf Country is planning to move against the Northern Border, joined by Fusang and the Western Nations, and this time even by people from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts."


    At this point, the martial artist from Fusang spoke gravely, "We only have one request. If the Northern Border cannot hold and seeks assistance from you, we simply hope that the Great General will find an excuse to hold your forces back and do nothing."


    "That won¡¯t do!" Great General Duan Tian immediately refused, but his eyes were still drawn to the Spirit Sword in the brocade box; it was apparent to everyone that he coveted it.


    After some thought, Duan Tian said, "I am after all a Great General of a nation, such actions are not befitting. However, I am stationed in the Central Plains Land and not inclined to take action lightly, for any movement on my part could jeopardize the safety of the Capital."


    As he spoke, it seemed that Duan Tian felt the others did not fully grasp his hint, so he added somewhat exasperatedly, "If you wish for me to abstain from intervening, there has to be a believable excuse. Otherwise, it would be indefensible both morally and in the court of public opinion. Do you understand?"


    With that, the others understood. The shaman from the Snow Wolf Country immediately said, "If that¡¯s the case, we will divert a separate force to feign an attack on your nation¡¯s Capital, giving you a reason to hold back and not come to the rescue."


    The Fusang powerhouse added, "This plan is good; we have indeed learned something."


    Duan Tian then burst into laughter, "I¡¯ve said nothing, and I know nothing. Leave the brocade box here and go on your way. Remember, leave through the back door!"


    Now that an agreement had been reached, there was no need for anyone to linger. All five stood to leave; however, to Duan Tian¡¯s surprise, although there were clearly five people before, as they left his study, they became just three. The shaman from the Snow Wolf Country and the powerhouse from Fusang disappeared without a trace, not even leaving a sound or presence that he could detect.


    "All the better," Duan Tian thought silently, realizing that a visit from the Snow Wolf Country and Fusang powerhouses, especially at such a pivotal moment, could lead to unwanted trouble if noticed by those with ulterior motives. However, he immediately turned towards the brocade box and joyfully took the Spirit Sword from within.

 Chapter 398: After Today You’re a Dead Man

    At this moment, the car that set out from Northern Cloud Residence quietly headed north after circling around most of the Imperial Capital Region. In fact, taking a private jet would have been quicker, especially considering the long distance from the Imperial Capital to the Northern Border Base Camp. However, Ye Feng had rejected this plan.


    He was well aware that many covert forces were likely monitoring his trip; if he took a private jet, any unusual move from the adversaries could result in the jet exploding mid-air, at which point even he and Hong Qingyan would be in deep trouble.


    After all, even at their level of cultivation, they were still unable to fly; at most, they were capable of low-altitude skimming. There was another reason: with both his and Hong Qingyan¡¯s power greatly increased, Ye Feng wanted to see who had the audacity to openly attack him.


    The Northern King¡¯s private car led the way, followed by two other vehicles that maintained a fixed distance without either rushing or lagging. Although Ye Feng had sent his guards ahead to the Northern Border, these two cars were arranged by the Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and represented his final resources.


    In fact, Ye Feng had noticed the four extraordinary individuals in both cars right after leaving. Yet, he had no intention of greeting them, and the car continued onward.


    After leaving the Imperial Capital, they hit the express highway. Three hours passed without any sign of movement from the enemy; it seemed like they were not planning to strike. Half an hour after exiting the highway, the landscape began to turn desolate, signaling their arrival in the Northern Border¡¯s territory.


    "After moving forward, we¡¯ll encounter stationed soldiers. Could it be that these so-called Nine Great Ancient Martial Sects aren¡¯t planning to take this opportunity to strike?" Ye Feng wondered to himself.


    He sat quietly in the back seat, the car steadily moving forward until, as it traversed a low-lying valley, it screeched to a sudden halt, the tires grinding against the ground and kicking up dust into the air.


    Ahead, huge boulders blocked the path, making it impossible to continue.


    Ye Feng remained composed in the back seat, resting with his eyes closed. However, a slight smirk now played on his lips as he thought that the enemy had indeed arrived, although he wasn¡¯t sure how many had come.


    With her cultivation level enhanced, Hong Qingyan¡¯s courage and demeanor had changed significantly: no longer was she as nervy and fearful as before.


    A moment passed with no movement, but at this moment, Ye Feng¡¯s potent divine sense detected the chilly breaths of eight presences just around the bend in the valley. Despite their efforts to conceal their breaths, they couldn¡¯t escape Ye Feng¡¯s perception.


    Ye Feng let out a cold laugh and projected his voice, saying, "If you have the guts to ambush, don¡¯t you have the guts to show yourselves? Hiding like scared little girls, what a disgrace!"


    At his words, eight figures dashed out as swiftly as lightning, surrounding the car so tightly there was no escape.


    Eight individuals, precisely eight men dressed in black, with their faces covered in black cloth. Every single one emanated an aura of menacing power and murderous intent. The weakest among them was at the peak of the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path, the Divine Connection Realm, and two were even at the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm of the Fifth Realm.


    Once one reached the Divine Ability Realm, they could use various powerful divine skills, even legendary techniques such as fire control. Although the Divine Ability Realm was only one minor realm higher than the Divine Connection Realm, the difference between them was vast: a Divine Ability Realm warrior could easily kill a hundred Divine Connection Realm martial artists.


    Ye Feng sneered, "Hidden behind masks and unwilling to show your true faces to the world, it seems that the Nine Great Ancient Martial Sects are nothing more than a bunch of cowards."


    The leader of the group shouted coldly, "Kid, someone wants you dead, and today you will undoubtedly die. Blame only your own arrogance and lack of discretion. Hopefully, in your next life, you¡¯ll understand this lesson!"


    Ye Feng burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Over a year ago, I was ambushed in the Imperial Capital Region. The harsh lesson I learned from that defeat is etched in my memory for life. Do you think someone like me would make the same mistake a second time?" Read exclusive chapters at Freewebnovel


    "We don¡¯t know what kind of person you are; all we know is that after today, you¡¯ll be dead!" roared the eight men, as they unleashed their formidable Qi Force and attacked.


    However, just at that moment, suddenly four gray figures shot out from the two vehicles behind them. They were four elderly men in gray, and their cultivation level was also at the peak of the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path, clearly part of Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong¡¯s reserves meant to protect Ye Feng.


    But now it appeared, when compared with those who had laid the ambush, these four were still far too weak.


    "Kid, the intelligence said you had transferred all your escort strength away. Turns out you still had some power hidden, huh? Four at the peak of Divine Communication Realm is indeed impressive, but for us, it¡¯s still too weak!"


    The leader of the assassins waved his Great Hand and commanded, "You four, go and engage those four. The rest of you, attack with me¡ªthis must be a swift and decisive battle. Kill our target and retreat without leaving any trace!"


    In an instant, everyone revealed their Magic Artifacts, especially the two Great Powers on the cusp of the Divine Ability Realm, whose artifacts were Divine Path Objects of Spirit Artifact Level. With swords clashing and blades intersecting, it seemed as if the sun and the moon had lost their color, and the valley immediately erupted with a stern and chilling sound.


    Ye Feng remained seated in the vehicle, unmoved except for turning to look at Hong Qingyan and saying, "Qingyan, you haven¡¯t used your skills since you started your practice. Today provides a good opportunity for some experience."


    "Yes, Big Brother Ye, I¡¯ve been wanting to test my own strength for a while now!" Hong Qingyan replied with a slight smile; suddenly, her figure flashed. Though the vehicle¡¯s door remained closed, she had already soared out.


    Ye Feng, however, could no longer stay seated in the vehicle. After all, no matter what, this was Hong Qingyan¡¯s first time taking action, and her combat experience was not sufficient, making him inevitably worried.


    But it wasn¡¯t long before Ye Feng found his worries were unnecessary. Although Hong Qingyan seemed to be at the Peak of the Martial King Realm on the surface, she was cultivating the Dao Techniques of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator after all, and the Spirit Essence within her was exceptionally strong.


    Coupled with the Magic Artifact Ye Feng had prepared for her, she managed to fight against two opponents without falling at a disadvantage.


    Of course, Hong Qingyan was only contending with the remaining two Divine Communication Realm warriors from the Four Realms and not those two Great Powers on the verge of the Divine Ability Realm Level; otherwise, it would have been considerably challenging.


    "Kill!" The two Divine Ability Realm warriors, although somewhat surprised by Hong Qingyan¡¯s displayed Combat Power, quickly recomposed themselves and charged at Ye Feng with vigor.


    The swords glinted and blades shimmered, cleansing even the air and producing sounds of tearing, and more terrifying was the faint signs of the very space being rent asunder.


    Ye Feng¡¯s gaze sharpened immediately, knowing the extraordinariness of these two. He dared not take them lightly and ignited the Qi Force and Qi Essence from over four hundred Acupoints in his body, causing his aura to surge dramatically.


    At the same time, the Emperor¡¯s Armor appeared, followed by a grasp of his Great Hand, summoning forth the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, as Ye Feng soared into the sky.


    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon clashed with the swords, instantly sparking electric and flint-like bursts. Terrifying waves of energy rushed out, impacting the vast wilderness.


    Ye Feng felt a tingling in the tiger¡¯s mouth of his arm and was inwardly shocked. He hadn¡¯t expected that not only did he fail to repel the opponent¡¯s Divine Path Object, but he even received a backlash. It seemed that the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm truly could not be underestimated.


    "Kid, don¡¯t think we can¡¯t do anything to you just because you¡¯re strong. Today the two of us joined forces to take you down. Even in death, it would be enough for you to take pride in!" the two assassins shouted coldly.


    In the current Ancient Martial World, anyone who has reached the Divine Communication Realm of the Fourth Realm is essentially among the senior ranks of the major Sects, and those who have stepped into the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm are likely holding positions like Deputy Sect Master or Deputy Sect Leader.


    Ye Feng directly put away the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon; he knew that relying on it, he could not contend against them.


    Suddenly, a rainbow light shot from Ye Feng¡¯s glabella, instantly producing a Golden sound in the Void. The Emperor¡¯s Sword materialized forthwith.


    "Cut!" Ye Feng frowned, and the Emperor¡¯s Sword swept across the sky, slashing down with a heaven-defying might.

 Chapter 399 Imperial Edict, None Dare Disobey!

    The Emperor¡¯s Sword was something that appeared within Ye Feng once he had opened four hundred acupoints in his body. It was a martial skill that corresponded with the Dao Technique he was practicing.


    Sometimes, Ye Feng would think that the Emperor¡¯s Sword might be similar to his own Object of the Divine Path, or perhaps the appearance of the Emperor¡¯s Sword, in a way, compensated for the deficiency of the Divine Path Realm, given that the Dao Technique he practiced was confined to the Martial King Realm.


    With a slash of his sword, in an instant, blades and swords fell with a mournful clang. Even if the opponent had set half a foot into the Divine Communication Realm from the Divine Path Realm, they couldn¡¯t withstand Ye Feng¡¯s Emperor¡¯s Sword. Especially after cultivating the Emperor¡¯s Dao, the power of the Emperor¡¯s Sword became even more terrifying.


    Moreover, after being spurred by Ye Feng¡¯s Qi Essence, the power had risen by a level.


    The expressions of the two Great Power Assassins changed drastically as they gritted their teeth and growled, "Good lad, we knew you were strong, but we never expected you to be so formidable ¨C to the point where you can even repel our Divine Path Objects!"


    Of course, it was merely a repulsion, and he did not destroy the Divine Path Objects of the two; after all, they were Half-Step Divine Ability Realm Level characters with considerable Qi Force, and naturally, their Divine Path Objects were also extremely formidable.


    Ye Feng snorted coldly, "So what if it¡¯s the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm? Today, I will let you see my true combat power!"


    In a split second, the Qi Essence within Ye Feng surged out violently, funneling into the Emperor¡¯s Sword, solidifying it further, and undoubtedly increasing its Sword Qi and momentum once again.


    "Is that so? Well then, in that case, we will have to show you what divine abilities of the Divine Ability Realm are," the two Great Power Assassins sneered as they bared their teeth in a cold smile.


    The Divine Ability Realm was so named because, reaching that level of cultivation, one could display various and sundry Divine Skills. Of course, these two had only set half a foot into that realm; even if they could exhibit Divine Skills, the range was significantly limited.


    Nevertheless, even so, the strength of the two was undoubtedly formidable.


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t care; his Emperor¡¯s Sword was already in motion, and he was fearless even if the path ahead was a mountain of blades or a sea of fire.


    However, to his utter surprise, there truly was a sea of fire in front of him. Suddenly, one of the Great Power Assassins formed a Dharma Seal, then lifted their right hand¡¯s index finger, and a small flame sprang from the fingertip.


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    With a single point of his finger, a terrifying Fire Dragon burst forth instantly, forming a sea of fire in no time. The Fire Dragon roared and surged within it, immediately blocking the Emperor¡¯s Sword and even seemingly entrapping it.


    "Divine Power, the Fire Divine Power ¨C that¡¯s the mightiness of a Divine Ability Realm Great Power!" Ye Feng¡¯s brows furrowed tightly as he struggled to maneuver the Emperor¡¯s Sword, yet found himself unable to break free.


    While the other side aimed to use the roaring Fire Dragon to shatter the Emperor¡¯s Sword, they were unable to accomplish that in a short time; they could only confine it instead.


    "Hurry and employ your Divine Skills; this lad¡¯s sword is extraordinary. We must fight quickly and decide the outcome for my Divine Skills can¡¯t be maintained for too long!" one of the Great Power Assassins shouted coldly.


    Without another word, the other assassin began to form incantations rapidly. Suddenly, silver vines sprouted from behind, dancing and sweeping towards them, instantly entwining and sealing the Emperor¡¯s Sword.


    "Now that his Emperor¡¯s Sword is trapped, kill him quickly!" The two assassins were still Half-Step Divine Ability Realm powers, with terrifying strength. Their deployment of Divine Skills had even managed to trap Ye Feng¡¯s Emperor¡¯s Sword within.


    Ye Feng had not anticipated that the opponents would be so strong, and what¡¯s more, there were two half-step Divine Ability Great Powers confronting him. However, even in such a situation, he remained entirely unperturbed.


    You see, his Emperor¡¯s Sword was just one form, not a real sword in the truest sense, and as long as it existed as a form, it could be changed entirely.


    "Disperse!" Ye Feng sneered coldly, and then the Emperor¡¯s Sword simply dissipated, turning into strands of Qi Essence. Indeed, the Emperor¡¯s Sword was condensed from his own Qi Essence, and of course, its power was much stronger than that of ordinary Qi Force condensation. This was also why he was able to contend with Half-Step Divine Ability Realm powers now.


    However, the two assassins were no simple foes. After a moment of stunned pause, they directly controlled the Fire Dragon and the vines to rush towards Ye Feng for the kill.


    The Fire Dragon rumbled, and the vines swept through ¨C these were Divine Skills, whose power was many times greater than that of an Object of the Divine Path.


    Still, Ye Feng remained standing in place, merely watching coldly as the onslaught seemed to quickly spread towards him.


    Hong Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but shout loudly in panic, "Big Brother Ye, be careful, dodge quickly!"


    Although Hong Qingyan was desperate to rush forward and block in front of Ye Feng, at the moment, he was entangled by two powerful beings and was utterly unable to extricate himself. As for the other four bodyguard powerhouses of Shi Yehong, they were in no better situation, utterly unable to spare any effort to assist.


    To the shouts, Ye Feng remained as if deaf, still standing erect and unmoved. Just as the Fire Dragon was about to reach his forehead, a scroll suddenly burst forth from his brow.


    "Emperor¡¯s Dao, Emperor¡¯s Order, suppress!" Ye Feng shouted angrily.


    As the scroll appeared, an ancient Token suddenly soared from it and struck towards the Fire Dragon in front. In an instant, the Fire Dragon became like a tamed pet, obediently coming to a halt. The same went for the vines; they too stopped immediately, revealing fear amidst their docility, and ultimately submitting within that terror.


    This was a kind of fear and submission that subordinates have towards their king!


    "Go!" Ye Feng waved his Great Hand, and the Fire Dragon along with the vines immediately changed direction, rolling and rushing towards the two Great Power assassins.


    At this moment, the two were utterly shocked. They stood there wide-eyed as if they had seen a ghost. They knew this was their own Divine Skills, yet, someone... someone had actually tamed them. This was simply too shocking.


    Fortunately, both were at the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm. Having lived for quite some time and seen a great deal, they quickly recovered from their shock. Both repeatedly performed the Magic Seal Incantation, trying to regain control of their Divine Skills.


    What they hadn¡¯t expected, however, was that no matter how they tried to manipulate it, their Divine Skills simply wouldn¡¯t respond to their commands any longer.


    Boom...


    Along with an earth-shattering noise, the Fire Dragon instantly swallowed both individuals, and the vines lashed directly onto their bodies, sending them flying on the spot. Of course, if these two Great Power assassins didn¡¯t have Protective Magical Treasures, it would have been more than just injuries.


    As the Fire Dragon and vines dissipated, it became clear that although the two Great Power assassins hadn¡¯t fallen to the ground, they staggered with a wretched appearance, and one of them even had blood at the corner of his mouth.


    "The so-called Divine Ability Realm, I see it¡¯s nothing much. I wasn¡¯t satisfied just now. Why don¡¯t you try displaying an even more powerful one?" Ye Feng sneered dismissively with a cold huff.


    At this, the complexions of the two Great Power assassins completely changed. If they displayed an even more powerful Divine Skill, wouldn¡¯t the backlash be even greater? They feared they would end up severely injured or even near death, not just hurt.


    However, thinking about it, given their current Half-Step Divine Ability Realm Level of cultivation, the Divine Skills they had just deployed were already the strongest they had. Yet, even the strongest could neither take down their opponent nor prevent being counterattacked.


    At this point, both Great Powers knew in their hearts that they were no match for their adversary. Although this young man was not old, his cultivation was unfathomably deep.


    "Kid, you really are strong, but there will always be someone who will deal with you!"


    "Let¡¯s go!" After saying that, the two leaped up and vanished entirely, escaping without a trace of hesitation, even abandoning their companions who had come with them.


    Seeing the situation turn sour, the others fled in panic. Hong Qingyan naturally could not stop them. Although she was a cultivator, her time in practice was relatively short and her combat experience was not rich. As for Shi Yehong¡¯s four secret bodyguards, they were even less capable. They had already been at a disadvantage in the previous fight, and now they couldn¡¯t possibly give chase.


    Of course, for everyone involved, this outcome was already quite good. Throughout the process, Ye Feng simply stood quietly in place, watching the assassins flee, with no intention of pursuing them.


    Hong Qingyan swiftly approached and said, "Big Brother Ye, you¡¯ve really become even more powerful. You can even defeat those in the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm, much more powerful than at yesterday¡¯s Martial Dao conference."


    The four secret bodyguards also stepped forward and said, "Your subordinates have seen our lord, your Divine Skills are unmatched..."


    However, before the four could finish speaking, Ye Feng suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, which shocked everyone present. Naturally, the most worried of all was Hong Qingyan. She couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, "Big Brother Ye, how are you, are you okay?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said with a smile, "It¡¯s nothing. I just forcibly used something I¡¯m not yet skilled at, it¡¯s not a big deal. Help me into the carriage, a little breath regulation, and I¡¯ll be fine!"


    Truth be told, this was the first time Ye Feng had forcibly used the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. Of course, the reason he dared to do so was that last night, during cultivation, he discovered that he could already slightly mobilize it.


    Given the situation just now, his Emperor¡¯s Sword could not compete with the enemy¡¯s Divine Skills; therefore, out of necessity, Ye Feng had no choice but to forcefully use the scroll. He knew very clearly that this scroll was far from ordinary and would undoubtedly be able to withstand the attack.


    What Ye Feng had never anticipated was that, as he mobilized the scroll, a Dao Technique suddenly appeared in his mind ¨C the Emperor¡¯s Order, the very Magic Technique he had just deployed. Emperor¡¯s Decree, that none under heaven dare disobey!


    It was precisely because of the benefits of this Emperor¡¯s Decree that he managed to break the Divine Skills of the two Great Power assassins in an instant. Of course, doing so caused a great backlash against Ye Feng himself, particularly in his head, which felt as if countless ants were biting painfully.


    Ye Feng was well aware that this was due to his insufficient spiritual power and Divine Sense strength. It seemed that using this scroll relied greatly on spiritual power and Divine Sense, or perhaps on the more profound notions of consciousness or will, rather than Qi Force or Spirit Essence.


    "So it turns out that it¡¯s activated by the will and Divine Sense. This Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll is truly extraordinary!" Ye Feng mused silently, then entered the carriage, closed his eyes, and began breath regulation.


    But even knowing that the scroll was controlled by will and Divine Sense, he had no means to act under the current circumstances. After all, he couldn¡¯t cultivate spiritual power or Primordial Spirit at this stage.


    Luckily, his foundation was strong. With just a short period of breath regulation, the explosive pain in his head eased, and the carriage slowly set off, continuing northward.

 Chapter 400: Strong Pattern and Layout

    Half a day later, Ye Feng and his entourage finally arrived at the Northern Border Base Camp. After suffering an assassination attempt in the desolate ancient lands, they had not encountered any further unexpected incidents. It seemed that even the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were temporarily shocked by the strength displayed by Ye Feng.


    However, when Ye Feng reached the Northern Border Base Camp, he was also shocked. The situation was even more tense than he had imagined, and it could even be described as severe.


    In the Northern Border, Snow Wolf Country together with the Western Nations had already brought their armies to the border, on the verge of crossing over and invading. Besides that, Fusang to the east had also seized the opportunity to send out troops.


    Of course, that wasn¡¯t the worst. The Southern Territory was under heavy pressure from the Three Southern Kingdoms and could hardly hold out. It was already in a state of consecutive defeats. Furthermore, the Western Territory was also facing a tense situation.


    In the Western Territory of Xuanyuan Nation, due to issues left from the previous century, there had been no Sovereign of the Western Territory in place because the terrain in the west was quite special and a large part of the west was under the influence of the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Therefore, appointing a king there was not considered meaningful.


    Theoretically, the territories within the Western Territory were usually controlled by the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts themselves.


    At this moment, the Western Territory was showing signs of unrest. First, there were small countries in the west that were eager to move, and some dark forces native to the Western Territory, probably instigated by others, saw an opportunity and became restless. An example was the Xuan Yin Sect from the Western Region, which Ye Feng had encountered in Jiangdu.


    Ye Feng sat in the sovereign¡¯s seat in the main tent, listening to the reports from the Shadow of the west, and couldn¡¯t help but rub his forehead. It seemed that Xuanyuan Nation was indeed in a tricky situation. Discover more content at Freewebnovel


    "Your Majesty, given the current situation, what should we do?" Xiao Chuanqi stood up and asked.


    The main tent was solemn, with all the major corps commanders in place, along with commanders at various levels. Of course, the only one missing was Gai Jiuyou, and outside the tent, the Northern Border Soldiers had already assembled, disciplined and high-spirited.


    Ye Feng was not wearing a royal robe, but his posture was upright and his demeanor authoritative. He raised his two sword-like eyebrows and said word by word, "Looking at the current situation, although the Southern Territory is in danger, it is not yet at the point of being overthrown.


    Fusang may have attacked the Capital Region from the east, but with Fusang¡¯s abilities as a small country, they do not possess such a capacity."


    Sima Zhantian nodded and harrumphed, "Naturally, Fusang, a small country, even if given ten times more strength, could not contend with us, let alone think of attacking the Capital Region."


    Ye Feng nodded and continued, "As for our Northern Border, now that I have returned, there is naturally less to worry about. The only thing that gives me concern is the Western Territory."


    "The Western Territory?"


    Leng Wuming, puzzled, asked, "Your Majesty, the Western Territory has always been under the control of the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Although there are signs of unrest now, a little suppression by these sects should surely calm things down."


    Ye Feng let out a cold laugh and said, "The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, if they don¡¯t cause trouble during this upheaval, it would already be a blessing. To expect them to step in and suppress the disturbance, it¡¯d be more likely to see pigs climb trees!"


    Though the Northern King made a joking remark, no one in the tent laughed; after all, the matter being discussed was of utmost seriousness.


    Xiao Chuanqi frowned and asked, "Your Majesty means to say that the Nine Great Sects are likely to stand by and let the Western Territory fall into chaos?"


    Ye Feng snorted coldly, "If that¡¯s the case, then we, the Northern Border, will certainly not stand idly by. When that time comes, I, would not mind holding two crowns!"


    The people below exchanged looks upon hearing this, clearly understanding that if it came to this, Their Majesty might not only be the Northern King but also the Sovereign of the Western Territory. If it came to that point, there was no doubt that His Majesty would hold the greatest power in Xuanyuan Nation.


    Of course, such a scenario was unlikely to happen. Leaving aside the Nine Great Sects, just the Capital itself would probably not allow it, considering the presence of the Great General¡¯s Mansion there. The power held by the Great General¡¯s Mansion was extremely formidable.


    "Now the situation in the Northern Border is also critical. Let¡¯s not talk about the other three regions for now and focus on clearing the snow from our own doorstep first!" Ye Feng withdrew his gaze and then commanded, "Now speak up, tell me how many troops Snow Wolf Country and the Western Nations have deployed, who leads these troops, and exactly where they have reached!"


    The Shadow stepped forward again and reported, "Your Majesty, Snow Wolf Country has deployed three hundred thousand troops, and the Western Nations alliance has deployed two hundred thousand. That¡¯s a total of five hundred thousand troops. On the side of Snow Wolf Country, it¡¯s led by their newly-appointed General of the Royal Court, Max.


    As for the Western Nations, it¡¯s under the command of King Bisno, known as the Vampire King Duke!"


    The Western Nations had always had some kind of secret and inseparable connection, which was tied together by vampires. In fact, the real controllers of the Western Nations were these vampire families. Although these families stayed behind the scenes, their descendants held key positions in the various Western Nations, controlling the country¡¯s power.


    For instance, King Bisno, the Vampire King, held great prestige among the Western Nations. These vampire families had a very special physique and similarly possessed formidable strength.


    "Fifty thousand troops, it seems they are really going all-in!" Ye Feng said in a cold, solemn voice.


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, with the enemy¡¯s fierce momentum, how should we respond?"


    Ye Feng said, "Although they claim to have a force of half a million, the only ones we really need to pay attention to are the few tens of thousands of Snow Wolf Riders and the Vampire Guards."


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately said, "Your Majesty, leave the Snow Wolf Riders of the Snow Wolf Country to me. I guarantee that within three days, I will scatter this force!"


    Sima Zhantian also hurried forward, saying, "Your Majesty, let me deal with the Vampire Guards. I likewise guarantee that within three days, I will cripple this so-called elite force of the West!"


    Leng Wuming and other legion chiefs also did not want to appear weak and one after another asked for orders.


    However, Ye Feng simply waved his hand and said with a smile, "No, this time there is no need to divide our forces for battle. Everyone, gather together!"


    "Everyone gather together, but how will we fight?" Many soldiers did not understand.


    "It¡¯s simple, first we feign weakness to the enemy. When they carelessly enter the Wild Wind Valley, we will annihilate them in one fell swoop!" Ye Feng slowly rose to his feet as he said this, gazing into the distance with an incredibly resolute look in his eyes.


    Xiao Chuanqi frowned and said, "Your Majesty, the terrain of the Wild Wind Valley is flat and very vast. If we get to that point, the Snow Wolf Riders of the Snow Wolf Country will have even less to hinder them. I¡¯m afraid this is not advisable!"


    The strength of the Snow Wolf Riders of the Snow Wolf Country was well-known because each soldier rode a Snow Wolf, which were fiercely natured and extremely fast. In the last defeat of the opposition, Ye Feng did not dare to confront them head-on, as even a victory would result in heavy losses on his own side, and so he had opted for a fire attack in the end.


    But this time, Ye Feng was proposing to battle in such a flat valley as the Wild Wind Valley, which would only add to the Snow Wolf Riders¡¯ advantage. Thus, for a moment, all the generals within the tent looked at each other with confused and puzzled faces.


    Leng Wuming said, "Your Majesty, the enemy comes fiercely and with overwhelming numbers. The Northern Border can muster only three hundred thousand, while the enemy has mobilized half a million. If we were to confront them head-on, I fear..."


    Xiao Chuanqi added, "Yes, Your Majesty, facing such a situation, we typically show weakness to the enemy and then defeat them in parts. If we let them unite their forces, I¡¯m afraid we don¡¯t stand much of a chance."


    Ye Feng could not help but smile, saying, "What, do you not trust me?"


    No one spoke. They didn¡¯t distrust the Northern King. After all, since the Northern King had taken office, he had fought dozens of battles, both large and small, without any defeats. They just could not understand why their lord would set an ambush in the flat terrain of the Wild Wind Valley.


    "Your Majesty, our Northern Border is treacherously situated; any other place would be more rugged than the Wild Wind Valley, any other place easier to set an ambush. Why choose there?" Shadow puzzled over it and finally voiced his own thoughts.


    "Because only there is vast enough. This time, I want to annihilate them completely¡ªall fifty thousand. I want the nations of the world to know the might of our Northern Border Army. I want them to understand that the territory of Xuanyuan Nation is sacred and inviolable!" Ye Feng said with forceful determination in his voice.


    After speaking, he picked up the King¡¯s Order on the table and issued a command, "Order: Leng Wuming¡¯s troops are to act as the vanguard to lure the enemy. Remember not to engage too fiercely. In three days, you must lead the enemy force into the Wild Wind Valley!"


    "Yes!" Leng Wuming immediately saluted and left the tent.


    "The rest of the forces, follow me to the Wild Wind Valley to set up the formation!" Having said this, Ye Feng stepped out of the tent. This time, he was going to set up a Great Formation, a formation that would shock the world and even make the nations tremble once completed.


    However, Xiao Chuanqi and others still did not understand, but now that the King¡¯s Order had been given, they naturally could not say much more. Though they were truly puzzled, as loyal subjects, they would still follow the King¡¯s Order accordingly.


    The western wind was brisk, the sound of autumn wind in the Northern Border was continuous. Though the Great Desert no longer had solitary smoke rising, the desolate and vast atmosphere remained unchanged for a thousand years.


    Under Ye Feng¡¯s King¡¯s Order, Leng Wuming¡¯s legion of eighty thousand men set out as the vanguard. Of course, being the vanguard was an extremely honorable task as it was equivalent to the recognition from the Northern King of the valor of this legion.


    Of course, only Leng Wuming knew that this time they did not need to fight bravely, and even needed to feign weakness, in order to draw the enemy into the Wild Wind Valley three days later.


    In fact, the Wild Wind Valley was a very vast valley, accessible only by a narrow and long road. The exit of the road faced north, and due to the "funnel effect," winds howled through the valley year round, thus earning its name.


    Two hours after Leng Wuming¡¯s legion set out, as the sky gradually darkened, the rest of the legions set out swiftly towards the Wild Wind Valley under Ye Feng¡¯s arrangement and instruction.


    "Three days is enough to set up that Great Formation!"


    Ye Feng looked at the sky. The wind howled, the earth sounded like the wails of ghosts and the howls of wolves, and the weather here was gradually getting colder after the autumn, especially at night when the temperature dropped even lower. However, the morale of the many soldiers was high under the lead of the Northern King, and they did not feel the cold at all.

 Chapter 401: The Undefeated General, Northern Border King

    The night grew deeper, and three hours later, the army finally arrived stealthily at the Wild Wind Valley. Ye Feng then began to deploy the Great Formation, arranging over two hundred thousand soldiers strictly according to the requirements of the Formation.


    This Formation was something Ye Feng had comprehended during his cultivation of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, more precisely when he was cultivating the Emperor¡¯s Dao. It was a Military Strategist¡¯s Formation, a powerful one at that.


    The Formation was divided into three levels, the lowest of which could be deployed by twenty thousand people, enhancing the overall strength of the army by one-tenth. The second level required eighty thousand people, boosting the strength by one-third.


    The third stage required at least two hundred thousand, capable of increasing the army¡¯s might by sixty percent. Consider sixty percent; that was already more than half. This was a terrifying figure, and once the Snow Wolf Riders of Snow Country and the Vampire Guard of the Western Nations entered the Great Formation, they would inevitably be slaughtered.


    The Northern Border Army on the spot now numbered two hundred thousand, fully meeting the third level requirements of the Emperor¡¯s Dao Military Formation. Moreover, with Ye Feng personally presiding over the Formation, its power could be further enhanced.


    "Snow Wolf Riders, Vampire Guard, daring to offend my Northern Border, this time I will let you know the might of the Northern King!"


    Ye Feng scoffed inwardly but remained composed, continuously directing the soldiers to their designated positions. At the same time, he was also busy setting up the materials for the Great Formation that had been prepared beforehand.


    No one could understand what their sovereign was doing, but not a single person disobeyed. Upon receiving their orders, everyone acted with immediate rigor. This was military discipline, and it was what made the Northern Border Army formidable!


    However, with two hundred thousand soldiers, the numbers were simply too great. Fortunately, the Wild Wind Valley was vast and flat, offering plenty of space. It accommodated two hundred thousand without feeling crowded, and it even appeared quite open.


    After two and a half days, the Great Formation was finally in place. Ye Feng stood atop the highest peak in the middle, surveying the surroundings. By then, the army had been divided into countless small squares, and faintly, there seemed to be a pattern similar to that of the Bagua.


    "Everything is ready, just waiting for the enemy to fall into the trap!" Ye Feng slightly raised the corners of his mouth with a smile, then he simply sat down cross-legged on the ground. Around him were Hong Qingyan, Xiao Chuanqi, and several other regiment leaders.


    Sima Zhantian had been holding back for two days and could not bear it anymore. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Your Majesty, we¡¯ve been setting up for two days. Is this thing really effective? With the terrain being so flat below, can it really withstand the Snow Wolf Riders of Snow Wolf Country?"


    Ye Feng didn¡¯t turn around; his eyes were slowly closing as he spoke indifferently, "What, you don¡¯t believe in my abilities?"


    "That¡¯s not it!" Sima Zhantian hurriedly shook his head, "I believe in Your Majesty¡¯s abilities, of course. It¡¯s just that this Great Formation doesn¡¯t seem to have anything special. Can we really contend with the Snow Wolf Riders and the Vampire Guard? After all, the enemy has much more strength than us!"


    At that moment, Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "You¡¯ll see in due time."


    Just as Sima Zhantian was about to ask further questions, Xiao Chuanqi, unable to contain himself, said, "Enough, Iron Bull. If His Majesty says it will work, then there must be no problem. Let¡¯s just wait here!"


    Ye Feng then suddenly asked, "The only concern now is whether Leng Wuming can lure the enemy in."


    Xiao Chuan said, "Your Majesty, why don¡¯t I take a small team to check it out? It would be good to have some support just in case the enemy is pursuing closely."


    "Granted!" Ye Feng spoke, and Xiao Chuanqi immediately got up and left.


    Ye Feng then turned his head and asked, "Shadow, report the current situation in the other Three Realms."


    Shadow immediately saluted and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the situation in the Southern Territory is the most tense. The Three Southern Kingdoms are making a direct assault. Southern King Zhang Wenyuan is resisting fiercely even though the enemy¡¯s power is overwhelming, and the Southern Territory might fall before long."


    Ye Feng¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he asked, "What about the Imperial Capital? Is there no intention to send reinforcements?"


    Shadow replied, "There has been no movement from the Imperial Capital. Although Fusang Kingdom is massing troops and threatening to attack the capital, there has been little activity so far. It appears that the Great General¡¯s Mansion is on strict guard against Fusang Kingdom, so they are not stirring and have not sent aid to the Southern Territory."


    "What about the Western Territory?" Ye Feng inquired.


    "The situation in the Western Territory is rather complex. In the past two days, various powers of the Western Territory have suddenly surged up. The situation is very chaotic. Of course, the loudest among them is the Xuan Yin Sect, but the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have not shown any movement!" Shadow answered in detail.


    "I understand," Ye Feng nodded and decided to drop the subject. Shadow wanted to ask about their next course of action, but seeing that his sovereign seemed disinclined to say more, she naturally did not speak further.


    The scene fell silent, but after nightfall, the wind in Wild Wind Valley started to pick up, especially in the latter half of the night. The wind blowing from behind, after passing through the Venturi effect, sounded like the wail of ghosts and howling of wolves¡ªutterly chilling.


    After midnight, the temperature in the valley dropped even lower, reaching subzero levels. Yet, the many soldiers below remained statue-like, not moving an inch, strictly following their orders.


    At this moment, the troops led by Leng Wuming had just experienced a fierce battle. Overwhelmed by the staggering difference in strength, there were heavy casualties on Leng Wuming¡¯s side.


    It was then that Xiao Chuanqi arrived with a small squad. Upon seeing the situation, he couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What happened? Didn¡¯t our lord order you to feign defeat and then retreat? Why did you engage them in a tough fight?"


    The battlefield was ghastly, with over ten thousand casualties on the Northern Border¡¯s side. However, Snow Wolf Country and the Western Nations didn¡¯t fare much better, with their casualties likely exceeding fifteen thousand.


    Leng Wuming spat out a mouthful of blood and cursed, "Damn it, Snow Wolf Country must have learned from their past losses. No matter how much I feigned defeat during the day to lure them, they just wouldn¡¯t take the bait. Without a clear understanding of our main forces¡¯ movements, they didn¡¯t pursue us at all, which left me no choice but to confront them head-on!"


    At that, Leng Wuming declared, "I know I have disobeyed our lord¡¯s orders, but as long as I can successfully bait the enemy and complete the task given by our lord, I am willing to accept the punishment after the battle!"


    Xiao Chuanqi waved his hand, "Let¡¯s not dwell on that now. What¡¯s the current situation? Do we have a chance to lure the enemy successfully?"


    Leng Wuming pondered and said, "It should be almost time. Our forces still number in the tens of thousands, but we are now heavily wounded. The enemy certainly won¡¯t let this opportunity slip, intending to annihilate us in one fell swoop!"


    At this point, Leng Wuming suddenly raised the banner of his own legion and shouted loudly, "Retreat! All units heed my command and retreat swiftly to the Wild Valley behind us!"


    As his words fell, tens of thousands moved quickly, even the wounded soldiers didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest.


    Just then, at the Northern high ground¡¯s camp, a deputy general asked, "Reporting to the Grand General of Max¡¯s Court, the enemy has suffered countless casualties and is in full retreat after the recent battle. I request permission to pursue immediately!"


    The General of Max¡¯s Court appeared to be in his early forties, not particularly old, dressed in a set of silver armor, with a bushy beard and a burly figure. Around him were five generals from the Royal Court of Snow Wolf Country.


    Each of these five generals was mounted on a majestic snow-white Snow Wolf, all undoubtedly of Wolf King level.


    Standing atop the high slope, they looked down upon the recent battlefield in front of them and behind, a dense array of soldiers ¨C the elite main force of Snow Wolf Country. If one looked closely, they would see an occasional white-robed Shaman Mage among the ranks.


    On another high slope, there stood several middle-aged to elderly men with lean figures, clad in red robes and pale as paper. They were none other than the Controllers of the Western Nations, the Vampire Clan, with the middle one being the Commander-in-Chief, the Vampire King Duke!


    The Grand General from Max¡¯s Court pointed to the front and sneered, "Defeated and fleeing in disarray? Take a good look. Does this retreating Northern Army of Xuanyuan show any sign of panic?"


    "Isn¡¯t that what¡¯s happening? Just now I led my men and inflicted countless casualties on them; they¡¯re routed and fleeing!" one general said.


    "Hmph, Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s military strategist once said that a real rout would be extremely chaotic. But look at them now, do you see any disorder? Moreover, what I truly care about isn¡¯t this small detachment anyway," the Grand General from Max¡¯s Court scoffed.


    At this moment, the deputy general fell silent. Indeed, that last battle was merely a probing engagement, probably involving the vanguard, not the main force of either side.


    Just then, few senior members of the Vampire Guard led by the Vampire King arrived and asked, "How is it? After two days, have you located the main forces of the Northern Border Army?"


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    Max laughed, "Of course. Snow Wolf Country¡¯s intelligence is not for naught. Right now, the Northern Border Army¡¯s main force and that legendary Northern King Ye Feng are in Wild Wind Valley!"


    "Wild Wind Valley? What kind of place is that, and what¡¯s the terrain like? Since we have located the enemy¡¯s main forces, what are we waiting for? We should launch a direct attack and annihilate them at once!" the Western Vampire King ordered.


    "Hold on!"


    The Grand General of Max¡¯s Court raised his hand and said, "This Northern King of Xuanyuan Nation, although young, is full of tricks. The force he has sent as the vanguard is just meant to test and bait us, thinking they could deceive me when in fact I¡¯ve seen through it all!"


    "The General is wise. Since we have seen through them, what should our next step be? Should we pursue, or continue to wait here?" the Vampire King inquired.


    "Continuing to wait here obviously isn¡¯t realistic. The Northern Army of Xuanyuan Nation¡¯s main forces have already assembled in Wild Valley, and according to intelligence, they¡¯ve reached there by now. From my understanding of the Northern King, they wouldn¡¯t have gathered there for no reason!" said Grand General Max.


    The Vampire King grew impatient, "In my opinion, we don¡¯t need to overthink this. If we want to know what they¡¯re up to, we simply charge over there and find out. Not to mention the battle just now, this so-called formidable force of the Northern Border Army didn¡¯t seem so impressive. This time, I truly want to meet this world-famous Undefeated General, the Northern Border King!"


    "Very well, since that¡¯s the case, we¡¯ll go over there and then make a decision!"

 Chapter 402: This Battle, Shocks the World!

    As the darkest and coldest night passed and dawn approached, the Snow Wolf Riders of the Snow Wolf Country, under the leadership of General Max of Max¡¯s Court, arrived at the mouth of the Wild Wind Valley. At the same time, more than a hundred thousand Vampire Guards also reached this place.


    However, General Max, who understood Northern King Ye Feng, promptly halted his troops, as he always felt that something was amiss. After all, based on his understanding, Northern King Ye Feng was a legend and could not possibly be displaying such mediocrity.


    "Max, why stop? Why not continue the pursuit and charge in directly?" queried the Vampire King in a heavy tone.


    Furrowing his brows, Max responded, "We¡¯d better be cautious. First, let¡¯s clarify what exactly Northern King Ye Feng and his main forces are doing inside¡ªthere¡¯s no harm in attacking afterward!"


    Having said that, he gave a great wave of his hand, and an intelligence officer immediately stepped forward. Max inquired, "Well, have you thoroughly investigated the situation inside?"


    "Report to the Great General, after one whole day and night of risky exploration, we¡¯ve finally obtained a clear picture. Nearly all the Northern Border Army¡¯s troops are concentrated there, and they are highly dispersed."


    "Highly dispersed," echoed Max as he frowned.


    "Yes, Great General, extremely dispersed. Moreover, they¡¯re not assembling as military regiments. With such a formation, I dare guarantee that if I lead a pair of cavalry to charge in, we can utterly annihilate them!" declared the intelligence officer.


    Unmoved, Max further inquired, "And how¡¯s the terrain inside?"


    "The terrain is very flat, a wide plain, extremely advantageous for our Snow Wolf Riders¡¯ shock tactics!"


    Max instantly became contemplative. At this point, he truly couldn¡¯t understand what the enemy was trying to do. Considering the situation, wasn¡¯t the enemy merely sending themselves to their deaths?


    "Vampire King Duke, what¡¯s your opinion on this?" Max, after some thought, still turned to ask.


    "I think nothing of it!" The Vampire King Duke coldly snorted with disdain. "Based on the battle just now, this Northern Border Army of the Xuanyuan Nation is nothing special. And judging from the current situation, the fact that they have concentrated their main forces here shows they understand nothing of military tactics!"


    "Anything else?" asked Max.


    "Isn¡¯t it obvious?" replied the Vampire King Duke. "That so-called Northern King of the Xuanyuan Nation is just a mediocre glutton. I truly don¡¯t understand what you, Great General, are worried about. Now that we have the advantage of time, terrain, and people on our side, if we don¡¯t seize this opportunity to annihilate our enemies in one fell swoop, I fear we may never get such a chance again!"


    At this time, other generals of the Snow Wolf Country also spoke up, "Exactly, General. We have completely understood the current situation, everything is under our control. Moreover, there are no movements from the Imperial Capital of the Xuanyuan Nation; no reinforcements will come."


    "Furthermore, in terms of military strength, we outnumber the enemy by more than a hundred thousand troops. Not to mention the terrain: their choice of such a valley is practically digging their own graves. Given the flat terrain, it¡¯s highly suitable for our Snow Wolf Riders¡¯ charge; they simply cannot withstand it!"


    "In conclusion, Great General, if we miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we will regret it forever!"


    Finally persuaded by the crowd, Max nodded, "Indeed, no matter how the Northern King of the Xuanyuan Nation deceives, he cannot hide in the face of absolute intelligence control. Today, will be the day the Northern Border Army is completely eradicated!"


    "All soldiers heed my command, in half a quarter hour, the entire army will strike. I have only one demand: annihilate the enemy entirely!"


    Roar...


    In an instant, the entire land trembled with the roar of these several hundred thousand soldiers, and within the valley, Ye Feng also slowly opened his eyes, finally revealing a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth.


    Sima Zhantian asked, "My Lord, do you think they will come?"


    Without answering directly, Ye Feng smiled and counter-queried, "What do you think? If you were the enemy commander, would you come in?"


    Without hesitation, Sima Zhantian replied, "Of course, with such a good opportunity, I would surely charge in!"


    Ye Feng merely smiled and stayed silent, but Xiao Chuanqi next to him said, "If I were the enemy commander, I wouldn¡¯t come in even if I were beaten to death. At most, I would besiege from outside, because I understand the Lord all too well. It is impossible for him to choose such an extremely disadvantageous valley to gather his main forces without reason!"


    Ye Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh, remarking, "You do understand me. Unfortunately, not everybody can truly comprehend a person, and not every person can resist the temptation of a good opportunity, especially with a mix of truth and deception. Actually, this is also why I chose to set up the Great Formation here!"


    With that, Ye Feng suddenly gave an order, "As per the King¡¯s Order, all soldiers prepare for battle!"


    The half quarter hour passed quickly, and by this time, the Snow Wolf Riders of Snow Wolf Country and the Vampire Guard from Western Nations surged into the valley mouth like a tidal wave.


    Ye Feng sat cross-legged atop a hollow, immovable. It was then his hands suddenly began a Seal Formation, and in the next moment, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness began to move, emitting strands of white light.


    The white light burst forth from his forehead, turning into thick white fog that quickly enveloped the entire Wild Wind Valley. By then, nothing could be seen half a meter away in the valley, yet strangely, the Northern Border Army seemed unaffected.


    What was more astonishing was that as the white light shrouded the valley, all the Northern Border Soldiers¡¯ blood began to boil, and their aura gained a certain level of enhancement. As for the Snow Wolf Riders and Vampire Guard who rushed in, they became restless and agitated.


    The two sides hadn¡¯t even truly engaged yet when the Snow Wolf Riders already began to descend into chaos. Worse still, with the dense fog obscuring visibility, they couldn¡¯t see the situation ahead, while more Snow Wolf Riders continued to swarm in from behind.


    In truth, it was only a matter of moments. The soldiers of Snow Wolf Country, due to their restlessness and extreme confusion, and coupled with the obstruction of the fog which clouded their sight, began to fight among themselves. Eventually, they even clashed with the Vampire Guard, a scene both intense and cruel.


    All the soldiers of the Northern Border Army were dumbfounded by what unfolded, not comprehending what was happening. Nonetheless, this turned out to be a blessing for them, especially since the Northern King had already issued an order for them to hold their position and contract their formation, letting the enemy slaughter each other in their frenzy.


    In that half quarter hour, Snow Wolf Country and the Vampire Guard had already suffered heavy casualties. At this point, General Max of the Royal Court and the Vampire King Duke finally sensed something amiss and hastily ordered a retreat.


    By this time, both sides were bloodthirsty and trapped in a frenzy; and with the white fog still blocking their vision, they couldn¡¯t see clearly ahead, which made all soldiers run around in panic like headless flies.


    It was then that King¡¯s Order from Ye Feng came down: Kill!


    Just one word, and in an instant, all the Northern Border Soldiers sprang into action. They were like fierce tigers, and with each swing of their blades, enemy lives were reaped. In mere ten minutes, Snow Wolf Country and the Vampire Guard had another large number fall.


    By that time, the several hundred thousand troops of Snow Wolf Country and the vampire nations of the west had dwindled to less than a hundred thousand. The situation on the battlefield had already sealed their fate.


    The Northern Border Soldiers continued to swarm and harvest the lives of their enemies. The battle was like a fast-moving storm¡ªit came quickly and ended swiftly, lasting only an hour.


    "Run, run for your life!" Suddenly, the white fog that enveloped the valley finally dispersed. By then, General Max of the Royal Court and the Vampire King Duke could clearly see the situation on the battlefield, and it nearly scared them to death.


    Although they were prepared and anticipated defeat, they could never have imagined it would be so catastrophic. From several hundred thousand troops, there were now fewer than fifty thousand left, whereas the enemy casualties didn¡¯t even reach five thousand.


    Of course, this was because the General of the Royal Court and the Vampire King were unaware that upon entering the valley, their forces had already lost nearly half their strength to frenzied infighting due to the restlessness and confusion.


    "This... this isn¡¯t a battle, this is a massacre!" General Max of Max¡¯s Court was chilled to the core, and without any hesitation, he immediately led his trusted aide troops in a desperate flight, while at the same time, the Vampire King also fled for his life. Stay updated through Freewebnovel


    In Ye Feng¡¯s original plan, the white fog was not supposed to disperse this early; it should have remained until the battle was fully concluded. However, suddenly, because of the mental and spiritual exertion from leading the Great Formation, he had to stop out of necessity.


    "Hear the order, pursue them, you must annihilate them completely, they must not be allowed to escape across the border!" Ye Feng issued the command, and Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and several other corps commanders sprang into action, each leading their own trusted aides.


    At that moment, Ye Feng¡¯s face was exceedingly pale. It was then he realized just how mentally and spiritually draining it was to deploy the third layer of the Emperor¡¯s Great Formation. Luckily, the battle was nearly over, or he wouldn¡¯t have been able to last that long.


    Even so, the battle was shocking enough to astonish the entire world. Furthermore, it was clear to everyone that not only was the mighty Snow Wolf Country now terrified, but even the Western Nations were likely scared witless. It was probable that for a hundred years, Snow Wolf Country would not dare to harbor any thoughts of offense.


    Hong Qingyan glanced at Ye Feng, concern in her voice as she asked, "Big Brother Ye, how are you doing, are you alright?"


    Ye Feng smiled and waved his hand, "It¡¯s nothing serious, just a bit tired. I¡¯ll be fine after some breath regulation."


    However, just then, the scroll within his Sea of Consciousness suddenly surged wildly, and the Source of Blood Qi from all eight directions to the west crazily poured into the scroll.


    "This is..." Ye Feng was startled, and then he was overcome with joy. He had not expected the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to have this use, to be able to absorb the Origin of Blood Qi.


    "Unexpected indeed, such a massive amount of Origin of Blood Qi, and to think that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll could absorb it. Although its quality is far inferior to that of the Source of Luck, with such a vast quantity, my Cultivation Level will surely advance to the next level!"


    Ye Feng was exhilarated. If he could completely absorb all this Origin of Blood Qi, the Qi Force in his body would likely transform entirely into Qi Essence, with even a small part becoming Spirit Essence, meaning that his Combat Power was set to surge once more!

 Chapter 403: The Appearance of Spirit Essence, Stepping Onto the Path of Ancient Cultivation!

    With the coming of dawn, the great battle finally came to an end. Under the leadership of Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhan Tian, who led the pursuit, nearly fifty thousand troops were almost entirely annihilated, with the exception of a few high-ranking officers who managed to escape.


    The Northern Border Army suffered less than ten thousand casualties, which was undoubtedly a case of winning against the odds, and moreover, a complete victory.


    After the news spread, it immediately caused a huge sensation like a tidal wave in international circles, and at this moment, Snow Wolf Country and the Western Nations were completely immersed in silence, with no one daring to show their faces again.


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, we have achieved an overwhelming victory. Why don''t we take advantage of the situation to strike directly into Snow Wolf Country and occupy several regions in the southern part of the country!" Sima Zhan Tian suddenly suggested when he returned.


    However, his suggestion was immediately rejected by Ye Feng. It wasn''t that the Northern Border lacked the strength to do so; Snow Wolf Country had suffered heavy losses and the morale of the Northern Border Soldiers was high. It would be possible to march straight into their territory and even seizing several counties in the south was within reach.


    However, what would they do after taking it over? The Snow Wolf Country, being further north, experienced extremely cold weather year-round, and the southern parts were mostly wasteland; even if they took it over, it wouldn''t mean much as the climate was so cold that the Northern Border Soldiers could hardly adapt.


    That was just one aspect. Besides, the current situation in Xuanyuan Nation was equally gloomy. Although the crisis in the Northern Border had been resolved, the Southern and Western Territories were still quite dangerous. Although the Imperial Capital did not send help, the Northern King would not stand idly by.


    "Issue an order for the army to rest briefly after cleaning up the battlefield, then return to the Base Camp!" Ye Feng gave a direct command. At this point, Sima Zhan Tian, who had always been boisterous about attacking Snow Wolf Country, could no longer speak up, after all, the king had already made his command, and of course, he had to execute it.


    Ye Feng, however, remained seated with his legs crossed, not moving an inch. Hong Qingyan naturally stayed by his side, and the Shadow, seeing this, stayed as well. Xiao Chuanqi, who had originally turned to leave, also paused his steps.


    "Qingyan, stay. Everyone else, return to the Base Camp!" Ye Feng had to speak up.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Chuanqi turned his head immediately, but the Shadow''s gaze suddenly dimmed, and her demeanor became incredibly desolate and pained. Fortunately, she always wore a black veil to cover her face, so those present could not see her facial expression clearly.


    Ye Feng, however, did not bother with these matters, as he needed to regulate his breath at this moment since he had expended a lot of mind and spirit running the Great Formation.


    "Qingyan, be my protector!" said Ye Feng, and then he slowly closed his eyes and began to enter a state of breath regulation. Half an hour later, he finally recovered to his Peak state, feeling refreshed and revitalized.


    What Ye Feng had not expected was that at this moment, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll once again surged, spontaneously generating globs of the Source of Luck that merged with the red Origin of Blood Qi within the scroll.


    "This is..." Ye Feng was slightly startled before understanding dawned upon him. It seemed that because the news of the victory in battle had spread and caused a national shock, his prestige within Xuanyuan Nation had been bolstered, and that was why such a Source of Luck appeared.


    "It seems that not only can I obtain this kind of luck when my subordinates'' strengths increase, but also when my prestige rises, and additionally when I expand my foundation. I guess this is probably the Method of Cultivation for the Emperor''s Dao!" Ye Feng understood more clearly and gradually mastered the method of cultivation.


    By his side, Hong Qingyan asked, "Big Brother Ye, it seems like you''ve recovered, should we head back now?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and said, "Not yet, I need to go into secluded cultivation. Continue to protect me!"


    Hong Qingyan obediently nodded her head, in fact, she very much enjoyed the times alone with Ye Feng when they were undisturbed by anyone else.


    Ye Feng closed his eyes once more, using the source strength from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to cultivate. On one hand, he used it to open his body''s Acupoints, and on the other, to improve the quality of Qi Force within the Acupoints.


    Time slipped away, and soon it was nearly noon, yet there was no sign that Ye Feng would stop. After all, the quantity of the Origin of Blood Qi he had acquired this time was indeed a bit too much.


    It was not until sunset that Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes, finally completing his stage of cultivation. By then, all the energy in the scroll had been refined and absorbed, the amount of open acupoints in his body had increased by more than a hundred to over five hundred.


    Moreover, the Qi Force within his acupoints had all turned into Qi Essence, and there were even faint signs of Spirit Essence emerging!


    Once Spirit Essence appeared, it meant that Ye Feng had stepped onto the path of cultivation of the Ancient Daoist Cultivator!


    At this time, although Ye Feng''s aura had not changed at all and he was still at the Peak Martial King level, or in the Foundation Establishment State, his Combat Power had undoubtedly increased by more than double. Most importantly, his Emperor''s Sword was now more solid and formidable than before.


    "How about it, Big Brother Ye, have you completed your cultivation?" Hong Qingyan, with her bright and lively eyes, looked over. Even though Ye Feng had been cultivating for the entire day, she still stayed diligently by his side, not even moving an inch, lest she disturb Ye Feng''s cultivation.


    "You''ve worked hard. Let''s go back," Ye Feng said with a slight smile, wrapping an arm around Hong Qingyan''s waist and then soaring into the sky, flying rapidly forward.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but be startled and asked, "Big Brother Ye, can you... can you actually fly now?"


    Ye Feng nodded and replied, "Correct, my Qi Force has basically been transformed, and due to its vast amount, coupled with further modification of my physical body, although I can''t fly at high altitudes yet, low altitude flight is no longer an issue."


    Hong Qingyan laughed and said, "As expected of Big Brother Ye, even though my cultivation is based on an Ancient Daoist Cultivation Method, I feel like I can''t catch up to you at all. It seems I need to practice even harder; otherwise, I''ll soon be left far behind by you again."


    Ye Feng shook his head slightly with a smile and then quickened his pace in flight. Half an hour later, the two of them returned to the Base Camp, where, by this time, several legion commanders had already carried out orders to select five thousand elite soldiers and assembled them.


    "Issue the order, we''ll set out in half a quarter hour!" Ye Feng declared.


    Everyone was undoubtedly excited but puzzled about where the Northern King was heading this time. Sima Zhantian, being impatient, was the first to ask, "May I ask Your Majesty, are we planning to attack the Snow Wolf Country this time, aiming to annihilate it in one fell swoop?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but roll his eyes at him, thinking how this guy just couldn''t stop thinking about wiping out the Snow Wolf Country. However, after all, Snow Wolf Country is one of the great nations of the current world.


    Ordinary people might not be aware of it, but Ye Feng was very clear that apart from the Snow Wolf Riders, the real foundation of the Snow Wolf Country actually lies in the hands of those Shamans.


    To be exact, it is in the hands of the family Sect influences behind those Shaman Mages. These behind-the-scenes family Sect powers are the real lifelines controlling the entire Snow Wolf Country, and these powers should not be underestimated. These Shaman Mages possess unique abilities said to be able to communicate with the mighty forces of heaven and earth, which are astonishingly mystical.


    Not even the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts might be able to suppress them.


    Xiao Chuanqi said with a smile, "If I''m not mistaken, Your Majesty is probably heading to the Western Territory this time, right?"


    Ye Feng turned to him with a smile, asking, "Given the current tense situation in both the Western and Southern Territories, why don''t you think I should go to the Southern Territory first?"


    Xiao Chuanqi laughed and replied, "There''s no need for Your Majesty to rescue the Southern Territory. Even though the situation there is the most critical at present, there''s no need for Your Majesty to go there personally."


    Sima Zhantian immediately asked, "Why not? If the situation is the most critical, why wouldn''t Your Majesty need to rush over to rescue them?"


    Xiao Chuanqi considered for a moment before saying, "There are several reasons for this. The first is the Southern King Zhang Wenyuan, who has a determined nature and has always viewed our Lord as a competitor. If Your Majesty were to go to the rescue, that''s definitely not something Zhang Wenyuan would wish for."


    "Why wouldn''t Zhang Wenyuan wish for that, when his Southern Territory is on the verge of falling? Does he still not want Your Majesty''s help?" Sima Zhantian couldn''t understand it.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but roll his eyes and said, "You, when will you start using your brain to think about issues? Xiao Chuanqi, please continue."


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded and continued, "Precisely because of Zhang Wenyuan''s determined nature, if Your Majesty were to help him, wouldn''t it be tantamount to saying that he is inferior to Your Majesty? This is certainly not what Zhang Wenyuan would like to see happen."


    Sima Zhantian argued, "That''s strange. Is it really so difficult for Zhang Wenyuan to admit he is inferior to our Lord? After all, he simply can''t compare to our Lord. Haven''t you seen how we in the Northern Border have not only resolved our predicament but also completely defeated the opponent, while Southern King Zhang Wenyuan is now retreating under the pressure of the Three Southern Kingdoms."


    Xiao Chuanqi said with a smile, "Although that is the case, it''s not easy to make someone like Zhang Wenyuan admit it personally. Let''s put it this way; anyone within Xuanyuan Nation can provide rescue, but Your Majesty cannot go, and I''m sure that Your Majesty wouldn''t want to go."


    Leng Wuming asked, "If Your Majesty doesn''t go to the rescue, won''t the Southern Territory be in danger?"


    Xiao Chuanqi fell silent for a moment before speaking solemnly, "I haven''t thought of that. I fear only Your Majesty has the answer."


    Thus, all the high-ranking officials turned their heads to look at Ye Feng, who could only explain with a smile, "Our complete victory in the Northern Border has probably become known throughout Xuanyuan Nation by now. Just think, those in the Capital who wanted to wait and see us fail, what reaction would they have upon hearing this news?"


    Sima Zhantian immediately said, "What else could their reaction be? It is, naturally, shock and even the feeling that they have been slapped in the face again. Of course, the Great General''s Mansion in the Capital will definitely be anxious secretly, because the higher Your Majesty''s prestige, the less favorable it is for that old man, Duan Tian."


    "You''re absolutely right!" Ye Feng said with a smile. He continued, "This time the Great General''s Mansion will certainly become anxious. If at this moment I deliberately let out the word that I intend to aid the Southern Territory, they''d probably become even more restless."


    Sima Zhantian suddenly slapped his forehead and said, "I get it now, Your Majesty. If you really help the Southern Territory out of their predicament, your prestige will definitely increase unprecedentedly, to the extent that the Southern Territory would have to submit to Your Majesty. This is definitely not what the Great General''s Mansion in the Capital wants to see.


    So once you intentionally let the news spread, the Great General would absolutely be confounded, and he would send troops to rescue the Southern Territory as soon as possible."


    Ye Feng nodded, clearly pleased, and said, "You big-headed Wild Bull, at last, you''ve decided to put your mind to work on an issue."

 Chapter 404: Start by Targeting the Xuan Yin Sect!

    Indeed, if Ye Feng intentionally spread the rumor of supporting the Southern Territory, he was playing a strategic move, equivalent to killing two birds with one stone. On one hand, his side could achieve the goal of getting the Great General in the imperial city to send support without dispatching their own troops; on the other hand, it also took into account Zhang Wenyuan''s dignity.


    Moreover, Ye Feng would then be free to deal with the chaotic situation in the Western Territory.


    After some thought, Xiao Chuanqi asked, "Your Majesty, the Western Territory has basically fallen into chaos by now. I''d like to know what your plans are for this military expedition and how you intend to handle it!"


    "It''s simple. As the saying goes, ''To catch bandits, first catch their king.'' Whoever is causing the most trouble and fanning the flames, we''ll deal with them first. By taking down the strongest one, the rest of these so-called powers will fall in line," Ye Feng said with a light smile, before checking his watch; the timing was just right.


    With a grand wave of his hand, the elite army of over ten thousand people immediately set off, marching westward in a mighty procession.


    The Western Territory is quite special, as it doesn''t have a ruler known as the King of the Western Territory. Moreover, its terrain is complex and varied, with plenty of basins, plateaus, and steep mountains, leading to a plethora of scattered and emerging forces. Among them, the Xuan Yin Sect was causing the most upheaval this time.


    In the car, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan sat in the back row, with Sima Zhantian driving and Xiao Chuanqi in the passenger seat. After thinking for a while, Xiao Chuanqi asked, "Your Majesty, we''re entering the Western Territory without a word to the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Will they have any objections?"


    According to the agreement reached between the Utility Pavilion and the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts last century, the Western Territory was not to have a King of the Western Territory, but instead was to be governed and controlled by each of the Nine Great Sects.


    For decades, there had been no trouble, but in the past two days, the Nine Great Sects had collectively disappeared, allowing small scale forces like the Xuan Yin Sect to wreak havoc unchecked.


    This was something Ye Feng could not tolerate. He had already stated a few days earlier that if the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts failed to act, then they might as well continue in seclusion, and he did not mind assuming the title of the King of the Western Territory himself!


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer, "If they have objections, they can be dealt with all the same!"


    Xiao Chuanqi fell silent because he now understood his lord''s stance. It seemed that a tough battle was coming, not just with the Xuan Yin Sect, but with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, which Ye Feng was also going to confront.


    Ye Feng was well aware of this, but he simply didn''t care. With his strength having increased dramatically, he no longer feared even the common warriors of the Fifth Realm of the Divine Path, the Divine Ability Realm.


    Departing from the Northern Border Base Camp, they entered the Western Territory''s domain after half a day''s march. According to the agreement, the army should have announced their arrival upon entering the Western Territory, but this time, Ye Feng made no such indication. They charged straight into the heart of the territory upon entry.


    "Give the order. Our target this time is the Taiyin Mountain Range, at the border of the Western Territory, home to the Xuan Yin Mountain Gate!" ordered Ye Feng without hesitation. The army continued west, heading for the Taiyin Mountain Range with great momentum.


    Located at the westernmost edge of the Western Territory, the Taiyin Mountain Range was practically on the border. Over the years due to the lack of control, the Xuan Yin Sect''s influence had grown significantly, becoming the dominant power in the region and even showing signs of challenging the authority of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    However, the Xuan Yin Sect, as a lesser school, lacked a profound legacy and top-tier warriors, which made it somewhat inferior to the Nine Great Sects.


    As Ye Feng led his elite troops across the entire Western Territory, the Nine Great Sects situated there quickly noticed, and their intelligence personnel reported back, stirring all of the Nine Great Sects into action.


    At the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect, on the grand hall located on the central peak, the Mansion Lord sat erect and frowned, "What did you say, that brat Ye Feng is leading tens of thousands of soldiers into the Western Territory? Are you sure you didn''t see wrong?"


    The leader in charge of intelligence knelt and cupped his fists, "Mansion Lord, I did not see wrong. It is indeed Ye Feng, and they have even raised their flags, with no intention of concealing their presence."


    "This is preposterous, simply preposterous! This Northern King Ye Feng is too arrogant!


    Last century, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts signed an agreement with the Utility Pavilion stating that the Western Territory would be managed by the Nine Great Sects and that the Utility Pavilion shall not meddle or send forces without permission!" the Master of the Sacred Mansion said through clenched teeth.


    A Deputy Mansion Lord shouted, "This lad Ye Feng''s actions are far too dismissive of our authority; he''s blatantly disregarding us. This is practically a death wish!"


    The Mansion Lord nodded slightly and said, "However, we must not underestimate him, since he has brought tens of thousands of troops with him. If we collide head-on, we would also suffer significant losses."


    "Then what does the Mansion Lord suggest?" inquired several high-ranking officials eagerly.


    After a moment''s thought, the Mansion Lord said, "Hold back for now. Let''s see what this kid is up to first. Also, inform the other Sects to watch their reactions. This kid has recently offended Flora Sect and Underworld Sect thoroughly. If they learn of this, they certainly won''t let things slide. Let''s watch the show before making a decision!"


    "The Mansion Lord is wise. Let''s sit and watch the tiger fight the dragon for now. If the kid gets injured or weakened during this process, it will not be too late for us to make our move and send him on his way," replied the many high-ranking officials of the Sacred Mansion with laughter.


    At this very moment, in a valley shrouded in white mist, with green fields and singing birds, blooming flowers spread fragrance in the air, truly a scene of earthly Utopia. Palaces were built leaning against the mountains, and this was the stronghold of Flora Sect.


    "Well, well, what a sight to behold. You had the choice to avoid the gates of heaven, and yet you break into hell itself. Ye, you are courting death, and it''s not our fault!" The Flora Sect Master sat in the chief seat with narrowed eyes, radiating intense murderous intent.


    In the previous encounter at the Valley of the Medicine God, Ye Feng killed three elders from the Flora Sect, and animosity had long been established between them. Now that the Flora Sect knew of Ye Feng''s entry into the Western Territory, naturally, they would not miss this opportunity.


    At the same time, at the Underworld Sect, murderous intent was also stirring. Unlike the Flora Sect, however, the mountain gate of the Underworld Sect was located in the southwestern region amidst swirling miasma, surrounded by the Hundred Thousand Mountains, making it exceedingly difficult to trespass.


    "Issue the command, all Grandmaster Level disciples must return to the mountain gate immediately. This time, our Sect will dispatch all our elite. We will ensure that Ye Feng leaves with no chance of return!" bellowed the Sect Master of Underworld Sect in his black robe, gritting his teeth angrily.


    At this moment, the other Sects had naturally received the news as well. However, apart from the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect, the other Sects opted more for a wait-and-see approach, remaining vigilant. While summoning their elite forces back to their respective gates, they also dispatched secret forces to closely monitor the situation.


    Because of Northern King Ye Feng''s unsolicited arrival, tension had quickly spread throughout all of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts in the Western Territory. There was no choice; just yesterday, the renown of Northern King Ye Feng had once again rocked the entire world.


    Facing the all-out assault from Snow Wolf Country, as well as the 200,000-strong Vampire Guard from the Western Nations, Northern Border King Ye Feng not only defeated the enemy within a mere three days, but he also nearly annihilated the invaders with minimal losses.


    It was a resounding victory, an unheard-of military feat in both the history of Xuanyuan Nation and the entire world¡ªindeed a classic battle.


    Therefore, at this moment, faced with Ye Feng leading tens of thousands of his elite troops into their territory, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts could not say they were without concern. After all, the reputation of Northern King Ye Feng was too impressive, and his strength was certainly not to be underestimated.


    However, right now, the Xuan Yin Sect showed no such concern. The entire Xuan Yin Sect was even indulged in boisterous celebrations, and before Ye Feng and his men could even reach the foot of their mountain gate, they could already hear the loud sound of gongs and drums of joyous festivity coming from above.


    In these three days, the Xuan Yin Sect had been continuously raiding and plundering, not only seizing a substantial amount of wealth opportunistically but also managing to double their area of influence. Hence the celebration tonight. Unaware of Northern King Ye Feng''s arrival, the Xuan Yin Sect continued their celebrations in blind self-confidence.


    When Ye Feng arrived at the main square at the foot of the Xuan Yin Sect''s mountain gate, the four little Grandmasters guarding the gate were already drunk to the point of staggering instability.


    "So this is the so-called Xuan Yin Sect. It seems nothing more than a rabble!" Ye Feng snorted coldly and then commanded, "Xiao Chuanqi, go, blow this gate to smithereens!"


    "As you command, my lord!" Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward, striding up to the gate. Then, with a thought, the Object of the Divine Path materialized, which was his sword, a blade pulsing with sharp energy.


    The Treasure Sword unleashed a ferocious burst of Sword Qi, tearing through the air. Suddenly, with a thunderous boom, the massive gate of the Xuan Yin Sect was blown to smithereens.


    This action stirred the Xuan Yin Sect into chaos; finally, they noticed the commotion at the foot of the mountain. Immediately, eight burly figures hurriedly flew down from the palace above.


    "Who are you people, daring to stir up trouble and provoke us at the Xuan Yin Sect? Have you tired of living?" A rotund Martial King shouted coldly.


    Xiao Chuanqi shouted angrily, "Are you blind? Haven''t you seen the fluttering banner? Northern King Ye Feng graces us with his presence, and you dare not kneel to welcome him speedily?"


    "Northern King Ye Feng?"


    The eight men were first startled, then sneered in response, "We thought someone important had come. It''s just the so-called Northern King Ye Feng. Don''t forget, this is the Western Territory. Even if Ye Feng is a worm, he''ll have to crawl obediently in front of us. You dare to cause trouble at the gate of our Xuan Yin Sect; do you really think we are afraid of you, Northern King?"


    "Insolence! Disrespecting the Northern King, die!" Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and Xiao Chuanqi, these three legion commanders, became enraged on the spot and flew out, their Fist Edge and Palm Power lashing out. In just a brief encounter, they killed all eight Martial Kings.


    At this, the Xuan Yin Sect disciples who had rushed down from above all changed their expressions dramatically, not daring to come any closer.


    It was then that a voice, aged like a bell, echoed from the palace above, "How honored we are by the grand arrival of His Excellency, the Northern King. The Xuan Yin Sect failed to welcome you from afar, and for this, we implore your forgiveness."


    Although the two were far apart, the old man''s voice was still incredibly resonant, booming in the ears of the people in the square like thunder, indicating his immense power and a Cultivation Realm that was at least at the Fourth Realm''s Divine Communication Stage, and he might even have one foot in the Divine Ability Realm already.


    Ye Feng chuckled coldly, replying with loud clarity, "The Xuan Yin Sect of the Western Territory is reputed to be a Border Great Sect. Having travelled so far, is this really the hospitality you offer?"


    The same ancient voice re-emerged, "Since that is the case, Your Excellency, the Northern King, please step inside. Today, the Xuan Yin Sect is celebrating, and if it pleases you, we would be honored to share a few drinks."


    Uninformed listeners, upon hearing their conversation, might assume the two to be good friends who had not met for many years. But at this moment, it was well understood that it was merely civility, or perhaps the calm before the storm.


    "Well then, it would be rude of me to refuse such an invitation!" said Ye Feng with a light smile. He then stepped forward through the mountain gate and slowly ascended the stairs, with tens of thousands of his elite soldiers following behind him.


    The Xuan Yin Sect did not intervene. Thus, it seemed that they had some nerve and spirit. Of course, believing they had tens of thousands of disciples, and that they were atop their own mountain gate, they naturally had little to fear. As long as the enemy dared to step inside, it was destined to be a one-way trip with no return!

 Chapter 405: May I Ask, Sir, Where Does Your Courage Come From?

    Under the leadership of Ye Feng, tens of thousands of the elite Northern Border soldiers entered the mountain gate, and after ascending the steps, they arrived at the inner guest-reception plaza. Beyond that was the palace, and the powerful voice, resounding like a great bell, had come from this very Guest Welcoming Hall.


    At this time, disciples from the Xuan Yin Sect were also gathering continuously. Even the mountain gate had secretly issued orders for disciples outside to rush back urgently. By now, anyone could see that a great battle was likely to ensue between the two sides.


    The Xuan Yin Sect''s guest-reception plaza wasn''t large; it could only accommodate around ten thousand people. However, more and more disciples of the Xuan Yin Sect kept arriving, and eventually, even the surrounding trees and mountaintops were crowded with densely packed disciples, essentially surrounding the more than ten thousand Northern Border soldiers in a besieging manner.


    It was not until then that the high-ranking members of the Xuan Yin Sect inside the palace really started to feel at ease, seemingly having everything under their control. However, what they didn''t know was that while those Northern Border soldiers were staying in the plaza, they had been moving their positions quietly, as previously instructed by Northern King Ye Feng.


    Soon, a primary Emperor''s Killing Grand Formation had already been set up.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng slightly nodded and said, "Leng Wuming, you stay here, keep an eye on the army and have them stay here for now!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng strode forward, directly entering the grand hall in front of him, with Hong Qingyan, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others closely following. In addition, more than a dozen of Ye Feng''s elite personal guards were with him, including the four Divine Communication Realm experts from Shi Yehong.


    The grand hall was enormous, with eight snow-white marble pillars large enough to be embraced by two adults, standing on both sides, supporting the structure of the hall, giving it an impressively grand appearance. Two rows of Taishi Chairs were arranged on either side, with three tiger-skin Taishi Chairs at the center, where three old men were sitting upright.


    Nine high-ranking members of the Xuan Yin Sect were seated in the row of chairs on the right, while the left side was left empty, apparently prepared for guests.


    The grand hall wasn''t in disarray¡ªevidently, it had been quickly tidied up not long before. Decorative lanterns and streamers could still be seen around, indicating a festive atmosphere, although the old man had invited Northern King Ye Feng to drink a few cups of wine, no one seemed to be bringing wine to the table after Ye Feng sat down.


    Let alone wine, not even the most basic hospitality of serving tea was seen. The many high-ranking members of the Xuan Yin Sect were just looking coldly at Ye Feng and his party; the icy glares and cruel expressions were as if they were looking at dead men. The entire grand hall was filled with an air of deadly solemnity.


    At this moment, if someone was even slightly timid, they would probably be shaking with fear, feeling chilled to the bone.


    However, it must be said that those who could enter this grand hall and sit here were not ordinary people. The weakest among the Xuan Yin Sect''s side were at the Divine Path Realm''s Second Realm¡ªthe God Gathering Realm¡ªand the two gaunt old men sitting beside the main seat were even Peak experts of the Divine Communication Realm in the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path.


    As for the white-haired old man with a sinister aura at the center, his presence was even more powerful, shockingly a half-step into the Divine Ability Realm. Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but secretly sigh, noting that the overall strength of the Xuan Yin Sect''s high-ranking members was not weak.


    The atmosphere inside the grand hall was extremely tense. At this point, the old man seated in the center, namely the Sect Master of the Xuan Yin Sect, suddenly spoke up. "My name is Yu Shuihan, known as Hermit Hanshui in the Martial Arts World, the eighth-generation Sect Master of the Xuan Yin Sect!"


    As he spoke, Yu Shuihan''s tone suddenly shifted, and he uttered coldly, "I have long heard of Northern King Ye Feng''s name, and seeing him today, it indeed lives up to the reputation. However, there is one thing I do not understand, and I hope you can enlighten me."


    Ye Feng inquired, "What is it that you do not understand?"


    Yu Shuihan said with a heavy voice, "This place is the Western Territory, not your Northern Border. According to the agreement with the Utility Pavilion years ago, the Western Territory is to be controlled by ourselves. May I ask, Sir, where do you get the courage to lead a team into this place?"


    Upon these words, the atmosphere in the room suddenly tightened, and in the midst of such a tense situation, many high-ranking members of the Xuan Yin Sect even let out disdainful sneers, clearly not taking the Northern King seriously.


    Ye Feng arched his brows and chuckled, "There is a saying, which I''m sure you have also heard."


    Yu Shuihan asked with a deep voice, "What saying?"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and replied, "All under heaven is the King''s land, all who inhabit it are the King''s subjects!"


    Hearing this, Yu Shuihan''s gaze sharpened, and a ferocious light flashed. Nevertheless, he managed to hold back from lashing out immediately, suppressing his anger and murderous intent for the moment. After all, regardless, the man before him was the Northern King, holding substantial status. So unless absolutely necessary, he did not want to make a move.


    Of course, even if it came to a fight, Yu Shuihan was not afraid¡ªthis was his territory, after all, with enough people to outnumber the opponents by several times. Therefore, he always maintained a carefree demeanor.


    "What do you mean by that? Also, what is the meaning of you leading your men here to my Xuan Yin Sect so boldly?" demanded Yu Shuihan coldly.


    Ye Feng looked at him with a tilted gaze and replied mockingly, "You don''t understand?"


    Yu Shuihan suddenly raised a finger and said sternly, "All I understand is one thing¡ªthis is the Xuan Yin Sect, where anyone, listen closely, anyone must not come here to act rashly and presumptuously!"


    ```


    "Your Xuan Yin Sect truly has a grandiose air, daring to speak such words in the face of the Northern King!" Xiao Chuanqi bellowed with fury in his voice.


    "Northern King? He is merely the Northern King of the mortal world. As the saying goes, ''The sky is high and the emperor is far away'', not to mention that this is the Western Territory. Here, no matter who it is¡ªeven if it is a dragon¡ªthey must crawl before me obediently!" the elder seated in the high position to the left coldly shouted.


    Ye Feng remained seated erect as a pine tree and slowly said, "Yu Shuihan, it seems you truly have no sense of realization."


    Yu Shuihan could not help but laugh; the two pigeon egg-sized Emperor''s Jade in his hands kept spinning as he chuckled, "Then may I ask Your Highness, the Northern King, what should I be realizing according to you?"


    Word by word, Ye Feng replied, "The other day, the Xuan Yin Sect burned, killed, pillaged, and harmed the innocent, leading to a multitude of lost lives. This king''s disciples, merely aides who followed, could not bear to slaughter them.


    Therefore, as long as the fourteen high-ranking members of the Xuan Yin Sect commit suicide by drinking poison to apologize for their sins and announce the dissolution of the Xuan Yin Sect, this king can then forgive the crimes of the others!"


    "What did you say?" The high-ranking officials present were immediately enraged, and Yu Shuihan even stood up with a bang, exerting so much force in his hands that he crushed the invaluable jade stones in his palms.


    "You want us to commit suicide to apologize for our sins?" Yu Shuihan glared with furious eyes, yet suddenly, he just laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world; after a long while, he said, "I say, Your Highness, the Northern King, there seems to be a situation that you have not yet understood."


    Without waiting for Ye Feng to speak, Yu Shuihan immediately continued, "The Xuan Yin Sect has altogether thirty-nine thousand members; below the Grandmaster Level need not be mentioned, among them, there are one hundred and thirty-two Martial Kings, fifty-three in the Divine Path Realm, and among them, thirty-eight are above the Third Realm, with eight being in the Divine Communication Realm of the Fourth Realm!"


    After saying this, Yu Shuihan turned his head and looked at Ye Feng with a mocking gaze, as if to say, with such a powerful Xuan Yin Sect, what right does a mere boy like you have to challenge me.


    This was something Ye Feng had to admit, so he nodded and said, "Indeed, the Xuan Yin Sect is so strong that it is beyond the wildest imaginations of this king and the Utility Pavilion. Had we known earlier, we would never have allowed it to grow so large, but now it seems it might not be too late."


    Yu Shuihan narrowed his eyes for the second time, the fierceness in his eyes growing more intense as he shouted furiously, "So, it seems you truly mean to stand against me. I was willing to give you some face, seeing as you''re a king, and I would have let it slide if you led your troops down the mountain right now. But if you are hell-bent on seeking death, then don''t blame anyone else."


    Ye Feng slowly stood up and walked to the gate, gazing at the rolling mountains before him with a faint smile, "This king''s words remain unchanged, the high-ranking officials present must commit suicide to apologize, and the Xuan Yin Sect must be dissolved. Then, this king can leave!"


    "Truly an absurd fool, this sect leader originally took into account that you were, after all, a king and showed you some courtesy. Little did I expect you to be so arrogant and presumptuous, thinking that this sect leader is so easily provoked!" Yu Shuihan was furious beyond measure.


    "Sect leader, why bother talking with such an ignorant brat? He dares to challenge our Xuan Yin Sect; just kill him directly, and then hang his dog''s head above our sect gates. Let''s see who dares to provoke our Xuan Yin Sect after that!" The high-ranking officials of the Xuan Yin Sect on the right side also became furious and rose to surround him.


    Ye Feng, still with his hands clasped behind his back, stood under the gate facing away from everyone, looking at the mountains in front, and started speaking word by word, "The Xuan Yin Sect''s outrageous crimes are beyond redemption, and they persist in their ways. Seize them all, and show no mercy to those who dare to resist!"


    In that instant, a great battle erupted, and everyone moved¡ªnot only on the main hall but also on the square below, where tens of thousands of Xuan Yin Sect disciples also surged forward to join the fight.


    Suddenly, there was a booming sound; the powerful auras of the many strong beings inside the hall were so overwhelming that they scattered the great hall to pieces, propelling everyone''s bodies to soar directly onto nearby mountain peaks.


    At that moment, Yu Shuihan''s gaze sharpened, and he moved swiftly, lunging at Ye Feng. His palm power was exceptionally mighty, and the chilling Yin Qi was overpowering, the very same Xuan Yin Divine Palm passed down by the sect.


    Ye Feng summoned the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon with a great hand, and immediately engaged in battle with his adversary. Yu Shuihan was a half-step Divine Ability Realm expert.


    Before, according to Ye Feng''s combat power, with just the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, he might struggle to contend with experts of this caliber, but now his acupoint count had risen to five hundred, and moreover, all the Qi Force within him had transformed into Qi Essence.


    Thus, armed with just the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Ye Feng was able to firmly suppress his opponent, even to the point where the opponent had nearly no power to fight back.


    "Damn it, how can you, a mere boy with only the aura of a Peak Martial King, have such terrifying combat power!" Yu Shuihan grew increasingly terrified, for he realized that the opposition''s Qi Force was endlessly flowing as if it would never run out.


    One must know that activating the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, even an ordinary Divine Path expert might not be able to sustain it for long, as the required Qi Force was just too vast. Yet this youngster faced no pressure whatsoever.


    At this moment, however, the situation for the rest of the Xuan Yin Sect''s high-ranking members wasn''t any better. Particularly with Hong Qingyan, the Ancient Daoist Cultivator, whose power had increased; she was capable of facing four Divine Communication Realm experts of the Fourth Realm single-handedly.


    Moreover, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, the Divine Path Realm experts, were incredibly potent as well; not to mention the Northern King''s trusted aide, the elite warriors of the Personal Guard Unit. It was not long before the high-ranking Xuan Yin Sect members began to fall, one after another.


    Seeing this, Yu Shuihan could not help but panic!


    ```

 Chapter 406: The Nine Great Sects Shock

    "Damn it, I, a mighty half-step Divine Ability Realm powerhouse, was actually pushed to this point by a mere Martial King," the man snarled, grinding his teeth with rage. "It seems that if I don''t use my real trump card and show my divine skills, you won''t realize just how formidable I am!"


    Yu Shuihan bit back his fury, and his hands quickly formed a Dharma Seal. Suddenly, numerous palm prints condensed from the Yin Cold Qi appeared in midair, swarming towards Ye Feng like a dense cluster of clouds.


    Given the current situation, Yu Shuihan knew he had to dispose of this so-called Northern King Ye Feng as swiftly as possible; otherwise, it wouldn''t take long for the other high-ranking members to die or be gravely injured.


    What Yu Shuihan didn''t anticipate was the scene unfolding on the vast plaza below. Initially, the Xuan Yin Sect had the numbers advantage, but now his side was falling, one after another. In the blink of an eye, over ten thousand had been slain. As for those beneath him, aside from the elite disciples, the rest had been scared witless, with many choosing to flee.


    The tide of battle had nearly extinguished their combat power.


    It could be said that the situation was decidedly unfavorable for the Xuan Yin Sect. If things continued like this, they could genuinely face extermination!


    Yu Shuihan''s expression turned ferocious as he unleashed his divine skills. He began to sneer hideously, confident that this move would assuredly kill his opponent¡ªor at the very least, severely injure him.


    However, the next moment, Yu Shuihan realized he had made a grave mistake¡ªa huge one!


    As he unleashed his divine skills, Ye Feng waved his Great Hand, and suddenly, a sword materialized in the void¡ªa Sword of the King!


    The Emperor''s Sword descended from the skies, bringing forth a blinding brilliance. Then, all the Xuan Yin Palm Seals dissipated like they were made of paper. The rampant Sword Qi swept out like a long rainbow, reaching Yu Shuihan in an instant.


    Yu Shuihan''s pupils contracted in terror, his face ashen white. He didn''t even have the chance to react before a red line appeared on his forehead, and then his entire body split into two halves on the spot.


    With just one sword strike, the half-step Divine Ability Realm warrior was killed instantly. The incident threw the entire Xuan Yin Sect into chaos, especially terrifying the Divine Path Realm higher-ups.


    "Run, run for your lives! The sect leader is dead, and Northern King Ye Feng is simply too powerful. He''s killed our leader¡ªwe must flee to save ourselves!" a Vice Sect Leader shouted, scrambling to escape.


    "We must eradicate the high-ranking members of the Xuan Yin Sect. We can''t let them escape!" Ye Feng commanded directly, and with a sweep of his Great Hand, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon flew out, instantly killing the fleeing Vice Sect Leader.


    Following that, the Emperor''s Sword struck down again, and another Vice Sect Leader, along with three Divine Communication Realm experts, were killed on the spot. As for the rest, they didn''t need to be mentioned. Upon seeing their leader killed, their fighting spirit evaporated, and they were quickly slain by Hong Qingyan and Xiao Chuanqi.


    As for the Xuan Yin Sect disciples below in the plaza, they scattered like birds and beasts, fleeing in every direction. Ye Feng did not order a complete massacre, as killing the Sect''s high-ranking members was sufficient. The remaining individuals could not stir up much trouble.


    "To the Treasure Vault!" Ye Feng transformed into a streak as he flew towards the back mountain, arriving quickly at the location of the Xuan Yin Sect''s Treasure Vault. Yet, to his astonishment, he found an enormous stash of gold, silver, and a vast collection of jade and precious treasures accumulated over the years by the Xuan Yin Sect.


    Ye Feng, who no longer valued worldly wealth, simply instructed Xiao Chuanqi to strip the vault bare and transport the loot back to the Northern Border. Part of the fortune would serve as military pay, while another portion would be given to the civilians of the Western Territory who suffered at the hands of the Xuan Yin Sect.


    However, when Ye Feng turned into a small secret room within the Treasure Vault, he made a surprising discovery. There were not many items inside¡ªjust three. One was an ancient tome, containing the Xuan Yin Sect''s legacy, the Xuan Yin Divine Palm. Along with the book were a saber and a sword.


    Though these weapons were of simple design, they were clearly extraordinary treasures, likely handed down from ancient times. However, for Ye Feng, such items held little use. He thought for a moment and decided to reward Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian with them.


    After all, they had both made significant contributions lately, and more importantly, Xiao Chuanqi''s physique was related to the sword, while Sima Zhantian was associated with the saber¡ªthe weapons suited them well. As for the Xuan Yin Divine Palm tome, Ye Feng kept it for himself.


    During his fight with Yu Shuihan, Ye Feng had felt something extraordinary about the Xuan Yin Divine Palm, even suspecting that the terrifying chill it emitted could suppress his Qi Essence.


    Considering Qi Essence is a level above Qi Force, its suppression was significant¡ªif it had been Qi Force, it would have been even more so. Although the Xuan Yin Divine Palm wasn''t an Ancient Daoist Cultivator''s magic technique, it had its own extraordinary aspects.


    Ye Feng surmised that if he cultivated it and harnessed it with Qi Essence, or perhaps Spirit Essence in the future, its power would increase significantly.


    "It''s a pity that up to now, I''ve yet to find any ancient magic martial skill," Ye Feng mused, shaking his head. He then glanced at Hong Qingyan, who, despite cultivating an ancient cultivator''s Dao Technique, had yet to achieve anything significant.


    "Burn down these halls of the Xuan Yin Sect!" ordered Ye Feng. If they burned them down, it would prevent the Xuan Yin Sect from ever rising from the ashes.


    Last night, after everything had transpired, Ye Feng then led his people down the mountain, proceeding towards the north in a grand and mighty procession.


    At this very moment, the elite disciples of both the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect, numbering over fifty thousand in total, were already on their way and had stopped to rest in a valley, listening to the reports from a disciple who had fled from the Xuan Yin Sect.


    "What did you say, the Xuan Yin Sect has been annihilated? What exactly happened? Speak quickly!" the Deputy Sect Master of the Flora Sect demanded sternly.


    A disciple of the Xuan Yin Sect, dirt-covered and disheveled, wailed, "It''s over, our sect was destroyed in less than half an hour. All the higher-ups were killed, not a single one managed to escape."


    "Not a single one from the higher-ups managed to escape?" The Deputy Sect Master of the Underworld Sect listened and couldn''t help but go pale, blurting out, "What about your sect leader? It was said that Yu Shuihan was a half-step Divine Ability Realm powerhouse, couldn''t he withstand that Ye fellow?"


    "Our sect leader, don''t even mention it!" The fleeing disciple of the Xuan Yin Sect sighed before sobbing, "Even our sect leader was killed, and by just one sword strike. Just one strike from that Northern King split him into two, it was horrifying. That Northern King Ye Feng, his sword is simply too terrifying!"


    The two Deputy Sect Masters of the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect fell silent, exchanging looks of horror after hearing this report. It was a long while before they asked, "Are you truly certain, your sect leader was really killed by one sword strike from that young Northern King Ye Feng?"


    "How could there be any doubt? Everyone saw it happening. With one sword stroke, the sect leader was cleaved into two halves right there, and with another strike, a Vice Sect Leader and two Elders exploded into pieces and died on the spot!"


    "This... A powerhouse of the half-step Divine Ability Realm was actually split in two by a single sword strike!" The Deputy Sect Master of the Flora Sect murmured to himself, while an involuntary chill ran down his spine, considering he was also a being of the half-step Divine Ability Realm Level. If it were him in that situation, probably just one sword strike would be enough to end him too.


    The Deputy Sect Master of the Underworld Sect gritted his teeth in anger, "Truly detestable. A few days ago, based on the assassination reports from the other sects, a half-step Divine Ability Realm powerhouse was mobilized as well. Although he couldn''t suppress that kid, their strength was fairly matched.


    Who would''ve thought that in just a few days, that kid''s strength would have increased so much, to the point of being able to slay a half-step Divine Ability Realm powerhouse with a single sword strike."


    "Isn''t that so! We originally thought that by joining forces, we could completely finish off that kid, but now it seems we might not be his match either!" exclaimed the Deputy Sect Master of the Flora Sect.


    The two Deputy Sect Masters were in a quandary. They had already bragged back at their sects, and they had already come halfway; if they were to be frightened into retreating now, they would probably lose a great deal of face. However, if they stubbornly engaged the enemy, what they might lose wouldn''t just be face, but their heads instead.


    Just then, a scout responsible for intelligence hurried back from the front and saluted, "Reporting to both Sect Masters, the advance scouts have discovered that the Northern King Ye Feng is resting at Ten-mile Slope, just five miles from here. Should we strike while his army is resting and take them by surprise?"


    The two Deputy Sect Masters were stunned, staring wide-eyed at the intelligence team leader, but inside they were cursing, wishing they could tear the man''s mouth apart. They had been considering how to come up with a proper excuse to retreat, and now this man had come to report, clearly making things more difficult for them.


    "Two Sect Masters, the opportunity is right in front of us. By eliminating that Northern King Ye Feng, both of your reputations would soar tremendously. Perhaps you might even become the headmaster of the Martial Academy," the team leader kept on speaking confidently.


    "Shut your mouth!" the Deputy Sect Master of the Flora Sect couldn''t hold back any longer and roared angrily, startling the intelligence officer into confusion, wondering to himself whom he had offended.


    The Deputy Sect Master of the Flora Sect suddenly gestured for the Underworld Sect''s Deputy Sect Master to come over, and then the two of them walked towards a secluded corner in front, apparently discussing how to retreat. Clearly, the two powerful beings of the half-step Divine Ability Realm had already been frightened by Ye Feng.


    A moment later, they returned and with a sweeping gesture commanded, "Retreat, we''re withdrawing! return to your respective sects!"


    As the words were spoken, tens of thousands of sect disciples began their confused return, though by then, many of the higher-level martial artists had guessed that the retraction of the two great Deputy Sect Masters was likely due to being intimidated by the Northern King Ye Feng.


    Meanwhile, at Ten-mile Slope, Ye Feng was in a small pavilion built of wood, drinking alcohol. The pavilion might have been simple, but the wine was rich and potent.


    The wine was sold by an old, hunchbacked man who looked to be over eighty years old, gaunt and stooped, yet his movements were very deft, showing no signs of senility.


    Ye Feng sat in the pavilion, holding a coarse porcelain bowl, sipping wine while discreetly observing the old man.

 Chapter 407: I Only Make One Move!

    At the beginning, Ye Feng was merely curious, but the more he watched, the more he felt that this little old man was abnormal. Firstly, the fact that this person appeared here was abnormal in itself, given that Ten-mile Slope was neither near a village nor near a shop.


    Furthermore, despite his advanced years, his movement was still so adept, and there was a faint sense of transcendence and purity about him.


    Especially after seeing so many imposing individuals on his side, the other party didn''t seem to be scared at all. Clearly, this was a person of hermit-like stature, and Ye Feng speculated that he might very well be from one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    And daring to wait here alone, this person was definitely not simple, at the very least, he must be a genuine powerhouse in the Divine Ability Realm.


    Upon seeing this, Ye Feng smiled slightly and then called out, "Old sir, after being busy for so long, how about coming over for a drink of wine?"


    The old man showed no hesitation, put down the work in his hands, and walked straight over to sit down opposite Ye Feng. He took up the bowl with such grace that he indeed appeared extraordinary.


    Ye Feng observed him discreetly, and after the two clinked cups, smiled and said, "If I''m not mistaken, you''ve come here especially to wait for me, haven''t you?"


    The white-haired old man was slightly startled but did not answer and instead countered, "How can you tell?"


    Ye Feng became even more sure of his own thoughts. Of course, he didn''t answer directly and instead asked, "Might you be from one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the question is whether you are from the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect or the Underworld Sect, or perhaps the Flora Sect?"


    Upon these words, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others standing around the pavilion tensed up instantly, their eyes turning watchful towards the thin little old man.


    The old man''s expression remained unchanged, just the corners of his mouth slightly raised in a teasing smile. Then he tilted his head back and drank a bowl of wine, his demeanor and actions seemingly expressing a profound sense of disdain.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened. From this, it seemed the man was not from one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. If he dared to show disdain for the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, then this transcendent elder who even seemed to have reached the state of Return to Simplicity must probably be from the legendary Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Among the Four Great Ancient Clans, up to now, Ye Feng had only had dealings with the Bu Family. Thus, it seemed highly likely that this little old man was from the Bu Family of the Ancient Clan. What Ye Feng couldn''t understand, though, was the implication of the man suddenly appearing here.


    The old man took a large swig of wine, put down the bowl, and, instead of answering directly, countered again, "With your keen observation, why not venture another guess as to where I come from?"


    At this point, the atmosphere became somewhat tense, with Xiao Chuan, Sima Zhantian, and the others unconsciously closing in around the old man. After being alerted by Ye Feng, everyone felt the old man''s presence was clearly abnormal.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, signaling them to back away. If he hadn''t guessed wrong, this might be the most powerful opponent he had encountered so far, even more fearsome than the two old men in the Utility Pavilion.


    After all, Ye Feng had also met the two elders from the Utility Pavilion. Although they felt strong and majestic, Ye Feng could still sense their limits. However, this little old man made him feel like he was facing a vast ocean or an endless abyss.


    One had to admit that this little old man had almost reached the legendary state of Return to Simplicity. What was more important was that the cultivation practiced by the Four Great Ancient Clans was that of the Ancient Daoist Cultivators, which meant they were Cultivators of the current age, naturally higher by one level than martial artists.


    Ye Feng dared to assert that this man had likely already transcended the Foundation Establishment Stage and stepped into the realm of the fabled Golden Core Great Dao!


    With this thought, Ye Feng felt an increasing pressure in his heart; his face, however, remained expressionless, and he smiled slightly, asking, "Would your surname happen to be Bu?"


    With that one question, the hand of the little old man holding the wine bowl suddenly froze midair, and his expression momentarily stilled, but it quickly returned to normal as he shook his head and sighed, "No wonder you surpass even Bu Tianyun. You are not only talented but also meticulous in thinking, truly a genius."


    Ye Feng also smiled and said, "Surely you haven''t traveled all this way just to compliment me, have you?"


    The old man didn''t rush to reply but instead took another large gulp of wine before saying on his own accord, "My name is Bu Zheng, and of course, you''ve never heard of it."


    Ye Feng indeed had not heard of it, so he remained silent.


    Old Mr. Bu chuckled and continued, "Normally, the Four Great Ancient Clans don''t easily intervene in the world, for we have our missions. However, times have changed, and accordingly, our missions must also change."


    Ye Feng countered, "So you mean to say, your clans plan to intervene in worldly power struggles now?"


    Bu Zheng was briefly taken aback, then replied, "You could say that, but I''m here this time at the behest of another, and although I dislike taking advantage of the younger generation, I can''t fail to complete a friend''s request."


    Ye Feng laughed, looking at him, "If I''m not mistaken, that person who asked you must be Old Mr. Tang Bai, right?"


    Bu Zheng was truly surprised now and couldn''t help but exclaim, "It seems, you do know quite a bit about the Four Great Ancient Clans, we really underestimated you before."


    Ye Feng humphed but said nothing. Although most people were not fully aware of the specifics of Tang Bai, one of the elders from the Utility Pavilion, the Old Northern King had already told him years ago that Tang Bai was indeed from the Bu Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    However, he was not from the Direct Lineage of the Bu Family. Tang Bai was merely an Outer Sect Disciple of the Family. Nevertheless, even as such a disciple, Tang Bai had been able to turn the tide single-handedly and save the Xuanyuan Nation from peril in the last century, which showed that these Four Great Ancient Clans were indeed not to be underestimated.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but chuckle, "Since Elder Tang Bai is my senior, if he has something to seek with me, why doesn''t he come in person?"


    "He is not at liberty, as you should know. With his status, it isn''t suitable for him to show his face, let alone act rashly," Bu Zheng replied, narrowing his eyes slightly and looking at the young man in front of him with a teasing gaze.


    Truth be told, he was really curious about what was so special about this young man, that he could win the favor of the old fellow with the big smoking pipe from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, to the extent that he had even passed on a heritage that was more than two thousand years old to him.


    About the origins of the Northwest Little Mountain Village, no one knew better than Bu Zheng, and he also knew the great expectations that the old man with the big smoking pipe had placed on this young man when he gave him the Heritage Cultivation Technique.


    Bu Zheng couldn''t understand what exactly was so special about this young man that he could gain the esteem of the old fellow with the big smoking pipe.


    Ye Feng fell silent, for by now, he had finally figured out the other party''s background and understood his intentions.


    Although Tang Bai was one of the elders of Utility Pavilion, he clearly did not like Ye Feng, especially after Ye Feng had defeated Bu Tianyun at the Martial Dao convention and foiled Tang Bai''s plans, earning himself vehement resentment from the other party.


    Of course, aside from this, Ye Feng was also aware that Tang Bai''s displeasure with him was related to the Cultivation Technique he practiced. The other party was concerned that he might follow the same old path that someone did more than two thousand years ago.


    Since it was inappropriate for him to appear in person due to his status, he had specifically requested someone from the Bu Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans to come out.


    Of course, Ye Feng could see that Bu Zheng''s visit this time was partly due to Tang Bai''s request, but more so it was motivated by the desire to vent anger on behalf of Bu Tianyun.


    Ye Feng did not speak further but just silently watched his opponent. Although the man was of significant stature and his strength was unfathomable, Ye Feng was not the slightest bit afraid. After all, he was no longer the naive youngster that could easily be ambushed.


    No matter how mighty the Four Great Ancient Clans might be, there would come a day when he intended not only to unveil their mysterious veil but also to trample them all beneath his feet.


    At that moment, the old Mr. Bu finally finished his drink, placed the large bowl heavily on the table, and said in a deep voice, "With my status, I shouldn''t really make a move against you, but since I''ve come today, I won''t bully you. One move!"


    Ye Feng remained seated, unflinching, as Bu Zheng looked at him and said with a smile, "Of course, you may defend with all your might. I will only make one move, and after that one move, if you don''t die, then you are indeed fortunate. However, if you do die, then you can only blame your insufficient mastery!"


    Ye Feng remained seated, unflinching. At this point, old Mr. Bu was taken aback and asked, "You don''t plan to get up?"


    Ye Feng simply smiled gently and said, "There''s no need."


    Old Mr. Bu''s expression quickly turned grave, and he suddenly lost the aloof demeanor he had before, suddenly sneering, "Brave kid, to be so presumptuous in front of me. I felt a bit reluctant at first, but now it seems you are courting death!"


    The moment his words fell, the entire pavilion collapsed with a bang, shattered by the might emanating from the old man''s body. Following that, his brow twitched, and a strand of golden thread shot out from his eyes, hurtling straight towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng still sat unmoved in his chair, not showing any change in his expression. However, at this moment, every nerve in his body was taut. Perhaps others could not see the terror of this golden thread, but Ye Feng, who was in the midst of it, could feel the fearsome power contained within it.


    It could even be said that this was the strongest attack he had encountered so far. Just this single strand of golden thread alone was probably enough to destroy a mountain.


    "As expected of a Golden Core Realm Great Power," Ye Feng sighed inwardly. At that moment, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll inside his Sea of Consciousness surged wildly.


    The opponent''s Cultivation Level was too strong, and he was an Ancient Daoist Cultivator to boot. Ye Feng well understood that besides the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, the Emperor''s Armor, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, or even the Emperor''s Sword would be unable to withstand this strand of golden thread.


    Under Ye Feng''s activation, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll erupted with rolling Source of Luck, which then formed a shield directly in front of his brow.


    At this moment, the golden thread charged forth and plunged into Ye Feng''s brow as if it had met the vast ocean, becoming silent in an instant without causing even the slightest ripple.


    Seeing this, old Mr. Bu on the opposite side stood shocked, his eyes wide and his face filled with disbelief at the scene before him.

 Chapter 408: Destined to Escape this Calamity

    Bu Zheng, the old man, couldn''t help but be shocked. After all, he himself was nearly at the threshold of the Golden Core Realm as a great power, and in today''s world, he was already among the very pinnacle of a select few. Yet even so, his nearly full-force strike couldn''t seriously injure the other party.


    At this moment, Ye Feng still sat there, unmoved, his expression unchanged, and the corners of his mouth even carried a trace of a mocking smile, as if he were ridiculing his opponent.


    Bu Zheng squinted at Ye Feng, as if trying to see through him, but no matter how he investigated, he couldn''t detect anything unusual. It was only after a good long while that he finally sighed deeply and said, "Now I finally understand why even Bu Tianyun lost to you; his loss was not unjust!"


    Having said that, the old man shook his sleeve and then strode away, not forgetting to add, "I was too complacent this time, but since we agreed it would be one move, then naturally it''s one move. However, young man, you have successfully piqued my interest!"


    "Half a year, I''ll give you half a year''s time. At that time, I will visit again, and then, I will not hold back any longer!" After saying this, Bu Zheng, the old man, stepped out and then disappeared on the high slope of Ten-mile Slope.


    Ye Feng still sat there, without moving or speaking, not even turning his head to look at the other person.


    The whole scene suddenly quieted down. It''s undeniable that the pressure from Bu Zheng just now was enormous. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian among others were stunned and took a moment to come back to their senses.


    Hong Qingyan also froze, simply watching Ye Feng quietly, feeling that something was amiss.


    Time slowly passed by, and seeing that Ye Feng still hadn''t made any moves, Hong Qingyan, who knew him extremely well, couldn''t help but worry. Just as she was about to speak, there was a sudden spluttering sound, and Ye Feng opened his mouth, spitting out a jet of blood onto the desk.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan was greatly shocked.


    "Master..." Xiao Chuanqi and the others were also startled.


    Ye Feng simply gestured with his hand, saying, "Don''t panic, maintain shock to prevent being probed by spies. Send the order down, we must head back to the Northern Border immediately!"


    He staggered as he stood up, and now Ye Feng''s complexion was as pale as paper. Only at this time did everyone realize that their master had been pretending all along, that he had indeed suffered a heavy injury.


    With the support of Hong Qingyan, Ye Feng finally managed to get into the carriage, then took a deep breath, "After all, an expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm is indeed too powerful!"


    Under the hit from the opponent just now, Ye Feng really was injured, but to keep the opponent steady and also to prevent any spies lurking nearby from detecting anything, he had pretended to be calm.


    After all, Ye Feng was very clear that, aside from Bu Zheng, there were many people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts around, and it was even possible that Tang Bai had planted spies within the Northern Border. If these people detected something amiss, his predicament could become dangerously complicated.


    "Indeed, as an Ancient Daoist Cultivator, an expert of the Golden Core Realm is not comparable to the Sacred Realm Martial Artist as the legends say.


    If it hadn''t been for using the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to block most of the force just now, I''m afraid at this moment my meridians would be severed, and I would have perished!" Ye Feng sighed in his heart, then slowly closed his eyes and immediately entered a state of breath regulation to heal.


    At this moment, his injuries were not optimistic. Although the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had blocked part of the force, his internal organs had still suffered a major blow, and even several acupoints showed signs of collapse. Fortunately, his physical body was much stronger than that of an ordinary martial artist, and that''s what allowed him to suppress it.


    The carriage raced forward, and at this moment, while everyone was silent and weighed down, they truly felt the power of the Four Great Ancient Clans. Sima Zhantian was getting more and more irate, grinding his teeth he muttered, "Damn it, what rubbish Four Great Ancient Clans, such a bully at such an old age, one day, I''ll tear down that damned Bu Family Ancient Clan''s plaque."


    As Xiao Chuan, driving the carriage, said, "Enough, stop talking. Don''t disturb the master''s healing," Sima Zhantian fell silent.


    Curiously, just as Ye Feng entered the healing state, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll suddenly emitted wisps of the source of luck in white, which then surged into his internal organs. Soon, the damage to his internal organs began to visibly recover.


    Even the acupoints that were on the verge of collapsing were rapidly healing, and within a few breaths, Ye Feng''s injuries began to stabilize. After about half an hour, he was largely healed, and within an hour, he had returned to his peak condition.


    Seeing this through inner vision, Ye Feng couldn''t help but exclaim, "This Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, truly a treasure of the Ancient Era. Not only does it possess powerful cultivation functions, but even in healing, it''s much more powerful than the Method of Acupoints given to me by the old man of my senior brother."


    Feeling Ye Feng''s aura stabilize, Hong Qingyan breathed a sigh of relief and asked softly, "How are you, Big Brother Ye? Are you alright now?"


    Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes, just about to say he was fine. However, he suddenly had a thought and decided to strategize, immediately saying, "Xiao Chuan, stop the carriage!"


    Although Xiao Chuan wasn''t sure why, he still stopped the carriage immediately. At this time, they had reached the eastern side of the Western Territory and were about to leave its sphere of influence.


    Xiao Chuan couldn''t help but ask, "Master, we have half a quarter hour before we leave the Western Territory and enter the range of the Northern Border. Why have we suddenly stopped?"


    Ye Feng slightly raised the corners of his mouth, chuckling coldly, "If my guess isn''t wrong, after Bu Zheng left, he must have harbored suspicions. Added to that Tang Bai''s distrustful nature, he will surely return to Ten-mile Slope to investigate the truth."


    Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but change color upon hearing this and asked, "Your Majesty, do you mean that Bu Zheng and Tang Bai, these two old fogeys, will make a move again?"


    Xiao Chuanqi also expressed his concern with a worried face, "There''s no need to mention that old man Bu Zheng, but Tang Bai himself is a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm. If these two join forces, even Your Majesty would not be able to withstand them, would our situation not become dangerous then?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand with a smile and said, "That won''t be the case. Since that old man Bu Zheng has already stated he would make a move in half a year, I believe with the prestige of the Four Great Ancient Clans, they naturally won''t go back on their word.


    As for Tang Bai, as one of the two elders from the Utility Pavilion, unless things become irreconcilable, he wouldn''t make a move lightly, after all, he has to consider his own reputation."


    Sima Zhantian asked, "Since both of these seniors will not make a move, what do you mean, Your Majesty?"


    Ye Feng let out a cold laugh, "Although these two will not make a move, it doesn''t prevent others from taking advantage of the situation."


    Hong Qingyan was the quickest to react, immediately saying, "Big Brother Ye, are you saying it''s the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts?"


    "Exactly, with Tang Bai''s personality, after he learns of my injuries, he will definitely pass the news on to the individuals from the Nine Great Sects, and then use the power of the Sects to eliminate me!" Ye Feng said, his voice suddenly becoming terrifyingly cold.


    As the situation developed, or rather as he continually grew stronger, gradually hindering Tang Bai''s schemes, or perhaps said hindering the interests of the Bu Family Ancient Clan, Tang Bai''s true colors were slowly revealed.


    Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but say anxiously, "Then Your Majesty, what are we waiting for? Let''s hurry back to the Northern Border Base Camp. As long as we reach the Northern Border, even the Nine Great Sects wouldn''t dare to act rashly."


    Ye Feng sneered, "No, right now is an opportunity to use their plan against them." If his injury had not been healed, it would have been one thing, but now that he had returned to his peak state, he had nothing to fear from the individuals of the Nine Great Sects.


    Xiao Chuanqi furrowed his brows, "But Your Majesty, the bloodstains on the table at Ten-mile Slope, I''ve already cleaned them thoroughly, I fear that when they return, they might not notice anything."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help laughing, "No, it would be another matter for ordinary people, but to conceal the truth from someone like Bu Zheng, with your abilities, you have not yet reached that point. The more you clean the bloodstains on the table, the more likely you are to arouse their suspicion."


    At this point, Ye Feng suddenly issued a command, "Order: there''s a small town not far ahead. We will rest there for the night, on the pretext that I must stop to heal my injuries. Remember, on the way there, you must all show a semblance of panic. Is that clear?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty!" Xiao Chuanqi and the others nodded immediately. The carriage slowed down and quickly arrived at a small, unnamed town in the Western Territory.


    The small town was very desolate. Moreover, it was now dusk, and the remnants of the setting sun added a touch of sorrow. After the carriage entered an inn at the edge of the town, Ye Feng, supported by Hong Qingyan, entered a guest room and then locked the door tightly.


    Meanwhile, at Ten-mile Slope, two old men stood inside a pavilion¡ªnone other than Bu Zheng, who had returned after leaving, and Tang Bai, one of the two elders from the Utility Pavilion.


    "Senior brother, under your blow, that Ye kid really wasn''t harmed in any way?" Tang Bai frowned as he spoke and inspected the interior of the pavilion with great care.


    Bu Zheng, with his hands clasped behind his back, was gazing at the distant sunset and said leisurely, "Indeed, that youngster is not to be underestimated. He''s what, not even thirty years old, and his aura is already at the peak of the Martial King. If he had another ten years, then what would he become?"


    Just then, Tang Bai suddenly sneered, "Senior brother, you''ve been deceived."


    Bu Zheng abruptly turned his head and asked, "What do you mean by that?"


    Without speaking, Tang Bai just pointed at the table, a taunting expression on his face.


    Bu Zheng took a few steps over and then examined the tabletop carefully. After sniffing it, he burst out laughing, "I was saying how could that youngster, a mere peak Martial King, possibly withstand my blow unscathed. It turns out he was faking. He has indeed suffered heavy injuries."


    Tang Bai said coldly, "And the injuries must be severe. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have bothered to feign them."


    "Indeed, the young man has quite the cunning mind, but his determination is not bad. Even I failed to see through him just now!"


    As Bu Zheng said this, he then shook his head with a wry smile, "However, I already told him¡ªhalf a year, I will find him after half a year. During this time, I will not take action again."


    These words were undoubtedly meant for Tang Bai to hear, as he was a person with status. If he attacked a junior on the same day, what would happen to his face if it got out?


    Without making any further requests, Tang Bai merely said, "Well, it seems to be the youngster''s destiny, his fate to escape this calamity."


    Speaking of which, Tang Bai suddenly added, "Right, senior brother, I just remembered, there''s an urgent matter I need to attend to. I''ll take my leave first." With that, he vanished on the spot.

 Chapter 409: You Sure Talk Big

    Buf Zheng had lived for half his life and naturally understood what his junior from the Outer Sect intended to do next. However, he couldn''t be bothered, as he had always preferred to steer clear of mundane matters. What truly concerned him was another dimension; had his junior not pleaded earnestly and reminded him of a favor owed, Buf Zheng would never have lifted a finger against a junior.


    By this time, Tang Bai was hurtling through the air at high speed. Initially heading east, he soon realized something was amiss and abruptly came to a stop.


    "No, given my identity and the current situation, I can''t make a move, or I would fail to live up to it," Tang Bai muttered with a wry smile before rapidly changing direction towards the west.


    As he continued his swift flight, Tang Bai contemplated which Sect to approach, quickly deciding on the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect. Of the Nine Great Sects, they harbored the deepest grudges and most eagerly sought Ye Feng''s death.


    To Tang Bai''s utter surprise, after flying for half an hour, he encountered two groups of people. These were the same two groups from the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect that previously set out with grandiose intentions to kill Ye Feng.


    The Deputy Sect Masters of the Flora and Underworld Sects had made a solemn promise in front of their Sects to eliminate Ye Feng no matter what. However, after hearing about the Xuan Yin Sect''s predicament, they were petrified on the spot and turned back to their Sect without a second thought.


    But returning in such a disheveled state without completing their mission, both Deputy Sect Masters were reluctant, hence they were dragging their feet, slowing their pace in hopes of coming up with a suitable excuse en route.


    At dusk, as fate would have it, Tang Bai was passing by. After scrutinizing the forces led by the two Deputy Sect Masters, he couldn''t help but chuckle¡ªthis was like the answer to his prayers.


    While both Deputy Sect Masters were only at the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm and somewhat below Tang Bai''s level, Tang Bai felt confident that persuading them to act would be more than enough, considering Ye Feng was already gravely injured. After some contemplation, he swooped down.


    When he descended, a black mist suddenly materialized on Tang Bai''s face, obscuring his true features. Given his unique identity, he could not allow others to recognize him.


    "Who goes there?" both Deputy Sect Masters from the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect immediately sensed something amiss and called out their challenges defensively.


    Tang Bai stood atop an ancient tree without descending and snorted disdainfully, "You two lack backbone. Spooked by mere news, you''ve already become such cowards, and yet you claim to be Deputy Sect Masters of Sects of Ancient Martial Arts!"


    Both Deputy Sect Master were simultaneously embarrassed and angry, but they dared not to retort, sensing that the newcomer''s cultivation surpassed their own, potentially even beyond the Divine Ability Realm.


    "May I ask which hallowed figure stands before us?" inquired the Flora Sect''s Deputy Sect Master.


    Tang Bai scoffed, "You need not know who I am. You are not worthy to ask. All you need to understand is that Ye Feng is severely injured and fleeing towards the Northern Border."


    "Ye Feng is seriously injured?" Both Deputy Sect Masters felt a surge of joy, but quickly became suspicious, "Although you claim this, Senior, how are we to believe you?"


    "I knew you''d ask that. I am the one who wounded Ye Feng, but due to my status, I can''t kill him directly!"


    With a cold voice from Tang Bai, his gaze shifted, and he sent out a black Wind Blade. Suddenly, with a thunderous roar, a hill before them exploded on impact.


    "Is this... Divine Skills?" The Flora Sect''s Deputy Sect Master was shocked to pale.


    "No, this isn''t Divine Skills. It''s even more formidable than that. This man¡ªstronger even than the Sect Master of the Underworld Sect¡ªdo you mean to say, Senior, that you are one of the fabled great powers of the Sacred Boundary?" the Underworld Sect''s Deputy Sect Master exclaimed in awe.


    Without answering directly, Tang Bai snorted, "Now you should believe me. Ye Feng is taking the road from Ten-mile Slope to the North Border. If you are fast enough, you might catch him before he reaches the heartlands!"


    After exchanging glances, both Deputy Sect Masters from the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect said in unison, "Thank you, Senior, for the information. We will set out immediately!"


    Even as they spoke, Tang Bai had vanished from the ancient tree, coming and going without a trace. With their Half-Step Divine Ability Realm powers, they couldn''t detect his movements at all.


    "It''s unthinkable. Ye Feng is gravely wounded! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. All listen, those above the Third Realm of the Divine Path follow me; the rest stay put!"


    After deciding on a direction, the two Deputy Sect Masters led a group of about thirty men, flying low and swiftly towards the Northeast.


    As the sun set and the night deepened, a desolate and quiet small town in the eastern part of the Western Territory was completely engulfed in darkness, with only the occasional bark of a dog heard.


    Inside a guesthouse room, Ye Feng was sitting cross-legged on the bed, meditating to pass the time, while Hong Qingyan sat in solitude cultivating. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were on guard in the courtyard, and as for the army, Ye Feng had already sent Leng Wuming ahead to return to the Northern Border.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng''s ears twitched. His powerful Divine Stone immediately sensed dozens of potent auras rapidly approaching the town. Opening his eyes, he chuckled softly, "It seems I wasn''t wrong. They''ve indeed come after all."


    Hong Qingyan''s face betrayed her worry, and Ye Feng, seeing this, couldn''t help but smile and ask, "Why, are you worried?"


    Hong Qingyan nodded. Ye Feng said, "No need to worry, the ones coming are just practitioners from the Divine Path Realm, there''s no need to fear them."


    Hong Qingyan let out a soft sigh and said, "Big Brother Ye, what worries me isn''t the people who have come but rather the person behind the scenes. As you''ve rightly predicted, this now clearly shows that Tang Bai has intervened and even harbors intentions to kill you."


    Ye Feng was slightly taken aback upon hearing this and then said, "Are you worried about Tang Bai?"


    Hong Qingyan nodded and said, "Exactly. After all, Tang Bai is a Saint Realm powerhouse exceeding the Divine Path Realm. If it were only Tang Bai alone, there wouldn''t be much to fear. What matters is that behind him stands the entire Bu Family Ancient Clan. Plus, since you''ve defeated Bu Tianyun, you''ve unintentionally foiled the Bu Family Ancient Clan''s plans.


    I''m afraid that after today, the clash between you and the Bu Family Ancient Clan will become irreconcilable."


    Ye Feng laughed and said confidently, "Don''t worry, I have a plan in mind. What about the Bu Family Ancient Clan? If he doesn''t trouble me, then all is well, but should he continue to be unwise, one day I must pay them a visit!"


    Hong Qingyan fell silent, knowing her husband all too well. Once he had made up his mind about something, arguing was futile. Moreover, as Ye Feng''s strength continued to grow, the conflict between the two sides was bound to intensify, unless Ye Feng chose to step away from it all.


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan suddenly asked, "Big Brother Ye, have you ever thought about finding a place where no one knows us and retiring there to live a carefree life forever?"


    Ye Feng was caught off guard by the question. After some thought, he nodded and said, "Of course, I''ve thought about it. In fact, I had that idea before I returned to the Northern Border, but I can''t!"


    "Why not?" Hong Qingyan immediately asked.


    Ye Feng let out a sigh, gazed through the window into the dark night sky, and slowly said, "Unless Xuanyuan Nation is at peace and the world is at peace, I shall never retire!"


    Hong Qingyan finally dropped the subject, understanding Ye Feng''s reasoning and feeling comforted. After all, it''s a man''s duty to serve his country, and her husband was serving both his country and its people, which was enough for her.


    Just then, the Deputy Sect Master of the Flora Sect, Hua Youdao, and the Deputy Sect Master of the Underworld Sect, Ghost Cold Mountain, led a group of Divine Path Realm experts and descended directly upon the inn.


    It was only at this moment that Xiao Chuanqi and the others realized what was happening and cried out in alarm, "Be on guard, everyone be on guard! Protect our lord; we have enemies launching a sneak attack!"


    Upon hearing this, Hua Youdao let out a cold, mocking laugh, "Protect your lord? With just you lot? Do you think you''re capable?"


    Ghost Cold Mountain also let out a series of eerie chuckles, "A rabble of nobodies¡ªall of you will die today!"


    Xiao Chuanqi snorted coldly, "Flora Sect, Underworld Sect, you''ve got some nerve to attempt an assassination on our lord. Do you know who our lord is? Do you know how powerful he is?"


    Hua Youdao and Ghost Cold Mountain burst into uproarious laughter upon hearing this, "Of course, we know who your master is. Isn''t he the Northern King Ye Feng of today''s Xuanyuan Nation? Not only that, but we also know that your lord has been seriously injured today and is inside the inn healing himself, right?"


    "Who told you this news?" Xiao Chuanqi shouted angrily.


    "Who told us isn''t important. What matters is that after today, you''ll be dead. And everyone in this inn, they will all die. I guarantee, no one will know it was our doing!" Hua Youdao retorted coldly.


    At that moment, the door to the inn''s bedroom suddenly opened, and Ye Feng, along with Hong Qingyan, slowly stepped out. Ye Feng hummed, "Hua Youdao, Ghost Cold Mountain, you have quite the nerve to attempt to assassinate me? Are you not afraid that one day, I will lead an army and annihilate your sects?"


    "Annihilate our sects? What big talk from you! You boy have been heavily injured. Today you can barely preserve your own life, yet you dare talk big?" Hua Youdao sneered disdainfully.


    The Deputy Sect Master of Underworld Sect, Ghost Cold Mountain, was leering at Hong Qingyan, who was at one side. After smacking his lips maliciously, he said, "I didn''t expect such an exquisite beauty, with such a fiery figure and pure appearance¡ªtruly a top beauty among humans. Hua Youdao, don''t kill this one; I must have her for myself.


    I''ve lived a good half of my life without indulging in such a beauty."


    Hua Youdao roared with laughter, "Yes, yes, yes, she indeed is a rare gem. I will certainly not pass up such a chance. After we kill everyone present, we can enjoy her at our leisure. Also, to all the brothers present, what you see you share!"


    As his words fell, more than thirty Divine Path Realm experts in the room let out wicked laughter.


    Hong Qingyan was naturally furious, trembling with rage, while Ye Feng narrowed his eyes, his gaze filled with intense killing intent. Grinding his teeth, he spat out each word, "Kill, spare no one!"


    No sooner had his words fallen than a sword suddenly appeared in mid-air, a colossal Sword of the King, radiating dazzling golden light!

 Chapter 410: The Emergence of Hong Jiutian

    The Sword of the King, mingled with Ye Feng''s raging fury, descended with a majestic might in an instant!


    Hua Youdao and Ghost Cold Mountain''s complexions turned extremely horrified as they exclaimed, "You... you clearly sustained severe injuries, why..."


    Before they could finish their sentence, the Sword of the King slashed down directly. It was already too late for Hua Youdao and Ghost Cold Mountain to dodge. In a hurry, they could only release their Divine Path Objects in an attempt to block.


    However, with just their Half-Step Divine Ability Realm cultivation level, how could they withstand Ye Feng''s fully powered strike, charged with all his might? One sword swing sent both figures flying, even creating deep pits where they had stood.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and he swiftly leaped into action, arriving in front of Hua Youdao in an instant. He then struck out with his palm, the robust palm power surging like an overwhelming sea, mixed with bone-chilling cold. This was the Xuan Ming Divine Palm, a palm technique Ye Feng had just recently understood.


    As the palm power rushed towards his opponent, Hua Youdao''s internal organs were shattered. Thrown backward, he was already thoroughly dead by the time he landed.


    Ghost Cold Mountain, on the side, had long been scared out of his wits. Without any hesitation, he immediately turned and fled. Ye Feng clenched his hand, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon appeared in his grasp. But before he could act, Hong Qingyan, light as smoke, swept out and struck with her palm, killing Ghost Cold Mountain on the spot.


    "Dare to speak insolently, you deserve death!" Hong Qingyan spat out a palm strike that wasn''t enough to quell her anger. Closing her palm, she conjured a ball of flame and instantly burned Ghost Cold Mountain to ashes, leaving no trace.


    The remaining thirty or so Divine Path Realm powerhouses had already been scared witless. None dared to continue the battle, fleeing instead. However, at this moment, Xiao Chuanqi and the others soared in pursuit, and in the blink of an eye, the battle had ended, with not a single one escaping.


    Ye Feng stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, his expression turned towards the direction of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts in the west. At this moment, he wished he could directly lead his army to attack these nine great sects, but he eventually calmed down.


    Because he was very clear in his heart, even though he was now very powerful, it was still impossible for him to contend against the nine great sects by himself. Even if he could slay a Half-Step Divine Ability Realm powerhouse, if he encountered a true Divine Ability Realm expert, it would still be somewhat challenging.


    Not to mention, within the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, especially the strong sects like the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect, it was possible that there were legendary Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm presiding over them.


    "Briefly recuperate, then return to the Northern Border!" Ye Feng gave the order directly. Then, after a short rest and taking care of the aftermath, they set off, and four hours later, they eventually returned to the Northern Border Base Camp, unharmed. By then, the night was already deep.


    And at that small tavern in the town, after the initial panic, tranquility was finally restored. However, at this time, Tang Bai''s figure suddenly appeared out of thin air on the roof of the tavern, staring silently at the courtyard.


    The courtyard had been cleaned up by now, but the disciples of the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect had finally found their way here, asking in detail about what had happened earlier. Tang Bai watched for a while before he let out a long sigh and said, "Ye Feng, I didn''t expect you to have made it this far. In light of this, I cannot allow you to continue unchecked."


    As he spoke, sensing several powerful auras approaching from afar, Tang Bai''s figure flickered and vanished into the void. The next moment, four figures descended from the sky: two in colorful, splendid clothes, and two more in black robes.


    These four were the sect masters of the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect, as well as an elder from each of those two great sects. Within the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, anyone who could become a sect master had at least the cultivation level of the Divine Ability Realm, and the elders had even stepped into the legendary Sacred Realm Level.


    The four materialized in the courtyard, surveyed the scene for a few moments, and after a glance at the corpses of Hua Youdao and Ghost Cold Mountain, they more or less understood the situation.


    "To be able to severely injure the two of them with one sword strike, it seems that this so-called Northern King Ye Feng has actually obtained the strength to compete with the Divine Ability Realm. What do you all think?" The one who spoke was the Flora Sect Master.


    "What else is there to think? This Ye fellow, daring to kill the high-level members of my sect, declare war. Immediate war with him! I want to utterly exterminate him!" The Sect Master of the Underworld Sect roared with clenched teeth.


    The two elders said nothing; though starting a war was easy, the repercussions were significant. Especially the Utility Pavilion, which would never sit idly by. Of course, they could ignore Tang Bai, but not Zhuge Wuming.


    "For once a war begins, Zhuge Wuming of the Utility Pavilion will surely intervene!" The Flora Sect Master snorted coldly, "That old rascal Zhuge, he already spoke out at the Martial Dao conference, absolutely forbidding despicable means to be used against that Ye fellow."


    The elder of the Flora Sect, stroking his gray-white beard, laughed and said, "Excuse Zhuge Wuming. We need not fear him. What we truly should fear is that little mountain village in the Northwest."


    Talking about the Northwest Little Mountain Village, the four immediately fell silent. It was evident that they harbored significant apprehension toward the obscure little village; after all, in the last century, the Nine Great Sects had jointly attacked the village, aiming to annihilate it in one fell swoop.


    However, the outcome was that almost all the high-ranking members of the Nine Great Sects perished there, including several renowned sect masters and other powerful figures. This even caused a break in the continuity of the Nine Great Sects, leading to a century of silence and reticence as they tucked themselves away.


    For a long time, even the mention of the Northwest Little Mountain Village would change their color.


    "If we can''t move against him directly, does that mean we just let this kid keep growing stronger and act wantonly? If this continues, who knows how many high-ranking powerhouses from our Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will perish!" The Sect Master of the Underworld Sect bellowed with fury.


    The elder of the Underworld Sect sneered, "There will always be opportunities. If we can''t move against him openly, then we''ll act in the shadows."


    "The elder is quite right, let us just wait for an opportunity!" The Flora Sect Master nodded in agreement, then said, "In three days, it will be the official establishment day of the Martial Academy. According to the prior agreement, that young man will assume the position of principal, and we from the Nine Great Sects must attend. What do you think?"


    The Sect Master of Underworld Sect snorted, "Daring to kill the high ranks of my sect, I wish I could tear him to shreds. And he expects me to attend his inauguration? Don''t even think about it, Underworld Sect will never show up!"


    "If that''s the case, Flora Sect won''t attend either," said the Flora Sect Master before continuing, "Moreover, this message must be passed on to the other sects. I believe they likely won''t attend either.


    Let''s wait and see, without the presence of us Nine Great Sects, relying on that youngster alone, he will undoubtedly find it hard to clap with one hand, and it will be impossible for him to run the Martial Academy!"


    After the four powerhouses finished speaking, they swept away and disappeared into the night. The following day at Sky Bright, although the sun had already risen, the Northern Border had become quite cold after entering autumn. After a night''s rest, Ye Feng''s essence, qi, and spirit had recovered to their peak state.


    Upon waking up, he found that Hong Qingyan had, as usual, already prepared breakfast.


    Although the breakfast was not lavish, Ye Feng enjoyed it immensely. At that moment, Shadow appeared out of nowhere, and Ye Feng asked directly, "How is the situation in the Southern Territory?"


    Shadow saluted with his hands and replied, "Your Majesty, just as you predicted, the Southern Territory has been in retreat under the pressure of the Three Southern Kingdoms. However, after you announced your military deployment, the Imperial Capital could indeed sit still no longer."


    Continuing, Shadow took a breath before adding, "On the same day that Your Majesty was in the Western Territory, the Great General''s Mansion dispatched troops, and by the following day, they had lifted the siege on the Southern Territory. After being driven back, the Three Southern Kingdoms have now been expelled from the Southern Territory."


    Ye Feng raised his eyebrows and asked, "For this, did Great General Duantian personally intervene?"


    "No, the Great General did not make a move," replied Shadow.


    "Then who led the troops?" Ye Feng asked. After all, it was an alliance of the Three Southern Kingdoms. The other two small countries were perhaps manageable, but the Ancient Brahma Kingdom was not to be underestimated, with numerous strong warriors such that even characters like Zhang Wenyuan could not resist. Even less capable people would not have the ability.


    Shadow answered, "The leader was someone named Hong Jiutian. According to the reports, this person faced three opponents alone and defeated three warriors from the Three Southern Kingdoms with overwhelming strength!"


    "Hong Jiutian?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and inquired, "What is his background?"


    Shadow saluted again and said, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. My abilities are limited, and I was not able to find out his background. The only thing known is that this person seems to be related to the Great National Pillar of the Southwest Heaven."


    "Southwest Heaven''s National Pillar, the Qing Family?" Ye Feng muttered thoughtfully, then shook his head with a smile, "The Great National Pillar of the Southwest might have had that power in the last century, but now they have fallen and hardly have any notable talent left. It seems that this Hong Jiutian is not a simple character."


    To repel the warriors from the Three Southern Kingdoms with his own strength, this person must at least possess combat power at the Divine Ability Realm Level, if not stronger. Such individuals could not be found in the Mortal World, and it''s unlikely that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would be so benevolent to lend a hand, let alone follow the orders of the Great General''s Mansion.


    Engrossed in his thoughts, Ye Feng soon had some deductions. He speculated that this person was very likely from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    "It seems that the Four Great Ancient Clans, by continually showing their faces in the Mortal World, are becoming restless," Ye Feng said with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.


    Shadow saluted once again, "Additionally, Your Majesty, the two tasks you previously assigned, one concerning the Six-foot Path built over two thousand years ago, we now have some clues."


    "Oh? What kind of clues?" Ye Feng''s interest was piqued.


    "I found it in an ancient manuscript, though it comes from a Spellcaster''s record. The reliability is not known, but the book mentions in passing that the Six-foot Path from over two thousand years ago is actually a Formation," Shadow explained.


    "A Formation? What kind of Formation?" Ye Feng promptly asked.


    "That, I do not know. The manuscript has no more details," said Shadow, taking out from his robe a dirty, extremely old book.


    The book was very tattered, with only a few intact pages. He handed it to Ye Feng with both hands. Ye Feng quickly flipped through it, running his eyes over ten lines at a time. Indeed, the book made only a passing mention without any further elucidation.


    Ye Feng fell into contemplation, "A Formation? If this Six-foot Path truly is a Formation, then what is its purpose? And what was the builder''s intention?"


    Despite his speculation, Ye Feng couldn''t fathom the key points as the information he had was far too scant to make a deduction.


    "Shadow, keep following up on this Six-foot Path, as well as the Terracotta Warriors Mausoleum Palace in the Northwest. You may withdraw," Ye Feng ordered.


    "As you command, Your Majesty!" Shadow replied. He glanced unintentionally at Hong Qingyan then turned and left without a word.


    After breakfast, Ye Feng promptly summoned Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming, issuing an order, "In half an hour, we depart for the Imperial Capital!"


    "As you command, Your Majesty!" Xiao Chuanqi and the others bowed their heads in salutation. They understood that this time, as Ye Feng made his third visit to the Imperial Capital, he was preparing to take up his official position as the Principal of the Martial Academy.

 Chapter 411: Boss Cao Prepares to Go to Sea

    This time, Ye Feng did not bring any soldiers to the imperial capital, taking only Xiao Chuanqi and a few others with him, because he was very clear in his mind that at his current cultivation realm, having more people was no longer of any use.


    A great power of the Divine Ability Realm Level could essentially wipe out an army of tens of thousands on their own, while a being at the Sacred Realm Level could turn the mountains and overturn the seas with a mere flick of their hand, and even a mere glance could change the color of heaven and earth.


    Therefore, if they were to encounter a Saint Realm expert on this trip, no amount of people would be of any help.


    As such, Ye Feng traveled lightly, and half a day later, he finally arrived at the imperial capital, entering the Northern Cloud Residence. The journey was surprisingly smooth, without any mishaps.


    No sooner had he settled into the Northern Cloud Residence, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and Boss Cao Yi arrived. Nowadays, these two could be considered Ye Feng''s better relationships within the imperial capital.


    "Tell me, what rumors are floating about in the imperial capital lately?" Inside the small courtyard, Ye Feng brewed a pot of tea and asked Shi Yehong and Cao Yi to sit down. Strictly speaking, both men were his seniors, so he always maintained the proper respect.


    With legs crossed, Boss Cao spoke, "Recently, a big shot arrived at the Punishment Heaven Department, nearly overshadowing my position. I can''t command people anymore and the information isn''t flowing. Old Man Shi should tell you more about it."


    Having said this, Boss Cao tilted his head back and drained the tea from his cup in one gulp, his demeanor revealing an indescribable despondence.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng frowned and asked, "What''s going on? You''ve been in charge of the Punishment Heaven Department for at least twenty years now; you''ve turned it into an iron fortress. How could someone suddenly overtake it?"


    Boss Cao replied despondently, "I don''t know. All I know is that this person who arrived is formidable and has a very strong influence. What''s more unexpected is that as soon as this person emerged, two out of the three deputies under me sided with him. I suspect that someone from the Utility Pavilion, one of the elders, is backing this person."


    Although he did not specify which elder, both listeners naturally understood his insinuation, clearly pointing to Tang Bai.


    Ye Feng''s gaze hardened, thinking of everything that had happened at Ten-mile Slope, and he understood all too well. It seemed that Tang Bai was steadily cutting down the forces by his side.


    Everyone in the imperial capital knew Boss Cao Yi was closest to him, almost regarded as Ye Feng''s confidant. Now, Tang Bai''s intentional move was nothing but a veiled way to erode his power.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng sighed lightly and said, "It looks like I''ve dragged you into this mess. I was about to retire and hoped for a peaceful end."


    With a casual flick of his wrist, Boss Cao Yi dismissed the concern, "What are you talking about? What''s the relation between you and me? I''ve watched over you since you were in diapers. Besides, what''s so good about that position? I''ve made enough money for the rest of my life during the Martial Dao meet. I was just thinking about how to step down.


    Now, I''m free from the cares of the world."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "That''s good. Although the imperial capital seems calm on the surface, I''m certain that with my arrival, a storm will soon erupt, a storm without precedent. It''s better for you to step back now and enjoy some peace, rather than getting dragged into it again."


    "You say that as if I''m afraid," retorted the round-bellied, plump old man, who clearly felt upsold. He abruptly stood up, stating, "Enough about that. There''s still plenty of good times ahead. Just yesterday, I bought a luxury cruiser; I was all set to sail out to sea. I was waiting for today, just to see you one more time."


    As he spoke, Boss Cao Yi got up to leave but then suddenly remembered something, saying, "Oh right, I almost forgot. I left you a few people; they are the last of my estate. Green hills and clear waters, we will meet again!"


    Ye Feng was about to say that Boss Cao should keep those few people for himself, but Shi Yehong stopped him with a look, saying, "Let it be, just accept them. He just said that he has watched you grow up; he''s long regarded you as his own child. Leaving something for you before he goes is his way of showing affection as an elder."


    Ye Feng then nodded in acknowledgment, but what he could never have anticipated was that because Boss Cao Yi had left his most formidable personal guards to him, it resulted in Boss Cao falling victim to an ambush by Fusang in the East Sea and dying at sea, his remains lost to the ocean depths.


    Following Boss Cao''s death, this even led to Ye Feng''s second descent upon Fusang, almost resulting in the annihilation of half the Martial Dao World of Fusang in his rage. Of course, that was all yet to come.


    Shi Yehong did not drink any tea, as he was not in the mood for it. From the moment he entered, he had been preoccupied with heavy thoughts because he had evidently anticipated that behind the incident where Cao Yi, Boss Cao, was persuaded to step down, one of the two elders from the Utility Pavilion, Tang Bai, must be orchestrating it.


    Originally, Shi Yehong had thought that even if the majority of the ten Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion were not optimistic about Ye Feng and even tried to squeeze him out, as long as the two elders of the Utility Pavilion supported Ye Feng, that would be enough. But now, it seemed that Tang Bai not only did not support him but had even taken action against him.


    Of course, Shi Yehong was unaware of what had happened at Ten-mile Slope. If the old man had known, he would have certainly advised Tang Feng to follow in Cao Yi, Boss Cao''s footsteps and choose to retire and preserve himself hastily and bravely.


    "Let''s talk about it, what''s the current situation in the capital?" Ye Feng brought the conversation back on track.


    Shi Yehong sighed before speaking, "Originally, the official establishment of the Martial Dao Academy tomorrow is meant to be the most significant and grand event in the capital, and even across the country. As the principal of the first session of the Martial Academy, you should be the center of attention. Yet, just yesterday, there was a sudden shift in the dynamics within the capital."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "Is it because of that guy called Hong Jiutian?"


    Shi Yehong was clearly startled and replied, "How come, you already know?"


    Instead of answering, Ye Feng asked, "Tell me, this Hong Jiutian, what''s his background? He not only defeated the top-notch powers of the Three Southern Kingdoms with his own strength but also managed to create such a huge influence and public opinion in the capital in just one day."


    Shi Yehong answered, "I don''t know much about Hong Jiutian, but he''s said to have close ties with the Heaven Guard National Pillar, seemingly the cousin of that young man Sky-piercing. Furthermore, after coming to the capital to accept his award, he''s become very close with the Great General''s Mansion."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and shook his head, "If it''s just the Heaven Guard National Pillar and the Great General''s Mansion alone, I''m afraid he wouldn''t be able to stir up such a big storm."


    Shi Yehong''s expression changed, and he couldn''t help saying, "Are you suggesting that behind this man, there is the hand of the two elders from the Utility Pavilion as well?"


    Ye Feng fell silent. In fact, what he was thinking was even more; behind this man, there wasn''t just the shadow of the Utility Pavilion elders, there could also be the Four Great Ancient Clans maneuvering and backing him.


    Remembering this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but ask, "By the way, Second Sect Leader, about the Four Great Ancient Clans, which four clans specifically are they?"


    Shi Yehong replied, "You asked me this question during the Martial Dao Conference, and I wasn''t very clear at the time, since they are quite secretive. However, after I went back, I specifically looked into it and somehow managed to find out. These four great ancient clans are the Bu Family, the Hong Family, the Nie Family, and as for the last clan, there is no information to be found."


    "The Hong Family is one of the Four Great Families?" Ye Feng immediately asked upon hearing this.


    "Yes, right, the Hong Family. That Hong Jiutian also has the surname Hong, could it be..." In that moment, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong finally understood, and his expression turned ugly as he sighed to himself, "It seems that these Four Great Ancient Clans, which have been hidden for years, can no longer stay patient and have decided to make their move."


    Just when he said this, Shi Yehong suddenly changed the subject, asking, "By the way, Ye Feng, what about that Northwest Little Mountain Village behind you? Nowadays, not only have the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts come forth, but even the Four Great Ancient Clans are getting restless. Doesn''t that little mountain village have any movements?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, "Nothing so far, and of course, you know that I''ve always disliked troubling others, so I''ve never sought them out."


    Shi Yehong paused for a while, then finally let out a long sigh, "From the look of things, Ye Feng, your situation in the capital might not be easy in the upcoming days."

 Chapter 412: Why, are you missing him?

    About the Northwest Little Mountain Village, Ye Feng had only visited twice so far, but there were people who had sought him out there, such as Sausage Sister and Long Nannan. However, the two later left one after another, saying they must go to that place and would wait for him there.


    Although Ye Feng was not entirely clear about what that place was, he knew it must be extraordinary. After all, over two thousand years ago, the entire Northwest Little Mountain Village had to exhaust all its efforts to protect that location.


    Of course, as his cultivation level kept on advancing and his horizons widened, Ye Feng had gradually guessed a rough idea and increasingly understood the mission of the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Everyone thought they were criminals, but who knew the greatness they carried on their shoulders.


    "Regardless, the plan to establish the Martial Academy in three days remains unchanged, and I''ll need to trouble the Second Sect Leader to inform the Utility Pavilion," Ye Feng suddenly said in a deep voice. He faced significant pressure as well, not only facing the assault of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts but also the old man from the Utility Pavilion.


    Moreover, he needed to guard against the powerful Four Great Ancient Clans. Any one of these three great powers was terrifying, but Ye Feng knew he had no reason to back down, for if he did, the drive in his heart would deflate, and he would no longer be able to advance with courage and vigor.


    The Second Sect Leader was not surprised by Ye Feng''s words, for he understood him. After nodding, he asked, "Don''t you plan to personally visit the Utility Pavilion or meet with Lord Zhuge Wuming?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, "No need."


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong did not say anything more. He understood Ye Feng and knew that this young man''s determination was almost ingrained in his bones. It was highly unlikely for him to ask for help from someone else.


    "In that case, I shall take my leave," the Second Sect Leader said as he rose to his feet and then left Northern Cloud Residence.


    Ye Feng also slowly stood up, looking up at the blazing sun overhead, with his plans becoming ever more resolute in his heart. He was determined to push forward with the Martial Academy.


    First, to promote martial training among all people¡ªa genuine form of martial training, not the superficial forms of past¡ªand once martial artists spread throughout the country, they would have a better chance of resisting the unknown threats from an alien space-time, potentially sparing many innocent lives from being sacrificed.


    Besides this point, Ye Feng also urgently wanted to strengthen himself. Once he became the principal of the Martial Academy, his prestige would undoubtedly rise to unprecedented heights, and he would naturally acquire a considerable amount of the source of luck, which would improve his own cultivation level.


    At this moment, Hong Qingyan stepped forward and said, "Big Brother Ye, the Martial Academy can be launched with some effort, but it''s likely that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will evade and shirk their responsibilities. They won''t be willing to contribute people, and they probably won''t be willing to provide the agreed-upon cultivation methods and martial techniques either.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "Of course, I know they won''t easily give in, but there''s no rush. Once I become the Martial Academy Principal, everything will be as it should be, and they''ll have no choice but to comply!"


    Hong Qingyan was silent, feeling that her husband bore too great a responsibility. She felt the need to share some of his burden, yet her own strength was too weak to be of any real help.


    Just as they were discussing, a servant came out from the backyard carrying a baby. The nanny in the servant''s arms was holding the little girl Ye Feng had adopted from the Fallen Dragon Valley.


    "Master, Mistress, you''re finally back. The Little Princess has been fussing all morning, and it seems she missed you, so I took the initiative to bring her out," said the nanny.


    Upon seeing the plump and fair baby girl, Hong Qingyan''s maternal glow instantly overflowed, her eyes filled with profound adoration. She hurried over and picked up the little girl.


    "Big Brother Ye, look, she has grown again after just a few days, and she even has two new teeth," Hong Qingyan said with a smile. However, when she looked up at Ye Feng, her expression froze instantly.


    At first, Ye Feng felt happy when he heard Hong Qingyan''s words and intended to go over and hold the baby since she was, after all, the child he had taken in. But as he took a step forward, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness suddenly shook violently, emitting a strong sense of refusal.


    Even more shockingly to Ye Feng was the fact that the traces of luck within the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll uncontrollably began to disperse, driven outward. Even more terrifying, this dispersed source of luck surged toward the little girl in front, and was absorbed by her.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s hair stood on end. He finally realized that this was a trap, a grand conspiracy!


    "What a brilliant scheme indeed, so covert and even utilizing a little girl to secretly steal my luck. Who could have set this trap, to possess such skill!"


    Ye Feng''s heart raged with fury. In a flash, he thought of Mu Tian. Perhaps in all the world, only Mu Tian was capable of such a ruse, and this seemed very much in line with Mu Tian''s methods.


    "Mu Tian, there will come a day when I will personally slay you!" Ye Feng said angrily.


    At this very moment, in the Outer Battlefield, within a desolate area devoid of human presence, the void suddenly burst into a golden rainbow light, resembling a comet streaking across the starry sky, before instantly plunging into the desert below.


    There were about three seconds of silence, and then with a loud boom, the yellow sand surged, and a ferocious behemoth covered in yellow scales burst forth from the sand below, leaping into the mid-air.


    The entire earth trembled at this instant. The fearsome beast, which had six legs, resembled a small mountain from afar. Its face was grotesque with sharp fangs, yet unexpectedly, as it surged into the mid-air, its massive body suddenly split into two halves, and then crashed thunderously onto the ground.


    Right at that moment, two slender figures broke through the air and lightly landed atop the two halves of the demonic beast''s carcass. These two individuals exuded a majestic aura that was vast and boundless, and within their brows, there was an implication of looking down upon the world. These were none other than Mu Tian and his father, Mu Rongtian.


    "Father, how was my swordplay?" Mu Tian, holding a silver-white treasure sword in one hand and resting the other hand behind his back, asked in a rather suave manner.


    Mu Rongtian nodded and said, "After a period of training, not bad, you''ve made great progress. Slaying a demonic beast with a Fake Pill cultivation level with a single sword strike, your combat power can now match that of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator in the Golden Core Realm."


    Upon saying this, Mu Rongtian suddenly added, "Of course, while you may be on par, it''s only just touching the threshold. The Golden Core Grandmasters of Ancient Cultivators, with their abilities that reach the sky, are beyond your current capability to contend with."


    Unable to help himself, Mu Tian asked, "Father, are we truly not following the path of the Ancient Cultivators?"


    Mu Rongtian replied, "No, that path has become a dead end that can no longer be traversed. Even in this Outer Battlefield, you''d be lucky to reach the peak of Golden Core cultivation. Even if there is the occasional extraordinary genius who manages to cross the Golden Core Realm and catch a glimpse of the Yin and Yang above it, they''re still unable to step into it."


    Mu Tian asked again, "Then Father, the path we are on, the Golden Body of Luck, can it really take us further?"


    Mu Rongtian chuckled, "Whether we can go further, I cannot guarantee, but this Dao Technique predates even the Ancient Era, coming from the Ancient Era. It should at least carry us a bit further, maybe even beyond the constraints of this space-time."


    Mu Tian fell silent. Although he wasn''t convinced that their path could take them further than that of the Ancient Cultivators, his father had been cultivating for many years, and his cultivation was now unfathomably deep. Three years ago, his father had returned to the Northwest Little Mountain Village and even clashed with that Big Smoking Pipe old man.


    The outcome revealed that, although his father was outmatched, he managed to escape with ease, indicating that while his father''s strength was not quite equal to the Big Smoking Pipe old man''s, it wasn''t far off either. Moreover, his father''s cultivation had been continuously progressing over the years, so the current strengths and weaknesses between them remained unknown.


    "Three years, just three more years!" Mu Rongtian suddenly stood with his hands behind his back, staring out at the vast, overcast sky of this place. Here, there were no sun and moon, nor a concept of time; everything was simply overcast and vague, enough to drive the weak-minded insane if they stayed too long.


    Mu Tian knew what his father meant by three years. After some thought, he asked, "Father, after three years, do you really intend to challenge that Big Smoking Pipe old man to a duel?"


    Mu Rongtian''s expression suddenly turned grave as he said sternly, "Remember your tone of speech¡ªhe is always your grandfather. Show respect in the future, do you understand?"


    Mu Tian said no more. If Ye Feng were here, he would be able to fully understand many things that were otherwise incomprehensible. It turned out that Mu Tian was the grandson of the Big Smoking Pipe old man and also the cousin of Long Nannan. It was precisely because of this relationship that Mu Tian knew many of Ye Feng''s secrets that others did not.


    Mu Rongtian continued, "After three years, I will prove to that old man that the old path he has taken is the wrong one, and that what he has persisted in is also wrong, utterly wrong!"


    Mu Tian didn''t engage further on this topic. It was generally difficult to proceed when the conversation reached this point, so he changed the subject and said, "I wonder how that kid Ye Feng is doing now."


    Mu Rongtian was successfully distracted and asked, "Why, do you miss him?"


    Mu Tian smiled slightly, a smile brimming with joy as if he just remembered an old friend he hadn''t seen for many years. He nodded and said, "I have no reason not to miss him. Honestly, if grandfather hadn''t passed his legacy to Ye Feng instead of me back then, I believe I could''ve been his best friend."


    Mu Rongtian scoffed, "If your grandfather had given you that man''s legacy, then that Ye kid would be nothing and his achievements today would never have been possible!"


    "That''s true," agreed Mu Tian, nodding slightly.


    Mu Rongtian sneered, "Rest assured, after so long, that kid''s luck should have been mostly absorbed by that little baby girl. Once the three-year term is up, we''ll return to Xuanyuan Nation. As long as you absorb the luck contained within that baby, you might be able to contend with the peak cultivation Golden Core Grandmasters by then."


    To be able to contend with a peak Golden Core cultivation Grandmaster undoubtedly indicated being amongst the most powerful individuals in this realm.

 Chapter 413: How Dare He Show His Face!

    At Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng sat in his study, immersed in deep thought. The study was his sanctuary, where he retreated whenever he encountered a particularly perplexing problem or needed to think something through. Not even Hong Qingyan dared to disturb him at such times.


    "Luck, truly a vicious approach, attempting to seize and devour my luck."


    Every time Ye Feng thought about this, a shiver of fear ran through him. While he had previously felt discomfort whenever he was near that little baby girl, he hadn''t given it much thought at the time.


    If it hadn''t been for his fortunate acquisition of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he might still be in the dark. If this had continued for long, his luck might have been completely siphoned off by the other party. He shuddered to think of the consequences.


    "Now that I''ve discovered the problem, how should I avoid it? It must be said, this tactic is indeed formidable, to the extent that even the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll can''t fully block it!" Ye Feng felt a headache coming on.


    Of course, the most direct solution would be to send the little girl away. But now that he had discovered the problem and knew that someone was orchestrating a plot in the shadows, Ye Feng naturally couldn''t just let it slide.


    "Daring to scheme against me, whether it''s Mu Tian or not, this account can''t be settled so easily!" Ye Feng''s gaze narrowed and a thick murderous intent emanated from his eyes. Suddenly, an idea came to him¡ªan expedient measure to use the tactic of a decoy child, surreptitiously switching the little girl with another.


    In doing so, he could avoid the hidden danger and at the same time, lull the enemy into complacency. Once the enemy behind the scenes felt the time was ripe, they would naturally expose themselves. Of course, this task would have to be carried out by Shadow, without even letting Hong Qingyan know, to spare her worry.


    After coming to a decision, Ye Feng''s brows unfurled, yet the pressure in his heart grew heavier. It had to be said that the current situation could aptly be described as facing threats on all sides.


    Subsequently, Ye Feng simply decided to enter secluded cultivation in the secret chamber of the study. After all, the official founding of the Martial Academy was tomorrow, and there was nothing much to do today. Moreover, he had almost no friends left in the Imperial Capital; Cao Yi had been pushed out, and even the Second Sect Leader was finding support hard to come by.


    During his cultivation, Ye Feng realized that lacking the support of the Source of Luck in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, his progress was undoubtedly much slower, especially after reaching five hundred acupoints, breaking through became increasingly difficult, moving forward felt like a snail''s climb.


    One must know that his control over Spiritual Energy was already very impressive. This demonstrated the immense difficulty of cultivating the Method of the Three Thousand Acupoints. Ye Feng even doubted whether the person from over two thousand years ago managed to cultivate the Method of Acupoints to Great Perfection.


    The day passed without incident, and at dawn, Ye Feng rose early. After washing up and dressing, he suddenly ordered Hong Qingyan to take out the Royal Robe that had been sealed away.


    Once he donned the golden-colored Royal Robe, an aura of majestic disregard immediately became apparent. Originally, Ye Feng had no desire to wear the robe. But with the development of the current situation, he felt the need to do so in order to declare his stance to the world.


    Since those people didn''t want to see him in a Royal Robe, he was determined to let them witness the might of his kingship, not allowing anyone to challenge him!


    When he walked out of the hall and figures like Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian saw Ye Feng in this Royal Robe, everyone was taken aback, and then, as if by an unspoken agreement, they all knelt down and shouted, "Greetings to the Northern King!"


    At that moment, the shouts were deafening as they surged towards the skies above Northern Cloud Residence. The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness within Ye Feng suddenly roiled, bringing forth a strong surge of the Source of Luck.


    "Indeed, it seems clothes do make the man. With a reputation and prestige at hand, there''s no need to hide!" Ye Feng sneered to himself, and then with a wave of his hand, he commanded, "Let''s go, to the Imperial Martial Academy!"


    The Imperial Martial Academy was located on the most bustling street within the Inner City of the Imperial Capital. It was originally a sports college, but after some renovation over time, it now possessed a brand-new look, with even the main gate built according to Ye Feng''s instructions, old and elegant.


    The Imperial Martial Academy was extraordinarily lively today. Nearly all the significant figures of the Imperial Capital were in attendance. Almost everyone who shouldn''t have come had arrived, yet those who should be present, like members from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, had not shown up.


    Arriving at the square in front of the academy''s gate, Ye Feng stepped out of his vehicle. The square was crowded with people discussing the plaque above the gate of the academy.


    Among these individuals were Sect Leaders from the Utility Pavilion, generals and instructors from the Great General''s Mansion, and representatives from the Departments of the Three Offices¡ªa gathering of influential figures.


    However, as Ye Feng stepped down, no one approached to greet him or to extend congratulations, let alone address him as Dean. Almost everyone watched him with a mocking expression, particularly when they saw the Royal Robe he was wearing, which they found to be quite an eyesore.


    Clearly, as Ye Feng''s power in the Imperial Capital continued to grow, so did the ostracism against him¡ªa testament to the proverb that tall trees catch much wind.


    Ye Feng responded with a faint smile and then confidently walked forward. Although no one approached Ye Feng to offer congratulations, no one dared to block his path either. Due to the Northern King''s influence, wherever Ye Feng went, people automatically cleared a way for him.


    In the reception hall of the academy, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming was already present. Seeing Ye Feng enter, he stood up, cupped his fists, and said, "You rascal, you''ve finally arrived."


    Due to his disciple, Zhang Wenyuan, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming did not have an aversion to Ye Feng, but he could not be said to support him either. Essentially, he planned to sit on the fence for the time being.


    Ye Feng looked at him and couldn''t help but smile, "What, does Old Man Zhao not wish for me to be here today?"


    Hearing this, Zhao Gongming burst into hearty laughter, "How could that be? You are the head of the Martial Academy. If you were absent today, how could the academy possibly be established?"


    Ye Feng also smiled and said, "I feel the same way."


    Zhao Gongming fell silent, detecting the firmness in the other''s tone, yet he was very clear in his mind that the establishment of the Martial Academy today would probably not go as smoothly as imagined.


    "By the way, where is Zhang Wenyuan? Hasn''t he returned to the Imperial Capital?" Ye Feng looked around and, although there were many people present, he did not see Zhang Wenyuan. Logically speaking, he should not be absent, since although Zhang Wenyuan was once an adversary, they were not without friendship.


    Zhao Gongming sighed upon hearing this and said, "He didn''t come. You should know why; where would he have the face to show up?"


    Ye Feng nodded without asking further, understanding the meaning behind Zhao Gongming''s words. Zhang Wenyuan was a man of great pride, even once believing that he was not inferior to Ye Feng. However, his performance in the recent defense battle in the Southern Territory had been decidedly unsatisfactory, especially in comparison with that in the Northern Border; it was truly a world of difference.


    Hence, Zhang Wenyuan felt he had no face to come.


    Suddenly, Zhao Gongming spoke up, "Right, I forgot to tell you. Yesterday, I had already arranged for him to go to the Outer Battlefield."


    Ye Feng was initially startled, thinking that his master still doted on his disciple, having so quickly used his connections to send Zhang Wenyuan off to the Outer Battlefield for training.


    Thinking this, Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "That place should suit him. Of course, once the Martial Academy is established, I will go there as well."


    Just then, the previously bustling suddenly quieted down. It turned out that two elders from the Utility Pavilion had arrived. Despite Tang Bai''s growing intolerance of Ye Feng, he could not avoid appearing at such an event.


    As soon as Tang Bai walked into the hall, he went straight to the main seat and sat down without even a greeting. Ye Feng naturally couldn''t be bothered to approach and exchange pleasantries with him.


    But it was Zhuge Wuming who came forward with a smile and cupped his fists, saying, "Dean Ye, the future of the Martial Academy rests on you."


    Ye Feng returned the gesture and said, "I will need to rely on Senior Zhuge''s support in the future."


    Senior Zhuge laughed heartily and said, "Of course, but aside from the establishment of the Martial Academy today, there''s another major announcement to make."


    Without asking, Ye Feng waited for him to continue. Senior Zhuge added, "After collective deliberation by the Utility Pavilion, it has been decided to appoint a King of the Western Territory."


    "Appoint a King of the Western Territory?" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened; indeed, this was a significant matter. After a brief contemplation, he asked, "It seems then, that the Utility Pavilion must have already decided on the candidate for the King of the Western Territory. However, the Western Territory has traditionally been controlled by the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    With the establishment of a king there, will these sects agree?"


    Zhuge Wuming nodded and said, "The situation in the Western Territory is indeed quite complicated. However, the decision to appoint a King of the Western Territory has indeed been unanimously agreed to by the Nine Great Sects."


    This time, it was Ye Feng who was surprised. The Nine Great Sects, who usually considered only their own interests, had actually agreed to the Utility Pavilion appointing a King of the Western Territory. Was this not equivalent to cutting at their very roots?


    At this moment, Tang Bai spoke up coldly, "Of course, the situation in the Western Territory is very complex. The new King of the Western Territory must possess great talent and vision to control the situation."


    "Who is it?" Ye Feng asked, but a name suddenly sprung to mind¡ªHong Jiutian!


    With this realization, Ye Feng''s thoughts became clear. Probably only someone from the Four Great Ancient Clans like Hong Jiutian could force the Nine Great Sects to bend and acknowledge his leadership after all, the Ancient Clans carried enough weight that even the Nine Great Sects had to bow their heads.


    Naturally, Ye Feng also saw a deeper layer in this arrangement. The Utility Pavilion was setting up a King of the Western Territory at this critical moment, which was clearly aimed at using Hong Jiutian to restrain him.


    "Cunning bastard, such deep schemes," Ye Feng glanced briefly at Tang Bai, who was seated comfortably, but his expression remained calm.


    It was at this moment that a voice suddenly called out from outside, "Great General Duan Tian has arrived!"


    As the voice faded, the Great General strode in with a group of followers, five individuals in total, each of monumental significance. Ye Feng recognized four of them, but the young man dressed in a white robe, with a slender figure that exuded a scholar-like elegance, was unfamiliar to him.


    However, as soon as Ye Feng''s gaze fell on this person, he immediately felt an enormous presence, as heavy as a mountain range, and an aura akin to the blazing sun that one could scarcely look upon directly.


    "This person is so powerful!" Ye Feng couldn''t help but exclaim inwardly. At this moment, he clearly understood that the youth in the white robe was none other than the legendary Hong Jiutian!

 Chapter 414 - 414 Ye Fengs Transformation, The Beginning of a New Era

    As soon as Hong Jiutian appeared, he immediately became the center of attention, overshadowing even Ye Feng, as he was the most talked-about new elite in the Imperial Capital these past few days.


    Rumors even spread that some Noble Clan Aristocrats couldn''t help but quietly approach the Great General, trying to marry their most beautiful daughters off to this new figure of power, a situation Ye Feng had also encountered.


    It was when he first prepared to enter the Capital Region, these so-called Aristocratic Clans of the Imperial Capital had sent matchmakers to the Northern Border, but Ye Feng rejected them all outright. Now looking back, it''s probably because of his blunt rejections that these Aristocratic Clan Gates defected, leading to the ambush in the Capital Region.


    Of course, Ye Feng didn''t regret it; at that moment, he stood quietly, discreetly observing the new elite of the Imperial Capital.


    Hong Jiutian''s face bore no expression, only his eyebrows conveyed a compelling spirit, striding into the hall with a folding fan in hand, exuding elegance.


    The moment Great General Duan Tian walked in, he burst into laughter, approaching Ye Feng and said, beaming, "Younger Brother Ye, congratulations, congratulations, taking up the post of Martial Academy Principal is indeed a cause for celebration."


    Ye Feng naturally returned the gesture, but couldn''t help sneering inside. Those who should have congratulated him didn''t come, while the one who should not be congratulating him was hypocritically offering his wishes, which was truly ironic.


    Throughout, Hong Jiutian didn''t approach to exchange greetings, an arrogance that seeped into his very bones. After all, as the Imperial Capital''s new elite, he should have exchanged a few pleasantries with Ye Feng, the established elite¡ªeven if just for show.


    The atmosphere suddenly became quite subtle, but in comparison, Ye Feng appeared much more isolated, as aside from a few close bodyguards, there was only Ye Feng himself.


    Zhuge Wuming, seeing the situation turn awkward, slowly walked to the center of the hall and announced with a laugh, "All right, since everyone is here and it''s about time, the Martial Academy unveiling ceremony shall now commence. Let''s all head to the main entrance."


    With that, he walked over, took Ye Feng by the arm, and the two of them walked out of the hall together. However, no one else moved, revealing that the rest no longer heeded Zhuge Wuming''s words or his words no longer held much sway.


    At that point, Tang Bai stood up, slapping his buttocks, and said, "All right, everyone, let''s go; after all, it''s the Imperial Martial Academy, let''s not make it too embarrassing." Only then did the crowd start to step out.


    From this, one could see that the current situation in the Imperial Capital could generally be divided into two camps, one led by Zhuge Wuming and Ye Feng, and the other dominated by people such as Tang Bai. Of course, Tang Bai''s forces were much more formidable than the other.


    On the grand square in front of the Martial Academy, it was packed with journalists, including possibly international ones, with numerous cameras clicking away as people walked out.


    naturally, those able to attend the unveiling ceremony were people of considerable status from the Imperial Capital and even Xuanyuan Nation. As the first Principal, Ye Feng should stand in the middle, with Tang Bai and Zhuge Wuming flanking him on either side. No elders from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were present.


    Suddenly, a voice rang high from the Utility Pavilion Sect Leader, "Lords, originally, this Martial Academy was intended to be established jointly by our Utility Pavilion and the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Now, with no representatives from the Nine Great Sects present, should we still go forward with the Academy, and is there still a need for it?"


    Neither of the elders answered, and all was silent. Although the question was directed at the two elders of the Utility Pavilion, clearly, everyone knew it was actually posed to Ye Feng, the head of the Martial Academy.


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and asked, "I just want to ask one thing: is it that in our abundant Xuanyuan Nation, aside from the Nine Great Sects, there are no more martial artists, no more people?"


    With that single question, the questioner was left speechless, and even those who wanted to object couldn''t find a strong point to argue. It was an impactful retort by Ye Feng, met with enthusiastic applause from the countless journalists below, while the so-called higher-ups from the Imperial Capital turned a deaf ear.


    Ye Feng stood at the threshold, taking a step forward, and declared, "I will say only this: though I serve as the Principal of the Martial Academy, I want everyone to understand that the Academy does not belong to any one person or any power¡ªit belongs to Xuanyuan Nation, it belongs to the people."


    The crowd erupted into thunderous applause once more, and by this time, the entire street was thronged with civilians, all visibly excited. At that moment, nearly every citizen of Xuanyuan Nation was glued to their televisions, witnessing this moment, for they knew that with the nation-wide implementation of the Martial Academy, the landscape of Xuanyuan Nation would surely change.


    It could even be said that with the founding of the Martial Academy today, an era had ended, and a new one had begun!


    Ye Feng waved his hand for silence, then continued, "As the first Principal of the Martial Academy, I have the right and obligation to announce the Academy''s first and most important rule!"


    "The rule is this: any person of Xuanyuan Nation, regardless of background or conditions, may enroll in the Academy. The Martial Academy operates on the principle of education for all, and most importantly, tuition is entirely free. Should anyone dare to collect fees covertly, and should it come to my knowledge through reports, they will be dealt with by military law and executed without mercy!"


    At the fall of his words, the crowd burst into overwhelming applause, with many in front of televisions and smartphones moved to tears.


    For a moment, people across the country were exclaiming: "Long live the Northern King, long live the Northern King!"


    "What the hell are you shouting about? From now on, he is our Principal, our esteemed Principal, long live the esteemed Principal!"


    "Indeed, it is the esteemed Principal, long live the esteemed Principal!"


    At that moment, Ye Feng immediately felt the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness start to churn violently, as an enormous quantity of the Source of Luck emerged, its volume almost unprecedented.


    Even at this instant, it seemed that influenced by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, auspicious clouds suddenly appeared in the sky above the Martial Academy, clouds vibrant with various hues.


    When the reporters below noticed this phenomenon, they raised their cameras to capture the scene. The nation was shaken, and Northern King Ye Feng, or rather Martial Academy Principal Ye Feng, had unprecedented prestige.


    The Source of Luck from the scroll continued to emerge without ceasing. Even Ye Feng began to feel a slight throbbing pain, but at that moment, his state of mind became even clearer, and he suddenly understood an extremely important principle.


    That was, regardless of the symbols of power struggle and treachery, as long as one holds true to their original intention and strives for the welfare of the common people, prioritizing the interests of the people of Xuanyuan Nation, that is to stand on invincible ground forever.


    Ye Feng understood, and finally knew which path he should follow from now on!


    At that time, his Sea of Consciousness suddenly became tumultuous, undergoing earth-shattering changes. His consciousness evolved, ascending to another level. In his originally vast and chaotic Sea of Consciousness, amidst the turbulent convergence, a nucleus as small as a grain of rice condensed.


    "What is this..." Ye Feng was suddenly startled. As soon as his consciousness touched the nucleus, his spiritual power surged out like a tidal wave, almost enveloping the entire Inner City of the Imperial Capital. At that moment, he even felt he could control everything, as under the cover of his spiritual power, he could see everything clearly.


    He was fully aware of all the movements within the Inner City.


    "My spiritual power has skyrocketed and has even condensed this nucleus. It seems that this must be a Mental Power Nucleus. Has my spiritual power actually become substantial?" Ye Feng was equally overwhelmed with shock. This was most certainly a cause for immense joy. However, at this time, his face remained calm, and no one knew of the changes occurring within his body.


    Subsequently, under the host Zhao Gongming, the second ceremony of unveiling the plaque took place. Naturally, Ye Feng, the first Principal, was the one to perform the unveiling. He stepped forward slightly, grasped the hanging red cloth, and then ripped it away to reveal the plaque inscribed with the bold characters "Martial Academy."


    With this, the formal establishment of the Martial Academy was announced, and Xuanyuan Nation entered the next era, an era when all people practice martial arts. Of course, a series of miscellaneous tasks followed, such as the allocation of resources and various enrollment issues. However, these were not Ye Feng''s specific responsibilities; he just needed to oversee them in a general sense.


    After the unveiling ceremony, Ye Feng and others once again entered the main hall. At this time, those unrelated to the event either left or chose to join this brand new and most authoritative Imperial Martial Academy in the nation.


    Throughout the entire period, Tang Bai had a stern expression on his face, seemingly quite angry. He had just walked into the hall without sitting down when he immediately questioned Ye Feng: "Tuition-free, what grand promises you make. Do you know how much it would cost to roll this out on a large scale, and who will pay for it? The Northern Border?"


    Facing Tang Bai''s questioning, those from the Great General''s Mansion were gloating on the side, thinking that the elder from the Utility Pavilion finally lost his temper, and now there would be a good show to watch.


    Ye Feng''s expression did not change at all as he responded directly: "The Martial Academy is for all the citizens, and naturally, the expenses should be borne by the nation. This is only logical."


    Tang Bai could not help but sneer: "The nation should pay, you really think highly of yourself. I won''t be hard on you. The Utility Pavilion will contribute a part of the funds, but that will be far from enough. If the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts don''t support this, I fear the Martial Academy will fail before it even starts. Do you think this is a child''s play?"


    Ye Feng immediately countered: "The Martial Academy was jointly established by the Utility Pavilion and the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. According to the agreement, the Nine Great Sects naturally have to contribute half of the funds!"


    "Contribute half?" Tang Bai could not help but laugh, a mocking laugh, and he snapped: "They didn''t even come for the opening day. Do you think these Nine Great Sects are willing to pay this money? Let''s not even discuss the funds; after all, that''s not the most important thing. What''s crucial are the instructional resources and the Cultivation Method and Martial Techniques.


    Without the support of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, it''s impossible to achieve this!"


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice: "According to the agreement, there is no reason for the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts not to provide instructional resources and Cultivation Method and Martial Techniques!"


    "Agreement? You keep mentioning the agreement, but you''re the Principal after all. Then let me ask you, if the Nine Great Sects stubbornly refuse to pay, what will you do? Do you have any other solutions? Could you force them to hand it over?" Tang Bai pressed.


    "Why not?" Ye Feng retorted resolutely.


    As these four words fell, Tang Bai suddenly became quiet. He stared motionless at Ye Feng, his eyes filled with a cold gleam.

 Chapter 415: Forbidden City, A Fight to the Death!

    Suddenly, the atmosphere in the Martial Academy''s main hall became tense and murderous. At this moment, everyone could feel the fury and even a hint of killing intent emanating from Lord Tang Bai of the Utility Pavilion. Undoubtedly, the old man was truly enraged.


    Ye Feng''s expression did not change in the slightest as he faced his opponent directly, his stance unyielding. On the side, Zhuge Wuming wanted to step forward and help several times, but in the end, he restrained himself.


    In fact, although Zhuge Wuming was also one of the two elders of the Utility Pavilion, with a status equivalent to Tang Bai, only he knew how awkward his position really was.


    Unlike Tang Bai, who hailed from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, Zhuge Wuming was of humble origin, having climbed his way up from the grassroots with no background to speak of. Fortunately, last century he had enough luck to come across a fortuitous encounter, which set him on the path of cultivation.


    Even though his combat power was now comparable to Tang Bai, it was precisely because Tang Bai had the backing of the Four Great Ancient Clans that he could behave so dominantly. What made Zhuge Wuming even angrier was that in recent years, Tang Bai''s selfishness had grown stronger, to the point of involving the people of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    What Zhuge Wuming found most intolerable was that Tang Bai was not only involving the Four Great Ancient Clans but was even suggesting that they directly control the Utility Pavilion and usurp the power of Xuanyuan Nation.


    Normally, Tang Bai would express concerns about Ye Feng walking the same path as someone from over two thousand years ago, but now it seemed that Tang Bai himself was that person.


    Tang Bai was a man of far too great selfishness!


    Of course, Zhuge Wuming also understood that with Tang Bai increasingly involving the Four Great Ancient Clans and leveraging the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts to tighten his grip, his own room for maneuver was shrinking. Thankfully, at this moment, Ye Feng had taken a stand.


    All Zhuge Wuming hoped for was that Ye Feng would remain strong to the end, and all he himself could do was help Ye Feng by all means, to escape Tang Bai''s ever-reaching hand¡ªpreferably, to sever that hand altogether.


    Tang Bai glared intensely for quite a while before he finally huffed and said, "Judging by this, Martial Academy Principal, are you completely confident that you can make the Nine Great Sects voluntarily hand over their resources and cultivation methods and martial techniques?"


    Ye Feng replied decisively, "Indeed!"


    Tang Bai immediately asked, "Then please tell, what method do you plan to use?"


    Ye Feng sneered, "How I will do it is not necessary for me to say. As long as I can make them hand it over and ensure the success of the Martial Academy''s initiatives, that will suffice!"


    "Good, very well spoken!" Tang Bai suddenly laughed and declared in a heavy voice, "What if, you cannot do it, what then?"


    "If I cannot manage it, without another word, I will resign from the position of the Martial Academy Principal and also hand over the Northern Border King''s Seal," Ye Feng declared, each word deliberate.


    "These are your words. Since that''s the case, then make a military order!" Tang Bai sneered, thinking that this was exactly what he had been waiting for Ye Feng to say.


    Zhuge Wuming grew anxious at this turn of events, but before he could speak, Ye Feng had already said, "What''s wrong with making a military order? Within three months, I guarantee that the Nine Great Sects will obediently hand over what''s needed. But what if I do succeed, what then?"


    Tang Bai sneered, "If you do, you do. If you succeed, naturally it will prove your capability, and you shall obviously continue as the Martial Academy Principal."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh mockingly, "First, you need to understand one thing, the position of Martial Academy Principal belongs to me. It was regained with my own strength, and no one has the authority to remove me unless I resign myself. Now, I am using my position as Principal to make a bet with you, so to ensure fairness, you should also put up a corresponding stake, shouldn''t you?"


    Tang Bai''s eyes hardened, and he ground out each word, "Then, what would you have me bet in return?"


    Ye Feng declared emphatically, "Naturally, it would be your position as an elder of the Utility Pavilion. I''m wagering the position of Principal and the seat of the Northern Border, which should be weighty enough, right?"


    "How dare you!" As Ye Feng finished speaking, a Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion exploded in rage and bellowed, "Ye Feng, you are far too presumptuous, daring to challenge the authority of Lord Tang Bai. Do you believe I wouldn''t behead you right this instant?"


    Ye Feng whirled around, glaring at him as he retorted, "And who are you supposed to be? This is the Imperial Martial Academy, where I am the Principal. Within the Martial Academy, my authority is supreme. Even in my presence, you dare to shout and bellow¡ªdo you believe I couldn''t have your head roll right now?"


    Hiss...


    Upon hearing these words, everyone present sharply inhaled in shock. No one had expected the situation to escalate to such an uncontrollable extent. Things had escalated far beyond expectation; it had become serious indeed.


    Tang Bai was trembling with rage, his veins popping on his hands as he decisively waved his hand to stop the Sect Leader behind him, and said word by word, "Fine, very good, I''ll take that bet. In three months, if you fail, then resign as Principal and hand over the Northern King''s Seal yourself!"


    Ye Feng gestured forcefully, "Bring paper and pen, set down the military order and fix the terms of the bet!"


    No one moved, for the matter was too serious, and no one dared to act rashly. At that moment, Zhuge Wuming stepped forward and said, "Gentlemen, this relates to the grave matter of Xuanyuan Nation''s safety. Let''s not be so impulsive."


    Tang Bai ignored him, while Ye Feng turned and said, "Please rest assured, Senior Zhuge. I know what I''m doing."


    Perhaps everyone present thought he was acting on stubborn impulse, even legends like Xiao Chuanqi felt that something was amiss, but only Ye Feng knew in his heart that he was not being impulsive.


    ```


    If it had been half a quarter hour earlier, he might not have dared to do so, but after a nucleus formed in his Sea of Consciousness, he knew that within Xuanyuan Nation, there were not many who could stop his stride. What then of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts? If they dared not comply, disregarded national interests, then they would be annihilated!


    It was at this moment that Ye Feng suddenly remembered a line recorded in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, which was the general principle recorded in the second part of the Dao of the Immortal King, saying "All Immortal Sects are illegal organizations, only the Immortal Kingdom is legitimate!"


    Initially, Ye Feng merely thought this sentence was domineering, simply domineering, but now he had a profound understanding. Take for example these so-called Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, selfish and only considering their own Sect''s interests without regard for the world''s safety. How was this Sect influence any different from those illegal organizations?


    The paper and pen were finally presented. Ye Feng stamped his Royal Seal directly, and Tang Bai also pressed his Hand Seal. From that moment on, everyone present knew a contest of peak power within Xuanyuan Nation was about to begin.


    Three months, three months later, the imperial situation, no, the entire situation of Xuanyuan Nation would undergo earth-shattering changes!


    It was precisely at this time that the previously silent Utility Pavilion Sect Leader coldly shouted, "Although Lord Tang Bai doesn''t mind, after all, he is one of the two elders of the Utility Pavilion. Ye Feng, you have committed an offense against your superior by insulting Lord Tang Bai.


    Now, you must apologize to Lord Tang Bai in front of everyone, otherwise, the Utility Pavilion will not let this go, nor will the people of Xuanyuan Nation!"


    The person who shouted coldly was Qiu Kuzhen, the Utility Pavilion''s Sect Leader. Last year, when Ye Feng visited the Imperial Capital for the second time, Qiu Kuzhen''s closed-door disciple, Autumn Parting Crane, repeatedly provoked Ye Feng and was eventually slain by him. Thus, Qiu Kuzhen harbored a deep-seated hatred for him, and seeing an opportunity now, he couldn''t help but jump out.


    Ye Feng''s eyes suddenly sharpened, and a surge of killing intent burst forth from within him, so tangible it nearly materialized. In the grand hall where no wind should have stirred, some of the weaker Divine Path Realm experts were even frightened to the point of their legs giving way.


    With a swift movement, Ye Feng rushed forward, and with two slaps, his Great Hand struck, sending Qiu Kuzhen flying on the spot, heavily crashing into a corner pillar, blood seeping from his mouth, barely clinging to life.


    "Really a clueless fool, daring to speak rudely to this Academy Principal even within the Martial Academy. Dare to utter another word, and I shall slay you!" Ye Feng spoke from a position above, with a powerful aura of kingly might bursting out from him.


    At this moment, everyone present was subdued by his presence, even Tang Bai and Zhuge Wuming were immensely shocked because when Tang Feng took action, both of them actually had a moment of distraction, a phenomenon that seemed impossible.


    After all, both of them were at Sacred Realm Level, with cultivation levels and mindsets so formidable, yet even so, they were affected.


    Tang Bai''s gaze suddenly flashed with a hint of murderous intent. At that moment, he almost couldn''t restrain himself from taking action, but in the end, he still considered his own status and immediately turned to cast a look towards the Great General.


    Duan Tian, after all, was an old hand in the Martial Arts World, instantly understanding the hint, whispered two sentences in Hong Jiutian''s ear, who then raised the corners of his mouth in a faint smile and stepped forward.


    "One disagreement and you''re ready to slay others, your tone is indeed grand," Hong Jiutian said with an air of mockery, holding a folding fan in his hand, which added to his demeanor.


    Ye Feng abruptly turned his head, looking at the man, and asked sharply, "And who are you? Is this a place where you have the right to speak?"


    It was then that Tang Bai suddenly said coldly, "I almost forgot to introduce him. His name is Hong Jiutian. Of course, this name might still be unfamiliar to you, but now, I want to formally announce something!"


    "Utility Pavilion has decided to establish the Royal Court Base Camp in the Western Territory, and Hong Jiutian is the first ''King of the Western Territory.'' Besides, Hong Jiutian is also the vice-principal of the Martial Academy, a decision unanimously agreed upon by the Utility Pavilion''s Sect Leaders and the two elders!"


    After Tang Bai finished speaking, he turned with a mocking look towards Ye Feng, saying, "Since he is both the vice-principal of the Martial Academy and the ''King of the Western Territory,'' do you think he has the right to speak within the hall of the Martial Academy?"


    Ye Feng laughed mockingly, "Are you certain he is the vice-principal of the Martial Academy?"


    Tang Bai retorted with a cold laugh, "Of course. Are you deaf or just not functioning well? Need me to repeat it?"


    "Very well, vice-principal of the Martial Academy, excellent!"


    Here, Ye Feng suddenly strode forward, took a seat in the chair designated for the Martial Academy Principal, and then declared word by word, "Now, I announce the second rule of the Martial Academy. Henceforth, within the Martial Academy, whenever a vice-principal sees the principal, they must perform the half-kneeling salutation of a subordinate!"


    "What did you say?" Tang Bai burst into rage, and the previously graceful Hong Jiutian also became furious, his long hair suddenly dispersing with his vigorous aura.


    Ye Feng snorted coldly, "What, are you deaf or not functioning well, need me to repeat it? It was already stipulated in the agreement at the time of drafting, that while the Martial Academy Principal cannot directly appoint a vice-principal, he has the power to enforce internal academy rules. Hong Jiutian, is it? Now come here, kneel down, and give me your salute!"


    Crack...


    Hong Jiutian''s fingers tightened, and the folding fan in his hand was crushed to pieces; he was so angry that his whole body trembled, and through clenched teeth, he said word by word, "A backcountry bumpkin, an ant-like thing, really thinking you''re someone significant, to actually dare to be so brazen in my presence!"


    "Tomorrow at the Forbidden City of the Imperial Capital, at dusk, we settle life and death!" Hong Jiutian said, then with a sway of his sleeve, he rose into the air.


    ```

 Chapter 416: The Doomsday of the prestigious Qiu Family

    ```


    Atop the Forbidden City, as dusk fell, a duel of life and death was set!


    With Hong Jiutian''s words, the scene immediately became noisy, while Duantian from the Great General''s Mansion secretly smiled, thinking that the two of you have finally come head-to-head, and it''s a life-and-death fight right from the start. He had been thinking about how to incite the conflict between the two, but now it looked like he didn''t have to worry anymore.


    Tang Bai simply snorted and then lightly stepped on the ground, soaring into the sky. It was clear that both he and Hong Jiutian could essentially fly, and their cultivation realm had even surpassed the Divine Path Realm.


    Watching Tang Bai leave, the people from the Great General''s Mansion and the Three Offices naturally would not linger. They quickly departed, and instantly, the bustling Martial Academy became quiet. Ye Feng had not left yet, and Xiao Chuanqi and the others naturally remained as well, along with the Second Sect Leader and a few old friends from the Imperial Capital.


    Zhuge Wuming suddenly sighed loudly, "Ye Feng, you shouldn''t have been so impulsive. Do you really not know what kind of background Hong Jiutian comes from, even now?"


    Ye Feng indifferently said, "Of course I know."


    "If you know, then why are you going head-to-head with him so stubbornly? This person is even stronger than the previous Bu Tianyun and is not someone you can contend with right now," Zhuge Wuming said, clearly very troubled and worried.


    Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively, "No need to say more, Senior Zhuge. Besides, I''m well aware of what I''m doing."


    Zhuge Wuming shook his head with a sigh, then nodded and said, "Well then, since you both have a reputation to uphold, and the words have been said, they can''t be taken back. Although I am one of the two elders of the Utility Pavilion, there''s not much I can do to help you. The only thing I can do tomorrow is to try and save your life."


    No matter what, Ye Feng felt moved upon hearing this and immediately responded with a bow, "Thank you, Senior!"


    Zhuge Wuming waved his hand, "You don''t need to thank me. This is what I should do. In truth, it is my lack of ability that led to this situation, but you must understand one thing. If I really have no choice but to save your life tomorrow, then I''m afraid you won''t be able to hold onto your position as the manager of the academy."


    After saying this, Zhuge Wuming turned and left. All the while, Shi Yehong sat there silently, his expression full of infinite melancholy and even shame, because he realized that he had no role to play in today''s events. He didn''t even have the right to speak.


    There was a time when Ye Feng was just a little kid in his eyes, but now he had grown so much, and even left him far behind.


    Thinking this, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong sighed deeply and said, "Ye Feng, things have come to this point. More words would be useless. Now that you have completely grown up, the road ahead is yours to walk. We old fellows can''t be of much help, but remember, whatever you do, you must have a clear understanding in your heart."


    Ye Feng nodded; he could see who truly cared about him among those present, and clearly, Old Man Shi Yehong was one of them.


    Shi Yehong looked around and then said, "It seems that the Martial Academy''s recruitment will have to be postponed. Without the support of the Utility Pavilion and resources from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, it will be hard for you to stand alone. I still have some resources left, and after tomorrow, I will bring them all to you. Of course, I hope they will still be needed."


    After finishing his speech, Shi Yehong also left because staying there would only increase his sorrow.


    Though the living room was large, it felt very empty at that moment. Ye Feng looked at his many subordinates who remained silent and shrugged with a smile, "Why all the long faces? It''s just a contest, not like the sky is falling. Cheer up, everyone."


    Nobody felt cheerful, as the aura of Hong Jiutian had been too overwhelming, and the pressure was too great.


    Ye Feng had originally planned to take a walk in the Martial Academy and check out the environment, but now he suddenly had no interest. With a wave of his hand, he said, "Alright then, let''s return to Northern Cloud Residence!"


    Having said that, he got up and left the Martial Academy. While the people around him were full of anxiety, Ye Feng himself appeared utterly relaxed.


    Of course, this wasn''t an act, as he truly had that level of confidence¡ªespecially since his Sea of Consciousness had undergone a transformation today, resulting in the materialization of nuclei from his spiritual power, his assurance had grown even greater.


    What of the legendary Sacred Realm? He was now fearless. Of course, Hong Jiutian was born from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans and had cultivated the Heritage Dharma Door of Ancient Daoist Cultivators. The path he took obviously wouldn''t be the ordinary Martial Artist''s path.


    Ye Feng guessed that the guy was probably at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, a level that would likely be stronger than an ordinary Sacred Realm Martial Artist.


    Even so, Ye Feng was still confident because, at this moment, in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll within his Sea of Consciousness, there was still an unprecedentedly vast amount of Source of Luck. Once all of it is refined and absorbed, the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints could possibly break through a thousand acupoints, reaching the Minor Achievement Level.


    Even his Qi Essence might be half-transmuted into Spirit Essence, making him half a Daoist Cultivator, and the quantity of his Spirit Essence would likely far exceed that of a Half-Step Golden Core Realm!


    That was the source of Ye Feng''s confidence!


    With that thought, Ye Feng suddenly instructed, "We''ve been to the Imperial Capital several times and haven''t even visited a decent restaurant. It seems I haven''t really lived up to my role as a leader. Turn left, to the Sky King''s Rear Sea Pavilion in the Imperial Capital. Let''s go have a meal first!"


    ```


    Xiao Chuanqi was about to say something, but after thinking it over, he simply turned the steering wheel and the car directly changed direction, racing towards the direction of the Sky King''s Rear Sea Pavilion. For the ordinary people of the Imperial Capital, the Rear Sea Pavilion might not mean much, but for those in upper circles, it was a dining hall of the gods.


    Anything that flew in the sky, ran on the ground, or swam in the water¡ªland, sea, and air¡ªthey had it all here, and everything was the most exquisite and luxurious. Moreover, the chefs here could cook fine delicacies from ancient and modern times, from all over the world. In short, anything you couldn''t imagine, they could make.


    Normally, a place like this would require a reservation a week in advance, but when Ye Feng saw that one of the people with a reservation was Qiu Kuzhen from the Utility Pavilion''s Nine Sect Leaders, he didn''t say a word and simply crossed out this person''s name.


    Despite Qiu Kuzhen being dealt with so severely by Ye Feng during their time at the Martial Academy, as a Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion, he was a prominent figure in the Imperial Capital. The Qiu Family was even considered a powerful family there.


    Seeing the extraordinary air of Ye Feng and his group, the manager didn''t dare to object openly and simply made a discreet phone call to the Qiu Family.


    When the eldest son of the Qiu Family learned that someone dared to take over their reserved number one private room, he flew into a rage: "You worthless thing, do you know that today my father needs to entertain a very important person, yet you let someone take our spot? How can you manage like this?"


    Not daring to argue, the manager thought that since even the Qiu Family''s eldest son had to refer to the guest as a VIP, the person they were hosting must be even more terrifying¡ªafter all, the power of the Qiu Family in the Imperial Capital was already overwhelming.


    "Who is the other party?" Qiu Shuangtian, the eldest son of Qiu Kuzhen, demanded. He did not have any martial arts talent and was unable to inherit his father''s martial arts study. Fortunately, he had a knack for business, and it was precisely because of him that the Qiu Family''s business reached both domestic and international levels.


    "I, I don''t know. They didn''t say, and there were only a few of them, who all looked quite young!" the manager stammered.


    "A few young people? Could it be those second-tier, blind nouveau riche scions of the Imperial Capital? Truly courting death. Today I want to see which heir is tired of living!"


    After finishing his call, Qiu Shuangtian went to his father''s study to relate the incident, fearing it might delay his father''s plans to entertain the VIP.


    But to his surprise, Qiu Kuzhen roared on the spot: "Damn it all, kill them, kill! It doesn''t matter who it is, if they dare to take the spot reserved by Qiu Kuzhen, they''d better prepare to be slaughtered, regardless of whether they''re from an Imperial Capital''s powerful family!"


    Qiu Kuzhen was seething with rage. Having lost so much face at the Martial Academy today, he was already looking for a place to vent his anger, and now someone dared to provoke him further¡ªit was like giving a death wish on their birthday.


    "Then father, what about the banquet with the VIP?" Qiu Shuangtian asked.


    "Everything should proceed as planned. This VIP is no ordinary person. We absolutely cannot let this delay things; it relates to whether our Qiu Family can take a step further and if I can personally advance further. Do you understand?"


    Understanding dawned on Qiu Shuangtian, and although he lacked martial arts talent, it didn''t mean he was stupid. His father was already one of the Nine Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion, so taking "a step further" wasn''t that tantamount to attaining the position of one of the two elders? The thought sent a shiver of excitement through Qiu Shuangtian.


    Seeing this, Qiu Kuzhen gave him a glare then coldly huffed, "Remember, don''t make any careless mistakes, and keep this matter strictly confidential. Once this goes well, that Ye fellow¡ªI must shatter his body into thousands of pieces!"


    "Hurry, move quickly. Take care of it before the VIP arrives!"


    "Yes, father!" said Qiu Shuangtian before he quickly retreated.


    Qiu Kuzhen was currently applying medicine; after all, he had been badly injured by Ye Feng at the Martial Academy, especially around the mouth, where it had even split open. But then it occurred to him: "Wait, isn''t this injury an advantage? This way it will be easier to gain sympathy from the VIP and make negotiations more convenient."


    With this thought, he promptly stopped applying medicine and instead began to dress and groom himself.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had reached the highest floor''s number one private room through the Tian Di entrance. Here, seated with a 270-degree panoramic view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, one could overlook almost the entire Inner City of the Imperial Capital, offering a spectacular view, which was, of course, part of the reason for the high price.


    However, Hong Qingyan and Xiao Chuanqi seemed to have lost their appetites, whereas Ye Feng was enjoying his meal. But he hadn''t been eating for long when suddenly, a ruckus from outside disturbed his good mood.


    "Go check it out!" Ye Feng furrowed his brows and put down his chopsticks. Sima Zhantian stood up without a word and pushed open the door.


    Just then, the manager''s pig-like screams could be heard¡ªthe sound of someone having their arms and legs forcibly broken.


    "Motherf*cker, you couldn''t even hold onto the spot I reserved. What''s the use of having a manager like you? If I didn''t give a damn about the power behind your boss, I''d skin you alive today!"


    The speaker was Qiu Shuangtian, who, along with over ten Martial Kings and Grandmaster Level experts, had kicked the manager away like a dead dog and was about to burst through the door when they encountered Sima Zhantian, the iron tower Vajra, emerging from the room.

 Chapter 417: They Want to Annihilate Your Nine Clans

    Upon seeing Sima Zhantian, Qiu Shuangtian''s rage surged instantly, and he bellowed, "It was you who took the spot I reserved! Kneel down before me, and the rest of you inside, come out and meet your deaths!"


    Ye Feng remained seated without moving, his expression growing colder. He didn''t speak because, considering the caliber of these people outside, with even the strongest of them no more than at the Martial King level of cultivation, there was no need for him to take action.


    However, Sima Zhantian suddenly laughed, baring his teeth, "You want me to kneel? And you''re thinking of killing me?"


    Qiu Shuangtian gritted his teeth and enunciated each word, "Not just you, everyone inside must die. Do you know who I am, do you know who my father is? Let me tell you, my dad is Ninth Sect Leader Qiu Kuzhen from Tianyong Pavilion of the Imperial Capital. Today my father is hosting a banquet for a very important person, and you blind fools dare to take our place!"


    "Damned fools! Since you''re seeking death, I will obliterate you!" Sima Zhantian flew into a rage. He was naturally hot-tempered, and these third-rate characters dared to yell in his face and even ruin his master''s dining pleasure. They deserved to die.


    Just as Sima Zhantian was about to make a move, Ye Feng from inside suddenly said, "Let them come in first!"


    At those words, Sima Zhantian immediately froze in place, then in a flash, he leaped inside. Qiu Shuangtian thought his opponent was scared, snorted heavily, then with a wave of his Great Hand, he led more than a dozen advanced thugs rushing in.


    The private room was exceptionally large; accommodating more than twenty people didn''t feel the slightest bit crowded. At this moment, Ye Feng was still sitting there motionless. He slightly lifted his head, sizing up the lead man who appeared to be a fat and short middle-aged man in his forties.


    This guy actually bore some resemblance to his father Qiu Kuzhen, but lacked his father''s sharpness and ruthlessness. Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but shake his head slightly and smile.


    The reason he suddenly stopped Sima Zhantian was not that he hesitated to kill, but rather, he had suddenly heard the other party mention that Qiu Kuzhen was preparing to host a banquet for a very important person.


    After all, Qiu Kuzhen was one of the Nine Sect Leaders of the Tianyong Pavilion; his status and position were not low. Someone that the Qiu Family referred to as a very important person, other leaders of the Tianyong Pavilion did not qualify, and even if it were the two seniors of the Tianyong Pavilion, Qiu Kuzhen probably wouldn''t use such a term for them.


    Clearly, the important person Qiu Kuzhen was planning to host this time was neither from Tianyong Pavilion nor from the mortal world; therefore, it was very likely someone from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, and it''s possible even from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Of course, Ye Feng absolutely did not believe that Qiu Kuzhen, at his level, could associate with the Four Great Ancient Clans, so there was only one truth¡ªthis time Qiu Kuzhen was indeed entertaining a high-level figure from one of the Sects. Yet, he was genuinely curious; which Sect it was that planned to collude with and even bribe the Sect Leader of the Tianyong Pavilion.


    If this matter was to be leaked, even a hundred heads would not be enough for Qiu Kuzhen to lose. Thus, Ye Feng had stopped Sima Zhantian because he wanted to watch a good show unfold.


    Apart from that, Ye Feng suddenly had a plan in mind. He had been fretting over finding an excuse to confront the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, as the bet with Tang Bai only left him three months. However, as luck would have it, the opportunity had presented itself.


    If it could be proven that the high echelons of the Sect were secretly trying to win over the leader of the Tianyong Pavilion, then according to the agreement from the last century, Tianyong Pavilion could not only execute the traitor but also directly launch a punitive expedition against that Sect!


    For all this, naturally, Qiu Shuangtian had no idea. Seeing that there were indeed a few young people in the private room, and especially a breathtakingly beautiful woman, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.


    "Didn''t expect there''d be such a beautiful lady here, today''s visit wasn''t in vain!" Qiu Shuangtian said with a sleazy grin.


    Ye Feng stared at him, asking, "You''re called Qiu Shuangtian, and your father is Qiu Kuzhen?"


    Qiu Shuangtian harrumphed, "Surprising that you, boy, actually know the great name of yours truly. That makes things easier. I''m going to give you a chance."


    Ye Feng asked, "What kind of chance?"


    Qiu Shuangtian grinned, "Of course, a chance to commit suicide. To tell you the truth, you''ve committed a capital offense by affronting my Qiu Family, a crime that even warrants the extermination of your entire clan. However, seeing that you know the name of this young master, if you commit suicide right here, I''ll spare your families. As for this beautiful woman..."


    At this point, Qiu Shuangtian swallowed hard, chuckled, and said, "Since she''s such a looker, she obviously doesn''t need to die. Of course, you can choose to die, provided that you serve me well first."


    Yet, Ye Feng chuckled, pointed at the lavish dishes on the table, and said, "The food is quite good; you might as well enjoy it while there''s still time."


    Qiu Shuangtian asked sternly, "What do you mean by ''while there''s still time''? What are you implying?"


    Standing beside him, Sima Zhantian said in a deep voice, "Obviously, to eat one last meal before you die, so that you don''t become a starving ghost!"


    "Sss..." Qiu Shuangtian gasped, nearly exploding with rage, and gnashed his teeth, "Damn it, you guys, it looks like you won''t shed tears without seeing the coffin!"


    Ye Feng dismissed him with a casual wave of his hand, "Cripple their limbs, but leave them alive for now; I want to wait for Qiu Kuzhen to come knocking!"


    No sooner had his words fallen than Sima Zhantian sprang into action. It was just him alone engaging in combat; even Xiao Chuanqi beside him showed no intention of getting involved.


    Once Sima Zhantian moved, he was like a ferocious beast unleashed from raging floodwaters. Soon, the sounds of bones breaking resounded in the private room, followed by the wails and howls of pain filling the space.


    In just an instant, all of their limbs were broken, and they groaned in agony on the floor like dying dogs.


    "You... you dared to strike me; you''ve committed a capital offense. When my father arrives, he will surely annihilate your nine generations!" Although Qiu Shuangtian was a martial arts practitioner and even with his limbs broken, he hadn''t passed out.


    However, Ye Feng had already grown tired of dealing with such riffraff. He slowly stood up and walked towards the window, peering out at the vast Inner City, where the magnificent Forbidden City stood.


    "I wonder which bigwig from the Sects will grace us with their presence today?" Ye Feng said with a teasing smile, barely concealing his lips.


    He did not have to wait long, for about half an hour later, Qiu Shuangtian''s phone rang. It was Qiu Kuzhen who had arrived at the base of Ho?uha?i Pavilion, ready to accompany the dignitary up and insisting that Qiu Shuangtian make all necessary preparations to greet them.


    Unfortunately, before Qiu Shuangtian could even respond, Sima Zhantian had already hung up the call.


    Three minutes later, Qiu Kuzhen entered, laughing and chatting with an old man in a black robe, leaning on a serpent-headed cane. Qiu Kuzhen was taken aback by the scene in the private room, and when he saw the young man seated in the guest of honor''s chair, he froze as if struck by lightning.


    Ye Feng was also looking at him, smiling slightly, "Sect Leader Qiu, are you well?"


    Qiu Kuzhen was unable to reply, his mouth dry and tongue parched, his legs trembling non-stop, his back drenched in sweat.


    The black-robed elder beside him was utterly confounded and couldn''t help but ask, "What''s the meaning of this, Qiu Kuzhen? Wasn''t today supposed to be a secret meeting between just the two of us? What''s this all about?"


    Qiu Kuzhen was still unable to speak, sweat dripping down his face like large pearls.


    Ye Feng then turned to look at the elder, recognizing who he was after a brief glance, and said with a sneer, "So it''s a VIP from the Underworld Sect. If I''m not mistaken, you must be the Sect Master of the Underworld Sect, You Jiuming, right?"


    You Jiuming was taken aback and demanded, "You recognize my Sect, but who are you?"


    Ye Feng replied with feigned surprise, "What, you don''t recognize me? Wasn''t your Underworld Sect along with the Flora Sect searching the world for me not long ago?"


    You Jiuming''s gaze sharpened, and after scrutinizing Ye Feng for a moment, he clenched his teeth and said word for word, "You... you are actually Northern King Ye Feng?"


    Ye Feng slowly stood up and walked over, adding, "Indeed, it is I!"


    A cold light flashed in You Jiuming''s eyes as he demanded, "How can you be here?"


    Ye Feng turned to Qiu Kuzhen, smiled and said, "That''s something you''ll have to ask him."


    By this time, Qiu Kuzhen had gone completely limp, and suddenly, with a thud, he knelt on the ground, wailing incessantly, "I was wrong, Northern King, I was wrong. Please show mercy, Your Highness, and spare me this once!"


    "Spare you?" Ye Feng laughed and said word by word, "Back at the Martial Academy, if it hadn''t been for the inaugural ceremony, I would have chopped off your dog head already. And just now, your son kept calling for the extermination of my entire lineage."


    Xiao Chuanqi then said, "No, my Lord, what they intended was to extinguish your nine generations."


    Qiu Kuzhen remained silent, but suddenly grew fierce in his heart, turned to You Jiuming, and said, "Ghost Sect Leader save me! If you can save me today, then I, Qiu Kuzhen¡ªno, my entire Qiu Family and everything we have will be yours!"


    To his surprise, You Jiuming replied, "That''s not enough. Today''s unforeseen events carry great risk for me, especially here in the Imperial Capital. You''ll have to pay more."


    "What more do you want?" Qiu Kuzhen asked through gritted teeth.


    I need the documents from the Secret Hall of the Utility Pavilion, the highest-level ones, including those of the two elders," demanded You Jiuming.


    Without a second thought, Qiu Kuzhen replied, "Fine, I agree! But you must ensure I leave here alive today and that this matter does not leak."


    You Jiuming said nothing further, but with a grand gesture, he closed the door. Then he turned to Ye Feng and said coldly, "I truly did not expect to encounter you here today. But it doesn''t matter. To me, anywhere is the same."


    Ye Feng nodded in agreement, "Indeed, to a dead person, anywhere is the same."


    Suddenly, You Jiuming formed a Dharma Seal, and instantly, the entire private room fell into complete darkness. Such was his divine skill: The Coming of Night. In this darkness, the combat power of his opponents would be greatly reduced, while his own strength would increase by twenty percent.


    Almost the moment the darkness enveloped them, the serpent-headed staff in You Jiuming''s hand shot out. During its flight, it seemed as if the staff came to life, transforming into a viciously venomous serpent.


    Even more deadly, two ghostly hands, silent as if emerging from the underworld, sprang from the ground without any sign and reached for Ye Feng''s legs. In fact, these were his Objects of the Divine Path. You Jiuming was fully aware that despite the young man''s youthful appearance, his strength was unfathomably deep.


    Hence, he had withheld his moves up until now, but when he struck, he unleashed all his techniques in an attempt to annihilate his opponent with a thunderclap blow.


    At the same time, even Qiu Kuzhen made his move, shooting out Cold Needles, peppering Ye Feng with a barrage akin to a shower of pear blossoms.


    All these actions were executed in the blink of an eye. However, in an instant, everything froze¡ª the eerie ghost hands, the serpent that had come to life like lightning, and the dense cluster of Cold Needles all unexpectedly came to a standstill.


    At that moment, the darkness also began to recede slowly, and light once again filled the private room. Ye Feng, however, still stood unwavering in his original spot. But within the Sea of Consciousness, a kernel the size of a grain of rice was now spinning at high speed.

 Chapter 418: Whats there to consider!

    ```


    This was the first time Ye Feng had utilized the nucleus within his Sea of Consciousness, and the effect was surprisingly effective, shocking even himself.


    It was a nucleus formed from the materialization of spiritual power, though it was still small, as tiny as a grain of rice, even smaller than an ordinary grain, but after all, it was the materialization of spiritual power. When Ye Feng utilized it, terrifying spiritual power spread out like a tidal wave in an instant.


    Of course, on the surface, there was no discernible sensation, at least not to martial artists or cultivators who had not yet sensed their own spiritual power¡ªthey simply couldn''t detect it. However, as soon as he departed from his body, Ye Feng suddenly realized that he had a sense of control.


    With just a thought, all means of attack were instantly restrained by him, rendered completely immobile!


    At this moment, not only the Sect Master of Underworld Sect, You Jiuming, but also Qiu Kuzhen, had their faces filled with shock and horror as if they had seen a ghost.


    "Die!" Ye Feng shouted coldly, and he charged out directly. Accompanied by a flash of a light blade, You Jiuming''s head fell to the ground on the spot¡ªa powerhouse of the Fifth Realm of the Divine Path at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm was annihilated with a single move!


    Qiu Kuzhen''s face had already turned deathly pale, and at that moment, the Cold Needles he had released suddenly fell to the ground, one by one. It turned out that Ye Feng had withdrawn his spiritual power control, and the reason he chose this moment to do so was to conduct an experiment.


    Suddenly, the Spirit Nucleus within his Sea of Consciousness began to spin violently again, and spiritual power surged out like a tidal wave, silently landing on Qiu Kuzhen.


    Clearly, Ye Feng wanted to use Qiu Kuzhen for an experiment to see if his spiritual power could restrain the other party, but the next moment he was shocked to find his head spinning, even experiencing a strong sense of swelling pain, and his figure staggered involuntarily.


    Qiu Kuzhen was not stupid, and immediately realized this was an opportunity, without any hesitation, he tried to escape through the window.


    But in front of Ye Feng, how could he let his opponent escape? The moment Qiu Kuzhen made a move, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon had already been shot, piercing through his body.


    "Hang the heads of these two at the entrance of the Martial Academy. I want to see what kind of reaction the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will have this time!" Ye Feng commanded with a cold voice, turning to look at Qiu Shuangtian and the others, "Kill them all, not a single one spared, and as for the Qiu Family, all of the direct lineage, execute!"


    At this moment, Ye Feng was like the God of Slaughter, undoubtedly truly enraged. Not to mention Qiu Kuzhen''s collusion with the Nine Great Sects, the Qiu Family''s actions alone were sufficient for their doom.


    "Yes!" In an instant, Sima Zhantian and Leng Wuming sprang into action, leading several strong individuals straight towards the Qiu Family.


    Ye Feng glanced at the private room, already having lost any interest in eating, and left along with Hong Qingyan. As he leaned back in the car, he exhibited an air of exhaustion.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "Big Brother Ye, what''s with you?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and smiled, "Don''t worry, I was just conducting an experiment and realized I had taken a step too big, but it''s nothing important."


    This time, Hong Qingyan unusually started to joke, "Is it because you took such a big step that you pulled a muscle?"


    Ye Feng was startled for a moment, but then he burst into laughter. Of course, Xiao Chuanqi, who was driving in front, just focused on navigating, pretending not to hear the exchange behind him.


    Indeed, as Hong Qingyan said, Ye Feng had taken a step too big; he had wanted to see if his spiritual power could control a person, but in the end, he found out that he had overloaded it.


    The overstrained Spirit Nucleus nearly burst, and in that moment, Ye Feng felt as though his head was about to explode. Through the experiment, Ye Feng came to understand that his spiritual power was still weak, probably at the lowest level.


    "In this case, given the current strength of my spiritual power, the limit is probably to control the means of attack of Divine Ability Realm martial artists. As for powerhouses at the Sacred Realm Level or Ancient Daoist Cultivators in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, I can only influence their means of attack at best and am far from being able to control and restrain them."


    Ye Feng pondered to himself. Of course, if he could reach the day when he could control the attack means of Sacred Realm powerhouses, then even a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm could be killed in one move. If such a day were to come, he would probably be on the verge of reaching the peak of the Martial Dao of this world.


    Without a doubt, Ye Feng was sure that day was not far off.


    And after Ye Feng drove back to Northern Cloud Residence, the heads of You Jiuming and Qiu Kuzhen were hung at the entrance of the Martial Academy. As the news spread, it instantly shocked the entire imperial capital.


    After all, the identities of these two were not trivial¡ªone was the Sect Master of the Underworld Sect of the Nine Great Sects, the other was one of the Nine Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion. Now, their heads were hung at the entrance of the Martial Academy, which showed the magnitude of the shock and impact.


    However, what was strange was that even though the whole imperial capital and even the Ancient Martial World were agitated, no one dared to go to Northern Cloud Residence to confront the Northern King Ye Feng, because once they understood the truth of the event, they were left speechless.


    After all, everyone was not a fool; the attempt of the Nine Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion to collude with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts was tantamount to deserving death.


    ```


    However, while there was no crusade, it didn''t mean that there were no people filled with rage. For example, in the courtyard of Duantian Great General''s Mansion in the afternoon, when he grasped the whole situation, he slammed the desk violently, and that sturdy marble desk instantly shattered.


    "Arrogant, far too arrogant, and completely arrogant disregards others! This Northern King Ye Feng, he''s now utterly lawless!" Great General Duantian bellowed, quivering with anger.


    Sitting opposite him, Sky-piercing couldn''t help but say, "Foster father, what''s happening now is with Nine Sect Leaders of Qiu Kuzhen, it has nothing to do with us, why do you have to get so angry?"


    Duantian sat there grandly, like a Golden Blade general, and huffed heavily through his nose, "On the surface, it has nothing to do with us, but just look, this Northern King Ye Feng, oh, I should now refer to him as the Principal, after slaughtering a man, he dares to hang the head at the gates of the Martial Academy! Isn''t this a threat and warning to us? This is far too presumptuous.


    "Also, if he dares to slaughter even the Sect Leader of the Utility Pavilion, wouldn''t that mean that one day he might dare to destroy even me, the Great General?"


    Sky-piercing was surprisingly silent, because he felt that the Great General''s words were indeed likely to happen, so Sky-piercing quietly turned his head, sneaking a glance at Hong Jiutian, who was sitting by the lake fishing.


    Unfortunately, throughout the whole process, Hong Jiutian just sat there motionless, fishing with great leisure, completely ignoring the raging fury on their side.


    Duantian also turned his head to look over, and called out loudly, "Mr. Hong, tomorrow all depends on you."


    Hong Jiutian didn''t respond to his words. Suddenly, he flicked his wrist gently, and a fat carp instantly bit the hook. What was odd was that in mid-air, he flicked his wrist again gently, and the fish slipped off the hook, falling back into the lake.


    Only then did Hong Jiutian speak, "For me, that so-called Northern King Ye Feng, Martial Academy Principal Ye Feng, is just like that fish just now. If I want him to live, he''ll live; if I want him dead, then death is certain for him."


    "Well said!" Duantian suddenly stood up and clapped his hands, then declared in a deep voice, "Since Mr. Hong is so confident, then I shall spread this news, at the summit of Forbidden City after sunset tomorrow, it will surely catch everyone''s attention!"


    Although Duantian was much older than Hong Jiutian, he still had to respectfully call him Mr. Hong in front of him, which showed the esteemed status of Hong Jiutian.


    Hong Jiutian showed no reaction, as this matter was of little concern to him, and at this point, Duantian felt it inappropriate to bother him any further; after a moment of thought, he said, "Never mind, the incident with Qiu Kuzhen has too great an impact, I better pay a visit to the Utility Pavilion."


    By now, the day had already turned dusky, and at the very top of the Utility Pavilion, indeed, two people were sitting. These two, like children who mischievously climbed up to the rooftop, were sitting atop the roof ridge, but these two were elderly men with gray hair and beards.


    They were none other than Tang Bai, one of the two elders of today''s Utility Pavilion, and the other, whom Ye Feng had met, was Bu Zheng from the Ancient Bu Family.


    "Brother, you must have seen the situation by now, that Northern King Ye Feng is really pushing his luck further and further," Tang Bai suddenly said.


    With a wine bottle in his hand, Bu Zheng took a swig before saying, "I''ve already said it before, half a year, I can''t make a move until half a year later, after all, a word from your brother here isn''t the same as a fart released into the wind!"


    Tang Bai continued, "But now, it''s not only our Bu Family, even the Hong Family has jumped out as well, and the other two families are probably getting restless too. Before long, even that little mountain village in the Northwest won''t be able to resist getting involved."


    Wiping off the wine stains from his beard, Bu Zheng scoffed coldly, "So what? Isn''t that even more fun? We''ve all been dormant for so many years, it''s about time to come out for some fresh air. Besides, I''ve heard recently that in the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley, a space rift has appeared, right?"


    Tang Bai nodded and fell silent. Being of Ancient Clan origin, he certainly knew what this signified and understood the magnitude of its impact and seriousness of the consequences.


    Continuing with a scoff, Bu Zheng said, "These days, even the Ancient Martial Warriors dare to open a space rift, aren''t they afraid of calling forth a giant monster that could just swallow them up!"


    With a sigh, Tang Bai said, "If even the Ancient Martial Warriors can open a space rift, it only means that the spatial membrane is getting thinner and thinner. If this continues, it won''t last much longer. The entire world''s structure will have to change as a result, which is why we need to strategize sooner rather than later."


    "Strategize what? Strategize crap!" Bu Zheng spat out with annoyance, "It''d be best if that membrane space broke. Then we, the Four Great Ancient Clans, wouldn''t have to guard that passage anymore. Do you really think we enjoy living in seclusion? We have no choice!"


    Tang Bai asked, "Brother, once the world''s structure changes, don''t you think about your own prospects?"


    "Think about what? What''s there to think about!" The old man Bu Zheng snorted, took another gulp of wine, and then said, "My biggest plan right now is, in a year, to find that big smoking pipe little old geezer in the Northwest and have another showdown with him. Better yet, I''ll try to knock him down and take all his treasures for myself!"


    Tang Bai fell silent as he knew the grievance between the two men was not something that could be explained in a few words, nor could it be diluted by time.


    At this very moment, in a vast and oppressive space, with no sun or moon, a little old man with a big smoking pipe was sitting atop a high city wall, puffing away. He suddenly sneezed.


    "Dammit, who''s cursing this old man!" The little old man couldn''t help but curse aloud.


    It was at this moment that a plump young lady with a ponytail came beside him and sat on the edge of the high city wall, dangling her legs and said, "Who else could it be but your old friend from back in the day."

 Chapter 419 - 419 The Great Wall of Heaven, Seeing Long Nannan Again

    Having heard what his granddaughter said, the old man with the big smoking pipe suddenly looked up toward the west and sighed, "Those old friends, it''s been many years since I''ve seen them."


    Long Nannan didn''t want to dwell on this topic since it was her grandfather''s sorrow, so she changed the subject, "Grandpa, lately the enemy''s attacks have been getting more fierce, and it looks like we are almost unable to hold them off. Could it be that one day, we really won''t be able to stop them?"


    The little old man showed no concern on his face and just chuckled, "Silly granddaughter, you must understand something. Anything that''s solely defensive, no matter what it is or how impregnable it may seem, will eventually have a day when it can no longer hold out, and we must come to terms with that."


    "But Grandpa..." Long Nannan said with her chin downcast, "If the Great Wall of Heaven really can''t hold, then our side, our homeland, won''t that be afflicted? At that time, there would surely be disaster and suffering."


    The little old man still chuckled, "That won''t happen, but of course, everything has its fate and tribulations, which is unavoidable. However, compared to the Great Wall of Heaven, I think you should be more concerned about your Little Martial Uncle."


    "My Little Martial Uncle, you mean Ye Feng, what about him?" Long Nannan''s face suddenly became anxious. Although she showed concern when talking about the Great Wall of Heaven, it was nothing compared to her worry now.


    The little old man saw all this, but he didn''t spell it out and just said, "Nowadays, everything''s a mess, everything''s in disarray. It would have been fine if only the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had stepped out, but now even the Four Great Ancient Clans are getting restless."


    "The Four Great Ancient Clans, are they not abiding by their agreement and getting involved in the Mortal World?" Long Nannan exclaimed.


    The little old man took a deep breath and then exhaled a long ring of smoke that lingered, "The Four Great Ancient Clans aren''t fools. They probably see that the world is about to change, so each is looking out for their own interests now, gone are the concerns for old pacts."


    Long Nannan asked, "Grandpa, does that mean the Four Great Ancient Clans are going to make a move on Ye Feng? But that doesn''t seem right, Ye Feng is just a Northern King in the Mortal World, surely the Four Great Ancient Clans wouldn''t bother targeting him."


    The little old man chuckled, "You are still underestimating your Little Martial Uncle. To be honest, even an old man like me is starting to have trouble seeing through that young fellow now."


    "Oh Grandpa, stop beating around the bush and just tell me what''s really going on," Long Nannan urged.


    The little old man laughed, "What''s the hurry? Don''t worry, nothing will happen. It''s just that a young one from the Four Great Ancient Clans couldn''t stand your Little Martial Uncle''s brazenness and couldn''t help but jump out to challenge him. It''s just child''s play, nothing serious."


    Long Nannan pursed her lips, apparently annoyed, glaring at her grandfather.


    Having no other choice, the little old man then said, "Alright, alright, you''re so impetuous, when can you change that? Don''t worry, I''ve got everything arranged; not a single hair on your Little Martial Uncle''s head will be harmed."


    With that, the old man with the big smoking pipe stood up, patted his behind, and suddenly grunted, "Damn it, they dare to bully my people, thinking I''m a vegetarian? If I weren''t tied up, I''d be sure to give each and every one of them a good slap on my return."


    Unable to resist, Long Nannan teased, "Then go back! What use is it saying it here? You''ve lived a long life, but it was only last century you had your heyday; these days, if people didn''t know better, they''d think grass was growing over your grave."


    "You little melon seed, are you cursing your grandpa here!" the old man with the big smoking pipe said, a tad annoyed but still smiling.


    Long Nannan rolled her eyes at him, then suddenly her figure flickered down, though her voice came from behind, "I''m not going to bother you anymore, Grandpa, but remember, after this period is over, I''m going to go back no matter what. I want to see who''s got the nerve to bully my Little Martial Uncle!"


    The old man with the big smoking pipe ignored his granddaughter''s words and looked out at the profound and vast sky, suddenly sighing deeply, "Yes, it has indeed been a long time since I''ve been back, but this wall probably won''t hold out for much longer, either. With the world''s changing circumstances, it''s time to think about myself now."


    After finishing his words, the old man with the big smoking pipe suddenly vanished from atop the city wall.


    Meanwhile, at Northern Cloud Residence, night had fallen, and Ye Feng had already entered the study''s secret chamber, quickly entering a state of secluded cultivation. Tomorrow he would face a life-and-death battle with Hong Jiutian, an extraordinary opponent, so he had to improve his strength as much as possible.


    Ye Feng was naturally very interested in the Mental Power Nucleus, and after entering secluded cultivation, he conducted a thorough investigation, only to ultimately find nothing.


    The thing had appeared without warning, vanished without a trace, and what gave Ye Feng a big headache was that spiritual power was still too arcane for him, leaving him without any clue or means to cultivate and enhance his spiritual power.


    "It seems that my realm is not high enough; the Mental Power Nucleus probably just appeared by a chance coincidence," Ye Feng said with a wry smile, and then chose to give up.


    Even in its most rudimentary form, and despite the weakness of his spiritual power, the benefits were huge. For instance, there was the formidable Power of Control and Restraint, and also the power of strong Perception. Once he spread out his spiritual power, anything within its range could be perceived extremely clearly by Ye Feng.


    Even more, Ye Feng found that when covering his opponent with spiritual power, he could clearly perceive the trajectory and pathways of their Cultivation Method and Martial Technique, even possibly sense it in advance. It was simply the best kind of aid.


    It can be said that, with the inexplicably formed Mental Power Nucleus, Ye Feng''s combat power had doubled, and might even be stronger than that.


    "Forget it, since I can''t figure it out now, I might as well put it aside and prioritize practicing the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints!"


    Immediately, Ye Feng adjusted his mental state and, with a thought, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness began to surge, with torrents of the Source of Luck gushing out. A portion was used to develop the Acupoints within his body, while the rest improved the quality of his Qi Essence.


    Time slowly passed, and in the blink of an eye it was Sky Bright. However, at this time, Ye Feng was still in the midst of his secluded cultivation, because the amount of Luck contained in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was simply too low.


    Moreover, he discovered that to elevate the Qi Essence in the Acupoints to Spirit Essence and condense and refine it was far more difficult than transforming Qi Force into Spirit Essence, and naturally, it required much more time.


    As time continuously passed, it was quickly noontime, and there was still no activity from the study. At this point, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others were getting anxious. Because by sunset this afternoon, the decisive battle on the summit of the Forbidden City, as agreed upon by the Master and Hong Jiutian, was set to begin. It was unsettling that Ye Feng had not yet appeared.


    However, without explicit orders, no one dared intrude. These were commands laid down by Ye Feng, and Xiao Chuanqi and the rest did not dare to impulsively disrupt him.


    Hong Qingyan had also arrived in the courtyard by this time. She looked at the study, then smiled and said, "Don''t worry, since Big Brother Ye has not come out, it means he has not finished cultivating. There is still time, let''s just wait!"


    But even as the sunset approached, there was still no sign from the study, nor was the door opened. At this point, Xiao Chuanqi and the others were undoubtedly very anxious.


    "Mistress, this can''t go on. If the Master doesn''t come out and misses the appointed duel, I''m afraid it will significantly impact Master''s great reputation. Who knows how those dogs in the imperial capital will slander and insult the Master then!" Xiao Chuanqi said anxiously.


    Even Hong Qingyan couldn''t stay calm at this moment, frowning she said, "The time is almost up, if he doesn''t appear soon, the sun will truly set."


    Sima Zhantian said, "Mistress, why don''t you go in and check? Master is always steadfast. Unless there''s some accident, he would never delay his appearance for so long."


    Hong Qingyan considered it and then walked over. Just as she reached out her hand to the door, it creaked open, and Ye Feng stepped out from inside.


    Overjoyed, Hong Qingyan said, "Big Brother Ye, you''ve finally come out."


    With feigned seriousness, Ye Feng picked at his sword-like brows and said, "I had already given orders that no one is to enter the study without my permission. Are you trying to defy the King''s Order?"


    Hong Qingyan immediately lowered her head and said in a soft voice, "I''m sorry, Big Brother Ye, we were just worried about you."


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately said, "Master, it was I who instructed the Mistress to open the door. If punishment is due, it should be upon me."


    Not to be outdone, Sima Zhantian hurriedly said, "Master, it was my idea, punish me instead!"


    But by this time, Ye Feng was already shaking his head, striding away with a big laugh. Only then did everyone realize that Ye Feng had been joking all along.


    "Big Brother Ye actually made a joke. It seems he''s in good spirits," said Hong Qingyan.


    Following in suit, Xiao Chuanqi said, "The Master has been in secluded cultivation for so long, and to come out in such a pleasant mood indicates that his strength must have grown through this cultivation."


    At this point, the three of them nodded solemnly, agreeing. Indeed, with Ye Feng''s emergence from seclusion, not only had his strength grown, but it had exploded in growth, so much so that even he had not expected it. After completely refining and absorbing the Source of Luck, he achieved an unexpected effect.


    Leaving the study courtyard, Ye Feng directly got into the already-prepared carriage, with Hong Qingyan and the others following closely behind. Then the carriage set off straight for the Forbidden City.


    The Northern Cloud Residence''s location in the Inner City was actually not far from the Forbidden City, merely a five-minute journey. The Forbidden City, a sightseeing spot, usually closed at dusk.


    However, this evening, the Forbidden City was exceptionally lively. Though ordinary people could not enter, the upper echelons of the imperial capital had gathered here tonight. Even many from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had come, besieging the vast Forbidden City.


    Even the roofs of the palaces surrounding the Forbidden City were crowded with people at this time. And on the highest tower of the Forbidden City, the summit of the Forbidden City, a young man with a proud demeanor was standing.


    Under the gentle evening breeze, the youth with a folding fan, his robe fluttering, exuded an indescribable dashing air. This person was, of course, the recently famous Hong Jiutian.

 Chapter 420: The Immortal Sword, The Power of Hong Jiutian!

    Tonight, the Forbidden City was markedly different from usual, exceptionally lively. Of course, those who made it here tonight were all eminent figures of Xuanyuan Nation. Everyone was waiting, waiting for the upcoming duel that could almost be considered the strongest showdown between the younger generation of Xuanyuan Nation.


    And it was a duel to the death!


    What surprised everyone was that Hong Jiutian had already arrived early, standing tall on the pinnacle of the Forbidden City. However, the other, Northern King Ye Feng, was still nowhere to be seen.


    As the sun was about to set completely, the crowd began to show signs of impatience.


    "That youngster, Northern King Ye Feng, couldn''t be too scared to show up, right? How come he''s still not here?" a Utility Pavilion Sect Leader said coldly. The killing of Nine Sect Leaders the previous day had left several Utility Pavilion Sect Leaders restless throughout the night, and of course, they were all hoping that today would be the end of Ye Feng.


    "Exactly! This guy might have been so frightened by Hong Jiutian''s reputation that he pissed himself and rolled away in terror. If that''s the case, he doesn''t deserve to be the King of the Northern Border, let alone the head of the Martial Academy!" a high-ranking official from the Great General''s Mansion sneered.


    "Precisely. If this youngster runs away, I suggest his position as head of the Academy be stripped immediately and Hong Jiutian be appointed instead!"


    "I agree too. Hong Jiutian''s martial arts are unparalleled, and he''s young and promising. It''s most fitting for him to be the head of the Martial Academy!"


    "Dusk is almost upon us. It seems Ye Feng really isn''t going to show. Who would have thought that this fellow, born from the military ranks, would turn out to be a deserter? Truly contemptible!"


    However, at that moment, the South Gate of the Forbidden City suddenly burst open with a loud bang, and then three carriages unique to the Northern Border charged straight in, speeding towards the deepest part of the surroundings.


    Suddenly, someone shouted loudly, "He''s here, he has finally arrived!"


    "Northern King is mighty, the head of Academy is mighty!" Out of nowhere, someone shouted, and then shouts rose from everywhere.


    It seemed that not everyone present was inclined to support Hong Jiutian. Northern King Ye Feng had a high standing, commanding the support of many. Of course, although many supported him, few believed that he could win.


    After all, with a whole day''s fermentation of news, basically everyone now knew about Hong Jiutian''s background. For the people of the secular world, the Four Great Ancient Clans were always a taboo, almost akin to divine beings.


    Atop Forbidden Peak, Hong Jiutian was still standing there, his gaze forever fixed on the distant sky, not even deigning to look at the three carriages. Even when Ye Feng got out of the carriage, he did not lower his head, his pride unparalleled.


    Ye Feng got out of the carriage and then looked up to see the densely packed people around him, as well as the experts standing on the eaves of the surrounding palaces. He couldn''t help but shake his head with a wry smile, surprised at the commotion the situation had caused. He wondered which person had managed to spread the news.


    Of course, this was of no consequence to him. With a slight step, he leapt into the air, and the next moment, he landed on Forbidden Peak, standing opposite Hong Jiutian.


    "You, you''ve finally come after all," Hong Jiutian finally spoke.


    Ye Feng glanced at him and said with a faint smile, "I have no reason not to come."


    Hong Jiutian spoke in his own slow and arrogant tone, "I thought you wouldn''t dare to come. But that''s fine. Tonight, I will make you despair... No, soon enough, you won''t even be able to feel what despair is."


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "You''re quite confident. But if you lived a carefree and happy life in the mountains, you shouldn''t have come out. This place isn''t suited for you, it never was, and it never will be!"


    Hong Jiutian slightly raised his sinister smile and said, "You''re absolutely right. This place doesn''t belong to me because it''s just a small birdcage to me, too confining. I just regard it as a stepping stone to a broader world!"


    Nobody had expected that the fellow opposite shared Ye Feng''s view of the imperial city as a birdcage, though it was evident that Hong Jiutian''s aspirations were far greater. His eyes were set not just on this world but beyond.


    Ye Feng didn''t say anything more, since there really was no more need for words. Hong Jiutian also closed his mouth, and the two men stared at each other as the tension suddenly escalated.


    At this moment, inside a slightly lower palace at the Forbidden Peak, Tang Bai and Bu Zheng suddenly appeared around Zhuge Wuming, flanking him from the left and the right, effectively trapping him in the middle.


    Zhuge Wuming''s face darkened as he sensed trouble. He wasn''t a fool; Tang Bai had clearly brought his senior brother to ensure he couldn''t interfere at a critical moment.


    "Ye Feng, it looks like I won''t be able to lend a hand after all. I hope Heaven will protect the worthy!" Zhuge Wuming sighed inwardly.


    Elsewhere, atop another low palace, the leaders of the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were gathered; nearly all high-ranking officials from the Nine Great Sects had arrived. Yet at that time, no one could have foreseen that a scruffy old beggar would stealthily appear amidst the densely packed crowd below.


    The old beggar was dark and skinny, inconspicuous, but his eyes were exceptionally bright in the night. He glanced at the two figures on the Forbidden Peak and then chuckled to himself, "Two little friends having a fight. This spectacle reminds me a great deal of my younger days with the Big Smoking Pipe Brother. How fascinating, truly fascinating!"


    "Ye Feng, listen well. Tonight you and I will decide who is superior, as well as who lives and who dies!"


    Hong Jiutian exhaled as he spoke, and his body shot up from the ground, turning into a rainbow light, charging towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng leapt into the sky just as swiftly, and in the instant he flew upward, he struck out with his palm, instantly freezing a thousand li with biting cold qi, to the point where even those on the ground felt the piercing chill.


    Suddenly, with a loud bang, Ye Feng''s figure was sent flying backward at high speed!


    From this first exploratory exchange, it seemed Hong Jiutian had gained the upper hand!


    "So strong, both of them were just probing, and yet their power was so immense, especially Northern King Ye Feng, his combat power has increased by much since the last Martial Dao convention!" The sect leaders of the Utility Pavilion exclaimed in surprise.


    However, at that moment, Hong Jiutian swept through the air and charged once more, his speed as fast as lightning, without employing any martial skills or supreme knowledge, nor using any divine ability method, he simply struck with the power of his flesh body.


    Ye Feng clenched his hand and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon appeared, and he swept it across in a wide arc.


    Hong Jiutian unleashed a punch, and the ferocious fist edge, like a Dragon Fist Storm, sent the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon flying in an instant.


    "So strong, this Hong Jiutian is indeed very strong; it seems Northern King Ye Feng is no match for him!" The crowd exclaimed in astonishment.


    However, just then, Ye Feng, who was sent flying, soared into the sky once again, his aura beginning to surge violently as he burned five hundred acupoints within his body, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon swept out once more.


    "Hmph, is that all?" Hong Jiutian snorted with disdain, and still, he punched out.


    At this moment, Hong Jiutian, floating in the void, looked imposing and invincible, like a Celestial God descending to earth.


    His aura condensed, he struck with his palm and his palm power transformed into a substance, turning into a fierce tiger that pounced down a mountain, roaring thunderously, instantly engulfing the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon.


    Ye Feng was again struck flying backward; Hong Jiutian was just too powerful. As a grandmaster of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, just with the power of his flesh body, he was already earth-shatteringly strong.


    "You think you can compete with me? You''re far from ready!" Hong Jiutian barked coldly as his figure flickered, again shooting over like lightning.


    However, at this moment, high in the sky, suddenly there appeared a sword, a huge sword glistening with golden light. Those who had witnessed the finals of the Martial Dao convention knew it belonged to Ye Feng¡ªthe Sword of the King.


    "Slice!" The Sword of the King slashed across the sky and in an instant was behind Hong Jiutian.


    At this moment, Hong Jiutian couldn''t help but slightly startle, and he reflexively punched out, actually attempting to withstand the Sword of the King with his flesh body.


    With a thunderous crash, Hong Jiutian''s figure was rapidly sent flying backward, but even as he flew, he rose up in the air and once again stood unscathed upon the Forbidden Peak.


    "Is this your Sword of the King, your strongest strike? It seems, that''s all there is to it!" Although Hong Jiutian''s clothes were somewhat disheveled and his breath was a bit ragged, he wasn''t injured. Clearly, even the sword strike just now hadn''t caused him any harm.


    "So... so powerful, this Hong Jiutian is truly too powerful. It appears Ye Feng is bound to be defeated, there''s no doubt about it!" The people below couldn''t help but cry out in surprise, especially the sect leaders from the Utility Pavilion were particularly excited at this moment.


    Ye Feng stood again atop the Forbidden Peak, and he had to admit that Hong Jiutian was indeed too powerful, even slightly stronger than Bu Zheng whom he had encountered previously at Ten-mile Slope.


    This person was almost an extremely rare and unparalleled existence in this realm.


    At this time, Bu Zheng took a swig of wine and chuckled: "The Hong Family is not bad, eh? It seems they have produced some talented individuals in recent years. This lad is no lesser than that one from our Bu Family."


    Tang Bai also nodded and said, "Indeed, among the younger generation of the Four Great Ancient Clans, this Hong Jiutian could almost rank within the top five, truly mighty. I reckon even I might not be able to suppress him!"


    "You?" Bu Zheng couldn''t help but jest, "After all these years, you''re still not willing to give up your cultivation and switch to cultivating the Golden Core Dao, are you? Although being in the Saint Realm sounds very prestigious, it''s as fragile as paper, vulnerable to the slightest attack!"


    Tang Bai didn''t argue but merely smiled helplessly. He understood this principle well; cultivators of Ancient Martial Arts were always a level below Ancient Daoist Cultivators. But when he was young, he had already chosen the path of Ancient Martial Warriors, and by the time he realized and had the conditions to do so, he no longer had the courage and willpower to disperse his energy and start over.


    After all, he was just of the Outer Sect, not a direct lineage descendant of the Inner Sect; there was nothing he could do about it.


    Fortunately, his talent was extraordinary. Even relying only on the cultivation technique and martial skills of the Ancient Clan, he had still reached this height today.


    With a whoosh, Ye Feng put away the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon and said with a slight smile, "I have to admit, you are indeed very strong."


    Hong Jiutian sneered, "If you kneel and kowtow to me three times right now, then cripple your own martial arts, I might spare your life. Otherwise, with my next strike, you are certain to die!"


    As he spoke, Hong Jiutian casually waved his right hand, and a sword appeared in his hand.


    "This sword is a Relic of the Ancients. Oh yes, most people nowadays refer to it as the ''Immortal Sword''!" Hong Jiutian said with a slight smile, still looking as arrogant and lofty as ever.

 Chapter 421: Emperors Divine Dragon Fist, A Punch Shatters the Skies!

    This Immortal Sword seemed unremarkable on the surface, and even a bit worn, but as soon as it was mentioned that it was an Immortal Sword inherited from the Ancient Era, no one dared to underestimate it.


    Hong Jiutian toyed with the Immortal Sword in his hands, cracking a slight smile as he said, "One sword strike, just one is needed!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze hardened, and he shouted sternly, "You truly believe that the Sword of the King is my final trump card? Very well, then let me show you my true trump card!"


    As he spoke, Ye Feng directly ignited all the acupoints within his body. At that moment, his Qi Essence blazed fiercely, and his aura skyrocketed wildly, so formidable that a terrifying storm even whipped up around him.


    After cultivating day and night, having refined and absorbed all the Source of Luck from within the Heavenly Edict Scroll, his body''s acupoints finally reached one thousand, achieving the Minor Achievement Level of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints.


    And at this moment, Ye Feng had also understood a piece of Heaven-defying Mastery that undoubtedly matched the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints.


    "Slas" Hong Jiutian''s eyes narrowed, and the Immortal Sword in his hands struck through the air.


    The so-called Immortal Sword could kill enemies thousands of miles away, and could even cleave a mountain in two with a single strike, its power unparalleled.


    "Kill, Emperor''s Dragon Fist!" Ye Feng soared into the sky, and with a punch, the wind and clouds changed color, as if a giant dragon was roaring in the heaven and earth.


    All at once, the form of a giant dragon burst forth from Ye Feng''s hand and instantly swallowed up the opponent''s Immortal Sword.


    Crack!


    In that moment, the eerily quiet Forbidden City was pierced by a sharp sound, the sound of something hard breaking. Many felt a chill in their hearts, thinking it impossible; that Immortal Sword had actually broken just like that.


    And in the next moment, everyone saw that the ancient Immortal Sword was blown away and fell to the ground, indeed broken in two on the spot.


    Splat!


    Unprepared, Hong Jiutian spat out a mouthful of blood and even staggered, nearly unable to stand steady. It was clear that the Immortal Sword was a Magic Treasure he cultivated with as his lifeblood. Now that the sword had broken, he too had suffered a heavy blow.


    "The so-called Immortal Sword is nothing more than this!" Ye Feng hovered in mid-air, looking down from above, and in that moment, he was like a sovereign of mortals, supremely majestic!


    "Kneel down, kowtow three times, cripple your own martial arts, and I will spare your life!" Ye Feng stated coldly, word by word.


    Grinding his teeth, Hong Jiutian clenched his fist edge and said, "Just with you, you think you can make me bow? You are not worthy, even in death..."


    "Since you wish to die, I shall fulfill your wish!" Ye Feng''s killing intent surged, as the Emperor''s Dragon Fist gathered once again, ready to be unleashed as if a sovereign was descending upon the world with a punch.


    Just then, two figures rushed through the air at high speed: "Impudent brat, how dare you!"


    The first one, an elder in grey clothes, was tall and thin, skeletal even, but his movements were as shocking as a bolt from the blue. With a great hand reaching through the air, a cage materialized and headed straight for Ye Feng.


    This was undoubtedly a Divine Skill, a powerful and formidable Divine Skill!


    "That''s the Third Elder Hong of the Hong Family; the people of the Hong Family really did show up!" Bu Zheng sneered coldly upon seeing this. Although he was also from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, instead of helping Hong Jiutian who was in a life-threatening defeat, he reveled in Schadenfreude, practically wishing for Hong Jiutian to die sooner.


    After all, even between the Four Great Ancient Clans, there were immense competitive relations.


    However, just then, an old figure, dirty and unkempt, was quicker than others, and appeared directly in front of Ye Feng. With a gentle push of his large hand, the terrifying cage dissipated instantly.


    "Adults intervening in the fights of children, do you still want any face?" the dirty old man sneered.


    It turned out that the one who interjected was the elder who had appeared mysteriously among the crowd below. It was only now that the crowd realized that he was a high hermit from beyond this world.


    Third Elder Hong''s eyes sharpened, and he huffed, "It''s you, unexpected that you have come back?"


    The dirty Old Beggar laughed, "Of course, it''s me. Spending too much time there, why wouldn''t I come back for such a lively occasion? Shouldn''t I, an old beggar, join in the fun?"


    At this moment, Ye Feng paid no mind to the two elders. Now, with his killing intent emerging, the saying goes, to strike while the iron is hot. Hong Jiutian kept calling for a life-and-death duel; did he really think himself incapable of taking his life?


    Boom!


    The Emperor''s Divine Fist was launched directly, and a terrifyingly vast dragon-shaped fist edge instantly engulfed Hong Jiutian, but just then, a ring on Hong Jiutian''s finger suddenly burst into a heaven-shaking light, forming a circle of light that enveloped him within.


    The Emperor''s Divine Fist immediately blasted through the ring of light, but at that moment, its might had also diminished significantly. Hong Jiutian took the opportunity to shoot up into the sky, using the force of the impact to carry his heavily injured body up a thousand feet in one leap.


    "Ye Feng, you dare to kill me, you''ve got some nerve. When the day comes for me to descend again, I will eradicate your entire lineage!" Hong Jiutian let out a cold snort, then his figure swept away and disappeared into the sky horizon.


    At this moment, Ye Feng wanted to pursue but clearly, it was already too late.


    As for the Third Elder of the Hong Family, he was already seething with rage. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "Good, good, good, a mere mortal dares to challenge the authority of our ancient clan. You really did it well!"


    The Old Beggar stared at him and chuckled coldly, "Now that the youngsters are done fighting, shouldn''t we elders have a bout as well? Now, Third Hong, don''t you be making threats. If you''ve got the guts, come at me. I used to beat you up till you crawled on the ground when you were a kid, and I can still make you search the ground for your teeth now!"


    Although the Third Elder Hong was fuming with anger, there was a hint of wariness in his eyes, clearly fearing the Old Beggar quite a bit.


    "Now that Hong Jiutian''s life and death are unclear, if you want to fight, I will accompany you another day!" After saying this, the Third Elder Hong''s figure swept away and disappeared on the spot.


    The Old Beggar chuckled and then turned his head to look at Ye Feng, nodding slightly, "Not bad, not bad at all. That little old man with the big smoking pipe indeed didn''t misjudge you, lad. You really are something."


    Ye Feng immediately understood that this Old Beggar knew his cheap senior brother, which meant he must have also come from that little mountain village in the northwest.


    What surprised him, though, was whether this little mountain village in the northwest also had a close connection with the Four Great Ancient Clans, otherwise, how could the Old Beggar have mentioned beating up that Third Elder Hong in his youth.


    "What are you standing there for? Do you want to stay here and be gawked at like a panda? Come with me, let''s go drink with this Old Beggar!" The Old Beggar said and waved his great hand, and Ye Feng instantly felt a pulling force. He did not resist, letting the other party fly through the air with him, and in an instant, they disappeared from atop the Forbidden City.


    It wasn''t until then that the entire Forbidden City erupted with discussions. The outcome was unexpected; no one thought that Hong Jiutian from the Hong Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans would end up defeated, and even escape shamelessly in panic. This surely caused the Hong Family to lose all face.


    Of course, what shocked the crowd the most after this battle was the power of Northern King Ye Feng. It was beyond everyone''s expectations, and it truly slapped the faces of the nobles in the capital.


    Apart from that, the crowd was also very curious about that Old Beggar. But no one knew his background, and it was not until the two figures completely vanished that the people beneath the Forbidden City reluctantly dispersed.


    However, Bu Zheng remained motionless, standing there until he was completely swallowed by the darkness of the night without any intention of moving.


    Tang Bai glanced at him, then scoffed coldly, "Brother, now you see, that kid''s strength is like he''s riding a rocket, it''s climbing so fast. He''s much stronger than when he was at Ten-mile Slope; you still dare to say that in half a year? I fear in half a year, you''ll no longer be his match."


    Only then did Bu Zheng come back to his senses, sighing deeply, "There''s no need for half a year. At this rate, I''m afraid it will take less than three months for me to be unable to compete."


    Tang Bai snorted coldly, "And yet, you bragged at that time, giving him six months for free."


    It was clear that Tang Bai was getting anxious because the punch that Ye Feng had thrown just now was one that even he might not dare to say he could catch with certainty. In such a short time, the kid had grown so much.


    Bu Zheng chuckled, "You''re one of the elder figures of the Utility Pavilion, how come you have fewer and fewer tricks as you get older? It''s inconvenient for me to make a move now, but there are others."


    Tang Bai''s eyes suddenly brightened, "Yes, now that kid has caused the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan to lose so much face, those old heads of the Hong Family will definitely not endure this. This time, it''s likely we won''t have to lift a finger."


    Bu Zheng seemed somewhat dispirited, he patted his buttocks and then said, "Let''s go, this world is becoming more and more incomprehensible. With the Four Great Ancient Clans coming out one after another, it won''t be long before the alien space-time opens. We should think about what to do in the future."


    But Tang Bai said, "So our Bu Family''s plans are shelved just because of this kid? What will our Bu Family use to resist if the guys from the alien territory come over?"


    Bu Zheng laughed, "You don''t need to worry about that. The upper echelons of the Bu Family have their plans. Do you really think they would put all their hopes on you? If that were the case, they would not have sent only Bu Tianyun out in the beginning."


    Tang Bai was obviously taken aback, at that moment feeling a sense of loss in his heart.


    Bu Zheng gave him a look, then said, "I''ll tell you, every one of the Four Great Ancient Clans is deep. You, a disciple from an irregular lineage who is not of the Direct Lineage, cannot get involved in the core matters. The plan they told you is just an Obscuring Technique, intended to blind the eyes of the other three clans."


    Tang Bai couldn''t help but ask, "I''ve done so much for the Bu Family, can''t you tell me the real plan now?"


    Bu Zheng shook his head, "Don''t ask, even if you did, I wouldn''t know. I wasn''t involved in that plan. Let''s go, the wind is too strong up here, and I can''t handle the wind anymore now that I''m old. Let''s go down." After saying this, he flickered and was instantly outside the Forbidden City. Tang Bai suddenly felt powerless, glanced at the vast night sky, and ultimately followed him down.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already arrived at a tavern in a remote small town. Since he was brought here by someone else, Ye Feng did not know where this place was or how far it was from the capital, but of course, he didn''t care to find out.


    The tavern looked rather rundown, so there were no customers, but it was clear that the Old Beggar liked it here a lot and seemed very familiar with the people here. He walked in and called out, "Bring me the best jar of ''Daughter''s Red!''"


    "Right away, Your Excellency! I''ll get it for you now!" There was only one proprietor in the tavern, who served as both the waiter and the owner.

 Chapter 422: Fighting Body, the War God Appears!

    ```


    The tavern was very quiet, and the barkeep had soon gone back inside after bringing the wine. Ye Feng opened the bottle and poured a cup for the Old Beggar, asking, "May I know the senior''s name?"


    Who knew the Old Beggar just waved his hand and said, "A name is but a handle, knowing it or not makes no difference. From now on, you can just call me Old Beggar."


    Ye Feng nodded without asking further. It was clear this person was free-spirited, such characters do not get bogged down by formalities. He was truly liberated from the worldly concerns, and it made him far superior to those recluses from the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Once the wine was downed, the Old Beggar chuckled and began, "Lad, I gather by now, you''ve probably guessed my identity, haven''t you?"


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "If the junior doesn''t guess wrong, the senior must be a friend of my sworn brother, right?"


    "Friend?" The Old Beggar looked surprised and then smiled, "That''s not incorrect. But whether we''re friends or not doesn''t really matter. You don''t need to overthink it. This Old Beggar has always wandered the world unfettered. It''s just that back in the day, I owed that old man with the big smoking pipe a favor, so I had to come over."


    Continuing on, the Old Beggar smiled slightly and added, "Of course, I invited you for this drink, because I take a liking to you, lad."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile slightly in return, he quite admired the other''s personality. There had been times when he too wished to live such an unrestrained life, but alas, one''s station in life often dictates their path, and in his position, there were responsibilities he couldn''t shirk.


    "How has my cheap senior brother been doing over there?" After thinking a bit, Ye Feng asked anyway.


    "He''s doing well. Don''t let that old fella''s perpetual smoking fool you - even King Yama would likely have a hard time claiming his life!" The Old Beggar curled his lips.


    "And Sausage Sister and Long Nannan? How are the two of them?" Ye Feng continued to inquire.


    The Old Beggar was taken aback and then asked back, "Why, are you acquainted with Sausage Sister?"


    Ye Feng gave a slight smile and then briefly recounted how Sausage Sister and Long Nannan had once sought him out.


    However, the Old Beggar suddenly asked, "Do you know who Sausage Sister is to me?"


    Before Ye Feng could ask, the Old Beggar continued, "She''s my granddaughter."


    This revelation took Ye Feng by surprise, but on second thought, it made sense. Sausage Sister also came from the Northwest Little Mountain Village and had a very good relationship with Long Nannan. Considering the Old Beggar was close to the old man with the Big Smoking Pipe, their connection seemed quite logical.


    "That Sima Zhantian you just mentioned?" The Old Beggar''s attention suddenly turned to Sima Zhantian because from Ye Feng''s earlier words, he''d gathered that his precious granddaughter seemed to take interest in this man.


    "He serves under me, and, of course, he''s also my brother!" Ye Feng gave a wry smile; that was how he could only introduce him.


    But the Old Beggar, as impetuous as a gust of wind, stood up and said, "Enough drinking, lead me to meet this Sima Zhantian."


    Ye Feng suddenly felt that something troublesome was brewing and felt a headache coming on for Sima Zhantian. The Old Beggar''s demeanor clearly indicated an intent to vet a potential future son-in-law.


    But now that things had come to this pass, Ye Feng naturally couldn''t decline. The two men got up, and the Old Beggar called, "Barkeep, seal up my wine. I''ll come back some other day when I have time."


    So this guy was a drinker after all. But before Ye Feng could react, a force enveloped him, and in an instant, they were soaring, then flying toward the imperial capital.


    In the dead of night, the Old Beggar, with Ye Feng in tow, appeared out of thin air in the courtyard of Northern Cloud Residence. He then flopped down on a stone table and commanded, "Go call that Sima Zhantian over, and also, don''t let anybody else find out."


    Ye Feng had no choice but to comply. Given the situation, he could only hope that Sima Zhantian would behave properly in front of the prospective grandfather.


    "Ye Feng lad, don''t reveal my identity to him!" the Old Beggar thought for a moment and then called out again.


    Ye Feng could only comply as it was obvious the Old Beggar truly wanted to test Sima Zhantian. If Sima Zhantian knew beforehand, the value of the test would greatly diminish.


    Sima Zhantian quickly arrived, and Ye Feng watched from the side, arms crossed, with the expression of someone who''s about to watch an impressive show.


    "My Lord, who is this person..." Although Sima Zhantian was rash, his memory was good, and he immediately recognized the Old Beggar as the one who had acted earlier at the Forbidden City.


    Ye Feng said sternly, "Don''t ask anything, even if you do ask, I won''t tell you. If the Old Beggar asks you anything, just answer truthfully!"


    Still confused, Sima Zhantian asked, "Senior, what do you need from me?"


    The Old Beggar sized him up and nodded slightly, "Your build is indeed quite impressive, tall and mighty."


    Sima Zhantian looked utterly baffled. He couldn''t figure out what was going on. Impressive build? Tall and mighty? What was this about¡ªselling pigs or choosing a monkey for a show?


    ```


    If Ye Feng hadn''t known that the opponent was skilled, Sima Zhantian would undoubtedly have lost his composure.


    However, the Old Beggar suddenly asked, "Do you drink alcohol? How good is your alcohol tolerance?"


    Once alcohol was mentioned, Sima Zhantian became enthusiastic. He grinned and said, "Of course I drink, but it depends on the company. If the person is right, my tolerance is high. If not, I wouldn''t drink even if invited."


    "Not bad, you''re quite like me!" The Old Beggar finally cracked a slight smile, and then continued, "However, your cultivation level is somewhat lacking. To be at the Martial King Realm at your age is a bit disappointing."


    At this, Sima Zhantian disagreed, countering, "Senior, although my realm is low, my combat power is not weak."


    "Oh, is that so?" The Old Beggar narrowed his eyes and said, "Tell me, just how strong is your combat power?"


    Sima Zhantian chuckled and said, "I can say my kung fu is formidable, but without proof, that''s just empty talk. Since senior mentioned my low cultivation level, I ask you to suppress your level. I''m twenty-eight this year, so please suppress your level to what it was when you were twenty-eight, and let''s have a fight!"


    "Ah, you''re not convinced? Well, you do have some guts, I didn''t expect you to be so spirited," the Old Beggar mocked with a twist of his mouth, but inside he was increasingly satisfied, fearing the other might be a coward or blockhead.


    "Alright then, I, the Old Beggar, will suppress my realm and we''ll have a fight!" Having said this, the Old Beggar slowly rose to his feet.


    Sima Zhantian stated, "Let''s be clear, senior. If you suppress your realm, you can''t undo it. If I beat you up, you can''t counterattack in a burst of power!"


    It seemed Sima Zhantian was scared of being beaten. When Sausage Sister had still been around, he really had been beaten a lot. Of course, getting beaten by a woman he liked didn''t bother him, but being beaten up by another man was out of the question.


    The Old Beggar was amused to the point of laughter: "Boy, if you manage to hit me, I''ll write my name backwards. Make your move!"


    Without a word, Sima Zhantian''s whole presence intensified; instantly, the yard was filled with moving air, and the surrounding flowers and trees swayed and broke. Stomping his foot, he charged forward like a fierce tiger, throwing a punch.


    The Old Beggar didn''t dodge, casually standing there. Suddenly, there was a bang, and Sima Zhantian''s punch struck him as if hitting an iron wall, leaving the Old Beggar completely unmoved.


    An expression of astonishment appeared on Sima Zhantian''s face. He took a deep breath and unleashed his full power with another punch.


    Accompanied by a thundering boom, a terrifying wave of energy erupted, shattering the stone table behind them to pieces. The Old Beggar took the punch but finally was pushed back one step. Still, it was just one step.


    A trace of surprise flickered in the Old Beggar''s eyes, but he didn''t show it. Although he had suppressed his realm to that of when he was twenty-eight, it''s vital to know that he had trained in the dao techniques of the Ancient Daoist Cultivator.


    At the age of twenty-eight, his cultivation was already exceptional. Back then, even among the Four Great Ancient Clans, only a few were ahead of him. Yet now, this solid figure had managed to push him back half a step.


    This alone indicated that this man was naturally immensely strong. Even so, it wasn''t enough to fully please the Old Beggar, just barely meeting the minimum requirement.


    "You do have some strength, but if that''s all, it''s far from enough," the Old Beggar said gravely.


    Angered, Sima Zhantian thought to himself that he had already used all his strength, yet his opponent merely stood there taking the hits, and he had managed only to push him back half a step, which was frankly insulting.


    Suddenly, a clanging metallic sound rang out, and an ancient bronze blade emerged from Sima Zhantian''s body, hovering in the air.


    This truly shocked the Old Beggar. The opponent was merely at the Martial King Realm, still violently far from the Divine Path Realm, yet something of the Divine Path had been cultivated inside his body.


    "No, that''s not an Object of the Divine Path; it''s forged from his unique physique. This kid actually..." The Old Beggar didn''t finish his sentence when the ancient blade descended through the sky, aimed at him.


    At this moment, the Old Beggar couldn''t just stand there. With a lightning-fast gesture, he spat out a palm, and his robust palm power created a whirlpool, instantly flinging the blade away.


    Yet it wasn''t over¡ªSima Zhantian was evidently the type who grew fiercer the more he fought. The stronger the opponent, the more valiant he became, often exceeding his own limits.


    In an instant, Sima Zhantian''s momentum surged again, Qi Force tumbling into the blade before slashing down once more, like a comet bringing its might down on the Old Beggar.


    At that moment, the Old Beggar''s eyes brimmed with deep shock. He suddenly recognized that this bulky figure was no simple matter¡ªhe not only had the Body of the Divine Blade but also the Fighting Body. The body that grows stronger with combat was precisely the kind that could become a War God.


    The horrific blade force stormed in, and the Old Beggar formed a strange Dao Technique with his hands. Then, a Taiji (yin-yang) pattern appeared and in a flash neutralized this fearsome force.


    Sima Zhantian clenched his jaw and grabbed the blade with both hands, ready to strike again.


    Quickly waving his hands, the Old Beggar said, "Enough, enough. If we keep going, we might just tear down Ye Feng''s whole yard!"


    Only then did Sima Zhantian stop, drawing the blade back into his body.

 Chapter 423 - 423 The First to Lay a Knife on You!

    The Old Beggar now seemed to be in a rather good mood, clearly very satisfied with the muscular figure of Sima Zhantian, and quite satisfied at that. However, he did not show much of this satisfaction on the surface. With a beckoning gesture, he said, "Ye Feng lad, do you have any liquor here?"


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "Of course, there''s plenty of fine wine." After saying this, he personally went to the wine cellar and selected two bottles of premium Huadiao wine.


    The stone table had been destroyed during the earlier scuffle, and just as Ye Feng was thinking about proposing a change of venue, the Old Beggar had already plonked himself on the ground, clearly unconcerned about such trifles. Seeing this, Ye Feng naturally did not speak up. He preferred this kind of unreserved behavior and simply sat down as well.


    The Old Beggar opened a bottle of wine, sniffed it, then turned to Sima Zhantian who was still dazedly standing in his original spot and called out, "Big fellow, do you think I''m the right person? Would you like to sit down and join me in drinking?"


    Ye Feng finally laughed upon hearing this because he could tell that the Old Beggar not only recognized Sima Zhantian but also approved of him as his future grandson-in-law. Otherwise, given the Old Beggar''s temperament, he definitely wouldn''t invite the big guy to sit and drink with him.


    Sima Zhantian was naturally not a coward, and he immediately replied with a laugh, "You old beggar, though shabby and worn, aren''t half bad. I like the look of you. Let''s drink together. Since we didn''t get to compete properly just now, let''s see who can drink more!"


    Ye Feng didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at these words, thinking to himself that this guy really had some nerve to say such things. However, he didn''t say anything more; he actually felt that such an atmosphere was more relaxed and made people happier.


    The Old Beggar burst into laughter and threw a bottle of wine to him, and then the two started to guzzle large mouthfuls. Ye Feng now seemed superfluous, and seeing the situation, he knew to quietly stand up and go back to the cellar to fetch more wine.


    The Old Beggar seemed like someone who lived for wine, and since he was in high spirits today, he drank fiercely. Sima Zhantian, needless to say, drank like an ox. The two of them laughed heartily as they drank without saying anything, causing those unaware to think they were mad.


    Ye Feng merely played the role of accompaniment. In the end, it was Sima Zhantian who ended up collapsing from drinking, while the Old Beggar, an old hand in the Martial Arts World with unfathomable strength, was totally fine even after finishing all the wine in the cellar.


    Seeing Sima Zhantian fall, the Old Beggar finally stopped drinking, looked up at the sky, glanced at the soundly sleeping Sima Zhantian, and then turned his head to Ye Feng, saying, "That''s enough, I''m leaving."


    Ye Feng stood up and said nothing about staying, knowing full well that such words were superfluous for such a free-spirited person.


    "Is there anything you want to say to him?" Ye Feng pointed at Sima Zhantian, who was sprawled on the ground asleep.


    The Old Beggar glanced at him and eventually nodded, saying, "He''s not bad, and Sausage Sister''s taste is good too. One thing though, he has a unique constitution, possessing not only the Body of the Divine Blade but also Fighting Qi. This surprised me."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Don''t worry, senior, I will definitely take good care of him."


    The Old Beggar didn''t say anything, and like pulling a trick, he suddenly produced an ancient book, saying, "When he wakes up, give this to him; it seems this is the most suitable for him."


    Upon saying this, the Old Beggar seemed to remember something important and added gravely, "Also, tell him that he must abandon this so-called Qi Energy of Ancient Martial Arts and focus on cultivating the technique in the ancient book. That''s about it, oh how I''ve nagged like an old woman. I''m off, goodbye!"


    After finishing his words, the Old Beggar''s form swept away, and in the blink of an eye, he had already disappeared into the night.


    Ye Feng briefly looked at the ancient book in his hand but did not open it, since it was specifically meant for the big guy. Even without opening it, he knew what was inside.


    At this sight, Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel lucky for Sima Zhantian, who had not only gained the approval of his future in-laws but also unexpectedly received such a grand gift. With the ancient cultivation technique of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator at hand, it was conceivable that, with Sima Zhantian''s talent, it wouldn''t take long for his strength to advance by leaps and bounds.


    "Alright, stop pretending, the person''s long gone. Get up," Ye Feng suddenly said with a laugh, obviously not impressed.


    As his words fell, Sima Zhantian, who had been ostensibly dead drunk on the ground, stood up with a sheepish grin, revealing that his earlier act had been deliberate.


    People unaware would think Sima Zhantian was a hot-headed and brainless musclehead, but Ye Feng knew very well that the guy was subtly sharp-witted, his meticulousness to the point of being meticulous. For instance, the feigned sleep just now; it wasn''t something most people could do, and if they did, none would be as natural and flawless as he was.


    Of course, the Old Beggar could probably tell too, but since one decided to play the part, and the other was happy to go along with it, it was perhaps a kind of tacit understanding. These two really hit it off.


    "You heard what was said just now, so I won''t repeat it. Here, this is for you. Also, I forgot to tell you, that old beggar is actually Sausage Sister''s grandfather," Ye Feng said irritably.


    Sima Zhantian happily received the ancient book, his face full of joy.


    Ye Feng was surprised and asked, "What, you''re not shocked? Did you already guess his identity?"


    Sima Zhantian chuckled, "At the very beginning, of course, you wouldn''t be able to guess, but later on, you will understand. But my lord, it''s so obvious now that if I really can''t figure it out, then I''m truly a bull."


    Ye Feng fell silent for a moment and then said, "Just one thing, don''t cling to the little bit of cultivation you have now, forsake the Qi Force, and focus solely on the Dao Technique mentioned earlier. Do you understand clearly?"


    "As my lord commands!" Sima Zhantian was no fool.


    Ye Feng nodded and then turned and walked back to his study. The battle at the Forbidden City had once again boosted his fame, with numerous sources of luck appearing in the Heavenly Edict Scroll. He decided to enter secluded cultivation again.


    However, the amount of luck this time was far less than before, and advancing the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints past the Minor Achievement Level had become even more difficult. Ye Feng did not make much progress this time and decided to use all the sources of luck to enhance the quality of his Qi Essence.


    By this time, one-third of his Qi Essence in the acupoints had transformed into Spirit Essence.


    What frustrated Ye Feng was that, up until now, he still had no leads on a technique for cultivating spiritual power. Even using sources of luck for cultivation did not have the slightest effect, so, reluctantly, he had to give up for the time being and leave it for the future.


    The night passed without incident. The next day, at dawn, Ye Feng summoned his subordinates and set out for the Imperial Martial Academy in a carriage. It was his first day on the job, but to his surprise, the attitudes of several in charge had changed from the day before¡ªthey became very respectful and had arranged all the preliminary work quietly and in order.


    Ye Feng knew that this was probably because the heads of Qiu Kuzhen and Sect Master You Jiuming of the Underworld Sect were still hanging above the great gate, as well as yesterday''s battle at the Forbidden City, which had instilled fear in these people¡ªdisobedience was not an option.


    At nine o''clock, everyone arrived on time, including several high-ranking officials from the General''s Mansion. These people were all Martial King Level in Kung Fu and, as per the agreement, would now serve as instructors in the Martial Academy.


    Additionally, Ye Feng had consolidated all of the Martial Alliance''s resources, gathering all high-level figures in the capital, so human resources were not a concern for now.


    However, up until now, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had still not shown the slightest movement¡ªneither sending people nor complying with the previous agreement to hand over resources, cultivation techniques, and martial skills.


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and sat silently in the Principal''s seat.


    "Ye Feng, without the resources of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, it would be very difficult to implement the Martial Academy nationwide. Human resources are barely sufficient, thanks to our foundation in the Martial Alliance, but when it comes to cultivation methods and martial skills..." Xiao Chuanqi said.


    Ye Feng was well aware that for the Martial Academy to be truly implemented nationwide, the various cultivation methods and martial skills from the Nine Great Sects were crucial.


    "Issue a command, by order of the Martial Academy Principal, demanding the Nine Great Sects to hand over the agreed-upon cultivation methods and martial skills within three days. They may not come in person, but they absolutely cannot withhold these resources," Ye Feng suddenly said in a deep, cold voice.


    Sima Zhantian was not present today because he had entered secluded cultivation after acquiring the ancient book last night and looked as though he would not emerge for some time. Speaking up was Leng Wuming, who said, "My lord, even if the order is issued by the Principal, I fear the Nine Great Sects will not comply."


    Ye Feng snorted coldly, "I know they won''t comply, but these formalities must still be conveyed. If they fail to recognize what''s good for them, then they should not blame me for taking a military approach after diplomatic efforts!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming fell silent; they probably understood their lord''s intent.


    Ye Feng suddenly commanded, "King''s Order, have the Northern Border Army assembled and reach Ten-mile Slope thirty miles out in three days!"


    "Yes!" Xiao Chuanqi immediately accepted the order, looking quite excited. It seemed the lord was planning to get serious. This was likely going to be tough times ahead for the Nine Great Sects.


    Afterwards, Ye Feng toured the Martial Academy with Hong Qingyan. The Martial Academy was incredibly vast; it took them almost half a day just to get a rough idea of the place, which, of course, had many unusual facilities, including outdoor martial arts practice fields and a variety of indoor venues.


    Three days flashed by, and as Ye Feng predicted, despite the Principal''s order reaching the Nine Great Sects, not only did they fail to hand over the cultivation methods and martial skills in those three days, but they did not even show the slightest response.


    What Ye Feng did not expect was that the Underworld Sect even publicly declared that they not only refused to recognize him as Principal, but were also gathering their Sect''s power to ascend to the Northern Upper Territory and exterminate the Northern King''s entire clan as revenge for their Sect Master.


    "Such audacity. In that case, you will be the first to face my blade!"


    Ye Feng grew furious, standing up abruptly and, leading a group of formidable followers, set out from the capital. Half a day later, they arrived at a location thirty miles out from Ten-mile Slope, which was the start of the Western Territory.


    Although the Utility Pavilion had already designated the King of the Western Territory and bestowed the title upon Hong Jiutian, he had fled in panic after the battle at the Forbidden City and had not been seen since, leaving the matter of the Western Territory''s kingship unsettled.


    A hundred thousand strong, the massive army stretched across thousands of miles. Standing atop a hill, Ye Feng declared, "This time, if the Nine Great Sects still fail to show appreciation and consider the people of the world, I will eradicate them all and pacify the Western Territory in one fell swoop!"

 Chapter 424: This Northern King Wang Ye is too arrogant

    "Xiao Chuanqi, heed my command. As the vanguard, go tell the Underworld Sect that this is their final opportunity. If they continue to defy the order from the head of the Martial Academy, I will personally lead the army and level their sect!" Ye Feng gave the order directly.


    "As you wish, my lord!" Xiao Chuanqi bowed respectfully to accept the command and then left with a few hundred men to proceed westward.


    With a grand wave of his hand, Ye Feng commanded the tens of thousands strong army to move steadily westward. As the Northern Border Army mobilized, the Imperial City immediately caught wind of it, and in an instant, the entire city was abuzz with shock.


    In the Imperial City''s Great General''s Mansion, many generals gathered in an atmosphere that was oppressively somber and stern.


    "This is outrageous! The Northern King Ye Feng is far too arrogant and presumptuous. He''s actually leading the Northern Border Army to wage war against the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts? Has he lost his mind?" a general said indignantly.


    "Indeed, who do the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts think they are? They are as renowned as the Utility Pavilion. Even the two elders of the Utility Pavilion wouldn''t dare to offend the Great Sects too deeply. Yet this brash youngster, Ye Feng, without any consultation, has waged war at the drop of a hat. Has he considered the consequences?"


    "He''s completely overstepping his bounds. In my view, we should report to the two elders and strip him of his title as the King of the Northern Border. If we continue to indulge his antics, the entire Xuanyuan Nation is bound to become poisoned and chaotic, even potentially facing the peril of national destruction!"


    "I propose we immediately remove him from his kingship. If the brat dares to resist, we''ll send troops directly and join forces with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts to eradicate him in one fell swoop!"


    The many generals and deputy generals were discussing animatedly, one after another, all voicing criticisms against the Northern King Ye Feng. In their view, the Xuanyuan Nation had been fine before, and everyone''s life had been comfortable. But if Ye Feng continued to cause trouble, they wouldn''t have good days ahead.


    Throughout this process, Great General Duantian sat in the seat of honor, looking at the generals below, who were as disorderly as peasants hawking vegetables in a market. Finally, he could bear it no longer and slammed the table with a roar: "Enough! Is this commotion necessary? Do you really think this is a marketplace?"


    The room instantly became quiet as every general was startled by the outburst, and they couldn''t understand the source of the Great General''s rage.


    "All you do is shout. If you have the guts, go and argue with the Northern King face to face. Let''s see if you dare to say to his face that his kingship should be revoked," the Great General snapped coldly.


    The general who had spoken earlier immediately lowered his head. Although they were also generals who commanded their own troops, both the strength of their forces and their personal combat power paled in comparison to Ye Feng. So even if they were given a hundred times the courage, they wouldn''t dare to be reckless in speaking before the Northern King.


    A military advisor with a lean figure and a narrow beard resembling the character for eight spoke up, "Great General, please calm your anger. As for Ye Feng, that milk-nosed child who knows nothing but arrogance, he''s not worth your anger. Besides, there''s a saying: ''Arrogance leads to its own demise.'' The best course of action now is to do nothing."


    "What do you mean by that, military advisor?" Great General Duantian asked.


    Stroking his beard and looking inscrutable, the advisor replied, "There are three reasons. First of all, it''s your status, Great General. When that lad bearing the surname Ye moved against the Nine Great Sects, he did so with a justified cause, since there had been an agreement between the sects at the Martial Academy earlier.


    Now it''s the Nine Great Sects that have violated the agreement; that''s the first point."


    "And the second?" the Great General inquired with no change in his demeanor.


    "The second reason would be that in a conflict between clam and crane, the fisherman reaps the benefits. Think about it, Great General¡ªwhile Northern King Ye Feng is moving his forces so conspicuously, do you believe the Nine Great Sects will let themselves be easily bullied? They will surely fight back, and it''s uncertain who will emerge as the victor.


    Regardless of who wins or loses in the end, it''s good news for us!"


    "Hmm, well said. And the third?" the Great General continued.


    "The third, naturally, concerns the Utility Pavilion. At the moment, the entire Utility Pavilion has yet to make a statement, especially the two elders, and most importantly, Lord Tang Bai. Since he hasn''t given any instructions yet, we''re even less justified in acting hastily. Therefore, in conclusion, all you need to do, Great General, is to maintain control over the Imperial City.


    As long as you hold the Imperial City firmly, you will remain safe and, should your luck be sufficient, you may even gain unexpected benefits!"


    "Good, military advisor: your analysis is precisely to my liking!" Great General Duantian laughed heartily, then stood up and gestured grandly with his hand, "Come, to the Yingge Moonlight Field. Let them fight their battles; we will enjoy ours. Moreover, we shall eat and drink well!"


    The generals finally laughed aloud and followed the Great General out of the council hall.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already reached Ten-mile Slope with his generals, the very place where he had previously encountered the attack by Old Man Bu Zheng of the Four Great Ancient Clans. However, there was no one selling wine at Ten-mile Slope now, and certainly, Ye Feng was not in the mood for drinking.


    All of a sudden, Xiao Chuanqi returned and reported, "My lord, not only did the Underworld Sect refuse to accept the King''s Order, but they also attacked my trusted aides. If I hadn''t realized what was happening in time, those few hundred men might not have returned."


    ```


    "Is there no sense in this world? Is not all land under heaven subject to the king, and are not all who live on its borders his subjects? Does this insignificant Underworld Sect really consider itself the emperor of its own domain?" Ye Feng let out a cold snort and then, with a wave of his hand, commanded, "Army, advance at full speed!"


    By some twist of fate, the location of the Underworld Sect happened to be on the northeast side of the Western Territory, just an hour and a half from Ten-mile Slope. After a little over an hour of marching, the sect''s presence loomed close at hand. Unlike other sects, the Underworld Sect wasn''t situated atop a desert, but entirely within a valley.


    What was most incredible was that the terrain of this ancient place was very open. Only the middle was somewhat lower, with a river flowing directly through the valley from an unknown source, dividing the sect''s structures into two. From the outside, the valley''s buildings didn''t seem grand or majestic. They even appeared somewhat dilapidated, and there weren''t many palace structures.


    Of course, this was just the facade. Only those truly aware of the Underworld Sect''s details knew that its core was not on the surface but underneath the valley. It was said to be an adaptation of an ancient king city that had sunk underground long ago.


    When Ye Feng''s army arrived, they could clearly feel that the entire Underworld Sect was already on high alert. It seemed that the enemy was prepared and ready to put up a tough fight.


    However, one thing did not surprise Ye Feng: the other eight sects did not come to the rescue, not even a single person. This was very much in line with the behavior of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts¡ªselfish and self-centered, always considering only their own sect, never caring about the life and death of others, even preferring other sects to be wiped out.


    Ye Feng did not rashly launch an attack, as he could see that there was only one narrow and gloomy path leading to the core of the underground stronghold. Such places were easy for the enemy to ambush. Of course, this kind of terrain was also what military tactics refer to as a ''choke point where one man can hold off ten thousand.''


    "Who would have thought that the Underworld Sect has now chosen to hide away? Weren''t they still arrogantly claiming they would annihilate my entire family not long ago? Now, they are all hiding underground like turtles in their shells?" Ye Feng scoffed coldly.


    Xiao Chuanqi asked, "Big Brother, what should we do now? The Underworld Sect is holed up underground. Those above are just low-cultivation outer sect disciples. Attacking them is pointless and won''t serve as a deterrent."


    "Damn it, immediately send people, send lots of them, to curse fiercely. I want to see how long they can hide like this!" Ye Feng ordered coldly.


    Xiao Chuanqi instantly went to carry out the order, forming a team of over ten thousand people who stood around the valley and hurled insults nonstop. However, no matter how much they cursed, even after three days and exhausting insults for the Underworld Sect''s ancestors eighteen generations back, the people of the sect remained tight in their shells.


    It seemed that the Underworld Sect had indeed decided to play turtle. It looked as though they also knew that Ye Feng''s momentum was fierce and that the battle at the Forbidden City had scared the sect''s higher-ups.


    "Damn these bastards. It seems they really plan to keep hiding inside indefinitely!" Xiao Chuanqi cursed, stomping his foot in anger. He grit his teeth and said, "My Lord, it is said that the underground king city is very vast, and the Underworld Sect, after years of operation, must have amassed a large quantity of food, enough for two to three years.


    If we continue this siege without progress, it might be sustainable in the short term, but if it drags on, we simply can''t afford it."


    The maintenance of an army tens of thousands strong was a huge problem, particularly the provision of food, and now winter had set in. The fierce winds howled, especially at night when it was bitterly cold.


    If it weren''t for Ye Feng''s foresight in instructing all soldiers of the Northern Border to train in martial arts three years earlier, thereby laying a foundation in kung fu and boosting their physical condition, they would not have been able to withstand the harsh winter.


    "For fuck''s sake, My Lord, let me lead a small elite squad straight into their midst. I promise we''ll tear open an entry!" the hot-tempered Sima Zhantian finally couldn''t stand it any longer.


    Ye Feng shook his head, "No, such an attack would cost too much. It''s not worth it."


    Sima Zhantian insisted, "War always requires sacrifice. As long as you give the order, My Lord, I believe that not a single soldier will hesitate."


    Ye Feng remained silent, merely furrowing his brow in deep thought, but his eyes inadvertently caught a glimpse of the river flowing through the center of the valley, sparking an idea.


    "I''ve got it, water attack. In ancient times, there was the strategy of flooding seven armies. Today, I will use water to attack and see how long these bastards can keep hiding!" Ye Feng said, laughing.


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately responded, "My Lord, a water attack is a good idea, but the river''s flow isn''t great, and the entrance to the Underworld Sect City is situated higher, making it difficult to divert the water there!"


    "No matter, if I''m not mistaken, this river must be formed by the melting of ice and snow from the mountains upstream. Just melt the ice and snow, and the water level will rise substantially in an instant. Meanwhile, send a troop to dig a channel connected to the entrance of the Underground King City. The water will naturally surge in," Ye Feng said confidently.


    Xiao Chuanqi said, "But, My Lord, to melt the ice and snow, it might be difficult..."


    He stopped speaking abruptly, closing his mouth, because he suddenly remembered the time when the Lord had used a hidden team of supernatural ability users to burn down an entire mountaintop almost instantly in the battle against the Northeast Tiger King.


    "My Lord is wise. We will go and do this at once!" Xiao Chuanqi and the others bowed and went to implement the plan.


    ```

 Chapter 425: Who Do You Think You Are!

    An hour later, the western snow mountain suddenly emitted steam and flames. The snow mountain melted, and the meltwater continuously joined the river below. In the blink of an eye, the water was roaring downstream. By this time, the river channel leading to the entrance of the Underground King City had already been dug out.


    Boom...


    In an instant, the flood surged into the underground like a fierce beast. Within just half a quarter of an hour, cries and wails echoed from below. And as Ye Feng anticipated, figures suddenly emerged from various directions.


    This Underground King City was intricate, with many hidden passages and extensive areas, which was why Ye Feng hadn''t chosen to blast it open with his power right away.


    "Damn it, Ye Feng, you''re so despicable to resort to a flood attack¡ªutterly cruel!"


    At this moment, the Underworld Sect''s high ranks could no longer stay hidden. They flew out one after another from the various small hidden passages, and in a blink of an eye, more than a hundred people appeared on the high ground. These people were all high-ranking members of the Underworld Sect, and even the weakest among them was at the Grandmaster Level.


    Naturally, those lower-level Underworld Sect disciples couldn''t escape in time and were directly trapped and killed in the Underground Palace.


    "Kill!" Ye Feng wouldn''t waste words with them. He had already given them a chance; it was their fault for not seizing it, so there was nothing more to say than to slay them all.


    In an instant, Xiao Chuanqi and many other experts acted, sweeping out like arrows and clashing with the Underworld Sect''s experts.


    Suddenly, two rainbows soared into the sky. They were two of the Underworld Sect''s Supreme Elders, both at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm''s Ninth Rank, and one of them had even half stepped into the Saint Realm.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as he charged towards them, and the Sword of the King materialized and slashed through the air.


    "Earth Nether Guardian!" The two Underworld Sect Supreme Elders swiftly formed seals with their hands, causing the ground to rumble. A black, ferocious monster suddenly condensed into existence, appearing to be something from deep underground.


    Boom...


    The Sword of the King came slashing down, instantly splitting the large creature in two. However, at that moment, the half-step Saint Realm Underworld Sect powerhouse suddenly threw a punch, the two coordinating seamlessly.


    Ye Feng sneered, as 500 acupoints in his body suddenly ignited, and he executed the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist. The terrifying fist edge, like a tangible dragon, roared out and instantly swallowed the opponent.


    Ah...


    Accompanied by a scream, the half-step Saint Realm Underworld Sect powerhouse was blasted away, a hole appearing in his chest through which his internal organs could be seen.


    Once again, Ye Feng waved his hand, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon appeared out of thin air. With a whoosh, it shot through the air, piercing and killing the half-step Saint Realm powerhouse on the spot.


    The remaining Supreme Elder turned pale with fright and, almost without thinking, swiftly fled.


    But Ye Feng had anticipated this move. His gaze abruptly focused, and the spirit nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness spun violently. His spiritual power spread like a tide in an instant.


    At that moment, the Supreme Elder felt a brief stiffness in his movements, as if he had been bound by something. It was fleeting, but in a battle between masters, victory often hung by a thread.


    The Sword of the King materialized above his head and then slashed down with unmatched might, cutting the Supreme Elder into two halves right there and then.


    "Sigh, my spiritual power is still too weak after all, unable to fully restrain someone!" Ye Feng shook his head. After dealing with the two Supreme Elders, he floated in mid-air, remaining motionless; he left the rest to Xiao Chuanqi and the others to handle since these remaining people were no longer a threat and were good for practicing.


    The battle didn''t last long because not many had escaped from the Underground Palace. Additionally, there were simply too many strong allies on Ye Feng''s side, some of which he had personally trained, including a supernatural ability user of the Hidden Guard. Moreover, there were eight other powerhouses provided by Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and Boss Cao Yi.


    Hence, adding them up, Ye Feng roughly estimated that he had over a hundred Divine Path Realm-level warriors on his side, and as many as twenty people at or above the Divine Communication Realm Level.


    Of course, the one who drew the most attention was Sima Zhantian. After a full day of secluded cultivation, he seemed to have been reborn, his temperament had greatly changed, and his combat power had also significantly increased.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but marvel; the Dao Technique given by the Old Beggar was indeed worthy of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator; it was simply too powerful. Of course, this wouldn''t be possible without Sima Zhantian''s own talent.


    The battle ended quickly, with the entire upper echelon of the Underworld Sect obliterated. Those hiding in the Underground Palace, unable to emerge, were now forever entombed beneath the earth, never to awaken. Only a small number managed to escape in a panic, but Ye Feng wasn''t concerned with them at all.


    "Your Majesty, now that the core palace of the Underworld Sect is flooded, should we go in?" Xiao Chuanqi approached and asked.


    Ye Feng stood on a hilltop and said coldly, "Of course we must enter. What is the purpose of our trip if not to acquire resources? The Underworld Sect has accumulated wealth for hundreds of years. There must be many treasures in their vault."


    "Issue the order to form several elite teams skilled in underwater operations to move everything from the Underground Palace''s vault to the surface. Also, take care, the martial arts techniques in the library must not be damaged!"


    "Yes!" Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming quickly sprang into action. Although Leng Wuming''s combat power was not as strong as Xiao Chuanqi''s or Sima Zhantian''s, he was adept in this area and led multiple elite teams into the tunnels.


    By midday, jewels and treasures were carried up one by one. Ye Feng paid no attention to these, his true interest lying in the three brocade boxes and two scrolls before him¡ªthese were the foundation of the Underworld Sect, their cultivation techniques and martial skills.


    Ye Feng briefly perused them but lost interest quickly; the Underworld Sect''s cultivation methods and martial techniques had little significance for him. Although they were of decent level and more than sufficient for regular people, they were now useless to him.


    "Leng Wuming, you will be in charge of transporting these items back to the Imperial Martial Academy. The rest of you, follow me to the Flora Sect!" With a sweep of his Great Hand, Ye Feng turned his gaze southwest toward the location of the Flora Sect.


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, are we advancing on the Flora Sect now? Isn''t that too hasty and risky?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively, "No, attacking the Flora Sect directly now will be unexpected by the other sects."


    Xiao Chuanqi said, "But this news won''t stay hidden for long. Once the other major sects unite, there could be real risk."


    Ye Feng scoffed coldly, "You''re overestimating those sects. They''re nothing but selfish forces. By the time they decide to act, the Flora Sect will already be in my hands!"


    "Order, rest on the spot for half an hour, replenish with lunch, and then set off!" Ye Feng ordered directly. Xiao Chuanqi could not say more; the King''s Order had been given.


    At this time, Leng Wuming had already led a team of two thousand to transport the chests to the Imperial Martial Academy. Nevertheless, Ye Feng could never have imagined that someone would dare to rob the belongings of the Northern Border King on the way¡ªthough that''s a story for later.


    Half an hour later, under Ye Feng''s command, the army set off. The Flora Sect was quite close to the Underworld Sect, just a one and a half-hour journey. By the time Ye Feng led his troops to the valley entrance, the Flora Sect had just begun to react.


    Unlike the Underworld Sect, the Flora Sect was also nestled in a valley but surrounded by mountains on three sides. With flowers blooming everywhere, the scenery was delightful. Wooden buildings, not very tall but splendidly decorated, dotted the landscape. Here, there was nothing they couldn''t grow if one could conceive it.


    When Ye Feng''s army arrived at the valley entrance, the Flora Sect had already started to prepare its defenses. To Ye Feng''s surprise, the Flora Sect didn''t act like the Underworld Sect, which had cowered.


    Right now, numerous high-level members rushed out quickly, led by the Flora Sect Master and two Supreme Elders, commanding over a hundred Martial Kings to appear at the sect''s gate at the valley entrance.


    Clearly, this was the Flora Sect''s full strength on display¡ªa hundred Martial Kings and more than fifty figures at the Divine Path Realm, including a Supreme Elder of the Sacred Realm Level¡ªwhich was slightly more powerful than the Underworld Sect.


    "Northern King Ye Feng, you are truly audacious to lead an army to attack my Flora Sect. Have you considered the consequences?" the Flora Sect Master said coldly. She was a woman, though over fifty years old, she maintained her figure exceptionally well.


    With a stern voice, Ye Feng replied, "According to the agreement between us, as long as your Flora Sect willingly hands over the agreed portion of cultivation techniques and martial skills, I will withdraw my forces immediately!"


    The Sacred Realm Supreme Elder couldn''t suppress his rage and retorted sharply, "Who are you to make demands? If we were to comply just because you say so? We aren''t your personal playground, Ye Feng. I''m telling you, unless you cripple your martial arts and kneel, the Flora Sect will not forgive you!"


    Ye Feng burst into laughter and then stated word by word, "The land under the heavens belongs to the sovereign; all within its borders are subjects to the throne. You, a mere Flora Sect, dare to be so insolent and resist? Any defiance will be met with death without mercy!"


    "Rubbish! A petty Northern Border King. Even the two from the Utility Pavilion would have to be polite to me. You brat, not even fully grown, today my Flora Sect will see to your end!"


    "To all sect members, follow my command¡ªattack, destroy them!" The Flora Sect Master shouted coldly, triggering the opening of the sect''s main gate, and Flora Sect disciples surged out like a tidal wave. Even from the mountaintops on both sides, countless disciples swarmed down.


    "Form up!" Ye Feng ordered. Despite the enemy''s numbers and having a higher cultivation level, he was undaunted. With the Emperor''s Formation deployed, his army''s combat power would significantly increase.


    "Kill them, seize his head, and present it to the Utility Pavilion!" The two enraged Supreme Elders dashed towards Ye Feng with great speed.


    "Perfect timing!" Ye Feng sneered. The Emperor''s Armor materialized, and he brandished the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon as he charged forward like a dominant emperor.

 Chapter 426: Martial Arts Conference, Campaign against Northern King Ye Feng!

    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon burst forth across the sky!


    "Hua Qianji Technique!" The Flora Sect Master clasped her hands in a seal formation, and in the blink of an eye, a dense cluster of flowers appeared mid-air. The flowers converged and spun like ribbons, instantly entwining and immobilizing the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon.


    However, at that moment, Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus began to spin rapidly, as his spiritual power surged forth like a tidal wave. The Hua Qianji Technique, which had enveloped the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, instantly shattered.


    "How... how is this possible!" The Flora Sect Master''s face changed drastically, and with a whoosh, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was right in front of her.


    A rainbow light suddenly shone in front of the Flora Sect Master''s neck, forming a protective shield light ring. The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon pierced through the shield, but its power was significantly reduced.


    At that instant, the two Supreme Elders also made their move. One wielded a Great Sword, slashing it through the air, while the other held a silver-white chain, which coiled like a venomous snake.


    "Big Brother Ye, leave the Flora Sect Master to me, and you deal with the other two!" Hong Qingyan suddenly moved, charging straight toward the Flora Sect Master.


    Ye Feng was somewhat worried, but since Hong Qingyan volunteered, he naturally gave her the opportunity to gain experience. He no longer paid attention to the Flora Sect Master. His gaze concentrated, and a Sword of the King materialized out of the void, slashing at the person on his left.


    The two swords collided, emitting a piercing metallic clang. The Supreme Elder was sent flying by the powerful Sword Qi of the Sword of the King.


    "Damn it, this kid, how can his combat power be so fierce? I am a Peak Great Power at the Ninth Rank of the Divine Ability Realm!" The Supreme Elder gritted his teeth and cursed angrily.


    "Hmph, the mere Divine Ability Realm of a martial artist, in my presence, is nothing but a paper tiger easily crushed!" Ye Feng coldly rebuked, swinging another sword. Just at that moment, the other Supreme Elder''s ribbon suddenly rolled towards him.


    Her ribbon was extraordinarily complex, causing ripples in the space as it swept forward with terrifying power. Ye Feng did not dare to be careless and immediately dodged, punching out forcefully.


    The Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist immediately burst forth like a roaring flood, instantly shattering the ribbon.


    "Damn this kid, he can even break my Divine Path Object!" The Supreme Elder almost spat out blood, but he forcefully suppressed it.


    Seizing the moment, Ye Feng glanced over at Hong Qingyan. To his surprise, Hong Qingyan''s combat power was already quite formidable. In just a blink of an eye, she had the Flora Sect Master completely suppressed, leaving her no chance to fight back. Seeing this, he finally felt at ease.


    "Merely the Flora Sect, daring to defy the King''s Order, kill, kill, kill!" Ye Feng thundered like a peerless emperor, unstoppable.


    "You scoundrels, you''re not worthy!" The two Supreme Elders erupted in fury, their hands forming seals repeatedly, and suddenly the sky was filled with flowers.


    Some of the flowers converged into a huge sword, while the remaining dense petals formed a flower ball, containing terrifying power. It seemed like they were executing their trump card of Divine Ability.


    "Burning Technique, Thousand Acupoint Ignition!" With the opponents using their trump card of Divine Ability, he could not be outdone. The Qi Essence and Spirit Essence in his acupoints ignited, causing Ye Feng''s aura to skyrocket dramatically.


    A massive Sword of the King instantly coalesced and sliced toward the opposing Flower Sword.


    At the same time, Ye Feng punched out, causing the sky and earth to change color. The entire valley was enveloped in boundless momentum, as a materialized Divine Dragon Fist roared out.


    Boom...


    Accompanied by a heaven-shaking blast, the Divine Dragon Fist swept across with staggering might, engulfing and annihilating the huge flower ball; even the Supreme Elder in the back was sent flying and crashed heavily onto the rocky cliffs of the valley.


    As for the other Supreme Elder, he could not escape and was overpowered by the might of the Sword of the King. His Flower Great Sword shattered, and he was run through by the sword, dead on the spot.


    "Damn it, damn it, your strength is... is so powerful, even I cannot stand against it!"


    The despondent Supreme Elder realized her Divine Ability could not match her opponent, and at once, she attempted to flee.


    Ye Feng obviously would not allow her to get away. The Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness spun rapidly, his spiritual power overtaking her. At that moment, she seemed to be bound by something, experiencing a brief stasis.


    Just then, the Sword of the King instantly materialized above his head and descended with a slash, decapitating the man on the spot.


    The disciples of the Flora Sect immediately erupted into chaos. With two of their Supreme Elders slain, they had no desire to continue fighting¡ªespecially with the Northern Border Army''s formation proving too formidable. In just a half quarter-hour, more than half of the Flora Sect''s disciples had either died or were injured.


    In an instant, the disciples of the Flora Sect fled like scattered birds and beasts.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng immediately gave the order, "Slay the higher-ups. There''s no need to pursue the common disciples; let them have a way out!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and others redirected their attention, particularly Sima Zhantian. With a Great Sword always floating behind him, wherever he went, those below the third level of the Divine Path Realm could hardly withstand even one of his strikes.


    The battle ended quickly, with the Flora Sect facing a crushing defeat. At that moment, Hong Qingyan unleashed a palm technique that appeared both profound and brilliant¡ªeighty-one Palm Seals merging into one colossal Palm Seal, instantly crushing the Flora Sect Master to death.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as he witnessed this. He could tell that the palm technique Hong Qingyan used was nearly as powerful as his own Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, and more importantly, it was still in its most basic stage. If she were to attain its Perfect State in the future, its power could become even more formidable.


    "Indeed worthy of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator''s technique; its power is tremendous," Ye Feng mused to himself. He then turned to look at Sima Zhantian, who still had a Great Sword floating behind him. It appeared that the technique he used to cultivate the sword also stemmed from the legacy of an Ancient Daoist Cultivator.


    "Leave no remnants. Then, quickly clear the battlefield and take everything we can from the Flora Sect''s Treasure Vault. Ten minutes. We leave the Western Territory in ten minutes!"


    Ye Feng made the decision on the spot. Confident as he was, he was not reckless. He knew that if the other Seven Great Sects were to unite against him, he would surely be defeated.


    Especially after two major battles, not just him but the whole army was exhausted. Xiao Chuanqi and the others swiftly sprang into action. It took them even less than ten minutes to empty out all the treasures and inheritances of the Flora Sect.


    With a wave of his hand, Ye Feng led the army away like a receding tide.


    Only then did the other Six Great Sects react. Over at the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect, they were already on high alert. The Confucian Sect Master sat stern and furious on his throne in the council hall, flanked by two Supreme Elders.


    Of course, the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect, whether compared to the Flora Sect or the Underworld Sect, was much stronger. This referred not only to the quantity and strength of its disciples but to its leadership as well, particularly the two Supreme Elders who were quite formidable among those of the Sacred Realm Level.


    Even now, Ye Feng would not dare claim he could withstand the combined might of those two!


    "This Northern King Ye Feng is too arrogant and imperious, having wiped out both the Underworld Sect and the Flora Sect in succession. It''s clear that he doesn''t take our sect seriously, damn it, it''s infuriating!" the Confucian Sect Master roared in anger.


    One of the Supreme Elders spoke gravely, "We have indeed underestimated this man, as well as his audacity. Who would have thought he''d actually dare to move against our Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and even annihilate two Great Sects outright!"


    "There''s no point discussing this now. We need a quick decision on how to proceed!" the other Supreme Elder said urgently.


    The Confucian Sect Master shouted, "As of now, does that Ye fellow have any plans to attack other sects?"


    A Vice Sect Leader in charge of intelligence immediately reported, "Reporting to the Sect Master, that Ye fellow, after destroying the Flora Sect, completely looted their treasure vault and then swiftly departed. By now, he should be close to Ten-mile Slope."


    "Cursed be that brat, so shrewd. I had hoped he''d continue to attack other sects. In that case, our Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect would have intervened, perhaps in alliance with other sects, to eradicate him in one fell swoop," a high-ranking member said through clenched teeth.


    "There''s no use talking about that now. He''s clearly returning to the Northern Border. By this time, he''s reached Ten-mile Slope, and it''s already too late to chase him!" another Vice Sect Leader said with indignation.


    The Confucian Sect Master rose slowly, his face stern, and declared, "We can''t let him continue like this. Now that he''s fully spread his wings, our Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect might not fear him, but a head-on clash would likely result in substantial casualties among our disciples. The only solution is to band together with the other Six Great Sects and confront him together!"


    "Indeed, you are correct, Sect Master. We should now quickly band together with the other sects. The first one we should contact is the Buddhist Sect. Although they''ve always wanted to stay neutral, given the turn of events, I believe even they cannot stand aside any longer," a Supreme Elder commented.


    "Supreme Elder is right. The Buddhist Sect shouldn''t be underestimated. If they are willing to take action, that Northern King will not last much longer. We should immediately send someone to contact the Buddhist Sect, and better yet, call for a Martial Forest Conference. The remaining Seven Great Sects can use the conference to discuss how to deal with that Ye fellow."


    "Then it''s settled. I will personally visit the Buddhist Sect. The matter is urgent. I ask the two Supreme Elders to please visit the other sects and invite their elders to our Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect to discuss the convening of the Martial Forest Conference," instructed the Holy Lord of the Confucian Sect.


    After issuing the orders, he left with several trusted subordinates to visit the Buddhist Sect. As for the other two Supreme Elders, they, too, set out immediately. The ancient and individualistic Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were unexpectedly uniting, an event that hadn''t been seen in three hundred years.


    Even when the Xuanyuan Nation was on the brink of collapse in the last century, the ancient sects were not so invested. But their haste now was solely because their interests had been threatened.

 Chapter 427 - 427 Planning to Bait the Enemy?

    The army reached Ten-mile Slope and soon left the territory of the Western Territory, entering the Northern Border. Upon arrival, Ye Feng immediately gave the order for the army to return to the Northern Border Base Camp. He himself, escorted by dozens of personal high-level experts, transported the box snatched from the Flora Sect directly to the Capital Region.


    After all, the enrollment of the Martial Academy was imminent, and he could no longer delay. Ye Feng was very aware that the world situation was about to change. Monsters from an Alien Space-Time were descending. When that happens, the ordinary people of Xuanyuan Nation would be plunged into misery and suffering.


    What could prevent this tragedy was to immediately promote the Martial Academy and allow the ordinary masses to practice the Martial Dao to enhance their own strength as much as possible. Only then would they have some ability to protect themselves during the coming drastic changes.


    Of course, if it were possible to prevent the catastrophe from happening, Ye Feng would do his utmost. However, he knew that after the incident in Fallen Dragon Valley, the situation would undoubtedly get worse. Promoting the Martial Academy was, without a doubt, a benefit for the ordinary people.


    Unfortunately, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were selfish and only considered their own interests. Out of helplessness, Ye Feng had launched the Sect War.


    However, when Ye Feng arrived back at the Capital Region and returned to Northern Cloud Residence, he had no idea that Leng Wuming had suffered an accident. The box they had confiscated from the Underworld Sect was intercepted and robbed outside the Capital Region. Even Leng Wuming himself had been dealt a heavy injury.


    Upon hearing the news, Ye Feng was immediately enraged and, without any pause, hurried to the Divine Doctor Sect. But he learned that even several divine doctors of the sect were helpless. Leng Wuming''s body''s channels and critical bones were all broken. He had essentially become a cripple.


    "Who did this?" Ye Feng was furious. He had not imagined that anyone would dare to attack his subordinate outside the Capital Region and even steal his boxes. This was a complete disregard for the Northern King.


    Three deputy generals were also injured, though their injuries were not as severe as Leng Wuming''s. At that moment, all three were kneeling on the ground, saying, "We have failed to protect the box, please punish us, Your Majesty!"


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s anger somewhat subsided. He waved his hand and said, "It was my oversight, I did not consider carefully enough. That I let you bring back the boxes so openly allowed those people an opportunity to take advantage. Now, tell me, who were the perpetrators?"


    The three deputy generals then stood up, only to shake their heads and say, "We were incompetent and do not know their exact origins. It was already dark at the time, and the opponents moved very quickly. They had obviously come prepared, and we couldn''t make out anything."


    Ye Feng frowned deeply upon hearing this. Suddenly one of the deputy generals added, "However, during the fight, the Nameless General seemed to have discovered something, but before he could speak, he was heavily injured and fell unconscious. Later, thankfully, the Second Sect Leader came by, and they did not manage to kill us. Otherwise, none of us would have survived."


    Ye Feng turned to look at the Second Sect Leader and asked, "Second Sect Leader, did you see where the attackers came from when you arrived?"


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong shook his head and said, "I did not. The assailants were skilled. Upon realizing my arrival, they immediately retreated. I was focused on rescuing people and didn''t pursue further. Continue the chase, and I probably wouldn''t have been able to catch up anyhow. These people are very familiar with the Capital Region''s terrain.


    If not unexpected, they should be from the Capital Region."


    "People from the Capital Region..." Ye Feng''s eyes slowly narrowed.


    Right at this moment, Yu Feiyu walked out from inside, looking tired. She approached Ye Feng, shook her head, and sighed, "I''m sorry, Big Brother Ye. I did my best, but I could only keep him alive. As for his injuries..."


    Ye Feng naturally understood. Having one''s channels and bones all broken was an injury that was extremely difficult to survive from, let alone heal completely. Of course, Leng Wuming had a strong constitution to have held on until they reached the Capital Region''s Imperial Divine Medical Sect.


    "You''ve worked hard. I''ll go in and take a look!" After saying this, Ye Feng walked from the hall into the backyard. At this point, Leng Wuming was wrapped in white cloth like a mummy, lying on the sickbed, his breath extremely weak.


    He did not approach to examine him closely. A release of his spiritual power immediately made things clear to him, and he also knew that even with his own intervention, he could not fully heal Leng Wuming''s injuries since Yu Feiyu''s medical skills were almost no different from his own.


    Yu Feiyu also followed him into the room and suddenly said, "By the way, Big Brother Ye, I remember my father saying when I was a child that if a person''s innate bone structure and channels are broken, there is one medicine in the world that can restore them."


    "What medicine?" Ye Feng asked immediately.


    "Black Jade Healing Paste!" Yu Feiyu said, frowning, "However, our Valley of the Medicine God does not have it. Whether it has been lost, I''m not sure, but I can ask my father."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Then please call Valley Master Yu now."


    Yu Feiyu looked at Ye Feng, wanting to say that with their relationship, there was no need for formalities, but seeing that Ye Feng was not in a good mood, she swallowed her words and quietly took out her phone to dial her father''s number.


    The call was quickly connected, and after a brief conversation, Yu Feiyu said, "Father said there indeed exists Black Jade Healing Paste in the world, but the method of crafting it is lost. Even our Valley of the Medicine God cannot produce it. However, father also mentioned that to his knowledge, the Buddhist Sect still possesses some Black Jade Healing Paste."


    "The Buddhist Sect has it?" Ye Feng''s eyes brightened, but then his expression darkened again. Given his current relationship with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the chance to borrow or trade for Black Jade Healing Paste from the Buddhist Sect seemed highly unlikely.


    "Let''s go outside and talk!" After saying this, Ye Feng turned and left the sickroom to return to the hall. However, the atmosphere in the hall was very solemn, especially among subordinates like Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi, who were filled with a murderous aura.


    "Your Majesty, how is Leng Wuming? Has he revealed who was behind the attack?" Sima Zhantian asked.


    "He has been unconscious the whole time, barely clinging to life; how could he speak?" Yu Feiyu said from nearby.


    Ye Feng was silent and pensive, and for a moment, he even entertained the idea of immediately going to the Buddhist Sect to demand the Black Jade Healing Paste, but since he had no solid leads, he quickly dismissed the thought.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t dare, but such an action would have too great an impact. After all, this was different from his previous decision to eliminate the Underworld Sect and the Flora Sect. In those cases, the Sect Master of Underworld Sect had plotted to conspire with the leader of Utility Pavilion, and Ye Feng had sent troops in the name of justice and righteousness.


    "Your Majesty, isn''t there a way to make Leng Wuming briefly regain consciousness to reveal the perpetrator behind the scenes?" Xiao Chuanqi asked.


    Ye Feng''s face showed no emotion, and he did not respond to the question. In fact, the moment he saw Leng Wuming, he had come up with a solution, but he knew the hall was likely infiltrated with spies from certain individuals, so he simply kept silent.


    "King''s Order, deploy a team of experts to guard this place round the clock; we cannot afford any mishaps with Leng Wuming. The moment he shows signs of waking, notify me immediately!" Ye Feng gave his orders directly.


    "As you command, Your Majesty. We will take turns on watch, ensuring not even a fly gets in," Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian promptly declared.


    Ye Feng nodded, then dismissed everyone from the Divine Doctor Sect in the hall before sitting down with a heavy sigh. After so many events and his recent exertion, he was undoubtedly feeling worn out.


    Hong Qingyan silently turned around and went into the inner chamber to prepare bird''s nest porridge. Yu Feiyu considered offering help but concluded that it might be awkward to stay together with Hong Qingyan, so she chose to remain in the hall instead.


    Nightfall gradually set in, and once the sunset completely faded, the winter Capital Region was enveloped in darkness. After some rest, Ye Feng finally revived in spirit and clarity, and he subtly motioned for Yu Feiyu to join him in the inner chamber.


    After ensuring that spiritual power assured there were no eavesdroppers within ten meters, he then shared his thoughts with Yu Feiyu.


    "Big Brother Ye, are you planning to secretly move Leng Wuming?" Yu Feiyu asked in surprise after hearing the plan.


    Ye Feng nodded, to which Yu Feiyu said, "But Big Brother Ye, given his current condition, he shouldn''t be moved at all. Moreover, even if we take him to Northern Cloud Residence, it might not be any safer than here. It would be better to leave him and strengthen the guard."


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "It''s noisy here with too many ears around. Most importantly, I''m about to perform an Ancient Medical Secret Technique that can temporarily rouse Leng Wuming back to consciousness. But it''s essential that we must not be disturbed¡ªnot even the slightest, or even my life could be in danger."


    "An Ancient Medical Technique?" Yu Feiyu asked in surprise. "Big Brother Ye, your medical skills were all taught by my father. When did you learn an Ancient Secret Technique?"


    "Don''t worry about that. I came across it by chance. Of course, it''s not that I don''t want to teach you, but learning this technique comes with certain restrictive conditions," Ye Feng said.


    In fact, Ye Feng knew no Ancient Medical Techniques. Just as Yu Feiyu said, all his medical knowledge came from Yu Xianhe. His claim was merely a pretext.


    What Ye Feng actually planned to do was to use his own spiritual power to enter Leng Wuming''s Sea of Consciousness to awaken his awareness. This was an extremely risky maneuver, and even Ye Feng was not fully confident in its success. Any disturbance could be disastrous not just for Leng Wuming but for himself as well due to the risk of backlash.


    Yu Feiyu said, "If that''s the case, I will make the arrangements. Leng Wuming''s ward has a backyard. We could move him quietly to Northern Cloud Residence in the dead of night."


    "Good. Then let this task be yours to arrange, but remember, let no one know about it," Ye Feng cautioned.


    Speaking thus, he added sternly, "Also, let it slip as if by accident that Leng Wuming may show signs of coming to at dawn. Remember, spread the news in a way that seems unintentional."


    Yu Feiyu quickly got the point, nodding, "Do you mean to bait the enemy into a trap, Big Brother Ye?"


    Ye Feng gave a wry smile. "Of course, but this is a desperate measure. However, I don''t think the enemy will fall for it easily unless they are fools. Still, it''s possible they might send some Death Warriors to probe the situation."


    Yu Feiyu nodded, now understanding. Even if the enemy sent people and they were captured, they wouldn''t likely divulge the mastermind behind them. In fact, these agents might not even know who they were working for. Therefore, the strategy of drawing out the snake from its hole didn''t seem very practical.


    But since Ye Feng had given the order, she would naturally do her best to execute it.

 Chapter 428 - 428 Just Dont Cause Me Trouble

    In the dead of night, Yu Feiyu took several trusted subordinates and quietly moved Leng Wuming out through the back door. In order not to arouse suspicion, she even replaced him with a dummy wrapped in white cloth on the sickbed. From the outside, nothing seemed amiss; one had to admit that she was very meticulous in her work.


    Of course, in everyday life, Yu Feiyu was always a careless and sloppy person, but when it concerned things she cared about, she would become incredibly serious and attentive, and Ye Feng was exactly the person she cared about.


    Ye Feng did not show himself but watched silently from the shadows, on guard for any covert attacks. However, everything went smoothly, and soon Leng Wuming was transported to the Northern Cloud Residence without even Hong Qingyan being aware.


    Inside the secret chamber of the study, after arranging Leng Wuming''s accommodation, Ye Feng then had Yu Feiyu return to the Divine Doctor Sect. He himself announced that he was entering a state of secluded cultivation. Next, he needed to do something very risky.


    Ye Feng was normally a very cautious person, but now he had no other choice. He had to find out who had the audacity to strike from behind. At this moment, Ye Feng already had a rough idea, as there weren''t many in the Capital Region with such strength.


    The Sect Leaders at the Utility Pavilion had this strength, which of course included the old man Tang Bai. However, the likelihood of Tang Bai making a move was small; after all, his status meant he wouldn''t stoop to such actions. Aside from him, there was the Great General''s Mansion.


    In fact, the Great General was the most likely suspect. But being such an important figure, Ye Feng wouldn''t act rashly without evidence.


    Exhaling softly, Ye Feng then sat down cross-legged, trying his best to calm himself down. Afterward, the Mental Power Nucleus in the Sea of Consciousness began to spin violently, and streams of spiritual power surged forth.


    Invisible spiritual power is unseen to the common eye, only perceivable when one attains a certain Cultivation Realm. It''s undoubtedly an abstract and an advanced method of cultivation. Ye Feng surmised that perhaps not many in the world mastered this method of spiritual cultivation, and he might very well be the first.


    With his spiritual power materialized and controllable, Ye Feng intensely focused, driving threads of this power. It quickly entered into Leng Wuming''s body through the center of his brow. At this moment, to Ye Feng, Leng Wuming almost seemed transparent.


    Of course, merely entering the body was not the challenge. The true difficulty lay in entering one''s Sea of Consciousness, a decidedly perilous venture. Ye Feng took a deep breath, then with a concentrated look in his eyes, his spiritual power instantly invaded Leng Wuming''s Sea of Consciousness.


    In that instant, Ye Feng distinctly felt Leng Wuming''s body shudder. Though unconscious, he still had a subconscious, which mounted a defense as soon as it sensed an invasion in the Sea of Consciousness.


    Ye Feng immediately felt within Leng Wuming''s Sea of Consciousness a vague mass of something forming, aiming to block his spiritual power, trying to expel, even kill, the intruder.


    Ye Feng boldly called out with his mind, "Leng Wuming, it''s me, Northern King Ye Feng. This is my spiritual power. Do not attack!"


    The next moment, Leng Wuming''s body trembled once more, his subconscious seemingly hearing the shout. However, the resistance in the Sea of Consciousness was instinctual; he couldn''t control it.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng said, "Relax your body and mind completely. Try to let your mental state relax and allow my spiritual power to enter the core!"


    After all, Leng Wuming was someone of note, capable of standing by Ye Feng''s side. He quickly relaxed his mind, and then Ye Feng noticed that the vague mass of Chaos no longer besieged him.


    Ye Feng charged straight in, aware that Leng Wuming hadn''t yet awakened his own spiritual power and was unable to communicate through it. However, it wasn''t long before Ye Feng discovered the memory fragments stored within the other''s Sea of Consciousness.


    "So these are memory fragments. They do indeed exist. The brain''s Sea of Consciousness is truly a wonder," Ye Feng marveled. He quickly obtained Leng Wuming''s latest memory fragments, thus learning the full account of the battle in the Capital Region as well as the origins of the ambushers.


    Then, he gingerly withdrew his spiritual power, only then letting out a long sigh of relief. It was at this point he realized he was drenched in sweat, with large beads on his face.


    When the Mental Power Nucleus in the Sea of Consciousness finally stopped, Ye Feng felt completely drained. However, he was astounded to find that the nucleus had grown slightly larger.


    "It''s grown stronger? Could it be that using my spiritual power with high intensity is a form of training?" This discovery elated Ye Feng, for he had seemingly found the Method of Cultivation. Of course, whether this method would work remained to be tested with time.


    He formed a Seal Formation with his hands and soon entered a state of Void breath regulation. A while later, he fully recovered to his peak condition and slowly opened his eyes, which now brimmed with a deep murderous intent.


    "Great General''s Mansion, it was indeed you!" Ye Feng said through gritted teeth.


    At that very moment in the Great General''s Mansion, which too was brightly lit, sat several high-ranking officials in the innermost high-level deliberation hall with Great General Duantian taking the place of honor. However, at this moment, Duantian''s complexion was extremely grim.


    His gaze was fixed fiercely on a person kneeling below, an angry and ferocious look in his eyes, wishing he could tear the person into pieces.


    "Son of a bitch, truly despicable, how dare you, how dare you? How could you actually dare to lay hands on Northern King Ye Feng''s belongings? Don''t you know that those private rooms belong to the Martial Academy?"


    Great General Duan Tian was utterly furious, then he berated again, "It''s bad enough that you dared to snatch them, at least you had the guts, but you were incredibly foolish. You failed to silence the man, leaving behind a problem, truly an ignorant fool."


    The military advisor sitting beside him also sighed and said, "Originally, I had set a policy for the Great General, planning to watch as the snipe and clam fought, with the fisherman reaping the benefits. As long as we could watch Northern King Ye Feng and the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts both suffer defeats, we could then step in and clean up the situation.


    But now, thanks to this commotion, we are likely to draw attention to ourselves!"


    "Exactly, this idiot, a perfectly good plan and he had to disrupt it!" Great General Duan Tian cursed again.


    Suddenly, a general below spoke up, "Great General Duan Tian, things have come to this. There''s no need to be angry, lest it harm your health. Moreover, it''s just something belonging to that Ye fellow, our Great General''s Mansion isn''t really afraid of him!"


    "Yes, Great General, we can''t exactly grow others'' ambitions and destroy our own authority. The most crucial thing right now is to think of a way to remedy the situation!" the others below also chimed in one after another.


    Great General Duan Tian remained unmoved, still glaring with angry eyes, and barked, "Zhang Jiuming, I ask you, was the opponent really completely unconscious at the time?"


    Kneeling on the ground, Zhang Jiuming said through clenched teeth, "Please rest assured, Great General. I am one hundred percent certain that, under the assault of me and my two brothers, his meridians and innates were all severed. He was completely unconscious and would never have woken up, had it not been for the old geezer Shi Yehong passing by at that time.


    I would have already finished off Leng Wuming."


    The military advisor beside remarked, "Although his meridians and bones were broken, we still cannot rule out the possibility he might wake up. We can''t afford to take this lightly. Our relationship with Northern King Ye Feng has become very tense already. If Ye Feng finds out it was us and gets evidence, the consequences would be..."


    Just as he was speaking, suddenly someone below said, "I don''t think this is such a bad situation. Since Leng Wuming isn''t dead yet, we can just find a way to ''kill'' him again. Wouldn''t that leave no evidence behind?"


    No one spoke, even Duan Tian had a grave expression as he pondered. They all knew this method, but everyone was clear that trying to kill Leng Wuming a second time was even harder than reaching the heavens.


    So, no one dared to try recklessly. Otherwise, both sides would likely become truly irreconcilable without anymore room for easing tensions.


    However, just then a person dressed in black hurried in, came up to the military advisor, and whispered a few words, after which the advisor''s facial expression completely changed.


    "General, there''s some bad news below, I''m afraid I must speak," the advisor said.


    Great General Duan Tian, with a sideways glance, stated word by word, "No need to say it. This general is not foolish and can guess what it is. It must be that Leng Wuming is about to regain consciousness, right?"


    The military advisor nodded and replied, "The general is wise."


    But to their surprise, Great General Duantian scoffed, "Such petty tricks, do they really think this general is a three-year-old child? The more Ye spreads such false news, the less likely it is that Leng Wuming shows any signs of waking up."


    Upon hearing this, everyone below praised, "Great General is wise and mighty."


    "Enough, enough, no need to kiss up to me. Just don''t cause me any more trouble!"


    Duan Tian barked coldly, then slowly stood up, and said with a sneer, "However, it seems Ye Feng still underestimates me, thinking I''m that easy to fool. Since he wants to lure me into a trap, then I shall fall for it once to show him!"


    "Not at all, Great General, wouldn''t this..." The people below began to dissuade him upon hearing this.


    "Be quiet! Do you really think I am as foolish as you? If we''ve done the deed, we absolutely cannot leave any trace behind!"


    Great General glared at Zhang Jiuming below and snorted coldly, "Zhang Jiuming, do you realize why I''m angry? It''s not because you acted against Northern King Ye Feng. I even somewhat admire your courage. What truly enrages me is your incompetence. You dare to steal and yet don''t even know to wipe your mouth clean. Now, I have to clean up your mess!"


    The crowd below fell silent, but then the military advisor spoke up, "General, have you really decided to act?"


    Great General Duan Tian, with his hands clasped behind his back, spoke with great arrogance, "Of course, I must act. I cannot allow even a sliver of risk to remain. At least not now, so Leng Wuming must die thoroughly."


    As he said that, Great General Duan Tian suddenly smirked and began to laugh teasingly, speaking to himself, "Ye Feng, oh Ye Feng, after decades of planning, do you really think this is all I''m capable of? Since that''s the case, it''s time for you to witness my true power!"

 Chapter 429: Ye Fengs Counterattack Method

    When Ye Feng stepped out from the secret chamber of the study, he immediately issued an order to Xiao Chuanqi, "Xiao Chuanqi, take your men and evacuate the Divine Doctor Sect at once and rush back to Northern Cloud Residence!"


    Xiao Chuanqi, not understanding the rationale, asked, "Your Highness, if we withdraw, what about the safety of Leng Wuming? If we leave like this, relying on the people of the Divine Doctor Sect, they won''t be able to stop the enemy if they come to silence us."


    "There is no need to worry; I have made arrangements. King''s Order, depart immediately!" Ye Feng issued the command directly.


    Upon hearing it was a King''s Order, Xiao Chuanqi knew there was no room for discussion. If his lord commanded him to climb to the mountaintop or dive into the sea of fire, he would not hesistate, so he quickly gathered strong guards and left the Divine Doctor Sect. Five minutes later, they had returned to Northern Cloud Residence.


    Ye Feng, already waiting in the outer courtyard, looked at his loyal subordinates and his expression suddenly turned solemn. He said, "You must have guessed what I am about to do next. Therefore, I am giving everyone an opportunity. Those who do not wish to get involved in this turmoil, please move to the left!"


    No one moved; the thirty-plus Divine Path Realm high-level martial artists still stood ramrod straight.


    Ye Feng continued, "Of course, those who leave now, I will not blame them, and they will still be my subordinates in the future."


    Still, no one moved, and not a single person showed a hint of hesitation. Sima Zhantian said immediately, "Your Highness, just give the order. It''s not just a minor power from the imperial capital¡ª even if you ask us to climb a mountain of swords or plunge into a sea of flames, we will not show the slightest hesitation!"


    "Good, very good, I am heartened!" Ye Feng nodded, and with a sweep of his hand, he declared, "Depart! To the Left General of the capital, Zhang Jiuming, to the Zhang Residence!"


    No sooner had his words fallen than everyone sprang into action. Taking advantage of the pre-dawn darkness, shadows darted out swiftly, and within half a quarter-hour, they had arrived at the home of Zhang Jiuming.


    At this very moment, Zhang Jiuming had just hurriedly returned home from the Great General''s Mansion because he suddenly remembered there was something very important he had neglected to do. This matter was serious, and despite his severe injuries, he had to rush back.


    During his fight with Leng Wuming, Leng Wuming had unexpectedly taken advantage of his inattentiveness to tear off a button from his jacket. Initially, he hadn''t noticed it, but just earlier, an insider at his home notified him by phone while they were cleaning his clothes.


    Zhang Jiuming panicked at once, so he didn''t think to immediately order the destruction of the garment. Of course, this was also because he did not trust anyone else, so he had to hurry back and handle it himself before feeling at ease.


    After all, the Great General had just said that in whatever you do, you must not leave any loose ends.


    However, Zhang Jiuming had not anticipated that as soon as he entered the Inner Courtyard through the back door, he would sense that something was wrong. The whole house was eerily quiet. His heart skipped a beat, thinking it couldn''t be happening so soon.


    As he frantically entered the Inner Courtyard, his complexion changed dramatically, and a chill ran up his spine. His legs gave way, and he collapsed on the ground, so weak that he couldn''t even stand to fight.


    In the bedroom of the Inner Courtyard, Ye Feng was sitting on the traditional pearwood Taishi Chair, a mocking expression on his face as he looked at the entering Zhang Jiuming. In Ye Feng''s hands was the black garment, missing a button.


    "It''s over, all over..." Zhang Jiuming muttered incessantly.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer and said, "Lord Zhang, I wonder what exactly you mean by ''it''s over''?"


    Zhang Jiuming felt his mouth dry and his whole body trembling, almost unable to speak.


    Ye Feng glanced at the incredibly lavish Zhang Family Inner Courtyard and slowly said, "Be honest, and I might spare your Zhang family. But if you dare to disobey, extermination!"


    Zhang Jiuming was unwilling to confess easily and kept shaking his head, "I don''t know, I know nothing, Lord Northern King, what do you mean by barging into my house at this late hour?"


    "Hmph, so you really won''t shed a tear until you see the coffin. With the situation this dire, you still refuse to yield. Do you really want your entire Zhang family to be buried with you?" Xiao Chuanqi coldly snapped from the side.


    Sima Zhantian clenched his teeth and bellowed, "To think you dare take a stab at one of my colleagues! I swear I''ll flay you alive! Speak up, was it that old bastard Duan Tian who ordered you to do this?"


    Collapsed on the ground, Zhang Jiuming still insisted, shaking his head vigorously, "I don''t know, I really don''t know anything."


    "Damn it, still so stubborn at a time like this, I''m going to wipe you out now!" Sima Zhantian was enraged and about to make a move.


    Ye Feng gestured to stop him, then chuckled, "No rush, let''s first watch a good show. Surely, it must be quite lively at the Divine Doctor Sect now. Oh yes, send someone to notify the Great General''s Mansion and tell them I''m visiting the Zhang family and invite him over."


    "As you wish, Your Majesty." A trusted aide promptly left.


    Meanwhile, at the Imperial Divine Medical Sect, several figures clad in black continuously sped through the air, appearing instantly in the Inner Courtyard of the Divine Doctor Sect. Without hesitation, they attacked. The five individuals were exceptionally skilled, and all of them were indeed Great Powers of the Divine Ability Realm Level.


    The people of the Divine Doctor Sect couldn''t hold them off and fell one after another. The five in black reached the infirmary of the Inner Courtyard in an instant, only to be dumbfounded to find that the infirmary was already empty.


    "Not good, we''ve been tricked, let''s go, hurry!" The five in black tried to turn and flee immediately.


    However, at that moment, the voice of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu suddenly rang out, "Since you''re here, why not stay a while?"


    As their voices faded, the five black-clad figures suddenly felt dizzy and, with a clattering sound, all fell to the ground.


    Yu Feiyu suddenly leaped out from the back door, smirked, and said, "So what if you''re of the Divine Ability Realm? Even if you are a Great Power, you can''t resist the colorless and odorless Soft Muscle Powder, our secret anesthetic from the Valley of the Medicine God!"


    Hong Qingyan also appeared, saying, "Big Brother Ye said these people are profoundly cultivated and would probably regain consciousness very quickly. We''d better make our move now!"


    As she spoke, Hong Qingyan had already made her move, sending out continuous palm strikes. The powerful Palm Power instantly took the lives of three of the men in black, her attack swift and without hesitation.


    Upon seeing this, Yu Feiyu was slightly taken aback, thinking that although Sister Hong seemed gentle and frail on the outside, her moves were indeed deadly and unyielding.


    With that thought, she too took action, decisively ending the lives of the other two men. Unfortunately, even though these five black-clad individuals were all Great Powers of the Divine Ability Realm Level, they had underestimated their opponents, which led to their demise.


    "Let''s go, we should also hurry to the Zhang residence!" After saying this, Hong Qingyan grabbed Yu Feiyu, and the two soared into the sky. It was then that Yu Feiyu realized Sister Hong''s cultivation was terrifyingly profound, far surpassing her own.


    Back at the Great General''s Mansion, the place became unsettled following the report from Ye Feng''s trusted aide.

 Chapter 430 - 430 You Wont Cry Until You See the Coffin

    After receiving the report from Ye Feng''s trusted aide, Duan Tian stood frozen in place, gnashing his teeth only after a long while, "That brat Ye Feng actually... actually went directly to Zhang Jiuming''s residence, could it be that he knows something?"


    Many subordinates were still in the study at the time, but now no one dared to speak up. After all, everyone had already sensed the gravity of the situation. Given Northern King Ye Feng''s temperament, if he really found evidence, then there was no way this matter could end well.


    Bear in mind that just two days ago, Ye Feng had wiped out both the Ancient Martial Arts Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect completely.


    "It seems this will be somewhat difficult to handle," the strategist pondered, then suddenly said, "By the way, Great General, how is the situation at the Divine Doctor Sect? Has Leng Wuming been successfully taken care of?"


    Duan Tian furrowed his eyebrows, "I believe there will be news from that front soon, the current situation is still unclear."


    A deputy general asked, "Then what should we do now, Great General Duan Tian, now that Ye Feng has already stormed Zhang Jiuming''s home? Should we go there now?"


    "Go there now? Are you foolish? It is by no means a wise move to rush over before we have fully understood the situation and devised a strategy!" Duan Tian suddenly snorted coldly.


    The strategist nodded and said, "Indeed, considering the current situation, first, we need to clarify what happened at the Divine Doctor Sect. If Leng Wuming has been eliminated, then we can completely make it a case of dead men tell no tales."


    "What if Leng Wuming isn''t dead?" another general asked.


    "If Leng Wuming isn''t dead..." The strategist paused thoughtfully, seriously contemplating for a moment before asking, "Great General, there should be no problems with the people you sent to the Divine Doctor Sect, right?"


    "Of course, there''s no problem. Even if they''re not successful, their identities will certainly not be exposed. Rest assured on that," Duan Tian said, as a man in black swiftly swept in through a side door, whispering a few words in his ear.


    Duan Tian sighed, "Indeed, I still underestimated that Ye fellow. Having dispatched several Great Powers, I thought the threat could be eliminated. To think that in the end they would return empty-handed, no, they didn''t even return at all."


    "All of them fell inside, none survived to escape?" The strategist was slightly shocked. Although he was not aware of the Great General''s resources, he knew the people sent must be extraordinarily skilled, at least at the Divine Ability Realm Level.


    The important point was that Ye Feng had already led some of his elite trusted aides to Zhang Jiuming''s residence, so it was certain that Ye Feng was not there during the battle. Yet, despite that, several Divine Ability Realm Great Powers could not even return alive.


    Of course, what they could never have expected was that these Divine Ability Realm Great Powers met their demise on the spot entirely due to their carelessness, leading to their poisoning and elimination.


    "Great General Duan Tian, according to the current situation, Ye Feng going directly to Zhang Jiuming''s residence implies that he must have obtained some solid evidence. So, no matter what, Zhang Jiuming is unlikely to be preserved. This time, sir, it seems you must sacrifice the car to save your rook," the strategist suddenly said.


    "Sacrifice the car to save the rook?" Great General Duan Tian was not a foolish man; with just a moment''s reflection, he completely understood, though he was still somewhat worried.


    "Yes, Great General, we should first visit the Zhang Residence, lest the pressure drives young Zhang Jiuming to desperately lash out at everyone!"


    Those below all coldly shouted, appearing very arrogant and overbearing.


    Upon hearing this, Great General Duan Tian immediately said, "Indeed, with things having reached this point, let''s go meet this youngster. If he dares be too presumptuous on my territory, I will not tolerate his wildcard behavior!"


    With that, the Great General stood up and strode out of the door, followed closely by numerous deputy generals, and even a squad of trusted aide experts from the Great General''s Mansion, all arriving with an imposing aura.


    At this very moment in Zhang Jiuming''s residence, Ye Feng had already moved from the Inner Courtyard to the main hall in front, mindful not to disturb the Zhang family members in the Inner Courtyard too much.


    In the main hall, Ye Feng sat in the seat of honor, while Zhang Jiuming still lay sprawled on the floor like a puddle of mud, his face ashen. He knew that he was probably finished today, since the matter was too grave for even the Great General''s Mansion to protect him.


    Zhang Jiuming was simply contemplating how to minimize the impact and consequences of this affair; after all, he was acutely aware that a major battle between Northern King Ye Feng and Duan Tian could have very serious consequences, potentially leading to unrest within the Xuanyuan Nation.


    "Your Majesty, it has been a while, and there has been no movement from the Great General. Should we...?" Xiao Chuanqi asked.


    Ye Feng immediately gestured with his hand and said, "He will come. If he doesn''t, his reputation will certainly suffer greatly. Duan Tian is a smart man and he knows what choices to make."


    No sooner had these words fallen than a clamor was heard from outside, indicating that the incoming party was not small. Suddenly, a group of about twenty people charged in, each radiating the powerful presence of an expert.


    "Northern King Ye Feng, your unprovoked intrusion into the Zhang Residence to take someone, don''t you think you''re being too presumptuous?" Great General Duan Tian hadn''t yet entered but had already bellowed like thunder.


    Ye Feng merely smiled faintly, not uttering a word.


    Great General Duan Tian entered the hall and immediately sat on the floor with the grandeur of a general taking his throne. He glanced at Zhang Jiuming, who was collapsed on the ground, and coldly ordered, "Zhang Jiuming, you, my subordinate, what are you doing kneeling there? Stand up for me!"


    Seeing the arrival of the Great General and sensing his overwhelming presence, Zhang Jiuming couldn''t help but feel hopeful again, thinking that perhaps the Great General might actually be able to protect him this time. With this thought, he quickly stood up and moved behind the Great General.


    Ye Feng simply swept over with his gaze and remained silent.


    It was at this point that Duan Tian glared at him and demanded, "His Highness Northern King, don''t you think you owe me an explanation for tonight''s events?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and replied, "You want an explanation? Very well, I shall discuss it with you. Zhang Jiuming committed an assassination in the Capital Region the day before yesterday, and under the law, he should be executed. As his master, you cannot escape responsibility!"


    The Great General suddenly burst into laughter, guffawing heartily. Despite being over fifty, he still had a powerful diaphragm, showing that Duan Tian was also a master of great skill.


    "What a joke, truly preposterous nonsense!" Duan Tian suddenly rebuked sharply, "You intend to condemn with just your unilateral accusation? This is not your Northern Border!"


    "Indeed, if you cannot provide evidence, please refrain from making baseless accusations, Your Highness Northern King," his strategist also interjected sharply.


    "Evidence? You want evidence? I will give it to you!" With that, Ye Feng casually tossed out the Blood Garment Zhang Jiuming had worn during his covert operation the day before yesterday.


    "Zhang Jiuming, this is your Blood Garment. Do you recognize it?" Ye Feng asked, each word deliberate and clear.


    Zhang Jiuming hesitated, his gaze instinctively turning towards the Great General, probably weighing how to respond.


    However, Duan Tian stayed silent, obviously not foolish. The Blood Garment still bore Zhang Jiuming''s blood, an irrefutable piece of evidence. Internally, he cursed Zhang Jiuming for not destroying such incriminating items immediately.


    Zhang Jiuming was inwardly panicked but was no fool. Knowing he could not deny it, he said, "Yes, these clothes are indeed mine. However, His Highness Northern King is mistaken about one thing ¨C this garment was what I wore a few days ago during an operation at Heavenly Movement Mountain. The bloodstains on it are from that time as well."


    "Oh? An operation a few days ago at Heavenly Movement Mountain?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but chuckle, "Then tell me, exactly how many days ago was it?"


    Zhang Jiuming struggled to recall, and after a moment replied, "I can''t remember the exact date, probably six days ago, I guess."


    "Nonsense!" Ye Feng angrily shouted, his teeth clenched, "Six days ago, any bloodstains of my Foster Father would have already dried up. Take a closer look at the bloodstains on the garment now. Do they look like they''re six days old?"


    Suddenly, Duan Tian scoffed and suggested, "Perhaps Zhang Jiuming simply misremembered. After all, as a hermit, he not only has to undertake missions but also has to train regularly. Maybe the bloodstains are from a different occasion."


    "Exactly, exactly, that must be it. I had a training session two days ago, and I guess that''s when the blood got on it," Zhang Jiuming quickly agreed.


    "You''re clearly making excuses!" Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t stand to listen anymore and sharply interjected, "You just said that you obtained those bloodstains during an operation six days ago ¨C so how could you have worn it two days ago?"


    At this point, the strategist couldn''t help but speak up with a laugh, "That''s not necessarily true. You might not be aware, but Zhang Jiuming has always been frugal. Even when his regular clothes become worn or tattered, he patches them up and wears them for another three years. A little bloodstain isn''t hard to clean, so naturally, a person like Lord Zhang wouldn''t just discard them."


    Zhang Jiuming immediately echoed, "Yes, yes, that''s exactly right."


    Ye Feng''s mouth twitched into a sneer, "Zhang Jiuming, it seems you won''t shed a tear until you see the coffin. Since that''s so, open your eyes wide and see this ¨C what is this?"


    As his words fell, Ye Feng took out a button.


    "This is..." Great General Duan Tian''s eyes sharpened as he inquired, "What is this now?"


    "This is a button from Zhang Jiuming''s Action Suit, torn off by Leng Wuming during their fight the night before last!" Ye Feng took a deep breath and turned his gaze to Zhang Jiuming, speaking each word distinctly, "This button not only bears Leng Wuming''s fingerprints, but he also told me that your garment has his fingerprints as well, and even his blood.


    This fact can be easily verified with a simple test."


    "Zhang Jiuming, do you still want to argue your innocence? Will you not confess?" Ye Feng said, slapping his hand on the table and then abruptly standing up. The powerful Palm Power instantly shattered the pear wood chair into splinters.


    Zhang Jiuming was so terrified he collapsed to his knees once more. At that moment, even Duan Tian maintained his silence, as did his dog-headed strategist, who was now also at a loss for words.


    "Let me tell you, Zhang Jiuming, now that the evidence is conclusive, if you confess willingly and reveal who is behind the scenes instructing you, I might show you leniency. Otherwise, your death today is certain!" Ye Feng stood with his hands behind his back, spear-like, in the center of the hall.


    At that moment, the hall fell into a silence as quiet as death.

 Chapter 431: Are You Still Trying to Stir Up Trouble?

    Ye Feng stood upright, his gaze mocking as he looked at Zhang Jiuming, not hurrying him at all. After all, he had all the time in the world. Now the evidence was irrefutable, and he wasn''t afraid of any cunning arguments from the other party. The problem wasn''t with Zhang Jiuming, it was with Duan Tian.


    If Duan Tian were foolish and audacious enough to try and save Zhang Jiuming regardless of the consequences, then the whole situation would be completely different. Of course, if that were the case, Ye Feng wouldn''t mind if both sides went to war.


    He had already destroyed Sects of Ancient Martial Arts like the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect; he certainly wouldn''t care about a Great General''s Mansion.


    Of course, Ye Feng was certain that Duan Tian would not show up at this time. He was bound to abandon the pawn to save the chariot, choosing to sacrifice Zhang Jiuming to prevent the matter from implicating himself. After all, Ye Feng knew Duan Tian well; the man appeared dominant on the surface but was, in truth, a perfect example of someone who bullied the weak and feared the strong.


    Therefore, on this matter, Ye Feng would not give in!


    The hall remained oppressively silent, with Zhang Jiuming not daring to speak, staring intently at Duan Tian. By his looks, he was desperately hoping Duan Tian would step in to save his life.


    However, what Zhang Jiuming did not expect was that Duan Tian too slapped his hand down fiercely, his powerful Palm Power instantly smashing the table to bits. He abruptly rose to his feet, pointing at Zhang Jiuming while gritting his teeth and shouting, "Damn you, Zhang Jiuming!


    As a Deputy General, you have no respect for the law, daring to lay your hands on Northern King Ye Feng''s belongings, and even killing His Highness''s trusted aide, severely wounding the commander of the Northern Border Legion. You''ve committed a capital offense!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiuming was immediately dumbfounded, staring at Duan Tian in disbelief. But soon, he understood¡ªhe had been abandoned, and at last, he realized he was finished.


    Seeing this, the military advisor pointed at Zhang Jiuming and loudly declared, "Zhang Jiuming, you have been recklessly bold; the Great General has trusted you so much, and yet you had the audacity to hide this from him and engage in such acts."


    Ye Feng, upon seeing this, couldn''t help but sneer, "Great General, I''m quite suspicious. Could it be that this matter wasn''t orchestrated by you?"


    Duan Tian replied with a bitter smile, "Of course not. How could I ever do such a thing? By Heaven and Earth, I swear it was all done behind my back by Zhang Jiuming alone. Actually, I didn''t learn about this until now. Otherwise, I would have arrested Zhang Jiuming earlier and delivered him to the Northern King''s Residence to let His Highness dispose of him."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly; he could roughly guess that this matter was not instigated by Duan Tian but was solely Zhang Jiuming''s doing. Otherwise, there would not have been so many incriminating clues left behind, and Leng Wuming certainly would not still be alive.


    "Since it was Zhang Jiuming acting alone, what, in the Great General''s opinion, should be the appropriate punishment?" Ye Feng asked, his lips curled into a cold smile.


    Duan Tian raised an eyebrow and pronounced each word, "Zhang Jiuming brazenly intercepted the Northern King''s resources and even killed the Northern King''s trusted aide. According to the law of the nation, death by execution and no one else involved shall be spared!"


    "And this method of punishment, I wonder if the Northern King finds it satisfactory."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly. Duan Tian then turned his head and glared at Zhang Jiuming, his teeth clenched as he shouted, "Now that the evidence is conclusive, do you, Zhang Jiuming, have anything else to say? Rest assured that after your death, I will take good care of your family."


    Suddenly, Zhang Jiuming slumped, collapsing completely to the ground, realizing that he was finished. In the entire Xuanyuan Nation, not a single person could save him.


    In fact, Zhang Jiuming understood the Great General''s temperament well; if he simply admitted his guilt now, only he would die, not implicating his family. But if he refused to confess and implicated the Great General and others, then likely his entire family would be wiped out.


    "I plead guilty; I deserve death," Zhang Jiuming said helplessly.


    Upon saying this, Zhang Jiuming suddenly lifted his hand and smacked his forehead, immediately taking his own life.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed slightly, and then he huffed coldly, "Zhang Jiuming certainly deserves to die a thousand deaths, but there''s still one thing¡ªthe seized materials."


    The military advisor stated, "The materials will naturally be returned in full."


    Xiao Chuanqi abruptly demanded, "Then please tell us, where are those materials now? We just checked; they were not at Zhang Jiuming''s residence."


    Duan Tian suddenly fell silent because those materials were now in the Great General''s Mansion. After making his move, Zhang Jiuming suddenly realized the gravity of the situation and did not dare to keep the materials, instead sending them directly to the Great General''s Mansion.


    At this, everyone from the Great General''s Mansion remained silent. Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but secretly sneer.


    It was finally the military advisor who, after some thought, said, "I''ve just remembered that according to a report from the day before yesterday, Zhang Jiuming suddenly transported several large boxes to the Training Ground Base Camp. It seems those are likely the materials originally belonging to the Northern King."


    "The Training Ground Base Camp?" Ye Feng scoffed, before saying, "If that''s the case, let''s set off immediately for the Training Ground."


    The military advisor was taken aback. He had hoped to use an excuse to stall and then timely transport the materials from the Great General''s Mansion to the Training Ground, thus closing the matter smoothly.


    But what he never anticipated was that the Northern King Ye Feng would be so astute, immediately insisting on heading to the Training Ground and leaving him no time to prepare. It seemed that the Northern King had seen through his stalling tactic.


    Seeing this, Duan Tian quickly signaled the military advisor with his eyes. The advisor proved his worth, resourceful as he was, and suddenly fell to his knees with a thump.


    "Great General, please spare my life, I beg you to spare my life! I''ve committed the crime of withholding information, please, Great General, spare me!" Seeing the military strategist kneeling on the ground without any dignity, everyone around was stupefied.


    Duan Tian, however, was well aware of what was happening. After all, this wasn''t the first time he had asked the strategist to do something like this, so he pretended to cough twice and asked, "What''s going on? What have you done wrong to end up like this?"


    Trembling with fear, the military strategist said, "Great General, it was like this: last night, Zhang Jiuming suddenly came to me saying he had a batch of supplies, which were too important to leave at the noisy and crowded training ground, so he asked me to help store the supplies in the treasure vault at the Great General''s Mansion for a few days."


    At this point, the military strategist began to wail continuously: "Now that I think about it, those supplies are most likely His Highness Northern King''s batch. I swear on Heaven and Earth, at the time I was oblivious, so I agreed to Zhang Jiuming''s request in confusion. Please, Great General, forgive me!"


    "You foolish thing, you usually seem so clever, and yet you''ve done such a foolish thing. How could you dare to store the supplies in the mansion''s vault without clarifying their origin?"


    Duan Tian cursed on the surface, but deep inside he was overjoyed, thinking how worthy the military strategist was of his title, coming up with a response strategy so quickly. He snorted coldly: "Fine, considering you were unaware, I will spare your dog''s life. However, your inability to distinguish right from wrong must be punished, so you are fined three months'' salary!"


    "Thank you, Great General! Thank you, Great General!" The military strategist thanked him profusely with numerous bows.


    Duan Tian no longer paid any attention to him and turned to look at Ye Feng, saying, "I suppose His Highness Northern King has heard as well. Your batch of supplies is most likely in my mansion''s vault and never moved to the base camp at the training ground. Please follow me."


    Ye Feng sneered inwardly, but since Zhang Jiuming was already dead and without proof to challenge, even if he knew these two old foxes were putting on an act, there was no way to expose it. He could only nod slightly and say, "Then I am in your debt, Great General."


    "His Highness Northern King, please!" The Great General gestured an invitation, then stepped into his carriage and rode away.


    At this time, Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, are we just going to let it go? Only Zhang Jiuming is dead, and clearly, the Great General''s Mansion was involved. Plus, our latest intelligence reports that the Divine Doctor Sect was attacked by assailants from the Divine Path Realm, which is obviously the work of the Great General''s Mansion."


    "Let it go? After they targeted my people, how could it possibly end like this!" Ye Feng snorted fiercely, then with a smirk, he said, "Just wait and see; the real show is just beginning. If the Great General''s Mansion wants to continue existing, they will have to bleed heavily this time!"


    Xiao Chuanqi bowed and said, "But, Your Majesty, after all, we are in the Capital Region, and if we don''t have a good reason, it might be difficult for us to act directly, especially considering we must respect their status."


    "Rest assured, I have my plans. Let''s go to the Great General''s Mansion first!" Ye Feng said as he waved his hand and stepped into the carriage. Both parties'' troops immediately roared out, arriving at the Great General''s Mansion half a quarter hour later.


    As Ye Feng and his group disembarked, they saw box after box of supplies being brought out at the instruction of the Great General ¨C a total of six large boxes. These were all obtained from the Underworld Sect and were all invaluable treasures of gold, silver, and jewels, as the Underworld Sect had accumulated immense wealth over centuries.


    "Northern King, all the supplies are here; please take a look," said the military strategist with a gesture.


    Ye Feng''s expression darkened suddenly as he coldly snapped, "What is this, just these six boxes? Only these six?"


    The military strategist was baffled and after hesitating, said, "Yes, these six boxes, they''re all here."


    "Bullshit!" Ye Feng erupted in rage, pointing at the strategist and shouting, "Dare you deceive me, believe me, I could have your head rolling on the ground right now!"


    "This... this..." The strategist was terrified, his legs trembling uncontrollably, and he dared not speak any further. After all, the aura of Northern King Ye Feng was too overwhelming.


    The Great General had already walked inside, feeling that his status and plane made it unnecessary for him to deal with the ensuing matters, leaving it to the military strategist. However, he never anticipated that the real situation was only just beginning.


    But after hearing the news, he got up so quickly that he didn''t even have time to finish his bird''s nest soup and walked out.


    "What''s going on, Northern King? Now that the supplies have been returned to you, are you still looking to make trouble?" Duan Tian strode out with a determined step and a stern face, showing that he was truly angry.


    Ye Feng sneered and said, "Me, looking for trouble? I think it''s quite clear that the Great General''s Mansion is openly provoking and bullying. Great General, do not think that because this is the Capital Region, I, the Northern King, will be afraid of you!"


    Duan Tian snapped back, "Fine, then explain what exactly is going on here?"


    Ye Feng huffed, "I ordered Leng Wuming to oversee the transportation of the supplies, which were clearly twelve boxes. But now, only six boxes are here; six have mysteriously vanished. Tell me, Great General, where did the supplies go?"


    Duan Tian scoffed, "You say there were twelve boxes? That''s ridiculous; there were only six. Do you think I, as the Great General, would believe that? I tell you, Ye Feng, do not bully others or provoke recklessly. Have you forgotten what happened more than a year ago in the Capital Region?"


    This was an unmistakable threat. Upon hearing this, Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and his expression grew more austere.

 Chapter 432: See You in Three Days!

    Ye Feng glared at Great General Duantian and slowly raised his finger, word by word he said, "Twelve chests, not one less!"


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and shouted, "These twelve chests of supplies are treasures obtained by our lord from the Underworld Sect, each of incalculable value. They are intended for use by the Martial Academy and, by extension, the Xuanyuan Nation. Therefore, no one, no matter who, may touch them. Our lord has said, not one chest less, and so there must be not one chest less!"


    In fact, Xiao Chuanqi and the others all knew that the Northern King had indeed sent only six chests with Leng Wuming. Now that not a single chest was missing and even the seals on them hadn''t been broken, it indicated that the contents had not been tampered with.


    However, now that Ye Feng mentioned twelve chests, Xiao Chuanqi and the others naturally assumed there were twelve chests. It was clear to everyone that the lord was not going to let the matter rest and that the Great General would have to suffer a great loss.


    In addition, the lord had long made it clear that these supplies were specifically for the Martial Academy''s use. The lord took not a stitch for himself, so everyone felt that even if it meant the Great General losing out heavily, it was not unacceptable. In fact, everyone felt that the lord''s actions were right and immensely satisfying.


    Great General Duantian stood there with many skilled trusted aides swiftly gathering behind him. The atmosphere immediately became tense again. Duantian glared for a long while before gritting his teeth and saying word by word, "Ye Feng, I know what you mean. I only have one thing to say, are you really intending to blow this up into a big issue?"


    Ye Feng sneered and said, "I do not understand what the Great General means by this. I''m merely taking back what belongs to me today. Yet the Great General''s Mansion has gone too far, embezzling the supplies meant for the Martial Academy without cause. For the Academy, for Xuanyuan Nation, and for all the common people, I shall not retreat one step!"


    Because the incident had blown up so publicly, and it took place right at the entrance, the streets quickly filled with many people. Besides numerous higher-ups from the capital, there were also many commoners.


    When these common folk heard Ye Feng''s words, they all nodded in agreement, unreservedly praising that Northern King Ye Feng had done absolutely nothing wrong and that it was the Great General''s Mansion that was being exceedingly overbearing and tyrannical.


    "The Great General''s Mansion, usually putting on airs and oppressing others, is one thing, but now they''re acting so arrogantly and presumptuously, not only robbing the Northern King of his supplies but, I heard, also severely injuring people. And now they''ve even gone so far as to seizure half the supplies and refuse to return them. It''s just too much!"


    "Yes, the Great General is too wicked, an outright bad person. By contrast, Northern King Ye Feng is truly too good, always thinking of us first. He already announced no fees for the opening of the Martial Academy. It must be the Principal had seen the Academy without a source of income, so he went out of his way to raise funds.


    Now that he finally got them, they''ve been unlawfully detained by the Great General''s Mansion!"


    "Support the Northern King, support the Principal!"


    "Support the Northern King, unconditional support for the Northern King, support our Martial Academy Principal!"


    For a moment there, the entire street was filled with the angry roars of the commoners, with the outcry growing louder and louder. If this continued, the Great General''s Mansion might indeed incur the wrath of the populace.


    Duantian, witnessing such a scene, turned green with discomfort, never anticipating that in the end, the other party would outmaneuver him in this way.


    On the other hand, Ye Feng felt like manna from heaven had fallen upon him. He suddenly sensed that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness began to emanate the Source of Luck. Although the quantity was not substantial, it wasn''t negligible either. It seemed that his actions had gained the support of these people, earning him prestige and luck.


    "It seems, in doing anything, one really must consider the perspective of the common people and seek benefits for them. Only then can my cultivation speed accelerate significantly!" Ye Feng mused silently to himself.


    "Northern King, I shall say it one last time, do you truly not intend to let this go?" Great General clenched his fists tightly, nearly reaching the point of explosion.


    Necessarily, Ye Feng couldn''t be intimidated by him and responded, word by word, "I''ve said it, twelve chests. If the Great General''s Mansion does not hand over the other six chests of treasures, I shall never let it rest!"


    "Good, very good!" Great General Duantian suddenly laughed, his mouth widening in a grin, "A mere boy whose hair has yet to fully grow, and he dares to target me. I warn you, if you leave today, I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, I will not hesitate to start a war!"


    Ye Feng suddenly stepped forward, and word by word announced, "I also tell you, if you do not hand over the other six chests of Treasure today, you want a war. I shall accompany you to the end!"


    "Haha..." The Great General suddenly burst into loud laughter, his boisterous mirth reaching the Sky Horizon. He suddenly clenched his fists, ready to completely erupt.


    Yet at that moment, Zhuge Wuming suddenly appeared out of nowhere, standing between the two men, and declared, "Both of you, calm down!"


    With that, he waved his hand gently dissipating the aura of strength exuding from Great General Duantian.


    The Great General Duantian bit his lip and demanded coldly, "Senior Zhuge, what are you doing? Are you intending to favor this boy?"


    While speaking, the Great General kept looking left and right, probably to see if anyone else would appear. Normally, given the gravity of the situation, not only Zhuge Wuming, but also the old man from the Utility Pavilion, Tang Bai, would show up, and the rest of the Utility Pavilion''s Sect Leaders would also come.


    But it wasn''t until now that Duantian realized the expected person hadn''t arrived, and instead, Zhuge Wuming, who shouldn''t have, made an unwanted appearance. At this moment, Duantian understood that Tang Bai, that damn old man, obviously intended to watch the drama unfold and had no plans to help.


    As for the Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion, they were even more worried that they would be oppressed by someone with greater power in the Utility Pavilion in the future, so they certainly wished for my power to suffer a major setback at this moment, and therefore, they would not come forward to help under any circumstances.


    Considering this, Duantian couldn''t help but snort heavily, his anger growing even more intense.


    Zhuge Wuming chuckled and said, "As one of the two elders of the Utility Pavilion, it is only natural that I would not be partial to anyone. I have always upheld the principle of fairness and justice for the country and the people."


    "If that''s the case, then all the better!" Duantian snorted loudly.


    Zhuge Wuming continued, "I have fully understood the matters between you two. All in all, each side has its own reasons, and it''s difficult for me to make a judgment. However, one thing is certain, with both of your identities being so significant, any rash action could potentially affect the entire nation, and might even give foreign powers an opportunity to exploit!"


    Duantian snorted coldly, "Senior Zhuge speaks very true. If not for the sake of national interests, why would I, as a General, tolerate those young upstarts provoking me? I would have directly chopped them into pieces!"


    Ye Feng also snorted coldly, "If not for the consideration of the nation''s situation, last night your Great General''s Mansion would have ceased to exist!"


    "What did you say, you brat? How dare you!" Duantian exploded in rage.


    The situation had developed to a point where anyone could see that the conflict between the two sides had become irreconcilable. In fact, long before this, everyone had seen the signs as Northern King Ye Feng''s power grew increasingly strong and he continued to advance towards the imperial capital, which was causing the rift with the Great General to worsen step by step.


    No one had expected, however, that this day would come so soon, and the catalyst for this conflict was Zhang Jiuming''s move to seize the supplies escorted by Leng Wuming.


    Zhuge Wuming knew he should not have appeared, as the stakes on both sides were high, and now that things had escalated to this point, even he would not be able to mediate. But he knew that if he did not step in, the imperial capital might very well fall into chaos today.


    "Gentlemen, please calm down and hear what I have to say," Zhuge Wuming said, gesturing with his hand.


    Duantian snorted coldly, "Senior Zhuge, this matter is completely fabricated by this youngster to slander and provoke the Great General''s Mansion. No matter what, as a General, I cannot swallow this insult today!"


    Zhuge Wuming nodded and said, "Both of you are people of status. Having the situation escalate like this would be bad enough if it just stayed within the nation. If it were to be known by other countries, wouldn''t it be a laughing stock?"


    At this point, Duantian finally fell silent.


    Ye Feng thought about it and realized that the other side was right. He then snorted, "Senior Zhuge is correct. For the sake of the nation''s overall situation and the welfare of the people, I can take a step back."


    Saying this, Duantian thought the other party was afraid and decided to back down, but the next moment, Ye Feng snorted coldly, "In three days, at the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, I will be waiting there for the Great General to arrive!"


    "Of course, to prevent loss of life and to not affect the nation''s situation, we will each bring only five people. At that time, I will bring only five people!"


    Duantian was stunned for a moment before he understood. The Northern King was planning to have a final showdown with him, a duel of Peak Power. He nodded immediately and said, "Very well, five of Peak Power, sparing ordinary soldiers from bleeding on the battlefield. I accept the challenge. Three days from now, at the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, I will be there until the end!"


    "At that time, it will be either your death or mine. Listen well, Ye Feng; if I, the Great General, walk down from the Heavenly Movement Mountain alive, then you will have to resign from your position as Northern King and step down as the Principal. Of course, if I do not live to come down that day, the treasury of the Great General''s Mansion will belong to you, the Northern King."


    Ye Feng laughed loudly and said, "In three days, on the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, I will be waiting for you!" Having said this, Ye Feng waved his hand grandly and led his trusted aides away.


    Zhuge Wuming watched them go and ultimately could only shake his head and sigh, then disappeared into thin air, evidently this was the best of the bad solutions available. After all, the conflict between the two had become irreconcilable, and choosing to settle it with their respective Peak Power would minimize the casualty of innocent people as much as possible.


    Of course, now there was no way but for, after three days, one party would be able to come down from the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range alive.


    The news of the agreed duel on the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range spread fast, instantly stirring up a frenzy in the imperial capital. When the high echelons of the imperial capital heard it, they all shook their heads and sighed, "The day has finally come, but which one of them will emerge victorious in the end?"


    Of course, compared to before when people had little faith in Ye Feng, now almost no one dared to underestimate him. After all, Ye Feng had fully matured and established his foundation, and even the Utility Pavilion dared not take him lightly anymore. However, the Great General has also lived more than half a lifetime and has a considerable depth of power.


    So, who will be able to walk down from the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range in the end is still an uncertain outcome!

 Chapter 433: The Five-Hundred-Year-Old Monster!

    Leaving the Great General''s Mansion, Ye Feng did not choose to return to Northern Cloud Residence but instead had the materials delivered to the Imperial Martial Academy, where they were to be managed and distributed by Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong.


    Because of the close relationship between Shi Yehong and Ye Feng, and coupled with the recent killing of the Nine Sect Leaders'' Qiu Kuzhen, it naturally led to Shi Yehong facing exclusion from the other sect leaders, not to mention that even Boss Cao Yi had been squeezed out.


    Of course, now that the Second Sect Leader was of a certain age, he seemed to have accepted the situation. He simply couldn''t be bothered with going to the Utility Pavilion anymore and chose to go to the Imperial Martial Academy instead. Seeing this, Ye Feng let him take charge of the academy''s financial authority because he didn''t trust anyone else with it.


    Moreover, Ye Feng even directly proposed Shi Yehong as the acting vice principal of the Martial Academy. Initially, this position was absolutely reserved for Hong Jiutian, but after his panic-stricken escape following the battle at the summit of the Forbidden City, he clearly had no face to show up again.


    Although Ye Feng did not have the direct authority to appoint him, he did have the authority to arrange an acting position, and after Shi Yehong took over, the man seemed to come alive, with his essence, qi, and spirit all changing.


    Previously at the Utility Pavilion, he might have been the Second Sect Leader, but he was pressured by the Grand Sect Leader and two elders above him, and he simply was unable to showcase his talents.


    "Ye Feng, with these several large boxes of treasures and the cultivation methods and martial techniques seized from the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect, the academy can definitely proceed with its initial stages. I''ve roughly estimated it, and we should be able to carry out three terms, spanning three years. This really is an urgent need!" Shi Yehong remarked with a sigh.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "We don''t need to worry about the financial aspect now, but these cultivation methods and martial techniques are still not quite right."


    Shi Yehong curiously asked, "Aren''t these already in hand, how could they still not be right?"


    Ye Feng shook his head with a wry smile and replied, "The techniques of the Flora Sect are mostly suitable for women to practice, and those of the Underworld Sect lean towards being ruthless and sly, which are also not quite suitable. Only those from other sects like the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect from Mount Shu are more appropriate."


    Speaking up to here, Ye Feng sighed deeply and said, "It seems that when the time is right, I will have to make a trip to the Western Territory."


    Hearing this, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong couldn''t help but laugh and say, "You might not need to wait for a suitable time in the future.


    I just heard from a reliable source that the other day, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts¡ªnow of course excluding the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect, since these two sects are temporarily reorganized by their scattered disciples but their foundation is already lost!"


    Ye Feng asked, "Has the Second Sect Leader heard something?"


    Shi Yehong nodded and said, "I''ve heard that the remaining sects have already reached a consensus to hold a Martial Forest Convention at the Buddhist Sect. Based on my judgment, this Martial Forest Convention might very well be aimed at confronting you."


    "A Martial Forest Convention?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and then coldly snorted, "Let''s not bother with these for now. We should first handle the matters concerning the Great General''s Mansion."


    Shi Yehong inquired, "The Great General''s Mansion, after all, has been established for decades, with a very profound base, but you, you''ve grown too fast recently, so much so that even I can''t see through you anymore. Even the likes of Flora Sect and Underworld Sect have been eradicated by you, it seems unlikely you would worry about a mere Great General''s Mansion."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "That''s natural; I''m not going to take a Great General''s Mansion seriously, but for some reason, I have this unsettled feeling in my heart, as if something is going to happen soon."


    The Second Sect Leader asked, "The five people, have you chosen?"


    After seeing Ye Feng nod, Shi Yehong said no more. Although he would have liked to lend a hand to Ye Feng, he knew all too well that with his current cultivation level, he probably couldn''t participate in a battle of that tier.


    "All right, Second Sect Leader, I estimate I still have many matters to attend to. After settling the issues with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, I''ll likely enter the legendary Outer Battlefield. So for the Martial Academy, I''ll have to trouble you to take good care of it.


    Besides, if you encounter any major issues that can''t be resolved, feel free to seek out Senior Zhuge at the Utility Pavilion," said Ye Feng.


    "I got it, you young man, don''t forget that I am still your mentor''s mentor. With just these matters, how could I not handle them? Rest assured, the Martial Academy will soon be implemented nationwide. As you said, we''ll make sure every willing commoner has the opportunity to learn, without leaving anyone behind!" Shi Yehong responded with a hearty laugh.


    Then, Ye Feng left the Imperial Martial Academy and headed back to Northern Cloud Residence. By this time, the day had fully dawned, and unintentionally, an entire night had passed. It was particularly cold in the capital during the early winter mornings, and unknowingly, snowflakes like dandruff had started to drift from the sky.


    Upon entering Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng discovered that the young girl Yu Feiyu had also followed him inside.


    "How is it, those people who ambushed the Divine Doctor Sect, were you able to find out anything about their origins?" Ye Feng asked as he entered the main hall.


    Hong Qingyan did not speak but went to the backyard to prepare breakfast. Even though the servants had already made it, she still habitually checked on it, otherwise, she wouldn''t be at ease.


    Yu Feiyu furrowed her brow and said, "It''s almost figured out. They are all remnants and desperate outlaws of the Martial Arts World from many years past. Most of these people originate from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts but were expelled by their sects after committing serious crimes, and they are even wanted by the Utility Pavilion."


    Ye Feng frowned and said, "It seems that these people must have been bribed by someone."


    "That''s likely, but the person behind the scenes can''t be traced," Yu Feiyu said, shrugging her shoulders, "Big Brother Ye, you must understand that under those circumstances, I couldn''t leave them alive; otherwise, the consequences would be unpredictable. After all, handling several powerhouses of the Divine Ability Realm Level is beyond my ability."


    Ye Feng nodded in agreement, "They''re dead, so there''s no need to pursue the matter any further."


    Yu Feiyu quickly caught on and changed the subject, "Right, Big Brother Ye, about those five people from the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, should I mention it to my father and ask him to invite the two venerable elders from the valley to come out of seclusion?"


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "If the elders from the valley could be persuaded to come out, that would indeed be good. However, I know your father''s character. He wouldn''t offer this help for nothing and will definitely have his demands."


    Yu Feiyu said indignantly, "Then just agree to his demands, it''s not like he''s going to eat you up."


    Ye Feng fell silent, and both of them knew what Yu Xianhe''s demand was: for Ye Feng to marry Yu Feiyu and take over the Valley of the Medicine God. But that was precisely the demand Ye Feng could not fulfill, especially now that he already had Hong Qingyan.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng quickly added, "By the way, has there been any movement at the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley lately?"


    Yu Feiyu knew he was deliberately changing the subject, and she wasn''t one to be easily sidetracked, so she countered, "The clash at the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range three days from now is no small matter. After all, the Great General''s Mansion is not to be underestimated. Are you truly not considering asking my father to invite the venerable elders?"


    Ye Feng suddenly felt a headache coming on as he considered how to refuse this tricky question, but at that moment, Hong Qingyan came out with breakfast, and they promptly ended the conversation to head to the dining room.


    However, Hong Qingyan suddenly suggested, "Big Brother Ye, since there are powerful experts in the Valley of the Medicine God, let Feiyu ask them for help. After all, with five people, we only count as two here, even if I''m barely considered one. As for Xiao Chuanqi and the others, their cultivation strength still falls short."


    Although Xiao Chuanqi had already reached the Divine Path Realm some time ago, he had been instructed by Ye Feng to deliberately suppress his cultivation realm and focus instead on enhancing the quality of his Qi Strength.


    While he might only be of the Second Realm of the Divine Path Realm in terms of cultivation, his combat power was now completely on par with a Fourth Realm Divine Communication Realm expert, and he could even hold his own for a short while against a Fifth Realm Divine Ability Realm opponent.


    Given the unique physiques of Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, that wasn''t surprising. Even so, there was still a gap when facing a peak Divine Ability Realm opponent, and against someone at the Half-Step Saint Realm Level, he would likely be defeated.


    With that in mind, Ye Feng couldn''t help but rub his temples, realizing that the current foundation of his side still fell short.


    Picking up his rice bowl, Ye Feng pondered for a moment before saying, "We''ll see. There''s no rush." With that, he began eating breakfast.


    Yu Feiyu wanted to protest, knowing that the decisive battle was in two days and time was pressing, but seeing Ye Feng clearly not interested in discussing it further, she remained silent.


    "This guy, would it really be so hard to just agree? Really, he could have given me a way out, making me, a girl, take the initiative. How embarrassing!" Yu Feiyu grumbled inwardly.


    As for Ye Feng, after hastily finishing breakfast, he headed to the backyard, where Leng Wuming had been moved but remained in the same critical condition as the night before. It seemed only the Black Jade Healing Paste could help him recover.


    "Buddhist Sect, what must be done to obtain this Black Jade Healing Paste? If there''s no way, then I might just have to seize it by force." Ye Feng squinted, feeling obligated not to sit by idly as Leng Wuming had been severely injured while on a mission to escort a treasure.


    Afterward, Ye Feng chose to retreat into the study''s secret room for secluded cultivation. With a significant amount of the Source of Luck now present in his Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he planned to use this time to train and strengthen his cultivation strength as much as possible.


    "With my current Cultivation Realm, the Sword of the King should be able to overpower anyone in the Divine Ability Realm, and if I were to use the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, I could even suppress powerhouses of the Sacred Realm.


    Using the Mental Power Nucleus, I could even contend with the legendary Half-Step Golden Core, but facing a Golden Core Realm master would probably be a bit challenging," Ye Feng reflected.


    However, the legendary Golden Core Realm was unlikely to exist within the Nine Great Sects of the Ancient Martial Arts world, though it was not impossible that one of the Four Great Ancient Clans possessed such a powerhouse, considering their centuries of heritage.


    Ye Feng also knew that once someone reached the Golden Core Realm, their lifespan would be much longer than that of a normal person, potentially living for up to five hundred years, which was quite terrifying.


    "Five hundred years, that''s practically an old monster. But with the foundation of the Great General''s Mansion, it''s unlikely they have connections with the Four Great Ancient Clans," Ye Feng mused, also not discounting the possibility that with the news of the upcoming battle spreading, the Ancient Clans might be scheming something.


    After all, up to this point, Ye Feng had already cultivated deep grudges with both the Bu Family and the Hong Family from among the Four Great Ancient Clans.

 Chapter 434 - 434 No One Can Compete with Me

    Meanwhile, as Ye Feng was cultivating in the secret chamber of his study, Great General Duan Tian also chose to cultivate. After all, he knew too well that the battle in three days'' time was of extraordinary significance.


    If he won, he could soar to the heavens and enter the Utility Pavilion; but if he lost, it would be a matter of losing his head. Therefore, Duan Tian dared not be careless. Although he publicly referred to Ye Feng as a young brat, he had to admit that the Ye Feng of today was no longer the Northern King of two years ago.


    "Immersed for so many years, it must have been over a decade since I last made a move. I originally planned to reveal my true power during next year''s major change in the Utility Pavilion, but now, I have to expose myself ahead of time."


    Sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber, Duan Tian muttered to himself, soon shaking his head with a cold laugh. "Well, it doesn''t matter if I reveal my strength now. As Ye Feng''s status grows ever higher, and with him being the Martial Academy Principal, once I defeat him, everything he has will become my bridal gown, the stepping stone for my advancement into the Utility Pavilion!"


    Having said this, Duan Tian''s aura suddenly expanded and his eyes shot out beams of golden light. Although he was clearly sitting on the meditation mat, all of a sudden, he began to levitate off the ground.


    If a great power were to witness this scene, they would surely be astonished by the strength displayed by Duan Tian. Floating in mid-air for such a long time is only possible for the legendary beings of the Sacred Boundary. Even martial artists of the Divine Ability Realm Level could only skim through the air briefly and could not maintain prolonged flight.


    As it turned out, Duan Tian ostensibly had only one foot in the Divine Path Realm, pretending to be at the threshold of the Divine Ability Realm. Yet, he had concealed his true power¡ªhis actual Cultivation Realm was already that of a Saint Realm, a fact that perhaps not even the entire Great General''s Mansion, much less the Utility Pavilion, could perceive.


    After all, among all the sect leaders in the Utility Pavilion, there were only two old men who were legendary beings of the Saint Realm. It can be imagined that once the major changes in the Pavilion take place next year, Duan Tian is destined to become the biggest dark horse, possibly even becoming the third elder of the Utility Pavilion, ascending to the heavens in a single step.


    "Ye, I had intended to allow you more time to pave the way for me, but now I must not let you stay any longer," Great General Duan Tian gritted his teeth and said coldly.


    Just then, his personal butler suddenly conveyed a message through a particular secret method: "Master, there are guests asking to see you outside!"


    Great General Duan Tian, infuriated, gritted his teeth and said, "Haven''t I told you? When this general is in secluded cultivation, no one is to disturb me unless it is a matter of utmost importance."


    The butler was not afraid, seemingly well-versed in his master''s fiery temper, and replied immediately: "Master, the guests'' origins are too mysterious and powerful. I believe you must see them yourself."


    "Who are these people with such audacity, insisting that this great general personally meet them?" Duan Tian demanded, teeth clenched.


    "They say they are from the Four Great Ancient Clans," replied the butler.


    "What did you say, the Four Great Ancient Clans?" Duan Tian''s expression dramatically changed, and with a swift movement, he appeared before the butler, looking somewhat excited and even a bit nervous. "Are they truly from the Four Great Ancient Clans?" he asked again.


    "Yes, master, that''s what they claimed, but it''s yet to be confirmed. So I only invited them to the main hall for tea, then rushed to report to you immediately," the butler said.


    "You''ve done the right thing, there''s no need for confirmation; they must indeed be from the Four Great Ancient Clans. After all, no one in this world would dare to falsely claim affiliation with the Four Great Ancient Clans!"


    Duan Tian spoke in a deep voice, then frowned and said, "However, I have neither connection nor grudge with the Ancient Clans. Why would they suddenly seek me out?"


    The butler replied, "By the looks of it, they are not here for revenge."


    "In that case, let''s not worry about it for now. For the time being, let''s meet them and find out their intentions," said Duan Tian as he hurriedly headed to the main hall. In fact, he had already guessed that the Four Great Ancient Clans were likely here because of the impending battle at Heavenly Movement Mountain Range in three days.


    Because of this, Duan Tian seemed so urgent and excited, and he couldn''t help but silently think to himself that fortune favors the righteous. Clearly, Duan Tian believed he was on the rightful side.


    Only three people had come: two elders and one young man, all dressed in azure blue robes. Each had a special feather emblem at their collar.


    All three were sitting upright, looking ahead with a noble demeanor that made it evident to anyone at a glance that they were no ordinary people. Upon seeing these three individuals, Duan Tian immediately recognized their origins, for he had previously seen the special feather emblem on Hong Jiutian.


    It appeared that these three individuals should be from the Hong Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans, and Duan Tian could sense that each of their cultivation levels was unfathomably deep¡ªeven the young man with the slender build and triangular eyes had a cultivation level that was far from weak, and could even be described as formidable.


    Duan Tian had a feeling that even he might not be able to contend with this young man with triangular eyes!


    Seeing this, Duan Tian couldn''t help but silently exclaim in his heart: "They are indeed from the Four Great Ancient Clans. Any one of them that steps out is a top-notch expert. Like Hong Jiutian before, although he was weaker than the young man with triangular eyes present, Hong Jiutian was also strong enough. If not for running into Ye Feng, he probably would not have been defeated."


    "I am Duan Tian, the owner of this residence. May I know the purpose of your sudden visit, honored guests?" Duan Tian quickly stepped forward with a bow, his expression even showing a hint of humility¡ªfor the old men''s status was too formidable to do otherwise.


    The young man with triangular eyes merely swept a glance over him, then shifted his gaze, exuding an indescribable arrogance.


    Duan Tian did not dare to say anything. After all, he simply could not compare to the other party. This triangular-eyed youth was only about twenty-five years old, yet he already possessed such terrifying cultivation levels. If it had been Duan Tian at his age, his Martial Dao would have barely been considered entry-level.


    At that moment, the elderly man to the left suddenly said, "I heard that in three days, the Great General will fight Northern King Ye Feng at the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range?"


    Duan Tian''s heart leaped with joy, thinking to himself that these people had come for this very reason. Yet, after having held a high position for many years, he had mastered the art of keeping his emotions hidden. He nodded and responded, "Indeed, this news has already spread throughout the entire Xuanyuan Nation."


    The elderly man asked again, "It is said that the battle will consist of five people from each side, is that correct?"


    Duan Tian nodded again without betraying any emotion and said, "Yes, that is of course to prevent a large number of innocent people from being injured or killed. Naturally, this is also out of consideration for the country''s..."


    "Enough, enough, let''s not talk about such uninteresting matters!" The triangular-eyed youth abruptly interrupted with impatience. Duan Tian wisely kept quiet, realizing that not only was the youth arrogant, but he also possessed a considerable amount of hostility.


    The elderly man chuckled then asked, "Then may I ask, Great General, do you have any candidates in mind for the five who will be fighting?"


    Duan Tian pretended to hesitate before responding with a bitter smile, "I will not hide from you that the Great General''s Mansion indeed has some talent. However, we are severely lacking in top-level experts. Just now, I was actually worrying about this. After all, that Ye Feng, having destroyed both the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect, is certainly no ordinary individual."


    "He is undoubtedly no ordinary individual!" The triangular-eyed youth scoffed once more.


    The elderly man continued to smile, gesturing towards his companions before saying, "Then, Great General, what do you think about the three of us?"


    "The three of you?" Duan Tian feigned surprise again, though inwardly he was ecstatic. However, he did not show any of this outwardly and asked, "Do you mean to say that you are willing to help out and make a move in three days?"


    At that moment, the triangular-eyed youth had completely run out of patience. He grunted, "Enough, there''s no need for you to pretend to be shocked. Since Hong Jiutian stayed in your mansion before, there''s no way you wouldn''t recognize our origin. Why bother putting on this pretentious demeanor? It''s making me nauseous."


    Duan Tian immediately fell silent, surprised by the forthrightness of the other party''s words.


    The triangular-eyed youth looked at him askance and sneered as he demanded, "Let me ask you, did Hong Jiutian really fight Ye Feng recently and lost to that kid surnamed Ye?"


    Duan Tian nodded and said, "Yes, the incident escalated significantly. The two fought at the pinnacle of the Forbidden City, witnessed by nearly the entire capital''s elite. However, in the end, Hong Jiutian was indeed bested and suffered a minor defeat."


    Duan Tian initially wanted to claim that Ye Feng had relied on cunning schemes to win, but then he remembered that many had witnessed the event. To say such a thing would clearly be inappropriate and might provoke the anger of the three powerful representatives of the Hong Family, potentially backfiring on him.


    "Ye Feng, what a Ye Feng!" The triangular-eyed youth gritted his teeth viciously, exclaiming, "Duan Tian, I''ll tell you this ¡ª it''s not that we won''t help you in three days, but I have one condition."


    Duan Tian eagerly said, "Whatever your condition, Young Master, say it."


    The triangular-eyed youth slowly stood up from his seat, his back to the room, gazing into the sky, and then through clenched teeth said word for word, "My only condition is that in the battle three days from now, leave Ye Feng to me. No one else may compete with me for that!"


    "I, Hong Tiandu, must kill that kid with my own hands, and then hang his dog''s head at the pinnacle of the Forbidden City, to wash away the disgrace of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan!"


    Duan Tian had feared that the other party would make some unreasonable demand, but upon hearing this, he breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "Alright, then Ye Feng is reserved for Young Master Hong in three days, and we will handle the rest!"


    "Let''s agree on that then." The two elderly men also got up and prepared to leave.


    Duan Tian quickly said, "Please wait a moment, sirs. You have traveled from afar, and I have yet to offer proper hospitality."


    "Enough. From what I see, this Mortal World could not possibly offer any fine food that would appeal to me. Three days from now, the three of us will surely head for the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range." With these words, Hong Tiandu, the triangular-eyed youth, flickered and disappeared on the spot, and the two elderly men followed closely behind.


    Only when their presence had completely vanished did Duan Tian allow his impatient jubilation to show, laughing out loud, "Ah, how wonderful, truly magnificent! With three Great Powers from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan lending a hand, Ye Feng, you are undoubtedly doomed in three days!"

 Chapter 435: Alien Space-Time, The Tide of Beasts Attacks!

    Just as three members of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan were leaving the Great General''s Mansion, far in a distant region, atop the Great Wall of Heaven, a little old man with a big smoking pipe tapped his pipe and suddenly burst out cursing, "Hong Family of the Ancient Clan, it seems they really intend to tear up the old alliance, shameless, aren''t they?"


    Around here, as far as the eye could see, was a boundless expanse. The sun was nowhere to be seen, and neither were the stars nor the moon. It had always been like this here, with no distinction between day and night, and even the air seemed to be still.


    Long Nannan, wearing her hair in a ponytail, had fully grown compared to before. Although her face was still round and cute, her figure had fully developed, turning into a graceful young lady.


    Long Nannan did not look into the distance, because there was nothing worth seeing. Having looked at it all year round, people would have grown tired of the view. She was looking down at her shoes, or more precisely, at the pattern on her shoes.


    She had bought these shoes at a mall with her Little Martial Uncle Ye Feng half a year ago when she was still in the imperial capital, so she cared for them greatly.


    The feeling was as if every time she looked at these shoes, she could see her Little Martial Uncle, so much so that Sausage Sister had teased her several times, asking, "You''ve been wearing these shoes for half a year without a change. Aren''t you afraid of getting smelly feet?"


    But Long Nannan did not care, completely ignoring Sausage Sister. Whenever this happened, Sausage Sister would shake her head helplessly, her thoughts drifting to that man in the imperial capital who was as sturdy as Iron Bull, wondering how he was doing now.


    "Grandpa, are you saying that the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan no longer intends to follow the old covenant and is getting ready to be active in the Mortal World?" Long Nannan suddenly asked.


    "Yes, and what Grandpa can tell you is that the real reason why the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan has stepped forward is your Little Martial Uncle!" Old Long chuckled.


    "It''s about Little Martial Uncle again. This damned Hong Family, are they planning to cling to Little Martial Uncle and not let go? It''s absolutely infuriating!" Long Nannan huffed angrily.


    Little Old Long chuckled and said, "Of course, you can''t blame the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. After all, your Little Martial Uncle beat up one of their young members. The Hong Family has always prided themselves on being noble. Having a disciple defeated and then fleeing in disarray, they certainly cannot swallow this disgrace."


    "Hmph, what a bunch of Ancient Clan''s crap from the Hong Family, acting as if they''re so noble when they''re nothing but glorified servants. Now they can''t even properly watch over their own household, utterly preposterous!" Long Nannan fumed indignantly.


    Little Old Long nodded in agreement, and then turning to his granddaughter, he asked, "What''s the matter, girl? After telling you all this, don''t you worry about your Little Martial Uncle? Won''t you go back to see him and help him out?"


    Long Nannan was taken aback, hardly able to believe her eyes. When she had first arrived half a year ago, she kept clamoring to go back, but Grandpa flatly refused, even going so far as to lay down the law.


    Yet now, the little old man with the big smoking pipe was actually allowing her to go back. Long Nannan could hardly believe it.


    "What''s the matter, you look like you don''t want to go back for a look? Well, if you don''t want to, then so be it," Old Long chuckled.


    "No, Grandpa, who said I don''t want to go back? I''m just..." Long Nannan hastily said.


    "Just what?" Old Long asked.


    By now, Long Nannan had calmed down from her initial shock and pondered for a moment before asking, "Grandpa, does it mean I no longer need to stay here? The situation at the Great Wall is becoming tenser, and the creatures from the Alien Space-Time are becoming increasingly vicious. If I leave now, won''t the situation get even tenser?"


    Old Long waved his hand and said, "Oh, come on. With your Cultivation Level, having one more or one less of you doesn''t make a difference. This time, not only do I want you to go back, but your Sausage Sister should go with you."


    "Sausage Sister is going back with me?" Long Nannan''s eyes widened.


    "Yes, the two of you will go back together. Additionally, have Chuwu join you. With the Four Great Ancient Clans stirring, you must return," Old Long remarked with a sigh.


    "But Grandpa, if all three of us go back, won''t there be even fewer hands here? Then, I''m afraid..."


    "Don''t worry about it. As long as I''m here, I can hold them off for a while. At the very least, for the next few years, those creatures from the Alien Space-Time won''t be able to cross the boundary," Old Long said, then suddenly let out a long sigh, "Three years, it will be probably three years at most before we reach our limit."


    Long Nannan asked, "Does that mean in three years'' time, the Great Wall of Heaven will completely fail to hold back the invasion?"


    Old Long did not answer her question, obviously not wanting to, and his expression suddenly became grave, "Granddaughter, listen carefully. The Four Great Ancient Clans are making their moves, and it''s very likely that those old monsters behind them will finally take action. I''m sending you three back not for a leisurely trip; you have a mission."


    Seeing her grandfather''s serious demeanor, Long Nannan nodded earnestly and said, "Tell me, Grandpa."


    Old Long said, "This time, you must protect Ye Feng well. There must not be any mishaps with him, otherwise, the entire Xuanyuan Nation will fall into great chaos."


    Feeling puzzled, Long Nannan asked, "Grandpa, isn''t Little Martial Uncle just an ordinary person? Is he really that important?"


    Old Long suddenly laughed heartily, waving his hand and saying, "Go on, go see your Little Martial Uncle. If you don''t return now, they''ll probably forget about this little miss you."


    "Grandpa, I''m not a little miss anymore, I''ve grown up!" Long Nannan glared at her grandfather in annoyance, then promptly stood up and patted her buttocks, saying, "Don''t worry, Grandpa. I''ll protect Little Martial Uncle''s safety. I''m off to find Sausage Sister first."


    "Haha, finally I can go back. Little Martial Uncle, wait for me, I''m coming back!" As she spoke, Long Nannan''s figure darted up, and in an instant, she soared into the sky and quickly disappeared from sight.


    Old Long was still seated there, puffing away at his pipe. Suddenly, he murmured to himself, "Sigh, I hope, this old man hasn''t misjudged. Ye Feng, will you be the one to lead the charge?"


    At that moment, a dirty figure flew through the air, suddenly appearing beside Old Long. This person was dressed like an old beggar, worn and filthy, with a wine bottle in hand, drinking non-stop, exuding the smell of alcohol.


    This old beggar was no other than the mighty figure who had saved Ye Feng at the pinnacle of the Forbidden City. Of course, he was also Sausage Sister''s grandfather, Long Nannan''s god-grandfather, and Old Long''s sworn brother.


    "I''m telling you, can you drink less? Always drunk like this, if you''re not careful, those monsters from the other side might swallow you whole and you wouldn''t even know it," Old Long said with disdain.


    The old beggar rolled his eyes and replied, "You, a tobacco fiend, have the nerve to talk about me? Always with a big smoking pipe in hand, if you keep on smoking like this, I''m afraid in three years even the monsters from the alternate space-time wouldn''t want to eat an old man like you."


    Suddenly changing the subject, Old Long asked, "So, how did it go this time? Did you see Ye Feng? What do you think?"


    The old beggar nodded and said, "I''ve never doubted your judgment. That kid Ye Feng is indeed impressive. In some areas, I couldn''t see through him at all."


    "Even you couldn''t see through him?" Old Long was a bit surprised. Truth be told, it had been several years since he last met Ye Feng, and now he did not know the specifics of the other''s situation.


    "Yes, I couldn''t. I tried to use my spiritual power to probe his internal condition, but before I could enter, I was counterattacked and my spiritual power was reflected back. This kid..." said the old beggar, pausing to chuckle and shake his head.


    "To have your spiritual power reflected back, that''s impossible. At most, he now only has eight hundred acupoints cultivated, and that speed is already quite terrifying," Old Long exclaimed in astonishment.


    "No, you are wrong. He has now cultivated over a thousand acupoints, and that was a few days ago. I believe by now he must have over twelve hundred. Ye Feng''s talent for cultivation seems far beyond your expectations," the old beggar stated.


    Old Long nodded slightly, continuing, "It seems, indeed, beyond my expectations. Having already opened up a thousand acupoints¡ªwell, in that case, there is no need for me to send Nannan and the others back. It''s completely unnecessary."


    The old beggar rolled his eyes, then went on drinking fervently. The two old men, one addicted to smoking and the other to drinking, sat on the Great Wall of Heaven without speaking.


    Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted from the distant sky horizon, as if an earth-shattering beast''s roar had sounded. The two old men''s expressions changed dramatically, saying, "Not good, a monster tide is coming. What''s going on, wasn''t it just the beginning of the month? How could there be a monster tide attacking?"


    "Lately, it''s no longer possible to follow the old patterns, and these monsters are growing more irritable by the day. Something must have happened in the alien space-time for them to attack us with such urgency. Let''s go without further ado¡ªactivate the highest protocol of the Great Wall Grand Formation!"


    With that, Old Long''s figure leaped into the sky and, in the blink of an eye, he reached the clouds above, where there was a formation nexus resembling a pentagram.


    Meanwhile, after a day and night of secluded cultivation, Ye Feng emerged from the secret chamber in his study because he had completely absorbed the Source of Luck, and his acupoints had been successfully opened to twelve hundred. But after reaching this point, without the Source of Luck as an aid, his progress had slowed down, so he decided to leave his seclusion.


    After all, tomorrow was the agreed day for the do-or-die battle in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range.


    What Ye Feng had utterly not anticipated was that early in the morning, the Northern Cloud Residence received two unexpected visitors, two women, both with statuesque and voluptuous figures, stunningly beautiful. The one on the left was especially so, with an innocent, doll-like face adorned with lively big eyes.


    These two were naturally Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, and behind them stood a large, burly man, towering and formidable like an iron tower - this was Chuwu.

 Chapter 436: Little Martial Uncle, Youve Been Mocked.

    "Little Martial Uncle, I''m back, Little Martial Uncle, come out and greet your cute little one!"


    At the entrance of Northern Cloud Residence, Long Nannan directly yelled out at the top of her lungs, not knowing how many people''s peaceful dreams her thunderous voice had disturbed.


    In fact, Ye Feng''s strong spiritual power had already sensed the arrival of the two before Long Nannan even spoke, so when Long Nannan called out, Ye Feng was just right to step out the door.


    "You''re making a fuss as soon as you''re back, it seems that after all those months, you haven''t changed a bit," Ye Feng couldn''t help but be speechless.


    Though he missed the girl when she was gone, now that she was back, Ye Feng couldn''t help but sigh, knowing that Northern Cloud Residence probably wouldn''t have any peaceful days going forward. Fortunately, Hong Qingyan had been cultivating, and her strength was not weak, so he wasn''t worried about Long Nannan, the mischievous girl, causing too much trouble.


    Long Nannan immediately looked unhappy, pouting and saying, "Hey, Little Martial Uncle, you''re heartless. I''ve just come back and you''re saying that about me. I''m angry now, hmph!"


    Ye Feng shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Alright, alright, Little Martial Uncle is wrong, Little Martial Uncle misspoke, okay?"


    "That''s more like it," Long Nannan said, and only then did she open her arms and say, "Little Martial Uncle, we haven''t seen each other for more than half a year, I want a hug!"


    "..." Ye Feng felt a headache coming on, thinking to himself how undignified she was, hugging him in public like this; he really didn''t know what to say.


    Sausage Sister chuckled from the side and said, "I mean, Miss Long, you''re basically a grown woman now, and right upon seeing each other, you want your Little Martial Uncle to hug you. If word of this gets out, wouldn''t people laugh their heads off? How are you going to get married in the future?"


    It was only now that Ye Feng noticed that Long Nannan was no longer the little girl she used to be. She had fully matured, and if before, Long Nannan was a bud waiting to bloom, then now she was a fully blossomed rose, and a thorny one at that.


    It was also at this moment that Ye Feng truly understood the ancient saying, "A girl changes eighteen times between childhood and womanhood." In Long Nannan''s case, this saying was perfectly exemplified.


    "It''s been a long time, Sausage Sister!" Ye Feng turned with a smile, and during this moment, he carefully checked the breath of the two. What he hadn''t expected was to be extremely startled.


    Lord, it turned out that both Long Nannan and Sausage Sister had reached the Cultivation of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, which was frighteningly fast.


    However, it soon dawned on Ye Feng that the reason he hadn''t known their true cultivation realms before was because his cultivation level was too low to sense them. He only vaguely knew they were very strong, especially Sausage Sister, who had been almost on par with Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming at that time.


    Both of them had come from that little mountain village in the Northwest, which was considered a sacred place for cultivation in Huaxia. Half a year had passed, and they had been training there, so it was expected that their cultivation had improved by leaps and bounds.


    "Long time no see, Ye Feng. It seems you''ve gotten much stronger during this time. Even I might not be able to keep you down anymore," Sausage Sister said as she stepped forward to greet him.


    Ye Feng simply shook his head and smiled, thinking to himself that before, the natives of Northwest Little Mountain Village like them had oppressed his combat power, but now, it remained to be seen who would suppress whom.


    Sausage Sister then asked, "By the way, where''s the big guy? Why haven''t I seen him come out?"


    Upon hearing this, Long Nannan immediately snickered disapprovingly and said, "I was wondering, Sausage Sister, I thought you were so kind to accompany me back here, but it turns out you were thinking of that big guy."


    "You little minx, I think your mouth is asking for a slap!" Sausage Sister huffed impatiently.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and said, "Sima Zhantian is currently in secluded cultivation and has not left yet."


    "Yo, the sun isn''t rising from the west after all. Iron Bull is actually being that diligent and even knows to enter secluded cultivation¡ªthat''s really rare!" Sausage Sister exclaimed, but anyone could tell she was pleased. After all, seeing someone she valued working so hard was certainly a cause for happiness.


    It became clear to Ye Feng that the Old Beggar probably didn''t tell his granddaughter about his meeting with Sima Zhantian, otherwise, Sausage Sister would have understood why Sima Zhantian was so rigorously cultivating.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng said with a smile, "Sausage Sister, don''t underestimate Iron Bull. Since you left, he has been cultivating like his life depended on it. His cultivation level has improved significantly, and in the future, if you want to beat him up, it probably won''t be as easy."


    "Really? Then I will have to see for myself," Sausage Sister said, her lips curling into a smile.


    "Oh my, so early in the morning, and I think I smell the sour scent of love," Long Nannan clamored.


    Ye Feng shook his head with a chuckle and then waved his hand, saying, "We''ve been chatting for so long, let''s go inside and talk."


    The truth was, even without Long Nannan and Sausage Sister saying much, Ye Feng understood why they had hurried back at this time¡ªit was naturally to help with the battle at the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range tomorrow. He figured this was probably arranged by his so-called senior brother.


    Of course, Ye Feng had never thought of seeking help because he had numerous trump cards at his disposal. Not to mention the Mental Power Nucleus, with just the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he was not afraid of any powerful beings below the Golden Core Realm.


    However, now that Sausage Sister and Long Nannan have returned, it naturally is good news. This makes everything more secure, for even if members of the Four Great Ancient Clans take advantage of the situation to get involved, Ye Feng can rest easy.


    After all, these two women now boast Half-Step Golden Core Realm Cultivation, and Long Nannan''s aura is even more robust and stranger, suggesting that her combat power might be even more formidable.


    "Sausage Sister, is this Ye Feng, the one Master speaks highly of?" As soon as she walked into the hall, Chuwu couldn''t help but ask.


    Sausage Sister suddenly slapped her forehead and said, "Look at me, getting caught up in conversation and forgetting all about you, Chuwu, this blockhead. Let me properly introduce him to you. This is Ye Feng, also your Little Martial Uncle."


    As she spoke, Sausage Sister introduced him to Ye Feng, "This is Chuwu. Strictly speaking, he''s my junior brother, but we can''t be bothered with that sort of hierarchy. We usually just call him Blockhead."


    Long Nannan nodded and said, "Yes, Chuwu senior brother usually speaks very little, just like a blockhead."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly upon hearing this and extended his hand, but what he didn''t expect was that the other party showed no reaction whatsoever.


    Indeed, Chuwu glared at him with eyes wide, sizing up Ye Feng and revealing a strong sense of skepticism. After a long while, he finally said, "I''ve always felt that someone my master esteems so highly must be a person of earth-shattering significance. But upon seeing you today, I am disappointed, truly disappointed!"


    With that, Chuwu shrugged his solid shoulders and then shook his head, saying, "To be honest, you don''t yet merit being called my Little Martial Uncle, unless one day, you can truly earn my respect."


    Having said this, Chuwu suddenly smiled and added, "Of course, both sisters should know that I am quite wooden and not good with words, but I never lie. So, I always speak the plain truth. I hope you don''t take it to heart. Today, I''ll refrain from showing you the courtesy due to a junior, but I hope there will be an opportunity to do so in the future."


    After finishing his speech, Chuwu turned and walked over to a chair, sat down with a thump, and began to drink tea, paying no further attention to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng was truly taken aback, unable to believe that the other party would say such things. Clearly seeing that the other party spoke his mind without malice, even the usually quick-witted Ye Feng had no idea how to rebut.


    Long Nannan burst into laughter at this, exclaiming joyfully, "Little Martial Uncle, you''ve been mocked, haha, how delightful! I never imagined that Blockhead, who usually never utters a word, would say something so profound upon meeting you. It''s hilarious."


    At this moment, Sausage Sister said, "Ye Feng, please don''t take offense. Chuwu is like that; he says what''s on his mind and means no harm."


    Ye Feng nodded, replying, "Of course, I know it''s not intentional. Rest assured, there will come a day when I will make him respect me, and I can guarantee, that day won''t be far off."


    Sausage Sister glared and challenged, "So confident? How about we have a fight right now?"


    Ye Feng suddenly felt an overwhelming headache, confronted with this aggressive woman. It seemed he had to hurry to call Sima Zhantian out of his seclusion, immediately waving his hand and saying, "If you want a fight, there will be plenty of opportunities tomorrow. You''ve had a long journey, why not rest well first."


    Long Nannan immediately clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Yes, yes, Little Martial Uncle''s bed is the softest. I want to sleep with Little Martial Uncle."


    "..." Ye Feng was once again struck with a headache; one woman was a maniac for violence, and the other was playfully disrespectful, truly giving him a headache.


    Ye Feng waved his hand to signal Xiao Chuanqi to call Sima Zhantian out of secluded cultivation, and also instructed Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu to come over.


    As soon as Hong Qingyan appeared, Long Nannan rushed over and grabbed her arm, their relationship seemingly very close. After all, they had once shared an excellent rapport and had even taken over Ye Feng''s bed for the night.


    Soon enough, Sima Zhantian came out of his cultivation retreat, understandably eager given Sausage Sister''s return. However, as soon as they met, the big fellow was suddenly at a loss for words. Despite having countless things to say on ordinary days, now he couldn''t even break wind.


    Seeing him like this, Sausage Sister chuckled and asked, "Ye Feng tells me that you, big guy, have been diligently secluded in your cultivation, and that your Cultivation Level has made great strides?


    Sima Zhantian laughed heartily, "To talk of great strides would be an overstatement, but my ability to take a beating has definitely improved a lot compared to before."


    Sausage Sister broke into laughter, clearly pleased with his response. It was at this moment that the previously quiet Chuwu suddenly stood up and said, "Wrong, Sister Sausage, there''s something off about this guy''s aura."


    "What''s off about it?" Sausage Sister inquired.


    "I can''t quite put my finger on what exactly is off, but I feel a sense of familiarity," said Chuwu, furrowing his brow.


    Ye Feng, realizing the implication, thought it must be because Sima Zhantian had practiced the Technique given by the Old Beggar, altering his aura. Sausage Sister and Chuwu were obviously familiar with the Old Beggar''s Cultivation Technique, and hence upon observing Sima Zhantian, they sensed a familiar vibe.


    Sima Zhantian suddenly glared at Chuwu and said through gritted teeth, "Your name is Chuwu, right? Did you just say that my lord does not merit your courtesy?


    Upon hearing this, Chuwu''s brows immediately knit together.

 Chapter 437 - 437 Man and Blade as One and Sword of Sky Thunder

    Chuwu suddenly rose from his chair with a clamorous stride, slowly heading towards Sima Zhantian. To be frank, both men had formidable physiques, statuesque like iron towers, except Chuwu appeared even more robust and towering.


    "Kid, do you have a problem?" Chuwu looked down on Sima Zhantian with a cold and ruthless demeanor.


    Sima Zhantian responded defiantly, "Of course, since the lord is your Little Martial Uncle, you must pay him respects. Otherwise, you''ll have to get the approval of my fists!"


    "Get my approval, who do you think you are? Just a lowly Martial King Realm martial artist, and an ancient one at that, I really don''t know where you get your courage!" Chuwu scoffed. Despite usually being a silent blockhead in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, his words now were domineering.


    Naturally, this was to be expected, as the Northwest Little Mountain Village had always been hailed by the Xuanyuan Nation as a Cultivation Sacred Land, even as the center of Martial Arts Study. Over time, this inevitably fostered a sense of superiority among the villagers, a sentiment not outwardly expressed within the village but vividly manifested once they stepped outside.


    In fact, this was somewhat similar to the Four Great Ancient Clans. Watching this, Ye Feng began to speculate¡ªthere might be some connection between the Four Great Ancient Clans and the Northwest Little Mountain Village; otherwise, the Old Beggar wouldn''t have told the Three Elders of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan that he used to beat them until they lost their teeth searching for them on Forbidden Peak.


    Sima Zhantian snorted, "With that said, you must think of yourself as a great master. Let''s have a good fight!"


    "Have a fight?" Chuwu couldn''t help but laugh and shook his head with a lifted corner of his mouth, "Someone like you is not worthy to fight me, but since you insist on challenging me, I won''t bully you. I''ll strike just three times!"


    "Such arrogant words! Never mind three strikes; what''s to fear even if it''s thirty?" Sima Zhantian was instantly filled with a fighting spirit.


    Long Nannan, watching anxiously, knew well the depth of Chuwu''s cultivation. Although he had only recently set half a foot into the Golden Core Realm and formed only a Fake Pill in his Lower Dantian, his combat power was still terrifying.


    From the outside, Sima Zhantian seemed merely to be a martial artist, and moreover, just a Martial King. The gap between them was simply too vast. There was no comparison.


    "Sausage Sister, should we..." Long Nannan whispered.


    "No need to intervene. Let them fight," Sausage Sister interrupted directly. In fact, contrary to what Chuwu observed, she had a deeper sense of Sima Zhantian''s true capabilities.


    To Sausage Sister, although Sima Zhantian appeared to be only a Martial King, he harbored an additional powerful force within him that clearly surpassed the realm of a martial artist. Considering this, Sima Zhantian seemed to have half-stepped into the league of cultivators.


    Sausage Sister was genuinely curious about what kind of extraordinary experiences this big fellow had encountered in the past half-year to have gained such an increase in strength. She was eager to see just how powerful the man she valued could be in battle.


    Long Nannan couldn''t help asking, "Are you sure we shouldn''t mediate, Sausage Sister? You can''t possibly think Sima Zhantian could be a match for Chuwu, can you?"


    Sausage Sister smiled and said, "He might not win now, but I reckon it won''t be long."


    Long Nannan fell silent, her curiosity piqued, and at that moment, she noticed that even Ye Feng, standing at the side, had no intention of stepping in, seemingly giving tacit consent for Sima Zhantian to engage.


    Immediately, everyone stepped out from the hall and went to the Martial Arts Training Plaza on the left.


    "I told you, three moves are enough for you!" Chuwu, standing on the Martial Arts Training Plaza, looked like an imposing Vajra with raging aura erupting from his massive frame. The air around him surged without wind, and even the clouds above seemed to change color.


    "Don''t talk big just yet. No matter where you hail from, how dare you disrespect my lord! I''ll teach you a lesson!" The instant Sima Zhantian stomped his foot, his momentum surged explosively.


    "Trifling tricks, witness my divine skills!" Chuwu sneered disdainfully, stomping down, and in a flash, a fierce Qi Force shot out.


    Like a spinning Wind Blade, the Qi Force raced forward; wherever it went, the very air, with a faint sensation of tearing, testified to the Wind Blade''s power.


    Ye Feng, standing on a high platform, watched the scene with an unchanged expression. Indisputably, Chuwu was very powerful, but at best, he was just beginning to step into the threshold of the Golden Core Realm, and the fake core he had formed hadn''t taken shape for long. In fact, his combat power was not much different from a High-Level Saint Realm warrior.


    Sima Zhantian suddenly clenched his fist and punched the ground, creating a shocking crevasse in the plaza. The ferocious momentum rolled out like an upheaval, colliding with the terrifying Wind Blade in an instant.


    Bang!


    With a resounding boom, Sima Zhantian''s fist momentum was directly scattered by the Wind Blade, which continued to surge forward.


    Sima Zhantian''s face changed, and without any hesitation, he clenched his fist again and let out nine punches in one breath. The fist momentum surged like a tidal wave, finally dispersing the power of the Wind Blade.


    "Good kid, I didn''t expect you to break my Wind Blade. You have some skill. That was the first move, now for the second!" Chuwu coldly shouted, then raised his right hand and slammed it down, immediately unleashing a Tiger Walking Palm Technique that roared aggressively forward.


    Sima Zhantian retreated while gasping for breath, and just then, with a focused gaze, he summoned a gleaming Golden Blade from within. The gigantic blade slashed down, sweeping out a blade momentum like a comet across the sky.


    The Tiger Walking Palm Technique clashed with the blade momentum, and the massive tiger suddenly opened its gaping maw, swallowing Sima Zhantian''s Blade Intent whole, showcasing Chuwu''s palm technique''s immense strength.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened slightly as he noticed something unusual, though on the surface Chuwu''s palm movement looked very ordinary, at best a bit stronger. During the exchange, it had transformed, with the Tiger Walking Palm Technique directly opening its jaws, a most extraordinary occurrence.


    "This is a type of Palm Divine Power!" Sausage Sister explained, probably noticing Ye Feng''s confusion.


    "I see," Ye Feng nodded in understanding.


    However, at that moment, Sima Zhantian raised his massive Golden Blade and, in one breath, swung it eighteen times. The terrifying blade momentum rushed forth like a landslide, finally managing to disrupt the opponent''s Tiger Walking Palm Technique.


    Chuwu''s expression hardened as he frowned and said, "You''re clearly nothing more than a Martial Artist in the Martial King Realm. How do you harbor such a treasure inside you? How did you achieve this?"


    Sima Zhantian burst into laughter and said, "Wishful thinking! Do you think I''d tell you? Kid, you have one more move. Let''s see if you can bring me down!"


    Chuwu was furious, gritting his teeth as he shouted, "The previous two moves were just a preliminary probe. Since that''s the case, don''t blame me for not holding back. If you die, it''s not my fault!"


    As soon as his words fell, Chuwu''s hands formed a strange Dao Technique. Suddenly, the weather changed, and dark clouds rolled in over Northern Cloud Residence, followed by thunderous roars.


    Ye Feng suddenly looked up, exclaiming in his mind, "Could it be that he''s using the Sky Thunder Divine Ability?"


    At this very moment, Sima Zhantian''s expression also became extremely grave; he clearly knew that his opponent was about to get serious.


    "Thunder Movement, Sword of Sky Thunder, condense!" Chuwu invoked a mysterious Dao Technique, and the surging dark clouds erupted with blue lightning. The lightning converged, forming a blue Sword of Sky Thunder.


    "Sausage Sister, it looks like Chuwu isn''t holding back anymore. It seems you might have to intervene, or Sima Zhantian might..." Long Nannan said with a worried face.


    Sausage Sister, however, waved her hand and said, "No need to worry. Let''s first see what Sima Zhantian is capable of."


    Sima Zhantian took a step back and then, with a fierce look, stamped his foot, propelling himself into the air towards the azure Sword of Sky Thunder.


    "What''s he trying to do!" At that moment, Sausage Sister''s face showed shock, and worry finally appeared on her features. Just as she was about to intervene, Sima Zhantian''s body suddenly erupted with a fearsome Qi Force.


    The terrifying Blade Intent materialized, and Sima Zhantian began to spin wildly. In that moment, under the influence of the Blade Intent, he appeared as a blade itself.


    "Man and Blade as One, he''s actually reached this extent. No, something is off about the Qi Force he''s emitting to project this Blade Intent!" Long Nannan suddenly exclaimed in shock.


    Sausage Sister couldn''t help but laugh joyfully, "That''s not Qi Force; that''s Spirit Essence. He''s converted most of his Qi Force into Spirit Essence and stepped into the ranks of Cultivators, almost on par with us."


    "He''s a Cultivator too? How can that be? How did he do it?" Long Nannan asked in surprise.


    "Well, we might have to ask your Little Martial Uncle about that!" Sausage Sister finished and turned to look at Ye Feng.


    At that moment, Ye Feng pretended not to hear and did not engage with the others, his eyes fixed on Sima Zhantian while he inwardly marvelled at the big man''s talent. His original Qi Force wasn''t substantial, as he was simply in the Realm of the Martial King, so converting his Qi Force into Spirit Essence wasn''t as difficult as for Ye Feng.


    But in just a few short days, Sima Zhantian had converted most of his Qi Force into Spirit Essence. His talent was extraordinary, and the ease of his conversion was largely due to the uniqueness of his physique.


    Additionally, Ye Feng noticed that inside Sima Zhantian there was an even greater power, yet up until now, the big man had shown no intention of deploying this fearsome force.


    Boom, boom, boom...


    Sima Zhantian charged at the azure Sword of Sky Thunder, transformed by his Blade Intent, but as soon as they collided, he was sent flying and crashed heavily into the ground, creating a deep crater. Apparently, his internal organs had suffered different degrees of injury.


    Upon seeing this, Chuwu sneered, "Merely flesh and blood; how can you dare to confront my Sword of Sky Thunder head on? Aren''t you just seeking death!"


    However, as his voice faded, the Blade Intent that had separated from Sima Zhantian began to gather frantically and then exploded with a loud bang, instantly shattering the powerful Sword of Sky Thunder.


    Seeing this, Sima Zhantian wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, laughing hee-hee as he stood up.

 Chapter 438: Youre Actually Serious

    ```


    "Three moves, three moves have passed, so what? I''m still standing up just fine!"


    Sima Zhantian cracked a big smile, and it was obvious to everyone that he had sustained serious injuries. Yet, the fact that he could still stand was beyond everyone''s expectations, indicating that the strength of his physique was far superior to what it had been before.


    Upon further thought, it seemed only natural. During the process of converting his Qi Force into Spirit Essence, his flesh body was also being transformed and tempered¡ªa stage commonly referred to as Foundation Establishment. Moreover, with his innate Blade Attribute Physique, he was far beyond ordinary people.


    Chuwu was enraged, his face completely darkened. Just moments ago, he had boasted that he''d knock his opponent down in three moves, even claiming he''d take his life. But now, Sima Zhantian was standing right in front of him, wasn''t this a blatant slap to his face?


    "Damn it, you, to think you had such ability. I underestimated you before!" Chuwu gritted his teeth and shouted.


    Sima Zhantian sneered, "Let me tell you the truth, my strength isn''t even one-tenth of my lord''s. You can''t even defeat me, and by comparison to my lord, you''re far inferior. You trying to show off in front of my lord? What a joke!"


    "What did you say?" Chuwu flew into a rage, his aura bursting forth once more as the dark clouds in the sky dome began to churn again, "Do you really think I wouldn''t dare to kill you? Since that''s the case, I''ll completely obliterate you today!"


    As he spoke, the dark clouds roiled wildly, condensing into a giant sword¡ªexcept this time, the thunderous blade was not azure blue but had turned to gold; the gold-colored lightning coiled around it, exuding the power to destroy heaven and earth.


    Ye Feng saw this and knew he had to intervene, for with Sima Zhantian''s combat power, it was unlikely he would be able to withstand this strike. After all, Sima Zhantian was already gravely injured, and was barely keeping himself upright by sheer willpower.


    Just as Ye Feng was about to step forward, Sausage Sister had already rushed out and shouted, "Chuwu, what are you doing? We agreed it was just a friendly contest of three moves, and now you''re getting serious. Going back on your word like this, do you even qualify as a man?"


    Long Nannan also said, "Yeah, Chuwu, we are all friends here. There''s no need for such hostilities; we''re not enemies. Just a friendly competition should be enough. Calm down, so you don''t spoil the goodwill!"


    Upon hearing this, Chuwu dispersed the rolling clouds in the sky, though the anger in his heart had not yet abated. He pointed at Sima Zhantian and said, "Today, out of respect for the two senior sisters, I won''t quibble with you, but one day, I will have a life-and-death contest with you!"


    Sima Zhantian was angry as well and was about to speak when Ye Feng stepped forward with a light smile, "You''re called Chuwu, right? Regardless, this matter started because of me. Since you''re not satisfied, why don''t we make a deal?"


    "What kind of deal do you want to make with me?" Chuwu shouted coldly.


    Ye Feng glanced at Sausage Sister and Long Nannan, then said, "I could have intervened today, but there''s a big battle tomorrow. Three days, in three days, I will challenge you to fight, and then I''ll let you see if I, the king, deserve your salutation."


    "Fine, let''s do as you say!" Chuwu agreed immediately.


    Ye Feng shook his head and chuckled, "Perhaps, we won''t even need three days. After tomorrow''s battle, you''ll probably lose even the courage and boldness to challenge me."


    At this point, Ye Feng gestured with a sweep of his hand and said, "Steward, please show the guests to their rest."


    "Such audacity! Very well, we''ll see in three days!" Chuwu shouted coldly as he followed the steward down.


    Sausage Sister, seeing this, could only shrug helplessly and said to Ye Feng, "I''m really sorry; probably even my martial uncle didn''t expect that Chuwu would turn out like this. Normally, he just looks like a blockhead who doesn''t speak, but today he inexplicably blew up."


    Ye Feng laughed lightly and said, "No worries, but I saw it wasn''t without reason."


    "Oh? You know something?" asked Sausage Sister.


    At this moment, Long Nannan stepped forward and said, "Isn''t it obvious? Although Chuwu is thickheaded, everyone in the village knows he likes you, Sausage Sister, and they also know that you''ve taken an interest in the big guy Sima Zhantian. That''s why Chuwu isn''t convinced and tried to intimidate our Little Martial Uncle as soon as he came in."


    At that, Long Nannan sighed helplessly, "Alas, the ancients said that beauty is a source of trouble. I didn''t believe it before, but now it seems there is some truth in it, don''t you think so, Sausage Sister?"


    Sausage Sister just rolled her eyes at her and said, "You impertinent girl, nobody would think you mute if you kept silent."


    Long Nannan stuck out her tongue at her playfully. Teasing Sausage Sister into an awkward embarrassment was something she found exceptionally fun.


    Just then, Sima Zhantian finally couldn''t hold himself up anymore, staggering as if about to fall. Sausage Sister quickly moved to support him, asking, "How are you feeling, is everything alright? Honestly, you big lug, always trying to act tough."


    ```


    Long Nannan wasn''t one to pass up such an opportunity and immediately giggled, "Look at your Sausage Sister, not even married yet and she''s already schooling her man. If she were ever to cross that threshold, wouldn''t she turn into a real tigress?"


    Sausage Sister glared at her fiercely. If circumstances had been different, it''s likely her temper would''ve exploded, and she would''ve struck out.


    Seeing that Sausage Sister was about to blow her top, Long Nannan quickly grabbed Hong Qingyan, who was beside her, saying they should go shopping. It seemed she was still a little scared of this tigress.


    Very soon, Hong Qingyan took Long Nannan, and also brought along Yu Feiyu for a shopping trip. Ye Feng didn''t mind. Although the three women appeared delicate and naive on the surface, when united, he feared there weren''t more than three people in the entire imperial capital who could stop them, so he did not bother to send a trusted aide to follow them.


    "How are you doing, big guy? You''re not hurt, are you?" Sausage Sister asked, full of concern.


    "No harm done. What''s a little injury? Although my body is in pain, my heart is blooming with joy," Sima Zhantian immediately replied, laughing heartily.


    Sausage Sister couldn''t believe he was joking at a time like this and pushed him away with a huff, "Well, if you look like you''re not going to die, you can just go heal yourself."


    Sima Zhantian immediately howled, "Ow, hey! My hips and my back are busted, my heart''s shattered too¡ªbadly hurt, seriously! I really need someone to take care of me right now."


    Seeing this, Ye Feng knew it wasn''t suitable for him to stay and be the third wheel any longer. He shook his head with a smile and walked away, no longer paying attention to these two lovebirds squabbling.


    Leaving the Martial Arts Training Plaza, Ye Feng just happened to see Chuwu in the corner of the chambers, his face somber with anger, glaring daggers at Sima Zhantian. Shaking his head with a sigh, Ye Feng thought that their grudge seemed irreconcilable now.


    Deciding to ignore such trivial matters, Ye Feng went straight into the study and once again chose secluded cultivation. Although cultivating without the aid of the Source of Luck meant a slower pace, he had no trouble manipulating spiritual energy. However, once the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints reached the Minor Achievement Level of a thousand acupoints, the difficulty of opening each subsequent acupoint increased significantly, hence the progress became excruciatingly slow.


    Of course, aside from practicing the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, Ye Feng also dedicated a portion of his mind to studying the Spirit Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness. Since it had strengthened somewhat after he had overused his spiritual power previously, Ye Feng''s interest in it grew even more.


    "According to my previous inference, this spiritual power needs constant tempering. Currently lacking any other cultivation technique, it seems I''ll have to endure and fortify it bit by bit," Ye Feng mused. Indeed, he was well aware that the Spirit Nucleus in the Sea of Consciousness was much more powerful than the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, and even more crucial than the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Indeed, the two things were not on the same level, with spiritual power belonging to a higher category!


    "Condense!" All of a sudden, Ye Feng''s eyes sharpened as the Spirit Nucleus within his Sea of Consciousness began to spin rapidly, releasing a burst of spiritual power that surged forth from his forehead.


    Of course, this almost tangible burst of spiritual power was invisible and intangible to those who hadn''t yet reached this threshold, yet, through Ye Feng''s eyes, the Spirit Nucleus stretched out like a trickle, spreading outwards.


    Ye Feng''s gaze was firmly on the bookshelf in the secret chamber, and his spiritual power reached out to it, instantly wrapping around the book and, in an incredible sight, causing it to float in mid-air.


    "This book is too small. I should find something bigger!" Ye Feng remarked to himself. Immediately letting go of the book, he turned his attention to a three-meter-long bookshelf.


    In fact, Ye Feng knew that since his spiritual power was still too weak, he could only affect the divine ability martial skills of those Martial Artists in the Divine Ability Realm, but as for the martial artists themselves, the impact was negligible.


    Under Ye Feng''s direction, the trickle of spiritual power split into four streams, which then wrapped around the four corners of the shelf. The whole shelf started to shake and gradually began to lift.


    But when it was less than two centimeters above the ground, the shelf suddenly dropped back down. By that time, Ye Feng was panting like a bull, the color drained from his face, and large beads of sweat covered his forehead.


    It was clear that using spiritual power at such a high intensity and overloading himself was a significant strain on him.


    "Again!" Gritting his teeth, Ye Feng once more activated his spiritual power, lifting the shelf, which again quickly fell back down.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had a distinct feeling; without the use of any Qi Essence or Spirit Essence, relying solely on spiritual power, the shelf in front of him was like a minor mountain range, making it incredibly difficult to lift.


    But Ye Feng understood that this was a way of honing strong spiritual power. And so, despite the steep challenges and sheer exhaustion, he didn''t intend to stop.


    "Again!" Ye Feng unleashed his spiritual power in relentless repetition, hardening it in the process.


    Time flowed like water, and soon it was deep into the night. Ye Feng still showed no signs of ending his seclusion. Only when dawn broke and night fell again did he finally come out. By then, it was evident to Ye Feng that the Spirit Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness had grown substantially.


    Compared to initially being able to lift the shelf just two centimeters, he could now raise it four centimeters, clearly indicating that his spiritual power had been significantly boosted by a day and a night of cultivation.


    "It''s time to leave seclusion. Heavenly Movement Mountains, here I come!" Ye Feng straightened his clothes and then proceeded to push open the door of the study and walked out.

 Chapter 439 - 439 The Overbearing Hong Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans

    The night was pitch-black, and the Emperor''s Capital was already howling with cold winter winds. The streets had emptied of people. Ye Feng said no more; after stepping out of the study, he went straight into the carriage. This time, he only brought five people with him: Hong Qingyan, Long Nannan, Sausage Sister, Chuwu, and himself, making a total of five.


    This time, even Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi were not brought along, though both were also very powerful. Compared to Chuwu, there was still a certain gap, so for the sake of safety, Ye Feng ultimately decided to bring Chuwan along.


    The Heavenly Movement Mountain Range lay to the west of the Emperor''s Capital. In fact, everyone believed that the mountain range backing the capital was exactly the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range. People said a dragon came from the west, and this dragon vein was the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, which was not far from the capital, about one and a half hours'' distance.


    What was unexpected to everyone was that upon reaching the foot of the mountain, a heavy snow began to fall suddenly. Moreover, as it was already night, the area was virtually deserted without a soul in sight, very desolate indeed.


    After the carriage reached the foot of the mountain, it could no longer move forward. Ye Feng opened the door and got out, immediately noticing that there were five powerful auras in the valley ahead. Under his spiritual power perception, they were like five beams of light shooting into the sky, especially eye-catching even in the dark night. Clearly, these five auras probably belonged to the people from the Great General''s Mansion.


    Duan Tian was indeed a man of status, so he also stuck to the agreement by bringing only five people. Neither side utilized more strength because, at this moment, every power in the Emperor''s Capital, including the two elderly men from the Utility Pavilion, was paying attention to the movements here.


    Additionally, everyone among the capital''s top echelons understood that the battle in the Heavenly Movement Mountains was directly related to the future direction of the Xuanyuan Nation. Whether one side won or lost, there was a great chance they would enter the Utility Pavilion in the future, even possibly take control of it. Thus, it wasn''t an overstatement to say that the entire Xuanyuan Nation was watching.


    "They''re up there. Let''s go, we''ll fly up!" Ye Feng moved lightly, and his figure soared into the sky, with Hong Qingyan quickly following him. Long Nannan also took flight.


    Suddenly, Sausage Sister said, "Chuwu, I know what you''re thinking, and I can understand it. But this time, it''s a special task from our master, and I hope you can put aside your personal grievances for now and fully support Ye Feng."


    Chuwu suddenly replied impatiently, "I know. Although I don''t like this Ye guy, I''ll still strictly follow master''s orders." After speaking, with a sweep of his figure, he shot up into the sky.


    At this moment, in a valley on the other side of the mountain, this valley wasn''t low but was situated in a slightly lower area between two mountain peaks creating an open terrain. The place was almost uninhabited, with tall trees all around.


    "Little Martial Uncle, do you think that Ye fellow would dare to come tonight?" Hong Tiandu stood atop a giant boulder with his hands behind his back; his triangular eyes surprisingly emitted a strange glow in the night.


    An elder replied, "He will come, as he has no choice but to do so."


    Duan Tian was leaning against another rock, with an old man beside him who was apparently not from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan.


    However, the old man with white hair and beard was just as strong, evidently a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm, and moreover, a high-level one at that. It had to be said that Duan Tian, the old fellow, had hidden his strength quite deeply.


    Nowadays, the two elders of the Utility Pavilion, Tang Bai and Zhuge Wuming, were also only at the high-level Saint Realm, and yet Duan Tian had two Saint Realm powerhouses on his side. Their collective power could almost rival that of the two elders at the Utility Pavilion.


    Originally, Duan Tian had planned to reveal his trump card in the upcoming major restructuring next year, to seize the Utility Pavilion all at once, even to control it entirely. But as the saying goes, man proposes, God disposes. He had to reveal his hand today instead.


    However, this was about time. After killing Ye Feng today, Duan Tian planned to take over the Imperial Martial Academy immediately and also to fully seize control of the Northern Border. With that, plus the authority of his position as Great General, entering the Utility Pavilion next year, he would still become the third elder, or even surpass the other two.


    "Young Master Hong, rest assured, that Ye fellow will definitely come, one way or another," Duan Tian suddenly spoke, gripping the Golden Blade in his hand, appearing quite formidable.


    Hong Tiandu didn''t bother to reply, not even sparing Duan Tian a glance, although the Ancient Hong Clan had acted, it did not mean they were helping Duan Tian, and Duan Tian clearly understood this. After chuckling, he didn''t say anything else.


    Another elder from the Hong Family said, "Second Young Master, as long as that Ye fellow arrives today, this place will be his grave. There''s no one in the world who dares to challenge our Hong Family''s dignity, let alone make us lose face."


    Hong Tiandu chuckled and said, "Of course. He''s just a mortal; I wouldn''t bother regarding him highly. It''s the likes of Hong Jiutian who ends up losing."


    As they spoke, the ears of the other elder from the Hong Family suddenly moved, and he immediately bellowed, "They''re here!"


    No sooner had the words fallen did Ye Feng sweep over like a rainbow light and finally landed on the ground sharply, followed closely by Hong Qingyan, Long Nannan, Sausage Sister, and Chuwu.


    Upon seeing Long Nannan, Hong Tiandu''s expression changed dramatically, and he exclaimed, "It''s you! I didn''t expect... you all to come too."


    On the other hand, Sausage Sister and Long Nannan were equally surprised, exclaiming, "Unexpected indeed, the Ancient Hong Clan has also gotten involved. It seems our master had already sensed this; no wonder he sent us."


    Hong Tiandu clenched his teeth and coldly shouted, "Damn it! Doesn''t Old Long realize that my elder brother intends to take his granddaughter as a wife? He even dares to interfere. What on earth does Old Long want to do?"


    Long Nannan immediately became defiant and shouted, "Hey Hong Er, what are you talking about? You better watch your mouth. It''s clearly your big brother who''s been pestering me non-stop, and I''m not interested in him at all."


    Hong Tiandu''s face instantly contorted with gritted teeth, but the look of contempt he once had had disappeared, and even the two elderly members of the Hong Family also showed a solemn expression on their faces.


    Duan Tian did not recognize Long Nannan and her two companions, so he asked, "Young Master Hong, who exactly are these three people?"


    Hong Tiandu did not bother to pay attention to Duan Tian, even though the latter was a Great General; in his eyes, Duan Tian was insignificant.


    One of the Hong Family elders chuckled and said, "It seems Mr. Duan Tian is still unaware of the background of these three individuals, but I am sure you must have heard of that little mountain village in the Northwest."


    "What did you say, they are from the Northwest Little Mountain Village?" Duan Tian''s face changed dramatically. Although he had never visited that Northwestern small mountain village, he had heard rumors about it and knew that, in the last century, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had joined forces intending to annihilate that village in one fell swoop.


    However, the result was that the higher-ups of the Nine Great Sects nearly all perished, and even their disciples suffered countless deaths and injuries, while that Northwestern little mountain village remained intact; this proved the strength and terror of the place.


    "Then what should we do now, elders of the Hong Family?" Duan Tian couldn''t help but ask.


    The Hong Family elder glared at him and snapped, "What''s there to panic about? They are just two youngsters and you''re already this nervous, I really wonder how you ever became a Great General."


    Upon hearing this, Duan Tian thought indeed, he was after all a distinguished Great General and here he was, panicking like this, which was disgraceful. Besides, he cast a glance at the five people present; aside from the three from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, the woman next to Ye Feng clearly seemed very weak.


    Therefore, Duan Tian quickly had a rough strategy in mind, the three people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village could just be dealt with by the three from the Hong Family, while he himself could confront Ye Feng, and the senior elder from his Duan Family would handle Hong Qingyan.


    Of course, the sequence could be adjusted slightly, after all, Hong Tiandu had made it clear he wanted to kill Ye Feng. Thus, Duan Tian''s gaze locked onto Chuwu, for he could tell that of the three from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, this big fellow had the weakest aura.


    "Looking at it this way, it''s not impossible to contend, and there might even be a great chance of success. As long as I defeat my opponent, freeing up my hands, Ye Feng will definitely die!" Duan Tian thought secretly to himself.


    However, Hong Tiandu was still staring intently at Long Nannan, word by word he said, "Miss Long, do you really intend to intervene today?"


    Sausage Sister suddenly stepped forward and sternly shouted, "If you want us not to get involved, that''s fine, unless you leave the mountain right now!"


    Hong Tiandu ground his teeth and said coldly, "That''s impossible, this Ye brat dares to humiliate our Ancient Hong Clan, today I must make him die!"


    "Hong Er, you''re really full of yourself. If you want to kill my Little Martial Uncle, ask if I agree!" Long Nannan yelled angrily.


    Hong Tiandu gritted his teeth and hissed, "So it seems there is no room for negotiation. So be it, Northwest Little Mountain Village or not, today is a good opportunity to take this little Miss back, and directly marry her off to my big brother!"


    "Hong Er, you really think too highly of yourself, today with me here, try and touch her," Sausage Sister said, her presence overwhelming.


    The two elders from the Hong Family suddenly spoke up, "Since things have come to this, let''s make our move. The situation in the world is about to undergo a major change, we can no longer care about past affections between our families!"


    As they spoke, one elder charged out, heading straight for Sausage Sister, and at the same time, the other elder also made his move, aiming to capture Long Nannan.


    "Elders, don''t kill them, just capture them and take them back to the family. Once the raw rice is cooked, even Old Long will have nothing to say!"


    After finishing his words, Hong Tiandu''s gaze locked onto Ye Feng, and he proclaimed word by word, "You must be the Ye kid, right? Good, today this young master will use your blood to wash away the humiliation my Hong Family has suffered!"


    Before his voice had fully faded, Hong Tiandu''s whole body burst out with dazzling golden light, then charged straight towards Ye Feng.


    "Let us make our move!" Duan Tian coldly shouted as he rushed toward Chuwu, and the senior elder from the Duan Family targeted Hong Qingyan.


    A battle was about to erupt; in an instant, the entire Heavenly Movement Mountain Range burst out with earth-shattering noises, fortunately, it was in a desolate area, otherwise, it would have been an extraordinary spectacle.

 Chapter 440 440: The Four Elephants Heavenly Gate and the Great Sun Technique

    Over the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, a heavy snow suddenly began to fall, rapidly coating the mountaintop in a blanket of white. However, deep in a valley, there was a continuous rumbling noise.


    "Heaven and Earth Eight Trigrams Dragon Hand!"


    Along with the furious shout of an elder from the Hong Family, large hands resembling dragons appeared in the night sky, eight in total, swirling in a pattern like the Eight Trigrams, converging to besiege Sausage Sister.


    Without a change in expression, Sausage Sister coldly said, "Hong Family elder, do you really think you can trap me with these dragon hands of yours? It''s a joke!"


    As Sausage Sister let out her cold cry, a dazzling rainbow light burst forth from her body, and a red Sky Ribbon shot out from her waist. The Red Heavenly Ribbon swept out like a whip, shattering space wherever it passed, instantly grinding the surrounding Eight Trigrams Dragon Hands into dust.


    "Damn it, you wench, at such a young age, you''ve actually cultivated to such a degree, and to think that you have an Ancient Magic Treasure like the Red Heavenly Ribbon in your possession!" The elderly member of the Hong Family quickly retreated, nearly becoming entangled in the Red Heavenly Ribbon.


    Meanwhile, another Hong Family elder was displaying a leg-based Divine Skill with terrifying speed, constantly launching strikes at Long Nannan. Under the fierce assault, Long Nannan appeared to be only defending.


    However, each time it seemed like Long Nannan would be defeated, she would turn danger into safety. If one looked closely, it was not difficult to see the look of ridicule on Long Nannan''s face, clearly indicating that she hadn''t used her full strength yet.


    "How infuriating, a mere girl, you should realize I am a contemporary of your grandfather, and yet I can''t take you down¡ªthis is preposterous!" The Hong Family elder was equally frustrated.


    The two elders of the Hong Family had originally planned to use their explosive power to swiftly capture Sausage Sister and Long Nannan, thus crippling Ye Feng''s two aides. In doing so, Ye Feng would have no means to escape. But as it turned out, although the plan was good, reality was cruel.


    Even with Hong Qingyan, the elder from the Duan Family who had descended from the sky, who initially thought he could easily kill the woman who seemed the weakest, only realized upon taking action that this woman was only seemingly weak and delicate, yet her combat power was terrifyingly strong.


    It was understandable, as Hong Qingyan cultivated methods from the Ancient Daoist Cultivators. Although she appeared to only be at the Martial King Realm, she had been at the Foundation Establishment stage for quite some time, and with her extraordinary talent, both her flesh body and Magic Techniques had reached an extremely powerful level.


    Given Hong Qingyan''s cultivation realm, she could enter the Golden Core Realm whenever she wished, but she followed Ye Feng''s advice to fortify her foundation as much as possible, so she had yet to choose a breakthrough.


    Among those present, only Duan Tian, facing Chuwu, held the upper hand. Duan Tian''s hidden strength was incredibly profound, almost certainly at the peak of the Sacred Realm, giving him a significant advantage over Chuwu, who had barely stepped half a foot into the Fake Pill stage.


    Of course, this was also because among Ye Feng''s five allies, Chuwu was actually the weakest.


    As for Ye Feng himself, facing the attacks from Hong Tiandu, he was not at all at a disadvantage.


    "Fengyun Sky Entangling Hand!" Hong Tiandu bellowed through gritted teeth, and with a great slap forward, the wind and clouds surged. Countless Great Hand Seals, mingled with the rolling momentum of wind and clouds, charged toward Ye Feng.


    "Sword of the King!" Ye Feng''s brow twitched, and above the void, a gigantic Sword of the King congealed into existence.


    Ye Feng''s acupoints had already opened over twelve hundred of them, and along with the fact that half of his Qi Force had already transformed into Spirit Essence, if one were to speak of the richness of Spirit Essence, he had even far surpassed a cultivator of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    What was more terrifying was that under the assistance of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, the quality of the Spirit Essence within Ye Feng was much more advanced than that of ordinary cultivators, thus his combat power was naturally stronger. Consequently, this congealed Sword of the King was naturally even more terrifying.


    The Sword of the King slashed across the sky, and in an instant, dazzling flashes met resistance. The fearsome Sword Momentum, like a comet, scattered the opposing Entangling Hands on the spot, and even the valley below bore witness to a startling chasm.


    This massive disturbance not only shocked Hong Tiandu but also made him realize that the opponent''s strength was far beyond his initial estimation. Even the two elders of the Hong Family were similarly astounded.


    After all, the sword strike that Ye Feng had just deployed was something that even they might not be able to fully withstand.


    Of course, the most shocked person present was Chuwu. He was not foolish and could naturally see the terrifying power of Ye Feng''s sword.


    "This guy, I had no idea his combat strength was so formidable!" Chuwu couldn''t help gnashing his teeth.


    Of course, the most horrified among those present was Duan Tian. Seeing the deep gouge in the valley below, he simply couldn''t believe his eyes.


    "Damn it, I initially thought Hong Tiandu could slay that Ye surname brat with utmost speed. But looking at it now, even Hong Tiandu can''t take him down. With this situation, it''s going to be tough to win!"


    Duan Tian became anxious. He suddenly turned his head towards his opponent Chuwu and growled through clenched teeth, "It seems that I have to defeat this damned big lug first, and then free up my hands to help!"


    As he spoke, Duan Tian''s hands rapidly formed seals, and his aura began to climb step by step. It was clear that he was preparing to use his trump card technique.


    Chuwu was no less prepared, his hands also forming seals. Suddenly, the sky above his head changed as dark clouds gathered and burst, emitting streaks of azure lightning. Amidst the swirling lightning, a blue Sky Thunder Sword took shape.


    "Thinking to defeat me won''t be so easy!" Chuwu growled through gritted teeth. The remaining four on his side had already revealed their considerable strength, fighting their opponents evenly matched. If he were to be the first to fall, where would he put his face?


    However, Duan Tian simply sneered. His hand suddenly slapped down, and around Chuwu, four doors emerged out of thin air, flashing with golden light.


    No sooner had these four doors appeared than they shot out beams of golden light, instantly enveloping Chuwu. Yet Chuwu found himself completely immobilized, unable to move no matter how he struggled, unable to break free.


    "Damn it, what exactly is this divine skill of yours? It''s so bizarre!" Chuwu gritted his teeth and roared in rage as he struggled furiously, "It looks like your divine skill is inherited from the Ancient Era. Damn it, watch as I slash through it with one sword!"


    In the midst of speaking, the Sword of Sky Thunder above his head descended, cleaving down towards him.


    "Hmph, think you can break my Four Elephants Heavenly Gate? Such wishful thinking!" Duan Tian gritted his teeth and coldly shouted. His hands formed a seal, and the four paths of the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate abruptly bent, instantly absorbing the force of the azure Sword of Sky Thunder.


    "What happened? How could you possibly absorb my sword momentum? That''s impossible!" Chuwu''s eyes widened in disbelief. At this moment, he was close to despair, yet he was unwilling to give up. With a focused gaze, the dark clouds above his head started to churn again, and the sword that formed this time was no longer the previous azure color but a golden, glittering Sky Thunder Sword, its power naturally far more terrifying.


    "I''ve said it before, you''re no match for me!" Duan Tian gritted his teeth and coldly declared as the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate once again redirected and directly absorbed the power of the golden, radiant Sky Thunder Sword.


    However, it was evident that after consecutively absorbing the power of two Sky Thunder Swords, a limit seemed to have been reached. Duan Tian''s demeanor was clearly not as composed as before.


    "Die!" Duan Tian roared furiously as the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate erupted with a beam of light that could destroy heaven and earth, instantly falling upon Chuwu.


    At this moment, Chuwu was completely trapped by the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate, unable to resist or even escape. He could only watch helplessly as the beam of light bore down on him.


    Chuwu had no doubt that if the beam of light hit him, he would certainly die on the spot, and even his flesh body would be blasted to smithereens.


    "Chuwu!"


    Sausage Sister and Long Nannan couldn''t help but panic. However, they were also unable to free themselves as the two elders from the Hong Family tightly entangled them at the sight.


    In this moment, Chuwu completely despaired, and involuntarily closed his eyes!


    Yet the next moment, something he could never have imagined occurred. Ye Feng suddenly leaped into the air, or more precisely, an Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist suddenly appeared above Chuwu. Like a dragon''s fearsome roar, the fist''s momentum directly rushed towards the beam of light and dispersed it on contact.


    Chuwu was completely stunned. He had never expected Ye Feng to come to his aid.


    "He... It was he who saved me, this..." Chuwu stood frozen on the spot, feeling as if his face was on fire, as if he''d been invisibly slapped hard. Clearly, he had just been resoundingly humiliated.


    "What are you standing around for? Take the chance to escape now!" Ye Feng shouted coldly.


    Only then did Chuwu recover from his shock. Taking advantage of the moment the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate was diverted by the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, he immediately made his escape.


    "Ye, oh no, Little Martial Uncle, I..." Chuwu shouted.


    "Save your breath, let''s deal with these bastards first!" Ye Feng cut him off with a cold shout.


    It was at this moment that Hong Tiandu made his move. While Ye Feng was focused on the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate, he summoned his divine skill, and suddenly, a scorching sun appeared out of the void.


    "Divine skill, Great Sun Technique, Ye, prepare to die!" Hong Tiandu gritted his teeth furiously as a roulette descended directly from the scorching sun above his head. Like a nirvanic, heaven annihilation roulette, packed with the power to destroy heaven and earth, it dropped straight towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng had just used the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, and was completely unable to attend to his rear. He could only watch helplessly as the terrifying Nirvana Roulette came crashing down.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan, on the side, couldn''t help but cry out in shock.


    "Little Martial Uncle..." Long Nannan was equally pale with shock. However, at that moment, they were utterly unable to lend a hand in rescue, as they were tightly bound by their opponents.


    "Die!" In this moment, Hong Tiandu''s grin stretched wide, a cruel and ferocious smile spreading across his face.


    However, the next second, the smile on Hong Tiandu''s face froze completely, because just as the roulette was about to land on Ye Feng''s head, it suddenly stopped. It was as if someone had abruptly immobilized it, and it just hovered there, motionless.


    "What... what on earth is going on!" Hong Tiandu gnashed his teeth and shouted in fury, trying to move the scorching sun above his head, to drive the roulette to fall, but he was horrified to find that no matter what he did, the roulette wouldn''t budge an inch.


    "Damn it, it''s been immobilized by you, kid... How is that possible!" Hong Tiandu roared in anger.


    Ye Feng didn''t speak, because at that moment, the nucleus of mental power in his Sea of Consciousness had already begun spinning rapidly, with mental force surging out like a tidal wave, tightly winding around and restraining the roulette.


    Nonetheless, this was also a great consumption for Ye Feng. Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, and his mental power burst forth, entangling the roulette and directly sending it hurtling towards Duan Tian.


    Boom...


    Duan Tian''s face was a picture of utter horror at that moment.

 Chapter 441 441 I want to end him completely

    Duan Tian could never have anticipated that the confrontation between the two of them would inadvertently turn its disaster towards himself. Clearly, he also recognized the terrifying power contained within the roulette, but fortunately, he was an old hand in the Martial Arts World with very rich combat experience.


    So after a brief moment of shock, Duan Tian quickly regained his senses. Almost instinctively, the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate appeared right before him to block.


    Boom...


    In the next moment, the roulette charged forward, instantly destroying the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate. Duan Tian spat out blood and was sent reeling back from the horrific blast wave, looking significantly wounded.


    It appeared that the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate was not only a Divine Skill but also an Object of the Divine Path belonging to Duan Tian. Now that the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate had been destroyed, Duan Tian naturally suffered backlash. Fortunately, this was no ordinary Object of the Divine Path, so he was still able to endure it.


    "Damn it, Ye Feng, I didn''t expect you to be so sly, I will kill you myself!" Duan Tian''s rage was beyond containment, and he gnashed his teeth, preparing to charge forward.


    However, just at that moment, Hong Tiandu coldly shouted, "Duan Tian, you old fool, get out of the way for this young master. This Ye Feng is mine to kill, only I can do it. Did you hear that? If you don''t want to die, don''t get in the way of this young master''s business!"


    Upon hearing this, Duan Tian was taken aback, but he had no choice but to halt his attack and swiftly exit the fray. Even though he was seething with anger, he could not ignore Hong Tiandu''s words. After all, the latter was from the Hong Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans. If he angered this scion of the Hong Family, even he might encounter serious trouble.


    Ye Feng saw this and couldn''t help but sneer, "So you''re Hong Tiandu, huh? That''s some big talk. Even if the two of you teamed up, I would not fear you at all, let alone just you alone!"


    Hong Tiandu bared his teeth and shouted, "Boy, don''t think you''re invincible just because you''re somewhat capable. Since that''s the case, let this young master show you what real Divine Skills are!"


    As he spoke, Hong Tiandu''s Dharma Seal formed, and the Great Fiery Sun above his head erupted into dazzling light once more. In that moment, the entire Heavenly Movement Mountain Range was illuminated, as though the sun was emerging to hang high in the sky.


    It had to be said that Hong Tiandu''s Divine Skill was terrifyingly domineering, it seemed to be some kind of inherited Divine Skill of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. Of course, Ye Feng knew that such Ancient Clans, inheriting from the Ancient Era, would naturally have no shortage of Magic Techniques. However, these weren''t something that just any clan member could practice.


    The power of the Great Fiery Sun Technique was formidable. Ye Feng deduced that probably only the direct lineage of the Hong Family could cultivate it. Thus, Hong Tiandu was undoubtedly from the direct lineage. As for the earlier Hong Jiutian, he didn''t seem to be from the direct lineage because, at that time on the Forbidden Peak, Hong Jiutian didn''t utilize the Great Fiery Sun Technique.


    In an instant, under Hong Tiandu''s Dharma Seal, another massive and even more terrifying roulette descended straight from the Great Fiery Sun, rapidly shooting towards Ye Feng.


    By this time, Ye Feng''s face was already quite pale, obviously overexerting himself using the Mental Power Nucleus just before, and now he could not forcibly use the Mental Power Nucleus again, or else his spirit would surely not withstand it.


    "Sword of the King!" Ye Feng raised his eyebrows, and the golden Sword of the King congealed into existence, slashing through the air. But as soon as it touched the roulette, the Sword of the King was instantly destroyed and scattered by the formidable power of the roulette.


    "Hmph, a mere broken sword dares to contend with my Great Fiery Sun Wheel, truly overestimating yourself. Ye Feng, face your death!" Hong Tiandu let out a cold snort, and the bright golden roulette loomed straight over Ye Feng''s head.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!" Ye Feng launched his fist, soaring into the sky, his terrifying Fist Momentum roaring like a dragon, charging forth.


    Boom...


    In an instant, the heavens and earth changed color, the winds surged wildly, and the mighty Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist shattered the roulette with a single punch.


    "What? You actually... actually broke my Great Fiery Sun Wheel, how is this possible!" Hong Tiandu''s eyes widened in shock, standing rooted to the spot, almost unable to believe his own eyes.


    Only at this moment did Hong Tiandu truly realize the strength and terror of his opponent, and he understood why Hong Jiutian had lost before. Although Ye Feng appeared to be at the Peak Martial King Cultivation Realm, his Combat Power was already on par with the Saint Realm, even capable of completely suppressing a normal Saint Realm.


    Even against a Half-Step Golden Core Cultivator, Ye Feng could still hold his own!


    Seeing this, Duan Tian ground his teeth and said, "Young Master Hong, let''s join forces. This boy''s sorcery is too powerful. It''s time for us to join hands and exterminate him once and for all."


    Hong Tiandu thought for a moment and finally nodded, "Alright, then let''s do it together."


    "Good, next, I will use the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate to restrain this boy, and then, Young Master Hong, you can finish him off!"


    While speaking, Duan Tian''s hands continuously formed seals; with wave after wave of Qi Force bursting forth from his body, he swiftly recondensed the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate, trapping Ye Feng from the east, south, west, and north.


    In an instant, the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate suddenly shot out four beams of light, descending upon Ye Feng.


    At that moment, Ye Feng immediately felt an immense binding force; he was completely restrained, and no matter how he struggled, it was to no avail. What was even more terrifying was that both the Qi Essence and Spirit Essence within his body had become immobilized at that moment.


    "Unexpectedly, this Four Elephants Heavenly Gate is so formidable!" Ye Feng was shocked in his heart, but without any hesitation, his mind moved, and the Heavenly Edict Scroll from the Sea of Consciousness immediately unfolded, unleashing an esoteric surge of energy.


    The next moment, Ye Feng felt the four beams of light binding him were directly absorbed by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, and what shocked him even more was that after absorbing those four beams, a source of origin strength appeared on the Heavenly Edict Scroll. His intuition told him that this source of origin strength could perfectly assist in cultivation.


    "Who would have thought that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had such a significant use!" Ye Feng was overjoyed in his heart, but he showed no sign of it on his face. Suddenly, he conceived a plan, thinking that he should take this opportunity to absorb more of this energy.


    Ye Feng could feel that this absorbed origin energy might not be as good as the Source of Luck, but it was definitely not inferior and would not be too slow in aiding the speed of his cultivation.


    Suddenly, a terrifying aura burst forth from Ye Feng, looking as if he was about to break free from the constraints of the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate, but he was always just a bit short. In fact, this was all an act he deliberately put on.


    If he wanted, Ye Feng could escape the bind of the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate at any time, since those four beams had long been absorbed by him.


    Duan Tian became extremely anxious upon seeing this, as the Qi Force inside him surged out wildly once more, pouring into the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate, and the next moment, four even stronger beams fell onto Ye Feng.


    "Damn it, I didn''t expect you to be so terrifying, almost breaking free from my Four Elephants Heavenly Gate. But today, no matter how much you struggle, you won''t possibly escape!"


    Duan Tian gritted his teeth and coldly shouted, then immediately yelled, "Young Master Hong, please make your move quickly and kill this kid now!"


    Hong Tiandu probably also knew that this was an excellent opportunity, so he didn''t care about winning by outnumbering anymore. Usually, with his so-called proud demeanor, he would never have joined forces with anyone, but now the opponent''s strength obviously exceeded his expectations.


    "Great Fiery Sun Wheel, Ye Feng, die!"


    From within Hong Tiandu, the Spirit Essence roared out furiously, and the next moment the sun above his head once again burst forth with a dazzling and blinding light, followed by a giant roulette descending, falling directly on Ye Feng''s head.


    "If the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll can absorb the light beams from the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate, can it also absorb this roulette?"


    At this moment, Ye Feng suddenly had a bold and crazy thought. As soon as the idea occurred to him, almost subconsciously, Ye Feng called forth the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and placed it in front of himself.


    Boom...


    The roulette descended, and the intense and expansive light instantly engulfed Ye Feng. At this moment, no one could see clearly what exactly was happening inside, but everyone clearly doubted not that Ye Feng, shrouded and devoured by the roulette, was undoubtedly doomed to die.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but panic, but the opponent''s reckless entanglement held her back, preventing her from getting free.


    "Little Martial Uncle..." Long Nannan also shouted loudly, but although this little girl''s strength was not weak, the elder of the Hong Family was a figure on par with Long Nannan, with formidable combat power, and including Sausage Sister, all three could not come to the rescue in time.


    Moreover, by the time they got there, it was clearly too late. As for Chuwu, who was watching from the side, he could have come over to help, but at this very moment, Chuwu did not budge at all and just watched the scene coldly, his eyes even showing a deep sense of fear as he looked towards the roulette.


    It was evident that even if Chuwu rushed over, he would not be able to stop the roulette.


    However, Long Nannan became angry and couldn''t help but coldly shout, "Chuwu, you bastard, have you forgotten that Little Martial Uncle just saved you? And now you stand idly by... You..."


    Even Sausage Sister was incredibly frustrated, but Chuwu showed no sign of shame at all because, in his view, face was never more important than life. If he had rushed over to stand in front of Ye Feng just now, sure, he could have taken this strike for Ye Feng, but then, he himself would likely have been severely injured, if not killed.


    Thus, Chuwu believed that he had done nothing wrong, even if he knew he was there to help. But he thought that even helping should not exceed his capacity.


    As the roulette gradually dissipated, the terrifying blinding golden light also slowly vanished, and it was only then that everyone could see clearly the condition of Ye Feng at the center.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was drenched in blood, the corner of his mouth stained with blood, and there were wounds all over his body. His aura was exceedingly weak, and his complexion was as pale as could be, as if he was on the brink of death.


    Upon seeing this, Hong Tiandu couldn''t help but grit his teeth and say, "Good kid, you''re still not dead, even my roulette can''t kill you. You really are an indestructible cockroach!"


    Duan Tian snorted coldly, "But Second Young Master Hong, even if this Ye Feng isn''t dead, he has suffered grave injuries. It''s likely that all his internal organs have shifted, and his meridians are almost severed. One more strike, and he will undoubtedly die!"


    "Right, this time, I will see to it that he''s finished!"


    Hong Tiandu gritted his teeth and coldly shouted, covered in an intense aura of murder. He had no doubt come to know that his opponent''s strength was too formidable, much beyond his expectations, and at this moment if not for the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate trapping the opponent, he would not have caused such damage.


    Therefore, as far as Hong Tiandu was concerned, no matter what, this kid with the surname Ye had to die today, or else he would be a never-ending threat in the future.


    However, no matter what Hong Tiandu could imagine, Ye Feng, who at present seemed utterly disheveled and riddled with wounds on the surface, was actually ecstatic inside.

 Chapter 442 442: The Metamorphosis and Background of Hong Qingyan

    "Indeed, this Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll really came in handy. It not only blocked the attack of the Great Fiery Sun Wheel but even absorbed its energy. This Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll is truly defying the heavens!"


    Ye Feng was incredibly excited inside, but his face still looked pale as paper, and he did not show any of this exhilaration.


    Now that he knew the miraculous effect of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, when fighting against a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm level or a Cultivator at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm in the future, Ye Feng could completely absorb the energy of the opponent''s Divine Skills. Not only could this break the opponent''s attack methods, but he could also use this absorbed energy to aid his cultivation.


    This was truly killing two birds with one stone, indeed defying the heavens.


    However, Ye Feng also knew that, with his current Cultivation Realm, he could only absorb up to the strength of a Half-Step Golden Core level at most, with a power similar to that of Hong Tiandu''s wheel. If the power of the Divine Skills was any stronger, he probably wouldn''t be able to handle it.


    Even when the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was absorbing the wheel earlier, it was Ye Feng who first used the Mental Power Nucleus to temporarily restrain the wheel before he could absorb it; otherwise, the scroll alone simply couldn''t do it.


    "This means I must maximize my spiritual power in the future, for spiritual power is the foundation!" Ye Feng solemnly reflected. Of course, at this time, he had not yet reached his limit and thought about obtaining more Origin Energy.


    "Damn it, you really have no shame, too shameless, ganging up on me two against one. Since that''s the case, I''ll fight you to the end!"


    Ye Feng suddenly roared, although this state was feigned by him. In reality, his injuries were only superficial skin wounds and nowhere near as severe as everyone imagined.


    In almost an instant, a brilliant light burst forth from Ye Feng, looking as if he was about to break free of the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate again.


    Duan Tian was taken aback at this sight and once more spurred on his Qi Force, furiously surging out and converging into the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate. Four beams of light shot out directly from the four gates, descending upon Ye Feng and binding him once again.


    "Second Young Master Hong, please make your move quickly, strike once more, with this last strike, we must completely kill this Ye brat!" Duan Tian gritted his teeth and coldly shouted, his complexion also extremely pale, with large beads of sweat appearing on his face.


    It was apparent that after repeatedly exerting himself with the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate, even a seasoned Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm like Duan Tian was nearing his limit.


    Hong Tiandu was in a similar situation, repeatedly using the Great Fiery Sun Technique until he was gasping for breath. He clenched his teeth and condensed a Dharma Seal with his hands, then the Great Fiery Sun above his head burst forth with brilliant light once more, a wheel materialized and charged straight at Ye Feng.


    However, the wheel at this moment evidently didn''t possess the terrifying power it had before, and its strength had diminished significantly. It seemed Hong Tiandu had also reached his limit and couldn''t muster more energy.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already absorbed those four beams of light, and at the same time, the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness started spinning wildly again, with spiritual power surging out like a river.


    At the same moment, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll also surfaced and positioned itself in front of him. His spiritual power burst forth, instantly restraining the wheel, followed by the scroll quickly absorbing it.


    Still, some of the energy from the wheel exploded violently, blowing Ye Feng into a bloody mess. Of course, Ye Feng had done this on purpose, to lull his opponents and buy himself enough time.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan exclaimed in shock when she saw this, and then her aura began to skyrocket wildly. What surprised everyone even more was that her hair had turned completely white.


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan''s aura became terrifyingly powerful. Especially at the center of her brows, a special white mark appeared, looking like a white feather.


    "Wings of Light, to my aid!" Hong Qingyan suddenly roared up to the sky, and it wasn''t until this moment that everyone could see clearly that her eyes had turned blood red, and she had almost fallen into a state of frenzy.


    When she saw that Ye Feng was in a life-threatening situation, Hong Qingyan finally unleashed the secret power hidden within her body.


    In an instant, an arrow formed out of the void, which seemed like a white feather, yet it contained a destructive power that could obliterate both heaven and earth.


    The three members of the Hong Family were shocked at the sight and cried out in alarm, "What? Wings of Light, how is this possible, that is our Hong Family''s lost Supreme Magic Technique, how could you possibly know it!"


    "What on earth is going on here, who exactly are you, a layperson actually possessing the lost supreme magic technique of our Hong Family of the Ancient Clan, who are you!" two Hong Family elders roared in shock.


    Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened as he heard this, as he realized something - Hong Qingyan also had the surname Hong. Could it be that she indeed had some connection with the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan?


    Suddenly, Ye Feng also remembered what Old Man Hong had told him back when they were in Jiangdu, about how he had adopted Qingyan from the orphanage. In her swaddling clothes, there was only the surname Hong marked. It seemed that Hong Qingyan did indeed originally have the surname Hong, and it wasn''t just because of the Jiangdu Hong Family.


    However, at that moment, Hong Qingyan was indifferent to these words. From her bloodshot eyes, it was not difficult to see that she had entered a state of madness.


    The Wings of Light shot out directly, instantly aiming to kill Hong Tiandu.


    Hong Tiandu''s face showed extreme horror, for he naturally knew the terrifying power of this long-lost supreme magic technique of his family.


    Without a second thought, Hong Tiandu hurried to Duan Tian''s side and used him as a shield.


    "You, Hong Tiandu..." Duan Tian had only managed to say these four words when his chest was pierced by the Wings of Light, killing him instantly.


    "Damn it, it really is the Wings of Light, indeed our Hong Family''s lost supreme magic technique. Who on earth is this woman, and why does she know our Hong Family''s heritage spell?" Hong Tiandu gritted his teeth, his face ashen with disbelief. He barely dared to imagine if she were to shoot another arrow, he would certainly be doomed.


    "Elders, what should we do now?" Without a doubt, Hong Tiandu was afraid.


    "The Wings of Light are too powerful. Unless your elder brother is here, there is no way for us to resist. Moreover, the troubling thing is that this woman has fallen into an unconscious state of madness; we can''t get anything out of her. Let''s leave this place first!"


    While speaking, the two Hong Family elders soared into the sky, shooting up swiftly, and Hong Tiandu had already taken the chance to escape even faster.


    By this time, it was obviously too late for Ye Feng to chase after them. Moreover, after firing that arrow, Hong Qingyan''s breath had suddenly scattered, and she fell from the sky like a kite with its string cut.


    Ye Feng had to give up the pursuit, turned his body in midair, and caught Hong Qingyan, at the same time stretching out his Great Hand to carefully examine her.


    Sausage Sister and Long Nannan likewise had no intention of chasing, as they clearly understood that even if they caught up, they couldn''t hold the enemy with their own strength. Besides, Grandpa had instructed them when coming here that they only needed to protect Ye Feng, and they should ignore everything else.


    "Little Martial Uncle, how is Sister Hong? Is she alright? She looked so scary just now," Long Nannan hurried over and asked.


    After examining her for a while, Ye Feng sighed with relief and said, "She''s not in any serious danger, just passed out due to overexertion. Thankfully, she didn''t damage her foundation or source."


    Long Nannan also sighed with relief. After a moment of thought, she added, "But Little Martial Uncle, those people from the Hong Family just now said that the technique Sister Hong used is the legacy of the Ancient Clan''s Hong Family. Could it be that Sister Hong is also from the Ancient Clan''s Hong Family?"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and said, "I''m not quite sure about the specifics. We''ll ask Qingyan when she wakes up. For now, let''s leave this place first."


    Having said that, Ye Feng carried Hong Qingyan and flew across the sky, swiftly arriving at the parking area at the foot of the mountain, followed closely by Long Nannan and Sausage Sister. As for Chuwu, her face showed a complex expression, but ultimately she followed suit.


    Ye Feng, however, couldn''t care less about the complicated gaze Chuwu cast his way. He just got into the car and quickly returned to Northern Cloud Residence. In fact, Ye Feng was a bit worried. The way Hong Qingyan had erupted just now was terrifying, and she had almost entered a state of madness that bordered on deviation.


    Although Ye Feng understood that Hong Qingyan had only become like that in an attempt to save him, he was worried that such a state might arise again in the future. And if it did, whether Qingyan would completely lose her sanity and deviate.


    "Sigh, such a silly girl. Your Big Brother Ye isn''t in any real danger. There''s no need to be so worried!" Ye Feng shook his head, his heart filled with a mix of pity and guilt as he looked at Hong Qingyan''s pale face.

 Chapter 443 443 The Calculation of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan

    Just as Ye Feng and his companions drove away, disappearing into the vast snowy expanse, three figures suddenly swept across the sky and landed on the highest peak of the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range.


    Standing upright, the three men gazed in the direction where Ye Feng and the others had departed, remaining silent for a long time. These three were none other than Hong Tiandu and two elders of the Hong Family.


    After a long while, Hong Tiandu finally clenched his teeth and said resentfully, "Damn it, if it weren''t for that woman''s sudden outburst, this Ye kid would have been wiped out by me!"


    At this, Hong Tiandu turned to the two Hong Family elders and asked, "Uncles, is that woman truly one of our Hong Family people?"


    The two Hong Family elders remained silent. After a long pause, the man on the left finally let out a long sigh and said, "The Wings of Light are an inheritance of our Hong Family from ancient times and one of the two supreme heritages, though it has been lost to our generation. However, this heritage has a particular trait."


    "A particular trait, what is it?" Hong Tiandu immediately asked.


    "The trait is that the Wings of Light, this supreme technique, is passed down through bloodline inheritance. Therefore, the woman beside Ye Feng must undoubtedly be a descendant of our Hong Family," the Hong Family elder explained.


    At that moment, Hong Tiandu fell silent, his expression turning quite unsightly. The Hong Family elder then asked, "By the way, what is the relation between that woman and that Ye kid?"


    Hong Tiandu gritted his teeth and said, "She''s that kid''s wife, or rather, his fiance?e to be precise, as they haven''t officially tied the knot."


    "Just a fiance?e? In that case, there''s room for easing this matter," the other Hong Family elder suddenly interjected.


    Hong Tiandu quickly asked, "Uncle, what do you mean by that? Surely we''re not considering easing relations with that Ye kid. That wouldn''t be acceptable, would it?"


    The Hong Family elder sneered and said, "Easing relations with that kid? Naturally, that''s impossible. With the status and identity we possess in the Hong Family, that kid dares to disgrace us, so he must be cleansed with his blood!"


    "Then uncle, what do you suggest?" Hong Tiandu asked.


    "Since the woman is just a fiance?e and not yet officially married, we should find a way to sever her relationship with that Ye kid and have her return to our Hong Family," advised the elder on the left.


    "Indeed, that''s a good plan. As soon as we get back, we should immediately inform the Dark Division to investigate this woman''s background in detail. In addition, we in the Hong Family should check to see if any child has gone missing, and strive to find her biological parents!" The elder on the right added.


    Hong Tiandu furrowed his brows and asked, "Uncles, what if the woman is unwilling to break off her relationship with that Ye kid and doesn''t want to return to the family?"


    The two Hong Family elders fell into silence once more, indicating that this was indeed a thorny and vexing issue.


    All of a sudden, Hong Tiandu clenched his teeth and said word by word, "Of course, this matter might not be troublesome. After all, she''s just a woman from our Hong Family. If she refuses to return, it will be considered betrayal. According to family rules, such betrayal is punishable by death. When the time comes, we''ll dispatch a clan elder to exterminate her and that Ye kid together!"


    The two Hong Family elders sighed and said, "This matter may not be so simple. Tiandu, you probably do not yet understand what that woman means to our family, or rather, what her Wings of Light technique means to the Hong Family."


    Hong Tiandu clenched his teeth and said, "So what? Does that alone mean we can''t kill her?"


    The two Hong Family elders responded with a wry smile, "After all, it is the Wings of Light. This supreme technique has been lost to our Hong Family for nearly a thousand years. If it were to reemerge and be cultivated to the Great Perfection Realm, our Hong Family''s strength could potentially increase by fifty percent. This would mean that our Hong Family will undoubtedly be able to suppress the other three Great Ancient Clans, so unless it''s absolutely necessary, she must not be killed."


    "If she were to be killed, we might cause this technique to be completely lost, since it is passed down through the bloodline. None of us can guarantee whether or not she is the last person in our Hong Family to possess the bloodline inheritance of this technique."


    Suddenly, Hong Tiandu clenched his fists tightly and a muffled explosion of energy burst forth. He gritted his teeth and spoke word by word, "Damn it, this Ye kid really deserves to die, daring to meddle with the descendants of the Hong Family. Even if that woman cannot be killed, I will still smash Ye into ten thousand pieces to relieve the hatred in my heart!"


    The two elders said, "Let''s return to the clan first. This matter is of great importance and must be reported to the clan elders and the patriarch for a final decision."


    With these words, the three figures leaped into the air and disappeared into the vast snow.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already returned to the Northern Cloud Residence, but Hong Qingyan was still unconscious. After carrying her into the Inner Courtyard, Ye Feng began administering her breath regulation treatment. Soon, Hong Qingyan finally began to recover, her pale face slowly turning rosy and her breathing stabilizing.


    "You''re finally awake," Ye Feng said, relieved as he saw Hong Qingyan slowly open her eyes.


    Rolling her eyes, Hong Qingyan said, "This is the Northern Cloud Residence. Are we safe, Big Brother Ye? Those three from the Hong Family didn''t do anything to you, did they?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, a mix of concern and annoyance in his voice, "Of course we''re safe. Your wings were so powerful, who could withstand them? But let''s make it clear, from now on you''re not allowed to be so reckless and impulsive. Your Big Brother Ye isn''t in such great danger."


    With a charming smile, Hong Qingyan replied, "I was just worried about you, Big Brother Ye. Besides, I was so anxious at the time that I entered that state without warning, and in the end, I couldn''t even control it myself."


    Ye Feng furrowed his brow and asked, "After entering that state, are you still conscious?"


    Hong Qingyan shook her head, and Ye Feng continued, "That is to say, that state is triggered by chance, and you still can''t completely control it, nor can you use the Wing Technique at will?"


    "Um." Hong Qingyan nodded.


    Ye Feng fell silent, pondering for a while before asking, "By the way, Qingyan, do you still remember some things from your childhood, such as the origins of your biological parents?"


    "I don''t. As far as I can remember, since I was capable of memory, I was in the orphanage in Jiangdu, and then I was adopted by Grandpa." Qingyan explained, then suddenly asked, "By the way, Big Brother Ye, why do you suddenly bring this up?"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brow, finally making up his mind, and said, "Originally, I didn''t want to mention this to you, but since it concerns your identity, I think you have the right to know."


    Hong Qingyan just nodded slightly without speaking, clearly indicating for Ye Feng to continue.


    Ye Feng said, "According to the three members of the Hong Family, the Wings of Light Spell you used is a Heritage Spell of their family. Therefore, the three of them believe that you are a descendant of the ancient Hong Clan."


    "I am from the Ancient Hong Clan?" Hong Qingyan was shocked and stared with wide eyes, frozen in place.


    Ye Feng slightly nodded and then asked, "What do you think of this matter?"


    After a long pause, Qingyan finally shook her head and said, "I don''t know. I have no concept of anything before the orphanage, as I was just an infant then, including my biological parents. I don''t even know why they abandoned me!"


    As she spoke, a clear sense of loss, even sadness, appeared in Qingyan''s expression.


    Not wanting to let her sink too deeply into sorrow, Ye Feng quickly said, "Given this, let''s set aside the matter for now. You focus on healing, and if what the three from the Hong Family said is true, I believe they will send someone to look for you again."


    "Of course, if the Hong Family doesn''t send anyone, and one day you want to clear things up, I will personally take you to the ancient Hong Clan to find out. How does that sound?"


    "Good, thank you, Big Brother Ye!" Qingyan smiled sweetly, clearly feeling much better.


    "Rest well, I''ll go to the Divine Doctor Sect to find some medicines to stabilize your mind and spirit," said Ye Feng before he walked out of the bedroom, knowing that at this moment, Qingyan needed to be alone to think things through. Only after clearing her thoughts could she overcome the hurdle in her heart.


    Of course, Ye Feng wouldn''t personally go to the Divine Doctor Sect. After making a call to Yu Feiyu, everything would be arranged on that end, and he felt at ease leaving Qingyan in Yu Feiyu''s care.


    Then, Ye Feng summoned Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian and directly ordered them to take Duan Tian''s Great General''s Order to the Duan Family''s vault and transport all treasures from there to the Imperial Martial Academy.


    Duan Tian had been in a high position for many years, and it was clear that the Duan Family was a martial family, not an ordinary one. With the materials from the Duan Family, the operation of the Martial Academy would have much more support.


    After that, Ye Feng checked on Leng Wuming in the backyard, who was still unconscious. His tendons and important bones were all broken, and without the legendary Black Jade Healing Paste, it''d be difficult for him to recover.


    "Black Jade Healing Paste, looks like I will need to make a personal visit to the Buddhist Sect next!"


    Ye Feng rubbed his forehead. Even though his Cultivation Realm had improved significantly by now, the pressure had also increased substantially.


    Not to mention all the matters regarding the Tianyong Pavilion of the Imperial Capital, just the seven major Sects of Ancient Martial Arts alone were enough to cause a headache, not to mention the mysterious and powerful Four Great Ancient Clans. Additionally, several foreign powers were also eyeing them with covetous interest.


    Of course, these were not the main concerns. What really made Ye Feng feel a sense of urgency was the legendary Alien Space-Time. Once this Alien Territory opened and entered this world, it would lead to chaos everywhere, even endangering the entire world.


    "Let''s not worry about these things for now. First, I need to enter the secret chamber and absorb all the Origin Energy from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll!" said Ye Feng, shaking his head. Despite the pressing circumstances, strengthening himself was the ultimate solution. Only by doing everything possible to enhance his strength could he secure a position for himself in the coming upheaval.


    During the battle in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, Ye Feng had absorbed a considerable amount of Origin Energy through the Divine Path Source. If he could fully refine and assimilate this energy, he estimated that the Qi Essence and Qi Force in his Acupoints would reach approximately fourteen hundred, and a good portion could be transformed into Spirit Essence.


    For a full day and night, Ye Feng did not leave his closed-off space. The next day at dawn, he emerged, just stepping out of the study when a guard hurried in to report that a person from the Sect of the Ancient Clan had come to visit.


    "Sects of Ancient Martial Arts? What are they here for? Have them come in!" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and then stepped towards the reception hall.


    Of course, by this time Ye Feng clearly understood that the reason the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had come was most likely due to the so-called Martial Arts World Summit. The target of this summit, of course, was himself, labeled a pariah of the Martial Forest.

 Chapter 444 444: Just Wait and See

    This time, the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were represented by only three people in total, all of whom were either the Buddhist Sect Master, the Deputy Mansion Lord of the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect, or the Deputy Sect Master of Tang Sect. Of course, for these great sects, to hold the position of a Deputy at the very least meant their cultivation had reached the level of the Half-Step Divine Ability Realm.


    However, in Ye Feng''s eyes, these people''s cultivation realms seemed trivial. After all, he could easily kill those in the Divine Ability Realm, not to mention defeating even the legendary Saint Realm, let alone these fighters who had only taken half a step into the Divine Ability Realm.


    After the representatives of the Three Sects of Ancient Martial Arts entered the reception hall, they were surprisingly courteous, especially since Ye Feng''s act of annihilating both the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect had been the talk of the Ancient Martial World not long ago. Clearly, the three were also afraid of provoking Ye Feng, the God of Slaughter.


    "The three of you have traveled from afar, what brings you here?" Ye Feng asked coldly from his seat of honor as he looked over the three men.


    Since the establishment of the Imperial Martial Academy, the conflict between Ye Feng and the Ancient Martial World had intensified, and with the destruction of both the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect, the enmity between the two sides was beyond reconciliation.


    The bald and big-eared monk from the Buddhist Sect clasped his hands together, chanting a Buddhist mantra: "As the saying goes, ''One does not visit a temple without a cause.'' We naturally have matters to attend to today, and now our Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are already assembled within the Buddhist Sect."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but snort with mockery, "The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts? Are there not only Seven Great Sects left at the moment? How can there still be nine?"


    This remark was undoubtedly full of ridicule. Of course, Ye Feng also knew that although the elites and high-ranking members of the Underworld Sect and Flora Sect had been wiped out, it was conceivable that the remaining disciples would have temporarily taken over the sects. However, these two sects now lacked great powers and had become negligible concerns.


    Had it not been for the support of other great sects, the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect would have already been struggling to survive and would not dare to openly oppose him again.


    The three Deputy Sect Masters sitting opposite could clearly understand what Ye Feng meant. Although they felt rage within, they did not dare to make a scene. The Confucian Holy Mansion''s Deputy Mansion Lord''s face sank to an extreme, but he hid it behind his teacup.


    The Deputy Sect Master of Tang Sect said with a faint smile, "Ye Feng, your words are amiss. Our Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have existed since time immemorial, having been passed down for thousands of years. Such a long history does not disappear so easily."


    Ye Feng laughed slightly, lifting the corners of his mouth, "Is that so? It seems that the work I''ve done recently was not enough?"


    The three Deputy Sect Masters fell silent because they didn''t know how to respond to Ye Feng''s comment. They didn''t dare agree, because that would be like admitting defeat and losing face. If they showed indignation, they were afraid of angering the God of Slaughter.


    Ye Feng glanced over the three, then scoffed, "Enough, let''s cut to the chase, and don''t waste my time. Your Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are gathering at the Buddhist Sect, what is your intention?"


    The Deputy Sect Master immediately replied, "The Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are soon to hold a Martial Arts Conference, extending invitations to all the heroes of the world to preside over justice for the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect."


    As he said this, the Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect produced a golden invitation card, and continued, "This is our invitation, and we hope that you will honor us with your presence."


    Ye Feng scoffed, "Preside over justice for the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect, you say? In other words, this so-called Martial Arts Conference is preparing to crusade against me, is that it?"


    The Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect did not speak, and it was the Deputy Mansion Lord of the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect who finally could not contain his anger, gritting his teeth, "Ye Feng, your deeds against the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect are known to the world, completely disregarding martial morality with such brutal methods that have outraged both humans and gods. Should we not take action?"


    The Deputy Sect Master of Tang Sect also added, "We, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, are closely connected. Now that two of our sects have been destroyed, the rest of us cannot turn a blind eye, we must seek justice for them!"


    Ye Feng chuckled, "What if I choose not to attend this Martial Arts Conference?"


    The Deputy Mansion Lord of the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect huffed, "If you do not attend, then at that time, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will march out of the Western Territory, head towards the Northern Upper Territory, and even advance directly to the Capital City, determined to obtain justice for the Flora and Underworld Sects, as well as a satisfactory explanation for the Martial Arts World!"


    As he spoke, the Deputy Mansion Lord then added, "Of course, should things truly turn out this way, it will inevitably lead to a catastrophe for humanity, and usher in a disaster for the Martial Arts of Xuanyuan Nation. You, Ye Feng, who claim to consider the welfare of the common people and seek benefits for the fellow martial practitioners, surely would not stand idly by and let this happen, would you?"


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes but did not speak because he knew their words were not an exaggeration. If the Nine Great Sects indeed joined forces and advanced toward the Northern Border, the situation in the North would be jeopardized.


    Of course, Ye Feng was not truly afraid of these so-called Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. His concern was that once the battle started, it would certainly be a disaster for the Martial Arts World, resulting in massive civilian casualties.


    And that was not even the main issue. The key point was that once the two sides clashed, the Snow Wolf Country to the north and the Vampire Nation alliance to the west would surely not miss this perfect opportunity to strike again. By then, the situation in the Northern Border would undoubtedly become even more chaotic, something Ye Feng did not wish to see happen.


    It was evident that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were also counting on this, which is why they were bold enough to host the Martial Arts Conference at the Buddhist Sect, as they expected that Ye Feng would attend.


    However, Ye Feng was not the type to be manipulated easily. After pondering for a moment, he spoke in a chilly voice, "I don''t mind attending this Martial Arts Conference, and I might even agree to go without an army, but I have one condition!"


    The Deputy Sect Master immediately responded, "State your term, and do not hesitate to speak!"


    Ye Feng said, "If your Sects of Ancient Martial Arts want to uphold what you call the righteousness of the Martial Arts World, then there should be some rules set for this great martial arts convention."


    "The rules were naturally decided long ago!" the Deputy Mansion Lord of the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect immediately said, "After deliberations among the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, we have come to an agreement on three challenges. As long as you, sir, can break through the three challenges set by our nine sects, we in the Ancient Martial World will no longer pursue your previous actions and deeds. At that time, we will also present the resources and the Cultivation Method and Martial Technique that were originally agreed upon in their entirety."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng burst out laughing.


    Three Deputy Sect Masters coldly demanded, "Sir, what is so funny? Do you find our rule amusing?"


    "Of course," Ye Feng snorted coldly. "Don''t you find it funny yourselves? Those resources and the Cultivation Method and Martial Technique have already been agreed upon. According to the agreement, you should hand them over; you have absolutely no reason to refuse. Now you''re using them as bargaining chips. Isn''t that laughable?"


    The three Deputy Sect Masters fell silent, knowing the truth in his words. After thinking it over, the Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect said, "Then what would you require to agree to attend the Martial Arts Convention at the Buddhist Sect?"


    Ye Feng held up three fingers and stated, "If you want me to attend, I can, under three conditions. First, the Confucian Sect must hand over the Heritage Treasure Wen Xin. Second, I require the Black Jade Healing Paste from the Buddhist Sect. Third, I also want the Tang Sect''s Heritage Treasure Blade and the Immortal Sword from Mount Shu!"


    "That''s impossible!" The three Deputy Sect Masters immediately refused, grinding their teeth as they said, "These items are all heritage treasures of our Buddhist Sect and cannot possibly be used as bargaining chips."


    Ye Feng scoffed, "Don''t be so quick to refuse me. You are not the ones to make this decision. You had better go back and discuss it with the Martial Arts Alliance Hierarchs."


    The three Deputy Sect Masters looked at each other, then said, "Very well, we will send the message right away, and I believe we will soon have news from the other side."


    Clearly, this was more like a negotiation. As with any negotiation, there naturally would be breaks, so Ye Feng was not in a hurry. He waved his hand, "Please, feel free. But there''s one thing you need to understand."


    He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone shifting as he added, "Even if I agree to attend the Martial Arts Convention, it does not mean that I fear you Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. I want you to relay a message to those Alliance Hierarchs, if they don''t agree to my conditions, I will inevitably lead the three hundred thousand strong army of the Northern Border, oh no, that should be the one million strong Army of the Three Realms of Xuanyuan Nation, directly to the Ten-mile Slope and march on the Sects of the Ancient Martial Arts of the Western Territory!"


    "When that time comes, I would like to see if your so-called Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts can withstand my million-strong cavalry!"


    The three Deputy Sect Masters'' faces changed color when they heard this. They had already received intelligence from the capital before coming here. Last night, following the battle at the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, Duan Tian did not return, but Ye Feng came back unharmed. This indicated that Duan Tian was most likely dead.


    It also meant that the young man before them was now not only the King of the Northern Border but also the headmaster of the Martial Academy of Xuanyuan Nation, and he almost completely controlled the Army of the Three Realms of Xuanyuan Nation, even the Imperial Capital Guards. The mere thought was frightening.


    It was then that the three realized how brazenly they had threatened to lead the disciples of the Nine Great Sects to the Northern Border. Nowadays, each Sect had roughly twenty to thirty thousand disciples; all combined, they totaled just over two hundred thousand, which clearly could not withstand such force.


    "Fine, since the Northern King insists on this, we will of course report exactly as asked!" After speaking, the three turned and walked into an adjacent bedroom, where they began to send messages, followed by a wait for the decision-makers of the Buddhist Sect.


    It was then, standing behind Ye Feng, that Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but whisper, "Your Majesty, why agree to attend this so-called Martial Arts Convention? This convention is clearly targeting you."


    Sima Zhantian also clenched his teeth and muttered, "Indeed, Your Majesty. Now that the old dog, Duan Tian, is dead, and the Imperial Capital Guards have expressed their willingness to follow you, Your Majesty, you have the ultimate power. There''s no need to take this risk. If those Sects of Ancient Martial Arts dare not to produce the resources and Cultivation Technique and Martial Technique, Your Majesty should just lead your army and annihilate these damn sects just like you did with the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect."


    Xiao Chuanqi added, "Your Majesty, what if during the convention, the so-called Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts disregard the rules and morality of the Martial Arts World and seeing Your Majesty pass the three challenges, they renege on the deal and lay an ambush instead? We can''t overlook this possibility."


    Ye Feng gestured for them to stop and then smiled slightly, "Not to worry, the entire Xuanyuan Nation is aware of the upcoming Martial Arts Convention. If the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts blatantly violate the rules and morality of the Martial Arts World, then they will lose the very foundation of their sects. They would not be so foolish."


    "But..." Sima Zhantian started to object.


    Ye Feng gestured again to stop him, "Furthermore, I''m doing this to prevent a calamity in the Martial Arts World and keep the living from suffering. Besides, if we don''t proceed this way, we can''t get the Black Jade Healing Paste, and Leng Wuming will never be able to recover."


    "So it turns out His Majesty has such great compassion. We were both too narrow-minded. However, Your Majesty, the three challenges at the Martial Arts Convention will undoubtedly be fraught with great danger and incredible difficulty. Are you certain of success?" Xiao Chuanqi asked.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and then smirked, "I can''t claim to be a hundred percent sure right now, but let this matter be deliberated. After I make a few adjustments, there will be absolutely no problem."


    "What adjustments? How will you do that?" Sima Zhantian inquired.


    Ye Feng gave a mysterious smile and replied, "The secrets of heaven must not be revealed. Just wait and see."

 Chapter 445 445: The Clay Bodhisattva Has Difficulty Crossing the River Alone

    Actually, Ye Feng''s thinking was quite simple. Once an agreement was reached with the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, his side would then dispatch people to vigorously propagate the news. By then, he would appear before the public as someone who had been forced into a corner, and for the sake of the common people and the development of the Martial Academy, he would bravely risk his life by personally going to the Buddhist Sect. Thus, he would occupy the high ground in the court of public opinion.


    The benefit of this was that, at that time, he would certainly gain the support of the ordinary citizens within the country. When that time came, he believed that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll would surely acquire a massive amount of Source of Luck. This also meant that Ye Feng''s strength was bound to skyrocket once again.


    Once he had cultivated the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints and broken through to two thousand, entering the Intermediate Realm, Ye Feng believed that corresponding Heritage Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills would emerge. By that time, his combat power would naturally soar, and his spiritual power, he believed, would also be greatly enhanced.


    By then, Ye Feng had absolute confidence that, even if he faced a legendary High-level Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm, he would not fear them at all¡ªunless he encountered a real Ancient Daoist Cultivator who had reached the Golden Core, in which case, he believed he could suppress anyone else.


    However, speaking of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, it was not very likely that they would have Cultivators; even if they did, they would only be touching the threshold and could not be considered genuine Ancient Daoist Cultivators.


    While Ye Feng and others were discussing the matter, inside, they quickly received replies from several leaders of the Ancient Martial World. Shortly thereafter, the three Deputy Sect Masters walked out from the guest room next door.


    "What''s the result, have you negotiated a satisfactory agreement?" Ye Feng asked coldly from the head seat.


    After the three of them sat down and drank a cup of tea, one Deputy Sect Master said, "After our final discussion, the Ancient Martial World agrees to the conditions proposed by you, Lord Ye Feng. However, we also have corresponding conditions on our side."


    "Let''s hear them," Ye Feng said with a slight smile, knowing that given the current situation, the Ancient Martial World had no choice but to agree. After all, they were well aware that even if the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts joined forces, they might not be able to suppress this rising God of Slaughter.


    "The condition proposed by the Nine Great Sects is that if Lord Ye Feng can pass through three challenges, then we will naturally present the Heritage Treasures of our respective sects. However, if Lord Ye Feng fails, the position of Martial Academy Principal must be relinquished. In addition, Lord Ye Feng must also consent to being confined within the Buddhist Sect for thirty years, during which time you must not take a single step out of the Buddhist Sect!"


    After the Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect finished speaking, he looked up at Ye Feng and asked, "What do you think, Lord Ye Feng?"


    "How dare you threaten to imprison my master, you have some nerve! Aren''t you afraid that the whole world will invade your Buddhist Sect and raze it to the ground?" Sima Zhantian immediately bellowed with bulging eyes.


    Ye Feng abruptly waved his hand, saying, "No problem, I accept this condition!"


    "Good, in that case, let us draft the agreement now. Once both sides have stamped and signed it, we will immediately make it public, informing the entire Martial Arts World of Xuanyuan Nation!" the three Deputy Sect Masters said with great joy.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and asked, "Of course, before signing the agreement, it''s necessary for me to know what these three challenges are that you speak of?"


    The Deputy Mansion Lord of the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect said in a deep voice, "Of course, we can tell you. In fact, we will also include it in the agreement to prevent criticisms from the Martial Arts World for any perceived unfairness."


    "The three challenges are as follows: the first challenge is the Seven Stars Heaven-slaying Grand Formation of the Tang Sect; the second challenge is the 81 Vajra Arhat Formation of the Buddhist Sect; and as for the third challenge, it will be jointly conducted by a supreme elder of both the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect. At that time, Lord Ye Feng must pass through three challenges, of course, within three days!"


    Ye Feng immediately said, "Then it''s settled. Now it''s the cold winter, and soon it will be the new year. Let''s set the date for the second day of February, the day of the Dragon Raising its Head. I will personally go to the Buddhist Sect at that time!"


    "Alright, if that''s the case, let''s both press our hand seals now and establish the covenant!" The three Deputy Sect Masters immediately stood up.


    Afterward, both parties quickly signed the covenant, and then the three Deputy Sect Masters, carrying a copy of the covenant, left the Northern Cloud Residence and returned to the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    The snow kept falling more heavily, having already fallen for two days and nights; the ground was already covered with a thick layer of snow. Xiao Chuanqi suddenly said, "Master, observing the confidence of those three, it is clear they are fully prepared. What you are doing is truly risky, Master."


    Sima Zhantian said, "Master, when the time comes, let us lead the army and assemble directly at the foot of the Buddhist Sect. If anything goes even slightly wrong, we will charge into the Buddhist Sect and take the opportunity to wipe out these so-called Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts in one fell swoop."


    Ye Feng shook his head with a faint smile upon hearing this and said, "Don''t worry, if I have agreed to it, then I am confident. When have you ever seen me undertake something without assurance?"


    Seeing that their master had made up his mind, and now that the covenant had been signed, Xiao Chuan and Sima Zhantian naturally refrained from saying anything further.


    After pondering for a moment, Ye Feng immediately instructed them to spread the news, and to do so nationwide, so that people all over the country would be aware.


    Upon receiving the command, they immediately set to work, and in less than half a day, the news of his impending visit to the Buddhist Sect to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament spread throughout the nation.


    "Damn it, these Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, have they no shame at all? It was they who broke their promises first, refusing to hand over resources and cultivation methods and martial techniques after His Highness Northern King won and became the Martial Academy Principal. It was out of necessity that His Highness took action against the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect. Now, these Nine Great Sects have actually joined forces against His Highness Northern King, their conscience is truly rotten to the core!"


    "Yes, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, back when the country was in peril last century, they hid away and did nothing, just looking out for their own interests and allowing us common folk to suffer. Now, at long last, His Highness Northern King is willing to stand up for the welfare of our common people, and the Nine Great Sects are actually obstructing him, even holding a Martial Forest Congress to condemn His Highness Northern King. It''s infuriating!"


    Suddenly, every street and alley across the country, including various channels of dissemination, were discussing the upcoming Martial Forest Congress in February, and without surprise, the voice of the people was in favor of Ye Feng, who could now be said to represent the common people.


    As for the high-level officials in the capital, especially the few Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion, they all kept silent, obviously waiting and hoping that after the second day of February, it wouldn''t be a dragon lifting its head but rather a trapped or locked dragon, completely locking Ye Feng, this evil dragon, inside the Buddhist Sect.


    Today is Laba Festival, and the snow has finally stopped. Almost all the high-level individuals in the capital were celebrating, and of course, the Aristocratic Clan Gates were also waiting and did not take any action; thus, the entire capital was immersed in a festive and lively atmosphere.


    Of course, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts also seemed to be in a peaceful and serene state, even the Flora Sect and Underworld Sect, which were almost exterminated, had now regained a lively atmosphere. The sect disciples who had previously fled had all returned to support their sects once again.


    As for the unknown Four Great Ancient Clans, there seemed to be no movement. Of course, regarding these Four Great Ancient Clans, unless they revealed themselves, ordinary people, even those from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, would have no way to find them.


    Until now, the Four Great Ancient Clans remained quite mysterious, but at this moment, the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan was holding a meeting of the highest standard, which traditionally was only attended by the five Clan Elders and the Clan Chief.


    However, Hong Tiandu and two of the elders were now present in the meeting room; these two elders were naturally the ones who had clashed with Ye Feng and others in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range.


    "Are you truly certain that the woman named Hong Qingyan displayed our Hong Family''s long-lost Wings of Light?" In the meeting room of the Ancient Tower, the Grand Elder sat in the seat of honor, his face obscured by a swirl of white mist, hardly allowing outsiders to see him clearly, and of course, no one knew exactly how old he was.


    Nonetheless, the entire Hong Family knew that this elder had existed three hundred years ago, so at the very least, he was three hundred years old by now, which could be called a monster of old.


    Hong Tiandu bowed and said, "Grand Clan Elder, the technique displayed by that woman is undoubtedly our Hong Family''s Wings of Light. Additionally, we have cleared up the woman''s background; she was originally an orphan from the Jiangdu orphanage, only to be later adopted by a minor family in Jiangdu."


    "Jiangdu, an orphan from the orphanage?" Instantaneously, the five Clan Elders fell into deep thought.


    When the Hong Family Clan Chief heard this, his pupils shrank suddenly, but they quickly returned to normal, and not even his expression changed in the slightest.


    Obviously, the Clan Chief of the Hong Family probably knew something or remembered some past events, but he did not show it and did not mention it in public.


    "Looking at it this way, this woman named Hong Qingyan is undoubtedly a descendant of our Ancient Clan''s Hong Family, but why did she end up in the Mortal World? Moreover, she possesses the Bloodline Inheritance of the Wings of Light; she must definitely be of the Direct Lineage without any doubt!" a Clan Elder said thoughtfully.


    The two standing elders bowed and asked, "We wish to ask the elders, how should this matter be resolved? Should we immediately send someone to bring Hong Qingyan back to the clan?"


    "No way!" The third-ranked elder immediately waved his hand to interrupt, "Since this woman possesses the Bloodline of the Wings of Light, her talent for cultivation is naturally extraordinary, and her future achievements will be limitless. At this time, we absolutely cannot act rashly, and we must not hurt her in any way. Otherwise, if she becomes alienated, it will be impossible for her to return to the family, and it would certainly be a great loss for our Ancient Clan''s Hong Family!"


    After hearing this, many elders nodded in agreement, clearly approving of this view. The Grand Elder suddenly said, "Clan Chief, go and investigate right away to see who from our Direct Lineage has lost their descendants outside in these past thirty years."


    The Clan Chief then replied, "Grand Elder, I''m afraid such an investigation may not yield any results."


    "Why is that?" the Grand Elder asked.


    The Leader of the Hong Clan explained, "The Inheritance of the Wings of Light is extremely special and does not manifest in every generation. Sometimes it may even remain dormant in the bloodline for several generations, only to reveal itself under special circumstances. Last century, our Hong Family experienced a catastrophe in which many descendants from the Direct Lineage were lost in the Mortal World, so it''s possible that it could be one of their descendants."


    "Hmm, that makes sense!" several elders nodded slightly, lamenting, "If it''s as you say, then it might not be possible to find out, after all, it could be as far back as last century or even several hundred years ago. So what should we do now?"


    The Clan Chief of the Hong Family thought for a moment before saying, "I think we should send an elder, preferably a female elder, to the capital to speak privately with that woman first, to see what her thoughts are, and then make a decision. If the woman agrees to return to the family, then there''s no need for a major upheaval."


    "Good idea, let us send a prudent female elder with an excellent temperament to negotiate with her in private. Oh, and it would be best not to let that Ye Feng fellow know about this at this time," the Grand Elder made the decision right away.


    At this moment, Hong Tiandu said with a cold snort, "It''s said that lad Ye Feng has already made an alliance with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts to participate in the Martial Forest Congress. I believe that by now, Ye Feng is like a clay Bodhisattva crossing the river, barely able to save himself, and does not have the bandwidth to care about anyone else."

 Chapter 446 446 You Dont Know, The Thing I Care About The Most!

    The imperial capital finally cleared up after the Laba porridge was eaten, and Ye Feng proposed a walk with Hong Qingyan to clear their minds. Despite having been in the imperial capital for quite some time now, they had yet to truly take in this thousand-year-old ancient capital.


    Hong Qingyan readily agreed as such opportunities for just the two of them to be together were rare. Nowadays, with Sima Zhan Tian''s cultivation level growing daily and Sausage Sister seemingly having noticed something, she''s been sticking to that big fellow relentlessly, and training almost day and night.


    Of course, such training wasn''t done in the room, but rather on the Martial Arts Training Plaza with real combat. Initially, Sima Zhan Tian was reluctant, as he always ended up beaten black and blue and even complained to Ye Feng a few times. However, every time he came back dismissed without ceremony.


    But later, Sima Zhan Tian discovered to his surprise that after each battle, his cultivation realm improved. Therefore, he fought more fiercely over time, even clinging to Sausage Sister all night long. Eventually, Sausage Sister was the one who couldn''t keep up, but knowing it was beneficial for Zhan Tian, she willingly played the role of his sparring partner.


    As for Long Nannan, the quirky girl had suddenly developed a fascination with medicine, so she was dragging Yu Feiyu in and out of the Divine Doctor Sect these past few days, even managing to snatch some treasures from the Sect several times ¨C much to Yu Feiyu''s helplessness.


    Furthermore, Long Nannan mentioned wanting to visit the Valley of the Medicine God, which led Yu Feiyu to immediately concoct an excuse to decline, thinking to himself that if Nannan went to the Valley, she''d likely turn it upside down.


    It was because of this that Ye Feng finally had some peace. After leaving the Northern Cloud Residence, the two of them headed straight in the western direction. This area was the imperial capital''s back garden, to be precise, the past emperors'' garden, but due to last century''s disasters, it was largely destroyed with ruins everywhere.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s determination only grew stronger; as long as he was there, foreign forces would never be allowed to step half into the Xuanyuan Nation again.


    What Ye Feng didn''t expect was that as his conviction solidified, the Mental Power Nucleus within his Sea of Consciousness had unexpectedly grown larger without any signs, clearly indicating a boost in his spiritual power.


    "It''s unexpected that one can cultivate spiritual power in this way. It seems that this is my path, at least the path I am currently cultivating, starting with the common people in the nation, aiming for the people''s welfare, and taking the nation''s safety as my duty!"


    Ye Feng felt increasingly lucid in his heart. Of course, the path he was cultivating and adhering to was completely in line with the principle of Emperor''s Dao, so he felt his State of Mind becoming clearer.


    The winter sun felt warm even though the weather was still cold, and there were not a few visitors in the garden. This time Ye Feng hadn''t brought any subordinates with him, so he and Hong Qingyan just looked like ordinary tourists, attracting no one''s attention.


    It wasn''t until the afternoon that the two of them decided to head back to the Northern Cloud Residence. However, as soon as they entered the courtyard, a servant reported that there was a guest seeking an audience with Hong Qingyan.


    "A visitor for me? That''s strange; I don''t have any friends. Could it be someone from the Hong Family of Jiangdu?" Hong Qingyan asked.


    "This servant does not know. The visitor is alone, a woman, who claims to be surnamed Hong and acquainted with the Mistress. So, I led her to the parlor," the servant replied, bowing.


    "Surnamed Hong? Could it be someone from the Hong Family of Jiangdu?" Hong Qingyan wondered.


    Hearing this, Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and then said, "I doubt it''s the Hong Family of Jiangdu. Were it them, they should be seeking an audience with me instead."


    Finally realizing something, Hong Qingyan turned to Ye Feng, "Big Brother Ye, do you mean it''s someone from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan?"


    "That''s likely," Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    Hong Qingyan immediately became somewhat anxious. She naturally knew why someone from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan would come looking for her. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Big Brother Ye, will you come with me?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, "I think it''s better for you to go alone. After all, this is related to your origins, something you''ve wanted to understand, right?"


    With a gentle smile, Ye Feng reassured, "Don''t worry. Since the visitor came alone, it indicates that nothing major will happen. As for you, no matter what the other party says, follow your heart. As for me, no matter what decision you make, as long as it''s the right one, I''ll support you."


    Hearing this, Hong Qingyan managed to calm her fluttered emotions, nodded, and said, "Alright, Big Brother Ye, I''ll follow your advice and meet this person."


    "Go ahead; I''ll wait for you in the study," Ye Feng waved his hand, and Hong Qingyan then turned and walked towards the parlor.


    In fact, Ye Feng could guess the purpose of the visit from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan without going. Now that Hong Qingyan had awakened the Heritage Spell of the Wings of Light, according to what Hong Tiandu had said, this Technique was an invaluable legacy of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. Hence, it was highly probable that they wanted Hong Qingyan to return to the family.


    The reason Ye Feng didn''t accompany her was to avoid interfering with Hong Qingyan''s thoughts. After all, no matter what, Hong Qingyan was part of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. Not only was her inheritance there, but potentially her biological parents as well. That''s why Ye Feng stated that no matter what Hong Qingyan''s choice was, he would understand and support her.


    Even if Hong Qingyan came back later wanting to return to the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan, Ye Feng would support her unwaveringly¡ªit was a man''s responsibility!


    When Hong Qingyan entered the parlor, she saw a woman dressed in green with an elegant and kind appearance, especially the warm smile on her face, which gave off a sense of mild warmth.


    As soon as the lady in green saw Hong Qingyan, she smiled sweetly and stepped forward, "I presume you must be Qingyan? My name is Hong Yaoyao, you can also call me Aunt Yao."


    Hong Qingyan walked in, simply greeted, "Hello, please take a seat!"


    Although Hong Yaoyao looked frail, her aura was anything but weak. She was a practitioner with the might of a Half-Step Golden Core Cultivation, a level that even within the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan would definitely rank her among the elders. In fact, her presence seemed much more formidable than those two elders from the Hong Family they had encountered in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range that day.


    After the person serving tea placed it before them and withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the living room, Hong Yaoyao eyed Hong Qingyan from top to bottom. After a long while, she said, "Not bad at all. You truly are a daughter of our Hong Family, with such a fresh, elegant, and devastatingly beautiful appearance."


    Hong Qingyan asked indifferently, "May I ask what you mean by that?"


    Hong Yaoyao smiled slightly and said, "It seems that you may not yet know your true identity and origins."


    Despite the initial panic she felt before entering, Hong Qingyan''s face remained expressionless. Strangely enough, upon seeing the other party, she became immensely calm, her mind undisturbed.


    "You know about my background and origins?" Hong Qingyan countered.


    Hong Yaoyao smiled faintly again, "A few days ago in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, Miss, you deployed the ''Wings of Light'', a Magic Technique which, I must say, is our Hong Family''s Heritage Spell. Moreover, it can only be passed down through our bloodline. In other words, only someone with the blood of our Ancient Hong Family can awaken and use this Magic Technique."


    Hong Qingyan fell silent, seemingly deep in thought, with no one knowing what she was contemplating at that moment.


    Hong Yaoyao asked with a smile, "Now, you must know about your origins, right? We know you suffered quite a bit in the orphanage as a child, and even after being adopted, life wasn''t easy for you. Of course, our Hong Family of the Ancient Clan bears some responsibility for that, but we are willing to make amends."


    "Make amends? How so?" Hong Qingyan suddenly pressed, raising her voice a bit.


    Hong Yaoyao was slightly taken aback, clearly sensing the emotional surge in Hong Qingyan. Sighing, she said, "As women, I can understand your feelings, but what''s done is done. There''s no need to dwell on the past too much, right? We should look forward, shouldn''t we?"


    "Our Ancient Hong Family is one of the Four Great Ancient Clans of today, exponentially more powerful than the world of mortals, not to mention those so-called Martial Arts Sects."


    Hong Qingyan cut her off bluntly, "Just say what you want to say directly. Don''t beat around the bush. I don''t like to go in circles and deal with all these underhanded tactics."


    "Yes, yes!" Hong Yaoyao gave a slight wry laugh, then sighed, "I am here this time representing the entire Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. If you''re willing to return to the family now, the family will compensate you. They''ll not only invest resources to prioritize your training but also help you overcome the uncontrollable frenzied state that arises when your Bloodline of the Wings of Light is awakened."


    "You may not be fully aware of what it means for our family to focus on training someone. Let me put it this way, with your bloodline talent and the family''s dedicated training, within ten years, you will stand out among the younger generation. In the future, you might even be among the very top of this world. Does that help you understand our family''s sincerity?"


    "The family''s sincerity?" Hong Qingyan let out a cold laugh, then slowly rose to her feet, word by word, "If your Hong Family truly had any sincerity, you wouldn''t have only sent you! Do you know what matters most to me?"


    Hong Yaoyao was taken aback by this, and after a long moment, she replied, "Not sending the right person? But in our Hong Family, it doesn''t really matter who is sent, the message is the same."


    Hong Qingyan laughed and with a turn and a wave of her hand, said, "Please leave."


    Hong Yaoyao narrowed her eyes, asking in a cold voice, "So you''re refusing?"


    Hong Qingyan no longer spoke; there was no need for her to say anything further.


    Still not giving up, Hong Yaoyao said, "You should know that with your current cultivation state, you absolutely cannot control the awakening state of that bloodline. If you activate it frequently, you will definitely fall into Deviation and even risk your life. You should be clear about that."


    "That is my own business, and I don''t need your concern," Hong Qingyan responded coldly.


    Hong Yaoyao stared at her, as if trying to see through her, unable to comprehend why Hong Qingyan would reject such an offer from the family.


    "Alright, tell me, what do you care about the most?" Hong Yaoyao finally inquired.


    Hong Qingyan stared back at her, saying word for word, "You at least ought to tell me who my biological parents are. Back then, why did they abandon me? Not like you''re doing now, outright asking me to return to your so-called family as if you are bestowing me a favor. Do you really think I care about your Ancient Hong Family?"


    Only then did Hong Yaoyao realize her oversight and sighed deeply, "I was neglectful, but I still think you should seriously consider it. I will take my leave for now, but I will come again."


    After these words, Hong Yaoyao left in dejection. Hong Qingyan just stood there, a profound sadness surfacing on her face.

 Chapter 447 447: Martial Forest Conference, Begins!

    It wasn''t until long after Hong Yaoyao had left that Hong Qingyan finally snapped back to reality from her trance. Although she had tried her best to appear calm, her heart was actually surging like tumultuous waves, for countless years, she had been longing to unravel the mystery of her origins.


    But now, as the truth was about to come to light, Hong Qingyan felt even more nervous; she even harbored thoughts of backing out. Suddenly, she realized that she didn''t want to delve into her identity anymore, because she knew all too well that if things continued this way, the Hong Family behind her would certainly not let things go easily.


    Of course, what Hong Qingyan worried about the most was that this matter might implicate Ye Feng.


    Just as her mind was filled with chaos, Ye Feng appeared behind her and asked, "So, has the visitor left?"


    Hong Qingyan finally recovered completely and nodded slightly, "They''ve left, it was an elder from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then promptly said, "Let''s go, it''s time for dinner."


    Suddenly, Hong Qingyan asked, "Big Brother Ye, aren''t you curious about what we just discussed?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile, "Not curious, in fact, I''ve guessed it already."


    "You''ve guessed it?" Hong Qingyan asked, her eyes wide.


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "I''ll say it again, no matter what decision you make, as long as you think it''s the right one, I will agree and support it."


    Hong Qingyan suddenly raised her voice, "But they want me to return to the clan. Given the relationship between the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan and you, Big Brother Ye, we could even end up on opposing sides in the future. Would you still support that?"


    Ye Feng was caught off guard, having not expected her to think this way, and sighed slightly, "Qingyan, you are too emotional. In fact, these are two completely different concepts."


    Without waiting for Hong Qingyan to speak, Ye Feng continued to explain, "I support your return to the Hong Family because, after all, it''s your legacy, where a whole group of blood relatives, who you can never truly sever ties with, awaits. That''s a kind of kinship."


    "But..." Hong Qingyan was about to say something.


    Ye Feng waved his hands to interrupt, "However, we need to be clear on something, even if I now have irreconcilable differences with the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan, it does not mean that you and I will have to stand on opposite sides in the future. These are two different concepts, do you understand?"


    Hong Qingyan finally nodded in relief and said, "I understand, Big Brother Ye, I was too excited just now."


    At this point, Hong Qingyan''s expression suddenly became resolute, her voice cold, "They want me to return to the clan, but it won''t be so easy. After all, they were the ones who abandoned me. Of course, if my parents were compelled against their will, perhaps I can find some understanding for them."


    Ye Feng nodded, then took her hand and walked towards the dining hall. In fact, Hong Qingyan had more to say but had not finished speaking; if the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan continued to cause trouble for Big Brother Ye, she would not return to the clan either.


    However, Hong Qingyan knew not to voice this thought, as Ye Feng would never agree. After all, she was very aware of Ye Feng''s personality; he would rather shoulder everything himself than burden others. On this point, the two were nearly in full agreement.


    Hong Qingyan had a lot on her mind, so she didn''t eat much. Fortunately, Long Nannan returned at this time. This quirky little girl immediately started chattering nonstop as soon as she came back. Though noisy, the atmosphere became lively.


    After dinner, Ye Feng announced on the spot that he would start his secluded cultivation, which might last until the Lunar New Year''s Eve. No one said much, obviously aware that he was preparing for the upcoming martial arts conference on the second day of the second lunar month.


    Long Nannan, on the other hand, didn''t care about these matters. According to her, if these so-called Sects of Ancient Martial Arts dared to detain her Little Martial Uncle, she would flatten the Buddhist Sect.


    Ye Feng just smiled at this and said nothing.


    The little girl was simply too naive, her thoughts too superficial. Perhaps she could use the power of the Northwest Little Mountain Village to flatten the Buddhist Sect, but by doing so, Ye Feng would lose his standing in the Martial Arts World and betray the trust of the nation''s people. In such a case, his path on the Emperor''s Dao would be utterly cut off, and his Cultivation Realm might even regress.


    Therefore, he must not fail in this battle!


    Thankfully, after several days of fermentation, the call from across the nation grew louder, with the Source of Luck from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll gushing like a torrential flood, accumulating to a terrifyingly vast extent, to the point that even Ye Feng''s head began to throb with pain.


    Therefore, he had to enter secluded cultivation immediately, to completely refine and absorb this Source of Luck, aiming to maximize the enhancement of his abilities.


    Leng Wuming still lay in a coma. After glancing at him, Ye Feng entered the secret chamber of the study to begin his secluded cultivation, and this time, the retreat would take the longest time yet.


    Ye Feng speculated that if he could completely refine and absorb the Source of Luck from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints would surely activate over two thousand acupoints, thereby entering the Intermediate State. He believed that at that time, a mighty Martial Technique would undoubtedly emerge.


    After nearly half a month, Ye Feng finally emerged from his secluded cultivation; it was now the twenty-ninth day of the lunar year, and tomorrow would be New Year''s Eve. Initially, Ye Feng had not wanted to come out of his retreat because as the situation continued to ferment, the Source of Luck was still being produced. Although the quantity had decreased, it was still useful for cultivation, and the effects were much better compared to absorbing the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth himself.

 Chapter 448 447: Martial Forest Conference, Begins!_2

    However, since it was almost time for the New Year, I couldn''t always stay in secluded cultivation and not come out, especially because this year the rare occurrence of both Sausage Sister and Long Nannan being present. Therefore, over the next few days, everyone merrily celebrated a joyful and harmonious New Year.


    After the New Year, as spring began, the recruitment at the Imperial Martial Academy was in full swing. Ye Feng only visited once and found that under the management of Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion, and the results were unexpectedly good. The number of applicants for the first enrollment had far exceeded the current Martial Alliance. If this trend continued, it was likely that within three years, the phenomenon of national martial training would occur.


    A new era, a new epoch, was finally about to begin!


    It was at this time that Ye Feng realized why the Source of Luck from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll could continue to generate endlessly. It turned out to be because of the continuous promotion by the Martial Academy; as ordinary people enrolled and became students of the Academy, a vague connection naturally formed with him, the Principal of the Academy.


    "So it turns out that this kind of teacher-student bond is also a way to cultivate the Emperor''s Dao, which is just perfect!" Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling excited in his heart.


    Since this could assist his own cultivation, Ye Feng naturally could not neglect it. He promptly called over several key managers of the Imperial Martial Academy for a thorough inquiry and only left after his orders were carried out.


    Just like with the previous Martial Alliance, Ye Feng also took on the role of an absent manager. After all, he had too many matters to handle and could not focus solely on the Academy. As long as he ensured that the general direction was correct, that would be enough.


    Subsequently, Ye Feng entered secluded cultivation again for an entire month. Finally, at the end of the first lunar month, he had cultivated the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints to the Intermediate Realm, which meant that he had at least two thousand acupoints unblocked.


    What was more terrifying was that the acupoints within Ye Feng''s body no longer contained Qi Force; nor did they contain Qi Essence, but he had transformed them all into Spirit Essence. This meant that Ye Feng had now become a fully-fledged cultivator.


    Of course, his Cultivation Realm had not changed at all, and he was still at the Martial King Realm, or rather, at the Foundation Establishment Stage. However, Ye Feng''s physical body had cultivated to a terrifying level, because his foundation was incredibly solid.


    If Ye Feng wished, he could condense a Golden Core in his Dantian at any time, stepping onto the Golden Core Great Dao. However, he suppressed this impulse because he knew that the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints was still not at Great Perfection.


    Furthermore, Ye Feng felt that he might not necessarily have to follow the old path of Ancient Cultivators and embark solely on the Golden Core Dao. He undoubtedly wanted to try another path, which just wasn''t clear at the moment.


    "For now, let''s first cultivate the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints to Great Perfection. Also, my spiritual power should become even stronger," thought Ye Feng, then he stepped out of the secret chamber.


    It was now the twenty-ninth day of the first lunar month, and the Buddhist Sect''s Martial Forest Conference scheduled for the second day of the second lunar month was less than two days away. It was time to set off. After lunch, Ye Feng summoned Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others.


    Since this trip was to attend the Martial Forest Conference, there was no need to bring a large army. Ye Feng only brought thirty of his most elite and trusted aides and then set off majestically to the west.


    However, as soon as they left the gate of Northern Cloud Residence, those spies hidden in the corners immediately sprang into action. It was believed that news of the Northern King Ye Feng, Principal Ye Feng, traveling to the Buddhist Sect would soon spread throughout the entire Xuanyuan Nation.


    Of course, Ye Feng didn''t care about these things. His power had greatly increased, and with the presence of three supreme powerhouses like Hong Qingyan, Sausage Sister, and Long Nannan, he feared nothing, even the arrival of a God Realm powerhouse, unless he encountered the legendary Golden Core old monsters.


    Of course, the legendary Golden Core old monsters were essentially the most top-notch powerhouses in this world, and there weren''t many of them. These individuals would not take action lightly unless it was absolutely necessary.


    Traveling by carriage over a long distance, it was only in the afternoon that they finally reached the Ten-Mile Slope of the Western Territory. Ye Feng looked at the sky and suggested resting in a nearby town. He had been to this town before when the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect attempted to ambush him here, but in the end, they were all slain by him, which was why the two sides had irreconcilable enmities.


    The town was still as bustling as ever. After dark, Ye Feng did not dare to be careless and immediately released a part of his spiritual power to envelop the entire town. In this way, any disturbance in the town would be completely under his control.


    Although expending spiritual power in such a manner was extremely draining, it had the advantage of refining one''s spiritual power in an invisible way. Every time the spiritual power was nearly depleted and then recovered through breath regulation, it would correspondingly strengthen. Therefore, Ye Feng had developed the habit of constantly releasing his spiritual power, constantly refining it at every moment.


    A quiet night passed, and by noon the next day, which was also the first day of the second lunar month, Ye Feng and his group finally arrived at the legendary Buddhist Sect. In fact, this was Ye Feng''s first visit. Unlike the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect, the Buddhist Sect was situated in front of a vast lake, backed by a majestic mountain range.


    Such a layout with mountains behind and water in front has always been considered a Feng Shui treasure land by the magicians of the Xuanyuan Nation. Of course, what truly made the Buddhist Sect remarkable was the enormous Buddha statue nestled between two mountain peaks.


    The carved, colorful Buddha towered into the clouds, even taller than the mountains, and appeared incredibly awe-inspiring and unbelievable. It was hard to imagine how the ancients managed to carve it.


    Sausage Sister pointed at the giant stone Buddha and said, "It is said that the Buddha is hollow inside, and the true core secrets of the Buddhist Sect are within the Buddha. The buildings outside are just for the training of the Outer Sect disciples."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and looked intently. Besides the immense and grand stone Buddha, there were row upon row of tall buildings built along the mountainside. In front of the lake stood a large platform which was a vast square, and further down was the square in front of the gate.


    Today''s Buddhist Sect was much livelier than its usual tranquility, as almost all the high-level members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had arrived. In addition to that, there were various other powers from the Xuanyuan Nation, and to Ye Feng''s surprise, even the Four Great Ancient Clans had come.


    "Unexpectedly, the people from the Four Great Ancient Clans have also come," Sausage Sister said coldly.


    Long Nannan, unconcerned, pouted and said, "So what if they from the Four Great Ancient Clans have come? Our Northwest Little Mountain Village has come too!"

 Chapter 449 448: Is This Reason Enough?

    At this moment, the Buddhist Sect was bustling with crowds as lively as a sea of people. Of course, the primary purpose of this gathering of representatives from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts was to crusade against Northern King Ye Feng. The best outcome would be to seize this opportunity to thoroughly eliminate this God of Slaughter.


    If that proved impossible, the alternative would be to confine him in the Buddhist Sect for thirty years, preventing him from wandering outside. So when Northern King Ye Feng arrived, disciples from the Nine Great Sects each displayed a look of indignation.


    Despite their teeth-gritting hatred, not one of them dared to step forward. After all, at present, Northern King Ye Feng was like a malevolent sword, hanging over the heads of each disciple of the Ancient Martial Arts Sects. If this sword was not completely removed, they would never have peace.


    Unaffected by the surrounding hostile gazes, Ye Feng calmly stepped forward, crossing the plaza and heading towards the main gate of the Buddhist Sect.


    At that moment, the Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect, having apparently received news, hurriedly walked out from inside. Following him were eighteen bald monks with bodies shrouded in a resplendent golden light, each firmly grasping an iron rod and moving with robust and powerful steps, subtly forming a mysterious Formation around them.


    "The Eighteen Arhats Formation, and on top of that, a Divine Path Divine Communication Realm Level Arhat Formation!" With his extensive experience, Ye Feng immediately recognized the origins of these eighteen individuals. He also knew this Eighteen Arhats Formation was relatively simple for the Buddhist Sect.


    Within the Buddhist Sect, the truly formidable formation was the 81 Vajra Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Formation. This formation was said to possess terrifying power, capable of unleashing several times the strength of those forming it. The second barrier Ye Feng had to breach this time was this very formation.


    "Your Highness Ye Feng has indeed kept his word, gracing our Buddhist Sect with your presence at the Martial Arts Conference. This is truly a blessing for both the Martial Arts World and all the people of the nation!" The Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect put his palms together and chanted a Buddhist invocation.


    Ye Feng replied with a faint smile, "Now that I have personally come, I hope your Buddhist Sect will also keep its word, and I hope the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will likewise honor their promise. Otherwise, do not blame me for being impolite!"


    "Audacious! Your tone is a bit too bold, isn''t it? This place is the sacred land of the Buddhist Sect, and we won''t tolerate such wild behavior!" A team leader among the Eighteen Arhats Formation barked angrily.


    Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened as he gave Sima Zhantian a meaningful glance. A mere Attendant Guard dared to be so presumptuous; did they really think he, the Northern King, would let this slide?


    Indeed, without need for Ye Feng''s signal, the hot-headed Sima Zhantian exploded with anger and leapt forward, pointing at the man''s nose and bellowing, "Who do you think you are? My lord speaks, and you dare interject, even have the audacity to question him? Kneel immediately, or I''ll have your head!"


    "Utterly audacious!" In an instant, the eighteen bald Arhats were enraged. They swiftly moved around Sima Zhantian, encircling him so tightly that not even water could seep through.


    The Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect remained unmoved by this development and didn''t attempt to intervene. He thought it might be good to intimidate this Ye surname upstart first to prevent him from being too presumptuous and arrogant.


    However, formally he still had to keep up appearances, after all, he was the host and couldn''t neglect his guests. So the Deputy Sect Master proclaimed with feigned concern, "Look here, Your Highness Ye Feng, it''s not too good for both sides to cause such a commotion upon first meeting. Why don''t you have your subordinate back down?"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng scoffed coldly, "Why shouldn''t it be your Attendant Guards retreating instead?"


    The Deputy Sect Master chuckled, "They are responsible for maintaining order throughout the Martial Arts Conference, asking them to retreat wouldn''t be quite appropriate, would it?"


    Making his unwillingness to back down clear, Ye Feng, upon hearing this, had no intention of engaging in further discussion and directly ordered Sima Zhantian, "These eighteen individuals dare to disrespect me; you may take bold action. Kill without mercy!"


    "Yes!" Armed with Ye Feng''s permission, Sima Zhantian immediately charged forth like a ferocious tiger.


    The Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect narrowed his eyes, still without any intention of calling a halt.


    Ye Feng stood still with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes keenly watching the confrontation unfold. He noticed that at the beginning, Sima Zhantian fought fiercely, but soon it was like a bull stuck in a quagmire; utterly mired, unable to exert any force, let alone injure the opponent.


    Not only was Sima Zhantian unable to exert his full combat power, but even his movement technique was suppressed. Watching this, Ye Feng could not help but inwardly marvel at the prowess of the Buddhist Sect''s Eighteen Arhats Formation.


    Normally, these eighteen bald Arhats would be at the Divine Communication Realm of the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path, a Cultivation Realm not considered very high. Sima Zhantian, after all, was at least half a Cultivator, and after over a month of sparring with Sausage Sister, the big man had significantly improved his combat power.


    Yet at this moment, he was still caught within the Eighteen Arhats Formation. It''s evident that the formation''s power was extraordinary. Of course, a major reason for Sima Zhantian''s situation was that he had only used the Power of the Flesh Body.


    This guy was probably accustomed to sparring with Sausage Sister lately, thus he charged forth using only his bodily strength, employing brute force that was precisely countered by the opponent''s Eighteen Arhats Formation.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng shook his head slightly and said with a smile, "That''s enough, Iron Bull. Now is not the time for training; make it quick and decisive!"


    Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian immediately shouted, "Alright, master! I was originally thinking of letting them help me train a bit more, but it seems it''s time to quickly end this battle!"


    The team leader among the Eighteen Arhats snorted coldly, "Truly ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth. You''re clearly trapped by our Great Formation, on the verge of defeat, yet you still have the audacity to say..."


    However, before the man could finish speaking, he suddenly saw Sima Zhantian within the Great Formation, whose aura swiftly escalated. More terrifying was the sight of a blade materializing above his head, a gigantic golden-yellow ancient blade.


    The great blade soared towards the heavens, and then a single slash cleaved through the air, instantly producing a trajectory akin to a comet streaking across the sky.


    Bang Bang Bang!


    Accompanied by a series of thunderous blasts, the eighteen bald-headed Arhats were sent flying backward, and by the time they hit the ground, they were already dead, breathless. Only then did everyone realize that their necks bore a wound as fine as a thread, blood profusely spilling from these slender cuts.


    Witnessing this spectacle, the disciples from the ancient martial arts Sects around were all petrified, even the more timid ones started to retreat quietly, knowing all too well that the Buddhist Sect''s Eighteen Arhats Formation was capable of contending with Divine Ability Realm powers.


    Now, they had been slaughtered with a single slash, eighteen bald-headed monks lay dead, without even a chance to defend themselves; this was simply too horrifying.


    "Not bad, not bad, big guy, your swordsmanship has improved today, your power has indeed increased. It wasn''t in vain that granny here has gone through the trouble of sparring with you these past few days," Sausage Sister nodded slightly as she spoke.


    Sima Zhantian laughed and said, "It''s a pity, these eighteen bald heads are like paper, unable to test my true strength at all, weak, simply too weak!"


    Hearing these words, the Deputy Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect twitched at the corner of his eyes, trembling with rage and teeth chattering, yet he dared not speak out, fully aware that the one who could destroy the Eighteen Arhats Formation and kill those eighteen in one slash, could likewise slay him in his Half-Step Divine Ability Realm with one stroke.


    The scene suddenly fell silent, many spectators surrounded the area, but none dared to speak. Right at that moment, two bald elders in black monk robes approached at a brisk pace.


    The two moved swiftly, striding like shooting stars, quickly arriving in front of the crowd. The aura emanating from them was exceptionally powerful, at the very least they were Divine Ability Realm powers, possibly even legendary Half-Step Saint Realm warriors.


    "What''s going on here, everything was fine, who is causing trouble again, brazenly killing disciples of my Buddhist Sect? This is utterly outrageous!" the newcomers snorted heavily.


    The Deputy Sect Master felt a sense of relief upon seeing them and hurriedly reported, "Reporting to the Sect Master and the Supreme Elder, it was Ye Feng, it was his subordinates who did it!"


    The Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect was a short and plump middle-aged man with a rosy complexion, who, at first glance, didn''t seem much different from those gluttonous monks in the marketplace.


    "His Highness Northern King, may I ask what this means, why kill my Buddhist Sect disciples without cause? Are you not taking my Buddhist Sect seriously?" The Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect turned his head and glared at Ye Feng as he questioned him.


    Ye Feng just smiled lightly and said, "You''re actually quite right. Just relying on your mere Buddhist Sect, you expect me to take you seriously¡ªI, the Northern King? You''re not worthy!"


    "You..." The Buddhist Sect Master''s anger erupted, and it looked as if he was about to take action, but the Elder beside him restrained him.


    This Elder was far leaner and seemed as gaunt as a withered branch, but his presence was as stable as a mountain. He scrutinized Ye Feng from head to toe and asked, "Are you the Northern King Ye Feng?"


    Ye Feng merely nodded slightly. The Elder then pressed, "By killing the disciples of my Buddhist Sect, you must have some explanation, mustn''t you?"


    Ye Feng nodded again and replied, "Openly slandering and defaming the Northern King of Xuanyuan Nation, the Principal of the Martial Academy. Isn''t that reason enough?"


    The elder''s eyes flashed sharply as he stared steadily at Ye Feng without moving. Those around them thought he was ready to explode into action.


    But to everyone''s surprise, the Elder eventually nodded, laughed, and said, "Enough, enough indeed. His Highness the Northern King of Xuanyuan Nation is indeed on the rise, so of course, the reason suffices. His Highness has come from afar, and this old monk hasn''t greeted you properly; please forgive my rudeness. This way, please!"


    Without further ado, Ye Feng walked inside, followed closely by Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others, as well as Sausage Sister and Long Nannan.


    Not able to swallow his indignation, the Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect ground his teeth and whispered, "Uncle Teacher, are we really going to let this go? This Ye fellow is far too arrogant, showing no respect for our Buddhist Sect whatsoever."


    The Elder smiled faintly upon hearing this and said, "Let it go? Of course not. But what''s the rush? Even after cultivating for most of your life, you lack the composure needed. The young man hasn''t entered the temple gate yet, and we shouldn''t drive him to desperation, lest he sees a chance to escape."


    At this point, the Elder gestured towards the people following Ye Feng and mused to himself, "See those people he brought with him? I''m telling you, most of them are formidable warriors, any of whom could easily match you in strength, and there are even several among them whom even I might not be able to control. If we drive that youngster into a corner, no one at the gate can stop him from escaping."


    Upon hearing this, the Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect inhaled sharply and said, "This young man, even his Attendant Guards are so mighty?"


    The Elder nodded slightly and then sighed deeply, "Exactly, which is why this man cannot be allowed to remain. Otherwise, he will inevitably become an enduring threat, and then none of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will be able to hold him down!"

 Chapter 450 - 449 The Handsomest Man in the World

    No one had expected that even the supreme elder of the Buddhist Sect would hold back and not have an outburst; however, everyone knew that the reason why the supreme elder could endure was partly out of fear of Ye Feng''s strength, and of course, it naturally involved the saying ''losing one''s temper may ruin a great plan.''


    After hearing the explanation from the disciples of the Buddhist Sect, the disciples from the other sects of ancient martial arts quickly nodded their heads in agreement. Some even thought that the supreme elder was tolerant beyond what others could bear and was a true man of the martial arts world.


    Nevertheless, the supreme elder paid no attention to these things, as at his level of cultivation realm, the opinions of ordinary people could hardly affect his state of mind. He immediately quickened his pace to catch up with Ye Feng.


    Under the guidance of the supreme elder and the Sect Leader of the Buddhist Sect, Ye Feng and the others passed through the martial arts training plaza in front and soon arrived at the feet of the great stone Buddha.


    At their feet was an open area, with an endless lake in front and the majestic Great Buddha behind. It was only then that Ye Feng realized that the upper echelons of the Nine Great Ancient Martial Sects had almost all arrived; now they were all either sitting cross-legged or standing on the Great Buddha.


    Even the two elders from the Utility Pavilion and several Sect Leaders had arrived, along with many of the prominent families from the secular world of Xuanyuan Nation. This martial arts conference could truly be described as a grand occasion.


    As per the instructions, Ye Feng and the other thirty-odd people stopped at the open space beneath the great stone Buddha. From here, they had to look up to see the people of the Nine Great Ancient Martial Sects above the Buddha, who appeared high above, creating an implicit sense of judgment.


    The moment Ye Feng saw this, his expression immediately darkened. This was clearly a sign of disrespect to him as the Northern King and the head of the Martial Academy. Even the secular families of Xuanyuan Nation had a place up there, yet he had to stand oppressed beneath the feet of the Buddha.


    Long Nannan immediately became dissatisfied and snorted coldly, "This is utterly outrageous; the Buddhist Sect is looking down on people. Sausage Sister, let''s just fly up there, right to the top of that Buddha''s head, and see how they react!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, Long Nannan and Sausage Sister directly soared into the sky, and Hong Qingyan also followed suit, quickly landing on the highest point of the Buddha''s head.


    When Ye Feng witnessed this, he slightly shook his head and then launched himself into the air, bringing along his twenty-odd guards with him. Fortunately, the stone Buddha was huge enough that just its head could completely accommodate more than twenty people sitting cross-legged.


    The disciples of the Buddhist Sect below saw this scene and were all angrily gnashing their teeth, but obviously, by that point it was too late to say anything, for they were already standing on the Buddha''s head ¨C could they still be asked to come down?


    It was at this moment, on a mountain peak to the left, that a handsome man with starry eyes and sword-shaped brows suddenly asked Hong Tiandu, who had triangular eyes, "Is the woman in the green dress Hong Qingyan?"


    Hong Tiandu nodded and said in a low voice, "That''s right, big brother; it''s her. She''s the one who inherited our Hong Family''s Bloodline of the Wings of Light." As he said this, the look in Hong Tiandu''s eyes was filled with deep resentment, as well as a hint of envy and unwillingness.


    The Bloodline of the Wings of Light was something even the elders of the Hong Clan envied. Naturally, Hong Tiandu felt discontent, thinking to himself how the Hong Family''s supreme magic technique could end up in the hands of a wild girl ¨C it was like the heavens were blind.


    The man in the blue robe nodded slightly and said, "She looks quite beautiful indeed, a real beauty. How is the family investigation going? Have they found out from which line of descendants she is?"


    This overly handsome man in the blue robe was Hong Tiandu''s cousin Hong Gaishi. This man''s talent far exceeded that of Hong Jiutian and Hong Tiandu, and he was the true number one figure of this generation within the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan.


    Not to mention anything else, just the fact that Hong Gaishi, being under thirty years old, could be part of the elder seats of the Hong Clan, showed how powerful he was. Among the younger generation within the Four Great Ancient Clans, Hong Gaishi was ranked among the top three. In addition to that, his handsome and imposing stature made many daughters from the Four Great Ancient Clans enamored with him.


    Hong Tiandu''s complexion dropped instantly when he heard his cousin''s comment, wailing, "Cousin, surely you''re not targeting Hong Qingyan now, right? Hasn''t the family already decided that girl Long Nannan from the little mountain village in the northwest is to be your betrothed?"


    At this point, Hong Tiandu slightly pouted his lips and said, "Look, that''s Long Nannan right there."


    Hong Gaishi''s expression remained unaffected, replying indifferently, "I''m not blind; I can see for myself."


    Hong Tiandu fell silent. Ever since they were young, his cousin had always been domineering, a man of few words but of fierce action. He had always been overshadowed by him. Hong Tiandu''s talent in cultivation was already quite remarkable, but next to his cousin, his own brilliance dimmed instantly.


    Suddenly, Hong Gaishi asked again, "Hong Tiandu, are you interested in that girl Hong Qingyan?"


    Hong Tiandu was taken aback, standing frozen in place, unsure how to answer for a moment. To be frank, the saying ''a beautiful woman is a good match for a gentleman'' applies; to deny that he had such thoughts would obviously be a lie. After all, not only was her talent immense, but she was also so strikingly gorgeous.


    Hong Gaishi let out a slight cold laugh and said, "I advise you to give up that thought while you can."


    Hong Tiandu couldn''t hold back and immediately demanded, "Cousin, the family has clearly chosen Long Nannan for you; do you really intend to make a move on Hong Qingyan?"


    Hong Gaishi laughed coldly again, "My making a move on her is certainly not in the way you''re thinking."


    "Then in what way?" Hong Tiandu asked immediately.


    Hong Gaishi''s expression became utterly serious and, staring at him, said, "Don''t you think you''ve asked too many questions today?"


    Hong Tiandu immediately bowed his head, not daring to meet the other''s gaze, as though there was a fierce aura hidden in the opponent''s eyes. He didn''t even have the courage to make eye contact, showing how dominant and powerful Hong Gaishi truly was.


    With a snort, Hong Gaishi asked, "Is that man dressed in the royal armor, the so-called Northern King Ye Feng?"


    Hong Tiandu nodded slightly and said, "Yes, that''s the youngster named Ye. Oh right, Hong Qingyan is currently his fiance?e."


    Hong Gaishi''s lips curled into a mocking sneer, and he then said, "He is indeed an exceptional individual. Although he is in the mortal world, he managed to enter the path, and moreover, from the martial arts avenue. He has stubbornly resisted the temptation of the Saint Realm, transforming his Qi Force entirely into Spirit Essence. Such great determination is indeed the mark of an individual, and a respectable opponent!"


    Hearing this, Hong Tiandu couldn''t help but be shocked and asked, "Cousin, what are you saying? This youngster with the surname Ye is also a cultivator?"


    Hong Gaishi scoffed and said, "Only an idiot like you would dare to recklessly go for a kill without even understanding the other''s background. Didn''t you see that Sausage Sister and Miss Long have been closely following after this Ye fellow? Isn''t that obvious enough? That little Northwest Mountain Village assuredly endorses this youngster named Ye."


    Hong Tiandu clenched his teeth in secret and said in a low voice, "Cousin, although what you say is true, I am not convinced. One day, I will definitely defeat him."


    Hong Gaishi shook his head slightly. He wanted to say that you probably won''t have the chance in this lifetime, but after all, he held back since the other was his own cousin.


    After thinking for a moment, Hong Tiandu changed the subject and said, "By the way, cousin, do you think this Ye fellow will be able to pass the three challenges set up by the Buddhist Sect?"


    Hong Gaishi asked back, "You''re asking me?"


    Hong Tiandu immediately realized his mistake and hurriedly said, "Never mind, I won''t ask. I''ll shut up, okay?"


    However, Hong Gaishi sneered and said, "You should know that I''m someone who never guesses. I only believe in the knife in my hand. If this youngster cannot pass, then it proves that he is not worthy of being my opponent. However, if he does, I, Hong Gaishi, will undoubtedly have a life-and-death battle with him!"


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had long since noticed the barefoot youth sitting cross-legged on the mountain peak in the blue robe. In fact, upon entering the Buddhist Sect, his spiritual power quickly spread out, so everything around him, including the actions of the people, could not escape his magic eye.


    However, what shocked Ye Feng was that while he could see through everyone else with his spiritual power, only this handsome blue-robed youngster seemed to be shielded by a solid barrier that blocked his spiritual power.


    No matter how Ye Feng tried to mobilize his spiritual power to break through this barrier, he was ultimately unsuccessful. It appeared that the blue-robed youth must possess a powerful magic treasure protecting him, and it was one capable of defending against spiritual power.


    But one thing Ye Feng was certain of, when he tried to break through with his spiritual power, the other party had no reaction whatsoever. This meant that this handsome blue-robed youth did not have spiritual power emanating from his Sea of Consciousness.


    "Fortunately, he has not developed spiritual power, otherwise, regardless, he would be a formidable opponent. Too strong. His aura is like the scorching sun in the sky, dazzling and impossible to look at directly, even I feel a sense of oppression just from seeing him," Ye Feng silently sighed in his heart.


    Just then, perhaps sensing Ye Feng observing the blue-robed man, Sausage Sister suddenly said, "His name is Hong Gaishi, cousin to Hong Tiandu and Hong Jiutian, and of course, the top individual among the younger generation of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan."


    At this point, Sausage Sister lifted the corner of her mouth in a playful smile and added, "Oh yes, this man is also sort of the fiance? of Long Nannan."


    Hearing this, Long Nannan bristled and retorted with a cold snort, "Sausage Sister, don''t talk nonsense. I have nothing to do with him. That kind of person always thinks too highly of himself, really thinking I would fancy him¡ªreally now."


    Ye Feng now became quite interested, and couldn''t help but ask, "Sort of fiance?, what do you mean by that?"


    So Sausage Sister explained, "This is what happened: years ago, an elder from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan came to our village to propose marriage on behalf of Hong Gaishi, wanting to arrange a betrothal with Miss Long."


    "Arrange a betrothal?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but frown and said, "What era is this, and yet they still..."


    Before he could finish, Sausage Sister interrupted, "You don''t know; although this practice has fallen out of favor in the secular world, for the Four Great Ancient Clans and our little mountain village, this tradition is still preserved. So, arranging betrothals is not something strange to us, but as for the proposal from the Hong Family, Old Long with the Big Tobacco Pipe, oh right, that is Nannan''s grandfather, neither agreed nor rejected it at the time, only saying they would revisit it after eighteen years."


    At that, Sausage Sister just shrugged her shoulders and sighed, "Probably because of that, the Hong Family assumes that Miss Long is practically Hong Gaishi''s fiance?e."


    Biting her tiny fangs in indignation, Long Nannan said, "That''s truly shameless. He probably just thinks too highly of himself, assuming that every woman in the world should like him. Just seeing his manner disgusts me."


    Teasingly, Ye Feng smiled and said, "But honestly, this Hong Gaishi is quite handsome, don''t you think?"


    Without hesitation, Long Nannan replied with a grin, "In my eyes, Little Martial Uncle is the most handsome man in the world."


    "..." Ye Feng could only pretend not to hear and completely ignored her remark.

 Chapter 451 - 450: Mr. Ye Feng, Please Break the Formation!

    Nowadays, the Buddhist Sect could be said to be crowded with powerful figures. Nearly all of the top experts in the Xuanyuan Nation have gathered here, although a small number of the very top did not show up, such as the Old Beggar with the Big Smoking Pipe and the Old Beggar from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, as well as the clan elders from the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Ye Feng knew that for these supreme powers, his current cultivation level was only entry-level. What''s more, these top powers all had their own missions and would not easily show themselves in the Mortal World.


    Just then, as most of the guests from all directions had arrived and the various powers had taken their seats according to prior arrangements, only one group was an exception. That was Northern King Ye Feng, who had forcefully taken a position above the Buddha''s head against the Buddhist Sect''s wishes, which was simply preposterous.


    The Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect stood on the tip of the Buddha''s nose, looking down at the crowd. He then raised his hand slightly, and instantly, a series of deep, thunder-like bell tolls resonated from the belly of the Great Buddha, striking three times in succession.


    The bell''s distant and profound toll seemed to ripple across the lake in front of them, quieting the previously noisy scene instantly.


    The Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect appeared to be the host of this martial arts conference. He waved his hand and announced in a clear voice, "Fellow martial artists, welcome. Thank you for gracing this martial arts conference with your presence. The reason this conference was convened is due to the Nine Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, including the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect being wiped out. We, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, share the same breath and branches, sharing common hatred and enemies, and thus cannot sit idly by..."


    However, as he spoke, Long Nannan on the top of the Buddha''s head called out impatiently, "Hey, you fat-eared monk, spare us the irrelevant babble and spare everyone''s time. Since everyone has come here today, they naturally know what it''s for. Just get to the point!"


    The Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect couldn''t help feeling a bit embarrassed, especially since the elders of the Law Enforcement Hall were fuming with anger. Their Sect Master was speaking, and this young girl dared to interrupt, clearly showing no respect for their Buddhist Sect.


    Yet, when they learned of the identity of the girl who interrupted, these so-called elders of the Law Enforcement Hall instantly wilted like frosted eggplants and did not dare to make another peep.


    The Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect nodded slightly, brought his hands together, proclaimed a Buddhist chant, and then continued, "If that is the case, then this sect will cut to the chase. I''m sure you all know that for this martial arts conference, we, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, have signed an agreement with Northern King Ye Feng. Please, I invite Master Ye Feng to come up to the stage and make a final confirmation in front of all the heroes of the martial world."


    "So troublesome, these old bald donkeys do love to ramble on," Long Nannan complained impatiently.


    Ye Feng also shook his head, and with a swift motion, instantly reached the stage, which was cleverly positioned on top of the belly of the giant stone Buddha.


    There were a total of nine seats, representing the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Each sect sent a representative, a Great Power. However, the representatives of the Flora Sect and the Underworld Sect were only warriors who had just entered the Divine Path Realm level, not even having reached the Third Realm, the Spirit Division Realm yet.


    It seemed that this was because Ye Feng had almost entirely wiped out the elite upper echelons of these two sects, resulting in their current state of having no one, and strictly speaking, the Ancient Martial World could now only be regarded as having seven great sects.


    Each representative was seated on a meditation mat, with third-party representatives from places like the Utility Pavilion invited to witness, presumably to act as witness. Soon, the agreement signed by both parties was taken out, compared back and forth, and confirmed to be correct.


    The Sect Master of the Buddhist Sect promptly declared, "After the final confirmation, this martial arts eradication conference officially begins. According to the agreement, Northern King Ye Feng must pass the three catastrophes laid out by the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts within three days. Otherwise, he must be confined to the Buddhist Sect''s back mountain under house arrest for thirty years, forbidden to leave. Of course, if he dies during the trials, it can only be blamed on his lack of aptitude, and no one else may hold a grudge against the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts for this."


    Just then, someone below asked, "And if Northern King Ye Feng safely passes the three trials, what of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts?"


    The Deputy Sect Master spoke coldly, "If Northern King Ye Feng truly manages to pass, according to the agreement made by both parties, the Nine Sects must hand over their respective sect''s heritage treasure. Furthermore, they must also surrender a certain amount of Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills to the Imperial Martial Academy."


    Hearing this, that person nodded slightly and said, "That''s more like it. Such an agreement is quite fair, but honestly, if Northern King Ye Feng does succeed in the trials this time, you Nine Sects will really take a big loss, especially since you''ll have to hand over the heritage treasures of your respective sects!"


    "Hmph, to think Ye Feng could pass the three trials, do you think it''s that easy? Are you aware of what these three disasters are?" Suddenly, a disciple from the Nine Sects snorted coldly.


    "Do tell, what are these three trials?" Suddenly, many people became curious.


    "These three trials are personally arranged by us, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. The first trial is the Seven Stars Heaven-slaying Grand Formation set up by the Tang Sect. The second is the Buddhist Sect''s 81 Vajra Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation!"


    "As for the third trial, it''s even more terrifying. It''s the Tai Chi Yin-Yang Grand Formation set up by the elders of the Buddhist Sect and the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect. These two elders are said to be 300 years old, with cultivation so profound it''s unfathomable!"


    "Sss..."


    Upon hearing about the three trials, the surrounding crowd all drew a sharp breath. Not just the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, but even the powerful and influential families of the Mortal World couldn''t help but be anxious for Ye Feng.


    "These three trials, they''re too terrifying. The first two themselves were dreadful enough, but I''ve heard that the second one, the Vajra Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Formation of 81 kilograms, is something that even those at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, as well as some of the legendary Saint Realm, may not easily break through. It''s truly the Buddhist Sect''s ultimate Mountain Defense Grand Formation!"


    "Isn''t that so? If someone could break through this trial, it would mean they could come and go in the Buddhist Sect as if it were nothing. Although Northern King Ye Feng is very powerful, it''s impossible for him to pass these three trials. He might even find the first trial too much to handle."


    "There should be some certainty with the first trial. It''s said that Northern King Ye Feng has now joined the ranks of the first-class, and he has even barely stepped into the level of supreme masters; however, he will definitely be stopped at the second trial, and might even die right there and never make it out!"


    In an instant, everyone from the Buddhist Sect started discussing fervently, including disciples of the Nine Great Sects whispering to each other, and some even began placing bets on the spot. However, almost everyone bet that Ye Feng could not pass the three trials, especially the second one. The odds for Ye Feng passing all three trials were even as high as ten thousand to one.


    From this, it was clear that almost everyone present didn''t believe Ye Feng could break through the three trials.


    Atop the Buddha''s head, Hong Qingyan was deep in concentration, seated cross-legged when suddenly Sausage Sister asked, "Qingyan, what will you do if Ye Feng fails to pass the trials or is in danger to his life?"


    Without a second thought, Hong Qingyan said, "What else can I do but take action? How can I just watch idly as Big Brother Ye faces danger?"


    Sausage Sister couldn''t help laughing at this response and nodded, "That''s right, that''s right. Although Ye Feng''s cultivation level isn''t all that impressive, his taste in choosing women is quite good indeed."


    Hong Qingyan also joined in the joking, "Sausage Sister, I''m not sure if you''re complimenting me or if you''re really complimenting me?"


    To the side, Long Nannan add, "Don''t worry, if those dog-fart Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts dare to make a move on Little Martial Uncle, I''ll flatten their Buddhist Sect and grind that Great Buddha into mud."


    At this moment, if the Great Buddha could speak, it would surely curse out loud, thinking "This girl, not only are you sitting on top of someone''s head, but you even want to smash them into mud. Aren''t you going a bit too far?"


    While the few of them chatted and joked, suddenly a series of red figures appeared on the lake surface in front. Counting carefully, there were as many as thirty-six people.


    From their attire, these were clearly people from the Tang Sect, and their cultivation levels were not low¡ªall were at the Divine Communication Realm Level of the Fourth Realm of the Divine Path, with even the eight leaders being elders at the Divine Ability Realm Level.


    At this point, Sausage Sister said, "It''s said that the Tang Sect specializes in the use of hidden weapons, and their hidden weapons are unparalleled in the world, especially their throwing knives which are unique in the Martial Forest."


    Long Nannan nodded, "That''s right. It''s said that the Tang Sect even has an inherited blade, which seems to have been passed down from the Ancient Era, a truly Immortal Blade of immense power! If Little Martial Uncle wins this time, the Tang Sect must hand over the Immortal Blade. Seems like Little Martial Uncle is likely eyeing that sword."


    Sausage Sister shook her head, "The Immortal Blade is great, but let''s first see if your Little Martial Uncle can successfully break through the first trial."


    At this time, the Sect Leader of the Buddhist Sect gestured with his hand and called out with a clear voice, "Lord Ye Feng, you may now begin the trial. Only by successfully crossing this lake will you be deemed to have passed the trial. Of course, during the combat between both parties, life and death are of no concern!"


    At this moment, thirty red-garbed Tang Family experts were already suspended above the lake, and they had faintly formed a grand formation, each holding a fist with gauntlets¡ªan obvious indication that these were for poison protection. From this, it was evident that their hidden weapons were certainly envenomed. If we talk about poison, perhaps not even the Valley of the Medicine God can surpass Tang Sect. Earlier, Ye Feng had learned that Yu Feiyu had used poison once, and even a Divine Ability Realm powerhouse would be poisoned and overturned without any precautions, which shows the extent of the poison''s dreadfulness. Ye Feng thought that he absolutely must be wary.


    "Lord Ye Feng, please break the formation!" A burly middle-aged man clad in a red robe gestured from the center of the lake. Of course, this man also had the highest cultivation realm among these thirty-six Tang Sect disciples.


    Even Ye Feng surmised that the Tang Sect''s Immortal Blade might very well be on this man''s person. If Ye Feng truly needed to be wary, it wasn''t of the surrounding people but this strongest one in the middle; this was the true menace of the so-called Seven Stars Heaven-slaying Grand Formation.


    "Once the Immortal Blade is unsheathed, it never fails to hit its mark. Even Divine Ability Realm powerhouses find it hard to withstand. I wonder if Northern King Ye Feng will be able to counter and withstand it this time?" At this moment, the whole crowd was obviously already turning their heads to watch this side, with many even holding their breaths.


    Just then, Ye Feng moved swiftly, darting across the lake surface like a stunning swan, entering the grand formation. Simultaneously, the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness had also started spinning at high speed, with his spiritual power surging out like a torrential tide.


    The next moment, under the scrutiny of his spiritual power, the so-called Seven Stars Heaven-slaying Grand Formation became crystal clear to Ye Feng, and he could even preemptively sense the trajectory of the opponent''s movements.


    "So that''s how it is!" Seeing this, Ye Feng involuntarily raised the corners of his mouth slightly.

 Chapter 452 - 451: Ill take this Immortal Blade!

    Spiritual power is an existence that is even higher in rank than Qi Force or even Spirit Essence, and while it is a metaphysical thing, invisible and untouchable, it truly exists. Under the envelopment of spiritual power, Ye Feng even felt like he could control everything, where nothing could hide from his sight.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Suddenly, the thirty-six experts of the Tang Sect darted over the surface of the lake like swimming fish, rapidly changing their positions. What was more terrifying was that they each threw out hidden weapons which, under the sunlight, emitted a green glow indicating that they were coated with deadly poison. The barrage of hidden weapons, dense and overwhelming, was like a tempestuous storm.


    What was the most troublesome was that these weren''t ordinary hidden weapons. If they were, no matter the quantity, they could be dispersed in an instant with the use of Qi Force martial skills or even a Qi Essence protective shield to fend off the weapons.


    But the hidden weapons enhanced by the Seven Stars Grand Formation were different as the formation empowered them to change speed and direction mid-flight, and they could even suddenly accelerate, their piercing power terrifyingly formidable.


    In the blink of an eye, to the onlookers, Ye Feng seemed to be engulfed by the myriad hidden weapons, at any moment ready to succumb.


    Long Nannan couldn''t help getting anxious when she saw this, and she even prepared to rush down to assist.


    Sausage Sister quickly grasped her, saying, "That''s enough, you girl; don''t be so impulsive. It''s just a little Seven Stars Grand Formation. At most, it has a lot of hidden weapons. What''s there to fear?"


    "But right now, Little Martial Uncle is..." Long Nannan said.


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes, "Just relax, your Little Martial Uncle will be fine. At least with this first trial, it''s unlikely he''ll have any trouble. Otherwise, your grandfather probably wouldn''t have taken notice of him. Let''s just watch."


    Hong Qingyan also nodded slightly, "Don''t worry, there won''t be any trouble for now. Even I can''t stop this first challenge, let alone Big Brother Ye. You should know that Big Brother Ye''s combat power is much stronger than ours."


    "Stronger than both of us? That''s hardly certain," retorted Sausage Sister, her lips curving into a slight smile. Her expression clearly conveyed disagreement. After all, six months ago, she had firmly suppressed Ye Feng. Moreover, in the past half-year, her cultivation level had advanced by leaps and bounds.


    Thus, Sausage Sister simply couldn''t believe that Ye Feng was stronger than her now. But how could she know that in this world, aside from geniuses, there were exceptional talents and even those monstrous beings of legend. A genius''s progress is significant, but a monster''s cultivation speed can often be described as advancing a thousand miles in a single day.


    Obviously, Ye Feng belonged to that category of monster!


    Hong Qingyan didn''t want to argue; she generally disliked arguing with others. Even if she was right, she still maintained good manners, merely smiling as she asked, "By the way, Sausage Sister, if it were you, would you be confident in passing these three trials?"


    Sausage Sister pondered for a moment before replying, "The first two trials wouldn''t be too hard for me, even if the second trial is much more powerful, I have confidence in getting through. But the third trial, frankly, I don''t think I''d have much chance."


    Hong Qingyan smiled, "But I think that Big Brother Ye has every chance of making it through all three."


    "He''s fully capable of getting through the third trial?" Sausage Sister''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "Yes, I believe so, and I also know he has the strength!" Hong Qingyan nodded slightly.


    "I also believe in him. My Little Martial Uncle is capable of anything!" Nannan chimed in cheerfully.


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes and didn''t speak. Of course, in her heart, she did not believe it. That''s why she had even thought out a contingency plan before setting out, which Old Long, her master, had quietly told her about before they left. That was also the reason why she could let Ye Feng step into the Buddhist Sect with such ease.


    "Let''s hope so," Sausage Sister said with a light smile in the end. Naturally, she hoped that the contingency wouldn''t have to be used, as the side effects were far too grave and she didn''t want to rely on it unless absolutely necessary.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng seemed to have been entirely swamped by those hidden weapons. But in the next instant, something astonishing happened that left the crowd in shock. Ye Feng turned into a darting fish, continuously flipping through the air, avoiding the hidden weapons in an unbelievable and incredibly deft manner.


    "He... he actually dodged them all, how is that possible!" The onlookers were astounded, and expressions of disbelief grew on every face.


    "This is too freakish, he didn''t use any Qi Force to counterattack, he solely relied on his movement technique to dodge all the hidden weapons, such a dense and voluminous barrage. How did he achieve that, even a Powerhouse of the Divine Ability Realm might not be capable of this!"


    "No, not just a Powerhouse of the Divine Ability Realm, perhaps even those in the Saint Realm might not be able to do it!" The surrounding crowd began to exclaim in amazement.


    At that moment, atop a pair of mountain peaks, members of the Four Great Ancient Clans also had looks of astonishment on their faces.


    Hong Tiandu couldn''t help but ask, "Cousin, if you were to try without using Spirit Essence, could you dodge these hidden weapons just with your movement speed?"


    Hong Gaishi narrowed his eyes and clenched his teeth. After a long pause, he said, "I could do it, but I doubt it would be as smooth as this kid. Could it be that he can foresee the trajectories of the hidden weapons?"


    Upon saying this, Hong Gaishi''s entire body suddenly trembled, and his face drastically changed. He exclaimed in shock, "Could it be that this kid has already stepped into that ethereal and illusory realm? Impossible, how could he possibly have entered it!"


    Hong Gaishi''s alarm was indeed extraordinary, after all, even he had only just begun to glimpse the threshold of that ethereal and illusory realm, yet he had always failed to find the pathway. In fact, even within the Ancient Hong Clan, only the great clan elder had reached that level. Therefore, he could not believe that Ye Feng had entered that realm no matter what.


    Hong Tiandu was frightened by his cousin''s reaction and didn''t dare to speak until he saw the other''s emotions stabilize slightly. Then he timidly asked, "Cousin, what is that ethereal and illusory realm you just spoke of exactly?"


    Hong Gaishi turned his head and glared at him, snorting coldly, "Don''t ask what you shouldn''t. That realm is not something you can touch now, or even something some people might never be able to touch in their entire lives. Do you understand what I mean?"


    Hong Tiandu was frightened once again, but he didn''t dare to speak and could only nod his head with a forced smile.


    Meanwhile, at the peak of another mountain, the Bu Family and others also showed shocked expressions. As the saying goes, laymen watch the excitement, experts watch the technicalities. Obviously, these members of ancient clans recognized the extraordinary nature of Ye Feng''s actions.


    "This child, his talent is against the heavens. If he can continue to grow, his future achievements will be boundless!" At this moment, an elder from an ancient clan, whose face was all covered, spoke from atop a small mountain.


    "Indeed, his talent is too strong. He''s only how old? Not even thirty, right? Probably only about twenty-five or twenty-six and yet he has already entered that legendary level. Even we are not his match, it''s shameful, shameful!" Another elder from an ancient clan also sighed.


    Compared to the Hong Clan and Bu Family, these two clans appeared much more low-profile and hidden. In fact, up to now, these two clans had never officially revealed themselves in the mortal world, and it was only because of the invitation from that sloppy old man with the big smoking pipe in the Northwest Little Mountain Village that they had to come to this Martial Arts World tournament.


    "It seems Old Long has not chosen wrong, our Xuanyuan Nation has hope!" An elder from one of the ancient clans said.


    Another ancient clan elder asked, "How is the situation on your side now? How much longer can the Heavenly Pillar hold?"


    "There''s probably not much time left, at most twenty more years before the Heavenly Pillar will collapse. By then, we will no longer be able to manage the Alien Space-Time," the ancient clan elder replied.


    "My side is more or less the same, I imagine the Great Wall of Heaven that Old Long is responsible for is in a similar situation. Twenty years, these twenty years alone, not to mention Xuanyuan Nation, but the entire world''s situation will change because of this, and even humanity will face an imminent catastrophe."


    These two ancient clan elders sighed secretly, but they communicated using a secret technique, so naturally, no one around them could hear it, not even a personage like Hong Gaishi.


    "Twenty years... I wonder if this Mr. Ye can turn the tide and preserve the legacy of our Xuanyuan Nation. To my knowledge, many of the great powers in the world are secretly training exceptionally strong individuals, so that they may lead their peoples out of the crisis when the dramatic changes come."


    "Of course, not to mention others, aren''t our two clans also secretly nurturing such a figurehead? It''s just that compared to the youngster chosen by Old Long, we''re likely coming up short. It''s a pity, Hong Gaishi thinks his extraordinary talent makes him the strongest among the younger generation of the Four Great Ancient Clans, but little does he know, he can''t even compare to Ye Feng!"


    The two ancient clan elders shook their heads and smiled slightly, then ended the topic.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, under the control of his powerful spiritual power, saw these densely packed so-called hidden weapons as if their speed had slowed down. He could weave through them effortlessly.


    In just a few breaths, Ye Feng had already reached the other side of the lake, almost about to break through it. Once he did, according to the prior agreement, he would be considered to have successfully passed the challenge, and the disciples of the Tang Sect would no longer be allowed to continue their attempts at stopping him.


    However, at that moment, the thirty-six disciples of the Tang Sect seemed to realize that it was the final juncture. If they couldn''t stop him now, the reputation of their Tang Sect would be greatly damaged today. After all, if their thirty-six disciples couldn''t stop a single person with their Great Formation, how would the Tang Sect continue to stand in the Martial Arts World?


    "Use the highest level of techniques!" Suddenly, the man in the red robe at the center of the formation shouted coldly, and as if a dragon''s roar erupted, a blue Immortal Blade rose into the sky.


    This blue Immortal Blade, looking more like a dagger, however, was indestructible and its edge was revealed.


    "That must be the legendary Immortal Blade of the Tang Sect. It''s said that this blade has its own spirit and is incredibly powerful," murmured the spectators all around upon seeing this scene.


    "Condense!" The man leading the formation shouted coldly as his Qi Force surged out. Simultaneously, all thirty-five other Tang Sect disciples also exerted their Qi Force, which surged like a tidal wave into the Immortal Blade.


    In an instant, the Immortal Blade burst forth with a dazzling blue light, a blue so bright it was hard to look at, especially the tip of the blade which brimmed with a Sky-breaking Power.


    "Indeed, it''s an Immortal Blade!" Ye Feng, far from being panicked, was filled with excitement and he couldn''t help but shout, "I''ve set my sights on that Immortal Blade!"


    "You certainly don''t lack confidence. In that case, let me show you the might of the Tang Sect''s Immortal Blade!"


    With that, the leader of the Tang Sect''s formation waved his great hand, and the Immortal Blade instantly shot through the air towards its target.

 Chapter 453 - 452: The Wind Comes From The Tiger, The Cloud From The Dragon!

    At this moment, the Immortal Blade of the Tang Sect seemed to possess a kind of sentience as it swept through the sky. Upon encountering Ye Feng''s Sword of the King blocking its path, it eerily changed direction and shot from the side.


    Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened, having not expected the Immortal Blade to be capable of changing direction mid-air, and its speed was unbelievably fast. Even his spiritual power had barely managed to capture its movement.


    "So it turns out that it''s not the Immortal Blade itself that has consciousness, but under the Great Formation, it is being controlled by the main formation''s master!" Under the control of spiritual power, Ye Feng quickly identified the problem. However, even so, this highlighted the extraordinary nature of the Immortal Blade.


    Of course, since his spiritual power could accurately track the movement of the Immortal Blade and even predict it in advance, Ye Feng had a complete method to counter it. Almost in an instant, the Sword of the King turned back and blocked the side.


    However, at that moment, the Immortal Blade changed direction again. Although it appeared to be very short, it was incredibly efficient and nimble, with a speed that could be called ghostly. If a practitioner at the level of the Divine Ability Realm were here, they would likely be unable to defend against it by now.


    With a whoosh, the Sword of the King once again sealed off the Immortal Blade''s attack route. The person in the main formation of the Tang Sect couldn''t help but frown deeply, having never imagined that his opponent could react so swiftly. This was simply too contrary to the natural order.


    Fully aware that they could pass through this lake and succeed in the challenge, Ye Feng and his party did not move, their eyes locked tightly on the short Immortal Blade. It was clear that they were planning to take possession of the Immortal Blade.


    Equally undecided were several senior members of the Tang Sect right now. If they ordered the dismantling of the Great Formation at this moment, it would mean giving up on their meticulous preparations unwillingly. But if they didn''t, and the Immortal Blade was truly snatched away, the Tang Sect''s face would be lost, and they would suffer a double loss.


    However, just then, the Sword of the King unexpectedly appeared at the Immortal Blade''s side with an inconceivable speed.


    The main formation''s master blanched at the sight and subconsciously wanted to maneuver the Immortal Blade to avoid the attack, but it was already too late. Accompanied by a thunderous roar, waves burst from the lake, and the Immortal Blade was directly sent flying by the Sword of the King.


    Yet the Immortal Blade showed no sign of damage, suggesting its material was extraordinary. In a flash, Ye Feng dashed over, and with a sweeping grab through the air, the Immortal Blade was already in his hand.


    "How dare you..."


    Only at that moment did the person in the main formation regain his senses, launching hidden weapons in an attempt to intercept.


    "So this is your Tang Sect''s so-called Seven Stars Heaven-slaying Grand Formation? I find it rather unimpressive. I shall take my leave!" As he spoke, Ye Feng soared into the air, effortlessly passing through the dense barrage of hidden weapons with an extremely carefree and comfortable demeanor.


    The next moment, he emerged from the lake and stood atop a tree in the distance. With his hands behind his back and his tall figure draped in a black robe, his waterfall-like black hair fluttered in the wind. At this moment, Ye Feng exuded an indescribable air of casual elegance.


    Naturally, at this moment, all eyes were on him. The disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts remained silent, evidently still in shock and unable to recover.


    "This Immortal Blade is a spoils of battle; I shall provisionally accept it!" Ye Feng said with a faint cold chuckle.


    Every senior member of the Tang Sect was so furious that they were almost contorted with rage. They ground their teeth but dared not even let out a squeak. They had set up the Seven Stars Heaven-slaying Grand Formation in advance, confident of its effectiveness, but not only did they fail to trap the opponent, they didn''t even touch a hair on his head. Worse yet, their Tang Sect''s inherited Immortal Blade had been taken. They had truly lost face in a big way.


    As the host, the Buddhist Sect naturally had to intervene at this point. The Buddhist Sect''s leader joined his palms together and chanted a Buddhist verse before announcing loudly, "Mr. Ye Feng truly is a young genius. To reach such cultivation and mastery of martial arts at your age is truly remarkable. You have successfully passed the first challenge. May I ask if you wish to rest before continuing?"


    According to their agreement, Ye Feng had three days to pass the challenges. He had taken less than half an hour to get through the first one, so he had ample time at his disposal.


    Just when everyone thought he would choose to rest and recover his essence, Qi, and spirit, Ye Feng said, "There''s no need to rest. Let''s begin the second challenge."


    Those around were taken aback by his response, although the practitioners of profound cultivation could see that Ye Feng hadn''t expended much of his essence, Qi, and spirit in the first challenge; he hadn''t used his full strength at all.


    The Buddhist Sect''s leader nodded slightly and then gestured towards the plaza in front.


    The vast plaza was located beside the lake and was large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people. At this moment, many disciples of the Buddhist Sect were already positioned in specific locations across the Martial Arts Training Plaza, and at a rough count, there were certainly no fewer than seven or eight hundred people.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but be astonished when he saw this, originally thinking that the 81 Vajra Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation should consist of eighty-one people. But now it seemed that the number of participants was excessively large.


    In fact, not only Ye Feng but also the disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were shocked as well, all staring with disbelief. However, this was certainly good news for them.


    "It seems that the Buddhist Sect must have increased the number of people at the last minute, from the original eighty-one to eight hundred and eighty-one. That''s practically tenfold!" many Great Powers exclaimed upon seeing this.


    Even those from the Four Great Ancient Clans couldn''t help but laugh and say, "It looks like the Buddhist Sect must have noticed the strength of young master Ye, and decided at the last minute to enhance the power of the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation. Otherwise, the previous formation with only eighty-one people would have hardly been able to trap the kid Ye Feng."


    "Indeed, this kid surnamed Ye is too strong; his talent far exceeds anyone else''s, and he is even capable of entering the top ten among the nation''s younger generation. Of course, you know what I mean, this includes the Four Great Ancient Clans as well," another member of the Ancient Clan said.


    "Now that the number of people in the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation has increased tenfold, the power has not increased tenfold, but there is an increase of two or three times. Do you think this kid can still break through?" asked a disciple from the Bu Family Ancient Clan.


    Speaking of the Four Great Ancient Clans, the Bu Family naturally had the greatest interest in the secular world. In the last century, they had sent Tang Bai, an Outer Sect disciple, who after a final series of operations, completely established the Utility Pavilion and thus gained immense power.


    It was also through Tang Bai that the Bu Family of the Ancient Clan gained tremendous resources and development over the last a hundred years. However, now with the rise of Ye Feng, their interests were being obstructed, and even as the Bu Family Ancient Clan aspired to unify the secular world, Ye Feng naturally became a thorn in their side.


    "If this kid surnamed Ye can also break through this enhanced version of the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation, then I, old man Bu Zheng, wearing a grey robe, will have to admit defeat and acknowledge my inferiority," said Bu Zheng leisurely, this fellow a man deeply fond of liquor, still drinking from his wine gourd even on such an occasion.


    In fact, many members of the Bu Family loved drinking, like the previously mentioned Bu Tianyun, who would also carry a wine gourd even when going up to compete. It seems that this was a family custom of the Bu Family.


    Bu Zheng''s gaze became somewhat hazy as he recalled how just half an hour ago at Ten-Mile Slope, he had been able to suppress Ye Feng and even completely beat him into a severe injury, causing him to flee in a sorry state.


    But now, in just less than half an hour, the other party''s power had surged so much that even he himself might not dare claim to be able to compete with Ye Feng. Thinking of this, Bu Zheng sighed, even recalling the words he had spoken back then at Ten-Mile Slope.


    In six months, he would again strike at Ye Feng unreservedly, but it seemed now that in six months, he would probably only be at the receiving end of a beating.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng''s figure suddenly swept across the sky and instantly arrived at the Martial Arts Training Plaza. The Great Formation consisting of eight hundred and eighty-one people was indeed spectacular and grand. However, Ye Feng found it strange that these bald monks were not holding sticks this time, suggesting that this so-called Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation was not the traditional Eighteen Arhats Formation.


    At this moment, the spiritual power in the Sea of Consciousness of Ye Feng began to spin rapidly again, spreading out like a tidal wave and enveloping the entire plaza. In the next instant, every move made on the plaza was under his absolute perception.


    "Master Ye Feng, please enter the formation!" a bald monk said, bringing his hands together in front of him.


    Among these more than eight hundred bald monks, the majority were Great Grandmasters, and of course, there were also over two hundred Martial Kings, as well as about a hundred Divine Path Realm powerhouses. This force could no longer be considered weak¡ªthis might indeed be the core elite of the entire Buddhist Sect.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged as he observed covertly, taking measured steps and stepping onto the plaza. But as soon as he entered, the over eight hundred people suddenly moved, constantly changing their positions and footwork.


    With the perception of spiritual power, Ye Feng could clearly see that the Great Formation was mainly divided into two parts. One part constantly shifted and assembled into the shape resembling a fierce tiger, while the other part formed a giant dragon.


    "Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation, begin!" Suddenly, as someone at the heart of the Formation roared loudly, a terrifying surge of air erupted, spreading out from the plaza in all directions. Even Ye Feng was nearly unsteady from the powerful blast.


    At this moment, the sky darkened, and the clouds surged as if the end of the world had arrived, with rolling clouds converging towards the plaza.


    As the saying goes, "the winds follow the tiger, and the clouds follow the dragon." Soon, Ye Feng was shocked to see a fierce old tiger appearing above the plaza, while on the other side, a roaring and fierce giant dragon emerged.


    With the Azure Dragon to the left and the White Tiger to the right, the Great Formation was now fully formed. And Ye Feng, standing below the Formation, under the White Tiger and Azure Dragon, suddenly seemed incredibly tiny, as if he could be swallowed by the two ferocious beasts at any moment.


    Ye Feng remained composed, quietly observing the origins of the White Tiger and Azure Dragon beasts. Under the sensation of his spiritual power, he quickly came to an epiphany.


    "So that''s how it is, quite interesting. It really is quite interesting!" Ye Feng said with a light laugh, slightly curling up the corners of his mouth.

 Chapter 454 453: Finally Dealt with Him?

    ```


    It turned out that the reason the White Tiger and Azure Dragon, those two terrifying ferocious beasts, appeared in the sky was because of the Great Formation below. To be precise, it was the Qi Force of the 881 people within the Formation that had converged and coalesced into shape.


    "Unexpectedly, they have managed to shape everyone''s strength into form. This Formation is indeed not to be underestimated!"


    Ye Feng silently marveled in his heart. Although the Emperor''s Dao he cultivated also had Great Formations, their power was far weaker than the Buddhist Sect''s Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation. It must be said that the Buddhist Sect is indeed a Sect of an Ancient Clan, and moreover, one that is ranked at the forefront. Its foundation can be said to be quite profound.


    To have so many people come together to form these two ferocious beasts, even if they cannot fully exert the total strength of these individuals, these two ferocious beasts were still rather terrifying.


    "Who would''ve thought that the Buddhist Sect would employ such a grand move. This time, Ye Feng, the youngster, should be surely defeated beyond doubt!"


    "Defeat is certain, of course. If the kid knows what''s good for him, he should surrender immediately. Otherwise, once the two Great Formation beasts launch their attack, he will undoubtedly die!" At the Ancient Buddha''s broad belly, representatives from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts began to discuss animatedly, with many showing smug expressions on their faces.


    They couldn''t help thinking that this should solve the problem with the young man surnamed Ye for good, and the Nine Great Sects should finally be able to rest assured.


    "Surrender?" Upon hearing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but slightly raise the corners of his mouth, his face revealing a mocking smile, "Surrender is out of the question. What''s more, I''m going to devour these two divine beasts!"


    Since these two divine beasts were formed through the Qi Force of those in the Formation below and were not genuine physical entities, Ye Feng believed his Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll would be able to absorb them.


    "Formation, attack!" Suddenly, the bald monk in the center of the 81 Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation let out a cold shout, and then the fierce tiger beast on the left roared skyward and charged straight at Ye Feng.


    At that moment, Ye Feng stood there quietly without dodging or showing any intention of resisting. His demeanor seemed as if he had been scared silly by the ferocious beast.


    Long Nannan exclaimed in alarm, "Little Martial Uncle, why aren''t you dodging? Quick, dodge, Little Martial Uncle..."


    Even Sausage Sister frowned and muttered to herself, "What is going on, why isn''t Ye Feng dodging?"


    "Sausage Sister, do we need to take action? Otherwise, Little Martial Uncle might really be in danger!" said Long Nannan, her face full of worry.


    Sausage Sister nodded and the two were about to make a move, but at that moment, Hong Qingyan suddenly said, "Please remain calm for a bit longer, let''s watch the situation before we act rashly."


    "Not make a move? Sister Qingyan, if we don''t act now, I''m afraid Little Martial Uncle will really..." Long Nannan was on the verge of tears in her urgency.


    Hong Qingyan gestured for calm and said, "Don''t worry yet, I know Big Brother Ye. He wouldn''t just stand there without dodging for no reason. He''s not that kind of person. If he''s doing this, it means there must be a reason behind it. The more critical the moment, the more we should stay calm and collected."


    Actually, Hong Qingyan was worried too, but she suddenly remembered what Ye Feng had told her after the battle in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, advising her not to be too impatient. Coupled with her understanding of Ye Feng, Hong Qingyan had reason to believe that her Big Brother Ye would be able to handle the situation.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, watching the huge tiger descending upon him, still stood unmoving.


    Boom...


    Suddenly, the tiger roared as it plunged downwards, instantly engulfing Ye Feng. In an instant, the winds roared and clouds tumbled, obscuring that area, making it impossible for ordinary people to see what was happening inside.


    The people from the Nine Great Sects sighed in relief at this sight, feeling like a weight had been lifted from their chests.


    "Finally, it''s over, this kid surnamed Ye, I thought he was very strong. But in the end, facing the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Formation, he was no match at all. Being struck and engulfed by the fierce tiger like this, he''s certainly doomed!"


    "Yeah, with this kid dealt with, our Ancient Martial World can once again be at peace!" Disciples from the various Sects of Ancient Martial Arts began discussing among themselves.


    However, no one present could see what was happening inside the midst of the stormy clouds, not even the people from the Four Great Ancient Clans could make out the specifics of Ye Feng''s situation.


    As the tiger charged down, the Mental Power Nucleus in Ye Feng''s Sea of Consciousness spun rapidly to its extreme, and at the same time, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll flew out.


    On the one hand, like a flood of spiritual power, he instantaneously froze the huge tiger in place. Although it appeared that Ye Feng was indeed engulfed, the reality was that he hadn''t suffered any attack.


    On the other hand, once the spiritual power froze the tiger in place, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll began to voraciously devour it. In essence, this tiger wasn''t a real White Tiger but was formed from concentrated Qi Force, so streams of Qi energy sources were immediately consumed and absorbed by the scroll.


    Of course, at this time the main controller of the Formation naturally couldn''t perceive the specifics of the situation, he could only clearly sense that the energy of the fierce tiger was continuously diminishing. However, this was a normal occurrence because when both parties are in combat, such entities formed from Qi Force could easily dissipate.


    ```


    However, as time passed, the bald-headed old monk who was the main controller of the formation finally realized something was wrong, because the speed at which the energy dissipated was way too fast.


    "Hmm, what exactly is going on here? This rate of dissipation isn''t normal at all!" one of the main controllers of the formation said in a deep voice.


    Another controller sneered, "What''s the big deal? That Ye Feng isn''t an ordinary person, so it''s normal for him to have some tricks up his sleeve. Naturally, it would cause the energy of the Tiger Subduing Formation to dissipate a bit faster. But looking at this, he shouldn''t be able to hold out much longer. I believe he will be suppressed soon."


    The other controllers nodded slightly upon hearing this, so none of them made any rash moves, merely waiting for Ye Feng at the very center to be finally suppressed.


    Yet as they waited, there was still no activity from the center of the Great Formation, and not only the controllers but even those big shots outside also felt that something was amiss.


    "What''s going on? Logically speaking, by now that Ye should have been completely suppressed already!" several high-ranking members of the Buddhist Sect snorted.


    "Disperse, disperse these rolling clouds and see what exactly is happening inside!"


    In fact, there was no need for the command from that powerful figure of the Buddhist Sect; the rolling clouds at the center of the formation were already dissipating, eventually revealing the situation inside, and at that moment, everyone was completely shocked.


    As the rolling clouds dispersed, the figure of a tall and straight silhouette emerged, a man with an upright stature and waterfall-like long black hair fluttering, exuding an indescribable sense of elegance and leisure.


    It was none other than Ye Feng!


    At that moment, he was still standing there immobile, no different from before.


    The people outside went from initial shock to dumbfounded bewilderment, not understanding what was happening. The one thing they did know was that the fierce tiger was now nowhere to be seen.


    "What... What''s going on here, has this Ye been suppressed or not?" the disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts asked one after another.


    No one answered; after all, with the cultivation level of the disciples from the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, they couldn''t see through the true situation inside Ye Feng''s body, not even the high officials of the sects could see through it.


    However, at that moment, the elders from the Four Great Ancient Clans who possessed great power were able to see through the clues and their faces expressed a heavy sense of shock.


    "Good lad, this Ye Feng is indeed not simple at all. He actually stands unaffected by such a powerful Tiger Subduing Great Formation!"


    "Elder, what are you saying? Could it be that this Ye Feng has not been suppressed by the Tiger Subduing Great Formation?" young disciples from the Bu Family and the Hong Family asked hastily.


    "Suppressed?" An elder from the Bu Family sneered slightly and then bitterly said, "Not only was this Ye not suppressed, his aura has even strengthened. Such a talent for cultivation is truly terrifying and powerful, continuously growing stronger in the midst of battle!"


    "It seems that even this second barrier won''t be able to stop him. This child is truly too powerful. Even those at the Sacred Realm Level might not be able to pass through this Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation, but look at this lad, still unscathed!"


    At this moment, the eight main controllers of the formation were still confused about the situation. They looked at Ye Feng and couldn''t help but hum, "Judging by this, this Ye Feng has probably been suppressed, right?"


    "Probably so. Don''t be fooled by his immobility. But I''m afraid his internal organs, including his Essence, Qi, and Spirit, have all been completely subdued. At this moment, this lad is probably nothing more than an empty shell, right?"


    However, just then, Ye Feng slightly raised the corners of his mouth and coldly smirked, "Nothing more than an empty shell? It seems that you all think very highly of your so-called Great Formation. With such feeble power, you still delude yourselves into thinking you can suppress me?"


    "What? You, you''re actually... actually fine?" All the bald-headed monks in the formation were immediately shocked.


    Ye Feng looked up towards the other massive Azure Dragon, sneered, and said, "What about this Dragon Subduing? What are you waiting for? Hurry up and command it to come at me, see if it can suppress me."


    In fact, Ye Feng at this moment was not only unsuppressed, but he also felt a sense of longing for more. The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had almost absorbed most of the Fierce Tiger Energy Source, and this vast amount of energy was enough to enhance his cultivation level significantly.


    With such excellent nourishment for cultivation at hand, Ye Feng naturally didn''t want to miss it, so he set his sights on the other Azure Dragon.


    For a moment, the controllers, the bald-headed monks, were all stunned there; even many expressions of panic began to appear on their faces. Suddenly, one of the main controllers gritted his teeth and said, "Everyone calm down, don''t be deceived by this lad."


    "Even if he has withstood the fierce tiger just now, he must have suffered greatly. As long as we work together again and bring the Azure Dragon into play, we can certainly suppress this lad completely!"


    "That''s right, activate the formation once more. Azure Dragon, suppress him!" All at once, the entire Great Formation burst forth with a roaring might that pierced the skies.

 Chapter 455 454 That Man, is Truly Strong!

    Over the vast Martial Arts Training Plaza, storm clouds were once again gathering tumultuously, and this time the commotion was even greater than before, as if heralding the end of the world with dark clouds rolling in ominously.


    The 811 formation setters ceaselessly unleashed the Qi Force within their bodies, which then, channelled through the Great Formation''s unique pathways, flowed into the Azure Dragon above them, causing it to grow visibly larger at a speed discernable to the naked eye.


    The dragon, originally only azure in color, soon sprouted scales and even a pair of dragon horns. The gleaming aquamarine light shone brilliantly, highlighting the dragon''s menacing and terrifying appearance.


    Ye Feng stood on the ground with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the Azure Dragon now clad with scales, his eyes burning with fervor as he thought, "Hurry and gather the Qi Force. The stronger this Azure Dragon becomes, the more Origin Energy I can absorb, and the more the better!"


    Of course, Ye Feng also knew that although these scales seemed significant, they were not real but formed by the Qi Force condensed by the Formation.


    Ao...


    Suddenly, the Azure Dragon let out a heaven-shattering roar, causing the entire Buddhist Sect to tremble. The dragon''s roar was deafening, even causing ripples to spread across the nearby lake.


    Seeing the Azure Dragon now at its peak state, several key formation setters hardened their Hand Seals, and with a united push of their hands, they roared, "Go, suppress!"


    In an instant, the massive Azure Dragon sprang to life, its long tail whipping up a maelstrom of wind and clouds. Its fierce head dove towards Ye Feng below.


    At that moment, the skies darkened and the storm surged, causing the entire Martial Arts Training Plaza below to be engulfed in tumultuous winds. Even the bald-headed monks on the plaza, unable to withstand the fierce gales, were blown away.


    By now, there was no further need for them to maintain the Great Formation, so being blown away was of no consequence since the final Azure Dragon had fully materialized, gathering nearly all the Qi Force from the formation setters, making it the most powerful Azure Dragon yet.


    If even this Azure Dragon couldn''t suppress the opponent, it would be tantamount to the Buddhist Sect''s defeat!


    At this moment, Ye Feng still stood unwavering with his hands behind his back, his expression unchanging. Of course, at this time, no one would think that he stood motionless out of shock and forgot to dodge.


    "This boy, could he truly be so confidently unafraid that he doesn''t even need to dodge?" Elder Bu Zheng from the Bu Family, who had had a skirmish with Ye Feng before, quietly sighed.


    Bu Zheng could clearly see the horror of the Azure Dragon. With the dragon''s current formidable strength, even he would not be confident in contending with it, and even if he survived, he was sure to be gravely wounded.


    So Bu Zheng was undoubtedly curious to see how Ye Feng would respond and deal with it. He was even more eager to find out just how powerful Ye Feng had become.


    At this moment, almost everyone held their breath, watching the plaza intently. Long Nannan couldn''t help clenching her fists tightly and muttered through gritted teeth, "Little Martial Uncle, you must, you absolutely must hold on."


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes and said, "Alright, I get it now. Ye Feng really is unworried. If he truly didn''t think he could withstand it, he would never stand there foolishly. So, since he''s still standing motionless, it means he''s completely confident."


    Long Nannan''s bright eyes suddenly shone even brighter, "Really, Sausage Sister, you mean it? Does that mean Little Martial Uncle is alright? That''s great!"


    Sausage Sister replied irritably, "Of course it''s true. I can''t believe it, having not seen him for merely half a year, his strength has increased so much. And it seems he didn''t even use his full strength against that fierce tiger earlier. I''m really curious what kind of methods he used."


    Long Nannan pouted and said, "Sausage Sister, haven''t you heard the saying, ''Curiosity killed the cat''? So you better not be too curious, it''s better that way. If you really want to know, just ask Little Martial Uncle directly when you have the chance."


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes, "Do you think if you ask him, that guy would tell you?"


    Without hesitation, Long Nannan responded, "Sausage Sister, really, if Little Martial Uncle doesn''t tell you, can''t you just figure out a way to find out? If all else fails, just seduce him at the cost of your body."


    "..." Sausage Sister was speechless, suddenly realizing she was indeed killing time arguing with this little Miss Long over nothing.


    And at that very moment, the Azure Dragon completely suppressed its target, instantly engulfing Ye Feng, with the raging winds obscuring the vast Martial Arts Training Plaza from view.


    At this time, above the plaza, apart from the eight key formation setters who hovered in midair, all the ordinary disciples had already evacuated. After all, the commotion on the plaza was too intense; the mere reverberations were overpowering, and ordinary people would find it difficult to withstand.


    Of course, given the current situation, if the Azure Dragon still couldn''t suppress its target, it would mean a defeat for the Buddhist Sect in the second challenge.


    Of course, at this time, apart from a few individuals, such as Long Nannan and Hong Qingyan, there weren''t many people who thought that Ye Feng could withstand this challenge. After all, the Azure Dragon was simply too vast, powerful, and fierce.


    "This time, this Ye fellow is probably going to die, right?"


    "Certainly, even a Saint Realm powerhouse might not be able to contend with this Azure Dragon, let alone this Ye lad. Now, our Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts can finally rest easy!"


    At this time, the disciples from the Nine Great Sects began to discuss animatedly.


    The rolling mist shrouded the entire plaza, and the backlash was extremely powerful; even the momentum was utterly chaotic. Thus, even those great powers from the Ancient Clans didn''t dare rashly release their Divine Sense to probe inside''s happenings at this time.


    So everyone could only quietly wait for the rolling mist to disperse before they could understand the situation inside.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng still stood motionless in his original spot. However, compared to his last confrontation with the fierce tiger, this time he was undoubtedly not having an easy time; in fact, he felt quite the thorn in his side.


    The Azure Dragon was far too domineering and ferocious, and the energy it contained was incredibly vast. At this moment, the Mental Power Nucleus in Ye Feng''s Sea of Consciousness was operating to its utmost, and even his head had begun to feel an explosive pain. Yet, it was barely enough to seal and restrain the Azure Dragon.


    The Azure Dragon even continued to struggle fiercely and suppress him madly. Ye Feng almost couldn''t keep it trapped, and once it managed to suppress him, with his current Cultivation Realm, he would be unable to contend, and even if he didn''t die, he would likely be gravely injured.


    "Damn it, it looks like I''ve really overplayed my hand this time!" Ye Feng inwardly sighed. However, he was not one to give up easily when facing difficulties. On the contrary, the greater the challenge, the stronger his fighting spirit and willpower became.


    It was precisely because of this indomitable spirit that his mental power could be continuously unleashed. Thus, although his consciousness had already become blurry, he had not yet passed out.


    Not only that, but at this moment, Ye Feng was desperately stimulating his spiritual power while also using the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to crazily devour and absorb the energy of the Azure Dragon.


    Fortunately, as the energy source of the Azure Dragon was continuously devoured, the pressure on Ye Feng gradually decreased. When the size of the Azure Dragon had reduced by one-fifth, Ye Feng finally felt some relief.


    "Phew... The hardest part is finally over. Now, it''s just a matter of continuously absorbing and devouring!" Ye Feng relaxed a little inside. At that moment, his Essence, Qi, and Spirit were overly depleted, even showing signs of over-exhaustion.


    However, with the current situation, he did not give up. After all, such a great opportunity to absorb the Source of Energy, if missed, might not come again for who knows how long.


    As time passed little by little, the surrounding crowd eventually became somewhat restless, with many already starting to discuss quietly among themselves.


    "What''s going on? This tumultuous storm has been surging for too long, and it still hasn''t dissipated. Could it be that this Ye fellow still hasn''t been suppressed?" the disciples of the Nine Great Sects began to speculate.


    Even the people from the Four Great Ancient Clans couldn''t contain their impatience. Elder Bu Zheng from the Bu Family squinted and hummed to himself, "This kid, he couldn''t possibly withstand this Azure Dragon, could he?"


    Next to him, Tang Bai said gravely, "Initially, I thought it was absolutely impossible for him to withstand it, but now, it''s hard to say. This situation is just too similar to the earlier one with the fierce tiger."


    "That''s true. Should we go down and have a look?" Bu Zheng couldn''t contain his curiosity. Of course, it was just talk; under such circumstances, he couldn''t just intervene rashly.


    Tang Bai couldn''t help but smile bitterly, "Brother, can you still say now that you''ll act against him in half a year? This lad''s wings are fully grown. If he passes three trials this time, the Nine Great Sects will have to hand over those resources for Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills according to the agreement. And the military decree that I issued to him earlier will naturally have to be honored."


    At this, Tang Bai hummed lightly, then added, "By then, my position as elder in the Utility Pavilion might have to be relinquished."


    Bu Zheng sneered, "So what if you retire? With the current situation, it won''t be long before the world''s state of affairs changes completely. What''s the use of holding onto that position? Besides, the family''s schemes aren''t even based on you."


    Tang Bai let out another wry laugh, but then clenched his teeth, "I just can''t stand it if I lose to such a kid. Where would my face be then?"


    Bu Zheng shook his head, "You''re just torturing yourself for the sake of saving face. But even if this kid passes the second trial, there''s still the third trial. The difficulty of the third trial is much greater than the first two. Given this lad''s current capabilities, it''s highly unlikely, no, outright impossible for him to get through this third trial!"


    Tang Bai scoffed, "Let''s not talk about the third trial; I''m hoping that this lad dies in this second one. That''s what I hope to see most!"


    However, the scenario he most wished to see did not occur. As the mists continued to dissipate, that familiar tall and slender figure with a waterfall-like flowing mane soon reappeared before the crowd''s eyes.

 Chapter 456 455: The Situation Changes Again!

    The slender black silhouette was naturally Ye Feng, who still stood motionless, but his complexion had become much paler compared to the last confrontation with the fierce tiger; moreover, his breath was heavy and hurried.


    Clearly, although Ye Feng had not been injured, his essence, qi, and spirit had been significantly depleted, to the point of overexertion. Yet, he still stood as straight as a javelin, refusing to fall.


    Witnessing this scene, the disciples of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were once again shocked, their eyes wide with disbelief at what they were seeing.


    "Damn, is this kid made of iron? Even if he were, under the suppression of the Azure Dragon, he should have melted away. But he... he''s still standing there perfectly fine!"


    "Dammit, who would have thought that even the second trial, the 81 Vajra Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation, couldn''t suppress him, and he passed the second trial!" In a moment, the disciples of the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were grinding their teeth in anger.


    At this moment, even the representatives of the Nine Great Sects, seated upon the giant belly of the Stone Buddha, were unsettled. Ye Feng having passed two trials had already caused a great loss of face for the Nine Great Sects, especially for the Buddhist Sect which was utterly disgraced.


    Should Ye Feng manage to break through this third trial, then it was likely that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would no longer have the face to stand in the Martial Arts World.


    However, just then, the Buddhist Sect''s Sect Leader suddenly shouted sternly, "The second trial has not ended yet, the seven main Formation individuals have not left the plaza, so it can continue!"


    As his words fell, the previously noisy scene turned silent. Indeed, although a majority of the 881 bald monks had left the plaza, those seven main Formation individuals had not been forced to exit due to the aftermath. They were suspended in the air, all within the plaza.


    According to the agreement, as long as there were still members of the Buddhist Sect who hadn''t fallen in the plaza, it meant that the second trial had not ended. Or to say, until Ye Feng left the plaza through his power, the battle of the second trial wasn''t over.


    Since the second trial had not ended, the battle could continue. Clearly, the seven individuals remaining on the plaza were the strongest, including three Divine Ability Realm Level Great Powers, and even a Half-Step Saint Realm Great Elder of the Buddhist Sect.


    Undoubtedly, this force was extremely powerful and formidable. In contrast, Ye Feng''s breath at this moment was quite chaotic, his face pale as paper, and large beads of sweat rolled down his face.


    At this point, anyone could see that Ye Feng was excessively drained, his essence, qi, and spirit severely depleted.


    The situation seemed to have changed in an instant!


    Realizing this, all the disciples from the Nine Great Sects began to cheer, with many clenching their teeth: "Good, good, the second trial hasn''t finished. Now, the seven main members of the Buddhist Sect''s Formation are all Great Powers, and although this Ye is strong, he has already severely depleted himself against the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger!"


    "Therefore, he absolutely cannot withstand a joint attack from these seven main Formation members this time!"


    "Defeat him, defeat this Ye, better yet, kill him in one strike and eliminate future troubles!"


    Almost all the disciples of the Nine Great Sects roared at the same time.


    The seven main Formation holders had begun to slowly approach Ye Feng, creating a siege.


    Ye Feng raised his head slightly, looking at these seven individuals. He then revealed a mocking smile, saying, "Do you think I''m already at my wit''s end, like a lamb on the chopping block at your mercy?"


    The central Formation individual snorted sternly, "Isn''t it so? Look at you now, you can hardly even stand steady. Do you still think you can fight us?"


    Ye Feng suddenly laughed, a mocking laugh, and shook his head lightly, "If you have the guts, then go ahead and try. But let me tell you, bear the consequences yourself¡ªlive or die by your own actions. If you don''t want to die, then go ahead and try!"


    At these words, several bald monks were immediately intimidated, for they had just witnessed Ye Feng''s strength, a man who could withstand consecutive challenges from the Fierce Tiger and Green Dragon. Such a man was not someone they could provoke lightly; they would not dare make a move if they hadn''t seen Ye Feng''s extreme weakness.


    The Sect Leader of the Buddhist Sect, standing on the Buddha''s nose, stamped his feet in anger when he saw this and sternly shouted, "Don''t be deceived by this brat! He''s just bluffing. As the saying goes, to appear weak when you are strong and strong when you are weak. The more he does this, the weaker he must be, almost out of defensive strength!"


    As he said this, the Buddhist Sect Leader brought his hands together and chanted a Buddha''s name, then said solemnly to Ye Feng, "Ye Feng benefactor, in light of The Heavens'' virtue of cherishing life, as it is said, ''put down the butcher knife, and become a Buddha on the spot.'' If you kneel now, dismantle your martial arts, and agree to a thirty-year confinement in the back yard of our Buddhist Sect, our Sect will stand before the entire Martial Arts World and spare your life. What do you say?"

 Chapter 457 455: The Situation Changes Again!_2

    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh upon hearing this, raising the corner of his mouth and saying, "You want me to cripple my own martial arts? Has your brain taken on water, or did you get your head caught in the door when you left the house today?"


    The leader of the Buddhist Sect''s face darkened immediately upon hearing these words, gritting his teeth and humming, "Truly obstinate and foolish. Originally, my Buddhist Sect is magnanimous and compassionate, we had intended to spare your life, but since you are so insolent, you can only blame yourself for your death, which is more than deserved."


    "What are you seven waiting for, take action quickly and end his life to eliminate future problems. Don''t let this lad take the opportunity to regain his power!"


    As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately gave confidence to the seven main formation members. Everyone began saying, "That''s right, the Sect Leader is correct. This lad is merely trying to delay the inevitable. We definitely can''t let him catch his breath again. Let''s go, kill him!"


    In an instant, the seven great Buddhist Sect powerhouses took action. Although their Qi Force had also been greatly depleted just before, they had recovered quite a bit during the Azure Dragon Suppression, so at this moment, each of them was extraordinarily fierce.


    Among them, some displayed the Dragon Subduing Palm Technique of the Buddhist Sect, some even put into use a string of Buddha Bead Magic Artifacts, others performed the Great Power Vajra Palm, and there were even those who unleashed Finger Technique Divine Powers.


    For a moment, the entire square was filled with howling winds, and the situation became tumultuous once again.


    At this very moment, Ye Feng still stood there, motionless. Since he had stepped into the center of the square, he had been standing there without moving an inch. It was only now that people realized this fact. Of course, ordinary martial artists, even if they noticed this, did not grasp the significance, whereas those from the Four Great Ancient Clans, the true powerhouses, were aware of Ye Feng''s strength.


    In other words, when confronting the White Tiger and Azure Dragon just before, Ye Feng had not been shaken in the slightest, not retreating half a step, showcasing the terrifying extent of his capabilities.


    At this time, Long Nannan, who sat upon that giant Buddha head, undoubtedly had her heart tense up once again. She clenched her teeth and bitterly said, "Shameless, they are truly too shameless. I''ve said it long ago, these bald donkeys may present a facade of compassion, but in reality, they are all big villains, the epitome of shamelessness. Little Martial Uncle has clearly broken their formation, yet they still make a move, and what''s more, it''s a group attack."


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but shake her head and chuckle, "Nannan, you''re wrong about that. The Buddhist Sect is also acting in accordance with the agreement, so even if they go too far, no one will say a thing. That''s the Martial Arts World for you, always so cruel!"


    Long Nannan couldn''t help but huff, "So we can only watch as Little Martial Uncle gets ganged up on? Sister Qingyan, let me take action. Let me go down there and beat them till they''re down and out!"


    Hong Qingyan shook her head and gestured with her hand, "You can''t take action, at least not now. Otherwise, it would be tantamount to breaking the rules. That wouldn''t help your Little Martial Uncle but would instead make him a target of injustice."


    "If that''s the case, then I''ll hold off on taking action for the time being. Let''s just let these bald monks gloat for a bit. When Grand Aunty Me is allowed to take action, I will definitely teach them a harsh lesson!" Long Nannan gritted her teeth and said.


    Throughout the whole process, Sausage Sister hadn''t said a word, merely watching Ye Feng quietly, as though attempting to see right through him. She was truly curious about how Ye Feng had countered the White Tiger and Azure Dragon.


    What puzzled her even more was that, although Ye Feng had withstood the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, where had these two ferocious beasts gone in the end? Even if they had dissipated, there was no sign of dispersing energy on the square.


    Thinking about this, Sausage Sister suddenly came up with a shocking idea, "Could it be that the two ferocious beasts, the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, were absorbed by Ye Feng? This..."


    The moment the thought cropped up, Sausage Sister couldn''t help but shake her head in denial. After all, it was far too astonishing to believe, so she didn''t dare to accept it as truth.


    "From the looks of it, this guy is not as simple as he appears on the surface. Even Old Long might not truly understand the extent of Ye Feng''s background," Sausage Sister silently sighed in her heart.


    At that moment, as he watched the seven Buddhist Sect powerhouses charging towards him, Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and a killing intent burst forth from his entire being, "You still dare to dream of killing me? Since that''s the case, I no longer need to hold back!"


    In virtually an instant, Ye Feng''s aura swept out like a violent storm. He released not only the Emperor''s Armor but also the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, and in addition, the Sword of the King appeared suspended in the void.


    What was even more terrifying was that Ye Feng soared into the sky and clenched his fist, throwing a punch that seemed to unleash a ferocious dragon''s roar across the heavens¡ªYe Feng had executed the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist.


    At this time, the Buddhist Sect leader standing atop the Stone Buddha''s nose, upon witnessing Ye Feng''s formidable presence, was frightened to the point his complexion drained of color; he cried out without a second thought, "Retreat, retreat quickly, step back! You are no match for him!"


    However, by the time he cried out, it was already too late. Indeed, by the time Ye Feng unleashed his full aura, it was impossible for the surrounding seven to escape.


    First, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon swept across the sky, instantaneously breaking the protective shield of a bald monk and ruthlessly impaling him on the spot, followed by the Sword of the King slashing down mercilessly. The terrifying Sword Momentum carried a force akin to a comet''s tail, flinging two others to the ground where they lay dead upon impact.


    Then came the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist. At this moment, Ye Feng appeared like a Celestial God descending to earth, punching down with torrents of Fist Edge surging forth. The Divine Dragon Fist roared as if it materialized, instantly entwining the remaining four Buddhist Sect powerhouses.


    Afterward, all became silent. Only when the Fist Momentum of the Divine Dragon Fist had completely dissipated did the four, who were suspended in mid-air, crash down onto the ground, and by the time they landed, their breaths had long ceased.


    Silence!


    In that moment, the vast Buddhist Sect became deadly silent; no one spoke because everyone was stunned by what they had just witnessed. Not just members from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, even those from the Four Great Ancient Clans were shocked.


    No one could have imagined that Ye Feng was so powerful; he seemed so weakened just a moment ago, his energy drained as if it were at its end, and the Great Powers could discern that his condition was not feigned.


    Yet no one could have predicted that even in such a condition, Ye Feng could unleash such terrifying combat power!


    Of course, how could they have known that this was because of the special Cultivation Technique that Ye Feng practiced, believing he possessed a multitude of Acupoints. Up to now, he had opened at least two thousand Acupoints, among which some were Hidden Acupoints. In other words, he could conceal them, and if he didn''t wish to be seen by others, then they would certainly not be discovered.


    Thus, it was precisely because of the possession of a powerful and special Cultivation Technique that Ye Feng had such an incredible endurance capability in combat.

 Chapter 458 - 456: The Sweeper in the Scripture Pavilion

    The fog on the Martial Arts Training Plaza had gradually dissipated, even the corpses of the seven strong practitioners from the Buddhist Sect had been carried away, but at this moment, Ye Feng still stood motionless in his original spot, and now he had even slowly closed his eyes.


    No one knew what he was trying to do; many people around were already discussing it profusely.


    Seeing this, the Buddhist Sect leader couldn''t help but feel even more infuriated and snorted to himself, "Mr. Ye Feng, you have already succeeded in passing the challenge and can leave the plaza to prepare for the final third round!"


    Yet, Ye Feng still stood there motionless, equally silent without any response.


    The Buddhist Sect leader huffed, deciding not to bother speaking again, thinking if you''d like to stand there, then stand; how long you want to stand is up to you, it would be best if you stood there for a lifetime and died that way.


    Time passed bit by bit; at the beginning, the masses were just discussing, but towards the end, many had become so impatient that they started to clamor, yet considering Ye Feng''s strength, no one dared to approach and disturb him with questions.


    Long Nannan, with her hands supporting her chin, also stared motionlessly at Ye Feng below, but as someone who was hyperactive, she soon started to feel impatient without much delay.


    "Sausage Sister, what is Little Martial Uncle doing? He just stands there without moving, what does he want to do?" Long Nannan asked, tilting her chin upward.


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes and said, "You ask me, your grandmother, who am I supposed to ask? Am I a worm in your Little Martial Uncle''s stomach?"


    Long Nannan had no choice but to turn and ask Hong Qingyan, "Sister Qingyan, you understand Little Martial Uncle the best, what do you think he is doing? Could it be that he''s really so seriously injured that he can''t even walk?"


    Upon hearing this, Sausage Sister immediately snorted coldly, "Impossible, judging from the way that guy made his move just now, he could at least beat a bull to death, how could it be possible that he can''t walk."


    "But..." Long Nannan truly found it incomprehensible.


    Hong Qingyan then smiled, "Don''t worry Nannan, since Big Brother Ye is doing this, there must be a reason. We just need to wait patiently. Besides, even if Big Brother Ye encounters some unexpected situation, aren''t we all here?"


    "That''s true." Long Nannan nodded.


    At this moment, the representatives of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, seated on the belly of the Stone Buddha, had somber expressions on their faces, but none of them made any sound to remind, for of course, they wouldn''t be so benevolent.


    Suddenly, the expression of Hong Gaishi from the Ancient Hong Clan drastically changed, he blurted out in shock, "Could it be that this Ye Feng lad is comprehending the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation we just saw?"


    Hong Tiandu, who was beside him, was astonished and said, "He''s comprehending that Great Formation? That seems unlikely. The Formation has already dissipated, and he couldn''t have possibly spared any attention to study it during the fight, so how could he comprehend it now?"


    Hong Gaishi snarled through clenched teeth, "I''ll say it again, just because you can''t do something, doesn''t mean others can''t. I''m telling you, in this world, there are plenty of people with talents far greater than yours; that''s what they mean by ''There''s always someone better.''"


    Hong Tiandu immediately dared not speak again but thought to himself that the same words also suited you; in this world, there are plenty with talents far mightier than yours. Of course, though these thoughts crossed his mind, Hong Tiandu wouldn''t dare say them to this cousin of his.


    Just as Hong Gaishi had anticipated, Ye Feng was indeed continuously comprehending the 81 Vajra Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation at this point. In fact, before he even stepped into the plaza and before the fight had begun, he had released his spiritual power to imprint the entire Formation in his mind.


    Naturally, that alone would not have been enough to comprehend it. Throughout the entire battle, Ye Feng had controlled every change in the Formation, down to the minutest variation in each person, with his spiritual power.


    At this moment, it was as if scenes from a movie were replaying in his mind; the battle that had just taken place was replaying over and over, and Ye Feng was continuously speculating and comprehending.


    Finally, after a full four hours had passed, and the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had completely run out of patience, Ye Feng finally slowly opened his eyes.


    By this time, Ye Feng had almost fully comprehended the Great Formation. All that was left was to go back, arrange for repetitive practice and testing, and once the Great Formation was successfully deduced, the combat power of the Northern Border Soldiers would likely increase many times over.


    This, without a doubt, would be a rather terrifying thing. It could even be said that Ye Feng''s Northern Border Army would become the most powerful military force under the heavens. By then, whether it be the Snow Wolf Riders of Snow Wolf Country or the Vampire Guard Troop, all would be utterly crushed beyond dispute.


    The Buddhist Sect leader once again soared onto the tip of the Great Buddha''s nose and asked coldly, "May I ask Mr. Ye Feng, were you just now trying to comprehend the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Dao Technique of our Buddhist Sect?"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but let out a cold laugh, "So what if I was, what difference does it make if I wasn''t?"


    The Buddhist Sect leader gnashed his teeth and said, "This 81 Vajra Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Great Formation has been passed down by our Buddhist Sect since ancient times; it is our Mountain Defense Grand Formation. No outsider is allowed to learn it without permission, otherwise, it equates to declaring enmity against our Buddhist Sect."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, shaking his head slightly, "It''s truly laughable. I learned it fair and square, what right do you have to accuse me of theft? If you were really afraid of it being leaked, you could''ve kept it hidden and not revealed it."


    "You..." The Buddhist Sect leader flew into a rage.


    "Enough, there''s no need for so much talk. Without detailed instruction in the technique, simply watching a few times does not enable anyone to learn it, so why bother arguing with them," said one of the elder Supreme Protectors from the Buddhist Sect, speaking up at this moment.


    The master of the Buddhist Sect clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddha''s name to calm his state of mind, and then promptly asked, "Mr. Ye Feng, now that you have broken through two challenges, will you continue to tackle this third one?"


    Ye Feng asked, "According to the agreement, we have three days for the three challenges, right?"


    The patriarch of the Buddhist Sect replied, "Correct, three days in total. There is no specific time limit for each challenge, so you still have two and a half days remaining."


    "In that case, I choose to rest for now and face the last challenge tomorrow," said Ye Feng decisively.


    At the moment, his essence, qi, and spirit were severely depleted, especially his spiritual power, which was quite exhausted. If it hadn''t been for a certain amount of spirit essence in his acupoints, he probably wouldn''t have been able to overcome those seven Buddhist powerhouses. Therefore, it was natural for him to choose to take a break now and recover his peak condition before proceeding.


    Besides, there was still a large amount of source energy within Ye Feng''s Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, which he needed to thoroughly refine to maximize the enhancement of his cultivation strength.


    Speaking of the last challenge, it was supposedly set by two elders from both the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect. Ye Feng didn''t have to think hard to know that these two elders were definitely top-tier great powers, and even on his arrival at the foot of the Buddhist mountain, he had heard certain rumors.


    It was said that the elder from the Buddhist Sect had lived for nearly three hundred years, and the elder from the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect had a lifespan of nearly the same length.


    Gauging by this, these two venerable beings were certainly no mere martial artists. Ye Feng surmised that they had stepped from martial into the path of cultivation, having completely become cultivators. Their cultivation realms had undoubtedly passed the Foundation Establishment Stage and advanced into the legendary Golden Core Great Dao, which explained their long lifespans.


    "The Golden Core Great Dao, if they''re two great powers at the pinnacle of the Golden Core Realm, that would be quite terrifying," Ye Feng slightly furrowed his brows. Then, with a flicker of his figure, he soared into the sky and landed atop the Buddha''s head.


    Hong Qingyan then stood up and asked, "How are you, Big Brother Ye? You don''t look very well. You should find a quiet place to undergo secluded cultivation and recuperate as quickly as possible."


    Ye Feng waved his hand with a smile and said, "Don''t worry, I''m not seriously injured."


    Long Nannan also circled around and spoke, "Little Martial Uncle is the strongest in the world. Sister Qingyan, you can rest assured, Little Martial Uncle will definitely be fine. By the way, Little Martial Uncle, I heard that the elder from the Buddhist Sect in the third challenge used to be a sweeper in the Scripture Pavilion on the back mountain, so it should be nothing special."


    "A sweeper in the Scripture Pavilion?" Ye Feng was surprised to hear this.


    "Yes, just a sweeper, nothing to fear," Long Nannan said flippantly, but it was quite obvious to anyone that the young girl was struggling to sound convincing.


    Sausage Sister spoke irritably, "You little girl, actually trying to mislead your Little Martial Uncle here. Even if the other party was just a sweeper before, if the Buddhist Sect has arranged for him to stand as the third challenge, it means he is definitely not ordinary."


    Hong Qingyan also nodded and added, "Indeed, in fact, the more ordinary a person appears, the more powerful they probably are, having perhaps reached a state of Return to Simplicity."


    Ye Feng agreed and nodded, saying, "Alright, no matter who the opponent is, let''s head down now and find a secluded place. I need to enter secluded cultivation for a while. I''m afraid you all will need to take turns acting as my protectors!"


    At this moment, the Buddhist Sect was indeed filled with strong individuals, and even the Four Great Ancient Clans had mobilized. And since the home ground belonged to the Buddhist Sect, if any of these powerhouses moved against Ye Feng during his seclusion, he could potentially be placed in a passive and dangerous situation.


    Hong Qingyan was the first to nod and say, "Don''t worry, Big Brother Ye, I will be guarding you at all times. Please focus on your secluded cultivation without concerns."


    Long Nannan also said, "Me too, Little Martial Uncle; I will guard you at all times. I will not let even an ant pass."


    Ye Feng, ignoring the chatter of the ever-talkative girl, quickly descended back to the base of the Great Buddha, with the others following closely behind him.


    Including Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, there were over thirty people in Ye Feng''s group. Although not large in number, each member was roughly at the fifth realm of the Divine Path, the Divine Ability Realm level of strength. Although people like Sima Zhantian still maintained an aura of the Martial King Stage, their combat power had now reached a level comparable to great powers of the Sacred Realm. Hence, if Ye Feng''s group of thirty or so people were to fully exert their strength, they could annihilate any Sect of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Upon seeing Ye Feng descend from the Great Buddha, an official from the Buddhist Sect hurried forward and warmly and respectfully led Ye Feng and his companions to guest rooms on the western side of the mountain. The Buddhist Sect had sufficient area and many bamboo guest rooms; otherwise, the accommodation would have become a problem with the thousands of people gathered.


    On the way there, Ye Feng proposed, "Excuse me, manager, could you arrange a quiet place for me? I need to undergo secluded cultivation."


    "If the honored guest wishes to enter seclusion, please head to Dharma Cave in the west; it''s the best place for that," the official said.


    Hearing this, Ye Feng nodded in acknowledgment, and without proceeding to the guest rooms, the party changed direction towards Dharma Cave.


    After glancing around and releasing his spiritual power to scan the cave for anything unusual, Ye Feng briefed the others and then proceeded into the cavern. Next, he needed to urgently refine and absorb the vast source energy from the scroll.


    He estimated that the seclusion would not be short, but he still needed to face the third challenge afterward, so time was of the essence.


    "One day and two nights should be sufficient!" After Ye Feng finished speaking, he sat down cross-legged, sitting in the darkness of the cave.

 Chapter 459 - 457: Am I Overthinking It?

    The cave was pitch-black, so dark that he couldn''t see his own fingers, but of course, that didn''t hinder Ye Feng''s breath regulation. As soon as he sat down cross-legged, he tried to calm his mind, but for some reason, ever since he entered, a question had been in his heart.


    "Why is this place called Dharma Cave? Could it be that the Buddhist Sect saint, Dharma, attained enlightenment here?" Ye Feng wondered in his heart. Since he couldn''t settle his mind, he might as well figure it out; otherwise, he would be unable to concentrate on his cultivation.


    At that moment, he focused his gaze, and the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness started to spin rapidly again. In an instant, his spiritual power spread like a tide, enveloping the entire cave.


    At this time, he could hear everything in the cave, including the sound of ants crawling, but what puzzled him was that the cave seemed quite ordinary, with nothing special about it apart from a meditation mat.


    "Could it really be that I''m overthinking this?" Ye Feng furrowed his brow. However, at that moment, a strand of his spiritual power suddenly detected something strange in the depths of the cave to his left.


    "Hmm, something is off? This rock wall doesn''t look right, it''s different from the surrounding rocks, as if it was built up later!" Ye Feng spoke and went straight to check it out.


    It had to be said that, on the surface, this rock wall looked almost identical to the others. Without his spiritual power, it would have been quite difficult to notice anything under these conditions. Ye Feng then knocked on the wall and realized it was not hollow inside.


    "Could there really be no secret passage?" Ye Feng''s brows were tightly knit. He then pressed down hard with his Great Hand, and the piece of rock roughly the size of his palm immediately got pushed in.


    The next moment, a scene that surprised Ye Feng unfolded. As the palm-sized piece of rock wall receded, a dark and shiny fruit, resembling a grape, suddenly appeared within.


    "What is this?" A shock went through Ye Feng''s heart, and after some thought, he still took the fruit out. That''s when he discovered a few words written behind the rock slab.


    "Fortune-bringer, congratulations! This is an Outer Battlefield Bodhi Fruit!"


    Ye Feng glanced at the words, and his whole person was startled, instinctively exclaiming, "The Bodhi Fruit? The sacred fruit of the Buddhist Sect legends? How could it be placed in such a spot?"


    "Outer Battlefield? Could it be that it was brought back from there? Then who brought it back, could it be that legendary Buddhist Sect patriarch, Dharma Disciple?" There were too many puzzles in Ye Feng''s heart.


    Logically speaking, the Dharma Patriarch should have been a figure from over a thousand years ago. If he was the one who left the Bodhi Fruit in this cave, it would mean that he had been to the Outer Battlefield at least a thousand years ago.


    Does that mean that the Outer Battlefield had already appeared more than a thousand years ago?


    There were too many things Ye Feng couldn''t figure out, but one thing he could confirm was that this Bodhi Fruit was definitely extraordinary, and it seemed that even the Buddhist Sect might not be aware of this sacred fruit''s existence.


    "Who would have thought that this fruit would end up in my hands? Since it''s fated, I shall not refuse!"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly. Naturally, there was no reason to give away what had come into his possession, and he certainly wouldn''t be foolish enough to tell the Buddhist Sect and return the Bodhi Fruit to them.


    "This Bodhi Fruit must contain an incredible amount of energy. It is said that in ancient times, a single Bodhi Fruit could even enable a person to instantaneously become a Buddha; this shows how extraordinary the Bodhi Fruit is!" Ye Feng slowly sat down cross-legged on the spot.


    Of course, he knew that there was a lot of exaggeration in the legends about the Bodhi Fruit, probably spread intentionally by the Buddhist Sect to elevate their own status. However, Ye Feng speculated that while a single Bodhi Fruit might not make one a Buddha on the spot, there was a high probability it could help a Martial Artist begin their journey on the Divine Path and advance from Martial Cultivation to becoming a Cultivator.


    Afterwards, Ye Feng continued to use his spiritual power to investigate, but no further discoveries were made. He then withdrew his spiritual power, and only then did his mind finally settle down completely. In the process, however, an hour had passed.


    "I need to cultivate now, or there won''t be enough time!"


    Ye Feng slowly closed his eyes, first restored his state to its peak, and then entered the Cultivation State. Soon, Origin Energy from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll surged continuously. Part of it was used to practice the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, while the rest of the Qi Force he cultivated was transformed into Qi Essence and then into Spirit Essence.


    This process was very intricate, but it was a necessary one. Although the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints was very powerful, what Ye Feng couldn''t understand was why the power cultivated was still Qi Force rather than Qi Essence or Spirit Essence.


    Perhaps it was just a simple Martial Cultivation technique. However, Ye Feng didn''t dwell on it too much. Fortunately, he had the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and had practiced the First Stage of the Emperor''s Dao Technique. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to elevate such a massive amount of Qi Force into Spirit Essence due to the inconceivable amount of energy or time that would have been required.


    One thing for certain was that the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints could be considered an unparalleled Foundation Establishment Technique, far surpassing even those of Ancient Daoist Cultivators.


    As time gradually passed, it was already deep into the night. Outside the Dharma Cave, Hong Qingyan was still standing still. She had guarded the place for a whole day, having only eaten something and drunk some water.


    Hong Qingyan standing guard over the people wasn''t surprising. After all, her relationship with Ye Feng was already close, and like Ye Feng, she took her promises very seriously. Having promised Ye Feng, she would never go back on her word.


    However, it was quite unexpected for Long Nannan to stand still outside the cave, guarding it all day long just like Hong Qingyan. Normally an active and lively girl, her behavior was rather surprising.


    Even when Xiao Chuanqi and others suggested she should take a rest, Long Nannan refused. According to her, her Little Martial Uncle was in secluded cultivation inside, and she had to protect him at all times to prevent outsiders from taking advantage of any situation.


    Upon hearing this, Hong Qingyan felt a complex mix of emotions. Perhaps others couldn''t see it, but she could tell that Long Nannan''s feelings for her Little Martial Uncle were beyond the usual affection between master and disciple¡ªit was decidedly abnormal.


    Yet Hong Qingyan said nothing. In fact, she was well aware that a man like Big Brother Ye would naturally attract many women. Setting aside Long Nannan for a moment, there was also a Yu Feiyu in the imperial city, and another girl known as Shadow.


    All these people sought to be around Ye Feng at all times. Hong Qingyan was clear that if Ye Feng''s will wasn''t strong, his side would have been surrounded by a bevy of beauties long ago. Fortunately, Ye Feng wasn''t that kind of person. There were several occasions when Hong Qingyan couldn''t bear it and wanted to advise her Big Brother Ye not to be so cruel and heartless to Shadow.


    But when the words came to her lips, she couldn''t bring herself to say them. After all, saying such things as a woman would only hurt her own heart.


    Time flowed like water, and quickly a whole night passed. Hong Qingyan still stood outside the cave. Of course, with her current cultivation realm, standing for several days and nights without eating or drinking wouldn''t physically affect her. The only discomfort came from emotional agitation, which undoubtedly required great willpower to endure.


    Long Nannan clearly lacked such firm willpower. She was naturally restless, and though she could stand still for a day, or even a day and a night, any longer and she began to feel as if thousands of ants were biting her all over, making her extremely uncomfortable.


    "I can''t stand it anymore, too uncomfortable. I need to move around a bit. It''s been days since I''ve eaten meat. This Buddhist place only has vegetarian food, I''m heading down to the town at the foot of the mountain for a big meal." Long Nannan suddenly spoke up, eager to leave.


    Seeing this, Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but laugh and said, "If you go, what about your Little Martial Uncle? Don''t you plan to protect him anymore?"


    Long Nannan casually flicked her hand dismissively, "I''m not worried about that. Aren''t you still here, Sister Qingyan? Besides, Xiao Chuanqi and the big guy are here too. With them around, one more of me makes no difference, and one less of me is also insignificant."


    "I''m off, Little Martial Uncle''s wife!" After saying that, Long Nannan waved her hand and then sped off like a puff of smoke.


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback by these words, then smiled and shook her head. Although Long Nannan seemed to be a carefree, quirky girl on the surface, she was certainly not one to overlook details. In fact, she noticed a lot and understood much in her heart, she simply chose not to show it.


    After Long Nannan left, Sausage Sister and Sima Zhantian came to take her place, continuing to stand guard outside the cave. A full day passed, and there was no movement from inside the cave, nor any sign that Ye Feng was about to end his seclusion.


    Over the past two days, it seemed as if the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had forgotten about Ye Feng''s existence. Many left the mountain in small groups or pairs to enjoy themselves, eating and drinking, even causing congestion in the small town at the foot of the mountain, and many inns and restaurants showed signs of being overwhelmed.


    Soon, the morning of the third day came, and it was the last day. If Ye Feng failed to come out by today, once it passed midnight, it would mean failure of the third challenge.


    By this time, an anxious Long Nannan, who had returned after filling herself, said, "It''s been two days and two nights, and Little Martial Uncle still hasn''t come out of seclusion. What''s going on? Could something unexpected have happened?"


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes, "He''s a grown man and his cultivation level is not low. What trouble could he get into while cultivating on his own? You think he''s like you?"


    Long Nannan slammed her hand down, "No, I feel I should still check on him to be safe. What if something odd has happened? Don''t worry, I''ll be very careful not to disturb Little Martial Uncle."


    Hong Qingyan, seeing this, gestured to stop her and said, "You better not cause a fuss, girl. We can''t go in now. We''ll wait at least until sunset. If Big Brother Ye has not come out by then, you can go in and check the situation."


    "Fine, then we''ll wait until sunset time!" Long Nannan immediately agreed, then turned and sat down on a stone bench.


    In the morning, the people of the Nine Great Sects seemed to have forgotten about Ye Feng, but by noon, many started talking. After all, more than half of the third day had passed without any sign from Ye Feng.


    "What''s going on, this Ye kid hasn''t come out of seclusion yet, doesn''t he know this is the last day? Honestly, letting us wait for two whole days for nothing, what an extravagant display of self-importance."


    "I figure, this guy probably knows he can''t pass the third challenge and might even die. So he made an excuse to go into seclusion and avoid it altogether, sparing himself from being killed!"


    "Exactly, I think so too. This Ye kid, unexpectedly sharp, isn''t he? Instead of admitting he doesn''t dare to compete, he found such an excuse. Smart man!"


    In a flash, the people from the Nine Great Sects were all talking among themselves. Some even ran over to the Dharma Cave to shout their opinions. If it weren''t for Xiao Chuanqi and others keeping them at a distance of a hundred meters, these people would likely have charged over.

 Chapter 460 - 458: The Real Use of the Bodhi Fruit!

    As time continuously marched on, more and more people began to gather in the clearing outside the Dharma Cave. Naturally, these people were mostly from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, and their curiosity had drawn them here. They all wanted to see whether the Northern King Ye Feng, the Principal of the Imperial Martial Academy¡ªYe Feng, would truly continue to hide inside and not come out.


    "Come on, place your bets, everyone! Let''s see if the Northern King Ye Feng will actually come out. Bets close tonight at twelve o''clock!" Suddenly, a disciple from one of the sects shouted aloud.


    This instantly caused a flurry of excitement among the people, with many hurriedly placing their bets, and naturally, most of them believed that the Northern King Ye Feng wouldn''t dare to come out again. After all, everyone knew that the upcoming third trial was something extraordinary, and even if Ye Feng had managed the first two trials, he wouldn''t stand a chance against the third one, no matter what.


    Those two elders from the third trial could essentially be considered the strongest representatives among the current Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. It was said that their strength had reached unfathomable depths, even surpassing the Saint Realm.


    Long Nannan became angry upon seeing the rowdy crowd and couldn''t help but want to rush over and drive them away.


    Hong Qingyan waved her hand and stopped her, "Let them be. We''re guarding this place, and with the formation set up, as long as they don''t make a move or come too close, they absolutely cannot disturb Big Brother Ye''s secluded cultivation."


    Long Nannan complained, "But just looking at the faces of these people annoys me. If this were anywhere else, I''d show them a thing or two; they''re truly detestable."


    Sausage Sister also expressed her indignation, "This just shows the true colors of these so-called disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. How shameless can they be! No wonder Old Long often says that many people from these Sects of Ancient Martial Arts are selfish and self-serving. When the nation faced calamities last century, none of them could be seen."


    Hong Qingyan merely shook her head slightly without uttering a word. It seemed as if, to her, none of these things mattered. Not even the safety of the entire nation could compare to Big Brother Ye''s place in her heart.


    Time ticked away little by little. Before long, it was already the afternoon, and yet there was still no sign of movement from inside the Dharma Cave. By now, even Hong Qingyan began to feel a vague sense of worry.


    Of course, what they didn''t know was that the reason Ye Feng had not yet emerged from his seclusion was entirely because the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had previously absorbed a tremendous amount of Source Energy combined with that one Bodhi Fruit.


    "This Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints becomes increasingly difficult to advance in once one breaks through to two thousand acupoints. Even with the assistance of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, the speed of cultivation has considerably decreased, no longer as fast as before," Ye Feng thought with a silent sigh.


    In the span of two full days, he finally absorbed and refined the Origin Energy from the scroll, yet he managed to open just over a hundred acupoints. Now he had surpassed two thousand and one hundred in total. While the number of acupoints hadn''t greatly increased, Ye Feng''s Spirit Essence had actually doubled.


    This naturally meant that his combat power had become much stronger than before!


    "Next, it''s time to refine this Bodhi Fruit," Ye Feng furrowed his brow slightly. Then, without further hesitation, he opened his mouth and swallowed the essence of the Bodhi Fruit.


    Unexpectedly, the moment the fruit entered his mouth, it transformed into a warm current. Yet, it didn''t travel downward into his stomach, but instead surged upward.


    "What''s going on? The energy from the fruit didn''t head towards the Lower Dantian. According to this route, is it preparing to enter the Sea of Consciousness in the Upper Dantian?" Ye Feng was taken aback by this development.


    After all, the Sea of Consciousness is one of the most critical places in the human body, housing mental power, the soul, and the primordial spirit. Any mishap could risk deviation from his path or even lead to a vegetative state.


    Ye Feng hesitated, not daring to take risks carelessly. However, upon repeatedly inspecting this Bodhi Fruit''s warm current with his mental power, he found nothing abnormal; it seemed that no foul play was involved.


    "Enough, since this is an opportunity, why hesitate? Moreover, time is running short!" In the end, Ye Feng grit his teeth and flung open the gates of the Heavenly Heart Palace. Thereafter, with a thunderous boom, the Bodhi Fruit''s warm current entered directly into his Sea of Consciousness.


    At that moment, Ye Feng even felt a bit dazed. The current was small and not very forceful, but he still sensed a significant shock. This showed him just how weak his mental power still was.


    To be cautious, he still operated the Mental Power Nucleus, using his mental power to envelop the current, ready to block it should any problems arise.


    Next, he used his mental power to forcibly separate a small part of the warm current, allowing it to move freely. What came next thrilled and surprised him as it flowed straight towards his Mental Power Nucleus.


    As soon as the Mental Power Nucleus encountered the warm current, it absorbed it eagerly, as if it had found a delectable feast, and the nucleus gained strength immediately.


    "So, this Bodhi Fruit Essence is actually meant to enhance mental power!" Ye Feng was truly taken aback by this revelation, shaking with excitement.


    Upgrading mental power is incredibly difficult, far more challenging than cultivating the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints. Yet now, he had found a fruit that could enhance mental power¡ªa cause for immense joy.


    Still, Ye Feng remained level-headed, releasing only a small part of the warm current to continuously flow towards the Mental Power Nucleus. His Mental Power Nucleus absorbed it constantly and grew stronger.


    With his mind at ease, Ye Feng accelerated the pace, and soon, his Mental Power Nucleus could visibly enhance, growing larger in just a moment, now about the size of a grain of rice.


    Time kept passing, and the sun was about to set. More and more people were gathering outside the cave, even the high-ranking members of the Buddhist Sect had rushed over. After all, if Ye Feng didn''t leave his retreat by now, he was likely to miss the deadline.


    After all, once he came out of his retreat, he still needed to pass a challenge, which would require a significant amount of time. And if he hadn''t succeeded by midnight tonight, it would mean Ye Feng had failed.


    "How is it, has Mr. Ye Feng not left his retreat yet?" At this moment, even the abbot of the Buddhist Sect arrived and asked sternly.


    Long Nannan was already restless, pacing back and forth non-stop, and even Hong Qingyan was starting to get anxious in secret.


    But at this time, the surrounding disciples of the sects couldn''t stop jeering. "I think there''s no need to wait anymore. This Ye lad is simply too scared to die and is using this as an excuse to hide inside and not come out."


    "Yeah, this kid is really shrewd. That way, people will only say he missed the deadline because of his retreat, and no one will say he''s afraid to come out and face the challenge."


    The surrounding disciples chatted amongst themselves, provoking Hong Qingyan to anger. She released her aura and bellowed, "You people, if you dare to speak nonsense and cause more trouble, believe it or not, I''ll take you down myself!"


    As she released her aura, the sky changed color, and even above in the high heavens, a thundering dark cloud formed, as if prepared to come crashing down at any moment. The people around were frightened by her show of force and dared not speak; it was at this moment that they realized the seemingly delicate Northern Queen was actually a supreme powerhouse.


    However, the abbot of the Buddhist Sect stood there unaffected, with his hands clasped together, he snorted coldly, "There''s no need for such temper, madam. I think it''s best to wait and see what the situation with Northern King Ye Feng is first."


    At this time, Long Nannan said, "The sun has set, Sister Qingyan, why don''t I go in and take a look. If something unexpected has happened to Little Martial Uncle, that would be terrible."


    Hong Qingyan finally nodded, "Since that''s the case, go ahead, but remember to be careful and not disturb Big Brother Ye."


    "Alright, Sister Qingyan, don''t worry! I''ll be careful and won''t disturb Little Martial Uncle!"


    Having said this, Long Nannan stepped forward, preparing to enter the cave, but as soon as she reached the entrance, a young man in a black robe with a slender figure and hair like a waterfall, slowly came out from within.


    That person was, of course, Ye Feng. At this moment, he seemed even more profound, with a calmer presence, and his eyes even radiated an unusual light. It was clear that, compared to before his retreat, he had grown significantly stronger.


    "Little Martial Uncle, you''ve finally come out, that''s great!" Long Nannan rushed forward with these words, suddenly dashing up and plunging straight into Ye Feng''s arms.


    Ye Feng spoke in annoyance, "You little girl just love to cause trouble. Didn''t I tell you to just wait outside properly?"


    Long Nannan pouted and replied, "I was worried about you."


    Seeing this, Hong Qingyan felt an indescribable feeling and stepped forward, "Big Brother Ye, how are you? Nothing unexpected happened during your retreat, did it?"


    Ye Feng cleverly pushed Long Nannan away, then walked towards Hong Qingyan and nodded with a smile, "Don''t worry, I''m fine, and it looks like I''m right on time."


    Having said that, Ye Feng then turned towards the abbot of the Buddhist Sect and continued, "You can start preparing now. Proceed with the third challenge immediately!"


    The abbot of the Buddhist Sect looked Ye Feng up and down as if trying to see through him, but with his current level of cultivation, how could he possibly see through Ye Feng''s cultivation now?


    "Very well, then I shall make the arrangements. The location will be above the Stone Buddha!" After saying this, the abbot of the Buddhist Sect turned and left.


    Ye Feng looked around at everyone and then spoke coldly, "I''m giving you ten seconds to clear out. If anyone dares to cause a commotion here again, don''t blame me for not warning you!"


    With just a simple sentence, it was as if a bombshell had dropped, and the surrounding disciples scattered as if they were birds and beasts.


    "Damn, this Northern King Ye Feng really is arrogant. What''s he showing off for? Let''s just wait and see, he definitely won''t get past this third challenge, and we''ll watch how he meets his end then!"


    "Exactly, let''s head to the Great Stone Buddha now. I want to see how this kid faces the challenge!"


    Ye Feng''s demeanor was very calm. After coming out of his retreat, he seemed to have changed, becoming more serene and composed. This subtle change was noticed by Sausage Sister, whose intuition told her that Ye Feng seemed to have undergone a transformation after this retreat, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on what exactly had changed.


    "Let''s go, to the Stone Buddha!" With a grand gesture, Ye Feng strode off.

 Chapter 461 - 459: Above the Stone Buddha, Ye Fengs Peak Combat Power!

    The setting sun sank in the west, and twilight descended, but the area beneath the massive Stone Buddha was still bustling with activity. The disciples of the Nine Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had already gathered at the foot of the Stone Buddha, while the high-ranking members and powerful elders had chosen places higher up.


    At the summit of the Stone Buddha stood two figures, one dressed in black and the other in white, one tall and one short. The person in the black robe had an extremely slender and emaciated figure. At this moment, he stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distant sky with an indescribable air of casual arrogance.


    Although most people present had never seen this man before, everyone knew his identity at this point¡ªhe was that old man from the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect, said to be a near three-hundred-year old monster.


    As for the short, plump old man clad in a white monk robe, he sat cross-legged at the very center of the Stone Buddha''s head, hands pressed together in prayer. From afar, he looked just like a boulder, exuding a feeling of unshakable stability as if he could not be moved by any storm.


    Everyone also recognized this man in the white monk robe as the old man from the Buddhist Sect, likewise a near three-hundred-year old monster. It was said that he was once an inconspicuous sweeping monk from the Scripture Pavilion, and moreover, just an Outer Sect disciple.


    However, a hundred years ago, the Buddhist Sect went through a drastic change. When the sect faced the danger of extinction, this elder monk emerged out of nowhere, vanquishing all three major demon sects of the Western Territory. This battle saved the Buddhist Sect and also cemented the old man''s supreme status within the sect.


    Clearly, these two old men represented the pinnacle of power among the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Now that the two of them had joined forces, one could only imagine how much more terrifying they were.


    When Ye Feng arrived at the foot of the Stone Buddha, in an instant, all eyes were on him, and everyone''s gaze turned towards him, including those from the Four Great Ancient Clans. There was a surprising silence, indicating that everyone knew the upcoming battle would surely be earth-shattering.


    However, among those present, few believed that Ye Feng would succeed in passing the challenge. After all, the status and strength of those two elders were there for all to see, whereas Ye Feng was just a rising star, and in terms of heritage, the gap between them was far too great.


    Ye Feng did not rush to ascend but instead went straight to the leader of the Buddhist Sect and asked, "How is victory determined for this third challenge?"


    The leader of the Buddhist Sect pressed his palms together and chanted a Buddhist mantra before replying, "It''s very simple. The two sides will fight until one admits defeat. However, Mr. Ye Feng, time can also determine victory or defeat. If you can''t defeat them both by twelve o''clock tonight, you will have failed the challenge."


    At this declaration, Long Nannan immediately huffed, "That''s not fair. This is too unfair for my Little Martial Uncle. Why do they not have a time limit, while Little Martial Uncle does?"


    The leader of the Buddhist Sect replied with a smile, "The rules were clearly defined beforehand. Three days'' time, and if it expires, it''s a failure. Otherwise, if Mr. Ye Feng were to continually postpone or avoid fighting, wouldn''t this competition be dragged on endlessly without conclusion?"


    The Mansion Lord of the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect also scoffed, "Exactly. Since the terms were agreed upon by both parties, and since it was you who deliberately delayed the time by secluded cultivation, we can''t be expected to wait indefinitely."


    Long Nannan was naturally indignant, but just as she was about to speak, Ye Feng had already waved his hand and said, "If that''s the case, then let''s begin!" As his words fell, he soared into the air, reaching the summit of the Stone Buddha in the blink of an eye.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting! There''s certainly going to be an earth-shaking battle now. Everyone watch closely!" disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts began to exclaim excitedly.


    At this moment, even Hong Gaishi from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan could not help but curve the corners of his mouth slightly, intrigued, "This is getting interesting. I didn''t expect that the two elders from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects had actually reached the Martial Dao Entry, as cultivators, and both have already attained the pinnacle of power in the Golden Core Realm."


    Hong Dutian said, "These Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were originally martial cultivators. That these two elders managed to enter the path of cultivation must mean their talent is extraordinary, and naturally, their combat power is not to be underestimated."


    At that, Hong Tiandu asked, "Cousin, what do you think are the chances of Ye Feng succeeding in this challenge?"


    Hong Gaishi turned to glare at him and snorted coldly, "I''ve told you before, I never speculate. I speak only with facts. Have you not learned anything?"


    Chagrined, Hong Tiandu could not retort but just silently fumed, envious of his elder cousin''s superior talent and combat power.


    Standing atop the statue''s head, Ye Feng merely glanced at the two and immediately discerned their cultivation realms. As Hong Gaishi had said, both were cultivators, and both had successfully cultivated Golden Cores. However, it seemed they had only entered the Golden Core Realm relatively recently.


    "If that''s the case, then there''s room for a fight!" Ye Feng sighed with relief.


    Just then, the elder from the Confucian Sect, clad in a black robe, withdrew his gaze from the horizon and said, "At such a young age, your achievements in Martial Arts Study are so profound, truly an extraordinary talent. What a pity, truly a pity."


    Although Ye Feng knew what the other party meant by ''a pity'', he still inquired, "A pity about what?"


    The elder from the Confucian Sect smiled lightly and said, "It''s just a pity that today you shall fall right here!"


    Ye Feng also smiled and responded, "I too feel a great pity. To have lived such a long life, and yet you are still so brazen, with not the slightest understanding of humility. It appears you''ve lived these years in vain."


    "What a sharp tongue!"


    Just at this moment, the old man from the Buddhist Sect slowly stood up. Though short and plump, his eyebrows were very long and nearly touched the corners of his mouth. He spoke at a leisurely pace, "Our Buddhist Sect has always been compassionate and disapproves of killing. Considering the difficulty of your cultivation, if you are willing to cripple your Martial Arts and be confined to our sect''s back mountain for thirty years, then I shall not take action today."


    Ye Feng laughed heartily, his laughter almost resounding throughout the entire Buddhist Sect. It even drowned out the evening bell that had just begun to ring. He said tauntingly, "What compassion you profess to have! You speak of the hardship of my cultivation journey and yet insist I discard my martial arts. Isn''t that a contradiction? Truly a great joke!"


    Still unhurried, the elderly monk from the Buddhist Sect replied, "Amitabha. It seems that the benefactor is deeply possessed by demons. Only the supreme Buddhist teachings can purify you now."


    Ye Feng''s aura suddenly grew heavy as he shouted coldly, "If it''s a fight you want, then let''s fight. Why put on a facade of righteousness? Does the world not know the true character of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts!"


    "Such malice. Since that is the case, I will completely suppress you!" After the Buddhist elder finished speaking, his aura expanded, and in an instant, the wind howled and the heavens and earth changed colors.


    At the same time, the Confucian elder also began to stir his own aura, his body even emanating streams of white-golden energy. This was the purest form of the vast righteousness of the Confucian Sect.


    Suddenly, the Buddhist elder struck out with a hand, and terrifying layers of palm power surged towards Ye Feng like towering waves. On the other side, the Confucian elder pushed down with a great hand, and a massive hand seal descended from the sky, pressing down towards Ye Feng.


    These two elders were truly cultivators of profound cultivation. Even a casual strike from them could shake heaven and earth.


    However, at this moment, Ye Feng''s figure swept forward, shooting straight into the sky. In mid-air, with a flick of his wrist, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon appeared. With a thrust, and under the torrential injection of Spirit Essence, a comet-like momentum of the spear swept out, dispersing the attacks of both elders on the spot.


    The two elders were slightly startled and each saw the shock in the other''s eyes. It was clear that the combat power displayed by Ye Feng was beyond their expectations.


    The Buddhist elder did not hesitate at all and struck out with his palms repeatedly. Terrifying palm energies surged like mountains and seas, and what was more terrifying was that these palm energies overlapped and condensed into a gigantic palm seal in an instant, enveloping Ye Feng and leaving him no way to avoid it.


    "Is this our Buddhist Sect''s Great Power Vajra Palm? No, this is no longer just the Vajra Palm in the simple sense. Elder Buddha has elevated and improved it, undoubtedly making it much stronger!" exclaimed several elders of the Buddhist Sect.


    Meanwhile, the Confucian elder punched out furiously, his dense fist seals descending like a violent storm. The attacks of the two elders were incredibly well-coordinated, leaving Ye Feng with no opportunity to avoid them.


    Of course, Ye Feng did not dodge, nor did he retreat!


    Suddenly, a sword appeared in the void, a sword that flickered with golden light. This was the Sword of the King, though it was much smaller than before, now it was much more solidified, and naturally, its power was much greater.


    The Sword of the King swept across the sky, and its sword momentum spanned three thousand miles, instantly sweeping away the palm seal in front with an irresistible force, and even the fist seals of the Confucian elder that were pressing down from above were shattered by him.


    "Good lad, I didn''t expect your cultivation to have reached such a level. No wonder you could break through two barriers earlier. It seems I underestimated you," said the Buddhist elder in a deep, cold voice.


    The Confucian elder also said solemnly, "We just wanted to test him a little earlier. Since that''s the case, there''s no need for us to hold back now!"


    As he spoke, the Confucian elder''s hands formed a Dharma Seal. In an instant, a small silver-white mountain appeared in the void. This mountain was not just an Object of the Divine Path, but also his Divine Skill.


    The mountain was covered with dense red characters, radiating terrifying white light. With a wave of his hand, the Confucian elder sent the Mountain Seal hurtling towards Ye Feng.


    At the same time, the Buddhist elder also waved his hand, and a white kasaya swept across the void above, releasing strands of white light that immediately shone on Ye Feng.


    The next moment, Ye Feng felt an oppressive inertia envelop him, influencing both his body and his Spirit Essence.


    "Not good, this is a binding magic treasure!" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as he looked up at the kasaya above. At that moment, he remembered the Technique of the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate used by Duan Tian when they fought in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range.


    In a sense, the Four Elephants Heavenly Gate and the kasaya of the Buddhist elder served the same purpose. Of course, this kasaya was evidently much stronger, affecting even the Spirit Essence of Ye Feng.


    Thankfully, with his battle experience, Ye Feng immediately mobilized his mental power nucleus, his spiritual power surging out and wrapping up the white light that enveloped him from the Buddhist kasaya.


    Moreover, due to his strong spiritual power, Ye Feng also activated the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, continuously absorbing the white light radiated by the kasaya. Soon, strand after strand of white origin energy was absorbed into the scroll.


    "It works!" Ye Feng rejoiced inwardly. With his constraint resolved, the Mountain Seal of the Confucian elder was already rushing at him.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed, the Sword of the King once again took form, and with a slash, a huge momentum resembling a comet swept out. With a thunderous explosion, the Mountain Seal of the Confucian elder was sent flying.


    "Truly a fine young man!" The Confucian elder shouted coldly as he soared into the sky. The terrifying vast righteousness instantly flowed into the Mountain Seal, causing it to expand rapidly and become more powerful with every passing moment.

 Chapter 462 460 The Great Brush of Confucian Sect and the Golden Bowl of Buddhist Sect

    The Mountain Seal hovered in midair, spinning wildly and bursting forth with a brilliant golden light, radiating a destructive power that threatened heaven and earth, making it clear that the Confucian Sect Elder was now truly serious.


    On the other side, the Buddhist Sect Elder was fully channeling the Kasaya, which rotated rapidly above Ye Feng''s head, shooting out beams of white light from the Kasaya to envelop Ye Feng, in an effort to bind him and prevent movement.


    In fact, with Ye Feng''s current combat power, he could break free from the confines of the Kasaya at any moment if he wished to. He simply chose not to do so. This might seem dangerous to others, but to Ye Feng, it was an opportunity.


    Yes, while ordinary people thought he was on the verge of defeat, Ye Feng was not actually battling, but rather cultivating through combat to enhance his strength.


    No matter how many white lights the Kasaya emitted to bind him, Ye Feng used the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to absorb this source of energy.


    Boom! The Confucian Sect Mountain Seal came swooping down, determined to completely suppress Ye Feng.


    "Sword of the King!" Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed as he once again condensed the Sword of the King and slashed horizontally through the air.


    The sword momentum swept towards the Mountain Seal like a comet, but this time it was unable to shake the massive and terrifying Mountain Seal, which not only increased in size but also emitted a strange glow from the dense golden characters upon it.


    "Hmph, you think you can break through my Confucian Sect Mountain Seal, young man? That''s incredibly ignorant!" The Confucian Sect Elder snorted coldly, and with a Seal Formation of his hands, the Mountain Seal charged forward again.


    It must be said that this Confucian Sect Elder was a freakish existence who had lived for over three hundred years. His cultivation level was unfathomable, almost on par with the elders of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged. After a cold laugh, he raised his right hand, and at the same time, all five hundred of his acupoints ignited, his aura escalated to a terrifying level at that very moment, and his entire being surged due to his powerful momentum.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!"


    With one punch, an exhilarating dragon roar erupted in the void, and a nearly tangible dragon head fist edge roared forward, blasting the Mountain Seal away instantly.


    What was even more shocking was that the Confucian Sect Mountain Seal, flying backward, suddenly exploded with a loud bang, with such a forceful impact that even the Confucian Sect Elder had to retreat more than a hundred meters to avoid the shockwave.


    At this moment, not only were the disciples of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts stunned, but the members of the Four Great Ancient Clans also had their eyes widened in disbelief.


    Hong Tiandu of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan couldn''t help but exclaim, "How... how is this possible? I have encountered this Ye''s Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist before, and it was not nearly as powerful as it is now!"


    Standing nearby, Hong Gaishi responded with a cold laugh, "Now you should understand. For a true peerless talent, his cultivation strength will never remain stagnant but will continue to grow all the time. So if you think about surpassing him, hmph..."


    Hong Gaishi didn''t finish his sentence, but his point was quite clear. Hong Tiandu clenched his teeth in frustration, while Hong Jiutian, who had fled in a sorry state from Forbidden Peak at the hands of Ye Feng, showed an expression of utter despair.


    When he fled, Hong Jiutian had thought of doubling his efforts to cultivate and improve his cultivation level, seeking to fight Ye Feng again in the future to reclaim the humiliation he had suffered. But now, he realized that not only was he progressing, but Ye Feng''s progress was hundreds of times greater.


    Therefore, Hong Jiutian despaired, finally understanding that there was no longer hope for him to seek revenge in this lifetime. Of course, he wasn''t the only one feeling desperation at the moment. Hong Tiandu also shared this sentiment, as both of their faces showed unwillingness.


    However, Hong Gaishi was agitated; he clenched his fists slightly and said, "Good, very good. This Ye fellow is truly extraordinary. No wonder Old Long from the Northwest Little Mountain Village valued him so highly. Only someone like him is worthy of being my opponent!"


    When others saw a powerful adversary, they might feel fear or even despair; but Hong Gaishi was the exact opposite. The stronger his opponent, the greater his desire to battle and his combat power, which showed his extraordinary nature.


    Meanwhile, at the Bu Family''s side, a tall woman wearing a deep blue long dress murmured with a mysterious glimmer in her eyes, "Ye Feng is truly extraordinary. Good, I now have one more worthy opponent to battle."


    Unfortunately, this Bu Family lady''s face was always veiled, so her true appearance remained unknown. However, considering her flowing hair, tall figure, and ethereal charm, one glance was enough to know that she was a stunning beauty.


    At this moment atop the Great Buddha, the most shocked of all was the Buddhist Sect Elder. He stood frozen in place, and after a long while, he roared, "How can this be, how is this possible? You were clearly bound by my Buddhist Sect Fixed Mantra Kasaya; how could you still mobilize your Spirit Essence and use techniques!"


    By now, everyone could see that Ye Feng was not using Qi Force, but Spirit Essence, and both the quantity and quality of it were exceptionally high. In other words, Ye Feng was also a cultivator, and his practice seemed to be remarkably deep.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but raise the corner of his mouth and sneer, "A mere worn-out Kasaya thinking it can trap me¡ªare you overestimating yourself or underestimating me?"


    The Buddhist Sect Elder actually nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, I underestimated you. I didn''t expect your cultivation strength to have reached such depths; under thirty years old, truly unbelievable."


    The Confucian Sect Elder hovering in the sky also remarked, "Indeed very strong, forcing us to this point. Since that''s the case, there will be no holding back from now on!"


    The elderly Confucian Sect master waved his hand grandly, and a pen appeared in his grip. The pen looked simple and old, nothing like a treasure; it even seemed like something that could be tossed on the main road and sold as junk.


    However, when the Confucian elder flicked his wrist, the pen burst into a dazzling golden light. He continued to shake his wrist furiously, wildly writing in the air with the pen, as one character after another took shape.


    And what was even more incredible was that these characters didn''t dissipate; they materialized and hung in midair. More terrifyingly, each character contained fearsome power.


    The elders of the Confucian Sect couldn''t help but sigh, "The mansion master has finally decided to use that pen. It seems the situation is settled."


    The elders of the other Sects were unfamiliar with the origin of this pen and thus they asked, "May we inquire about the background of this pen?"


    The Confucian Sect elder smiled proudly, "The origin of this pen is extraordinary, indeed. It''s a legacy from the Ancient Era, said to be an Immortal Brush. As for its power, you will witness it soon enough."


    At the same time, the Buddhist Sect elder also waved his right hand, and a golden bowl appeared in his palm¡ªa bowl slightly larger than the mouth of an ordinary one, dark golden in color throughout, and likewise very ancient in appearance.


    "Since that kasaya couldn''t restrain you, let''s see if you can escape from my Five Finger Mountain with this golden bowl!" With those words, the Buddhist elder flung his hand, and the golden bowl swiftly flew out, instantly hovering above Ye Feng''s head.


    It has to be said that these were two old monsters who had lived for centuries. It was already impressive that their cultivation was so powerful, but their profound background was such that treasures seemed endless.


    Nevertheless, at this moment, Ye Feng remained unflustered. Fortunately, his cultivation had improved during secluded cultivation the previous day. Both his Spirit Essence and spiritual power had significantly increased, or else it truly would have been questionable whether he could have managed this situation.


    The golden bowl spun wildly, its mouth facing downwards, shooting out a beam of golden light that instantly fell upon the top of Ye Feng''s head.


    That moment presented a shocking scene to Ye Feng. He was completely enveloped and bound by the golden light, unable to move an inch.


    But even so, Ye Feng didn''t panic at all. Clearly, he had been mentally prepared; the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness spun wildly to its limit. Spiritual power surged out like a tidal wave, instantly wrapping the golden light shot from the golden bowl.


    Simultaneously, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll opened and began rapidly absorbing the energy of the golden light from the golden bowl.


    For all this, the Buddhist elder seemed unaware. Seeing this, Ye Feng felt certain that neither of them had condensed spiritual power. In comparison, Ye Feng had clearly reached a higher metaphysical plane.


    Meanwhile, both elders still thought he was trapped and immobile, especially the Buddhist elder, who was going all out with the golden bowl, a cascade of golden light enveloping Ye Feng relentlessly.


    "Strike quickly, and finish off this boy for good, lest he becomes a lingering threat in the future!" the Buddhist elder barked through gritted teeth.


    In truth, there was no need for his reminder. As the golden bowl cast the golden light onto Ye Feng, the Confucian elder, hundreds of meters away, gave a sweeping gesture, sending those written characters flying directly towards Ye Feng.


    Understanding what this meant, Ye Feng didn''t hesitate. His gaze suddenly intense, he soared into the sky and hurled a punch.


    Boom...


    The formidable might of the Divine Dragon Fist roared as it clashed with the characters ahead, causing them to explode on the spot.


    In an instant, earth-shattering noises erupted like thunder from the ground, the terrifying aftermath of the explosions spreading out. The sky and earth seemed to change color. Thankfully, the combatants were in midair, preventing the shockwave from reaching the ground below, otherwise the entire Buddhist Sect would have been inevitably destroyed.


    The Buddhist elder was once again taken aback and exclaimed through clenched teeth, "Impossible, impossible! My golden bowl had you immobilized; how can you still move?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but chuckle coldly, "That''s what you think. I told you before, just because you think you''ve lived for a few hundred years doesn''t mean you can look down on everything and be so presumptuous."


    The Buddhist elder was struck dumb on the spot, clearly stung by Ye Feng''s retort.


    At the same time, the Confucian elder, still brandishing the great Confucian pen, was frenetically writing more characters, with each one rushing towards Ye Feng.


    Each of these Confucian characters contained terrifying power, and now the elder wrote them without care for his own life, and soon the air was full of dense characters.


    And a more dreadful scene unfolded. As the Confucian elder brought his Dharma Seal together, all the dense characters began to merge rapidly, instantly forming a huge character that shone with golden brilliance.


    A character for "Slaughter!"

 Chapter 463 461: The Sky-breaking Divine Spear Emerges, Shocking the Nine Sects!

    This immense Confucian Sect''s "Kill" character, with its murderous aura reaching to the skies permeated the entire Buddhist Sect. Even the disciples from the various sects below were terrified by the powerful murderous aura, many of the lower-cultivated were trembling uncontrollably, not daring to lift their heads to look directly at the "Kill" character.


    Ye Feng also felt an overwhelming sense of oppression and had to admit the power of this "Kill" was simply too great, it was almost the culmination of that old Confucian''s entire life''s cultivation.


    Just at this moment, the Confucian elder gritted his teeth and coldly snorted, "Great Monk, can''t you see by now, this kid has a protective magic treasure within him, your restraining treasure has no effect on him at all! Quickly make your move, the best defense is to attack, exert full force in a single strike and completely finish this kid off!"


    The Buddhist Sect elder nodded. He had to acknowledge that his Golden Bowl was ineffective, so with a wave of his Great Hand, he retracted the Golden Bowl and then soared into the sky, charging towards the sky horizon. With an overturning of his palm, he struck down, and instantly a mountainous form resembling five fingers descended from the sky!


    For a moment, the colors of the sky and earth changed, filled with an air of murderous solemnity!


    "This is, Elder Buddha''s Five Finger Divine Palm. Elder Buddha has truly made his move all out. Both peerless elders have revealed their trump cards. That Ye family kid is probably doomed now, he certainly can''t withstand this!"


    "Right, they''re finally getting serious. It''s terrifying, the techniques of these two elders are thoroughly divine, I can''t even bear to watch. Just one glance and I fear my spirit would suffer a heavy blow, especially that ''Kill'' character, it''s really horrifying!"


    At this moment, Ye Feng was faced with the "Kill" character violently rushing towards him from in front and the suppressing Five-Finger Divine Palm of the Buddhist Sect from above, leaving him absolutely no place to escape.


    However, contrary to what everyone was expecting, Ye Feng was suddenly seen slowly lifting the corners of his mouth in a smile. Then, one word at a time, they heard him speak, "Very well. You finally are willing to use your trump cards. Since that''s the case, let me also show you my true trump card!"


    "His real trump card, wasn''t it the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist? How does this kid have an even stronger trump card?" Upon hearing this, Hong Tiandu, who was on a distant mountain, exclaimed in surprise.


    Hong Gaishi immediately roared with anger, "Quit your chatter, watch carefully, the moment to witness who is superior is coming. That Ye kid obviously still has a trick up his sleeve, let''s just see what else he''s got!"


    While the two were speaking, Ye Feng had completed the formation of his Dharma Seals with both hands. In an instant, the void above appeared to split open like a crack, and a long spear black as ink slowly appeared before everyone''s eyes.


    The spear, no more than three-and-a-half feet long, was completely black with a golden hue. The spearhead was topped with a ferocious dragon''s head, looking majestic and disdainful. This black long spear thus floated in the void, not emanating any power.


    Upon seeing this spear, the expression of everyone from the Four Great Ancient Clans changed immediately.


    "This... Could this be the legendary spear referred to as the Sky-breaking Spear?" Hong Gaishi stood up immediately, even his voice trembling, showing the extent of his shock.


    At the same time, Elder Bu Zheng of the Bu Family showed a look of despair and desolation on his face, grinding his teeth and saying, "How is this possible, how can this be possible? This kid has actually... actually cultivated to such a degree, he was actually able to bring forth this spear!"


    Even Tang Bai, at this moment, was looking utterly pale and powerless. He sighed, "Looking at it now, I really must exit the Utility Pavilion. This child has fully spread his wings, I am no longer his match."


    Hearing this, Bu Zheng sneered, "Not just not his match, with his spear out, I''m afraid you can''t even withstand one of his moves!"


    Tang Bai did not speak. Although he was not very clear about the specific origins of this spear, he could see the peerless power contained in this spear.


    At this time, Sausage Sister also abruptly stood up with a shocked expression, saying, "This kid... he has cultivated to such a level, he has actually brought forth this spear, this is too..."


    Next to her, Long Nannan, apparently not knowing the specifics about the spear, couldn''t help asking, "Sausage Sister, what''s so fearsome about this spear, why do even those from the Four Great Ancient Clans dread it so much?"


    Sausage Sister bitterly smiled and said, "You mean, your grandfather has never mentioned it before?"


    Long Nannan shook her head, "Nope, that old man with the Big Tobacco Pipe rarely talks to me about cultivation, you know this."


    Sausage Sister lightly nodded then sighed, "To be precise, this spear should be called the Divine Spear, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear. However, I''m not too clear about its proper history, I just heard your grandfather casually talk about it when I was young."


    In fact, like Sausage Sister, even the people of the Four Great Ancient Clans only knew the name of this spear but not the details of its origins.


    This spear, as Sausage Sister mentioned, was named the Sky-breaking Divine Spear. It was the Heritage Spell that appeared alongside Ye Feng''s cultivation of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints to an Intermediate Achievement of two thousand acupoints.


    Of course, after Ye Feng had condensed out this Sky-breaking Divine Spear, it was as if his body was completely drained, with his Spirit Essence showing signs of exhaustion, demonstrating the horror and strength of this Divine Spear.


    At this time, the faces of both the Buddhist and Confucian older men have changed, but at this stage, the arrow was on the string and they had no choice but to release it.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The first to rush over was the golden Confucian "Kill" character, filled with murderous aura, followed by the descending Five Finger Divine Palm above his head.


    "Break!" Ye Feng, hovering unmoved in mid-air, simply waved his hand. The Sky-breaking Divine Spear shot out straight across the sky.


    The so-called Sky-breaking Divine Spear was indeed intended to break through the sky!


    The Divine Spear is unleashed, the azure sky shattered!


    At this moment, however, it wasn''t the azure sky that was pierced but the huge character for ''kill.'' As the Divine Spear passed through, the giant character instantly collapsed with a thunderous boom. Then the Divine Spear struck again, effortlessly shattering the Five Finger Divine Palm like cutting through tofu.


    "Break again!" Ye Feng flicked his wrist, and his Sky-breaking Divine Spear, its might undiminished after breaking through the old masters'' trump card techniques, immediately turned its tip towards the Buddhist Sect elder.


    "No..." The complexion of the Buddhist Sect elder changed dramatically. He had barely thought of using his golden bowl to defend when the spear, too fast to react to, whooshed past his neck.


    Subsequently, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear turned its tip once more and shot towards the Confucian Sect elder.


    Clearly, by this time the Confucian Sect elder was prepared. With his large brush, he swiftly wrote out characters that surged forward to block and resist the attack.


    But a moment later, the same despair overtook the Confucian Sect elder. The Sky-breaking Divine Spear was too tyrannically powerful, completely ignoring the bombardment of the Confucian characters, piercing through thin air to reach him, instantly penetrating and blowing apart the elder''s head.


    The bodies of the two elders then fell from the sky like kites with broken strings, plummeting straight down.


    At this moment, an eerie silence enveloped the entire area. No one spoke, including those from the Four Great Ancient Clans. Every individual was shocked beyond belief, merely staring blankly as the two dark silhouettes rapidly descended from the sky, even forgetting to catch them.


    All of a sudden, two loud thuds resounded as the bodies of the two elders smashed into the ground, instantly turning into rubble. Only then did people start to recover from the noise.


    "This... They''re actually... actually dead. The two elders have been slain!" someone muttered in astonishment.


    "And, moreover, they were killed with a single strike. It''s too terrifying! What exactly is that spear? It''s simply the Hell Spear! This is really too dreadful. Those were two elders, and they were killed in an instant!"


    The disciples of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts wailed incessantly, their spines as if snapped, feeling a wave of helplessness. Even now, some dared not believe this was real, refused to admit their defeat.


    Suddenly someone from the Four Great Ancient Clans heaved a long sigh. "If this youth continues to grow, he will surely stand at the pinnacle of Martial Dao!"


    Upon the conclusion of these words, the other two clans among the Four that preferred to stay out of the spotlight swiftly departed. Meanwhile, the tall masked woman in a deep blue dress glanced back at Ye Feng as she fled.


    "Indeed, a heaven''s proud son. Ye Feng, is it? I have remembered you," she proclaimed. "One day, I shall challenge you myself." With those words, those from the two ancient clans disappeared into the horizon.


    Over at the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan, Hong Tiandu swallowed hard before suddenly asking, "Cousin, if it were you, could your Divine Feather withstand this kid Ye Feng''s spear?"


    Hong Gaishi didn''t speak, just clenched his fists tightly, his eyes filled with complex emotions.


    It was then that the team leader elder of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan abruptly said, "The great battle has ended, there''s nothing left to see. Everyone, let''s head back!" Following his words, the disciples of the Hong Family began to rise and depart.


    Hong Gaishi slowly stood up, intending to follow them; however, he suddenly froze, hovering in mid-air, his gaze directed toward Ye Feng. He then pronounced slowly, "Your name is Ye Feng, right? Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Hong Gaishi, the foremost youth of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. Our battle is inevitable. Wait for it!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but let out a cold laugh upon hearing this. He was about to say there was no need to wait, that if Hong Gaishi wanted a fight, they could battle today, but before he could even speak, Hong Gaishi had already sped away.


    Long Nannan, seeing this, immediately scowled in dissatisfaction. "This Hong Gaishi is really shameless. If he wants to fight with Little Martial Uncle, then why run? Flapping his gums and then taking off, what shamelessness!"


    Sausage Sister nodded emphatically. "He''s got nothing left but to flap his lips. After seeing Ye Feng''s Sky-breaking Divine Spear, he probably isn''t confident he can handle it. Why else would he talk big and not stick around unless he wants to wait to be thrashed?"


    Long Nannan clenched her tiny fists. "If that''s the case, then I''ll just let Little Martial Uncle go to the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan some day and beat the crap out of that guy!"


    This time, Sausage Sister shook her head and said nothing more. While she acknowledged Ye Feng''s strength, taking the fight to the Hong Family''s home turf would probably be a step too far. After all, none of the Four Great Ancient Clans were as simple as they appeared on the surface.


    Meanwhile, Hong Qingyan stared blankly in the direction the Hong Family had left, lost in thought. Although she said nothing, a complex emotion had taken root deep within her.


    At this moment, Ye Feng soared into the sky, instantly alighting upon the peak of the giant Stone Buddha. There he stood atop the Buddha''s head, hands folded behind his back, looking down loftily upon the people of the Nine Great Sects.


    "Sect master of the Buddhist Sect, aren''t you going to announce the results?" Ye Feng called out coldly.


    It wasn''t until then that the sect master of the Buddhist Sect finally regained his composure, his voice trembling as he spoke, "Your bravery is unparalleled, your martial arts supreme. Congratulations on clearing three trials. We, the Nine Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, are thoroughly convinced today."


    Ye Feng laughed coldly. "One day. I give you one day to hand over all the treasures, resources, cultivation methods, and martial techniques we agreed upon to the Imperial Martial Academy. Otherwise, the Nine Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will no longer need to exist."


    Having said that, Ye Feng''s figure flashed, and he appeared in front of Hong Qingyan and the others.

 Chapter 464 462: For Example, I Look Good?

    The so-called Martial Forest Conference of the Nine Sects of Ancient Martial Arts eventually concluded with the tragic deaths of the elderly from the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect.


    When darkness fully enveloped the sky, Ye Feng had already led everyone to a small town at the foot of the mountain and entered an inn to rest.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, the two of you come with me!" Ye Feng beckoned and then walked into the bedroom.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian glanced at each other, apparently unclear about why their lord had specifically summoned them at this time.


    "My lord, do you have any tasks for us?" the two asked with clasped hands as they entered.


    Ye Feng sat next to the tea table, and lightly waved his hand, "It''s nothing important, really. The two of you have followed me for several years now, yet I, as your master, haven''t bestowed upon you any treasures."


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately said, "My lord, you are too serious. It''s our honor to follow you in this life!"


    Ye Feng smiled, waved his hand to interrupt, and after taking a sip of tea, he said, "The two of you, one has the body of the sword, and the other the body of the blade. Combining sword and blade is indeed quite fitting."


    With that, Ye Feng flipped his wrist and produced two blades. The blade was an ancient-looking dagger, not big in appearance, more like a mystical dagger, while the sword was not long either, but it emitted an astonishing presence.


    But Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian recognized these two treasures. The dagger was none other than the Immortal Blade inherited from the Tang Sect since ancient times, while the sword was the Immortal Sword passed down from the Mount Shu Sword Sect, both of these treasures being the pride of their respective Great Sects.


    "Take them, integrate them into your own bodies, and cultivate well!" Ye Feng casually handed the sword and dagger to the two.


    "My lord, this shouldn''t be..." The two were shocked. Although they both greatly desired the weapons, if they each integrated a sword or a dagger, their cultivation and power would surely be greatly enhanced, perhaps even advancing by leaps and bounds.


    Ye Feng spoke solemnly, "I only have one requirement: do everything possible to reach the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment and completely convert your Qi Force into Spirit Essence. Only after reaching the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment can you aim to break through to the Realm of the Golden Core, understand?"


    "Yes, my lord, but this Immortal Blade and Immortal Sword..."


    "Take them. Although these two items are not bad, they still don''t interest me, and with my current cultivation level, I have no use for them!" Ye Feng said with a slight smile.


    Seeing their master say so, the two no longer insisted. Xiao Chuanqi promptly took the Immortal Sword, while Sima Zhantian took the Immortal Blade.


    "Go out and tell them to rest for half an hour, then set off and travel overnight back to the imperial capital!" Ye Feng commanded, and Xiao Chuanqi and the others quickly exited.


    It was then that Hong Qingyan, Long Nannan, and Sausage Sister entered, with Sausage Sister speaking first, "I didn''t expect you, as a master, to be so generous, even willing to give away an Immortal Blade and Immortal Sword to those two subordinates."


    Indeed, as Sausage Sister spoke, she felt slightly relieved, for her relationship with Sima Zhantian had more or less become public, and naturally, she hoped that Sima Zhantian''s strength could rise to the next level.


    However, Long Nannan directly pouted unhappily, and after sitting down, she complained, "Little Martial Uncle, you''re biased! After all, I accompanied you on an adventure from thousands of miles away. Who knew that even your subordinates would receive treasures, yet I got nothing. I''m not happy, it''s not fun at all."


    Ye Feng immediately felt a headache, realizing only now that Long Nannan, this tricky girl, was actually a treasure fiend or more accurately a treasure mystery. Back in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, he had heard that Long Nannan had practically scavenged everyone in the village, frightening everyone terribly.


    And yet she was the beloved granddaughter of Old Long, the village chief; thus, the villagers genuinely did not dare to be too defiant towards her. Besides, when they first arrived at the Northern Border, upon seeing Cao Yi, Boss Cao, and others, Long Nannan had directly asked for treasures as well.


    "Our Nannan is such a cute little girl, how could the Little Martial Uncle not have prepared a treasure for you?" Ye Feng said with a slight smile, and then, with another flip of his wrist, he produced a brush, which was the Grand Confucian Brush of the old man from the Confucian Sect.


    "Although this brush is just a small plaything, it''s quite fun, so it seems more suitable for you." Ye Feng finished speaking and tossed it over with a flick of his wrist.


    Long Nannan hurriedly reached out to catch it and said, "Nice, nice. I saw that old guy wildly scrawling through the air just now, and then he wrote out a whole bunch of characters. The key thing is that these characters could actually attack, which is simply great. When I go back to the village, whenever any kid misbehaves, I''ll use this to teach them a lesson!"


    Ye Feng just shook his head with a smile and said nothing more.


    Long Nannan, however, was extremely happy, constantly fiddling with the uniquely shaped Grand Confucian Brush, not forgetting to say, "Although this comes from a dead man, at least it is a token of Little Martial Uncle''s affection. Thanks, Little Martial Uncle."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but be speechless upon hearing this. That it was from a dead man, well, this was his spoil of war, after all.


    Although Long Nannan was now happy, it was now Hong Qingyan''s turn to feel unhappy; of course, she did not show it, but Ye Feng detected the sense of loss in her heart. He smiled gently and said, "I''ve given a reward to everyone, and naturally you, Qingyan, should be no exception. This is something I''ve specially prepared for you."


    With that, Ye Feng flipped his wrist once more and produced a greenish-black sphere!


    The sphere, glowing with a greenish-black light, radiated a crystal-clear brilliance, looking quite dazzling and beautiful. The sphere was only the size of a marble, small and delicate.


    "Big Brother Ye, what is this?" Hong Qingyan couldn''t help asking.


    "This is a Protective Dharma Treasure. It''s also from the Sacred Mansion of the Confucian Sect. It''s said to be able to defend against a full-powered strike from a top-level cultivator in the Golden Core Realm. It will be just right for your self-defense, so I''ll worry less about you in the future!" Ye Feng said with a gentle smile, then passed the treasure to her.


    "Since that''s the case, I''ll accept it with pleasure, thank you, Big Brother Ye!" Hong Qingyan finally cheered up and happily took the treasure.


    Now Sausage Sister was the only one left. She couldn''t help but gaze straight at Ye Feng. Although she didn''t speak, the message was clear: where is my share of the treasure?


    Ye Feng just shrugged and said, "That''s it, there are no more treasures!"


    Sausage Sister couldn''t help but grind her teeth in anger and said, "Why do they all have one, and I don''t?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "You should ask that big guy about this."


    "You..." Sausage Sister was extremely frustrated but couldn''t say much, considering she wasn''t that close to Ye Feng.


    Long Nannan, standing nearby, couldn''t contain her laughter and teased, "Haha, this is so fun, it''s really too funny seeing Sausage Sister taking a hit. If you can''t accept it, just go for it, snatch it outright. But I think it''s better if you don''t, my Little Martial Uncle is very strong now."


    "Stingy, penny-pinching miser!" Sausage Sister cursed several times in a row before storming out.


    Ye Feng shook his head and with a flick of his wrist, a kasaya flew towards Sausage Sister.


    "Actually, I think that you don''t need these treasures with your current cultivation level, so..." said Ye Feng.


    "Why wouldn''t I take it if it''s free? I can save it for that big guy!" Sausage Sister said unceremoniously, grabbing the kasaya with a swoop of her hand, before hurriedly making her exit.


    Long Nannan shook her head in disbelief and sighed, "Damn, she''s not even married off yet and she''s already siding with an outsider, having a daughter really is a losing trade, looks like Old Long really wasn''t wrong."


    "..." Ye Feng was left speechless, wondering how she could say such a thing when she herself was a girl.


    Of course, he wouldn''t voice that thought, as it would surely lead to a long-winded rebuttal from Long Nannan.


    An hour later, Ye Feng got up and left. He quickly got into a car and sped off to the capital. Now that he had the Black Jade Healing Paste, and since Leng Wuming was still unconscious, he needed to return immediately to treat him.


    By the time he arrived back in the capital, dawn was approaching. Ye Feng called Yu Feiyu, and the two set about treating the patient. In no time, Leng Wuming was coated in Black Jade Healing Paste, making his body appear dark and shiny.


    "Phew... With this Black Jade Healing Paste, his injuries should be able to heal, right?" Ye Feng let out a long sigh. Such high-intensity treatment was clearly taking a toll on him.


    Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but smile wryly, "Big Brother Ye, your medical skills are even better than mine. You should know that even if his injuries recover, it''s likely he won''t be able to retain his martial arts cultivation, at most only maintaining a Little Grandmaster level."


    Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively, "It doesn''t matter whether he retains his previous martial arts cultivation or not. In fact, I''m going to remove the residual Qi Force from his body next."


    "Remove the remaining Qi Force? Why would you do that?" Yu Feiyu asked, puzzled.


    Ye Feng was clearly tired, but after thinking a bit, he said, "It''s complicated to explain, but it''s probably time to give you a detailed explanation. If you think it''s necessary, it''s also time to reconsider the direction of your own cultivation."


    Seeing how seriously Ye Feng spoke, Yu Feiyu nodded obediently.


    The two then left the hospital room for the living room outside. After a brief rest to regulate their breath, Ye Feng explained in detail the differences between a Martial Artist and a Cultivator. Of course, how to choose in the end was still up to Yu Feiyu herself.


    After all, the path of a Cultivator was not easy, especially for someone like Yu Feiyu, a Great Power who had stepped into the Divine Path Realm. She would need to scatter her Divine Path, fall back to the Martial King Realm, and then refine the Qi Force into Spirit Essence, a process not only difficult but also painfully enduring the loss of power.


    "Here is a Cultivation Technique for Cultivators. If you decide to do it, after falling back in cultivation and realm, you can use it to cultivate!" Ye Feng said, passing over a Cultivation Method and Martial Technique he had snatched from Hong Tiandu.


    Yu Feiyu was still in deep thought, obviously struggling with the decision. However, she quickly made up her mind and nodded, "Big Brother Ye, I''ll listen to you. To reach further, what does it mean to lose some immediate benefits? I''ve decided to abandon the Martial Dao and switch from being a Martial Artist to a Cultivator!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, pleased, "I''m glad you made this decision. You''re not only talented, but you''re also a person of great will. I believe you will succeed soon."


    Yu Feiyu was very happy to hear this praise, as getting recognition from her master was not easy. She thought for a moment and then jokingly said, "Master, do I only have these two strengths? Don''t I have any others?"


    "Others?" Ye Feng was taken aback.


    "For example, I''m also very pretty?" Yu Feiyu said with a smile, curving her lips upward. Indeed, Yu Feiyu possessed a beauty that could topple cities, and in her purple ancient dress, she looked exceptionally tall and graceful with a delicate oval face.


    "..." Ye Feng was speechless, completely caught off guard by her remark and quickly changed the subject, "You should go back and rest now. I need to regulate my Qi as well, and then I still have to perform Qi Circulation for Leng Wuming."


    "I knew it," Yu Feiyu muttered, then stood up with a show of discontent and walked out.

 Chapter 465 463: Killing Aura Emerges, The Nation Trembles!

    After regulating his breath for a while, Ye Feng entered Leng Wuming''s sickroom. This time, not only did he need to remove the remnants of Qi Force in Leng Wuming''s body, but he also planned to transfuse a portion of his own Spirit Essence. By doing so, Leng Wuming would find it much easier to embark on the path of cultivation after his recovery.


    After all, the man was his subordinate and had been gravely injured while carrying out his duties. Ye Feng felt that it was his responsibility to use all his power to aid in Leng Wuming''s recuperation. Naturally, he couldn''t transfuse too much Spirit Essence, or Leng Wuming''s current condition wouldn''t be able to withstand it.


    Following last night''s events, Ye Feng noticed that Leng Wuming''s meridians and core Innate Bone were slowly healing. Although the process was slow, there were signs of improvement, and he finally let out a sigh of relief. The rest was up to Leng Wuming himself.


    After completing all this, Ye Feng stepped out only to find that it was already noon. He casually made his way to the backyard, where Hong Qingyan had already prepared lunch.


    "Big Brother Ye, now that Leng Wuming''s situation has been dealt with, can''t you finally take a good rest for a while?" Hong Qingyan asked. She was clearly worried about him. Since their acquaintance, she had never seen Ye Feng take a break.


    Ye Feng shook his head with a smile while sipping his rice porridge, "Thinking of rest seems impossible. Despite the current peace in the country, the real hidden dangers and troubles have not been resolved."


    "The real hidden dangers? What are those?" Hong Qingyan couldn''t help asking.


    Ye Feng looked around, then put down his bowl and chopsticks, "This matter is of great importance, and I wasn''t planning on telling you. But fortunately, you have now embarked on the path of cultivation and have some cultivation level, so it''s time for you to know."


    He began with the incident at Fallen Dragon Valley, then mentioned the mission in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, before discussing the secrets of the Four Great Ancient Clans. It was then that Hong Qingyan realized how many secrets this world held.


    "So, Big Brother Ye, in the near future, will an alien gateway from the Alien Space-Time open into our world?" Hong Qingyan asked with a particularly serious expression, only now realizing the weight of the burden her man carried.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, "Yes, although we''re not entirely clear on what lies on the other side of the Alien Space-Time, the miasma that emanated from Fallen Dragon Valley indicates that the creatures there are far from simple."


    Hong Qingyan nodded and said, "I see. No wonder, Big Brother Ye, even if you have to eliminate the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, you insist on promoting the Martial Academy nationwide. You''re doing it to improve the combat power of ordinary people in the shortest possible time, so that they might have a chance to defend themselves in the upcoming upheaval."


    "Yes," Ye Feng sighed deeply, "but the world does not understand me. Yet it doesn''t matter; I''ll do what I feel is right!"


    Hong Qingyan suddenly smiled, then said earnestly, "Big Brother Ye, I support you, and I will always stand behind you."


    The two exchanged smiles and continued their lunch. After a moment of thought, Hong Qingyan asked, "So Big Brother Ye, I suppose you''re preparing to enter the so-called Outer Battlefield next?"


    "Yes, it''s about time," Ye Feng nodded and continued, "According to intelligence, it''s not just our country, but top experts from around the world have entered it. Although I''m still unclear about the specifics of the Outer Battlefield, everyone generally says it is a place for training, so I suppose there must be something extraordinary about it."


    "Perhaps there are many treasures there," Hong Qingyan suddenly smiled.


    "Let''s hope so," Ye Feng smiled in response.


    After lunch, Hong Qingyan said she would enter secluded cultivation. Her conversation with Ye Feng had undoubtedly put pressure on her, but her pressure wasn''t for the nation or the people. She didn''t feel so grand; her heart and eyes were filled only with Ye Feng, meaning her reason for cultivation was solely for him.


    Hong Qingyan just wanted to be able to help if Ye Feng ever encountered any difficulties, or at the very least, not to hold him back.


    Naturally, Ye Feng needed to enter secluded cultivation as well. In the battle with the two elders from the Buddhist Sect of the Confucian Sect yesterday, he had absorbed quite a bit of Origin Energy. Now was the time to assimilate that energy to enhance his strength. But just as he left the dining hall, Xiao Chuanqi came rushing over in a hurry.


    "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!" Xiao Chuanqi panted.


    "What''s so alarming?" Ye Feng raised his eyebrows and asked.


    "Your Majesty, it''s Lord Cao, Cao Yi. He has been murdered!" Xiao Chuanqi said gravely.


    "What did you say?" Ye Feng''s eyebrows shot up, his expression changed, "What happened? Didn''t Boss Cao retire and has been relaxing on a cruise in the East Sea?"


    "That''s why there was trouble. According to the intelligence, Lord Cao encountered ninjas from Fusang at the East Sea. There was a conflict previously, and unfortunately, Lord Cao didn''t have any experts with him, so he was killed by the ninjas on the spot."


    Boom...


    Ye Feng''s aura burst forth suddenly, releasing a palpable murderous intent that soared to the sky and changed the very color of the sky above the imperial city.


    Ordinary people might not sense this killing intent, but those with higher Cultivation Level certainly felt its terror, especially those above the Divine Path Realm. They distinctly saw an almost tangible murderous aura, like a dragon''s head, shooting up from underneath the Northern Cloud Residence.


    "Such a strong killing intent, that person from Northern Cloud Residence, where did this sudden killing intent come from?" Inside the Utility Pavilion, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming couldn''t help but walk out of his study and ask one of his trusted followers beside him.


    The follower bowed and said, "Reporting to the Grand Sect Leader, Lord Cao Yi has died."


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming was shocked and said, "What did you say, old Cao Yi is dead? How did he die?"


    The follower replied, "The specifics are not very clear yet, but it is said that he was killed in the East Sea, and the murderer seems to be a ninja from Fusang!"


    The Grand Sect Leader narrowed his eyes but didn''t speak. Instead, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, leaning on the railing and gazing in the direction of the Northern Cloud Residence, where a killing intent like a dragon''s head lingered for a long time, truly terrifying to the extreme.


    Suddenly, the follower asked, "Grand Sect Leader, although Cao Yi had already retired, he was after all a long-time friend and also a senior to the person from Northern Cloud Residence. With the current situation, should the Grand Sect Leader make a trip to Northern Cloud Residence?"


    Zhao Gongming was taken aback and after a long while sighed and said, "I''m afraid that right now, I wouldn''t be of much help even if I went. However, considering the old times'' sake, I should go and take a look."


    The situation in the Utility Pavilion had quietly changed since Ye Feng returned from the Buddhist Sect, and the most significant change was when Tang Bai suddenly announced that he had contracted a serious illness, was unable to manage the Utility Pavilion anymore, and had chosen to withdraw and live in seclusion.


    Clearly, everyone knew this was just an excuse from Tang Bai. The real reason was that Ye Feng had slain the two old men from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects at the Martial Forest Conference held by the Buddhist Sect. Additionally, since Tang Bai had previously made a bet with Ye Feng and now Ye Feng had fulfilled the agreement ahead of time, Tang Bai naturally had to step down.


    But what no one expected was the decisiveness with which Tang Bai retreated, not even waiting for Ye Feng to personally come to the Utility Pavilion. Of course, everyone also understood that Ye Feng had fully spread his wings by now, having been able to slay the two old men from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects, he would naturally be capable of slaying Tang Bai as well.


    So Tang Bai had no choice but to step down, for if he refused, he would have to pay with his life.


    In addition, all the Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion knew that it wouldn''t be long before Ye Feng would move into the Utility Pavilion, and might even take over. Even Zhuge Wuming, the old man, was likely to become his deputy, and the eventuality everyone had worried about had still happened.


    Meanwhile, at Imperial Martial Academy, they too felt the soaring killing intent from Northern Cloud Residence. Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong immediately put down his work and stepped out to look up at the sky above Northern Cloud Residence, speaking in a grave tone, "What''s going on, such strong killing intent, it must be coming from that youngster Ye Feng. But why would he do this?"


    "We do not know, sir. These days we''ve all been busily engaged with matters of the Martial Academy. With nationwide enrollment taking place intensively, and even the first batch is already in training, we simply have no time to attend to other matters," lamented two deputies.


    Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong said, "No, I must make a trip to the Preparation Army. You all stay here and continue with the work!"


    Having said this, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong soared away. Of course, he wasn''t capable of flying, he could only skim low along the roof eaves.


    Indeed, Ye Feng had previously told Shi Yehong to give up on the Martial Dao and become a cultivator, but Shi Yehong had refused, saying he was an elderly man now, and giving up on the Martial Dao would mean falling from his Realm, which he couldn''t bear to do.


    However, Ye Feng knew the real reason Shi Yehong wouldn''t do it was not because he couldn''t give up his current Martial Dao cultivation, but rather, he felt he still had many responsibilities to attend to, such as those at the Martial Academy, and since Ye Feng himself was tied up, Shi Yehong had no choice but to handle these tasks, which naturally made Ye Feng feel extremely guilty.


    But at this moment, the person Ye Feng felt the most guilt toward was of course Boss Cao, Cao Yi!


    When Cao Yi''s corpse was brought into Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng immediately knelt down on one knee before the body of Cao Yi.


    Although Ye Feng did not easily show his emotions in daily life, Boss Cao counted as one of the few benefactors and seniors he had from childhood. Cao Yi had a good relationship with the Old Northern King and often came to play in the Northern Border.


    At that time, the Old Northern King was so busy he had no time to teach Ye Feng, so Cao Yi stood in for the Old Northern King, patiently teaching him the Martial Dao, as well as various military strategies and tactics. It could almost be said that Cao Yi was like a half-teacher to Ye Feng.


    What truly made Ye Feng feel responsible was that before stepping down from his position, Boss Cao had not forgotten to transfer his four strongest bodyguards to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng even thought to himself that if Boss Cao had been protected by these four great powers during his leisure trip to the East Sea, he might not have been murdered, so his heart was filled with guilt and self-reproach.


    Suddenly seeing the Northern King Ye Feng kneeling down, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, along with their followers, were utterly shocked. After all, as far as they knew, Northern King Ye Feng was a towering, iron-blooded man, a man who would not even kneel to Heaven and Earth.


    Without any hesitation, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and their group of more than thirty followers and attendants also knelt down on one knee, lining up behind Ye Feng.


    And this scene was precisely witnessed by the rushing Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming and Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong. The two Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion couldn''t help but be deeply moved, and they also felt reassured, thinking to themselves that although the current Northern King Ye Feng was a person of high status and potentially the first in the Mortal World, he remained a man of loyalty and righteousness.


    "Get up, this is not your fault, the blame does not lie with you," said Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong, his eyes nearly moist, as he hurried over to help Ye Feng to his feet.

 Chapter 466 464: The True Hero Serves the Country and the People

    Ye Feng slowly rose to his feet; by then, the surging murderous aura had also been reined in, but he still did not speak, his gaze fixed tightly on the body on the stretcher.


    This was a body so mangled that Cao Yi''s features were almost completely indiscernible. It was only after Ye Feng counted carefully that he discovered there were a total of one hundred and eight sword wounds on Cao Yi''s corpse.


    "One hundred and eight," Ye Feng slowly clenched his teeth, "Truly one hundred and eight swords, such a cruel method indeed!"


    At that moment, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming also came over. After examining the body for a while, he raised his grey eyebrows and said solemnly, "One hundred and eight sword injuries, each strike controlled with great viciousness, each sword aimed to sever just one bone and one meridian. It''s practically a slow, drawn-out execution; the cruelty is indeed appalling!"


    Ye Feng turned his head to look toward Xiao Chuanqi and said word by word, "Issue a command, I want to know everything about the incident, how many people were present at the time it happened, and who is the main culprit!"


    "As you command, Your Majesty!" Xiao Chuanqi immediately bowed and, together with Sima Zhantian and several other close powerful figures, left Northern Cloud Residence directly.


    Zhao Gongming stepped forward and asked, "Now that things have come to this, please accept my condolences, but Northern King, what do you plan to do next?"


    "What else can I prepare to do? I would like to hear from the Grand Sect Leader," Ye Feng countered.


    Zhao Gongming was taken aback for a moment. He could feel the tumultuous killing intent Ye Feng was suppressing. After pondering for a bit, he said, "The mastermind has not yet been identified, and the truth behind the incident is still unclear, so I believe it is best not to act rashly for the time being. But of course, no matter what, we must seek revenge for this deed!"


    "Right now, what''s most urgent is to hold the mourning event and bury Cao Yi," said Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then immediately said, "Issue the order, tomorrow we will hold a state funeral for Lord Cao!"


    "A state funeral? Is that really appropriate?" Zhao Gongming immediately asked.


    Ye Feng did not respond to his question but instead said coldly, "Lord Cao dedicated his life to the nation. Issue the order, hold a state funeral for Cao Yi, Lord Cao. Additionally, notify the Nine Sects of Ancient Martial Arts to attend as well; set the time for tomorrow!"


    This was essentially an order. Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming originally wanted to say something else, but after thinking it over, he remained silent, as he clearly knew his words now carried little weight before Northern King Ye Feng.


    Of course, Zhao Gongming was well aware that Ye Feng''s decision to arrange for a state funeral with such grandeur served to both make amends to Cao Yi and treat his descendants generously. Secondly, it was naturally an opportunity to clarify the current situation within the entire nation.


    Once the news of the state funeral spread, it would certainly shock the entire nation. Moreover, what was clever was that this command was issued by Ye Feng. When the time came, would the masters of the Utility Pavilion, the noble aristocratic families of the imperial city, and even the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts attend or not?


    If they did not come, it would be equivalent to disobeying the command. Of course, although Ye Feng would not punish them for this, the stance between friends and foes would become crystal clear. And if they did come, it would be tantamount to acknowledging their stand with Ye Feng.


    At this thought, Zhao Gongming couldn''t help but sigh in his heart. Northern King Ye Feng truly had come into his own, not only had his cultivation level become terrifying, but even his tactics were so cunning, a stratagem he could not match.


    Up until now, Zhao Gongming had come to understand why Lord Tang Bai, the elder, had retreated so silently, and even in a somewhat desperate and fearful manner. With Ye Feng''s current methods, if Tang Bai had insisted on staying, it''s doubtful he would have been able to settle things neatly in the end.


    Indeed, just as Zhao Gongming had surmised, Ye Feng had such intentions. Whether it be called a conspiracy or something else, he didn''t care. With the impending major changes in the world''s situation, he needed to consolidate the nation''s powers, preferably forging them into a solid unit. Only then could he better face any drastic alterations in the alien space-time.


    Just as the old saying goes, "In troubled times, strict laws must prevail." That''s exactly what it meant!


    Subsequently, Ye Feng began instructing his servants to arrange for the next day''s remembrance event. The news of the state funeral soon spread, and as imagined, it caused a national uproar.


    The first to react were the Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion; upon receiving the news, they hurried to the Utility Pavilion''s conference room.


    "This Ye Feng is much too authoritarian," the Third Sect Leader snorted coldly. "A state funeral, he actually dared to announce a state funeral. By what virtue and capability?"


    "Indeed, too domineering. Even if Cao Yi''s status is eligible for a state funeral, it''s not his place to issue such a command," the Four Sect Leader also felt a burning indignation. "It should be Lord Zhuge Wuming who announces it."


    Since when had Ye Feng''s status and position been beneath theirs, but now, he had simply bypassed them and did not even give the slightest hint of taking them into consideration. Right from the start, he issued direct commands, making them feel far from comfortable.


    "Alas, there''s no helping it. The current situation favors the strong. Northern King Ye Feng is on the rise, while we old fellows are already on the decline. Moreover, now that Lord Tang Bai has stepped back, who else can hold him in check?" another Sect Leader retorted coldly.


    "Yes, indeed, there is no one left in the nation who can suppress him, even the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have been outmaneuvered. Now, the only ones who might be able to keep this young man in check are probably the Four Great Ancient Clans. It''s just a pity that the actions of these Four Great Ancient Clans are too slow. If it were me, I would have already eliminated this young man!"


    "Hush... you dare say anything. Have you forgotten that the head of the Nine Sect Leaders, Qiu Kuzhen, was just taken down from the main gate of the Martial Academy the day before yesterday!" another Sect Leader immediately whispered, trembling with fear.


    ```


    "Look at you, thinking that Ye Feng can jump around for a few days. Just as the saying goes, ''The bigger the tree, the more wind it catches.'' Just wait and see," a Sect Leader said, "especially the Bu and Hong Families from the Four Great Ancient Clans, they definitely won''t let this kid last too long."


    "Enough, enough, no more arguing," said the Three Sect Leaders. "We''ll talk about the future when it comes. The priority is to discuss whether or not we''ll attend the state funeral tomorrow. All the major houses and aristocratic clans are watching what we do!"


    The entire conference room fell into silence. Suddenly, a Sect Leader said, "As far as I know, both the Grand Sect Leader and the Second Sect Leader are already at the Northern Cloud Residence. What choice do we have but to go?"


    "I personally think, no matter what, we have some connections with Cao Yi. There''s nothing wrong with going to mourn him. After all, the taller ones will take care of any big issues. Whoever takes over the Utility Pavilion in the future, it''s all the same to us. With our age and current cultivation level, we''re not likely to take charge anyway, right?"


    "That''s right, that''s right. Since that''s the case, let''s all go tomorrow. But I am curious, Northern King Ye Feng is said to have also notified the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Do you think these nine sects will come tomorrow?"


    "Who are you asking? I''m asking who? I''m going home to sleep; I can''t be bothered with such annoying matters!"


    The meeting soon dispersed, and the spirit of the meeting was naturally known to the aristocratic families in the capital, so decisions were swiftly made.


    What Ye Feng did not expect was that people came to mourn at the Northern Cloud Residence before the preparations for the memorial service were complete. The first to arrive were people from the Eastern Border, presumably because they feared Northern King''s retribution, especially since Cao Yi, Boss Cao, was killed over the East Sea.


    Of course, Ye Feng would not blame the Eastern Border since Cao Yi was there for a private visit. They were not responsible for protecting him at all times. Ye Feng obviously understood right from wrong, and seeing his welcoming approach without any intention of blame, the people from the Eastern Border breathed a sigh of relief.


    After sunset, more and more people came to mourn. Many from the nation''s aristocratic houses, even those from the capital, almost all notable figures attended. Fortunately, the Northern Cloud Residence was large enough to accommodate everyone.


    The next morning, all the Sect Leaders from the Utility Pavilion attended, and every distinguished family from the capital sent representatives. Most unexpectedly, even the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts sent people. The first to arrive was the Tang Sect, followed by the Mount Shu Sword Sect, then the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect, and even the Buddhist Sect...


    All Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts sent representatives to pay their respects. The event was a sensation across the nation, undoubtedly showing that after the Buddhist Sect''s martial arts tournament, these nine sects fully acknowledged and bowed to Northern King Ye Feng, or rather, Martial Academy Principal Ye Feng.


    This also signified the dawn of a new era¡ªan era belonging to Ye Feng. Although Ye Feng was still the Northern King or just the Martial Academy Principal, his status had become extraordinarily distinguished, and he might even be considered the most eminent individual in the country.


    Of course, everyone also noticed that no one from the Four Great Ancient Clans attended. Many secretly speculated that it wouldn''t be long before the pomp of the Northern Cloud Residence would change, and it might even vanish altogether.


    The funeral was unprecedented, and Cao Yi''s descendants gained significant attention through it, however unwanted it might have been.


    As dusk approached, the memorial service finally came to an end. Ye Feng turned back to the main hall, as the nine representatives from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were still waiting there, claiming to have matters to discuss.


    Upon seeing Ye Feng enter, the nine representatives stood up and greeted him with clasped hands, "We''ve seen the Principal, greetings Lord Principal!"


    "No need for formalities. Just speak plainly," Ye Feng immediately responded with a wave.


    The Buddhist Sect representative joined his hands, "Previously, we have offended you multiple times, repeatedly slighting Lord Principal. We hereby sincerely apologize and hope..."


    "Enough. I am not so petty. As fellow citizens of Xuanyuan Nation, we should stand united. Let''s put the past behind us. So, do you have something you want to discuss with me?" Ye Feng said.


    "Lord Principal is truly as magnanimous as the ocean," the representative began. "Since that is the case, let''s get straight to the point."


    The representative from the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect smiled and said, "Now that the Martial Academy is expanding nationwide, it urgently requires manpower and resources. Considering Lord Principal might be overwhelmed, we from the Nine Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have decided to send a significant number of skilled individuals to assist. However, we are unsure if Lord Principal..."


    "Great! If you are willing to send skilled individuals, that is certainly a good thing. With such support, the Martial Academy''s efforts will be twice as effective," Ye Feng said.


    The Sect representatives were startled, then asked, "Lord Principal won''t mind?"


    "Why would I mind?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "This is, after all, beneficial to the nation and its people. I''m more than happy; how could I possibly mind? Since that''s the case, get started on this as soon as you return. I''m busy with other matters. For anything related to the Martial Academy, communicate with Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong."


    Hearing this, the representatives were taken aback, "Just coordinate with Shi Yehong? Does Lord Principal not concern himself with such matters?"


    Ye Feng responded with a mix of amusement and laughter, "Why should I concern myself? As long as the overall direction is correct, that''s all that matters. I have only one request: as long as what the Martial Academy does benefits the common people, go ahead and do it. I will not blame you!"


    Hearing this, the Nine Sect representatives looked at one another with newfound respect, and admitted, "Indeed, the greatest act of valor is to serve one''s country and its people. We were too narrow-minded before, feeling ashamed now. We admire Lord Principal''s magnanimity, and we truly accept his authority. This time, we are sincerely convinced."


    ```

 Chapter 467 465: Sword Saint Palace, Martial Dao Heritage Holy Land?

    Three days later, after Cao Yi was buried, a fierce wind howled and relentless rain poured down as if even the Heavens were weeping. Of course, after entering spring, rains in the Capital had gradually increased. After returning to Northern Cloud Residence from the public cemetery, Xiao Chuanqi and the others had just returned, having finally clarified the entire course of events over three days.


    "How is it?" Ye Feng asked coldly, seated in front of the living room tea table.


    Over these three days, he had been desperately suppressing his murderous intent, all to ensure that Lord Cao was properly laid to rest. Of course, during these three days, Ye Feng also knew that everyone in the nation was watching to see what he would do next.


    Even as the incident fermented, by now everyone across the country had come to know of it, it could be said that the whole nation''s citizens were paying attention to the direction this matter would take.


    Of course, everyone was also very clear that, with the Northern King''s iron-blooded nature, he would never let this go; this was absolutely a matter of revenge, but to what extent no one knew.


    Xiao Chuanqi saluted, "Five days ago, Lord Cao Yi boarded his private yacht and left the East Sea to reach the High Seas boundary. There, he happened upon a swordsman from Fusang Sword Saint Palace practicing swordsmanship at sea. At that time, there were no conflicts between the two parties, but this Fusang swordsman unsparingly made a move without explanation!"


    "According to the messages sent back by our secret agents in Fusang, at that moment, the swordsman treated Lord Cao and his companions as if they were practice targets. In the end, not a single one of the twenty-plus people aboard the yacht survived, and that swordsman from Fusang has since returned to Fusang," Xiao Chuanqi said in one breath.


    "Practice swordsmanship? Using people to practice swordsmanship, that was a full one hundred and eight strikes," Ye Feng clenched his teeth, and then demanded word by word, "What is the name of that swordsman?"


    Xiao Chuanqi saluted again, "Okamoto Matsuki! He is a third-generation disciple of Sword Saint Palace. However, according to the message, this man''s talent in the way of the sword is extremely formidable. Although he''s less than thirty years old, he has already overwhelmed the elders of the Sword Saint Palace with no chance to retaliate. Furthermore..."


    "Furthermore what?" Ye Feng pressed.


    "Furthermore, according to the most covert intelligence, this Okamoto Matsuki, it''s said, has once been to the Outer Battlefield. His swordsmanship has advanced by leaps and bounds since emerging from the Outer Battlefield. Initially considered to have average talent among the third-generation disciples, his sudden surge in strength has been extraordinary, even earning him the title of Sword Saint Palace''s Saint Heir!"


    "Outer Battlefield? In that case, it seems that this person must have had a fortuitous encounter there!"


    Ye Feng said this and then slowly stood up. He strolled to the door, looking towards the east and then stated, word by word, "I don''t care who you are. You dared to kill my benefactor and elder without any reason, even if you are the Heavenly King, I will still slaughter you!"


    "Issue the command, we set off this afternoon, the target is Fusang Sword Saint Palace!" Ye Feng ordered coldly.


    "As Your Majesty commands!" Xiao Chuanqi and the others immediately saluted, clearly having anticipated such a scene.


    The heavy rain continued to pour down. Soon, the courtyard of Northern Cloud Residence gathered around thirty men, each of whom was a trusted guard of Ye Feng and a top-notch master. Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Long Nannan, Sausage Sister, and so on were among them.


    Even the guards provided by Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and Lord Cao Yi had managed to break through to the Fifth Realm of Divine Ability under Ye Feng''s guidance. Each person stood in the rain with a murderous air; despite the torrential downpour, not a drop of water could seep through the protective shields around them.


    A total of thirty-five people at the Divine Path Realm, all at the fifth realm of Divine Ability Level¡ªa force that would be terrifyingly formidable in any sect or power.


    Ye Feng swept a glance over them and then with a wave of his Great Hand, commanded, "Set off!" He then stepped out the door, only to be surprised by the mass of people standing just outside.


    "Lord Northern King, please let us accompany you!" said the leader of the crowd outside. This throng turned out to be over a thousand strong.


    Realizing these were family members and guards of Lord Cao Yi, Ye Feng managed a faint smile and said, "All of you go back. I will avenge this on your behalf."


    "Lord Northern King, please let us accompany you!" the crowd of over a thousand reiterated their plea.


    Thereupon, Ye Feng declared in a stern voice, "This time, our sights are set on the Fusang Sword Saint Palace; victory cannot be achieved with numbers alone. I can understand your feelings, but I shall say no more, please leave!"


    At this point, Second Sect Leader also spoke, "Everyone, please go back. Earlier, the Utility Pavilion wanted to send masters to accompany us, but they too were stopped by the Northern King. Just as the Northern King has said, more is not necessarily better. Otherwise, why wouldn''t the Northern King command his Northern Border Army of three hundred thousand to move?"


    The leader of the Cao Family thought for a moment, then said, "Initially, we only wanted to contribute our strength, fulfill our duty as members of the Cao Family. Since Lord Northern King has said thus, we shall not persist. Lord Northern King, please accept our bow!"


    After saying this, the dense crowd of over a thousand people outside immediately saluted and bowed. Ye Feng did not accept the gesture, stepping aside instead because he felt this was something he ought to do. Lord Cao Yi had been very kind to him during his lifetime, and he could not fail to reciprocate.


    All personnel then boarded vehicles, driving eastward. Upon reaching the East Coast, they transferred to a ship. Ye Feng once again chose not to travel by airplane, since the larger target could be exploited; if the airplane was attacked, even those at the Divine Path Realm could be injured or even killed, as those at the Divine Ability Level could not sustain flight for long durations.


    Thirty people boarded the ship like lightning, their speed unbelievably fast, and then the steamer surged through the waves, continuing eastward. Fusang lies to the east of Xuanyuan Nation, small in size, but Martial Dao is extremely prevalent, especially in recent years where Martial Dao has all but become a national pastime in Fusang Kingdom.


    However, as Fusang is small and its heritage not long-standing, it simply cannot compare to the vast and resourceful Xuanyuan Nation in terms of depth and foundation. It was at this moment that everyone noticed Ye Feng was carrying a blade in his hand, the inherited blade of Fusang, the Demon Blade Muramasa, a blue, hauntingly eerie sword.


    He had snatched this blade from the hands of a second-generation disciple of the Sword Saint Palace. All this time, the Sword Saint Palace had tried everything to recover it. Although it wasn''t a symbol of the palace, the theft of the Demon Blade was absolutely a disgrace to Fusang.


    Perhaps it was for this reason that when Okamoto Matsuki, a third-generation disciple of the Sword Saint Palace, met Cao Yi and the others, he did not hesitate to treat them as sword practice targets and mercilessly killed them.


    However, the Sword Saint Palace was the pinnacle of Martial Dao in Fusang, home to many powerful and capable individuals. But Ye Feng did not care. After defeating the two old men from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects, Ye Feng knew that a so-called Sword Saint Palace could not stop his advance.


    The rain was not only heavy but covered a wide area. Even after reaching the high seas, it continued to pour unceasingly, the waves churning and the steamer heaving up and down. Only beings of great power like them dared to set sail at such a time; ordinary people would never venture out to sea.


    About four hours later, the Sword Saint Palace was already visible in the distance!


    And at this very moment, the Sword Saint Palace was already a place of alarm and anxiety. Given the commotion stirred up by the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation, secret agents from Fusang had long since gained wind of it, and the Sword Saint Palace had activated its highest-level Great Formation.


    On the top floor of the highest building in the Sword Saint Palace, eight people were in a meeting¡ªeight old men with white hair, all shadow-level elders of the palace, each with an incredibly strong aura, all surpassing the Divine Ability Realm, almost reaching Sacred Realm Level, with even the weakest being half a step into the Saint Realm.


    "One of the Sword Saints is not here, and from Xuanyuan Nation''s side, especially that Ye Feng, the Northern King, will definitely come to attack. We must be fully prepared to respond!" An old man spoke up.


    "Hmph, he''s just a minor Northern King from Xuanyuan Nation. Last time, we considered him only at Martial King Level and beneath our notice, which is why we let him make a small fuss in the Sword Saint Palace. He really thinks our Sword Saint Palace is a place where he can run wild!" Another old man retorted coldly.


    "That''s exactly it. If it were not for the fear of the hidden powers of the ancient clans in Xuanyuan Nation, plus the strength of those two old men from the Utility Pavilion, I would have marched into the Northern Border long ago to retrieve the Divine Blade Muramasa."


    "Enough chit-chat. Based on the intelligence, this Northern King Ye Feng, just a while ago, joined some Martial Arts World convention with the Buddhist Sect of Ancient Martial Arts, where he defeated and even slew two old men from the Buddhist Sect and the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect on the spot, didn''t you know?" the elder in the main seat snorted coldly.


    "So what if we know? The reason why those old men from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects were killed was entirely due to their overestimation of themselves, thinking Xuanyuan Nation was truly the holy land of Martial Dao heritage. For years they''ve thought themselves the rightful inheritors, not knowing that our Sword Saint Palace is the true source of Martial Dao inheritance. Let that youngster come, and I will make sure his head hits the floor!"


    "Indeed, there''s actually no need for discussion. The absence of the two Sword Saints represents no concern to us. Even with the two Sword Saints and five Saint Heirs entering the Outer Battlefield, there''s nothing for us to worry about," one of the old men declared confidently.


    Yet suddenly, someone said, "Should we really not inform the Sword Saints? And the instigator of this event, Saint Heir Okamoto Matsuki, is no longer in the Sword Saint Palace, should we really not tell them? Also, is there no need to ask the Onmyoji for help?"


    "Hmph, those Onmyoji are always so eccentric, acting as if they represent the heavens, putting on airs. What need do we have to call upon them? To invite them to be honored? Unnecessary; the eight of us here are more than enough!" All the old men stated their position swiftly.


    Seeing this, the elder main seat finally nodded, "Since that is the consensus, we will not inform them. It should not be a big deal; as long as the eight of us are here, there should be nothing serious happening in the Sword Saint Palace."


    At this moment, there was a knock on the door, "To report to the eight shadow-level elders, according to the latest intelligence, the Northern Cloud Residence has set sail three hours ago. Judging by the time, they should arrive at our Sword Saint Palace in half an hour."


    "Good, this Ye fellow really isn''t afraid of death, daring to come here. This time, I will make sure he doesn''t return alive!"


    "This Ye Feng, how many people has he brought this time, and has he brought his Northern Border Army?" the elder on the main seat immediately inquired, his biggest concern this very point¡ªif the enemy really came en masse, then it would no longer be a simple matter for the Sword Saint Palace but something the entire Fusang Kingdom would have to treat seriously.


    Of course, if Ye Feng had only brought a group of martial artists, it would be considered a private vendetta within the Martial Arts World and not warrant such a grand mobilization.


    "According to intelligence, that Ye Feng has brought only about thirty people on a single steamer, without any unusual movement detected," reported the secret agent.


    "Good, we understand, you can leave," they dismissed.


    "Yes!" With that, the secret agent was gone without another sound.


    "Good, just thirty people¡ªthis Ye Feng really isn''t afraid of death. I''ll be the first to fight; you just watch. This time, I will ensure he doesn''t return alive, and the Sword Saint Palace will be their burial ground!" One of the shadow-level elders stood up with a fierce declaration.

 Chapter 468 466: Ninjutsu, Thousand Bird Lightning Slash Technique!

    The division of martial artists and ninja levels at the Fusang Sword Saint Palace was something Ye Feng made a point of understanding in detail before setting out from the Northern Cloud Residence. They were broadly divided into upper, middle, and lower levels, with the lower-level martial artists or lower ninjas being the most basic. Above the upper-level ninjas is the Earth Level, above Earth Level is Sky Level, and above Sky Level is the Shadow Level.


    As for the Shadow Level, their cultivation realm is roughly equivalent to the powerful beings of the Sacred Realm in the Xuanyuan Nation. It was only then that Ye Feng realized that when there was a disturbance, he had once visited Fusang, but his cultivation level was relatively low at the time, so he did not encounter a true Shadow Level powerhouse taking action.


    Of course, back then, the powerful beings at the Shadow Level of the Sword Saint Palace probably deemed his cultivation too low to bother with him, which was, in fact, similar to the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Had the Nine Great Sects anticipated that Ye Feng could grow to this extent today, those old men of the Sacred Realm would have taken action long ago.


    However, there is no such thing as a regret medicine in this world; now, Ye Feng''s strength has surged, and he has undoubtedly surpassed them!


    Naturally, at this time, those old Shadow Level beings of the Sword Saint Palace probably still had no idea about Ye Feng''s terrifying combat power. Even though they already had received information about the martial arts conference, Ye Feng knew that the typically arrogant Fusang warriors would definitely not take him seriously.


    "My Lord, I have a matter that must be reported!"


    Just as they were about to arrive at the Fusang Sword Saint Palace, Shadow suddenly appeared behind Ye Feng; it was only then that everyone realized that although Ye Feng had only brought over thirty strong individuals with him on the surface, he had also brought the ghostly Hidden Guards along in secret.


    After all, as the leader of the Hidden Guards, Shadow''s presence meant that a group of powerful and secretive Hidden Guards were accompanying them. And these Hidden Guards were almost all supernaturally gifted or had special constitutions. Compared to ordinary martial artists, their cultivation realms might not be as high, but their techniques were quite odd and difficult to guard against.


    "Speak," said Ye Feng, standing at the bow of the ship with his hands clasped behind his back and his expression stern, an aura of murderous intent surrounding him. Ever since leaving the Northern Cloud Residence, his murderous aura had not ceased. Xiao Chuanqi and the others had followed him for so long and had never seen their lord in such a state.


    Standing behind him, Shadow couldn''t help but feel immense pressure, inwardly exclaiming at how truly terrifying the lord''s strength had become.


    "My Lord, according to our intelligence, the Fusang Sword Saint Palace, although it is the heart of Fusang''s martial arts sacred land, is not the strongest entity in Fusang," Shadow reported with some difficulty.


    "Oh? If the Sword Saint Palace is not Fusang''s strongest entity, then what is Fusang''s most powerful force?" Ye Feng raised his brows inquisitively, having always thought that the Sword Saint Palace was the pinnacle of Fusang''s power.


    As for the ninjas of Fusang, while they were somewhat peculiar, they were ultimately just underhanded tricks; ordinary martial artists might find them troublesome, but against real powerhouses, these ninjas would be easily defeated.


    Shadow said, "It''s the Onmyoji. The Onmyoji of Fusang are the strongest group there."


    Pausing to think, Shadow then added, "To put it this way, the Fusang Onmyoji are akin to the Four Great Ancient Clans in our Xuanyuan Nation. The Fusang Onmyoji also have four heritage sects, and though their numbers are few, they are incredibly mysterious and powerful."


    "Onmyoji?" Ye Feng''s brows knit slightly.


    "Yes, my Lord, these Onmyoji do not cultivate martial arts, nor do they practice Ninjutsu. Their flesh bodies are not strong, but it is said that they possess various magical techniques. The lowest level of these techniques is roughly equivalent to the Divine Skills of a Divine Ability Realm powerhouse at the Fifth Realm of the Divine Path in our nation," Shadow explained.


    "That powerful?" Ye Feng was visibly moved, though it wasn''t the first time he''d heard of the Onmyoji, he had never imagined that they could be so formidable.


    Shadow continued, "Yes, my Lord, so we must not take this expedition to the Sword Saint Palace lightly. If we encounter ordinary Onmyoji, there might not be much to fear, but if we meet those powerful Onmyoji, I''m afraid we may face some trouble."


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment before asking, "Are there any Onmyoji currently at the Sword Saint Palace?"


    Shadow bowed again and replied, "According to our secret agents'' intelligence, there are no Onmyoji currently at the Sword Saint Palace, not even the two exalted Sword Saints are there. It seems those two Sword Saints have entered a mysterious place with five Saint Heirs."


    "A mysterious place?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer slightly, he probably already knew what this so-called mysterious place was. Given that such a place could attract the attention of Saint Heirs and Sword Saints, it undoubtedly had to be the Outer Battlefield; it seemed that there might indeed be something out of the ordinary about it.


    Shadow went on to explain, "The Fusang Onmyoji have always been very secretive and rarely show themselves before the common folk. Unless Fusang is facing a national disaster, they seldom take action. Even the Sword Saint Palace has to pay respectful homage to that small group of Onmyoji."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Since these Onmyoji aren''t present, there''s nothing to worry about. Full speed ahead, to the Sword Saint Palace!"


    An hour later, the ship arrived at the foot of the mountain where the immense Sword Saint Palace was located atop a mountain range. The range was not towering but sprawled low along the coastline; looking out to sea, it seemed quite majestic.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, go!" Ye Feng signaled subtly.


    "As you command, Lord!" Xiao Chuanqi immediately understood and, rising into the air, declared, "The Northern King Ye Feng of Xuanyuan Nation has arrived. The prime culprit, Okamoto Matsuki, a third-generation disciple of the Sword Saint Palace, must come forth to meet his end, or your Sword Saint Palace will be flattened!"


    No sooner had his words fallen than numerous figures burst out from all directions of the Sword Saint Palace, each one skimming through the air at low altitudes. Judging by their appearance, even the weakest among them were at the Divine Path Realm, and there were no fewer than fifty in total.


    "It''s no wonder they call this the heart of Fusang''s martial arts sacred land; there are indeed quite a few Divine Path Realm powerhouses in this Sword Saint Palace," Sausage Sister exclaimed from the side.


    Looking disdainfully, Long Nannan said, "They''re just at the Divine Path Realm. Judging by their aura, most are only around the Second and Third Realm level, and there aren''t many above the Fourth Realm. These chumps, I could snuff them out with just a flick of my fingers!"


    "Indeed, what audacity, a mere vassal king from Xuanyuan Nation actually dares to provoke our Sword Saint Palace. As you people from Xuanyuan Nation would say, it''s like a frog burrowing into a serpent''s den looking for its own death!" All of a sudden, an old man dressed in a wide black martial artist robe soared into the sky, his presence chilling, clearly a supreme powerhouse.


    Sausage Sister curled her lips and said, "At last, someone decent shows up. Judging by his aura, he must be halfway into the Cultivation of the Sacred Realm. He looks like one of those so-called Shadow Level Powerhouses of the Sword Saint Palace."


    Long Nannan still spoke with disdain, "I''ll say it again, I can pinch him to death with just a flick of my finger, what''s this guy''s worth anyway!"


    Ye Feng shouted, "I have arrived, hand over the culprit Okamoto Matsuki, or I''ll flatten your Sword Saint Palace!"


    "You insolent fool, Ye Feng, what big talk! Flatten our Sword Saint Palace, with just you?" The Shadow Level Powerhouse floated in mid-air, looking down from above, and said, "Do you really think our Sword Saint Palace is vegetarian? Last time I did not deign to act because you were as weak as a dog. Today, I will make sure you have come but will not leave!"


    "If that''s the case, then kill, keep killing until you hand him over!"


    Ye Feng''s killing intent surged to the heavens as he shouted, "A mere Half-Step Saint Realm doesn''t qualify to face me. Xiao Chuanqi, go meet him, let''s see where he gets his confidence from!"


    "As you command, my lord!" Xiao Chuanqi spoke and his figure shot up into the sky.


    On the side, Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but get anxious, "My lord, you cannot always favor that guy Xiao Chuanqi! How can I miss out on a fight and a chance for tempering?" As he said this, the big fellow was already itching to jump into action.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile, "Don''t worry, you''ll get your chance to fight soon. I also want to see just how far the two of you have refined your Immortal Sword and Immortal Blade, and what level your cultivation strength has reached now."


    While they were talking, Xiao Chuanqi flashed through the air like an arrow toward the Shadow Level Powerhouse at an extremely rapid speed.


    "You reckless thing, a little Martial King dares to act wildly in front of me!"


    The Sword Saint Palace''s Shadow Level Powerhouse roared in fury, without a second thought, he struck out with his palm, his vast Palm Power instantly surging towards Xiao Chuanqi.


    However, with a flip in the air, Xiao Chuanqi easily dodged and then he too slapped down a hand, unleashing an even more impressive Palm Power, crashing towards the opponent like a collapsing mountain.


    The Shadow Level Powerhouse was startled and exclaimed, "Eh? You brat, you''re clearly only at the Martial King Realm, how could your Palm Power be so overwhelming!"


    Even so, as a Half-Step Sacred Realm Powerhouse, the man, while speaking these words, did not slow his own hands at all. With a drop in his aura, he struck out with another palm, instantly dissipating Xiao Chuanqi''s Palm Power.


    "As expected of a Half-Step Sacred Realm Powerhouse, without using the Body of the Sword Immortal, Xiao Chuanqi''s current combat power is still likely quite hard-pressed to contend with the opponent!" Ye Feng immediately noticed the situation between the two fighters and shook his head slightly.


    The Shadow Level Powerhouse''s Palm Power was fierce and overwhelming, one wave following another just like tidal waves, instantly suppressing Xiao Chuanqi completely.


    "A mere Martial King dares to seek death, since that is the case, then die!" This Shadow Level Powerhouse leaped into the air and charged at Xiao Chuanqi, his hand spread like an eagle claw, seemingly about to grasp Xiao Chuanqi''s throat.


    However, just at that moment, Xiao Chuanqi''s body suddenly burst forth with a golden light, along with a sharp and piercing sound of a sword cry.


    A sword radiating golden light appeared out of nowhere, slashing directly towards the opponent. The Sword Qi hadn''t even reached him yet, and it already stretched across three thousand miles, instantly arriving at the back of the Shadow Level Powerhouse.


    The Shadow Level Powerhouse was scared into a cold sweat on the spot; he could certainly feel the terror of the opponent''s sword. Acting on reflex, he flipped over in mid-air. At the same time, a series of lightning began to flicker in his palm.


    The silver-white lightning crackled, emitting the cutting power that seemed to slice heaven and earth apart!


    "What is this?" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as he watched.


    The Hidden Guard behind him immediately said, "My lord, that appears to be the opponent''s Divine Skill. Of course, Fusang prefers to call it Ninjutsu. Indeed, in today''s Fusang, ninjas and martial artists have already infiltrated and learned from each other, no longer as starkly distinct as they were hundreds of years ago."


    "This... seems to be one of the more powerful Heritage Spells of Fusang, the Thousand Bird Lightning Slash Technique." Sausage Sister suddenly spoke up, indicating that she had a broad knowledge of such things.


    Just at that moment, with a slicing sound, the Thousand Bird Lightning Slash directly struck Xiao Chuanqi''s Immortal Sword, instantly knocking it away.


    "Give me death!" The Shadow Level Powerhouse seemed to have entered a furious state as if feeling humiliated that a mere Martial King could scare him was an utter disgrace to him.


    Hisss, hisss, hisss...


    The Shadow Level Powerhouse, dressed in the wide black martial artist robe, swept across the sky, the silver-white lightning power sparkling in his palm as the Thousand Bird Lightning Slash charged towards Xiao Chuanqi.

 Chapter 469 467: Only now do you realize you need to flee?

    Ye Feng''s gaze hardened, and he silently cursed, realizing something was amiss. He intended to take flight and assist, seeing that his opponent''s Millennium Lightning Slash Technique was not to be underestimated. With Xiao Chuanqi''s current strength of the Immortal Sword, there was simply no way to withstand the assault.


    However, just as he was about to move, a sudden change occurred!


    Just when it seemed the Shadow Level Powerhouse would overpower them, Xiao Chuanqi''s body suddenly erupted with a silver-white light again. At that moment, he transformed into an Immortal Sword itself.


    "Man and Sword as One, even Xiao Chuanqi has turned into an Immortal Sword; this guy has actually reached this level. It seems his talent isn''t half bad!" Sausage Sister said with a slight smile at the corner of her mouth.


    Ye Feng smiled slightly and stopped abruptly, thinking that there might still be a fight worth watching. It seemed he had underestimated Xiao Chuanqi''s cultivation level; unexpectedly, the lad had advanced even further. It appeared that absorbing and merging with Mount Shu''s Immortal Sword had significantly boosted his strength.


    After transforming completely into an Immortal Sword, Xiao Chuanqi''s momentum surged, spinning wildly in mid-air and directly launching a murderous attack across the sky.


    Boom...


    A thunderous explosion suddenly sounded in the skies, and the onlookers could only see a flash of silver light piercing through the palm of the assailant, followed by a scream of agony. Of course, the cry did not come from Xiao Chuanqi, but naturally from that so-called Shadow Level Powerhouse.


    Only then could the ordinary martial artists below see clearly that the Shadow Level Powerhouse floating in mid-air, besides having messy hair, also had a bloody and pierced palm, with a strikingly gruesome hole clear through it.


    The Shadow Level Powerhouse continued to wail miserably, grinding his teeth and growling, "How is this possible, how can this be? You''re merely at the Martial King Realm, how could you possibly wield such terrifying power?"


    "Impossible?" Xiao Chuanqi sneered coldly, saying, "Just now, I only pierced through your palm and broke your so-called Thousand Bird Lightning Slash Technique. This time, I will break your head!"


    Before his words fell, Xiao Chuanqi''s body shone brightly with silver light once more, fully turning into an Immortal Sword, readying for another strike. This time, if he managed to smash through the opponent''s head, even a Great Luo Immortal descending to earth would be doomed.


    The Shadow Level Powerhouse finally panicked and hurriedly roared, "Damn it, how much longer are you all going to watch? Do something quick, don''t tell me you''re just going to stare as I struggle alone?"


    These words could be said to be shameless. After all, the opponent was also one person, and it was a one-on-one fight, but he made it sound as if he was fighting many alone.


    "Cangtian Old Ghost, I have told you before not to underestimate any opponent. Now you should finally learn your lesson!" As these words ended, a black shadow suddenly emerged beside Cangtian Old Ghost. This person had high cheekbones and a fierce appearance, with a Ghost Head Broadsword propped on his shoulder, exuding a deadly aura.


    Seeing this, Sima Zhantian immediately said, "My Lord, we have agreed that this Ghost Head Broadsword is mine, no one can take it from me; whoever does, I''ll be furious with them!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh. Originally, they had come for revenge, but now it seemed as though it had turned into a trial. He shook his head and said, "Don''t worry, there''s more than one target this time. Everyone will get their share; no one will fight you for it!"


    As his words fell, several black figures emerged one after another, sweeping across the sky. There were as many as eight in total, all suspended in midair, clearly all Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm beyond the Divine Path, including four at the Half-Step Saint Realm.


    Additionally, a slightly more distant area revealed over a dozen strong individuals at the Fifth Realm of the Divine Path, the Divine Ability Realm Level. Presumably, according to Fusang''s classification of the Martial Dao, these would be the so-called Sky Level Warriors.


    "Impressive, Northern King Ye Feng, to actually dare to provoke my Sword Saint Palace. Last time you were lucky, but this time, I''m afraid you won''t be so fortunate." An elderly man with graying hair spoke up, his presence the strongest among all the Shadow Level Powerhouses.


    "Merely thirty or so people, and you think you can flatten my Sword Saint Palace. Since that is the case, kill! Leave none alive, kill them all, then take their heads to the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation, hang them at the gates of that damned Imperial Martial Academy, to show those so-called warriors of Xuanyuan Nation that Fusang Sword Saint Palace is the true inheritor of the Martial Dao!"


    Another Shadow Level elder coldly shouted. In their eyes, the third-generation disciple of the Sword Saint Palace, Okamoto Matsuki, was justified in killing Cao Yi, Boss Cao, and they felt no remorse. Instead, they thought that the people like Cao Yi were honored to have helped Okamoto Matsuki practice his swordsmanship.


    With a murderous intent as vast as a rainbow, Ye Feng articulated every word: "All forces obey, kill without mercy!"


    "Shadow Guards, the order is to attack the Sword Saint Palace, spare no one!"


    As soon as he spoke, thirty people on the ship sprang into action, soaring into the sky. Sima Zhantian took the lead and charged straight at the Ghost Head Broadsword-wielding Shadow Level Powerhouse. Hong Qingyan, Sausage Sister, and Long Nannan also ascended into the heavens.


    Meanwhile, Ying Zang, led by Shadow, and the Hidden Guards also made their move, surging from the seabed like fish towards the shore, then up the cliffs and into the Sword Saint Palace.


    Ye Feng''s eyes focused, his body moved, and he shot out like lightning, instantly reaching the two strongest Shadow Level Powerhouses. He then launched a punch, Fist Edge like a dragon, accompanied by a dragon''s roar. The comet-like Fist Momentum swept out instantly.


    The faces of the two Shadow Level elders changed instantly. It was at that moment they finally realized the strength of Northern King Ye Feng. They suddenly understood that the recent incident of him slaying elders from two of Xuanyuan Nation''s Great Sects was by no means exaggerated.


    Of course, with things having developed to this stage, it was already too late for them to retreat. The two elders released their breath, one also employing the Thousand Bird Lightning Slash Technique, while the other used a divine ability magic akin to finger techniques.


    Together, they barely managed to break Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!


    "Impressive, youngster. I never thought you would grow to such an extent. If we had known, we would have taken action back then and killed you completely, preventing today''s events from unfolding!" the leading Shadow Level elder lamented with a heavy voice.


    "Although this kid is powerful, he is not so strong that he is invincible. Now that the two Sword Saints are not around, with the two of us joining forces, we can certainly suppress him. His foundations are not yet firm, and his Qi Force definitely can''t hold out for long. Once he is exhausted, we will kill him in one fell swoop!" Another elder crisply exclaimed.


    Hearing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, scoffing, "It seems you have indeed made a fine calculation. However, I''m afraid you will soon realize that you are gravely mistaken¡ªand rather tremendously so!"


    At this moment, Ye Feng did not rush to use his trump card techniques but instead glanced towards the surrounding battle. He wanted to give Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Hong Qingyan some time¡ªan opportunity for them to gain experience.


    After all, the heavens and earth were about to undergo great changes in the not-too-distant future, and no one knew how the situation would turn out. Ye Feng naturally couldn''t guarantee he''d always be there to protect them, so the best approach was to let them strengthen themselves, and clearly, now was an excellent opportunity for that.


    Now, the eight Shadow Level powerhouses had roughly the same strength as Hong Qingyan and Sima Zhantian, and if Ye Feng directly used his trump card to kill the two strongest Shadow Level elders, the rest would surely dare not fight any longer and might even flee outright.


    However, the two Shadow Level elders were relentlessly pressing on, combining their forces to attack fiercely, even showing signs of suppressing Ye Feng.


    "This kid is about to be unable to hold on. If we push harder, we will definitely be able to kill him and then assist the others!" one of the Shadow Level elders said with a stern voice. His finger technique divine power was extremely outstanding, reaching an almost transcendental level, capable of blowing apart a hill with a single finger.


    Meanwhile, the other Shadow Level elder continuously executed the Thousand Birds Thunder Cut Technique. Attacking from left and right, top and bottom, their coordination was as airtight as could be, and Ye Feng was just able to fend off their attacks by repeatedly unleashing the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist.


    Hong Qingyan, this time facing an opponent at the Sacred Realm Level, was no longer suppressed as before. After an initial probing, she fought more fiercely, and her combat experience soared rapidly.


    Suddenly, with a bang, Long Nannan sent her opponent flying with a flip of her hand. Then, with a phantom-like flicker, she appeared behind the Shadow Level powerhouse and struck with another palm. This cycle repeated, her Palm Power continuously striking so that the Shadow Level powerhouse was left without the ability to fight back. It was clear that this mischievous girl was toying with her opponent.


    As for Sausage Sister, there was no need to say more; she was overwhelmingly victorious. Likewise, Sima Zhantian was incredibly valiant, and the thirty or so Divine Ability Realm level guards were also fighting bravely. The alleged strong ones from the Sword Saint Palace simply couldn''t withstand such a level of strength.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng knew it was almost time.


    Just then, the most formidable Shadow Level elder gritted his teeth and said, "Damn it, I didn''t expect the people this kid brought to be so strong. The others are almost unable to hold on. We need to finish off this kid quickly, or the Sword Saint Palace will be in danger!"


    "Alright, I will go all out. This kid''s Qi Force is already depleted. He can''t stop me!" another Shadow Level elder declared.


    Ye Feng instantly chuckled coldly, "My Qi Force is depleted? Truly laughable. Since that''s the case, then let me show you my true trump card technique!"


    As his words fell, the void seemed to be torn asunder, and suddenly there appeared a pitch-black long spear, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    With the emergence of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear, the colors of the heavens and earth shifted, as if even heaven and earth revered this spear, fearing it might pierce through the very sky.


    "What is this thing? Such divine power is simply..." Both Shadow Level elders'' complexions changed drastically upon seeing this.


    "No good, this kid is a monster, this black spear is too terrifying, its strength too mighty; we can''t stop it, not at all, let''s flee..." The strongest Shadow Level elder said while his figure rapidly flew away to escape.


    "Thinking of fleeing now? Too late!" Ye Feng sneered coldly. With a sweep of his Great Hand, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear immediately moved through space and, in the blink of an eye, found itself behind the Shadow Level elder. A swooshing sound was heard as it passed through, and the elder''s head instantly exploded.


    "You... you''re a demon, a demon from hell; this is a demon''s spear!" The other Shadow Level elder was scared stiff, continuously screaming, "Ye, I warn you, I am a Shadow Level elder of the Sword Saint Palace. If you dare to kill me today, the two great Sword Saints of our palace will never let you go!"


    "Enough chatter. Today, not only will I kill you, but I will also flatten the Sword Saint Palace. Should your so-called Sword Saints dare to provoke me in the future, I will kill them too!"


    Ye Feng snorted, and with a stroke of his Great Hand, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear immediately changed direction and shot through the air. In just a flash, the remaining Shadow Level elder had his throat pierced, and the corpses of the two elders fell from the sky, one after the other.


    "Kill, spare no one!" Ye Feng''s voice erupted, booming across the entire Sword Saint Palace, and the disciples of the Sword Saint Palace, including the remaining few Shadow Level elders, were nearly scared out of their wits.

 Chapter 470 - 468: The arrival of the three Clan Elders of the Hong Family, difficulties arise!

    The battle came and went swiftly. By the time the heavy rain ceased, so had the fighting. Below the Sword Saint Palace, the sea was strewn with floating corpses, all disciples of the Sword Saint Palace. As for Ye Feng''s side, although several were injured, some seriously, not one had died.


    At this moment, the Hidden Guard led by Shadow had also retreated from inside the Sword Saint Palace, indicating that the battle there had concluded as well.


    "Your Majesty," Shadow immediately reported with clasped hands, "I have searched as you instructed and did not find the Sword Saint Palace''s treasure vault."


    Long Nannan was most concerned about this and immediately stepped forward to ask, "Not finding the vault, isn''t that unlikely? Such a massive Sword Saint Palace, with a heritage spanning hundreds or even a thousand years, couldn''t possibly be without a treasure vault, could it?"


    Shadow did not answer because she only ever takes orders from Ye Feng. She had never paid attention to anyone else.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "It seems that the important items were likely carried personally by the two Sword Saints."


    Shadow immediately replied, "It should be so. I only found a few chests of gold and silver treasures. As per your orders, I''ve already instructed the Hidden Guard to transport them away."


    Ye Feng twirled the Demon Blade Muramasa in his hand. He had thought to wipe out the Sword Saint Palace in one fell swoop this time, yet the two Sword Saints were not present, and even the five Saint Heirs, including the chief culprit Okamoto, were not in the Sword Saint Palace. Without exterminating these core individuals, it couldn''t be considered that the legacy of the Sword Saint Palace had been destroyed.


    "Shadow, you take the Hidden Guard and go back first. The rest, return to the ship and wait for me. I will be back shortly!" After speaking, Ye Feng shot up into the air and in the blink of an eye, he soared to the cliff top, landing in front of the Sword Saint Palace''s courtyard.


    Before him stood the grand gate of the Sword Saint Palace, magnificently enormous, with four pillars that took two adults to embrace each one. A large, dark red plaque hung above the gate with the bold and impressive characters "Sword Saint Palace" written on it.


    Ye Feng had returned specifically for this plaque. With a single great clasp of his hand through the air, the huge plaque came crashing down, flying straight toward him.


    "Let''s go!" Ye Feng walked on air, his inner Spirit Essence enveloping the plaque, which hovered at his side as he flew back down.


    Seeing Ye Feng with the plaque beside him, Long Nannan couldn''t help but step forward and ask, "Little Martial Uncle, did you go back just for that plaque? I thought you might have discovered their treasure vault suddenly. Dull, it''s not fun at all."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and said, "You may regard this plaque as a useless piece of wood, but for the Sword Saint Palace, it has tremendous significance."


    With that, Ye Feng waved his hand, tossing the plaque to Sima Zhantian, and said in a deep voice, "After you return, hang this plaque on the gate of the Martial Academy. It will let the entire world know that Xuanyuan Nation is not a country anyone can offend easily."


    "Yes, Your Majesty!" Sima Zhantian immediately took the command, thrilled at the thought of hanging the Sword Saint Palace''s plaque on the Martial Academy''s wall for all the academy''s disciples to see upon entering and leaving. They would surely be excited and impassioned.


    Long Nannan couldn''t help saying, "Little Martial Uncle, if you do this, it won''t be long before those two Sword Saints and their so-called Saint Heirs, and possibly even the legendary Onmyoji, will come looking for you."


    Ye Feng sneered, "All the better if they come. I''m afraid they''ll spend their lives holed up, too scared to step forward. This score won''t be settled until that chief culprit Okamoto is dead!"


    After finishing, he gestured grandly and said, "Let''s go, set a course for home!"


    The ship immediately turned westward, and the sky suddenly cleared up. Although they hadn''t exacted complete revenge for Cao Yi, destroying most of the Sword Saint Palace had noticeably improved everyone''s mood.


    Three hours later, the group returned to the imperial capital. Sima Zhantian immediately took the large plaque to the Imperial Martial Academy and ordered it to be hung in the most conspicuous place in front of the academy''s gate. The people had been about to inquire about the outcome, but as soon as they saw the plaque, they understood everything. The entire nation was abuzz.


    To Ye Feng''s surprise, hanging the Sword Saint Palace''s plaque at the academy sparked a national craze for martial arts, greatly enhancing the spirit of the country''s people. This was undoubtedly excellent propaganda and education.


    Of course, after returning, he no longer concerned himself with the affairs of the academy. Now that the academy was under the care of the Second Sect Leader, and many experienced masters from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had come to assist, there was nothing left for him to worry about.


    After returning to the Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng went straight to the backyard to visit Leng Wuming. To his delight, Leng Wuming had finally woken up and was recovering faster than anticipated.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for obtaining medicine for me. I am deeply grateful!" As soon as Leng Wuming saw Ye Feng enter, he tried to kneel in thanks from the bed.


    Ye Feng waved him off and said, "No need for such formalities. Though we are in a lord-servant relationship, we are also brothers. Besides, you were injured. By the looks of it, you should be mostly recovered."


    Leng Wuming said, "In three more days, I should be able to get out of bed and walk."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, thought for a moment, then decided to explain the differences between practicing Martial Dao and being a Cultivator. He also emphasized that both Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian had embarked on the path of Cultivators.


    Leng Wuming immediately fell into contemplation. Of course, he knew what his lord meant. If he continued on the Martial Dao, his achievements would be limited and he might even get weeded out eventually, possibly unable to follow his lord any longer.


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "Actually, this incident could be a blessing in disguise for you. The Martial Artist Qi in your body has been completely removed by me. Over the next three days, I will continue to infuse you with Spirit Essence to serve as your foundation. Here is a Dao Technique for Cultivators. You can study it for now, and once you are fully recovered, you can start cultivating!"


    "Yes, Your Majesty!" Leng Wuming was deeply moved, again attempting to kneel in thanks.


    "Let''s do away with such formalities between us. Keep a level head. Though you are starting from scratch, you have skipped the step of dissolving Qi Force. With your talent, and my Spirit Essence as a foundation, I''m confident you''ll re-enter the Foundation Establishment Stage soon!"


    Ye Feng finished speaking and then prepared once again to transfer Spirit Essence to Leng Wuming.


    Leng Wuming couldn''t help but feel incredibly guilty and asked, "My Lord, by continuously transferring Spirit Essence to me like this, won''t it affect you adversely? If that''s the case, you don''t need to do so; I can perform the healing myself, even if it''s at a slower pace."


    "Don''t worry, it''s only a very small fraction, and it basically has no impact on me," Ye Feng said with a light laugh. "Moreover, given your current physical condition, even if I wanted to transfer more Spirit Essence to you, I''m afraid you wouldn''t be able to withstand it."


    After Leng Wuming nodded slightly and fell silent, Ye Feng began to circulate his Qi, and within the span of half a cup of tea, the deed was done. He then stepped out, thinking that after doing these things, he should be able to take a good breather and rest for a while before setting foot into the legendary Outer Battlefield.


    But to his immense surprise, as soon as he moved from the backyard to the main hall, the front guard hurriedly came to report.


    "Reporting to My Lord, someone from the Outer Sect asks for an audience, claiming to be a visitor from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan."


    "How many people from the Ancient Clan Hong Family have come, and are they here to see me or the Princess Consort?" Ye Feng rapidly fired three questions.


    "Three people have come, and they said they wish to see My Lord. They did not mention the Princess Consort!" The gate guard replied.


    Ye Feng''s brows furrowed slightly, suspecting that the Hong Family was again here concerning Hong Qingyan''s matter. However, the fact that they didn''t go directly to Hong Qingyan but instead sought him left him somewhat puzzled.


    "Have them wait in the parlor," Ye Feng decided after some thought.


    "Yes!" The gate guard left to carry out the order.


    As Ye Feng crossed the veranda to the parlor on the left side, he immediately noticed three individuals from the Ancient Clan Hong Family being led his way by the steward.


    All three were elderly, with white hair signifying their advanced years. At first glance, their aura did not seem vigorous or powerful; they looked almost like ordinary people, showing no outward sign of their strength.


    However, Ye Feng''s expression grew serious. Others might not perceive it, but with his profound spiritual power, he could see that the reason these three seemed unremarkable was that they had reached the stage of ''Return to Simplicity.''


    Evidently, these three individuals from the Hong Family had reached a higher Cultivation Realm than even the Deputy Sect and Confucian Sect elders, likely being Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Judging by this, they must be Elders of the Hong Clan.


    "Truly, one of the Four Great Ancient Clans that has inherited over two thousand years of history has an unfathomable depth of heritage, incomparable to the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts!" Ye Feng thought to himself with a silent sigh.


    The three Hong Clan Elders quickly made their way into the parlor, while Ye Feng stood in the center of the hall, making no move to step forward. Since their intentions were unclear, he naturally wouldn''t show undue courtesy, especially considering the past conflicts between them.


    One of the Elders, dressed in Tang attire, was the first to fold his hands in greeting, "I presume this must be the renowned Ye Feng, Daoist Friend Ye, correct?"


    He referred to Ye Feng not as Young Master Ye or Young Hero Ye but as Daoist Friend, effectively placing Ye Feng on equal status, while also indicating that they were aware of his identity as a cultivator.


    Ye Feng folded his hands in return, "Indeed, it is I. May I have the honor of knowing how to refer to the three of you?"


    "I am Hong Tianze, and these two are my brothers, Hong Dize and Hong Renze," Hong Tianze introduced himself with a modest hand gesture and a polite smile.


    "So they are the three Elders of the Ancient Clan Hong Family; it''s a pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat," Ye Feng said, motioning for a servant to serve tea before he himself returned to the main seat.


    Once the servants had served tea and left the room, the three Hong Clan Elders seemed content with sipping tea and made no attempt to start a conversation.


    Ye Feng knew these old men were intentionally wearing down his patience, and he inwardly sneered, but outwardly he said, "The three Hong Clan Elders have lived secluded lives for many years. Have you come a long way to experience the vibrant city life? If that''s the case, then I would be delighted to keep you company and show you around."


    Since the other party refused to clarify their motive, Ye Feng was in no hurry to pressure them. Outlasting him in patience was not an option.


    Hong Tianze smiled, "Indeed, things in the secular world change too rapidly. We''ve not been around this bustling metropolis for many years, and it truly amazes us."


    "To hear that," replied Ye Feng with a smile, "the three of you should indeed take your time to explore."


    Seeing Ye Feng''s composed demeanor, Hong Renze became the one who could no longer hold back, asking, "We have come from afar, and are you not curious as to why we are here?"


    Ye Feng thought to himself that it was about time they asked, then replied with a smile, "I am indeed curious. Surely the three of you didn''t just come to admire the sights of this grand city, did you?"


    Narrowing his eyes, Hong Renze thought Ye Feng was adept at playing coy and thus let out a cold snort, "Ye Feng, we are all men of status, so let''s not beat around the bush and get straight to the point."


    Ye Feng laughed heartily, "Excellent. I oversee numerous affairs daily and probably don''t have the time for idle chit-chat."


    Hong Renze grunted, "Ordinarily, as you are a junior and we are Clan Elders, we should not interfere with the conflicts between you and our younger clan members, Hong Jiutian, and Hong Tiandu. However, there is one matter we cannot overlook, nor can we turn a blind eye to it!"

 Chapter 471 - 469: Even the Heavenly Emperor Laozi Wont Do!

    The three elders of the Ancient Hong Clan finally lost their patience, while Ye Feng remained unruffled, merely replying with a faint, derisive laugh, "Since the three of you have come with matters to discuss, speak freely."


    Hong Tianze immediately said, "Daoist friend Ye, you must already be aware of Hong Qingyan''s identity by now. May I inquire as to your current relationship with her?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and said in a deep voice, "This is a private matter of mine, which I do not feel obliged to share!"


    The expressions of the three men darkened instantly, and the hot-headed Hong Renze huffed, "What a joke! Hong Qingyan is a direct descendant of the Ancient Hong Clan. Therefore, her affairs are naturally the business of our Ancient Hong Clan and are subject to our inquiry."


    Ye Feng laughed coldly again, "It truly is ridiculous. I only know of Qingyan as the second lady of the Hong Family of Jiangdu. Since when did she become a direct descendant of your Ancient Hong Clan?"


    "You ..." Hong Renze slammed his Great Hand on the tea table, ready to explode.


    Hong Tianze gestured with his hand for him to calm down and said, "Daoist friend Ye, since we address you as ''Daoist friend,'' it shows our sincere intentions today, which you must have realized by now. After all, being at loggerheads from the outset doesn''t quite suit our status, wouldn''t you agree, Daoist friend Ye?"


    Ye Feng replied, "If the three of you have come with sincerity, I naturally welcome you, but if you intend to pry into or interfere with my private affairs, then I will not entertain you!"


    "So you''re saying that you have no intention of cooperating at all. With that attitude, you, Northern King Ye Feng, seem to be too arrogant and overconfident. You obviously do not take our Ancient Hong Clan seriously," Hong Dize shouted angrily.


    Ye Feng glanced at him and said word by word, "May I ask you, friend, are you threatening me or trying to intimidate me?"


    The tension instantly grew palpable, with Hong Tianze narrowing his eyes, but then he suddenly smiled and said, "Those words are a bit harsh. Daoist friend Ye, with your youth and cultivation realm, you truly are Heaven''s Proud Son, and we admire you greatly. But whether you acknowledge it or not, since Hong Qingyan carries the Bloodline of the Wings of Light from our Hong Family, she is inevitably one of our Hong Family Younger Generation. This is something no one can deny."


    Ye Feng stated, "I do not care about your purpose in coming here today. My stance remains the same; no one shall forcibly meddle in my private matters. Regardless of whose family Hong Qingyan belongs to, she is firstly my woman, Ye Feng!"


    As Ye Feng spoke these words, his aura surged forth, his attitude unyieldingly resolute. At this time, Hong Qingyan had already quietly arrived behind the screens in the living room, hearing every word spoken by Ye Feng and feeling deeply moved.


    Hearing this, Hong Tianze burst into laughter and said, "Good, since Daoist friend Ye is straightforward, we will speak plainly. The sole purpose of our visit today is one thing!"


    Finishing his sentence, Hong Tianze flipped his right wrist, and a Brocade Box appeared in the palm of his hand, an exquisitely beautiful and ancient-looking box that was obviously of considerable age.


    "This box contains a Three-turn Heavenly Origin Pill!"


    As Hong Tianze spoke, he smiled slightly and then added, "Daoist friend Ye, being from the common folk, you probably don''t know the wonder of this Three-turn Heavenly Origin Pill. This Pill was passed down from the Ancient Era, and nowadays the Crafting Technique for it has been lost. In the whole Hong Family, no, in the entire Four Great Ancient Clans, there''s only this one Pill Medicine."


    Ye Feng remained unmoved, simply looking coldly at the three men below, but in his heart, he had already guessed the reason for their visit.


    Hong Dize continued, "There is only one of these Three-turn Heavenly Origin Pills, and its function is to help Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment stage assault the Golden Core, increasing their success rate by approximately seventy percent. In other words, barring being a complete waste, with this Pill, anyone in the Foundation Establishment Cultivation Realm can Condense the Golden Elixir and step into the Golden Core Great Dao Realm!"


    Ye Feng listened and couldn''t help but be slightly startled, as he had not expected the Pill to possess such powerful benefits. In the current world, the Golden Core Realm was essentially the Peak, and their numbers were extremely scarce, with each Golden Core Realm being almost like Clan Elders of the Great Powers.


    There were tens of thousands of Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment stage, but very few could tread upon the path of the Golden Core Great Dao. Generally, not even one in ten thousand could do so, which showed the immense rarity of this Pill.


    Seeing Ye Feng somewhat stirred, Hong Tianze said with a smile, "With the talent and cultivation of Daoist friend Ye, with the help of this Three-turn Heavenly Origin Pill, you could break through and achieve the Golden Core Realm, henceforth stepping onto the Golden Core Great Dao."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer, "You''ve come here not just to present the Pill Medicine to me, have you?"


    Upon hearing this, Hong Renze immediately scoffed, "You have the nerve to say that! Who do you think you are? Just because you possess some talent and cultivation, you think you can look down on everything? Offering you a Pill, you sure know how to glorify yourself."


    Ye Feng, utterly furious, bellowed, "You''re named Hong Renze, correct? This is my Prince''s Residence, and if you come with sincerity, you are welcome. But if you provoke me again and again, leave my presence at once!"


    "You ..." Hong Renze was boiling with rage and ready to erupt again with another slam of the table.


    Hong Tianze hastened to raise his hand to stop him, lamenting, "Brother, you''ve lived for over two hundred years, yet you still can''t control your temper. Can we at least discuss and clarify matters first?"


    Hong Renze snorted, "I just can''t stand this kid''s attitude. What is he anyways? He''s under thirty, and by addressing him as ''Daoist friend Ye,'' he really thinks he can sit at the same table with us?"


    "Guards, show the guests out!" Ye Feng growled, his anger rising. If it weren''t for the sake of Hong Qingyan, he wouldn''t have bothered wasting words with these three old fools. Each of them came ''with sincerity,'' did they really take him for a fool?


    As talks appeared to break down, Hong Tianze quickly stood up and said, "Daoist friend Ye, do not act hastily; let''s finish our conversation. You must know what it means for us to leave through that door today. I suppose you don''t wish to see that happen, right?"


    Both parties clearly understood that, should the three elders leave today just like that, it would mean that talks had completely fallen apart, rendering their differences irreconcilable, essentially declaring a state of war.


    Ye Feng remained silent, once again thinking of Hong Qingyan, so he held back for the moment.


    Hong Tianze then turned to Hong Renze and said, "Third brother, you''ve always had a volatile temper. Hold your tongue for now, let us finish our conversation."


    Only then did Hong Renze snort and turn his head away. In truth, the presence of three Clan Elders from the ancient Hong Family today already demonstrated their considerable regard for Ye Feng. Even the entire ancient Hong Family had reached a point of slight trepidation.


    After all, Ye Feng was still very young and already possessed such terrifying cultivation. Everyone knew that if he were allowed to continue growing, even the ancient Hong Family would eventually be unable to suppress him. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, the ancient Hong Family did not wish to completely fall out with him.


    Hong Dize forced a smile back onto his face and said, "We are here today with only one purpose, to gift the Three-turn Tianyuan Pill to Daoist Friend Ye. As long as you agree, I assure you, swords can be turned into silk, and the prior matters involving the ancient Hong Family will no longer be pursued."


    Ye Feng responded coldly, "What are your conditions?"


    It must be said that Ye Feng was indeed tempted by the Three-turn Tianyuan Pill. Even if he didn''t need it, he could give it to Hong Qingyan in the future, ensuring her a hundred percent chance to break through and embark on the Golden Core Great Dao.


    Hong Tianze said, "Our conditions are only two. First, you must persuade Qingyan to return to the family. Second, you must sever all ties with her, never to have any further contact."


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed instantly, as his anger almost burst forth.


    Hong Dize couldn''t help but laugh, "This offer is extremely favorable to Daoist Friend Ye. After all, you and our Clan''s Hong Qingyan have merely engaged in a marriage contract and are not truly husband and wife. Even if you were, it would make little difference. For the Northern King, it would simply mean the absence of one woman. I believe with your cultivation and looks, should you wish it, your side would certainly not lack for other women."


    It appeared that both assumed Ye Feng was entirely swayed, as in their view, nothing was more important to a cultivator than the pursuit of ascending the Golden Core Great Dao.


    But they were wrong; they did not understand Ye Feng. For starters, Ye Feng had no need for what they called the Three-turn Tianyuan Pill. With the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he could walk that path when the time came if he so desired.


    More importantly, his relationship with Hong Qingyan was not something that could be equated to a Tianyuan Pill. Ye Feng esteemed her even above his own life; how could he possibly agree to their terms?


    At this moment, Hong Qingyan, hiding behind the scenes in the living room, became extremely nervous upon hearing this. She undoubtedly cared very much and worried about what choice Ye Feng would make. Of course, no matter what choice Ye Feng made, she would agree in the end.


    Even if Ye Feng truly wanted to sever their relationship and asked her to return to the ancient Hong Family, she would agree without hesitation.


    Fortunately, though, Hong Qingyan hadn''t chosen the wrong person!


    Ye Feng suddenly let out a cold chuckle, "Gentlemen, would you like to know what I''m thinking right now?"


    Hong Tianze smiled and said, "Please, Daoist Friend Ye, do tell."


    Ye Feng stared at the three men and said word by word, "There''s only one thought in my mind right now, to snatch the Tianyuan Pill from your hands and then slaughter all of you!"


    Boom...


    It was as if a thunderbolt had struck out of the blue in the great hall. The three Hong Clan Elders instantly unleashed their formidable presence, and Hong Renze smashed the tea table to smithereens with a sweep of his palm.


    "You brat really don''t know what''s good for you!" Hong Renze slowly stood up, joined by the other two Clan Elders, their auras undeniably taut with tension.


    Ye Feng chuckled, "Of course, with my current abilities, I probably can''t contend with the three of you. Otherwise, I would not be wasting words. Now, you finally understand my stance, don''t you?"


    With that, Ye Feng rose to his feet, reiterating word by word, "I will say it one last time, I will not allow anyone to interfere with my personal affairs, remember, absolutely no one. Not just you three, even Heavenly Emperor Laozi can''t do it!"


    "Very well, very well, very well!" Hong Tianze repeated the word ''very well'' three times. Now that the negotiation had collapsed, there was nothing more to be said.


    Hong Dize, however, was grinding his teeth, uttering each word, "Ye, although you possess extraordinary talent, as you said just now, with your current strength, you''re probably no match for the three of us when we join forces. So, I would advise you to recognize the situation."


    Unmoved, Ye Feng responded emphatically, word by word, "I cannot oppose you three together, but one thing is certain, even if you attack me now, you''ll absolutely never kill me. Let me escape, and the ancient Hong Family will truly be unable to bear the consequences!"


    "I will make it clear to you right now. If you make a move today and fail to kill me, I will, in the future, personally go to the ancient Hong Family, and for every one of your younger generation I meet, one will die!"


    The three Clan Elders of the Hong Family were immediately furious, their auras swirling with an intense upsurge, looking as though a massive battle was about to erupt.


    Just then, Hong Qingyan could no longer watch from the sidelines; knowing that if she did not step in today, both sides might genuinely break out into violence. Pushing open the door, she rushed out from inside.

 Chapter 472 - 470: The Weird Little Baby Girl!

    Seeing Hong Qingyan suddenly rush out from the side door, Ye Feng, as well as the three elders of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan, were all taken aback. It was quite meaningful, for now, Qingyan''s cultivation level was on the verge of reaching the Great Perfection Level. Coupled with her special bloodline, as long as she didn''t make a move and hid her aura, not even a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm could sense her presence.


    Of course, this was also because Ye Feng had not released his spiritual power. Otherwise, as long as someone was within the scope of his spiritual power, no one could possibly hide from his senses.


    "Qingyan, why have you come out?" Ye Feng turned his head and asked, while the three elders of the Hong Clan also turned their heads to look at her. The previously tense atmosphere immediately relaxed considerably.


    "Big Brother Ye, please forgive my sudden interruption. But since today''s matters arose because of me, I feel I must step forward. After all, I am no longer the frail woman I once was, and I cannot always let you bear the burden of every incident!" Qingyan said with a slight smile.


    Ye Feng nodded and said no more. He had not intended to let Qingyan know about this matter originally, to save her from feeling awkward in between, because although Qingyan didn''t have much affection for the Hong Family, she was still related by blood and would have her concerns.


    Hong Qingyan then turned to the three Hong Clan elders and said, "May I ask the three elders, now that I have come out, could you please sit down again so that we can have a proper discussion?"


    Hong Renze snorted and did not bother to respond. It was Hong Tianze who nodded slightly and said with a smile, "That sounds excellent. Then let us sit down and talk."


    "Please take a seat, three elders," Qingyan gestured slightly, her attitude was gentle, yet she stood with dignity.


    The three Hong Clan elders then took their seats once again, while Ye Feng also seated himself naturally.


    However, Qingyan stood in the center of the hall. She pondered for a moment before saying, "Since the matter has developed to this stage, even if I am reluctant to acknowledge it, having the bloodline inheritance, the blood connection is there, and despite wishing otherwise, I have no choice but to recognize it."


    Elder Hong Dize immediately asked, "So what you''re saying is that you''re willing to return to the family, is that correct?"


    Qingyan smiled charmingly and shook her head, "The elder has misunderstood. We must clarify a point here: acknowledging that I am a descendant of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan and returning are two different matters. As I said earlier, I acknowledge it because of the bloodline inheritance¡ªit is something I was born with and cannot deny. However, that does not mean I am willing to return."


    Perhaps because of Qingyan''s consistently gentle and friendly attitude, and considering she was a woman and a member of the Hong Family, there was no way for the three elders to have an outburst.


    After giving it some serious thought, Hong Tianze asked, "Then young lady, what exactly are you thinking?"


    Qingyan still smiled gently, glanced at Ye Feng, and said, "Firstly, I want to make one thing clear, whether or not I return to the clan in the future, no one is allowed to interfere or obstruct my relationship with Big Brother Ye. Unless he chooses to abandon me first, I will not leave him under any circumstances. I hope the three elders understand this, or else there is no point in our discussion today."


    Hong Renze couldn''t help but snort coldly and said, "Qingyan, little girl, your words now are way too naive. You have lived in the secular world for years and are not fully aware of the power of the Four Great Ancient Clans. Among our younger generation, there are countless talents, each with a hundred times the talent and appearance of those outside. All it would take is for you to go back and see for yourself."


    Qingyan immediately interrupted with a cold huff, "I have no need to see. If the elder continues with this attitude, please leave. Just like Big Brother Ye, I am resolute in my stance."


    The hot-tempered Hong Renze was about to burst out again, but Hong Tianze quickly gave him a glare to stop him, before expressing with a sigh, "Qingyan, our Ancient Clan has its particularities. If it were any ordinary disciple, it might be a different matter, but you are different. You carry our Hong Family''s Bloodline of the Wings of Light. According to the rules of our Ancient Hong Clan, this bloodline cannot under any circumstances be passed on to outsiders."


    Elder Hong Dize also added with a cold snort, "That''s right. The Wings of Light absolutely cannot be disclosed. Otherwise, one shall be seen as a traitor to the clan, and must be executed by our kin!"


    Qingyan did not speak, she hadn''t anticipated this, and stood there, stunned for a moment.


    Seeing this, Hong Tianze asked, "Young lady Qingyan, speak your thoughts. What conditions are needed for you to return to the family? Honestly speaking, if it were not for the Bloodline of the Wings of Light within you, the three of us elders would not have come here today, and the clan would not have taken such interest."


    Ye Feng laughed coldly when he heard this. "Are you saying that if Qingyan were just an ordinary member of your clan with mediocre talents, you wouldn''t care less about her wellbeing?"


    Hong Renze immediately retorted coldly, "Indeed, with thousands of members in our clan, if every single one were to alarm the elders, when would we have time to cultivate?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, thinking to himself that this is what the so-called Four Great Ancient Clans are like. In reality, what they valued was not Qingyan herself, but the bloodline inheritance within her.


    Qingyan, of course, understood this as well, so she felt a tint of desolation in her heart. After taking a deep breath, she said, "When Elder Hong Yaoyao came before, I already stated my position. For me to consider returning, I must first clarify who my biological parents are, and in addition, I need to understand why they abandoned me at the time."


    At this Qingyan let out a bitter laugh and added, "Since they had the heart to abandon me then, I can''t just return now without an explanation, can I?"


    Hong Tianze nodded and with a long sigh said, "Indeed, we have been too hasty and did not consider your feelings, nor did we think from your perspective. But since you mentioned your biological parents, I should explain that our Ancient Hong Clan has a history of more than two thousand years. During this time, there have been several accidents, and many clan members became scattered. Therefore, we cannot immediately identify the specifics of your origin."


    Hong Qingyan gave a wry smile, "Then keep investigating!"


    Unable to restrain himself again, Hong Renze clenched his teeth and barked, "What kind of attitude is that? What do you mean, keep investigating? Do you think you can avoid returning to the family indefinitely if we can''t find anything? Let me tell you, Hong Qingyan, the only reason we tolerate this is because we''re in the Outer Sect and you haven''t been trained in the family''s rules and etiquette. Otherwise, with your attitude, you''d be severely punished without mercy!"


    Ye Feng stood up abruptly, walked beside Hong Qingyan, and fixed his gaze on Hong Renze as he enunciated each word, "Let me give you some advice. She''s my woman. Mind your language. If you dare to shout like this again, don''t blame me for being rude."


    "You really have a big mouth, kid. To be honest, I''ve been tolerating you for a long time. Since it''s like this, then make your move. Today, I must teach you a lesson in manners!" Hong Renze roared in anger.


    "Enough!" Hong Qingyan suddenly shouted coldly, "I have already made myself very clear. I will not return to the clan, at least not now. Elders, please leave. Someone, see the guests out!"


    "You little brat, you..." Hong Renze was so infuriated he was practically exploding.


    However, Hong Tianze stopped him and said, "Since it''s like this, we will take our leave for now. But this matter must be resolved. We shall visit again. Of course, our patience is limited."


    Having said this, Hong Tianze quickly pulled Hong Renze and turned to leave.


    "Big Brother, don''t stop me. Today, I must properly teach these two a lesson for their ignorance of their station!" Hong Renze gritted his teeth and said.


    "Enough, regardless of anything else, she is a Direct Lineage descendant of our Hong Family. If you want to make a move, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Why the rush?" Having said this, the three of them had already walked out of the hall to the exterior courtyard and then soared into the sky, disappearing in the blink of an eye.


    It was quite a while after the three had left that Hong Qingyan finally turned her head to look at Ye Feng and asked, "Big Brother Ye, did I do anything wrong in this matter?"


    Ye Feng responded irritably, ruffling her hair, "Why would you think that? You did the right thing today, neither servile nor overbearing, while also clearly expressing your own stance."


    Hong Qingyan nodded slightly and sighed, "Both emotionally and rationally, the blood of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan flows through my veins. In fact, I too would like to go back and see if I can recover some memories. It''s just that those three people just now were a bit too domineering. They not only want me to return but also insist on cutting off our relationship so we never interact again. That''s downright unreasonable."


    Ye Feng simply smiled and said nothing more, but he understood that the Ancient Hong Clan acted this way entirely because he was an outsider, and there had been a previous conflict between them. Naturally, the Ancient Hong Clan would not want them to be together, to avoid the possibility of the Bloodline of the Wings of Light being passed on to outsiders.


    Of course, Ye Feng did not say these things out loud. He could tell that Hong Qingyan wasn''t in a great mood, so he changed the subject, "Spring has already arrived, and the peach blossoms in many places have bloomed. How about we go out for a walk to relax?"


    "That sounds good!" Hong Qingyan nodded slightly but just as the two were about to walk into the courtyard, Long Nannan, the lively and mischievous little girl, popped up from somewhere.


    "Wow, Little Martial Uncle, you two are going out to enjoy the spring without me? That''s really unkind. How could you not include me in such fun?" Long Nannan put on an aggrieved look, then added, "Although Northern Cloud Residence is quite big, traversing back and forth has grown tiresome. Won''t you take me with you, Little Martial Uncle?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling a bit helpless and shook his head, "Whether we take you is not for me to decide. You should ask your Little Martial Aunt."


    Long Nannan immediately bounced over and grabbed Hong Qingyan''s wrist, pleading, "Little Martial Aunt, you''re so kind and beautiful, you won''t really be so cruel as to leave me here all alone, will you?"


    "Alright, alright, since that''s the case, let''s all go together." Hong Qingyan smiled. With the chattering little girl beside her, like a lively magpie, her mood suddenly improved a great deal.


    However, Ye Feng suddenly thought of the little baby girl they had adopted from Fallen Dragon Valley and suggested going to see her.


    Ever since discovering that the baby girl''s background was unusual, Ye Feng dared not keep her at Northern Cloud Residence. After all, even his Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll couldn''t suppress his own luck from being continuously absorbed by the baby girl, which was a rather terrifying matter. So from then on, Ye Feng found a small residence on the outskirts of the Inner Capital and instructed a few people to take good care of her.


    When they arrived at the small residence on the outskirts of the Inner Capital at dusk, the house wasn''t big, but it was very delicate and quiet. Ye Feng was surprised to see that the baby girl was growing up well, with a round and rosy face, unaffected by being brought here.


    "It seems she doesn''t need to absorb my luck to survive," Ye Feng mused quietly to himself. But as he approached, his luck began to leak out slowly, even with the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll unable to suppress it.


    "By the way, why are there only you two aunts in the courtyard? What about the four guards that were arranged?" Hong Qingyan asked.


    "Oh, they''re ill, and quite seriously so. They haven''t been here for a while now," replied the aunt holding the baby girl.


    "Ill? All four of them are ill?" Hong Qingyan asked, and upon hearing her words, Ye Feng''s brow creased slightly; he felt there was something peculiar about this situation.

 Chapter 473 - 471: Who is Behind the Scenes?

    Ye Feng couldn''t help but be puzzled. The four guards in the courtyard were personally arranged by him, and all of them were at the Martial King Level of cultivation. Although their Realm strength might not be very strong, it was still considerable. After all, even within the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, the Martial King Realm was sufficient to be in charge of affairs.


    At that time, Hong Qingyan didn''t quite understand. She insisted that it was just a little infant girl. If no one else knew about her, even if she needed protection, it surely was not necessary to send two Martial Kings. That seemed to her an overreaction.


    However, Ye Feng thought that the origins of the little infant girl were quite mysterious, or perhaps there were hidden forces behind her. He was concerned that one day these forces would come knocking, so he prudently arranged for four Martial Kings to protect her.


    Under normal circumstances, once one had reached the Martial King Level of cultivation, it was hardly possible to get sick. And even if they did, it was absolutely inconceivable for four of them to get sick at the same time. There was definitely something odd going on, but Ye Feng didn''t want to show any signs of concern in front of everyone, so as not to frighten the two ordinary people.


    Without raising any suspicion, he looked over the little infant girl, who seemed to be developing well. There was nothing out of the ordinary on the surface, and even with Ye Feng using his spiritual power to continuously probe, he still didn''t find anything suspicious. Of course, this was also because Ye Feng dared not use his spiritual power to directly invade the Sea of Consciousness of the little infant girl, otherwise he might have discovered something.


    After all, the child was still an infant girl. If he was not careful, the invasion of spiritual power could very likely turn her into an idiot on the spot.


    Long Nannan quite liked the little infant girl, and so did Hong Qingyan. Both were competing to hold her. Watching this scene, Ye Feng considered the possibility that the little infant girl was purely absorbing his Luck, and not that of others?


    Unfortunately, even though he had the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he could only discern his own condition and not detect anyone else''s luck!


    Taking advantage of the two women''s attention being on the infant, Ye Feng slowly walked through the living room and bedroom to have a closer look and found nothing unusual. Anyone unaware of the situation would definitely think this was just a very ordinary farmhouse, with the only difference being that it was slightly more elaborately decorated.


    Ye Feng didn''t want to stay there long because being in close proximity to the little infant girl for any extended period made him feel uncomfortable all over. He even felt a slight agitation stirring within him. So seeing that Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan were almost done playing, he quickly suggested they leave.


    "Remember to take good care of her, okay? Later, I''ll send a few more people over," Ye Feng instructed at the doorway.


    The two were just ordinary aunts without any cultivation, and they nodded repeatedly, considering Ye Feng, the well-off man, had given them substantial compensation.


    As soon as he got into the car, Ye Feng ordered, "Xiao Chuanqi, you go and take those four sick guards to the Divine Doctor Sect."


    "As you command, Master!" Xiao Chuanqi immediately got down from the passenger seat and left in another vehicle.


    The attentive Hong Qingyan seemed to have noticed something and couldn''t help but ask, "Big Brother Ye, have you discovered something?"


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "Nothing much, just that it seems queer for four people to fall ill at the same time. So I want to check it out. Don''t overthink it. There''s nothing wrong."


    Hong Qingyan didn''t ask any further, but the perceptive her clearly sensed something was amiss, just like the last time Ye Feng suddenly suggested taking the little infant girl out of the Northern Cloud Residence. But she too refrained from asking more questions. As long as it was Ye Feng''s decision, she would support it without hesitation.


    The carefree Long Nannan didn''t care about any of that and clapped her hands cheerfully, "Great, then let''s go to the Divine Doctor Sect. It''s been a while since I''ve visited Miss Yu Feiyu. I almost forgot about her. I was actually thinking of learning medicine from her."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng just shook his head and chuckled inwardly, thinking that it would be a wonder if this mischievous girl seriously learned medicine. When it came to anything new, Long Nannan''s enthusiasm was always high, and she would easily take a liking to it, but that enthusiasm usually faded after a couple of days.


    Presumably, Yu Feiyu of the Divine Doctor Sect had noticed this too and eventually settled for giving a perfunctory lesson, rather than truly intending to teach this carefree girl who knew only how to enjoy herself.


    After half an hour, they arrived at the Divine Doctor Sect. Xiao Chuanqi and others had also arrived, and Ye Feng gestured, "Qingyan, you two go to the backyard and look for Yu Feiyu to play, I still have some things to deal with."


    Hong Qingyan nodded slightly, and then the two women turned around and walked into the Inner Courtyard. As for the managing elders of the Divine Doctor Sect, they had long recognized Ye Feng, knowing he was not only the Northern King and the head of the Imperial Martial Academy but also their Valley of the Medicine God''s future son-in-law, so their attitudes were quite favorable.


    "Bring them in!" ordered Xiao Chuanqi with a wave of his hand, and immediately eight people carried in four sickly middle-aged men.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but be startled. He had thought these four were merely ill, but he had never imagined this situation. These four individuals didn''t look right at all, and at this moment, three of the elders from the Divine Doctor Sect also noticed the anomaly and gathered around, though they said nothing.

 Chapter 474 - 471: Who is Behind the Scenes?_2

    The four individuals lying on the stretchers appeared incredibly frail, their faces were pale, and their bodies shook uncontrollably; each person''s eye sockets were deeply sunken.


    "Your Majesty, what kind of sickness have these four contracted? How did they end up like this, and moreover, all four have the same condition!" Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but ask.


    Ye Feng remained silent, suddenly reached out to take their pulses, and after checking all four, he finally let out a long sigh, "They are not sick."


    "If it''s not sickness, then what is it? They don''t seem to be injured!" asked the three elders of the Divine Doctor Sect, their medical skills naturally couldn''t compare with Ye Feng''s, let alone knowing the causes and consequences.


    "They have lost too much of their innate essence, or to put it another way, their Essence, Qi, and Spirit have depleted severely," Ye Feng said in a grave voice. By now, he understood everything¡ªit was all the doing of that little baby girl. However, there was one thing Ye Feng couldn''t grasp: during that time, two maids were also in the courtyard, so why were those two unharmed?


    "Could it be that the little baby girl only absorbs the Source of Luck from those with cultivated abilities?" Ye Feng pondered silently to himself.


    The three elders from the Divine Doctor Sect said, "So it is a severe loss of innate essence that caused this. No wonder they look like this. Such a condition is not easy to treat, beyond the help of common medicine or stones, and even if they recover, their Martial Arts might not return to their peak."


    Ye Feng did not respond to the three elders. As for how to treat these four individuals, that could be discussed later. At the moment, he must ascertain the specific condition of that little baby girl, otherwise, the threat of keeping her close was too great.


    Based on the information he had at hand, this little baby girl was too terrifying, or rather, the person behind the scenes who arranged this was too terrifying. Ye Feng had never heard or seen such methods. The people from the Nine Great Sects of the Ancient Clans absolutely could not execute it, and even within the Four Great Ancient Clans, only those with profound cultivation could possibly do so.


    "Could it be someone from the Four Great Ancient Clans?" Ye Feng thought, but he quickly shook his head. When he had brought the little girl back from the Fallen Dragon Valley, the people from the Four Great Ancient Clans had not yet made an appearance, and Ye Feng had also not had any conflicts with them, so it was not likely.


    "From this, it seems that within the kingdom, only Mu Tian, that mysterious individual, could possess such methods. Of course, foreign powers could not be ruled out," Ye Feng mused to himself.


    Xiao Chuanqi, seeing Ye Feng deep in thought and seemingly distracted, stepped forward and quietly asked, "Your Majesty, how should we arrange for these four?"


    These four individuals were trusted aides secretly trained by Ye Feng. Although they were not of a high Martial King Level, they were extremely loyal; naturally, Ye Feng would not fail to save them.


    "First, settle them in the Divine Doctor Sect. And find a more secluded place¡ªI have questions for them," Ye Feng instructed.


    "As you command, Your Majesty!" Xiao Chuanqi said, and immediately took action. They were quickly settled, and although the three Divine Doctor Sect elders were curious, seeing that their Sect Leader did not wish to elaborate, they naturally did not ask further and dispersed.


    At this moment, these four guards were all lying in beds, but they were incredibly weak and couldn''t even get up to pay their respects to Ye Feng.


    "The four of you, why wasn''t such an incident reported?" Ye Feng asked sternly.


    One of them managed to speak with difficulty, "We admit our mistake, please punish us, Your Majesty."


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "You have not erred. What angers me is that you fell ill and did not inform me earlier, allowing it to reach this state. Don''t you realize that if it were delayed another ten days or half a month, you could very well have lost your lives!"


    All four were at a loss for words, and of course, they still didn''t know why they had become ill out of the blue, only feeling that there must be something strange about it.


    Ye Feng said, "Rest assured, now that I have discovered it, I will not sit idly by. I will surely be able to save you."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!" The four spoke in succession.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Tell me specifically, during your time guarding that courtyard, did you notice anything unusual?"


    The guard replied, "Not at all, since receiving Your Majesty''s orders, we have been diligently guarding inside the courtyard, and haven''t even stepped half a foot outside in the past six months. Moreover, we four are split into two teams to take turns guarding, and we spend the rest of our time practicing martial arts."


    "So you didn''t notice anything unusual?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow.


    "Yes, Your Majesty, we find it strange, too, how we could suddenly fall ill given that we are all Martial Kings. Initially, we only felt a little tired and didn''t take it seriously, but then the condition progressively worsened, until we were completely drained of strength. By that time, it was already too late to realize, so we simply asked for leave to go home and regulate our breathing, only to find that it had no effect," said the guard.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly. "Rest well here for now, and I will heal you shortly. With me here, your lives are not in danger." With that, Ye Feng turned and left the bedroom, then went to his study and fell into deep thought.


    Considering the situation, it was undoubtedly an issue with that infant girl, but he couldn''t understand how exactly the little girl was managing to continuously devour and absorb the essence of these men''s luck.


    "That''s right, back at Northern Cloud Residence, the servants caring for the little girl were mostly ordinary people, and even Hong Qingyan hadn''t begun cultivating yet; she was just an ordinary person. Therefore, there was no effect on those maidservants," Ye Feng thought to himself.


    As for Ye Feng and the others, although they did occasionally visit the backyard, they did not stay long, so even if there was an effect, it wouldn''t be severe.


    "Furthermore, there''s another point, which is that as the little girl continues to grow, the strength with which she devours and absorbs the source of luck seems to be intensifying!" Ye Feng''s heart chilled at the thought.


    "Who could have employed such a ruthless and insidious tactic?" Ye Feng''s expression gradually darkened. Suddenly, a bold idea sprang to his mind, which was to use his Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to see if he could find the strangeness in the little girl''s body.


    But upon further consideration, he dismissed the idea, because he wasn''t completely sure, and such action could likely endanger the little girl''s life.


    "It seems there''s no good solution at the moment. However, I mustn''t assign anyone with cultivation level there anymore. At most, I can only arrange for surveillance and alert around the area. I would like to see who exactly is behind this!" Ye Feng clenched his teeth in determination.


    Then he returned to the guards and began to heal them. Although they were only regular guards, they had fallen into this state due to obeying his orders, so naturally, he couldn''t leave them to die. However, the healing process was somewhat troublesome. He needed to utilize the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, bit by bit transferring the luck essence from the scroll to them.


    It took a full four hours to finish.


    "Okay, I will heal you again tomorrow, and afterward, I''ll have the Divine Doctor Sect prepare some Strengthening Foundation and Cultivating Vitality medicines. With these, you can begin to slowly recover," Ye Feng exhaled lightly, his face now covered in sweat¡ªclearly from fatigue.

 Chapter 475 - 472: Three Women in One Street

    As Ye Feng emerged from the backyard intending to find Hong Qingyan and the other two ladies, he was informed that they had gone shopping. He simply smiled at this and decided to take a tour around the Divine Doctor Sect.


    Nowadays, the Divine Doctor Sect''s reputation was incredibly prominent in the entire imperial city, not just because of the celebrity status of Ye Feng, but also due to their superb medical skills. After all, to forge iron, one must be strong themselves. Almost every official and noble would come to the Divine Doctor Sect for treatment of their minor ailments.


    However, the Divine Doctor Sect had an odd phenomenon¡ªthe medical fees for those officials and nobles were often exorbitantly high, but for the ordinary folks, it was very cheap, sometimes only costing one or two pieces of money.


    Moreover, on the first and the fifteenth of each month, the Divine Doctor Sect wouldn''t receive these officials and nobles. Instead, they opened their doors wide to provide free treatment for the impoverished people, with a cap of fifty ordinary patients each of these days.


    At first, these officials and nobles of the imperial city were very dissatisfied, claiming it was unfair, extremely unfair. Some even from powerful aristocratic clans came to argue about it. But when they learned that Ye Feng was the man behind the Divine Doctor Sect and that this policy had been personally established by him, they wilted like frosted eggplants and dared not let out a peep.


    After touring the vast Divine Doctor Sect, it was already midnight, and Hong Qingyan, Long Nannan, and Yu Feiyu had not yet returned. He couldn''t help but give a wry smile, thinking that there''s truth to the saying, "three women make a market." Now that the three of them were together, they probably unleashed their feminine nature and went on a relentless shopping spree at luxury malls.


    Ye Feng certainly wouldn''t say anything; in fact, he was quite understanding. Hong Qingyan had always been more reserved and even seemed depressed due to her ordinary background and low cultivation level. Now, as her cultivation level had improved, her confidence had grown, and she could treat Long Nannan and Yu Feiyu as equals, which was definitely a good thing.


    It wasn''t until twelve o''clock that the three women returned to the Divine Doctor Sect, still not having had their fill of shopping. As Ye Feng had guessed, each woman carried big and small bags in their hands, all looking extremely happy.


    "Little Martial Uncle, do you know what we just did?" Long Nannan called out as soon as she entered.


    Ye Feng thought to himself, could he not know? It was probably the same few interests, and each of them was carrying quite a number of things, after all.


    Seeing that Ye Feng didn''t engage with her, Long Nannan suddenly deflated, like a balloon losing air, and complained, "No fun, not fun at all. Little Martial Uncle, you really don''t know how to play along with others."


    Hong Qingyan stepped forward, smiling and saying, "While shopping, I picked out a few robes. I wasn''t sure which style you''d like, so I bought two of each, traditional and modern."


    Ye Feng smiled and replied, "As long as you bought them, I''ll like them."


    "Nah, nah, nah, here you go again, so cheesy. I''m so full just watching you two," Long Nannan pretended to gag.


    Yu Feiyu, standing to the side also carrying big and small bags, had intended to come forward as well because she had also bought something for Ye Feng. But seeing that Hong Qingyan had already spoken, she felt rooted to the spot and even felt a sense of loss at that moment.


    She suddenly wanted to cry, but she knew she must not cry then. She had to be strong, especially in front of Big Brother Ye, she must not show it. Otherwise, meeting each other in the future might become very awkward, and it was even possible that there would be no more chances to meet.


    So, Yu Feiyu immediately suggested with a smile, "It''s already quite late. Why don''t you girls stay at the Divine Doctor Sect tonight?"


    "Oh yes, oh yes, tonight, the three of us sisters will sleep together. We''ll leave Little Martial Uncle out. Fun, this is going to be so much fun!"


    At this, Long Nannan suddenly turned her head and glared at Ye Feng, "But remember Little Martial Uncle, you can''t come looking for us tonight. It''s dark and easy to get confused. You wouldn''t want to accidentally embrace the wrong person and wake up with a big mess."


    "..." Ye Feng was speechless. He couldn''t respond to that, so he just shook his head, pretending he hadn''t heard.


    Hong Qingyan then said, "I''ll do as Big Brother Ye says."


    After thinking for a moment, Ye Feng said, "No, I still have things to take care of at Northern Cloud Residence. Let''s go back. Feiyu, if you want to be with them, you might as well go back to Northern Cloud Residence too. It''s more lively when everyone is together."


    Yu Feiyu didn''t expect Ye Feng to make such a proposal, and she was momentarily stunned.


    The carefree Long Nannan certainly couldn''t perceive the subtext. She immediately walked over and said, "Come on, Sister Feiyu, let''s go to Northern Cloud Residence together. You don''t know, but Little Martial Uncle''s bed is so big and soft, really comfortable to sleep in."


    This comment really made Yu Feiyu simultaneously laugh and cringe, while also somewhat embarrassed. Nevertheless, Long Nannan''s words did cheer her up quite a bit, and she nodded in agreement, "Since that''s the case, I''ll go with you. It''s good timing too, there''s nothing much happening at the Divine Doctor Sect now."


    Long Nannan was immediately overjoyed, clapping her hands and saying, "Great, Sausage Sister is also at Northern Cloud Residence. When we go back, the four of us can make up a table. Oh, by the way, Sister Qingyan, Sister Feiyu, do you play mahjong?"


    "Not usually, but I can play," both Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu said in unison.


    "That''s fantastic, I don''t know how, but can you teach me? I''ve heard mahjong is really fun. Let''s bet treasures, one treasure per round, I want to win all the treasures off you!" Long Nannan became incredibly excited.


    Ye Feng could only keep shaking his head upon hearing this, thinking that he might not have any role to play tonight. "Three women make a market," they say, and indeed, there wasn''t a speck of untruth to that. Soon after, they all left the living room together and immediately headed back to Northern Cloud Residence once seated in the car.


    As for the injuries of the four guards, they were not serious, and their Source Qi had now stabilized. Tomorrow, Ye Feng would only need to infuse some more Source of Luck and then provide them with a prescription for them to secure and gradually recover their health. Whether they could return to their peak condition was ultimately up to them.


    The night had grown deep, and with springtime in the air, the streets were filled with floral scents. Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan were sitting in the back of the car, Xiao Chuanqi driving in front. Ye Feng had planned to lean back and rest for a bit, but suddenly felt a twinge between his brows, detecting an unusual odor.


    This scent was different from the fragrance of flowers along the street, and despite having driven past two streets already, it did not dissipate.


    "Hmm?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, and the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness began to spin rapidly, spreading his spiritual power out like a tide.


    However, to his surprise, he found no abnormalities within a hundred miles.


    "How could it be that my spiritual power detects nothing? Could I be mistaken?" Ye Feng thought inwardly. His intuition was telling him someone was following them surreptitiously, yet he couldn''t even sense them with his spiritual power. This implied either he was mistaken or the person in hiding was terrifyingly skilled¡ªso much so that even Ye Feng might not be able to contend with them. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, he would not act recklessly.


    Hong Qingyan, sensing something amiss, asked, "What''s wrong, Big Brother Ye? Is something off?"


    "No, I just suddenly noticed the street flowers smell quite peculiar," Ye Feng said with a slight smile, not sharing his concerns with Hong Qingyan to avoid worrying her.


    If indeed someone with the power to evade his spiritual power was following them, then that person''s cultivation level was likely unspeakably terrifying, possibly even beyond Ye Feng''s capacity to confront. Hence, until it was absolutely necessary, he chose not to make a move.


    When the car rounded two more streets and finally returned to Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng stepped out of the car. Again, that strange scent reached him, and once more he spread his spiritual power to check the surroundings, but still, he discovered nothing.


    "Let''s go, Sister Qingyan, let''s head to the backyard!" Long Nannan grabbed Hong Qingyan''s arm as soon as she exited the car, clamoring to immediately go to the backyard.


    But by that time, Hong Qingyan had noticed something odd about Ye Feng''s demeanor and, naturally worried, suggested, "You go ahead and get ready, and have a bath. I have something to deal with here, I''ll join you as soon as I''m done."


    "Alright then, Sister Feiyu, we''ll go to the backyard first!" Long Nannan, who was always carefree, naturally failed to notice anything unusual.


    At the moment Ye Feng withdrew his spiritual power, in the courtyard next to Northern Cloud Residence, beneath the eaves of a corner house, a man in a black night suit with a tall figure secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself with a chuckle, "This kid is really something, to detect an anomaly just like that. Lucky I have a Magic Treasure to conceal my form, or I would''ve been discovered."


    "To go in or not, to tell her everything or not?" The man in black seemed to wrestle with his uncertainty, then suddenly thought, "Twenty-four years, a whole twenty-four years. I thought it would be impossible to find her. Since The Heavens arranged for us to meet again, let''s see each other. Otherwise, we''ll both live with regret."


    With that, the man''s figure vanished into the nighttime shadows of the corner wall without warning.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had calmly arrived at his study, taking a seat at his desk. He thought that if someone was truly following him, they would probably want to see him, so he decided to wait in the study, believing that the person would soon reveal themselves.


    "As expected, here they come!" Ye Feng felt a stirring in his heart as he gathered his stance.


    But in the next moment, Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened because he realized the newly appeared figure wasn''t moving towards his study but instead somersaulted in the air and headed directly toward the left courtyard, where Hong Qingyan was¡ªand she was alone.


    "Not good!" Without a second thought, Ye Feng soared through the air, flying toward the left.


    Meanwhile, Hong Qingyan was placing her bags down and had just poured herself a cup of water at the table. But no sooner had she finished drinking than a figure suddenly materialized before her.


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback, ready to cry out and defend herself.


    The man in black commanded in a stern voice, "Please stay calm, I mean no harm. My surname is Hong, and I am here to reveal the secrets of your heritage to you."


    At these words, Hong Qingyan immediately stifled her cry and simultaneously reined in her momentum.


    Just then, Ye Feng, who had reached the outer yard, was about to barge in when he overheard this statement and, like being struck by lightning, he halted, choosing not to advance further.


    "The aura of this person, no, something about him is so similar to Qingyan... Could this person possibly be..." Ye Feng noted with his spiritual power and was taken aback. Now, he finally understood who this person was to Hong Qingyan.

 Chapter 476 - 473: The Revelation of Hong Qingyans Mysterious Past

    Ye Feng stood in the courtyard deep in thought, but ultimately he did not choose to push the door open and enter, after all, it was a matter between father and daughter. The arrival of the man in black so secretively suggested he did not want to be known, and he purposely avoided Ye Feng. So naturally, there was no need for Ye Feng to intrude, to avoid any awkwardness between them.


    However, one thing Ye Feng did figure out was the man''s cultivation level was truly unfathomable, it had even reached the Thoroughly Reach the Sky stage. Even Ye Feng could not say with certainty that he would be able to contend with him, especially since he had never before encountered anyone who could evade his spiritual power tracking.


    Clearly, this middle-aged Mr. Hong was the first one, who completely had the strength!


    And just as Ye Feng was leaving, the man in black inside sensed him too, and couldn''t help nodding slightly, thinking, this young man finally has some discernment.


    Hong Qingyan, however, had already calmed down, watching the person before her intently. The man''s face was covered by black clothing, making his true appearance unclear, so she immediately demanded, "Who exactly are you? You said your surname is Hong, and you know of my origin and background?"


    The man in black did not answer her question directly, but stared intently at Qingyan. Suddenly, he became somewhat excited and repeated, "Like, really too much alike. Both in appearance and manner, you''re too much like her, as if cast from the same mold."


    The more Qingyan felt this person was strange, and seeing his sudden excitement, her heart twitched abruptly, since she had realized something.


    "Since you mean no harm, then please take off your mask," Qingyan said, sitting down slowly. She was afraid she might become too agitated later on to even stand steadily.


    Sure enough, the man in black obediently and slowly took off his mask, revealing a face that was somewhat haggard but still spirited and somewhat handsome¡ªa middle-aged man with a square face. From certain angles, he looked somewhat similar to Qingyan, especially in the eyes, the resemblance between them was there.


    Qingyan was stunned, but she still couldn''t believe it, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on him, as though trying to see something more in this resemblance.


    But the middle-aged man suddenly laughed and said, "Like you, my surname is also Hong. My name is Hong Tianguo, the current Chief of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan!"


    Qingyan didn''t care about that. She only asked, "You said you know of my origin and background? It looks like you also know who my biological parents are?"


    The middle-aged man nodded slightly and then said, "I have trekked a long way from the Ancient Clan, without even drinking a sip of water. Could you pour me a cup of tea?"


    Qingyan had no reason to refuse, especially when she saw the unusual tenderness in his gaze, she had even less reason to say no. She nodded slightly, suppressing the excitement in her heart, and slowly poured a cup of tea.


    At this moment, Hong Tianguo seemed very relieved and relaxed. He strode over, sat down, picked up the cup of tea, and drank it in one gulp. He even gestured to Qingyan to pour another, and she had to pour him another cup of tea.


    Only after he had finished his third cup of tea, did Qingyan couldn''t help but say, "Tell me now, you should be able to speak now, shouldn''t you?"


    Hong Tianguo let out a long sigh and said, "I really should not have come. If you were just an ordinary person, I would never have appeared. I would rather you live an average and safe life for the rest of your days. Sometimes, being ordinary isn''t bad. But unfortunately, you have inherited the Bloodline Inheritance of the Wings of Light, so I could no longer stay away."


    Qingyan did not answer him, but waited quietly for him to continue.


    Hong Tianguo chuckled softly, but instead of continuing, he turned his wrist and suddenly took out a photograph.


    It was an old and yellowed photo, looking quite worn. In it was a woman, a woman of stunning beauty.


    "Take a look at this photo first," Hong Tianguo said, passing the photo over to her.


    Qingyan took the photo, and after just one glance, she was frozen in place. The person in the photo was all too similar to her, almost an exact match, just as Hong Tianguo had said, as if cast from the same mold.


    "By now, you must have guessed who the person in the photo is, right?" Hong Tianguo asked with a faint smile. At this moment, there was not only tenderness in his eyes but also a touch of doting affection.


    Qingyan''s body trembled, and after struggling for a while, she asked, "Is she... my mother?"


    Hong Tianguo nodded and said, "Correct, she is your mother. It''s a picture I took for her when she was about your age. It''s a pity only this one has survived. By the way, she had a beautiful name too, called Wenlan."


    Qingyan didn''t speak. At this moment, she couldn''t say a word, her tears dropping one by one onto the photo. Fortunately, the old yellowed photo had been laminated; otherwise, it might have been ruined.


    Hong Tianguo did not speak, but just quietly watched her.


    After a long while, Qingyan managed to ask, "Where is she now, is she still alive?"


    At this moment, Qingyan was already completely sure who the visitor was, but she could not bring herself to ask directly.


    Hong Tianguo heaved a long sigh and said mournfully, "Her, she passed away 24 years ago, right after you were born."


    "Dead?" Qingyan shook violently.


    "Yes." Hong Tianguo nodded and sighed, "It''s my fault, I failed to protect her at that time, so..."


    Hong Qingyan suddenly mustered up all her courage and asked, "Then, who are you exactly, and what is your relationship with my mother?"


    Her question was undoubtedly about who he was to her, but she really couldn''t bring herself to ask so directly, so she took a more circuitous approach.


    Hong Tianguo certainly understood and, after another long sigh, finally said, "You must have guessed who I am by now. That''s right, I am your father, and you, you are the daughter of the Chief of the Hong Clan of the Ancient Clan!"


    At this moment, Hong Qingyan did not seem too excited; she just continued staring blankly at the photograph. The woman in the photo looked too much like her, as if she had just changed clothes and taken the picture.


    But Hong Tianguo suddenly stood up, walked forward, and with a flurry of hand seals, his aura surged, and rays of white-golden light erupted around him. Soon, he had conjured Wings of Light.


    These Wings of Light looked almost identical to the ones Hong Qingyan had conjured in the Heavenly Movement Mountain Range, only slightly smaller. However, their power was far more terrifying. If he were to release these Wings of Light now, it was likely that they would destroy a large part of the Northern Cloud Residence.


    "Now, you must believe it. This is one of the two great inheritances of our Hong Clan, the Wings of Light inheritance, and it can only be passed on through our bloodline," Hong Tianguo said gravely, and with a flip of his hand, he retracted the Wings of Light.


    Hong Qingyan naturally believed it. Setting aside the photograph and the display of the Wings of Light, just from his eyes alone she had guessed the truth. Moreover, by now, Hong Qingyan felt a special connection of bloodline, something that could never be faked.


    Finally, Hong Qingyan managed to shift her gaze away from the old, yellowed photograph and placed it on the table. She took a deep breath and said, "I need to know everything that happened back then, including my mother''s life story."


    Hong Tianguo nodded slightly and said, "Of course, even if you hadn''t asked, I would tell you everything. I know I failed you and your mother. I didn''t come here today seeking your forgiveness. After those three Clan Elders went back and informed me of the situation, I knew I had to come."


    Hong Qingyan did not pick up on that thread; she was waiting, waiting for him to continue.


    Hong Tianguo sighed softly then added, "Your mother, when she was young, not only resembled you but was also a person with strong talent. Even though she came from a humble background and was not one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, it did not hinder her cultivation."


    "Since she wasn''t from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, how did you come to meet her?" Hong Qingyan asked.


    "It was thirty years ago when I happened to leave the clan to gain experience. At that time, your mother''s family was experiencing a crisis, and I rescued her. We then developed feelings for each other. But as you know, our rules in the Four Great Ancient Clans are strict, and since your mother did not come from an Ancient Clan background, she was certainly not going to be accepted by my family, especially since I was the most prominent of my generation in the clan," Hong Tianguo explained slowly.


    "What happened next?" Hong Qingyan asked.


    "Afterward, after realizing my identity, your mother was determined to prove herself, so she engaged in arduous cultivation. As I mentioned before, your mother had remarkable talent. In just a few years, she made great strides, even surpassing many of the younger generation in the Hong Clan," Hong Tianguo said.


    Hong Qingyan responded with a cold laugh, "But still, your so-called Ancient Hong Clan, in order to not break clan rules, still couldn''t accept her, right?"


    "Yes, but it''s not that simple!" Hong Tianguo laughed bitterly, then continued, "If that was all there was to it, the clan might have accepted her, because her joining us is different from a female clan member marrying out. However, the problem was, when the family saw that I was in love with a commoner outside, they went behind my back and betrothed me to a girl from another Ancient Clan!"


    Hong Qingyan could only laugh coldly upon hearing this. At this point, all she could do was laugh coldly. This was typical of the Four Great Ancient Clans, who always saw themselves as superior, treating common folk of the outside world as no better than insects.


    To Hong Qingyan''s surprise, Hong Tianguo suddenly showed a look of anger, "At that time, I had no clue, so I naturally couldn''t agree to it once I found out. I immediately requested to call off the engagement, after all, your mother was already pregnant with you by then."


    On hearing this, Hong Qingyan shuddered, clearly feeling sorrow for her own mother, as well as increasing anger.


    "And then?" Hong Qingyan sat firmly in her chair, her body visibly trembling.


    "Then..."


    After another long sigh from Hong Tianguo, he continued, "Of course, I couldn''t agree, nor could I abandon your mother. But at that time, I was already the Young Clan Leader, tied to the safety and hopes of the entire clan, so naturally, I couldn''t ignore the clan''s wellbeing."


    At these words, Hong Qingyan gave another cold laugh, clearly disagreeing with her father''s explanation, even finding it somewhat contemptible.


    Hong Tianguo went on, "A compromise was eventually reached. The other Ancient Clan agreed to cancel the betrothal, but demanded a treasure as compensation, and specified that it must be provided by your mother."


    "The Hong Family agreed to this?" Hong Qingyan asked coldly.


    "Of course, after all, at that time, I was the Young Clan Leader and the foremost of my generation in the clan. The clan naturally had to consider my feelings. It''s just that the treasure was not easy to obtain, as it wasn''t available in our world," Hong Tianguo lamented.


    "So, that treasure was in another world, in Outer Space-Time?" Hong Qingyan suddenly asked.

 Chapter 477 - 474: Marrying into the Hong Family, Becoming a Son-in-law?

    Upon hearing Hong Qingyan''s words, Hong Tianguo couldn''t help but be startled and laughed, "I didn''t expect that you would know about Outer Space-Time now, and, of course, with Ye Feng''s current cultivation level, it''s impossible for him not to have encountered this level."


    It was clear that although ordinary people were still completely ignorant of Outer Space-Time, it had long been an open secret to a select few at the top, and it seemed that this Alien Territory was known to the people even before this.


    Of course, what Qingyan didn''t know was that more than two thousand years ago, the people of Xuanyuan Nation were already aware of Outer Space-Time, and at that time, a great ancient war had taken place. Fortunately, Xuanyuan Nation emerged victorious in the end, otherwise, the subsequent two thousand years of history in Xuanyuan might have been rewritten.


    Although the world of Xuanyuan Nation had won at the time, it had also paid a tremendous price, and afterwards, the One Eternal Emperor from over two thousand years ago ordered the construction of the Great Wall of Heaven, and by assimilating the expertise of a hundred schools of thought and integrating numerous formations, they managed to keep the monsters from Outer Space-Time at bay. It was because of this that Xuanyuan Nation and this world were able to continue in peace for over two thousand years.


    Of course, Hong Tianguo wouldn''t tell Qingyan these secret affairs, at least not now, since the atmosphere wasn''t right.


    Qingyan asked, "And what happened afterwards? My mother must have agreed, and eventually went to that mysterious Outer Space-Time to search for treasures, right?"


    Hong Tianguo nodded, but a sorrowful expression had already surfaced on his face as he said, "Of course she went. After all, there was no other choice. But at that time, I couldn''t possibly let her go alone; we went in together."


    Upon hearing this, Qingyan felt somewhat comforted, at least the man before her wasn''t heartless. So she asked, "Did something happen later on?"


    Hong Tianguo nodded again, showing a pained expression as he said, "In Outer Space-Time, which was boundless without end, even we didn''t know its vastness, but it was definitely countless times larger than our world now, and the monsters inside were exceptionally powerful. Back then, your mother and I were almost the strongest among the younger generation of our time, but it was still incredibly dangerous."


    "At last, we finally found that medicinal herb, but it also attracted monsters. We were chased all the way to the space-time doorway. Your mother, in order to protect me, was seriously injured by the monsters on the spot!"


    Qingyan''s expression changed as she asked, "Did you both manage to escape later?"


    Hong Tianguo sighed, "We did escape, but your mother was gravely injured, and she was also pregnant with you at the time. What was even more desperate was that right after we emerged from the space-time portal, we were ambushed, presumably because word had leaked out and the other party had come to seize the medicinal herb."


    Qingyan clenched her teeth; she could certainly imagine the danger of the situation then, with her mother not only pregnant but also seriously wounded - a double blow.


    "Afterwards, we fled all the way and after more than three months reached the mortal city of Jiangdu, but that group of mysterious black-clothed assassins still pursued us closely. On the day your mother was about to give birth, they found us. You know, a woman is at her weakest after giving birth!"


    As Hong Tianguo spoke, he couldn''t help but emit a murderous aura, gritting his teeth and enunciating each word, "Those assassins were too powerful. In order to save the two of us, your mother exhausted all her mental strength to hold them off. At that time, in order to save you, I chose to take you and fight our way out first, then place you in a safe location before going back, but... but it was already too late, your mother, she..."


    Qingyan could no longer bring herself to speak; her eyes were already a blur of tears.


    However, Hong Tianguo had already opened the floodgates of memory and continued, "Afterwards, in a fury, although I killed all those assassins, when I returned, I could no longer find you. Moreover, fearing more powerful assassins would continue to come to seize the medicinal herb, I had no choice but to return to the family."


    "In those years, I sent people out to search for you many times, but back then there was no time to leave any marks, nor to set up any secret techniques, so it was like searching for a needle in a haystack."


    At this point, Hong Tianguo sighed deeply, looked up at Qingyan, and asked, "This is the whole story of what happened back then. I admit I have failed you and your mother. I couldn''t protect her at that time, and even lost you. I have been filled with regret all these years."


    "I don''t blame you, and I think mother wouldn''t either; otherwise, she wouldn''t have chosen to sacrifice her life to save you back then. She must not have blamed you, after all, the situation had exceeded your capacity at that time, and it was something no one could have helped."


    After listening, Qingyan suddenly calmed down, appearing outwardly gentle and frail, yet she was tough on the inside, a woman of great strength.


    "You are a kind-hearted child. In this way, you are exactly like her, truly identical," Hong Tianguo remarked. As he finished speaking, he flipped over his wrist, and a rectangular brocade box appeared in his palm, a very ancient and exquisite brocade box.


    "Inside this brocade box is something your mother fought to preserve at the cost of her life. Even when later returning to the clan, the elders wanted me to hand it over, but I felt it belonged to your mother, and it was the only thing she could leave behind. So I think, it should belong to you!"


    As Hong Tianguo spoke, he reached out and passed the brocade box over,


    Qingyan''s hands trembled as she took the brocade box but did not open it immediately, as if she wanted to find something about her mother through it, even just a hint of lingering scent, but she couldn''t, because she had no recollection of her mother at all.


    "The medicinal herb inside the brocade box is called Awakening Herb, an extremely precious item that simply doesn''t exist in this world. According to the legends of the Four Great Ancient Clans, as long as one consumes this herb, a cultivator will be able to awaken and successfully open their Primordial Spirit. Although ''Primordial Spirit'' might not be quite accurate, if we go by the terminology from Alien Space-Time, it should be called opening one''s spiritual power."


    Hong Tianguo spoke slowly and then added, "When your mother was in peril, she insisted that I take it no matter what, but in the end, I chose not to. Now, I give it to you, as a form of closure. Of course, with your current cultivation realm, you can definitely take it. Once you awaken your spiritual power, you will ascend to a completely different level of existence."


    However, Hong Qingyan did not open the brocade box; she simply held it in her hands, staring at it foolishly.


    All of a sudden, Hong Tianguo slowly stood up and then said, "In truth, according to reason, since I was the one who lost you, I have failed you. If you were an ordinary person, I wouldn''t ask you to return to the family. But now, you have inherited the Bloodline of the Wings of Light of our family, and you might even be the only inheritor of it, so..."


    Hong Qingyan immediately came back to her senses and said, "So after all this, you still hope that I will return to the Ancient Hong Clan?"


    Hong Tianguo nodded slightly and sighed, "Yes, I am, after all, the Clan Elder, and everything I do has to be in the family''s best interest. For the sake of our family''s future inheritance, you should come back with me. After all, your body still carries the family''s bloodline."


    Hong Qingyan abruptly stood up and shouted, "What if I abandon this bloodline? Does that mean I don''t have to go back?"


    This sudden roar stunned Hong Tianguo, and it took him a while to respond, "I know you''re upset right now, and you have no sentiment towards the Ancient Hong Clan, even harboring some prejudice against the family due to Ye Feng''s situation. But no matter what, as a father, I still hope you can return."


    At this point, Hong Tianguo''s tone changed as he continued, "As long as you agree to return to the family, the Hong Family will not pursue anything Ye Feng has done to the family in the past, nor will it interfere with or obstruct your interactions with him."


    "Is that true?" Hong Qingyan''s eyes lit up as she heard this, seemingly seeing hope.


    "Of course, it''s true, but there is one condition," said Hong Tianguo with a slight smile.


    "What condition?" Hong Qingyan immediately asked.


    "The condition is that Ye Feng must marry into our Ancient Hong Clan. If you and he have children after you''re married, regardless of whether they are boys or girls, they must carry the Hong surname and be recognized as descendants of our Hong Family," he explained.


    At this, Hong Tianguo smiled faintly and continued, "After all, you have the inheritance of the Wings of Light in your blood. There is a high probability that your future children will carry this bloodline and, according to clan rules, we cannot allow this inheritance to be passed outside."


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but laugh, shaking her head, "Big Brother Ye will never agree to this condition."


    Hong Tianguo sighed, "I figure he won''t agree so easily either. If he were an ordinary person, it would be one thing, but with his young age and such a high level of cultivation, it''s highly unlikely he would marry into the family. This is the biggest concession the Hong Family can make, so I hope you will discuss with him properly. If possible, persuade him, because I can see that you mean a lot to him."


    Hong Qingyan remained noncommittal.


    Hong Tianguo then said, "Well, I have said all I needed to say and have given you what I should. It''s time for me to leave. I will await your recovery. The family''s doors are always open for you, and if Ye Feng agrees to marry into the family, you can bring him back with you."


    With that, Hong Tianguo took his leave, only to pause just as he reached the door. He did not turn back but said gently, "Until now, you still refuse to call me ''father''?"


    Hong Qingyan froze, silently watching his tall and slender figure, but she remained silent, not uttering a word.


    In the end, Hong Tianguo sighed deeply and stepped out the door. Just as he entered the courtyard, he saw Ye Feng standing there. He couldn''t help but be taken aback. In the darkness of the night, the two men locked eyes, neither breaking the tense silence, making the atmosphere awkward and peculiar.


    Eventually, it was Hong Tianguo who broke the silence, asking, "Did you hear our conversation?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and said, "Out of respect, I did not eavesdrop. I just came because I was worried something might happen."


    Hong Tianguo nodded slightly and said, "I have told her everything. As for the path you two choose to take in the future, it''s up to you. I won''t intervene. But as a father, I hope that we don''t end up on opposing sides in the future."


    After finishing his words, Hong Tianguo''s figure vanished into the night. Ye Feng remained standing silently in place. At that moment, Hong Qingyan had come out from the house, still holding the brocade box in her hands.


    Ye Feng didn''t say a word but slowly walked over, touched her head, and then gently embraced her. In that moment, the silence spoke volumes.

 Chapter 478 - 475: One day, you will not be able to climb high

    The mahjong game for four they had arranged was naturally postponed due to the change of events with Hong Qingyan. Long Nannan, though easy-going, was not foolish and could tell that something was off with Hong Qingyan''s emotions. Therefore, she simply decided to take Yu Feiyu to another room to rest.


    Ye Feng sat quietly on the sofa, watching Hong Qingyan, because he could tell that she had a lot to say.


    But Hong Qingyan''s heart was tangled with complex emotions. She indeed had a lot to tell Ye Feng, yet she didn''t know where to start, especially because the demand made by Hong Tianguo was too embarrassing to voice, it simply seemed too excessive.


    In the end, it was Ye Feng who broke the silence. He knew that if he didn''t speak up, this kind-hearted woman might never reveal her thoughts. So he asked, "How is it? You should know everything about your background now, right?"


    Only then did Hong Qingyan nod her head. Ye Feng smiled and said, "Aren''t you going to tell me? At least tell me about your mother''s deeds."


    Hong Qingyan was slightly startled, then laughed and said, "I almost forgot. It was me who was too caught up in my own emotions that I overlooked Big Brother Ye."


    Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "It''s okay, I understand. Go ahead, I''m also very curious about what kind of woman could give birth to such an outstanding daughter."


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but laugh at his words, and her mood lightened considerably. So she recounted what Hong Tianguo had just told her.


    After listening, Ye Feng pondered for a long while before finally sighing deeply, "She was indeed a great mother."


    Hong Qingyan nodded and said, "Big Brother Ye, just now the Chief of the Hong Clan, that''s Hong Tianguo from before, he said that he wants me to return to the clan but won''t interfere with or obstruct our relationship."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "Does he have any other demands?"


    Hong Qingyan nodded but hesitated to speak.


    Ye Feng pretended to be angry and said, "Come on, what can''t we talk about between us?"


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "Big Brother Ye, if I say it, you can''t get angry, okay?"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, and Hong Qingyan then bit her lip and said, "Hong Tianguo said that if we want to continue, you would have to marry into the Ancient Hong Clan, and any children we have would also need to take the Hong surname."


    To Hong Qingyan''s surprise, Ye Feng did not get angry, and his expression did not change at all. He simply smiled slightly and said, "I thought as much."


    "You thought about it, Big Brother Ye?" Hong Qingyan was somewhat taken aback.


    Ye Feng sneered, "Of course, it''s the usual style of the Four Great Ancient Clans. However, I can understand. Hong Tianguo, as the clan leader, must consider the entire Hong Family. He has his reasons for this."


    The weight in Hong Qingyan''s heart finally lifted, and she looked up at Ye Feng, saying, "Then Big Brother Ye, what do you plan to do? I''ll state my position first: no matter what choice you make, I will stand by your side without any hesitation, even if it means never returning to the Hong Family."


    Ye Feng was in a dilemma. If it were just about him, there would be nothing to consider, but Hong Qingyan was after all from the Ancient Hong Clan and carried the Hong bloodline. He naturally had to consider things from Hong Qingyan''s perspective.


    After pondering for quite some time, Ye Feng said, "If I were just an ordinary person, I would certainly not hesitate to marry into the Ancient Hong Clan, but as you know, I can''t do that, I won''t marry in. It''s not that I''m selfish and not considering you, I hope you understand."


    "I understand!" Hong Qingyan nodded firmly, saying, "Anyway, I don''t have the slightest affection for the Hong Family. In fact, I even have some animosity towards the Four Great Ancient Clans, to be honest, I don''t want to go back."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Let''s put this matter aside for now. We''ll find a solution eventually. At least now you know your own background, and that settles the vexation buried for many years."


    While saying this, Ye Feng couldn''t help thinking that the Hong Family''s demand for him to marry in simply showed the Ancient Hong Clan''s belief that they, being one of the Four Great Ancient Clans with a powerful legacy, considered themselves above others, viewing those in the Mortal World as insignificant.


    Even he, Ye Feng, was probably nothing more than a slightly stronger ant in the eyes of the people of the Ancient Hong Clan.


    "Ancient Hong Clan, you''re underestimating me. Since you look down on me today, one day I will make sure you can''t even aspire to reach me. When that time comes, I will bring Hong Qingyan to the Ancient Hong Clan with an air of transcendence, and I would like to see what faces you will be making!" Ye Feng thought to himself.


    Suddenly, Hong Qingyan spoke in a timid voice, "But Big Brother Ye, according to Hong Tianguo, my mother is buried within the Ancient Hong Clan. If there''s a chance someday, I mean, if it''s possible, could we go back to pay our respects to her?"


    "Of course, we will definitely go someday!" Ye Feng immediately responded.


    "Good!" Hong Qingyan finally truly felt relieved, her last bit of worry dissipated.


    Ye Feng also finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It''s late and you must be tired, rest early. I''ll go to the study, there are some things I still need to take care of."


    Hong Qingyan nodded, and Ye Feng then stood up and walked out of the bedroom. The night sky was dotted with stars, and a crescent moon hung high, giving the tranquil night an expansive and remote feeling. Now that Qingyan had finally clarified her own origins, he himself still had no concept of his Qi Force, as if he had emerged out of thin air, completely unaware of his own background.


    Since Ye Feng could remember, he had been the Fu Family of Jiangdu''s foster son, and it was only due to a stroke of fate that he encountered Old Long from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, after which his life''s trajectory changed drastically.


    For many years, Ye Feng had asked his foster father more than once, but he had said that Feng was just picked up from the roadside. When he was picked up, there were no marks on Ye Feng''s body, nor any clues. Ye Feng even suspected that Old Long from the Northwest Little Mountain Village might know his roots; otherwise, why out of the millions of people in this world, had he specifically sought him out?


    However, the Big Smoking Pipe old man still claimed he knew nothing and said that finding him was purely an accident. Ye Feng could only let it be.


    Of course, regarding his own origins, Ye Feng never mentioned it to anyone¡ªnot even to Hong Qingyan¡ªbecause he did not want her to share in his sadness. Some things, as a man who should hold up the sky, it''s better for him to bear silently alone.


    The night grew deeper, and Northern Cloud Residence became even more desolate. Ye Feng had no desire for sleep, so he simply turned and walked to the back courtyard where Leng Wuming was staying. To his surprise, the light was still on in this fellow''s room in the middle of the night, and when he approached, he found Leng Wuming sitting on the bed cultivating with the Dao Technique Ye Feng had given him.


    "Quite diligent, indeed, and the talent isn''t bad either. In just one day''s time, he''s almost at the point of Foundation Establishment!" Ye Feng was surprised, then took steps to approach the door.


    Leng Wuming immediately sensed something and called out, "Who''s there?"


    "It''s me!" Ye Feng replied.


    Leng Wuming leapt off the bed and briskly came to open the door, then promptly bowed and said, "This subordinate did not know the master was coming late at night and failed to open the door in time, please forgive me."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "I just thought of coming to have a look; there''s no need for such formality. You seem to be recovering well, and your talent is not bad."


    Leng Wuming welcomed Ye Feng in, then immediately gave a bitter smile and said, "Compared to Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, my talent is still somewhat lacking. After almost half a day, I still haven''t succeeded in Foundation Establishment. With my current cultivation strength, I''m afraid I can only barely contend with an ordinary Martial King."


    "In that case, I will lend you a helping hand!" Ye Feng, struck by a whim, said in a deep voice, "Next, I will fully infuse Spirit Essence into your body. Take whatever you can absorb; use this Spirit Essence to reach Foundation Establishment in one fell swoop!"


    "Master, I''m afraid this is not appropriate, I can''t just..." Leng Wuming started.


    "Sit down cross-legged quickly, don''t dilly-dally like an old lady," Ye Feng snapped. "It''s just a small part of the Spirit Essence, I can repair it in one night."


    Leng Wuming didn''t persist and sat down cross-legged. Ye Feng''s palm instantly pressed on the other''s back, and then he began to infuse Spirit Essence.


    What followed was unbelievable to Ye Feng¡ªLeng Wuming''s body was like a bottomless pit, and even after half a quarter-hour, there was no sign of saturation.


    "This guy has already absorbed a third of my Spirit Essence and still hasn''t stopped. Can he really endure it?" Ye Feng marveled in his heart. However, seeing that Leng Wuming''s face was still calm with no sign of pain, it seemed he had not reached his limit.


    "If that''s the case, I want to see just how much of my Spirit Essence you can ultimately endure!" Ye Feng gritted his teeth as the Spirit Essence from the acupoints in his body slowly entered the other''s body through his palm.


    At this moment, if Ye Feng had used his spiritual power to probe, he would have undoubtedly discovered that inside Leng Wuming''s body, specifically in his Dantian, a whirlpool had appeared, a very special one that was continuously absorbing Spirit Essence.


    An hour passed, and nearly half of the Spirit Essence inside Ye Feng had been infused, yet there was still no sign of saturation from Leng Wuming. Ye Feng was increasingly astonished.


    "It seems that Leng Wuming is also no ordinary man. There must be something strange within his body, but this seems to be a good thing." Ye Feng thought, deciding to help to the end. With this situation, the more Leng Wuming absorbed, the more likely his talent would be stronger.


    After four hours, when the Spirit Essence within Ye Feng was nearly exhausted, Leng Wuming''s body finally showed signs of saturation, even appearing a bit restless. Ye Feng then withdrew his Palm Power.


    "Control your mind and spirit; establish your foundation in one go. At that time, your whole body will receive a thorough baptism, and even the hidden injuries on your body will be completely healed due to this. This is an opportunity for transformation; you must grasp it well!" Ye Feng reminded aloud.


    Stabilizing his slightly restless state, Leng Wuming began to establish his foundation step by step.


    As dawn approached, and Leng Wuming had completely stabilized, Ye Feng then left and returned to the study, afterward secluded himself to recover the Spirit Essence he had lost earlier.


    By the morning, Ye Feng fully recovered to his peak state. When he walked out of the study, he saw that the sun was already high. He shook his head with a light smile, then thought, "Next, I should start preparing to enter the Outer Battlefield. Not just the Great Powers of the Xuanyuan Nation, but even several foreign powers, have already entered one after another. I cannot lag behind, lest I end up without even a drop of soup to taste."


    As he was thinking, a guard suddenly came to report, "Master, someone from the Utility Pavilion has come with a message, Lord Zhuge Wuming invites you to go over for an important discussion."


    "Lord Zhuge is inviting me?" Ye Feng was momentarily taken aback, then immediately thought, this probably had to do with the Outer Battlefield, and promptly instructed, "Tell the messenger that I will arrive in half an hour!"


    "Understood!" The guard bowed and retreated.

 Chapter 479 - 476: Xuanyuan Hall, the Domain of the Mighty!

    An hour later, Ye Feng arrived at the Utility Pavilion from the Northern Cloud Residence!


    It was truly embarrassing to say, though the common folk of Xuanyuan Nation were saying that Northern King Ye Feng, or Martial Academy Principal Ye Feng, had become the most influential person in the nation, even having full control over the entire Utility Pavilion, he had not visited the Utility Pavilion since returning from the Buddhist Sect.


    He had heard the rumors about Tang Bai''s resignation, but Ye Feng had made no comment on it. After all, since the other party had already stepped down voluntarily, he couldn''t very well kick a man when he''s down. His heart was not so narrow. Although Tang Bai had resigned, the Utility Pavilion had not undergone any major changes; everything was running smoothly in accordance with the original order.


    Only after Ye Feng ascended to the highest floor of the Utility Pavilion did he realize that not only was Zhuge Wuming present, but several Sect Leaders were there too. This indicated that Zhuge Wuming had not just invited him alone, and it seemed that today''s matter didn''t concern the Outer Battlefield; it was very likely that something significant had occurred.


    "Northern King Ye Feng has arrived!" As soon as Ye Feng reached the top, the guard immediately shouted.


    When Ye Feng walked in, several Sect Leaders, including the Grand Sect Leader, all stood up, turned around, and greeted with hands clasped, "Northern King!"


    Even though Ye Feng still held the identity of the Northern King, his status in the Utility Pavilion had changed dramatically. Even Zhuge Wuming stood up at this time to show the proper respect.


    Ye Feng, naturally, did not put on airs. In fact, he had never thought to monopolize the Utility Pavilion. Everything he did, though seemingly domineering, was ultimately for the common people of the nation.


    "Greetings to the distinguished Sect Leaders, greetings to Lord Zhuge!" Ye Feng returned the gesture with a salute, showing not the slightest hint of arrogance.


    The Sect Leaders were taken aback by Ye Feng''s actions, seemingly surprised that Ye Feng would still pay them respect and even address them as Lords. However, they quickly regained their composure, and the weight pressing on their hearts finally eased.


    The Northern King was still the same Northern King. Although he was extremely strong and domineering towards the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, he still maintained the proper courtesies toward his own, and to the Sect Leaders, this was enough. After all, they were of an advanced age, and their Cultivation Realms had reached a plateau where further progress was unlikely. As long as Ye Feng did not target them and let them live peacefully in their current positions to enjoy their later years, it was a cause for universal rejoicing.


    In fact, Ye Feng understood this more clearly than anyone. He knew these old fellows valued their face above all. Since they cared so much for face, he thought, why not lower his own stance slightly to give them this respect? It would stabilize the Utility Pavilion and unite the nation, which was more important than anything else.


    "Lord Zhuge, may I know why you have summoned me here today?" Ye Feng inquired.


    Zhuge Wuming waved his hand and said, "Come, take a seat first before we talk." With this, he pointed to a vacant place, which was the very spot where Tang Bai had previously sat.


    Ye Feng did not hesitate, and directly went over to sit down. The Sect Leaders looked at each other but said nothing, for with Ye Feng''s status and strength, he was fully qualified to sit there. The atmosphere remained pleasant as the group started chattering about everyday matters.


    Ye Feng took the opportunity to ask Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, "Grand Sect Leader, has there been any news of Zhang Wenyuan during this time?"


    Zhao Gongming shook his head and said, "Not at all, that fellow hasn''t come back since he entered the Outer Battlefield."


    At this point, Zhao Gongming let out a long sigh and said, "I told him at the time, the Outer Battlefield is incredibly dangerous, and he shouldn''t go there alone. Even if he did go, he must be part of a team, but that young man''s temperament is unstoppable."


    Ye Feng said, "Zhang Wenyuan is a man of great fortune; I believe he will be fine."


    "I hope so," sighed Zhao Gongming.


    Zhuge Wuming, seeing that the mood was right, waved his hand for silence and then said, "Today, I have summoned everyone here for two important matters concerning the safety and security of our Xuanyuan Nation. One of them is about the Outer Battlefield, which Ye Feng just mentioned."


    Everyone had expected this, so there was no surprise, since the proposal to enter the Outer Battlefield had been made several months before, but had been delayed due to a series of unforeseen events since then.


    However, during these months, Ye Feng had learned from numerous pieces of intelligence that many had already entered the Outer Battlefield, including individuals from the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming asked, "Lord Zhuge, according to the agreement made between the countries and powers, to ensure long-term stability in the Outer Battlefield, it was finally decided that only those at the Cultivation Realm of the Martial King should enter. But now, forces from various quarters, including two Sword Saints from Fusang and several Saint Heirs, and even the powerful from Snow Wolf Country, have all rushed in."


    Zhuge Wuming let out a slight sigh and said, "The previous agreement has basically fallen apart by now."


    Then, turning to Ye Feng, he continued, "As for the specific situation of the Outer Battlefield, I''m sure Ye Feng is not very clear, so let me start by giving some necessary introductions."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly; this was exactly what he had hoped to hear.


    Zhuge Wuming said, "This Outer Battlefield, as the name implies, is beyond our domain and does not belong to our world. To put it accurately, the two do not share the same space-time."


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and asked, "May I venture to ask Lord Zhuge, could this Outer Battlefield be the same as the Alien Space-Time?"


    Zhuge Wuming replied, "It can be said so, but it cannot be completely characterized as such."


    Ye Feng''s frown deepened, and Zhuge Wuming continued to explain, "The Alien Space-Time has already been entered by people long before. It is a vast and boundless world, a truly mature and stable spatial world, many times larger than the world we live in, and of course, the creatures there are much more powerful than us."


    "And this Outer Battlefield?" Ye Feng asked.


    "The Outer Battlefield is, in fact, a secondary Alien Space. It is not very large, and its space-time is not fully developed and stable, making it very prone to collapse. This is why the previous world''s Great Powers reached an agreement, stipulating that only those with the Cultivation Realm of the Martial King or below could enter, for fear that the Outer Battlefield might be affected and collapse."


    Zhuge Wuming paused before continuing, "Furthermore, some peerless powerhouses have suggested that the Outer Battlefield might be directly connected to the world on the other side of the Alien Space-Time. In other words, the Outer Battlefield is a buffer zone connecting our world with that Alien World. If this buffer zone collapses, it is very likely that creatures from that Alien World could directly come to ours."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng''s expression changed involuntarily, "If that is the case, why are so many great powers still vying to enter? Aren''t they worried about collapsing the Outer Battlefield?"


    Zhuge Wuming couldn''t help but sneer, then bitterly smiled, "Who wouldn''t understand this principle? However, the temptations inside are too great to resist."


    At this moment, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming said, "The Outer Battlefield has been opened multiple times and searched by many. Yet, with each opening, it nurtures a large number of treasures, especially those Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that cultivators dream of. This is the main reason why Great Powers are willing to tear up the agreement and rush in now."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, suddenly thinking of a key point, he then asked, "I''m afraid there''s another important reason why the Great Powers are rushing in."


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming and the other Sect Leaders all turned their heads to look at him, asking, "What is the other important reason?"


    Ye Feng smiled slightly, "Surely everyone is aware that half a year ago, the incident in Fallen Dragon Valley occurred, and the so-called Miasma came from the Alien World on the other side of the Space-Time. This means that the worlds are no longer absolutely secure. The upper echelons are now aware that it won''t take much time before the Alien Space-Time creatures break through the space-time barrier and invade our side, so it''s understandable that everyone is worried. To protect themselves and enhance their own strengths to the utmost, they are ignoring the agreement and rushing into the Outer Battlefield in search of opportunities."


    "Indeed, Ye Feng''s analysis is logical and well-founded, and that''s also one of the very important reasons," Zhuge Wuming nodded in agreement.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but bitterly smile, "However, unfortunately, as more and more powerhouses enter the Outer Battlefield, and considering that the space is not mature and stable, once a big battle ensues, it may cause a collapse, which in turn accelerates the invasion of the creatures from the Alien Space-Time into our world."


    On hearing this, Zhuge Wuming sighed deeply, and the other Sect Leaders were solemnly silent. Naturally, they all understood this point, but although an agreement had been reached earlier, it was merely a formality. Now with various powers breaching it, they could do nothing about it.


    Ye Feng frowned and spoke gravely, "Since the major forces of the world have already entered, we cannot fall behind, or we will inevitably be in a passive situation in the future."


    Zhuge Wuming nodded and said, "Exactly, I''ve summoned everyone here today to discuss our entry into the Outer Battlefield. We cannot delay any longer. Of course, some of the great powers from our Xuanyuan Nation have already entered, and have even established a power within."


    "Already established a power inside? What power, and how many people are there?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but ask.


    Zhuge Wuming smiled slightly, "They''ve been there since two hundred years ago. I''m not quite sure of the exact number, but suffice it to say, those who entered have no low talent. With all kinds of incredible treasures contained within the Outer Battlefield, those who have managed to survive thus far have become terrifyingly powerful."


    Saying this, Zhuge Wuming looked up slightly, his gaze piercing through the window to the distant sky horizon, then spoke with envy and admiration, "Our Xuanyuan Nation''s power is called the Xuanyuan Hall!"


    "Xuanyuan Hall!" Ye Feng pondered silently. He realized that the members inside the Xuanyuan Hall of the Outer Battlefield must each be a formidable presence in terms of cultivation.


    "Of course, within the Outer Battlefield, it''s not just our Xuanyuan Hall, there are forces from around the world, such as Fusang''s Yin-Yang Temple, and for example, Snow Wolf Country''s Wizard Alliance, and so on. These forces are also incredibly powerful," Zhuge Wuming said.


    Ye Feng nodded slowly, noting down these names one by one, and then asked, "By the way, Lord Zhuge, you mentioned there were two major matters. What is the second major matter?"


    Upon hearing this question, Zhuge Wuming''s expression became grave, revealing a look of solemnity.

 Chapter 480 - 477: Blood Witch Stone, A Turn of Events!

    ```


    "As for the second major matter," Zhuge Wuming pondered and after a long pause, he said, "it concerns the Blood Witch Stone."


    "The Blood Witch Stone? What is that?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but ask.


    "This Blood Witch Stone is also an object from the Outer Battlefield, recently discovered."


    Zhuge Wuming let out a bitter laugh before continuing, "Originally, whether it be the current Martial Dao situation or in the Outer Battlefield, our Xuanyuan Nation had been securely in the lead. The other Great Powers, including the support of the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters to the Sword Saint Palace, the Snow Wolf Country as well as the Western Vampire Clan etc., would need to refine artifacts to be able to contend with our Xuanyuan Hall. But now..."


    "What about now? Have the other Great Powers become stronger? Because of this Blood Witch Stone?" A few Sect Leaders quickly interjected.


    "Indeed, it is because of this Blood Witch Stone!" Zhuge Wuming''s tone turned exceedingly solemn as he articulated, "At first, we didn''t know either. It was only recently that we realized that the Blood Witch Stone has an immense amplifying effect on the Western Vampire Clan, especially on their bloodline, stimulating it in a terrifying manner. For example, the Blood Clan used to be able to unleash only the Third Layer Blood Ban, but with the Blood Witch Stone, they now can easily unlock the Fifth Blood Ban, resulting in a substantial increase in power!"


    Ye Feng''s brow furrowed as he asked, "Aside from the Western Vampire Clan, the Shaman Wizards of Snow Wolf Country and the Onmyoji of Fusang, does the Blood Witch Stone also boost their strength?"


    "Indeed, although the increase is not as significant as that of the Vampires, the Blood Witch Stone still enhances the capabilities of the Shaman Wizards of Snow Wolf Country and the Onmyoji of Fusang. Thus, Xuanyuan Hall''s dominance in the Outer Battlefield has completely dissipated. For now, this situation only pertains to the Outer Battlefield, but with the continuous extraction of more Blood Witch Stones, our world''s power dynamics will likely change as well," Zhuge Wuming explained.


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming couldn''t help but inquire, "May I ask Lord Zhuge, does the Blood Witch Stone not also enhance the strength of Xuanyuan Nation''s Martial Artists and Cultivators?"


    Zhuge Wuming explained, "Naturally, it does. However, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Put simply, the Blood Witch Stone contains a substance that can confuse Qi Force or Spirit Essence. Even if the Blood Witch Stone can temporarily enhance our power, it can also corrupt our Qi Force or Spirit Essence. If the amount is small, the harm isn''t significant. But if this ignorant substance accumulates too much within the body, the harm can be quite terrible."


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming nodded slightly, and Ye Feng said, "The Shamans of Snow Wolf Country and the Onmyoji of Fusang rely on curse incantations for their spellcasting. They do not need to absorb the Blood Witch Stone into their bodies, which is understandable. But the Vampire Clan probably needs to absorb the Blood Witch Stone, right? Isn''t that substance harmful to them too?"


    Zhuge Wuming shook his head, "No, not only is there no harm, but it also significantly promotes their power. It''s as if the Blood Witch Stones were inherently prepared for the Vampire Clan; in fact, with these stones, the Vampires don''t even need to consume human blood. Absorbing the Blood Witch Stones alone is sufficient."


    Everyone fell silent, including Ye Feng. Clearly, at their level of cultivation and perspective, they could understand the gravity of the situation. Looking at it this way, things seemed quite grim for Xuanyuan Nation.


    Previously, with its various Martial Dao or Cultivation heritages, Xuanyuan Nation nearly dominated the Outer Battlefield, and foreign powers had to unite to contend with Xuanyuan Hall. However, this dynamic has changed with the emergence of the Blood Witch Stone. It''s very possible that the Vampire Clan could become the most formidable force in the Outer Battlefield.


    "Given the current situation, Xuanyuan Hall does not have a favorable outlook in the Outer Battlefield. Therefore, the directive from there is that we need to send more people in," Zhuge Wuming said.


    As he said this, he turned to look at Ye Feng and then continued, "Ye Feng, the Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall have heard of your situation, and you will lead this mission. You are to command a team of about fifty people and enter the Outer Battlefield."


    Ye Feng immediately stood up and said, "Yes!"


    Zhuge Wuming spoke further, "Given that foreign powers are continuously growing stronger and the situation is becoming increasingly tense, the Great Powers within Xuanyuan Hall have abandoned their previous loose alliance of two camps and have completely come to an agreement on cooperation. Moreover, your relationship with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts is also being continuously mended. Therefore, in this team of about fifty people entering the Outer Battlefield, there will also be members from the Nine Great Sects. You shouldn''t have any objections, right?"


    "Of course not," Ye Feng replied with a smile.


    "That''s good to hear. Of course, when it comes to the allocation of members, you can manage and allocate it to some extent. Just ensure that no fewer than twenty people come from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts; otherwise, it wouldn''t look good in Xuanyuan Hall," Zhuge Wuming advised.


    At this moment, the Sect Leaders regarded Ye Feng with different expressions. Zhuge Wuming''s words clearly implied that, aside from the twenty people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts within the fifty-person team, Ye Feng would have at least thirty spots to allocate at his discretion.


    Of course, even among the twenty spots reserved for the Nine Great Sects, Ye Feng also had a say in the proportion. Not only did the Aristocratic Clans from the Capital City feel unsettled by this development, but the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were likely just as uneasy.


    After all, everyone knew that while the Outer Battlefield contained dangers, it also held various treasures. Just look at the Ancestors and old monsters in Xuanyuan Hall ¨C once they entered the Outer Battlefield, they were reluctant to leave unless it was for a matter of great importance.


    Not to mention others, the current Sect Leaders of Utility Pavilion were of course very eager; they naturally wanted to go in and dredge up some benefits. Furthermore, they wanted their Direct Disciples to enter for experience. If the occasion weren''t improper, it''s likely these Sect Leaders would already be fawning over Ye Feng.


    Of course, these veteran Sect Leaders were cunning and knew that if they wanted to ask someone for a favor, they couldn''t come empty-handed. It looked like the Sect Leaders were prepared to make a significant investment.


    ```


    Ye Feng naturally saw through the thoughts of the various Sect Leaders and said, "Regarding the selection of this team of fifty, the matter is of great importance. After I return, I will set certain standards to strive for fairness and justice."


    Zhuge Wuming nodded slightly, "That would be very good."


    Ye Feng asked, "May I ask Lord Zhuge, since I am to lead the team into the Outer Battlefield, what is my main mission?"


    Zhuge Wuming answered, "Originally, the team leader would have a great deal of freedom of action in the Outer Battlefield, and even for the sake of training could lead the team to seek treasures. But now it''s different. With the increase in strength of several Great Powers, there have even been deliberate attempts to surround and hunt down our people from Xuanyuan Nation. Therefore, it is the wish of the several Hall Masters of the Xuanyuan Hall that, after you enter the Outer Battlefield, you should not linger too long. Proceed immediately along the route to the Base Camp of Xuanyuan Hall."


    "As long as you lead the team safely to Xuanyuan Hall, then the mission will be considered a success."


    "Understood," Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    Zhuge Wuming said, "That''s about all for today''s meeting. Everyone is dismissed. After you go back, start preparing immediately. Ye Feng, you have two days to draft the list of personnel, and we will set out three days from now. Oh, and one more thing, Ye Feng, wait for a moment, I have a few more words to say to you."


    Ye Feng, who had already stood up, now sat down again. The Sect Leaders glanced at Ye Feng but eventually did not say anything more, then turned and left.


    Zhuge Wuming looked at him, then with a sigh, said, "Talent is truly formidable. At only twenty-six years of age, to have reached such a Cultivation Realm... After I reported your situation to Xuanyuan Hall, several of the Hall Masters praised you incessantly, saying that Xuanyuan Nation has finally produced a True Dragon after several hundred years."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile, "Senior Zhuge is overpraising me."


    Zhuge Wuming waved his hand, "This is not overpraising. Of course, you should know that with praise comes disparagement. After you enter the Outer Battlefield, you need not only to guard against the foreign forces, but also keep an eye on some from the Xuanyuan Hall. After all, you have offended many people before."


    Ye Feng asked, "I would appreciate further guidance from Senior Zhuge."


    Zhuge Wuming explained, "There are a total of eight Hall Masters in Xuanyuan Hall. Three belong to our side from the Utility Pavilion, four from the Four Great Ancient Clans, and the last one belongs to the camp of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. You know, you nearly annihilated the Martial Sects of Flora and Underworld Sect, and there are several powerful persons from these two Sects in Xuanyuan Hall who absolutely cannot swallow this indignity, even possibly biding their time for revenge."


    "Therefore, once you enter, you must be extremely careful by all means. The Outer Battlefield is extremely dangerous, not only filled with foreign monsters but you must also be wary of your own people. Oh, and this time, you are leading the team on behalf of our Utility Pavilion and the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, and four Great Ancient Clans have also sent quite a few people over, especially Hong Gaishi from the Hong Family. I believe you will encounter him soon after you go in."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly. He had not anticipated the complexity of the situation in the Outer Battlefield.


    "Alright, you may go back and prepare. However, don''t be too stressed about it. Your Cultivation Talent is astounding, and several Hall Masters in Xuanyuan Hall are very optimistic about you, believing they will not let anything happen to you," Zhuge Wuming waved his hand.


    Ye Feng nodded lightly and asked, "By the way, Senior Zhuge, do you not plan to enter the Outer Battlefield this time? Should I reserve a spot for you?"


    Zhuge Wuming waved his hand with a bitter smile, "No, I''m already of an age, and furthermore, since I practice Martial Dao, it would be too costly to switch to the path of a Cultivator at my current Cultivation Realm. Martial Artists, even if they enter the Outer Battlefield, do not have as much advantage as those Cultivators. Moreover, Xuanyuan Nation currently needs me to preside over it."


    Ye Feng nodded, "Senior Zhuge dedicates his heart to the nation and its people, a sentiment I greatly respect."


    Zhuge Wuming burst into hearty laughter, "After all, I''m old, and probably don''t have many years left. Fortunately, you''ve risen up. After you enter the Outer Battlefield this time, make sure to train well, and once you return, I plan to retire from the front line. So young man, you mustn''t end up like the others, who enter and never come out."


    "I won''t. I''ll definitely come out," Ye Feng said.


    "That''s good to hear. Go back and prepare well. When you enter the Outer Battlefield, don''t always think about treasures. After all, treasures are great, but only if you''re alive to obtain them," Zhuge Wuming waved his hand as his spirits seemed somewhat dampened.


    It would be false to say he was not tempted by the Outer Battlefield; with a Cultivation Realm such as his, how could he not wish to advance further? After all, moving up a step would mean a longer lifespan. Yet he had refused, and that was exactly what Ye Feng truly admired in him.


    At least Senior Zhuge always put the nation first, in this regard, he was much stronger than the other elder, Tang Bai.

 Chapter 481 - 478: If You Have the Ability, Go Ahead and Try It!

    After coming out of the Utility Pavilion, Ye Feng unquestionably felt a heavy weight in his heart, sensing a greater burden upon him. Previously, he had thought that the Sacred Realm Martial Artist and the Golden Core Realm Daoist were at the pinnacle of this world, but now it seemed this was not the case.


    Perhaps due to the limitations of the Laws of the World, it was difficult for one to advance beyond the Sacred Realm Martial Artist and Golden Core Realm Daoist, but the Outer Battlefield was different. That place did not seem to belong to the same space-time plane as the current world, with different Heaven and Earth Laws, and the Spiritual Energy there must also be much more abundant.


    Therefore, combining all these factors, Ye Feng deduced that the Great Powers in the Outer Battlefield must be absolutely above the Sacred Realm or the Golden Core Realm¡ªat least the eight Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall could not possibly be just at the Golden Core or Sacred Realm Cultivation Level.


    "It looks like the path of the Martial Dao is long and far indeed," Ye Feng muttered as he rubbed his forehead and sped towards the Northern Cloud Residence.


    Since he had taken on the role of leading the team into the Outer Battlefield, it was necessary to plan accordingly, at least the allocation of these thirty spots needed careful consideration. Otherwise, he estimated that trouble would surely arise.


    However, Ye Feng always had one question on his mind¡ªthat of the small mountain village in the Northwest. Sausage Sister and Long Nannan had mentioned more than once that the people of the village needed to go somewhere to atone for their sins. But where exactly was that place?


    "Could it be the Outer Battlefield?" Ye Feng thought privately. He had wanted to ask Zhuge Wuming when he was in the Utility Pavilion, but after thinking it over, he decided to put it off and thought it better to ask Nannan later.


    Upon returning to the Northern Cloud Residence, he realized it was already Sunset Time. With the arrival of spring, the emperor''s city was filled with blooming flowers and fragrance everywhere. Yet before he could steady himself, Ye Feng immediately caught a specific scent and his expression darkened.


    This fragrance was not unfamiliar to him; it was unique to the people of the Ancient Hong Clan. In other words, the Ancient Hong Clan had come again.


    "Truly an unyielding presence!" Ye Feng exclaimed coldly as he immediately descended into the courtyard.


    Hong Qingyan quickly came out of the hall with an anxious look, "Big Brother Ye, you''re finally back."


    Ye Feng asked in a deep voice, "Has the Ancient Hong Clan sent people again?"


    Hong Qingyan nodded gravely, "Four people have come, and all four are the Clan Elders and Great Powers of the Hong Family. By the looks of it, they seem to have ill intentions this time."


    Seeing Hong Qingyan''s somewhat panicked expression, Ye Feng couldn''t help but reach out to touch her head, softly reassuring, "It''s alright, I''m here for everything!"


    This time, the four people from the Ancient Hong Clan that had come were all familiar faces to Ye Feng¡ªthey were the three Hong brothers, Hong Tianze, Hong Dize, and Hong Renze, along with the noblewoman Hong Yaoyao from before. These four were undoubtedly the Clan Elders of the Ancient Hong Clan, holding sway over the current affairs of the Hong Family.


    At this moment, the four of them were sitting upright in the living room, each with a serious expression, devoid of the previous pleasant demeanor. Clearly, the Hong Family had come with the determination not to leave until their purpose was achieved.


    Of course, Ye Feng had already made his stance clear: Hong Qingyan was his woman, and unless she was willing, no one could force her¡ªnot even the Heavenly Emperor Laozi.


    "Despite the busy affairs of your esteemed Ancient Hong Clan, what brings you here so frequently to my residence?" Ye Feng strode in, and after a moment''s thought, Hong Qingyan also followed, reasoning that since the matter concerned her, she had no excuse to let Ye Feng face it alone.


    The four Clan Elders of the Ancient Hong Clan were all Great Powers, aside from Hong Renze and Hong Yaoyao who were at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, the other two were true Golden Core Great Dao experts, especially Hong Tianze whose Cultivation Level was unfathomably deep.


    Hong Tianze gave a faint cold hum, "As the saying goes, one does not visit the temple without a cause. Our visit today is certainly for important matters!"


    Ye Feng walked through the hall and took his seat at the head of the table with authority, his gaze coldly fixed on the three, "If there are important matters, then speak. I don''t have so much leisure time to waste on your frivolities!"


    That bearded, hot-tempered Hong Renze immediately shouted, "Ye, don''t get too arrogant. If it weren''t for the fact that you have some skill, I would have torn down this damn residence of yours a long time ago!"


    Ye Feng looked at him icily and pronounced each word sharply, "If you think you''re capable, then go ahead and try!"


    "You really think I wouldn''t dare?" Hong Renze burst from his seat, his aura surging as if he was about to make a move.


    "Enough, younger brother. Keep calm for now; we are guests after all. Let''s finish what we have to say first!" said Hong Tianze with a wave of his hand.


    The elegantly dressed Hong Yaoyao then added, "Mr. Ye might have already guessed, but our visit today is also for the sake of Hong Qingyan."


    Ye Feng, resolute, declared, "I''ve said it before, I don''t oppose Qingyan''s return to the Ancient Hong Clan, on the condition that she does so of her own volition. Otherwise, no one is to coerce her¡ªnot even the Heavenly Emperor Laozi."


    "Please, Mr. Ye, don''t get agitated," said Hong Yaoyao, who seemed more approachable, certainly more so than the three old hotheads. She smiled and continued, "Qingyan is a disciple of our clan and a direct lineage with excellent talent, so naturally, we will not force her too much, otherwise, we would not make repeated visits."

 Chapter 482 - 478: If You Have the Ability, Go Ahead and Try It!_2

    Ye Feng let out a cold laugh without committing himself one way or the other, aware in his heart that these so-called ancient clans, while outwardly presenting themselves as righteous, were essentially no different from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. If it were not for Hong Qingyan possessing the Wings of Light inheritance, they wouldn''t even spare her a glance.


    Hong Yaoyao still smiled and said, "After our last return, a few of us clan elders discussed and came up with a compromise that won''t put Hong Qingyan in a difficult position, and at the same time, Mr. Ye, it also offers you considerable benefits."


    "Oh, really?" Ye Feng laughed, but it was a cold laugh. In fact, he had already anticipated this so-called compromise, which was nothing more than the condition previously proposed by the Chief of the Hong Clan, Hong Tianguo: to marry into the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan and become their son-in-law!


    Sure enough, Hong Tianguo spoke unhurriedly, "The method is this: Hong Qingyan agrees to return to the family, and we of the Ancient Hong Clan will not interfere with your relationship, nor will we pursue your previous disrespectful actions towards our Hong Clan. However, the condition is that Mr. Ye, you must marry into the Hong Clan, and any children born must not bear the Ye surname; they must be Hongs!"


    Ye Feng''s face grew increasingly solemn. He did not speak, but stared coldly at the four individuals. The Ancient Hong Clan was really pushing things too far by making such a demand; they clearly had no regard for him.


    "How about it, Mr. Ye? This condition isn''t difficult for you, is it?" Hong Yaoyao smiled slightly again and said, "Moreover, the Chief has already decreed that if you agree to marry into our Hong Clan, then apart from those two Technique of Bloodline Inheritance, you may practice any other Martial Skills or Cultivation Methods of our Ancient Hong Clan."


    Ye Feng suddenly laughed, laughing loudly. His laughter echoed throughout the entire hall, reaching the ears of nearly everyone in Northern Cloud Residence.


    Upon hearing the laughter, Sima Zhantian knew something was amiss and immediately wanted to rush over from the back courtyard, but Sausage Sister suddenly stopped him.


    "Idiot, why the rush to go over there!" Sausage Sister demanded.


    "What else? Naturally, it''s to go to the front parlor. The Lord''s laughter is off; there might be a big fight soon. I need to go help the Lord," Sima Zhantian replied without hesitation, convinced that action was necessary. At this point, even Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming had come out, and Long Nannan and Yu Feiyu had also ceased their medical studies to join them.


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes at Sima Zhantian and huffed, "Go help? With your current cultivation level, you''re probably not even a match for the flick of their fingers!"


    "So what? Whenever the Lord encounters danger, I will rush forward even if it''s through a mountain of blades and seas of fire. What does it matter?" Sima Zhantian replied, not caring about his own capabilities.


    "You really are completely loyal to your lord," Sausage Sister said, not without irritation, but her tone softened as she continued, "Don''t be in such a rush to go over; the visitors this time are four clan elders from the Ancient Hong Clan."


    "So what? No matter if it''s the Heavenly Emperor Laozi, if they dare to harm the Lord, I will still make my move!" Sima Zhantian said resolutely.


    "Can''t you big oaf just let me finish speaking!" Sausage Sister suddenly shouted in frustration, seemingly angry and disappointed.


    At this moment, Xiao Chuanqi gestured with his hand and said, "Let''s listen to her finish first. After all, we''re right here, and if anything goes wrong, we can rush over to provide support instantly."


    Only then did Sima Zhantian calm down, and Sausage Sister glared at him before saying, "This time, the Ancient Hong Clan is definitely here for Hong Qingyan. No matter what, Hong Qingyan is from the Ancient Hong Clan, so in a way, this matter is their family affair. We shouldn''t intervene unless absolutely necessary, understood?"


    Naturally blunt, Sima Zhantian couldn''t fully grasp the situation, but seeing Sausage Sister seemingly angry, he prudently refrained from talking back.


    At that time, Long Nannan indignantly said, "What kind of crap is the Ancient Hong Clan? If she doesn''t want to return, then let it be; to repeatedly coerce her is utterly shameless. If it were me, Sister Qingyan, I would have turned them down flat!"


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes and replied, "You heartless girl, if this were happening to you, could you still say such things? Let''s all wait and see how their conversation goes before deciding whether or not to intervene."


    Throughout the whole process, Yu Feiyu stood silently, unable to speak up. Suddenly, she felt an inexplicable sense of loss¡ªonce the pampered pearl of Valley of the Medicine God standing high above the rest in the capital, even Sect Leaders from the Utility Pavilion would show her some respect.


    But now, she realized she didn''t even qualify to join the conversation, which brought Yu Feiyu down. At that moment, she came to understand her gap with Ye Feng, and it was then, Yu Feiyu finally decided to give up the Martial Dao and become a Cultivator.


    "Even if this path is difficult, I must walk it, I must improve my cultivation level, or else in the future, I might not even have the qualifications to stand beside Big Brother Ye," Yu Feiyu resolved firmly to herself.


    Meanwhile, back in the front hall, the atmosphere suddenly tensed up. Hong Renze stared intently at Ye Feng and said word by word, "What are you laughing at, boy? Do you find this demand laughable?"


    Ye Feng gave him a look and replied word for word, "You seem to be unaware of one thing¡ªif it wasn''t for Qingyan, I, would never allow you, old fool, to set foot even half a step into my Northern Cloud Residence!"


    "You insolent fool!" Hong Renze slammed his hand down and the tea table shattered once again.


    Hong Yaoyao quickly said, "Mr. Ye, this request is not excessive. Perhaps you''re not fully aware of what it means to be part of our Ancient Hong Clan. Do you know how many people out there are breaking their heads trying to marry into our Hong Clan, who we don''t even dignify with a glance?"


    Ye Feng responded with a cold laugh, "So you''re saying that marrying into your Hong Clan is an honor?"


    "Yes, if you agree to marry into the Hong Clan, it would be like having the support of the Ancient Hong Clan behind you. From then on, you could walk sideways across Xuanyuan Nation!" Hong Yaoyao grew more excited as she spoke.


    Ye Feng slowly stood up, straightening his back, and said word for word, "Let me make this clear to you: even without the backing of your Ancient Hong Clan, I, Northern King Ye Feng, can still walk sideways, and one day, I will do just that right through your Hong Clan!"


    "You..." Hong Yaoyao was so angry she was at a loss for words.


    "So, it seems you refuse the offer?" Hong Tianze also slowly got to his feet, with Hong Dize standing up beside him as well, instantly heightening the tense atmosphere to a breaking point.

 Chapter 483 - 479: Even Heavenly Emperor Laozi Cant Do It

    The four Elder of the Ancient Hong Clan had a rising momentum, all of them old monsters. Among them, two were at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, and two were truly on the Golden Core Great Dao. Such a level was almost the peak existence in this world. Moreover, as they all hailed from the Ancient Clan, they possessed powerful magic techniques, which were incomparable to those martial artists from the Nine Great Sects who turned to cultivation halfway through their careers.


    Despite the aggressive stance of the opposition, Ye Feng remained utterly fearless. There was no room for negotiation over something like marrying into the family as the son-in-law¡ªeven the mere suggestion was an insult to him.


    With gritted teeth, Hong Renze angrily exclaimed, "Boy, since you''re so ignorant of how high Heaven and Earth are, don''t blame us for being rude. Before we came here, the Great Elder said that if you don''t agree, then we have no choice but to forcefully take Hong Qingyan away. The bloodline of the Hong Family must not be allowed to flow outside!"


    Hong Qingyan suddenly stepped forward and stood beside Ye Feng, challenging, "Is this also the will of Hong Tianguo?"


    The four Hong Clan Elders were taken aback; they all knew that Hong Qingyan was the daughter of the clan leader Hong Tianguo, but they never expected that at this moment, Hong Qingyan would dare to directly address her own father by his name!


    "What an impious and unfilial offspring, lacking manners and respect! This is not only the clan leader''s will," Hong Renze continued with clenched teeth and furious tone. "Moreover, the clan leader has decreed that if you stubbornly refuse to return to the clan, then we will have no choice but to take you back by force and then use the bloodline stripping technique to forcefully extract the Wings of Light from your bloodline!"


    Hong Yaoyao also said, "Qingyan, you are the inheritor of the Wings of Light of our Ancient Hong Clan. It wouldn''t be too much to describe you as Heaven''s Proud Daughter. You''re destined to have a great future. Remember not to make a foolish mistake. Once the heritage bloodline within you is stripped away, even if you don''t die, you would end up a crippled person."


    "With me here, who dares lay a finger on her!" Having heard this, Ye Feng''s rage became uncontrollable, his murderous aura skyrocketed into the heavens.


    Hong Yaoyao took a look at Ye Feng, then turned her head to Hong Qingyan and sighed, "Qingyan, I can see that you are a kind-hearted girl. Can you really stand by and watch your Big Brother Ye fall into danger because of you? If the four of us take action today, he certainly won''t be able to withstand us. You better obediently come back with us."


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan couldn''t help feeling a bit soft-hearted; just as the other side said, she couldn''t bear to see Ye Feng suffer on her account.


    "Maybe Big Brother Ye..." Just as Hong Qingyan was about to speak,


    Ye Feng suddenly gestured with his hand to interrupt, saying word by word, "I''ve already said that unless she''s willing, not even the Heavenly Emperor Laozi can touch my woman!"


    "It seems you won''t shed tears until you see your coffin. Since you''re so ignorant of life and death, let''s capture you first!" At this time, Hong Tianze also grew furious, his aura completely unleashed causing all the cups and tea tables in the entire hall to shatter in an instant.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s figure swept by, directly rushing towards the sky through a window. Of course, he wasn''t trying to flee. He simply didn''t want to fight there, otherwise, his mansion would probably be torn down.


    "Think you can run? It''s not that easy. All three of us attack together; Hong Yaoyao, you keep an eye on Hong Qingyan!" As soon as Hong Tianze finished speaking, his figure soared into the sky, with Hong Dize and Hong Renze following closely, leaping up one after the other.


    After all, the three were Elders of the Hong Clan, with cultivation depths immeasurable. In just an instant, they caught up, completely surrounding Ye Feng.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but become anxious, while Hong Yaoyao beside her said, "Don''t worry, the three Clan Elders won''t take his life, at worst they''ll just cripple him. Of course, it''s still not too late for you to change your stance now."


    At this moment, Hong Qingyan''s heart was in turmoil, her face full of worry. She was just about to nod her head when suddenly two figures swooped in from the back courtyard.


    "The Hong Clan, you three old coots have no shame, ganging up on my Little Martial Uncle. Did you really think we have no one?" Long Nannan''s voice arrived before she did. By the time she finished speaking, she was already beside Ye Feng. At the same time, Sausage Sister also arrived from above.


    As for Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi and others, they naturally rushed over as well. However, they didn''t take action, seeming to know that with their current cultivation realms, they couldn''t get a hand in.


    "So it''s two juniors from the Northwest Little Mountain Village. The Ancient Hong Clan has long had an agreement with your village, to not interfere with each other''s affairs. Furthermore, Long Nannan, you little girl, can be considered half a future bride of our Ancient Clan. Who would have thought you would help an outsider?" Hong Tianze bellowed.


    "Cut the crap! What ''half a future bride''? What does the Ancient Clan of the Hong Family amount to? And that Hong Gaishi, what is he? He fancies himself worthy of me, yet he doesn''t even take a good look at his own pathetic self!" Long Nannan snorted coldly with the corner of her mouth raised.


    Hong Tianze was immediately overwhelmed with rage, and even his hair stood on end: "Damn fool, even if your grandfather were here, he wouldn''t dare to speak like this. You little brat dare to be so insolent, today this old man must teach you a lesson!"


    As he spoke, Hong Tianze''s hands flew into a Seal Formation, and soon above his head appeared a round of blazing sun¡ªthis was the Great Fiery Sun Technique. Ye Feng had previously seen Hong Tiandu use it; it looked like it was one of the Heritage Spells of the Ancient Hong Clan.


    However, the Great Fiery Sun conjured by Hong Tianze was clearly much more fierce and powerful, and its might was even more terrifying!


    Without even thinking, Ye Feng threw a punch. In an instant, the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist was unleashed like a comet, as ferocious and overwhelming as a roaring dragon, charging towards his opponent.


    "Be extinguished!" Hong Tianze pressed down with a Great Hand, and the great sun high above suddenly burst out with dazzling brilliance. A beam of light descended, instantly scattering the strike of the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s expression changed. He had not expected the opponent''s Great Fiery Sun Technique to be so terrifying, easily breaking through the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist. It seemed that he was indeed facing a true Golden Core Great Dao powerhouse, with truly fearsome strength.


    Meanwhile, Hong Dize and Hong Renze had also made their moves, charging towards Sausage Sister and Long Nannan respectively. However, being juniors, despite their astonishing talents, they hadn''t cultivated for long and naturally couldn''t be compared to these three old monsters, soon finding themselves at a disadvantage.


    Sausage Sister seemed to have comprehended some kind of Fire Attribute Divine Ability Magic. With one move, the sky around her erupted in rolling fireballs. At that moment, even a great part of the capital''s skies seemed enshrouded in flames.


    Long Nannan, on the other hand, was more proficient in Wind Attribute Divine Ability Magic. The Technique seemed not to have great offensive power, but her movement speed was first-class, and even Hong Dize couldn''t keep up with her.


    "Lie down for me!" Hong Tianze beckoned with his right hand again, and the Great Fiery Sun high above descended once more with a beam as thick as an arm, coming straight down towards Ye Feng''s head.

 Chapter 484 - 480: Fiery Sun Formation, Is Ye Feng Trapped?

    Hong Tianze''s head was crowned with the Great Fiery Sun, raging and surging intensely; indeed, as a wily old monster who had lived for so many years, his cultivation of the Golden Core Realm had reached an inscrutable depth. Ye Feng had to admit that this was, by far, the most powerful opponent he had encountered.


    Without a second thought, Ye Feng''s gaze intensified, and a pitch-black long spear, inky like the night, appeared in mid-air; this was the Sky-breaking Long Spear!


    "Go!" With a wave of his hand, Ye Feng sent the Sky-breaking Long Spear swooping through the air, the space around it sizzling, and even the very air seemed to tear.


    Without any doubt, the beam descending from above was instantly torn apart by the Sky-breaking Long Spear. The black spear continued its relentless advance, soaring high, rushing towards the Great Fiery Sun above.


    Boom...


    A thunderous explosion erupted in the heavens above, deafening in its magnitude. Almost the entire imperial capital was startled, as countless people ran out to look up at the sky, watching this god-like battle.


    Of course, by this time, the mighty ones of the imperial capital had long taken notice, but none dared to step forward, including the leaders of the Utility Pavilion, and even Zhuge Wuming chose not to advance, for he knew this level of battle was beyond his capabilities.


    Although Zhuge Wuming, as an old-timer of the Utility Pavilion, possessed high prestige and authority in the Mortal World, this was nothing to the Four Great Ancient Clans. In the face of absolute power, such worldly influence seemed quite laughable. Besides, Zhuge Wuming was not like Tang Bai; he had no backing.


    Accompanied by the earth-shattering noise, the Sky-breaking Long Spear directly penetrated the Great Fiery Sun, which burst apart like a fireball on impact.


    Hong Tianze was swept away by the ferocious momentum, only stopping his flight a hundred meters later.


    "You little brat, I didn''t expect you to have reached such a level. I couldn''t believe you defeated the two Sect elders before, but now it seems I underestimated you!" Hong Tianze gritted his teeth and barked in anger, his complexion turning ugly.


    Ye Feng floated in mid-air, gripping the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in one hand, his whole being exuding an air of contempt. He slowly said, "I told you, any man who dares to touch Northern King Ye Feng''s woman will have to face consequences, not even the Heavenly Emperor Laozi can escape!"


    "Don''t be arrogant, kid. Don''t think that with that long spear at your disposal, I''ve no means to deal with you!" Hong Tianze roared in fury.


    After the intense clash just now, it was clear that both sides had gauged each other''s strength, nearly on par, and even though Ye Feng''s Sky-breaking Long Spear might be slightly superior, it was not by much, which is why it hadn''t injured Hong Tianze.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Hong Tianze''s gaze quickly swept the surroundings. The situation of his two brothers was significantly better, especially Hong Dize, who was on the verge of subduing the Sausage Sister.


    After all, Hong Dize was a cultivator with the real Cultivation of the Golden Core Realm, and the Sausage Sister''s Fire Attribute Divine Ability Magic was almost completely suppressed. Meanwhile, Hong Renze, who was at Half-Step Golden Core Realm, always failed to injure Long Nannan. Of course, with Long Nannan''s current level of cultivation, she also couldn''t gain the upper hand and was merely using her powerful Wind Attribute movement technique to constantly dodge and weave.


    "Second brother, join me quickly in deploying the Great Formation! Third brother, keep those two girls occupied!" Hong Tianze shouted through gritted teeth, clearly understanding that on his own, it would be very difficult to subdue Ye Feng, hence they had to prepare to deploy the Great Formation together.


    As soon as the words fell, Hong Dize burst forth with a tremendous palm force, instantly knocking the Sausage Sister flying away, then with a swift movement, he was by Hong Tianze''s side.


    The Sausage Sister, who was already quite hot-tempered, refused to accept this outcome. She tried to rush back into the fray, but Hong Renze sprang into action, intercepting her.


    Hong Renze was equally fiery in temperament, and his forthright and vigorous fighting style momentarily restrained both the Sausage Sister and Long Nannan.


    "Damn it!" Long Nannan knew her Little Martial Uncle might be in danger next, tried to use her agility to rush to his aid, but was blocked by Hong Renze''s powerful palm forces.


    Seeing this, Hong Tianze turned towards Ye Feng and said solemnly, "Next, let''s activate the Fiery Sun Great Formation!"


    "Yes!" Hong Dize nodded firmly, and then both men erupted with rolling momentum, and what was more terrifying was that each revealed a Golden Core, the size of a pigeon''s egg, slowly emerging from their foreheads.


    Ye Feng''s expression became grave in an instant when he saw this, never expecting that these two old guys would actually sacrifice their Golden Cores.


    Meanwhile, down below, Hong Qingyan finally started to worry, her figure moved as she was about to rush up to help, but Hong Yaoyao quickly held her back, speaking in a grave tone, "Qingyan, this is their duel. If you insist on intervening, then I must stop you as well. I hope you don''t force me."


    Hong Qingyan said angrily, "Why? You all say you hope for my return, so why do you force me like this!"


    Hong Yaoyao sighed and said, "This is the mission of our family, this is the mission of us as Clan Elders, and as much as I am helpless, for the sake of the family, I cannot do otherwise!"


    At this very moment, after having sacrificed their Golden Cores, Hong Tianze and Hong Dize rapidly formed Seal Techniques with their hands. In the blink of an eye, the two shining Golden Cores erupted with radiant light and shot out, spinning around each other.


    "Fiery Sun Formation, trap!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze intensified, intending to dodge, but the Golden Cores were too fast; they reached his surroundings in an instant. And then, he saw that he was encased within a fiery cage.


    The Fiery Sun Formation appeared square and proper, radiating golden light throughout, resembling a prison that completely trapped Ye Feng within.


    "Ye Feng, you''ve been trapped by our Hong Family''s Fiery Sun Formation. Surrender at once!" Hong Tianze''s voice rang out, stern and cold.


    Ye Feng shouted sternly, "Don''t think that a mere Fiery Sun Formation can truly trap me!"


    With those words, he concentrated Dharma Seals in his hands, and the black Sky-breaking Long Spear condensed once again before he shot it forth.


    Boom...


    The Sky-breaking Long Spear clashed with the Fiery Sun Great Formation, and in an instant, the brilliant golden light of the Formation flowed swiftly. Although the Spear pierced a hole through it, the Formation quickly healed itself, and, in the end, neutralized the power of the Sky-breaking Long Spear.


    Finally, Ye Feng''s expression changed upon seeing this; the Great Formation was, unexpectedly, impervious to even his own Sky-breaking Long Spear.


    "This Great Formation, arranged with the Lifebound Golden Cores of my two brothers as the eyes, cannot be broken by you, Ye Feng. Surrender now, or I will be forced to refine you!" Hong Dize sneered.


    Hong Tianze said solemnly, "To think that his Sky-breaking Long Spear could actually pierce through it. Its power is truly not to be underestimated. Fortunately, he is still lacking in Cultivation Realm, or else this Formation would definitely not be able to hold him. Then we would be in real danger."


    Hong Dize nodded and said, "Therefore, we must not let this young man go today, no matter what. We have to completely refine him, or we will suffer future consequences."


    Hong Tianze nodded slightly, sighing, "Since this young man is so ignorant of etiquette, today we can only end him."


    Hong Dize snorted coldly, "Big brother, there''s no need for self-reproach. We have given him opportunities; it''s just that this youngster is too arrogant. He is truly deserving of death!"


    At this point, all two thousand of Ye Feng''s acupoints ignited at once, his aura skyrocketed in an instant, and an even more ferocious Sky-breaking Long Spear condensed in his hand.


    "Oh no, this kid..."


    Seeing this, the expressions of the two Hong Family Clan Elders changed dramatically, and they quickly soared over, their hands frantically forming seals: "Maximize the power of the Great Formation to its utmost limit; we cannot let this youngster break free, or else no one will be able to hold him!"

 Chapter 485 - 481: Long Nannans Transformation and Horror!

    ```


    Two Elders of the Hong Clan rapidly formed seals with their hands, hastening the activation of their own Golden Cores, bursting forth with blinding radiance and instantly enhancing the might of the Fiery Sun Great Formation.


    "Go!" Ye Feng waved his Great Hand, and the strengthened version of the Sky-breaking Long Spear he had condensed shot forth directly.


    With a whoosh, it pierced through the Great Formation in an instant, but the Fiery Sun Great Formation was terrifyingly resilient. The luminous flux swiftly closed the breach and even started to dissolve the Sky-breaking Long Spear into nothingness soon after.


    "Who would have thought, the Fiery Sun Great Formation is so stable!" Ye Feng''s expression was extremely grave; even his own enhanced Sky-breaking Robe could not shatter it. Of course, the Formation''s resilience wasn''t very strong. What was truly formidable was its ability to recover.


    Each time Ye Feng''s Sky-breaking Long Spear managed to pierce it, the Formation would heal in the blink of an eye. From this, Ye Feng knew that unless he could destroy the Great Formation in one fell swoop, merely creating a breach would be utterly futile.


    "Ye Feng, I''ll ask you one last time, will you surrender? If you bow your head and cripple your Martial Arts, we will spare your life; otherwise, today you are certainly doomed!" Hong Tianze bellowed angrily. His voice was like a great bell, and in the midst of the night in the Imperial City, it reverberated across the entire sky.


    At this moment, almost every notable and strong figure in the Imperial City was stirred, coming out one after another to look up and watch, their hearts moved by the sight.


    "Could it be that Northern King Ye Feng, the Principal of the Martial Academy, is going to fall here today?" Many thought to themselves.


    "This youngster Ye Feng, in the end, is too showy, as they say: a tall tree catches the wind. The Four Great Ancient Clans have finally decided to take serious action against him. Looking at it, I fear today Ye Feng is undoubtedly doomed!" a Sect Leader from the Utility Pavilion sighed.


    "Once this youngster falls, the entire situation in the Imperial City will change in an instant. There''s also the Imperial Martial Academy, which had just begun to gain footing, progressing step by step in all aspects. If he falls tonight, I''m afraid the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will jump out again. So for both sentimental and rational reasons, I hope he survives." Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming said.


    "Yes, I thought after Ye Feng forced Tang Bai to retreat, he would take further action against us. But from today''s meeting at the Utility Pavilion, it seems he did not. Frankly speaking, I also hope he makes it through so that the situation in the Imperial City can remain in a balanced peace!" Other Sect Leaders also expressed their sighs.


    As for the Imperial Martial Academy, seeing their Principal being suppressed like this, everyone was naturally furious. Yet, they were simply too weak to offer any help or even fly into the sky at this moment, as such height required at least the Divine Skills of a Fifth Realm Divine Path expert to reach.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan could no longer contain herself at this sight and was about to rush forward.


    However, Hong Yaoyao had already been guarding against her. Before Qingyan could even move, Yaoyao''s sleeve flew out with a Red Heavenly Ribbon Rope that suddenly ensnared Qingyan tightly.


    "Hong Yaoyao, let me go!" Qingyan struggled fiercely, her eyes slowly filling with blood: "I''m telling you, Hong Yaoyao, if anything incomplete happens to Big Brother Ye today, not only will I never return to the so-called Hong Clan, but I will also seek revenge in the future!"


    Hong Yaoyao said gravely, "Dreaming of revenge? You would need the ability to do so. To be honest, if Ye Feng doesn''t surrender and cripple his cultivation today, he''s destined to die. As for you, for the sake of preserving the Hong Clan''s legacy, we will certainly extract the Bloodline from within you!"


    As she spoke, Yaoyao sighed, "Don''t blame us for being ruthless. We are doing this for the good of the clan, so that the Hong Clan can continue its legacy. We did give you a chance, but you did not cherish it!"


    Qingyan stopped responding, obviously knowing that speaking further was pointless. Her eyes continued to fill with blood, turning red, while her hair gradually turned white.


    "Not good, could this be a sign of Bloodline activation?" Yaoyao''s complexion changed drastically as she gasped in shock, "Stop wasting time with him, just finish off that little Ye Feng. Qingyan is about to lose control. If she activates her Bloodline, that would be terrible!"


    Hearing this, Hong Tianze and Hong Dize, the two elders, made seals with their hands once again without any hesitation, as Spirit Essence from within them surged out fiercely.


    The Fiery Sun Great Formation, bolstered by a massive influx of Spirit Essence, became even more formidable. Even more terrifying was that the Golden Cage began to shrink continuously. If this pressure persisted and reached a certain critical range, Ye Feng inside would inevitably be crushed into a meat patty.


    "What a formidable Fiery Sun Great Formation, to think that not even my Sky-breaking Long Spear can break it. In that case, I must resort to my true trump card!" Ye Feng snorted coldly in his heart, as the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness started to rotate at high speed. Simultaneously, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll also unfurled.


    An enigmatic aura shot out from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, absorbing Primeval Essence from the Fiery Sun Great Formation under the command of Ye Feng''s spiritual power and funneling it into the scroll.


    However, the power of the Fiery Sun Great Formation was still too overwhelming. The crushing pressure was simply too strong, and it continued to shrink and compress relentlessly, threatening to deform Ye Feng at any moment.


    At this crucial juncture, the onlookers outside held their breath, their hearts lifting to their throats. Should the Fiery Sun Great Formation continue to contract, Ye Feng would inevitably meet his deformation.


    "No choice now, it looks like I must forcibly initiate the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll!" Ye Feng realized, putting his forefinger into his mouth preparing to bite it.


    The factual matter was that within the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll lay a Forbidden Technique; by infusing his own Essence Blood into it, Ye Feng could directly ascend from the First Layer Emperor''s Dao to the Second Layer, the Immortal King Level. In doing so, the scroll''s power would surge for a short duration.


    ```


    However, at this moment, no one expected, not even Ye Feng could have foreseen, that within Long Nannan''s body, a sudden thunderous boom erupted, unleashing power that could destroy the heavens and earth.


    "You disgusting bastards, how dare you treat my Little Martial Uncle like this, die, all of you must die!" Long Nannan''s hair flew wildly, and her entire being rapidly grew taller, reaching a towering height of thirty feet. Her face, which was previously round and adorably charming, now turned incredibly ferocious, and even her fingers had become elongated and sharp.


    More terrifying still, Long Nannan''s eyes turned green, and golden scales emerged on her neck, her appearance simply startling, as if she were a terrifying monster!


    "Die!" Long Nannan charged forward, her speed reaching incomprehensible levels.


    Seeing this, Hong Renze didn''t hesitate and rushed over to stop her. However, with one slap, Long Nannan sent him flying, nearly causing serious injury with just one blow.


    "This person is just too strong, the aura is too terrifying, even now I''m feeling tingles on my scalp!" Divine Path experts from the Imperial City couldn''t help but exclaim in shock upon witnessing this scene.


    "Damn it, that Old Long with Big Tobacco Pipe, I can''t believe he really integrated that monster''s bloodline into this little girl''s body, he''s truly insane!" Hong Renze gnashed his teeth and cursed.


    But before he could finish speaking, Long Nannan had already swooped over, and with just one punch, she shattered the golden cage of the Fiery Sun Great Formation. She then suddenly turned her head and glared at Hong Tianze.


    "No good..." Hong Tianze was startled and, without a second thought, started to flee.


    However, he was still caught; Long Nannan''s speed was horrifying. In a flash, she was right behind Hong Tianze, and with another punch, he spat out blood, his internal organs shifted out of place, and he was sent flying hundreds of meters away.


    Yet, Hong Tianze was still not dead. Of course, he dared not hesitate any longer and, suppressing the turbulent energy in his body, he took advantage of the momentum to escape frantically.


    Long Nannan turned her gaze to Hong Dize once again. Even though he had managed to put some distance between them, her speed was simply too fearsome, and she quickly caught up to him. With another punch, she sent him flying, and he looked like he was either dead or severely injured.


    The powerful spectators from the Imperial City turned pale upon witnessing this, the little girl''s terrifying strength sent shivers down their spines.


    At this moment, seeing that the situation was going south, Hong Yaoyao waved the Red Heavenly Ribbon in her hand, intending to whisk Hong Qingyan away.


    But what Hong Yaoyao couldn''t have imagined was that at this moment, Hong Qingyan''s eyes suddenly turned completely red and even her hair turned white, as a golden-colored Wings of Light condensed into existence above her head.


    "Not good..." Hong Yaoyao was so frightened that her face drastically changed color and, without a moment''s hesitation, she fled.


    But by that time the Wings of Light had already taken form; escaping was no longer so easy. With a swoosh, the Wings of Light shot through the air, and in an instant, they struck Hong Yaoyao in the back.


    Just then, Hong Yaoyao''s body erupted with a golden defensive light ring. However, even this light ring couldn''t withstand the powerful inherited Wings of Light, as the defensive ring was pierced through, and Hong Yaoyao was sent flying, vomiting fresh blood, with a shocking wound on her back.


    Yet, as an expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, Hong Yaoyao, braving serious injury, immediately used a movement technique to flee.


    At this moment, after activating the Wings of Light, Hong Qingyan''s legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.


    At the same time, Long Nannan, in less than a few breaths of time, saw her once thirty-foot tall stature rapidly shrinking, and her face quickly returning to its original appearance. It seemed that although the explosive state was terrifyingly powerful, it had a certain time limit.


    And after returning to her normal state, Long Nannan, too, fell to the ground with a soft thud, and what was even more shocking was that blood was oozing from her seven orifices, and her breath was incredibly disordered and weak, as if she could sink into oblivion at any moment.


    "Long Nannan..." Ye Feng rushed over upon seeing this.


    Originally, he was planning to forcibly use a Forbidden Technique to enhance the Divine Path Scroll''s power to counteract the Fiery Sun Great Formation. He believed that once elevated to the Second Layer Immortal King''s Dao level, not only could he resist the Great Formation, but he could also completely absorb the Great Formation''s Origin Energy.


    Given the might of this Great Formation, if he could fully absorb its energy, Ye Feng was confident that his own strength would certainly improve significantly. But he couldn''t have imagined that not only had Hong Qingyan forcefully initiated her Bloodline Inheritance, but Long Nannan had also become like this.


    For a moment, Ye Feng truly felt overwhelmed!

 Chapter 486 - 482: The Seal, The Bizarre Long Nannan!

    No matter whether it was Long Nannan or Hong Qingyan, the situation of both women was not optimistic. Long Nannan had turned entirely into a Blood Man at the moment, bleeding from all seven orifices, with her breath also extremely unstable, which looked utterly alarming.


    Hong Qingyan seemed to show no outward signs of injury, but her condition was even worse. Her breath fluctuated wildly, and, more crucially, her entire mental state was on the verge of collapse.


    "Not good, if this continues, Qingyan might be in danger of Deviation!"


    Ye Feng''s expression drastically changed, and he hurriedly instructed, "I must suppress the restlessness inside Qingyan''s body with the utmost speed, Feiyu, you heal Nannan!"


    After speaking, he directly carried Hong Qingyan and rushed into the secret chamber, because compared to the former, Hong Qingyan''s condition was more severe. Forcibly triggering the Bloodline Inheritance Technique of the Wings of Light twice had led to an overload of her mental state.


    "Master, don''t worry, leave Nannan to me!" Yu Feiyu shouted.


    Entering the secret chamber in the study, Ye Feng immediately used the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness, and his spiritual power surged forth like a tidal wave, gushing into Hong Qingyan''s body. Of course, at this moment, he dared not let his spiritual power enter Hong Qingyan''s Sea of Consciousness.


    At this very moment, Hong Qingyan''s Sea of Consciousness was like a sea whipped up by violent winds and huge waves. If he entered at this time, it would undoubtedly be adding fuel to the fire, so he could only press it down gently to soothe it.


    Even so, the effect was still minimal. Hong Qingyan''s eyes kept congesting with blood, and what was more terrifying was that her breath became increasingly restless. If this continued, she might really succumb to Deviation.


    "Ancient Hong Clan, damn it..." Ye Feng was about to forcibly penetrate Hong Qingyan''s Sea of Consciousness with his spiritual power, but at this moment, he suddenly recalled a key detail.


    He remembered that Hong Qingyan had mentioned to him that when Hong Tianguo came over recently, he had left a Medicinal Herb for Hong Qingyan called the Awakening Herb. This herb had a significant effect on the Sea of Consciousness, spiritual power, and soul, helping Cultivators to forge a Sea of Consciousness and generate spiritual power.


    "Right, the Awakening Herb!" Ye Feng''s figure flickered, and he zipped out of the underground secret chamber, returned to the bedroom, and then found the Awakening Herb.


    Ye Feng had been persuading Hong Qingyan to take this Spirit Grass, but Hong Qingyan kept thinking about the fact that it was something her mother had left behind and was the only thing she had of hers. She didn''t want to use it up, or else she would lose that last connection.


    Of course, Ye Feng knew that what he was about to do was not quite right, but there were no better options at the moment.


    The Brocade Box opened, revealing a crystalline and translucent herb with a greenish luster, emitting a faint fragrance.


    With a wave of Great Hand, the Spirit Grass entered Hong Qingyan''s mouth. Simultaneously, with a thought from his brow, the spiritual power from his Sea of Consciousness surged out, driving the Spirit Grass into Hong Qingyan''s body.


    The instant the Awakening Herb entered Hong Qingyan''s body, Ye Feng felt it dissolve rapidly, turning into a crystalline and translucent warm current. The warm current did not flow to the Lower Dantian, but instead it went straight up towards the Upper Dantian, that is, the Heavenly Heart Palace and the Sea of Consciousness.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng nodded inwardly, thinking that the Medicinal Herb seemed to be genuine. As for its effectiveness, that remained to be seen.


    This warm current quickly entered the Sea of Consciousness, and the very next moment, Ye Feng was astonished. As soon as the crystalline and translucent warm current entered Hong Qingyan''s Sea of Consciousness, it immediately soothed the nearby turbulent and restless waves.


    Of course, Ye Feng couldn''t probe any further beyond this, as his spiritual power could not delve any deeper without actually entering Hong Qingyan''s Sea of Consciousness, which could result in even more severe damage to her.


    However, Ye Feng knew that the Awakening Herb was treating Hong Qingyan''s injuries effectively, which was reassuring.


    "The Awakening Herb is no ordinary thing. I estimate that this time not only might Qingyan recover from her injuries, but she could even develop her own spiritual power and finally gain complete control over the Technique of Bloodline Inheritance of the Wings of Light!"


    Ye Feng thought to himself and then withdrew all his spiritual power. From now on, it was up to Hong Qingyan; there was nothing more he could do to help.


    "Qingyan''s condition is stabilizing, and it looks like she''s passed the most dangerous stage. Time to check on Nannan, that girl."


    Ye Feng rubbed his forehead feeling a bit helpless. Although the predicament he encountered in the Fiery Sun Formation seemed dangerous, in reality, it was not as bad as it appeared from the outside.


    Especially since Ye Feng forcefully opened the second layer of the Dao of the Immortal King, not only could he break through the opposing Fiery Sun Formation, but he could even completely absorb the energy. This was truly killing two birds with one stone. However, what he never expected was that Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan would actually go berserk in an attempt to save him.


    The situation with Long Nannan was even more serious than Ye Feng had imagined; she was still in a coma.


    "Big Brother Ye, you''ve finally arrived. There''s something strange within Nannan''s body; I can''t heal her. I''ve only managed to stop the bleeding from her seven orifices," Yu Feiyu said as she saw Ye Feng approach.


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows, looked at Long Nannan lying on the bed, and then his Mental Power Nucleus stirred. Instantly, his spiritual power surged forth, entering into Long Nannan''s body to begin a probe.


    However, what Ye Feng didn''t expect was that as soon as his spiritual power began the probe, it was met with a sudden loud "bang" as if encountering a massive counterforce, instantly bouncing his spiritual power back at him.


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and said, "It seems that there must be something very powerful within her, protecting her. It''s difficult for ordinary people to probe."


    Yu Feiyu asked, "What should we do then?"


    Ye Feng turned his head to look at Sausage Sister.


    Sausage Sister then sighed, "Originally, with her current cultivation level, she shouldn''t have forcibly activated that state, as the risks are tremendous. But since it''s already done, there''s no use talking about it now."


    Ye Feng asked, "That state, does it also have something to do with her special bloodline?"


    "It''s not entirely about the bloodline, but I don''t really understand the specifics. Anyway, back then it was that Old Long who loved to meddle¡ªoh, right, your nominal senior brother. Not long after Nannan was born, he sealed some strange thing within her body."


    As Sausage Sister said this, she waved her hand and continued, "Looking at this, it seems you don''t have any good solutions either. It might as well be better to take her back and let Old Long have a look. That thing was concocted by Old Long; I believe he will have a way."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "For now, that''s the only option. There''s no time to delay; you should hurry and set out."


    Without any further ado, Sausage Sister turned and left, apparently going to find Sima Zhantian. After briefly instructing Sima Zhantian, she returned directly, then picked up Long Nannan and walked out of the bedroom. Afterward, she took to the skies.


    "Ye Feng, since you''re about to enter the Outer Battlefield, it should be soon. I believe it won''t be long before you''re there. See you then!" Having said that, Sausage Sister vanished into the distant horizon.


    Sima Zhantian was still standing there, staring blankly into the sky. Seeing this, Ye Feng shook his head and teased, "Do you really want to go with her?"


    Sima Zhantian suddenly snapped back to reality, scratching his head as he chuckled, "You''re asking the obvious, Master."


    Ye Feng rolled his eyes and said, "Look at the state you''re in. That place is not trivial; I reckon you''re not yet up to the mark to go there. However, I''ll first take you to another place. As long as you come out alive from there, I believe you should be about ready."


    Sima Zhantian immediately said, "As you command, Master. No matter where it is, even if it''s to climb a mountain of swords or plunge into a sea of fire, I would not hesitate at your word."


    "It''s not as serious as you say!" Ye Feng shook his head and no longer paid attention to this robust man. He then turned to look at Yu Feiyu.


    "Feiyu, please look after Qingyan for me this time; I have other matters to attend to," Ye Feng said.


    "Sure, Big Brother Ye, leave Sister Qingyan to me; you can rest easy," Yu Feiyu promptly agreed, delighted to be able to help Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng didn''t dare to look any longer at Yu Feiyu''s happy gaze, which also contained a hopeful longing. He then turned and left, walking out the gate of the Northern Cloud Residence. As he looked around, he then headed straight for the General''s Mansion.


    Ever since the fall of Great General Duan Tian, the General''s Mansion had been quiet for some time, and there had been no instructions from the Utility Pavilion. It seemed as if they were waiting for Ye Feng''s move, so Ye Feng felt that, no matter what, he had to make a personal trip there.

 Chapter 487 - 483: I Come Here for Two Things!

    Regarding Ye Feng''s arrival, the people of the General''s Mansion were not surprised, as everyone knew that the currently flourishing Northern King would sooner or later come.


    Since the Great General Duantian''s fall, the General''s Mansion had always been in a state of headless dragons with no one to oversee the overall situation, and the Utility Pavilion on the other side, whether it was the Sect Leaders or the old man Zhuge Wuming, had made no statement or arrangement.


    In fact, everyone was waiting, waiting for the next attitude of Northern King Ye Feng, of course, the many high-ranking officials in the General''s Mansion also had no idea, and some were even anxious, not knowing what this newly eminent figure of the imperial city''s attitude was towards the General''s Mansion.


    "How is it, it seems that everyone does not welcome me, huh?" Ye Feng walked in, saw many generals just standing in place looking at him, neither did they mean to welcome him nor did they step forward to discuss, the atmosphere was undoubtedly a bit awkward.


    Fortunately, there was an old man in the mansion, a retired general who had stepped back from the front lines many years ago, who now shakily came forward and said, "It turns out to be Lord Northern King arriving, we have missed the courtesy of a distant welcome, please don''t take offense, Lord Northern King."


    "Come, come, serve tea to the Northern King, this way please, Lord Northern King!" The grey-haired old general finally led Ye Feng to sit down in the hall, and two servants quickly served tea.


    The meeting hall was very spacious, after all, it was the General''s Mansion, the place where many generals used to work, looking very grand and imposing, a painting of a Tiger Descending the Mountain hanging on the front wall of the hall, magnificent in its aura, under the painting was the Grand Tutor''s Chair, but the chair was empty.


    Ye Feng did not choose the main seat, but sat down at the very first seat on the left, took a slight sip of tea, and then asked, "In recent times, has everything within the mansion still been running smoothly?"


    The generals of the mansion had followed into the hall, even those who were busy at the moment had also hurried over, although everyone knew about the grudge between Northern King Ye Feng and Duantian from before, that matter was ultimately settled between the two as a personal grievance, and since even the Utility Pavilion had made no statement, they were even less likely to do so.


    The old general chuckled and said, "After Lord Duan passed on, although the General''s Mansion is in a headless situation, fortunately, the generals behave with dignity and put state affairs first, so everything has been proceeding along the original track."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Good, you lords have worked hard in managing state affairs."


    The old general still chuckled and said, "We dare not, compared to hard work, the Northern King has to handle even more, we feel ashamed. By the way, Lord Northern King, what brings you here today, if I may ask for your command?"


    Ye Feng gestured with his hand and said, "Command is not quite the word, after all, I''m not your direct leader."


    This grey-haired old general still chuckled, but he did not continue the conversation, because he did not know how to follow up. Although, just as Ye Feng had said, he was not currently the master of the General''s Mansion, if he were to give orders directly, probably none of the generals would dare disobey.


    After all, the current Ye Feng, although still under the name of the Northern King, but his power within the entire imperial city, was likely unmatched by anyone.


    At this point, the rest of the generals also relaxed slightly, and one of them asked, "Lord Northern King, your presence today can''t just be for a casual visit, can it?"


    "Of course not!"


    Ye Feng said as he slowly stood up, scanned the many generals in the hall, and then said word by word, "I know that regarding my affair with Duantian, you lords must have some misgivings in your hearts, and I can understand that. However, you all ultimately prioritize state affairs, which I find comforting and indeed admire."


    At this point, Ye Feng changed the subject and continued, "Today, I have come here for two things!"


    The old general immediately said, "Please speak, Lord Northern King."


    "First, is to announce my stance." Ye Feng slowly raised his right index finger and said, "I guess many of you are wondering whether I will take up residence in the General''s Mansion or even assume the position of the Great General, but what I want to tell you is that I, Ye Feng, will definitely not enter the General''s Mansion, neither now nor in the future, nor will I take up the position of the Great General."


    As he finished speaking, the many generals present suddenly burst into discussion, evidently surprised by Ye Feng''s stance.


    "I know you are surprised, but what I want to tell you is that the position of the Great General has already been found suitable by someone from the Utility Pavilion," Ye Feng said with a faint smile.


    "There''s already a candidate? May I ask, Lord Northern King, who this person is?" the many generals asked in unison.


    Ye Feng shook his head and smiled, saying, "The time is not right yet, and it''s not the moment for the Utility Pavilion to make the announcement, but I''m sure that you will all be convinced by this person."


    In fact, before coming here, Ye Feng had given it deep thought. With his current strength and position, he could completely hold the position of the Great General, and if he were to speak up, the Utility Pavilion would definitely approve.


    But Ye Feng knew that, no matter what, his feud with Duantian was there, and he also had certain misgivings with the people of the General''s Mansion, these people were originally under Duantian''s command, and if he were to force his way in, it would backfire instead.


    So rather than do so, it would be better to let someone else more suitable come in, and Ye Feng had already selected this person, who was Zhang Wenyuan.


    Zhang Wenyuan had already resigned from his position as the Southern King to enter the Outer Battlefield for experience. Ye Feng was certain that in the near future, this individual would become even stronger because Zhang Wenyuan was a man of great fortune, not only capable of returning alive but also destined to encounter his own miracles within the Outer Battlefield.


    In addition, Zhang Wenyuan''s master is none other than Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming. With such a grand master supporting him from behind, Zhang Wenyuan''s qualifications and background are entirely sufficient.


    Of course, Ye Feng couldn''t speak of this at the moment, as the time wasn''t right, but fortunately, the affairs of the General''s Mansion were running smoothly, which spared him from worrying too much.


    Upon hearing Ye Feng''s position on the matter, the many generals invisibly dispelled the resistance and even enmity deep in their hearts, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed than before.


    That old general, however, was slightly disappointed. He asked, "May I know what the second matter is that brought Northern King Ye Feng here?"


    Ye Feng spoke slowly, "All the generals here have been to the battlefield, killed the enemy, and made meritorious contributions for the country. The country cannot forget those with merit. This morning I went to the Utility Pavilion to discuss leading a team into the Outer Battlefield. Lord Zhuge has already given the order, and this time it will be me leading the team into the Outer Battlefield."


    Upon hearing this, the hall immediately burst into commotion and discussion, clearly demonstrating that everyone there was extremely interested in entering the Outer Battlefield, even longing for it.


    After all, those who were able to sit in their positions were well aware of the legends of the Outer Battlefield, knowing it contained various miraculous treasures and cultivation resources.


    A general of higher status asked, "Since Lord Zhuge has personally ordered Lord Northern King to lead the team, we naturally won''t have any objections and will comply with all arrangements made by the Northern King."


    The rest of the generals nodded their heads and echoed in agreement. Ye Feng slightly nodded and said, "Lord Zhuge has also instructed that there are a total of fifty places available. The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts will take twenty of them, leaving me with thirty places."


    Upon hearing this, the eyes of the many generals present suddenly turned fervent, clearly very eager to secure one of these places.


    Ye Feng scanned the room and said, "Since Lord Zhuge has appointed me the team leader, I will naturally ensure fairness and justice. The General''s Mansion has six places, and we will set out two days from now. I have said all I have to say, I take my leave!"


    Having said that, he started to walk away.


    "Lord Northern King, wait, please wait!" Many of the generals stood up and called out.


    "Is there something else?" Ye Feng turned around.


    The higher-ranking general said, "It is unexpected that Lord Northern King could actually allocate six places to the General''s Mansion, and we are extremely grateful. We doubted you before, and for that, we are truly ashamed."


    Ye Feng laughed and replied, "I''ve said before, as people who have contributed to the country, the nation will naturally not forget you. Of the total thirty places, a portion will be taken by the Four Realms in the east, south, north, and west, and the Utility Pavilion will claim ten. Additionally, the Three Offices will take part, leaving six for you at the General''s Mansion, which is fair and reasonable."


    "Yes, yes, yes, we don''t doubt the fairness and integrity of Lord Northern King. We are already quite satisfied with the six places assigned to us, but Lord Northern King, there are many generals in the General''s Mansion. How will these six places be distributed?" inquired the high-ranking general.


    Ye Feng replied, "How to divide them is an internal matter for you; I will not interfere or inquire. On the day we set out, I will simply expect people to show up. If they are not there, it will be taken as a voluntary forfeiture of the spot."


    Ye Feng stated this and then raised an eyebrow, speaking in a deep voice, "I have always been straightforward. In the next two days, there''s no need to secretly come to me, seeking to pull strings through backdoors. Anyone who comes will immediately lose their qualification!"


    After declaring this, Ye Feng strode away without looking back, leaving the many generals standing in a daze.


    A good while later, someone sighed deeply, "After all, we misunderstood the Northern King. Only now do I realize that compared to Duan Tian, the Northern King is truly deserving of being a ruler of this land!"


    Soon another person followed with a sigh, "Indeed, we were too prejudiced against him before, thinking he was just here for the position of the Great General. Little did we know that he had no such intention. Now, under these circumstances, he still thought of the General''s Mansion. We judged him wrongly."


    "Compared to the former Duan Tian, the Northern King''s approach is indeed fair and just. What benefits the former Lord Duan Tian got, he first thought of himself, and then it was our turn. It''s just a shame that the Northern King has expressed his reluctance to take over the General''s Mansion."


    "Why don''t we all petition together and ask him to join?" Suddenly, several generals suggested.


    At this moment, the old general with white hair stood up and said tremulously, "You all still don''t see it. The ambition of the Northern King is not small. He simply doesn''t care for the General''s Mansion, so even if we ask, it would be pointless. From now on, we just need to diligently perform our duties. Those above us will not forget our contributions."


    The many generals listened and nodded repeatedly, while Ye Feng had already left the General''s Mansion and was heading towards the Northern Cloud Residence. What he couldn''t have anticipated was that the Northern Cloud Residence already teemed with guests.


    Following the news about the Outer Battlefield, the fastest response came from the Utility Pavilion. Numerous Sect Leaders came with gifts in tow. Additionally, people from the Three Offices and even the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts sent their representatives with gifts.

 Chapter 488 - 484: The Transformation of Hong Qingyan

    Ye Feng did not enter through the main gate because there were simply too many guests visiting Northern Cloud Residence, and the various gifts had completely blocked the street at the entrance.


    After entering from the backyard, Ye Feng immediately called for the housekeeper.


    "Does my lord have any instructions?" The housekeeper was an old servant from the Northern Border, originally a personal attendant to the old Northern King, so he well understood Ye Feng''s temperament. He had not let any of the visiting guests enter before Ye Feng''s return.


    "Issue a directive, I will not receive guests these next few days, not a single one!" Ye Feng said this, and then with a furrowed brow, he added, "As for the gifts they''ve brought, accept them all, and then send them directly to the Martial Academy for the Second Sect Leader."


    "As you wish, my lord!" The housekeeper laughed upon hearing this, thinking that the guests would be left empty-handed despite their efforts since they hadn''t even seen the host and their gifts were gone. But he also knew that probably only the Northern King dared to do such a thing today.


    Of course, these gifts did not enter Northern Cloud Residence but were sent directly to the Imperial Martial Academy. The guests, having been turned away, could not really complain, and instead, many praised the Northern King''s high righteousness and fairness on the spot.


    Seeing this, the housekeeper had even more admiration for his master, thinking how Northern Cloud Residence had almost fallen into decay in the capital, but now in not too long of a time, it had completely revitalized and become the liveliest estate in the capital.


    Ye Feng no longer paid attention to the commotion at the front gate and turned to walk towards the rear courtyard. By this time, Hong Qingyan had been moved out of the secret chamber and placed in the quiet backyard.


    "Feiyu, how is Qingyan now?" Ye Feng walked in and happened to see Yu Feiyu coming out of the bedroom.


    Yu Feiyu shook her head and said, "Her breath is gradually stabilizing, but she is still unconscious, and we don''t know when she will awaken."


    Ye Feng''s brows furrowed upon seeing the fatigue on Yu Feiyu''s face and said with a pang of guilt, "You''ve worked hard during this time."


    Yu Feiyu felt a bit happier and replied, "What''s our relationship, Master, there''s no need to say such things to me."


    Ye Feng knew what she meant, but he could only avoid the topic, saying, "That''s right, prepare yourself these next few days, then follow me to the Outer Battlefield."


    "To the Outer Battlefield?" Yu Feiyu was taken aback. As the daughter of the Valley of the Medicine God, she naturally had long heard of the Outer Battlefield, and she knew far more than the average person, but she suddenly became troubled.


    "What''s the matter, any problems?" Ye Feng asked.


    Yu Feiyu nodded and then said seriously, "Here''s the thing, Big Brother Ye, I really appreciate that you would take me, but you mentioned the other day about transitioning from martial to spiritual cultivation, and I''ve decided to become a cultivator, and it''ll happen in these next few days."


    Ye Feng nodded and then frowned, saying, "Becoming a cultivator is the right choice, as the deeper the realm, the harder it becomes to transition. But if you''re going to transition in the next few days, you''ll need to disperse your energy, and you''ll be weakened for a while."


    "Yes, that''s why I think I might not go to the Outer Battlefield. My cultivation realm is not high, and I''d only hold you back, Master. Moreover, the transition to cultivation would reduce my strength significantly."


    Ye Feng found it hard to say more.


    Yu Feiyu suddenly brought up another concern: "Master, have you considered what we''ll do with Sister Qingyan if she still hasn''t woken up by the time you enter the Outer Battlefield?"


    "That..." Ye Feng hadn''t thought it through. If Hong Qingyan indeed remained comatose by then, he truly did not know how to arrange for her properly, especially since the Ancient Hong Clan was still eyeing her covetously and would not give up on her.


    No force in the Mortal World could compete with the power of the Ancient Hong Clan. Even the Second Sect Leader, though reliable, would not be enough, and likely even Zhuge Wuming would lack the ability to withstand the Ancient Hong Clan.


    Yu Feiyu suggested, "In that case, if Sister Qingyan really hasn''t woken up by then, let me take her away."


    Ye Feng shook his head, saying, "I''m afraid that won''t work. Although your Valley of the Medicine God stays out of worldly affairs, if the Ancient Hong Clan comes knocking, I fear they may not be able to resist."


    "If I don''t take Sister Qingyan back to the Valley of the Medicine God, that could work. I''ll take her to a secluded place in the deep mountains, where even the Ancient Hong Clan would hardly find us easily!" Yu Feiyu suggested.


    But then Ye Feng suddenly remembered a place, saying, "Right, how could I forget that place? If Qingyan is settled there, even if the Ancient Hong Clan really learns about it, they would absolutely not dare to claim her."


    Yu Feiyu couldn''t help asking, "The Ancient Hong Clan is so powerful, is there a place in this world they wouldn''t dare to go?"


    "Of course, there is indeed such a place in this world," Ye Feng replied with a smile.


    That place, naturally, was the little mountain village in the Northwest. It seemed that only there would the Ancient Hong Clan not dare to trespass and take someone.


    "Given the circumstances, Qingyan likely won''t wake up anytime soon. It seems I will have to make arrangements beforehand."


    Ye Feng said this and then turned to Yu Feiyu,


    "You should also go with us. Although that place does not accept outsiders, you can be considered half a disciple of mine, and not really an outsider, so staying there temporarily shouldn''t be a problem."


    Yu Feiyu couldn''t help asking, "Is there really such a place in the world? Where is it?"


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "You don''t need to ask so much. Just follow along, and remember, once you get there, even if you see an old man herding an old yellow cow, you must show the respect that is due. Oh, and since you have just switched to being a cultivator, if there''s anything you don''t understand about cultivation, feel free to ask them and say that I told you to. Got it?"


    "Got it, Master." Yu Feiyu was very happy, as after all, Ye Feng did care about her. At this moment, she had already roughly guessed the origin of that place.


    The little mountain village in the northwest was not only mysterious to the Nine Great Sects of the Mortal World''s ancient martial arts but also aroused the curiosity and longing of Yu Feiyu, the daughter of the Valley of the Medicine God, especially since the place had once been called a Cultivation Sacred Land.


    After Ye Feng finished speaking, he turned to enter the bedroom but suddenly stopped and instructed, "Right, go tell Xiao Chuanqi to come see me."


    "Yes, Master." Yu Feiyu nodded obediently and then left.


    In the bedroom, Hong Qingyan still lay unconscious on the bed. Ye Feng walked over and examined her. As Yu Feiyu had said, while her vital energy was gradually stabilizing and her bloodline was no longer as turbulent as before, there was still no sign of her waking up.


    "Logically, this shouldn''t be happening," Ye Feng frowned and immediately activated his spiritual power to probe inside Hong Qingyan''s body, and his expression changed in an instant.


    "No, something''s off with her Sea of Consciousness!" This was a great shock to Ye Feng.


    Although his spiritual power had not entered Hong Qingyan''s Sea of Consciousness, Ye Feng could distinctly feel that there were intense changes happening within it. As it churned up huge waves, it seemed to be undergoing a sort of polarization.


    "How could this be? Could it be because of the Awakening Herb?" Ye Feng couldn''t figure it out, but with his current level of mental power, he dared not recklessly probe further, as without absolute certainty, he might cause irreversible harm to Hong Qingyan.


    "Forget it, I''ll find someone to look at her after we get to the little mountain village in the northwest," Ye Feng sighed, and then left the room.


    By this time, Xiao Chuanqi was already waiting at the door. Seeing Ye Feng come out, he bowed and asked, "My Lord, you sought me for instructions?"


    Ye Feng closed the door and then said, "I need to take a trip far from here in the next few days, and you need to do two things for me."


    "Yes, my Lord, please instruct me," Xiao Chuanqi said.


    "First, you will visit Boss Cao''s old home and tell them to select a descendant from their family with the most outstanding innate bone and talent, then bring him back to the Northern Cloud Residence. Also inform the Cao Family that I will personally mentor this child and take him to the Outer Battlefield," Ye Feng instructed.


    "As you command, my Lord!" Xiao Chuanqi bowed and then thought for a moment before saying, "This move by my Lord is probably in compensation for Great General Cao Yi, right?"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, "Boss Cao did help me quite a lot previously. I feel somewhat guilty about his death. Now that he''s gone, the Old Cao Family has lost its backbone and will inevitably be suppressed by the Three Offices. It''s both a public and private matter that I should lend a hand now. As for whether the Cao Family can rise again, that depends on how far the child they send can go."


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded and said, "My Lord personally mentoring the child is already the greatest care for the Old Cao Family. I believe they won''t have any complaints. Of course, even without my Lord''s aid, we owe nothing to the Cao Family."


    Ye Feng merely smiled faintly and then said, "The second task is that you also need to visit the Duan Family and likewise have them select their most outstanding direct lineage descendant to come to us."


    "The Duan Family..." Xiao Chuanqi was confused this time, as after all, Great General Duan Tian had effectively died at the hands of his own master, and now to give a spot to the Duan Family was truly baffling.


    Of course, this was because Xiao Chuanqi was not in that position, and his vision was far less broad than Ye Feng''s, so naturally, he did not understand.


    "Just do it!" Ye Feng waved his hand, not intending to explain.


    "As you command, my Lord!" Xiao Chuanqi asked no further, bowed, and then left.


    Ye Feng then began considering how to more safely transport Hong Qingyan to the little mountain village in the northwest. This matter needed to be done secretly; otherwise, if the Ancient Hong Clan found out, they would surely intercept them midway.


    Suddenly Ye Feng thought of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts who had come to visit and that the Nine Great Sects were located in the Western Territory. He could use the sects as a cover to send Hong Qingyan to the northwest.


    With this in mind, Ye Feng immediately quickened his pace to head outside. By now, most of the guests had already dispersed after receiving the butler''s orders, but the people from Tang Sect were still nearby due to some delay.


    "Notify the Tang Sect team leader to wait for me at the front tavern for a while and tell them I have a matter to discuss with him," Ye Feng instructed the butler.


    The butler nodded and quickly caught up with Tang Sect''s convoy. After explaining the purpose, the Tang Sect team leader was flattered and certainly did not refuse, promptly agreeing to wait.

 Chapter 489 - 485: Unveiling the Mysterious Veil of the Small Mountain Village

    After the people of the Tang Sect entered the tavern, Ye Feng waited in a private room inside. Naturally, the leader of the Tang Sect happily agreed to Ye Feng''s proposal, and of course, Ye Feng couldn''t let them help for free¡ªhe allocated a spot from his own side.


    This spot was originally prepared for Hong Qingyan, but seeing how the situation was unfolding, it seemed no longer necessary, and it served as a perfect token of gratitude to the Tang Sect. Since it didn''t involve one of the twenty spots from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, naturally, the other Sects wouldn''t object. After all, Ye Feng hadn''t violated the principle of fairness and justice.


    To be on the safe side, Ye Feng didn''t stay long and suggested they leave immediately. The night was long and full of uncertainties, and the Ancient Hong Clan had no trivial foundation. Now that Long Nannan and Sausage Sister were both gone, if the Ancient Hong Clan came again to take someone, Ye Feng might be able to contend with these Clan Elders, but he definitely couldn''t ensure Hong Qingyan''s safety.


    And if Hong Qingyan were forcibly taken back to the Hong Family, given the temperament of the Four Great Ancient Clans, it was feared they would indeed forcibly extract her bloodline. In that case, Hong Qingyan, even if not dead, would become crippled, which was absolutely not something Ye Feng wanted to see.


    "Leave now? But where is the person?" asked the leader of the Tang Sect.


    Ye Feng chuckled lightly and said, "The person is already in your team. Don''t ask anything; just lead the team and depart."


    The leader of the Tang Sect paused for a moment, then nodded, his heart couldn''t help but be filled with admiration. True to the reputation of His Highness Northern King, the man who had once slain two elders from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects, so much had been done right under his nose without any detection.


    Earlier, when Ye Feng was on his way to the tavern, he had already instructed Yu Feiyu to take Hong Qingyan. Using the moments when the team was resting, they managed to sneak Hong Qingyan into one of the vehicles without a sound.


    The vehicle was spacious enough that with the backseats folded down, Hong Qingyan could lie down flat, so it wasn''t too uncomfortable for her.


    The Tang Sect''s team quickly set off. To outsiders, they appeared to be just taking a brief break at the tavern, so they aroused no suspicions.


    Indeed, as Ye Feng had anticipated, although the four Clan Elders of the Ancient Hong Clan had been repelled and fled in disarray, they had planted two Foundation Establishment masters to watch over Northern Cloud Residence day and night. More precisely, they were monitoring Hong Qingyan''s exact location.


    However, for these two Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators, even if they were positioned opposite Northern Cloud Residence, watching day and night, with Ye Feng''s current Cultivation Realm, it was relatively easy to evade their senses.


    The Tang Sect''s team quickly left the Inner City, and Ye Feng did not follow immediately. Instead, he returned to the Northern Cloud Residence to give brief instructions and then set off.


    "Hmph, Ancient Hong Clan, truly an undying specter. Once I''ve settled Qingyan and gained experience in the Outer Battlefield, I''ll surely visit your Hong Family and settle this account personally!" Ye Feng snorted and his figure vanished into thin air in the courtyard.


    When the Tang Sect''s team exited the Outer Imperial City, Yu Feiyu inside the vehicle felt a gust of wind, and Ye Feng suddenly appeared before her.


    "Big Brother Ye, you almost gave me a big scare!" Yu Feiyu exclaimed in astonishment.


    "Didn''t I tell you I would follow soon after?" Ye Feng said with a smile.


    "But the way you appeared just now was too ghostly. I didn''t sense it at all beforehand." Yu Feiyu said. She was, after all, a practitioner of the Divine Path Realm, Fourth Realm Divine Communication Realm, but she paled in comparison to Ye Feng.


    "Big Brother Ye, is this the formidable aspect of cultivators?" Yu Feiyu asked, harboring no doubt that if Ye Feng had wanted her life just now, she would probably not even know who had done her in¡ªYe Feng''s power was just too terrifying.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Yes, why else would I have you disperse your current realm of cultivation, especially your Object of the Divine Path, and switch to the path of the cultivators?"


    Yu Feiyu nodded and said, "I understand, Master. After switching paths, I will definitely practice diligently to catch up with you and Sister Qingyan as soon as possible."


    Ye Feng remained silent and slowly closed his eyes. At that moment, Yu Feiyu didn''t dare to speak again, but she had a feeling that her master was becoming stronger and stronger. If she didn''t work harder, she feared that she wouldn''t be able to see even his silhouette in the near future.


    Meanwhile, no one in the Tang Sect''s entire team, including the leader, realized that Ye Feng had joined them in the vehicle. The team continuously headed westward, and half a day later, they reached the critical location of Ten-mile Slope, entering the Western Territory without any incidents.


    It seemed that the Ancient Hong Clan, due to the earlier heavy blows to the four Clan Elders, didn''t send anyone else so quickly.


    After four hours, night had fallen, and the caravan suddenly stopped because two diverging paths appeared ahead.


    The leader of the Tang Sect signaled for the team to halt, then turned and walked to the last vehicle, saying, "There are two paths ahead. The left one leads to our Tang Sect, and if you continue on, you will reach our Sect''s location."


    Though he hadn''t seen Ye Feng during the journey, intuition told the leader of the Tang Sect that Ye Feng was definitely inside this vehicle.


    "Thank you for your efforts," said Ye Feng, and then the vehicle directly headed down the right fork.


    "As it should be," said the leader of the Tang Sect with a slight bow, sending off the black car as it disappeared into the night. Then, with a grand wave of his hand, the team proceeded down the road to the left.


    The deal was superbly lucrative for the Tang Sect, after all, they had merely taken someone along the way and now had an additional spot to enter the Outer Battlefield for free.


    As for Ye Feng, he had already replaced the Tang Sect disciple who was driving during a rest stop earlier. Now, he drove the car himself, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to continue heading west. The Northwest Little Mountain Village was extremely mysterious, typically forbidding the entrance of outsiders under normal circumstances.


    It wasn''t until late at night that the car stopped at a cliffside surrounded by the lush and dense primordial forest, with occasional beast roars echoing in the air.


    Yu Feiyu felt a shiver run down his spine and couldn''t help but ask, "Master, don''t tell me that the Northwest Little Mountain Village is down below this cliff?"


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "If it were just below this cliff, then there would be nothing mysterious left about the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Remember, once we go down, stay close to me. The most important thing is to follow my footsteps and not make a single mistake. Got it?"


    "Understood!" Yu Feiyu nodded slightly, seeing how seriously Ye Feng was taking this, she couldn''t help but feel nervous and even more excited at the same time, thinking that she would soon see the mysterious village.


    Holding Hong Qingyan in his arms and taking Yu Feiyu''s hand, Ye Feng leaped off the cliff. The cliff was immensely deep, but that was hardly a challenge for Ye Feng, who was already capable of hovering in mid-air.


    The three of them fell continuously, with Yu Feiyu only feeling the whistling wind by her ears, unsure of how long until they landed.


    Below the cliff was a sea of flowers, and in front of the sea was a lake. Ye Feng led the two women to the lake and dived straight in.


    Ten minutes later, the three of them emerged from the water, and before them now was a bamboo forest. The bamboo was lush and dripping with vigor, but Yu Feiyu could tell that the placement of each bamboo was rather special, seemingly forming a powerful Formation.


    At this point, Ye Feng became even more cautious than before, and Yu Feiyu became even more convinced of her thoughts.


    At the end of the bamboo forest was a cave. Ye Feng stood in front of the cave entrance and took a deep breath, "Entering this cave, danger intensifies. The Formation inside is too formidable; you can''t take a single wrong step, or I might not even be able to save you."


    Yu Feiyu nodded, feeling even more tense.


    The three then entered the cave. The entrance wasn''t large and twisted in many directions. Yu Feiyu didn''t know how long they walked until suddenly, the space opened up.


    Utterly astonished, Yu Feiyu looked up and exclaimed, "Master, what... what is going on here? It was night just a moment ago, why is it daylight ahead?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "I remember asking the same thing my first time here, but that little old man just wouldn''t answer, leaving me puzzled. However, now I understand the reason."


    "What is the reason?" Yu Feiyu immediately asked as they stepped out of the cave. Before them was a peaceful village scene with smoke curling up from chimneys, houses dotted here and there, and small bridges over flowing streams¡ªit truly looked just like an ordinary little mountain village.


    What Yu Feiyu couldn''t comprehend was that, logically speaking, the time spent passing through the cave wasn''t long, and it was clearly night before entering. Yet here, it had suddenly turned into day, which was seemingly impossible.


    After entering, Ye Feng seemed to relax quite a bit. Jokingly, he said, "Why don''t you guess?"


    Yu Feiyu looked carefully around, noting that although it was daylight, there was no sun in the sky. After thinking for a bit, she said, "Master, could it be that this place is no longer the same world we were originally in?"


    Ye Feng replied with a smile, "You can understand it that way."


    With that, he nodded, then added, "It seems your talent is even brighter than mine. After we get here, practice diligently, and don''t waste such a great gift."


    "Yes, Master," Yu Feiyu said, ecstatic. She could feel that not only was the daylight different here, but even the air was unique, as if every cell in her body had come alive.


    Yu Feiyu wasn''t foolish and had already roughly guessed some aspects¡ªair here was certainly not ordinary. In some sense, the Northwest Little Mountain Village might indeed be considered an outer-domain village.


    What Yu Feiyu couldn''t fathom, however, was how people had discovered such a place years ago. Of course, she knew that it was something she could never figure out on her own, so she simply gave up thinking about it.


    Just then, an emaciated old man with his trouser legs rolled up, riding on an ox and whistling leisurely, came towards them, looking quite content.


    "You, Kid Ye, must have forgotten the rules around here, bringing outsiders in!" The old man on the ox was still a hundred meters away when he spoke, but as his voice fell, he and his old ox had already reached Ye Feng.

 Chapter 490 - 486: The Talents of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu

    Although the old man and his yellow ox looked ordinary, Yu Feiyu knew very well that there was nothing simple about them. Otherwise, they would not have been able to cover a distance of over a hundred miles and arrive right before her without making a sound, without even allowing her to capture their trajectory.


    Ye Feng immediately clasped his fists and said, "So it''s Elder Huang from the humble mountain village, you''re mistaken, these two are not outsiders. One is my wife, and the other is my disciple. According to the rules of the mountain village, they are allowed to enter."


    Old Man Huang, without saying whether he agreed or disagreed, stated, "Although they are not outsiders, there is one thing, ordinary people cannot enter either."


    Ye Feng continued with a smile, "Does Elder Huang really think that those who can stand by my side would be ordinary people?"


    Elder Huang didn''t reply but shook his head with a sigh, "You guy, don''t think you can talk to me like this just because you''re the junior brother of the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe. Whether they''re ordinary people or not, I have to see for myself, as the elder in charge here."


    With that, Elder Huang turned to look at Yu Feiyu and also took out a mirror, which he shone upon her.


    Yu Feiyu didn''t understand what was happening and turned to look at Ye Feng with a face full of questions.


    Ye Feng chuckled, "It''s no big deal. He''s just examining your Innate Bone and at the same time checking if there''s anything suspicious about your identity."


    Before his voice even fell, that ancient bronze mirror in the cowherd Old Man Huang''s hand suddenly burst forth with bursts of cyan light. The light quickly coalesced into a solid-looking cyan beam, quite impressive in appearance.


    Old Man Huang couldn''t help but feel a bit surprised, and exclaimed, "Who would have thought it would be cyan, such a high Talent Level, and even formed a cyan pillar; among the cyan grades, this is the strongest. This little girl has a good talent."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "Naturally, after all, she''s the half-disciple I chose. According to your copper mirror''s criteria, Talent Levels from high to low are divided into Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, Purple, and cyan color clearly far exceeds the standard requirements."


    Hearing this, Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but ask, "Master, does this mean my talent is relatively strong?"


    Elder Huang Niu unexpectedly said, "Little girl, it looks like you haven''t formally accepted Ye Feng as your master, right? What do you say, are you interested in accepting me as your master instead?"


    Yu Feiyu was stunned yet again, but she couldn''t make up her mind on this, so she turned her head to look at Ye Feng once more.


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "What are you hesitating for, go ahead and pay your respects to your new master. You were only learning medicine from me. Even though you call me master, our relationship isn''t exactly that of master and disciple."


    Yu Feiyu''s thoughts instantly became active. Truth be told, she didn''t want Ye Feng to be her master. If that were the case, their relationship would become very legitimate and could progress further. Now, if she were to accept this Old Huang Niu as her master, the problem could be nicely solved.


    "Master, please accept your disciple''s respect!" Having made up her mind, Yu Feiyu clasped her hands together and paid her respects.


    Elder Huang Niu waved his hand with a smile, "No hurry, our little mountain village values ancient rituals. To accept a master, we must ready tea first, and besides, I''m a bit tight on treasures at the moment. Once I''ve managed to get a thing or two, we''ll talk."


    Yu Feiyu laughed and said, "Master, the little bronze mirror in your hand seems quite nice. Why don''t you just give it to me?"


    Old Man Huang immediately waved his hands saying, "That won''t do, who knew you''d be just like that money-crazy girl, Long Nannan. That''s not good at all. Of course, it''s not that I''m stingy, but this little bronze mirror belongs to the mountain village; it''s not my personal property, I can''t give it to you. Besides, it wouldn''t be of much use to you anyway; it can only be used to check eligibility, not for fighting against foes."


    Yu Feiyu thought that made sense since the mirror wasn''t of much use anyway. She then said, "Then master, hurry up and check Sister Qingyan and see how her cultivation talent is."


    Old Man Huang nodded. He was also very curious and wanted to see just what kind of talent the wife of the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe''s chosen person had.


    With that, he turned the ancient bronze mirror onto Hong Qingyan and astonishingly, the mirror churned out surges of purple.


    The rich purple aura shot up into the sky, like a tide gushing forth, and in a moment, the sky above was filled with a vast expanse of purple.


    "The purple aura is arriving from the east!" Old Man Huang''s face changed, and he hurriedly put the mirror away, not daring to keep pointing it at her. Otherwise, it might cause the entire little mountain village to be filled with that strong purple aura, startling everyone in the village.


    Ye Feng and Yu Feiyu were also shocked. According to the Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, Purple scale, didn''t that mean Hong Qingyan had the ultimate purple Talent Level? And the purple just now was even so intense that it was terrifying.


    Old Man Huang waved his hand to disperse the purple aura above his head, then coughed twice before asking, "Ye Feng, has your wife accepted a master before?"


    Seeing his demeanor, Ye Feng knew what this man was thinking and said immediately, "She already has a master."


    Old Man Huang laughed and said, "No worries, no worries. Once she wakes up, ask her if she minds having another master."


    Yu Feiyu couldn''t help feeling infuriated, thinking this Elder Huang Niu truly was an old man who loved the new and loathed the old. Just a moment ago, seeing her own strong talent, he eagerly took her in as a disciple, and now, seeing that Sister Qingyan''s talent was even stronger, he wanted to take her on as well. He hadn''t given any consideration to her feelings.


    Old Man Huang coughed twice and said, "Actually, I still have quite a few magic treasures, and I have plenty of time right now, so taking one or two female disciples is well within my capabilities."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and said, "Senior might not be aware, but Qingyan is from the Ancient Hong Clan, and she has inherited the bloodline of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. Right now, the Ancient Hong Clan is trying by all means to capture her and bring her back. They even sent out four clan elders previously. Are you sure you want to take her as your disciple?"


    "The bloodline inheritance of the Ancient Hong Clan, no wonder her talent was so strong just now. With bloodline inheritance, it''s not surprising at all," Old Man Huang sighed, then repeatedly waved his hand and said, "Since she is an inheritor of the Ancient Hong Clan, I won''t take her as a disciple. I just want to live a peaceful life."


    Ye Feng immediately said, "To tell you the truth, Senior Huang, I came today to have my children stay in the small village for some time, precisely to avoid being captured by the Ancient Hong Clan. There shouldn''t be any problem with that, right?"


    Old Man Huang couldn''t help but roll his eyes and said, "You''ve already brought them here, can I even say there''s a problem? Could I possibly drive you out?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh. The other party''s words were undoubtedly an acceptance. Of course, he also understood Old Man Huang''s temper; although he was bitingly sarcastic, he was actually very kind-hearted.


    "Let''s go, we''ll head into the village and talk there," said Old Man Huang before turning his head to look at Yu Feiyu, then continued, "Come, disciple, ride on Huang Niu''s back. That way, when we enter the village later, everyone will know you are my girl, and no one will bother you anymore."


    Yu Feiyu was once again puzzled, feeling like she might have boarded a thief''s ship, but Ye Feng just smiled and said, "It''s okay, get on."


    Yu Feiyu then leaped gracefully onto Huang Niu''s back, while Old Man Huang leisurely led the way forward with Elder Huang Niu, and Ye Feng followed closely behind with Hong Qingyan in his arms.


    On the way, Old Man Huang asked, "By the way, Ye Feng, how long do you plan to stay in the small village this time?"


    Ye Feng answered, "I will leave tomorrow."


    "So soon? Not waiting for your Big Smoking Pipe senior brother to come back?" Old Man Huang asked.


    "No need to wait, the day after tomorrow I have to lead a team to the Outer Battlefield," Ye Feng said.


    Old Man Huang was startled, then nodded and said, "Right, it''s about time to go there. Time is short; it''s better to head there earlier."


    While they were talking, the group had already arrived at the village ahead. Dozens of wooden, haphazardly built houses smoked from their chimneys, creating a utopian scene of serenity detached from the worldly tumult.


    The small village wasn''t heavily populated; as they passed, Yu Feiyu only saw about a dozen children playing in the clearing by the central pond of the village, astonishing her with the realization that, although they appeared only about seven or eight years old, their auras were significantly stronger than hers.


    Ye Feng explained, "The small village bears a mission. Usually, there is only one person rotating duty to guard the village. The elder taking shifts isn''t fixed, and it just so happens that it''s Old Man Huang''s turn now."


    As they were talking, a middle-aged man leaning on a cane and an old woman, shaky on her feet, walked out.


    Yu Feiyu asked, "Then, they are..."


    Old Man Huang chuckled and said, "That''s because they are of no use. They got injured on a mission, so they had to hurry back here to heal."


    The old woman was having none of it, shouting back, "You old yellow-tooth! Who are you calling useless? Believe it or not, I''ll tear that mouth of yours to pieces!"


    Old Man Huang laughed heartily and retorted, "Wait until you heal your injuries before you talk big, you old hag. You can hardly walk but still have such a fiery temper."


    As for the middle-aged man with the cane, he approached Ye Feng and said, "I never would have expected Little Martial Uncle to come back. Let''s go to my place and drink until the sky falls and the earth rends."


    But before Ye Feng could reply, Old Man Huang spoke sternly, "The young man Ye Feng has important matters to attend to this visit. I have to explain some things to him later. You can always drink later, but not tonight."


    The middle-aged man suddenly lost his cheer, rolling his eyes and saying, "Uncle Huang, can''t you be a bit less domineering? I haven''t seen Little Martial Uncle Ye Feng for so many years."


    Seeing that Old Man Huang was about to lose his temper, Ye Feng quickly intervened with a smile, "Brother Long, I really am here on important business, and I have to leave soon after I''m done. I''ll be going to the Outer Battlefield the day after tomorrow, so once everything is settled, I''ll come back and we''ll drink to our heart''s content."


    The man surnamed Long nodded and said, "Alright then. Since you''re heading to the Outer Battlefield, I won''t keep you. It''s incredible that in just a few short years, you''ve grown so much. You truly are the chosen one of my Big Tobacco Pipe senior brother."


    Impatient, Old Man Huang waved his hand, "Alright, alright, you two old and injured soldiers, get lost and heal your wounds. I''m taking them to my place first. I''ll send over some snacks to accompany the drinks later so we can talk."


    The middle-aged man surnamed Long and the shaky old woman then left discontentedly, making it clear that Old Man Huang, the village guard, held a certain amount of importance.


    Without further ado, the group made their way to the west side of the village, crossed a small stream, and arrived at a yard surrounded by a bamboo fence.

 Chapter 491 - 487: Powerful Alien Territory Monster!

    The bamboo-fenced courtyard was very tranquil, and Ye Feng swiftly settled Hong Qingyan down.


    Old Man Huang stood by the bedside, his brows deeply furrowed, not uttering a word.


    Ye Feng glanced at him and couldn''t help but ask, "How is it, Old Huang, can you see what''s going on inside Qingyan''s body?"


    Old Man Huang''s eyebrows furrowed even more, and eventually he shook his head and sighed, "There''s no way, it seems that since this old man has arrived, I can''t even discern the symptoms. What''s affecting her unconsciousness is in the sea of consciousness, her divine soul. It''s embarrassing to say, but I have no way to investigate that."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng had an idea. He speculated that Old Man Huang probably hadn''t developed spiritual power yet. Otherwise, he should have been able to discern some clues. In other words, maybe Old Man Huang''s combat power was stronger than his own, but he was weaker than himself in terms of spiritual power.


    Yu Feiyu then said, "Although Sister Qingyan is still unconscious, her condition has been improving little by little these past few days, especially her bloodline, which is gradually stabilizing. Presumably, there shouldn''t be much danger, and she should be able to wake up after some time."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Right. Given the current situation, we probably have to rely on her. Others can''t help much."


    In fact, there were many times when Ye Feng almost couldn''t resist using his spiritual power to enter Hong Qingyan''s sea of consciousness to investigate, but he ultimately refrained from doing so because he wasn''t completely certain. After all, he dared not gamble with Hong Qingyan''s life.


    Old Man Huang was obviously feeling frustrated. He had hoped to show off a few skills in front of his newly accepted disciple, but now he could only eat humble pie. He waved his hand and said, "Since it''s like this, then let''s go outside and talk, so as not to disturb this girl."


    The group left the bedroom and sat down at a wooden table in the bamboo-fenced courtyard outside. Old Man Huang turned to Yu Feiyu and said, "Disciple, since you have decided to give up the Martial Dao and turn to the Dao Technique, your master has nothing more to say. Just one thing, don''t be in a hurry to disperse your energy."


    Yu Feiyu asked in confusion, "Why, Master?"


    Old Man Huang said, "Dispelling energy to switch to another cultivation is not a trivial matter. In the next few days, I will get you some herbs. Soak in these herbs while dispersing your energy. It will make your foundation establishment much easier later on, and of course, it will also benefit your innate bone structure."


    Yu Feiyu immediately nodded and said, "Then I thank you, Master."


    "It''s a trifle!" Old Man Huang waved his hand, then turned to look at Ye Feng, and spoke seriously, "Kid Ye, since you have decided to enter the Outer Battlefield, you must have some understanding of the situation there, right?"


    Ye Feng slightly nodded, then shook his head and said, "I must admit, Senior Huang, that regarding the Outer Battlefield, I do have some understanding. But there are several places that still baffle me."


    Old Man Huang suddenly smiled and said, "Before I came back, I had been wondering why that Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe would arrange for me to come back to guard this place. Looking at it now, he probably foresaw that you would come back. Just ask whatever you don''t understand."


    Speaking of this, Old Man Huang suddenly sighed and then said, "Moreover, there are some secrets about the little mountain village that it''s time for you to know. With your current cultivation realm, you should also be told."


    Ye Feng immediately asked the question that concerned him the most and puzzled him the longest, "Old Huang, what exactly is the mission of the little mountain village, and where do the people of the village go? Is it the Outer Battlefield?"


    "I knew that would be the first question you asked."


    Old Man Huang chuckled, then suddenly looked up at the vast sky dome that seemed to never have nightfall and said leisurely, "By now, you must know about the existence of an alien space-time, right?"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    Old Man Huang continued, "The place where our villagers go, if you call it the Outer Battlefield, that wouldn''t be wrong, but it''s not entirely correct either. To be precise, that place is the central hub between the Outer Battlefield, our current world, and another alien space-time."


    "A central hub connecting three worlds?" Ye Feng''s expression changed slightly upon hearing this.


    "Exactly. Of course, that location is hidden; ordinary people simply cannot see it. Even if you go to the Outer Battlefield, if you don''t know the special Dao Technique for transmission, you won''t be able to reach there."


    As Old Man Huang was speaking, he suddenly said solemnly, "That place has a Great Wall of Heaven, a very, very majestic and grand wall."


    "The Great Wall of Heaven?" Yu Feiyu, who was beside him, couldn''t help being astonished and asked, "May I ask what is the purpose of this Great Wall of Heaven?"


    "I suppose the mission of the villagers is to guard this wall?"


    Interrupting, Ye Feng continued in a leisurely sigh, "Since that place is connected to alien space-time, then this Great Wall of Heaven must be there to stop the creatures from the alien territory from entering ours. And the real mission of the villagers is to guard it and protect the gateway."


    Old Man Huang nodded slightly and then sighed deeply, "To tell the truth, I''ve lived 108 years to this day, but I''ve never been to the outside world they call the gaudy mundane world. My whole life has been a straight path, if not at the Great Wall of Heaven, then in this little mountain village."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng respected him profoundly. People outside say that the Northwest Little Mountain Village is a place for criminals, and they''re not allowed to leave the mountain village and enter the mundane world. But how many in the world know the burden of the mission that the villagers of this little mountain village carry on their shoulders.


    Yu Feiyu stopped interjecting at this point, his face involuntarily showing solemnity, and at the same time a deep shock. It turned out that the world was far from as simple as he had originally imagined, nor as seemingly peaceful and serene on the surface.


    The reason why the world seemed so peaceful was simply because a part of people were silently guarding and sacrificing.


    Old Man Huang suddenly stopped his lamenting and asked, "Kid Ye, regarding the recent issue in the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley, you must have guessed something, right?"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    Old Man Huang then said, "Before I came back, that Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe told me that in one year, or at most three years, it is feared that the Great Wall of Heaven and that other gate might not be able to be held any longer, after all, they have been worn down by the Great River of Time."


    "Only three years at most?" Ye Feng''s expression slightly changed, which was much less than what he had anticipated.


    "Correct, three years. So during these three years, not only do we have to prepare for the worst, but you also need to make adequate preparations. Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe said you must, in the shortest time possible, cultivate that Dao Technique to the level of Great Perfection, and he will take you to a place then," Old Man Huang said.


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "I understand that, cultivating the Dao Technique to Great Perfection. But at the fastest, it probably takes about half a year. By the way, Senior Huang, you mentioned another gate just now, what is that place?"


    "This other gate," Old Man Huang said, then suddenly shook his head and spoke in a low voice, "Originally, our Northwest Little Mountain Village was not responsible for this gate. It was guarded by the Four Great Ancient Clans. In fact, in the Ancient Era, the Four Great Ancient Clans and our little village were connected, but as the years passed, this connection gradually faded."


    "Guarded by the Four Great Ancient Clans?" Ye Feng asked. He suddenly thought of the parents of Hong Qingyan; they must have entered the other Alien Space-Time through this gate.


    "Yes, the gate was originally guarded by the Four Great Ancient Clans, but now everything has changed, especially the Hong Family and Bu Family, which probably saw that the gate would not hold for much longer and so are ready to give up, gradually shifting their focus to the Outer Battlefield and the mundane world," Old Man Huang lamented.


    Obviously, this was also something that couldn''t be helped. With at most three years left, seeing that the gate and the Great Wall of Heaven are unable to be held, it is inevitable that these Four Great Ancient Clans would think of other ways to save themselves.


    But speaking of this, Old Man Huang suddenly lamented again, "However, having said that, you did the right thing by vigorously promoting the Martial Academy. Once it truly can''t hold any longer and those creatures from the other side come over, ordinary people who have practiced martial arts would be able to cope somewhat."


    Ye Feng thought that this was indeed his plan, and after thinking for a bit, he then asked, "By the way, Senior, do you know the place my senior brother mentioned that he would take me?"


    Old Man Huang shook his head and said, "I have no idea about that, the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe didn''t say either. But once your Dao Technique reaches Great Perfection, you''ll naturally know. What you need to do now is to do everything you can to enhance your own strength after entering the Outer Battlefield, in order to better deal with the upcoming major changes."


    Yu Feiyu, who had been listening, suddenly asked, "Master, are the monsters from that Alien Space-Time all very powerful? Without the protection of the Great Wall of Heaven, once these monsters come over, won''t we be in great danger?"


    Old Man Huang pondered briefly before replying, "Since you''ve asked, I don''t want to hide it from you¡ªyes, the monsters from the Alien Space-Time are indeed very strong. It''s a good thing that they don''t seem to be focused on our side, otherwise, with our Cultivation Realm, we wouldn''t be able to withstand their full-force assault."


    Having said this, Old Man Huang chuckled and added, "Of course, my disciple, don''t be too pessimistic. If it really comes down to it, we can still hold our ground at the rear. At least within this hour, we should be able to maintain a defense."


    Yu Feiyu fell silent, feeling a heavy weight on her heart.


    Ye Feng felt much better than her, although he also felt tremendous pressure, but also derived a strong motivation from it.


    Just at this time, the middle-aged man from the Long family and the old woman came, bringing several delicate dishes.


    It turned out that this middle-aged man who bore the surname Long was Long Nannan''s cousin. During the meal, he asked a lot about Long Nannan''s situation.


    Ye Feng did not conceal anything from him and told Long Zaitian about Long Nannan forcibly triggering her transformation.


    Long Zaitian couldn''t help but frown and harrumphed, "I was against it from the start, unfortunately the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe was obstinate, and wouldn''t listen to anyone''s advice, insisting on sealing that creature inside Nannan."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and asked, "Creature? What sort of creature?"


    Long Zaitian gave a faint huff and said, "I''m not very clear about what creature it is either. In any case, that Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe said it was an extraordinary beast, rare even in that Alien Space-Time, so he insisted on doing it, no matter who tried to persuade him."


    Old Man Huang waved his hand and said, "Alright, although Miss Long forcibly activated it, it seems she hasn''t suffered much harm. Since she has already been sent there in time, there probably won''t be any serious problems."


    Long Zaitian harrumphed and still looked quite unhappy.


    Ye Feng had no choice but to clink glasses with him and took the opportunity to steer the conversation elsewhere.


    The village knew no night, so there was no way of telling how long had passed. After the meal, Ye Feng left, and since the villagers knew he had things to do, they didn''t insist on him staying long.

 Chapter 492 - 488: Entering the Outer Battlefield

    On the third day, early in the morning, the courtyard at the entrance of Northern Cloud Residence was already bustling with people. Naturally, those who could come here today were undoubtedly the cream of the crop of Xuanyuan Nation, as all of those present were preparing to enter the Outer Battlefield, with the weakest among them being at the peak of Martial King Realm and all of them quite young.


    Back when the quotas were allocated, Ye Feng, as the team leader, had already set rules that those chosen to enter the Outer Battlefield should not be older than thirty-five years of age and must at least be at Martial King Level in terms of cultivation realm. After all, entering the Outer Battlefield meant that older individuals, despite higher cultivation, would often have diminishing potential.


    Ye Feng was clear that today''s entrants to the Outer Battlefield, if they could return safely after their trials and hardships, would undoubtedly become key pillars of Xuanyuan Nation in the future. Therefore, their age naturally couldn''t be too high.


    A total of thirty people gathered on the square. Originally, the plan was for fifty, but the twenty slots allocated to the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were revoked when they unexpectedly changed their minds and entered the battlefield early under their own leadership. The Utility Pavilion was quite angry about this, but Ye Feng remained silent, even pleased by this turn of events.


    After all, he was the captain leading the team, and a larger number of people would have meant greater responsibility. Now that the disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were unwilling to join his team, once inside, Ye Feng wouldn''t need to bother with them.


    The descendants of the direct lineages of the Cao Family and the Duan Family, whom Xiao Chuanqi had been sent to inform, were also present today¡ªtwo young Martial Kings who appeared somewhat uneasy among these exceptionally talented individuals from Xuanyuan Nation.


    Ye Feng did not meet with them separately, as there was no need. After all, his intentions were clear; once inside the Outer Battlefield, it would all depend on their individual abilities.


    Ye Feng slowly walked onto the high platform. He scanned the crowd, gestured with his hand for silence, and then declared loudly, "Since you have all managed to come here, it sufficiently proves that you are the elites among the great powers. I won''t say much more, but I do have one requirement!"


    "The Outer Battlefield is not like our nation; it is fraught with extreme danger. Therefore, I demand everyone''s absolute obedience. Once inside, if anyone disobeys and acts on their own, they will bear the consequences. We depart now!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng waved his Great Hand, and the thirty-member team proceeded directly to the nearby small airfield. Five small helicopters soon started up and majestically headed eastward.


    Since Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu did not accompany Ye Feng''s team, he only brought Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming, along with one Shadow¡ªa total of five people. The other two slots were given to the young scions of the direct lineages of the Duan Family and the Cao Family.


    Beyond this, the remaining ten slots were divided between the Eastern Border and Southern Territory, along with successors from the General''s Residence of the Utility Pavilion and those from Aristocratic Clan Gates.


    The entrance to the Outer Battlefield this time was located above the East Sea, so the first destination for everyone would be to fly to the East Sea. In fact, each time the entrance to the Outer Battlefield is not fixed; it appears randomly, and sometimes there''s more than one. This time around, there were three, with the other two located in Snow Wolf Country and in the West.


    Therefore, this time around, the Snow Wolf Country and the Western Vampire Alliance, as well as the Yin-Yang Masters from the Fusang Sword Saint Palace, have chosen to enter early, breaking the previously agreed-upon pact. Compared to these groups, due to several prior incidents, Xuanyuan Nation''s departure was delayed.


    Of course, the entrances to the Outer Battlefield are highly unstable when they first form, with many chaotic time-space streams that are extremely dangerous. Even Golden Core Realm or Sacred Realm Level Great Powers could only face the danger of being devoured upon entering them.


    Thus, entering before the entrance is completely stabilized would entail significant risks, but many powers from the West and the Snow Wolf Country risked danger to enter early to seize resource treasures.


    Ye Feng disapproved of such actions. After all, like Zhuge Wuming said, "Treasures are tempting, but you need to be alive to claim them." Being the first to enter doesn''t necessarily mean you''ll seize the best resources and treasures.


    Over an hour later, five helicopters arrived above the East Sea. The vast sea surged beneath them, with a gigantic whirlpool below that seemed bottomless.


    "Is this the entrance to the Outer Battlefield?" Ye Feng looked on and couldn''t help but feel amazed. He was curious about this gate of time and space, which was still beyond his current understanding.


    Of course, for the moment, Ye Feng didn''t dare to probe any further. Even though he released his spiritual power downward, as soon as it touched the area around the whirlpool, it was immediately shredded and devoured, prompting him to hastily stop and refrain from any further reckless inspection.


    "Prepare to enter in the established order!" Having said that, Ye Feng dove headfirst into the vortex. As the team leader, he naturally took the lead. Following him, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others jumped in one after another. Soon after, all thirty people leapt into the gigantic whirlpool atop the sea, and the five helicopters turned back.


    As Ye Feng leapt into the vortex, the Spirit Essence in his acupoints surged out, forming a protective shield to prevent any accidents. At the same time, the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness began spinning rapidly, releasing spiritual power.


    However, he soon felt a wave of dizziness engulf his mind, and even his consciousness started to blur. Zhuge Wuming had previously mentioned that this was due to the strong temporal and spatial fluctuations, which ordinary people could hardly withstand. One would usually pass out as soon as they entered.


    But Ye Feng soon realized that although his consciousness was blurry, it remained lucid. Meanwhile, the teammates around him, including those with the strongest cultivation levels like Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhan Tian, had all fainted.


    "It seems that the influence of this spatial jump fluctuation is greatly related to spiritual power," Ye Feng thought to himself. It was then that he noticed the chaos surrounding the vortex, where time seemed to be at a standstill, giving him a palpable sense of heart palpitations.


    Ye Feng did not doubt that if one were to fall into such a land of chaos or a temporal-spatial turbulence, their life and death would be left to fate.


    Fortunately, this oppressive feeling did not last long. In fact, it lasted only for a few breaths. Suddenly, Ye Feng felt a heavy pressure envelop his entire body, and then he was falling downwards. With a thud, his feet finally hit the ground firmly.


    Subsequently, a series of thumping sounds followed. Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhan Tian, and the others smashed into the ground one after another. They were not as fortunate as Ye Feng; all twenty-nine of them were still unconscious and hence got bruised and battered, some even breaking their legs.


    "Ouch... my leg!" A powerhouse at the Third Realm of the Divine Path Realm began to wail on the spot, perhaps from the pain of the fall, as one by one, they slowly regained consciousness.


    "What''s going on, why do my legs feel as heavy as if they were filled with lead? It''s even difficult to walk now, what''s the matter?" Suddenly, someone got up, took a few steps, and then started to make a fuss.


    Of course, those who woke up newest were Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhan Tian, along with Leng Wuming and Shadow. As soon as these few awoke, they were alert and scouting their surroundings, a level of vigilance that the pampered offspring of the large families selected as the Son of Heaven could not compare with.


    Beyond that, Ye Feng also noticed that the young scion of the Cao Family awoke relatively quickly. After coming to, he immediately moved closer to where Ye Feng was standing, full of vigilance. Ye Feng nodded slightly upon seeing this, thinking to himself that the lad was not bad, knowing to come over and seek protection right away.


    After all, the Outer Battlefield was full of unknowns and dangers. The most correct course of action was to lean on the strongest leader immediately upon arrival. By contrast, the young man from the Duan Family was far inferior.


    Having passed through the whirlpool, Ye Feng was clear that the order in which these people awoke roughly reflected their innate bone talent. The young man from the Cao Family undoubtedly possessed a certain level of innate talent.


    Ye Feng chose not to answer the question posed by that person earlier. After all, they had been told before entering that the Outer Battlefield belonged to another space and time, with gravity quite different from that of Earth World. The gravity in the Outer Battlefield was much stronger, which is why everyone felt heavy and partly why they had been bruised and swollen from the fall.


    Of course, greater gravity also meant that everyone''s strength would be somewhat limited after entering the Outer Battlefield. According to the experiences others had summarized, upon first entering the Outer Battlefield, one can only exert about half the strength level they could on Earth.


    These people could not even remember these basic common sense points and babbled in confusion upon arrival. Clearly, their characters were not very impressive, and Ye Feng did not bother with them.


    At this moment, Ye Feng looked around and realized they were in the middle of a vast wasteland, with no end in sight. There was no sun above their heads, and the sky dome looked grey and overcast, instilling a feeling of oppression. Furthermore, even the air was much thinner. Thankfully, everyone''s cultivation level was not low, with the weakest at the Peak of Martial King Realm. Otherwise, even breathing would be problematic in this environment.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and he instantly mobilized his Mental Power Nucleus. His spiritual power spread out silently. He quickly discovered that even spiritual power was suppressed in the Outer Battlefield, its coverage halved compared to the outside, and even his Spirit Sense Divine Consciousness greatly constrained.


    "Worthy of the Outer Battlefield, an entirely different space and time from Earth World, it truly is extraordinary," Ye Feng thought to himself before announcing loudly, "Everyone, rest in place, do not wander around carelessly. Those who are injured, treat your wounds first!"


    Everyone naturally had no objections. Though everyone was curious, as newcomers, they refrained from acting rashly and opted to look around restlessly but obediently in their spot.

 Chapter 493 - 489: From now on, you follow me

    The group remained in place to rest for a half quarter hour before they felt somewhat acclimated. However, the gravity in the Outer Battlefield was overpoweringly strong; everyone felt as if they were shouldering an extra few hundred pounds out of nowhere. Thus, they still felt quite uncomfortable, and walking was not as effortless as usual.


    A second-generation disciple from the Utility Pavilion suddenly stepped forward and asked, "Captain, what should we do next? According to Lord Zhuge''s instructions, as soon as we entered, we were to look for Xuanyuan Hall. But now there''s no sense of direction at all."


    Not only was there no concept of the sun and moon in the Outer Battlefield, but the magnetic fields were also different. Therefore, compasses were utterly useless here. Now, amidst this vast wasteland, the group felt a complete lack of directional sense.


    Ye Feng looked around and sighed, "Right now, not knowing where Emperor Xuanyuan is, we can only take one step at a time and see how things go."


    The second-generation disciple instantly bristled, yelling, "What do you mean, ''take one step at a time and see how things go''? Are you joking? Since you''re the captain and we''re following you, do we really have to blunder around aimlessly like headless flies?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow; obviously, he saw that the other was clearly picking a quarrel.


    Ye Feng had not seen this disciple from the Utility Pavilion before but knew that he was Li Shengmin''s son, Li Benzhong.


    As soon as Li Benzhong finished speaking, those five people from the Utility Pavilion''s leader faction subtly moved to stand by his side. It appeared that these six people were likely regarding Li Benzhong as their leader.


    Among the six second-generation disciples of the Utility Pavilion, Li Benzhong''s cultivation level was the strongest, having one foot already in the Fifth Realm of the Divine Path, the Divine Ability Realm Level. Naturally, the others looked up to him as their leader.


    Sima Zhantian, who was always hot-tempered, immediately scoffed, "Li Benzhong, what do you mean by that? Everyone has just entered the Outer Battlefield, some haven''t even fully acclimated yet. Plus, there''s no way to precisely locate our position here. How could we quickly find the location of Xuanyuan Hall?"


    Li Benzhong curled his lips in mockery, "That''s not my problem. I only know that as the leader, you have the responsibility and the duty to lead us straight to Xuanyuan Hall. After all, the Outer Battlefield is exceedingly perilous; every extra minute spent outside spells danger."


    Ye Feng looked at him coldly, smiling as he inquired, "You seem confident. Then may I ask, which way should we go next?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Benzhong couldn''t help but laugh, even feeling a bit smug, thinking that the mighty Northern King was nothing special. After glancing around, he boldly pointed in a direction, saying, "I think we should head this way. It''s the closest to Xuanyuan Hall."


    Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but get angry, grinding his teeth as he cursed, "You think it''s the closest from here, what are you worth? What use are your thoughts?"


    Li Benzhong was equally furious, glaring at Sima Zhantian with eyes ablaze, "And what are you worth, daring to shout at me like this? You''re nothing but a commander of the Northern Border Legion. What gives you the right to be so presumptuous in front of me?"


    Although Li Benzhong didn''t dare to directly confront Ye Feng head-on, this didn''t mean he was afraid to contend with Ye Feng''s subordinates. After all, his father was one of the Three Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion, and Li Benzhong himself was also one of the Three Offices.


    Originally, when Boss Cao, Cao Yi, was marginalized and eventually forced to step down from his position in the Punishment Heaven Department, one of the Three Offices, Li Benzhong then smoothly took over. It is not implausible to think that Li Benzhong''s own maneuvering played a role in Cao Yi''s ousting.


    Back then, Ye Feng wanted to stand up for Cao Yi. The position in the Punishment Heaven Department had been Boss Cao''s for the better half of his life, but in the end, Boss Cao stopped Ye Feng and didn''t let him intervene, believing that he was already one foot in the grave and there was no need to fight over such trivial matters.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng''s pupils suddenly flashed with a hint of killing intent as he gazed at Li Benzhong. Although Cao Yi''s death was not directly related to Li Benzhong, had it not been for Li Benzhong''s behind-the-scenes manipulation, Boss Cao might not have been ostracized, and consequently, he would not have met his end above the East Sea.


    Sima Zhantian clenched his fists, ready to take action, but Ye Feng suddenly gestured for him to stop. After scanning the crowd, he asked in a deep voice, "Among you, is there anyone else who agrees with Li Benzhong? Do you think the direction he just pointed out is the correct one?"


    This question, under ordinary circumstances, would have been nothing special, but as soon as it left his mouth, the atmosphere of the entire team immediately became tense and charged.


    The people present, having been selected by their respective family powers to enter the Outer Battlefield, were naturally not fools. Clearly, everyone already understood from Ye Feng''s question that he was asking them to choose sides.


    Li Benzhong had jumped out as soon as he entered the Outer Battlefield, clearly with the intention of opposing Ye Feng or even trying to establish his own faction. As the team leader, Ye Feng would never allow such a situation to arise.


    For a time, many were in a quandary, but unexpectedly, Li Benzhong suddenly spoke, "There''s a situation you might not be aware of, one of my clan''s great-uncle is currently inside the Xuanyuan Hall. Although he is not one of the eight Hall Masters, he has been in the Outer Battlefield for some years. I also heard about this from my grandfather when I was a child."


    After his words fell, many people immediately began to mutter amongst themselves. Those who had been hesitant started to move slowly, walking towards Li Benzhong''s side. In the blink of an eye, there were as many as thirteen people behind Li Benzhong, making fourteen including himself.


    In a team of thirty people, Li Benzhong now had fourteen on his side, subtly forming a confrontation against Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, but inwardly, he sneered. He had just been wondering why Li Benzhong had the audacity to come forward at this time, considering even his father, Li Shengmin, one of the Three Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion, would not dare to be too presumptuous in front of Ye Feng.


    So it turns out the other side had an ancestor in the Outer Battlefield. No wonder he was so arrogant from the start, openly soliciting members. Of course, the thirteen team members who stood with Li Benzhong did so not so much because of Li Benzhong himself but largely due to the influence of his ancestor.


    After all, everyone understood there was no comparison between Li Benzhong and Ye Feng. However, the situation was vastly different with an ancestor of his in the Outer Battlefield.


    However, what hurt Ye Feng the most was that a young member of the Duan Family now stood with Li Benzhong. It should be noted that this slot for the Duan Family was specifically given by Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng looked at the thirteen people and smiled, "So, it seems you have decided to follow Li Benzhong and head in this direction?"


    Li Benzhong did not respond to Captain Ye Feng''s words; instead, he looked more pleased with himself, and with a grin, he said, "Is there even a need to ask? Judging by the looks of it, they obviously prefer to believe me."


    Having said that, Li Benzhong turned to look at the people behind him and spoke with an authoritative mien, "Rest assured, my friends. Since you have chosen to believe in me, I, Li Benzhong, guarantee that I will safely lead you to Xuanyuan Hall. Not only that, but once I meet with Great-Uncle Zeng, we will surely find a wealth of treasures and resources on the Outer Battlefield. By then, I promise that everyone''s cultivation levels will soar tremendously."


    The crowd nodded in agreement upon hearing this, especially the young man from the Duan Family, who responded with clasped hands, "From now on, we''ll be relying heavily on Brother Li. Whether we can live the good life on the Outer Battlefield depends entirely on you, Brother Li."


    Everyone called him "Brother Li", nearly extolling Li Benzhong to the heavens.


    Xiao Chuanqi frowned at this scene and asked in a low voice, "My lord, given the current situation, should we intervene..."


    Ye Feng suddenly gestured with his hand to interrupt, chuckling, "Intervene in what? We are all team members and everyone has the right to choose. We can''t just start fighting because others don''t trust us, right?"


    "But my lord..." Xiao Chuanqi still wanted to speak.


    Ye Feng simply chuckled softly and said, "There''s nothing to worry about. The road on the Outer Battlefield is long; as we continue walking, we''ll see."


    At this, Ye Feng said aloud, "Who would have thought that Li Benzhong had a great-uncle in Xuanyuan Hall? It seems that Li Benzhong must be quite familiar with the Outer Battlefield. Since that''s the case, let''s all follow his lead and head in this direction."


    Sima Zhantian could hardly contain his anger, and was about to speak up, but Ye Feng gestured for him to calm down.


    "My lord..." Sima Zhantian was about to erupt.


    However, Xiao Chuanqi whispered, "Alright, if our lord has decided to do it this way, then he must have his reasons. We just need to follow closely behind him."


    Sima Zhantian clenched his teeth and said, "But I really can''t stand that smug look on that Li guy''s face. With his cultivation realm, what''s there to be arrogant about? If it weren''t for the lord holding me back, I could knock him down with a single punch."


    Ye Feng merely smiled and shook his head without saying a word. In truth, he also had no sense of direction at this moment, so it didn''t matter to him which direction they headed in. If Li Benzhong wanted to take the lead, then so be it.


    Li Benzhong only thought about showing off and rallying the team, but he surely hadn''t considered another saying, ''The bird that sticks its neck out gets shot, and without a diamond drill don''t take on porcelain work.'' These were, after all, the profound truths left by our ancestors.


    At that moment, Li Benzhong walked ahead with an air of self-importance, seemingly in command of the team, radiating an imposing aura.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng quietly stayed behind, looking at Li Benzhong as if he were watching a monkey perform tricks.


    Unexpectedly, a young man from the Cao Family suddenly slowed down to approach Ye Feng and asked in a low voice, "Lord Northern King, may I ask you something?"


    "Speak," Ye Feng nodded slightly, feeling somewhat favorable toward this young man from the Cao Family.


    The young man from the Cao Family glanced at Li Benzhong ahead and asked, "Lord Northern King, was it because of Li Benzhong that my grandfather had no choice but to step down from his position?"


    Ye Feng was startled, having not expected this young man, barely twenty years old, to ask such a question. He then inquired, "Are you thinking of taking revenge?"


    The young man from the Cao Family nodded firmly.


    Ye Feng suddenly patted his shoulder heavily and said, "Good lad, you have some of your grandfather''s spirit. But you should know that with your current cultivation level, you can''t beat him."


    Grinding his teeth, the young man from the Cao Family said, "Of course, I know I''m no match for him now, but I can wait and bide my time until I''ve accumulated enough strength to make my move."


    Ye Feng felt gratified and suddenly asked, "You''ve got potential. By the way, what''s your name?"


    "Replying to Lord Northern King, my name is Cao Tian," said the young man from the Cao Family.


    "Good. From now on, you''ll be with me. And you don''t have to call me Northern King anymore; just call me Big Brother Ye," Ye Feng said.


    "Is that... appropriate?" Cao Tian asked with a hint of disbelief.


    Ye Feng sighed and said wistfully, "Of course, it''s appropriate. Recall that when I was about half your age, your grandfather once took me to shoot eagles in the Great Desert of the Northern Border. Those days..."


    Ye Feng shook his head without continuing, the memories too bitter to dwell upon.

 Chapter 494 - 490: The Spirit-Devouring Ant Beast, A Monster Appears!

    The Outer Battlefield was desolate and uninhabited, where the vast terrain offered no sense of direction, compelling the group to press on stubbornly in one direction. The cursed thing was that the place lacked any concept of time, since it had neither sun nor moon, and thus no distinction between day and night.


    Fortunately, the temperature was not too high. Although gravity was somewhat stronger than in the Earth World, everyone was still able to cope with it.


    "Cao Tian, how long have we been walking?" Ye Feng suddenly asked.


    Cao Tian was startled, then responded, "My lord, it should have been half a day by now, as our watches are useless here and we can only make a rough estimate. Speaking of which, this desert is really vast. We''ve walked for half a day and still haven''t found our way out."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Of course, the Outer Battlefield is another space-time, and it''s very likely it''s not even in the same solar system as where we currently are."


    Suddenly, Cao Tian asked, "My lord, your cultivation strength is clearly much stronger than Li Benzhong. Why do you still let him do as he pleases, especially since you are the team leader?"


    Although Ye Feng had instructed the other party to call him Big Brother Ye, Cao Tian, like Xiao Chuanqi and others, did not comply, but addressed him as ''my lord'' instead. Ye Feng did not comment further on this, as it was all the same to him.


    Ye Feng smiled slightly and then said, "Let him be? Who said I''m letting him? You will understand soon enough."


    It was evident that Ye Feng did not want to linger on this topic, so the young Cao Tian did not pursue it further.


    The group continued to move forward in the predetermined direction. The desert was vast and endless, and even after a long trek, they still saw no end in sight.


    However, Ye Feng suddenly stopped, and his expression turned grave in an instant.


    "What''s going on, my lord?" Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but ask.


    "Something''s not right; there''s movement underground!" Ye Feng raised his eyebrows and immediately ordered, "Everyone, halt immediately and quickly assemble around me!"


    As his words fell, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Cao Tian, and others promptly sprang into action, quickly gathering around Ye Feng.


    However, the dozen or so people following Li Benzhong did not move because Li Benzhong himself did not come over, so naturally, they chose to stay around him.


    Li Benzhong stopped and looked around. The silence was so complete there wasn''t even a breeze. He then couldn''t help but laugh, "Come on, Ye Feng, aren''t you being overly anxious? There''s not even a shadow of a ghost around here; how could there be any disturbances?"


    But Ye Feng was already too lazy to deal with him. Although in this Outer Battlefield, people''s spiritual sense could not probe out too far for investigation, his spiritual power could cover a reasonably extensive range and was far more advanced and effective than spiritual sense.


    Under the observation of his spiritual power, Ye Feng distinctly saw monstrous creatures as large as hills rushing towards them from all directions underground, although they were too deep to make out their true forms for the moment.


    "They''re about to arrive, quickly form a group!" Ye Feng shouted in a deep voice.


    Li Benzhong still appeared unconcerned and waved his hand dismissively, "Ye Feng, you really shouldn''t be so jumpy. If none of us have noticed anything, do you really think that only you..."


    However, before he could finish his sentence, suddenly a pitch-black, fierce-looking creature burst from the ground, and this abrupt change scared Li Benzhong out of his wits.


    "Ah..." At that moment, someone from Li Benzhong''s group screamed. The sand under their feet started leaking down frantically, creating a whirlpool, and the screaming person fell into it instantly.


    Yet, as a Divine Path Realm level powerhouse, despite the strong gravity of the Outer Battlefield, his movements remained exceptional. Qi Force surged from within his body, and he was about to rise into the air when, at that moment, two vicious tentacles suddenly grabbed his feet and ferociously pulled him down into the depths.


    "Save... Save me!" The man screamed in panic and struggled, but no matter how he resisted, he couldn''t break free. The sinister tentacles bound him tightly, pulling him down fiercely, and soon he was dragged underground, disappearing from sight entirely.


    Simultaneously, numerous pitch-black, fierce, and ugly creatures burrowed out from beneath the ground, scaring everyone who saw them.


    The creatures were not particularly large but exceptionally ugly and pitch-black, resembling subterranean ants¡ªof course, much larger than ants, roughly the size of adult sows.


    Each creature''s back was covered with shiny black scale armor, and their undersides were covered in black hair, with yellow, foul-smelling liquid dribbling from the corners of their mouths. It was truly revolting to behold.


    "These... these are Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts!" Someone finally recognized the origins of these creatures. Although they had never been to the Outer Battlefield themselves, their predecessors who had been there had long worked out some patterns and experiences.


    The Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts were quite common in the Outer Battlefield, considered indigenous creatures. Although their individual attack power wasn''t mighty, the problem laid in their swarm nature, and they habitually lived underground.


    Having done his homework before arriving, Ye Feng spoke in a firm tone, "Don''t panic, the attacking power of these Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts is not strong individually. As long as we unite and defend together, they won''t be able to breach our defense. Never separate!"


    Just as Ye Feng''s words trailed off, the dozen or so people on his side quickly formed a tight-knit group, back to back. The Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, with their huge pale yellow eyes, launched a swift attack.


    However, Ye Feng''s team was already well-prepared, standing back to back to defend collectively. Although the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts were ferocious, they could not breach their defense, especially since individuals like Xiao Chuanqi and others had high cultivation levels, continuously striking out with their swords and blades, quickly taking down one ant beast after another.


    In stark contrast to Ye Feng''s side, the situation on Li Benzhong''s side was dire. In fact, upon seeing such a dense swarm of Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, Li Benzhong was immediately scared witless, unable to even consider organizing his team.


    As the first team member was dragged underground and disappeared, soon another was forcefully pulled down. What was worse, the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts swarmed over like a tide, quickly dispersing their group of about a dozen people.


    As they say, there is strength in unity. Once scattered, they afforded the monsters the perfect opportunity to strike. The Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts were sizable, and not only around them but also beneath them. With their own considerable strength, another team member was soon dragged into the underground.


    "Ah... Save me, Brother Li, save me!" a team member soon found himself wrapped up by a Spirit-devouring Ant Beast, struggling and screaming frantically.


    At that moment, Li Benzhong could hardly cope on his own; he was like a clay idol crossing a river¡ªhardly able to save himself, let alone rescue others.


    In just a moment, another team member was swallowed by a Spirit-devouring Ant Beast and dragged into the ground. Everyone knew very well that those who were dragged underground were almost certainly not going to survive, as they could not burrow underground to rescue them.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng knew he had to take action. Although these people had chosen to stand with Li Benzhong, officially he was still the team captain and couldn''t just stand by and watch his teammates die without lifting a finger.


    "I have to save them. Remember, you must stick together at all costs, and never separate. Also, there''s rock over there; move quickly to that area. The rock is hard; these monsters won''t be able to attack from beneath the ground!" Ye Feng commanded sharply.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, you take charge and guide everyone to move onto those rocks!"


    "Yes, my lord, but you must be careful!" Xiao Chuanqi shouted.


    But before his words could even finish, Ye Feng had already soared into the air, just as a team member ahead was caught by a beast on the brink of being dragged underground.


    Ye Feng''s eyes hardened, and in a flash, he was beside the team member, and then his wrist flicked, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon materialized, stabbing out like lightning and instantly killing several Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts.


    "Follow me!" Ye Feng grabbed the person and soared into the air again, the next moment arriving beside Xiao Chuanqi.


    "Merge into the team and defend together, rest assured to give your back to your teammates!" Ye Feng said, then his figure swept forward again, mercilessly striking and killing any Spirit-devouring Ant Beast in his path.


    But the monsters were just too numerous, swarming like a tide. Naturally, Ye Feng wouldn''t be foolish enough to fight them head-on. Even with his immense Spirit Essence, in such an environment, he still needed to conserve his strength as much as possible.


    Of course, with Ye Feng''s current cultivation level, even if surrounded, he was not afraid and could still fight his way out. Soon, one by one, the teammates who had followed Li Benzhong were rescued by Ye Feng and then pulled over to Xiao Chuanqi''s group.


    At this very moment, Xiao Chuanqi and the others had successfully moved to the rocky area according to Ye Feng''s instructions. The rocks were hard, preventing the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts from attacking from underground, significantly reducing the threat.


    By then, Li Benzhong was left alone, still struggling valiantly. But he was clearly gasping for breath, and though he could still just about hold off the dark mass of Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, judging by his appearance, it seemed he wouldn''t last much longer before he exhausted his Qi Force and energy.


    Even more problematic was that the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, seeing him all alone, surged toward him almost unanimously.


    "Damn it, why are there so many of these creatures, will it ever end!" Li Benzhong clenched his teeth and cursed. In theory, his Half-Step Divine Ability Realm Level cultivation level was not low, but this was the Outer Battlefield, where his strength was limited. Moreover, with no Spiritual Energy in the air, there was no way to recover his Qi Force through Breathing Technique.


    Soon, Li Benzhong''s Qi Force within was nearing depletion, and he was gradually falling out of strength.


    "Serves him right, he really thought he was capable. Turns out, that''s all he''s got!" Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but sneer watching the scene.


    Compared to Li Benzhong''s dire situation, Ye Feng''s team was much more comfortable. After some cohesion, everyone was able to work closely together. Furthermore, since the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts could not attack from below, they were even safer.


    In the end, Li Benzhong could hardly hold on any longer, gritting his teeth he said, "Ye Feng, after all, I am also a member of the team. As the captain, are you really just going to watch me die?"


    Hearing this, Ye Feng let out a cold laugh, "I really thought you were mute and unable to ask for help!"


    As his words fell, he soared directly into the air, weaving through the dense swarm of Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, grabbing the already exhausted Li Benzhong in one move and then rising to the sky again, landing on the rock the next moment.


    The Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts were still fiercely attacking the team, but later they realized they were suffering heavy losses, and their attacks were completely ineffective. Eventually, they receded like a tide, one after another.


    "Whew... they''re finally retreating!" At this point, everyone let out a long sigh of relief, while Li Benzhong had already sat down heavily on the ground.

 Chapter 495 - 491: Really Got Some Skills

    The Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts came quickly and left just as swiftly, disappearing in the blink of an eye. However, the wasteland was still littered with dense piles of their corpses, which were enough to make anyone''s scalp tingle, and what was even more unbearable was the disgusting stench that emanated from their bodies.


    Li Benzhong sat on the ground to regulate his breath for a moment and discovered that he couldn''t restore his Qi Force. It was then that he finally realized this place was not the Earth World; the air here contained no Spiritual Energy, and thus trying to restore Qi Force through Breathing Technique was utterly futile.


    "What exactly is this Outer Battlefield!" Li Benzhong cursed loudly before flipping his wrist and revealing a sparkling, translucent stone in his palm. He then slowly clenched his fist and entered a state of Breath Regulation.


    Ye Feng naturally recognized this type of green, sparkling, translucent stone. In fact, such stones did not exist in the Earth World; they originated from the Outer Battlefield. Because these stones contained a special type of Spiritual Energy, everyone called them Spirit Stones.


    It was precisely because of the existence of these Spirit Stones that everyone could stay in the Outer Battlefield for extended periods. Without them, it would have been impossible to cultivate or regulate one''s breath in the Spiritual Energy-devoid air of the Outer Battlefield. However, with the Spirit Stones, the situation was markedly different, and the efficacy of using them even surpassed the effect of Breathing Technique with the Spiritual Energy found in the air by far too much.


    Zhuge Wuming had even mentioned that the Spiritual Energy contained in the Spirit Stones was of exceptionally high quality. He said that if one could cultivate and practice Breathing Technique with them for extended periods, the quality of one''s Qi Force would also improve, to the point where those who had stayed in the Outer Battlefield for a long time were starting to transition their Qi Force into Spirit Essence.


    This situation led to a dynamic where, in the Outer Battlefield, Spirit Stones became a hard currency. Paper money was worthless here, and even gold was nowhere near as valuable and precious as Spirit Stones.


    Ye Feng could hardly believe that Li Benzhong had a Spirit Stone in his possession, small though it was. This alone was evidence of his extraordinary background, seemingly implying that his Great-Uncle Zeng had once returned to the Earth World from the Outer Battlefield.


    Of course, even so, Li Benzhong was not significant enough to catch Ye Feng''s attention; in fact, Ye Feng didn''t even consider him a threat.


    At this time, everyone had mostly recovered, and a team member who had previously followed Li Benzhong suddenly came over to Ye Feng and, without any warning, knelt before him with a smack.


    "Thank you, Captain, for saving my life. Earlier, we were blind and were swayed by the words of a villain. Not only did we wrongly accuse you, Captain, but we even committed acts of disloyalty. Please, Captain, punish us!"


    Seeing this, the other team members also got up and walked over, then knelt down before Ye Feng, saying in unison, "Thank you, Captain, for your help. We were wrong earlier to choose to follow that ignorant villain. Now we wish to reaffirm our trust in you, Captain, and hope you will be magnanimous and not hold this against us."


    Ye Feng just gave a faint smile upon hearing this and immediately waved his hands, "Everyone, stand up. As your Captain, it''s only natural I should come to your aid when you''re in danger. We are all part of the same team; unity is what we should strive for!"


    "Yes, Captain, you''re absolutely right. From now on, we are willing to follow you, Captain, and will never betray you again!" The team members said, standing up one after another.


    At this moment, obviously, the happiest were Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others. It was only now that they realized why their master hadn''t stopped them from betraying him to follow Li Benzhong before and hadn''t lifted a finger against Li Benzhong.


    Clearly, their master had already known that stopping them at that time not only would have been ineffective but might have had the opposite effect. After the ordeal with the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, the situation had changed significantly. No wonder their master had mentioned before that it was not yet clear who would have the last laugh. It seemed that the master had already foreseen this moment.


    "To be a leader, indeed requires capabilities; the master really is the master, with skills so Gao Ming!" Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but inwardly sigh with admiration.


    Of course, at this gathering, the person with the worst expression was naturally Li Benzhong. Although he had recovered his Qi Force through Breath Regulation, his face was terribly grim. The ones who had just promised to follow him were now kneeling before Ye Feng, begging for forgiveness. This was nothing less than a slap in his face.


    Although Li Benzhong was seething inside, he couldn''t say much about it. After all, during the attack of the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, not only had he failed to protect them, but four of the team members had died, and in the end, even he himself had needed Ye Feng''s rescue. With that, it was safe to say that he had completely lost face.


    What no one expected was that Li Benzhong had such thick skin. Even though Ye Feng had clearly saved him, this guy did not even utter a word of thanks, nor did he apologize for the mistake he had just committed.


    The team members felt a chill in their hearts upon witnessing this, and had thoroughly seen Li Benzhong''s true colors. However, as of now, there were still two people following behind Li Benzhong, one of whom was the young man from the Duan Family.


    Ye Feng did not say much more; he was too indifferent to bother with such people.


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and asked, "My lord, what should we do next, should we leave this place immediately to prevent those Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts from returning?"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Naturally, we must leave this wasteland as soon as possible, but before we do, we need to take a closer look at these Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts."


    Sima Zhantian said, "These monsters are nearly stinking us to death, what''s there to look at?"


    Ye Feng ignored him and slowly walked over to one of the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts. Each of these monsters was the size of an adult pig, which would have been a tremendous disaster for humanity if they had made it to the Earth World.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng flicked his wrist, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon pierced directly into the beast''s back scales.


    "These scales don''t seem to have anything special about them, not particularly hard, easily pierced with a slight stab, they''re of no use!"


    Ye Feng shook his head, then turned his gaze towards the monster''s claws and tentacles, which also did not seem particularly notable.


    Li Benzhong snorted, "Of course, these Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts are the indigenous monsters of the Outer Battlefield, quite numerous in quantity. If there were any value in them, the predecessors would have discovered it long ago. It wouldn''t be your turn. Doing this now is simply a waste of time!"


    Sima Zhantian immediately got angry, pointed at him, and shouted, "Can you shut your damned mouth? No one thinks you''re mute if you don''t speak."


    Li Benzhong got angry as well and yelled back, "Who do you think you are to yell at me like that!"


    Hearing this, even the usually good-tempered Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t bear it any longer. He swiftly moved in front of Li Benzhong and said, word by word, "You shameless thing, if it weren''t for our lord saving you just now, you would have already been eaten by these monsters. Speak nonsense again, and believe it or not, I will end you right now!"


    Facing the raging fury of both Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi, two great army commanders, Li Benzhong, though seething with anger, ultimately did not dare to speak again.


    "Silence!" Ye Feng said indifferently, without even turning his head. With a flick of his wrist, holding the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, he immediately opened up the belly of the Spirit-devouring Ant Beast.


    The belly was entirely filled with a sickening yellowish liquid; besides that, there was nothing unusual.


    "Let''s go, it seems I was overthinking!" Ye Feng shook his head, put away the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, but just as he was about to turn away, he suddenly noticed a small clump of white crystals on the beast''s head.


    "What is this?" Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and looked closely once again.

 Chapter 496 - 492: Li Benzhongs Plan

    The crystal on the head of the Spirit-devouring Ant Beast was not large, only the size of a pinky fingernail, crystal clear and emanating a white light, which looked especially conspicuous against its innards brimming with yellow liquid.


    Ye Feng couldn''t make sense of it, so he simply extended his hand and, with a gesture, the crystal flew into his grasp. It felt soft to the touch, somewhat similar to human cartilage, and also carried a faint cool sensation.


    Li Benzhong, still not forgetting to sneer, said, "I told you before, this Spirit-devouring Ant Beast is an indigenous monster of the Outer Battlefield, and who knows how many times it has been researched by those who came here before. If there were any use to it, they would have discovered it long ago, and it wouldn''t be our turn now."


    However, Ye Feng was too lazy to pay attention to people who clearly lacked great ability but still thought they were something. He held the small crystal up to his nose and sniffed it. Far from having any stench, it surprisingly had a light fragrance.


    "This really is unusual, this entire Spirit-devouring Ant Beast reeks and is disgustingly nauseating, yet this tiny piece of crystal actually smells faintly aromatic!"


    As he spoke, Ye Feng''s fingertip suddenly emitted Spirit Essence, which turned into drops of water, rinsing the fingernail-sized crystal clean, and then he popped it into his mouth.


    "Master must not..." Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but speak up to stop him, believing this direct consumption of a substance from a monster''s body was far too risky.


    But Ye Feng just smiled slightly and waved his hand, saying, "Don''t worry, I have my own judgment!"


    When the cartilage-like white crystal entered his mouth, apart from a hint of fragrance and a cool sensation, there was nothing special. Ye Feng thought for a moment and then simply swallowed it. Although this action might seem risky on the surface, he did have spiritual power to protect him. Once the crystal was in his stomach, if anything was amiss, he could completely wrap it with spiritual power to prevent it from spreading.


    After the crystal was swallowed, there was still no reaction. If it had been a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Treasure, it would usually dissolve immediately into pure energy for the person to absorb, but the Cartilage Crystal just slowly made its way to the stomach without dissolving.


    Ye Feng frowned slightly, pondering to himself, "This doesn''t make sense, the Spirit-devouring Ant Beast, after all, is no ordinary monster, there must be some essence in its body. Looking at the current situation, this Cartilage Crystal must be where their essential energy resides."


    Before entering the battlefield, Ye Feng had heard that because the Outer Battlefield was connected to another space-time, monsters from that other space-time would occasionally cross over. As for those powerful monsters, they usually formed a Beast Core in their bodies.


    In fact, the Beast Cores of monsters were quite similar to the Golden Cores of cultivators. However, monsters were tough-skinned and possessed various miraculous innate abilities, so at the same Cultivation Realm, they were much stronger than the Human Race.


    Of course, one of the main reasons the Human Race entered the Outer Battlefield was to hunt these monsters and obtain their Beast Cores. While humans viewed the monsters as prey, those intelligent and powerful monsters also saw the Human Race as their prey.


    Ye Feng was not discouraged. A thought crossed his forehead, and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness unfolded and began to operate. The next moment, to his delight, the previously inert Cartilage Crystal, under the influence of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, quickly dissolved into strands of Source Energy.


    "Success!"


    Ye Feng was ecstatic, but he kept a calm expression. Indeed, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was exceedingly powerful, able to Refine the vast majority of objects in this world. Though the Cartilage Crystal, the size of a small fingernail, contained only a slight amount of Origin Energy, there was one important point¡ªthe Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts were numerous.


    "Even a mosquito''s worth is still flesh, and if I can exterminate the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts on the wasteland and Refine all their Cartilage Crystals, I''m sure I''d amass a considerable amount of Origin Energy!"


    Ye Feng thought to himself that judging by the speed of cultivation from just now, it was much faster than simply breathing in the air between Heaven and Earth in the Earth World. The Outer Battlefield truly was an excellent place for training. No wonder so many people wanted to come here. Not to mention anything else, just the native Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts had considerable value.


    "How is it, my lord, does the Cartilage Crystal have any use?" asked Xiao Chuanqi.


    Ye Feng glanced at the mountainous pile of Spirit-devouring Ant Beast corpses ahead, and then said, "The Cartilage Crystal cannot be absorbed or refined. However, it is clear that it contains a certain energy value. Let''s collect them for now, and once we return to the Earth World, we''ll research them thoroughly."


    Having said that, Ye Feng immediately instructed everyone to start collecting these Cartilage Crystals from the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts.


    Since the team leader had given the order, naturally no one had any objections, and they all quickly got to work. However, Li Benzhong still sat there, unmoved.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s eyebrows knitted together instantly, and he looked at Li Benzhong coldly, saying, "Li Benzhong, why are you not collecting?"


    Li Benzhong retorted, "Ye Feng, since you just said the Cartilage Crystal cannot be absorbed or refined, why make such a big fuss and decide on your own for everyone to collect it? Isn''t this just a futile effort? Honestly, I''m sure those before us must have found this Cartilage Crystal, and if it could be absorbed or refined, I''m afraid the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts in the Outer Battlefield would have nearly faced extinction by now."


    Ye Feng said coldly, "I''m only asking you, will you go and collect or not?"


    Li Benzhong was taken aback, staring blankly at Ye Feng for a long time before gritting his teeth and saying, "Ye Feng, regardless, my great-uncle is in Xuanyuan Hall. You can''t expect me to do the same manual labor as the rest, can you?"


    Ye Feng enunciated each word, "You have two options, either go and collect right now, or get lost immediately!"


    Li Benzhong was extremely angry, but upon seeing the piercing gaze of Ye Feng, he ultimately didn''t dare say another word. Considering the current situation of the wilderness, it was impossible for him to act alone.


    After all, without mentioning anything else, if he encountered another attack from the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts, Li Benzhong would definitely not be able to endure it. Therefore, he had no courage to leave, and in the end, he obediently turned around to collect the Cartilage Crystals, though his eyes were full of resentment and unwillingness while he did so.


    "Lord Li, that Ye Feng is so arrogant and tyrannical, can you really swallow this indignity?" Suddenly, the young man from the Duan Family approached and transmitted his voice to him.


    "Swallow it? How could I possibly bear with it? He humiliated me publicly, does he really think I''m made of mud!"


    Li Benzhong grumbled through gritted teeth and then transmitted, "Rest assured, they currently have the advantage in numbers, and that Ye Feng is not weak either in terms of cultivation strength. It''s not the time to completely fall out with him. Once we reach the Base Camp at Xuanyuan Hall, and I find my great-uncle, this little brat will see what''s coming!"


    The young man from the Duan Family said, "Exactly. No matter how powerful this Ye Feng is, he absolutely can''t confront the elders of the Xuanyuan Hall. The moment Lord Li''s great-uncle takes action, that kid will definitely not end well."


    While collecting the Cartilage Crystals, Li Benzhong sized up the youth from the Duan Family, and then transmitted, "I remember now, your Duan Family''s Duan Tian died at the hands of this Ye Feng. What is your relationship with Duan Tian?"


    The young man from the Duan Family said through clenched teeth, "Duan Tian was my grandfather, and he died at the hands of this Ye Feng. That''s why I would like nothing better than to pulverize Ye Feng''s bones and scatter them to the winds, to drink his blood and eat his flesh!"


    Li Benzhong nodded and said, "That''s only natural. The enmity of one''s parents is an enmity that cannot be shared under the heavens. From now on, follow me. As long as we''re safe and reach Xuanyuan Hall, everything will be easy to deal with. For now, bear with this Ye Feng''s arrogance."


    The Duan Family''s young man nodded eagerly, "Good, from now on, I''ll follow Lord Li. I hope that once we arrive at Xuanyuan Hall, you can introduce me to your great-uncle and put in a good word for me."


    "We''ll see," Li Benzhong responded noncommittally, but by now he had realized that the youth from the Duan Family was not really interested in him, but rather in his great-uncle at Xuanyuan Hall. It seemed that this young man from the Duan Family was quite a schemer.


    The group moved together, each using their weapons to collect Cartilage Crystals. Before long, they had finished collecting, and by that time, Ye Feng had already gathered a small box full.


    "Good, with these, once I refine and absorb them, my Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll will be able to accumulate a substantial amount of Source of Energy, which will fully prepare me for the unknown situations to come," Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    After all, in the Outer Battlefield, the air did not contain Spiritual Energy, so people could not recover through breathing techniques. Especially during combat, that meant what was consumed was consumed, unable to be replenished unless one had Spirit Stones like Li Benzhong did, or other Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Thus, storing a certain amount of Origin Energy was particularly important. Without hesitation, Ye Feng, in front of everyone, took a breath and in the blink of an eye, he inhaled the small box of Cartilage Crystals into his belly.


    Everyone felt puzzled seeing this, for Ye Feng had just spoken about taking them back to the Earth World for research, but now he had directly swallowed them. This seemed quite unreasonable. However, nobody asked, in fact, some of them had already secretly consumed some, but as Ye Feng said, they could not absorb and refine these Cartilage Crystals.


    Since they could not be used for cultivation absorption, everyone naturally did not take it to heart!


    "Let''s go, continue on!" Ye Feng waved his Great Hand and then led the group forward, with Li Benzhong now very sensibly moving to the back, along with the young man from the Duan Family.


    As Ye Feng walked, he secretly activated the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to absorb the Cartilage Crystals that he had swallowed. In less than half a quarter hour, he had absorbed them all.


    At that moment, Ye Feng actually found himself looking forward to another swarm of the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts. However, as the group left the desert behind, no sign of the ant beasts emerged. It seemed that these native creatures had been scared off by the earlier encounter, and Ye Feng felt a slight sense of disappointment.


    "Whew... we''ve finally made it out. Look, everyone, there''s a lake ahead!" Suddenly someone shouted.


    There was indeed a lake ahead, a vast and tranquil one, its waters an alluring shade of blue, eerily so.

 Chapter 497 - 493: Onmyoji and the Blue Monster

    The lake was vast, stretching out to the horizon with no end in sight. Unlike the oceans and lakes of the Earth World, the surface of this lake was eerily calm, with barely a ripple to be seen ¨C it looked like an infinite mirror.


    "This lake is a bit too blue, don''t you think?" the group mused as they approached. After all, it was their first time entering the Outer Battlefield, so it was natural to be curious.


    Lord Xiao stepped forward and said, "My lord, this lake is blocking our path. What should we do now?"


    Ye Feng knitted his brows and said, "Considering the lake looks boundless and the gravity is heavier here, coupled with the fact that there''s no spiritual energy in the air for us to use the Breathing Technique and recover, it''s likely impossible to fly over it."


    Of course, Ye Feng himself had no such problem. After all, his Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll still contained a certain amount of Origin Energy, which he could convert into Spirit Essence in his Acupoints whenever he wished. But that probably wouldn''t work for the others, especially the few at the Martial King Realm.


    "My lord, it seems we have no choice but to go around the lake," the young Cao Tian from the Cao Family suggested.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, then slowly bent down to study the water''s surface and exclaimed, "Such bewitchingly beautiful blue water; since we have encountered it by chance, don''t you all want to see what''s special about it?"


    Before entering, Ye Feng had heard many elders say that the Outer Battlefield was filled with wonders; you might just step outside and see a strange Heaven and Earth Fruit falling from the sky, which could boost your power dramatically if eaten.


    To put it simply, the Outer Battlefield was a magical Alien World full of possibilities, which was its most enticing aspect. Therefore, Ye Feng already knew that he needed to maintain enough curiosity about the place and not retreat just because it was full of potentially dangerous unknowns.


    Take, for example, the vast lake before them; its unnaturally blue color suggested it wasn''t without its peculiarities. Since they were here to train and gain experience, they ought to explore it thoroughly.


    "This water, it can''t be anything special, right?" Sima Zhantian, ever the hot-headed one, crouched down and scooped up some water with both hands.


    Ye Feng silently shook his head at this sight. The big guy was too careless ¨C this was the Outer Battlefield, after all. Acting so recklessly without understanding the situation fully was bound to end badly.


    And sure enough, just as Sima Zhantian lifted the blue water, which had been calm a moment before, it suddenly caught fire with a fizzing sound. Startled, Sima Zhantian quickly pulled back his hands, which was a good thing; otherwise, they would have been severely burned.


    "Damn it, this is just too weird. How can this water... actually catch fire?" exclaimed Sima Zhantian in disbelief.


    Ye Feng shook his head and sighed, "Who told you that anything that looks like a liquid must be water?"


    Sima Zhantian was momentarily lost for words and after a long pause, he exclaimed, "This Outer Battlefield really is extraordinary. It seems we really need to be careful."


    Ye Feng stood up and addressed everyone, "Everyone, please listen carefully. The Outer Battlefield is not like our original Earth World. I know each of you is exceptional in the Earth World, but this is the Outer Battlefield. If you don''t want to die, stay alert at all times and strictly follow my commands!"


    The team members nodded earnestly, the memory of the four teammates who had fallen victim to the Spirit-devouring Ant Beast still fresh in their minds.


    "My lord, there''s definitely something wrong with this liquid. It can turn into flames at any moment. It looks like we really do have to take a detour," Lord Xiao said.


    "Indeed, even I might face great danger if I were to enter the lake. Flying over it is clearly not an option, so let''s head to the left," Ye Feng immediately directed with a wave of his hand.


    In fact, up until this point, Ye Feng still had no clear direction in the Outer Battlefield, so they had to pick a general direction and hope for a breakthrough. Of course, encountering some elders from Xuanyuan Hall along the way would be ideal.


    However, the expanse of the Outer Battlefield was truly vast, and since they couldn''t fly swiftly as in the Earth World but had to walk, even after half a day, they hadn''t covered much distance.


    With Ye Feng''s decision, naturally, no one had any objections at this point. The group continued along the edge of the lake to the left side. Thanks to their high Cultivation Realms, they could endure this kind of environment without food and water for half a day.


    About half an hour later, Ye Feng, who was leading, suddenly furrowed his brow and immediately gestured for everyone to stop, saying, "Stop, there is a disturbance ahead!"


    All the team members promptly ceased their advance as Cao Tian whispered, "My lord, is there something up ahead? Odd, I didn''t feel anything at all, yet you were able to detect it."


    Hearing this, Lord Xiao couldn''t help but chuckle, "Of course, why else do you think you''re just a lackey? When you are able to detect such things, then you can take over as the leader."


    Cao Tian clenched his fists and said resolutely, "Lord Xiao is right. I will work harder."


    Ye Feng immediately waved his hand and said, "Everyone, gather your aura; we''ll sneak up and take a look!"


    "Yes!" At that moment, everyone began to conceal their aura and slowly crept forward. Soon, they finally heard a rumbling sound coming from ahead, like the turbulent surge of lake water, mixed with the sounds of intense fighting.


    "There''s the sound of a fight. Could it be there are people ahead?" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened. It had been a long time since they had entered the Outer Battlefield, and aside from the earlier encounter with the Spirit-devouring Ant Beast, they hadn''t seen any other creatures.


    Before long, they arrived beneath a rugged rocky outcrop on their left. It was then that they finally saw a vast blue creature hovering above the surface of the lake ahead.


    The colossal creature, covered in blue scales and as large as a hillock, had sharply clawed limbs that were incredibly long, along with a lengthy tail. Its head was ferocious and pointed, with two fangs that appeared quite terrifying.


    At first glance, this creature resembled the dinosaurs that had once roamed the ancient Earth World, except this one was completely blue¡ªincluding its two massive eyes. Its aura was explosive and majestic, somehow enabling it to float above the lake surface.


    Around the creature were men in high hats, dressed in the uniforms of Fusang Yin-Yang Masters. They were positioned in three directions, encircling the massive beast.


    "They are Yin-Yang Masters from Fusang!" Xiao Chuanqi transmitted his message.


    Ye Feng frowned and focused solely on the scene before him. It was clear that not only was the aura of the massive blue creature powerful and violent, but the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were also extraordinarily strong.


    In the eastern land of Fusang, although the Sword Saint Palace had a loud reputation, it was not the strongest force. The true strongest were the Yin-Yang Masters. It was said that these Yin-Yang Masters controlled Fusang''s Astronomical Bureau and even used it to influence the entire situation in Fusang.


    According to legend, Fusang Yin-Yang Masters could harness the Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and possessed various mysterious Yin-Yang Techniques, which were incredibly strange and formidable.


    However, a few days earlier, Ye Feng had spoken with Old Man Huang in the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Elder Huang told him that the so-called Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were actually just one sect of the Cultivators from the Xuanyuan Nation and that during the Ancient times, they had spread from Xuanyuan Nation to Fusang.


    This sect transformed their Magic Techniques after reaching Fusang, incorporating local characteristics into their practice, which led to the unique Cultivation System of today''s Fusang Yin-Yang Masters. Regardless of the changes, the root of their cultivation was essentially the same as that of the Xuanyuan Cultivators.


    The lake water churned wildly, and any water that was stirred from the lake and became airborne would spontaneously ignite, but strangely, the water within the lake remained unignited¡ªa truly curious phenomenon.


    The entirely blue monstrous beast roared and bellowed, shouting unintelligible words.


    The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters constantly formed Seal Formation with their hands. Their bodies suddenly erupted with fierce auras, and then a talisman that resembled the light of three stars emerged, charging towards the massive creature.


    "Ao wu..." The creature roared to the sky, suddenly sucking in a mouthful of lake water, and then exhaling a terrifying Fire Dragon in an instant burst.


    The huge Fire Dragon rushed toward the three-star talisman, dispersing it in an instant. The faces of the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters tightened, and their hands repeatedly formed Seal Formation, their Dharma Seals ancient and profound. Evidently, all three Yin-Yang Masters were extremely seasoned and capable, maintaining their composure even against such a beast.


    "It seems that this blue monster must live in this blue lake, and those three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters are clearly looking to hunt it," Ye Feng muttered softly to himself.


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but ask, "My lord, why would they take such a big risk to hunt this monster? Does it have something valuable?"


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "Judging from the monster''s aura, it has probably formed a Beast Core. Naturally, they have come to hunt for the Beast Core. Of course, there might also be Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures deep within the lake bed; after all, there are usually treasures in each monster''s territory."


    "I see," Xiao Chuanqi nodded in understanding.


    Sim Zhantian then asked, "My lord, what should we do now? Should we take action?"


    Ye Feng sneered and said, "We might have let it be if we hadn''t stumbled upon it. But since we did, it''s natural to intervene¡ªnot now, though. Both the three Yin-Yang Masters and the monster are not to be underestimated. Let''s wait and watch for now."


    Sim Zhantian immediately nodded and said, "Right, as the saying goes, when the snipe and the clam grapple, it is the fisherman who profits. We''ll wait until they are both worn out from fighting before we make our move."


    Ye Feng simply nodded slightly without saying more. At that moment, on the lake surface ahead, the azure beast seemed to be truly enraged as it roared skyward, gulping down large volumes of lake water before opening its maw to unleash a horrifying Fireball in an instant burst.


    The sizable Fireball even had black within, filled with an aura capable of destroying heaven and earth. Ye Feng watched intently; even he might struggle to withstand the Fireball with ease. This creature was indeed terrifying.

 Chapter 498 - 494 The Barrier Guardian Spell of the Onmyoji

    The fireball rolled towards them, and the expressions of the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters shifted slightly, yet their hand movements remained precise and undisturbed. The three of them performed Seal Formations in quick succession, and a gust of fierce wind burst forth from them, causing waves to surge across the blue lake at that moment.


    The three Yin-Yang Masters, wearing tall hats, continuously chanted Curse Incantations, their hands forming Dharma Seals, when suddenly there was a loud clang, and a giant talisman appeared.


    The talisman was oval, resembling the Bagua, with golden, mysterious runes inscribed on it, looking quite magical.


    "This is the Art of Talisman Spell by the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters!" Ye Feng marveled inwardly. The Fusang Yin-Yang Masters might not possess strong flesh bodies, but their Yin-Yang Curse Techniques were incredibly magical, even surpassing those of the Xuanyuan Nation in this regard.


    The rolling fireball charged straight at the massive talisman, and then something unbelievable happened¡ªthe gigantic fireball seemed to be sucked directly into the talisman, which appeared to connect to another space on the other side.


    "I understand now, this is one of the more renowned Space Transfer Spells of the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters. The talisman bridges the two worlds, enabling the user to divert any attacks from their opponents into another space," Shadow suddenly spoke up.


    In fact, after entering, Shadow had always been veiled and dressed in black, and until now, none of the team members had ever seen her true face¡ªin fact, probably only Ye Feng knew what Shadow looked like.


    Shadow would only reveal her true face in front of Ye Feng. At other times, she always appeared as Shadow. True to her role in intelligence and espionage, it seemed that she had a certain understanding of these Curse Techniques by the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters.


    Hearing this, Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but say, "If this talisman can absorb and transfer any form of attack, wouldn''t that be defying nature? In that case, who could possibly harm them?"


    Many other team members also exclaimed, "Indeed, if that''s the case, isn''t this Curse Technique too terrifying?"


    Ye Feng smiled slightly upon hearing this and said, "It''s not as formidable as you describe. In theory, this Attack Transfer Talisman Spell can certainly transfer any form of attack, but that''s contingent on one prerequisite¡ªthat the casters'' space is strong enough!"


    He paused for a moment, then continued explaining, "In other words, the Transfer Space of the caster is not capable of withstanding any form of attack. To put it simply, if this fireball exceeded the Transfer Space''s capacity, the caster would suffer backlash, and in severe cases, the space would be destroyed instantly, and the caster would perish along with it!"


    "So that''s how it is, that makes sense. Otherwise, the Yin-Yang Curse Technique of the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters would indeed be too terrifying!" The crowd nodded in agreement after hearing this explanation.


    Ye Feng smiled again and added, "Actually, this Attack Transfer Curse Technique is not the most powerful Guardian Magic of the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters."


    Sima Zhantian immediately asked, "Then what is their most powerful Guardian Magic?"


    "The Guardian Spell, the strongest protection of a Yin-Yang Master is the Barrier Guardian Spell!" Ye Feng paused before continuing, "In addition to this, the Yin-Yang Masters have quite a few offensive techniques, such as the commonly seen and powerful Shikigami Spell."


    "Shikigami Spell? What kind of Curse Technique is that?" many team members asked.


    The Yin-Yang Masters of Fusang are somewhat mysterious entities, and even these Martial Artists didn''t have much understanding of them. In fact, this was normal, because Fusang''s Yin-Yang Masters, to some extent, are akin to the cultivators of the Four Great Ancient Clans of Xuanyuan Nation¡ªusually recluses who were not accessible to ordinary people.


    Ye Feng had also learned about the Fusang Sword Saint Palace while he was in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, after a detailed inquiry with Old Man Huang Niu. After all, there were quite a few Yin-Yang Masters in the Outer Battlefield, so he needed to make some preparations.


    Ye Feng, lowering his voice and concealing his own aura, said, "According to tradition, each powerful Fusang Yin-Yang Master possesses three Shikigami. These Shikigami are somewhat like servants, loyal servants who can fight independently or in coordination with their masters."


    Xiao Chuanqi said, "Up to now, those three Yin-Yang Masters still haven''t used their Shikigami, which shows how powerful they are!"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and kept silent, as his worries were not about the azure monster itself but about the entire Earth World in the future. As the Earth''s mighty warriors increasingly entered the Outer Battlefield, this would certainly intensify the chaos within the battlefield, indirectly causing the spatial barriers to deteriorate more quickly or even leading to the destruction of the Great Wall of Heaven that connected the three space-time realms.


    In other words, the increasing damage Earth''s mighty warriors inflicted on the Outer Battlefield would accelerate the deterioration of the spatial barriers between the Alien Space-Time and the Earth World, hastening the arrival of those monsters from the Alien Space-Time to the Earth World.


    In fact, Ye Feng had already seen that this azure monster was not a native of the Outer Battlefield. It was different from the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts that he had encountered before; this blue monster had accidentally come from the Alien Space-Time due to occasional damage to the spatial barriers.


    The worrying part was that this blue monster was probably just an ordinary occurrence in the Alien Space-Time, not considered powerful. Should the two space-time realms become connected, it would be an unprecedented disaster for the Earth World, a dimensional blow.


    Of course, for the current Earth World, or to be precise, for the handful of top-rank fighters, there was still time. In fact, Ye Feng knew that, whenever a real disaster struck, it was invariably the common people at the bottom who suffered the most, a rule that no one could change. The only thing that could be changed was making oneself strong enough.


    What Ye Feng could do during this time was to continuously strengthen himself while also vigorously promoting the Martial Academy; to exert his utmost effort and possibility to elevate the Cultivation Realm of ordinary people, so that they might have a slight chance to protect themselves in the upcoming catastrophe.


    At this moment, the massive Fireball was finally completely absorbed by the Curse Transfer Technique. However, in the next instant, the Fusang Yin-Yang Master in the middle suddenly trembled and spat out blood with a geh sound.


    The other two Fusang Yin-Yang Masters instantly changed their expressions. It appeared that the monster''s Fireball was too terrifying. Even though it had been transferred to another Curse Technique Space, it still exploded violently. The Curse Technique Space was directly damaged, and so naturally, its master also suffered a backlash and was injured.


    The many team members hiding under the distant rocks couldn''t help but discuss with excitement as they witnessed the scene, Ye Feng suddenly gestured with his hand and said, "Quiet down, everyone. The most critical moment should be coming up, everyone must be ready!"


    As his voice fell, the deep blue monster roared towards the sky once more, probably enraged that its powerful strike had failed to kill the three insignificant humans. This was clearly a huge humiliation for it.


    Boom...


    The gigantic deep blue monster roared repeatedly, twisting its body. Soon the blue liquid on its body began to float up slowly, then quickly condensed, and in the blink of an eye, a deep blue arrow materialized.


    As thick as an adult''s arm, the arrow seemed to possess the power to destroy heaven and earth, even more terrifying than the fireball from before!


    The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters'' expressions changed once again, seemingly surprised that the monster still had such a terrifying move. Of course, everyone could see that after unleashing the deep blue arrow, the monster''s breath had clearly weakened a lot.


    In other words, if they could withstand this arrow, the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters would have a great chance of killing the monster¡ªprovided they could endure it!


    The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters obviously knew this was the final contest. They rapidly formed seals, and soon, three shikigami appeared surrounding each of them.


    "Indeed, three shikigami. It seems these three Yin-Yang Masters really mean business this time!" Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but silently exclaim upon seeing this.


    "Barrier Guardian Spell, activate!" The one in the center rapidly formed seals with both hands, and a powerful wave spread out. In front of him, a white talisman appeared, seeming hard and thick with formidable defensive power.


    The three Yin-Yang Masters simultaneously cast the Barrier Guardian Spell, and several shikigami swooped out at the same time, charging towards the enormous monster.


    Boom...


    The deep blue arrow, like a bolt of lightning, tore through the air, and just as it approached, it pierced through the first layer of the Barrier Guardian Spell and then moved on to the second layer. The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters pressed their hands simultaneously on the final layer of the Guardian Spell, as all the energy inside their bodies surged out wildly.


    If this last layer of the Guardian Spell were also broken, they would probably be the ones to die today.


    But the deep blue arrow was too powerful¡ªit shattered two layers of the Barrier Guardian Spell in just a few breaths and was on the verge of breaking the third layer.


    Sima Zhantian, seeing this, couldn''t help but ask quietly, "My lord, is it time to take action now?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Wait a bit longer. It''s not the best time yet!"


    "Damn!" one of the Yin-Yang Masters roared, immediately saying something to his three shikigami.


    The three shikigami, without any hesitation, turned around and charged towards the deep blue arrow.


    Then suddenly, with a thunderous explosion, the three shikigami self-destructed, and the deep blue arrow was disrupted due to their suicide attack.


    "Kill, we must kill it, to avenge the three shikigami!" The central Yin-Yang Master roared furiously; it was he who had ordered his three shikigami to self-destruct.


    In an instant, the Yin-Yang Master on the left unleashed an Ice and Snow Talisman, and in no time, a series of powerful ice spikes shot towards the monster.


    Meanwhile, the Yin-Yang Master on the right used a Thunder Spell, attacking from above.


    "Ao wu..." Facing the powerful Curse Technique attacks, the already weakened monster naturally couldn''t withstand them and was soon covered in wounds.


    Without a second thought, the huge monster attempted to dive down, trying to burrow into the lake.


    "Quickly block it, don''t let it escape into the lake!" The central Yin-Yang Master screamed in Fusang language.


    As a matter of fact, without his instruction, the other two Yin-Yang Masters were already rapidly forming seals, and in the next moment, a binding spell appeared, trapping the huge monster inside.


    "Phew... after all the effort and even Lord Beya getting injured, we''ve finally trapped the monster. Now, we can directly extract its inner core!" one of the Yin-Yang Masters said.


    Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened, and he shouted, "Now, take action!"

 Chapter 499 - 495: Striking Back at the Brink of Death

    As Ye Feng''s voice fell, he soared into the sky, and even under such strong gravity, he remained incredibly swift; in the blink of an eye, he had already streaked past.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and others had all swiftly come over. However, the rest of the team members didn''t follow and just stopped at the edge of the lake, partly because the gravity of the Outer Battlefield was too great for them to remain airborne for long, and partly because this deep blue lake was too peculiar.


    More precisely, the water in the lake was too terrifying. It could spontaneously combust and if one were to fall into the lake, it would likely be a situation of nine deaths and one life.


    "Cultivators from Xuanyuan Nation?"


    The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters couldn''t help but change their expressions, but the next moment, they sneered. Showing disdain, they sneered, "They are not cultivators but mere martial artists. They indeed have guts for such martial artists to try to snatch the prize!"


    After nearly a hundred years of competition, the power balance between the two nations had been roughly understood by everyone. The martial artists from Xuanyuan Nation were about equivalent to the ninjas and samurai from Fusang Sword Saint Palace, while the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were on par with the cultivators from Xuanyuan Nation. Therefore, the three Yin-Yang Masters, upon seeing that the others were only martial artists, immediately showed a scornful look.


    After all, for cultivators, overpowering martial artists was typically a crushing defeat of a lower dimension.


    "That''s not right, there are a few cultivators among them, but their Realm is too low. Not even reaching the Golden Core Realm, they think of snatching; truly ignorant of their own limitations," one of the Yin-Yang Masters sneered coldly.


    The few cultivators were undoubtedly Ye Feng, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and others. However, as the Yin-Yang Master just mentioned, Ye Feng and others were currently only at the Foundation Establishment Stage and hadn''t yet stepped onto the path of the Golden Core Great Dao.


    Ye Feng kept silent, his gaze intently fixed on the huge deep blue creature. Only now, at such close range, did he truly sense the creature''s violent aura. Its aura was simply too horrifying, even stronger than that of an average Golden Core Realm cultivator, no wonder these three Yin-Yang Masters had to expend so much effort to trap it.


    The gigantic creature struggled frantically but was firmly bound by the talisman, unable to escape. However, it was evident that the two Yin-Yang Masters casting the Curse Technique were also reaching a very difficult stage, approaching their limits.


    As for the central Yin-Yang Master, he had already been wounded earlier, and at this moment, his energy was extremely feeble.


    "I''ll hold them off. You quickly take the beast core from this creature. If we allow it to enter the lake, all our efforts will be in vain," the central Yin-Yang Master suddenly said.


    The Yin-Yang Master on the left questioned, "Lord Beya, you''re already wounded, are you sure you can stop them?"


    The central Onmyoji Beya sneered, "They are just a few Xuanyuan Nation Foundation Establishment cultivators. Don''t worry; I have more than enough to handle them. Just go ahead with your action."


    "Alright, once we take the beast core, we will come back to assist Lord Beya. Then, we will surely eliminate all these Xuanyuan Nation martial artists!" The two Yin-Yang Masters said, and once again, energy surged within them, the talisman tightened swiftly as if they were about to close the net.


    Ye Feng asked with a serious tone, "Xiao Chuanqi, you three, do you have the confidence to hold off this guy?"


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately replied, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, it won''t be a problem."


    "Your Majesty, just go ahead and seize the beast core; leave this old thing to us!" Sima Zhantian was brimming with fighting spirit.


    Almost in an instant, Xiao Chuan rode out a sword out of thin air, while a brightly shining golden blade appeared in Sima Zhantian''s hand. Leng Wuming, with slightly inferior cultivation, provided support from the side.


    "Mere Foundation Establishment Realm''s cultivation, truly courting death!" Onmyoji Beya quickly formed a Dharma Seal with his hands, and soon a talisman rushed towards the three.


    "Break!" Xiao Chuan''s sword sliced through the air, the long Sword Momentum like a comet sweeping across the sky horizon.


    Sima Zhantian''s blade was bold and powerful, swinging down with enough force to change the color of the winds and clouds. With their combined sword and blade attack, Onmyoji Beya''s talisman immediately shattered.


    "What!" Onmyoji Beya''s face suddenly changed dramatically. He had not anticipated that two mere Foundation Establishment individuals could break his talisman with a single move.


    "How could you possibly do this!" Onmyoji Beya had to be shocked, although to a large extent it was because his injuries had diminished his combat power. More than that, it was the terrifying combat strength of Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian.


    Despite being at the Foundation Establishment Realm, their special physiques meant that if they went all out, they might not be powerless against an ordinary Golden Core Grandmaster.


    "Kill!" Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian exchanged glances; the silver Immortal Sword and the golden Immortal Blade rose up again, slashing towards Onmyoji Beya.


    "Barrier Guardian Spell!" Onmyoji Beya, not daring to be careless, formed Seal Formations rapidly with his hands. In a flash, a surge of energy erupted from within him, creating a giant Barrier Talisman to shield himself.


    The silver Immortal Sword and the great Immortal Blade crashed down, only to be stopped by the powerful Barrier Guardian Spell, unable to advance any further. However, this still required Onmyoji Beya to use all his remaining energy to defend against Xiao Chuanqi''s and Sima Zhantian''s attacks; otherwise, he couldn''t have held them off. It seemed that both parties were temporarily at a stalemate, but since Onmyoji Beya was injured, he wouldn''t be able to hold on for long.


    "Dammit, those two are much too strong. We must quickly deal with this creature and get the beast core; otherwise, Lord Beya will be in danger!" The two Yin-Yang Masters said.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was intently staring at the two people but did not immediately choose to strike. Of course, though the two Onmyoji did take notice of Ye Feng, they simply didn''t care. After all, they didn''t think much of a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    "Shikigami, go!" Having no other options, the two Onmyoji once again commanded their three shikigami to charge at the enormous azure monster.


    However, what no one expected was that just as the four shikigami rushed in, the body of the monster suddenly erupted with terrifying flames, instantly engulfing the four shikigami. The shikigami struggled frantically to escape, but within a moment, they were incinerated.


    But as a result, the monstrous creature became even weaker, no longer able to resist, and was completely trapped by the talisman.


    "Damn it, even at death''s door, it still had to strike back!" The two Onmyoji were seething with rage, as summoning and nurturing a shikigami were not easy feats. Now that they had lost two shikigami at once, their hearts ached unbearably.


    "I''ll bind it to prevent any deception, you quickly retrieve its beast core!" the Onmyoji on the left ordered.


    The Onmyoji on the right instantly sprang into action, spreading his enormous Yin-Yang robe and swept toward the monster.


    "Now is the time!" Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened, and he made his move. The Emperor''s Sword materialized in an instant, and he slashed horizontally through the air.


    The Onmyoji had not expected Ye Feng to strike at this critical moment, and even if he had, he would never have imagined the opponent''s power to be so terrifying.


    The Sword of the King was too dreadful; its Sword Qi was world-destroying, and its speed unbelievably fast. In just an instant, it was already above his head. By the time the Onmyoji thought to form a Dharma Seal to conjure a talisman, it was already too late.


    With a thunderous boom!


    The Onmyoji was directly bisected by a single strike and was undeniably dead. These Fusang Onmyoji, though they possessed layers of powerful talisman techniques, had relatively weak flesh bodies. Once someone managed to get close enough to attack, it usually spelled extreme danger for them.


    "Ah, you damned thing, you actually... actually killed him!" The other Onmyoji erupted like thunder, his entire being nearly going mad.


    Ye Feng turned his head to gaze at him and said word by word, "I not only wanted to kill him, but I also want to kill you!"


    Even before his words had fallen, a black long spear suddenly appeared from the void, whooshing as it tore through the air.


    By this time, the Onmyoji was prepared, quickly forming a Dharma Seal. In an instant, a Barrier Guardian Spell materialized in front of him.


    Yet, the next moment, the Onmyoji was dumbfounded because his supposedly strong Barrier Guardian Spell crumbled like paper when faced with the black spear. The black spear pierced through the Barrier Guardian Spell with absolute dominance, as easily as cutting through tofu.


    "No..." The Onmyoji only managed to let out a resentful roar of indignation before the black spear pierced through his throat, killing him instantly.


    At that moment, no longer bound by the Curse Seal, the massive creature suddenly twisted its body, attempting to burrow into the depths of the lake.


    "Thinking of running away!" Ye Feng had long anticipated this moment. With a wave of his hand, another Sky-breaking Long Spear materialized, and then shot forth, piercing the monster''s head before it could dive beneath the lake surface.


    At this time, several team members who had been lingering by the lake''s edge suddenly leapt up, seemingly aiming to seize the beast core.


    However well they may have planned, how could their speed possibly match Ye Feng''s? With a single flash, he reached the monster''s side, and reaching out with a large hand, he extracted a white beast core, the size of a pigeon''s egg, from the blasted head.


    Only then did the team members, including Li Benzhong, make their approach.


    Ye Feng turned to look at them and sneered, "What brings you all here at this time? What do you want to do?"


    The team members could only offer a sheepish smile: "Aren''t we here because we''re concerned for your safety, Captain, and thought to come over and lend a hand?"


    Ye Feng laughed coldly, "If you wanted to lend a hand, you should be helping Xiao Chuanqi and the others, not coming over here, right?"


    Now, the team members had no response, but their eyes remained glued to the beast core in Ye Feng''s hands, clearly understanding that the beast core contained the essence of a demonic beast''s life and was immensely beneficial for cultivating.


    Ye Feng simply flipped his wrist and pocketed the beast core, then finally turned his head towards Xiao Chuanqi''s side.


    Just then, Onmyoji Beya, who had been struggling fiercely, saw his two companions slain in succession and instantly thought of retreat. Just as Ye Feng turned to look over, the last remaining shikigami launched itself straight at Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    "Be careful..." Seeing this, Ye Feng''s expression drastically changed.

 Chapter 500 - 496: Ill Take This Beast Core!

    Ye Feng noticed that this Shikigami was so resolute in its charge, clearly intending to self-destruct and take everyone with it. Onmyoji Beya was the most powerful of the three Onmyoji, so naturally, the Shikigami he nurtured were also relatively powerful, especially this last one, which was the strongest of all.


    If it charged and exploded, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others would likely be either killed or grievously injured. And in the perilous environment of the Outer Battlefield, such severe injuries were extremely dangerous.


    At this moment, Onmyoji Beya made a swift move, fleeing towards the west.


    "Boy, I''ll remember you, just you wait!" Onmyoji Beya roared in anger.


    Ye Feng, naturally, couldn''t pursue any longer and had to move towards Xiao Chuanqi and the rest, but it was already too late to take them out of there ¨C the situation had become urgent.


    Ye Feng''s expression darkened as he passed over Xiao Chuanqi and the others, charging towards the Shikigami.


    "Master..." Shadow couldn''t help but exclaim in shock.


    "Emperor''s Armor!" Ye Feng instantly activated his defenses to their maximum, and at that moment, half of the Acupoints in his body ignited.


    Just then, with a thunderous explosion, the Shikigami detonated, and the terrifying shockwave immediately engulfed Ye Feng.


    "Master!" Xiao Chuanqi and the others cried out in alarm.


    The entire lake was suddenly whipped into surging waves due to the powerful shockwave, and the liquid from the lake that was caught in the blast started burning.


    "We need to leave here now!" Seeing that there was no chance to worry about Ye Feng''s fate, Li Benzhong and the others hurriedly made for the shore.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others braced against the shockwave, dead set on rushing towards Ye Feng''s location.


    "The master tried to save us, he couldn''t have..." Sima Zhantian''s face was etched with worry.


    However, at that moment, Ye Feng''s voice emerged: "Don''t worry, it was just a mere Shikigami. If the Onmyoji had self-destructed, I might not have been able to withstand it, but a Shikigami isn''t enough to do me in!"


    As the shockwave dissipated and the surface of the lake slowly calmed, Ye Feng''s figure finally began to appear. He looked somewhat disheveled, and there was even a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth, but he seemed to be mostly unharmed.


    "Thank goodness, the master is alright!" Sima Zhantian exclaimed joyfully.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "Let''s leave this place first!"


    After all, the lake was far too strange, and hovering above its surface for too long was exceedingly dangerous. They quickly returned to the rocky area they were at before, and it was only now that everyone realized Ye Feng wasn''t as relaxed as it seemed on the surface.


    Without another word, Ye Feng sat down cross-legged, and as everyone had seen, he had borne the brunt of the Shikigami''s explosion. His Emperor''s Armor could only withstand part of the shockwave, and at the moment, his internal organs had been displaced. Had it not been for his robust flesh body, he might have already collapsed.


    "How are you, master?" Shadow, clad in black, hurried over, and Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Leng Wuming also came over when they saw this.


    "I need to regulate my breath, guard me!" Ye Feng merely said these words before closing his eyes.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others did not hesitate and immediately surrounded Ye Feng, standing guard in four directions to ward off any unexpected dangers.


    The whole team was now in an uproar, everyone exchanging glances and even whispering among themselves.


    Li Benzhong, witnessing this, couldn''t stop his eyes from darting around, and it was unclear what devious thoughts were crossing his mind.


    At this time, a youth from the Duan Family communicated telepathically, "Lord Li, that Ye fellow seems to have been seriously injured. This is a rare opportunity."


    Li Benzhong replied with a deadpan face, "It''s true the kid''s gravely injured, but didn''t you see he''s got four Vajra protectors? Alone, I doubt I can contend with them, and certainly can''t break through their defense."


    The Duan Family youth sneered, "On your own, of course not, but what about the other team members?"


    "What do you mean?" Li Benzhong asked thoughtfully.


    "My point is, he has a Beast Core on him, and you see that many team members clearly have other ideas. After all, the Beast Core is no trivial matter; everyone wants a share. At this time, just a little instigation from you, Lord Li, would definitely rile them up!" the Duan Family youth said.


    "Indeed, that''s a good idea!" Li Benzhong slowly stood up after saying this.


    Sima Zhantian gave him a stern look and demanded, "Li Benzhong, what are you planning to do at a time like this?"


    Li Benzhong chuckled, "Don''t worry, I have no bad intentions. I''m just concerned about the team leader''s injuries. I happen to be skilled in medicine and was about to go over to see if I could help heal him."


    Xiao Chuanqi suddenly shouted coldly, "Listen up, those who want to approach will be killed without mercy!"


    Li Benzhong''s expression darkened, and after a moment of thought, he said, "Well, if that''s the case, then I won''t go. It''s frustrating when one''s kindness is misunderstood as ill will. But there is something I must say, that is, the Beast Core. Now, it''s just being monopolized by the team leader, which seems a bit unreasonable, doesn''t it?"


    He continued without waiting for Xiao Chuanqi and others to respond, "After all, we are a team. Since we obtained a benefit, it should belong to the entire team. If the team leader monopolizes everything we encounter, that would be quite unfair. Don''t you all agree?"

 Chapter 501 - 496: Ill Take This Beast Core!_2

    As soon as he said this, those team members with ulterior motives immediately nodded in agreement. "Indeed, since we are a team, and since we have obtained treasure, it should belong to the entire team. No one should swallow it alone, not even the team leader. Otherwise, it would be a violation of the principles of fairness and equity!"


    "Yes, the team leader has always prided himself on being fair and just, so he shouldn''t hog the beast core by himself. I propose that we take out the beast core and manage it together!"


    "Hand over the beast core, we must hand it over!" In no time, the whole team was in an uproar. Under the deliberate provocation of Li Benzhong, those who had previously been afraid to speak up were now joining the commotion.


    After all, this beast core was no trivial matter, and it was from such a fierce monster at that. Everyone was wise enough to know that absorbing and refining the beast core would likely lead to a sudden and rapid increase in one''s power, so none could help but covet it.


    Xiao Chuanqi spoke out with a heavy voice, "What a joke. The master risked his life to snatch the beast core, and while each of you were cowardly hiding by the lake, too afraid to make a move, the master managed to seize it. Now you have the nerve to demand a share? Have you no shame?"


    Li Benzhong retorted sharply, "That''s where you''re wrong. Although we did not take action just now, we were on alert by the side. Moreover, a few of us had intended to act. It was only because Ye Feng moved faster. Therefore, he must hand over the beast core now!"


    "You four, step aside. If you don''t, we will not be polite any longer!" The whole team was becoming agitated, and under the instigation of Li Benzhong, some even showed signs that they were ready to come to blows.


    Sima Zhantian shouted fiercely, "I''ll say it again, whoever dares to come forward, within three steps, will be killed without mercy. Let''s see who has the audacity to risk their life!"


    "Sima Zhantian, how dare you, just a mere legion commander. Do you really think we are afraid of you!" Li Benzhong shouted back coldly.


    "Nobody needs to be afraid. We must make them hand over the beast core today. Everyone attack together. With so many of us, we don''t have to fear these four!" Li Benzhong incited the crowd once again.


    In an instant, several men revealed their Objects of the Divine Path and then began to press forward step by step.


    "Truly troublesome fools. Since it''s come to this, I''ll just wipe you out!" Sima Zhantian was completely enraged, and Fist Edge clenched, he was about to charge forth.


    However, just at that moment, Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes and said calmly, "Sima Zhantian, stop!"


    At this, Sima Zhantian immediately halted, turned his head sharply, and asked, "My lord, have you finished with your breath regulation, are you alright now?"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then with a flip of his wrist, the beast core appeared in his palm. He then slowly lifted his head and stared coldly at the team members about to rush forward, saying word by word, "The beast core is in my hand. If you have the guts, come and take it!"


    No one dared to move forward anymore, and those who were cowardly even started retreating involuntarily. After all, Ye Feng''s gaze was too terrifying, carrying an unmatched momentum that struck fear into hearts.


    Li Benzhong swallowed hard, his legs even beginning to tremble. He, who had previously been shouting the loudest, now did not dare to make another peep, not even the sound of a fart dared escape him.


    Ye Feng then went on slowly, "It''s true we are a team, but it''s not possible to equally share every treasure we get. That would actually be unfair. Instead, it should be ''to each according to his effort.'' Whosoever has the strength and the ability to seize the treasure, the treasure shall belong to that person. This is the rule I''ve set. Does anyone have any objections?"


    No one had spoken up yet, Ye Feng turned his head to stare at Li Benzhong and asked, "Li Benzhong, do you agree with the distribution rule that I have set?"


    Li Benzhong had no choice but to stand his ground and stammered, "Agree... completely agree. The distribution based on contribution is utterly fair. Whoever grabs the treasure with their own ability gets to keep it¡ªthis is simply too fair, of course, I agree!"


    "That''s more like it," Ye Feng said with a slight smile, and then continued, "Just now, this Beast Core was obtained by our group of five people fighting and seizing it. Even if we were to divide it, it should be split among Xiao Chuanqi and the other four of us. Do any of you have objections to this?"


    "No... no objections, that''s only right!" Li Benzhong had to reply timidly.


    The other team members, seeing this, also started nodding their heads and said, "According to the team''s distribution principles, this is indeed how it should be. We were just not very clear on the matter, and in addition, we were misled by Li Benzhong, which led us to be confused for a moment. We hope the team leader will not find fault!"


    It wasn''t until this moment that many team members finally came to their senses. Upon hearing these words, Li Benzhong couldn''t help but gnash his teeth in anger, but still dared not speak up.


    Ye Feng fixed his cold gaze on Li Benzhong, and said word by word, "Li Benzhong, I know exactly what you are plotting in your heart, but I don''t care. However, there is one thing¡ªif you deliberately instigate again and cause the team to disperse, I will not forgive you. Don''t think that just because you have Great-Uncle Zeng in the Xuanyuan Hall that I wouldn''t dare to kill you!"


    "Yes, I know my mistake. Please, Lord Northern King, do not take offense at my pettiness," Li Benzhong said as he kept bowing, his back now soaked with sweat.


    Ye Feng snorted and then slowly stood up. Fortunately, when he was on the wasteland, he had prepared by collecting a large number of Spirit-devouring Ant Beast''s Cartilage Crystals, storing the energy in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, which indeed proved useful during the healing moments ago.


    Otherwise, in the environment of the Outer Battlefield without the support of Origin Energy, it would not have been possible to recover from the injuries so quickly.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but look down at the Beast Core in his hand. Just with a slight sensation, he was able to feel the vast energy contained within the Beast Core, but that energy was extraordinarily violent, and it would not be easy to absorb it through common Methods of Cultivation.


    "You three come over, let''s discuss the matter of the Beast Core distribution." Ye Feng suddenly waved over to Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately responded, "My Lord, there is no need for discussion. When you risked yourself to save us earlier, you put yourself in great danger. This Beast Core naturally belongs to you, my Lord."


    Sima Zhantian and Leng Wuming also said in unison, "That''s right, my Lord, you were seriously injured in order to save us. If we were to still claim a share of this Beast Core, that would be nothing short of inhuman. Besides, you need this Beast Core more than we do, and you have already shown us ample grace. We won''t take it, not even if we were beaten to death!"


    Ye Feng thought about it and then nodded, saying, "Well then, the energy contained within this Beast Core is far too violent. You wouldn''t be able to absorb it in a short time anyway. Since this is the case, I will accept it!"


    Having said that, Ye Feng opened his mouth and directly swallowed the Beast Core.


    Seeing this, Li Benzhong couldn''t help but snort contemptuously, thinking that just moments ago, you said the energy of the Beast Core was too violent to be absorbed, and now you swallowed it yourself. Who are you trying to fool? Of course, he wouldn''t dare to say such words to Ye Feng''s face.

 Chapter 502 - 497: The Legendary Flying Dragon Mountain

    After a brief regrouping, Ye Feng immediately announced that they would continue their journey, still heading in the originally planned direction.


    By now, the blue lake had calmed down, still as eerily beautiful and intriguingly blue as ever. The team did not dare to cross directly over the surface of the lake and instead took a detour along the shore. In fact, just moments ago, Ye Feng had already made a slight attempt to test it.


    However, the result greatly shocked him. He had only half submerged his body into the lake water when he discovered that it possessed a strong erosive capability, eroding his Spirit Essence so fiercely that Ye Feng naturally did not dare to proceed further. Otherwise, if he entered the lake, it wouldn''t take long for his Spirit Essence Barrier to be completely eroded, and he would ultimately perish at the bottom of the lake.


    Even if there might be treasures hidden in the lake, Ye Feng didn''t dare to dive in. After all, the lake was truly too terrifying. It was at this moment that he realized the Outer Battlefield was far more dangerous than he had originally imagined.


    The group had been venturing for quite some time by now, yet the landscape remained a vast expanse of grayness, with neither sun nor moon, and of course, no distinction between day and night. Eventually, everyone became numb to it.


    Fortunately, everyone''s cultivation level was not low, so even without food or drink for a long time, there would be no problems. Moreover, before setting out, everyone had prepared food.


    Ye Feng still took the lead, with the twenty-six-member team heading east. However, during the journey, Ye Feng was not simply listening but took advantage of this utterly boring time to secretly cultivate, continuously refining the Beast Core he had ingested.


    Of course, for ordinary people, it is impossible to cultivate while walking, but for Ye Feng, who possessed the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, it was not a difficult task at all. More importantly, his spiritual power was far stronger than others.


    In fact, it wasn''t simply a matter of being stronger than others. Even those at the Golden Core Great Dao and Sacred Realm Level, the Great Powers, hadn''t cultivated spiritual power or, to put it another way, hadn''t reached the advanced level of spiritual power. But now, Ye Feng had already formed a Mental Power Nucleus.


    And the advantage of having strong mental power was the ability to multitask without any interference from each other!


    As Ye Feng walked, he silently operated the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. The energy of the Beast Core was incredibly violent, to the point where he felt an agitated sensation when he swallowed it, and his entire being was affected, showing signs of restlessness.


    Fortunately, Ye Feng''s spiritual power was strong enough to suppress this violent energy. Once the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll enveloped the Beast Core, the core''s violent nature gradually stabilized and settled. Subsequently, streams of pure energy were refined and absorbed by the scroll.


    After all, this Beast Core was equivalent to the lifetime essence of a Golden Core Great Dao Great Power, and one can only imagine how vast the contained energy was. Once the energy from the Beast Core was absorbed and refined by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, streams of Origin Energy were then fed back to Ye Feng.


    At that moment, Ye Feng could absorb this feedback of energy to continuously impact and clear his Acupoints. Shortly, numerous Acupoints were opened, a speed of cultivation that was not inferior to that of cultivating with Source of Luck.


    It was then that Ye Feng couldn''t help but inwardly exclaim that although the Outer Battlefield was incredibly dangerous, it indeed was an excellent place for experience. No wonder so many great and powerful beings didn''t want to return to the Earth World after coming here.


    In just half an hour, Ye Feng had already cleared dozens of Acupoints and regenerated a large amount of Qi Force in his body. Of course, he still needed to use this Origin Energy to constantly compress and improve the quality of his Qi Force, finally transforming it entirely into Spirit Essence.


    This was a process that needed repeated refining. As Ye Feng multitasked and cultivated without a break, his power slowly improved. Of course, his outward appearance and aura remained unchanged at the Martial King Peak, so the others remained none the wiser.


    Time passed unknowingly until suddenly someone cried out, "Look, everyone, what is that in the front?"


    It was at that moment that Ye Feng noticed that groups of shadows had suddenly appeared on the horizon ahead, vague and indistinct, stretching across the sky.


    The team involuntarily stopped, astonished by the sight. Ye Feng knitted his brows and said, "Those are mountain ranges, not monsters. No need for panic."


    "Mountain ranges? My goodness, if those are mountains, then they must be extraordinarily high. I''m afraid even the Earth World doesn''t have mountains so tall," one of the team members marveled.


    Suddenly, Li Benzhong became excited and repeatedly said, "I know, I know where this place is."


    The others asked in unison, "You know? Tell us, what place is it?"


    Even Ye Feng turned his head at this point because he had not heard Zhuge Wuming mention this place before. Indeed, having a Great-Uncle in Xuanyuan Hall made Li Benzhong different; he knew a lot about the Outer Battlefield, things others didn''t.


    Puffing out his chest, Li Benzhong adopted a triumphal air, and after making sure he had everyone''s attention, he said, "This place ¨C I heard about it from my grandfather after my great-uncle returned from here. Of course, I didn''t hear it straight from my great-uncle but from my grandfather after he heard it from my great-uncle."


    Upon hearing his roundabout way of speaking, the crowd couldn''t help but feel speechless, thinking this fellow was really too much of a windbag and a show-off. Couldn''t he just get to the point without so much grandstanding?


    Nevertheless, no one interrupted, especially since Ye Feng, their team leader, had not said anything.


    Continuing on, Li Benzhong said, "That mountain range, in fact, is not the tallest or most magnificent in the Outer Battlefield. It ranks only third, with two other locations that are even taller and more majestic."


    Impatient as ever, Sima Zhantian could no longer hold back and bellowed, "Can you, you guy, stop being so long-winded, can you get to the point?"


    However, Li Benzhong simply rolled his eyes and said, "What are you ranting about? Do you still want to listen or not? I''m too lazy to even speak."


    "You..." Sima Zhantian was infuriated, but at that moment Ye Feng gestured with his hand for him to calm down, as there was no need to stoop to the level of someone like Li Benzhong.


    Li Benzhong then continued, "In fact, the mountain range ahead is called the Flying Dragon Mountain Range. Of course, I didn''t make up this name, it was already named by those old folks from the Xuanyuan Hall."


    "The Sky Dragon Mountain Range? Since there are many such lofty and majestic mountain ranges in the Outer Battlefield, what makes you so sure that the one in front is the Flying Dragon Mountain Range?" A team member quickly raised doubts.


    Li Benzhong snorted coldly, "Of course I can be certain. Open your eyes and look carefully, do those faintly visible mountain ranges ahead not resemble a flying dragon, just like the form of a dragon in the sky?"


    With this reminder, everyone finally caught on, and a team member exclaimed, "Well, now that you mention it, it really does look like a flying dragon. By the looks of it, that should indeed be the Flying Dragon Mountain Range ahead."


    At this time, Ye Feng asked with a smile, "Li Benzhong, since you know that''s the Flying Dragon Mountain Range, then using it as a reference, you must also know the approximate location of the Xuanyuan Hall, right?"


    Li Benzhong immediately turned up his nose and snorted coldly, "How could it be that our almighty team leader, the great Lord Northern King, would have something he doesn''t know? This really is a rare sight, the illustrious Lord Northern King actually condescending to ask others for information."


    Ye Feng replied with a smile, "Indeed, I do not know, hence I ask. If you know, I would appreciate your generous guidance."


    Li Benzhong nodded slightly and said, "Not bad, not bad, at least you''re asking in the right manner. Since that''s the case, I might as well tell you."


    Sima Zhantian, seeing him act so pompously, was already seething with anger. However, Ye Feng''s gaze signaled for him to suppress it. Honestly, Ye Feng didn''t even consider Li Benzhong significant enough to be treated as an opponent; obviously, he wouldn''t bother with someone like him who didn''t even qualify to be a rival.


    Unfortunately, Li Benzhong was completely unaware of this. He continued leisurely, "In fact, after reaching the Flying Dragon Mountain Range, the Xuanyuan Hall won''t be far away. We just have to go around the Sky Dragon Mountain Range and walk straight from the tail of the dragon for about a day, and we will be able to reach the Xuanyuan Hall."


    Hearing his words, everyone was immediately excited and agitated.


    "That''s great, after coming in for so long, we finally have a lead. We don''t have to wander aimlessly like headless flies anymore." A team member sighed.


    Of course, at this time, the thoughts of several team members couldn''t help but become active. After all, the Xuanyuan Hall was not far away. Even though Li Benzhong was currently at a disadvantage, things would change once they reached the Xuanyuan Hall, especially considering that he had the support of his great-uncle.


    Being able to have his own seat in the Xuanyuan Hall, and that too with a monster-like great-uncle as his backer, it was clear that he must be a figure of great power.


    After a team member''s eyes flickered, he immediately stepped forward and started to flatter Li Benzhong, "Indeed, in the end, we still need to rely on Brother Li. It''s all thanks to Brother Li for pointing out the direction. Otherwise, I reckon we would have no idea how much longer we''d have to wander aimlessly."


    Seeing an opportunity, another team member eagerly added, "Yes, Brother Benzhong''s knowledge of the Outer Battlefield is indeed substantial. It seems that I will have to rely on Brother Li a lot in the coming days, and I hope Brother Li will look after us."


    They hadn''t even reached the Xuanyuan Hall yet, and the sycophancy had already started. Naturally, these two team members were undoubtedly the followers of the sect leaders from the Utility Pavilion, with backgrounds roughly similar to Li Benzhong''s.


    Sima Zhantian was so mad he could hardly contain himself, but as for Ye Feng, he shook his head without saying much. The journey was still long, and they didn''t know what would come next. Nevertheless, he made a mental note of the two team members who had just spoken.


    "Let''s go, since we now know the direction, let''s head towards the Flying Dragon Mountain Range ahead. Once we arrive there, we''ll continue along the tail of the dragon." Ye Feng waved his hand and led the team to set off, continuing his cultivation.


    Although Ye Feng had already reached more than 2,200 acupoints by now, he was still a fair distance from the 3,000 acupoints of Great Perfection. Putting aside the upcoming upheaval, just dealing with the old folks at the Xuanyuan Hall would not be easy.


    Leaving aside Li Benzhong''s great-uncle, Zhuge Wuming had already mentioned before they left that there were several old men from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts in the Xuanyuan Hall, as well as elders from the Hong and Bu families of the Four Great Ancient Clans. Ye Feng knew that these people would surely make things difficult for him upon his arrival at the Xuanyuan Hall.


    Therefore, before that, Ye Feng needed to find every possible way to increase his cultivation strength. He didn''t need to beat these formidable elders of the Xuanyuan Hall, but at the very least, he should be able to hold his ground against them without being at a disadvantage.


    Despite that the shadowy mountain range looming at the horizon seemed to be within reach, once they began to approach, they realized the distance was not trivial at all. This was the epitome of the saying "distant mountains appear deceptively close," and besides, the group wasn''t employing any flying techniques but walked step by step instead.


    After more than two days, the towering mountain range towering into the clouds finally became clear in front of everyone''s eyes, signifying that they had finally arrived at the base of the mountains.

 Chapter 503 - 498: What a Huge Egg!

    After reaching the foot of the mountain, everyone realized that the Flying Dragon Mountain Range was even more majestic than what they had seen before. From the bottom looking up, the peak couldn''t be seen at all, with a large part of it hidden in clouds and fog. What surprised everyone was that there was no snow on the top of the mountain; it appeared as if there were still patches of vegetation scattered around.


    As for what kind of vegetation it was, they couldn''t see clearly, not even Ye Feng with his exceptional Vision Strength.


    This Flying Dragon Mountain Range had a total of five huge peaks, which looked roughly like the head and four claws of a flying dragon, with smaller mountains clustered and extending for thousands of miles.


    However, someone soon cried out in surprise, pointing ahead and saying, "Everyone, look quickly, what is that over there?"


    Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze and saw a huge pit ahead, almost as big as a soccer field, shocking everyone because the pit seemed to be a giant footprint.


    "Could it be that this pit is a footprint left by some monstrous beast?" a team member exclaimed.


    At this moment, even Ye Feng''s brows couldn''t help but furrow. As everyone saw, this pit, which was nearly the size of a soccer field, was indeed the footprint of a monstrous beast. With a single step, it had crushed even half of a mountain peak.


    One could imagine how massive and terrifying the beast must have been, and how overpowering its strength. Even the Great Powers on the Golden Core Great Dao would probably not be able to exert such force.


    Ye Feng''s expression became slightly solemn. Truth be told, even he could not muster such fearsome strength. Thus, it seemed the monsters hidden within the Outer Battlefield were far from as simple as they appeared on the surface. The deep blue creature everyone saw at the blue lake previously was nothing compared to the monster that made this footprint.


    Suddenly someone exclaimed again, "Look there everyone, quickly, look at that mountain range. It''s just too terrifying, as if it''s been sheared off flat. That must have been the work of some peerless power using an Immortal Sword to slash off that peak!"


    Upon seeing this, everyone was shocked again, and it was only at this moment that they realized that not only were there monstrous beasts in the Outer Battlefield, but there were also members of the Human Race, equally formidable.


    Ye Feng suddenly shouted, "Everyone must be careful. This Flying Dragon Mountain Range is probably not simple, and we mustn''t move around recklessly. If one were to get lost deep inside the mountains, it''s likely that no one could save them!"


    Everyone nodded in agreement, already stunned by the shock, not daring to move around carelessly.


    "Let''s go, move along the foot of the mountain towards the dragon''s tail!" Ye Feng commanded with a wave of his hand. Originally, he had planned to leap onto one of the peaks to take a look, as there might be Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures hidden on the summit, but it now seemed better not to take the risk.


    Accordingly, the group changed direction and proceeded slowly along the foot of the mountain. At this point, everyone was even afraid to speak too loudly for fear of disturbing the creatures deep within the mountains, which would certainly be dangerous.


    After all, the entire mountain range was vast and lush, with occasional beast roars coming from within, indicating the presence of powerful creatures deep inside.


    It took the group about half a day to finally reach the tail of the dragon, where suddenly they heard sounds of fighting coming from the end of the Flying Dragon Mountain Range.


    "Master, there seems to be something amiss inside. Should we go in and check?" Xiao Chuanqi suggested.


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows. In fact, the sounds of battle were not far away, located within a deep peak at the end of the range, accessible just by climbing up.


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment before turning to look at the others and saying, "You all saw the situation earlier. There are definitely powerful creatures hidden deep within the Flying Dragon Mountain Range, and their strength is absolutely not low. Going in would certainly be dangerous, so I won''t force anyone to join me."


    "Those who don''t want to go inside can stay here and wait for us to come out!" After speaking, Ye Feng started to climb, with Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, Shadow, and Cao Tian immediately following him. Naturally, these individuals were intent on keeping pace with Ye Feng.


    In addition, about a dozen team members also followed them up, for everyone had entered the Outer Battlefield to gain experience in the first place. If they hesitated in the face of danger, what was the point of coming? Such setbacks could be detrimental to the Heart of Martial Dao, and should not be underestimated. These setbacks, if accumulated, could affect one''s State of Mind, which becomes even more critical at higher Realms.


    "Brother Li, should we also follow them up?" the young member of the Duan Family asked. At the moment, there were five people remaining, most of whom were disciples of Sect Leaders from the Utility Pavilion. It was obvious that these individuals were now looking to Li Benzhong for guidance.


    Li Benzhong, having observed Ye Feng''s retreating figure, contemplated for a long while before saying, "Judging from the sounds of fighting, there appears to be a dispute inside. There must be some Treasure unearthed to cause such a conflict; this is an opportunity we cannot miss. Besides, if that Ye fellow dares to go up, what do we have to fear?"


    The young man from the Duan Family said, "Alright, if Lord Li is going in, then we will comply with your command."


    The other team members also chimed in, "We will follow Lord Li''s arrangements, and we hope that when we get to Xuanyuan Hall, Lord Li will also take care of us."


    "Of course, let''s hurry up, or else it might be too late to get anything," Li Benzhong said, promptly setting off after Ye Feng, with the other four closely on his heels.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already reached the mountainside, and of course, at this point, he had to cease his cultivation.


    Xiao Chuan leaned over and whispered, "Master, that Li Benzhong is still stirring up trouble, what about those other four people?"


    Ye Feng smiled lightly and said, "Never mind, they''re just trivial characters, not worth mentioning."


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded slightly and then followed with a smile, "That''s right, these people still think they can cling to the coattails of Li Benzhong''s great-uncle. Given their behavior, whether they can live to return to Xuanyuan Nation is still up in the air."


    As they were talking, the two of them had already taken the lead and swept up to the summit, followed by Sima Zhantian and the other team members who caught up one after another. Due to the heavy gravity in the Outer Battlefield, just climbing up this peak had already seemed to strain many of them, since it''s difficult to restore Qi Force in such an area, and they needed to consume a lot of time gradually for breath regulation and recovery.


    Standing at the top of the mountain and looking forward, there was a huge valley ahead, lush and green, where surprisingly many people were fighting fiercely against each other below.


    "Your majesty, those are people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts!" Xiao Chuanqi cried out in surprise.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly. In fact, he had already sensed them with his spiritual power halfway up the mountain; he just didn''t expect to encounter the team of twenty from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts here. And those fighting against the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were from the Western Vampire Clan.


    While Xuanyuan Nation and the Western Vampire Clan weren''t sworn enemies, unlike the situation with Fusang where any encounter would surely lead to a fight to the death, the fierce battle erupting at this moment was solely over a white rock in the valley, about the size of a small washbowl.


    "Hmm, something''s not right, that''s not a rock!" Suddenly using his spiritual power to sense more deeply, Ye Feng''s expression changed dramatically as he noticed a sign of life pulsing within the white rock in the valley.


    "Turns out, it''s an egg, a huge one at that!" Ye Feng was shocked. With that in view, it must be an egg laid by some monster, no wonder the Ancient Martial Arts Sects and the Vampire Clan were fighting so fiercely over it.


    At that moment, Li Benzhong and others had also reached the top. After looking around, Li Benzhong couldn''t help but laugh, "How stupid are the Nine Great Sects and the Vampire Clan, fighting over a rock. Have their brains turned to water?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but snicker silently upon hearing this, thinking to himself that the stupid one was you, they are not so foolish.


    Xiao Chuanqi said in a low voice, "Your majesty, they wouldn''t possibly fight so fiercely over an ordinary rock, could it be that the rock is peculiar, a treasure perhaps?"


    Ye Feng replied with a faint smile, "Of course, that''s no rock."


    Xiao Chuanqi inquired, "Not a rock? Then what is it?"


    Ye Feng shook his head, "I can''t tell you now, you''ll know soon enough."


    It was indeed strange that during the intense struggle between both sides, the rock was being thrown back and forth, even falling to the ground several times, yet it showed no signs of breaking. Seeing this, Ye Feng inwardly exclaimed, "This egg is really tough!"


    Shadow stepped forward and asked, "Your majesty, it looks like the forces from the Nine Great Sects aren''t a match for the Vampire Clan. If it goes on like this, those twenty or so from the Ancient Martial Arts Sects will probably all be killed, shall we intervene?"


    Upon hearing this, Li Benzhong immediately said in a cold voice, "Are you an idiot? Interfering now, of course, we need to wait and see, just like last time at the Blue Lake. We let both sides wear each other down first then we can take advantage of the situation when we make a move. Besides, what''s so good about grabbing a rock?"


    "Li Benzhong, you''d better shut your damn mouth!" Ye Feng suddenly erupted in anger, unable to believe how heartless and cold-blooded this guy could be.


    The situation at the Blue Lake before could hardly be the same as now. Regardless, the Nine Great Sects were compatriots from his own nation, which completely differed from those Onmyoji like Su Sang; if one didn''t encounter such a situation it would be fine, but upon encountering it, how could one stand by and watch them die? At least Ye Feng couldn''t!


    Just then, the members of the Nine Great Sects noticed the people on the summit and someone shouted, "Those above, if it''s Xuanyuan Nation''s Ye Feng and others, please come to our rescue quickly!"


    Without a second word, Ye Feng immediately surged forward, rushing down with Xiao Chuanqi and the others right behind him.


    Li Benzhong, who had not dared to retort to his face just now, gnashed his teeth in anger and cursed, "Damn it, acting like such a good Samaritan, anyone would rush to the rescue, thinking he''s invincible, damn fool, all for a worthless stone!"


    The Duan Family young man asked, "So Lord Li, should we go down too?"


    "Go down for what?" Li Benzhong immediately exploded in anger, cursing, "Have you got water in your brain too? Let that Ye brat save them if he wants, why should we follow suit? After all, once the people are saved, the Nine Great Sects folks will only thank him, not us."


    The Duan Family young man immediately nodded, "Right, Lord Li is correct, we can''t be so foolish and do such thankless tasks."


    "Isn''t that the truth!" Li Benzhong curled his lips, simply sat down, and snorted coldly, "It''s just a damned rock, I''m not foolish enough to intervene. We''ll just wait here and enjoy the show."


    The remaining four members of the team, feeling the same, all sat down as well.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already swooped down. With a punch, the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist was unleashed with peerless might, and several vampires were immediately blown away.


    It was then that Ye Feng realized, those vampires didn''t seem to be from the Vampire Divine Court but were like them, newcomers who had just entered the Outer Battlefield, and were not very powerful.

 Chapter 504 - 499: Is this a Dragon Egg?

    More than fifty members of the Vampire Clan, one by one brimming with surging blood energy, had faces as pale as paper that looked incredibly ferocious and terrifying, each one''s aura was extremely violent.


    "Ye Feng, the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation, damn it, how could you appear here!" Two dukes leading the Vampire Clan immediately recognized Ye Feng; after all, the name of the Northern King Ye Feng was not only well-known in Xuanyuan Nation but had already spread throughout the entire world.


    Ye Feng sneered, "If you can show up here, why can''t I?"


    Those two Vampire Clan leaders gritted their teeth and said, "Ye, don''t think we are afraid of you. You should know that this is the Outer Battlefield. Here we have the Vampire Divine Court, and the Divine Court has various powerful beings of the Divine Race. If you dare to oppose us, you will probably die without knowing how."


    "Exactly, Ye, our Vampire Divine Court is not just any kind of powerful in the Outer Battlefield, especially now that we have also learned about the power of the Blood Witch Stone. Opposing us will only lead to a dead end. You might as well surrender early and become a servant of our Vampire Divine Clan!" The other Vampire Clan leader hissed through clenched teeth.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and shook his head, "I really don''t know where you get the courage to say such things in front of me!"


    At that moment, the leader from the Holy Mansion of the Confucian Sect also swooped in and shouted,"What a joke, you Vampires have the Vampire Divine Court in the Outer Battlefield, but do you think Huaxia doesn''t have the Xuanyuan Hall? Let me tell you, even if you have the Blood Witch Stone, you are by no means a match for our Xuanyuan Hall!"


    At that time, the leaders of the Tang Sect of the Buddhist Sect also flew over and said through gritted teeth,"Principal, these Vampire people are just too despicable and shameless! They just ambushed us here and lured us into the array barrier they set up in advance, causing us to suffer heavy losses!"


    In just a moment earlier, half of the team of twenty from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had died while only three of the Vampire Clan had perished, and those three were killed by a punch from Ye Feng just before.


    Ye Feng''s expression grew grim.


    "We must kill them to avenge our fallen brothers and sisters!" the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts shouted coldly.


    However, the people from the Vampire Clan started to panic, after all, the reputation of the Northern King Ye Feng was indeed too resounding, and his methods too fierce.


    "What should we do now? Shall we fight them?" asked one of the Vampire Clan duke leaders, Emperor.


    The leading duke gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "This Ye, last time he slew our Divine Race army of two hundred thousand in the Northern Border. This blood vengeance must not go unavenged. Since we''ve encountered him today, kill, we must kill, and wipe them out completely!"


    "Kill!" In an instant, more than fifty people from the Vampire Clan suddenly moved, and perhaps because of their constitution, the Vampire Clan had a natural advantage in movement speed, even exceptionally light. In flight, they seemed like a flock of bats.


    "Take action!" Ye Feng said and at once sprang into the air, taking the lead and swooping toward those two prime and vice Vampire Dukes.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!" Ye Feng executed his fist technique, which was ferocious and overwhelming, forcing the two Vampire Dukes to repeatedly retreat.


    "Blood Sword Slash!" The two Vampire King Dukes flicked their wrists, and each produced a dark red soft sword that looked frighteningly blood-drenched.


    These two swords looked very peculiar, and as they swung them, they unleashed waves of strong blood energy. What shocked Ye Feng even more was that as the surging blood energy approached, he actually felt a hint of dizziness and even his consciousness began to blur.


    "Not good!" Suddenly, Ye Feng''s expression drastically changed, and he rapidly retreated backward.


    However, it was still too late. A blood-colored soft sword came flying through the air, directly slicing through his shoulder. Fortunately, he reacted quickly, otherwise, his head might have fallen just now.


    "Master, are you alright?" Shadow and Xiao Chuanqi hurriedly flew over.


    Ye Feng waved his hand with a smile, "Don''t worry, I''m fine. I was just momentarily careless. You go deal with the others; leave these two to me."


    The two Vampire Dukes, seeing this, couldn''t help but be shocked, "How is it possible? How can you not be affected by our blood energy and have recovered your senses so quickly? How did you do this?"


    Ye Feng sneered without saying a word; of course, he would not tell the opponent that he had already cultivated a Mental Power Nucleus, and because his spiritual power was incredibly strong, he had no reason to fear their so-called blood energy.


    Indeed, at the moment when his consciousness blurred, Ye Feng had immediately activated the Mental Power Nucleus within his Sea of Consciousness, after which he had regained clarity.


    "What to do, this kid is unaffected by our blood energy; we''ve lost our advantage, and it seems he will be difficult to deal with!" the deputy leader Duke said through gritted teeth.


    "Kill!" At this time, Ye Feng naturally would not give them time to think, and he directly struck out with his Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, with its fierce and powerful momentum like an overwhelming surge.


    "Blood Qi Turnabout!" All of sudden, the two Blood Clan Dukes'' bodies erupted with soaring blood energy, forming waves of blood that clashed against the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, eventually, forcibly scattering the fist''s power.


    "Ye, many powers in the world now say you are the strongest new talent, but it seems now, that is all there is to it. You''re not as strong as the legends say!" The two Blood Clan Dukes could not help but sneer coldly.


    "Is that so?" The corners of Ye Feng''s mouth lifted slightly.


    Just then, those two Blood Clan Dukes seemed to sense something, they quickly looked up, and their expressions drastically changed.


    In the skies above, out of thin air, a pitch-black spear appeared; it was the Sky-breaking Long Spear, one of Ye Feng''s powerful trump cards, the Sky-breaking Long Spear.


    With a whoosh, the Sky-breaking Long Spear tore through the air and shot towards the two of them.


    The two members of the Vampire Royal Clan could naturally sense the terrifying power contained in the pitch-black spear, something they were absolutely incapable of resisting.


    What followed was an unimaginable scene, as the leader suddenly yanked his deputy forward to use him as a shield, while he himself beat a hasty retreat.


    Boom...


    The deputy leader could never have imagined that his own captain would sell him out like that, and without any time to react, the Sky-breaking Long Spear pierced through him, killing him on the spot.


    By this time, the leader of the Blood Clan had already escaped after using the Art of the Blood Shield.


    "This damned thing, he sure runs fast!" Ye Feng coldly scoffed. At this moment, he didn''t plan to pursue further. After all, the other party had used the Blood Shield Technique to make a rapid escape, and although Ye Feng could catch up, it would require a significant depletion of his Spirit Essence, which was clearly not a wise choice in this environment.


    Following this, he reached out with his Great Hand, and the small washbasin-sized white egg landed in his hand.


    At this moment, the morale of the Blood Clan plummeted upon seeing their Duke leader flee in panic. Combined with the valiant combat power of Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others, the battle soon came to an end.


    Apart from the escaped Duke leader, all the other members of the Blood Clan were killed, their Blood Qi soaring to the heavens. The Blood Clan''s blood volume was naturally much more vigorous than ordinary people, and the entire valley was dyed a bloody red, filled with the pungent stench of blood everywhere.


    At the top of the mountain, Li Benzhong watched this scene unfold and couldn''t help frowning, murmuring, "This Ye fellow, he cares so much about that stone; could it really be a treasure? I can''t see anything special about it though."


    The Duan Family youth said, "Regardless of whether the stone is a treasure or not, it''s too late to say anything now. It''s already fallen into his hands, and it''s clearly impossible to ask him to hand it over now."


    Li Benzhong snorted, appearing quite dissatisfied and unwilling, and muttered, "Well, since we didn''t make a move just now, let''s let this kid swagger for a while. When we get to Xuanyuan Hall, I guarantee he won''t have an easy time!"


    The other three team members also chimed in, "That''s a given. Lord Li, your great-uncle is an old-timer at Xuanyuan Hall, with an extraordinary Cultivation Level. Once at Xuanyuan Hall, as long as he takes action to suppress Ye, this kid will definitely be in trouble!"


    Li Benzhong laughed coldly upon hearing this, but just then, a vast shadow suddenly appeared above the sky. The originally vast sky underwent a drastic change, as terrifying winds began to howl.


    In just an instant, the shadow descended from the sky!


    Everyone hurriedly looked up, and upon clearly seeing the true form of this gigantic creature, their faces changed dramatically, and they started trembling with fear.


    Even Ye Feng''s face changed drastically, his expression one of shock and fear. The massive creature that had appeared was unexpectedly a Giant Dragon!


    A Giant Dragon with a body shining brilliantly with golden light, its scales glittering and its five claws sharp and commanding.


    "Run!" Ye Feng was the first to snap out of it and shouted a warning.


    Boom...


    The Five-clawed Golden Dragon''s tail swept across, and with just a light sweep, the peak where Li Benzhong and the others stood directly collapsed.


    Li Benzhong had some cultivation and managed to escape with the Duan Family youth a step ahead of the others. As for the three other teammates, they perished on the spot.


    This Five-clawed Giant Dragon was truly too terrifying, its aura so vast and boundless that even an inadvertent swing of its tail caused a mountaintop to collapse, which demonstrated just how formidable its strength was.


    Everyone finally recovered from their panic and began to frantically flee in all directions.


    Ye Feng quickly gathered his Qi, ready to flee, but at that moment, he suddenly realized that the Five-clawed Golden Dragon was, coincidentally, sweeping across the sky towards him, and he had an intuition that the dragon was aiming straight for him.


    Because ever since its appearance, the dragon''s lantern-like golden eyes had been tightly fixed on him and had locked onto him.


    "No, it''s not coming for me, but for the egg in my hand. Could this egg be..." Ye Feng''s heart suddenly jolted, and his whole body''s hair stood on end.


    The Giant Dragon was simply too powerful; even now, Ye Feng was far from being a match for it.


    Boom...


    The enormous and ferocious head of the Five-clawed Giant Dragon suddenly dove down, and in an instant, it was right in front of Ye Feng. At this point, he could no longer escape, for he was completely locked on by the creature.


    The dragon stared at him with eyes like lanterns, gazing directly at Ye Feng, the two of them merely half a meter apart.


    At this moment, every pore on Ye Feng''s body was wide open. If it weren''t for his strong spiritual power and will, he might have already collapsed from fear.

 Chapter 505 - 500: The Gift and Great Expectations of the Old Dragon!

    Seeing that the Five-clawed Giant Dragon didn''t seem to have any intention of attacking others, the rest of the team members, as well as those from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, all stopped. Everyone was puzzled, wondering why the huge dragon was only staring at the captain, Ye Feng, and not anyone else.


    Of course, by now, the more observant people had realized that it was entirely because of the stone in Ye Feng''s hands. And at this moment, no one thought it was just an ordinary stone; it was clearly an invaluable treasure.


    At this moment, the Five-clawed Giant Dragon''s vast body spanned the entire void, with its tail hidden in the high clouds, revealing only two-thirds of its body. However, even this was enough to be frightening.


    The dragon''s head looked down authoritatively while its Five-Clawed Golden Dragon claws were exceptionally sharp¡ªone slash could easily cause a Golden Core Realm expert to crumble.


    Li Benzhong, seeing this scene, couldn''t help but feel a surge of ecstatic joy, "Good for you, Mr. Ye. You''ve met your match today. With this Golden Dragon behemoth''s attention on you, you''re undoubtedly dead!


    Ye Feng didn''t move, his whole body tensed and his Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness spun rapidly. At the same time, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was ready to be used. But after thinking it over, he finally decided to hand over the egg he was holding.


    By now, he had finally confirmed that the egg was indeed a Dragon Egg. Of course, Ye Feng could have never imagined that in a place like the Outer Battlefield, there would be the existence of the Dragon Clan.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng realized¡ªno wonder this mountain range was called Flying Dragon Mountain, and no wonder it looked like a flying dragon. It turns out this place was actually home to a True Dragon!


    At that moment, the giant dragon suddenly spoke in human language, "Lowly Human Race, low-grade creatures, you dare to touch my Dragon Clan''s Dragon Egg. This is a heinous crime deserving death. I, the Dragon King, shall reduce you to ashes!"


    As soon as the words fell, the giant dragon opened its mouth and exhaled a breath, a mere wisp of white.


    However, the moment this breath left its mouth, the surrounding space rapidly melted, showing the terrifying power of the Dragon Breath.


    Ye Feng''s face changed dramatically, as this was one of the most powerful attacks he had ever seen. Even the Great Fiery Sun Technique employed by the four Clan Elders of the Ancient Hong Clan was less than a tenth as powerful, perhaps not even one percent.


    This was undoubtedly extremely dangerous, even the gravest peril Ye Feng had ever faced!


    Without a second thought, his spiritual power surged out. Then, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll flew into the sky. At this point, he could no longer afford to keep his trump card hidden¡ªas surviving was what mattered most!


    What frightened Ye Feng was that as soon as his spiritual power touched the Dragon Breath, it instantly ignited. Terrifying white flames spread along his spiritual power, threatening to sweep toward him.


    Ye Feng''s gaze hardened as he severed the spiritual power he had released. Although this would cause him great loss, at this point, he could not care less.


    All of a sudden, Ye Feng spit out blood; losing half of his spiritual power had caused him severe damage.


    The Dragon Breath, burning the space, swept forth once more. At this time, Ye Feng still did not retreat. He knew that in the face of the other''s absolute power, running away would be futile. He steeled himself and met the onslaught with the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Ye Feng had lost all hope, for the giant dragon was simply too strong. Yet, in the next moment, a surprising scene occurred¡ªthe Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll unfurled and actually blocked the Dragon Breath.


    Though it couldn''t absorb the Dragon Breath into the scroll at once, fortunately, it managed to fend it off.


    "Hmm? What is this?" The Five-clawed Giant Dragon seemed quite surprised and, with a flick of its claw, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll flew toward it.


    Ye Feng''s heart sank further when he saw this. Just when he had glimpsed some hope, it was dashed again.


    However, just then, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll suddenly burst with mysterious auras, repelling the dragon claw in an instant.


    "Goodness, it''s actually this artifact. Who would have thought that you, a low-grade human, would come to possess it!"


    This time, the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon was genuinely shocked. It seemed to recognize the origins of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    However, it made sense. The Dragon Clan had endless lifespans, and this giant dragon was probably in existence since the Ancient Era. The Divine Path Heavenly Edict was an extraordinary treasure back then, so it was only natural that the dragon recognized it.


    "Since you lad have come upon this item, your fate is bound to be extraordinary. So be it, then."


    With a sigh, the dragon suddenly opened its mouth and the Dragon Egg returned to Ye Feng''s hands.


    With this sudden turn of events, not only were the onlookers baffled, but even Ye Feng was taken aback, unable to comprehend the enormous creature''s intentions.


    "Senior, does this mean that you''re entrusting it to me?" Ye Feng steadied his nerves and courageously asked.


    The Five-clawed Giant Dragon said in a deep voice, "Take good care of it and one day bring it back with you, of course, I hope it will return as a mighty one!"


    As it spoke, the Five-clawed Giant Dragon suddenly opened its mouth to exhale, and two objects shimmering with dazzling light appeared in Ye Feng''s hands again.


    "These are for you, consider them compensation for earlier."


    After saying this, the dragon suddenly burst forth with a sky-shaking dragon roar, then twisted its body and soared into the sky.


    "I hope this choice is the right one. Can the revival of the Dragon Clan truly be fulfilled through it?" The Five-clawed Giant Dragon muttered to itself before quickly disappearing into the Sky Dome.


    It wasn''t until this moment that everyone was still showing a look of fear and confusion, with no one daring to move.


    The first to recover was remarkably the youth from the Duan Family. He said in a deep voice, "Lord Li, the two items that the giant dragon just gave to Ye Feng are definitely treasures, treasures of incredible value; and that stone¡ªno, that must be a Dragon Egg. My heavens, it''s actually a Dragon Egg, and the giant dragon just handed it over to him. What should we do now?"


    While speaking, the Duan Family youth already looked eager to act, his eyes filled with fervor and desire.


    Li Benzhong glanced around and gritted his teeth, "Endure, of course I know those two items are no ordinary things, and neither is that Dragon Egg, but now we only have two people left on our side. Even if that kid is injured, we can''t beat him, so for now, we have to endure."


    The Duan Family youth said, "We can join forces with people from the Nine Great Sects. Didn''t you see that many of the ten from the Nine Great Sects are also itching to make a move?"


    It is said that treasures can move people''s hearts. Although Ye Feng had just made a move to save people from the Nine Great Sects, now the three treasures on him are truly extraordinary, causing even the people from the Nine Great Sects to become incredibly eager.


    Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened; he naturally felt the unusual gazes around him and immediately spoke out in a stern voice, "Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, come here quickly!"


    As the words fell, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, along with Leng Wuming, Shadow Woman, and Cao Tian, all five directly flew through the air and stood beside Ye Feng.


    "Master, do you have any commands?" Xiao Chuanqi bowed and asked.


    "Protector, I must heal again. Convey my King''s Order that within fifty meters, if anyone dares to approach, they will be killed without mercy!" Ye Feng issued an order and then sat down cross-legged.


    "Yes!" Xiao Chuanqi immediately brought out his Immortal Sword, Sima Zhantian also revealed his Immortal Blade, and Leng Wuming along with Shadow Woman exuded an intense killing intent.


    The people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts dared not make any rash moves upon seeing this. Not to mention Ye Feng''s current condition, the formidable aura displayed by Xiao Chuanqi and the others was definitely not something they could contend with.


    Seeing this, Li Benzhong inwardly lamented, "This Ye Feng is truly detestable. Even his few servant dogs are so powerful that even if we join forces with members from the Nine Great Sects, we will definitely not be a match. We can''t rashly make a move, otherwise this Ye Feng will definitely kill us all."


    The Duan Family youth also looked frustrated and unwilling, grinding his teeth.


    Li Benzhong said coldly and disdainfully, "Not so fast, we have to be patient for now. Let''s wait until we get to the Xuanyuan Hall. The matter of the giant dragon is extremely significant. There''s a good chance that my Great-Uncle Zeng will interfere, as will the other elders of the Xuanyuan Hall."


    The Duan Family youth asked, "Lord Li, now that the kid has gotten the Dragon Egg, do you think he will be able to successfully raise a Golden Dragon? Wouldn''t that be terrifying if he succeeds?"


    "No, that is absolutely impossible!" Li Benzhong clenched his teeth, word by word, "That Dragon Egg can only belong to me. Once we get to Xuanyuan Hall, he will undoubtedly have to give it up!"


    Thinking of how powerful that Five-clawed Golden Dragon was just now, Li Benzhong was extremely enthusiastic, thinking if he could succeed in raising a giant dragon to be his subordinate, he could be invincible across the entire Earth World, not to mention the Outer Battlefield.


    At this moment, Ye Feng turned his attention to the two small objects. Both were only the size of a palm, one being a ring with colorful patterns, while the other, although a fruit, was also incredibly dazzling.


    They say dragons like to collect pretty and colorful treasures, and it seems now that this is no exaggeration. At this moment, Ye Feng suddenly thought of Long Nannan; that girl also liked to collect various pretty treasures, and when she transformed facing the attack of the four Clan Elders of the Ancient Hong Clan at Northern Cloud Residence, hadn''t she turned into a little dragon?


    "Looking at this, what Old Long sealed inside his granddaughter''s body must also be related to the Dragon Clan, perhaps the Dragon Soul, or maybe the Dragon Blood," Ye Feng pondered inwardly, concluding that Old Long must have been truly powerful. He had been too young and weak back then, far from being able to see through the old man''s depths.


    All of a sudden, Ye Feng opened his mouth and swallowed the fruit directly, reasoning that since the giant dragon deliberately gave it to him, it was unlikely to be harmful. After all, if it had wanted to kill him, it could have easily done so.


    Boom...


    The colorful fruit exploded as soon as it entered his stomach, and then he felt a surge of powerful Source Strength.


    "This is..." Ye Feng quickly sensed the true essence of this Source Strength and his expression immediately lit up with joy.

 Chapter 506 - 501: The Magical Space Ring

    ```


    This colorful fruit was originally used for cultivating spiritual power. Once absorbed by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, the pure origin energy surged directly into the Sea of Consciousness, congregating toward the Mental Power Nucleus within.


    Just a while ago, after having been attacked by the Dragon Breath, Ye Feng''s spiritual power was greatly depleted, with even the Mental Power Nucleus shrinking to half its size¡ª a tremendously heavy loss for him. It was probably because of this that the Five-clawed Golden Dragon specially gave him this vibrant fruit to help him recover.


    Of course, Ye Feng knew that treasures used for cultivating spiritual power were far more valuable than Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures used for cultivating Qi Force and Spirit Essence, by a significant margin no less. It went without saying that the gift from the Five-clawed Giant Dragon was no small offering.


    So far, the treasures Ye Feng had come across for cultivating spiritual power, apart from this fruit, was the Awakening Herb that he had already let Hong Qingyan consume. Of course, in terms of effect, this fruit was incomparably better than the Awakening Herb, and by a huge margin at that.


    As waves of Origin Energy flowed in, the Mental Power Nucleus began to spin rapidly. However, unlike usual, it was turning in a counterclockwise direction this time. It then exploded with a voracious absorbing force, continuously sucking in the Origin Energy of the fruit.


    In just a moment, Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus had already returned to its previous level, yet only half of the fruit''s Origin Energy had been expended, with the Nucleus still absorbing relentlessly.


    "Judging by the current trend, if all this energy is absorbed, my spiritual power will likely increase by double!" Ye Feng thought to himself, feeling somewhat excited, as he realized the true value of this fruit.


    He even suspected that this kind of high-level fruit might not even exist in the entire Outer Battlefield. Clearly, the Old Five-clawed Dragon likely hailed from the Alien Space-Time mentioned earlier.


    "However, looking at it this way, the Alien Space-Time might not be as terrifying as imagined!" Ye Feng reflected silently.


    Roughly an hour later, he finally finished absorbing all the energy from the fruit, and his own spiritual power had indeed doubled. This also meant his Combat Power had nearly doubled as well. At this point, his Mental Power Nucleus expanded an entire size.


    While Ye Feng was in secluded cultivation, neither the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts nor those like Li Benzhong dared to make any rash moves as they stayed atop the small mountain.


    Of course, Ye Feng understood that Li Benzhong and the others standing still did not mean they had no intentions, especially after seeing that he had received three treasures from the dragon. It was almost certain that their hearts were ablaze with desire.


    Li Benzhong and the others didn''t act rashly, naturally because they did not dare, for they were unsure. However, Ye Feng knew that once they reached Xuanyuan Hall, the trouble he would face would undoubtedly start pouring in, particularly since he was in possession of such valuable treasures¡ªespecially the Dragon Egg. It wasn''t just Li Benzhong and the others; even many elders of Xuanyuan Hall would probably go mad for it.


    "Looks like my days ahead won''t be so peaceful. But no matter what, I will never hand over this Dragon Egg!" Ye Feng thought to himself with an inward sneer as he then turned to look at the last treasure.


    It was a similarly colorful and dazzling ring, which appeared to be more suited for a woman''s wear. However, that was a common quirk among the Dragon Clan, both males and females enjoyed collecting brightly colored, attractive treasures.


    "I wonder what treasure this ring is? Could it be a defensive treasure?" Ye Feng frowned as he observed it back and forth but could not discern its purpose.


    He soon circulated his Spirit Essence to see if he could activate the ring because if it were a Defensive Magic Treasure, it would be able to absorb and carry his Spirit Essence, and the more it could contain, the stronger its defense would often be.


    But quickly, Ye Feng discovered that the ring did not absorb any Spirit Essence. Thus, it seemed unlikely to be a Defensive Magic Treasure, and it probably wasn''t an offensive weapon either.


    "Try spiritual power!" Ye Feng suddenly thought. Given that it was a gift from a Five-clawed Golden Dragon of such a level, it was hardly likely to be something ordinary. Moreover, when it comes to defensive capabilities, probably nothing could surpass his Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Although Ye Feng had almost completely comprehended the Emperor''s Dao of the First Stage of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, perfect control of the scroll was still far out of reach. This showed just how powerful the scroll was, and no wonder the Old Five-clawed Dragon was impressed by it and even entrusted Ye Feng with its dragon offspring.


    Ye Feng was well aware that the Dragon Clan entrusted the Dragon Egg to him not solely because of his own merits, but because the Divine Power acknowledged the Heavenly Edict Scroll!


    Of course, that was not important, for now, he was the master of the scroll, and with the help of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he was bound to reach the Peak in the future.


    While in deep thought, Ye Feng had already mobilized his Mental Power Nucleus, and his spiritual power immediately surged like a tide, rushing through his hand toward the ring.


    In the next instant, an astonishing scene unfolded. Ye Feng distinctly felt his spiritual power enter the ring. Following that, he felt as if he had arrived in front of a huge gate.


    ```


    ```


    "This is... the ring''s native defense gate, which means, this ring must be a space storage magic treasure!" Ye Feng was completely astonished.


    In a certain sense, this gate is somewhat similar to the defense gate of the Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace; it is a portal for protection.


    Only now, the gate inside the ring is open and not tightly closed, nor is it guarded in any way. It seems that the Old Dragon had erased all markings from the ring when he gave it to Ye Feng.


    This is equivalent to the ring being an ownerless item now, whoever picks it up would own it, of course, the precondition is that one must possess spiritual power; otherwise, there is no way to meet the entrance threshold. It''s as if spiritual power is the key, without the key, there''s no chance of unlocking it.


    "Enter!" Ye Feng silently commanded, and his spiritual power instantly crossed the defense gate and entered. The moment his spiritual power crossed the threshold, he felt an immediate sensation, a feeling of complete control over the ring, as if the ring had become a part of his own body.


    "It seems that I have completely refined the ring and branded it with my own mark?" Ye Feng was still somewhat astonished.


    "Close the gate!" With a thought, Ye Feng issued the command, and the portal within the ring slowly closed.


    If someone else, despite having spiritual power, would not be granted access without his permission. Of course, if an opponent''s spiritual power was overwhelming to the point where they could ignore the defense gate entirely, they could force their way through.


    Of course, Ye Feng knew, in the entire Outer Battlefield, no one likely possessed such ability!


    Beyond the gate lay the ring''s inherent storage space, which was small, only about twenty square meters. In one corner, rather evident, there was a nest, just large enough to fit the Dragon Egg.


    "I understand now, the Old Dragon meant for me to incubate the Dragon Egg here!" Ye Feng thought to himself.


    The nest was also colorful, containing all sorts of incredibly magical stones; these must all be peerless treasures. In the entire space of the ring, this nest was the only thing that Ye Feng could not manipulate. It seemed that the Old Dragon did not permit him to use these Energy Stones.


    Seeing this, everything was quite evident: this nest was prepared by the Old Dragon especially for his offspring!


    Ye Feng did not intend to forcibly remove the Energy Stones from the nest. Although he knew that these Energy Stones were extraordinary, he had no thoughts of coveting them; he couldn''t possibly pocket benefits meant for the Little Dragon Egg. He just couldn''t do such a thing.


    Thankfully, Ye Feng wasn''t greedy and had no intention of meddling with the nest''s Energy Stones. Otherwise, he would likely have been dead by now. The Old Dragon had taken precautions and laid a powerful Formation around the nest. If he had tried to take the Energy Stones by force, he would assuredly have been killed on the spot.


    "Come here!" With a thought from Ye Feng, the Dragon Egg was enveloped by his spiritual power and disappeared from its original spot, appearing above the nest the next moment.


    "Amazing, this really is a storage magic treasure. The space is entirely at my disposal except for the nest, which means I can put all my belongings inside!" Ye Feng was undoubtedly excited.


    He had read about storage magic treasures in Ancient Secret Texts before, aware of their extraordinary aspects. He never expected to not only encounter one but to actually possess one now.


    "I mustn''t let anyone know about this storage magic treasure; otherwise, the people of the entire Outer Battlefield would likely hunt me down. Even the elders of Xuanyuan Hall might not be able to resist making a covert move against me!" Ye Feng secretly sighed; it''s the old adage: to possess a jade of great value is to invite misfortune, which is precisely the point.


    "Hmm? It seems I can also change the form of the ring, very well, I''ll conceal it so its colorful, eye-catching appearance doesn''t attract too much attention!"


    As Ye Feng thought this, his mind moved, and the luster of the ring on his right-hand ring finger faded away. The ring began to shrink and turned flesh-colored, eventually merging completely with his finger. To those not paying attention, it was impossible to notice that he was wearing a ring at all.


    After all this, Ye Feng finally slowly opened his eyes.


    In just a few days within the Outer Battlefield, his cultivation level had greatly improved, especially his spiritual power, which had doubled. The Outer Battlefield truly is a wonderful place for cultivation. Of course, the reason for gaining so many benefits was largely due to the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Otherwise, if it had been anyone else, it would not have been possible, and they might have already lost their life.


    ```

 Chapter 507 - 502: Still Want to Hog the Treasure?

    Seeing Ye Feng open his eyes and slowly stand up, a team member who followed Li Benzhong sighed from afar, "There''s no hope now, this guy looks like he''s fully recovered. Trying to snatch the three treasures from him now is obviously not going to be possible."


    Upon hearing this, Li Benzhong couldn''t help but smirk coldly, "What''s the rush? As the saying goes, haste won''t get you hot tofu. Right now, our situation isn''t better than his, so it''s most important we bide our time and preserve our strength, not just recklessly bash on, especially in a place like the Outer Battlefield, understand?"


    The team member nodded again and again, "Yes, yes, Lord Li is right, I spoke out of turn just now."


    Li Benzhong patted his shoulder and laughed, "No worries, don''t be more tense. After all, I don''t want to be as domineering and overbearing as that kid Ye Feng. But remember, everyone, in the coming time don''t provoke that kid Ye Feng, just keep a low profile. As long as we get to the Xuanyuan Hall, I assure you this kid will definitely not end well!"


    "Yes!" Several people around him nodded immediately, including a young man from the Duan Family.


    In fact, as for the conversation between Li Benzhong and his people, although they intentionally lowered their voices, they couldn''t escape Ye Feng''s ears, especially now that his spiritual power had doubled, naturally, making his ability to control his surroundings much stronger.


    "Let them all come over!" Ye Feng beckoned.


    Only then did Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian among others disperse their protective alert and signaled to the crowd. The team members then swooped over, including Li Benzhong and members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Ye Feng glanced over them roughly. Originally, there were fifty people from both sides combined, the quota before entering the Outer Battlefield, but in just a few days of coming here, now there were only thirty left.


    The Nine Great Sects had lost half of their people, while ten of Ye Feng''s team members had also perished. However, those were mostly the descendants of the Utility Pavilion Sect Leaders, the disobedient ones, so Ye Feng didn''t bother to pay too much attention.


    The team leader from the Buddhist Sect suddenly stepped forward and asked, "By the way, that stone from earlier, oh no, I should say the Dragon Egg, where did it go? It vanished in One Flash, and now we don''t know where it is."


    In fact, this was also a curiosity in the minds of many present, as the disappearance of the Dragon Egg had been too strange. Afterwards, no matter how they searched and probed, they could not sense any trace of the Dragon Egg anymore.


    Ye Feng, however, countered with a question, "What Dragon Egg? Where did a Dragon Egg come from?"


    As he asked this, not only the Buddhist Sect team leader but many other team members were also taken aback. The Buddhist Sect team leader stood frozen on the spot for a moment, not knowing how to respond.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, have you seen any Dragon Egg?" Ye Feng asked pointedly.


    Xiao Chuanqi was not foolish, and shook his head directly, "Your Highness, I haven''t seen anything. A Dragon Egg? Could there really be a Dragon Egg on the Outer Battlefield?"


    Sima Zhantian also said, "I haven''t seen any Dragon Egg, I haven''t even seen a bird''s egg. Hey, bald monk, where did you see the Dragon Egg just now, take us to have a look."


    The team leader of the Buddhist Sect had a dark expression, thinking to himself that such a big Dragon Egg had been right there ¨C did they really think we are blind? However, these were words he would never say to their faces. He saw that the other party had clearly hidden the Dragon Egg and now was playing dumb.


    The deputy team leader of the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect suddenly spoke up gravely, "The Dragon Egg just now was witnessed by everyone here, and even the Five-clawed Golden Dragon appeared. Surely, Team Leader Ye Feng, you''re not going to deny it?"


    Upon reaching this point, the vice-leader of the Confucian Sect snorted, "Just now we were fighting to the death with the Blood Clan, all for the sake of seizing that Dragon Egg. And yet, Mr. Ye Feng now wishes to monopolize it for himself, isn''t this a bit inappropriate?"


    Ye Feng frowned upon hearing this, but before he could speak, the hot-tempered Sima Zhantian spoke in a deep voice, "What nonsense about appropriate or not, setting aside for a moment whether there''s even a Dragon Egg to begin with, had I not led everyone to lend a hand, the twenty-something members of your Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts would''ve been wiped out by the Blood Clan. I risked my life to save you, and not a word of thanks do I hear, and now you even turn around and question me?"


    Xiao Chuanqi also said angrily, "Don''t blame me for not warning you, I is the sole leader here. Mind your status and the tone of your speech, or don''t blame me for being rude!"


    "You..." The vice-leader of the Confucian Sect was unable to suppress his anger, gritting his teeth and looking as though he wanted to charge forward.


    However, it was at this moment that Li Benzhong quickly stepped in to hold him back and laughed, "Calm down, calm down. After all, we''re all team members here. Everyone saw just now, had it not been for Team Leader Ye Feng''s assistance, the people from your Sect would''ve been killed by the Blood Clan long ago. Moreover, the Five-clawed Golden Dragon also said that the Dragon Egg was meant for Team Leader Ye Feng. Now that we''re fighting over the fruits of victory, this clearly doesn''t seem right, does it?"


    The vice-leader of the Confucian Sect snorted, clearly still very dissatisfied, but was tightly held back by Li Benzhong and couldn''t make a scene.


    Ye Feng gave them a cold glance and said in a deep voice, "I had stated earlier, within the team, whoever has the ability to secure any Treasure shall claim it. So, members of your Sect, best keep your mouths shut!"


    "Let''s set out for the Xuanyuan Hall!" Ye Feng said, waving his hand grandly before turning to leave the mountain. Although he faintly guessed that there must be other Treasures above the vast Flying Dragon Mountain Range, considering his current cultivation level and abilities, he thought better of it.


    After all, at this moment, no one could be certain whether the Five-clawed Golden Dragon had left this mountain range or not. Provoking it was definitely not a game.


    The leaders of the Buddhist Sect and the Confucian Sect still remained on the spot, their faces dark with undeniable anger.


    It was only after Ye Feng completely disappeared from view that Li Benzhong laughed and said, "Both of you, cool down a bit. Aren''t you both old enough to understand that it''s useless to resist if you can''t bend your elbow outwards?"


    The leader of the Buddhist Sect said solemnly, "Of course we understand the principle, but that Ye brat went too far, monopolizing all the Treasures without sharing a drop of soup with us. Who could stand it?"


    "Exactly," the leader of the Confucian Sect snorted. "If it wasn''t for the fact that we couldn''t beat this brat, I would have taken him down long ago!"


    Hearing this, Li Benzhong laughed and said, "As you said, you can''t beat the brat, so what''s the use of getting angry?"


    "You sure know how to talk big. By the way, who are you to be lecturing us?" The leaders of the Buddhist Sect and Confucian Sect finally turned their attention to him.


    Still smiling, Li Benzhong replied, "Previously, I was but a nobody in the Earth World, and naturally both of you wouldn''t recognize me. However, I have a Great-Uncle Zeng in the Xuanyuan Hall, whom you two should have heard of."


    Upon hearing this, the complexions of both leaders of the Confucian Sect and Buddhist Sect changed dramatically, and they both hurriedly bowed with smiles, "It turns out you have a Great-Uncle in the Xuanyuan Hall. We were offensive just now, please, we beg your forgiveness. May I ask how to address you?"


    "No problem at all, I am Li Benzhong!"

 Chapter 508 - 503 Step by Step

    Upon hearing that Li Benzhong had an ancestor in Xuanyuan Hall, the attitudes of these Sect leaders changed immediately, encapsulating the idea that having connections in high places makes everything easier.


    Of course, the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect also had elders in Xuanyuan Hall, but this wasn''t particularly significant. After all, these elders of Xuanyuan Hall had no relation to them, so they might not receive protection after their arrival. But for Li Benzhong, it was different¡ªhe was, after all, a descendant of an elder from Xuanyuan Hall.


    "Lord Li, once we reach Xuanyuan Hall, please look out for us," a disciple from the Underworld Sect said.


    "Yes, Lord Li, the Outer Battlefield is exceedingly dangerous. We should naturally form an alliance, so we can look out for one another, and you, Lord Li, are entirely capable of being our leading guide," another Sect disciple flattered.


    Li Benzhong was nearly floating on air, nodding repeatedly and saying, "Of course, of course. Once we''re at Xuanyuan Hall, I naturally won''t forget everyone. However, what are your thoughts about this Ye fellow?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? That Ye fellow, acting high and mighty just because he''s powerful, does whatever he pleases. Take the Dragon Egg from just now for instance¡ªit was originally discovered by us, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, but he just swooped in and snatched it without a word, an utterly despicable act!" several Sect disciples coldly exclaimed.


    The leaders from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects also spoke gravely, "Indeed, that Ye Feng is far too arrogant and domineering. Especially now, he has hogged the Dragon Egg and two other treasures for himself. Such behavior is absolutely intolerable."


    "Well said!" Li Benzhong finally smiled, grinning from ear to ear, "Remember this, once we reach Xuanyuan Hall, we must align our thoughts. If I''m not mistaken, once that Ye brat gets there, he''ll definitely deny taking the Dragon Egg. At that moment, we must all bite back in unison, we can''t let him off!"


    "Absolutely, we can''t let him off. He wants to hog the treasures for himself without sharing a crumb with us. It won''t be that easy. Once we get to Xuanyuan Hall, we''ll seal his fate. We may not be able to overpower him and take the treasures, but the elders at Xuanyuan Hall will surely not tolerate his behavior!"


    One after another, everyone spoke up, each with a righteous indignation on their face. Li Benzhong watched, secretly chuckling to himself, thinking how he had masterfully set the pace with just a few words.


    "That Ye, daring to publicly humiliate me earlier, let''s see how you die once we arrive at Xuanyuan Hall!"


    Li Benzhong thought viciously, then with a grand wave of his hand, said, "Let''s go. Xuanyuan Hall is not far now, we march immediately!"


    At once, everyone unfolded their figures and dashed down the mountain, hastily pursuing Ye Feng and the others.


    By this time, Ye Feng had already descended the mountain. Suddenly, Xiao Chuanqi approached and said, "My lord, those fellows from Li Benzhong''s group were atop the mountain, and it seemed like they were plotting something again. I''m worried they will play dirty from the shadows."


    Ye Feng replied with a cold voice, "They are just a few insignificant jesters; there''s no need to worry about them."


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded and said, "If it were only those like Li Benzong, there wouldn''t be any need for concern. But I''m worried that once we arrive at Xuanyuan Hall, someone like Li Benzhong, full of nasty tricks, might incite the elders. Especially now that you possess the Dragon Egg, I fear even the elders at Xuanyuan Hall might be envious."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "If you can think of this issue, do you think I wouldn''t have considered it?"


    Xiao Chuanqi was momentarily stunned. It was then that Shadow stepped forward and said, "Don''t worry, General Xiao. Our lord is incredibly astute. How could he possibly fail to foresee the upcoming situation? Seeing how calm and composed our lord is, I bet he already has a strategy in mind."


    Xiao Chuanqi shook his head and sighed, "Indeed, anyone with eyes can see that issue. It seems the emperor is not in a hurry, but it''s the eunuchs who are dying of anxiety."


    Shadow immediately rolled her eyes and said, "You never spit out anything good from that mouth of yours."


    Ye Feng deliberately slowed down his pace to wait for the team behind to catch up. After all, he was the leader and had the responsibility to ensure the safety of his team members. Until he escorted them to Xuanyuan Hall, he intended to fulfill his duty as their leader.


    Gazing at the vast land ahead, he sighed lightly and said, "Truthfully, I''m not entirely sure myself. After all, those are old monsters who have cultivated for hundreds of years. But since we''ve already come this far, we can only take it one step at a time."


    Meanwhile, Li Benzhong and his group had caught up, so Ye Feng and his team naturally ceased their earlier conversation.


    Sima Zhantian asked in a stern voice, "Li Benzhong, according to what your great-uncle said, after coming down from Flying Dragon Mountain Range and heading in the southeast direction, how long will it take to reach Xuanyuan Hall?"


    Li Benzhong was inwardly furious, thinking how a mere general dared to be so disrespectful to him. However, with the current situation beyond his control, he had to suppress his anger and replied with a smile on his face, "If everything goes without any mishap, we should arrive in about two days."


    Continuing on, Li Benzhong then said, "Furthermore, from here all the way east to Xuanyuan Hall, it''s mostly this Sand Grain Plains. There shouldn''t be any great dangers, so everyone can rest assured."


    Hearing this, many people breathed a sigh of relief. After all, they had only entered a few days ago, and from the original group of fifty, including the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, there were only thirty people left now, almost half had been lost.


    "Let''s go, head east!" Ye Feng suddenly waved his Great Hand and quickened his pace.


    Up to this point, he had successfully opened over two thousand three hundred acupoints. The Spirit Essence within his body had swollen to a terrifying level of potency. Furthermore, his Mental Power Nucleus had more than doubled in strength since entering, and overall, his combat power had improved by more than double.


    With his current strength, even if he could not yet contend with the old folks of Xuanyuan Hall, he should have no problems protecting himself. Therefore, Ye Feng was not particularly afraid of the many elders he would soon face in Xuanyuan Hall.


    Moreover, before setting off, Zhuge Wuming had told him that among the eight Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall, although the two from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects, and the two from among the Four Great Ancient Clans¡ªBu Family and Hong Family¡ªwere not on good terms with him, the rest should be on his side, or at least maintain neutrality.


    So the overall situation to come shouldn''t be too bad.


    "However, my Cultivation Realm is still too low. I should work on opening up to two thousand five hundred acupoints with the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints. By doing so, I should be able to reach another level. According to the features of this technique, at that time, a powerful Martial Skill that matches it should appear!" Ye Feng anticipated inwardly.


    The strongest among his current Three Thousand Acupoints Spells was the Sky-breaking Long Spear!


    Although the Sky-breaking Long Spear was already very powerful, it would probably still be a bit strenuous to contend with those old folks of Xuanyuan Hall. Of course, these were not Ye Feng''s trump cards; his true decisive means were the Mental Power Nucleus and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    The team kept moving forward. The Sand Grain Plains ahead were vast and boundless, and looking up, one couldn''t see an end. But since everyone had found their direction, they didn''t need to worry too much.


    At this very moment, in an Alien Space-Time on the Great Wall of Heaven, which runs parallel with the Outer Battlefield, a small, Big Smoking Pipe-toting elder was sitting there, puffing away at his dry tobacco.


    This Great Wall of Heaven was truly magnificent, spanning across the void, with many parts even concealed within the clouds, shimmering faintly with a dazzling light. In fact, this light was emitted by the array Barrier.


    This Great Wall of Heaven, along with Earth World and the Outer Battlefield as well as another Alien Territory, served as a central hub for these three spatial-temporal areas. If the wall were to collapse, there would no longer be any separation between these three realms.


    "Has that kid, Ye Feng, entered the Outer Battlefield?" The Big Smoking Pipe elder suddenly asked.


    "Yes!" Sausage Sister was standing right beside him, yet the normally fearless Sausage Sister seemed quite restrained in front of this small elder.


    "Grandpa Long, the Outer Battlefield is not like Earth World. Especially in Xuanyuan Hall, there are a few old fellows who will definitely make a move against Ye Feng. Should we send someone to give him a hand?" asked Sausage Sister.


    "No need, there''s no need!" Old Long immediately dismissed the idea, taking a couple of puffs on his dry tobacco before he added, "His foundation is solid. Let him walk his path from now on. Besides, we can''t spare anyone from here. This wall, after more than two thousand years of constant patching, is ultimately about to fail to hold out."


    Sausage Sister seemed unwilling to discuss this topic, so she changed the subject, "How is Nannan doing? Has her condition stabilized?"


    Old Long nodded slightly, "It''s stabilized, but that girl ultimately can''t control those few drops of Dragon Clan bloodline. It won''t do if this continues; she doesn''t have much time left. It looks like we''ll need to push her somewhat harder to help her."


    Sausage Sister said with a solemn sigh, "Grandpa Long, perhaps back then, you shouldn''t have sealed those drops of True Dragon Bloodline into Nannan''s body. Although it gives her great strength, it might also cause her to lose herself."


    Old Long scoffed, "You think I wanted to? If it wasn''t for the imminent collapse of this damned wall, if it wasn''t for the powerful creatures from the Alien Space-Time about to break through, do you think I''d be willing to experiment on my own granddaughter?"


    Sausage Sister said no more. In fact, she knew that the frail-looking elder before her had borne far too much on his own over the years, the pressure on his shoulders nearly crushing him.


    "Hopefully, Ye Feng really can grow strong enough to share some of the burden. Otherwise, on the day the wall collapses, it will be the day this old man falls," Sausage Sister silently lamented in her heart.

 Chapter 509 - 504: Arriving at Xuanyuan Hall, The Hall Masters Difficulties!

    At this moment, Ye Feng and his group had crossed the boundless desert, and now the group halted their steps.


    In front of them, a palace-like building emerged hazily, enshrouded in a layer of black fog that gave off a mysterious aura. From a distance, they could clearly see three prominent characters written upon the towering, solid walls.


    Indeed, this was the Xuanyuan Hall that everyone had been laboriously searching for through the Outer Battlefield.


    "We''ve finally found it," Li Benzhong sighed upon seeing the walls, then thought to himself.


    "Hmph, Ye Feng, you''re as good as dead. I''ve endured your nonsense all along the way, bullying others just because you have a higher Cultivation Realm, but your doom is imminent!"


    Ye Feng surveyed the towering walls in front of him, having found the legendary Xuanyuan Hall after enduring countless hardships.


    He knew deep down that a fierce battle awaited him once he entered the hall.


    Having unblocked more than two thousand Acupoints, even if those old fellows inside moved against him, he had the capacity to ensure his own safety.


    However, he temporarily had no other plan for the people around him.


    "Well, well, we''ll take it one step at a time," Ye Feng thought to himself.


    "Let''s go, into the hall!"


    No one knew who shouted, but the group of more than thirty people marched mightily towards the Xuanyuan Hall.


    At this moment, the crowd successfully entered the great hall.


    "Who goes there?"


    Suddenly, a deep and powerful voice that made the eardrums vibrate came from deep within the hall.


    Looking around, the hall seemed empty; silence pervaded.


    "Great-Uncle Zeng, junior Li Benzhong requests an audience!" Li Benzhong suddenly knelt down and shouted into the darkness.


    There was no response from the depths of the hall.


    Soon after, various Sect members started to announce their affiliations.


    "Shasha shasha!" Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through the hall, and two silhouettes slowly became visible in the darkness.


    "How did you few younglings come to be here?" asked an imposing old man dressed in a Dao Robe with penetrating speech.


    The old man hailed from the Confucian Sect and was now the Sixth Hall Master of the Xuanyuan Hall.


    "Junior Void Horizon, along with the disciples of the Confucian Sect, pays respect to the Sixth Hall Master!"


    The leader of the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect and the Confucian disciples all knelt down and paid their respects.


    "Confucian Sect?" The Sixth Hall Master murmured, then with a wave of his Great Hand, he said, "Rise, it''s no easy feat for Confucian Sect disciples to find this place!"


    "Thank you, Sixth Hall Master!"


    The group from the Holy Mansion of Confucian Sect all stood up. Although there wasn''t much relation between this Hall Master and their Confucian Sect, the proper respects were still due.


    No sooner had the Confucian Sect finished their respect, than the leader of the Buddhist Sect and his disciples knelt to pay their respects.


    "Junior Buddhist Sect Guang Chan pays respects to the Fifth Hall Master!"


    The leader of the Buddhist Sect, along with the Buddhist disciples, paid respects to the Fifth Hall Master.


    "Paying respects to the Sixth Hall Master!"


    The group of bald-headed disciples from the Buddhist Sect smartly paid their respects to their own Fifth Hall Master and then to the Sixth Hall Master.


    "Hahaha, today is indeed lively!"


    At this moment, another booming voice echoed from the depths of the hall.


    Several strong presences rapidly approached their direction.


    In just a few seconds, three elderly men appeared in front of everyone''s eyes.


    These three elders all occupied high positions.


    "Thump!"


    "Junior Li Benzhong pays respects to Great-Grandfather, the Third Hall Master, and all the Hall Masters!" Li Benzhong bowed reverently, not daring to lift his head.


    The Third Hall Master glanced indifferently at Li Benzhong who was kneeling on the ground.


    "Great-Grandfather? I ask you, are you a member of the Li Family?"


    "Junior indeed hails from the Imperial Capital''s Li Family!"


    Seeing Li Benzhong acknowledge their common origin, the Third Hall Master''s expression was indecipherable, somewhere between pleasure and anger.


    "Hahaha, get up, get up!"


    The Third Hall Master immediately instructed Li Benzhong to rise, and Li Benzhong slowly got up from the ground, overwhelmed by the honor.


    "Thank you, Great-Grandfather!" To think that after so many years away from home, Great-Grandfather was still concerned about his family, Li Benzhong''s expectations were not wrong.


    "This Hall Master never imagined that after more than a hundred years, a member of his family would come seeking him. It wasn''t easy for you!"


    The Third Hall Master was clearly somewhat pleased.


    "Hehe, who would have thought our Xuanyuan Hall would be so bustling today with so many arrivals?"


    "My lord!" Shadow was slightly worried; now they were truly in the tiger''s den.


    Ye Feng raised his hand slightly to signal Shadow not to panic and to act according to the situation.


    He was, of course, aware that the situation he was about to be in would be extremely awkward. Along the way here, he had no idea how many people he had offended.


    Each of them harbored their own ulterior motives, especially Li Benzhong ¡ª Ye Feng could sense the man was brewing a major conspiracy.


    But Ye Feng was not afraid at all; if he were, he would have never risked the many dangers to come to this Xuanyuan Hall.


    Besides, being afraid would be useless; he would have to face it sooner or later.


    "You few youngsters did not have an easy time finding this place, not at all. Crossing the Outer Battlefield, you must have acquired quite a few treasures, haven''t you? So, what have you found?"


    The Lord of the Three Halls continued to speak.


    Li Benzhong instantly grasped the implication of his great-grandfather''s words and stepped forward to volunteer himself.


    "Great-Uncle Zeng, on this expedition, we indeed acquired a great many treasures, even a dragon egg from the Outer Battlefield which we originally planned to present to you as a tribute, but it was embezzled by our team leader!"


    Li Benzhong turned his head to look in Ye Feng''s direction.


    "Li Benzhong, don''t slander others; what dragon egg? That''s a sheer fabrication!" Xiao Chuanqi pointed at Li Benzhong and yelled furiously.


    "Li Benzhong, I''ve tolerated you for a long time, letting go of the little tricks you played behind our back, but now you even frame our lord!"


    Shadow was also enraged.


    If it weren''t for Ye Feng''s previous orders, would Li Benzhong, such a petty person, have lived to arrive at Xuanyuan Hall under the sword of his?


    The leaders of both the Confucian and Buddhist Sects exchanged a look, then clasped their hands and bowed to say.


    "Lord of the Hall, it is indeed true, as the situation in the Outer Battlefield is well known to you, lords. There are many secret treasures. We had found a dragon egg in the Flying Dragon Mountain Range, but it was privately seized by our team leader, Ye Feng!"


    The Confucian Sect leader spoke righteously indignant.


    "Indeed, Lord of the Hall, Ye Feng used his powerful Cultivation Realm to oppress us, not only that, but he also embezzled the treasures we all worked hard to obtain. We ask the lords of the Hall to stand for us!"


    The Buddhist Sect leader echoed the sentiment.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Shadow were so angry they trembled all over, wishing they could slap the three to death.


    The other sect leaders quickly followed, accusing Ye Feng of his various misdeeds along the way.


    Li Benzhong was very pleased in his heart. The dragon egg was a rare treasure - he didn''t believe the lords of the Hall wouldn''t be interested.


    "Hmph, Ye, you''ve given me such a hard time on the road; it''s time for you to pay it back!"


    Li Benzhong sneered triumphantly inwardly.


    At this moment, the person in question, Ye Feng, was not worried at all, looking at the sect members with an indifferent and cold expression, his tone icy.


    "Hmph, you keep saying I embezzled treasures, but do you have any evidence? As the leader responsible for bringing you here safely, this is how you repay me. If I had known it would come to this, I''d have let you die at the hands of monsters long ago!"


    "Indeed, our lord has been diligent and led from the front, facing countless monsters while crossing the Outer Battlefield. If not for our team leader, how could we have safely reached Xuanyuan Hall to meet you, Lords of the Hall? By now, you would probably have been finished!" Sima Zhantian exclaimed.


    To have safely brought these sect members to Xuanyuan Hall without a word of thanks is one thing, but to have them turn around and bite back is another.


    Even a dog knows to be grateful for being raised.


    "Hmph!" Li Benzhong chuckled coldly, "Whether you took it or not, Ye, you know very well in your heart. Just hand over the dragon egg promptly!"


    Li Benzhong was relentless. Now that he had the backing of his great-grandfather, would Ye Feng dare to kill him in front of the several Hall Masters?


    That was clearly not going to happen.


    "Hehe," Ye Feng still sneered, "You keep claiming that I took the dragon egg, but do you have any proof? If you can produce evidence to prove that I, Someone Named Ye, took it, the lords of the Hall may punish me however they wish; I, Ye Feng, will not protest!"


    Li Benzhong had seen with his own eyes Ye Feng taking the dragon egg; now that Ye Feng denied it, he and the leaders of the Confucian and Buddhist Sects were in a dilemma.


    What were they to do, seeing with their own eyes that Ye Feng had taken it, and now Ye Feng was simply not admitting it, left them with no recourse.


    You want evidence? Since I am innocent, I''m not afraid of my shadow being crooked. If you don''t believe me, you can come search me!" Ye Feng continued to smile lightly.


    Searching the body, now there''s a good idea; only by searching could it be proven whether Ye Feng had indeed taken the dragon egg or not.


    The dragon egg was indeed taken by Ye Feng, but a search would reveal nothing; the egg now lay in his own space ring.


    "A search?" Li Benzhong laughed loudly, "Ye, these are your own words!"


    Li Benzhong personally began to search Ye Feng''s belongings.


    Having seen for himself that it was Ye Feng who took it while they distracted the great dragon and suffered significant losses, Ye Feng took the opportunity to embezzle the dragon egg, such a treasure. How could they swallow this outrage? They must make Ye Feng pay the price.


    Otherwise, how could those fellow sect members who died rest in peace?


    The proposal to search was agreed upon by everyone.


    If they could find the dragon egg on Ye Feng''s person, then how could he continue to deny it?


    "Li Benzhong, make sure you search thoroughly!"


    The leader of the Confucian Sect advised.


    Li Benzhong slowly approached Ye Feng, who spread his arms to signal that Li Benzhong should search him.


    "Hmph, Ye, weren''t you so cocky before? How come you can''t say anything now? Don''t worry, I will ask my Great-Uncle Zeng to spare you a whole corpse!"


    Li Benzhong said triumphantly, and immediately began to search Ye Feng.


    After searching for a while, he found no dragon egg, and given the size, one would definitely notice if it was hidden in a pocket.


    After an unsuccessful first search, Li Benzhong continued his search.


    Still, he found nothing.


    "Impossible, I clearly saw you take the dragon egg, quickly tell where you''ve hidden that treasure!"


    Li Benzhong pointed directly at Ye Feng and demanded angrily.


    Ye Feng maintained his composed facade and countered, "Li Benzhong, you insist that I, Ye Feng, took the dragon egg, yet you found nothing upon searching me. Have you found it? No, because I''ve never even seen the dragon egg, let alone embezzled it."


    Seeing Ye Feng''s smug expression infuriated Li Benzhong, would he be where he was today without Ye Feng?


    Without finding any evidence, Li Benzhong still insisted that it was Ye Feng who took the dragon egg.


    The other sect members also sided with Li Benzhong, having been highly displeased with Ye Feng on the way, who had made them suffer using his superior Cultivation Realm.


    "Great-Uncle Zeng, I beg you to see the truth, risking my life, I guarantee I have not spoken a single false word. I saw with my own eyes he took the dragon egg while we were engaged with the monsters, I beg you, Great-Uncle Zeng, to realize this!"


    Lacking evidence, they could only rely on the Lord of the Three Halls.


    The third Hall Master''s slightly cold gaze turned to Ye Feng, his tone indifferent.


    "Youngster, I''ll give you three breaths'' time to hand over the dragon egg."

 Chapter 510 - 505 Tearing Off the Mask of Pretense

    The Third Hall Master''s tone was pressing and aggressive¡ªa dragon egg was a rare treasure. If Ye Feng really had taken the dragon egg, they must make him surrender it no matter what.


    "The dragon egg!"


    Ye Feng laughed, "Lord of the Three Halls, I allowed you to search me just now. You all claimed repeatedly that Someone Named Ye took the dragon egg, but I have never laid eyes on it¡ªhow could it possibly be in my possession?"


    Ye Feng possessed a dragon egg, such a treasure¡ªhow could he possibly give it up easily? Naturally, that was impossible.


    If the lords truly demanded the dragon egg from him, there would be nothing more to discuss.


    Even if it came to blows, Ye Feng harbored no fear¡ªjust a few stubborn old men.


    "Ye! We clearly saw you take the dragon egg. No matter where you have hidden it, give it up quickly!"


    Li Benzhong thundered with a furious momentum.


    He had seen with his own eyes Ye Feng taking it; if it was not found on Ye Feng''s person, then he must have hidden it somewhere.


    They must make Ye Feng surrender it, no matter what.


    And the humiliation suffered along the way must be repaid doubly by Ye Feng. Never in his life had Li Benzhong experienced such indignity¡ªnot even before his great-grandfather had Ye Feng dared to be so arrogant.


    This was clearly an utter disregard for the several hall masters.


    "Li Benzhong, do not spout false accusations. If my lord truly had the dragon egg, he would have already surrendered it in the presence of the several lords!"


    Xiao Chuanqi raged, pointing at Li Benzhong and cursing angrily.


    Had he known this would happen, he would have certainly let the scoundrel Li Benzhong die under his sword, heedless of Ye Feng''s wishes.


    Li Benzhong''s eyes narrowed slightly as he cast a cold gaze at Xiao Chuanqi.


    "And what are you? Are you entitled to speak here?"


    A mere leader of a small military group, since when were they so arrogant? It was already too much to suffer his attitude on the way; now, even before his own great-grandfather, he dared to display such arrogance¡ªhe completely disregarded his own great-grandfather.


    "You...."


    Xiao Chuanqi was enraged, his killing intent almost beyond control, but at the critical moment, Ye Feng stopped him.


    "Calm yourself!"


    "But my lord, this..."


    "Ye! Surrender the dragon egg, and the noble lords will see that this child truly has the dragon egg. Please, noble lords, discern the truth!"


    All eyes then turned to the several hall masters.


    The old ones naturally knew the value of a dragon egg. As everyone insisted that Ye Feng possessed it, it must indeed be so.


    "Heh heh heh, a dragon egg is indeed a priceless treasure. Such heavenly materials and earthly treasures, little child. I had given you three breaths to consider surrendering the dragon egg, and now that time is up, you should know our methods!"


    The Third Hall Master''s tone remained forceful, showing no regard for Ye Feng as if he were unworthy of consideration.


    Helpless, Ye Feng was still too young. In the eyes of these old ones who had lived over a hundred years, he was merely a child.


    "Heh heh!" Ye Feng sneered. Seeing this stance, it seemed the hall masters had made up their minds that he had taken the dragon egg. It looked like it would be difficult for him to leave this place today.


    "If the lords are adamant that Someone Named Ye has taken the dragon egg, even if I had it, do you think I would surrender it?"


    No sooner had Ye Feng finished speaking than he unleashed a fearsome aura.


    "Oh!"


    Seeing the aura burst forth from Ye Feng, the lords cast an intrigued glance.


    "I was somewhat perplexed. So this is your capital for being so brazen, little child. Indeed, you have extraordinary talent. But do you think you can leave here alive?"


    The Third Hall Master said, with an icy tone, his eyes fixed on Ye Feng.


    "If the lords were to join forces against me, I''m afraid I would be hard-pressed to respond. But against a single one, I would have no fear!"


    Ye Feng thought to himself.


    If the lords took action together against him, he would only be crushed; after all, they were old monsters who had practiced cultivation for a hundred years and were not to be underestimated.


    But facing a single lord, he possessed the power to do battle and might even slay them, especially since he had already detected the killing intent from the Third Hall Master.


    What was there to fear from just the Lord of the Three Halls?


    He was also curious to test the true strength of these old monsters who had cultivated for a hundred years.


    "Young child, I see you won''t shed tears until you see the coffin. The time for three breaths is up. Surrender the dragon egg, and I will leave you with a whole corpse!"


    The Third Hall Master was still pressing hard.


    "Hahaha, what if I don''t surrender it? What can you do to me, Lord of the Three Halls?"


    Ye Feng laughed.


    "Lord of the Three Halls, the child has commendable courage. Such an interesting youngster¡ªI haven''t seen one like him in a hundred years. I like his spirit!"


    The First Hall Master spoke up.


    The First Hall Master, being the strongest and most senior among the eight lords, seemed to have a somewhat strained relationship with the other lords.


    He preferred to act alone and was powerful. The other lords had long been irked by the First Hall Master, but none could do anything, for even if they joined forces, they were not necessarily a match for the First Hall Master.


    "Oh, the First Hall Master seems quite interested in this child. Now I''m somewhat reluctant to kill him!"


    The Third Hall Master spoke indifferently.


    "I must say, lords, I also find this child''s temper quite to my liking, having not encountered such an interesting youth in over a hundred years of cultivation. Young child, I forget to ask, from which sect do you hail?"


    The Seventh Hall Master also spoke.


    Eight Hall Masters now appeared neatly together inside the hall.


    Each and every one of them were old monsters who had practiced cultivation for over a hundred years, among whom the First Hall Master was the most formidable.


    Other Hall Masters had never gotten along with this First Hall Master, and now that he had stood out to protect Ye Feng, the Seventh Hall Master also stood up, immediately making the Third Hall Master somewhat embarrassed.


    Ye Feng really didn''t give him any face at all; since when had a dignified Third Hall Master ever been looked down upon by a green youngster?


    Indeed, he was moved by murderous intent.


    "First Hall Master, Seventh Hall Master, the boy has a Dragon Egg, such a Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure in his hand. Don''t tell me that the two of you are not interested in such treasures?"


    At this point, another Hall Master spoke up, fully aware of the kind of treasure a Dragon Egg was to anyone present.


    What a place the Outer Battlefield was that Ye Feng and his party had traversed¡ªthey were equally clear on this.


    The Outer Battlefield was a place teeming with Secret Treasures and inhabited by numerous High-Level creatures, whose Beast Cores were treasures not easily found.


    Moreover, Ye Feng was the captain of the groups, and along the way, everyone had to follow his arrangements.


    His Cultivation Realm was profound, and no one else was his match. If he were to misappropriate treasures on the way, would Li Benzhong and the others dare to murmur any complaints?


    Once they had arrived at the Xuanyuan Hall, they accused Ye Feng of malignant deeds, and everyone unanimously asserted that Ye Feng had privately taken the treasures, suggesting that Ye Feng must naturally have many treasures in his possession.


    "Sixth Hall Master, you are mistaken. Of course, I am interested in treasures like the Dragon Egg. But does that boy truly have a Dragon Egg?"


    The First Hall Master scoffed.


    His words were straightforward in his intentions to protect Ye Feng.


    "First Hall Master, do you sincerely wish to protect that boy?"


    The language of the Third Hall Master was still as invariably icy as ever.


    The other Hall Masters had long been displeased with the First Hall Master, who wielded formidable power and authority.


    Sooner or later, they would have to come to blows, and they did not believe several Hall Masters together could not outmatch you alone!


    "Indeed, today I intend to protect this boy. With me here today, do you dare to hurt even a single hair on this child?"


    The First Hall Master no longer concealed his stance.


    Ye Feng was somewhat puzzled; he had no close ties with the First Hall Master, so why would he want to protect him?


    Moreover, he didn''t need anyone''s protection; with the power to fight on his own, he was capable of killing the mere Third Hall Master.


    "Very well, First Hall Master, are you aware that your words have incited the wrath of the masses?"


    The Third Hall Master''s expression remained indifferent. It was, for them, an opportunity, a chance to overthrow the First Hall Master.


    After all, he had the support of several other Hall Masters.


    Although the other Hall Masters had yet to make a move, the Third Hall Master knew in his heart that their goals aligned with his own. As soon as he showed his hand, the others would naturally follow his lead.


    "The wrath of the masses?"


    The First Hall Master sneered, "Don''t think I am unaware of the schemes in your hearts. Do you think that you can hide your petty maneuvers from my eyes?"


    There were good reasons for the First Hall Master to have reached his current position.


    It could be said that among the eight Hall Masters, he kept his cards closest to his chest. The resources at the First Hall''s disposal far surpassed those of the other halls, which naturally attracted the envy of other Hall Masters.


    He was well aware of the small ploys behind his back by other Hall Masters; it was just that he had not exposed them until then.


    "Even if you are aware, First Hall Master, what can you do about it?" The Third Hall Master sneered. "Do you really think you can stand against all of us?"


    The Third Hall Master had ripped the pretense aside. Since their usual behind-the-scenes tricks had been exposed, there was no point in hiding any longer.


    "It''s time for other Hall Masters to show their stance!"


    The Third Hall Master called out.


    Then, the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Hall Masters, one after another, showed their fangs and tore off their masks.


    The Seventh Hall Master had not yet made a stance, since he was not interested in power and influence.


    He simply enjoyed things like fine wines, Martial Skills, and Secret Manuals. Also, having a fairly good relationship with the First Hall Master on regular days, he did not join the camp of other Hall Masters.


    The atmosphere within the hall suddenly changed drastically, astounding Li Benzhong and the others.


    Wasn''t it about handing over the Dragon Egg to Ye Feng? Why had they started fighting amongst themselves?


    The Hall Masters, one after another, released their imposing auras.


    At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall dropped to freezing, making even breathing difficult, a chilling sensation causing one''s hair to stand on end.


    This was the battle between the powerful, terrifying as such.


    Shadow sidled up to Ye Feng, "My lord, shall we take this opportunity to kill that sly fox, Li Benzhong?"


    Shadow had long been displeased with Li Benzhong, and now with the internal strife in Xuanyuan Hall, an opportunity presented itself.


    "Stay your hand, for killing that petty man directly would be too merciful. I want him to live a life worse than death!"


    Ye Feng spoke indifferently, the murderous intent barely disguised in his tone.


    Li Benzhong had already been listed on his death list, thus he was destined to die.


    Killing him directly would be too easy for Li Benzhong. Ye Feng wanted him to experience what it felt like to be better off dead.


    "Yes, my lord!"


    Shadow also felt that merely running Li Benzhong through with a sword was too lenient.


    At this very moment, the atmosphere in the venue dropped to freezing again.


    First Hall Master, facing the several other Hall Masters, sneered, "Very well, it seems there are quite a few of you. It''s been quite some time since I''ve exercised my muscles. It''s time to put this old frame to use!"

 Chapter 511 - 506: Battle with the Lord of the Three Halls [Part 1]

    The Hall Master remained unfazed in the face of several other Hall Masters, well aware of their strengths.


    "Great-Grandfather, let''s not lose our temper over this. The Dragon Egg is of utmost importance. If we start fighting amongst ourselves now, wouldn''t that be giving others an opportunity to take advantage?"


    At this critical moment, Li Benzhong, who seemed reckless with his own life, stepped forward.


    What was the status of the Xuanyuan Hall Master, and who was Li Benzhong to dare to be so reckless at such a time?


    In truth, Li Benzhong was also very afraid, but he was making a bet that the Lord of the Three Halls would help him.


    "You make a convincing point. Hall Master, we might as well turn our weapons into gifts of jade and silk for now. It''s crucial to deal with the more pressing matters first. Rest assured, Hall Master, if that youngster knows what''s good for him, we certainly won''t harm him in the slightest!"


    The Four Hall Masters spoke up, considering the current situation in Xuanyuan Hall and the many onlookers. Are they not afraid of being ridiculed, being of such an age?


    At this time, the Hall Master said nothing and simply looked at Ye Feng, speaking indifferently.


    "Youngster, it''s not that I don''t wish to protect you, but as you can see, considering the circumstances here, my old face isn''t worth much!"


    The Hall Master naturally wanted to help Ye Feng, but with so many juniors watching, if they began to fight over such a trivial matter, how would outsiders view Xuanyuan Hall?


    "Hehe," laughed Ye Feng, "It''s okay, I don''t need anyone''s protection. Just the Lord of the Three Halls? I would like to see for myself what skills he possesses!"


    To test the strength of the Lord of the Three Halls!!!


    "Hiss!"


    Everyone gasped upon hearing what Ye Feng said.


    Ye Feng must be insane; how old was he? The Lord of the Three Halls was an old monster who had cultivated for a hundred years. To him, Ye Feng was no different from a child.


    This must be madness, the delusion of challenging the Lord of the Three Halls.


    "Hahahaha!" The Lord of the Three Halls laughed maniacally, looking at Ye Feng as if gazing upon an ant.


    "I''ve lived for over a hundred years, and this is the first time I''ve heard such a hilarious joke!"


    Then his gaze intensified, "Boy, do you realize you''re courting death?"


    Everyone thought Ye Feng was crazy; he might not be young, but his words were quite bold. This was simply a death wish!


    Li Benzhong and some others felt a sense of glee; it had been a tough journey until now.


    "Hmph, the kid is finally going to meet his death, which is too easy for him!"


    Li Benzhong thought to himself.


    Ye Feng sneered: "Lord of the Three Halls, I don''t think I am courting death. Come on, what are you waiting for? The Dragon Egg is in my possession, if you want it, show me some of your skill!"


    "Looking for death!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls moved; his actions were ghost-like, and the Naked Eye could only catch a glimpse of a fading shadow.


    When the Lord of the Three Halls was seen again, he had already reached right in front of Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng reacted swiftly by retreating several steps, evading the first strike of the Lord of the Three Halls perfectly.


    "You''ve actually dodged it, youngster, you do have some skill, no wonder you''re so arrogant. But I, for one, like a fellow like you!"


    The moment the words left his mouth, the Lord of the Three Halls made his move again.


    This time, exerting one-sixth of his strength, he directed a lightning-quick Palm Seal towards Ye Feng''s face.


    "Hmph!" Ye Feng stared directly at the Lord of the Three Halls as the Spirit Essence within him erupted.


    "Bring it on!"


    Ye Feng had no intention of dodging the blow; instead, he decided to withstand it head-on.


    Transforming his palm into a fist, Ye Feng leaped forward to meet the Lord of the Three Halls.


    The two forces collided.


    "Boom!"


    A thunderous noise erupted as the Lord of the Three Halls was forced to retreat ten steps, while Ye Feng only took three steps back.


    Hiss.


    With a ferocious expression, the Lord of the Three Halls thought to himself, "This young fellow''s strength is formidable!"


    Feeling his arm go numb from the impact with Ye Feng''s fist, the reality of the youngster''s incredible power challenged the Lord of the Three Halls''s understanding.


    What on earth was the Great-Grandfather doing?


    Upon seeing that after a single exchange with Ye Feng, even his great-grandfather was forced several steps back while Ye Feng only took three, Li Benzhong was puzzled.


    Li Benzhong knew Ye Feng was strong, and he was no match for him.


    "No, no, the Great-Grandfather mustn''t be using his full strength. Ye Feng is bound to die here sooner or later!"


    Li Benzhong kept comforting himself.


    What was the status of his own great-grandfather? He was a Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, and Ye Feng? He might have had some fame on Earth but meant nothing here.


    Thinking of his great-grandfather''s status brought some comfort to Li Benzhong.


    The interest of the other Hall Masters spiked as they watched the battle unfold.


    Indeed, Ye Feng was a surprise to them. Despite his young age, he managed to gain the upper hand against the Lord of the Three Halls with just one move.


    "If this youngster does not perish today, he is destined to be a powerful figure one day!"


    "Yes indeed, but it''s a pity this prodigy is to fall in this hall today!"


    The various Hall Masters called out.


    Ye Feng''s strength surprised them, as he managed to make the Lord of the Three Halls retreat several steps with just one exchange.


    "Youngster, you''ve got some skill, but you are destined to perish today!" declared the Lord of the Three Halls.


    "Oh?" Ye Feng replied with genuine interest, "Is that so? Then I''d like to know if the Lord of the Three Halls has the ability to let someone named Ye perish here!"


    "Arrogant!"


    "Master, be careful!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls moved once again, this time his speed many times faster than before; if previously a shadow could be seen, now not even a trace was visible.


    The shadow beside Ye Feng shouted urgently.


    Ye Feng, confident as if he''d foreseen this move from the Lord of the Three Halls, steadily backed away several steps.


    "Little boy, thinking of running? Do you have the ability?"


    Just as Ye Feng stabilized his footing, the Lord of the Three Halls was already before him, his fist charged with endless killing intent thundering down.


    "Damn, I was still too careless after all, can''t dodge it!"


    Ye Feng panicked slightly; he realized too late to evade the Lord''s strike.


    Since dodging was impossible, he had no choice but to face it.


    Spirit Essence surged once again, fist transforming into a palm.


    "Boom!"


    Right after the loud noise, a figure could be seen flying backward.


    That figure was unmistakably Ye Feng.


    However, Ye Feng was far from fallen, continuing to stand.


    "As expected of the Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, you''ve got some ability!"


    Wiping the fresh blood from the corner of his mouth, Ye Feng sneered coldly.


    In the end, it was his low cultivation realm that made a difference; the Lord of the Three Halls, with his hundreds of years of cultivation, had made Ye Feng taste the breath of death with that strike.


    Fortunately, he reacted at the last moment; had he taken the full brunt of that attack, he would have been gravely injured.


    "Good, the boy hasn''t fallen. Little boy, you''re becoming more and more surprising to me. Since that''s the case, then I should finish this quickly!"


    Ye Feng''s strength had shown the Lord of the Three Halls that Ye Feng could not be allowed to live.


    If given time to grow, within three years he would no doubt become unbeatable, even against all eight Hall Masters united, not just the Lord himself.


    Ye Feng was just too surprising.


    Though his cultivation realm was not as high, his strength was nearly indistinguishable from that of a Hall Master.


    They had exchanged blows for a few rounds now, and despite being at a disadvantage, Ye Feng''s sharpness and edge remained undiminished.


    After several exchanges, Ye Feng still hadn''t fallen, causing Li Benzhong and others to grow restless.


    "The two of you, let''s find an opportunity to kill that Someone Named Ye. As you can see, it''s hard to tell the victor in a short time. We might as well cut through the chaos and kill Someone Named Ye!"


    Li Benzhong, the leaders of the Confucian and Buddhist Sects, and other sect leaders whispered conspiratorially, discussing how to eliminate Ye Feng during the fight.


    The leaders of the Confucian and Buddhist Sects agreed without issue, Ye Feng had to die.


    The Lord of the Three Halls had exchanged numerous blows with Ye Feng, and Ye Feng was still dominating; the Lord was clearly struggling.


    "Benefactor Li, what do you plan to do? We both know this Ye Feng might still have something up his sleeve; rash action might make it hard to kill him with one blow!"


    The leader of the Buddhist Sect asked in a low voice.


    Li Benzhong had, of course, considered this; dealing with Ye Feng so many times had made him exceedingly cautious.


    "Rest assured, our blow will surely take this child''s life!"


    Next, Li Benzhong smoothly became the strategist for the group.


    Gathered together, they began to discuss their plan.


    "Lord of the Three Halls, it''s time to witness the strength of Someone Named Ye!"


    Ye Feng no longer wanted to continue the fierce battle. Having tested the Lord of the Three Halls'' strength thoroughly, he was confident he could slay him.


    "What big words! Little boy, show me your true capabilities!"


    Seeing Ye Feng''s momentum change suddenly got the Lord of the Three Halls excited, as it had been a long time since he had encountered a worthy opponent.


    "Tiger''s Roar Shattering the Mountains and Rivers!"


    Ye Feng roared loudly.


    Seeing the fist technique Ye Feng used, the Lord of the Three Halls was taken aback.


    Tiger''s Roar Shattering the Mountains and Rivers, wasn''t that an entry-level fist technique? Was this the "true ability" Ye Feng spoke of? The Lord of the Three Halls nearly died laughing.


    An entry-level fist technique dared to be brandished, if this wasn''t a joke.


    "Little boy, is this the ''true ability'' you spoke of?"


    "Is there a problem?" Ye Feng''s expression was intriguing; he knew the Lord looked down upon the technique¡ªit was all within his expectations.


    "Then, Lord, watch closely, as even an entry-level fist technique can still overwhelm you!"


    The next moment, Ye Feng shouted lowly, and a fist with the might of a ferocious tiger struck out.


    The Lord of the Three Halls, full of disdain, didn''t even bother to dodge. "I''ve weathered great storms, a mere entry-level fist technique..."


    He never finished his sentence, as he was stunned. Ye Feng''s fist had already pounded into his abdomen, shattering the protective Spirit Essence Barrier.


    "Bang!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls flew backward like a cannonball for several meters, landing heavily on the ground and coughing up blood.


    To have underestimated him¡ªthe entry-level technique had proved so formidable?


    His Spirit Essence Barrier had been dispersed with a single punch; could this still be considered an entry-level fist technique?


    The Lord of the Three Halls began to doubt everything.


    At that moment, he felt his Spirit Essence chaotically surging through his meridians, unable to gather it again in a short time. He had been far too careless.


    Li Benzhong, who was preparing to take action against Ye Feng, and the others were left in shock at this moment. They never expected the Lord of the Three Halls to be thrown by Ye Feng''s punch.


    What exactly was Ye Feng''s strength? Even the Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall was no match for him.


    And importantly, how old was Ye Feng? Even if he had practiced in his mother''s womb, he couldn''t have reached the cultivation and realm of the Lord of the Three Halls.


    "Benefactor Li, this..."


    Asked the leader of the Buddhist Sect in a hushed voice¡ªcould their grand plan still go on smoothly?

 Chapter 512 - 507 Battle Against the Lord of the Three Halls [Part 2]

    Ye Feng actually had the upper hand, and the simple entry-level fist technique even repelled the Lord of the Three Halls unbelievably. The faces of the watching Hall Masters were full of shock.


    The strength of the Lord of the Three Halls was clear to them, and yet he was defeated by this young child, Ye Feng.


    And even more inconceivable, he was defeated by the simplest entry-level fist technique.


    Li Benzhong was also not feeling great at this moment; his expression was as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a dead fly.


    His great-grandfather was actually not a match for Ye Feng.


    Fearing that no one would believe it if said aloud, if it were not for what he had witnessed with his own eyes, no matter what anyone said, he would never believe it.


    The key point was his great-grandfather had been defeated by the most basic entry-level fist technique, the universally known Tiger Roar Fist.


    The Lord of the Three Halls couldn''t believe he had actually lost, to be defeated by a young man.


    "Impossible, this is absolutely impossible! How can I, the Lord of the Three Halls, lose to a mere child like you!"


    Ye Feng''s punch had shattered the spirit essence within him, leaving the Lord of the Three Halls unable to gather those scattered essences in a short time.


    Now, if Ye Feng wanted to kill him, with just a thought, they would be separated from life and death.


    "Lord of the Three Halls, how does it feel to be defeated by this punch?" Ye Feng smiled innocently, appearing harmless, which made his taunt all the more insulting.


    "Furthermore, to everyone present, you all only know the Tiger Roar Fist as an entry-level fist technique known to all. In your eyes, this set of moves has no lethality, but in my eyes, Ye Feng, this martial skill is by no means just entry-level!"


    The Tiger Roar Fist, a technique every cultivator knows, is viewed by many as merely entry-level. However, they are completely unaware of the subtleties within this technique.


    The subtlety of the Tiger Roar Fist lies in the "tiger" character. Many learn the moves but fail to grasp the essence of the technique.


    Tiger Roar, as the name suggests, integrates the might of the king of beasts. How can the power of a tiger be weak?


    A person with profound cultivation wielding this move could blast apart a mountain with a single punch.


    "No, I, the Lord of the Three Halls, cannot lose, you little wretch, you''ve forced my hand!"


    The proud and haughty Lord of the Three Halls could not bear the defeat of today, especially losing to an entry-level martial skill like Tiger Roar Fist, a blow no strong warrior could withstand.


    The next moment, everyone saw the Lord of the Three Halls pull out a small porcelain bottle from his pocket and swallow a black medicine pill he poured from it without hesitation.


    "Damn, it''s the Explosive Element Pill!"


    Ye Feng''s complexion changed slightly. The Explosive Element Pill is infamously known for causing one''s spirit essence to go berserk once ingested, and the user also loses control, but their strength becomes matchless and overpowering.


    The Explosive Element Pill, though advantageous, comes at a cost to the user.


    The side effect is damage to the primordial spirit, resulting in bedridden rehabilitation for three months, with severe cases possibly leading to regression in cultivation and realm. It was a hefty price that no one expected the Lord of the Three Halls would pay for Ye Feng''s sake.


    An unexpected turn that took everyone by surprise.


    "Great-grandfather!"


    Li Benzhong was dumbfounded, questioning if his great-grandfather had gone mad to use the Explosive Element Pill because of Ye Feng.


    The several Hall Masters remained silent, continuing to watch this yet-to-finish fight.


    With the spirit essence of the Lord of the Three Halls going berserk, one could see the essence bursting forth from his orifices. His eyes had turned a bloody red.


    Standing in front of everyone like a monster, that was the effect of the Explosive Element Pill.


    "Ye Feng, I, the Lord of the Three Halls, will not lose. I will make you die!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls roared, his body already in motion.


    Ye Feng, at this moment, dared not be careless, well aware of the Explosive Element Pill.


    His victory over the Lord of the Three Halls was due to the latter''s carelessness; otherwise, he would still be locked in combat with the Lord for hundreds more exchanges.


    "My lord, be careful!"


    Shadow and Xiao Chuanqi leapt out to stand in front of Ye Feng.


    "Get out of the way, you''re no match for him!"


    Ye Feng shouted, and with a wave of his hand, Shadow and Xiao Chuanqi were flung away.


    "My lord!"


    Ye Feng''s face was etched with deep concern as he gazed at the Lord of the Three Halls before him.


    "That previous strike has already severely injured the Lord of the Three Halls. The usual potency of the Explosive Element Pill lasts for a quarter of an hour; with his injuries, it should only last for two quarters of an hour now!"


    Ye Feng thought to himself.


    He was well aware of the damage inflicted by his previous Tiger Roar Trembling Mountains and Rivers strike. The Lord of the Three Halls'' spirit essence had been shattered by him. With the forceful use of the Explosive Element Pill to mobilize the scattered spirit essence, Ye Feng guessed the potency of the pill could last at most for two quarters of an hour.


    "I have no choice but to drag it out!"


    Ye Feng thought to himself, but at this time, the Lord of the Three Halls had already charged over, with a specter-like speed and each strike at full force.


    Ye Feng dodged skillfully several times.


    The Lord of the Three Halls had lost his reason, putting full force into every attack, all of which Ye Feng managed to evade.


    After around dozens of exchanges...


    Ye Feng recognized the seriousness of the situation; although he could dodge the full-power strikes of the Lord of the Three Halls, over time, if his spirit essence was exhausted, he would be in danger.


    "You little brat, are you planning on scurrying around like a rat? If you are capable, face me in direct combat!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls, enraged by the inability to catch even the hem of Ye Feng''s clothes, taunted.


    "Do you think I''m a fool? Lord of the Three Halls, if I didn''t dodge, I would already be a lifeless corpse now!"


    Ye Feng was not foolish enough to take on the full-force attacks and the significant disparity in cultivation and realm head-on. Doing so would be tantamount to suicide.


    Furthermore, with the enhanced strength from the Explosive Element Pill, it would be foolhardy to face him head-on when prior to that, Ye Feng still held confidence in a direct confrontation.


    "Fellow Hall Masters, what do you make of the current situation?"


    The Hall Master spoke up.


    How should we view this?


    Several people turned their gaze toward the Hall Master.


    "Hall Master, Ye Feng indeed possesses real strength. If we let this young man grow, he will definitely become an unmatched powerhouse in the future!"


    The Lord of the Seven Halls exclaimed.


    The Hall Master spoke indifferently with his hands behind his back.


    "The Lord of the Seven Halls is right. Ye Feng is indeed a standout. We have practiced for over a hundred years and seen all kinds of people in this long river of time, but only Ye Feng has been the most outstanding among them!"


    "This boy must not be spared!"


    The Four Hall Masters shouted.


    "Four Hall Masters!" The Hall Master''s eyes sharpened, and his aura changed, evidently angered.


    "As long as I am here today, if Ye Feng does not fall, I will protect him to the end. Whoever dares to touch him is my enemy!"


    The Hall Master''s words were extremely domineering, and the aura he emitted made it difficult for others to breathe.


    This is what it means to be a strong person in a world where might makes right.


    Li Benzhong was infuriated to see the Hall Master favoring Ye Feng so much.


    "Damn it, even if you have the Hall Master''s protection, what of it? I, Li Benzhong, will also kill you today!"


    After inwardly shouting, the intense intent to kill could no longer be concealed, and his glance shifted toward the leaders of the several Sects.


    "Gentlemen, our plan can now be put into action. Ye Feng must die!"


    Ye Feng must die!


    This was the opportunity to kill Ye Feng. Ye Feng was currently in fierce battle with the Lord of the Three Halls. Seizing just one opportunity, they would surely be able to strike down Ye Feng.


    The crowd was full of confidence; Ye Feng had to die today.


    "Benefactor Li, we can take action now!"


    Following that, Li Benzhong and the leaders of the Great Sects made their move, all with the common goal of killing Ye Feng.


    "Great-Grandfather, your descendants have come to wish you well!"


    Li Benzhong charged ahead, leading the charge straight in Ye Feng''s direction.


    "Shadow, it''s our time to perform!"


    Xiao Chuanqi sprang into action at the critical moment.


    "As I expected, Li Benzhong, you had already given me a chance to live in the Outer Battlefield. Too bad you don''t know how to cherish it, and neither do you all!"


    Shadow pointed at the crowd and roared angrily.


    "Hmph," Li Benzhong sneered, "Just the three of you dare not stand in our way. Attack, take their heads first, then Ye Feng''s!"


    At the command of Li Benzhong, dozens of people rushed up like a swarm.


    Shadow and the other two stood back to back.


    "Brothers, today we can finally fight to our heart''s content. I''ve recently advanced a step, so you can all use them for practice!"


    "Hall Master!"


    As the several Hall Masters watching the excitement saw Li Benzhong and the others taking up arms, the Lord of the Seven Halls spoke with concern.


    "It''s alright. The road to becoming a strong person is not smooth. I will say it in advance, whoever dares to intervene will be my enemy!"


    The Hall Master was as domineering as before, and the pressure he released silenced the other Hall Masters.


    There''s no helping it; the strong look up to the strong.


    At this moment, several bodies already lay at the feet of Shadow and his companions.


    One by one they came, and before Shadow Sword was even drawn, the Sect had already suffered heavy losses.


    "No good, I didn''t expect these three to be so formidable!"


    The leader of the Confucian Sect was the first to instruct his Sect members to retreat, unwilling to watch them walk to their deaths one by one.


    At the same time, the leader of the Buddhist Sect also had his members retreat.


    "What''s wrong, Old Bald Donkey, Li Benzhong? Why have you stopped fighting? I haven''t had enough fun yet; come on!


    Xiao Chuanqi shouted loudly.


    At this point, the three of them were covered in blood, which was not their own but that of the corpses at their feet.


    "Why have you stopped fighting? Li Benzhong, we haven''t had our fill of battle yet, come on! If you want to move against our Master, you''ll have to get through us first!"


    Shadow also shouted.


    Li Benzhong and the others were so angry they were gnashing their teeth, but indeed they had no way to contend with the three Shadows.


    The combined strength of the Shadow trio was formidable; they weren''t opponents who could be taken on easily.


    At this time, on the other side.


    "Lord of the Three Halls, I think it''s time to end this battle!"


    Ye Feng suddenly stopped dodging.


    So what if he took an Explosive Element Pill? Ye Feng still had a trump card.


    Seeing Ye Feng no longer dodging, the Lord of the Three Halls halted, his cold eyes looking at him, "Have you given up resisting, boy? Then just die quietly in my hands. Don''t worry, I''ll leave your corpse intact; you''ve surprised me too much!"


    Ye Feng was already on his death list; without Ye Feng''s death, he would have trouble sleeping.


    He had also anticipated Ye Feng''s future ¨C granting Ye Feng the time to grow would surely make him a terrifying presence, so it was best to cut the Gordian knot quickly and remove Ye Feng to avoid any complications.


    "Give up resisting? Hmph!" Ye Feng laughed, "Who said I stopped resisting? I just want to end this battle, Lord of the Three Halls. Do you have any last words?"


    As he finished speaking, Ye Feng slowly opened his left hand, and an ancient bronze-colored scroll slowly emerged.

 Chapter 513 - 508 Ye Fengs Plan

    The scroll emitted a blinding golden light, suspending itself before Ye Feng''s face.


    Seeing this, the expressions of the other Hall Masters all became unsettled.


    At this moment, they undoubtedly all sensed a whiff of crisis; Ye Feng actually had such a trump card.


    The Lord of the Three Halls was in grave danger.


    At the same time, the Lord of the Three Halls came to a halt, the effect of the Explosive Element Pill nearing its end, and he regained some sense of reason, now sensing the scent of death.


    A thought of escape suddenly flashed through his mind.


    "Run!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls, using the last of his Spirit Essence, crushed a Talisman and disappeared without a trace.


    The Lord of the Three Halls had fled!


    Ye Feng put away the scroll, appearing indifferent.


    The Lord of the Three Halls had been seriously injured by him and then had taken an Explosive Element Pill; even if he managed to escape, he would still find himself in the Outer Battlefield.


    Ye Feng had experienced the dangers of the Outer Battlefield, and the Lord of the Three Halls, seriously injured, entering the Outer Battlefield would be on the road to death just the same.


    Ye Feng did not take the running of the Lord of the Three Halls to heart.


    Li Benzhong and the others were dumbfounded, the Lord of the Three Halls had actually been defeated, defeated by Ye Feng.


    Hiss!


    Everyone inhaled sharply, what was Ye Feng''s Cultivation and Realm, to have even the Lord of the Three Halls of the Xuanyuan Hall not be his match?


    "My Lord, these people took the opportunity to attack you while you were battling with the Lord of the Three Halls, how would you like to handle these people?"


    Shadow asked, fists clasped.


    "Kill!" Ye Feng was no bleeding heart. He had already given Li Benzhong a chance to live, but it was a pity that the man did not know how to cherish it. There was no other way.


    Li Benzhong and his company turned an ashen hue, all feeling an unprecedented sense of fear.


    If Ye Feng truly wished to kill them, then they would inevitably have to die.


    "Thud!"


    Someone was the first to kneel down.


    "Captain Ye, we recognize our error. We were blinded by villains and ask for your magnanimity to spare us, Captain. In the future, we will certainly look up to you as our leader, Captain Ye!"


    "Thud!"


    Knees striking the floor, several Sect Members knelt before Ye Feng begging for his forgiveness.


    "Now you know to beg for mercy, what were you doing earlier?" Shadow, seeing everyone''s faces, disdained them and turned his head to glance at Ye Feng, "My Lord, to kill or not to kill?"


    "Enough. Li Benzhong is the mastermind behind this incident!"


    If he were to truly kill all the Sect Members, several of the Hall Masters had originally come from the Sect. Although Ye Feng was not afraid, he didn''t want to attract too much trouble.


    "My Lord, Li Benzhong has escaped!"


    Xiao Chuanqi shouted in the crowd at that moment.


    Li Benzhong had already fled amidst the chaos at the moment the Lord of the Three Halls was defeated; he knew the times.


    The Lord of the Three Halls was no match for Ye Feng, and moreover, the other Hall Masters clearly did not intend to make a move. If he had stayed, would it be anything but courting death?


    It was better to run, better to keep the green hills without worrying about having no firewood.


    One day, if he had the chance, he would make Ye Feng pay back double.


    "My Lord, should we pursue?"


    Xiao Chuanqi could not sit still. Li Benzhong had slipped away right under their noses; he could not swallow this grievance and had to capture Li Benzhong and bring him back.


    "Let it be. There will be days ahead to kill him!"


    Ye Feng shook his head. As long as Li Benzhong remained in the Outer Battlefield, they would meet one day, and with Li Benzhong''s power, encountering a powerful monster would mean the same dead end.


    Ye Feng also stated his intention to make Li Benzhong''s life worse than death.


    "As you command, my Lord!"


    To Ye Feng''s command, Xiao Chuanqi and others dared not disobey; they abhorred Li Benzhong to the core, wishing they could drink his blood and eat his flesh.


    That he had fled under their watch not once but twice¡ªit was a hard pill to swallow.


    "Get up. If I were my Lord, I''d have you lot quartered long ago!"


    Xiao Chuanqi barked furiously at the people kneeling on the ground.


    "Ha ha ha ha! Splendid!"


    The Hall Master, who had been watching the drama all along, laughed heartily, "After hundreds of years of cultivation, I''ve never encountered such an interesting young man; lad, I think highly of you!"


    The Hall Master admired Ye Feng deeply. Even at his young age, his courage and state of mind surpassed all his peers.


    "Hall Master!" Ye Feng turned to the Hall Master with a clasped fist, "Previously, I thank the Hall Master for speaking up for me. I will always bear in mind the kindness of the Hall Master!"


    Ye Feng was someone who remembered every grudge, but kindness shown to him he repaid twofold.


    Earlier, when several Hall Masters wanted to join forces with the Lord of the Three Halls to deal with him, it was the Hall Master who stood up and deterred the other eager Hall Masters.


    If the Hall Master had not stepped forward, he would probably have become a corpse by now.


    Even with a trump card, there was no way he could have prevailed against several centuries-old Hall Masters.


    "It''s nothing!"


    The Hall Master smiled and waved his hand, "Little one, the Hall Master feels a connection with you. Today I give you a piece of advice, the path of cultivation is filled with hardships. Remember your original intentions, no matter how great the difficulties or even the risk of falling, face them head-on!"


    The Hall Master believed that Ye Feng was very much like him when he was younger. No matter who the opponent was or how strong, he was unafraid.


    Ye Feng, facing the Lord of the Three Halls and the other Hall Masters, did not show any fear on his face. This was precisely why the Hall Master admired Ye Feng.


    "The words of my senior I will surely engrave in my heart!" Ye Feng replied with a clasped fist.


    The expressions of several Hall Masters were somewhat ugly; Ye Feng had actually won the admiration of the Hall Master, and he had spoken earlier stating whoever dared to touch Ye Feng would become his mortal enemy, endlessly at odds with him.


    They were covetous of the Dragon Egg in Ye Feng''s hands¡ªthat was an unparalleled treasure, and now they were forced to watch helplessly as it slipped away before their eyes.


    There was no choice. The Hall Master''s strength was unfathomable, his methods reaching the sky. They did not want to be endlessly at odds with the Hall Master over a Secret Treasure.


    "All of you, retreat. Xuanyuan Hall has been lively enough today!"


    After he spoke, the Hall Master disappeared from everyone''s sight, followed by the departure of the other Hall Masters.


    The vast hall was left with only Ye Feng and his group of people.


    "Let''s head back too!"


    Ye Feng called out.


    He wanted to make another deep journey into the Outer Battlefield, after all, it was a place where countless Secret Treasures were born.


    Since he had come this far, he could not miss this opportunity.


    "Captain Ye!"


    The leader of the Confucian Sect hurriedly came before Ye Feng, kneeling on one knee and said, "Please, Captain Ye, lead us out of the Outer Battlefield!"


    "Please, Captain Ye, lead us out of the Outer Battlefield!"


    The other Sect members fell to their knees, their voices ringing out like bell and thunder.


    None of these Sect members were fools; navigating the Outer Battlefield nearly cost them their lives. Had it not been for Ye Feng leading them, could they have reached Xuanyuan Hall? Clearly, they could not have.


    Now, Ye Feng was their only chance to walk out alive from here, and they had to seize it.


    "Heh!" Ye Feng saw these people''s current demeanor and sneered, "Now you know to rely on someone named Ye!"


    When they had entered the hall, these people wished nothing more than to kill him, pushing him to the forefront, and now they realized they needed him.


    "Captain Ye, we were all blinded by that despicable Li Benzhong, only now have we come to our senses and realized our unforgivable sins. From now on, we will follow Captain Ye''s lead!"


    The leader of the Confucian Sect said.


    "Follow my lead?" Ye Feng laughed, "What if I told you to take your own lives, would you be willing to give them up?"


    This....


    The crowd from the Sects fell silent; the idea of taking their own lives was impossible.


    All they wanted was to walk out alive from here, and Ye Feng was the key to their survival.


    "If you don''t want to die, then quietly follow behind me!"


    Ye Feng left those words behind as he walked out of the hall.


    "Listen up!" Xiao Chuanqi pointed at the crowd and roared angrily, "If any of you harbor ill intentions towards my master again, I''ll make you regret ever coming into this world!"


    Having spoken, Xiao Chuanqi followed out.


    The people from the Sects looked at Ye Feng and shouted in unison, "We thank Captain Ye very much!"


    Shadow hurriedly approached Ye Feng as if he had something to say but hesitated.


    "Speak your mind!" Ye Feng said indifferently.


    With Ye Feng''s permission, Shadow took a deep breath and voiced his doubts.


    "My lord, why would you keep these people? Have you forgotten how they treated you before?"


    Shadow was very puzzled by Ye Feng''s actions; it was no different from the tale of the farmer and the viper.


    These Sect members, one by one, harbored ulterior motives. Now they were all trying to ingratiate themselves to Ye Feng, but who knew if they would turn around and bite Ye Feng again.


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, aware of what those from the Sects were thinking, "You know the dangers of the Outer Battlefield, right?"


    Shadow nodded, indicating "I understand!"


    She realized the dangers of the Outer Battlefield, but what did this have to do with Ye Feng bringing those people along? She still had her doubts.


    "Shadow, we need to think long-term. Just the few of us crossing the Outer Battlefield would encounter no small trouble," Ye Feng remarked simply and clearly, making Shadow roughly understand his intentions.


    "Shadow understands!"


    "Keep a close eye on them. If anyone has a change of heart, kill them!"


    Ye Feng had given them plenty of chances; it was up to them whether to cherish it or not.


    At this very moment, the few Sect members who were slowly trailing behind Ye Feng.


    "Hey, hey, what are you doing? Hurry up, didn''t you eat?" Xiao Chuanqi bellowed, "Even the dogs I raise don''t perform as poorly as you!"


    Xiao Chuanqi was disdainful. Ye Feng had just agreed to bring them along, and now they were moving so slowly, as if trying to hold him back.


    Accustomed to their pride, the people from the Sects felt humiliated and were seething inside.


    "Are we truly going to lower ourselves to serve this youngster?"


    A leader from one of the Sects said discontentedly.


    "Under the eaves, one must bow their head. As long as we can walk out alive from here, we will not let that youngster off. Not only did he keep the treasures for himself, but he also had the nerve to treat us like dogs!"


    The leader of the Confucian Sect whispered angrily.


    "Indeed, once we return, we will inform the higher-ups of our Sects about the situation in the Outer Battlefield. At that time, our Sects will unite to deal with Ye Feng. No matter how strong he is, can he overpower the elders in our Sects?"


    The people from the Sects were already plotting how to deal with Ye Feng, little did they know that Ye Feng was well aware of their schemes.


    For now, keeping these people around was of some small use to Ye Feng, so he spared them.


    Meanwhile, in the Outer Battlefield.


    A shaky figure was running across the boundless desert.


    "Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, it''s Li Benzhong here, please wake up!"


    After escaping from Xuanyuan Hall, Li Benzhong went in search of the Lord of the Three Halls. After several hours, he finally found him.


    At that moment, the Lord of the Three Halls was on his last breath from the backlash of the Explosive Element Pill, but he was awakened by Li Benzhong.


    "My great-grandson!" He called out weakly.


    "It''s me, Great-Grandfather, thank goodness you''ve awakened!"


    "Hurry, take me south. I will never let Ye Feng get away with this!"


    The dying Lord of the Three Halls hadn''t forgotten about Ye Feng.


    Li Benzhong, carrying the Lord of the Three Halls on his back, headed straight south, where that side of the Outer Battlefield was territory controlled by the armed forces.

 Chapter 514 - 509: An Unusual Phenomenon in Heaven and Earth

    In the Outer Battlefield, the abundance of treasures naturally attracted many desperate rogues.


    Those armed forces were loose cultivators, and also men who didn''t care about their own lives.


    For the sake of treasure, they could do even crazier things.


    Since the Lord of the Three Halls had people there, it was best to head that way first to avoid trouble, as long as Ye Feng was still in the Outer Battlefield, there would come a day when he would personally kill Ye Feng.


    Li Benzhong, staggering along with the Lord of the Three Halls, headed straight to the south.


    After walking for a little more than an hour in the vast desert, they could faintly see a few tents set up as houses under the sand dunes not far ahead.


    There were quite a few people outside the houses on guard duty.


    The same armed forces who were guarding noticed Li Benzhong and immediately reported to the higher-ups, who, along with a group of men, hurried over.


    "Who goes there?"


    The leading man with a beard and sideburns, holding a Mountain-Opening Broadsword, glared angrily at Li Benzhong.


    Li Benzhong froze in fright for a moment, then quickly knelt down.


    "Spare my life, good sir, my great-grandfather sent me to find you!"


    Great-Grandfather.


    The bearded man murmured, then spoke to the Lord of the Three Halls on Li Benzhong''s back in a weak voice.


    "Second Gang Leader, long time no see. How has your leader been doing lately?"


    Hearing that familiar voice, the bearded man hurriedly looked over, recognizing him.


    "Lord of the Three Halls, you are so......"


    Without finishing his sentence, the Lord of the Three Halls passed out again.


    The bearded man didn''t have time to think and immediately shouted, "Someone come quick, take the Lord of the Three Halls back to the camp!"


    With the help of the armed forces, Li Benzhong successfully made it into the large camp.


    Just then, a bald man came in, staring angrily at Li Benzhong, he demanded, "Speak! What is this all about? If you dare utter a single lie, I''ll split you in two with my blade!"


    Li Benzhong had never seen such a scene before, the Mountain-Opening Broadsword was already resting on his neck, and with just a light touch from the bald man, his head would part from his body.


    Thud.


    He quickly knelt down and recounted what had happened, not forgetting to embellish a bit.


    Upon hearing the story, the bald man sheathed his Mountain-Opening Broadsword, "Ye Feng, how preposterous, someone fetch me Ye Feng!"


    "No, no!"


    Li Benzhong shouted in panic, the bald man was acting far too rashly, the Lord of the Three Halls wasn''t even a match for Ye Feng, his few subordinates would only be going to their deaths, he hurriedly intervened.


    "I think you must be the leader here, but Ye Feng''s strength is unfathomably deep, rash action would only lead to danger!"


    Taken aback by Li Benzhong''s reminder, the bald man withdrew his words.


    The bald man, Xu Shen, was the leader of the army in the Outer Battlefield. He had been saved by the Lord of the Three Halls in his early years and had been given advice on survival in such a harsh place.


    Xu Shen was a man of deep loyalty and gratitude. Since the Lord of the Three Halls had shown him kindness, he was determined to repay that kindness doubly. Now that the Lord of the Three Halls lay dying, he needed to avenge this grievance for him.


    Otherwise, how could he continue to survive in the Outer Battlefield?


    "The Lord of the Three Halls has been kind to me, and I cannot swallow this grievance. Old Second, send word to the nearby gangs!"


    "Yes, big brother!"


    The bearded man ordered.


    Because of the Lord of the Three Halls, Xu Shen was a well-known figure in the Outer Battlefield, and his strong strength earned him considerable respect from some of the big shots there.


    You could say he was the king among the armies in the Outer Battlefield.


    "Big brother, big brother, it''s a celebration, a celebration!"


    At that moment, a man rushed into the tent, shouting about a celebration.


    "Do you know nothing of propriety, don''t you know the Lord of the Three Halls needs rest? If it''s something important, take it outside!"


    Xu Shen flung out a slap.


    Then he followed the man outside.


    "Speak, what is it?"


    "Reporting to big brother, my brothers and I just returned from the deep parts of the Outer Battlefield, now there''s a sudden unearthly phenomenon deep in the Outer Battlefield, looks like some extraordinary treasure is about to emerge. Other powers have already received the news, and they are rushing over, we can''t just sit still and do nothing, big brother!"


    Treasure emerging!


    Xu Shen perked up at the news.


    "Is what you''re saying the truth?"


    "Not a word of a lie, boss, send someone quickly, otherwise if others get there first, we''ll be in trouble!"


    The man pleaded earnestly.


    Having lived there for many years, Xu Shen knew that the Outer Battlefield was a place where secret treasures were bred, and he had gained quite a few treasures himself.


    "Boom!"


    Just then, the ground started to shake, as if there was an earthquake.


    Xu Shen quickly asked, "What''s happening?"


    "Big brother, it''s the Beast Dynasty, and this time the scale of the beast tide is several times larger than before, I''m afraid that the secret treasure about to emerge this time is no small matter!"


    Usually, the emergence of a secret treasure would cause a beast tide, and Xu Shen''s camp was about a hundred miles away from the deep parts of the Outer Battlefield. To feel the beast tide from this distance meant that the treasure that was about to emerge was extraordinary, perhaps a once in a thousand years kind of treasure.


    "Boss, this phenomenon is different from previous ones, the treasure that''s emerging must be anything but ordinary!"


    Seeing his boss hesitate at such a moment, the man hurriedly urged him on.


    Xu Shen thought for a moment.


    "Leave a few people to take care of the Lord of the Three Halls; I''ll personally lead the team out!"


    Could a treasure that triggers such a massive beast tide be ordinary?


    Moreover, such a treasure would naturally attract the attention of some powerful entities in the vicinity. If they were too late, they wouldn''t even get a sip of the aftermath. Xu Shen hastily gathered his followers and rushed toward the depths of the Outer Battlefield.


    At the same time, other nearby forces also dispatched people immediately, as several groups headed towards the depths of the Outer Battlefield. Li Benzhong, upon hearing the news, set out with Xu Shen''s team.


    At this moment, Ye Feng and his team also felt the ground shaking.


    "Could it be another beast tide?"


    Xiao Chuanqi exclaimed.


    "My lord, quick, what is that?"


    Shadow pointed in a direction and called out, as Ye Feng turned to look.


    He saw dark, oppressive clouds in the sky ahead to the left, interspersed with countless lightning bolts. The shape of the clouds formed a tornado-like appearance, and from a distance, it looked like the end of the world.


    "Such a phenomenon!" Ye Feng spoke with a hint of excitement, "Could it be that some treasure has emerged!"


    The emergence of the treasure was certain.


    Ye Feng immediately believed that the heaven-and-earth phenomenon was caused by the soon-to-emerge treasure, and he had never seen such a phenomenon before; the treasure that was about to emerge must be extraordinary.


    "With such a phenomenon, my lord, this might be the emergence of some defy-the-heavens treasure. The Outer Battlefield is a place where treasures are nurtured. Shall we go over and take a look?"


    Xiao Chuanqi tentatively asked.


    He had never seen such a phenomenon either and was certain the emerging treasure was no simple matter.


    Ye Feng, staring at the phenomenon, smiled and said, "Since we''re here, we can''t return empty-handed. Of course, we should go and take a look!"


    Having said that, he turned around to look at the Sect Members behind him and called out.


    "You can also come with me, or you can wait here!"


    "We are willing to follow Captain Ye!"


    These Sect Members weren''t foolish. The phenomenon indicated the emergence of a treasure, and following Ye Feng might give them a chance to benefit as well.


    It would be crazy not to be proactive in the pursuit of treasure.


    "Good, let''s move out!"


    Ye Feng, leading by example, hastily made his way towards the direction of the phenomenon.


    After walking for a while, Ye Feng suddenly stopped as the ground beneath them shook even more violently.


    They could now vaguely see a dark mass of wind and sand rising not far ahead.


    "What is that?"


    Ye Feng focused his gaze and his complexion changed drastically, "Not good, it''s a beast tide!"


    A beast tide, upon hearing this, everyone''s faces blanched with panic. They had encountered a beast tide when they first entered and had lost many people. Now facing another beast tide, they dared not take it lightly.


    "My lord, this beast tide is even more terrifying than the one we encountered before. With such a scale, the treasure must be extraordinary!"


    Shadow exclaimed.


    "Indeed, it''s extraordinary!" Ye Feng nodded, "Run, let''s first find a safe place to hide from this beast tide!"


    Even with great strength, one would not dare to confront such a massive beast tide head-on.


    Ye Feng fell back to protect the others.


    "Quick, there''s a sand dune over there; it should be safe!"


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, the group hesitated no further and dashed towards the distant sand dune.


    People from other forces faced the same predicament as Ye Feng and were also blocked by the beast tide.


    On Xu Shen''s side.


    "Damn it, what kind of treasure could summon such a beast tide? I''ve been in this Outer Battlefield for so many years and have never seen a beast tide of this scale!"


    Xu Shen cursed. Faced with a beast tide, there was no choice but to run; if not, one might die without understanding how.


    "Leader Xu, quickly follow me; there''s a safe place ahead!"


    Li Benzhong jumped out and called out.


    In the urgency of the moment, Xu Shen chose to trust Li Benzhong.


    Under the guidance of Li Benzhong, Xu Shen and his party arrived at a safe place and avoided the beast tide.


    "Rest assured, I, Xu Shen, am always a man of my word. I will avenge the Lord of the Three Halls!"


    Li Benzhong, upon hearing this, was immediately overjoyed and hastily said, "Leader Xu, the person who severely wounded the Lord of the Three Halls is still in this Outer Battlefield, and he might also be on his way to compete with you for the Secret Treasure!"


    Ye Feng''s team was now in the Outer Battlefield; it was needless to think that Ye Feng had seen the phenomenon too, perhaps already heading there.


    "Oh!" Xu Shen also sounded delighted, "Very well, since that person is on the Outer Battlefield, things will be easier to handle. After the beast tide subsides, have everyone rush to the site where the treasure has emerged at top speed!"


    "And keep an eye on other forces as well!"


    Xu Shen issued the orders for his men to quicken their pace and also to be vigilant of other forces.


    "Boom! Boom!"


    The overwhelming beast tide, seen from above, was a spectacular sight. A black mass of various monsters, all formidable in strength.


    "My lord, these monsters are strong; luckily, we reacted quickly, otherwise, we might have died by these beasts'' hands!"


    Xiao Chuanqi exclaimed as he observed the beast tide; this was his first time witnessing one of such magnitude.


    It seemed like his first time experiencing the mystique of the Outer Battlefield.


    "Yes, they''re all strong," Ye Feng affirmed, watching the beasts below.


    "My lord!" Shadow, who was accustomed to large-scale scenes, suddenly shouted in alarm, "What is that?"


    He pointed towards the sky, where a dense mass of unidentified entities was rapidly approaching.

 Chapter 515 510: Red-Eyed Bat

    ```


    Hearing the cries of alarm, Ye Feng turned his head sharply to look, and his face immediately turned pale.


    What was flying toward them were the infamous Red-Eyed Bats¡ªdespite their small size, they were far more terrifying than some of the more powerful monsters.


    The Red-Eyed Bats, notorious for their ferocity, usually hunted at night, and none of their prey ever escaped their grasp.


    "Don''t these creatures only dare to hunt at night? It''s broad daylight now!"


    Ye Feng was baffled. Although the Red-Eyed Bats had a bad reputation, they were photophobic and usually hid in dark, damp caves during the day, only venturing out at night.


    "Master, what are Red-Eyed Bats?"


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but ask Ye Feng a question.


    "Once a Red-Eyed Bat targets you, you''re walking a path that leads only to death. Don''t be fooled by their size¡ªthey can suck your Qi-Blood dry in a matter of seconds once they attach to you!"


    Hiss!


    Hearing what Ye Feng had said, everyone gasped in horror at the thought of such small bats being so terrifying.


    To be able to drain Qi-Blood in just a few seconds, how terrifying is that.


    "I hope we haven''t become their prey!"


    Ye Feng said in a grave tone as he stared at the approaching swarm of the Red-Eyed Bats.


    If they were targeted, with the beast tide still raging, there was nowhere to run¡ªthey were facing certain death.


    As time ticked by, the first wave of Red-Eyed Bats swiftly flew over everyone''s heads without attacking Ye Feng and his companions.


    Red-Eyed Bats normally appeared only at night, but their emergence was likely caused by the Heaven and Earth anomalies brought about by the appearance of the Secret Treasure.


    "Master, they''ve left!"


    Shadow called out, eyeing the departing Red-Eyed Bats.


    "Quiet, don''t speak. They probably don''t see us as prey, but we can''t let our guard down!"


    Ye Feng had a bad feeling, as if something significant was awaiting him.


    Then the second wave of Red-Eyed Bats appeared, obviously larger in size than the first wave.


    They charged directly toward Ye Feng and his group, and the shrill sound was audible to their ears.


    "Sssss!


    "Not good, we''ve been targeted!"


    Indeed, Ye Feng and his companions had been targeted by the second wave of Red-Eyed Bats. A bat swiftly latched onto a Sect Member, and in less than three seconds, the poor man was covered in Red-Eyed Bats. Before he could even cry out, he was dead.


    The entire process took only ten seconds to claim a life¡ªthat was the horrifying nature of the Red-Eyed Bats.


    At this point, everyone was in disarray.


    The Red-Eyed Bats were too frightening, snatching away a life in just a few seconds¡ªhow could they even fight back?


    "Everyone, don''t panic. These little things are strong, but they''re afraid of fire. Those with Fire Attribute Cultivation Methods, use them! With fire, they won''t dare come near us!"


    Ye Feng reminded everyone, then immediately activated his own Fire Attribute Cultivation Technique, transforming his vast Spirit Essence into flames.


    The Red-Eyed Bats that had targeted Ye Feng suddenly retreated.


    Seeing this, the others used their Fire Attribute Cultivation Methods, and those who did not have them could only hide behind, not daring to move forward.


    In this way, they continued for about ten minutes. During that time, the Red-Eyed Bats only circled above their heads, not leaving.


    "Damn it!" Ye Feng cursed through gritted teeth: "These pests are incredibly tenacious! They just won''t go away."


    Seeing that the Red-Eyed Bats showed no sign of leaving, Xiao Chuanqi and the others looked to Ye Feng.


    "Master, what is going on? Shouldn''t these monsters be fleeing for their lives during the beast tide? Why are they attacking us?"


    Given that Red-Eyed Bats were afraid of both fire and light, it was rare to see them attack during the day¡ªin fact, you would hardly see them at all then.


    But now they had appeared, and they were incredibly aggressive.


    "Perhaps they want to feast one last time before they perish!"


    Ye Feng speculated. Knowing that the Red-Eyed Bats could not survive long in the light, and seeing that they remained in a standoff, he guessed they were prepared to go down with their enemies.


    To die but take a few with them¡ªthe intricate nature of their Spiritual Wisdom was inescapable.


    "Master, what should we do? It''s not sustainable to keep this up. Our Spirit Essence will soon be exhausted, and these creatures show no sign of leaving. If we run out of Spirit Essence, death awaits us all the same!"


    Shadow also voiced his concern.


    He understood the grave situation they were in¡ªtrapped with a chasing horde on one side and a beast tide on the other. Death was all that awaited them.


    Ye Feng scanned the Red-Eyed Bats above and, although he was not very familiar with them, he knew that there had to be a leader among them. If they could just take out the leader, the bats would naturally disperse.


    "Shadow, we will protect you as you go. There should be a leader among these Red-Eyed Bats. Take it out, and they will disperse!"


    Ye Feng knew they couldn''t keep up their current approach.


    If the Red-Eyed Bats didn''t leave, their Spirit Essence would eventually be depleted. When that happened, death was the only outcome.


    Shadow nodded gravely upon hearing Ye Feng''s words, understanding that the survival of the group relied on him.


    "Master, Shadow will not fail you!"


    With that, the Treasure Sword was drawn from its sheath, and his eyes fixed on the sky.


    ```


    After searching the area, they found no trace of anything unusual; the quantity of Red-Eyed Bats was too overwhelming to locate their leader in the shortest time possible.


    "Shadow, pay attention to where the Red-Eyed Bats are most numerous¡ªthat''s likely where their leader is!"


    Ye Feng gave a reminder.


    Shadow nodded slightly and continued the search, which soon bore fruit.


    In the center of the Red-Eyed Bats, swarms of them clustered densely around one that was slightly larger than the rest. Their positioning was almost uniform, indicating that the slightly larger Red-Eyed Bat was presumably the leader commanding the swarm.


    "Found it!"


    Without apparent joy, Shadow''s thoughts shifted subtly, and with a crisp sound, his Treasure Sword was already unsheathed.


    "Buzz buzz buzz!"


    All that could be heard was a buzzing noise.


    The Treasure Sword, gleaming with a silvery light, was already hurtling toward the leader of the Red-Eyed Bats.


    The Red-Eyed Bats in front, defending their leader, blocked its path.


    "Indeed, it''s your leader!"


    This strike was merely a probe by Shadow. Seeing the reaction of the swarm, he confirmed that the larger Red-Eyed Bat was indeed their commander, and a wave of elation washed over him.


    "We never intended to get tangled up with you, but since you wouldn''t let us pass, I had no choice!"


    The repelled Treasure Sword doubled back, its speed now so fast it dazzled the eyes.


    The Red-Eyed Bats still tried to block the Treasure Sword with their flesh, but to no avail.


    The edge emitted by the Treasure Sword was not something they could withstand. The sword swiftly passed through the swarm and approached the surrounded leader, sweeping by its body rapidly.


    "Shhh shhh shhh!"


    The swarm of Red-Eyed Bats let out a series of piercing shrieks and then scattered in all directions.


    Shadow had succeeded.


    Upon seeing this, Ye Feng and the others breathed a collective sigh of relief.


    "Shadow, well done!"


    Xiao Chuanqi complimented.


    "Master, Shadow has completed the task without disgrace!"


    Ye Feng had entrusted him with this mission, and the pressure he felt was immense.


    If he couldn''t find the Red-Eyed Bat leader soon, they would all perish in the swarm over time. Fortunately, Ye Feng''s prompt made it possible for him to find and slay the leader quickly.


    "Well done!" Ye Feng exhaled in relief. Even with powerful Spirit Essence, he felt helpless in the face of such a horde of monsters.


    "Let''s all take a short break. The beast tide should pass soon, and I am quite curious to see what sort of Secret Treasure would cause the Red-Eyed Bats to emerge in full force!"


    Ye Feng was immensely curious about the Secret Treasure. The emergence of such a phenomenon, which startled even creatures like the Red-Eyed Bats that naturally feared the light, suggested that the Secret Treasure was anything but ordinary.


    This was certainly not a simple Secret Treasure.


    The Sect Members all breathed a sigh of relief, considering the loss of just one person amidst the attack of the Red-Eyed Bats a fortunate outcome.


    The beast tide continued unabated, a dense mass teeming with all manner of monsters.


    Elsewhere, others were not as fortunate as Ye Feng''s group.


    Xu Shen''s side had already lost most of its men.


    "Damn it, have these Red-Eyed Bats gone mad? Coming out in broad daylight and they''re so aggressive too!"


    Xu Shen''s Mountain-Opening Broadsword relentlessly cleaved through the bats.


    With his men falling around him, Xu Shen cursed loudly.


    Li Benzhong witnessed firsthand how formidable the Red-Eyed Bats were. Hiding in the shadows, shivering, he wondered what kind of creatures they were to inflict such casualties on Xu Shen''s forces in just a few minutes.


    Not only Xu Shen''s group encountered the Red-Eyed Bats, other powers also clashed with them, some suffering great losses.


    This illustrated the terrifying nature of the Red-Eyed Bats.


    In the end, Xu Shen prevailed with his strength alone against the Red-Eyed Bats.


    "Damn it!" Looking at the many bodies of his men on the ground, Xu Shen cursed, "Red-Eyed Bats, someday I will burn down your roosting place myself!"


    Xu Shen was livid; they had set out for the Secret Treasure.


    Having not even glimpsed the Secret Treasure yet, they suffered heavy casualties, a devastating loss indeed.


    However, thinking of the Secret Treasure that caused such natural wonders and forced the light-fearing Red-Eyed Bats out of hiding, Xu Shen was consoled by the thought that the emerging Secret Treasure must be extraordinary.


    After more than half an hour, the beast tide finally passed.


    The land cleansed by the beast tide was left in disarray, with the bodies of Low-Level Monsters strewn everywhere.


    Their deaths were gruesome, their bodies mangled beyond recognition, trampled and torn.


    The dead monsters were all Low Level, having fallen behind and been trampled to death by the others following them.


    Prior to the impending danger, all creatures had lost their reason, driven by the instinct to survive.


    After regrouping, Ye Feng''s group moved towards the center of the natural wonders, obliviously followed by another external power.

 Chapter 516 511: Sowing Discord

    ```


    The monster tide had passed, and the ground where it had swept through was littered with the corpses of monsters, both high-level and low-level alike.


    Ye Feng and his companions had collected quite a few beast cores along the way.


    Of course, Ye Feng did not care for these beast cores. His focus was on what secret treasure had emerged to trigger such a massive monster tide. Even the red-eyed bats, which only dared to appear at night, were roused, along with that strange phenomenon in heaven and earth. This made one extremely curious about what treasure had been born.


    When the sect members saw that Ye Feng had no interest in the beast cores, they thought he must be crazy.


    "This Ye Feng must have lost his mind. He has no regard for beast cores, such treasures, and it allows us to pick up a bargain!"


    A sect member said smugly.


    "Exactly, he''s just a foolish youth. We will have our revenge sooner or later; let the boy jump around for a few more days!"


    They still harbored resentment against Ye Feng.


    The sect members who had acquired the treasured beast cores were overjoyed, and they felt more confident about dealing with Ye Feng.


    Under Ye Feng''s lead, the group successfully reached the center of the heaven and earth phenomenon.


    "This is...." Ye Feng looked at the fist-sized lotus flower standing in the void and said with a shocked expression, "The Hun Yuan Green Lotus?"


    Indeed, it was this Hun Yuan Green Lotus that had drawn both the heaven and earth phenomenon and the monster tide.


    Just as its name implies, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was a treasure that appeared only once every thousand, or even ten thousand years.


    A person whose meridians were completely severed and who was unable to cultivate, if they consumed the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, could potentially reconstruct their broken meridians and even possibly cultivate divine bones within their body. For someone unable to cultivate, consuming this would be revolutionary; they could successfully enter the path of cultivation overnight, and their cultivation level could skyrocket, turning them into a peerless powerhouse within ten years.


    It was this fact that shocked Ye Feng, for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was an exceptionally rare treasure.


    He had never seen such a thing but recognized the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    The seeds of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus were equally precious; if a cultivator was gravely injured, critically ill or on the brink of death, consuming a lotus seed could bring about their recovery.


    "Right now, this Hun Yuan Green Lotus has not yet matured. It should take about another four hours or so to ripen!"


    Ye Feng thought to himself, containing his excitement.


    "What a coincidence to meet you here, Ye Feng! Hahahaha, you won''t be so lucky this time!"


    As Ye Feng was looking at the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, a familiar voice rang out in his ear. He turned his head, "Li Benzhong!"


    That''s right, it was Xu Shen''s team, and Li Benzhong was among them.


    Ye Feng had not expected to encounter Li Benzhong again so soon after he had managed to escape from the Xuanyuan Hall by a fluke. And by the looks of it, it seemed they were here for revenge.


    Li Benzhong sure had a hard head. Even the Lord of the Three Halls was no match for Ye Feng, and yet this man was acting arrogantly again. Had he not witnessed Ye Feng''s prowess?


    "Li Benzhong, hahahaha!" Xiao Chuanqi laughed loudly, "You really know how to find trouble. Heaven offered you a path, but you chose to come to Hell instead. We were worried about how to find you, yet you''ve delivered yourself to our doorstep. Let''s settle both our new and old scores together!"


    Similarly, the others had not expected to run into Li Benzhong at this time, and the bald, broad-shouldered man with the Mountain-Opening Broadsword by Li Benzhong''s side exuded a formidable aura.


    At this moment, the sect members did not know which side to support¡ªboth Ye Feng and Li Benzhong were their enemies.


    They didn''t know which side to choose. Neither side was viable.


    "What should we do now? On one side is Li Benzhong, who has deceived us, and on the other side is Ye Feng, whom we loathe with a passion!"


    A sect member whispered cautiously.


    "Wait and see. This time, we won''t side with either party; just let''s watch what happens!"


    Of course, they were leaning more toward Ye Feng''s side because only he could lead them out of the Outer Battlefield. Having been tricked once by the extremely cunning Li Benzhong, they didn''t dare to trust him again.


    Now they could only watch quietly.


    "Big Brother Xu, this person here is the one who seriously injured the Lord of the Three Halls. This youngster is insufferably arrogant and even delusionally thinks of slaughtering all of us from the Military Supporting Regiment in the Outer Battlefield!"


    Li Benzhong exaggerated his words, and upon listening, Xu Shen expressed a keen interest with an "Oh."


    Soon after, Xu Shen waved the Mountain-Opening Broadsword in his hand, and the malicious aura around him was instantly released with a pair of cold eyes fixating on Ye Feng.


    Those eyes!


    "Don''t look into his eyes!"


    Ye Feng quickly shouted out a warning.


    Xu Shen''s spiritual power was immense, and he intended to use it to crush Ye Feng''s willpower and then control his consciousness.


    If someone was controlled, it would indeed be the end of the road for them.


    With Ye Feng''s reminder, not one person dared to look into Xu Shen''s eyes because they were all afraid to die.


    "You want to contest spiritual power with me? Sorry, you''ve picked the wrong opponent!"


    Ye Feng chuckled coldly inside, and a moment later, a flash of gold sparkled in his eyes as he met Xu Shen''s gaze.


    Xu Shen quickly retreated a few steps, his mind utterly shocked.


    "This young man''s spiritual power is actually above mine!"


    ```


    Li Benzhong hastily helped Xu Shen and asked, "Big Brother Xu, are you alright?"


    "Get lost!" Feeling extremely humiliated after being scared off by a youngster, Xu Shen opened his eyes, looked at Ye Feng, and said with a chuckle, "Boy, you do have some tricks up your sleeve. No wonder the Lord of the Three Halls was defeated by you!"


    Xu Shen still dared not meet Ye Feng''s gaze, for in the brief moment their eyes had locked earlier, he saw hell incarnate in Ye Feng''s eyes, indeed, it was hell.


    "What on earth has this lad been through to have an aura of malice that even surpasses mine?"


    Xu Shen thought to himself.


    Ye Feng smiled lightly, "The feeling is mutual, I have yet to inquire the esteemed name of yourself!"


    Xu Shen possessed a spiritual power that Ye Feng had never encountered before. Though it was not as potent as his own, he nonetheless regarded Xu Shen as an opponent.


    "Listen well!" Xu Shen straightened his back and said proudly, "I am Xu Shen, the head of the Slaughter Mercenary Group!"


    Xu Shen chose the name ''Slaughter'' for his mercenary group because he had a particular fondness for mass killing.


    He once single-handedly massacred an entire regiment of mercenaries in the Outer Battlefield, and the manner of their deaths were unspeakably brutal.


    Since then, Xu Shen''s fame had soared. Other mercenary groups on the Outer Battlefield dared not provoke him, and instead, they tried to curry favor with Xu Shen.


    The last thing they wanted was for Xu Shen to take offense and annihilate another mercenary group.


    By now, most of the mercenary groups in the Outer Battlefield could be considered Xu Shen''s underlings; his name was known to all there.


    Ye Feng had heard a bit about the man before him and, with a slight smile, said, "So, it''s Xu Shen, the Leader who razed an entire mercenary group overnight. It''s an honor to meet you!"


    "Hmph, surname Ye!" Li Benzhong, emboldened by Xu Shen''s reputation, said arrogantly, "Since you''ve heard of my Big Brother Xu''s name, if you know what''s good for you, cut off your own cultivation level and kneel before Big Brother Xu. I might put in a good word for you and allow you to keep your corpse intact!"


    Li Benzhong''s statement perfectly encapsulated the notion of ''a dog taking advantage of its master''s power.''


    Earlier, at the Xuanyuan Hall, he had acted arrogantly under the protection of the Lord of the Three Halls. After the Lord''s defeat, he hadn''t thought twice before fleeing. And now, he had latched onto the leader of the Military Supporting Regiment and was more arrogant than ever.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed slightly, "Big Brother Xu, please tether your dog properly. It would be a shame if it went mad and bit one of your own."


    What could Li Benzhong amount to, barking and yelping before him time and again? The opportunity had been given, but alas, the fool didn''t know how to cherish it. Well, there was no helping it now.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, Xiao Chuanqi and others couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Xu Shen, please tether your dog. If it bites one of your own, that wouldn''t be good, right?" Sima Zhantian teased.


    The Sect Members, holding back their laughter, knew what kind of person Li Benzhong was after being tricked once; he was someone who bullied the weak but feared the strong.


    He acted tough when he had strong backing but was worse than a dog without it.


    The Sect Members looked down on Li Benzhong, knowing him to be extremely cunning, with none able to decipher what sinister plots might be unfolding in his mind that could turn and bite them later.


    "Li Benzhong truly does not know whether he''s alive or dead!" someone from the Confucian Sect said solemnly, the consensus echoed by others: "Such a sly villain deserves to die a thousand times. He nearly caused our demise before, and now he''s barking wildly again, relying on the power of the Military Supporting Regiment."


    Previously, Li Benzhong had been considered a person of importance in these Sect Members'' eyes, but now, to them, he wasn''t even worth a dog¡ªa harbinger of bad luck.


    "We were truly fools to have listened to this cunning little person''s words before!" they lamented.


    At this moment, Li Benzhong was clenching his teeth in anger, his body trembling uncontrollably.


    "Ye Feng, if you don''t die today, then I, Li Benzhong, will walk backwards!" Li Benzhong pointed at Ye Feng and cursed furiously, then turned to Xu Shen and switched to a different tone.


    "Big Brother Xu, I ask you to avenge the Lord of the Three Halls. As you have seen, this young man is arrogant and doesn''t take you seriously at all. Please execute him!"


    "Who do you think you are to tell me what to do?" Xu Shen, seemingly simple-minded but actually deeply strategic, was very annoyed at being ordered around. He naturally intended to kill Ye Feng because the Lord of the Three Halls had shown him kindness, and he had to avenge that.


    As for Li Benzhong, how dare he try to command Xu Shen?


    Xu Shen gave Li Benzhong no face at all, and although Li Benzhong was resentful, he dared not show it; after all, Xu Shen was now his only hope for survival.


    "Big Brother Xu, may we offer you a word of advice!" someone from the Sects called out, seizing the situation to speak, "That Li Benzhong was originally with us before he betrayed us, endangering our lives. Are you not afraid of making the same mistake by trusting him?"


    Barefaced discord-sowing, excellent. Li Benzhong could never have imagined the Sect Members would take this chance to bite back at him.


    "Respected Xu, I hold you in high esteem, yet I must urge you not to associate with this Li," interjected the leader of the Buddhist Sect.


    The Buddhist Sect harbored deep resentment towards Li Benzhong.


    Seeing everyone pounce on him, Li Benzhong seethed with rage, yet there was nothing he could do. He was furious inside, but he did not dare to act out.


    Ye Feng was enjoying the drama, sensing that the scene was rather amusing. He could feel Xu Shen wavering, which meant that Li Benzhong''s death was drawing near.


    Even if Xu Shen didn''t kill Li Benzhong, Ye Feng had no intention of letting him off. Giving him too many chances just proved he didn''t appreciate them.


    Xu Shen snorted coldly, "Who I associate with is none of the business of you ants!"


    "The Outer Battlefield is quite lively today, isn''t it?"


    At that moment, a voice tinged with sarcasm pierced through the air.

 Chapter 517 512: Contest for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus

    Today''s Outer Battlefield is really bustling.


    Behind the crowd, a bizarre yin-and-yang voice sounded.


    It''s the Western Blood Clan, the Fusang Yin-Yang Master, and the Snow Wolf Country Shaman, all old acquaintances indeed.


    "Look who it is!" the Fusang Yin-Yang Master said mockingly.


    "Northern Border King, we meet again!" the pale-faced Blood Clan member smiled at Ye Feng.


    "My Lord, why have they come?"


    Xiao Chuanqi asked Ye Feng in a low voice by his side.


    "With the Secret Treasure making such a commotion, they''ve been around the Outer Battlefield for days. I''d find it strange if they didn''t show up here!"


    Ye Feng had anticipated running into these people¡ªthe emergence of the Secret Treasure had virtually attracted the forces from the entire Outer Battlefield to converge here.


    Now, it''s still unclear how many other forces are en route here. Currently, everyone''s goal is the same: to fight for the Secret Treasure.


    "Hahaha, it turns out to be the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, no wonder it''s caused such a huge disturbance!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Master recognized the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, and bursting into laughter, he seemed to eye it as already in his possession.


    At this time, Xu Shen''s team was somewhat dazed. Why were so many factions arriving, all with the same goal?


    The situation just got troublesome. Originally facing Ye Feng alone, he was set on obtaining the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. But now, other powers had intervened, making it difficult to compete for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus amongst the multitude of factions.


    "Yes!" The Blood Clan members looked fiercely at the immature Hun Yuan Green Lotus, exclaiming, "Now the Hun Yuan Green Lotus is not yet mature, but in no more than four hours it will be ready, and by then surely the Green Lotus will be in our pocket!"


    The Blood Clan was ambitious and determined to seize the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    Far away, Xu Shen, upon hearing these words, became displeased. After all, he was also a king of the Outer Battlefield. These people, neither human nor ghostly, were simply disregarding him, which irritated him. Just as he was about to speak, Li Benzhong by his side hastily dissuaded him.


    "Big Brother Xu, be not rash. The power of the arrived individuals is formidable; our group might not be a match. We should act according to the situation. Once the Hun Yuan Green Lotus matures, they will inevitably start to fight!"


    It has to be said, Li Benzhong was indeed clever. He had heard of the reputations of the Fusang Yin-Yang Master and the Blood Clan Snow Wolf Country Shaman.


    Once these three factions unite, the Outer Battlefield today would indeed tremble.


    Moreover, all three factions had some past grievances with Ye Feng, and Ye Feng was also after the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. Their goals were the same.


    "Ye Feng himself is also powerful. If they start fighting, they are bound to both suffer, and then it would be our chance to intervene. By then, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus will be in our pocket!"


    After listening to this, Xu Shen took note of the point. He did not dare to easily provoke the three factions. Li Benzhong was right; if they start fighting, they would most likely end up with mutual losses. If they intervened prematurely, it might also give other factions an opportunity to take advantage.


    This was rather like sitting idle and reaping the fisherman''s profit. He, of course, knew the value of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus and was intent on securing it.


    "Hahahaha!" Xu Shen chuckled secretly: "You''re right. Those people obviously have hostility towards that youngster. It seems like the Hun Yuan Green Lotus will take a bit more than one hour to mature. We shall wait and reap the benefits!"


    Xu Shen then ordered his men to retreat a few dozen meters, which, in the eyes of others, seemed like giving up on this opportunity to compete for the Secret Treasure.


    But Ye Feng and his party were not fools; they understood Xu Shen''s intentions.


    Mercenaries in the Outer Battlefield would not miss out on a profit. They certainly wouldn''t let the chance to compete for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus slip by.


    "Today, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus will belong to us!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Master issued a forceful declaration.


    "Oh? Are you saying that the lot of you are ignoring my Blood Clan?"


    Following the Fusang Yin-Yang Master''s fierce words, the Blood Clan was the first to refuse to agree.


    The Hun Yuan Green Lotus was also something they were resolved to obtain.


    "Hmm? Why not test our strength first?"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Master''s side obviously wouldn''t concede, knowing very well the value of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus¡ªa treasure that may not appear even once in a thousand or ten thousand years. How could they let it slip away?


    "Come then, I''ve long heard that you Fusang Yin-Yang Masters are adept at Yin-Yang techniques. My Blood Clan, on the other hand, would like to witness it firsthand!"


    Even before the Hun Yuan Green Lotus had matured, the Blood Clan and the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters, who had been side by side in the Outer Battlefield, began to argue.


    Out of interest, their previous encounter and alliance in the Outer Battlefield were mutually beneficial.


    As they were about to come to blows, the Fusang Yin-Yang Master''s side chose to yield.


    "Once I seize the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, then I will let you experience our capabilities!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Master certainly wasn''t foolish. If a fight broke out with the Blood Clan, whose strength was similar, they would both be severely weakened. For now, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus hadn''t yet matured.


    It was not too late to fight for it once it matured. If they fought now, it would only allow others to take advantage of them.


    "Hmph!" The Blood Clan side was utterly dissatisfied but was aware of the current situation: "We will wait and see if you Fusang Yin-Yang Masters really have the ability to compete with my Blood Clan for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus!"


    "What a disappointment. Why don''t you fight? Come on, why not fight?!" Xiao Chuanqi was quite disappointed.


    If they had fought, competing for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus would have been much easier.


    Unfortunately, they didn''t fight; instead, they just engaged in a war of words.


    At this moment, Ye Feng clearly saw the situation. If the Blood Clan and the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters joined forces, his chances of fighting for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus would be slim.


    The power of the Fusang Yin-Yang Master was not to be underestimated, nor was that of the Blood Clan.


    Now, understanding their relationship, there was still hope for obtaining the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "My Lord, it seems that Xu Shen appears to have withdrawn from this chance to compete for the Secret Treasure," Shadow whispered beside Ye Feng.


    "Hmph!" Ye Feng coldly laughed in response: "You think too simply of the mercenaries here. I''ve heard that the mercenaries on this side of the Outer Battlefield are madmen who would give their lives for profit. Do you think Xu Shen would give up the opportunity to fight for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus?"


    Xu Shen''s ulterior motives are known to all.


    "Xu Shen simply wants to reap the gains without effort. Since that''s the case, I will not let him have his way!"


    Shadow thought carefully and understood Xu Shen''s actions.


    "Lord, what shall we do next?"


    Many factions had come to vie for the Treasure, and their strength was not to be underestimated. To compete with these forces for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was difficult¡ªit might even come with the risk of losing one''s life.


    "Wait," Ye Feng said calmly.


    Wait for what? Of course, it was to wait for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus to mature. Once it did, the fangs and claws of the various forces would be revealed. Then, seizing the opportunity would be key.


    Then, none of the forces made a move¡ªthey were all resting on the spot, waiting for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus to mature.


    It was already night, but the sky of the Outer Battlefield was filled with stars, and the bright moon hung high.


    The radiant purple light emanating from the suspended Hun Yuan Green Lotus was as dazzling as the stars.


    At this moment, everyone stood up, their eyes all looking in the same direction, all closely watching every move of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    After waiting for one and a half hours, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus finally matured.


    "Buzz!"


    The Hun Yuan Green Lotus, hanging in the air, was originally closed, but now it had unfolded completely, enveloped in a layer of purple light.


    The Hun Yuan Green Lotus was fully mature, and the various forces began to stir restlessly.


    Everyone''s gaze was feverishly fixed on the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Hahaha, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus has matured, Fusang shall be the first to claim it!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Master made the first move to grab the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    The Blood Clan was always watching the Fusang Yin-Yang Master''s actions, and the moment they moved, the Blood Clan followed suit.


    "Hmph, the first to take it? You''re not taking the Blood Clan seriously!"


    Both sides'' forces charged towards the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Lord!"


    Xiao Chuanqi saw someone making a move and looked eagerly at Ye Feng.


    "No rush, we''ll take action as we see fit!"


    Ye Feng watched the Blood Clan and the Fusang Yin-Yang Master and replied.


    The Blood Clan and the Fusang Yin-Yang Master had already started fighting, neither side giving in, using various lethal moves aimed at vital points.


    After several exchanges, neither side could claim victory¡ªit ended in a stalemate.


    "Damn it!" The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters who couldn''t repel the Blood Clan cursed.


    "You two don''t worry about me. Keep them busy while you fetch the Hun Yuan Green Lotus for me!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Master in the middle ordered the two beside him.


    "Lord Beya!"


    "Go now!"


    Seeing the two Fusang Yin-Yang Masters hesitating, the one called Lord Beya roared.


    The two Fusang Yin-Yang Masters obeyed the command and rushed towards the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Hmph!" Seeing this, the Blood Clan seized the chance to intercept them. "Naive, thinking you can snatch the Hun Yuan Green Lotus right under my watch. Dream on!"


    The Blood Clan''s aura was overwhelming, giving the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters no opportunity.


    Obviously, the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were not to be trifled with. The three looked at each other and simultaneously performed Seal Formations. Suddenly, a fearsome aura erupted from their bodies.


    Then a talisman, resembling a triplet of stars, slowly appeared, and they shouted.


    The talisman went straight for the Blood Clan.


    "Not good, retreat!"


    Realizing the danger, the Blood Clan immediately ordered their subordinates to retreat.


    Some of the Blood Clan members who hadn''t fled in time were hit directly and soon fell, turning into a wisp of green smoke that vanished into the air.


    The powerful leaders managed to block the attack.


    "Xuanyuan Nation brat, we still haven''t settled our score from before. Don''t worry, you''re next!"


    At this moment, the central Fusang Yin-Yang Master stared at Ye Feng and shouted.


    Ye Feng replied with a cold laugh: "I was planning to settle accounts with you later, too!"


    Ye Feng had previously clashed with them, killing one of their Shikigamis, and it was only the strength of his Flesh Body Realm that had narrowly saved his life; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been standing here now.


    Ye Feng always remembered that debt.


    The Blood Clan on this side hadn''t expected the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters to be so powerful. Continuing like this didn''t bode well for them. Not only may they fail to get the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, but they could also potentially fall in this Outer Battlefield.


    The Blood Clan took the initiative to cease fighting and smiled, "We have already witnessed the strength of the three of you, and I still have an unsettled score with that little Xuanyuan Nation guy. Let''s stop here for now and deal with that kid first!"


    "Lord!"


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward upon hearing this, but Ye Feng raised his hand, signaling not to be rash.


    "Alright, the three of us also have this in mind!" replied the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters, looking at Ye Feng with a terrifying gaze, "Kid, earlier you took our Treasure, how shall we settle this account?"


    The aura emanating from the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters was chilling.

 Chapter 518 513: Brothers of Bygone Days

    Seeing this situation, the Blood Clan joined the fray as well, having old scores to settle with Ye Feng.


    Now was the perfect opportunity to settle accounts.


    "Gentlemen, do you mind if we join in?"


    The Blood Clan''s leader stepped forward and called out, his gaze towards Ye Feng filled with hostility.


    "Naturally, we don''t mind your joining us, just as long as you Blood Clan don''t trip us up from behind!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were afraid of being ambushed by the Blood Clan when battling against Ye Feng and seizing the opportunity to snatch the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Hahaha, harmony is, of course, most cherished!"


    Such emphasis on harmony, yet the factions each harbored their own schemes, which the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were well aware of.


    There were also hidden forces lurking in the shadows, coveting the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "My lord, we..." Xiao Chuanqi looked somewhat panicked, as they would have to face two powerful forces that had previously clashed with each other and knew full well the terror of their foes.


    Now, as they united to take on Ye Feng, he was in danger.


    "What, afraid?" Ye Feng spoke, his presence suddenly flaring. "Those Blood Clan underlings are yours to deal with. The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters are mine. You won''t have any trouble with that, will you?"


    Xiao Chuanqi and others responded, "My lord, we will follow your command and not let you down. Just watch us!"


    Xiao Chuanqi had never once shied away from a fight with Ye Feng before and was not about to start now.


    Even when facing powerful enemies, they had always met the challenge head-on.


    "Good, let''s make it quick, and always keep an eye on Snow Wolf Country''s moves!"


    Ye Feng warned; he had a bad feeling about Snow Wolf Country''s inertia, seeming like they were just spectators to a spectacle, but he was deeply aware of Snow Wolf Country''s fangs.


    Snow Wolf Country was not as simple as it appeared on the surface; its current inaction was concerning, as there was a strategy at play. So, they needed to stay on guard at all times.


    Of course, other forces hiding in the dark needed to be guarded against too, for everyone here had the same goal: to fight over the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    Ye Feng certainly wouldn''t let anyone succeed easily.


    "Hahaha, quite brave for a Xuanyuan Nation''s youngster. You and I have yet to determine the victor last time, but this time I will surely slay you!"


    Lord Beya of the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters, having suffered a loss at Ye Feng''s hands before, had been stewing over it and was now eager for payback.


    "I shall see if you truly have the ability to slay me!" Ye Feng retorted with a cold laugh.


    "Noisy!"


    The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters made their move, their forms shifting like phantoms beyond the capture of the naked eye. By the time they became visible, they had already appeared in front of Ye Feng''s face.


    Ye Feng reacted swiftly, retreating several meters back.


    If he had been a moment slower, his head would likely have fallen to the ground.


    The three Yin-Yang Masters, well-aware of Ye Feng''s strength, dared not underestimate him for a second when confronting him.


    The next moment, they exchanged glances before joining their hands together to form a Dharma Seal.


    The seal resembled a circular talisman.


    Boom...


    The talisman shot down towards Ye Feng, who with a thought, summoned a black long spear over three meters in length. His figure then surged forward.


    "Hmph, the young one from Xuanyuan Nation dares to think he can take on my strike head-on? Nai?ve!"


    The central Fusang Yin-Yang Master, seeing Ye Feng''s move, scoffed, thinking it hadn''t been many days since their last encounter.


    A few days ago, Ye Feng had gained an advantage due to his own carelessness, but today was different from the past. Today he was determined to kill Ye Feng.


    Boom...


    The Sky-breaking Long Spear collided with the talisman, resulting in a thunderous explosion that sent Ye Feng retreating dozens of meters.


    "Damn it!" he cursed internally, gritting his teeth, "They seem to be stronger than a few days ago!"


    Taking the hit head-on, Ye Feng felt his arm go numb. He would have been seriously injured if not for the strength of his Flesh Body Realm.


    "My lord!"


    Seeing Ye Feng immediately at a disadvantage after one strike, Xiao Chuanqi and the others anxiously shouted.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "It''s nothing. Just be careful yourselves!"


    "Brothers, it''s our turn to step up. The lord has done enough. Even if we die in battle, we''ll make them pay dearly!"


    Xiao Chuanqi roared, and his demeanor changed dramatically, becoming a different person compared to before.


    The trio engaged in battle with the Blood Clan.


    After several exchanges, it became clear that they were no match for the Blood Clan.


    "It''s started, it''s started, good!"


    Li Benzhong, Xu Shen, and others were delighted to see Ye Feng and his people engaged in battle. Having defeated the Lord of the Three Halls before, Ye Feng''s strength was unquestionably formidable.


    Whoever won would come out weakened, and by then, no one could contend with them for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Hahahaha, the harder you fight, the happier I am. Keep fighting. Once you''re all worn out, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus will be mine!" Xu Shen proudly declared.


    "Ye Feng, oh Ye Feng, you better not die so quickly. I still await the satisfaction of personally slaying you to quell the hatred in my heart!" Li Benzhong thought to himself.


    At this moment, the battle intensified. Xiao Chuanqi and his two companions fought with fierce determination, as if they had nothing to lose. Many of the Blood Clan had fallen.


    "Come on, bring it on! I''m waiting to kill you beasts!"


    The trio, now wounded to varying degrees and covered in blood both their own and that of their enemies, looked as though they had crawled out of hell itself.


    The Blood Clan was deterred by the imposing aura of the three individuals, hesitant to make a move for the moment.


    They all looked towards their team leader, knowing if things continued this way, the situation would turn against them.


    "I respect you three as true men. The battle ends here for today; enjoy your last moments of freedom!"


    Since the Hun Yuan Green Lotus had yet to be obtained, if the fight continued, the losses would be too great for them, and their chances of contending with the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus would be slim.


    Therefore, the Blood Clan made the astute decision not to continue the battle.


    On Ye Feng''s side, the fight with the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters was back and forth. Initially at a disadvantage, Ye Feng gradually found his rhythm. The Yin-Yang Masters, after several rounds of combat, gained no upper hand, which greatly vexed them.


    "Damn it, you two find a way to tie down this kid, and I will finish him off!"


    "Yes, Lord Beya!"


    The other two Fusang Yin-Yang Masters vanished on the spot, their Shikigami heading straight for Ye Feng in an attempt to entangle him.


    "Not good!"


    Facing two Shikigami at once, Ye Feng wasn''t sure which one to confront first, with two Yin-Yang Masters lurking behind them.


    "Farewell, lad of Xuanyuan Nation!"


    "This Hun Yuan Green Lotus is mine!"


    Just as the Fusang Yin-Yang Master was about to use his trump card, a voice echoed from the crowd below.


    All eyes turned downward, where a man with a weathered face, disheveled hair, tattered clothing, and carrying a Mountain-Opening Broadsword on his back, appeared within everyone''s sight.


    I''ll take this Hun Yuan Green Lotus; what arrogance.


    Ye Feng frowned as he looked over. The man''s build seemed very familiar to him, as if he were an old friend, but his face was obscured by his hair and couldn''t be seen clearly at first glance.


    "It''s him, he''s actually here!"


    Xu Shen''s face changed drastically upon seeing the man; clearly, he was afraid.


    "Big Brother Xu, do you know this person?"


    Seeing Xu Shen''s panic, Li Benzhong couldn''t help but ask curiously.


    "How could I not know him!" Xu Shen said with fear in his voice, "This man is the one feared most by the armies of the Outer Battlefield. Everywhere he goes, there are corpses strewn everywhere and rivers of blood. He is the madman of the Outer Battlefield!"


    Hiss.


    Upon hearing Xu Shen''s words, Li Benzhong couldn''t help but gasp. Xu Shen was the king of the mercenaries from the Outer Battlefield; who could he possibly fear?


    This person must be extremely formidable.


    "Looks like we won''t be able to get the Hun Yuan Green Lotus today!"


    The Hun Yuan Green Lotus was an incredible treasure, and Xu Shen did not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, he could not afford to offend the newcomer, being just a mere Mercenary King.


    Survival comes first before treasures. Without any leverage to compete with other forces for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, Xu Shen didn''t want to lead his brothers into danger either.


    "Big Brother Xu, I think not so fast!"


    As Xu Shen felt disappointed, Li Benzhong spoke up. Xu Shen looked at him, "Do you have a plan?"


    Seeing his chance to shine, Li Benzhong quickly clasped his hands together and said, "Indeed, Big Brother Xu, let''s continue to hold our position and observe the situation. It''s not just us who wants the Hun Yuan Green Lotus right now, there are others, and do you think they would let that madman take it?"


    Xu Shen pondered for a moment and felt there was sense in those words.


    Indeed, everyone was after the Hun Yuan Green Lotus for the same reason. No matter how strong or ruthless the madman was, would the other forces agree to let him take it?


    Of course, that would be impossible to agree to.


    "Who are you?" one of the central Fusang Yin-Yang Masters demanded.


    "Your killer!"


    The person below spoke in a low voice, still not lifting his head to show his face hidden behind his hair.


    "Presumptuous!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Master became furious, itching to act but was restrained.


    "Don''t. Rumor has it that Xuanyuan Nation is filled with formidable warriors. We didn''t even notice when he arrived; this man''s strength is unfathomable!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Masters held their position, sobering up.


    Ye Feng took advantage of this moment to retreat.


    "Are you all right?"


    Looking at the disheveled trio, Ye Feng expressed his concern.


    "Nothing serious, just some minor injuries, not enough to kill us!"


    "My lord, that man looks so familiar!"


    Shadow voiced his doubts, and indeed, Xiao Chuanqi also felt that the man''s silhouette reminded him of someone from the past.


    "Hmm," Ye Feng nodded, "Seeing him reminds me of an old friend!"


    This old friend mentioned by Ye Feng was a brother from the past, whom he hadn''t heard from in years.


    Ye Feng only knew that this old friend had entered the Outer Battlefield, with no news of him being dead or alive.


    It was then that the man below lifted his head, revealing the face that had been obscured by his hair.


    "My lord, my lord, it''s him, it''s him!"


    Shadow''s excited voice reached Ye Feng''s ears, and with a jolt in his heart, Ye Feng looked over.


    Indeed, it was his old friend from the past, his brother from long ago.


    The man gave Ye Feng a fleeting glance upon hearing these words and then turned towards the crowd.


    "This Hun Yuan Green Lotus is mine!"

 Chapter 519 - 514: Ill Take This Hun Yuan Green Lotus

    ```


    The man spoke with an air of extreme arrogance, not putting any of the people present in his eyes.


    "He''s still the same as before, not a bit has changed!" Ye Feng sighed, his eyes slightly moist.


    That was his brother, after all. A few years ago, some changes occurred and he left Ye Feng, later Ye Feng heard that he had entered the Outer Battlefield alone, and since then there had been no news.


    Sometimes, Ye Feng had thought his brother was already dead, but he never expected to reunite with him today on the Outer Battlefield.


    "Grand Corps Leader, do you still recognize me!" Xiao Chuanqi called out to the man below.


    Gai Jiutian was a legend in Ye Feng''s troop, if he had continued to stay in the Northern Border, he might now be as famous as Ye Feng.


    "Hmm?" Gai Jiutian looked up at Xiao Chuanqi and frowned.


    "Who are you? Why do you address me as Grand Corps Leader!"


    "Who are you," Xiao Chuanqi fiercely looked towards Ye Feng and then continued, "Grand Corps Leader, it''s okay if you don''t recognize me, but surely you should recognize the lord!"


    "I don''t recognize you, I only have one purpose today, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus is mine, anyone who disagrees, come up and meet your death!"


    Gai Jiutian no longer paid Ye Feng and the others any mind, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.


    "My lord, this......"


    Ye Feng was very puzzled at that moment, Gai Jiutian actually did not recognize them, and he also felt that Gai Jiutian was very strange, especially the aura on him which gave him a sense of unfamiliarity.


    Once, they were brothers who shared life and death, but now things had changed so dramatically that it was indeed creation playing with people.


    "Let''s observe the situation first," Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "He''s both the Gai Jiutian we knew and not the Gai Jiutian we knew!"


    What did that mean?


    Xiao Chuanqi and the other two didn''t understand the meaning of this phrase.


    But they couldn''t disregard Ye Feng''s commands.


    "You brats, I want to see if you indeed have the strength to vie for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. Let''s go!"


    The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters took action directly.


    "Hmph!" Gai Jiutian sneered, "Merely three ants!"


    Then he made his move, and the Mountain-Opening Broadsword on his back charged out.


    The Dharma Seals of the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters came flying at him.


    "Child''s play!" Gai Jiutian shouted lowly, "Break for me!"


    Boom thunderous sounds...


    A massive noise erupted, and the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were sent flying back dozens of meters.


    "What? He managed to repel three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters by himself!" The side of the Blood Clan became restless on seeing this, What kind of monster was Gai Jiutian that he had defeated three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters by his own strength.


    "Just who is this person?"


    The Blood Clan became restless, and the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters who had exchanged blows were likewise restless. They had never imagined that this newcomer''s strength would be so formidable.


    What exactly was this monster?


    "Lord, there seems to be a problem!" Xiao Chuanqi exclaimed.


    "Indeed, there''s a problem!" Ye Feng narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the Spirit Essence breath released by Gai Jiutian, which was not the kind that Gai Jiutian should possess.


    "Lord, this is the breath of someone who has suffered a Deviation, could it be that the Corps Leader has suffered a Deviation?"


    Xiao Chuanqi continued to ask.


    "We can''t jump to conclusions before the full extent of the situation is clear," Ye Feng kept his eyes on Gai Jiutian.


    After not seeing him for several years, the fellow had grown outrageously strong, especially that aura from Gai Jiutian, intense enough that even Ye Feng himself felt it.


    Gai Jiutian was very strong, even if Ye Feng faced him he wouldn''t dare to be careless.


    "You all think too highly of yourselves, vying for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus with this little strength. If I were you, I wouldn''t have joined in!"


    Gai Jiutian mocked looking at the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters.


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Masters trembled with anger, but they were powerless. After just one exchange, they were all too aware of Gai Jiutian''s strength; reality informed them that if they continued, they might very well die.


    They were angry, but without the strength, there was nothing they could do.


    "Sir, are we really just going to watch this man take away the Hun Yuan Green Lotus?" one of the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters on the right said unwillingly. The Hun Yuan Green Lotus, a treasure that one might not encounter even in thousands or tens of thousands of years, was now to be handed over to someone else.


    "Don''t be hasty!" The central Fusang Yin-Yang Master had a sharp look in his eyes, "After all, it''s not only us who want the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. Can this man take the Hun Yuan Green Lotus and leave here safely?"


    Leaving safely was naturally not possible. The other great powers were all coveting the Hun Yuan Green Lotus and could make a move at any moment.


    Gai Jiutian was but one man, could he face the other great powers alone?


    Gai Jiutian scanned the crowd and waved his hand, "Gentlemen, is there anyone else who still desires the Hun Yuan Green Lotus?"


    Not a single person present dared to speak.


    "Then, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus is mine!"


    His tone was full of extreme arrogance, not considering the three factions worthy opponents, and in full view, he took the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Alas, I knew there wouldn''t be a good show when this madman appeared!" Xu Shen sighed, "Not a single person dares to touch this madman, what can we do? This person''s strength is formidable, and his methods are even more ruthless!"


    Li Benzhong also hadn''t expected that the other forces wouldn''t dare make a sound, all of them fearing Gai Jiutian?


    No one said a word at this moment. Gai Jiutian snorted coldly and slowly walked towards where the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was located.


    Then he leaped high and plucked the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    At that moment, all of the forces couldn''t sit still any longer, they couldn''t just watch the Hun Yuan Green Lotus fall into someone else''s hands.


    ```


    Just as Gai Jiutian was preparing to leave, the Blood Clan could not sit still any longer.


    "Stop!"


    Gai Jiutian halted his steps, his cold eyes staring straight at the Blood Clan.


    "You want to grab it, let''s see if you have the capability!"


    Gai Jiutian was extremely arrogant, as if he didn''t care about anyone present.


    "You are all trash. Even if he is powerful, he''s just one person, and we have so many. Are we still afraid of him? Since none of you want the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, my Snow Wolf Country will gladly accept it!"


    The Snow Wolf Country immediately took action, a group of people charging towards Gai Jiutian, aiming to snatch the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    After Snow Wolf Country took the lead, the Blood Clan and Fusang Yin-Yang Master followed suit.


    "Hmph, bring it on!" Seeing all the forces rushing towards him, Gai Jiutian showed not a trace of panic but, instead, his qi-blood surged wildly.


    "My lord, should we lend a hand?" Xiao Chuanqi asked in a low voice upon seeing this.


    Ye Feng slightly raised his hand, "No need, let''s watch. He''s changed from the way he was a few years ago!"


    He now even believed that Gai Jiutian had the potential to defeat several great powers.


    Because the aura on Gai Jiutian''s body was different from that of ordinary cultivators, Ye Feng speculated that Gai Jiutian must have encountered some opportunity on the Outer Battlefield over these years.


    Clang!


    A crisp sound rang out as Gai Jiutian lifted the broadsword from his back into his hands. As the blade was drawn, his entire demeanor changed, his blood-red pupils terrifying.


    "The fight''s started, the fight''s started!"


    Xu Shen immediately ignited hope. Although he was afraid of Gai Jiutian and acknowledged his strength, facing so many adversaries, Gai Jiutian would surely be seriously wounded even if he didn''t die.


    Then, he would have a chance to fight for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Hahaha, go on and fight! The more fierce you all fight, the happier I, Xu Shen, will be!"


    "Big Brother Xu, I think we need to find an opportunity to make a move. You must have wanted to eliminate this man for a long time. Why not take him down now? After that, who in this place could possibly challenge your status?"


    Li Benzhong suggested at that moment.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Shen immediately felt that it was a good idea. He had long wanted to get rid of Gai Jiutian but knew he was no match. Many of his own men had also fallen to Gai Jiutian.


    His team would choose to detour and leave whenever they encountered Gai Jiutian, for once Gai Jiutian went mad, no one could stop him.


    Xu Shen had witnessed such a scene with his own eyes. A crazed Gai Jiutian had once slaughtered three high-level monsters and come out unscathed. Since then, Xu Shen didn''t dare to provoke Gai Jiutian.


    Because the fear of facing Gai Jiutian had been deeply branded in his heart.


    Boom!


    With his own strength, Gai Jiutian fended off the attacks of Fusang''s three Yin-Yang Masters and the Snow Wolf Country, only retreating dozens of steps himself.


    On the other hand, some of the Snow Wolf Country warriors were directly injured and spitting blood, while those three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters didn''t fare any better. They were sent flying, crashing into the ground with fresh blood seeping from the corners of their mouths.


    "My lord, he''s so strong!" Xiao Chuanqi was dumbfounded. Was Gai Jiutian really this powerful?


    By himself, he had repelled Sanming, the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters, and some people from the Snow Wolf Country.


    At this moment, Gai Jiutian had entered a crazed state. Ye Feng hadn''t offered help because he had been observing the changes in Gai Jiutian''s aura.


    Gai Jiutian indeed had deviated as Xiao Chuanqi had guessed.


    Currently, Gai Jiutian didn''t recognize them because of the deviation. Although he was powerful now, his aura was starting to weaken over time, and what awaited him eventually was death.


    The three factions did not retreat but continued their assault.


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Masters summoned their Shikigami and formed Dharma Seals with their hands, launching a blue Dharma Seal directly at Gai Jiutian.


    Seeing this, Gai Jiutian had no intention of dodging, letting the Dharma Seal hit him.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    Several crisp sounds followed, but he did not fall; he stood tall and firm.


    "What kind of monster is this, could it be that all the cultivators from Xuanyuan Nation are this terrifying?"


    The three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters were dumbstruck. They had used all their strength in that attack, yet Gai Jiutian was completely unharmed; what kind of monster was he?


    Action!


    At that moment, the Spirit Essence inside Gai Jiutian''s body went berserk, his blood-red pupils, disheveled hair, and the bloodstains on his body, making him look like an evil ghost from Hell.


    "Not good, he''s gone mad! I can sense that his Spirit Essence is out of control!"


    After the clash, none of the three forces gained an advantage, all sustaining injuries.


    "Spirit Essence out of control?"


    The others were somewhat confused. What exactly was happening?


    "Retreat!" The leader of Snow Wolf Country, feeling the pressure, roared.


    The people of Snow Wolf Country no longer dared to advance. They hadn''t expected Gai Jiutian''s Spirit Essence to lose control at this moment. Once out of control, his strength could increase manyfold, and the three great powers, however fierce, could not withstand it.


    If they were careless in the battle, they might fall.


    "Hahaha, thinking of fleeing? No one is escaping today!"


    The tremendous pressure made it difficult to breathe, and fear was evident in the faces of the three factions.


    What was the difference between this Gai Jiutian and a demon now?


    "You all stay here, I''ll see to this youngster!"


    As soon as the words fell, Ye Feng leaped out of the crowd. Gai Jiutian was after all his brother, and if things continued, the pain Gai Jiutian would endure was unimaginable for ordinary people. He had to intervene, for Gai Jiutian was a brother from his past.

 Chapter 520 - 515: Fleeing in Defeat

    Ye Feng made a decisive move, for at that very moment, Gai Jiutian''s Spirit Essence had gone berserk, his blood-red pupils and the fresh blood at his lips seemed as if he had just stepped out of Hell, terrifying to behold.


    "You''re going to stop me, too?" The blood-red pupils fixed on Ye Feng, and Gai Jiutian''s murmuring voice reached Ye Feng''s ears.


    Standing five meters away from him, Ye Feng spoke gravely, "Gai Jiutian, regardless of what you''ve encountered over the years, even if you chose to leave us back then, you are still my brother, Ye Feng. Once a brother, always a brother for life!"


    No matter what had happened to Gai Jiutian, Ye Feng had to find a way to pull him back from this state. Gai Jiutian was currently in a state that could best be described as deviation, and if it was left unchecked, his condition would only worsen.


    Gai Jiutian was his brother, and Ye Feng could not simply stand by and do nothing.


    "If you seek death, then I shall fulfill you!" Gai Jiutian brandished the Mountain-Opening Broadsword in his hand, and a powerful malicious aura surged from his body.


    "I''ve been curious to see how much you''ve improved after all these years apart!"


    No sooner had Ye Feng finished speaking than a long spear, over ten feet in length, appeared in his hands.


    Gai Jiutian, now berserk, swung his Mountain-Opening Broadsword directly towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng moved in swiftly, resolutely blocking the descending broadsword with his spear.


    Boom...


    The tremendous clashes forced both parties to retreat several steps.


    "Come again!" Gai Jiutian lunged forward once more.


    His speed wasn''t very fast, but each strike was full-powered. Ye Feng had been merely probing and not attacking seriously. He blocked every attack from Gai Jiutian, each block rendering his arms numb from the shock.


    "Such tremendous strength!" Ye Feng inwardly exclaimed, "What exactly has this kid encountered? No matter, now is the time to calm him down!"


    Ye Feng retreated several steps, then tossed his spear into the air, where it stood suspended.


    "Brother, I don''t want to hurt you, but in order to calm you, I have no choice!"


    After speaking, he gently waved his hand, and the Sky-breaking Long Spear hanging in mid-air thrust directly towards Gai Jiutian.


    "Calm? Hmph!" Gai Jiutian snorted contemptuously, "Death to anyone who stands in my way!"


    Seeing the ferocious spear speeding towards him, Gai Jiutian displayed not a hint of panic; he raised his Mountain-Opening Broadsword and charged at the spear.


    Boom...


    The collision sent out deafening booms, and Gai Jiutian''s figure was blasted backwards like a cannonball, flying several meters.


    "How powerful. Are all the cultivators of Xuanyuan Nation this formidable?"


    The three Fusang Onmyojis were stunned. They had all crossed hands with Ye Feng and Gai Jiutian before and knew the strength of the two.


    Now, Ye Feng seemed to have the upper hand, something even the three allied forces couldn''t achieve against Gai Jiutian. Ye Feng appeared much stronger than when they had met several days earlier, and it seemed like he hadn''t even been using his full strength against them.


    "It seems the rumors are true; Xuanyuan Nation truly does conceal dragons and crouching tigers!"


    When the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters came to Xuanyuan Nation, they had learned about its cultivators and knew there were many strong ones.


    However, they didn''t expect a young man to be so powerful, and that madman who had suddenly appeared to be formidable as well.


    After this battle, the three Fusang Yin-Yang Masters probably wouldn''t dare to engage with Xuanyuan Nation''s cultivators again.


    There was no choice, the cultivators of Xuanyuan Nation kept a low profile, each one of them outrageously strong.


    The Sect Members swallowed nervously, as they had originally planned to strike Ye Feng down with dirty tactics, but now it seemed they were courting death.


    When Ye Feng dealt with the Lord of the Three Halls before, he hadn''t even used a weapon, yet with one in hand, Ye Feng was exceptionally powerful, each move targeting vital points.


    Would they still dare to provoke Ye Feng now?


    The answer was obviously no, they needed to rely on Ye Feng now.


    They were currently on the Outer Battlefield, a place fraught with life-or-death situations. Only Ye Feng could ensure their safety, and only by following him could they hope to walk out of there alive.


    At this moment on Ye Feng''s side, having landed a successful blow, he followed up the advantage with his Sky-breaking Long Spear, charging directly at Gai Jiutian.


    "This is interesting, but I won''t be defeated easily!"


    Gai Jiutian once again stood up, the Mountain-Opening Broadsword in his hand already swinging towards Ye Feng.


    "Master, watch out!" Xiao Chuanqi shouted.


    Then the Mountain-Opening Broadsword was seen hurtling rapidly towards Ye Feng''s vital points.


    Ye Feng, realizing what was happening, swiftly retreated several meters.


    "That was close! Who would have thought this kid had such a trick up his sleeve!" Ye Feng thought, admonishing himself not to be careless.


    If his reaction had been a bit slower, his head would have already hit the ground by now.


    Gai Jiutian''s current form made Ye Feng feel a stranger to him, and he had nearly killed him.


    "Not good!" Noting the change in Gai Jiutian''s aura, Ye Feng''s expression shifted, "I need to calm this crazed kid down quickly. He''s already gone berserk, and only slaughtering will bring him peace!"


    If they couldn''t hold him back, Gai Jiutian would lay waste to everything here, turning this place into a purgatory.


    By now, Gai Jiutian was completely in a state of rampage, his body exuding black qi and his blood-red eyes glaring fiercely.


    "Hahaha... Today, no one can stop me. You all shall die!"


    Gai Jiutian roared, and the Mountain-Opening Broadsword flew up.


    In an instant, the heavens and earth displayed strange phenomena, the previously starry night turned blood-red and Gai Jiutian''s aura made people shiver, his overwhelming pressure making it hard for them to breathe.


    At this moment, everyone was seized with panic.


    "Let''s go, this madman has really gone insane!" Xu Shen saw Gai Jiutian''s transformation and quickly shouted, "He wants to turn this place into Hell, and if we stay any longer, we will only die here!"


    Xu Shen had witnessed Gai Jiutian''s rampage before, and that scene was still so vivid in his memory that thinking about it made him shiver.


    It''s better to give up on the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. My life is almost gone, what use is the Hun Yuan Green Lotus? Right now, preserving my life is what''s most important.


    Without hesitation, Xu Shen led his team to flee in a hurry, and Li Benzhong saw Xu Shen''s panicked look and followed.


    Although he didn''t know how strong Gai Jiutian was, seeing Xu Shen''s expression left no doubt that Gai Jiutian might just be Xu Shen''s nightmare.


    "Lord Beya, let''s go, I can now feel that oppressive force making it hard for me to breathe!" cried one of the Fusang Yin-Yang Masters to the right.


    The Yin-Yang Master called Lord Beya was very unwilling to accept this, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was being snatched away right under their eyes.


    But for the sake of survival, they had no choice but to run, or else they would perish right here.


    Clamping his teeth, the Fusang Yin-Yang Master in the center said, "Let''s go!"


    The Fusang Yin-Yang Masters left, and seeing this, the Blood Clan on that side also left after glancing towards Ye Feng''s direction and clenching their teeth, followed by the people from Snow Wolf Country departing as well.


    In less than a minute, the field was left with only Ye Feng and his group. Everyone had left, all for the sake of preserving their lives.


    "Shouldn''t we also leave? Look, all the others have gone!"


    The Sect Members began to waver. Now that everyone else had left, if they didn''t leave, they might soon perish here as well.


    "Leave? Can we even escape now?"


    The three members of Xiao Chuanqi were watching them so closely that if they tried to leave, it would mean certain death.


    "What are we supposed to do then, it''s neither feasible to stay nor to leave!"


    The Sect Members lost all hope. Staying or leaving, both options seemed to lead to the same outcome¡ªdeath.


    They were caught between a rock and a hard place.


    "We might as well stay then, after all, I believe in Ye Feng''s strength!"


    At that moment, one of the Sect Members shouted. Ye Feng was the one who had managed to defeat even the Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, so naturally, a mere unknown soldier was not a concern.


    Once one person decided to stay, the others also resolved to stay.


    "Ye Feng, our lives are now in your hands, you must hold steady!"


    The Sect Members were very anxious. If Ye Feng couldn''t defeat Gai Jiutian, they would die just the same, and trying to escape would also lead to death.


    What kind of place was this Outer Battlefield, where many had gone and never returned.


    If it weren''t for Ye Feng''s leadership this time, they probably would have already died here in this Outer Battlefield.


    "My lord, do you need our help?"


    Xiao Chuanqi called out.


    With everyone gone, he obviously recognized the gravity of the current situation.


    "No need, you all quickly leave this place and go somewhere safe!" said Ye Feng without turning his head.


    The oppressive force emitted by Gai Jiutian was affecting even him, so how much more so would it affect the others?


    "My lord!"


    "Hurry up and go. Without you here, I can find a way to calm this guy down!"


    With Xiao Chuanqi and the others present, Ye Feng was unable to unleash his full potential. Only by having them leave could he fight freely.


    "Shadow, let''s go, let''s find a safe place first. I believe the lord will certainly find a way!"


    Xiao Chuanqi clenched his teeth, summoning everyone to temporarily leave the area.


    Although reluctant to leave, staying might become a burden to Ye Feng.


    About half a minute later, Xiao Chuanqi and his group left.


    Now only Ye Feng and Gai Jiutian remained on the field.


    Ye Feng stared at Gai Jiutian and said in a deep voice, "I don''t care what you''ve encountered, but I, Ye Feng, will find a way to help you recover. I''m sorry, my brother!"


    After speaking, the great battle commenced. Ye Feng had become serious, and his long spear was already charging towards Gai Jiutian.


    Ye Feng''s attacks grew stronger with each move. Although Gai Jiutian was strong, he was clearly struggling to parry such formidable assaults, and was finding it very difficult to keep fighting.


    "No good, this kid has become so strong after deviation. We''ve been fighting for several rounds, and his strength doesn''t seem to have waned at all. It''s still dominating. This isn''t good for me. I need to quickly finish this battle!"


    Thought Ye Feng to himself, and then he threw a golden scroll with one hand.


    The scroll unfurled, releasing a powerful golden light, and to the naked eye, it could be seen that Gai Jiutian was restrained by a beam of golden light.


    "Interesting, interesting indeed, but I will not lose!"


    Gai Jiutian roared while trapped, and then did something unknown that caused dense black qi to radiate from him.


    "A Fallen Demon?"


    Ye Feng paused, realizing that Gai Jiutian, the mad youngster, was attempting to become a Fallen Demon.


    "You''ve gone mad. Let''s see how I deal with you!"


    Ye Feng also became angry and charged with the Sky-breaking Long Spear in hand.


    "Brother, it''s over. Calm down now!"

 Chapter 521 - 516: Youre Getting a Bargain, Kid

    At this moment, Ye Feng had already reached Gai Jiutian, with his spear aimed at his neck.


    "Over?" Gai Jiutian snorted coldly, "As long as I don''t die, this battle is not over!"


    "So obstinate!"


    Ye Feng exerted a little force, knocking Gai Jiutian unconscious, while also sealing his Spirit Essence Meridian.


    Looking at Gai Jiutian collapsed in front of him, Ye Feng recalled the life-and-death experiences they had shared in the past.


    Ye Feng crouched down to check Gai Jiutian''s meridian. To his surprise and alarm, he found it extremely chaotic.


    "What''s going on? His meridian is so disordered; could this be the result of deviation?"


    Ye Feng thought to himself.


    No matter what, Ye Feng was determined to restore Gai Jiutian to his former self. It was normal for Gai Jiutian, who was experiencing deviation, not to recognize Ye Feng.


    With Gai Jiutian''s chaotic meridian and his Spirit Essence still in a state of rampage, Ye Feng had to calm the berserk Spirit Essence. If left unchecked, it could damage Gai Jiutian''s foundation.


    Ye Feng took out the Hun Yuan Green Lotus from Gai Jiutian''s pocket and plucked a lotus seed.


    "You''re getting a real bargain here, kid. Hopefully, this thing can save you!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng lightly waved his hand and fed the small lotus seed to Gai Jiutian.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Chuanqi and his companions hadn''t gone far. Hearing no more sounds of battle, they hurriedly returned.


    "My Lord, My Lord!"


    Seeing Ye Feng squatting on the ground, the three rushed over to make sure he was unharmed.


    "My Lord, are you alright? What happened to the captain? My Lord, did you..."


    The more Xiao Chuanqi thought about it, the more frightened he became. Ye Feng wouldn''t have killed Gai Jiutian, would he? That was once his brother; to kill him just like that...


    Ye Feng looked at Xiao Chuanqi, "Don''t make such a fuss. I couldn''t bring myself to kill him; he''s just been knocked out by me. I''ve also sealed his Spirit Essence Meridian. Right now, he''s like any ordinary person. You''ve come just in time; get this kid out of here!"


    Upon hearing that Ye Feng had only knocked Gai Jiutian unconscious, Xiao Chuanqi and his companions breathed a sigh of relief.


    Seeing Gai Jiutian''s bloodied face, they had indeed believed that Ye Feng had killed him.


    "This kid really doesn''t make things easy. At the very last moment, he still wanted to become a Fallen Demon. It''s a good thing I restrained him in time, or else the consequences would have been unthinkable!"


    Ye Feng managed to restrain Gai Jiutian at the last moment; otherwise, he wouldn''t have had a surefire way to subdue him.


    Luckily, he succeeded in the end.


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, Xiao Chuanqi and the others were shocked by Gai Jiutian''s behavior.


    "My Lord, what happened to the captain? Why couldn''t he recognize us?"


    Xiao Chuanqi had been puzzled by this. Gai Jiutian''s gaze felt foreign, yet his appearance and voice were that of their former brother.


    "Good question. The kid must have deviated while practicing some cultivation technique, not recognizing us is normal. I just hope that by ingesting the Hun Yuan Green Lotus he can recover!"


    Ye Feng didn''t know if the Hun Yuan Green Lotus would be useful for someone who had deviated, but, like treating a dead horse as if it were alive, he knew as long as Gai Jiutian was alive, there would always be a way.


    "Daylight is approaching; this place is not safe. We need to leave quickly!"


    All the forces had departed half an hour ago, but no one would expect them not to return, so they had to leave quickly.


    Without lingering, Ye Feng and his group left in one direction.


    It was still early morning when Ye Feng called for the team to stop and rest.


    Gai Jiutian also woke up at this moment.


    As he regained consciousness, the pain from before had disappeared, and he had returned to his original appearance. Looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings, he was confused.


    "My Lord, My Lord!" Seeing Gai Jiutian awaken, Xiao Chuanqi excitedly called for Ye Feng, "The captain is awake, My Lord!"


    Then, Gai Jiutian, nursing his aching head, looked at the people surrounding him in bewilderment.


    "Do you still remember me?" Ye Feng approached and asked.


    After taking the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, Gai Jiutian''s disordered meridian had recovered. Indeed, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was a rare treasure.


    Gai Jiutian''s injuries had fully healed overnight, and he was bursting with vitality, except for the absence of Spirit Essence fluctuations in his body.


    This was because Ye Feng sealed his Spirit Essence Meridian, fearing that Gai Jiutian might go mad again upon waking up.


    Gai Jiutian looked at Ye Feng, his gaze and expression changing, "My, My Lord! How come you''re here?"


    "Hahaha, My Lord, the captain recognizes you now, he remembers!"


    Seeing that Gai Jiutian recognized Ye Feng, Xiao Chuanqi was overjoyed. After all, Gai Jiutian''s memory had returned.


    The long-lost Gai Jiutian had finally reunited with them today.


    Ye Feng looked at him, patting his shoulder and said with slight annoyance, "If I hadn''t come here, you would have become a Fallen Demon last night. It''s been years and you''ve really grown bolder; you''ve gained the treasure that I struggled so hard for, you lucky kid!"


    Though Ye Feng spoke this way, he was actually delighted inside¡ªGai Jiutian being safe was all that mattered.


    "Fallen Demon?" Gai Jiutian knew nothing of what had happened. He only remembered cultivating and then losing consciousness. When he woke up, he saw Ye Feng.


    "You almost met your end at my hands last night," Ye Feng continued, still looking annoyed.


    Ye Feng wasn''t just saying this. If Gai Jiutian had succeeded in becoming a Fallen Demon, Ye Feng wouldn''t have stood a chance. Fortunately, he subdued the kid in the end.


    "Tell me, how did you end up here?"


    Ye Feng inquired.


    "Yes, My Lord!" Gai Jiutian straightened up, adopting a military posture, "Reporting, My Lord, I came here by a stroke of luck. After entering, I found this place rich in Spirit Essence and teeming with monsters, making it excellent for training, so I decided to stay to stabilize my cultivation level. Later, I lost consciousness during my practice and woke up to find you here!"


    Ye Feng, having listened to the story, knew that this youngster had suffered from cultivation deviation during his martial arts practice, which is when cultivators go berserk and forget what they previously knew of themselves.


    Even he himself was not of ordinary conduct, and now this youngster must be quite notorious in the eyes of those mercenary leaders in the Outer Battlefield.


    Xu Shen, upon seeing him, would show a look of panic.


    "Alright, I know everything now. You better not act recklessly again in the future!"


    Ye Feng cautioned him.


    "Yes, my lord!"


    "Rest up. We''re leaving this place!"


    Ye Feng commanded the team.


    Now, the Sect Members truly had no second thoughts, Ye Feng''s strength instilled fear in them.


    They had witnessed Gai Jiutian''s demeanor the night before, where even the combined forces of three powers could not subdue Gai Jiutian, yet Ye Feng managed to overpower him single-handedly.


    Who would dare to provoke him now? How many lives do you have to spare in challenging Ye Feng?


    The Sect Members were now utterly respectful and fearful of Ye Feng, not daring to go west if he asked them to go east, and would do whatever he instructed without a word of complaint.


    Sticking close to Ye Feng, the powerful ally, was of utmost importance; no one else could compare.


    They had almost lost their lives due to Li Benzhong''s schemes before.


    Ye Feng and his group set out on their journey.


    Meanwhile, Xu Shen''s team hadn''t left the Outer Battlefield after their retreat the night before but instead sought refuge in a safe location.


    Now they had come to the location of last night''s battle, which was a complete mess within the vicinity.


    There were still many bloodstains on the sand and soil.


    Xu Shen looked around for a while and did not find any bodies.


    "Someone! Survey the area within several miles thoroughly. That lunatic must have turned this place into a purgatory last night; I suppose Ye Feng and the others must have perished!"


    Xu Shen had seen Gai Jiutian''s strength, and since he was the first to retreat last night, he had no knowledge of what had happened afterwards.


    But he believed everyone had perished.


    He had his subordinates search the area for several miles, round after round, but they didn''t find a single body.


    "Boss, we haven''t found any bodies."


    This was strange, not finding any bodies.


    After pondering for a moment, Xu Shen reasoned to himself that the bodies must have been taken away by monsters.


    "Just a pity for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, such a treasure. Anyway, back to camp!"


    Xu Shen sighed and led his team back to the camp.


    No sooner had they left than the Blood Clan, along with three Onmyoji from Fusang and a group of people from Snow Wolf Country, also arrived.


    They sent people to look for bodies and received the same result as Xu Shen: not a single body to be seen.


    "Could it be that monsters dragged them away?"


    Not finding a single body left only this possibility.


    "Such a prominent Northern Border King to perish like this, I don''t believe it!" The Blood Clan naturally did not believe that Ye Feng had perished; they had clashed with Ye Feng several times, with Ye Feng always gaining the upper hand against them.


    If Ye Feng had perished, the Blood Clan would not believe it no matter what.


    "Issue my command, find Ye Feng. The Hun Yuan Green Lotus must be in his hands!"


    Similarly, others didn''t believe that Ye Feng had perished, all ordering their followers to find Ye Feng.


    What kind of treasure the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was, they knew all too well that they must find Ye Feng.


    At this moment, on Ye Feng''s side, after traveling half a day''s journey, the endless expanse of wilderness stretched before them as far as the eye could see.


    Suddenly, the large party came to a stop.


    Clear as day, they could make out a human outline a hundred meters ahead, standing motionless.


    "My lord, let us go up ahead and see!"


    Xiao Chuanqi volunteered to check who was ahead.


    Ye Feng glanced over: "Do not act rashly; this person harbors ill intentions. Be cautious!"


    "Ye Feng!" The person in front suddenly called out. "Don''t you recognize me?"


    Ye Feng barely moved but observed the figure ahead carefully, recognizing who it was.


    It was Mu Tian.


    Mu Tian slowly walked towards Ye Feng.


    "Why is he here?" Ye Feng murmured to himself before advancing to meet him.


    "Ye Feng, we meet again!" Mu Tian arrived in front of Ye Feng and said indifferently.


    "Indeed!" Ye Feng nodded slightly. "I wonder what brings Young Lord Mu to seek me?"


    Ye Feng could clearly sense that Mu Tian''s intentions were not simple, and aware of Mu Tian''s unfathomable strength, he did not dare to act rashly, only probing.


    "Nothing much, just to have a little spar with you!" Mu Tian said with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile. "I''ve heard you''re the strongest among the younger generation!"


    A spar?

 Chapter 522 - 517: What Kind of Monster is This?

    Sparring, if it''s sparring you want, then sparring it is. You even specifically ran to the Outer Battlefield to find Ye Feng for a sparring match.


    Ye Feng also knew that the person in front of him was very strong, his depth of strength immeasurable, and he himself might not necessarily be his opponent.


    Seeing the look of surprise on Ye Feng''s face, Mu Tian smiled and said, "What''s the matter, are you scared?"


    He continued, "Let me put it this way, if you and I don''t settle on a victor today, don''t even think about leaving this place!"


    Looking at Mu Tian''s posture, it seemed the fight was inevitable today.


    "Young Lord Mu, it seems we really must fight today, right?" Ye Feng said solemnly.


    "Of course!" Mu Tian gestured with his hand, "Since I''m already here, I can''t leave without achieving anything. Let''s begin, Ye Feng!"


    With that, he assumed a stance ready to attack at any moment.


    "Hold on, Young Lord Mu, we can fight, but not right now. We both know what kind of place the Outer Battlefield is. If you want to fight, let''s wait until we leave and find a suitable location to decide the winner¡ªthere''s no rush!"


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, Mu Tian thought about it and found them reasonable.


    There were many high-level monsters in the Outer Battlefield. Mu Tian did not want to see the outcome of their fight being interfered with by these creatures.


    "Fine, then I''ll follow your words. Starting from today, I''ll follow your group out of here, and I''ll choose the location once we exit. After that, we''ll fight immediately!"


    "No problem!" Ye Feng nodded in agreement.


    Mu Tian was very strong, but not unlike Ye Feng who was also formidable.


    Only through continual battle on the path of cultivation could one quickly grow, and Mu Tian was most suitable for honing his skills.


    "Alright, then it''s a deal!"


    After a few words, Ye Feng returned to his team.


    "Lord, what did he come to find you for?" Xiao Chuanqi asked curiously, as Mu Tian had come all the way to the Outer Battlefield to find Ye Feng.


    "Nothing!" Ye Feng shook his head, "Rest here for ten minutes; we''ll continue on our way after that."


    At this moment, Mu Tian also joined the team.


    "Yo, quite a crowd you have here. You''ve surprised me!"


    He saw the dozens of members in the team and remarked, knowing full well about the kind of place Ye Feng was navigating as the leader.


    It was basically a place of no return, and under Ye Feng''s leadership, although the Sect had suffered some losses, many high-ranking figures were still present.


    This represented Ye Feng''s capability.


    Ye Feng replied with a smile, "Young Lord Mu, now with your addition, our journey will be much smoother. We are all hoping to be able to leave the Outer Battlefield under your leadership!"


    Mu Tian possessed great strength, now with him on the return journey, if they encountered any danger, Ye Feng could refrain from acting, letting Mu Tian take the lead to truly gauge his strength.


    Currently, Ye Feng only knew that Mu Tian was strong, but he had no clear understanding of his exact capabilities.


    The path ahead was still long, a perfect chance to test his strength.


    "Hahahaha, Ye Feng, you''re too modest!" Mu Tian laughed in response.


    Mu Tian held no malice; he simply wanted to spar with Ye Feng to see who was the strongest among their peers.


    "Alright, Young Lord Mu, it''s a bother but I''ll have to ask you to lead the way then, as I''m unfamiliar with this place," Ye Feng said, spreading his hands and passing the task of leading to Mu Tian.


    Mu Tian didn''t know much about Ye Feng yet, only that this young man came from a strong background and possessed powerful strength, without any of the unreasonable arrogance of some pampered young masters.


    "You''re the captain; it''s still your task to lead!"


    Mu Tian had no intention of leading the team; it was enough for him to follow along, ready to act if there was any danger.


    Alright then, after all, he was the captain of the team, and leading was his responsibility.


    After resting for about ten minutes, the team set off again.


    They had only traveled a few miles when uninvited guests arrived.


    Indeed, it was the Blood Clan and people from both the Fusang Yin-Yang Master and Snow Wolf Country who were pursuing Ye Feng.


    "Hmph, Ye Feng, I knew the great Northern Border King wouldn''t fall so easily. Hand over the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, and I''ll spare your life!"


    The Blood Clan''s leader spoke arrogantly.


    "Xuanyuan lad, we''re curious about how you survived. Our scores have yet to be settled. Be sensible and hand over the Hun Yuan Green Lotus!"


    The three Fusang Onmyoji shouted in not very fluent Chinese.


    "What''s this?" Mu Tian looked at Ye Feng, "These barbarians have a grudge with you?"


    Mu Tian''s tone was filled with disdain, showing no respect for the people before him.


    "Indeed!" Ye Feng put on a helpless expression, "I, too, would love to have a good contest with you, Young Lord Mu. It''s just that these flies are too annoying. Even if I fend them off myself, it will drain my Spirit Essence, and I''m afraid it will delay our match!"


    The three forces pressed in closer, and Ye Feng was also annoyed; wherever he went, they followed like relentless flies.


    Now that Mu Tian, a powerful ally, was present, the two of them could join forces to repel the three powers and fend them off successfully.


    Mu Tian knew Ye Feng was provoking him on purpose, and with a smile, he said, "Don''t worry, these ants won''t affect our duel!"


    Such ants, such a bold claim.


    The three forces scoffed at Mu Tian''s words, feeling belittled by the young man who dared call them ants and didn''t consider them a threat.


    "Hmph!" A Fusang Onmyoji responded coldly, "Young age, but quite the big mouth. Which greenhorn are you?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    This remark had the three forces laughing.


    Mu Tian remained calm, still bearing a superior demeanor. Without annoyance, but rather with a smile upon hearing the mockery, he declared.


    "I''ll give you three breaths to disappear from my sight. If you don''t leave, you''ll know the consequences!"


    Utterly arrogant, Mu Tian truly was full of himself.


    What gave him the confidence to be so brazen, indeed, was a combination of strength and background.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Upon hearing Mu Tian''s words, the three forces nearly died laughing.


    "Kid, are you trying to make me die laughing?"


    The three factions all looked on with scorn.


    Seeing that none of the factions took his words seriously, he continued indifferently, "I gave you all a chance, but it''s a pity you don''t know how to cherish it. There''s nothing I can do now!"


    No sooner had his voice faded than he made his move.


    His form moved with incredible speed, and by the time it was clear where he was, he had already reached a Fusang Yin-Yang Master.


    Clang, clang, clang.


    In a flash of lightning, a Fusang Onmyoji fell with a thud¡ªby the time they looked, it was already a corpse.


    "Gurgle!"


    Someone, at that moment, swallowed a mouthful of saliva.


    Everyone present was shocked.


    Not a single one of them had seen how Mu Tian struck, and a Fusang Onmyoji was dead.


    A wave of fear instantly surged up in their hearts.


    Was Mu Tian some kind of monster? Keep in mind he was just a young man like Ye Feng¡ªhis attacks were clean and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.


    "I''ve already given you a chance, but it''s too bad you don''t know how to cherish it. And you barbarians, roll back to where you came from!"


    Mu Tian was still as arrogant as ever, emanating an aura that made others feel fear.


    Mu Tian cast a cold eye over everyone.


    "What are you going to do?"


    The three factions had not yet recovered from the scene, none of them having seen how Mu Tian struck.


    "Kill you!" Mu Tian said indifferently, playing with a piece of paper in his hand.


    After speaking, he turned to Ye Feng, "Ye Feng, are you just going to stand there and watch?"


    "I''ll have to join in, of course!" Ye Feng replied with a slight smile.


    He joined the battle.


    With Mu Tian present, the three factions meant nothing in Ye Feng''s eyes.


    "Alright, since that''s the case, let''s compare and see who can dispose of these ants faster!" suggested Mu Tian.


    "Sure!" Ye Feng agreed happily. "Well then, Young Lord Mu, I won''t go easy on you. Let''s begin!"


    The great battle was about to erupt.


    Before the three factions could react, Ye Feng and Mu Tian, these two monsters, had already begun to strike at their people.


    Ye Feng and Mu Tian were utterly ruthless, striking directly at the enemy''s vital points.


    The Blood Clan, the Fusang Onmyoji¡ªthey were all afraid.


    What kind of monsters were they dealing with?


    Having one Ye Feng was bad enough, and now there was Mu Tian too¡ªit was a rhythm leading them to death.


    "Ye Feng, I''ve killed four on my side, what about you?" The words reached Ye Feng''s ears.


    Ye Feng responded with a smile, "Just right, one more than you."


    Mu Tian, this kid, was downright unreasonable in a fight, his moves lethal and aimed at the enemy''s vitals.


    And a Fusang Onmyoji had died by his hand, with no one having seen how he struck.


    "Alright, it''s time to end this. I''m waiting for a showdown with you!"


    After speaking, Mu Tian charged towards the enemy leader.


    The Blood Clan leader, the Snow Wolf Country leader, and the two Fusang Onmyoji came to their senses, the idea of escape flashing through their minds.


    They might have been able to handle Ye Feng, but Mu Tian was beyond them.


    If they didn''t leave now, they''d be unable to escape.


    Why did Ye Feng always seem to have monsters around him?


    "Thinking of leaving? Did I agree to let you go?"


    Mu Tian suddenly formed seals with both hands, and a massive Sword Shadow Talisman slowly emerged.


    "Is that Sword Intent?"


    Ye Feng, seeing this, shouted in his mind¡ªMu Tian had actually comprehended the Sword Intent, and it didn''t look weak.


    Mu Tian flicked his hand lightly, and the giant sword shadow rushed towards those few, its speed so fast that only afterimages were visible to the naked eye.


    Boom!


    Loud thunderous noises, and a huge pit was blown into the ground.


    The leaders of the Blood Clan and the Snow Wolf Country, along with the two Fusang Onmyoji, lay motionless in a pool of blood.


    Evidently, they had turned into cold corpses.


    This was somewhat strong. Ye Feng was taken aback¡ªhe knew Mu Tian was powerful, but he never expected it to be to this extent.


    At that moment, Mu Tian looked at Ye Feng. "Sorry, I''ve got eight down on my side. I win!"


    With that, Mu Tian had already returned to his team.


    By now, the Sect Members'' gazes towards Mu Tian had changed. They were looking at him as they would at a monster; what kind of monster was he? Too powerful.


    They all wondered what sort of background he had, do be so formidable. The three factions had just perished in the Outer Battlefield like that.


    Ye Feng had returned too.


    "Master, are you alright?" Shadow asked with concern.


    Ye Feng shook his head, "I''m fine, let''s rest for a bit, and then get ready to hit the road!"


    Frankly speaking, Ye Feng was somewhat looking forward to his duel with Mu Tian¡ªit was no exaggeration to say that Mu Tian was the strongest person of his age that he had met.

 Chapter 523 - 518: Boarding Ye Fengs Pirate Ship

    What kind of monster is Mu Tian? Everyone present was astounded by his strength.


    This young man who appeared suddenly was so powerful that it exceeded everyone''s expectations.


    No wonder he was so arrogant before, he had the confidence. Without it, who would dare to be so arrogant?


    "Alright, the ants have been dealt with, we should set off now!" Mu Tian spoke in an extremely calm tone, as if nothing had just happened.


    "Master, who exactly is this person!" Xiao Chuanqi approached Ye Feng with a shocked tone and asked.


    Ye Feng slightly raised his hand: "A friend."


    A friend, isn''t he a bit too strong for that?


    "Let''s rest a bit, then we will set off and leave this place!"


    Moments later, the team set off again. Their pace was slow due to the difficulty of walking through the sandy terrain.


    Meanwhile, somewhere on the Outer Battlefield.


    "Great-Grandfather, you''re awake. How do you feel?"


    Li Benzhong saw the Lord of the Three Halls awaken and quickly helped him up.


    The Lord of the Three Halls did not speak but adjusted the scattered Spirit Essence within his body, then turned to Li Benzhong with an indifferent inquiry: "What hour is it now, how long have I been unconscious?"


    Li Benzhong hurriedly bowed and answered: "Your great-grandson reports you''ve been unconscious for one day and one night!"


    "Is there any news on that boy Ye Feng?" The Lord of the Three Halls became furious at the thought of Ye Feng, he had to take his revenge.


    If he didn''t avenge this, what face would he have to continue in the Outer Battlefield, defeated by a green youth?


    If this got out, how could he, the Lord of the Three Halls of Xuanyuan Hall, retain his dignity in the Outer Battlefield?


    "Reporting to your great-grandfather, that Ye Feng is probably searching for a way out of the Outer Battlefield with various Sects right now, they should still be within the Outer Battlefield!"


    Li Benzhong then recounted all the details about the battle for the Secret Treasure.


    "Oh, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus!" The Lord of the Three Halls immediately showed interest upon hearing about the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    He was now suffering from the repercussions of using the Explosive Element Pill, which would take three months of convalescence to recover. With the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, he wouldn''t need three months; just one night of adjustment and he would not only recover but also increase his strength.


    "Where is this Hun Yuan Green Lotus now?" the Lord of the Three Halls inquired.


    "Reporting to your great-grandfather, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus is most likely in Ye Feng''s possession, that young man should still be in the Outer Battlefield!"


    Li Benzhong had gone with Xu Shen early that morning to investigate the aftermath of the battle and found no corpses within miles, nor any trace of Ye Feng.


    Li Benzhong knew very well who Ye Feng was; he was sure Ye Feng was still alive and had emerged victorious from last night''s battle, obtaining the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    "Lord of the Three Halls, you''re awake!" At this moment, Xu Shen walked in.


    "Hmm!" The Lord of the Three Halls nodded and looked at Xu Shen: "This time, I am greatly indebted to you, Leader Xu. I will remember this favor!"


    Upon hearing this, Xu Shen hurriedly responded with a bow, "Lord of the Three Halls, you''re too kind. This is what I should do!"


    Xu Shen owed his current standing to the Lord of the Three Halls. When he first came to the Outer Battlefield, he nearly lost his life several times, and it was the Lord of the Three Halls who had saved him.


    Also, thanks to the Lord of the Three Halls, he quickly solidified his position in the Military Supporting Regiment of the Outer Battlefield.


    Without the Lord of the Three Halls, there would be no Xu Shen today. Xu Shen, a man of gratitude, would never forget a favor received.


    "Lord of the Three Halls, you are still injured, please rest. I will personally bring Ye Feng to you!"


    Xu Shen had taken precautions; when withdrawing from the deep parts of the Outer Battlefield, he dispatched some subordinates to search for Ye Feng''s whereabouts.


    "Leader Xu, you are considerate!" said the Lord of the Three Halls, his expression hardening: "I intend to kill Ye Feng myself. Is there any news of him?"


    Just as Xu Shen was about to answer, a subordinate rushed in.


    "Big Brother Xu, we have news, surely your intuition was right. That young man named Ye Feng didn''t perish in last night''s battle; he''s still alive and their group is within the Outer Battlefield!"


    Boom!


    Hearing news of Ye Feng, the Lord of the Three Halls could no longer contain himself; he had to kill Ye Feng.


    "Where exactly is this Ye Feng? Give your Hall Master more details!"


    Xu Shen''s subordinate then disclosed the precise location of Ye Feng''s team.


    "Good, Ye Feng, wait for me, I am coming to kill you!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls suddenly radiated a terrifying and chilling aura that made breathing difficult.


    Feeling the intensity, Xu Shen quickly spoke: "Lord of the Three Halls, please calm your anger. I will bring Ye Feng to you right away. He has the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, a treasure upon his person. Leader Xu will retrieve it for you!"


    Just as Xu Shen was about to gather his men, the Lord of the Three Halls raised his hand and said: "Wait, I shall go personally this time!"


    "This cannot be!" Li Benzhong hurriedly objected: "Your injuries have not yet healed, let Big Brother Xu handle it!"


    "Hmm?" Hearing this, the Lord of the Three Halls made a questioning expression: "Are you doubting my strength?"


    Li Benzhong was frightened: "I dare not, I am merely concerned for your well-being!"


    "Forget it, consider it your piety. This time, I must go myself!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls was determined to go, and Li Benzhong had no choice but to accept.


    Lord of the Three Halls had taken the Explosive Element Pill, and his Spirit Essence was still in turmoil, greatly compromising his strength. Even now, he was no match for Xu Shen, so what use would there be in going? Could it be merely to bolster Xu Shen''s presence?


    Well, Xu Shen had quite a few people under him, and even if Ye Feng were stronger, it''s difficult to fight against an overwhelming number of enemies.


    "Xu Shen, arrange your men immediately. This time, we can only succeed, not fail. I will personally kill that boy!"


    The murderous aura on the Lord of the Three Halls could no longer be contained and burst forth.


    Xu Shen dared not disobey the Lord of the Three Halls and had to gather his key members. This time, the people he summoned were all his core members, since Ye Feng was strong enough to defeat the Lord of the Three Halls. Ye Feng''s strength could not be underestimated.


    Xu Shen, for the sake of the Lord of the Three Halls, had indeed spared no expense and brought almost all his key members.


    About ten minutes later, a vast and mighty troop set out, and the Lord of the Three Halls was among them.


    As the sky gradually darkened, Ye Feng ordered his troops to rest on the spot.


    "Ye Feng, at this rate, when are we going to get out of the Outer Battlefield? Don''t forget our agreement!"


    Ye Feng''s troop walked and rested intermittently; they had rested countless times today, and each rest lasted for dozens of minutes.


    At this rate, it would be ages before they could get out of the Outer Battlefield, and he was waiting to compete with Ye Feng.


    "Ye Feng, you aren''t trying to delay the duel, are you?"


    Ye Feng smiled slightly at those words: "Young Lord Mu, why be in such a hurry? I will not delay the duel. Since I have promised, Someone Named Ye will certainly not go back on his word. When the time comes, I hope Young Lord Mu will go easy on me!"


    "Cut it out with ''go easy''," Mu Tian glared at Ye Feng. "You and I are almost equal in strength. When the time comes, I will not hold back, and I hope you bring all your strength to bear. I, Mu Tian, am not the kind to take advantage of others!"


    Taking advantage of others, Mu Tian''s intention was for Ye Feng to adjust and recuperate, since it was inevitable to face battles every day in the Outer Battlefield.


    Today, when facing the forces of the three parties, Mu Tian originally did not plan to take action, but he broke protocol to help Ye Feng.


    If Ye Feng had to face the forces of the three parties alone, it was very likely he might get injured, which would then delay their sparring, and that would not be good.


    Mu Tian had been waiting for this day for a long time, and nothing could go wrong.


    That was why he chose to take action and join Ye Feng in defeating the forces of the three parties.


    The strength of the three parties was not weak.


    "Rest assured, Ye Feng never goes back on his word. Once I say I''ll do something, you name the place, and I, Ye Feng, will honor the appointment at any time!"


    Ye Feng answered with a smile.


    "With those words from you, Ye Feng, I''m also reassured, but remember not to go back on your word. If you don''t show up, no matter where you go, I will find you!"


    Mu Tian immediately laid down a stern warning.


    "A gentleman''s word is his bond, and I, Ye Feng, have never gone back on mine!"


    If Ye Feng didn''t show up, Mu Tian would indeed track him down no matter where he went; this young man would find him wherever he was.


    "My lord, it''s no good, someone''s coming!"


    It was already deep into the night when Xiao Chuanqi, who was on watch, woke up Ye Feng.


    "Do you know who they are?"


    Mu Tian asked a question.


    "Not yet clear, but we can tell their intentions are not simple, we''d better prepare for a quick response!"


    Xiao Chuanqi replied.


    Ye Feng had already guessed who it was. Who else could it be in this Outer Battlefield besides those mercenaries?


    The approaching party most likely belonged to Xu Shen''s group.


    The previous time, Xu Shen had come for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, and although his team had fled last night, they would definitely return to survey the aftermath. Not finding any corpses, they would undoubtedly send their men to investigate.


    In the Outer Battlefield, probably only Ye Feng''s team remained, and with so many people in the team, it was difficult not to be discovered by others.


    "Who else could it be other than Xu Shen or Li Benzhong? Pass the order for everyone to be on alert!"


    Ye Feng grumbled lazily.


    "Brother Ye, I didn''t think you had so many enemies. I''ve really boarded your pirate ship now!" Mu Tian grumbled discontentedly. They had just resolved the issue with the three parties today, and by nightfall, Ye Feng''s enemies had sought him out again.


    Ye Feng really knew how to attract trouble.


    "Can''t be helped, Young Lord Mu!" Ye Feng said with a smile. "Now that you''ve joined our troop, be prepared to deal with these kinds of issues anytime."


    "You''re quite the character!" Mu Tian said helplessly, realizing that since he had boarded Ye Feng''s ''pirate ship'', he had to face all kinds of problems with Ye Feng. He just hadn''t anticipated Ye Feng to have so many enemies.


    One after another, the troubles were endless.


    By now, Ye Feng was standing at the front of his troops; as the approaching forces drew closer, Ye Feng saw them clearly¡ªthe newcomers were indeed led by Xu Shen, and among them was the Lord of the Three Halls from Xuanyuan Hall.


    "Oh, Lord of the Three Halls!" Ye Feng chuckled. "I didn''t expect you to recover so quickly. Are you healed?"


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, the Lord of the Three Halls flew into a rage. If it weren''t for his own carelessness, how could he have lost to Ye Feng and ended up in such a sorry state?


    "Ye Feng, we meet again. Last time, it was I who underestimated you and was defeated. This time, I will ensure your death!"


    The tone of the Lord of the Three Halls was obviously much more aggressive than before.

 Chapter 524 - 519: The Scourge of the Family

    Lord of the Three Halls was dead set on winning this time, determined to kill Ye Feng.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng responded in an even tone, "Really, do you think you still have the strength to do so, Lord of the Three Halls? After taking the Explosive Element Pill, I reckon you can''t beat any of us here!"


    Previously, the Lord of the Three Halls had taken an Explosive Element Pill. What kind of medicine is that, after all? After the effects wear off, it causes your Spirit Essence to go haywire, and you can''t bring up any Spirit Essence from inside your body for a short time.


    Ye Feng was also curious about what kind of confidence the Lord of the Three Halls had to come looking for him now. Didn''t he know his current predicament?


    Angered by Ye Feng''s words, the Lord of the Three Halls felt annoyed.


    What Ye Feng said was not without reason. Right now, he indeed couldn''t beat anyone present, and the side effects of the Explosive Element Pill were too severe.


    Not to mention his disordered breath, his Spirit Essence simply wouldn''t come out of his body. He was no different from a common man at this moment, and Ye Feng could slap him to death with just one palm.


    Originally, Ye Feng had planned to let the Lord of the Three Halls go. After all, there wasn''t much hatred between them, but he never expected the Lord of the Three Halls to show up personally and even claimed he would kill him.


    He was very curious about who had given the Lord of the Three Halls such confidence.


    "Ye Feng, when did you get entangled with that old guy from Xuanyuan Hall, and even hurt him? I''m becoming more and more looking forward to our duel!"


    Mu Tian understood the situation after hearing Ye Feng''s words.


    Ye Feng had only been in the Outer Battlefield for a few days, yet he had managed to get involved with a Hall Master or elder of Xuanyuan Hall and even defeated them. This made Mu Tian very much look forward to their duel.


    "Someone Named Ye, don''t be too arrogant. Last time, my great-grandfather was careless¡ªthat won''t happen again. This time, you will surely die!"


    Li Benzhong yelled pointedly at Ye Feng.


    "What are you, Li Benzhong?" Xiao Chuanqi pointed at Li Benzhong and shouted, "How dare a sneaky little person like you yell at my lord?"


    To him, Li Benzhong was nothing more than a stray dog. Having allowed Li Benzhong to escape several times, this time Li Benzhong was not so lucky. Li Benzhong must die.


    "Li Benzhong, we''ve still got unfinished business!"


    Sect Members hated Li Benzhong intensely, and even if Ye Feng didn''t lay a hand on Li Benzhong, the Sect Members would still make a move on him.


    "Hmph, cut the crap, let''s fight!"


    Xu Shen was hot-tempered. Since they were all here already, what was the use of showing off their verbal skills? It''s time to let the strength do the talking.


    "Brothers, charge and take Ye Feng''s head!"


    At Xu Shen''s command, his core members charged at Ye''s Team like madmen pumped with vigor.


    "Captain Ye!" Just as Ye Feng was about to make a move, a Sect Member stood up, "We''ve made enough mistakes before. Give us a chance to atone. We''ll take down this criminal for you!"


    "Good!" Ye Feng nodded, "Be careful!"


    After the battle last night, Sect Members, who had been ambivalent, had changed their hearts toward Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng was very strong, his methods could Reach the Sky. Such a person was to be appeased, not offended.


    And since Ye Feng forgave their previous actions, they felt guilty, and now was the chance to perform.


    Troops of Sect Members surged forward.


    "Lord, do we need to help?" Xiao Chuanqi and the others were itching for action; they wanted to slap Li Benzhong to death right now.


    "No need, leave it to them!" Ye Feng replied.


    The two sides immediately clashed.


    Because of the presence of the two powerhouses, Ye Feng and Mu Tian, the Sect Members fought exceptionally fiercely, charging forward as if their lives didn''t matter.


    "When did these Sect Members become so bold? Today really is an eye-opener!" Mu Tian said in a deep voice.


    "Indeed!" Ye Feng nodded in response.


    Under normal circumstances, these Sect Members would flee or hide behind others at the sight of danger. Now they fought so fiercely.


    Of course, Xu Shen''s core members were clearly not easy targets either. Faced with the ferocious attack of the Sect, they were initially at a disadvantage, but after a series of exchanges, the two sides had fought to a standstill.


    Neither side had gained the upper hand.


    "Lord, who would have thought these Sect Members could be so fierce, as if they didn''t care about their lives!" Xiao Chuanqi was surprised to see the Sect Members and exclaimed.


    "Why did they choose to make a move at this time?" Xiao Chuanqi was quite puzzled by this point. When had the Sect Members become so brave?


    "You don''t know, do you? You''ve been with the lord for so long and you still don''t understand this?" Shadow said with a smile at this moment.


    "They''re just afraid of the lord''s strength. They respect the lord after last night''s battle because they''re scared and of course, to save their lives. If they don''t show their worth now and the lord becomes displeased and decides to kill them, they are all afraid!"


    Hearing Shadow''s explanation, Xiao Chuanqi seemed to understand but was not quite clear.


    "I still don''t quite get it when you put it that way," he said.


    "Never mind if you don''t understand!" Shadow replied.


    "Ye Feng, I''ve heard of your mighty strength. Let me have a match with you!"


    Xu Shen patted his Mountain-Opening Broadsword and charged towards Ye Feng with a deep shout.


    At this moment, Ye Feng stood with his hands behind his back, showing no intention of making a move.


    "My Lord, let me do it!"


    Gai Jiutian stepped forward; he had now recovered and was aware of what he had done during the time he had lost his memory, nearly killing them in the process. This was his chance to prove himself.


    "Good, be careful. This Xu Shen is not weak!" Ye Feng nodded.


    As Xu Shen prepared to approach Ye Feng, he suddenly stopped and showed a look of fear.


    "It''s you, you maniac!"


    "Oh?" Gai Jiutian became very curious upon hearing Xu Shen''s reference to him, wondering what he had done during his bout of deviation.


    "Maniac, I''m very curious about what I did during that time!"


    Gai Jiutian could clearly sense that Xu Shen was afraid of him; his aura was one of terror.


    "Get out of the way, I don''t want to fight you!" Xu Shen stared at Gai Jiutian and shouted, "My enemy is Ye Feng, and you and I had some fate in the past."


    "Hahaha!" Upon hearing this, Gai Jiutian laughed: "Are you teasing me? You should know that your enemy is my boss, my Lord. I didn''t know what I was doing here before, but now whoever dares to touch my master is my enemy!"


    What? Hearing Gai Jiutian''s words shocked Xu Shen; the maniac was actually under Ye Feng''s command.


    "This is not possible, how can you be under Ye Feng''s command!" Xu Shen consoled himself.


    He had witnessed Gai Jiutian''s strength firsthand, and he had seen that it was Ye Feng who had intervened last night. What happened afterward, he did not know.


    "What''s so impossible about that, cut the nonsense; I''ll take your life first!"


    Gai Jiutian let out a low shout and, with a broadsword in hand, he already pounced forward. Having taken the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, his Realm had broken through the bottleneck. He had been in secluded cultivation precisely to break through this bottleneck. It was an unexpected turn of events that led to deviation, and had it not been for Ye Feng''s arrival last night, he would still be a grotesque shadow of himself.


    Now he must show his full strength; the Hun Yuan Green Lotus was also very important to Ye Feng, but for his sake, Ye Feng gave him the Lotus to consume.


    Xu Shen was already afraid of Gai Jiutian. Facing Gai Jiutian''s fierce attack, he had no capability to defend himself and was forced to retreat step by step.


    After less than ten rounds, Gai Jiutian landed a heavy punch on Xu Shen''s abdomen. Xu Shen flew backward like a kite with its string cut, fresh blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, his aura plummeting drastically.


    "Leader!"


    Witnessing Xu Shen''s condition, his subordinates who were engaged in battle quickly cried out.


    Xu Shen raised his hand slightly, signaling that he was fine.


    "No harm done. You must not let your guard down!"


    "Is this all the power Leader Xu has?" Gai Jiutian''s expression was full of disdain, amazed that Xu Shen was beaten back by him in just a few rounds.


    Did he even have the face to carry on in the Outer Battlefield?


    Xu Shen struggled to his feet, wiped the blood from his mouth, and stared at Gai Jiutian.


    Truthfully, he was no match for Gai Jiutian. He realized that he had been too reckless this time, his eyes shifting towards his subordinates who were still fighting the Sect.


    "My Lord, Li Benzhong and the Lord of the Three Halls have fled!"


    Xiao Chuanqi called out at this moment.


    "Fled!" Upon hearing this, Ye Feng swept his gaze around. The Lord of the Three Halls and Li Benzhong had already disappeared without a trace, having escaped at some unknown time.


    "My Lord, let me take some people and bring these two back!" Xiao Chuanqi volunteered.


    Ye Feng raised his hand slightly and said indifferently, "There''s no need, let them go; they''re just two deserter dogs, they can''t make any big waves!"


    Ye Feng wasn''t concerned. The Lord of the Three Halls had taken the Explosive Element Pill, damaging his foundation. Now, following Xu Shen for revenge, it was unlikely that the old man would be able to improve even if he recovered his strength. As for Li Benzhong, there was no need to mention him; a deserter dog was not worth considering.


    If Xiao Chuanqi went after them, he could be in danger, as there were many hidden threats in the Outer Battlefield, especially at night when monsters were active.


    As Ye Feng did not pursue, there was nothing Xiao Chuanqi could do.


    "Leader Xu, I respect you as a man. The three Halls Lord and Li Benzhong you brought with you have run away. I have no grudges with you, and I, Ye Feng, do not wish to trouble others. So, Leader Xu, please stop while you can!"


    Ye Feng called out again at this moment.


    Without Ye Feng''s reminder, Xu Shen wouldn''t have known that the Lord of the Three Halls and Li Benzhong had fled. He looked around and found no sign of the Lord of the Three Halls or Li Benzhong; they had escaped at some point.


    His subordinates heard that the Lord of the Three Halls had fled and began to retreat, some even throwing away their weapons.


    Xu Shen was now in a dilemma; he had offended Ye Feng and withdrawing peacefully was not so simple.


    "Ye Feng, what do you want? I''m defeated, and I''ll let you handle me as you see fit. If you want to kill or carve me up, I, Xu Shen, will not say a word!"


    Xu Shen sheathed his broadsword and faced Ye Feng.


    "Leader Xu, you may go. I will not kill you!" Ye Feng said calmly.


    "You''re not going to kill me?" Xu Shen was somewhat astonished. Ye Feng actually wasn''t going to kill him. Judging from Ye Feng''s expression, it didn''t look like a deceit; Ye Feng really intended to let him go.


    With his hands behind his back, Ye Feng said: "You and I originally have no grievances. The ones with a grievance against me are Li Benzhong and the Lord of the Three Halls. I, Ye Feng, am not bloodthirsty. Moreover, Leader Xu, in my eyes, you are a man worthy of respect!"


    Xu Shen was a straightforward man who lacked cunning and valued loyalty most importantly.

 Chapter 525 - 520: The Fall of the Lord of the Three Halls

    Xu Shen had never imagined Ye Feng would spare him; he had already prepared himself for death.


    Ye Feng was outrageously strong, and with many experts by his side, where would Xu Shen get the confidence to provoke Ye Feng again? Did he think he had lived too long?


    Yet, Ye Feng didn''t kill him.


    "I don''t know why you didn''t kill me," Xu Shen asked, indicating that he had been ready to die.


    "Leader Xu," Ye Feng said calmly, "you and I have no grievances. Why would I kill you? Those who have a feud with me are the Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, the Lord of the Three Halls, and Li Benzhong. Leader Xu, you may go."


    Xu Shen was a notable figure in these parts, with a backbone of steel; what he achieved today was earned through his own hard work and fists.


    "Alright!" Xu Shen nodded. "Ye Feng, I, someone named Xu, will remember this favor. If we meet again someday, just command me, and as long as it''s within my power, I won''t hesitate!"


    Xu Shen valued loyalty and righteousness, and Ye Feng was right¡ªthere was no existing enmity between them. Why engage in needless slaughter? Besides, Ye Feng was a decent man, with many powerful followers.


    Xu Shen was no fool; becoming a subordinate to Ye Feng might also be a good choice.


    Ye Feng was surrounded by experts like clouds, and Xu Shen had seen Gai Jiutian''s strength, which he clearly remembered; he was no match for Gai Jiutian.


    If Gai Jiutian were to lose his mind, Xu Shen wouldn''t be able to control the situation.


    "Everyone, follow me and leave this place!"


    Xu Shen picked up his Mountain-Opening Broadsword and called out to his brothers.


    At this moment, since everyone had already stopped fighting and received orders from Xu Shen, they all left one by one.


    This time, Xu Shen had been let down by Li Benzhong and the Lord of the Three Halls, who had abandoned him and fled. Xu Shen was a man of loyalty and righteousness, but the actions of the Lord of the Three Halls and Li Benzhong had chilled his heart.


    In the mercenary guild, keeping one''s word was paramount. Li Benzhong and the Lord of the Three Halls running off and leaving him and his brothers behind, nearly causing their deaths, was taboo.


    The ones Xu Shen despised most were the likes of the Lord of the Three Halls and Li Benzhong. Although the Lord of the Three Halls had shown him favor, such people were not fit for close association.


    Because one day, they would surely stab you in the back, and today Xu Shen had truly experienced the feeling of being abandoned by his own people.


    After this incident, he guessed he would never again dare to seek out the Lord of the Three Halls or Li Benzhong.


    If it weren''t for Li Benzhong''s slander, he wouldn''t have offended Ye Feng and wouldn''t be dealing with all these troubles.


    "Pass my order, find Li Benzhong for me!"


    Li Benzhong had made him suffer greatly; no matter what, Xu Shen wouldn''t let this grievance go. He commanded his subordinates to find traces of Li Benzhong on the Outer Battlefield, even if it meant searching to the greatest depths.


    His subordinates had no choice but to carry out the orders.


    Mu Tian looked at Ye Feng and smiled, "Ye Feng, have all your matters been resolved? If you have any other enemies, tell me, and I''ll avenge you!"


    Mu Tian couldn''t wait any longer for their duel. It hadn''t been long since he joined Ye Feng''s team when one group after another of enemies arrived. How many people had Ye Feng provoked?


    To avoid delaying their duel, he had to settle Ye Feng''s scores one by one. Otherwise, if another enemy came looking for Ye Feng and caused trouble, their duel couldn''t be postponed any longer. They needed to quickly decide who was the strongest among their peers.


    Therefore, he needed to ask Ye Feng clearly if there were still any enemies who hadn''t appeared.


    Mu Tian had to ask clear questions, or else if another of Ye Feng''s enemies arrived, their duel could not continue to be delayed.


    "It''s settled, Young Lord Mu, I won''t delay our duel. When the time comes, I only hope that Young Lord Mu will show mercy!" Ye Feng said with a smile.


    "Show mercy?" Mu Tian chuckled. "Don''t worry, I will use all my strength. To use all my capabilities is to respect you, and I hope you will do the same!"


    Mu Tian had waited so long for the duel, he would naturally bring forth his strength, and he hoped Ye Feng wouldn''t disappoint him.


    Seeing Mu Tian''s earnest expression, Ye Feng smiled, "Alright, Young Lord Mu, I won''t hold back!"


    Having observed earlier, he knew Mu Tian was very strong; this young man concealed his abilities well and was undoubtedly strongest among his peers that he had met.


    And the youngster''s background was equally formidable.


    "Alright, everyone, rest now. It''s not good to travel at night. Rest up, and tomorrow we aim to leave this place!" Ye Feng announced.


    The Sect had suffered heavy losses in the battle just now. What used to be a group of over twenty people was now reduced to just over ten. After all, Xu Shen had brought his core members, each with outstanding strength and rich combat experience.


    Members of the Sect were accustomed to luxury and lacked the battle-hardened experience of those who stood on the knife''s edge daily. If the fighting continued, it was likely that the Sect members would be utterly defeated.


    Fortunately, Xu Shen conceded. Otherwise, the Sect members would have been killed to the last man.


    Meanwhile, Li Benzhong was rushing towards the direction of Xuanyuan Hall with the Lord of the Three Halls.


    "Had I known Xu Shen was so useless, I would not have bothered; this is outright humiliation!" the Lord of the Three Halls cursed.


    He failed to get revenge and felt humiliated; when had the Lord of the Three Halls of Xuanyuan Hall ever been so frustrated? Had he not been injured and still recovering, he would have chosen death over fleeing today.


    The Lord of the Three Halls had not planned to run; to the victor belongs the spoils. But Li Benzhong dragged him away in a critical moment.


    "Great-Grandfather, as the saying goes, ''where there are green hills, one shouldn''t fear running out of firewood''. You should take good care of yourself. That Ye Feng will surely die at your hands one day!"


    Li Benzhong said in a deep voice.


    "Hmph," the Lord of the Three Halls snorted coldly. "Even if the Li Family has fallen, since when did we have someone like you!"


    Back when the Lord of the Three Halls was still with the main family, the Li Family was indeed flourishing, but began to decline as soon as he left; the younger generations were not up to par.


    The Lord of the Three Halls was also annoyed and had no outlet for his mounting frustration, and Li Benzhong, this junior, was really getting on his nerves.


    When the Li Family was at its peak, no matter how powerful the enemy was, they never ran; they never had, preferring to die in battle rather than flee.


    Now, it was different; one by one, the descendants of the Li Family were not living up to expectations.


    The Lord of the Three Halls was furious, but there was no helping it; times were changing, and only the strong could survive.


    "Go, after all, you are still a descendant of my Li Family. When the Li Family was at its peak, we were revered by thousands. Now, the younger generations really do not measure up. I, the Hall Master, feel ashamed because of you, the Hall Master!"


    Upon hearing that the Lord of the Three Halls was letting him go, Li Benzhong was immediately dumbfounded - wasn''t being sent away now akin to being sent to his death?


    He had offended many people, Ye Feng, Xu Shen, and those Sect Members, he had thoroughly offended them all. Sending him away now was undoubtedly sending him to his death.


    Moreover, with the vast Outer Battlefield, he simply could not make it out alone because of the various unknown risks lurking here.


    Walking out on his own would undoubtedly mean certain death.


    "Great-Grandfather, you can''t abandon your junior!" Li Benzhong quickly knelt down. "I know that the Li Family is gradually declining and is not as glorious as before, but rest assured, Great-Grandfather, I will definitely revitalize our Li Family and won''t let you down!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls looked down at Li Benzhong with a cold eye and sneered, "Revitalize the Li Family? Ha-ha-ha, with you?"


    What a joke. Li Benzhong had offended so many people and still thought about revitalizing the Li Family, he was dreaming.


    Now, who knows how many people are after Li Benzhong''s life, and this guy still thinks about going back to revitalize the Li Family? Whether you can even get out of the Outer Battlefield is another matter.


    "Leave, you are not worthy of being a member of the Li Family!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls was utterly heartless and now directly cut all ties; he owed his current position to Li Benzhong and not killing him was already the greatest mercy he could show.


    Li Benzhong''s face turned ashen. The Lord of the Three Halls had clearly separated himself and wanted nothing more to do with him.


    Li Benzhong was very annoyed and slowly got up from the ground, looking at the back of the Lord of the Three Halls, and from somewhere, he produced a dagger.


    "Hmmph, what does it matter if the Li Family has fallen? That''s all thanks to you!"


    Li Benzhong shouted and the dagger in his hand had already been thrust towards the back of the Lord of the Three Halls.


    "You..." At that moment, the Lord of the Three Halls, like any ordinary person without the protection of Spirit Essence, was easily stabbed in the back by the dagger.


    "Had you not made so many enemies during your time in power, the Li Family wouldn''t have declined after your departure, and we wouldn''t have been targeted. If it weren''t for me trying to hold it together, the Li Family would have already been annexed by other families!"


    Li Benzhong''s face was twisted with rage as he bellowed.


    The Lord of the Three Halls never imagined that Li Benzhong would actually try to kill him.


    "Li Benzhong, you will not die a good death. I, the Hall Master, should have crushed you with a slap back then!"


    The Lord of the Three Halls was furious, having spent his life in military service only to face death at the hands of his own junior.


    "Even if you kill me, you will die too. Do you know what kind of place the Outer Battlefield is? With your meager strength, you think you can leave the Outer Battlefield? Dream on!"


    Upon hearing this, Li Benzhong snorted coldly, "Hmph, you, the old man, will die first!"


    As the words fell, Li Benzhong pulled out the dagger stuck in the Lord of the Three Halls'' back. The Lord of the Three Halls, whose injuries had not healed, gasped for breath as a result of this turmoil, and passed away.


    Thus fell the mighty Lord of the Three Halls of Xuanyuan Hall, and furthermore, at the hands of his own junior.


    After dealing with the Lord of the Three Halls, Li Benzhong wasted no time looting his Cultivation Method Secret Manuals, Pill Medicines, and so on. He then disposed of the Lord of the Three Halls'' body in the wilderness and set out on the road back.


    The Lord of the Three Halls had fallen.


    At this time, Li Benzhong was also extremely anxious, believing that Xu Shen must be looking for him by now.


    The Outer Battlefield was filled with Xu Shen''s informants; finding Li Benzhong would not be difficult.


    Indeed, before Xu Shen even returned to camp, he received a report from his subordinates spotting Li Benzhong.


    "Well done!" Xu Shen, too, had been tricked by Li Benzhong, and this time, no matter what, he would ensure that Li Benzhong died.


    "Did anyone see the Lord of the Three Halls of Xuanyuan Hall?"


    If the Lord of the Three Halls was around, it would be difficult to act, for after all, he had shown kindness to Xu Shen, and behind him stood the formidable Xuanyuan Hall, which Xu Shen did not dare to provoke.


    "We did not see him; we only saw Li Benzhong alone!"

 Chapter 526 - 521: Desperate to Live, Unable to Die

    Lord of the Three Halls had Xuanyuan Hall behind him, and Xu Shen was merely the leader of an army in the Outer Battlefield, he couldn''t have dared to provoke the Lord of the Three Halls even if he had ten times the courage.


    Now that Li Benzhong was alone, he had to kill him.


    "Pass down my order, bring Li Benzhong to me. I want to kill him personally!"


    Xu Shen always avenged slights immediately and never held grudges overnight.


    Immediately, Xu Shen''s great army set out in the direction of Li Benzhong.


    By then the sky had slowly begun to brighten with a dull light.


    Li Benzhong, who was on his way, stopped and gazed straight ahead.


    He knew that Xu Shen was coming, and just as he realized it and thought about turning back, he was surrounded by a group of people.


    "Li Benzhong, where do you think you are going?"


    Xu Shen''s voice reached his ears, followed by the slow appearance of Xu Shen in his line of sight.


    "Big Brother Xu, what do you want to do?" Li Benzhong asked, looking somewhat panicked.


    "What do I want to do?" Xu Shen sneered, "Li Benzhong, what else could I be here for? If it wasn''t for your deceitful words, would I have offended Ye Feng?"


    Li Benzhong was fully aware of why Xu Shen had come for him¡ªto settle scores. What else could it be?


    "Go, bring him to me. I won''t let him die so easily!"


    A few of Xu Shen''s core members slowly approached Li Benzhong, who was no match for them in strength. Despite his resistance, he was quickly captured and brought before Xu Shen.


    In a desperate plea for survival, Li Benzhong immediately knelt down: "Big Brother Xu, could you let me go for the sake of the Lord of the Three Halls? I truly didn''t intend to abandon you all!"


    Li Benzhong knew that today he was truly doomed. Too many wanted him dead: Xu Shen, Ye Feng, and those Sect Members. Even if he managed to leave the Outer Battlefield safely, it was a dead end; the Sect people would most certainly not let him go. It was death either way.


    "Let you go?" Xu Shen laughed coldly. "Li Benzhong, do you think I would let you off?"


    With that, Xu Shen continued, "Come on, force his mouth open!"


    His subordinates understood and pried open Li Benzhong''s mouth, after which Xu Shen took a black Medicine Pill from his pocket and placed it inside Li Benzhong''s mouth.


    Li Benzhong resisted vehemently, but with his hands and legs restrained, he couldn''t move at all and was forced to swallow the pill.


    Once the deed was done, Xu Shen''s subordinates stepped back, and Li Benzhong looked at Xu Shen with a face full of terror, panicking, "What did you make me eat?"


    Xu Shen smiled faintly, "Don''t worry, I gave you something good. You will find out soon enough!"


    Li Benzhong had betrayed him, so naturally, Xu Shen wouldn''t let him off so easily. Such an easy death would be too kind for Li Benzhong. He wanted Li Benzhong to deeply experience what it was like to wish for death yet be unable to die.


    Just then, Li Benzhong collapsed on the ground, feeling as though millions of ants were tearing at his flesh. The pain was beyond what others could endure.


    Li Benzhong only held on for about ten seconds before he fainted from the intense pain, but the agony revived him from his unconsciousness.


    He howled and thrashed on the ground, his face twisted in a visage of suffering so intense he wanted to die.


    "Xu, Big Brother Xu!"


    Li Benzhong still attempted to beg for mercy, but his speech was already slurred from the unbearable pain. He wished for death immediately, as he couldn''t bear it, but he couldn''t bring himself to end his own life.


    Not a trace of pity could be found in Xu Shen''s eyes as he watched Li Benzhong writhing and wailing on the ground.


    Now he finally understood why Ye Feng and his team had abandoned Li Benzhong. Originally part of the same team, having such a scourge by his side was harmful to himself.


    "Li Benzhong, letting you off easily would be far too kind. I want you to experience a life that''s worse than death, desperate to live yet unable to die!"


    Xu Shen spoke with indifference.


    In the throes of agony, Li Benzhong clutched at Xu Shen''s trouser leg and pleaded, "Big Brother Xu, I beg you, let me die, please give me a quick death!"


    Li Benzhong truly longed for death then; the pain that tore at his soul was unbearable, and he sought relief.


    "Li Benzhong, I''ve told you, I want you to be in a place where you cannot live nor die. Take care of yourself!"


    Having said that, Xu Shen led his troops away, leaving Li Benzhong still rolling on the ground, wailing.


    At that moment he felt as if millions of ants were gnawing at every part of his body, each wave of pain almost causing him to faint.


    He did lose consciousness several times, but each time the pain woke him up. He now truly understood the feeling of being unable to live or die as he wished.


    After Xu Shen had left, in unbearable pain, Li Benzhong pulled out a dagger from his bosom and, with determined heart, stabbed it towards his own abdomen.


    "Xu Shen, Ye Feng, even as a ghost, I, Li Benzhong, will not let you go!"


    The dagger pierced his abdomen, and he could feel his life rapidly ebbing away. Blood had already stained his clothes red, and with his pallid complexion combined with the soul-searing pain, he couldn''t last more than a few minutes before he drew his last breath.


    Thus, Li Benzhong died, and one could say he got what he deserved. Such a person was not worthy of pity.


    As the sky grew steadily brighter, Ye Feng''s team was ready to set off.


    "Ye Feng, can''t you hurry up? It''s been two days already. At this rate, it''s going to take us forever to get out of here!" Mu Tian said, unable to hide his irritation.


    "What''s the rush, Young Lord Mu? Don''t worry, I won''t delay our duel. Besides, Someone Named Ye never goes back on his word!" Ye Feng responded calmly.


    "Alright, alright, you win!" Mu Tian felt helpless. He knew Ye Feng kept his promises, but he was anxious. He was eager to see who was stronger in a fight against Ye Feng.


    However, that would have to wait until they made their way out of the Outer Battlefield, where Mu Tian had already decided on the location for their duel. Once out, he would lead Ye Feng there.


    After reorganizing the team, Ye Feng and his companions set out again.


    In no time at all, their team slowly disappeared into the vast desert.


    On their journey, although they encountered many monsters, with a master like Mu Tian present, Ye Feng hardly needed to lift a finger.


    Ye Feng''s team had now reached the periphery of the Outer Battlefield, with just half a day''s journey left to exit the area.


    It was still night, and instead of continuing on, Ye Feng decided the team should rest.


    "Everyone, we have just half a day''s travel before we can leave the Outer Battlefield. You''ve all been tirelessly on the move these past few days and are tired. Rest well tonight, and tomorrow we''ll leave this place!"


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief; they were finally about to leave this cursed place.


    The loss to the Sect on this trip had been heavy. They had nearly fifty people when they entered, but now only about ten remained, an immense loss.


    They had been misled by others, nearly leading to their total annihilation, but fortunately, they returned to their senses in the end.


    During the days on the road hunting monsters, they all obtained many precious Beast Cores.


    Their efforts had not been in vain.


    Meanwhile, elsewhere, an old man holding a smoke pipe looked up at the moon and muttered, "That kid has been in the Outer Battlefield for some time now. He should be coming out soon. I hope this experience makes you grow, young one. The path ahead is yours to tread alone; no one else can help you!"


    The elder with the smoke pipe exhaled a puff of smoke and continued to sit in his armchair under the starry sky.


    The night passed without a word, and come the next morning, Ye Feng''s team set off.


    The outskirts of the Outer Battlefield were not as perilous as the inside, making their journey considerably safer.


    Several hundred meters ahead of them, a dense forest came into view, and upon seeing it, everyone''s face was filled with relief.


    "We''ve finally made it out. Perseverance pays off; thank heavens!"


    The Outer Battlefield was a place known to all present ¡ª a place from which few returned. They had managed to leave it safely, and although their losses were grave, at least they had their lives.


    "Captain Ye!"


    The leader of the Confucian Sect looked at Ye Feng and said earnestly with a clasped fist and bow, "Before this, we were in the wrong. On behalf of my Confucian Sect disciples, I apologize to you!"


    "Captain Ye, on behalf of the Buddhist Sect disciples, I apologize to you. And I am deeply grateful, for without Captain Ye, none of us would''ve been able to safely exit the Outer Battlefield!"


    Once one person took the lead, the surviving Sect Members all clasped fists in Ye Feng''s direction, making sincere apologies, a far cry from their attitudes when they first entered Xuanyuan Hall.


    Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively, "Let it be, let it be. The past is the past, as long as we made it out safely!"


    "We deeply admire the magnanimity of Captain Ye!"


    The Sect Members hadn''t expected Ye Feng to forgive them, yet he truly did.


    "Alright, Captain Ye, this is where we part. If we meet again someday and you need our help, just call for us and we''ll be there if it''s within our power!"


    "Enough, enough, you can go now. If it were up to me, I would''ve killed you all already, but our master is kind-hearted!"


    Xiao Chuanqi stepped forward and shouted.


    He vividly remembered the faces of those Sect Members back in Xuanyuan Hall. For Ye Feng to not hold them accountable was already very merciful.


    "Captain Ye, we will take our leave now!"


    The Sect Members left.


    "Ye Feng, you''re still too kind. Haven''t you heard that being merciful to your enemy is being cruel to yourself?"


    Mu Tian had a general idea of what those Sect disciples had done to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng replied with a slight smile, "Young Lord Mu, you''re mistaken. It''s not that I''m kind-hearted; I just don''t want to invite unnecessary trouble."


    Ye Feng didn''t pursue the matter because he didn''t want to attract trouble. After all, those Sect disciples belonged to great Sects, and killing them could bring endless hassle.


    "Hahaha!" Mu Tian also laughed, "Good. Since we''re out, it''s time to fulfill our agreement, Ye Feng. Come with me to a place!"


    Mu Tian was indeed impatient, hardly catching his breath before he considered settling their scores with Ye Feng.


    "Young Lord Mu, don''t rush. Let me arrange some things before we follow through with our agreement!"


    Ye Feng agreed to the duel with Mu Tian, but he had no say in whether to participate or not.

 Chapter 527 - 522: Tempering the Flesh Body

    "Still making arrangements?"


    "No more arrangements, just come with me to a place and fight it out. Don''t say another word!"


    Mu Tian was having none of it and pulled Ye Feng, insisting on sparring. He had already waited for so long, and still had to wait¡ªit was unacceptable. Didn''t he have any pride?


    "A fight would take at most a couple of hours. The place I need to go is right near this exit. It doesn''t matter; you, the Northern King, must come with me first!"


    Seeing this, Ye Feng could only show a helpless expression while the people behind him snickered secretly.


    However, after thinking it over, a duel would indeed only take a couple of hours. Resolving it sooner wouldn''t be inappropriate, and it would save some trouble.


    Originally, he had planned to return to Xuanyuan Nation first and visit Hong Qingyan in the Northwest Little Mountain Village. But now it seemed it would be delayed for a few hours¡ªno significant difference.


    Seeing Ye Feng agree, Mu Tian burst into laughter and started wandering around with Ye Feng nearby.


    Soon, Ye Feng and Mu Tian gathered together and arrived at a Nameless Valley.


    The center of this Nameless Valley was a spacious square, surrounded by many skeletons. Clearly, this place had seen its share of battles.


    Of course, this was normal. This kind of place was very suitable for resting and dividing spoils. At the exit of the Outer Battlefield, when everyone returned from the Outer Battlefield with their gains, skirmishes were common due to backstabbing over distributing resources evenly.


    Mu Tian glanced at the valley environment and nodded lightly, smiling with satisfaction, "Very good, this place is perfect for a spar."


    Ye Feng was speechless at this. It seemed like any place would have done; Mu Tian was acting as if he had prepared the spot long ago.


    "Ye Feng, I''ve heard of the Northern King''s legend in the Outer Battlefield. How about we decide the victor today in this spot?"


    Mu Tian was brimming with enthusiasm. He had heard about the Northern King Ye Feng, who at just twenty-six years old, had a strength comparable to a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, even though he was still at the Martial King Peak. Facing someone similar to him, Heaven''s Proud Son, Mu Tian was very interested.


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, showing a resigned expression as he looked at Mu Tian. It seemed that a great battle was unavoidable.


    He glanced at Mu Tian, whose aura was incredibly majestic, with a power within his body comparable to that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Truly, he was an elite figure.


    Ye Feng sighed inwardly, but still replied with a smile, "Since you wish to fight, then let us fight!"


    "Everyone, fall back to the surroundings!"


    At Ye Feng''s command, the surrounding crowd obediently stepped back. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation; they were naturally eager to watch a clash between two Heaven''s Proud Sons.


    Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi and others also retreated to a corner.


    Xiao Chuanqi muttered as he watched the two in front, "Could this Mu Tian be a match for our lord?"


    "With our lord''s terrifying strength, which is even on par with the Hall Masters of the Xuanyuan Hall, not to mention the Lord of the Three Halls who took the Explosive Element Pill, was no match for our lord. Is this Mu Tian also seeking death?"


    However, Shadow looked on with a more solemn expression, closely observing Mu Tian.


    "Not necessarily. This Mu Tian appears very mysterious, far from ordinary. Even if all of us joined forces, we might not be a match for him," Shadow said warily, sensing Mu Tian''s robust strength and even feeling concerned for Ye Feng.


    Sima Zhantian laughed heartily, full of scorn, "Our lord will surely handle this Mu Tian with ease. There''s no need to worry. Just watch."


    Xiao Chuanqi and Shadow rolled their eyes, choosing to ignore the blockhead.


    In the center of the arena, Ye Feng stood like an emperor, with his hands behind his back, "Young Lord Mu, let us agree beforehand. We''re on the same side, and it''s not suitable to fight to mutual destruction just after we''ve left the Outer Battlefield. Moreover, if we cause too much commotion, we could easily attract the attention of powerful figures from other forces."


    "How about we spar using only our pure physical strength?"


    Ye Feng had considered thoroughly. Both he and Mu Tian were top-tier fighters; a conflict between them would likely create quite a stir, and there was no need for a bitter struggle that would end up drawing the attention of those from the Fusang Yin-Yang Temple or the Vampire Divine Court.


    This was still the exit of the Outer Battlefield, likely to attract others.


    Ye Feng definitely didn''t want a sparing match to become such a hassle.


    Mu Tian''s eyes lit up as he heard this¡ªpure physical strength?


    This was interesting!


    Mu Tian laughed heartily, "Then let''s do as you say. Let''s rely on our pure physical strength!"


    The surrounding crowd was also surprised. At their level, no one mentioned dueling with just physical strength anymore. Yet, to their amazement, they were going to witness such a duel today.


    Moreover, the duelists were none other than the renowned Northern King Ye Feng and the Heaven''s Proud Son Mu Tian, known for his exploits in the Outer Battlefield. This duel was bound to be spectacular.


    Seeing Mu Tian agree, Ye Feng secretly chuckled. He cultivated the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, having unlocked over two thousand three hundred acupoints in his body. Even those Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm couldn''t compare with him in terms of the physical body.


    Still, he didn''t voice this thought and simply gestured invitingly with his hand.


    "Please, make your move, Young Lord Mu."


    Ye Feng appeared serene, exuding the aura of a sovereign.


    Mu Tian''s eyes blazed with fighting spirit, and with a flash of brilliance, his overwhelming momentum soared to the skies, darkening the valley. The spectators recoiled from the sheer force, their minds shaken. Such terrifying might from pure physical strength¡ªthis power was surely not inferior to the Hall Master Level of the Xuanyuan Hall!


    Ye Feng''s eyes showed a trace of solemnity as he too unleashed his aura. In an instant, two massive and potent auras collided, creating a thundering boom in the air.


    "Fight!"


    Mu Tian shouted, his clothes tearing apart to reveal a muscular upper body. He threw a straightforward punch at Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged as he too threw a punch. His fist sliced through the air and violently collided with Mu Tian''s.


    Bang¡ª¡ª


    The massive shockwave from the center of their clash reverberated outwards, causing the bodies of the onlookers to shake slightly, and the crowd was utterly astonished.


    "Heavens, is this merely physical strength that''s so outrageous!?"


    "Both of their physical strengths must have reached the strength of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, right?"


    The crowd exclaimed.


    The two combatants were already fiercely battling, exchanging blow after blow.


    Explosions of air waves erupted in the valley, and the ground slowly became pitted with holes, all marks of their battle, evoking even greater shock from the onlookers.


    However, many could clearly see that in this sparring match, Mu Tian was likely losing.


    With each exchange against Ye Feng, Mu Tian was forced several steps back, while Ye Feng himself stood unmovable like a War God, consistently dominating the fight.


    Mu Tian was also extremely shocked. From the moment he engaged with Ye Feng, he could feel the vigorous strength within Ye Feng''s body, and he was simply no match for him.


    He thought he had reached the Peak Martial King Realm and had even killed Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm on the Outer Battlefield. Among his peers, there shouldn''t be many who were stronger than him.


    But this legendary Northern King Ye Feng far exceeded his expectations!


    Ye Feng looked serious during the fight. Although he held the upper hand against Mu Tian, he wasn''t in a hurry to defeat him with a single move.


    Without question, if he wanted, with his strength over two thousand three hundred acupoints, he could have instantly taken Mu Tian down.


    But he realized during the fight that his physical strength seemed not pure enough!


    Ye Feng had always pursued a solid foundation, thinking that it was sufficient to open the acupoints time after time, but today he discovered that his physical strength was still somewhat hollow. If he could solidify his physical strength, he might be able to break through again!


    So, he was no longer in a rush to determine the winner against Mu Tian.


    The hand-to-hand combat continued. Although Mu Tian was consistently at a disadvantage, he was not discouraged and continued to fight more fiercely as the battle went on.


    From the sidelines, Xiao Chuanqi watched the two fighters with a somewhat strange gaze.


    "Something''s not right, something''s not right!"


    "What''s not right?"


    Sima Zhantian looked over, curious.


    Shadow and the others also turned their gaze towards Xiao Chuanqi, wondering what he meant.


    Xiao Chuanqi stared intently at Ye Feng and noticed a faint golden light emanating from him. As their melee went on, that golden light became increasingly pure.


    "It seems the Master is using this Young Lord Mu to temper his flesh body!"


    Xiao Chuanqi voiced his judgment.


    Only then did the others look and also noticed this peculiar aspect.


    "It really seems like it. I was wondering why the Master, despite clearly overpowering Young Lord Mu, has not settled the fight yet. They''ve been fighting for almost half an hour now. It turns out he''s been using the fight to temper his flesh body."


    "The Master is truly wise!"


    Sima Zhantian was also excited, his admiration in his eyes growing stronger.


    Shadow and the others also came to a realization ¡ª so that was what was happening.


    Not only them, but even Mu Tian himself began to sense that something was amiss. He initially felt that Ye Feng was not much stronger than him, but as the fight continued, he found the gap between them widening alarmingly, which was simply abnormal.


    "So, Ye Feng, you''re using me for body refinement!?"


    "Are you playing me!?"


    Mu Tian finally realized something was amiss when Ye Feng''s punch forced him back over a dozen steps ¡ª this was nothing like the beginning.


    It was likely that Ye Feng had intended to use the physical duel for this purpose from the start!


    Realizing he had been exposed, Ye Feng grinned and said, "Young Lord Mu, it''s just that I said we were sparring physically, but I never said I couldn''t refine my body during the spar, right?"


    "If Young Lord Mu can, you can refine your body too, right?"


    Mu Tian exploded on the spot, thinking this was ridiculous ¡ª martial artists grew by body refinement, and now that they have reached the Realm of the Martial King, they were basically at their limits. What else was there to refine?


    This Ye Feng was simply a monster.


    "I''m not fighting anymore, who can fight against this? You''re simply inhuman!"


    Mu Tian directly sat down on the ground, panting. Though the physical battle was quite draining, it mainly consumed his muscles rather than his deeper strength, so recovery would be faster.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng was speechless and had no choice but to stop the duel.


    The others, after hearing Mu Tian''s words, finally came to the realization that the Northern King was using this Heaven''s Proud Son to temper his flesh body ¡ª this was just too exaggerated.


    The crowd was dumbfounded.

 Chapter 528 - 523: Emperors Sky-Flipping Seal

    Ye Feng took a deep breath; suddenly, there was movement within his body. The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace lit up, and strands of Source of Luck Strength flowed out from it.


    Ye Feng was overjoyed, unconcerned with Mu Tian and everyone else''s stares; he sat down cross-legged right where he was.


    "Sima Zhantian, Xiao Chuanqi, Leng Wuming, Shadow, protect me. I''ve had a revelation and need to cultivate for a while!"


    Ye Feng spoke quickly, closing his eyes and entering a Cultivation State.


    "Protect our lord!"


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately yelled, the four Vajras swiftly moved around, encircling Ye Feng and starting to take on a defensive posture, extremely vigilant.


    Mu Tian was dumbfounded, feeling a surge of anger, and spoke irritably, "You actually use me to temper your Flesh Body, and now you''re cultivating in front of me? Are you even human?!"


    "Taking advantage of me right in front of my eyes and acting smug, I''ll chop you down!"


    Mu Tian said and then wanted to rush forward; Ye Feng was really provoking him too much - how could anyone bear it? Even if Ye Feng had great talent, this was not the way to show off, was it?


    The people around were also suffering from facial twitches. To be honest, Ye Feng''s behavior was too infuriating - no, it was simply inhuman.


    However, as soon as Mu Tian made a move, Xiao Chuanqi summoned the Immortal Sword of Mount Shu within his body. His body radiated Sword Qi that soared to the sky, sharp and intimidating. Next to him, Sima Zhantian likewise summoned the Immortal Blade of the Tang Sect from within his body, with Blade Qi overflowing.


    "Dare to take one more step forward, and there shall be no mercy!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian both shouted in unison, with Leng Wuming and Shadow also releasing their auras, assuming a battle stance.


    They were still quite wary of Mu Tian after all; anyone who could contend with their lord in physical strength was certainly no joke. Therefore, they gave their full effort from the start.


    Mu Tian was momentarily stunned by the sight of the Immortal Swords in the hands of Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, frowning slightly. He recognized the Immortal Sword of Mount Shu and the Immortal Blade of the Tang Sect but didn''t expect them to be fused with these two men.


    Though he didn''t take the strength of the two seriously, facing the four of them together wouldn''t be easy to deal with.


    Indeed, there were many capable people around Ye Feng!


    Mu Tian sighed inwardly but showed a smile, "Don''t worry so much, everyone. I was just joking. There''s no need to make a big deal out of this."


    Mu Tian chuckled dryly and returned to his original spot, sitting down to restore his strength. However, his gaze remained fixed on Ye Feng, his expression complex.


    Although Mu Tian said this, Xiao Chuanqi and the others were still very wary of him, all keeping an eye on him.


    "Everyone, stay on guard. This sly little man might suddenly make a move and threaten our lord''s safety," Xiao Chuanqi warned cautiously.


    Sima Zhantian said, "Yes, let''s maintain this state and keep an eye on him. If he dares to move, we''ll take him down immediately!"


    Mu Tian was speechless, how could he possibly lower himself to do such a thing?


    Mu Tian couldn''t be bothered to respond and closed his eyes to recover his strength as well.


    A moment later, Mu Tian opened his eyes again; the strength in his body was restored, a sharp glint in his eye. Looking at Ye Feng still in cultivation, he smiled faintly, "I''m leaving first. Please tell Ye Feng for me."


    "The Outer Battlefield isn''t so simple. There are many more places he hasn''t braved."


    "I''m returning to the Outer Battlefield. Tell Ye Feng I''ll be waiting for him inside. The next encounter won''t be as simple as a contest of physical strength."


    "Farewell, my dear Junior Brother Ye!"


    Mu Tian laughed heartily, turned, and soared into the sky, vanishing into the air.


    This speech left Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others stunned.


    Xiao Chuanqi paused for a moment, then regained his composure, exclaiming in surprise, "What did that Mu Tian just say?"


    "Our lord is his junior brother?!"


    Xiao Chuanqi started to doubt if he had heard wrongly and looked towards Sima Zhantian.


    Sima Zhantian was stunned too but soon spat out, "Bullshit, that Mu Tian - who does he think he is to call our lord ''Junior Brother''? Next time we see him, I''ll beat him to death!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian had actually encountered Mu Tian quite some time ago, but they weren''t particularly clear about his relationship with their lord. Hearing this title now shocked them both; they couldn''t believe it.


    Shadow glanced at the muscular man and fell silent: "You can''t beat him, anyway, so stop asking for trouble."


    Soon she frowned again, "Is our lord really a junior brother?"


    Her mind quickly returned to the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Could it be that Mu Tian and their lord indeed had some special relationship?


    However, they didn''t dwell on it too long and quietly waited for Ye Feng to finish cultivating.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was still consolidating his Flesh Body Strength. Accompanied by the Origin Energy transmitted from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and having absorbed many Beast Cores and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures on his way out of the Outer Battlefield, he now began to reap their benefits.


    The Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints had already opened more than 2400 Acupoints. With this round of cultivation, Ye Feng opened several dozen more Acupoints, stepping directly into the realm of 2500 Acupoints!


    Boom!


    With 2500 Acupoints in operation, the Spirit Essence within his body was increasing more and more, nearly completing the transformation.


    As per the old rule, every five hundred Acupoints would yield a corresponding Cultivation Technique. Just as Ye Feng contemplated this, a Cultivation Technique appeared in his mind.


    Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!


    Ye Feng was elated. This was a Seal Technique.


    After familiarizing himself with the Cultivation Technique, Ye Feng suddenly opened his eyes, stirred the energies within his body, and bellowed, "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    Suddenly, the sky became overcast with dark clouds, as if a massive hole had been torn through them. The thunderclap rumbled through the heavens, lightning flashed, and the wind howled fiercely. A Great Golden Light Seal appeared from within the clouds, crashing down like a meteor.


    Bang!


    In an instant, the ground of the valley was smashed into an enormous crater by the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, its formidable power causing the entire valley to tremble.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, who had long since retreated to a distance, along with the others, were dumbstruck, staring blankly at the huge hole in the ground, utterly shocked.


    "Has our lord grasped yet another new cultivation technique!?"


    Sima Zhantian was stunned. They had never seen this immensely powerful Great Golden Light Seal before.


    "Worthy of our lord!"


    Xiao Chuanqi exclaimed in admiration, even kneeling on one knee.


    "Congratulations to our lord for advancing his power once more!"


    "Congratulations to our lord!"


    Sima Zhantian and Shadow also quickly knelt on one knee, with utmost sincerity.


    Ye Feng, observing the power of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, couldn''t help but be overjoyed, nodding his head in satisfaction as he descended from midair. He scanned his surroundings, only to notice Mu Tian''s figure was nowhere to be seen, and couldn''t help but ask, "Where''s Mu Tian?"


    Xiao Chuanqi relayed to Ye Feng what Mu Tian had said just before he left, then added, "My lord, this Mu Tian is truly shameless, daring to call you ''Junior Brother.'' Is he even worthy?"


    Sima Zhantian also looked up, "My lord, please permit us to return to the Outer Battlefield now to settle the score with that Mu Tian."


    Ye Feng''s eyes reflected a complexity of emotions. So Mu Tian still remembered that he was his junior brother. After betraying him and disappearing without a trace, he hadn''t expected to encounter him on the Outer Battlefield.


    During this sparring session, actually, neither of them had used much of their real strength; even he could sense that Mu Tian was merely probing, otherwise he wouldn''t have agreed to a contest of physical strength.


    "I and Mu Tian..."


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows, wanting to say something but paused, deciding not to continue.


    "Let''s not talk about this for now; let''s head back to the Northern Cloud Residence to rest."


    Ye Feng didn''t elaborate any further. His specific relationship with Mu Tian didn''t need to be explained too much to Xiao Chuanqi and the others. Naturally, he would return to the Outer Battlefield, but there were arrangements he needed to make before going back.


    "Yes!"


    Ye Feng glanced at the group he had brought with him. The people from the Nine Great Sects and the Four Great Ancient Clans had already left, leaving only those he had selected earlier. However, many of them had been injured on the way back, clearly not qualified to continue their trials in the Outer Battlefield.


    It was just as well; he thought of it as a way to sift through the talents.


    Cao Yi, Boss Cao, and a member of the later generation of the Cao Family were still by Ye Feng''s side, as well as Grand Corps Leader Gai Jiutian, on top of Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others. The entire group headed straight back to the Northern Cloud Residence.


    Once back at the Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng settled everyone down and then made his way to the Utility Pavilion alone.


    Inside a study room of the Utility Pavilion, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming was having tea with Zhuge Wuming.


    Zhuge Wuming spoke with a smile, "I wonder how the Northern King has fared in the Outer Battlefield so far. According to the timeline, he should have found Xuanyuan Hall by now, right?"


    Zhao Gongming nodded, "Xuanyuan Hall has undergone many changes over the years, and it has always been the Lord of the Three Halls who has been in contact with us. We don''t know much about the other details."


    "With the protection of the Lord of the Three Halls, there should be no issues for the Northern King."


    Zhuge Wuming fell into silence. Over the years, their contact with the Outer Battlefield was not frequent because of its complex conditions. They were not quite clear about the current situation there.


    Just then, a guard rushed in.


    "Northern King Ye Feng has arrived!"


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming were taken aback ¨C Ye Feng? Wasn''t he in the Outer Battlefield? How could he possibly have returned by now, when only a few days had passed?


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming were both somewhat flustered, but at that moment, a familiar figure had already walked in, exuding a mighty aura and an imperial presence ¨C it was none other than Northern King Ye Feng.


    The two quickly got to their feet and bowed to Ye Feng, "We greet the Northern King!"


    Ye Feng also returned the greeting with a bow and said with a smile, "There''s no need for such formalities, Lord Zhuge and the Grand Sect Leader, please take a seat and speak."


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming exchanged a glance, the surprise apparent in their eyes. They were still puzzled as to why Ye Feng had returned so soon.


    After taking a seat, Zhuge Wuming immediately asked, "Why have you come back so soon, my lord? Didn''t you just enter the Outer Battlefield not long ago?"


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming also looked toward Ye Feng, his face full of questions.


    Ye Feng thought for a moment and then briefly recounted his experiences.


    Both of them were infuriated after hearing his story.


    "This is outrageous! How dare Li Benzhong engage in such nonsense, utterly disgraceful to the Utility Pavilion!" Zhuge Wuming exclaimed in anger. He hadn''t expected Li Benzhong to cause such turmoil upon entering the Outer Battlefield, going as far as to sow discord in Xuanyuan Hall, creating friction between the Utility Pavilion affiliated Lord of the Three Halls and Ye Feng.


    However, after their initial rage subsided, they were astonished. Ye Feng had defeated a Hall Master Level figure of Xuanyuan Hall almost as soon as he arrived. That was simply too powerful ¨C after all, that was a Hall Master Level expert!


    Ye Feng didn''t dwell on this issue and instead continued in a grave tone, "Gentlemen, the situation in Xuanyuan Hall seems to differ from what you informed me."


    Different?


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming were confused by Ye Feng''s remark.

 Chapter 529 524: The Rapid Progress of Yu Feiyu

    Ye Feng nodded and recalled the scene in the Xuanyuan Hall, speaking solemnly, "Previously, Lord Zhuge told me that among the eight hall masters of Xuanyuan Hall, three are from our Utility Pavilion, four are from the Four Great Ancient Clans, and only the last one belongs to the camp of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts."


    Zhuge Wuming looked puzzled, not understanding why Ye Feng mentioned this, and said, "What''s the problem with that?"


    This was the news that the Seventh Hall Master had sent back years ago, and this was how they had been informed.


    Ye Feng said, "There is a problem. When we went to Xuanyuan Hall, I found that both the Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect from the Nine Great Sects each had a hall master!"


    "At the time I was being targeted. Except for the First Hall Master and the Seventh Hall Master who spoke out to help me, the other hall masters all stood up wanting to punish me."


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming both changed their expressions upon hearing this.


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming asked immediately, "Northern King, are you saying that, aside from the First Hall Master and the Seventh Hall Master, all the other hall masters are now standing against you?"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    Zhuge Wuming couldn''t help but interrupt, "So you mean to say, as of now, in Xuanyuan Hall, excluding the missing Third Hall Master, the rest are all opposing you, Northern King?"


    Ye Feng thought for a moment, "Not necessarily opposing, but they probably covet some of the treasures I obtained on my way to Xuanyuan Hall, so they are quite hostile towards me. Of course, I also can''t rule out the possibility that the hall masters from the Hong and Bu Families and those from the Nine Great Sects hold some resentment against me."


    Ye Feng didn''t mention the dragon egg. It was a secret, and even though he trusted Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming, he couldn''t reveal it. The greed of people can be terrifying, and by not talking about it, he could avoid some unnecessary troubles.


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming knew that Ye Feng was deliberately not mentioning what treasures they were, and they did not ask further. They were quite self-aware. If Ye Feng didn''t wish to disclose, it was not their place to inquire.


    "I, Zhuge Wuming, would like to apologize to the Northern King here. My intelligence was flawed and misled you," Zhuge Wuming said with an apologetic face as he bowed to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng quickly helped him up, repeatedly saying, "Lord Zhuge, you''re being too serious. It''s not your fault. The situation in the Outer Battlefield is always changing; it''s not on you."


    Zhao Gongming also showed a bitter smile, "Then doesn''t that mean our Utility Pavilion only has the First Hall Master and the Seventh Hall Master left?"


    "It''s unexpected, the Utility Pavilion originally only had three Xuanyuan Hall masters, and now there''s one whose whereabouts are unknown and is also opposing the Northern King. It''s truly embarrassing."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng''s expression shifted, and he recalled the figure of the most powerful person in Xuanyuan Hall.


    Ye Feng immediately asked, "Is the First Hall Master also from our Utility Pavilion?"


    "His strength seems to be extremely strong. The other hall masters dare not defy him. Who exactly is the First Hall Master?"


    Ye Feng was very curious. In Xuanyuan Hall, he clearly remembered how the other hall masters feared the First Hall Master. That terrifying aura was also unfathomable to him.


    Zhuge Wuming shook his head and pondered, "The identity of the First Hall Master is very mysterious. According to the Seventh Hall Master, nobody really knows who the First Hall Master is, but it seems that he has helped our Utility Pavilion many times before, so we all assume the First Hall Master is on the side of our Utility Pavilion."


    Zhuge Wuming thought for a moment and added, "However, the identity of the Seventh Hall Master can be revealed. This master has a connection to the Grand Sect Leader."


    A connection to the Grand Sect Leader?


    Ye Feng curiously looked towards Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming.


    Zhao Gongming also coughed lightly, showing a look of reverence, "The Seventh Hall Master is actually my father, Zhao Xuanzhen!"


    Ye Feng was somewhat surprised, not expecting that Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming would have a father who was a Xuanyuan Hall master.


    "My father has a liking for fine wine and martial skills, and is quite forthright. Northern King, if you need anything in the Outer Battlefield you can contact my father, and he should be able to help," Zhao Gongming volunteered.


    Ye Feng nodded, briefly understood the situation, and then left the Utility Pavilion.


    As Ye Feng left, Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming watched him go, both with grave expressions.


    Zhuge Wuming said with a troubled look, "It seems that the Outer Battlefield is not very peaceful either. There might have been quite a few changes to the positions of hall masters. Now, with the Third Hall Master severely injured and missing, our Utility Pavilion''s standing in Xuanyuan Hall might be significantly affected."


    Zhao Gongming also showed a worried look, "Indeed, I wonder how my father is faring in Xuanyuan Hall right now."


    Zhao Gongming was already concerned for his father''s safety, even though he knew his father was powerful, in a place like the Outer Battlefield, nothing was certain.


    Seeing this, Zhuge Wuming comforted him, "Don''t worry, Grand Sect Leader. The Seventh Hall Master is still supported by the First Hall Master. He will surely be fine."


    "The Northern King seems to have returned in a hurry this time and will probably go back to the Outer Battlefield soon. It seems, though, that the Northern King''s strength has improved a lot. He feels even more formidable to me," Zhuge Wuming said with a serious look in his eyes as he recalled the pressure he felt when Ye Feng was in front of him.


    Indeed, he was a true prodigy, possessing such terrifying talent!


    Zhao Gongming said, "I have the same feeling, and only the Northern King could progress this rapidly."


    "However, the ones we from the Xuanyuan Nation sent to the Outer Battlefield this time..."


    Zhao Gongming had a bitter look on his face. Just now, Ye Feng had already reported the casualty situation from this battle, and it was a great loss!


    At this point, Zhuge Wuming snorted coldly, "A bunch of useless things, if they start with infighting and can''t hold together, then their deaths are deserved!"


    Although he spoke in such a manner, he felt helpless at heart, not expecting that the ones they selected from the Utility Pavilion would behave this way, especially Li Benzhong, which annoyed him greatly.


    As the two conversed, Ye Feng had already made his way alone to the edge of a cliff.


    With a leap, he jumped down, passed through a sea of flowers to a lake, then through a bamboo forest and a cave, and Ye Feng had once again arrived at the Northwest Little Mountain Village where smoke curled up from chimneys and a stream flowed under a small bridge.


    Just as he arrived at the village, he was greeted by the sight of an elderly figure riding an ox.


    "Eh, who could it be? Kid Ye, why is it you?"


    "Weren''t you off to the Outer Battlefield? How did you return so quickly?"


    It was none other than Old Man Huang Niu, who had been left to watch over the village.


    When Old Man Huang Niu saw that it was Ye Feng, he was slightly surprised. He clearly remembered that Ye Feng had come by just a few days earlier to say he was heading to the Outer Battlefield. How had he returned so soon?


    Usually, a trip to the Outer Battlefield would last at least half a year, if not several years, but this young man had only been gone for a few days, hadn''t he?


    Faced with Old Man Huang Niu''s confusion, Ye Feng managed a wry smile and a respectful gesture, "Senior, there''s been an unexpected development, but let''s not talk about that right now. I would like to go see Qingyan first."


    Old Man Huang Niu laughed and scolded cheerfully, "You rascal, don''t you know to come back to see me first? You''re just pining for your little wife, aren''t you?"


    Though he said this mockingly, he had already turned his ox around and led Ye Feng back to the small bamboo-fenced courtyard.


    At this moment, in the courtyard, a stunningly beautiful woman was sitting cross-legged, evidently in the midst of cultivation.


    Upon hearing the disturbance, she immediately opened her eyes and murmured, "Master..."


    But halfway through her words, seeing Ye Feng next to Old Man Huang Niu, her eyes widened with surprise, and she exclaimed, "Big Brother Ye, you''re back!?"


    Yu Feiyu was visibly elated, leaping towards Ye Feng with joy evident on her face, examining him thoroughly to ensure he had no injuries, before finally letting out a sigh of relief.


    She knew that Ye Feng had gone to the Outer Battlefield, and although she didn''t know why he had returned so quickly, she was deeply concerned about his safety.


    Seeing Yu Feiyu, Ye Feng also smiled but his face showed surprise, for he noticed that she seemed different from before.


    "You''ve abandoned Martial Arts for Daoism and succeeded in Foundation Establishment?"


    "And you''re almost at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm?"


    Ye Feng was astonished. He observed that Yu Feiyu''s aura was completely different from before; she had gone from being a Martial Artist to a Cultivator, and it seemed her strength had increased significantly. It would probably not be long before she reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm!


    You have to know, he had also left the Little Mountain Village not long ago, having been on the Outer Battlefield for only a few days.


    Old Man Huang Niu, standing nearby, chuckled, "Look who her master is. With me here, what''s to be surprised about that kind of speed? You inexperienced kid, there''s no need to make a fuss over something so common; it''s embarrassing."


    Old Man Huang Niu''s words left Ye Feng speechless; the way he put it, it almost sounded as if reaching Half-Step Golden Core was as common as anything, even though Long Nannan was only at that realm. Yu Feiyu had dispersed her Martial Dao energy to switch to practicing Dao Techniques, and advancing so rapidly was indeed shocking.


    Seeing Ye Feng at a loss for words, Yu Feiyu giggled discreetly and quickly said, "Big Brother Ye, all of this is indeed Master''s doing. After dispersing my energy, Master prepared a lot of special medicinal herbs for me to take medicinal baths with. A large part of my previous strength was preserved, and with Master''s guidance, I''ve made rapid progress every day!"


    "Hey, you little girl, I am after all your master, and yet you spill everything just like that," Old Man Huang Niu scolded jokingly, but without any intention of reproach.


    Yu Feiyu''s rapid advancement was naturally a delight for Ye Feng. Scanning the courtyard, he quickly asked, "Where''s Qingyan? Has she not awakened yet?"


    Seeing how quickly Ye Feng brought up Hong Qingyan, Yu Feiyu felt a faint hint of disappointment, but it vanished in a flash. She pointed to a side room and shook her head, "Sister Qingyan is still asleep and hasn''t woken up yet."


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows and walked toward the side room.


    Yu Feiyu and Old Man Huang Niu also followed him into the room.


    Upon entering the room, Ye Feng saw Hong Qingyan still lying on the bed. He hurried over and saw that, although she remained comatose, her complexion looked much better.


    After a moment of thought, Ye Feng turned his hand, and a blue lotus appeared, immediately filling the room with its medicinal fragrance.

 Chapter 530 525: Hun Yuan Green Lotus and the Yin-Yang Realm

    ```


    The azure lotus overflowed with brilliance, and a single whiff of its dense medicinal fragrance was enough to send shivers through one''s body; this was the Hun Yuan Green Lotus that Ye Feng had seized on the Outer Battlefield!


    Yu Feiyu curiously gazed at the Hun Yuan Green Lotus in Ye Feng''s hands. She might not recognize what it was, but she could sense that it was definitely extraordinary. Merely inhaling a whiff of its medicinal fragrance, she felt a trace of Spirit Essence added to her body.


    At that moment, Old Man Huang Niu also let out a surprised "Eh?": "Is this... the Hun Yuan Green Lotus!?"


    "It is said that the Hun Yuan Green Lotus can allow the person who consumes it to leap into a cultivator''s realm in one fell swoop. If one has broken meridians, consuming the Hun Yuan Green Lotus can also make a full recovery¡ª even potentially causing cultivation level to surge again, with no side effects whatsoever. Now, this is a remarkable thing!"


    Old Man Huang Niu''s eyes flickered, clearly aware of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus''s exceptionality.


    It was not surprising that Old Man Huang Niu knew of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. Ye Feng nodded, "Senior, this indeed is the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. The lotus seeds of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus are also known as sacred healing medicine. I seized it in the Outer Battlefield before, and I want to try giving it to Qingyan to see if it can repair the wounds on her divine soul in the Sea of Consciousness."


    This was also the reason why he returned from the Outer Battlefield first. He wanted to let Hong Qingyan try the lotus seeds of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus first to see if her injuries could be healed. Previously on the Outer Battlefield, the leader who was driven mad, Gai Jiuyou, had also become conscious again after consuming a lotus seed, which showed that the reputation of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus as a sacred healing herb was no joke.


    In general, those who experience deviation either die from corruption or, like Gai Jiuyou, become possessed, their personality drastically changes like becoming a different person, making it very hard to recover.


    Yu Feiyu, standing to the side with her mouth slightly agape, was quite astonished. She had not expected the azure lotus in Ye Feng''s hand to be so precious. Looking at Hong Qingyan on the sickbed, her eyes filled with a touch of envy.


    If the one lying there was me, would Big Brother Ye treat me with the same care?


    Yu Feiyu had heard about the dangers of the Outer Battlefield. She could imagine that for Ye Feng, seizing the Hun Yuan Green Lotus must not have been easy, and yet he made a special trip back just to bring the lotus seed.


    Ye Feng hadn''t thought so much about it as he was preparing to pick a lotus seed to give to Hong Qingyan, and just then, Old Man Huang Niu suddenly spoke up, "Kid Ye, wait a moment!"


    Ye Feng''s hand froze in midair, looking at Old Man Huang Niu with some confusion. He saw the old man furrowing his brows as if recalling something.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help asking, "What''s the matter, senior? Is there a problem?"


    Old Man Huang Niu raised his eyebrows, then looked very seriously at the Hun Yuan Green Lotus and said, "This Hun Yuan Green Lotus has quite a history!"


    Ye Feng was stunned. A history?


    What kind of history?


    Fixating on the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, Old Man Huang Niu continued, "Hun Yuan Green Lotus is not the kind that appears once every thousand or ten thousand years as legends claim, but instead it blooms every thousand years, and there are not just one, but nine lotuses!"


    "Nine lotuses!?" Ye Feng was shocked. Such a supreme sacred herb actually appeared every thousand years, and when it did, there were nine lotuses?


    Old Man Huang Niu nodded slightly, remembering, and said, "Yes, nine lotuses. But I''ve read in ancient texts that when nine Hun Yuan Green Lotuses grow, and all nine are united, they break through Yin and Yang!"


    Nine Hun Yuan Green Lotuses grow, and all nine united will break through Yin and Yang!


    "Break through Yin and Yang..."


    Ye Feng repeated, then widened his eyes, speaking hastily with short breaths, "Senior, does breaking through Yin and Yang refer to the legendary Yin-Yang Realm!?"


    Yu Feiyu, who was beside him, was completely bewildered by their talk of Yin-Yang Realm, as she didn''t understand it at all.


    Ye Feng explained gravely, "Feiyu, you might not be very clear about the realms of cultivators yet."


    "For cultivators in the entry-level stage, our foundation establishment stage is about continually refining and transforming Spirit Essence. Afterward, Spirit Essence solidifies into a Golden Core, allowing one to wield the power of Spirit Essence, also known as the Power of the Golden Core, which is what we call the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!"


    "In the Golden Core Realm, the goal is to transform Spirit Essence into the Power of Yin and Yang. When all Spirit Essence is altered into the Power of Yin and Yang, that is when one can condense the legendary Yin-Yang Divine Body, traversing between the Yin and Yang of this world, and potentially reaching the legendary Undying State!"


    Yu Feiyu''s eyes lit up with realization, and she was incredibly astonished, "The Undying State, so reaching the Yin-Yang Realm means becoming immortal and undying?"


    Before Ye Feng could speak, Old Man Huang Niu laughed, "Silly girl, who can truly be immortal and undying? Although the Yin-Yang Realm is said to be immortal and undying, it merely means having a Yin-Yang Divine Body. The specifics are beyond your reach right now, and there''s no need to understand so much."


    "For two youngsters who haven''t reached the Golden Core Realm, the Yin-Yang Realm is even farther away, so don''t think about such things."


    Yu Feiyu stuck out her tongue. Just as Old Man Huang Niu said, she wasn''t even a Golden Core, so indeed there was no need to consider these matters.


    But Ye Feng''s gaze was burning with determination. He would definitely reach the Yin-Yang Realm!


    "Senior, does that mean that if I can find all nine Hun Yuan Green Lotuses, I could possibly..."


    Ye Feng asked with some expectation in his eyes.


    But before he could finish, Old Man Huang Niu cut him off, "Impossible. No one has ever been able to find all nine Hun Yuan Green Lotuses. Over the past two thousand years, only eight have been found by someone, and nobody has been able to locate the ninth, which is said to be the supreme lotus among the nine Hun Yuan Green Lotuses. It''s very likely to be in Alien Space-Time!"


    Alien Space-Time!


    Ye Feng was again shaken. It seemed plausible; otherwise, why hadn''t the ninth lotus been found for two thousand years? Alien Space-Time...


    Ye Feng smiled wryly, as Alien Space-Time was still an unknown to him.


    ```


    "However, Kid Ye, you could also try collecting them," Old Man Huang Niu said. "With each additional Azure Lotus you gather, the effect becomes stronger. Even if you don''t get all nine, gathering eight would greatly enhance the Cultivation Level of anyone in the Yin-Yang Realm."


    It seemed that Old Man Huang Niu had seen through Ye Feng''s thoughts and comforted him accordingly.


    "Judging by the time, these years are indeed the seasons for the Hun Yuan Green Lotus to appear. If you enter the Outer Battlefield again, you could try to collect them all. Who knows, you might even find the ninth one."


    Old Man Huang Niu said with a smile, a premonition faintly forming in his heart that Ye Feng might really have a chance to find the ninth lotus, considering his heaven-defying luck.


    Ye Feng nodded and picked off a seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, "Let''s not worry about these things right now. I will keep the Hun Yuan Green Lotus for later; first, let''s see its effect on Qingyan."


    Without saying anything more, Old Man Huang Niu watched as Ye Feng administered the lotus seed to Hong Qingyan. The seed melted as soon as it entered her mouth, flowing directly into her body.


    The moment Hong Qingyan ingested the Hun Yuan Green Lotus, her body emitted a faint green glow. Ye Feng''s eyes brightened slightly, for he knew this meant the medicine was starting to work. Her complexion also began to grow rosier with the green light.


    But the faint green glow lasted only a short while before fading. Hong Qingyan remained unconscious, still not awakening.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng was slightly disheartened. It seemed that even the Hun Yuan Green Lotus seed had a limited effect on Hong Qingyan. The strain of using the Wings of Light twice had been too great, and not even the Hun Yuan Green Lotus seed could wake her.


    At that moment, Yu Feiyu came over to Ye Feng and took his hand.


    "Big Brother Ye, Sister Qingyan will surely wake up soon, so don''t worry too much," she said to comfort him.


    Yu Feiyu offered reassurance.


    Ye Feng nodded. At this point, there was no other solution; all he could do was wait quietly.


    There was definitely no need to worry about Hong Qingyan''s safety in the Northwest Little Mountain Village; all that could be done now was to wait for her body to heal itself.


    After spending a while in the Northwest Little Mountain Village and sharing a meal with Yu Feiyu, Ye Feng left.


    When Ye Feng returned to Northern Cloud Residence, he issued an order, "Summon Sima Zhantian, Xiao Chuanqi, Leng Wuming, Shadow, Gai Jiuyou, and Cao Tian at once to see me!"


    A moment later, the six, including Sima Zhantian, flew to Ye Feng and knelt on one knee before him.


    "My Lord!"


    Cao Tian was the descendant of Cao Yi, Boss Cao.


    Ye Feng glanced at his people. On their last venture to the Outer Battlefield, everyone had made considerable gains, nearly reaching or approaching the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, but this was far from enough!


    "Rest for a day. Tomorrow, we return to the Outer Battlefield!" Ye Feng declared solemnly.


    After a visit to the Outer Battlefield, Ye Feng had realized that to advance their abilities, they must face the challenges in that perilous place, filled with life or death situations and opportunities. Remaining in Xuanyuan Nation would no longer facilitate progress.


    The Outer Battlefield was an essential destination. Knowing that the Great Wall of Heaven could hold for at most three more years, Ye Feng felt an urgent need to increase their strength.


    In three years, the situation would drastically change. To survive the upcoming upheavals, they must become stronger. Only by empowering himself could he protect Hong Qingyan and his friends, and possibly safeguard Xuanyuan Nation itself.


    "Understood!"


    The group responded in unison, yet none left right away but remained kneeling on the ground.


    Ye Feng frowned at them, "Why aren''t you resting? Is there something else?"


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian exchanged glances, and it was Xiao Chuanqi who finally spoke up.


    "My Lord, we have a request!" he said, his voice grave.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, "Go ahead."


    Xiao Chuanqi suddenly looked up, his eyes sparkling with determination, "My Lord, after careful consideration, we six wish to ask for your permission to part ways and seek our own trials after entering the Outer Battlefield!"


    "Impossible!"


    Ye Feng immediately refused. His face hardening, he said, "It''s suicide to allow you six to venture alone in the treacherous Outer Battlefield. With threats from the Fusang Yin-Yang Hall, the Western Vampire Divine Court, and the wizards from Snow Wolf Country, you would surely be besieged if encountered alone. Moreover, if you find yourself in a crisis, the delay in support is far too dangerous."


    Ye Feng shook his head, firmly disagreeing. He knew Xiao Chuanqi and the others wanted to improve their strength through solo trials, but by staying by his side, they could also gain strength and have a higher survival rate working together in the Outer Battlefield.

 Chapter 531 526: Re-entering the Outer Battlefield, Skeleton Forest!

    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, along with the others, exchanged glances and nodded at each other again.


    Immediately thereafter, the six people once again said in unison, "Please grant us this, My Lord!"


    Xiao Chuanqi''s face was set with determination as he said, "My Lord, we know you are concerned for our safety, but by always following you, our progress will be slow. Without the tempering of life-and-death trials, it''s difficult to achieve significant improvement."


    Shadow also lifted her head, her stunning face bearing a look of determination, "My Lord, previously on the Outer Battlefield, it was you who intercepted the strong opponents. We have also noticed that the gap between your strength and ours is growing. Please allow us to cultivate independently so that we can make greater progress in our strength!"


    "Only by doing so can we better protect you in the future!"


    Shadow said with clenched teeth. In truth, she didn''t want to leave Ye Feng''s side, but she had slowly realized she could no longer keep up with his level of strength.


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows, not expecting even Shadow, who always wanted to stay by his side, to say the same.


    No sooner had Shadow finished speaking than Leng Wuming also spoke up, "Please rest assured, My Lord. Even if we leave to cultivate independently, we will leave in pairs, not alone."


    "Please grant us this, My Lord!"


    Seeing the expressions on everyone''s faces, Ye Feng knew that the six of them were set on splitting up to cultivate independently. The words of Xiao Chuanqi and Shadow, he actually understood them well; indeed, it was just so, after all, his strength was much higher than the others, and he usually intercepted the strong foes, dealing with them himself.


    Ye Feng sighed, feeling somewhat helpless yet moved, and finally nodded, "Fine, I permit you to act independently."


    Upon hearing this, the faces of Xiao Chuanqi and the others lit up with joy, and they all bowed deeply.


    "Thank you for granting us this, My Lord!"


    Ye Feng looked at them, his face also showing a look of helplessness.


    The next day, in front of the Northern Cloud Residence plaza, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, Shadow, as well as Gai Jiuyou and the Cao Family''s direct lineage, Cao Tian, had already arrived at the location.


    Ye Feng walked out of the Northern Cloud Residence with his hands behind his back. This time, there were no people from other sects or the Four Great Ancient Clans, just the seven of them.


    The individuals from the Nine Great Clans and the Four Great Ancient Clans who had entered previously, other than those who had died, some prodigies had chosen to stay in the Outer Battlefield. Those who had returned were either injured and unable to continue cultivating, or they were essentially eliminated; in such an unforgiving environment, without the adequate Recovery Pill Medicine or the Spirit Stone that Li Benzhong had produced earlier, they couldn''t recover. If their strength was insufficient, it was impossible to survive there, and staying would mean certain death. This was the law of survival of the fittest, where only the strong have the right to live.


    Therefore, Ye Feng didn''t say much to the others, only giving a heads-up to the Utility Pavilion.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others were already standing in groups, and as they had said the day before, they would be forming three teams for this journey into the Outer Battlefield.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian formed one team. The combination of their Immortal Blade and Immortal Sword allowed them to battle Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm and to retreat unscathed even from the hands of Golden Core Grandmasters.


    Leng Wuming and Shadow formed another team. With Leng Wuming''s strength, plus the Shadow''s special abilities, they should at least have no major issues in terms of preserving their lives.


    The Grand Corps Leader Gai Jiuyou was taking Cao Tian of the Cao Family with him. Gai Jiuyou had already entered the Outer Battlefield before, and there was no worry about his strength. Cao Tian also possessed the cultivation level of a Peak Martial King, and as long as he wasn''t too foolish, with Gai Jiuyou looking after him, there shouldn''t be a problem.


    Observing their groupings, Ye Feng silently nodded to himself, feeling somewhat more at ease with these arrangements.


    The helicopter blades had already started spinning, and everyone was ready to board.


    At that moment, a figure flew across the sky.


    Ye Feng, having recognized the newcomer, asked with a hint of surprise, "Grand Sect Leader, what brings you here?"


    The person was none other than Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming.


    Zhao Gongming looked at the people boarding the aircraft, his gaze serious. These were all significant figures by Ye Feng''s side, and indeed they all planned to go to the Outer Battlefield.


    However, he hadn''t come for them; he approached Ye Feng and bowed, "Northern King, I have a request to make!"


    "There''s no need for formalities, Grand Sect Leader. Please speak," Ye Feng said, curious about what Zhao Gongming wanted.


    Zhao Gongming spoke solemnly, "If the Northern King encounters my disciple Zhang Wenyuan in the Outer Battlefield, please take good care of him!"


    Zhang Wenyuan, his prized disciple¡ªnow, Zhang Wenyuan was his only concern. After Zhang Wenyuan left, Zhao Gongming had not heard from him and was worried about his well-being.


    After Ye Feng informed him of the situation in the Xuanyuan Hall the day before, he knew the Outer Battlefield must already be in chaos; hence, he made a special trip to ask for help when Ye Feng was about to depart.


    Ye Feng smiled and agreed easily, "Rest assured, Grand Sect Leader. If I come across Zhang Wenyuan, I will definitely take care of him. Besides, that boy is so lucky; he might have already broken through to become a Golden Core Grandmaster by now."


    While Ye Feng was joking, even he wasn''t sure about the situation inside the Outer Battlefield and how Zhang Wenyuan was doing.


    Zhao Gongming nodded, having no choice but to entrust this task to Ye Feng.


    "Please return, Grand Sect Leader. We are setting off now," Ye Feng said, already boarding the helicopter with the others.


    Watching the helicopter fly off into the distance, Zhao Gongming''s eyes carried a trace of worry.


    An hour later, the helicopter had arrived over the East Sea. As before, the sea was tumultuous with waves, and directly below the helicopter was an immense whirlpool.


    It was still the same entrance to the East Sea, but this time, Ye Feng and the others clearly felt that the entrance had stabilized a lot.


    "Let''s go!"


    Ye Feng didn''t say much and took the lead by leaping deep into the vortex, followed by Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others who jumped down one by one. The seven of them vanished into the massive whirlpool in an instant.


    A few breaths later, accompanied by the thudding sound of landing, Ye Feng had already touched the ground.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others fell to the ground one after the other, springing back to their feet the moment they landed.


    With everyone having become stronger, they did not pass out in the tunnel like they had before.


    Ye Feng took a glance around and found that they were in a Withered Wood Forest, a location completely different from the first time they entered the Outer Battlefield.


    "Where is this? Didn''t we enter into a wasteland the last time?"


    Sima Zhantian asked with some confusion, looking around and remaining on high alert.


    The others also found it strange. The first time they arrived, they were surrounded by an endless wasteland, but now, it had turned into a Withered Wood Forest.


    "It''s not strange at all. I had learned before that the teleportation of the channel might also change, not necessarily staying in the same place."


    Ye Feng spoke in a deep voice. The vortex tunnel they had entered before carried a power of time and space; it was probably that power of time and space that could teleport a person to another place.


    "This Withered Wood Forest..."


    Ye Feng scanned his surroundings, extending his spiritual power to explore, despite the resistance. But with his increased strength, having opened over two thousand five hundred acupoints, his spiritual power could now explore a larger area than before.


    After a brief exploration, Ye Feng didn''t find many abnormalities. His wariness lessened slightly, and the others felt the same. Aside from the withered woods filled with a desolate and barren atmosphere, no other life forms were detected.


    Ye Feng looked at Xiao Chuanqi and the others, and said solemnly, "If nothing unexpected happens, we can split up here..."


    Before Ye Feng could finish speaking, his complexion changed in an instant.


    "Stay alert, there''s danger!"


    Ye Feng suddenly bellowed, his expression extremely grave, closely surveying the surroundings. His spiritual power had detected some odd movement, but he couldn''t pinpoint exactly where it was.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others were all startled, immediately releasing their aura, ready for battle.


    Yet, after looking around, they still saw no signs of anything unusual or any other creatures.


    "Master, where is the danger?"


    Sima Zhantian asked, somewhat confused.


    The others felt bewildered as well, seeing no activity around them.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained heavy; he too was searching for the source of the danger. His spiritual power had indeed detected a strange and approaching force, but there were still no visible signs of anything out of the ordinary. Suddenly, he thought of the Spirit-devouring Ant Beast they had encountered the first time they entered the Outer Battlefield.


    Could it be underground?


    Just as Ye Feng was about to use his spiritual power to scan the ground, he already felt a vibration coming from beneath his feet.


    "Below, retreat!"


    Ye Feng roared, rapidly retreating backwards. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, not being ordinary people, retreated explosively upon hearing Ye Feng''s voice.


    In the spot where they had just been standing, the ground suddenly cracked violently as if in an earthquake, causing the group to nearly lose their footing.


    Boom!


    The ground burst open, revealing a vast hole from which an enormous creature shot out. A powerful and terrifying presence unfolded, instantly filling the Withered Wood Forest with an aura of death.


    Ye Feng''s face paled at the sight of the colossal creature¡ªa centipede. However, this centipede was immense, the size of half a basketball court, and it was even more bizarre that it was only left with white bones, devoid of any flesh. Around the centipede''s head seemed to be enveloped in a black glow, obscuring the inside¡ªa skeletal centipede!


    "Undead Centipede, this is the Skeleton Forest, one of the four great desolate lands of the Outer Battlefield!"


    Ye Feng spoke rapidly, his complexion utterly changed.


    From what he knew, there were several desolate lands in the Outer Battlefield, and entering any of them meant almost certain death. Even for powerhouses of the Sacred Realm and Golden Core Grandmasters, there was a high probability of perishing in such places.


    Ye Feng''s face looked particularly grim: "This is really bad luck, to be teleported to this place."


    Xiao Chuanqi stared at the Undead Centipede before them, his voice trembling, "Master, what is the Skeleton Forest?"


    The others also looked over, as they too weren''t very familiar with the Outer Battlefield.


    Ye Feng, with the Emperor''s Armor already condensed on him, said heavily, "Three Sacred Realm Level powerhouses of the Vampire Divine Court once entered this place, and they never came out again!"

 Chapter 532 527: Battle with the Undead Centipede

    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian lost their composure completely when they heard this, their eyes widening in shock.


    If three powerhouses of the Saint Realm couldn''t escape this Skeleton Forest, how powerful must this Undead Centipede be?


    "Split up and run, we''re definitely no match for this thing!"


    Ye Feng made a quick decision and immediately ordered everyone to escape. He could sense the terrifying might of the Undead Centipede, far more formidable than any enemies or monsters he had ever faced before!


    In his heart, he felt helpless, never expecting to be this unlucky. This was only his second time entering the Outer Battlefield, and he had already encountered such a situation. This kind of luck was truly unmatched.


    Roar!!


    Just as Ye Feng issued the order, the massive Undead Centipede suddenly let out a roar like a hurricane blasting towards them. The howling wind was extremely forceful.


    Ye Feng instantly activated his Spirit Essence Barrier, attempting to forcefully block the shockwave of the roar, but in front of this powerful impact, the barrier shattered instantly, as if it were made of paper.


    Ye Feng''s complexion changed; Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were right behind him. With their strength, if hit by this shockwave, they would definitely be severely injured!


    "Emperor''s Armor!"


    "Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!"


    Ye Feng kept shouting, his body shining with golden light. The Emperor''s Armor condensed around his form, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in his hand glowed brilliantly. He spun it quickly to block the incoming shockwave!


    Boom!


    The shockwave collided with the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, forcing Ye Feng to retreat step by step. His arms trembled wildly, and even the spear in his hand risked shattering. Cracks also started to appear on the Emperor''s Armor he wore, but in the end, he managed to block the shockwave. However, blood was now spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    "My lord!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others shouted, their faces full of concern.


    Ye Feng turned back and said sternly, "I''m fine, you guys go first, I''ll hold this thing off!"


    Despite saying so, Ye Feng was immensely shocked inside. Just a single roar almost overwhelmed him; what kind of strength did this Undead Centipede possess?


    "No, it''s too dangerous, my lord, let''s go together!"


    Shadow gritted her teeth, clearly reluctant to leave Ye Feng behind on his own.


    The others were equally anxious, as they too recognized the overwhelming power of the Undead Centipede. Ye Feng was likely no match for it!


    As the roar of the Undead Centipede ended, the ground of the Withered Wood Forest shook again, and from the black soil emerged stark white bones, as skeleton after skeleton popped out from the earth. Some were humanoid, some were beastly, all their skulls covered with a black glow, emitting a not-so-weak aura.


    Ye Feng glanced at the skeletons surrounding them, his expression growing even graver. These skeletons...


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were petrified by the skeletons around them. All of them were mere bones, but now they were rushing towards them, even wielding weapons made from bones. The dense aura of death was so heavy that it almost suffocated them.


    "What in the world are these things?"


    Gai Jiuyou felt his scalp tingle. Although he had previously been in the Outer Battlefield, his mind had been lost to madness, and he couldn''t remember anything clearly after regaining consciousness.


    Ye Feng''s face was solemn; he knew these skeleton monsters must have been summoned by that roar of the Undead Centipede. Moreover, each skeleton emitted an aura of Martial King level, and some humanoid skeletons even had the aura of Peak Martial Kings!


    "These are likely the alien beasts or humans who strayed into the Skeleton Forest before, refined by this Undead Centipede."


    Ye Feng surmised, recognizing some of these skeletons as the Spirit-devouring Ant Beasts they had encountered earlier.


    Everyone was shocked by the realization that if they died here, they would also be refined into these skeleton people.


    With more and more skeletons surrounding them, Ye Feng knew they couldn''t delay any longer, especially with the terrifying presence of the Undead Centipede up ahead!


    "You guys fight your way out, I''ll hold off this Undead Centipede. Don''t worry, I have a way to save myself. Now go, this is an order!"


    Ye Feng bellowed. The Emperor''s Armor around him recondensed, and he now wielded a jet-black long spear as he steeled himself to charge at the Undead Centipede.


    Shadow looked at Ye Feng''s retreating figure and bit her lip, "I''ll go help my lord!"


    She was worried about Ye Feng''s safety and wanted to assist. Even if they couldn''t win, she felt compelled to contribute her strength.


    Just as Shadow was about to rush forward, Xiao Chuanqi firmly held her back. She then heard Xiao Chuanqi''s roaring voice in her ears, "Don''t be insane. We''d only be a burden to our lord if we go there. Let''s break out first and make a path for our lord!"


    Xiao Chuanqi''s eyes were red with reluctance and anger, but he was well aware that they couldn''t even withstand a single roar from the Undead Centipede, let alone fight against it.


    Sima Zhantian, Gai Jiuyou, Leng Wuming, and Cao Jing''s eyes were also filled with rage, yet they understood they must escape to prevent Ye Feng from being distracted.


    Xiao Chuanqi faced the skeleton army, wielding the Immortal Sword from within him in his hands, and charged forth while roaring out loud, "Slash!"


    The sword light flashing with flowing radiance chopped towards a Martial King Level skeleton in front of them. With a clang, the Martial King Level skeleton was knocked flying, tumbling over ten meters away.


    However, the Martial King Level skeleton quickly got up from the ground and charged towards Xiao Chuanqi and the others again.


    Everyone was taken aback. In Xiao Chuanqi''s hands was the Immortal Sword of Mount Shu. A full-force strike could severely injure even a Peak Martial King, yet now this skeleton got up without any damage.


    "Damn it, these skeletons are too tough!"


    Xiao Chuanqi cursed and was also extremely shocked.


    "We can''t kill them, but we can repel them. Let''s stick together and fight our way through!"


    Shadow quickly made a calm assessment, also summoning their own weapon, and glanced back at Ye Feng rushing towards the Undead Centipede before biting their lip and charging towards those skeletons.


    Sima Zhantian also took out the Immortal Blade. The other four also had grave expressions as they all exerted their full Combat Power and charged in one direction.


    Elsewhere, Ye Feng saw that the others had already charged in a certain direction and let out a sigh of relief. He could tell that those skeletons were difficult to deal with, their bodies incredibly tough, and nearly impossible to kill, but fortunately, they could be repelled.


    He hoped they could break through.


    With this thought in mind, Ye Feng turned back and stared at the gigantic Undead Centipede before him.


    He couldn''t see the eyes of the Undead Centipede, only a mass of black light enveloping it. He decided to aim for the head wrapped in black light!


    Ye Feng made up his mind, his Sky-breaking Long Spear already thrust forward. The spear, like a black meteor, smashed towards the head of the Undead Centipede enveloped in black light.


    Boom!


    When the Sky-breaking Long Spear struck the Undead Centipede, a powerful rebounding force was transmitted, sending Ye Feng flying back over a dozen meters. Ye Feng quickly stabilized his figure, his arm still trembling where he held the Sky-breaking Long Spear.


    "It really is damn hard!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but complain. With his current strength, one strike from the Sky-breaking Long Spear could shatter even a mountaintop. Yet, in front of this Undead Centipede, it seemed completely ineffective, and he ended up rattled by the rebound.


    It seemed Ye Feng''s strike had thoroughly enraged the Undead Centipede. The aura of death around it burst forth once more, and the surrounding air seemed to drop several degrees. A thick black beam shot out from the Centipede''s head!


    Ye Feng''s complexion changed dramatically; the black beam gave him an intense sense of palpitations. He couldn''t take it!


    With hairs standing on end, Ye Feng rapidly moved his body, narrowly avoiding the black beam by a hair''s breadth.


    The black beam struck where Ye Feng had been standing moments before. A large portion of the Skeleton Legion instantly turned to ash, and even the ground where the beam hit formed a deep, bottomless pit. The withered trees surrounding the pit were emitting black smoke, corroding away.


    Ye Feng was shocked at the scene: "What the hell is this?"


    He had just seen Xiao Chuanqi wield the Immortal Sword against these skeletons without being able to harm them in the slightest, yet a casual spit from this Undead Centipede annihilated a swath of its own troops.


    Ye Feng thought about it and decided to call it saliva for now.


    Ye Feng became even more vigilant, his aura soaring to its peak. Facing this creature, the slightest carelessness could spell disaster. He didn''t even dare to bring out the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, for if the creature''s saliva could not be blocked by the scroll, that would be a huge loss.


    Now he just needed to delay. Once Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian broke out of the Skeleton Forest, there should be no problem.


    According to rumors, there should be no danger outside the Skeleton Forest. Only within the Skeleton Forest, few who entered survived.


    At that moment, Ye Feng noticed that where the Undead Centipede had destroyed a group of skeletons, little black light spots were converging toward him.


    Ye Feng was puzzled but then discovered that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace was vibrating lightly, unfolding and activating, absorbing these black light spots and converting them into strands of Source of Energy through the scroll''s transformation!


    Ye Feng was elated at this. Good lord, it turned out that these black light spots could be absorbed and transformed by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. This made him immediately think of a method.


    He might not be able to cut down the Skeleton Legion, but he could let the Undead Centipede do the killing and then sit back and reap all the black light spots for himself.


    Looking at the dense skeletons on the ground, Ye Feng was almost ready to bloom with joy. If all these skeletons were annihilated, the quantity of the black light spots would be terrifying. However, he would have to continuously provoke the creature and also dodge quickly. If he were to get hit by the creature''s saliva, he''d be done for.


    "Hey, big skeleton, look at my Great Seal!"


    Ye Feng shouted loudly and immediately used the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!


    A golden Seal appeared in the sky and then descended from above. The Seal plummeted rapidly, as if there was a golden Great Hand wielding it, slamming it down onto the Undead Centipede''s head shrouded in black light.


    Rumbling noises erupted, and the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal repelled the Undead Centipede a bit, but it was just a bit before it turned into golden fragments and dispersed in the air.


    "Roar!!"


    The Undead Centipede seemed to be angered once again, its bony tentacles flailing wildly, and several black beams sprayed out from its black-light head.


    Seeing multiple black beams jetting out at once, Ye Feng exclaimed in alarm, "Crap, it''s going all out!"

 Chapter 533 528: Until next time

    The undead centipede was clearly provoked by one of Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seals, as it spewed black beams of light in all directions. Ye Feng mobilized all his strength, veins bulging on his forehead as he rapidly dodged through the air.


    "Damn, luckily the range of these black beams isn''t too wide, otherwise I''d really be done for!"


    After desperately dodging, Ye Feng felt like he had a narrow escape from death. It was a close call, one of the black beams nearly pierced through his arm. Thankfully, his quick reaction allowed him to evade at full strength, but even so, the Emperor''s Armor he wore was corroded with a gap.


    Ye Feng looked down to see a large section of the withered trees in the Withered Wood Forest had collapsed, and the ground was now peppered with seven or eight bottomless black holes. Dense spots of black light emerged in the air, resembling a rain of darkness moving against the flow, all rushing into Ye Feng''s body from above.


    "Awesome, this is just too awesome!"


    Ye Feng was overjoyed. Although the situation was perilous, the gains were substantial. All the black light spots were absorbed by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, converted into the source of energy, and fed back to him.


    However, Ye Feng quickly noticed something amiss, "All this energy is only enough to open up a dozen or so acupoints? In the past, it would have been enough to open several dozen. Could it be that unlocking the last five hundred acupoints is more difficult than before?"


    Ye Feng made his judgment swiftly and was certain of his thoughts. Indeed, cultivating the final five hundred acupoints proved to be harder. Nevertheless, he could clearly feel an improvement in his strength. Although the increase wasn''t significant, it was still a cause for celebration.


    "No good, the giant skeleton is coming again!"


    Ye Feng''s expression changed, as the attack from the undead centipede came once more, making his scalp tingle with alarm.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, who had been charging outward, were panting and rushed out of the Skeleton Forest, bursting into a barren desert.


    Gazing back at the Withered Wood Forest, Xiao Chuanqi saw no more skeleton figures and collapsed on the ground with a gasp, saying, "The skeletons are gone, it looks like they can''t leave the Withered Wood Forest. We''re safe, everyone."


    Sima Zhantian and others were also exhausted, collapsing in the desert sand. They had fended off the hardy skeletons all this way and were now utterly drained.


    Shadow, though tired as well, kept a worried eye in the direction of the Skeleton Forest, "I wonder how the master is doing now..."


    Upon hearing Shadow''s words, everyone fell silent. To enable their escape, Ye Feng alone had held off the most powerful undead centipede, and his fate was still unknown.


    Seeing the grim atmosphere, Sima Zhantian tried to lighten the mood with a laugh, "The master is the Northern King and the Martial Academy Principal of Xuanyuan Nation, how could anything happen to him? Right, Xiao Chuanqi?"


    However, just as Sima Zhantian''s words ended, seven or eight black beams lit up from the Skeleton Forest, instantly drawing the attention of Xiao Chuanqi and others.


    The black beams blotted out the sky with such a terrifying might that even Xiao Chuanqi and others, who had made it out, were left with hearts pounding. They could feel that if they were touched by even a hint of the black beams, they would very likely be obliterated!


    By the location of the black beams, they could tell it was where they had just escaped from, which likely meant that Ye Feng was battling the undead centipede.


    In an instant, Sima Zhantian felt the cold gaze of Shadow, and even Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming looked at him with strange expressions.


    With an eerie tone, Shadow said, "Sima Zhantian, if anything happens to the master, I''ll kill you first to accompany him in death!"


    Sima Zhantian shivered, hairs on his body standing on end and a chill settling in his heart. If it were Xiao Chuanqi who had said it, he might have taken it as a joke, but coming from Shadow, he believed it to be true; after all, they could all see Shadow''s special feelings for Ye Feng.


    The atmosphere turned awkward suddenly, and Xiao Chuanqi cleared his throat to break the silence, "Let''s not panic just yet, it looks like there''s still a fight going on inside the Skeleton Forest. The master should be fine. Let''s all wait peacefully. The master''s luck is against the heavens; he''s bound to be alright."


    Despite his words, Xiao Chuanqi was also unsure, because the black beams just now had been truly terrifying ¨C even from a distance, they made one''s heart skip a beat.


    Shadow watched the Skeleton Forest with anxious eyes, hoping that in the next moment the emperor-like figure would emerge from within.


    At this very moment, on the Great Wall of Heaven, in a different time and space from this Outer Battlefield, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe was still puffing on his dry pipe, sensing something as he looked towards a certain direction.


    Shortly after, Old Long raised his White Brows, "That''s the direction of Skeleton Forest. Why is that centipede acting up again? I had injured it with a slap when I passed by a few days ago; how come it''s jumping around now?"


    "Hold on... that''s... Ye Feng''s aura!"


    Old Long''s face showed a hint of surprise. Hearing Ye Feng''s name, Sausage Sister became curious, "Grandpa Long, what are you talking about? What''s this Skeleton Forest and Ye Feng all about?"


    "That kid Ye Feng has entered the Outer Battlefield again, but this time he seems to be unlucky, having been transported to the Skeleton Forest, one of the Four Great Desolate Lands." Old Long''s face revealed a smile that seemed to delight in Ye Feng''s misfortune, which left Sausage Sister speechless. Isn''t that your disciple? Is that an appropriate expression?


    But Sausage Sister dared not say much, frowning as she asked, "What are the Four Great Desolate Lands?"


    Old Long took another puff of his dry pipe before casually saying, "They are what those who enter the Outer Battlefield call the Four Great Desolate Lands, although to me, they are hardly ''desolate lands.''"


    "To be truthful, rather than calling them desolate lands, they are more like prisons..."


    Old Long sighed as he spoke, seemingly wanting to say something but ultimately chose to remain silent.


    Sausage Sister didn''t notice that, as her concern had already shifted to something else, "Could Ye Feng be in danger over there?"


    "If it were before, that kid would definitely be dead upon entering," Old Long said, startling Sausage Sister, but then he quickly added with a smile, "But now, the most this kid will suffer is a bit of hardship; he shouldn''t be in mortal danger."


    Only then did Sausage Sister breathe a sigh of relief. Watching Old Long''s expression, she couldn''t help but feel a mix of amusement and irony. Her own disciple was in danger, yet here he was, looking quite pleased.


    Over at Skeleton Forest, Ye Feng was still entangled in combat with the Undead Centipede. He was also continuously provoking the beast to spray out black beams to kill off the Skeleton Legion, leaving the ground riddled with innumerable deep black holes.


    Despite appearing somewhat disheveled, Ye Feng''s expenditure wasn''t small, but his gains were definitely substantial. In the midst of the battle, he had unlocked more than a dozen acupoints. Furthermore, he noticed something odd about the Undead Centipede; its movements seemed somewhat sluggish, as if it were injured.


    Logically, if the Undead Centipede only had such an attack speed, an ordinary Golden Core Grandmaster and a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm should be able to dodge its attacks. He had been fighting for nearly an hour, and if it weren''t for the Skeleton Legion scattered all over the ground, he would have reason to doubt whether this place was really one of the legendary Four Great Desolate Lands.


    What Ye Feng didn''t know was that if his master, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, hadn''t previously injured the Undead Centipede, which resulted in its reduced attack speed, he would have been reduced to ashes by now.


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!"


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!"


    Ye Feng was thoroughly enjoying the fight, and to not take advantage of such an opportunity would be foolish.


    However, he soon discovered that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll seemed to have ceased absorbing the black light dots left behind by the destruction of the skeletons.


    Eyeing the black light dots suspended in the air, Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, "Is it saturated already and not absorbing this kind of energy anymore?"


    Soon, Ye Feng confirmed his suspicion. It really might be saturated. The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had stopped working, which was quite frustrating. He was still covetous of those black light dots in the air, but it was already useless as they couldn''t be absorbed.


    "The Spirit Essence in my body is almost depleted too. It''s time to leave. I wonder if Xiao Chuan and the others are safe now."


    After muttering to himself, Ye Feng confirmed the direction in which Xiao Chuan and the others had left, and turned his head to look at the Undead Centipede that was still relentlessly attacking him.


    "Big Skeleton, I''m off; I''ll come and find you again if there''s a chance!"


    With a loud shout, Ye Feng then retreated from a group of skeletons and flew out of Skeleton Forest.


    It seemed as though the Undead Centipede understood Ye Feng''s intention. Its enormous body trembled wildly, and the entire Skeleton Forest shook as if struck by a massive earthquake.


    "Roar Buzz!"


    The Undead Centipede let out a bizarre roar, unleashing a wave of deathly aura. It was extremely angry; had it not been injured, it could have easily killed this puny human!


    But Ye Feng was oblivious to all of this.


    The Skeleton Legion was composed only of skeletons at the Martial King Level and Peak Martial King level, which posed no real challenge to Ye Feng. With the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in hand, he easily knocked these skeletons away and flew out of Skeleton Forest into a vast desert.


    Outside Skeleton Forest, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others had been waiting and staring in the direction of Skeleton Forest. Shadow, in particular, had been watching Skeleton Forest intently from the moment Ye Feng stepped out.


    At that moment, a towering figure flew out of Skeleton Forest.


    Shadow immediately flew over, while Xiao Chuanqi and the others were momentarily stunned. Upon recognizing the towering figure, their faces lit up with joy, and they too dashed forward.


    "My lord!"


    "Welcome back, my lord!"


    Shadow''s eyes were slightly reddened, kneel-ing on one knee on the ground, staring intently at the figure.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and the others also knelt on one knee, their faces filled with excitement.


    Ye Feng swept a glance over everyone and noticed that they seemed to be unharmed. A smile appeared on his face, "Good, it looks like everyone is fine. You all look quite drained, though. Take these Spirit Stones and use them to recover."


    Ye Feng handed out several luminous Spirit Stones to each of the six individuals. He too had Spirit Stones, some of which he had acquired during his first entry by defeating the Onmyoji from Fusang and other enemies. Others were given to him at the Utility Pavilion by Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming.

 Chapter 534 - 529: Parting Ways

    Xiao Chuanqi and the others were slightly startled upon seeing the Spirit Stones in their hands. Xiao Chuanqi repeatedly said, "My Lord, this must not be done. Spirit Stones are extremely precious in the Outer Battlefield. Just keep them for your own use, we can recover using some Recovery Pills."


    Sima Zhantian and the others also pushed the Spirit Stones back. They all understood the importance of Spirit Stones in the Outer Battlefield. These were the universal currency of the battlefield and could also be used for cultivation and recovery.


    They were now clear that in the Outer Battlefield, Spirit Stones were the true hard currency. Those things like gold and silver paper currency on Earth were all insubstantial. No one cared about them and they were completely unnecessary. Compared to Spirit Stones, some Recovery Pills would be more economical.


    Shadow also said, "My Lord, your consumption is greater. Keep these Spirit Stones for your own recovery. We are not greatly harmed."


    Ye Feng looked at the group with a mixture of tears and laughter. These fellows had actually almost exhausted themselves, and in the Outer Battlefield, it was impossible to recover naturally without relying on Spirit Stones and Pill Medicines.


    "Everyone take these, it''s an order, I still have plenty of Spirit Stones for myself."


    Ye Feng directly chastised them and sent the Spirit Stones back into their hands while also taking out some Recovery Pills from his Space Ring.


    "The Undead Centipede in Skeleton Forest must have been injured, otherwise, it couldn''t be so weak. Our luck, to speak well, we were transported to one of the Legendary Four Great Desolate Lands, but to speak poorly, that Undead Centipede just happened to be injured. Otherwise, as soon as it appeared, we might already have been wiped out."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly with a hint of sentimentality.


    He wasn''t foolish. He had also noticed that the Undead Centipede was likely injured, hence its sluggish movements. While escaping from the Skeleton Forest, he discovered that the Undead Centipede didn''t chase after him at all, which solidified his thought. If the Undead Centipede had been a bit faster in its attack, not even Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm or Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm would be its match.


    Needless to say, a single beam of black light could easily handle a person.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian and the others had a deep look in their eyes. Weak? They had all been scared to death already, with a single roar almost blasting them into oblivion.


    "It''s all thanks to our Lord''s mighty strength; otherwise, we might not have been able to get out of this Skeleton Forest."


    Xiao Chuanqi said somewhat sheepishly.


    Ye Feng simply waved his hand, laughing, "No need for flattery, go ahead and recover. I''ll protect you guys first. Once you have recovered, then you can take turns protecting me."


    Crisis could arise at any moment in the Outer Battlefield. Considering their current states, if a few Alien Beasts or enemies at the Half-Step Golden Core level suddenly attacked, it would be troublesome. They had to recover quickly.


    The group understood the importance of regaining their strength and didn''t dawdle any longer. Holding the Spirit Stones given by Ye Feng, they began sitting in meditation to recover their own strength.


    However, Shadow herself had yet to take action. She looked at Ye Feng, originally wanting to say something, but at that moment, Ye Feng had already looked over and frowned, "Shadow, what are you daydreaming about? Hurry up and recover your strength."


    "As you command, my Lord!"


    Shadow held back what she wanted to say and sat down cross-legged, also starting to recover her strength.


    She actually wanted to tell Ye Feng that she had been really worried earlier, but now it seemed better not to say anything.


    Ye Feng, for his part, didn''t care about these things. His spiritual power began to release, scanning the surroundings for alerts and acting as the protector for the six people.


    An hour later, Xiao Chuanqi and Shadow were the first to open their eyes, a sharp light flashing in them, and their aura seemed stronger than when they first entered the Outer Battlefield.


    Xiao Chuanqi leapt to his feet and knelt on one knee before Ye Feng, "My Lord, it seems my strength has improved again. Although the progress is small, it is indeed an improvement."


    A trace of joy was visible on Xiao Chuanqi''s face; it was significant for someone with his already considerable strength to make further progress.


    Shadow also came over, "My Lord, Shadow has also improved!"


    "My Lord, Sima Zhantian as well!"


    "My Lord, don''t forget me, Leng Wuming!"


    ...


    Each of the six had a hint of excitement on their faces, as nearly all of them had made some small improvements in their strength.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng also revealed a smile. Naturally, he was happy that everyone had made progress. Actually, this was not surprising. Having all escaped from countless Skeletons at the Martial King and Peak Martial King Levels, they had consumed a huge amount of energy which also accelerated their growth. Coupled with the cultivation and recovery from the Spirit Essence inside the Spirit Stones just now, this had led to the improvements in their strength.


    "Indeed, the Outer Battlefield didn''t disappoint. Coming here was the right decision; it seems the Golden Core Realm is within reach for you all."


    Ye Feng laughed heartily, clearly in a good mood. The greatest gains from Skeleton Forest had been his own; having absorbed a large number of black dots, he opened nearly forty Acupoints, which was truly a tremendous achievement.


    Xiao Chuanqi glanced at the others, then took a deep breath and said, "My Lord, since we have all recovered, please let us form our own team and leave to gain experience."


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others exchanged glances. While waiting outside, they had reached a consensus. Once Ye Feng came out, they really needed to venture into the Outer Battlefield by themselves to experience the trials of the world. Facing the Undead Centipede and that profound sense of helplessness, they could only watch Ye Feng dragging the Undead Centipede away. They were extremely uncomfortable with that feeling.


    Ye Feng glanced at the six of them, knowing they had made up their minds, and sighed slightly, "Off you go then, be careful on the way. If you encounter any danger or get hurt, leave the Outer Battlefield immediately, or go to Xuanyuan Hall and find the Seventh Hall Master. The Seventh Hall Master is a senior of our Utility Pavilion, and with his protection, there shouldn''t be any problems."


    "As for the First Hall Master..."


    Ye Feng, when mentioning the First Hall Master, didn''t continue on. He always felt that the First Hall Master was somewhat odd but couldn''t quite put his finger on what exactly was odd. Without dwelling on it further, he shifted the topic.


    "Be extra cautious in the Outer Battlefield with Fusang Yin-Yang Hall and the Western Vampire Divine Court, as well as the Snow Wolf Country''s Wizard Alliance. If you encounter them, show no mercy¡ªkill if you must. You all understand the matter concerning the Blood Witch Stone, right?"


    Ye Feng directly inquired.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others all nodded. They had already learned about the Blood Witch Stone when they entered the Outer Battlefield. With that confirmation, Ye Feng nodded and explained a few other matters succinctly.


    "Since you''ve chosen to leave me to undergo training, I am relieved. However, I have just one request: come back alive!"


    A sharp glint flashed through Ye Feng''s eyes as he spoke with a cold voice.


    Whether it was Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, or Shadow Leng Wuming like Gai Jiuyou, they had always been by his side. And Cao Tian was even a direct descendant of Boss Cao, Cao Yi. He didn''t want anything bad to happen to any of them, so he felt the necessity to give this special reminder.


    "Especially if you encounter the emergence of some Secret Treasure or discover a mysterious realm, weigh your own strength carefully before deciding whether to enter. Treasures are important, but you also have to consider whether you have the life to claim them,"


    Ye Feng snorted coldly, his attitude very serious.


    With somber expressions, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others understood that the Outer Battlefield was fraught with danger and that Ye Feng''s words were entirely for their consideration.


    "Understood, my lord!"


    The six of them said in unison, their faces grave.


    Seeing everyone''s demeanor, Ye Feng''s expression softened a bit. He looked out at the boundless wasteland and said, "Go ahead then."


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others stood up and bowed to Ye Feng once again.


    "My lord, take care!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian declared in unison, then chose a direction and set off first.


    Gai Jiuyou and Cao Tian also bade farewell and headed off in a completely different direction from Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian.


    Finally, only Shadow and Leng Wuming were left. They hadn''t left yet; in fact, Leng Wuming was waiting for Shadow, because he saw that she hadn''t made any move and guessed what she might be thinking, so he walked to the side to wait.


    Ye Feng looked at Shadow, who had not yet departed, with a touch of surprise, and was about to ask, "Shadow..."


    Before he could finish, Shadow''s delicate figure suddenly threw herself into his arms, a hug so unexpected it left him stunned.


    "My lord, take care. I will come back alive!"


    Shadow''s face turned a touch red as she spoke softly, her expression complex. However, she quickly left Ye Feng''s embrace and, without looking back, flew off in another direction.


    What she actually feared was that this departure might mean she would never get to see Ye Feng alive again...


    Leng Wuming was slightly moved to see Shadow showing such a feminine side, which he found somewhat odd. But as he watched her leave directly, he couldn''t help but sigh, "I mean, you could at least wait for me..."


    "My lord, take care. I''m off as well."


    Leng Wuming could only bow and bid farewell to Ye Feng. As he was about to catch up with Shadow, Ye Feng''s voice suddenly reached him.


    "Take good care of Shadow, don''t let her be too impulsive!"


    Ye Feng''s solemn voice carried across, and while he wasn''t oblivious to Shadow''s feelings, he couldn''t let down Hong Qingyan either.


    "Understood!"


    Leng Wuming replied respectfully, though he didn''t stop, instead hurrying to catch up to Shadow. With her swift speed, if he delayed any further, he might not be able to catch up.


    Outside the Skeleton Forest, it was only Ye Feng who remained in the end. Looking in the direction of everyone''s departure, he suddenly smiled, "Alone at last, eh? Good, it''s time for me to also focus on improving my strength. Hopefully these guys will all be safe. Perhaps the next time we meet, they''ll all be Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm."


    A smile crept onto Ye Feng''s lips as he dismissed all worries from his mind. Right now, improving his own strength was the most pressing matter. If it weren''t for some good fortune this time, he might have met his demise in the Skeleton Forest. After all, he was still too weak.


    If Xiao Chuanqi and the others knew what Ye Feng was thinking, they might have been so exasperated that they''d go into seclusion. If his strength was considered weak, what would theirs be considered?


    Ye Feng didn''t dwell on it and chose a direction, ready to embark on a lone trial in the Outer Battlefield. Not long after he stepped into the wasteland, he encountered some trouble.

 Chapter 535 - 530: First Encounter with the Blood Witch Stone

    Ye Feng trudged through the desert on foot. He was in no hurry. The Outer Battlefield was vast, and without a map to understand it, he was like a headless fly¡ªonly able to proceed slowly. Maybe he would make some other discoveries.


    Although there was no sun in the Outer Battlefield, the temperature on this boundless desert was still extremely high, exceeding fifty degrees. The air itself was scorching, making it impossible to stay here without the strength of a Martial King or above.


    What Ye Feng found strange was that the entire desert seemed to lack any living creatures or vegetation; it was a desolate place with not a single blade of grass.


    "It doesn''t make sense. How could there be a place like this in the Outer Battlefield? As an ancient battlefield, there should be some remains or skeletons at least. Why is there nothing at all?"


    Just as Ye Feng was pondering this, he felt the remnants of a battle ahead with his spiritual power.


    Ye Feng quickly found a concealed spot and began to observe.


    He saw two groups fiercely battling on the desert ahead. Red blood light and purple dark light constantly clashed, and powerful shockwaves continuously swept across the desert sand, which billowed into the air.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as he thought to himself, "Are those Western Vampires and the Shaman Wizards from the Snow Wolf Country?"


    Ye Feng was judging the identities of the two parties. He had dealt with these two forces many times on Earth, so he could recognize them instantly.


    However, his attention was quickly drawn to the desert below these people. The grains of sand, disturbed by the battle, had revealed some skeletons.


    Ye Feng paused and muttered to himself, "I wondered why I hadn''t seen any skeletons. It turns out they''re all buried under these grains of sand."


    But soon, Ye Feng noticed something unusual. Beneath those skeletons, a faint, gloomy red light was radiating, and a dark red stone the size of a chicken egg lay amongst many skeletons.


    A Western Vampire King Duke bellowed, "Damn Wizard Alliance, this Blood Witch Stone was first discovered by our Vampire Divine Court. Do you really intend to rob us of it by force?"


    Two more Vampire King Dukes were flanking him, their black wings fluttering behind them as they stood aloft in the air, warily watching the Shaman Wizards in purple robes in front of them.


    "How is it that you claim to have found it first again? Have you bats no shame? It was clearly our Wizard Alliance that discovered it first. We just left to find more people and you came afterwards. Now you want to steal it with such a lousy excuse?"


    A Shaman Wizard scoffed dismissively, flanked by two others as well.


    Listening in the shadows, Ye Feng was moved and looked at the dark red stone. So that was the Blood Witch Stone. No wonder he could feel a taint of wild energy from afar.


    Honestly, Ye Feng was also very interested in the Blood Witch Stone. He had heard Zhuge Wuming mention that it could greatly amplify a Western Vampire''s strength and also boost the Shaman Wizards from Snow Wolf Country and the Onmyoji from Fusang. He was very curious whether he could absorb the power that could taint Qi Force and Spirit Essence found in the Blood Witch Stone.


    Other Cultivators or Martial Artists might not be able to, but he had the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll!


    Perhaps using the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he could absorb the Blood Witch Stone too!


    A glint of interest flashed in Ye Feng''s eyes. He was already contemplating the Blood Witch Stone. The three Western Vampires and three Shaman Wizards from Snow Wolf Country before him all had the strength of the Divine Path Realm Fourth and Fifth Realms. If he killed all these people, the Blood Witch Stone would be his.


    If it were before he entered the Outer Battlefield, he might have found it a bit troublesome to deal with so many people of the Divine Path Realm Fourth and Fifth Realms alone, and it would have taken some time. But now, having unblocked over two thousand five hundred acupoints, he reckoned that the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal alone could do the job.


    However, Ye Feng was in no hurry and continued to listen closely to the conversation between the two parties. He still had a lot to learn about the Outer Battlefield and hoped to pick up any useful information from their discourse.


    Having their facade exposed, the Vampire King Duke no longer pretended, tearing off the pretense and said, "So what? Today, this Blood Witch Stone will belong to our Vampire Divine Court!"


    The other two Vampire King Dukes also revealed a gleeful expression, their red pupils flickered with blood light. The Blood Witch Stone was a huge temptation for Vampires. Each stone was a highly desired tonic and they could not possibly miss out on it.


    The three Shaman Wizards'' expressions changed slightly, their strength was actually weaker than that of the three Vampire King Dukes. If they were to really engage in a fight, the three of them might not stand a chance.


    The leading Shaman Wizard clenched his teeth and said coldly, "We are under the command of the Grand Shaman of Inner Fang. This Blood Witch Stone was meant to be offered to the Grand Shaman of Inner Fang. If we report this matter and the Grand Shaman of Inner Fang..."


    The faces of the three Vampire King Dukes changed this time. Naturally, they were aware of who the Grand Shaman of Inner Fang was¡ªa top-level existence in the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country!


    The three Vampire King Dukes exchanged glances, seemingly making a decision.


    The next moment, three thunderous shouts rang out.


    "Blood Prohibition, release!"


    The three Vampire Counts shouted in unison as three red beams of light descended from the sky, enveloping them all. The rich Blood Qi burst forth, and their own presence instantly soared, even their black wings doubling in size.


    This was the Art of the Blood Prohibition of the Vampires!


    The three Shaman Wizards'' faces changed dramatically at the sight.


    "Let''s fight them to the death!"


    "Power of the River God, Heavenly Water Wild Python!"


    The leading Shaman Wizard raised his magic wand and muttered a curse incantation. Above his head, a huge blue stream of water formed, like a sky-reaching waterfall, and then the stream condensed into a lifelike giant python that charged forward!


    "Spirit of the Forest, Giant Power Divine Vine!"


    Another Shaman Wizard''s body was filled with green light. Waving the magic wand and chanting, a massive vine pierced through the air, stabbing towards Yiming, Vampire King Duke.


    "Spirit of the Earth, Earth''s Mighty Warrior!"


    The last Shaman Wizard chanted, and the desert beneath his feet suddenly shook¡ªa three-meter-tall, earthy-colored giant emerged from the desert.


    The earthy-colored giant charged forward as well, making the desert seem as though it were struck by an earthquake, heading straight for the three Vampire King Dukes.


    Ye Feng, who was observing in secret, couldn''t help but mockingly think to himself, "Such bold names they pick."


    However, he could actually understand, since Shaman Wizards of the Snow Wolf Country also cast magic techniques by chanting spells, Onmyoji from Fusang relied on the power of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, and these Shaman Wizards drew upon the forces of nature. In essence, their strengths were similar; it was just their forms of expression that differed.


    The three Vampire King Dukes, who had activated Blood Prohibition, didn''t care at all about the attacks from the Shaman Wizards. They were already at a higher realm than the three Shaman Wizards, not to mention that they had activated Blood Prohibition, further enhancing their strength.


    "Blood Shield, activate!"


    A blood-colored protective shield appeared around the three Vampire King Dukes, who faced the Shaman Wizards'' attacks head-on, protected by their shields.


    Indeed, having activated the Art of Blood Prohibition, neither the Heavenly Water Wild Python nor the Giant Power Divine Vine, nor the Earth''s Mighty Warrior could break through the Vampire King Dukes'' protective shields; they were shattered by the Vampire King Dukes'' direct charge.


    The three Shaman Wizards were shocked.


    "Run!"


    If they couldn''t even break the enemies'' shields, what was the point of fighting? It was crucial to flee for their lives!


    The three Shaman Wizards no longer considered the Blood Witch Stone, simply trying to escape immediately.


    "We can''t let them get away, or the Grand Shaman of Inner Fang will know, and then we''ll be in trouble," said one of the Vampire King Dukes gravely, his eyes flashing with ruthlessness. They didn''t care about the three Shaman Wizards, but the Grand Shaman of Inner Fang was definitely not an entity they could contend with.


    The other two Vampire King Dukes nodded. Their bodies glowed red, their black wings flapped violently, and they flew towards the three Shaman Wizards at an astonishing speed.


    Soon enough, the three Shaman Wizards were intercepted, unable to leave. Their faces looked awful as they were forced into a desperate struggle with the three Vampire King Dukes.


    Ye Feng, watching secretly, immediately felt bored. He had thought he might overhear some useful news from these people, but other than learning about someone called the Grand Shaman of Inner Fang, he got nothing valuable.


    A Great Sorcerer¡ªhe knew what that was. It was simply a cultivator of the Golden Core Realm, but among the Shaman Wizards of the Snow Wolf Country, he was called a Great Sorcerer.


    Ye Feng no longer hid and leaped into the sight of the others.


    The sudden appearance of an outsider startled the three Vampire King Dukes and the three Shaman Wizards, who all looked at Ye Feng, frowning simultaneously. The leading Vampire King Duke frowned and said, "A person from Xuanyuan Hall?"


    In the Outer Battlefield, seeing someone from Xuanyuan Nation basically meant seeing someone from Xuanyuan Hall.


    Another Shaman Wizard, seeing Ye Feng''s arrival, quickly had an idea and hurriedly said, "Friend from Xuanyuan Hall, could you lend us your aid in capturing these three foul bats? We can reward you with Spirit Stones."


    He was well aware that it was hardly possible for the three of them to defeat the three Vampire King Dukes. The arrival of Ye Feng had become their salvation. If they could win Ye Feng over, they could completely change the situation.


    The three Vampire King Dukes also changed their expression. The leader spoke harshly, "People of Xuanyuan Hall, our Vampire Divine Court and Xuanyuan Hall are mortal enemies. Do you think that by helping these witches they will spare you?"


    Ye Feng looked at them coldly and said, as the Vampire King Duke had mentioned, even if he helped these Shaman Wizards, he would end up being attacked by them anyway. They were archenemies, so there was no point in helping.


    Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "Let''s not talk about cooperation. As for the Blood Witch Stone, I''m actually quite interested as well. How about you hand over the Blood Witch Stone to me, and then you won''t have to fight over it?"

 Chapter 536 - 531: The True Purpose of the Blood Witch Stone?

    These three Vampire King Dukes and three Shaman Wizards all stared with widened eyes, unable to believe that Ye Feng would say such words right in front of them, attempting to take the Blood Witch Stone. Had he gone mad?


    One of the Vampire King Dukes even looked at the Shaman Wizards and mocked directly, "Did you hear that? Others simply scorn the idea of cooperating with you. He wants the Blood Witch Stone."


    The other two Vampire King Dukes also burst into loud laughter, their faces filled with ridicule.


    The Shaman Wizard who had just proposed cooperation immediately frowned, staring gloomily at Ye Feng, "Friend from Xuanyuan Hall, do you have any idea what you''re saying?"


    "We have fought over this Blood Witch Stone for so long, how can you dare to say you want to take it away? Aren''t you worried we might just join forces to kill you first?"


    The Shaman Wizard snorted coldly, his eyes already carrying a murderous intent, and the three Vampire King Dukes also stopped laughing and looked at Ye Feng with a cold gaze. Ye Feng''s words had made them temporarily give up on the struggle. Both factions were already sworn enemies with Xuanyuan Hall, and now, not only were they not cooperating, but he even wanted to covet the Blood Witch Stone. Wasn''t this courting death?


    Moreover, they observed that Ye Feng''s aura was merely that of a Peak Martial King. He probably didn''t even possess the strength of the Divine Path Realm. Yet, he dared to make wildly arrogant claims, only to be annihilated by them within minutes.


    Ye Feng wore a smile, completely indifferent to their threats. Instead, he suggested, "You still have time to run away now. Otherwise, once I make my move, you probably won''t have any chance left."


    Ye Feng''s statement completely enraged the six of them. No longer caring about the struggle between the two factions, the Vampire King Duke coldly declared, "Today, even if we have to forsake the Blood Witch Stone, we must kill this Xuanyuan Hall brat!"


    The others shared the same sentiment, the three Shaman Wizards with furious expressions on their faces.


    Ye Feng chuckled with amusement, "Oh?"


    "Is that so?"


    As soon as Ye Feng finished speaking, his Qi Force surged dramatically, an aura more formidable than those of the six individuals burst forth in an instant, to their great shock. This aura surpassed any of them present.


    "A Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm!?"


    "No, that''s not right, this is a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!"


    "Damn it, how could he be a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm? We must unite, we need to band together!"


    The six individuals, both Vampire King Dukes and Shaman Wizards, were thrown into panic, staring at Ye Feng with faces full of terror. They could never have imagined that someone from Xuanyuan Nation, who seemed to be merely at the Cultivation of the Peak Martial King, could suddenly emit the aura of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    To their surprise, Ye Feng was not taken aback. When he had broken through the 2500 Acupoints, he had already sensed that the aura he could now unleash was comparable to that of the Golden Core Realm, although he was not truly at that level yet, only that his aura had reached that intensity.


    "Just perfect, I''ll use you to test the might of my Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    Ye Feng grinned, an Emperor''s aura erupting from him as the Golden Seal materialized in the sky within an instant, shining with golden light as it loomed enormous as a meteor, plummeting downwards swiftly.


    "No, no, no!"


    The six below screamed in terror, sensing the breath of death. The force was suffocating, clearly beyond their capacity to resist. They had to flee; escape was a must!


    Simultaneously, all six made the decision to retreat, no longer attempting to resist. The oppressive might of the Golden Seal was too strong; the moment it appeared, they knew what true despair was.


    "Damn it, why did such a powerful person from Xuanyuan Hall suddenly appear, and so unfamiliar at that? Damn, damn, damn!"


    The most powerful among the Vampire King Dukes screamed madly, wondering with a mind full of confusion. If this level of a powerhouse was on the Outer Battlefield, he should have at least heard of him, yet the Ye Feng in front of him was utterly unknown, as was this move, never seen or heard of before, like an incredibly strong person that had emerged out of nowhere.


    The scope of the Golden Seal was expansive, and the six had already no chance of escaping its range. Without any recourse, they resorted to all the tricks they had, using various defensive maneuvers.


    The three Vampire King Dukes activated their Blood Shields to the extreme, turning into a blood-colored cage that enveloped themselves completely, rendering their figures invisible. The three Shaman Wizards similarly chanted Curse Incantations, producing three different colored Protective Shields.


    But all these were futile.


    "Subdue!"


    Ye Feng barked coldly.


    The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal accelerated once more, charging towards the Protective Shields released by the six individuals, shattering those shields in an instant upon contact as easily as eggs smashing against rocks.


    "No!!!!"


    "I refuse to accept this!"


    ...


    Boom!


    The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal instantly crushed all six of them, directly creating a huge square groove in the desert. Three Vampire King Dukes and three Shaman Wizards were killed on the spot, their bones shattered by the pressure, dead beyond any doubt.


    The Golden Seal slowly dissipated, and Ye Feng shook his head at the tragic state of the dead, "It seems that dealing with ordinary Divine Path Realm beings has indeed become effortless. Below the Golden Core, except for those Half-Step Golden Core geniuses, the rest probably pose no threat to me anymore. With my current strength, facing most Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm or Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm should be no problem at all."


    Ye Feng had already assessed his power; he reckoned that if he were to face the Lord of the Three Halls again, who had consumed the Explosive Element Pill, it probably wouldn''t be as difficult, and he might even crush him outright.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel puzzled. Could the Hall Master of the grand Xuanyuan Hall, really be that weak?


    The Xuanyuan Hall is the supreme hall of Xuanyuan Nation in the Outer Battlefield, gathering a multitude of experts. Yet, this Lord of the Three Halls appeared to be extraordinarily weak.


    Ye Feng soon conceived a possibility that perhaps this Lord of the Three Halls was simply the weakest among the Hall Masters of the Xuanyuan Hall.


    "Speaking of which, last time that Third Hall Master escaped again, and there''s also Li Benzhong. I have no idea how they''re doing now. That seriously injured Third Hall Master probably won''t live long in the Outer Battlefield, and Li Benzhong might have already been killed by some Alien Beast."


    Ye Feng shook his head and stopped dwelling on the thought.


    What Ye Feng never expected was that the Third Hall Master''s final fate was to be personally killed by his own subordinate Li Benzhong, and Li Benzhong had also been personally executed by Xu Shen previously. Now, Xu Shen was even searching for the person to whom he intended to present Li Benzhong''s head.


    Ye Feng searched the bodies and found a pile of items, but most were useless junk to him. The only valuable items were three Spirit Stones and some Recovery Pill Medicines. He could understand the presence of the Spirit Stones since even in the Outer Battlefield, Spirit Stones were not particularly common, and even Divine Path Realm beings would consider it an unexpected joy to have them. Like Li Benzhong before, who had a few due to the backing of the Utility Pavilion.


    After putting the Spirit Stones and Pill Medicines into his Space Ring, Ye Feng was ready to leave, but then another item caught his attention.


    It was a Parchment Scroll!


    Ye Feng''s pupils contracted as he picked up the Parchment Scroll and unfolded it.


    "This is... a map of the Outer Battlefield!"


    Ye Feng was pleasantly surprised. This was exactly what he needed at the moment; otherwise, he was like a headless fly wandering around the Outer Battlefield without knowing when he might find his way.


    But the map was so rudimentary that Ye Feng was somewhat speechless. The map depicted a circle divided into four parts, roughly allowing Ye Feng to recognize the four parts as the locations of the Four Great Powers: Xuanyuan Hall of Xuanyuan Nation, the Western Vampire Divine Court, the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, and the Yin-Yang Temple of Fusang.


    Beyond these, the map also indicated the positions of the Four Great Desolate Lands of the Outer Battlefield. The vicinity of the Skeleton Forest, where Ye Feng was currently located, was at the border of the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance, in a place called the Death Desert.


    Upon seeing this name, Ye Feng murmured, "Death Desert, an odd name indeed. Could it have some special meaning, or is it just because of this Skeleton Forest?"


    "Are these coordinates for cities?"


    Ye Feng found it strange to see coordinates with houses drawn on the map. Could the Outer Battlefield actually have something like cities?


    Ye Feng didn''t quite understand and lamented his own lack of knowledge about the Outer Battlefield.


    Pocketing the Parchment Scroll, Ye Feng walked over to where the Blood Witch Stone was. He picked up the chicken-egg-sized dark red Blood Witch Stone.


    The moment he picked up the Blood Witch Stone, he could feel the wild energy within it.


    After a detailed observation, Ye Feng swallowed the Blood Witch Stone whole.


    If Zhuge Wuming and Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming had witnessed this scene, they would have cursed loudly for surely nobody dares to swallow a Blood Witch Stone directly like this. Others would have absorbed it just by holding it in their hands!


    Moreover, the energy in the Blood Witch Stone could contaminate a Cultivator''s Qi Force and Spirit Essence; normally no Cultivator would dare to swallow it so directly.


    However, Ye Feng was not particular about these things. The moment he swallowed the Blood Witch Stone, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll within the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace immediately stirred and absorbed the Blood Witch Stone, which had transformed into a dark red stream of light upon entering his stomach.


    Then the absorbed dark red stream of light flowed out from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll once more, and was swiftly absorbed by the Mental Power Nucleus inside his body.


    Ye Feng trembled all over, "Could it be that the Blood Witch Stone is not intended to enhance any Strength, but to increase spiritual power!?"


    Just as Ye Feng entertained this thought, he felt the Mental Power Nucleus that absorbed the Blood Witch Stone seemed to grow slightly larger.


    Ye Feng was astonished and when he released his spiritual power, he found it had indeed grown much stronger!


    "Could this be the real purpose of the Blood Witch Stone, to enhance spiritual power?"


    "If I absorb all the Blood Witch Stones in the Outer Battlefield, then my Mental Power Nucleus..."


    Feeling as if he may have discovered some great secret, Ye Feng pondered whether this was the true function of the Blood Witch Stone, or was it due to his Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll that transformed the wild and corrupt energies into nutrients for spiritual power?

 Chapter 537 - 532: Sandstorm, Eight Wilderness Lizards!

    Ye Feng pondered over the matter of the Blood Witch Stone, finding it inscrutable, and decided not to dwell on it. He roughly discerned the direction by marking the Skeleton Forest on his map and chose a direction to leave using the forest as a reference point.


    As Ye Feng moved across the desert, he found it strange that there were no alien beasts on the way, nor did he see any people.


    Scanning his surroundings, Ye Feng still saw nothing but the endless desert void of life and muttered helplessly, "It''s called Death Desert; how come there''s nothing at all? Also, that Blood Witch Stone from before, how did it appear out of nowhere?"


    These mysteries puzzled Ye Feng, and after he had been traveling for half an hour, suddenly, a strong wind began to pick up in the desert.


    Feeling the hot wind blow against him, Ye Feng paused and wondered, "Where did this wind come from?"


    The wind seemed peculiar, making Ye Feng become alert. He scanned the surroundings with his spiritual power but found nothing amiss, which made him even more cautious. There was an old saying, "Unusual occurrences predict the presence of demons."


    Ye Feng tensed up and continued advancing, albeit at a much slower pace, knowing that the Outer Battlefield was fraught with danger at every turn. Caution was essential.


    Gradually, the wind grew even stronger, the air began to get murky, and countless grains of sand swirled in the air, even clouding his vision.


    "This is... a sandstorm!"


    Ye Feng''s expression was somewhat bemused, though not particularly surprised. To cultivators and martial artists, a sandstorm was mostly a nuisance that blocked their sight; there shouldn''t be much else to cause concern.


    But soon, Ye Feng realized something was amiss. The sky was enveloped in yellow sand, blinding everything. He had to rely on his spiritual power to navigate and determine the way forward. Moreover, the wind was growing stronger, blowing sand and even skeletal remains sky high.


    Ye Feng''s expression gradually shifted to concern: "Something''s off about this sandstorm; it''s not normal. This force, even Martial King level experts might struggle to withstand it, and the weaker ones could likely be blown away!"


    Judging the strength of the wind, a glow flashed in Ye Feng''s hand, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon appeared, ready to slice through any flying bones.


    Even Ye Feng could see nothing and could only rely on his spiritual power to navigate and slash away the bones flying towards him to prevent them from hitting him.


    "The wind is still getting stronger!"


    Ye Feng frowned as the powerful gusts formed small wind blades, mixing with the sand to create tiny Sand Blades.


    "Emperor''s Armor!"


    Ye Feng immediately summoned the Emperor''s Armor, covering his entire body. The Sand Blades struck against the Emperor''s Armor with a snapping sound, but they couldn''t penetrate it.


    After opening 2,500 acupoints, attacks below the Half-Step Golden Core Realm could hardly harm him. Sensing the impact of these Sand Blades, he quickly estimated their strength to be on par with a full-strength blow of a Martial King level.


    "It seems this Death Desert isn''t that simple after all. Just these Sand Blades alone could hinder the progress of even Martial King Peak level experts and even pose a fatal risk. Without the strength of the Divine Path Realm, one probably couldn''t navigate through such a sandstorm."


    "I wonder if Xiao Chuanqi and Shadow encountered this sandstorm."


    A hint of concern flitted across Ye Feng''s eyes, though he wasn''t too worried. After all, Xiao Chuanqi''s group operated in pairs, and with their strength, they could even escape from a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. If this sandstorm only held its current power, surviving shouldn''t be too big of an issue.


    However, Ye Feng was about to reconsider his assumption.


    The sandstorm continued, and Sand Blades with the strength of Martial King attacks danced through the air. To Ye Feng, they were almost inconsequential. But suddenly, the desert beneath his feet began to tremble.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Roar!


    An ear-splitting roar erupted, and Ye Feng''s expression changed subtly as he sensed an immensely powerful presence ahead.


    Just a hundred meters away from Ye Feng''s location, out of sight, an enormous beast burst forth from the desert, its eyes as large as basketballs, and its four stout limbs stomping on the desert surface. Its body was covered in earthy yellow scale armor, and it wielded a hefty tail.


    After emerging from the desert, the immense creature charged directly towards Ye Feng, completely disregarding the ferocious sandstorm.


    Ye Feng could only sense via his spiritual power the presence of an incredibly strong creature rushing towards him, having no visibility of his adversary''s appearance as the visibility within the sandstorm was confined to one meter around him.


    The vibrations grew more intense, and Ye Feng knew the creature was closing in. Clutching the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in his left hand and condensing the Emperor''s Sword in his right, the Emperor''s Armor shone on his body, its power driven to the extreme.


    Ye Feng couldn''t afford to be careless - the presence he felt indicated the creature was extremely strong, most certainly no less powerful than a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Here it comes!"


    With a low shout, Ye Feng thrust the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon toward a target to his left as a tremendous tail swung out from within the yellow sand!


    Clang!


    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon struck the massive tail, causing sparks to fly.


    "What is this thing, so hard!?"


    Ye Feng was slightly taken aback. His thrust with the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon would have been fatal even for someone at the Divine Path Realm, yet it couldn''t penetrate the giant tail, causing no damage at all.


    Although the giant tail wasn''t pierced, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon still sent it flying. The huge tail once again disappeared into the sand, with no trace of its body visible. He could barely catch a shadow moving rapidly beneath the sand. Its speed was astonishing, definitely a match for a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    A sense of trepidation sank into Ye Feng''s heart. His nerves were highly focused, and his spiritual power constantly tracked the other''s speed, not daring to relax at all.


    The next moment, Ye Feng swung the Emperor''s Sword. A pillar-like object swung out from the sand, and with a low shout, Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Sword repelled it, vanishing once again into the sands.


    "That must be the creature''s limb!"


    Immediately realizing this, Ye Feng frowned and said, "Judging by the angle of attack and the information sensed by my spiritual power, it seems to be a crawling creature with incredibly hard, earth-yellow scales... "


    Before Ye Feng could ponder further, the shadow in the sand reappeared, this time heading straight for him.


    Within the sandy haze, a massive dark shadow emerged, a gaping maw appearing first before Ye Feng''s eyes.


    At that moment, Ye Feng finally saw the beast clearly¡ªa lizard, but many times larger than any ordinary lizard, covered in tough earth-yellow scales.


    "Eight Wilderness Lizard!"


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed as he identified the creature. He knew from his research that the Eight Wilderness Lizard was covered in tough scales and could wield the Power of the Eight Desolations. Without the strength of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, one could not withstand even a single stomp from this beast.


    At that instant, the Eight Wilderness Lizard opened its gaping maw, aiming to bite off Ye Feng''s head in one go.


    But how could Ye Feng let it wish come true?


    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon dissipated in his hand, and a jet-black spear replaced it.


    Ye Feng stepped back, leaped up, and thrust the Sky-breaking Divine Spear with a piercing intensity toward the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s head.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard''s speed was naturally no match for Ye Feng. The Sky-breaking Divine Spear struck its target dead center, piercing the colossal head of the beast.


    However, the moment it struck, Ye Feng was repelled by a powerful shockwave.


    At the point where the Sky-breaking Divine Spear made contact, there was merely a white mark.


    "How come everything is so tough, dammit!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but curse. The previously encountered Undead Centipede had an extremely hard head, making his attacks basically ineffective, and now the Eight Wilderness Lizard seemed to be the same.


    The sandstorm had not stopped; the strong winds still blew as the sky filled with yellow sand, and sand blades kept striking.


    Neither Ye Feng nor the Eight Wilderness Lizard paid any mind to these sand blades, as if they didn''t exist.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard, with just a white spot from the strike, growled lowly, seemingly a bit angry. Its massive figure charged again, even faster than before. A colossal hand came slapping down.


    Ye Feng raised the Sky-breaking Divine Spear in front of him, blocking against the giant palm of the Eight Wilderness Lizard.


    Bang!


    Ye Feng was sent flying by the slap, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear in his hand trembling constantly. The powerful impact nearly shattered his body.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help exclaiming, "The Power of the Eight Desolations is indeed no joke. That slap could have killed someone at the Divine Path Realm outright, or at the very least, severely injure anyone at the Half-Step Golden Core."


    Stabilizing his form, Ye Feng''s face was grave, but there was also a hint of excitement in his heart. The Beast Core of such a powerful Eight Wilderness Lizard was bound to contain high amounts of Origin Energy, and its earth-yellow scales were so tough they could serve as material for crafting battle armor.


    His full-strength strike with the Sky-breaking Divine Spear had only left a white mark, which unquestionably made it top-notch armor material!


    It should be noted that Ye Feng''s full-powered strike with the Sky-breaking Divine Spear, if not fully defended against by a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm, would have at least caused severe injury, if not a fatal wound.


    "The difficulty lies in the fact that the Eight Wilderness Lizard is too tough. My attacks seem to have no effect on it. This is a fine material; I can''t let it go. How should I kill it?" Ye Feng mused.


    Unbeknownst to the Eight Wilderness Lizard, it had already become prime armor material in Ye Feng''s eyes.


    As Ye Feng mumbled to himself, the Eight Wilderness Lizard launched another attack. Its massive hand rose again, but this time it was different, covered with a layer of earth-yellow energy and imbued with the rich Power of Spirit Essence as it struck down towards Ye Feng.


    Feeling the intense Power of Spirit Essence, Ye Feng dared not be negligent. The Emperor''s Armor on his body solidified further as one hand formed a fist.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!" Ye Feng launched the blow.


    The two forces of immense Spirit Essence collided and exploded violently.

 Chapter 538 - 533: Slaying the Eight Wilderness Lizards

    The Eight Wilderness Lizards and Ye Feng were both sent flying backward at the same time, the explosion sending sands disperse tens of meters into the air, revealing numerous skeletons, many of which were shattered by the blast.


    Ye Feng retreated over ten meters before stabilizing his figure, and his chest was still roiling. The power of the palm strike from the Eight Wilderness Lizard was immense, though not excessively so.


    Even with the Emperor''s Armor mitigating much of the impact, Ye Feng still found it uncomfortable.


    "This big guy is really hard to deal with," Ye Feng said, his expression solemn as he stared at the Eight Wilderness Lizard. Its strength was enormous and its scale armor extremely tough, leaving Ye Feng at a loss for how to attack.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard, too, was now on the ground, its basketball-sized pupils focusing on Ye Feng as if on alert.


    This human made it feel threatened.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard no longer moved rashly; perhaps it knew Ye Feng was not so easy to handle, and its pupils seemed to hold a touch of caution.


    Ye Feng, too, was observing, whispering to himself, "Surely this guy has a weakness."


    The sandstorm slowly continued to envelope both man and beast. Ye Feng''s gaze swept rapidly over the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s body, searching for its weakness. Dragging out the fight wasn''t a solution, for who knew what else might happen in the Death Desert.


    At that moment, Ye Feng noticed the basketball-sized eyes of the Eight Wilderness Lizard.


    "Right there!" Ye Feng bellowed.


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    The Great Golden Light Seal appeared in the air, its powerful regal aura enveloping the battlefield as it rapidly smashed down towards the Eight Wilderness Lizard.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard, sensing the threat, roared and opened its gaping maw, a light orb quickly forming within, emanating a terrifying aura.


    Ye Feng''s eyes flickered; now was the moment!


    Ye Feng gripped a black spear, hurling the Sky-breaking Divine Spear with all his might, aiming for the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s basketball-sized eyes.


    The Sky-breaking Divine Spear cleaved through the air, flying swiftly toward its target.


    As the Divine Spear was about to pierce into the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s eye, the creature''s eyeball twitched, its pupil contracting sharply as it quickly closed its eye.


    Clang!


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard''s eyelids, too, were covered with tough, earthy yellow scales. The Sky-breaking Divine Spear struck the eyelid and, predictably, was deflected.


    Ye Feng''s expression changed; he hadn''t expected the Eight Wilderness Lizard to react so quickly, especially since the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal was about to suppress the creature.


    Because of its quick reaction, the Spirit Essence the Eight Wilderness Lizard had gathered in its mouth dissipated somewhat, but there was no helping it; it could only spit out the light orb.


    The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal smashed the Spirit Essence orb with overwhelming force, its speed not decreasing as it pressed the entirety of the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s massive body into the sandy ground of the desert, covering it entirely with sand except for its colossal tail still visible on the surface.


    It seemed that Ye Feng had the advantage in this clash, but there was no trace of joy on his face; while the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal was powerful, he suspected it might still have trouble dealing with the Eight Wilderness Lizard.


    As Ye Feng guessed, after being smashed into the desert, the ground shook, and the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s large body leaped out of the Yellow Desert, its aura surging once more, with a hint of blood-red in its eyes.


    "Aooo, aooo, aooo!"


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard roared, its huge head tossing back and forth, its cold eyes fixed on Ye Feng. Although it was not hurt, the powerful force of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal had caused it pain, and it was furious.


    "Looks like this guy''s got riled up; what a headache. Where is its weakness?" Ye Feng felt quite exasperated, realizing it might be difficult to target the eyes. Just then, when he saw the lizard''s head tilted back, exposing a patch of white on its neck, a light bulb went off.


    Ye Feng''s eyes lit up: "There it is, under the jaw. That area isn''t covered with Qilin Armor!"


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard was still howling, and suddenly it charged towards Ye Feng with brutal aggression and overwhelming momentum.


    Ye Feng was completely unfazed. His Emperor''s Armor condensed and refined, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear in his hand vanishing to make way for the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!


    Ye Feng held the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon as he stepped forward to meet the charge, his face showing no fear.


    With intense intent, Ye Feng bellowed and thrust upward with all his strength, a dazzling silver light cutting through the air, sending the Eight Wilderness Lizard tumbling into the air with a wail.


    While the Eight Wilderness Lizard was mid-scream in the air, both of its huge paws swung out, as if to tear the air itself, and it was at that moment its jaw was fully exposed before Ye Feng.


    At that instant, the Eight Wilderness Lizard was oblivious to the imminent danger; it was consumed by rage, intent on tearing the tiny human before it to shreds!


    Facing the twin strikes, Ye Feng''s gaze remained unchanged, and the Emperor''s Sword appeared in his other hand as he thrust forward with both weapons simultaneously.


    The Emperor''s Sword and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon stabbed towards the underside of the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s jaw like lightning, while at the same time, its two massive palms had already slammed down onto Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Armor.


    Bang!


    "Hold firm!"


    Ye Feng bellowed, completely disregarding the two giant palms, instead accelerating his hands even faster.


    It was only then that the Eight Wilderness Lizard realized what Ye Feng was trying to do. Its huge pupils showed a hint of panic for the first time, emitting a roar that was deafening.


    But it was already too late, the sound of piercing flesh came¡ªpu-chi!


    The Emperor''s Sword and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon precisely penetrated the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s jaw, stabbing directly into its head.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard let out a final roar, its pupils rapidly constricting as its vitality plummeted. Its brain had been impaled by Ye Feng, leaving no chance for it to survive.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard collapsed to the ground, motionless. However, Ye Feng was also not feeling great. Having taken the full force of the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s furious swipes with his palms, the Emperor''s Armor could no longer withstand the enormous strength and shattered completely.


    Ye Feng spat out a mouthful of fresh blood with a "wa" sound and was sent flying into the yellow sand, creating a sizable crater upon impact.


    "These two slaps really packed some punch, cough, cough..."


    Ye Feng climbed out from the yellow sand, a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth. He too had been injured by the Eight Wilderness Lizard''s final attack. Fortunately, the injury wasn''t too severe, and thanks to his flesh which had been tempered in his previous battle with Mu Tian, he was much stronger than before. With over two thousand five hundred acupoints unblocked, he wasn''t in too much trouble.


    Glancing at the motionless Eight Wilderness Lizard, Ye Feng murmured to himself, "This creature wasn''t that strong; it''s just that its Qilin Armor was too tough. Otherwise, I could have dealt with it directly without expending so much effort. It seems that I now fully possess the combat power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm."


    A battle like this had given Ye Feng a much clearer understanding of his own strength.


    By now, the wind had died down considerably, and the air was free of the sand blades from before. Ye Feng no longer needed to reconjure the Emperor''s Armor for protection.


    A fight like this did result in considerable exhaustion.


    Surveying his surroundings, the sandstorm was still ongoing, the world still shrouded in a haze of yellow dust, though it was clear that the storm was gradually subsiding.


    "While the visibility remains low with this yellow sandstorm, I better recover the Spirit Essence I expended just now. Otherwise, it would be quite troublesome if another Eight Wilderness Lizard were to appear."


    Ye Feng sat cross-legged, took out a Spirit Stone, and began to recover. Now, the yellow sand swirling above served as his best protective barrier. The corpse of the Eight Wilderness Lizard lay nearby, which he wasn''t worried about at all. It wasn''t going anywhere, and he could retrieve its Beast Core later.


    An hour later, the sandstorm had completely subsided, and the Death Desert appeared to return to its initial state¡ªan endless wasteland devoid of life.


    Ye Feng had mostly recovered by now. He slowly opened his eyes and rose to his feet, approaching the massive body of the Eight Wilderness Lizard.


    The Eight Wilderness Lizard was utterly dead, its vitality thoroughly sapped. Its Scale Armor remained hard, but since it was deceased and devoid of Spirit Essence, it could still be cut open with some effort using the Emperor''s Sword.


    Ye Feng cracked open the skull of the Eight Wilderness Lizard, ready to extract its Beast Core, when his spiritual power detected two figures rapidly approaching him.


    The next moment, a voice rang out.


    "Huh, an Eight Wilderness Lizard!?"


    In the half-air, a middle-aged man clad in a black robe looked down in surprise at Ye Feng, who was extracting the Beast Core.


    Next to him was a stunningly beautiful woman.


    The beautiful woman also wore a look of astonishment, staring at the Eight Wilderness Lizard and exclaimed, "It''s actually dead! What luck today, to find an Eight Wilderness Lizard. Its scale armor is premium material for crafting armor."


    The black-robed middle-aged man laughed heartily, "The Scale Armor is secondary; the Beast Core of the Eight Wilderness Lizard is the real treasure. This is a Golden Core Realm Alien Beast. It''s truly a massive gain for me this time."


    The two of them chatted away, acting as if the scale armor and Beast Core of the Eight Wilderness Lizard were already their own.


    Ye Feng frowned, plucked the Beast Core out, and slipped it away. Then he stood up and looked up coldly at the two people in the air, "I''m saying, did you not see that there''s someone else here, or what? I killed this Eight Wilderness Lizard. If you want its scale armor and Beast Core, go kill one yourself. These are mine, so scram!"


    The presumptuous talk of the two strangers had already irked Ye Feng. If not for the fact that they seemed like people from the Xuanyuan Nation, he would have already attacked.


    Upon hearing this, both the black-robed middle-aged man and the beautiful woman were taken aback, then burst into laughter.


    "Am I hearing this right? A mere Martial King Peak youngster actually claims to have killed an Eight Wilderness Lizard. Elder Hua Yue, it seems we''ve encountered an idiot today," said the black-robed middle-aged man.


    Called Elder Hua Yue, the beautiful woman covered her mouth and chuckled, her gaze seductive as she looked at Ye Feng and teased, "Young man, even bragging should be done with some forethought. An Eight Wilderness Lizard is a Golden Core Realm Alien Beast, and here you are, a Martial King Peak youngster claiming you''ve slain it. No one would believe it if you told them."


    "Considering you''re from Xuanyuan Nation as well, we''re inclined not to take your disrespect to heart. Leave now, and we can pretend we didn''t hear what you just said."


    With laughs and charms, the black-robed middle-aged man and the beautiful woman didn''t take Ye Feng seriously at all. He wasn''t emanating any power at the moment and appeared only as a Martial King Peak¡ªfar beneath them, as both were Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.

 Chapter 539 - 534: Taking on Two Alone, Foes Meet on a Narrow Road!

    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh when he heard the two of them speak, giving them a cold glance, he said with a sneer, "What, you two mean to take the Eight Wilderness Lizard I killed for yourselves?"


    The man in the black robe and the gorgeous woman burst into laughter when they heard this; they couldn''t believe that at this point, Ye Feng still claimed to have killed the Eight Wilderness Lizard himself.


    The man in the black robe said with disdain, "Kid, let me tell you again, the Eight Wilderness Lizard is an Alien Beast of the Golden Core Realm, certainly not something a small fry at the peak of Martial King like you can kill. Even for a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm like us, it''s not guaranteed that we can kill this creature, understand?"


    As he spoke, the man in the black robe intentionally mentioned his own realm, aiming to scare Ye Feng.


    However, it was clear that he was disappointed; Ye Feng was utterly unfazed, as though he hadn''t heard a word. This frustrated the man, for as a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, he was an existence that a mere Martial King Peak punk would have to look up to!


    And yet, there Ye Feng stood, completely indifferent¡ªwhat was the meaning of this?


    Elder Hua Yue, the beautiful woman, also chuckled, "Elder Cangming, it seems your words don''t carry much weight. This kid doesn''t seem to take you seriously at all."


    Elder Cangming''s face turned slightly ugly as his dignity was clearly not upheld.


    Ye Feng looked on with a strange expression as he listened to the dialogue between the two, Cangming and Hua Yue, could it really be such a coincidence?


    Could these two elders actually be from the Underworld Sect and the Flora Sect of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts?


    Ye Feng thought to himself, the more he thought, the more likely it seemed. The aura of the two seemed very much like the disciples of the Underworld Sect and the Flora Sect he had wiped out before, although he had nearly exterminated both sects before, he had also heard that the Sects of Ancient Martial Arts both had a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm who had long entered the Outer Battlefield.


    Just as Ye Feng had this thought, Elder Cangming in the black robe spoke up with a cold voice, "Young man, I am Elder Cangming from the Underworld Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, and the woman beside me is Elder Hua Yue from the Flora Sect."


    "Considering the difficulty of your cultivation and the fact that you are also from Xuanyuan Nation, we will give you one last chance. Leave now, hand over the Beast Core of the Eight Wilderness Lizard to us, forget about this matter, and don''t mention it to anyone. Then we will let you go; otherwise, you will die!"


    Elder Cangming''s eyes grew cold and murderous intent spilled over from him.


    Elder Hua Yue also put away her smile, her face turning somewhat icy.


    They felt that they were already giving Ye Feng face; as Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, they could easily wipe out a small fry at the peak of Martial King like Ye Feng, and no one would know.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng''s sneer deepened, "The Underworld Sect and the Flora Sect always have such disgusting habits, claiming my prey as your own by force."


    "I''ll repeat myself, this is mine, scram!"


    Ye Feng didn''t give them any face, cast a disdainful look, and turned around to continue dissecting the carcass of the Eight Wilderness Lizard, ignoring both Elder Cangming of the Underworld Sect and Elder Hua Yue of the Flora Sect.


    Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue exchanged looks in midair, both angered by Ye Feng''s words.


    "Young man, daring to disrespect a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, today I will teach you how to respect the strong!"


    Elder Cangming was completely cold as he quickly formed seal after seal with his hands, a huge and mysterious black Array appeared behind him, from which black Ghost Souls began to fly out.


    Suddenly, the wailing of ghosts filled the air as about a dozen Ghost Souls rushed towards Ye Feng sharply.


    Ye Feng seemed to be oblivious, still dissecting the Eight Wilderness Lizard.


    Seeing this, Elder Cangming''s face carried a cruel smile, "Ignorant kid, prepare to be eaten to the bone by my Ghost Souls!"


    Elder Hua Yue also shook her head with a smile. She had expected the young man at the Martial King Peak to resist, but now it seemed he hadn''t even reacted to what was happening. With such strength and awareness, yet daring to come to the Outer Battlefield for experience, and entering the Death Desert no less¡ªwasn''t this courting death?


    Elder Hua Yue was already preparing to fly down to take over the Eight Wilderness Lizard.


    But just as the dozen Ghost Souls neared Ye Feng, he suddenly stood up.


    "Emperor''s Armor!"


    "Emperor''s Sword!"


    The splendid Emperor''s Armor materialized around him while his Emperor''s Sword emitted a powerful regal aura. Ye Feng turned with a swing of his sword.


    A massive golden Sword Light slashed at the incoming dozen Ghost Souls!


    The Ghost Souls were immediately set ablaze upon contact with the golden Sword Light of the Emperor''s Sword, and in an instant, they turned to ash in the air.


    Upon witnessing this, Elder Cangming''s and Elder Hua Yue''s faces drastically changed. They stared intently at the Emperor''s Armor on Ye Feng and the Emperor''s Sword in his hand, then at Ye Feng''s face, now realizing that he looked familiar.


    The next moment, Elder Cangming''s face changed abruptly as he pointed at Ye Feng and exclaimed, "That''s the weapon and armor of that man, you, you, you, you are Ye Feng, the Northern King from the Northern Border of Xuanyuan Nation!"


    Elder Hua Yue, hearing the name Ye Feng, also showed an intense change in her expression, staring fixedly at Ye Feng, "You are the Ye Feng who nearly exterminated our Flora Sect and Underworld Sect, it''s you! You are not simply a Martial King Peak!"


    Elder Hua Yue and Elder Cangming were both shocked and furious. Although they had been in the Outer Battlefield for a very long time and had never seen Ye Feng, they had recently received news from Xuanyuan Nation that their Sects had almost been destroyed by a newly risen Northern King, a guy named Ye Feng.


    Moreover, they also knew that Ye Feng was likely the heir of "that person"!


    That was why as soon as Ye Feng used the Emperor''s Sword and the Emperor''s Armor, they recognized him immediately.


    Elder Cangming''s face was ugly, filled with hatred in his eyes, "Northern King Ye Feng, it''s really a narrow road for enemies. I didn''t expect you to be not at the Peak Martial King, but at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. It''s really surprising."


    As soon as Ye Feng released his aura, Elder Cangming recognized his true realm. Indeed, he was still at the Half-Step Golden Core.


    The Vampire King Duke and the Shaman Wizard had thought Ye Feng was a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm because they were only at the Divine Path Realm, and also because Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal held the power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Looking at the surprised expressions of the two, Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile playfully, "What, are you two already scared?"


    "Scared?" Elder Cangming was a bit taken aback, then burst into laughter, "Ye Feng, aren''t you overestimating yourself? Even if you''re not at the Peak Martial King and are at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, we both are Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. You are not our match at all!"


    "How could we possibly be afraid?"


    Elder Cangming chuckled coldly, then turned to Elder Hua Yue and said solemnly, "Elder Hua Yue, this boy almost destroyed our Sects, we and he are enemies unto death. Let''s join forces and cut him down directly!"


    Although Ye Feng was at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, Elder Cangming had already heard about Ye Feng''s victory over the Buddhist Sect and the Tao Sect at the Martial Arts Conference, so he did not take Ye Feng lightly.


    Elder Hua Yue nodded, his face showing a hint of solemnity, and immediately released his aura.


    Elder Cangming did the same, unleashing the oppressive might of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Instantly, two powerful auras pressed down on Ye Feng together.


    Ye Feng''s face remained unchanged, even when faced with two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, he did not show a trace of panic.


    "Would the grand Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm also resort to outnumbering their opponent?" Ye Feng laughed out loud, his aura rising to its peak. The aura of an emperor soared to the heavens, colliding with the auras of Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue.


    In mid-air, the two auras collided, seemingly matching each other in strength.


    Elders Cangming and Hua Yue''s expressions changed slightly. They had not expected that they, two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, still could not suppress the aura of Ye Feng, who was at Half-Step Golden Core.


    "Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!"


    A silver spear appeared in Ye Feng''s hand. With a sword in his left hand and the spear in his right, he shot forward like a cannonball, initiating the attack!


    The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon thrust out, launching a sky-shaking strike at Elder Cangming!


    Emperor''s Sword sent out sword qi sharp as thistles, swiftly chopping toward Elder Hua Yue!


    Elders Cangming and Hua Yue were greatly shocked, having not anticipated that Ye Feng would dare to strike first while facing two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Netherworld Sky-Breaking Palm!"


    Elder Cangming bellowed angrily, with Spirit Essence quickly gathering in his palm, a giant black hand directly confronted Ye Feng''s Spear of the Ancestral Dragon.


    "Moonlight Celestial Flower Shield!"


    Elder Hua Yue''s hands flew quickly, and suddenly, flower petals spinning at high speed appeared around him, rapidly converging to form a giant shield in front of him.


    Bang! Bang!


    Ye Feng was blocked by the combined efforts of the two, his figure repelled backward.


    Elders Cangming and Hua Yue did not fare much better, as both the giant black hand and the petal giant shield showed slight cracks.


    After a single exchange, the difference in strength was evident!


    Elders Cangming and Hua Yue were profoundly shocked, having not expected Ye Feng to be so powerful. Although they were newly advanced Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, they were definitely not weak and could easily crush any ordinary Half-Step Golden Core without any problem.


    Yet, Ye Feng, a Half-Step Golden Core, was fighting against both of them and still managing to gain the upper hand. It was utterly terrifying. Was he really just at the Half-Step Golden Core?


    Ye Feng too was somewhat surprised, not expecting to have the advantage. However, he could clearly feel that Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue seemed only slightly stronger than an ordinary Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm and their control over the power of the Golden Core Realm also seemed not particularly good.


    Realizing this, Ye Feng suddenly smiled, "So you two are newly advanced Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, you don''t seem all that impressive. Outnumbered, and yet, I still managed to gain the upper hand. No wonder the Underworld Sect and the Flora Sect are on the decline, not only is the character lacking but the strength isn''t much to speak of either."


    Ye Feng spoke in a mocking tone.


    This speech made Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue even more enraged. They were, after all, Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and now they were being ridiculed by Ye Feng, a Half-Step Golden Core. How could they tolerate this?

 Chapter 540 - 535: Then Leave Your Life Behind

    "Elder Hua Yue, this young man is not to be underestimated. Stop holding back, or we might be the ones getting killed," Elder Cangming''s face was grim, the previous disdain had long been put away as Ye Feng''s strength had completely exceeded his expectations.


    Elder Hua Yue was also somber. She had not expected Ye Feng to be so strong; no wonder he could lay waste to their sect in Xuanyuan Nation.


    "Fine, let''s join forces and unleash all our strength. I refuse to believe that a half-step Golden Core can truly turn the tables!" Elder Hua Yue gave a cold snort as her aura began to climb once again, quickly reaching the limit of what she could attain in the Golden Core Realm.


    Elder Cangming did the same, their auras soaring.


    Ye Feng also began to take the matter seriously. The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon had disappeared, replaced by the Sky-breaking Divine Spear; the Emperor''s Sword grew even more solid. He was not taking this lightly. After all, Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue were Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and he could capsize in the gutter if he wasn''t careful.


    Elder Hua Yue was the first to make a move. She soared upwards slightly and continuously formed seals in the air. A complex and enigmatic array appeared in mid-air, surrounded by numerous petals. It was highly ornamental, yet the robust energy of Spirit Essence also made the surrounding wasteland tremble.


    "Ten Thousand Flowers Fall!"


    Within the large array, beautiful petals appeared made of Spirit Essence. Each petal carried immense destructive power. Accompanying Elder Hua Yue''s shout, petals rained down like flying blades, enveloping Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng opened up his stance. With every petal that fell near him, a huge sand pit exploded.


    Ye Feng was slightly astonished. Just one petal had the power of a Half-Step Golden Core, and there were too many petals to catch them all.


    Ye Feng exerted force on his legs, weaving his movement technique through the numerous petals with agility.


    Elder Cangming, on the other hand, watched with a cold gaze, a black long sword now in his hand.


    "Infinite Heavenly Fiend!"


    Holding his long sword, Elder Cangming dove down, unleashing black sword lights with tremendous power, cutting through countless petals and heading straight for Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng, still wading through the storm of petals, saw Elder Cangming''s sword light coming and his expression darkened slightly, the Emperor''s Sword raised in his hand.


    "Cut!"


    While dodging petals, with a turn of his hand, Ye Feng chopped all the incoming sword lights. The strong impact still forced him to retreat repeatedly.


    Sword lights whirled; petals filled the sky.


    Ye Feng was well aware that he couldn''t keep passively depleting his energy like this. He wouldn''t last long before being drained, and he had to find an opportunity to take the offensive!


    The numerous petals had already pocked the once flat wasteland with huge pits.


    Fortunately, the array in the sky began to fade, and Elder Hua Yue''s aura also dipped slightly. Clearly, maintaining such an array was consuming a great deal of her Spirit Essence, and she dared not sustain it for too long.


    Seeing that Ye Feng had dodged almost all the petals, Elder Hua Yue''s expression turned ugly.


    "This kid''s strength is already on par with Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; I can''t keep using these area-of-effect moves."


    Ye Feng''s previous movement technique was extremely fast. Her Ten Thousand Flowers Fall was already dense, but not a single petal had hit him. Any other Half-Step Golden Core would have been peppered like a sieve by now.


    "Engage him in close combat; this mere young be shouldn''t be strong in close quarters!" Elder Cangming grunted disdainfully. He was a cultivator who had lived for over a hundred years, with ample experience in close combat.


    "Alright!"


    Elder Hua Yue agreed, flipping her hand to reveal a Soft Sword already in her grip.


    The two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm moved with their swords gripped, charging at Ye Feng with an exceedingly fierce momentum.


    Seeing the two charge at him, Ye Feng laughed on the spot, "Close combat, do you not realize I come from a Martial Artist background?"


    Two ancient cultivators actually wanted to engage in close combat with him, a Martial Artist¡ªridiculous.


    Elder Cangming sneered, "So what if you come from a Martial background? Martial Artists are nothing but trash. Kid, take this!"


    The black long sword carried a Sky-reaching Sword Qi, mercilessly slashing towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng was unafraid, the Emperor''s Sword slashing back in response, clashing directly with Elder Cangming.


    "Die!"


    Elder Hua Yue attacked from another direction.


    The Soft Sword, like a snake, instantly wound around Ye Feng''s body, but Ye Feng was protected by the Emperor''s Armor.


    "Scram!"


    Ye Feng shouted coldly, the Emperor''s Sword releasing sword light while the Emperor''s Armor burst forth a golden glow.


    The mighty Emperor''s Power directly repelled Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue, knocking them away!


    Ye Feng''s eyes flickered with sharpness as he initiated the offensive.


    The black as ink Sky-breaking Divine Spear materialized in the air, flying towards Elder Cangming.


    Sensing the terrifying might of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear, Elder Cangming''s face shifted subtly as he raised his black longsword to do battle with it.


    Ye Feng himself had already reached in front of Elder Hua Yue.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!"


    His fist, wrapped in the golden color of the Emperor''s Power, smashed towards Elder Hua Yue.


    Elder Hua Yue dared not underestimate the attack, mobilizing all her Spirit Essence to meet it with her palm.


    Boom!


    Elder Hua Yue was forced back, her face showing a hint of terror. Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist was incredibly powerful, almost breaking her palm.


    The battle quickly intensified. Ye Feng did not give either of them a moment''s respite, continuously pressing the attack, leaving Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue in a wretched state.


    They had only recently ascended to become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. They had thought that with this status they could virtually do as they pleased in the Outer Battlefield. Yet who could have anticipated that shortly after setting out, they would encounter Ye Feng, this Star of Slaughter?


    A mere Half-Step Golden Core, yet he possessed the combat power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    A quarter of an hour later, Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue were showing signs of fatigue. Standing together, they kept their distance from Ye Feng.


    Elder Cangming''s face was unsightly: "Damn it, how can a Half-Step Golden Core be so powerful!"


    Elder Hua Yue looked even weaker than Elder Cangming. Her strength was not as great and the fierce battle had left her hugely depleted.


    Typically, a Half-Step Golden Core could at most contend with a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm but would not be a match for one.


    Even if a talented Half-Step Golden Core could defeat a Grandmaster, it would be in a one-on-one situation. But it was two against one against Ye Feng, and yet both Grandmasters were being overpowered by a Half-Step Golden Core Realm Ye Feng. It was beyond reason.


    Ye Feng was not completely overwhelming them, as he too was sporting wounds. Facing two new Golden Core Realm Grandmasters at the same time was somewhat strenuous. After all, the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm were on a different level compared to those of the Divine Ability Realm.


    "Northern King Ye Feng, let''s pretend this never happened. We don''t want the Eight Wilderness Lizards anymore; consider them a gift to you," said Elder Cangming in a heavy tone. He was already considering retreat; they would eventually be defeated by Ye Feng if the battle continued. It was not worth risking their lives for the Eight Wilderness Lizards.


    Although Elder Hua Yue was reluctant, she too knew they could only submit. They couldn''t beat him and surely couldn''t just die in vain. As long as they had the breath of life, they could wait for another opportunity.


    Ye Feng was nearly amused by these words: "What do you mean ''consider them a gift to me''? Do you have no shame at all? Are the Eight Wilderness Lizards yours to give away?"


    Being hypocritical really seems to come naturally to you. You were clearly attempting to rob me, and yet you have the audacity to say you''re giving me a gift. It''s disgraceful, really."


    Ye Feng''s gaze was filled with scorn as he looked at them. He truly detested these people from the Nine Great Sects, always placing themselves above everyone else, turning black into white, which was absolutely laughable.


    Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue had stiff expressions, their faces coloring with embarrassment, but they had no retort.


    Elder Hua Yue snorted softly: "Say whatever you want. We are leaving!"


    Having said that, Elder Hua Yue turned around to leave.


    Elder Cangming also harbored a look of deep resentment. Once they left, he resolved to send word back to Xuanyuan Hall. Their Underworld Sect had Hall Master level powers within the Xuanyuan Hall, and once the Hall Master took action, dealing with Ye Feng would be as easy as lifting a finger.


    Just as the two were about to leave, Ye Feng''s cold voice rang out: "Did I say you could go? You''ve played the part of robbers, and now you think you can just leave so easily? Isn''t that wishful thinking?"


    They had appeared with the intention of stealing his Eight Wilderness Lizards, and now they wanted to just leave. How could he possibly agree? After all, he, the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation, the Principal of the Martial Academy, couldn''t just lose face like that.


    Upon hearing this, Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue halted in their tracks. Elder Cangming, turning around with annoyance, said, "Northern King Ye Feng, what more do you want? You do realize that you''ve slain disciples from our Underworld Sect and Flora Sect within Xuanyuan Nation. We haven''t come after you for vengeance, which is already giving you face!"


    Ye Feng burst into mocking laughter: "Shameless old things, the only reason you haven''t come after me is because you can''t beat me. Why bother with these empty words? Each of you, fifty Spirit Stones, or don''t even think about leaving."


    Ye Feng''s gaze was icy cold. These two had just tried to kill him, and now they thought they could simply leave? That was out of the question.


    "Fifty Spirit Stones, we don''t have that many!"


    Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue''s faces fell completely. They only had about thirty Spirit Stones each. Spirit Stones, even in the Outer Battlefield, were a scarce resource. Even as Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, they didn''t have much in reserves. Moreover, both the Underworld Sect and Flora Sect were among the less powerful of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, granting them accession to even fewer Spirit Stones.


    "No? Then leave your lives behind!"


    Ye Feng grinned, showing his teeth. Since they had no money, they had to pay with their lives.


    The two paled, and Elder Hua Yue shouted, "Ye Feng, don''t go too far! We are from Xuanyuan Hall, and both our sects have Hall Master level powers!"


    Ye Feng smirked contemptuously: "So what? Since you''ve troubled me, you should be prepared to face death!"


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    With a loud shout from Ye Feng, a golden seal plummeted from the sky with massive force.

 Chapter 541 - 536: The City and Brother Jark

    Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue looked up at the golden seal that appeared above them, their faces changing dramatically, as they felt the terrifying might of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal pressing down on them with immense pressure.


    If they had been in their prime, it would have been no problem at all for them to jointly handle the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, but the problem was that they were both nearly spent, their strength not even half what it was at their peak, with no time to recover!


    "Elder Hua Yue, let''s join forces to hold it!"


    Elder Cangming bellowed, his hands continuously forming seals, as a black protective shield began to condense above his head.


    Elder Hua Yue gritted her teeth, knowing that she had to withstand the blow, her hands also moving rapidly as countless petals gathered above her, forming a huge petal shield.


    The Great Golden Light Seal was plummeting rapidly, and the mighty pressure caused Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue to sink, creating two large pits beneath their feet.


    Boom!


    The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal smashed onto the shields they had raised.


    Ye Feng watched this scene and murmured quietly, "To think that they are Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, their strength truly cannot be underestimated."


    At this moment, the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal didn''t squash the two of them outright as it had with the Vampire King Dukes and the Shaman Wizards, instead, it was being held at bay by them.


    However, this didn''t serve much purpose, as Ye Feng let out a low shout and erupted with power again. The light of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal intensified, its strength increasing significantly.


    Below, Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue felt bitter in their hearts, as they never imagined they would be pushed to this state by Ye Feng, who was only at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    Soon, Elder Hua Yue let out a cry of terror, "Cangming, what are you doing!?"


    "No, Cangming you bastard, you betrayed me!!!"


    "Come back!"


    Elder Hua Yue was in utter panic, as Elder Cangming, who had been right beside her, had suddenly withdrawn his Spirit Essence Shield and was bolting toward safety, leaving without turning back to escape the range of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal.


    Ye Feng was also surprised, not expecting Elder Cangming to be so shameless, fleeing the battle and leaving only Elder Hua Yue of the Flora Sect behind to bear the brunt, while he himself made a quick escape.


    Elder Hua Yue was already nearly exhausted, her Spirit Essence nearly spent, and naturally couldn''t withstand the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal unleashed by Ye Feng.


    With a loud bang!


    Elder Hua Yue was completely crushed under the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal.


    "Cangming, I won''t let you off even as a ghost!!!"


    A miserable scream echoed across the desert, but the already escaping Cangming paid no heed, using all his strength and even employing Forbidden Techniques of Underworld Sect to flee, quickly vanishing without a trace.


    Ye Feng glanced in the direction where Elder Cangming had disappeared, knowing he couldn''t catch up and simply decided to ignore it. Instead, he walked over to collect the possessions Elder Hua Yue left behind after her death.


    "Thirty-six Spirit Stones, not a bad haul."


    Ye Feng looked at the Spirit Stone Bag in his hand, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.


    Ye Feng had shown no mercy, having chosen to attack him meant they had become his enemy, and he was utterly relentless with those he deemed worthy of death. If he had truly been at a mere Half-Step Golden Core Realm just now, he would have been the one to die.


    In a place like the Outer Battlefield, where the Laws of the survival of the fittest apply, it''s either you die, or I live.


    After storing the Eight Wilderness Lizards in his Space Ring, Ye Feng continued his journey through the Death Desert.


    As for the escaped Cangming, there was no need to bother looking for him anymore. With the Outer Battlefield being so vast, searching would be indefinite; he would take care of Cangming the next time they crossed paths.


    Ye Feng traveled on, and after half a day, buildings appeared in the distance.


    Ye Feng''s pupils shrunk as he stared at the structures ahead, surprised.


    "That is... a city!"


    "There actually is a city within the Outer Battlefield!?"


    Ye Feng was quite astonished, looking at the towering city walls in the distance.


    These were the buildings marked on the parchment scroll map as the closest to him at the time, and he had guessed that this might well be a city; turns out he was right.


    The city walls looked somewhat decrepit, weathered by time, obviously enduring countless years.


    "In a place like the Outer Battlefield with Alien Beasts everywhere, how could a city have survived this long? Ordinary constructions should not withstand attacks from Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts at all, yet these city walls look merely a bit worn, essentially intact without any major breaches, as if they''ve never been attacked, which is quite strange."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, muttering to himself, shook his head, and didn''t think further about it, speeding towards the city.


    A figure suddenly flew backwards from the city gate, and Ye Feng swiftly dodged.


    The figure crashed to the ground with a yelp, slowly got up, and continued to curse, "Can''t you let me come out on my own? Do you have to eject me out like that!"


    The person grumbled as they rose to their feet, then walked away from the area.


    At that moment, a voice sounded beside Ye Feng, "Are you a newcomer who has just entered the Outer Battlefield?"


    Ye Feng turned to look and saw that a person from Xuanyuan Nation had come up beside him¡ªa young man, who did not seem much older than himself.


    Ye Feng did not conceal the truth and nodded.


    The young man sized up Ye Feng again and, realizing Ye Feng was at the peak of the Martial King realm, couldn''t help but click his tongue in amazement, "A peak Martial King managing to gain experience in the Death Desert? Looks like your strength isn''t as simple as it seems. A person at the peak of the Martial King realm probably wouldn''t survive a sandstorm in the Death Desert. Are you hiding your true strength?"


    Ye Feng smiled and nodded, "I did indeed conceal some strength, but it''s not all that formidable. Don''t worry, friend, we are both people of Xuanyuan Nation, and I won''t attack for no reason. I am Ye Feng. May I ask how I should address you?"


    Ye Feng introduced himself first since he had questions he wanted to ask the other person.


    Before entering the Outer Battlefield, he hadn''t thoroughly studied the details about it. The two elders from the Utility Pavilion hadn''t told him about the existence of cities in the Outer Battlefield; he''d only learned about some of the dangers and exotic beasts before he came in.


    Now, he urgently needed to understand more about the Outer Battlefield.


    At Ye Feng''s words, the young man''s expression visibly changed as he stared wide-eyed, "You''re that Ye Feng?"


    "My friend, do you know me?" Ye Feng smiled.


    The young man slapped his thigh and grinned, "Of course I do. Even though it''s been several years since I''ve entered the Outer Battlefield and have not seen you, your glorious achievements as the Northern King Ye Feng have been recounted by the people who came after you."


    "The newly appointed Northern Border King Ye Feng has formidable strength and has swept through the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and the geniuses from the ancient clans of the Hong Family and the Bu Family, ascending to the position of Martial Academy Principal. I''ve long wanted to meet you in person, and I didn''t expect my luck to be so good that I would actually bump into you."


    The youth''s eyes shone with excitement, never straying from Ye Feng, their eagerness making even Ye Feng feel a bit uncomfortable.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel a mixture of amusement and helplessness; this guy seemed quite interesting. Having been in the Outer Battlefield for many years, it seemed this fellow had quite the background.


    In recent years, the passageways to the Outer Battlefield had been controlled by the top forces on Earth, making it impossible for ordinary people to enter.


    Just as Ye Feng was about to further inquire about the young man''s identity, the young man extended his hand with a wide grin, "I''m Chi Jark, honored to meet Brother Ye. Let''s be friends."


    Chi Jerk?


    Ye Feng was stunned; could someone actually bear such a name?


    "Nice to meet you, Brother Jerk."


    Ye Feng also reached out his hand, though his face still looked rather peculiar.


    Chi Jark knew that Ye Feng must have misunderstood and quickly said, "It''s Jark, not Jerk."


    Ye Feng nodded seriously, "Alright, I understand, Brother Jerk!"


    Chi Jark was instantly exasperated, grinding his teeth, "It''s Jark from ''to establish'', and Ren from ''benevolence''!"


    "Just call me Brother Chi, please!"


    Then Ye Feng finally realized he''d got it wrong and thought the name was indeed quite unique.


    Knowing Ye Feng must still be puzzled, Chi Jark didn''t bother to explain anymore. After all, this wasn''t the first time his name had been misunderstood.


    "Chi..."


    Ye Feng, as if suddenly remembering something, looked at Chi Jark and asked, "Brother Jerk... I mean, Brother Chi, are you from the Chi Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans?"


    Seeing Ye Feng correcting himself, Chi Jark''s expression eased a bit, and he nodded, "I am indeed from the Chi Family."


    Ye Feng, surprised, had never met anyone from the Four Great Ancient Clans before. Zhuge Wuming had told him that among the Four Great Ancient Clans, there were two families that were extremely low-profile and reclusive, of which one was the Chi Family.


    Ye Feng had assumed that the Chi Family was low-profile due to lacking powerful individuals, but now it didn''t seem to be the case. This Chi Jark, at the Half-Step Golden Core, did not look simple; after all, being one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, the Chi Family would have thousands of years of heritage¡ªnot likely without its experts.


    Ye Feng then respectfully inquired, "Then may I ask, Brother Chi, can you tell me about the cities here in the Outer Battlefield?"


    Chi Jark glanced at the city and clearly looked displeased, but he explained to Ye Feng, "These cities were built during the great war of ancient times. There are more than a dozen such cities throughout the Outer Battlefield. It is said these were created as rear bases for rest during that ancient conflict."


    "Each city has a City Protection Great Formation that can withstand attacks from the alien beasts of the Outer Battlefield. Even the alien beasts in the Golden Core Realm can''t destroy it. Furthermore, this Great Formation only allows humans to enter, so other alien beasts can''t attack it either."


    Ye Feng was somewhat astonished. Given that more than two thousand years had passed since that ancient war, the fact that these cities could still repel attacks from Golden Core Realm alien beasts was remarkable. Who on Earth had set up this Defensive Great Formation?


    Chi Jark paused before continuing, "However, this City Protection Great Formation has a perverse rule. If you stay inside for more than three days, you''ll be automatically expelled from the city by the Great Formation. Just now you saw it yourself: that person wasn''t thrown out by someone else but was driven out by the Great Formation."

 Chapter 542 - 537: The Changes of the Dragon Egg

    This setting surprised Ye Feng, "Wasn''t it a resting place during the Period of the Ancient Great War? Why set up such a rule within the Great Formation?"


    Logically speaking, cities dedicated to rest and healing during the Period of the Ancient Great War shouldn''t have had such a setting.


    Chi Jark then helplessly said, "According to the rumors, because the situation of the great war was tense, to prevent those who were afraid of death and too keen on life from hiding within the city and not going out to battle, this rule was set. As for those who were seriously injured and needed a long time to recover, they would be sent directly back to Earth."


    Ye Feng was speechless too, it was to prevent that problem, but he could understand, the battle of that Ancient Period was a crisis for the entire Earth. The Alien Race invading in large numbers related to the fate of all humankind, and those chosen for the front line were certainly people of strength. Originally, there were a vast number of Alien Race members, if on Earth''s side people were too keen on life and afraid of death hiding, the situation would indeed become even more dire.


    After thinking for a while, Ye Feng then asked, "After being expelled by the City Protection Great Formation, can one re-enter?"


    "It is possible, but one must wait three days. The City Protection Great Formation will allow you to enter again. Back in the Ancient Times, there would be a person in charge waiting outside the city, and once you were expelled, you had to go back to the front line to fight."


    Chi Jark didn''t hide anything and simply spilled all of these things out.


    Ye Feng listened with great interest, and also somewhat sighed, "Brother Chi is truly from the Four Great Ancient Clans, you know so much. It''s unlike the Utility Pavilion, which has nothing."


    Chi Jark was stunned for a moment, and his expression became weird. He asked, "Brother Ye didn''t go to Xuanyuan Hall when you entered the Outer Battlefield?"


    Ye Feng didn''t quite understand why Chi Jark would suddenly ask this, but he still said, "I did, but what about it? At that time, I even argued with the Third Hall Master, caused a big scene, and then I chased the Third Hall Master away. There''s still no news about him now."


    These words petrified Chi Jark. With his mouth twitching in disbelief, he said, "Brother Ye, are you sure you chased away the Third Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall and he didn''t slap you to death?"


    The Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall are all Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm or above in strength. Although the Third Hall Master is the weakest of the Hall Masters, he is still stronger than an ordinary Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Ye Feng chased him away!


    Chi Jark felt Ye Feng must be joking. After all, that''s a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Although Ye Feng concealed his strength, his realm was not at all the level of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. At best, he was like Chi Jark, at Half-Step Golden Core. Even if your strength matches that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, you wouldn''t really have chased away the Third Hall Master, right?


    "Just kidding, just kidding. I had an accident when I went to Xuanyuan Hall, and I left soon after arriving," said Ye Feng with a light cough, offering a forced laugh without continuing the topic. Since Chi Jark did not believe him, there was no need to explain further. He changed the subject and asked, "May I ask, Brother Chi, why have you come here?"


    Chi Jark suddenly smiled, "Brother Ye wants to know, why not follow me inside and see for yourself?"


    Ye Feng had this in mind. He was very interested in the city within the Outer Battlefield and wanted to see what it was like.


    "Then let''s go, Brother Ye."


    Chi Jark flew into the city, with Ye Feng following closely behind.


    Upon entering the city gate, Ye Feng discovered that the so-called city was not very large; in fact, it was about the size of a small town. As for the buildings in the city, they were quite rudimentary, consisting only of some stone houses.


    Chi Jark quickly led Ye Feng to a place resembling a market. There weren''t many people, just a few dozens, but they represented almost every faction.


    Ye Feng looked around and saw many people setting up stalls on the ground and even hawking their wares.


    "Supreme Quality Battle Armor from Ancient Times, capable of withstanding attacks from a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, only for twenty Spirit Stones!"


    "Silver Dragon Battle Spear, top grade Treasure Weapon, ten Spirit Stones!"


    "Supreme Quality Martial Technique, Five Cauldron Divine Finger, fifteen Spirit Stones!"


    A group of people were hawking Cultivation Techniques, weapons, and Spiritual Medicines.


    Ye Feng swept a glance over them and wasn''t interested in any of the items. Those items were clearly junk, probably just swindling some people. Of course, there might be people who needed them, but Ye Feng didn''t lack any.


    "Brother Ye, if you have any items you want to trade, you could also set them out for sale," Chi Jark casually said, though his eyes clearly showed disdain, obviously uninterested in these items.


    Ye Feng shook his head and asked again, "There can''t be just these items in the city, right?"


    If the city only contained these items, that would be a huge disappointment to Ye Feng.


    "Of course not, the most precious things in the city are actually those stone houses."


    Chi Jark pointed at the surrounding stone houses that looked very plain.


    Ye Feng''s expression changed. Stone houses?


    Chi Jark soon explained again, "Inside these stone houses, there are various insights left by Ancient Daoist Cultivators, and for us cultivators, these are the real treasures."


    "Time is of the essence, so I won''t keep Brother Ye any longer; I''m going to observe the stone houses," said Chi Jarn without further ado, aware that in three days, he would be driven out of the city, making every moment within its walls precious.


    "Brother Ye, see you at the city gates in three days!" Chi Jarn left these words behind and quickly departed to find a stone house that suited him for enlightenment and observation.


    Watching the surrounding stone houses, Ye Feng also became interested and muttered to himself, "Enlightenment of the ancient cultivators, huh? Sounds intriguing. I might as well have a look too."


    Ye Feng left the market he had been at and approached one of the nearby stone houses. Each house had a crude wooden door, most of which were open, though some were closed.


    Glancing at those closed wooden doors, Ye Feng immediately understood that those stone houses must already have someone inside seeking enlightenment.


    Choosing an unoccupied stone house, Ye Feng walked in.


    Inside the stone house, void of anything else, the stone walls were covered with inscriptions. Upon closer inspection, Ye Feng realized these did not only contain the insights of ancient cultivators but also the cultivation experiences of those who came after.


    Ye Feng stepped forward to observe, his body trembling slightly, "These characters actually retain a peculiar power and aura..."


    Ye Feng took out the Emperor''s Sword and attempted to inscribe on the stone walls of the house, but no matter how much strength he used, he could not leave even a slight mark on the walls!


    Deeply shocked and disbelieving, Ye Feng realized that despite his strength, which could overwhelm most Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, he was still unable to carve into these walls.


    What level of strength, then, was required to inscribe these lines of characters? Could it be that one needed the power of the Realm above the Golden Core, the legendary Yin-Yang Realm?


    Ye Feng was astounded and, with a flicker in his eyes, began to perceive the residual aura of the inscriptions.


    Soon enough, Ye Feng furrowed his brows, feeling a force that was at times staunchly firm and at others gently yielding¡ªa power more aptly described as the Mutual Restraint of Yin-Yang.


    Could this possibly be the legendary Power of Yin-Yang?


    Ye Feng was uncertain; although he had already converted all his Qi Force into Spirit Essence, roughly placing him among the ranks of the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, he had not yet condensed a Golden Core and couldn''t be considered a true Grandmaster. He only possessed their Combat Power.


    After an hour of contemplation, Ye Feng opened his eyes and sighed in frustration. He couldn''t grasp this Power of Yin-Yang at all, and as for the inscribed Cultivation Techniques, they held no interest for him since he had the Method of the Three Thousand Acupoints and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Ye Feng stood up and moved on to several other stone houses to seek enlightenment, but it was all in vain. Unable to perceive the Yin-Yang Strength left behind in the characters, and finding the Cultivation Techniques unrelated to him, he resigned himself to the fact that the stone houses, treasured by all cultivators, were utterly useless to him.


    After half a day passed, Ye Feng gave up and simply chose a stone house to close the door.


    "I''ll just wait here for three days, and then leave with Chi Jarn; that guy seems pretty interesting," he thought.


    Ye Feng smiled lightly and sat down in the stone house to meditate and cultivate.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng remembered he had a Dragon Egg in his possession.


    Thinking this, his spiritual power entered the Space Ring and arrived at the nest where the Dragon Egg was kept, built from colorful stones.


    Almost immediately, Ye Feng''s attention was captured by the Dragon Egg.


    The egg, once resembling a stone-shaped egg, had now turned completely Golden Color and was radiating a faint Golden halo around it.


    "What the¡ª It turned into a golden egg!?" exclaimed Ye Feng in surprise, and soon he noticed a ring of stone chips piled around the Dragon Egg. He realized that what had appeared to be stone was only a disguise, and now, it seemed that the hatching day for the Little Dragon inside was close at hand, and the outer stone shell could no longer contain the egg.


    Approaching the Dragon Egg with his spiritual power, Ye Feng instantly felt an oppressive force, causing him a startle. Considering that it was still just an egg, the fact it exerted such pressure on him was terrifying.


    Ye Feng marveled, truly befitting of the Dragon Clan, a Race naturally mighty beyond compare.


    With this in mind, the image of the Five-clawed Golden Dragon, resplendent and unfathomably powerful, returned to Ye Feng''s thoughts. Reflecting on that memory, he couldn''t help but show a puzzled expression: just what level of power did that Old Dragon posses?


    He felt that the aura of the Five-clawed Golden Dragon was more vast and fathomless than even that of the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, seemingly not of the same realm.


    Ye Feng didn''t dwell on it, as the level of the Five-clawed Golden Dragon was still a far reach from his current state.


    His spiritual power closely observed the Dragon Egg, now adorned with mystical Golden inscriptions, and Ye Feng was immediately captivated by them.

 Chapter 543 - 538: The Secret Realm

    "These golden patterns..."


    Ye Feng''s spiritual power carefully observed the golden patterns, and gradually, he became entranced.


    A moment later, Ye Feng opened his eyes to a vast expanse of white.


    Ye Feng''s complexion changed drastically as he observed his surroundings. Shouldn''t he have been in the stone hut? Where was this place?


    With his mind full of questions, he observed carefully and realized that he seemed to have arrived in a boundless white world with nothing in it.


    "Where exactly is this?"


    Ye Feng was very puzzled, and just as he wondered this, the world which was originally a white expanse transformed in an instant. The next things to enter his vision were mountains and rivers, flowers and trees, as well as fish flipping over in the rivers.


    Ye Feng looked at this scene with even more confusion. Where was this place?


    Suddenly, a sonorous roar of a dragon resounded.


    Ao!


    Ye Feng''s body shook, and the next moment, he saw an immense Five-clawed Golden Dragon fly past him.


    "Isn''t this dragon the same as the Five-clawed Golden Dragon I saw before?"


    Ye Feng was incredibly shocked in his heart, but this time, the Five-clawed Golden Dragon seemed to lack the divine radiance that the one he saw for the first time in the Outer Battlefield had, or perhaps, it seemed to lack a bit of soul?


    The Five-clawed Golden Dragon soared in the sky for a round and then flew in front of Ye Feng. Suddenly, the Five-clawed Golden Dragon burst out with a powerful aura, and its golden claws appeared to tear apart the sky and the earth, as it swung down a claw!


    Ye Feng''s pupils shrank, feeling a chill all over his body from the power of this claw!


    The golden claw seemed to rip through space, rumbling thunderously, and an earth-shattering claw crushed a gigantic mountain peak into powder. The Five-clawed Golden Dragon howled towards the sky, with the dragon''s roar echoing throughout the space.


    Gradually, the Five-clawed Golden Dragon turned into golden specks of light and disappeared into the sky.


    "This claw..."


    Ye Feng indulged in it, replaying that earth-shattering claw in his mind over and over again!


    In the stone hut, Ye Feng didn''t know when he had sat down cross-legged; his own spiritual power was immersed in a white space, continuously pondering the claw of the Five-clawed Golden Dragon.


    After an unknown amount of time, Ye Feng felt a tremendous push on his body, which startled him awake.


    "What''s going on!?"


    Ye Feng abruptly opened his eyes, a golden light flashing across them as if they were dragon eyes, even exuding a dragon''s might.


    However, the golden light vanished quickly, and he might not have even noticed it himself.


    Ye Feng opened his eyes and surveyed his surroundings, only to see that he was now outside the city gates, with the endless Death Desert stretching behind him.


    Ye Feng was stunned for a moment and murmured, "Has three days already passed so quickly?"


    As Chi Jark had told him beforehand, the city in the Outer Battlefield would send people out of the city after three days, and it seemed that three days had indeed passed.


    At that moment, a voice suddenly rang out from beside him.


    "Brother Ye, you''re out as well!"


    Chi Jark walked up to Ye Feng, greeting him.


    Ye Feng looked over and responded with a smile. However, he noticed that Chi Jark seemed to be unhappy and immediately asked, "Brother Chi, what''s wrong? You don''t seem very happy."


    Chi Jark sighed, a bit helplessly saying, "Brother Ye, you don''t know. I searched for a whole day and finally found an insight left by an ancestor of the Chi Family; I was so engrossed in it, and then time was up!"


    Chi Jark''s face showed regret, but it was evident that he was still a bit excited. Even though time was up, he naturally remembered those insights on the stone wall.


    "But, I''m used to this kind of thing, and finding a stone hut suitable for my own contemplation is already good. The cultivation of daoists mostly differs from one another; finding one from the same sect purely depends on luck. My luck is still not bad."


    Chi Jark grinned, speaking the truth. With so many ancient cultivators, so many cities, and stone huts, not everyone could find a suitable stone hut and have the chance to contemplate.


    While talking, Chi Jark looked at Ye Feng again and frowned, "Brother Ye, why do I feel that you are a bit different than when you first went in?"


    If the first time he met Ye Feng, he felt a kingly presence from Ye Feng, but now, not only did Ye Feng have that kingly air, but there seemed to be a shining edge, and even in the dark, it was as if he saw a Golden Dragon. He even faintly felt a dragon''s might emanating from Ye Feng!


    Ye Feng was confused and didn''t understand what Chi Jark meant, casually responding, "Is that so, Brother Chi? I don''t feel any different."


    Ye Feng himself didn''t feel much different, but suddenly remembered the shocking claw in his mind. Could it be related to this?


    Seeing Ye Feng''s reaction, Chi Jark opened his mouth but didn''t persist with the matter. Instead, he asked curiously, "Then it''s all right. Brother Ye, how has your harvest been these past two days? I''ve heard that your talent is extremely high, so you must have gained quite a few insights from those stone houses, right?"


    When asked this question, Ye Feng''s expression stiffened slightly. How should he respond, by saying that he looked down on them?


    That the cultivation techniques he practiced were stronger than those of ancient cultivators, and their insights were of no use to him?


    Ye Feng felt that if he were to say that, Chi Jark would definitely think he was showing off.


    "I wasn''t very lucky. I didn''t gain much, with no insights appropriate for me."


    Ye Feng intentionally showed a hint of dejection, indicating that he hadn''t gained much.


    Indeed, Ye Feng didn''t gain much in the stone houses, but on the dragon egg inside his space ring, he had gained an enormous harvest!


    Seeing Ye Feng say this, Chi Jark even patted his shoulder, consoling him, "It''s okay, Brother Ye. I believe as a proud son of heaven like you, you probably don''t need the insights from those stone houses."


    Ye Feng felt a mix of amusement and frustration at these words, but his favor towards Chi Jark rose considerably. Chi Jark might hail from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, but he didn''t seem to carry any arrogance, and was quite pleasant to be around.


    "What are Brother Ye''s plans next?"


    Chi Jark suddenly asked.


    Ye Feng thought for a moment and replied offhandedly, "I don''t have any specific plans. Brother Chi should have noticed that I am new to the Outer Battlefield, and I''m not particularly familiar with the various situations here, so I''ll need to rely a lot on Brother Chi."


    Ye Feng wasn''t lying; his knowledge of the Outer Battlefield was indeed too limited. If not for meeting Chi Jark, he probably wouldn''t know anything about what goes on inside the city.


    Chi Jark realized with a click of his tongue, "I would''ve never imagined that the Northern Border King would know so little about the Outer Battlefield, interesting, interesting."


    "Actually, Brother Ye, a secret realm is about to open in a few days, and all the Great Powers will select candidates to enter."


    "A secret realm?"


    Ye Feng''s eyes flashed with interest. He was familiar with secret realms. According to legends handed down from ancient times, they were small worlds opened within the Outer Battlefield by ancient cultivators of the Golden Core Realm or even higher realms, using all their power before dying. Inside, there were various ancient cultivation techniques, pill medicines, and spiritual treasures of ancient cultivators.


    It was said that there was once a Martial King-level powerhouse who entered a secret realm, and within just a few days, emerged with a foundation established and a golden core condensed, becoming a true ancient cultivator, and a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm at that!


    One must know, for a Martial King-level powerhouse to become an ancient cultivator, apart from having incredible adventures like Ye Feng did, they would need to dissipate all their martial artist''s power like Yu Feiyu did, and then switch to an ancient cultivator''s cultivation technique to build a foundation and embark upon the Golden Core Great Dao.


    Yu Feiyu had only been able to enter the Foundation Establishment Realm and approach the strength of a Half-Step Golden Core so quickly because of Elder Huang Niu''s assistance. For ordinary people to spend several months or even longer would be normal.


    This clearly showed that these secret realms were filled with various opportunities, and countless people wanted to compete for the chance to enter.


    Chi Jark continued, "Yes, it''s the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is not like ordinary secret realms. It is said that the Spirit Essence inside is extremely dense, and the small world even contains a large amount of spirit stones¡ªall of the spirit stones in the Outer Battlefield mostly come from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    "Not only that, but it is also said that there are ten Spirit Essence Pools within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Rumor has it that if one can soak in them, those in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm could leap directly into the Golden Core Realm!"


    "However, the requirements for entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm are extremely strict. Only those below the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm can enter, and the bone age must be under fifty years old!"


    After understanding this, Ye Feng immediately realized that those who could enter such a secret realm were likely the young geniuses of the Great Powers, and everyone would definitely try their best to send their Heaven''s Proud Sons into it.


    Ye Feng, thinking this, immediately asked, "Then how are the spots allocated?"


    For a secret realm like this, there were definitely limits on the number of participants, and he wondered how the Great Powers allocated the spots.


    Chi Jark didn''t conceal anything and said directly, "There are quite a number of spots available. Each of the Four Great Powers can allocate twenty-five spots, and it''s up to each Power to decide on the candidates."


    "At our Xuanyuan Hall, for the sake of fairness, the selection is based on strength. The selection will take place three days from now at Xuanyuan Hall!"


    Ye Feng''s expression turned somewhat peculiar, not expecting that the selection would take place at Xuanyuan Hall.


    However, this was quite normal; Xuanyuan Hall, being Xuanyuan Nation''s base camp in the Outer Battlefield, was the logical place for holding the selection.


    After Chi Jark shared so much information, Ye Feng suddenly thought of another question, "By the way, Brother Chi, how do you know all this?"


    "There should be no use for cell phones in the Outer Battlefield, right? So, how does everyone communicate?"


    Ye Feng had wanted to ask this question for a long time. Upon entering the Outer Battlefield, he found that there were no signals, so how would everyone communicate if they needed to stay in contact?


    Chi Jark looked somewhat astonished, "Brother Ye, do you not have a Sound Transmission Jade Tablet?"


    "Sound Transmission Jade Tablet? What''s that?"


    Ye Feng was completely taken aback, as he had never heard of a Sound Transmission Jade Tablet.


    Chi Jark was somewhat speechless, finding it hard to believe that the Northern Border King knew so little about the Outer Battlefield. He was convinced that Ye Feng had never been to Xuanyuan Hall, or maybe he had just gotten to the entrance and then left, because this information could clearly be obtained at Xuanyuan Hall.

 Chapter 544 539 Genius List

    "Brother Ye, be honest with me, have you never been to Xuanyuan Hall, or did you leave just after reaching its entrance?"


    Chi Jark looked utterly speechless.


    Ye Feng gave a light cough. Just at the entrance?


    It should be more than that, he thought. At that time, he had not only reached the entrance of Xuanyuan Hall, but had also gone inside and even caused a big ruckus before leaving.


    What Ye Feng didn''t know was that because their group had caused such a disturbance in Xuanyuan Hall, all the hall masters had forgotten to give them some things from the Outer Battlefield, as well as some materials.


    Seeing Ye Feng cough, Chi Jark took it as an admission and could only sigh helplessly and take out a distinctive jade token engraved with the word "Xuanyuan."


    "This is the exclusive Sound Transmission Jade Tablet of Xuanyuan Hall, produced by us. It''s actually not that difficult to make; you just inscribe a Sound Transmission Array inside the jade tablet. However, this Sound Transmission Array was also discovered in the Outer Battlefield, so at first we didn''t have it."


    Chi Jark handed the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet to Ye Feng, who, upon receiving it, found that it was indeed just an ordinary jade token, but he could feel a special formation inside of it.


    "How do you use this jade token?"


    Ye Feng asked.


    "It''s simple. Brother Ye just needs to refine it with a drop of your own blood, then let someone imprint their breath into the jade token, and you''ll be able to communicate through it."


    As he spoke, Chi Jark guided Ye Feng to refine the jade token.


    After Ye Feng released a drop of blood to refine the jade token, Chi Jark imprinted his breath into it.


    Once done, Chi Jark deliberately flew a distance away, and then a voice came directly from the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet.


    "Brother Ye, can you hear me?"


    It was Chi Jark''s voice.


    Ye Feng revealed a smile. So that was how it worked.


    "I hear you. Brother Chi, come on back."


    Ye Feng spoke to the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet, treating it like a telephone by talking directly into it.


    Ye Feng also learned that the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet could support multiple people communicating, with the same method: just leave a trace of breath on the other party''s jade tablet.


    Ye Feng lamented inwardly, if he had known about this device sooner, he would have gotten one for Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhan Tian as well.


    The two from Utility Pavilion actually didn''t inform him about it either.


    In fact, Ye Feng had really misunderstood Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming. They had never been to the Outer Battlefield. Typically, when someone first entered the Outer Battlefield, Xuanyuan Hall would issue these items.


    It was just because some accidents happened when Ye Feng had arrived at Xuanyuan Hall that he had missed the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet.


    After understanding the situation, Ye Feng did not ask any further; he already knew most of what he needed to know.


    "We should also start our journey, Brother Ye. Death Desert is a day''s travel from Xuanyuan Hall. Considering encounters with alien beasts, battles, and various unexpected events we might face on the way, it might take us some time to reach Xuanyuan Hall," said Chi Jark, and Ye Feng nodded in agreement, naturally intending to visit the secret realm.


    He couldn''t help but wonder how Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhan Tian were doing. Although it had only been five or six days since they parted ways, Ye Feng was somewhat worried, unsure if they knew about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm selection.


    Shaking his head, Ye Feng didn''t want to think about it anymore.


    The Outer Battlefield was filled with dangers and opportunities. Even if Xiao Chuanqi and the others didn''t know about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, there would be other opportunities available to them.


    In fact, the Outer Battlefield was full of various secret realms, large and small. Yet, large-scale realms like the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm could accommodate many people at the same time, with fixed locations and opening times every fifty years, as Chi Jark said, long targeted by the Four Great Powers.


    Ye Feng and Chi Jark set off on their journey together, flying towards Xuanyuan Hall.


    Along the way, Chi Jark also told Ye Feng much about the Outer Battlefield, including a particular detail.


    There was a special Genius List in the Outer Battlefield!


    "The Genius List, what is that?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help asking, his curiosity piqued.


    In a place like the Outer Battlefield, having something like a Genius List was quite astonishing.


    Chi Jark explained with a smile, "The Genius List is compiled every three years in the Outer Battlefield."


    "Through hosting a martial arts tournament, rankings are determined for the outstanding talents under thirty years old from all the major powers!"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng felt overwhelmed. Another martial arts tournament, something he was all too familiar with.


    Soon, with the details provided by Chi Jark, Ye Feng had a thorough understanding of the tournament.


    The martial arts tournament was jointly organized by the four major powers of the Outer Battlefield, and each tournament resulted in the ranking of the top ten contenders below thirty years old.


    This allowed the major powers to select and focus on cultivating exceptional geniuses.


    Of course, there was another purpose - to identify the geniuses within each power. Hostile forces could then target these talents and nip them in the bud.


    However, the top fighters from the major powers didn''t pay much attention to these targets. Only the geniuses who survived countless battles and emerged victorious were considered true geniuses.


    Moreover, this so-called martial arts tournament also came with rewards.


    The major powers would offer a hefty amount of Spirit Stones, along with some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, as rewards for the final competition. Naturally, all the geniuses would strive to win these to obtain better Cultivation Resources.


    There was less than a month left until the next martial arts tournament in the Outer Battlefield.


    A smile played at the corners of Ye Feng''s mouth. It seemed his luck wasn''t bad at all - he had arrived just in time to encounter such opportunities. With his current strength, overpowering the various geniuses shouldn''t pose a problem. After all, it''s unlikely that many could reach the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm before the age of thirty.


    Take Chi Jark, for example; he was three years older than Ye Feng, with just one year left until he turned thirty, and he was still at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm without having made the breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm. After all, advancing to the Golden Core Realm was no easy feat, even within the entire Outer Battlefield, where Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm were a minority.


    "Brother Chi, who were the names on last year''s Genius List?"


    Ye Feng asked, driven by curiosity.


    Chi Jark recalled for a moment and said, "The last Genius List had our Xuanyuan Hall occupying only three positions, the Western Vampire Divine Court held two, the Yin-Yang Temple from Fusang had three, and the remaining two spots were taken by Shamans from the Snow Wolf Country."


    "I won''t go into detail about the other powers just yet. Let me start with our Xuanyuan Hall," said Chi Jark, an excited tinge to his voice. However, the first thing he mentioned made Ye Feng somewhat resigned.


    "Brother Ye, among the three names from our Xuanyuan Hall, one of them is me, Chi Jark, who secured the sixth rank among the top ten geniuses!"


    Chi Jark appeared quite proud, even winking and boasting a little to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng found Chi Jark''s demeanor both amusing and expected, since Chi Jark did indeed seem powerful to him, at very least having the strength of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. How much stronger he would need to fight to understand, but Ye Feng could affirm that Chi Jark was definitely stronger than Elder Cangming from the Underworld Sect and Elder Hua Yue from the Flora Sect whom he had previously encountered.


    Keep in mind, Chi Jark was merely at Half-Step Golden Core, but to have the strength of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm was not common. Most who were at Half-Step Golden Core could only just manage to hold their ground against Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm but fell short in terms of strength and ability.


    With such strength, it was not particularly surprising for Chi Jark to be among the top ten geniuses of the Outer Battlefield, especially as a member of the Chi Family from one of the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Chi Jark didn''t dwell on his own accomplishment, quickly moving on to introduce other geniuses.


    "There''s a bald guy from the Buddhist Sect, ranked seventh, just below me. This bald guy is also not weak, at the same Half-Step Golden Core Realm as me, and around the same age. His name is Golden Cicada."


    Ye Feng''s expression shifted, not expecting the Buddhist Sect to have such a formidable figure.


    Then, Chi Jark became more serious as he said, "There is another guy, ranked second on the Genius List, from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan!"

 Chapter 545 540: Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear and Titan Giant Ape

    Hong Family of the Ancient Clan?


    Ye Feng''s gaze turned cold in an instant, the words the Hong Family had said to him, as well as the harm they had inflicted upon Hong Qingyan, were absolutely intolerable to him. He hadn''t expected that a genius from the Hong Family would be on the so-called genius rankings of the Outer Battlefield.


    "Would Brother Chi please tell me about this genius from the Hong Family?"


    Ye Feng clasped his hands together in a fist-and-palm salute.


    Chi Jark burst into laughter on the spot, "As expected, I knew you, Brother Ye, would definitely be interested in the Hong Family."


    "I also have some understanding of your issues with the Hong Family. The Hong Family indeed acts arrogantly and domineeringly; they can be said to be the most ostentatious among our Four Great Ancient Clans."


    Ye Feng was somewhat surprised; he hadn''t expected that Chi Jark, in a place like the Outer Battlefield, would know so much about the outside world, considering that conveying messages from the Outer Battlefield to Earth couldn''t be as convenient as using telephones.


    This Chi Jark was certainly no simple character!


    "The genius from the Hong Family is called Hong Tianyu. He entered the Outer Battlefield around the same time as me. He will soon be thirty years old, and the latest intelligence has informed us that Hong Tianyu''s realm has already reached the true Golden Core Realm!"


    When speaking of Hong Tianyu, Chi Jark''s face looked very solemn, and even in his eyes, there was a deep sense of wariness.


    Ye Feng also showed a strange look in his eyes. To have reached the rank of Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm before the age of thirty was indeed the mark of Heaven''s Proud Child.


    It seemed that this Hong Tianyu was indeed not simple, and not only had his realm reached the Golden Core Realm, but also he had managed to claim the second spot on the genius rankings three years ago. He was indeed a terrifying presence.


    "By the way, Brother Chi, you said that this Hong Tianyu will soon be thirty¡ªwill he still be participating in the martial competition?"


    Ye Feng asked.


    "Of course he will. It''s been said he''s almost thirty, which means he isn''t quite there yet, right? Ironically, this fellow just happens to fall on a particular date and can still participate in this martial competition."


    Chi Jark spoke with a hint of helplessness.


    "Oh yes, apart from Hong Tianyu, you should also keep an eye on another person, the one at the top of the genius rankings!"


    Ye Feng''s expression changed slightly, curious about the number one on the genius rankings¡ªthe one who could suppress all the geniuses under thirty. He wondered which power this individual belonged to.


    At this moment, the wariness in Chi Jark''s eyes became even deeper, and he even showed a hint of fear as he said in a heavy tone, "It''s an Onmyoji from the Yin-Yang Temple. I heard that he reached the realm of Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm a year ago, but the Yin-Yang Temple doesn''t call it Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm; they refer to it as the Yin-Yang Grand Mage, though it essentially means the same thing."


    "That guy has three powerful Shikigami; back then, three years ago, each was comparable to a Half-Step Golden Core, who the hell can fight against that? Going up against him is like fighting three at once, it''s downright perverted, and there''s no way to compete."


    Chi Jark couldn''t help but curse.


    Ye Feng was also somewhat shocked. Each Shikigami had the strength of a Half-Step Golden Core three years ago¡ªthat would be more terrifying than a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Typically, the Shikigami summoned by Onmyoji are slightly lower in realm than themselves, which allows them to maintain control; otherwise, they couldn''t manage, as each summoning consumes a lot of mental strength and power. This Onmyoji from the Yin-Yang Temple was truly formidable.


    "The main point is that this guy is a year younger than me, which means that at the age of twenty-seven, he was already a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. This guy is a monster," lamented Chi Jark.


    Golden Core Realm at twenty-seven?


    Even Ye Feng had to take a sharp intake of breath. He was only twenty-six years old himself, and had only reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm with the help of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and the Three Thousand Acupoints Cultivation Method. Although he possessed the strength of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, he had to admit that a twenty-seven-year-old Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm was indeed a genius.


    Ye Feng made a mental note of this information and the two continued on their way toward the Xuanyuan Hall.


    They encountered some Alien Beasts along the way, but these were all below the strength of the Golden Core Realm, posing little problem for someone as powerful as Chi Jark or Ye Feng. They dispatched these Alien Beasts casually.


    After roughly half a day''s flight, Ye Feng and Chi Jark finally left the Death Desert. Ahead, the landscape gradually transformed into plains filled with boulders, along with continuous stone mountains.


    Ye Feng looked back at the endless Death Desert they had crossed, where they had encountered quite a few Alien Beasts. He now had many Beast Cores, but many were of little use to him. Even if he consumed them, they would offer only minor benefits, so he continued to keep them in his Space Ring. He planned to save these for Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu when they came in later.


    "We''ve reached the Rocky Plains. In another half-day, we should be able to get to Xuanyuan Hall," said Chi Jark with a laugh. He looked back at the Death Desert behind them and muttered, "That Death Desert is like a furnace, absolutely sweltering. But now that we''re at the Rocky Plains, Brother Ye, we need to be cautious¡ªthe Alien Beasts here are not few in number."


    Chi Jark became more cautious and warned Ye Feng accordingly.


    Ye Feng just smiled and said nothing as they continued on their way.


    Suddenly, a roar came from ahead.


    Roar!!!


    Roar!!!


    Chi Jark, who was leading the way, suddenly stopped in his tracks, his expression subtly changing, "Careful, Brother Ye, it seems we''ve run into a Golden Core Realm Alien Beast!"


    Chi Jianren felt the fighting spirit from ahead, and his face already bore a look of solemnity.


    Ye Feng also looked over, and both of them had slowed down. Flying over several mountains, they saw giant figures locked in combat ahead, the aftershock of the battle splitting the nearby mountains.


    Chi Jianren, unable to recognize the two giant figures, cried out in shock, "It''s the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear and the Titan Giant Ape!"


    Less than a kilometer away from Ye Feng and Chi Jianren,


    a giant bear stood upright, its body covered in brown fur, but several golden stripes on the bear''s face resembled a gold-patterned mask.


    There was also a colossal gorilla, larger than the black bear, incredibly muscular, with each muscle appearing as large as a small hill.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but click his tongue; he felt he might not even be as large as one palm of this Titan Giant Ape.


    At this moment, the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear smashed a fist onto the Titan Giant Ape, Bang!


    The blast of air shook the surroundings, causing the mountains to explode again and sending countless broken rocks flying.


    "Such formidable power!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but exclaim in amazement. That punch, he thought, would probably kill anyone below the Golden Core Realm with a single blow.


    But to the Titan Giant Ape, it seemed, this punch from the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear wasn''t much of a threat. The massive body of the ape simply took a step back to stabilize its form before roaring out as if fueled by rage.


    Roar!!


    The sound echoed across the sky horizon, as the Titan Giant Ape lifted its two fists and fiercely hammered them against its chest.


    Thump thump thump!


    Waves of air continuously shook the area, and even Ye Feng and Chi Jianren had to circulate their qi to fend off the shockwaves, afraid they might be injured by the impact.


    Soon, the Titan Giant Ape dropped its arms and roared at the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear, then started moving, its huge body charging directly at the bear, and threw a punishing punch.


    The Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear roared back defiantly, and the two colossal creatures once again grappled with one another.


    The powerful shockwaves spread out from the epicenter of their clash, and the hardest hit were the mountains near the battling beasts, continuously shattered by the shockwaves or directly smashed by the bear or ape.


    The two giant beasts fought in close combat, while Ye Feng and Chi Jianren stayed hidden in the shadows.


    "Both are super beasts of the Golden Core Realm; why would they suddenly start fighting?"


    Chi Jianren was somewhat puzzled. Normally, such behemoths of the Golden Core Realm would operate within their own territories, and rarely fight each other.


    At that moment, a gleam flashed across Chi Jianren''s eyes, his expression lighting up: "Could it be, these two behemoths have found some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures?"


    Hearing this, Ye Feng quickly looked in the direction of the battle and whispered, "That might be the case; otherwise, two Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts wouldn''t cause such upheaval over nothing."


    After confirming their thoughts, the two observed closely.


    A few breaths later, Ye Feng''s gaze swiftly locked onto a location.


    "Look there!"


    Ye Feng rapidly pointed towards the center of the battle between the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear and the Titan Giant Ape. Roughly several hundred meters away from the two beasts, there was a cave from which streaks of rosy light were streaming out.


    Chi Jianren also looked immediately and exclaimed with excitement, "The flowing light of dawn; definitely a treasure. And it seems like both behemoths are avoiding that area during their fight, probably because they''re worried their battle could collapse the entrance."


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes. The battle between the two giant beasts was still raging on, with landsliding, rocks flying everywhere, and only that cave entrance remained undamaged. It wasn''t just the beasts deliberately avoiding it, but certainly, something valuable must be inside the cave.


    Some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures could release a simple protective barrier around themselves, and these were treasures that had become sentient.


    "However, if we want to get the treasure, we''ll need to ask if these two big fellows will allow us."


    Ye Feng murmured quietly.


    The Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear and the Titan Giant Ape, both Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts, were immensely strong and massive, very difficult to deal with. Either of these behemoths could outmatch any newly advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm including Elder Cangming and Elder Hua Yue encountered by Ye Feng before!


    While Ye Feng was confident he could fight with either behemoth, killing them was another matter, not an easy feat, and then there was Chi Jianren beside him; he couldn''t reveal all his strength just yet.


    Despite getting a relatively good feeling from Chi Jianren, in a place like the Outer Battlefield, anyone could stab you in the back.


    Ye Feng remained cautious and dared not let his guard down.


    Chi Jianren''s eyes narrowed, and he suddenly spoke up, "Brother Ye, I can handle one of them, but I''m not sure if you are confident that you can deal with the other."

 Chapter 546 541: Void Spirit Fruit

    Upon hearing what Chi Jark had said, Ye Feng smiled faintly, "Brother Chi truly is a genius of the Chi Family, daring to be confident that you can deal with an Alien Beast of the Golden Core Realm despite being at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. Impressive, indeed."


    Chi Jark cast a glance at Ye Feng with a smile, "Why say more, Brother Ye? I presume with your strength you should also be able to take care of one of them, right?"


    He was quite curious about Ye Feng''s strength, this legendary Northern Border King, Martial Academy Principal, was someone he found captivating based on the news he heard from the Outer Battlefield.


    Ye Feng, faced with Chi Jark''s expectant gaze, didn''t say much and just nodded his head, "I''ll take on that Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear then."


    He had already noticed that both the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear and the Titan Giant Ape relied purely on their physical strength. In fact, it didn''t really matter which one he chose.


    With a satisfied smile, Chi Jark said, "In that case, I''ll take on the Titan Giant Ape. Let''s not delay, Brother Ye, the sooner we take action, the better. There is a lot of commotion here, I''m afraid others will come soon."


    Ye Feng nodded, just as he was about to agree to take action together, his expression subtly changed, and he suddenly said, "Wait, someone is coming, Brother Chi!"


    Ye Feng quickly pulled Chi Jark down and they took refuge at the peak of a desolate mountain.


    Chi Jark had not yet reacted, scanning the surroundings, "Where, Brother Ye, where is someone?"


    As Chi Jark spoke, he soon saw two figures appear in the sky to their left, over a mountain range.


    "Seems like members of the Hong Family."


    Chi Jark frowned and took a closer look, then immediately said, "Indeed, it''s people from the Hong Family, that looks like Hong Qing and Hong Zhong, subordinates of our Xuanyuan Hall''s Fourth Hall Master."


    Hearing what Chi Jark said, Ye Feng was momentarily taken aback, "Subordinates of the Fourth Hall Master? Is the Fourth Hall Master a member of the Hong Family?"


    Seeing Ye Feng asking this, Chi Jark was no longer surprised. He had come to understand that Ye Feng''s knowledge of the Outer Battlefield was close to zero, and he didn''t even have a clear understanding of the Xuanyuan Hall.


    "The Fourth Hall Master is the ancient ancestor of the Hong Family. When you go to the Xuanyuan Hall later, Brother Ye, you''d better be more cautious."


    Chi Jark warned.


    Meanwhile, not far from the two of them,


    Two middle-aged men were already observing from mid-air. One of them had an unhappy expression, saying, "Damn it, these two fellows have discovered the Void Spirit Fruit, and it''s still half a month from ripening."


    The other middle-aged man, watching the two giant beasts fighting, merely smiled faintly, "Hong Qing, there''s no need to worry. These Alien Beasts know that the Void Spirit Fruit is not yet ripe, they won''t damage it. This is perfect, let these two fellows contend. Whoever wins can also guard this place, which is a good option.


    "That saves us the trouble of coming here to check on things. The selection for slots in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm starts in a few days, and it''s better to focus on that. They''ve also sent Hong Gaishi to the Outer Battlefield from Earth. I''ve heard that youngster has also reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, should be a promising seed."


    The two middle-aged men continued chatting casually to one another while also observing the combat between the two beasts.


    Ye Feng and Chi Jark had heard everything, but neither made a sound, worried about exposing their position.


    Ye Feng''s eyes flickered with thought, Void Spirit Fruit, he of course knew of it, and he very much needed it!


    After all, the Void Spirit Fruit could increase one''s spiritual power¡ªa truly valuable treasure.


    Hearing the two men discuss Hong Gaishi, Ye Feng was also slightly surprised. It seemed that Hong Gaishi had made quite a name for himself in the Outer Battlefield during this time.


    At this moment, the battle between the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear and the Titan Giant Ape had reached a fever pitch.


    The two giant beasts roared incessantly, the surrounding mountains and stones trembled. One peak after another was smashed into dust.


    An hour passed.


    "Roar!!!"


    The Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear let out a wail as it was slapped to the ground by the colossal paw of the Titan Giant Ape, its body already bearing many gashes, blood flowing freely, effectively turning it into a Blood Bear.


    Meanwhile, the Titan Giant Ape bellowed with joy, hammering its chest as if celebrating its victory.


    The Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear rose from the ground. It did not continue the fight but turned and ran towards another place, clearly giving up on this territory. It could not defeat this great ape.


    The Titan Giant Ape watched the retreating Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear, continuing to pound its chest and bellow to the sky. Its voices spread all around as if declaring its sovereignty; this place had become its new territory.


    After roaring for a good while, the Titan Giant Ape finally stopped. Perhaps exhausted, it lay down right at the entrance of the cave where the Void Spirit Fruit was located and soon began to emit thunderous snoring sounds.


    The two members of the Hong Family on another mountaintop, Hong Qing and Hong Zhong, now had somewhat solemn expressions on their faces.


    "The strength of this Titan Giant Ape is not simple. If we want to take care of this guy, it looks like we will need to put in some effort," said Hong Qing with a smile, though he didn''t seem to be taking it very seriously.


    Standing beside him, Hong Zhong also smiled, "Dealing with a Titan Giant Ape alone can be a bit tricky, but the two of us working together should be able to take it down easily."


    "There will be at least three Void Spirit Fruits. One for you, one for me, and then we can offer one to the Fourth Hall Master. With that, our chances for the position of Vice Hall Master should be much more secure," Hong Zhong added.


    Both men laughed out loud, clearly in a good mood. After glancing at the Titan Giant Ape lying in the distance, they flew away.


    After confirming that the two men had gone far, Ye Feng also slowly stood up and glanced in the direction they had left, which was exactly where he was headed.


    By his side, Chi Jark''s voice came through, "Brother Ye, did you hear that? It''s the Void Spirit Fruit!"


    Chi Jark looked enviously at the Titan Giant Ape. Although he was only at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, he knew how precious the Void Spirit Fruit was. Such an item was a fortunate but rare find. He had not expected to encounter it here.


    However, Chi Jark soon frowned, "But it seems those Void Spirit Fruits have already been discovered by Hong Qing and Hong Zhong. They will probably come over when the fruits mature, and that will make things difficult."


    Chi Jark felt troubled but quickly suggested, looking at Ye Feng with a mischievous grin, "Brother Ye, the Void Spirit Fruit is a great treasure for cultivating spiritual power. Are you interested?"


    Ye Feng looked at Chi Jark, clearly aware of his intentions, and smiled, "Such a treasure naturally interests me. However, the Hong Family has two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm eyeing it. Even if it becomes ripe, snatching it from right under their noses won''t be easy."


    Even Ye Feng himself didn''t have much confidence. The impression he got from Hong Qing and Hong Zhong was even stronger than the Titan Giant Ape. These were two veteran experts of the Golden Core Realm, and even he wasn''t completely sure he could take them on.


    Chi Jark was also troubled, but then he said quickly, "Aren''t we going to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm next? If you and I can break through to the Golden Core Realm there, taking care of those two old guys shouldn''t be a problem."


    Chi Jark grinned, highly confident in his own abilities. If he could break through to the Golden Core Realm in this visit to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he was sure he could defeat either Hong Qing or Hong Zhong. The way Ye Feng had impressed him in recent days suggested their strengths were not far apart. If both of them advanced to the Golden Core Realm, then the Void Spirit Fruit would be theirs for the taking.


    "You heard it earlier, Brother Ye. Once the Void Spirit Fruit matures, there will be at least three fruits. I only need one. Any more would be useless to me. Our Chi Family doesn''t have many geniuses, and I''m the only Heaven''s Proud Son of this generation," Chi Jark said nonchalantly.


    Ye Feng listened with a bit of a laugh and a cry. Chi Jark really was a piece of work, criticizing his own family without reservation.


    "It''s a pity, though, that we have to wait another half a month. If it were possible, I would really like to take care of that big ape right now and make off with the Void Spirit Fruit."


    Chi Jark looked at the lying Titan Giant Ape with a face full of regret, sighing.


    Ye Feng found it a little amusing but still said, "Let''s go, Brother Chi. It won''t be too late to come back after we come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Then we can discuss how to get the fruit."


    Chi Jark looked reluctant, his eyes lingering on the direction of the Void Spirit Fruit, "My Void Spirit Fruit, you must wait for me. Once I come out of the secret realm, I will surely come to dote on you!"


    Ye Feng stumbled slightly and felt a bit embarrassed. Was this really the behavior of a Heaven''s Proud Son from an Ancient Clan?


    Ye Feng was quite helpless, but he didn''t say much. He had become accustomed to Chi Jark''s behavior on their journey together, realizing that this scion of a great family was indeed a character but also easy to get along with.


    The two men did not linger any longer and left the area, heading towards Xuanyuan Hall.


    Before long, Ye Feng saw the familiar desert again, not one like the Death Desert they had encountered before, but rather a desert of sand and stones.


    Ahead, there was still that palace-like structure, faintly visible, surrounded by swirling black mists, looking extremely mysterious. Towering walls bore the strong and powerful characters "Xuanyuan Hall."


    Ye Feng and Chi Jark reached the entrance of Xuanyuan Hall.


    Looking up at the three large characters overhead, Ye Feng felt a bit nostalgic. The first time he came to Xuanyuan Hall, he had a disagreement with the Eight Hall Masters. But at that time, it seemed that only the Eight Hall Masters were present in the hall, otherwise Chi Jark would probably have known about his previous visit.


    In fact, Ye Feng was mistaken; Chi Jark had been traveling between various cities, searching for insights in different stone buildings to prepare for his breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm.


    "Finally here, it seems quite a few people have already arrived," Chi Jark said with a laugh.


    Indeed, as he had said, the area around Xuanyuan Hall had already gathered quite a crowd.

 Chapter 547 542 The Xiao Familys Fatso

    Ye Feng was also observing the people around him. He didn''t know many of them, as he had spent too little time in the Outer Battlefield. Those he had brought with him previously had either died or been injured.


    Those from the Sects who were not suited to stay in the Outer Battlefield had already returned to Earth.


    The Outer Battlefield is that brutal, only a very few at the Peak Martial King Level could survive here. Normally, only those in the Divine Ability Realm are qualified to operate in the Outer Battlefield. Otherwise, as seen before in the Death Desert, just those Wind Blades could annihilate strong warriors at the Martial King Level.


    "Yo, Brother Jerk, you''re here too?"


    At that moment, a discordant voice rang out.


    Chi Jark raised his eyebrows and looked towards a fat man who was approaching. He directly started to curse, "Fatso, how many times have I told you, don''t freaking call me by my name!"


    A fat young man came over, fanning himself with a folding fan. If not for his round belly and chubby face, he might have passed for a scholar.


    "Brother Jerk, what''s our relationship? What''s the big deal? Look, you call me fatso and I don''t even get mad for a second."


    The fat young man let out a laugh, and his fan kept waving. Then, he caught sight of Ye Feng standing beside Chi Jark and was taken aback.


    Who is this person, and why is there a kingly aura about him?


    The fat young man narrowed his eyes, continuing to size up Ye Feng. Ye Feng gave him an indescribable feeling and carried a kingly aura, which was not something ordinary people possessed.


    Chi Jark felt somewhat helpless but didn''t pursue the fat young man''s way of addressing him any further. Seeing the fat young man sizing up Ye Feng, he immediately said, "What are you looking at, fatso? Don''t tell me you''ve taken a liking to my Brother Ye?"


    "Even if I did take a liking, it''s not impossible. I''ll talk to Brother Ye about it; maybe I could satisfy you."


    Chi Jark smiled slyly, his face still wearing a hint of mischief.


    These words gave Ye Feng goosebumps all over, and he couldn''t help but step back, eyeing the fat young man warily.


    Could this guy possibly be... interested in men?


    Ye Feng even felt a bit queasy at the thought and backed away several steps.


    Seeing this, the fat young man immediately became annoyed and charged at Chi Jark.


    "Chi Jerk, what sort of nonsense are you spouting? How dare you slander Grandpa Xiao!"


    The fat young man glared at Chi Jark, clearly infuriated. This damn guy actually dared to joke about his orientation; it was unforgivable.


    His Spirit Essence burst forth, charging forward.


    Feeling this outburst of Spirit Essence, Ye Feng looked on with a peculiar expression. This scholarly-looking fatso was actually at Half-Step Golden Core Realm, and his strong Spirit Essence could probably contend with a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Given that he appeared to be about the same age as Chi Jark, it seemed he was another individual at Heaven''s Pride Level.


    Xiao...


    Ye Feng''s eyes flickered slightly. The last family of the Four Great Ancient Clans was indeed the Xiao Family. Could this fat young man be from the Xiao Family?


    "Fatso, don''t!"


    "Damn it, you''re actually attacking!"


    Chi Jark''s expression changed as he saw the fat young man erupting with Spirit Essence and charging at him. He unfolded his footwork and quickly put some distance between him and the young fat man.


    Seeing Chi Jark retreat, the fat young man snorted coldly and reined in his aura.


    However, this had attracted the attention of many onlookers, who looked on with an air of watching a show.


    The fat young man scanned the crowd and barked coldly, "What are you looking at?"


    The surrounding people quickly turned their heads away upon hearing this, many of them obviously wary, clearly knowing the fat man was no simple character, with few willing to provoke him.


    By then, Chi Jark had already come back, clearing his throat, "Fatso, it was just a joke just now; you took it seriously. How can that be? We can''t start fighting for real; you''re no match for me and that would hurt our friendship."


    The fat young man suddenly let out a chuckle, "Is that so? Brother Jerk, why don''t we spar right now, no need to wait for the selection match."


    As the fat young man spoke, his Spirit Essence erupted again.


    Chi Jark''s face stiffened slightly and he quickly laughed it off, "Brother Xiao, no rash moves, just joking, just joking."


    "By the way, let me introduce you, this here is Ye Feng, the well-known Northern Border King on Earth!"


    Chi Jark hastily pulled Ye Feng in front, using him as a shield.


    Ye Feng felt somewhat helpless but also a bit intrigued. Chi Jark was ranked sixth on the Genius List, so how come he seemed somewhat apprehensive of this fat man''s strength?


    "Brother Ye, this is Xiao Rulong from the Xiao Family of the Ancient Clan!"


    Chi Jark put away his playful demeanor and introduced him more formally.


    Xiao Rulong?


    Ye Feng was a bit surprised, thinking to himself that the name didn''t quite match the fat man''s physique.


    Xiao Rulong looked at Ye Feng with a hint of surprise after hearing Chi Jark introduce him, "You''re the legendary new Northern Border King?"


    "Well, well, so it''s you. I''ve heard that in just a few short years, you''ve turned the entire Earth upside down. Those of us on the Outer Battlefield have all heard the legends about you."


    "I was wondering who else in the world could possess such an imperial aura; turns out it''s the legendary Northern Border King. What a pleasure to meet you, haha."


    Xiao Rulong appeared quite amiable and reached out to shake hands with Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng also smiled and reached out his hand, "Brother Xiao is too kind. You''re the true prodigies. I''m just a newcomer to the Outer Battlefield and there''s still much I rely on Brother Chi for."


    Xiao Rulong kept observing Ye Feng and saw his modesty, which increased his favorable impression considerably.


    He had thought that the legendary Northern Border King would be difficult to get along with, but it turned out he was quite friendly.


    And his strength appears to be only at the Peak Martial King level?


    Xiao Rulong frowned, for he could see through Ye Feng''s realm, which indeed was at the Peak Martial King level, and this puzzled him.


    According to what was said outside, this Northern Border King had challenged all the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts on Earth and suppressed them to the point where they couldn''t raise their heads. How could he possibly be just at the Peak Martial King level?


    The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts on Earth each had at least a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm or Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm presiding over them. A warrior at the Peak Martial King level going there would only be met with death immediately upon arrival.


    It seemed that the Northern Border King must be concealing his true strength, but he appeared quite approachable.


    Xiao Rulong considered this and soon started to get more familiar with Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng wasn''t concerned about it; Xiao Rulong looked to be a forthright person, and since he seemed to be close friends with Chi Jark, there probably wouldn''t be any major issues.


    He didn''t know much about the Xiao Family, an ancient clan that could be said to be the most low-profile among the Four Great Ancient Clans. He had heard some news about the Chi Family before while on Earth, but not about the Xiao Family; it really seemed as if they kept out of worldly strife.


    The three of them formed a small circle, chatting continuously, and Ye Feng gained a much better understanding of Xiao Rulong.


    Including the reason why the Xiao Family had kept out of conflicts; apparently, in recent years, there had been few top prodigies in the family. It was left mostly to the older generation of experts, and the new generation seemed to be on the verge of extinction.


    Of course, this was what Xiao Rulong said, and whether it was true or not, Ye Feng didn''t know and remained skeptical.


    As time passed, many people had already gathered in front of the Xuanyuan Hall doors; some even started building makeshift rest areas by bringing over large stones to form simple stone houses. Those who came here were at least of the Peak Martial King strength, so moving some big stones was a piece of cake.


    Ye Feng, Chi Jark, and Xiao Rulong also built a small stone house together and chatted while they waited inside.


    However, Ye Feng was still releasing his spiritual power, covering the area in front of Xuanyuan Hall, waiting for Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, among others.


    He wondered if these guys would participate in this selection.


    Just as Ye Feng was concerned, a stir occurred in front of Xuanyuan Hall, and many people turned to look in one direction.


    At another entrance of Xuanyuan Hall, a young man dressed in white slowly walked in, followed by two followers who appeared to be Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, trailing behind him like servants.


    "The genius from the Bu Family has arrived!"


    "Bu Yuntian of the Ancient Clan''s Bu Family, indeed born with such good looks, fluttering in white, the dream of countless Female Cultivators."


    "Is Bu Yuntian just living off his good looks? I''ve heard that he has recently advanced to the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. He''s only been in the Outer Battlefield for a short time and has already climbed to the Half-Step Golden Core Realm; that''s quite impressive."


    "He''s only about twenty-six or twenty-seven this year, and he''s already reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. Wouldn''t it just take him a few years to break through into a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?"


    "Who knows? Although he''s in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm now, it''s not easy to break through to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm unless he can secure one of the spots to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. If he goes into the Spirit Essence Pool, he might have a chance at breaking through."


    The crowd was abuzz with conversation.


    The noise reached Ye Feng and the others inside their stone house.


    "The Bu Family''s kid has arrived?"


    Hearing the voices outside, Chi Jark couldn''t help but laugh, albeit with a hint of nonchalance, seemingly indifferent to it.


    "A new Half-Step Golden Core, nothing worth watching."


    Xiao Rulong also didn''t care, laughing heartily, and turned his attention back to Ye Feng.


    "Speaking of which, did Bu Yuntian have a bout with Brother Ye back on Earth?"


    Chi Jark also laughed, "I also remember hearing about that. In the end, it seems that he was defeated by Brother Ye, who then smoothly became the Martial Academy Principal."


    Seeing them talk like this, Ye Feng was a bit surprised, "You two are even aware of that news? That happened during the Martial Academy Principal''s selection, quite some time ago now."


    Ye Feng was internally astonished; he initially thought that Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong would only be aware of his recent activities, never expecting that they would also know details about his selection as the Martial Academy Principal.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong both smiled and said nothing. These ancient clans actually kept a good handle on external intelligence; someone from their families would continually monitor events on Earth and inform those in the Outer Battlefield.


    "We don''t need to worry about this Bu Yuntian, but the Bu Family has another genius, whose strength is not to be underestimated. Three years ago, he was feared to have the power comparable to the top of the Heaven''s Pride List!"


    Chi Jark suddenly spoke gravely.


    Ye Feng was somewhat surprised, strength comparable to the top of the Heaven''s Pride List?

 Chapter 548 543 All Present

    Xiao Rulong spoke up at this time, "You''re talking about Bu Fengning of the Bu Family, right?"


    Chi Jark nodded, which left Ye Feng somewhat puzzled.


    "Brother Chi, didn''t you say before that the top of the Genius List was an Onmyoji from Fusang?"


    Ye Feng asked directly.


    On the way to Xuanyuan Hall before, Chi Jark had said that the one at the top of the previous session''s Genius List was an Onmyoji from Fusang, and according to him, among the top ten on the list, Xuanyuan Hall had only three on it, and there was no mention of Bu Fengning of the Bu Family, whom both people were talking about.


    Chi Jark immediately explained in a grave voice, "Brother Ye, what you don''t know is that Bu Fengning wasn''t on the last session''s Genius List because he didn''t participate!"


    "At that time, Bu Fengning was in a minor secret realm and missed that session''s Genius List; once he emerged from that secret realm, it wasn''t long before he ascended to the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm."


    "I had sparred with him when I was at the Half-Step Golden Core, which was before the martial arts tournament, and with just one move, he defeated me. Even against that Onmyoji from Fusang, I could hold my ground for several exchanges, but under his hand, I could only withstand one move!"


    As Chi Jark said this, a rare look of fear flickered in his eyes.


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows, Bu Fengning had defeated Chi Jark, a Half-Step Golden Core, with just one move?


    Such strength was terribly intimidating, and that was three years ago¡ªa lot could have changed in that time, making his power even more formidable.


    Xiao Rulong also had a look of wariness in his eyes as he said, "We haven''t heard much about Bu Fengning recently, but he can''t enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm anymore¡ªhe''s already a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm."


    "But the fellow is indeed a genius. He was already a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm three years ago, and now he probably has few rivals within the Golden Core Realm."


    Hearing this, Ye Feng was calculating in his mind¡ªwondering if he would be a match for Bu Fengning if they met.


    Ye Feng felt somewhat unclear about the full extent of his own strength; he still didn''t know his own limits.


    Chi Jark also nodded with a bitter look on his face.


    "We all came up at the same time, but Bu Fengning had already become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm three years ago, while the rest of us were still Half-Step Golden Core."


    Chi Jark''s eyes revealed some dejection and even a sense of defeat, which was the first time Ye Feng had ever seen him like this since they had met.


    "Brother Chi, your strength is not lacking either; you''ll catch up sooner or later. There''s no need to be so downhearted,"


    Ye Feng said with a smile, offering comfort.


    Xiao Rulong laughed on the side, "Don''t mind him, Brother Ye. This guy just pretends to be upset. No matter how strong Bu Fengning is, what does it matter? He has just come across a few more secret realms, that''s all."


    Xiao Rulong made a carefree gesture, but he couldn''t completely hide the jealousy in his tone.


    Chi Jark changed his expression immediately and said with a light smile, "Once I come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, I''ll be a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm too. At that time, Bu Fengning¡ªwho would be afraid of whom?"


    He said this out loud, but Chi Jark himself knew all too well that the chances of competing with Bu Fengning were slim to none. Even if he rose to the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, he wouldn''t be a match for Bu Fengning, who had already been in that realm for three years.


    Outside the stone hut, Bu Yuntian arrived in front of Xuanyuan Hall and began scanning the surroundings as if looking for someone.


    Not long after, the appearance of another person stirred up commotion once again.


    It was Hong Gaishi from the Hong Family!


    At this time, Hong Gaishi had also flown from a distance to the front of Xuanyuan Hall, followed by some Clan Elders from his family and a Golden Core Realm Expert.


    "The prodigy of this generation from the Hong Family, Hong Gaishi, has also arrived."


    "It seems that Hong Gaishi is also quite strong. I''ve heard he has reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm."


    "What does Half-Step Golden Core amount to? I heard that on Earth, the New Northern Border King is almost crushing the whole of the Hong Family so much that they can hardly lift their heads."


    "Speaking of the Northern Border King, it''s unclear whether he will participate in this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm selection."


    Those around began speculating and discussing, and Hong Gaishi, who could hear their words, was not looking too pleased. He did not expect the news from Earth to have already spread here so quickly.


    Hong Gaishi scanned his surroundings, also searching for someone. In fact, he was looking for Ye Feng.


    However, after looking around, he found no sign of him.


    "Ye Feng, if you show up, I must defeat you in this Secret Realm''s quota selection!"


    Hong Gaishi murmured coldly and then settled down in an open space with his family members to rest.


    Inside the stone hut, the three of them listened to the discussions outside. Both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong showed smiles.


    Chi Jark said with a teasing smile, "Brother Ye, it looks like your rivals have all gathered."


    Xiao Rulong also said, "Brother Ye, I need to tell you that Golden Cicada from the Buddhist Sect also seems to want to target you in the selection for the Secret Realm. He appears to have received information about you killing an Elder of the Buddhist Sect on Earth."


    "There''s no specific news from Dao Sect yet, but it''s best if you stay vigilant, Brother Ye."


    Xiao Rulong kindly reminded him.


    Listening to this, Ye Feng himself felt somewhat overwhelmed. Having too many enemies was not a good thing. However, he wasn''t very worried since his own strength spoke for itself.


    "What''s there to fear from that bald monk of the Buddhist Sect? He''s nothing but a subordinate I''ve defeated. Isn''t it effortless for Brother Ye to deal with him?" said Chi Jianren as he waved his hand dismissively.


    Yet these words surprised Xiao Rulong, who couldn''t help but say, "Brother Chi, even though Golden Cicada is only seventh on the prodigy list and was a Half-Step Golden Core three years ago, three years have passed. I''ve heard he''s only one opportunity away from breaking through to the Golden Core Realm."


    "Brother Ye''s strength..."


    Xiao Rulong looked at Ye Feng with some curiosity. He had only heard that Ye Feng had the strength of a Half-Step Golden Core and could fight against a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm.


    But every Half-Step Golden Core prodigy on the list has the strength to fight a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm or even a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and almost every one of them has experience in defeating experts of the Golden Core Realm.


    Is Ye Feng really that strong?


    Chi Jianren scoffed, "Xiao Chubby, you''re underestimating Brother Ye. With Ye Xiong''s strength, defeating Golden Cicada is absolutely effortless."


    Chi Jianren glanced at Ye Feng. In fact, he said this partly to test him. Throughout their journey, Ye Feng had given him the impression that his strength might not be lower than his own. Every move Ye Feng made felt as though there was unreleased power, and even Chi Jianren was unclear about his true strength, so he wanted to gauge Ye Feng''s reaction.


    Ye Feng was no fool. He had already seen through Chi Jianren''s ploy.


    With humility, Ye Feng said, "Brother Chi flatters me too much. I''m simply an ordinary practitioner of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm."


    Seeing how Ye Feng answered, Chi Jianren knew that Ye Feng still didn''t want to reveal much, so he said nothing more.


    Xiao Rulong observed this and his opinion of Ye Feng rose a notch. Ye Feng was neither arrogant nor impatient. His amiable nature made him someone worth befriending.


    Time passed quickly, and soon the selection competition was upon them. The stone huts that had been set up in front of Xuanyuan Hall had already been taken down.


    At that moment, seven figures emerged from Xuanyuan Hall one after the other, each exuding an incredibly powerful aura.


    Everyone looked up at those figures with eyes filled with reverence. These seven were the real pillars of strength for Xuanyuan Nation, the seven Hall Masters of the Xuanyuan Hall!


    However, many people were puzzled at this moment. There were seven people, one short!


    Where was the Third Hall Master?


    "With our utmost respect, we welcome the Hall Masters!" everyone said in unison, bowing.


    The seven Hall Masters came side by side, standing in front of the grand entrance to Xuanyuan Hall.


    Suddenly, someone asked, "May I inquire of the Hall Masters why we do not see the Third Hall Master of Utility Pavilion?"


    This question immediately made several Hall Masters frown.


    The person asking was from the Li Family of the Utility Pavilion, a young man who looked to be just over thirty.


    Seeing that the Hall Masters had not replied, the young Li Family member asked again with a firm voice, "I heard from my family that my younger brother, Li Benzhong, had also come to Xuanyuan Hall, but now he is missing. Does Xuanyuan Hall have any news?"


    He was Li Chengkun, also Li Benzhong''s elder brother. He had received news from his family that his brother had arrived at the Outer Battlefield, but despite his inquiries, he found no information about Li Benzhong, which puzzled him.


    Now, not only his brother but also their Li Family''s Ancestor was missing. What was going on?


    Li Chengkun wanted a clear answer.


    At that moment, Ye Feng, among the crowd, looked a little peculiar. The disappearance of both the Third Hall Master and Li Benzhong seemed to be related to him, but naturally, he was not about to step forward and admit it.


    But these Hall Masters...


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, concerned that the Hall Masters might speak out. If the truth came out, he would once again become the center of attention. Having incapacitated the Third Hall Master as soon as he arrived at the Outer Battlefield would surely shock everyone.


    Just then, the Seventh Hall Master stepped forward to speak, "The Third Hall Master and Li Benzhong have gone out. Where exactly they have gone, we too do not know."


    The other Hall Masters exchanged peculiar glances. The Fifth Hall Master and the Sixth Hall Master both seemed restless, wanting to step forward to clarify the situation and tell Li Chengkun that the Third Hall Master was severely injured by Ye Feng before he left, as was Li Benzhong.


    They had no particular fondness for Ye Feng and would welcome someone having a conflict with him.


    Just as the two were about to make a move, a voice filled with authority suddenly rang in their ears.


    "What''s this? Do you two want us Hall Masters to become the laughingstock? A Hall Master, incapacitated by a newcomer to the Outer Battlefield..."


    The Fifth Hall Master and the Sixth Hall Master hesitated and reluctantly stepped back, heeding the First Hall Master''s words. As the First Hall Master said, revealing the matter might indeed be somewhat embarrassing.


    Li Chengkun registered the response with a sense of loss on his face and fell silent.


    The First Hall Master had by now walked to the forefront, scanning the crowd below. His eyes lingered on Ye Feng for a moment before he announced loudly, "The contest for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm spots begins now!"

 Chapter 549 544: Disguising to Join the Selection Contest

    As the First Hall Master''s voice fell, many people at the scene had already started to grow restless.


    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was an immense temptation for anyone who hadn''t yet stepped into the realm of Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm; even Martial Artists at the Divine Path Realm had the opportunity to break through directly to become a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    At the time, there were several hundred people present, and aside from those from the Great Powers who brought their own Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm or Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm, the rest were strong individuals either at the Divine Path Realm or at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. Even those at the Martial King Peak were quite numerous; all were here to compete for this opportunity.


    The First Hall Master glanced at the eager crowd and gave a slight smile, "I will announce the rules of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and some other matters."


    "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is a secret realm opened once every fifty years by the Outer Battlefield. Inside, the Spirit Essence is extremely rich, making it a most suitable secret place to cultivate. Cultivating there is like traveling a thousand miles in a day, and it also contains a vast number of Spirit Stones. You can choose to cultivate or scour for Spirit Stones within."


    Hearing about the vast number of Spirit Stones, the eyes of many gleamed with desire, for they were the universal currency of the Outer Battlefield and could satisfy the needs of cultivation, even being essential for survival in the Outer Battlefield!


    Because besides the secret realm, there is no Spirit Essence Energy in the air of the Outer Battlefield for one to absorb, and in order to cultivate and restore Spirit Essence, one needs Spirit Stones, which is to say, without Spirit Stones, one would find it difficult to make their way in the Outer Battlefield.


    While there are some scattered Spirit Stones in the Outer Battlefield, those that can be found are extremely rare, and it is within various secret realms that the real sources of Spirit Stones are located.


    The Spirit Stones that currently circulate in the Outer Battlefield are mostly extracted from these secret realms, with the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm accounting for the majority.


    Generally, a single Spirit Stone is enough for a cultivator to survive a month in the Outer Battlefield, but one will need many more Spirit Stones for cultivation and battle.


    The First Hall Master continued to speak, "This selection will pick a total of twenty-five spots. You hundreds of people will engage in a melee on the same stage, and the last twenty-five people standing on the platform will be the ones to finally enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!"


    "All Hall Masters, assist me in raising the platform!"


    The First Hall Master suddenly let out a terse shout, which was swiftly followed by the other six Hall Masters releasing an incredibly strong and vast aura.


    At the moment when the six Hall Masters released their aura, every person, whether they were Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm or below, changed their expression drastically.


    This powerful aura made it hard for everyone to even breathe, each of them looking at the several Hall Masters in shock, wondering what strength these Hall Masters possessed.


    After the large Hall Masters released their aura, the First Hall Master likewise released a powerful aura, though it seemed only slightly stronger than the others, not by too much.


    However, Ye Feng down below felt something unusual, sensing faintly that the First Hall Master seemed to be hiding his true strength.


    Under the explosive release of aura from all the Hall Masters, except for the First Hall Master, the other Hall Masters began to gather Spirit Essence within their bodies and direct it towards the First Hall Master.


    The aura of the First Hall Master intensified once more, the Spirit Essence Energy surrounding him vast and immense. The next moment, with a loud shout, the First Hall Master began forming Seal Formations with both hands!


    One after another, intricate Dharma Seals appeared in mid-air, and the ground also began to tremble at that moment, causing the crowd to look around in surprise.


    Then, to everyone''s astonishment, massive stones suddenly appeared in the sky in front of Xuanyuan Hall, each one enormously large and plentiful in number. In no time, countless massive stones filled the sky, almost seeming to cover it entirely.


    "Everyone, step back!"


    The First Hall Master shouted once again.


    The crowd was no fool and understood the meaning behind the First Hall Master''s words.


    Immediately, several hundred people began to retreat to the sides, opening up a huge clearing in front of Xuanyuan Hall.


    "Drop!"


    The First Hall Master shouted again, and the countless massive stones plummeted down.


    Clack clack clack!


    The numerous stones were neatly arranged together, and soon, a gigantic platform was constructed, large enough to be compared to several athletic fields, making it all too easy to accommodate the hundreds of people for the battle.


    The crowd watched the massive platform in awe, thinking that this must be the legendary method of moving mountains and filling seas.


    After the platform was finished, the First Hall Master exhaled and then looked toward the Seventh Hall Master.


    "It''s up to you now, Seventh Hall Master."


    The First Hall Master looked at the Seventh Hall Master, smiling lightly.


    The crowd was puzzled, not understanding the First Hall Master''s intention.


    Under everyone''s gaze, the Seventh Hall Master stepped into the air, making his way to the impossibly large platform and immediately began to inscribe an Array onto the platform!


    One by one, Dharma Seals appeared out of nowhere, and then were imprinted into the massive platform.


    Now everyone finally understood that the Seventh Hall Master was also a master of formations!


    Masters of formations were extremely rare among ancient cultivators. Very few people could study formations well, and since there were very few cultivation techniques passed down from ancient times for studying formations, hardly anyone knew them now.


    Ye Feng''s expression was also unusual. The Seventh Hall Master was the one who had spoken up for him before, and he was also the father of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming. However, he looked only middle-aged and seemed even younger than Zhao Gongming. Was it possible that he had already stepped into the legendary Yin-Yang Realm and thus significantly increased his lifespan?


    Ye Feng speculated in his heart as he paid close attention to the Seventh Hall Master inscribing the array. These arrays were quite useful, and he could actually inscribe some himself, as the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints included some methods of array inscription.


    About the time it takes one incense stick to burn, the Seventh Hall Master finally finished inscribing the array, and a golden light immediately lit up around the stage.


    "As long as one is knocked out of the stage, their qualification will be cancelled. With this array, once the selection starts, no one outside can enter the stage again," said the Seventh Hall Master loudly, indicating that the array also contained the power to reinforce the stage.


    "The selection will begin in half an hour. You may now begin to prepare. Those below fifty years of age and below the Golden Core Realm and Saint Realm are eligible to participate in the selection," said the First Hall Master before returning to the Xuanyuan Hall, with the other Hall Masters following suit.


    Once all the Hall Masters had entered the Xuanyuan Hall, the crowd outside began to discuss.


    "I didn''t expect it to be a melee selection this time?"


    "Wasn''t it always in the form of stages before?"


    "If it''s a melee selection, does that mean we can form teams inside?"


    The crowd was somewhat shocked by the selection method this time, as a melee selection entailed many considerations. If the rules permit, people could indeed form groups to fight together, securing slots in the end.


    At this point, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong beside Ye Feng were also surprised to hear this rule.


    Xiao Rulong said with a solemn face, "A melee selection can be troublesome. With hundreds fighting in a melee, it could get very chaotic. This is a big challenge. The weak will be eliminated immediately, and the strong could easily be targeted. It''s best if the strong join forces to secure a chance for the slots."


    Different from Xiao Rulong, Chi Jark was excited, "A melee is great; it''s fun. Regular arena fighting can be quite boring. A multi-person melee is thrilling. When the time comes, if we band together, who will be our opponent?"


    Chi Jark was already looking forward to it.


    Ye Feng, however, narrowed his eyes slightly. This kind of melee did not seem to be favorable for him with his many enemies. He hoped those guys would know better and not target him.


    At this time, Xiao Rulong also looked at Ye Feng and said seriously, "Brother Ye, you might be in danger this time. If the people from the Buddhist Sect and the Dao Sect find out about you, you are likely to be targeted by them."


    Chi Jark was taken aback at that moment. He remembered that Ye Feng indeed had quite a few enemies, and he would be at a disadvantage in such a melee.


    Ye Feng glanced at Xiao Rulong, and realizing the implication behind his words, took the initiative to say, "Brother Xiao is right. When the time comes, you two can band together. I can act on my own to prevent dragging you into trouble."


    Ye Feng understood Xiao Rulong''s underlying concern that he might involve them as well. Even though Ye Feng was clear about his own situation, there was still a hint of disappointment in his heart, given that they hadn''t known each other for long, and their friendship wasn''t deep enough yet.


    At this moment, Xiao Rulong suddenly smiled and said, "Brother Ye, I think you might have misunderstood me. We three can still act together, but it will require Brother Ye to make a small sacrifice."


    Ye Feng was stunned, not understanding Xiao Rulong''s meaning. Was he not worried about being implicated?


    Chi Jark also had a smile on his face, "Brother Ye, you may not know this, but the Xiao family has an amazing skill called the Disguise Technique!"


    "As long as Xiao Chubby disguises you, you won''t have to worry about being recognized, and that will save you a lot of trouble."


    Disguise Technique?


    Ye Feng was somewhat astonished, looking at Xiao Rulong''s chubby figure: "Brother Xiao, this physique isn''t also disguised, is it?"


    Xiao Rulong, after a violent cough and giving Ye Feng a glare, said, "Stop looking, Brother Ye, I really am this fat."


    Letting out a light cough, Ye Feng hadn''t expected Xiao Rulong to genuinely be that overweight. Generally, cultivators expel impurities from their body as they practice, which is why most of them are handsome with striking features and would not be overly fat. Of course, some may deliberately maintain a chubby physique, seemingly Xiao Rulong was one such person.


    Without dwelling on it any further, Ye Feng said, "Then I shall trouble Brother Xiao to help."


    He decided it was best to use the Disguise Technique. Being recognized would pose trouble, especially given his many enemies. If he could smoothly get through the selection with less hassle, that would certainly be preferable.


    Perhaps out of a sense of mischief, after Xiao Rulong disguised Ye Feng, the originally handsome and striking Ye Feng was transformed into a youth with a large nose and thick lips. As for how ugly he was, that went without saying¡ªat any rate, he looked nothing like the original Ye Feng.


    Xiao Rulong even deliberately handed Ye Feng a mirror to see for himself, and Ye Feng was left speechless. However, he was also amazed. This Disguise Technique was nothing short of miraculous!

 Chapter 550 545: Melee Begins

    "Brother Xiao''s disguise technique is indeed superb,"


    Ye Feng said with a deadpan smile, but there was an obvious hidden meaning in his tone.


    Xiao Rulong coughed twice and grinned, "Brother Ye flatters me too much. It''s just passable. In the entire Xuanyuan Nation, if my Xiao Family''s disguise technique claims to be second, nobody would dare claim to be the first."


    He indeed had a bit of a vengeful mindset, but such a face truly fit the kind that couldn''t be singled out even in a crowd of shame.


    Although somewhat speechless, Ye Feng had to admit that Xiao Rulong''s disguise skills were indeed very strong; even Hong Qingyan, who was closest to him, would probably not recognize him now if she were here.


    Chi Jianren couldn''t help laughing out loud when he saw Ye Feng''s face, but he didn''t say anything about it.


    The three of them had just retreated to a more secluded area to disguise themselves, so no one had discovered their transformation.


    Soon, the three returned to the front of the Xuanyuan Hall and quietly waited for an hour to pass.


    After a while, an hour had passed, and seven figures flew out of the Xuanyuan Hall again¡ªit was the seven hall masters.


    The First Hall Master swept another glance over the crowd, slightly puzzled. Where was that kid Ye Feng?


    He quickly caught a whiff of an aura, but he didn''t look further in that direction. Instead, he revealed an almost imperceptible smile and said to the crowd, "The selection competition now begins. Please step onto the arena!"


    As soon as the First Hall Master finished speaking, numerous figures immediately flew up to the platform.


    "Buddhist Sect disciples, gather around me on the platform and stick together!"


    At this point, a bronze-skinned young monk flew into the air and shouted forcefully, immediately releasing the aura of a half-step Golden Core!


    Ye Feng also noticed this young monk, his gaze slightly intensifying. This young monk gave him a rather impressive sense, his strength was definitely not low!


    "That guy is the number seven genius from the genius rankings, Golden Cicada!"


    Xiao Rulong said with a grave voice from the side.


    Ye Feng had a realization. So this was the Buddhist Sect''s Golden Cicada, the seventh existence on the genius rankings. No wonder he felt so powerful.


    "Just a defeated foe."


    Chi Jianren''s voice carried a hint of disdain from the side. He watched the Golden Cicada, who was garnering a lot of attention in mid-air and was slightly irked.


    "This guy is just jealous. Our Xiao Family and Chi Family don''t have many people; no need to act like the Buddhist Sect does,"


    Xiao Rulong directly mocked him from the side with a laugh.


    "Hey, you Xiao Chubby!"


    Chi Jianren was somewhat exasperated and really wanted to grab Xiao Rulong and give him a good thrashing.


    Ye Feng gave a wry smile and ignored the quarreling duo.


    Suddenly, several more figures took to the skies.


    "Dao Sect disciples, gather around me!"


    "Confucian Sect!"


    "Flora Sect!"


    ...


    One by one, the powers had already begun to form alliances. The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and the Four Great Ancient Clans of the Hong and Bu Families had started to assemble, including the Utility Pavilion.


    Everyone very consciously formed groups and took to the arena, while the remaining loose cultivators had no choice but to go up by themselves.


    At this moment, Ye Feng noticed another six figures also stepping onto the arena at the same time!


    Ye Feng looked at the six figures, a look of surprise appearing in his eyes.


    It was Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, as well as Shadow and Leng Wuming, along with Hong Gaishi and Cao Tian!


    He hadn''t expected these six guys to have also received the news about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm selection and to participate in the selection competition.


    Ye Feng had been worried these six didn''t know about the selection competition, as they were, like himself, unaware of the existence of the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet.


    Perhaps they had each found a city and then learned the news.


    After all, there were still quite a few cities in the area of the Death Desert.


    What reassured Ye Feng the most, though, was that all six looked unharmed; on the contrary, their auras were even more powerful than before they parted ways. It seemed everyone''s fortunes during these short few days were not insignificant.


    Ye Feng felt much more at ease and watched as the six also flew onto the arena.


    By now, outside the arena, there weren''t many figures left¡ªonly those Golden Core Realm grandmasters who didn''t meet the requirements or people over fifty years of age remained outside.


    Bang!


    The Golden Light Formation suddenly flickered, and a figure was ejected by the formation¡ªit was a middle-aged man with the strength of the Divine Path Realm, now looking somewhat panicked.


    The Seventh Hall Master looked at the middle-aged man and said with a faint smile, "Those who don''t meet the requirements shouldn''t try to sneak in. The array has the ability to detect strength and innate bone, and if you don''t meet the criteria, you can''t enter the formation."


    The middle-aged man bowed his head in shame and swiftly left the area.


    He was actually over fifty years old and had wanted to try for a chance to fix his broken mirror¡ªto break through his current stagnation!


    He had been stuck in the Divine Path Realm for far too long!


    Unfortunately, there were no loopholes for him to exploit.


    Ye Feng easily grasped the middle-aged man''s intentions without showing the slightest fluctuation in his eyes. The Outer Battlefield was this cruel¡ªsurvival of the fittest¡ªwhere those with higher talent and strength had more opportunities.


    "Let''s go, no need to wait any longer. Let''s jump into the fray on the stage and have some fun with this grand melee!"


    Chi Jianren also laughed heartily and was the first to fly up to the stage.


    Ye Feng and Xiao Rulong exchanged glances and nodded, following closely behind him as they flew onto the platform.


    The three of them were nearly the last to ascend the stage, and just a few breaths after they did, the golden light formation surrounding the stage had already started to light up quickly.


    "The selection battle begins now. After half an hour, if there are more than twenty-five people remaining on the stage, the selection battle will be restarted!"


    The booming voice of the First Hall Master resounded.


    On the vast stage, a chaotic battle was about to erupt!


    Everyone understood that within half an hour, only twenty-five could remain on the stage!


    Right around Ye Feng and Chi Jianren, numerous brawls had already broken out.


    "The weak should just step down obediently!"


    A half-step Golden Core expert nearby directly slashed a Peak Martial King expert, sending him flying off the stage.


    The Peak Martial King expert''s face showed unwillingness, but there was nothing he could do¡ªoutmatched in skill, all he could do was be defeated and knocked off the platform.


    There was another rule in the selection battle: no killing was allowed!


    This was also to protect the talents of the Xuanyuan Nation, as the Xuanyuan Hall would have to deal with people from three other families on the Outer Battlefield. Considering that the Xuanyuan Hall already had limited numbers on the Outer Battlefield, losing a significant number of their talents in a selection battle would be a considerable loss.


    However, there were individuals targeted by their sworn enemies, beaten to a pulp before being thrown out of the ring.


    Xuanyuan Hall didn''t stop this kind of behavior. It would be impossible to prevent injuries from occurring in combat.


    At this moment, Ye Feng, Chi Jianren, and Xiao Rulong stood together with battles erupting all around them¡ªshouts and cries of combat filled the air¡ªyet somehow no one approached them.


    "Why is no one coming over here?"


    Ye Feng was somewhat perplexed. Out of hundreds of people, not one had approached them.


    Next to Ye Feng, Chi Jianren was thoroughly enjoying the surrounding battles and even occasionally provided some commentary. Hearing Ye Feng''s doubt, he finally turned and said, "Come on, Brother Ye, you don''t see who I am? The Sixth ranked powerhouse on the Genius List, how many would dare to challenge me carelessly?"


    Chi Jianren grinned with a look of triumph on his face.


    Ye Feng was speechless; he found it hard to believe.


    Seeing Ye Feng''s skeptical look, Chi Jianren immediately shouted at two Divine Path realm experts nearby, "Hey, you two, how about coming over for a fight?"


    The two Divine Path realm experts were taken aback and their expressions changed as they saw Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong.


    "A genius from the Chi Family and another from the Xiao Family, we better run!"


    One of the Divine Path realm experts immediately pulled his companion away, fleeing as though they had seen a ghost.


    Chi Jianren shook his head, his face wearing a look of disappointment. "Boring."


    Ye Feng''s mouth twitched slightly when he saw this. So, this worked too?


    Xiao Rulong then spoke up, "Both of us are somewhat famous in the Xuanyuan Hall, so it''s normal that no one is coming for us. Brother Jerk is ranked sixth on the Genius List, and although I''m not on that list, I do have a bit of a reputation."


    Xiao Rulong said this with a hint of pride on his face.


    "Xiao Chubby actually participated in the martial arts competition too, originally within the top ten ranks, but just barely got knocked out of the top ten by someone from the Vampire Divine Court."


    Chi Jianren spoke with a hint of mockery, revealing Xiao Rulong''s past embarrassments.


    With his dark history unearthed, Xiao Rulong blushed and snorted, "That stinking bat, I will definitely get my revenge!"


    Xiao Rulong spoke through gritted teeth, clearly bearing a grudge against the person from the Vampire Divine Court who had defeated him before.


    Ye Feng looked surprised. No wonder no one was challenging them. With two individuals capable of being on the Genius List standing together, who would dare to challenge them?


    Ye Feng felt a bit helpless, but not being challenged also gave him some peace. His eyes began to scan the stage, looking for something.


    Soon, he locked onto a small group of six people!


    It was Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian''s group!


    On Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian''s side, six people exhibited their auras, and except for Cao Tian, the rest had already unleashed auras of the Half-Step Golden Core!


    A group of five Half-Step Golden Cores!


    Barely anyone dared to challenge them directly. Even a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm would be walking into certain death facing so many Half-Step Golden Core experts. No one was foolish enough to provoke them, and as for the Peak Martial King Cao Tian, he was basically ignored by everyone.


    Peak Martial King, in this stage, was far too insignificant; practically cannon fodder.


    Seeing that Xiao Chuanqi and his group were unchallenged, Ye Feng felt even more at ease. With this lineup, barring unforeseen circumstances, everyone should be able to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Meanwhile, outside the stage, the seven Hall Masters were suspended in the air, watching the arena below. However, they each watched independently or in pairs.


    "Quite a number of talents this time, and there are so many at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm."


    The First Hall Master said with a slight smile, the Seventh Hall Master by his side.


    "Our Utility Pavilion also has quite a few promising talents; those five Half-Step Golden Cores seem to be from our pavilion."


    The Seventh Hall Master was watching Xiao Chuanqi''s group.


    "That must be the group Ye Feng brought in, right? Speaking of which, where is that boy now?"


    The Seventh Hall Master was a little puzzled.

 Chapter 551 546 Still Discovered

    The Seventh Hall Master had already been paying attention to Ye Feng''s movements and realized that Ye Feng had also arrived at the scene just before the arena was raised. But now, how come he can''t see him anywhere?


    The First Hall Master smiled at this moment, "This kid must have disguised himself, but his aura is still quite easy to discern."


    The First Hall Master said, pointing towards a direction in one of the arenas, to a youth with a large nose and thick lips, as well as a handsome man, and a chubby fellow shaking a fan; these were not hard to distinguish on the arena.


    The Seventh Hall Master looked over and paused for a moment.


    "Isn''t that the genius from the Chi Family who is ranked sixth on the Talent List, as well as that little chubby lad from the Xiao Family?"


    Naturally, the Seventh Hall Master knew these two individuals.


    "These two guys are quite famous on the Outer Battlefield. I heard last month, the kid from the Chi Family sacked the lair of an Earth Dragon in the Golden Core Realm, which enraged the dragon. Coincidentally, there was also a small bat in the Divine Path Realm nearby, which was killed by the shock."


    "And that chubby one from the Xiao Family, despite his size, has a good movement technique. He was chased by two Great Sorcerers six months ago but managed to escape. He''s also a promising talent," the Seventh Hall Master said, nodding in approval. Both talents were from Xuanyuan Nation, and he was quite pleased.


    However, he soon came back to his senses and turned towards the First Hall Master, "Hey, that''s not it. I was asking about that kid Ye Feng, why are you pointing out these two youngsters from the Chi and Xiao Families to me?"


    The First Hall Master glanced at him and simply ignored him.


    It was simply impossible to communicate with someone whose brain was not working properly.


    Feeling the First Hall Master''s gaze as one would look at an idiot, the Seventh Hall Master''s complexion immediately soured, but at that moment he recalled something. He looked again in the direction the First Hall Master had pointed before, his attention caught by the large-nosed, thick-lipped youth he had overlooked.


    Then his eyes widened, somewhat in shock, "You''re not telling me that kid is Ye Feng?"


    The Seventh Hall Master looked at the youth with the large nose and thick lips, which couldn''t compare to Ye Feng who he last saw at Xuanyuan Hall, who still looked quite handsome and martial, and even had an imperial aura about him.


    He couldn''t help but extend his spiritual power over the arena again and immediately understood, somewhat speechlessly, "This kid really can do it. If one is not specifically probing for the aura, they couldn''t recognize him at all. Is there a need to go to such lengths?"


    The Seventh Hall Master couldn''t quite understand. He knew Ye Feng''s strength; it was Ye Feng who had defeated the Third Hall Master when he had just entered the Outer Battlefield. It would be more than easy for him to obtain a spot in the secret realm, so why did he need to disguise himself to the extent that no one could recognize him?


    "Have you considered whom this kid has offended?" said the First Hall Master, with an almost mocking smile.


    The Seventh Hall Master suddenly realized and also laughed, "I see, let me think, according to the latest message from the Utility Pavilion, this kid seems to have made sworn enemies with almost all of the Nine Great Sects. The Hong Family is a special case with complicated relations, but that genius Hong Gaishi from the Hong Family also has some entanglements with him, and then there''s the Bu Family..."


    The more the Seventh Hall Master spoke, the more colorful his expression became.


    "Adding it all up, this kid has indeed made enemies on all sides. Tsk, tsk, tsk, if his identity were exposed..."


    The Seventh Hall Master suddenly smirked playfully.


    Next to him, the First Hall Master raised an eyebrow, giving him a look: "You, don''t impact the normal progression of the selection competition."


    He had a premonition that this guy might be planning to make trouble.


    The Seventh Hall Master chuckled, "How could that be? I, the Seventh Hall Master, am extremely fair and just, and would never disturb the proper order of the arena."


    The Seventh Hall Master spoke righteously, but at the same time, his lips twitched slightly.


    These movements were naturally all seen by the First Hall Master, who was somewhat speechless, though he didn''t say anything.


    Meanwhile, on the arena.


    An hour''s time had already passed by a third, and during this time, the arena which was originally full of over four hundred people, now had less than two hundred left. Those who could remain on the arena were generally the experts above the Divine Path Realm. As for the people at the Peak Martial King level, the majority had already been kicked off the arena, and so had some experts of the Divine Path Realm.


    Just then, Golden Cicada, who was leading the people of the Buddhist Sect in sweeping across the arena, suddenly frowned. He heard a voice.


    "The Northern Border King Ye Feng standing together with Chi Jian and Xiao Rulong!"


    This voice was strange, making it impossible to discern whether it came from a man or a woman.


    Golden Cicada quickly looked around, but found no one who was transmitting the message to him.


    Ye Feng with those two guys from the Chi Family and Xiao Family?


    Golden Cicada''s gaze was sharp as an eagle''s, as he immediately scanned the arena, searching for Chi Jian and Xiao Rulong.


    Before coming, he had already received a message from the Sect on Earth, instructing him to kill the Northern Border King Ye Feng on sight in the Outer Battlefield.


    He also knew of how an elder from his Sect was killed by Ye Feng, which left him enraged.


    However, it was a selection competition, where killing was prohibited, but he could still inflict serious injuries!


    On the other side, Hong Gaishi was also driving away those below the Half-Step Golden Core: "Weaklings, better obediently step down!"


    "Fiery Sun Great Sun Technique!"


    Hong Gaishi struck down a Divine Ability Realm expert with a move that made the latter vomit blood before another heavy punch sent him flying out of the ring.


    At this moment, a voice rang by Hong Gaishi''s ear.


    "Ye Feng?"


    Hong Gaishi froze for a moment, his gaze instinctively wandering around as if searching for something.


    There was also a white-robed young man, wandering aimlessly on the platform, whom no ordinary person dared approach, all keeping a respectful distance.


    Suddenly, the white-robed young man stopped in his tracks, seemingly having found his target.


    Ye Feng had not yet realized the danger approaching, as he sat cross-legged on the ground, stretching and yawning with boredom as he watched the surrounding battles, commenting, "I knew it would''ve been better not to use the Disguise Technique; this is utterly dull."


    Ye Feng was speechless, standing alongside Chi Jian and Xiao Rulong, with no one daring to provoke them. An empty space had formed around them, with even the battles deliberately avoiding the area.


    Everyone was apprehensive of offending either Chi Jianfeng or Xiao Rulong, both of whom were capable of battling Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!


    It''s known that there are quite a few at Half-Step Golden Core, but those who could contend with the Golden Core Realm at that level were very rare. A typical Half-Step Golden Core Realm expert would be lucky enough to escape with their life in the presence of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    If someone below the Half-Step Golden Core Realm encountered a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, they would be nothing but fodder to be slapped dead!


    Of course, if it were a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm, a regular Half-Step Golden Core could indeed contend with them, however, defeating them would certainly not be easy.


    For a Half-Step Golden Core Realm to battle a true Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm was definitely considered a challenge beyond one''s level, something most people couldn''t possibly achieve.


    Not to mention that one of the two was Chi Jian, ranked sixth on the genius list, and the other was Xiao Rulong, who also possessed the strength of the ones on the talent list. Although Ye Feng appeared to be only at the Peak Martial King stage, who would dare provoke him when he was with these two?


    Just as Chi Jian was about to tease Ye Feng for his complaints, his expression shifted slightly, "Something seems off, Brother Ye!"


    Ye Feng, of course, had noticed it even before Chi Jian, as he stood up and stared at several locations around him. Within the scope of his spiritual power, several strong auras were already surging towards him.


    Xiao Rulong also noticed the people rushing over from all directions, his expression souring, "Brother Ye, you really jinxed us. It seems all of these guys are your enemies."


    "Golden Cicada from the Buddhist Sect, Confucian Sect, Bu Tianyun..."


    Xiao Rulong narrowed his eyes, watching as the people charged towards them, and slowly listed them off, realizing to his surprise that representatives from the Hong and Bu Families of the Nine Great Sects were all heading their way.


    What was going on?


    Had Ye Feng been discovered?


    But from the moment Ye Feng had entered the platform to now, he hadn''t even released his aura, so how could he have been exposed?


    Xiao Rulong was quite confident in his Xiao Family''s Disguise Technique.


    Ye Feng and Chi Jian were equally puzzled and clueless as to why these people were suddenly rushing towards them.


    Soon, a monk with a group of disciples from the Buddhist Sect approached, and the monk was none other than the bronze-skinned Golden Cicada!


    At this time, Golden Cicada''s gaze was fixed on the disguised Ye Feng.


    "Northern Border King Ye Feng?" Golden Cicada squinted, speaking coldly.


    His disciples from the Buddhist Sect were also stunned. The Northern Border King Ye Feng?


    The disciples glanced at Chi Jian and the other two, quickly focusing on the young man with the big nose and thick lips. Could this person be the Northern Border King Ye Feng?


    They were familiar with Chi Jian and Xiao Rulong and thus ignored them outright.


    The Buddhist Sect disciples looked on with peculiar expressions; no wonder Golden Cicada led them straight this way. It turned out he had located Ye Feng. But the Northern Border King, renowned for his strength, looked like this?


    Their expressions grew even more strange. They had entered the Outer Battlefield in advance and had never seen what Ye Feng looked like. They only knew of the enmity between Ye Feng and their Buddhist Sect and did not expect the legendary powerful Northern Border King to look like so.


    Feeling the gazes of these people, Ye Feng was somewhat uncomfortable.


    Chi Jian looked at the group and chuckled lightly, "What''s wrong, losers? Want to try and knock your Grandpa Chi out of the ring again?"


    "You were not my match three years ago. You don''t think that has changed, do you?"


    Chi Jian directly unleashed his taunting rhetoric.


    Golden Cicada brought his palms together, unfazed, "Benefactor Chi, you should know why I am here. It is our Buddhist Sect''s grudge with Northern Border King Ye Feng. I kindly ask that Benefactor Chi and Benefactor Xiao do not intervene. The monk would be profoundly grateful."


    Golden Cicada bowed slightly, clearly wary of Chi Jian and Xiao Rulong, and did not immediately act.


    "What Northern Border King Ye Feng? I was unaware," Xiao Rulong also stepped forward, saying quite casually.


    Golden Cicada frowned slightly, looking at the big-nosed, thick-lipped Ye Feng again, puzzled as to whether this was truly him.

 Chapter 552 547: Strength Shocks Everyone

    This young man with a large nose and thick lips indeed does not look like the legendary Martial King of the Northern Border.


    Moreover, this person appears to have only the strength of a Peak Martial King. Could he really have defeated the Buddhist Sect''s Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm? Is it merely this Peak Martial King?


    "May I ask who this benefactor is?"


    Golden Cicada couldn''t help but ask proactively.


    "This is of course a member of our Chi Family, what, is there a problem?"


    "Although our Chi Family is low-key, if your small Buddhist Sect is looking for trouble, my Chi Family can still handle it."


    Chi Jark narrowed his eyes as he spoke.


    Golden Cicada shivered inside, but still said, "But someone told this humble monk that this person is Ye Feng."


    As Golden Cicada spoke, he pointed towards the disguised Ye Feng, his gaze intense.


    Ye Feng''s eyelid twitched. Someone told? Who was it?


    Chi Jark''s eyes also flickered, but he responded indifferently, "I don''t know if you are a wasp or a bee, this is a member of my Chi Family, wouldn''t I recognize my own?"


    Xiao Rulong also revealed a smile next to him.


    Golden Cicada''s expression stalled, and his thoughts began to falter. Could it really not be Ye Feng?


    At this moment, another figure approached. It was Hong Gaishi from the Hong Family!


    Hong Gaishi was also staring intently at the disguised Ye Feng and said coldly, "Whether he is Ye Feng or not, let him fight me. Then we''ll know."


    "Ye Feng uses the cultivation techniques of that legendary person; whether it is him or not, it can be recognized at a glance!"


    Hong Gaishi


    ''s tone was cool and detached, his gaze never left the disguised Ye Feng.


    Soon, another figure flew over.


    "Ye Feng, come out and meet your death!"


    A person dressed in white arrived before the crowd and shouted loudly.


    It was Bu Tianyun from the Bu Family!


    Ye Feng was somewhat speechless as he looked at Bu Tianyun. Was this guy sick?


    After Bu Tianyun arrived, the members of the Nine Great Sects had also gathered around. Roughly counting, dozens of people had already formed a circle and attracted many onlookers.


    "The Ye Feng of legend who turned the Earth upside down at the Northern Border?"


    "Is he on the stage right now?"


    "My god, the people from the Nine Great Sects and the Hong and Bu Families have already surrounded him. This is going to be a good show."


    Some warriors at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm stopped their fights, their attention drawn to this side.


    Chi Jark, seeing the crowd that had formed a circle around them, also began to look a little unhappy: "What is this, do you think the Chi Family has no one to send forth?"


    Chi Jark immediately burst forth with his own aura.


    This immediately made the surrounding crowd change color. They could feel that Chi Jark''s aura was getting incredibly close to that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, just needing one opportunity to break through immediately!


    Moreover, as the sixth-ranked genius on the leaderboards, he was definitely not someone to provoke.


    "Hmph, Ye Feng, if it''s you, stop hiding behind others, come and fight me fairly!"


    Bu Tianyun didn''t care about all that, his aura erupting.


    "Heavenly Cloud Wind Repelling Divine Palm!"


    Bu Tianyun directly leaped up, his Spirit Essence forming into a giant hand that rushed towards the disguised Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow; who was it that leaked his identity?


    Ye Feng still hadn''t figured it out, but Bu Tianyun had already charged at him, making it hardly possible to avoid combat.


    Chi Jark initially wanted to come forward to block for Ye Feng, but was stopped by Ye Feng at the first moment.


    "Brother Chi, let me do it myself, it seems I can''t keep up the disguise. If I find out which bastard revealed my identity, I''m going to make him pay!"


    Ye Feng soared into the sky, directly removing the disguise from his face, revealing his naturally handsome and martial features.


    "It''s really Ye Feng!"


    Hong Gaishi spoke coldly, not expecting that the person in the dark had not deceived them.


    Golden Cicada also concentrated his gaze, knowing for sure that this was Ye Feng!


    Outside the arena, the Seventh Hall Master, upon hearing Ye Feng''s voice, turned as dark as could be: "You''re the grandson, dammit!"


    The one who had whispered to the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts as well as Hong Gaishi and Bu Yuntian about Ye Feng''s location was none other than himself. Now being suddenly insulted, naturally, he felt annoyed.


    The First Hall Master also smiled: "I think, if this young man found out that the one he''s calling out is you, the Seventh Hall Master from his own force, his reaction would certainly be interesting."


    The Seventh Hall Master''s expression faltered and became a bit stiff as he looked gloomily at the First Hall Master: "You''re not planning to snitch, are you?"


    "Although I''m not your opponent, I still have to warn you not to do such a discreditable thing!"


    With his face contorted, the Seventh Hall Master was indeed somewhat worried that the First Hall Master could tell Ye Feng about the situation.


    If that were to happen, although he wasn''t worried about Ye Feng''s strength, it would still be a hit to his pride.


    "Do you think I''m as bored as you?"


    The First Hall Master said disdainfully.


    The Seventh Hall Master''s complexion stiffened, somewhat annoyed, but he couldn''t say much; after all, he couldn''t defeat the First Hall Master!


    The other Hall Masters by the side were also staring at the platform. The Fifth Hall Master and the Sixth Hall Master were standing together.


    The Fifth Hall Master, from the Buddhist Sect, watched Ye Feng, who had revealed his true face, with a somewhat gloomy expression: "This kid is indeed on the platform. With so many people attacking him, he''s definitely going to be eliminated."


    He was aware of the situation on Earth, and had Ye Feng not caused a huge commotion in Xuanyuan Hall, or had it not been for the intervention of the First Hall Master and the Seventh Hall Master, he might not have recognized Ye Feng or refrained from tackling him himself, especially since Ye Feng might have a dragon egg!


    That was a valuable item indeed!


    The Sixth Hall Master from the Confucian Sect also sneered coldly, "With so many at Half-Step Golden Core, unless he is a true Golden Core Realm practitioner, it''s impossible for him to withstand such a multitude of attackers. He should give up any thoughts about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    The two Hall Masters, one from the Buddhist Sect and the other from the Confucian Sect, clearly did not have high regard for Ye Feng and were waiting for his elimination.


    At this moment on the platform, after revealing his array, Bu Tianyun also snorted coldly, "It''s really you. Last time, I narrowly lost to you. This time, you are destined to be defeated by me!"


    Bu Tianyun''s Spirit Essence erupted once again, making the Heavenly Cloud Wind Repelling Divine Palm even more fierce.


    Ye Feng, however, wore a look of disdain: "You were defeated by me last time and still think you can turn the tables?"


    "Dream on!"


    Ye Feng''s eyes were cold and merciless. With the pitch-black Sky-breaking Divine Spear in hand and his Spirit Essence exploding, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear shone brightly with black light as he fiercely flung it out!


    Whoosh!


    The Sky-breaking Divine Spear sliced through the air, aiming straight for Bu Tianyun!


    Bu Tianyun, who initially was full of momentum, saw the might of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear and his face drastically changed. He couldn''t take the hit directly!


    Bu Tianyun quickly withdrew his hand, the previously condensed giant Spirit Essence palm dissipated, and he swiftly used his movement technique to dodge in the air, avoiding the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    The crowd below was also shocked; they had felt the power of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    "No ordinary Half-Step Golden Core could possibly take that head-on, could they?"


    "I have a feeling that a direct hit would cause serious injuries!"


    "My god, this Northern Border King looks to be only twenty-six or twenty-seven. How can he be so terrifyingly powerful?"


    "Otherwise, why do you think he made such a global name for himself over there on Earth?"


    "With this strength, he could probably rank very high in the upcoming Talent Battle Competition."


    The surrounding crowd discussed among themselves.


    Hong Gaishi''s gaze changed as well; he immediately judged that he was likely not a match for Ye Feng!


    Damn, how could he have grown this fast!?


    Hong Gaishi couldn''t believe it and clenched his teeth hard. This might and aura were stronger than what he had at the Martial Dao Grand Assembly!


    Of course, Hong Gaishi wouldn''t know that Ye Feng had broken through over two thousand five hundred acupoints in this period, his strength improving by leaps and bounds.


    Golden Cicada also had a serious look, Ye Feng''s strength was probably not inferior to his own!


    Chi Jianren was still okay, not too surprised; he had already seen the Sky-breaking Divine Spear previously when he was with Ye Feng on their way to Xuanyuan Hall, and he roughly knew Ye Feng''s strength.


    But Xiao Rulong was truly shocked like the others: "This Ye Feng is so strong; probably even I am not his match!"


    Xiao Rulong marveled. He originally thought that Ye Feng''s strength was about the same as his own, but to his surprise, Ye Feng''s strength was likely a notch higher than his own!


    At this level, one could generally judge the strength of the opponent based on moves, and also aura.


    Of course, this also includes combat experience and skills, but all this is predicated on the basis of strength and realm. If the gap in the realm is too large, it becomes very hard to handle.


    The Sky-breaking Long Spear passed through the spot where Bu Tianyun had just been, and with a flash, Ye Feng appeared behind him to catch the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    Bu Yuntian stared at Ye Feng, still somewhat palpitated, and his expression was extremely grave. An ancient-looking gourd flew from his hand, and from it a Spirit Sword flew out, carrying an incredibly sharp Sword Light, slashing directly towards Ye Feng with astonishing Sword Qi.


    Many below were shocked. This sword strike was definitely comparable to the might of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    Hong Gaishi also raised an eyebrow. Bu Yuntian''s strength was definitely not weak. At such an age, his strength made him the true prodigy of the Bu Family!


    Chi Jianren was somewhat astonished: "The Bu Family''s second child seems to be quite formidable too. With that strength, he could rank in the top thirty on our current Talent List."


    This evaluation was actually very high, considering they all debuted three years earlier than Bu Yuntian and the others.


    Many people were curious whether Ye Feng could still catch this sword strike so easily.


    But soon, they no longer had to wonder.


    They saw Ye Feng''s indifferent eyes, as calm as undisturbed waters. He raised his arm, with the Sky-breaking Long Spear held horizontally in front of him, and bang!


    The comet-like Sword Light crashed onto the Sky-breaking Long Spear and immediately scattered. Ye Feng merely stepped back once, catching the strike effortlessly!


    The crowd''s eyes widened. Could he so easily catch an attack that had the power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?


    He only stepped back once, and it even appeared that Ye Feng didn''t put full effort into the block!


    Is this truly the real strength of the legendary Northern Border King?


    It''s far stronger than what the legends claimed, right?


    Outside the platform, the Seventh Hall Master watched this scene with a peculiar look in his eyes: "What exactly does this kid practice with? His cultivation is skyrocketing like he''s on an airplane. Isn''t his progress a bit too fast?"

 Chapter 553 548: If Worse Comes to Worst, Ill Admit Defeat

    ```


    The Seventh Hall Master was somewhat shocked, the strength that Ye Feng had already displayed was strong, and now it seemed to be getting a bit absurdly stronger.


    He could clearly feel that this was definitely much stronger than the first time Ye Feng came to Xuanyuan Hall.


    Ordinary people need several months or even years to improve their strength even slightly, just like the many geniuses on the talent list who have remained at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm for as long as three years.


    Only a few people have broken through to the Golden Core Realm, becoming true grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    This was enough to prove that the Golden Core Realm is actually a threshold, a threshold that many people cannot reach in their lifetime, and it is even more difficult than for a Divine Path Realm martial artist to reach the realm of a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm.


    The First Hall Master''s face was also smiling, clearly very satisfied with Ye Feng''s improvement in strength.


    "What''s the matter, doesn''t Ye Feng''s rapid advancement seem to have any negative effects on you? He''s considered one of your Utility Pavilion''s people, aren''t you just jealous?"


    The Seventh Hall Master''s face showed disdain: "Me, jealous?"


    "He''s just a kid who hasn''t even reached the Golden Core Realm. How could I be jealous, what kind of joke is that? It will take Ye Feng how many years to reach my level, isn''t ten or eight years necessary?"


    "Why would I envy him? He can only always look up to me."


    The Seventh Hall Master was very disdainful, but what he never expected was that his words would soon be proven wrong.


    The First Hall Master did not say anything else, his face always wearing a faint smile, revealing no other emotions.


    The other Hall Masters, however, did not look too pleased.


    The Fifth Hall Master looked at Ye Feng and said in a deep voice: "This kid''s growth rate is too fast, stronger than the time he fought the Third Hall Master!"


    At this time, the usually reticent Second Hall Master also spoke in a hoarse voice: "No matter how strong he is, he is just that, and our Bu Family is not just Bu Tianyun. Bu Fengning is the true pillar of our younger generation."


    This Second Hall Master was an elder of the Bu Family, closely observing the battle at this moment.


    Although he said this, his attention to Ye Feng had greatly increased.


    The other Hall Masters were now looking somewhat gloomy, too shocked by Ye Feng''s growth rate. This was not the pace of improvement a normal person could have, and it probably wouldn''t be long before Ye Feng stood at the pinnacle of the Golden Core Realm grandmasters.


    Already at the Half-Step Golden Core and able to deal with a genius who has the combat power of a Golden Core Realm powerhouse with such ease, how strong would he be when he breaks through to the Golden Core Realm?


    The seven Hall Masters each had their own thoughts, while on the fighting stage, Ye Feng had already attracted the attention of the entire arena.


    Including Xiao Chuanqi and the others!


    "Is that the master!?"


    Xiao Chuanqi also arrived nearby, looking at Ye Feng in the air in shock.


    "Indeed, the master has also arrived, still as handsome and majestic as ever, drawing admiration wherever he goes!"


    Sima Zhantian said with a face full of admiration.


    Leng Wuming was somewhat speechless, this big man really had no filter.


    Shadow''s beautiful eyes were closely fixed on the figure in the sky, full of concern and anxiety.


    Gai Jiuyou and Cao Tian were even more excited, not expecting to see Ye Feng again so soon.


    Xiao Chuanqi also had a smile on his face; a few days earlier, he received the news about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm selection competition, and he rushed to Xuanyuan Hall immediately with Sima Zhantian.


    On the way, they ran into Shadow and Leng Wuming, who were also heading to Xuanyuan Hall, as well as Gai Jiuyou and Cao Tian. Everyone had learned about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm selection competition from people associated with Xuanyuan Hall, so they all hurried there.


    On the road, they had speculated that Ye Feng would also return to participate in this selection competition. They were still puzzled just now, unable to find Ye Feng and thinking he really didn''t come. Little did they know that Ye Feng had just disguised himself.


    "This Bu Tianyun was already defeated by the master previously, and he will definitely not be the master''s opponent now. We don''t have to worry at all; it''s mainly about keeping an eye on these guys."


    Xiao Chuanqi said, glancing coldly at the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and Hong Gaishi.


    The others also looked somber, with Shadow coldly saying: "If they dare to launch a group attack, I will kill them!"


    Shadow was already exuding a faint killing intent, startling Leng Wuming by her side.


    "Look, madam, you really shouldn''t. The rules of the arena explicitly forbid killing."


    Leng Wuming hurriedly spoke out.


    He was genuinely concerned that Shadow might actually do such a thing, which could anger Hall Master level powerhouses and put their own lives at risk.


    Xiao Chuanqi also cleared his throat: "If they dare to gang up on us, we can do the same to them, don''t worry."


    Although he said this, it was really just talk. Almost all of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had a Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse, and some even had two, but Xiao Chuanqi and his group only had five people. If there really was a group attack, Xiao Chuanqi and his group would definitely be in trouble.


    While everyone marveled, Ye Feng had already teleported in front of Bu Tianyun and directly unleashed the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, its powerful momentum catching Bu Tianyun off guard.


    "Block it for me!"


    Bu Tianyun clenched his teeth; as a genius of the Ancient Clan Bu Family, he couldn''t possibly be defeated by Ye Feng so easily.


    The Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist thundered towards him.


    ```


    Bu Tianyun''s body surged with Spirit Essence, which even started to burn, and his aura began to grow somewhat wild.


    Clutching his lifebound Spirit Sword tightly in his hand, the powerful Spirit Essence in front of him formed an exceedingly sturdy protective shield.


    Boom!


    The imposing Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist struck the shield, and with a crack, the seemingly indestructible Spirit Essence Shield shattered in an instant.


    Ye Feng''s expression was cold and indifferent, his fist''s momentum unabated as he struck at Bu Tianyun once again.


    Bu Tianyun''s face changed, not expecting that his own condensed Spirit Essence Shield would fail to stop Ye Feng in the slightest. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and cross his Spirit Sword in front of his body to brace for Ye Feng''s punch.


    The powerful force of the fist hit Bu Tianyun''s lifebound Spirit Sword, causing the blade to tremble violently as the fierce impact traveled from the sword to Bu Tianyun''s hands.


    Thud!


    Bu Tianyun''s figure flew backward a great distance in the air before he finally managed to stop himself.


    Bu Tianyun felt his hands go numb, nearly unable to move them, and when he turned his head to look behind him, his heart lurched with shock.


    He was already standing at the edge of the platform¡ªif Ye Feng were to pursue him now, he would be eliminated and lose his chance to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    He looked up and saw a figure rapidly approaching, getting closer and closer to him.


    Bu Tianyun''s complexion shifted slightly. Ye Feng was indeed coming after him, and now he was beginning to regret confronting Ye Feng. He should have waited until he had secured the qualification for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm before causing trouble.


    Mostly, Bu Tianyun had not expected Ye Feng to be so strong.


    The spectating crowd also noticed Bu Tianyun''s predicament, with many shaking their heads.


    "Bu Tianyun is likely to be eliminated."


    "This Northern Border King, Ye Feng, definitely has a spot on the genius list!"


    "Tough opponent, tough opponent, and don''t forget, this is just the selection contest. Being eliminated means losing the qualification for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    "Let''s go, let''s go, this isn''t the time to deal with him!"


    Some people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts had already begun to consider retreating and were not planning to continue besieging Ye Feng.


    At this moment, both Golden Cicada and Hong Gaishi''s expressions were uncertain, contemplating something.


    Outside the platform, the Second Hall Master frowned, his complexion looking unwell as he gazed at Bu Tianyun at the edge of the stage. Although he had said he did not care about Bu Tianyun''s strength before, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was an excellent resource, and naturally, he hoped Bu Tianyun could enter it.


    Moreover, based on Bu Tianyun''s strength, securing a spot within the top twenty-five was definitely not an issue, as others would give the Bu family some face.


    But now he was facing the Northern Border King, Ye Feng!


    Could it be that Tianyun would really miss out on this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    The Second Hall Master''s face had already darkened, his gaze deep as he stared at Ye Feng with an unfriendly glint in his eyes.


    The Seventh Hall Master, not far away, had noticed the Second Hall Master''s expression and smiled faintly: "That old ghost from the Bu family is getting restless, if Ye Feng strikes again, Bu Tianyun will miss out on the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    The First Hall Master also nodded slightly, speaking indifferently, "However, if he really does strike, I''m afraid the feud between Ye Feng and the Bu family will be truly set."


    The Seventh Hall Master, hearing this, remained silent, glancing at the Second Hall Master from the Bu family and pondering for a moment.


    On the platform, Ye Feng had already approached Bu Tianyun, looking down at him like an emperor.


    Bu Tianyun looked grim, speaking with some difficulty, "Ye Feng, don''t go too far. I can just admit defeat."


    Bu Tianyun was openly backing down; he did not want to be eliminated right now. He still wanted to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    Ye Feng''s expression was unusual, not expecting the arrogant Bu Tianyun to back down voluntarily, but did backing down work?


    Time and again coming to provoke him, how could he let it go so easily?


    A cold smile appeared on Ye Feng''s face, readying to make his move, but just then, he suddenly heard a voice in his ear.


    "Ye Feng, stop, spare Bu Tianyun. The Second Hall Master has set his sights on you¡ªyou would do well to let Bu Tianyun go and avoid trouble. If that old man takes an interest in you, it won''t be a good thing."


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened; this voice...


    Instinctively, Ye Feng turned his head to look toward the hovering Seventh Hall Master, seeing him smiling at Ye Feng and giving him a nod.


    Ye Feng then shifted his gaze to the Second Hall Master, noting his dim and somewhat forbidding expression.


    Ye Feng reckoned that with his current strength, he probably was not a match for the Second Hall Master yet.


    He had previously sensed the Second Hall Master''s aura, and it seemed the Hall Master was the strongest, second only to the First Hall Master.


    After some thought, Ye Feng decided to avoid a direct confrontation. It was not necessary to establish such a deadly enmity with the Bu family.


    "Bullying you isn''t worth it. Forget it, I''ll let you off this time."


    Ye Feng''s expression remained cold and detached as he spoke dismissively, turning around and flying back to join Chi Jark and the others.

 Chapter 554 - 549: I Am Also at the Peak of Martial King

    Ye Feng left, leaving Bu Tianyun standing rigid, his face frozen in place, his mind still echoing with the words Ye Feng had just said.


    "Bullying him is too unworthy," what did that mean?


    Soon, Bu Tianyun''s face filled with shades of embarrassment and annoyance. Ye Feng was insulting him; did that underlying message not imply that he wasn''t a worthy opponent?


    He was the pride of the Bu Family!


    To be insulted like this was a disgrace of the highest order!


    Bu Tianyun gritted his teeth in anger, watching Ye Feng''s departing figure with hatred, yet he dared not say anything. He truly was no match for Ye Feng right now.


    Had Ye Feng struck out at him again just now, he would have definitely been sent flying out of the arena and thus, disqualified, severing his ties with this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm event.


    But Bu Tianyun was still furious. Ye Feng was insulting his character, his dignity.


    "Wait for it, Ye Feng. I will definitely defeat you; I must defeat you. Sooner or later, you will be trampled under my feet, Bu Tianyun!!!" he roared inside.


    Bu Tianyun''s handsome face almost twisted in his rage. Since he was a child, he had been the pride of the Bu Family, with few equals among his peers, and also because he was of the Bu Family, no one dared to insult him like this.


    Only Ye Feng!


    Ye Feng couldn''t care less about how Bu Tianyun felt. If it weren''t for his concerns about that Second Hall Master, he would have already made his move. Yet, even without taking action, he had deliberately said those words to strike at Bu Tianyun-heart and mind. Even if he didn''t eliminate him, the blow to his state of mind was certain.


    Ye Feng returned to Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong. Chi Jark smiled and said, "Brother Ye truly lives up to the legend of the Northern Border King. With such prowess, even I, ranked sixth on the Genius List, feel inferior."


    "Brother Chi, you jest."


    Ye Feng smiled lightly, saying little. His strength on display was, at most, comparable to that of Chi Jark.


    Xiao Rulong also wore a smile. Ye Feng''s strength had far exceeded his expectations, and to make an acquaintance of such a person was most certainly a good thing.


    Ye Feng glanced at the surrounding members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and the Hong Family, and spoke coldly, "What is it? Do you all intend to gang up on me and take me down?"


    "Don''t blame me for not warning you, even if so many of you join forces to defeat me, remember, this is an elimination match. Once you''re out of the arena, you''ll have no chance left," Ye Feng said with a scoff.


    Golden Cicada furrowed his brows; he knew Ye Feng''s words were a threat, but the strength Ye Feng had shown was indeed formidable.


    If he himself engaged Ye Feng now and got knocked out of the arena, losing the qualification to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm would be a loss too great to bear.


    One must remember, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm opens only once every fifty years and can only be entered by those under fifty years of age.


    If one missed this chance, there would never be another opportunity, not to mention the Spirit Essence Pool in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, which was a stepping stone to the Golden Core Realm!


    Golden Cicada''s expression went through several changes, and in the end, he took the people from the Buddhist Sect and stepped back.


    Seeing Golden Cicada retreat, the people from the other Eight Sects wore changing expressions but also held great apprehension towards Ye Feng. Concerned about being eliminated from the arena, the great sect members exchanged glances and silently withdrew as well.


    Now, only Hong Gaishi and the members of the Hong Clan remained.


    Ye Feng looked over, a playful smile on his face, "Oh, what''s this? Does the Hong Family wish to have a go with me?"


    "Hong Gaishi, shall we have a practice bout?"


    Ye Feng''s face wore a challenging look.


    Hong Gaishi snorted coldly, "Ye Feng, consider yourself lucky. The score between you and our Hong Family will be settled sooner or later."


    With that harsh statement, Hong Gaishi led the people of the Hong Clan away as well.


    The surrounding area quieted down once again, and small-scale battles broke out on the arena once more. With nearly a hundred participants remaining, there was still a substantial gap to the final twenty-five. Those intent on staying would actively seek battle to eliminate the weaker competitors.


    At that moment, six figures swiftly approached Ye Feng.


    "Master!"


    "Master!"


    The six bowed in unison, their faces filled with excitement as they looked at Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng also wore a smile as he looked at the six people before him - Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and their group. Initially, he hadn''t wanted to reveal his identity so soon, but it couldn''t be helped under the circumstances, and it didn''t matter much now anyway.


    ```


    "Everyone has made some progress, not bad at all."


    Ye Feng nodded in satisfaction. He could tell that everyone''s aura had grown stronger since they had left, though not by much, but it was still commendable.


    Chi Jark looked at the six people in front of Ye Feng and couldn''t help but be a little surprised. Good lord, five who are at Half-Step Golden Core¡ªwere Ye Feng''s subordinates all this strong?


    "Brother Ye is truly worthy of being the Northern Border King. I didn''t expect even those by your side to be so powerful. I''m impressed, truly impressed!"


    At this moment, Chi Jark laughed heartily.


    Xiao Rulong was also somewhat shocked. The warlords under Ye Feng, the Northern Border King, were not few in number. These five individuals at the Half-Step Golden Core level all exuded a strong aura of slaughter, which wasn''t something ordinary cultivators possessed.


    Xiao Rulong hadn''t expected this. Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others had previously led troops in battle at the frontlines of the Northern Border. The aura of slaughter cultivated on the battlefield day after day wasn''t something ordinary cultivators could have, not to mention the bloodlust that had become etched in their very bones. Because of these factors, in battle, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were stronger than others of the same level.


    "Now is not the time for reunions. Soon, when there are fewer people, even we might need to start fighting."


    Ye Feng glanced over the situation on the stage. Basically, it came down to members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and those from the Four Great Ancient Clans left. Almost every power had three to four members left, and counting like this, almost fifty people still remained¡ªthey needed to eliminate half to reduce the number to twenty-five.


    And time was running out.


    There was virtually no more fighting on the stage at this point. People from all the great powers were watching each other, and no one was willing to initiate combat. The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were almost a single entity; whoever acted first would likely face condemnation.


    The situation was at a stalemate when suddenly, Hong Gaishi stepped forward to speak, "Everyone, this isn''t getting us anywhere. I suggest those below Half-Step Golden Core step down, or we''ll have no choice but to start a fight."


    As he spoke, Hong Gaishi cast a casual glance over the crowd.


    Upon hearing this, members from various powers became restless. There were still about twenty individuals at the Half-Step Golden Core level on the stage. However, just counting Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, and Ye Feng''s group, eight were already taken, and one more, Cao Tian, was at the Peak Martial King level.


    Cao Tian''s expression changed at that moment, as he fell below the Half-Step Golden Core level. Moreover, he was just at the Peak Martial King level. Even though his strength had improved, he was still a bit short of reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm¡ªwas he really going to miss out on the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    With Ye Feng''s help, Cao Tian could directly step into the Foundation Establishment Realm and embark on the Golden Core Great Dao, so he was quite eager for this opportunity at the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Then, Ye Feng''s voice reached him, "Don''t worry, with me here, you''ll have a spot in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    Cao Tian''s face lit up with surprise, and when he looked over, he saw Ye Feng staring back with a calm expression, nodding at him.


    "I thank you, my lord!"


    Cao Tian instantly expressed his gratitude.


    Ye Feng waved his hand casually, choosing not to elaborate further. Boss Cao had helped him so much in the past; naturally, he would take good care of his descendant. A spot in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was the least he could arrange. If these people were unwilling to yield, then they would simply have to fight for it.


    If he were alone, perhaps it would have been difficult. However, he had Xiao Chuan and Sima Zhantian with him. Not counting Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, their side had five strong Half-Step Golden Core fighters. As for himself, none of the Half-Step Golden Core individuals present should be his match¡ªnot even the likes of the talented Chi Jark and Golden Cicada.


    "But there are only about twenty individuals at Half-Step Golden Core. What about the remaining five spots?"


    An expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm from the Confucian Sect raised this question.


    The rest from various powers also turned their attention to this matter. They had one or two either at the Foundation Establishment Realm or Divine Path Realm among them, and naturally, they did not wish to give up.


    Hong Gaishi raised an eyebrow, glanced at a Foundation Establishment Realm member of the Hong Clan beside him, and then said, "It''s simple. All those at the Divine Path Realm fight in a free-for-all. The last five standing will get those final spots."


    The leaders of the major powers nodded one after another, including Golden Cicada from the Buddhist Sect, who also stepped forward: "This humble monk agrees with Benefactor Hong''s proposal."


    With Golden Cicada''s agreement, the other Nine Great Sects also nodded in approval. The experts from the various powers below the Half-Step Golden Core Realm came forward and gathered in the center of the stage. Soon, all the experts from the Divine Path Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm were concentrated together.


    "Wait a minute, Ye Feng, don''t you also have someone who''s at Peak Martial King level with you?"


    Hong Gaishi looked towards Ye Feng with a mocking smile, knowing Cao Tian was brought by Ye Feng. He had been aware of this since their time on Earth. This suggestion was also, in fact, targeting Ye Feng.


    Cao Tian''s face darkened. As expected, the moment had come. If he really had to fight against those at the Foundation Establishment Realm and Divine Path Realm, he was sure to be eliminated, as he was indeed truly at the Peak Martial King level.


    Hong Gaishi''s words made everyone look towards Ye Feng, their eyes lingering on Cao Tian as they sensed his Peak Martial King aura.


    Ye Feng responded indifferently, "That was your own suggestion. Did you see me agree to it?"


    Hong Gaishi stiffened, realizing that Ye Feng had not actually agreed to anything from the start. Nevertheless, he still snorted coldly, "This is already agreed upon by everyone. The minority must follow the majority. What, do you want to be targeted by everyone here?"


    However, Ye Feng merely scoffed, "Are you sure about going by what you said? In that case, I''ll also have to fight since I''m at Peak Martial King level too, right?"


    After saying this, Ye Feng released his Peak Martial King aura. He was not deceiving anyone¡ªhe was genuinely at the Peak Martial King level!


    ```

 Chapter 555 - 550: If You Disagree, Fight

    The onlookers grew pale at the sight of Ye Feng''s Peak Martial King realm. Could they possibly let Ye Feng fight? It''s likely he''d simply eliminate everyone!


    Bu Tianyun from the Bu Family, a promising youth with the combat power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, was defeated in just two or three moves. How could they let a Peak Martial King like him fight their own people from the Divine Path Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm? If this were to happen, none of them would be left standing.


    This was absolutely unacceptable!


    Hong Gaishi''s face turned an ashen shade; the Hong Family''s members from the Foundation Establishment Realm were also inside the ring, and he certainly did not want to allow Ye Feng to enter.


    "Are you all just going to watch as he takes so many spots for the Northern Border King''s side?"


    Hong Gaishi was somewhat unwilling to accept this. If you included Cao Tian, the Peak Martial King, then Ye Feng''s side would have seven spots for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. This was already close to one-third of all the spots!!!


    "If you''re not convinced, we can also fight it out. It''s not a problem to take down some of your Half-Step Golden Core combatants in the process," said Xiao Chuanqi, stepping forward and releasing the aura of a Half-Step Golden Core, with his Immortal Sword already in hand.


    "That''s right, if you''re not satisfied, come and fight!"


    Sima Zhantian held an Immortal Blade, his Half-Step Golden Core aura fully on display.


    Shadow, Leng Wuming, and Gai Jiuyou all stepped forward, releasing their auras as well.


    Five great Half-Step Golden Cores, plus Ye Feng, the super anomaly!


    Seeing this, Chi Jark was excited to join in, "Fighting is such fun; of course, I want to be counted in too. Let me join the fray!"


    Chi Jark''s Half-Step Golden Core was even more powerful, clearly stronger than Xiao Chuanqi''s and Sima Zhantian''s auras by a notch!


    Xiao Rulong also showed a smiling face and said, "Since that''s the case, it wouldn''t be right for me to just stand by, especially since I''m already standing with Brother Ye."


    Xiao Chubby, shaking a fan, took a step forward, releasing an aura only slightly weaker than Chi Jark''s.


    In an instant, Ye Feng''s side was filled with formidable fighters. Including Ye Feng, there were a total of eight Half-Step Golden Core experts, whose terrifying presence filled the entire arena, causing everyone to shiver with fear.


    Hong Gaishi''s expression changed slightly as he saw Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong unveil themselves. He darkly said, "So the normally neutral Chi Family and Xiao Family are picking sides now?"


    As everyone knew, among the Four Great Ancient Clans, the Chi Family and the Xiao Family were rather reserved, usually not involved in any conflict and keeping a very low profile. Even the Xuanyuan Hall Master didn''t have members from the Chi or Xiao Families, but no one dared to provoke either Clan easily. The absence of a Hall Master didn''t mean there were no experts with the strength of one.


    Chi Jark''s expression remained unchanged, speaking casually, "My own affairs have nothing to do with my family. Don''t you start pinning labels on me willy-nilly, young Hong. Know your place."


    Chi Jark had never considered Hong Gaishi worthy of attention. Perhaps if it were Hong Tianyu from the Hong Family, the genius ranked second on the genius list, he might have some apprehension, but Hong Gaishi, a newly promoted Half-Step Golden Core, was simply not in his league.


    Xiao Rulong too chuckled good-naturedly, "Just like Brother Chi, I''m acting purely on my own behalf, not much to do with the family."


    There was also a slight hint of disdain in Xiao Rulong''s eyes. To him, Hong Gaishi was simply too green.


    Those in Hong Gaishi''s eyes of disdain were noticed by Hong Gaishi himself, anger brewing in his heart, yet he dared not act out. He was aware that on the Outer Battlefield, the one currently holding the limelight was their family''s own Hong Tianyu, that same genius who had been ranked second on the previous list of geniuses.


    Humph, he was just born a few years before me. Sooner or later, I''ll catch up!


    Hong Gaishi was enraged, but at this time, he was powerless to do anything.


    Surrounding onlookers, seeing Ye Feng''s side''s formidable strength, dared not say a word. Eight Half-Step Golden Cores could completely sweep the arena¡ªalthough the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts also had many strong figures in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, it was clear they all had their own plans, making it difficult to act with one heart.


    No one spoke of Ye Feng''s side anymore, and at this time, the voice of the Seventh Hall Master Hong resounded.


    "There is only one incense stick''s worth of time remaining. In one stick of incense, only twenty-five contenders must remain on the stage; otherwise, they will be dealt with according to the rules," calmly stated the Seventh Hall Master.


    The complexion of the fighters on the stage changed, and Hong Gaishi bit his teeth. There was no time left. He couldn''t care less about Ye Feng''s side now.


    "Let''s begin the fight," Hong Gaishi declared.


    Several major powers nodded in agreement.


    The battle under the Half-Step Golden Core Realm was about to erupt!


    In the arena, Divine Path Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm powerhouses broke into a fierce melee, each nearly desperate. These were spots for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, with immense spirit stones and excellent cultivation environments at stake¡ªthings they had all dreamed of. If they could just enter and cultivate in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, even if only for five days, it would be equivalent to several months or even years of cultivation!


    The other powerhouses had already stepped aside to watch the battle unfold, with all the major powers naturally hoping their own would remain. The Divine Path Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm fighters fought as if their lives depended on it, willing to sustain severe injuries before giving in or being carried out of the arena by allies from their power.


    There was no other way; the path of cultivation was this cruel.


    ```


    Half a stick of incense time had passed, and only ten individuals were left in the center of the arena. Since Cao Tian had already secured a spot, they had to fight it out to determine the final four.


    "Hong Xing!"


    Hong Gaishi roared in fury. Their Hong Family''s Foundation Establishment Realm warrior had failed to hold on and was thrown out of the arena.


    Hong Gaishi''s face showed unwillingness, and he glared hatefully in Ye Feng''s direction, his eyes brimming with jealousy.


    After a while, finally, only four panting Foundation Establishment Realm warriors remained at the center, with all others having been defeated and eliminated from the platform.


    With that, the arena competition had finally come to an end.


    The representatives of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were mostly one semi-Golden Core warrior per sect, with the Buddhist Sect and Confucian Sect having two each, and the Hong Family and Bu Family of the Ancient Clan each also having two at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    The rest were several Loose Cultivators.


    There were also Loose Cultivators in the Xuanyuan Hall, who had come from the Xuanyuan Nation without attaching themselves to any power. Due to the Cultivation Methods of these Loose Cultivators, their strength was slightly inferior to the average Half-Step Golden Core, but still stronger than those of the Foundation Establishment Realm and Divine Path Realm.


    On Ye Feng''s side, discounting Chi Jark of the Chi Family and Xiao Rulong of the Xiao Family, they had secured a total of seven spots.


    Outside the arena, the seven Hall Masters watched the situation unfold. The Fifth Hall Master frowned as he looked at Ye Feng''s group and couldn''t help saying, "Ye Feng''s side has occupied seven spots. Isn''t that a bit too many?"


    As soon as he said this, all Hall Masters except the First and the Seventh showed slight displeasure.


    "That''s nearly one-third of the spots. Isn''t this a bit unreasonable?"


    "Right, that''s too many. I suggest we remove that Peak Martial King youth and give his spot to someone more in need."


    "Agreed."


    "I agree as well."


    The Sixth Hall Master proposed removing Cao Tian''s spot, and the other Hall Masters nodded in agreement.


    At that moment, the Seventh Hall Master sneered, "The people on Ye Feng''s side represent the Utility Pavilion and the Martial Academy''s spaces. How is that too many? Besides, weren''t your own people not strong enough, and now you want to snatch spots? What a joke."


    Of course, he knew Cao Tian, a direct lineage of the Cao Family, which made him one of their Utility Pavilion''s own. How could he agree to relinquish the spot?


    It was then the First Hall Master spoke, "The selection rules were decided by everyone''s vote. Now that the results are out and no rules have been violated, we shouldn''t dwell on this matter."


    The other Hall Masters'' expressions stiffened. They never expected Ye Feng''s party to bring so many people. Usually, each family would obtain at least two spots, but now, some sects merely received one, which felt like a huge loss.


    However, since the First Hall Master had spoken, they found it hard to say anything more and thus fell silent.


    Seeing this, the Seventh Hall Master couldn''t help scoffing at their behavior. These people were incompetent, yet they wanted to cause trouble for Ye Feng''s side.


    Even he felt a bit envious; Ye Feng''s side indeed had too many spots. In truth, the only one from the Utility Pavilion itself was Cao Tian, but it was better than nothing at all.


    The First Hall Master paid no attention to the other Hall Masters, stepped forward, and with a raise of his hand, he deactivated the arena''s Array. In that moment, all the golden lights vanished.


    As the Array was lifted, with a thunderous rumble, the massive arena collapsed into countless pieces of rubble.


    These ordinary stones could not have withstood such numerous battles anyway. If not for the Array, they would have crumbled long ago.


    The crowd was somewhat shocked, amazed by the power of the Array.


    The twenty-five individuals who had secured spots were now suspended above the collapsed arena. The First Hall Master looked up at them and declared loudly, "Congratulations to you all. In one day, you will receive the qualifications to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    "After entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, all the Spirit Stones you acquire must involve a contribution of fifty stones to the Xuanyuan Hall, as per the rules."


    "Here are storage rings, which serve as your reward and to carry the Spirit Stones. Xuanyuan Hall will only require fifty stones; how you hide the rest is of no concern to us."


    The First Hall Master casually tossed the rings, and twenty-five plain-looking rings flew into the hands of the twenty-five people.


    Many who received the rings were visibly excited, for these were the legendary high-tier storage rings!


    Ye Feng was also rather shocked¡ªit was a storage ring. It seemed that the rings were in the possession of the Hall Masters in the Xuanyuan Hall. No wonder the Hall Masters had suspected him of actually having a Dragon Egg; they were aware of the existence of storage rings.


    Ye Feng received his storage ring, and upon inspection, he found that its space was very small, only about one cubic meter. Ye Feng felt somewhat disdainful¡ªthe Five-clawed Golden Dragon had given him one with twenty cubic meters of space.


    What Ye Feng didn''t realize was that the storage ring he dismissed was the object of envy for many.


    Even many Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm might not possess a storage ring!


    ```

 Chapter 556 - 551: Displaying Their Movement Techniques

    At this moment, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian among others were ecstatic, as it was the first time they had obtained a storage ring.


    "So storage rings really do exist! Never thought I''d get such a good deal just by participating in a selection,"


    Sima Zhantian said, grinning.


    Gai Jiuyou also happily said, "To my knowledge, many Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm don''t even have storage rings. This thing basically comes from secret realms."


    Ye Feng just smiled without saying anything. Not only did Sima Zhantian and Gai Jiuyou have such reactions, but even the individuals from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were pleasantly surprised as well.


    However, individuals like Golden Cicada, Chi Jark, and Xiao Rulong were all indifferent, their expressions calm, showing not the slightest bit of surprise.


    Even the likes of Hong Gaishi and Bu Tianyun looked at the others with a hint of disdain in their eyes.


    It seemed that these members of great clans and these prodigies must have known about the existence of storage rings for a long time, or even already had their own, though how large they were remained unknown.


    As Ye Feng was pondering this, Chi Jark next to him happened to say in a low voice, "Xuanyuan Hall is still so stingy. The storage rings they give only have a small space of one cubic meter."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but be amused; indeed, they were even finding fault with their gifts.


    Ye Feng took the opportunity to ask, "Then Brother Chi must have a storage ring with a much larger space?"


    He was also curious about the size of the storage ring owned by the prodigy from the Chi Family, one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, who was listed on the talent ranking.


    Upon hearing Ye Feng''s question, Chi Jark, with evident pride and satisfaction, replied in a low voice, "The storage ring I got from my family has a space of five cubic meters. This one-cubic-meter storage ring is like trash to me."


    Chi Jark had expected Ye Feng to look at him enviously, but he found that Ye Feng remained very calm, without much of a reaction.


    What he didn''t know was that he was actually the one being looked down upon by Ye Feng.


    So the storied Four Great Ancient Clans only had storage rings with five cubic meters of space, which didn''t seem so impressive after all. It was quite inferior compared to the twenty cubic meter ring given to him by the Five-clawed Golden Dragon.


    Ye Feng muttered to himself, but noticing that Chi Jark was gazing intently at him, he immediately put on a surprised expression, "To have five cubic meters of space is truly fitting for the Four Great Ancient Clans. The Chi Family is impressive!"


    Ye Feng offered some flattery on the surface.


    Seeing this, Chi Jark also smiled, but he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. It seemed as if Ye Feng was just humoring him.


    Could it be that this guy had an even bigger storage ring than him?


    Impossible. This kid had not been in the Outer Battlefield for long, and it didn''t seem like the Utility Pavilion had such items.


    Storage rings were actually extremely precious within the Four Great Ancient Clans, with not so many available in each clan.


    It seemed like the Utility Pavilion didn''t even have storage rings, right?


    After some superficial praising, Ye Feng didn''t say much more.


    The First Hall Master then briefly explained a few matters and the precautions to take within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm before letting everyone disperse and rest, as the Seventh Hall Master would lead the team to the opening site of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm after a day.


    Those who did not manage to secure a spot for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm dispersed disappointedly, not lingering too long in front of Xuanyuan Hall.


    In the Outer Battlefield, there are still many small secret realms. If one is lucky, it''s possible to discover a small secret realm on one''s own. Each small secret realm usually has abundant Spirit Essence, suitable for human cultivators to practice.


    However, many small secret realms have already been discovered and used. Once the Spirit Essence of a realm is depleted, the realm begins to collapse and will gradually disappear completely.


    After more than two thousand years, many secret realms, big and small, have been mostly unearthed. Still, there are some hidden realms where a lucky person may even stumble upon a realm while on the road and obtain a heaven-defying opportunity.


    But such children of fortune are rather rare.


    The twenty-five selected individuals began to rest and recuperate in front of Xuanyuan Hall. A dozen stone houses of various sizes were once again constructed.


    Ye Feng was currently in the same stone house as Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, learning about their whereabouts over the past few days.


    Dividing into groups of two, they headed in three different directions. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian had also encountered a sandstorm in the Death Desert similar to what Ye Feng had faced previously. Fortunately, they were luckier and did not meet the Eight Wilderness Lizards that Ye Feng had.


    On their way, they encountered an Alien Beast from the Golden Core Realm, and it took them immense effort to kill it. Afterwards, they absorbed the power of the Beast Core, increasing their strength in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    Shadow and Leng Wuming fared better, leaving the area of the Death Desert not long after setting off, arriving in a land of snow and ice, where they encountered numerous Ferocious Beasts below the Golden Core Realm.


    Ye Feng said gravely, "You must have gone to the Extreme Cold Icefield. There is a deadly place there too. You didn''t enter it, did you?"


    The Extreme Cold Icefield is right next to the Death Desert, its searing heat in total contrast to the cold of the Icefield.


    The Extreme Cold Icefield is a world of ice, with extremely low temperatures throughout, always tens of degrees below zero.


    Situated there, one of the Four Great Desolate Lands of the Outer Battlefield, is the Ice Prison Valley. Legend has it that the valley harbors numerous Alien Beasts of the Golden Core Realm, and even more powerful mysterious monsters lurking deep inside. Moreover, the environment in the Ice Prison Valley is even more harsh with temperatures several times lower than the Extreme Cold Icefield. Ordinary Peak Martial King Powerhouses that get too close can be frozen into ice sculptures.


    Even a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm would not dare to set foot in it. Just at the entrance, there are several Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts, so no one dares to explore further.


    At that moment, Shadow recalled the experience, his face showing a hint of dread as he said, "Indeed, we found an ice valley, and from within, there were roars that sent chills down our spines. Leng Wuming and I merely glanced once and felt a great terror, so we dared not proceed further."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow. Merely hearing roars from the outside could cause one''s heart to palpitate?


    Just how powerful would the creature emitting those roars be?


    It seemed there was a reason why it was called one of the Four Great Desolate Lands.


    As everyone discussed their experiences over the past few days¡ªeach story filled with its share of dangers¡ªit appeared they had all headed towards Xuanyuan Hall after finding a city and learning about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, where they bought a map from someone.


    After Xiao Chuanqi and Shadow shared their experiences, the group turned their attention to Gai Jiuyou.


    Seeing everyone looking his way, Gai Jiuyou gave a light cough and said, "Cao Tian and I didn''t really encounter anything because I''m somewhat familiar with the Outer Battlefield. Hence, I took Cao Tian to some places free of Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts for training."


    "Upon meeting people from the Utility Pavilion on the way, we learned about the selection for the secret realm. Thinking that everyone would probably come, we made our way here too," Gai Jiuyou said with a grin.


    Ye Feng understood. Indeed, Gai Jiuyou had spent much more time in the Outer Battlefield compared to the rest of them. Even though he had suffered from deviation before, he still retained basic awareness and memory. In terms of knowledge about the Outer Battlefield, Gai Jiuyou was likely the most informed among them.


    The main thing was that everyone had arrived safely, which made Ye Feng rather pleased. In a place as fraught with peril as the Outer Battlefield, wanting to gain an increase in strength inevitably meant facing equal risks.


    After chatting idly for a while, they each sat down to cultivate.


    A day passed by quickly.


    "It''s time to set off, youngsters."


    The voice of the Seventh Hall Master sounded in everyone''s ears, and immediately, twenty-five figures flew out from the dozen or so stone houses.


    The Seventh Hall Master scanned the group, then leaped into the air.


    "Everyone, follow me!"


    With a shout from the Seventh Hall Master, he transformed into a streak of light and rapidly flew in one direction.


    All faces changed slightly¡ªthe Seventh Hall Master''s speed was too fast! Even a normal Half-Step Golden Core wouldn''t be able to match this speed!


    This was clearly a challenge for them!


    Xiao Rulong, with a smile, said, "When it comes to speed, the movement technique of our Xiao Family is second to none."


    Immediately, the portly Xiao Rulong likewise soared into the air, deploying the Xiao Family Body Technique, turning into a streak of light pursuing closely behind.


    Seeing the speed at which Xiao Rulong flew away, Xiao Chuanqi''s eyes widened in shock, "Is there really such an agile fat man?"


    Chi Jark laughed out loud, glancing at Xiao Chuanqi and saying, "The movement technique of the Xiao Family is indeed extraordinary. Among the Four Great Ancient Clans, their technique reigns supreme, but then again, ours from the Chi Family is not bad either!"


    Chi Jark laughed heartily, and his body immediately turned into an afterimage, chasing after them quickly.


    Xiao Chuanqi''s eyes bulged as he watched Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark nearly keeping pace with the Seventh Hall Master. Ye Feng smiled faintly upon seeing this and said, "Let''s also keep up, and try not to fall behind. Shadow, you''re quite fast, take Cao Tian with you; everyone else, do your best to keep up."


    Ye Feng opened all of his more than 2500 acupoints, and his speed soared to the extreme.


    "My lord is also this fast!" Xiao Chuanqi was once again astonished.


    With the power of his acupoints fully unleashed, Ye Feng''s speed was certainly not inferior to that of Chi Jark.


    The others didn''t delay any further; each unleashed their own movement techniques and followed in succession.


    After flying the entirety of half a day, a huge valley appeared before them. The Seventh Hall Master, leading the group, stopped in front of the valley,


    where many figures were already gathered around, with the three forces standing at three different positions.


    "Xuanyuan Hall''s Seventh Hall Master, I didn''t expect you to be leading the team this time. Isn''t your First Hall Master coming?" a soft, sinister voice rang out.


    Ye Feng and the others immediately looked over, their shock apparent. What stood before them was a vampire, but unlike any vampire they had seen before. This vampire''s wings were blood red in color, unlike the usual black wings of vampires, and it was surrounded by a faint red mist, with a soaring stench of blood.


    Chi Jark looked at this vampire, his expression grave as he spoke in a low voice, "Blood Red Divine Wings. This is one of the Vampire Divine Dukes from the Western Vampire Divine Court!"


    Ye Feng''s expression changed, so this was a Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court?

 Chapter 557 - 552: First Entry into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm

    ```


    The Vampire Divine Dukes of the Western Vampire Divine Court are actually similar to the Eight Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall and are also the top existences of the Vampire Divine Court.


    Officially, there are six Vampire Divine Dukes in the Western Vampire Divine Court, but that''s only official. The exact number of Vampire Divine Dukes is not clear to the major powers, but everyone knows that there are probably more than six Vampire Divine Dukes.


    "The blood-red wings behind the Vampire Divine Dukes of the Divine Court are a symbolic emblem. Once they reach a certain realm, the black wings behind the vampires will turn into blood-red wings."


    Chi Jark was still speaking softly; from the expressions of Ye Feng and the others, he could tell that none of them had seen a Vampire Divine Duke before, considering their short time in the Outer Battlefield.


    After hearing what Chi Jark had said, Ye Feng speculated that these so-called Vampire Divine Dukes must be those who have reached the Yin-Yang Realm!


    The Seventh Hall Master looked at the speaking Vampire Divine Duke and chuckled lightly, "Wos, what, feeling itchy again and want to get slapped around? Didn''t you have enough last time during the battle for supremacy?"


    The Vampire Divine Duke known as Wos stiffened in the face, immediately replying angrily, "That was because your Xuanyuan Hall despicably ganged up on us!"


    The Seventh Hall Master simply curled his lip, "Wasn''t it your Vampire Divine Court who came looking for a beating?"


    Wos was once again somewhat angry, his Blood Qi surged to the sky, with a vague intention to take action.


    Almost everyone present was overwhelmed by this terrifying Blood Qi, especially those few at the Foundation Establishment Realm and Cao Tian, who all turned pale.


    At that moment, the Seventh Hall Master snorted coldly, with a wave of his hand, he directly dissipated the oncoming Blood Qi and pressed down with his own aura.


    Only then did the crowd feel somewhat relieved.


    The powerful aura of the Seventh Hall Master also pressed towards the Vampire Divine Duke Wos, causing the twenty-five vampires behind him to be shaken back several steps, and even the weaker ones vomited fresh blood.


    Wos''s complexion changed slightly, and he hurriedly released a blood-colored protective shield to cover his people.


    "Zhao Xuanzhen, don''t go too far!"


    Zhao Xuanzhen, that is the Seventh Hall Master''s name¡ªYe Feng had known it back on Earth, and he is also the father of the Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming.


    Wos''s face looked ugly; clearly, he was no match for the Seventh Hall Master in terms of strength.


    "Without strength and still provoking, overestimating one''s abilities."


    Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled coldly and withdrew his aura, knowing that now was not the time to start a conflict. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was what mattered.


    Ye Feng and the others also saw the full burst of the Seventh Hall Master''s aura for the first time and were very shocked in their hearts; it was powerfully overwhelming.


    Wos had a dark face, in fact, he wasn''t much inferior to the Seventh Hall Master, but the Seventh Hall Master''s sudden outburst caught him off guard, leading to the scene that just unfolded.


    "Zhao Xuanzhen, Wos, stop droning on. Let''s just open the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm now."


    An Onmyoji floated down from above; this Onmyoji was wearing a golden-color Daoist robe and a White Jade Crown on his head. On the crown was inscribed the character "Divine," and he held a feather fan in his hand. His aura was also very powerful, even comparable to that of the Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen.


    "This is the Yin-Yang Divine Master from the Fusang Yin-Yang Hall, I''ve seen this guy before; he seems to be called some Snake God Master."


    Chi Jark continued in a low voice to everyone, his gaze very solemn.


    "Rumor has it that one of the Shikigami he summons is the Yamata no Orochi from Fusang legends, capable of swallowing all things."


    Ye Feng''s expression became serious¡ªthe Yamata no Orochi was a disaster god from Fusang legends, to be able to summon such a Shikigami, one must have terrifying personal strength to control it.


    Following that, a purple light flew over¡ªit was a wizard dressed in a purple gold Daoist robe with a Purple Gold Staff in hand.


    "The Sake Shaman from the Snow Wolf Country. I don''t know the specifics, I just know his name," Chi Jark said, assuming the role of an explainer and continuously introducing them to everyone.


    Each of these individuals was like a Hall Master Level existence of Xuanyuan Hall; everyone took serious note of them in their hearts, as they were all hostile forces, having more knowledge meant being more prepared.


    The aura on Sake Shaman was very dark and sinister. Approaching the group, he let out a sharp laugh, "In this competition for the Spirit Essence Pools, our Wizard Alliance will definitely secure four spots; as for the remaining six, everyone else can decide amongst themselves."


    No sooner had he finished speaking than Wos sneered, "Four spots, don''t you think you''re dreaming too much, Sake? Last time your Wizard Alliance only got two spots, right?"


    "To want four this time is probably wishful thinking."


    Sake was not annoyed and just laughed sharply, "Don''t worry, this time our Wizard Alliance will definitely secure more spots than your foul vampires."


    Wos''s eyes turned cold as his aura burst forth once again.


    "All living centuries-old demon creatures, yet still acting like children: cut the chatter and just start the Secret Realm, will you?"


    The Seventh Hall Master chuckled lightly, pulling out an object resembling a Token.


    Wos and Sake ceased their bickering, also producing an ancient Token, including the Snake God Master.


    Four ancient Tokens appeared, flying from the hands of the four powerful beings to the front of the valley, forming a square pattern in mid-air. Then, a huge white Formation emerged.


    "Activate the Formation!"


    The Seventh Hall Master roared, his powerful energy bursting forth, transmitting an unknown force into the Formation in the sky.


    The other three powers did the same, with four powerful energies converging; the Formation was instantly lit up, and gradually a giant Whirlpool appeared in the sky, brimming with dense Spirit Essence Energy. Merely breathing in seemed to raise one''s Cultivation Level.


    "What dense Spirit Essence Energy!"


    ```


    "This, is it equivalent to absorbing a Spirit Stone with just one breath?"


    "Heavens, I actually faintly feel like I''m about to break through!"


    Everyone exclaimed in amazement, staring at the Gate of Whirlpool, their eyes shining.


    "Go in!"


    The Seventh Hall Master bellowed again, and the other three powerhouses also shouted at the people they brought with them. One after another, figures swiftly flew into the Gate of Whirlpool and disappeared in mid-air.


    Ye Feng and Xiao Chuanqi were among those who flew in as well.


    As Ye Feng entered the Gate of Whirlpool, he felt as if he had abruptly entered an extremely dark space, followed by a strong sensation of dizziness.


    This feeling, so familiar.


    Isn''t this the same feeling as when entering the Outer Battlefield before?


    The Gate of Whirlpool really gave Ye Feng the feeling of entering the Outer Battlefield for the first time through an external passage. After a bout of dizziness, he slowly opened his eyes.


    A glimmer of light appeared, and as Ye Feng opened his eyes, he was greeted by blue skies and white clouds.


    "Blue sky, white clouds?"


    "Shouldn''t I be in the Outer Battlefield? Why are there blue skies and white clouds? Could it be that this secret realm is actually located on Earth?"


    Ye Feng was very puzzled as he surveyed his surroundings. He was now in the middle of a vast plain, with the grass reaching half a meter tall.


    This familiar yet strange feeling took Ye Feng by complete surprise.


    In the past, he had been in the Outer Battlefield, where there were neither sun nor moon, let alone a blue sky. The Outer Battlefield was an endless wasteland where not a single blade of grass grew; yet here, there was a prairie full of green grass!


    "So this is what the secret realm looks like."


    Ye Feng smiled; such an environment made him feel very comfortable.


    The rich Power of Spirit Essence in the air made him feel as if his blood was boiling.


    "This Spirit Essence is too rich."


    As Ye Feng raised his palm, a small whirlpool immediately appeared in the air, followed by a drop of liquid landing in his palm.


    This was a drop of Spiritual Liquid!


    Ye Feng could directly refine a drop of Spiritual Liquid from the air!


    Feeling the rich Power of Spirit Essence within the Spiritual Liquid, Ye Feng grinned and said, "This place is good indeed."


    Just as people outside said, cultivating for five days in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was definitely equivalent to months or even years of cultivation in the outside world.


    When you can refine Spirit Essence Liquid from the air, it means that as long as you''re breathing, Spirit Essence is being absorbed into your body. With the immense drive of Spirit Essence, it''s hard to have slow progress in cultivation.


    Ye Feng spread his spiritual power and was surprised to find that it was unrestricted in the secret realm, the same as the range he could use on Earth.


    After scanning his surroundings, Ye Feng found no trace of human activity, which meant the Formation Portal likely scattered everyone entering the secret realm, each to different locations.


    Ye Feng didn''t think much about it; portals like the Gate of Whirlpool are related to space, which has always been the most mysterious. He didn''t care to research how a Teleportation Array could disperse everyone.


    After ensuring his surroundings were safe, Ye Feng was about to sit down and cultivate. With such rich Spirit Essence, even forcibly absorbing it to open Acupoints would be excellent. He was now not far from reaching two thousand and six hundred Acupoints, only a dozen or so short. The Beast Cores he had absorbed in recent battles had also successfully opened more than a dozen Acupoints.


    But just as Ye Feng began to sit cross-legged, a light suddenly formed in front of him.


    Ye Feng''s face changed slightly, and he immediately became alert, watching as a light shadow slowly manifested in front of him. Shortly thereafter, the figure of a White-Bearded Elder appeared before him, but it was just a light shadow, not an actual person.


    "Spirit of the Secret Realm?"


    Ye Feng said softly.


    Previously, the First Hall Master had told them about the existence of the Spirit of the Secret Realm within the secret realm, which would inform them about the details of the secret realm, including how to access the Spirit Essence Pool.


    The White-Bearded Elder''s face was kind. If it weren''t just a light shadow, Ye Feng might have thought he was facing a real person.


    On closer inspection, Ye Feng noticed that the eyes of the White-Bearded Elder were very hollow, as if lacking a soul.


    This scene was also happening before all the cultivators who entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "I am the Spirit Guardian of the Heavenly Origin Divine Realm, you may call me Elder Bai."


    The White-Bearded Elder said somewhat mechanically, his gaze still vacant.


    Elder Bai?


    Ye Feng was somewhat bemused; that name was indeed simplistic and blunt.


    After thinking for a moment, Ye Feng asked, "Elder Bai, may I ask what I should do in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"

 Chapter 558 - 553: My Emperor

    The appearance of the Spirit of the Secret Realm likely signifies some sort of requirement.


    With a vacant gaze, Elder Bai looked at Ye Feng, and a ray of light flew out from Elder Bai and immediately enveloped Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s face changed slightly, What does this light want to do?


    He had been about to resist when Elder Bai, hovering in mid-air, spoke, "No need to be hasty, I am merely getting a simple understanding of you and will not harm you in any way. This is the pure power of Spirit Essence."


    Hearing these words, Ye Feng did not make any other movements, but remained vigilant, his nerves tensely drawn. Everything in this secret realm was unknown, and even though the Spirit of the Secret Realm said this, he could not be without defenses.


    The white light enveloped Ye Feng, astonishingly transforming him into a person of light, his entire body radiating luminosity.


    Ye Feng could feel the light as if it were peering into him, probing every condition inside his body, giving him a very strange sensation.


    If it weren''t for the fact that this was the Spirit of the Secret Realm, he would have already burst forth to resist.


    However, at this moment, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll within the Sea of Consciousness of Heavenly Heart Palace slowly opened, releasing a protective shield that covered the entire Sea of Consciousness of Heavenly Heart Palace, completely isolating Ye Feng from the probing white light.


    A thought flickered through Ye Feng''s mind, This seemed to be the self-protection program of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, completely blocking the probe of this light. It also meant that whatever was within the Sea of Consciousness of Heavenly Heart Palace, this light definitely could not investigate any longer.


    However, it seemed that the overall condition within his body had already been scrutinized by the white light.


    Moments later, the white light slowly receded from Ye Feng''s body and condensed into a sphere of light in the air before flying back into the spectral figure of Spirit of the Secret Realm Elder Bai.


    After absorbing the orb of light, Elder Bai seemed to shudder.


    It was in that instant that Ye Feng sensed something was amiss. The entire Heavenly Origin Secret Realm seemed to tremble violently, almost causing him to lose his footing.


    The long grass on the prairie swayed incessantly, clearly also affected by the recent tremor.


    "What''s going on!?"


    Ye Feng was alarmed, he was in the Secret Realm now, and he was acutely aware that the tremor he had felt was the entire Secret Realm world shaking.


    But how could the Secret Realm shake!?


    At the same time, this scene was unfolding before the eyes of everyone who had entered the Secret Realm.


    Above a sea within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, an apparition of the White-Bearded Elder, the Spirit of the Secret Realm, also appeared in front of Chi Jark, and the water beneath him began to shake, with the entire surface of the lake churning into huge waves.


    Chi Jark was taken aback, "What the devil, the previously calm and tranquil lake, why has it suddenly raised huge waves?"


    Seeing the violently shaking grass and trees by the lake, Chi Jark immediately understood and inhaled a breath of cool air.


    "How can there be an earthquake in the Secret Realm, could it be that the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is facing collapse!?"


    Chi Jark''s eyes widened, Indeed, an earthquake-like situation would arise if the Secret Realm were about to collapse, followed by the shattering of the Secret Realm world, but such a circumstance would generally occur only in a world of the Secret Realm where Spirit Essence was depleted. How could the rich Spirit Essence and the scenic beauty of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm lead to depletion and collapse?


    What exactly is going on?


    Not just him, but everyone who had entered the Secret Realm was full of doubts and worries, fearing that the Secret Realm might collapse.


    In the meantime, outside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, right before the valley where everyone had just arrived.


    The four Great Powers had opened the Gate of Whirlpool, and after all the strong competitors entered, they had closed it, since sustaining the Gate of Whirlpool requires a significant amount of Spirit Essence, and even entities of their realm could not possibly maintain it open indefinitely.


    After shutting down the Gate of Whirlpool, they each settled down in four corners to rest with their eyes closed or sat cross-legged on the ground.


    But at that moment, the mysterious fog-shrouded valley suddenly shook and even emitted a thunderous rumbling noise.


    The four Great Powers suddenly opened their eyes, and the Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen''s eyes even flashed with a sharp light, staring at the valley ahead.


    "What''s going on, what''s happened to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!?"


    The Sake Witch God from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country was uncertain, also looking at the valley.


    The others were equally puzzled, staring seriously at the valley where the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was located.


    The mysterious fog-filled valley in front was where the world of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm existed.


    This sudden disturbance left everyone feeling somewhat anxious, unsure of what was happening.


    "Could it be the Secret Realm is about to collapse?"


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s complexion turned stern as he voiced this speculation, which usually accompanied a significant disturbance indicating oncoming collapse.


    The others'' expressions also changed.


    The Snake God Master from Fusang Yin-Yang Hall said with a steadfast face, "How could that be, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm has been opened for five hundred years without any anomalies and, including when we opened the Gate of Whirlpool just before, you all felt the dense Spirit Essence. It''s impossible for it to be on the verge of collapsing."


    Wos, with sharp fangs bared and a grim expression, said, "Then what on earth is happening? Our pride of the Vampire Divine Court are all still inside, if the Secret Realm collapses now..."


    Everyone present had grave expressions on their faces. As Wos had said, if the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was indeed collapsing at this moment, the consequences would be dire.


    The collapse of a secret realm would completely shatter that space. If anyone failed to exit the realm before it fully collapsed, they would be caught in the turbulent flows of space-time, with virtually no chance of survival.


    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm currently housed the young elites of all the major powers, each with immense potential and representing fifty-year generational pillars of strength. If the realm collapsed and they were swept into the chaos of space-time, it would mean the Earth would lose its elite for fifty years!


    "Why not open the Gate of Whirlpool and use sound transmission to get everyone out?"


    The Snake God Master said in a heavy voice, for this was the best course of action.


    Since the Secret Realm Space was isolated from the outside, even devices such as the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet couldn''t penetrate it. Only by opening the Gate of Whirlpool would a channel exist for transmitting messages to their respective young elites.


    "No, we only get this chance once every fifty years. They''ve just entered; if we pull them out now, we''ll have to wait for the next fifty years!"


    "Can we afford to wait another fifty years?"


    Sake''s hoarse voice rejected the idea. Fifty years might not seem especially long to them, but the rise of the younger generation would require a significant wait. Moreover, all the great powers stationed in the Outer Battlefield knew at least something about the Alien Space-Time.


    They probably didn''t have fifty years left to wait!


    Everyone fell silent. Yes, fifty years¡ªcould they even wait that long?


    "Hold on, the shaking seems to have stopped."


    Zhao Xuanzhen had been observing the valley closely and noticed that the shaking had completely ceased. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm had returned to its previous calm, as if nothing had happened.


    Inside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, near Ye Feng, the Spirit of the Secret Realm, Elder Bai, had already undergone a transformation.


    The shaking had stopped, and in the moment right after it ceased, dots of light coalesced onto the previously faintly transparent body of Elder Bai.


    Then, under Ye Feng''s slightly shocked gaze, Elder Bai''s body became solid, his once hollow eyes now gradually showed a glimmer of life.


    Even his aura began to change. Initially, Elder Bai, the spirit of the Secret Realm, appeared to have the aura of the Foundation Establishment Realm, but now his aura was climbing, quickly reaching that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm¡ªand still, it ascended!


    Ye Feng''s expression changed: "What''s going on?"


    He couldn''t help but take a step back as the spirit before him, Elder Bai, was beginning to give him an indescribable sense of pressure.


    Elder Bai''s aura rose past that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and continued to rise until it reached a highly formidable level and finally stopped.


    Ye Feng felt it for a moment and was instantly taken aback; it was akin to the aura he felt when facing the First Hall Master!


    This was undoubtedly the level of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    How could this be!?


    Ye Feng''s nerves were tense, the Emperor''s Armor appeared on his body, the Emperor''s Sword in his left hand, and the Sky-breaking Long Spear in his right. Fully armed, his own aura climbed to a peak.


    He couldn''t afford to be careless. The once harmless Spirit of the Secret Realm had inexplicably become a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. If he hadn''t seen it with his own eyes, he would have thought he was dreaming.


    But everything was still too fantastical!


    If this Spirit of the Secret Realm now possessed the ability to attack and then decided to attack him, wouldn''t he be doomed?


    At this moment, the Spirit of the Secret Realm, Elder Bai, was almost solid, his aura peaked to the extreme.


    His eyes turned to Ye Feng, and a sharp glint flashed across his vision.


    Then, as Elder Bai stepped onto the ground, he walked step by step toward Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s hairs stood on end, and he kept retreating, fully prepared for how he would immediately flee if Elder Bai attempted to attack him.


    "Your Majesty!"


    As Elder Bai approached Ye Feng, who was ready to run at any moment, Elder Bai suddenly knelt on one knee, full of reverence as he knelt before Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng was utterly baffled. The being before his eyes was a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, so why was it kneeling before him?


    Ye Feng still couldn''t believe it and hadn''t clearly heard what Elder Bai had just said, so he directly asked, "What did you call me just now?"


    Elder Bai lifted his head, his eyes almost brimming with tears of excitement, and reverently said, "My Emperor, after two thousand years, I have finally waited for your return!"


    My Emperor?


    Addressed to me?


    Ye Feng stood frozen. He had no clue what was happening. From the initial tremors of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to Elder Bai''s soaring aura from the Foundation Establishment to the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, and now kneeling before him calling him "Your Majesty," this chain of mysterious events left him completely bewildered.


    Ye Feng said with a stern voice, "I am not your emperor. Elder Bai, could you have mistaken me for someone else?"

 Chapter 559 - 554: Conditions for Entering the Spirit Essence Pool

    Elder Bai''s gaze remained reverent as he stared straight at Ye Feng and said, "My Emperor, this servant has not mistaken."


    "The Art of the Three Thousand Acupoints you cultivate is that of the Emperor, making you the heir of the Emperor, you are Our Emperor!"


    Elder Bai was still visibly overcome with excitement.


    Ye Feng was stunned for a moment, realizing it was his cultivation of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints being referenced; he also knew that this cultivation technique was created by an Emperor over two thousand years ago.


    "Emperor''s Armor, Sky-breaking Divine Spear, Emperor''s Sword... these are all Our Emperor''s equipment, you are Our Emperor!"


    As Elder Bai looked at the equipment on Ye Feng''s person, his excitement intensified, his face flushing red, although not truly in physical form, it was clear from his Spirit Essence Body that his complexion had changed.


    With that, Elder Bai once again knelt down on the ground, filled with awe.


    "This servant, the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord, pays respects to Our Emperor!"


    Elder Bai said in a clear voice.


    Ye Feng was shocked; it was astonishing that a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm would kneel before him, a sight so astonishing it bordered on madness.


    The Heavenly Origin Divine Lord?


    Why did he refer to himself as a Divine Lord, and one named after the Heavenly Origin no less?


    Ye Feng hurriedly said, "Elder Bai, please rise, you may call me Ye Feng."


    A Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm calling him ''My Emperor,'' even if just a Spirit Essence Body, felt extraordinarily strange to Ye Feng.


    "By your command, My Emperor!"


    Elder Bai slowly got to his feet, but seemed to have automatically ignored the latter part of Ye Feng''s statement, still addressing Ye Feng as ''My Emperor.''


    Ye Feng was a bit helpless, knowing it would definitely take more than a moment to change Elder Bai''s way of addressing him, and so he let it be.


    "Elder Bai, is this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm your creation?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but ask, as the Secret Realm was named the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and then there was Elder Bai, who called himself the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord, these two were probably intrinsically linked.


    "My Emperor, please give this servant a moment,"


    Elder Bai said with a smile, slightly bowing, and then with a sweep of his hand, the scenery around them began to distort at that moment, soon after changing into something else.


    Ye Feng was slightly startled to see the scenery around him changing little by little, and after a moment, he found himself no longer in the grassland from before but inside a resplendently golden palace.


    Ye Feng looked around the palace and saw that the interior was immensely luxurious, with various precious porcelain and other objects, all looking extremely valuable, and behind him was a dragon throne, magnificently grandiose, this was just like the legendary imperial palace.


    His residence back on Earth in Xuanyuan Nation''s Northern Cloud Residence was far inferior to this place.


    "So there''s such a palace within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and these items..."


    Ye Feng said with a touch of shock, he had never expected such a luxurious palace to exist within a secret realm.


    Elder Bai spoke with a smile, "My Emperor need not be surprised; these are but mundane items of no value to the likes of us."


    "This traveling palace was the one owned by the Emperor two thousand years ago, brought into this secret realm by this servant, solely to await the return of Our Emperor."


    Ye Feng was shaken by these words; this place was the traveling palace of the Emperor from over two thousand years ago?


    Looking at the splendid and imposing dragon throne behind him, along with the extremely luxurious decorations and items within the palace, Ye Feng couldn''t help but be amazed; indeed, that Emperor was one of luxury.


    However, as Elder Bai had said, these items held little interest for them now; these antique pieces could perhaps exchange for a lot of gold for ordinary people, and amass incalculable fortunes, but money was no longer of any importance to them.


    For cultivators, the gold and silver of the Mortal World were utterly worthless to them.


    "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm has been opened many times before; why have I never heard anyone mention the existence of this traveling palace?"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows. To his knowledge, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm had been opened no less than ten times before, yet he had never heard anyone speak of discovering any palace.


    What''s going on here?


    The palace certainly didn''t look small, and it should have been impossible not to see it from the outside. Even just passing by and catching a glimpse of the palace, it was very likely that someone would remember it and then some information about it would spread to the outside world. But there wasn''t any; not a single bit. I''ve never heard of the existence of any palace within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Elder Bai took the initiative to explain, "Your Majesty, this is an Obscuring Technique I''ve deployed. Although I''m only left with a remnant soul, I''m still the master of this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and casting some Obscuring Techniques is not a problem."


    "Moreover, I''ve set the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to only allow those below the Golden Core Realm to enter. A group of little kids who haven''t even reached the Golden Core Realm naturally can''t see through my Obscuring Technique, not even those who are in the Golden Core Realm."


    Elder Bai spoke with great confidence.


    At this point, Ye Feng coughed lightly; wasn''t he the one being referred to here?


    He, too, was just a little kid who had yet to reach the Golden Core Realm!


    However, he was still shocked in his heart. So the Elder Bai before him was actually just a remnant soul left behind from two thousand years ago. Just a remnant soul and yet it held the might of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. Just how strong was Elder Bai, also known as the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord, at his peak two thousand years ago?


    Elder Bai saw through Ye Feng''s thoughts and once again addressed him respectfully, "Your Majesty, I meant no offense. The Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints that you cultivate should have already reached over two thousand five hundred acupoints. Your current strength is nearly invincible in the Golden Core Realm!"


    "Once your Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints reaches Great Perfection, you could even slay experts of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    "Furthermore, my realm might seem to have the might of the Yin-Yang Realm, but in reality, it''s just an aura."


    "This remnant soul of mine has become the Spirit of the Secret Realm and has no attacking power. I can only control everything within this Secret Realm. If it wasn''t for your arrival, perhaps I would still be asleep."


    After hearing this, Ye Feng suddenly realized that it was his Art of Acupoints that awakened Elder Bai''s sleeping remnant soul, which led to the scene he encountered in the grassland before. Now, Elder Bai was merely a shell, seemingly powerful but without any attacking ability.


    "Then Elder Bai, where are the Spirit Stones located within this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm? And that Spirit Essence Pool..."


    Ye Feng was indeed curious. After he entered, he was on a plain and saw no trace of Spirit Stones; he could only sense the rich Spirit Essence in the air.


    Elder Bai smiled faintly, "Your Majesty, the Spirit Stones are actually underground. It''s simple to obtain them, just dig up the ground and mine for Spirit Stone veins. However, there''s a limit to the quantity each person can mine, with a maximum of five hundred stones per person. Mining Spirit Stones takes time too. Normally, an expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm would need a full three days to mine five hundred stones."


    "Even a genius with the strength of the Golden Core Realm would need two days. The remaining cultivators who enter usually choose to cultivate, as the Spirit Essence in the air of my Secret Realm is incredibly dense. Your Majesty must be very aware of this."


    Ye Feng nodded; so obtaining Spirit Stones was this simple. He thought he might have to complete some task or meet certain requirements to get them, but it turned out that all he needed was to dig. However, spending most of one''s time in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm just to dig up five hundred Spirit Stones was not something he would do.


    In such a uniquely favorable environment, every additional day of cultivation was valuable. Spirit Stones could be obtained elsewhere, and absorbing the Spirit Essence from the stones would take time, but the opportunity to cultivate in an environment where even the air could condense into Spirit Essence Liquid was rare.


    "What about the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Ye Feng asked again.


    Elder Bai did not conceal anything and spoke directly, "The so-called Spirit Essence Pool actually contains more refined Power of Spirit Essence. Upon entering, the Power of Spirit Essence from the pool will autonomously infuse into the body of the entrant. Almost every Half-Step Golden Core Realm expert who enters will break through to the Golden Core Realm there, and the power of the pool is sufficient to lay a foundation for the newly promoted experts of the Golden Core Realm, solidifying their realm."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, "Won''t such an infusion of Spirit Essence Power cause their realm to become unstable after a breakthrough?"


    This was akin to being infused with enlightenment, where a large influx of Spirit Essence Power would lead to a breakthrough. Typically, such advancement would result in an unstable realm, with the risk of Deviation.


    Elder Bai shook his head and said with a light smile, "I have set up a Formation in the Spirit Essence Pool that helps those who advance to solidify their realm. It is not a forceful enhancement, and it''s no different from solid cultivation. The basis will even be more stable, and the resultant Golden Core Realm will be stronger."


    Ye Feng was shocked; the Spirit Essence Pool was incredibly miraculous. That meant anyone entering the pool would emerge as a true Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, not just a newly promoted one.


    Like Elder Cangming of the Underworld Sect and Elder Hua Yue of the Flora Sect that he encountered before, they were newly promoted Great Powers of the Golden Core Realm. Such newly promoted powers typically had an unstable strength and a realm that wasn''t solidified, essentially at the bottom of the Golden Core Realm, requiring several years to consolidate their realm and strength.


    But those who came out of the Spirit Essence Pool would skip that phase, saving years of time needed for solidifying their realm!


    "What are the conditions for entering the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Ye Feng asked again, for such a heaven-defying pool, the entry conditions were likely to be tricky.


    But what Ye Feng hadn''t expected was that the entry condition was very simple and blunt. Elder Bai said, "In front of the Spirit Essence Pool, there will be a Stele to test one''s strength. Before the fourth day of entering the Secret Realm, everyone simply needs to display their strongest attack on the Stele, which will then rank the attackers based on their power. At the end of the third day, the top ten ranked individuals will automatically be transported into the Spirit Essence Pool."


    After hearing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel a bit stunned. Wasn''t this method of determining eligibility a bit too straightforward?


    As long as you ranked high enough with your attacking power, you were in!?

 Chapter 560 - 555 A Better Cultivation Location

    Ye Feng never expected that a spot in such a precious Spirit Essence Pool required only sufficient attack power to obtain, without any difficult conditions.


    Ye Feng began to question the purpose of the existence of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm; Spirit Stones just needed to be mined underground ¡ª the Spirit Stone Vein was right beneath his feet.


    Want Spirit Stones?


    Simple, mine them yourself. A normal Half-Step Golden Core needs only three days to take away the maximum of five hundred Spirit Stones. For those with the combat power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, it would take about two days to take all five hundred Spirit Stones.


    Want to enter the Spirit Essence Pool?


    This was even simpler; before the third day ended, go to a stele and unleash your strongest strike. The top ten would be able to enter the Spirit Essence Pool, without the need for any flashy maneuvers.


    Ye Feng was completely shocked by these straightforward and brutal methods of acquiring Spirit Stones and the selection for the Spirit Essence Pool spots.


    You could at least set up an arena for the sake of appearances, right?


    Or organize some kind of competition to pretend there was some challenge.


    Yet the method was just this brutally straightforward.


    At this point, Elder Bai took the initiative to say, "Once everyone enters the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, an avatar imbued with my Spirit Essence will appear to them, informing them of the ways to obtain Spirit Stones and enter the Spirit Essence Pool."


    Ye Feng was now completely speechless. No wonder after the selection competition ended, the First Hall Master didn''t say much about how to obtain Spirit Stones within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm or how to enter the Spirit Essence Pool. There was simply no need for excessive chatter.


    Upon entering the secret realm, everyone had their own exclusive guide who told them everything.


    You could choose to honestly mine for three days, just focusing on mining Spirit Stones. After three days, taking away five hundred Spirit Stones, you could return fully loaded.


    Or, after entering the secret realm, you could focus on cultivation, using the three-day period to increase your strength, then go to the stele and launch your most powerful strike, vying for a spot in the Spirit Essence Pool.


    The smarter Heaven''s Proud Sons would probably choose the latter. The most valuable thing in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was the Spirit Essence Pool. Spirit Stones were actually secondary. Truly absorbing the Spirit Essence from the stones for cultivation was too slow because it needed to be extracted from the stones and then purified within the body. This took a significant amount of time, so in the Outer Battlefield, Spirit Stones were basically used as recovery items. The Spirit Essence used for recovery did not need to be as pure as that used for cultivation.


    In the Outer Battlefield, the best way to cultivate was still to kill Alien Beasts to obtain Beast Cores or to find Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.


    The Spirit Essence Energy in Beast Cores was also fairly pure.


    However, Spirit Essence wasn''t of great use to Ye Feng. Given three days, he feared he could only use it to open a dozen or so Acupoints. He was already feeling the diminishing effects of Spirit Essence on him. To continue opening Acupoints, he likely needed more Beast Cores, as well as the special energy from the Skeleton Forest or more of the Power of Luck, which could be converted into Origin Energy through the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Nevertheless, Ye Feng was still somewhat tempted by the Spirit Essence Pool mentioned by Elder Bai. Such pure Power of Spirit Essence¡ªeven if he was nearing saturation¡ªshould allow him to open about fifty Acupoints after two days of absorption, right?


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng immediately asked, "Elder Bai, where is the stele?"


    Elder Bai seemed to have seen through Ye Feng''s thoughts again and said with a smile, "My emperor need not go to those steles. In the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, a special cultivation space has been prepared explicitly for you, which will aid you better in opening Acupoints."


    Ye Feng was startled once more, his face filled with surprise and joy. A place prepared especially for him that could better help him open Acupoints?


    Elder Bai nodded, then waved his hand once more, and the surroundings changed once again.


    Moments later, Ye Feng found himself in a secret chamber instead of the resplendent palace.


    The secret chamber was not large, merely the size of a bedroom, but this chamber had no doors, no exits; it was completely enclosed.


    However, with Elder Bai by his side, Ye Feng wasn''t too panicked.


    As long as Elder Bai was there, any place in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm should pose no issue.


    Ye Feng began to inspect the walls around him. The walls of the chamber were engraved with ancient, obscure symbols, indecipherable even to him, but he could vaguely feel that each symbol on the walls contained a terrifying power.


    "My emperor, please wait a moment."


    Elder Bai spoke and began Seal Formation, with Dharma Seals appearing in the air. Although Ye Feng could feel their vast might, he could also tell there was no harm intended, just as Elder Bai had said, for he no longer possessed any offensive power.


    One by one, Elder Bai imprinted the Dharma Seals into the walls of the secret chamber, and the moment these Dharma Seals entered the walls of the chamber, the previously dark room became brightly lit. The ancient, obscure symbols on the walls lit up one after another, with countless rays of light bursting forth.


    "The Source, so pure!" Ye Feng exclaimed with astonishment as he felt the light.


    These numerous rays of light were all pure Origin Energy, filling the entire chamber. Ye Feng could sense every Acupoint on his body becoming incredibly active, the unopened Acupoints seemed like hungry infants yearning for nourishment.


    Unable to hold back any longer, Ye Feng sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began using the Technique of Three Thousand Acupoints. Countless rays of light in the chamber converged on his body, bit by bit absorbed and used to Open Apertures.


    Elder Bai watched this scene with a look of gratification in his eyes and said softly, "Emperor, your heir is truly exceptional."


    He could see the imperial aura enveloping Ye Feng, as well as his Innate Bone age of merely twenty-six years. Ye Feng possessed such a powerful imperial aura at such an age, and had nearly two thousand six hundred Acupoints opened. He was undoubtedly one of Heaven''s Proud Sons.


    "However, the time left for him is running short."


    Elder Bai silently felt a breath that seemed to drift out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. After some time, this breath had reached the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Upon the vast Great Wall of Heaven, the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe was gazing at the turbulent space-time in front. At that moment, his murky old eyes shifted as if sensing something, and he looked in a certain direction.


    His gaze was deep, like the Star River itself. At a glance, it seemed as if his eyes were piercing through countless spaces.


    "Old fellow, have you awakened too? Indeed, there isn''t much time left."


    The Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe muttered softly to himself, it was unclear who he was speaking to. Soon after, he redirected his gaze and continued to stare into the turbulent space-time ahead.


    Time was passing by bit by bit in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others had already gathered together. When they met Ye Feng, they had all received a Sound Transmission Jade Tablet. Although one couldn''t use it to communicate with people outside of the Outer Battlefield, those within the secret realm could definitely communicate with each other.


    After listening to the introduction by the White-Bearded Elder, the six of them contacted each other through the Sound Transmission Jade Tablets.


    At this moment, the six were gathered beside a lake.


    Xiao Chuanqi looked at the people around him with a somewhat solemn expression and asked, "How is it, has anyone contacted our lord yet?"


    After entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he had already been trying to get in touch with everyone. Sima Zhantian, Shadow, Leng Wuming, and others had all responded, but only Ye Feng had no response from his Jade Token at all.


    The other five all shook their heads, their faces showing puzzled expressions.


    Shadow said, "The lord likely started secluded cultivation upon entering. We shouldn''t worry too much."


    Though she spoke these words, everyone could see that the worry on Shadow''s face was heavier than anyone else''s. She was even more concerned for Ye Feng''s safety.


    At this time, Leng Wuming spoke in a deep voice, "I think we shouldn''t worry too much. I''ve already asked the White-Bearded Elder before; he said fighting and killing are prohibited within the Heavenly Cloud Secret Realm. So, it nearly rules out the possibility of encountering enemies and falling into danger. Perhaps, as Shadow said, he might have begun secluded cultivation."


    "After all, the White-Bearded Elder also mentioned that those who rank in the top ten on the stele before the fourth day can enter the Spirit Essence Pool for cultivation."


    Leng Wuming''s words helped everyone calm down.


    They were all aware of this rule; they had been shocked to learn that fighting was forbidden within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, but also pleasantly surprised. After all, people from the Four Great Powers were all present in the secret realm. If fighting were allowed, their cultivation time would be greatly diminished, as well as their time for mining Spirit Stones. Anyone who fought within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm would be kicked out immediately.


    This way, they didn''t have to worry about safety anymore.


    "But what was the cause of the disturbance when we entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm just now?"


    Gai Jiuyou suddenly asked this question with a grave voice.


    The others also looked serious. They too had felt the tremors Gai Jiuyou mentioned. At the time, they were somewhat alarmed and still did not understand the cause.


    Could that disturbance be related to Ye Feng?


    The group, which had just been soothed by Leng Wuming''s words, were now worried again.


    Just then, a white silhouette gradually materialized in front of them, revealing a White-Bearded Elder.


    "The earlier disturbance was merely some fluctuations within the secret realm; it''s a normal occurrence. Please be assured," the White-Bearded Elder mechanically finished speaking, and then the silhouette slowly dissipated.


    The group exchanged glances and collectively sighed with relief.


    Although they still had some doubts, the threat seemed to be eliminated. The White-Bearded Elder, as the Spirit of the Secret Realm, was unlikely to deceive them¡ªafter all, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was not new to opening.


    Xiao Chuanqi looked at everyone and suggested, "What shall we do now? Shall we cultivate earnestly and aim for the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    The allure of the Spirit Essence Pool''s potential for Breakthroughs was clear to them all; to say they were not tempted would be a lie.


    The group was becoming restless, but at this moment, Shadow spoke icily, "A hundred people from the Four Great Powers have entered the secret realm, and there are only ten spots in the Spirit Essence Pool. Do you think we can make it into the top ten?"


    "We might as well mine with due diligence."

 Chapter 561 - 556 Cant Find Brother Ye

    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian''s faces stiffened; Shadow''s chilling words stunned them in an instant.


    Unable to help himself, Xiao Chuanqi said, "I mean, Shadow, everyone has the desire to improve, don''t they? Why are you so certain that we can''t make it into the top ten?"


    Feeling somewhat unwilling to accept this, they found Shadow''s words quite disheartening. Sima Zhantian felt the same and snorted coldly, "If I bring out my Immortal Blade, a single slash can slay a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. How could I not make it into the top ten?"


    Indeed, Sima Zhantian was not boasting; as of now, his single slash truly possessed the might of a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, although it barely reached that level of power. Including Xiao Chuanqi, both were at least capable of launching attacks with the strength of a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    It was then that Leng Wuming spoke in a low voice, "It''s said that among those from the Great Powers who entered this time, there are six who were strong contenders on the previous genius ranking. They were already half-step Golden Core fighters able to battle Golden Core Realm grandmasters three years ago, not to mention the geniuses of the Great Powers from these past years, which seem to be quite numerous."


    "You two don''t really believe you''re a match for them, do you? Don''t forget that there''s still our lord above us, surely occupying one of the spots."


    "Moreover, do you know how many half-step Golden Cores there are combined from the Four Great Powers?"


    "Close to eighty young warriors who are at the half-step Golden Core level, could the few of us really stand out among these eighty people?"


    "So, you two should stop dreaming."


    Leng Wuming mercilessly dashed their hopes without a hint of sentimentality, being very aware of his own capabilities. With nearly eighty young powerhouses from the Four Great Powers, including talents from the previous genius ranking, their strength, although commendable, would inevitably pale in comparison when contesting with the prodigies of the Four Great Powers.


    Both Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian''s faces turned rigid, their spirits dampened by the ruthless reality check, but they had to admit that what Leng Wuming and Shadow said was true.


    "Zhantian, we better just mind our own business and mine. Let''s not compare ourselves with those freaks," Xiao Chuanqi said with a face full of dejection. Despite his reluctance, he quietly moved aside, summoned his Immortal Sword, and began furiously digging into the ground.


    The corner of Sima Zhantian''s mouth twitched slightly, but he, too, came to terms with the situation. Mining spirit stones, it seemed, was what they were truly meant to do. As for cultivation, they could leave that for the last two days.


    Seeing Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian act this way, Shadow and the others couldn''t help but smile.


    Shadow himself walked to the side and took out tools to start mining the spirit stone vein, at which point Leng Wuming approached.


    "Shadow, are you really not going to cultivate and try for the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    "You should know, you have the best chance among us," Leng Wuming whispered.


    If Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian had overheard this, they would have been astounded. Shadow had the ability to contest for the Spirit Essence Pool?


    Shadow looked at Leng Wuming, slightly surprised, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, but he soon responded indifferently, "I don''t know what you''re talking about. With my abilities, how could I possibly challenge for the Spirit Essence Pool? Stop kidding around."


    Continuously shaking his head, Shadow indicated his own incapability.


    Leng Wuming fell silent for a moment, staring at Shadow, but soon shifted his gaze away with a slight sigh, "Well, then, let''s all mine."


    After saying that, Leng Wuming also found a spot and began digging into the ground.


    Shadow watched Leng Wuming''s retreating back with a complex expression but quickly resumed his usual cold demeanor, starting to mine for spirit stones on his own.


    On Leng Wuming''s part, he took another look at Shadow. He wasn''t lying or making baseless claims ¨C during these days of teaming up with Shadow, he could feel that Shadow indeed had the strength to vie for a spot at the Spirit Essence Pool. The half-hearted manner Shadow showed when facing alien beasts, despite appearing to fight strenuously alongside him each time, always left him with the sense that Shadow might be deliberately feigning his struggles.


    Once, when they encountered an alien beast of the Golden Core Realm, it took a tremendous effort to bring it down working together. The final blow was struck by Shadow, with such overwhelming force that it made him shudder. At the moment, he had thought it was an illusion, but subsequent occurrences on their journey convinced him that Shadow was likely concealing his true strength. His real capabilities were probably already on par with a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    That was why he had specially approached him earlier to ask, but since Shadow had said as much, it wouldn''t be right for him to pry further. In any case, there was no doubt Shadow wouldn''t do anything to harm them. If Shadow had truly wished to, he wouldn''t be alive now.


    "What am I thinking?"


    Leng Wuming self-deprecatingly smiled, shook his head, and focused on mining the spirit stone vein.


    Time slowly passed, and by the third day, they had almost exhausted their mining limit. Cao Tian, being at the Peak Martial King level, had mined only a little over a hundred spirit stones. However, with the combined efforts of Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others, they managed to reach Cao Tian''s maximum capacity.


    At this point, the area around them was filled with numerous holes, each emitting rich bursts of Vital Energy.


    Xiao Chuanqi looked at the surrounding pits and holes and couldn''t help but grin. This time, everyone could return fully loaded with treasures. Each person had dug up five hundred spirit stones, a total of three thousand!


    After setting aside the fifty for Xuanyuan Hall, there were still two thousand seven hundred left. The number of spirit stones was certainly a terrifying figure!


    "With so many spirit stones, if we take them back to the Northern Border, it will definitely be enough for a long time."


    Xiao Chuanqi''s smile was brilliant, and the others were also very pleased. With so many spirit stones, how could they not be happy? This was a fortune as vast as the heavens.


    When they had previously trained in the Outer Battlefield, they had fought hard for several days and had only managed to obtain a few spirit stones. In the Outer Battlefield, some alien beast nests and certain places would have scattered spirit stones, but not many. Finding them largely depended on luck,


    yet in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, they had each dug up five hundred spirit stones in just three days, which was of course a very happy outcome.


    "Alright, time is almost up. By now, everyone should have reached the stele. If I''m not mistaken, our lord may also have arrived there. Let''s go now and meet up with our lord."


    As Xiao Chuanqi spoke, the others also nodded in agreement.


    It was nearing the end of the third day, and without much hesitation, everyone took to the air in unison, flying towards the center of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, where the stele was located. As for how to get there, they just needed to summon the old man with the White Beard to ask for directions.


    The center of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was a vast Martial Arts Training Plaza, in the middle of which stood a dark and massive stele. The stele bore no inscriptions but was filled with an ancient aura and mysterious patterns.


    The Martial Arts Training Plaza had already gathered quite a crowd, including people from the Four Great Powers, and still, more figures were flying in from all directions.


    One by one, figures entered the Martial Arts Training Plaza, including Xiao Chuanqi and his group, who had also flown into the plaza. The six of them found a spot to wait while also observing the surrounding powerhouses.


    Xiao Chuanqi noticed that many ordinary Half-Step Golden Core practitioners had come, and even Great Powers of the Divine Path Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm had all arrived.


    "Why have so many people come? Aren''t there only ten people with real strength?"


    Xiao Chuanqi muttered, not understanding why so many people wanted to come here when, if they weren''t looking for Ye Feng, they might not even have thought of coming here.


    "To witness the strongest strike, naturally, many will gather to watch, and it''s something everyone in the Outer Battlefield will pay attention to."


    The voice of Chi Jark came from behind, and just behind the six, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong casually walked up behind Xiao Chuanqi.


    "Young Master Chi!"


    Xiao Chuanqi hastened to greet him, aware that this figure was the Heaven''s Proud Son of the Chi Family and seemed to have a quite good relationship with their lord.


    Chi Jark waved his hand and smiled, "You don''t need to address me as Young Master. Just call me Brother Chi."


    He knew that these people were subordinates of Ye Feng, and their strength was at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. Whether out of respect for Ye Feng or considering Xiao Chuanqi and the others'' abilities, he had to show some courtesy.


    Xiao Rulong glanced at Xiao Chuanqi and the others, half-expecting to see the figure of Ye Feng, but soon, he realized that he couldn''t spot Ye Feng''s shadow at all.


    "Where has that guy Ye Feng run off to?"


    Xiao Rulong asked, curious.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others also scanned around the Martial Arts Training Plaza but still couldn''t find Ye Feng. Xiao Chuanqi said somewhat helplessly, "We don''t know where our lord is right now; we can''t contact him even with the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet, we thought he might have already come here, but we haven''t found him."


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others were puzzled, too. At first, they assumed Ye Feng would have arrived at the stele by now, but they hadn''t seen him, and they had no idea where Ye Feng could be.


    Chi Jark raised an eyebrow: "Can''t find Brother Ye?"


    "Now, only the last hour remains until the end of the third day. If he doesn''t come soon, he might miss the Spirit Essence Pool."


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, along with the others, were getting anxious. They knew time was running out, but there was nothing they could do; no matter how they tried with the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet, they received no response.


    While everyone was searching for Ye Feng, in a secret chamber within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm,


    Ye Feng sat cross-legged, surrounded by countless strands of Origin Energy, radiating a tremendous aura that was still climbing slowly.


    The corners of Ye Feng''s mouth were also adorned with a faint smile. Why the smile? Of course, it was because he was happy!


    Three days had passed, and Ye Feng had been absorbing the pure Origin Energy in this secret chamber. With the catalyst of innumerable strands of Origin Energy, in just three days, Ye Feng had unblocked over a hundred acupoints. He had already opened more than two thousand six hundred acupoints and was currently pushing towards the threshold of two thousand seven hundred!

 Chapter 562 - 557: Stele Ranking

    ```


    In these three days, Ye Feng had already opened up more than fifty apertures on the first day. The pure origin energy allowed him to open apertures extremely quickly; however, his progress clearly slowed down on the second day when he only managed to break through more than thirty, and by the third day, he had only broken through twenty acupoints.


    Ye Feng was well aware that the further he went, the more origin energy was needed for each subsequent acupoint. Each new acupoint required twice the energy of the previous one, increasing progressively. Even though his absorption rate wasn''t slow, the speed of opening apertures had also become slower and slower.


    Nevertheless, Ye Feng was still pleasantly surprised. If he were in the Outer Battlefield, continuously hunting alien beasts and absorbing their beast cores, he might only manage to open a few apertures in ten days. After all, the energy in the beast cores was like a drop in the bucket for him at this stage. He would need to stack up quantities and hunt down several Golden Core Realm alien beasts, extracting their beast cores, just to open a single acupoint.


    But where were Golden Core Realm alien beasts that easy to find?


    Moreover, even if he killed all the Golden Core Realm alien beasts in the Outer Battlefield, it definitely wouldn''t be enough to open up the remaining apertures.


    Being able to open up over a hundred apertures in this secret chamber in three days was already a completely unexpected joy.


    As for the Spirit Essence Pool?


    That had nothing to do with him at all. How could those powers of Spirit Essence possibly compare to the pure origin energy here?


    Therefore, he had already put the stele out of his mind. Now, he just wanted to fully focus on absorbing all the origin energy in the secret chamber. That was the real task at hand.


    However, what Ye Feng didn''t know was that Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others at the Martial Arts Training Plaza were as anxious as ants on a hot pan. They kept trying to contact Ye Feng but still couldn''t get a response, and now less than half an hour remained until the end of the third day.


    At this moment, figures were continuously flying up in front of the stele, unleashing their strongest strike at it with all their might.


    This so-called strongest strike had to be executed without any external assistance, without taking any pill medicines, and without using any weapons, relying solely on one''s own cultivation technique strength to attack.


    The white-bearded elder''s silhouette stood beside the stele, and no one dared to use any external forces. That''s because not long ago, a genius from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country sneaked in something like an Explosive Element Pill, then surpassed the forty-odd people in front of him and secured the first-place position.


    Just as the Snow Wolf Country''s genius was in the throes of ecstasy, the white-bearded elder snorted coldly, "Use of pill medicines to cheat, the score is cleared, prohibited from striking the stele again."


    Immediately afterward, the Snow Wolf Country''s genius was sent flying backwards from mid-air in front of the stele. When he tried to return to strike the stele again, he found that a protective shield would rise from the stele as soon as he approached it, completely isolating him from the outside!


    The genius from the Wizard Alliance was completely dumbfounded and regretted using the pill medicine.


    The crowd at the Martial Arts Training Plaza watched him coldly; this was the consequence of not following the rules.


    Chi Jark looked contemptuously at the Snow Wolf Country''s genius and said with a taunting smile, "Xiao Chubby, isn''t that Savis who defeated you before?"


    This Savis was the one who had defeated Xiao Chubby during the contest of geniuses on the talent ranking, and he now occupied the tenth spot on that list. Originally, it was Xiao Rulong who was in the tenth place, but he had just been edged out by this guy.


    Xiao Rulong looked over disdainfully, his eyes full of contempt, "Just a waste who only knows how to resort to sneaky tactics. Don''t mention him to me. Trash."


    Xiao Rulong''s defeat was utterly because Savis had already concealed in his mouth a drug that could temporarily increase his strength before stepping onto the stage. Furthermore, the enhancement from that drug wasn''t very obvious and hard to detect, which allowed him to launch a surprise attack and knock Xiao Rulong off the stage.


    In terms of real strength, Savis was no match for him at all.


    Chi Jark laughed as well, looking disdainfully at the embarrassed Savis, "I didn''t expect that after three years, this guy hasn''t made any progress, still using such despicable methods. What trash."


    On the side, Xiao Chuan and others were still very anxious, not caring about the situation at the stele. Since Ye Feng had entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he had disappeared without a trace, and there had been no news of him. This was completely abnormal. If he didn''t appear soon, the Spirit Essence Pool would really be gone.


    Chi Jark approached the anxious few and took the initiative to say, "You don''t need to be too anxious. I think Brother Ye might not have come because he stumbled upon his own opportunity. There might also be undiscovered or hidden things within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    Chi Jark narrowed his eyes; he had already considered this possibility, which could explain why Ye Feng had not appeared yet.


    Moreover, he had been puzzled at the beginning. How could a secret realm with such dense Spirit Essence only contain Spirit Stones and one Spirit Essence Pool?


    He was keen to find other things, but it seemed that except for those underground Spirit Stone veins and the stele at the Martial Arts Training Plaza, there really wasn''t anything else.


    He had once asked the Spirit of the Secret Realm, White Beard, but all he faced was something like a programmed entity that wouldn''t answer his questions at all, completely ignoring them.


    Although he suspected there might be some trick, he couldn''t find it and felt powerless. But now, with Ye Feng being unreachable, it was possible that he had good luck and found some hidden reward in the secret realm.


    Xiao Chuan was taken aback, not very familiar with the Outer Battlefield and these secret realms, and couldn''t help asking, "Are there hidden rewards in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    Sima Zhan Tian and Shadow were also curious and looked over. They wanted to know too.


    ```


    Xiao Rulong pondered and said, "From what we know of the information available, for hundreds of years there hasn''t been any talk of other hidden rewards within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, but it''s not certain. What is certain though, is that Brother Ye''s safety shouldn''t be a concern."


    "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm can be said to be the safest place in the Outer Battlefield. Here, killing is not allowed, nor is there any danger, so all of you needn''t worry too much. Brother Ye is a lucky man, and it''s highly likely that he will encounter no problems. Perhaps by the time we leave the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, we''ll see him."


    Xiao Rulong offered these words of comfort, actually speaking the truth without deceiving Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian exchanged glances and could only relax, trying not to think too much and instead focusing their attention on the stele.


    At this moment, the stele already had over sixty names inscribed on it, all arranged according to their strength. The current first place was a member of the Vampire Divine Court, a vampire duke named Nick.


    Chi Jianren''s face showed a hint of seriousness. He had seen Nick, the vampire duke, take action just before, and indeed, his might was enormous. Moreover, this Nick was also ranked fifth on the genius list!


    Chi Jianren had been defeated by this Nick before.


    As for the top four on the genius list, none had come to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, for they were all grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    The second place was held by a young man from the Yin-Yang Temple, whose strongest strike was unleashed by summoning three Shikigami and was similarly placed second in strength by the stele.


    Third was Golden Cicada of the Buddhist Sect, followed by two more from the Vampire Divine Court.


    To everyone''s surprise, the sixth place was unexpectedly occupied by Hong Gaishi of the Hong Family.


    Leng Wuming furrowed his brows and said, "I did not expect Hong Gaishi of the Hong Family to reach the sixth position!"


    After all, the Hong Family was their adversary; they naturally did not want to see Hong Gaishi making it into the top ten and entering the Spirit Essence Pool.


    "Bu Yuntian is going up now!"


    Xiao Chuanqi suddenly said.


    Bu Tianyun, clad in white, had already flown to the front of the stele, releasing a formidable aura.


    "Heavenly Cloud Wind Repelling Divine Palm!"


    Bu Tianyun gathered the Spirit Essence from his entire body, and a gargantuan Spirit Essence palm slammed fiercely toward the stele.


    Chi Jianren''s expression shifted slightly, smirking with interest, "This time it''s a bit stronger than the previous one during the selection contest. It seems this young man from the Bu Family has been working on improving his strength these past few days instead of mining Spirit Stones."


    Not just Bu Tianyun, including himself, had actually been working on improving their own strength during these three days. As for Spirit Stones, he hadn''t harvested many, just some, as the Chi Family, being an ancient clan, had a considerable reserve of Spirit Stones anyway.


    At this moment, the veins on Bu Tianyun''s forehead were bulging as he launched his full strength into the palm strike.


    Just as Chi Jianren said, he hadn''t spent any time mining Spirit Stones in the last three days. Such tasks could be left to another person of the Bu Family; he had used the time to maximize his cultivation level for a shot at the Spirit Essence Pool''s qualification.


    Remembering Ye Feng, who had humiliated him on the selection contest stage, Bu Tianyun''s anger surged, and the power of his palm strike increased even further.


    Boom!


    The mighty palm landed on the stele, which remained motionless and unmarked.


    After delivering his palm strike, Bu Tianyun projected his name in the air, and the stele''s rankings began to shift.


    Bu Tianyun''s name shot up from the bottom, swiftly climbing into the top ten and leaping up within that range until it settled firmly in the sixth place, pushing the previously sixth-ranked Hong Gaishi to seventh.


    Bu Tianyun showed a trace of delight in his eyes at seeing this ranking. The sixth position should give him a chance to enter the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Bu Tianyun let out a sigh of relief as he descended from the air.


    Bu Tianyun was pleased, but among the crowd, Hong Gaishi''s face darkened, his expression ugly as if he had eaten fly dung, especially troubled seeing Bu Tianyun''s name above his own; they were both young talents of their generation, and neither was willing to concede to the other, making it hard for him to accept being overtaken by Bu Tianyun.


    Chi Jianren chuckled at this scene, and the voice of Xiao Rulong reached his ears, "It''s time for you to go up, or you''ll run out of time."


    Upon hearing this, Chi Jianren nodded and hurtled toward the stele like a cannonball.

 Chapter 563 - 558: The Biggest Dark Horse

    Just as Xiao Rulong had said, there wasn''t much time left, just under a quarter of an hour.


    Chi Jark flew to the stele and immediately erupted with an aura that could rival a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    In the Martial Arts Training Plaza, the faces of many changed, including that of the Vampire King Duke Nick from the Vampire Divine Court, who was currently ranked first on the stele.


    "This guy, with just a little opportunity, could fully enter the Golden Core Realm!"


    Nick''s face was gloomy. Although he was ranked fifth on the genius list, higher than Chi Jark, Chi Jark''s strength had now taken him by surprise, seemingly even stronger than his!


    Many others from various forces also watched Chi Jark in the air with grave expressions, constantly monitoring and ready to collect information about the prodigies from the Outer Battlefield and report back to their superiors.


    Chi Jark, receiving countless gazes from below, grinned and suddenly declared loudly, "Watch how your Grandpa Chi soars to number one!"


    Chi Jark was quite smug as he scoffed, leaving the crowd below speechless. Some people directly rolled their eyes.


    "Is this how everyone from Xuanyuan Hall behaves?"


    "Why is this guy so shamelessly thick-skinned?"


    "What a desire to be beaten. If only I could beat him, I''d really like to rush up there and deal with this guy right now!"


    In the Martial Arts Training Plaza, many were becoming restless, having never seen anyone so flamboyant as to make such a move in front of nearly a hundred people.


    After his playful laugh, Chi Jark looked at the stele again with an unusually serious face.


    Chi Jark mobilized all the aura in his body, and the Spirit Essence around him began to boil. Under everyone''s watchful eyes, he exploded with a shout in mid-air. The Spirit Essence around him even made a thunderous noise, and powerful air waves surged to either side.


    Everyone''s expression below slightly changed.


    "What an impressive power. It looks like he''s gathering strength!"


    "Just in the act of gathering strength, and yet he wields such power. Is Chi Jark really just at Half-Step Golden Core?"


    "Even among the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, he would stand out, so terrifying."


    "Quick, write it down; report back when we return. Chi Jark might just be the true super genius of this generation."


    "It makes no sense. He wasn''t this strong in the genius rankings battle three years ago. How has he become so powerful in just three years? Even the Vampire Divine Court''s Nick, ranked higher than him on the genius list, doesn''t have such a presence."


    A crowd of people buzzed with discussion, all shocked by Chi Jark, who was gathering strength.


    Xiao Chuanqi and others were no less astonished. They had no idea that the Chi Family''s prodigy, who had seemed somewhat frivolous, possessed such terrifying strength.


    Could it be that he was no less formidable than even their master?


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others estimated Chi Jark''s strength in their minds.


    Beside them, Xiao Rulong also raised his eyebrows, scrutinizing Chi Jark in the air, and murmured to himself: "This guy, he''s made quite the progress behind my back over these three years."


    Although Xiao Rulong said this, his face showed no significant surprise.


    In the air, all eyes were on Chi Jark, who had completed his power gathering, his entire being radiating with wildly violent Spirit Essence Energy.


    "Mad Dragon Break of Ten Thousand Heavens!"


    Suddenly, Chi Jark roared. The powerful Power of Spirit Essence transformed into two lifelike Golden Great Dragons. The two dragons intertwined, rapidly spinning and merging together.


    Ao!


    A dragon''s roar sounded, and the two Golden Great Dragons instantly rushed towards the huge stele.


    Boom!


    A thunderous, earth-shattering noise erupted, and a massive energy unleashed a hurricane-like gust across the Martial Arts Training Plaza, nearly blowing everyone''s clothes off.


    Fortunately, everyone present was a prodigy from a Great Power; the dispersed energy couldn''t cause any harm.


    But at this moment, everyone''s eyes were filled with shock. Chi Jark''s strength had thoroughly frightened them.


    Looking at the power of his technique, Chi Jark seemed quite satisfied, nodding his head and casually entering his name on the stele.


    At this moment, all eyes at the scene were on the stele''s rankings, and Chi Jark''s name had appeared on it.


    The next second, his name shot up like a rocket, rushing to the number one position in an instant!


    And the former first place, Nick from the Vampire Divine Court, had been squeezed into second position.


    The entire side rankings were pushed back by one spot.


    This ranking was entirely within everyone''s expectations, as Chi Jark''s strike had just shown that hardly anyone in the Martial Arts Training Plaza could have withstood it.


    Now, the faces of everyone ranked in the top ten on the stele were very solemn, especially Hong Gaishi, who was now ranked eighth and had begun to grow anxious.


    From the initial sixth place, he was squeezed to the eighth, and with many people yet to test, such as the Xiao Family''s prodigy Xiao Rulong, next to Chi Jark!


    Hong Gaishi clenched his teeth tightly. Xiao Rulong was the most outstanding genius of the Xiao Family''s current generation and was said to have been on the genius list three years ago. Now that three years had passed, his strength must be no less formidable. Perhaps he could even push Hong Gaishi down another rank!


    That would be ninth place!


    "Damn it, damn it!"


    Hong Gaishi was quite upset, as his current ranking position was dangerously precarious.


    As Hong Gaishi pondered, Chi Jark had already flown down and returned to Xiao Rulong''s side, looking at him with a smile on his face.


    "Xiao Chubby, it''s your turn. Your Grandpa Chi is in first place, don''t you embarrass us too much."


    Chi Jark said with a smile, his tone brimming with smugness.


    Xiao Rulong shook his folding fan and replied lightly with a smile, "So you think you''re amazing just because you''re first?"


    Chi Jark, not taking offense, grinned and said, "Well, I do have to be a bit amazing, don''t I? You''re no match for me. If you think you can, try to knock me off my first-place spot."


    Looking at Chi Jark''s frivolous smile, Xiao Rulong felt somewhat helpless. Honestly, to take away Chi Jark''s first place was indeed something he couldn''t manage.


    "If Brother Ye were here, maybe he could, but I probably can''t."


    Xiao Rulong shook his fan gently, speaking indifferently.


    Chi Jark''s expression stiffened. Xiao Rulong''s words had successfully left him speechless; he had seen Ye Feng''s strength himself. If Ye Feng really were to come, the first place might truly not be his own.


    "That guy..."


    Chi Jark immediately coughed lightly, not wishing to discuss Ye Feng any further and instead looked toward Xiao Rulong.


    "It''s your turn to go up, otherwise you''ll run out of time."


    Chi Jark reminded.


    Xiao Rulong nodded, his body slowly rising into the air.


    Below, many people started discussing upon seeing Xiao Rulong.


    "That prodigy from the Xiao Family of Xuanyuan Hall appeared on the talent list last time too."


    "Yes, but he got kicked off by that guy Savis. He was originally tenth."


    "That''s still very strong. With three years passed, could he be another dark horse like Chi Jark?"


    "Hard to say. The Four Great Ancient Clans of Xuanyuan Hall should not be underestimated. Xuanyuan Hall already occupies four spots now; if they take another, that''ll be five!"


    Members of the Three Great Powers other than Xuanyuan Hall were somewhat anxious; four people on the stele''s top ten were now from Xuanyuan Hall.


    First place Chi Jark, fourth place Golden Cicada, seventh place Bu Tianyun, and ranked eighth, Hong Gaishi!


    All four of them!


    The people from the other Three Great Powers at the scene were all restless. The Western Vampire Divine Court had three members on the list, occupying second, sixth, and ninth place.


    Fusang Yin-Yang Hall had third and fifth, securing two spots.


    And the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country had fared the worst, with only one spot still on the list, the tenth. The genius of the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, Savis, should have had no trouble securing a spot in the top ten but, unfortunately, he disqualified himself by using drug-induced power.


    Xiao Rulong now became the center of attention, being a prodigy of the Ancient Clan with the strength from the last talent list.


    Xiao Rulong fluttered his folding fan in the air, still wearing a smile and a somewhat naive look, but then the Spirit Essence within his body began to surge wildly, his aura climbing steadily.


    Soon, his aura peaked.


    On the Martial Arts Training Plaza, everyone''s expression changed; the aura was not much weaker than Chi Jark''s just a moment ago.


    "This is insane, insane, insane, how did Xuanyuan Hall produce so many demon creatures!?"


    "How are the rest of us supposed to live if you keep this up, monopolizing the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    "Bizarre, so bizarre. According to historical records, Xuanyuan Hall usually only has about three, or even just two. How could so many powerful Half-Step Golden Core this time appear?"


    People from the other three powers were somewhat exasperated, with the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country being the most infuriated. They only had one spot in tenth, and Xiao Rulong''s aura clearly indicated that a top ten spot would be no issue!


    Now, all members of the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country looked at Savis like they wanted to kill him. This wasn''t only about the individual gains but also concerned the prestige of the entire Wizard Alliance.


    "Don''t panic just yet. The Xiao Family of the Ancient Clan of Xuanyuan Hall is known for their footwork; maybe Xiao Rulong''s offensive power isn''t that strong!"


    A wizard from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country tried to console everyone.


    However, just as those words fell, a low shout suddenly came from Xiao Rulong in front of the stele.


    "Sky Splitting!"


    Xiao Rulong stood erect and stomped furiously at the stele.


    Boom!


    The powerful Spirit Essence erupted with the stomp, and the explosive energy spread out like a bomb, sending wave after wave of shock ripples. Everyone in the Martial Arts Training Plaza felt their bodies shake.


    It was clear without further discussion that the power of this stomp was definitely not weak!


    Xiao Rulong, with a calm face, shook his folding fan. With his other hand, he air-typed his name before hitting the stele.


    Soon, Xiao Rulong''s name appeared on the stele.


    Starting from the bottom, it rolled up past over sixty names, finally stopping right below Chi Jark, securing the throne of second place.


    The wizard from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country who had spoken earlier instantly stiffened, as the blow to his face came all too quickly.

 Chapter 564 559: Quota Confirmed

    Xiao Rulong''s name successfully ranked second, pushing everyone else behind him down a slot.


    The Wizard from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, who was originally tenth, turned green with envy, as he fell to eleventh!


    The faces of everyone in the Wizard Alliance darkened, as this meant they had lost their chance to send anyone to the Spirit Essence Pool during this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm adventure.


    "Savis, we will definitely report this to the Alliance Hierarch once we return!"


    "That''s right, it''s all because of you, you idiot, now our Wizard Alliance has been thoroughly humiliated!"


    The two Half-Step Golden Core Wizards from the Wizard Alliance pointed at Savis, who now appeared somewhat weakened from having taken a special potion and was in the process of recovering.


    But at this moment, he simply sneered coldly, "Your own incompetence has nothing to do with me."


    The two wizards'' faces flushed with anger, nearly blazing, and had it not been for the prohibition of fighting in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, they would have likely come to blows then and there.


    Savis, with a look of disdain and madness in his eyes, had indeed used a medicinal aid, but he still considered himself the strongest among the group, paying no attention to the others.


    The members of the Wizard Alliance were furious, but powerless; Savis was telling the bitter truth. Aside from Savis and the one who had ranked tenth on the stele, they were on par with ordinary Half-Step Golden Core masters.


    With Xiao Rulong taking second place, a huge commotion ensued, leaving many astonished onlookers. Some had speculated that Xiao Rulong might be a dark horse, but no one had anticipated him soaring to the second spot!


    This Prodigy of the Ancient Clan, who had missed the talent rankings in the previous session, had suddenly catapulted to second place in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Present were the chosen few below the Golden Core Realm from all the Great Powers, making the rankings on the stele extremely prestigious.


    Many in the Martial Arts Training Plaza began to discuss among themselves.


    Xiao Rulong stepped down from front of the stele and returned to the side of Chi Jark and others.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others were completely shocked, never having expected the low-profile Prodigy of the Xiao Family to posses such strength.


    Among the nearly a hundred prodigies, to rank second was already immensely terrifying.


    "Xiao Chubby, you seem to have made quite some progress as well," Chi Jark remarked, surprised. He had never expected Xiao Rulong to have been so deeply concealed. Aware that Xiao Rulong was not weak and confident he could place within the top five of the stele, the direct surge to second place had caught him off guard.


    Xiao Rulong, still toying with his folding fan in a carefree manner, replied, "It was nothing more than a simple matter, still not comparable to you, Brother Jerk."


    Chi Jark''s face stiffened once again, feeling as though the man was insulting him, yet he had no evidence.


    With little time remaining before the end of the third day, everyone had already taken their turn to gauge their potential and determine their standing, but no one managed to break into the top ten anymore.


    When the time was up, Hong Gaishi let out a sigh of relief; he was precisely in ninth place. Had two more people outperformed him just then, he would have been utterly finished. Thankfully, most of the prodigies from the previous three years had already broken through their previous realms.


    Glancing at Bu Tianyun, a fervent light flashed in his eyes. Hong Gaishi, a peer of Bu Tianyun''s, found it unacceptable that he couldn''t surpass Bu Tianyun on the ranking stele. As the prodigy of his generation from the Hong Family, he refused to be bested by anyone his age!


    He never took Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, and the rest too seriously; they were from three years ago, with their own rivals to contend with.


    "That''s not right, why haven''t I seen Ye Feng?"


    Hong Gaishi suddenly realized something was amiss. The roster for the Spirit Essence Pool had been set, yet there was no sign of Ye Feng!


    Ye Feng had indeed entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, so why hadn''t he shown up yet? Where on Earth could he have gone?


    Though Hong Gaishi was reluctant to admit Ye Feng''s superiority, he understood that if Ye Feng truly had shown up at the stele, the top five would have been easily within his reach!


    As for the top three, Hong Gaishi had not yet considered Ye Feng as overwhelmingly powerful as the Half-Step Golden Core prodigies from three years earlier like Chi Jark.


    Unfortunately, he was completely unaware that even Chi Jark himself believed Ye Feng to be stronger.


    Hong Gaishi was not the only one to harbor such thoughts. Bu Tianyun and Golden Cicada had also begun scanning the crowd, unable to spot Ye Feng and wearing expressions laced with confusion.


    Many from Xuanyuan Hall had also taken notice by now.


    "Ye Feng of the Northern Border King is not on the stele!"


    "It seems to be true, I didn''t see the Northern Border King Ye Feng either, wasn''t he with us when we entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm? Where has he gone now?"


    "This is a spot for the Spirit Essence Pool, could he have just given up on it?"


    "That''s impossible, this is an excellent opportunity for a realm breakthrough. Although the Northern Border King Ye Feng is powerful, it is said that his realm has been stuck at the Peak Martial King for a long time. This is a perfect opportunity for him to break through. If he gives up on this, when will he ever leave the Peak Martial King?"


    "Maybe he has already broken through somewhere now, and by the time we see him next, he might have reached the Divine Path Realm."


    "Hiss! If he, being at the Peak Martial King, could already crush a prodigy like Bu Tianyun, who is at Half-Step Golden Core, wouldn''t he be able to dominate the Saint Realm and Golden Core Realm if he reaches the Divine Path Realm?"


    "Who knows, it''s not impossible that he got into some trouble and was expelled by the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    Everyone had various speculations and were discussing Ye Feng.


    Although Xiao Chuanqi and the others had already comforted themselves and stopped worrying about Ye Feng, now, hearing everyone discussing him, they began to feel anxious again. The spots for the Spirit Essence Pool had already been confirmed; three days had passed, yet until now, Ye Feng had not appeared at all. It was as if he had truly disappeared within the entire Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    This was too bizarre, and it was hard for people not to entertain wild thoughts.


    As of now, Xuanyuan Hall occupied five out of the top ten spots on the stele!


    First was Chi Jark, second was Xiao Rulong, fifth was Golden Cicada, and then Bu Tianyun in eighth and Hong Gaishi in ninth, occupying half of the ten spots for the Spirit Essence Pool.


    The expressions of everyone present varied, and Xuanyuan Hall''s members appeared quite pleased, even proud, because they had secured half of the spots on the stele. This implied that Xuanyuan Hall was highly likely to add five young Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm to their ranks this time, which was definitely great news for them.


    "Xuanyuan Hall has really hit the jackpot this time, occupying five out of the ten spots for the Spirit Essence Pool."


    "Fortunately, our Fusang Yin-Yang Hall secured three spots."


    "Our Western Vampire Divine Court only got two. Sigh, we''re at the bottom."


    "What are you talking about, our Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country didn''t get a single one!!"


    A Wizard from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country roared out, venting his dissatisfaction. Their Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country was the most embarrassed this time, without securing a single spot!


    The complexions of many from the Wizard Alliance had turned very dark. They could already imagine how the leaders of the Wizard Alliance would properly ''take care of them'' once they left the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    The representatives from Fusang Yin-Yang Hall and the Western Vampire Divine Court had looks of schadenfreude, but some of their faces were not very good-looking either. Although it was not as devastating as Snow Wolf Country, which didn''t get any spot, having only two spots and ranking second to last was not much better.


    At this time, the three powers were even more wary of Xuanyuan Hall. Five spots were not just about the spots; on the other hand, it also represented the strength of Xuanyuan Hall''s young prodigies for the past fifty years, undoubtedly powerful and numerically superior. For them, this was not good news.


    At that moment, the Spirit of the Secret Realm, the white-bearded elder from the stele, proclaimed loudly, "The Spirit Essence Pool spots have been chosen. The Martial Arts Training Plaza will close immediately, and the rest may continue to cultivate on their own in the Secret Realm, or proceed to extract Primal Stones."


    After the White-Bearded Elder spoke, he suddenly waved his hand, and ten white pillars of light appeared in the middle of the crowd at the Martial Arts Training Plaza. The white light enveloped the top ten prodigies that were just listed on the stele. Soon after, all ten figures disappeared from the Martial Arts Training Plaza, and as for where they went, they were undoubtedly transported to the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Then the White-Bearded Elder waved his hand again, and the ground beneath people''s feet on the Martial Arts Training Plaza started to gradually vanish, including the massive dusky stele, slowly fading away until it disappeared entirely, replaced by a patch of grassland.


    Seeing this, people dispersed one after another. There were still two days left, and they planned to use this time to cultivate fervently. For many who were on the verge of breaking through to Half-Step Golden Core, they might be able to advance to Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    Since Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had been transported away, Xiao Chuan turned to his companions and said gravely, "We still haven''t seen our lord. What should we do next?"


    Xiao Chuan sought the opinions of everyone around. They had originally planned to search for Ye Feng by the stele, but to no avail.


    "Let''s find a place to cultivate. As for our lord, there''s no need for us to worry. Let''s focus on cultivating until the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm ends. With the last two days in such a unique secret realm, perhaps we can make rapid breakthroughs into the Golden Core Realm."


    Shadow said coldly, already walking in a certain direction.


    The others looked at each other and said nothing more. Shadow had made a good point; some of them also felt that they were close to breaking through. They would focus on improving themselves next. As for their lord, since he had not appeared until now, there was no use worrying. They decided to first enhance their own strength.


    Inside a secret chamber in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng was oblivious to what was happening outside, nor did he know that the selection for the Spirit Essence Pool had concluded. He was completely engrossed in his world of cultivation.

 Chapter 565 560 Consecutive Breakthroughs

    ```


    In the blink of an eye, the fourth day of entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was about to end, and Ye Feng now had over two thousand seven hundred and fifty acupoints opened.


    Although Ye Feng''s absorption rate had been increasing, the supply of Origin Energy in the secret chamber remained exceedingly abundant, as if it were truly inexhaustible.


    At this moment, the white-bearded elder appeared again in the secret chamber, looking at Ye Feng enveloped in countless streams of Origin Energy with some shock.


    "This speed of aperture opening, even the Emperor back then couldn''t match it!"


    Elder Bai was very surprised as he spoke; of course, he could see the number of acupoints Ye Feng had opened, but not every powerhouse could see that, and without a specialized Dao Technique, it would remain unseen.


    As the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord from over two thousand years ago, Elder Bai was one of the closest associates to that Emperor. Therefore, he had such Dao Techniques that allowed him to clearly see the three thousand acupoints on Ye Feng''s body.


    Four days ago, Ye Feng had barely reached over two thousand six hundred acupoints, but now, he had already opened over two thousand seven hundred and fifty, and it''s worth noting that even that Emperor from the past took over ten years to open three thousand acupoints!


    Although Ye Feng was in a secret chamber filled with Origin Energy prepared especially for cultivating acupoints, opening more than a hundred acupoints in four days was a solid testament to Ye Feng''s talent, which could almost be called monstrously extraordinary.


    Elder Bai did not know that the reason Ye Feng could absorb Origin Energy and open acupoints so quickly was in part thanks to the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll within the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace!


    At this time, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll within Ye Feng''s Heavenly Heart Palace''s Sea of Consciousness had already unfolded, fervently absorbing the endless Origin Energy outside, aiding him in opening acupoints directly.


    Without the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, Ye Feng''s speed of absorbing Origin Energy would have been ten times slower, and the speed of aperture opening would certainly have been much slower as well.


    However, Elder Bai had no clue about the existence of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, partly because he was merely a remnant soul. If he were in his prime, he certainly would have been able to detect the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in Ye Feng''s Heavenly Heart Palace Sea of Consciousness.


    Elsewhere in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, at a mysterious valley, ten little green pools were situated within.


    This was the Spirit Essence Pool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    In these ten Spirit Essence Pools, ten figures were immersed in the green waters, which was the exceedingly pure Spirit Essence Liquid.


    The ten prodigies from before the stele were all cultivating in the Spirit Essence Pools with full force, continuously absorbing the pure Spirit Essence Liquid.


    At this point, Chi Jark emitted a glow as his speed of absorbing the Spirit Essence Liquid suddenly quickened!


    Advancing, a strong golden radiance burst forth, and a thick column of golden light soared into the sky.


    Numerous Spirit Essence Liquids were rapidly absorbed into Chi Jark''s body, and above his head, golden light slowly converged to slowly form an egg-sized Golden Core, as a terrifying presence began to erupt, with the powerful Power of Spirit Essence surging relentlessly.


    Moments later, a perfectly round Golden Core already floated above Chi Jark''s head¡ªhis entire body turned golden, dazzlingly bright, and the aura emanating from his body continued to scale new heights, bathing in the golden light as if he were a golden War God.


    Chi Jark suddenly opened his eyes, even his eyes had turned golden, his face revealing a look of joy.


    He had broken through!


    From the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, he had successfully advanced to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    Glancing at the Golden Core suspended above his head, he opened his mouth, and the Golden Core instantly flew into his mouth, with the golden light slowly retracting around him.


    "There should still be one day left, I should continue pushing my realm higher," he muttered.


    Chi Jark''s eyes sparkled with light; the Spirit Essence Liquid from the Spirit Essence Pool was just too pure. He could feel the rich Power of Spirit Essence within him extremely stable even after just breaking through.


    If it were outside, it would take him another half a year to break into the true Golden Core Realm, but the realm right after breaking through would definitely be somewhat illusory, and he would need several months to solidify his realm.


    However, in the Spirit Essence Pool, it only took him one day to successfully break through the realm, and moreover, his realm already felt stable upon breaking through. The Spirit Essence Pool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was truly as magical as the legends said.


    Suppressing the surprise in his heart, Chi Jark once again closed his eyes. After advancing to the Golden Core Realm, the speed of absorbing Spirit Essence Liquid had also increased by a significant margin, doubling from before.


    Chi Jark was overjoyed inwardly, even more focused on absorbing the pure Spirit Essence Liquid.


    Chi Jark''s breakthrough did not disturb the others, since the Spirit Essence Pools they were cultivating in were protected by formations, impervious to outside observation.


    But at this moment in the valley, the white-bearded elder had appeared, his eyes not as empty as before, but sparkling with life.


    This was indeed that trace of a remnant soul belonging to Elder Bai.


    Elder Bai watched Chi Jark, who had just advanced to the Golden Core Realm.


    "The youngster from the Chi Family of the Ancient Clan, he actually has the Battle Saint Physique!?"


    Elder Bai was somewhat surprised; he had witnessed Chi Jark''s entire breakthrough process. A typical advancement to the Golden Core Realm was not normally accompanied by such fanfare, yet the commotion of Chi Jark''s breakthrough was substantial, enough to draw his personal attention.


    After examining Chi Jark, he discovered that Chi Jark indeed possessed the Battle Saint Physique!


    The Battle Saint Physique was a special body constitution from the ancients, one that granted those with it far greater combat power than others of the same realm, making it easy for such individuals to fight across different realms.


    ```


    ```


    "However, this kid''s constitution must have only begun to show gradually in the past two years; otherwise, his combat power should be even higher,"


    Elder Bai squinted his eyes. He knew everything that each avatar within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm had seen. Therefore, he was clear about the strength of Chi Jark''s attack on the stele previously.


    Such special constitutions can manifest from birth in some people, while others require reaching a certain realm or encountering some special object before their latent abilities emerge. And there are those who might never know they have a special constitution in their lifetime.


    However, these special constitutions are reencountered only once in a thousand years.


    Scanning the ten people in the valley, Elder Bai''s gaze lingered on Xiao Rulong once more.


    "Hmm?"


    "Is this another kid with a special constitution?"


    "This is the Spirit Stream Body!"


    Elder Bai''s gaze sharpened, focusing intently on Xiao Rulong.


    At this moment, Xiao Rulong, who was in the Spirit Essence Pool, was also absorbing the pure Spirit Essence Liquid, but the speed at which he did so was twice that of a normal person!


    "Triple absorption rate, no, the normal Spirit Stream Body should have an absorption rate five times that of a normal person. Is this also a special constitution that has recently been stimulated?"


    Elder Bai stared in disbelief. The Spirit Stream Body was also an ancient special constitution, with cultivators of such physique able to absorb various types of energy at several times the rate of normal people, thus cultivating much faster!


    "What''s going on here? Even more than two thousand years ago, such special constitutions were extremely rare, yet now I''ve come across two of them at once?"


    Elder Bai muttered to himself. These special constitutions are truly once-in-a-millennium gifts from the heavens, yet now he''d encountered two at the same time, both of which seemed to have been recently awakened.


    "Could it be because a great change is about to descend?"


    Elder Bai''s complexion shifted subtly, his expression turning grave.


    But moments later, he sighed, "Even if I know that a great change is coming, what can I do about it? I''m already a dead man, no need to trouble myself with these concerns."


    Elder Bai shook his head slightly, disappearing above the valley.


    Just after Elder Bai vanished, a brilliant light flared around Xiao Rulong. The Spirit Essence Liquid in the pool where he was situated was being absorbed into his body at a rate much faster than even that of Chi Jark, who had already advanced to the Golden Core Realm.


    A vast power of Spirit Essence was drawn into his body, and a golden pillar of light rose up from him. However, the pillar wasn''t as thick as the one that had risen from Chi Jark earlier¡ªit was smaller by a circle, and his whole body was bathed in a golden light. Within that golden glow, a wisp of cyan flow moved about. Accompanying the soaring pillar of light, his aura surged as a Golden Core took shape atop his head.


    Xiao Rulong opened his eyes, a faint cyan gleam flashing through them, but he himself was unaware. His face merely carried a faint smile.


    He had broken through.


    Feeling the power of the Golden Core, he soon closed his eyes again to continue absorbing the pure Spirit Essence Liquid from the pool. But what Xiao Rulong didn''t notice was that, under his absorption, the level of the Spirit Essence Liquid in the pool was visibly decreasing to the naked eye.


    Another half-day passed, and with it, only half a day remained of the five-day period. In the final half-day, members from the Vampire Divine Court like Nick and Golden Cicada consecutively broke through, becoming Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; however, the commotion from their breakthroughs was minor compared to the uproars caused by Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s advancements.


    Time trickled past, and with less than the final hour remaining before the end, all ten of the prodigies in the valley had broken through to become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. However, these seven had all been Half-Step Golden Core Grandmasters three years ago and had already accumulated considerable depth.


    For ones like Hong Gaishi and Bu Tianyun, who had recently attained Half-Step Golden Core, even with two days of cultivation in the Spirit Essence Pool, they had only approached a state of near Half-Step Golden Core Perfection. They were still lacking somewhat to break through to the Golden Core Realm.


    Bu Tianyun and Hong Gaishi wore anxious expressions, fully aware of their situations. Though their progress could be described as rapid, they were still unable to break through to the Golden Core Realm.


    Bu Tianyun clenched his teeth, his brows furrowed. He felt he was just a hair''s breadth away, yet no matter how he absorbed the Spirit Essence Liquid, it seemed he couldn''t break through.


    Calculating the remaining time in his heart, he was burning with anxiety¡ªthe five-day period was almost over!


    Once the five-day period finished, they would be immediately transported out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    Bu Tianyun frantically absorbed the Spirit Essence Liquid, suddenly letting out a low roar, "Break for me, break!"


    Boom!


    At that moment, an immense force of Spirit Essence coalesced above Bu Tianyun''s head, and a Golden Core gradually took shape.


    Bu Tianyun abruptly opened his eyes, filled with elation¡ªhe had broken through!


    Looking at the Golden Core above his head, Bu Tianyun didn''t hesitate to draw it into his body.


    The next moment, a glow rose within the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Ten figures vanished from the mysterious valley.


    ```

 Chapter 566 561 A True None

    Outside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s valley, the four formidable powerhouses were still stationed there.


    "Judging by the time, these little guys should have come out by now."


    The Seventh Hall Master, Zhao Xuanzhen, said softly. Following that, a Gate of Whirlpool had already opened in front of the valley, and one by one, silhouettes were spat out by the Gate of Whirlpool.


    Indeed, it was the Gate of Whirlpool itself that spat them out. The four formidable powerhouses did not lift a finger to open the Gate of Whirlpool; it was the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm that activated itself and then directly cast everyone out through the Gate of Whirlpool.


    Fortunately, the individuals inside the secret realm were Heaven''s Proud Sons from various Great Powers, and their reactions were very swift. After being spat out by the Gate of Whirlpool, they stabilized their forms at the earliest opportunity.


    "The five-day term has come to an end. I wonder how the allocation for the Spirit Essence Pool will turn out this time; our Wizard Alliance is definitely able to secure at least three spots."


    Sake Witch God of the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country grinned, full of self-confidence.


    "Three? I''m afraid your Wizard Alliance might not secure even one,"


    Wos from the Western Vampire Divine Court chuckled coldly. The relationship between the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance was quite tense, with the factions frequently clashing over the Blood Witch Stone.


    Although the Blood Witch Stone''s effects were greatest on the Western Vampires, they also significantly benefitted the Shaman Wizards of Snow Wolf Country, so these two powers were the ones most concerned about the Blood Witch Stones. Although the Fusang Yin-Yang Hall could also utilize the stones, the effects were just slightly better than for those from the Xuanyuan Hall; thus, there was not much conflict. At most, there was mutual disdain, with each wanting to be the boss.


    "Perhaps the Xuanyuan Hall will get the fewest spots this time?"


    "I remember during the last opening of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Xuanyuan Hall only got one spot in the Spirit Essence Pool."


    "Seventh Hall Master, won''t your Xuanyuan Hall have only one person securing a spot in the Spirit Essence Pool again this time?"


    The Snake Control Great God from the Fusang Yin-Yang Hall said with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile.


    Both Wos and Sake Shaman looked over with sneers on their faces, eager to see the decline of the Xuanyuan Hall compared to other forces. Nothing else, the cultivators from Xuanyuan Hall were individually very strong!


    This was because of the Ancient era; all the Ancient Daoist Cultivators were from the Xuanyuan Nation, and left behind countless Cultivation Techniques and inheritances. Therefore, in terms of heritage, none of the factions could rival the Xuanyuan Hall, which meant that Xuanyuan Hall was deemed the common enemy, posing the greatest threat.


    In the Outer Battlefield hundreds of years ago, Xuanyuan Hall was dominant, controlling numerous resources of the battlefield, until the emergence of Blood Witch Stones, which allowed the other three powers to push back, and since then, they have been suppressing the Xuanyuan Hall for hundreds of years.


    But despite the continuous suppression by the Three Great Powers, Xuanyuan Hall remained incredibly formidable. However, in recent decades, apart from the First Hall Master, there seemed to be no other particularly powerful presences in Xuanyuan Hall.


    Zhao Xuanzhen wore a smile; the words of the Great Snake God were not wrong. In the last opening of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, indeed, only one person from Xuanyuan Hall had successfully entered the Spirit Essence Pool, and that person happened to be him.


    But this time was different, with Ye Feng, Chi Jark, and Golden Cicada present. These three were some notably good prospects Xuanyuan Hall had seen in the last fifty years, especially Ye Feng, whom he favored the most.


    However, he didn''t disclose these thoughts, just kept smiling quietly without speaking.


    Gradually, figures were transported out one by one, appearing in front of the Gate of Whirlpool. Almost everyone''s aura was much stronger than before.


    "Seven Grand Dukes? Not bad, not bad at all!"


    Wos observed the people from his side who had come out, his face alight with joy.


    Grand Dukes were equivalent to the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm among cultivators.


    Out of twenty-five Half-Step Golden Core Realm individuals, seven had advanced to Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm in these five days. The rate was quite terrifying.


    "How many entered the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Wos immediately inquired.


    The now Realm-Breaking Nick stepped forward and respectfully reported in a deep voice, "To answer the Divine Lord, it was two."


    Upon hearing that it was two people, Wos''s expression stiffened slightly. Only two? With a total of ten spots and four Great Powers, two would definitely be at the bottom!


    Soon after, the boisterous laughter of the Great Snake God also rang out.


    "Nine Great Yin-Yang Masters?!"


    "Good, good, excellent, haha! Very good."


    "Three have entered the Spirit Essence Pool, very good, very good?"


    The Great Snake God looked at the twenty-five people from his own Yin-Yang Temple who had come out, with eleven already become Great Yin-Yang Masters. He was quite excited; typically, having seven to eight advancing to the Golden Core Realm was already deemed excellent. Advancing to the Golden Core Realm wasn''t easy; otherwise, even the previous geniuses on the talent list wouldn''t have delayed three years without advancing.


    Moreover, three individuals had come from the Spirit Essence Pool, which was a huge gain. To occupy three out of ten spots was already a profit!


    At the Xuanyuan Hall, Zhao Xuanzhen looked at his own people with some surprise, as he discovered that a full ten had advanced!


    "Ten have advanced to the Golden Core Realm? Well done, youngsters."


    Zhao Xuanzhen nodded slightly on the surface, but inside, he was jubilant. Having ten people advancing to the Golden Core Realm was an unexpected delight.


    It was within Ye Feng''s expectations that individuals like Chi Jark, Golden Cicada, and Xiao Rulong, strong competitors from the previous talent list, would break through. However, it was a real surprise that Bu Tianyun, a newcomer to the Half-Step Golden Core Realm not long ago, had also advanced to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Zhao Xuanzhen focused his attention on a young woman, slightly surprised. Wasn''t she one of Ye Feng''s subordinates? Had she actually also advanced to the Golden Core Realm?


    The woman Zhao Xuanzhen saw was naturally Shadow.


    The aura on Shadow now was that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, while standing next to her, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, among others, all had deep expressions in their eyes. They had not expected Shadow to break through to the Golden Core Realm just before they were about to leave the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    "Shadow, tell me, have you been hiding your real Realm!"


    Xiao Chuanqi ground his teeth and said, still finding it hard to believe. Although they had made rapid progress over these two days, breaking through to the Golden Core Realm was still a bit out of reach, yet, the usually low-profile Shadow managed to break through at the last moment.


    Shadow glanced coldly at Xiao Chuanqi and replied indifferently, "No, I just cultivated and then broke through. You didn''t break through because you''re not good enough."


    Xiao Chuanqi''s face turned rigid, and he instantly flushed with embarrassment. What did she mean by he''s not good enough?


    The key point was that he had only reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm not long ago, okay? He had only merged with the Immortal Sword for a short while and had already reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, which was already quite an achievement. Although the Spirit Essence in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was incredibly rich and cultivation efficiency had soared, reaching the Golden Core Realm was not easy; otherwise, everyone would have done it already.


    Now, he felt that he was just a small step away from the Golden Core Realm, which was actually very impressive.


    Yet now, Shadow had already become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    It seemed that he really wasn''t quite good enough...


    After thinking for a while, Xiao Chuanqi softened his expression and resignedly accepted the fact¡ªthere was really no way for him to refute it.


    Sima Zhantian and the others next to him couldn''t help but laugh.


    The people from the other three powers present were somewhat displeased. Did Xuanyuan Hall actually have ten people advance to become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm?


    "Nick, how many people from Xuanyuan Hall entered the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    "Three?"


    Wos''s face looked unpleasant as he asked.


    Nick responded, a little heavily, "Divine Lord, this time Xuanyuan Hall had five people enter the Spirit Essence Pool. In terms of strength ranking, Chi Jark from Xuanyuan Hall''s Chi Family is in first place, and Xiao Rulong from the Xiao Family is in second."


    Nick deliberately raised his voice as he spoke, ensuring that the Snake God Master from the Yin-Yang Temple and Sake Shaman from the Wizard Alliance heard his words too.


    Xuanyuan Hall had five spots in the Spirit Essence Pool!?


    The last time the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm opened, Xuanyuan Hall only had one spot in the Spirit Essence Pool, but this time they had five!?


    They finally understood why Xuanyuan Hall had so many Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm this time.


    The Snake God Master and Sake Shaman looked towards the Yin-Yang Temple with a bit of hostility in their eyes. Xuanyuan Hall''s young talents were a bit too much this generation, and the first and second spots were both from Xuanyuan Hall?


    Zhao Xuanzhen, hearing Nick''s words, was stunned for a moment himself. He knew that Nick had intentionally raised his voice to make Xuanyuan Hall the target of everyone''s envy, but he didn''t care and laughed loudly, "Five spots! No wonder we have ten Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm! Excellent, they''ve brought glory to our Xuanyuan Hall."


    Zhao Xuanzhen was very pleased and then suddenly said, "Two from the Vampire Divine Court, three from the Yin-Yang Temple, doesn''t that mean the Wizard Alliance got none?"


    As Zhao Xuanzhen spoke, his face was filled with a playful expression, looking towards Sake Shaman from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country.


    At this moment, Wos and the Snake God Master were stunned for a moment before reacting.


    Right, if Xuanyuan Hall took all five spots, doesn''t that mean the Wizard Alliance got none?


    As they looked towards the direction of the Wizard Alliance and saw that among the twenty-five people, only five had reached the Golden Core Realm, their faces immediately showed schadenfreude.


    Sake Shaman''s face changed color, and he immediately looked towards his own people, his face darkening as he asked, "Did really none enter the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    He fixed his gaze on Savis, the single representative and Heaven''s Proud Son from the talent list in the last Secret Realm.


    "Savis, didn''t you go in, either!?"


    Sake Shaman asked coldly, and then he sensed some unsteady strength in Savis, which was clearly from a newly advanced Great Sorcerer, definitely not someone who broke through in the Spirit Essence Pool, including the others as well!


    All of them were newly advanced Great Sorcerers with very unstable Realms, and none had time to solidify them.


    Everyone present knew that breaking through in the Spirit Essence Pool would directly stabilize the Realm, and the aura would be completely different.


    None of the twenty-five people from the Wizard Alliance said anything, and Sake Shaman now clearly understood the situation.


    This time, the Wizard Alliance really lost face big time. Among the ten spots from the Four Great Powers, they didn''t secure a single one, which was truly humiliating!


    "A bunch of trash, let''s go!"


    Sake Shaman, with no face left to stay, led the people of the Wizard Alliance and promptly left.

 Chapter 567 562: Two Thousand Eight Hundred Acupoints

    All those present harbored some schadenfreude to varying degrees. After all, the Four Great Powers were always in conflict, and any sign of weakness from a rival faction was cause for celebration.


    Following the departure of the Wizard Alliance, Wos of the Vampire Divine Court cast a penetrative glance towards the Xuanyuan Hall area, and with a lofty sneer said, "The prodigies of Xuanyuan Hall in this generation are truly outstanding. How enviable. I do hope you all manage to survive until the end on the Outer Battlefield."


    Wos revealed a bloodthirsty grin at the corner of his mouth as he led the members of his Vampire Divine Court away without delay.


    The Snake God Master of the Yin-Yang Temple also gave the people of Xuanyuan Hall an extra look or two, before hastily leaving with a group of Onmyoji.


    Outside the valley, only those from the Xuanyuan Hall remained.


    Zhao Xuanzhen was very pleased with the crowd, especially Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong. It was indeed surprising that he, a figure above the rank of Hall Master and a being beyond the Golden Core Realm, was finding it hard to read these two youngsters.


    Now he actually couldn''t see through two individuals of the Golden Core Realm?


    Zhao Xuanzhen raised his eyebrows, attempting to probe into Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, but he found that his aura, once extended, seemed to sink into a quagmire, unable to discern anything. This startled him; what was going on?


    At that moment, Chi Jark cleared his throat, followed closely by Xiao Rulong who similarly coughed softly.


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s eyelids twitched as he looked at the two, only to notice they were both staring back at him.


    Had he been discovered?


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s mouth twitched slightly. It was almost impossible for typical Golden Core individuals to detect his probing, he being of a higher Realm - their awareness was indeed extraordinary. Including their auras, which were so restrained, not much could be seen, but it was clear that their Realms were firm and solid, much more so than that of other Golden Core individuals. They were indeed true Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. As for their strength, undoubtedly powerful, likely even capable of dealing with many veteran Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    The Ancient Clan is indeed remarkable.


    Zhao Xuanzhen thought with admiration and took a glance at the group, only to pause. "Where is Ye Feng?"


    "Why isn''t he here?"


    Everyone frowned. Ye Feng?


    They looked around and indeed found no sign of the Northern Border King, Ye Feng!


    It was only then that Xiao Chuanqi and the others came to their senses. Where had their lord gone?


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong raised their eyebrows, filled with doubt.


    Zhao Xuanzhen had a bad premonition and with a stern face said, "What''s going on, the five-day period has ended, why hasn''t he been teleported out?"


    "Ye Feng didn''t enter the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Chi Jark shook his head and said, "Hall Master, when we were selected for the Spirit Essence Pool, we did not see Ye Feng. After entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, we haven''t seen a trace of him either."


    Chi Jark''s brows furrowed after speaking. What was happening? Why wasn''t Ye Feng seen? Could it be that he was still in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    "Not seen? How could he not be seen? The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm has been opened for so many years, and no one has ever gone missing inside. Where in the world has he gone?"


    Zhao Xuanzhen was baffled. He had high hopes for Ye Feng; after all, he was Xuanyuan Nation''s Northern Border King, and despite his youth, he already possessed the power to battle Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Ye Feng was a supremely excellent seedling for Xuanyuan Hall, and now he had disappeared in the supposedly very safe Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    Xiao Rulong shook his folding fan and furrowed his brows.


    "Perhaps that Ye Feng has already got lost in a spatial rift within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and perished?"


    At this point, Hong Gaishi suddenly spoke, his voice solemn.


    All the faces present changed color; Hong Gaishi''s speculation was not impossible. Indeed, spatial rifts could appear within the Secret Realm, and should anyone carelessly fall into one, they could be devoured by the chaotic currents within!


    "Impossible, our lord definitely could not have fallen into a spatial rift!"


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others were red-eyed, with Xiao Chuanqi stepping forward to retort.


    Although they said so, they were all extremely unsettled at heart. Ye Feng truly hadn''t returned!


    Hong Gaishi sneered, "Then explain why he hasn''t appeared here. Where is he?"


    He was surprised that Ye Feng hadn''t appeared, but Ye Feng''s misfortune was good news for the Hong Family, and he was of course happy.


    Xiao Chuanqi''s expression faltered; Hong Gaishi was not wrong¡ªhe couldn''t explain it.


    It was well known that the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm would open for a maximum of five days. Once that time elapsed, all individuals would be transported out by the Secret Realm. So why hadn''t they seen Ye Feng?


    Zhao Xuanzhen looked grim. Although they had ten Golden Core individuals, Ye Feng was a real super prodigy. Losing such a prodigy would be a tremendous loss for the Yin-Yang Temple; could he really have been lost to the spatial chaos?


    After some contemplation, Zhao Xuanzhen then said, "The rest may return to Xuanyuan Hall on their own to report, handing in the Spirit Stones. I shall wait here for one more day."


    With so many new Golden Core individuals, coupled with so many Half-Step Golden Cores together, they should not encounter too much danger on the Outer Battlefield. Moreover, five individuals had emerged from the Spirit Essence Pool. Excluding Hong Gaishi who had not officially entered the Golden Core Realm, the other four were genuine Golden Core individuals straight from the Spirit Essence Pool.


    This force would be formidable on the Outer Battlefield, and unless they encountered someone above the Golden Core Realm, they could essentially do as they pleased. As for those beyond the Golden Core Realm, most of them stayed put within their factions'' strongholds and wouldn''t casually come out, thus ensuring safety considerations were generally unnecessary.


    "We want to stay and wait for our lord to emerge. We do not believe that our lord has truly fallen into a spatial rift."


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others stood up as well.


    The shadow also had a cold expression on her face. Although she felt somewhat uneasy, she firmly believed that Ye Feng wouldn''t die so easily within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Leng Wuming and Gai Jiuyou kept a grave face, silently stepping forward. They, too, decided to wait for Ye Feng''s emergence.


    Zhao Xuanzhen looked at Xiao Chuanqi and others without saying anything. He knew Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were Ye Feng''s subordinates. Since they were all waiting, he naturally wouldn''t refuse.


    "Then, Chi Jark, take everyone back."


    Zhao Xuanzhen said, but just as his voice fell, Chi Jark also stepped forward.


    "Hall Master, I also wish to wait here for Brother Ye, who is also my good friend. I don''t believe that he would perish inside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm either," Chi Jark said as he stood beside Xiao Chuanqi and the others. He too wanted to wait, trusting his intuition that nothing had happened to Ye Feng.


    Zhao Xuanzhen was somewhat helpless and could only look toward Xiao Rulong, hoping he would lead the others back. After all, from what he had learned, Xiao Rulong ranked second only to Chi Jark among the top hundred prodigies in the show of strength within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    He was actually still puzzled; the Xiao Family''s Little Chubby always kept a low profile, barely ranking in the top ten of geniuses. How had he become so formidable in the Secret Realm?


    However, these questions could be asked later; right now, the focus had to remain on Ye Feng.


    But Xiao Rulong was also shaking his folding fan and said with a light smile, "I''ll stay as well. I just want to see."


    Zhao Xuanzhen was completely speechless. Turning to the Buddhist Sect''s Golden Cicada, Golden Cicada proved to be understanding. Having no close ties with Ye Feng, he stepped forward and bowed, "Rest assured, Hall Master, I will ensure everyone''s safe return to Xuanyuan Hall."


    Zhao Xuanzhen then nodded in satisfaction, "You may go."


    Golden Cicada nodded, then turned and led the crowd away.


    Outside the valley at that moment, a group of people was anxiously awaiting Ye Feng''s appearance.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng himself was still in that chamber within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    The White-Bearded Elder had already appeared in the chamber, watching Ye Feng as he continued to Open Aperture.


    "Nearly two thousand eight hundred acupoints now..." Elder Bai murmured, eyes filled with amazement. He hadn''t immediately transported Ye Feng out because it was a critical period.


    Ye Feng already reached two thousand seven hundred ninety-nine acupoints and was on the brink of breaking through the two thousand eight hundredth acupoint!


    He couldn''t afford any interruptions!


    Countless amounts of Origin Energy still converged towards Ye Feng. Despite having absorbed a vast amount of Origin Energy, the two thousand eight hundredth acupoint still showed no signs of breaking through.


    Ye Feng, however, remained calm as still water, absorbing the boundless Origin Energy like a whale taking in water, gradually filling up the two thousand eight hundredth acupoint bit by bit.


    It was close now!


    Almost there!


    He was about to break through the two thousand eight hundredth acupoint!


    The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace was helping Ye Feng to absorb frantically; another hour passed.


    Ye Feng, with eyes closed, now bore an expression of joy; he had breached the two thousand eight hundredth acupoint!


    He suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils deep and profound, his aura mighty and peerless, even seeming to match that of Elder Bai.


    He scanned around and noticed that the Origin Energy within the chamber had thinned out, nearly all absorbed by him. Feeling the formidable strength within his body, his face was lit with delight.


    "Congratulations, my emperor!" Elder Bai now floated over and bowed in congratulations.


    "The five days should be up by now; why haven''t I been transported out?" Ye Feng asked. While he was opening his acupoints, he was also keeping track of the time. Considering that the tentatively scheduled five days should have ended, even half a day had passed, yet he was still there practicing, which piqued his curiosity.


    "My Emperor, indeed the five days have expired. However, seeing that my Emperor was in a crucial phase, I did not transport my Emperor out," Elder Bai replied.


    "The transportation of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is also managed by me, so of course, I can control it."


    Elder Bai explained, after all, as the Spirit of the Secret Realm, he had the final say on who got transported out.


    "You''ve done well."


    Ye Feng was very pleased, nodding his head. He liked this kind of privilege.


    It was also true that the two thousand eight hundredth acupoint required a vast amount of Origin Energy. He had absorbed it for almost half a day before successfully breaking through.


    "By the way, why can we only stay in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for five days?"


    Ye Feng was curious about why there was a limit of five days and what the significance of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s fixed opening was.

 Chapter 568 563 Heaven Guard Monument

    Elder Bai seemed to have known that Ye Feng would ask this question and directly smiled as he said, "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm actually has another name, which is the Heavenly Origin Treasury. At that time, this humble servant was bestowed by the Emperor the title of Heavenly Origin Divine Lord, in charge of the Heavenly Origin Treasury, which stored millions of Spirit Stones."


    "Before this humble servant''s death, I merged the Heavenly Origin Treasury with myself, transforming it into the present Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Since then, this remnant soul of mine has been in slumber, awakening slowly after more than a thousand years."


    "To understand the situation of the Outer Battlefield, this humble servant would open the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm once every fifty years, allowing people from outside to come in and cultivate for five days."


    "As for the Spirit Stones they dug up, those are but a drop in the ocean compared to the entire Heavenly Origin Treasury."


    Elder Bai said quite casually.


    Ye Feng''s lips twitched slightly, a drop in the ocean?


    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm allowed a hundred people to enter each time, with each person able to take five hundred Spirit Stones. That is 50,000 Spirit Stones. Although the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is only opened once every fifty years, records show it has opened no less than ten times till now. The amount of Spirit Stones excavated amounted to at least five hundred thousand, which to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was merely a drop in the ocean. This number of Spirit Stones must be in the tens of millions, not merely the millions Elder Bai mentioned. If people outside knew about this, their eyes would probably turn green, so many Spirit Stones would be enough to drive any power crazy.


    "What about the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Ye Feng asked again.


    He had never been to the Spirit Essence Pool, after all, he had been in secluded cultivation the whole time, not even participating in the selection.


    Elder Bai did not explain immediately but waved his hand instead.


    The scenery around them changed instantly, and soon, Ye Feng found himself on an expansive Martial Arts Training Plaza, with an extremely dark and huge Stele in the center, showing nearly a hundred names.


    Ye Feng, curious, looked towards the Stele, and was slightly surprised when he saw the name in the first spot: "First Chi Jark, second Xiao Rulong?"


    "This is..."


    Looking at the Stele, Ye Feng also saw the names of Golden Cicada, Bu Tianyun, Hong Gaishi, and others, immediately guessing what it was.


    "Is this the Stele for selecting the allocation for the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    "Replying to my Emperor, it is indeed this Stele. It is used to rank the strength of the selectors. After unleashing their strongest attack, the Stele will rank them based on the strength of that attack. The Stele itself is also a Magic Treasure, crafted from a meteorite from space; however, it has only the function of ranking and no other special effects."


    Elder Bai immediately explained respectfully.


    Ye Feng suddenly realized, not expecting that a meteorite from Alien Space-Time was used in crafting it, which is why it was known as a meteorite from space.


    Looking at the names on the ranking again, the first and second position held by Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong truly surprised him, were these two guys really that strong?


    Among the young prodigies of the Four Great Powers, nearly a hundred of them, for Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong to stand out and occupy the first and second place was indeed no simple feat.


    "Bu Tianyun is actually in the top ten, and this Hong Gaishi, he does have some substance, huh."


    Ye Feng exclaimed, both of them had only recently entered Half-Step Golden Core, but they were also able to rank in the top ten among a hundred people, the strength of talents from Ancient Clans should not be underestimated indeed.


    Thinking this, Ye Jiuzhou already flew into mid-air.


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    Ye Feng bellowed, and a gigantic Golden Seal coalesced in the sky above, covering the entire Martial Arts Training Plaza with its powerful imperial aura.


    Elder Bai, on the side, watched with immense excitement, his eyes glued to the Great Seal in the sky, exclaiming emotionally, "It''s the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    "Two thousand years, and to think I would see the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal once again!"


    Elder Bai was moved to tears, prostrating himself on the ground, while Ye Feng in the sky seemed like a true Emperor, the true sovereign. The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal hovered above his head, as though the Emperor was beholding the entire world.


    "Fall!"


    Ye Feng grunted.


    The Golden Seal plummeted rapidly, smashing onto the extremely dark and enormous Stele!


    Boom!


    Surrounding grass and trees vibrated incessantly as if a storm surged out from the center of the Martial Arts Training Plaza towards every direction.


    Just as the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal struck the Stele in that instant, the entire dark Stele suddenly burst forth with an immense and brilliant aura, dazzling light instantly enveloping the entire Stele.


    Ye Feng, suspended mid-air, was stunned, not knowing what was happening.


    Elder Bai below was equally bewildered; he had never seen the Stele behave abnormally for so long, so why did it suddenly light up, and with such vast and mighty aura? Something didn''t seem quite right.


    At that moment, Ye Feng''s expression shifted slightly, feeling as if the Stele was calling out to him!


    Ye Feng raised his eyebrows, suddenly recalling what Elder Bai had said earlier. If it was a Magic Treasure, then it should be capable of being refined, right?


    When the idea emerged in Ye Feng''s mind, the calling from the stele intensified.


    Without much hesitation, Ye Feng dripped a drop of his essence blood onto the stele, and it was absorbed instantly.


    In that moment, the stele burst forth with light once more!


    As his essence blood was absorbed by the stele, Ye Feng immediately felt a connection between himself and it.


    The Heaven Guard Monument!


    That was the name of this stele!


    Ye Feng''s heart shook. What kind of stele would dare to carry the name "Heaven Guard"?


    Just then, a series of images flashed through Ye Feng''s mind. In the images, a colossal Heaven Guard Monument smashed down onto a powerful alien beast, killing it on the spot.


    Ye Feng''s eyelids twitched. This was so brutal, so fierce, but he liked it so much!


    So the Heaven Guard Monument was actually meant for crushing others directly. All this talk about assessing strength was just a secondary function after all. Its true purpose was for smashing people.


    "But how am I supposed to carry this thing with me since it''s so huge?"


    Ye Feng felt somewhat speechless. The Heaven Guard Monument was enormous, comparable to a building hundreds of meters high. Surely he couldn''t just heft it and walk out, could he?


    No sooner had this thought arisen than the vast Heaven Guard Monument began to shrink rapidly, and soon, it turned into the size of a palm and fell into Ye Feng''s hand.


    Ye Feng stared at the palm-sized Heaven Guard Monument in his hand and couldn''t help but be stunned for a moment. The object that felt like a small stone in his hand was the same stele that had towered hundreds of meters high just moments before. This was quite the contrast indeed.


    With a single thought, the Heaven Guard Monument transformed into a stream of black light and disappeared from Ye Feng''s hand.


    Inside the Sea of Consciousness of Ye Feng''s Heavenly Heart Palace, a stele had already appeared¡ªit was the very same Heaven Guard Monument from his hand.


    As the Heaven Guard Monument arrived in the Sea of Consciousness, it sought to rush toward the center, but as it neared, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll at the center unfolded instantly. A powerful force immediately repelled the Heaven Guard Monument, which seemed frightened and stayed motionless at the edge of the Sea of Consciousness, not daring to move again.


    Ye Feng was both amused and exasperated. He could feel the fluctuations in his Sea of Consciousness. The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was asserting its dominion, simply not allowing the Heaven Guard Monument to approach. It had to stay at the outskirts of the Sea of Consciousness, just like the Emperor''s Sword, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, and the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    This made Ye Feng even more curious about the mysterious Heavenly Edict Scroll. What was its origin and how high was its quality? It seemed the Heaven Guard Monument was also a weapon belonging to that figure from over two thousand years ago. Now, not a single weapon could outmatch the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll; they were all suppressed.


    After some thought, he decided not to dwell on it any further. At the moment, Ye Feng''s mood was still very joyous. Not only had he just broken through two thousand eight hundred acupoints, but he had also gained a divine weapon, an unexpected blessing.


    Elder Bai, who was on the ground of the mountain range, was completely baffled. How had the stele simply vanished into thin air?


    In the center of the Martial Arts Training Plaza, a large empty space appeared where the massive stele had stood, now completely gone.


    "My Emperor, where is the stele?"


    Unable to help himself, Elder Bai asked. This was the first time something like this happened since the existence of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Ye Feng descended from the sky and said with a faint smile, "This stele is called the Heaven Guard Monument. It seems to have been a weapon of that individual from over two thousand years ago. I have refined it."


    Elder Bai trembled. Could it really be the Heaven Guard Monument?


    "So it is the Heaven Guard Monument. I see, I see. The very Heaven Guard Monument used by the Emperor to kill numerous alien beasts, no wonder, no wonder," Elder Bai said with a shocked expression. He knew of the Heaven Guard Monument''s existence since the Emperor had used it to subdue alien beasts from the Outer Battlefield, gaining huge fame. However, as Elder Bai himself had never seen the Heaven Guard Monument in person because he mainly managed rear resources and seldom fought on the frontlines¡ªand also being unable to refine the Heaven Guard Monument¡ªhe had been unaware of what it truly was.


    Elder Bai never expected the Heaven Guard Monument to have been in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm all along, right before his own eyes.


    "This way, the Heaven Guard Monument also finds a place it belongs. Congratulations to My Emperor, with the Heaven Guard Monument in your hands, it will surely display its divine might once again," Elder Bai said respectfully.


    As he spoke, Elder Bai waved his hand again, and the scenery around them changed once more. Ye Feng found himself in a valley.


    The moment he appeared in the valley, he immediately sensed a concentration of Spirit Essence Power tens of times denser than that in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    Looking around, there were ten small ponds on the ground filled with extremely rich Spirit Essence Liquid. Ye Feng could feel the purity of these liquids. Even just standing in the air above the valley, his body was involuntarily absorbing the pure Power of Spirit Essence.


    "What''s beneath these Spirit Essence Pools?"


    Ye Feng asked curiously.


    Without hiding anything, Elder Bai replied, "My Emperor, beneath these Spirit Essence Pools lies the Pulse Source of the entire Spirit Stone Vein of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    "This Spirit Essence Liquid is formed by transforming the Pulse Source''s Spirit Essence into liquid through the Formation. That''s why it''s so pure," Elder Bai explained.


    "And of these Pulse Sources, one could also be taken by My Emperor. However, as the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm needs to remain functional, taking too much could destabilize the entire realm."


    Ye Feng was shaken. The Pulse Source of a Spirit Essence Vein?

 Chapter 569 - 564: Pulse Source

    "The Pulse Source is the origin of a Spirit Stone Vein, containing pure and dense Spirit Essence Energy. If it were to be cut into spirit stones, they could also be called top grade spiritual stones," Elder Bai began to explain to Ye Feng. He waved his hand, lifting all the Spirit Essence Liquid from one of the Spirit Essence Pools and formed a sphere of Spirit Essence Liquid in the air.


    Following that, a rock approximately half the size of a basketball court in diameter rose from the bottom of the pool.


    Ye Feng focused his gaze on the rock; it was crystal clear and even from several meters away, he could feel the intensely rich and pure Power of Spirit Essence.


    "This is the Pulse Source of a Spirit Stone Vein, where the most pure Power of Spirit Essence of the entire vein is concentrated. The other spirit stones mined from the vein only contain a fraction of the Spirit Essence from the Pulse Source."


    "The Power of Spirit Essence contained within this lump of Spirit Essence is equivalent to that of a million spirit stones."


    "His Majesty may take this Pulse Source with him; henceforth, there should be no worry about energy consumption in the Outer Battlefield; this pure Spirit Essence Energy can basically be replenished directly," Elder Bai said with a smile.


    Ye Feng''s eyes lit up at these words. Direct replenishment?


    Wouldn''t that be akin to having an infinite Spirit Essence pump?


    A single Pulse Source was equivalent to over a million spirit stones, an amount that was surely more than enough.


    Moreover, in a battle of attrition against a powerful enemy, it could even exhaust the opponent to death.


    However, despite being able to directly replenish Spirit Essence, the exhaustion from battle was not merely about Spirit Essence. There would also be physical and mental drain, and the Spirit Essence only solved the issue of Spirit Essence consumption, but it was still excellent.


    Looking at the Pulse Source the size of half a basketball court, Ye Feng said somewhat helplessly, "I don''t have a Space Ring large enough to carry this thing away."


    It was a fact indeed¡ªthe Space Ring given by the Five-clawed Golden Dragon only had a space of twenty cubic meters. Though it was already quite large, the Eight Wilderness Lizards had already taken up a significant amount of space, along with some other items; there really was no room left for the Pulse Source.


    "His Majesty need not worry. There is another Space Ring within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, which was left by me before my death; however, now it only contains some spirit stones and no other Magic Treasure. During the great battle in the Outer Battlefield, all my Magic Treasures were destroyed," Elder Bai sighed deeply, and with a flash of light in his hand, a silver-shining Space Ring already appeared in his palm.


    "His Majesty may take this Space Ring," Elder Bai offered.


    Hearing that it was Elder Bai''s Space Ring from before his death, Ye Feng immediately shook his head, "How can that be okay? This is something you left behind, Elder Bai; I can''t accept it. Besides, the Pulse Source can be cut into pieces, right? I can just cut it into smaller pieces and take them away instead. I wouldn''t be able to use up such a large piece anyway."


    Elder Bai, having heard Ye Feng''s words, showed even more admiration in his eyes, but still he knelt down on both knees, lifting the Space Ring up.


    "His Majesty need not concern himself for me. I am but a remnant soul now; these things are of no use to me any more. Please feel free to take them, His Majesty. Being able to help you is my greatest honor," Elder Bai insisted.


    Ye Feng was moved. He understood what Elder Bai meant; as he himself said, he was now merely a remnant soul.


    "Then, thank you, Elder Bai."


    Not declining any further, Ye Feng accepted the ring and immediately bonded with it.


    After bonding with it, he was utterly shocked by the space inside the Space Ring¡ªit was immense!


    Ye Feng roughly estimated that this Space Ring had about a hundred cubic meters of space. In one corner of this hundred cubic meters, countless spirit stones were piled up like a small mountain, occupying about one-fifth of the entire space.


    Ye Feng was astonished. After sensing for a moment, this small mountain of spirit stones numbered over three hundred thousand pieces.


    That was an enormous quantity!


    Adding the Spirit Essence Vein''s Pulse Source outside, didn''t it mean he suddenly had over a million spirit stones?


    Even Ye Feng couldn''t help swallowing his saliva. Perhaps the total number of spirit stones in the entire Outer Battlefield couldn''t match what he possessed, could it?


    Bear in mind, the spirit stones in the Outer Battlefield are scattered across various places and small secret realms. Generally, they are not plentiful, the main source is actually the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Every time, only about fifty thousand spirit stones would be brought out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, yet he had effortlessly obtained tens of times more than that.


    Not being affected by false pride, Ye Feng immediately collected the Spirit Stone Vein''s Pulse Source into the Space Ring. The Pulse Source was quite large and instantly took up two-fifths of the space when put inside the Space Ring, and together with that pile of spirit stones, the originally spacious Space Ring now only had two-fifths of the space left for use.


    As Elder Bai said, indeed there were those spirit stones in the Space Ring, but almost nothing else.


    "Thank you for the gift, Elder Bai."


    Ye Feng bowed to Elder Bai once more. These spirit stones were indeed a tremendous help. He felt certain that he would never lack for spirit stones in the future, and he could even bring some back to Xuanyuan Nation, leaving some for the Martial Academy and Utility Pavilion.


    Indeed, cultivating with spirit stones was naturally faster than the normal methods of cultivation.


    "My emperor, your words are too grave; all this is but my duty,"


    Elder Bai waved his hand, and once again, a peculiar Token appeared in his hand, engraved with the words ''Heavenly Origin''.


    "My emperor, take this Token. With it, you can enter and exit the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm without restrictions, and you can also send others into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to cultivate, unfettered by any constraints,"


    Ye Feng took the Token, his eyes brimming with surprise. Could he actually send people into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation?


    Did that not mean he could utilize the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to nurture his own forces? And since the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was extremely stable, even the Four Great Powers seemed to need four Tokens simultaneously to open it ¨C and only once every fifty years at that ¨C while he could teleport in at any time. Did this not signify that he had a supremely safe base in the Outer Battlefield?


    "However, the Spirit Essence Pool requires time to recover; only nine people can be sent in for cultivation each month,"


    Elder Bai added.


    "Can Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm also be teleported in?"


    Ye Feng inquired further.


    Previously, when they entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, only those below the Golden Core Realm could enter. If this rule still applied to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, did it mean that in the future he could only send people below the Grand Core Realm for cultivation?


    Elder Bai shook his head, "This is the rule I have set for the external Four Great Powers, but in reality, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm can accommodate warriors below the Yin-Yang Realm. This secret realm is actually a small world solidified by the entirety of my life''s Power. If a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm were to enter, it would directly cause the entire secret realm to collapse, and, once collapsed, it would vanish forever in the spatial turbulence,"


    "Unless one day, my emperor manages to find the legendary Heavenly Breathing Soil and integrate it into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the realm could then transform into an object that can be carried around at will,"


    Elder Bai spoke gravely once more.


    Ye Feng was startled. Heavenly Breathing Soil, what was that?


    Sensing Ye Feng''s confusion, Elder Bai took the initiative to explain, "I have only heard of Heavenly Breathing Soil in legends. It is said to exist in Alien Space-Time, a divine earth, an excellent material for Artifact Refining, with the capability to stabilize small worlds. However, to this day, no one has been known to have obtained it,"


    Ye Feng felt somewhat disappointed upon hearing this but made a mental note in his heart. After all, this was but a substance of legend, and furthermore, one that resided in Alien Space-Time. For now, it seemed to bear little relevance to him. Should the opportunity arise, he would consider it then.


    Currently, he need not worry about the issue of Realms; being able to send those below the Yin-Yang Realm for cultivation was already more than sufficient.


    After briefly learning some details about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng expressed his desire to leave. He had already spent a full six days within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and the others must have noticed his absence by now, particularly Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, who were probably quite anxious.


    He had heard countless transmissions from the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet; most were inquiries from Xiao Chuanqi and others.


    "It''s time to leave. The secret realm world can only be a temporary haven. If my emperor wishes to continue growing, he must venture out to gain experience,"


    "My emperor, there is something more I wish to say,"


    Elder Bai''s expression grew somber as he spoke.


    Ye Feng, upon seeing Elder Bai''s solemn face, became serious as well, "Speak, Elder Bai."


    "My emperor must already be aware of the Great Wall of Heaven. The Alien Space-Time has started to stir, and in less than three years ¨C perhaps even sooner ¨C the Great Wall of Heaven will likely lose its original defensive capabilities. Then, great chaos will erupt!"


    "The time left to you is not ample; I implore you to rapidly increase your own strength."


    "Over two thousand years ago, the emperor led the people in a death-struggle, forging the Great Wall of Heaven to fend off the Alien Race. Now, with the weakening of the Great Wall of Heaven, the Alien Race will assuredly attack again. At that time, Earth will be in dire peril. Please, my emperor, protect the Earth, safeguard Xuanyuan Nation!"


    Elder Bai knelt, as if pleading with Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s expression darkened, feeling the intense earnestness in Elder Bai''s heart.


    Ye Feng also knew that if not for the construction of the Great Wall of Heaven more than two thousand years ago, they might have been born into an Earth enslaved by the Alien Race, or possibly, they wouldn''t have existed at all, with humanity on Earth completely annihilated.


    Ye Feng did not consider himself a great hero, but he had family on Earth, as well as friends and loved ones. Even if only for them, he would fight to protect them.


    "I will, Elder Bai. Please be assured,"


    Ye Feng said earnestly, feeling a sense of urgency in his heart, just as Elder Bai had mentioned. Time was not abundant.


    Outside, in front of the valley, Zhao Xuanzhen sat cross-legged. Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, along with Xiao Chuanqi and others all waited behind him.


    They had been waiting a whole day, but Ye Feng had yet to appear.


    At that moment, Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly opened his eyes, looking ahead: "He comes!"

 Chapter 570 - 565: Crowdfunding Spirit Stones

    All eyes lit up, as everyone immediately looked forward.


    Indeed, right after Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen had spoken, a Gate of Whirlpool had been opened.


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s eyes flickered continuously, it was the first time in hundreds of years that he had heard of the Gate of Whirlpool reopening after the five-day-opening of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    It was completely unprecedented!


    When the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was first discovered, the first group of people who entered brought out four Tokens, which were then controlled by the Four Great Powers. According to the Spirit of the Secret Realm inside, it could only be opened once every fifty years, and at other times, even if the four Tokens were gathered, they never managed to reopen the Gate of Whirlpool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    But this time was an exception.


    On the fifth day when the Gate of Whirlpool opened and sent everyone out,


    Ye Feng was the only one who didn''t come out!


    At this moment, after the Gate of Whirlpool opened, a figure walked out from the whirlpool.


    It was Ye Feng!


    Smiles appeared on Zhao Xuanzhen''s face, sure enough it was that youngster Ye Feng, who had actually stayed an extra day in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong also wore smiles.


    "I said, with good fortune like Brother Ye''s, he was bound to be alright," Chi Jark said with a wide grin.


    Xiao Rulong, who was shaking his folding fan, chuckled, "And who was it that said half an hour ago that Brother Ye was more likely to be unlucky than not?"


    "Who said I was more likely to be unlucky?"


    Ye Feng, who had emerged from the Gate of Whirlpool, immediately looked towards Chi Jark with a playful smile on his lips.


    Chi Jark stiffened, glaring at Xiao Rulong beside him, "Xiao Chubby, nice mouth you''ve got there, isn''t it?"


    Half an hour earlier, he indeed had been somewhat impatient, thinking that Ye Feng really might not come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. He speculated as much, only to have Ye Feng emerge half an hour later, and Xiao Rulong called him out on it right away, leaving him rather speechless.


    Xiao Rulong just laughed and didn''t say anything, but looked at Ye Feng with a hint of surprise in his eyes. Ye Feng seemed different.


    After Ye Feng stepped out of the Gate of Whirlpool, the Gate behind him disappeared immediately.


    Ye Feng, looking at Zhao Xuanzhen and others including Chi Jark and Xiao Chuanqi, smiled, surprised that so many people were waiting for him outside.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian and the other four rushed over immediately, coming up to Ye Feng excitedly.


    "My lord!"


    All knelt on one knee in unison, their eyes full of excitement.


    "I knew my lord wouldn''t run into trouble so easily. Indeed, everyone else had five days, but my lord was able to stay six days in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Truly worthy of my lord!" Xiao Chuanqi said with a hehe smile.


    "Get up, stop flattering," Ye Feng scolded with a smile, but he felt quite touched in his heart; Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian must have been quite anxious waiting for him.


    Shadow was also watching Ye Feng, her eyes had been full of worry, but now that Ye Feng had appeared, she finally felt relieved.


    "Shadow has reached the Golden Core Realm?"


    Ye Feng was also shocked, sensing that Shadow exuded the aura of the Golden Core Realm. Indeed, Shadow had become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and Gai Jiuyou hadn''t reached the Golden Core Realm; they were still at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, a bit short of the actual Golden Core Realm.


    He hadn''t expected that Shadow, who was never particularly noticeable, had actually reached the Golden Core Realm before the other four. He had seen the rankings on the Heaven Guard Monument; the top ten had no mention of Shadow. This meant that Shadow had become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm entirely through her own cultivation in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    "To my lord, indeed I am in the Golden Core Realm now, though my realm is not yet very stable," Shadow admitted, releasing her aura, which was indeed unstable, characteristic of a fresh breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm, but nonetheless impressive. Considering that among the twenty-five individuals who entered, many older than Shadow hadn''t reached the Golden Core Realm.


    "You guys, always slacking off, got overtaken by Shadow, aren''t you embarrassed?" Ye Feng chided Xiao Chuanqi and the rest.


    He had originally thought that Xiao Chuanqi or Sima Zhantian would be the first to enter the Golden Core Realm since one had fused with an Immortal Sword and the other with an Immortal Blade, thus having better cultivation conditions. Yet in the end, both were a hair short of a breakthrough, while Shadow had been the one to advance first.


    Leng Wuming''s failure to break through was within expectations since he had only just been revived by Ye Feng and trailed in strength, but it was apparent he wasn''t far behind. He was likely to have broken through if he could have cultivated in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for another three or four days.


    Gai Jiuyou was in a similar situation, having had his strength diminished after recovering from a deviation, his cultivation and realm now closely matched Leng Wuming''s.


    As for Cao Tian, considering his initial lower starting point, his cultivation in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm only allowed him to step from the Peak Martial King directly into the Foundation Establishment Realm. With the Cultivation Method provided by Ye Feng, he naturally followed the path of An Ancient Cultivator rather than stepping onto the Divine Path Realm.


    After being scolded by Ye Feng, the four grown men hung their heads, looking somewhat ashamed.


    Ye Feng didn''t say much else, just smiled. It didn''t matter that the four hadn''t advanced; he''d just send them back into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for more cultivation.


    Let''s not forget, he now possessed a Token capable of transporting people into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm; the realm had become his very own backyard.


    But the matter of the Token was not something he could disclose just yet.


    "Hall Master, I am sorry to have caused you all so much worry,"


    Ye Feng bowed slightly, expressing his apology.


    Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled, "It''s fine, as long as you have returned unharmed, that''s what matters."


    Ye Feng was indeed a true talent and counted as one of their Utility Pavilion''s own, so naturally, he did not wish to see Ye Feng come to any harm.


    "Brother Ye, hurry and tell us, after you entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, where did you go? How come you were nowhere to be seen in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for a full five days, and we couldn''t contact you either?"


    "Didn''t you go somewhere to hog all the goodies?"


    Chi Jark came up and teasingly joked with a laugh.


    Everyone turned to look at Ye Feng when they heard this, their curiosity evident as they watched him.


    They too wanted to know where Ye Feng had been for those five days, as his presence seemed absent from the entire Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Especially Xiao Chuanqi and the others¡ªthey had actually split up and gone looking for Ye Feng when there was no response, but still came up empty-handed.


    Zhao Xuanzhen and Chi Jark as well as Xiao Rulong were more interested in another point¡ªhow Ye Feng managed to stay in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm until the sixth day,


    This was unprecedented in the several hundred years that the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm had been opened: no one had ever stayed more than six days.


    Surrounded by everyone''s gazes, Ye Feng had already thought carefully about his wording.


    "I myself don''t know where I ended up. As soon as I entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, I found myself in a dark space, where there was nothing but endless darkness, and no sign of other people,"


    Ye Feng feigned reminiscence, even showing a helpless look on his face.


    Everyone was stunned, with Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong exchanging glances. A dark space¡ªwhat was that?


    Zhao Xuanzhen raised his eyebrows too, having never heard of any so-called dark space in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm; not even in historical records was there any mention of it.


    "Master, did you not see the Spirit of the Secret Realm, an old man with a white beard? That guy is a bit long-winded, but you can ask him anything,"


    Xiao Chuanqi said.


    Ye Feng shook his head: "I didn''t see any so-called Spirit of the Secret Realm."


    While he said this, he couldn''t help but find it a bit amusing inside. Xiao Chuanqi actually found Elder Bai long-winded¡ªif he knew Elder Bai''s strength and identity, he would probably be scared witless.


    Zhao Xuanzhen kept a close eye on Ye Feng, sensing that Ye Feng didn''t seem to be lying; he probably really did stumble into some uninhabited dark place within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Brother Ye, was there Power of Spirit Essence in that dark place?"


    Chi Jark asked again.


    "There was. The Power of Spirit Essence in that place was rather strong. I just kept cultivating, and perhaps I immersed myself too deeply. It wasn''t until the sixth day that I woke up,"


    "When I woke up, a Gate of Whirlpool had already appeared in front of me, and I came out through it."


    "You all weren''t in a dark space?"


    Ye Feng even questioned them back, speaking as if everything were true.


    "And the spirit stones? Master, didn''t you mine any spirit stones?"


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but ask again.


    "Speaking of spirit stones, that really annoys me. Where are all the spirit stones I was promised? I have been in that dark space from the beginning to the end, and not a single spirit stone was in sight. Now what? Weren''t we supposed to contribute fifty spirit stones?"


    "I don''t have a single one; where am I supposed to find fifty stones to hand over?"


    "And I haven''t seen so much as a Shadow of that Spirit Essence Pool."


    Ye Feng appeared to be very angered, genuinely looking somewhat frustrated.


    Witnessing Ye Feng like this, everybody truly believed he had ended up in some dark space, where he cultivated for six days and then was suddenly transported out¡ªwithout any connection to spirit stones or the Spirit Essence Pool!


    The onlookers gave each other strange looks, as Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were even inclined to laugh. The spirit stones and Spirit Essence Pool were the most important treasures in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, yet now, Ye Feng had only cultivated in one place for six days. This was arguably the smallest gain anyone had.


    Not only had he not bathed in the Spirit Essence Pool, but he also didn''t even have the fifty spirit stones required for submission. What a pity.


    "Master, it''s no trouble. We each mined five hundred stones. Zhan Tian and the others and I can just chip in ten stones each for you,"


    Xiao Chuanqi said earnestly, even taking out ten spirit stones and handing them over to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng, looking at the spirit stones Xiao Chuanqi passed to him, felt a twitch in his eyelid, especially seeing Xiao Chuanqi''s serious demeanor. Right now, he really wanted to kick the guy.


    You mined five hundred spirit stones, and you have the nerve to offer only ten? Are you serious?


    Is this how you treat your master?


    The others were also looking on with peculiar expressions, dying to laugh as they watched the interaction between Xiao Chuanqi and Ye Feng.


    ...


    At the Xuanyuan Hall, two stunningly beautiful figures had already arrived at the entrance to Xuanyuan Hall.

 Chapter 571 - 566 Two Women Enter the Battlefield

    "Sausage Sister, considering the time, Little Martial Uncle and his group should have returned from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm by now, right?"


    A delicate girl initiated the conversation, her gaze occasionally drifting in other directions.


    This petite girl was naturally Long Nannan and at her side was indeed Sausage Sister.


    Previously, after Long Nannan had performed her Dragon Transformation, she fell into a coma. Sausage Sister took her to Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe for treatment, and after some time recovering, Long Nannan had not only fully recovered but even made advancements in her strength.


    Under the guidance of Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, Sausage Sister''s cultivation had also improved by leaps and bounds over these days, with her overall strength increasing significantly.


    The first thing Long Nannan did upon waking up was to inquire about Little Martial Uncle. Sausage Sister was somewhat speechless; after all the hard work she had put into taking care of Long Nannan for such a long time, the first thing Long Nannan did upon waking up was to ask about how that guy Ye Feng was doing, instead of thanking her first.


    After informing Long Nannan of Ye Feng''s situation, Nannan immediately started clamoring to head to the Outer Battlefield to find her Little Martial Uncle.


    Unable to withstand Long Nannan''s persistent nagging, Sausage Sister agreed to bring her to the Outer Battlefield.


    Before leaving the Great Wall of Heaven, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe specially gave her a simplified map of the Outer Battlefield so that they could find their way to Xuanyuan Hall to look for Ye Feng after they entered the battlefield.


    Two days ago, they had entered the Outer Battlefield from the entrance and after traveling for two days, finally arrived at Xuanyuan Hall.


    However, upon their arrival, they were informed by the First Hall Master that Ye Feng and the others were still in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and would not return for another two days.


    "It should be soon, they might already be on their way back."


    Sausage Sister said casually; she wasn''t as eager to see Ye Feng. The figure that came to mind was Sima Zhantian, that big burly man, but she had already inquired and found out that Sima Zhantian was also among those who went to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, so she was not too worried.


    "Nannan, don''t you think there''s something odd about that First Hall Master?"


    Sausage Sister suddenly spoke up.


    Long Nannan was momentarily stunned, her small round face looking puzzled as she asked, "What''s odd?"


    Sausage Sister recalled the previous encounter with the First Hall Master, when she and Long Nannan had just arrived at Xuanyuan Hall, expressing their intent to find Ye Feng, and how the First Hall Master had appeared on his own initiative.


    At the moment the First Hall Master appeared, Sausage Sister couldn''t shake off the feeling that he seemed very familiar, but his face and voice were so strange, it left her feeling somewhat puzzled.


    "I mean, did you feel that the aura of the First Hall Master was familiar?"


    Sausage Sister said with some uncertainty. It was this uncertainty that baffled her; she felt the aura familiar, but the appearance and voice were so foreign, which made her confused.


    "Familiar?"


    Long Nannan furrowed her brows, looking somewhat cute and endearing.


    But soon, Long Nannan shook her head firmly, "You must be mistaken, Sausage Sister. Are you thinking too much about that big guy, right?"


    Long Nannan looked toward Sausage Sister again, her eyes teasing as she chuckled.


    Upon Long Nannan bringing up Sima Zhantian, Sausage Sister''s cheeks flushed slightly as she turned her head away, "Nonsense, girl, who''s thinking about that big guy!"


    Though she denied it with her words, she knew very well that she did indeed miss Sima Zhantian a bit, yet she never intentionally expressed those feelings.


    Seeing Sausage Sister feeling shy, Long Nannan burst out giggling.


    Just then, over a dozen figures could be seen flying towards them from a distance.


    "Someone''s coming!"


    Sausage Sister immediately dropped her girlish attitude and turned to look in that direction far away.


    Upon hearing this, Long Nannan''s eyes lit up with excitement, "It must be Little Martial Uncle and the others returning!"


    With that, Long Nannan also turned to look in that direction, overflowing with eagerness. Having slept for so long, she longed to see her Little Martial Uncle the moment she woke up, and now she couldn''t wait any longer.


    Soon, the over a dozen figures from afar began to approach Xuanyuan Hall, their formidable auras rushing towards them, causing Sausage Sister''s expression to change slightly.


    "These are the auras of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and it seems there are quite a few of them!"


    Although Sausage Sister was looking forward to the meeting, she remained vigilant. Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, a rarity on Earth, seemed to be common in this Outer Battlefield. Earlier on their way to Xuanyuan Hall, they had come across a Golden Core Realm Alien Beast, and only by combining their efforts were they able to repel it and escape.


    Along the way, they also encountered numerous Alien Beasts at the Foundation Establishment Realm, and some even at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, which was quite surprising, but they managed to obtain quite a few Beast Cores.


    About a dozen figures flew towards the door of Xuanyuan Hall, with a monk at the very front¡ªthe Golden Cicada from the Buddhist Sect.


    Sausage Sister felt quite unfamiliar with Golden Cicada, but seeing Bu Tianyun and Hong Gaishi next to him, her expression changed slightly¡ªboth of these men she and Long Nannan had met on Earth!


    When Golden Cicada and the others arrived at the door of Xuanyuan Hall and saw Sausage Sister and Long Nannan, they all let out a light exclamation.


    "Two Benefactor Ye Ladies, who are you?"


    Golden Cicada was curious because he could feel that the two women in front were not weak; their auras were both at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    In the Outer Battlefield, it was rare to find Female Practitioners with the strength of Half-Step Golden Core, and he almost knew all of them, but he had never seen Sausage Sister and Long Nannan before.


    "Are you, the two women beside Ye Feng?"


    Hong Gaishi raised an eyebrow, his eyes obviously showing some hostility toward Sausage Sister and Long Nannan.


    He had an impression of these two people. The seemingly petite and adorable Long Nannan was always by Ye Feng''s side, and the woman next to her was also with Ye Feng. During the last Martial Forest Conference held by the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, these two women had acted as protectors for Ye Feng, blocking the people from the Nine Great Sects.


    There was also a time when the Clan Elders from the Hong Family went to Northern Cloud Residence to reprimand Ye Feng, wanting to bring Hong Qingyan back to the family, but apparently, it was because of this small and adorable woman that their plans were foiled, and one Clan Elder was even injured by her.


    "People from Ye Feng''s side?"


    Golden Cicada was taken aback; after all, he had entered the Outer Battlefield years ago and naturally did not know of the existence of Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, but he didn''t expect these two Female Cultivators, who seemed very strong, to also be Ye Feng''s people.


    This Northern Border King, Ye Feng, actually had so many experts under him?


    Golden Cicada knew from the selection contest that Ye Feng already had five Half-Step Golden Core strong practitioners by his side. After coming out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, one of those five Half-Step Golden Core experts even advanced to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Ye Feng was nothing more than a Northern Border King, yet the strength of the people under him was already almost on par with the power of an Ancient Clan!


    Long Nannan, seeing Hong Gaishi, also looked visibly displeased, to put it precisely, she was extremely unsettled by everyone from the Hong Family¡ªthey were the ones who had wanted to harm her Little Martial Uncle, which was simply odious!


    Scanning around and not finding Ye Feng, but instead seeing people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and members of the Hong Family and Bu Family from the Four Great Ancient Clans, Sausage Sister''s face darkened as she asked, "Wasn''t Ye Feng also supposed to go to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with you? Where is he?"


    According to what the First Hall Master had said, Ye Feng and Sima Zhantian should have already gone to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm together, but now she only saw people from the Nine Great Sects and the Four Great Ancient Clans¡ªsomething was amiss.


    Before anyone else could speak, Hong Gaishi stepped forward, sneering, "That waste, Ye Feng, probably hasn''t come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm by now."


    "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm can only be entered for five days, and now six days have already passed. That guy must have died in the secret realm by now, or he definitely can''t get out."


    Hong Gaishi spoke indifferently.


    "Impossible, you''re lying, my Little Martial Uncle can''t possibly be dead!"


    Long Nannan immediately got angry, pointing her finger at Hong Gaishi with one hand on her hip, refusing to believe what Hong Gaishi said, convinced that he was definitely trying to fool her. After all, the people of the Hong Family were on the opposite side from them, and the words now seemed to be just nonsense.


    However, Sausage Sister''s expression changed slightly; she was somewhat inclined to believe what Hong Gaishi said¡ªotherwise, why couldn''t she see Ye Feng?


    "Two Benefactor Ye Ladies, Benefactor Hong is not speaking falsehoods. Benefactor Ye has indeed not come out from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. The Seventh Hall Master and a few of Benefactor Ye''s subordinates should still be waiting outside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm at this moment, I''m afraid it is more likely to be bad news than good."


    Golden Cicada also spoke calmly, they from the Buddhist Sect naturally wouldn''t want good things for Ye Feng, but this kind of truth, they were still willing to tell.


    Hearing Golden Cicada saying the same thing, Long Nannan''s face immediately changed. If it were just Hong Gaishi saying this, it could still be a lie, but now even the Buddhist Sect spoke out, which made her doubt the truthfulness of these statements.


    Long Nannan was not a fool; she too hadn''t seen Ye Feng, and her complexion suddenly turned pale, but she still said through clenched teeth, "Impossible, my Little Martial Uncle can''t be in trouble, you must be lying to me. I will wait here for my Little Martial Uncle to come back!"


    Sausage Sister was also filled with anxiety, comforting herself continuously in her heart.


    "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is very safe, how could such an accident happen, we don''t believe it, we will wait for Ye Feng to come back!"


    Sausage Sister also steadied her spirit and said through clenched teeth, although she felt uneasy, she still chose to believe in Ye Feng.


    Seeing their reaction, Hong Gaishi laughed even more scornfully, "Then you just wait. What I said is true, it''s your business if you don''t believe it, just be ready to deal with the aftermath for Ye Feng."


    Hong Gaishi laughed arrogantly, his mood having improved substantially upon learning that Ye Feng hadn''t come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and might even be dead or missing, as he had been quite displeased with not breaking through to the Golden Core Realm himself.

 Chapter 572 - 567: The Furious Fourth Hall Master

    Seeing Hong Gaishi''s arrogant laughter, Long Nannan just couldn''t stand it. She drew out a longsword with an angry expression, "Don''t you dare slander my Little Martial Uncle, there''s no way he''s in trouble!"


    "Say it again, and I''ll kill you!"


    Murderous intent surged in Long Nannan''s eyes, and the strong aura emanating from her body exploded, her longsword pointing directly at Hong Gaishi.


    Upon seeing this, Hong Gaishi raised an eyebrow. The next moment, he also unleashed his Half-Step Golden Core aura, even stronger than Long Nannan''s!


    "You think you can kill me? Do you think you''re Ye Feng? Even if it were him, Ye Feng, he wouldn''t dare say such things."


    "If you want to fight, then I''m ready to have a little fun with you."


    Hong Gaishi sneered again; after all, he had been to the Spirit Essence Pool. Although he hadn''t successfully broken through to the Golden Core Realm, he was infinitely close, and the Spirit Essence in his body was incredibly abundant, making his aura stronger than Long Nannan''s.


    A member of the Hong Family stepped forward, a formidable figure who had been in the Outer Battlefield for years, in his forties. Coming out from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm this time, he had reached the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    As soon as the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm released his aura, he completely suppressed Long Nannan''s.


    With a gasp, Long Nannan spat out a mouthful of blood due to the overwhelming pressure from the aura of the Hong Family Grandmaster and Hong Gaishi, her complexion turning somewhat pale.


    "Nannan!"


    Sausage Sister cried out in alarm and quickly released her own aura to join Long Nannan in withstanding the pressure. Afterwards, she immediately supported Long Nannan, checking on her condition.


    Relieved when she ascertained that Long Nannan was only slightly injured by the aura, Sausage Sister glared fiercely at Hong Gaishi, "Does the Hong Family only know how to bully the few with the many, the weak with the strong!?"


    As she spoke these words, the surrounding gazes instantly took on a strange look; the behavior of the Hong Family seemed somewhat improper, especially since this was happening at the entrance of the Xuanyuan Hall, in full view of everyone, all belonging to Xuanyuan Hall.


    A Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and Hong Gaishi, who was at Half-Step Golden Core, pressuring a female cultivator also at Half-Step Golden Core, seemed a bit unreasonable.


    Moreover, both Sausage Sister and Long Nannan were considered beauties, and people felt that the Hong Family was going too far at this point.


    "Benefactor Hong, this is indeed too much. We are all people of Xuanyuan Hall. Though there is some feud with the Northern Border King, there is no need to target a female benefactor like this. Xuanyuan Hall does not encourage infighting," said Golden Cicada softly, also reminding Hong Gaishi that this was in front of Xuanyuan Hall, and oppressing fellow Hall members in such a manner was not appropriate.


    Hong Gaishi, realizing something was amiss as he saw the peculiar looks from the crowd, snorted coldly and withdrew his aura.


    The Great Power beside him also retracted his aura but still vigilantly watched Long Nannan and Sausage Sister.


    "If you wish to fight, let us have a one-on-one duel, so nobody can accuse me of bullying you!" said Hong Gaishi directly, sneering.


    Long Nannan calmed the tumultuous aura within her body. Upon hearing Hong Gaishi''s challenge, she was instantly provoked: "Bring it on, who''s afraid of you!?"


    But just as Long Nannan''s words fell, someone immediately said, "The Seventh Hall Master and the others have returned!"


    Upon hearing this, everyone immediately looked towards the direction from which they had just returned. There, ten figures were flying back, with an old man at the forefront moving astonishingly fast, releasing Spirit Essence to carry the others with him, and that elderly man was none other than Zhao Xuanzhen!


    Long Nannan and Sausage Sister also looked over, catching sight of a handsome young man next to Zhao Xuanzhen.


    "It''s Little Martial Uncle!"


    Long Nannan was overcome with joy. She spotted Ye Feng beside Zhao Xuanzhen at first glance and became excited.


    Sausage Sister also looked over and, upon seeing Ye Feng, was also surprised; then noticing the large figure behind Ye Feng, she was even more thrilled¡ªit was Sima Zhantian!


    Hong Gaishi, Golden Cicada, and others also turned to look in that direction. Their expressions changed upon seeing Ye Feng.


    "Ye Feng is actually not dead!?"


    Hong Gaishi''s face turned dark immediately; he had thought that even if Ye Feng didn''t die in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he would still not be able to come out for the time being.


    He knew very well that once the time for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s opening passed, the Gate of Whirlpool would not open at all, no matter what¡ªeven if the Four Great Powers gathered the tokens again.


    Ye Feng, even if he survived, would have to be locked in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for fifty years, waiting until the next opening of the realm to come out.


    Yet now, a full day after the end date of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s opening had passed, they still saw Ye Feng''s figure, which was utterly bewildering.


    The ten figures in flight arrived with mighty auras that nearly suffocated everyone, not just the aura of the Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen but also of Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong. These two were the top two selected for the Spirit Essence Pool and had now advanced to being Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, their auras stronger than any present Golden Core Realm cultivators!


    Zhao Xuanzhen and Ye Feng approached the front of Xuanyuan Hall. Ye Feng, seeing Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, was taken aback before exclaiming in surprise, "Nannan, what are you doing here?"


    Previously, he had asked Sausage Sister to take the unconscious Long Nannan to the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe for treatment. He did not expect to see the revived Long Nannan and Sausage Sister at the Outer Battlefield in just about a month''s time.


    Immediately, Ye Feng flew down and, noticing the pale-faced Long Nannan with blood at the corner of her mouth, his expression turned cold: "What happened, who injured you?"


    Long Nannan''s face showed a smile as she touched the bloodstain at the corner of her mouth and immediately threw herself into Ye Feng''s arms, jumping happily like a little bunny, "I''m okay, Little Martial Uncle, I''ve missed you so much!"


    However, Long Nannan had hardly finished speaking when she coughed, her breath slightly weak.


    Ye Feng gently pushed Long Nannan away and asked sternly, "Nannan, first tell me clearly, what happened to your injuries, who has been bullying you?"


    He could feel that Long Nannan''s injuries were recent, as the bloodstain on her mouth was not yet dry.


    Sausage Sister stepped forward and explained how Hong Gaishi and that Golden Core Realm grandmaster from the Hong Family had both oppressed Long Nannan.


    Once Ye Feng understood the situation, in an instant, a terrifying aura exploded from him, and his entire face was covered with murderous intent.


    Everyone''s face changed color at that moment, including Zhao Xuanzhen, who was moved by this aura.


    Such a powerful aura, just the pressure alone was enough to make one shudder in fear!


    Was this an aura approaching that of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!?


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s eyes widened, staring intently at Ye Feng, even somewhat in disbelief. If he wasn''t feeling the aura that Ye Feng had burst forth with, he would have thought that he was in the presence of a Great Power from the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Hong Gaishi and the Golden Core Realm grandmaster from the Hong Family had their expressions change wildly in an instant and then felt an overwhelming oppressive force hitting them head-on!


    The two hurriedly released their aura, trying to resist, but to no avail!


    Bang!


    A burst of explosive noise rang out, and immediately after, Hong Gaishi and the Golden Core Realm grandmaster from the Hong Family were sent flying, spewing fresh blood in the air.


    The people present were utterly dumfounded¡ªYe Feng had merely released an aura and had blown away a nearly Golden Core Realm-level prodigy and a newly advanced Golden Core Realm grandmaster?


    What kind of terrifying strength was this, exactly?


    Many people swallowed hard, their faces filled with disbelief as they looked at Ye Feng.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were both deadly serious. They exchanged glances, both seeing shock in each other''s eyes. Ye Feng''s strength was still far beyond their imagination!


    Golden Cicada and Bu Tianyun felt their faces turn dark¡ªtoo strong, this aura was too strong. What level of strength did Ye Feng possess to be so terrifying that even they, Golden Core Realm grandmasters who had stabilized their realms in the Spirit Essence Pool, were frightened and shaking!


    Hong Gaishi and the Golden Core Realm grandmaster of his family had been blown away, fallen to the ground, their aura instantly diminished greatly, clearly having received internal injuries from the blast, and it seemed quite severe.


    In the midst of the crowd''s shock, a powerful aura erupted from Xuanyuan Hall!


    "Ye Feng, how dare you act so recklessly!"


    The thunderous voice exploded in everyone''s ears, and a figure had already shot up from Xuanyuan Hall, a momentum bursting forth, multiple times stronger than that which Ye Feng had released, causing nearly everyone at the entrance of Xuanyuan Hall to bend their legs slightly, struggling not to kneel.


    Only Cao Tian, who was at the Foundation Establishment Realm, had a face full of agony, and his knees were about to hit the ground.


    Ye Feng''s face changed slightly as well, knowing the owner of the voice¡ªit was the Fourth Hall Master of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan!


    Beside him, Long Nannan and Sausage Sister both turned pale, fear evident in their eyes.


    At that moment, the Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen snorted coldly and released his own aura, covering all the present people and allowing them to recover.


    Zhao Xuanzhen, looking at the incoming figure, asked coldly, "Hong Wuji, what are you doing!?"


    Hong Wuji, that was the name of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan''s Fourth Hall Master.


    Hong Wuji flew to Hong Gaishi and the Golden Core Realm grandmaster from the Hong Family, raised his hand, and both were lifted into the air. Then he sent a ray of light into their bodies, seemingly treating them.


    After doing all this, Hong Wuji turned around and faced Ye Feng, his face full of killing intent.


    He glanced at Zhao Xuanzhen and sneered, "What am I doing?"


    "This Ye Feng is naturally cruel, resorting to violence at the slightest disagreement. One must not fight privately in front of Xuanyuan Hall, that''s the rule, and this Ye Feng has knowingly violated it!"


    Hong Wuji''s gaze was chilling, clearly furious, staring at Ye Feng and even revealing a hint of killing intent.


    Ye Feng was not at all afraid, taking a step forward and saying coldly, "I''ve knowingly violated it? When that piece of trash Hong Gaishi injured my nephew, why didn''t I see you come out to stop it?"


    "Now that someone from the Hong Family is injured, you come running out barking like a dog!?"


    Everyone was stunned¡ªYe Feng had just called the Fourth Hall Master a barking dog!?


    Insanity, sheer insanity¡ªthis was the Fourth Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, after all!

 Chapter 573 - 568: The First Hall Master Takes Action

    Hong Wuji''s eyes blazed with fury at that moment. He, a Fourth Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, was now being accused of barking like a dog?


    "Disrespectful and courting death!"


    Hong Wuji''s aura erupted completely, his formidable presence bearing down on Ye Feng, shattering Zhao Xuanzhen''s aura and completely ignoring it!


    He was utterly enraged; never before had anyone on the Outer Battlefield dared to insult him like this¡ªnot even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. Yet now, a mere Northern Border King, a being with the power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, was cursing and ridiculing him. It was a humiliation beyond belief.


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s face turned pale as he felt his own aura being overcome. Ye Feng had gone mad¡ªHong Wuji was truly furious!


    In terms of strength, even Zhao Xuanzhen himself would not be able to match Hong Wuji at full force!


    Now Hong Wuji''s full aura was unleashed against one person. Just this sheer presence alone could instantaneously kill a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, leaving no chance for retaliation.


    Zhao Xuanzhen wanted to shield Ye Feng, but it was already too late; the terrifying aura descended upon Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged, his face still stern as if he was carrying a mountain. The ground beneath his feet cracked and collapsed where he stood.


    Yet, shockingly, even under such intense suppression, Ye Feng still stood upright, his expression as cold as ever as he stared at Hong Wuji without any signs of change, and he said, "I''m talking about you... barking like a dog, what can you... do about it!?"


    Ye Feng spoke with some difficulty, but he showed no sign of submission.


    Hong Wuji''s expression shifted subtly. What was going on with this young man? This was the full might of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm exerting pressure, something that would ordinarily crush any Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, yet Ye Feng simply seemed to find speech slightly strenuous, still standing tall.


    Last time, during the selection trial in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng hadn''t shown such force. Watching from above the arena, Hong Wuji had sensed Ye Feng''s skill and talent but had considered him at best on par with a normal Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    In fact, Hong Wuji was unaware that during those trials, Ye Feng had hidden his true power. Even now, he was only outwardly showing difficulty; the pressure from Hong Wuji wasn''t much of a strain for him at this point¡ªbut he didn''t want to reveal his strength too soon.


    Ye Feng was also testing his own current level of power. He hadn''t expected to withstand such immense pressure from a strong practitioner of the Yin-Yang Realm. Was this the power of having two thousand eight hundred Acupoints?


    Ye Feng was pleasantly surprised. With two thousand six hundred Acupoints, he had felt he should be at the pinnacle of the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Having opened up another two hundred Acupoints in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he could now actually withstand a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. This was an unexpected delight, but he was unsure of the outcome should an actual fight ensue.


    Hong Wuji''s expression turned dark. He fully realized it was unlikely he could suppress Ye Feng with mere pressure. It seemed that his intimidation only managed to put some strain on Ye Feng¡ªa simple suppression.


    This young man was only twenty-six years old?


    With that thought, Hong Wuji''s gaze grew even colder. This youth must be eliminated!


    He had heard about the affairs with the Hong Family in the Xuanyuan Nation, and he could not allow Ye Feng to continue growing stronger¡ªotherwise, he would certainly become the most formidable adversary for their Hong Family!


    "Hmph, little brat, daring to defy this Master repeatedly, die!"


    Hong Wuji suddenly bellowed, and an overwhelming energy burst forth from his body, rumbling as if the earth itself trembled. Soon after, a sun burning with fierce flames appeared above Hong Wuji, instantly heating the air. Everyone around, except for Zhao Xuanzhen, showed a look of fear.


    Was this the strength of a Hall Master Level powerhouse, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    They felt as though they were melting away!


    "Ye Feng is doomed now, he has truly enraged the Fourth Hall Master."


    "Ye Feng brought this upon himself; who else is to blame? Who dares to insult the dignity of a Hall Master?"


    "He really thought he could disregard the seniors after coming out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, boasting of his power? How laughable."


    The people of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts all struggled to resist this formidable pressure while making quiet comments among themselves.


    Golden Cicada and Bu Tianyun wore grave expressions. They did not comment on Ye Feng but were astonished by his strength; he could withstand such pressure from a strong being, while they might have been severely injured or killed if placed in the same position. As geniuses, they were acutely aware that they were only feeling the aftershocks while the full brunt of the pressure was directed at Ye Feng.


    Too powerful!


    "Great Fiery Sun Technique!"


    Hong Wuji roared, and the blazing sun above him radiated blinding light. The extreme heat seemed ready to incinerate everything. With a gesture, the immense fiery sun charged towards Ye Feng.


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s expression changed drastically, "Hong Wuji, have you gone mad!!"


    Zhao Xuanzhen had never expected that the Fourth Hall Master, Hong Wuji, would actually take action the moment he said he would, and even went all out from the get-go, using the Great Fiery Sun Technique of the Hong Family. He was determined to take Ye Feng''s life!


    Sausage Sister and Long Nannan also felt the power of the Great Fiery Sun Technique, their complexions changing drastically as well; they even started to sense the breath of death.


    "Little Martial Uncle, what should we do now? It''s all my fault, I''ve dragged you into this."


    Long Nannan regretted her actions, deeply regretted them. She had not expected the situation to escalate to this point. She had originally wanted to take action because Hong Gaishi said that Little Martial Uncle was dead, but she did not anticipate that after Little Martial Uncle fought against the people of the Hong Family, a Hall Master Level figure, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, would be drawn out. The formidable power sent chills down everyone''s spines.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were also panicking, but they were being suppressed by Hong Wuji''s might at the moment, unable to move at all. They were only at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, and under the pressure of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Mirror, they couldn''t even budge.


    Ye Feng himself also had a very solemn look in his eyes. Indeed, imposing might and actually making a move were completely different things. The Great Fiery Sun Technique truly made him feel an unbearable pressure. If he were to take it head-on with all his strength, perhaps he would indeed be able to take it, but that would expose his true power!


    Ye Feng hesitated, but at that moment, the Great Fiery Sun enveloped in raging flames was almost upon him, and if he didn''t make a decision then, the situation would become dire.


    Quickly, a resolute look flashed in Ye Feng''s eyes. If his power was to be exposed, so be it. Since Hong Wuji now intended to put him in a life-threatening position, he might as well go all out like he did with the Third Hall Master last time, and inflict heavy damage on his opponent!


    Just as he was prepared to resist with all his might, another even stronger presence erupted from Xuanyuan Hall.


    A figure as fast as lightning appeared before Ye Feng. This figure stretched out a hand, creating an energy whirlpool in front of them. The massive Fiery Sun that could burn everything was instantly devoured by the energy whirlpool. Soon after, the energy whirlpool disappeared into the air, as if nothing had happened at all.


    Hong Wuji''s face changed color as he looked at the figure, his entire face immediately sinking.


    That figure was none other than the First Hall Master!


    Ye Feng, who had been prepared to take on the Great Fiery Sun Technique himself, was also shocked by the presence of the First Hall Master.


    The First Hall Master, with just a casual lift of his hand, had taken Hong Wuji''s powerful strike. How immense was his strength?


    Ye Feng was completely astounded; even the word ''terrifying'' was not enough to describe this power.


    Long Nannan, Sausage Sister, and Xiao Chuanqi all let out a sigh of relief at this moment. Thankfully, the First Hall Master had arrived in time.


    The First Hall Master, with a cold face, looked at Hong Wuji and said indifferently, "Hong Wuji, what are you trying to do? Why are you attacking a junior with a lower realm so heavily? This person is the pride of our Xuanyuan Hall; have you lost your mind?"


    Ye Feng, who stood behind the First Hall Master, had his face twitch in an instant. He had just felt a little grateful to the First Hall Master, but with that one sentence, claiming that he had a lower realm, who the hell had a lower realm?


    You''re the one with the lower realm, your whole family has a lower realm!


    Ye Feng was somewhat speechless inside. Although the First Hall Master had saved him, he shouldn''t look down on him like that, should he?


    Zhao Xuanzhen seemed to notice Ye Feng''s frustration and couldn''t help but find it amusing.


    However, seeing that the First Hall Master came out to shield Ye Feng from the attack, he also relaxed a bit. He had been somewhat worried about whether Ye Feng would get into trouble, for his own strength was inferior to that of Hong Wuji. If he had tried to help Ye Feng just now, he probably would have been injured as well, and only the First Hall Master could take such a strike so easily.


    At this time, Zhao Xuanzhen couldn''t help but mutter to himself about Ye Feng''s current level of strength. The fact that he had casually caught Hong Wuji''s attack was truly astonishing.


    "What am I doing? This kid openly harmed others in front of Xuanyuan Hall, and I enacted punishment. What''s the problem with that?"


    Hong Wuji replied with a face ashen with rage, snorting coldly. He hadn''t expected the First Hall Master to appear so suddenly.


    Otherwise, the Great Fiery Sun Technique just now would have definitely killed Ye Feng on the spot.


    He certainly didn''t believe that Ye Feng could take a full-strength strike from him, a Grandmaster of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "It was the people of Hong Family who first attacked Nannan. Ye Feng was only trying to seek justice for Nannan!"


    Sausage Sister, unable to hide her anger, stepped forward and spoke coldly.


    Hong Wuji''s eyebrows rose as he glanced at Sausage Sister, who was merely at the Half-Step Golden Core. He was somewhat annoyed: "A mere Half-Step Golden Core dares to confront me?"

 Chapter 574 569 Just Helping This Once

    Hong Wuji''s eyes turned cold as a powerful pressure swept towards Sausage Sister.


    "Hong Wuji, that''s enough!"


    The First Hall Master let out a cold snort, and a towering aura exploded instantly, directly suppressing Hong Wuji''s pressure, and at the same time, an overwhelmingly strong force rolled towards Hong Wuji.


    Hong Wuji''s face changed, and he internally cried out that it was bad, hastily exerting all his strength in Qi Circulation to resist the First Hall Master''s overwhelming force.


    Bang!


    The supreme force struck Hong Wuji''s body, emitting a massive explosion.


    All those present felt a shudder through their bodies and almost lost their footing. If not for the Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen''s assistance in bearing the brunt of the impact for everyone, quite a few might have even been blasted away.


    Even with Hong Wuji fully resisting, he was still pushed back several steps before he could stabilize his stance, and his Qi-Blood surged within him.


    Hong Wuji was utterly shocked; he knew the First Hall Master was strong but had not expected to be so overpowered in his presence. Just the First Hall Master''s presence alone made him retreat several steps. What if the First Hall Master had struck with his hands?


    The current First Hall Master had only recently taken the position within the last hundred years. Hong Wuji didn''t particularly understand this newly appointed First Hall Master, and because he seldom acted, the other hall masters only knew that the First Hall Master was very powerful, far surpassing any of them. It seemed that only the Second Hall Master could contend with him.


    However, Hong Wuji hadn''t expected the gap between him and the First Hall Master to be so vast.


    "First Hall Master, are you absolutely determined to protect Ye Feng!?"


    Hong Wuji gritted his teeth and asked.


    The First Hall Master looked indifferent, seemingly not putting the Fourth Hall Master Hong Wuji in his eyes at all.


    "I intend to protect him. What do you plan to do about it?"


    "This is merely a quarrel between the younger generation. Although Xuanyuan Hall does not encourage infighting, such matters should be resolved by the youth themselves."


    "As someone at the Hall Master Level, getting involved in the matters of the younger generation is where you are wrong."


    The First Hall Master spoke logically and authoritatively. Although his tone was domineering, it was also persuasive.


    Hong Wuji wore an angry look yet was helpless; he was no match for the First Hall Master. Now that the First Hall Master intended to protect Ye Feng, there was nothing he could do.


    "Fine, I''ll let it go this time. But if you dare to disrespect me again, don''t blame me for disregarding your face, First Hall Master."


    Hong Wuji coldly huffed, conceding though begrudgingly, but still had to make a harsh statement to regain some face.


    "Rest assured, Fourth Hall Master. Next time, I won''t just disrespect you, I will directly shatter you."


    At that moment, Ye Feng spoke up with a faint smile on his face.


    Hong Wuji''s face changed again, even more irate, but with the First Hall Master present, he could not say much more; with a wave of his hand, he summoned a force to lift Hong Gaishi and the Members of the Hong Family and flew back into Xuanyuan Hall.


    In front of Xuanyuan Hall, everyone was silent, dumbfounded.


    Ye Feng had actually dared to provoke the Fourth Hall Master like that in the end. That was incredibly audacious, a sheer disregard for his own life.


    Across the entire Outer Battlefield, how many people had the courage to challenge a superpower from the Yin-Yang Realm?


    "Ye Feng must be insane. If the Fourth Hall Master finds an opportunity next time, he will definitely be shattered by him."


    "No matter how strong he is, he''s not from the Yin-Yang Realm. How can he possibly be a match for the Fourth Hall Master? He''s far too bold."


    "Perhaps he''s only this arrogant because the First Hall Master is here. Otherwise, he wouldn''t dare to talk so much."


    "That makes sense. I''ve heard before that the First Hall Master might be from the Utility Pavilion, but there hasn''t been much confirmation until now, it seems."


    The others discussed among themselves, careful not to say anything too rash with the First Hall Master still present. With his terrifying strength, a mere flick of his fingers could effortlessly crush them.


    The First Hall Master then turned around, his profound eyes looking at Ye Feng.


    "If your strength is inadequate, don''t think about challenging a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. I''ll help you this time. If you provoke such a high-level expert again, you''ll have to deal with it on your own."


    The First Hall Master said indifferently, but the corners of his mouth revealed a trace of an almost imperceptible smile.


    Ye Feng''s eyebrows raised slightly; he always felt there was something off about the First Hall Master''s words, as if he was certain that Ye Feng could compete with a Great Power from the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "Thank you for your intervention, First Hall Master."


    Ye Feng still bowed and thanked him. After all, the First Hall Master had helped him, and it was good enough that he didn''t need to reveal his power so soon. Revealing his strength completely at this point wouldn''t be favorable for Ye Feng.


    The strength he appeared to be showing now should still be within reason, given that everyone had just emerged from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and even before entering, he had already displayed the might of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. At most, what he''s showing now could be considered that of a top-notch Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    A top-notch Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm could indeed withstand the pressure in front of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. This wasn''t particularly surprising and should still fall within what everyone might accept.


    The First Hall Master looked deeply at Ye Feng, then quickly turned to face the crowd, sweeping his gaze over everyone''s realm aura, lingering a moment on both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, a trace of doubt flickering in the depths of his eyes, but it soon disappeared.


    "It seems everyone has gained a lot from this time in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. According to the rules set beforehand, each person needs to contribute fifty spirit stones,"


    said the First Hall Master in a clear voice.


    Everyone bowed and stepped forward in turn, placing fifty spirit stones in front of the First Hall Master.


    Gradually, a pile of spirit stones grew in front of the First Hall Master, resembling a small hill. A total of one thousand two hundred and fifty spirit stones, including the fifty contributed by Xiao Chuanqi and others on behalf of Ye Feng, accumulated together.


    With just a glance, the First Hall Master confirmed the correct number of spirit stones, flipped his hand, and the one thousand two hundred and fifty spirit stones were promptly collected and vanished from sight.


    Nobody felt that one thousand two hundred and fifty spirit stones was a large amount; nearly everyone present had obtained five hundred stones each, and Xuanyuan Hall took only one-tenth ¨C it was already incredibly generous.


    In reality, Xuanyuan Hall''s reserve of spirit stones was far from limited. It''s just that each time after the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm concluded, they would take some spirit stones from everyone to replenish what was consumed.


    Ye Feng was also curious as to why Xuanyuan Hall only took so few spirit stones each time. Did the Hall Masters not need to expend them for cultivation?


    However, such a question was clearly inappropriate to ask. Since the First Hall Master didn''t mention it himself, he surely had his reasons, and Ye Feng couldn''t be bothered to ask more.


    Just as Ye Feng thought there wasn''t anything else, the First Hall Master suddenly spoke again.


    "In twenty days, the Martial Competition of the Talent Rankings in the Outer Battlefield will begin. All cultivators under the age of thirty are eligible to participate."


    "This Talent Ranking will be different. Those who secure a position within the top ten will earn a chance to enter the Source Secret Realm."


    The First Hall Master''s voice reached everyone''s ears, and the expressions of those present immediately shifted.


    "The Source Secret Realm, what is that?"


    "I haven''t heard of it either. Is this some new secret realm?"


    "Previous Talent Rankings have always been about spirit stones and top-level spiritual medicines. What''s this about an additional secret realm now?"


    Many were puzzled, not knowing what the Source Secret Realm was.


    Only Ye Feng''s expression flickered ¡ª could this Source Secret Realm be related to Origin Energy?


    At that moment, the First Hall Master spoke again: "The Source Secret Realm, discovered by the great powers last year, is an extremely suitable secret realm for cultivators at the Golden Core Realm. At its center is a chamber filled with Origin Energy."


    "The Origin Energy within the chamber is beneficial for all experts of the Golden Core Realm. It can nourish your Golden Cores, enhancing their quality and can also permanently refine and sublimate your Power of Spirit Essence,"


    "What it means to refine and sublimate the Power of Spirit Essence is something I need not elaborate on. I believe everyone here can understand the benefits of elevating and purifying the Power of Spirit Essence."


    Upon hearing this explanation, everyone trembled, realizing that it meant the possibility of elevating and purifying the Power of Spirit Essence.


    This was tantamount to enhancing combat power!


    Amongst those of equal realm, whoever had more pure and potent Spirit Essence naturally held greater strength.


    To put it simply, the current Power of Spirit Essence is actually mixed with impurities, as most here rely on spirit stones for absorption within the Outer Battlefield.


    The Power of Spirit Essence in spirit stones is actually quite mixed, and as a result, the Power of Spirit Essence within one''s body is also quite mixed.


    Although everyone here has been cultivating within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and drawing from the more pure Spirit Essence in the air, there are still impurities present.


    Now, as the First Hall Master said, Origin Energy can permanently enhance the quality of the Golden Core, meaning that from now on, the Spirit Essence absorbed by the Golden Core itself will also be purer, and one''s strength will be greatly increased.


    This has a fatal attraction for any Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    Many were already eager to try, their eyes filled with anticipation.


    "If I may ask, Great First Hall Master, is the participation restriction for this Talent Ranking Martial Competition the same as before?"


    The question came from Bu Tianyun of the Bu Family.


    At this point, many also turned their gaze toward the First Hall Master, especially those over thirty years old. They were extremely eager about the Source Secret Realm mentioned by the First Hall Master, but there''s a rule for the Talent Ranking Martial Competition stating that only those under thirty years old could take part in the selection!


    The First Hall Master then looked over and spoke lightly, "The rules and restrictions for this Talent Ranking Martial Competition are indeed somewhat different from previous ones."


    At these words, everyone''s ears perked up; this was the key information they were waiting for. With the rules changed, could it be that this time even those over thirty years old would have a chance to join in the Talent Ranking Martial Competition?

 Chapter 575 570: Rule Change

    The First Hall Master paused momentarily before adding, "In light of the availability of the Source Secret Realm''s slots, the Four Great Powers have discussed and agreed that the age restriction for the current Talent List Martial Arts Tournament will be altered from the original requirement of being under thirty to allowing those under thirty-five to participate. Additionally, all participants must have reached the Golden Core Realm!"


    This new rule immediately caused a huge uproar.


    "What, now those under thirty-five can join? Isn''t that loosening the age restriction by a whole five years?"


    "With this change, those monsters from the previous Genius Ranking might be able to compete now."


    "That''s not the main point. Before, it was anyone under thirty regardless of their realm, but now it has to be a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm to take part in this Talent List Martial Dao Conference!"


    "Doesn''t this mean that those geniuses who are below the Golden Core Realm are out of luck?"


    The crowd was somewhat shocked; the rule change came suddenly and unexpectedly, requiring one to be a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Of course, everyone could understand why¡ªthe Source Secret Realm was only effective for those in the Golden Core Realm, and it was useless for anyone in other realms to enter.


    Ye Feng, however, frowned. Only Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm could enter?


    This made things difficult for him. His realm still appeared to be at the Peak Martial King, and though his strength had increased, his realm hadn''t shown any sign of change. These people wouldn''t exclude him from the Talent List Martial Arts Conference, would they?


    As Ye Feng pondered, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but glance at Ye Feng.


    "Do you think these rules will affect Brother Ye? This guy seems to still be at the Martial King Peak!"


    Chi Jark kept reconfirming Ye Feng''s realm through his aura, certain that Ye Feng was at the Peak Martial King level, his expression growing more and more peculiar.


    Xiao Rulong was also confirming Ye Feng''s realm and said with a shake of his folding fan, "Truly at the Martial King Peak. I thought Brother Ye would have some realm changes after coming out from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, but unexpectedly, he''s still at the Martial King Peak."


    "But I''ve never seen a Martial King Peak who can withstand the oppressive force of the Yin-Yang Realm in my life. I''m starting to suspect that Ye Feng is concealing his realm."


    Xiao Rulong was certain that Ye Feng was hiding his realm, but Chi Jark interjected, "Impossible. We are both in the Golden Core Realm. If Ye Feng were to hide his realm from us, he would have to be a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm."


    Chi Jark was incredulous, feeling that it was unlikely for Ye Feng to be hiding his realm from them. Generally, one could not conceal their realm''s aura unless their realm was higher than the observer''s.


    "But what if he really is a supreme powerhouse of the Yin-Yang Realm?"


    Xiao Rulong spoke again, in a somber tone.


    These words caused Chi Jark to freeze, and Xiao Rulong''s statement echoed in his mind.


    Right, what if Ye Feng truly was a Yin-Yang Realm Great Power from the start?


    What if from the beginning he had disguised himself as a twenty-six-year-old Peak Martial King, gradually revealing his strength bit by bit? Giving the appearance of a true genius, a real heaven-sent talent with extraordinary gifts, but in reality, he was an old monster from the Yin-Yang Realm in disguise?


    Chi Jark was dumbfounded on the spot, then shook his head firmly and said to Xiao Rulong, "Nonsense, impossible. If Ye Feng really is an old demon from the Yin-Yang Realm, how do you explain the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    Xiao Rulong coughed lightly and said with his folding fan, "It seems so indeed. You have to be a Golden Core Grandmaster or below and under fifty years of age to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    If Ye Feng was truly an old demon from the Yin-Yang Realm, he wouldn''t have been able to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm at that time. Yet, they had seen with their own eyes Ye Feng enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and although no one saw him there, they had watched him emerge from the Gate of Whirlpool. The Gate of Whirlpool in the Heavenly Cloud Secret Realm couldn''t be opened simply by a Yin-Yang Realm individual.


    "There are twenty days left. I believe some people, even if they haven''t reached the Golden Core Realm yet, are not far off. Twenty days is enough time to break through."


    "In twenty days, anyone wishing to attend the Talent List Martial Arts Conference or participate in the selection can come before Xuanyuan Hall. At that time, I will personally escort people to the site of the conference," announced the First Hall Master, leaving some instructions. After taking a couple more glances at Ye Feng, he flew back inside Xuanyuan Hall.


    For a moment, in front of Xuanyuan Hall, many people began to transmit messages, spreading the news of the new rules for the selection of the Talent List Martial Arts Conference.


    Many people also started to leave the front of the Yin-Yang Temple. Golden Cicada looked at Ye Feng gravely and left with the Buddhist Sect''s disciples.


    Previously, he had thought about settling scores with Ye Feng on behalf of the Buddhist Sect after coming out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, as he hadn''t seen Ye Feng in the Spirit Essence Pool and guessed that Ye Feng wouldn''t have gained much strength. But he had broken through in the Spirit Essence Pool, and his strength had greatly increased.


    Dealing with Ye Feng, who hadn''t entered the Spirit Essence Pool, should have been no problem!


    However, he had not anticipated that upon exiting the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he''d find Ye Feng to be even stronger than before!


    To think that Ye Feng could even withstand the suppression from Hong Wuji, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm of the Fourth Hall Masters. If it were him, he definitely wouldn''t have had the confidence to withstand it.


    With such strength, it''s better not to provoke him lightly for now.


    As the people from the Buddhist Sect left, the members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts also dispersed one after another. Their strongest at the moment was the Golden Cicada from the Buddhist Sect. Since Golden Cicada did not wish to trouble Ye Feng, they were not foolish enough to send themselves to their death by confronting him.


    Soon, only Bu Tianyun from the Bu Family had not left. However, as Bu Tianyun looked at Ye Feng, his gaze was filled with jealousy. He didn''t linger long and left as well.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian finally came over, with Xiao Chuanqi looking particularly excited.


    "My Lord, you truly live up to your reputation. Even the Fourth Hall Master had no way of dealing with you, so domineering!"


    Xiao Chuanqi was incredibly excited, acting as if he was the one who had stood up to the Fourth Hall Master.


    Ye Feng felt rather helpless and rolled his eyes at Xiao Chuanqi. What was with this guy lately? His strength had not made any progress, yet his ability to kiss up had greatly improved. Sometimes, Ye Feng really wanted to sew this guy''s mouth shut.


    On the other hand, Sima Zhantian did not come over to Ye Feng''s side but walked up to Sausage Sister with a smile, "I didn''t expect that you would come to the Outer Battlefield too."


    Sausage Sister looked at Sima Zhantian''s simple smile, failed to recognize him and let out a chuckle, speaking casually, "Of course I had to come. I wanted to see whether you would get eaten by an alien beast out here in the Outer Battlefield."


    "If you get eaten, I''ll collect your corpse and take it back to Xuanyuan Nation."


    Sausage Sister smirked mischievously.


    Sima Zhantian was somewhat dumbfounded and then felt slightly annoyed, "Hey, you actually hope for my death; are you even human? How could those alien beasts be a match for me?"


    "I''d just need to wield my Immortal Blade, and I could easily cut those little bugs to pieces!"


    Sima Zhantian''s expression was full of contempt, as if he truly did not see alien beasts as his equals.


    At this moment, Xiao Chuanqi stood out to burst his bubble, "Look at you, Sima Zhantian. You didn''t say that when we encountered the Azure Crazy Python. You fled as soon as you put away your blade. Running away is one thing, but damn it, you didn''t even bother to tell me. Are you even human?"


    Xiao Chuanqi was clearly angry, and it didn''t seem like he was just putting on an act.


    The atmosphere suddenly quieted down, and everyone looked at Sima Zhantian with great interest.


    The Azure Crazy Python was an alien beast close to the Golden Core Realm. Although it was not a true Golden Core Realm alien beast, its defensive power could match that of a Golden Core Realm beast.


    Usually, those at Half-Step Golden Core were no match for the Azure Crazy Python. Both Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi were aware of this fact, and that''s why they ran away immediately upon encountering the Azure Crazy Python.


    Bearing the brunt of Xiao Chuanqi''s rapid-fire humiliation, Sima Zhantian''s face turned red, and he continued to cough lightly, trying to cover up his embarrassment.


    The crowd burst into laughter again, and the tense atmosphere previously dominated by the Fourth Hall Master became lively once more.


    Zhao Xuanzhen watched Ye Feng and the others with a smile, and was also shocked by the strength Ye Feng had shown earlier.


    There was also the somewhat mysterious Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong. The strength of these three individuals was probably beyond everyone''s imagination.


    Zhao Xuanzhen contemplated in his heart. However, this was the outcome he hoped to see, for he was well aware that great chaos was approaching, and there was not much time left for the younger generation.


    "My Lord, I have a question about the strength between the various Hall Masters."


    Ye Feng approached Zhao Xuanzhen.


    He was curious to know why the Third Hall Master, who also held the rank of Hall Master Level, seemed to be not a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm but was at best a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Even after taking an Explosive Element Pill, his strength did not break through to the level of a Golden Core Grandmaster.


    Was that truly the strength of the previous Third Hall Master?


    Then why was the Fourth Hall Master so powerful?


    Zhao Xuanzhen glanced at Ye Feng and chuckled, "I know what you want to ask. The previous Third Hall Master was only because he had taken over the position from the previous Hall Master. However, his own strength actually did not meet the requirements for a Hall Master."


    "The position of a Hall Master in the Xuanyuan Hall is actually hereditary, chosen by the former Hall Master to select the next successor. Generally, they would pick a super Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to take over, but the previous Third Hall Master couldn''t wait for a new Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to emerge from the Li Family and died, so they could only select a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm from the Li Family to fill the position."


    "But as you know, a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm has no say at all among the Hall Masters, so now, the disappearance of a Third Hall Master won''t have much impact."


    In the end, these words were privately conveyed to Ye Feng by Zhao Xuanzhen''s spirit sound transmission. These matters did not need to be known by too many, and among those present, aside from Zhao Xuanzhen, only Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, the two individuals from the Ancient Clans, were aware.

 Chapter 576 571: Leaked News of the Void Spirit Fruit

    Ye Feng finally understood. Could it be that the position of Xuanyuan Hall''s Hall Master was actually hereditary?


    "However, it''s not just this method, there''s also another one; by defeating the current Hall Master, one can replace them and take over their position," Zhao Xuanzhen said with a smile still lingering on his lips.


    Ye Feng''s eyes gleamed, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, "Does this mean, my lord, that since I have defeated the Third Hall Master, I could potentially assume the role of the new Third Hall Master?"


    If possible, it actually didn''t seem too bad to play the role of the Hall Master.


    Just as Ye Feng entertained this thought, it was immediately extinguished by a bucket of cold water poured by Zhao Xuanzhen.


    "No, after defeating a Hall Master, to officially take their place, you need more than half of the other Hall Masters to vote in favor of your appointment. Do you think you''re up to that?" Zhao Xuanzhen cheerfully said, instantly deflating Ye Feng.


    Consent from half of the Hall Masters?


    How could that be possible!?


    The only Hall Masters who seemed to support him now were the First and the Seventh. The others had grievances with him to varying degrees. Unless he could squarely defeat each one of them and gain their consent...


    But how easy would it be to subdue these Hall Masters, who were all at the Yin-Yang Realm?


    Ye Feng felt that he could contend with Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, but actually defeating them seemed a bit far-fetched¡ªconsidering Hong Wuji''s recent move, he could handle it, but he couldn''t guarantee he''d come out unscathed.


    "It''s just the Hall Master position, no big deal. If I can''t assume it, then so be it," Ye Feng casually waved his hand, feigning indifference. Indeed, if it was merely a nominal title, he really did not covet the position of Hall Master at all¡ªhe could completely disregard it.


    Yet Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled again, "Not care?"


    "Then why do you think we aspire to be Hall Masters?" Zhao Xuanzhen questioned, causing Ye Feng''s expression to stiffen once more.


    Staring at Zhao Xuanzhen, Ye Feng''s brows gradually furrowed. Indeed, if it were just for a title, why bother with the so-called position of a Hall Master?


    "What else does one gain as a Hall Master?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but ask again.


    This time, however, Zhao Xuanzhen shook his head, "Now, it''s not necessary to tell you. You''re still far from touching the position of Hall Master. The Third Hall Master''s whereabouts are currently unknown, and everything is yet distant. You should focus on how you''ll handle the upcoming Genius Rankings Martial Arts Tournament."


    Annoyance throbbed in Ye Feng''s forehead. This old man''s way of speaking was truly infuriating¡ªas if blatantly dangling a carrot in front of him. If it weren''t for the fact that this fellow was Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming''s father, Ye Feng would have been tempted to take action right then and there.


    Unaware that Ye Feng was already considering thrashing him, Zhao Xuanzhen continued obliviously, "If I''m not mistaken, what you''re practicing is the cultivation technique of someone from over two thousand years ago, which is why you''ve remained at the Peak Martial King level."


    Ye Feng remained silent, not at all surprised to be figured out. He had become accustomed to it; most people knew that he was practicing the cultivation technique from someone from over two millennia ago, but they didn''t know the name of the technique or the principles behind it. He didn''t care anymore...


    After a moment of thought, Zhao Xuanzhen added, "Indeed, that person''s cultivation technique is very powerful, but you must be careful yourself. Always remember, Ye Feng, that you are yourself, not that person."


    There seemed to be a profound meaning in Zhao Xuanzhen''s words. Having said that, he flew up and returned to Xuanyuan Hall.


    Since Zhao Xuanzhen had isolated the surroundings earlier, the others had not heard the conversation between the two men. Naturally, no one asked any questions.


    "Little Martial Uncle, how did you become even more powerful!" Long Nannan came beside Ye Feng once more, blinking her eyes in surprise.


    The changes in Ye Feng''s strength were drastic, happening all too quickly. It hadn''t been long, and he was already daring to challenge the legendary figures of the Yin-Yang Realm. Back in Xuanyuan Nation, when members of the Hong Family at the Golden Core Realm level came knocking, he had struggled to cope.


    "And you accuse me, haven''t you also progressed quite a bit? You should almost be breaking through to the Golden Core Realm by now, right?" Ye Feng said with a smile, sensing the significant growth in Long Nannan''s strength since before she fell unconscious.


    At first, he had worried whether Long Nannan, severely injured after the Dragon Transformation, might regress in her abilities. Now it seemed his concern was entirely superfluous.


    Long Nannan''s face showed a touch of proud coquettishness, "Isn''t that to be expected? Who do you think your Miss is?"


    Seeing Long Nannan''s smug demeanor, Ye Feng was slightly amused yet exasperated. But soon after, he straightened his expression and said, "Remember, from now on, do not use the Dragon Transformation. The toll it takes is still too great for you, especially here in the Outer Battlefield, which is not like Xuanyuan Nation."


    "With me here, there''s no need for you to use Dragon Transformation to save me. Do you understand?"


    Ye Feng was both annoyed and touched. At that moment, he had actually been capable of resolving the situation, but unexpectedly, Long Nannan utilized Dragon Transformation and Hong Qingyan directly employed her Bloodline Secret Technique, resulting in both of them being severely injured and falling into a coma.


    This had him worried sick, fortunately, sending Long Nannan to the care of Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe via Sausage Sister had been the right move. In just half a month, Long Nannan had not only recovered but also become stronger.


    Making a mischievous face, Long Nannan said, "I know, I was worried about Little Martial Uncle at the time, too."


    Ye Feng didn''t say much more. After inquiring about their journey to the Outer Battlefield and learning that they hadn''t encountered any danger along the way, he felt a lot more at ease.


    At that moment, Chi Jark came over with a faint smile and said, "Brother Ye, don''t forget, the Void Spirit Fruit is likely to ripen in the next couple of days."


    "How do you think we should arrange it?"


    Chi Jark openly mentioned this in front of everyone at Xuanyuan Hall, causing many to be puzzled and wonder what the two were discussing.


    Xiao Rulong, however, had eyes that shone bright.


    "Void Spirit Fruit?"


    "Where is there Void Spirit Fruit?"


    Xiao Rulong, as a member of the Xiao Family of the Ancient Clan, of course knew about the existence of the Void Spirit Fruit. It was an excellent fruit for cultivating spiritual power, and even in the Outer Battlefield, it was something one could only hope for but rarely obtain. The emergence of each Void Spirit Fruit plant would inevitably trigger a bloody battle!


    Chi Jark glanced around at the others, and Ye Feng knew this guy had reservations, so he smiled and released a Spirit Essence Barrier to prevent their conversation from being overheard.


    Then Chi Jark felt relieved and discussed his earlier discovery of the Void Spirit Fruit.


    After learning about the situation, Xiao Rulong''s eyes gleamed, and with a folding fan in hand and a beaming face, he said, "Well, well, you two, how could you leave me out of such a good opportunity? Were you planning to hog it all to yourselves?"


    Chi Jark replied indifferently, "Xiao Chubby, you underestimate me. Is such a trifle as the Void Spirit Fruit really worth hogging just between Ye Feng and me?"


    "With our many years of friendship, how could we possibly keep it from you, right?"


    Chi Jark laughed, even slinging an arm over Xiao Rulong''s shoulder.


    Despite his words, he had initially not planned to tell Xiao Rulong about it, but circumstances had changed.


    Xiao Rulong eyed Chi Jark suspiciously; something was off. In the past, Chi Jark would never have been so generous about sharing such news.


    "Cut the crap. Last time you even kept those few Earth Origin Grass plants from me. If I hadn''t seen them for myself, would I have gotten a share?"


    Xiao Rulong ridiculed mercilessly.


    Those nearby twitched their mouths in response. Earth Origin Grass was a relatively common Spirit Grass in the Outer Battlefield, typically found near the nests of Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts. While not exactly precious, it was still somewhat useful for Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm who hadn''t reached the abilities of the Golden Core Realm.


    A shade passed over Chi Jark''s face, not having expected Xiao Rulong to call him out so bluntly.


    But he wasn''t concerned with that at the moment, instead speaking with a slightly grave expression, "When I discovered the Void Spirit Fruit, I had members of the Chi Family keep watch over there to monitor the situation."


    "Then, just now, I received a message from there informing me that the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have also discovered the fruit. Whether the Bu Family knows about it, I''m not sure, but they''ll probably find out soon enough."


    "Right now, people from the Nine Great Sects are already lying in wait there, so ultimately, we won''t be able to just take the Void Spirit Fruit directly. When we found it, Hong Zhong and Hong Qing of the Hong Family were also already aware."


    "So this time around, the Void Spirit Fruit might be watched by quite a few Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; if we are to snatch the fruit from their hands, we must work together."


    Chi Jark outlined the situation, which were updates he had just received, or he would not have shared the news with Xiao Rulong.


    Originally, the plan had been for him and Ye Feng to secure the Void Spirit Fruit for themselves, but with the changing situation, he thought to pull Xiao Rulong into the fold. After all, once mature, there would be at least three fruits¡ªenough for one each, making the division less problematic.


    Xiao Rulong looked even more wary, fixing Chi Jark with a cold gaze, "You treacherous scoundrel, if the situation hadn''t changed, you wouldn''t have told me about the Void Spirit Fruit, would you?"


    Chi Jark, now looking slightly stiff, forced a laugh, "How could that be, Brother Xiao? Don''t believe me, ask Brother Ye; I told him from the start that we would involve you when the time came."


    Xiao Rulong clearly didn''t believe Chi Jark''s words, looking as if questioning whether he should trust him or not.


    Ye Feng then chuckled, "Alright, Brother Xiao, there''s no need to fuss over these details. Right now, what we need to think about is how to get our hands on the Void Spirit Fruit."


    Ye Feng hadn''t expected the Void Spirit Fruit to become exposed, but it wasn''t too surprising. After all, a sudden appearance of the Titan Giant Ape in a different location naturally attracted some attention. Now that things had come to this, there was no point getting hung up on these details.


    Chi Jark spoke decidedly, "We cooperate. The three of us together will have no problem seizing the Void Spirit Fruit. There will be at least three fruits; no matter how many there are, I want just one!"


    Xiao Rulong considered it, then actively offered, "I agree to cooperate, and I also only want one."

 Chapter 577 572: Deciding to Take Sides

    Ye Feng glanced at the two men and smiled faintly, "Since you both have said one fruit per person, don''t fight with me if there are any extras."


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong both nodded in agreement. A Void Spirit Fruit plant typically bears no fewer than three fruits, and usually does not exceed five. They each had their own needs, and given the large number of people on Ye Feng''s side, there would be substantial contributions from them during the operation. Therefore, it was only natural for any extra fruits to go to Ye Feng''s side.


    Ye Feng was aware of this as well and did not make a fuss.


    "If that''s the case, then let''s distribute it this way."


    Having said this, Ye Feng looked towards his own comrades.


    "The Void Spirit Fruit is a type of fruit that benefits the cultivation of spiritual power and it''s particularly beneficial for grandmasters in the Golden Core Realm. As you''ve heard just now, there will be several groups vying for it."


    "In this operation, Half-Step Golden Core powerhouses may consider abstaining from participation."


    "Those in the Golden Core Realm who take part, if the supply of Void Spirit Fruit is sufficient, will also receive their share. Otherwise, whoever contributes the most will get the fruit."


    Ye Feng said to the crowd, his tone calm and measured.


    He needed the Void Spirit Fruit himself, and if too many people went after it, it would be difficult to distribute. He had to make this clear to everyone in advance.


    "My lord, what do you take us for? The Void Spirit Fruit is naturally yours; we wouldn''t claim it," Xiao Chuanqi said earnestly. They were the generals; Ye Feng was their commander. Generals obviously followed the commander''s orders.


    "Chuanqi is right, my lord. If it weren''t for you, I would have lost my life long ago. How could I compete with you for possessions?" Leng Wuming also stepped forward, speaking gravely.


    If it weren''t for the Black Jade Healing Paste that Ye Feng had obtained alone from challenging the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, he might still be bedridden. Leng Wuming respected and admired Ye Feng from the bottom of his heart.


    The others also expressed similar sentiments. Sausage Sister stood beside Sima Zhantian without saying anything, but her stance was self-evident.


    Nannan added cheerfully, "Little Martial Uncle, do I look like someone who would fight with you over things?"


    Ye Feng glanced at Nannan, and after a moment, he said very seriously, "You''re not just like that; you are the epitome, okay?"


    Nannan''s previously cheerful face instantly stiffened, and although she knew Ye Feng was joking, she couldn''t help but feel a bit annoyed.


    "When have I ever fought you for anything, Little Martial Uncle? When? Tell me, make it clear!" Nannan rushed at him with pretend ferocity, though her posture remained endearing, causing those present to smile.


    "Okay, okay, stop messing around. Let''s talk seriously now," Ye Feng retreated slightly, dropping the playful expression and facing the crowd once again.


    "For the next period of time, everyone will stick together with me. Since we''re acting as a group, if we encounter any Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures or corresponding resources, they will be allocated according to merit."


    Ye Feng spoke seriously as he went on. Structure could not be achieved without rules, and distributing resources based on merit minimized conflicts. This was the best method, one that was always applied in the army as well, but now it had to be emphasized again.


    "The more one contributes, the more one will gain. To acquire more resources and better items, improve your cultivation level. Otherwise, you''ll always be left behind."


    While saying this, Ye Feng glanced meaningfully at Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian immediately felt helpless; their lord''s words clearly hinted that they were falling behind.


    Damn it!


    Both Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian felt a bit defiant, but they had to admit that even Nannan, who had been recuperating for half a month, seemed to be much stronger than them now.


    Ye Feng''s words ignited a fighting spirit in many. They were well aware that they were gradually being left behind by Ye Feng''s progress. If they didn''t push harder, they would only drift further away from him.


    Shadow''s eyes flickered with a light that suggested he was contemplating something.


    Behind Ye Feng stood both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, both listening to him speak.


    "This is what a leader looks like. This guy truly has the bearing of an emperor," Chi Jark couldn''t help but communicate telepathically with Xiao Rulong, noting the rare leader''s charisma emanating from Ye Feng.


    "The legendary Northern Border King is indeed as formidable as the tales say. Moreover, his personal strength is monstrously strong. There''s no way that he cultivated to this extent in just one dark space in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, as he claimed. No one believes that," Xiao Rulong telepathically replied.


    Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but communicate through voice transmission, expressing disbelief in the words Ye Feng said when he emerged from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm; he was convinced that Ye Feng had secured an immense fortune within. Nevertheless, Xiao Rulong refrained from prying too deeply.


    "Since Ye Feng is keeping secrets from us, he naturally doesn''t wish to disclose them. There''s no need to fret over such matters. All we need to remember is to never become enemies with Ye Feng. This must also be communicated to the senior ancestors at home."


    "I have a premonition that Ye Feng will be a key figure in the upcoming chaos. Even if it kills me, I must stand by Ye Feng''s side."


    Chi Jianren''s eyes narrowed slightly as he continued to exchange voice transmissions with Xiao Rulong.


    If initially his alignment with Ye Feng was spurred by mere curiosity, he had now decidedly begun to take sides, preparing for strategic alliance.


    The Chi and Xiao families had maintained a coalition for many years, being slightly weaker than the Hong and Bu families, thus opting to band together and remain neutral in various conflicts, abstaining from taking sides.


    But now, Chi Jianren had decided to align with Ye Feng.


    Surprise flickered in Xiao Rulong''s eyes; he hadn''t expected Chi Jianren to make such a decisive statement.


    As Xiao Rulong watched Ye Feng, he too fell into deep contemplation, considering that Chi Jianren''s decision was not without reason.


    Ye Feng, now only twenty-six years old, had the audacity to challenge a supreme powerhouse of the Yin-Yang Realm. In over two millennia, Ye Feng might very well be the first, right?


    A month ago, news they heard on the Outer Battlefield was that Ye Feng, on Earth within Xuanyuan Nation, although able to fight against powerhouses of the Sacred Realm, was said to be in secluded cultivation to enhance himself before the decisive battle. After emerging, he fought fiercely to kill two elders from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects.


    However, Ye Feng had only just arrived in the Outer Battlefield and had already reached such a realm. Previously, when faced with Hong Gaishi of the Hong Family and that Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, he managed to injure both with just a single breath. How terrifying must his strength be?


    After careful consideration, Xiao Rulong also sent a secret voice transmission: "Alright, since your Chi Family has chosen to take sides, I''ll take a gamble as well. Time is running short; let''s hope Ye Feng can give us a pleasant surprise."


    Xiao Rulong made the decision with gritted teeth, knowing that as leading figures of their generation for the two Ancient Clans, their choices amounted to the stance of the whole clan¡ªstaking the fate of their entire lineage.


    As members of an Ancient Clan, they were acutely aware that there wasn''t much time left before chaos unfolded; their decision was unavoidable, it was merely a matter of making it now rather than later.


    Unbeknownst to Ye Feng, as he was establishing the rules of engagement for everyone on the battlefield, representatives of the two Ancient Clans had already made secret decisions to align with him.


    After discussing some more matters, everyone departed from the front of Xuanyuan Hall, heading for the location where the Void Spirit Fruit had previously been discovered.


    It was still the same stretch of mountainside; the group approached grandly.


    They did not conceal their movements; news from the Chi Family''s people stationed in the area indicated that many from various factions were already lurking near the mountains.


    This included Golden Cicada, who had just left Xuanyuan Hall, as well as those from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts who had exited the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Even a figure whom Ye Feng would recognize and surely be delighted to see was present.


    That was none other than Elder Cangming, a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm from the Underworld Sect!


    "This Void Spirit Fruit should mature in about half a day," Elder Cangming said, his gaze somewhat greedy.


    Ahead, a colossal Titan Giant Ape snored loudly beside an opening that shimmered with colored light¡ªthere lay the cache of Void Spirit Fruits!


    After escaping from Ye Feng, Elder Cangming had used the half-month to recover from his injuries and rushed here upon receiving news of the Void Spirit Fruit''s discovery.


    By his side was Golden Cicada, whose aura was overwhelmingly strong. Golden Cicada''s gaze was fixated on the Titan Giant Ape ahead, but his attention was largely on another mountaintop, where three auras of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm could be sensed¡ªpeople from the Bu Family!


    Bu Tianyun was stationed there with two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm from the Bu Family, along with several others at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, lying in wait.


    On another side, there were also two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, two middle-aged men¡ªthe same Hong Zhong and Hong Qing who had first discovered the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Both looked grim as they watched the two other mountaintops.


    "Damn it, the news still leaked!" spat Hong Qing through gritted teeth, already aware that the Bu Family and people from the Nine Great Sects had arrived, with a significant number of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    Hong Zhong was also displeased, speaking coldly, "This Titan Giant Ape has been camped here, and in these days has attracted many Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts. The commotion was large enough to get noticed, so it''s not surprising."


    In fact, it wasn''t just due to the Titan Giant Ape. A Spirit Fruit like the Void Spirit Fruit naturally lures the Alien Beasts of the Outer Battlefield. Just like the Golden Pattern Divine Power Bear and the Titan Giant Ape that had come before, two Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts erupted into a climactic battle.


    In the following days, even more Alien Beasts were drawn in, though most realized they were no match for the Titan Giant Ape and promptly retreated.


    But the commotion they caused drew the attention of nearby cultivators, and thus the message spread.

 Chapter 578 573 Struggle from Four Sides

    "No, just the two of us can''t compete with these people. Should we inform the Hall Master?"


    Hong Zhong lowered his voice as he spoke, already considering reporting the news to the Fourth Hall Master, Hong Wuji. He had detected the presence of three Golden Core Realm Great Powers from the Bu Family and another three from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts; being just the two of them, there was no way they could possibly outmatch the others.


    "No way!"


    "If we report to the Hall Master now, the moment he steps out of Xuanyuan Hall it will definitely draw the attention of the other Hall Masters. Then how could we possibly have a share of the Void Spirit Fruit?"


    Hong Qing snorted coldly, his thoughts clear as crystal.


    The news of the Void Spirit Fruit had leaked two days ago, but so far no Hall Master Level powerhouse had shown up, which was clear evidence that no one had reported the matter to that level yet.


    Everybody understood implicitly that if the matter was reported up to the Hall Masters, then the Void Spirit Fruit would probably have nothing to do with them. After all, the Void Spirit Fruit, which aids in the cultivation of spiritual power, could attract the attention of even those mighty Hall Master Level practitioners in the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Once Hall Master Level powerhouses get involved, in battles of that scale, they wouldn''t have any chance of participating, and the eventual Void Spirit Fruit would surely be divided up solely among the Hall Master Level powerhouses. No one would willingly give up on the fruit; hence, up until now, no one had informed the Hall Master Level figures.


    "Inform Hong Tianyu. There''s still some time before it ripens, and he should be active nearby Xuanyuan Hall. It shouldn''t take him much time to get here."


    Hong Qing whispered.


    Hong Zhong''s eyes brightened. Hong Tianyu was the superb talent from the previous generation of the Hong Family''s talent rankings, ranking second on the list. More than a year ago, he had already advanced to the Golden Core Realm, possessing immense and unparalleled strength, with few rivals among his peers in the realm.


    They hadn''t informed Hong Tianyu before because they had wanted to keep the remaining Void Spirit Fruits for the Fourth Hall Master, but now the situation was different. They couldn''t possibly get the upper hand against the Bu Family and the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and needed to call for reinforcements to have a chance at the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, Chi Jark, and others had also flown in from a distance, immediately drawing the attention of the three factions present.


    Golden Cicada and Bu Tianyun looked towards Ye Feng and his group, their expressions changing in an instant.


    "Damn it, even Ye Feng received the news and has come,"


    Golden Cicada''s face darkened, his eyes filled with wariness.


    He had witnessed Ye Feng''s imposing manner in front of Xuanyuan Hall and knew full well that Ye Feng was an extremely formidable opponent. He felt that he had no chance of winning against Ye Feng.


    The others from the Nine Great Sects also changed their expressions. They had mostly just emerged from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and having witnessed Ye Feng''s methods, they did not expect him to show up as well.


    Elder Cangming looked particularly fearful, having experienced Ye Feng''s strength firsthand more than ten days ago ¨C an opponent he knew he could not afford to provoke. He vividly remembered how Elder Hua Yue from the Flora Sect had been directly struck dead by one of Ye Feng''s Great Seals. If it weren''t for his swift escape, leaving Elder Hua Yue behind, he might not be alive today.


    He hadn''t thought his luck would be so bad that, just coming over to get a share of the action upon hearing about the Void Spirit Fruit, he would run into Ye Feng right away.


    Elder Cangming''s face had turned green with trepidation at the thought of Ye Feng, who had become a significant psychological shadow for him.


    "Ye Feng, as well as people from the Chi and Xiao families, have arrived. This is getting tricky,"


    Bu Tianyun''s brow also furrowed. He had been yearning to redeem himself against Ye Feng, but Ye Feng''s overwhelming display had far exceeded his expectations. Now Ye Feng had come here, most likely for the Void Spirit Fruit as well.


    "It seems this Void Spirit Fruit won''t be so easy to obtain after all,"


    Bu Tianyun muttered. Although he knew he probably wasn''t below Ye Feng, he wasn''t willing to retreat just yet.


    Indeed, the more chaotic the situation, the greater the opportunity, and it was even possible for someone to take advantage of the confusion and unexpectedly snatch away the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Hong Zhong and Hong Qing''s faces darkened further upon seeing Ye Feng and the others arrive. Although they were not entirely aware of the situation at the gates of Xuanyuan Hall earlier, they knew that Ye Feng and his group had gone to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and the intense auras emanating from Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were not to be underestimated.


    Although Ye Feng''s realm was only at the Peak Martial King, by now, nobody believed in his supposed level. The story of his overwhelming victory over the Bu Family''s genius had already spread far and wide.


    For Ye Feng''s part, Chi Jark couldn''t help but smile upon arrival.


    "Wow, quite a crowd has gathered. It''s starting to get interesting."


    Chi Jark grinned, already sensing the presence of the various parties upon arrival at the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. All the prodigies who had entered were now here, and right now, the area had already amassed over ten Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!


    "Another grand battle is about to begin. Indeed, this is interesting; otherwise, it would not be fun with just that Titan Giant Ape,"


    Xiao Rulong also chimed in, fanning himself. He had grown accustomed to such events, having spent a long time on the Outer Battlefield. He no longer found the current scenario surprising, as every emergence of a rare treasure or discovery of Spiritual Medicine typically led to a major battle.


    The group then settled down on a mountaintop to lie in wait. Since the Void Spirit Fruit wasn''t ripe yet, there was no need to disturb the Titan Giant Ape at this moment.


    Now, there were four factions lying in ambush for the Void Spirit Fruit, each stationed in different directions, all secretly watching over the Void Spirit Fruit, waiting for it to mature.


    "Those two old guys from the Hong Family must be green with envy by now. At first, those two old fellows thought they could monopolize the Void Spirit Fruit all to themselves."


    Chi Jark glanced at Hong Qing and Hong Zhong with a smirk.


    "Don''t be too careless," Ye Feng smiled. "When the situation gets chaotic, it won''t be so easy to get the Void Spirit Fruit anymore."


    He had great confidence in his strength, but now there were more and more Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, so even he didn''t dare to be too careless.


    Xiao Rulong nodded, "The Hong Family''s Hong Qing and Hong Zhong will definitely not be the only ones trying to snatch it; they''ve probably already contacted other Golden Core Realm Grandmasters from their family."


    "Eight or nine out of ten, they''ll ask Hong Tianyu to come over. Otherwise, with just the two of them, they wouldn''t even qualify to compete."


    Xiao Rulong''s eyes were sharp as he directly analyzed the situation.


    Upon hearing this, Chi Jark''s face became serious. Hong Tianyu!


    This guy was indeed strong. Although he hadn''t entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, a year ago he had already become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, with few rivals within it, definitely a formidable adversary.


    "Hong Tianyu, huh? I would actually like to see how strong he is."


    Ye Feng stroked his chin. How strong would the number one person of the Hong Family, who occupied the second spot on the previous genius ranking, be?


    As for Hong Gaishi, Ye Feng no longer considered him a rival; they were completely not at the same level anymore. He wasn''t even at Golden Core Realm, posing no threat. On the contrary, Hong Tianyu, who had advanced to a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm a year ago, piqued his interest.


    "Will Bu Fengning of the Bu Family come?" Ye Feng suddenly asked again.


    Before the selection for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm began, he had heard Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong mention the number one person of the Bu Family, who had become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm three years ago and possessed strength comparable to the top genius of the rankings from three years ago. This was what Ye Feng was most interested in now.


    Both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s expressions changed when Ye Feng asked this question.


    After thinking for a moment, Chi Jark said, "Bu Fengning, there haven''t been any updates about him for a long time. The last time there was news about that guy was a year ago, with rumors from someone who claimed to have seen him enter the Ice Prison Valley!"


    Ice Prison Valley!


    Ye Feng''s expression shifted. This was one of the Four Great Desolate Lands of the Outer Battlefield. The Shadow and Leng Wuming had mentioned that they had passed by the Ice Prison Valley, but were deterred by the terrifying aura within, not even daring to approach.


    Now that Bu Fengning was speculated to have entered the Ice Prison Valley, would he still come to compete for the Void Spirit Fruit?


    At this moment, Xiao Rulong directly said, "Ice Prison Valley is still some distance from here. If Bu Fengning is still in the Ice Prison Valley, it''s definitely impossible for the Bu Family to notify him to come now."


    "Unless he has already emerged from the Ice Prison Valley and is around the Xuanyuan Hall region, then it''s a different story."


    "Of course, it''s also possible he fell in the Ice Prison Valley, isn''t it?"


    Xiao Rulong speculated several outcomes in succession.


    "If the Bu Family hears what you just said, without surprise, they would likely immediately squash you to death."


    Chi Jark grinned.


    Xiao Rulong coughed lightly, and finally closed his mouth. Indeed, these words were not nice to say. However, with the mention of Bu Fengning, everyone became more somber.


    The time for the Void Spirit Fruit to ripen was approaching closer and closer, and a rich fragrance was already starting to spread from the area where the Titan Giant Ape lay.


    Another four hours passed, and the Titan Giant Ape, which had been lying down sleeping, woke up. It roared, stood up from the ground, and its pitch-black eyes were already fixed on the cave entrance overflowing with light.


    It knew that the Void Spirit Fruit it had been waiting for ten days was about to ripen.


    "Young Master, should we make a move? The Void Spirit Fruit will mature soon!"


    From the Bu Family''s side, a Golden Core Realm Grandmaster asked in a low voice, eyes fixed on the Titan Giant Ape.


    Bu Tianyun furrowed his brows and glanced in the other directions. Noticing that there were still no movements elsewhere, he said in a deep voice, "Hold off for now, we can''t be the first ones to act."


    He was well aware that if their Bu Family acted first, the Titan Giant Ape would definitely focus on them. Even though the three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm from his family could absolutely deal with the Titan Giant Ape, they would be taken advantage of by others if they started fighting with the Ape.


    Bu Tianyun was not foolish; it was best to wait for someone else to make the first move.


    In fact, everyone present understood this principle. Whoever acted first would surely be at a disadvantage, and so at that moment, no one was willing to move, watching as the maturation of the Void Spirit Fruit was imminent!

 Chapter 579 - 574: The Struggle Begins

    "A bunch of guys just standing around, no one¡¯s making a move."


    Over at Ye Feng¡¯s side, Chi Jark too had a slightly sullen look, his gaze scanning the three forces surrounding them.


    Up until now, everyone was still waiting and watching, with not a single family daring to act.


    In the meantime, the other allied forces had called over some people, perhaps spurred by the number of people on Ye Feng¡¯s side. They had groups of five or six, while Ye Feng¡¯s side had eleven, including three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and Ye Feng himself, whose realm was unknown. Apart from Cao Tian, there were also six at a Half-Step Golden Core Realm, all of whom were close to being Grandmasters.


    In the four hours they had been waiting, all the forces had summoned the people they could from the vicinity. However, they were mostly experts at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. Although the experts at the Golden Core Realm were numerous in the Outer Battlefield, they were not so common that they could be found everywhere, and many were scattered throughout the Outer Battlefield for experience, making it unrealistic to assemble many in a short time.


    Unlike Ye Feng¡¯s side, which had recently entered the Outer Battlefield and did not have a broad range of activity. Given the Chi Family and Xiao Family¡¯s top talents had inexplicably started to side with them, the power of the experts on Ye Feng¡¯s side became very concentrated.


    Now the Bu Family had three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, led by Golden Cicada on the side of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, which had four Grandmasters. The Hong Family, on the other hand, still had two Grandmasters but had merely managed to call in two more at Half-Step Golden Core Realm¡ªquite a pitiable situation.


    At the Hong Family¡¯s side, Hong Qing¡¯s face showed a hint of anxiety, "How about Hong Tianyu, any news yet?"


    They had sent a message to Hong Tianyu without hesitation upon seeing Ye Feng and the others arrive and soon received a reply that he would hurry over. However, now that four hours had passed and the Void Spirit Fruit was about to mature, Hong Tianyu had not yet arrived.


    The number of people from other forces had entirely overwhelmed them. If Hong Tianyu didn¡¯t come, there was no chance they could get the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Hong Zhong, too, was in a critical situation, but soon, a slight joy appeared on his face. "He¡¯s coming. Hong Tianyu sent me a message that he will arrive in the time it takes for one incense stick to burn. With Hong Tianyu here, our Hong Family can clash with these people."


    Hong Qing then breathed a sigh of relief. As Hong Zhong said, as long as Hong Tianyu arrived, the Hong Family still had a chance. Hong Tianyu was one of the top experts in the Golden Core Realm, and most Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm would not be his match.


    On Golden Cicada¡¯s side, Elder Cangming was also relieved to see an additional Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm joining them. With four Grandmasters, even if Ye Feng wanted to take on his group alone, he wouldn¡¯t need to worry.


    "The Void Spirit Fruit has matured, and still, nobody wants to make a move?"


    Golden Cicada¡¯s face appeared calm as if he was perfectly unconcerned, but there was already a hint of urgency in his eyes. The Void Spirit Fruits were highly coveted, and yet nobody was willing to break the deadlock.


    At that moment, the Titan Giant Ape had already stretched out its huge palm, seeking to uncover the den and take the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed, and after a glance at the other three forces, he immediately knew he couldn¡¯t wait any longer.


    "Brother Chi, take Xiao Chuanqi and the others to hold off the Titan Giant Ape. Brother Xiao, your Xiao Family Body Technique is unparalleled, so you go get the Void Spirit Fruit and then run in any direction!"


    "We can¡¯t wait any longer. We must take the initiative to strike, or the Void Spirit Fruit will end up in the belly of the Titan Giant Ape!"


    Ye Feng spoke rapidly, quickly delegating tasks.


    If the other three forces were unwilling to take the initiative to attack, then they would be the first to move. Ye Feng was not willing to give up the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Chi Jark was taken aback, they certainly had no problem dealing with the Titan Giant Ape, but he couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What if the other three forces start fighting over it?"


    This was the real concern. Taking down the Titan Giant Ape was definitely not an issue; two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, along with several at Half-Step Golden Core Realm, could even kill the Titan Giant Ape in the shortest time. But now all three other forces were on the lookout, and by acting first, they would face a joint attack.


    Xiao Rulong also had a serious expression; if he were to be attacked while taking the Void Spirit Fruit, even with the extraordinary Xiao Family Body Technique, he wouldn¡¯t be able to escape the siege of several Golden Core Realm experts.


    The others understood this too and all looked towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng maintained a calm demeanor, looking forward decisively, "Just do as I said, and leave the rest to me, I will hold them off!"


    As Ye Feng spoke, an emperor¡¯s aura of unquestionable command exuded from him, an imperial order no one could defy!


    Everyone felt a jolt in their hearts, thinking it was too dangerous, but at that moment, Ye Feng had already shouted, "Move!"


    Immediately following, Ye Feng¡¯s body levitated as he burst forth with a strong aura, charging towards the Titan Giant Ape as fast as lightning.


    Behind him, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, among others, were stunned, not expecting Ye Feng to actually lead by example. They all clenched their teeth.


    "Let¡¯s do this!"


    Chi Jark shouted loudly, a long spear appeared in his hand, and a flash of silver light covered his body in exquisite Treasure Armor as he charged towards the Titan Giant Ape, spear in hand.


    In his wake, Shadow erupted with momentum, vanishing into the air, but had actually slipped into the shadows, closely following Chi Jark.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian didn¡¯t lag behind, either¡ªthey burst forth with all their might, Immortal Sword and Immortal Blade at the ready.


    Long Nannan was especially excited, her petite figure bursting with formidable aura, with an exhilarated expression. "It¡¯s a fight, it¡¯s a fight! Little Martial Uncle, wait for me!"


    Sausage Sister looked at Long Nannan¡¯s behavior, slightly at a loss for words. However, she knew she couldn¡¯t delay and quickly unfolded her movement technique to follow closely behind everyone else.


    Just as it was about to grab the Void Spirit Fruit, the Titan Giant Ape sensed the presence of the people approaching. It swiftly turned around, roaring furiously at Ye Feng and the others as they approached, attempting to scare them away.


    Roar!


    Roar!


    Roars filled the air the entire day, as if the entire heaven and earth were trembling, and the ground cracked from the vibrations.


    All the factions¡¯ eyes lit up at this moment.


    "The Northern Border King, Ye Feng, they¡¯ve made their move!"


    A Bu Family member beside Bu Tianyun said solemnly.


    "The aura of these people, there isn¡¯t a single weakling among them, each one is so formidable."


    Another person couldn¡¯t help but exclaim in admiration.


    "Do we make our move now?"


    The two Golden Core Realm Grandmasters from the Bu Family looked towards Bu Tianyun.


    Bu Tianyun narrowed his eyes, a serious look in them. Ye Feng¡¯s side, especially Ye Feng¡¯s own aura, shocked him. It was even slightly stronger than that of Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong. If he were to face him head-on, he would definitely be no match!


    "Wait a little longer, let Ye Feng make the first move. The other two families definitely won¡¯t just sit idle either."


    Bu Tianyun still wanted to be cautious. Although they had three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm on their side, they were still somewhat weaker compared to the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Although Bu Tianyun considered himself extraordinary, he was very clear that he was not in the same league as Golden Cicada. The gap was already apparent from the previous incident with the Heavenly Origin Realm¡¯s Spirit Essence Pool stele attack, not to mention the first and second-place finishers in the Spirit Essence Pool at that time, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    "The main issue is that we still can¡¯t contact Bu Fengning. It¡¯s going to be difficult for us to compete for this Void Spirit Fruit."


    Bu Tianyun¡¯s expression grew a bit grimmer. They had tried to reach out to Bu Fengning, but up to now, there had been no contact. Could it be true as rumors said, that Bu Fengning really entered the Ice Prison Valley?


    Even the Bu Family members weren¡¯t very clear about this. If he truly entered the Ice Prison Valley, then their attempts to communicate would indeed not get through.


    The Four Great Desolate Lands within the Outer Battlefield were all like this!


    Bu Tianyun chose to observe for the moment, but Golden Cicada was getting restless.


    By this time, Ye Feng and the others had already reached the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s side. Chi Jark, wielding a long spear, and Shadow continuously battled the ape, causing the ground to keep shaking from the commotion.


    In just a brief encounter, many scars had appeared on the body of the Titan Giant Ape, some from Chi Jark¡¯s spear thrusts and others from Shadow¡¯s constant quick movements, creating cuts on the ape¡¯s body.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others landed all their attacks on the Titan Giant Ape, causing its body to be covered in blood in an instant.


    The Titan Giant Ape was extremely furious. Its big eyes were filled with blood-red fury as it angrily glared at Chi Jark and Shadow, feeling completely offended by these little insects!


    The Titan Giant Ape turned its massive body towards Chi Jark and the others, roaring at them. The roar transformed into powerful shockwaves that bombarded them.


    Chi Jark¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he immediately released a Spirit Essence Shield in front of everyone.


    However, at that moment, what the Titan Giant Ape failed to notice was a lightning-fast figure that had already rushed into the glowing cave entrance beside it, followed by a rather plump figure rushing out of the same entrance.


    The moment Xiao Rulong rushed out of the cave entrance, the luminosity inside vanished. He was still laughing heartily, "Got it, I¡¯m out of here!"


    Xiao Rulong immediately pushed his body technique to the limit, heading in the direction they had originally charged from. There were no other faction¡¯s members lurking there, making it the best route for retreat!


    At this time, Golden Cicada could no longer sit still, soaring into the sky and speeding towards Xiao Rulong. Three powerful figures followed him, the other three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    "Benefactor Xiao, why the rush to leave? This poor monk has some matters to discuss with you!" Golden Cicada bellowed, speeding up to his limit as he charged over.


    Xiao Rulong looked at the approaching Golden Cicada and laughed once more, "Very urgent, extremely urgent. If you¡¯ve got what it takes, then come catch up to me, little master!"


    Golden Cicada increased his speed even more, his complexion stern, but at that moment, a streak of black light was already charging towards him.

 Chapter 580 - 575: The Nine Great Golden Core Realms

    The black light, accompanied by a powerful aura, seemed as if it could tear through the air, its ferocity unmatched.


    Golden Cicada¡¯s complexion changed drastically, and he immediately stopped in midair, followed by the appearance of an ancient bronze bell above his head.


    "Ten Thousand Buddha Bell!"


    "Bigger, bigger, bigger!"


    Golden Cicada repeated his incantation, and the ancient bronze bell above his head started to expand continuously, enlarging countless times until it completely enveloped him and the several people behind him.


    The black light struck the Ten Thousand Buddha Bell with tremendous speed, and the deafening sound of the bell echoed through heaven and earth. The whole bell trembled, even giving the impression that it might not withstand the black light.


    Boom!


    The Ten Thousand Buddha Bell was sent flying dozens of meters, and only after that did Golden Cicada and the others fly out from within it.


    The black light that repelled Golden Cicada and the others rapidly flew into the hands of a tall and imposing figure, whose aura was also exceedingly powerful.


    "Ye Feng!"


    Golden Cicada looked gravely at the young man holding a pitch-black spear in front of him.


    Wasn¡¯t this Ye Feng with the Sky-breaking Divine Spear?


    "What¡¯s the matter, you want to steal the fruit without asking me first?"


    Ye Feng spoke indifferently, standing tall in the air, his powerful presence suppressing everyone.


    At that moment, Ye Feng caught sight of a figure behind Golden Cicada, and the corners of his mouth revealed a playful smile, "Oh, Elder Cangming, long time no see. Didn¡¯t the abandoned Elder Hua Yue come looking for you?"


    Ye Feng was surprised; he didn¡¯t expect to encounter Cangming here, who previously tried to kill him. This guy had abandoned Elder Hua Yue and ran away. What a coincidence that they happened to run into each other again while competing for the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Once Ye Feng said this, a Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse of the Flora Sect behind Golden Cicada changed his expression and looked towards Elder Cangming.


    "Elder Cangming, what is this about? Our Flora Sect¡¯s missing Elder Hua Yue is relate to you?"


    The Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse of the Flora Sect immediately questioned, as their newly promoted expert of the Golden Core Realm disappeared just half a month ago. The Flora Sect was already in decline, and each Golden Core powerhouse was a pillar of their sect. Now that a newly emerged Golden Core powerhouse had vanished, the sect had been on alert.


    Now, suddenly hearing Ye Feng¡¯s words, how could they not care?


    Questioned, Elder Cangming¡¯s face changed, and he immediately gritted his teeth and said, "Ye Feng, don¡¯t slander me! Elder Hua Yue died at your hands. At that time, Elder Hua Yue and I together went to the Death Desert, where we encountered Eight Wilderness Lizards. We managed to defeat them, but you, Ye Feng, happened to pass by and wanted to rob us of the Eight Wilderness Lizards. Before Elder Hua Yue could even speak, you killed her!"


    Elder Cangming appeared agitated, his face somewhat flushed, his eyes filled with hatred.


    Seeing Elder Cangming¡¯s demeanor, the Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse from the Flora Sect immediately believed him, and coupled with what Ye Feng had done to their sect and the Underworld Sect in the Xuanyuan Nation, this made the powerhouse utterly convinced.


    At that moment, the Flora Sect¡¯s Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as a soft sword appeared in her hand. She glared at Ye Feng with reddened eyes and said, "Ye Feng, you beast, it wasn¡¯t enough to slaughter our sect¡¯s disciples on Earth, now in the Outer Battlefield, you still won¡¯t leave our Flora Sect alone!"


    "Die!"


    The Flora Sect¡¯s powerhouse was furious, the soft sword in hand charging straight at Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng was somewhat speechless; he had somewhat underestimated Elder Cangming¡¯s ability to twist right and wrong. It was clearly him and Elder Hua Yue who had tried to rob him of the Eight Wilderness Lizard he had slain, but now it was twisted as if Cangming himself and Elder Hua Yue had killed the lizard.


    "Not so fast!"


    Golden Cicada¡¯s expression shifted, attempting to stop the Flora Sect¡¯s powerhouse. This was only a Half-Step Golden Core Realm, and rashly charging up to kill Ye Feng was asking for death!


    But it was already too late for Golden Cicada to stop her; the Flora Sect¡¯s powerhouse¡¯s soft sword had already reached before Ye Feng.


    Golden light sparkled on Ye Feng¡¯s body, and the Emperor¡¯s Armor directly protected his entire form, letting the soft sword strike against it.


    The Flora Sect¡¯s powerhouse¡¯s face changed as she found that her soft sword couldn¡¯t even penetrate Ye Feng¡¯s Emperor¡¯s Armor, let alone think of killing Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng frowned slightly and punched out a fist without ceremony; he didn¡¯t even use the Emperor¡¯s Divine Dragon Fist to attack.


    But even this seemingly ordinary punch, with its speed that was too fast for the Flora Sect¡¯s Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse to react, left her only able to watch helplessly as the fist landed on her body.


    Thump!


    The Flora Sect¡¯s powerhouse was sent flying back instantly, blood spewing from her mouth, her inner body seriously injured from the ordinary-looking punch. Another Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse from a different sect rushed over and barely managed to catch her, but she was already powerless to launch another attack, struggling to stabilize her form and hovering in midair with her aura completely wilted.


    ```


    Everyone¡¯s face was shocked, as they all saw that Ye Feng didn¡¯t even utilize any cultivation techniques or moves; it was just a simple punch that grievously injured an expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm!?


    At this moment, the people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were trembling slightly, one by one, retreating backwards. How could they continue to fight under these circumstances?


    A Half-Step Golden Core expert stood no chance against Ye Feng, unable to withstand even a single punch!


    Golden Cicada¡¯s expression was also incredibly solemn, with his aura brought to its peak. However, he was not willing to give up on the Void Spirit Fruit, and was set on taking a risk no matter what!


    "Two fellows, let¡¯s take action together!"


    Golden Cicada bellowed, already brandishing a Vajra Pestle in his hands. He lifted the Vajra Pestle, chanting Buddhist Sect Dao Techniques incessantly. In the sky, Buddhist Sect Seals appeared one after another. Then, he swung the Vajra Pestle, with countless Buddhist Sect Seals gathering upon it. In a moment, the power of the Buddha on the Vajra Pestle became so intense that it created a palpable sense of oppression.


    Elder Cangming and the other two experts of the Golden Core Realm by Golden Cicada¡¯s side also drew their weapons, readying their strongest attacks.


    Four Golden Core Realm Great Powers were charging up simultaneously, their might terrifyingly impressive!


    At this point, Golden Cicada looked in two directions and shouted, "Will the Bu Family and the Hong Family continue to stand by and watch? Just as the Northern Border King is blocking me, he will block you as well. It¡¯s better to join forces to slay the Northern Border King first, and then consider the matter of the Void Spirit Fruit!"


    Golden Cicada¡¯s words stirred the hearts of Bu Tianyun as well as Hong Zhong and Hong Qing. Just now, Ye Feng¡¯s punch nearly killed a Half-Step Golden Core in one blow, which was terrifying. If they were to face Ye Feng alone, they had no certainty of success!


    Immediately after, several figures soared into the sky, flying towards Ye Feng¡¯s side.


    Bu Tianyun, leading two Golden Core Realm Great Powers of the Bu Family, along with Hong Qing and Hong Zhong, were five more Golden Core Realm Great Powers, all rushing forward!


    "Ye Feng, blame it on your strength for being too overwhelming, and for not knowing how to keep a low profile. As for the Void Spirit Fruit, do not even think about touching it!"


    As Bu Tianyun approached, he had already raised his gourd, the Spirit Sword nurtured within now grasped in his hand. The strong aura of the Golden Core Realm burst forth, the Spirit Sword held aloft as an immense Sword Light began to coalesce.


    The other two Golden Core Realm Great Powers from the Bu Family also released their aura, summoning their weapons to the fray.


    At this moment, Hong Zhong and Hong Qing directly executed the Hong Family¡¯s secret techniques. Two scorching suns, brimming with heat, took shape, instantly raising the surrounding temperature to its extreme, as if capable of melting people.


    Ye Feng glanced at these individuals and smirked, "You all really think highly of me. Nine experts of the Golden Core Realm banding together to assault a single Peak Martial King. Your skins are indeed thick. Is this how you fight?"


    Though he was smiling, Ye Feng¡¯s gaze had started to turn serious. Facing nine Golden Core experts, even he was beginning to feel a trace of pressure.


    These individuals were all genuine experts of the Golden Core Realm!


    Aside from Elder Cangming and one from the Bu Family who were new to the Golden Core Realm and not fully stabilized in their realm, thus slightly weaker, individuals like Bu Tianyun and Golden Cicada were strong figures who had emerged from the Spirit Essence Pool. Both had solidified their realms as Golden Core Realm Great Powers. Being prodigies, their strength was incomparable to that of ordinary Golden Core Realm experts!


    Chi Jark and Shadow, who were still fighting against the Titan Giant Ape, all changed their expressions, as the aura of the nine Golden Core Great Powers was too strong, impossible to ignore.


    "This is bad. Nine Golden Core Great Powers, even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm wouldn¡¯t dare to confront them head-on. This guy, he¡¯s insane!" Chi Jark said gravely as he looked in that direction.


    "No, Little Martial Uncle is in danger; I have to go help him!" Long Nannan said proactively, attempting to rush towards Ye Feng.


    But at this moment, she was immediately stopped by Sausage Sister, who said with a serious face, "Where do you think you¡¯re going? There are Golden Core Realm experts over there. If you go, you¡¯ll just be courting death. Don¡¯t forget, you can¡¯t use Dragon Transformation anymore!"


    At the Great Wall of Heaven, the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe had already sealed the Dragon Transformation within Long Nannan. For at least half a year, Long Nannan would be unable to use Dragon Transformation.


    Then, a figure quickly swept past Long Nannan.


    "You deal with this beast; I¡¯ll go assist the master!"


    A cold voice sounded, it was Shadow!


    Shadow¡¯s eyes carried a chill as she quickly dashed forward, showing no concern for facing nine Golden Core Great Powers.


    Chi Jark glanced at the Titan Giant Ape, already covered in wounds, and gritted his teeth. He struck with all his might, sending the Titan Giant Ape flying.


    "The Titan Giant Ape is no longer a threat. You guys finish it off; I¡¯m going to help Brother Ye!" Chi Jark hurriedly told Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others, then quickly made his way towards Ye Feng.


    Having chosen a side, there was no turning back. Even against nine Golden Core Great Powers, he had to go, worried that Ye Feng couldn¡¯t cope alone.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others were anxious, attacking the Titan Giant Ape furiously. They needed to finish it off quickly and then go to support their leader!


    ```

 Chapter 581 - 576: Single-handedly Battling the Seven Golden Core Realms

    Two figures quickly rushed towards Ye Feng¡¯s side, it was Chi Jark and Shadow.


    Ye Feng was slightly taken aback, looking at Chi Jark and Shadow beside him, he couldn¡¯t help but smile and said, "Why have you come?"


    "Nonsense, aren¡¯t we here to watch you march to your death?"


    Chi Jark directly scoffed, his body covered in silver battle armor glowing with a fierce aura, ready for battle at any moment.


    He glanced at the nine Golden Core Realm grandmasters charging up in front of them and couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit horrified. This is truly insane; these are nine grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, not nine half-step Golden Cores. Even with him and Shadow here, they would still have to face three opponents each, how would they manage that?


    However, Chi Jark just thought this to himself. Since he had chosen to come, he was actually resigned to go all out and didn¡¯t consider it much further.


    Shadow stood by Ye Feng, silent, but the full force of her aura that exploded around her spoke volumes.


    Ye Feng was moved in his heart. At this moment, he truly acknowledged Chi Jark. This guy actually dared to come over even after seeing nine Golden Core Realm grandmasters, he really was...


    "Since I¡¯ve said I can hold them back, there won¡¯t be a problem, but now that you two are here, leave those two old geezers from the Hong Family to you, and I¡¯ll take on the rest of the seven."


    Ye Feng said with a light smile, his expression relaxed as if he was facing seven Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators, or even peak Martial Kings, rather than seven Golden Core Realm grandmasters.


    Chi Jark was somewhat speechless. This guy, really confident to take on seven Golden Core Realm grandmasters alone?


    "Why don¡¯t I take on those two old men from the Hong Family, and let Shadow distract another?"


    Chi Jark couldn¡¯t help saying.


    Shadow¡¯s cold voice immediately rang out, "My lord, I can handle these two old fellas on my own!"


    Shadow¡¯s face held a resolute expression; she wanted to take on more pressure on behalf of Ye Feng.


    Chi Jark was even more lost for words now. Although Shadow was a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, she was only newly advanced and hadn¡¯t ascended in the Spirit Essence Pool, so her realm was bound to be somewhat unstable, but still somewhat better than those who advanced outside.


    To know that Hong Qing and Hong Zhong from the Hong Family were both veteran Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. He would find it somewhat strenuous to face two veteran grandmasters alone, let alone Shadow who was just a newly advanced Golden Core. She wouldn¡¯t be able to win.


    At this moment, seeing Ye Feng and Chi Jark brazenly assign their opponents right before them, the nine Golden Core Realm experts were instantly infuriated.


    "Ye Feng, are you joking? Do you really think you are so powerful to fight against our seven alone!?"


    A Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm from the Bu Family sneered coldly, his eyes filled with disdain. He thought Ye Feng was far too arrogant to challenge their seven alone.


    Golden Cicada and Bu Tianyun furrowed their brows, feeling an ominous premonition in their hearts. Why was Ye Feng so confident?


    The angriest were Hong Zhong and Hong Qing from the Hong Family. The two veteran Golden Core grandmasters were being eagerly contested by two younger generations who had just advanced to grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Didn¡¯t they care about their dignity?


    Hong Zhong and Hong Qing almost felt like vomiting blood in anger. They became the two grandmasters who were regarded as the least worthy opponents.


    Ye Feng looked at the two fighting over their opponents, causing the Hong Family¡¯s two Golden Core Realm members to nearly explode in rage, which also left him torn between laughter and tears.


    "Do as I said. You two hold back those two old geezers from the Hong Family; I¡¯ll take the other seven!"


    Ye Feng said, his aura once again surging, revealing eighty percent of his power.


    Chi Jark felt the aura beside him surge wildly again, his expression changing slightly. This didn¡¯t seem like the aura of a Golden Core Realm cultivator anymore, did it?


    "Holy shit, you¡¯re actually this strong; then I don¡¯t care anymore. Shadow girl, the left one is mine, the right one is yours!"


    Feeling Ye Feng¡¯s overpowering aura, Chi Jark no longer felt like babbling and immediately charged toward Hong Qing on the left, spear in hand.


    Shadow didn¡¯t waste words either, in the next instant, she disappeared into the air, her target being Hong Zhong on the right.


    The nine Golden Core Realm experts, sensing Ye Feng¡¯s surging power, all changed their expressions. Could this really be a peak Martial King?


    "We¡¯ll strike first!"


    Bu Tianyun shouted, his face very grim. The vast sword light seemed to be able to cleave heaven and earth apart as it targeted Ye Feng.


    Golden Cicada and the others also shouted out, aware they couldn¡¯t delay any longer. Ye Feng posed too great a threat; his aura seemed to have transcended the boundaries of the Golden Core Realm.


    A Vajra Pestle radiating Buddha¡¯s light, a chilling longsword, along with a variety of weapons and attacks, all bombarded Ye Feng¡¯s side, the force as if it would shatter the entire space. Even a Yin-Yang Realm great power standing here would be injured if they took the hit directly, wouldn¡¯t they?


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes became serious, his Emperor¡¯s aura erupting.


    "Emperor¡¯s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    Ye Feng concentrated a powerful energy in his hands, with a violent energy converging before him, a golden seal appeared mid-air, standing before him.


    The Golden Seal exuded an imperial might, making everyone present feel an urge to submit.


    Then, the Golden Seal enlarged continuously, forming a massive barrier in front of Ye Feng, protecting him entirely behind it.


    The attacks of the seven Golden Core Realm grandmasters all struck the Golden Seal, which at this moment began to tremble incessantly, as if it too struggled to withstand the attacks of the seven grandmasters.


    After holding on for several seconds, the Golden Seal started to crack, and in the next instant, it suddenly exploded!


    Bang!


    An earth-shattering explosion sound erupted, the Golden Seal successfully blocked all the attacks, but it also completely shattered, sending waves of powerful shockwaves in all directions. The surrounding mountain peaks also burst apart, sending rocks flying into the sky, turning the area within several hundred meters into flat ground.


    Ye Feng took a few steps back, holding his chest. Although the Emperor¡¯s Sky-Flipping Seal had blocked all the attacks, he too had suffered some energy backlash. At this moment, his Qi-Blood churned violently inside him, and he nearly sustained injury.


    Bu Tianyun and Golden Cicada and the others watched this scene, their faces changing slightly. The combined attack of seven experts of the Golden Core Realm had failed to injure Ye Feng, what kind of strength did he possess exactly?


    Chi Jark, who was currently engaged in fight with Hong Qing, also turned back to glance at Ye Feng, and seeing that Ye Feng was not injured, he was quite surprised.


    "This guy, is this his real strength?"


    Chi Jark grinned, the stronger Ye Feng was, the happier he became, after all, this was the person he had chosen to side with.


    "Since that¡¯s the case, I can¡¯t afford to lag behind either."


    Chi Jark¡¯s momentum soared once more, having been completely overpowering Hong Qing already, he now increased his strength even further, sending Hong Qing into a continuous retreat.


    Hong Qing defended desperately, his face turning green. Although he was a seasoned grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, his strength could only be considered average. However, Chi Jark was a prodigy of the Ancient Clan, and even as a newly advanced grandmaster, he completely dominated the fight.


    After just a few exchanges, Hong Qing had already been beaten into vomiting blood and was quickly reaching his limit.


    On Shadow¡¯s end, even as a newly advanced Golden Core Powerhouse, she managed to completely entangle Hong Zhong with her speed and movement technique.


    Knowing she might not be a match for him in direct combat, she kept slipping into the air, launching sneak attacks on Hong Zhong from different directions.


    Hong Zhong was also terribly vexed; Shadow¡¯s movements were too strange. What kind of special cultivation technique was this that made her nearly invisible? He found it extremely difficult to pinpoint her location, being entirely on the defensive.


    Although Shadow¡¯s attack power wasn¡¯t particularly strong, such continuous attrition wearied Hong Zhong greatly.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Long Nannan, and the others, upon seeing this situation, also brightened up, bursting out in fury and launching a combined attack that finished off the severely injured Titan Giant Ape.


    The Titan Giant Ape had already been gravely injured by Chi Jark and Shadow, two Golden Core Realm experts, and now with the attacks from Xiao Chuanqi and Long Nannan, along with six other Half-Step Golden Cores and Cao Tian from the Foundation Establishment Realm, after fighting for almost half a minute, they finally managed to slay the beast.


    This was actually quite fast, considering that even injured, the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s defensive power was tremendously formidable.


    "My lord, we¡¯re coming to help you!"


    Xiao Chuanqi shouted loudly, rushing over first.


    "Little Martial Uncle, I¡¯m coming too!"


    Long Nannan also cried out sweetly, her petite figure already rushing over.


    The rest also unfolded their figures, streaking toward Ye Feng, with no one bothering to collect the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s Beast Core.


    Bu Tianyun, upon seeing Xiao Chuanqi and the others approaching, frowned and immediately said loudly to his two Half-Step Golden Core comrades, "Stop them!"


    The two Half-Step Golden Core experts from the Bu Family immediately took their orders, and several other Half-Step Golden Core experts from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts also rushed over.


    Xiao Chuanqi and his group, upon encountering the figures rushing towards them, engaged in battle without a second thought!


    Ye Feng glanced over at Xiao Chuanqi and the others; the numbers on both sides of Half-Step Golden Cores were roughly equal, so there was no need to worry too much.


    Without further meddling in other matters, he now needed to deal with these few guys in front of him first.


    Just then, from the direction behind Ye Feng, a cry of alarm was heard.


    "Hong Tianyu!"


    Everyone turned to look, and saw that Xiao Rulong, who had already run to a distance, had stopped. In front of him, a youth clad in a blue robe with a resolute face and a deep, immeasurable aura, had blocked his way¡ªthis was the pride of the Hong Family, Hong Tianyu!


    "Hong Tianyu has arrived, hahaha, the Void Spirit Fruit is ours!"


    Hong Zhong and Hong Qing, upon seeing the arrival of Hong Tianyu, burst into laughter, their confidence soaring.


    Chi Jark¡¯s expression darkened, Hong Tianyu had indeed arrived after all, and the aura he emanated was very strong; Chi Jark could feel that it was probably even stronger than his. He wondered if Xiao Rulong would be able to match him.


    Xiao Rulong, his face somber, stared at the suddenly appeared Hong Tianyu.


    "Hong Tianyu, you want to stop me?"


    Xiao Rulong said gravely, not having seen Hong Tianyu when the Void Spirit Fruit ripened, he had thought this guy might not show up at all, but unexpectedly, he had still come.

 Chapter 582 - 577: Overwhelmingly Strong Kill

    Hong Tianyu¡¯s expression remained indifferent as he said lightly, "Or what?"


    "Hand over all the Void Spirit Fruits, and I will let you leave without harming you."


    Hong Tianyu¡¯s tone was domineering, as if he didn¡¯t take Xiao Rulong seriously at all.


    Xiao Rulong was very annoyed at the moment; Hong Tianyu¡¯s attitude was clearly one of looking down on him.


    "Hong Tianyu, I admit you¡¯re strong, but don¡¯t you think you¡¯re underestimating me a little too much?"


    Xiao Rulong said in a deep voice, also releasing the aura of a Golden Core Realm Grandmaster. Although it was not as strong as Hong Tianyu¡¯s, it was not that much weaker either.


    Feeling the breath of Xiao Rulong, Hong Tianyu was also slightly surprised. His impression of Xiao Rulong was still from three years ago, when Xiao was just an average genius, barely making it into the top ten of the Talent Ranking. He had never taken Xiao seriously.


    Even though he had just heard about Chi Jianren¡¯s and Xiao Rulong¡¯s performance in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he still didn¡¯t think it was a big deal.


    After all, he had entered the Golden Core Realm a year ago, and now he had few rivals within it; ordinary Golden Core experts were hardly worth his time.


    However, Xiao Rulong¡¯s aura at this moment did surprise him, as it was stronger than that of most Golden Core experts.


    Hong Tianyu shelved his contempt somewhat, still speaking indifferently, "Your strength seems decent, but do you really think you¡¯re my match?"


    "I¡¯ll give you another chance, hand over the Void Spirit Fruits and I¡¯ll let you leave."


    Xiao Rulong sneered, hand over the Void Spirit Fruits?


    Impossible!


    "You might as well keep dreaming!"


    Xiao Rulong chuckled lightly, his fan snapping shut in his hand. With a deft twist, a strong aura emanated from the fan. Wielding the fan, he launched the first attack towards Hong Tianyu.


    Hong Tianyu¡¯s eyes grew cold; he hadn¡¯t expected Xiao Rulong to actually dare to make the first move.


    A light flashed in his hand and a treasured knife appeared. Lifting the knife, his aura burst forth, engaging Xiao Rulong in combat.


    As the two clashed, Hong Tianyu¡¯s treasured knife caught Xiao Rulong¡¯s folding fan with a loud bang. Xiao Rulong staggered back three steps, a look of mild shock on his face. After all, he is the second on the Talent Ranking¡ªhis strength is indeed formidable.


    Hong Tianyu stood immovable, but his expression grew solemn. Although he had the upper hand, Xiao Rulong¡¯s strength had far exceeded his expectations. Three years ago, Xiao had barely qualified for the top ten of the Talent Ranking, and now his strength could nearly match his own?


    Ye Feng and Chi Jark and others, seeing Xiao Rulong¡¯s situation, also felt a bit more relieved. Thankfully, Xiao Rulong could still contend with Hong Tianyu.


    Ye Feng turned his attention back to the seven Golden Core experts he was facing. He needed to deal with these people quickly. Although Xiao Rulong could contend with Hong Tianyu, it was clear that he might not be the latter¡¯s match. If the battle dragged on, defeat was certain!


    Ye Feng¡¯s right hand flashed with a black light, and the dark, ink-like Sky-breaking Divine Spear appeared in his hand. With a fierce throw, the spear shot towards Golden Cicada and his group with swift might.


    On Golden Cicada¡¯s side, Elder Cangming¡¯s face dramatically changed¡ªthe trajectory of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear was straight for him!


    The terrifying might had completely petrified him.


    Ye Feng, who had thrown the Sky-breaking Divine Spear, wasn¡¯t idle; the Emperor¡¯s Armor shimmered into existence upon him. With the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in his left hand and the Emperor¡¯s Sword in his right, he charged with an explosive aura directly towards Bu Tianyun¡¯s group.


    Among these seven, Bu Tianyun¡¯s strength was the weakest¡ªperfect for a breakthrough!


    Bu Tianyun, seeing Ye Feng rushing over, instantly understood that he intended to use him as the point of breakthrough, his face flushed with frustration.


    "Ye Feng, meet your end!"


    Bu Tianyun, not caring about anything else, held his Spirit Sword and, along with the two other Golden Core Realm Grandmasters of his family, charged towards Ye Feng.


    But just as he was about to raise the Spirit Sword to attack, he found Ye Feng had already appeared in front of him.


    Ye Feng¡¯s eyes were cold as the Emperor¡¯s Sword burst forth, slashing mercilessly at Bu Tianyun with comet-like Sword Light, fiercely coming down.


    Bu Tianyun¡¯s face went pale as he hurriedly raised the Spirit Sword in front of him.


    But how could he, who was simply overpowered by Ye Feng in the selection tournament, possibly be a match for Ye Feng now?


    Without any surprise, the Emperor¡¯s Sword struck Bu Tianyun, causing his Spirit Sword to tremble violently, even emitting a low whimper, as if pleading for mercy.


    The next moment, Bu Tianyun couldn¡¯t withstand the Emperor¡¯s Sword and was blasted away, blood spurting from his mouth, internal injuries already wreaking havoc within him.


    The other two Golden Core Realm Grandmasters from the Bu Family¡¯s expressions shifted, trying to catch Bu Tianyun, but Ye Feng¡¯s Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was already sweeping over. The powerful spear intent left them unable to act carelessly; they engaged their full defensive power to try to withstand the assault.


    Yet, the spear swept through them like a whirlwind, overpoweringly unmatched.


    The two experts of the Golden Core Realm faced drastic changes in their expressions¡ªthis spear¡¯s power was beyond their imagination. Even with all their defensive might, the fierce spear intent shattered their defenses, sending both figures flying backward, defeated in a single move!


    At the same time, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear had already swiftly reached Elder Cangming, whose face showed extreme terror.


    "Block it for me!"


    Elder Cangming shouted, with rich murderous intent, a dark longsword positioned to block in front of him, attempting to stop the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    But as soon as the sword was raised, with a clang, the dark longsword broke instantly, failing to halt the spear¡¯s advance.


    "No, please, no!"


    Elder Cangming never imagined his longsword would be broken in an instant, the pitch-black Sky-breaking Divine Spear looming increasingly larger before his very eyes. Feeling the divine might of the spear, he was utterly panic-stricken.


    "Save me, save me!"


    Elder Cangming¡¯s figure shot backwards, screaming frantically.


    Golden Cicada and the others were also anxious, wanting to rush over to help Elder Cangming block the attack, but the speed of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear was too fast!


    The Sky-breaking Divine Spear sliced through the air and in an instant, pierced through the forehead of Elder Cangming as he retreated at high speed.


    Elder Cangming¡¯s eyes widened; a bloody hole had appeared in his forehead.


    His skull was penetrated, and he died on the spot!


    Everyone was shocked; this was a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, no novice to his realm, and not to be underestimated.


    And yet, was he just penetrated through the forehead by a single strike from Ye Feng?


    "To kill a Golden Core Realm with one move, just how powerful is this Ye Feng!"


    People gasped in cold air, all frightened by Ye Feng.


    Even Hong Tianyu, who was engaged in battle with Xiao Rulong from a distance, had a look of shock in his eyes, as he stared intently at Ye Feng, feeling deeply wary in his heart.


    Is this the legendary Northern Border King, Ye Feng?


    Wasn¡¯t there news just a month ago that Ye Feng on Earth was only capable of contending with a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?


    How could it be that in just one month, Ye Feng has become powerful enough to kill a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm with a single move?


    Hong Tianyu was truly taken aback; although he also considered himself capable of easily dealing with a newly advanced Grandmaster like Elder Cangming, he absolutely couldn¡¯t have killed him instantly with one move!


    "You dare be distracted during our fight!"


    Xiao Rulong coldly shouted, having noticed the situation with Ye Feng, and feeling surprised, his fighting spirit inflamed even further.


    "Sky Splitting!"


    Xiao Rulong seemed light as a feather, leaping lightly into the air, his right foot bursting with powerful Spirit Essence Energy, and with the force of a thunderclap, stomped towards Hong Tianyu!


    It was the same move he had used during the selection in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    At this moment, Hong Tianyu¡¯s face also changed, his expression extremely solemn.


    This move was very strong!


    Hong Tianyu didn¡¯t dare to be negligent, mobilizing all his strength, his body now adorned with an ancient Bronze Battle Armor filled with various mysterious runes, exuding an ancient aura all around.


    "Hun Yuan Armor!?"


    "You actually found this thing!?"


    Xiao Rulong was surprised as he said this, his foot already firmly planted on Hong Tianyu¡¯s chest.


    Bang!


    A tremendous energy burst forth, and Hong Tianyu, with a serious expression, used his Bronze Battle Armor to take the brunt of the stomp, his figure pushed back three or four steps.


    However, Xiao Rulong was repelled by a powerful rebounding force, retreating more than a dozen steps.


    Xiao Rulong steadied himself and saw that Hong Tianyu was completely unharmed; his expression changed slightly. With his current execution of Sky Splitting, he could completely shatter a mountain with one stomp!


    Yet this stomp had not caused Hong Tianyu the slightest injury!


    Xiao Rulong¡¯s gaze quickly focused on the Bronze Battle Armor on Hong Tianyu¡¯s body and grinned, "This turtle shell really is tough. Ancient items are indeed impressive."


    Xiao Rulong was somewhat envious at this point. Hong Tianyu¡¯s Hun Yuan Armor was a famous treasure armor renowned over 2,000 years ago, and on the Outer Battlefield, it was very well-known for its astonishing defensive power. Many of its users had died, but the armor remained undamaged.


    Although Hong Tianyu was not injured, the impact of Xiao Rulong¡¯s Sky Splitting had indeed shaken him; the Hun Yuan Armor was powerful in defense, but the stomp also packed a significant concussive force, churning his Qi-Blood.


    If it weren¡¯t for the protection of the Hun Yuan Armor, he would have definitely been injured by Xiao Rulong¡¯s attack!


    "They say that the Xiao Family of the Four Great Ancient Clans is the weakest of this generation, but now it seems everyone has misjudged," Hong Tianyu said in a grave voice. For him to say such words was actually to give Xiao Rulong the respect he deserved, as he was a year older than Xiao Rulong!


    If it had been a year ago, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have been a match for the Xiao Rulong of today.


    This was enough to prove Xiao Rulong¡¯s talent, which was definitely no less than his!


    Xiao Rulong chuckled lightly, "To have you, Hong Tianyu, say that, maybe that is my honor as well?"


    After speaking, Xiao Rulong charged out again; the fight was far from over.


    Hong Tianyu too, with his treasured blade in hand, re-engaged in battle with Xiao Rulong.


    On Ye Feng¡¯s side, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear that killed Elder Cangming had returned to his hand, and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon was put away.


    He held the Sky-breaking Divine Spear and the Emperor¡¯s Sword, facing Golden Cicada and the other two Golden Core experts from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    "Golden Cicada, what do we do, with Ye Feng¡¯s strength, I¡¯m afraid we¡¯re no match for him!"


    One of the Golden Core experts beside Golden Cicada was already showing fear, Elder Cangming having been killed by a single strike right next to him, and panic was setting in.

 Chapter 583 - 578: Full Retreat

    Golden Cicada also had a hard time masking the gravity on his face, Ye Feng¡¯s show of strength surpassed everyone¡¯s expectations. This was no longer a level everyone at their tier could contend with.


    Surrounded by the seven grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, it only took a blink of an eye for Ye Feng to force a retreat on three experts from the Bu Family and even spear Eldar Cangming of the Underworld Sect to death. What realm was Ye Feng actually in? The Peak Martial King definitely seemed to be just for show now, but what was his true realm?


    Golden Cicada couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine what level Ye Feng¡¯s current realm of strength was.


    He should not be a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, but he was absolutely beyond any ordinary Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Perhaps only that top genius from the Yin-Yang Temple who ranked first on the talent list back then could contend with him, and also Bu Fengning from the Bu Family.


    Thinking of these two individuals, Golden Cicada¡¯s expression subtly changed. These two were among the most terrifying grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm in the Outer Battlefield, and their exact strength remained unknown to all.


    Glancing at the situation on the field, those who could continue to face Ye Feng now were down to three. The three from the Bu Family that were repelled earlier were clearly fatigued and had even sustained some injuries.


    Then, looking at another side, where the battle between Hong Tianyu and Xiao Rulong was reaching a fever pitch, Golden Cicada hesitated. He truly hesitated.


    Of the two golden core cultivators from the Hong Family, Hong Zhong, who was facing the Shadow, was still in relatively good shape, while the other, Hong Qing, was now struggling to catch his breath, continuously beaten back and coughing up blood by Chi Jark, the top ranker from the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Golden Cicada¡¯s eyes flickered ceaselessly as he weighed the pros and cons in his heart. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Northern Border King, I give up on this Void Spirit Fruit. If Benefactor Ye wishes to trade the Void Spirit Fruit, he can also contact this monk later, I will surely offer a price that will satisfy the Northern Border King."


    As he spoke, Golden Cicada even threw a Sound Transmission Jade Tablet into Ye Feng¡¯s hand, then immediately turned around and flew off into the distance.


    Those present were slightly shaken upon hearing Golden Cicada¡¯s words. A being who was once ranked seventh on the talent list had just like that given up on the struggle for the Void Spirit Fruit.


    The people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts looked at each other. Golden Cicada had left, the strongest among them, a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, had given up.


    Furthermore, an elder from the Underworld Sect had died...


    The remaining two grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm from the Nine Great Sects exchanged glances, wary of Ye Feng. Then both of them flew away without further ado. They no longer intended to continue fighting for the Void Spirit Fruit. Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures were good and valuable, but one must still be alive to enjoy them.


    Suddenly, all three grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm from the Nine Great Sects had retreated and left, including one elder from the Underworld Sect who died outright.


    The remaining half-step Golden Core cultivators were baffled by the turn of events, with no desire to continue the fight any longer.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Someone shouted, and the half-step Golden Core cultivators from the Nine Great Sects, who had been engaging with Xiao Chuanqi and others, all retreated indiscriminately without further entanglement.


    What a joke, they had originally been summoned by the grandmasters of their Sects, and now that these grandmasters had fled, it was natural for them not to stay any longer.


    At this moment, all people from the Nine Great Sects had withdrawn, including the few half-step Golden Core powerhouses. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian¡¯s side, with their remaining half-step Golden Core cultivators, ended up in a seven against three situation, with two from the Bu Family and one from the Hong Family.


    These three half-step Golden Cores were stupefied, suddenly now encircled by Xiao Chuanqi and his seven companions.


    "What¡¯s going on? The scoundrels from the Nine Great Sects just ran off like that?"


    One half-step Golden Core cultivator from the Bu Family said darkly, clenching his teeth.


    "What if we retreat too?"


    The other half-step Golden Core cultivator from the Hong Family was also feeling uneasy at the moment.


    Although they had been called over by their families, everyone had been honing their skills on the Outer Battlefield. They didn¡¯t have to strictly obey the commands of these powerful family members. If they wanted to leave, they really could.


    Just as he finished speaking, the other half-step Golden Core cultivator from the Bu Family had already begun awkwardly chuckling at Xiao Chuanqi and others, "Gentlemen, this Void Spirit Fruit doesn¡¯t have much to do with us. We just came for the spectacle. You all continue, I¡¯ll be taking my leave."


    After these words, the half-step Golden Core powerhouse from the Bu Family turned and sprinted away at a breakneck pace, his movement technique maxed out to the utmost.


    The remaining two were left dumbfounded. Regaining their senses, they too broke into a run without another word.


    Now, aside from Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and other half-step Golden Core members on Ye Feng¡¯s side, the other three factions, which originally had about seven or eight half-step Golden Core cultivators, had all fled, with not a single person left in sight.


    Xiao Chuanqi was also somewhat stunned and said, "They really just ran off like that?"


    Just moments ago, these individuals were all engaged in fierce combat with them, and now, with just one Golden Core Grandmaster dead, they all ran, weren¡¯t they too cowardly?


    "The Void Spirit Fruit isn¡¯t really of much concern to them. They only came to aid in the battle because of their families or Sects. Even if they managed to get the Void Spirit Fruit in the end, it wouldn¡¯t be distributed to them, so naturally, they wouldn¡¯t fight too hard," Sausage Sister analyzed at this time.


    The others also nodded in agreement, as this was not difficult to discern.


    "So, we can now go help Little Martial Uncle!"


    Long Nannan called out and her figure immediately dashed towards Ye Feng¡¯s location at high speed.


    The rest of the group smiled upon seeing this, but at that moment, Leng Wuming said, "You go over first, I¡¯ll retrieve the Titan Giant Ape¡¯s Beast Core."


    After speaking, Leng Wuming¡¯s body flew towards the Titan Giant Ape.


    Seeing this, Xiao Chuanqi chuckled, "Indeed, the Titan Giant Ape is at the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Such an Alien Beast¡¯s Beast Core is extremely precious, we can¡¯t lose it. Skin and other materials can be extracted later."


    They all understood Leng Wuming¡¯s thought¡ªit wasn¡¯t to embezzle the Beast Core. In a place like the Outer Battlefield, supplies that aren¡¯t collected in time can easily be snatched away by others.


    Leng Wuming went alone to the Titan Giant Ape, while the remaining six had already gathered around Ye Feng.


    At this moment, Chi Jark, who was still fighting Hong Qing of the Hong Family, saw the situation on Ye Feng¡¯s side and smiled, "Two old men from the Hong Family, people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts have all left. Do you still wish to continue the struggle for possession?"


    Hong Qing was suspended in the air not far from Chi Jark. His body already bore many wounds, as he was no match for Chi Jark, who had been relentlessly attacking him. If he had not been desperately defending, he would probably have sustained severe injuries by now.


    Hong Qing¡¯s face darkened. He hadn¡¯t expected Ye Feng to be so strong¡ªdirectly killing a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm within the encirclement, causing the people from the Nine Great Sects to retreat without hesitation.


    The Bu Family was still at a distance, and their intentions were not yet clear.


    There was also Hong Tianyu from the Hong Family. He had originally thought that Hong Tianyu¡¯s arrival would turn the tide, but it now seemed not as simple as he had thought.


    Hong Tianyu, at this point, had already exchanged several moves with Xiao Rulong, but he had only managed to put Xiao Rulong at a disadvantage. To defeat him would still take time. Moreover, he was no match for Chi Jark, and continuing the fight could cost him his life.


    Having assessed the current situation, Hong Qing heaved a deep sigh, "The Hong Family will no longer contend."


    "Hong Zhong, let us leave."


    Hong Qing called out to Hong Zhong, then immediately took off into the sky. They had decided to give up on the Void Spirit Fruit.


    Hong Zhong, who was fighting Shadow, despite being stronger, couldn¡¯t overcome Shadow due to his superior movement technique. After a prolonged fight, he had only managed to inflict some minor injuries on Shadow.


    Hearing Hong Qing¡¯s words, he too took off at once.


    With Hong Qing and Hong Zhong gone, only Hong Tianyu was left from the Hong Family.


    At this moment, Xiao Rulong was already out of breath, his robe tearing at places, while Hong Tianyu¡¯s Hun Yuan Armor was still intact, and he himself was completely uninjured.


    "Hong Tianyu, do you want to keep fighting? Your family has already fled," Xiao Rulong said with a smirk, though there was still a hint of wariness in his eyes.


    Although Hong Tianyu was unharmed thanks to the Hun Yuan Armor, after fighting for so long, Xiao Rulong could tell that Hong Tianyu¡¯s attacking power was much higher than his. If not for leveraging his movement advantage, he wouldn¡¯t be faring as well now.


    Hong Tianyu glanced at the departing Hong Qing and Hong Zhong, his expression darkened.


    "At the Talents List Martial Convention, we will meet again."


    With a cold statement, Hong Tianyu gave Ye Feng a deep look and then flew away.


    He had already felt Ye Feng¡¯s might; facing Ye Feng in combat, he knew he wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. Moreover, with Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, two Top-Level Prodigies present, the Void Spirit Fruit was now out of reach; there was no reason to continue fighting.


    Seeing Hong Tianyu retreat, Xiao Rulong was slightly taken aback; his casual remark had not been meant seriously, yet Hong Tianyu had chosen to leave without hesitation.


    At the Bu Family, Bu Tianyun¡¯s face was still slightly pale, with a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.


    "Tianyun, it seems we can only concede the Void Spirit Fruit to Ye Feng, the Northern Border King," said one of the Bu Family¡¯s Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm with a grave tone. Everyone had left, and only the three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm from the Bu Family remained, while on Ye Feng¡¯s side there were four, in addition to Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, two Heaven¡¯s Pride Level individuals. Not to mention Ye Feng, who could be described as monstrous.


    Bu Tianyun¡¯s face was filled with unwillingness. "If only Bu Fengning were here. Damn it, let¡¯s go," he said grimly as the three of them reluctantly departed, unable to contact Bu Fengning from the Bu Family. Without any other options, they had to retreat.

 Chapter 584 579: The Attitude of the Two Major Ancient Clans

    Everyone had already returned to Ye Feng''s side, and Long Nannan was looking at the departing people with great delight.


    "Little Martial Uncle, you''re really too awesome now, aren''t you? You scared them all away by yourself. Can you teach me how you did it?"


    Long Nannan was batting her big eyes in pure admiration.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and cry; he knew this little girl was just putting on an act: "Stop being naughty, or I''ll send you back to Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe."


    Hearing about Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, Long Nannan instantly quieted down, her large eyes whirling round and round.


    Sausage Sister chuckled softly to the side. Long Nannan''s greatest fear was indeed Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe; that was part of the reason she kept insisting on coming to the Outer Battlefield to find Ye Feng when they were at the Great Wall of Heaven.


    During her days at the Great Wall of Heaven, every time Long Nannan woke up, she would be urged to cultivate by Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe. That''s why her strength, as well as Nannan''s, had increased so much¡ªthey were both driven by Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe. However, it was also because he was there that their training was much more efficient, and they progressed rapidly.


    Chi Jark''s voice also rang out at this time, as his eyes were fixed on Ye Feng, with a mysterious glint: "Brother Ye, isn''t your strength a bit too unfair? I''ve never seen anyone below the Yin-Yang Realm be able to fight alone against seven grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm."


    "And you even counter-killed one of them. Are you really human, or are you sure you''re not from the Alien Race of Alien Space-Time?"


    Chi Jark teased half-jokingly, but Long Nannan jumped out.


    "You''re the Alien Race, your entire family is the Alien Race!"


    Long Nannan pointed directly at Chi Jark''s nose, scolding him fiercely.


    Chi Jark''s face instantly stiffened; he hadn''t expected his joke to be taken so seriously by Long Nannan.


    At this moment, Sausage Sister coughed lightly and pulled Long Nannan back.


    "Nannan, what are you doing? He was just joking."


    Upon hearing this, Long Nannan paused for a second, quickly realizing it was indeed just a joke. She pretended to cough several times and retreated to the side, remaining silent.


    The others also laughed heartily, and the tense mood from the battle had dissipated quite a bit.


    Ye Feng was also taken aback, then he looked at Chi Jark and smiled, "I''m not that strong. I had fought with Elder Cangming before, and I knew his strength. Just now, I was able to seize a momentary flaw in their formation and strike him down directly."


    "As for the others, seeing that one of them had died, they had already begun to think about retreating. Moreover, with the grand martial competition of the Genius Ranking imminent, they certainly didn''t want to be injured at this juncture, so none of them were willing to fight with all their might, which naturally led them all to leave."


    Ye Feng explained, putting on a nonchalant appearance as if he hadn''t gone through anything much at all.


    But Chi Jark knew better ¡ª things were not as simple as Ye Feng made them out to be. As Ye Feng himself said, probably no one else in the entire Outer Battlefield could withstand the attack of seven grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, let alone counter-kill one and injure a member of the Bu Family.


    Furthermore, Ye Feng had initially claimed he would hold off nine people by himself. If it weren''t for him and Shadow coming over to take two of them on, Ye Feng might have truly planned to face nine grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm alone. Judging from Ye Feng''s demeanor at the time, it seemed likely that he wasn''t boasting about stopping nine grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; he truly had the capability to do so.


    Thinking this, Chi Jark became even more astonished. Just how strong was Ye Feng, and was this really the full extent of his power?


    Chi Jark was very curious, but since Ye Feng had already made his statement, it meant he did not wish to reveal too much. So, Chi Jark didn''t feel like probing further.


    "Stop trying to figure out Ye Feng''s strength, you won''t be able to match it," Xiao Rulong said with a smile from the side. Then, he pulled out five transparent fruits in his hand, with streams of light flowing from each fruit, and instantly, a rich and sweet fragrance enveloped the surroundings.


    Everyone looked over, and Long Nannan stepped forward with curiosity: "Is this the Void Spirit Fruit? It''s so pretty?"


    Indeed, it was beautiful. The Void Spirit Fruit was crystal clear and, although transparent, it was wrapped in seven-colored flowing lights, containing astonishing amounts of energy.


    This was the Void Spirit Fruit that over a dozen Golden Core Realm masters had fought fiercely over.


    "Five fruits!?"


    Chi Jark immediately rushed over, his eyes shining as he stared in surprise at the Void Spirit Fruit in Xiao Rulong''s hand.


    The bearing of Void Spirit Fruits was mostly limited to three fruits. An occurrence of five fruits was extremely rare; though Void Spirit Fruits had been found multiple times in the Outer Battlefield over the past two thousand years, instances with five fruits were quite scarce.


    He hadn''t expected the Void Spirit Fruit they found this time to have five pieces. This could be considered an undoubted profit, as Void Spirit Fruits were sought after even by the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "Exactly, five fruits. I haven''t held anything back; as you all know, Void Spirit Fruits can bear at most five fruits," Xiao Rulong said earnestly, then glanced at Chi Jark again.


    "I''m not like some people who would sneakily keep Earth Origin Grass for themselves."


    With underlying meaning in his words, Chi Jark immediately began coughing violently and looked up at the sky.


    Ye Feng and the others showed amused expressions; Xiao Rulong had told them before about Chi Jark keeping Earth Origin Grass for himself. Only Long Nannan and Sausage Sister were clueless, not understanding what was being referred to.


    "What Earth Origin Grass, who has pocketed it secretly?"


    Long Nannan asked curiously.


    At this moment, Chi Jark immediately said, "No one, Xiao Chubby is just talking nonsense. How could anyone here pocket anything in secret? Everyone present values loyalty and righteousness. How could they?"


    Chi Jark spoke earnestly, but few of the people there believed his words.


    Xiao Rulong couldn''t be bothered to dwell on this matter, as it was just a joke after all. With a flip of his other hand, five jade boxes appeared in his grasp.


    "These Void Spirit Fruits need to be stored in jade boxes, otherwise, the energy contained within them will keep dissipating."


    As Xiao Rulong spoke, he placed each of the five Void Spirit Fruits into the five jade boxes, then promptly put away one of the boxes.


    "As we agreed earlier, Brother Ye, I will only take one of the Void Spirit Fruits."


    After setting aside one box of Void Spirit Fruits, Xiao Rulong handed out all the remaining ones.


    "Another box is mine."


    Chi Jark took one for himself as well, leaving the remaining three boxes to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng looked at the three boxes of Void Spirit Fruits in his hands without being overly modest since this was previously agreed upon. Then he handed one box to Shadow.


    Shadow was a little surprised and seemed at a loss as he took the Void Spirit Fruit Ye Feng offered, before saying, "Master, this is yours; I cannot accept it."


    "Shadow, you are also at the Golden Core Realm, and just now you blocked a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. As we discussed before, distribution according to contribution; this is what you deserve. There''s no need to refuse, it''s the rule," Ye Feng said calmly, insisting this was rightfully Shadow''s.


    "Shadow, take it. You were the one who blocked a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm from the Hong Family. Plus, among us here, only you are a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. The Void Spirit Fruit will be most useful to you," Leng Wuming also said.


    With everyone urging him on, Shadow finally accepted the Void Spirit Fruit.


    "As for the rest, I''ll take one for myself, and the remaining one will be left for whoever among you reaches the status of Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm first; they can have the last Void Spirit Fruit," Ye Feng said to the group. Since the effectiveness of the Spirit Medicine was greatest when each person consumed one fruit, and it would be diminished by 50% for the second one consumed, there was no need for him to take another.


    Naturally, no one had any objections to Ye Feng''s distribution.


    "Since I have already taken three Void Spirit Fruits, then the Titan Giant Ape''s Beast Core and its body will be divided among you," Ye Feng proposed, and Leng Wuming took out the Beast Core of the Titan Giant Ape, intending to give it to Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    But at this time, both shook their heads in unison. Xiao Rulong just smiled and said, "Brother Ye, you can keep the Beast Core and the materials from the Titan Giant Ape. We only want the Void Spirit Fruits. You have more people, and it was your comrades who slew the Titan Giant Ape. There''s no need to share with us."


    Chi Jark nodded in agreement; that was what he thought too. Ye Feng had alone blocked seven Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and Xiao Chuanqi and the others had also intercepted all the Half-Step Golden Core Realm combatants. Naturally, they would not want the Beast Core or the materials from the Titan Giant Ape.


    Seeing their reaction, Ye Feng didn''t say much more, as this division had no issues.


    After dissecting the body of the Titan Giant Ape, the group left the valley and sought refuge in another valley to rest.


    After all, the recent battle had taken its toll, and moving from their original location ensured their safety. The commotion from the battle, together with the corpse of the Titan Giant Ape, would surely attract others or Alien Beasts, making it inconvenient to rest there, hence the decision to relocate to this valley.


    "Brother Chi, Brother Xiao, what are your plans next?" Ye Feng inquired.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong exchanged glances before turning to Ye Feng together.


    Chi Jark stated, "To be honest, Brother Ye, Xiao Chubby and I have decided to join forces with you. How that will be arranged is up to you."


    Ye Feng was stunned for a moment. Join him?


    These two were proud talents of the Four Great Ancient Clans, and they had decided to follow him?


    The implications were considerable. He was no fool; these were talents of their generation from the Ancient Chi and Xiao Families. Their decision was tantamount to declaring the position of an Ancient Clan. In effect, Chi Jark was telling him that two of the Ancient Clans had chosen their side!


    "Have you two really made up your minds?" Ye Feng asked with a grave expression. This was no small matter; the two Ancient Clans had been cooperating with each other for over two millennia without significant involvement with other powers, and now they had chosen to follow him, which indicated a different intention.


    Rotating his folding fan, Xiao Rulong revealed his simple and honest smile: "Brother Ye, do you still need to question our decision?"

 Chapter 585 580: Era Leader

    Xiao Rulong''s smile was already quite evident, and his attitude was clear as well.


    Chi Jark''s expression was somber, his face exuding seriousness, "Brother Ye, we are not joking around. Before coming here to seize the Void Spirit Fruit, I had already discussed it with Xiao Chubby and decided to follow by your side. From now on, we can serve you. Your strength, we fully recognize."


    Ye Feng was also somewhat surprised. He hadn''t expected such a situation to arise where two prodigies of the Ancient Clan would openly express their willingness to serve him.


    One must know that these two individuals are Heaven''s Proud Sons of the Four Great Ancient Clans, among their peers, they are exceptionally formidable beings, true geniuses.


    Geniuses are very proud. They would never casually speak of taking orders from someone or working for someone else.


    But now, these two prodigies of the Ancient Clans were expressing their willingness to follow him right to his face, which was truly unexpected. No one could have imagined such a scenario.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, among others, were also completely taken aback. They were all aware of what Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong represented in the Outer Battlefield.


    Both were the number ones in their respective families!


    And they were both Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!


    Now these two figures of Heaven''s Pride Level status were saying they were willing to serve a lord, to side with their lord, which was incredibly fantastical.


    It seemed Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were aware of the reaction of the crowd and were not at all surprised by it.


    "Xiao Chubby, explain it to Brother Ye," Chi Jark said with a smile after glancing at Xiao Rulong.


    Xiao Rulong nodded. They knew that when they made this decision, Ye Feng would be very confused, so an explanation was necessary. Otherwise, it might cause Ye Feng to mistakenly believe there was some conspiracy, making it difficult to clarify later.


    Xiao Rulong glanced at everyone, swept his spiritual power around the area once more, then set up a barrier before speaking with a smile, "Since we''re all our own people here, let''s speak openly and honestly."


    "Why does the Outer Battlefield exist, everyone here should be aware, right?"


    At this, everyone''s body shuddered with surprise, except for Ye Feng. Why was the conversation turning to the purpose behind the existence of the Outer Battlefield?


    Without keeping anyone in suspense, Xiao Rulong continued, "The Outer Battlefield came into existence over two thousand years ago when Alien Space-Time was widely opened, along with this separate space for combat which also connects to Alien Space-Time. At that time, members of the Alien Race from Alien Space-Time sought to use the Outer Battlefield as a springboard to invade our Earth. Consequently, the cultivators of that era defended the Earth from the Alien Race''s invasion by heading to the Outer Battlefield to intercept them."


    "A protracted Great War erupted and, through the numerous efforts of the Ancient Cultivators, bitter sacrifices were made to construct the Great Wall of Heaven. Only then were the Alien Races completely halted beyond the Great Wall of Heaven."


    Everyone was silent; these were not secrets, as they all were aware of this information upon entering the Outer Battlefield.


    Xiao Rulong paused before adding, "Our Four Great Ancient Clans were also key forces in meeting the Alien Race at that time."


    "Although the Great Wall of Heaven was built at the time to keep the Alien Races from Alien Space-Time at bay, the Ancient Cultivators were well aware that the wall would eventually collapse. It could hold them off for a while but not forever. There would come a day when the Great Wall of Heaven would fall and, at that time, the Alien Race would invade Earth again."


    "War would break out once more, and such a war was certain to bring forth a leader. Over two thousand years ago on Earth, there was such a leader. It was under this leader''s guidance that the Alien Race was completely intercepted, and the Great Wall of Heaven was constructed."


    "That leader was the Emperor from over two thousand years ago."


    Xiao Rulong said with a smile, already bringing up the Emperor from two millennia past.


    The mention of that Emperor sent another shock through the eyes of everyone present.


    "It''s undeniable that the Emperor at the time did betray many forces on Earth, many schools of cultivation. One can say he committed many sins, leaving the contemporary major powers of the Xuanyuan Nation with an extreme hatred towards that Emperor."


    "While he''s been condemned for these actions, that Emperor also deserves immense credit. It was he who led the cultivators in the battles of the Outer Battlefield. He commanded the army that directed Earth towards victory; without him, we wouldn''t have our present."


    "If there hadn''t been such a leader, such an Emperor, to come forward and lead everyone, that war might have ended in the defeat of the Earth''s people."


    All faces were grave, with Xiao Chuanqi even taking the initiative to speak, "Brother Xiao, we are all well aware of what you''ve said. Please get to the point."


    Xiao Chuanqi wasn''t implying that Xiao Rulong was being verbose in telling everyone these details, but rather he wanted to hear the main point more directly.


    Xiao Rulong nodded with a smile, no longer beating around the bush, and his expression quickly turned serious.


    "As I''ve just mentioned, the Great Wall of Heaven is going to collapse, and now there are less than three years left until its complete destruction. In three years, once the Great Wall of Heaven falls, the entire Outer Battlefield will erupt in combat once again, and the Alien Race will surely invade Earth on a large scale."


    Three years!


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were both shocked, had there really been only three years left?


    "How could it be, how could there be only three years left?"


    "Three years, we''re all still only in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, what Realm will we be in three years'' time?"


    "So, the real war is going to start after three years?"


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others were incredibly shaken, muttering to themselves, the news being far too sudden for them.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, Long Nannan, and Sausage Sister were silent; they all knew there were less than three years left, so they weren''t that shocked.


    Xiao Rulong continued solemnly, "After three years, the war will begin, and chaos will ensue, ushering in a true era of turmoil."


    "Every time of chaos will see the rise of a leader who can steer the tide of war, a leader who can unite everyone. These were the words left by the ancestors of our Xiao Family and the Chi Family."


    "Actually, the Four Great Ancient Clans have a unified ancestral instruction, which is to assist the leader of the era when the turmoil comes, to follow the leader''s commands. However, as time passed, the Hong Family and Bu Family completely forgot the ancestral teachings, each developing on their own, fighting for resources and profit, even becoming adversaries. Only the Xiao Family and Chi Family remained hidden from the world, adhering to the ancestral instructions, waiting for a new leader to emerge."


    Xiao Rulong''s words left Ye Feng and the others astonished; they had never known that the Four Great Ancient Clans held such a secret, all waiting for the birth of a leader¡ªthough later the Hong Family and Bu Family developed their own agendas, only the Chi Family and Xiao Family remained true to the words left by their ancestors.


    "So, you both think that I will be the leader in this great turmoil, that I will lead everyone in battle like that person did over two thousand years ago?"


    Ye Feng said, drawing this conclusion from Xiao Rulong''s words.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had already regarded him as the leader of this era, thus revealing all this to him, willing to put aside their Heaven''s Pride status, ready to follow his commands, to stand by his side.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong both nodded in affirmation to what Ye Feng had said.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian looked at each other, astounded. The prodigies of two great ancient clans were actually acknowledging their master as the leader of this era?


    Ye Feng himself was silent. In fact, he had never thought about these matters. He had always fought to protect his friends and family, to prevent them from suffering injustice and harm. This was the motivation behind his continual advancement. But he also knew that the chaos coming in three years concerned the entire Earth.


    "Brother Chi, Brother Xiao, thank you for your trust in me, but I don''t feel like I''m meant to be a leader of the era. I fight only for those around me."


    Ye Feng said, his gaze also turning to Xiao Chuanqi and Long Nannan among others.


    "If you''re willing to follow me, then I won''t say much more. We''re all friends; there''s no need to fuss over such matters. From now on, just call me Ye Feng."


    Ye Feng revealed a smile, not wanting to bind Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong with commands. Both were Heaven''s Pride, and since they chose to stand with him at this moment, he wanted to give them the respect they deserved.


    Seeing this, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong exchanged a glance and smiled as well.


    At the beginning, they too had been worried that after they declared their allegiance, Ye Feng might start ordering them around as subordinates. Despite deciding to follow Ye Feng, they still had their pride, and being treated as underlings, even if it were surface compliance, would certainly be met with inner resistance.


    Now it seemed that their choice was indeed correct; Ye Feng truly had the potential to be a leader.


    "Since you said so, Ye Feng, then stop calling me ''Brother Chi'' and ''Brother Xiao''. You can just call me Chubby, and this guy, you can just call him Scoundrel."


    Xiao Rulong laughed heartily, while Chi Jark''s face turned dark, always feeling that Xiao Rulong''s way of calling his name was akin to cursing him, which he found quite annoying.


    The rest of the group burst into laughter upon seeing this.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this now. I want to take you all to a good place, to train there to prepare for the upcoming Young Talent Tournament."


    Ye Feng suddenly spoke up again, drawing everyone''s attention, all curious.


    "Little Martial Uncle, what''s this good place?"


    Long Nannan asked, blinking her large eyes.


    The rest were eager to find out, as in a place like the Outer Battlefield, where not even a trace of Power of Spirit Essence existed in the air, cultivating required the use of Spirit Stones.


    At this moment, however, Chi Jark''s eyes lit up as he said, "Could it be that you''re talking about a secret realm!?"


    Mention of a secret realm invigorated the group.


    (It''s a busy weekend, so there''s only one update today, sorry!)

 Chapter 586 581 Dont You Trick Us

    Ye Feng smiled, indeed, these were things that someone like Chi Jark, who had spent many years in the Outer Battlefield, could not be kept in the dark about; as soon as Ye Feng mentioned it, he was able to guess where he was referring to.


    "Yes, indeed it''s a secret realm."


    Ye Feng no longer tried to hide it; he originally had some hesitation, wondering whether or not to expose the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong. But now, the attitude of both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had increased his trust in them by a notch.


    He could tell that just now, neither Chi Jark nor Xiao Rulong was lying¡ªthe seriousness in their eyes was perceptible.


    Upon hearing it was a secret realm, Xiao Rulong became interested, knowing full well that secret realms in the Outer Battlefield were extremely rare. Since Ye Feng was now taking them to a secret realm, it must be one that had yet to be discovered.


    "Ye Feng, what kind of secret realm is it? Is it the kind for cultivation, or one with a treasure vault containing heavenly materials and earthly treasures?"


    Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but ask.


    Secret realms are actually of many types. Some are treasure vault types, filled with all sorts of treasures, heavenly materials and earthly treasures, and various magic treasures. Another type is the manor type, which are secret realms cultivated by ancient daoist cultivators as their residences. Those kinds of secret realms usually contain ancient cultivators'' cultivation insights, as well as various corresponding resources or magic treasures, and are considered more comprehensive secret realms.


    There are also cultivation-type secret realms, like the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, as well as the recently discovered secret realms of origin. These can accelerate the pace of cultivation, usually infused with massive cultivation energy, spirit essence, and various origin energies.


    Even within the Outer Battlefield, there are rumors of some secret realms specifically designed for the cultivation of spiritual power. And it''s important to know that among all aspects of cultivation, spiritual power is the hardest to enhance!


    For an ordinary person to slightly increase their spiritual power, years or even decades of cultivation might yield minimal progress. To strengthen one''s spiritual power significantly, one would need to consume various heavenly materials and earthly treasures, or find specific methods of cultivation within a secret realm to quickly boost it.


    Spiritual power is extremely important for a cultivator, whether in battle or in cultivation; its role is substantial. Especially for cultivators who can use mental attacks, their spiritual power is generally quite strong. Even if their realm is inferior, stronger spiritual power can afford them chances of victory.


    Moreover, spiritual power can probe the surrounding environment. In a place like the Outer Battlefield, spiritual power is one of the guarantees of life.


    However, these kinds of secret realms conducive to spiritual power cultivation are rather rare. Even throughout the Outer Battlefield, secret realms for the cultivation of spiritual power have only been discovered a few times up to now.


    "Actually, it is the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm we went to before,"


    said Ye Feng with a faint smile.


    Upon hearing it was the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, everyone was stunned for a moment. The faces of Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, who were full of anticipation, instantly changed to an expression of disappointment.


    Chi Jark even directly said, "Ye Feng, we''ve already been to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and you know that the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm can only be opened once every fifty years."


    Chi Jark didn''t understand why Ye Feng said he was going to take them to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. They had just come out of it, and it was common knowledge that it only opened once every fifty years.


    Xiao Rulong, however, seemed to think of something. His expression shifted slightly as he said, "Ye Feng, do you know something, or do you have a way to allow all of us to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm again?"


    Xiao Rulong speculated in his heart; he didn''t think Ye Feng was the type to joke around or deceive them. If Ye Feng dared to mention the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he likely had something up his sleeve, perhaps another way into the secret realm?


    When Xiao Rulong asked this, Chi Jark froze instantly and looked straight at Ye Feng, finally realizing Ye Feng had no reason to joke about such matters.


    Could it be that Ye Feng really had discovered something?


    "Could it be, Ye Feng, that you staying in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm until the sixth day was actually to uncover some great secret?"


    Chi Jark stepped forward and directly asked.


    At this moment, everyone else was also stunned. They suddenly remembered that Ye Feng had stayed in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for a full six days¡ªthis was beyond anyone''s imagination and, throughout the history of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s opening, was unprecedented. Ye Feng was the first person to stay in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm until the sixth day''s end and come out.


    At the time, they had all assumed Ye Feng was trapped in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and would never be able to come out, or might even have perished inside. But unexpectedly, Ye Feng emerged unscathed in the end and had grown to a level of strength that made everyone fear!


    Seeing that everyone was asking, Ye Feng nodded with a smile on his face.


    "Yes, I can take everyone back into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation," he said calmly.


    But his words were like a thunderclap that exploded next to everyone''s ears, making them all start to breathe rapidly.


    Ye Feng could actually take them all back into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    What place is the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    Everyone present already knew, and the cultivation speed within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was something they all eyed with envy.


    Even Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, who hadn''t entered, had learned a lot about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm in the past few days in front of Xuanyuan Hall. They knew it was a place filled with dense Spirit Essence, a secret realm that many would crack their skulls open to enter for cultivation.


    It was just that when they arrived, the selection competition had already ended. Otherwise, they definitely could have also entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation.


    "Ye Feng, you better not be fooling us, this joke isn''t funny at all."


    Xiao Rulong said seriously, hardly believing that Ye Feng actually claimed to have a way to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and what''s more, to take all of them with him.


    The cultivation environment in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was such that even Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm could make leaps and bounds in their progress, with the speed of cultivation being boosted to the extreme!


    And if they could even enter the Spirit Essence Pool, that would indeed be a stroke of great fortune!


    The most excited were none other than Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian. Xiao Chuanqi said eagerly, "Is it true, my lord, can we really still enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation?"


    "If we could go in once more, we would be able to break through to the realm of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm immediately!"


    Xiao Chuanqi''s eyes were filled with longing. Among these people, only Shadow had advanced. Whether it was him, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, or Gai Jiuyou, they were all just a hair away from entering the realm of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    Though it was just this hair''s breadth, advancing in the Outer Battlefield would be anything but easy. This last bit might require them to cultivate with Spirit Essence for a month or even two to truly advance to become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    This thinly veiled gap must not be underestimated. The air in the Outer Battlefield lacked the Power of Spirit Essence, and if they wanted to cultivate, they could only slowly absorb the Power of Spirit Essence from Spirit Stones. The speed of cultivation through absorbing Spirit Stones was very slow. The alternative was to hunt Alien Beasts to obtain their Beast Cores.


    However, low-level Beast Cores were no longer of much significance to them. Low-level Beast Cores were practically a drop in the bucket for them at this stage. Unless they ingested a Beast Core from a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, like the one from the Titan Giant Ape they had just encountered. If they consumed that Beast Core, one of them who was an Expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm could definitely break through to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    But where could one easily find Alien Beasts with the strength of the Golden Core Realm?


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, Gai Jiuyou, and including Long Nannan and Sausage Sister who arrived later, were all in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. They weren''t far from the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, but making the leap would definitely take some time.


    If they could really re-enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, in just a few days'' time, it was likely that all of them could join the ranks of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Even Cao Tian might quickly reach the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    All were excited, looking at Ye Feng.


    "Really, when have I, Ye Feng, ever lied to you?"


    Ye Feng said with a smile as he watched everyone''s eager faces.


    "Let''s set off now, we''ll discuss the specifics once we reach the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    With that, Ye Feng immediately flew in the direction from which they had previously come from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others no longer questioned and followed Ye Feng without hesitation.


    Long Nannan was extremely happy, joyfully shouting, "Great, I can also go to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Little Martial Uncle wait for me!"


    The two women hurriedly followed Ye Feng''s figure.


    At this moment, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong exchanged glances, looking at the others flying towards the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Chi Jark couldn''t help but say, "Xiao Chubby, do you think Ye Feng can really take us into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    Xiao Rulong''s expression was grave as he nodded, "If Ye Feng weren''t sure, he probably wouldn''t say such things. Since we have already picked sides, we should trust him."


    "But even if Ye Feng has found a way into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, we''re already Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Can we really re-enter?"


    Chi Jark still couldn''t help voicing his doubts, as everyone knew that the rule of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm only allowed people of the Golden Core Realm to enter. Those above the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm couldn''t get in.


    There have been Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm who tried to force their way into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, but they were repelled by the realm and even severely injured in the Gate of Whirlpool.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Rulong fell silent and sighed, "Don''t think too much about it, just follow and we''ll see."

 Chapter 587 582: Reopening the Gate of Whirlpool

    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong didn''t hesitate any further; they too stood up and followed Ye Feng.


    All of them were moving at their fastest speeds, and the slower ones were carried along by grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm like Ye Feng or Shadow Chi Jark. In just half a day, they had returned to the valley they had been in before, the entrance to the Heavenly Cloud Secret Realm.


    Enveloped by a mysterious mist, the valley was empty of people.


    Although the major powers of the Outer Battlefield were aware that this was where the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was located, they hadn''t stationed anyone there.


    There was simply no need because the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm only opened once every fifty years, and only a few days had passed since the last opening; no one would linger here.


    The Great Powers would calculate the time, select candidates after fifty years, and then bring them here once more.


    Initially, the Great Powers did station people here to watch over the valley and to look for other ways to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. However, after observing for several years before and after each opening and trying all sorts of methods, they achieved no results.


    Eventually, neither the powers nor individuals wished to waste more time here. Once the secret realm opened, they would just wait another fifty years.


    However, upon arriving, Ye Feng still used his spiritual power to thoroughly investigate their surroundings. After confirming there was no one around, he raised his hand and set up a barrier.


    A dozen people had gathered in front of the valley. Long Nannan and Sausage Sister looked at the mist-shrouded valley with curious eyes, as both of them were visiting for the first time.


    "Little Martial Uncle, is this the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm you talked about, inside this valley?"


    Long Nannan''s eyes shone with excitement, showing great interest in the seemingly mysterious valley in front of her. She had heard that even a Half-Step Golden Core cultivator could easily join the ranks of the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm after entering this place.


    As Long Nannan spoke, she was already eager to fly towards the Mysterious Valley.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others looked shocked upon seeing this because they knew the mysterious mist outside the valley was deadly. Anyone that touched the white mist could face unimaginable consequences.


    Xiao Chuanqi opened his mouth, intending to call Long Nannan to stop, "Wait, you can''t touch that mist!"


    Xiao Chuanqi shouted loudly, and others like Sima Zhantian were also anxious. They hadn''t expected Long Nannan to fly directly towards the Mysterious Valley right after speaking; her boldness was too great.


    Ye Feng saw this and his eyelid twitched. With a flash, he appeared in front of Long Nannan, picked up her petite body, and then swiftly brought her back to the group.


    Seeing this, Xiao Chuanqi and the others let out a sigh of relief. Long Nannan had been moving very fast, and they would have been too late to stop her.


    "Little Martial Uncle, what are you doing? Why won''t you let me in? Didn''t you say that it''s good to cultivate in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    Long Nannan had not noticed Xiao Chuanqi''s shouting and thought that Ye Feng had deliberately prevented her from entering.


    Ye Feng, somewhat helpless, raised his hand to flick Long Nannan on the forehead, "That mysterious mist can''t be touched; it''ll corrode you, and you will die, dummy!"


    Ye Feng scolded her directly. This girl was just too impulsive, and if she kept it up, she was bound to encounter trouble. She couldn''t continue being so reckless. This was the Outer Battlefield, fraught with danger everywhere, and with such a temperament, one wouldn''t survive long.


    Long Nannan felt a bit aggrieved but realized that Ye Feng had saved her. In a soft voice, she said, "I got it, Little Martial Uncle. I misunderstood you."


    Seeing Long Nannan''s aggrieved expression, Ye Feng couldn''t say much more. He simply explained, "The entrance to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm isn''t here. We have to open the Gate of Whirlpool to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. It''s not somewhere you can rush into directly."


    Now Long Nannan understood, standing quietly by the side like an obedient student.


    The others chuckled at the scene and then turned their attention back to Ye Feng.


    "Ye Feng, what do we do now? Can you open the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s Gate of Whirlpool by yourself?"


    Chi Jark voiced his doubt.


    They all knew that to open the Gate of Whirlpool to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm required the collection of a token from each of the Four Great Powers, making a total of four tokens needed to unlock it.


    Could it be that Ye Feng also had the same four tokens as the Four Great Powers?


    Ye Feng smiled mysteriously. He did not say much but simply waved his hand, and a token appeared in it.


    All eyes were drawn to the token in Ye Feng''s hand, full of curiosity.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s eyes especially sharpened as they stared intently at the token in Ye Feng''s hands, a token they had never seen before!


    It was completely different from the token used by the Four Great Powers to open the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm last time!


    After taking out the token, Ye Feng tossed it into the air. His powerful aura burst forth, a forceful energy erupted, and he channeled all of it into the token.


    Just as Ye Feng''s aura exploded, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were again shocked. This burst of energy from Ye Feng seemed even stronger than when they were fighting over the Void Spirit Fruit. Could it be?


    Confusion was apparent in their eyes as they still did not know the full extent of Ye Feng''s strength.


    What was certain, though, was that Ye Feng''s true power had likely surpassed that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Under the influx of Ye Feng''s tremendous energy, the token shone brightly, an ancient aura pervaded the surroundings, and then, as if a rift had been cut open in the air before them, a colossal Gate of Whirlpool took shape instantly.


    Everyone was shocked, speechless at the sight of the Gate of Whirlpool that appeared before them.


    "Gate of Whirlpool, it actually appeared!"


    Xiao Chuanqi exclaimed in shock.


    "Wasn''t it agreed that it could only be opened once every fifty years? Now our lord has directly opened it, and we have just come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!"


    Sima Zhantian was also very excited, and his gaze towards Ye Feng was full of admiration.


    "Our lord is mighty!"


    Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but cry out.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were dumbfounded as well, they hadn''t expected Ye Feng to actually open the Gate of Whirlpool, and that without gathering the tokens of the Four Great Powers, relying solely on his own strength to open the Gate of Whirlpool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. If the people from the Four Great Powers knew about this, they would probably go insane, right?


    They had to wait fifty years each time, just for one opening!


    Now, it had been not even two days since the last opening, and Ye Feng had opened it again, which was bound to cause jealousy.


    "Alright, Legendary, Nannan, go in."


    Once the Gate of Whirlpool was opened, Ye Feng spoke to Xiao Chuanqi and the others with a faint smile.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others listened to these words with excited faces, they could actually enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm again?


    "Ye Feng, are you sure we can really enter now? Won''t there be any danger with this Gate of Whirlpool? And we are already Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; I thought Grandmasters couldn''t enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    Chi Jark was the one to speak up at this time, he was actually a bit worried that the Gate of Whirlpool opened at this time might be dangerous since this was an abnormal occurrence. Previously, no one had ever succeeded in opening the Gate of Whirlpool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm outside the fifty-year period.


    Xiao Chuanqi just grinned and said, "Since our lord has already allowed us to go in, there definitely won''t be any dangers. Brothers, let''s go!"


    Xiao Chuanqi laughed heartily and stepped directly into the Gate of Whirlpool, his figure instantly vanishing from everyone''s sight.


    Sima Zhantian and the others smiled faintly, including Shadow and the three women with Long Nannan, all dived headfirst into the Gate of Whirlpool, and they all disappeared!


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were shaken to see Shadow successfully enter the Gate of Whirlpool; Shadow was a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and she actually got in without being repelled!


    "Go ahead, I am now capable of controlling the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. You can think of me as half the master of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm,"


    Ye Feng said to the two with a shocked look, smiling.


    Then he too stepped into the Gate of Whirlpool.


    Outside the Gate of Whirlpool, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were somewhat baffled.


    "What did Ye Feng just say? He''s half the master of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!?"


    Chi Jark said with widened eyes, thinking he had heard wrong.


    Xiao Rulong was also completely shocked. Half the master of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    That was too exaggerated. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was a truly top-level secret realm, the abundant and intense Power of Spirit Essence inside was something all cultivators coveted. Now that Ye Feng had become the half master of such a top-level secret realm, it really scared them.


    Seeing Ye Feng disappear into the Gate of Whirlpool, the two stepped into the Gate of Whirlpool without any worries.


    Just after the two entered the Gate of Whirlpool, the gate outside the Mysterious Valley vanished in the blink of an eye as if it had never appeared.


    Inside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it was the same blue sky and white clouds as before.


    After entering the secret realm, Chi Jark found himself on a huge Martial Arts Training Plaza.


    "This Martial Arts Training Plaza, why does it look so familiar?"


    Chi Jark raised an eyebrow. Scanning the Martial Arts Training Plaza, the vastness gave him a very familiar feeling.


    "Nonsense, of course it''s familiar, this is clearly the place where we were selected for the Spirit Essence Pool slots!"


    "But where has that huge black stele gone?"


    Xiao Rulong said, shaking his folding fan and looking puzzled.


    Chi Jark, hearing Xiao Rulong''s voice, swiftly turned his head and saw Xiao Rulong standing right beside him, stunned: "Xiao Chubby, how come you''re also next to me? Isn''t everyone supposed to be separated when they enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!?"


    Chi Jark was a bit baffled. Previously when they entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, everyone appeared in a different place; nobody came out together. They always thought it was because the Gate of Whirlpool messed up the location of everyone during the transmission.


    But now, Xiao Rulong was right beside him. Was it a coincidence?


    "Separated?" A cute female voice rang out.


    Chi Jark turned sharply and immediately saw the petite Long Nannan, with Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and others behind her, while Ye Feng stood next to them, smiling.

 Chapter 588 583: The Stele Is With Me

    Long Nannan walked over and took a deep breath. Her big eyes immediately lit up.


    "The power of the Spirit Essence here, so this is the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    Long Nannan was very surprised. She felt that with every breath she took, she was cultivating, and each breath allowed her to increase her strength and realm.


    Sausage Sister had the same feeling. This was also her first time entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and she was filled with curiosity about her surroundings.


    "With such a rich concentration of the Power of Spirit Essence, no wonder, no wonder I heard that hundreds of cultivators fought tooth and nail for a chance to cultivate here. In this environment, even those with the poorest of talents could forcefully break through to the Golden Core Realm, right?"


    Sausage Sister couldn''t help but exclaim, completely astonished by the intense concentration of the Power of Spirit Essence.


    The amazement expressed by both women was no surprise to everyone else. At this moment, everyone was excited; they had actually entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm once again.


    "We really made it. Master''s methods are nothing short of legendary."


    Xiao Chuanqi exclaimed in amazement. He too was greedily absorbing the Spirit Essence in the air. Then, as if sensing something in his heart,


    the very next moment, Xiao Chuanqi sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes. The aura around him began to change slowly. Whirlpools of the Power of Spirit Essence gradually formed around him. A massive amount of the Power of Spirit Essence was being absorbed from the surroundings, and streams of it flowed into Xiao Chuanqi''s body.


    "He''s about to break through!"


    Chi Jark''s eyes sharpened as he spoke in a deep voice.


    The others present were also surprised; they did not expect Xiao Chuanqi to be on the verge of breaking through just after entering.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and immediately picked up the token in his hand, beginning to communicate with it using his spiritual power.


    "Elder Bai, is it possible to send Xiao Chuanqi to the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Ye Feng asked urgently. He had not expected that Xiao Chuanqi would be ready for a breakthrough upon his second entry. If it were possible for him to cultivate and break through to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm while in the Spirit Essence Pool, that would be ideal. Therefore, he wanted to directly ask Elder Bai to see if Xiao Chuanqi could be sent into the Spirit Essence Pool.


    This token in his hand was not only the true key to opening the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm but also allowed him to communicate directly with the remnant soul of Elder Bai within the realm. He could converse with Elder Bai using his spiritual power.


    There was another way to communicate, by simply calling out loudly for Elder Bai. Just like the last time he entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, there would be many of Elder Bai''s Spirits of the Secret Realm. Whenever Elder Bai wished, his remnant soul could appear in any of those spirits.


    No sooner had Ye Feng finished speaking than Elder Bai''s voice resonated in his mind.


    "The Spirit Essence Pool is currently in a recovery phase; unless you directly utilize the Power of the Pulse Source inside of it. If the Pulse Source is used directly, the consumption might be quite substantial."


    Elder Bai''s voice explained.


    Ye Feng paused for a moment, then remembered that Elder Bai had mentioned before that the Spirit Essence Pool needed a month of recovery time before it could be filled with pure Spirit Essence Liquid.


    That pure Spirit Essence Liquid is actually accumulated and fermented over time by the Pulse Source. Although using the liquid does consume the foundation of the Pulse Source, the consumption is minimal and nearly negligible. However, directly using the energy of the Pulse Source would actually deplete the strength of the Pulse Source itself, and that consumption is irreversible, unlike the Spirit Essence Liquid which is merely an accumulation of overflowing Power of Spirit Essence.


    "Then, Elder Bai, how many people can a piece of Pulse Source support to break through to become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm?"


    Ye Feng asked again.


    "Presently, each piece of Pulse Source can sustain the breakthrough of a hundred Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. But Your Majesty, you must be aware that at least five pieces of Pulse Source must not be used directly, or it will affect the foundation of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm,"


    Elder Bai cautioned, indicating that the realm needed at least five pieces of Pulse Source to stabilize the very world of the secret realm and to maintain the Power of Spirit Essence in the air.


    Ye Feng had already taken one piece of Pulse Source, and there were three pieces left that could be utilized. If those three pieces were also used up, and only five pieces of Pulse Source were left to stabilize the foundation, the air would no longer maintain such a rich concentration of the Power of Spirit Essence.


    Ye Feng naturally understood, but he was still startled to learn that each piece could support the advancement of a hundred Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    A hundred people?


    That was entirely possible; there wasn''t much time left before the great turmoil, and what would happen to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm by then was uncertain. Besides, he would not have that many Half-Step Golden Core powerhouses needing to advance, so what he had was already more than enough.


    "Elder Bai, the urgent task now is to enhance the strength of these people around me. The future is uncertain, and letting all these people cultivate won''t consume too much power from the Pulse Source. Later, Elder Bai, I will need your help when I notify you to transfer people,"


    Ye Feng conveyed once more.


    "As you command, Your Majesty."


    Elder Bai respectfully responded and then fell silent.


    On the other side, Ye Feng looked back at the crowd and spoke solemnly, "I know you might ask why I can enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. I don''t think this question needs much explanation. You just need to know that I can bring you here, allow you to cultivate here, and even enter the Spirit Essence Pool for cultivation, it''s all possible."


    At these words, everyone was once again shaken. Could they really be allowed to cultivate in the Spirit Essence Pool?


    This was the place everyone present longed for, the most precious spot within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was none other than the cultivation quota for the Spirit Essence Pool, an allure no one could resist.


    Even Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, who had already entered the Spirit Essence Pool, were greatly interested in the pure Power of Spirit Essence it offered.


    No one was more excited than Sima Zhan Tian and Leng Wuming, both Half-Step Golden Core cultivators, who knew exactly what the Spirit Essence Pool meant to them, and they were thrilled beyond measure.


    "My lord, do we have to undergo some sort of selection process?"


    Sima Zhan Tian couldn''t help but ask.


    At this moment, everyone else looked over, actually wondering the same thing. Would it be necessary to undergo some kind of selection, similar to before when they had to strike their strongest blow at a huge black stele for ranking, after which the top ten were automatically transported into the Spirit Essence Pool.


    When Sima Zhan Tian brought this up, Chi Jark involuntarily glanced towards the center of the Martial Arts Training Plaza, then paused.


    "Where did that huge black stele go?"


    Chi Jark wondered, staring at a vast empty space in the middle of the plaza. A few days prior when they first entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, there had been a colossal black stele on this grandiose training ground, a mysterious monument they used to test their own strength.


    The others also noticed that there was now a conspicuous void on the Martial Arts Training Plaza where the stele, once comparable to a great mountain, used to stand. Now that it was gone, where did the stele go?


    "The stele, it''s with me."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, and with a flash of black light in his hand, a miniature version of the stele appeared.


    All eyes concentrated here, everyone staring wide-eyed at the miniature stele in Ye Feng''s hands, their tongues clicking in astonishment.


    "Ye Feng, don''t tease me. The stele we saw was as big as a mountain. How could it be this little thing in the palm of your hand?"


    Chi Jark shook his head directly, convinced Ye Feng was joking. The stele, once mountainous in size, now reduced like this ¨C impossible!


    Ye Feng only smiled at this moment, unfazed by Chi Jark''s words, still speaking with a light chuckle, "This is indeed the stele used for the selection of the Spirit Essence Pool, the Heaven Guard Monument."


    Heaven Guard Monument?


    Chi Jark paused, stunned. A magic treasure?


    Xiao Rulong, on the other hand, exclaimed in shock, "Heaven Guard Monument!?"


    "Ye Feng, are you saying this is the Heaven Guard Monument!?"


    Xiao Rulong stepped up close to Ye Feng, intently fixing his gaze on the stele in Ye Feng''s hand.


    "Xiao Chubby, why so excited? It''s just a rock,"


    Seeing Xiao Rulong so astounded, Chi Jark couldn''t help but curl his lip, regarding it as just a black rock, nothing to be so exaggerated about; it seemed like he was looking at some invaluable treasure.


    Xiao Rulong gave Chi Jark a withering look, expressing contempt, "You fool, if you''d read some of the ancient texts back in the clan. The Heaven Guard Monument was one of the powerful magic treasures wielded by that person over two thousand years ago, forged from a meteorite from beyond the heavens, extremely hard and incredibly heavy."


    "That person from over two thousand years ago, wielding the Heaven Guard Monument in the Outer Battlefield, vanquished countless members of the Alien Race beneath it. This is a peerless magic treasure, and you know nothing!"


    Xiao Rulong ridiculed mercilessly, eyes still gleaming as he stared at the miniature Heaven Guard Monument in Ye Feng''s hand.


    After hearing all this, Chi Jark and the others gaped, looking at the unassuming miniature black stele ¨C this insignificant-looking rock was so powerful; was it truly a peerless magic treasure?


    Xiao Rulong ignored the others, but wore a smiling face, grinning at Ye Feng while fanning him with his Folding Fan in a sycophantic manner.


    Ye Feng himself was taken aback, wondering what Xiao Rulong was up to, why was he suddenly fawning over him?


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, sensing something dodgy in Xiao Rulong''s eyes as they greedily regarded the Heaven Guard Monument in his hand.


    Ye Feng immediately understood; this guy must be eyeing his Heaven Guard Monument.


    Sure enough, just as Ye Feng had this thought, Xiao Rulong already looked on with a grin, saying, "Ye Feng, it looks like you have quite a few magic treasures, don''t you? The Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Emperor''s Armor, and the Sky-breaking Divine Spear, not to mention the Emperor''s Sword. Look at all this, these are all top-level magic treasures."


    "With so many top-level magic treasures, surely you can''t need them all, right?"


    Ye Feng looked on calmly and replied, "Not that many, really. Just lucky to have them, but still not quite enough when it comes to battle."


    Bemoaning his plight, those around Ye Feng felt their teeth grind ¨C four top-level magic treasures, and still not enough?


    Many of them didn''t even possess a single decent magic treasure, not even Chi Jark, the prodigy from an ancient clan who had only one set of Battle Armor and a spear!

 Chapter 589 - 584 Xiao Rulongs Trade

    Ye Feng''s statement successfully provoked animosity; Chi Jark''s gaze was dark and malevolent, as if he wished nothing more than to flay him alive.


    Xiao Rulong''s eyes twitched uncontrollably as well. He seriously suspected that Ye Feng was showing off, no, this was outright flaunting!


    The average person would be fortunate to have one magic treasure, but in the Outer Battlefield, there were numerous Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm who didn''t even possess one, using only some weapons made from special materials, which couldn''t communicate with spirits like magic treasures could, resulting in significantly weaker combat power!


    Nowadays, there were very few people who could craft magic treasures. The techniques for crafting had all but been lost, and even those in the Great Powers who could still produce them only managed to craft rough and rudimentary ones.


    However, even these rudimentary magic treasures were extremely costly to produce. The average cultivator simply couldn''t afford the costs involved in crafting them. Therefore, on the Outer Battlefield, the discovery of each magic treasure could also trigger massive competition among cultivators.


    Xiao Rulong calmed his emotions, still smiling as he proposed, "Ye Feng, look at you with your four magic treasures. How about a trade for that Heaven Guard Monument?"


    A trade?


    Interest sparked within Ye Feng, and with a smile still adorning his face, he inquired, "A trade? I wonder, what kind of trade do you have in mind?"


    "Since you know it''s from the hands of that person from over two thousand years ago, you should be aware of its value. Come on, Xiao Chubby, what are you willing to barter?"


    Ye Feng looked at Xiao Rulong, curious to see what Xiao Rulong would offer in the trade.


    Xiao Rulong was aware that the Heaven Guard Monument was a top-level magic treasure from that person over two thousand years ago. Now that he''s asking to trade, who knows what valuable item he would offer.


    "I can trade with my Xiao Family''s movement technique," Xiao Rulong said after a brief silence, releasing his proposition.


    The moment Chi Jark heard Xiao Rulong''s offer, he was taken aback and quickly objected, "Xiao Chubby, have you lost your mind? If your Ancestor of the Xiao Family finds out, they will skin you alive!"


    "The Cultivation Methods of the Ancient Clan are never to be taught to outsiders; this has been the rule for thousands of years. Passing it on is a taboo. Surely, your Xiao Family will not allow it."


    Chi Jark believed Xiao Rulong was absolutely insane to consider trading the Xiao Family''s movement technique secret manual for a single magic treasure.


    The Xiao Family''s secret manual of movement was equivalent to the Sect''s Guard Treasure. To be precise, the core cultivation methods of each of the Four Great Ancient Clans were the sect-guarding treasures of each family. The reason these clans had thrived for so long was due to these core techniques that had been passed down within the family for years.


    The Xiao Family and Chi Family focused on movement and footwork, while the Hong Family and Bu Family preferred attack-oriented Dao Techniques.


    Now Xiao Rulong was offering to trade one of these core cultivation methods, and it wasn''t just his own affair¡ªthis mattered to the entire Xiao Family!


    The external dissemination of a core method from an ancient clan could pose a great threat to the clan.


    Therefore, each of the ancient clans had strict rules regarding their core methods. Disclosing them was akin to a death sentence.


    Xiao Rulong glanced at Chi Jark, shaking his folding fan as he grinned, saying, "What does an idiot like you know about the value of the Heaven Guard Monument? I''ll find a way to deal with the family matters. As long as Ye Feng swears not to spread the technique, there won''t be any problems. The rest I can handle by convincing the elders myself."


    Xiao Rulong spoke with great confidence, his eyes never straying from the Heaven Guard Monument.


    Ye Feng was surprised as well; Xiao Rulong actually intended to offer his family''s core cultivation method in exchange?


    He had seen Xiao Rulong execute the movement technique before, and it was indeed powerful. If he could learn it, his combat and escape capabilities would definitely leap to another level, an irresistible temptation for anyone.


    Unfortunately, as far as Ye Feng was concerned, the movement technique was somewhat redundant. He had various magic treasures and powerful cultivation techniques for attacks, including the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, which provided tremendous offensive power. When it came to speed, he was not slow at all, supported by more than two thousand acupoints. His movement speed was fully on par with that of the Xiao Family''s techniques.


    In terms of defense, the defense power of the Emperor''s Armor was more than sufficient, as attacks from Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm hardly affected him. His defensive power was already astonishingly strong, and he still had an ace up his sleeve, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll!


    The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll lying in the Sea of Consciousness within his Heavenly Heart Palace was his biggest trump card, a true top-level magic treasure. Including the Heaven Guard Monument, he already possessed six!


    Xiao Rulong, waving his folding fan, saw that Ye Feng had not spoken and thought Ye Feng was tempted. Eager to strike while the iron was hot, he grinned and said, "Ye Feng, how about this: I''ll add one thousand Spirit Stones to our Xiao Family''s cultivation method for the Heaven Guard Monument. What say you?"


    With this offer on the table, Xiao Rulong''s smile grew even wider. He believed his terms were too good for anyone to refuse.


    To the side, Sima Zhantian and others were practically green with envy. The Xiao Family of the Ancient Clan''s cultivation method plus one thousand Spirit Stones?


    How many people in the entire Outer Battlefield could reject such an offer?


    Many a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm had no more than a few dozen Spirit Stones. Like Ye Feng''s previous encounter with Elder Hua Yue, he had found only a handful of stones. Even those newly ascended Grandmasters, who had been in the Outer Battlefield for years, had just those few dozen stones, highlighting the rare value of Spirit Stones.


    One thousand Spirit Stones, an offer no Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm could resist. Even considering spending Spirit Stones on a decent magic treasure would cost around five hundred, and those in the Great Powers capable of crafting crude ones charged about three hundred, including materials and crafting fees.


    Ye Feng was surprised once again, and couldn''t help but admire the wealth of the Ancient Clan in his heart. They were truly deserving of their over two thousand years of history, and their depths were profound indeed. A thousand spirit stones might require turning the Utility Pavilion upside down, and even then, it was not certain they would be found.


    Remembering the measly handful of spirit stones the Utility Pavilion had given him before he entered the Outer Battlefield, he sighed inwardly at how poor they were compared to the Ancient Clans; there was simply no comparison.


    However, he was in no shortage of spirit stones¡ªhe still had hundreds of thousands of them in his space ring, along with the Pulse Source worth tens of millions of spirit stones. To the current Ye Feng, spirit stones were utterly useless.


    "Xiao Chubby, the terms you''ve put forth are indeed very tempting,"


    Ye Feng said with a smile, speaking truly from the heart. If he hadn''t come to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and acquired so many spirit stones, he might have actually been enticed.


    A magic treasure in exchange for a thousand spirit stones, plus the unmatched cultivation method of the Xiao Family¡ªthis was definitely a lucrative deal.


    Unfortunately, spirit stones had lost all appeal to him now.


    Seeing Ye Feng speak like this, Xiao Rulong grew even more excited. Could it be that Ye Feng was really going to accept his trade?


    The true value of the Heaven Guard Monument was not in the crafted Magic Treasure itself!


    It was in the very essence of the Heaven Guard Monument!


    More than just a piece of meteorite from beyond the heavens, their ancestor from the Xiao Family had said that the Heaven Guard Monument possessed over two thousand years ago was an extremely rare type of meteorite, scarce even within Alien Space-Time. The secrets contained within this meteorite were numerous and of incalculable value!


    And now, he was actually about to trade for it?


    Xiao Rulong could hardly conceal the smile on his face, even proactively taking out a space ring.


    "Ye Feng, your decision is the right one, believe me, you won''t regret it!"


    Xiao Rulong''s smile was radiant. Although he had already picked a side, who could resist the allure of power and secrets? Besides, he had his clan''s interests at heart. If he could take the Heaven Guard Monument back to his family, the entire clan would benefit.


    Moreover, he had already decided that if he could unearth the secrets hidden within the Heaven Guard Monument, he would share them with Ye Feng as well.


    After all, he wasn''t letting Ye Feng suffer a loss¡ªthe cultivation methods of the Xiao Family plus a thousand spirit stones was already a substantial offer.


    Even as a prodigy of the Ancient Clan, the spirit stones he carried barely amounted to a bit more than a thousand, and some of those had been extracted during a previous visit to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm; otherwise, he wouldn''t have had so many spirit stones.


    Just as Xiao Rulong thought he was about to score the Heaven Guard Monument, Ye Feng spoke up, "Xiao Chubby, what''s the rush? Your offer is quite enticing, but for me, it''s still not enough to sway me. Besides, aside from me, or rather, those who haven''t cultivated that person''s technique, can''t even use the Heaven Guard Monument."


    "So, those things, Xiao Chubby, you might as well put them away."


    Ye Feng responded with a smile, making his stance clear to Xiao Rulong outright, without holding anything back.


    Only those who cultivated that person''s technique could use it?


    Xiao Rulong''s previously beaming smile froze instantly. His heart full of hope was dowsed with a splash of cold water by Ye Feng, sending his mood plummeting.


    Now, searching among all cultivators, aside from Ye Feng, who else had cultivated that person''s technique?


    Wouldn''t this mean that even if he managed to trade for it, he couldn''t use it and would have to take it back as a mere broken stone? Wouldn''t that be a massive loss?


    Xiao Rulong''s emotions surged and plummeted, and his face was now full of dejection.


    Chi Jark and the others laughed heartily upon seeing this, amused by Xiao Rulong''s blunder.


    However, they were also shocked by the origin of the Heaven Guard Monument, never imagining that the large stone used for their contest to enter the Spirit Essence Pool would turn out to be a top-level Magic Treasure.


    Ye Feng paid no mind to Xiao Rulong''s demeanor and instead addressed everyone around him.


    "As you can all see, the Heaven Guard Monument is now under my control, and this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is actually within my grasp as well. Now, I will allow all those below the Golden Core Realm to enter the Spirit Essence Pool!"


    Ye Feng announced to the crowd.


    The eyes of Sima Zhantian and others were filled with immense surprise. Were they going to be able to cultivate in the Spirit Essence Pool directly?


    Wouldn''t reaching the Golden Core Realm then be within their reach?

 Chapter 590 - 585: Ownership of the Secret Realm

    "Elder Bai, initiate the teleportation."


    Ye Feng communicated to Elder Bai through spiritual power within the Token, and the next second, columns of white light shot up into the sky.


    Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, Gai Jiuyou, Long Nannan, Sausage Sister, including Xiao Chuanqi, who had already sat cross-legged and entered a cultivation state, along with Cao Tian, seven pillars of light soared into the sky, the intense white light instantly enveloping everyone within it.


    The six Half-Step Golden Core Realms and one Foundation Establishment Realm, a total of seven powerful figures, were engulfed by the white columns of light at this moment and vanished from the Martial Arts Training Plaza.


    Sima Zhantian and the others only felt their vision filled with dazzling white light. It did not take long before the white light before them slowly faded, to reveal they were each in a pool, their bodies immersed in the pure Spirit Essence Liquid. The pure Power of Spirit Essence continuously seeped into their bodies, their pores opening wide, frantically absorbing the energy from the Spirit Essence Pool.


    All seven faces lit up with joy, knowing they had arrived at the Spirit Essence Pool. Without hesitation, they sat down cross-legged, soaked in the Spirit Essence Liquid, and began to cultivate feverishly. In the Spirit Essence Pool, they felt even a second wasted would be too much.


    At this time, back at the Martial Arts Training Plaza, only Ye Feng, Xiao Rulong, Chi Jark, and Shadow, four Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, remained.


    Chi Jark watched in amazement as everyone vanished. The same commotion had happened when he was teleported to the Spirit Essence Pool, and now the seven had indeed disappeared completely. It seemed they were truly sent to the Spirit Essence Pool for cultivation, just as Ye Feng had said.


    Shadow watched the vanishing figures, her eyes betraying some restlessness. She, too, had never visited the Spirit Essence Pool, and she understood that cultivating there would yield significantly noticeable results.


    "Shadow, to think you emerged from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm as a Golden Core Grandmaster truly surprised me."


    At this time, Ye Feng turned his attention to Shadow. When she had emerged from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, she had indeed astonished him. Although Shadow had reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm by the time she first accompanied him to the Outer Battlefield, she had only just entered that stage before going into the secret realm, her accumulation and foundation lacking somewhat.


    Moreover, during the last trip to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Shadow had not cultivated in the Spirit Essence Pool, meaning she had advanced outside of it, among a comparatively dense Spirit Essence environment. Over just a few days, she had successfully jumped from the Half-Step Golden Core Realm to the ranks of Golden Core Grandmasters. Among the hundred who had entered at that time, Shadow was decidedly the only one!


    The others who had advanced to become Golden Core Grandmasters had been at the Half-Step Golden Core stage for years, just missing that final step to advance outside of the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Even the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan''s prodigy, Hong Gaishi, a newcomer to the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, failed to smoothly transition to the ranks of Golden Core Grandmasters after cultivating for two whole days in the Spirit Essence Pool.


    But Shadow had done it. A cultivator freshly initiated into the Half-Step Golden Core Realm cultivated outside of the Spirit Essence Pool and, within five days, became a Golden Core Grandmaster. This could truly be called exceptional talent!


    "My lord jests, it was just good fortune for Shadow."


    Shadow slightly bowed her head, a hint of unease flashing in her eyes.


    Ye Feng noticed her restless gaze and pondered but did not press the issue there and then.


    With a smile, Ye Feng said, "Shadow, I''ll now send you into the Spirit Essence Pool for cultivation to stabilize your realm. The stronger you are, the safer our future actions will be. Go ahead."


    As he spoke, he had already started transmitting his spiritual power through the Token.


    His words were not simply flattery. Shadow''s unique abilities were extremely useful in places like the Outer Battlefield. Just like before, although Shadow had only recently become a Golden Core Grandmaster, she was able to rely on her special abilities to remain completely unharmed under the mad assault of the Hong Family''s Hong Zhong. She even managed to make him quite disheveled.


    After all, Hong Zhong of the Hong Family was a seasoned Golden Core Grandmaster of the Ancient Clan. Shadow, just a newly advanced Golden Core Grandmaster, should in theory only be slightly stronger than a Half-Step Golden Core Realm cultivator, able to compete with Hong Zhong only once her realm was completely stabilized. Her performance had taken Ye Feng by surprise.


    So if Shadow were to stabilize her realm as a Golden Core Grandmaster, her strength would definitely improve.


    In future encounters with enemies, if they let Shadow sneak in to assassinate covertly, she might well be able to deal with even Golden Core Grandmasters on her own from the shadows.


    In Ye Feng''s eyes, Shadow was a natural-born assassin, her assassination skills alarming even him, which is why he naturally chose to send her into the Spirit Essence Pool.


    However, Shadow paused upon hearing this, "My lord, I can enter the Spirit Essence Pool as well? But haven''t I already become a Golden Core Grandmaster?"


    Shadow was quite puzzled, thinking Ye Feng was joking with her. She was already a Golden Core Grandmaster¡ªcould she still enter the Spirit Essence Pool?


    But at that moment, Ye Feng simply smiled at her and then a white light shot up to the heavens, instantly engulfing Shadow.


    Staring at the white expanse before her, Shadow was startled. Her eyes slowly filled with delight, and as she looked up wanting to speak, her body had already vanished from the spot.


    Shadow, too, had been teleported into the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Watching Shadow disappear as well, both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were shocked.


    "Ye Feng, even Golden Core Grandmasters can enter the Spirit Essence Pool for cultivation!?"


    Chi Jark couldn''t help but ask, thinking that only cultivators below the level of Golden Core Grandmasters could enter the Spirit Essence Pool, as since the opening of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it seemed that only those below the Golden Core Grandmasters had ever entered. He had never heard of a Golden Core Grandmaster managing to enter.


    But now, Shadow had gone in!


    Ye Feng looked at Chi Jark with a light smile and said, "If Golden Core Grandmasters can enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, why can''t they enter the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Faced with Ye Feng''s retort, Chi Jark was instantly at a loss for words.


    Right, before it was said that Golden Core Grandmasters couldn''t enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, but now he, Xiao Rulong, and Shadow, all being Golden Core Grandmasters, had also come in, hadn''t they?


    Ye Feng smiled and continued, "You have both entered the Spirit Essence Pool before, and you must know that the pure Spirit Essence Liquid is actually enough with just one absorption. If you enter a second time, the effectiveness of the cultivation would greatly diminish."


    Saying this, Ye Feng looked towards Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    "Both of you have already been inside the Spirit Essence Pool, and your realms as Golden Core Grandmasters have already stabilized. Entering the Spirit Essence Pool again would only make your cultivation speed somewhat faster, but it wouldn''t be of much use."


    Ye Feng shook his head slightly, explaining to Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    He was telling the truth, and these were actually things that Elder Bai had told him.


    "Moreover, if our realms increase too quickly, we might attract the covetous eyes of various powers, or even those within our own power. Then we would really be in trouble, so it''s better to just cultivate well outside the Spirit Essence Pool."


    "There''s still some time before the selection for the Martial Dao Genius List. For now, you two should start cultivating right here. I will gather the surrounding Power of Spirit Essence toward us. When the time comes, your speed of cultivation won''t be slow, don''t worry."


    As Ye Feng spoke, a formation slowly appeared above their heads. As the formation emerged, the surrounding Power of Spirit Essence began to slowly converge under it, exactly where Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were.


    Xiao Rulong felt the Power of Spirit Essence that was incredibly dense, several times more potent than the normal Power of Spirit Essence within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark both wore surprised looks. Amidst their surprise, they were also shocked that Ye Feng could do such a thing within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    First sending Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and eight others, including Shadow, into the Spirit Essence Pool, and now being able to set up such a formation that constantly gathered Power of Spirit Essence for them.


    Ye Feng, too mysterious!


    "Alright, you better start cultivating. I need to find a place to cultivate too. I''ll come back to check on you in seven days."


    After doing all this, Ye Feng also disappeared in front of Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    Looking at where Ye Feng had vanished, Chi Jark said deeply, "This guy, could he have also teleported himself into the Spirit Essence Pool, only looking out for himself?"


    No sooner had Chi Jark finished speaking than Xiao Rulong burst out laughing, "Looking out for himself, isn''t that the exclusive privilege of my Brother Jerk?"


    Teasing, Xiao Rulong immediately received a furious glare from Chi Jark.


    Xiao Rulong flashed a grin, completely disregarding Chi Jark''s incensed look, instead gazing at where Ye Feng had disappeared.


    He waved his folding fan and narrowed his eyes, saying, "It seems that the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is exactly as Ye Feng himself said, he has become almost an owner of it."


    "No, perhaps calling him almost an owner is too modest of Ye Feng. With all he has done, I suspect that the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm now bears the name of Ye Feng."


    Xiao Rulong''s expression was very serious as he voiced his judgment.


    To Xiao Rulong, Ye Feng''s presence in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm felt like that of a controller, a dominator. Their every move could be steered by Ye Feng, a terrifying realization.


    Chi Jark''s eyes narrowed, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, bearing the name of Ye Feng?


    This was known as the most famous and most effective cultivation-type secret realm within the Outer Battlefield. If Ye Feng controlled the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it meant he now had a huge cultivation base and an extremely safe stronghold within the Outer Battlefield. Otherwise, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm would not have remained unforcibly opened for hundreds of years.

 Chapter 591 - 586: Ye Fengs Plan

    Chi Jarken could hardly believe it¡ªthe Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, such a treasure of a realm, was now claimed by Ye Feng alone, who had brought this immensely valuable secret realm into his possession.


    Moreover, according to their knowledge, Ye Feng could freely take them in and out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm at will; wouldn''t this mean that it could serve as an excellent training ground for his subordinates?


    If they were Ye Feng, they would definitely transport people over from Earth to train here and build their own forces.


    In an environment like the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, cultivating an army would be ridiculously easy, and in the harsh conditions of the Outer Battlefield, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was simply a sanctuary for cultivators.


    Chi Jarken estimated that for a Martial Artist at the Foundation Establishment Realm to cultivate to the Golden Core Realm would possibly require just a mere month''s time within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    There was no helping it; the Power of Spirit Essence here was too concentrated, accelerating cultivation at an astonishing pace¡ªevery breath was virtually equivalent to cultivating. To cultivate here was like riding a roller coaster, achieving rapid growth. Even when trying to break through to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and encountering a bottleneck, the Spirit Essence Pool was there to aid progress.


    Overall, to cultivate in the Heavenly Origin Realm was truly akin to drinking water, especially for those below the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    For those in the Foundation Establishment Realm progressing to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, what''s required is the cultivation of the Power of Spirit Essence. Within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, with such dense Power of Spirit Essence, cultivating this power within oneself couldn''t be easier.


    However, after reaching the level of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, the rate of progress would obviously slow down. Beyond that point, cultivation involves not just the Power of Spirit Essence but begins with solidifying one''s own Golden Core Power. After elevating the Golden Core Power to a certain extent, the next step is to make the breakthrough toward becoming a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    The Power of Spirit Essence would merely serve as a source of energy. The fundamental aspect of the Realm lies in the Golden Core; a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm cultivates the Golden Core itself.


    That''s why the Source Secret Realm prize awarded at the end of the Genius Rankings Martial Contest was so appealing to everyone; Origin Energy is used to cultivate the Golden Core, enhancing its quality while also strengthening the Golden Core Power, thus enabling it to contain more and purer Spirit Essence power.


    But the mere fact that it''s possible to mass-produce Spirit Essence power is already quite frightening.


    In the Outer Battlefield, the air lacks Spirit Essence power; everyone relies on Spirit Stones and Beast Cores to absorb Spirit Essence power for cultivation, which doesn''t progress very quickly, but it''s still much better than on Earth. On Earth, despite the presence of Spirit Essence power in the air, it''s extremely sparse, nowhere near the speed of cultivation achieved by killing Alien Beasts for their cores in the Outer Battlefield, with Spirit Stones being mostly products of the Outer Battlefield.


    So on Earth, you hardly ever see any Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; the highest we see are usually Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm. Martial Artists who cultivate and become Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm do not require as much Spirit Essence power, and their cultivation speed is also slow, generally hitting a ceiling at the Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm.


    Thinking of all this, Chi Jarken couldn''t help but inhale a cold breath of air.


    Elder Bai, on the other hand, smiled and said, "Alright, no need to worry unnecessarily. We don''t need to concern ourselves with these matters. This increasingly proves that our decision was correct, doesn''t it?"


    "Since we''ve already chosen our side, all we need to do is to firmly believe in the stance we''ve taken. There''s no need to fret about what Ye Feng will do. He has many secrets that we simply cannot see through. At least for now, I can tell that what we''re gaining are mainly benefits, and Ye Feng is indeed sincere in his dealings with us."


    "Let''s just make sure not to disappoint him."


    Elder Bai did not dwell on these thoughts and simply sat down cross-legged to start cultivating. The Power of Spirit Essence around them had already become so dense that it seemed on the verge of condensing into Spirit Essence Liquid¡ªthis golden opportunity for cultivation could not be wasted.


    Seeing Elder Bai speak in such a way, Chi Jarken also sat down cross-legged, casting aside the distractions in his mind and began to cultivate.


    Elsewhere, Ye Feng had already appeared in the chamber filled with Origin Energy from before.


    He too sat cross-legged, surrounded by walls covered in mysterious runes which, unlike before, did not light up but remained dim.


    Ye Feng was also pondering. The things Chi Jarken had considered, Ye Feng had thought of as well.


    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was indeed very suitable for cultivating masses of strong individuals. As long as they were below the level of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, they could be trained in large numbers.


    Even those at the peak of Martial King could be taught the Golden Core Great Dao''s Cultivation Technique. Even if they opted to switch paths and cultivate differently, the rate of advancement within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm would still be exceptionally fast.


    If one continued to practice Martial Dao, even reaching the realm of a Powerhouse of the Sacred Realm would still be considered a step into the ranks of the experts of the Golden Core Realm, but it would be much weaker compared to the Golden Core Great Dao of Cultivators.


    The Golden Core Great Dao promised a better future and higher potential!


    This was why Ye Feng was now encountering mainly Cultivators, Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, or those who are Half-Step Golden Core Realm strong. It had become very difficult to see those at the Divine Path Realm or Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm, as many who were originally Martial Artists had also switched to the Cultivator''s Dao Technique, following the path of the Golden Core Great Dao.


    Only by following the Golden Core Great Dao could one go further¡ªand Ye Feng himself could not deny this.


    However, regarding his own cultivation of the Three Thousand Acupoints, he didn''t even know whether it fell under Martial Artist cultivation or Golden Core Great Dao cultivation. But what he felt now was that whether it was the Golden Core Great Dao or the Martial Dao, the gap between them and his own Technique of Cultivation of the Three Thousand Acupoints was vast.


    Ye Feng also thought about the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness of his Heavenly Heart Palace, from which he acquired the Emperor''s Dao Cultivation Technique. It seemed like an existence that transcended this world. Above this technique, there was the Dao of the Immortal King. Just how strong would one be upon reaching the Dao of the Immortal King?


    One reason he was currently able to withstand the pressure from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm was the strength of his two thousand eight hundred acupoints complemented by the augmentation of the Emperor''s Dao. Otherwise, based solely on the power of the two thousand eight hundred acupoints, he would at most be on par with the top-level grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. He could crush other Grandmasters in the Golden Core Realm, which was actually terrifying enough. But with the addition of the Emperor''s Dao, he had transcended the rank of Golden Core Realm Grandmasters.


    "That being said, the situation in the Outer Battlefield is still relatively stable, and now is a good opportunity to cultivate my own forces there."


    Ye Feng slightly fell into contemplative silence.


    But soon, he thought of something that gave him a bit of a headache.


    "However, if I want to train my own forces, I definitely need to transport people from Earth. Mass transportation would certainly draw the attention of the great powers, so I must arrange for small groups to be brought in, and what''s more, there needs to be strong individuals leading the teams. Otherwise, if they were to be transported to the Skeleton Forest under poor conditions like my own experience, that would be troublesome."


    Remembering this situation, Ye Feng was somewhat at a loss for words.


    Regarding the transportation of people through the Gate of Whirlpool, he had specifically asked Chi Jark about it. According to Chi Jark, generally, the Gate of Whirlpool would send people to normal regions. Only a very small chance, one percent, might result in being transported into one of the Four Great Desolate Lands, and even if there was a possibility of that, it would only be near the periphery of these lands.


    Ye Feng''s situation was truly once in a thousand years.


    Even if they were not transported to the Four Great Desolate Lands, without a powerful leader, even experts at the Peak Martial King level or those in the Foundation Establishment Realm Divine Path Realm were extremely vulnerable in the Outer Battlefield. They could easily run into a Golden Core Realm Alien Beast, endangering themselves. To ensure the safety of those transported into the Outer Battlefield, it would be best for a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm to lead the team. Only then could the safety of everybody involved be assured.


    "This matter isn''t urgent, I''ll arrange it after the talent list martial battle is over. By then, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian should have already reached the Golden Core Realm. They can be arranged to return to Earth to bring people over."


    Ye Feng mumbled to himself, already planning the next steps.


    There was no choice, after what Elder Bai had said, and the secret of the Ancient Clan Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had told him about, his pressure had increased a lot. He could feel the crisis approaching, and it was not far off; he feared the chaos might not even last three years.


    "Elder Bai."


    Ye Feng called out.


    Inside the secret chamber, a white shadow slowly emerged, and an elderly figure appeared in front of Ye Feng. As soon as the figure revealed himself, he knelt on one knee¡ªit was the Spirit of the Secret Realm, Elder Bai, also the Remnant Soul of the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord.


    "My Emperor, your humble servant is here."


    Elder Bai was still as respectful as ever, kneeling on one knee.


    "Elder Bai, you don''t have to do this. You don''t need to kneel when you see me from now on," Ye Feng hurriedly said. He respected Elder Bai quite a bit, as after all, he had gained so many benefits within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, much of it thanks to Elder Bai''s efforts.


    Elder Bai slowly stood up, though he still maintained a very respectful posture.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng said nothing further and spoke up, "Elder Bai, I will be cultivating here. Please unseal the Origin Energy inside the secret chamber."


    He was in the secret chamber mainly to continue absorbing the Origin Energy. Although the benefits he could receive from the Origin Energy were now much slower, it was still better than nothing; despite being slow, it could still be used for improvement.


    Elder Bai naturally wouldn''t refuse Ye Feng''s request. Once again, he struck a Dharma Seal into the air, and streams of Origin Energy immediately flew out from the surroundings of the chamber, filling the space once again with a vast white expanse.


    Ye Feng sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and immersed himself in cultivation.


    Meanwhile, far across the sky, outside the Outer Battlefield, an immense Great Wall of Heaven stretched across the air, with a massive Whirlpool lying in front of it.


    Atop the Great Wall of Heaven, the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe sat watching the vast Whirlpool ahead¡ªthat was the Alien Space-Time!


    Suddenly, the massive Whirlpool shook violently, causing the entire Great Wall of Heaven to tremble slightly.


    The Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe suddenly opened his eyes, which flashed with a sharp light, and he stood up from the edge of the wall, his expression grave.

 Chapter 592 - 587: Conversation on the Great Wall

    ```


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe stared intently at the vibrating Gate of Whirlpool ahead, a tremendously powerful aura already surging around him.


    Just then, another shabbily dressed old man appeared beside Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, his nose flushed red, holding a huge Wine Gourd in his hand.


    "What''s going on, Old Long, why has the Alien Space-Time started to act up again?"


    The red-nosed old man''s tone was very solemn, and his murky eyes shone with beams of light as if he was trying to see through the massive Whirlpool in front of him.


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe also took a puff from his pipe, squinting as he said, "It has begun. Those fellows on the other side probably know that the Great Wall of Heaven won''t hold much longer. There''s been a lot of activity recently."


    "I fear in less than three years, they will probably charge over here, wanting to attack. They are already becoming restless."


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe kept puffing on his pipe, with serious bursts of light flickering continuously as an extremely terrifying aura erupted from him, making it seem like the entire Heaven and Earth were trembling. This aura even rushed towards the Whirlpool.


    On the other side of the Whirlpool, it seemed to have felt the aura of Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, and the disturbance suddenly subsided, with the Whirlpool returning to its previous calm state as if nothing had happened.


    Seeing this, the red-nosed old man huffed softly, his gaze still fixed on the Whirlpool ahead.


    "These Alien Races, for over two thousand years, are still harboring malicious intentions."


    The red-nosed old man''s face wasn''t looking too good, and a trace of apprehension also appeared in his eyes.


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe gave a slight smile, "No rush. The Great Wall of Heaven won''t last long, but it should hold for at least another year or two."


    "During this period, various secret realms on the Outer Battlefield have emerged one after another. The younger generation will also grow rapidly in the coming time."


    Unlike Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe''s optimism, the red-nosed old man sighed, "Still, the time is too short. If only we had a bit more of it. Another two years..."


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe also turned serious and fell silent at this moment.


    Indeed, if they had two more years, that generation would have fully matured, especially Ye Feng...


    Thinking of Ye Feng, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe also turned to glance in the direction of the Outer Battlefield, his eyes seeming to pierce through space, watching something unknown.


    Meanwhile, in the secluded chamber within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng was frantically absorbing Origin Energy when suddenly he jerked his eyes wide open and looked in a certain direction, as if he saw a pair of eyes watching him!


    Ye Feng frowned, wondering what was happening.


    Ye Feng was puzzled, unaware of what had occurred, but just now, he felt as if he had been spied upon. Yet at the moment, he was in a secluded chamber of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Who could peer through the chamber at him?


    Back at the Great Wall of Heaven, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe let out a slight yelp, somewhat surprised, "This kid Ye Feng..."


    The red-nosed old man paused, looking curiously at Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, "What''s with that kid Ye Feng now, Old Long? You''ve been sneaking peeks again, haven''t you?"


    The red-nosed old man chuckled mischievously as he also looked in the direction Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe was gazing, his eyes emitting two beams of light that seemed to pierce through several spaces.


    In the chamber of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng had just closed his eyes, ready to continue his cultivation.


    The feeling of being watched had already vanished, and after sensing around and consulting with Elder Bai, he found nothing, so he had no choice but to stop dwelling on it. There was no point in lingering on it any longer.


    Simply being watched provided no real sense of danger, which meant it probably wasn''t someone intending to harm him.


    Ye Feng was about to immerse himself once more in cultivation when the feeling of being watched crept up again. He opened his eyes once more, this time with a hint of anger in them, looking towards the direction of the sensation with a very grim expression.


    "Damn it, who the hell is watching me?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but want to curse. He stared in that direction, but apart from the chamber''s walls, he actually couldn''t see anything.


    "Elder Bai!"


    Ye Feng called out somberly, and Elder Bai''s figure slowly emerged.


    "My Emperor, you felt being watched again?"


    Elder Bai asked very respectfully, knowing from before when Ye Feng felt watched, as Ye Feng had already told him once earlier.


    Ye Feng nodded gravely, "That''s right, the feeling has occurred again. Who could it be?"


    Ye Feng was truly bewildered. He didn''t understand why he would suddenly experience the sensation of being spied upon.


    One should know that he was in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and moreover, in a very secluded chamber. Even those within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm wouldn''t know his location.


    He had just let go of being watched the first time and decided not to investigate, but just as he was about to close his eyes and resume his cultivation, the feeling came back, causing him endless irritation.


    When cultivators cultivate, they are most wary of disruptions. A mere whisper can interrupt a cultivator who is completely absorbed in their cultivation state. While often it might not be a problem, it can be quite serious if it happens during a critical phase.


    Distracting a cultivator during a critical phase of their practice could easily lead to Deviation.


    ```


    This is also why, when immersing oneself in cultivation outside, one always needs a protector, just to prevent being disturbed.


    But now, Ye Feng was in the secret chamber of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, which should have been incredibly safe, yet he still felt as if he was being watched. What was going on?


    Ye Feng felt his head getting larger, but fortunately, at this moment, he could distinctly feel that the sensation of being watched just now seemed to have disappeared.


    At the Great Wall of Heaven, the eyes of the old man with the red nose became the turbid ones from before.


    "Ye Feng is getting anxious, he has started to rush."


    The old man with the red nose said cheerily, naturally, it was he who had been spying on Ye Feng, and it was Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe who had begun the surveillance.


    At this moment, both elders were chuckling, their eyes no longer shining with that light, and no one was watching Ye Feng anymore.


    "This young man''s progress is not bad; the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints has already been cultivated to two thousand eight hundred acupoints. To think of his age, he''s only twenty-six."


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe smacked his lips around his tobacco pipe, unable to hide his admiration for Ye Feng''s talent.


    The old man with the red nose nodded as well: "Was the youngster at the place of the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord just now?"


    "The remnant soul of the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord has actually awakened too. It seems it was Ye Feng''s arrival that roused him."


    "Ye Feng must have absorbed the Origin Energy that was stored by that individual two thousand years ago at the place of the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have advanced this quickly. But this Speed of Aperture Opening, I''m afraid, even the one from two thousand years ago cannot compare."


    The tone of the old man with the red nose grew gradually serious, clearly affirming Ye Feng''s astonishing talent.


    "Just give him some more time, and his wings should be able to fill out. However, I don''t know if we old folks can hold out until then."


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe continued speaking with a smile, but his words carried a desolately mournful undertone.


    His gaze had already shifted from the direction he was looking at earlier, now looking towards the imposing, unbroken stretch of the Great Wall of Heaven.


    In the distance, at the Great Wall of Heaven, the light that had been radiating from it was beginning to dim, and some of the Arrays on the walls were starting to fade.


    The Great Wall of Heaven is truly about to give way, this ancient bulwark, which has withstood the passage of more than two thousand years, is about to decay completely.


    The old man with the red nose looked over as well, raising his Wine Gourd to take a gulp of strong liquor, his gaze slightly blurry.


    "Who cares how many more years it has, the people of our little village have been guarding this place for generations upon generations. The sins we committed in the past have all been atoned for. If it falls, let it fall."


    "Having lived for several hundred years, I''m tired. When the time comes, we old fellows will stand at the forefront."


    "If those Alien Race dare come one, we''ll kill one; if two come, we''ll kill both. As long as I, old man, do not die, I''ll keep killing, until they dare not invade anymore."


    The old man with the red nose spoke slowly, but his tone was sharp, a powerful Strength already erupting, his mighty aura charging towards the Whirlpool opposite the Great Wall of Heaven.


    The Whirlpool trembled once again. It seemed possible to see through the Whirlpool to some figures trembling.


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe grinned, glancing at the old man with the red nose: "Don''t scare those youngsters. Just don''t attract the big ones."


    Those trembling figures behind the Whirlpools were the Alien Race from the Alien Space-Time!


    The Alien Race had always been observing the Great Wall of Heaven from behind the Whirlpools, monitoring constantly, even attempting adventurous incursions into the Outer Battlefield, but simply sticking their heads out of the Whirlpool was enough to be annihilated by the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe at the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Of course, some Alien Beasts also ran out of the Whirlpools. However, they were mostly Alien Beasts with low Spiritual Wisdom from the Foundation Establishment Realm, or even Lower Level. These beasts were deliberately captured by Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe and others, then thrown into the Outer Battlefield.


    "We needn''t worry about the Alien Race, it''s a matter of sooner or later."


    Having said that, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe already picked up his tobacco stem, smacking his lips, his eyes returning to the leisurely gaze of before, sitting on the Great Wall of Heaven, completely at ease.


    "Then I leave this side to you, Old Long, I''m taking my leave."


    The old man with the red nose smiled, waved goodbye, and his figure slowly faded from the spot.


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe kept staring at the Whirlpool. The departure of the old man with the red nose seemed of no concern to him.


    The majestic wall, a solitary figure.


    ...


    Ye Feng was completely unaware of the conversations happening at the Great Wall of Heaven, and he had no idea who had been spying on him, which left him feeling a bit helpless.


    "Why should my emperor worry about this? Since the other party hasn''t attacked you, they probably aren''t malicious."


    Elder Bai spoke.

 Chapter 593 - 588 Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong

    Hearing Elder Bai say this, Ye Feng couldn''t help nodding in resignation.


    Just as Elder Bai said, if the other party had the capability to peer into the secret chamber from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and see Ye Feng, then they probably could do something to him as well. If they had wanted to take action, he would likely have already encountered some misfortune.


    But having been spied on twice consecutively without sensing any danger, it meant that at the very least, the other party was not an enemy.


    Ye Feng shook his head and stopped pondering over it, continuing to sit cross-legged with his eyes shut tight as the Origin Energy around him gathered once more, swiftly being absorbed into his body for cultivation.


    However, now even with the absorption of such pure Origin Energy, Ye Feng''s cultivation speed remained extremely slow, as each acupoint required a huge amount of Origin Energy to be filled.


    Half a day passed, and Ye Feng finally filled up the first acupoint.


    Ye Feng examined the condition of his acupoints internally and felt quite helpless; he was left speechless by the speed of his cultivation.


    But he had no choice; he could only continue cultivating like this. With not much time left until the selection for the Martial Dao competition for the elite rankings, less than ten days remained. If he went out to hunt Alien Beasts now, his progress would only slow down even more.


    On the first day, Ye Feng managed to open two acupoints.


    On the second day, Elder Bai told Ye Feng that Xiao Chuanqi had emerged from the Spirit Essence Pool, successfully breaking through and advancing to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. His realm was already stable, and two full days into his cultivation, Xiao Chuanqi was sent out of the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Why was he sent out?


    Because continuing to absorb would be of little significance. In two days'' time, he had already absorbed a large amount of the Power of Spirit Essence. Even the supremely pure Power of Spirit Essence in the pool would not be beneficial for a cultivator if absorbed too much at once.


    It''s like eating; if you force yourself to eat after you''re already full, it''s going to cause big problems.


    Xiao Chuanqi had already filled his Golden Core in the Spirit Essence Pool and couldn''t absorb any more.


    Apart from Xiao Chuanqi, Shadow was also transported out. His realm was completely stable, and his Golden Core had absorbed too much Power of Spirit Essence already.


    On the other hand, Cao Tian had broken through to the Half-Step Golden Core Realm on the second day.


    And Ye Feng had only managed to open a single acupoint on the second day.


    On the third day, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and Gai Jiuyou all broke through to the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and were sent out of the Spirit Essence Pool at the end of the day after stabilizing their realms.


    Also breaking through on the third day were Long Nannan and Sausage Sister. Both women advanced, staying half a day longer than Sima Zhantian and the others before being successively transported out.


    On the fourth and fifth days, Ye Feng still managed to open just one acupoint per day. In this time frame, even Cao Tian had broken through to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    On the sixth and seventh days, Ye Feng unfalteringly broke through one acupoint each day, continuing until he reached two thousand eight hundred and ten acupoints, then Ye Feng finally stopped cultivating and slowly opened his eyes.


    "This speed is too slow," he said.


    A hint of frustration was evident on Ye Feng''s face; compared to the first time he cultivated in the secret chamber, his current Speed of Aperture Opening was indeed much slower.


    Elder Bai slowly materialized in the chamber, seeing the look of frustration on Ye Feng''s face and bowed slightly, saying, "My emperor, do not be disheartened, your speed of opening acupoints is already quite fast."


    "To still be able to open an acupoint a day when cultivating the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints at a later stage, if the emperor knew, he would likely praise your exceptional talent."


    Elder Bai clasped his hands; he wasn''t lying. He had almost wanted to cough up blood upon hearing Ye Feng''s words just now.


    Even the revered emperor, over two thousand years ago, would need several days, even over ten days, to break through a single acupoint after surpassing two thousand eight hundred acupoints.


    Yet now, Ye Feng could nearly maintain the pace of one acupoint per day, which was already astonishingly brilliant. If the emperor from over two thousand years ago knew that Ye Feng found this slow, he might just rise from his coffin to seek Ye Feng out.


    Though Elder Bai wasn''t sure if the emperor had left behind a coffin lid...


    Ye Feng wasn''t aware of what Elder Bai was thinking, taking his words as comfort.


    Ye Feng stood up, glanced at the now somewhat depleted Origin Energy within the chamber, and said, "Elder Bai, please take all of this back."


    Upon receiving the command, Elder Bai immediately executed a Dharma Seal. The remaining Origin Energy in the chamber flew back into the surrounding walls and disappeared from sight.


    The remaining Origin Energy was not much; Ye Feng estimated that what was left in the chamber would at most allow him to open less than five more acupoints.


    He had already used up a massive amount of Origin Energy the first time he entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, which allowed him to open more than two hundred acupoints in six days, reaching a total of two thousand eight hundred acupoints.


    Now, it was extremely difficult to fill each acupoint; the required amount of Origin Energy was immeasurable.


    "The supply of Origin Energy is starting to run low; I need to find better Cultivation Energy. Otherwise, with the current rate of progress, I don''t know how long it''ll take to break through to two thousand nine hundred acupoints," Ye Feng murmured to himself. He had begun to feel, just like when he absorbed the special energy from the Skeleton Forest, that even this pure Origin Energy was beginning not to suffice.


    He had to find a new source of Cultivation Energy.


    Ye Feng rubbed his temples and, without dwelling on it further, asked Elder Bai to transport him back to the Martial Arts Training Plaza.


    The scenery around him changed, and in a few breaths'' time, Ye Feng''s figure had appeared on the vast Martial Arts Training Plaza.


    At this moment, on the Martial Arts Training Plaza, over a dozen people were sitting cross-legged. Sensing Ye Feng''s arrival, everyone opened their eyes one after another.


    "My lord!"


    "Little Martial Uncle!"


    "Ye Feng!"


    Everyone on the scene started calling out and stood up.


    Ye Feng looked at everyone and revealed a smile. As his gaze swept over them, his smile became even more brilliant¡ªall of them had advanced!


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and Shadow, along with the six others, as well as Long Nannan and Sausage Sister who had later entered the Outer Battlefield, a total of eight people, were now Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!


    Futhermore, each person''s realm was extremely stable; perhaps Shadow had even experienced combat in the Golden Core Realm. After coming out from the Spirit Essence Pool, not only had their realms become stable, but their aura also seemed much stronger.


    "Not bad, now all of you are Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. You should have no problem protecting yourselves in the Outer Battlefield,"


    Ye Feng said with a light smile.


    Indeed, it was about self-preservation. With everyone''s realms, they should be able to escape from the vast majority of dangers they encountered in the Outer Battlefield. As long as they didn''t enter the Four Great Desolate Lands, Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm were already among the top forces in the Outer Battlefield. Even if they couldn''t overpower their opponents, escaping wouldn''t be too difficult.


    At the Peak Martial King, one could barely survive in the Outer Battlefield, while cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Realm Divine Path Realm could train there but it was still extremely dangerous. To ensure self-preservation, one had to be a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    If it was a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, then that would be the top force in the Outer Battlefield, truly able to roam freely in that place.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had also awakened by now, and their progress was not insignificant. After all, Ye Feng had specifically set up a formation for them. Although it was not as effective as cultivating in the Spirit Essence Pool, the results were still very good.


    "You two have also greatly increased in strength,"


    Ye Feng said with a light smile after looking at Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    "It''s alright. Now, if I encounter that turtle Hong Tianyu, I definitely won''t be in such a sorry state,"


    Xiao Rulong said as he shook his folding fan, his smile very bright.


    In the span of eight days, his progress was definitely not small. There had been a gap between him and Hong Tianyu before, which is why during their clash, although he was able to contend with Hong Tianyu, he ended up injured while Hong Tianyu was basically unscathed after the fight.


    Although part of that was due to the Hun Yuan Armor acting like a turtle shell, Hong Tianyu''s own strength was also stronger than his, or else he wouldn''t have been able to injure him.


    At that time, it was only by leveraging the Xiao Family''s movement technique that he was able to evade Hong Tianyu''s attacks multiple times.


    If he had not had the enhancement of his movement technique, he probably would have been severely injured by Hong Tianyu.


    But now, after eight days of cultivation, he felt that if he faced Hong Tianyu again, he would be completely capable of fighting on equal footing.


    "Xiao Chubby, since you''re so confident, how about we spar a bit?"


    Chi Jark suddenly said with a heh heh chuckle.


    He wanted to know what his current strength was as well. He could feel that his strength had gone up a lot compared to eight days ago. To understand exactly where he stood, a real battle was necessary.


    So right now, he wanted to spar with Xiao Rulong to gauge his own strength.


    At this moment, Ye Feng suddenly said with a playful tone, "Jark, how about I spar with you instead to see?"


    As soon as Chi Jark heard Ye Feng''s words, he immediately retreated tens of meters back, looking at Ye Feng with a wary face and immediately warning, "Look here, Ye Feng, don''t mess around. I''m not going to fight you; you''re not human. Xiao Chubby, hurry over here. Let''s spar."


    Chi Jark turned his head toward Xiao Rulong, and a silver Battle Armor surfaced on his body. His hand flashed with silver light, and a majestic long spear appeared in his grasp, his aura bursting forth.


    In that moment, Chi Jark seemed to transform into a War God clad in silver, his aura awe-inspiring.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow watching this scene. He sensed a special aura emanating from Chi Jark.


    Even he couldn''t help but feel an illusion at that moment, as if Chi Jark truly resembled a War God, different from ordinary cultivators.


    The others, however, didn''t notice anything exceptional. They merely felt that Chi Jark''s aura was very powerful and intimidating.


    Xiao Rulong laughed heartily as he obviously understood Chi Jark''s thoughts, which actually aligned with his own.


    "If you seek battle, how can I not accept the challenge?"


    Xiao Rulong laughed as he took to the air with his own aura bursting forth, his folding fan put away in his hand as if it were a Divine weapon.


    As Xiao Rulong''s aura intensified, Ye Feng''s expression changed again.


    Xiao Rulong''s breath also seemed a bit different!

 Chapter 594 - 589: The Fan and The Spear

    Ye Feng carefully observed Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong. Their auras really had a slight difference compared to ordinary cultivators, but he couldn''t quite pinpoint what that difference was.


    Ye Feng shook his head slightly; he felt it might just be his own illusion. Since he truly couldn''t discern where the difference lay and didn''t perceive any significant issues, he only felt a unique sensation when sensing their auras.


    "It must be me overthinking it."


    Ye Feng said helplessly and then looked up at the two in the air.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others were also watching the two fighters. This was a battle between Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and not just any, but two top-level prodigies. Their strength ranked at the top among the powerful ones, both incredibly formidable.


    Observing such a high-level fight between strong opponents could provide many insights and even possibly lead to enlightenment about one''s own realm.


    "Sausage Sister, watch closely; your grandpa is about to attack!"


    Chi Jianren grinned and the momentum around him surged again. The silver spear in his hands grew more and more terrifying. In the next moment, he raised the silver spear, that displayed its divine might, and charged!


    Chi Jianren transformed into a bolt of silver lightning, speeding towards Xiao Rulong. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Xiao Rulong and thrust his spear straight at his throat.


    Xiao Rulong still wielded his folding fan with a smile on his face, "How dare you, you scoundrel, you''re serious from the start, aiming straight for my throat?"


    As the silver spear grew larger and larger in front of him, coming to within less than twenty centimeters away from his throat, he still showed no intention of dodging.


    "Sausage Sister, if you don''t dodge, you''re going to be in danger!"


    Chi Jianren laughed heartily, the silver spear in his hand not slowing its fierce thrust toward Xiao Rulong''s throat.


    Below them, Xiao Chuanqi and the others changed their expressions.


    "Brother Xiao is still not dodging; does he no longer value his life?"


    Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but speak out. After all, this was just sparring, but Chi Jianren showed no mercy with an attack that was lethal from the start.


    "Don''t worry, since Xiao Rulong hasn''t dodged yet, he must be confident. It looks like he has a lot of faith in his Xiao Family''s body technique."


    Ye Feng murmured softly, and as he spoke, Chi Jianren''s silver spear had already reached Xiao Rulong''s throat.


    Just as the silver spear was about to pierce through Xiao Rulong''s throat, his figure suddenly vanished from the spot.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the others were taken aback, looking up at the sky, they realized Xiao Rulong had truly disappeared, with Chi Jianren holding his silver spear as if he had struck at air.


    "Where did he go?"


    "Am I seeing things? How did Brother Xiao just suddenly disappear?"


    "Could it be that Brother Chi finished him off with one blow?"


    "Cut the crap about being annihilated; you joker, Zhan Tian. With Brother Xiao''s power, how could he be annihilated just like that? You must be dreaming."


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian argued incessantly.


    "He''s behind you."


    Ye Feng squinted, staring intently at a spot behind Chi Jianren in the sky.


    Shadow also had a solemn expression, looking at the same spot as Ye Feng.


    Xiao Rulong had not disappeared; his movement technique was so fast that it gave everyone the illusion that he had vanished. It was similar to Shadow''s own ability to blend into the air. When combined with extreme speed, it made him nearly invisible.


    Chi Jianren thrust into empty space, not seeming too surprised, but rather, he spoke towards the air in front of him, "Sausage Sister, seems like your movement speed has indeed improved a lot. But let''s see if you''re faster or my spear!"


    After saying that, Chi Jianren suddenly turned and swung his silver spear directly behind him, sending a comet-like silver glow slashing through the air.


    At that moment, Xiao Rulong''s figure emerged behind where Chi Jianren had slashed; the folding fan in his hand opened and was placed before him.


    Boom!


    The silver glow struck the folding fan, unleashing a powerful shock wave; everyone around them had to circulate their energy to block it.


    The expressions of those below changed again.


    "Brother Chi''s attack is so strong; just the residual force is probably enough to injure someone in the Foundation Establishment Realm!"


    Leng Wuming, who rarely spoke, said with a very serious look in his eyes.


    "Zhan Tian, did you see that? Just one move from Brother Chi might be enough to send you flying. Look at yourself, why are you so weak?"


    Xiao Chuanqi took the opportunity to tease him.


    Sima Zhantian instantly became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes stared at Xiao Chuanqi, almost shooting fire.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, what bullshit are you spouting? Talking nonsense, don''t you have any idea what level you''re at?"


    "What''s up, want to have another go at it?"


    Sima Zhantian''s face wore a cold smile, and an Immortal Blade bursting with light had already appeared in his hand, his aura soaring as if he really was about to brawl with Xiao Chuanqi.


    "Can you two not settle down a bit?"


    The soft scold of Sausage Sister rang out.


    As soon as Sima Zhantian heard this voice, he instantly deflated like a balloon, and the Immortal Blade in his hand also disappeared in an instant, with the fiery anger from before vanishing without a trace.


    Xiao Chuanqi had been ready to bring out the Immortal Sword, seeing Sima Zhantian''s stance, but who would have thought that Sima Zhantian would cool off so quickly, leaving him somewhat at a loss for words.


    However, at this moment, he also felt a sharp gaze upon him. He immediately turned his head and looked up at the battle in the sky, even whistling casually, as if everything had nothing to do with him.


    Sausage Sister''s temper was not something to be trifled with. Sima Zhantian was untouchable to him, and so was she.


    Seeing the postures of Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, the onlookers laughed again, but their attention was soon drawn back to the battle in the sky.


    Xiao Rulong blocked Chi Jark''s attack and quickly launched his own offensive. His folding fan flew mid-air, and then the fan enlarged continuously, growing to the size of half a basketball court in just a few breaths, turning into a gigantic folding fan.


    "Have you grown naive, Xiao Chubby? Do you really think size will make a difference?"


    Chi Jark looked at the huge fan in the sky and sneered with a grin.


    "I don''t know about other uses, but it''s definitely useful for whacking you."


    Xiao Rulong showed a simple and honest smile, and then suddenly he shouted out loud, "Wind!"


    Following Xiao Rulong''s shout, his aura surged, and the might of the gigantic folding fan above him climbed steadily. Then, the previously motionless fan suddenly fanned violently toward Chi Jark.


    Whoosh!


    A fierce wind appeared in the sky, gradually forming a tornado, the chaotic storm heading straight for Chi Jark.


    Chi Jark, facing the wild wind, had an extremely solemn expression, his silver Battle Armor shining with dazzling silver light. He had boosted his armor''s defense to the maximum, sensing that the power of this tornado was immensely strong!


    Below, Xiao Chuanqi and the others exclaimed in surprise at the sight of the huge fan.


    "Goodness, so Brother Xiao''s fan can actually get bigger?"


    "That''s way too big, isn''t it? A single wave creates a tornado; can Brother Chi withstand it?"


    Everyone was already worried for Chi Jark, sensing the mighty force of the approaching tornado even from below.


    Ye Feng was also somewhat astonished; he hadn''t expected Xiao Rulong to have such an attack move. Previously, he had only seen Xiao Rulong using his fan as a regular weapon, his movement technique, and his Sky Splitting Step.


    He hadn''t expected the fan to actually be able to enlarge, which was beyond his expectations.


    A weapon originally meant for single-target attacks had transformed to unleash such a wide-range attack move, quite similar to his own Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, which was also an area attack.


    Moreover, the power seemed to be formidable.


    Chi Jark, suspended mid-air, gripped his long spear tightly and also shouted, "Frenzied Dragon Break!"


    The silver spear spun in the air, and suddenly a dragon''s roar echoed throughout the sky. A silver giant dragon burst forth from his spear, charging straight into the tornado.


    The rampaging tornado clashed with the silver giant dragon, which entwined around the tornado, halting it midway, rendering it unable to progress.


    The tornado howled, and the silver giant dragon erupted in continuous dragon cries; for a moment, the whole sky darkened.

 Chapter 595 - 590: Words of Tigers and Wolves

    In the sky, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jien were both extremely solemn, neither holding back; from the get-go, they fully unleashed their power, each wanting to gauge their true strength.


    The silver dragon and the tornado intertwined, sending out shock waves and a continuous roaring and dragon chanting that lasted several seconds before, boom!


    The two violent energies exploded midair, the astonishing light illuminating the entire sky as if a blazing sun had burst in the heavens, so dazzling that ordinary people could hardly keep their eyes open.


    Below, Ye Feng couldn''t help but nod.


    "Now, Xiao Rulong''s strength seems to be nearly indistinguishable from Chi Jien''s. It''s probably not going to be easy for these two to determine the winner."


    Ye Feng muttered softly. Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were also watching intently, feeling the energy that had exploded, all with serious expressions on their faces.


    "As expected of the two great Ancient Clans'' Heaven''s Proud Sons. I feel like they could end in a draw!"


    "Was Brother Xiao really ranked only eleventh on the Talent list before? How come I feel like Brother Xiao should be at least seventh? He hardly seems any different from Brother Chi."


    "This time, for the top ten of the Talent Ranking, Brother Xiao might just break into the top five. Even that Hong Tianyu from the Hong Family might not be a match for Brother Xiao."


    "Top five? Brother Xiao is so strong yet only in the top five? Then who''s first?"


    The discussion among them was unceasing, and Gai Jiuyou raised such a question.


    At that moment, Long Nannan beside them jumped up and said, "You moron, the first is obviously Little Martial Uncle. With how strong Little Martial Uncle is, wouldn''t he easily take first place at the Talent Ranking martial contests?"


    Long Nannan grinned mischievously, occasionally glancing at Ye Feng with a playful smile.


    "Exactly, Nine Netherworlds what''s with you? Do you even need to ask such a simple question? With our lord so strong, he''s bound to rightfully claim first place when the time comes, isn''t it obvious?"


    Xiao Chuanqi went along with Long Nannan''s words and began teasing Gai Jiuyou.


    Being ganged up on by the two of them left Gai Jiuyou temporarily at a loss for words, his gaze sullen as he glanced at Xiao Chuanqi. How come it seemed like you had already thought of that?


    If it weren''t for Long Nannan speaking first, would that bastard Xiao Chuanqi have come up with it?


    Gai Jiuyou was so irritated he almost cursed out loud, but as the two were discussing their lord and hadn''t said anything wrong, he couldn''t really object. He could only silently stew in his irritation, his face somewhat discontent.


    Seeing this, Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but smirk.


    Long Nannan then ran over to Ye Feng and latched onto his arm.


    "Little Martial Uncle, you''re definitely going to take first at the Talent Ranking martial contest, right?"


    Long Nannan blinked her big eyes, her adorable face looking earnestly at Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile wryly; these folks had been having a good chat, so how did it suddenly turn to him?


    Ye Feng cleared his throat, "Don''t underestimate the other great powers. Everyone has considerable strength. Although I''m quite strong, to say that I can definitively dominate over all the talents under thirty-five from the entire Outer Battlefield¡ªthat''s uncertain."


    "The Outer Battlefield isn''t short of geniuses. Everything has to be truly tested in battle to know."


    Ye Feng said with a light laugh, and Long Nannan and the people like Xiao Chuanqi all closed their mouths. They knew that what Ye Feng said was the truth.


    What place is the Outer Battlefield?


    It''s where the earth''s various great powers'' Heaven''s Proud Sons gather, along with the strongest members of those great powers. What they would face was not just the geniuses from Xuanyuan Nation, these young powerhouses.


    They would also be up against the talent of other powers, like the previous session''s Talent Ranking first-place holder in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm from the Yin-Yang Temple, a person Chi Jien couldn''t withstand a single move against.


    Compared to three years ago, by now that Yin-Yang Onmyoji from the Yin-Yang Temple had probably become a Great Yin-Yang Master, capable of summoning three Shikigami as powerful as themselves. Such a formidable person was not to be underestimated.


    And what about some other powerhouses from previous Talent Rankings? Since Xiao Rulong and Chi Jien had improved so much, what about the rest?


    Would there also be one or two dark horses?


    And there was one more person...


    Ye Feng thought of a name, but soon shook his head lightly, not dwelling on it any further. These matters could be considered when the upcoming Talent Ranking Martial Dao Conference came. There was no rush.


    In the sky, following the explosion of the tornado and the silver dragon, Chi Jien and Xiao Rulong clashed once again.


    Xiao Rulong shot up, his large folding fan in hand, which he used the Power of Spirit Essence to transform into a Giant Hand of Spirit Essence.


    That Spirit Essence Hand clutched the giant fan tightly and swung it towards Chi Jien with immense speed and ferocious wind, incredibly astonishing.


    "Damn you, Xiao Chubby, are you really planning to bully the small?"


    Seeing the giant folding fan sweep towards him, Chi Jien was so furious he almost cursed out loud. Was this not bullying?


    He knew Xiao Rulong''s folding fan was a Top-Level Magic Treasure, but he hadn''t expected it to be able to enlarge like that. Honestly, even he was surprised when Xiao Rulong enlarged the fan just then.


    But now that Xiao Rulong had enlarged the fan, to actually swing it in full force like this¡ªit felt like bullying. His long spear wasn''t as big, right?


    Hearing Chi Jien''s cursing, a smile spread across Xiao Rulong''s face.


    "Your spear isn''t as big; who can you blame for that, Brother Jerk? It looks like you''re the one who''s lacking."


    Xiao Rulong''s words hinted at more than they said, teasingly speaking out.


    Below, the onlookers listened to the exchange between the two, their expressions growing slightly odd.


    Xiao Chuanqi raised an eyebrow and said, "Why do I feel like the conversation between these two guys is kind of strange, is there something not quite right?"


    Gai Jiuyou laughed weirdly at this moment, "Legendary, do you feel like something isn''t quite right? Is it just that Chi Jianren can''t make his long spear bigger?"


    Gai Jiuyou intentionally emphasized the words "can''t make bigger" at the end, his face conveying a playful meaning.


    The silent Leng Wuming glanced at the two of them, exasperated that they had said it all.


    Sausage Sister, initially a bit puzzled, thought it over carefully, and her pretty face suddenly blushed with two spots of crimson. She spat out, "Two hooligans."


    Gai Jiuyou continued to look up at the sky as if the previous conversation had nothing to do with him, while Xiao Chuanqi gave an embarrassed smile and looked up as well.


    Sima Zhantian, on the other hand, was somewhat clueless. He didn''t understand what everyone was talking about and asked in a confused tone, "What are you guys talking about?"


    Hearing Sima Zhantian''s question, Xiao Chuanqi was about to explain with a strange smile, but before he could approach Sima Zhantian, Sausage Sister had already stepped forward.


    "What''s being said is none of your business, just keep watching the fight above."


    Sausage Sister spoke coldly, giving Xiao Chuanqi a chilling glance.


    Xiao Chuanqi was startled by the cold look, and simultaneously, a voice rang out in his ear.


    "Say a few more words and see what happens."


    Xiao Chuanqi shuddered and went back to where he was, seriously watching the fight in the sky.


    Try? He didn''t dare to try. Sausage Sister''s message was clear: if he tried, he would certainly be dead. And that wouldn''t do¡ªhe didn''t want to die young.


    Ye Feng watched them all, speechless. He had also picked up on the special meanings in the conversation.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Rulong to tease Chi Jianren like this.


    Chi Jianren, not at all as naive as Sima Zhantian, was extremely astute and immediately caught the implication in Xiao Rulong''s words, instantly becoming angry.


    Chi Jianren shouted loudly, "Xiao Chubby, what bull are you spinning with me? You want to compete in size? Your Grandpa Chi will show you what big really is!"


    Chi Jianren''s words immediately made the expressions of people like Xiao Chuanqi below even weirder. Ye Feng had to press his forehead slightly; these two guys, fighting and using such lewd rhetoric.


    Glancing at Long Nannan beside him, he saw she was still attentively watching the battle. He breathed a sigh of relief¡ªfortunately, Nannan was still quite innocent and didn''t read any other meanings into the conversation.


    "Mad Dragon Break of Ten Thousand Heavens!"


    Chi Jianren bellowed. His silver spear was already extended, powerful Spirit Essence energy beginning to gather. Above his head, two silver dragons appeared, their size dwarfing the silver dragon from the tornado confrontation by several times.


    As the two silver dragons manifested, they let out sky-shaking roars, and it seemed as if the entire secret realm was trembling. The two dragons began to intertwine and spiral towards Xiao Rulong''s gigantic folding fan.


    Xiao Chuanqi and others were surprised when they saw this move.


    "Isn''t this the exact move Brother Chi used during the Spirit Essence Pool selection? I remember it was two golden dragons before, how did it become two silver dragons now?"


    Sima Zhantian posed the soulful question. He distinctly remembered gold dragons during the Martial Arts Training Plaza event, wondering why they had changed to silver.


    "Dense, aren''t you? There were no weapons allowed during the Spirit Essence Pool selection, didn''t you see the silver spear in Brother Chi''s hands now?"


    Xiao Chuanqi rolled his eyes in response.


    Suddenly realizing the point, Sima Zhantian nodded earnestly, "Ah, that makes sense."


    Sausage Sister, standing next to Sima Zhantian, was completely speechless. Why were all their focus points so odd?


    At that moment, another loud noise erupted from the sky.


    Boom!


    The huge folding fan clashed with the two silver dragons, as roars reverberated non-stop. The two silver dragons fiercely tried to break open the gigantic fan.


    But the Giant Hand of Spirit Essence holding the gigantic fan was just as unyielding. Under Xiao Rulong''s vigorous urging, the Spirit Essence Hand became more solid, and the overwhelming power of Spirit Essence left the audience below in awe.


    Bang!


    Another explosion echoed as the huge folding fan was blown away, and the two silver dragons let out one last roar, struggling as if in their final moments before exploding and turning into a shower of silver light that scattered across the sky.


    Xiao Rulong''s face paled slightly, and he took three steps back, then lifted his hand to recall the folding fan, which shrank rapidly and returned to its original size in Xiao Rulong''s hand.


    Also grunting, Chi Jianren stepped back two paces, his face grave.


    "Brother Jerk, you win."

 Chapter 596 - 591 Arrangement

    Xiao Rulong floated in the air, smiling indifferently as he spoke.


    He had actually used all his strength in the previous move, he took three steps back, but Chi Jark took one step less than him.


    Although the strength of the two was not much different, this small step had already determined the superior and the inferior.


    He was still a bit inferior to Chi Jark.


    Chi Jark also relaxed at this time, his silver spear had already been put away, and the silver battle armor on his body slowly disappeared. With a smile on his face, he said, "We should consider it a draw between us. Your advantage lies in your movement technique. If I weren''t to collide head-on with you, you might have simply worn me out."


    Chi Jark was very serious; he was telling the truth without any pretense of modesty.


    At the beginning of the fight, Xiao Rulong''s movement technique was so fast it reached an extreme. He couldn''t touch Xiao Rulong on the first strike. If Xiao Rulong hadn''t started to confront him head-on later, he really wouldn''t have had any way to deal with Xiao Rulong.


    The Xiao family''s movement technique is indeed very strong!


    Although the Chi family''s footwork is also not bad, compared to the Xiao family''s movement technique, it''s still a bit slower. Moreover, when it comes to footwork, to be blunt, it''s actually more useful for escaping in real combat.


    If it were a head-on fight, movement technique would still be stronger, as it focuses on finesse and speed, while footwork is more about pure speed and is hard to utilize effectively in face-to-face confrontations.


    Xiao Rulong smiled without saying a word, neither confirming nor denying.


    The two slowly descended, and as they touched the ground, applause had already erupted.


    Everyone at the Martial Arts Training Plaza was clapping at this moment, having just witnessed two true prodigies giving it their all.


    Although the two had not exchanged many moves, their strength had already shaken the audience. Ordinary Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm would be mere trash in front of these two, likely getting severely injured with just one full-force move from them. It was indeed terrifying.


    "Both of you have made substantial progress in your strength. You should have no pressure at the upcoming Martial Dao Conference of the Genius Rankings."


    Ye Feng walked over and said with a smile.


    As he watched their fight, he could tell they were both exerting their full strength. Ye Feng could assess that their current powers were already rare among Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, certainly among the top echelon.


    "That still can''t compare to you, the monster," Chi Jark said with a deep look.


    Xiao Rulong also looked over, shaking his folding fan and smiling, "With you, Ye Feng, at this Martial Dao Conference of the Genius Rankings, there shouldn''t be much suspense. First place will undoubtedly be yours."


    "Even if Brother Jerk and I join forces, we probably wouldn''t be a match for you, right?" Xiao Rulong said with a nai?ve smile.


    As soon as he said this, everyone looked over, as they were indeed curious about Ye Feng''s strength.


    Ye Feng wore a faint smile. Xiao Rulong was trying to get him to talk, to test his strength.


    "I''m not sure about that. I''m not very clear about my own strength positioning. How strong I am, even I can''t say for sure," Ye Feng replied with a slight shake of his head, appearing very modest.


    However, this made Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark''s hearts tremble. They were both observing Ye Feng''s expression. When Ye Feng answered earlier, his face was very relaxed, and then he made such a statement.


    Not even sure how strong he is?


    Wasn''t that obviously telling everyone that Ye Feng wouldn''t have any problem defeating both of them?


    Xiao Rulong immediately shut up, not saying anything more. He realized that asking such questions was just asking for trouble. Why worry about Ye Feng''s strength when idle, wasn''t it self-humiliating?


    All in good fun, Xiao Rulong was still very curious about the extent of Ye Feng''s strength.


    Moreover, during the eight days here, Ye Feng was nowhere to be seen, just like the last time he was in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, no one knew where he was cultivating.


    But Xiao Rulong was certain that Ye Feng''s great progress had to be related to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Despite his curiosity, Xiao Rulong wasn''t about to covet Ye Feng''s opportunities. That they could enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm once more was already a huge surprise.


    Moreover, Ye Feng had said it himself, he was like the half-owner of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, which meant his grasp on it must be higher than anyone else''s.


    Xiao Rulong didn''t think too much about it. At that moment, Chi Jark spoke up, "Ye Feng, there are only a few days left until the Martial Arts Tournament of the Genius Rankings. Shouldn''t we head out and meet up at the Xuanyuan Hall?"


    Everyone looked over as they knew that the Martial Arts Tournament of the Genius Rankings was about to start.


    "No rush, there''s something I want to discuss with you all," Ye Feng suddenly said.


    Everyone was momentarily stunned, and then they saw that Ye Feng was already looking towards Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    "Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Shadow, as well as Leng Wuming, Gai Jiuyou, Cao Tian, the six of you, I have a matter I want you to handle."


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice, calling them out one by one.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the other four were all briefly stunned, not knowing what Ye Feng wanted them to do.


    The rest were also very curious, not understanding what Ye Feng was suddenly planning.


    Ye Feng continued, "You''ve seen it now, I am able to control the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, including the Spirit Essence Pool, without any issues. I can allow everyone to come and go freely from here, as long as I am present, I can bring you all in whenever I want."


    Ye Feng spoke slowly.


    The crowd wasn''t surprised, for they had witnessed everything firsthand: entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with them, and then allowing those who had never been in the Spirit Essence Pool to enter and cultivate.


    What they had initially found unbelievable, Ye Feng had accomplished it all.


    Quickly, Ye Feng continued, "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is very suitable for cultivators to practice cultivation, and only I can control it. Therefore, I want to establish our own power in the Outer Battlefield."


    At these words, everyone trembled, exchanging glances with each other. Establish their own power in the Outer Battlefield?


    This was no trivial matter!


    One should know that there are currently only four great powers in the Outer Battlefield, the Xuanyuan Hall of Xuanyuan Nation, the Yin-Yang Temple of Fusang Kingdom, the Vampire Divine Court of the West, and the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country.


    These four powers had stood tall in the Outer Battlefield for thousands of years, and no fifth great power had ever emerged!


    And more strictly speaking, whether it was Ye Feng or the others, they were all people of Xuanyuan Nation, belonging to Xuanyuan Hall, already part of one of the powers.


    Now, Ye Feng wanted to break away and create a fifth great power?


    Everyone was puzzled, only Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong exchanged glances at this moment, both seeing something in each other''s eyes.


    Ye Feng smiled at everyone and said, "I am not doing this to confront the four great powers, but for ourselves, and for us."


    With that, Ye Feng''s eyes grew serious.


    "Although the great powers are all established for their respective countries, the upper echelons of these powers almost all have their own conflicts. Just like our Xuanyuan Hall, most of the hall masters are more concerned with their own self-interests, and the few who truly consider the wellbeing of Xuanyuan Nation are scarce. Moreover, there is no shortage of internal strife and disagreements which would be extremely detrimental during the chaos to come!"


    Ye Feng''s words were heavy, directly addressing the internal problems of Xuanyuan Hall.


    "Ye Feng, you make a good point. Xuanyuan Hall might seem united, but behind the scenes, everyone is fighting a life-or-death struggle."


    Xiao Rulong also spoke up voluntarily, while Chi Jianren nodded in agreement.


    Both of them had entered the Outer Battlefield earlier than anyone else present. As scions of the Four Great Ancient Clans, they actually had some understanding of the affairs of Xuanyuan Hall''s upper echelons.


    "The various hall masters of Xuanyuan Hall are all seeking benefits for their own families or sects. As soon as they encounter uneven distribution of benefits, conflicts arise almost every time."


    Chi Jianren said.


    The crowd suddenly understood, though it was not a big surprise to them. Struggles exist everywhere, and within Xuanyuan Nation on Earth, it was the same¡ªall the powers were fighting life-and-death battles.


    "Ye Feng, what you''re talking about must be the formation of a secret force in the Outer Battlefield, right?"


    "Then the people we cultivate will be united as one, and when the time comes, we can better deal with the future situation."


    Chi Jianren voiced his judgment.


    Ye Feng smiled and nodded, "Exactly, my plan is to bring people from Earth''s Xuanyuan Nation into the Outer Battlefield. Anyone who is above Foundation Establishment Realm, or at the Martial King Level, or in the Divine Path Realm, if they are willing to switch to cultivating the Golden Core Great Dao, I will bring them all to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation to establish our own power."


    Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but interject, "Switching from Martial Dao to cultivation is quite troublesome; one needs to abandon Martial Dao cultivation and start over with the Golden Core Great Dao. And on Earth, aren''t there mostly martial artists in your Northern Border Army and in the Utility Pavilion?"


    "If a large group of people abandon the Martial Dao to start anew, won''t the process be too slow?"


    It was common knowledge that martial artists needed to give up their Martial Dao Cultivation to cultivate the Golden Core Dao.


    Ye Feng just smiled and said, "Xiao Chubby, have you forgotten about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    Xiao Rulong then came to his senses, realizing he had overlooked the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Ahem, forget what I said, never mind, continue."


    Xiao Rulong fell silent again, feeling a lapse in his intelligence for a moment, mainly because he had become fixated on the concept of starting over from scratch.


    The crowd laughed, then listened as Ye Feng spoke again, "So, as I was saying, I need you six to return to Earth, select these qualified individuals, and then bring them into the Outer Battlefield, to be sent to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    "A large influx of people entering the Outer Battlefield will certainly draw the attention of the great powers, but this genius ranking competition is an excellent opportunity. When the whole Outer Battlefield''s focus is gathered here, we can minimize the attention of everyone else and then bring our people into the Outer Battlefield and secretly into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."

 Chapter 597 - 592: Lets Come

    Having heard Ye Feng''s words, Xiao Chuanqi and the others had also pretty much understood.


    "You have been in the Outer Battlefield for some time now, and you should already be familiar with the map and various other matters. I would like you to split into two groups, like before, and bring people over to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    "With two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm leading the teams, you should be able to handle all kinds of situations in the Outer Battlefield and also ensure everyone''s safety," Ye Feng said.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian had a sudden realization; so this was Ye Feng''s plan.


    "However, if I send you to fetch people, that would mean you won''t have the opportunity to participate in this Talent Ranking Contest," Ye Feng continued.


    But as soon as those words left his mouth, Xiao Chuanqi immediately spoke up, "Your lordship need not worry; even if I were to participate, there is no chance I could fight my way into the top ten¡ªwe are well aware of our own abilities."


    Xiao Chuanqi grinned, appearing to be in a very good mood.


    The rest nodded in agreement. Gai Jiuyou also said, "My lord, there really is no need for us to compete with the prodigies from the Great Powers for those spots. The top ten, we won''t stand a chance anyway."


    Although they all had made substantial progress, they were well aware that their strength still fell far short of the Great Powers'' prodigies. Furthermore, this Talent Ranking Contest had relaxed age restrictions, which meant prodigies from the previous session, or even the one before that, might participate.


    Every session of the Talent Ranking Contest gathered individuals with extraordinary talents and strength. They had no need to compete with these people.


    Seeing everyone''s reaction, Ye Feng revealed a satisfied smile.


    "Then I will leave this matter to you. But don''t be disheartened¡ªan Origin Energy secret realm is nothing special; in fact, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm possesses it as well," Ye Feng suddenly said.


    At these words, everyone was immediately no longer composed. Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong both widened their eyes at Ye Feng.


    "What did you just say, Ye Feng? The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm also has Origin Energy?"


    Chi Jark couldn''t help but ask, disbelief written all over his face.


    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was not just a secret realm filled with the Power of Spirit Essence, but it also contained Origin Energy?


    Xiao Rulong''s eyes shone brightly too, staring at Ye Feng, wanting to know the truth of the matter.


    Ye Feng did not keep them in suspense, he smiled and said, "It''s true, and there''s quite a bit¡ªenough for several people to cultivate and absorb."


    "As long as you six return safely to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, I will let you enter to cultivate," Ye Feng stated, causing Xiao Chuanqi and the others to breathe hurriedly.


    Didn''t this mean they would be able to cultivate by absorbing Origin Energy without having to partake in the strife of the Talent Ranking Contest?


    They were all aware of the significance of Origin Energy. When the First Hall Master had told everyone about it, including Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, all present understood that it was a precious commodity¡ªa cultivation resource fervently sought after by Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, just extremely rare. This time, it was purely by fortune that such a Source Secret Realm had been discovered.


    "Escorting people into the Outer Battlefield is too arduous a task for Legendary and the others to undertake. The more skilled should bear heavier burdens. Ye Feng, I volunteer myself for the task; leave the escort mission to me!" Chi Jark stated earnestly, his face serious as he spoke.


    No sooner had he finished speaking than Xiao Rulong coughed lightly, "Ye Feng, in terms of familiarity with the Outer Battlefield, Brother Jerk and I are the most knowledgeable. Leave this challenging task to us; it would be a bother to trouble Legendary and the others¡ªlet us handle it."


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were still rejoicing when they heard the two men speak, and their expressions immediately soured.


    They were trying to take the job from them!


    Six cold glares had already converged on Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, who despite sensing everyone''s gaze, maintain a stern facade, ignoring the looks they were getting.


    Seeing the two shameless individuals, Ye Feng said irritably, "Earn your own spots in the Talent Ranking Contest. There isn''t much Origin Energy left in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, so if you two can fight for it yourselves, don''t waste the resources."


    Ye Feng had never considered Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, as there was no doubt that these two were strong enough to secure a spot in the talent competition without any problem.


    He wasn''t lying either; the Origin Energy in the secret chamber had become quite scarce and should still be sufficient for about a dozen more people to absorb.


    After all, not everyone cultivated the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints like him, which required an immense amount of Origin Energy.


    For a normal cultivator, Origin Energy is used to strengthen the Golden Core, enhance the power of the Golden Core, and purify the Power of Spirit Essence. Although it offers significant help, it doesn''t require as much absorption as Ye Feng does.


    "Ye Feng, you are clearly showing favoritism. This is not fair at all."


    Chi Jark had no choice but to complain.


    Xiao Rulong, however, didn''t say anything further. As Ye Feng had mentioned, the two of them could indeed compete for the spots in the talent competition; there was no need for them to compete with Xiao Chuanqi and others for the Origin Energy from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    But they were still shocked, as since the opening of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, everyone had only known that it contained abundant Spirit Essence and a Spirit Essence Pool, coupled with mineable Spirit Stones. That was all. For hundreds of years, no one had discovered the existence of Origin Energy.


    It seemed only Ye Feng, the overseer of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, could have found this Origin Energy. Others could only mine for Spirit Stones and compete for a chance to cultivate in the Spirit Essence Pool, in addition to absorbing the rich Power of Spirit Essence in the air.


    However, for an Outer Battlefield devoid of Spirit Essence, the rich power here already made all cultivators regard this place as a sacred land for cultivation, almost like a paradise. Plus, with five hundred Spirit Stones available to be mined, and the chance to enter the Spirit Essence Pool for those sufficiently talented and strong, that already seemed enough. Who would dare to even fantasize about Origin Energy?


    "Ye Feng, what''s your plan for what comes next?"


    "After they arrive, what will happen? Will they just continue to cultivate in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    "If they keep cultivating in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, won''t they end up like flowers in a greenhouse?"


    Chi Jark asked solemnly, putting away his joking demeanor as this was no time for jokes.


    He and Xiao Rulong had already chosen sides. Since Ye Feng was building a power base, it was a serious matter for them. Thus, they wanted to be clear about these issues, so they could prepare accordingly.


    Xiao Rulong also turned to look at Ye Feng, his gaze indicating that he was keen to understand these issues as well.


    Ye Feng smiled, seemingly anticipating that Chi Jark would ask these questions, and replied directly, "Follow my instructions next. Let Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian return to Earth to bring people here. After they safely arrive at the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, they will naturally start cultivating there. Once everyone reaches Half-Step Golden Core, they will be sent out to gain experience in the world until they feel their foundation is solid enough before returning."


    "I need true fighters, not waste who hide away in the secret realm and cultivate indefinitely. As for the specific arrangements of power, we can discuss the details after the talent competition concludes, and everyone has assembled."


    Ye Feng explained to everyone; he intended to share these details later, so speaking sooner or later didn''t make much difference.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong nodded slightly, exchanging a look that conveyed mutual affirmation.


    It seemed that Ye Feng was serious about establishing a force in the Outer Battlefield, which put them at ease. While they were concerned that Ye Feng might not have planned carefully enough and might proceed blindly, this could lead to considerable problems.


    But now, it appeared they needn''t have worried; Ye Feng already had a basic plan for arranging future matters.


    Seeing the nodding heads, Ye Feng smiled again, reassured that the two prodigies of the Ancient Clan were fine with his plans. He then turned his attention to Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    "When you go back, start by selecting people from the Northern Border Army. There''s no need for too many¡ªyou can split into three groups, and each group will bring ten people who meet our requirements. Also, don''t bring anyone over fifty, and make sure they are trustworthy."


    Ye Feng further instructed as the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was a critical matter. He could only bring in people he trusted; he hadn''t fully taken control over the Utility Pavilion yet, and if some with ulterior motives infiltrated and spread the word about his control of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, things could get really complicated.


    It was crucial that Ye Feng''s ability to freely enter and exit the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm remained a secret.


    He also wanted to ask Elder Bai if there was an Obscuring Technique that could open the Gate of Whirlpool in other locations. Opening the gate continuously in the same valley where the secret realm was located risked detection by passing cultivators. Once it became known that someone entered the Gate of Whirlpool there, it wouldn''t take a genius to realize that something fishy was going on.


    "And, once you''ve arrived at the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, do your training nearby to start with. No need to go too far. After the talent competition ends, I''ll rush back, and it''ll be a good time to take them out for experience," Ye Feng added, not worried that the actions of a dozen people would attract much attention.


    In the Outer Battlefield, it was common for groups of a dozen to operate together. Within the Great Powers, there were Sects or collective groups that moved together throughout the battlefield. Such group actions had the advantage of strength in numbers, which made them safer, and resources were distributed based on merit.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the rest nodded earnestly, taking careful note of Ye Feng''s arrangements, not daring to be the least bit negligent¡ªa lot was at stake, and they needed to act cautiously themselves.


    Ye Feng glanced at the six and nodded, "Then I''ll leave it in your hands; be careful on the way."

 Chapter 598 - 593 Lets Go Ourselves

    After confirming with Elder Bai that there were no people around the outskirts of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng teleported Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Elder Bai could detect any activities within two kilometers outside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and nothing could escape his scrutiny within that range.


    It was necessary to scout first because opening the Gate of Whirlpool for the teleportation might be discovered by others. If they were spotted while opening the Gate of Whirlpool, those being teleported out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm would definitely be surrounded. It was not the time when the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was officially open.


    Opening the Gate of Whirlpool outside of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm at an unconventional time would be hard to explain. Others would not care about the reasons; they would certainly take the discovered individuals for interrogation first. Even if that weren''t the case, the teleported individuals would definitely attract unwanted attention.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, along with six others, walked out of the Gate of Whirlpool and appeared in front of the mysterious valley of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Xiao Chuanqi, looking back at the disappearing Gate of Whirlpool, knelt on one knee, "My lord, rest assured, we will surely complete our task perfectly."


    "Alright, alright, you didn''t kneel earlier, and our lord can''t see us now. Let''s go, hurry and hit the road." Gai Jiuyou laughed and scolded as he pulled Xiao Chuanqi up.


    Xiao Chuanqi gave an awkward smile and coughed lightly, "That''s not quite right. Our lord must be telepathic with me; he surely heard what I said. It was just that I had forgotten earlier."


    The others were speechless but were already accustomed to Xiao Chuanqi''s character. They all thought he was just having fun, so no one said anything further.


    However, just then, a voice suddenly resounded in everyone''s minds.


    "Give Xiao Chuanqi a beating, then head out."


    The voice was authoritative and very familiar.


    Sima Zhantian and Gai Jiuyou wore peculiar expressions. They naturally recognized the voice as Ye Feng''s.


    All five people looked at Xiao Chuanqi in unison. By this time, Xiao Chuanqi''s face had already turned the color of a dark liver, and obviously, he too had heard Ye Feng''s voice.


    No one expected that they would still be able to hear Ye Feng''s voice even outside the Gate of Whirlpool. Given that, normally, even a Sound Transmission Jade Tablet couldn''t be used within the secret realm, wasn''t Ye Feng''s ability to transmit his voice a bit too far-fetched?


    "Chuanqi, you should know, this matter was personally instructed by our lord, and we certainly won''t refuse orders from our lord. You wouldn''t blame us, right?"


    Gai Jiuyou said with a teasing tone, and then exchanged glances with the others.


    Five people simultaneously approached Xiao Chuanqi, ready to carry out the command to beat him up!


    "Stop, stop, stop, our lord must be joking. Shadow, you know, right? We are all our lord''s favored generals. How could he possibly allow us to fight each other? Stop fooling around."


    Xiao Chuanqi watched the others approaching him, his face turning green with the realization that they indeed intended to lay hands on him, without joking at all.


    The usually icy Shadow glanced at Xiao Chuanqi and said, "Our lord rarely jokes. That was indeed our lord''s voice just now. I am simply following orders."


    After Shadow spoke, everyone had already arrived in front of Xiao Chuanqi and circled him. The five Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks on Xiao Chuanqi.


    As a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm himself, Xiao Chuanqi had no ability to resist and was forced to take the beating passively. He didn''t dare to move an inch and, while covering his head and wailing for mercy, was in a most wretched state.


    "My lord, I was wrong, I admit my mistake, I won''t joke about you again..."


    Xiao Chuanqi was on the verge of tears. Meanwhile, a passing Foundation Establishment Realm strongman heard the commotion and came to take a look. Seeing five Golden Core Realm Grandmasters ganging up on another Golden Core Realm Grandmaster, he was so frightened he didn''t dare stay nearby. He fled as fast and as far away as he could.


    At the same time, in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Jiuzhou could observe the scene outside the secret realm with the help of Elder Bai, including the transmission of messages, which was possible within the perimeter that Elder Bai could detect.


    Having heard Xiao Chuanqi''s earlier comment, he decided to teach the man a lesson to ensure he didn''t get too carried away. Ye Feng felt that Xiao Chuanqi had been daring to joke about anything lately, showing little respect for his elders.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, who were still in the secret realm, saw Ye Feng smiling and were puzzled. Why was he suddenly laughing?


    They had no idea that Xiao Chuanqi was currently undergoing such inhuman treatment outside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Ye Feng, shall we now set out for Xuanyuan Hall?"


    Chi Jark asked.


    Since Xiao Chuanqi and the others had already set out, they should also be heading for Xuanyuan Hall to gather themselves, and later, the First Hall Master would lead them to the site of the talent ranking martial tournament.


    On hearing this, Ye Feng pondered for a moment and asked, "How much time is left until the talent ranking martial tournament?"


    Xiao Rulong spoke up at this time, "There are three more days."


    "Then how long would it take us to reach the tournament site on our own?"


    Ye Feng continued to inquire.


    Chi Jark''s eyes flickered, "The tournament site is not far from our current location. If we travel from here, it should only take us two days. If we were to rush back now and set out from Xuanyuan Hall, even with the First Hall Master leading the way, we''d only be a half day quicker."


    "Ye Feng, are you suggesting we go directly to the site of the martial tournament?"


    Chi Jark instantly thought of Ye Feng''s idea.


    Ye Feng smiled and nodded, "That''s right, if we can go there ourselves, that would be the best. If we go with the large troop, many things will be inconvenient. On top of that, since Nannan and Sausage Sister have just broken through to the Golden Core Realm, going there now might attract a lot of attention."


    "What I''m thinking is that we go by ourselves, and once we get to the martial arts tournament, we can have Xiao Chubby disguise Nannan and Sausage Sister just like last time. Most people in the Outer Battlefield haven''t seen Nannan and Sausage Sister in action, so no one should be able to recognize them then."


    As Ye Feng explained, he also considered that he had not arranged for Long Nannan and Sausage Sister to return to Earth to fetch people because both of them had just entered the Outer Battlefield and were still unfamiliar with it.


    They could also use the trip to the martial arts tournament venue to give both women some training.


    Xiao Rulong smiled faintly, "What Ye Feng said makes sense, and we should have no problems getting there on our own. If the First Hall Master leads the team, it''s just an extra layer of protection."


    "Because at every Talent Rankings martial arts tournament, people from different powers meet on the way, and hostile forces almost always end up fighting, leading to significant losses."


    "Later on, each Great Power started sending people to lead the way there, which is actually similar to the situation with the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, all just to ensure everyone''s safety at that time."


    "However, many prodigies and some smaller forces also disdain traveling with others and usually go to the martial arts tournament venue on their own."


    "Brother Jerk and I were relatively weaker back then, so we also traveled with the large group."


    Xiao Rulong explained, with a light smile on his face.


    Ye Feng understood and quickly gave Xiao Rulong a roll of his eyes.


    Two prodigies from the Ancient Clans, claiming to be weak?


    Could that be possible?


    Even if the Chi Family and Xiao Family were in decline, sending a couple of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm to follow their own prodigies would be absolutely no problem. It was just that Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong themselves preferred to keep a low profile. A starving camel is still bigger than a horse; Ye Feng simply ignored what they said.


    Ye Feng laughed and said, "As for protection, we''ll pass on that. The five of us as Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm probably won''t need it."


    "Little Martial Uncle, are we going out to play? It''s so stuffy in here."


    Long Nannan, who had been listening to everyone''s discussion, was elated to learn they could go out too.


    She was not the type to sit still. Having been cultivating these days, even though she made great progress, she was truly getting suffocated.


    "Nannan, don''t rush; you''ll have plenty to bear once we''re out."


    Sausage Sister looked on with a mix of tears and laughter.


    "Others would love to have such a safe place with so much Power of Spirit Essence to cultivate, but not you. You''ve been cultivating for less than ten days and you''re already itching to go out; I don''t even know what to say about you."


    Sausage Sister said with a smile.


    The others also all showed smiles, just as Sausage Sister had said. Although the Outer Battlefield was full of various opportunities, it was also definitely not short of crises, with all sorts of dangers enough to cause many to lose their lives.


    Places like the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm were considered sacred, where others would love to stay for a lifetime. Only a girl like Long Nannan would be eager to leave as soon as possible.


    "Alright, we can set off now. If we delay any longer, we might not make it in time."


    Ye Feng said with a smile.


    As soon as he finished speaking, having confirmed the safety outside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with Elder Bai, Xiao Chuanqi and the others had already left. Once safety was confirmed, they opened the Gate of Whirlpool, and everyone stepped into it.


    Ye Feng, Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, Long Nannan, and Sausage Sister, the five Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, set off together for the martial arts tournament venue.


    Meanwhile, in front of Xuanyuan Hall.


    Several figures had already arrived there, including Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and Half-Step Golden Cores, all heading to the Talent Rankings martial arts tournament venue. However, not every one of them was going to participate in the tournament; only a very few Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm were going to be competitors.


    After all, the rules of this Talent Rankings martial arts tournament had been set with age and realm limitations: only those under thirty-five and who were Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm could participate.


    Those who reached the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm status before the age of thirty-five were too few, and now, in front of Xuanyuan Hall, the number meeting this requirement could be counted on one''s fingers.


    At that moment, a figure with a gloomy face was observing the crowd that had arrived at Xuanyuan Hall.


    "Has Ye Feng arrived?"


    This dark figure spoke coldly, exuding the aura of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, though his realm was somewhat unstable.


    This figure was none other than Hong Gaishi.

 Chapter 599 - 594: The Fastest Man

    Hong Gaishi''s injuries had been healed by the Fourth Hall Master, Hong Wuji, and with his help, he successfully advanced to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. However, since his advancement didn''t take place in the Spirit Essence Pool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, his realm wasn''t directly stabilized.


    "Gaishi, Ye Feng hasn''t shown up until now. I''m afraid he has already gone ahead on his own, along with the two prodigies from the Chi and Xiao families," someone said.


    A middle-aged man at Hong Gaishi''s side spoke up.


    Hong Gaishi''s face was filled with resentment as he coldly said, "Going ahead on their own, I hope they run into some trouble on the way."


    As Hong Gaishi spoke, his eyes suddenly shifted, looking towards the middle-aged man beside him.


    "Elder Hong Qing, aren''t you able to get in touch with someone from the Sword Saint Palace in Fusang Kingdom?"


    Hong Gaishi asked.


    The middle-aged man beside him was none other than Hong Qing, who had previously participated in the battle for the Void Spirit Fruit.


    At that moment, Hong Qing was taken aback but quickly nodded in confirmation. He indeed had a way to contact someone from the Sword Saint Palace in Fusang Kingdom.


    The Sword Saint Palace in Fusang Kingdom was also part of the forces under the Yin-Yang Temple in the Outer Battlefield.


    Although it was called the Yin-Yang Temple, it didn''t only have Onmyoji, as other powers of Fusang Kingdom were also part of the Yin-Yang Temple.


    Within the Yin-Yang Temple, Sword Saint Palace was considered one of the larger factions, with plenty of strong individuals and numerous members.


    Hong Qing had previously interacted with people from the Sword Saint Palace in the Outer Battlefield, so he had the means to contact them.


    Seeing Hong Qing nod, Hong Gaishi let out a sly smile, "Then it will be easy. Before Ye Feng entered the Outer Battlefield, back on Earth, he once targeted the Sword Saint Palace, destroyed their Mountain Protection Array, and killed quite a few of their people."


    "As far as I know, it has always been their own people who go to the talent competition at the Talent List Conference. So, if Ye Feng and the others haven''t shown up later, Elder Hong Qing, you can notify the Sword Saint Palace and tell them Ye Feng will be attending this Talent List Conference."


    "As long as they aren''t fools, they will definitely set up an ambush for Ye Feng on the way or near the conference site."


    Hong Gaishi''s face showed a vicious look. He knew that with his current strength, it was absolutely impossible for him to contend with Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s solo battle against seven Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm during the pursuit of the Void Spirit Fruit was something already known to many, but the news hadn''t completely spread yet since it was somewhat shameful.


    At that time, there were also Bu Tianyun and Golden Cicada, two individuals of Heaven''s Pride Level, who cared about their reputation and ordered to keep the news under wraps after leaving.


    Yet, within the major powers, the information was already somewhat understood.


    Hong Gaishi had also heard from Hong Qing about Ye Feng''s incomparably strong combat power. At first, he couldn''t believe it, but Hong Qing and Hong Zhong, two elders of the Hong family, said the same thing. Both of the Hong family elders wouldn''t lie to him, he thought, allowing him to accept this fact.


    Now, he no longer expected to deal with Ye Feng personally. He was only a newly advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, while Ye Feng was already a freak capable of single-handedly fighting seven Grandmasters. How could he compete? Even if he went to find Ye Feng now, he would surely be defeated in a single move, and he wasn''t that foolish.


    That''s why he thought of the Sword Saint Palace. Ye Feng hadn''t been in the Outer Battlefield for long, and his information was basically only known to those in Xuanyuan Hall. The forces from the Fusang Yin-Yang Hall were essentially sworn enemies of Xuanyuan Hall, and it was only through an accidental transaction that Elder Hong Qing had made contact with them previously. After the transaction, there had been virtually no further contact.


    Using the uninformed Sword Saint Palace to deal with Ye Feng was undoubtedly an excellent plan. Moreover, it was rumored that recently, the Sword Saint Palace had a Great Power who had broken through to the Yin-Yang Realm. That Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm would definitely lead the people of the Sword Saint Palace to the talent competition site.


    With a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm joined by the masters of the Sword Saint Palace, Ye Feng would certainly be taken care of.


    Hong Qing also realized Hong Gaishi''s intentions, his eyes lighting up, "This plan is good, it''s just a pity about the Void Spirit Fruit."


    He was still distressed over the loss of the Void Spirit Fruit, as it had initially been he and Hong Zhong who first discovered its location. They''d thought nobody would notice it, but the news leaked anyway and the Void Spirit Fruit ended up being snatched away by Ye Feng and the others.


    "The Void Spirit Fruit and such are no longer important. The main focus is on Ye Feng. He''s completely out of our control. His growth is just too terrifying. Before entering the Outer Battlefield, he was only a Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse, and now, in just one month''s time, he''s grown to such an extent. He absolutely cannot be allowed to continue growing," Hong Gaishi said.


    "The grievances with our Hong family are set, and he''ll undoubtedly be the first to trouble our Hong family in the future. He''s a sworn enemy who must be eliminated now rather than later, or he''ll become a never-ending problem!" Hong Gaishi''s expression was grave, as the existence of Ye Feng now instilled deep fear in him. Back on Earth, he could look down on Ye Feng, but now he found himself looking up to him, and this wasn''t an acceptable situation.


    Hong Qing nodded with a solemn expression, "Gaishi, what you said makes sense. The Fourth Hall Master already wanted to get rid of Ye Feng previously, but the First Hall Master stopped him last time."


    Hong Qing''s expression wasn''t pleasant, as this was something he had heard from the Fourth Hall Master, Hong Wuji, only after returning from the battle for the Void Spirit Fruit.


    "Let''s not worry about other things for now and just wait a bit longer to see if Ye Feng shows up," Hong Gaishi said, squinting his eyes and continuously observing the strong figures arriving from various places. Before long, he noticed that the Bu Family had also arrived, apparently also looking for someone, much like Hong Gaishi.


    After half a day had passed, Golden Cicada had arrived, but Ye Feng still hadn''t appeared.


    "Elder Hong Qing, notify the Sword Saint Palace. If Ye Feng hasn''t come by now, he must''ve already set off earlier with Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong," said Hong Gaishi, calculating the time. Now the people from Xuanyuan Hall were about to assemble completely and ready to depart soon, making his judgment confirmable.


    As for Ye Feng, would he not go to the Talent Competition at the genius rankings?


    He didn''t even need to consider it. Even if Ye Feng, with his exceptional talent, did not desire Origin Energy, there were still Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, these two prodigies of the Ancient Clans would definitely not give up the opportunity to enter the Source Secret Realm this time.


    Every prodigy would grasp every opportunity well and would never miss any chance to improve themselves.


    Otherwise, why would prodigies be stronger than ordinary cultivators?


    Merely talent?


    If one only has talent but fails to seize opportunities, even the strongest talent could be wasted.


    Don''t forget, Hong Gaishi himself is also a personage on the level of a prodigy. At the mere age of twenty-seven, he had already reached the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Although it was because he had entered the Spirit Essence Pool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it is undeniable that Hong Gaishi''s talent is also extremely high.


    At this time, an extremely terrifying aura had already filled the Xuanyuan Hall, and everyone instantly quieted down, all looking towards the Xuanyuan Hall.


    The figure of the First Hall Master had already risen from within the Xuanyuan Hall, his majestic figure arriving at the doorway of the hall as if he were the ruler of this heaven and earth.


    Many people were still shocked upon seeing the First Hall Master, mysterious and powerful, these were the impressions the First Hall Master gave them.


    The First Hall Master arrived in front of the Xuanyuan Hall, looking down at the crowd below. After a brief glance, there were less than fifty people, and fewer than ten could actually go to the Talent Competition of the genius rankings.


    The First Hall Master swept his eyes over the crowd, his eyebrows slightly furrowing as he couldn''t see Ye Feng''s figure.


    Could this youngster be planning not to go?


    The First Hall Master was pondering this when he looked again and realized neither Chi Jark from the Chi Family nor Xiao Rulong from the Xiao Family were there either!


    He immediately understood that Ye Feng must have headed to the location of the Talent Competition with these two men on their own.


    The First Hall Master didn''t think too much about it, nor was he worried. He naturally knew about the news of the Void Spirit Fruit''s battle for ownership. He had been quite surprised earlier, but now, although Ye Feng had gone ahead with Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, he probably didn''t need to worry about their safety.


    In his mind, the First Hall Master reckoned that the three of them together could probably even fight it out with a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm if they encountered one.


    Without thinking further, he turned to the people before him.


    "Follow me, and don''t be too slow, or if you fall behind and encounter danger, I will not be responsible."


    The First Hall Master spoke coldly, and then his figure flew off in a certain direction. In front of the Xuanyuan Hall, everyone also stood up and followed the First Hall Master.


    As the Xuanyuan Hall made its official departure, Ye Feng and his group were already on their way.


    Currently, Ye Feng was leading the way, with Long Nannan and Sausage Sister flying ahead, followed closely by Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    Because Long Nannan and Sausage Sister were completely unable to match the speed of the Chi Family''s Footwork and the Xiao Family Body Technique, Ye Feng naturally had to lead these two to avoid delaying the journey.


    Chi Jark followed right behind Ye Feng and couldn''t help but complain, "Is this guy even human? It''s one thing to have powerful combat strength, but how can he be so fast, too?"


    He had already pushed the Chi Family''s Footwork to the limit, but still couldn''t surpass Ye Feng''s speed and could only follow behind.


    If Chi Jark knew that Ye Feng hadn''t even fully unleashed his speed, he probably would be so mad he could spit blood.


    Xiao Rulong, who was beside Chi Jark and could roughly keep up with his speed, said helplessly, "There''s nothing you can do. This guy just defies all logic, what can you do about it?"


    He had also pushed his body technique to the limit and still couldn''t catch up with Ye Feng, leaving him feeling rather resigned.


    Chi Jark, looking at the figure of Ye Feng leading the two, suddenly remarked, "This guy, I truly consider him to be the fastest man!"


    Xiao Rulong stumbled at this comment, almost falling mid-air, and gave Chi Jark a strange look.


    The fastest man?


    Xiao Rulong''s eyes twitched, feeling that was quite a statement from Chi Jark.


    But just then, a powerful aura erupted ahead, and a flash of black light suddenly appeared.


    Chi Jark paused, looking ahead. The black light had appeared right behind Ye Feng and the next second, it swiftly flew towards Chi Jark.


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!?"


    Chi Jark''s eyes bulged out, and he was instantly dumbstruck.

 Chapter 600 - 595: Sword Saint Palace Interception

    "Ye Feng, Ye Feng, I was just joking, just joking, don''t mess around, don''t mess around!"


    Chi Jark watched in horror as the pitch-black spear rapidly flew towards him, his soul nearly escaping him. It was Ye Feng''s Sky-breaking Divine Spear, and it was attacking him!


    Xiao Rulong was also startled at that moment, but soon a strange smile appeared on his face, "You reap what you sow; you brought this upon yourself."


    Chi Jark was terrified. As the Sky-breaking Divine Spear drew closer, his silver Battle Armor materialized, and he had already infused all the Power of Spirit Essence into the silver Battle Armor.


    He did not dare to slack off in the slightest. He had personally witnessed how Ye Feng, with just such a spear, eliminated Elder Cangming of Underworld Sect, a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm; its power was indeed terrifying.


    His face also seemed bitter; deep inside, he deeply regretted his carelessness. Why did he have to make such idle comments? Now, Ye Feng had heard him and directly hurled a Sky-breaking Divine Spear at him.


    Chi Jark decided not to dodge, intending to withstand the blow of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear with his silver Battle Armor.


    However, just when the Sky-breaking Divine Spear was about to hit him, it stopped less than twenty centimeters away from his face, hanging suspended in front of him.


    The hovering Sky-breaking Divine Spear continued to emit a terrifying aura, which made Chi Jark shudder uncontrollably.


    "Brother Jerk, you better watch what you say in the future."


    Ye Feng''s faint smile rang out, followed by the Sky-breaking Divine Spear flying back towards him.


    All the while, Ye Feng had not stopped, and in just a moment, he had already put a considerable distance between himself and Chi Jark.


    Chi Jark watched the Sky-breaking Divine Spear flying back still with palpitations when Xiao Rulong also stopped and came up to him, mocking, "I see you shot your mouth off about Ye Feng and it nearly scared you to death, didn''t it?"


    Facing Xiao Rulong''s mockery, Chi Jark''s face turned somewhat dark, but he also realized that Ye Feng had only been joking with him, a small warning was all; he did not take these things to heart.


    Yet, the force of Ye Feng''s Sky-breaking Divine Spear had indeed been terrifying, which was why he''d activated his Battle Armor, just in case.


    "Alright, let''s hurry up and catch up. I''ll keep my mouth shut," Chi Jark said with a sigh, finding it rather painful to keep quiet given his talkative nature.


    Seeing Chi Jark''s sheepish look, Xiao Rulong also found it somewhat amusing, but Ye Feng had already pulled ahead, so they could not stay put any longer and had to hurry to catch up.


    The two men once again used their movement techniques and footwork, their images almost merging with the light as they chased after Ye Feng.


    A day passed, and with Ye Feng and his companions traveling at full speed, they were now very close to the location of the upcoming martial arts competition.


    Meanwhile, at an unknown distance ahead of Ye Feng and his group, within a hidden cave on one side of a valley, sat seven or eight figures.


    All of them wore Samurai Outfits and had a katana at their waists. The aura emanating from each was terrifying. The weakest three among them were at the Half-Step Golden Core level, and three were Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    One middle-aged man sat in the seat of honor, clearly the leader of these individuals, his aura even more enigmatic, almost inscrutable.


    "Miyamoto Ichiro, is the information reliable? Will Ye Feng, the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation, truly come?"


    The middle-aged man in the seat of honor spoke indifferently, his gaze directed at a young-looking man in his thirties, who was toying with his scarlet katana.


    This youth was Miyamoto Ichiro, the strongest among the young generation of Sword Saint Palace from the Outer Battlefield. In the previous generation''s talent ranking, Miyamoto Ichiro secured the third spot, narrowly losing to the third-placed Hong Tianyu.


    Now, three years later, Miyamoto Ichiro''s aura was also incredibly powerful, having reached the status of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and he had stepped into this level two years prior, now completely leading the forces of Fusang''s Sword Saint Palace.


    Just one day before, as they were en route to the competition, Miyamoto Ichiro informed them that he had received news from the Hong Family of Xuanyuan Hall, claiming that the Northern Border King Ye Feng would also attend the martial arts competition and, like them, was already on his way.


    The members of Sword Saint Palace were invigorated upon hearing about Ye Feng. They were well aware of what he had done to their Sword Saint Palace, having breached their Mountain Protection Array and killed many of their strong individuals on Earth, an ignominy too great to bear.


    Now, having learned that he was heading to the competition, they naturally set up an ambush on the way to the competition venue, hoping to eliminate Ye Feng in one fell swoop and avenge Sword Saint Palace.


    "The information is accurate. The Hong Family of Xuanyuan Nation and Ye Feng are sworn enemies. They wouldn''t send us false news," Miyamoto Ichiro said with a relaxed tone, seemingly not taking Ye Feng seriously at all.


    "Good. A mere youngster from Xuanyuan Nation with Golden Core combat power dares to challenge the dignity of our Sword Saint Palace. We must execute him and bring his head back to our Sword Saint Palace to appease the souls of our noble warriors!"


    The middle-aged man in the seat of honor''s eyes were filled with a chilling murderous intent.


    "With the Sword Saint of the Western Palace here, along with Ichiro and the rest of us, that Northern Border King Ye Feng won''t be able to escape even if he had wings," a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm said with a baring grin.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was clearly the middle-aged man in the seat of honor.


    If others from different forces heard these words, they would undoubtedly be shocked.


    Almost everyone in the Outer Battlefield knew that those who could be called Sword Saints in the Fusang Yin-Yang Hall were genuine Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    This Sword Saint of the Western Palace was a newly advanced Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from Sword Saint Palace, and he was leading his group to the talent ranking martial arts competition this time.


    The other six people inside the cave were also smiling. At that moment, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace was releasing his spiritual power to scout the area.


    After a while, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace immediately stood up, a smile appearing on the corner of his mouth.


    "Someone is coming. I wonder if it could be Ye Feng, the Northern Border King."


    Miyamoto Ichiro also smiled, "Why don''t we go out and see? We have all seen what the Northern Border King Ye Feng looks like."


    They knew what Ye Feng looked like; after the attack on the Sword Saint Palace on Earth, they had already sent Ye Feng''s information to the Outer Battlefield.


    However, they hadn''t received much news about Ye Feng entering the Outer Battlefield, so they had been unaware. If it hadn''t been for Hong Qing informing them this time, they wouldn''t have known that Ye Feng was coming to the martial arts tournament.


    The seven powerhouses had already arrived in the middle of the valley, ready to wait for the person approaching from the front.


    And at the entrance of the valley, a group of five people had also arrived¡ªit was Ye Feng and his companions!


    Ye Feng immediately stopped upon reaching the entrance of the valley and furrowed his brows.


    "Little Martial Uncle, why have we stopped?"


    Long Nannan asked curiously.


    Sausage Sister was also unaware of the situation and looked over as well.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong closely followed the three, also stopping. Seeing Ye Feng''s furrowed brow, Xiao Rulong asked, "Ye Feng, is there a situation?"


    Chi Jark directly looked towards the valley ahead, but he didn''t spot anything unusual.


    Ye Feng glanced at the inside of the valley and said in a deep voice, "I just felt a very strong spiritual power probing us, there might be powerhouses ahead."


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s complexions slightly changed. If Ye Feng called it strong, then it must indeed be very powerful!


    Could it be a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    The looks in Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s eyes changed, and both Long Nannan and Sausage Sister also looked serious.


    "What should we do now? Are we still going through this valley?"


    Sausage Sister asked directly. From Ye Feng''s tone, she knew the situation was probably not simple.


    "We must go through this valley; otherwise, we''ll have to take a detour that will take half a day."


    Chi Jark said solemnly at this time. It was an essential path. Passing through this valley, they would be very close to the venue of this genius competition. If they detoured around the valley, it would take half a day because the valley was very large.


    "Let''s hope it''s not someone hostile to us. There probably won''t be much trouble, and perhaps they''ve already left."


    Ye Feng smiled. He wasn''t too nervous, as he was quite confident in his own strength. He was just worried that if there were too many opponents, Long Nannan and Chi Jark could be in danger.


    The others nodded in agreement.


    "Let''s go and continue on our way. Even if it is someone hostile, we just have to deal with it."


    Ye Feng laughed heartily and continued leading Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, flying straight into the valley.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong exchanged glances, a premonition in their hearts. They tensed slightly, ready for combat at any moment, and with quick movements, they too rushed into the valley.


    Ahead, when Ye Feng went deeper into the valley, his expression became instantly solemn. His spiritual power had already detected seven strong presences not far in front, and these auras seemed to bear some hostility towards them!


    "Prepare for battle. It''s very likely the opposition are enemies,"


    Ye Feng called out in a low voice, having already let go of Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, and slowed his pace.


    Long Nannan and Sausage Sister didn''t dare to be negligent and had also stirred their auras, each drawing their weapons.


    Chi Jark''s silver battle armor emerged, with a silver spear appearing in his hands, while Xiao Rulong had already taken out his folding fan.


    "They''re here,"


    Ye Feng stated, looking ahead.


    Soon, seven figures rushed forward at high speed, appearing in the sight of Ye Feng and the others.


    Chi Jark''s expression changed slightly, "This is bad. They are from the Fusang Yin-Yang Hall Sword Saint Palace. The one in front is the Sword Saint of the Western Palace, and he''s of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    "Next to him is Miyamoto Ichiro, the third-ranked contender in the last genius list!"


    Chi Jark spoke with an ugly expression. He was familiar with both the Sword Saint of the Western Palace and Miyamoto Ichiro, as these two were quite famous figures in the Sword Saint Palace.


    Xiao Rulong''s expression also darkened, "A Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, damn it."

 Chapter 601 - 596: Battle in the Yin-Yang Realm

    Ye Feng was also surprised. Was the strong spiritual power he had sensed that of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    "Sword Saint Palace, indeed, it''s a small world full of enemies. Ye Feng, these guys must have come for you."


    Chi Jark''s face was serious; it was obvious that he knew about the grudge between Ye Feng and Sword Saint Palace back on Earth.


    Ye Feng nodded, his expression cold. The Sword Saint Palace was the murderer of Boss Cao; previously, when he was on Earth to avenge Boss Cao, he had directly attacked the Sword Saint Palace, breaking through their Mountain Protection Array and killing many to avenge Boss Cao.


    The appearance of these people from Sword Saint Palace was likely because they wanted to settle the score with him, having learned the news from Earth.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace looked at Ye Feng calmly, his eyes emitting a cold light, "You are Ye Feng, the Northern Border King, the one who provoked our Sword Saint Palace?"


    Ye Feng glanced at him and chuckled, "Since you already know, why bother asking? What do you want to do, fight or just waste words beating around the bush?"


    Both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s expressions changed slightly; they hadn''t expected Ye Feng to be so tough.


    "Brother, they have a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm on their side, as well as Miyamoto Ichiro, a top-level prodigy. His strength is probably not much weaker than Hong Tianyu."


    With some helplessness, Chi Jark said that on their side, they only had five Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, while the other side had a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, plus three Half-Step Golden Cores, which can also be counted as one Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    In terms of numbers, it was a direct match, but in quality, the Yin-Yang Realm was terrifying.


    It''s known that the Yin-Yang Realm and the Golden Core Realm are separated by a significant gap; the two represent a true transformation in quality, unlike some powerful Half-Step Golden Core Realms that can contend with Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. From ancient times to the present, the warriors who could stand against a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm while in the Golden Core Realm were very few and far between.


    Chi Jark himself felt uncertain; although he considered himself a top-level expert in the Golden Core Realm, he didn''t believe that he was currently capable of contending with a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    If they included Xiao Rulong and Ye Feng, they might be able to contend with the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, but the other side still had three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and three powerful Half-Step Golden Cores.


    If they went to confront the Sword Saint of the Western Palace, could Long Nannan and Sausage Sister handle the rest?


    Obviously not, Chi Jark could tell that neither Long Nannan nor Sausage Sister was a match for Miyamoto Ichiro; there might be some hope if two people teamed up, but by themselves, it was simply impossible.


    If a full-fledged battle broke out, they would definitely be at a disadvantage.


    Chi Jark thought continuously, and Xiao Rulong''s expression was also grave.


    "Ye Feng, we can''t directly charge at them; we''re not a match for them in numbers. That Sword Saint of the Western Palace is a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm; to contend with him, it might take all three of us working together."


    Xiao Rulong said.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was infuriated by what Ye Feng had just said. His companions were also furious, surrounded as they were and yet still being spoken to so arrogantly.


    At this moment, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace looked at Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong beside Ye Feng, frowning, "Chi Jark of Xuanyuan Nation''s Ancient Chi Family, and Xiao Rulong of the Xiao Family, are you really planning to help the Northern Border King?"


    It was apparent that the Sword Saint of the Western Palace had a hint of wariness in his eyes. The Four Great Ancient Clans of Xuanyuan Nation were not to be trifled with, and these two were prodigies of an Ancient Clan. If he moved against them and caused trouble with the Ancient Clans, it would be a headache for the Sword Saint Palace as well.


    "Of course, Ye Feng is our good friend. If Sword Saint Palace is wise, you would leave now."


    Chi Jark stepped forward, smiling, not surprised that the Sword Saint of the Western Palace recognized him, as he had seen them at the last Talent Ranking Martial Competition, which the Western Palace''s Sword Saint had also attended.


    Next to him, Xiao Rulong was also shaking his folding fan, standing by Ye Feng''s side, clearly showing his stance.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace''s expression darkened slightly; the Four Great Ancient Clans of Xuanyuan Nation were really hard to deal with.


    "Sword Saint, there''s no need to worry. I''ll hold these two down while you take the opportunity to kill the Northern Border King, Ye Feng. Just avoid fatally wounding these two from the Ancient Clans, that''s all."


    Miyamoto Ichiro said indifferently, seemingly not taking Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong seriously at all, as if the thought of them being a challenge was almost laughable to him.


    He didn''t regard Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong highly because, at the Talent Ranking Martial Competition three years ago, he had seen Chi Jark compete, who ranked sixth on the talent list, but he himself was third. Moreover, Xiao Rulong wasn''t even on the talent list, so he paid them no mind and was confidently thinking of facing them two-on-one.


    Miyamoto Ichiro had no idea that Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had undergone massive changes compared to three years ago.


    Upon hearing Miyamoto Ichiro''s words, both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were somewhat irritated.


    How could this guy be so brazen?


    Ye Feng, seeing the reactions of the two beside him, smiled and said, "Later, leave that Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to me; I can handle him. Brother Jerk, you take care of Miyamoto Ichiro. Xiao Chubby, Nannan, Sausage Sister, the rest of those guys are yours. Shouldn''t be a problem, right?"


    He could tell that Miyamoto Ichiro was strong but not a match for the current Chi Jark.


    Also, the other two Golden Core experts were mediocre at best; Xiao Rulong and Nannan should be able to handle them, and the three Half-Step Golden Cores could be left to Sausage Sister without much trouble.


    You should know that Long Nannan and Sausage Sister aren''t just any Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; their strength is also among the stronger kind.


    Upon hearing Ye Feng''s arrangement, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were momentarily stunned. Ye Feng wanted to face the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm alone; could he win?


    "Trust me, none of the Seven Golden Elixir Realms are my opponents, and one from the Yin-Yang Realm can''t do much against me."


    Ye Feng confidently smiled, speaking with ease, and then he looked towards Long Nannan.


    "Nannan, can you handle a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm by yourself?"


    Ye Feng asked with a faint smile.


    Long Nannan grinned slyly, "Little Martial Uncle, whom do you underestimate? Even when I was in the Half-Step Golden Core, I could fight Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Now against one, wouldn''t that be a piece of cake?"


    At this moment, Sausage Sister, however, had a sober expression on her face as she looked at Ye Feng and said, "Ye Feng, are you looking down on me by having me fight against the Golden Core Realm, while sending Nannan to deal with those Half-Step Golden Cores?"


    It was clear that Sausage Sister felt looked down upon by Ye Feng, who had sent her to fight three Half-Step Golden Cores while Long Nannan was assigned a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm¡ªit was too embarrassing.


    "Three Half-Step Golden Core Realms are not weaker than a single Golden Core Realm; in fact, they can be even more troublesome to deal with."


    Ye Feng said, and he wasn''t lying. Three Half-Step Golden Cores would indeed be more difficult to handle. He was worried that Long Nannan would be forced to use the Dragon Transformation again and thought it would be safer for Sausage Sister to face those three Half-Step Golden Cores. Even if she couldn''t defeat them, with her strength, she could still hold her own in the fight.


    After hearing Ye Feng''s words, Sausage Sister nodded slightly, her fighting spirit was very strong.


    Meanwhile, the faces of the Sword Saint of the Western Palace and Miyamoto Ichiro on the opposite side had turned completely dark. Their side clearly had more people and stronger strength out in the open.


    And yet, Ye Feng and his group were already beginning to distribute tasks for dealing with them. The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was livid with rage and shouted angrily, "Arrogant Northern Border King, I will take your head back to our Sword Saint Palace to sacrifice to the spirits of our fallen swordsmen!"


    "Kill!"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace had also grown tired of the idle chatter and directly ordered the attack.


    Ye Feng''s group had also become more serious, and he shouted in a deep voice, "Fight!"


    Boom!


    The battle was about to erupt!


    Everyone released their powerful auras, among them, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace from the Yin-Yang Realm had an immensely powerful presence that put tremendous pressure on Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, causing them to look towards Ye Feng.


    Could Ye Feng really cope?


    At this moment, Ye Feng also released a strong aura, almost equal to that of the Sword Saint of the Western Palace. His body was already adorned with the Emperor''s Armor, and he grasped the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon as he charged forward!


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace felt Ye Feng''s aura and frowned. Ye Feng''s aura was strong, stronger than he expected. But he could clearly sense that Ye Feng''s realm was just at the Martial King Peak; how could he possess such powerful momentum?


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was puzzled, but he had already drawn his katana from his waist, charging forward with tremendous Sword Momentum!


    On Chi Jark''s side, clad in silver Battle Armor and holding a silver spear, he had already engaged Miyamoto Ichiro in combat, but there was still a look of disdain in the latter''s eyes.


    Chi Jark noticed this and a cold smile appeared on his lips, "Miyamoto Ichiro, you don''t think you''re still the same third-ranked Heaven''s List fighter from three years ago, do you?"


    By then, Miyamoto Ichiro had already drawn his scarlet katana, laughing with contempt, "Even if it''s not the same after three years, you''re not someone, ranked sixth on the Talent''s List, can challenge!"


    Miyamoto Ichiro released his powerful Sword Qi, his scarlet katana swinging fiercely with a lethal intent aimed at Chi Jark.


    Feeling Miyamoto Ichiro''s momentum, Chi Jark smiled lightly.


    "If after three years, this is all you''ve got, then you are destined to lose today."


    Chi Jark sneered and spun his silver spear, the Power of Spirit Essence gathering. A silver giant dragon emerged with a dragon''s roar that echoed through the sky. In the next moment, the silver giant dragon charged ferociously at Miyamoto Ichiro.


    Miyamoto Ichiro''s face, which had been filled with scorn, suddenly changed when he felt the might of the silver giant dragon.


    Xiao Rulong and Long Nannan each engaged a Golden Core Realm expert in combat, not exchanging a single word before launching a barrage of attacks.


    Xiao Rulong, with his formidable strength, even managed to land a blow on his Golden Core Realm opponent that made him spit out blood.


    The melee had begun.

 Chapter 602 - 597: Sword Saint Domain

    Long Nannan''s opponent, a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, smirked upon seeing her petite figure, his face filled with disdain.


    "I just happen to be in need of a maid, and I think you''d be perfect. How about this, come back with me to the Sword Saint Palace and be my maid; I''ll take good care of you."


    A greedy glint appeared in the eyes of the Golden Core Realm grandmaster, clearly taken by Long Nannan''s adorable appearance.


    Long Nannan''s eyebrows knitted, and she coldly retorted, "Need your sister! I''m going to smash your damn head!"


    After speaking, Long Nannan erupted with intense murderous aura. Her movements were swift, her figure as fast as lightning. In the blink of an eye, she appeared in front of the Sword Saint Palace''s Golden Core Realm grandmaster.


    The Golden Core Realm grandmaster''s face changed slightly, not expecting Long Nannan to act so quickly. He was just about to retreat.


    But at that moment, he heard Long Nannan''s shout, "Sacred Dragon Fist!"


    Long Nannan''s little fist condensed a robust power of Spirit Essence, turning her entire fist into a dragon''s head, which roared out the very next moment.


    Bang!


    Long Nannan''s Sacred Dragon Fist slammed hard into the Golden Core expert''s stomach, making him widen his eyes as he felt the impact force surge from his belly. He quickly mobilized his strength to defend, but he was still sent flying over ten meters away.


    With a retch, the Golden Core expert vomited a mouthful of fresh blood. He had not expected that the delicate and cute Long Nannan could deliver such a horrendous attack. Caught off-guard, he was punched and injured.


    Before he could recover, Long Nannan''s figure rapidly approached once again. The Golden Core expert''s complexion changed slightly. Hastily gathering his breath, he met her advance and drew his katana to clash with Long Nannan.


    Sausage Sister was surrounded by three experts of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm; she was not the least bit lax, her expression grave.


    Ye Feng hadn''t deceived her. Right from the start, she felt pressured. Fighting three, although of a lower realm than herself, was different from fighting just one. Since they were referred to as Half-Step Golden Core, they indeed possessed some combat power of the Golden Core Realm. She had to be extremely focused, or she might be defeated!


    On Ye Feng''s side, his Spear of the Ancestral Dragon already clashed with the katana of the Sword Saint of the Western Palace, causing loud collisions.


    Ye Feng''s expression was solemn; he was not negligent. After all, he was facing a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. The Sword Saint of the Western Palace''s attacks were incredibly powerful, and Ye Feng had to resist with full effort every time.


    What Ye Feng didn''t know was that the Sword Saint of the Western Palace was utterly shocked at this moment. He was a true Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, yet he was fighting to a standstill with Ye Feng?


    "What realm are you, exactly?"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace had a dark expression as his katana struck down, pushing Ye Feng back several steps.


    "What realm am I? Of course, I''m at the Peak Martial King. You can see that for yourself, unless you''re blind, in which case, let''s pretend I never said anything."


    Ye Feng wore an amused expression, and with a flash of golden light in his other hand, the Emperor''s Sword appeared.


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace nearly cursed out loud.


    Peak Martial King?


    Who would believe it?


    A Peak Martial King able to battle a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    How many great realms was he supposed to have transcended to fight against a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm? Throughout history, which Peak Martial King had ever been able to fight a Yin-Yang Realm Great Power?


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace narrowed his eyes. According to what he knew, Ye Feng was just twenty-six years old. At twenty-six to be able to contend with a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, that talent could not be allowed to grow stronger, or it would pose endless trouble.


    "Die!"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace shouted furiously, his breath rising to its peak in an instant, revealing the full might of a true Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. Everyone present felt a heaviness descend upon them, suppressed by this mighty aura.


    "Sword Saint Domain!"


    An odd power burst forth from the Sword Saint of the Western Palace. The power spread swiftly, enveloping everyone present within it.


    With the envelopment of this power, everyone from the Sword Saint Palace shuddered, their eyes gleaming, their sword momentum increasing somewhat.


    Those on Ye Feng''s side all changed their expression slightly. Chi Jark said, "Not good, this is the Power of the Domain from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. The Sword Saint Domain of the Sword Saint Palace will increase the sword momentum of everyone there by ten percent, their strength will rise correspondingly!"


    Ye Feng was initially puzzled, but upon hearing Chi Jark''s explanation, he immediately understood. Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm possessed Domains.


    Including the Sword Saint of the Western Palace himself, his sword momentum had also become ten percent stronger than before!


    Ye Feng''s expression also changed; this situation was extremely disadvantageous for them. They were already outnumbered, relying on their strength to make up for it. Now, with everyone from the Sword Saint Palace having their sword momentum increased by ten percent, effectively raising their strength by the same margin, it might not be a big issue for the others, but Sausage Sister!


    Ye Feng glanced at Sausage Sister and noticed she was already showing signs of being suppressed. Initially, she could juggle fighting against three Half-Step Golden Core experts, but now their sword momentum had strengthened by ten percent, making it harder for her to defend.


    If this continued, Sausage Sister might be in danger.


    "Xiao Chubby, quickly deal with your opponent and go help Sausage Sister!"


    Ye Feng transmitted his voice to Xiao Rulong.


    Xiao Rulong was completely dominating his opponent in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, and his adversary, merely a common Golden Core Realm cultivator, was no match for him. Now having been beaten to the point of spitting blood repeatedly, even with a ten percent increase in Sword Momentum, the gap was still too vast, and his opponent was no match.


    "Good!"


    Xiao Rulong also noticed the situation on Sausage Sister''s side and, not daring to neglect it, burst forth with power once again, accelerating his assault.


    On Chi Jark''s side, Miyamoto Ichiro finally breathed a sigh of relief after receiving the boost of the Power of the Domain.


    Shock still colored his eyes, for no other reason than Chi Jark''s overwhelming strength!


    He had initially thought that as the third-ranked talent, he would be more than enough to handle Chi Jark, the sixth, but after their encounter, he realized he was gravely mistaken.


    Chi Jark was very strong, even stronger than him, to some extent, and Miyamoto Ichiro was completely suppressed, which was quite unbearable.


    However, now blessed with the Domain, Miyamoto Ichiro''s attacking power had also increased, and there was no longer the overwhelming suppression from before. Gradually, he fought to a standstill with Chi Jark.


    Chi Jark''s expression turned grave as he quickly transmitted his voice to Ye Feng, "Ye Feng, if this continues, we may run into trouble."


    Ye Feng, of course, understood and squinted his eyes as he watched the Sword Saint of the Western Palace.


    I must eliminate this guy first!


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace, watching the tide of battle shift, laughed heartily, "Ye Feng, let me show you the might of a true Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    With a booming laugh, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace raised his katana, with countless energies converging upon the blade, and a Reach the Sky Sword Qi descended from above.


    Ye Feng''s face was solemn as he donned the Emperor''s Armor, which was condensed and refined, radiating golden light, and he raised both the Emperor''s Sword and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon in his hands.


    Boom!


    The Sword Saint''s Reach the Sky Sword Qi struck down upon the Emperor''s Sword and the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, and although both Top-Level Magic Treasures were formidable, they trembled continuously under the powerful attack of the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, emitting a faint hum.


    Ye Feng''s body sank in midair while his aura erupted non-stop in resistance to the Sword Qi.


    After several seconds, Ye Feng shouted explosively, shattering the Sword Qi.


    But at the same time, his body flew backwards, tumbling several times in the air before steadying himself.


    Hovering in midair, Ye Feng''s face was slightly pale, and turmoil still surged within him.


    The Sword Saint''s strike was very forceful, and although Ye Feng had managed to block it with great effort, he had nearly been injured.


    Indeed, none should underestimate a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was even more surprised to see Ye Feng withstand his attack, knowing that his previous move had been nearly his full force. Unexpectedly, Ye Feng had still caught it, and seemingly without injury.


    "You truly are strong, I must say, you are the most outstanding talent I''ve ever seen."


    The Sword Saint couldn''t help but praise and then said, "Why don''t you come to our Sword Saint Palace? I can make a decision on my own and offer you the treatment of a Deputy Palace Master. Moreover, we can write off any past grudges between you and our Sword Saint Palace."


    The Sword Saint outright issued an Amnesty Order, indeed coveting talent; Ye Feng''s talent and strength surprised him greatly. If they could recruit Ye Feng into the Sword Saint Palace, it would likely not be long before they gained another super-powerhouse.


    After all, Ye Feng was only twenty-six years old and could already compete with him, a being of the Yin-Yang Realm to this extent. What about in a few more years?


    Ye Feng was taken aback upon hearing the Sword Saint''s words, thinking to himself, to offer me an alliance mid-fight?


    Miyamoto Ichiro, who was still engaged in combat with Chi Jark, however, changed his expression, thinking it unacceptable for the Northern Border King Ye Feng to serve as a Deputy Palace Master in their Sword Saint Palace.


    "Sword Saint, this is a matter of great importance, please think it over!"


    Miyamoto Ichiro urgently called out.


    He was genuinely panicked because the position of Deputy Palace Master was expected to be his¡ªthe Master of the Sword Saint Palace had already mentioned that as long as he made it into the top ten in this Talent List competition, after emerging from the Source Secret Realm, he would assume the position of Deputy Palace Master!


    But now the Sword Saint was considering offering this to Ye Feng; how could he not be anxious? It was his to take.


    A Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm in the Sword Saint Palace had the authority to make such a decision.


    Chi Jark and the others were also shocked; Ye Feng''s charm was too significant, it seemed. There were deep feuds between him and the Sword Saint Palace, and now they were considering an alliance?


    "Ye Feng, our Sword Saint Palace''s Deputy Palace Master possesses high authority and can access many resources. When it comes to cultivation, there is absolutely nothing to worry about."


    The Sword Saint, seeing Ye Feng not speaking, struck while the iron was hot. Attracting a talent like Ye Feng to the Sword Saint Palace would be the best possible outcome.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng scoffed, looking disdainfully at the Sword Saint of the Western Palace, "Have you had a chunk scooped out of your brain?"


    The Sword Saint''s face froze instantly.

 Chapter 603 - 598: A Brain is a Good Thing

    Ye Feng sneered again, "You from the Sword Saint Palace and I are sworn enemies, that much is clear, isn''t it?"


    "You from the Sword Saint Palace killed my revered elder, and yet you want me to serve the Sword Saint Palace? Has your brain been eaten by a dog?"


    Ye Feng looked at the Sword Saint of the Western Palace as if he was looking at an idiot. This guy must be a complete fool. To call him a fool might even be an insult to fools. They were already mortal enemies, yet he still thought about offering amnesty.


    Not to mention Ye Feng''s personal grudges with the Sword Saint Palace, Xuanyuan Nation and Fusang Kingdom were fundamentally opposed, and Ye Feng was not the kind to betray his country.


    Furthermore, he was the Martial Academy Principal of Xuanyuan Nation, the Northern Border King, and also held a position akin to that of the Pavilion Master of the Utility Pavilion. Unless he lost his mind, he would never abandon all that to become a deputy palace master in the Sword Saint Palace. Even an idiot knew how to choose.


    "A brain is a wonderful thing, I really hope you have one."


    Ye Feng kept sighing and shaking his head.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace turned green with embarrassment. He had never expected that after he took the initiative to set aside his pride to woo Ye Feng, he would be humiliated in return. This was utterly absurd.


    "That''s well said, Ye Feng, hahaha!" Chi Jark skewered Miyamoto Ichiro with his spear, sending him flying, and burst into laughter.


    "Little Martial Uncle, these people from the Sword Saint Palace really don''t have brains, it''s just too funny, isn''t it?" Long Nannan was also giggling as she threw another punch, blasting a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm into the air, coughing up blood. Even though this Grandmaster had been empowered by the domain of the Sword Saint of the Western Palace, the gap between him and Long Nannan was still significant and he couldn''t beat her.


    Xiao Rulong was in a similar situation; he too grabbed the opportunity and soared into the air.


    "Sky Splitting Step!"


    Xiao Rulong deployed the Sky Splitting Step once again, making it seem as if he were about to shatter the very space. The Grandmaster before him changed color, mobilizing all his strength and forming a golden-yellow Protective Shield in front of him, katana at the ready.


    The powerful Power of Spirit Essence beneath Xiao Rulong''s feet shattered the Protective Shield immediately and proceeded to stomp upon the Grandmaster''s katana.


    Crack!


    The katana broke under the force of Xiao Rulong''s step!


    With the katana broken, the soul of the Grandmaster nearly fled his body in terror. He tried to defend himself again but having been ruthlessly dealt with by Xiao Rulong just moments before, he was already too exhausted.


    Bang!


    The Grandmaster, powerless to resist, was crushed into the rocks of the valley by Xiao Rulong''s stomp.


    The entire man was embedded in the cliff, forming the shape of a cross, his eyes bulging and his breath gone. He had been stomped to death.


    Feeling the battle here, Miyamoto Ichiro turned with a changing expression, "Lord Yano!!!"


    Miyamoto Ichiro looked on in shock at Yano, dead upon the cliffside, and then at Xiao Rulong, who was hovering in midair, flicking his Folding Fan. He was completely taken aback. He knew Yano''s strength well enough; among Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, he wasn''t weak, and even Miyamoto Ichiro couldn''t have dealt with Yano so swiftly.


    Yet this Xiao Rulong of the Xiao Family, someone who didn''t even rank among the top ten talents, now possessed such strength?


    "Stop gawking, it''s your turn."


    A derisive laugh broke the silence.


    Miyamoto Ichiro''s expression changed subtly, and he swiftly turned his head.


    At that moment, Chi Jark had already unleashed all his might, concentrating all his power into the silvery spear in his hands, which gleamed brilliantly.


    "Mad Dragon Break of Ten Thousand Heavens!"


    Chi Jark''s face was stern as he let out a great shout.


    Above his head, two silvery dragons appeared, their roars echoing in all directions. Then, with a swift move, he lunged forward, his spear piercing through the air, becoming one with him!


    Boom!


    Chi Jark with his spear charged forward, the two silvery dragons spiraling intensely towards Miyamoto Ichiro with immense offensive force.


    Miyamoto Ichiro''s face paled; he could feel the might of Chi Jark''s attack, and his entire complexion turned green.


    "Impossible, how can this be so powerful?"


    Miyamoto Ichiro screamed, his face contorted, as he desperately gathered a Spirit Essence Shield around him, with armor appearing to wrap his entire body.


    The next moment, Chi Jark''s spear pierced through space, striking head-on.


    Piercing through Miyamoto Ichiro''s hastily conjured Shield as if it were merely paper, the Scarlet katana crossed in front of his chest, the spear stabbing right at it, with the two silvery dragons carrying their roars slamming into Miyamoto Ichiro''s body.


    Miyamoto Ichiro''s pupils constricted, his armor flashing brightly. His body was also clad in Treasure Armor, which could diminish the force of many attacks.


    However, Chi Jark''s strike was too powerful, and even with the armor, the impact from the silver spear and the two dragons nearly shattered his internal organs. Several ribs broke, and he was sent flying dozens of meters away.


    ```


    Pfft!


    Miyamoto Ichiro spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his treasure armor now damaged, and his aura had significantly wilted. Clearly, he had been severely wounded by Chi Jark.


    Seeing this from a distance, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace, who was engaged in battle with Ye Feng, also changed his expression. One Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm had already died on the spot, and now Miyamoto Ichiro was severely injured, while another was being suppressed by Ye Feng''s allies.


    After dealing with Yano, Xiao Rulong from the Xiao Family had already moved to assist their three Half-Step Golden Core comrades. Initially, with his domain''s enhancement, the three Half-Step Golden Core masters had been suppressing those on Ye Feng''s side in the Golden Core Realm. However, with Xiao Rulong joining in, another Half-Step Golden Core Realm fighter was crippled in the blink of an eye!


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace''s expression turned extremely ugly. They were supposed to attend the talent ranking competition, but before even arriving at the venue, their number had already suffered heavy losses. If the fight continued, they feared more casualties might occur!


    No, they had to retreat!


    At the moment, he was unable to take down Ye Feng in a short time. The more he fought, the more alarmed he became. At most, he could only suppress Ye Feng, which was terrifying. As a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, he could only suppress Ye Feng¡ªthat was no mere genius, but a monster, a true monster.


    "Everyone, go!"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace roared, ordering everyone to retreat.


    Upon hearing the retreat command, Miyamoto Ichiro and the others felt reluctant, but they were very clear that they were no match!


    Ye Feng was too strong, and not just him; Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, whom Miyamoto Ichiro had looked down upon, were also excessively powerful. This strength was completely beyond their imagination.


    The members of the Sword Saint Palace had already begun to desperately retreat, wishing to leave.


    But at that moment, Ye Feng spoke, "You think you can just come and go as you please?"


    Ye Feng''s expression was chillingly cold, his eyes filled with murderous intent.


    "Keep them here, don''t let them leave!"


    Ye Feng said coldly.


    Upon receiving the order, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong immediately encircled the remaining six from the Sword Saint Palace.


    Among these six, aside from the Sword Saint of the Western Palace who hadn''t been injured, Miyamoto Ichiro was already in a critical state, another Golden Core Realm fighter bore countless wounds, and the three Half-Step Golden Cores didn''t fare any better. Xiao Rulong had just joined the fray and instantly inflicted severe wounds on one, leaving the others in bad shape as well.


    Looking over at Ye Feng''s side, practically no one was injured, with only Sausage Sister having sustained some minor injuries, but nothing of significance.


    "Ye Feng, don''t push too hard; it''s best to leave some leeway for future interactions," the Sword Saint of the Western Palace said, his voice heavy as he glanced at Ye Feng.


    Their side was mostly injured now, with greatly diminished strength, and not in good condition to fight any further.


    Hearing this, Ye Feng laughed outright, "Why should I leave any leeway? When your Sword Saint Palace used my elder to practice swordsmanship, did you ever consider leaving any leeway?"


    Ye Feng''s eyes grew increasingly colder and his killing intent thicker. He had wanted to kill the members of the Sword Saint Palace anyway¡ªmore so now that the Sword Saint of the Western Palace and the others had ambushed them first, leaving no chance of forgiveness.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace''s face darkened; he hadn''t expected Ye Feng to be so dismissive and utterly disregard his words.


    "Ye Feng, you must understand, you can''t kill me. If I really get desperate, can you ensure that none of your people will suffer any casualties?"


    "If you truly push me to the edge, I will self-destruct and take all of you with me!"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace said through gritted teeth, feeling somewhat stifled. It was humiliating for a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to be forced to threaten self-destruction¡ªthe most miserable Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm in the Outer Battlefield, perhaps.


    Hearing this, Xiao Rulong''s face changed, and he transmitted a message to Ye Feng, "Ye Feng, if it really comes to it, let them leave. If the Sword Saint of the Western Palace truly self-destructs, we''ll have no escape!"


    The self-destruction of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm could even obliterate a small town!


    Chi Jark also looked gravely at Ye Feng. A Yin-Yang Realm Great Power considering self-destruction was no laughing matter.


    Yet, Ye Feng suddenly laughed, "The thing I hate most is being threatened, so you people might as well just die."


    His words caused the Sword Saint of the Western Palace''s complexion to change, and he sternly said, "Ye Feng, don''t really push me. You can''t kill me, and if I self-destruct, it will be bad for everyone!"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was actually feeling somewhat cowardly inside. He had only just advanced to the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm; the realm was not even warmed up yet, and now he was being asked to self-destruct and fall¡ªhe couldn''t accept it.


    Ye Feng stopped paying attention to the Sword Saint of the Western Palace. A black light flashed in his hand, and a small stone stele appeared in his grasp.


    At the moment the stele appeared, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace sharply turned his gaze to the small, pitch-black stele in Ye Feng''s hand.


    What was this thing that gave him a feeling of dread?


    As he wondered, Ye Feng had already thrown the stele into the air.


    With a stern face, Ye Feng''s aura burst forth to the extreme, changing the expressions of Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong around him. This aura was too strong. Was this truly Ye Feng''s real strength? It probably reached the level of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, right?


    After his aura burst forth, Ye Feng channeled exceedingly pure and robust Power of Spirit Essence into the small stele in the sky, simultaneously turning pale, clearly having overexerted himself.


    Then, Ye Feng shouted coldly, "Heaven Guard Monument, suppress!"


    The small stele in the sky instantly expanded countless times, in the blink of an eye becoming as large as a mountain, its terrifying aura spreading.


    ```

 Chapter 604 599: Annihilation

    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was still hesitating whether to self-destruct, but at this moment, his attention was drawn to the Heaven Guard Monument above him, with surges of palpitations making him uneasy and suspicious.


    "The Heaven Guard Monument?"


    When he heard Ye Feng shout out, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace was stunned for a moment, as if lost in memories. Why did the name "Heaven Guard Monument" sound so familiar?


    The next moment, his eyes widened as he looked up at the immense, pitch-black Heaven Guard Monument looming overhead.


    "Is this the Heaven Guard Monument from the hands of that person more than two thousand years ago!?"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace stood petrified on the spot. As a high-ranking member of the Sword Saint Palace, he had read many ancient records, and he naturally knew a thing or two about that person from over two thousand years ago. This Heaven Guard Monument was one of the top-level magic treasures from back then!


    Quickly, the pupils of the Sword Saint of the Western Palace shrank, and he cried out in a rush, "Flee, flee!"


    "This Heaven-Shaking Monument weighs a billion jin, hurry and run!"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was utterly terrified, only now recalling the ancient records that described the Heaven Guard Monument as a top-level magic treasure weighing a billion jin. There was no way he could withstand it crashing down!


    The other members of the Sword Saint Palace also changed their expressions, but strangely, they found themselves completely unable to move at this moment.


    "Damn it, I can''t move my legs!"


    "What''s going on!?"


    "I can''t move either, it seems like something has fixed me in place, what''s happening!?"


    The few from the Sword Saint Palace panicked, and Miyamoto Ichiro''s face contorted hideously, trying desperately to lift his feet. But no matter how hard he tried, he still couldn''t lift them, stuck rigidly in place, completely immobile.


    The others were similarly affected, their faces displaying extreme anxiety as if they''d been rooted to the spot, unable to go anywhere.


    Seeing this, even the Sword Saint of the Western Palace was stunned, "How can this be?"


    After saying this, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace himself tried to flee with his swift movements, but found that his own movements had become as slow as a snail, extremely sluggish.


    "What''s going on, could it be the Heaven Guard Monument!?"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace looked up at the Heaven Guard Monument, which was casting its shadow over everything like a huge mountain, rapidly moving toward them. A beam of black light shone down from the Heaven Guard Monument, covering all of them, and a strange energy had enveloped them completely.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace was horrified; it was this energy, it was the black light released by the Heaven Guard Monument that had made them like this!


    Watching the Heaven Guard Monument grow larger and larger before their eyes, the group screamed desperately.


    "No, no, I don''t want to die, have mercy, have mercy!"


    "Respected Northern Border King, please spare us!"


    "No, don''t, spare us, spare us!"


    "It''s not that we wanted to block the Northern Border King, we were just following orders!"


    All the members of the Sword Saint Palace were shouting in terror, not wanting to die after practicing to this stage. They no longer cared about dignity, status, or deep-seated hatreds. In the face of the fear of death, all these seemed like nothingness.


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace showed a look of despair, muttering, "How could this be, how could this be? Even the Heaven Guard Monument shouldn''t be this powerful, what exactly is happening? I''m a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    The Sword Saint of the Western Palace''s face was filled with unwillingness and extreme fear. He wanted to self-destruct, but found he couldn''t do anything. Although his body could move, it was slow like a snail, impossible to escape the range of the Heaven Guard Monument. The energy in his body had become like paste at this moment, absolutely unable to be mobilized, so even self-destructing was impossible!


    At the same time, Ye Feng, the controller of the Heaven Guard Monument, made a shocking discovery that the Power of Spirit Essence within his body was being absorbed continuously by the Heaven Guard Monument, a massive amount of Power of Spirit Essence flying towards it uncontrollably.


    "What''s going on!?"


    Ye Feng''s face had gone pale. Although things were fine just a moment ago, once he truly activated the Heaven Guard Monument, the Power of Spirit Essence inside him was being depleted alarmingly quickly. The Heaven Guard Monument seemed like a bottomless pit, crazily absorbing the Power of Spirit Essence.


    In just a few breaths'' time, the majestic Power of Spirit Essence inside Ye Feng had been drained to less than one-tenth!


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong also noticed the anomaly, sensing something was wrong, and hurriedly looked at Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng, cut off the connection with the Heaven Guard Monument!"


    Xiao Rulong urgently shouted, suddenly recalling a passage mentioned in the ancient records!


    Every time that person from over two thousand years ago used the Heaven Guard Monument, although he could crush countless members of the Alien Race, he needed to rest for a long period after each battle. Thus, the Heaven Guard Monument was actually used sparingly, but its reputation was renowned!


    At that time, he was still somewhat puzzled, wondering what that meant, but now he understood, the original Heaven Guard Monument required an astonishing amount of energy to use!


    Long Nannan and Sausage Sister were also bewildered, having not expected such a sudden turn of events.


    Long Nannan anxiously asked, "What''s going on, Little Martial Uncle, are you okay?"


    Nothing seemed amiss just a moment ago, so how had things suddenly taken this turn?


    Ye Feng''s face was pale at this time, and his body was drenched in sweat. Over two thousand eight hundred of his acupoints were furiously erupting, the surging energy continuously transforming into the Power of Spirit Essence to provide him with energy, but the effects were hardly noticeable.


    It won''t do, at this rate, he''ll be drained dry!


    Ye Feng was getting anxious in his heart as well, he had not expected using the Heaven Guard Monument would lead to this, which was completely beyond his imagination.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng remembered something.


    That''s right, I still have the Pulse Source!


    Ye Feng suddenly recalled and immediately drew upon the Pulse Source from his Space Ring, ceaselessly absorbing its power. However, as he continued to draw the Power of Spirit Essence from the Pulse Source, the Heaven Guard Monument was similarly absorbing a vast amount of that power.


    Ye Feng was utterly astonished, for in the blink of an eye, the pure Spirit Essence from the Pulse Source was rapidly depleting, the massive, pure power washing over his body, but it was quickly being absorbed by the Heaven Guard Monument.


    Now, Ye Feng had become a mere conduit, his body rich to the extreme with Spirit Essence, and also incredibly pure, causing Xiao Rulong, Chi Jark, and the others nearby to shudder once more.


    "Why do I feel like I''m in a Spirit Essence Pool? Am I imagining things?"


    Chi Jark spoke dumbfounded, even forgetting that Ye Feng''s situation didn''t seem too good at the moment.


    Xiao Rulong, Long Nannan, and Sausage Sister all had odd expressions on their faces, and couldn''t help but draw a bit closer to Ye Feng.


    "I feel it too, it''s like I''m in a Spirit Essence Pool. How is it that Ye Feng''s body is suddenly emitting such pure Power of Spirit Essence?"


    Xiao Rulong said softly.


    Long Nannan also nodded and said to the pale-faced Ye Feng, "Little Martial Uncle, you''re like a walking Spirit Essence Pool. Are you sure you''re okay?"


    They all felt that Ye Feng seemed very uncomfortable, but the extremely pure and dense Power of Spirit Essence had left them stunned. Just moments ago, wasn''t it like Ye Feng was about to be drained dry? Now, how is it that such pure and thick Power of Spirit Essence is being emitted from him?


    Hearing these words, Ye Feng was momentarily lost for words and replied with a wry smile, "You don''t have to worry about me, I''m fine now."


    Though he said that, the massive, pure Power of Spirit Essence was still converging towards the Heaven Guard Monument from his body, being absorbed by the colossal pitch-black monument. The authority of the Heaven Guard Monument was growing stronger and stronger, making everyone feel an urge to prostrate themselves before it, the powerful aura causing their hearts to palpitate.


    Only Ye Feng himself knew the situation best. He literally had no Spirit Essence power left in his body at all, and the overflow of pure Spirit Essence was entirely due to the power of the Pulse Source passing through him, resulting in this leakage. But as soon as it entered his body, it was instantly absorbed by the Heaven Guard Monument, leaving no trace within him.


    If it weren''t for the strength of his Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, he might have already passed out by now, as he was barely enduring on the energy in his acupoints.


    In contrast, the Heaven Guard Monument was still continuously absorbing the Power of Spirit Essence, like a bottomless pit, showing no signs of stopping. After persisting for over ten seconds, Ye Feng looked into his Space Ring at the Pulse Source, which had shrunk by one-tenth!


    At that moment, the absorption by the Heaven Guard Monument ceased.


    By this time, the mountain-like Heaven Guard Monument was wrapped in dense black light. Beneath the monument, several people from the Sword Saint Palace, including the Sword Saint of the Western Palace, were all bleeding from their seven orifices, except the Western Palace Sword Saint, who was still standing. The others had collapsed, including Miyamoto Ichiro, all lying on the ground, their bodies deformed as if they had changed shape, with blood vessels burst and blood flowing.


    "How could this..."


    Filled with despair, the Sword Saint of the Western Palace began to feel his skull deform, experiencing as if an unknown multiple of gravity was pressing down on him, his internal organs starting to burst, and blood seeping from his mouth.


    He was a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, but in front of this Heaven Guard Monument, he was so frail.


    Boom!


    The mountainous Heaven Guard Monument finally pressed down, crushing the Sword Saint of the Western Palace and the others from the Sword Saint Palace beneath it. The walls on either side of the valley completely blew apart, and the ground sank under the pressure. The Heaven Guard Monument seemed to be deeply embedded in the ground, its immense stele radiating a strong Divine Might that sent shivers down everyone''s spine.


    In the valley, Ye Feng and the others, including Chi Jark, were floating in the air.


    Ye Feng had already recovered the Spirit Essence in his body using the Pulse Source from his Space Ring. His complexion was no longer as pale as before, but he still felt somewhat unaccustomed to being suddenly drained of Spirit Essence.


    However, he had also felt the purity of the Spirit Essence from the Pulse Source, which could be absorbed and used directly, even allowing for instant recovery.


    Of course, such a swift recovery was unique to Ye Feng, given that he was drawing energy from over two thousand acupoints, his recovery speed was exceptionally fast. An ordinary person, even given such pure Power of Spirit Essence, would still require time to absorb it into their body and wouldn''t rebound with full vitality like him.


    Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, and the others were staring at the Heaven Guard Monument on the ground, their faces filled with shock. A Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, just gone like that?

 Chapter 605 600 Hurry up and release it

    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong could no longer sense even a hint of the auras of those from the Sword Saint Palace; only the Heaven Guard Monument, standing before them like a mountain, still radiated an immensely powerful divine might. The desire to prostrate oneself before it had not diminished in the slightest.


    "A Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, just like that, obliterated by you, Ye Feng!?"


    Chi Jark muttered as he frantically searched with his spiritual power, but indeed, he could no longer detect the presence of anyone from the Sword Saint Palace; it was as if they had truly vanished from the face of the earth.


    Ye Feng''s face recovered somewhat, and his thoughts stirred!


    In front of them, the Heaven Guard Monument, as imposing as a mountain, rapidly shrank in place, continuously shrinking until, after a moment, the once mountain-like monument was again reduced to a small stele in the palm of Ye Feng''s hand.


    Immediately following, a flash of black light, and the Heaven Guard Monument disappeared, clearly having been retracted by Ye Feng into the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace. Just like an ordinary stone, the Heaven Guard Monument was mercilessly squeezed to the outskirts by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll within the Sea of Consciousness, completely unable to shake even a bit of the status of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Even so, Ye Feng still couldn''t help feeling somewhat shocked. He had not used the Heaven Guard Monument before, and it being squeezed to one side by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll seemed normal to him, but the monument he had just used was already so strong. A single strike had crushed the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm and the Sword Saint of the Western Palace from the Sword Saint Palace to death, and yet it was still pushed aside by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. What level of treasure was the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll exactly?


    No one knew what Ye Feng was thinking, as Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong now turned their gazes toward the spot where the Heaven Guard Monument had smashed down.


    At this moment, beneath them, a seemingly bottomless huge pit appeared before their eyes, with cracked ground all around it. Massive, bottomless fissures also spread out from it.


    Everyone was staring at this huge pit, unable to sense the breath of any living being, nor could they see any corpses from the Sword Saint Palace or any objects or traces of blood!


    Hiss!


    Everyone sucked in a breath of cold air, and Chi Jark uttered in utter shock, "Is this, directly crushing the folks from the Sword Saint Palace into dust? Not even their weapons, not a single corpse, not even their blood can be seen!"


    This was too shocking. These people from the Sword Saint Palace included a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm and two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, along with three half-step Golden Cores. So many powerful beings, and yet all were utterly obliterated by the Heaven Guard Monument, not even leaving debris!


    Xiao Rulong was also stunned. No wonder, no wonder the legends passed down in his family about the Heaven Guard Monument were so extraordinary. This monument indeed was not simple; perhaps this meteorite from beyond the heavens had some special origin.


    Too strong, absurdly strong!


    Tell me, what magic treasure can crush a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to dust?


    It''s probably impossible to find a second one in the entire Outer Battlefield!


    Both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong shared this thought, sincerely shocked by the mighty power of the Heaven Guard Monument. However, remembering Ye Feng''s extremely pale face just a moment ago, they turned their gaze back to him.


    Xiao Rulong asked, "Ye Feng, you were alright just now, weren''t you?"


    Xiao Rulong asked with genuine concern. Naturally, this concern was sincere. The stronger Ye Feng was, the happier they would be, after all, they were on the same team. They didn''t want Ye Feng to be left with any sequelae from using the Heaven Guard Monument.


    No sooner had these words been said than Long Nannan and Sausage Sister also looked over, with Long Nannan''s eyes especially filled with worry.


    "Little Martial Uncle, you scared me to death just now. How are you really?"


    Long Nannan had the same look of concern on her face.


    Ye Feng, seeing everyone''s worried expressions, felt a warmth in his heart and responded, "I''m actually fine. Just now, it was nothing more than a bit of an excessive consumption. The Heaven Guard Monument absorbed a lot of the Power of Spirit Essence; I was nearly drained dry, and I could only keep up by absorbing the Power of Spirit Essence and supplying energy at the same time."


    "Then what was that rich concentration of the Power of Spirit Essence we felt just now? It was like we were in the Spirit Essence Pool, very pure and concentrated."


    Unable to contain his curiosity, Chi Jark asked directly.


    The others were also curious; they had all sensed it just a moment ago. Everyone present had entered the Spirit Essence Pool before, and it really felt like being in the Spirit Essence Pool beside Ye Feng. If not for Ye Feng''s situation seeming not too good, they might have already been unable to resist sitting down and cultivating.


    As the question arose, Ye Feng hesitated for a moment, then sighed and said, "It''s the Pulse Source."


    Pulse Source?


    Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, not understanding what Ye Feng meant.


    Ye Feng did not conceal much further, scanning the surroundings with his spiritual power, then quickly set up a Barrier with a raised hand. He then took out the gigantic Pulse Source from his Space Ring, floating it in the air.


    As the massive Pulse Source appeared, a rich concentration of the Power of Spirit Essence materialized around it, and it was strikingly pure, causing the bodies of all present to involuntarily absorb this pure Power of Spirit Essence.


    Everyone stared blankly at the massive Pulse Source in front of them, their eyes widened as they saw the Power of Spirit Essence inside it flowing like tiny dragons.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s eyes were about to pop out of their sockets, they stared intently at the huge Pulse Source, even rubbing their eyes, unwilling to believe this was real.


    "Is this the Pulse Source of the legendary Spirit Essence Vein!?" Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but ask, the Pulse Source, he did recall it, he had seen this thing in his family''s ancient texts and knew it was the origin of a Spirit Essence Vein.


    Ye Feng nodded, he didn''t conceal the truth about the object from the people around him. Instead, he briefly explained the origin and function of the Pulse Source¡ªof course, he didn''t mention that it was given to him by Elder Bai, nor that it came from the Spirit Essence Pool, only that he stumbled upon it by chance in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "So it was discovered in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, no wonder you, Ye Feng, disappeared for so many days during your first venture into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, without a trace to be found. It seems you had already discovered this Pulse Source back then and went to its location for your training, right?" Chi Jark suddenly teased, upon learning that the Spirit Essence Liquid in the Spirit Essence Pool actually originated from the Pulse Source, he had a momentary urge to rob Ye Feng, but thinking he was likely to be beaten to death, he immediately squashed the idea.


    Xiao Rulong looked over with a skeptical expression. He too felt it must be so; otherwise, why would Ye Feng not come to the wonderful Spirit Essence Pool and hide away for six days?


    After emerging from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, his strength had escalated beyond normal levels.


    Before entering the Spirit Essence Pool, Ye Feng had only just arrived at the Outer Battlefield. At most, he had the combat power of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm¡ªChi Jark had told him so, and judging from the information they received on Earth just before Ye Feng entered the Outer Battlefield, it seemed that Ye Feng could just about battle a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Yet, once he came out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he was already capable of withstanding the oppressive force of Hong Wuji, the Fourth Hall Master, a seasoned Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm¡ªsomething even a top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm couldn''t achieve. Later, in the battle for the Void Spirit Fruit, Ye Feng singlehandedly fought against seven Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!


    Just before this period, on the eve of Ye Feng''s entry into the Outer Battlefield, the news they received there about Ye Feng depicted someone who still struggled somewhat against the Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm, as well as the incident when the Clan Elder of the Hong Family went to attack Ye Feng at the Northern Cloud Residence. Both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had been informed of these events.


    In just one short month, his strength had undergone such a dramatic change, the key factor being his time in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Now knowing that Ye Feng possessed the source of the Spirit Essence Pool, the Pulse Source, it seemed explainable why Ye Feng''s strength could have ramped up this way.


    "Sort of." Ye Feng didn''t say much else and smiled mysteriously as he stored the Pulse Source away.


    Just as he put it away, Long Nannan''s voice suddenly rang out, "Hey, Little Martial Uncle, why did you store it away so quickly!"


    "I was thinking of absorbing more for my cultivation, hurry up and take it out again so I can continue!"


    Long Nannan clung to Ye Feng''s arm, batting her large eyes and acting coquettishly.


    When Ye Feng took out the Pulse Source earlier, she immediately sat down cross-legged, discreetly absorbing its power for her cultivation.


    Standing beside, Sausage Sister touched her forehead, helplessly saying, "Nannan, haven''t you absorbed enough in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm? Digest it properly first, stabilize your strength and then continue cultivating."


    Ye Feng was also caught between laughter and tears, saying, "Sausage Sister is right, Nannan, wait until your strength is stable. Then you can absorb more for cultivation later, no need to rush. I still have plenty of Pulse Source, no worries about lacking the Power of Spirit Essence for your cultivation. And there''s still the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, so don''t be too hasty."


    Only then did Long Nannan release her grip somewhat aggrievedly and walked to the side.


    Everyone who saw this smiled slightly.


    Ye Feng didn''t tell Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong that he wasn''t actually absorbing the Pulse Source for his cultivation, but rather absorbing Origin Energy.


    The Origin Energy that Chi Jark and the others dreamt of, Ye Feng had absorbed for a full six days, oblivious to how much he had taken in, thus resulting in such a great change in his strength.


    No one said much else, after a brief inspection to confirm everyone from Sword Saint Palace had been eliminated, they left the valley.


    They needed to continue their journey; there was still a little way to go to the location of the Genius Ranking Martial Contest. In half a day''s time, they would arrive.


    At this very moment, unbeknownst to Ye Feng and the others, in a certain palace within the Outer Battlefield, an old man with a terrifying aura suddenly opened his eyes, holding a talisman in his hands.


    If Chi Jark was there, he would definitely recognize it as the Sound Transmission Talisman of the Yin-Yang Temple!


    Upon taking out the talisman, the elder''s face immediately changed, and with a boom, a powerful aura exploded, shaking the entire palace as if there had been an earthquake.


    The old man, with an angry expression and cold eyes, muttered to himself, "Western Palace, your master will avenge you."

 Chapter 606 601: Wizard Alliance Ke Li

    Ye Feng and his companions had no idea that someone from the Yin-Yang Temple had already set their sights on them. Before they died, some members from the Sword Saint Palace managed to transmit the news back to the Yin-Yang Temple using a Sound Transmission Talisman.


    Even if Ye Feng truly became aware of this, he probably wouldn''t care anyway.


    After half a day had passed, Ye Feng and his group of five had already arrived in front of a dilapidated building. The structure was massive with towering walls all around it. The walls bore all kinds of marks from blades, swords, and even fists and palm seals. Not only that, but one could faintly make out the traces of blood that had dried on the walls over time, all of which attested to the building''s ancientness.


    By the time Ye Feng and his group arrived, several small camps had already been established in front of the building.


    At a glance, everyone could see that these small camps belonged to the Four Great Powers. Towards the west were a group of vampires with black wings fluttering behind them ¨C the high-ranking members of the Western Vampire Divine Court, indicating that the camps belonged to the Western Vampire Divine Court.


    Chi Jern squinted his eyes and gazed at the camps in the west, speaking with a hint of disdain, "These foul bats are gathered together, and their Blood Qi is indeed very rich. I guess there must be Vampire Divine Dukes here already, or else there wouldn''t be such dense Blood Qi."


    Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze and immediately noticed the intensely thick Blood Qi in the west. So thick was the blood mist encircling the entire camp area that the stench of blood was overwhelming. Even from a great distance, they could smell the dense Blood Qi.


    "It seems that about thirty of these foul bats have come this time, but there are only around ten in the Golden Core Realm. A few Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm exude very strong auras. Oh, that''s right, Duke Nick from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is also here, or rather, he should now be addressed as Grand Duke Nick."


    "You wretch, weren''t you once defeated by him?"


    Xiao Rulong wore a smile as his gaze instantly locked onto Nick, who he had seen before in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Nick''s previous rank was third on the Heaven Guard Monument, and he was also fifth in the previous generation''s talent rankings, just ahead of Chi Jern. It was Nick who had defeated Chi Jern back then.


    Old grudges were brought up, and Chi Jern glared at Xiao Rulong, "What is he good for?"


    "A stinking bat who dares call himself a Grand Duke?"


    "If I encounter him again this time, I''ll pluck those black wings off him."


    Chi Jern said contemptuously, no longer considering this vampire, who had once defeated him, worth noting. Back then, he had only narrowly lost to his opponent and had since gauged Nick''s abilities in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Even with a promotion to the Golden Core Realm, Nick would be no match for him, let alone now, as his own strength had further increased with cultivation in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Xiao Rulong merely chuckled; he was well aware that both he and Chi Jern no longer saw the previous generation''s talents as important. They were more concerned with individuals who ranked above the top three in the talent list¡ªother than Hong Tianyu, with whom there had been previous interactions and sparring, the first-ranked prodigy from the Yin-Yang Temple, who had vanished for three years, might or might not appear this time.


    Then there was Bu Fengning from the Bu Family, a mysterious and powerful figure who was already a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm three years ago. Rumors had it that he had entered Ice Prison Valley, but would he make an appearance this time?


    And there was the third-ranked individual on the talent list...


    Xiao Rulong pondered over this person, stroking his chin and seemingly lost in thought.


    To the north of Ye Feng and his party, there were individuals adorned in Daoist robes and holding magic wands¡ªclearly, they were the Shaman Wizards from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country. Compared to the dense Blood Qi from the Western Vampire Divine Court, the presence of power from the Snow Wolf Country''s camps seemed a bit weaker. At a glance, only eight were found to be in the Golden Core Realm, with a total of only about twenty people present.


    "Savis has also arrived, huh? But with his strength as a newly advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, he''s unlikely to cause much stir."


    Chi Jern looked towards the Snow Wolf Country''s Wizard Alliance and said with a smug smile.


    Savis was, of course, the person who previously had broken the rules in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm by taking medicine to participate in the selection for the Spirit Essence Pool and consequently was barred from cultivating in the Spirit Essence Pool. Now merely a newly advanced powerhouse of the Golden Core Realm, he might have been among the top ten prodigies before, but neither Chi Jern nor Xiao Rulong regarded him with any seriousness.


    "Savis is a minor character; the main event for the Wizard Alliance lies with Ke Li!"


    Xiao Rulong''s expression became solemn. His gaze had settled on a young man in the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, who was almost completely enveloped in a Daoist robe and was sitting cross-legged, holding a Blood Witch Stone, absorbing its power.


    At this moment, many vampires from the Vampire Divine Court had their eyes glowing green as they stared unblinking at the young man with the Blood Witch Stone. For vampires, the Blood Witch Stone was utterly irresistible.


    However, in such a setting, no one dared to raid the Snow Wolf Country''s camp to steal it, unless they were a fool. The auras from all sides were evidently strong, clearly indicating that Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were in attendance. Attempting to steal the Blood Witch Stone would be no different from seeking death.


    Upon hearing this, Chi Jern also focused on the young man, his eyes showing a hint of gravity.


    Curious, Ye Feng followed the gazes of the two men and looked over at the young man named Ke Li.


    Surprised by what he saw, Ye Feng noted that the man appeared even younger than Chi Jern and Xiao Rulong, yet the aura he exuded seemed no weaker than theirs, suggesting they were on the same level.


    "Which ranking did this Ke Li hold in the previous generation talent list?"


    Ye Feng asked curiously, feeling there was a hint of mystery about this Ke Li.


    "In the previous Talent Ranking, this guy was placed third, but he directly killed the one ranked fourth, Miyamoto Ichiro, in seconds,"


    Chi Jark said solemnly.


    Ye Feng was somewhat surprised. Ranking in the top three of a Talent Ranking meant that this strength must also be one of the top existences among the prodigies of Snow Wolf Country.


    "What about after that, how did Hong Tianyu end up in second place?"


    Unable to contain his curiosity, Ye Feng wondered if Ke Li had the strength to kill Miyamoto Ichiro in seconds at that time, then he shouldn''t have been no match for Hong Tianyu. Why was it that now Hong Tianyu had become the second, and the number one was a superb genius from the Yin-Yang Temple, rather than Ke Li from Snow Wolf Country?


    It was Xiao Rulong''s turn to take over the conversation, volunteering, "We all thought that this guy should have been able to contend for the first or second place because the first place could obtain a top-level magic treasure, the Purple Gold Ancient Bell¡ªit''s a defensive top-level magic treasure of great value, much stronger than the Hun Yuan Armor Hong Tianyu previously possessed. Back then, many people were gunning for that top-level treasure."


    Ye Feng was quite surprised as well. He had heard of the Purple Gold Ancient Bell, a top-level treasure from over two thousand years ago. In the wars of the Outer Battlefield back then, an ancient cultivator had roamed the Outer Battlefield for years with the aid of this bell, surviving attacks by three great alien beasts of the Yin-Yang Realm without sustaining any injuries.


    The fame of the Purple Gold Ancient Bell spread throughout the Outer Battlefield, and he did not expect that it was the reward for the last Talent Ranking. Was that reward enough to make even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm envious?


    "Don''t listen to his nonsense, it wasn''t the real Purple Gold Ancient Bell at all, it was just an imitation,"


    Chi Jark interjected, giving Xiao Rulong a disdainful look.


    An imitation?


    Ye Feng suddenly realized it was just an imitation.


    In that period over two thousand years ago, the art of artifact refining in the Dao Cultivation World was quite prosperous, giving birth to many powerful magic treasures, which in turn led to the production of imitations. Although the imitations were not as good as the real thing, they still possessed a part of the original''s power.


    The Purple Gold Ancient Bell was also a popular item for imitations two thousand years ago. Because defensive magic treasures are difficult to craft, a defense-oriented magic treasure of the same tier could be worth at least as much as two attack-oriented treasures.


    "The first place treasure of the last Talent Ranking was just an imitation usable within the Golden Core Realm; however, when fully activated, it could withstand a strike from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm,"


    Chi Jark added in explanation.


    Able to withstand a strike from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    That was already quite impressive. A common Golden Core Realm Great Power would not be able to withstand even a single strike from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, let alone be crushed just by the oppressive aura of a Yin-Yang Realm Great Power.


    That''s why Ye Feng withstanding the pressure from Hong Wuji had already caused a great shock; the chasm between the Golden Core Realm and the Yin-Yang Realm was utterly unbridgeable!


    For Ye Feng, who, as a Golden Core Realm cultivator had managed to slay a Great Power from the Yin-Yang Realm, such a feat would surely astound the entire Outer Battlefield if word got out.


    Therefore, even if it was an imitation of the Purple Gold Ancient Bell that could withstand a strike from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, it was enough to testify to its quality.


    "So, why did Ke Li only rank third?"


    Ye Feng queried once more, feeling that these two had danced around the issue for too long without addressing why Ke Li, with such strength, only came in third.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong realized that they had gone off-topic.


    "Scoundrel, don''t interrupt, do you know that your interference just now disrupted my train of thought?"


    Xiao Rulong blamed Chi Jark without hesitation.


    Chi Jark''s face darkened instantly. What did he mean by disrupting Xiao Rulong''s thoughts? This guy really knew how to make excuses.


    Xiao Rulong didn''t dwell on the matter and instead looked towards Ye Feng, explaining again, "The reason why Ke Li ended up third was that he did not fight against Hong Tianyu at all after becoming the third. That guy simply conceded, which is why he ended up in third place. But his strength is definitely more than just third place. It was just good luck that Hong Tianyu got the second place at that time."

 Chapter 607 602: Dark History

    Hearing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but reveal a puzzled look. Why did he concede without even fighting Hong Tianyu?


    "Why concede directly? Could it be that the reward for second place isn''t good?"


    Ye Feng asked curiously. He couldn''t think of any other reasons. It was supposed to be that the rewards for the geniuses'' ranking would descend in order, so the second-place prize should be much better than the third''s, yet Ke Li directly gave up on second place.


    "What''s not to like? The first-place reward is the Purple Gold Ancient Bell, while the second-place reward is a top-level magic treasure for attack, the Fiery Sun Divine Spear," said Xiao Rulong in a solemn voice. Beside him, Chi Jark with a look of disdain, chuckled, "The Fiery Sun Divine Spear also qualifies as a top-level magic treasure?"


    "It''s not even close to our Chi Family''s Silver Dragon Spear in terms of class!"


    Chi Jark spoke with disdain. The Silver Dragon Spear was the silver spear he had been carrying with him.


    But no sooner had he finished speaking than Xiao Rulong said in a ghostly tone, "You really have the nerve to say that. Who was it that told me before the contest that you must have the Fiery Sun Divine Spear, only to end up in the sixth place and then fail to advance any further? Have you no shame?"


    "That Silver Dragon Spear and the Silver Dragon Armor on you were both taken back to the Chi Family after the last genius ranking competition. You sneaked out the two treasures of your family from the Treasure Pavilion without the Chi Family Patriarch''s knowledge and secretly refined them."


    "I remember that time, you almost got your cultivation level destroyed by the Chi Family Patriarch, right?"


    Xiao Rulong mercilessly exposed another piece of Chi Jark''s dark history.


    At this moment, Chi Jark''s entire face really looked as awful as if he had eaten fly shit, because what Xiao Rulong said was all true.


    He had indeed coveted the Fiery Sun Divine Spear and once told Xiao Rulong that he was determined to obtain it. However, to his surprise, there were many dark horses in the competition, such as that first-place guy from the Yin-Yang Temple who was fighting for the first time publicly and had no prior information known about him.


    Who could have expected that a no-name from the Yin-Yang Temple would knock him out instantly? He was speechless at that moment, and the strength of the others was beyond his imagination, ultimately finishing in sixth place while Hong Tianyu took advantage of the situation and claimed second place.


    During his battle with Miyamoto Ichiro, Hong Tianyu had a tough victory. If he really faced Ke Li, he wouldn''t stand a chance against him; Ke Li simply chose not to fight him.


    Chi Jark''s face was filled with frustration and dissatisfaction as he retorted, "Xiao Chubby, mind your words. I took what was mine; that''s not called stealing!"


    "I was the next heir for the Chi Family leadership as recognized by the family. Taking the Silver Dragon Spear and Silver Dragon Armor was just to let them return to their master''s side sooner and get acquainted in advance," Chi Jark said with all seriousness.


    Xiao Rulong''s face was even more playful, and he laughed, "As far as I remember, didn''t the Chi Family Patriarch say you must reach the Golden Core Realm before you can take the Silver Dragon Spear and Armor? All the previous Chi Family heads took them only after reaching the Golden Core Realm. It''s just your generation that''s an exception."


    Sausage Sister became interested and asked directly, "Why must it be the Golden Core Realm before they can be taken?"


    Xiao Rulong glanced at Sausage Sister and smiled, "Because the Silver Dragon Spear and Armor of the Chi Family are true top-level magic treasures that require high standards from the user. Without sufficient strength and realm, one simply can''t wield these top-level magic treasures. Once a Chi Family heir tried to force it before reaching the Golden Core Realm, and the magic treasures turned against him, severing his meridians."


    "Although he was saved in the end, his cultivation level was nearly wasted, and that incident caused the Chi Family''s decline for a time."


    "An heir of an ancient clan will have used a lot of the family''s resources and must possess sufficient strength and talent to be chosen as the successor. If such an heir falls or encounters a cultivation problem, it poses a significant loss for an ancient clan."


    "That''s why, after that incident, the Chi Family set the rule that any heir must not take the Silver Dragon Spear and Armor before reaching the greatness of the Golden Core Realm, or they would face five years of wall-gazing as a penalty!"


    "However, this scoundrel here simply refined both top-level magic treasures after taking them, and nothing grave happened. Then, he ran straight back to the Outer Battlefield and vanished. The Chi Family Members searched frantically for him. Only after they sent a message assuring him they wouldn''t punish him did he dare to show up; otherwise, he might still be in hiding," Xiao Rulong said playfully.


    Chi Jark''s entire face had turned green. The Xiao Family and the Chi Family were almost as one, and he and Xiao Rulong had virtually grown up together, so Xiao Rulong knew all about him.


    Now Xiao Rulong was airing all his dirty laundry, and Chi Jark truly felt the urge to run his spear through Xiao Rulong.


    Xiao Rulong, noticing Chi Jark''s murderous gaze, gave a cough and said, "Scoundrel, I''m just helping everyone get to know you better, right? We''re all going to be living together. Even if I kept silent, everyone would find out sooner or later. Rather than having you embarrassed later on, I might as well bring it up now. I''m sure no one will mind too much."


    Xiao Rulong looked serious, but at that moment, fire seemed to blaze in Chi Jark''s eyes, and he really wanted to tear Xiao Rulong''s mouth.


    Ye Feng, watching the two nearly come to blows, couldn''t help but laugh and cry, stepped in to mediate, "You two, enough already. I won''t ask any more questions. If this continues, the little boat of your friendship is really going to capsize."


    Ye Feng was also somewhat helpless. How could these two guys keep bickering like this, two Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and both belonging to the pride of ancient clans, yet they kept on squabbling incessantly. Luckily, there were not many people around; otherwise, it would have been quite the embarrassment.


    However, Ye Feng could see that the relationship between Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong was indeed not ordinary. The two of them knew each other thoroughly, and their personalities were rather straightforward.


    Upon hearing Ye Feng''s words, the two of them finally stopped, although the murderous look in Chi Jark''s eyes had not yet faded.


    Ye Feng glanced at Ke Li in the camp of the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country and quickly withdrew his gaze. Ke Li''s strength was not poor, but in terms of aura, he was probably still not a match for Ye Feng.


    However, it might be a different story if Chi Jark or Xiao Rulong were to face Ke Li.


    Without dwelling on it further, Ye Feng noticed the Western Vampire Divine Court to the west, the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country to the north, and to the south were figures in long robes and tall hats¡ªOnmyoji from the Fusang Yin-Yang Temple!


    Of course, the Yin-Yang Temple''s forces were not limited to Onmyoji; Ye Feng also saw two ninjas at the Expert of the Golden Core Realm level.


    However, the number of people on the side of the Yin-Yang Temple currently added up to only fifteen.


    At this moment, in a tent at the camp of the Yin-Yang Temple, a Yin-Yang Divine Master said with a cold gaze, "Have there been any news of the Sword Saint of the Western Palace? Why is there still no contact with them?"


    Kneeling on one knee in front of this Yin-Yang Divine Master was a Half-Step Golden Core expert, who respectfully said, "Reporting to the Divine Master, there is still no news at all. We can''t get in touch with the great Sword Saint of the Western Palace, including Miyamoto Ichiro. None of them can be reached; it''s as if they''ve vanished."


    The face of the Yin-Yang Divine Master darkened, and his gaze flickered continuously, "Since when has it been impossible to make contact?"


    The Half-Step Golden Core expert immediately replied, "Half a day ago, we have been attempting to establish contact during this period, but there has been no success in reaching them."


    Hearing that contact had been lost as of half a day ago, the Yin-Yang Divine Master''s face became even angrier, and his powerful aura slowly began to manifest as he said coldly, "Why didn''t you come to report when you lost contact half a day ago?"


    Feeling the terrifying aura that was starting to show from the Yin-Yang Divine Master, the Half-Step Golden Core Realm expert was dripping with cold sweat and fear. Trembling, he said, "Great one... You were in secluded cultivation... I didn''t dare to disturb you..."


    Bang!


    The powerful aura of the Yin-Yang Divine Master exploded, attacking the Half-Step Golden Core Realm expert directly.


    "No!!"


    "No, no, no!!!"


    "Master, I realize my mistake!"


    "Master..."


    The complexion of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm expert changed drastically; he screamed desperately, and in the next instant, a powerful aura crushed him, exploding his body into a mist of blood.


    No corpse was left behind, only a cloud of blood slowly falling, turning into tiny droplets of blood.


    This was the oppressive power of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, enough to crush an expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm!


    "Idiot, not knowing the severity of matters. You''re of no use alive either," said the Yin-Yang Divine Master coldly, looking at the blood mist in front of him without a hint of emotion, as if he had just killed an ant.


    At that moment, another soft and gentle voice came from the tent, "Divine Master Tanaka, there''s no need to be angry about this. Even if the Sword Saint Palace''s people don''t make it, it won''t make much of a difference. Everything is under my control."


    Divine Master Tanaka turned and looked at an Onmyoji standing beside him, whose appearance was extremely feminine and beautiful, radiating a powerful and elusive aura.


    Divine Master Tanaka smiled and said, "Qingya, you are right. With you here, none of the heaven''s pride on this Outer Battlefield will be your match. The first place on the Genius Ranking will surely be in your hands again this time."


    ...


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng and his group had arrived at the Xuanyuan Hall camp. At this time, everyone gathered together, led by the First Hall Master of the Xuanyuan Hall.


    Everyone had noticed the arrival of Ye Feng and Chi Jark among others, and their expressions varied.

 Chapter 608 603 Irrelevant People

    "The Northern Border King, Ye Feng, and his people have arrived!"


    "It seems they really did come here on their own. At first, I thought they had decided not to partake in the talent ranking Martial Dao competition."


    "How could that be possible? This is an opportunity to enter the Source Secret Realm for cultivation; only a fool would miss out. Plus, with the Chi Family prodigy Chi Jianren and the Xiao Family prodigy Xiao Rulong following Ye Feng, they definitely won''t be short on benefits."


    "Exactly, wherever there are benefits to be had these past years, those two have never been absent. Last time, I almost got my hands on the Sacred Spirit Vine, but it was snatched away by that guy from the Chi Family."


    The crowd from Xuanyuan Hall were all looking over, whispering among themselves.


    Both Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong had slightly pale faces. What did they mean by "they were never missing from places with benefits"?


    Even though what these people were saying wasn''t wrong, discussing it right in front of their faces felt a bit too much.


    Chi Jianren let out a cold huff, releasing his strong aura.


    The aura of a top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm was displayed in front of everyone!


    The crowd immediately quieted down, all of them shocked by Chi Jianren''s aura, which felt even stronger than when he had emerged from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. How could it be?


    Had it not been many days since he left the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    At this moment, figures like Bu Tianyun and Golden Cicada from Xuanyuan Hall had extremely solemn expressions. Chi Jianren had indeed grown stronger, far more formidable than when they last saw him during the battle for the Void Spirit Fruit. How could he have improved so rapidly? Could it be because of the Void Spirit Fruit?


    Many who knew Chi Jianren had obtained the Void Spirit Fruit speculated that his rapid increase in strength was related to the fruit.


    Though the fruit''s effects were limited to boosting spiritual power, the strength of one''s spiritual power was indeed connected to their Realm. Stronger spiritual power meant faster progress in strength, even in the Yin-Yang Realm. Only with sufficient spiritual power can your Realm become more powerful.


    Many eyes now filled with envy and jealousy¡ªthe Void Spirit Fruit was a supreme-grade Spirit Fruit, coveted by all.


    Ye Feng, noticing the malicious looks from the crowd, hurriedly sent a telepathic warning to Chi Jianren, "Brother Jerk, keep a low profile; don''t let your aura rise any further. Now is not the time to reveal our full strength."


    Chi Jianren''s aura was indeed still climbing. He was extremely annoyed by these people gossiping about him to his face. Having already had his embarrassing past poked at by Xiao Rulong on their journey, he was still holding back his anger. Now at Xuanyuan Hall''s camp, to be subject to their idle talk, he could no longer restrain himself.


    However, after Ye Feng''s warning, he immediately stopped releasing his aura and reigned it in.


    He had almost decided to let out his full aura, but thankfully Ye Feng reminded him. He had actually only revealed eighty percent of his aura.


    But even that eighty percent made everyone feel the terror, including some of the elder Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, whose expressions had become extremely serious. They felt that, just from the aura Chi Jianren had released, he was already on par with them, and if a real fight were to occur, he would likely be even stronger.


    No one felt this more acutely than Hong Qing, who had previously fought with Chi Jianren. His face was particularly grave; he had personally clashed with Chi Jianren over the Void Spirit Fruit, and at that time, Chi Jianren''s aura was only on par with his.


    Yet, in less than ten days since then, Hong Qing could feel Chi Jianren''s aura had surpassed his own, leaving him astonished and resentful. Grinding his teeth, he said, "It must all be thanks to the Void Spirit Fruit. Damn it, that fruit was supposed to be mine!"


    Beside him, Hong Gaishi''s gaze flickered, staring intently at Ye Feng and his group while telepathically communicating with Hong Qing, "Elder Hong Qing, what''s going on? Didn''t you inform the Sword Saint Palace about Ye Feng? They said they would intercept, but why are Ye Feng and his people appearing here safe and unharmed?"


    Before setting off, Hong Qing had claimed that he informed the Sword Saint Palace to intercept Ye Feng and his group. Hong Gaishi had been looking forward to hearing about Ye Feng''s disappearance upon arriving here, but now, not only had nothing happened to Ye Feng and his group, they seemed unscathed. What was going on?


    Was the Sword Saint Palace''s previous promise a lie, or did they simply never encounter Ye Feng and his party?


    Hong Qing was taken aback by Hong Gaishi''s question and looked bewildered at the unharmed Ye Feng and his companions, equally puzzled.


    "Gaishi, you''ve reminded me, it seems that the people from the Sword Saint Palace in the Yin-Yang Temple camp haven''t arrived yet."


    Hong Qing was confused, and his gaze shifted toward the Yin-Yang Temple camp, his brow furrowing at the sight of only a handful of people in the camp.


    Only then did Hong Gaishi look over and noticed with surprise that indeed, not a single person from Sword Saint Palace had arrived, whereas Ye Feng and his company had made it. What exactly was the situation?


    Just as the two from the Hong Family were bewildered, the First Hall Master, seeing Ye Feng and his group, approached with a smile, "Well done, you youngsters have done well to safely make it here on your own."


    The First Hall Master wasn''t joking. Merely passing through the Outer Battlefield was fraught with many Alien Beasts and hidden perils, coupled with members from various Great Powers hurrying towards this region, it was all too easy to encounter members from hostile forces. In previous editions, there were always lone prodigies who perished en route, mostly due to being ambushed by rival forces.


    A small portion also fell to the jaws of Alien Beasts, which is why it became customary for Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to lead the teams, with the goal of reducing losses.


    "Hall Master, you flatter us. We were just lucky and didn''t encounter any Alien Beasts on the way,"


    Ye Feng said modestly.


    The First Hall Master glanced at the Yin-Yang Temple camp, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes before he turned back and directly transmitted his voice to Ye Feng, "Ye Feng, did you encounter anyone from the Sword Saint Palace on your way here?"


    The First Hall Master had just noticed a burst of spiritual power from the direction of the Yin-Yang Temple; glancing over, he didn''t see anyone from the Sword Saint Palace, which piqued his curiosity. Could something have happened to the people from the Sword Saint Palace?


    Now, there wasn''t much time left until the official start of the Talent List Martial Competition, and most had arrived within the designated hour. People from various powers were almost all present, with only the Yin-Yang Temple having about a dozen people missing. It was clear to everyone that only the Sword Saint Palace members were absent.


    Seeing that Ye Feng''s group was the last to arrive, and recalling that Ye Feng seemed to have a grievance with the Sword Saint Palace back on Earth, he asked Ye Feng about it.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng felt a stir in his heart, but his facial expression and eyes revealed no fluctuation as he transmitted back to the First Hall Master, "Reporting back to the First Hall Master, we did not see anyone from the Sword Saint Palace. Along the way, we only killed some Alien Beasts, which delayed us a little."


    The First Hall Master looked at Ye Feng and the others with a skeptical eye, then remembered the Sword Saint Palace was said to have a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm leading them. If they had really encountered Ye Feng and his group, they should have been injured if not dead. But looking at them now, they seemed unharmed. It appeared they truly hadn''t encountered anyone from the Sword Saint Palace.


    But why hadn''t the Sword Saint Palace members, led by a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, arrived yet?


    Considering the locations of the various powers, the Talent List Martial Competition was generally held in a central area with each of the Four Great Powers encamped equidistant from one another. Generally speaking, the arrival times of the powers should not differ too much.


    Many lone prodigies had already arrived, yet the Sword Saint Palace of the Yin-Yang Temple hadn''t. This sparked curiosity among the crowd.


    As the First Hall Master mulled over this, a loud voice rose from the Western Vampire Divine Court, "Tanaka, where are the people from your Yin-Yang Temple''s Sword Saint Palace? Why haven''t they arrived? This Divine Lord is keen to witness the new Sword Saint of the Xuanyuan from your Yin-Yang Temple''s Sword Saint Palace. Don''t tell me he got scared off halfway through?"


    The voice was unmasked, audible to all the powers present.


    All eyes turned to see that in the blood fog surrounding the Western Vampire Divine Court, a figure now hovered in the air, its blood-colored wings fluttering, a pale face, and sharp fangs bared.


    This was a Vampire Divine Lord from the Western Vampire Divine Court!


    The Divine Lord looked amused, his gaze already fixed in the direction of the Yin-Yang Temple camp.


    At the Yin-Yang Temple camp, a figure in a long robe rose slowly from a tent, the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm leading the team ¨C Divine Master Tanaka.


    Divine Master Tanaka, with a cold expression, glanced at the Vampire Divine Lord and said in a chilly voice, "Lais, there''s no need for you to worry about this. Sword Saint of the Western Palace had some matters to attend to and has not arrived yet."


    He did not reveal the truth that the Sword Saint from the Western Palace had gone missing, as the sudden disappearance of a newly advanced Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm was a tremendous loss for the Yin-Yang Temple. Announcing it now would have significant repercussions for the Yin-Yang Temple in the future, so the matter had to be kept under wraps for the moment.


    Hearing Divine Master Tanaka speak thus, those present couldn''t help but look doubtful. Had some matters? Or had he disappeared, or encountered some accident?


    The crowd speculated, but no one could be sure of the exact situation, especially since the Sword Saint from the Western Palace of the Sword Saint Palace had also reached the Realm of Yin and Yang. A being of the Yin-Yang Realm was typically an unrivaled existence in the Outer Battlefield, so logically, no accident should occur.


    "But the time has come, and if the Sword Saint from the Western Palace of your Yin-Yang Temple does not show up, we must begin,"


    said a man in a cloaked Daoist Robe from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, as he too rose in the air. He was a Divine Shaman from Snow Wolf Country, speaking with a cold face.


    "There''s no need to wait, the hour has come. We shouldn''t wait for those of no consequence. Distinguished friends, let us proceed to the arena,"


    said the First Hall Master, now levitating as well, speaking indifferently.


    Divine Master Tanaka''s face immediately darkened. What did he mean by people of no consequence?

 Chapter 609 604: Bu Fengning has arrived

    Divine Master Tanaka''s face looked ugly as the words of the First Hall Master were a clear mockery of their Yin-Yang Temple, but recalling the strength of the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, he still suppressed his anger.


    The people from the other three great powers nodded upon hearing this, and Divine Duke Lais even said with a laugh, "The First Hall Master is right. There are so many of us here, and we certainly won''t wait for those few from your Yin-Yang Sword Saint Palace. Since they haven''t arrived, it''s simple to cancel their qualifications to participate."


    "Now, fellow Daoists, please bring your people into the venue."


    As soon as Divine Duke Lais finished speaking, he waved his hand, and all the high-level vampires from his Western Vampire Divine Court below were enveloped in a blood-colored light barrier and levitated.


    Immediately after, Divine Duke Lais laughed loudly, "Everyone, enter!"


    Once Divine Duke Lais had finished speaking, he led the blood-colored light barrier and flew directly into the vast city.


    At this time, Ye Feng noticed how Divine Duke Lais addressed the First Hall Master directly as "First Hall Master" and, raising his eyebrows slightly, he transmitted his voice to Xiao Rulong, asking, "Xiao Chubby, what is the real name of the First Hall Master?"


    Xiao Rulong was momentarily stunned but quickly understood Ye Feng''s confusion, and replied through voice transmission, "No one knows the real name of the First Hall Master. People from the Outer Battlefield directly address him as such, and the formidable reputation of the First Hall Master is very clear to all powers. Even a great power from the Yin-Yang Realm of the Yin-Yang Temple once inquired about the First Hall Master''s name, but the First Hall Master didn''t disclose it."


    "That great power from the Yin-Yang Realm was displeased and spoke disrespectfully to the First Hall Master. Subsequently, the First Hall Master struck with a single move, severely injuring the Yin-Yang Realm great power. Although it was one of the weaker Yin-Yang Realm great powers, it was genuinely a power of the Yin-Yang Realm. The First Hall Master''s fame then spread throughout the Outer Battlefield."


    "Since then, no one has dared to challenge the First Hall Master''s authority."


    "No one has dared to ask again about the First Hall Master''s name. I''ve heard that even the other Hall Masters of our Xuanyuan Hall do not know the First Hall Master''s real name, let alone those from other powers."


    Not only that, but the appearance of the First Hall Master is also unseen; his face is perpetually covered by a veil of mist, and no one has been able to discern the First Hall Master''s features."


    As Xiao Rulong transmitted his message, his tone was still very solemn.


    Hearing all these, Ye Feng frowned and glanced at the face of the First Hall Master shrouded in mist before promptly looking away, wary that the First Hall Master might notice his attention.


    But by then, the seeds of doubt had already been planted in his heart. What was the true identity of the First Hall Master, and why maintain such secrecy?


    Other Hall Masters were actually ancestors or predecessors from various ancient clans or the nine great sects of Ancient Martial Arts, such as the Seventh Hall Master of the Utility Pavilion, who was an ancestor of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming. There was no need for them to conceal their identities. On the contrary, their status as a Hall Master could directly intimidate others from the Outer Battlefield''s powers and protect the younger generation of their families or sects from being bullied by the powerful.


    But the First Hall Master was an exception; that layer of mist on his face never disappeared.


    Ye Feng silently took note of all this without making a sound.


    Over on the side of Snow Wolf Country, the Divine Shaman also had a stern face, as one by one, the wizards dressed in Daoist robes took flight, bursting with energy as they flew into the city.


    Meanwhile, Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple looked as displeased as if he had eaten fly droppings, his face exceedingly ugly. These people were completely disregarding his face as a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm. In his heart, he cursed thoroughly at the Sword Saint of the Western Palace¡ªif it weren''t for the disappearance of the Sword Saint at this critical moment, he wouldn''t be suffering such mockery.


    "Let''s go as well!"


    Divine Master Tanaka gave the First Hall Master another cold glance, then, leading the dozen or so powerful members of the Yin-Yang Temple behind him, took to the air, following the others.


    The First Hall Master paid no mind to Divine Master Tanaka''s gaze, observing that the three great powers had already entered and now only their Xuanyuan Hall was left outside.


    He was about to address the people from Xuanyuan Hall behind him when suddenly, everyone noticed a figure flying from the distance, and many turned to look.


    "That is..."


    "Why does this person feel somewhat familiar?"


    "It''s Bu Fengning!!"


    Quickly, the crowd recognized the real identity of the approaching figure.


    They saw the swiftly approaching figure dressed in a white robe embroidered with golden threads and a purple gold crown, his features strikingly handsome, his aura shrouded in mystery, his realm impossible to discern, yet emanating an inexplicable oppressive sensation.


    "What a handsome man!"


    Sausage Sister, standing beside Ye Feng, couldn''t help but praise the figure.


    Next to her, Long Nannan snickered and said, "Pfft, Sausage Sister, if that blockhead Sima Zhantian heard you say that, he''d be heartbroken."


    Sausage Sister rolled her eyes and retorted, "What do his feelings have to do with me? Besides, I only said the guy is handsome; I didn''t say I liked him. Don''t overthink things, girl."


    Sausage Sister sent Long Nannan a big eye roll, and Long Nannan laughed while sticking out her tongue.


    While the two women joked around, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong next to them couldn''t afford to joke, their expressions were one more solemn than the other.


    "Bu Fengning of the Bu Family has come after all!"


    Chi Jark said in a grave tone, his eyes full of wariness.


    Xiao Rulong also felt the same way. He looked at Bu Fengning and said softly, "He didn''t show up the last time we competed for the Void Spirit Fruit. I thought he wouldn''t appear at this Talent Leaderboard Martial Arts Competition either. Unexpectedly, this guy ultimately came. It seems this year''s Talent Leaderboard Martial Arts Competition won''t be that simple."


    At that time, Ye Feng also gave Bu Fengning an extra glance, somewhat surprised. He couldn''t see through Bu Fengning''s strength ¡ª was it really that high, or was it because he was cultivating a concealment technique?


    Ye Feng''s curiosity was piqued. Currently, aside from not being able to discern the realm of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, he could see through the realm of almost any powerhouse below that level at a glance. Of course, this didn''t rule out the possibility that the other party was cultivating a technique that concealed their cultivation level. Ye Feng himself knew such a technique, but he seemed to have no need to use it.


    By now, everybody already knew that he was only at the Peak Martial King Realm.


    There would be no great effect in concealing his cultivation level any further.


    The appearance of Bu Fengning was most surprising to the members of the Bu Family. Bu Tianyun at that time went over with another Realm Lord from the Golden Core Realm to greet him.


    "Big Brother Fengning!"


    Bu Tianyun greeted with cupped fists, as by seniority, he indeed should address Bu Fengning as his elder brother.


    "Young Master Fengning!"


    The other Golden Core Realm greeted with great respect, bowing deeply.


    Bu Fengning''s face was indifferent as he nodded slightly. He glanced at Bu Tianyun''s Golden Core Realm level and said faintly, "Did you advance by entering the Spirit Essence Pool?"


    Bu Tianyun''s body shook slightly, and he immediately nodded, replying solemnly, "Yes, I just came out of the Spirit Essence Pool in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    In his heart, he was astonished as it had been many years since he last saw Bu Fengning. Before the last Talent Leaderboard Martial Arts Competition, Bu Fengning had returned to Earth once, but ever since his secluded cultivation to advance to the Golden Core Realm, Bu Fengning had been continuously on the Outer Battlefield and hadn''t taken a single step out. He hadn''t seen Bu Fengning either.


    However, after such a long time, Bu Fengning was still able to tell at a glance that he had entered the Spirit Essence Pool, which was shocking enough in itself.


    "Your realm is quite stable, but it''s still lacking a bit. You need to continue solidifying it on your own. The power of the Spirit Essence you''ve hastily absorbed is somewhat inferior to the strength you build through your own cultivation."


    Bu Fengning''s indifferent voice reached Bu Tianyun''s ears, and Bu Tianyun paused, realizing that Bu Fengning was actually transmitting the message to him.


    Bu Tianyun was slightly surprised. The Power of Spirit Essence in the Spirit Essence Pool was so pure, yet Bu Fengning was still telling him that he needed to continue to stabilize it on his own.


    However, these past days, he indeed felt that his strength was a bit buoyant, lacking somewhat in control.


    In fact, Ye Feng had noticed this problem as well, which is why, after everyone had cultivated for a while, he didn''t let them continue staying in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation. Whether outside or inside the Spirit Essence Pool, quickly cultivating and absorbing the Power of Spirit Essence would not be very stable. It is essential to be solid at the base.


    It would require tempering and solidification through combat or further personal cultivation. However, after advancing from the Spirit Essence Pool and solidifying the gains thoroughly, it wouldn''t take much more time. A few more battles would basically do the trick.


    "I understand. Thank you, Big Brother Fengning, for your advice."


    Bu Tianyun transmitted his thanks.


    At this point, Bu Fengning no longer said anything but approached the First Hall Master, bowing slightly, "First Hall Master, Fengning has arrived late. Please excuse my tardiness."


    Bu Fengning looked very respectful and glanced at the First Hall Master''s face shrouded in mist. His heart still trembled slightly ¡ª he still couldn''t see the true face of the First Hall Master!


    Aside from seeing those deep eyes that were like an ocean of stars, he could see nothing else.


    Bu Fengning was shocked. He thought that after returning from his cultivation this time, he could glimpse the true countenance of this unmatched powerhouse. Yet, to his surprise, it was no different from before. Even though he had advanced from the Half-Step Golden Core to the top-level Golden Core Realm, he still couldn''t make out a face.


    His admiration for the First Hall Master grew a few notches higher in his heart. This was a genuinely unparalleled powerhouse, a fearsome existence in the Outer Battlefield.


    The First Hall Master looked at Bu Fengning, as if he could see right through him, nodding in satisfaction, "Not bad. It seems your cultivation has borne much fruit over these three years. The young generation is indeed formidable."


    The eyes of everyone present held a hint of surprise ¡ª for someone of the First Hall Master''s standing to give such an evaluation was high praise indeed.


    It seemed that Bu Fengning''s current strength was indeed quite formidable; otherwise, the First Hall Master certainly would not have given such praise.


    "You flatter me, First Hall Master."


    Bu Fengning respectfully demurred, offering thanks before returning to Bu Tianyun''s side.


    At that moment, another streak of light came flying from a distance, and everyone looked over again.


    "Hong Tianyu has arrived."


    Xiao Rulong raised an eyebrow. He was now eager to have another bout against Hong Tianyu.


    "Over there, someone else has arrived!"


    Chi Jark''s expression changed as he looked in a different direction.

 Chapter 610 605: First and Second

    Everyone had also noticed that two figures were rushing over from a distance, one was Hong Tianyu, and the other was wearing a long, green robe.


    "Hahaha, Ye Feng, your Grandpa Mu is here!"


    Initially, the crowd was puzzled about who the person in the green robe was; they all felt a sense of familiarity but couldn''t recall the name.


    Ye Feng looked at the figure in the green robe sprinting towards him and couldn''t help feeling a bit speechless. Who else could this carefree person be, if not Mu Tian, whom he''d encountered upon first entering the Outer Battlefield?


    However, seeing Mu Tian again still stirred some complex emotions in Ye Feng. He always felt that Mu Tian had changed after entering the Outer Battlefield, seeming to be more indulgent, happier, and more free-spirited. While he and Mu Tian had their differences, at the end of the day, they had once been like brothers.


    Due to Mu Tian''s shout, many people turned their attention to Ye Feng. Was Mu Tian actually related to Ye Feng?


    "What''s the relationship between Ye Feng, the Northern Border King, and Mu Tian? They seem quite familiar with each other, don''t they?"


    "I don''t know, but ever since this guy Mu Tian arrived on the Outer Battlefield, nothing has been quiet. Especially before, in the survival space for those below the Golden Core Realm, it was incredibly unfriendly."


    "Ever since that kid entered the Outer Battlefield, he''s been plundering resources everywhere. If he encounters a Half-Step Golden Core Realm cultivator alone, he''d rob them outright, not to mention discoveries of various resources¡ªit seems nothing happens without him."


    "Don''t know if it''s luck or strength that has kept him alive until now, it''s truly a miracle."


    "Look carefully, that guy seems to have reached the Realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. My gosh, isn''t he rather young, about the same age as Ye Feng, the Northern Border King?"


    "Didn''t we see that this guy was just at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm a while ago? How is he in the Golden Core Realm now? Has advancing to the Golden Core Realm become so easy nowadays?"


    "He didn''t even enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm before, how did he advance? Now it seems the Golden Core Realm has become quite common. When I reached the Golden Core Realm at the age of thirty-five, I was considered a prodigy of my Sect. Now these demonic creatures are not even thirty and they are all at the Golden Core Realm. How''s one supposed to live?"


    Some wanted to ask about Ye Feng''s relationship with Mu Tian, but getting no answers, they instead started to discuss Mu Tian''s affairs.


    At this moment, Hong Tianyu and Mu Tian had almost simultaneously arrived in front of the crowd at Xuanyuan Hall.


    Hong Tianyu, with his indifferent face, glanced at Mu Tian beside him and slightly frowned. He had heard of Mu Tian before, but back then, Mu Tian was only at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, and he himself had already reached the Realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, hence he never paid much attention to this newcomer to the Outer Battlefield.


    Unexpectedly, within less than a year, Mu Tian had reached the Realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core, and his presence seemed quite formidable, definitely not an ordinary Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    Hong Tianyu''s gaze became more solemn. Just then, Mu Tian beside him glanced over.


    Mu Tian, seeing Hong Tianyu looking at him, raised his eyebrows in annoyance and said, "Hey you, what are you looking at? Have you never seen a man as handsome as your Grandpa Mu?"


    "I''ll have you know, I''m not interested in you, don''t get the wrong idea."


    Mu Tian huffed and turned his head away, darting directly towards Ye Feng.


    Hong Tianyu''s strikingly handsome face froze on the spot. What kind of audacious words had Mu Tian just uttered?


    A wave of nausea churned in Hong Tianyu''s stomach as he glared resentfully at the departing Mu Tian, his face clouded with displeasure.


    It wasn''t just Hong Tianyu who was stunned; everyone else was also taken aback by Mu Tian''s sudden outburst. It was outrageously preposterous. Where was the semblance of a Golden Core Realm prodigy in his behavior?


    Bu Fengning couldn''t help but take another look at Mu Tian, feeling that this Mu Tian gave him an unnerving sense of threat. Was it his imagination?


    Doubtful, Bu Fengning took another look, only to find that the feeling had disappeared.


    Thus, Bu Fengning did not dwell on it any longer, thinking it was a misperception. The other party was younger than him by several years; even as a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, he definitely wouldn''t be a match for him.


    Over at Hong Tianyu, he did not bother with Mu Tian any longer and instead proactively approached the First Hall Master to greet him.


    At that moment, however, the First Hall Master''s gaze was directed at Mu Tian. It wasn''t until Hong Tianyu started talking that he withdrew his look.


    That gaze did not escape Ye Feng''s attention.


    He felt puzzled; why had the First Hall Master been looking at Mu Tian off and on, his eyes even showing some fluctuations? Before that, those eyes concealed in the mist had been without a ripple, always tranquil.


    It was only then, at Mu Tian''s arrival, that they wavered!


    Before Ye Feng could ponder further, Mu Tian had already arrived in front of him.


    "Ye Feng, how come you''re still at the Peak Martial King Realm? Haven''t you improved at all? If you''re still as weak as before, then sorry, but you''re definitely no match for me now. This time it''s my turn to use you for Body Refinement."


    Mu Tian wore a grin, placing one hand on Ye Feng''s shoulder.


    Seeing him like this, Ye Feng could only smile wryly. He knew Mu Tian was still bothered by that previous incident of being used for Body Refinement.


    At that moment, Chi Jianren, Xiao Rulong, and Long Nannan all grew interested and turned their gaze to Ye Feng.


    "What Body Refinement?"


    Long Nannan asked with wide, curious eyes.


    Ye Feng found himself besieged by the gazes of several people, so he recounted the time he first ventured into the Outer Battlefield and his sparring session with Mu Tian.


    Back then, Mu Tian insisted on sparring, which happened to reveal the inadequacy of Ye Feng''s physical strength, so he took the opportunity to temper his body while sparring with Mu Tian.


    After Ye Feng finished speaking, the others couldn''t help but look at him with odd expressions.


    It turned out that this prodigy, who had already made quite a name for himself in the Outer Battlefield, was actually used by Ye Feng, who had just entered the Outer Battlefield at that time, for the purpose of tempering his flesh body. This was quite interesting.


    Mu Tian, with his thick skin, paid no attention to the gazes of the crowd. Instead, he looked at Long Nannan, who had just spoken, and was momentarily startled before blurting out, "You are the..."


    Mu Tian cut off his words, having suddenly remembered that some things shouldn''t be said in front of so many people.


    "I don''t know you at all."


    Long Nannan walked to the side, completely ignoring Mu Tian.


    Mu Tian''s demeanor became slightly bitter, and his gaze complex.


    Ye Feng was also silent. The relationship between him, Long Nannan, and Mu Tian was quite complicated, and he no longer wished to dwell on it.


    Mu Tian quickly reverted to his carefree demeanor and looked at Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, who were still enjoying the show. His eyes lit up: "Isn''t this Brother Chi, who''s known as the ''Number One Jerk of the Outer Battlefield''?"


    As soon as Mu Tian spoke, Chi Jark''s face turned dark.


    "What did you say, who is the ''Number Two Jerk of the Outer Battlefield''?"


    Chi Jark''s expression was terribly grim as silver light flashed in his hand, and the Silver Dragon Spear appeared.


    Ye Feng and others were stunned for a moment. Chi Jark had such a nickname?


    Xiao Rulong cleared his throat and said, "This guy Chi Jark is called the ''Number Two Jerk of the Outer Battlefield'' by many because he''s been grabbing spiritual medicines and various resources from others."


    Everyone was taken aback for a moment, then smiles appeared on their faces, clearly amused by the title.


    Chi Jark''s face went green when he heard this. How could he not have known about such a nickname?


    "Then who is number one?"


    Sausage Sister couldn''t help but ask out of curiosity.


    "Number one, of course, is none other than your Grandpa Mu."


    Mu Tian grinned, seemingly proud of this dubious distinction.


    Sausage Sister was momentarily speechless, at a loss for what to say. So, the so-called ''Number One Jerk'' was right in front of her.


    "Mu Tian, back when you were at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, you plundered almost anybody you met, whether they were at the same realm or lower. You were even more ruthless than ''Brother Jerk'', robbing people as well as treasures. That''s why you were called the ''Number One Jerk of the Outer Battlefield''."


    "But, I must say, Mu Tian, you still dare to come here? Many from the Great Powers have set their eyes on you. I''m afraid you won''t find this visit very pleasant. You''ve offended too many people before."


    Xiao Rulong looked at Mu Tian with a somber expression.


    Because Mu Tian had plundered people from all sorts of powers in the past, he was now a target for many. Some Half-Step Golden Core cultivators with backing had already sought the help of Grandmasters from the Golden Core Realm to deal with Mu Tian.


    However, it seemed that no Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm had managed to catch Mu Tian so far. It was uncertain whether this was due to luck or some other reason.


    Hearing all this, Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling a little moved; he hadn''t realized that Mu Tian had caused so much trouble in the Outer Battlefield.


    Previously, he only knew that Mu Tian had a significant reputation in the Outer Battlefield, but he hadn''t expected it to be so notorious.


    "Who do you think I am? I''m Mu Tian. If I were afraid, I would not be Mu Tian."


    "Xiao Chubby, don''t act all innocent. You snatched a spiritual medicine right from under my nose last time. Hand it over now!"


    "You, a proud member of the Ancient Clan, are fighting with me, a pitiful Loose Cultivist, over possessions. You''re the most shameless one¡ªgive me back my spiritual medicine!"


    At that, Mu Tian openly accused Xiao Rulong.


    Swoosh!


    The gazes of the group shifted towards Xiao Rulong once again, their expressions a mixture of bewilderment and surprise. So Xiao Rulong had such an experience too?


    Xiao Rulong''s face stiffened. At the time, he had simply been passing by and hadn''t noticed Mu Tian lurking nearby. But when it came to spiritual medicine, it was naturally whoever got it kept it. Returning it was out of the question¡ªit was already in his stomach.


    "You call yourself a Loose Cultivator, who in the entire Outer Battlefield would believe that?"


    Xiao Rulong said with a sneer.

 Chapter 611 606 Hong Qingyan Woke Up?

    When Mu Tian said this, many people in Xuanyuan Hall also turned their heads and looked at him with peculiar gazes.


    Mu Tian is a Loose Cultivator?


    Oh right, this guy has always claimed to be a Loose Cultivator to the outside world, but no one in the Outer Battlefield actually believes him.


    What does it mean to be a Loose Cultivator? They are the rootless duckweed of the Dao Cultivation World, with no background and no teacher to inherit from. They rely solely on scavenging for all sorts of resources and equipment. In fact, Loose Cultivators aren''t weak in power, but it''s rare for a true genius to emerge among them, not only because of limitations in cultivation techniques but also due to the constraints of resources.


    Loose Cultivators, unlike the great sects and powers, don''t have internal provisions of cultivation resources as do the Nine Great Sects and the Ancient Clans. Loose Cultivators depend entirely on themselves. Those who can cultivate to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm by relying solely on themselves are few and far between.


    If Mu Tian really is a Loose Cultivator as he claims, how could he have advanced to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm in his twenties?


    Seeing Xiao Rulong say so, Mu Tian immediately retorted, "I am a Loose Cultivator, okay? Look at the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, which one do I belong to?"


    "There''s no Mu surname in the Ancient Clans, right?"


    "Utility Pavilion seems to have no relation with me either, right?"


    Mu Tian spoke earnestly, cutting off any ties with all powers.


    Ye Feng smiled without saying anything on the side. Whether or not someone is a Loose Cultivator, he actually knew best. Strictly speaking, Mu Tian was actually from the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    However, whether it was Mu Tian or himself, neither was willing to reveal much easily. Mu Tian had his plans, and he was not going to expose anything either.


    Mu Tian continued talking about himself, listing reasons why he was a Loose Cultivator, but by this time, no one was paying him any mind.


    "No one else should be coming, and it''s past time now. Let''s enter the city!"


    The First Hall Master glanced at the crowd and then announced loudly.


    The First Hall Master leaped into the air, flying towards the city. The people of Xuanyuan Hall didn''t say anything else, except for Mu Tian who, although he had also leapt into the air, continued to chatter non-stop. If it weren''t for the presence of the First Hall Master, this guy probably would have been thrashed by now.


    Ye Feng also followed behind the crowd, entering the city gates. As he did, he looked back at the deserted land behind him, feeling a sense of regret and concern. There was one person who had still not appeared.


    Ye Feng heaved a sigh in his heart and flew into the city as well.


    Meanwhile, on Earth, in Xuanyuan Nation, in the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    Inside a Bamboo Courtyard, Yu Feiyu was currently sitting in meditation, the aura emanating from her having subtly reached the peak of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. She was just a thread away from breaking through to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    In a pavilion in the Bamboo Courtyard, Old Man Huang Niu sat drinking tea, squinting as he watched Yu Feiyu, who was meditating in the center of the courtyard. He murmured, "This young girl''s talent is truly something. It has only been a month since she abandoned Martial Arts for Daoism, and she''s already about to break through to the Golden Core Realm. Had she cultivated the Golden Core Great Dao earlier, she would probably already be a Grandmaster by now, right?"


    As he spoke to himself, his eyes unconsciously revealed a look of astonishment.


    "This Ye Feng, every beauty by his side has a higher talent than the last," Old Man Huang Niu couldn''t help but glance at the adjacent room, clicking his tongue in wonder.


    Just then, a surge of energy suddenly erupted from the room!


    Old Man Huang Niu''s expression shifted slightly, and in a flash, he disappeared from the pavilion where he had just been.


    In the courtyard, Yu Feiyu, who had been sitting in meditation, had also opened her beautiful eyes. She had awakened from her cultivation state upon sensing the energy from the room.


    "Could it be that Sister Qingyan has awakened?"


    Yu Feiyu''s eyes flickered with excitement, and she got up without waiting, quickly walking towards the room.


    Inside the room, a stunningly beautiful woman lay on the bed, still enveloped in a faint white light. Although she was lying on the bed asleep, the white light accentuated her beauty, making her look as pure and beautiful as a fairy.


    After Yu Feiyu entered the room and saw Old Man Huang Niu''s aged figure standing beside the bed, she turned her gaze to Hong Qingyan, who was bathed in the faint white light, her eyes filled with shock.


    She approached Old Man Huang Niu and, looking at Hong Qingyan on the bed, asked softly, "Master, is Sister Qingyan about to wake up?"


    Yu Feiyu was somewhat excited; it had been a whole month, and Hong Qingyan had been in a coma for a month. During this period, there had been no sign of consciousness from Hong Qingyan. Previously, Ye Feng had given her a Lotus Seed from the Hun Yuan Green Lotus to take, but it had not had much effect other than healing some physical injuries. Her consciousness remained in a coma, unable to wake up.


    "Not necessarily, let me check first, but this power seems to be beneficial for her," said Old Man Huang Niu, still squinting as he continuously probed Hong Qingyan''s body with his power. However, he found that whatever he tried, he was blocked by that layer of faint white light, unable to penetrate with his strength.


    This startled Old Man Huang Niu, as even his strength couldn''t probe the power of Hong Qingyan, who was a strong practitioner in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm?


    Frowning, Old Man Huang Niu increased the output of his own strength. Finally, under his full force, his strength pierced through the faint white glow shrouding Hong Qingyan''s body. After a thorough examination, he withdrew his power and a faint smile appeared on his face.


    Yu Feiyu had been observing her master''s actions, and upon seeing that faint smile, she immediately inquired, "Master, how is it?"


    Worry filled Yu Feiyu''s eyes; she too was very hopeful that Hong Qingyan would wake up.


    Old Man Huang Niu glanced at the anxious look on Yu Feiyu''s face, and said with a smile, "Don''t worry. The power within this little girl is her Bloodline Power. Her Hong Family bloodline has undergone Ancestral Return, which is why she can possess one of the two major Hong Family bloodline inheritances, the Wings of Light. Now, the inheritance power of the Wings of Light within her bloodline is helping her repair the soul injuries in her Sea of Consciousness. It shouldn''t take long for this little girl to wake up."


    "The inheritance of the Wings of Light from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan is quite interesting, truly worthy of being a unique legacy from the Ancient Hong Family. However, the number of those who can awaken this bloodline inheritance is indeed very few."


    Old Man Huang Niu even shook his head slightly, his face showing a hint of regret.


    Yu Feiyu, on the other hand, pouted slightly, "Better few than many. This is the retribution the Hong Family has brought on itself. Sister Qingyan has been harmed by her own people; such arrogance, such a vexatious Ancient Clan."


    Thinking of Hong Qingyan''s injuries, Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but feel angry.


    However, after speaking her mind, she looked towards the bed where Hong Qingyan was ensconced in white light, and said softly, "Elder Sister Qingyan, you must get well. Big Brother Ye is still fighting in the Outer Battlefield; once you wake up, we can go find Big Brother Ye there."


    When Yu Feiyu mentioned "Big Brother Ye," the fingers of Hong Qingyan on the bed moved imperceptibly. However, neither Old Man Huang Niu nor Yu Feiyu noticed this.


    "Let her heal on her own, disciple. Let''s go outside for now."


    Old Man Huang Niu turned and walked out of the chamber, and after Yu Feiyu took one more glance at Hong Qingyan on the bed, she quietly exited the room as well.


    Old Man Huang Niu and Yu Feiyu had left the chamber, but inside, changes were happening to Hong Qingyan, who lay on the bed.


    At that moment, the pale white glow enveloping Hong Qingyan on the bed began to intensify, slowly forming a white light cocoon that completely encased her body.


    Inside Hong Qingyan''s Sea of Consciousness, her awareness had awakened, but she found herself in an unknown dark space.


    "Where is this?"


    Hong Qingyan was very puzzled as she surveyed the dark space, not understanding why her consciousness had appeared there.


    While she was perplexed, a light appeared in the darkness, and she immediately looked towards it, walking toward the glow.


    What was originally a fist-sized white light began to expand as Hong Qingyan drew closer. The fist-sized white light suddenly enlarged, slowly taking on a human shape.


    Hong Qingyan paused for a moment, approaching the white light again, and in that instant, the humanoid white light suddenly rushed towards her.


    Hong Qingyan only felt a white light flash before her eyes, and the humanoid white light vanished in an instant.


    Hong Qingyan was stunned, not understanding what had just happened. Soon, she felt an intense wave of dizziness assaulting her mind.


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan''s body on the bed shook slightly, and beneath the white light cocoon, she emitted an even more dazzling light, illuminating the entire chamber.


    Outside, Yu Feiyu and Old Man Huang Niu, who had just sat down in the pavilion, stood up and looked towards the chamber.


    They could see strands of white light shooting through the gaps in the chamber, a strong Energy Fluctuation rippling out. This scene caused Yu Feiyu''s eyes to widen in shock.


    "Master, what''s happening now?"


    Yu Feiyu was somewhat horrified and worried. Such a strong energy fluctuation¡ªcould something have happened to Hong Qingyan?


    Old Man Huang Niu''s face was solemn as he immediately released his own strength, trying to find out what was happening.


    But just as he was about to probe, Bang!


    The chamber erupted into an even brighter white glow, forming a beam of light that shot skyward. Many people in the Northwest Little Mountain Village saw this spectacle and frowned, but knowing the direction of the light pillar was Old Man Huang Niu''s residence, they weren''t alarmed and turned back to their own affairs.


    At the Bamboo Courtyard, Old Man Huang Niu felt his power being repelled once again, and with some helplessness, he looked at the white column of light piercing the sky, raising an eyebrow.


    Old Man Huang Niu muttered, "Seems like she''s advancing?"

 Chapter 612 607: Advancement, Who Are You!

    Yu Feiyu was stunned upon hearing his master''s words. Looking toward his master, he asked in disbelief, "Master, do you mean that Sister Qingyan is about to advance?"


    Yu Feiyu was somewhat bewildered. Sister Qingyan was still clearly unconscious. How could she be about to advance while in a coma? Or had Sister Qingyan already awoken?


    Old Man Huang Niu was still trying to probe the situation, but this time, no matter how he tried, he could not penetrate the white pillar of light with his own strength, and thus could not ascertain the specific circumstances within the room.


    "Even I can''t investigate?"


    Old Man Huang Niu was surprised and talked to himself. His strength was not something ordinary cultivators could compare with¡ªwithin the entire Northwest Little Mountain Village, his power was top-tier. Yet now, he was unable to investigate the situation of Hong Qingyan, who was at the Half-Step Golden Core stage. This did indeed frighten him a bit.


    In the room filled with white light, Hong Qingyan still lay on the bed. However, at this moment, there were a green and a white stream of light, swirling over her body.


    If Old Man Huang Niu saw this scene, he would certainly recognize that this green stream of light was the Hun Yuan Green Lotus from before!


    When Ye Feng returned previously, he had fed Hong Qingyan a lotus seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus.


    After repairing Hong Qingyan''s injuries with the Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seed, there was still some medicinal power remaining, which was now stimulated, continuing to nurture Hong Qingyan''s body.


    Inside Hong Qingyan''s body, her blood was churning continuously. She felt the power of her bloodline being slowly stimulated and activated.


    Behind her, a pair of pure and flawless Wings of Light, radiating a divine glow, suddenly spread out, the holy aura erupting in an instant.


    After the Wings of Light unfolded, a humanoid silhouette of light floated up from Hong Qingyan''s body.


    If Hong Qingyan were to open her eyes at that moment, she would surely be astonished. This humanoid silhouette was the same figure she had seen in the darkness of her consciousness.


    After the silhouette of light rose from Hong Qingyan''s body and softly twirled in midair, it turned halfway and faced Hong Qingyan. It then extended its hands, as if a mother were embracing her daughter, full of tenderness.


    Gradually, the humanoid silhouette merged with Hong Qingyan. At the same time, the green and white streams of light around her body began to rotate rapidly and, just like the silhouette, swooshed into Hong Qingyan''s body.


    At this moment, Hong Qingyan''s aura was climbing steadily, bursts of potent energy exploding within her. Energy whirlpools appeared around her, as the power of Spirit Essence in the air was rapidly absorbed.


    In Northwest Little Mountain Village, the power of Spirit Essence was considered reasonable. This place was different from the outside world, Earth, and had a relatively dense concentration of Spirit Essence. Of course, while it was more potent compared to Earth, it was not on the level of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Outside the room, Old Man Huang Niu, who had been observing the situation, noticed that the Spirit Essence in the surrounding was converging towards the room. Beside the pillar of white light that shot into the sky, whirlpools of Spirit Essence also appeared.


    "She really is advancing. This girl, has she already awakened!?"


    Old Man Huang Niu was very surprised, but he also felt a tremendous suction coming from inside the room, draining the Spirit Essence near him. He frowned, waved his hand, and chunks of Spirit Stones appeared from his palm. He threw them into the whirlpools above the white column of light. The Spirit Stones disappeared instantly upon entering, turned into Spirit Essence, and were absorbed away.


    Old Man Huang Niu kept producing Spirit Stones in his hand, continuously feeding them into the whirlpools.


    On the side, Yu Feiyu was shocked by this scene. Sister Qingyan was indeed advancing to the Golden Core Realm. What was happening now were the manifestations of advancement, but was such commotion typical for advancing to the Golden Core Realm?


    Yu Feiyu had witnessed others advancing to the Golden Core Realm. After all, she had been part of the Valley of the Medicine God and had seen other individuals become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, but she had not seen such grand signs of advancement.


    The white column of light continued for a full fifteen minutes. Old Man Huang Niu''s face was turning a bit dark at this stage, as he had been throwing Spirit Stones for the entire fifteen minutes, depleting a significant number of his Spirit Stones. Fortunately, the white column of light was now slowly dissipating. It seemed the advancement would soon end. If this had continued, he feared he might have exploded with anger. His Spirit Stones were not brought by a strong wind.


    "At my age, having tossed out a good portion of a lifetime of Spirit Stones, why does advancing to the Golden Core Realm have to cause such a stir?"


    Old Man Huang Niu couldn''t help but complain, grieving for his Spirit Stones but simultaneously shocked by Hong Qingyan''s talent. It was now certain that Hong Qingyan must have been advancing to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, otherwise she would not have devoured so many of his Spirit Stones.


    The amount of Spirit Essence in those Spirit Stones was completely sufficient for the advancement needs of several individuals, yet Hong Qingyan used so many alone for her advancement, absorbing a tremendous amount of Spirit Essence.


    The more Spirit Essence needed for advancement, the higher the individual''s talent. The Spirit Essence absorbed during advancement would be integrated into the Golden Core. Since Hong Qingyan could absorb so much Spirit Essence, it indicated she had a strong foundation, and the Golden Core she would condense and refine would be even more powerful.


    In the room, Hong Qingyan had already sat up, cross-legged. The white light progressively retreated into her body. A perfectly round Golden Core, covered in golden patterns, now hovered above her head, emitting a very strong presence.


    Hong Qingyan turned her hands over and, with a breath, the floating Golden Core above her head was swallowed into her body.


    The next moment, Hong Qingyan''s eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes snapped open. Streaks of golden brilliance flashed in her beautiful eyes, and her body radiated the authentic aura of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    The awakened Hong Qingyan first scanned her surroundings, finding herself in a very unfamiliar environment. Having been unconscious, she had no idea where she was or what place she was currently in.


    She only knew that she had used the Wings of Light in the battle against the Hong Family to save Ye Feng, and after the battle ended, she fainted. Now she had just woken up, but she was aware that she had become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, full of inexhaustible strength.


    Hong Qingyan rose from the bed and walked outside the chamber, only to be surprised to see Yu Feiyu in the bamboo courtyard. "Feiyu, what are you doing here?"


    No sooner had she asked than she realized something subconsciously. Could it be that after she had passed out, it was Yu Feiyu who had brought her here?


    The sight of Hong Qingyan emerging sent Yu Feiyu into such excitement that she nearly leaped into the air, her figure darting immediately into Hong Qingyan''s embrace.


    "Sister Qingyan, you have finally woken up!"


    Yu Feiyu''s face was full of excitement and joy as she hugged Hong Qingyan, utterly delighted.


    Seeing Yu Feiyu''s happy expression warmed Hong Qingyan''s heart. She patted Yu Feiyu''s head, smiling as she spoke, "Alright, I''m fine. Look at me now, I just advanced to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and let me tell you, when I advanced just now, I absorbed so much Power of Spirit Essence. Where are we, and how come there is such an abundance of Power of Spirit Essence?"


    While speaking, Hong Qingyan also curiously surveyed the surroundings. She could feel that a massive amount of Power of Spirit Essence had supported her advancement. Her consciousness had already become clear at the beginning of the advancement.


    At first, she was a bit worried, feeling that her advancement required a lot of Power of Spirit Essence. If she was on Earth, could there be so much Power of Spirit Essence to support her advancement?


    But it seemed she had worried for nothing, as she continually felt a steady flow of Power of Spirit Essence funneling into her. She immediately determined that this place was probably not Earth!


    Just as Hong Qingyan finished speaking, a violent coughing sound arose.


    The sound gave Hong Qingyan quite the start as she quickly looked towards the source of the coughing, only to see an elderly figure¡ªit was Old Man Huang Niu.


    Hong Qingyan took a few steps back, her expression grew solemn as she felt an overpowering pressure from the aged figure before her. This was undoubtedly a super powerful being, and one she had never seen before!


    "Who are you!?"


    Hong Qingyan asked, on high alert, even readying the power within her body.


    "Feiyu, come behind me!"


    Hong Qingyan said to Yu Feiyu with a deep voice.


    However, Yu Feiyu remained unmoved, her face slightly embarrassed as she spoke, "Sister Qingyan, don''t be alarmed. This is my master. He was the one who supplied you with Spirit Stones for your advancement just now."


    Yu Feiyu explained somewhat helplessly, her expression caught between a smile and a cry.


    Upon hearing this, Hong Qingyan froze on the spot. The next moment, her cheeks turned red as she withdrew her power and turned to bow to Old Man Huang Niu.


    "Senior, I apologize, I apologize, I didn''t know just now..."


    Hong Qingyan said with a face full of shame, her voice filled with apology.


    She had not expected that the elder, who gave her such a powerful oppressive feeling, would turn out to be Yu Feiyu''s master, and that the Power of Spirit Essence she had absorbed for her advancement was provided by the elder.


    What a misunderstanding this had turned out to be.


    Seeing this, Old Man Huang Niu appeared somewhat resigned and amused as he waved his hand, "Enough, enough, no need to apologize, it''s not your fault since you''ve just woken up."


    "You young folks chat, I''m leaving."


    Old Man Huang Niu said with a slight smile, then took a step and vanished from the bamboo courtyard in an instant.


    Witnessing this scene shocked Hong Qingyan once more; she didn''t understand how Old Man Huang Niu had disappeared so suddenly, and her respect for him grew even deeper.


    "Feiyu, how long have I been unconscious, and where is this place? How come you have acquired an additional master?"


    Hong Qingyan looked at Yu Feiyu, firing off several questions, knowing only that she had been unconscious for a long time, without any idea of the specifics.


    And who was the elder just now, and where had Ye Feng gone?

 Chapter 613 608: This is a Meeting Gift

    Seeing the confusion on Hong Qingyan''s face, Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but chuckle before speaking, "Sister Qingyan, this is the Northwest Little Mountain Village, and my master is also from here. You can call him Old Huang. These past days, Master has given you a lot of spiritual medicine."


    Yu Feiyu wasn''t joking. While Hong Qingyan was unconscious during those days, she was unable to eat, so they got some spiritual medicine for Yu Feiyu to feed Hong Qingyan to maintain her basic bodily functions. Otherwise, even though Hong Qingyan could rely on her cultivation level to sustain her life while she was unconscious, it would still cause great damage to her body.


    After hearing this, Hong Qingyan suddenly froze and expressed her surprise, "So this is the legendary Northwest Little Mountain Village."


    Of course, she knew about the existence of the Northwest Little Mountain Village and that Ye Feng had also come from this place. However, she had never been here before. Rumor had it that the Northwest Little Mountain Village did not allow outsiders in. Aside from the villagers themselves, no one else knew where the Northwest Little Mountain Village was located.


    She had not expected that she would wake up in this place after her unconsciousness.


    Thinking of the Master Old Huang that Yu Feiyu mentioned earlier, Hong Qingyan''s face again showed a hint of guilt, "And Old Huang, these past days..."


    "I was just now so disrespectful to him. It''s not right. Feiyu, where has Old Huang gone now? I must apologize to him in person."


    Hong Qingyan felt ashamed in her heart. She had clearly received Old Huang''s kindness, yet she had acted so rudely just before. Disrespecting him was a serious matter and most likely his departure was because of her attitude earlier.


    Seeing Hong Qingyan''s guilty face, Yu Feiyu took her hand and smiled gently, "It''s okay, Sister Qingyan. Master definitely won''t mind. He has probably gone to tend to his yellow ox. Don''t worry about him. Master is a good person, and you shouldn''t blame yourself. Moreover, you''ve just woken up and he knows you didn''t mean it."


    Feeling comforted by Yu Feiyu''s words, Hong Qingyan''s heart felt a bit better, and she continued asking, "What about Ye Feng, how is he?"


    She now only remembered the battle with the Hong Family from before, and had no knowledge of what happened after she used the Wings of Light.


    "Big Brother Ye has already gone to the Outer Battlefield. Before, it was Big Brother Ye who brought me and you here to the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Then we met Master. I have been cultivating under Master''s guidance this past month, waiting for you, Sister Qingyan, to wake up. Thankfully, you didn''t make me wait too long."


    "Big Brother Ye came back once recently, bringing back a lotus seed from the Hun Yuan Green Lotus for Sister Qingyan to take. After that, he left for the Outer Battlefield again. If Big Brother Ye knew you were awake and even advanced to the Golden Core Realm, he would surely be delighted."


    Yu Feiyu appeared to be in high spirits, with anticipation shining in her eyes. Hong Qingyan''s awakening meant they could go to the Outer Battlefield and see Ye Feng.


    Hong Qingyan listened absent-mindedly, fully aware of the Outer Battlefield. She had heard it was an extremely dangerous place, filled with alien beasts and dangers at every turn.


    Ye Feng had already been in the Outer Battlefield for a month and had even sent her spiritual medicine. He must have faced many perils.


    With a concerned look in her eyes, Hong Qingyan glanced at Yu Feiyu and was surprised to see that Yu Feiyu had reached the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    "Feiyu, have you abandoned Martial Arts for Daoism?"


    She remembered that Yu Feiyu used to practice the way of the martial artist rather than the Golden Core Great Dao. But now Yu Feiyu was not only a cultivator but also a powerful one at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, which truly startled her.


    Yu Feiyu certainly wouldn''t hide anything, and with a giggly voice said, "With Master around, he provided me with the cultivation technique and helped me to abandon Martial Arts for Daoism. These days, with his guidance, I''ve been able to reach the Half-Step Golden Core Realm so quickly."


    "It''s nothing compared to you, Sister Qingyan. You are amazing, waking up in the Golden Core Realm after being unconscious for so long, much stronger than me."


    Yu Feiyu spoke with envy. Hong Qingyan had been unconscious for so long, yet she advanced upon waking up¡ªisn''t this just like the legends where one advances while laying down?


    "My situation is a bit special. I don''t even know how I advanced directly," Hong Qingyan said with a wry smile. She wasn''t deceiving Yu Feiyu. When she had just regained consciousness, she felt an inexplicable force surge from her body, which directly allowed her to break through and advance.


    "Isn''t that a good thing? Sister Qingyan, you are now a genuine Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. From now on, you have to look out for me."


    Yu Feiyu shook Hong Qingyan''s hand with this plea.


    Hong Qingyan, seeing Yu Feiyu''s demeanor, felt much better and took her hand, idly chatting together in the bamboo courtyard.


    "Feiyu, can you take me for a walk outside?"


    Hong Qingyan suddenly spoke out while chatting, as she wanted to see for herself the place where Ye Feng grew up¡ªit was his home she had heard about.


    She wanted to see Ye Feng''s home.


    Yu Feiyu looked at Hong Qingyan, having already guessed her thoughts, and took her by the hand to rise, "Of course, no problem. Follow me, Sister Qingyan."


    Yu Feiyu, having cultivated in the village for a month, was familiar with it and led Hong Qingyan around, introducing her to it.


    Hong Qingyan observed the village scenery along the way, and soon they encountered some children.


    "These kids..."


    Hong Qingyan was slightly taken aback as she observed the children¡ªonly seven or eight or teenagers¡ªwho exuded strong auras. Any one of them, if outside, would likely be considered prodigies!


    Yu Feiyu, now used to it, continued to show Hong Qingyan around the village.


    "Master said that people in the village start cultivating from birth and they all practice the Ancient Daoist Cultivator''s techniques. Those with better talent can even reach the Golden Core Grandmaster level in their teens," Yu Feiyu explained.


    Hong Qingyan listened with amazement. Teenagers at the level of a Golden Core Grandmaster¡ªwhat kind of concept was that?


    If that was known outside, would they not be regarded as monstrous talents?


    As the two women walked, they encountered the middle-aged man with the Long surname from before.


    Leaning on his cane, the middle-aged man with the Long surname saw Yu Feiyu and took the initiative to say hello, "Feiyu."


    "Uncle Long, didn''t go fishing today?"


    Yu Feiyu asked with a smile.


    During her days in the little mountain village, she had become familiar with these elders.


    The villagers of the little mountain village also liked the sensible and well-behaved Yu Feiyu very much.


    "Not fishing anymore, not fishing. I didn''t catch anything all day yesterday, no fun at all."


    The middle-aged man with the Long surname shook his head, a look of helplessness on his face, and then turned his gaze to Hong Qingyan, his expression one of surprise.


    "You''re that girl Little Martial Uncle brought back who''s been unconscious for a month, finally woke up?"


    The middle-aged man with the Long surname sized up Hong Qingyan, and after seeing the realm on Hong Qingyan''s body, he also showed a smile.


    "Not bad at all, not only are your injuries healed, but you''ve even broken through your realm."


    Hong Qingyan''s heart skipped a beat. She hadn''t expected this middle-aged man leaning on a cane to be able to see through her realm instantly, yet she couldn''t discern his realm at all.


    Hong Qingyan understood that this must be a stronger elder than herself, so she bowed respectfully and said, "This humble woman, Hong Qingyan, greets the senior."


    Seeing her reaction, the middle-aged man with the Long surname also laughed and said, "No need for that. I hear you''re Little Martial Uncle''s wife, you don''t have to show me such great courtesy. You were unconscious before, and we didn''t meet."


    "Now that we are meeting for the first time, let me give you a little trinket as a welcome gift."


    The middle-aged man with the Long surname tossed over a ring nonchalantly, which Hong Qingyan hurriedly caught, not daring to be negligent.


    Hong Qingyan didn''t understand the meaning of giving her a ring, feeling somewhat at a loss, but Yu Feiyu, standing beside her, took initiative to explain, "Sister Qingyan, this is a space ring, just drop blood to claim ownership, and you''ll be able to use it."


    A space ring!?


    Hong Qingyan opened her mouth in surprise, for her, it was something legendary.


    "This, this is too valuable..."


    Hong Qingyan was a bit embarrassed and tried to return the space ring.


    The middle-aged man with the Long surname just laughed heartily, "What''s so valuable about this? Feiyu, the girl, has one too."


    A space ring might be precious to ordinary people, but to the people of the Northwest Little Mountain Village, it wasn''t so precious. The reason why Ye Feng didn''t have one before was simply because it wasn''t the right time.


    Besides, even when it was the right time, nobody would give anything away. As someone who left the little mountain village, securing a space ring was no trouble at all. Yu Feiyu and Hong Qingyan were considered guests, which is why they were given such welcome gifts.


    "Uncle Long is right. Sister Qingyan, my master also gave me a space ring. You should just accept it with peace of mind," Yu Feiyu also persuaded her.


    With the conversation having reached this point, Hong Qingyan knew it would be somewhat disrespectful to refuse further.


    "Thank you, Uncle Long."


    Hong Qingyan bowed and expressed her gratitude.


    Seeing Hong Qingyan accept the gift, the middle-aged man with the Long surname nodded happily, "You girls continue your stroll, I''m off to chat with someone."


    Saying this, the middle-aged man with the Long surname left, leaning on his cane.


    Watching the back of the middle-aged man with the Long surname as he walked away, Hong Qingyan was somewhat puzzled and turned to ask Yu Feiyu, "Feiyu, Uncle Long must be very powerful. How did he become injured like this?"


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t figure it out. Such a high-level strong man should rarely get hurt, yet now he seemed to be disabled.


    Yu Feiyu shook her head and began to explain, "I''m not sure either. Before, my master only told me that the injured villagers of the little mountain village had retired here because they were injured on a mission."


    Hong Qingyan was stunned for a moment, a mission?


    What kind of mission?


    Hong Qingyan was curious, but she didn''t pry into the matter.


    After claiming the space ring with her blood and looking inside it, Hong Qingyan was taken aback¡ªthere was something inside the space ring!

 Chapter 614 609: Mastering the Wings of Light

    Hong Qingyan examined the interior of the space ring. The space inside the ring was roughly five cubic meters¡ªnot large, but absolutely sufficient for Hong Qingyan''s current needs.


    At that moment, the space ring was not empty; it contained a suspended spiritual medicine. As Hong Qingyan looked over and felt its presence, she immediately sensed that this was a spiritual medicine effective for her cultivation at the Golden Core Realm, intended for enhancing one''s cultivation level.


    "This..."


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback. She knew that spiritual medicines that could be utilized by Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm to enhance cultivation were highly sought after. And yet, the middle-aged man with the Long surname she had just met for the first time had given her such a valuable gift!


    Besides that spiritual medicine, there were also some spirit stones inside the space ring at this time. After sensing them for a moment, Hong Qingyan estimated there were more than two hundred pieces!


    Hong Qingyan was truly shocked. The gift was too significant. She turned around to look in the direction where the middle-aged man with the Long surname had left, but at this moment, she could no longer see the figure with the walking stick.


    "Feiyu, do you know where Uncle Long lives?" Hong Qingyan asked anxiously as she quickly turned to look at Yu Feiyu.


    "What''s wrong, Sister Qingyan?" Yu Feiyu was confused and did not understand what Hong Qingyan wanted to do.


    "Uncle Long''s welcome gift is too precious, and there''s a spiritual medicine and more than a hundred spirit stones in the space ring. No, I cannot accept something for nothing. Moreover, Uncle Long himself is injured¡ªhe shouldn''t be giving me these things. I must find him and return the spirit stones and spiritual medicine to him."


    Yu Feiyu paused upon hearing this, but soon understood what Hong Qingyan wanted to do.


    Yu Feiyu grabbed Hong Qingyan, "Sister Qingyan, there''s no need. Since Uncle Long has already given you the items, he won''t take them back. The seniors in our little village are all very friendly. You don''t have to feel guilty about this. Uncle Long''s injuries are old, and since he has given them to you, it means he has no use for them."


    Although Yu Feiyu did not know what the middle-aged man with the Long surname had given to Hong Qingyan, she knew it must be valuable; otherwise, Hong Qingyan wouldn''t be so concerned.


    However, based on what she had observed of the villagers over the past few days, she knew that even if Hong Qingyan wished to return the items, the villagers would not accept them.


    Seeing this, Hong Qingyan felt somewhat helpless, but she etched this kindness deep within her heart.


    Yu Feiyu continued to lead Hong Qingyan around the small village. Now, Hong Qingyan was truly witnessing the idyllic scenery of small bridges over flowing streams and smoke curling up from cottages, as if all of this existed only in the paintings.


    But as she passed by some villagers, unless they were children, whether they were young, middle-aged, or elderly, she noticed almost all bore injuries. Some had broken legs, others broken arms, and even more tragic were those with both legs or feet lost. Yet, without an exception, everyone''s aura was remarkably strong. All these sights turned into questions buried deep in Hong Qingyan''s heart.


    She dared not ask. She didn''t dare inquire why these villagers were in such states, what kind of missions they had undertaken that led to their current conditions. And those children who seemed so happy playing in the village, would they end up the same way?


    Yu Feiyu was silent too. As they passed each villager, she would greet them or bow respectfully, her eyes filled with admiration.


    The two women walked until they reached a field, where they saw an elder leading an ox busy at work in a not-so-large field.


    Hong Qingyan''s eyes lit up, "Feiyu, is that your master, Old Man Huang Niu?"


    Yu Feiyu nodded and, looking at Old Man Huang Niu busy in the field, waved her hand and called out, "Master!"


    Old Man Huang Niu stood up from the field, glanced over with a smile, then with an agile movement, he mounted the ox, and the ox headed towards the two women.


    At this moment, Hong Qingyan''s gaze was somewhat fixed. Now, Old Man Huang Niu truly seemed like an ordinary village elder. She couldn''t feel the oppressive sensation from before, nor any other kind of power¡ªit was just like a plain, unremarkable village farmer.


    Hong Qingyan''s heart trembled slightly. This must be Old Man Huang Niu reaching the legendary Realm of Return to Simplicity, where the false and the real could not be distinguished. Her heart filled with increasing respect as she slightly bowed to welcome Old Man Huang Niu''s approach.


    Old Man Huang Niu, riding the ox, came in front of the two women, dismounted, and looked at Hong Qingyan with a cheery expression, "Young lady, have you awakened?"


    Asked in this way, Hong Qingyan''s face flushed with embarrassment, but she immediately bowed to Old Man Huang Niu, "I apologize, Old Man Huang, for any unintentional offense previously. Thank you for saving my life and for taking care of me these past days. And for spending so many spirit stones to help me advance, this great kindness will be firmly remembered."


    Seeing Hong Qingyan respond this way, Old Man Huang Niu laughed heartily, "There''s no need for such formalities. You''re a friend brought by that young fellow Ye Feng. Looking after you is no trouble at all, just a simple helping hand."


    "You must have had a sudden awakening of your bloodline power to advance, right?" Old Man Huang Niu asked softly.


    Hong Qingyan was astonished that Old Man Huang had so easily seen through the reason for her advancement.


    "Yes, when I regained consciousness, an inexplicable strength appeared in my bloodline, which allowed me to condense a Golden Core and advance," said Hong Qingyan, without concealing anything. She shared what she knew since she trusted Old Man Huang Niu to be a good person¡ªas Yu Feiyu''s master¡ªand if he had wanted to harm her, there had been plenty of opportunities over the past few days. He wouldn''t have provided her with Spiritual Medicine and used Spirit Stones to help her advance. Although she didn''t know the exact amount, she was very aware of the significant quantity of the Power of Spirit Essence she absorbed during her advancement. It must have consumed many of Old Man Huang Niu''s Spirit Stones.


    Old Man Huang Niu nodded and said, "It seems that the inheritance of the Wings of Light within you has been activated. Can you now use the Wings of Light freely?"


    Hong Qingyan was taken aback for a moment, but then she summoned her breath and felt a force within her body. Swiftly, two rays of light burst forth from her back, and soon, two incredibly sacred Wings of Light unfolded behind her.


    Yu Feiyu looked at the sanctified Wings of Light behind Hong Qingyan with shock in her eyes. The already exquisite Hong Qingyan appeared even more ethereal against the backdrop of the radiant Wings of Light, as a divine aura washed over them.


    "So beautiful, Sister Qingyan, you''re like the Goddess of Light..." Yu Feiyu murmured. In that moment, Hong Qingyan seemed to make the surrounding flowers and trees lose their color, such was her stunning beauty that even she, a girl, was almost enraptured.


    Hong Qingyan, feeling the Wings of Light behind her, was also shocked. If Old Man Huang Niu hadn''t mentioned it, she wouldn''t have thought of releasing the Wings of Light.


    Previously, every time she released the Wings of Light, she had to endure tremendous pressure, which caused her to faint after doing so. She couldn''t control the Wings of Light at all.


    But now that she had advanced to the Golden Core Realm, it seemed she could freely release them, though she could feel the Power of Spirit Essence inside her swiftly depleting.


    After just over ten seconds, ten percent of her Spirit Essence was gone!


    The rate of consumption was startling!


    With a thought, Hong Qingyan retracted the Wings of Light behind her. She didn''t dare to continue using them, as the Spirit Essence was depleting too quickly.


    Old Man Huang Niu had been watching Hong Qingyan the entire time, his smile broadening as he spoke, "Not bad, you''ve now fully mastered the Hong Family''s Wings of Light, though your current strength can''t support it for long."


    "However, after releasing the Wings of Light, your combat power can rise to the level of a top-tier practitioner in the Golden Core Realm, which is quite commendable. You''re still a newly advanced Great Power of the Golden Core Realm, and your realm needs time to stabilize. Once your realm is stable, your consumption will decrease."


    With a hint of appreciation in his eyes, Old Man Huang Niu explained, affirming Hong Qingyan''s abilities. To know that she, as a newly advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, could possess the combat power of a top-level master upon unleashing the Wings of Light, was truly terrifying.


    Hong Qingyan never expected Old Man Huang Niu to discern so much with just a glance. She nodded hurriedly, "I am taught, senior."


    Old Man Huang Niu didn''t say anything more, and the three of them returned to the Bamboo Courtyard they had been in before.


    In the cool pavilion of the Bamboo Courtyard, Yu Feiyu stood up to make tea, and the rich scent of tea drifted through the air.


    Being enveloped by the tea''s fragrance, Hong Qingyan felt serene and noticed the faint essence of Spirit Energy emanating from the tea in her hand. She was again astonished, it must be the legendary Spiritual Tea. In this small mountain village, even the tea was luxuriously imbued with Spirit Essence.


    The atmosphere was somewhat silent, with neither Hong Qingyan nor Yu Feiyu speaking, while Old Man Huang Niu sipped his Spiritual Tea without a word.


    Then Hong Qingyan, unable to hold back any longer, initiated, "Old Huang, Feiyu and I plan to¡ª"


    "Plan to go to the Outer Battlefield?"


    Old Man Huang Niu took a sip of tea, smiling as he spoke.


    Hong Qingyan nodded, and Old Man Huang Niu seemed anything but surprised. He glanced at Yu Feiyu, then back to Hong Qingyan, and said with a smile, "I knew you two couldn''t let go of that youth, Ye Feng."


    Called out by Old Man Huang Niu, both Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu blushed slightly. Hong Qingyan tried to explain, "It''s not just for Ye Feng, Feiyu and I also want to go and gain experience..."


    Though she spoke, Hong Qingyan had already lowered her head, implying much without saying.


    Old Man Huang Niu laughed heartily before adding, "It is indeed time for you to gain some experience. With your status as a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and my apprentice now at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, you two should have no major problems entering the Outer Battlefield."


    "If you wish to go, then go," he said nonchalantly.


    Yu Feiyu, however, showed a touch of reluctance in her eyes, "Master, I..."


    In the past month under Old Man Huang Niu''s instruction, she had grown significantly, coming to regard him as akin to both a father and mother. The thought of leaving did make her somewhat sad.

 Chapter 615 - 610 Everyones Denunciation

    Old Man Huang Niu glanced at Yu Feiyu and said with a faint smile, "I''ve lived long enough; such a small parting need not be so melancholic. As your master, I''ve taught you everything I should have this past month. After you arrive at the Outer Battlefield, remember to always be cautious. The Outer Battlefield is not as simple as you imagine, and crises lurk everywhere. At any moment and any place, an Alien Beast may appear."


    "Once you enter the Outer Battlefield, you can go directly to Xuanyuan Hall. If you get to Xuanyuan Hall, look for Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen of the Utility Pavilion. That young fellow is alright. Don''t trust too much in others¡ªZhao Xuanzhen is relatively trustworthy."


    Old Man Huang Niu spoke slowly.


    If Ye Feng had heard this, he would surely have been shocked. Zhao Xuanzhen was none other than the father of Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming and was over a hundred years old, yet Old Man Huang Niu called him a young fellow!


    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had never heard of Zhao Xuanzhen before, they just knew that there was a senior member of the Utility Pavilion, which was a bit surprising to them.


    Next, Old Man Huang Niu briefly explained some matters about the Outer Battlefield. He talked for a while, then got up.


    "Let''s go, I''ve said all that needs to be said. I''ll take you out now. If you leave on your own, you won''t be able to make it out," said Old Man Huang Niu with a smile.


    Yu Feiyu knew full well how difficult it was to leave the Northwest Little Mountain Village; although she had been led in by Ye Feng once before, she was a bit apprehensive about trying to depart on her own. One careless move could trigger the numerous machinations and Formations at the entrance.


    At first, Hong Qingyan didn''t quite understand, but as Old Man Huang Niu led them out of the Northwest Little Mountain Village, she looked back at the cave entrance with lingering fear in her heart.


    This was undoubtedly the most careful journey she had ever taken!


    "All right, you may leave now," said Old Man Huang Niu while standing inside the cave entrance, smiling at the two women.


    People from the Northwest Little Mountain Village are not allowed to step into the Mortal World at will; it''s a rule. Thus, at this moment, Old Man Huang Niu just stood at the entrance, not stepping out.


    Yu Feiyu looked back at the aged figure, her eyes slightly reddening: "Master, please accept your disciple''s bow!"


    Yu Feiyu bent her knees, intending to kneel and show her gratitude to Old Man Huang Niu, but then an invisible force held her up, preventing her from kneeling further.


    "That''s enough, it''s not time for the real parting yet; no need for this. Go now, and be careful," said Old Man Huang Niu casually, turning his body and slowly disappearing from the entrance.


    Yu Feiyu''s heart jolted as she mulled over the words Old Man Huang Niu had just spoken, whispering to herself, "It''s not time for the real parting yet..."


    The word ''real'' made Yu Feiyu feel as if she had caught onto something. She soon suppressed her emotions, and at this point, Old Man Huang Niu had vanished and no longer had the power to prevent her from kneeling.


    Yu Feiyu knelt towards the cave entrance and kowtowed deeply, whispering, "Master, I will come back to see you."


    Hong Qingyan stood by silently. After a moment, Yu Feiyu rose, her expression much relieved, and the two women flew away from the cave entrance.


    At that moment, at the entrance to the Northwest Little Mountain Village, the elder riding a bull glanced back in the direction of the cave entrance and murmured with a slight smile, "This parting, when we meet again, it may indeed be time to say goodbye."


    After saying so, the elder rode the bull back into the little mountain village, his figure tinged with lonely desolation.


    ...


    Outer Battlefield, the city.


    Ye Feng and the others had already entered the city, which was conspicuously different from other cities as it had been modified.


    While other cities had stone houses, this city lacked them; there were no trading streets either, only ten gigantic martial arts platforms at the city''s heart. Each platform was surrounded by flickering lights, clearly indicating that Needle Techniques had been laid out.


    The areas around the ten martial platforms had been designated for the Four Great Powers, with only one large platform without any other structures.


    The Three Great Powers had already occupied three platforms, and now the First Hall Master brought the people of Xuanyuan Hall up onto the last remaining platform.


    Since Xuanyuan Hall was the last to enter, many eyes turned towards them at that moment. Bu Fengning and the recently arrived Mu Chen had already drawn quite a bit of attention.


    "Is that Bu Fengning of Xuanyuan Hall!?"


    "It really is him. There''s been no news of him lately; I thought we wouldn''t see him at this talent list martial arts competition."


    "I reckon he didn''t plan on participating in this talent competition before. If not for the change in rules, we might not have seen him at all."


    "That''s true, it''s rumored that he entered Ice Prison Valley. Is that even true? Has anyone really come out alive from Ice Prison Valley, especially as he''s only a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!"


    "Who knows? It''s hard to say who started that rumor. Maybe it''s just posturing. Even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm might not be able to leave Ice Prison Valley, right?"


    "Didn''t Bu Fengning make a move in the last Talent List competition? Rumors had it he had the strength to vie for the top spot on the Talent List back then, but he missed out due to secluded cultivation, is that true?"


    "Impossible, our Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple is the indisputable number one, even Bu Fengning wouldn''t be able to shake Lord Qingya''s status!"


    The one who said this was a Half-Step Golden Core from Fusang Kingdom''s Yin-Yang Temple.


    Right next door, a Half-Step Golden Core from the Xuanyuan Hall sneered, "What rubbish number one. Bu Fengning was already advancing towards the Golden Core Realm three years ago. Isn''t it clear who is stronger? In terms of talent, naturally it''s our Xuanyuan Hall''s Bu Fengning who is stronger."


    In the distance, a Half-Step Golden Core Realm wizard from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country scoffed through the air, "What Qingya, what Bu Fengning, how could they possibly be a match for our Lord Ke Li? If it weren''t for Lord Ke Li''s disdain for striving for the so-called first place in the last competition, that title would have long been taken by our Lord Ke Li from the Wizard Alliance."


    ...


    The Three Great Powers each had supporters for their own prodigy. Naturally, having the first place on the Talent List was an honor for their own power. The various factions never saw eye to eye, and many people were concerned about the rivalry between prodigies, all hoping that the title would fall upon their own power.


    "That guy in the green robe, is that Mu Tian!?"


    A Half-Step Golden Core from the Western Vampire Divine Court clenched his teeth and stared intensely at Mu Chen amidst the crowd from Xuanyuan Hall.


    Hearing Mu Tian''s name, many turned to look, with eyes widening swiftly and fire seeming to blaze in the eyes of numerous Half-Step Golden Core Realm onlookers.


    "It really is that guy, Mu Tian!"


    "Damn it, it is him, I was once plundered by this guy. He''s shameless, hitting from behind and knocking me out cold. When I woke up, he had even stripped off my clothes!"


    "Stripped clothes? I damn near had my wings plucked by this guy!"


    "No way, we must settle accounts with this guy!"


    "Right, we have to confront him, we can''t let the robbery be forgotten!"


    Indignation was rife among the Half-Step Golden Cores from all the great powers, and even the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm were muttering curses. They too had been robbed by Mu Tian during their Half-Step Golden Core period, only they were the ones who had recently advanced to become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. One by one, they rose into the air, more than a dozen of them, and moved towards Xuanyuan Hall''s side.


    Some in Xuanyuan Hall were still confused; they had not noticed the preceding conversation and were baffled to see people from each of the powers approaching.


    Then, a Vampire King Duke, flapping his wings behind his back, gritted his teeth and said, "Xuanyuan Hall, hand over Mu Tian!"


    "Right, Xuanyuan Hall, hand over Mu Tian!"


    "Mu Tian has done outrageous acts in the Outer Battlefield, looting and robbing, Xuanyuan Hall must hand him over to provide justice for us!"


    At this moment, people from the Three Great Powers unexpectedly united in enmity and began to denounce Mu Tian.


    This sudden turn of events left many spectators dumbfounded.


    Swish!


    Gazes turned towards Mu Tian, even Ye Feng and others couldn''t help but look at Mu Tian, clad in a green robe.


    Chi Jark couldn''t help but whisper, "Holy cow, Mu Tian really has clout, getting so many people to confront him publicly¡ªshould I be envious?"


    Ye Feng was equally surprised. He hadn''t expected Mu Tian to have become so notorious in such a short time within the Outer Battlefield, to the extent that so many strong figures would accuse him openly and demand to settle scores with him. He didn''t know whether to feel happy or sad for Mu Tian.


    "Envious, huh? Why don''t you replace him and sort it out? You''ll be even more in the limelight."


    Xiao Rulong whispered with a sly laugh.


    Chi Jark immediately coughed lightly, "Never mind, not envious, I was just joking."


    While the notoriety might look grand, having to face so many strong figures was a bit too dangerous.


    At this time, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm watched with amusement as the accusers voiced their complaints, making no move to stop them. They let the people go on with their accusations; the target was Xuanyuan Hall, which they were pleased to see.


    The person in question, Mu Tian, eyed the accusers and immediately ducked into the crowd of Xuanyuan Hall, pointing at them and shouting, "What are you doing? This is not the place for your vendettas. The Talent List competition is about to commence; don''t cause trouble and disrupt the event."


    "Hey, hey, hey, I say the seniors of your respective powers, can you discipline your successors a bit? Causing a scene in public, is that proper?"


    Mu Tian directly threw the accusation back at the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    The Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm all had cold expressions, and Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple even looked straight at the First Hall Master, "First Hall Master, it seems someone from your Xuanyuan Hall has provoked public outrage. Shouldn''t you address the matter?"


    As he spoke, the other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm also turned to the First Hall Master.

 Chapter 616 - 611: A War of Words Against Many Heroes

    Right before entering the city, the focus of everyone''s accusations was still the Yin-Yang Temple of Fusang Kingdom. Now that there was a chance to turn the spearhead toward the Xuanyuan Hall of Xuanyuan Nation, Divine Master Tanaka naturally couldn''t pass it up.


    Divine Master Tanaka saw that among those who were going to denounce, there was an Onmyoji from their Yin-Yang Temple. He immediately sent a secret message: "Jisang, you must incite everyone''s emotions right away, demanding Xuanyuan Hall to hand over the person. Make the scene intense and don''t stop!"


    The Onmyoji called Jisang''s expression changed. He knew that it was Divine Master Tanaka who was sending him the message. Being only a Half-Step Golden Core Onmyoji, he certainly wouldn''t disobey the orders of Gentleman Tanaka.


    Originally, everyone had already stopped shouting, waiting for the response of the First Hall Master.


    It was at this moment that Jisang''s eyes shifted, and when the voices slowly began to subside, he shouted hoarsely again: "Doesn''t Xuanyuan Nation have a saying that ''a gentleman can be killed but not humiliated''? This Mu Tian robbing us is an insult to everyone. Rather than you killing us, we absolutely cannot tolerate such a humiliation!"


    With these words, everyone''s emotions were once again stirred up. Many had accumulated treasures, spirit stones, and spiritual medicines over many years. Anyone who encountered Mu Tian and was weaker than him or caught by surprise was robbed clean by this guy. The point was, this guy hardly ever killed anyone, just looting wealth. But their years of accumulation gone, that made them feel even more miserable and utterly humiliated.


    "The realm-breaking spirit medicine I was preparing to use to advance to the Golden Core Realm was also robbed by that bastard Mu Tian. You might as well have killed me, Mu Tian come out!"


    A Wizard from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country gnashed his teeth as he spoke.


    He was flying at that time, seeking a place for breaking through the Realm. Out of nowhere, Mu Tian struck from behind, knocking him unconscious. When he woke up, all his possessions were gone, even stripped of his clothes, and his inner armor had disappeared.


    Seething with rage, afterward, he sought far and wide only to learn that in the nearby area, there had been various incidences of robbery by Mu Tian, and then he realized he had fallen victim to Mu Tian''s schemes.


    "I just came out of the secret realm with dozens of spirit stones. I was knocked out just as I left the place, and when I woke up, the spirit stones in my hand were already taken away by that scoundrel Mu Tian!"


    This was an Expert of the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. For an ordinary one, dozens of spirit stones represented an immense fortune, as not all of them could enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Most people in the Outer Battlefield didn''t have many spirit stones in their hands.


    One after another, experts stood out and emotionally recounted the crimes of Mu Tian.


    The people from Xuanyuan Hall were dumbfounded, not expecting Mu Tian to have done so much in the Outer Battlefield. They knew he had the title of ''the number one scoundrel of the Outer Battlefield,'' but they never imagined he could be so despicable. Just robbing without killing, wasn''t that simply murdering souls?


    All their valuables were gone. Many of the lower-level Cultivators had struggled for years to accumulate what they had, and now it had all been taken away. Certainly, this felt even worse than death.


    Ye Feng and the others twitched at the corner of their mouths as Chi Jark gloomily said, "Now I finally know why this guy Mu Tian progressed so fast. In less than a year on the Outer Battlefield, he''s reached the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. How many people has this guy robbed? He must be the richest by now, right?"


    Chi Jark said this as he cast a green-eyed look towards Mu Tian in the crowd, and even Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but gulp. Didn''t that mean Mu Tian was now a walking treasure vault?


    This group coming forward to denounce included more than a dozen people, not to mention those who didn''t make it to the genius battle conference of the talent rankings?


    The years of accumulation of so many experts at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm had been snatched away by one person.


    By now, Mu Tian''s wealth probably matched that of the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, right?


    It wasn''t just Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong who thought this way. Many from Xuanyuan Hall seemed quite eager to move, especially those close to Mu Tian who were eyeing him closely. If it weren''t for the First Hall Master being there, perhaps they would have already made their move.


    Mu Tian, seeing the gazes of the people around him, changed his expression. He bit his teeth and stepped forward to face the crowd that came to condemn.


    "Is Mu Tian planning to give an account to the public?"


    "Perhaps, he has wronged too many people with his robberies, and he already incited public fury. If he doesn''t give these people an explanation, I guess they all want to take matters into their own hands."


    "That''s true. I think this guy will definitely have to return some of the things he robbed from these people, or else no one will let this rest."


    "This guy is truly bold, daring to offend so many. With so many powerful experts each taking a shot, even the strongest Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm would have to kneel."


    Many began discussing again, believing that Mu Tian was definitely about to give a statement to those who came to denounce him.


    But what Mu Tian did next surprised everyone. Standing in front of the First Hall Master, Mu Tian pointed directly at the condemning crowd and cursed loudly, "You idiots are the epitome of stupidity. The fact that Grandpa Mu doesn''t kill you should be considered grace. You still want me to kill you all, is that it?"


    "If your stuff was stolen by me, that''s because you were too weak to protect it. It has nothing to do with me. And now you''ve got the nerve to come forward and tell everyone you were robbed like some pitiful victim seeking justice?"


    "Such shameless faces, too stupid for the Outer Battlefield. If you make it back alive, that''s already remarkable. After all this time here, do you still not know what it means to be content?"


    "Grandpa Mu, I''m really at a loss with you guys. How can you be so foolish?"


    "What''s that? You''re not satisfied? Come on then, try to kill me if you dare. Right here, right now, come on!"


    "Afraid, are you? If you''re too scared, then what''s all that pointless yapping for, Grandpa Mu? Anyone would think it''s a bunch of Half-Step Golden Core Realm and some Golden Core Realm cultivators setting up a vegetable stall to hawk their wares, no different than ordinary folks in Xuanyuan Nation''s food markets. Are your brains not fully developed or what?"


    Mu Tian didn''t blush or skip a beat as he hurled insults and provocations, dirty words and all, completely ignoring the stares of the crowd. He pointed at the people who had come to denounce him, and let loose a torrent of curses without pause.


    Everyone present was stunned. Who would have thought that Mu Tian would turn the tables and start cursing them out, and such a long rant, too? They had come to denounce Mu Tian, but how had it suddenly turned into them being lectured by him instead?


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were dumbstruck, and even Sausage Sister couldn''t help but give a thumbs up. Long Nannan opened her little mouth and said dazedly, "This guy can curse so fiercely, berating so many people all by himself. Is he really not afraid of dying?"


    Ye Feng also raised his eyebrows. Mu Tian''s actions would probably incite the crowd to the brink of rage. If someone couldn''t hold back and started a fight, things could get tricky, especially since there were over a dozen experts present, the weakest among them at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    Although he and Mu Tian were no longer comrades, he did not wish to see his old friend get into trouble right in front of him.


    At that moment, Xiao Rulong smiled and said, "Even if he''s cursing like that now, as long as he''s within this city, nothing will happen to him. This city, though built collectively by the recent Great Powers, also has a Formation that prohibits fighting. Of course, this Formation only affects those below the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. After all, this city doesn''t have the foundational Formation that the Ancient Cities, which have existed since ancient times, do. Here, the Formation was conjured by Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the various Great Powers, a kind of castrated version."


    "Only on certain specially formed stages can you engage in combat," Xiao Rulong added, pointing to the ten massive stages below the platform, which shimmered with the light of special Formations.


    "More so, this guy is clever, starting his rant right in front of the First Hall Master. Even if a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm takes action, the First Hall Master will stop it," Xiao Rulong said with a smile.


    That''s when everyone nodded in understanding; it turns out Mu Tian wasn''t entirely brainless.


    But in the crowd, Bu Fengning raised an eyebrow and shook his head, looking at Mu Tian standing before the First Hall Master.


    By Bu Fengning''s side, Bu Tianyun whispered, "Big brother Fengning, Mu Tian is really daring, using the First Hall Master like that. If a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm really makes a move later, and the First Hall Master doesn''t step in, he''s done for."


    Bu Fengning replied indifferently, "A Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm won''t take action, but by doing this, he''s backed himself into a corner. You can''t start conflicts within the city, but as soon as the competition for the talent ranking ends, the city will be closed, and no one will be allowed to stay."


    That was a rule of the city. The talent ranking competition had existed for a long time, and the city was built for the sparring of the younger generation. Erected by the consensus of the Four Great Powers, the city was to be closed after any competition, preserving the training environment of the Outer Battlefield.


    "Once he''s outside the city gates, he will be targeted immediately. When that happens, he won''t have a chance to escape," Bu Fengning said.


    "Unless he''s confident he can escape amidst a dozen experts, he wouldn''t have done something so foolish."


    Bu Fengning''s gaze remained on Mu Tian, curious. Did that guy truly have no fear of a dozen experts ganging up on him?


    If it were him, he would be confident of escaping the clutches of these Half-Step Golden Core and few Golden Core Realm powerhouses since he had already been in the Golden Core Realm for three years. His time spent gaining experience during those years made him very confident in his own strength.


    But Mu Tian? How could this newly advanced Golden Core Powerhouse dare to be so arrogant?


    Meanwhile, those who had come to denounce Mu Tian were flushed with rage, their eyes practically shooting flames. They all wished they could kill Mu Tian to vent their anger, yet not a single one dared to make a move, knowing full well they couldn''t fight within the city.


    The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and even the First Hall Master watched Mu Tian with an amused expression.


    A moment later, one of the strong men gritted his teeth and said, "Mu Tian, you remember this¡ªonce we''re outside the city, there''s no escape for you!"

 Chapter 617 - 612: You Can Come with Us

    ```


    This strong figure spoke with a trace of unwillingness on his face and a hint of coldness in his eyes as he looked at Mu Tian.


    He really wanted to make a move, but he knew very well that any attempt would be stopped, so he chose to bide his time.


    The other onlookers also dropped their harsh words one after another, each returning to their own camp. However, many still glanced sharply at Mu Tian''s side. They hadn''t expected Mu Tian to show up. His appearance was an unexpected delight.


    As for Mu Tian advancing to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?


    They no longer found it surprising. Taking so many spirit stones and treasures from them, even if he were forced, he could still reach the level of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. So nobody cared about Mu Tian''s realm; they just wanted to make sure Mu Tian paid a price.


    They couldn''t touch Mu Tian within the city, but once they left the city, he wouldn''t be able to escape. They just needed to wait for the Martial Tournament of the Prodigy Ranking to end, and then they could besiege him.


    Even at this moment, some had already started to send secret messages to each other, preparing to unite against Mu Tian after the Martial Tournament ended.


    Divine Master Tanaka felt somewhat regretful that the heated situation had ended so abruptly. However, he knew that even if a conflict had arisen, there wouldn''t have been any serious consequences, only causing Xuanyuan Hall some embarrassment. What he hadn''t expected was for Mu Tian to be so bold as to curse at everyone present, which was tantamount to offending everyone.


    The ones who had denounced Mu Tian just now would certainly not let him off in the future.


    The people of Xuanyuan Hall were well aware of this, weren''t they?


    But Mu Tian himself, looking at the retreating figures of the crowd, spoke again, "Anyone can talk tough, Grandpa Mu has heard it all before."


    Mu Tian muttered under his breath as if he didn''t care at all about these people. Many were surprised. Could it really be that Mu Tian didn''t care about these more than a dozen powerful individuals? Despite the situation he was in, he still didn''t forget to show off. Didn''t he know what he might face next?


    "It''s best to keep a low profile when you''re outside, you can be unbridled inside the city, but don''t forget that after it ends, you have to leave the city. Once out of the city, Xuanyuan Hall has no obligation to continue protecting you."


    The First Hall Master''s cold voice sounded then.


    His voice was indifferent, but he was stating facts. Inside the city, there were rules prohibiting fighting, and Great Powers below the Yin-Yang Realm wouldn''t be able to do anything. Outside, however, in the Outer Battlefield, aside from Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm restraining each other and setting rules not to interfere in affairs below their level, they wouldn''t care about private duels at other levels.


    The Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from all the Three Great Powers well understood that without fighting, it was hard for true powerhouses to emerge. A true powerhouse would have to walk a path paved with bones.


    Of course, if a fool who wasn''t a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm were to provoke one, then no one would intervene. After all, the dignity of the powerful is not to be insulted.


    The First Hall Master has spoken!


    Everyone quieted down, all turning to look at Mu Tian.


    Because what the First Hall Master said was true, and they wanted to see how Mu Tian would respond.


    "Please rest assured, First Hall Master, this is a personal grudge of mine, and it won''t implicate Xuanyuan Hall. I am responsible for my own actions," Mu Tian replied with an indifferent smile on his face. He bowed slightly to the First Hall Master before turning and heading back into the crowd of Xuanyuan Hall.


    The First Hall Master did not say anything more, only watching Mu Tian with a detached gaze before turning away.


    At that moment, Ye Feng furrowed his brows, a voice suddenly whispered in his ear, "Ye Feng, did you feel that the First Hall Master''s tone seemed a bit off?"


    Ye Feng glanced instinctively at Sausage Sister and noticed she was looking at him as well¡ªthe owner of the voice was indeed Sausage Sister.


    Off?


    Yes, Ye Feng himself also had an inexplicable feeling. He conveyed his thoughts to Sausage Sister, "The First Hall Master''s tone seemed cold, but it felt like there was a hint of concern. I''m not sure if it''s just me, but I always felt like there''s some history between the First Hall Master and Mu Tian."


    Sausage Sister''s eyes subtly shifted upon hearing this, responding, "But if there truly was a history, Mu Tian''s attitude shouldn''t be like this."


    Ye Feng pondered this and agreed. Indeed, Mu Tian seemed quite indifferent toward the First Hall Master; his demeanor revealed nothing out of the ordinary. If the two truly had some connection, it shouldn''t be like this.


    After thinking it over for a while and still coming up with nothing, Ye Feng silently shook his head, indicating to let the matter go.


    Seeing his reaction, Sausage Sister did not press on. After all, it was just a feeling with no solid evidence behind it.


    By now, Mu Tian had returned to Ye Feng and the others. Chi Jark gave him a thumbs up, "Mu Tian, you really have some guts, cursing out so many people. I admire that."


    ```


    Chi Jianren admired Mu Tian''s audacity, having been stunned by his maneuvers just moments ago. If it were him, even without further explanation, he wouldn''t dare to directly scold so many people. Over a dozen figures of at least Half-Step Golden Core Realm strength¡ªthis was no joke. He himself wasn''t confident he could withstand the onslaught of so many adversaries of that caliber.


    Mu Tian flashed a smug grin and said proudly, "They''re all just greenhorns I''ve managed to scrounge up. I simply don''t care about them. At most, all they can do is rant and rave."


    When Mu Tian said this, he didn''t bother to lower his voice, and his words reached many ears¡ªespecially those who had just come to voice their complaints. Right now, those individuals were once again casting murderous glances his way. If looks could kill, the current Mu Tian would probably have been slain numerous times already.


    Ye Feng was somewhat speechless; this guy was still so full of himself even after getting into trouble. Suddenly, he said, "If it''s necessary after this is all over, you can leave with us."


    The moment Ye Feng spoke these words, everyone around was startled. Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong were both dumbfounded. If they let Mu Tian leave with them, wouldn''t they be inviting the wrath of a dozen or more Half-Step Golden Core Realm experts or even stronger?


    The previously indifferent Mu Tian, who still wore a smile, was now stunned as well. He hadn''t expected Ye Feng to make such a statement at this time and was now recalling some past events.


    "Ye Feng, are you sure about this? Isn''t it too dangerous to let Mu Tian go with us? Over a dozen Half-Step Golden Core experts¡ªthat''s no laughing matter. We don''t need to put ourselves at risk for this guy," said Chi Jianren, sending a confused telepathic message to Ye Feng.


    Xiao Rulong also looked at Ye Feng, a question clearly on his face.


    Ye Feng shot the two men a glance and replied telepathically, "No worries, Mu Tian and I share some history. If he is indeed in peril, I hope Brother Chi and Brother Xiao would do me, Someone Named Ye, this favor. I would be eternally grateful. If either of you is worried about your own safety, feel free to leave on your own. I won''t blame you."


    Ye Feng spoke with a calm expression, as if it were nothing of consequence.


    Indeed, this was a matter between him and Mu Tian, and there was no need to involve Chi Jianren or Xiao Rulong.


    Both Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong''s expressions stiffened. Glancing at each other, they saw a hint of helplessness in each other''s eyes. They knew Ye Feng wasn''t joking; even the way he addressed them had changed¡ªit was clear he meant business.


    "Ye Feng, you don''t have to put it that way. Since we''ve chosen to follow you, we won''t leave easily. We will abide by your arrangements," said Xiao Rulong via telepathy, voicing the decision that he and Chi Jianren had made.


    A glimmer of a smile appeared in Ye Feng''s eyes. With Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong making such a decision, there was no need for further discussion.


    "Brother Ye, thank you for your kind offer. I, Mu Tian, appreciate your sentiment," Mu Tian suddenly spoke up, his expression transforming as if he were a different person, his face void of any emotion yet his eyes filled with complexity.


    He had not anticipated that Ye Feng would suggest letting him tag along.


    "However, I will resolve my own issues. There''s no need for you to worry about me," Mu Tian added before returning to his earlier cheerful demeanor. However, he no longer babbled as before and even deliberately shifted his position, moving further away from Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng noticed Mu Tian''s actions but said nothing, though he silently resolved that if Mu Tian indeed needed help later, he wouldn''t hesitate to intervene.


    Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong saw how Mu Tian reacted and seemed to understand something. It appeared there was indeed some involvement between Ye Feng and Mu Tian. However, they were not privy to the details. Having spent years in the Outer Battlefield, it was impossible for them to keep constant tabs on affairs back on Earth; they only paid attention to major events.


    Everything eventually settled down as the First Hall Master glanced at the crowd and exchanged nods with the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the other Three Great Powers.


    Immediately after, the First Hall Master soared into the air, taking the center above the entire city, looking down upon everyone like a deity. His voice, firm as a great bell, declared, "This year''s Genius Ranking Martial Tournament will determine the top ten through contests on the fighting stages, followed by a point-based round-robin battle for ranking."


    The First Hall Master introduced the rules of this year''s Genius Ranking Martial Tournament in a clear voice.


    This was not surprising to the crowd; it wasn''t much different from the rules of previous tournaments.


    Ye Feng, however, raised his eyebrows. It was his first time participating in the Genius Ranking Martial Tournament, and he wasn''t familiar with this format. But with the introduction by the First Hall Master, he could understand it.


    Actually, it was quite straightforward. There were ten stages in the arena, and whoever remained at the end would claim a spot in the top ten.


    After determining the top ten, they would engage in round-robin battles. Simply put, each of the ten would fight against the other nine contestants, ranking based on the net number of victories!


    To put it plainly, each of the top ten would still have to fight nine more matches.


    Many first-timers at the Genius Ranking Martial Tournament paled at the revelation; if they made it to the top ten, wouldn''t they be exhausted to death?

 Chapter 618 - 613: Reward, Golden Dragon Shield!

    Sausage Sister couldn''t help but ask after hearing the rules of the competition, whispering, "If the competition is like this, won''t the people who make it to the top ten be exhausted to death?"


    "Defending a position in a challenge match is tiring enough. If you add this so-called round-robin scoring match on top of that, I''m afraid each person will have to fight a dozen or more battles, right?"


    A dozen battles, even a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm would be worn out, wouldn''t they?


    Xiao Rulong, upon hearing this, shook his folding fan and laughed, "Rest assured, since the competition format is like this, there will naturally be rest time. Moreover, the fight for the top ten will basically not be complete after nine rounds."


    "Everyone is clever, and in the fight for the top ten, if they know they are no match, they can admit defeat, preserving their strength for more needed points. However, the real rewards are only substantial for the top three¡ªfourth place onward is basically just Spirit Stones, with only a quantity difference."


    "The first place winner of the last session received a thousand Spirit Stones and a defensive magic treasure¡ªan imitation of the Purple Gold Ancient Bell, claimed by Qingya of the Yin-Yang Temple. The second place was nine hundred Spirit Stones along with the Fiery Sun Divine Spear, taken by Hong Tianyu. The third place was eight hundred Spirit Stones plus a sacred healing medicine¡ªa Lotus Seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus. The subsequent rankings are awarded only Spirit Stones in descending order."


    "However, I don''t know what this time''s rewards will be. The previous rewards were approximately suitable for grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Those of the Yin-Yang Realm definitely couldn''t use them. But this time, the minimum requirement to participate in the martial arts competition is the Golden Core Realm, so there might be some other items."


    As Xiao Rulong was explaining, Ye Feng''s thoughts were suddenly aroused. A Lotus Seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus?


    Isn''t this the second Azure Lotus?


    Ye Feng remembered what Elder Huang Niu once said to him, that the Hun Yuan Green Lotus had nine blossoms, and if all nine Hun Yuan Green Lotuses combined, they could even help a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm to break through to a higher realm. As for what this highest realm was, Ye Feng did not yet know. His current understanding was that the great power of the Yin-Yang Realm was the highest realm, and he had no idea what lay beyond the Yin-Yang Realm.


    But since the Azure Lotus could help a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to break through, it was definitely a treasure among treasures, though it required the combination of nine Azure Lotuses.


    Nine Azure Lotuses. According to what Elder Huang Niu had once told him, eight lay in the Outer Battlefield, and the ninth was probably in the Alien Space-Time. He hadn''t thought about collecting this Azure Lotus before, but now that he knew of the second Azure Lotus, he naturally wouldn''t let it go.


    "Xiao Chubby, where did the Lotus Seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus come from previously?"


    Ye Feng took the initiative to ask, knowing that the rewards of the Genius Ranking Martial Arts Tournament were shared by the Great Powers, and he wanted to clarify who had offered this Lotus Seed.


    Xiao Rulong was clearly not expecting Ye Feng to suddenly ask this and was stunned for a moment. Still, he quickly replied, "I remember hearing that the Lotus Seed was provided by the Yin-Yang Temple of the Fusang Kingdom. A few years ago, the Fusang Kingdom''s Yin-Yang Temple managed to acquire an Azure Lotus."


    "However, the Azure Lotus is only useful for healing, with the Lotus Seeds having some use below the Golden Core Realm. It''s not that precious. I don''t know if it will be available this time."


    Xiao Rulong didn''t care much; healing spiritual medicines were not particularly rare, and the Lotus Seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus had decent effects on warriors below the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. However, for Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm or higher realms, its effect was greatly reduced, and the Azure Lotus had appeared before. In terms of rarity and practicality, its appeal was only mediocre for Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm.


    However, Ye Feng knew for sure that Xiao Rulong didn''t know the real purpose of the Azure Lotus¡ªit wasn''t simply that its seeds were a sacred healing medicine. The real value lay in the Azure Lotus itself!


    Still, the fact that the Azure Lotus had nine blossoms was probably not widely known, which is why Xiao Rulong was so indifferent to it.


    Probably even if he knew, he wouldn''t care much, because it was far too difficult. Gathering nine Azure Lotuses was no small feat.


    Ye Feng didn''t inquire further, as the First Hall Master had finished reading the rules and started to announce the rewards for this Genius Ranking Martial Arts Tournament.


    "This time, in the Genius Ranking Martial Arts Tournament, any warrior who makes it into the top ten will have the opportunity to enter the Source Secret Realm."


    "This is a special reward in addition to the usual ones. According to our old rules, the amount of Spirit Stones received for each ranking remains unchanged, with a thousand for first place, nine hundred for second place, and so on."


    "In addition, the person who claims first place in this Genius Ranking Martial Arts Tournament will also receive a defensive magic treasure, the Golden Dragon Shield!"


    As the First Hall Master spoke, a golden-colored Treasure Shield appeared in his hand. The shield, though mottled in color, had an ancient and terrifying presence. A lifelike Golden Great Dragon coiled upon the massive shield, radiating a tremendously powerful aura, compelling one at a mere glance to harbor a sense of adoration.


    The moment the Golden Dragon Shield appeared, all eyes were drawn to it, with many shining with eagerness. They could all see that the Golden Dragon Shield was no ordinary item; otherwise, it wouldn''t radiate such fearful power.


    Watching the crowd''s eager eyes, the First Hall Master smiled lightly and added, "Even I cannot break through this Emperor Shield."


    This statement from the First Hall Master was akin to dropping a bombshell, shocking everyone present. If even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm like the First Hall Master couldn''t break through it, wasn''t this defensive treasure truly one of the finest?


    Many eyes sparkled with ambition, and some people could hardly wait. This Golden Dragon Shield was a genuine treasure that could be used all the way into the great power realm of Yin and Yang.


    Who is the First Hall Master?


    Everyone present knew that the First Hall Master''s strength was absolutely among the top-tier within the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Temple, and yet such a formidable man was unable to break the Golden Dragon Shield. Wasn''t this the legendary Divine Artifact of survival?


    Even Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but gaze at the Golden Dragon Shield at this moment, their eyes revealing a trace of fervent desire. They, too, wanted the Golden Dragon Shield.


    A defensive magic treasure that even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm couldn''t break through; its value was probably enough to make even them envious!


    Just as they were thinking, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the other Three Great Powers were already focusing their attention on the Golden Dragon Shield, and even Divine Master Tanaka''s eyes held a sliver of greed.


    "Unexpectedly, Xuanyuan Hall has even brought out the Golden Dragon Shield this time," someone remarked.


    The Divine Shamans of the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country appeared visibly moved at the sight.


    The other Three Great Powers had long coveted the Golden Dragon Shield. As Chi Jark and the others thought, it was an object that the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm all aspired to have. When the Golden Dragon Shield was unearthed, the Four Great Powers had once waged a great battle over it. Ultimately, it was the First Hall Master who claimed the Golden Dragon Shield with the force of a thunderclap.


    "Could it be that they think the number one spot on the genius list this time will be taken by their Xuanyuan Hall''s Bu Fengning?" the Vampire Divine Duke of the Western Vampire Divine Court sneered telepathically.


    Upon hearing this, Divine Master Tanaka scoffed, "Impossible. With our Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple, that number one position is unshakeable."


    The Three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were communicating telepathically with each other; this was not the first time they conspired together against Xuanyuan Hall.


    Upon hearing Divine Master Tanaka''s words, both the Vampire Divine Duke from the Vampire Divine Court and the Divine Shaman from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country couldn''t help but glance at the Great Yin-Yang Master beside Divine Master Tanaka.


    It was indeed Qingya!


    As the two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm assessed Qingya''s strength, their expressions shifted subtly, eyes flickering with a hint of shock, yet they quickly fell silent and said nothing more.


    "Master, someone has probed me just now," Qingya reported, looking at the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the two major forces before telepathically communicating to Divine Master Tanaka beside her.


    With a slight smile, Divine Master Tanaka looked at the two silent individuals as if unsurprised then telepathically responded, "Qingya, you must take the top spot on the genius list this time. The Golden Dragon Shield is an ancient magic treasure. Your biggest rival should be Bu Fengning. Do you think he can challenge you?"


    As Divine Master Tanaka spoke, Qingya''s gaze drifted toward Bu Fengning. At the moment Qingya looked his way, Bu Fengning seemed to sense it, and their eyes met, causing the air to feel like it had frozen for an instant.


    After a few breaths, both simultaneously looked away. No one knew that they had already had their first round of confrontation.


    "He is strong," Qingya said with a face that grew slightly solemn.


    Divine Master Tanaka furrowed his brows, but then he heard Qingya''s voice again.


    "But he should not be my match. Please rest assured, Master," Qingya responded with reverence, still appearing indifferent.


    Hearing this, a smile broke across Divine Master Tanaka''s face, as he nodded in satisfaction.


    At Xuanyuan Hall''s side, just as Bu Fengning retracted his gaze, Bu Tianyun asked, "Big Brother Fengning, what''s wrong?"


    He had noticed Bu Fengning''s gaze toward the direction of the Yin-Yang Temple and asked out of curiosity.


    "That fellow over there must be Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple. He is very strong. If you encounter him, just admit defeat directly. Don''t try to confront him," Bu Fengning said with serious eyes, having sensed Qingya''s aura from afar, recognizing a true rival.


    Bu Tianyun was startled but nodded, understanding that Qingya was the top talent on the previous list; even if Bu Fengning hadn''t advised him, he wouldn''t have fought Qingya. He wasn''t foolish enough to think he could compete with a powerhouse who had been in the top spot of the genius list three years ago.


    At that moment, Bu Tianyun''s eyes turned to Ye Feng. He noticed that this time, it seemed like few people were aware of Ye Feng''s presence, but he had witnessed Ye Feng''s strength with his own eyes.


    Although he was reluctant to admit it, he knew that Ye Feng might well be the dark horse of the Genius Battle Meet.

 Chapter 619 - 614: Everyone Has Their Own Agenda, The Martial Arts Contest Begins!

    The Golden Dragon Shield held by the First Hall Master sparked quite a heated discussion; many grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm eyed it covetously, but everyone knew that the first place was not going to be easily obtained.


    When the First Hall Master took out the Golden Dragon Shield, Ye Feng felt an extremely strong call at that moment. While everyone else''s attention was focused on the defensive power of the shield, he was completely unconcerned about so-called defense.


    Just as the Golden Dragon Shield appeared, both the Emperor''s Sword in his Heavenly Heart Palace''s Sea of Consciousness and the Emperor''s Armor on his body issued an intensely strong call, even faintly wanting to show themselves. If it wasn''t for his effort to suppress them, the Emperor''s Sword might have flown out from the Sea of Consciousness on its own, and the Emperor''s Armor also seemed eager to appear.


    This Golden Dragon Shield probably had a connection to both the Emperor''s Sword and the Emperor''s Armor!


    With that thought in mind, Ye Feng stared at the Golden Dragon Shield in the hands of the First Hall Master with eager eyes. He must get his hands on this shield no matter what.


    Originally, Ye Feng wasn''t so enthusiastic about this Genius Rankings Martial Dao Competition. He had intended to keep a low profile, aiming just for the top ten to gain entry into the Source Secret Realm; after all, he had only spent a month in the Outer Battlefield, and the only secret realm he had entered was the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Therefore, he was interested in seeing what the Source Secret Realm held. As for Origin Energy, he naturally wasn''t too interested.


    Having absorbed so much Origin Energy in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the Energy it could now provide was too meager. He also wanted to try his luck in the Source Secret Realm to see if he could find better energy for his cultivation.


    The Elder Bai in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm gave him the impression that every secret realm contained certain secrets.


    As Chi Jianren had previously explained to him, secret realms were mostly opened by Ancient Daoist Cultivators in the Outer Battlefield, many of which were created just before their deaths. Why was it prior to death? Why had only a portion of people taken them as their cultivating residences? This made Ye Feng quite curious. What on earth had happened in the former Outer Battlefield to make it so?


    Ye Feng had attended the Genius Rankings Martial Dao Competition with such a mindset without much interest in the previous awards. To his current self, treasures like Magic Treasures and Spirit Stones were no longer appealing. Magic Treasure? The Emperor''s Armor he wore was a top-level defensive Magic Treasure. Considering strength, could an armor from someone two millenniums ago be lacking? Moreover, the Emperor''s Armor was capable of growth. Ye Feng himself did not even know what materials were used to craft it, but as long as he was strong enough, the strength of the Emperor''s Armor would continue to grow with him.


    Ever since getting the Emperor''s Armor, it seemed to be connected with the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints. The more acupoints he opened, the higher the defensive capability of the Emperor''s Armor became.


    He now had even more offensive Magic Treasures: the Emperor''s Sword, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, and the Sky-breaking Divine Spear. In the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he had even obtained the legendary Heaven Guard Monument!


    Each of these was an exceptionally powerful top-level offensive Magic Treasure. Any one of them would have caused all the strong practitioners to fight over them had they been outside, especially the Heaven Guard Monument, which could be said to be Ye Feng''s most powerful weapon. It could directly crush a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm¡ªif the outside strong practitioners knew about this, probably all the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm would come and besiege Ye Feng.


    Spirit Stones, even less need to be said. Ye Feng possessed an absolute wealth of Spirit Stones, arguably the most in the entire Outer Battlefield, not to mention the Spirit Stone treasure vault of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    The current Ye Feng was truly a walking Treasure Vault.


    However, with the appearance of the Golden Dragon Shield, Ye Feng felt that it had a connection with him; even the acupoints on his body seemed to be calling out to the shield. It was likely that some great secret was hidden within the Golden Dragon Shield, and he was determined to obtain it.


    On Ye Feng''s side, he had already made a secret decision to take down the first place in this Genius Rankings Martial Dao Competition.


    In mid-air, the First Hall Master put away the Golden Dragon Shield and produced a Long Halberd. The whole body of the halberd was jet-black, with black scales on it. At the moment the halberd appeared, it seemed as if the howling of some creature could be heard, emanating a profoundly unsettling, terrifying aura from afar.


    "The reward for second place is nine hundred Spirit Stones and this Black Jiao Battle Halberd!" announced the First Hall Master, throwing the Black Jiao Battle Halberd into the sky, where a dark light burst forth from the halberd. Then everyone heard again the sky-reaching roar, and a huge phantom appeared in the sky¡ªa Flood Dragon!


    The phantom of the Flood Dragon was aglow with waves of divine might; the black Qilin armor on its body was particularly eye-catching, drawing gasps of amazement from many below.


    "The Black Jiao Battle Halberd; this Battle Soldier is said to have been a major ferocious weapon from that war over two thousand years ago, having slain numerous powerful beings from alien races. It is a halberd that has tasted blood," said a disciple from one of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts within the Xuanyuan Hall in a deep voice.


    Quite a few who had just learned of the Black Jiao Battle Halberd''s strength were taken aback, exclaiming in admiration at the halberd''s power.


    "This Black Jiao Battle Halberd seems to be not much inferior to the Golden Dragon Shield in terms of level. It is said that in ancient times, it was the weapon of an extremely powerful great power from the Yin-Yang Realm. This is a Divine Weapon, and its level is definitely not below that of the Golden Dragon Shield!"


    "Just looking at this halberd from afar makes my heart palpitate. With this halberd in hand, one could probably truly exhibit an unstoppable momentum in battle."


    "The prizes for this Genius Rankings Martial Dao Competition are so much better than the last; these are all genuinely top-level Magic Treasures. Even if you get one you will probably make many people envious. Without the strength to back it up, taking one would be pointless."


    ```


    Many people were discussing, and it was clear to most that whether it was the Golden Dragon Shield or the Black Jiao Battle Halberd, these were top-level magic treasures that could make countless strong figures green with envy. If an ordinary person were to get their hands on them, they probably wouldn''t even have the time to warm it before others killed them to snatch the treasures.


    At this moment, the powerhouses of the great forces all had their eyes on the Black Jiao Battle Halberd¡ªit too was a precious treasure. To obtain the second prize would also be quite an achievement.


    In Xuanyuan Hall, Hong Tianyu''s eyes were also blazing with divine light. The Fiery Sun Divine Spear that he had obtained in the last Talent Ranking Martial Contest had actually begun to fall behind. Now that he was in the Golden Core Realm, its power could only be deemed sufficient for use, but as for being top-level, it definitely was not.


    Now seeing the Black Jiao Battle Halberd, desire flickered in his eyes.


    He couldn''t help but glance at Ye Feng and, on another side, Bu Fengning, his eyes filled with a grave expression. In this Talent Ranking Martial Contest, aiming for the first or second place, both were formidable characters who would be difficult to deal with.


    Others might not have noticed Ye Feng''s presence, but Hong Tianyu himself had participated in the scramble for the Void Spirit Fruit before. At that time, he had seen Ye Feng battle alone against seven grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. Such strength was definitely not to be underestimated. Although he had never crossed hands with Ye Feng, he had made some estimates in his heart. Ye Feng would undoubtedly be a dark horse in this contest. A place among the top three would certainly include Ye Feng!


    Hong Tianyu ground his teeth slightly, his complexion turning slightly grim. "No matter what, I must obtain the Black Jiao Battle Halberd. Nobody can stop me!"


    Standing next to Hong Tianyu was Hong Gaishi.


    At this moment, Hong Gaishi too was coveting the Black Jiao Battle Halberd, but he knew that with his strength, it would be too difficult to obtain.


    The treasure or whatever didn''t matter; what he wanted was a spot in the top ten!


    At the bottom of his heart, Hong Gaishi was calculating. He had already dismissed any thoughts of being in the top three, considering it sufficient to enter the Source Secret Realm if he could make it into the top ten.


    On Ye Feng''s side, Chi Jark couldn''t help but extol the Black Jiao Battle Halberd: "This Black Jiao Battle Halberd is really something. In terms of quality, it''s only slightly inferior to our Chi Family''s Silver Dragon Spear."


    This was already a grand affirmation for the Black Jiao Battle Halberd. The Chi Family''s Silver Dragon Spear and Silver Dragon Armor were, after all, treasures that had been in the Chi Family for more than two thousand years!


    "You''re just putting on airs. If you didn''t have your Chi Family''s Silver Dragon Spear, I bet you couldn''t resist the urge to rush up and fight for it right now."


    Xiao Rulong rolled his eyes, showing no mercy in preserving Chi Jark''s dignity.


    This time, Chi Jark was too lazy to quarrel with Xiao Rulong any further and simply ignored what Xiao Rulong had said.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged; compared to the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, the Black Jiao Battle Halberd fell far short. It was of little use to him since he had already set his sights on the Golden Dragon Shield.


    The First Hall Master uttered a low shout and put away the Black Jiao Battle Halberd. A jade bottle appeared in his hand, and when it was opened, a rich medicinal fragrance already filled the air, causing everyone present to shudder.


    The First Hall Master turned the jade bottle upside down, revealing a round, sparkling pill in his hand that immediately drew the eyes of the crowd.


    "For the third place, eight hundred spirit stones and a Tianluo Spirit Pill!" the First Hall Master announced clearly.


    "It''s actually a Tianluo Spirit Pill. That''s really something capable of enhancing mental power, almost comparable to the effects of a Void Spirit Fruit," Xiao Rulong exclaimed, quite surprised at the sight of the Tianluo Spirit Pill in the First Hall Master''s hand.


    Enhance mental power?


    Ye Feng''s gaze shifted subtly. However, after he had consumed the Void Spirit Fruit last time, his Mental Power Nucleus had significantly strengthened. At the moment, the allure of this Tianluo Spirit Pill wasn''t that great for him.


    Suddenly, Xiao Rulong noted, "But we''ve already consumed the Void Spirit Fruit a few days ago, so this isn''t much use to us."


    Spirit medicines and pill medicines aimed at increasing mental power shouldn''t be consumed multiple times within the same realm, as their effectiveness would diminish.


    Ye Feng and the others were already indifferent to the Tianluo Spirit Pill, but everyone present was red with envy¡ªthe chance to augment mental power with pill medicine or spiritual medicine was rare.


    After introducing the prizes, the First Hall Master finally finished announcing the rewards. He glanced at the eager crowd and with a faint smile, declared, "The Talent Ranking Martial Contest begins now!"


    ```

 Chapter 620 - 615: Long Nannan Enters the Stage

    "The time for challenging the arena is one hour, and after an hour, the top ten spots will be determined!"


    As soon as the First Hall Master finished speaking, his body had already flown back to the camp of Xuanyuan Hall. Below, the ten arenas also burst into light, with a bright glow rising from each, signifying that the Formation had been activated. Anyone who stepped onto an arena could now fight there!


    No sooner had the words of the First Hall Master fallen than figures from the four great powers began to take flight, and ten Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm had already occupied the ten huge arenas.


    Among these ten Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm was Qingya, the winner of the last talent ranking martial arts contest!


    At this moment, Qingya stood on the first arena. After he took his position, a golden light rose around him, a Formation that limited the number of people¡ªwithin it, only two could exist at the same time.


    Apart from the first arena, the other nine had already erupted into battles, with contenders vying for the title of champion on the platforms.


    Moments later, fights had already broken out on each of the other nine arenas countless times. Yet the first arena remained untouched; no one dared to challenge Qingya since he stepped up.


    On the first arena, Qingya sat cross-legged in the center, closing his eyes to rest as if he had no worry that anyone would challenge him.


    "Indeed, no one dares to seek out Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple. The guy is too formidable, no one would humiliate themselves like that."


    "Anyone with a bit of sense wouldn''t challenge Qingya. After all, he was the top winner of the last talent ranking martial arts contest, and many strong competitors have faced him before."


    "You''re right, if it were me, even if I wanted to measure my strength against him, I wouldn''t go up now. Being knocked off the platform once means losing the chance to compete."


    The strong competitors whispered among themselves, finding it unsurprising that no one dared to challenge Qingya. It was to be expected; after all, Qingya was the leader of the talent list, and those who were rational understood that it would be more strategic to challenge him in the ranking battles to stabilize the top ten positions.


    Ye Feng and others heard the discussions and looked towards Qingya as well.


    Ye Feng observed from afar the femininely handsome Great Yin-Yang Master on the first arena and said softly, "Qingya''s aura is indeed strong. Brother Jerk and Xiao Chubby, I''m afraid neither of you is his match."


    He could tell at a glance the strength of Qingya''s Realm; Qingya was almost at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, emanating an utterly terrifying presence. It seemed that Chi Jianren and Xiao Rulong were no match for him at their current strength.


    "I won''t deny that. I have no interest in fighting that guy. Besides, other than the first-place reward, the second and third prizes aren''t much use to me."


    "I already have the Silver Dragon Spear in hand. As for that Black Jiao Battle Halberd, I simply don''t care about it, not to mention those Spirit Stones. Would the Chi Family''s eldest son care about such things?"


    Chi Jianren spoke indifferently, and although his tone was boastful, he was telling the truth.


    For Chi Jianren, the sole heir of the Chi Family, his possession of the Silver Dragon Spear and Silver Dragon Armor, both top-level Magic Treasures, meant he was by no means short on Magic Treasures. He was tempted by the Golden Dragon Shield, but he knew that the item was a hot potato. Besides, with Ye Feng present, who had already shown interest in the Golden Dragon Shield, it surely had nothing to do with him.


    Xiao Rulong also smiled faintly and said, "I''m similar to Brother Jerk. Those treasures aren''t much help to me. We just need an entry for the Source Secret Realm, that''s all."


    Xiao Rulong was very clear-sighted, appearing unconcerned. Like Chi Jianren, he was almost the only heir of their Ancient Clan families. When it came to top-level Magic Treasures and Spirit Stones, they were not in short supply.


    Unlike the Hong Family or the Bu Family, these two Ancient Clans were considerably larger and had more members, making resource distribution much more challenging than for the Chi and Xiao families.


    That''s why Hong Tianyu was so eager for the Black Jiao Battle Halberd. Resources within the clan would be shared with others, and even as the most prominent young member of the family, he wasn''t the Hong Family''s only hope. There were others like Hong Gaishi and Hong Jiutian, Heaven''s Proud Sons of the clan, just younger in age, but not in Talent.


    The Hong Family would naturally distribute some of the resources to other prodigies, and the Bu Family was just the same.


    Ye Feng and Sausage Sister exchanged looks, both discerning a hint of helplessness in each other''s eyes. Those Ancient Clan disciples were truly extravagant, to an incomprehensible degree.


    Compared to them, the Utility Pavilion truly seemed poor.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. Although he wasn''t officially the Pavilion Master of the Utility Pavilion, he could effectively command it. He naturally had responsibilities there, not to mention being the Principal of the Martial Academy of Xuanyuan Nation, with so many students to support, and then there was the Northern Border Army...


    Ye Feng let out a profound sigh, realizing that the forces under his control were vast, but so too were his responsibilities and burdens.


    He felt an immense pressure bearing down on him.


    "Little Martial Uncle, I want to go up and play too!"


    Long Nannan, who had been watching the battles in the Ten Great Arenas, suddenly spoke up, her voice full of excitement.


    Long Nannan had actually been observing for a while, looking eager to try.


    When Ye Feng heard this, he was startled, but after glancing at Qingya on the number one arena and then at the strong contenders on the other arenas, he nodded and smiled, "Then go ahead, be careful, and if you can''t win, just retreat immediately, don''t lose your life."


    Ye Feng did not object but merely gave some advice. At this time, aside from Qingya on arena one, the others were mostly average Golden Core Realm grandmasters, many of them new to the Golden Core Realm and a good number close to thirty-five years old in the Golden Core Realm. While they could be called prodigies, they were still too weak compared to the true top-level prodigies.


    Though these people acknowledged their average strength, they still wanted to give it a try to see if they could get lucky. After all, the Source Secret Realm was utterly attractive to any Golden Core Realm grandmaster. Moreover, just making it to the top ten would guarantee at least a hundred spirit stones.


    A hundred spirit stones were a lot for most people.


    "Is it really okay for Nannan, that girl?"


    Sausage Sister glanced at Long Nannan flying down and asked with some concern.


    Although the Golden Core Realm contenders on the arena seemed weak, Long Nannan had been a Golden Core Realm grandmaster for too short a time. When it came to actual combat experience, she probably couldn''t compare to many of the strong contenders present, and Sausage Sister was somewhat worried that something might happen to Long Nannan.


    "Don''t worry. As long as that girl doesn''t challenge Qingya, she definitely won''t have too much of a problem. The other fellows are quite a bit weaker than Nannan,"


    Ye Feng said with a faint smile. Long Nannan''s strength and realm had now reached a medium level within the Golden Core Realm. Coupled with the strength of her cultivation techniques and moves, she was almost on par with, if not stronger than, the contenders on the other nine arenas. After all, Long Nannan had entered the Spirit Essence Pool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and the Power of Spirit Essence within her was much more abundant than that of ordinary masters.


    So Ye Feng wasn''t that worried; it was also a good opportunity to let Long Nannan gain some practice.


    Hearing Ye Feng say this, Sausage Sister relaxed and stopped overthinking it.


    "Would you like to practice as well?"


    "The great powers haven''t made their moves yet. Everyone is waiting. After half an hour passes, the real strong contenders will likely start seizing the arenas."


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes and scanned the strong contenders from various powers. Aside from Qingya, other truly powerful masters had yet to take the stage.


    Everyone had more or less the same thought: to fight as little as possible and wait until the last moment to seize an arena. The arena contest was just an appetizer; if they revealed too much of their true strength in the arena contest, it would become a disadvantage later during the point matches as opponents would certainly be prepared.


    Some masters who usually kept a low profile and hid their strength very well were even more reluctant to reveal too much of their power on the arena at this time.


    So it was clear to everyone that the first half an hour was for the strong contenders of the great powers to hone their combat skills, and there were also some who wanted to muddle through and seize an arena spot, hoping to get lucky with a chance to qualify.


    "Me?"


    Sausage Sister was taken aback and felt a bit tempted. After watching Long Nannan take off, she said, "Let''s wait and see. Being in the top ten probably has nothing to do with me. Later on, I''ll look for a suitable opponent to try my luck against."


    Sausage Sister was quite level-headed. In fact, in terms of strength and talent, she was not inferior to Long Nannan and also belonged to the rank of prodigies. But when it came to true strength, she still fell short of the top-level prodigies. Besides, Ye Feng had already mentioned that they could absorb Origin Energy in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, so her competitive spirit was somewhat diminished.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng didn''t say anything and merely smiled as he turned to look down from the stage.


    At that moment, Long Nannan''s petite figure ascended onto the third arena, instantly drawing the attention of many around her.


    "Who is that female practitioner?"


    "Doesn''t seem like we''ve seen this person in the Outer Battlefield, have we?"


    "She looks to be under thirty, and her presence is already at the Golden Core Realm?"


    People from the great powers were shocked, as almost none of them had seen Long Nannan before and were stunned by the aura she exuded. Here was someone under thirty who had already reached the Golden Core Realm, and yet, they had almost never heard of her.


    Xuanyuan Hall was also somewhat shocked at this moment. Previously, due to Ye Feng''s low profile, few people paid attention to his group. But at this moment, seeing Long Nannan''s realm and aura, they were quite astonished.


    Hong Gaishi''s eyes bulged as he stared at Long Nannan in shock, "How is this possible? Wasn''t this woman just at a Half-Step Golden Core Realm before!?"


    Hong Gaishi was completely baffled. He had confronted Long Nannan before, and at that time, she had only been at Half-Step Golden Core Realm. How had she now reached the Golden Core Realm?


    Could it be that she had been hiding her strength back then?

 Chapter 621 - 616: Genius Female Practitioner?

    Hong Gaishi still couldn''t believe what he was sensing was true, but at this moment, it wasn''t just him who felt the strength of Long Nannan. Many others did as well. He also heard the surrounding whispers; he was not mistaken, Long Nannan was indeed at the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Impossible, how could she have possibly gone from Half-Step Golden Core Realm to the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm in just ten days, and then stabilized her realm as well? That''s simply unrealistic!"


    Hong Qing said in a deep voice, his surprise not at Long Nannan''s realm as a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, as he had known she was at Half-Step Golden Core Realm during their competition for the Void Spirit Fruit and had sensed she was not far from the Golden Core Realm. Thus, he could understand Long Nannan breaking through to become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm now.


    What he failed to comprehend was that Long Nannan was not a newly promoted Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, Long Nannan''s aura was very stable!


    "How could her realm be so stable right after a breakthrough unless she had been concealing her strength, or if she had discovered some new secret realm similar to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!"


    Hong Qing narrowed his eyes, speaking the words. These were the only two possibilities, otherwise, to stabilize one''s realm would usually take at least half a year, if not more¡ªa fact all cultivators were aware of.


    Even with external help, unless one trained and made a breakthrough at places like the Spirit Essence Pool, other methods were impossible to achieve both breakthrough and realm stabilization in a mere ten days.


    Hong Gaishi''s expression also grew somber as he spoke in a low voice, "It''s highly unlikely to be the Spirit Essence Pool, didn''t the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm just close recently?"


    He had just exited the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and he had heard about the rule that it only opened once every fifty years.


    Hong Qing nodded as well, "Indeed, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm opens only once every fifty years, without exception for hundreds of years. Even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm have tried every possible method, but none could open it outside the fifty-year period."


    Hong Gaishi and Hong Qing dismissed the possibility of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm being involved. To them, it was now an impossibility. Over the centuries, many Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm had failed to find any other place or time to re-enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Surely, even Ye Feng and his peers couldn''t surpass the explorations of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, could they?


    "I think it''s very likely that she concealed her realm. The appearance of a new secret realm, especially one for cultivation, generally can''t be quiet, and it would definitely be detected by Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm," Hong Qing analyzed. Just like the Source Secret Realm that had appeared for this genius ranking martial competition, it was discovered by Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm a year ago when it appeared.


    At that moment, even Hong Tianyu was frowning, surprised by Long Nannan''s strength. He hadn''t expected such a young and delicate figure to be at the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and apparently, her strength was not weak at all.


    Long Nannan stepped onto the third stage, facing an expert of the Golden Core Realm from the Yin-Yang Temple of Fusang Kingdom,¡ªa Great Yin-Yang Master.


    On the Yin-Yang Temple''s side, many were paying attention to the scene as well.


    "This little lass from Xuanyuan Hall dares to challenge Feng Ye; that''s just overestimating herself."


    A strong figure from the Yin-Yang Temple shook their head slightly with disdain.


    "Feng Ye is one of our Great Yin-Yang Masters who can rank within the top five. How can an unknown Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm from Xuanyuan Hall possibly be his match?"


    "Just watch, I think it will only take a few moves for this woman to be taken down," another person said with a cold laugh, clearly not believing Feng Ye could lose, as Long Nannan didn''t seem to pose any threat.


    At the stage, Feng Ye was also looking at Long Nannan who had approached him, his eyes full of contempt as he said with a mocking smile, "Kid, this isn''t a place for you to play, hurry back to your adults."


    He hadn''t seen Long Nannan as a threat either, due to her innocuous appearance that seemed to bear no hint of menace.


    Long Nannan didn''t get angry but instead smiled sweetly and said, "Uncle, then do you know where my parents are?"


    Feng Ye clearly hadn''t expected Long Nannan to respond like that and was momentarily stunned, unsure of how to reply. After struggling for a moment, he finally said, "How would I know?"


    Long Nannan still had a smile on her face as she said, "Well, if you don''t know, then why are you talking nonsense?"


    As she spoke, the aura on Long Nannan''s body erupted instantly. In the next moment, her petite body charged out like a common cannonball!


    Feng Ye was taken aback, as the conversation had only moments ago been light-hearted, and now she had launched a sudden attack.


    However, as a Great Yin-Yang Master, his reaction was naturally swift. Sensing the energy bursting forth from Long Nannan, his expression changed, and he looked at her seriously.


    Feng Ye''s hands moved quickly in Seal Formation, and three huge Arrays had already appeared before him. In the blink of an eye, the Arrays shone brightly, and three figures emerged from within, his three Shikigami!


    "Wise and Faithful Martial Lord, go!" Feng Ye pointed to one of the Shikigami that resembled a great ape.


    This Wise and Faithful Martial Lord was massive, its muscles bulging with strength that gave a striking visual impact. At Feng Ye''s behest, it roared and charged toward Long Nannan like a mountain!


    Long Nannan had already reached the Wise and Faithful Martial Lord, appearing somewhat diminutive in front of its enormous frame.


    Looking down at the petite Long Nannan, the Wise and Faithful Martial Lord also showed a thick disdain in its eyes. Although it was a Shikigami, it possessed spiritual wisdom and didn''t take the tiny figure before it seriously at all.


    "Boom!"


    Wise and Faithful Martial Lord let out a low growl, his enormous fist already raised, and without another word, he smashed it towards Long Nannan.


    Feng Ye had already begun to sneer; he seemed to have already seen the scene where Long Nannan would be crushed into meat sauce by that punch.


    The people from the various great powers in the stands also shook their heads slightly.


    "This shikigami''s fist is even bigger than this Xuanyuan Hall female practitioner''s entire body; with one punch, I reckon she will be smashed into a meat patty."


    "Smashed into a meat patty might be too much, but after all, she is a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. I estimate she will be badly injured."


    "Too young, too impulsive. I''ve fought Feng Ye before, and his shikigami is incredibly strong; it''s very difficult for ordinary experts to withstand this shikigami''s attacks."


    Not many had faith in Long Nannan, having already concluded she wouldn''t be a match.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong both had a touch of worry in their eyes; they too were concerned that Long Nannan might lose and get injured.


    Only Ye Feng and Sausage Sister remained calm.


    "Just a mere shikigami, it still can''t hurt this girl, and when it comes to strength, it''s not her opponent either."


    Ye Feng smiled lightly.


    This made Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong somewhat surprised. Listening to Ye Feng''s words, could it be that the petite Long Nannan was actually very strong?


    At this moment, on Platform Three, just as Wise and Faithful Martial Lord''s massive fist was about to smash into Long Nannan''s little head, suddenly, his fist froze in mid-air, motionless.


    Wise and Faithful Martial Lord was clearly stunned for a moment; he looked down and found that under his fist was a not-so-big little hand¡ªLong Nannan''s hand!


    Long Nannan had only put out one hand, catching the fist larger than herself single-handedly, her expression unchanged, while she lightly laughed and said, "Big dummy, is that all the strength you have?"


    Long Nannan''s voice wasn''t loud, but nearly everyone present could hear it. Many were astonished to see her catching the huge fist with one hand. The contrast was too great; just a moment ago, hardly anyone believed the petite woman could catch such a heavy punch, one that was bigger than her entire person.


    But now, it seemed like everyone had been emphatically proven wrong. Long Nannan had not only caught it, but she had also done so effortlessly with just one hand!


    "My goodness, even I couldn''t have caught it this easily, and let me tell you, Wise and Faithful Martial Lord is notorious among the shikigami of the Yin-Yang Temple for his great strength!"


    A Xuanyuan Hall expert familiar with onmyoji exclaimed in shock.


    "Are all the people by the Northern Border King''s side really this strong? This is too terrifying."


    Another expert couldn''t help but glance over at Ye Feng''s side; everyone knew Long Nannan was with Ye Feng, as she and Sausage Sister had come looking for him before, and many of the experts from before the Yin-Yang Temple were now in this city.


    With this remark, even many started looking at Ye Feng, and at Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, and others close to him, as if that was exactly the case¡ªthere seemed to be no weaklings around Ye Feng.


    People were not too clear about Sausage Sister''s strength, but they were aware of Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s capabilities; they were indeed existences at Heaven''s Pride level.


    Now a young and cute-looking woman also possessed such ability, which had shocked everyone thoroughly.


    At the Yin-Yang Temple, Divine Master Tanaka also frowned. Among the many shikigami, Wise and Faithful Martial Lord''s strength could be ranked in the top three. With Feng Ye''s strength, summoning a Wise and Faithful Martial Lord with such strength, it was unlikely for many in the Golden Core Realm to catch it so easily.


    Since when did Xuanyuan Hall have such a young, talented female practitioner?


    Indeed, she was a talented woman¡ªDivine Master Tanaka could tell at a glance that Long Nannan was under thirty, her realm was already firmly at the level of a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and her combat power now seemed not weak either.


    Seeing Long Nannan easily catching Wise and Faithful Martial Lord''s attack, even Feng Ye on Platform Three was a bit shocked. He bellowed, "Wise and Faithful, full-power attack!"


    Feng Ye rapidly sketched a talisman seal in the air, then, with a swift motion of his palm, the seal in the air, bursting with light, rushed into Wise and Faithful Martial Lord''s body.


    At that moment, Wise and Faithful Martial Lord''s aura surged. Having received the command, his eyes instantly turned red; his lantern-like eyes now blood red, his aura becoming increasingly fierce. He swung his other fist, hurtling it towards Long Nannan at breakneck speed!


    "Whoosh!"


    The fierce sound of the punch filled the air. Long Nannan remained unflustered, showing no sign of panic. She once again raised her other jade hand.


    "Bang!"


    Wise and Faithful Martial Lord''s twin fists were directly caught by Long Nannan''s hands, unleashing waves of shockwaves¡ªthe power was definitely not small.

 Chapter 622 - 617 Fusion Technique, Sacred Demon Formation

    ```


    Feng Ye had thought that this would be the moment Long Nannan got smashed into a meat patty by Wise and Faithful Martial Lord, but he was soon dumbfounded himself, as Long Nannan easily caught another punch unharmed. She still had an indifferent expression on her face, showing no sign of strain.


    "Big dummy, did you skip your meal or something? Is that all the strength you''ve got?"


    With a teasing smile, Long Nannan began mocking, even sticking her head out to glance at Feng Ye standing behind Wise and Faithful Martial Lord.


    "Hey, skinny as a bamboo with that tall hat, why don''t you send your Shikigami all at once? Fighting this big dummy is just too boring."


    Long Nannan spoke brazenly, her tone full of provocation.


    Upon hearing Long Nannan''s words, Feng Ye was stunned on the spot. Skinny as a bamboo with that tall hat!?


    Long Nannan''s voice carried, and many people burst into laughter upon glancing at Feng Ye. Indeed, Feng Ye was on the thinner side, his long robe looking rather baggy on him, and with a gust of wind, one could easily spot his legs as skinny as bamboo poles.


    "That girl Nannan..."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and shake his head. Onmyoji mainly cultivate their magic techniques and not their flesh bodies, so it''s normal for them to be slender. The same goes for the wizards from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country who tend to be on the skinny side.


    "This nickname is good. From now on, whenever we meet those guys from the Yin-Yang Temple, we will call them that,"


    Chi Jark''s eyes shone with excitement. He was always interested in nicknames.


    Sausage Sister found it amusing and commented, "Nannan is really going to anger that Onmyoji. I''m so done with her."


    Obviously, even she was somewhat exasperated by Long Nannan''s mischief and eccentric personality, but it wasn''t too surprising, given Long Nannan had always been like this and it was pretty normal for her to say such things.


    Back in the arena, Feng Ye had snapped out of his daze. He knew Long Nannan was mocking him, and his entire face twisted in anger. It had been so long since anyone dared to insult him; in Fusang Kingdom, at the Yin-Yang Temple, his status as the Great Yin-Yang Master had earned him much respect, and almost no one dared to be rude to him.


    No one at the Outer Battlefield would bother to insult him or make up nicknames like this either.


    "You will pay for your words!"


    Feng Ye looked ferocious as his hands rapidly formed Talisman Seals in the air. With a push and a loud shout, the seals flew towards two other Shikigami in front of him.


    "Red Moon Ninja, Divine Treasury Mage, go!"


    One was a female Shikigami dressed in ninja garb, and the other a monk in a Daoist robe holding a Zen Staff. With the Talisman Seals entering them, they seemed to come alive in an instant, eyes glowing red with a fierce gaze, quickly fixing on Long Nannan who was still entangled with Wise and Faithful Martial Lord. Both Shikigami took flight towards her.


    Long Nannan had just caught two gigantic punches from Wise and Faithful Martial Lord and was grappling with him. Her petite body was incredibly nimble. As the slow-moving Wise and Faithful Martial Lord continued his mad assault with huge fists, he couldn''t hit her at all. He could only rage impotently, roaring loudly,


    "Pathetic insect, is all you can do hide!?"


    Wise and Faithful Martial Lord shouted in frustration.


    But Long Nannan somersaulted in front of him, grinning and said, "Who told you this lady can only dodge? Eat my Dragon Fist!"


    Long Nannan cried out as she threw a punch, which instantly took on the shape of a dragon''s head, bursting with the sound of a dragon''s roar and carrying a formidable force as it smashed forward.


    Wise and Faithful Martial Lord was pleased, not taking Long Nannan''s punch seriously at all. He also swung his large fist to meet Long Nannan''s small punch.


    Boom!


    An explosion sounded, and Wise and Faithful Martial Lord''s expression changed the moment he touched Long Nannan''s fist. The next instant, his figure, like a giant gorilla, was sent flying backward towards Feng Ye.


    Feng Ye''s face changed when he saw the massive figure of Wise and Faithful Martial Lord flying toward him.


    "Damn it!"


    Feng Ye sidestepped quickly, not even bothering about his Shikigami anymore.


    The previous assault was impossible to handle. He tried to command Wise and Faithful Martial Lord to stop, but it was ineffective, and he couldn''t halt the momentum as if a powerful force had flung him.


    Boom!


    Wise and Faithful Martial Lord crashed into the ground, his aura noticeably weaker.


    Meanwhile, the incredibly swift Red Moon Ninja had already reached Long Nannan.


    With a flash of silver light in her hands, a kunai appeared, its edge sharp and chilling. As it was drawn, the Red Moon Ninja swiftly directed the deadly kunai towards Long Nannan''s swan-like neck.


    Long Nannan simply glanced at the kunai in Red Moon Ninja''s hand, her expression unchanged. She took a step back, and a short sword appeared in her hand.


    Raising her jade-like hand, the short sword met the kunai head-on, blocking it.


    "Ya-ha!"


    Long Nannan let out a light shout, her short sword glowing brightly. The Red Moon Ninja''s face changed, her kunai trembling in her hand.


    ```


    A massive force burst forth from the short sword as Long Nannan raised the hand holding it.


    "Rise!"


    Long Nannan shouted again, her body suddenly sprung up, and the short sword''s cold light shone brilliantly as it severed the kunai in the Red Moon Ninja''s hand with a snap!


    Red Moon Ninja was sent flying by the strike.


    At this time, Ye Feng on the spectator stand was taken aback; he stared at the short sword in Long Nannan''s hand, curious, "Where did Nannan get that short sword from? It''s a top-level magic treasure!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze was sharp; he instantly sensed that the short sword in Long Nannan''s hand was extraordinary. Although it looked no different from an ordinary short sword, the power it contained was unlike any regular weapon.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong also fixed their eyes on the short sword in Long Nannan''s hand. As prodigies of the Ancient Clan, they naturally recognized the extraordinariness of the short sword immediately.


    "This short sword, it must be forged from Millennium Cold Iron, right? That intimidating cold light on the sword cannot exist if it''s not made of Millennium Cold Iron!"


    Xiao Rulong analyzed, waving his folding fan. Millennium Cold Iron was an excellent material for crafting offensive magic treasures, and weapons made from it were powerful.


    Chi Jark''s eyes also shone brightly: "Millennium Cold Iron, that''s valuable. Just one pound of it is worth a thousand spirit stones, and besides, it''s priceless."


    Millennium Cold Iron was a rare material. Typically, its appearance would lead to fierce competition.


    "Nannan didn''t have such a short sword before, did she? Was it given by Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe?"


    As Ye Feng spoke, he already turned his gaze toward Sausage Sister. Before Long Nannan fell unconscious, he had not seen her using a short sword. Now that a short sword had appeared, and moreover, one that was considered a top-level magic treasure, it could only be explained as having been acquired from Old Long during the past month.


    Sausage Sister smiled slightly: "You''ve guessed it, so what''s there left for me to say?"


    "Before we returned from there, Old Long gave Nannan some items, this short sword included, and also passed on some cultivation techniques."


    Sausage Sister explained.


    Ye Feng then sighed softly, "That Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe really plays favorites, not even letting you guys bring me some good stuff."


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, Sausage Sister couldn''t help but roll her eyes and retort, "As if you don''t have enough treasures on you already."


    Although Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong weren''t exactly sure who the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe was in the conversation, they couldn''t help but give Ye Feng a cool glance as well upon hearing him say such things.


    Sensing their less-than-friendly looks, Ye Feng coughed lightly and said no more. He knew if the conversation continued, he might just be ganged up on by these folks.


    Too many treasures to blame me?


    After all, I fought for them myself!


    Ye Feng lamented in his heart but chose not to voice his thoughts, as that would truly be asking for resentment.


    However, considering everything he now possessed since leaving the Northwest Little Mountain Village, Ye Feng had indeed fought for everything himself. He hadn''t asked the village for anything, and Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe hadn''t given him anything either.


    Ye Feng himself didn''t mind. What he received from the Northwest Little Mountain Village weighed more than any treasure could.


    On the arena, Long Nannan had sent the Red Moon Ninja flying with a single strike, even breaking the kunai in her hand. The Red Moon Ninja''s face now bore a line of blood.


    Feng Ye''s expression changed once more; two of his three mighty Shikigami had fallen in the blink of an eye!?


    He was well aware that both his Wise and Faithful Martial Lord and Red Moon Ninja possessed eighty percent of his strength. How could they have been defeated so easily? It was truly astonishing.


    Now, only his last Shikigami remained: Divine Treasury Mage.


    He glanced at Divine Treasury Mage and breathed a sigh of relief. Divine Treasury Mage was the strongest of his three Shikigami, possessing a Realm strength that matched one hundred percent of his own.


    "Divine Treasury, summon the Sacred Demon Formation!"


    Feng Ye bellowed, directing Divine Treasury Mage as he himself leapt into the air, rising into the sky. He rapidly formed Dharma Seals that radiated white light in the air, exuding a divine presence that emerged in the midst of flight.


    Meanwhile, Divine Treasury Mage, who had approached Long Nannan, held the Zen Staff. Upon receiving Feng Ye''s command, he tossed the staff into the air, muttering a mysterious curse incantation. A black Array began to spread on the ground of the arena. At that moment, the robe on Divine Treasury Mage turned completely black, an aura of malevolence starting to spread.


    Long Nannan, standing right in the middle of the Formation, curiously surveyed the black and white Formations emerging on the ground and in the sky.


    At this time, the expressions of the spectators changed slightly.


    "Feng Ye is getting serious; that''s the Fusion Technique of the Onmyoji!"


    "Once the Fusion Technique is successfully cast, it will create an immensely powerful Formation. Its might is incredible, and it must be interrupted during the casting!"


    Some of the experts spoke with grave expressions.

 Chapter 623 - 618: Partial Dragon Transformation!

    The strong ones from Fusang Yin-Yang Hall were coldly sneering at this moment.


    "This Xuanyuan Hall''s female practitioner is really foolish, still not realizing the severity of the situation."


    "Lord Feng Ye''s Sacred Demon Formation is about to be completed, and when that time comes, there will appear both a Sacred Relic and a Demon Creature, and both possess the strength of a Great Yin-Yang Master."


    "Soon we will witness how the Sacred Demon Formation ravages the women of Xuanyuan Hall."


    Several powerful figures from the Yin-Yang Temple discussed amongst themselves.


    Long Nannan was still curiously observing the Sacred Demon Formation being cast on the ground and in the sky as if she didn''t have a single bit of urgency or worry.


    The people from other forces also shook their heads slightly upon seeing this; they had previously thought that Long Nannan being able to so easily defeat Feng Ye''s two shikigami signified a true prodigy and talent.


    But now, seeing that Long Nannan hasn''t shown the slightest reaction, they were somewhat disappointed.


    "Turns out she''s just a female practitioner with inborn talent but lacking high intelligence."


    Someone said with a faint voice, already feeling that there was something problematic with Long Nannan''s intelligence.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were both aware of the existence of Fusion Techniques, and their expressions changed when they saw Feng Ye casting the Sacred Demon Formation.


    Xiao Rulong said with a serious expression, "If Long Nannan doesn''t interrupt the opponent''s spellcasting, the Sacred Demon Formation will be completed. The power of the Onmyoji''s Fusion Technique is extremely strong and not to be underestimated."


    "There was once an Onmyoji who used a Fusion Technique and, with a single move, instantly killed a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!"


    As Xiao Rulong spoke, he thought Ye Feng or Sausage Sister would take it seriously, but it seemed like both of them were still composed, as if they were not the least bit worried for Long Nannan.


    He paused briefly, exchanged a glance with Chi Jark, and the two stopped talking and turned their attention to platform number three.


    Ye Feng and Sausage Sister, who knew Long Nannan best, had not changed their expressions at all up until now, meaning that Long Nannan''s strength was not a cause for concern!


    While they were debating and worrying, on the platform, Feng Ye had completed the Array inscription, and the intricate and obscure Dharma Seal in the sky had already burst forth with waves of sacred aura, incredibly awe-inspiring; it was a Sacred Formation!


    The Array on the ground, however, was exploding with dark and evil aura, with even the Daoist Robe on Divine Treasury turning black, the atmosphere utterly chilling.


    "The Sacred Warrior and the Dark Demon God, emerge!"


    Feng Ye, with an excited expression, laughed heartily.


    He did not anticipate that Long Nannan would actually not interrupt his spellcasting, allowing him to smoothly complete the process.


    The power of the Fusion Technique was tremendous; normally, both shikigami and an Onmyoji had to coordinate to complete it together, and the process could not be interrupted. If interrupted, the Fusion Technique would fail. Typically, preparations had to be made in advance. One could say it was somewhat underwhelming as the technique would end if disrupted, but if undisturbed, it would be cast successfully with an extremely strong power!


    No sooner had Feng Ye finished speaking than a Sacred Warrior figure appeared from the Sacred Formation in the sky, like a Celestial God descending, with even a warhorse beneath him¡ªthe Sacred Warrior summoned from within the Sacred Formation.


    The space above the platform was shrouded in sacred aura, emitting waves of white light, while the black Array on the ground was also emanating black light, and a Dark Demon God, the opposite of the Sacred Warrior, was also rising from the Array.


    Instantly, the evil aura on the ground and the lofty sacred aura in the sky formed a stark contrast¡ªsacred from above, demonic from below.


    As the Sacred Warrior and the Dark Demon God appeared simultaneously, enclosing the petite Long Nannan in the middle, the Sacred Warrior to her left side and the Dark Demon God to her right, both sides exuded terror. However, it was evident that both the Sacred Warrior and the Dark Demon God were Energy Bodies, but the power they emitted was still astonishingly formidable.


    Many who saw the Sacred Warrior and the Dark Demon God frowned, their expressions growing grave.


    "The strength of these two Energy Bodies is probably on par with Feng Ye''s own realm, now it''s really troublesome."


    "Feng Ye''s strength can be ranked mid-tier among the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm; now he can summon these two Energy Bodies, his true power is probably stronger than Feng Ye himself."


    "After completing the Fusion Technique, Feng Ye has already expended a vast amount of energy, and his shikigami is almost depleted as well. Now he can only rely on these two Energy Bodies."


    "That will be enough, though. This female practitioner from Xuanyuan Hall seems to be on par with Feng Ye at best; now facing two against one, she will likely be defeated quickly."


    Some were discussing, already analyzing who the ultimate victor of the battle would be, with no one favoring Long Nannan as the two Demon Gods alone had strength equivalent to Feng Ye''s realm, and their power was boosted by the Sacred Demon Formation a notch higher.


    Ye Feng saw the two Energy Bodies and smiled, saying, "Nannan is really in trouble this time. With her current strength, she''ll have to put in some effort."


    He could sense that the aura of these two Energy Bodies had reached a considerably mighty level; Nannan was now facing opponents comparable to the likes of Golden Cicada, a strong contender.


    Bear in mind, Golden Cicada was a top ten talent in the previous generation, now advanced to Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and with a realm solidified in the Spirit Essence Pool, naturally his strength was far above Feng Ye''s.


    In the crowd of Xuanyuan Hall, Hong Gaishi''s expression was also extremely solemn. Beside him, the voice of Hong Tianyu came, "Gaishi, if it were you, I''m afraid you wouldn''t be able to defeat even one of them."


    Upon hearing this, Hong Gaishi''s face changed slightly. He bowed his head slightly, knowing that Hong Tianyu was right. He was merely a newly advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and even if he gave it his all, he could only reach the mid-tier standard of a Grandmaster!


    Initially he had looked down on Ye Feng''s presence in the Earth''s Xuanyuan Nation, but now, was he even inferior to a woman by Ye Feng''s side?


    Thinking of this, Hong Gaishi''s face turned a bit red, as if a fire was burning in his heart, and he said in a deep voice, "Maybe this woman won''t be a match for those two energy bodies either?"


    Grinding his teeth, Hong Gaishi refused to believe that Nannan would be a match for the two energy bodies. Nannan would lose!


    Hong Tianyu glanced at his younger cousin, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. Had he already lost the courage to acknowledge the strength of others?


    However, he didn''t say anything at the moment. After all, what Hong Gaishi said wasn''t wrong; the outcome wasn''t out yet, perhaps they had just overestimated Nannan''s abilities.


    On the fighting stage, Feng Ye stood to one side with a sneer on his face, holding a Spirit Stone in his hand and recovering.


    The Divine Treasury Mage was already controlling the Sacred Warrior and the Dark Demon God to attack Nannan.


    Just as Ye Feng had said, Nannan''s expression had also become a lot more solemn by now, putting away her previous smile and playfulness.


    "Now, you will pay the price for your words, Divine Treasury, kill her!"


    Feng Ye grinned coldly, as he still remembered the insults Nannan had hurled at him in the beginning.


    As the command was issued, the Divine Treasury Mage wielded the Zen Staff, and a series of Dharma Seals flew out from it. The Sacred Warrior, lifting a Sacred Sword, attacked Nannan with sword light reminiscent of a comet.


    The Dark Demon God also roared, drawing a dark Battle Knife from his waist, rushing forward with an aura of evil and destruction.


    Nannan remained silent, quietly mobilizing the aura in her body. Unnoticed by anyone, her hands were already flipping up scales, undergoing localized Dragon Transformation!


    The hidden scales on her hands were Dragon Scales!


    "Dragon Penetration!"


    With a delicate shout from Nannan, her beautiful eyes focused, locking onto the Sacred Warrior on her left. Her short sword shone brightly as she propelled herself forward, her entire body enveloped by an aura as if a giant dragon surrounded her, confronting the Sacred Warrior with immense momentum.


    But at that moment, the Dark Demon God''s Battle Knife was also closely following right behind her.


    "Has she gone mad, daring to take the offensive like this? Even if she manages to hit the energy body on the left, the Dark War Blade would also strike her from behind!"


    An expert from Xuanyuan Hall exclaimed in shock.


    "She must be crazy; even if she can''t win, she could dodge or simply jump off the stage to end the fight. To take the initiative in attacking like this, she''s completely disregarding her life."


    "Indeed, it''s such a pity for such a talent from Xuanyuan Hall."


    "Only fools from Xuanyuan Hall would do something this stupid, daring to hard-counter Lord Feng Ye''s Fusion Technique, not even attempting to disrupt his casting earlier, ha ha ha."


    The last two sentences were from two powers of the Yin-Yang Temple, echoing each other satirically as they looked derisively towards the direction of the Xuanyuan Hall crowd.


    The Xuanyuan Hall''s side didn''t pay much attention to this, but some turned their gaze to Ye Feng''s direction, knowing that Nannan was associated with Ye Feng, the Northern Border King. They thought that Ye Feng should be quite anxious by now, right?


    However, much to everyone''s disappointment, Ye Feng showed no significant change in expression.


    At this moment, only Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong seemed truly nervous. Sausage Sister was completely calm, whereas Ye Feng had a look of curiosity in his eyes. He knew that Nannan wouldn''t be in too much trouble. Since Nannan didn''t directly leave the stage and chose to attack instead, it was clear she was prepared.


    He was curious to see how Nannan planned to handle the situation. When he saw a hint of light in Nannan''s hands, his gaze sharpened as he faintly made out some scales!


    Is that...


    Dragon Transformation!?


    Ye Feng looked again at the other parts of Nannan''s body and noticed nothing unusual, then he transmitted a message to Sausage Sister, asking, "Has Nannan mastered Dragon Transformation and now can perform localized Dragon Transformation?"


    Sausage Sister didn''t hide anything, nodding gently towards Ye Feng to affirm.


    Ye Feng then cracked a smile, thinking to himself, so that was it. It seemed he knew what Nannan was planning to do now.

 Chapter 624 - 619: Supreme Inner Armor?

    In arena three, many pairs of eyes were focused here, and even Qingya at arena one rarely opened her eyes at this moment.


    The great powers of the four major forces at the high platform also glanced this way, for at this moment, the truly exciting battle among the ten arenas was taking place at arena three.


    The First Hall Master watched silently, seeming to have noticed Long Nannan''s hands, but his eyes that were revealed showed no change and were utterly indifferent.


    The great powers from the other three great forces were somewhat curious to see how Long Nannan would respond.


    Long Nannan, who was attracting much attention, was already holding her short sword and had rushed in front of the Sacred Warrior. With a comet-like speed, the Sacred Warrior''s great sword slashed down fiercely, imbued with incredibly potent Sacred Sword Qi, as if to dispel all evil.


    The Sacred Warrior was fast, but Long Nannan was even faster!


    At this moment, Long Nannan''s petite figure, with the glimmering short sword in hand, had plunged into the Sacred Warrior''s armor. The seemingly impenetrable energy armor of the Sacred Warrior was now like paper mache, punctured instantly by the short sword in Nannan''s hands!


    The Sacred Warrior''s great sword was still some distance away from Nannan and had already frozen in midair.


    But just then, the Dark Demon God''s massive battle blade, emanating a dark aura, had swiftly chopped down, and at this moment, the Dark Battle Blade struck Long Nannan''s back.


    Everyone couldn''t help but turn to look, as the Dark Battle Blade seemed larger than Long Nannan''s entire figure. As the Dark Battle Blade landed on her, everyone thought that Long Nannan would be cleaved in two.


    During this time, Long Nannan, who had plunged her short sword into the chest of the Sacred Warrior, twisted the sword in her hand, shattering the Sacred Warrior before her, and inwardly cried out, "Dragon Transformation!"


    Beneath her clothes, small, dense scales began to protrude from her skin, forming a piece of Qilin Armor in an instant, which enveloped her entire back.


    Bang!


    At that moment, a tremor erupted when the Dark Battle Blade made contact with Nannan''s back. Despite the force, the Dark Battle Blade seemed to strike Vajra, unable to slash through and immobilized.


    Those who were watching were instantly agape, disbelieving the scene before their eyes. The seemingly all-cutting Dark Battle Blade was now incapable of slicing through an unarmored cultivator?


    Long Nannan''s Qilin Armor was inconspicuous, and her clothes obstructed the view, so no one could see the Qilin Armor on her back at this moment.


    Many were dumbfounded. Upon seeing this scene, Qingya from arena one was slightly surprised. He had not seen Long Nannan''s Qilin Armor and did not know how she had managed to withstand the attack.


    However, the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm saw hints of the Qilin Armor. Divine Master Tanaka said flatly at this time, "She has a top-level Inner Armor on."


    Divine Master Tanaka did not hide his voice, and upon hearing his words, many present had their own epiphanies.


    "So she has a top-level Inner Armor. No wonder she dared to take on the Energy Body''s attack head-on."


    "How strong must that top-level Inner Armor be to withstand the hit from such a powerful Energy Body?"


    "It must also be a top-level Magic Treasure. But with her strength, having such a treasure isn''t surprising; she''s probably a prodigy from some major power within Xuanyuan Hall."


    "Perhaps she is a prodigy secretly cultivated by Xuanyuan Hall. Otherwise, how could she have obtained such strength and a top-level magic treasure at such a young age?"


    The experts from the other three major forces speculated, directly treating Long Nannan as a prodigy from a major power within Xuanyuan Hall, hence her tremendous strength and an exceptional Inner Armor with superb defensive power.


    The First Hall Master, however, had a peculiar look in his eyes. He had seen a glint of light and knew that it wasn''t any Inner Armor at all. Yet, since others thought so, he would not go out of his way to reveal the truth.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had been wide-eyed. Upon hearing Divine Master Tanaka''s words, they finally relaxed.


    "So Nannan has a top-level Inner Armor for protection; no wonder you and Ye Feng were so confident," Chi Jark couldn''t help but sigh, having been somewhat worried about Long Nannan earlier.


    "Even with a top-level Inner Armor, such a powerful strike must still have a significant impact," Xiao Rulong said gravely, his eyes fixed on Long Nannan on the platform.


    Ye Feng and Sausage Sister just smiled without saying anything. Everyone thought it was some exceptional Inner Armor, but only the two of them knew clearly that it was not any exceptional scale armor; it was Long Nannan''s Dragon Transformation!


    Long Nannan had forcefully executed a Dragon Transformation while she was at the Half-Step Golden Core stage before fainting. Now, after waking up, she had already gained control over a part of her Dragon Transformation.


    This was what Sausage Sister had recently informed Ye Feng. With the help of Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe at the Great Wall of Heaven, while Long Nannan''s injuries were being healed, she had also mastered some control over the power of Dragon Transformation. Although it wasn''t possible to fully perform a Dragon Transformation yet, she was now capable of controlling partial transformations.


    But as Xiao Rulong had pointed out, the impact was still quite strong. However, as long as the hitting force didn''t breach the Qilin Armor''s threshold, the impact was already significantly reduced.


    At this moment, Long Nannan on the stage merely grunted, completely disregarding the Dark Battle Blade behind her as she shouted once more, "Dragon Break!"


    Long Nannan''s other fist clenched, with countless Power of Spirit Essence converging on it, and under the dense power, pieces of Qilin Armor covered her entire palm ¡ª a scene invisible to outsiders.


    Boom!


    Long Nannan''s radiantly glowing fist smashed viciously into the chest of the Sacred Warrior, and with the Short Sword in her other hand stirring madly, just in a moment''s time, cracks appeared at the attacked spot on the Sacred Warrior''s chest ¡ª and spread quickly throughout the giant''s body.


    Crack crack!


    The energy body of the Sacred Warrior exploded in this moment, its dense Power of the Sacred blowing apart, sending shockwaves pounding against the surrounding Array of the arena, which in turn blinked with bursts of golden light, resisting the blast from the explosion of the Sacred Warrior.


    Feng Ye''s expression completely changed upon seeing this scene; he had never expected things to turn out this way, his Fusion Technique-summoned Sacred Warrior shattered in one exchange!?


    Looking at the huge Dark Battle Blade still motionless behind Long Nannan, Feng Ye''s expression grew fierce, "Damn it, I didn''t expect there to be such a top-tier Inner Armor on her!"


    Feng Ye blamed everything on the top-tier Inner Armor Long Nannan was supposedly wearing, believing that without it, Long Nannan would have been spliced into two by now!


    But what he didn''t know was that there was no top-tier Inner Armor at all.


    "Divine Treasury, keep slashing at her!"


    Feng Ye growled low. He was now greatly spent and utterly unable to fight on his own, left with only the Divine Treasury and the Dark Demon God to rely on.


    "Only a Dark Demon God remains to slash at you!"


    Feng Ye gritted his teeth as he spoke. He had no other option but to pin his hopes on the Dark Demon God; if it too failed, he would be forced to enter the fray himself.


    The Divine Treasury Mage controlled the Dark Demon God, his Zen Staff continuously erupting with Dharma Seals that flew towards the Dark Demon God.


    The Dark Demon God lifted the Dark Battle Blade, hacking down another ferocious strike with incredibly fierce Blade Qi, aiming to cleave Long Nannan.


    Now with both hands free, Long Nannan naturally wouldn''t shy away from the Dark Demon God. Raising her Short Sword, she charged directly into the Blade Qi; her sword once again shone brightly as her tiny figure dashed with extreme speed. Just as the savage Blade Qi was about to strike Long Nannan, she warped her body mysteriously, dodging past the Qi which, in turn, flew towards the Divine Treasury Mage behind her!


    The Divine Treasury Mage''s eyes widened in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events, and Feng Ye, witnessing the Blade Qi flying towards the Divine Treasury Mage, was utterly confounded. How did that happen?


    With such proximity, Long Nannan still managed to evade; what speed did that require!?


    "Divine Treasury, dodge it!"


    Feng Ye roared. If this slash landed, his Shikigami was sure to be injured!


    But the Divine Treasury Mage wanted to dodge too ¡ª however, the Fusion Technique he performed earlier had also consumed a frightening amount of energy, and with the continuous manipulation of two energy bodies, he was now drawing on his last reserves.


    He raised his Zen Staff in front of him, pushing his body to move, but it was already too late.


    The ferocious Blade Qi slashed towards the Divine Treasury Mage, and despite his efforts to dodge, it still hit his shoulder. Though the Zen Staff deflected the Qi, the powerful impact sent it flying, and his shoulder was shattered by the Blade Qi.


    Spurt!


    The Divine Treasury Mage was blasted away, falling onto the platform and coughing up blood, his arm now entirely useless.


    Feng Ye also spat out blood at that moment. As the Shikigami was injured, he too suffered backlash!


    Neither the Wise and Faithful Martial Lord nor the Red Moon Ninja had sustained substantial injuries earlier, so the effects had been minimal. However, the injury taken by the Divine Treasury Mage was to his shoulder, smashing it, effectively ruining one arm, an injury of considerable severity.


    "Wise and Faithful, Red Moon, Divine Treasury, return!"


    Feng Ye''s face was pale as he summoned up all his strength to imprint Dharma Seals in the air. Three Summoning Formations appeared under the feet of the three Shikigami, and in the blink of an eye, the Shikigami vanished from the arena, leaving him appearing utterly spent, his energy weak to the core.


    With the manipulator gone, the Array naturally failed, and the Dark Demon God fell apart. The Dharma Seals on the ground and in the sky slowly dissipated.


    Without looking back, Feng Ye immediately flew up to the high platform of the Yin-Yang Temple; he no longer had the strength to continue the fight. He had never envisioned such an outcome, and as he flew back, his face was the picture of frustration. How could he have anticipated being critically injured by his own attack?


    The entire venue had quieted down, the battle on Arena Three having come to such an unexpected conclusion.

 Chapter 625 - 620 Lis Departure from Hong Gaishi

    Originally, everyone thought that Long Nannan stood no chance, as she was just an obscure cultivator without any renown, while Feng Ye had a certain fame on the Outer Battlefield and was also considered a heaven''s proud son in the Yin-Yang Temple of the Fusang Kingdom.


    Almost everyone felt that there was no suspense in this arena match; Feng Ye was bound to utterly crush Long Nannan. Although the beginning did see Long Nannan''s strength shocking everyone, by the time Feng Ye had completed the Holy Demon Fusion Technique Formation, they all believed that the situation wouldn''t take an unexpected turn.


    But in the end, with the force of a thunderclap, Long Nannan directly crushed Feng Ye''s Sacred Warrior!


    She even employed an outrageously heaven-defying movement technique to dodge the attacks of the Dark Demon God summoned by Feng Ye, causing those attacks to instead strike the Shikigami Feng Ye had summoned, leading to his complete defeat.


    Everyone started discussing Long Nannan again.


    "Who exactly is this woman, and why has no one seen her before? With such strength, she definitely shouldn''t be unknown."


    "And that movement technique just now, it definitely wasn''t ordinary. Could it be the Teleportation used by a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?"


    "Nonsense about Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. That looked completely like the Golden Core Realm. How could it possibly be the Teleportation of a Yin-Yang Realm master? You''re overthinking it."


    Teleportation, a skill that only a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm could perform using the Power of Yin and Yang for short-distance teleportation. In the Golden Core Realm, there was no such thing as teleportation, and thus it was outright denied.


    "Even if it isn''t Teleportation, it must still be a top-level movement technique. It seems this woman has quite the background in Xuanyuan Hall, and the power or mentorship behind her is probably one of the top in Xuanyuan Hall," someone conjectured.


    "Right. With such strength, she could probably hold her own against those in the top ten of the previous generation''s talent list."


    "Stop guessing. I''ve just inquired about it, and it seems this woman is connected to the Northern Border King Ye Feng of Xuanyuan Hall!" someone from the Western Vampire Divine Court suddenly revealed. He had some dealings with cultivators from Xuanyuan Hall, and he had already gathered some information.


    The others were startled upon hearing this. Northern Border King Ye Feng?


    Some wore a look of confusion, not knowing who this so-called Northern Border King Ye Feng was. They were individuals who had been in the Outer Battlefield for over a decade and had hardly any recent news of Earth. Even if they were informed, the most they knew was about their own power''s recent situation. Information about other powers was usually obtained upon entering the Outer Battlefield.


    So, at present, the crowd knew very little about Northern Border King Ye Feng, but some were aware of the Northern Border in Xuanyuan Nation.


    "Could it be the new Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation?" someone asked directly.


    The strong individual from the Western Vampire Divine Court nodded and shared the recent rumors about Ye Feng on Earth with the crowd, who then finally understood.


    "To think that the Martial King Peak could contend with a Golden Core Realm powerhouse... This Northern Border King Ye Feng is truly defying the heavens!" someone exclaimed, drawing a breath of cold air.


    "It''s not quite like that. I''ve heard that Ye Feng is practicing a special cultivation technique, which is why his realm remains at Martial King Peak, but his true strength seems to have already reached the ranks of the Golden Core Realm masters."


    "The last time he entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, some had seen him, but no one saw him go into the Spirit Essence Pool. Now, his exact power is probably only known to those in Xuanyuan Hall."


    The strong individual from the Western Vampire Divine Court responded once more, glancing in the direction of Xuanyuan Hall. However, there weren''t many among the other powers who recognized Ye Feng''s appearance, mainly because Ye Feng hadn''t made an appearance in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm before; he was only seen with the main group at the entrance by the strong individuals from the other powers. After entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, no one from the other three factions had seen him again.


    He also hadn''t ventured far from Xuanyuan Hall''s domain lately, the furthest being to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was quite desolate, with fewer Alien Beasts, so there were very few people training nearby, except when the entrance to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was opened.


    "If one of Northern Border King Ye Feng''s subordinates is this strong, how powerful must he be? Will he make a move during this talent list martial contest?" someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "You idiot, his subordinate has already made a move. Do you think he himself won''t show up? Just wait, I reckon as soon as the final challenge for the arena starts, we''ll see this guy," the strong individual from the Western Vampire Divine Court scornfully looked at the questioning wizard from the Wizard Alliance. Offended by the insult, the wizard was angry, but he was only at Half-Step Golden Core and certainly couldn''t provoke this Vampire Grand Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court.


    With no better option, the wizard from the Wizard Alliance had to shut his mouth.


    By now, many from the Great Powers were looking towards Xuanyuan Hall, as if searching for Ye Feng''s figure.


    Ye Feng, on the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall, also heard these guys discussing. He didn''t expect to catch their attention, but he didn''t mind either¡ªsooner or later, he was bound to be noticed.


    The people of Xuanyuan Hall were themselves shocked, not expecting Long Nannan to win so decisively and were startled by her demonstrated strength.


    "Even if ranked, this woman could likely place in the top ten among the Golden Core Realm powers within our Xuanyuan Hall, right?" someone couldn''t resist saying. Long Nannan''s displayed strength was clearly not something ordinary Golden Core Realm masters could match.


    "Among the younger generation, she should still rank in the top ten, I''m afraid that even Hong Gaishi of the Hong Family wouldn''t be a match for this woman."


    "Hong Gaishi is only a newly advanced Golden Core Powerhouse, even if the Hong Family''s cultivation technique is strong, I''m afraid that at most he can only manage to compete with Feng Ye, but he is definitely not capable of defeating Feng Ye."


    Some of the disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were discussing softly among themselves.


    Hong Gaishi''s face in the crowd bore a look of frustration. He was considered the prodigy of the Hong Family, and on Earth, he was the star everyone held in high regard. At the previous selection for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he was the center of attention. To think that in less than a month''s time, he had become less than a woman by Ye Feng''s side!?


    "Don''t be hard of hearing, you are still too weak. You couldn''t reach the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm even after entering the Spirit Essence Pool, missing the chance to stabilize your realm."


    "You fell behind one step before, and now you''re already lagging a great distance behind."


    Hong Tianyu''s indifferent voice entered his ears.


    He didn''t mince words; in the Ancient Clan, things were cruel. Once you fell behind and were inferior to others, your prodigy status would become meaningless, the family''s regard for you would lessen, and the resources allocated to you would reduce significantly.


    Hong Tianyu was actually just reasoning with Hong Gaishi, feeling that he wasn''t trying hard enough, which is why he was progressing too slowly.


    Yet Hong Gaishi still felt utterly aggrieved. Was it truly because he didn''t try hard enough that he fell behind?


    No, that wasn''t it at all. It was clearly because these people were too monstrous!


    Hong Gaishi''s heart was filled with resentment. He felt defiant but also somewhat helpless.


    Hong Gaishi''s expression kept changing, and after a moment, he suddenly turned around and flew out of the city.


    "I withdraw from this talent ranking competition. I will prove myself - I, Hong Gaishi, am the true genius!"


    Hong Gaishi''s voice echoed in the ears of Hong Tianyu and Hong Qing, a sound transmission he made just before leaving.


    Hong Qing watched Hong Gaishi''s departing figure and couldn''t help but turn to Hong Tianyu to ask, "Tianyu, weren''t your words a bit harsh?"


    Hong Tianyu shook his head and also looked at the departing figure of Hong Gaishi, speaking indifferently, "Even if he had stayed, he wouldn''t have a place in the top ten. It wouldn''t be his turn; staying here wouldn''t make much difference anyway."


    Hong Qing was momentarily taken aback but then nodded. Hong Tianyu wasn''t wrong; with Hong Gaishi''s current strength as a newly advanced Golden Core Powerhouse, supported by Hong Family''s cultivation techniques, he could barely make a mid-to-lower ranking among the many Golden Core prodigies under thirty-five present.


    Anyone who met the requirements to participate in the talent ranking competition was a prodigy from a great power, not many of whom were genuinely weak.


    "Should I accompany him as he leaves?"


    Hong Qing let out a sigh.


    "No need. If he needs an escort at this point, then he truly is finished. Let him experience trials on his own. If he dies, then he dies. Hong Family''s warriors have all blazed their own bloody trails."


    Hong Tianyu was very cold and directly stopped Hong Qing.


    Hong Qing understood Hong Tianyu''s intention and said no more.


    The people of Xuanyuan Hall didn''t pay much notice to Hong Gaishi''s departure, since people would leave from time to time, and since Hong Gaishi didn''t cause any incidents or much disturbance when he left, naturally no one bothered.


    Outside the city, Hong Gaishi had already flown out of the city gate. Looking back at the city behind him, his eyes were filled with resentment and envy.


    "Just you wait. I, Hong Gaishi, will show you that I am the true Heaven''s Proud Son, and none of you are worthy!"


    Hong Gaishi said through clenched teeth, and then he turned his body and shot directly toward a direction.


    Apart from Hong Tianyu and Hong Qing, hardly anyone else noticed Hong Gaishi''s departure.


    Neither Hong Tianyu nor Hong Qing could imagine that the next time they would see Hong Gaishi, he would truly shock everyone. But all that was to come later.


    Inside the city, at the Ten Great Arenas, Nannan''s recent performance on arena number three had already astonished everyone. At the moment, she held a Spirit Stone in her hand, recovering from the energy she had expended.


    For a while, there was nobody daring enough to challenge Nannan on the third arena, while the other arenas were still witnessing many challengers.


    "Sister Nannan really is strong, this strength of hers, I''m afraid it''s not far from mine."


    Chi Jark on the high platform couldn''t help but comment, impressed by Nannan''s performance, which nearly matched his strength when he first came out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Ye Feng, could I ask who her master is?"


    Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but ask out of curiosity.

 Chapter 626 - 621: Taking the Stage One After Another

    ```


    Long Nannan''s moves had completely captivated Xiao Rulong; he was keen to find out who her master was and also about that bizarre movement technique she employed. Even if he were to use the Xiao Family Body Technique, he wasn''t sure he could have evaded the Dark Demon God''s blade from such a close distance.


    The only option would have been to take the hit head-on!


    You must understand, the Xiao Family Body Technique is already considered top-level, an absolutely dominant force on the Outer Battlefield, yet Nannan''s evasion of the Blade Qi just now made him feel inferior.


    When Chi Jark heard Xiao Rulong ask this question, he too was very interested and looked towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng, seeing the gazes of the two, smiled and said, "You need not ask too much about our lineage. You might have heard Nannan call me "Little Martial Uncle." Like me, she is from the Northwest Little Mountain Village."


    Ye Feng mentioned only the Northwest Little Mountain Village; he did not elaborate on the identity of the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe.


    However, just the mention of a Northwest Little Mountain Village was enough to silence Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong. They of course knew of the village''s existence; any Ancient Clan would be reluctant to oppose the Northwest Little Mountain Village. There were good reasons: not only did the village boast numerous powerful figures, its strength was immense and shrouded in mystery, with few aware of its actual entrance.


    No one would foolishly provoke such a powerful and enigmatic force.


    Seeing that the two men did not speak, Ye Feng did not elaborate further.


    Some time passed, and Ye Feng glanced at the woman beside him, Sausage Sister.


    "Sausage Sister, don''t you want to go up and have some fun?"


    He had indeed noticed the look in Sausage Sister''s eyes as she watched Nannan triumph on the stage; it was clear she was also somewhat tempted.


    Sausage Sister''s expression hesitated for a moment, then she shook her head and said, "There isn''t much time left, and it should be your turn to fight for the stages now, right?"


    Sausage Sister was well aware that less than an hour remained until the end of the stage battles. The upcoming time would be the prime battleground for the fight over the top ten positions.


    "Moreover, Nannan''s appearance just now has already attracted quite a bit of attention. I''d rather keep a low profile."


    After thinking a bit more, Sausage Sister added; she was not someone who typically sought the spotlight. Nannan''s performance had already become the center of discussion among the crowd. Sausage Sister''s own strength was not much less than that of Nannan''s, and if she were to make a move now, she would likely draw even more attention.


    Ye Feng nodded upon hearing this; he understood Sausage Sister''s intention: "Then, Sausage Sister, you''ll be our ace in the hole. Indeed, revealing too much of our strength right now would be disadvantageous for our future endeavors."


    Ye Feng considered that Nannan''s display of a solidified Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm was now noticed by some. One could be passed off as a hidden Realm, but two would start to seem strange.


    At that moment, Ye Feng suddenly realized that there would soon be more of his own people entering the Outer Battlefield. Even if they were cultivating in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the emergence of too many unfamiliar Golden Core Powerhouses could become problematic.


    With these thoughts in mind, Ye Feng suddenly felt a headache coming on.


    Oh well, he''d deal with it when the time came.


    Without dwelling on it further, at that moment the First Hall Master spoke up: "There is half an hour left before the stage battles end."


    His voice resonant as a tolling bell, as soon as the First Hall Master finished speaking, a formidable aura rose up from the Western Vampire Divine Court, and a streak of red light dashed directly towards Stage Seven, which was occupied by a Newly Advanced Golden Core Powerhouse from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country.


    On seeing who had chosen his stage, his face changed, and he said with an ugly expression, "Nick!"


    The streak of red light had already arrived in front of him, morphing into a figure with large, flapping wings and a strong aura¡ªit was none other than Nick, who ranked third at the Spirit Essence Pool in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and fifth in the previous genius battle. He was one who had not advanced in the Spirit Essence Pool but had ascended after leaving the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Nick stood before the Wizard from the Wizard Alliance, cracking a grin to reveal his pointed teeth: "Are you stepping down yourself, or shall I knock you down?"


    As he spoke, his aura continued to climb, his powerful presence turning the Wizard''s face pale with fear.


    The Wizard from the Wizard Alliance clenched his teeth, a flicker of unwillingness in his eyes, but he still chose to leap off the stage and fly back to the high platform of the Snow Wolf Country Wizard Alliance.


    He knew very well that, being a newly advanced Golden Core Powerhouse who had managed to hold his ground on the stage only through certain special means, he stood no chance against Nick. There was no point in a reckless fight; it was wiser to retreat quietly. He had initially ascended the stage with the hope of seizing an opportunity, not anticipating to be the first one challenged.


    His voluntary retreat did not come as a surprise to the audience, as it was clear to everyone that the true struggle for supremacy among the prodigies was about to begin. The chances of sneaking into the top ten were becoming exceedingly slim.


    No sooner had the Wizard returned to the platform than another figure shot down swiftly, heading straight towards Stage Eight. Currently, one of the Vampire Divine Court''s stalwarts was on that stage, also a powerhouse who had entered the Spirit Essence Pool. He, just like Hong Gaishi, had not advanced in the pool but had succeeded after leaving the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, now seated at the tenth place on the Heaven Guard Monument.


    ```


    ```


    Though he was stronger than many newly advanced Golden Core powerhouses, that''s why he could stand until now.


    "Savis, you want to take over my arena!?"


    The powerhouse from the Vampire Divine Court furrowed his brow. Although Savis had not been able to enter the Spirit Essence Pool before, he was still one of the top ten existences in the previous talent ranking martial arts competition. He was not to be underestimated, especially since he was now also a newly advanced Golden Core powerhouse. His strength was probably not much less than his own, which was quite troublesome.


    "You took our people''s arena, so naturally, I have to regain some face for our Wizard Alliance," Savis said with a raspy voice.


    "Hmph, you couldn''t even enter the Spirit Essence Pool before. Do you think you''re my match now?"


    The powerhouse from the Vampire Divine Court was not to be outdone as he unfolded a pair of wings behind him, engulfing the entire arena with a formidable and blood-red aura.


    Savis was equally unyielding, raising his magic wand, his powerful aura bursting forth.


    The battle erupted instantaneously, both combatants were of similar realms, using all their strength from the get-go.


    Elsewhere, prodigies from various great powers were constantly charging onto other arenas. Over at Xuanyuan Hall''s side, Bu Fengning went straight to arena number two. That arena was occupied by a Great Yin-Yang Master from the Yin-Yang Temple. The sight of Bu Fengning coming up to his arena caused a slight change in the Great Yin-Yang Master''s expression. Bu Fengning''s reputation was something he had heard of as well. This fellow was someone who could rival their Yin-Yang Temple''s Qingya.


    Although he had never seen Bu Fengning and Qingya fight each other, Bu Fengning''s fame in the Outer Battlefield still shone brightly. Furthermore, the pressure that Bu Fengning exerted upon his arrival was extremely intense. Gritting his teeth, he was, after all, the second-ranked existence within the Yin-Yang Temple, only second to their Qingya. He couldn''t disgrace himself like others had.


    "Xuanyuan Nation''s Bu Fengning, I''ll see if you are as formidable as the legends say," the Onmyoji uttered in a low voice, rapidly forming seals. A summoning formation appeared, and three powerful Shikigami now stood before him. Each one harbored power no weaker than Feng Ye''s summoned Shikigami¡ªperhaps even stronger.


    Bu Fengning''s gaze was indifferent, seemingly not considering the three mighty Shikigami a threat at all.


    "Bu Fengning has entered the fray, that''s Jin Yu from Yin-Yang Temple on arena number two. He''s not weak either. In the younger generation of Yin-Yang Temple, he''s second only to Qingya. It''s uncertain whether he''ll be a match for Bu Fengning," a powerful onlooker curiously eyed arena number two, excitement in their eyes.


    The people from Yin-Yang Temple didn''t look too pleased, they too were aware of Bu Fengning''s reputation.


    But in terms of momentum, they certainly couldn''t lose. A member of Yin-Yang Temple coldly asserted, "Just a mere Bu Fengning, Jin Yu will surely take him down easily."


    "Exactly, there were rumors that he went to train in the Ice Prison Valley, but I think it''s just a story blown out of proportion by Xuanyuan Hall''s own people. He probably just loitered around the outskirts of the Ice Prison Valley, afraid he didn''t have the real skills to train inside," another member of the Yin-Yang Temple chimed in, belittling Bu Fengning.


    Meanwhile, the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from Yin-Yang Temple, Divine Master Tanaka, frowned as he too set his gaze on arena number two.


    He knew well that their Jin Yu was most likely no match for Bu Fengning. He could sense that Bu Fengning''s realm of aura was almost similar to Qingya''s. Jin Yu alone would definitely fall short compared to Bu Fengning.


    Divine Master Tanaka felt somewhat helpless at the moment. Aside from Qingya being a sure bet for the top ten in this competition from Yin-Yang Temple, the other two hopefuls were Jin Yu and Feng Ye. Feng Ye had just been defeated by Long Nannan, and now Jin Yu was sought out by Bu Fengning.


    "Xuanyuan Hall has been producing quite a few strong fighters these years..." Divine Master Tanaka squinted, glancing toward the direction of the Yin-Yang Temple.


    The First Hall Master also looked over at this point, his expression showing little change.


    Both great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm simply exchanged brief glances without saying a word.


    On arena number two, Jin Yu controlled the three mighty Shikigami and charged towards Bu Fengning. Attacking with all his might right from the start, he dared not underestimate Bu Fengning''s strength. Against such a level of power, if he didn''t give it his all, it was better to just concede. By going all-out, there was a chance to catch the opponent off guard and win.


    Bu Fengning stood on the other side of the arena, hands behind his back, watching as the three Shikigami rushed toward him. In his hand, a burst of silver light flickered¡ªa longsword exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression appeared in his grasp.


    "You are not worthy to be my opponent."


    Bu Fengning stated flatly, flipping the longsword in his hand, the blade following spirit, sending an astonishing blade of Sword Qi flying towards the three great Shikigami.


    ```

 Chapter 627 - 622 The Strength of Bu Fengning

    Jin Yu''s complexion changed slightly as he watched the astonishing Sword Qi and already felt its incredibly sharp essence.


    "Guardian Spell!"


    Jin Yu left traces in the air as he inscribed one Dharma Seal after another, and his three Shikigami also employed the Guardian Spell.


    It was as if four mighty beings had cast the Guardian Spell at the same time, creating an extremely solid defensive formation that floated in mid-air, blocking the path of Bu Fengning''s Sword Qi.


    As the astonishing Sword Qi struck the solid defensive wall, the wall immediately began to vibrate violently. The intense shaking surprised everyone present, especially Jin Yu on the arena, who could clearly feel that just this single Sword Qi from Bu Fengning was already reaching the critical point that the defensive wall could withstand!


    "How can it be so strong!?"


    Jin Yu felt a mixture of shock and anger as he rapidly formed more Dharma Seals in an attempt to reinforce the defensive wall. Although this Sword Qi was blocked, Bu Fengning, holding his longsword, had already appeared in front of the defensive wall, bringing with him a Reach the Sky Sword Light. With an indifferent face, Bu Fengning swung his longsword down.


    Crack!


    The seemingly solid defensive wall instantly showed a crack, followed by the light from Bu Fengning''s longsword, which glittered as the cracks rapidly spread. The sturdy defensive wall exploded with a bang and dispersed into tiny specks of light in the air.


    After breaking through the defensive wall, Bu Fengning''s sword did not stop. The astonishing strike continued downwards and unexpectedly hit the foremost Shikigami, which was holding a long-bladed weapon. The Shikigami raised its long blade to block Bu Fengning''s strike, but the disparity in strength was too great. The long blade was sliced through in an instant, and a look of panic flashed in the eyes of the Shikigami wielding the blade.


    There was nothing it could do as its long blade was already cut in half, unable to stop the strike. Its figure retreated rapidly, attempting to evade the range of the sword''s attack, but just as it tried to pull back, Bu Fengning''s strike suddenly accelerated.


    The Reach the Sky Sword Light had already cut through the Shikigami. In the blink of an eye, it was severed in two and gradually dissipated into the air.


    Wow!


    The death of a Shikigami severely damaged the summoner Jin Yu''s Vital Energy. He immediately spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and his aura instantly weakened significantly.


    Jin Yu''s eyes widened, unable to believe that Bu Fengning''s strike was so powerful that it not only shattered his defensive wall but also cleaved one of his powerful Shikigami in half. The strength disparity had completely exceeded his expectations.


    Those around were equally astonished, all acknowledging the formidable strength of Jin Yu''s summoned Shikigami, which was strong enough to match a mid-tier Golden Core Realm Grandmaster. Yet, it was obliterated by Bu Fengning with a single sword strike.


    "This Bu Fengning is too strong, that single strike positions him at the pinnacle among the Golden Core Realm Grandmasters."


    "This guy is truly as the legends depict, so powerful. Could it be true, as the rumors say, that he trained in the Ice Prison Valley?"


    "It''s hard to say for sure, we thought it was just a rumor, but Bu Fengning''s current strength is making me somewhat believe it. He could probably directly vanquish a weaker Golden Core Realm Alien Beast with a single sword strike, right?"


    The crowd murmured their amazement.


    Over at Ye Feng''s side, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s expressions were also grave. It had been more than three years since they last saw Bu Fengning in action.


    "This guy is truly formidable. He has probably even begun to touch upon the Domain of the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. If it really came to blows, I doubt I would be his match."


    Chi Jark said gravely as he also assessed the gap between himself and Bu Fengning while watching.


    "Possibly, that last strike had hints of Domain energy. This guy is literally a monster."


    Xiao Rulong nodded slightly in agreement, observing closely.


    Ye Feng, hearing their conversation, was slightly surprised. Already touching upon the Domain, was he?


    A faint smile appeared on his face. He wasn''t particularly surprised by Bu Fengning''s strength as he had recognized Bu Fengning''s capabilities when he first saw him. This performance was completely within his expectations.


    In the crowd from the Xuanyuan Hall, Hong Tianyu''s face turned gloomy. Previously, when he had taken second place on the previous genius ranking, many people speculated that if Bu Fengning had not been in the midst of a breakthrough, he would not have taken that spot.


    For years, he refused to believe that he was inferior to Bu Fengning. Convinced that he was just as remarkable since they belonged to the same generation of prodigies, he naturally couldn''t accept defeat. Thus, he continued to battle, slaying numerous Golden Core Realm Alien Beasts to clear his name.


    He couldn''t be worse than Bu Fengning!


    But now, witnessing Bu Fengning''s sword strike, he knew that he, Hong Tianyu, was no match for him!


    The power of that sword was too formidable; he could tell that Bu Fengning hadn''t even used his full strength, yet his attack was so powerful.


    His gaze turned to the first arena, where probably only that monster Qingya could match this guy, right?


    At this moment, Qingya on the first arena was frowning as well, watching the fight on the second arena right next to him.


    He hadn''t expected Bu Fengning''s strength to reach such a Realm, capable of severing Jin Yu''s Shikigami with a single sword strike.


    "Such strength is sufficient to be my match."


    Qingya murmured to himself, a trace of a dark light flickering in his eyes. He then turned his gaze to the somewhat stunned Jin Yu.


    "Jin Yu, withdraw immediately. You''re not his match, and if you don''t want to lose the remaining two Shikigami as well, retreat now!"


    Qingya directly transmitted his voice to Jin Yu on the second arena.


    Jin Yu was already overwhelmed by Bu Fengning''s power. Hearing Qingya''s voice, he immediately snapped back to reality. By this time, Bu Fengning had not launched another attack but looked at him indifferently.


    "I concede!"


    Jin Yu gritted his teeth and spoke, his complexion pale. The wounds from his Shikigami being slashed had significantly weakened his power.


    With a flip of his hand, the remaining two Shikigami disappeared from the Summoning Formation, and he leaped down from the arena to return to the high platform where the Yin-Yang Temple was located.


    The people of the Yin-Yang Temple, upon seeing the injured Jin Yu return, fell silent, especially the two who had been badmouthing Bu Fengning; they were somewhat indignant now.


    "Lord Tanaka, Jin Yu has disappointed you!"


    Upon returning to the high platform, Jin Yu came directly before Divine Master Tanaka and knelt on one knee.


    Before coming to this talent-ranking martial contest, Divine Master Tanaka had ordered him to secure a spot in the top ten and enter the Source Secret Realm. But Jin Yu hadn''t expected to be so unlucky as to be targeted by Bu Fengning, and more importantly, Bu Fengning''s strength was outrageously strong.


    Divine Master Tanaka glanced indifferently at Jin Yu and slightly raised his hand, clearly showing no intention of blame as he spoke lightly, "Heal your injuries well; you''re not to blame for this."


    Bu Fengning was too strong; there was nothing Jin Yu could do if he wasn''t a match.


    Jin Yu''s expression turned despondent as he stood up and quietly stepped down.


    At Xuanyuan Hall, two figures flew out, one after the other; one turned into a golden light, while the other transformed into a cyan light.


    The golden light descended onto the fourth arena, which was claimed by a Buddhist Sect powerhouse from Xuanyuan Hall. He bowed respectfully on seeing this figure and then voluntarily left the arena.


    The figure of golden light was none other than Golden Cicada. The Buddhist Sect disciple had only entered the arena for combat practice and knew all too well he wasn''t strong enough to finish in the top ten, hence he willingly gave his spot to Golden Cicada.


    The cyan light landed on the fifth arena, which was occupied by a great sorcerer from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, who had barely reached and freshly stabilized himself at the level of a Newly Advanced Golden Core Powerhouse.


    Upon seeing the cyan figure, he sneered, "Mu Tian, you dare to challenge me?"


    Mu Tian stood on the arena in a carefree manner, smiling lightly, "You better jump off yourself like the others, don''t make me act, or if you can''t get up from the ground later, don''t blame me."


    Mu Tian''s casual speech clearly indicated he didn''t consider the great sorcerer as a serious threat.

 Chapter 628 - 623: Pinch to Know

    The Great Sorcerer raised an eyebrow, Mu Tian''s demeanor puzzled him a bit. Wasn''t it said that this guy was at the Half-Step Golden Core just a month ago? And now, only a month had passed; could it be that he had already advanced to a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and stabilized his realm?


    Otherwise, how could he remain so calm?


    The Great Sorcerer was very cautious. After mobilizing his energy bit by bit, his aura had reached the standard of a mid-level expert in the Golden Core Realm.


    "Mu Tian, don''t think you can treat me like the pushovers you''ve dealt with before; you are no match for me!"


    The Great Sorcerer snorted coldly¡ªhe couldn''t believe that Mu Tian, who had been at the Half-Step Golden Core just a month earlier, could do anything to him now. At best, Mu Tian could only be at the realm of a newly advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Whether I''m a pushover or not, won''t we find out once you try?"


    Mu Tian grinned, showing no sign of panic even as he saw the Great Sorcerer mobilizing his energy.


    The crowd on the surrounding platforms was somewhat surprised.


    "Mu Tian actually went for Luo Lin, and Luo Lin seems to have reached the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm last year, right?"


    "Exactly, I heard that not long ago Luo Lin alone killed an Eight Wilderness Lizard in the Death Desert, and just that single Eight Wilderness Lizard fetched a high price of several hundred Spirit Stones!"


    "The Desert Killer, Eight Wilderness Lizard?"


    "That''s an existence even newly advanced Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm would flee from. The Eight Wilderness Lizard has an incredibly tough Qilin Armor, and without the strength of a mid-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm or above, I''m afraid no one would dare confront it directly in battle, right?"


    "If Luo Lin can kill an Eight Wilderness Lizard, he must have already stabilized his realm in the Golden Core Realm. How could Mu Tian possibly defeat Luo Lin?"


    "Exactly, this guy was still at the Half-Step Golden Core a few days ago, even if he has improved since then, at most, he''s just a newly advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!"


    "That''s just perfect, let Luo Lin deal with this guy first, the best outcome would be if he cripples him."


    Many of those eyeing Mu Tian''s side were powerhouses who had been plundered by him before, all of them keenly awaiting a thrashing of Mu Tian.


    No one was optimistic about Mu Tian, but at this moment, Luo Lin, the Great Sorcerer on stage, started to sweat as he sensed Mu Tian''s aura.


    At this moment, Mu Tian on the number five platform had already released his aura, the aura of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    Luo Lin''s complexion changed; Mu Tian truly possessed the strength of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and he could feel that Mu Tian''s realm was indeed that of a stabilized Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Impossible, weren''t you at the Half-Step Golden Core a month ago!?"


    Luo Lin asked through gritted teeth, unable to believe that Mu Tian had already reached and stabilized the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    He could understand Mu Tian advancing to a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, but he couldn''t comprehend how Mu Tian could advance and stabilize his realm in such a short span of a month.


    "That''s right, but does that affect my advancement to the Golden Core Realm?"


    Mu Tian''s expression was playful.


    Luo Lin was taken aback by those words, and then he said, "But how could your realm stabilize so quickly? I haven''t heard about you entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm..."


    Luo Lin''s face darkened. He had paid attention to the list of those entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and according to his information, Mu Tian was nowhere near the quota for entry. How could Mu Tian possibly stabilize his realm so quickly?


    As Luo Lin was asking, Mu Tian gave him a look that was like staring at an idiot. "Are you all stupid? I borrowed so many things from you and got my hands on so many Spiritual Medicines. Isn''t it a matter of course to stabilize the realm in a month?"


    Mu Tian''s voice was loud and clear, and even the people in the stands were stunned at this moment. Those who had been plundered immediately changed their expressions, their faces burning with fury as they stared hatefully at Mu Tian, wishing they could tear him limb from limb.


    Seeing Mu Tian''s response, Luo Lin was again somewhat dumbfounded. It seemed to make sense; if one were to stabilize the realm using various spiritual medicines meant for that purpose, it was possible, albeit those medicines were rare and required a significant amount of Spirit Stones. On top of that, they were just for expedited assistance. But to actually use spiritual medicines to stabilize the realm in such a short period, the quantity required would be enormous and the cost in Spirit Stones frighteningly high!


    Ordinarily, no one would choose to do so because of the high cost. Just stabilizing on one''s own would take at most half a year, which was enough to stabilize the realm. Even taking a year was sufficient for some, and half a year or a year truly didn''t mean much to a cultivator; it could simply be the duration of seclusion cultivation. With eyes closed for seclusion, and then opened again, half a year might have passed just like that. Once at the Golden Core Realm, one could completely practice fasting and would no longer need to eat.


    However, these costs did not seem to be an issue for Mu Tian, a Half-Step Golden Core expert who had robbed nearly half of the Outer Battlefield. Many experts at the Half-Step Golden Core level would prepare some spiritual medicine to help stabilize their realm. The quantity wouldn''t be much, but they would have some in reserve. Nevertheless, Mu Tian had taken all of it for himself.


    On the high platform at Xuanyuan Hall, Ye Feng and the others were rendered somewhat speechless. It appeared that Mu Tian''s realm was indeed bolstered by spiritual medicine.


    "If he really did enhance his realm with spiritual medicine, his strength might be somewhat inflated. It''s difficult to fully digest an excessive amount of spiritual medicine. A lot of the medicine''s power would remain inside the body," one of them said.


    Ye Feng, eyeing Mu Tian, was not spouting nonsense. The effects were equivalent to those of the Void Spirit Fruit. Consuming the first one would significantly increase spiritual power, but the effectiveness would decrease with subsequent use. The same went for the spiritual medicine used to stabilize the realm. As their effectiveness decreased, the vast amount of undigested spiritual medicine would remain hidden inside the body, being detrimental rather than beneficial to a cultivator''s practice.


    "So, is this guy even a match for the Wizard of the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country?"


    Chi Jark was also keeping an eye on Mu Tian. He could sense that Mu Tian''s aura had reached the intermediate standard of the Golden Core Realm, but that was just the realm. Actual strength would only be revealed during combat.


    "This wizard shouldn''t be a match for Mu Tian. It''s unlikely that this guy''s stable realm comes from piling up spiritual medicine. His body''s realm is very stable and shows no signs of being inflated; moreover, no medicinal power can be detected at all."


    "To say that it was built up by spiritual medicine is probably just a ruse to mislead others."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly. With his current strength, he could easily discern Mu Tian''s true condition. Earlier outside the city, he had only noticed Mu Tian''s basic realm, but now that Mu Tian had fully released his aura, Ye Feng was able to see the real situation inside Mu Tian''s body.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong exchanged knowing looks after hearing Ye Feng''s words, realizing something.


    "This guy indeed has some secrets he''s not disclosing. What exactly is his identity?"


    Xiao Rulong said in a grave tone, feeling that Mu Tian was no simple character. Someone who could rise to prominence in the Outer Battlefield, always concealing his true background and claiming to be a Loose Cultivator¡ªalthough nobody believed it, they also failed to ascertain where Mu Tian''s teachings came from or what forces lay behind him.


    Ye Feng didn''t reveal Mu Tian''s true identity. After all, if ordinary people tried to investigate, they wouldn''t uncover much since a lot of information had already been sealed after Mu Tian left.


    "Alright, there isn''t much time left. Worrying about others is less important than worrying about yourselves. If you don''t seize the opportunity to fight now, the battles will be over soon," Ye Feng said with a smile. Time was passing by, and they really would run out of it if they did not start fighting soon.


    "However, when you enter the fray later, don''t reveal too much of your strength to avoid drawing unwanted attention. It''s not yet time to expose all your capabilities."


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong nodded, understanding the caution. Without giving Mu Tian another glance, they flew towards the ninth and tenth stages where combatants from the Western Vampire Divine Court and one of the wizards from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country were fighting. They had chosen these two platforms and lunged straight into the fray.


    As soon as they stepped onto the platforms, both unleashed their auras without hesitation and began battling their respective opponents. However, they did not display their full power, using only about sixty percent of their abilities to fight opponents who were also at the intermediate level of the Golden Core Realm, which was totally sufficient for them to handle.


    Ye Feng watched the two combatants with a slight smile and then dashed down towards the arena.


    "Northern Border King Ye Feng takes the stage!"


    Some sharp-eyed individuals noticed Ye Feng, a Half-Step Golden Core powerhouse who had recently entered the Outer Battlefield and was well-informed about Earth. Ye Feng had previously been in the crowd at Xuanyuan Hall and went unnoticed for a moment, but now that he was fighting, people recognized him.


    The moment this was announced, it immediately attracted numerous gazes. Ye Feng had just been involved in Long Nannan''s situation, and right after, everyone had heard about Ye Feng''s deeds on Earth¡ªhow, with the realm of a Peak Martial King, he could fight Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, which left everyone in shock.


    Now that someone had spotted Ye Feng entering the fray, naturally, it drew a lot of attention.


    "Is that Ye Feng, the new Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation!?"


    "Wasn''t he said to be at the Peak Martial King Realm? But looking at his realm now, isn''t that the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!?"


    Some Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm sensed Ye Feng''s current realm, which was indeed that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm!


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, and all the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm looked over, eyebrows raised.


    "This Northern Border King Ye Feng is indeed at the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. Who said he was stuck at the Peak Martial King level?"


    Many had already confirmed the realm aura from Ye Feng''s body, which was truly that of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. The Western Vampire Divine Court expert who had introduced Ye Feng earlier was immediately struck with stiffened features, his eyes wide with surprise.

 Chapter 629 - 624: Win the Arena by Subordinates?

    The strong practitioner from the Western Vampire Divine Court stared at Ye Feng, shocked to discover that he was indeed a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. He was momentarily dumbfounded, as he had just taken special care to verify information from various sources, confirming that Ye Feng''s realm had consistently stayed at Martial King Peak and could not advance due to the special nature of his cultivation technique.


    He had even joked with others a moment ago that, with Ye Feng''s realm at Martial King Peak, there was no way he could participate in the Talent List Competition.


    After all, the Talent List Competition explicitly stipulated that only Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm under the age of thirty-five were qualified to participate.


    But now, he had been slapped in the face on the spot, as numerous strong practitioners who had spent a long time on the Outer Battlefield looked on with profound gazes, feeling as if they had been played.


    "And here we thought he was some world-shocking prodigy, challenging a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm while still at Martial King Peak. Looking at his aura now, it''s clear he is already a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm."


    "Where''s the guy from just now? Daring to deceive us, does he really think we have no brains?"


    "Such a bluffer, we almost believed him. Ye Feng is also in the realm of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and his aura seems somewhat unstable, which obviously indicates a newly ascended Grandmaster."


    "Probably when he was fighting the Grandmaster before, he was already at Half-Step Golden Core Realm, so it''s not that strange after all."


    The astonishment in people''s eyes faded as they all came to believe that Ye Feng was truly a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    The one who had shared Ye Feng''s information from the Western Vampire Divine Court didn''t dare to say a word, hiding in the high pavilions of his own camp, silently fuming.


    What on earth was going on? Why was the intelligence different?


    He was completely bewildered. The key point was that he hadn''t received the information from just one person, but from many. Surely, these people couldn''t all be conspiring against him?


    In fact, it wasn''t just him who was baffled; others privy to the inside knowledge were equally confounded, especially the people from Xuanyuan Hall.


    "The Northern Border King, Ye Feng, is also at the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?"


    "Something''s not right. Wasn''t he only at Martial King Peak before? How did he suddenly become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?"


    Members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts discussed curiously, many of whom knew that Ye Feng practiced a cultivation technique from more than two thousand years ago, and were aware his realm would always remain at Martial King Peak. However, his strength was always a mystery. Now that they saw Ye Feng in the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, albeit a newly ascended one, many were shocked.


    "Have we all been deceived all along?"


    "The Northern Border King, Ye Feng''s realm, is not actually at Martial King Peak?"


    "If he is truly a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, that would amaze anyone. I heard he is only twenty-six years old!"


    "A Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm at twenty-six years old, that''s practically monstrous among monsters!"


    "What''s a realm worth? Ye Feng''s strength has already reached a top-level among Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, hasn''t it?"


    "Earlier, he even withstood the pressure from Fourth Hall Master Hong Wuji. That''s not something an ordinary Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm could do."


    The faces of the people from Xuanyuan Hall were still filled with shock, as even if Ye Feng''s previous Martial King Peak realm was fabricated, his strength was not. Moreover, at Ye Feng''s age, being a twenty-six-year-old Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, was enough to leave everyone in awe.


    In fact, they had no idea that the realm Ye Feng currently displayed was just a disguise he had conjured up, a technique of disguise he learned in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm from Elder Bai. Even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm would not be able to see through his disguise!


    Therefore, the First Hall Master also frowned, observing Ye Feng and feeling quite surprised by his realm. Could Ye Feng actually be a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?


    He watched Ye Feng with a profound gaze, a hint of contemplation in his eyes, pondering something unknown.


    Over at Ye Feng''s side, he had already approached the third platform, which was the one occupied by Long Nannan. Her prior performance had deterred others from easily challenging that platform.


    "Little Martial Uncle, how was it? I just blasted those guys from the Yin-Yang Temple," Long Nannan said cheerfully, brandishing the short sword in her hand that gleamed with a cold light, looking quite pleased with herself.


    Previously blocked by someone from the Sword Saint Palace, Long Nannan herself was quite displeased, so the moment she stepped up, she chose to challenge Feng Ye, the Great Yin-Yang Master from the Yin-Yang Temple, because she knew that the people from the Sword Saint Palace also belonged to the Yin-Yang Temple. To find trouble, she naturally aimed at the Yin-Yang Temple.


    Ye Feng could not help but chuckle and said, "All right, I know you''re formidable. Hurry up there. The real scramble has started, just stay put on the platform."


    Long Nannan stuck out her tongue and said nothing more, her petite body soaring into the sky. In the blink of an eye, she had already reached the high pavilion of Xuanyuan Hall.


    This scene surprised many onlookers who hadn''t expected Ye Feng to allow his own people to concede their places.


    "Shouldn''t this female practitioner''s strength be enough to contend for the top ten?"


    "Isn''t that so? Being able to defeat Feng Ye and possessing such top-notch inner armor, he has a good chance of entering the top ten. I didn''t expect the Northern Border King, Ye Feng, to just let his person leave like that."


    "It seems that the Northern Border King, Ye Feng, is really just a figurehead after all. Wasn''t he supposed to be strong? Why didn''t he fight in the tournament himself instead of letting his man give up his spot to him?"


    Many people shook their heads in disappointment, clearly finding Ye Feng''s actions somewhat shameful. Rumors had been saying Ye Feng was very strong, but now he was letting his own people fight for him in the tournament, only to take over later.


    This had become the unanimous opinion; many had begun to look down on Ye Feng.


    "So this is the legendary Northern Border King? Doesn''t look like much of a big deal to me. Watch me go up and meet him!"


    A young powerhouse from the Western Vampire Divine Court, with a scornful look on his face and a flippant tone, turned into a streak of blood-red light and charged straight towards Ye Feng on the number three platform.


    "Yaji from the Western Vampire Divine Court, is he actually taking the initiative to challenge the Northern Border King, Ye Feng''s platform?"


    Some powerful individuals immediately took note of the figure rushing over and spoke in surprise.


    "I''ve heard that Yaji has always been arrogant and overbearing. In the younger generation of the Western Vampire Divine Court, apart from Nick, he respects no one else. If he dislikes someone, he goes straight up to fight them."


    "Isn''t that obvious? Nick is the top figure in their Divine Court, and Yaji is often beaten down by Nick so badly that he can''t lift his head; of course, he dares not disrespect him."


    "You all don''t say, but Yaji is also just thirty years old, and he has already reached the realm of Grand Duke among the vampires. He is indeed a top-level prodigy. His battle with the Northern Border King, Ye Feng, might be quite interesting to watch."


    "I think, maybe the Northern Border King, Ye Feng, is just all talk. Yaji will likely knock him off the platform."


    The crowd discussed among themselves. Yaji''s age was mentioned to be thirty, but that was just a conversion; vampires live much longer than humans. Though Yaji is said to be thirty, his actual age has reached three hundred, which for a vampire is equivalent to a human being about thirty years old.


    On platform number three, Ye Feng watched the blood-red figure flying towards his platform with a very indifferent look in his eyes.


    But Yaji was quite unruly, his blood-red pupils glaring at Ye Feng: "Northern Border King, Ye Feng, I didn''t expect the strong figure spoken of by so many to be someone who relies on his subordinates to seize the platform."


    Yaji spoke with clear disdain. Just as Ye Feng got up, Long Nannan immediately left, and many people felt that Ye Feng had no standard of his own. That''s why he let his subordinate come up to help seize the platform. After all, there weren''t many people from other forces in the Outer Battlefield who had seen Ye Feng make a move, and few who had come to the Outer Battlefield recently. Even fewer were those who managed to come to the scene of the talent showdown.


    There were only some who had heard of Ye Feng while on Earth. Not many had seen him with their own eyes, which is why they all thought this way.


    Of course, Ye Feng knew what everyone was thinking. Hearing Yaji''s words, he just smiled slightly.


    Did he need Long Nannan to seize the platform for him?


    Of course not, but he didn''t want Long Nannan to expose too much of her strength right now. A single fight had already drawn a lot of attention. If Long Nannan were to go all out, entering the top ten would definitely not be a problem. However, he was worried about Long Nannan getting injured in the upcoming point matches, which was unnecessary.


    Moreover, that would bring undue attention if he and she both were in the top ten. He preferred to keep a low profile.


    "Whatever you think it is, that''s what it is," Ye Feng replied, still wearing a faint smile, completely unconcerned by Yaji''s mockery.


    Seeing Ye Feng react this way, Yaji was even more convinced that his words had hit the mark, and he spoke with even greater pride: "A coward who wants to stand on this platform? You might as well roll off it!"


    As soon as Yaji''s words fell, black wings rapidly unfurled from his back, the blood-like aura on his body thickened instantaneously, and in the blink of an eye, his presence had reached a powerful state. His hands flickered with a red light, and a pair of sharp claw-like weapons appeared in his grasp.


    "Blood Ghost Claw!"


    With a flap of the black wings behind him, Yaji''s body instantly flew towards Ye Feng, his clawed hands glowing with a thick bloodlight, and the trembling power already concentrated on those sharp claws.


    "Roll off!"


    In the blink of an eye, Yaji appeared right in front of Ye Feng. His body still in mid-air, his lethal claws swung down, creating two alarming blood-colored claw marks aimed at Ye Feng''s body, as though they would tear him apart in an instant.


    Ye Feng''s eyes remained calm, and just as the alarming blood-colored claw marks were about to hit him, he made a slight step and his whole figure vanished in front of Yaji''s eyes.


    Yaji was stunned; in that brief moment, Ye Feng had disappeared right in front of him. Where was he?


    As he looked around bewildered, a voice already came from behind him.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!"

 Chapter 630 - 625: Just One Punch, Theyve Gone Mad!

    Yaji''s face changed dramatically; that voice was none other than Ye Feng''s, who was right behind him!


    At the same time, Yaji had already felt an immensely strong aura emanating from behind him, much stronger than his own. Without time to think, he retracted his claws and instantly generated a blood-colored shield as he turned around, only to see Ye Feng with a stern face, his fist already hurtling towards him with the fierce power of Spirit Essence.


    Sensing the power of Ye Feng''s punch, Yaji''s expression darkened even further. Although the punch had not yet landed, he could feel its formidable strength, and he feared he might not be able to withstand it!


    Just as this thought flashed through his mind, Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist had already struck the blood-colored shield shielding him.


    Bang!


    A loud noise erupted as Yaji frantically exerted his strength to reinforce his blood-colored shield, but against Ye Feng''s Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, it was all in vain. In the blink of an eye when the fist hit the shield, the blood-colored shield was pierced, and the golden glow-wrapped fist was already smashing towards Yaji''s chest.


    "No!!"


    Panic filled Yaji''s eyes; he hadn''t expected Ye Feng''s punch to be so powerful that it could pierce through his fully concentrated Blood Shield in an instant. He had no time for further defense; everything happened too quickly, and he could only watch as Ye Feng''s punch solidly struck his chest.


    Thump!


    Ye Feng''s powerful punch knocked Yaji back, his chest caving in as he spurted a mouthful of fresh blood and his body instantly flew backward, turning into a shadow. In just a moment, Yaji''s figure was blasted out of Arena Three, resulting in his immediate disqualification!


    Yaji, who had been flung out of the ring, crashed to the ground. His aura, once so mighty, had weakened significantly. He rose from the ground, his chest utterly collapsed, clearly with several broken ribs, but vampires are known for their strong regenerative abilities. Moreover, Ye Feng hadn''t used his full strength with that punch¡ªit was merely enough to knock him out of the ring. Now, Yaji''s chest was slowly healing.


    The shocked Yaji stood up, staring blankly at Ye Feng on Arena Three.


    He had been defeated, and with just a single move!


    Though he wasn''t seriously injured, he had been sent out of the ring. He was completely unable to resist Ye Feng''s punch and was thoroughly defeated, no match for Ye Feng at all. He even felt there was an insurmountable chasm of power between them.


    Thinking back on how he had dared to mock Ye Feng so arrogantly just moments before, his face grew even more ashen. This defeat also meant that he had no chance to be among the top ten in this Talent Ranking martial arts tournament, and the Source Secret Realm was now out of his reach.


    A disheartened Yaji, with a flap of his black wings, flew straight towards the gate of the city. What followed was no longer his concern. Ye Feng had dealt him a deep blow; such a disparity in strength left him feeling despondent. To make matters worse, he had boasted in public, vowing to knock Ye Feng off the stage, only to be effortlessly annihilated by Ye Feng himself. How could he have any face to stay here?


    Many on the high platform who had been watching Arena Three were dumbstruck, never expecting this turn of events.


    Just moments ago, they still believed that Ye Feng was merely an empty shell with an inflated reputation and no exceptional strength. But now, the Vampire Divine Court''s second-ranked prodigy, Yaji, had taken the stage only to be dispatched by Ye Feng with a single move, stunning everyone witnessing it.


    A punch, indeed!


    Just a single punch!


    They had seen with their own eyes how Ye Feng had only used one punch to take down Yaji who was at mid-level standard among the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. It all seemed incredibly surreal.


    "Who was it that just said Northern Border King Ye Feng wasn''t strong?"


    Some strong individuals clicked their tongues, their eyes filled with shock as they gazed at Ye Feng on the stage.


    "Definitely not me who said it, but isn''t this Northern Border King Ye Feng a bit too monstrous?"


    Someone swallowed hard, clearly subdued by Ye Feng''s punch.


    "Doesn''t this guy compare to Bu Fengning from just now?"


    At this moment, some even began to compare Ye Feng with Bu Fengning.


    "Northern Border King Ye Feng punches out Yaji, the second-ranked figure of the Vampire Divine Court, while Bu Fengning just a moment ago used a single sword strike to severely wound Jin Yu, the second-ranked figure of the Yin-Yang Temple. Their strengths should be pretty close, right?"


    "Not necessarily. Although Yaji is fairly strong, he still falls short compared to Jin Yu of the Yin-Yang Temple. Moreover, Jin Yu had the aid of a Shikigami, making him even more powerful. Also, Yaji wasn''t seriously injured just now, only that Ye Feng''s punch was stronger and knocked Yaji out of the ring, while Jin Yu was directly severely injured by Bu Fengning''s sword. There is still some gap between them," pointed out some strong individuals, analyzing rationally.


    But even more people were currently shocked by Ye Feng''s strength, having completely forgotten that Ye Feng was only revealing the realm of a Newly Advanced Golden Core Powerhouse.


    Not only the crowd on the high platform, but also the prodigies on the stage were taken aback by Ye Feng''s punch just now, revealing shock in their eyes.


    At arena number four, right next to Ye Feng, Golden Cicada had been watching Ye Feng''s fight all along. Seeing Ye Feng''s punch as he darted forward, his pupils shrank slightly. He could clearly feel that Ye Feng was now even stronger than during the last dispute over the Void Spirit Fruit.


    "I must consult with the elders of the Sect once I return. If it''s possible to set aside our grudges with Benefactor Ye, we must do so. Benefactor Ye is simply too terrifying now, and I fear it''s already too late to deal with him..."


    Golden Cicada was staring at Ye Feng, muttering to himself. He didn''t actually have much of a personal grudge against Ye Feng. He was merely following orders from the Sect to trouble Ye Feng. At first, he thought he could easily capture Ye Feng since he had been one of the top ten prodigies of the previous generation. However, after watching Ye Feng''s moves twice, he felt the gap between them!


    That gap, he feared, he would never be able to close in his lifetime!


    In arena number two, Bu Fengning also displayed a grave look in his eyes. Ye Feng''s punch had been powerful, and he felt he could have taken it, but he couldn''t deny that the punch had been incredibly forceful.


    Previously, Bu Fengning hadn''t really paid much attention to Ye Feng. His target wasn''t Ye Feng. Although he had heard about Ye Feng''s performance in the Void Spirit Fruit battle, where he fought against seven Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm alone, he hadn''t witnessed it personally and thought Ye Feng must have struggled. He didn''t take it seriously, as someone of his caliber, a top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, could also face seven of his peers without issue.


    His real target was Qingya, the one said to have swept the other nine competitors in the last prodigy ranking. That was his true goal, the only one worthy of being his opponent.


    But now, Ye Feng, whom he hadn''t taken seriously, had such strength, compelling him to take notice.


    At arena number one, Qingya was somewhat astonished. He hadn''t expected Ye Feng to be this strong. Previously, he hadn''t even considered Ye Feng as an opponent, not even taking notice of him in Xuanyuan Hall.


    Mu Tian, who was fighting the Great Sorcerer Luo Lin, also saw Ye Feng''s punch launching Yaji and was similarly astounded, exclaiming, "Damn it, Ye Feng, you''re so strong now, knocking someone out with a single punch. No, you, the fellow with the big hat, get punched out by me too!"


    Mu Tian kept exclaiming and turned back, constantly increasing the force in his fists and even speeding up his punching!


    This left Luo Lin, as a Great Sorcerer, quite helpless. He was already desperately casting spells to fend off Mu Tian''s attacks, but Mu Tian''s strength was beyond his imagination, shattering his attacks with every punch.


    Under Mu Tian''s relentless onslaught, it was only a matter of moments before Luo Lin couldn''t hold on any longer and was knocked out of the arena by Mu Tian.


    The other arenas seemed to be stimulated by Ye Feng''s action, accelerating the pace of their battles at that moment. Those still fighting were now ramping up their combat force and increasing their speed.


    The figures in the remaining arenas were almost turning into two shadows in battle, leaving the spectators agape.


    "These guys, so fast!"


    "Have they gone mad, why are they all freaking out like this? That''s not necessary, right?"


    "Damn, such a thrill, watching this tournament feels even more exciting than the top ten score competition!"


    Even though the speed of battle had increased, the audience could still clearly discern the difference between the several major arenas.


    After a while, as victories were declared in the arenas, the crowd wasn''t as astonished anymore. Perhaps after being stimulated by Bu Fengning and Ye Feng, everyone had gotten used to it.


    An hour was about to pass, but before the time was up, an unexpected event occurred next to Ye Feng¡ªat arena number four where Golden Cicada was, a figure from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country charged onto the stage.


    It was Ke Li, who ranked third in the last prodigy ranking!


    Golden Cicada never imagined that Ke Li would choose his arena.


    He knew Ke Li''s strength was nothing trivial. They had exchanged blows at the last prodigy ranking tournament, and he was defeated with a single move.


    When Ke Li entered the stage, Golden Cicada was ready to fight with all his might, but he was still knocked off the stage by a single move from Ke Li!


    The audience was once again deeply shocked by Ke Li''s strength, but many were already aware of his performance in the last prodigy ranking tournament, so it wasn''t too surprising.


    An hour passed, and the strong contenders stood at the center of the ten great arenas.


    "Time''s up!"


    The voice of the First Hall Master, like the ringing of a great bell, resounded once more as his imposing figure flew into the skies again.

 Chapter 631 - 626: Three Great Powerhouses Pressuring!

    The ten great arenas were filled with competitors; a glance spanned from the first arena to the last, the tenth.


    These were the top ten of the talent ranking martial arts tournament, essentially the strongest ten among the young generation of the Golden Core Realm contenders.


    In the first arena, Yin-Yang Temple Qingya from Fusang Kingdom!


    In the second arena, Xuanyuan Hall''s Bu Fengning from Xuanyuan Nation!


    In the third arena, Xuanyuan Hall''s Ye Feng from Xuanyuan Nation!


    In the fourth arena, Ke Li from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country!


    In the fifth arena, Xuanyuan Hall''s Mu Tian from Xuanyuan Nation!


    In the sixth arena, Xuanyuan Hall''s Hong Tianyu from Xuanyuan Nation!


    In the seventh arena, Nick from the Western Vampire Divine Court!


    In the eighth arena, Savis from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country!


    In the ninth arena, Xuanyuan Hall''s Chi Jark from Xuanyuan Nation!


    In the tenth arena, Xuanyuan Hall''s Xiao Rulong from Xuanyuan Nation!


    All those present reacted differently upon seeing the ten powerful contestants on the arenas.


    "Is this right, has Xuanyuan Hall really managed to get so many strong contenders into the top ten of the talent ranking this time!?"


    "Hiss, out of ten arenas, six are occupied by warriors from Xuanyuan Hall, did Xuanyuan Hall take some kind of potion this time?"


    "I heard it was the same during the last Heavenly Origin Secret Realm; Xuanyuan Hall also took five of the Spirit Essence Pool spots in that secret realm, leaving only five spots for the other three powers. On average, each could not even get two spots, while Xuanyuan Hall got five."


    "This is outrageous, are the other three powers even supposed to survive with this kind of competition?"


    The faces of the representatives from the other three powers, aside from Xuanyuan Hall, turned ugly; Xuanyuan Hall was occupying too many spots.


    It was well known that the reward for this event included spots for the Source Secret Realm; the top ten would gain entry. Access to the Source Secret Realm to absorb Origin Energy was a massive boost for any grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    All factions had hoped to send as many of their prodigies as possible into the realm, but, to everyone''s surprise, only one each from Yin-Yang Temple of Fusang Kingdom and the Western Vampire Divine Court managed to secure spots, while the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country fared somewhat better, having two contestants on the platforms.


    Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple watched as only Qingya of the Yin-Yang Temple stood in the first arena; his expression turned very grim.


    Other warriors of the Yin-Yang Temple also expressed dissatisfaction, speaking resentfully, "If the Sword Saint Palace had been present, Miyamoto Ichiro with his strength would have secured at least one spot!"


    Despite internal disputes within the Yin-Yang Temple, Miyamoto Ichiro had to be acknowledged as a generational talent, the strongest of the young generation of the Sword Saint Palace, second only to Qingya, even stronger than Yin-Yang Temple''s second-ranked warrior, Jin Yu.


    "Lord Tanaka, where on earth did those Sword Saint Palace guys run off to? Why haven''t they arrived yet?"


    Some in the Yin-Yang Temple couldn''t help but ask about the whereabouts of the Sword Saint Palace members, looking for an answer from Divine Master Tanaka.


    Divine Master Tanaka''s gaze was icy as he coldly said, "Don''t bother with them and don''t look for excuses. If you can''t surpass others, it simply means you can''t. Look at yourselves, after all the resources the temple has spent on you, and this is all the strength you have? After we return, you will all enter secluded cultivation for a year!"


    Divine Master Tanaka directly scolded the members of the Yin-Yang Temple behind him, wearing a very cold expression. As for what happened to the Sword Saint Palace, even he was unclear; it was certain that something had befallen them, but what exactly remained unknown.


    At this time, the members of the Yin-Yang Temple hung their heads low after the scolding and dared not speak any further.


    In the camp of the Western Vampire Divine Court, the Vampire Divine Duke''s brow was also tightly furrowed. In the last talent ranking, their Vampire Divine Court had three contenders in the top ten, but this time, only Nick was there.


    However, the absence of members from the talent ranking did not mean that the Western Vampire Divine Court lacked young powerhouses. Quite the contrary, they had the most, due to the presence of the Blood Witch Stone and the longer lifespans of vampires; they had plenty of strong contenders, but they tended to be slightly older.


    So, he was not overly concerned about the number of people on the stages, but the fact that Xuanyuan Hall had a full six contestants on the platforms was still a shock, considering that in the last tournament, Xuanyuan Hall had only two members in the final ranking, but this time, they had doubled that number!


    At that moment, a voice reached his ears, making him raise his eyebrows, and his eyes couldn''t help but look towards the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country.


    In the air, the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall looked down to see six of their own standing in their respective arenas, clearly showing a hint of pleasure. The people of Xuanyuan Hall below were cheering wildly.


    "The challenge for spots has ended, the top ten have been decided. There will be half a day for rest before we draw lots to determine the order of combat," the First Hall Master announced indifferently, outlining the progress of the talent ranking martial arts tournament.


    However, just as he finished speaking, another voice rang out.


    "Hold on!"


    All eyes turned towards the source of the sound, only to see a figure rising from the high platform of the Yin-Yang Temple.


    The First Hall Master glanced at the figure that had risen and asked indifferently, "Tanaka, what''s the matter?"


    The figure that had risen was none other than Divine Master Tanaka, whose presence still exuded a faint aura of authority, and his gaze was particularly sharp. He spoke coldly, "First Hall Master, don''t you think Xuanyuan Hall has taken up more than its fair share of places this time? The Source Secret Realm only allows ten people to enter, and Xuanyuan Hall alone has a full six people. Isn''t that a bit unfair to the other three powers?"


    No sooner had Divine Master Tanaka finished speaking than another figure rose from the platform of the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from Snow Wolf Country.


    "Tanaka is right. Xuanyuan Hall has indeed gone too far this time. Last time in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, we don''t know what methods you used to occupy five places in the Spirit Essence Pool, which allowed you so many slots this time, didn''t it?"


    The Divine Shaman from the Wizard Alliance scoffed, bringing up the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm as a point of contention.


    "I too, think there is some merit to what the two of you have said. First Hall Master, why doesn''t Xuanyuan Hall voluntarily give up two positions and distribute them to the Vampire Divine Court and the Yin-Yang Temple?"


    The Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court spoke with a cold voice, his body emanating a strong Blood Qi.


    The faces of everyone on the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall and the crowd around the arena all changed, and Ye Feng on the number three arena also furrowed his brows.


    These guys want to band together against the First Hall Master and force him to compromise by giving up some slots.


    Indeed, a tall tree catches the wind.


    Ye Feng sighed lightly in his heart. If this were during the last talent ranking martial contest, even if six powerhouses from Xuanyuan Hall occupied the top ten, these folks probably wouldn''t say anything. But this time was different, especially with the Source Secret Realm slots at stake.


    Having seen that all six strong contestants on the platform were from Xuanyuan Hall, Ye Feng knew that things were probably not simple. It was unlikely that the other three powers would stand by and watch six contenders from Xuanyuan Hall enter the Source Secret Realm.


    And as expected, now the three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses were directly challenging the First Hall Master, demanding that Xuanyuan Hall give up two slots to the Western Vampire Divine Court and the Yin-Yang Temple.


    The onlookers from the three factions were wearing meaningful expressions, clearly pleased with the situation; they too did not wish to see Xuanyuan Hall occupying so many slots.


    The people of Xuanyuan Hall appeared very tense; now, the First Hall Master was faced with the pressure of three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses all alone.


    Would the First Hall Master give in?


    The four Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses in the sky had captured everyone''s attention, and no one knew what choice the First Hall Master would make.


    If the First Hall Master refused, given the current stance of the three Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses, they would likely take action and force the First Hall Master to compromise!


    If the First Hall Master agreed, it would mean that two of the six strong contenders from Xuanyuan Hall would have to leave the platform.


    "I fear the only choice for the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall is to accept."


    Some members of the Yin-Yang Temple were already sneering.


    "As long as they give up two slots, that would be a huge concession. The First Hall Master should have no reason to refuse," someone else speculated.


    The three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses already vaguely exerted their formidable auras in midair, having discussed in secret earlier; both the Yin-Yang Temple and the Western Vampire Divine Court wanted to secure one more slot. Merely one slot to enter the Source Secret Realm was far too few.


    The Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from Snow Wolf Country also did not want to see Xuanyuan Hall this dominant, taking up six slots, so he decided to join forces with the Vampire Divine Court and the Yin-Yang Temple to corner the First Hall Master.


    However, they were also wary of the First Hall Master''s strength and did not ask Xuanyuan Hall to give up too many slots; kicking out two would be sufficient to apply some pressure.


    Having heard what the three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses had to say, the First Hall Master''s eyes also turned a bit colder, and he spoke with a somewhat detached tone, "What now, the rules were set by all four powers together. Now that your people are too mediocre to secure a top-ten slot, you want us to give up ours?"


    "Simply preposterous!"


    The First Hall Master didn''t give any face to the three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses and bluntly scoffed while his deep eyes were especially piercing.


    The expressions of the three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses darkened slightly, with Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple speaking with a blackened face, "How about it, First Hall Master? Are you planning to refuse?"


    "Do you realize what it means if you refuse?"


    Divine Master Tanaka spoke with a cold chill, his aura as a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm fully unleashed. All the strong contenders below changed their expressions as the aura of a Great Yin-Yang Realm Power was not something they could withstand; each of them began circulating their Qi to defend themselves.

 Chapter 632 - 627: The First Hall Master, Peak Realm!

    Divine Master Tanaka''s aura burst forth, and a Grandmaster of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Western Vampire Divine Court casually threw out a blood-colored protective shield, enveloping the entire platform where the people of the Vampire Divine Court were located, blocking Divine Master Tanaka''s aura. Luckily it was timely, otherwise, an ordinary Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm would not have been able to withstand the aura eruption of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, let alone some experts at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm.


    The representative from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, also a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, immediately set up an array to resist the aura.


    Meanwhile, these two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm also burst forth with their auras, as the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm summoned their full strength, trying to suppress the First Hall Master!


    The face of the First Hall Master showed no change, as he calmly pointed towards Xuanyuan Hall''s platform, and a beam of golden light directly covered the entire platform, thus preventing any casualties.


    As for the people on the ten great arenas, no one cared about them anymore, because there was a protective formation on the arenas, also designed to prevent interference; this formation itself had a defensive capability.


    At this time, the formations on the ten great arenas had already begun to rise with streaks of golden light, clearly resisting the oppressive auras of the several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm above them.


    "What, you want to fight me?"


    The First Hall Master looked at the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm with their auras exploding, his eyes calm and undisturbed, as if he was still not the least bit flustered or frightened.


    This astonished everyone present, for they knew that the First Hall Master was now facing three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, and not just any new entries to the Yin-Yang Realm, but top-level experts from major forces, seasoned Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm who had lived for hundreds of years.


    Yet the First Hall Master could still speak so indifferently; did he not worry about the three powers suddenly taking action?


    "First Hall Master, you are very strong, but if the three of us join forces, even you might not be our match," Divine Master Tanaka said, his face still icy as his tone carried a heavy threat. The First Hall Master''s dominance was recognized among the Great Powers of the Outer Battlefield''s Yin-Yang Realm; none would dare to speak so boldly face to face with him.


    But now, Divine Master Tanaka was not alone; he had two other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the other major forces by his side, three against one!


    Even if this First Hall Master was stronger, he certainly wouldn''t be stronger than the three of them, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    "We''ve asked your Xuanyuan Hall to give up two spots as a show of respect for you, the First Hall Master. Even if you give us those two spots, Xuanyuan Hall will still have four spots left."


    "First Hall Master, I advise you not to misjudge the situation. Otherwise, if we really take action, we won''t hold back," said the representative from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country with a jeering laugh, his eyes flashing with a cold gleam. If the First Hall Master really did not agree, then the three of them would surround and besiege the First Hall Master, which could greatly weaken Xuanyuan Hall''s strength!


    Upon hearing these words, everyone from Xuanyuan Hall''s countenance completely changed. If the First Hall Master was truly killed, they would definitely not escape the clutches of the three forces; they feared they would all die!


    Although it''s said that the four great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm are mutually restraining and have rules against involving those below the Yin-Yang Realm in their struggles, this was only in the open. In secret, there would still be Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm taking action against the chosen of various forces, albeit covertly, and it was basically undetected.


    Ye Feng also furrowed his brow; he did not know how the First Hall Master would choose, but his intuition told him that the First Hall Master was absolutely not likely to compromise.


    Yet, if he did not compromise, everyone present might be in danger!


    At this time, the representative from the Western Vampire Divine Court, the Vampire Divine Duke, also said with a chuckle, "First Hall Master, be sensible. It''s just two spots; why should everyone go to great lengths over this? It''s unnecessary, right? Besides, Xuanyuan Hall still has so many spots left. If it really comes to it, my Vampire Divine Court is willing to offer five hundred spirit stones as compensation."


    Seeing the Vampire Divine Duke speak like this, Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple too smiled and said, "Our Yin-Yang Temple can also offer five hundred spirit stones, let''s consider it a deal."


    The two spoke with cold smiles on their faces.


    Five hundred spirit stones for a spot in the Source Secret Realm!


    The crowd on site viewed this with strange glances. Was five hundred spirit stones a lot?


    In reality, it was quite a lot, but for a spot in the Source Secret Realm that could enhance the strength of an Expert of the Golden Core Realm, those five hundred spirit stones were practically nothing!


    The existence of the Source Secret Realm not only meant an enhancement for Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, but for those who had absorbed Origin Energy, the chance of advancing to become a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm was much higher than for those who had not.


    You should know, there weren''t many who could advance to Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. Among the countless cultivators of Xuanyuan Hall, there were only the Eight Hall Masters openly known, and like the previous Third Hall Master, a Golden Core Realm Grandmaster. The other major forces'' openly known Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were also mostly countable on one''s fingers.


    This already completely proved that those who could advance to become Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were one in ten thousand geniuses. Now, with the opportunity to absorb Origin Energy to increase the chances, the value of a spot was not something that could be measured by these five hundred spirit stones; saying five hundred stones was merely a matter of saving face.


    "You''re all quite clever with your calculations, aren''t you? After so many years, the nature of your three great powers really hasn''t changed one bit,"


    ```


    "Those with inferior strength can only resort to bullying the weak in numbers, or rely on all sorts of despicable means to achieve their goals, truly laughable,"


    the First Hall Master shook his head, his tone filled with contempt.


    The faces of the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm changed slightly; they had not expected the First Hall Master to still be saying such things at this time. Could it be that this man truly had no intention of providing the quota?


    As the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm pondered, the aura on the body of the First Hall Master slowly began to release, rising bit by bit. He spoke indifferently, "Two at the Primary Level, one at the Middle Rank, do you really think that by joining hands you can be my opponent?"


    The three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm''s faces changed slightly, unable to comprehend the meaning behind the First Hall Master''s words.


    At this moment, down in the arena, Ye Feng''s eyebrows raised¡ªa Primary Level, Middle Rank?


    What did this mean? Could it be that this was the division of realms among the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    Ye Feng was quite curious; he did not have much knowledge about the detailed divisions within the Yin-Yang Realm. Old Huang Niu from the Northwest Little Mountain Village had not mentioned it when speaking of the Yin-Yang Realm, but now, hearing the First Hall Master speak, he was almost certain that this must be the division of realms among the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    With a look full of scorn in his eyes, as the First Hall Master spoke, the aura around him suddenly surged violently, an extreme aura surpassing that of the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm erupted, and at the same time, golden light burst forth from the Arrays in each of the Ten Great Arenas.


    Aside from the high platform where Xuanyuan Hall was situated, the Array Protective Shields on the three high platforms occupied by the other Three Great Powers began to tremble, as if they were about to shatter under this overwhelmingly powerful aura.


    Even the entire city was trembling and shaking!


    The complexions of the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm changed drastically, and in that instant, they all increased their distance from the First Hall Master, once again putting a substantial gap between themselves. Their eyes widened in shock at the First Hall Master, whose aura was bursting forth, filled with disbelief.


    "This...this...is this...High-Level?"


    Divine Master Tanaka was dumbfounded and stuttered with horror.


    At this moment, he was completely dumbstruck by the shock; the aura emanating from the First Hall Master was too immense, something he had never seen before in the Outer Battlefield!


    "No... this isn''t just High-Level... Even a High-Level doesn''t possess such might..."


    The Yin-Yang powerhouse from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country also had fear in their eyes, their throat belting, denying what Divine Master Tanaka said.


    "This is the Peak Realm, he has reached the pinnacle of the Yin-Yang Realm, perhaps he has even started to touch the realm of legend..."


    The face of the Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court was full of shock, he being the one the First Hall Master referred to as Middle Rank, could sense more acutely the strength of the First Hall Master''s current aura.


    Hearing the Vampire Divine Duke''s words, both Divine Master Tanaka and the Yin-Yang powerhouse from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country stood frozen in place.


    "It can''t be possible, how could this be? The Peak Realm, it''s been many years since anyone has reached it..."


    Divine Master Tanaka shook his head desperately, unwilling to believe that the First Hall Master had reached the pinnacle of the Yin-Yang Realm. However, the overpowering aura from the First Hall Master that almost made him suffocate forced him to believe it was true.


    "It is indeed the Peak Realm. This aura, if not the Peak Realm, would not cause both you and I to tremble."


    The face of the Yin-Yang powerhouse from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country had turned green with regret, now realizing the folly of stirring up trouble with the First Hall Master alongside the others. This First Hall Master was surely a Peak Realm master; dealing with someone like him would be effortless!


    "First Hall Master, you have reached the Peak Realm, haven''t you?"


    The Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court took a deep breath and actively asked, but now his eyes held a touch of respect rather than the previous contempt.


    The First Hall Master did not withdraw his aura, which was still being released. He was like a deity, with rays of divine light appearing behind him, his expression even more indifferent.


    He suddenly chuckled and said, "The Peak Realm, perhaps it is, or perhaps it is not."


    The way the First Hall Master spoke seemed casual, but his words made the complexions of the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm facing him change drastically.


    Though vague, even a fool could understand that this was a tacit acknowledgement!


    ```

 Chapter 633 - 628: Publicly Apologize

    At this moment, the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Three Great Powers had already lost their previous thoughts, their complexions looking quite unnatural. The three of them rapidly communicated through secret voice transmission.


    "What should we do now? The First Hall Master has actually reached the legendary Peak Realm. Even if we join forces, we won''t be able to match someone at the Peak!"


    "Damn it, who would have thought that the First Hall Master would become so powerful? If it were merely the High-Level, the three of us together would certainly have no problem. But the First Hall Master is at the Peak Realm. No, we must give up. We cannot afford to fall out with the First Hall Master over two spots now!"


    "Fine, then let''s give up. We''ll take the initiative to say it was a misunderstanding. The First Hall Master should still give us some face."


    "Then so be it."


    The great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Three Great Powers quickly communicated through voice transmission and soon reached a consensus.


    Although the First Hall Master released an incredibly strong presence, he didn''t take action immediately. Instead, he watched the three with an indifferent look in his eyes. He knew these three scoundrels were definitely discussing something amongst themselves. He wasn''t in a hurry; he could wait patiently.


    It was at this time that the three great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm had already retracted their aura. Noticing this, the First Hall Master''s gaze flickered slightly. The next moment, a rather polite voice reached his ears.


    "First Hall Master, those previous incidents were all misunderstandings, misunderstandings. We were just joking around a moment ago."


    The First Hall Master''s gaze shifted directly to the figure of Divine Master Tanaka.


    Seeing the First Hall Master looking over, the complexion of Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple had become much more courteous while he was trying to send a message through voice transmission to the First Hall Master.


    "No need for voice transmissions, what a bore to keep things hidden. You all were talking so loudly just now, why do you want to voice message me now? I think it''s better to say whatever it is in public."


    The First Hall Master suddenly spoke in a soft voice.


    His voice reached the ears of everyone present. Many were startled by the reaction of the three Golden Core Grandmasters just now. Hearing what the First Hall Master had said, they were puzzled and looked towards Divine Master Tanaka of the Yin-Yang Temple.


    Divine Master Tanaka''s face changed. He hadn''t expected the First Hall Master to speak out openly like this, instead of using voice transmission like him. What was the First Hall Master trying to do?


    Straight away, another voice rose in his ears: "You don''t want this matter to blow up, it can be done. The three of you apologize to me in public, and we''ll call it even."


    Hearing this, Divine Master Tanaka immediately looked towards the First Hall Master and straight away caught the hint of amusement in the depths of those eyes through the mist.


    At the same time, the other two great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm also had grim expressions. Clearly, they had also heard what the First Hall Master had said. The three of them started to voice transmit amongst themselves again in secret.


    "Damn, this First Hall Master is really going too far, actually asking the three of us to apologize to him in person!?"


    The one who spoke was the great power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country. His tone was clearly filled with anger, and fury could be seen within his eyes.


    They were great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, top-tier existences in their respective forces. Now, to be forced to apologize in front of so many people to the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, if this were to spread, it would be recorded in history!


    How would they hold their faces as great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm afterward?


    "But what can you do if you don''t apologize? He is already at the Peak Realm. Even if the three of us join forces, we would not be his match. We could even be annihilated by him!"


    The gaze of the Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court was dark. Although extremely reluctant in his heart¡ªas it was an issue of a strong person''s dignity¡ªhe was painfully aware just how terrifying it was to reach the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm. This was not a strength that an ordinary great power of the Yin-Yang Realm could contend against.


    Furthermore, among the three of them, he was the only Middle Rank Yin-Yang Realm great power. Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple and the fellow from the Wizard Alliance of the Snow Wolf Country were merely Primary Level great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. The difference between them and the First Hall Master was vast as heaven and earth.


    At the status of a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm, the distance between each minor realm was substantial. Even if he had two companions at the Middle Rank of the Yin-Yang Realm, he did not dare provoke the First Hall Master, a great power at the Peak Realm of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Divine Master Tanaka wore a defeated look, and the secret communication among the three had come to a conclusion. They had no choice. To fight was decidedly impossible. All they could do was as the First Hall Master had said¡ªto bow down, they simply had to bow.


    In full view of everyone present, the three great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm now restrained their aura and almost simultaneously approached the First Hall Master.


    The crowd was puzzled, not understanding what these three great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were planning to do.


    But the scene that followed was etched in the memory of everyone present, including Ye Feng.


    The three great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm bowed before the towering figure of the First Hall Master.


    "We are very sorry, First Hall Master. Our actions just now were rash. We from the Yin-Yang Temple have no objections to these advancement slots," Divine Master Tanaka said with a face full of frustration as he bowed. After speaking, he immediately raised his head, flicked his sleeve, and flew back to the platform where the Yin-Yang Temple was located.


    The Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court stepped forward as well and offered the same apology before flying back to the platform of his own force.


    The Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country did the same: they apologized and then went back.


    At this moment, the scene was incredibly silent, everyone was stunned, having never expected to witness such a scene, one that completely upended their understanding.


    Usually, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm that they saw were lofty and high above, each one a pinnacle of the major powers'' hierarchy, always receiving respect from others, yet they had never seen them show such an attitude before.


    Especially the powerhouse figures of the three forces who had just apologized, their faces now slightly red with humiliation; their Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers had bowed their heads!


    In front of so many people, the Great Powers of their side in the Yin-Yang Realm had bowed to the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall.


    Just a moment ago, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm of the three forces were pressing the First Hall Master in a confrontation, but merely a little while had passed, and the First Hall Master had only to release his aura to make their Great Powers bow their heads, dealing a significant blow to the powerhouses of the three forces!


    When some are disheartened, naturally others are overjoyed. At this time, the members of Xuanyuan Hall were brimming with excitement, one more stirred than the next. They hadn''t even thought that their First Hall Master would make the three Great Yin-Yang Realms bow their heads, but he did¡ªand with such a dominant posture, making the Three Great Yin-Yang Realms apologize in front of them, which was immensely shocking for any powerhouse of Xuanyuan Hall.


    Even Ye Feng who stood above the arena had just seen the scene where the three Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers bowed and apologized to the First Hall Master.


    This is what a true powerhouse is like, right?


    Ye Feng''s gaze slowly hardened; he admired the First Hall Master''s spirit and strength, but he did not envy him. Ye Feng, too, would one day have the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm bow and scrape before him with utmost respect. Ye Feng, too, would achieve this!


    "Dominance¡ªthe First Hall Master truly epitomizes dominance; this is what a real powerhouse is!"


    Chi Jark couldn''t help but admire, communicating his sentiments to Xiao Rulong via a message.


    Xiao Rulong, shaking his folding fan, also looked at the towering figure in the sky. He did not reply to Chi Jark, but instead glanced at Ye Feng on Platform Number Three.


    Ye Feng, will you one day reach such a realm as well?


    Xiao Rulong thought to himself, but quickly withdrew his gaze, saying nothing.


    Yet in his mind, some ancient records of the Xiao Family surfaced, as well as some of the Ancestor of the Xiao Family''s prophetic words.


    In mid-air, the First Hall Master looked at the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, who had now returned to their respective high platforms. He said nothing more: making these three apologize was already pushing them to the limit. If he pressed them any further, he feared they may become desperate, and he was not ready to turn against the Three Great Powers just yet.


    "The dueling for positions is over; now, we will proceed to drawing lots. You ten participants will draw lots to determine the order of battles. Each person will fight for half a day, engaging in nine battles during that time."


    "As for the sequence of these nine battles, it''s up to you. As long as you challenge each of the other nine once, it''s considered completed. Of course, if you feel outmatched, you can forfeit directly. Points will be scored based on the number of clear victories each person has, and every challenged person''s count will also be included. When it''s a challenger''s turn, they do not need to rechallenge those they''ve faced before."


    "For every victory over someone, you will gain one point."


    "Any objections?"


    The First Hall Master''s gaze swept coolly over the ten powerhouses below as he laid out the rules.


    The ten powerhouses responded in turn.


    "No objections!"


    "No objections!"


    ...


    Ye Feng, musing over the rules, realized that according to them, the most points one could earn was nine.


    Ten people would each fight nine battles, but in total, forty-five duels were required, and the drawing of lots meant the person who drew first already fought a duel against the challenger behind them.


    Essentially, with the drawing of lots, the person who drew the tenth lot did not have to select their challengers anymore, as the other nine powerhouses had already challenged them in turn.


    Under these rules, the order of the draw was inconsequential; it merely determined the order of earlier or later appearance in the battles.


    However, it also meant that each person only had one chance to earn points. To claim the first place, one must defeat all the other nine!


    At that moment, the First Hall Master had already produced ten Jade Tokens, each engraved with a number, and asked the ten strong competitors to come up and draw one.


    Qingya from Platform Number One drew lots first and got token number two, making him the second challenger.


    Fengning drew the fourth number. When it came to Ye Feng, he pulled a Jade Token from the air and glanced at the number inscribed on it. His gaze shifted slightly; it was, astonishingly, the number one!

 Chapter 634 - 629 The Choice of the First Battle

    The number one Jade Token meant that it was now Ye Feng''s turn to lead off the nine consecutive battles.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow. Being the first to fight wasn''t really an issue, but it tended to attract everyone''s attention. As the first to enter the ring and also the first to stand on the platform, he needed to stand there and fight continuously for nine matches, which was not conducive to hiding his strength.


    While the opponents would keep changing, he had to remain in the ring, so his subsequent opponents would be prepared for him and on guard against him.


    Of course, being first wasn''t entirely without benefits. If he challenged and defeated the strongest among them, those who knew they lacked the strength would likely give up directly. That is unless they were unwise enough to insist on fighting him.


    By now, many people had noticed the number on the Jade Token in Ye Feng''s hand, and their gazes were filled with intrigue.


    Atop the Xuanyuan Hall platform, Sausage Sister raised her eyebrows and spoke, "Ye Feng is actually the first to fight; that''s not necessarily a good thing."


    Long Nannan, who was beside her, didn''t immediately comprehend and asked out of curiosity, "Is there something unsuitable about Little Martial Uncle fighting first? Isn''t it better to finish early and rest early?"


    Sausage Sister nodded in agreement, not denying it, but explained, "Indeed, finishing early means resting early, but Ye Feng, being the first to fight, has to go through nine continuous battles. Showing his hand too much makes it easy for subsequent opponents to study him, which is definitely disadvantageous for Ye Feng''s score."


    When a powerhouse fights frequently, they are definitely subject to analysis. Once the opponents have figured out the powerhouse''s capabilities and prepared their strategies, it generally puts Ye Feng at a disadvantage.


    However, Ye Feng on the platform didn''t show much reaction at the moment. Instead, he raised his Jade Token number for everyone to see.


    Soon, all ten Jade Tokens were drawn.


    The First Hall Master glanced at the tokens in the hands of the ten strong contestants below, nodded slightly, memorized everyone''s aura, and then announced, "The first challenger, Ye Feng of Xuanyuan Hall, may choose any of the other nine platforms for combat."


    After speaking, the First Hall Master flew back to the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall, looking down at the platforms below.


    All eyes were now focusing on Ye Feng. During the scramble for the platform, Ye Feng''s performance had truly shocked everyone¡ªa single punch had sent Yaji from the Vampire Divine Court flying off the platform, without any fancy tricks, securing a straightforward and tidy victory.


    Everyone now knew that Ye Feng, the Northern Border King from Xuanyuan Hall, was likewise a top contender, simply overlooked by everyone at the start. Having just defeated Yaji, and now being the first to fight in nine consecutive battles, he naturally became the center of attention.


    "Who do you think the Northern Border King Ye Feng will choose first?"


    "You''d always pick the softest persimmon to squeeze. Winning each match gets you a point; the Northern Border King Ye Feng isn''t foolish. He''ll certainly secure the points he can take first, then deal with the tough nuts to crack."


    "Then he''s likely to start by challenging Savis on the number eight platform. It seems Savis hasn''t shown much progress in the last three years, and his recent victory over the Vampire Divine Court contender seemed somewhat strained."


    Many people now looked towards Savis, who was donning a cloak on the number eight platform. Savis wasn''t deaf; he clearly heard what everyone was saying, and a hint of anger was already flickering in his eyes.


    Feeling underestimated by the crowd, how could he not be angry?


    But he was also very aware that among the ten on the platform, in terms of Realm, he was in fact the lowest, a newly-advanced Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm. In terms of strength, he indeed might be at the very bottom. Still, being looked down upon like this was quite irritating.


    His gaze shifted to Ye Feng on the number three platform, his eyes darkening, "Ye Feng, if you really pick me first, even if you win, I won''t make it easy for you!"


    Savis muttered coldly to himself. He had also witnessed Ye Feng''s strike. He knew that if he really faced Ye Feng, he would definitely not be his match!


    Xiao Rulong on platforms nine and ten was also whispering to each other.


    "Didn''t expect Ye Feng to actually draw the number one spot. Xiao Chubby, should we take action when we encounter this guy?"


    Chi Jark looked towards Xiao Rulong, wanting to see how Xiao Rulong would decide.


    "Isn''t it obvious? We must concede directly. There''s no need for us to reveal too much of our strength, just let Ye Feng have the points."


    "Besides, do you really think you can take on that freak who can contend with the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm? You must think you''re on par with them now," Xiao Rulong said, rolling his eyes at Chi Jark, unmasking his disdain.


    Chi Jark felt helpless at Xiao Rulong''s merciless hit. Xiao Chubby was right. Ye Feng was the one who slaughtered the newly-ascended Sword Saint of the Western Palace from the Sword Saint Palace. Although he ultimately used the Heaven Guard Monument to do away with the Sword Saint, he was still able to confront the Sword Saint directly and used the monument because he had no other choice to prevent the enemy from fleeing.


    He would surely not be a match, and would probably be taken down within a few moves by Ye Feng, so it might be better to directly gift points and conserve strength for scoring later.


    Chi Jark said nothing more, and at this moment, Ye Feng had already risen from the third arena, with everyone''s attention on his actions, curious as to which arena he would choose and which opponent he would start fighting with.


    Would it be Savis?


    Most people thought Ye Feng would start by picking off the weaker ones for points, but clearly, Ye Feng disappointed them.


    Ye Feng, having risen from the third arena, streaked like a shadow straight to the first arena. With a step, he directly boarded the first arena!


    On the first arena, Qingya''s eyes instantly burst with divine light, staring at Ye Feng who had just arrived, full of surprise.


    Wow!


    The audience in the stands were also staring, eyes wide with disbelief at the scene unfolding before them. Ye Feng had actually chosen Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple of the number one arena!?


    "Is this Northern Border King Ye Feng so ruthless that he goes straight for Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple, the strongest contender from the last talent list, right from the start?"


    The strong individual who had guessed Ye Feng would go for Savis was dumbfounded, saying so with eyes so wide they seemed almost about to fall out.


    "He really stepped onto the arena, really going to challenge Qingya of the Yin-Yang Temple, this is madness. If he can''t beat Qingya and gets severely injured, it''ll probably be hard to score in the subsequent fights."


    Someone said, raising an eyebrow, and many nodded in agreement. In a points match, the majority would start by challenging weaker opponents to score points, rarely ever starting off by challenging the strongest.


    Not to mention whether one is a match for the opponent, battling the strongest can easily result in serious injuries, and despite there being rest time during the fight, it is not very long. If seriously injured, recovery would not be possible in a short span, greatly affecting the following battles.


    Generally, challengers would start by targeting weaker ones as a means to conserve their strength.


    Yet Ye Feng did not do so, directly challenging Qingya whom no one dared to challenge even during the arena seizing because everyone knows that Qingya ranked first on the previous talent list, possessing extremely formidable strength. No one would seek their own downfall by choosing to duel with Qingya during arena seizing.


    Not only was the audience in shock, but the other eight strong individuals on the stages were also each raising their eyebrows, looking towards the first arena.


    "What''s going on with Ye Feng, why has this guy directly targeted Qingya!?"


    Chi Jark''s face showed a blank expression as he communicated telepathically to Xiao Rulong.


    Xiao Rulong also wore a look of shock, but quickly, he plunged into thought, replying to Chi Jark a moment later: "I think I might have figured out Ye Feng''s plan. He wants to establish his might by directly challenging a strong opponent like Qingya!"


    "Once Qingya is defeated by him, the remainder of the strong individuals will definitely become wary, and most likely, they''ll choose to surrender without fighting Ye Feng."


    "However, the current exact strength of Qingya is still unclear, I only feel that this person is quite mysterious, and I don''t know what the outcome will be."


    Xiao Rulong said with a serious face. Based on his feeling, he could sense that Yin-Yang Temple Qingya held strength that certainly wasn''t simple; his aura was very dominant. With his and Chi Jark''s abilities, they were probably not his match, and the same went for Fengning.


    Having already witnessed Fengning''s move just now, they believed that these two must be the strongest ones on the stage.


    At this moment, his heart was also anxious for Ye Feng, but there was nothing to be done. Ye Feng had already stood on the first arena, and the fight was about to start. There was nothing to do but wait for the results.


    On the first arena, Ye Feng stood opposite Qingya, his expression indifferent.


    Qingya, who had been sitting cross-legged on the ground, had also stood up by now. His gaze was ice cold as he watched Ye Feng, his soft voice asserting, "You''re not my opponent. I can give you a chance. Admit defeat and roll down."


    Qingya''s tone was arrogantly cold, and although he had seen Ye Feng in action, he still didn''t take him seriously. Ye Feng was too young and a newcomer who had just entered the Outer Battlefield. How could he possibly be his match?


    Hearing Qingya''s words, Ye Feng grinned and laughed, "You are quite arrogant, to know before even fighting that I''m not your match. You people from Fusang Kingdom really all have the same attitude, small capabilities but big words."


    Qingya''s eyes turned icy in an instant, his tone icy, "Very well, you have successfully angered me. Northern Border King Ye Feng, I''ll show you the consequences of provoking me!"


    Qingya''s face turned icy, and the aura about him erupted, causing the arena underneath to tremble at that moment.

 Chapter 635 - 630 Qingyas Shikigami

    Ye Feng felt the aura erupting from Qingya and a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.


    She had indeed reached the top level of the Golden Core Realm, and he even sensed some Power of Yin and Yang surging within her, which made his gaze grow somewhat more solemn.


    Previously, he had discerned Qingya''s realm, but without experiencing her aura''s outburst, so he didn''t know the details of her strength. However, now that he had felt the Power of Yin and Yang within her, he knew that Qingya had begun to condense and refine the Power of Yin and Yang, aiming to break through into the Yin-Yang Realm!


    Fengning, standing to the side, felt it too. His target was Qingya, and sensing the Power of Yin and Yang under her aura''s outburst, his expression changed.


    "The Power of Yin and Yang, is she starting to condense and refine it?"


    Fengning''s eyes sparkled more and more, his gaze fixated intensely on the first arena.


    The others around were also shocked by Qingya''s aura¡ªit was too strong!


    Among so many Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm present, they had never felt such a powerful Golden Core Realm aura before, making them click their tongues in wonder.


    "This aura, it''s almost approaching the level of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, right?"


    "Correct, Qingya''s realm has reached the top tier within the Golden Core Realm. She''s stepping toward becoming a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    "Hiss, she was only at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm three years ago, and now she has reached such a height. What kind of monster is she?"


    "Will the Northern Border King, Ye Feng, be a match for Qingya? Given Qingya''s realm, her strength must have reached an extremely terrifying level."


    "Who knows? We''ll see when the fight starts. But the Northern Border King, Ye Feng, seems to be only a Newly Advanced Golden Core Powerhouse. I doubt he''s a match for Qingya."


    "Don''t be so sure, maybe Ye Feng will simply concede when he sees Qingya''s realm."


    The crowd was abuzz with discussion, while the battle atop the first arena had yet to begin.


    However, by this time, Qingya, who had already released her aura, was forming seals with her hands, and three summoning formations charged with an extremely dense Power of Spirit Essence appeared before everyone.


    "Shikigami, arise!"


    Qingya''s voice was soft, yet the power she displayed was explosively fierce. Three beams of light ascended from the arena, and three figures had already appeared in front of her.


    An overwhelming aura of formidable strength had already permeated the first arena. The three Shikigamis summoned by Qingya were slowly revealing their forms, and what was more terrifying was that the aura of their realm was exactly the same as Qingya''s!


    "They''ve appeared, Qingya has summoned her Shikigamis!"


    Someone exclaimed from the high platform, and many strong figures on the stage looked very grave, knowing that Qingya''s strongest aspect was not her own realm, but her three Shikigamis.


    "Qingya''s three Shikigamis can maintain the same level of realm strength as her, and they are all top-tier Shikigamis!"


    "This means that the Northern Border King, Ye Feng, is about to face three top-tier Shikigamis with the strength of top Golden Core Realm Great Powers!"


    Some strong figures spoke in a sober tone.


    At this moment, the three Shikigamis in front of Qingya had already revealed themselves.


    The first Shikigami was a woman with an angelic face, with exquisitely perfect features and a single horn on her forehead. Behind her were a pair of snow-white wings, beautiful and divine. However, her eyes were filled with murderous intent, creating a stark contrast with her angelic features. The murderous intent emanating from her was almost tangible, sending chills from afar.


    Ye Feng looked at this Shikigami without much fluctuation in his eyes. Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had already introduced her to him¡ªone of Qingya''s Shikigamis, a top-tier Shikigami, the Angel of Slaughter.


    The second Shikigami resembled a monk, with his eyes tightly closed as if he were blind. A string of Buddha beads hung around his neck, each bead shaped like a miniature skull, looking eerie. His whole body was wrapped in a blood-red Kasaya, and in his hands, he carried a great scythe, with a thick scent of blood filling the air.


    This was also a top-tier Shikigami of an Onmyoji, the Blood Demon Monk!


    The third Shikigami''s body was pitch black, with a crow''s head and human-like limbs. His whole body emitted a black aura, with layers of black feathers on his hands. Were it not for the human-like limbs, he would have appeared to be an Alien Beast, his thick black aura covering the entire arena, exuding pure malevolence.


    The Dark Raven Demon, this was Qingya''s third top-tier Shikigami summoned!


    All three Shikigamis were charged with an intense murderous intent, and at that moment, it was as if the entire city was filled with this thick killing aura, making everyone feel uncomfortable.


    Atop the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall, Long Nannan and Sausage Sister both frowned.


    "These three monsters make me feel so uncomfortable,"


    said Long Nannan, feeling the temperature around her drop, filled with an ominous aura that made her feel unnatural all over.


    Sausage Sister felt the same way and said with a worried look in her eyes, "I don''t know if Ye Feng can defeat this Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple. The power of the three Shikigami he summoned is outrageously strong, just as potent as his own aura. Now Ye Feng is essentially facing three enemies alone..."


    At that moment, Long Nannan stood by, huffing and puffing, "Little Martial Uncle can definitely deal with these three monsters. Even the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm is no match for Little Martial Uncle, let alone someone from the Golden Core Realm."


    Sausage Sister didn''t respond, for Long Nannan''s words were true. She was somewhat worried about Ye Feng losing, but she wasn''t worried that Ye Feng would face any life-threatening danger.


    On the arena, Qingya watched Ye Feng with a cold gaze and spoke indifferently, "Angel of Slaughter, crush him!"


    As Qingya spoke, he quickly infused a Dharma Seal into the Angel of Slaughter''s body. It sprang into action instantly, its white wings fluttering as it transformed into a beam of white light, shooting toward Ye Feng at lightning speed, with a Light Sword appearing in its hand, unleashing formidable Sword Qi as it swiftly cut down at Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s gaze was indifferent, and there wasn''t a hint of panic on his face. As the Angel of Slaughter rushed at him, a flash of gold lit up in his hand, and the Emperor''s Sword appeared in his grasp, his realm stabilized at that of a newly advanced practitioner of the Golden Core Realm, but his aura continued to soar. At this moment, a suit of Golden Armor appeared on his body- the Emperor''s Armor!


    Clad in the Emperor''s Armor, with the Emperor''s Sword in hand radiating bursts of golden light, a stunning white Sword Light slashed toward him. Ye Feng calmly raised the Emperor''s Sword in his hand, cutting down on the impressive white Sword Light.


    Bang!


    With a thunderous sound, the Emperor''s Sword in Ye Feng''s hand immediately severed the immense white Sword Light.


    By then, the Angel of Slaughter, with its unmatched beauty, had reached Ye Feng with an icy expression, continuously swinging the white Light Sword down, each slash bringing a comet-like Sword Light sweeping toward Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s figure kept blinking in and out of sight, his movement technique so fast it seemed as if he was flashing through the streaks of Sword Light. The seemingly powerful white Sword Light couldn''t land a single hit on him.


    The Angel of Slaughter, still exuding a dense killing intent, seemed inexhaustible as it kept slashing away.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The surface of the first arena was continuously marked with appalling cracks, and although the arena was protected by a Formation and didn''t explode or collapse outright, the potent impact still penetrated the Formation, striking the surface of the arena, which vibrated violently.


    The crowd watching this scene was dumbstruck; their Naked Eyes could hardly catch the Angel of Slaughter''s slashing Sword Light anymore, the speed was just too fast. But the figure that kept dodging, even more so, was causing them amazement.


    "This Angel of Slaughter is too powerful, too terrifying. That speed and that power, if it hit me with a sword, I''d probably be finished, right?"


    A newly advanced Golden Core Powerhouse muttered, staring blankly at the first arena.


    "What''s so amazing about that? It''s Ye Feng''s movement technique that''s truly terrifying. He hasn''t been hit even once under such fast slashing. Isn''t that too incredible?"


    Some people, fixated on Ye Feng''s ever-flashing figure, were completely astonished.


    Chi Jark, who was also looking at the frantically slashing Angel of Slaughter, was dumbfounded as he muttered, "Three years ago, I remember being knocked out of the arena by this very Angel of Slaughter with a single strike. The speed and power back then already made me somewhat despair, but now, how is it that Ye Feng seems so at ease..."


    During the Martial Dao Conference three years ago, when Chi Jark faced Qingya, he wanted to test the gap between them and foolishly really challenged Qingya. As a result, he was defeated by the Angel of Slaughter summoned by Qingya in just one move,


    but now, Ye Feng had already dodged countless attacks from the Angel of Slaughter!


    Bu Fengning, on the second arena, was also watching this scene intently, his expression becoming grave. Although Ye Feng had not launched an attack, his speed alone was astounding. If it were him, he would not be able to achieve such a speed with his movement technique.


    Qingya, seeing the Angel of Slaughter unable to hit Ye Feng, furrowed his brows and released another Dharma Seal.


    "Blood Demon Monk!"


    With a low shout from Qingya, the Blood Demon Monk in front of him erupted with a thick scent of blood, wielding a massive scythe as it charged toward Ye Feng.


    After dispatching the Blood Demon Monk, Qingya said coldly, "To have me command two Shikigami against you, you should be proud of yourself!"


    Hearing this, Ye Feng simply smiled, "To handle me, better let all three Shikigami come together."


    As his words fell, Ye Feng, sword in hand, appeared behind the Angel of Slaughter in the blink of an eye, and a Reach the Sky golden Sword Light emerged, instantly striking at the Angel of Slaughter.

 Chapter 636 - 631: Boring, really boring

    The Sword of the King descended with such speed that even the Angel of Slaughter couldn''t help but change color, there was no way for her to evade this strike!


    The Reach the Sky Sword Light fell like a comet, and the Angel of Slaughter had no means to counter. Her only choice was to raise the Light Sword in her hands to forcibly withstand this blow. As the Reach the Sky Sword Light drew ever closer, she felt a sinking feeling in her heart, fearing that even if she managed to block it, she would be gravely injured!


    "Let me."


    A voice rang out, and immediately afterwards, a shadow swept over to stand in front of the Angel of Slaughter. It was Qingya''s second Shikigami, the Blood Demon Monk, waving his huge blood-colored scythe towards the sky.


    Boom!


    With a loud crash, the Blood Demon Monk''s face changed color. Ye Feng''s Sword of the King had already heavily struck his blood-colored scythe, sending an immensely powerful shock through the scythe that caused his hands to tremble uncontrollably.


    Rich Blood Qi surrounded the Blood Demon Monk. Gritting his teeth hard and brows tightly furrowed, eyes still firmly shut, it was evident that he was under tremendous pressure!


    Spurt!


    Eventually, even the Blood Demon Monk couldn''t hold on any longer, his figure was sent flying tens of meters away as he spat out a mouthful of dark blood. He forcibly stabilized his form, his hands still trembling slightly while holding the scythe, his expression exceedingly grim.


    Qingya also frowned upon seeing this scene, not having expected Ye Feng''s single strike to repel his shikigami. His mind was closely linked with that of his Shikigami, and now the voice of the Blood Demon Monk echoed in his head.


    "Master, this man is very strong, I fear that neither the Angel of Slaughter nor I are his match."


    The Blood Demon Monk steadied himself and kept his head bowed, his eyes still tightly closed as his spiritual power served as his sight.


    Ye Feng''s strike just now instilled fear in him; he immediately realized that there was a great disparity between them. Even if he joined forces with the Angel of Slaughter, they would not necessarily be opponents for Ye Feng.


    On hearing this, Qingya''s brows raised slightly. Both the Angel of Slaughter and the Blood Demon Monk together weren''t his opponent?


    He lifted his eyes to look at Ye Feng, who was still holding the resplendent golden Sword of the King, standing indifferently, the oppressive aura emanating from him becoming ever more intense.


    A chill went through Qingya''s heart. He had never expected Ye Feng, whom he had always looked down upon, to be so formidable that even his two top-level Shikigami were not a match and were easily repelled.


    It seemed that he really had to summon all three Shikigami at once!


    Summoning all three Shikigami simultaneously would be a considerable expenditure, which is why he hadn''t done so from the start. But now, if all three Shikigami didn''t act at once, they likely wouldn''t be a match for Ye Feng.


    Golden Dragon Shield...


    Qingya''s eyes flickered, not having anticipated the need to use all three Shikigami so soon, but he wasn''t willing to lose any points¡ªhe intended to take all nine!


    "Dark Raven Demon!"


    Qingya''s hands formed a seal, and Dharma Seals instantly surged into the Dark Raven Demon''s body. The Dark Raven Demon cackled, its voice harsh like a raven''s as it rasped, "Understood, Master, I will tear him to shreds!"


    The moment the Dark Raven Demon''s words fell, a burst of black energy exploded, cloaking the entire arena in a shroud of black mist. His hands, covered with black feathers, spread wide, and his form turned into a black streak of light, charging towards Ye Feng.


    "Angel of Slaughter, Blood Demon Monk, you join in as well!"


    Qingya coldly instructed, and with the three Shikigami attacking in unison, he didn''t believe Ye Feng could simultaneously contend with his three top-level Shikigami. All three were of the same Realm as Qingya, which meant Ye Feng was facing three top-level Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm at once, surely enough to defeat him.


    Just to be safe, Qingya also released three Dharma Seals into the air. The seals, flashing with intense light, charged toward his three Shikigami rushing at Ye Feng. As the seals entered their bodies, the auras of the three Shikigami grew stronger again¡ªan amplification seal that he, as a summoner, could cast.


    The spectators outside the arena were surprised to see Qingya''s three Shikigami advancing on Ye Feng simultaneously.


    "Qingya is actually using all three Shikigami at the same time, such a rare occasion!"


    "In the previous genius rankings, Qingya only used his second shikigami against Hong Tianyu, who was second in the rankings, and in other battles, he just deployed his Angel of Slaughter, ending the fights easily. I didn''t expect Ye Feng to compel Qingya to use three Shikigami at once."


    "The strength of Ye Feng, the Northern Border King, seems to be not far behind Qingya''s."


    Many people were discussing, also surprised, as previously many had clearly underestimated Ye Feng''s strength. At first, quite a few people thought Ye Feng would be no match for Qingya, but now it was hard to say who would win.


    Ye Feng, atop the arena, watched as the three top-level Shikigami charged him, his gaze still showing no change.


    The auras of the three Shikigami were incredibly strong, with the Angel of Slaughter holding a Light Sword, the Blood Demon Monk wielding a huge blood-colored scythe, and the Dark Raven Demon, clad in black, now bearing a Demon Blade that exuded intense Demonic Qi.


    In the blink of an eye, the three Shikigami had reached Ye Feng, their eyes filled with murderous intent, launching attacks from three directions at once.


    Ye Feng''s gaze turned frosty as the pitch-black Sky-breaking Divine Spear appeared in his other hand. His hand burst forth with immense power, flinging the Sky-breaking Divine Spear viciously toward the Angel of Slaughter.


    The Sky-breaking Long Spear transformed into a streak of dark light, cutting through the air to arrive in front of the Angel of Slaughter.


    The exquisitely beautiful face of the Angel of Slaughter changed color, forced to lift her Light Sword to block the Sky-breaking Divine Spear. A horizontal slash sent the Sky-breaking Divine Spear flying, but in the very next moment, the flung spear turned back and stabbed towards her once more.


    It was indeed Ye Feng, who from a distance was using the Power of Spirit Essence to control the Sky-breaking Divine Spear and entangle the Angel of Slaughter!


    But at this very moment, the Blood Demon Monk''s Great Scythe and the Dark Raven Demon''s Demon Blade were already bearing down upon Ye Feng''s eyes from both sides!


    Ye Feng''s Sword of the King was raised to meet the Great Scythe; with a cold snort, he exclaimed, "Begone!"


    The Sword of the King erupted with tremendous Sword Qi, striking the Great Scythe directly. The Blood Demon Monk, feeling the astonishing Sword Qi, was shocked, but he didn''t show weakness. His Great Scythe burst forth with thick Blood Qi, its power equally astounding.


    On the other side, the Dark Raven Demon had also raised his Demon Blade, as if it was about to descend and cleave Ye Feng into two, but at this moment, Ye Feng too had raised his arm, with a flash of silver light in his hand, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon appeared, its formidable spear intent stabbing through the Demonic Qi of the Demon Blade.


    Bang! Bang!


    Two astonishing explosions sounded in succession, sending shockwaves pulsating across Platform One, causing even the Four Great Platforms to tremble violently, the onlookers'' pupils constricting in response.


    They could feel the might of the battle that had erupted on Platform One, each one of them utterly astonished.


    "These two are so strong, such power... If it were me, I would''ve probably been crushed straight away,"


    some spectators exclaimed with eyes chilled by fear.


    Chi Jianren was also attentively watching the battle''s progress, cursing under his breath when he felt the power of the shockwaves, "These two guys, they''re freaks, one more abnormal than the other. There''s probably no one here stronger than them."


    Xiao Rulong also had a grave expression as he said, "I''m afraid only Fengning could fight these two, and there''s one more person..."


    As he spoke, Xiao Rulong''s gaze had already shifted to Platform Four, where Ke Li of the Wizard Alliance was standing.


    He had a subtle feeling of danger from Ke Li, but Ke Li had only made a move once so far, and with just a single move, he had knocked Golden Cicada off the platform to claim Platform Four.


    However, like with Ye Feng''s attack, Ke Li''s blow was marked by a stronger shock than damage; Golden Cicada was blasted off the platform but virtually unharmed.


    This guy''s strength is also a mystery!


    Xiao Rulong watched Ke Li with squinted eyes, and sensing someone''s gaze on him, Ke Li on Platform Four turned his head and glanced toward Xiao Rulong.


    Xiao Rulong''s eyelids twitched when he saw Ke Li turn, and he quickly shifted his gaze back to Platform One.


    Ke Li only glanced back before withdrawing his look, not engaging in any communication with Xiao Rulong.


    On Platform One, Ye Feng was already entangled in battle with Qingya''s three Shikigami.


    In his left hand he wielded the Sword of the King, and in his right, the Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, fighting against the Blood Demon Monk and the Dark Raven Demon. Each movement and attack unleashed powerful shockwaves, attesting to the intensity of the battle for all to feel.


    The Angel of Slaughter, meanwhile, was still locked in a struggle with the Sky-breaking Divine Spear, unable to gain the upper hand.


    Qingya was standing in the distance, his face gloomy. This was going nowhere fast; his three Shikigami were very powerful, any other top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm would''ve likely been defeated by now, but Ye Feng still looked calm and collected, as if he was handling everything with ease.


    "Damn it, how can this guy who''s only been in the Outer Battlefield for a month be so strong?"


    Qingya muttered to himself, feeling that half of his Spirit Essence had been drained; constantly directing his three Shikigami was too exhausting. It wasn''t that his Shikigami were weak¡ªeach one of them was capable of facing off against a top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm on its own. But to this moment, they hadn''t been able to take down Ye Feng; instead, his three Shikigami had sustained significant damage!


    Just as Qingya finished speaking, a voice echoed.


    "Boring, truly boring. It seems that the number one of the previous genius list is just this, and nothing more,"


    Ye Feng burst forth with great prowess, instantly repelling the three Shikigami. His expression indifferent, he looked at the three Shikigami before him, an imperial presence beginning to emanate from his body.


    Feeling this imperial aura, Qingya was startled and stared at Ye Feng, wondering what he was planning to do!


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    Ye Feng shouted as above Platform One, a Golden Seal formed in the blink of an eye, its oppressive force filling the air above the platform.

 Chapter 637 - 632: Qi Qi Admits Defeat

    The three shikigami were huddled together at this point, all bearing some wounds on their bodies, a far cry from their previously formidable appearance, now looking somewhat disheveled. Ye Feng was simply too powerful, even their joint efforts were no match for him.


    The sight of the golden seal in the sky further solidified their gaze, an imperial aura that demanded submission pervaded the entire arena, and the oppressive force almost forced them to their knees.


    At this time, Ye Feng had already soared into the air, like an emperor surveying everything below him¡ªQingya and the three shikigami.


    The golden seal in the sky was incredibly condensed, radiating waves of divine might.


    Qingya lifted his head, looking at Ye Feng in the sky and the golden seal above. His expression really changed this time; he felt a strong sense of crisis, and the intuition of a powerful being was absolutely correct!


    With a hardening of his gaze at the golden seal, he could feel the terrifying power condensed within it.


    Qingya''s face was quite ugly, and the Dark Raven Demon too was looking up at the golden seal, his raspy voice saying, "Master, I feel the fear of death."


    At this time, both the Angel of Slaughter and the Blood Demon Monk had somber faces; they had returned to stand before Qingya, as shikigami, their duty was to protect their master''s safety.


    Qingya was shaken by the Dark Raven Demon''s words, not only did the Dark Raven Demon feel this way, but his other two shikigami also harbored some fear.


    Fight head-on?


    Qingya''s expression changed repeatedly as he weighed the pros and cons. If he indeed chose to face it, he could only use the guardian spell, but he felt that the power within the golden seal was definitely enough to break through the guardian spell. In this case, even if his three shikigami didn''t die, they would likely be severely injured.


    Memories of Ye Feng''s effortless combat style flashed through his mind, and Qingya gritted his teeth as if he had come to some decision.


    "I... concede..."


    Taking a deep breath, Qingya found those three words difficult to utter.


    He could still use the fusion technique, but it was very draining, and the process took too long. By the time he finished, Ye Feng''s golden seal would have already descended.


    The fact that Feng Ye could successfully use the fusion technique previously was also clearly because Long Nannan was much stronger than Feng Ye, allowing him to easily succeed. But with Ye Feng''s momentum, he obviously wasn''t going to give Qingya any chance.


    Qingya''s face was full of frustration; he had no choice but to make this decision. The pressure Ye Feng put on him was the strongest he had felt since entering the Outer Battlefield among his peers from the younger generation. He didn''t want to lose, but this was just a points match, and even if he lost a point, he was confident he could win the other eight fights.


    But if he got injured now, he might not be able to win against Bu Fengning.


    Hearing Qingya''s voice, a flash of surprise crossed Ye Feng''s eyes; he hadn''t expected Qingya to actually admit defeat. He felt that Qingya still had some strength left, but the opponent must have seen that he was not a match and thus didn''t fight to the end.


    Ye Feng wasn''t foolish; he knew Qingya was trying to conserve his strength, and he didn''t feel the need to force him to fight to the death. He said with a light smile, "At least you''re smart."


    While speaking, Ye Feng gestured with his hand, and the golden seal in the sky dissipated, as the aura around him gradually retracted, slowly descending from the air.


    Just then, almost everyone at the site fell silent, with the people on the high platform looking dumbfounded, seemingly in disbelief that Qingya would actually surrender on his own accord.


    "Did Qingya really just concede?"


    "The top talent of the last generation has actually admitted defeat so soon?"


    "I didn''t mishear, Qingya really said he conceded, just now I thought I heard wrong, but now Qingya has even recalled his shikigami, it must be true!"


    "My heavens, I''ve never heard of Qingya being defeated among his peers in the Outer Battlefield, but now he has truly conceded. Incredible, just how strong is this Northern Border King Ye Feng?"


    "Who knows, just the sight of that golden seal he conjured up made my heart palpitate, it was like my eyes were going to explode, it''s not so strange that Qingya conceded, right?"


    Everyone was buzzing with conversation, in disbelief at Qingya''s surrender which was completely unexpected.


    The Divine Master Tanaka in the Yin-Yang Temple''s high platform also had a piercing gaze, intently watching Ye Feng on platform number one, his eyes filled with seriousness. That little fellow who he had never cared about before, had actually beaten their Yin-Yang Temple''s Qingya.


    He was well aware that Qingya had already touched the threshold of the Yin-Yang Realm, making him a dominant force in the Golden Core Realm, but he hadn''t expected this new guy from Xuanyuan Hall who had just entered the Outer Battlefield to possess such strength.


    He too had clearly felt the immense power of the golden seal Ye Feng had condensed, and it even had the attacking power of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    Qingya''s concession was actually understandable.


    Nevertheless, Divine Master Tanaka was still squinting, a clear chill flickering in his eyes as he looked at Ye Feng, a rising genius like this from Xuanyuan Hall was not a good sign.


    With so many young talents appearing from Xuanyuan Hall this time, he was feeling a hint of unease.


    Not just Divine Master Tanaka, but the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the other two Great Powers were also frowning, their eyes also focused on platform number one, each as though lost in thought.


    First Hall Master from the Xuanyuan Hall had a smile at the corner of his eyes; he had certainly noticed the looks from the Great Powers of the Three Great Powers'' Yin-Yang Realm, but he didn''t mention this to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng''s strength, in fact, had taken him by surprise. He had already sensed that Ye Feng was no ordinary contender when he saw him outside the city, but he had not expected him to be this formidable.


    At this moment, the expressions on the faces of the warriors on the other stages varied. Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong both breathed sighs of relief. Across the stages, they exchanged glances and communicated through transmitted voices.


    "It seems our worries were completely unnecessary."


    "I agree, nothing should stand in Ye Feng''s way now. This guy''s strength will surely earn him the top spot on the genius list."


    Conversing secretly, they both felt happy about Ye Feng''s tremendous power.


    However, Bu Fengning on the second stage had an extremely grave look in his eyes. He was staring at Ye Feng on the first stage; he, too, had witnessed the formidable display of both Ye Feng and Qingya during their battle.


    Qingya was already a terrifyingly strong fighter, with three top-level shikigamis, and her realm had reached the apex of the Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm. She had even started to condense and refine the Power of Yin-Yang. Yet even so, she had lost to Ye Feng.


    "Ye Feng, I really want to try fighting against you..."


    Bu Fengning''s gaze was firmly fixed on Ye Feng, and his eyes were already ablaze with the desire to battle.


    He actually estimated that he was no match for Ye Feng, but he was still looking forward to their fight.


    "Xuanyuan Hall''s Ye Feng, currently with one battle and one victory, would you like to proceed immediately to the second fight?"


    The First Hall Master stood on the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall, with a resonant voice said, "You may choose to rest for a while, to recover your Power of Spirit Essence."


    Ye Feng looked up at the First Hall Master, bowed slightly, and then calmly said, "To the First Hall Master, I shall not rest, and will proceed to the second battle immediately."


    The First Hall Master nodded slightly, "Then choose your second opponent."


    Having said that, the First Hall Master remained silent, simply watching Ye Feng with a detached gaze, waiting for his choice.


    Whoosh!


    Once again, gazes turned towards him, as everyone waited for Ye Feng''s choice. They were all keen to see whom Ye Feng would pick for his second battle.


    Ye Feng had already risen from the first stage, glanced at Bu Fengning on the second stage, and with a step through the air, his figure appeared on the second stage.


    Bu Fengning''s eyes brightened on the second stage, his own desire for battle igniting. He had been indifferent before, not taking Ye Feng seriously, but now that he recognized Ye Feng''s strength, he eagerly wished to fight him.


    Although he realized from the fight between Ye Feng and Qingya that he might not be a match for Ye Feng, the innate urge to battle still thrilled him.


    Seeing Ye Feng step onto the second stage, the crowd wasn''t as surprised this time. They had come to understand Ye Feng''s intention; he truly aimed to challenge the strongest from the beginning!


    Having just defeated Qingya, the top genius from the previous season, Ye Feng immediately sought out Bu Fengning, the figure rumored to be a match for Qingya!


    At this time, Ye Feng looked at Bu Fengning and saw his eyes shining with anticipation, feeling somewhat odd. Although he could tell Bu Fengning wanted to fight, he did not expect to see such intense eagerness, with his eyes practically glowing.


    So, it turned out that Bu Fengning had the soul of a battle fanatic?


    Ye Feng''s mouth twitched slightly. Before, this guy had an indifferent face, but now he looked at him as if he had found a treasure, making him feel quite unnatural himself.


    "I don''t really like that look in your eyes. I know you want to fight, but you should just step down."


    Ye Feng spoke with a hint of resignation as an overwhelming aura of power erupted from him.


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    Ye Feng shouted, as the Golden Seal once again condensed, filled with a mighty emperor''s aura. This time, he made no delay. As the Golden Seal formed instantly, it charged towards Bu Fengning in the next moment!


    Bu Fengning''s eyes blazed with spirit: "Bring it on!"


    He flicked his wrist, and the longsword imbued with fearsome power appeared in hand, the aura of a top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm bursting forth, making him appear extremely powerful.


    But just as he began marshaling his energy, the Golden Seal suddenly accelerated, barreling towards Bu Fengning with astonishing force!


    Bu Fengning''s expression froze; he had not expected the Golden Seal to speed up so suddenly. Instinctively, he raised his Divine Sword in front, across his body.


    Boom!


    A figure was sent flying backward.

 Chapter 638 - 633 Are You Not Able to Play Along?

    The crowd was stunned as they watched a figure sent flying backward, only to see the silhouette flung out of the middle of the arena, clearing the several hundred meters wide diameter of the great arena and, just like Yaji before, crashing below a raised platform, creating a gigantic, deep pit.


    The Golden Seal also began to dissipate slowly at this moment; now, on arena number two, only Ye Feng stood alone, hands behind his back.


    The figure that just flew out was none other than Bu Fengning!


    Ye Feng did not resort to any flashy moves; after merely uttering a single sentence, he used the same Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal he had employed against Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple on arena number one; with one Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, he sent Bu Fengning hurtling out of the arena.


    However, this time, the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal naturally did not possess the same overwhelming power as when he faced Qingya¡ªback then, Ye Feng had used up to ninety percent of his strength, but for the strike against Bu Fengning, he only exerted seventy percent.


    Even so, it still caught Bu Fengning completely off guard, the tremendous impact of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal sending him flying straight out of the arena.


    Everyone fell silent, staring dazedly at Ye Feng atop arena number two.


    "How long did that battle last?"


    A powerful individual asked outright.


    "I''m not sure, it seems like Ye Feng was up there for less than ten breaths..."


    Someone answered somberly.


    Hiss!


    Many people drew in a sharp breath of cold air; just moments before, everyone had seen Bu Fengning make his move, and with a single sword strike, he had brought down Jin Yu, the second-in-command of the Yin-Yang Temple, and even lost a Shikigami in the process.


    Bu Fengning was also touted as a strong contender capable of contending with Qingya, and now he had been bested by Ye Feng in an instant and thrown off the stage!


    This was enough to petrify everyone, even more shocking than the fight against Qingya.


    "No, that''s not it, Ye Feng didn''t go all out this time. He just used the powerful impact of that Golden Seal to knock Bu Fengning off the stage."


    Some keen-eyed fighters had already discerned the truth, and soon many others nodded in agreement. Upon recollection, they realized it was true¡ªwith the Golden Seal unleashed by Ye Feng, though terrifyingly powerful, it was visibly less potent than during his confrontation with Qingya.


    Amidst the chorus of speculation, a roar broke through the sky!


    "Ah!!!


    "Ye Feng, you sneak-attacked me, can''t you play fair?!"


    A voice that seemed to echo through heaven and earth resounded, as a figure burst out from the massive hole in the wall of the raised platform, revealing it to be Bu Fengning!


    Bu Fengning looked rather ragged; his clothes were torn in several places, his long hair was disheveled, and his face was covered in lime. His original valiant and heroic demeanor now appeared more akin to that of a vagrant.


    Clad in dust and biting down on his teeth, Bu Fengning''s entire face twisted in anger, and his eyes, fixed on Ye Feng atop arena number two, looked as though they could spit fire.


    However, aside from his outward dishevelment, Bu Fengning was not injured, unlike Yaji from the Western Vampire Divine Court, whose chest had been caved in and ribs broken.


    Although Bu Fengning was uninjured, he had been blasted out of the arena, which meant that he had lost, as the rules state that being knocked out of the arena during a duel also counts as a defeat.


    That was why Bu Fengning was so indignant, his frustration boiling over. Caught completely off guard by Ye Feng, the Golden Seal had suddenly accelerated, leaving him no time to fully muster his strength to defend.


    "I''m not a sore loser. I won, is there a problem?"


    Ye Feng spoke with an almost smiling expression.


    His words instantly rendered Bu Fengning speechless, for Ye Feng was right¡ªhe had indeed won, using the rules to legitimately knock his opponent out of the arena.


    Yet, Bu Fengning''s face was still full of unwillingness, seething with irritation. Originally, he was brimming with the desire to fight Ye Feng ferociously, ready for defeat if it came, for he knew Ye Feng''s true strength and had prepared himself to lose. But what he never expected was to be blasted out of the arena in just a few breaths the moment the fight began. Though uninjured, such a manner of defeat brought him a profound sense of shame.


    "This Ye Feng, after this, Bu Fengning will likely hold a grudge against him..."


    Chi Jark''s lips twitched slightly at the unexpected outcome.


    Xiao Rulong also shook his head with a wry smile yet spoke gravely, "Although he knocked Bu Fengning out of the arena, the fact that Ye Feng could control his strength so precisely that he only sent Bu Fengning flying¡ªit''s more than enough to demonstrate."


    Upon hearing this, Chi Jark also nodded seriously; he was no fool. Being able to precisely control strength to such an extent was a true testament to one''s power.


    It wasn''t only Xiao Rulong who felt this way; the prodigies on the arena stage also understood the terrifying aspect of Ye Feng.


    "If you lose, you lose, further words are unnecessary."


    The voice of the First Hall Master sounded again.


    Bu Fengning, having heard this, had no choice but to give up, but his face was still very gloomy. With a snort, the power of Spirit Essence vibrated, shaking off all the dust from his body. With a wave of his hand, he changed into a new robe and regained the handsome and martial appearance he had at the beginning.


    In his heart, he also understood that he had indeed lost. Even though Ye Feng had resolved the battle in such a manner, it was his own failure to block the attack.


    Bu Fengning flew back to his number two platform, sat down cross-legged with his eyes closed, and didn''t take another glance at Ye Feng, out of sight, out of mind.


    Ye Feng, seeing this, found it somewhat amusing and didn''t say anything more. He leaped from the second platform and went straight to the fourth platform.


    Standing on the fourth platform was Ke Li from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country. Underneath Ke Li''s cloak was a very young face, looking about the same age as Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng landed on the fourth platform and observed Ke Li in front of him. Ke Li''s strength was probably second only to Bu Fengning, stronger than both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong.


    Based solely on Ye Feng''s feeling, if he were to rank the strong contenders on the platforms right then, the first tier would naturally be Qingya and Bu Fengning whose strengths were not much different. If they were to really fight, it would be hard to say who would be the victor.


    The second tier would be Ke Li, Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, and Hong Tianyu. The three had similar strengths, with the strongest likely being the current Ke Li. As for Hong Tianyu, the fatty who entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for the second time should be able to beat Hong Tianyu now.


    The third tier would be Nick and Mu Tian, along with Savis, with Savis being the weakest.


    This was the three tiers Ye Feng had in mind for this Talent Ranking Martial Competition. Although it was just a judgment based on the aura he felt, with his current strength, the margin of error in these perceptions shouldn''t be too large.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was already preparing to mobilize his energy to quickly deal with Ke Li, also wanting to see what kind of abilities Ke Li actually had.


    But just as Ye Feng began to mobilize his strength, Ke Li on the platform suddenly lifted his head, revealing a pale yet youthful face, and said, "I concede."


    Ke Li''s voice wasn''t loud, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear that he had conceded.


    This left the crowd stunned because those who had seen the previous Talent Ranking Martial Competition knew that Ke Li was also extremely powerful. If he hadn''t directly conceded in his previous match against Hong Tianyu, it was uncertain who would have taken second place in the end.


    Everyone had been looking forward to Ke Li''s fight with Ye Feng, but they were surprised to hear Ke Li concede. They hadn''t expected such a powerful contender like Ke Li to concede so directly.


    Ye Feng himself was taken aback upon hearing Ke Li''s words. He had not expected Ke Li to concede. He had been ready to fight and wanted to see what Ke Li was truly capable of, but the opponent had conceded right away, which surprised him greatly.


    Ye Feng looked deeply at Ke Li, who clearly was not without the strength to fight, but his immediate concession was probably to save some strength for later battles.


    "I appreciate your concession."


    Ye Feng bowed slightly.


    Ke Li also bowed back proactively and said softly, "You''re very strong. I''m not your match, so I choose to surrender."


    Ke Li spoke bluntly.


    Ye Feng heard this and raised an eyebrow, but he didn''t make any comment. Whether Ke Li was telling the truth or not was somewhat irrelevant to him.


    However, with Ke Li''s concession, it meant that he now had three points.


    Ye Feng leaped from platform four and made his way to platform five, which Hong Tianyu had seized.


    Hong Tianyu, watching Ye Feng land, was full of wariness. The Hong Family and Ye Feng had grievances; one could say they were complete enemies.


    Nevertheless, as Ye Feng landed, Hong Tianyu still said solemnly, "I concede. You go directly to the next platform."


    Ye Feng had not expected Hong Tianyu to concede too. He had originally thought that if Hong Tianyu didn''t concede, he would teach Hong Tianyu a lesson, but in the end, Hong Tianyu also straightforwardly conceded.


    The crowd was once again abuzz.


    "Hong Tianyu has also conceded directly. He''s, after all, the one who ranked second in the last Talent Ranking. And he just conceded like that against Ye Feng?"


    "What else? Ye Feng defeated the top-ranked Qingya, so isn''t it normal for the second-ranked Hong Tianyu to concede?"


    "Looks like Ye Feng is really going to get nine points. There''s probably no suspense over who will be the first in this Talent Ranking."


    "I think it''s pretty much settled. Who else can stop Northern Border King Ye Feng?"


    People from all sides sighed. They knew that probably Ye Feng was going to take first place in this Talent Ranking, unrivaled!


    Indeed, as everyone expected, the strong contenders on each subsequent platform all directly conceded, with no one willing to fight against Ye Feng.

 Chapter 639 - 634: Secret Talks Among the Three Great Powerhouses

    "I concede as well," Ye Feng, congratulations."


    On platform number ten, Xiao Rulong grinned as he too conceded directly. After all, the fellows before him had each conceded in turn; was he supposed to be the odd one out and not concede?


    Having witnessed Ye Feng''s full power, he had no intention of seeking a beating when he could simply concede and be done with it. Wasn''t conceding obediently just fine?


    Ye Feng looked at Xiao Rulong''s expression and couldn''t help but smile wryly as he nodded gently, "Thank you then, Xiao Chubby."


    The audience had become desensitized. Xiao Rulong''s concession no longer surprised them since, on the platform, all of the nine prodigies, except the first-ranked Qingya¡ªwho had truly fought with Ye Feng¡ªhad conceded without even facing him. Of course, Bu Fengning had technically exchanged blows with Ye Feng but was sent flying off the platform with a single move, losing instantly.


    "First Hall Master, the nine challenges have all concluded."


    Ye Feng leapt into the air and addressed the First Hall Master, who was on the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall, with a bow.


    The First Hall Master also leapt from the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall to Ye Feng''s side, glanced at him with a somewhat speechless look in his eyes.


    This guy had earned nine points in less than an hour...


    However, the First Hall Master didn''t comment. After all, the fact that many conceded voluntarily was indeed a testament to Ye Feng''s strength, so there was no need to get hung up on the details.


    He surveyed the nine powerful contenders below and looked around at everyone else before announcing loudly, "Xuanyuan Hall''s Ye Feng has completed nine battles, with a score of nine points, temporarily placing first."


    No one spoke up. The looks they gave Ye Feng were filled with envy; nine points meant that the highest anyone else could achieve was eight points now.


    This "temporary" first place, as everyone saw it, meant Ye Feng had already secured the top spot on the list of geniuses. The top-level defensive magic treasure, the Golden Dragon Shield, was as good as in Ye Feng''s pocket.


    Ye Feng himself was in high spirits, having won the Golden Dragon Shield rather easily.


    "First Hall Master, now that I have nine points and first place is definitely mine, may I have the Golden Dragon Shield in advance?" asked Ye Feng, standing next to the First Hall Master and communicating with a smile through secret voice transmission.


    But at the moment, the First Hall Master wasn''t even looking at him and seemed intent on ignoring Ye Feng completely.


    Ye Feng felt helpless, thinking the First Hall Master had decided to ignore him, considering he had won the first place a little too easily.


    However, just then, a voice rang in Ye Feng''s ear: "What''s the rush? What''s yours won''t escape. You''ll get the item when it''s all over."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and looked at the First Hall Master beside him. The voice was indeed a secret transmission from the First Hall Master, who had confirmed his first place and yet insisted on waiting until the end?


    Ye Feng was speechless, but he said nothing. As the First Hall Master had said, what was his couldn''t run away¡ªit was just a matter of waiting a few more days.


    But thinking about the summoning sensation the Golden Dragon Shield gave him, Ye Feng felt an itch; he was eager to uncover the secrets of the Golden Dragon Shield.


    Clearly, however, even if he were inclined, the First Hall Master wasn''t about to hand over the item just yet. Ye Feng had no choice but to let it go, bowing slightly to the First Hall Master before leaping back onto the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall, returning to Long Nannan and Sausage Sister''s side.


    But at that moment, he furrowed his brows, sensing a faint chill, which quickly vanished as if nothing had happened.


    Ye Feng''s heart trembled slightly. Only someone stronger than him could instill such a chill!


    And how many in this city were more powerful than him?


    Here, only Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    Ye Feng took a mental note, acting as though nothing had occurred as he continued on to the high platform where Xuanyuan Hall stood, joining Long Nannan and Sausage Sister.


    At the same time, each of the Three Great Powers'' platforms had a gaze, discreet and non-direct, that inevitably glanced over at Ye Feng. These three secret watches belonged to the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the other three forces.


    Unknown to the others, the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers from the Three Great Powers had already resumed their secret communication.


    "What Realm is this Ye Feng exactly? He is only twenty-six years old now."


    The Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country asked in a deep voice.


    "It''s hard to see. On the surface, he appears to be merely a newly-ascended Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, but his strength outmatches even Qingya from our Yin-Yang Temple."


    "Such power almost borders on the Yin-Yang Realm. Perhaps with a bit more time, he will reach the true Yin-Yang Realm."


    The voice of Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple was ominously deep.


    "We cannot allow this Ye Feng to continue growing, otherwise with such a young monster joining the Yin-Yang Temple, along with the First Hall Master who has already reached the Peak Realm, none of our three factions will have good days ahead."


    Divine Master Tanaka continuously transmitted his voice to the other two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, speaking to them.


    The Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court also spoke up, "Then what do you think we should do, directly dispatch a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to assassinate him?"


    Dispatching a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to assassinate the prodigy of the Xuanyuan Hall was something they had done before.


    After entering the Outer Battlefield, it was actually common for the various Great Powers to send their own Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to assassinate the prodigies of enemy forces, but they always did it very secretly. Of course, such occurrences were quite rare; basically, they would only truly attempt to dispatch a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to assassinate a prodigy when a once-in-a-century talent emerged.


    After all, every time a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm made a move, there was tremendous risk involved. Furthermore, those genuine once-in-a-century prodigies were the treasures in the palm of the Great Powers, and they possessed no small number of treasures on their persons, and some could even escape from a Yin-Yang Realm Great Power.


    If those Top-Level Prodigies managed to escape, then the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm who attempted the assassination would undoubtedly face condemnation from other factions working together, and the situation would become quite troublesome.


    Ye Feng, as of now, was clearly a once-in-a-century genius, perhaps even a once-in-a-millennium monster. At the mere age of twenty-six, he already possessed strength close to that of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. Such a monster had not been heard of for hundreds of years.


    "We must kill him. Moreover, there is a rumor that Ye Feng has cultivated the Cultivation Technique of that person from over two thousand years ago and is suspected to be the heir. It now seems likely to be true, otherwise, he wouldn''t be this powerful."


    The Yin-Yang Temple''s Divine Master Tanaka once again uttered in a gloomy tone, sharing some of the things he knew.


    At this moment, the faces of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country had changed, and the Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court was also shocked.


    The Vampire Divine Duke sent a transmission exclaiming, "Are you certain he''s the heir to the one from over two thousand years ago?"


    The Great Power from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country also sent a transmission inquiring, their tone betraying a hint of urgency.


    "It''s probably true. The Magic Treasures in that boy''s hands seem to be the Top-Level Magic Treasures of that person from over two thousand years ago according to ancient records. Aside from his heir, it''s unlikely that there would be anyone else capable of using these Magic Treasures."


    Divine Master Tanaka responded to both, recalling the Magic Treasure Ye Feng had used during his battle with Qingya.


    On the high platform of the Western Vampire Divine Court, the Vampire Divine Duke exchanged glances with the Great Power of the Wizard Alliance of Xuelan Country on their high platform, each seeing the shock in the other''s eyes.


    If they were to speak of that figure from over two thousand years ago, all three of their factions were truly fearful; back then, he adhered to the philosophy of ''non-kin of the same kind, its heart must be different,'' killing many people and forces outside of the Xuanyuan Nation, including some of their own.


    Therefore, all three factions harbored intense hatred towards the figure from over two thousand years ago¡ªa hatred that had been handed down from ancient times.


    Now, hearing that Ye Feng was the heir to that figure was naturally a matter of utmost importance to them.


    "I will consult with the other Divine Lords about this matter when I return."


    The Vampire Divine Duke of the Western Vampire Divine Court finally sent a message, then said no more.


    The Great Power from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country did likewise, saying they would consult upon their return.


    Divine Master Tanaka said nothing further; he knew that both parties would eventually agree to the assassination of Ye Feng. However, with the First Hall Master present, even if the three of them joined forces, they would not be a match for the First Hall Master. With the First Hall Master there, even if they wanted to deal with Ye Feng, it would be impossible.


    In the stands of Xuanyuan Hall, Ye Feng was already chatting with Long Nannan and Sausage Sister, looking down at the battles below and laughing.


    Unbeknownst to Ye Feng, in just this brief period, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the three factions were already discussing how to assassinate him.


    "Little Martial Uncle, you are too formidable. So many people have surrendered to you directly. It seems these guys aren''t that great after all."


    "Had I known I would''ve let you go to another arena, I wouldn''t have stepped down from the arena."


    Long Nannan said somewhat resentfully.


    Ye Feng smiled and replied, "That wasn''t necessary. These guys surrendered only because they knew they couldn''t beat me and didn''t want to expend too much energy or get injured. They wanted to conserve their strength to deal with later opponents. It doesn''t mean these guys don''t have strength."


    Ye Feng explained to Long Nannan, and as he had said, like Ke Li or Hong Tianyu, they had the capability to fight him, yet chose to surrender directly, simply wishing to maintain their conditions.


    If Long Nannan had really stayed in that arena, she would probably rank in the third tier among the top ten fighters.


    Although Long Nannan''s strength was not bad, at most she was only at the level of Nick or Mu Tian. Participating or not did not make much difference; simply warming up and exhibiting her strength during the competition for the arena was already sufficient.


    While they were talking, a battle had already erupted in one of the arenas below. According to the draw, the second person to challenge was Qingya!


    Now, just like Ye Feng, starting from the strongest contestant, Qingya was engaged in a fierce battle with Bu Fengning on Arena No. 2.

 Chapter 640 635: Bu Fengning Battles Qingya

    "I''ve wanted to spar with you for three years, and this time, I finally get the chance."


    Cold light flashed in Bu Fengning''s eyes as his divine sword met the attack of the Angel of Slaughter.


    On the second arena, Qingya had also summoned the three shikigami from before, standing aloof in the distance, letting the Angel of Slaughter charge out.


    "You wouldn''t be a match for me."


    Qingya said coldly, having already lost one point, he must win on Bu Fengning''s side!


    There were still eight battles to come, and he couldn''t lose any more of them; otherwise, he wouldn''t even secure second place. Ye Feng''s strength had been a complete surprise; Qingya had always thought he was strong enough, freakishly so among the younger generation. In his early thirties, he had already touched the great power of the Yin-Yang Realm, a rare genius of the century.


    But unexpectedly, the monster that was the Northern Border King Ye Feng had emerged.


    Though the number one Golden Dragon Shield was gone, he was determined to claim the number two Black Jiao Battle Halberd, which he himself did not use but could be wielded by his shikigami. Shikigami, though summoned, could indeed use magic treasures.


    The stronger his shikigami, the stronger his own power would be.


    "Who is stronger and who is weaker, that remains to be seen!"


    Bu Fengning snorted coldly, having already sent the Angel of Slaughter flying with a single sword strike. However, it was just that ¨C sent flying ¨C the Angel of Slaughter was not injured, and the Light Sword in his hands kept slashing from afar, with sword light flying out.


    Bu Fengning''s gaze grew sharp, and the divine sword in his hand suddenly blazed with light, a formidable aura burst forth, sending a solid sword light shooting out like a meteor, smashing all the sword lights from the Angel of Slaughter.


    The Angel of Slaughter''s face changed slightly, he immediately adopted a defensive posture, and with a bang, his entire figure still went tumbling back dozens of meters before coming to a halt, the jade hand holding the Light Sword also trembling slightly.


    Qingya''s eyebrows raised; Bu Fengning''s strength was somewhat surprising to him, more troublesome than anticipated.


    "Why don''t you have all your three shikigami come at once? Is it to line up and be sent to their deaths one by one?"


    Bu Fengning burst into laughter, continuously taunting, his eyes ablaze with eagerness for battle. He had been looking forward to this fight for three years, Ye Feng was an unforeseen complication, which he hadn''t taken too seriously. Eventually, he would reclaim his spot in this arena.


    Qingya''s gaze narrowed slightly at the sight of Bu Fengning''s audacious demeanor, and he was reminded of Ye Feng just moments ago. He snorted coldly, "If that''s what you want, then I''ll grant it to you!"


    With hands forming seals, both the Blood Demon Monk and the Dark Raven Demon charged out simultaneously.


    Around the high platforms, many powerful fighters were also paying close attention to this grand battle, an encounter many had eagerly anticipated three years before.


    "Bu Fengning''s strength is terrifying; being blasted off the stage by Ye Feng in one hit doesn''t mean he''s weak."


    "Both appear to be at the top level of the Golden Core Realm, but it seems like Bu Fengning has not yet touched the Yin-Yang Realm, I wonder if he''ll be a match for Qingya."


    "Hard to say, the Angel of Slaughter was already blown away in one move; Bu Fengning might just win."


    "Qingya has summoned all three shikigami together!"


    "Now the real fight begins, aside from Ye Feng, perhaps only Bu Fengning in the Golden Core Realm could force Qingya to have all three shikigami fight at once."


    A crowd of onlookers curiously watched, speculating about the outcome of the battle, a clash that had been missed three years ago.


    After the battle of the Genius Ranking Tournament ended three years ago, Qingya went into secluded cultivation in the Yin-Yang Temple, only occasionally venturing out to hunt alien beasts. Bu Fengning, on the other hand, after breaking through to the Golden Core Realm, had been seen in various danger zones, even in one of the Four Great Desolate Lands, Ice Prison Valley, though that was just a rumor. Except for Bu Fengning himself, no one else knew for sure if it was true.


    On Xuanyuan Hall''s high platform, Sausage Sister watched the fight below.


    Sausage Sister spoke up, "This fellow who was blown away by Ye Feng with one move has proven to be far stronger than expected; in fact, he''s extremely powerful!"


    Sausage Sister''s face was grave. She could feel the threat emanating from Bu Fengning, and watching the two fight, she knew Bu Fengning was indeed a top-level powerhouse.


    Long Nannan snorted beside her, dismissing it with, "That guy who lost to Little Martial Uncle is nothing special. Even if I fought him, I could definitely beat him to the ground!"


    Long Nannan swung her fists, a cheerful grin on her face.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng chuckled and playfully ruffled Long Nannan''s hair, saying in exasperation, "With your little bit of strength, forget it. Bu Fengning''s strength is nothing to scoff at, and if you really fought him, you wouldn''t last more than a few moves."


    Ye Feng said this as he watched the fierce battle on the second platform.


    Bu Fengning was indeed a genius and very strong, something he had to admit. It wouldn''t take long before touching the threshold of the Yin-Yang Realm, and his strength was not much weaker than Qingya''s.


    He had merely taken advantage of the rules, converting the power of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal into an impact force, which sent Bu Fengning off the platform. If they were to truly fight, Ye Feng felt that the battle could be somewhat troublesome.


    Long Nannan stuck out her tongue, clearly a bit unconvinced, but she closed her mouth and said no more.


    On the second platform, when Qingya let three Shikigami attack together, Bu Fengning clearly felt the pressure. He was wearing a set of cyan battle armor, which was evidently a formidable defensive magic treasure.


    But facing the three Shikigami of the same top-level grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, he inevitably suffered some injuries.


    Despite being injured, Bu Fengning still displayed a strong fighting spirit, continuously launching sword moves and bombarding the three powerful Shikigami.


    Qingya''s eyes were also very solemn; Bu Fengning was truly not easy to deal with. He had to let the three Shikigami attack together to suppress him, for any less than three Shikigami would not be a match for Bu Fengning!


    Controlling three Shikigami at the same time was highly consumptive.


    On the second platform, the battle raged on, powerful shockwaves rocking the audience and leaving them in awe, yet they watched with great interest. Such battles between the strong were the most exciting.


    After a long stalemate, Qingya eventually launched a burst of power, with the three Shikigami executing a combined attack that, despite Bu Fengning''s effort to endure, still blasted him off the platform.


    However, this time Bu Fengning did not complain or rage like before; instead, he laughed heartily outside the arena: "Exhilarating, exhilarating!"


    Bu Fengning, his mouth dripping blood, continued to laugh as he stepped back onto the platform, bowed to Qingya, and said, "This time, I, Bu, have fallen short. Next time, we shall battle again."


    Seeing this, Qingya also nodded lightly, respect visible in his eyes. Bu Fengning was indeed a powerful opponent; although Qingya had defeated him, his Daoist robe was somewhat ragged, having sustained several minor injuries from Bu Fengning''s strikes.


    Moreover, neither of them had gone all out. If a deathmatch were to ensue, it would not be the same as now, and the ultimate outcome was still an unknown.


    Mainly, Bu Fengning wasn''t very interested in the Black Jiao Battle Halberd, and he understood after exchanging blows that he still had some gaps to bridge with Qingya, and unless it was a deathmatch, he would definitely not be able to beat Qingya.


    But it was the Genius Ranking Competition, and the two were not sworn enemies; there were other scoring matches to fight, so naturally, they wouldn''t engage in a life-and-death struggle. However, the fight showed that both had almost exerted their strongest capabilities in the duel.


    This battle also won applause from many powerful figures; both had exhibited extreme strength, and the fight was exhilarating and satisfying.


    On the spectator''s stand, Ye Feng felt that the outcome matched his expectations; Qingya''s realm of power was indeed a bit higher than Bu Fengning''s.


    After challenging Bu Fengning, Qingya began quickly absorbing the power of the Spirit Essence from the spirit stones, recovering from his recent exertion.


    After half an hour, Qingya continued and challenged the next strong contender, Ke Li, who was on the fourth platform.


    But this time, Ke Li conceded directly without engaging in battle with Qingya.


    When Ke Li conceded, Qingya also gave him a deep look, sensing that Ke Li was not weak, yet he had chosen to surrender immediately.


    Without dwelling on it any further, Qingya moved from one platform to the next, encountering the same situation as Ye Feng had before; the remaining seven competitors were unwilling to fight him, all choosing to concede directly like Ke Li.


    The audience wasn''t surprised; after all, they all knew that Qingya''s strength was enough to completely crush anyone, and it was quite clear that in the scoring matches against real powerhouses, usually only one or two battles are needed to establish prestige before everyone.


    Knowing they were no match, they naturally wouldn''t seek humiliation by engaging powerful opponents with whom they had a large disparity. Thus, Qingya''s battles ended quickly, and he effortlessly secured eight points. Securing the second position on the Genius Ranking was all but guaranteed.


    The person who drew the number three token was Savis.


    However, after glancing around at everyone on the platforms, this individual flew straight to Xuanyuan Hall''s high platform and, bowing to the First Hall Master, said, "Hall Master, I concede all my upcoming scoring matches. I admit defeat."


    With his hoarse voice, Savis spoke, his head lowered.


    This unexpected declaration left even the First Hall Master stunned, not anticipating that Savis would make such a choice, and the spectators were equally baffled. To voluntarily give up all the scoring matches?


    Was he content with being at the bottom, settling for tenth place?


    Ye Feng looked at Savis with a peculiar glint in his eyes; the man probably realized that he was no match for the others, so he simply chose to concede everything in advance?

 Chapter 641 636: Summoner

    The First Hall Master furrowed his brow, glanced at Savis, and spoke, "Are you sure you want to forfeit all your matches? If so, you''ll be directly placed in the tenth position."


    He, of course, knew Savis''s intentions. Knowing he couldn''t beat the others, he had decided not to fight at all. After all, just by getting into the top ten, he would already secure a spot to enter the Source Secret Realm.


    This Savis probably just wanted to get into the Source Secret Realm and was satisfied with that, and so he chose to admit defeat in all matches directly.


    This approach wasn''t impermissible. It could be considered as wisely protecting oneself without any fault. However, proposing it directly like this would certainly make him the laughingstock of everyone publicly.


    Savis didn''t hesitate at all and nodded, "Yes, I ask the First Hall Master to grant my request."


    Seeing Savis''s confirmation, the First Hall Master didn''t say anything more and responded, "Then just wait by the side of the ring."


    Savis bowed once again and flew back to his own platform.


    For a moment, the crowd started discussing it again.


    "This Savis is really a coward. He hasn''t even fought with others, and he just admits defeat outrightly."


    "This is also his own choice; we don''t have any right to interfere."


    "Savis probably just wants a spot in the Source Secret Realm, after all. He''s been to the Spirit Essence Pool before, and he definitely isn''t lacking Spirit Stones now. He doesn''t need to fight for anything; he can''t compete with the top three anyway."


    People made their remarks, and the last person''s words were agreed upon by many.


    Actually, that person was really right. Savis flew back to his platform and sat down cross-legged, ignoring any external noise. Since he had admitted defeat in all matches, it meant that all he needed to do was wait for the battles to end, and then he could take his Spirit Stones and directly enter the Source Secret Realm.


    If he hadn''t made it into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he might have fought for the Spirit Stones, but now he had already acquired a total of five hundred Spirit Stones within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Although he had handed some over to the Wizard Alliance, his current stock of Spirit Stones was definitely enough to support his entire cultivation in the Golden Core Realm, which is why he had no intention to fight for rankings.


    As for the Genius Ranking, Visas didn''t care at all.


    At this time, many eyes turned to the side of the Wizard Alliance from Snow Wolf Country. The members of the Wizard Alliance were embarrassed to raise their heads; Savis was one of them, and this incident left them feeling quite helpless.


    "That guy Savis has completely thrown our face. Even if he had just chosen a few to fight first and forfeited when he couldn''t win, it wouldn''t have been so shameful."


    "Damn it, last time in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, this guy did the same thing. He even cheated during the Spirit Essence Pool selection, causing us from the Wizard Alliance not to have a single person enter the Spirit Essence Pool."


    "Such a disgraceful guy should be thrown out of the Wizard Alliance directly; he''s simply a shame to our Wizard Alliance."


    Many from the Snow Wolf Country Wizard Alliance pointed at the platform where Savis was and started cursing openly, feeling angry and believing that Savis had brought shame upon them.


    But these words didn''t concern Savis at all; what good is saving face?


    For him, becoming stronger was all that mattered.


    On platform number ten, Xiao Rulong, who was originally prepared to redeem himself in this Genius Ranking Martial Tournament, was stunned. He had intended to wipe away his earlier disgrace with a victory in the scoring matches and to defeat Savis.


    After all, in the previous Genius Ranking, Xiao Rulong was ready to secure a position in the top ten. Right before the arena challenge three years ago, Savis suddenly attacked his platform with a sneak attack, sending him off the stage directly.


    He still remembered that grudge and was ready to give Savis a good beating during the scoring match, and now his opponent was giving up?


    "Xiao Chubby, I''m saying, this guy might have known in advance that you were going to take revenge on him, which is why he admitted defeat in all his matches?"


    Chi Jark was already using voice transmission to communicate with Xiao Rulong, barely holding back a laugh.


    Xiao Rulong raised an eyebrow, looked at Savis, and transmitted back, "Not likely, this guy didn''t seem to pay much attention to me from the start. Besides, all my moves have been rather standard, not revealing too much strength. It wouldn''t be just to avoid me."


    Thinking it over, Xiao Rulong quickly understood something and transmitted with a bit of resignation, "I get it now; this Savis has decided to be a dead fish. As long as he can enter the Source Secret Realm, there''s no problem. He already has enough Spirit Stones from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    Chi Jark''s mouth twitched; explained like this, it did seem not unreasonable.


    The matter of Savis forfeiting all his matches quickly passed because the fourth person to challenge was Ke Li. He could now choose from six available challengers.


    Ke Li rose from platform number four and went directly to platform number five where Hong Tianyu was waiting.


    Hong Tianyu saw Ke Li approaching him and smiled teasingly, "What, are you here to admit defeat again?"


    Last time at the ranking competition for the geniuses, Ke Li had come up to Hong Tianyu and directly conceded.


    At that time, Hong Tianyu had assumed that Ke Li conceded because he was afraid of him. However, later many believed that Hong Tianyu was nowhere near Ke Li''s level. If Ke Li hadn''t voluntarily admitted defeat, the second place on the genius ranking wouldn''t have been Hong Tianyu''s.


    That incident had stayed in Hong Tianyu''s mind, and now seeing Ke Li step onto the stage, he thought Ke Li was going to concede again. If Ke Li conceded twice in a row, everyone would shut up and accept that it was because Ke Li knew he was inferior to him.


    While Hong Tianyu was pondering this, Ke Li gently lifted his youthful face, and spoke indifferently, "I''m sorry, I aim to take third place, so I can''t afford to concede this time."


    Ke Li''s words startled Hong Tianyu. Before he could react, the aura emanating from Ke Li began to soar, quickly stabilizing at the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, even nearing the standard of a top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Then it''s perfect, a battle between you and me is just what I want. You wouldn''t have been a match for me even if you hadn''t conceded three years ago!"


    Hong Tianyu''s eyes turned cold, and with a flash of red light in his hand, a red long spear appeared, its tip flickering with flames. The entire staff seemed enveloped in fire, looking extremely dazzling. It was the Fiery Divine Spear he had acquired for placing second in the last genius ranking.


    Ke Li didn''t say much. Muttering an obscure cursing incantation, the very ground of the arena began to shake. Suddenly, a formation appeared and a giant stone golem took form at the center of the stage.


    Seeing the massive stone golem, a slight change came over Hong Tianyu''s face; he recognized it as the summoning technique of a Summoning Wizard. This stone person gave him an incredibly powerful impression.


    At the high platform of Xuanyuan Hall, Ye Feng lightly exclaimed upon seeing the summoned stone golem. He knew that within the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country, there were a group of wizards known as Summoners.


    These Summoners from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country could summon an energy body for combat, much like Feng Ye from Yin-Yang Temple who used the Fusion Technique to summon the Sacred Warrior and the Dark Demon God previously.


    Soon, the battle on the stage commenced.


    At first, Hong Tianyu didn''t take the stone golem summoned by Ke Li seriously, but soon, he found himself relentlessly crushed by it. Hong Tianyu was even grabbed and smashed onto the ground by the towering stone figure.


    Moments later, Hong Tianyu shouted his surrender, and only then did Ke Li stop the massive stone golem from continuing its assault.


    The giant stone golem then slowly dissipated, and Hong Tianyu climbed up from the ground in a sorry state, fresh blood leaking from the corners of his mouth, his face swollen and bruised. If it weren''t for the Hun Yuan Armor he wore, he would have suffered numerous broken bones.


    Yet even with the Hun Yuan Armor, Hong Tianyu was far from comfortable; the powerful impact had still injured his internal organs.


    What was most terrifying was that during the fight with the stone golem, Hong Tianyu couldn''t unleash his full strength. All his attacks seemed futile against the stone figure.


    Hong Tianyu fought with deep frustration, and when the stone golem saw its chance, it grabbed him firmly and pinned him down to the ground, leaving him no opportunity to break free. It was utterly miserable.


    Everyone present was shocked by the fight.


    "Ke Li wasn''t a Summoner before, was he?"


    "During the last genius ranking, he seemed only to use some witchcraft. Who would have thought he''s become a Summoner now?"


    "What was the strength of that stone golem just now? Even Hong Tianyu, who ranked second in the previous genius ranking, was no match for it."


    "Hong Tianyu wasn''t a match for Ke Li three years ago. If Ke Li hadn''t surrendered, Hong Tianyu wouldn''t have had a chance to claim second place at all."


    Ke Li''s identity as a Summoner took many by surprise and confirmed that Hong Tianyu truly couldn''t match Ke Li.


    On stage five, Hong Tianyu''s face was as unsightly as if he had swallowed fly excrement, not expecting to truly be no match for Ke Li. He was full of confidence, but now he had been blatantly slapped in the face by Ke Li.


    Ye Feng was also surprised by Ke Li''s strength, which surpassed his expectations. He knew Ke Li would be stronger than Hong Tianyu, but he hadn''t anticipated a complete rout.


    He was curious about the summoned stone golem as well, though during the battle, he had already noticed some trickery at play, although he was still only guessing.


    Ke Li, having left the stage where Hong Tianyu was, proceeded to challenge the other stages in succession.


    This round, aside from Savis who conceded, no one else did. Whether it was Nick, Mu Tian, Chi Jark, or Xiao Rulong, they all engaged in direct combat with Ke Li.


    However, against Ke Li''s summoned stone golem, they all seemed powerless. None were a match for Ke Li''s summon.


    In the end, Ke Li had reached the second stage, facing off against Bu Fengning!

 Chapter 642 637: Rankings Announced, The End

    Bu Fengning was staring at Ke Li at this moment, his gaze filled with seriousness. He had, in fact, been observing Ke Li and the others battle just now.


    No one had been able to inflict any damage on that Stone Man to date, not even a spiritual power attack could do the trick. Not only was its stone body incredibly hard, but because it was a summoned creature, it was devoid of spiritual power. Even Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, though not caught, had almost exhausted all they had and still couldn''t handle the Stone Man, eventually conceding the match voluntarily.


    "You are very strong,"


    Ke Li looked at Bu Fengning and said earnestly.


    Bu Fengning was somewhat puzzled and didn''t understand why Ke Li would say such a thing, but he still replied indifferently, "You''re not bad yourself. Your summon can be so powerful, your own strength must be higher than your current Realm, right?"


    Bu Fengning asked tentatively. In fact, the Realm was not necessarily indicative of one''s complete strength, whether it be for cultivators, Onmyoji, wizards, or vampires. The Realm could not represent their power. More often than not, it was the intensity of their Magic Techniques and the progress in their Cultivation Techniques that made up their true combat power.


    Ke Li''s youthful face showed no extra expression as he said directly, "Let''s fight. As long as I defeat you, the Tianluo Spirit Pill will be mine."


    Upon hearing this, Bu Fengning instantly understood that the Tianluo Spirit Pill was Ke Li''s true goal.


    But did he not need the Tianluo Spirit Pill?


    That was a precious treasure for cultivating spiritual power, and Bu Fengning was just as tempted. Cultivating spiritual power had always been very difficult, and the value of the Tianluo Spirit Pill, while perhaps not comparable to the Great Hand treasures like the Black Jiao Battle Halberd or Golden Dragon Shield, was still tremendously beneficial to a cultivator.


    "Then I''m sorry, but I cannot just hand over the Tianluo Spirit Pill to you,"


    Bu Fengning said coldly, as his Divine Sword already appeared in his hand.


    Ke Li did not say much, instead he began to chant incantations, and the Stone Man that had swept aside the other contestants was already climbing out of the arena.


    ...


    A quarter of an hour later, Bu Fengning was panting on the stage, and in front of him stood two tall figures¡ªtwo identical Stone Men!


    "That''s enough, I admit defeat, this third place is yours, the Tianluo Spirit Pill is yours,"


    Bu Fengning''s face had already turned somewhat pale; he hadn''t been hurt by the Stone Man at all, nor was he continuing to do so. At this point, he was simply over-exhausted. Throughout the quarter hour, he had been using powerful Sword Moves non-stop with extreme energy consumption, yet he had still failed to affect Ke Li in any way.


    Initially, Bu Fengning was able to suppress the one Stone Man, but halfway through the fight, Ke Li had summoned a second one. The two large Stone Men then jointly launched an offensive against Bu Fengning.


    Although the Stone Men''s attacks were powerful, they weren''t very destructive, so Bu Fengning wasn''t really injured. Yet, any attacks he delivered to these two Stone Men were ineffective.


    Bu Fengning had also considered using his movement techniques to attack Ke Li, the summoner behind the Stone Men. When dealing with summoners, many choose this tactic, hoping that defeating the summoner would solve the problem.


    However, Ke Li''s own strength was not weak at all, and Bu Fengning couldn''t deal with him quickly enough, which immediately led to being besieged by the two Stone Men again.


    After continuously battling and draining his strength, Bu Fengning couldn''t hold out any longer and chose to surrender.


    Ke Li ultimately won, securing himself seven points and practically ensured his third-place position.


    The crowd was shocked by Ke Li''s strength. Bu Fengning was someone who could fiercely compete with Qingya, and now that Bu Fengning had conceded voluntarily, didn''t that mean Ke Li had the capability to fight with Qingya?


    Everyone was taken aback, as they hadn''t expected Ke Li, who had kept a low profile for so many years, to possess such strength.


    "Thanks for the fight, your strength is truly great. If your attacks had been a bit stronger, my Stone Men wouldn''t have been able to hold on,"


    Ke Li said emotionlessly, seemingly unconcerned about revealing his Stone Men''s weakness.


    Bu Fengning was speechless. If he could have launched a stronger attack, he wouldn''t have been reduced to conceding defeat.


    This Ke Li was simply more difficult to deal with than Qingya.


    But why did Ke Li concede directly to Qingya earlier?


    Bu Fengning was very curious. Qingya''s combat power was about the same as his, maybe just a hair stronger. Yet Ke Li also gave up straight away against Qingya without fighting.


    As if seeing through his confusion, Ke Li''s voice rang out again, "My only target is the Tianluo Spirit Pill, so I was waiting for the third-place spot."


    On hearing this, Bu Fengning felt like spitting blood and was speechless. So, this fellow was just here for the Spirit Pill; there was nothing left to say.


    The others also heard what Ke Li had said and weren''t too surprised, since the Tianluo Spirit Pill was indeed very precious. Still, they were shocked by Ke Li''s strength, never expecting that the modest Ke Li would be a true contender against Qingya.


    Choosing the reward one desired was not a problem at all, and from another perspective, it could be considered controlling the outcome of the fight.


    "It seems that during the last genius ranking battle tournament, Ke Li must have deliberately conceded for the sake of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seed,"


    "Probably. I wonder who would win if Ke Li really fought Qingya,"


    "I actually want to see Ke Li and Ye Feng fight; that would be interesting. Perhaps even Ye Feng couldn''t stand against Ke Li?"


    "Anyone who''s not an idiot would realize, didn''t you hear what Ke Li said? If the attack were a bit stronger, his Stone Men wouldn''t withstand it. Clearly, Ye Feng has enough attack power to defeat his Stone Men,"


    Everyone began to chat and laugh.


    However, Ye Feng noticed something, the stone people summoned by Ke Li did indeed have a critical point of endurance, and with his combat power, smashing these stone people should not be a problem.


    But if Ke Li were to really battle with Qingya, the odds of victory would most likely be in Qingya''s favor.


    Because he could tell, Ke Li''s limit was to summon two stone people, and he couldn''t summon a third, whereas Qingya had three powerful shikigami at her disposal.


    The stone people''s combat power wasn''t particularly strong; it was their defensive power that seemed insurmountable.


    Thus, Bu Fengning was constantly tied up by the two stone people and had no way to deal with the summoner himself, Ke Li.


    If it were Qingya, with three shikigami in play, two top-level shikigami could completely engage Ke Li''s two stone people, leaving another shikigami free to take the opportunity to defeat the summoner himself, easily resolving Ke Li.


    In essence, Bu Fengning had lost due to being outnumbered.


    Thinking this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but marvel at the advantages of being an onmyoji; with the ability to summon three shikigami, even an army of onmyoji would be considerable in combat power.


    However, it was not easy to cultivate as an onmyoji, so truly powerful ones were rare, but each onmyoji was stronger than other cultivators of the same realm.


    ...


    The points competition continued for a full two days, and all ten powerful competitors had completed their battles.


    The final ranking had been announced.


    First place, Ye Feng of Xuanyuan Hall, Xuanyuan Nation, nine points!


    Second place, Qingya of Yin-Yang Temple, Fusang Kingdom, eight points!


    Third place, Ke Li of the Wizard Alliance, Snow Wolf Country, seven points!


    Fourth place, Bu Fengning of Xuanyuan Hall, Xuanyuan Nation, six points!


    Fifth place, Chi Jark of Xuanyuan Hall, Xuanyuan Nation, five points!


    Sixth place, Xiao Rulong of Xuanyuan Hall, Xuanyuan Nation, four points!


    Seventh place, Hong Tianyu of Xuanyuan Hall, Xuanyuan Nation, three points!


    Eighth place, Mu Tian of Xuanyuan Hall, Xuanyuan Nation, two points!


    Ninth place, Nick of the Western Vampire Divine Court, one point!


    Tenth place, Savis of the Wizard Alliance, Snow Wolf Country, zero points!


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had both managed to defeat Hong Tianyu, leaving him with an extremely unsightly expression over the past two days. He never imagined that he, once second on the previous genius list, would land in seventh place this time.


    Moreover, both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were individuals he had previously looked down upon, yet they had beaten him in this points competition, something he found utterly unacceptable, but such was the harsh reality.


    After the First Hall Master finished announcing the rankings, his gaze turned cold. With a grand sweep of his hand, ten storage rings flew from his hand toward the hands of the ten competitors, each ring containing their rewards.


    "Busy for several days and all for just these spirit stones, how boring, it''s not as fast as if I just robbed them," Mu Tian, now back at the high platform of the Xuanyuan Hall, muttered with a curl of his lip, clearly dissatisfied.


    The people nearby, hearing his words, immediately distanced themselves a bit from him, knowing full well that this fellow was obsessed with the idea of robbery. They hadn''t forgotten that those who had been robbed by him from the other three great powers still held a grudge; too close an association with Mu Tian could inadvertently implicate them in trouble.


    Mu Tian, seeing everyone''s reaction, didn''t care and instead took the initiative to approach Ye Feng, his eyes shining brightly, "Ye Feng, bring out your Golden Dragon Shield and let me play with it for a while, how about it?"


    Though he said this, Mu Tian was actually thinking that if he could borrow it, he would never return it.


    Just as Ye Feng was about to examine the Golden Dragon Shield in the ring, he saw Mu Tian approaching and gave him a dismissive look, clearly understanding Mu Tian''s intentions, "Dream on."


    Ye Feng simply abandoned the idea of studying the Golden Dragon Shield for the time being. Mu Tian''s suggestion reminded him that he felt a strong call from the Golden Dragon Shield, but there were too many people and eyes present. If anything unusual happened later, it would be troublesome.


    At this moment, the First Hall Master had already turned to the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the other three factions.


    "Gentlemen, since the talent competition has ended, shall we set out for the Source Secret Realm now?" the First Hall Master asked across the distance.


    The expressions on the faces of the great powers from the other three factions were not pleasant. They had too few people eligible to enter the Source Secret Realm, which naturally irked them.


    But they were aware of the First Hall Master''s strength and didn''t dare to say much, so they simply nodded in agreement.


    The First Hall Master smiled, "Then, it is time to depart."

 Chapter 643 638: The Weirdness Underground

    ```


    The talent ranking martial arts tournament has temporarily come to an end.


    The latest genius list rankings have been disseminated at the fastest speed, and basically, everyone in the Outer Battlefield who could receive the news has learned about this ranking.


    "The latest genius list''s number one is actually someone from Xuanyuan Hall, what about Qingya?"


    "Ye Feng of the Xuanyuan Hall, the Northern Border King, swept through the other nine top experts to take first place, even Qingya was no match for him!"


    "Who is this Northern Border King Ye Feng? Since when did Xuanyuan Hall have such a person?"


    "This Northern Border King Ye Feng is proclaimed the strongest of the younger generation in Xuanyuan Hall this year, and rumors say he entered the Outer Battlefield less than a month ago. In Xuanyuan Nation, he is the Master of the Northern Border and also the head of the newly established Martial Academy; Ye Feng is the dean!"


    "He must be quite old with such achievements, right? How can he still participate in the talent ranking martial arts tournament?"


    "Wrong, he''s very young, only twenty-six years old this year."


    "Twenty-six years old? Are you kidding me? How can there be such a powerful cultivator at twenty-six years old, what kind of monster is this!?"


    ...


    Various discussions continuously emerged in the major cities within the Outer Battlefield, and the news about the talent ranking martial arts tournament spread throughout the entire Outer Battlefield in an instant. Ye Feng, Ke Li, and Bu Fengning became the focus of everyone''s heated discussions.


    Of course, Ye Feng and the others were unaware of this at the moment; they had already flown out of the city to its outskirts.


    The Four Great Powers still stood apart in the sky at this time. The people of Xuanyuan Hall were in high spirits, as Xuanyuan Hall had made a strong showing at the talent ranking martial arts tournament this time, not only securing the first place on the genius list but also having six members on the list, which naturally made everyone from Xuanyuan Hall feel honored.


    Although many had grievances with Ye Feng, after all, he was one of their own from Xuanyuan Hall.


    The people of Xuanyuan Hall were happy, but the other three powers were not so pleased, as apart from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country having two members, the Western Vampire Divine Court and the Yin-Yang Temple each only had one person in the top ten positions, meaning that all three powers combined didn''t have as many people entering the Source Secret Realm as Xuanyuan Hall, which naturally caused great annoyance.


    "Close the city."


    The First Hall Master suddenly spoke, and then the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Three Great Powers stood up one after another, including the First Hall Master, who had already soared into the sky. At this moment, all four powerhouses took out a token, each holding a different one in their hands.


    The First Hall Master held a Great Seal while the Yin-Yang Temple''s Divine Master Tanaka held a Token, the Vampire Divine Duke from the Divine Court had a small yet terrifyingly aura-emitting sculpture, and the Great Power from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country also held a sculpture, but it was of a wolf, grasped in hand.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed, sensing that there was an extraordinary aura emitting from these four tokens; these things were definitely not simple!


    "These are the tokens for this city. Each of the Four Great Powers has prepared one, similar to how the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was activated before. Only when all four tokens come together can the city be opened," explained Xiao Rulong, as if he noticed Ye Feng''s gaze.


    "This city is actually known as Duel City. For hundreds of years, all sorts of duels between the major powers have taken place here. It is said that there is a great secret behind this city, but no one has discovered anything unusual about it."


    Ye Feng listened quietly, his interest piqued at the mention of a great secret. What could this great secret be?


    He was very curious, having not noticed anything too unusual when he was in the city, though he knew that the city was constructed by the major powers. However, he could see no other issues.


    At this moment, the four Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm above had already channeled a stream of energy into their tokens, causing the tokens to instantly fly towards the four corners of the city.


    Simultaneously, the entire city began to shake violently. Since they were in the sky, Ye Feng and the others could clearly see the whole city shaking intensely.


    Boom, rumble!


    Boom, rumble!


    A series of loud noises followed, and then Ye Feng and the others witnessed a shocking scene¡ªthe massive city began sinking towards the ground. The walls surrounding the city started descending bit by bit into the earth.


    Those who had never seen the city open were wide-eyed with shock at this time, completely unprepared for such a spectacle.


    The city continued to sink, emitting bursts of light, which were actually from the Formation maintaining the entire city, now transporting the colossal city downwards into the earth.


    A moment later, the entire city had disappeared from sight. Those who had witnessed the entire process knew that the city had gone underground, leaving nothing but an empty expanse of land above ground.


    Long Nannan and Sausage Sister were both stunned at this time, the sight of the entire massive city sinking into the ground right before their eyes had left them completely bewildered.


    But Ye Feng''s brows were furrowed, for he had heard some other sounds during the city''s descent.


    "Xiao Chubby, Brother Jerk, did you hear anything just now?" Ye Feng communicated telepathically with Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong beside him.


    ```


    Both people looked at Ye Feng with a puzzled expression in their eyes, clearly not understanding what Ye Feng was talking about, and responded to him one by one.


    "No, just a series of booms, the sound of the city sinking."


    "I didn''t hear it either, Ye Feng, did you hear wrong?"


    Seeing their responses, Ye Feng knew that neither of them must have heard anything.


    Ye Feng nodded and replied, "I must have heard wrong." He did not speak again but decided to try using his spiritual power to investigate beneath the ground.


    However, Ye Feng discovered that no matter what, his spiritual power could not penetrate the ground; all the spiritual power he released seemed to sink into cotton, unable to detect anything at all.


    Ye Feng felt even more perplexed. It seemed there was something strange beneath the ground.


    Just as his spiritual power disappeared into the ground, Ye Feng heard some noises in his mind again.


    "Release... me..."


    Ye Feng''s eyes shifted slightly, staring intently at the open space ahead as if trying to see through it, but no matter how hard he looked, he only saw an empty space and nothing else.


    "Release..."


    The voice rose again, but this time it stopped after a single word, and the rest of the words were completely unintelligible.


    Ye Feng''s brow was tightly furrowed. Perhaps there was more than just a fallen city beneath this vacant lot. What was this strange voice all about?


    He tried once more to release his spiritual power to investigate below the empty lot, but just like before, his spiritual power seemed to sink into cotton, and he heard no other voices.


    After several attempts, Ye Feng still did not succeed.


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and stopped releasing his spiritual power to probe any further, knowing that it likely wouldn''t yield any new information.


    But he was certain there was something unusual beneath the ground!


    He was completely sure that the strange noises were coming from below the surface, and it seemed that only he could hear them while Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong perceived nothing unusual. When things are out of the ordinary, there must be demons at work!


    However, for now, there was nothing he could do but to try investigating again later.


    "Alright, everyone, let''s move out. The Source Secret Realm is only half a day''s distance from here. The rest may either head back now or accompany us to wait outside the secret realm," the First Hall Master said, turning to address everyone before flying directly towards a direction. Some people from Xuanyuan Hall chose to leave immediately, while others followed behind the First Hall Master to the Source Secret Realm.


    After half a day of flying, everyone had arrived at a vast lake, surrounded by dead grass and withered trees.


    The plants in the Outer Battlefield were mostly withered and yellow, except for a few spiritual medicines. No green plants could grow in the Outer Battlefield; they were all desiccated and yellow. As for why there were spiritual medicines, few knew the real reason.


    The water in the lake was black, devoid of any life, and it emitted a strange chill. The temperature around the lake had noticeably dropped a lot.


    "This is Weak Water Lake. The water in this lake is very peculiar¡ªanything as light as a feather will sink. Moreover, the lake is bottomless. In the past, there were Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm who went in to explore, but they didn''t find anything. Anyone who entered the Weak Water disappeared without a trace, not even a corpse was seen."


    "After that, nobody else entered the waters of Weak Water Lake. This place has always been an unsolved mystery of the Outer Battlefield, and the Four Great Powers searched through ancient texts but couldn''t find any information on Weak Water Lake. It seems that after the Ancient Times, Weak Water Lake appeared in the Outer Battlefield."


    Xiao Rulong looked at the black lake in front of him with vigilance in his eyes.


    By his side, Long Nannan and Sausage Sister showed signs of shock. Even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm had vanished upon entering the lake¡ªit was that terrifying.


    Ye Feng also raised an eyebrow; he had just learned of Weak Water Lake''s existence: "Why haven''t I heard of this place before?"


    Such a dangerous place, and in his one month in the Outer Battlefield, Ye Feng had never heard of it.


    "Because there is nothing near Weak Water Lake but the lake itself. No Alien Beasts, no Spiritual Medicine has ever appeared. Most people would not come to this place, so it is rarely mentioned."


    "Plus, you haven''t been in the Outer Battlefield for a long time, Ye Feng, so it''s normal not to know," Chi Jark said at that moment.


    Ye Feng nodded, so that was how it was.


    The people from the Four Great Powers had already stopped in front of Weak Water Lake, with everyone somewhat puzzled, not understanding why the Great Power would bring them here.

 Chapter 644 639: Lake Central Island

    Just as everyone was somewhat puzzled, the four great Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers each took position in one of the four cardinal directions and cast a Dharma Seal towards the sky above Weak Water Lake.


    Boom!


    Lines of light arose around the edges of Weak Water Lake, followed by the slow emergence of an island at the heart of the large lake.


    Everyone was momentarily stunned, all eyes fixed on the island that had appeared in the middle of Weak Water Lake.


    "Didn''t there used to be an island in the center of the lake before?"


    "I understand now, this must be the Four Great Powers having discovered the island and directly laid this Formation to conceal it, which is why no one has found it until now."


    "So that means, the Source Secret Realm is on this Lake Central Island?"


    "It seems that way."


    Many immediately understood; this explanation made sense.


    Ye Feng too fixed his gaze on that Lake Central Island and then glanced again at the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Four Great Powers.


    It looked like in the Outer Battlefield, the allocation of these large-scale Cultivation Secret Realms among the Four Great Powers was quite rational. Whenever there was a large secret realm, it always involved all four powers together. But why was this the case?


    Ye Feng couldn''t quite comprehend. Logically, if a secret realm was discovered by one power, it should not be leaked, and each great power would try by every means to claim the secret realm for themselves.


    Yet whether it was this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm or the Source Secret Realm, both were under the joint control of the Four Great Powers, which didn''t seem quite reasonable at all.


    Ye Feng conveyed his doubts directly to Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark. Both men did not seem surprised by Ye Feng''s question, simply smiling at him in response.


    Xiao Rulong communicated telepathically, "Ye Feng, you might not know, but there is an unwritten rule within the Outer Battlefield: whenever there is the emergence of a large-scale secret realm, the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers among the Four Great Powers will sense it, and they can also clearly know the coordinates of the secret realm."


    "Thus, whenever someone discovers a large-scale Cultivation Secret Realm, the people from the Four Great Powers will all arrive at the scene and then, depending on the type of the secret realm, set specific conditions for entry."


    "Moreover, many secret realms have realm restrictions, and it seems that the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm are all aware of them. As to why this happens, that we are not clear."


    This explanation once again left Ye Feng shocked. Did the emergence of a large secret realm mean that all the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers in the Outer Battlefield would be aware of it?


    What was the principle behind this?


    "Some speculate that the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm may have some sort of connection with the Outer Battlefield, but regarding this issue, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm have always remained tight-lipped. We probably won''t understand unless one rises to the status of a Yin-Yang Realm Great Power," Chi Jark was also explaining telepathically to Ye Feng and others.


    Ye Feng furrowed his brow. Tight-lipped?


    It seemed there were indeed some secrets among the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers that weren''t disclosed to those below that realm.


    Ye Feng decided not to ask further; these matters were beyond his current understanding.


    Wait, when would he be able to advance to the Yin-Yang Realm himself?


    Ye Feng''s expression stiffened. The new advancements to the Golden Core Realm on him were all a facade; his actual realm was still at the Peak Martial King. If he never advanced to the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, wouldn''t he always be kept in the dark about these secrets?


    No, he''d have to go back and inquire with Elder Bai later.


    With these thoughts, Ye Feng felt somewhat dismayed. The Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints was excellent in all aspects except that his realm had always remained at the peak of the Martial King, which was quite frustrating for him.


    At this moment, the Great Yin-Yang Realm Powers had already returned to stand before everyone, and the First Hall Master looked around and said, "Do not touch the water of the Weak Water Lake. Once you come into contact with its surface, you will sink to the bottom with no rescue possible. Don''t be foolish enough to invite death."


    Although this was common knowledge in the Outer Battlefield, it still needed to be stated.


    After all, the First Hall Master was aware that some newcomers to the Outer Battlefield might not be aware of the Weak Water Lake''s existence, like Ye Feng and others.


    "Alright, First Hall Master, no need for so much idle talk; let''s just go to the island," the Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple said impatiently, and with those words, he was already leading over a dozen people from the Yin-Yang Temple towards the island.


    The rest didn''t say much either and flew towards the Lake Central Island.


    The First Hall Master didn''t say anything else either and led the people from the Xuanyuan Hall towards the island as well.


    Above the lake, Ye Feng and Long Nannan along with their companions were also in flight.


    Looking down at the dark waters below, Long Nannan muttered, "Is this so-called ''Weak Water'' really that magical?"


    No sooner had she finished speaking than a ribbon appeared in her hand. She tossed the ribbon down towards the lake, and it fluttered onto the surface of the water. But in an instant, it sank into the depths, leaving no trace behind.


    "It''s really true, even such a light ribbon can sink."


    Long Nannan watched the disappearing ribbon, her eyes shining slightly as her curiosity grew stronger. At that moment, Ye Feng directly gave her a knock on the head.


    Feeling pain on her forehead, Long Nannan glared at Ye Feng and said somewhat angrily, "Little Martial Uncle, why did you hit me?"


    Ye Feng looked at her and said irritably, "I hit you because I''m afraid you''ll fly straight down to see what''s under the lake if I don''t. You mustn''t touch the lake water, don''t be reckless."


    Ye Feng knew that Long Nannan was always curious about such things; she was clever and fearless. If he didn''t keep an eye on her, it would be troublesome if she really rushed into the Weak Water.


    Chastened by Ye Feng, Long Nannan stuck out her tongue and then curbed her curiosity, flying at full speed toward Lake Central Island.


    Seeing her comply, Ye Feng relaxed, but from time to time, he glanced at the lake below. He was very interested in this lake. Weak Water Lake likely held some great secret, otherwise, what could swallow up a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm? Where had all the swallowed things and people gone?


    These were all extremely dubious. With this in mind, Ye Feng suddenly had a thought, his gaze locking onto Lake Central Island as he narrowed his eyes.


    "Maybe there''s an answer on Lake Central Island, or somewhere in the Source Secret Realm related to Weak Water Lake. Otherwise, why would such an island suddenly appear?"


    With these thoughts, Ye Feng''s eyes sparkled even more¡ªthis journey to the Source Secret Realm might yield a big harvest!


    The group reached Lake Central Island and descended from the sky.


    The island was not large, and there were no plants or life around it, just a stretch of yellow soil.


    After landing, many looked at the yellow soil beneath their feet and noticed an anomaly; this soil was extremely hard!


    Even an Expert of the Golden Core Realm, when stepping down hard, could only kick up a bit of dust; the soil didn''t give way at all.


    To know that a step from a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm carries the weight of tens of thousands of pounds, enough to shatter rock, yet this ordinary-looking yellow soil did not collapse, could it be some rare material?


    Some tried to dig up the soil, but it was to no avail. Even using their own weapons, they could only leave a scratch on the surface.


    "Don''t waste your energy, this yellow soil is just ordinary mud. However, due to the characteristics of Weak Water Lake, it''s a bit special. Once removed from Lake Central Island, this soil will turn to dust,"


    the First Hall Master said, looking at several Golden Core Realm Grandmasters who were trying to dig up the soil,


    The few Grandmasters'' faces stiffened, and they quickly stood up and sheathed their weapons, their expressions embarrassed.


    Chi Jark laughed lightly upon seeing this and said, "These guys really dare to try. If this soil were valuable, the Four Great Powers would have taken it already. How could they leave it for us to take after a year?"


    Ye Feng also smiled and said nothing, but this alone sufficiently proved the uniqueness of Lake Central Island. The fact that ordinary yellow soil could become so hard indicated that the secret behind it might still be connected to the Source Secret Realm.


    "Didn''t they say the entrance to the Source Secret Realm is here? Where is it?"


    someone curiously asked.


    "The entrance is ahead,"


    the First Hall Master said indifferently, pointing to a high ground in front of them. With a step, the First Hall Master''s body was already on the high ground.


    The crowd followed, and upon reaching the highland, they immediately noticed a very dilapidated teleportation array with ancient and complicated inscriptions etched onto it.


    Although the teleportation array was old, it obviously had signs of recent activation, likely opened by the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers a year ago, who discovered it led to the Source Secret Realm and also found restrictions related to realm.


    Ye Feng was somewhat familiar with this. Even he could peer into the circumstances behind the Gate of Whirlpool of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with his strong spiritual power.


    "You ten, stand on the teleportation array,"


    the First Hall Master said calmly.


    Everyone knew who the ten people referred to by the First Hall Master were, so Qingya and Bu Fengning, among others, took their places on the array.


    Ye Feng glanced at the teleportation array and then transmitted his voice to Long Nannan and Sausage Sister: "Wait for me outside and get a bit closer to the First Hall Master."


    Having spoken, Ye Feng had already scoped out the three other powers around them. Although it was unlikely that any major conflict would occur, safety came first. As Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, and he were about to enter the Source Secret Realm, the safety of Long Nannan and Sausage Sister might be at risk.


    Therefore, Ye Feng asked Long Nannan and Sausage Sister to move closer to the First Hall Master for their safety.


    Upon hearing Ye Feng''s words, Long Nannan and Sausage Sister nodded and moved behind the First Hall Master without any attempt to conceal their actions.


    Seeing this, the First Hall Master felt a bit speechless. Was it really necessary to be so blatantly close?

 Chapter 645 - 640: The First Hall Masters Warning

    The First Hall Master was very aware that these two individuals were so close to him because Ye Feng had arranged it, and he couldn''t help but glance at Ye Feng.


    This kid was indeed quite cautious.


    At this point, the likelihood of conflict arising between the Four Great Powers was actually not high anymore, but Ye Feng''s caution was not unwarranted.


    At this moment, the top ten talents on the genius rankings were already standing on the Teleportation Array, and the surrounding crowd looked on with envy in their eyes. They knew that once these powerhouses emerged from the Source Secret Realm, their strengths would surely climb to the next level, and their chances of being promoted to Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm would greatly increase¡ªhow could they not be envious?


    It''s just that at this moment, except for Xuanyuan Hall, the powerhouses of the other three powers all had rather unsightly expressions; Xuanyuan Hall had far too many people entering the realm.


    The people of Xuanyuan Hall on the Teleportation Array were very clear in their hearts that if the First Hall Master hadn''t been leading the team this time, they might have had fewer people going, as the Three Great Powers'' Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses had indeed made trouble over the quota issue before.


    Fortunately, the First Hall Master was powerful enough to deter the other Three Great Powers'' Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses.


    "Gentlemen, activate the Formation," the First Hall Master said.


    The First Hall Master looked at the Three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses and directly approached a corner of the Teleportation Array.


    Although the three powerhouses were unwilling at heart, with things having come to this point, they had no choice but to abide by the rules set earlier.


    Immediately after, the four powerhouses simultaneously formed a powerful Dharma Seal. The immense Dharma Seal converged in the sky, and the next moment, it merged into Teleportation Town.


    The broken Teleportation Array burst forth with an extremely dazzling golden light at this moment, and the golden light instantly swallowed the ten great powerhouses on the mountain above the Teleportation Array.


    In the blink of an eye, the golden light had already disappeared, and the ten individuals on the Teleportation Array had vanished as well.


    Many people were still observing the ruined Teleportation Array on the ground, perhaps because it had just been used once, for the Array was still emitting a faint glow at this moment.


    Three days'' time; the Source Secret Realm could only be entered for three days, and after three days, the ten great powerhouses would all be teleported out.


    This had already been mentioned by the First Hall Master in Duel City, and many people had already sat down cross-legged, holding Spirit Stones in their hands, beginning to cultivate and wait.


    After the ten powerhouses disappeared, the First Hall Master turned to the other Three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses and spoke indifferently, "You had better put away those little schemes in your hearts. It would be best for no one to touch these individuals. Time is running short, and you must understand, we still have a common enemy ahead."


    The First Hall Master''s sudden remarks made everyone present pause for a moment.


    Especially the Three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses, who all changed color at once, they knew that the First Hall Master was hinting at them wanting to deal with Ye Feng!


    "The First Hall Master jests. We''re aware of the increasingly tense situation, and at a time like this, our Four Great Powers should stand united," said Divine Master Tanaka of Yin-Yang Temple, his face somewhat stiff.


    "There''s no need for the First Hall Master to misunderstand us. We too were merely trying to secure a bit more for our talents. There''s really no harm in that, is there?" responded the Vampire Divine Duke of the Western Vampire Divine Court with a forced smile.


    The Great Power of Yin-Yang Temple from Snow Wolf Country was also smiling slightly, "Indeed, it was all for the younger generation of our own sides. There were no ill intentions."


    The Three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses were all quite polite, after all, they had witnessed the strength of the First Hall Master before.


    Now the First Hall Master was purposely saying these words in front of everyone¡ªit was clearly a warning to them, making them weigh whether or not they should make a move on Ye Feng.


    "This First Hall Master, his mind is indeed sharp," murmured Divine Master Tanaka, as he covertly communicated with the other two Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses.


    "But the First Hall Master is right. I''ve heard that the movements at the Great Wall of Heaven have been growing increasingly severe. I fear the great chaos will not be too far off. It''s indeed not quite appropriate to take action in such a tense period," the Vampire Divine Duke also communicated with them, speaking with a somewhat grave tone.


    Hearing this, both Divine Master Tanaka and the Great Power of Yin-Yang Realm from Snow Wolf Country fell silent. They were also aware of the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven. Although the Four Great Powers had been fighting for so many years, real deadly fights between the powerful were still rare.


    Especially in the past few decades, the Great Wall of Heaven had been on the verge of collapsing, and the chaos that would ensue would not just be an affair of one power, but would involve the entire Earth.


    Those Alien Races...


    The eyes of the Three Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses flickered.


    "We''ll discuss this matter further upon our return. Even considering the upcoming chaos, we cannot allow Xuanyuan Hall to rise with too many powerhouses. Otherwise, when that time comes, Xuanyuan Hall might occupy a dominant position," said Divine Master Tanaka, still communicating telepathically with a cold huff, while the other two Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses also secretly nodded in agreement. As Divine Master Tanaka said, even considering the coming chaos, they could not allow one power to become too dominant!


    The three of them had temporarily set aside their intentions against Ye Feng, yet they were not planning to let the geniuses of Xuanyuan Hall off so easily.


    The crowd listening to the conversation between the Four Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses showed varied expressions ¨C some were confused, some puzzled, and some wore smiles on their faces.


    Long Nannan was completely baffled and didn''t understand the meaning behind the First Hall Master''s words, so she directly sent a message to Sausage Sister, "What does the First Hall Master mean by this? Who are they planning to target?"


    After some thought, Sausage Sister replied telepathically, "They seem to have set their sights on Ye Feng. After all, Ye Feng''s strength must have caught the attention of the three powers during the point-based competition."


    She had a clear understanding of the situation. In fact, she had already considered this possibility while they were in Duel City; she did not expect the First Hall Master to openly single them out in front of everyone. It was a direct warning.


    Sausage Sister took another look at the First Hall Master. She still felt that his eyes were familiar, yet she couldn''t for the life of her remember who he was.


    "They actually dare to target Little Martial Uncle. These guys are really despicable. Whoever dares to come, I''ll beat them up!"


    Long Nannan was angry, her face showing a bit of her wrath.


    Sausage Sister chuckled, "The other party is a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. You''re no match for them. Better focus on your cultivation, or you won''t be able to catch up with that guy Ye Feng."


    As Sausage Sister telepathically communicated this, she felt somewhat helpless. Ye Feng was improving too fast. Whether it was Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian or herself and Long Nannan, all those who were around Ye Feng were gradually being left behind by his pace.


    Hearing this, Long Nannan too felt a dip in her spirits, but her large eyes shone even brighter.


    "I won''t fall behind. If anyone dares to touch my Little Martial Uncle, I''ll make sure they''ll be picking their teeth off the ground!"


    Long Nannan spoke with conviction, exuding a confident aura.


    Sausage Sister, watching from the side, felt reassured. Long Nannan''s greatest concern now must be Ye Feng. She had previously induced a forced Dragon Transformation for Ye Feng''s sake, leading to her coma. If it weren''t for finding Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe in time, Nannan''s life would have been in peril. For Ye Feng''s sake, Long Nannan truly would not hesitate to sacrifice her own life.


    Sausage Sister admired Long Nannan''s courage ¨C to be willing to give up one''s life for someone beloved. Hong Qingyan felt the same, using the Wings of Light for Ye Feng''s sake, regardless of her own wellbeing. Whether she has awakened now, Sausage Sister didn''t know.


    If it were her, would she also give up her life for that blockhead?


    Lost in her thoughts, Sausage Sister''s mind began to conjure the image of a tall figure.


    Meanwhile, unknown to both Sausage Sister and Ye Feng, two figures had already plunged into the Outer Battlefield from the Gate of Whirlpool on Earth.


    At this very moment, several figures were also stepping out of the Outer Battlefield''s exit, each exuding a strong aura.


    The warriors from various powers stationed near the exit all changed their expressions, including two Wizards from Snow Wolf Country who were taken aback by the sight of the emerging figures.


    "Are those people..."


    "They seem to be Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!?"


    One of the Wizards uttered softly, his face betraying a look of terror.


    The six figures that appeared were immensely powerful, chilling the two Divine Path Realm strong individuals. Without a doubt, these were Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!


    They had seen their own Great Sorcerer in Snow Wolf Country, and these newcomers were surely of equal realm, perhaps even more formidable than their Great Sorcerer.


    "Those people... they look like they''re from Xuanyuan Nation. Yes, that''s right, I remember now. They are from Xuanyuan Nation, and they''re the strong ones from around Ye Feng, the Northern Border King!"


    The other Wizard recognized the identities of several among them, realizing that the six were companions of Ye Feng.


    "All Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, this is terrifying. No, we need to quickly report back to the higher-ups!"


    One Wizard spoke with a sense of panic, and the other nodded, hastening to leave their concealed vantage point.


    Outside of the exit, more than these individuals were on guard; other powers also witnessed this scenario, equally frightened, and they quickly sent word to their respective groups to evacuate. After all, the return of six Golden Core Realm Grandmasters to Xuanyuan Nation from the Outer Battlefield was no small matter.


    People from the Outer Battlefield didn''t return to Earth often; whenever a powerful individual did return, an immediate message would be sent out.


    Because Earth actually doesn''t allow for too many strong individuals to exist; the offensive power of Golden Core Realm Grandmasters was too intense, and having too many on Earth would cause much imbalance.


    The individuals emerging from the Outer Battlefield were indeed Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, and the others. As they stepped out, they sensed the commotion around them.


    Xiao Chuanqi smiled and said, "It seems our return has caused quite a stir."


    "Let''s all quickly suppress our auras and hasten to complete the tasks our master has assigned us."


    Shadow spoke with a hint of resignation, for she had also forgotten to conceal her aura upon exiting. She didn''t expect that it would lead to quite the disturbance now.

 Chapter 646 - 641: The Shock of the Two Elders of the Utility Pavilion

    Xiao Chuanqi naturally knew how important the matter was, and he nodded, "Let''s hurry, their speed is no match for ours. Even if the message gets back, it will take some time."


    "We need to select the fighters as quickly as possible and then bring them to the Outer Battlefield. The nations won''t allow so many grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm to stay on Earth for long."


    "It''s not just the nations; within Xuanyuan Nation, the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts as well as the Four Great Ancient Clans will definitely not sit idly by. We must act quickly,"


    Xiao Chuanqi said with a very solemn tone.


    Sima Zhantian and the others nodded as well. They were aware of the unwritten rules on Earth and acknowledged that time was indeed of the essence.


    The six of them concealed their auras and vanished in an instant, their bodies moving with extreme speed towards the direction of the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation.


    But as the six of them returned to the Imperial Capital, within the Utility Pavilion, Zhuge Wuming in a study suddenly changed his complexion; he had sensed that strong characters had entered the Capital at this moment.


    At this time, the door of the study was pushed open, and Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming had walked in, his face looking very serious.


    "What happened?"


    Zhuge Wuming asked immediately, knowing that Zhao Gongming must have also felt that aura and thus came to find him.


    Zhao Gongming looked at Zhuge Wuming and said directly, "Did you feel it too?"


    Zhuge Wuming nodded, and just then, the phone in the study rang.


    Zhuge Wuming walked over to answer the call, and afterwards, his expression turned to one of astonishment, even disbelief.


    Zhao Gongming, observing the changes in Zhuge Wuming''s expression, couldn''t help but feel puzzled and asked directly, "What''s wrong, what happened?"


    Zhuge Wuming put down the phone, his eyes still filled with shock. He did not respond immediately; instead, he hurried out of the study.


    Zhao Gongming felt somewhat bewildered, not understanding what Zhuge Wuming was doing; he hadn''t even replied to his question.


    "Don''t worry about that right now, follow me, to Northern Cloud Residence!"


    As Zhuge Wuming spoke, he left the study and headed straight towards the location of the Northern Cloud Residence.


    Zhao Gongming hesitated for a moment, Northern Cloud Residence?


    But he quickly thought of something and his expression changed to one of shock, "Could it be..."


    He didn''t finish his sentence, but he hurriedly stepped out, following Zhuge Wuming.


    At this moment, at the Northern Cloud Residence, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian and the others had already all returned.


    The soldiers in the Northern Cloud Residence were startled to see Xiao Chuanqi and the others descending from the sky, and immediately knelt to pay their respects.


    "We greet the lords!"


    The soldiers said in unison, also feeling shocked by the aura emanating from Xiao Chuanqi and the others. They knew that the lords had gone to the Outer Battlefield with their ruler, but they hadn''t expected that, after merely a month''s time, upon seeing the lords again, they would be in the realm of grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm!


    Xiao Chuanqi and his group returned to the Northern Cloud Residence without deliberately concealing their auras, which was why the soldiers could sense their strength.


    After all, they had returned to take people away, so there was no need to hide their auras any longer.


    "Get up. Go summon all the Imperial Guards of the Northern Cloud Residence!"


    Xiao Chuanqi said indifferently.


    The surrounding soldiers dared not delay and immediately made arrangements to call for the others.


    No sooner had Xiao Chuanqi finished speaking when two figures equally walked into Northern Cloud Residence, Xiao Chuanqi and the others immediately looked over.


    Entering Northern Cloud Residence were none other than Zhuge Wuming from the Utility Pavilion and Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming. Upon seeing Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian among others standing in the Residence, they were taken aback.


    Sensing the auras of the six, Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming were shocked and stood frozen on the spot, their mouths agape in awe. The two venerable elders at this moment looked completely without poise.


    Xiao Chuanqi greeted the two, stepping forward proactively, "Greetings to Senior Zhuge and Senior Zhao."


    Behind Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian and the others came forward to greet them as well.


    Hearing everyone''s greetings, Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming finally snapped back to reality. After looking again at Xiao Chuanqi and the others'' realm, they both revealed wry smiles.


    "There''s no need to call us seniors. You young fellows, to think that merely after a month of not seeing you, you''ve already reached such a realm," Zhuge Wuming sighed, truly astounded by Xiao Chuanqi''s and the others'' realm as grandmasters of the Golden Core.


    Zhao Gongming also wore a bitter smile, "Old age, real old age. The future really belongs to you young people. Barely of age and you''ve already reached such a realm. We old folks truly have passed our prime."


    Xiao Chuanqi humbly said, "The two seniors need not be so modest, we have also solely relied on our lord to reach this stage."


    Upon hearing this, Zhuge Wuming was taken aback and couldn''t help but ask, "Solely relied on Ye Feng?"


    "Where is Ye Feng now, and what realm has he reached?"


    Zhuge Wuming asked relentlessly, his eyes constantly sweeping behind Xiao Chuanqi and the others, trying to find Ye Feng''s figure.


    Xiao Chuanqi smiled slightly and said, "Our lord is now capable of fighting against the seven Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm by himself. However, he did not return this time, and it was our lord who arranged for us to come back."


    Xiao Chuanqi briefly explained the purpose of Ye Feng sending them back, naturally without mentioning the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, only saying that there was a need to bring more strong people into the Outer Battlefield for training.


    But when Zhuge Wuming and the Grand Sect Leader heard about Ye Feng''s strength from Xiao Chuanqi, they were both utterly unsettled.


    "One person fighting alone against the seven Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and even managing to kill one!?"


    Zhuge Wuming gasped in shock, his old face full of astonishment; he hadn''t expected to hear such explosive news.


    Yes, it really was explosive!


    Zhao Gongming was also rendered speechless with shock. Just a month ago, Ye Feng was still somewhat embarrassed by the Saint and Golden Core Realm Grandmasters of the Hong Family, but now, he had reached the point where he could singlehandedly fight against the seven Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and even kill one. Such strength was simply terrifying beyond belief, and the change in just one month was too drastic.


    If the two elders knew that Ye Feng''s current true combat power had reached the point where he could slay Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, they would probably be scared to death.


    Nevertheless, the two elders were still thoroughly shocked.


    Immediately after, the two suddenly remembered something and Zhuge Wuming immediately spoke to Xiao Chuanqi with a grave tone, "Right, before you returned, there was another matter."


    Xiao Chuanqi was taken aback, seeing Zhuge Wuming''s serious demeanor. He instantly knew that the matter was not simple and immediately asked respectfully, "Senior Zhuge, please tell me."


    Zhuge Wuming didn''t beat around the bush and directly said, "Just a short while ago, Hong Qingyan returned to Northern Cloud Residence. She has just headed to the Gate of Whirlpool and should have already entered the Outer Battlefield now."


    Just recently, Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had returned to Northern Cloud Residence and had also met with Zhuge Wuming. At that time, Zhuge Wuming was also shocked by the realm of Hong Qingyan.


    Then Hong Qingyan and Zhuge Wuming, along with Zhao Gongming, discussed some matters regarding the Outer Battlefield, as well as the news about Ye Feng.


    Although they had already learned some information from Old Man Huang Niu in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, they still wanted to confirm it with Zhuge Wuming, as the two women did not know whether Ye Feng had returned to Earth afterward or had left any instructions.


    After asking in detail, they then proceeded to the Gate of Whirlpool.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, along with others, were stunned upon hearing this and couldn''t react for a moment.


    The next moment, Xiao Chuanqi said in shock, "Senior Zhuge, who are you saying, the Mistress, she''s awake?"


    The rest also looked on in unison, faces full of concern, as they knew that Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan had both fallen into comas before. They hadn''t expected to return and receive news that Hong Qingyan had awakened.


    Zhuge Wuming nodded and simply related the events.


    Immediately, Xiao Chuanqi and the others started to rejoice.


    "If our lord knew that the Mistress has awakened, he would certainly be very happy," Xiao Chuanqi laughed heartily. However, soon after, Leng Wuming beside him seemed to think of something, his expression changed slightly, and he said in a grave voice, "That''s not good. The Mistress has just awakened and probably hasn''t regained her strength so quickly. Together with Yu Feiyu''s limited strength, their entering the Outer Battlefield like this is far from safe, and it''s easy for them to encounter danger!"


    Hearing these words, everyone''s faces changed.


    Previously, Hong Qingyan had been seriously injured and comatose, and now although she had recovered, her strength probably hadn''t been fully restored. And Yu Feiyu''s combat power wasn''t very strong either; she hadn''t even reached the Half-Step Golden Core, so both of them rashly heading into the Outer Battlefield really could be dangerous.


    "This won''t do. I will follow them right now. I should make it in time. We can''t let anything happen to the Mistress!"


    Sima Zhantian immediately said, looking extremely anxious to leap into the air.


    However, he was stopped by Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, "Wait, don''t be hasty. Hong Qingyan has already become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and Yu Feiyu, when I sensed her aura, she too, has become a Half-Step Golden Core strong one, and seems to be not far from the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm."


    Zhao Gongming said with a smile.


    This news also stunned Xiao Chuanqi and the others. Hong Qingyan had become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?


    The once peak Martial King Yu Feiyu had become a Half-Step Golden Core Realm, even close to breaking through to the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm?


    Everyone was amazed, having never anticipated hearing such news. Everyone knew that Hong Qingyan had been comatose these past days. The last time Ye Feng came back, they were all aware that Hong Qingyan was still unconscious, yet in just half a month, not only had Hong Qingyan woken up from her coma, but she had also directly become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm and Yu Feiyu had advanced to a Half-Step Golden Core.


    What was going on?


    No wonder Xiao Chuanqi and the others were astonished; after all, Earth did not have anything like the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.

 Chapter 647 - 642: Representatives from Various Forces Arrive

    Without the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and still on Earth, the rapid progress of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu truly shocked everyone.


    Especially after they visited the Outer Battlefield, they understood that advancing was not so easy. If it weren''t for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it probably would have taken them several years to reach the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm.


    But for Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, progress had been that swift.


    However, knowing the realms of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    The realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core was sufficient for self-preservation in the Outer Battlefield, and Yu Feiyu''s Half-Step Golden Core Realm was also considered strong there. They all knew that Hong Qingyan''s combat power was not weak, and in the Valley of the Medicine God, Yu Feiyu, if nothing else, had an abundance of spiritual medicine.


    Therefore, the combination of these two should have no major problems surviving in the Outer Battlefield.


    "Although the Mistress and the others are not weak, it''s still best if someone catches up with them. The locations where people are transported into the Outer Battlefield during the same time period don''t change much. We should still be able to make it if we hurry now,"


    Xiao Chuanqi said seriously, his concern for the safety of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu evident.


    Everyone frowned slightly, Xiao Chuanqi''s words were reasonable. Even for Grandmasters of the Golden Core entering the Outer Battlefield for the first time, it could be quite troublesome if they were unfamiliar with the situation or encountered powerful Golden Core Realm alien beasts.


    "Chuanqi, Zhantian, you two go now to catch up with the Mistress. Leave the selection of candidates to the four of us. Shadow belongs to the Shadow Guard, so she''ll stay to choose from their ranks. Gai Jiuyou was once an army commander, so there won''t be a problem selecting from the Northern Border Army. As for the Northern Cloud Residence, leave it to me,"


    Leng Wuming said calmly and swiftly, already making prompt arrangements for the division of tasks.


    Upon hearing the plan, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian quickly nodded, not saying much, and immediately took to the air.


    "We''ll leave Earth in your hands then. Zhantian and I are going right away to catch up with the Mistress,"


    Xiao Chuanqi, aware of the urgency, cut to the chase. With those words, he and Sima Zhantian were already flying towards the Gate of Whirlpool, showing no hesitation.


    Leng Wuming watched the two disappear into the distance, quickly shifting his gaze back to Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming as he slightly bowed. "Elder sages, our return must have alarmed some people. Please help us block them and tell them we will return to the Outer Battlefield shortly. We won''t linger on Earth for long or trouble them,"


    Having just emerged, they had already stirred the notice of many forces; certainly, there would be those who would come to observe them.


    But they couldn''t let too many people know about their return to recruit, thus they needed the help of the two old men from the Utility Pavilion to stop those who would come to spy.


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming, both aware of Ye Feng''s plans, were certainly willing to help.


    "Leave it to us. Though our strength can''t match that of you youngsters, we still hold some influence here on Earth,"


    Zhuge Wuming said with a smile.


    "Let''s go, Old Zhao. I can feel our ''guests'' coming already,"


    Zhuge Wuming said with a chuckle, already moving swiftly towards the distance, while Zhao Gongming laughed heartily and hurriedly followed.


    They did not refuse Leng Wuming''s request¡ªbecause of Ye Feng. His presence opened up endless possibilities. In just one month, everyone around him had already become a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and even became capable of standing against the seven masters of the same realm on their own. These two old men would naturally become firmer in their allegiance.


    Watching the two elders depart, Leng Wuming turned to Shadow and the others beside him and said, "We need to speed up too, to quickly catch up with the Mistress, then meet up with the Master."


    Shadow and Gai Jiuyou both nodded. Then, the trio immediately began the selection process.


    On Zhuge Wuming''s end, he and Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming had already arrived atop the high tower of the Utility Pavilion.


    A figure was flying towards them from afar. Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming immediately released their presence, which drew the figure closer at once.


    A shape gradually appeared before the two, and the newcomer gave Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming a slight bow, speaking, "Senior sirs, our Hong Family received news of six Golden Core Realm Great Powers returning to Earth, and it seems they are all from the Northern Cloud Residence. The family sent me to gather information."


    This was a Foundation Establishment Realm powerhouse from the Hong Family, who did not hide his intention but stated it directly.


    As the powerhouse had barely finished speaking, several figures were already approaching from afar, converging toward where Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming were standing.


    Among these newcomers, some were in Dao robes, some in kasayas, emanating auras of Foundation Establishment or Divine Path Realms, representing the powers of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    Seeing the person from the Hong Family, one individual from the Buddhist Sect took the initiative to step forward and explain their purpose.


    After all, the capital was the territory of the Utility Pavilion, and the other powers had to show some respect.


    The intentions of these individuals and the Hong Family were the same¡ªto inquire about the situation of Xiao Chuanqi and the others. After all, the news coming from the exit was astonishing. Six Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm constituted a terrifying force, enough to annihilate a Great Sect on Earth!


    However, the major powers dared not send Grandmasters of the Golden Core or Powerhouses of the Sacred Realm to investigate, fearing accidents. Thus, they sent strong individuals from the Divine Path and Foundation Establishment Realms instead.


    This cautious attitude was clear to Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming.


    The two looked down on these powers, all of which bore grudges against Ye Feng. However, it was clear that their sending these few individuals was also an act of timidity and fear.


    Of course, they wouldn''t say this outright. Zhuge Wuming took a step forward and spoke in a light tone, "Go back and tell those old fogeys in your Sect and family clans, Ye Feng''s followers have only returned to retrieve a few items; they won''t stay on Earth for long. Rest assured, and they won''t trouble you."


    Hearing Zhuge Wuming say this, the several individuals were all somewhat skeptical. Although Zhuge Wuming didn''t seem to be lying, they found his words hard to believe.


    What exactly did Ye Feng need to retrieve that required the return of six grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm?


    What shocked them even more was that Ye Feng''s subordinates, who had only entered the Outer Battlefield for a month, had all reached the grand mastery of the Golden Core Realm. This was too staggering; no major power could help but feel terror.


    That was why they had sent people to investigate the matter.


    A Confucian Sect powerhouse clad in a long robe stepped forward and said, "Elders, we can hardly return and report based solely on your word..."


    But before he could finish, Zhuge Wuming let out a cold snort, "What, you think my words are meant to deceive you!?"


    As he spoke, Zhuge Wuming''s aura burst forth, with Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming also releasing a cold snort and pressuring the group with his aura.


    Their complexions shifted slightly; all of them were only in the Divine Path Realm and Foundation Establishment Realm. How could they withstand the pressure of the auras from the two strongest elders of the Utility Pavilion?


    At that moment, their faces had turned slightly pale, their bodies trembling.


    "Just go back and relay our words to the old fogeys in your Sect and family clans. Tell them to be at peace and not worry about anything, and leave quickly."


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming was also speaking coldly now, not giving them any face at all.


    The individuals from the Hong Family and the powerhouses from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts hadn''t expected that the two elders from the Utility Pavilion would show no regard for their powers and dismiss them so forcefully.


    However, they also knew that with such a firm stance from the two elders of the Utility Pavilion, there was no point in staying any longer. They had to leave.


    "We understand."


    The Confucian Sect powerhouse said with a slight bow.


    The others also bowed one by one in agreement.


    "If you understand, then you may leave. Our Utility Pavilion is a small place; it''s not convenient for us to entertain you," Zhuge Wuming said coldly, clearly giving the order for them to leave.


    The group didn''t dare say anything more, turned around in unison, and their figures flitted away, leaving the imperial capital.


    Watching the departing figures, Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming sneered, "A bunch of old cowards, afraid of life and death. They don''t dare to come themselves and just send some juniors to snoop around. It seems these major powers are truly not far from collapse."


    Zhuge Wuming squinted his eyes and spoke softly, "The strongmen of the major powers have mostly settled in the Outer Battlefield. They have no lack of powerhouses out there. On the contrary, our Utility Pavilion has fewer strongmen; we are genuinely the weaker party."


    Hearing Zhuge Wuming''s words, Zhao Gongming also fell silent. It was the harsh truth; the major powers may not have many strongmen on Earth, but their presence in the Outer Battlefield was like cloud upon cloud of powerhouses.


    Their Utility Pavilion, in terms of heritage, simply could not compare with the Four Great Ancient Clans and the Nine Great Ancient Martial Sects; their strength was primarily concentrated in the Mortal World.


    "I hope Ye Feng can bring us more pleasant surprises in the future," Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming sighed.


    Zhuge Wuming said nothing more, instead turning his gaze toward the direction of the Northern Cloud Residence, his eyes filled with complexity.


    ...


    On the Outer Battlefield, Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had just stepped out of the Gate of Whirlpool, both feeling a bout of dizziness. If it weren''t for Hong Qingyan''s strength as a grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, she too might have been overcome by the force that had engulfed them upon entering the Gate of Whirlpool.


    Nevertheless, Hong Qingyan felt somewhat groggy at this moment, and Yu Feiyu had outright fainted beside her.


    Hong Qingyan knew this was due to the Gate of Whirlpool, and she immediately roused the unconscious Yu Feiyu.


    After Yu Feiyu regained consciousness, he looked around and realized they were in the midst of a stone forest, with no signs of any living creatures.


    "Sister Qingyan, have we arrived at the Outer Battlefield?" he asked, somewhat groggily, as he rose from the ground.


    Hong Qingyan smiled at Yu Feiyu''s appearance, just about to speak when her expression changed, "Oh no, Feiyu, quick, hide!"

 Chapter 648 - 643: Golden Horn Tiger

    Yu Feiyu hadn''t understood why Hong Qingyan would say that, but subconsciously, she felt her hair stand on end, a strong sense of crisis in her heart. Before she could react, she had already been dragged away by Hong Qingyan.


    Boom!


    A loud bang erupted as a massive claw slammed down onto the spot where they had just been standing, cracking the ground open with an enormous fissure.


    Yu Feiyu looked at the crack on the ground with alarm and a sense of aftershock, then quickly turned her attention to the owner of the enormous claw.


    At that moment, a vast figure appeared before everyone. The figure was covered in red fur with black stripes, and on its forehead was the character for "king": it was a tiger!


    However, this tiger was not quite like those they usually saw. It was massive enough to take up two basketball courts, standing several meters tall, with two golden horns on its huge head.


    This tiger was now looking down at Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, its eyes filled with greed. It opened its massive, blood-filled mouth to reveal sharp fangs, emitting a foul odor, and drool continuously dripped down.


    Yu Feiyu was instantly scared by the fierce appearance of the tiger, her face turning slightly pale.


    Hong Qingyan, with Yu Feiyu, put distance between themselves and the tiger, her beautiful eyes filled with caution as she carefully examined the sudden appearance of the fierce tiger.


    "An Alien Beast of the Golden Core Realm, the Golden Horn Tiger. Don''t be afraid, Feiyu, we should be able to handle it together. I''ll take the offensive, and you harass it from the side!"


    Hong Qingyan quickly assessed the situation. From what Old Man Huang Niu had taught her in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, and with the knowledge she had about the Alien Beasts from the Outer Battlefield, she recognized it.


    Since they had already arrived at the Outer Battlefield, they were naturally prepared for battle. This was their first encounter with an Alien Beast in the Outer Battlefield, but their luck seemed to be quite poor; they had encountered a Golden Horn Tiger with the strength comparable to a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm right from the start.


    As Hong Qingyan finished speaking, a longsword had already appeared in her hand. The moment she grasped the longsword, her aura began to rise.


    Yu Feiyu also calmed down and nodded. She had only been startled by the sudden ambush, aware that combat was inevitable, and she drew a soft sword from her waist as well.


    Seeing that Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had both drawn their weapons, the Golden Horn Tiger let out a heaven-shaking roar: "Roar!!"


    At this sound, the surrounding mountains trembled, and the stones on the ground shook uncontrollably.


    Hong Qingyan''s eyes hardened; she knew that the Golden Horn Tiger was displaying its might.


    As Yu Feiyu was weaker, she was already feeling uncomfortable from the roar.


    The Golden Horn Tiger''s gaze shifted, seemingly revealing a hint of amusement, and then it extended a massive paw, its razor-sharp claws sweeping toward Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu without hesitation!


    Hong Qingyan''s face changed slightly, surprised that the Golden Horn Tiger would launch an attack so quickly. She shouted, "Feiyu, you attack from the side; leave the front to me!"


    With that, Hong Qingyan lifted her longsword and charged directly at the Golden Horn Tiger, slashing her longsword across its enormous paw.


    Bang!


    She was forced back several steps by the paw of the Golden Horn Tiger, her eyes revealing astonishment. The tiger''s strength was immense; although she caught the claw, her arm was already partly numb from the impact.


    The Golden Horn Tiger, clearly dissatisfied with its claw being parried by Hong Qingyan, roared angrily again. This time, instead of extending its massive paw, its entire colossal body charged at Hong Qingyan.


    Hong Qingyan snorted coldly, not showing any weakness as she lifted her longsword to meet the charge once more.


    Meanwhile, Yu Feiyu was not idle either. She carried her soft sword to the Golden Horn Tiger''s side and swooped by its body during the charge, slicing at it with her sword!


    But Yu Feiyu quickly realized that no matter how she attacked, she couldn''t even break through the Golden Horn Tiger''s fur.


    "Sister Qingyan, it''s no use. This Golden Horn Tiger''s fur is incredibly defensive; my attacks are practically ineffective!" Yu Feiyu urgently said. Even using her strongest moves, she had only managed to leave a white mark on the Golden Horn Tiger''s body without breaking through its defenses.


    On the front lines battling the Golden Horn Tiger, Hong Qingyan found herself in a tough spot as well. She realized she had overestimated her own strength; even her most powerful sword moves could only leave shallow wounds on the tiger, which were negligible to the beast.


    The Golden Horn Tiger, now wounded, was visibly angrier, its frequency and power of attacks increasing, leaving Hong Qingyan struggling to withstand them.


    Moreover, she discovered she was not yet proficient in wielding her Golden Core Realm power; possessing the realm, she felt she was only able to exert about eighty percent of her strength.


    What Hong Qingyan didn''t know was that she wasn''t fully in control of her power because she had advanced to the next realm while unconscious.


    However, to her relief, as she fought the Golden Horn Tiger, she could clearly feel her control over her power growing more adept, and her combat became more fluid and natural.


    But Hong Qingyan''s attacks were still rather ineffective against the Golden Horn Tiger, barely scratching it. Even during the fight, she failed to dodge one of the tiger''s claws, and got sent flying with blood spilling from the corner of her mouth, sustaining some minor injuries.


    Hong Qingyan''s expression was extremely ugly. After exchanging blows, she had realized she was probably no match for the Golden Horn Tiger.


    By now, the Golden Horn Tiger had numerous wounds on its body, but none were fatal. They were merely superficial scratches.


    "This can''t continue, the strength of this Golden Horn Tiger far exceeds mine."


    Hong Qingyan''s gaze was stern. Yu Feiyu had returned to her side, both of their expressions grim. As a Half-Step Golden Core, Yu Feiyu was still quite a distance from the Golden Core Realm and couldn''t inflict any substantial damage on the Golden Horn Tiger.


    "So what do we do now, Sister Qingyan? If we can''t beat it, we might as well run. It doesn''t seem very fast, so we should be able to get away," Yu Feiyu suggested, having observed that the Golden Horn Tiger''s movement speed did not seem especially fast, which indicated they might have a chance to escape.


    Hong Qingyan nodded. If they couldn''t win, of course they had to flee.


    "Let''s go!"


    Hong Qingyan took Yu Feiyu, and they turned and rushed away toward another direction. They had to escape.


    Seeing Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu trying to flee, the Golden Horn Tiger seemed to be irritated. It let out another roar, and although it previously moved slowly, its body suddenly burst into a red glow, and it sprinted towards them at an incredibly rapid pace. In just the blink of an eye, it had caught up with Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu!


    Hong Qingyan looked back to see the Golden Horn Tiger approaching at an astonishing speed, her face paling once more.


    "Not good, the Golden Horn Tiger is so fast, it was holding back its strength before!"


    Hong Qingyan instantly realized that the Golden Horn Tiger had been toying with them. Its speed was not slow at all; it was simply not taking them seriously and had slowed down its attacks!


    Hong Qingyan''s face darkened. She had overestimated her strength as a Newly Advanced Golden Core Powerhouse. A Golden Core Realm Alien Beast possessed human-like intelligence and was not so easy to deal with.


    If push came to shove, she would have to use her Wings of Light, but operating the Wings of Light was greatly draining, and exhausting herself in the Outer Battlefield was extremely dangerous. She couldn''t afford to use it lightly until absolutely necessary.


    And just then, exactly where Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had entered through the Gate of Whirlpool, another Whirlpool Gate appeared. Two figures had arrived ¡ª it was Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, pursuing them.


    As soon as Xiao Chuanqi landed, he saw the cracks on the ground, as well as the huge paw prints!


    Xiao Chuanqi frowned and said, "It seems a battle just took place here; there''s still a lot of lingering energy."


    Sima Zhantian was also observing the surroundings, anxious, "It must be the Mistress and the others; it seems they''ve encountered danger. We need to find them quickly."


    "With this size, and the surrounding residue of Power, it''s probably a Golden Core Realm Alien Beast..."


    Xiao Chuanqi raised his brow, scanning the area. Quickly, he noticed that the huge footprints led in a certain direction.


    "Follow the footprints; they can''t be far off. We need to speed up!"


    Xiao Chuanqi''s aura burst forth as he followed the trail at high speed.


    Sima Zhantian released his own aura and hastily followed.


    Both being mid-tier Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, they moved extremely fast!


    Not far ahead where the two men were headed, in a mountainous area, Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu were once again intercepted by the Golden Horn Tiger and were embroiled in another difficult battle.


    Both Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu were slightly slower than the Golden Horn Tiger, and this was the second time they had been stopped.


    This time, the Golden Horn Tiger was clearly becoming impatient, having lost its playful tolerance. It wanted to quickly deal with the two humans and devour them as soon as possible.


    Boom!


    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu were simultaneously sent flying by the Golden Horn Tiger, both pale with traces of blood at the corners of their mouths, evidently injured.


    Hong Qingyan gritted her teeth; she could activate her Wings of Light to greatly boost her Combat Power, but in her current state, she could only maintain it for slightly over a minute.


    She had to find the Golden Horn Tiger''s weak spot. Only then could she activate the Wings of Light and swiftly defeat the tiger.


    Otherwise, given the Golden Horn Tiger''s defensive power, if she couldn''t kill it within the minute she could maintain the Wings of Light, she would indeed end up as the tiger''s meal.

 Chapter 649 - 644: Coming to Escort!

    However, just as Hong Qingyan was indecisive, the Golden Horn Tiger had already launched another attack, which was more ferocious than any of its previous ones!


    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu both turned pale at the sight.


    Hong Qingyan gritted her teeth, determination flashing in her eyes, "I''ll go all out against this beast, Feiyu, no matter whether we can kill the Golden Horn Tiger or not, as soon as I exhaust my strength, take me and leave immediately!"


    Yu Feiyu nodded her head, knowing well the great toll that using Wings of Light took on Hong Qingyan, and had prepared to flee with her if necessary.


    Hong Qingyan turned to face the charging Golden Horn Tiger, her expression instantly becoming icy, and her beautiful eyes equally frosty.


    "Wings of Light!"


    Hong Qingyan shouted, her entire body bursting forth with powerful energy, a white light engulfing her completely. Behind her, two divine Wings of Light appeared, her aura at that moment surging tremendously. Her whole being now seemed extraordinarily holy, powerful, and beautiful.


    The approaching Golden Horn Tiger stopped in its tracks upon seeing this transformation in Hong Qingyan, already perceiving a threat. This human, whom it previously toyed with, now posed a real danger!


    "Beast, meet your death!"


    Hong Qingyan snorted coldly, her Longsword now also carrying a sacred might, as she launched a fierce attack on the Golden Horn Tiger.


    A white light slashed down!


    The Golden Horn Tiger bellowed in anger, a red light blazing from its body, clearly infuriated. Without any hesitation, it charged towards Hong Qingyan.


    The Longsword struck the Golden Horn Tiger''s giant paw, and both Hong Qingyan and the beast were flung backwards!


    However, Hong Qingyan was only sent back a few meters, her Wings of Light fluttering briefly, stabilizing her position in mid-air.


    The Golden Horn Tiger, on the contrary, was thrown nearly ten meters before coming to a stop, and its giant paw that had taken Hong Qingyan''s sword blow bore a deep wound, from which blood flowed continuously onto the ground.


    Hong Qingyan rejoiced at the sight, underestimating her own strength after using the Wings of Light. She hadn''t anticipated inflicting such significant damage on the Golden Horn Tiger.


    In fact, this was all new to Hong Qingyan; her mastery over the Golden Core Realm''s strength was inadequate, and she had previously forced the use of the Wings of Light, lacking adequate control over its power.


    Now, seeing that her sword strike could cause such substantial damage to the Golden Horn Tiger was a pleasant surprise.


    Yu Feiyu standing in the back was equally shocked, not expecting Hong Qingyan to be so formidable in combat after unleashing the Wings of Light, and she was also delighted, as Hong Qingyan''s strength indicated they had a chance of killing the beast!


    "Sister Qingyan is amazing!"


    Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but cheer.


    Hong Qingyan too smiled back at her.


    However, the Golden Horn Tiger was obviously extremely enraged at that moment. It had not expected to suffer such a grievous wound. It lifted its head and let out a roar, anger turning its eyes to a deep blood-red. The two golden horns on its head began to glow, the red light on its body intensifying, and its aura growing increasingly frenzied.


    Feeling this change in the air, Hong Qingyan''s expression altered slightly, and she quickly looked towards the Golden Horn Tiger, immediately noticing that its aura had spiked compared to before.


    "This is bad, the beast has gone into a frenzied state!"


    Hong Qingyan said gravely, knowing that some powerful Golden Core Realm alien beasts would enter a frenzied state, further increasing their strength.


    She hadn''t anticipated the Golden Horn Tiger entering such a state, but after feeling out its aura, she figured it was still within a manageable range and breathed a sigh of relief.


    It was at that moment that two figures were seen approaching from a distance.


    Hong Qingyan, sensing the auras of the newcomers, her expression changed again as she looked in the direction of the two flying figures.


    "This isn''t good, someone is coming!"


    Hong Qingyan''s face darkened, knowing that the arrival of someone at this time could mean trouble if they were foes.


    Soon though, two voices could be heard arriving from that direction.


    "Mistress, Xiao Chuanqi has arrived to protect you!"


    "Mistress, Sima Zhantian has arrived to protect you!"


    Hearing these two voices from afar, both Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu were momentarily stunned, then joy spread across their faces.


    "Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian!?"


    Yu Feiyu looked at the rapidly approaching figures with great surprise.


    In no time, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, who had traveled swiftly, arrived, revealing their true appearances.


    Seeing that it was indeed them, Hong Qingyan immediately broke into a smile, never having expected to encounter Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian here.


    Upon reaching close by, Xiao Chuanqi saw the Wings of Light behind Hong Qingyan and his expression changed, "Mistress, you''ve forcibly used the Wings of Light again!?"


    Xiao Chuanqi immediately became anxious, as Hong Qingyan had fallen into a coma before due to the deployment of the Wings of Light, and now she was employing them again...


    Sima Zhantian''s eyes filled with regret and anger, as he said furiously, "It''s all because we arrived too late, damn it, this beast!"


    Both of them were filled with self-blame as they looked towards the Golden Horn Tiger ahead with rage, their formidable auras already crushing down on the creature.


    By now, the frenzied aura of the Golden Horn Tiger had somewhat subsided. Its eyes fixed on the suddenly appearing Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, sensing their fury, it was completely dumbfounded. With the appearance of the two, the Golden Horn Tiger already had the intention to retreat, its frenzied aura gradually being suppressed, and its eyes clearly showing caution.


    Hong Qingyan felt warmed by Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian''s reactions and smiled, saying, "I''m fine, you two don''t need to worry about me. Now I can control the Wings of Light, and I won''t faint like I did before."


    Hong Qingyan reassured them, indicating they didn''t need to worry too much.


    Only then did Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian understand, and were immediately shocked by the powerful aura emanating from Hong Qingyan, never expecting that her use of the Wings of Light after entering the Golden Core Realm could be so strong.


    "Now is not the time for talking, let''s deal with this beast first!"


    Hong Qingyan didn''t say much more, instead, she looked coldly toward the Golden Horn Tiger.


    The Power of Spirit Essence within her was still being rapidly depleted; she had to quickly dispose of the Golden Horn Tiger. However, now with Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian there, she was relieved. She could feel that the Realms of both Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were not weak, and even stronger than her own.


    With Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian present, dealing with the Golden Horn Tiger naturally wouldn''t be an issue.


    The three quickly reached an agreement, and under the siege of three Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, in just half a minute, the powerful Golden Horn Tiger was slain by them, its massive body lying on the ground covered with astonishing wounds.


    Although the Golden Horn Tiger was strong, neither Hong Qingyan nor Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were to be underestimated in the Golden Core Realm, with Hong Qingyan having reached the level of a top-level Great Power after deploying the Wings of Light.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, wielding their Immortal Swords and Blades, also possessed strength nearing that of top-level Golden Core Great Powers, making their formation more than capable of dealing with the Golden Horn Tiger without an issue.


    After Sima Zhantian collected the materials of the Golden Horn Tiger, they came to the side of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu.


    By this time, Hong Qingyan had already retracted the Wings of Light behind her, and her aura had slipped to that of a Newly Advanced Golden Core Powerhouse, with her complexion also appearing slightly pale.


    "Mistress, are you alright?"


    Xiao Chuanqi, seeing this, quickly asked with concern.


    Hong Qingyan smiled faintly, "I''m fine, it''s just that using the Wings of Light consumes a lot of energy. Currently, with my strength, I can only use the Wings of Light for a bit over a minute, it''s just a rather large expenditure now."


    Only about twenty percent of her Spirit Essence remained within her, and she feared that if it had been later, she might have indeed completely exhausted it.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this, knowing that it was just an excessive consumption of energy, figuring there was no major issue since she wasn''t hurt.


    "What about you two, how did you know that Feiyu and I were in the Outer Battlefield, and how did you find us so quickly?"


    "And your Realms, how could you have improved so much in just a short month?"


    Hong Qingyan was curious. She and Yu Feiyu had just entered the Outer Battlefield not long ago, and not even half an hour had passed, yet Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian had found them so quickly. She was also stunned by their Realms, which were even higher than hers, she herself having advanced through the integration of Bloodline Power.


    Wasn''t it agreed that even in the Outer Battlefield, advancing wasn''t that easy?


    Yu Feiyu too was brimming with curiosity, moving closer to listen to the pair''s explanation.


    Seeing this, Xiao Chuanqi naturally didn''t conceal anything, briefly relaying the matter of Ye Feng asking them to bring people from Earth to the Outer Battlefield, and the event involving the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Then I heard from Senior Zhuge and Senior Zhao at the Utility Pavilion that the Mistress had just entered the Outer Battlefield, so Zhan Tian and I rushed over here, worried about the Mistress and Miss Yu," Xiao Chuanqi said with a smile as he explained.


    After hearing the explanation, shock adorned the faces of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, both astonished by Ye Feng''s strength and that Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Where is Big Brother Ye now?"


    Hong Qingyan hurriedly asked, eagerness in her eyes.


    It had been a whole month since she had last seen Ye Feng. She knew that if Ye Feng hadn''t brought back the Lotus Seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus midway, she wouldn''t have awakened so soon.


    Not just Hong Qingyan, Yu Feiyu too was full of anticipation, eager to see Ye Feng.


    Witnessing the attitude of the two women, Xiao Chuanqi couldn''t help but sigh to himself. Their lord truly was their lord, indeed a role model for their generation. Both Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had just barely escaped danger, yet they were immediately concerned about Ye Feng''s situation.


    However, Xiao Chuanqi naturally had no secrets to keep and continued explaining about the whereabouts of Ye Feng and the others.


    "I will inform our lord right away about the Mistress''s arrival at the Outer Battlefield. I''m sure he will be very pleased to know," Xiao Chuanqi said as he took out the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet to send a message to Ye Feng.


    Meanwhile, the figure of Ye Feng had already appeared in the Source Secret Realm.

 Chapter 650 - 645 Bronze Room

    The so-called Source Secret Realm was actually a circular hall.


    The entire hall was constructed from various bronzes, with no particular features of note, no Spirit Stones, no Spiritual Medicine, just empty. But in all four cardinal directions, there were a total of ten Bronze Doors, each of which was firmly closed.


    The ten people who were transported inside all looked around at these Bronze Doors. Mu Tian was the first to walk out, grinning as he said, "It seems the Source Secret Realm should be behind these Bronze Doors. I guess there must be a secret chamber behind them."


    As Mu Tian spoke, he swiftly moved to one of the Bronze Doors. He didn''t hesitate or wait, he just pushed the door and walked in.


    Ye Feng, seeing this, raised his eyebrows. Mu Tian''s approach was rather rash; entering a door in such a secret realm without confirming if there were dangers could be troublesome if there were any traps.


    The others hadn''t made a move yet, all watching Mu Tian push the door open and enter. They were waiting for him to test it out, to see what was actually behind the door.


    Fortunately for them, when Mu Tian opened the door, he didn''t encounter anything unusual, nor did he trigger any traps. The doorway led to a Bronze Room that was only a meter square, and within, one could see nothing special, just a Meditation Mat in the middle.


    "Where''s the promised Origin Energy?"


    Mu Tian raised an eyebrow, stepping through the Bronze Door. The moment he entered the Bronze Room, the Bronze Door suddenly closed on its own, and a green light shone upon it with runes appearing on its surface.


    "That''s a Formation. The Origin Energy should be behind the Bronze Door. This Bronze Room must be for our cultivation. It seems there shouldn''t be any problems," said Xiao Rulong as he looked at the closed Bronze Door, and everyone nodded, agreeing with his deduction.


    "Well, my friends, let''s each choose a Bronze Room for cultivation," said Bu Fengning, stepping into one of the Bronze Rooms. He pushed open the Bronze Door to find a room with just a Meditation Mat inside.


    Bu Fengning entered, then promptly closed the door behind him.


    Another person entered without any significant anomalies occurring, and the people present no longer harbored any doubts. They each headed towards the surrounding Bronze Doors.


    "There shouldn''t be any major issues. Let''s go in too," Chi Jark said at that moment, moving towards the nearest Bronze Door.


    Ye Feng, without giving it much thought, was about to head to the Bronze Door closest to him. But at that moment, he inexplicably found himself walking towards the Bronze Door beside it.


    Standing before this Bronze Door, Ye Feng paused, perplexed. He had clearly intended to enter the Bronze Door to his left; how had he suddenly come to this one on the right?


    Ye Feng frowned, feeling that something was amiss. After looking around and using his spiritual power to probe the area, he found nothing wrong. He was about to go back to the Bronze Door beside him, but at that moment, someone else entered that door and it closed, the Dharma Seal lighting up, preventing him from entering.


    Ye Feng felt somewhat helpless, thinking he was perhaps overthinking things. He had no choice but to enter the Bronze Door in front of him. Behind it was a Bronze Room that was no different from the others, containing only a Meditation Mat.


    After Ye Feng entered, the Bronze Door closed automatically. There was no one left standing in the center of the circular hall; all the doors of the Bronze Rooms were closed.


    All ten Bronze Doors were now sealed shut, their Dharma Seals lighting up. It seemed normal, but nobody noticed that among these Bronze Doors, one bore a Dharma Seal that was glowing gold, whereas the seals on the other doors were emitting only white light. It was only the one Bronze Door with the golden Dharma Seal.


    Behind this door was Ye Feng.


    In the Bronze Room, Ye Feng curiously examined the details within. The walls around him were very smooth, bearing no carvings. The Bronze Room truly had nothing else but the Meditation Mat.


    "Where did the promised Origin Energy go?"


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow in confusion. Wasn''t the Source Secret Realm supposed to appear by itself after entering the Bronze Door and sitting on the Meditation Mat?


    What Ye Feng didn''t know was that in the other chambers, the Source Secret Realm had indeed begun to emerge. Next door, Xiao Rulong had already sensed the Origin Energy suddenly appearing in his Bronze Room, his vision now filled with the gleaming Origin Energy permeating the entire space.


    "Such pure Origin Energy!"


    Xiao Rulong''s eyes brightened as he greedily absorbed the Origin Energy in the air, continuously refining his Golden Core and purifying the Power of Spirit Essence within his body.


    The same scene was unfolding in the other Bronze Rooms, except for Ye Feng, whose room remained unchanged.


    "Could it be that I need to find some kind of switch?"


    "Or activate the Formation?"


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, glancing at the smooth walls all round. There were no switches to be found, and his spiritual power swept through the Bronze Room without discovering any Formation to activate. Moreover, what surprised Ye Feng was the incredible isolation ability of the Bronze Room; his spiritual power couldn''t probe outside at all and was limited to within the room.


    After sitting cross-legged on the Meditation Mat for ten minutes, Ye Feng began to feel somewhat frustrated. What was going on with this Bronze Room? There was no Origin Energy at all.


    Could the other Bronze Rooms be the same?


    Or perhaps the others had already realized something was amiss and left?


    Ye Feng thought for a moment, then stood up and walked toward the door, ready to push open the Bronze Door, but no matter how hard he tried, the Bronze Door wouldn''t budge!


    Ye Feng''s expression changed as he gathered his breath and strength, and fiercely struck at the Bronze Door!


    However, Ye Feng felt as if his punch had landed on cotton, soft and yielding. Not a single mark appeared on the Bronze Door, which remained firmly closed, without even a sliver of a gap.


    "Damn it, what on earth is going on?"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows, completely at a loss as to the situation at hand.


    Ye Feng paused to consider, glancing at the furnishings within the Bronze Room, finally fixing his gaze on the Meditation Mat in the center of the room.


    With a wave of his hand, the Meditation Mat on the ground flew up instantly.


    As the Meditation Mat rose, Ye Feng''s expression changed. There was a hidden compartment underneath it.


    Ye Feng mobilized all his breath and power, stepped forward, and pressed down on the hidden compartment. The moment he pressed it, the entire Bronze Room plummeted downward.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as he watched the ceiling above him grow more distant, but he wasn''t the slightest bit panicked. He wanted to see what might happen in the Source Secret Realm. Was it only this Bronze Room that had this hidden compartment, or did the other Bronze Rooms also contain such secrets?


    "This is starting to get interesting."


    A smile curled at the corner of Ye Feng''s mouth. It seemed that the Source Secret Realm was not as simple as he had thought.


    Initially, he had believed that the Source Secret Realm was purely a Cultivation Secret Realm, but it appeared that was not the case.


    The Bronze Room continued to fall. Ye Feng, unruffled, stood calmly in the center of the room. After descending for a while, the ceilings of the Bronze Rooms above had become barely visible to Ye Feng.


    Finally, with a loud boom!


    The descent of the Bronze Room stopped, and in front of Ye Feng was a pitch-black passage, from which there even emanated a decayed smell.


    Ye Feng raised his hand and a light appeared in his palm, instantly illuminating the dark passage.


    Ye Feng inspected the passage and, finding nothing out of the ordinary, extinguished the light and proceeded down the passage. After a few minutes of walking, a light appeared ahead.


    Without hesitation, Ye Feng quickened his pace and rushed toward it.


    Passing through the light, Ye Feng could now see the landscape outside.


    Desolation!


    Ye Feng, who had remained composed up until now, struggled to maintain his composure at this sight. The scene was grim: the ground was covered in black soil, devoid of any other living thing, but scattered across this dark soil were numerous white bones.


    Ye Feng had not expected that beneath the Bronze Room laid such a sight: bone after bone strewn about the black soil, some whole and others nearly weathered away, the dark soil against the white bones creating an ominous and terrifying scene.


    Looking up at the sky, Ye Feng was stunned. There emanated rays of light, with Runes twinkling in the sky; a large Formation was clearly in operation above.


    Outside this Formation, ripples appeared from time to time.


    "That is... Weak Water!"


    Ye Feng''s complexion changed slightly as he recognized the black liquid churning outside the Array. Wasn''t that the Weak Water from Weak Water Lake?


    "No, wait. Weak Water, Weak Water Lake, am I actually below the entire Weak Water Lake?"


    Ye Feng realized something was amiss, sensing he had stumbled upon another secret.


    Beneath Weak Water Lake was a vast land enveloped by a large Formation, dotted with bone-chilling white bones belonging to both Alien Beasts and humans.


    Ye Feng''s eyes darted around as he took to the air. After ascending several hundred meters, he stopped.


    Before him was a Formation marked with Dharma Seals. He reached out to touch the Array before him, but when his palm made contact, light illuminated from the point of contact and a strange energy prevented his hand from extending any further.


    Ye Feng realized instantly that the Formation was keeping all the Weak Water out, preventing it from entering while also stopping anyone inside from reaching out.


    "Wait a second, these bones..."


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and immediately took out a Longsword from his Space Ring. This was an ordinary Longsword he had found in Elder Hua Yue''s storage ring after killing her.


    He extended the sword and found it passed through the Array without hindrance. However, the Weak Water outside the Array seemed to repel the Longsword with an immensely powerful force, flinging it right back into the Formation.


    Ye Feng was stunned. So this Formation allowed only inanimate objects to pass through?

 Chapter 651 - 646: The Luminous Pearl on the Altar

    ```


    Ye Feng conducted several more experiments and discovered that indeed only inanimate objects could pass through the Formation.


    Moreover, the Weak Water outside the Formation possessed exceedingly strong corrosive power, merely placing the longsword into it for such a brief moment resulted in the submerged tip already being corroded away.


    Ye Feng was somewhat shocked, knowing that these longswords were at least cast from alloy with high hardness, yet they were still instantly corroded.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng recalled what Chi Jark had mentioned that great powers with the Yin-Yang Mirror had once entered this Weak Water Lake, then that would mean...


    Ye Feng quickly glanced at the white bones below and instantly understood something, these white bones were likely devoured by the Weak Water Lake over the years, and probably even the flesh body was completely corroded, hence only leaving behind these bones on the ground, which then passed through the Formation and fell on this dark land.


    "No, the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm possess the Yin-Yang Divine Body, could it be that even their Yin-Yang Divine Body can be corroded by the Weak Water?"


    Ye Feng squinted his eyes, knowing that great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, even if their flesh bodies were destroyed, still possessed the Yin-Yang Divine Body, and as long as the Yin-Yang Divine Body was not extinguished, the grandmaster of the Yin-Yang Realm could reconvene their flesh body, although at a great cost, the specifics of which he was not quite clear about currently.


    Could it be that this Weak Water could corrode even the Yin-Yang Divine Body?


    Ye Feng couldn''t figure it out because the Heaven Guard Monument in his hand could actually obliterate the Yin-Yang Divine Body along with it, so the Sword Saint of the Western Palace had been directly erased by the Heaven Guard Monument before, not even the Yin-Yang Divine Body had time to escape the flesh body, and he perished.


    Ye Feng then turned his gaze towards the direction of the Bronze Room and found that ahead was a huge spherical structure, this spherical building was entirely cast in bronze, and the structure itself was also surrounded by various Formations.


    "That there must be the so-called Source Secret Realm. It seems that the real secrets of this Source Secret Realm are not in those bronze rooms, but under this Weak Water Lake, atop this dark land."


    Ye Feng continued to survey the surroundings from high above. Although the space above his head was composed of dark Weak Water, the Formation itself emitted white light, so the whole expanse of the dark land was relatively dim, though not completely black to the point of invisibility.


    Soon, Ye Feng''s gaze was attracted by something ahead; a faint light in the distance, and he sensed an exceptionally strange aura.


    "There''s something over there!"


    Ye Feng quickly judged, already descending, and flew towards the place emitting the faint light.


    On his way there, Ye Feng also observed the white bones on the dark land; it was only when he got close to these bones that he noticed they were not weathered, but corroded.


    Some bones were already so corroded they were fragmentary, with only remnants left, while others were relatively intact, and there were even a rare few complete white bones that radiated a faint golden light.


    Ye Feng observed the bones radiating golden light, his spiritual power probing them, and he was shocked.


    He felt the Power of Yin-Yang from those bones emitting a faint golden light!


    That meant those were the bones of the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    "So that''s it, no wonder these bones are preserved so completely. The great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm not only have strong flesh bodies, their skeletons are also incredibly hard, but they still couldn''t escape the corrosion of the Weak Water, becoming nothing but a set of white bones."


    Ye Feng murmured to himself, and soon he discovered that apart from those bones emitting faint golden light, those relatively well-preserved bones still retained some remnants of the Power of the Golden Core. Clearly, only grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm strength could maintain relatively complete skeletons, while those reduced to mere fragments must belong to those beneath the Golden Core Realm, the remains of the Foundation Establishment or Divine Path Realm powerhouses.


    Ye Feng was still very shocked; the corrosive ability of this Weak Water was too strong, it could even corrode grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and even the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to nothing but a set of white bones. Luckily, no one had dared to try touching the Weak Water before.


    These hundreds of white bones on the dark land must all belong to the powerful individuals who entered the Weak Water Lake by mistake since Ancient Times.


    Ye Feng continued flying towards the area emitting the faint light. After flying for a few minutes, he finally saw the true nature of the light.


    It was an altar that seemed very ancient, and the bones around the altar were the most numerous, almost covering the entirety of the area around the altar, whereas the bones along the path where Ye Feng had flown in were more scattered.


    Around this altar alone, it was almost all bones, the black soil below was almost invisible.


    However, Ye Feng wasn''t paying much attention to these bones surrounding the altar, his gaze was captivated by a floating pearl on the altar.


    The pearl seemed like a Luminous Pearl, emitting a faint light, and around it, there were streams of eerie light circulating.


    "What is this?"


    Ye Feng looked on with caution, staring at the pearl in front of him, as if he sensed a kind of energy, but he did not dare to approach right now; in this ominous place, he had no idea what might happen with something that looked like a Luminous Pearl.


    But as Ye Feng was hesitating, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in his Sea of Consciousness within Heavenly Heart Palace suddenly vibrated, and at the same time, the Luminous Pearl on the altar erupted in a brighter light, then started flickering continuously.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, could this Luminous Pearl be connected to the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll?


    ```


    Ye Feng felt the vibrations of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace becoming increasingly intense, and he instantly knew that there was probably some connection between the Luminous Pearl on the altar and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    It was much like when the Golden Dragon Shield appeared, which also triggered a response from the Sword of the King and the Emperor''s Armor in his Heavenly Heart Palace''s Sea of Consciousness, although what exactly the connection was he had yet to find time to take out and refine the Golden Dragon Shield.


    Ye Feng was still somewhat vigilant, not knowing if the altar would exhibit any anomalies.


    He observed the altar closely; it too was covered in a pile of ancient, obscure runes, which appeared to be from over two thousand years ago.


    "Is this altar also something from over two thousand years ago?"


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes, his spiritual power probing the altar, only to find that some Formation Energy still lingered on it, though it was nearly dissipated and probably wouldn''t pose much of a threat.


    "Nothing should happen now, and even if there is danger, I have the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll for protection."


    After considering for a moment, Ye Feng decided to fly onto the altar.


    When he landed on the altar, the Formation there noticeably flickered for a moment, but as the energy had almost been depleted, the Formation merely flickered for that instant and then disbanded, followed by a crunching sound from the altar beneath his feet.


    Ye Feng''s eyelids twitched, and he instantly levitated off the ground; at that moment, the entire altar instantly collapsed and shattered into a pile of rubble.


    Ye Feng was somewhat speechless; it seemed that after over two thousand years, the altar could no longer hold together, and with the dissipation of the Formation Energy, the entire altar had also crumbled.


    Ignoring the crumbling altar beneath him, Ye Feng turned his attention to the still-hovering Luminous Pearl.


    At this time, the vibrations from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness of his Heavenly Heart Palace had grown even stronger!


    Unable to help himself, Ye Feng reached out to grasp the Luminous Pearl, but at the moment his hand made contact with the Luminous Pearl, it instantly transformed into a ray of light that flew toward his forehead and penetrated it.


    Ye Feng''s expression changed, still unclear about what was happening, but then he felt that something had been added to the Sea of Consciousness in his Heavenly Heart Palace¡ªit was the Luminous Pearl that had just been floating in front of him.


    Just as the Luminous Pearl appeared in the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll unfolded once again, and a wave of energy emerged from the scroll, which then completely enveloped the Luminous Pearl.


    Ye Feng was somewhat puzzled and did not understand what the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was doing, but soon he realized¡ªthe Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was actually refining the Luminous Pearl for him!


    Gradually, he found that he was beginning to form a connection with the Luminous Pearl, and a large amount of information also rapidly surfaced in his mind.


    Meanwhile, at Lake Central Island on Weak Water Lake, where all the people by the Teleportation Array were meditating, the previously serene Weak Water Lake suddenly began to boil in an instant, even causing the entire Lake Central Island to tremble!


    The Four Great Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses instantly opened their eyes, divine light bursting forth as they all turned to look at the Weak Water surrounding Lake Central Island.


    Witnessing the boiling Weak Water, their brows furrowed.


    At that time, other strong practitioners also felt the tremors on Lake Central Island and quickly noticed the boiling Weak Water.


    "What''s going on?"


    "How could Weak Water Lake suddenly exhibit such turmoil out of nowhere!?"


    "I felt Lake Central Island shake just now; what''s happening, could it be that Lake Central Island is about to collapse!?"


    All the powerful practitioners present were completely baffled and did not understand what was happening, as this unexpected turbulence emerged out of the blue.


    "First Hall Master, do you know what has happened?"


    Divine Master Tanaka from the Yin-Yang Temple immediately looked towards the First Hall Master, as he had not discerned what was happening, only that the Weak Water in Weak Water Lake was still boiling.


    Even using spiritual power to probe was of no use, since the spiritual power would be eroded by the Weak Water, completely unable to penetrate it.


    The Vampire Divine Duke from the Western Vampire Divine Court and the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Wizard Alliance of Snow Wolf Country also turned their attention toward the First Hall Master, as they too were unable to observe anything unusual and were left in suspense.


    The powerful practitioners on Lake Central Island also looked over, knowing that the First Hall Master was the most powerful among them.


    The First Hall Master''s gaze was still fixed on the boiling Weak Water, as if trying to see through it, but after a moment, he remained with furrowed brows.

 Chapter 652 - 647: Weak Water Spirit Pearl

    "I also don''t know what''s going on here; one cannot probe Weak Water Lake with spiritual power, and even I can''t observe the situation below."


    The First Hall Master shook his head. He wasn''t lying; even someone as powerful as he was unable to peer into the conditions beneath Weak Water Lake.


    Soon, his gaze returned to the Teleportation Array, his eyes narrowed slightly¡ªcould it be related to the Source Secret Realm?


    Just as this thought occurred to him, the previously boiling lake water calmed down at this moment, as if nothing had happened. The tremors of Lake Central Island had also vanished, with no further movement.


    The crowd was taken aback again, still puzzled about what was happening.


    "It must be some disturbance in the Source Secret Realm. It shouldn''t be a problem,"


    the First Hall Master said after some thought, reassuring the people around him. He didn''t sense any danger, and with his realm, his perception of danger was extremely sharp. Since he hadn''t felt any threat, there likely wouldn''t be any major issues.


    Hearing the First Hall Master say this, they too began to breathe more easily.


    After all, the First Hall Master was the strongest person present. Since he had said it was fine, it was probably fine.


    "Would the people inside the Source Secret Realm run into trouble?"


    A powerful individual raised an eyebrow and asked.


    At this point, the representatives of the major powers also grew anxious. Those who could enter the Source Secret Realm were Heaven''s Pride Level individuals from their factions, all highly likely to advance to Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm in the future. Should anything happen to them, it would be a massive loss.


    The First Hall Master shook his head and spoke indifferently, "No, cultivation secret realms are basically not dangerous. That is the rule of the Outer Battlefield."


    Indeed, since the opening of the Outer Battlefield, there had been no reports of danger within any of the cultivation secret realms that had emerged.


    With that, the crowd relaxed, letting go of their concerns.


    Meanwhile, inside the Bronze Room of the circular hall, everyone who was immersed in using Origin Energy to purify their Golden Core felt the vibrations and awoke from their cultivation state.


    "What''s going on!?"


    This was the first question everyone had as they opened their eyes.


    But after opening their eyes, they saw they were still inside the Bronze Room, without noticing any significant abnormalities¡ªthe Origin Energy in the Bronze Room continued to emerge.


    Yet, as Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, their senses were very sharp. They had clearly felt the Bronze Room shaking just moments before.


    However, the individuals in each of the Bronze Rooms couldn''t communicate with others and did not know the situation in the other rooms, each full of questions and becoming more alert, worried that this sudden change might lead to new developments.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, who had previously entered the first opening of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, however, showed an expression of puzzlement on their faces.


    "Why does this situation seem so similar to the last time in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm? Could it again have something to do with that fellow Ye Feng?"


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong both simultaneously thought of Ye Feng, because during their time in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, they had talked about the disturbance that occurred during their first entry.


    At that time, Ye Feng did not hide anything and directly told them that the disturbance was caused by him.


    However, Ye Feng did not go into details about Elder Bai''s remnant soul awakening at that time, only mentioning that he had become half the master of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    So at this moment, both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but think of Ye Feng.


    Fortunately, like the previous time, the shaking was also brief, fading away and returning to stillness.


    After remaining vigilant for a while, many resumed their Golden Core purification.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong decided in the privacy of the Bronze Room that once they were out, they would definitely ask Ye Feng about this matter to see if it was indeed related to him.


    Moments later, the two no longer dwelled on it and each entered their cultivation state.


    At that moment, at the bottom of Weak Water Lake, standing on the shattered ruins of the altar, Ye Feng''s eyes sparked with a glint of revelation.


    "So it turns out that this Luminous Pearl is the Weak Water Spirit Pearl!"


    Ye Feng''s body trembled slightly as this information came from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll after it had refined the Luminous Pearl, sending the details from the Pearl itself.


    This Luminous Pearl, also called the Weak Water Spirit Pearl, could control and absorb Weak Water. The surrounding Weak Water released by the Spirit Pearl outside the Array was under the command of the Pearl''s possessor, who could, upon leaving the land, gather all the outer Weak Water into the Weak Water Spirit Pearl.


    Weak Water possessed extremely strong corrosive properties, and anyone who came into contact with it would be drawn into its depths. Only by possessing tremendous strength could one escape from its clutches; otherwise, they would be trapped and ultimately corroded by the Weak Water.


    According to the information transmitted from the Weak Water Spirit Pearl, Weak Water could trap and corrode individuals up to the strength of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm. Those who were of the Second Seal and above could break free from its constraints.


    One Seal, Second Seal?


    Ye Feng was stunned when he saw this message; he did not understand what this so-called One Seal and Second Seal meant. Could it represent the Realm of a Great Power in the Yin-Yang Realm?


    Ye Feng was puzzled; he was not familiar with the division of realms for a Great Power in the Yin-Yang Realm. Previously, in Duel City, he had learned from the four powers of the Yin-Yang Realm about the Primary Level, Middle Rank, and the Peak Realm. He had thought that the realm of a Great Power in the Yin-Yang Realm was divided into the Primary Level, Middle Rank, High-Level, and Peak Realm.


    But now the information transmitted to him from the Weak Water Spirit Pearl made him somewhat confused, as it seemed a bit different from what he had understood before.


    Without much thought, he realized that this was something he would have to understand after getting out; it was impossible to comprehend it now.


    However, the fact that all the Weak Water could be absorbed into the Weak Water Spirit Pearl excited Ye Feng very much. Although he did not understand what the realm of Yin-Yang One Seal was, there was so much Weak Water in Weak Water Lake.


    Being able to absorb all of this highly corrosive Weak Water and then use it in combat meant it was a huge weapon!


    This was comparable to, if not more powerful than, the Heaven Guard Monument. The amount of Weak Water was substantial, with the lake area spanning tens of thousands of square meters. As for the volume of Weak Water, that was an even more enormous figure, enough to submerge ten football fields!


    With such a large area and such strong corrosive power, it would undoubtedly be an incredibly powerful weapon in large-scale combat.


    Especially in the upcoming chaos...


    At that thought, Ye Feng immediately realized that the Weak Water Spirit Pearl was an existence akin to a supreme treasure.


    But the Weak Water Spirit Pearl had a drawback¡ªit could only be used three times!


    Which meant that the Weak Water Spirit Pearl could only absorb and release Weak Water three times, and it now had only one use left. It could only collect Weak Water once more, and release it once more.


    Upon the next release of Weak Water, the Weak Water Spirit Pearl would lose the ability to recollect and store Weak Water.


    The previous two uses had already been exhausted before.


    It seemed that this Weak Water was not man-made. According to the information provided by the Weak Water Spirit Pearl, Weak Water appeared out of Chaos. The Strong Power from Ancient Times discovered Weak Water and consequently crafted this Weak Water Spirit Pearl. As to who the creator was, the information from the Weak Water Spirit Pearl did not specify.


    However, even with just one use remaining, it was enough to delight Ye Feng. Given the lethal force of Weak Water, if used at the right moment, it would be a massive bomb capable of annihilating a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, covering such an extensive area. If word of it got out, Ye Feng might well be the target of a hunt by all the Great Powers in the Outer Battlefield.


    The same held true for the Heaven Guard Monument.


    These two items must not be revealed unless absolutely necessary!


    Ye Feng had already decided in his heart that, before acquiring sufficient power, he must not expose the Weak Water Spirit Pearl and the Heaven Guard Monument to the public.


    Ye Feng continued to digest the information coming from the Weak Water Spirit Pearl, when his eyes slowly brightened, and his breathing even became a bit rapid.


    He discovered something more precious than the Weak Water Spirit Pearl¡ªat least to him, it certainly was more valuable!


    The Weak Water Spirit Pearl currently stored a large amount of Yin-Yang Divine Source!


    The Yin-Yang Divine Source, the Origin Power of a Great Power in the Yin-Yang Realm, was an excellent energy resource for cultivation for the current Ye Feng.


    This was also what Elder Bai had told him. Previously, in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Elder Bai had clearly conveyed to him that his current rate of absorbing Origin Energy for cultivation was negligible.


    And Elder Bai had told him that over two thousand years ago, after the Emperor had saturated himself with Origin Energy, he extracted the Origin Power of the slain Alien Race in the Yin-Yang Realm, converting it into Yin-Yang Divine Source through a treasure for his own cultivation.


    At this thought, Ye Feng was taken aback¡ªwasn''t that treasure this Weak Water Spirit Pearl?


    Ye Feng was shocked; that meant the Weak Water Spirit Pearl he held now actually belonged to the Emperor from over two thousand years ago.


    "It''s from that person again..."


    Ye Feng murmured, feeling as though there was an invisible thread guiding him to these items from the past.


    "What does it matter if they were yours? Now that I, Ye Feng, have obtained them, they are mine, and I won''t become you," he quietly said, his eyes hardening with resolve.


    For over two thousand years, this Weak Water Spirit Pearl had absorbed all the energy of the strong beings that had fallen into the Weak Water¡ªfrom the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to ordinary Alien Beasts, converting it all into Yin-Yang Divine Source.


    And the quantity of this Yin-Yang Divine Source was considerable.


    Then, Ye Feng attempted to mobilize a trace of the Yin-Yang Divine Source from the Weak Water Spirit Pearl to impact one of his Acupoints. Just this trace made his Acupoints, which had shown no signs of movement for many days, show signs of loosening!


    Ye Feng was overwhelmed with joy; this Weak Water Spirit Pearl was simply the best treasure for him at the moment.

 Chapter 653 - 648: Fusion Upgrade

    Ye Feng calmed himself, not immediately beginning to cultivate. Given his current state, he was not fit to absorb these Yin-Yang Divine Sources right away, as he couldn''t ensure the safety of the place. With no one to act as a protector by his side and considering there were still several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm on Lake Central Island, it was unsuitable.


    If he started to cultivate now and couldn''t control the power due to rapid progress, it would surely alert others.


    Ye Feng glanced again at the information transmitted by the Weak Water Spirit Pearl but found no further use for it, so he ceased to observe.


    He looked around. Aside from the white bones on the black earth, there was nothing else¡ªa desolate and eerie sight.


    Once again, Ye Feng leapt into the air, flying continuously over the black land. He was searching to see if there was anything else on this expanse of black soil, like the space rings belonging to those powerhouses that had sunk into the Weak Water, but he found nothing.


    "It seems that even if there were space rings, they would have been corroded away by the Weak Water," he said.


    Ye Feng sighed, somewhat regretful, for there were quite a few bones of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm on this black land, and each of their fortunes was immensely great.


    If he could find their space rings, it would undoubtedly be a massive fortune.


    "Life isn''t easy, and supporting a family is hard," he lamented.


    Ye Feng sighed deeply, thinking about those from Earth who would be brought to the Outer Battlefield. The cultivation resources made him a bit worried. It won''t always just be the Power of Spirit Essence from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm that''s needed. After reaching the Golden Core Realm, the Power of Spirit Essence from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm isn''t as significantly effective, and there are other types of Spiritual Medicine related to spiritual power.


    All of these would result in an enormous consumption, and since he planned to cultivate his own force in the Outer Battlefield, he naturally had to prepare a reserve of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.


    After searching for a while and still not finding anything useful, apart from the black soil and the sentinel of white bones, he moved on.


    After some thought, Ye Feng headed towards the passageway he had come through. Passing through the dark corridor, he once again arrived at the platform inside the Bronze Room, where the Meditation Mat still laid quietly, unchanged.


    Ye Feng ignited a firelight, searching for something along both sides of the corridor and soon found a hidden mechanism.


    Ye Feng grinned, as expected. Since there was a mechanism to go down, there surely was one to go up as well.


    He pressed the mechanism and stepped once more onto the platform inside the Bronze Room. After mounting the platform, it rapidly rose, and in a moment, he was back in the Bronze Room with smooth walls all around.


    The Bronze Door was still firmly closed, and Ye Feng didn''t encounter the emergence of Origin Energy here as he had in the other Bronze Rooms.


    However, Ye Feng was no longer concerned, for he had already learned from the information provided by the Weak Water Spirit Pearl that there was supposed to be Origin Energy in the other Bronze Rooms, with the sole exception being this one leading to the black earth.


    It was already clear that the ultimate purpose of the Source Secret Realm was actually for someone to take the Weak Water Spirit Pearl; any other Origin Energy was probably just a bonus.


    After thinking about it, Ye Feng figured it must also be related to that person from over two thousand years ago.


    Uninterested in dwelling on the thought any longer, he pulled out the Golden Dragon Shield he had acquired from the First Hall Master from his storage ring.


    While refining the Golden Dragon Shield, the rust on its surface began to fall off during the process. Brilliant golden beams burst forth from the shield.


    The dragon relief on top of the Golden Dragon Shield emitted an extraordinarily divine aura.


    Ye Feng felt the aura emanating from the Golden Dragon Shield, his body jolting. The aura was strikingly similar to that of the Emperor''s Armor and the Sword of the King!


    As the bright golden light exploded, the ancient and powerful aura permeated the small Bronze Room. Around the room, beams of light shone, evidently, arrays were at work to prevent the aura from escaping.


    After an unknown amount of time, Ye Feng finally completely refined the Golden Dragon Shield. Then, his right hand shimmered with golden light as the Sword of the King appeared in his grasp, while his body was slowly enveloped in the Emperor''s Armor.


    At that moment, the Emperor''s Armor lifted off Ye Feng spontaneously.


    Ye Feng''s expression changed slightly as the armor detached itself autonomously, and at the same time, he felt a powerful force erupting from the Sword of the King he held. He quickly let go.


    The Sword of the King also floated in the air at that moment, aligning with the Emperor''s Armor and the Golden Dragon Shield. The three magic treasures levitated there, with light continuously bursting forth, their aura more powerful than ever.


    "Armor, sword, shield..."


    Ye Feng was somewhat surprised as he watched this scene, his heart stirring. Indeed, the Emperor''s Armor, the Sword of the King, and the Golden Dragon Shield were connected.


    As the three magic treasures aligned, they emitted intense golden light. Then, as Ye Feng watched, they drew closer together. Soon, the magic treasures converged, and in the next instant, the dazzling golden light made it somewhat difficult to see what was happening.


    Ye Feng''s eyes also sparkled with light, and he intently looked at the scene within the golden light.


    At this moment, the three magic treasures had actually fused together, and a set of golden yellow full-body battle armor had appeared in front of Ye Feng.


    This was a set of golden armor covering the whole body from head to toe, with only the face left uncovered; the hands and all other parts were wrapped by the battle armor.


    Following that, a longsword also appeared beside the golden armor, which seemed like the previous Sword of the King, but there were some differences.


    The newly emerged longsword was a bit longer, and the divine might it emitted was incredibly powerful to an unbelievable extent.


    A set of battle armor and a longsword, exuding an immensely dominant aura filled with the air of an emperor, that if ordinary people saw it, they probably would want to kneel down immediately.


    Even Ye Feng himself felt an urge to submit when he looked at the battle armor and longsword before him.


    Ye Feng was shocked, had the Emperor''s Armor and Sword of the King merged with the Golden Dragon Shield and then evolved?


    Ye Feng himself wasn''t quite sure, he could feel the presence of the Golden Dragon Shield now, but he could no longer see its physical form, as if it had really merged into the upgraded Emperor''s Armor and Upgraded King''s Sword before his eyes.


    The upgraded Emperor''s Armor and upgraded Sword of the King, let''s just call them that for now.


    Ye Feng didn''t care about this himself, he reached out and touched the upgraded Emperor''s Armor, and immediately, the Emperor''s Armor disintegrated into fragments and flew onto his body, as if they were attaching to him piece by piece.


    Gradually, all the fragments had completely attached to Ye Feng''s body, forming a set of dazzling golden battle armor, standing tall like a golden emperor.


    Shortly after, battle armor also began to spread from both sides of Ye Feng''s face, covering his entire face.


    Ye Feng was stunned when he felt his entire face covered by the battle armor; he hadn''t expected it to cover his face too, yet he could still see outside and his breathing was not hindered.


    Ye Feng scanned himself with his spiritual power; at this moment, he was covered head to toe with golden battle armor, his entire face sealed off, looking truly like a full set of golden armor, yet even with his face completely covered, it did not detract from his handsomeness.


    At least that''s what Ye Feng felt.


    He now appeared like a king wearing golden battle armor with a golden mask.


    Ye Feng thought to himself that if he walked around in this golden armor outside now, probably no one would be able to recognize him, as the Emperor''s Armor had completely changed its appearance.


    Even Ye Feng himself could not recognize it as the previous Emperor''s Armor, and the Sword of the King before him seemed to have changed completely as well, looking sharper and more formidable, with a hilt that also featured a relief of the Golden Dragon.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng''s eyes moved; he felt that the upgraded Emperor''s Armor had something else, and in the next moment, behind him, a pair of golden wings condensed from the upgraded Emperor''s Armor!


    Ye Feng was shocked, he could feel the presence of the golden wings behind him, as if they were connected to his body, and he could sense that their existence would greatly increase his flying speed!


    He would have to try them out to know for sure.


    Ye Feng held the upgraded King''s Sword in his hand, and the moment he took hold of it, he immediately felt a surge of immense power emanating from the upgraded King''s Sword.


    Ye Feng instantly felt his attack power had increased substantially!


    Ye Feng was completely astounded by the transformation of the Emperor''s Armor and the Sword of the King, muttering softly, "It seems the Emperor''s Armor, Sword of the King, and this Golden Dragon Shield are actually a set of magic treasures.


    The Golden Dragon Shield can merge with the Emperor''s Armor and the Sword of the King, evolving the two top-level magic treasures."


    With one thought, the Emperor''s Armor already fell from his body, followed by a burst of brilliant light, and the Golden Dragon Shield that had disappeared before reappeared before his eyes, the upgraded King''s Sword also reverted to its original state.


    With another thought, and another burst of brilliant golden light, the upgraded Emperor''s Armor and Sword of the King both reappeared.


    After seeing this scene, Ye Feng revealed a smile and spoke softly, "If that''s the case, then from now on, they shall be called Emperor Sovereign Battle Armor and Emperor Sovereign Sword."


    Ye Feng had decided on the names for the upgraded Emperor''s Armor and the upgraded Sword of the King. This time he did not separate the two treasures, but allowed the Golden Dragon Shield to remain merged within them. There was no other reason; he just thought the Emperor Sovereign Armor and Emperor Sovereign Sword sounded cooler.


    The ability of the Golden Dragon Shield to merge with the Emperor''s Armor and Sword of the King was a pleasant surprise for him.


    At this time, only one day had passed, and Ye Feng began to cultivate by slowly drawing from the Yin-Yang Divine Source inside the Weak Water Spirit Pearl within the Sea of Consciousness at the Heavenly Heart Palace. Although he couldn''t make great progress, opening a few acupoints during this time was not a problem.

 Chapter 654 - 649 Definitely Not Telling the Truth

    ```


    In the Source Secret Realm, one could only stay for a total of three days; those days quickly passed. In the last two days, Ye Feng had used just half a day to break through nearly ten acupoints and continued to perform Open Aperture constantly. After the three days were over, the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints had been fully opened for more than two thousand eight hundred fifty acupoints.


    The speed of opening acupoints was frighteningly fast, leaving Ye Feng feeling extremely refreshed. Ever since he had become saturated with Origin Energy, he had been watching for new energy to appear. Unexpectedly, he found this Yin-Yang Divine Source so quickly.


    Ye Feng didn''t care about whatever conspiracy or scheme might lie behind this; what he needed to do now was to strengthen himself. Only with enough strength could he face the various changes that lay ahead.


    Even if it would involve that person from over two thousand years ago, he didn''t care; only with sufficient power could he take his fate into his own hands.


    Ye Feng was very clear about this principle: the weak had no right to change anything. Only the strong had the ability to change their own destiny and take control of everything.


    Having opened fifty acupoints, Ye Feng already felt his strength increase significantly once again.


    However, the three days were almost up, and he couldn''t continue to cultivate any longer.


    He wondered how Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were doing.


    As Ye Feng thought this, the door of the Bronze Room suddenly moved, the Array above the door lighting up. Immediately afterward, the door of the Bronze Room opened.


    Ye Feng leapt out in a single bound, and the doors to the other Bronze Rooms also opened at that moment.


    Figures flew out from their respective Bronze Rooms, all of whom were the top ten powerhouses of the talent ranking.


    Ye Feng glanced at the other nine and could tell at a glance that the aura of the remaining nine had strengthened considerably. The Origin Energy might not have allowed them to absorb it directly, but after purifying the Power of the Golden Core and the Power of Spirit Essence, everyone''s combat power had also risen significantly. Although their realms hadn''t changed, their auras had become stronger.


    Qingya, who had flown out of the Bronze Room, immediately locked her gaze onto Ye Feng. With a confident look on her face, she asked Ye Feng, "Northern Border King Ye Feng, would you be interested in having another sparring session with me after we go out?"


    A strong fighting intent flashed in Qingya''s eyes. With her increased combat power and confidence, she wanted to challenge Ye Feng again to prove that she truly was the number one powerhouse of the talent ranking!


    Before Ye Feng could respond, Chi Jark''s voice had already risen: "Come on, Qingya, you don''t think your combat power has increased, do you?"


    "You couldn''t beat Ye Feng in Duel City before, and now that everyone has cultivated in the Source Secret Realm for three days together, you think you stand a chance?"


    Chi Jark looked at Qingya with disdain, his eyes full of mockery.


    Upon hearing these words, Qingya''s face stiffened.


    Chi Jark was right; this simple truth applied to everyone since they all entered the Source Secret Realm together. If he had gained something and his strength had increased, then certainly Ye Feng had as well!


    Immediately, Qingya shut his mouth, said nothing else, and turned away, with a clearly darkened expression on his face.


    Seeing this, Chi Jark chuckled even more and used a voice transmission to Xiao Rulong and Ye Feng: "Looks like Qingya has quite the obsession with Ye Feng; I reckon he''ll be trouble for Ye Feng in the future."


    Ye Feng smirked upon hearing this, but he said nothing.


    Qingya?


    He was no longer a concern for Ye Feng, or rather, none of the prodigies present were too much on his mind. It wasn''t arrogance; rather, Ye Feng''s sights were no longer set on powerhouses of his realm. His strength had already entirely surpassed the level of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm before participating in the talent ranking martial contest.


    Furthermore, with the absorption of the Yin-Yang Divine Source and the unlocking of dozens more acupoints in the past two days, the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints had opened to over two thousand eight hundred fifty acupoints, once again boosting his combat power.


    Ye Feng felt that his current strength was not far from that of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. In fact, he even had the feeling that if he were to battle the Vampire Divine Duke leading the Western Vampire Divine Court this time, there would be no pressure at all. Plus, he had the Emperor Sovereign battle armor and the Sword of the King.


    The Sword of the King, which had previously not been a great help to him, was upgraded to the Sword of the Emperor Sovereign this time, possessing enough power to even surpass his most powerful weapon, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    However, naturally, he would not reveal such strength in front of everyone; strengths that should remain hidden, must stay hidden. Now wasn''t the time to fully disclose his power.


    After everyone had returned to the center of the circular hall, an Array suddenly lit up beneath their feet.


    No one was too surprised; they knew this must be the hall''s Teleportation Array.


    They were about to be teleported out next.


    At the next moment, the Array glowed brightly, enveloping the ten powerhouses in its light.


    On Lake Central Island, the broken Teleportation Array was already flashing with light. Everyone''s gaze turned to it in an instant, and the strong figures from the various Great Powers, who had been sitting in meditation, also stood up one after another, looking towards the Teleportation Array.


    ```


    A moment later, a flash of light passed, and ten figures had already appeared before everyone''s eyes.


    "Little Martial Uncle!"


    Long Nannan''s eyes lit up, and Sausage Sister, seeing that everyone was unhurt, also revealed a smile.


    The others, upon seeing their own prodigies safe, also let out a sigh of relief. After all, the previous turmoil at Weak Water Lake had made them somewhat uneasy. Although the First Hall Master had already said that there probably wouldn''t be any major problems, seeing everyone emerge safe and sound still put their minds completely at ease.


    "Did you feel anything unusual before?"


    Divine Master Tanaka of the Yin-Yang Temple immediately stepped forward and stared at the group as he asked. His eyes narrowed, as the turmoil at Weak Water Lake had been too unusual. Now that everyone had come out, he wanted to understand the situation inside.


    At this inquiry, everyone else also looked over, wanting to know if those from the Source Secret Realm had discovered any anomalies.


    At this moment, a sharp gleam flashed across Ye Feng''s eyes. It seemed that something had occurred outside when he went to that patch of black soil before?


    "My lord, after we entered, we appeared in a circular hall with ten bronze rooms inside. Everyone entered a bronze room, and then the bronze rooms started to emit Origin Energy. However, I was only cultivating for a short while before a vibration interrupted my practice," Qingya reported the events inside the Source Secret Realm clearly.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but admire Qingya for being such a disciplined child, giving such a detailed report, which also enlightened him on the events that had transpired.


    Soon, the others also nodded their heads, one by one indicating that they had experienced the same situation. Ye Feng, of course, was no exception and followed by nodding his head to indicate the same occurrence.


    However, at this time, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but look over at Ye Feng. They communicated privately, "I have a feeling this disturbance must be related to Ye Feng again."


    Xiao Rulong''s gaze was slightly unusual as he replied to Chi Jark, "I have the same feeling. Ye Feng definitely isn''t telling the whole truth."


    Ever since the incident at the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, both of them easily associated such occurrences with Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng also felt their gazes occasionally resting on him, and he immediately understood that these two guys must have figured something out.


    Ye Feng found it somewhat amusing and quickly communicated to them, "This time it really has nothing to do with me. I stayed in the bronze room for three days, and the Origin Energy didn''t do much for me. Those three days were truly dull."


    Ye Feng certainly didn''t plan to tell the two about his venture into the space below the bronze room; matters concerning the Weak Water Spirit Pearl and the Yin-Yang Divine Source were his secrets.


    Although they heard what Ye Feng said, both replied almost simultaneously, "Do you think we believe you?"


    But with Ye Feng''s words, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong understood.


    Even if this matter was truly related to Ye Feng, he likely didn''t plan to tell them, probably considering it his own secret. They felt it needless to probe further.


    After a series of questions, Ye Feng and the others also learned about the previous boiling of Weak Water Lake.


    Ye Feng immediately understood that this must be related to his refining of the Weak Water Spirit Pearl since the pearl was connected to Weak Water. The changes in the entire Weak Water Lake following its refinement weren''t that strange.


    Of course, Ye Feng wasn''t foolish enough to say it out loud.


    Unable to obtain any conclusive information, the various powers were ready to leave. But at this moment, Lake Central Island suddenly shook once again, this time the tremor was more forceful than any before!


    The entire Lake Central Island seemed to be shaking violently, and the surrounding Weak Water Lake also began boiling once again.


    The First Hall Master, seeing this change, immediately had his expression shift and took flight while simultaneously informing everyone, "Lake Central Island is collapsing, everyone leave the island now!"


    At the First Hall Master''s shout, he pulled some of the bewildered people back to reality, and everyone quickly took to the sky, each flying up into the air.


    The departure was timely; no one was left on Lake Central Island as everyone had already floated above it.


    Immediately after, the entire Lake Central Island began to crumble and then started to sink. The boiling Weak Water Lake began to engulf the whole island, and soon it swallowed Lake Central Island whole. In the blink of an eye, it had disappeared from everyone''s sight.


    "It must be because the Source Secret Realm has collapsed, and so Lake Central Island was consumed by the Weak Water," the First Hall Master speculated. Everyone nodded in agreement, finding the First Hall Master''s theory plausible.


    Many looked down at Weak Water Lake with curiosity in their eyes. However, they clearly understood that the secrets within Weak Water Lake were such that even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm dared not explore lightly. Over the years, all the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm who had gone in to investigate had vanished without a trace.


    They, of course, dared not venture to explore it readily.

 Chapter 655 650 Reunion at the Outer Battlefield

    The Four Great Powers each departed from Weak Water Lake, but as they left, Ye Feng distinctly felt three extremely hostile gazes. They were coming from the eyes of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Three Great Powers.


    However, Ye Feng didn''t take it to heart. He knew that his performance in Duel City had already caught the attention of the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers from the Three Great Powers.


    Still, he didn''t care. After returning this time, he would go directly to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for secluded cultivation. With the Yin-Yang Divine Source, his cultivation speed would soon enter another period of rapid increase.


    As the people from the Three Great Powers left, the First Hall Master glanced at Ye Feng and transmitted to him, "You''d better stay within the Xuanyuan Hall territory in the near future. The Three Great Powers have probably set their sights on you and might even send Yin-Yang Realm assassins to ambush and kill you."


    Ye Feng shuddered at the First Hall Master''s transmission. Would they really dispatch a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to kill him?


    "But isn''t it an unwritten rule of the Outer Battlefield that Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm can''t interfere in disputes below their level?" Ye Feng furrowed his brows and transmitted in return.


    Although he wasn''t afraid of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, the possibility that the Three Great Powers might send one to kill him was still surprising.


    "What are unwritten rules, if you don''t understand?" the First Hall Master transmitted directly. He didn''t say anything further, as the reminder to Ye Feng was sufficient, unless Ye Feng was really foolish.


    "Understood, thank you for the reminder, First Hall Master."


    Ye Feng responded at that moment. Indeed, these so-called unwritten rules were just that¡ªunwritten. If a real threat emerged, other forces wouldn''t hesitate to discard these unwritten rules to eliminate the potential threat.


    Nevertheless, he was still not overly worried. If a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm really came, then so be it.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s thoughts drifted more towards the First Hall Master. Why was the First Hall Master being so kind as to warn him? Who was he, really?


    Ye Feng was genuinely perplexed. This wasn''t the first time. When he had first come to the Outer Battlefield and visited Xuanyuan Hall, during the battle with the Third Hall Master, the First Hall Master had also spoken up for him.


    After coming out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm previously, it was the First Hall Master who had appeared and stopped Hong Wuji, the Fourth Hall Master. If no one had intervened then, even if Ye Feng had fought with all his might, he would probably have been seriously injured.


    Now, he warned him again with a transmission. Ye Feng even speculated whether the Golden Dragon Shield was also deliberately arranged by the First Hall Master!


    Ye Feng pondered deeply, trying to find flaws in the First Hall Master and to ascertain his true identity, but the mist on that face remained impenetrable.


    Who, really, was he?


    Ye Feng thought it over, his curiosity unsated. He wanted to know the First Hall Master''s true identity.


    But considering the First Hall Master had never revealed his true face all these years, the chances of discerning his identity through his appearance were slim.


    Ye Feng didn''t dwell on it any longer. This time, he took Long Nannan, Sausage Sister, Chi Jark, and Xiao Rulong with him and followed the people from Xuanyuan Hall back to Xuanyuan Hall, while Mu Tian slipped away on his own halfway through the journey, as expected. The First Hall Master seemed to give Mu Tian''s departing figure an extra glance.


    Ye Feng noticed all these actions but didn''t take them to heart.


    In less than two days, everyone had returned to the Earth Boundary of Xuanyuan Hall and then dispersed, each going their separate ways.


    The reason for following the First Hall Master so closely on the way was for safety, as there had indeed been powers who might ambush them en route; such incidents had happened before.


    During these two days, Ye Feng had received messages from Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian through the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet.


    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had arrived in the Outer Battlefield!


    Having reached the Earth Boundary of Xuanyuan Hall, Ye Feng quickly led Long Nannan and the four others towards the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, remaining vigilant along the way and continuously checking for any pursuit.


    The matter of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was significant, and Ye Feng had to be cautious.


    Fortunately, there was no one following them on the journey.


    After all, Ye Feng''s strength was clear for all to see. Even if the Hong Family or any of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts wanted to cause trouble, they had measured their own strength and found none of their prodigies a match for Ye Feng.


    With Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong¡ªboth prodigies from the genius list¡ªby his side, and with Long Nannan''s notable combat power, the great families were all acting sensibly, not daring to trouble Ye Feng and his companions, let alone follow them.


    Another half day passed, and Ye Feng had arrived at the valley of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Where are they, Little Martial Uncle? Didn''t you say Sister Qingyan has already come to the Outer Battlefield?" Long Nannan asked excitedly, while Sausage Sister also looked pleased. They had both learned from Ye Feng that Hong Qingyan had awakened and, along with Yu Feiyu, arrived in the Outer Battlefield.


    The relationship among the girls was good, and naturally, they were very eager to see each other.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were also curious, having heard within the Outer Battlefield that Hong Qingyan was Ye Feng''s wife, and Yu Feiyu, his beloved companion. They were looking forward to seeing what kind of women were with Ye Feng.


    A smile was on Ye Feng''s face too, as he was clearly happy that Hong Qingyan had recovered sooner than he had expected.


    "I''ll send them a message right now," Ye Feng said, but just as his words fell, a voice had already sounded.


    "Big Brother Ye!"


    Upon hearing this voice, everyone immediately turned their heads. On the side of the crowd, two stunning figures were already flying towards them, followed by two men.


    The two women in front were none other than Hong Qingyan in a green dress and Yu Feiyu in a white one!


    The two men following behind were naturally Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian!


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong turned their gaze to Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, and just with that one glance, their eyes were fixed and couldn''t look away.


    "These... two incomparable beauties..."


    Chi Jark couldn''t help but say.


    Xiao Rulong''s composure was still acceptable. Knowing that these were Ye Feng''s wife and close friend, he started waving his folding fan: "Worthy of being women by Ye Feng''s side."


    Chi Jark also couldn''t help but give a thumbs up; purely in terms of beauty, Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu could definitely bring disaster to a nation.


    Their remarks were not conveyed softly.


    Ye Feng, who was nearby, naturally heard them and said with a smile, "Say a few more words and see if you can still stand here."


    The smiling Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong instantly stiffened, sensing a hint of coldness in Ye Feng''s words, and they all shut their mouths.


    Without saying anything further, Ye Feng''s figure had already swept over, coming directly in front of Hong Qingyan, his eyes full of tender affection, as well as regret: "Qingyan, I''m sorry, it was all my fault before..."


    Ye Feng''s voice was low and full of self-reproach.


    Previously, Hong Qingyan had forcefully used the Wings of Light for his sake, then suffered serious injuries and fell into a coma until she had now awoken - an event for which he had always felt guilty.


    Hong Qingyan was also gazing at the man she had longed for, with tears flickering in her eyes. She extended her hands, caressing Ye Feng''s face, and amidst tears and laughter, said, "What are you apologizing for? Shouldn''t you be happy? Look at me, I''ve even advanced in rank ¨C I''m now a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, you know?"


    Hong Qingyan quickly evaporated the tears in her eyes and revealed a stunning smile as she spoke, also releasing the aura of the Golden Core Realm from her body.


    Ye Feng, feeling the new aura of the Golden Core Realm emanating from Hong Qingyan, was taken aback for a moment, filled with surprise in his heart. He hadn''t expected Hong Qingyan, who had been in a comatose state, to have advanced in rank upon awakening!


    However, he was aware that Hong Qingyan was comforting him, trying to shift his focus.


    Ye Feng smiled, not speaking, but simply held Hong Qingyan in his arms, where all was understood without words.


    Everyone present was watching the embracing couple. Chi Jark, from a distance, even said with a hint of sourness: "The air feels kind of awkward now..."


    Xiao Rulong and the others beside him rolled their eyes at that moment.


    No one spoke at this time, but nobody noticed that Yu Feiyu, who had looked happy at first, now had a fleeting shadow of desolation flitting through her eyes as she watched the two of them.


    The couple embraced only briefly before parting.


    After releasing his hands from Hong Qingyan, Ye Feng moved toward Yu Feiyu.


    Yu Feiyu was taken aback for a moment, and before she could react, Ye Feng had already opened his arms and hugged her.


    At that moment, Yu Feiyu''s mind went blank; feeling up close the scent of Ye Feng''s body, she was momentarily at a loss for words.


    Soon, she heard Ye Feng''s gentle voice near her ear: "Feiyu, you''ve worked hard these past days, thank you for taking care of Qingyan for so long."


    Yu Feiyu''s body trembled, and her eyes reddened instantly.


    Hong Qingyan, seeing this scene, also revealed a smile. She bore no trace of anger, for she had always known about Yu Feiyu''s feelings for Ye Feng.


    She had let go of such matters long ago and was grateful for Yu Feiyu''s care over the past month.


    To have such a woman by her side, Hong Qingyan didn''t mind sharing a place in Ye Feng''s heart.


    This scene was incredibly warm, but at the distant Great Wall of Heaven...


    The Gate of Whirlpool, which had appeared calm before, suddenly erupted with a surge of energy.


    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe atop the Great Wall of Heaven opened his eyes abruptly, looking forward.


    At that moment, a tiny crack appeared on the Gate of Whirlpool!


    At first, the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe just furrowed his brows, as such fractures had been appearing recently, with someone always trying to peek through to the other side.


    But the next moment, the tiny crack suddenly expanded several times over, turning into a fist-sized hole that continued to grow.


    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe could no longer remain calm, his eyes emitting a destructive light as he bellowed, "How dare you!"

 Chapter 656 651: The Change of the Great Wall, Alien Race Army

    On the side of the Great Wall of Heaven, the hole above the Gate of Whirlpool had already grown to the size of a fist.


    The divine light bursting from the eyes of the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe shot directly towards the opening above the Gate of Whirlpool, carrying an extremely terrifying power.


    However, as the divine light rushed into the opening of the Gate of Whirlpool, a thunderous cold snort exploded, "Scram!"


    This voice was accompanied by a shockwave that directly scattered the divine light emitted by the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe.


    Upon hearing this voice, the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe''s expression changed drastically, for he had sensed the breath of the owner of the voice from afar, and it was exceptionally strong.


    "Alien Race invading, People of the Northwest, defend the Great Wall!"


    Suddenly, the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe bellowed, his voice piercing through space and spreading in all directions.


    Following that, atop the Great Wall of Heaven, numerous voices flew from afar. All of them bore extremely powerful breaths, with the leading figure being an old man with a red nose, whose speed was at its extreme at this moment, with dozens of powerful warriors trailing him.


    If someone from the Outer Battlefield saw this scene, they would undoubtedly be shocked to the point of stupidity, even to death on the spot.


    The group approaching the Great Wall of Heaven exploded with powerful auras; there were over twenty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm and more than fifty top-level warriors of the Golden Core Realm. This was a force that could make the legs of all powers in the entire Outer Battlefield tremble.


    All these strong warriors wore simple cloth clothes, with no fancy silks on them. Each looked like a rustic village man or farm woman, but the aura they emitted at this moment could make everyone shudder in fear.


    This was the power stationed in the Northwest Little Mountain Village at the Great Wall of Heaven!


    Quickly, these dozens of figures arrived at the Great Wall of Heaven, and everyone immediately turned to the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, as the old man with the red nose asked directly, "Old Long, what''s going on, what happened?"


    All faces were filled with bewilderment.


    Instead of speaking, Old Long simply pointed towards the direction of the Gate of Whirlpool.


    Following the direction pointed by Old Long, everyone saw the opening on the Gate of Whirlpool, which was gradually widening. At this point, it was almost the size of a humanoid figure, and the scenery behind it was completely revealed.


    Behind the opening of the Gate of Whirlpool, one could see countless heads clustered tightly together, all bearing sharp horns and skin of various colors: red, yellow, blue, purple, green, they had it all, and these horned heads all possessed humanoid bodies. A glance revealed no end in sight.


    "Is this... the Alien Race''s army!?"


    Someone on the Great Wall of Heaven changed color and said in a tremor of shock.


    The expressions of others also sank at that moment, knowing that behind that opening was the Alien Race''s army. The dense heads they were seeing were the soldiers of the Alien Race''s army, with the weakest among them carrying the aura of the Martial King Level, including the presence of warriors at the Foundation Establishment Realm, numbering over a thousand as far as the eye could see.


    "What do these Alien Races want to do by forcibly opening the Gate of Whirlpool now? Could it be they want to provoke a war at this time?"


    The old man with the red nose squinted and spoke; he sensed not only the presence of Martial Kings and warriors of the Foundation Establishment Realm but also felt the breath of warriors of the Golden Core Realm and the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. This led him to judge that these Alien Races intended to spark a real war now, otherwise, why would they suddenly move so many strong beings to the front of the Gate of Whirlpool?


    Old Long kept his gaze fixed on the ever-expanding opening of the Gate of Whirlpool, and as the opening enlarged, he could finally see the number of troops in the Alien Race''s army behind it.


    "This number..."


    Old Long''s complexion had completely darkened, and the rest, seeing the dark mass of the Alien Race''s army behind the opening, also shifted color continuously.


    The number of the Alien Race''s army was indeed vast; at a glance, there were already as many as tens of thousands!


    Moreover, almost everyone present could sense the breath of the Alien Race''s army and their Realm.


    "Nearly fifty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, two hundred of the Golden Core Realm, and almost two thousand of the Foundation Establishment, with the rest of the ordinary soldiers at least having the aura of Martial King Level..."


    The old man with the red nose enunciated each word, his tone heavy with an unprecedented seriousness. The number of strong warriors that the Alien Race''s army had shown up with now was an extremely terrifying figure.


    Just what did fifty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm represent!?


    The entire Outer Battlefield''s Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm altogether might barely reach fifty, and that would only be possible by counting all powers combined. Now, the enemy had almost fifty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm in just one of their armies.


    "If there were only these people, we might stand a chance, but if these are just part of the Alien Race''s forces..."


    Old Long spoke with a grave tone, causing the faces of everyone around to change.


    "Perhaps the Alien Race doesn''t dare to pass through the Gate of Whirlpool. The Great Wall of Heaven still stands; they can''t breach the Great Wall of Heaven. Even if they come out of the Gate of Whirlpool now, it would be of no use."


    "Perhaps they just want to exert pressure on us, show us their strength in advance,"


    a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm forced himself to calm down and hypothesized.


    "Would they really show their strength so far in advance?"


    Someone immediately retorted, causing the man''s face to stiffen slightly.


    Everyone present fell silent instantaneously. War was inevitable, but given the state of the Great Wall of Heaven now, it could still hold for another two years or more. The Great Powers of the Alien Race were also aware of this, so there had only been numerous probes before, but never an appearance of such a large-scale army.


    And this time, they even opened the Gate of Whirlpool to such an extent.


    It wasn''t difficult for the Alien Race to open the Gate of Whirlpool on their side, but generally, as soon as they opened it, they would be expelled. Moreover, the Great Wall of Heaven had not yet completely fallen, so even if they came over, they couldn''t breach the Great Wall of Heaven. Thus, under normal circumstances, as soon as they opened a few portals, Old Long and the others could make the Alien Race retreat just by scolding them.


    But this time, not only did they not retreat, they almost completely opened the Gate of Whirlpool and gathered a large army.


    "Enter the Human Realm!"


    Behind the Gate of Whirlpool, a top-level strong being with fiery red skin and sharp horns on his head bellowed. Following that, he exploded with an astonishing aura, leading nearly fifty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to rush out of the Gate of Whirlpool first. As these individuals passed through the Gate of Whirlpool, the space around the Great Wall of Heaven trembled instantaneously.


    As these Alien Race powerhouses traversed the Gate of Whirlpool, the entire Gate itself also vibrated continuously, becoming more and more intense as two hundred Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm entered behind them.


    The top Alien Race powerhouses of the Yin-Yang Realm, who crossed the Gate of Whirlpool first, each released energy to stabilize the trembling Gate. They were well aware that if they didn''t do this, the Gate of Whirlpool could possibly face collapse, and that would be troublesome.


    After all the Golden Core Realm aliens had crossed over, the nearly ten thousand strong Alien Race army swarmed towards the Gate of Whirlpool like ants. Soon, a huge military formation appeared before the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Those atop the Great Wall of Heaven couldn''t sit still any longer and all turned their eyes to Old Long.


    "Old Long, what should we do now?"


    Someone asked in a deep voice.


    Everyone''s expressions were grave; they had not anticipated the Alien Race army would break through the Gate of Whirlpool and enter this space so soon.


    Old Long squinted at the Alien Race army ahead, whispering, "Don''t rush, as long as the Great Wall of Heaven stands, no matter how many they are, there''s no use. As long as the Great Wall of Heaven does not collapse, there won''t be too much trouble."


    "Let''s see what kind of game these guys are playing."


    As he spoke, Old Long''s body already floated into the air.


    Everyone couldn''t help but look at the Great Wall of Heaven beneath their feet. The Dharma Seals on the wall were still flashing, but they had clearly become sparse, and the energy on them was no longer enough to last much longer. The depletion of the formations'' energy was irreversible, leaving everyone no choice but to watch it dissipate bit by bit.


    It wasn''t that the Great Powers of Yin and Yang present lacked strength, but rather that the Formation of the Great Wall of Heaven had been lost over the years. They had been reinforcing the Formation repeatedly to hold out until now; otherwise, the Great Wall of Heaven would have collapsed long ago.


    But more than two thousand years had passed, and despite everyone''s best efforts to maintain it, only two or three years'' worth of time remained.


    Looking at the Alien Race army in front of them, everyone''s gaze was extremely vigilant. Even with the Great Wall of Heaven, they did not dare to show the slightest negligence. The sudden entry of the Alien Race army was definitely premediated.


    By now, Old Long was already above the Great Wall of Heaven, and the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe was by his side.


    Old Long glared at the red-skinned, horned Alien in front of him and said solemnly, "Demon Horn Tribe''s great chieftain, what is the meaning of entering our Human Realm at this time?"


    The Demon Horn Tribe was indeed the name of the Alien Race, and both Old Long and the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe had encountered these red-skinned, horned Aliens before; this individual was the great chieftain of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    "The Human Realm has always been the backyard of our tribe, why shouldn''t we enter at will?"


    The great chieftain of the Demon Horn Tribe looked sinister, his red pupils flashing a hint of crimson, and he cackled with a jeer.


    Hearing this, Old Long sneered repeatedly, "The Human Realm has never been the backyard of any race. Your Demon Horn Tribe needn''t exaggerate your importance."


    Everyone on the Great Wall of Heaven also wore cold expressions. The words of the Demon Horn Tribe alluded to a much more ancient history, one that was a truly dark chapter in the history of the Human Race.


    The great chieftain of the Demon Horn Tribe laughed heartily upon hearing this, eyes full of contempt as he mocked, "Admit it, lowly Human Race, once slaves, always slaves. We have found a way to break the Great Wall of Heaven. Prepare to wash your necks and welcome your noble masters."


    Upon these words, the faces of all those on the Great Wall of Heaven changed. The Demon Horn Tribe had found a way to break through?

 Chapter 657 652 The Method of Cracking

    Old Long and the others sank in their gaze, their faces all looking pretty grim at this moment.


    "If you could have breached the Great Wall of Heaven, you would have done so already. Now uttering these words, whom are you trying to intimidate?"


    Old Long said solemnly, clearly not very convinced by the Demon Horn Tribe Leader''s claim.


    The crowd, upon hearing Old Long''s response, also relaxed a bit. Old Long was right¡ªhad the Demon Horn Tribe truly mastered a way to breach the Great Wall of Heaven, they would have attacked already instead of delaying until now.


    The Demon Horn Tribe Leader, upon hearing this reaction, smiled arrogantly, his eyes filled with contempt: "Is that so? We indeed had no way to unlock it, but after centuries of study by our Array Masters, we now have derived a solution. This so-called ''Great Wall of Heaven'' of yours, as long as we use the Heart Blood of your Human Race as a guide and then form an array, we can dissolve your pathetic Great Wall of Heaven ahead of time!"


    The Demon Horn Tribe Leader coldly chuckled as he explained how to break the Great Wall of Heaven, his eyes carrying a chilly indifference.


    The faces of everyone on the Great Wall of Heaven changed again, including the red-nosed old man who had retained his composure until then. He looked towards Old Long and asked in a deep voice, "Is what this guy saying true?"


    The tone of the Demon Horn Tribe Leader didn''t seem like he was lying. However, when it came to the Great Wall of Heaven, only Old Long knew the details, even among those from the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    Old Long furrowed his brows and nodded lightly: "It could be true. The Great Wall of Heaven is closely linked to our Human Race. If some Forbidden Law is involved, it is indeed possible that they could dissolve the current Formation of the Great Wall of Heaven in advance."


    "But even so, the conditions are quite stringent..."


    Old Long did not finish his sentence before the Demon Horn Tribe Leader sneered again: "Indeed, the conditions are harsh. It must be the Heart Blood of Yin-Yang Realm experts from your Human Race, and furthermore, it requires three. Tsk, tsk, three Yin-Yang Realm Human Race experts ¡ª the terms are truly harsh."


    The Demon Horn Tribe Leader shook his head continuously, even heaving a sigh.


    But Old Long''s expression became extremely somber; he felt something was off about the words of the Demon Horn Tribe Leader¡ªthere was a hidden meaning in his words!


    Just as the Demon Horn Tribe Leader finished speaking, suddenly, within the ranks of the Alien Race Army, three individuals were forced out. These three appeared human, with tattered clothing and covered in dense scars. However, no blood flowed because it was all drained, and at this moment, these three from the Human Race were so emaciated that they were nothing but skin and bones, their breaths exceedingly faint.


    Seeing these three, the pupils of everyone on the Great Wall of Heaven constricted, and their faces went pale.


    "Song Cheng!"


    "Big Foot!"


    "Brother Li!"


    The warriors from the Northwest Little Mountain Village on the Great Wall of Heaven all had their eyes turn red, staring fixedly at the three humans being pressed forward by the Alien Race Army. They knew these three!


    Moreover, they were all strong warriors from their own Northwest Little Mountain Village!


    Old Long and the red-nosed old man''s gaze also intensified, with veins of blood creeping into their eyes.


    Perhaps hearing the calls from the crowd, the three oppressed human warriors all lifted their heads slightly, but even this small action seemed to take an enormous effort.


    The three raised their heads to reveal faces that were gaunt to the bone, eye sockets deeply sunken, and all six eyes murky, seemingly devoid of Essence, Qi, and Spirit.


    However, upon seeing the people on the Great Wall of Heaven, a glint of brightness passed through their eyes, their lips moving weakly. They were too weak to speak, completely incapable of even opening their mouths to talk.


    But from the look within their eyes and the movement of their lips, it was discernible that they were apologizing.


    "Pathetic Human Race, truly pitiful, daring to sneak into our Demon Horn Tribe''s territory, utterly heedless of life or death. But well, your infiltration allowed us to gain an extra two years ahead of time to open our Demon Horn Tribe''s backyard garden," said the Demon Horn Tribe Leader, laughing uproariously with a brazen, extravagant demeanor.


    Seeing the state of these three, the people on the Great Wall of Heaven ground their teeth in anger, their eyes red with rage.


    Old Long''s hand, holding his smoking pipe, trembled slightly, and his aura burst forth to its utmost. These three were Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm who had been dispatched a hundred years ago to infiltrate the Demon Horn Tribe''s territory for reconnaissance. The Soul Qi of the trio had already been very weak, to the point of nearly being extinguished. At that time, he had believed that the three had already perished.


    A hundred years ago, they had already sensed that the Great Wall of Heaven was on the verge of collapse. To prepare for the impending great war, Old Long had selected three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to investigate the enemy''s strength within the Demon Horn Tribe''s territory.


    For over two thousand years, the Northwest Little Mountain Village had indeed been sending Experts of the Golden Core Realm on missions into Demon Horn Tribe territory. In reality, near the Gate of Whirlpool, there was a Wormhole that allowed passage into Demon Horn lands.


    The territorial divisions within the Demon Horn Tribe are very traditional; those with greater strength occupy central positions in the world of the Demon Horn Tribe. Meanwhile, the locations accessible through wormholes are on the fringes of the Demon Horn territory. Considering the vast expanse of the Demon Horn world, it still allows for the infiltration of strong members of the Human Race.


    Some people are able to slay the experts of the Demon Horn Tribe, completing their hunting tasks and returning to the Human Realm. Others return wounded, and some lay dead on Demon Horn territory. Previously, sending three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm was thought to at least ensure their safe return if they couldn''t secure important intelligence. These were merely suggestions, of course, but indeed, three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were willing to infiltrate. Only after their persistent requests did we reluctantly agree to let them enter.


    However, shortly after the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were dispatched, they were suspected to have died in battle. A hundred years later, no trace of them had been found, and we were forced to presume that they had perished on the Demon Horn tribe''s territory. Since then, no more Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm have been sent into the world of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    Unexpectedly, the three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm who had been sent out before did not die. Instead, they were captured by the people of the Demon Horn Tribe and were clearly tortured for nearly a hundred years.


    "Not good, the Demon Horn Tribe must be planning to use the heart blood of these three to activate the Dharma Seal of the Great Wall of Heaven!"


    The elder with the red nose also turned pale. These three were people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, villager and even those he had watched grow up since they were little. Seeing them in such a state now grieved him deeply.


    "We never should have agreed to let them enter Demon Horn territory in the first place, damn it!"


    The elder with the red nose was filled with regret. He had also agreed to let the three enter Demon Horn territory a hundred years ago, not expecting such a dismal outcome.


    "Old Long, what should we do now? Should we send someone to rescue Brother Li and the others?"


    A powerful being asked with reddened eyes. This was also a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, from the same era as the three Great Powers before him. Seeing his former comrades reduced to such a state, his heart was filled with intense rage.


    Old Long didn''t speak, and the other powerful beings were also silent. They all wanted to rescue them, but with over ten thousand of the Alien Race''s army right outside the Great Wall of Heaven, with fifty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm alone, the number of Yin-Yang Realm warriors could completely match the total number of powerful beings currently on the Great Wall of Heaven.


    After the powerful being spoke, he instantly realized the situation. Rescuing the three from the clutches of the tens of thousands of the Demon Horn Tribe Army was nothing short of wishful thinking, yet his face was still contorted with frustration and anger.


    "Be angry, watching your own people sacrificed for a formation must feel truly wonderful, doesn''t it?"


    The chief of the Demon Horn Tribe cackled madly again, which only infuriated those on the Great Wall of Heaven even more.


    The other powerful members of the Demon Horn Tribe were also wearing faces filled with amusement at this moment, seemingly enjoying the anger of those atop the Great Wall of Heaven immensely.


    ...


    Back at the Great Wall of Heaven, Ye Feng was still completely unaware of the situation.


    At this moment, he had finished catching up with Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, and after ensuring the surrounding area was secure, everyone entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm together.


    Fortunately, not only had Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu arrived at the Outer Battlefield, but Shadow and Leng Wuming, who had stayed on Earth to select warriors, had also brought two teams of strong warriors to the Outer Battlefield.


    In the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, everyone had gathered within the realm.


    Having never entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Hong Qingyan, Yu Feiyu, and others from the Northern Border Army who had come from Earth were all amazed, shocked by the power of the Spirit Essence that was so dense it was almost tangible within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Hong Qingyan took a deep breath of the Spirit Essence power and her eyes brightened, "The Spirit Essence power here is incredibly dense; cultivating here will certainly yield twice the results in half the time!"


    Yu Feiyu also expressed joy, "Right, I feel like I''m about to break through to the realm of a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm already, my bottleneck is showing signs of loosening."


    Yu Feiyu couldn''t wait to sit down and break through. She had already been mere inches from the grandeur of the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and suddenly being in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with such rich Spirit Essence, she immediately felt the urge to break through.


    Seeing Yu Feiyu speak like this, Ye Feng''s gaze flickered. He immediately spoke up, "You''re about to break through, Feiyu? Wait a moment, I will take you to a place where you can cultivate and break through. As a result, you will be able to stabilize your realm at the same time as you break through."


    Ye Feng was also delighted; it turned out that Yu Feiyu''s talent was so remarkable. She had only abandoned martial arts for daoism for such a short time, yet she had already cultivated to the Half-Step Golden Core Realm in the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Even if Old Man Huang Niu personally taught her, cultivation has always been a matter where the master can only show the way¡ªit is up to the individual to forge their own path.


    Yu Feiyu''s inherent talent was strong enough to sustain her rapid progress.


    "Qingyan, I''ll send you along as well. You should stabilize your realm while inside,"


    Ye Feng looked at Hong Qingyan and continued.


    He knew that Hong Qingyan''s realm as a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm was not yet stable, and he was aware of her sudden breakthrough due to her Bloodline Power in the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Now, she also needed to stabilize her realm.

 Chapter 658 653: All Abandon Martial Arts for Daoism

    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu naturally had absolute trust in Ye Feng, and both women nodded their heads at this moment, also very curious about where Ye Feng would send them.


    Ye Feng communicated directly through the Token with Elder Bai, asking him to teleport Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu into the Spirit Essence Pool.


    In front of everyone, a beam of white light suddenly appeared under the feet of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, shooting up into the sky and instantly forming a column of light that engulfed the figures of the two women, and in the next instant, Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had vanished from everyone''s sight.


    Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, and Xiao Chuanqi were all well aware that Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had in fact been sent into the Spirit Essence Pool.


    But for the members of the Northern Border Army and others who had just been brought from Xuanyuan Nation on Earth to the Outer Battlefield, this was an incredibly shocking sight.


    How did they just disappear into thin air?


    Ye Feng saw the expressions of the crowd and let out a slight smile, saying, "In this world, I am akin to its master, there is no danger here, and I can also teleport you to any corner of this world, so there''s no need to be surprised by anything that happens here."


    Upon hearing these words, the members of the Northern Border Army''s eyes showed even more admiration¡ªthey were looking at their king, the true emperor of their hearts!


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong saw the admiring looks in the eyes of these Northern Border Army soldiers and both were somewhat speechless.


    "Ye Feng really knows how to command presence with all this fanfare, but this admiration the Northern Border Army holds for Ye Feng is no boast," Chi Jark said directly to Xiao Rulong through a spirit transmission.


    Xiao Rulong smiled and responded with a transmission as well, "Don''t underestimate these soldiers of the Northern Border Army. I heard that these are the elite troops that Ye Feng once led on Earth. The aura of slaughter on these men is not something ordinary cultivators can match. Although their realm is not high, the aura they carry is very powerful. If these men really become grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, then that would indeed be a terrifying force."


    Xiao Rulong spoke seriously and earnestly; ever since meeting these members of the Northern Border Army, he had been observing them. After all, he had chosen to stand by Ye Feng, and naturally, he wanted to thoroughly understand the forces under Ye Feng''s command. What he had seen so far of these warriors brought from Earth by Shadow and Leng Wuming satisfied him.


    Hearing Xiao Rulong''s remarks, Chi Jark couldn''t help but observe the aura of the Northern Border Army. On these hundred soldiers, he felt a strong sense of murderous intent, a kind of battlefield aura, as if they were born for battle, each one a true warrior!


    Thinking of Xiao Rulong''s words, Chi Jark also couldn''t help but secretly transmit, "What you said is correct. If these men of the Northern Border Army become grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and still obey Ye Feng''s commands, then they will surely form a strong force in the Outer Battlefield, and even in the upcoming turmoil, they may well become an important power."


    While the two privately discussed, Ye Feng had also been observing these soldiers from Earth, roughly gauging their strength. Many were soldiers he had previously led in battle, all familiar faces, their aura either in the Martial King Realm or the Divine Path Realm.


    However, only a few were in the Divine Path Realm; most were actually still in the Martial King Realm. But in terms of age, these members of the Northern Border Army were relatively young, which was also something specially instructed by Ye Feng.


    Youth meant potential, and with time running out, there was a need to cultivate more strong warriors faster to create an army fit to face the upcoming chaos within two years¡ªa no easy task. Therefore, it was essential to find the most talented young warriors.


    "Do you know where this is?" Ye Feng stood before the ranks of the Northern Border Army and asked in a deep voice.


    "We know, the Outer Battlefield!" responded the strong men of the Northern Border Army solemnly to Ye Feng''s question.


    Ye Feng nodded and continued, "Correct, the Outer Battlefield. Here is the world of cultivators, and also the place where over two thousand years ago, the Human Race of our Earth fought against the Alien Race."


    "This place is filled with opportunities and challenges, but also with all sorts of dangers!"


    "Do you know why I brought you here?" Ye Feng asked again.


    The members of the Northern Border Army all shook their heads, then uniformly replied, "We do not know, but we are here to fight wherever our lord commands!"


    "Fight! Fight! Fight!" The men of the Northern Border Army roared in unison, the words coming sincerely from their hearts. They did not know why Ye Feng had brought them here, but they knew it must be for battle.


    Ye Feng was their king, and as long as their king needed them, they were ready to fight at any time¡ªsuch was the Northern Border Army!


    At this moment, both Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were inwardly shaken by the sight. They knew the Northern Border Army was Ye Feng''s strongest force, but they had not expected Ye Feng''s command to have such a profound effect. It was clear to them that these warriors were shouting from the heart, with soaring willpower.


    And Ye Feng, truly like an emperor overlooking the world, was inspecting his troops with overwhelming presence.


    Ye Feng listened to the responses of the crowd, his expression unchanged, "Very good, you have not disappointed me. Each of you chosen for the Outer Battlefield is going to be my left and right arm in the battles to come."


    "What I want to tell you is that next, you may have to face even stronger enemies, and what you''re about to see is the true chaos of war."


    "Outside the Outer Battlefield, there''s a Great Wall of Heaven. That very wall has kept the Alien Race, who invaded our Earth and wanted to slaughter our people over two thousand years ago, at bay. It was our ancestors, the Ancient Daoist Cultivators from over two thousand years ago, who exhausted all their efforts to construct that wall."


    "It''s precisely because of this wall''s existence, and a special group of people who have been defending the Great Wall of Heaven, that we have our lives today. Without them, we might currently be enslaved by the Alien Race, living every day in dire misery."


    "But over two thousand years have passed, the Great Wall of Heaven is nearly in ruins. Now we have less than three years left before the Alien Race invades again, and by then, it will be true chaos."


    "I, Ye Feng, have no grand intentions of protecting Earth. I only wish to protect my family, my friends, and defend Xuanyuan Nation."


    "None of you want to see our families and our homeland invaded by the Alien Race, right?"


    Ye Feng''s voice resounded like a large bell, reaching into the ears of each member of the hundred-strong Northern Border Army.


    When the Northern Border Army first heard Ye Feng speak of the Great Wall of Heaven, their faces were filled with shock, but by the end of his speech, everyone''s expression had become utterly solemn.


    "Yes!!!"


    "Defend our homes and our nation!!!"


    The hundred men of the Northern Border Army roared in unison, a powerful will to fight filling the air.


    Taking advantage of the momentum, Ye Feng said solemnly, "So next, I want you all to abandon Martial Arts for Daoism to become true Daoist Cultivators, to follow the true Golden Core Great Dao. Only by doing so can your strength progress faster and become stronger, better preparing you for the upcoming battles!"


    "If there are any unwilling, you may apply to leave now. Of course, leaving also means departure; I will arrange for someone to send you back to Earth."


    Ye Feng spoke loudly, giving the soldiers of the Northern Border Army the opportunity to choose for themselves. Not everyone might decide to stay, as choosing to abandon Martial Arts and to re-cultivate on the Outer Battlefield meant facing stronger enemies and preparing for a massive war in the future.


    Although he had never fought against the Alien Race or experienced such a racial war before, he understood that such battles would only be more dangerous and more brutal than any fought on Earth.


    Of course, choosing to stay was also an opportunity; only those who remained could truly embark on the Golden Core Great Dao.


    As the members of the Northern Border Army heard they could cultivate the Golden Core Great Dao, their eyes lit up, their gazes filled with a blazing will to fight.


    Time passed, and not a single member of the Northern Border Army stepped forward, none proposed leaving.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng revealed a smile that surpassed his expectations. He had thought a few might choose to leave, as this was no child''s play. Not only would they have to discard years of martial practice, but they would also have to fight in the future chaos. It wouldn''t have been surprising if some opted out.


    But now, no one wished to leave, which greatly comforted Ye Feng.


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were even more surprised. They had also anticipated some would choose to leave, but now not a single person did; instead, everyone was filled with a sky-high fighting spirit, their faces showing absolute determination.


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian also smiled. They were also members of the Northern Border Army, and seeing this scene, they naturally felt glad.


    "My Lord, there is no need to test our brothers. After having battled together for so long, would anyone here be the type to flee at the sight of battle?"


    Xiao Chuanqi stood out and said with a smile at this point.


    Ye Feng smiled too, a smile full of reassurance. This was his trump card, the Northern Border Army that struck fear into the heart of the entire Xuanyuan Nation.


    Looking at the unwavering eyes of the men of the Northern Border Army, he said nothing more. Some things had been said enough.


    Next, Ye Feng directly imparted to them the Cultivation Technique, then led them to a previous Martial Arts Training Plaza, ordering the Northern Border Army to abandon their Martial Dao there.


    He had already arranged with Elder Bai that once the soldiers of the Northern Border Army had all abandoned their Martial Dao, they could all be sent to train at the Spirit Essence Pool.


    After all, consuming the Power of Spirit Essence from the Pulse Source itself, they could certainly expand the Spirit Essence Pool to allow more people to cultivate at once!


    What Ye Feng was unaware of while he was arranging all this, believing the great turmoil to still be at least two years away, was that it had already been shortened to only a few days away.

 Chapter 659 654: Above the Yin-Yang Realm

    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng had already led all the strong members of the Northern Border Army to abandon their Martial Dao cultivation, and they had all converted to practicing the Golden Core Great Dao. Afterward, he had Elder Bai transport all the strong members of the Northern Border Army to the Spirit Essence Pool, allowing them to cultivate within the pool.


    The Northern Border Army, having abandoned Martial Dao to restart their cultivation in the Spirit Essence Pool, were actually able to greatly retain the strength of their previous Martial Dao. Cultivating Dao Techniques from this point on would be much faster.


    Not all who abandoned Martial Arts for Daoism had this privilege. Generally, Martial Artists who discarded their Martial Dao cultivation didn''t know how to utilize the foundation of the abandoned Martial Dao cultivation when they started practicing Dao Techniques on their own.


    Feiyu, who had restarted cultivation in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, was also able to reach this effect because of Old Man Huang Niu''s assistance, coupled with the nourishment of various Spiritual Medicines, which enabled her to quickly step into the Foundation Establishment Realm and then begin formal cultivation.


    And the Spirit Essence Liquid in the Spirit Essence Pool also had a similar function, but the effect was even more outstanding, better than the results under the guidance of Old Man Huang Niu in the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    Of course, this was just the stability of the realm. In terms of foundation, it certainly could not reach the effect of Old Man Huang Niu''s step-by-step guidance for Feiyu.


    Above the Spirit Essence Pool, Ye Feng and Elder Bai were currently floating, looking down at the Spirit Essence Pool in the valley below.


    Ye Feng had Elder Bai open up another large Spirit Essence Pool near the original nine pools. They moved a Pulse Source underneath this large pool, which was providing an extremely pure Spirit Essence Liquid. The dense figures in the pool were the hundred members of the Northern Border Army who had abandoned Martial cultivation for Daoism.


    In another area of the Spirit Essence Pools, two pillars of light rose from two positions, within which sat two graceful figures.


    It was Hong Qingyan and Feiyu!


    Elder Bai, looking in the direction of the two women, said softly, "These two lasses are extremely talented. Even in the Ancient Times, the aptitude of these two would be among the top."


    Elder Bai couldn''t help but praise as he looked at the two women, and his eyes especially lingered on Hong Qingyan, as he let out a surprised murmur.


    "Is this... the Wings of Light!?"


    "A descendant of Hou Yi from the Hong Family?"


    Elder Bai looked at Hong Qingyan with some surprise, his eyes instantly piercing through to the Bloodline Power within her.


    Ye Feng naturally did not hide anything and nodded slightly. Looking at Hong Qingyan, his eyes were filled with tenderness as he said, "That is my wife. Indeed, she has the Hong Family''s bloodline and has awakened the Hong Family''s Wings of Light."


    Upon hearing this, Elder Bai''s gaze immediately became reverent, and he bowed to Ye Feng, "If it is the current Empress, please forgive your servant for the disrespect earlier."


    The Empress?


    Ye Feng also smiled and said, "Elder Bai, there''s no need for such formalities."


    Elder Bai addressed him as the emperor, so naturally this title was under his understanding, but it felt somewhat awkward to hear.


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan, who was cultivating cross-legged in the Spirit Essence Pool, also unfolded her Wings of Light, and her aura was steadily rising. It even seemed as if she was about to touch the level of power found within the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Feeling this power, even Ye Feng couldn''t help but show a surprised and delighted expression, "The current Qingyan, having activated the Wings of Light, has indeed become powerfully strong. The Hong Family''s Wings of Light is truly an exceptional treasure."


    Ye Feng was in a good mood, knowing that Hong Qingyan was now capable of freely using the Wings of Light. However, he hadn''t expected that after reaching the Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, deploying the Wings of Light could already touch upon the power of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "If Qingyan''s realm reaches the top level of the Golden Core Realm, wouldn''t she then be able to contend with a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?"


    Ye Feng mumbled to himself.


    He was well aware that Hong Qingyan had already consolidated her realm within the Spirit Essence Pool, and her strength was at the level of a middle-rank Golden Core Realm practitioner. If she deployed the Wings of Light at this time and could manifest the power of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, then if her realm was to rise to the level of a top-level Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, wouldn''t she be able to fight against a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    Of course, Ye Feng was only speculating; as all cultivators knew, the chasm between the Golden Core Realm and the Yin-Yang Realm was generally insurmountable.


    Half-Step Golden Core practitioners occasionally managed to battle those in the Golden Core Realm, but for a Golden Core cultivator to battle against one of the Yin-Yang Realm was almost considered a defying act against the heavens.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng suddenly remembered something and immediately turned to Elder Bai to ask, "Elder Bai, exactly how is the realm of the Yin-Yang Realm classified?"


    Ye Feng shared with Elder Bai what he had heard in Duel City about Middle Initial Rank but did not mention the Weak Water Spirit Pearl.


    It wasn''t that he mistrusted Elder Bai, but the matter of the Weak Water Spirit Pearl was also linked to that person from over two thousand years ago, and since Elder Bai also served that individual from over two thousand years ago, Ye Feng became more cautious when he felt the mysterious connection.


    Even though Elder Bai was just a remnant soul, Ye Feng couldn''t reveal too much.


    Hearing Ye Feng''s question, Elder Bai didn''t think too much and replied directly, "Replying to Your Majesty, the realm of the Yin-Yang Realm is actually classified based on the number of Yin-Yang Seals that a person has condensed."


    Yin-Yang Seal!


    Ye Feng instantly recalled the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm he had learned about from the Weak Water Spirit Pearl. Indeed, it must be related to this so-called Yin-Yang Seal!


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng immediately asked, "Elder Bai, what exactly is this Yin-Yang Seal?"


    Elder Bai naturally would not hide the truth and explained directly, "Your Majesty should know that Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm cultivate the Power of Yin and Yang, and they also possess a Yin-Yang Divine Body. The Divine Body can exist outside the physical body, and even if a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm is slain, they will not die immediately. With the Yin-Yang Divine Body, one can be resurrected."


    "And it is the Yin-Yang Seal that allows the physical body of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to be resurrected."


    Hearing Elder Bai''s explanation, Ye Feng showed a look of shock in his eyes.


    According to Elder Bai''s words, the first thing that Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm must do after advancing to the Yin-Yang Realm is to condense the Yin-Yang Seal!


    To form a Yin-Yang Seal requires tremendous Power of Yin and Yang. A strong person who has condensed the first Yin-Yang Seal is called a Great Power of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm, which is also referred to as the Primary Level by the First Hall Master in Duel City.


    When the second Yin-Yang Seal is condensed, one becomes a Great Power of the Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm, also known as a Middle Rank Yin-Yang Realm Great Power.


    Three Seals refers to a Great Power of the Three Seal Yin-Yang Realm, which is also a High-Level Yin-Yang Realm Great Expert.


    Only with the condensation of a Yin-Yang Seal would a Yin-Yang Divine Body emerge because, in fact, the Yin-Yang Divine Body appears along with the formation of the Yin-Yang Seal.


    When people say that those of the Yin-Yang Realm are Immortal and Undying, it''s not actually true. A Great Power of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm who loses their Flesh Body will need to consume one Yin-Yang Seal to resurrect their Flesh Body. At the same time, that Yin-Yang Seal will disappear, never to be recovered, which also means that their strength will fall to that of a newly advanced Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm who can''t condense a Yin-Yang Seal.


    Simply put, a Great Power of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm has only one chance for resurrection. By resurrecting and consuming the Yin-Yang Seal, they fall in Realm, never to be restored.


    A Great Power of the Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm, on the other hand, has two Yin-Yang Seals, meaning they can be resurrected twice.


    A Great Power of the Three Seal Yin-Yang Realm has three Yin-Yang Seals and thus, three opportunities for resurrection.


    However, each resurrection requires the consumption of a Yin-Yang Seal, and strength must decline with each class, which means even a Three Seals High-Level Yin-Yang Realm Great Expert, after being resurrected three times and falling once more, would truly perish.


    Simply put, Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm can indeed be resurrected after death, but only if they have condensed a Yin-Yang Seal.


    Each Yin-Yang Seal is formed from a large amount of Power of Yin and Yang, providing the energy needed for the Yin-Yang Divine Body to resurrect.


    Of course, if the Yin-Yang Divine Body is obliterated in an instant at the same time as one is defeated, then resurrection is absolutely impossible.


    Each resurrection must consume one Yin-Yang Seal, essentially meaning that with each resurrection, one falls in Realm once. The Yin-Yang Realm can only condense three Yin-Yang Seals.


    Suppose one had been resurrected once in the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm, then the consumed Yin-Yang Seal could never be recovered. No matter how much one cultivates, they could at most reach the Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm. Use one, lose one.


    After understanding the Yin-Yang Seal, Ye Feng was amazed in his heart. It turned out that the strong ones in the Yin-Yang Realm couldn''t truly resurrect infinitely; they must consume a Yin-Yang Seal to do so.


    "Each Yin-Yang Seal requires a tremendous amount of Power of Yin and Yang to condense, and one also needs to reach a certain Realm of Heaven and Earth Perception, so even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm can''t easily experience death. The Yin-Yang Seal is very important," Elder Bai said.


    Ye Feng nodded in agreement, now he finally comprehended the details of this so-called Realm of the Yin-Yang. However, he then remembered the First Hall Master.


    He suddenly asked again, "Elder Bai, do you know what the Peak Realm is?"


    Elder Bai''s expression visibly changed when he heard about the Peak Realm. After thinking for a moment, he said, "The Peak Realm actually refers to the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm, which is when one has reached the stage of combining the Three Seals as One."


    Ye Feng was slightly startled, "Three Seals as One?"


    Elder Bai paused and continued, "After cultivating three Yin-Yang Seals, if one wishes to further advance, they must combine the Three Seals as One, starting the charge towards an even higher Realm!"


    Hearing this, Ye Feng''s eyes lit up instantly, he seemed eager to know about the higher realm above the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Seeing Ye Feng''s eager gaze, Elder Bai smiled faintly and continued, "Above the Yin-Yang Realm is the legendary Void Realm."


    "However, regarding the Void Realm, I am not very familiar with it either. Even in Ancient Times, there was no mention of anyone reaching that Realm..."


    "No, that''s not right. Perhaps Your Majesty already had the power of the Void Realm during those times..."

 Chapter 660 655: The Battle Is Imminent

    Ye Feng''s eyes sparkled with light the moment he heard of the Void Realm.


    Unfortunately, Elder Bai only knew that above the Yin-Yang Realm existed such a realm; his understanding of it was not very clear.


    In the circle of great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, there have been only a few across the ages who have reached that peak realm.


    Even in ancient times, the number of people who attained the peak realm could be counted on one''s fingers.


    Ye Feng was now curious; if above the Yin-Yang Realm there was a Void Realm, then what realm would he reach after perfecting the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints?


    Thinking naturally led to questions, and Ye Feng asked on the spot, "Elder Bai, do you know what realm one will reach after achieving great perfection in the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints?"


    Elder Bai was clearly taken aback when asked this question, and then he respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I am not very clear about this matter either. The former ruler had also only cultivated the Art of Acupoints to perfection, and by that time, his strength was already stronger than that of the peak realm!"


    "As to whether he had reached the legendary Void Realm, only the ruler himself would know."


    A look of apology was on Elder Bai''s face; it was obvious he wasn''t lying, and his understanding of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints was actually not extensive.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng felt somewhat disappointed, but he didn''t say much more. It was already quite good to have learned so much from Elder Bai, and he was very satisfied.


    Looking at the Northern Border Army and others who were still in cultivation, including Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, who certainly wouldn''t awaken anytime soon, Ye Feng didn''t stay long near the Spirit Essence Pool.


    After being teleported from the Spirit Essence Pool with Elder Bai, he arrived in front of Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    At this moment, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian among others were meditating on the Martial Arts Training Plaza. When Ye Feng teleported over, everyone opened their eyes in unison.


    Everyone then looked over, and Ye Feng glanced at Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong before speaking directly, "It''s nothing concerning you two, continue your cultivation."


    Seeing that Ye Feng was addressing them, Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong''s faces stiffened.


    They were obviously cultivating, and it was Ye Feng''s appearance that had interrupted them; now Ye Feng seemed to be inexplicably finding fault with them.


    The two of them were quite speechless but generally understood what Ye Feng wanted to do; without saying anything, they simply created a barrier in the air and continued their cultivation.


    Seeing the two of them behave like this, everyone else couldn''t help but feel amused, but they quickly turned their attention back to Ye Feng.


    "Your Majesty."


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, among others, all stood up and bowed.


    Long Nannan, however, ran straight to Ye Feng''s side and hugged his arm, batting her big eyes as she spoke, "Little Martial Uncle, are you going to take us to a place with Origin Energy for cultivation?"


    Hearing Long Nannan''s words, everyone''s eyes lit up. Were they going to absorb Origin Energy for cultivation?


    Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong had already absorbed Origin Energy to enhance the quality of their Golden Cores and purify the Spirit Essence within them. During their cultivation, small Spirit Essence whirlpools appeared around them, clearly speeding up their cultivation!


    All of this was thanks to the effects they experienced after they had previously entered the Source Secret Realm. Now, hearing Long Nannan mention the Origin Energy, everyone naturally had high expectations.


    After all, who wouldn''t want their cultivation speed to advance even further?


    Ye Feng looked at everyone''s expectant expressions and smiled slightly, "That''s right, I''ve already promised you that after completing the task, I would take you to a place with Origin Energy."


    "Now is naturally the time to fulfill that promise."


    No sooner had Ye Feng''s words fallen than Elder Bai teleported everyone into the Source Secret Chamber they had been in before.


    Everyone felt a flash of white light before their eyes, and in the next moment, they found themselves in the chamber.


    Upon appearing in the chamber, Long Nannan began to survey the ancient and intricate runes on the walls with curiosity.


    Ye Feng didn''t mind Long Nannan; this young lady had always been full of curiosity about everything.


    He had Elder Bai activate the formation, and immediately, the walls of the chamber lit up. Streams of white light flew from the walls, swiftly filling the entire chamber.


    Feeling this pure Origin Energy, everyone shivered.


    If Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong were also here, they would definitely be astonished by the purity of the Origin Energy in the chamber.


    The Origin Energy inside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s chamber was much purer than that of the Source Secret Realm they had experienced before. The purer the Origin Energy, the better the enhancement effect, of course.


    At this moment, everyone couldn''t help but sit down cross-legged to cultivate, as they wouldn''t waste this pure Origin Energy.


    Even Long Nannan, who had just been curiously observing the mysterious runes on the chamber walls, now sat down leaning against the wall to enter a cultivation state.


    Ye Feng didn''t disturb the others, instead, he quietly left and went to the grand hall where he had first arrived.


    "Elder Bai, I am going to cultivate now. If there is any matter, please inform me," Ye Feng said as soon as he entered the grand hall.


    "Your servant obeys," Elder Bai''s figure condensed in the hall, responding respectfully.


    Without saying more, Ye Feng sat down cross-legged and began to draw the Yin-Yang Divine Source from the Weak Water Spirit Pearl in his Sea of Consciousness at the Heavenly Heart Palace, starting his cultivation.


    Elder Bai was about to leave, but feeling the Yin-Yang Divine Source that Ye Feng was absorbing for cultivation, he shook visibly, his eyes revealing a look of shock.


    Is that the Yin-Yang Divine Source!?


    He never expected that His Majesty would find the Yin-Yang Divine Source so quickly!


    Elder Bai was astounded; he knew Ye Feng''s current speed of absorbing Origin Energy for cultivation was very slow, and he had mentioned to Ye Feng before that to cultivate faster, one must find the Yin-Yang Divine Source, which would be suitable for Ye Feng''s current stage of cultivation.


    But unexpectedly, in just a few days, Ye Feng had actually obtained the Yin-Yang Divine Source for cultivation, which was truly surprising to him.


    One should know that even in the Outer Battlefield, the Yin-Yang Divine Source is a more scarce cultivation resource than Origin Energy, coveted even by the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Because the Yin-Yang Divine Source contains the Power of Yin and Yang, which is suitable for cultivation by the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Therefore, once the Yin-Yang Divine Source is discovered, it is usually frenetically sought after by the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. It was unexpected that Ye Feng would also find the Yin-Yang Divine Source on this trip.


    "Truly, His Majesty''s luck is unmatched by ordinary people," Elder Bai said with a smile, and then his figure faded away in the grand hall.


    While everyone in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was cultivating, news had already spread across the Outer Battlefield.


    The Alien Race army, has entered the Human Realm!


    Thousands upon thousands of the Alien Race army had already stationed themselves outside the Great Wall of Heaven, and more Alien Race forces continued to pour into the Human Realm through the Gate of Whirlpool, all gathering outside the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Now, in the Xuanyuan Hall.


    In the majestic hall, six powerful figures were seated. The Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen was among them, and the other five were the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Hall Masters.


    The Bu Family Patriarch and Second Hall Master glanced at the empty seat beside him and frowned, "Where has the First Hall Master gone?"


    At this remark, the other five Hall Masters shook their heads. None of them knew.


    With a frown, the Bu Family Patriarch looked at everyone with a grave expression, "There''s no time to worry about the First Hall Master now. You all should already know the news, right?"


    The words of the Bu Family Patriarch made everyone''s faces turn solemn immediately, and everyone nodded in agreement.


    "One month, we only have one final month before the Great Wall of Heaven is breached by the Alien Race!"


    The Bu Family Patriarch spoke with a grave voice, relaying the message sent from those stationed at the Great Wall of Heaven.


    The Alien Race had majorly entered the Human Realm and were already using Formations to erode the Great Wall of Heaven in advance. Now, with only one month left, the Great Wall of Heaven would completely collapse!


    "Too fast, this is two whole years earlier than expected!"


    The expression of the Sixth Hall Master was very grim as he spoke.


    The others were equally silent; they knew what the premature collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven meant: the great war was coming, chaos was on the horizon, and the real turbulent times were unfolding.


    The Bu Family Patriarch looked at them and said in a deep voice, "It''s not the time to lament how fast this has happened. We only have one month, and after that, the great war will inevitably arrive!"

 Chapter 661 656: Xuanyuan Hall Council

    ```


    "This sudden change, too unexpected, the Alien Race has attacked so quickly; there''s no time to prepare!"


    Fourth Hall Master Hong Wuji also had a stern face, his palm slammed down onto a stone table nearby, which naturally could not withstand a blow from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm and instantly turned into powder.


    The people of Xuanyuan Hall all wore grim expressions. In truth, they felt helpless. They all knew chaos was imminent and had made some preparations in secret. However, the sudden two years'' advancement of the timeline had certainly disrupted some of their plans.


    "The key issue is, at this critical moment, why is the First Hall Master nowhere to be found? Where on earth has he gone?"


    Doubt was also apparent on the face of the Fifth Hall Master at this time.


    Upon hearing this, everyone''s gaze swept towards the empty chair at the forefront. That was the First Hall Master''s seat, and he had never missed a meeting at Xuanyuan Hall before, except for this time.


    Moreover, at such a critical juncture of great chaos, the First Hall Master should have received the message from the Great Wall of Heaven, but he had disappeared without a trace.


    "I''ve heard the First Hall Master has already reached the legendary Peak Realm. Could it be he''s seeking the opportunity to make a breakthrough?"


    Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen took the initiative to speak up. In Xuanyuan Hall, the First Hall Master had often helped him, and over the years, he also frequently took care of the juniors from the Tianyong Pavilion entering the Outer Battlefield.


    Now that the First Hall Master was under suspicion, he felt compelled to stand up and say something in his defense.


    Even though he himself felt the reason was somewhat far-fetched.


    When Zhao Xuanzhen spoke these words, everyone''s expressions shifted slightly. The incident that had occurred in Duel City had already spread, and they all knew that the First Hall Master had reached the apex of the Yin-Yang Realm, the Peak Realm!


    It is known that the Peak Realm is the closest to that legendary Realm above the Yin-Yang Realm.


    To be at the Peak Realm means the legendary Realm is within reach at any moment.


    Currently, it appears that on the surface, the only person known to have reached the Peak Realm is the First Hall Master. Now Zhao Xuanzhen''s excuse seemed far-fetched indeed, but it wasn''t entirely impossible.


    "Whether he''s in the Peak Realm is up for debate. Which of you has truly seen his Realm?"


    The Second Hall Master of the Bu Family suddenly let out a cold snort at this time.


    Everyone looked askance at this remark, aware of some discord between the Second Hall Master and the First Hall Master. This was not any major secret.


    "Let''s not dwell on whether it''s the Peak Realm or not. But if he truly cared about Xuanyuan Hall and the bigger picture, he wouldn''t have chosen this time to look for a breakthrough opportunity."


    "Ever since he returned from Duel City, he disappeared. Just now, I also transmitted a message to him through the Sound Transmission Jade Tablet, but got no response."


    "The First Hall Master couldn''t possibly have missed the message. With the Alien Race Army''s massive invasion, his sudden disappearance at this time might be fishy, and no one can be sure."


    Bu Family Patriarch said, his voice tinged with cold disdain.


    The other five individuals in the Great Hall changed color simultaneously. The Second Hall Master was implicitly suggesting a grave accusation against the First Hall Master, linking the invasion of the Alien Race Army and the First Hall Master''s absence, which was no small matter!


    "Second Hall Master, your words are too severe. The invasion of the Alien Race Army is a matter for the Great Wall of Heaven. In recent days, the First Hall Master has been leading the juniors in the Source Secret Realm; both matters are not related."


    Zhao Xuanzhen said it at this time, and the others harbored similar thoughts. However, they all knew the Second Hall Master deliberately slandered the First Hall Master and did not point out anything else.


    "Speaking of which, has the former Third Hall Master been found?"


    The speaker was a beautiful middle-aged woman, the Eighth Hall Master from the Flora Sect.


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s expression tightened slightly at this moment. The Third Hall Master was an elder from the Li Family of Tianyong Pavilion and had been chased away by Ye Feng during his first visit to Xuanyuan Hall¡ªan episode that left him rather helpless.


    Although they were all from Tianyong Pavilion, the Third Hall Master, driven by greed and the instigation of juniors from his family, challenged Ye Feng.


    Most absurdly, he was defeated by Ye Feng, who at that time was only at Half-Step Golden Core.


    However, everybody knew that the Third Hall Master was not strong; to put it simply, he ascended to his position through connections and was not even at the strength of the Yin-Yang Realm, facing much criticism.


    "No need to search for that guy; he''s dead. When we found him, his body was almost completely eaten by an Alien Beast, with only his head remaining. He was probably ambushed by an Alien Beast while recovering."


    "He wasn''t strong to begin with and had the audacity to provoke the younger generation; he got what he deserved."


    Bu Family Patriarch spoke dispassionately, his tone clearly conveying disdain for the Third Hall Master.


    Although he didn''t care much for Ye Feng, he despised the actions of the Third Hall Master even more and looked down on him.


    "Let''s not dwell on this for now. What we need to solve is how to arrange the last month, and what should we do with Earth?"


    Bu Family Patriarch didn''t linger on the topic of the Third Hall Master but began discussing with everyone how to deal with the impending chaos.


    The assembled individuals immediately fell silent, one after another speaking up.


    "At present, the Alien Race Army isn''t numerous, so why not directly gather all our forces beforehand and annihilate all the Alien Race members that have entered our Human Realm?"


    ```


    ```


    Fourth Hall Master Hong Wuji spoke in a cold voice.


    Upon hearing this, everyone''s faces lit up; they thought it was a good idea.


    However, at this moment, the Bu Family Patriarch glanced at him and directly said, "If it were as easy as you think, there would have been no need to build the Great Wall of Heaven in ancient times."


    Hong Wuji''s expression stiffened upon hearing this, as if he had also realized something, and he immediately closed his mouth and said no more.


    The Bu Family Patriarch didn''t say much but looked at the crowd and said in a deep voice, "The situation is not as simple as everyone thinks. The strength of the alien race army is very formidable!"


    "Now the other side has only sent out a vanguard team to take the lead. Apart from those thousands of Foundation Establishment Realm and Martial King Realm soldiers, their high-end forces include two hundred in the Golden Core Realm and approximately fifty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    "This is only because the Gate of Whirlpool temporarily cannot allow so many strong warriors to pass through; hence, they sent out this number of people."


    "Moreover, more powerful beings will continue to come through the Gate of Whirlpool. According to the people of the Northwest''s calculations on the Great Wall of Heaven, the maximum number of Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm that the Gate of Whirlpool can admit is up to eighty!"


    The Bu Family Patriarch informed everyone about the situation of the Demon Horn Tribe Army outside the Great Wall of Heaven, which was reported by people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    The gathered Hall Master-level powerhouses all changed their expressions at this ¡ª two hundred in the Golden Core Realm and nearly fifty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    The number of Golden Core Realm warriors was actually not that concerning ¡ª if all the forces gathered their Golden Core Realm Great Masters, they would also have a number ranging from two to over three hundred.


    But the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, in the entire Outer Battlefield, the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers from the Four Great Powers only added up to about thirty.


    Naturally, that''s the official count; the actual total number from all the powers combined is unclear. However, according to what the Bu Family Patriarch said, if the alien race army really brought eighty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, then that would truly be troublesome!


    "How many Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm are there from the People of the Northwest at the Great Wall of Heaven?"


    Fourth Hall Master Hong Wuji directly asked.


    Everyone knew about the People of the Northwest ¡ª they were actually the warriors from the Northwest Little Mountain Village. Everyone knew that the warriors from the Northwest Little Mountain Village were the ones defending the Great Wall of Heaven and more or less understood the reasons behind it.


    They also knew that the warriors from the Northwest Little Mountain Village were numerous and each was extremely powerful. However, nobody was concerned that the presence of the people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village would pose a threat to them.


    The people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village were born to defend the Great Wall of Heaven and had no intention of competing for interests with the Great Powers. As long as one did not provoke the people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, there wasn''t much concern.


    "It''s not clear in detail. According to what they said themselves, there are about twenty."


    The Bu Family Patriarch explained further, relaying the message received from the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Twenty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    Everyone was also shocked and marveled at the strength of the People of the Northwest.


    The several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm then started discussing the upcoming situation.


    Time passed, and another day went by.


    This day, the hearts of those in the Outer Battlefield were filled with trepidation, the Great Powers had already begun to enter a state of preparation for war, and everyone had become aware of the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven, with only a month''s time remaining.


    The news had also slowly begun to reach Earth, though it was still confined to the main figures of the Great Powers and the major families.


    Earth, Xuanyuan Nation Utility Pavilion.


    "The alien race army has already invaded, and there''s only one month left to prepare!?"


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming froze in shock, his face filled with disbelief.


    Standing in front of him was none other than Zhuge Wuming!


    Zhuge Wuming''s expression was also very solemn; he had just received the news from personnel returning from the Outer Battlefield and immediately ordered to prevent its spread, choosing first to inform Zhao Gongming.


    "Seal the news, seal all the news!"


    Zhao Gongming regained his composure and immediately said, his eyes conveying a sense of urgency.


    Seeing this, Zhuge Wuming replied at once, "Don''t panic, I''ve already given the orders. No need to worry."


    Of course, he wasn''t a fool; this news couldn''t yet be disclosed to everyone on Earth. If it suddenly reached the ears of the general populace, it would result in complete chaos.


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming breathed a sigh of relief and his face remained grave: "I hadn''t expected the alien race army to come so suddenly. Wasn''t it said that the Outer Battlefield and the legendary Great Wall of Heaven could still hold out for a few more years?"


    He was aware of the existence of the Great Wall of Heaven and knew that the situation there was extremely tense, but the information he had indicated that the Great Wall of Heaven could last another three years. Yet now, things had drastically moved forward.


    Zhuge Wuming looked out the window with a worried gaze, "Indeed, it''s too soon..."


    ```

 Chapter 662 657: The Unexpected Change in Quality

    All the Great Powers within the Xuanyuan Nation had already begun to stir, and various secret meetings were being held among them.


    At the Utility Pavilion.


    "The domestic situation in our Xuanyuan Nation is still relatively stable, thanks largely to Ye Feng''s earlier decision to establish the Martial Academy. This has significantly increased the number of martial artists within our nation, and recently the Martial Academy has even trained a number of strong individuals at the Martial King Level!"


    "However, the intelligence coming back from the Outer Battlefield suggests that Martial King Level experts are considered nothing more than cannon fodder over there."


    Zhuge Wuming shook his head, obviously with a sense of helplessness.


    Martial King Level experts, on Earth, in the Mortal World, were already quite powerful. But the message he received from the Great Wall of Heaven told him that in the massive army of tens of thousands from the Alien Race, Martial King Level experts were the lowest rank!


    Zhao Gongming also sighed, "The great war is imminent; we can only hope that everything will develop in a positive direction. Didn''t we win on Earth more than two thousand years ago?"


    "In my opinion, we old folks needn''t worry about these matters. When the great war begins, we should be the ones standing on the front lines. The era ahead is inevitably destined to belong to the young people!"


    "Can we get in touch with Ye Feng? For matters concerning this situation, we need to consult with Ye Feng to decide."


    Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming continued and inquired, as Ye Feng was now the highest-ranking person in charge of the Utility Pavilion. Though Ye Feng hadn''t officially called himself the Pavilion Master, his status within the Utility Pavilion was no different in practice.


    Furthermore, since Ye Feng was also the head of the Martial Academy, the decisions about how to manage it were also up to him.


    "It''s uncertain. Some of Ye Feng''s subordinates have previously returned and taken away nearly a hundred experts, all from his Northern Border Army and the Imperial Guards of the Northern Cloud Residence."


    "Moreover, they were all experts at the Martial King Realm and the Divine Path Realm; only some ordinary strong individuals are left to stand guard at the Northern Cloud Residence."


    "Unless something unexpected happens, Ye Feng must be planning to cultivate his force in the Outer Battlefield, which is why he had his people take these strong individuals from the bounds of the Xuanyuan Nation to the Outer Battlefield."


    Zhuge Wuming speculated, although Xiao Chuanqi and others didn''t elaborate on the reasons upon their return, it was obvious that taking away so many experts all at once meant something significant.


    Zhao Gongming also raised an eyebrow and said softly, "It seems that Ye Feng is not without preparation. From the establishment of the Martial Academy to leading people to the Outer Battlefield, all these actions have been decisions made for the coming chaos."


    "Could it be that Ye Feng had already anticipated the chaos and took his Northern Border Army to the Outer Battlefield to train his troops in preparation for the upcoming great war?"


    At that moment, Zhuge Wuming''s eyes flickered, and he nodded, "Perhaps that''s the case but our immediate priority is to make contact with Ye Feng. We must decide how to deal with the upcoming battle."


    ...


    The two elderly members of the Utility Pavilion started to send out messengers to look for Ye Feng in the Outer Battlefield. However, Ye Feng was still in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, almost completely cut off from the outside world, with no way to receive messages from outside.


    Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Ye Feng remained seated cross-legged in the center of the great hall, shrouded by the powerful Yin-Yang Divine Source. He glowed with radiance, as the acupoints within his body were being burst open!


    In merely a day''s time, Ye Feng had opened over ten acupoints, and his aura continued to climb ever higher!


    At this juncture, Ye Feng could feel clearly that with each acupoint opened, his strength improved greatly. Every fifty acupoints felt like a minor realm breakthrough, giving a qualitative leap in strength!


    Three more days passed, and Ye Feng continued to sit and cultivate, immersed in the relentless pursuit of opening acupoints.


    The Yin-Yang Divine Source from within the Heavenly Heart Palace''s Sea of Consciousness flowed continuously, engulfing him completely, absorbing at an astonishing speed and in incredible volume.


    After three full days, a look of joy could be seen on Ye Feng''s face; he had broken through to the 2899th acupoint!


    He was just one step away from the 2900th acupoint.


    Currently, Ye Feng was pouring the Yin-Yang Divine Source into this 2900th acupoint with all his might. Despite the massive influx of the Divine Source, this acupoint showed no sign of giving way.


    However, Ye Feng was not disheartened by this but rather felt excited. He knew what this meant; the situation wasn''t new to him.


    The greater the difficulty in opening an acupoint, the more crucial that acupoint proved to be!


    If Ye Feng wasn''t mistaken, once he thoroughly opened the 2900th acupoint, he would very likely officially step into the rank of Great Power in the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Ye Feng was full of anticipation, continuously absorbing the Yin-Yang Divine Source, striving to break through this 2900th acupoint.


    Before Ye Feng had opened this acupoint, he hadn''t even noticed it, always assuming that only every 500 acupoints would truly mark a significant change.


    The 2500th acupoint had been different from the others, with a shape not quite like the ordinary acupoints. This time, the 2900th acupoint was similar; it was distinct from the ones that followed.


    "Could it be that if I succeed in opening this acupoint, a new attack technique will emerge?"


    Ye Feng, while absorbing the Yin-Yang Divine Source, was muttering to himself in his heart. He was guessing that what he could now confirm was that as long as he could successfully open this Acupoint, his strength would definitely take a qualitative leap, and by then, contending against a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm would absolutely not be a problem.


    Previously, when he had successfully opened the 2500th Acupoint, he had mastered the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal from the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints. The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal was an extremely powerful attack technique, and further, it was a group attack technique with terrifying power.


    Would it be an attack technique this time as well?


    For Ye Feng at the moment, he no longer needed to worry about defense. With the Golden Dragon Shield integrated and upgraded into the Emperor Sovereign War Armor, his defensive power had already become exceptionally formidable!


    He could feel that the integrated and upgraded Emperor Sovereign War Armor, even when facing attacks from Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, could probably weaken more than fifty percent of the attack!


    With equal strength in a confrontation, to have a piece of war armor that could weaken the opponent''s attack by fifty percent was already terrifyingly horrifying, and that too, for Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. Attacks below the Yin-Yang Realm would probably be weakened by ninety percent of their power in front of the Emperor Sovereign War Armor.


    Thus, Ye Feng''s defensive capability had already risen to an extremely terrifying level.


    What he truly lacked now were still offensive moves. Although he had the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, a top-level attack technique, having only one move was far from enough in a real battle.


    The Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist was now unable to keep up with Ye Feng''s current realm. It was still fine for fighting those in the Golden Core Realm, but in a battle against the Yin-Yang Realm, the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist could no longer be of much help.


    Ye Feng was analyzing in his heart and continued to push towards opening the 2900th Acupoint.


    After a whole half day had passed, there was a sound inside Ye Feng''s body as if an egg had cracked.


    Ye Feng, who was closing his eyes to absorb the Yin-Yang Divine Source, was overjoyed. At last, the 2900th Acupoint had been successfully opened!


    Boom!


    Ye Feng''s brain roared, his aura kept rising, and the Yin-Yang Divine Source he absorbed became even vaster. A tremendously powerful presence and power were gradually spreading from his body, making the entire hall seem to tremble for it.


    At that moment, a white silhouette slowly condensed in the trembling hall, and it was Elder Bai.


    Elder Bai took form and looked at Ye Feng, who was exuding terrifying power, and at the quaking hall, and immediately became excited.


    "The 2900th Acupoint!"


    "Congratulations, My Emperor, felicitations, My Emperor!"


    Elder Bai''s face was extremely excited, his eyes filled with surprise. He had followed that Emperor over two thousand years ago and knew what the 2900th Acupoint meant.


    Elder Bai''s silhouette now fell in front of Ye Feng, his eyes filled with respect as he bent his knees and knelt directly on the ground.


    Elder Bai knew that in this moment, Ye Feng had officially opened the 2900th Acupoint and truly stepped into the highest Great Realm of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints!


    While Ye Feng was still bursting with terrifying power on his body, Elder Bai suddenly raised his head, his expression slightly changed, and the white silhouette immediately dissipated within the hall.


    Ye Feng continued to absorb the Yin-Yang Divine Source cross-legged in the hall, oblivious to the situation in the hall.


    At the same time, Elder Bai, who had disappeared in the hall, surprisingly condensed outside the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, hovering in front of a valley shrouded in mystic mist.


    His aged eyes looked toward the distant horizon, and in the direction he was looking, a figure was already flying rapidly from the edge of the sky.


    Soon, an elderly man appeared in front of Elder Bai, an ordinary-looking elder dressed in a cotton robe, holding a smoking pipe in his hand, with a tobacco pouch hanging at his waist.


    It was the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe!


    "Greetings, Heavenly Origin Divine Lord," said the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, bowing slightly to the Heavenly Cloud Divine Lord.


    Elder Bai, seeing the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe act this way, gave a wry smile, "I am but a gone Divine Lord. You are one of the strongest in the Mortal World today; there''s no need for such formalities with me."


    "In the past, the Emperor ordered you all to defend the Great Wall of Heaven generation after generation, which I opposed. But the Emperor was adamant, and I was powerless at that time."


    "Over the years, it has indeed been hard on you all, defending the Great Wall of Heaven."


    Elder Bai sighed deeply. He knew the identity of the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe and knew that he had come from the Great Wall of Heaven; he had locked gazes with the Old Man from a distance when he had just awakened.


    Upon hearing this, the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe fell silent instantly, and after a moment, he spoke, "Let us not speak of the past. The people of the Northwest have never regretted defending the Great Wall of Heaven."


    "Today, I came to find Ye Feng!"

 Chapter 663 658: Tense Situation, Breakthrough!

    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe did not beat around the bush; he looked directly at the Mysterious Valley behind Elder Bai. He knew that within this valley lay a small world, the very Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    And Ye Feng was inside it!


    Elder Bai furrowed his brow and spoke, "Our emperor is currently in the crucial stage of his secluded cultivation and must not be disturbed."


    He knew about the relationship between Ye Feng and the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe, as Ye Feng had mentioned these matters to him before.


    But at this moment, Ye Feng was in the critical phase of breaking through the two thousand nine hundredth acupoint. He absolutely could not be disturbed at such a time. He was well aware that breaking through the two thousand nine hundredth acupoint wasn''t as simple as just opening acupoints¡ªit would lead to the emergence of many things.


    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe frowned slightly and glanced at the Mysterious Valley behind Elder Bai. His eyes burst forth with divine light, as if he could see through the entire valley.


    At this moment, the divine light in the eyes of the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe seemed to traverse space and instantly saw Ye Feng cultivating in a grand hall. He also felt the aura emanating from Ye Feng.


    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe saw this scene and a flash of surprise crossed the depths of his eyes, fearful of disturbing Ye Feng, he quickly withdrew his gaze.


    After withdrawing his gaze, the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe''s eyes still held a trace of astonishment, and he muttered to himself, "This lad has actually opened up to two thousand nine hundred acupoints; that''s just right..."


    As the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe spoke, Elder Bai''s brows furrowed slightly. He felt that there was a hint of relief in the Old Man''s tone. Why was that?


    "You seek our emperor in haste; is there some urgent matter?"


    Elder Bai asked directly with a furrowed brow.


    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe seemed not to care about Elder Bai''s reference to Ye Feng, and he responded gravely, "The Demon Horn Tribe Army has already entered our realm. Right now, they''re gathering outside the Great Wall of Heaven, amassing an army of tens of thousands, with high-level powerhouses continuously entering the Human Realm."


    Elder Bai was instantly stunned upon hearing this news, looking at the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe in shock, he subconsciously exclaimed, "How can that be!?"


    "What is the Demon Horn Tribe doing, entering the Human Realm now? The Great Wall of Heaven should hold for at least another two years; are they not afraid of being encircled and annihilated by us?"


    Elder Bai said with raised eyebrows. As long as the Great Wall of Heaven stood, the Demon Horn Tribe could not possibly invade the Outer Battlefield. When he awakened earlier, he had especially sensed the condition of the Great Wall of Heaven. Although it was nearly collapsing, holding out for two more years would definitely not be a problem!


    But at this time, the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe had a grave expression on his face as he explained, "The enemy has found a Dao Technique to dissolve the Great Wall of Heaven ahead of time, and it seems that they have fully prepared. The number of high-ranking powerhouses is vast, and right now, the People of the Northwest lack sufficient strength to resist on the Great Wall of Heaven."


    "Once the Great Wall of Heaven is completely dissolved, relying solely on the People of the Northwest would be utterly inadequate to withstand them."


    "We have already sent people to notify all the great powers, which are now preparing and mobilizing forces, getting ready to ascend the Great Wall of Heaven to meet the battle."


    "However, the majority of the mortal world''s forces of Xuanyuan Nation are under Ye Feng''s command. The people dispatched couldn''t find Ye Feng, so I came over personally."


    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe laid out the whole situation in front of Elder Bai. He originally sent another Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm to inform various forces and to find Ye Feng.


    After all, Ye Feng is regarded as the Pavilion Master of the Xuanyuan Nation Tianyong Pavilion. The Pavilion had already stated that they needed to wait for Ye Feng''s instructions, and the Northern Border Army under Ye Feng''s command, as well as the martial artists from the Martial Academy, also represented a formidable force.


    It can be said that almost all the strong warriors of Xuanyuan Nation in the mortal world were under Ye Feng''s control¡ªhe was the highest authority!


    But several days had passed, and while all the great forces were already preparing for war, Ye Feng had not been seen up until now.


    After reporting back, the Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe immediately guessed that Ye Feng had returned to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and since other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm could not communicate with Elder Bai in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he had no choice but to come himself.


    Having heard all this, Elder Bai was utterly shaken, his eyes filled with shock.


    The Great Wall of Heaven was about to be dissolved in advance?


    The whole Outer Battlefield was entering a state of war two years early?


    At that moment, Elder Bai closed his eyes, and a wave of conscious power instantly pierced through the void, arriving at the Great Wall of Heaven.


    He saw that the Great Wall of Heaven was already filled with dense crowds of the Human Race, Vampires, Wizards, and Onmyoji, from the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to warriors at the Peak Martial King Realm.


    In front of the Great Wall of Heaven, the massive Demon Horn Tribe Army was already forming their ranks, and an intense Demonic Qi was gathering above them.


    In the middle of this army, an area had been cleared, where a large Formation had appeared. The Dharma Seals of the Formation were very peculiar, even emitting a thick aura of evil.


    In three directions of the Formation, three Human Race warriors were scattered in each corner, each with a severely weakened aura, but still discernible as three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm of the Human Race!


    They had cuts on their limbs and chests, from which droplets of blood were continuously flowing, evidently nearly drained.


    Around the Formation in the air, several Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe were controlling it, and a beam of black light was continuously dissolving the Formation of the Great Wall of Heaven.


    At this moment, the people of the Human Race on the Great Wall of Heaven all had bloodshot eyes, staring intently at the strong human warriors who were being used as the focal point of the formation.


    These Alien Races were using the heart blood of their powerful warriors to dissolve their Great Wall of Heaven!


    And they could only watch from atop the Great Wall of Heaven, not because they didn''t want to rescue them; in fact, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm had already been unable to restrain themselves and wanted to rush out to save the three.


    But that was not possible!


    The Demon Horn Tribe Army had come too suddenly, and now there were only a little over a thousand people who could reach the Great Wall of Heaven on the side of the Human Realm. More than fifty Yin-Yang Realm fighters had already assembled, including the strong ones from Xuanyuan Hall, the Yin-Yang Temple, the Vampire Divine Court, and all the Yin-Yang Realm forces of the Snow Wolf Country. They had all arrived!


    "Damn these Alien Races!"


    "Hall Master, why don''t we just fight them head-on? We absolutely cannot endure such humiliation!"


    A Golden Core Realm Grandmaster from Xuanyuan Hall, his eyes red with anger, shouted, even ready to charge out of the Great Wall of Heaven.


    However, he was quickly reprimanded by the Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen with a shout, "Fool!"


    At this time, Zhao Xuanzhen''s face was also ice-cold, with a similar crimson hue in his eyes. He was furious at the bottom of his heart but had to suppress it.


    "Look carefully at how many Yin-Yang Realm fighters the other side has¡ªa total of seventy, twenty more than us in the Human Race. They also have more Golden Core Realm fighters than us!"


    "Rushing out now would be equivalent to seeking death!"


    "Moreover, those three have been dead since the first day, their Essence, Qi, and Spirit having been worn away to nothing over these hundred years, leaving behind only their corpses!"


    "Rushing out to die now would be less worthwhile than waiting for the final battle in a month to properly slaughter these Alien Races!"


    Zhao Xuanzhen''s words were heavy, and as he spoke, he himself felt uncertain; the gap between both sides, whether it was top-level fighters, those in the Foundation Establishment Realm, or Martial King Realm fighters, was enormous!


    At present, the Human Race had only gathered about five thousand people here, but the Demon Horn Tribe Army had already surpassed ten thousand!


    In both numbers and quality, they were superior to the Human Race!


    Every Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm present had an extremely heavy expression on their faces. They also understood that the gap in numbers between the two sides was immense.


    Elder Bai was completely shocked to see all this; his consciousness quickly returned from the Outer Battlefield to the front of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, his face filled with astonishment, unable to calm down for a long time.


    Seeing Elder Bai''s expression, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe seemed to know what he had done, and at this moment said, "The current situation is such that however many strong warriors Ye Feng''s Human Realm can call upon, that many must join the fight."


    "Although the enemy is numerous, I have discovered that their strength seems to be suppressed in the Human Realm. Their power is not likely to be fully utilized. As long as we can close the gap in numbers, we may have a chance to defeat them!"


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe spoke gravely, sharing what he had observed of the Demon Horn Tribe''s actions while at the Great Wall of Heaven. It seemed that the Demon Horn Tribe was not very comfortable staying in the Human Realm, with their faces even showing considerable aversion.


    Upon closer inspection, he found that while the strength of the Demon Horn Tribe''s warriors did not seem weak in terms of aura, their actual power didn''t match up with their presence!


    Upon hearing this news, Elder Bai was taken aback and quickly began to ponder something, furrowing his brows in thought.


    Just then, in front of the Mysterious Valley and beside Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe and Elder Bai, a rift suddenly appeared, followed by the emergence of a Gate of Whirlpool.


    In the next moment, a grand figure stepped out from the Gate of Whirlpool, and as he stepped out, it seemed as though the entire void darkened. Within this heaven and earth, it was as if only this figure existed, like an emperor to whom all things should submit!


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe felt the change in the space around them and the aura emanating from the figure. His expression changed slightly, but he quickly waved his hand and laughed scoldingly, "What are you trying to do, kid? Are you trying to show off your power to this old man?"


    "Old Long, now you''re joking. You''re my senior brother, and I wouldn''t dare to show off in front of you."


    The figure cracked a smile and waved his hand, causing all the anomalies that had recently affected the space to disappear completely.


    Naturally, this figure was Ye Feng. At this time, Ye Feng exuded an indescribable aura, and there was a convincing quality in his words. Moreover, his presence had undergone an earth-shattering change compared to before!


    "To think you''ve reached the two thousand nine hundredth Acupoint and have managed to attain the aura and power of the Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm in one go," said Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, unable to hide the admiration in his eyes.


    He could hardly believe that the person standing before him was Ye Feng!


    Ye Feng just smiled, not saying a word. Indeed, having reached two thousand nine hundred Acupoints, his strength had undergone a dramatic transformation!

 Chapter 664 659 Old Long Arrives

    At this moment, Ye Feng''s aura had reached a pinnacle state, and Elder Bai was already kneeling before him, his eyes filled with utmost devotion.


    He knew all too well what it meant for Ye Feng to successfully open his 2,900th acupoint.


    Ye Feng now possessed the incomparable combat power of the Yin-Yang Realm, just as Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe had said, exhibiting the imposing aura of a Second Seal Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    But this was merely an aura; how strong Ye Feng truly was, remained unknown to all.


    Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, watching Ye Feng, nodded with a smile, "Not bad, Kid Ye. In just over a month since entering the Outer Battlefield, you''ve already grown to this extent."


    "Though you''ve had the advantage of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the fact that you''ve achieved this strength in such a short time also highlights your talent," he praised generously, evidently very satisfied with Ye Feng''s current level of strength.


    Ye Feng contained his aura and approached Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe, humbly saying, "Old Long, you knew I was here all along, didn''t you? I remember, while in seclusion in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, I always felt like someone was watching me. That was you, right?"


    Ye Feng said with a half-smile, his realm still displayed as Peak Martial King, but his strength and aura had truly reached the level of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    The capture of aura, along with his profound new insights into heaven and earth, were markedly different.


    He recalled the feeling of being watched during his cultivation in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and now he was acutely aware that whenever Old Long watched him, he could detect a feeling very similar to that previous sense of being watched!


    That''s why Ye Feng specifically brought up this matter now.


    Old Long hadn''t expected Ye Feng to suddenly ask this and could only manage a wry smile, yet he didn''t deny it, simply nodding in acknowledgment.


    "It wasn''t just me involved in this matter; that red-nosed old fellow was a part of it too," Old Long said with a chuckle.


    Hearing this, an image of the red-nosed elder immediately came to Ye Feng''s mind, and he cursed with a laugh, "Speaking of which, it''s been quite a while since I had a drink with that old man. Aren''t you folks at the Great Wall of Heaven? Why have you come looking for me specifically?"


    Ye Feng had only just emerged from seclusion and was completely unaware that the entire Outer Battlefield had already entered a state of war preparedness, and the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven was extremely dire.


    At that moment, Old Long suddenly became serious and said in a deep voice, "I came to find you precisely because of the affairs at the Great Wall of Heaven."


    Seeing Old Long''s severe expression, Ye Feng felt a shiver in his heart. It was the first time he''d ever seen Old Long show such a demeanor. Old Long had always seemed so carefree, but now...


    Old Long didn''t beat around the bush any longer and explained the current situation at the Great Wall of Heaven to Ye Feng, then added, "The situation is as such. Every power in the Human Realm is indispensable for the upcoming conflict. My sent-out people couldn''t find you, so I came here directly."


    "Kid Ye, you must now return to Earth and integrate the martial forces of Xuanyuan Nation''s Mortal World and all other military powers, bringing them to the Great Wall of Heaven!" Old Long said with a grave face. He felt helpless; the Tianyong Pavilion in Xuanyuan Nation wouldn''t dare take significant actions without Ye Feng''s command. But this wasn''t so strange, as Tianyong Pavilion''s actions were due to not being able to contact Ye Feng. Concerned for his safety, they were waiting for his word.


    Tianyong Pavilion had already announced their intent to mobilize the army. Even if there were no news from Ye Feng, they would lead their forces to the Great Wall of Heaven. For now, they still hoped to confirm Ye Feng''s safety, which was why they hadn''t acted yet.


    Ye Feng stood in shock, listening to Old Long''s words, shock evident in his eyes. The joy of having broken through 2,900 acupoints was completely washed away.


    He was not unprepared for an impending chaos, but this chaos had come far too suddenly.


    Before he entered the Outer Battlefield, Old Man Huang Niu had told him in the Northwest Little Mountain Village that the Great Wall of Heaven could hold for three years!


    After arriving at the Outer Battlefield, Elder Bai informed him the situation with the Great Wall of Heaven had deteriorated, and that it could no longer hold for three years but only had two years left before complete collapse.


    At that time, Ye Feng had made plans to cultivate a clandestine force in preparation for the looming war.


    But now, having been in the Outer Battlefield for just over a month, and having just emerged from a few days of secluded cultivation in the Source Secret Realm, the entire heavens seemed to have changed.


    Just a few days out of seclusion, someone was telling him that chaos was imminent. The two years he had accounted for had shrunk to less than a month, and the alien armies had even entered the Human Realm!


    Even Ye Feng''s state of mind was shocked by the sudden change.


    Old Long sighed slightly as he observed Ye Feng''s expression, which was not new to him these last few days. Not just Ye Feng, but the Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers from all the major forces were extremely shocked when they heard the news¡ªevery one of them initially could hardly believe it.


    Just as Old Long was about to speak again, Ye Feng''s eyes suddenly became incredibly sharp, his aura completely bursting forth. At that moment, the ground around him trembled, even cracking.


    Old Long and Elder Bai''s complexions changed; the surge of aura from Ye Feng was beyond their expectations.


    At this point, Ye Feng closed his eyes, and a beam of light emerged from the top of his head¡ªthis was the power of his consciousness!


    Ye Feng was now rapidly controlling his consciousness power to pierce through the void. In the blink of an eye, the force of his consciousness arrived atop the Great Wall of Heaven, forming a humanoid shadow.


    It was Ye Feng''s consciousness body formed by his consciousness power!


    Gazing at the scene at the Great Wall of Heaven with shock in his eyes, Ye Feng did not allow his consciousness body to linger; it transformed back into a beam of light, piercing the void in an instant, returning to the valley in front of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    The previously closed-eyed Ye Feng abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze erupting with a cold light as the ground in front of him was blasted into a deep pit in an instant!


    Old Long''s expression was serious; the strength that Ye Feng was now demonstrating had given him far more surprises than he expected.


    "Old Long, go back to preside over the Great Wall of Heaven. I have seen what''s happening there. Give me some time; I need to cultivate a group of strong warriors!" Ye Feng said gravely, having clearly seen the situation on the Great Wall of Heaven¡ªthe gap in the number of strong warriors on either side was too great!


    The original plan was to send strong warriors from the Xuanyuan Nation in batches to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation. With the help of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it was certainly possible to create a lot of strong fighters in two years. Reaching the Golden Core Realm was undoubtedly achievable, and even attaining the level of a Yin-Yang Realm Great Power was not impossible.


    But time was truly short, and suddenly there was less than one month left. The real battle might commence at any moment. There was no longer time to worry about this. At the very least, the number of fighters at the Golden Core Realm must be replenished!


    With the dense Power of Spirit Essence in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it was entirely possible for someone in the Foundation Establishment Realm to break through to the Golden Core Realm in just one month.


    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, Old Long understood immediately. He knew of the existence of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and what it was like inside.


    Actually, Northwest Little Mountain Village was also similar to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, except that the heaven-and-earth laws within the village were somewhat more complete than those in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, virtually indistinguishable from the real world. But the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was different, created by the Heavenly Origin Divine Lord, unable to withstand the presence of Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers.


    That''s why, when he heard that Ye Feng was in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he didn''t enter directly.


    Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from major forces can''t enter, but he was different. As the person in charge of the Northwest Little Mountain Village, he naturally had some special methods; entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was not difficult for him.


    After pondering for a moment, Old Long said, "You must know, if you truly use the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to cultivate strong warriors at this time, there''s a great possibility that the secret realm will be exposed."


    "Although at such a crucial moment, people might not ask too many questions, but after the great battle, you''ll probably have to face questions and pressure from all sides," Old Long said with a serious look. This was no trivial matter¡ªwhat was the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?


    It was a secret realm that all major forces over the past hundreds of years had valued immensely. The dense Power of Spirit Essence within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was coveted by every force, especially with the presence of the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Even though it was opened every fifty years, the major powers treated it with utmost importance, let alone such an unrestricted Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, which was an immense treasure for any force.


    For years, major forces have tried various ways to claim the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm as their own to no avail. Now that they knew Ye Feng had control over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it was inevitable that they would harbor intentions of seizing it.


    Elder Bai remained silent at the side; what Old Long said was the truth.


    However, Ye Feng had a stern face: "Even if they know, what of it? At such a critical time, this is not the moment to worry about such things. In the face of great chaos, what does exposing a secret realm matter?"


    As Ye Feng spoke, a cold smirk appeared on his face: "When that time comes, even if these people truly have designs on the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, let them come."


    "What belongs to Ye Feng is not something that can just be taken by anyone who wishes to take it."


    At that moment, Ye Feng was filled with a murderous aura, and his eyes flickered with a glint of red.

 Chapter 665 - 660: Able to accommodate tens of thousands of people

    Feeling the aura emanating from Ye Feng, Old Long''s eyes also flashed with brilliance, and he revealed a smile.


    He knew that Ye Feng, who had broken through to two thousand nine hundred acupoints, was no longer the same person he once was.


    Although Ye Feng had not yet made a move to reveal his true strength, the fact that he could speak such words already indicated that he had enough confidence to deal with the various situations that would arise after revealing the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "If that''s the case, then I''ll leave this matter to you, I must return to the Great Wall of Heaven now."


    Old Long didn''t say much more, as he couldn''t be away from the Great Wall of Heaven for too long. Someone needed to oversee the situation there, and the movements of the Demon Horn Tribe needed to be constantly monitored.


    As soon as Old Long finished speaking, his figure had already disappeared in front of the Mysterious Valley of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    At this moment, Ye Feng looked in the direction of the Great Wall of Heaven, his eyes filled with gravity, and he whispered, "This day has come much sooner than I expected..."


    Elder Bai, standing beside him, also had a grave expression. Although he was just a remnant soul, he naturally cared about the Human Realm; otherwise, he wouldn''t allow his remnant soul to slumber in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for such a long time.


    "I thought we would have at least two more years, but I never expected that we would have less than a month left," Elder Bai sighed with a deep sense of melancholy.


    Ye Feng looked at Elder Bai and asked solemnly, "Elder Bai, how many people can the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm accommodate for cultivation at the same time now?"


    Elder Bai clearly understood Ye Feng''s intentions and bowed respectfully before responding, "Reporting to my emperor, there are currently one hundred people you brought who are cultivating in the Spirit Essence Pool. If all these hundred people advance to become Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm and need to stabilize their Realm, it would consume one Pulse Source."


    "Apart from the Pulse Source you took earlier, and the one currently being used, there are three more Pulse Sources that can be used. Each Pulse Source can support one hundred people in breaking through from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Golden Core Realm and stabilize their Realm."


    "If one were to simply absorb the Power of Spirit Essence within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the consumption would be quite low because for more than two thousand years, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm has been recuperating. The Power of Spirit Essence from the Pulse Sources is already dense to an extreme. Although every fifty years it opens for the Great Powers'' people to cultivate, those consumptions are merely a drop in the ocean for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    "Now, excluding the Spirit Essence Pool, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm can at least ensure over ten thousand people cultivate up to the Golden Core Realm!"


    Elder Bai proudly laid out the situation¡ªthis was the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    A place that could enable tens of thousands of cultivators to achieve the Golden Core Realm!


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but shudder upon hearing Elder Bai''s words; was it really possible to accommodate tens of thousands of people for cultivation at the same time, and even advance to the Golden Core Realm?


    This news was tremendously good for the current Human Realm!


    However, the Spirit Essence Pool could only accommodate three hundred people for cultivation...


    Ye Feng raised an eyebrow. Although three hundred people could be accommodated outside the Spirit Essence Pool to cultivate from the Foundation Establishment to the Golden Core Realm, it was probably impossible to find so many Foundation Establishment experts on the entire Earth!


    It was important to note that the total number of Foundation Establishment Great Powers in the Xuanyuan Hall of the Outer Battlefield didn''t even exceed a few hundred, and certainly was not over a thousand.


    Since Ye Feng intended to use the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to train experts, he definitely wanted to train his own people, and within the Xuanyuan Hall, where the forces were complex and intertwined, he couldn''t possibly allow these people to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation and advancement.


    Naturally, those allowed to cultivate within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm were Ye Feng''s own people; namely, the Northern Border Army!


    Previously, he had intended to slowly select promising seedlings from the Northern Border Army to gain experience in the Outer Battlefield, to develop more high-level experts rather than limiting it to Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, seeking quality over quantity.


    A hundred-strong army of Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm would be enough to contend with an army of four to five hundred Foundation Establishment fighters, and an army with a stronger foundation would be more effective when using battle formations, obviously having a greater impact on the battlefield.


    But now, time was too short for Ye Feng to consider both quantity and quality; the primary goal was to narrow the gap between the Human Realm and the Alien Race''s army.


    As for quality, it was a matter of doing the best that could be done.


    "My emperor, if we only reserve the Spirit Essence Pool for those about to break through from Half-Step Golden Core, the consumption of the Pulse Source could be significantly reduced, almost halved!"


    "Based on your humble servant''s suggestion, if my emperor wants to let a large number of strong individuals cultivate in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, you could have everyone cultivate outside the Spirit Essence Pool. Then, as those who reach Half-Step Golden Core are on the verge of breaking through to the Golden Core Realm, send them into the Spirit Essence Pool for the breakthrough. This would yield a better effect," Elder Bai said gravely, outlining the optimal use of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Hearing Elder Bai''s advice, Ye Feng''s eyes also twinkled with excitement, and he smiled joyously, "In that case, I will also take out my Pulse Source; with four Pulse Sources in use at the same time, wouldn''t it mean that there are four Pulse Sources available?"


    "If we proceed in this manner, as long as we can send everyone into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm in the shortest time and let them cultivate with the aid of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, we should be able to create at least eight hundred Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm with a stable Realm before the Great Wall of Heaven collapses!"


    Ye Feng spoke with even more brilliance in his eyes. If things truly unfolded as envisioned, it was not impossible for the Human Realm to win.


    For the strong among the Northern Border Army to abandon Martial Arts for Daoism within this month, there would certainly be only a few who could cultivate to Half-Step Golden Core, but among them surely would be those with no lack of talent.


    Ye Feng''s conservative estimate was that if he allowed nearly ten thousand warriors of the Northern Border Army to cultivate in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the number of Foundation Establishment Realm experts that could be created would probably not be less than that of the Alien Race''s army!


    He could entirely let the soldiers who were not Martial King Realm experts start practicing the Dao Technique of the Golden Core Great Dao. Although the progress of cultivation would be relatively slow at the beginning, with the support of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm would definitely not be a problem.


    Ordinary martial soldiers, though not highly advanced in realm and even less so at the Martial King Realm, had an advantage: they could directly practice the Golden Core Great Dao and could even skip the step of abandoning Martial Arts for Daoism that the Martial King Realm experts had to undergo!


    Previously, the cultivation technique of the Golden Core Great Dao had not been promoted among ordinary soldiers mainly because it was unsustainable due to the massive expenditure required!


    It is known that cultivating the Golden Core Great Dao requires the Power of Spirit Essence. On Earth, where the power of Spirit Essence was extremely scarce, the Golden Core Great Dao was doomed not to prevail. Only the Great Powers with sufficient foundational resources could afford to cultivate following the path of the Golden Core Great Dao.


    Even so, among the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and even among the Four Great Ancient Clans, a significant number of people still chose to follow the path of martial artists!


    It was precisely because the resources could not support so many people to cultivate the Golden Core Great Dao that many powerful individuals were drawn to the Outer Battlefield. To become stronger, one had to go to the Outer Battlefield, a place filled with both opportunities and dangers.


    Although there was also not a trace of Spirit Essence in the air of the Outer Battlefield, the countless Alien Beasts there and their Beast Cores were excellent cultivation resources for cultivators.


    Not to mention the existence of various secret realms, and all kinds of Spiritual Medicine, or even Secret Treasures.


    And now, with the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm at his disposal, Ye Feng truly was wealthy and powerful.


    "I am truly grateful to Elder Bai for his strategic advice,"


    Ye Feng said to Elder Bai with a cupped-fist salute. Elder Bai''s words had indeed awakened him, and he held a considerable amount of respect for Elder Bai.


    Seeing this, Elder Bai immediately waved his hands, his posture even more respectful: "Your Majesty need not give such courtesy to this humble servant. It is my honor to be able to offer strategic advice to Your Majesty."


    Seeing that, Ye Feng did not say much, but he felt in his heart that having an elder in the family was like having a treasure.


    He said no more but waved his hand, and the Gate of Whirlpool opened once again as he stepped back into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    At this moment, Elder Bai''s figure also slowly dissipated, the Gate of Whirlpool vanished, and in front of the Mysterious Valley returned once more to its peaceful state.


    Within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng''s figure appeared directly above the Martial Arts Training Plaza. At this moment, twelve figures were sitting cross-legged on the plaza.


    Apart from Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong who were already present, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, who were placed in the Source Secret Chamber before, were also here. Six people had used the Origin Energy to strengthen their Golden Core and purify the Power of Spirit Essence within their bodies over the past two days. Though their realms had not changed, their auras had obviously become significantly stronger.


    At the moment Ye Feng appeared, everyone promptly opened their eyes.


    But when they opened their eyes and saw Ye Feng, everyone''s expression became somewhat dull, and their bodies involuntarily wanted to prostrate themselves on the ground. However, everyone present was already a top-level Golden Core Realm experts, so they promptly recovered their senses just after a brief moment.


    Still, recalling that short instant from just moments ago, a surprise flashed in their eyes.


    When they looked at Ye Feng again, it was as if they were looking at an ordinary person, not revealing the slightest bit of aura.


    "Return to Simplicity..."


    Chi Jark looked at Ye Feng, his expression slowly changing.


    Xiao Rulong made a gulping sound in his throat, well aware that Ye Feng was now different from before!


    "Ye Feng, you couldn''t have... you couldn''t have already reached the Yin-Yang Realm, could you?"


    Xiao Rulong asked incredulously, his voice trembling.


    At this, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian and the others were also startled, their breathing becoming rapid. Had their lord reached the realm of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm?


    Seeing Xiao Rulong ask this, Ye Feng smiled lightly, "Perhaps so."


    That settled it!


    Whenever Ye Feng said this, it was definitely true!


    Xiao Rulong immediately shut up, and so did Chi Jark, whose face completely froze. Both were internally reeling.


    Ye Feng was actually at the Yin-Yang Realm, a Great Power at the age of twenty-six!?


    Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian and the other six were so excited that they knelt on one knee, proclaiming in unison, "Congratulations to Your Majesty on your breakthrough!"


    Ye Feng slightly lifted his hand, and an invisible force raised the six people up. With a serious expression, he declared, "Now is not the time to discuss this; I have something more important to tell you all."

 Chapter 666 - 661: Preparations Before Ye Fengs Big Battle

    Seeing Ye Feng''s rarely serious expression, Xiao Chuanqi and the other six also became solemn, standing upright in front of Ye Feng, all ears.


    After that, Ye Feng broadly informed everyone about the current situation at the Great Wall of Heaven. After listening, everyone''s expressions grew severe.


    Sima Zhantian, who had a fiery temper, clenched his teeth and said, "Then what''s there to talk about, my liege? Let''s go to war directly. These damned Alien Race, how dare they invade our Human Realm, we absolutely cannot tolerate this. We should crush them before they completely gather their forces!"


    Before Ye Feng could speak, Sausage Sister, who was equally hot-headed, smacked Sima Zhantian on the head and scolded, "Can''t you use your brain, blockhead? Although the Alien Race hasn''t finished gathering, aren''t we the Human Race in the same situation? And didn''t you hear what Ye Feng said? Just the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers of the Alien Race already number over seventy. With the situation as it is now, what do we have to fight these Aliens with?"


    Only then did Sima Zhantian realize the crux of the matter, and he had a sudden epiphany, "Right, our Human Race didn''t prepare much beforehand, and this time, the damned Demon Horn Tribe obviously came prepared, plus they are gathering much faster than us."


    With that said, Sima Zhantian stood up abruptly and said, "Then my liege, what are we waiting for? Let''s hurry to the defense of the Great Wall of Heaven; it might be too late if we delay any further."


    Ye Feng still stood there, unmoving. Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but become impatient. In fact, even during preparations, this big guy was always the vanguard. How could he possibly tolerate this situation?


    Xiao Chuanqi rolled his eyes at Sima Zhantian, who wanted to speak again, and said, "Can''t you stay quiet for a while? Since our liege is holding back, he must have his reasons. We should just listen to our liege''s orders. What are you so anxious about?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and smiled, "The more critical it is now, the less we can afford to rush. Just now, Old Long already told me that it would take about a month for the Demon Horn Tribe to set up the Great Altar Formation. Currently, both sides are still gathering their forces; it''s not yet time for battle. But one thing is certain; we must launch an attack before the Demon Horn Tribe completely sets up the Great Altar Formation!"


    Chi Jark nodded in agreement, "Ye Feng is right. According to the Demon Horn Tribe, once they use the Heart Blood of our three Human Race Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers to complete the altar, the Great Wall of Heaven is likely to be breached. By then, our Human Realm will truly be in danger, as we are not yet fully prepared for a comprehensive war."


    Xiao Rulong pondered and asked, "Ye Feng, what are your plans? Will you reinforce the Great Wall of Heaven?"


    "Of course, we must. It''s an inescapable duty for all members of the Human Race. The greater the power, the greater the responsibility. Our strength is not weak among those present; how could we possibly shy away at this time?" Ye Feng declared resolutely.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark nodded silently in agreement, which confirmed that they had not misjudged Ye Feng and were not following the wrong person.


    If Ye Feng had said today that he would not reinforce and planned to hide away as a coward, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, two descendants of the Ancient Clan, would certainly scoff and leave indignantly.


    Ye Feng caught the expressions of the two, shook his head, and said with a smile, "We must definitely go to reinforce, but not now, because now is not the right time."


    Xiao Rulong was no fool either and immediately understood Ye Feng''s meaning, saying instantly, "Does Brother Ye mean to wait until your hundred soldiers of the Northern Border Army have completed their training before joining the reinforcements together?"


    "Exactly!" Ye Feng nodded, "If we''re going to reinforce, then we should offer our greatest sincerity. In fact, I can assert now that the Four Great Powers from the Outer Battlefield, even with the Alien Race''s army at our doorstep, will not bring out everything they''ve got."


    "That''s true. Especially the Vampire Divine Court and the Yin-Yang Temple, those two powers are more cunning and selfish, rarely acting for the greater good. We probably shouldn''t place our hopes on them this time," Chi Jark said with a cold sigh.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "Time is of the essence right now. You all can continue to practice in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. It will likely take the Northern Border Army twenty-odd days to be ready. During this time, I need to make a trip back to Earth, to the Xuanyuan Nation."


    Actually, everyone was clear about the reason for Ye Feng''s return: he was the person in charge of the Tianyong Pavilion of Xuanyuan Nation. Everyone was waiting for his command. Moreover, the Martial Academy was also waiting for him to return to take charge. At this moment, the high echelons of Tianyong Pavilion and the Martial Academy of Xuanyuan Nation were probably in chaos. Of course, until now, the common people were almost unaware of the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven, as the news had been blocked early on to avoid causing panic.


    "We will practice here to our utmost, to improve our cultivation combat power as much as possible in preparation for the upcoming battle. But you must be careful on your return trip. After all, following the Martial Dao conference, you''ve been targeted by the old monsters from the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court. They might take advantage of this chaos to move against you," Xiao Rulong cautioned.


    Gai Jiuyou couldn''t help saying, "It can''t be that heartless, can it? If the Human Realm is facing such a great crisis and these Great Powers still seize this opportunity to act, then that would truly be..."


    He wanted to use a few swear words, but as he was not accustomed to cursing, he struggled to come up with anything suitable.


    "That''s enough; I''m aware of it. Don''t worry about me!" Ye Feng waved his hand and, in an instant, vanished from his original spot.


    After breaking through to two thousand nine hundred acupoints, Ye Feng felt a significant increase in confidence. Even if he were to encounter a Great Power wielder of the Yin-Yang Mirror, he was fully capable of suppressing them. Even if faced with several Great Power wielders at once, he remained utterly unafraid, and if all else failed, he could always rely on the Weak Water Spiritual Pearl.


    Of course, Ye Feng intended to reserve the Weak Water Spiritual Pearl for dealing with the Alien Race; he would not use it lightly unless absolutely necessary.


    Thinking of the Weak Water, Ye Feng suddenly remembered a key point. When he had left the Source Secret Realm, since everyone was present, he had refrained from using the Weak Water Spiritual Pearl to absorb the water in the lake. After all, he couldn''t risk exposing the existence of the Spiritual Pearl. In that situation, any slight movement from him would have immediately drawn the attention of the several Great Power wielders of the Yin-Yang Mirror.


    "It looks like I''ll need to head to Lake Central Island first to collect the Weak Water. That way, I can be prepared for any emergencies!" Ye Feng looked up to ascertain his direction, then immediately took off, flying swiftly toward his destination. His speed had undoubtedly increased a lot after his Cultivation Strength had improved.


    Of course, in the Outer Battlefield he was only capable of flying. As for the spatial teleportation that the Yin-Yang Great Powers boasted of, he had not yet grasped it. Ye Feng guessed that if he could enter the legendary Void Realm, perhaps then he would be capable of Void Traversal.


    With full-force flying, it took him less than half a day to arrive at Lake Central Island. However, the central island had already sunk, leaving the lake filled with calm, black Weak Water.


    Ye Feng released his spiritual power to sweep the surroundings. Once he confirmed that there was no one around, he took out the Weak Water Spiritual Pearl and threw it into the lake.


    "Collect," he commanded with a wave of his Great Hand. His spiritual power took control of the Spiritual Pearl, and in an instant, the lake started to churn furiously, forming a giant vortex around the Pearl. The rolling Weak Water was absorbed into the Spiritual Pearl, and within two minutes, the lake was completely dried up, revealing the eerie white bones lying on the black soil beneath.


    Ye Feng had already searched the bottom and found no valuable treasures left. Without further hesitation, he rose into the air and headed towards the Teleportation Array.


    Half a day later, he finally returned to Tianyong Pavilion of the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation.


    At the highest level of Tianyong Pavilion, Zhao Gongming and Zhuge Wuming both heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing Ye Feng''s return.


    "You rascal, at such a critical moment we had no news from you. We thought something might have happened to you. You had us quite worried," Zhuge Wuming chided.


    Ye Feng could only apologize, "I''m truly sorry. I was in secluded cultivation during this period and couldn''t receive any messages from the outside, which caused the delay. Fortunately, there was no mishap."


    Zhuge Wuming nodded and said, "Many people below, including a few high-ranking officials from the Martial Academy, started to have different opinions when we couldn''t contact you. They thought you were avoiding danger on purpose. These people, they know nothing."


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened momentarily, but he knew this was not the time to delve into such matters. He then asked, "Have the people been selected, including those from the Martial Academy?"


    "Everything''s been taken care of. Essentially, every notable figure above Martial King Level in the whole country has been assembled in the Imperial Capital. Of course, this was done in secret and commoners haven''t been alarmed," Zhuge Wuming said with competence. It was indeed no small feat that he had managed to arrange such a matter in just one day''s time, worthy of his long tenure at the helm of Tianyong Pavilion.


    "How many people in total?" Ye Feng asked.


    "Not many, around five hundred. That''s the limit. Some were unwilling to participate, and others were simply too old," Zhuge Wuming sighed. He had heard that the Alien Race guarding the Great Wall of Heaven already had at least ten thousand individuals at Martial King Level Cultivation Strength. The gap was truly significant.


    "To gather so many people in such a short time is already commendable. After all, those with higher Cultivation Levels have mostly entered the Outer Battlefield already. By now, most of them should have rushed to the Great Wall of Heaven," Ye Feng said, and then bowed his hands, "In the time to come, Senior Zhuge, I''ll have to trouble you to take good care of the rear for our Xuanyuan Nation."


    Zhuge Wuming waved his hand and replied with a sigh, "We are old now, and our Cultivation Levels are limited. We can only help by managing the rear. Even if we wanted to join the battlefield, we would lack the capability. The front lines are left for you young ones to defend. Just leave the rear of Xuanyuan Nation to me."


    "Alright, there''s no time to lose. I''ll go meet these people now," Ye Feng said and turned to leave.


    However, at this moment, the hitherto silent Zhao Gongming suddenly called out to him, "Ye Feng, please wait a moment."


    "Do you have something else to say, Grand Sect Leader?" Ye Feng paused his steps.

 Chapter 667 - 662: To the Front Lines, Kill the Alien Race!

    Zhao Gongming obviously felt somewhat embarrassed, but after pondering, he still asked, "With a formidable enemy before us, I shouldn''t be taking up your time, but since it''s so rare to see you return, I just have to ask."


    Ye Feng smiled and cupped his fist in greeting, "Grand Sect Leader, if you have any questions, feel free to ask."


    Only then did Zhao Gongming nod and say, "Here''s the thing, I don''t know if the Northern King has come across my disciple during your time in the Outer Battlefield, or if you''ve heard any news about him?"


    It was then that Ye Feng came to realize; the Grand Sect Leader was inquiring about Zhang Wenyuan. However, it was odd; having ventured into the Outer Battlefield for a considerable length of time, Ye Feng had traversed almost the entirety of the Outer Battlefield, encountering both Gai Jiuyou and Mu Tian, yet he had neither seen Zhang Wenyuan nor heard any news about him.


    Back when the battle for the position of Martial Academy Principal took place in the imperial capital, Zhang Wenyuan was defeated. Additionally, during his time as King of the Southern Territory, he was unable to repel the invasions of Brahma Kingdom and Ancient Yue Kingdom. It was ultimately thanks to Ye Feng that the turbulence of the Southern Territory was smoothly quelled. It was then that Zhang Wenyuan finally understood the gap between himself and Ye Feng, compelling him to enter the Outer Battlefield alone.


    Calculating the time, it had been at least half a year!


    With this in mind, Ye Feng sighed and said, "To speak of it is embarrassing, but after entering the Outer Battlefield, there was so much to deal with that I actually forgot about this matter and didn''t specifically seek out Brother Wen Yuan''s whereabouts. Up to now, I have not seen him in the Outer Battlefield, nor have I heard any information about him."


    Although in some sense Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan were competitors¡ªafter all, Zhang Wenyuan had a very powerful backing, and his talent was also strong, especially practicing the Technique of Five Turns, which was also an Ancient Method. Even though he was at the peak of Martial King Realm, his combat power was quite formidable.


    However, Zhang Wenyuan''s character was good, demonstrably open-hearted and generous, with a great spirit. Even though he was in competition with Ye Feng at the time, this did not prevent the two from being good friends, even brothers, constantly competing and spurring each other on, an undoubtedly delicate relationship.


    After hearing Ye Feng''s words, the Grand Sect Leader couldn''t help but feel slightly startled; after all, he''s grown old and lacked the willpower to abandon Martial Arts for Daoism. Besides, with the daily multitude of tedious matters requiring his attention in the Utility Pavilion, he simply couldn''t enter the Outer Battlefield like those younger folks.


    Truth be told, Zhao Gongming was rather envious of these spirited youths. It was precisely because of his inability to enter that he had asked Ye Feng for help, hoping the latter could find his prized closed-door disciple.


    Zhuge Wuming, who stood by, noticed the dejection in Zhao Gongming and could relate. He laughed and said, "That lad Zhang Wenyuan is a person of Great Fortune. Additionally, the Cultivation Technique he practices is rather unique. In an Outer Battlefield, as long as he doesn''t venture into those deadly forbidden zones, he should have no concerns for his life."


    Ye Feng also nodded in consolation, "Indeed, Brother Wen Yuan is a man blessed by fate, he shouldn''t encounter any trouble. The reason we haven''t heard any news about him is probably because he likes to keep a low profile to avoid revealing his identity and whereabouts."


    Zhao Gongming waved his hand with a wry smile and said, "It''s fine, Ye Feng, you needn''t feel guilty. After all, it was his own choice¡ªwhether he lives or dies is up to his own fate."


    Ye Feng bowed with his fists clasped, "Grand Sect Leader, rest assured. Wen Yuan is my brother. Once the matter of the Alien Race invasion is resolved, I will mobilize my subordinates to search for him with all our might."


    In reality, the three present knew all too well that there being no news of Zhang Wenyuan for such a long time in the Outer Battlefield meant either the lad had already fallen or that he had been trapped in some Forbidden Secret Realm, or, perhaps, he had gone to an Alien Space-Time. Given Zhang Wenyuan''s personality, such a possibility was not out of the question.


    Zhao Gongming also reciprocated with a bow, "Thank you for your concern, Northern King. However, the Great Wall of Heaven is currently urgent. You should go and integrate and conscript resources first. Reinforcing the Great Wall of Heaven is the top priority."


    Ye Feng nodded, no longer speaking, and directly darted out of the Utility Pavilion.


    The five hundred strong Martial King Realm and Divine Path Realm warriors organized by Zhuge Wuming were already assembled in the Martial Academy. This was the utmost force Xuanyuan Nation could present; of course, this was only the Mortal World. The Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts still had many more, not to mention the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    All of the five hundred individuals were young, the youngest being a little over twenty and the oldest around forty. Upon learning that the Principal was soon to return, these five hundred strong from the Mortal World had already gathered in the Martial Arts Training Plaza of the Martial Academy.


    Of course, different from other deployments, there were not many people to send them off this time. Only a few high-level members from the Martial Academy, like Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and others, were on the rostrum, after all, the matter of the Alien Race invasion was still being circulated among the higher-ups, and common citizens, let alone students of the Martial Academy, were not yet aware.


    A rainbow light shot from the horizon in the blink of an eye; before anyone could react, Ye Feng had already landed on the rostrum, his speed was simply too fast. Only after he had completely settled did Shi Yehong and the few other high-level members of the Martial Academy start to react.


    Down below, the five hundred or so strong from the Mortal World immediately bowed with fists cupped and one knee to the ground and shouted, "Hail to the Principal!"


    The roar pierced the sky and reached the clouds, indicating Ye Feng''s status at the Martial Academy. Admittedly, it was rather embarrassing; since the founding of the Martial Academy, Ye Feng rarely made an appearance and has always been a hands-off manager, leaving the Academy under the care of the Second Sect Leader and a few elders.


    However, the students of the Martial Academy always remembered the grace shown by their dean, for it was he who overcame all odds to implement free education. In the beginning, the Academy lacked resources, cultivation methods, and martial techniques, yet it was still the dean who entered the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts thrice and scraped together resources from these Sects, even going as far as emptying out sects like the Valley of the Medicine God and the Flora Sect.


    This was precisely why the Martial Academy was able to operate smoothly. Among the five hundred people present, many were part of the first batch of students. Their affection and support for the Northern Border King, the Legendary Dean, had even evolved into reverence and admiration.


    "Rise and speak!" Ye Feng stood on the high platform, his body erect in the sunlight, his black robe fluttering in the wind, radiating an impressive and indescribable aura of power.


    Especially after successfully cultivating two thousand and nine hundred acupoints, Ye Feng exuded an emperor-like presence. Ordinary people could hardly resist prostrating in worship upon a single glance, and the strong students present undoubtedly viewed him with even greater respect.


    Ye Feng spoke loudly, "Beyond the Great Wall of Heaven, the Alien Race invades. I believe everyone present is already aware of this. I will not go into detail, but I want to tell you one thing: do not doubt that the Alien Race is strong, but they are not invincible. Over two thousand years ago, we won the battle against an Alien Race invasion, successfully keeping them out of the Great Wall of Heaven. This time will be no exception. If our ancestors could achieve it, so can we!"


    "To the front lines, slay the Alien Race, protect our homes and country!" Ye Feng shouted.


    "To the front lines, slay the Alien Race, protect our homes and country!"


    And so, the entire plaza erupted in a thunderous roar; five hundred strong students raised their arms and shouted in unison. It was fortunate that the plaza had been sealed with formations early on; otherwise, not only the Martial Academy, but the entire imperial capital might have heard their cries, which could have caused a widespread commotion.


    Ye Feng nodded in satisfaction. It had to be acknowledged that the five hundred people selected by Zhuge Wuming were quite impressive overall, and their morale had been even further boosted by this rallying speech.


    Turning to Shi Yehong, Ye Feng bowed with clasped hands and said, "The Second Sect Leader and the other seniors have been managing the Martial Academy during this time; your efforts are appreciated!"


    Several senior members waved their hands and said, "We have merely been handling affairs methodically from the rear; if there''s talk of hard work and diligence, it is you, Dean, who has been the most toiled."


    Shi Yehong couldn''t help but shake his head with a sigh, "Ye Feng, among these several hundred people, the majority are the first batch of students from the Martial Academy, and also among the strongest we have. This is our core strength. It''s a shame; you entrusted me with the Academy, and yet I was only able to cultivate so many."


    Ye Feng immediately waved his hand, "Second Sect Leader, there is no need for self-reproach. In fact, you have done extremely well. It''s just that we were short on time. I originally anticipated the Alien Race invasion to occur at least two years later, which would have given us time. The early arrival of this great battle was unexpected to everyone."


    The Second Sect Leader nodded and then suddenly asked, "Regarding Qingyan, she has already come around and entered the Outer Battlefield with the daughter of the Valley of the Medicine God. Have you seen them?"


    "Thanks for your concern. I have seen them, and the two ladies are safe in the Outer Battlefield," Ye Feng nodded in response.


    "That''s a relief. Without delay, you should set out for your mission. I''ve already informed them about the things to watch out for in the Outer Battlefield. We here wish for your successful return in triumph!"


    "We wish you a victorious start and a triumphant return!" Several senior members of the Martial Academy clasped their hands and bowed to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng returned the gesture, then with a wave of his hand commanded, "Depart!"


    Having said this, he led the five hundred strong students out of the Martial Academy and toward the Ocean Vortex Gate Teleportation Array in the Eastern Border.


    In fact, Ye Feng was well aware that even within the Mortal World, there were far more than just five hundred people who had reached the Martial King Realm Level and above. For instance, several powerful families in the imperial capital had substantial strength, but these families hadn''t sent out their powerful members. Although Ye Feng naturally felt anger at this, he was even more helpless, as he couldn''t force them to contribute.


    Of course, should the situation develop to a certain point¡ªsay, if the Great Wall of Heaven were to collapse¡ªthen it would likely become a scenario where all citizens must bear arms, and those selfish elite families could no longer preserve their own interests.


    Furthermore, there were the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, as well as several great powers from around the world, such as the Yin-Yang Hall of the Sword Saint Palace, Snow Wolf Country, the Wizard Alliance, and the Vampire Divine Court. Ye Feng suspected they would only offer symbolic support. Although this made him angry, it wasn''t something he could harshly criticize.


    "I must do my best," Ye Feng sighed inwardly. At this moment, he had led the group to the Gate of Whirlpool Teleportation Array above the East Sea. Following his lead, the five hundred strong students stepped through the Gate of Whirlpool, one after another, entering the Outer Battlefield.

 Chapter 668 - 663: The Real Mu Tian

    For these five hundred or so student strongmen, this was still their first time entering the Outer Battlefield. During their time at the Martial Academy, the most they heard about was this place. Everyone knew how mysterious the Outer Battlefield was with its various heavenly talents and earthly treasures etc., so there was no question that everyone was very curious and filled with longing for it.


    However, their cultivation realms and spiritual power were not particularly strong, so upon being transported here, the vast majority of them fainted. Of course, there were a very few, approximately five or six individuals, who only felt a slight dizziness and managed to stay conscious.


    Ye Feng silently took note of these six individuals, because he was well aware that being able to endure and stay conscious on their first entry, when everyone''s cultivation realms were similar, indicated that they either had unusual physiques or stronger spiritual power. Either way, these were the individuals with higher talent and worth focusing on for cultivation.


    Looking at the people sprawled out haphazardly, Ye Feng frowned slightly and with a sweep of his Great Hand, beams of light rushed forth. Soon after, people gradually regained consciousness and then some began to lose their patience and started to look around curiously, wandering about.


    These guys were still students after all, and it was their first time entering the Outer Battlefield, so naturally their curiosity got the better of them.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng frowned and immediately barked out, "Before coming here, Vice Dean Shi Yehong must have already told you about the dangers of the Outer Battlefield. I won''t say much else, nor do I have the time. I just need to stress one point, you are no longer students of the academy, but my soldiers. Since you are my soldiers, you must obey orders unconditionally. Do you all understand?"


    "Understood!" The crowd shouted in unison.


    "Good, since you understand, I am now issuing the first order: in the Outer Battlefield, without my permission, you must not move around arbitrarily or touch anything here, otherwise, you won''t even know how you died. Understand?"


    Ye Feng lectured them once more; there was no helping it as these people were formerly students and could still be considered raw recruits, whose military discipline was not strict. He had to slowly shift their mindset.


    Seeing the dean''s serious expression, the many student strongmen finally put away their carefree attitudes and quickly gathered to form an orderly queue.


    "Move out, maintain formation, follow me!" After speaking, Ye Feng waved his Great Hand and continued forward.


    The Outer Battlefield was not like Earth; the gravity here was much stronger. So, once these students entered, not to mention low-altitude flight, even walking proved difficult, given that the majority of them were only at the Martial King Realm, with only a few having stepped into the Divine Path Realm.


    Thus, Ye Feng had no choice but to reduce his speed and walk slowly with them. With so many people, it simply wasn''t possible to lead them by flying swiftly.


    Luckily, with him as the super-strong leader, they encountered several ferocious beasts along the way, but all incidents were handled without danger. After all, with Ye Feng''s current cultivation strength, there weren''t many threats in the Outer Battlefield, except perhaps those in forbidden and ferocious lands.


    Only after two days did Ye Feng finally lead the group to a valley that nurtured the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Elder Bai''s figure suddenly emerged and, upon seeing the throng of five hundred people, immediately understood the situation.


    "Your Majesty, are you planning to take them all into the secret realm for cultivation?" Elder Bai asked.


    "Yes, there''s still more than half a month''s time left. Currently, both sides are still reinforcing, and the great battle will probably not begin yet. I want to take advantage of this time to enhance their strength as much as possible; otherwise, once they enter the battlefield, they might not even qualify as cannon fodder!" Ye Feng nodded, knowing that since these were his soldiers, he had to take responsibility for his troops.


    Elder Bai sighed, "Half a month is not enough to make them all abandon martial arts for Daoism and cultivate to the Golden Core Realm. It''s just not possible; there''s too little time."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Half a month naturally isn''t enough time to hope for all of them to reach the Golden Core Realm. That''s unrealistic. In fact, I don''t plan to let them all enter the Spirit Essence Pool either. I will select some with good talent potential, who have a high likelihood of successfully reaching the Golden Core Realm, to enter¡ªprobably about a hundred people. The rest can stay in the plaza to absorb the Spirit Essence Energy."


    "This matter, Elder Bai, please arrange it. In the meantime, I also need to enter secluded cultivation to strive for the maximum enhancement of my cultivation strength!"


    "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will make sure that everything you''ve entrusted is taken care of!" Elder Bai bowed.


    "Then, let them enter the secret realm. Afterwards, I will select a hundred of those with better talent for you to arrange to enter the Spirit Essence Pool."


    After finishing, Ye Feng turned into a streak of white light and directly entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Firstly, he greeted Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong on the plaza, and then he proceeded to the Spirit Essence Pool where Xiao Ruoyin and Yu Feiyu were cultivating. Both were still in the midst of their practice, but within two days, not only had Yu Feiyu successfully broken through to the Golden Core Realm, but he had also completely consolidated his cultivation.


    As for Hong Qingyan, she was now in a state of Xuan Ming Selflessness. Her talent was already high, and after inheriting the Bloodline of the Wings of Light from the Hong Family, the activation from the Spirit Essence Pool further stimulated the Bloodline Power. This not only heightened the quality of her Spirit Essence but also deepened her control over the Bloodline Power.


    It was foreseeable that as she continued her cultivation, her control over the Wings of Light would also grow stronger. For instance, previously she could only manifest the Wings of Light for a minute before reaching her limit, entering a weakened state thereafter, but now that duration had undoubtedly been greatly extended, and once she became adept, she wouldn''t enter a weakened state anymore.


    ```


    In this way, even in the upcoming Human Realm Defense Battle, Hong Qingyan now possessed the power to protect herself, and Ye Feng would not have to worry too much about her.


    Ye Feng did not linger further and turned around to leave, subsequently finding a quiet place to begin his self-cultivation.


    Five days later, Chi Jark emerged from his cultivation state, as he could no longer concentrate on his practice. He was too worried about the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven; to this point, Ye Feng had remained silent. After pulling over five hundred secular powerhouses from Earth, he had still entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation.


    But Chi Jark understood the purpose of Ye Feng''s actions, so he could only suppress his restlessness in secret. However, after the sixth day, Xiao Rulong also could not calm his mind and had to exit his secluded cultivation.


    The two exchanged glances, their eyes betraying their agitation. Chi Jark sighed, "That guy Ye Feng really knows how to maintain his composure, huh? At this point, there''s still no word from him; who knows what''s happening at the Great Wall of Heaven now?"


    Xiao Rulong rolled his eyes, "Who should I ask if you''re asking me? I''ve been stuck in this place just like you during this time."


    Their restlessness was partly due to the Alien Race invasion of the Great Wall of Heaven and partly because cultivating on the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm Plaza didn''t contribute much to their cultivation levels anymore, unless they had Origin Energy, which was not so easy to find.


    "Shall we go take a look at the Great Wall of Heaven first?" Xiao Rulong suddenly suggested.


    Chi Jark seemed tempted, but after thinking for a moment, he shook his head, "Let''s not. After all, we promised to follow that guy, especially now. We should not act alone; let''s wait a bit longer. Six or seven more days should be about right."


    While they spoke, the two stood up and began to walk around the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Then, Chi Jark suddenly murmured, "Do you think Ye Feng never planned to reinforce from the beginning?"


    Xiao Rulong was startled and blurted out, "That can''t be. Brother Ye isn''t that kind of person. Forget it, let''s not worry about these things for now. We should go have a drink and relax. Staying here is too suffocating; we will get sick if we keep this up!"


    The two did not use sound transmission for their conversation, so Ye Feng could hear everything clearly. However, he just shook his head with a smile and temporarily couldn''t be bothered to deal with these fellows.


    At this moment, at a high mountain thousands of miles from this valley, two figures stood on the peak, overlooking a small valley ahead.


    One was an old man in white robes, and the other, a young man in green robes. They stood side by side, gazing out as if in a trance. Their gazes were so lofty and proud, it was as if they looked down on the mortal world with disdain.


    These were none other than Mu Tian and his father, Mu Rongtian.


    If any of the major powers'' members were present to see Mu Tian like this, they would be shocked. Before now, Mu Tian had always seemed playful and unserious, quick to start fights over nothing and even worse, prone to striking from behind. Because of this, he was called the number one scoundrel on the Outer Battlefield.


    But now, Mu Tian stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an aura of calm detachment and noble charm, and his aloof expression almost seemed to convey the domineering presence of a ruler who controlled everything. This was a stark contrast to the previous impression of Mu Tian.


    In fact, this was the real face of Mu Tian. The playful and smiling facade he presented in front of the various powers was nothing but a deliberate disguise!


    If Ye Feng had been present, he would have been greatly surprised, for Mu Tian''s body faintly exuded the Power of Yin-Yang. Even though he was trying his best to suppress it, the Power of Yin-Yang still emitted from within him.


    This also indicated that Mu Tian was actually a Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power; he had simply been concealing his true strength beforehand.


    After a long while, Mu Tian was the first to break the silence between father and son. He said, "Father, do you truly not plan to help at the Great Wall of Heaven?"


    Without turning his head, Mu Rongtian looked out onto the vast expanse of the world and said with a faint smile, "It''s just a minor Alien Race army, frightening themselves more than anyone. The real battle is still far from coming."


    Mu Tian was intelligent and immediately understood the meaning behind his father''s words. He replied in a similarly calm voice, "Father means to say that this Alien Race army won''t be able to breach the Great Wall of Heaven?"


    "Just wait and watch."


    Mu Rongtian seemed very confident, of course, this couldn''t serve as a reason not to support, so he quickly added, "Not supporting, in fact, is because I have something very important to do, which could be considered the most important thing in my life. After decades of planning, it''s about to come to fruition."


    ```

 Chapter 669 - 664: Shocking Situation, The Mastermind Behind the Scenes!

    In fact, Mu Tian had always known that his father was scheming a great matter, yet he did not know what it was, though he had asked before, his father never told him, always saying that the time wasn''t right.


    "Father, what is the thing you''re scheming¡ªsurely you can tell me now?" Mu Tian turned his head to look at his father.


    Although the man before him was his father, Mu Tian often felt he was a stranger; because even now, he could not figure out just what kind of person his own father truly was. But one thing he was certain of was that his father was a great man, even perhaps possessing grand strategies and bold insight.


    Mu Rongtian''s face still showed no expression, his gaze still fixed on the vast land ahead, his voice proud and solitary, "The time has still not come, knowing too much now might not be good for you."


    Mu Tian pursed his lips in an I-knew-it-would-be-like-this expression, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Father, there''s one thing I can''t figure out."


    "You may ask," Mu Rongtian spoke.


    So, Mu Tian asked, "With my current cultivation strength, it should be no problem to defeat Ye Feng, but why do you always hold me back and not let me win against him, making me continuously suppress and hide my true cultivation? And after entering the Outer Battlefield, you even had me deliberately act like a carefree and lax person. Why is this?"


    Having said this, Mu Tian suddenly thought of a key point and hurriedly asked again, "Could it be related to the scheme you''ve been plotting?"


    After finishing, Mu Tian turned his head back to look at the cold and proud man, seemingly trying to discern something from his face.


    In truth, Mu Tian had always been concealing his cultivation level; in fact, he had stepped into the ranks of the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Mirror half a year ago. At his age, possessing such cultivation could be said to be the most powerful talent, even surpassing Ye Feng.


    But precisely because of his father''s command, and moreover, a strict order, he couldn''t help but deliberately lower his realm, and even performed modestly during the Martial Dao conference. Indeed, because of this, Mu Tian felt incredibly frustrated internally, so he simply adopted a careless demeanor, specifically targeting those with lower cultivation in the Outer Battlefield, knocking them out from behind and looting them completely.


    Perhaps only by doing this could the frustrated Mu Tian feel a trace of stimulation and joy, but he despised this false front, and the more he despised it, the more tirelessly he indulged in it, so his infamous reputation quickly spread throughout the Outer Battlefield, eventually becoming notorious.


    But Mu Tian did not care about these; in his bones, his pride made him disdain it all. In his view, these so-called geniuses were merely ants, and it was only that Ye Feng was slightly more powerful.


    As the saying goes, "The world laughs at me for being too frivolous, I laugh at the world for being blind," this pretty much reflected Mu Tian''s current state of mind.


    Mu Rongtian remained indifferent and proud, his tone almost devoid of any emotion, "You needn''t ask so much now. When the net is finally drawn, you will understand."


    Mu Tian didn''t ask any more. He finally understood that as long as the time was not right, no matter what he asked, the proud man would not answer, so he had no choice but to keep silent.


    Neither spoke again and silence once more took over the mountaintop. The land before them continued vast and boundless, with only the slightly rising valleys hinting at some signs of life.


    Mu Tian quietly stared at the valley, a mocking smile involuntarily forming on his lips.


    "Ye Feng, do you really think you''re the only one who knows the secrets of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm? Do you really think your luck is overwhelming? Little brother, you''re still too young. If it weren''t for my father''s prohibition, I could have taken the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm long ago, and there would be no need to mention your turn, Ye Feng!" Mu Tian lamented to himself.


    The calm of the mountaintop was suddenly disrupted by Mu Rongtian, who rarely asked, "Do you hate me?"


    This question was both abrupt and odd; others might have found it baffling, but Mu Tian visibly trembled, knowing as a son what his father meant by it.


    After giving it some thought, Mu Tian grinned and said, "I''ve had hatred, but that''s in the past, I''ve let go."


    Mu Rongtian appeared as if opening a floodgate of words, slowly saying, "Fifty years, a full fifty years I have not gone back, not that I''m heartless, not that I''m disloyal. That little village means something extraordinary to me; I love it more than anyone else."


    Suddenly, Mu Tian asked, "So are you still resentful towards Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe?"


    At this, Mu Rongtian burst into laughter, as if he''d heard a particularly amusing joke, and after a long while said, "Just as you said before, I''ve harbored hatred, but all that has passed, and I''ve long since let it go. Between father and son, how can there be true hatred?"


    It turned out that Mu Rongtian was actually the son of Old Long with Big Tobacco Pipe, and Mu Tian was Old Long''s grandson!


    Indeed, fifty years ago, Mu Rongtian had always been Old Long''s pride, even the most dazzling presence in that small mountain village, his talent eclipsing everyone else''s. The village elders praised him as the Chosen One of the millennium.


    It was precisely because of this that Mu Rongtian, thinking of himself with great pride and arrogance, ventured alone into the Outer Battlefield to gain experience before he even turned sixteen. Furthermore, his pride led him to secretly pass through the Whirlpool Gate of Time and Space and enter the territory of the Alien Race in Alien Space-Time.


    However, after his return, Mu Rongtian''s temperament drastically changed. He viewed the people of Earth as complacent and stagnant, seeing the Great Wall of Heaven that spanned across the sky horizon as a burdensome barrier. He even proposed to open the Great Wall of Heaven directly, allowing the Alien Race from Alien Territory to come through, to induce what he called the "catfish effect."


    Of course, this was met with strong opposition from the village chief, Old Long, and the Clan Elders in the village even suspected at one point that this most illustrious Chosen One was being controlled by the Alien Race. The confrontation between the two parties was so intense that it could not be easily resolved. In the end, the proud and powerful Mu Rongtian left in a huff, and this departure lasted for fifty years.


    From that time on, Mu Rongtian became a taboo in the village, a subject no one would discuss, so that later on, those like Sausage Sister and Long Nannan naturally knew nothing of that past.


    Mu Rongtian still stood tall amidst this vast expanse of Heaven and Earth, his expression not the slightest bit desolate, still as arrogant and self-confident as ever. He said leisurely, "That old man, after all, is old and self-satisfied. Had he listened to my suggestion back then, the Human Realm would not be as lifelessly quiet as it is now!"


    Mu Tian was naturally aware of this past, even though his father had never fully elaborated on it to him. By piecing together Mu Rongtian''s sporadic laments over the years, he had grasped the general idea.


    "Father, there''s one thing I still don''t quite understand," Mu Tian pondered and then spoke up.


    "Speak," Mu Rongtian stopped his chattering and also slightly calmed his slightly agitated emotions.


    At his level, emotional fluctuations were rarely experienced. It was precisely because this matter had always been a hurdle in his heart, even an insurmountable one, that his emotions were stirred.


    Mu Tian then asked, "Father, as you said, if Old Long had listened to you back then and had opened the Great Wall of Heaven, allowing those Alien Races from Alien Space-Time to come in, wouldn''t the powerful and brutal nature of the Alien Race, combined with the weakness of the Human Realm, have spelled disaster for the Human Race?"


    Mu Rongtian laughed with a scoff, "Disaster is only temporary. Without great pain, where is the drive to advance? To squat is to leap better, to step back is to charge forward more effectively. To sacrifice a part of the Human Race as a price for propelling the entire Human Realm to continuously progress, what''s wrong with that!"


    This was Mu Rongtian''s viewpoint and belief, and it belonged to his own vision and stature.


    Mu Tian could not refute it; in fact, deep in his bones, he seemed to agree, feeling that it was better to open up rather than remain self-satisfied as they were.


    Of course, if Ye Feng were present at this moment, he would certainly object. Once the Alien Race entered, a disaster would be inevitable. Do you know how great this disaster would be?


    The so-called "sacrifice of a part of the Human Race as a price"¡ªhow many will that sacrifice entail? One third, or half? As the saying goes, if it doesn''t concern one personally, one can afford to stand by and comment idly. The sacrifices are not your own, so naturally, you can speak such indifferent words!


    Furthermore, once the Alien Race invades the Human Realm en masse, given the current Cultivation Rank of the Human Race, there''s simply no ability to resist. In the end, they would surely face subjugation and oppression, and this oppression could last for thousands of years. Moreover, if a cruel and ambitious leader of the Alien Race emerges, continually suppressing and controlling the Cultivation Strength and numbers of the Human Realm''s powerful beings, the Human Race would never have a day to turn the tables, forever reduced to slaves of the Alien Race.


    These things, perhaps, Mu Rongtian had not considered. It must be said that although his vision was vast and his stature great, it was a bit hollow.


    Although Ye Feng''s vision, stature, and Cultivation Strength might not compare to Mu Rongtian''s, the qualities Ye Feng possessed, such as his character and the heart that considers the overall well-being of the Human Race, were things that Mu Rongtian lacked. Sometimes, these can be the most important.


    Mu Tian seemed to sense that his father was somewhat out of the ordinary today and couldn''t help but express, "Father, you''ve said more today than you have in the past month combined."


    Mu Rongtian seemed to realize this too, shook his head, and sighed unusually, "When the opportunity arises, it seems I must take you to see the Great Wall of Heaven. After all, no matter what, that old man is ultimately your grandfather and also my father."


    At those words, Mu Tian''s face involuntarily changed, and he asked, "Father, what do you mean by that? Could it be that the Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe might fall in the upcoming great war?"


    "It''s not a possibility, but a necessity!" Mu Rongtian''s gaunt face with sharp contours regained its cold pride as he enunciated each word, "If he does not die, the decades-long plan will not be able to be smoothly concluded. As long as he is alive, success is not possible. Therefore, he can only die!"


    At this point, Mu Rongtian turned his head to look at his son and said leisurely, "By now you should understand, why the Alien Race knew how to break the Great Wall of Heaven, why they suddenly came to the Human Realm ahead of time?"


    Mu Tian was suddenly stunned, standing still and looking at his father. He suddenly felt that his father''s eyes gazing at him were very deep, like an abyss. This man was terrifying. He was relieved that this man was his father; otherwise, he would probably want to flee at once.


    It was not until then that Mu Tian understood that everything behind the scenes was orchestrated and facilitated by his own father, even including everything that Ye Feng now possessed, everything that was firmly under his father''s control, such as the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, which could not escape his father''s far-reaching schemes and layouts.


    And everything that Mu Rongtian did, even if it meant using decades to set up such a situation, how significant was this setup? And to what extent?


    No one knew. Even Mu Tian at that moment was utterly clueless and at a loss!

 Chapter 670 - 665: Handling a Big Matter

    Concerning Mu Rongtian''s terrifying schemes, Ye Feng was naturally unaware. Although up to now, his cultivation level had grown far stronger than when he first entered the Outer Battlefield, compared to those elders, there was still a substantial gap in strength and methods.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was fully immersed in cultivation. Day after day, he never stepped outside, instead, he just sat cross-legged, continuously using the Yin-Yang Divine Source within the Weak Water Divine Clan to tirelessly assault the acupoints within his body.


    However, after reaching two thousand nine hundred acupoints, advancing further became exceedingly difficult. Even ascending by one more acupoint was an arduous task, and despite the aid of the Yin-Yang Divine Source in his cultivation, it was not easy. After several days of ceaseless cultivation, Ye Feng had only managed to clear five acupoints.


    "It seems that at this level, advancing even a single acupoint is no easy feat," Ye Feng silently lamented in his heart.


    Of course, he wouldn''t give up just like that. After all, the upcoming great battle of the Human Sentinels was not a matter to be taken lightly, and he needed to seize every moment to improve his strength as much as possible.


    As for other concerns, Ye Feng did not pay them any mind. He had only one belief, which was that no matter what, he could not allow the Alien Race to breach the Great Wall of Heaven. The Great Wall had to stand unbroken, at least for the next year or so, as any collapse would turn the Human Realm into a living hell, possibly even leading to an extinction-level catastrophe.


    As it became increasingly difficult to open new acupoints, Ye Feng decided to allocate part of his mind and spirit to continuously condense and refine his Spirit Essence using the Yin-Yang Divine Source. This way, even if his realm did not advance, his cultivation would deepen, and his combat power would consequently increase.


    In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. By this time, Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu had both finished their seclusion. Even Long Nannan and Sausage Sister were feeling quite bored, and within that boredom, there was also a sense of oppressive tension before a great battle, causing everyone to become clearly agitated. However, since Ye Feng had not yet finished his seclusion, it was naturally not their place to rush him.


    Actually, it wasn''t that Ye Feng was unwilling to emerge from seclusion, nor that he wasn''t concerned about the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven. The problem was that out of the hundred soldiers from the Northern Border Army sent into the Spirit Essence Pool, most had not yet broken through to the Golden Core Realm. Additionally, the following group of a hundred student warriors had just abandoned Martial Arts for Daoism and stabilized their Foundation Establishment. They were now preparing to challenge the Golden Core Realm, and at such a critical moment, they couldn''t afford to move around lightly.


    So even though Ye Feng was anxious, he had no choice but to wait, for the right moment had not yet arrived!


    Meanwhile, on the other end of the distant sky dome, the normally quiet and deserted Great Wall of Heaven was now teeming with a sea of people creating a scene of disorder and chaos, yet buzzing with activity.


    In truth, the various forces of the Outer Battlefield had always been aware of the existence of this Great Wall of Heaven and its significance. However, they had always been too indifferent to come here, let alone defend it, adopting an attitude which considered defending the Great Wall as an obligation of the villagers from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, something that was of no concern to them.


    In fact, even now, the number of people from the major forces of the Outer Battlefield who had come to help was not large. This was particularly true for the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court; both of these forces were quite selfish and self-serving, and up to this point, they had merely dispatched three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Mirror and fifteen Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, respectively.


    Though the Great Wall of Heaven was crowded, the people there were disorganized, and the noisy ruckus lacked any semblance of discipline, appearing as nothing more than a mob.


    Compared to the Alien Race'' Demon Horn Tribe on the other side, the human side was far inferior. Outside the Great Wall of Heaven, the Demon Horn Tribe Army was arrayed in neat formations. The tens of thousands of troops managed to keep order without the slightest hint of chaos or any unnecessary noise¡ªa testament to their terrifying discipline.


    In the endless dark void, the Whirlpool Portal approximately two square units in size had fully stabilized. It was clear that some Great Power on the opposite side, in the Alien Space-Time, was casting spells to keep the portal steady; otherwise, it could not have been sustained for such a long duration.


    However, there were limits to the portal. From the first day, the Demon Horn Tribe Army had been pouring in continuously, and so far, there were tens of thousands of beings at the level of Martial King or Foundation Establishment Realm, and a tremendous total of more than five hundred at the level of the Golden Core Realm or Sacred Realm Level. Moreover, there were as many as eighty individuals at the terrifying level of Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Mirror.


    Currently, no more massive waves of the Demon Horn Tribe were coming from the Alien Space-Time; it seemed they had reached their limit. Only a few Demon Horn Tribe''s Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm were coming in and out occasionally, likely intelligence operatives transmitting the situation in the Human Realm back to their own side.


    With both armies poised against each other, and while the great battle had not yet begun, the atmosphere was still extremely tense and oppressive. The Demon Horn Tribe had various skin colors, all peculiar and rough to the eye. Although they too had two arms and two legs like humans, they had a distinct antennae sprouting from the top of their head.


    The color of the antennae also varied, and observant individuals had noticed that the color seemed to correlate with their strength and cultivation level, though the exact relationship remained unclear to the Human side at the moment.


    In the center of the Demon Horn Tribe''s army stood a huge square altar surrounded by a Formation, appearing close to being fully set up. Nearly twenty days had passed since they arrived, and it was almost time¡ªperhaps three or four more days and the Formation would be completely successful and activated.


    Both sides were well aware that before the completion and activation of the Formation, a world-shaking battle was inevitable, with both sides waiting for the highest command to give the order.


    The Great Commander of the Demon Tribe, donning a red cloak, stood at the core of the Formation, clutching a Seven Stars Cane that may well have been his Magic Treasure Weapon.


    Over on the Human''s side, Old Man with Big Tobacco Pipe sat at the edge of the Great Wall of Heaven, his legs dangling over the side. He was still sipping on his pipe as usual, but the intensity and ferocity with which he smoked had clearly increased, a sure sign that beneath his calm exterior, his heart was no longer composed.


    Red-Nosed sat beside Old Long, suddenly asking, "What''s going on with that kid Ye Feng, why hasn''t there been any movement till now? Is he not coming, or did you deliberately tell him not to come?"


    Old Long took two strong puffs of his tobacco pipe before he leisurely said, "A grand spectacle like this is rare. That young man''s foundation has reached great accomplishment; how can we let him miss this opportunity? The eagle must be baptized by storms before it can truly spread its wings and soar."


    The red-nosed old man was startled and asked, "Great accomplishment? Does that mean the boy has cultivated up to two thousand nine hundred acupoints?"


    Old Long nodded slightly, sighing, "We indeed didn''t misjudge him. That child has also not disappointed our expectations. Such strong talent and enormous luck are truly rare to come by!"


    The red-nosed old man nodded and said, "Indeed, in just over a decade, the boy has already reached such heights in his cultivation. His progress is indeed supernatural. However, I always feel that there''s something off about the alien race''s sudden invasion, though I can''t quite put my finger on what it is."


    Old Long laughed and said, "They''re already at our doorstep, what''s the use in fretting over these things now?"


    "That''s also true. Right now, aside from going to war, we have no other choice. The Great Wall of Heaven cannot be breached, at least not now!"


    The red-nosed old man sighed dejectedly. When he reached this point, he suddenly burst into curses, "Over these few hundred years, the Human Race has been regressing more and more. It seems that they have become too complacent, and it''s our fault for guarding them too well, causing them to lose their sense of urgency. So, they have all become lax, and some have even started internal strife and infighting, these damn fools!"


    "Let''s not talk about it anymore. What''s the use of mentioning these things now? Luckily, there''s Ye Feng. Let''s hope he can shoulder the responsibility from now on!" Old Long waved his hands dismissively, and just as he did, his expression suddenly changed, glancing covertly to the left.


    At that moment, two figures, one old and one young, abruptly appeared on the left side of the Great Wall of Heaven, both cloaked in black robes and wearing hats that obscured their faces with a black veil, seemingly made of a special material that prevented others from probing.


    "Father, he''s over there," the younger of the black-robed figures transmitted his voice secretly. With so many people around, they had to communicate through secret technique voice transmission to avoid eavesdropping.


    These two black-robed figures were none other than Mu Tian and Mu Rongtian.


    Mu Rongtian only glanced at the thin old man with the big tobacco pipe on the Great Wall of Heaven before quickly withdrawing his gaze. His eyes remained incredibly calm, showing no hint of disturbance.


    Mu Tian, on the other hand, was visibly more excited. He turned to look at the Demon Horn Tribe army that gathered outside the Great Wall of Heaven, and said in amazement, "The Demon Horn Tribe is truly powerful. Just their vanguard alone is enough to demand the full attention of our Human Race. If their main army were to press forth, the Human Realm would stand no chance against them."


    Mu Rongtian was indifferent to all of this, and transmitted with a cold tone, "Take a good look at him. It might be the last time you see him."


    In fact, Mu Tian didn''t have much sentiment towards the old man sitting on the Great Wall of Heaven. After all, his old man, Mu Tian, had left the Little Mountain Village before he was born, and he had never visited that so-called center of the Xuanyuan Nation''s Martial Dao.


    "It''s just that I didn''t expect, a Human Race leader, would just look like an ordinary old man. If placed in a secular farmhouse, he would fit in with other common old men without any difference," Mu Tian said with a sigh still.


    Mu Rongtian laughed softly, "In fact, that is exactly where his impressiveness lies. Do not underestimate this old man. To be recognized as the Human Race leader, his methods are formidable. Alright, now that we''ve seen it, let''s go."


    Mu Tian asked, "Father, where are we going now?"


    "Back to Earth, to Xuanyuan Nation!"


    "Back to Xuanyuan Nation? What for?"


    "To take care of a big matter!" Mu Rongtian was too lazy to explain further, and with a flicker of his form, he vanished into thin air.


    Mu Tian had no choice but to quickly follow suit and disappear. These two figures that suddenly appeared out of nowhere and then vanished again went unnoticed by the surrounding people. After all, the area around the Great Wall of Heaven was far too crowded and chaotic, with all sorts of people present.


    However, naturally, it couldn''t escape Old Long''s magical vision; otherwise, he wouldn''t be fit to be the Human Race leader.


    Only after the presence of Mu Rongtian and his companion had completely dissipated, did Old Long tap his pipe against his shoe, and then murmured to himself, "How many years has it been, and still, not a single change. Long Rongtian, oh Long Rongtian, do you really think I am unaware of your so-called plans and schemes?"


    "You can''t win against Ye Feng, because that young man wasn''t chosen by me, but by that one from over two thousand years ago. You can''t possibly contend with him!"

 Chapter 671 - 666 Heading to the Great Wall of Heaven

    Gate of Whirlpool, after Mu Rongtian and his son passed through the teleportation array, they directly returned to Earth from the Outer Battlefield.


    However, the two of them concealed their Cultivation Realm, and their faces were obscured by black robes and cloaks. The secret agents of the various Great Powers waiting at the Gate of Whirlpool naturally could not discern the duo''s true strength. They speculated the two were only at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm and thus did not consider them a significant threat to mobilize against.


    "It is said that the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven is becoming increasingly dire. Instead of providing support there, these two have returned to Earth. What could they be up to?"


    "We''re not in a position to provoke entities of such level. Even if we wanted to track them, it would be impossible. Just record their appearance and aura and report to the higher-ups immediately!"


    Most of the Great Powers took the same course of action. After conducting their investigations, they withdrew their attention.


    Mu Rongtian''s face was completely hidden beneath the cloak, revealing only a pair of eyes that resembled a misty abyss. After scanning the vast expanse of the sea and determining the direction, he promptly disappeared into thin air with Mu Tian.


    Moments later, the father and son arrived at a rural estate that looked like a farmer''s manor on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation.


    Looking at the ordinary manor, Mu Tian was completely puzzled and couldn''t help but telepathically ask, "Father, why have we come to a place like this?"


    "You''ll know soon enough!" Mu Rongtian''s figure flickered as he entered the manor, with Mu Tian following closely behind.


    The manor was indeed very ordinary, similar to a farmhouse, but soon, Mu Tian noticed something extraordinary about it. It appeared unremarkable but, hidden in the corners and the backyard, were two Divine Path Realm grandmasters.


    Perhaps in the Outer Battlefield, Divine Path Realm Martial Artists were not esteemed, almost bottom-ranking, but remember this is the Mortal World, and more so just an ordinary manor. This was indeed out of the ordinary. Moreover, Mu Tian could tell that these two Divine Path Realm experts were clearly just guards.


    As the father and son suddenly materialized in the courtyard, the two Divine Path Realm experts finally noticed them and swept over.


    "Who dares to trespass¡ª"


    But before they could finish speaking, Mu Rongtian''s eyes emitted two faint beams of divine light. The light instantaneously shot towards the two Divine Path Realm experts, who silently collapsed.


    "She is in the backyard!" Mu Rongtian strode towards the backyard, with Mu Tian once again following closely.


    The backyard was serene, with only two young maids bustling about. An old farm woman was cradling a baby girl who looked to be just over a year old, sound asleep in the old woman''s arms.


    Upon seeing the baby girl, Mu Tian''s eyes suddenly sharpened as memories started to resurface.


    The old woman and maids, startled by the sudden intruders, were about to react when they all fell unconscious without a word.


    Mu Rongtian''s Great Hand reached out through the air, and the plump baby girl was pulled across the space to his right hand. Then, with a flip of his left hand, another baby girl, nearly identical to the first one, appeared in his grasp. The two obviously looked like twins.


    Then, Mu Rongtian stowed away the baby girl in his right hand and with a gentle wave of his left, the baby girl in his hand was placed back into the old woman''s arms. This series of actions effectively swapped the two nearly identical baby girls.


    Mu Tian couldn''t help but telepathically ask, "Father, even though you''ve swapped them, they clearly know we were here. When they wake up, won''t they find something amiss?"


    "It''s quite simple. We just forcibly erase that segment of their memory!" Mu Rongtian said with a faint smirk. His hands swiftly formed a Dharma Seal. Several beams of divine light shot out from his hands, entering the foreheads of the maids, the old woman, and the two Divine Path Realm experts.


    "This catalyst has finally ripened. That kid surnamed Ye does have some ability. It seems he had already noticed something odd about this girl and didn''t keep her by his side, opting instead to place her in this farmstead on the outskirts." Mu Rongtian sneered coldly.


    "Father, since Ye Feng has sensed something amiss and has isolated the girl early on, won''t the effect of the catalyst be greatly diminished?" Mu Tian couldn''t help but ask.


    "No matter, there are certainly some shortcomings, but with a little work from me, it can be fully utilized. That kid surnamed Ye may have sensed something wrong, but he absolutely couldn''t suspect us, let alone know the true use of this girl!" Mu Rongtian sneered, his laughter filled with the confidence of one who had everything under control.


    To tell the truth, Ye Feng had come across the girl by chance in the Central Region Dragon Valley.


    Back then, the Miasma in Central Region Dragon Valley was surging and pervasive. To identify and cut off the source of the Miasma, Ye Feng and Zhang Wenyuan both risked their lives to enter the heart of the Central Region. At that time, ordinary people from deep within the Central Region had already moved away, but this baby girl was still there. Her parents were already dead, and she was crying loudly. Moved by compassion, Ye Feng took her into his care.


    In fact, Ye Feng had already felt something extraordinary about the girl since the Miasma was too thick for a baby girl of less than six months to survive. Yet, he couldn''t bear to leave her and saved her anyway.


    Several times at Northern Cloud Residence, Ye Feng observed the strangeness of the girl. She could absorb a certain type of energy on her own, especially his. Anytime he got close, it would be absorbed by her, forcing Ye Feng to become extremely cautious. Reluctantly, he decided to place her in a farmhouse on the outskirts and tasked two grandmasters to guard her secretly.


    But Ye Feng could never have imagined that behind this girl lay a trap set by the preeminent figure Mu Rongtian!


    "Let''s go!" With a wave of his hand, Mu Rongtian became covered in ripples and then the two of them vanished into thin air.


    Soon, Mu Rongtian and his son arrived at the East Sea''s Gate of Whirlpool Teleportation Array. Without waiting for the various great powers'' secret agents hidden in the vicinity to react, the father and son duo re-entered the Outer Battlefield.


    In the meantime, Ye Feng was still cultivating in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Three days later, which was twenty days after the Alien Race invaded the Human Realm, he finally opened his eyes.


    "Time to wrap this up," Ye Feng slowly got up and then summoned Elder Bai.


    "What are Your Majesty''s orders?" Elder Bai appeared immediately and asked.


    "Tell everyone to gather at the square. Give them five minutes to prepare!" Ye Feng issued the command.


    "Understood!" After speaking, Elder Bai''s figure turned into a white light and vanished.


    "It''s been over half a month, I wonder how their cultivation is going?" With a thought at his brow, Ye Feng''s mind quickly enveloped the two Spirit Essence Pools.


    He paid particular attention to the situation around the Spirit Essence Pools, as these were the two hundred individuals with the strongest talent and potential, carefully selected. The rest on the square were undoubtedly much weaker, and with the situation so urgent, he obviously couldn''t concern himself with them for now.


    Upon receiving Elder Bai''s message, the Northern Border Army soldiers and Martial Academy student powerhouses in the Spirit Essence Pools reluctantly emerged from their cultivation state, even though they were reluctant to leave such a rapid cultivation environment akin to a rocket''s speed.


    But they knew the time was nearly up and they must go out to battle to protect their homeland!


    In less than two minutes, everyone had already arrived at the square, forming two neat and distinct formations standing tall.


    "Out of two hundred people, half have broken through to the Golden Core Realm and stabilized their realm, and of the remaining hundred, half have stepped into the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. This pace isn''t slow indeed, it''s just a pity that there wasn''t enough time!" Ye Feng shook his head.


    Having so many people simultaneously absorb the energy of the Spirit Essence Pools to break through had undoubtedly caused massive consumption in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Nearly two of the Pulse Sources were now exhausted, leaving only around two left in the secret realm. Such rapid depletion was almost irreversible damage to the secret realm.


    Ye Feng had no other choice, and he could already anticipate that once such a massive number of Golden Core Realm grandmasters descended upon the Great Wall of Heaven, it would definitely cause a sensation. Once the powerhouses of the major forces checked a little, they would probably uncover the secret of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Right now, the priority is to crush the Alien Race first. As for the rest, I''ll take it one step at a time!" Ye Feng shook his head and appeared above the square with a flicker.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, having heard the commotion, finally understood that Ye Feng was about to take action. Their spirits lifted and they soared over as well.


    "Greetings, Northern King (Dean)!"


    The Northern Border Army soldiers and Martial Academy students in the two formations below, upon seeing Ye Feng arrive, knelt on one knee, bowed, and shouted in unison with voices that shook the heavens and a mighty momentum.


    Although there weren''t many of them, each person''s cultivation had improved significantly, generating an undoubtedly strong aura.


    Ye Feng gestured with his hand to stand and was about to speak when suddenly the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness within the Heavenly Heart Palace rapidly unfurled, and subsequently streams of extremely pure energy poured into the scroll.


    "Is this... Source Power of Faith?" Ye Feng''s eyes widened, but he quickly understood and turned to look at the powerhouses below.


    He realized that with this kneel, they were recognizing him as their leader which activated the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. After all, the first layer of the Emperor''s Dao Technique which the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll cultivates has a significant aspect involving subordinates.


    The stronger the subordinates and the overall strength, the stronger the feedback the master, Ye Feng, would receive. This is a mutually reinforcing relationship. After over half a month of cultivation, the people below had greatly increased in strength, and the benefits Ye Feng received were also substantial.


    "No need for such formality, please rise!"


    Ye Feng regained his calm and waved his hand, then said, "I won''t waste words. Our Earth is at a critical moment of life and death. As men of honor, we would rather die on the battlefield and be wrapped in horsehide than let the Alien Race invade an inch of our land!"


    "To the battlefield, kill the Alien Race, protect our country!" The numerous powerhouses below shouted passionately, raising their arms.


    If any of the major forces saw this moment, they would be utterly shocked. It was unprecedented in the cultivation world for over a hundred Golden Core Realm grandmasters and dozens of Half-Step Golden Core practitioners to so faithfully and willingly follow and pledge loyalty to one person.


    "Move out!" Ye Feng waved his hand and then the troops left the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and with great momentum, they marched towards the Great Wall of Heaven!

 Chapter 672 - 667: Launch a Full-scale Offensive

    From the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to the Great Wall of Heaven, based on the speed at which the main army was advancing, it would take roughly three days. Ye Feng had already scouted the status of the Great Wall of Heaven before and had communicated with Old Long, knowing that the Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Altar Formation was likely to be truly complete also in about three days.


    There was still time!


    So even though Chi Jark and Xiao Rulong, among others, were anxious, Ye Feng was still proceeding at his own pace steadily and unhurriedly. After all, the cultivation level of most students from the Martial Academy in the team was not high. If they were to exhaust their Spirit Essence and rush forward just for the sake of speeding up the journey, they would probably be too tired to even stand by the time they reached the Great Wall of Heaven, let alone fight.


    As the Commander-in-Chief, Ye Feng had to consider these matters, and of course, he had everything under control!


    Meanwhile, as everyone kept advancing, the situation at the Great Wall of Heaven was becoming increasingly chaotic.


    The vast Great Wall of Heaven stretched across the sky horizon, rippling with multicolored waves. It was this Great Wall of the Heavenly Chasm that had blocked the alien races for more than two thousand years, guarding the human race.


    The black mass of disorderly humans scattered on the Great Wall of Heaven, the scene noisy and chaotic. Although Old Long was regarded as the leader of the human race, he was powerless to control the situation at the moment, not to mention that he had no intention to, still sitting there smoking his dry pipe.


    As time went on, the number of people from the human race who came to rescue had gradually decreased, and by today, basically no one new had arrived. It seemed that those who were going to come had mostly come, and those who did not want to come probably would not.


    "Damn it, that dog of a First Hall Master, at a critical moment for the human race, he has vanished. Up to now, there''s still no sight of him. What a mess! Such a person is simply unfit to be the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall!"


    The Great Wall of Heaven was under the dominion of Xuanyuan Hall. The Second Hall Master, who was also the Bu Family Patriarch, spoke in a heavy and cold tone. The First Hall Master had always had the upper hand over him, and now he certainly wouldn''t miss this opportunity, and if possible, he would not mind taking his place.


    The Fourth Hall Master, Ancestor of the Hong Family Hong Wuji, also huffed, "That''s right. Although Xuanyuan Hall is involved in the Outer Battlefield, its foundation was originally to guard the Human Clan of Xuanyuan. Now, with the human race in peril, the First Hall Master has shrunk back from battle. This is utterly unreasonable. Once we have dealt with the Demon Horn Tribe, we must convene a full meeting and have him removed from his post."


    The Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen, who was on good terms with the First Hall Master, couldn''t help but say, "Perhaps the First Hall Master really is in secluded cultivation or has entered some secret realm and thus hasn''t received the news."


    "Hmph, Zhao Xuanzhen, there''s no need for you to make excuses for him. Whether he''s really in secluded cultivation or has entered a secret realm, if he doesn''t exert effort at this critical moment, he does not deserve to be the First Hall Master!" Both the Bu Family Patriarch and Hong Wuji simultaneously spoke with a cold, heavy voice.


    "Right, it seems that we must unite to call for the dismissal of the First Hall Master. I agree to do this," the Fifth Hall Master huffed.


    "I agree too," the Sixth Hall Master chimed in agreement.


    These two were from the Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect. Although they had abandoned martial arts for Daoism only after entering the Outer Battlefield, they had, within a few decades, stepped into the ranks of the Yin-Yang Mirror''s Great Powers, thanks to their remarkable talent and extraordinary luck. Of course, compared to the Second and Fourth Hall Masters, their overall strength was still somewhat lacking.


    "By the way, that kid Ye Feng, he still hasn''t shown up. What a jerk. It looks like he doesn''t want to put in the effort either, and to think he was the top Martial Dao contender at this year''s competition!" the Fourth Hall Master, Hong Wuji, grumbled through clenched teeth.


    "It''s truly preposterous. This kid is quite strong overall. Not only did he enter the Source Secret Realm to absorb Origin Energy, but he was also rewarded with the Golden Dragon Shield. We gave such a Treasure to him, and he''s hiding instead of fighting. This is absurd. After we return, we must take back that Golden Dragon Shield!" the Bu Family Patriarch exclaimed.


    "Of course, we need to take back the Golden Dragon Shield. I suspect that this kid is very dubious, his cultivation speed is too fast. I suspect he might have colluded with the Demon Horn Tribe and become a traitor to our human race. We must thoroughly investigate this matter and not tolerate it!" Suddenly, the Yin-Yang Divine Master from the Yin-Yang Temple spoke with a cold voice.


    Then, a Divine Lord from the Vampire Divine Court followed with a sardonic smile, "I say, we might as well just take him out directly. At such a critical moment, it''s better to err on the side of action rather than let him slip. Otherwise, he''ll be a huge hidden danger to our human race. We absolutely can''t condone such a traitor. As for the Treasures on that kid, that''s easy to handle. When the time comes, we''ll divide them among ourselves."


    "I agree!" Hong Wuji immediately concurred.


    Seeing this, the Seventh Hall Master could not help but shake his head inwardly. However, he was well aware that whatever he said now was futile; without the First Hall Master present, given his cultivation strength, his words carried little weight and couldn''t change anything.


    Of course, the Seventh Hall Master also understood that Hong Wuji and the others were just seizing the opportunity to cause trouble. The reason they were giving Ye Feng a hard time was merely due to their fear of his terrifying cultivation talent and potential.


    "Ye Feng, you guy, you better actually come," Zhao Xuanzhen murmured with a sigh.


    At this moment, the other great powers such as the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court, which had significant grudges with Ye Feng in the past, were also discussing fervently.


    "Relying on Ye Feng, that guy, it looks like he really isn''t coming. To think this guy would turn out to be a turtle that shrinks back into its shell, and I once thought he was a heroic genius!" A powerhouse from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts huffed coldly.


    "Hero my foot, more like a bear. A rubbish like him is simply unfit to be the top contender of this Martial Dao competition!" A young powerhouse from the Yin-Yang Temple sneered coldly.


    Curse words filled the air one after another, especially from the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court. Members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts cursed the most fiercely, wishing nothing more than to crush Ye Feng under their feet and prevent him from turning the tables.


    As time went by, the Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Altar Formation neared its end. Judging from the situation, it would not take more than a day to complete. Both sides were clear that the great battle would likely take place tonight at the latest by dawn.


    Of course, the outskirts of the Outer Battlefield, particularly near the Great Wall of Heaven, did not distinguish between night and day. This was merely an inherent concept of time in people''s minds.


    "Has that brat Ye Feng still not arrived?" Suddenly, the Old Man with the Red Nose came to Old Long''s side.


    "Going by the time, he should be almost here," Old Long replied, his face lacking the divine light of past days, replaced instead with gravity and even worry.


    In fact, at his level of cultivation strength, he could vaguely guess at certain matters, especially those concerning his own future destiny. He simply chose not to voice his predictions.


    The Old Man with the Red Nose glanced over the entire Great Wall of Heaven and quickly gained an overall understanding of the number of people and their cultivation levels. "Up to now, the Human Race has only about thirty great powers of the Yin-Yang Mirror coming to our aid in battle, over three hundred in the Golden Core Realm, and roughly five thousand in the Foundation Establishment or Divine Path Realm. We are greatly outnumbered by the Demon Horn Tribe in both high-end combat power and low-end cannon fodder!"


    Saying this, the Old Man with the Red Nose sighed, though there was another statement he didn''t make aloud. The Demon Horn Tribe that had entered the Human Realm was only the vanguard unit, and the real elite majesty of the Demon Horn Tribe''s army was still behind them.


    This vanguard was merely paving the way. Once the Great Wall of Heaven fell, there would be no barrier left, and the Demon Horn Tribe''s army would flood into the Human Realm like an unstoppable force.


    This was, after all, a disaster.


    "Indeed, we are greatly outmatched. The two great Ancient Clans, including Xiao Chi, still need to guard the passage and can''t spare attention here. As for the two Ancient Clans including Bu Hong, they sent only a small portion of their forces to preserve their strength. As for the Nine Great Sects, the Yin-Yang Temple, the Vampire Divine Court, and other powers, they''re just going through the motions," lamented Old Long as he puffed on his dry pipe, shaking his head. "In times of life and death, we have no choice. It looks like we''ll have to pull out those old, young, sick, and disabled from the village."


    The Old Man with the Red Nose hesitated, but ultimately decided, "That probably won''t do. If the little mountain village is left unguarded and the enemy takes the chance to attack, won''t that lead to disaster? Moreover, if the majority of the villagers fall, the village will likely be lost."


    "No egg remains unbroken when the nest is overturned. Just do it, go contact them now and have them come immediately!" Old Long waved his hand, his demeanor expressing helplessness.


    The Old Man with the Red Nose held back his words, but ultimately left without saying anything. In reality, the Northwest Little Mountain Village was a secret realm space independent of Earth. If Old Long wished, he could just take a few of his close relatives and friends in, then completely shut the doors, and even if several great powers supported with their Qi Circulation, the Demon Horn Tribe wouldn''t be able to break through.


    But Old Long had not done so, he had not even considered it. True to the leader of the Human Race, he thought of all beings under heaven. Even when this world misunderstood, slandered, marginalized, and suppressed him, he never gave up on the Human Race.


    Soon, scores of people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village arrived. Whether missing an arm or a leg, an eye, or an ear, not one seemed unscathed, yet each one emanated a powerful aura, and their faces bore a resolute and determined expression.


    These were the villagers of the Northwest Little Mountain Village, clad in simple hemp and looking like ordinary farmers, but these ordinary villagers had been guarding the Great Wall of Heaven and protecting the peace of the Human Race for two thousand years.


    Yet these villagers had long been labeled as criminals by the secular world or the Ancient Martial Arts practitioners. If these villagers ever set foot in the Mortal World, and their presence became known, they would be subjected to a collective onslaught.


    Now, over a hundred ordinary villagers stood atop the Great Wall of Heaven. They spoke no words and showed no fear, their faces determined, ready to embrace death.


    It was then, for the very first time, whether it was Xuanyuan Hall, Yin-Yang Temple, the Vampire Divine Court, or the members of the Wizard Alliance, they all turned their heads to look closely at these villagers and saw for the first time, so many powerful figures.


    For a moment on the vast Great Wall of Heaven, everyone fell silent, perhaps influenced by these ordinary villagers. No longer joking and playing around, they stood up straight, braced their backs, and turned to face the outside of the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Outside the Great Wall of Heaven, the Demon Horn Tribe''s army remained silent and orderly.


    Time slipped by, and the Altar Formation was nearing its finale.


    Old Long finally put away his large pipe and slowly stood up. In that moment, he grew taller and larger, a towering giant appearing atop the Great Wall of Heaven as if a Celestial God had descended.


    "This battle, the Human Sentinels'' battle, to protect our homeland, even if we have to fight to the last person, we will never allow an alien race to step over the Great Wall of Heaven!" Old Long declared each word with a cold command.


    "In five minutes, we''ll launch a full-scale attack. The objective, at any cost, is to destroy the enemy''s Altar Formation!"

 Chapter 673 - 668: With You Alone, You Cant Stop Me!

    Armies confronted each other, and a great battle was on the verge of erupting!


    However, at this very moment, a team suddenly swept across the sky from afar. Looking overwhelmingly numerous, there appeared to be more than six hundred people, each of their auras not weak in the least. Especially noteworthy was the team''s orderly and unified presence, which created a powerful momentum that soared into the heavens, both majestic and vast.


    "This is... Military Soul!" The strong men from several great powers showed shock on their faces and couldn''t help exclaiming aloud.


    "Whose force does this team belong to, to have actually condensed a Military Soul? This is simply too incredible!" exclaimed several Hall Masters from Xuanyuan Hall, astonished.


    "A Military Soul requires not only strict discipline within the team but also a strong and powerful leader. Especially for teams with higher Cultivation Realms, the difficulty of cultivating a Military Soul is even greater. However, many in this team are Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, and still, they are so well-ordered. This is simply too shocking!"


    Strong men from both the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court were likewise astonished beyond measure.


    In fact, everyone knew that, whether it be Martial Artists or Cultivators, the higher the Cultivation Realm, the less they could stand to be constrained. As their strength and self-awareness grew, naturally, they became more reluctant to be controlled by others. Therefore, forming a strong and disciplined team was exceedingly difficult.


    Unless there was a strong and powerful leader or Commander-in-Chief!


    Clearly, the almost tangible Military Soul that soared up into the sky in the distance indicated that its Commander-in-Chief or leader must surely be a Great Power!


    "Who could have imagined that our Human Race would have such a strong leader? This is truly a blessing for our people!" exclaimed the Bu Family Patriarch from Xuanyuan Hall.


    Once a team condensed a Military Soul, their combat power usually saw a significant increase. It could be said that this was undoubtedly a brave and mighty lion!


    The Old Man with the Big Tobacco Pipe glanced at them and chuckled, "He has come, indeed he has not disappointed us!"


    The Red-Nosed man also said with emotion, "In such a short time, this lad has pulled together such a high-level team. He really has done something extraordinary!"


    As their words fell, led by Ye Feng, with Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark accompanying him on his left and right, and surrounded by several army corps leaders and the women including Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan, the team marched mightily onto the Great Wall of Heaven.


    The Loose Cultivators and Cultivators who had previously stood there quickly stepped aside, giving enough space to this team. They had no choice; the momentum of this team was simply too vast and imposing.


    However, when they clearly saw that the leader of the team was Ye Feng, many were struck with disbelief. Their jaws dropped as they seemed unable to believe what was unfolding before their eyes.


    "It''s... it''s actually Ye Feng, this youngster! How is this possible? When did he acquire such a mighty team of subordinates?" said Hong Wuji, the Second Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, in shock.


    "Damn it, that Ye Feng has so many strong subordinates; nearly a hundred and fifty Grandmasters of the Golden Core Realm, fifty at Half-Step Golden Core Realm, and almost all others at the Foundation Establishment Realm. And these Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators seem capable of breaking through before too long. This is too terrifying!"


    Even the Yin-Yang Divine Master of the Yin-Yang Temple and the Divine Lords of the Vampire Divine Court were shocked beyond belief. After all, except for the absence of the top-tier Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers, their middle strength was almost on par with any of the Four Great Powers.


    In other words, once Ye Feng advanced to the Yin-Yang Mirror, he would entirely have the potential to start his own faction, becoming one among the major forces, standing toe to toe with the current Four Great Powers!


    At this moment, the high-level members of the Demon Horn Tribe opposite also took notice of the activity on the Great Wall of Heaven. Several Great Powers at the centre of the Altar Formation, including the Commander-in-Chief of the Demon Horn Tribe, were keeping a close watch on Ye Feng.


    "This Human lad seems quite extraordinary. I actually sense a whiff of danger from him!" one of the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers said in a deep voice.


    "This lad should be at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, as far as I can tell. To think he could raise such a powerful team, he indeed possesses some capability!" said one of the Deputy Commanders of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    The Great Commander''s expression became focused, and he suddenly spoke with a vaguely frightened tone, "Impossible, this can''t be possible. The aura of this lad... how can it be so similar to that Sovereign of the Human Race from more than two thousand years ago? This cannot be!"


    "Great Commander, what do you mean, the Human Sovereign from over two thousand years ago? Wasn''t that person long since fallen?" asked both Deputy Commanders in unison.


    The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe furrowed his brows tightly and said, "No, this lad is not that person, it''s just that the aura is somewhat similar. Based on our tribe''s secret records, that Sovereign of the Human Race fought against our eight strongest for three days and nights. Although they were eventually defeated, he was also severely injured and soon after breathed his last. Of course, I read this in the secret lore, and our family has some of his aura preserved, which is why it feels familiar!"


    One of the Deputy Commanders of the Demon Horn Tribe asked, "Could it be that this person has cultivated that man''s Cultivation Technique? According to what their Human Race says, is it possible that he has inherited the legacy from that Sovereign of two thousand years ago?"


    "There is such a possibility!"


    The facial expression of the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe changed, and as his complexion shifted, the tentacles on his head turned red, indicating his anger or nervousness. Through gritted teeth, he roared, "Damned be it, if he truly has inherited that man''s legacy, then it''s undoubtedly a major event. According to our tribe''s records, had it not been for that Human Sovereign''s interception, our ancestors would have taken over the Human Realm long ago, instead of having to wait until today!"


    "Exactly, so this Human lad, by all means, cannot be allowed to live any longer. We must eradicate him before he fully matures; otherwise, he will surely become a significant threat to our Demon Horn Tribe in the future!" the two Deputy Commanders said.


    "Mo Keye, heed my command!" the Great Commander ordered directly.


    "Your subordinate is here, Great Commander. What are your orders?" A Yin-Yang Mirror Grandmaster immediately knelt on one knee from behind.


    "Once the great battle begins, you will be responsible for hunting down that boy. Remember, if he does not die, you need not return alive!" the Great Commander ordered sternly, a clear death order.


    The Yin-Yang Mirror Grandmaster clasped his hands and said, "Please rest assured, Great Commander. A mere Human Race cultivator at the Golden Core Realm, an ant-like creature, I will certainly bring his head back!"


    The Great Commander barked, "Remember, the Human Race is naturally cunning and suspicious. There is a saying among them: ''A crafty rabbit has three burrows'', which means they often have many hidden cards and methods. Especially that boy, if he really is that person''s inheritor, his methods will surely not be few. Be sure to not be careless later, observe in secret, and find the perfect time to launch a surprise attack for a decisive kill!"


    "Furthermore, make sure to bring back his storage ring to me. This is a military order!"


    "Understood!" the Yin-Yang Grandmaster clasped his hands again.


    At this very moment, Ye Feng had already rushed to the sides of Old Long and the red-nosed elder. The great battle would start in three minutes.


    Old Long shook his head and sighed, "You''ve caused such a big commotion. I''m afraid someone from the Demon Horn Tribe might recognize you now."


    "Recognize me?" Ye Feng was startled, but he quickly grasped the true meaning of Old Long''s words and sneered, "Even if they recognize my inheritance, what of it? No matter what, the Great Wall of Heaven must not fall!"


    Old Long nodded slightly and lamented, "Be very careful once the battle starts. Once it begins, I''m afraid I won''t be able to look after you!"


    The red-nosed elder also said, "Our goal, along with Old Long, is to fully destroy the Altar Formation. You can just coordinate with the other Yin-Yang Mirror holders!"


    "No problem!" Ye Feng nodded.


    At that moment, in the midst of the Demon Horn Tribe army, the Altar Formation suddenly lit up with rays of light.


    The heart blood from the three Yin-Yang Mirror Grandmasters from the Northwest Little Mountain Village had already been infused into the altar, and the formation was on the verge of activation.


    Old Long took a step forward, and his gigantic energy silhouette once more extended across the sky. He pronounced each word, "To defend the Human Realm, kill for me!


    The word "kill" shook the heavens and earth. At this moment, the Great Wall of Heaven trembled, and even the sky changed color. Everyone was mobilized, and many mighty warriors atop the Great Wall of Heaven moved like a flood, charging down towards the Demon Horn Tribe.


    The Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander rose into the air, and in an instant, a huge silhouette appeared at the other end of the sky dome.


    The Demon Horn Tribe army surged forward like a tide, as they had to protect the Altar Formation at all costs. It must not be broken; otherwise, the Demon Horn Tribe''s painstaking preparations would surely go to waste, and their invasion into the Human Realm would have to be delayed.


    In fact, unbeknownst to the Human Race, the Demon Horn Tribe, while powerful, was also facing a difficult predicament in the alien space-time. They urgently needed a breakthrough, so they were willing to pay any price to break through the Great Wall of Heaven and Enter the Human Realm.


    As the two armies clashed, the great battle finally unfolded. In an instant, this void erupted with earth-shattering sounds of slaughter.


    "Human Race leader, today, no matter what, you will not stop our Demon Horn Tribe. Your Human Realm is destined to become our backyard!" The Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander spoke coldly, thrusting out his palm from mid-air.


    "Such noise. With just you, you''re not enough to stop me!" Old Long retorted coldly, sending out a palm strike through the air.


    In an instant, two powerful Palm Seals collided like surging waves, with the terrifying shockwave sweeping outwards, causing both heaven and earth to tremble and rumble.


    On their first exchange, neither could prevail over the other. Old Long raised his hand and in a flash, a beam of purple divine light, like a sky-piercing rainbow, shot out, tearing space where it passed.


    Fortunately, the space in the Outer Battlefield was much more stable and robust than in the Earth Ancestral Land; otherwise, just this one rainbow''s divine light would have likely caused space to collapse, rather than merely tearing it.


    The Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander did not retreat; he waved the peculiarly shaped Wolf Fang Club in his hand and a beam of black Xuan Light shot out to meet the attack.


    Old Long, worthy of being the Sovereign of the Human Race, had a Cultivation that could Reach the Sky and penetrate the earth. In the clash, his purple light directly shattered the opponent''s black Xuan Light, and its momentum unabated, charged towards him.


    The Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander''s expression remained unchanged as he swung the Wolf Fang Club, releasing three beams of interlocked Xuan Light to counter and finally shatter Old Long''s divine purple light.


    At that moment, Old Long''s figure darted towards the Altar Formation below.


    "How dare you..." The Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander bellowed in rage.

 Chapter 674 - 669: Breaking the Formation, Dire Situation!

    As Old Long engaged in battle with the Great Commander, the red-nosed elder and Old Man Huang Niu also followed closely behind Old Long, charging forth to join the fight.


    However, they were intercepted by two Deputy Commanders of the Demon Horn Tribe. These two members of an alien race were also at the peak of the Yin-Yang Realm, with profoundly inscrutable cultivation levels. Even if the two village elders were mighty, they found it difficult to break through the blockade of these two in a short amount of time.


    The great war erupted in its entirety, with people from the major powers moving out in succession, clashing and battling with the Demon Horn Tribe.


    Whether it was Xuanyuan Hall or Yin-Yang Temple, as well as the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance, even though they fought incessantly on ordinary days, they now had to put aside past disputes and hatred in the face of a common enemy.


    The battle cries were continuous and fierce; the fighting was so intense that it even stained the sky dome with blood!


    It must be said that the Demon Horn Tribe is indeed a powerful race. Even if they had just entered the Human Realm and were slightly uncomfortable, with their strength suppressed, their flesh bodies were exceptionally gifted. In single combat, they generally outmatched the Human Race at the same cultivation level, not to mention the Demon Horn Tribe Army had more members of every cultivation level than the humans.


    Besides, the Demon Horn Tribe Army was better trained and coordinated much more effectively, so during the first round of melee clashes, even though the Demon Horn Tribe also suffered many casualties, the Human Race endured even greater losses. With just one confrontation, nearly one-third of the Human Race had already fallen.


    The battle was incredibly fierce; however, despite this, no one on the human side retreated because everyone knew that once they fell back and allowed the Demon Horn Tribe to break through the barrier, the Human Race would surely be doomed.


    Compared to the heavy casualties suffered by other powers, the troops under Ye Feng''s command were clearly performing much better. This well-trained and cohesive team, bolstered by the Military Soul, swiftly became like a sharp blade, plunging deep into the ranks of the Demon Horn Tribe Army. As they took enemy heads and quickly advanced toward the center''s Altar Formation.


    "Damn it, this Human Race team is not to be underestimated. Immediately send the eight Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers and experts of the Golden Core Realm to block them, we must not let them advance any further!" A Demon Horn Tribe elder in charge of the Great Formation commanded with a stern voice.


    No sooner had he spoken than eight Demon Horn Tribe Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers and countless Golden Core Realm experts flew out, converging on Ye Feng''s squad.


    "Break through them with all your might, each person confronts a Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power!" Ye Feng commanded coldly, and he took the lead, rushing toward the strongest of the Demon Horn Tribe''s Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers.


    At the same time, Chi Jark, Xiao Rulong, along with Hong Qingyan, Long Nannan, and Xiao Chuanqi, several great legion commanders, soared into the sky.


    As a result, the Demon Horn Tribe could not continue to operate the Altar Formation for the time being. After all, these eight Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers were originally meant to preside over the Formation. Given the current situation, they had to defeat Ye Feng''s powerful unit before they could continue to oversee the Formation.


    It must be acknowledged that, given the current situation, the team led by Ye Feng had torn a hole in the Demon Horn Tribe Army and penetrated it, compelling them to stop operating the Great Formation. This act was meritorious, and indeed a significant one at that, as the surprise troops played a crucial role.


    Moreover, this was greatly unexpected for the Demon Horn Tribe. They were enraged beyond measure, at this moment wishing to tear Ye Feng apart and drink his blood and eat his flesh!


    However, with the barring of the eight Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers and a large number of Golden Core Realm experts, Ye Feng''s surprise troops were eventually stopped and could no longer proceed. It wasn''t long before many casualties arose, with powerful figures from the academy and the Northern Border Army falling one by one.


    Nonetheless, no one retreated. Each of them remained high-spirited and murderous, continuously charging toward the Altar Formation!


    Ye Feng was fearless in the face of the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power before him. After cultivating more than two thousand nine hundred acupoints in his body, his cultivation level had significantly increased. Although his realm had not changed, his combat power had undoubtedly become much stronger.


    Yet the spirit-strong Ye Feng faintly perceived that someone was targeting him from the shadows, seemingly ready to launch a sneak attack at any moment. He had to stay vigilant at all times, but luckily, the Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Altar Formation had temporarily ceased operation, so he did not need to rush.


    As for Xiao Rulong, Chi Jark, and Xiao Chuanqi, although they had exceptional talent, they were after all only at the Golden Core Realm. Facing the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers, even just the One Seal Yin-Yang Mirror was quite challenging and fraught with danger. Nevertheless, they showed no fear or retreat, their battle spirits soaring as they treated these formidable opponents as objects of their training.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, Ye Feng glanced at the other side of the battlefield, where the Hall Masters and the Great Powers of Xuanyuan Hall were holding their ground. Originally, these characters were high-level practitioners of the Yin-Yang Mirror, especially the Second and the Fourth Hall Master¡ªboth were Three Seal Experts. If they wished, they could crush their opponents at any time and press toward the Altar Formation. But they chose not to, instead opting to engage their adversaries in combat without unleashing their full strength. In fact, not only Xuanyuan Hall but also Yin-Yang Temple and Vampire Divine Court''s Great Power experts were not fully applying themselves, each harboring their own schemes. Especially upon seeing the Demon Horn Tribe''s Altar Formation temporarily stop, they became even more passive and negligent.


    Ye Feng was extremely frustrated by this, but there was nothing he could do. Looking at the situation, it seemed that the so-called Four Great Powers were willing to let the warriors of Northwest Little Mountain Village fight to the last.


    It must be said that the villagers of Northwest Little Mountain Village, despite their age, injuries, and disabilities, were all incredibly valiant, bearing the brunt of the assault from the majority of the Demon Horn Tribe''s elite forces. After a fierce battle, however, many of the villagers and powerful warriors had fallen, suffering significant losses.


    At that critical moment, Old Long seemed to realize that the longer the situation dragged on, the more detrimental it would be for the Human Race. After repelling the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe, he immediately employed the Thunderclap Movement Technique and swept toward the Great Altar Formation below.


    "Break for me!" Old Long thrust his palm forward, and a colossal Great Hand Seal instantly descended, imposing as a mountain when it crushed down mightily.


    However, at this very moment, eight experts of the Yin-Yang Mirror positioned at the corners beneath the Great Formation continuously formed seals with their hands, pushing their palms forward in front of their chests, and beams of radiance burst forth from the centers of their palms. In an instant, a protective shield materialized above the Grand Altar Formation.


    Boom...


    Enormous Palm Seals smashed against the protective shield, causing an earth-shattering rumble. After several tremors, the protective shield shattered violently, but Old Long''s Palm Seal was also obliterated.


    It turned out that the Demon Horn Tribe had already set up a Guardian Formation at the edges of the Grand Altar Formation, defended by eight Yin-Yang Mirror experts. Even someone as powerful as the Human Race leader, Old Long, would have difficulty breaking through this Guardian Grand Formation in a short amount of time.


    "Dammit!" Old Long couldn''t help but curse loudly, clearly taken aback by the Demon Horn Tribe''s strength and scheming.


    It must be said that after hundreds, or even thousands of years of evolution, the Demon Horn Tribe had gradually become stronger in plotting and scheming, no longer as single-minded as they had been over two thousand years ago. Consequently, dealing with them now often proved to be even more difficult.


    The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe was naturally red with rage. He was, after all, the leader of this great army, and to be forced to retreat by a single move from these lowly humans was, to him, an unimaginably great shame.


    Suddenly, the Wolf Fang Club was launched into the air from the hands of the Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander and began to spin rapidly. In a blink, a series of dazzling golden lights shot forth from the club.


    The golden light was piercingly cold, and it slit the very space it passed through, illustrating the terror of these golden beams. In fact, these were not simple beams of light, but rather golden needles shot from the Wolf Fang Club, indicating that this club wielded by the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe was likely a fearsome magic treasure.


    Old Long did not dare to be careless. With a wave of his right hand, a golden-yellow banner unfurled and hovered in mid-air.


    "Fix!" Old Long formed a Seal Technique with his hands, and the golden-yellow banner immediately burst forth with brilliant Xuan Light. The light swept out and instantly immobilized the incoming golden needles.


    "This is the Ancient Treasure-fixing Flag. To think that you, damnable old man, would possess an Ancient Magic Treasure!" The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe ground his teeth with anger.


    "I told you, you can''t stop me!" Old Long shouted coldly, launching a punch directly.


    In an instant, the momentum of his punch roared like the cry of tigers and dragons, rushing down toward the Altar Formation below with its jaws wide open.


    "You won''t break my Formation, impossible!" The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe shouted coldly, the antenna on his head suddenly bursting forth with a dazzling black light. The black light surged out and formed a ferocious and sharp claw in mid-air.


    "Finally revealing the Demon Horn Tribe''s Innate Divine Ability, but it seems your divine skill isn''t all that impressive," Old Long sneered.


    "Not impressive? Then let''s see how you handle the power of my Demon Sky Claw!" The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe sneered coldly, his huge black claw reaching down and instantly shredding Old Long''s overwhelming Fist Momentum.


    However, Old Long''s expression did not change in the slightest; he now held a piece of yellow paper in his hand. It was an ancient and wrinkled paper figure.


    But as soon as Old Long dropped a drop of Heart Blood on it and gently blew on it, the wrinkled paper figure exploded with blinding golden divine light.


    Boom...


    A sky-piercing golden-armored giant appeared out of nowhere, standing tall in the air.


    "What? Dammit, that''s the Ancient Paper-cutting Technique! I didn''t expect you to have learned it too. You pesky Human Clan Elder, you sure know a lot of tricks!" the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe cursed through clenched teeth.


    But Old Long was already disinclined to waste words with him. The current tide of battle was not favorable to the Human Race, with more and more falling and suffering heavy casualties. Therefore, he had to break the Altar Formation as quickly as possible and then lead the Human Race back to the Great Wall of Heaven. Only by doing so could they possibly preserve the strength of the Human Race.


    "Go!" Old Long swung his great hand, and the armored golden giant, holding a giant axe, took a step through the void and charged towards the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    "Third Rank Paper Cutting Technique, capable of exerting eighty percent of the master''s strength within half a minute. You all, hold the Altar Formation and make sure it does not break!" The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe commanded through gritted teeth.


    Indeed, without needing his reminder, the eight Demon Horn Tribe Yin-Yang Mirror experts below had already been continuously forming seals, sending out radiance from their hands to reinforce the Guardian Grand Formation.


    Old Long''s eyes sharpened as he launched another punch!

 Chapter 675 - 670: Couldnt Help but Erupt

    Just as Old Long was making a strenuous effort to break the formation, Red-Nosed and Old Man Huang Niu also spared no effort. Their auras were fierce and majestic as they kept striking, yet they were entangled to death by two Deputy Commanders of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    What was fatal was that there were simply too many Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers from the Demon Horn Tribe. Just as the two elders were about to defeat those two Deputy Commanders, immediately, another four Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers from the Demon Horn Tribe swooped in to aid them.


    Therefore, Red-Nosed and Old Man Huang Niu were completely unable to break through the blockade to help Old Long, and could only watch helplessly as Old Long tried to break the formation on his own.


    Although Ye Feng was confronting a Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power of the Demon Horn Tribe, it wasn''t too difficult for him. Therefore, he was able to survey the entire battle situation. However, he always felt as though someone was targeting him, so he didn''t dare to let his guard down at all.


    But Chi Jark and Xiao Chuanqi were not having such an easy time. Hong Qingyan, Long Nannan, and Sausage Sister were doing somewhat better, as the three women did have their own foundation. However, Yu Feiyu was clearly not as strong. Before entering the Outer Battlefield, she was only at the Half-Step Golden Core Realm. Even though she had broken through and stabilized the Golden Core Realm in the secret territory, her overall strength was still significantly weaker.


    Facing a Half-Step Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power, she quickly fell into a disadvantage. She looked to be in imminent danger.


    Suddenly, that Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power of the Demon Horn Tribe stretched out a Great Hand across space, and instantaneously it was in front of Yu Feiyu, looking as though it was about to clutch her throat.


    Yu Feiyu was terrified. She instinctively wanted to retreat, but her Spirit Essence had already been depleted at this moment, and the enemy''s momentum was simply too overpowering, almost pressing her to the point where she couldn''t move. She could only watch as the opponent''s black claw reached out toward her.


    It was easy to imagine that once her throat was grabbed, Yu Feiyu would undoubtedly die!


    "Be careful!" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and with a flicker, he disappeared into thin air, leaving the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power he had been contending with stunned.


    The next moment, Ye Feng appeared beside Yu Feiyu, pulled her away with one move, then executed the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, throwing a punch.


    The sudden change of events made the Demon Horn Tribe''s Half-Step Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power hesitate for a moment. However, being of considerable cultivation, he reacted instantly, retreating rapidly.


    Only at this moment did the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power who had just been fighting Ye Feng come to his senses, realizing he had been tricked.


    "Damn it, you lowly human of the Golden Core Realm, how dare you play with this great one, I want you dead!" the Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Power roared, and with a flash, he charged directly at Ye Feng.


    "This human kid is a bit troublesome, let''s join forces!" The two Demon Horn Tribe powerhouses immediately reached a consensus.


    Ye Feng, hovering mid-air, saw his expression change slightly and shouted, "Feiyu, retreat, leave these two to me!"


    Yu Feiyu had no choice but to nod and quickly moved backward. However, within just a brief moment, Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian were once again in grave danger, on the verge of defeat. After all, they were just at the Golden Core Realm; no matter how special their physique and bloodlines, they still couldn''t contend with a Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power.


    In fact, even Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark were having a hard time; the consumption of Spirit Essence within their bodies was too severe. Coupled with the oppression of the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power''s momentum, they could hardly defend themselves anymore.


    Having seen this, Ye Feng silently gritted his teeth and said, "I had intended to suppress my power a bit to draw out those lurking in the shadows, but now, I have no choice but to explode with power!"


    As his words fell, Ye Feng''s figure expanded, the Emperor''s Armor and the Emperor''s Sword appearing instantly, making him look like an Emperor among men.


    "Kill!" His figure dove directly forward, not towards the two Great Powers in front of him, but veering to the left, cleaving a sword at the powerhouse who was fighting Sima Zhantian.


    The Demon Horn Tribe powerhouse, who was about to deliver a final killing move to Sima Zhantian, felt the terrifying Sword Qi from behind and had to abandon Sima Zhantian to pivot and throw out a punch.


    The Emperor''s Sword Momentum, mighty and chilling, tore through the air, instantly ripping apart and destroying the opponent''s Fist Momentum. The Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Power''s expression changed, and he threw another punch.


    However, just at that moment, Ye Feng''s left hand swept out, and the Sky-breaking Divine Spear streaked across the void, arriving instantly in front of his opponent.


    "What?" The Great Power was taken aback, having never imagined that a mere Golden Core Realm cultivator, and a lowly member of the Human Race at that, would possess such formidable martial skills.


    Although this Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power had only managed to conjure half a seal, his cultivation level was nonetheless extraordinary. The green tentacles on his head burst forth with dazzling green light, and shortly after, a green shield materialized.


    In fact, what made the Demon Horn Tribe truly formidable were the two tentacles atop their heads. Upon reaching adulthood and activating these tentacles, they would awaken divine skills. Nearly every member of the Demon Horn Tribe would awaken a divine skill unique to them, though not all divine skills were equal in strength.


    Take, for example, the Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Commander from before, whose divine skill was the Demon Sky Claw, whereas the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power currently facing Ye Feng had a defensive shield as his divine skill.


    With a clang of metal on metal, the previously unstoppable Sky-breaking Divine Spear was now blocked, and the ugly green shield, after rippling with waves of green light, was not torn apart.


    "Hmph, a measly Golden Core Realm lower-class Human Race dares to try and break through my shield? Utterly delusional!" the Demon Horn Tribe''s strongman coldly jeered.


    "Is that so?" Ye Feng responded, grinning mockingly.


    No sooner had his words fallen than above his head in the void, a Fangtian Great Seal had already taken shape.


    "What is this?"


    Sensing the terrifying power contained within the Fangtian Great Seal above his head, the Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power of the Demon Horn Tribe''s complexion subtly changed. After all, he had only just broken through to the Yin-Yang Mirror Realm and hadn''t had the chance to stabilize his realm before being summoned to the front lines, so he was still lacking compared to true Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers.


    Ye Feng, however, couldn''t be bothered to speak and simply crushed down with the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal.


    The Demon Horn Tribe''s strongman had wanted to use his divine shield to defend, but the Fan Tian Seal suddenly accelerated, instantly arriving above his head.


    Boom...


    Accompanied by a deep, thunderous sound, the Demon Horn Tribe''s strongman was immediately sent flying, spitting out a mouthful of dark red blood mid-air.


    Not only had he been sent flying, but he was also injured!


    The seven Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers nearby were all exchanging looks, their faces revealing shock. They simply couldn''t believe that a mere peak Golden Core Realm Human Race, the lowest and most despised class, had defeated a Yin-Yang Mirror powerhouse of their Demon Horn Tribe.


    "How... How can this despicable Human child... How is this possible? How did he accomplish this!" Almost simultaneously, the seven Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe halted in their tracks.


    Comrades like Xiao Rulong, Chi Jark, and others were nearly at their limits, and seeing their enemies cease their attack, they sighed with relief.


    "Damn it, this Human child is indeed extraordinary. He is the prodigy of the Human Race, he must not be allowed to live. He must be killed completely, or he will definitely pose a threat to our Demon Horn Tribe in the future!"


    "Indeed, let''s join forces first and kill him before anything else!" Soon enough, the seven Yin-Yang Mirror Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe reached an agreement and surged towards Ye Feng to surround him.


    Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan shouted in unison, "Big Brother Ye (Little Martial Uncle), we''re here to help you!"


    Ye Feng immediately commanded, "No need to come over, all of you step back; leave them to me!"

 Chapter 676 - 671: Fighting Seven Alone, Undefeated!

    With the current strength of Long Nannan, Hong Qingyan, and the rest, even if they came to help, they would not be able to play a big role. On the contrary, it would make Ye Feng worry, and even worse, it would bind his hands and feet, preventing him from unleashing his full combat power.


    "Nannan, let''s retreat. We shouldn''t hinder him here!" Hong Qingyan said.


    "But Sister Qingyan, how can Little Martial Uncle fight against all these people by himself? Can he win?" Dragon Nannan was undoubtedly very worried. From beginning to end, she only had eyes for Ye Feng. She might not care about the Human Race, but she couldn''t stop caring about her Little Martial Uncle.


    Hong Qingyan of course understood the girl''s thoughts. However, this was not the time for jealousy. She shook her head and sighed, "If Big Brother Ye has asked us to step back, it means he is confident. Staying here will only hinder him. Let''s go over there and confront the experts of the Golden Core Realm. Leave this place to him!"


    After all, it was Hong Qingyan who understood her husband the best. She also knew perfectly well that even if Ye Feng couldn''t win, escaping should not be a problem.


    Sausage Sister stepped forward at this moment, pulling Long Nannan to the side and joining the other battlefield.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, facing seven Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, remained unflustered. Having cultivated up to two thousand nine hundred acupoints, he was now utterly fearless of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "Kill, destroy this brat!" An expert of the Demon Horn Tribe from the Yin-Yang Realm swooped across the sky, his black club smashing down straight towards Ye Feng''s head.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!" Ye Feng''s robust Spirit Essence surged within his body. He threw a punch. Instantly, a momentum like a dragon''s head rushed forward, immediately sending the opponent''s black club flying.


    "Damn it, this kid is so strong!" The Demon Horn Tribe expert that was repelled gritted his teeth and cursed loudly.


    In no time, several other Demon Horn Tribe experts of the Yin-Yang Realm made their moves. There were Seal Techniques as massive as mountains, Fist Momentum like tsunamis, along with Divine Whips if lightning, and furthermore, there were heavy hammers and even the most terrifying of all, skulls emitting endless black air.


    The seven Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, all unleashing their Magic Treasures, attacked Ye Feng simultaneously, because they had realized that this despicable member of the lowly Human Race was incredibly strong. Although he was only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, his combat power was fully capable of matching the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    The seven Magic Treasures burst forth with lights that filled the skies, creating a tumultuous scene that even overshadowed Old Long''s battlefield nearby. For a moment, everyone on the battlefield turned to look in this direction, and many from both sides even stopped and turned their heads to watch.


    Hovering in the vast endless void, Ye Feng stood with a composed and steady demeanor, facing the seven Mighty Magic Treasures charging at him!


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!"


    "Emperor''s Sword!"


    "Spear of the Ancestral Dragon!"


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!"


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    Almost in the blink of an eye, Ye Feng unleashed five powerful Dao Techniques. These Cultivation Method and Martial Techniques were complementary to the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints. With the continuous increase in the number of acupoints, their power also strengthened. Now that he had deployed them all at once, the winds surged and heaven and earth trembled.


    Boom boom boom!


    Amidst a series of loud bangs, the powerful Magic Treasures of the Demon Horn Tribe were all sent flying, and even two Great Powers at half-step Yin-Yang Realm were blasted away, one of whom even vomited blood on the spot due to severe injuries.


    Surrounding people from both the Human Race and the Demon Horn Tribe were completely stunned; their faces revealed expressions of disbelief.


    "How...how is this possible? This loathsome Human Race brat, who is merely at the Golden Core Realm, is actually fighting against seven of our Demon Horn Tribe''s Yin-Yang Realm experts by himself, and not only did he not lose, but he even repulsed two of them. This is too terrifying!"


    "Is this Human Race kid even human? Weren''t the Human Race supposed to be a despicable Race that''s easily defeated? Why is this Human Race kid so strong, capable of fighting above his level, and even able to confront seven Great Powers by himself!"


    Many astonished Demon Horn Tribe experts exclaimed, making Ye Feng the focal point of everyone''s attention for the moment. He even eclipsed the battlefield around the altar formation, with many eyes shifting from there to him.


    But while the Demon Horn Tribe was angry and shocked, the members of the Human Race were overjoyed and cheered loudly, with many even shouting the name of Northern King Ye Feng. Suddenly, the morale of the Human Race soared. Originally having gradually fallen into a disadvantage, the Human Race now seemed to have slightly turned the tide.


    Of course, not all the Human Race were pleased to see this situation, especially Xuanyuan Hall''s Four Hall Masters Hong Wuji, who now wore a dark expression.


    "Damn, this Ye brat''s cultivation battle power has improved so much compared to the previous martial arts competition. It''s infuriating! What kind of Cultivation Technique has he practiced? If this continues, I''m afraid we won''t be able to suppress him much longer!" Hong Wuji groaned inwardly.


    After all, he was still only at the Three Seal Rank, even though this rank was much more powerful than the earlier seven Demon Horn Tribe experts. But Ye Feng''s cultivation speed was too terrifying: his aura was of the Golden Core Realm, yet his combat power was so formidable. Once he breaks through to the Yin-Yang Realm, wouldn''t he just sweep through the Great Powers?


    In fact, Hong Wuji wasn''t the only one harboring such thoughts. Others like the Second Hall Master of the Bu Family, the Yin-Yang Temple, and the Vampire Divine Court, all having had conflicts and grudges with Ye Feng, naturally did not want to see him rise. Seeing Ye Feng''s formidable power, they were all extremely anxious.


    If it weren''t for the current situation being inappropriate, without the invasion of the Alien Race, these people would likely have already turned and charged at Ye Feng to thoroughly eradicate this peerless genius!


    The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe naturally noticed as well, his dark yellow eyes emitting a vicious light. At this moment, he even had a feeling that even if they couldn''t break the Great Wall of Heaven today, he had to completely annihilate this human youngster.


    Because the strength displayed by this despicable human youngster was too terrifying, and the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe had already seen that the cultivation technique the other party practiced indeed came from the inheritance of a Sovereign of the Human Race from more than two thousand years ago, which only strengthened his resolve to kill.


    "You lowly human youngster, today, no matter what, you are destined to die!" the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe silently vowed in his heart, yet he didn''t personally rush over to attack. For one thing, he was entangled with Old Long''s golden-armored giant and simply couldn''t get away, and secondly, he had already arranged for someone else to deal with Ye Feng.


    In fact, Ye Feng didn''t originally want to reveal his true combat power because he was well aware that once he did so, given the current situation, it would not only attract the hunting of the Demon Horn Tribe, but also provoke the jealousy of the several great powers of the human race. But he had no other choice; if he continued to suppress his strength, then Yu Feiyu and the others would undoubtedly be in danger.


    "This is preposterous, you, a mere lowly human, have actually managed to injure us. We cannot tolerate this, absolutely cannot tolerate this. We are the noble Demon Horn Tribe, and today we must wash away our humiliation with your blood!"


    The breaths of several strong members of the Demon Horn Tribe suddenly darkened, and at that moment, black and white lights burst forth from within their bodies. At this moment, the aura of the seven Demon Horn Tribe warriors began to climb steadily.


    "Is this... the Power of Yin-Yang? Have they finally utilized the strength of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm?!" Ye Feng''s expression became serious. With his current cultivation battle power, he could contend with the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, but the combined pressure of the seven of them was undoubtedly a bit too much.


    What made Ye Feng even more wary was that he still felt a pair of eyes staring at him from the darkness, and even using his spiritual power to search, he couldn''t accurately find them.


    The mighty Power of Yin-Yang circulated around the surfaces of the seven strong members of the Demon Horn Tribe, their aura undoubtedly rising by a large margin compared to before.


    "Kill! This time, no matter what, he must be slain!" one of the strong members of the Demon Horn Tribe said in a deep angry voice.


    "You want to kill me? Just with you people, you don''t have the capacity!"


    Ye Feng sneered, his hands forming Dharma Seals. Half of the acupoints in his body ignited instantly, and at this moment, his aura also surged dramatically, climbing a huge stretch!


    His aura, originally only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, reached the Yin-Yang Realm in an instant; the power of his aura was even strong enough to overshadow any one of the seven Demon Horn Tribe warriors.


    "Damn it, this kid''s aura has also increased. It looks like he must have used a secret technique. No matter what, we must not let him live; otherwise, the trouble will be endless. Everyone, please take action!"


    In an instant, the seven strong members of the Demon Horn Tribe moved, each unleashing martial skills and magic treasures toward Ye Feng, causing colors to change in the sky once again. The radiance filled the sky, lighting up the endless void with clarity.


    Ye Feng, wearing the Emperor''s Armor and holding the Emperor''s Sword and Golden Dragon Guardian Shield, hovered in the void like a Sovereign of the Human Race, standing magnificently between heaven and earth.


    "Kill!" Now that he had exposed his strength, Ye Feng naturally didn''t hold back anymore. Spirit Essence rumbled and surged out of his body as he repeatedly executed powerful martial techniques such as the Sky-breaking Divine Spear and Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, while continuously darting back and forth.


    Even the seven great powers of the Demon Horn Tribe who had used the Power of Yin-Yang were still unable to deal with Ye Feng!


    "Powerful, he''s simply too powerful!" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark remarked in a solemn tone from a distance.


    "I can feel that the gap between us and him is growing bigger and bigger. We used to be not so far apart, but now he has far outpaced us; truly a peerless genius is not something that ordinary people can compare to!"


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark shook their heads with a bitter smile. They were already geniuses among their families and had brilliant talent even on Earth, but compared to Ye Feng, it was undoubtedly a far cry.


    At this time, Yin-Yang Temple Qingya, Bu Fengning of the Ancient Clan, and Ke Li of the Wizard Alliance - these young geniuses of the same generation - were also feeling a sense of powerlessness in their hearts.


    Take Qingya for example, who was about to step half into the Yin-Yang Realm and even felt that after this battle, as long as he went into secluded cultivation, he would be able to break through smoothly and become a true Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. At that point, he believed he could surpass Ye Feng and reclaim the position of the number one genius.


    But now, seeing such a valiant Ye Feng, he knew he was wrong, terribly wrong!


    Only now did Qingya and many other young geniuses realize that not only were they improving, but so was everyone else, and Ye Feng''s progress was clearly much greater than theirs. The gap was widening, and even if Qingya broke through to the Yin-Yang Realm, he would not be a match for Ye Feng.


    After all, at this point, Ye Feng was completely able to contend with, and even overpower, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With an unrivaled bearing, Ye Feng struck like thunder. After igniting his acupoints, his aura and combat power soared greatly. He issued consecutive strikes of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, forcing the seven strong members of the Demon Horn Tribe back and even inflicting varying degrees of injury on three of them.


    "Damned, really damned! This despicable human youngster is so strong!"


    "Unforgivable, absolutely unforgivable. If we don''t kill him today, how can we face anyone upon returning?"


    "My fellows, use your Divine Skills, combine them, and we must achieve a one-strike kill!" one of the great powers of the Demon Horn Tribe from the Yin-Yang Realm commanded coldly. As his words fell, the two black antennas on top of his head suddenly burst forth with a brilliant black Xuan Light.

 Chapter 677 - 672: Shocking Slaughter!

    Seven Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe from the Yin-Yang Realm erupted in light from the tentacles on their heads, some red, some black, with each of the seven exhibiting different colors. Seven beams of divine light shot out from their respective tentacles and converged together high in the sky.


    Ye Feng originally thought these seven powerful beings intended to each use their own Divine Skills. He had naturally heard of the Demon Horn Tribe''s Tentacle Divine Ability in recent days. However, he did not know that the tribe''s Divine Skills could also be fused together¡ªthis was terrifyingly alarming.


    In just a moment, the seven differently colored beams of divine light completely merged into one, and a massive black Hand Seal appeared in the void above.


    This Great Hand had abnormally elongated three-segment finger joints, looking more like the claws of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    "It looks like this is the Demon Sky Claw that the Demon Horn Tribe is adept at using!" Ye Feng''s expression shifted.


    In fact, the Tentacle Divine Ability used just now by the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe was also this Demon Sky Claw, which was fairly common within the tribe, and its level of Divine Skill was considered medium.


    But after all, it was a joint effort by seven Great Powers, so this tremendous Demon Sky Claw was much more potent than the one the Great Commander had used a moment ago.


    Ye Feng''s expression became extremely grave; he had to admit this was the most formidable tactic he had faced to date.


    "Emperor''s Armor!" Without a second thought, Ye Feng instantly fused the Golden Dragon Guardian Shield and the Emperor''s Armor, and in a flash, a new set of armor that was also more defensively powerful made its appearance.


    Furthermore, at this moment, two-thirds of the acupoints inside Ye Feng''s body were ablaze, and his aura climbed higher once again¡ªthe Spirit Essence surged powerfully like an endless river.


    "Crush and suppress him, go!" Accompanied by a bellow from the seven Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe, the vast, ominous Demon Sky Claw descended from the sky.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, Spear of the Ancestral Dragon, Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, Sword of the Emperor Sovereign..."


    In the blink of an eye, Ye Feng unleashed several Supreme Knowledge martial techniques, with the terrifying power of each one following in succession towards the massive celestial hand above.


    BOOM BOOM BOOM...


    The skies trembled in an instant, and terrifying waves of energy impact spread in all directions. The sight was grand and magnificent, causing the heavens and earth to change color.


    However, this was, after all, a fusion of Divine Skills by seven Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, and the power of the Demon Sky Claw was indeed dreadful, pressing down directly. The Divine Dragon Fist and the Sky-Flipping Seal were crushed one by one, and even the Sword of the Emperor Sovereign was shattered after putting up a slight resistance.


    The Demon Sky Claw almost effortlessly shattered Ye Feng''s every tactic, and in an instant, it descended, followed by a thunderous crash, bearing down on Ye Feng.


    "Big Brother Ye (Little Martial Uncle)..." Hong Qingyan and Long Nannan cried out, their faces filled with deep concern.


    At this moment, almost everyone on the battlefield looked over here, because the commotion was truly too great. Even Old Long had to stop his attack on the Altar Formation and look in this direction.


    After all, the Demon Sky Claw was only an energy Divine Power, not a physical entity, so after it pressed down, it immediately transformed into rolling black air. The black air billowed and surged, making it impossible for the people outside to see where Ye Feng had been suspended, naturally leaving them in the dark about his current situation.


    "Little Martial Uncle, I must save Little Martial Uncle!" Long Nannan cried out, her slender fingers suddenly sprouting golden scales. The area covered by the scales grew larger and larger, until eventually both her arms were covered.


    For her Little Martial Uncle, Long Nannan once again entered her Dragon Transformation Form!


    "I''ll go with you!" At this moment, light wings also emerged on Hong Qingyan''s back; she too had no choice but to use her innate Bloodline Power.


    But just as the two ladies were about to take off, suddenly two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm appeared out of nowhere, blocking their way. By the looks of it, they probably were not allowing them to interfere with the matters on Ye Feng''s side.


    Meanwhile, the seven Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe hovered around the black air, their strange eyes fixated on the centermost part of the black cloud.


    That place was still filled with billowing black air, and they too were unable to discern the situation inside. Moreover, with the circumstances unclear, they naturally didn''t dare to go in rashly.


    Everyone waited, waiting for the black air to dissipate. Even the two opposing armies had stopped clashing at this moment!


    It could be said that Ye Feng had now become the most conspicuous man in the entire field!


    "This despicable human brat forced us seven to unite and unleash our Divine Skill fusion. He ought to be utterly dead by now, right?" One of the Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe said coldly and sternly.


    "He must be dead for sure, considering the situation, he''s probably been blasted to pieces, with nothing left, not even the residue. Our combined strength, not to say he is just a lowly human of the Golden Core Realm¡ªeven a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm couldn''t withstand it!" Another Great Power sighed.


    The seven of them were drained by their consecutive use of Magic Treasures, the Power of Yin and Yang, and Divine Skills, each one breathing heavily, with two of them looking even more feeble, suggesting that their injuries had worsened.


    "It should be resolved; this insignificant human boy has been completely eradicated, eliminating a major threat!"


    "Let''s go, let''s go; he must be absolutely finished!"


    The seven Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe said this and began to move, intending to sweep across toward the direction of the Altar Formation.


    Just then, as the black air finally began to dissipate, a voice laced with mockery and scorn sounded out.


    "I''ve said it before, you''re not qualified to kill me with just your strength!"


    As the words fell, the dispersing black air slowly revealed a tall figure clad in dark golden Emperor''s Armor, now marked with cracks and its luster having dimmed considerably.


    In Ye Feng''s hand, the Sword of the Emperor Sovereign was also damaged, and upon close inspection, one could even see blood at the corner of his mouth.


    Yet, he still stood tall and unyielding, his slightly raised lips conveying mockery and scorn for the seven Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    ```


    Upon seeing this situation, the Human Race on this side burst into cheers instantly, especially the remaining members of the Northern Border Army and the students of the Martial Academy, who were all incredibly excited.


    "Long live the Northern King!"


    "The Academy''s chancellor is mighty!"


    Soon, the entire vast battlefield buzzed with excitement as the Humans cheered loudly.


    Originally, the seven members of the Demon Horn Tribe, who were Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, had been ready to turn around and leave, but now they were forced to halt their steps.


    "What? Damn it, this despicable Human brat, he... he''s not dead!" The seven mighty members of the Demon Horn Tribe suddenly widened their eyes, their faces showing incredible disbelief.


    In fact, not just these seven, at this moment, all of the Demon Horn Tribe, including the Great Commander, were utterly shocked. They could hardly believe that the joint efforts of seven Yin-Yang Realm powerful beings, even with the use of the Divine Ability Fusion Technique, were unable to kill their opponent.


    From the looks of it, even though Ye Feng''s breath was extremely feeble, and there was blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, his breath was not chaotic, meaning that although he was injured, the injury was not fatal!


    In fact, a major reason Ye Feng had been able to withstand the attack was thanks to his Emperor Sovereign Armor. If it had not been for the Golden Dragon Guardian Shield as a fusion upgrade, he surely would have been unable to stand up now, even if he had not died instantly.


    Old Long, who was watching from afar, nodded again and again with reassurance, "Good, very good, you have completely grown up, and I can finally rest assured!"


    He might have been reassured, but the Demon Horn Tribe was anything but. They did not wish to see such a powerful member of the Human Race with endless potential.


    After all, if it hadn''t been for an unparalleled Emperor emerging from the Human Race over two thousand years ago, the Demon Horn Tribe wouldn''t have been blocked by the Great Wall of Heaven for over two thousand years.


    "Kill him, kill him!" the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe suddenly roared at the void.


    His words hadn''t even finished echoing when Ye Feng''s flesh crawled; he sensed danger, an unprecedented danger, rushing toward him.


    The problem was that he couldn''t see clearly who was launching a stealth attack. Even his spiritual power couldn''t capture it accurately, only vaguely sensing someone was attacking him.


    "Ye Feng, watch your back!" Old Long couldn''t help but shout angrily.


    At that instant, Ye Feng''s hair stood on end, for he finally spotted it¡ªa black shadow had mysteriously appeared behind him, and a black sword was thrusting toward his neck.


    The Shadow came without a trace and left without a shadow; previously, there was no trace to be found, and not even a breath was detectable. Ye Feng only faintly felt the presence of the attacker, which was terrifying.


    Ye Feng suddenly thought of Shadow, who also had a kind of Supernatural Divine Power that enabled her to blend into the darkness or any place with a shadow.


    Once she activated this Supernatural Divine Power, even Ye Feng would have difficulty capturing her, though because of Shadow''s lower Cultivation and Realm, Ye Feng could sense her presence just before she appeared.


    However, the black Shadow lurking behind him now had clearly reached a profoundly high level of the Yin-Yang Realm, and was even more powerful than the seven members of the Demon Horn Tribe he had just faced.


    Clearly, this Shadow had lain in wait for a long time, waiting for this moment to strike!


    This black Shadow had a ferocious and ugly appearance, with very short antennae on its head. He was Mo Keye, who the Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander had previously ordered around, and who was also responsible for intelligence and assassination missions within the Demon Horn Tribe.


    And when Shadow saw Samoyed appear, her heart suddenly felt an inexplicable throbbing. She seemed to perceive a familiar feeling from him.


    At this moment, Ye Feng even sensed a hint of the breath of death. The black sword in the Shadow''s hands was clearly a tremendously formidable Treasure, and what was more fearsome was that the black sword also exuded a strong stench of blood, capable of disturbing his Mind and Spirit.


    If it hadn''t been for the Mental Power Nucleus Ye Feng had formed, which made his spiritual power much stronger than that of cultivators of the same level, he would have already been disoriented.


    Life or death, it all happened in an instant!


    At this critical moment of life and death, Ye Feng immediately used the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll from the Sea of Consciousness inside the Heavenly Heart Palace; this was his most powerful trump card!


    Ye Feng was very clear that if even this scroll couldn''t resist the attack, then none of his other techniques would be able to contend with it. Of course, he was confident.


    After all, even the Five-clawed Golden Dragon had been shocked to see this scroll last time, and it also blocked Old Dragon''s Dragon Breath attack. Compared to this Demon Horn Tribe Shadow, Old Dragon was many times stronger.


    A flash of Divine Power, and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll whooshed out, instantly positioning itself behind Ye Feng''s head.


    Right at that moment, Mo Keye''s black sword struck like lightning. With a ting, it seemed to hit against something indestructible; it didn''t break through the defenses, nor did it leave even a mark on the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel quite emotional¡ªdespite being just a soft material, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had a shockingly formidable defensive power.


    However, Ye Feng also knew that using the scroll merely for defense had a significant drawback, mainly because the mental power expended to mobilize the scroll was too great. Even with his Mental Power Nucleus, he couldn''t sustain it for long.


    Moreover, the small size of the scroll wouldn''t suffice if the opponent launched a wide-ranging attack.


    With his thunderclap assassination attempt thwarted, Mo Keye of the Demon Horn Tribe was clearly startled.


    But as a high-level Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, his reactions were not slow. In a lightning move, he twisted his body and lunged for another attack, suggesting that assassination was likely his practiced method.


    "You think you have a chance after a missed strike?" Ye Feng smirked.


    Just then, high in the sky, a massive monument suddenly appeared. This was indeed the Heaven Guard Monument!


    ```

 Chapter 678 - 673: Counterattack, Turn the Tide

    The ancient and vast Heaven Guard Monument suppressed down in an instant, and the Demon Horn Tribe expert Mo Keye didn''t even have time to react before he was enveloped. At this moment, even if he wanted to escape, it was already too late.


    Mo Keye''s face drastically changed, and a look of horror even emerged as he shockingly discovered that at this moment, his body was immobilized, pinned down by the powerful aura of the Heaven Guard Monument.


    In this critical moment, he had no choice but to repeatedly utilize his lifelong secret techniques, attempting to resist the terrifying Heaven Guard Monument.


    However, all these efforts were doomed to be in vain; after all, the Heaven Guard Monument is a Relic of the Ancients, and moreover, it was a Treasure that had been used by an Emperor Sovereign over two thousand years ago.


    Boom...


    The Heaven Guard Monument directly suppressed down, and the Demon Horn Tribe expert Mo Keye''s knees bent and he knelt on the ground. Cracks began to appear all over his body as dark red blood started to spurt out, and it seemed he would be crushed to death alive.


    However, Mo Keye was indeed worthy of being a Great Power of the Three Seal Rank of the Yin-Yang Realm; his Cultivation Level had reached a terrifying state. Even though one of his feet was already kneeling on the ground, the other foot was still desperately struggling to support him. Especially the antennas on the top of his head, which at this moment burst forth with rolling purple light, constantly resisting the Heaven Guard Monument above.


    Ye Feng watched this scene rather surprised; he knew the strength of the Heaven Guard Monument, but even so, it still could not completely suppress the opponent, only causing the opponent to suffer heavy damage.


    "What an abject Human Race brat, to think you''d actually push me to this point, you''ve done well, I''ll remember you!"


    Mo Keye roared, and a radiant gold light suddenly burst forth from his forehead.


    The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe in the distance couldn''t help but bellow, "Mo Keye, you mustn''t..."


    Before he could finish, the Great Commander wanted to rush over to save his profitable subordinate; of course, Old Long wouldn''t allow him to leave, and with a flicker of his body, he blocked his way.


    "Get out of the way, you old thing!" the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe bellowed.


    "Get out of the way? Do you think that''s possible?" Old Long retorted with a cold, mocking laugh.


    Just then, Mo Keye, who was suppressed under the Heaven Guard Monument, suddenly let out a pitiful cry. Following that, a Yin-Yang Seal imbued with the Power of Yin-Yang shot out from his forehead, streaking directly towards the Gate of Whirlpool Teleportation Array and then disappearing without a trace, presumably returning to the world of the Demon Horn Tribe in the Alien Space-Time.


    "Damn it, he actually managed to escape!" Ye Feng only then came to his senses, grinding his teeth in anger; but by that time, it was clearly too late to give chase.


    Since Elder Bai''s explanation, Ye Feng had come to understand that there are three Seal Levels in the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. As long as the Yin-Yang Seal remains intact, even if the Flesh Body is damaged, one can still be reborn, though the cost is a drop in one''s Realm.


    Compared to life, dropping a level isn''t much, so the vast majority of Cultivators, when faced with a life-threatening crisis and given a chance, will choose to allow their Yin-Yang Seal to escape in order to preserve their life.


    Of course, it''s not that in most cases the Yin-Yang Seal can easily escape; unless the power difference between the two involved isn''t too significant. For instance, in the current situation with Ye Feng, although the Heaven Guard Monument is very strong, Mo Keye was barely able to resist it, not being crushed instantly, which also allowed time for his Yin-Yang Seal to escape.


    Secondly, Ye Feng''s inexperience showed; he hadn''t anticipated this, or else if he had been prepared, it wouldn''t have been so easy for the Yin-Yang Seal to escape.


    After Mo Keye''s Yin-Yang Seal escaped, his flesh body could no longer sustain itself and was instantly crushed into dregs by the Heaven Guard Monument.


    The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe, seeing this, was so furious that smoke seemed to billow from his seven orifices. He clenched his teeth and roared, "You damned lowly human, how dare you, how on earth dare you suppress the flesh body of a general under this commander? You''ve got some nerve!"


    Ye Feng put away the Heaven Guard Monument, turned to face the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe, and spat out each word through clenched teeth, "Your Demon Horn Tribe keeps calling us the Human Race lowly, but today I''ll tell you, we humans are not the least bit more humble than you Demon Horns, nor weaker than any other race. If you think you can invade the Human Realm, that''s absolutely impossible!"


    The Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe suddenly sneered repeatedly, "Good, good, a lowly human brat. Your talent is decent, and you''ve even cultivated that man''s cultivation technique, but do you think just you can fend off the grand army of our Demon Horn Tribe? Let me tell you as well, your Human Realm is destined to become the backyard of our Demon Horn Tribe¡ªyou despicable humans will forever suffer under the noble enslavement of our race!"


    "All warriors of the Demon Horn Tribe, heed my command, kill! Wipe out these low-grade humans!" the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe bellowed in a rage that thundered over the battlefield.


    "Kill!" In an instant, the war cries of the Demon Horn Tribe echoed through the heavens. It was clear that the Demon Horn Tribe was truly angered now, not to mention that moments earlier, their seven Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm had joined forces and still couldn''t subdue Ye Feng.


    Later, when Mo Keye, a general under the Great Commander, took action, he still couldn''t defeat Ye Feng and eventually had his flesh body suppressed by Ye Feng. This was an unbearable humiliation for the Demon Horn Tribe, an insult they could not accept.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s armor shimmered dimly with divine light, even showing cracks, but he still rose into the air, floating above the void. Facing the human troops, he declared word by word, "Everyone has seen it¡ªthe Demon Horn Tribe is not invincible; they are not some high-grade race. We humans are not weaker than them. Gather your courage, push forward in one concerted effort to destroy the Altar Formation and protect our homeland of the Human Realm!"


    "Destroy the Altar Formation, protect the homeland of the Human Realm!" In an instant, the human side also roared in unison, and perhaps inspired by Ye Feng, the morale on the human side far surpassed that of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    "Kill, kill these damned Demon Horns who dare invade our Earth of the Human Realm, we must not spare them, everyone go for the kill!" Sima Zhantian, always hot-tempered, took the lead, leading the Northern Border Army''s charge into the fray.


    Even members from the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court, these Great Powers, were motivated by Ye Feng''s spirit, their blood boiling hot, no longer fighting as passively as before.


    The tides of the great battle quickly began to turn. Previously, the Human Race had been retreating continuously, but now they were the ones pushing the Demon Horn Tribe back in defeat.


    "Kill!" Seeing this, Ye Feng, with the Emperor Sovereign Sword in hand, charged out to specifically hunt down the high-level experts of the Golden Core Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe.


    With Ye Feng''s current combat power, the experts at the Golden Core Realm level couldn''t match him¡ªnot even close. In just a face-off, the Demon Horn Tribe''s Golden Core Realm experts were being slain.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was like a grim reaper of the battlefield. Wherever he went, Golden Core Realm experts of the Demon Horn Tribe fell one after the other. In less than two minutes, he had slain over a hundred members of the Demon Horn Tribe''s Golden Core experts, including several Great Powers of the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm.


    Under Ye Feng''s lead, the Human Race pressed their counterattack, and the Demon Horn Tribe began to crumble, on the verge of being pushed to the Altar Formation.


    Seeing this, the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe was so enraged that he gnashed his teeth and bellowed, "Damned, truly damned! Ye, you lowly human brat, you... you''ve ruined this commander''s grand plans, unforgivable!"


    At that moment, a voice laced with mocking and ridicule suddenly sounded from the Alien Space-Time, carrying through the Gate of Whirlpool, "Sabu Leng, are you really up to the task? You can''t even deal with a mere human boy. If you can''t handle it, don''t blame this commander for stepping in and taking the credit!"

 Chapter 679 - 674: Half-Step Void Realm

    ```


    Hearing the taunts from the other side of the Alien Space-Time, the Human Race finally reacted, realizing that there was the Demon Horn Tribe lying in wait on the other side of the Gate of Whirlpool.


    It was only to be expected; after all, the space outside the Great Wall of Heaven was unstable, and maintaining the stability of the Gate of Whirlpool was not an easy task, limiting the number of Demon Horn tribesmen that could enter at a time.


    However, it was evident that the Great Commander Sabu Leng of the Demon Horn Tribe was clearly unable to complete the task, and furthermore, after the recent great battle, the Demon Horn Tribe had suffered many casualties, with the injured retreating back through the Gate of Whirlpool to the Alien Space-Time.


    It was apparent that should the Demon Horn Tribe wish, a great number of reinforcements could burst through the Gate of Whirlpool at any moment.


    However, from the sentence that came through just now, Ye Feng roughly deduced that the Demon Horn Tribe awaiting battle at the Gate of Whirlpool must also be headed by a Great Commander, and that between Great Commanders there was likely a competitive relationship, which was why they hesitated to participate without Sabu Leng''s consent.


    "We must make it quick; if this continues, reinforcements will surely arrive, and then breaking through that Altar Formation will become even more difficult!" Ye Feng clenched his teeth and hissed, his form sweeping across the battlefield like a streak of light.


    Despite the robust Spirit Essence within his body, such high-intensity and non-stop combat was enormously draining, and soon he began to show signs of exhaustion, inevitably slowing down.


    Fortunately, under his leadership, the momentum of the Human Race had been rallied, and at this point even several Hall Masters from the Xuanyuan Hall had joined the fight, along with the powers of the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court''s formidable forces, all striving valiantly against the enemy.


    The tide of battle kept turning, with the Army of the Human Race continuously charging toward the Altar Formation, on the verge of penetrating the last line of defense.


    Old Long was probably aware of the urgency of the situation, fully committing to the attack on the Altar Formation below, only to be repeatedly stopped by the Great Commander Sabu Leng. His technique of the Divine Golden Armor had long since worn off, and since he could only use it once a day, he was clearly unable to restrain the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe anymore.


    "There''s no other way, it seems we must deal with this guy first!" Old Long turned his head to look at the Great Commander Sabu Leng, who was steadily advancing.


    Below, the Altar Formation was guarded by a Great Formation conjured by seven Demon Horn Great Powers, which he couldn''t break in a short time, and with the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe constantly harassing and obstructing him, he had no choice but to kill the Great Commander first.


    "Sabu Leng, your Demon Horn Tribe has always called my Human Race lowly, an inferior species, today I''ll let you witness the power of my race!"


    After Old Long spoke, he released his aura, and his whole presence surged onward, instantly reaching the peak of the Yin-Yang Realm. However, that was not all¡ªhis aura continued to skyrocket, rapidly reaching a terrifying domain.


    In that moment, Old Long''s whole body emitted an aura that was billowing tumultuously, and his gaze revealed a proud and profound depth, as if he saw beyond the distant Void.


    "What? The Void Realm? You... you''ve actually made a breakthrough to the Void Realm, how is that possible?"


    The Great Commander Sabu Leng suddenly widened his eyes, his face showing disbelief, but then he shouted in shock, "No, this doesn''t feel like the complete Void Realm, it''s half-step void. Damn it, you lowly Human Race elder, you actually set half a foot into the Void Mirror, how could you possibly achieve this!"


    Although Old Long''s Realm was now undeniably displayed before him, the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe obviously still couldn''t believe it, nor would he acknowledge it.


    For in the view of the Demon Horn Tribe, they were inherently superior, whilst the Human Race were innately lower beings, nowhere near as powerful as them. To reach the Void Realm, even within the Demon Horn Tribe, was to be a force to be reckoned with, and even Great Commander Sabu Leng, after hundreds of years of cultivation, had yet to break through.


    Of course, if one were to speak of overall strength, whether in numbers of cultivators or individuals at high Realms, the Demon Horn Tribe was much stronger by far. For instance, within the Human Race, Old Long, the leader, having cultivated to the Half-Step Void Realm, was probably the limit for the Human Race.


    But in the Demon Horn Tribe, those at the Void Realm could only be considered individual powers, not quite at the pinnacle!


    "Kill!" Old Long''s gaze grew sharp, and he streaked across the sky, no longer bothering with words as the situation was already extremely critical.


    True to the level of Half-Step Void Realm, Old Long traversed through the void, instantly closing the gap to Great Commander Sabu Leng, and then slammed down with a palm.


    It looked like an ordinary hand at first, but as it struck, the Palm Seal rapidly enlarged, in a moment becoming a vast Great Hand with the might to obliterate the heavens and earth, threatening to shatter the very Void itself.


    Great Commander Sabu Leng''s expression drastically changed, and he instinctively attempted to dodge, but what horrified him more was that he was locked in place under the shadow of the opponent''s hand and couldn''t move.


    With no other choice, a bright light burst from the antennae atop Sabu Leng''s head, and a massive Demon Sky Claw took form in an instant, surging towards the Great Hand above him.


    But his Demon Sky Claw was far too weak; before even touching Old Long''s Grand Hand, it was crushed to pieces in an instant.


    Boom...


    The massive palm came down swiftly, flinging Great Commander Sabu Leng away. However, at the critical moment, a yellow Protective Shield burst forth around the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe, which appeared to be a Protective Dharma Treasure.


    ```


    The yellow protective shield shattered the moment it came into existence, as Old Long''s enormous hand smashed through it. However, this action managed to dissipate most of the force, so although the Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Commander was sent flying with injuries, he did not die on the spot.


    Sabu Leng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and, gnashing his teeth, roared, "Damn it, Half-Step Void, who would have thought that being merely at Half-Step Void would be so powerful, it''s infuriating!"


    Having said this, the Great Commander of the Demon Horn Tribe suddenly turned his head towards the Whirlpool portal and shouted, "Orio, how long do you plan to watch? Send your armies to help me quickly; I can''t hold on much longer. Once the Altar Formation is broken, you too will be punished by the king!"


    "Sabu Leng, you''re truly useless. The Great Commander is coming too!" As these words were spoken, another fearsome Demon Horn Tribe Great Commander holding a giant axe flew out of the Whirlpool portal, hurtling towards Old Long.


    "Children, hurry over here and eradicate these despicable Human Race!" Grand Commander Orio said with a cold sneer.


    As his words fell, one after another, the great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe flew out from the Whirlpool Gate. In the blink of an eye, over twenty great powers had already emerged.


    The carrying capacity of the Whirlpool Gate was originally limited, but as some of the Yin-Yang Realm had been slain and others injured and retreated, the capacity decreased, naturally allowing for more reinforcements to come through.


    At this moment, a continuous stream of the Demon Horn Tribe Army kept emerging from the Whirlpool Gate onto the battlefield. The initial situation, which looked like the Human Race was about to gain the upper hand, was swiftly being reversed by the Demon Horn Tribe.


    "Damn it, another Demon Horn Tribe Army, and they seem no weaker than the one before. The Demon Horn Tribe is too strong!" Someone on the Human Race''s side immediately began to waver.


    By now, the battle had already caused significant losses to the Human Race and had become extremely tough, yet for the Demon Horn Tribe, this was just one of their forces.


    "What do we do, what now? With so many Demon Horn Tribe armies pouring in and growing in number, how can we fight this battle, how could we possibly win?" exclaimed a strong figure from the Yin-Yang Temple, who even had the thought of retreating.


    The situation on the battlefield shifted in an instant, turning disadvantageous for the Human Race''s side.


    Meanwhile, at the Altar Formation, in just the blink of an eye, over thirty more Yin-Yang Realm great powers were added. With so many people joining forces to create a Guardian Grand Formation, even Old Long, a Half-Step Void Realm great power, would struggle to break through quickly.


    Old Long hovered in the air, his brow tightly furrowed as he looked towards the Whirlpool portal. At this moment, he undeniably felt a tremendous pressure and had an ominous premonition. If the situation continued this way, not only would none of the Human Race''s strong fighters on the battlefield survive, but the Altar Formation might also remain unbroken.


    Ye Feng too turned to look towards the Whirlpool portal, his expression just as grave. At this critical moment, the strongest of the Four Great Powers had actually begun to think about retreating, and many had already approached the edge of the Great Wall of Heaven, ready to flee back to the Human Realm if the situation turned dire.


    Ye Feng, although angered by these people, could not blame them. After all, not everyone was prepared to sacrifice themselves, and given their high cultivation levels, even if the Great Wall of Heaven were to be breached by the Demon Horn Tribe Army invading the Human Realm, they could probably still survive. So under these circumstances, expecting them to fight to the death was likely impossible.


    As the situation became increasingly unfavorable for the Human Race, Ye Feng knew they could not delay any longer. He quickly moved to Old Long''s side.


    "Old man, I''ll block the Whirlpool Gate, and I''ll leave the Altar Formation to you. How long do you think you can take to break through it?" asked Ye Feng in a serious tone.


    Old Long, taken aback, responded, "You block the Whirlpool Gate? How could that be possible, I fear not even I can hold it."


    "Don''t worry about that; I should be able to hold it for half a quarter hour. During this time, please break through the Altar Formation at all costs, otherwise our Human Race is doomed!"


    Having said that, Ye Feng dashed straight towards the Whirlpool portal in the void ahead, where continuously more powerhouses from the Demon Horn Tribe were pouring out.


    "This lowly Human Race, so full of big talk," said one scornfully. "Just with him alone, he thinks he can stop our Demon Horn Tribe''s army?"


    "Forget this lowly kid, even that Half-Step Void Realm leader of the Human Race couldn''t hope to stop our army. Brothers, charge and annihilate these damned Human Race!"


    The warriors of the Demon Horn Tribe roared angrily, and in a moment, rushed towards Ye Feng like a swarm, numbering in the hundreds, dense and numerous, among them many great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Ye Feng hovered motionless in front of the Whirlpool portal, his face showing determination. Suddenly, he flipped his wrist and in his palm appeared a bead. The clear and lustrous pearl, no bigger than a pigeon egg and seemingly ordinary, did not look like any kind of formidable magic treasure.


    Witnessing Ye Feng''s move, the Demon Horn warriors couldn''t help but mock, "This is sheer ignorance! The lowly and ignorant Human Race, this kid actually thinks he can stop us with such a small pearl, he''s really overestimating himself!"


    However, before they could finish their words, their laughter died in their throats.


    At that moment, Ye Feng''s eyes hardened as he manipulated a magic spell; the Weak Water Spirit Pearl he held flew out of his hand.


    With a thunderous roar, the mighty Weak Water gushed out from the pearl, torrential and surging towards the oncoming Demon Horn Army and the nearby Whirlpool Gate.

 Chapter 680 - 675: The Weak Water Divine Pearl Shows Its Power

    Seeing the dark yellow water surge out from the small pearl, the Demon Horn Tribe was at first surprised, then scorn spread across their faces.


    "This must be a magic treasure specially designed for storing water. To think they want to use this to contend with us and block our Demon Horn Tribe''s army? This is truly laughable. The Human Race really is a lowly race with laughably pathetic methods!"


    "Isn''t that so? Let this old one wipe out that despicable, ignorant Human Race brat!"


    Many Demon Horn Tribe warriors snorted disdainfully and charged directly towards the torrent of Weak Water, rushing to attack Ye Feng.


    However, at the next moment, their expressions drastically changed; just from coming into contact with the Weak Water, their armor and even their skin began to corrode rapidly, exposing their bones in the blink of an eye, and even the bones were quickly corroding away.


    "Ah... Damn it, what the hell is this stuff? Its corrosive power is too terrifying; my flesh body was corroded away in an instant!"


    Many strong individuals from the Demon Horn Tribe cried out in alarm, terror-stricken as they fled in all directions. Those whose reactions were slower and whose power was weaker had their flesh bodies corroded away instantly, dying on the spot.


    "Everyone, be quick, this water is too terrifying. It can even corrode the Spirit Essence Barrier of the Golden Core Realm¡ªthis is deadly! Don''t touch this water at all costs; it''s lethal!" In a moment, a large number of the Demon Horn Tribe were scared witless.


    Several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe, after seeing this scene, could not help but say in a deep voice, "What sort of rubbish is this? It''s just water from the Human Race. At most, it''s just a large amount of water¡ªwhat''s there to fear? I''ll go and wipe out this water!"


    Having said that, several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm took to the air, charging headfirst into the roiling Weak Water.


    The next moment, however, these few Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe saw their faces pale in fright, for they realized that even their Spirit Essence Barriers couldn''t withstand the dark yellow water. At best, the corrosion was just slower.


    One of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, unwilling to admit defeat, released his Yin-Yang Seal to resist, but he quickly became terrified, because even his Yin-Yang Seal couldn''t withstand the dark yellow Weak Water.


    "Damn it. What kind of horrific water is this? It even overpowers my Yin-Yang Seal''s power, to the point of corroding the seal itself... This is... This is too frightening!"


    Several Demon Horn Tribe members were similarly petrified, not daring to hesitate at all, fleeing as wretchedly as a drenched chicken.


    At this point, all members of the Demon Horn Tribe seeing the raging river of Weak Water became filled with fear and horror, not daring to advance further and fearing they could not evade it fast enough.


    Ye Feng had evidently anticipated this scene all along, his expression remained unchanged as he controlled the Weak Water Divine Pearl to hover in mid-air, continuously directing the Weak Water to surge towards the Gate of Whirlpool ahead.


    Originally, from the other side of the Gate of Whirlpool, the Demon Horn Tribe Army was charging continuously, but upon witnessing the terrifying nature of the Weak Water, none of them dared to storm into this battlefield. They were forcibly repelled back to the Alien Space-Time Territory.


    Of course, at this moment, many of the Demon Horn Tribe''s Great Powers realized that the reason this Human Race youth could control this terrifying Weak Water was entirely due to the small pearl in his hand. If they could shatter or seize that pearl, then he naturally wouldn''t be able to control it anymore.


    In fact, Ye Feng had already anticipated this, so he controlled a vast amount of Weak Water to surround his body. The Demon Horn Tribe members who wished to break through had to first pass this thick layer of Weak Water.


    "Damn it, this Human Race brat is too cunning. He''s hiding in these dark yellow Weak Water streams, and we can''t do anything to him or fight to snatch it away. After all, this Weak Water is really too terrible. In just a moment, my Yin-Yang Seal was corroded, and if we delay any longer, it might be destroyed!"


    "Yes, I don''t dare to enter. Otherwise, leaving aside whether I could beat this Human Race youth, I fear my Yin-Yang Seal would be corroded by this terrible water!"


    The many Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe stomped their feet in anger, helpless and frantically hovering around Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng didn''t bother paying them any attention, as he was doing his utmost to control the Weak Water to block the Gate of Whirlpool, not allowing the Demon Horn Tribe Army to come through, thereby buying time for the Human Race side.


    "Old Long, I can''t hold out much longer; make it quick!" Ye Feng clenched his teeth and shouted.


    In reality, operating the Weak Water Divine Pearl with such high intensity drained a great deal of Ye Feng''s spiritual power. If he hadn''t already condensed a Mental Power Nucleus and his spiritual power had not reached an extremely high level, he wouldn''t have been able to move and control this Weak Water Pearl at all.


    Moreover, the Weak Water Divine Pearl, though powerful and miraculous, had its limitations, which was that it could only be used three times¡ªmeaning it could only absorb and release water three times. Counting this time, it was the third release, meaning after using up this last opportunity, the Weak Water Divine Pearl would self-destruct.


    Of course, it was a pity. But there was no choice; in fact, by now, Ye Feng had vaguely felt that the pearl had reached its load-bearing critical point and feared it would not last much longer.


    Meanwhile, as the Demon Tribe Army was already blocked and could not pass through the Gate of Whirlpool to enter this space-time, and since the earlier battle had come to an end, both sides'' lower-level cultivators had temporarily ceased fighting, withdrawing to the side. Many Human Race powerhouses had even moved to the edge of the Great Wall of Heaven, ready to head back.


    Indeed, at this stage of the battle, the damage had been too severe, whether it was among the High-Level Great Powers or lower-level martial cultivators¡ªthey had almost all taken substantial losses.


    Furthermore, given the current situation, the melee of the lower levels had lost much of its significance. What was truly important and most critical was the central conflict between the core powerhouses¡ªthe fight between Old Long and the Demon Horn Tribe''s Sabu Leng and Orio, the two Great Commanders.


    Besides them, a few strong individuals like Old Man with Red Nose and Elder Huang Niu were still in combat, but most had ceased their actions, watching the developments at the center of the battle.


    Old Long naturally understood that under the current circumstances, Ye Feng blocking the Demon Horn Tribe Army so they couldn''t reinforce was undoubtedly a huge help to the Human Race. Whether they could truly achieve victory, however, would depend on whether he could crush these two High-Level Demon Horn Commanders and break through the Altar Formation.


    Of course, Old Long was also aware that time was short, very short. Ye Feng couldn''t last much longer, so after a quick glance over the battlefield, Old Long once again charged forth into battle.


    "Kill, anyone who blocks me shall die!" Old Long''s palms struck out repeatedly, and in an instant, vast Great Hand Seals appeared in the void, one after another, cascading like a mountain collapsing in a furious tide, rushing towards the Great Altar Formation below.


    "As long as we two are here, you won''t be able to break the Formation!"


    The two High-Level Demon Horn Commanders exchanged a glance, and suddenly the tentacles atop their heads burst out with dazzling light, with Sabu Leng''s emitting black light and Orio''s white light. The black and white lights shot forth and quickly converged and merged together.


    In an instant, a hideous and ugly skull that radiated a thick aura of malevolence was formed, and the massive skull suddenly opened its gaping mouth, and incredibly, managed to swallow the incoming Great Hand Seals one by one. After using their Tentacle Divine Ability and combining it, the combat power of the two Commanders skyrocketed.


    "Well, I''ll be damned, that''s some impressive Demon Horn Tentacle Divine Ability!"


    Old Long gritted his teeth secretly. He had to admit that the Demon Horn Tribe was indeed powerful, especially with their Tentacle Divine Ability. What was more deadly was that their Divine Abilities could actually combine to transform into a brand new Divine Ability Method with greater power.


    Without any hesitation, Old Long flipped his wrist, and a sword appeared in his palm, a small silver-white sword that, apart from being bright and translucent, seemed unremarkable at first glance. However, once he threw the sword into the air, the Divine Sword revealed itself.


    In the void, a colossal sword radiating immense sword might hung suspended there, its hissing Sword Light seeming as if it could sever the Void itself.


    The moment the two High-Level Demon Tribe Commanders saw the sword, their complexions drastically changed as they exclaimed, "This... could this be the Sky-tearing Sword of the World-Renowned General under the Emperor of the Ancient Human Race?"


    "To think that you could actually recognize this Sky-tearing Divine Sword, you''re not completely ignorant!" Old Long sneered with a smirk. In this moment, he erupted with powerful Spirit Essence from within his body, which he channeled entirely into the Sky-tearing Divine Sword.


    With a sweep of his right hand, he brought the Sky-tearing Divine Sword down in a cleaving slash!


    The sky was filled with sword light like a rainbow piercing the heavens, slashing towards the sinister, massive black-and-white Yin-Yang skull below.


    Boom...


    A violent tremor resounded between Heaven and Earth as if the Void itself was shaking, and with one slash of the sword light, the skull was directly bisected.


    The might of the sword light did not diminish as it instantly slashed down towards the Altar Formation below.


    The ground once again erupted with violent shaking, and the terrifying sword light directly tore through the Guardian Grand Formation that was presided over by fourteen Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe. Even five of the powerful Demon Horn beings were shaken to the point of vomiting blood on the spot.


    "Damn it... to think that this old thing from the Human Race not only broke through to the Half-Step Void Realm but even possesses such a Divine Sword. If this goes on, our Guardian Grand Formation won''t be able to withstand the power of his Sky-tearing Sword."


    "Even if it can''t withstand, we must resist. This Altar Formation absolutely cannot be destroyed, or else our Demon Horn Tribe''s decades of planning will be all for naught."


    "Yes, the frontline is under strain right now. If we don''t open a breach at the rear and take down this damned Human Race, the frontline will be under even greater pressure. No matter what, we must hold out today and not let him break the Altar Formation!"


    The fourteen Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe gritted their teeth and roared.


    "Hold out? With just you? I''m afraid you won''t be able to, but since you''ve withstood the first sword, let''s go for the second!"


    After Old Long spoke, he once again unleashed a surge of Spirit Essence from within his body into the Sky-tearing Divine Sword, and with a swipe of his right hand, the silver-white Sky-tearing Divine Sword slashed down once more.


    Boom...


    With a world-shattering sword might, the blow instantly tore through the Guardian Grand Formation below, blowing away the fourteen Great Powers presiding over the Formation on the spot, and even the two High-Level Demon Horn Commanders were severely injured.


    Old Long truly lived up to his reputation as a Great Power of the Half-Step Void Realm; he was simply too powerful, especially with a Divine Sword in hand!


    "The third sword will be for this Altar Formation!" With a focused gaze, Old Long once again activated the Divine Sword.


    However, at that moment, the two High-Level Demon Horn Commanders raised their heads to the sky and howled, "King, we can''t hold out any longer. We beg you to intervene and eliminate this old Human Race!"


    No sooner had their words fallen than an aura, seemingly from the Primordial Era, suddenly surged over from the Gate of Whirlpool.


    The moment Ye Feng felt this terrifying aura, his expression drastically changed.

 Chapter 681 - 676: From now on, the Human Race is in your hands

    A terrifyingly powerful aura instantly filled the entire battlefield, followed by the fierce visage of a Demon Horn Tribe apparition with golden horns that appeared at the Gate of Whirlpool.


    However, this apparition did not rush through the Gate of Whirlpool. It seemed to be bounded by certain Laws that prevented it from entering this space-time.


    The Demon Horn Tribe Army on the Human Realm battlefield, including the two Great Commanders, saw the fierce visage of the golden-horned Demon Horn apparition and knelt on the ground.


    "We pay homage to our King!" In an instant, the entire vast battlefield was filled with the ear-splitting cries of homage from the Demon Horn Tribe.


    The golden-horned apparition turned its golden pupils directly towards Ye Feng, appearing as if it wished it could devour him alive.


    "Well done, you Human Race brat. A mere peak of the Golden Core Realm and yet you have slain so many of our tribe''s strong ones. This King will remember this grudge. Even if you have cultivated His Cultivation Method Inheritance, one day I shall certainly slay you!"


    After saying this, the eyes of the Demon Horn Tribe King swept past Ye Feng and locked directly onto Old Long, uttering coldly, "I recognize you, leader of the Human Race. You are indeed outstanding, the cream of the crop amongst the Human Race, but today, you must die!"


    Old Long''s expression also became extremely grave as he gritted his teeth and said, "A generation''s king of the Demon Horn Tribe, a true Great Power of the Void Realm. However, in the Human Realm, there is the constraint of the Space-time Law, making it impossible for you to enter. To kill me, your true body would have to descend. Otherwise, you can''t do it!"


    "Can''t do it? You lowly Human Race, it seems you know little about our Demon Horn Tribe''s methods!"


    The Demon Horn Tribe King mocked with a cold laugh, then declared loudly, "Sabu Leng, offer your body to me, and welcome the arrival of this King!"


    Upon hearing this, Great Commander Sabu Leng immediately became extremely excited, hastily prostrating and saying, "It is my honor that the King favors my flesh body. I eagerly welcome the King''s descent!"


    In contrast, Grand Commander Orio revealed a look of disappointment. It seemed he was let down that their king had not chosen him.


    "Very well!" The voice of the Demon Horn Tribe King dropped, and suddenly a black light shot into the sky from the Gate of Whirlpool, arriving instantly above Sabu Leng''s head and then swiftly entering Sabu Leng''s body with a whoosh.


    "Not good, stop him!"


    Old Long''s eyes narrowed. In fact, he spoke more out of reflex than any motion because he knew full well that he wouldn''t be able to stop the black light, given its incredible speed. It traversed the Void, piercing through faster than even his movement techniques.


    Before even the blink of an eye, the black light had already entered Sabu Leng''s body.


    The next moment, Sabu Leng''s whole presence began to surge, climbing directly from the peak of the Yin-Yang Realm to the true Void Realm!


    Normally, it would be impossible for the Void Realm to manifest in this space-time of the Human Realm because it would meet with the constraints of the Space-time Law. Just like Old Long, no matter how he cultivated and regardless of how exceptional his talent, as long as he stayed in the Human Realm''s space-time, he could never become a true Great Power of the Void Realm.


    Similarly, the Great Powers of the Void Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe could not descend in their true form either. Even if they descended forcefully, they would meet resistance and could even suffer backlash!


    Thus, this king of the Demon Horn Tribe took another route, using Sabu Leng''s body as a vessel, allowing his will to descend. While this might not unleash one hundred percent of the king''s power, it was definitely not weak.


    "You petty Human Race actually dare to resist the Demon Horn Tribe Army. How utterly overconfident. Half-Step Void Realm or not, in front of this King, you are nothing but ants!"


    Sabu Leng spoke. Since it was the will of the king that had descended, the one controlling Sabu Leng''s body was naturally that Demon Horn Tribe King. He beckoned with his right hand, and a dark red greatsword appeared in his grasp.


    The crimson greatsword was curved like a semicircle, very uniquely shaped, and yet it exuded a terrifying power that made even Ye Feng''s mind and spirit involuntarily sink into it at just one glance.


    "This sword is terrifying; it can actually captivate the mind and spirit!" Ye Feng thought to himself with amazement.


    Old Long naturally felt the pressure, but his expression remained unchanged as he said through gritted teeth, "You are merely a will that has descended, at most you can wield 60 percent of your original power. Furthermore, the time you can spend descended in this world is limited, at best five minutes!"


    "Five minutes is enough to deal with you!" Sabu Leng snorted and suddenly stepped forward, transversing instantly, and the next moment he was above Old Long, then brought down his sword in a slash.


    A crimson blade of light spun and lashed out, tearing apart the space wherever it went, creating space fissures that were truly horrific to behold.


    It was conceivable that if the king of the Demon Horn Tribe had truly descended in body, he might have shattered the space-time of the Human Realm with a mere gesture.


    Old Long clenched his teeth as the boundless Spirit Essence within him surged, pouring into the Sky-tearing Divine Sword in his hand, which he then swung out.


    The sword light flashed in the void, clashing instantly with the crimson blade light, and the next moment the entire sky erupted with an earth-shaking boom.


    The terrible shockwave spread out like a tide from the point of impact, sweeping around with howling gales, causing lower-strength Martial Artist Cultivators to be shocked and scatter in all directions.


    Merely the residual waves changing the color of heaven and earth, varying degrees of collapse appeared in space, and even some of the weaker Demon Horn Tribe and Human Race members who failed to dodge in time were swept up and devoured by the shockwave, wiped out in an instant.


    No one from either side dared to come closer to watch when they saw such an array. They just kept retreating again and again. The battle between the two armies also had to stop at this moment. It''s just like the saying goes when immortals fight, mortals must retreat, which is probably the situation right now.


    However, Ye Feng remained standing, suspended in mid-air, after all, he was protected by the Emperor Sovereign Armor, and the aftermath of such a level still could not hurt him.


    The blood-red knife light instantly destroyed the sword light, and then spun straight toward Old Long, charging to kill.


    Old Long''s expression changed drastically, and it seemed he had not anticipated the opponent to be so strong, but he also knew that he could not retreat at this moment. Once he retreated, the Great Wall of Heaven would definitely not be saved today, and the Human Race would undoubtedly suffer catastrophic losses.


    Therefore, Old Long had no choice but to clench his teeth and swung out another sword, the sword light whizzing and flying, slashing towards the knife light.


    However, just at that moment, Sabu Leng''s figure suddenly disappeared, the whole person traversing the void, and in an instant, he arrived in front of Old Long, scaring Old Long greatly.


    With a flash of knife light, a dark red line of blood went straight toward the face. Old Long''s expression changed drastically, and in this critical moment, there was simply no time to think. He hurriedly retreated.


    He was, after all, at the Half-Step Void level, and although he was half a level lower in realm than the opponent, he could still traverse the void enough to quickly make his escape.


    But the opponent''s bloodline knife light stretched infinitely, even faster than Old Long''s speed.


    Suddenly, there was a ripping sound, and Old Long''s left arm was chopped off cleanly at the root.


    "Grandpa..." Long Nannan, who was far away, could not help but cry out in shock when she saw this.


    Even Ye Feng couldn''t help exclaiming anxiously, "Old Long, hold on, I''m coming to help you!"


    As Ye Feng was about to rush over to help, Old Long waved his hand and said, "Don''t come over, protect the transport gate, don''t let the Demon Horn Tribe Army break through!"


    At this moment, on the side of the Human Race, apart from a few villagers from the small mountain village like Long Nannan, the rest were just quietly watching. Especially the forces of the Yin-Yang Temple, the Vampire Divine Court, they even chose to watch indifferently, showing no intention of helping.


    In fact, everyone knew that in the current level of battle between Old Long and Sabu Leng, ordinary people, even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, couldn''t help, but they couldn''t be so indifferent either, especially since Old Long was fighting for the entire Human Race at this moment.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but grit his teeth and roar, "Old Long, you must hold on. Also, this Weak Water Divine Pearl can''t support much longer, it''s about to completely shatter and be destroyed. Our Human Race has reached the moment of life and death, are we really powerless to Reverse the Heavens?"


    Sabu Leng, clutching the blood-red curved knife, stared at Old Long with a contemptuous expression and sneered, "You''re lucky you can run fast, but you won''t be so lucky with the next slash. This next one will definitely chop off your dog head, and I guarantee, you won''t even be able to escape the Yin-Yang Seal!"


    Old Long suddenly gritted his teeth and laughed, "You are strong, indeed very strong. I am certainly not your match, even if it''s just a will that descended to this space-time, I still cannot contend. Our Human Race, is still too weak after all!"


    "It seems I have no choice but to use that method, there is no other way!" Having said that, divine light burst forth from Old Long''s brow, and then his entire body started to burn.


    Old Man Huang Niu and the Old Man with Red Nose, seeing this scene, couldn''t help but change expressions dramatically and scream, "Brother Bulong, you can''t do this, you can''t use that Forbidden Technique, burning your own Yin-Yang Seal, you must not do this!"


    Long Nannan, hearing these words, likely also understood what they meant and kept yelling, "No grandpa, you can''t do this, this world is not worth it, Nannan needs grandpa, Nannan can''t be without grandpa, grandpa stop, please stop!"


    Within the blazing golden flames, Old Long turned his head and looked at Long Nannan with a kind expression and smiled, "Nannan, my good granddaughter, you''ve grown up, no longer that little girl who cries easily. Remember to be obedient in the future, listen to your Little Martial Uncle!"


    "I''ll be obedient, I promise to be obedient in the future, grandpa stop now!" Long Nannan said and hurriedly rushed over.


    "Since you''re obedient, then don''t come over. You should know that once that Forbidden Technique is used, it cannot be stopped, there''s no turning back. Grandpa can only do this, for the sake of the Human Race, and for you all, Grandpa must do this!"


    "Quickly go, and all members of the Human Race, quickly retreat to the Great Wall of Heaven, hurry up and go!"


    At this moment, Ye Feng clenched his teeth tightly, his eyes bloodshot.


    Old Long''s body blazed with ever-greater golden flames, and finally, he turned his head to look at Ye Feng, tenderly saying, "I did not choose the wrong person, rather, he did not choose the wrong person. Now that you have fully grown up, from now on, the Human Race is in your hands!"


    After speaking, Old Long''s entire body transformed into a burning sun, a sun that contained the power to destroy heaven and earth. This was him using the Forbidden Technique, burning his own Threefold Yin-Yang Seal along with his flesh body, as the price to condense the sun. The power of this strike was undoubtedly terrifying.


    Sabu Leng, seeing this, couldn''t help but curse furiously, "Damn it, this damned Human Race old man, I didn''t expect him to be so resolute. The Threefold Yin-Yang Seal, to actually melt as he says, this energy is too terrifying, even I don''t dare to resist it. It looks like the Great Altar Formation will not be able to hold, everyone on the altar, retreat for me quickly!"


    At that moment, Grand Commander Orio clenched his teeth and said, "King, even if the Altar Formation cannot hold and we can''t break through this natural barrier for now, we can''t let them escape just like that. These are all elite warriors of the Human Race, they must all be killed!"


    "Exactly, they must all be slaughtered, as long as these people are destroyed, then the despicable Human Race will have lost a great number of its elite, and once the Great Wall of Heaven breaks in two years, my Demon Horn Tribe Army can advance unopposed!"


    At that, Sabu Leng suddenly roared, "All Demon Horn warriors, receive the order, kill, kill all these lowly Human Race beings, leave not one alive!"

 Chapter 682 - 677: The Great War Comes to an End

    The Demon Horn Tribe King''s command to kill had barely left his lips when the Demon Horn Tribe''s army surged forward, like a tide sweeping toward the human warriors ahead.


    By the looks of it, they had clearly given up on guarding the altar formation. Of course, they knew that when a Great Power at the Half-Step Void Realm used a secret method to ignite his Yin-Yang Seal and flesh body, the destructive power unleashed was undoubtedly immense. Such a power would necessitate retreat, not just for the Yin-Yang Mirror wielders, but even for Void Realm Great Powers.


    "Ye Feng, stop them and try to get them safely back to the Great Wall of Heaven!" Old Long shouted.


    Even at the very end of his life, the human leader was still thinking about the safety of his people, even though most of them had chosen to coldly look on without any intention of coming forward to help.


    But after all, Old Long was Old Long. He held no resentment and still loved this land deeply. Until his death, he was fulfilling his promise to protect the Human Realm.


    Boom rumble rumble...


    A blindingly bright sun burst forth toward the altar formation below, unleashing a fierce tidal wave that swept out like a deluge.


    This was the culmination of Old Long''s life energy. A small altar formation could never withstand it. In an instant, it was annihilated, and even the space itself was blasted open with a hole as the residual energy waves poured into an unknown chaotic space-time.


    "Grandpa..." Long Nannan cried out with a face already in tears, her instinct was to rush forward, but she was firmly held back by Sausage Sister who knew that going up at this moment would not only fail to assist Old Long, but could also cost one''s own life.


    Ye Feng glanced at the altar formation below, confirmed its complete destruction, and with the Weak Water Divine Pearl in hand, darted towards the Great Wall of Heaven ahead.


    With the Weak Water Divine Pearl in hand, just a thought from him would bring the rolling river of Weak Water surging forth, forcing the Demon Horn Tribe to dodge everywhere it flowed. They had already witnessed the terror of the Weak Water; even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm wouldn''t dare to invade it for too long, lest even their Yin-Yang Seals corrode away.


    However, Ye Feng knew that the Weak Water Divine Pearl wouldn''t hold out much longer. The tiny transparent pearl was already cracked and on the verge of complete destruction.


    The tumultuous torrent of Weak Water formed a barrier before the Great Wall of Heaven, holding back the advancing armies of the Demon Horn Tribe and giving the humans time to flee back to the Great Wall of Heaven.


    "Curse this lowly Human Race, foiling this Sovereign''s plans time and again, today you must die!"


    The Demon Horn Tribe King, possessing Sabu Leng, raged uncontainably. A blood-colored crescent blade swept across the sky, and a blood-red Blade Qi instantly tore through space, charging towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng was startled and quickly mobilized the rolling Weak Water to surge upward. However, even these torrents of Weak Water could not resist the Blood-colored Blade Qi.


    There was no choice; Sabu Leng, now possessed by the will of the Demon Horn Tribe King, could exert up to sixty percent of the strength of that Void Realm King, which was absolutely beyond Ye Feng''s current capacity to withstand.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed and he retreated explosively as he swung his arm, sending the small Weak Water Divine Pearl flying towards the Blade Qi.


    Bang!


    The Blade Qi struck the Divine Pearl, and at that moment, the Divine Pearl exploded. And in the final moment, Ye Feng mobilized the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness, directing the torrents of Weak Water entirely towards the Blade Qi. Only thus could he resist and counteract the Blade Qi.


    The Demon Horn Tribe watched in mild astonishment, clearly not expecting Ye Feng to be able to withstand. Grinding his teeth, he said, "Who would have thought that you, this damned human boy, would possess such immense talent. Today, no matter what, I will not leave you alive!"


    As he spoke, Sabu Leng swung another blade, and the terrifying Blade Qi rushed towards Ye Feng like a piercing rainbow.


    Ye Feng''s complexion changed drastically, retreating again and again. The Weak Water Divine Pearl had been destroyed and he could no longer summon the Weak Water. The overwhelming Weak Water instantly fell to the Void ground below, where it disappeared without a trace, as if evaporating from the world.


    Fortunately, at this moment, almost all of the Human Race had retreated back to the Great Wall of Heaven and Ye Feng noticed that all of his close friends and family were safe. He breathed a sigh of relief.


    But the blood-red Blade Qi was still tearing through the air towards him. Ye Feng''s expression darkened as the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll flew out from his forehead and unfurled before him.


    This Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll was currently Ye Feng''s strongest tool, because other items like the Emperor Sovereign Armor and Emperor Sovereign Sword were heritage weapons from another entity, while this scroll appeared to be an even more ancient relic, possibly from the Ancient Era. Its mystery and power even surpassed that of the other entity.


    So to withstand an attack from a Great Power of the Void Realm, it seemed only this scroll would suffice.


    Suddenly, a tearing sound pierced the air!


    The blood-red Blade Qi slashed at the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, causing the dark-gold scroll to surge violently.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng became anxious, hoping it would hold, for if the scroll tore, it would be a massive loss indeed, as it was his strongest trump card.


    Fortunately, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll lived up to its reputation as an Ancient Magic Treasure. Even the Five-clawed Golden Dragon was astonished by it, and the Blade Qi, upon striking it, merely caused the scroll to tremble intensely but eventually dissipated the attack.


    Ye Feng breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, but soon he discovered that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll seemed to have expended a vast amount of Origin Energy; it closed on its own accord, and no matter how he tried to communicate with it, Ye Feng couldn''t get it to open again.


    "Damn it, it looks like the scroll as a magic treasure has expended too much origin energy in defense; now is not the time to use it!" Ye Feng cursed under his breath and immediately retrieved the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Seeing this from a distance in the void, Great Commander Sabu Leng was taken aback and exclaimed with widened eyes, "That scroll... it can actually withstand my attack? What in the world is that, and what kind of magic treasure could it be? It doesn''t seem like the weapon magic treasure of that Sovereign of the Human Race from over two thousand years ago!"


    Ye Feng naturally didn''t bother to answer him; his figure flashed as he attempted to flee toward the Great Wall of Heaven.


    "Thinking of escaping? You can no longer use that scroll, so what will you use to contend with me now?"


    Great Commander Sabu Leng was irrepressible with rage. As he spoke, he swung his blade again, and the terrifying blade Qi stretched for three thousand miles, reaching Ye Feng in an instant. The speed was too fast, indeed much faster than Ye Feng''s movement technique.


    "Damn this speed, it''s almost catching up, there''s simply not enough time to get back to the Great Wall of Heaven!" Ye Feng bit his teeth in silence.


    At this moment, his most powerful trump card could no longer be employed, and what was even worse was that the Emperor Sovereign Armor had sustained varying degrees of damage, making it incredibly difficult to withstand this next strike of horrifying blade Qi.


    However, since he couldn''t escape smoothly, Ye Feng could only stop and prepare to burn all the acupoints in his body.


    Just then, beams of divine light suddenly burst forth from Old Man with Red Nose, and his entire form transformed into a blazing flame in an instant, resembling a fiery sun.


    He was burning his Threefold Yin-Yang Seal as well!


    The brilliant sun, shining with resplendent golden light, swept over directly and stood firm in front of Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but roar, "Red-Nosed old man, no... you can''t do this, I won''t allow it!"


    However, Old Man with Red Nose turned his head with a smile and reassured him, "Don''t worry, child, I''m doing this willingly for you; don''t feel burdened. Truly, I entrust the Human Race to you from now on. Protect the Good Person Realm, protect our homeland!"


    With those words, Old Man with Red Nose completely transformed into a dazzling sun, shooting across the sky like a meteor towards the invading Demon Horn Tribe.


    The radiant sun instantly annihilated the blood-red blade Qi and then charged towards the Demon Horn Tribe Army, which caused all of the powerful Demon Horn beings to flee in terror.


    "Damn you, all you old human fossils, one after the other truly heedless of your own lives!"


    Great Commander Sabu Leng roared furiously; the tendrils atop his head suddenly burst with dazzling black light that shot up to the heavens, then condensed into a pitch-black, fearsome Great Hand in the void.


    The Great Hand came crashing down in an instant and extinguished Old Man with Red Nose''s golden sun on the spot.


    Upon witnessing this, Ye Feng, without any hesitation, employed his movement technique and hurriedly flew back, finally returning to the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Then came Elder Huang Niu, clutching two bottles in his hands and somersaulting back, also escaping and landing beside Ye Feng.


    Of course, they were the last to return. There were still a few human warriors scattered about who couldn''t make it back and were consequently killed by the Demon Horn Tribe Army.


    The vast expanse of void outside the Great Wall of Heaven quickly fell silent, a stillness after a great battle, but within this calm lay a crushing oppression, for the land was littered with corpses in a gruesome scene.


    At this very moment, the Gate of Whirlpool was no longer allowing Demon Horn Tribe soldiers to pour through, as there was no longer a need; the battle had concluded, and the Altar Formation had been thoroughly destroyed. With the Great Wall of Heaven acting as a natural barrier, the demon forces simply could not attack, at least not for now.


    Moreover, what was even more crucial was that such a ferocious battle had left this space extremely unstable, with signs of collapse appearing in many of the surrounding areas, especially the Gate of Whirlpool, which seemed unable to sustain itself much longer.


    Great Commander Sabu Leng, his face filled with reluctance, cursed, "Damn it, how infuriating! These lowly humans, they actually dare to stand against our noble Demon Horn Tribe, they even dare to resist us; it''s outrageous!"


    Grand Commander Orio cursed as well, "It''s truly damnable¡ª the materials for the Altar Formation took us thirty whole years to gather. Now that it''s destroyed, it means we won''t be able to set up another one in a short period. At the very least, it won''t be possible within the next fifteen years!"


    "Within fifteen years, the Great Wall of Heaven in the Human Realm can only sustain for another two years at most. After two years, it must fall. By then, we would have no need to set up another Altar Formation!" another Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm spoke with a deep hum.


    Great Commander Sabu Leng spoke begrudgingly, "The battlefront ahead is pressing, and the other major clans are pressuring and attacking our Demon Horn Tribe. We had hoped to open a breach from the human side; now it seems we must postpone until two years later. How infuriating, our plans are completely disrupted!"


    Grand Commander Orio glanced at the Gate of Whirlpool and couldn''t help but say, "King, this space is now extremely unstable. We better return quickly, and the Gate of Whirlpool''s energy won''t last much longer. If we do not go back now, I''m afraid we will all be left behind here!"


    "All right, we''ll invade the Human Realm again two years later. By then I will kill all these humans for today''s events. I''ll turn all the human beauties into female slaves for our Demon Horn Tribe and send their men to the front lines as laborers!"


    Great Commander Sabu Leng snorted coldly, then waved his hand and declared loudly, "Retreat, return!"


    In moments, the Demon Horn Tribe Army individually rushed towards the transportation gate of the Whirlpool, retreating to the Alien Space-Time of the Demon Horn Tribe.

 Chapter 683 - 678: The New Leader of the Human Race

    The great war had finally ended. Atop the Great Wall of Heaven, many strong members of the Human Race stood, each with a wilted aura and pale face, many of whom had suffered injuries of varying degrees.


    There are never true winners in war. If possible, the Human Race naturally wouldn''t want to engage in battle, but they had no choice. To protect the Human Realm and their homeland, they had to fight. Thankfully, they finally emerged victorious, although the victory was costly and bloody, in the end, they still won.


    This great war, although the Demon Horn Tribe suffered more casualties, whether it was the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm or those in the Golden Core and Foundation Establishment Realms, their losses significantly outnumbered those of the Human Race. Yet the Human Race also sacrificed much, from an original force of over six thousand, now only around two thousand remained.


    Most importantly, the leader of the Human Race, Old Long, had fallen, as well as the half-leader, Red-Nosed, making the price the Human Race had paid exceedingly high.


    In fact, the Demon Horn Tribe lost over six thousand warriors, a great number of which was largely due to Ye Feng. If it weren''t for his ability to defeat a large number of Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm and Experts of the Golden Core Realm by himself, the result might still be unknown.


    It can almost be said that Old Long, the leader, had eventually secured the victory, but Ye Feng was the flag-bearer of this victorious battle!


    At this moment, the Demon Horn Tribe outside the Great Wall of Heaven had already retreated through the whirlpool portal back to the Alien Space-Time. The Human Race was temporarily safe; at least for the next two years, before the collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven, the Human Realm was secure, the Human Race was safe.


    So, once the whirlpool portal completely closed, the numerous Humans atop the Great Wall of Heaven rushed down like mad, storming towards the recent battlefield.


    Initially, Ye Feng thought these people wanted to retrieve the bodies of their kin and friends. But soon, he realized he was wrong. These people, who rushed onto the battlefield like lunatics, were not after the corpses of their loved ones but rather to loot magic treasures and resources from these bodies.


    Ye Feng sat on the Great Wall of Heaven at the position where Old Long once stood, coldly watching those below fighting fiercely over the magic treasures, his face growing increasingly icy.


    He didn''t move, and naturally, Hong Qingyan, Yu Feiyu, Xiao Chuanqi, and the rest didn''t either. Additionally, the remaining twenty or so Northern Border Army soldiers and the thirty-plus Martial Academy students also stood still. All of them lined up behind Ye Feng, displaying strict discipline at this moment.


    "Good, although they have chilled my heart, and even for a moment made me lose my belief in protecting the Human Race, thankfully, I have you all!"


    Ye Feng didn''t turn his head, speaking leisurely: "Because of you, my conviction to protect the Human Race is even stronger. At least with you, I know that what I am about to do is meaningful!"


    The scene was very quiet; no one spoke up, because at this moment, it was inappropriate for anyone to speak. The atmosphere was solemn, and Hong Qingyan could only slowly walk over and sit beside him.


    Soon enough, Long Nannan, Fish Not Fish, and Sausage Sister also came over and sat side by side on the tall Great Wall of Heaven.


    Below, many Humans continued to madly plunder the dead''s treasures, regardless of whether they belonged to the Demon Horn Tribe or the Human Race. Some even fought violently over them. These individuals, who hadn''t seemed so fierce when confronting the enemies of their tribe, were now desperately fighting for treasures as if their lives depended on it.


    Actually, when the Demon Horn Tribe Army withdrew, they had already scavenged and carried away the important treasures from the battlefield. Only due to their hasty retreat did they leave behind some scattered treasures. Still, even such leftovers were not spared by these selfish individuals of the Human Race.


    Finally, after a round of frenzied looting, most of the Humans gradually left, without any intention of bidding farewell to Ye Feng. They didn''t even glance in his direction, not acknowledging him as the new leader of the Human Race at all.


    The experts from the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court especially showed disdain for this. They believed that with the fall of Old Long, it was their time to rise. Both the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court coveted the position of the leader of the Human Race, and even its control.


    "These guys, they are truly detestable. Each one thinks they''re invincible, but when it came time to fight the Demon Horn Tribe, they all half-hearted their efforts, or even became turtles shrinking into their shells!" Sima Zhantian couldn''t stand it and snorted in a deep voice.


    The temperamental Sausage Sister also clenched her teeth and said, "Exactly. Looking at their self-righteous appearance, they all believe themselves to be leaders of the Human Race. If they all want to vie for the position of leader, then why don''t they stay and guard the Great Wall of Heaven!"


    Everyone was undoubtedly angry. Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but smile bitterly: "In their view, guarding the Great Wall of Heaven is the obligation of the people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, not something that concerns them at all."


    Chi Jark also said, "Exactly. Not to mention this Great Wall of Heaven, but even the two passages connected to it are still being guarded by us, the Chi and Xiao Ancient Clans. The Bu and Hong Families are also obligated, but now, they''re simply too lazy to bother anymore. The old values are fading."


    Old Man Huang Niu then came over, waving his hand: "We''ve just been through a big battle. Everyone is exhausted. You all go down and rest in the town below. The Demon Horn Tribe Army is unlikely to stir up trouble again in the short term; there''s no need to guard here. Ye Feng and I will look after it."


    Whether it was Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian of the Northern Border Army, or the Martial Academy students, none of them moved. They remained standing in place.


    Ye Feng gestured, "Listen to Old Huang, all of you go down. Qingyan, take Nannan to rest, go down to the town and wait for me to regroup."


    "Yes, Northern King (Dean)!"


    Only then did the many soldiers salute and then swiftly descended from the Great Wall of Heaven to recuperate in the town below.


    Watching these subordinates of Ye Feng, Old Man Huang Niu shook his head helplessly but had to admit that the subordinates trained by Ye Feng were genuinely good.


    Hong Qingyan was naturally still worried about Ye Feng, as he seemed to be in a really bad mood, but seeing Ye Feng wave his hand, she had no choice but to back down. Luckily, Old Man Huang Niu was there to keep him company.


    Until everyone had gone, the vast Great Wall of Heaven was left with only Ye Feng and Old Man Huang Niu.


    Old Man Huang Niu simply took a seat as well, right next to Old Long just like they always did, then pulled out his large smoking pipe, lit it, and began to puff away.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but say, "I remember you didn''t use to smoke."


    Old Man Huang Niu replied, "But today I really felt like smoking, because I really want to know what Old Long used to think about while sitting here smoking."


    Ye Feng shook his head and gave a bitter smile, not knowing quite how to respond to that statement.


    Old Man Huang Niu took a harsh drag and immediately started coughing fiercely, eventually cursing loudly, "Damn it, I thought this thing would be pleasurable to smoke, but it''s so choking!"


    However, Ye Feng asked, "Did you send them away because you have something you want to tell me?"


    "You''re quite the sharp one, no wonder Old Long took a liking to you!" Old Man Huang Niu chuckled as he flipped his wrist, revealing two pitch-black small bottles in his palm.


    The little bottles were of a very special shape, somewhat resembling tiny gourds, except far too black, seemingly not like any magic treasure.


    "What are these?" asked Ye Feng as he looked them over.


    "These are Soul Devices," Old Man Huang Niu said.


    "Soul Devices?" Ye Feng furrowed his brow, hearing about them for the first time. He promptly asked, "What are they used for?"


    "Soul Devices, as the name implies, are magic artifacts that can store human souls and spirits!" Old Man Huang Niu said leisurely.


    Ye Feng was not dull, and naturally understood what that meant. His eyes lit up, and he blurted out, "Are you saying that inside these two gourd Soul Devices, there are the souls and spirits of Old Long and Red-Nosed Old Man?"


    Old Man Huang Niu laughed heartily, "You''re quick to catch on, indeed. That''s exactly what''s inside. However, the battle back then was so fierce, plus they burned their own bodies using a secret technique, so the destructive power was enormous. Even their Three Souls and Seven Spirits were greatly impacted."


    At this point, Old Man Huang Niu sighed, then continued, "So even though I did my utmost, I was only able to absorb a small portion of their Remnant Souls."


    Ye Feng understood, but still had some doubts, so he asked, "Can these two gourd Soul Devices really hold their souls and spirits?"


    "Of course, these are Ancient Magic Treasures. Actually, they were given to me quietly by Old Long before the big war. It seems he had anticipated this moment back then."


    Old Man Huang Niu sighed deeply, then inserted the two pitch-black little gourd Soul Devices into Ye Feng''s hand, adding, "These things can be preserved for a long time, you don''t need to worry about that. But remember, never open them, at least not until you have absolute strength to control them."


    "I''m entrusting these two Soul Devices to you for safekeeping now, and that''s also Old Long''s wish. You should understand his intent; he probably hopes that one day, when your cultivation realm is strong enough, you can use these souls to help bring them back to life."


    Ye Feng nodded solemnly, taking the two little gourds very seriously, and said word by word, "I understand, I definitely won''t let my senior brother''s expectations and trust down. I will cultivate with all my might, hoping that one day I can help him reconstruct his flesh body and bring him back to life!"


    "That''s the spirit. He really didn''t choose the wrong person, and I believe that day will come!" Old Man Huang Niu nodded in satisfaction, then went on to say, "Now tell me, what are your plans, or what arrangements do you have in mind?"


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment, then said, "This Great Wall of Heaven, I think there''s no need to guard it any longer, not to mention it''s about to be indefensible. So before this natural barrier collapses, I will do my utmost to enhance my cultivation and create as many powerful beings as possible!"


    Old Man Huang Niu nodded slightly in agreement, then asked further, "And what about after the Great Wall of Heaven falls? I mean, once the Demon Horn Tribe Army starts pouring in on a large scale, what''s your plan to deal with that?"


    Ye Feng was taken aback, he hadn''t really thought that far ahead, as the Demon Horn Tribe was simply too powerful. He even had a feeling that once the Great Wall of Heaven fell, would the Human Race really be able to withstand the Demon Horn Tribe''s army?


    Of course, regardless, he would never give up, even if it meant dying in battle. He would never choose to surrender!


    Old Man Huang Niu had already stood up, patted his buttocks, and said, "Ye Feng, you must realize that you are now the new leader of the Human Race. Before Old Long''s death, he entrusted the Human Race to you. So in the next two days, I think it''s necessary for you to plan and think carefully from the perspective of all the Human Race."


    "I''m going back to the little mountain village for a bit, and I''ll come to find you in a couple of days!" With that, Old Man Huang Niu skimmed away.


    In the end, the Great Wall of Heaven standing across the horizon was left with only Ye Feng. There he sat, atop the lofty natural barrier.


    Seen from afar, his silhouette appeared so lonely and desolate. Of course, it''s cold at high places, and heroes and the mighty are often lonely!

 Chapter 684 - 679: Ye Fengs Deployment and Planning

    Upon the Great Wall of Heaven, there was no wind, nor the rise and fall of the moon; all that existed was the eternally bleak and dim sky dome¡ªespecially after the great battle, which engendered an overwhelming sense of oppression.


    However, Ye Feng knew that he must quickly sort out his emotions and adjust his state of mind to face the subsequent events.


    Ye Feng had not spent much time with Old Long¡ªthey had not even met more than ten times¡ªbut that did not hinder the camaraderie between them.


    Ye Feng recalled when Old Long passed on the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints to him. Old Long had probably just returned from the Outer Battlefield, and of course, that Cultivation Method Inheritance was also something Old Long found there. At the time, Old Long said he was illiterate and could not understand what was written, so he gifted it to Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng had thought it was just two unremarkable pieces of cloth until he began to cultivate and realized it was a formidable Dao Technique.


    Later, when they met again, Ye Feng originally wanted to take Old Long as his master, but Old Long refused, no matter how earnestly Ye Feng entreated him. Now, upon waking, it was not that Old Long refused, but that he did not dare, knowing full well what it meant for someone to be able to cultivate that technique.


    Perhaps Old Long felt he was not worthy to take Ye Feng as a disciple, so he simply acknowledged Ye Feng as a younger martial brother. Since then, Ye Feng had gained an elder martial brother, and that was also the first time he visited Northwest Little Mountain Village. Of course, back then, he was far from capable of discerning the mystery and might of the village.


    At that time, Ye Feng merely thought that the isolated mountain village was indeed a utopia. The villagers, despite being weak, sick, and disabled, were all very friendly, which made Ye Feng long for that place.


    Now, a decade and more had flown by, and things were no longer the same. Old Long had long passed away, and the villagers of the Northwest Little Mountain Village had suffered horrendous casualties in the great battle¡ªso much so that one might say they were all but wiped out.


    At this thought, Ye Feng slowly lowered his head to look at the black gourd bottle in his hand and muttered through clenched teeth, "Old Long, and Old Man with the Red Nose, rest assured, one day, I will bring you back to life!"


    After he spoke, Ye Feng''s wrist flicked slightly, and the two black bottles suddenly shimmered and vanished from his palm, apparently entering his storage ring.


    It was then that Ye Feng remembered there was still a Dragon Egg at the very bottom of his storage ring.


    The Dragon Egg lay quietly in the corner, surrounded by various forms of energy. Of course, Ye Feng knew this energy was probably for the Dragon Egg to absorb, something Old Long had prepared long ago to facilitate the egg''s hatching.


    Ye Feng soon noticed that the Energy Stones around the Dragon Egg had diminished quite a bit; it seemed the egg had absorbed a significant amount over time. Considering the remaining Energy Stones, there was still a long wait before the Dragon Egg would fully hatch.


    Ye Feng no longer focused on the Dragon Egg, even though he knew it was extraordinary, because previously, from the mere patterns on the Dragon Egg, he had vaguely grasped a Martial Skill.


    Of course, this Shocking Dragon Claw was still merely a concept for the time being, and with so much going on, he had hardly any time to ponder it further.


    "Let''s put aside the matter of the Dragon Egg for now. Right now, I must think about how to deal with the upcoming situation!" Ye Feng said as he slowly stood up. After all, as the Northern Border King, he had ample experience in handling affairs and quickly sorted out a general plan.


    The most important thing right now was the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. He estimated that as soon as the Four Great Powers investigated, they would soon discover the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, especially since a large contingent from the Northern Border Army and students from the Martial Academy had been previously mobilized there. Moreover, the battle prowess of these Golden Core Realm soldiers from the Northern Border Army and Martial Academy students had caught the attention of several Great Powers.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as he continued, "Therefore, we must figure out a way to hold off the Four Great Powers. Right, we must take the initiative. Otherwise, once the Four Great Powers start questioning, it will put us in a passive position."


    Saying that, Ye Feng immediately used a Sound Transmission Talisman to summon Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark to the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark arrived swiftly, asking, "Brother Ye, what''s the matter that you''ve called for us?"


    Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark''s attitude toward Ye Feng had become much more respectful, even carrying a subtle hint of subordinates addressing a superior.


    It must be noted that both Xiao Chi came from the Four Great Ancient Clans, and even among the younger generation of these clans, they stood out as exceptional. These individuals were extremely proud, and when Ye Feng first entered the Outer Battlefield, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark hardly took him seriously.


    However, as Ye Feng continued to grow stronger and rise, Xiao Chi gradually recognized his strength and eventually chose to follow him. Even then, these Prodigies of the Ancient Clan only followed him as friends, not with the reverence they showed now.


    Of course, this was understandable, as in the recent battle, Ye Feng had fought against seven Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe from the Yin-Yang Realm, not only without defeat but also injuring three of them. Furthermore, he proceeded like a tiger among sheep, relentlessly hunting down Experts of the Golden Core Realm from the Demon Horn Tribe, with even several of the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm Demon Horns dying at Ye Feng''s hands.

 Chapter 685 - 679: Ye Fengs Deployment and Planning_2

    It was Ye Feng''s display of terrifying strength that deeply impressed both of them.


    Ye Feng then turned to look at them and said, "In the next period of time, I want to ask you to do something for me."


    "Brother Ye, whatever you need, just command us." Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark immediately cupped their hands in respect. By their attitude, they had clearly come to regard Ye Feng as the new leader of the Human Race.


    Ye Feng said, "I hope you can mobilize the strength of your families, ideally all resources available, to go to the Four Great Powers of the Outer Battlefield and question them why they did not deploy their full strength to reinforce the defense of the Human Realm this time?"


    Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but give a wry smile as he said, "Brother Ye, I suppose you''re aware that, although the Four Great Powers did not fully commit their forces to the defense of the Great Wall of Heaven, they did send some people. Moreover, not just the Four Great Powers, but almost all significant powers of the Human Realm have not sent their true elite forces for this great battle, I''m afraid."


    Chi Jark also couldn''t help commenting, "Yes, so for us to question them may not have any effect. The Four Great Powers probably won''t accept the challenge."


    Ye Feng chuckled coldly and said, "I''m asking you to question them not because I truly expect them to give an account but to tie them down."


    "Tie them down?" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark were slow to grasp the intent.


    "Yes, tie them down; ideally for three days, but at least for two days. That will give me enough time to select sufficient martial talents with the right qualifications from Earth and bring them into the Outer Battlefield¡ªmore specifically, into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm," said Ye Feng lightly.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark then realized, "We understand now. Brother Ye, you are concerned that the Four Great Powers, upon returning, may realize something is amiss and discover the secret of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, knowing that you can freely come and go and even bring others in for cultivation."


    "Once the Four Great Powers catch on, they would naturally not be willing to give up such a secret treasure land, and they definitely wouldn''t sit by and watch you monopolize it, Brother Ye. They will surely send people to question you, or even intercept us midway!"


    Ye Feng nodded and replied, "Exactly, once they send troops to intercept, the talents chosen from Earth would still be too weak to withstand them. Of course, with my current cultivation level, I am not afraid of them. However, our Human Realm can no longer withstand such turmoil and cannot continue to suffer from internal strife."


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark nodded firmly in agreement, "We understand, please rest assured, Brother Ye. We can hold them off for three days. If it comes to it, we will ask the elders of our families to make a move. After all, at this point, there is probably no need to guard the passage to the Alien Space-Time any longer, and the Demon Horn Tribe is not likely to take action in the short term!"


    In fact, that channel was not large, only allowing one member of the Demon Horn Tribe to pass through at a time. Strictly speaking, it was a space fissure leading to the space-time of the Demon Horn Tribe, but once the fissure opened, it could not heal. Once it stabilized, it naturally became a passage.


    The Four Great Ancient Clans guarded there simply to prevent the occasional Demon Horn Tribe member from discovering the fissure and entering the Human Realm.


    "We should not delay, go and do it now!" Ye Feng waved his hand.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark did not waste any words and immediately sped away from the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment, then called over Xiao Chuanqi, Gai Jiuyou, Leng Wuming Sima Zhantian, Hong Qingyan, and a few other major generals.


    "What does the master command?" The four major generals immediately knelt on the ground.


    "Return to Earth immediately, and select another batch of the Northern Border Army to enter the Outer Battlefield. Each of you is responsible for selecting one hundred talents, the higher the qualifications, the better. You have half a day, by tomorrow morning you must bring the people into the Outer Battlefield!" Ye Feng gave the direct order.


    "It is His Majesty!" The four great generals kneeled on one knee, saluted with folded hands, and then one by one, their figures dashed away.


    Ye Feng turned his head again towards Yu Feiyu and said, "It seems that I must impose on you again. Feiyu, make a trip back to the Valley of the Medicine God, and bring the outstanding disciples in the valley to the Outer Battlefield. Gather them at that small hill; I''ll give you thirty places. Additionally, the Flora Sect has a good relationship with me, so give them twenty places, as for the other sects, let''s forget about them!"


    Yu Feiyu immediately responded, "Big Brother Ye, rest assured, I guarantee the task will be completed!"


    Ye Feng then turned his head from before and looked towards Long Nannan, saying, "Nannan, Sausage Sister, for now, the two of you should first return to the little mountain village and check on the situation at home, see how many people are left. This battle has brought heavy losses to the small mountain village, and I''m a bit worried. The Four Great Powers have long been coveting the village, especially the Bu and Hong Two Families from the Four Great Ancient Clans. I wouldn''t put it past them to take advantage of the situation!"


    Only then did Sausage Sister suddenly snap to her senses and nodded repeatedly, "Right, right, if Ye Feng hadn''t mentioned it, I might have forgotten about that. Nannan, we should hurry back and take a look."


    Long Nannan was still in the throes of grief from the loss of her grandfather. Her spirit was extremely downcast, and she did not respond even when called.


    Everyone could understand Long Nannan''s feelings. In fact, a long time ago during a catastrophe at the Great Wall of Heaven, her parents had sacrificed themselves to prevent a small squad of the Demon Horn Tribe from entering the Human Realm, so from a very young age, she had been living with her grandfather.


    Now that even her grandfather was gone, Long Nannan felt as if half of her sky had collapsed. If possible, she would have preferred her grandfather not to be a leader of the Human Race, living an ordinary, peaceful, and unremarkable life.


    Despite Long Nannan''s seemingly carefree and playful demeanor, a chatterbox on ordinary days, her heart was in reality more fragile than anyone else''s.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng consoled her, "Nannan, there''s something I must explain to you. In fact, your grandfather is not dead."


    "Grandfather isn''t dead?" The tears in Long Nannan''s large eyes suddenly shone with hope.


    "Yes, although his flesh body has been destroyed and the Yin-Yang Seal is gone, his soul has been preserved. Though we don''t have the power to revive him now, as long as his soul remains, one day in the future, I will definitely find a way to resurrect him. So there''s no need for you to be so heartbroken now, do you hear me?" Ye Feng said.


    "Really? My grandfather can truly be revived?" Long Nannan asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.


    "Of course. You know that, Little Martial Uncle never speaks falsehoods or boasts!" Ye Feng said with a smile.


    "Mhm, Little Martial Uncle is the best. Little Martial Uncle wouldn''t lie to me. I trust Little Martial Uncle. Alright, with this I''m no longer heartbroken. I''m going to go back to the village with Sausage Sister now!" Long Nannan''s mood brightened like the weather in June, clearing up swiftly, and soon she was happily hopping and skipping again.


    In truth, Long Nannan understood she could no longer wallow in her sadness since it could affect her Little Martial Uncle. She clearly knew that Little Martial Uncle had taken on the burden that originally belonged to her grandfather. There were many things he had yet to deal with, and she couldn''t be the one to hinder him.


    Having said that, Long Nannan left with Sausage Sister.


    Only then did Ye Feng turn his head to look at Hong Qingyan, "Let''s go, we''ll now head back to the imperial capital!"


    "Mm!" Hong Qingyan nodded her head. She was inwardly very pleased and happy with such arrangements, for now, it was just the two of them left. In such a situation, to be able to enjoy a bit of time alone together was almost a luxury.

 Chapter 686 - 680: Infiltrating the Demon Horn Tribe

    It wasn''t until she was preparing to leave the Great Wall of Heaven that Hong Qingyan realized that there was no trace of the Shadow, and she couldn''t help asking, "Right, Big Brother Ye, where has Shadow gone? Why don''t I see her anywhere?"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "With so many people around, only you, being careful, have noticed that Shadow is missing."


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but roll her eyes. In fact, by now, how could she not see Shadow''s feelings for Ye Feng? It''s just that all this time, Ye Feng had never shown too much interest in Shadow.


    "Where has she gone? Don''t tell me you''ve assigned her to undertake another mission. You, a big man, ordering a delicate young woman around¡ªdoesn''t your conscience bother you?" Hong Qingyan said, rolling her eyes. Now that her Cultivation Realm had improved, she no longer felt inferior like before.


    Ye Feng sighed and said, "I am really starting to doubt, Shadow might not be a member of the Human Race."


    Hong Qingyan was startled and retorted, "Sister Shadow isn''t from the Human Race? Why would you think that?"


    "That''s because her Supernatural Ability is quite special. I don''t know if you remember that Demon Horn Tribe''s Mo Keye who tried to assassinate me before; his Innate Divine Ability is exactly the same as Shadow''s Supernatural Ability. He could merge into the darkness or shadows," Ye Feng pondered and said.


    Hong Qingyan also furrowed her brows in thought, but did not speak.


    Ye Feng immediately continued, "In fact, it''s not just Shadow. There are other Supernatural Ability Users in the Human Realm. Although there aren''t many, their abilities are quite peculiar, somewhat similar to the Demon Horn Tribe''s Tentacle Divine Ability. I even suspect they could be the offspring of unions between the Demon Horn Tribe and our Human Race, of course, I don''t rule out other Races either!"


    Up to now, among the Alien Space-Time worlds Ye Feng knew of, there were basically none other than the Demon Horn Tribe. However, it was clear to him that, on the other side of the Alien Space-Time, there were definitely many other powerful Races, even possibly the existence of the Myriad Races of All Heavens.


    Actually, there were the occasional members of the Human Race who had slipped into the Alien Territory through the passage and entered the domain of the Demon Horn Tribe, but most of these humans had difficulty coming back alive. Those who did return likely didn''t venture far, so the understanding of the world on the other side of the Alien Space-Time was quite limited.


    Hong Qingyan''s reaction was not slow, and she exclaimed in surprise, "So Big Brother Ye, you''ve sent Shadow to infiltrate the Demon Horn Tribe Army and enter the other side of the Alien Space-Time?"


    "Exactly!" Ye Feng nodded and said, "Shadow possesses the Dark Night Shadow Supernatural Divine Power, naturally suitable for clandestine operations. Once she activates her ability and enters someone''s shadow, or hides in the darkness of night, even the Void Clan cannot detect her. She''s ideal for gathering intelligence."


    "But that''s too dangerous," Hong Qingyan said.


    "It''s alright. I asked Shadow beforehand, and she immediately agreed. She also said that when she saw Mo Keye, she suddenly felt an odd kind of sensation. She too wanted to take the opportunity to investigate and clarify things. Moreover, I''ve only tasked her with gathering intelligence, to get a clear picture of the situation on the other side of the Alien Space-Time. As long as she doesn''t act rashly, there shouldn''t be any danger!"


    As Ye Feng spoke, he saw that Hong Qingyan wanted to say more, so he immediately waved his hand, "Enough, someone has to go out and explore the condition on the other side of the Alien Space-Time. As the saying goes, ''know the enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated.'' We''ll have approximately two years. Once the Great Wall of Heaven collapses, the Demon Horn Tribe will surely make a comeback. If by then we still know nothing and understand nothing about the enemy, it will end up being very passive!"


    "Let''s go, we must hurry back to the Imperial Capital. Time is of the essence. We need to make haste!" After finishing, Ye Feng, bringing Hong Qingyan along, swiftly descended from the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Originally, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan had started off behind the others, but with his current speed of movement, even while carrying Hong Qingyan, he was extremely fast. They even managed to leave the Outer Battlefield and return to Earth earlier than Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    Emerging from the Outer Battlefield through the Whirlpool Gate, they returned to the vast East Sea. The Hidden Guards of various Great Powers lurking in the vicinity didn''t even capture a trace of Ye Feng''s presence before the two disappeared from the spot as if they had vanished into thin air.


    "Hmm, strange? Why do I feel like a powerful presence just arrived, but before I had a chance to investigate properly, it disappeared?" one Hidden Guard said to himself.


    "What''s so strange about that? It must surely be the return of some peerless powerhouse from the Outer Battlefield. Such individuals are beyond our ability to investigate. Even the forces behind us cannot probe into them, so let''s not fret needlessly," another Hidden Guard shook their head and said.


    Upon the East Sea, calmness was swiftly restored.


    Soon, Ye Feng returned to the Utility Pavilion. Fortunately, as soon as he returned to the East Sea, he had already sent messages to Zhuge Wuming and Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming. By the time Ye Feng arrived at the Utility Pavilion, both men had just walked in.


    "Ye Feng, you''re back. I have heard from my father the general situation at the Great Wall of Heaven," Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming, seeing Ye Feng, was excited and happy, and then heaved a sigh, "Thankfully, in this great battle, our Human Race won. The Human Realm has secured a respite for two years."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Two years, in the end, is still too short. However, with the lessons learned this time, we must enhance the strength of the Human Race to the greatest extent in these two years. Otherwise, we will not be able to confront the great war that will break out in two years, by which time our Human Race will very likely face massive casualties, and could even potentially fall under the enslavement of the Demon Horn Tribe."

 Chapter 687 - 680: Infiltrating the Demon Horn Tribe Part 2

    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming both nodded in agreement, and Zhuge Wuming quickly asked, "So with your return this time, what are your plans?"


    Ye Feng said, "Time is of the essence, so I won''t beat around the bush. I need you to immediately select a group of disciples with decent talent from the Utility Pavilion and various major families in the capital."


    Zhuge Wuming laughed heartily after hearing this and said, "I won''t hide it from you, I have already prepared for this."


    Ye Feng was taken aback and asked in return, "You''ve already made the selection?"


    "Yes, since I am responsible for overseeing the rear, if I cannot even foresee such a matter, I don''t deserve to sit in this position. In fact, whether or not the Great Wall of Heaven can hold, we should still select a group of strong individuals to face the upcoming situation!" Zhuge Wuming said.


    Ye Feng nodded; he had to admit that Zhuge Wuming''s experience and acumen were indeed shrewd. After serving many years in the Utility Pavilion, his manner of handling affairs naturally far exceeded ordinary people. This saved Ye Feng a lot of time.


    "How many people have you selected in total?" Ye Feng asked.


    "This selection was nationwide, including our Utility Pavilion and various major families in the capital, and we have selected a total of two hundred people."


    Zhuge Wuming said this and then continued, "In addition, over at the Martial Academy, I had already instructed the Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong to start preparations. There might be more people from the Martial Academy since it has been cultivating for so long and has gathered many high-level folk experts. There are roughly three hundred people on that side!"


    "Two hundred people from your side, three hundred from the Martial Academy, plus the Northern Border Army and the Valley of the Medicine God, as well as the elite survivors from the great war, all together, barely over a thousand. That should be about right," Ye Feng said with a slight nod.


    Now, with only two Pulse Sources left in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, if Ye Feng contributed some Heavenly Talents and Earthly Treasures, he could get a team of about a thousand to successfully break through to the Golden Core Realm and completely stabilize their Cultivation Realm in two years.


    "Where are those two hundred people now?" Ye Feng asked.


    "I have already had them gather at the Martial Academy; they have already joined the academy''s students. This way, it will be convenient for you to mobilize them without too much back and forth, saving time!" Zhuge Wuming said.


    "You both have my thanks for the hard work. Next, check the Treasure Vault at the Utility Pavilion and tally all the resources in the vault. Once I have arranged things on my end, I will come back. We may need to implement national mandatory martial arts training since we don''t have much time left," Ye Feng said as he stood up and clasped his hands in farewell.


    "Alright, we will arrange that. National martial arts training must be facilitated through the Martial Academy, but now that the Martial Academy has spread throughout the country, it''s not too much trouble to launch the initiative. However, the resources, relying solely on our Utility Pavilion, are far from sufficient," Grand Sect Leader Zhao Gongming sighed.


    "I will find a way to handle the resource issue. When the time comes, I will make requests from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Additionally, the Four Great Ancient Clans must also contribute," Ye Feng said with a solemn face.


    When it came to resources, the Four Great Ancient Clans were actually the best; although the Ancient Clan''s disciples were not numerous, they occupied a massive amount of resources, which was why the cultivation levels of the Ancient Clan''s scions were far above those of other Great Powers and Sects.


    Zhuge Wuming and Zhao Gongming remained silent; after all, prying resources from the Four Great Ancient Clans was easier said than done!


    Ye Feng said no more and clasped his hands before leaving the Utility Pavilion and then heading to the Martial Academy.


    At the Martial Academy, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and other senior figures had already been informed. When Ye Feng arrived, over five hundred people had already assembled in the square.


    Ye Feng, along with Hong Qingyan, landed on a high platform in the square, and the moment they did, the five hundred or so people knelt on one knee and shouted, "Greetings to the Headmaster!"


    "Stand up," Ye Feng waved his hand and immediately turned to the Second Sect Leader, "I didn''t expect you to act so quickly. It seems that entrusting the Martial Academy to you was the right choice."


    Shi Yehong waved his hands and said, "Old and with not high enough Cultivation Realm¡ªI would rather not stay in the rear if I had the choice. I''d prefer to join the front lines to fight the enemy!"


    At this point, Hong Qingyan said, "Master, although you are older, your innate talent was good. I think it''s not too late for you to abandon Martial Arts for Daoism even now. I have some Spirit Stones on hand."


    As she spoke, Hong Qingyan was about to take out the Spirit Stones she had saved and hand them over, not forgetting Shi Yehong''s kindness. After all, when she first arrived in the capital, she was an ordinary weak girl. It was the Second Sect Leader who did not despise her and took her as a disciple, leading her to the door of Martial Dao.


    Shi Yehong continuously waved his hands and said, "Let''s not worry about this for now, there are still too many things to deal with at the moment. Ye Feng said we will be promoting national martial arts and Daoist training; that''s a big deal. I''ll resolve this issue before anything else."


    Understanding the other party''s feelings, Ye Feng knew that with less than two years left, the Great Wall of Heaven would collapse, and the Demon Horn Tribe Army would surely swarm in. As the acting headmaster of the Martial Academy, Shi Yehong was shouldering a heavy burden.


    "Abandoning Martial Arts for Daoism will take a lot of time. Although there''s no hurry, you should take these Spirit Stones. Use them for cultivation when you rest; it will greatly help your transition from Martial Arts to Daoism later on!" Ye Feng said, still taking out a dozen or so Spirit Stones from his storage ring and stuffing them into Shi Yehong''s hands.


    Then, without waiting for Shi Yehong to refuse, Ye Feng turned his head to start the briefing. After all, these were newcomers who were unclear about many things; essential briefings and mobilization were unquestionably necessary. Of course, having been selected, although unaware of the specific situation at the Great Wall of Heaven, they had heard some things.


    After the briefing and mobilization, Ye Feng did not hesitate and immediately led the five hundred plus people straight to the East Sea. Within half an hour, they entered the Outer Battlefield.


    At this moment, the Northern Border Army had also assembled about four hundred people, with Xiao Chuanqi, Gai Jiuyou, Leng Wuming, and Sima Zhantian each leading a hundred troops, marching mightily towards the East Sea.


    Additionally, over at the Valley of the Medicine God, after Yu Feiyu explained the situation to his father Yu Xianhe, Yu Xianhe promptly set to work. Quickly, including the disciples of the Flora Sect, a total of fifty people were led directly to the Outer Battlefield by Yu Xianhe himself.


    From gathering the forces to mobilization and then entering the Outer Battlefield, it took less than half a day. Only at this point did the powers in the Outer Battlefield slowly become aware of something abnormal, sensing that something was amiss.

 Chapter 688 - 681: Breakthrough, Half-Step Void!

    In the Outer Battlefield Xuanyuan Hall, several hall masters cloaked in long robes were seated according to their ranks within the grand hall, which was the highest level within Xuanyuan Hall and typically only accessible to hall masters. However, the Taishi Chair that belonged to the Lord of the Three Halls remained empty at the moment.


    The ranking of the various hall masters in Xuanyuan Hall was not strictly based on strength. For instance, the original Lord of the Three Halls was placed third because of his seniority and his role as a founder, even though his power was the lowest among all the hall masters.


    Of course, even when the Lord of the Three Halls died, the other hall masters didn''t bother to inquire much or investigate overly, since there had been too many events happening lately, such as various secret realms and the Martial Dao conferences, and finally, the battle to defend the Great Wall of Heaven, which left the position of the Lord of the Three Halls vacant for this period of time.


    Today, apart from the minor vacancy of the Lord of the Three Halls, the central leading position ¨C the seat of the First Hall Master ¨C also remained unoccupied.


    "This is outrageous, the battle at the Great Wall of Heaven has been over for a day now, and the First Hall Master still hasn''t shown up. This is utterly unacceptable. This guy has forgotten the original purpose of establishing the Xuanyuan Hall and truly does not deserve to be the First Hall Master!" the Patriarch of the Bu Family, who was the Second Hall Master, suddenly declared in a stern cold voice.


    In fact, the Patriarch of the Bu Family had always been disgruntled with the Chief Hall Master and even harbored ideas of replacing him. If it weren''t for the First Hall Master''s formidable cultivation realm and his excessively mysterious identity, the Patriarch probably would have taken action against him already.


    After all, the Bu Family was one of the Four Great Ancient Clans of Xuanyuan Nation, with a foundation that was undoubtedly among the top three within the nation, and even when considered globally, they were not to be underestimated.


    The Fourth Hall Master, Ancestor of the Hong Family, Hong Wuji, also voiced his agreement, "The First Hall Master really behaved inappropriately. Today, let us discuss the matter and consider dismissing him from the position of First Hall Master. I agree with this proposal. What do the rest of you think?"


    The Fifth and the Sixth Hall Masters were elders from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects, who also had been quite dissatisfied with the autocratic and self-willed behavior of the First Hall Master over the years; they nodded and said in unison, "We agree too and support the dismissal of the First Hall Master from his position!"


    However, the father of the Seventh Hall Master, Zhao Gongming, commented, "Dismissing the First Hall Master? I don''t think that''s feasible. After all, our Xuanyuan Hall has always held the Chief Hall Master in the highest esteem, and only the Chief Hall Master has the authority to keep the other three great forces in check. I would like to ask if there''s anyone among us present who possesses such capability?"


    "What do you mean by that, Zhao Xuanzhen? Could it be that you think our Xuanyuan Hall cannot do without him as the First Hall Master, that there''s nobody else who can carry the flag of Xuanyuan Hall?" the Second Hall Master, Patriarch of the Bu Family, was quite angry.


    Zhao Xuanzhen sneered and replied, "Of course, that''s not what I mean. However, if the Second Hall Master believes he has the ability, perhaps he should make a trip to the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court. If he can return alive, then it wouldn''t be too late to make such a statement!"


    "You..." The Second Hall Master, Patriarch of the Bu Family, was seething with anger, yet unable to retort, knowing full well that with his current cultivation strength, he truly dared not challenge the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court.


    Of course, this was also a source of frustration for the Patriarch of the Bu Family; otherwise, he would have already eliminated the First Hall Master and taken his place. And if he could become the Chief Hall Master himself, he could rightfully seize the resources of the Outer Battlefield for the Bu Family disciples to cultivate. In less than fifty years, the Bu Family would become the foremost family in Xuanyuan Nation, or even the leading family power in the world.


    Dreams are beautiful, yet reality is often brutal. Not to mention toppling the First Hall Master, the Patriarch of the Bu Family currently couldn''t even handle the Seventh Hall Master.


    Succeeding the commotion, everyone was engaging in a disruptive argument, creating chaos on the scene for a time.


    The Eighth Hall Master, also the graceful Madame from the Flora Sect, had never wanted to join such a quarrel; yet, witnessing the scene, she couldn''t help but feel helpless, shaking her head as she admonished sternly, "I say, you''ve all lived for nearly a hundred years, is there really a need to bicker endlessly over such a trivial matter?"


    The Second Hall Master, the Patriarch of the Bu Family, retorted vehemently, "How can there be no need? Perhaps you, Hua Baimei, can afford to stay uninvolved and desireless, but don''t speak so lightly. After all, this concerns the century-long planning of our Xuanyuan Hall, even the safety of critical issues facing Xuanyuan Nation and the Human Realm in the days to come. How can we take this lightly?"


    With that, the Bu Family Patriarch continued, "The First Hall Master is so selfish and self-centered that he''s no longer fit to be the Chief Hall Master. He must relinquish that position!"


    The Eighth Hall Master, Hua Baimei, scoffed, "All said and done, aren''t you just coveting the position of Chief Hall Master? If you''re dissatisfied, go challenge the First Hall Master to a duel. Whoever wins can take the seat, granted that you have the courage to fight him! If you dare not, then stop jabbering here."


    Upon these words, the Second Hall Master from the Bu Family immediately fell silent, and even the Fourth Hall Master shut his mouth. The lords from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects likewise knew better than to speak further.


    In truth, everyone present was well aware that in a one-on-one fight, nobody could match the First Hall Master. Of course, if several Hall Masters were to join forces, that would be a different story. Hence, the Bu Family Patriarch had always sought to incite the other Hall Masters to act against the First Hall Master.


    Hua Baimei sneered, "We have less than two years before the Great Wall of Heaven will completely collapse. Once that happens, the army of the Demon Horn Tribe will surely descend to invade our Human Realm. At such a time, instead of contemplating how to face the enemy, you are still scheming for power and profit. You accuse the First Hall Master of being selfish and self-serving; I think you''re no better."


    "Well said!" Just then, a harsh voice resonated, followed by the sudden appearance of the First Hall Master on the principal seat above.


    The person who suddenly appeared was indeed the First Hall Master, still cloaked in his black robe with his face ever shrouded in dark fog, obscuring his true features, revealing only a pair of pitch-black eyes. They looked as profound as the abyss, seemingly drawing in anyone who dared look a second longer.


    "First Hall Master, you''ve finally shown up. Where on earth have you been all this time? Don''t you know a great battle just erupted at the Great Wall of Heaven? The Demon Horn surged forward in an all-out attack, and you didn''t lift a finger at such a critical moment. What face do you have to sit in that position?" demanded the Bu Family Patriarch sternly.


    The Fourth Hall Master also hummed in agreement, "During the recent battle at the Great Wall of Heaven, although the Human Race eventually held strong, our losses were severe, and we were all wounded fighting valiantly. Yet you, the Chief Hall Master, chose to hide away without showing your face. You might as well leave on your own!"


    "First Hall Master, immediately hand over the keys to various secret realms and the City Order Tokens!" The Bu Family and the Hong Family Hall Masters shouted angrily in unison.


    In fact, what these two Patriarchs of Bu and Hong really cared about was not so much the ranking of Hall Masters ¡ª a mere ordinal status. What truly concerned them were the keys to various secret realms and City Order Tokens that the Chief Hall Master held. These were the most crucial elements.


    After all, to control these keys and tokens meant to control resources!


    The First Hall Master burst into laughter, "What I''ve been doing recently is hardly something I need to explain to you, and of course, you don''t have the standing to question it. Bu Family Patriarch and Ancestor of the Hong Family, do you not both aspire to take the position I currently occupy? Oh, and let''s not forget the Confucian and Buddhist Sects, the two of you as well. Very well, today I shall give you an opportunity."


    "All four of you come at me together. Should you manage to defeat me, then I shall step down from Xuanyuan Hall and hand over the keys to the various secret realms, never to return!"


    "Are your words true?" Hong Wuji immediately asked.


    "The First Hall Master, this is what you said!" Bu Family Patriarch was also stirring with eagerness.


    However, the two Hall Masters from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects were still hesitating.


    Bu Family Patriarch couldn''t help but urge, "Tell me, what exactly are you two hesitating about? With such a good opportunity before you, let''s not even discuss how the First Hall Master has abandoned the Human Race at such a critical juncture. There''s also his identity. We have always been ignorant of his true origins. It''s entirely possible that he belongs to another Great Power or might even be from another race infiltrating ours. Are you really prepared to entrust the position of Chief Hall Master to him?"


    The First Hall Master laughed aloud once more, shaking his head, "All right, Confucian and Buddhist Sects'' two Hall Masters, there''s no need for hesitation. Come at me together. Let''s see the strength of your cultivation!"


    "Fine, since that''s the case, then let me be the first to face you!" Having said that, Hong Wuji was the first to rush forward, slapping a palm towards the First Hall Master.


    "Child''s play!" The First Hall Master sneered calmly, but still remained seated on the Taishi Chair, unflinchingly still.


    Seeing this, Hong Wuji vigorously stimulated the vast Spirit Essence within his body. A dazzling glow erupted from his palm, as radiant as the Great Fiery Sun, the signature technique of the Hong Family, the Great Fiery Sun Technique.


    Nevertheless, the First Hall Master continued to sit undisturbed, not even deigning to glance at Hong Wuji, much less mounting a defense.


    The neighboring several Hall Masters were left with expressions of dismay, failing to comprehend why the First Hall Master was so arrogant as to not fight back, or even defend himself.


    Even though the First Hall Master''s cultivation realm was exceedingly profound, Hong Wuji was nonetheless a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm at the Second Seal Level. Hong Wuji had almost exerted eighty percent of his strength, and if the First Hall Master did not defend soon, even someone at the Peak Realm would be gravely injured.


    After all, the flesh body and Spirit Essence Barrier of the Peak Realm couldn''t withstand an assault from a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm with the Second Seal!


    However, just as everyone was utterly perplexed, and just as Hong Wuji''s Palm of the Fiery Sun was about to strike the First Hall Master''s face, the First Hall Master vanished, simply disappearing from his spot without any sign.


    Boom...


    The Palm of the Fiery Sun whiffed, breaking the Taishi Chair into rubble. Yet the First Hall Master had already disappeared without a trace and, of course, was unharmed.


    "How... how is this possible? How could he vanish into thin air?" asked an Elder of the Confucian Sect.


    "I have no idea, what on earth is going on?" expressed the Hall Master from the Buddhist Sect, just as confused.


    At this moment, however, both the face of Bu Family Patriarch and Ancestor of the Hong Family, Hong Wuji, turned incredibly grim, with shock and fear coloring their expressions.


    "Damnation, to think that you actually... actually had a breakthrough, breaking into the Half-Step Void Realm!" Bu Family Patriarch spat out through clenched teeth, word by word.


    "What? The First Hall Master had a breakthrough, stepping into the Void Realm?" Those present were taken aback.


    "Void Teleportation, only an extraordinary Great Power of the Void Realm could accomplish such a feat. What he just performed was the Void Teleportation Technique!" Hong Wuji grimaced, his face likewise showing a look of alarm.


    Right at that moment, the First Hall Master''s figure reappeared out of nowhere in the same position, and behind him now stood another chair.


    Just as he had previously vanished so did he now appear, with all the onlookers, powerful individuals of the Yin-Yang Realm, unable to discern how the First Hall Master had abruptly disappeared and then reappeared. They had felt no fluctuation of Spirit Essence, and his speed was terrifying.


    In other words, he had performed Void Teleportation!


    And only an extraordinary Great Power at the Half-Step Void Realm could perform Void Teleportation!


    Zhao Xuanzhen remarked in amazement, "So it turns out, during this period the First Hall Master truly was in secluded cultivation. Congratulations to the First Hall Master on successfully breaking through to the Void Realm. Though it''s just Half-Step Void, our Human Race has now gained another unparalleled powerhouse of the Void!"


    "Congratulations to the First Hall Master!" Hua Baimei also saluted with folded hands, showing respect to the extraordinary powerhouse!

 Chapter 689 - 682 Establishing the Global Alliance

    The First Hall Master resumed his seat, looking as imposing as a lofty mountain, yet at the same time, as unfathomable as an abyss.


    "Now, the four of you, do you still wish to raise your hands against me?" the First Hall Master''s gaze swept toward Hong Wuji and the others, his tone thick with mockery.


    Hong Wuji was startled, promptly bowing with clasped hands and saying, "Not at all, not at all. Just now, we were ignorant and foolish, and thus offended the First Hall Master. Please, Chief Hall Master, be magnanimous and do not stoop to our level of understanding."


    Although the Second Hall Master, the Bu Family Patriarch, was reluctant, he, too, had to bow his head, for he was very clear that the other party had become an unparalleled power of the Half-Step Void Realm, which they were not capable of contending against, even if they joined forces.


    In fact, let alone contending, with the current cultivation level of the First Hall Master, he could probably slay any one of them at first encounter, with no chance for them to resist at all.


    This is the supremacy of a Half-Step Void Realm Great Power, capable of instantly killing any Yin-Yang Realm being!


    Due to the special laws of the Human Realm, the highest level the Human Race could reach was only a half step into the Void Realm. Aside from the former Human Race leader Old Long, who was also at the Half-Step Void Realm, it remained unknown if there were any other Half-Step Voids among the Human Race, but even if there were, they certainly did not exceed the number of five.


    Every Half-Step Void was too powerful; not to mention anything else, just the ability of Void Maneuvering alone was unsolvable for the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "You two, kneel down!" the First Hall Master suddenly commanded in a cold, stern voice. An overwhelming pressure surged from him, so intense it almost materialized, directly targeting the patriarchs of the Bu and Hong Families.


    Originally, while these two patriarchs had bowed their heads, they still held resentment in their hearts; after all, they were the ancestors of the ancient clans. But now, facing the mountainous pressure rushing toward them, the pressure from a Half-Step Void Realm power, they could not possibly stand against it.


    The two patriarchs resisted only for a moment before they both bent their knees and knelt down. This act of kneeling, of course, meant they had lost all face, and they would no longer have any right to contend for the position of the First Hall Master henceforth.


    The First Hall Master looked at them coldly and said word by word, "If it weren''t for the need to defend against the Demon Horn Tribe''s army in the Human Realm next, I would erase both of you right now!"


    The patriarchs of the Bu and Hong Families knelt on the ground, their faces turning pale with fright as they clasped their hands and begged for mercy, "We were wrong, we should not have questioned your authority, nor should we have undermined you. Your breakthrough during your secluded cultivation is of great significance. Now, with another Half-Step Void Realm power among our Human Race, we have a significantly better chance of withstanding the attacks of the Demon Horn Tribe!"


    "Spineless things, stand up and talk!" the First Hall Master huffed, and only then did he retract his pressure.


    The two patriarchs of the Bu and Hong Families were so frightened that they were utterly pale; at this point, they dared not utter any nonsense.


    However, at that moment, a guard outside suddenly announced, "Reporting to all the Hall Masters, the ancestors of the Xiao Family and the Chi Family of the Ancient Clans have come to seek an audience."


    "Ancestors of the Xiao Chi ancient families, aren''t they supposed to be guarding the passage in the Alien Territory? Why have they suddenly come to our Xuanyuan Hall? What are they trying to do?" Those present all expressed their confusion.


    Even the First Hall Master was perplexed. Historically, the Xiao Chi ancient families rarely got involved in the Mortal World, nor did they participate in the Xuanyuan Hall''s power struggle, with their talented clan members entering the Outer Battlefield for training only as common individuals, adhering strictly to the rules, unlike the arrogant offspring of the Bu and Hong families.


    Of course, a major reason why the Xiao Chi families seldom dabbled in the mortal world was that they had to guard the passage to the Alien Space-Time portal. But just that fact alone already placed the Xiao Chi families far above the current Bu and Hong ancient families in countless ways.


    After much thought, the First Hall Master still couldn''t guess the sudden visit''s purpose from these two great powers and eventually commanded, "Let them in!"


    Only four people comprised the visiting party, among them two were white-haired elders, and the other two were handsome young men. These young men were none other than Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, and the white-haired elders, of course, were the ancestors of the Xiao and Chi families.


    The Ancestors of the Xiao Chi families exuded an incredibly powerful aura. Despite guarding the passage to the Alien Space-Time for many years, their Cultivation Realms were not at all inferior. Perhaps they were not quite at the level of a Great Power of the Half-Step Void Realm, but their Cultivation Battle Power was absolutely not below that of the Bu Family Patriarch, who was at the Three Seal Yin-Yang Realm.


    Clearly, both were at least Great Powers at the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm!


    In light of the visit from these two Ancestors, the First Hall Master did not dare to be overly casual. With a wave of his Great Hand, two Taishi Chairs swept through the air toward them, followed by his gesture as he said, "Please, have a seat!"


    "Thank you!" The Ancestors of the Xiao Chi families pressed their palms together in a traditional salute and then sat down. As for Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, they naturally did not have the honor to sit and could only stand behind their respective Ancestors.


    In fact, if it were not for the fact that they were accompanying their Ancestors, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark would not have even been qualified to enter this place.


    "May I ask why you both have suddenly visited Xuanyuan Hall?" the First Hall Master asked directly.


    The Ancestor of the Xiao Family said, "Since the Chief Hall Master is so straightforward, we will not beat around the bush. Brother Chi and I have come here for one thing only, and that is the matter of the Great Wall of Heaven."


    The First Hall Master laughed, "During this time, I have been in secluded cultivation, striving to make a breakthrough to the Half-Step Void Realm. Although I have not personally been to the Great Wall of Heaven to participate in the defense battle, I still have some understanding of the situation there."


    "What does the Chief Hall Master think about it?" the Chi Family Patriarch asked.


    The First Hall Master chuckled, "I am eager to hear the valuable opinions of the two Ancestors."


    "We dare not impose our views, but we have heard that during the defense battle of the Human Sentinels, many contributed but did not put in the effort, some even chose to outright ignore the cause. Putting aside others for now, let''s take Xuanyuan Nation as an example. Including those who have been fighting in the Outer Battlefield these years, we probably have no fewer than ten thousand cultivators in the Golden Core Realm, right?"


    At this point, the Ancestor of the Xiao Family shifted his tone and continued, "However, I''ve heard that the number of Golden Core Realm cultivators who went to the frontline to join the battle at the Great Wall of Heaven this time was no more than a thousand. This number is far too few, it is indeed pitifully small!"


    The First Hall Master chuckled again, "It is indeed embarrassing to say, but during this battle at the Great Wall of Heaven, I, due to focusing entirely on my secluded cultivation aiming for the breakthrough to the Half-Step Void Realm, could not participate either."


    The Chi Family Patriarch waved his hand and said, "Let''s not dwell on the past. It is understandable that the Chief Hall Master, being in secluded cultivation, could not receive external messages. Our visit today is not to blame anyone, and of course, we do not have the authority to do so."


    Finally, the Bu Family Patriarch could not hold back any longer and coldly demanded, "Then, what exactly are you two here for today?"


    The Ancestors of the Xiao Chi families chuckled, "The Great Wall of Heaven will collapse completely in less than two years. To prevent the occurrence of being present without contributing, or for Human Race warriors to shrink back from participating in battle, we propose electing an Alliance Hierarch!"


    "Electing an Alliance Hierarch?" Everyone present was slightly shocked at the suggestion; it was no small matter.


    "Indeed, electing an Alliance Hierarch or even selecting a true leader for the Human Race, establishing a leader of the Global Alliance, to call upon and unite the forces of all powers in the Human Realm. Only by doing so can we completely prevent half-hearted efforts or reluctance to battle and maximize our efforts in the upcoming defensive war of the Human Realm!" the Ancestors of the Xiao Chi families declared.


    The First Hall Master frowned and said, "Electing the leader of the Global Alliance? This is not a trivial matter. What do the other powers think? Will they agree? For such a major decision, we cannot determine it alone."


    "If we cannot decide it alone, then we should invite the other Three Great Powers, as well as other significant forces within the Human Realm, to send representatives to a meeting where we can discuss and decide!" the Ancestors of the Xiao Chi families said with gravity.


    "This proposal is indeed feasible!" The other Hall Masters nodded in agreement.

 Chapter 690 - 683: Finally Realizing Something is Wrong

    In fact, the hall masters of Xuanyuan Hall didn''t realize that Xiao Rulong and Chi Jien had brought forward the patriarchs of their respective families; although on the surface they appeared to be suggesting that Xuanyuan Nation should head the Global Alliance, their true intent was to stall the hall masters of Xuanyuan Hall in order to buy time for Ye Feng.


    Ancestor of the Xiao Family nodded and said, "There''s no time to lose. I must trouble the hall masters to notify the other Three Great Powers immediately, and also to invite representatives from the slightly more renowned factions of the Outer Battlefield to come and discuss the matter."


    Bu Family Patriarch said in a deep voice with a harrumph, "This matter is of great importance; I''m afraid it''s not something that can be settled by a simple meeting, right?"


    "Of course," the Chi Family Patriarch said. "Today is just a preliminary discussion. The various factions will exchange opinions, and then further discussions can be made. After all, there is less than two years left. This matter can no longer be put off, or else the Human Race will definitely fall into crisis!"


    The First Hall Master immediately waved his hand and said earnestly, "Let''s do it this way; we Xuanyuan Hall will take the lead. The meeting will be held in Martial Battle City. The various factions will first get in touch and exchange opinions, and then we can make further plans!"


    "That would be very good," Ancestors of the Xiao Chi Families nodded slightly.


    As long as they could divert the attention of the major powers to the matter of the Global Alliance, they naturally wouldn''t focus on Ye Feng''s situation for the time being.


    "Both patriarchs, please feel free to rest at our Xuanyuan Hall for now. After receiving replies from the major powers, we can then head to Martial Battle City together," the First Hall Master said.


    "Much obliged," the Xiao Chi Families'' Ancestors slowly stood up and bowed.


    After that, the various hall masters dispersed, with Xiao Rulong, Chi Jien, and their respective patriarchs leaving the grand hall as well.


    Ancestor of the Hong Family, Hong Wuji, was about to head to his quarters when the Bu Family Patriarch called out to him from a distance, "Brother Wuji, please wait a moment."


    "What else is it?" Hong Wuji stopped in his tracks and asked coldly.


    Despite how the Bu and Hong Family Patriarchs seemed to be cooperating in the hall, the two were actually conspiring together. In fact, both families harbored intense rivalry towards each other, with each patriarch wishing to control Xuanyuan Hall and assume the position of Chief Hall Master.


    Currently, they had a common enemy in the Chief Hall Master, which was why they had chosen to temporarily join forces.


    Bu Family Patriarch came over, frowning, "Don''t you think the timing of the Xiao Chi Families is a bit peculiar? I always feel there''s something amiss here!"


    "They already said it, they came to propose the establishment of the Global Alliance, what''s there to suspect?" Hong Wuji huffed.


    "That''s true. Considering the character of the Xiao Chi Families, this is indeed consistent with their way of doing things," the Bu Family Patriarch nodded.


    However, Hong Wuji suddenly asked, "By the way, what on earth happened to that lad Ye Feng? We still haven''t heard a thing from him, have we?"


    "How would I know? He must still be around the Great Wall of Heaven. Since Old Long decided to appoint him as the new leader of the Human Race, the villagers from that little mountain village will naturally follow him," the Bu Family Patriarch said with a sneer.


    The Bu Family Patriarch continued with a cold smile, "Tell me, Hong Wuji, you wouldn''t still be thinking of making a move on that kid Ye Feng, would you? Not to mention if you can take him now, if you really dare to touch him, I reckon those rustic and boorish villagers from the Northwest Little Mountain Village won''t let you off!"


    Hong Wuji likewise curled his lips into a cold smile, "That Ye brat has repeatedly shown me disrespect and did not take my Hong Family seriously at all. Of course, I won''t let him off easily. Even if the Northwest Little Mountain Village stands behind him, so what? Now that Old Long is gone, my Hong Family of the Ancient Clan really doesn''t need to be concerned!"


    Having said that, Hong Wuji flung his sleeves and immediately stepped away.


    Watching the departing figure of Hong Wuji, the Bu Family Patriarch''s eyes gradually narrowed, and with his cunning gaze, it was unclear what he was thinking.


    While Xuanyuan Hall urgently contacted the other Three Great Powers in preparation to head to the Martial Battle Platform for a conference to discuss the establishment of the Global Alliance, Ye Feng had already entered the Outer Battlefield with several hundred subordinates.


    Due to the vast area of the Outer Battlefield and the limitation of gravity, as well as the fact that the cultivation levels of the people were not very high¡ªmostly consisting of Martial Kings and those in the Divine Path Realm¡ªfast flight was not possible,


    Moreover, with such a large number of people, it was naturally impossible for Ye Feng to carry so many people with him at high speed, so they had to advance slowly towards the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. He had estimated that, at the current pace of the troops, it would take at least a day and a half to reach their destination.


    Apart from Ye Feng''s group, there were also the troops of the Four Great Legions headed by Xiao Chuanqi; in addition, there was the team led by Yu Feiyu from the Hundred Flowers Valley of the Medicine God. These people had not yet entered the Outer Battlefield, and it would take at least two days to reach the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Two days was enough time for many things to happen. If the Four Great Powers reacted and directly sent troops to intercept them en route to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it would be virtually impossible for Ye Feng to safely get his troops into the Secret Realm.


    At this time, the strategic intervention by the Xiao Chi Families'' patriarchs to distract the major powers was undeniably critical.


    Just two days. Once all the troops entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng would have nothing to worry about anymore, even if the Four Great Powers came knocking then, he would not fear them.


    "Move faster, everyone try not to fall behind. The Outer Battlefield is extremely dangerous; if anyone strays or acts recklessly, it could easily cost them their life!" Ye Feng shouted sternly.


    In fact, having these people undergo training in the Outer Battlefield was also an excellent choice. After all, the Outer Battlefield was home to a variety of monsters and Ferocious Beasts, all of which were great for training purposes. Moreover, by slaying those monsters and Ferocious Beasts, one could obtain a large number of unexpected treasures.

 Chapter 691 - 683: Finally Realizing Something is Wrong_2

    However, the current situation clearly didn''t allow it; Ye Feng thought that he would at least have to wait until they had all emerged from the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and advanced to the Golden Core Realm before taking action!


    Just imagine, by then, over a thousand experts at the level of the Golden Core Realm, and with their realms completely stabilized, the scene would definitely be spectacular.


    And just one hour after Ye Feng and the others entered the Outer Battlefield, Legendary Xiao Chuanqi, Gai Jiuyou, the Four Great Legion Commanders, and others, including Yu Feiyu, had also entered. Shortly after, several large teams marched majestically towards the direction of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Although Ye Feng didn''t show it, he was somewhat worried in his heart. If the Four Great Powers realized something was amiss early on and sent people to snipe them, then his plans might be thwarted.


    "Everyone, pick up the pace, don''t fall behind!" Ye Feng shouted.


    At this moment, in the Outer Battlefield at the Yin-Yang Temple¡ªa building of black and white slanting angles¡ªblack and white symbolized Yin and Yang; all things in the world are divided into Yin and Yang. This Fusang Temple of Yin and Yang also regarded its own temple as the center of all things, and even the source for Martial Dao cultivators.


    For a long time, whether it was the Yin-Yang Temple or the Sword Saint Palace, these Fusang Martial Artist Onmyoji''s have not gotten along with the innocent cultivators of Xuanyuan Nation.


    Therefore, upon receiving information from Xuanyuan Hall, the high-level officials of the Yin-Yang Temple quickly appeared in the Yin-Yang Hall for discussion.


    "To establish the Global Alliance and elect an Alliance Master? Who would have thought Xuanyuan Nation would actually propose this? Could it be that they think they can become the Alliance Master?" A Yin-Yang Divine Master said with a cold, sneering voice.


    "Although it is somewhat unexpected for Xuanyuan Hall to make such a proposal, it must be said that, given the current situation in the Human Realm, it is indeed time to thoroughly integrate the forces of the Human Realm. And to integrate all the forces of Martial Artist cultivators in the Human Realm, establishing the Global Alliance is the best way to unify coordination," another Yin-Yang Divine Master said.


    "Even if the Global Alliance is established, the position of the Alliance Master must be taken by our Yin-Yang Temple!" another Yin-Yang Divine Master snorted.


    "Exactly, the position of the Alliance Master must be elected from our Yin-Yang Temple''s chief Yin-Yang Divine Masters!" several Yin-Yang Divine Masters clamored in agreement.


    "Enough, talking about this now is useless. Since establishing the Global Alliance is imperative, let''s first head to the Martial Battle Platform to discuss and exchange opinions," the chief Yin-Yang Divine Master snorted coldly, immediately deciding to lead the team to the Martial Battle Platform.


    Unlike Xuanyuan Hall, there were no internal strife among the Yin-Yang Divine Masters of the Yin-Yang Temple; on the contrary, they strictly respected the chief Yin-Yang Divine Master, whose words held absolute authority.


    At the same time, the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance also set off with their teams towards the Martial Battle Platform.


    Four hours later, the high-level officials of the Four Great Powers had all appeared on the Martial Battle Platform, each finding their place on a mediation mat. After all, this was a high-level meeting, and those who came were basically of the Yin-Yang Realm, with the least powerful being at the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm, so everyone acted swiftly.


    The meeting was presided over by the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall. As everyone was an old competitor and an old friend, and they had all reached such a level of cultivation, the meeting got straight to the point. Surprisingly, no one objected to forming the Global Alliance.


    However, a huge disagreement arose during the subsequent discussion about the Alliance Master, with each of the Four Great Powers naturally believing it most appropriate for someone from their own power to assume the role.


    After four hours, the Four Great Powers were still at an impasse. As for the smaller forces invited to the Outer Battlefield, they naturally had no say in the matter and remained mostly silent, as they were only there to witness the proceedings.


    After half a day had passed and they still hadn''t come to any conclusion, with each of the Four Great Powers unwilling to submit to the others, even the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall showing off his Half-Step Void Realm cultivation would likely not be enough to make the other Three Great Powers submit, and at most, it might suppress the other Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall.


    Meanwhile, Bu Hong and Xiao Chi, the two patriarchs, sat in their seats, watching the others argue non-stop like monkeys. They didn''t speak, since their main reason for proposing this was to buy time for Ye Feng. The more fiercely and the longer the others argued, the better.


    Seeing that a day had passed without any conclusion reached, the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall frowned and said in a heavy voice, "Since we cannot come to a conclusion, I suggest we adjourn for now and reconvene for a second meeting once we have a suitable solution."


    In fact, everyone knew that electing an Alliance Master was too significant to be settled in one meeting, so no one objected, and they all stood up, ready to leave.


    At this moment, the First Hall Master suddenly asked, "By the way, where is Ye Feng now? It is said that during his confrontation with the Demon Horn Tribe, he overpowered a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. Moreover, he also led over a hundred Golden Core Realm experts. With such a level of cultivation and power, I think he is fit to be nominated for the position of Lord of the Three Halls."


    "Indeed, I agree. In terms of personal power, Ye Feng is certainly not weaker than those in the Yin-Yang Realm, even capable of crushing Great Powers below the Second Seal of the Yin-Yang Realm. He certainly has the qualifications to take the position of Lord of the Three Halls!" Zhao Xuanzhen immediately seconded.


    Hong Wuji was taken aback by this and said, "I almost forgot about that kid Ye Feng. He hadn''t been in the Outer Battlefield for half a year, right? I heard when he first entered, he wasn''t even at the Golden Core Realm, and in less than half a year his cultivation level soared rapidly, even developing over a hundred Golden Core Realm experts. How did he do it?"


    "I was also puzzled at that time and was about to investigate further, but then I got delayed because of the establishment of the Global Alliance," the Bu Family Patriarch said.


    All of a sudden, both the Bu Family Patriarch and Ancestor of the Hong Family changed in expression, and they both blurted out, "Secret realms, yes, it must be secret realms! That kid Ye Feng has definitely found a way to enter and leave them freely. Damn it, this kid has been keeping secrets all to himself!"


    "Check, immediately investigate and find out which secret realm he has been using to take people in and out!" At that moment, both the Bu Family and the Hong Family patriarchs were moved into action.


    Besides them, the Yin-Yang Temple and the Vampire Divine Court also realized that something was amiss, and followed close behind Bu Hong and the others.


    Seeing this, the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall couldn''t help but slowly curl his lips into a smile.

 Chapter 692 - 684: Hope Its Not Too Late

    "Hurry up and find out why, in such a short amount of time, the Northern King of Xuanyuan Nation, Ye Feng, has cultivated so many experts of the Golden Core Realm, and each of them has been able to completely stabilize their aura right after their breakthrough¡ªthis is absolutely abnormal!"


    For a moment, the Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple stirred into action.


    "To create a large number of Golden Core Realm cultivators in such a short time is something no ordinary person can accomplish; it must be the secret realms. As far as we know about the Outer Battlefield, there are only a few major secret realms, and the Source Secret Realm that emerged some time ago has already subsided. Apart from that, there is only the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm," speculated the Divine Lords from the Vampire Divine Court.


    "That''s right, it must undoubtedly be the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. That kid Ye Feng has entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm before; he must have encountered some fortuitous adventure there, which is why he can freely enter and exit it!" the Hall Masters from Xuanyuan Hall said sternly and coldly.


    Hong Wuji immediately took out a Communication Talisman and said, "Immediately check the movements around the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for me. Report back at once if there''s any unusual activity, and also keep a close eye on that kid Ye Feng!"


    Although the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm isn''t considered one of the most advanced among the major secret realms, its contained Spirit Essence Pools are the most numerous, and the Spirit Essence Energy is naturally the most vast. This kind of Spirit Essence is most suitable for someone at the Foundation Establishment Realm to breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm.


    Previously, it had always been under the joint control of the Four Great Powers, only opening once every decade, and required the union of the Four Great Powers to open. No one could monopolize it. But now, Ye Feng alone could freely enter and exit the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and enjoy the enormous Spirit Essence Pool within. How could the Great Powers remain at peace within their hearts?


    Outside Martial Battle City, the experts from the Four Great Powers gathered there. These Great Powers took out their Communication Talismans and issued orders. In an instant, informants scattered across the Outer Battlefield began to mobilize.


    At this moment, the First Hall Master chose to watch from the sidelines indifferently, seemingly uninterested in the so-called struggle for secret realms. This was understandable, after all, as someone who had cultivated to the Half-Step Void Realm, an extraordinary Great Power, ordinary secret realms were no longer sufficient for his needs. It could even be said that in the entire Outer Battlefield, there weren''t many treasures that could catch his eye.


    Moreover, the First Hall Master had always been a loner, never seen with any entourage or relatives by his side, which naturally eliminated the need to seek treasures and resources in the secret realms for his family or clan.


    At this time, the Patriarchs from the Xiao and Chi families had already moved aside, both showing expressions of helplessness on their faces.


    Following them, Xiao Rulong lamented, "Who would''ve thought that these Great Powers would react so quickly. We were originally planning to shift their attention to the Global Alliance. It seems that these selfish fellows care more about their own gains."


    Chi Jarkan also sneered, "Thankfully, that guy Ye Feng is meticulous and made preparations in advance, even having us move out our family patriarchs to buy time. Calculating the time, two days have passed by now. If Ye Feng''s actions are quick, he should have already led people into the secret realm, right?"


    "The specific situation is unclear. After all, the situations in the Outer Battlefield are too complicated. Plus, the number of people Ye Feng is bringing is not small. It''s hard to say if he could have brought them into the secret realm in such a short time," said Xiao Rulong with a sigh.


    The Patriarchs from the Xiao and Chi families then suddenly waved their hands and said, "Let''s go, our task is done. These so-called Four Great Powers are nothing but a disorganized mob. It''s impossible for them to resist the Demon Horn Tribe; next, we must make plans since there isn''t much time left!"


    After speaking, the two patriarchs, each taking their younger generations, swept away and vanished on the spot.


    However, just at this moment, Hong Wuji''s Communication Talisman buzzed with activity; he immediately answered it.


    "What did you say? That kid Ye Feng really led hundreds into the Outer Battlefield? After entering the Outer Battlefield, in which direction did he move?"


    "From the Southeast Direction? That''s exactly where the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is. It seems I''m right; he has led people into the Outer Battlefield. How long has it been since he entered?" Hong Wuji asked one question after another.


    "One and a half days? Damn, that kid is pretty fast!" Alienated by this development, Hong Wuji turned off the Communication Talisman and, with a sweep of his figure, set out directly toward the direction of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with several trusted experts.


    "Go, that kid Ye Feng really has entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm again, thinking he can enjoy it all by himself¡ªno way!" The Bu Family Patriarch also led his people and swiftly followed.


    "Damn it, this Ye surname brat is really cunning, seizing this opportunity to expand his own power. Now that the Demon Horn Tribe is about to attack, he knows a way to move freely through the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm but doesn''t share with us. This is utterly unreasonable, absolutely unforgivable!"


    The numerous Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple also snorted and dashed towards the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    For a time, the people from the Four Great Powers mobilized, and even those smaller powers within the Outer Battlefield rushed over, looking as if they wanted to fish in troubled waters and possibly secure a share for themselves.


    At this very moment, Ye Feng, after a day and a half, finally brought the team to a certain small mound.


    Elder Bai appeared out of nowhere in front of Ye Feng and immediately bowed, saying, "Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty!"


    Ye Feng, however, waved his hand dismissively, "There''s no need for formalities at this urgent moment. Immediately take these people into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm."


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s powerful spiritual power had a vague premonition that the Four Great Powers probably realized something was amiss, and might even understand what was going on. They were likely heading this way, so he had to hurry.


    However, at the moment, only Ye Feng had arrived at the destination first. As for Xiao Chuanqi and the other Four Great Legion Commanders, as well as Yu Feiyu and the rest, none had arrived yet. Roughly calculating, it would probably take another two hours for them to catch up.


    Elder Bai didn''t waste any time either. He immediately radiated beams of white light that enveloped the several hundred people standing at the entrance to the secret realm. Then, with a whoosh, everyone vanished on the spot, entering the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Ye Feng finally breathed a sigh of relief, having safely transported these people into the secret realm, fulfilling part of the task. Next, it was all up to Xiao Chuanqi and the others.


    After thinking it over, Ye Feng turned to Hong Qingyan beside him and said, "Qingyan, you go into the secret realm first as well."


    Hong Qingyan understood the current situation and knew that even if she stayed, it wouldn''t be much help. Furthermore, since they were already within the range of the secret realm, Ye Feng could enter at any time if he wished, so there was no need to worry about safety.


    "Then, Big Brother Ye, I''ll go in first, but if something unexpected really does happen later on, you must not force yourself. Just go straight into the secret realm," instructed Hong Qingyan.


    "Don''t worry, I know my limits and won''t act rashly!" Ye Feng nodded.


    Hong Qingyan hummed in acknowledgement and then entered the secret realm with Elder Bai''s assistance.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng felt a stirring in his heart as he looked towards the distant void. The sense of urgency within him grew stronger. It seemed like the Four Great Powers were already on their way here. Judging by their speed, if they were to rush over at full force, it would also take them about two hours.


    "I hope there''s enough time!" Ye Feng sighed inwardly, but right now it wasn''t like he had nothing to do.


    Suddenly, he launched himself into the air and flew up high, then shouted, "Elder Bai, assist me, I want to set up a Formation in front of the secret realm!"


    Elder Bai, who was quite accomplished in the art of Formations, asked, "What kind of Formation does your Majesty wish to set up?"


    "It doesn''t need to be too complicated. Arrange a Guardian Formation, the stronger its defensive capability and the longer it can withstand, the better. There is no need for offensive power!" Ye Feng called out.


    "Then I understand!" Elder Bai nodded slightly, and immediately, with a flick of his finger, a streak of white light entered Ye Feng''s forehead.


    Very soon, Ye Feng comprehended the Formation from this streak of white light.


    "Nine Heavens Return to Origin Turtle Spirit Great Formation? The name sounds quite good!" Ye Feng nodded slightly. His current ability to comprehend was exceptional. The only reason he didn''t understand Formations previously was that he hadn''t had the time to study them thoroughly. With just a bit of comprehension, he recognized the framework of this Turtle Spirit Great Formation, which probably was designed according to the pattern of the Divine Beast Black Tortoise.


    Suddenly, with a sweeping motion of Elder Bai''s great hand, a turtle shell covered in dense and intricate patterns materialized before them.


    "To arrange the Great Formation, we need a Magic Artifact as the Formation''s core. This turtle shell was a gift from his Majesty years ago, and now it couldn''t be more suitable for creating a Formation," Elder Bai explained while simultaneously flicking his right hand repeatedly, sending several flags flying out.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng sat cross-legged right in the center of the mound. His body''s vast Spirit Essence surged out, pouring into the Great Formation to maintain its operation.


    It could be said that as long as his Spirit Essence was not exhausted, the Great Formation could continue to operate indefinitely. Of course, if someone managed to destroy the entire Formation instantly, Ye Feng estimated that he would also be injured as he was now the core of the Great Formation.


    In an instant, fierce winds and flying sand roared over the mound, beams of light shot up into the sky, and quickly, the entire Great Formation was established. The pervasive radiance completely enveloped the mound and, more importantly, as long as Ye Feng wished, the Primordial Spirit Turtle Great Formation could move at will. That was truly what he valued.


    "Hide!" Ye Feng formed a Dharma Seal with his hands, and the output of Spirit Essence ceased, instantly concealing the Guardian Great Formation.


    However, Ye Feng still sat cross-legged on the spot, then slowly closed his eyes. Everything he could do had been done; the rest was up to fate.


    As time slowly passed, an hour and a half later, Ye Feng''s eyes shot open and he turned his head towards the East.


    In the East, a multitude of dense shadows appeared; at a glance, there seemed to be several hundred people.


    Upon seeing these figures, Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile with a slight lift of his lips. He recognized that this was precisely Xiao Chuanqi, Gai Jiuyou, and the other Three Great Legion Commanders'' troops, not more or less, exactly four hundred people.


    "They''re quite fast, even half an hour ahead of schedule!" Ye Feng nodded slightly. He was quite confident in the efficiency of the Four Great Legion Commanders.


    In the blink of an eye, Xiao Chuanqi and the others arrived before Ye Feng, and the Four Great Legion Commanders promptly knelt down.


    "We greet Your Majesty!"


    "We are honored not to have failed your Majesty, and we have completed the tasks given by you in time!" All four legion commanders kneeled and spoke in unison.


    Ye Feng was still sitting cross-legged on the mound but just waved his hand dismissively, "No need for formalities, all rise."


    Once the Four Great Legion Commanders had stood up, Ye Feng turned and said, "The situation is quite urgent, so you all better enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm first. We can discuss other matters later. Elder Bai, please see them in!"


    "As your Majesty commands!" said Elder Bai respectfully, and then with a wide sweep of his hand, streaks of white light surged out again, enveloping the four hundred people before him before sending them inside.


    Ye Feng exhaled and added, "Now, only Yu Feiyu and those fifty people are left."


    Compared to the others, Yu Feiyu''s Cultivation Level was significantly lower, and his ability to lead troops was lacking, which meant their speed was naturally slower.


    "Your Majesty need not worry, it should be in time. After all, the Four Great Powers can''t react that quickly..."


    Xiao Chuanqi was speaking, but before he could finish, from the Western direction, suddenly came a series of fierce and powerful auras.


    "Ye Feng! You''ve got some nerve, daring to monopolize the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm all by yourself. Do you really think we do not exist!" Before anyone came into view, a thunderous roar reverberated through the air.

 Chapter 693 - 685: You Really Have No Shame

    Hong Wuji led the charge, arriving in the blink of an eye before Ye Feng, his eyes seething with intense fury, and even brimming with a dense murderous intent as he looked at Ye Feng.


    In fact, Hong Wuji had wanted to deal with Ye Feng not long after the latter entered the Outer Battlefield, but at that time, the First Hall Master had strongly protected this man, preventing Hong Wuji from finding a chance to make a move.


    Of course, even though Hong Wuji still wished for Ye Feng''s demise, he now dared not act rashly.


    Hong Wuji, after all, refrained from killing. He had witnessed Ye Feng''s formidable combat power when they were at the Great Wall of Heaven and understood that with his current cultivation strength, he would likely struggle to kill his opponent without using all his trump cards and fighting with all his might.


    However, under the current circumstances, going all out, even to the point of risking serious injury to eliminate Ye Feng, was clearly not a wise move. Hence, Hong Wuji didn''t choose to strike immediately after arriving.


    Soon, the Bu Family Patriarch and the elders of both the Buddhist Sect and the Confucian Sect also arrived. In addition, the Yin-Yang Divine Masters of the Yin-Yang Temple and the Divine Lords of the Vampire Divine Court gathered one after another. It could be said that all those who came were leaders in their own right, with the weakest among them being Great Powers of the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm.


    However, the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall was nowhere to be seen, which was slightly beyond Ye Feng''s expectation.


    In truth, during this period, Ye Feng had been tirelessly investigating the true identity of the First Hall Master, who was exceedingly adept at disguise, entirely flawless, and whose face was always obscured by a cloud of black mist, making it impossible for outsiders to discern his true appearance.


    Of course, now that the First Hall Master hadn''t shown up, Ye Feng let out a sigh of relief in secret. Otherwise, with that guy''s strength, this Guardian Grand Formation wouldn''t be able to withstand even a single blow from him.


    "Ye Feng, you''ve got some nerve to monopolize the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for yourself and treat it as if it were your backyard," scolded a Yin-Yang Divine Master from the Yin-Yang Temple in a deep voice. "Hand over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm immediately, and we may spare your life. Otherwise, you will surely die today!"


    The Divine Lord of the Vampire Divine Court also sneered, "To quote an ancient saying from your Xuanyuan Nation, ''The treasure belongs to the virtuous.'' Clearly, you do not have the virtue to possess it. So hand over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm promptly. After all, it is not something you can swallow alone. As for those Experts of the Golden Core Realm you previously nurtured using the Spirit Essence Pool without authorization, we will let that slide."


    "Ye Feng, did you hear that? The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm should be a shared possession. Now you are trying to claim it for yourself; aren''t you being too selfish? Hand it over immediately, and we will spare your life!" the elders of the Buddhist Sect and the Confucian Sect also called out sternly.


    "Selfish?" Ye Feng laughed mockingly and said, "I''ve used the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to train fighters in secret, but all those who were nurtured into the Golden Core Realm, I''ve sent them to the frontline of the Great Wall of Heaven. Out of more than a hundred Experts of the Golden Core Realm, less than thirty survived. More than seventy died!"


    At this juncture, Ye Feng''s tone suddenly shifted as he shouted angrily, "But what about you? To preserve your strength, you only sent a token force. Even then, on the battlefield, you hardly put in any effort. If my subordinates and the Northwest Little Mountain Village suffered such tragic losses, how can you call me selfish without shame?"


    Faced with Ye Feng''s tirade, the Great Powers of the Four Great Power factions present didn''t show the slightest blush or any change in expression. After all, these were old monsters who had lived for decades or even centuries, their faces as thick as city walls.


    Yet, Hong Wuji clenched his teeth and said, "You scoundrel, if it weren''t for your unauthorized use of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and your lack of strategy, those hundreds of Experts of the Golden Core Realm wouldn''t have suffered such heavy casualties. You are utterly undeserving and unfit to possess the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Hand it over at once!"


    It had to be said that Hong Wuji was shameless to the extreme. During the battle at the Great Wall of Heaven, he had mostly holed up in the back, engaging only with Experts of the Golden Core Realm. Whenever he faced a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, he would turn tail and flee, never confronting them directly.


    In fact, many Great Powers present behaved similarly, which had placed all the pressure on Ye Feng and the Little Mountain Village, leading to the heavy casualties they suffered.


    Ye Feng remained seated with his legs crossed, with the Four Great Legion Commanders standing firm behind him.


    "The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is by nature ownerless. Whoever discovers it owns it. Now you are all deluded, trying to seize it from me. Doesn''t this go against the covenant laid down by the Four Great Powers?" Ye Feng said with a cold smile.


    The Four Great Powers had indeed set a covenant: any treasure that appears in the Outer Battlefield belongs to the one strong enough to obtain it!


    However, because the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was of such paramount importance, being capable of producing a vast number of Experts of the Golden Core Realm, the Four Great Powers flagrantly violated the agreement they once made, displaying their utter shamelessness.


    The Bu Family Patriarch said coldly, "Times have changed. With less than two years left until the collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven, the Demon Horn Tribe Army will invade, and we must use this time to train a large number of strong fighters. Without a doubt, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is a crucial resource, even a strategic one!"


    "Indeed, how can such an important strategic resource be monopolized by you alone? We, the Four Great Powers, will never allow you to squander it!" one of the Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple declared.

 Chapter 694 - 685: You Really Have No Shame_2

    "Truly ridiculous, how is it that when the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is in my hands, it''s considered squandering, but when it''s in your hands, it''s making full use of it?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer, his body sitting cross-legged motionless as a mountain.


    In fact, at this moment, Ye Feng was extremely anxious in his heart, because according to the time calculation, Yu Feiyu and the others should have already arrived, yet now there was still no sign of them. It seemed they must have encountered some unexpected events on the road.


    After all, the situation in the Outer Battlefield is complicated, and, given that Yu Feiyu himself is not of high cultivation level, leading such a large group it was inevitable that emergencies would occur.


    However, even though he was anxious inside, there was still no expression on Ye Feng''s face. All he could do now was to try everything to delay time, until Yu Feiyu and the others arrived.


    Thinking of this, Ye Feng sneered, "Gentlemen, do you really think I can be bullied just because I am a junior and have a low cultivation realm? My combat power, as you must have seen during the time at the Great Wall of Heaven, can completely overwhelm those below the Second Seal of the Yin-Yang Realm without fear, and even against a Three-Seal, I still have the power to fight. Tell me, if it comes to a one-on-one fight, which one of you would I fear?"


    After speaking, Ye Feng swept his cold gaze over the Great Powers of the four powerful forces in front of him. Wherever his gaze landed, the slightly lower-cultivation level Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm couldn''t help but lower their heads, not daring to meet his eyes. This demonstrated that the current Ye Feng could already sit on an equal footing with these people.


    The scene suddenly fell into a brief silence, pressured by Ye Feng''s aura. Many of the Great Powers present felt humiliated; after all, they were age-old monsters who had lived for decades, even hundreds of years, but were now being compared to a young man not yet thirty years old.


    A Great Power of the Wizard Alliance sneered, "Right now, we are asking you to hand over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, not to fight one-on-one. Moreover, given the current critical situation, the importance of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is unmeasurable. We, the Four Great Powers, must take it back and have full control. So if you continue to be stubborn, the combined forces of the Four Great Powers will take action and eradicate you!"


    Ye Feng laughed, bellowing with laughter, and in order to delay time, he even deliberately extended this laughter for a considerable length of time. After a good while, he said, "It''s really laughable, how can you old fogies, who can''t beat me one-on-one, think about ganging up on and bullying me with numbers? Do you even have any shame?"


    "Exactly, all of you are old monsters who have lived for hundreds of years, yet you still think about outnumbering and ganging up on our Master. You really are too shameless!" Sima Zhantian snorted coldly.


    The many Great Powers present were so angered they were nearly half-dead, though these old timers, after living for hundreds of years, wouldn''t lose face over this.


    Hong Wuji ground his teeth and angrily shouted, "Ye, I''ll give you half a minute to think, either cripple your own cultivation level and hand over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, or we will take action and kill you thoroughly!"


    "Indeed, half a minute, Ye, it''s best you think clearly about whether you live or die!" A Yin-Yang Divine Master said coldly.


    At that moment, more than ten Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Four Great Forces all released their aura. In an instant, sand and stones flew about, their terrifying aura almost materialized, darkening the sky.


    "What should we do, Master? Should we endure or opt for a strategic retreat?" Xiao Chuanqi asked.


    Gai Jiuyou twisted his two eyebrows and said, "There are more than a dozen Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, and three of them are even super-strong at the Three Seal Rank. I''m afraid they won''t be easy to deal with."


    Ye Feng remained seated without speaking. Retreating wasn''t difficult; he could simply take the four of them into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. However, since Yu Feiyu and the others hadn''t arrived yet, he naturally couldn''t abandon them.


    Time swiftly passed, and the half-minute was soon over. Hong Wuji gritted his teeth and roared, "Ye, it seems you are seeking your own death. Since that''s the case, today we will grant your wish. Everyone, attack together and finish off this kid!"


    Hong Wuji kept shouting, but he didn''t choose to rush over first. Instead, he let the other strong individuals take the lead.


    A Yin-Yang Divine Master from the Yin-Yang Temple directly swooped toward Ye Feng, but at that moment, a series of figures suddenly appeared from the eastern direction. There were about fifty people in total; this was Yu Feiyu''s team.


    "You''ve finally come!" Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel overjoyed upon seeing this.


    And at this moment, the Yin-Yang Divine Master from the Yin-Yang Temple had already struck out with a fist. This person didn''t summon his Shikigami, but instead charged directly with his actual body. It seemed he didn''t take Ye Feng seriously.


    "Get lost!" Ye Feng shouted deeply, golden light suddenly appeared on the surface of his body. He executed the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, and with one punch, he sent the Yin-Yang Realm figure, who was only at the One Seal rank, flying.


    Just then, Yu Feiyu finally arrived with people at the place.


    "Damn it, this kid has brought a team again. We must stop him; we cannot let him enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm again with a team. Otherwise, the energy of the Spirit Essence Pool in the realm will inevitably be squandered by this kid!"


    "Stop him!" At this time, the ten-something Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm finally took action all at once, and even the avaricious and fearful Hong Wuji no longer held back or watched from the sidelines.


    "It''s too late to act now!" Ye Feng sneered, with a sweep of his hand, illuminations suddenly manifested around the mound, the splendid lights shining brightly as the Primordial Turtle Spirit Great Formation activated at once.


    If one were to look from above at this moment, they would be shocked to see a huge Xuan Turtle made of radiant light perched atop the mound.


    "Elder Bai, hurry up, send them all into the secret realm!" Ye Feng shouted coldly. At this point, the Great Formation had already started, tightly protecting Yu Feiyu and the others inside. Now those Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm would not be able to touch them in a short time.


    "Damn it, you little brat even set up a Guardian Grand Formation!" Hong Wuji was so angered his teeth gnashed. He knew that he was no match for Ye Feng, so he immediately changed directions, attempting to kill Yu Feiyu and the others with one palm strike.


    However, when his powerful Fist Momentum surged over, the Great Formation Barrier suddenly erupted with a blinding light from the Protective Shield, blocking his attack.


    "What kind of Formation is this, that it can actually block my strike?" Hong Wuji shouted in shock.


    "Just a Second Seal and you, Hong Wuji, really think you are unrivaled in the world?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer.


    Just then, Elder Bai appeared out of nowhere, his body bursting with rays of white light, enveloping the fifty or so people with Yu Feiyu.


    "No good, they''re about to be transported into the secret realm, stop them, quickly break the Great Formation!" Hong Wuji and the many Great Powers frantically cried out.

 Chapter 695 - 686 I will remember you

    For a moment, more than a dozen great powers from the Yin-Yang Realm made their move. They were well aware that once these people entered the secret realm, it would be very difficult to capture them, let alone force them out, and it would also mean that the Heavenly Origin Secret realm might be destroyed.


    After all, the energy produced by a secret realm in a short period of time is limited. If it were to be squandered in an extremely short period, the secret realm would undoubtedly be wasted.


    Ye Feng had just formed a team of more than a thousand people to enter the realm, clearly with the intention of quickly creating a group of experts in the Golden Core Realm within a year or two. This meant the impending ruin of the Heavenly Origin Secret realm, something the great powers of the Four Great Powers were not willing to see.


    Hong Wuji directly cast the Great Fiery Sun Technique, and suddenly a dazzling sun appeared above the mound.


    At the same time, several Yin-Yang Divine Masters summoned their Shikigami, powerful and terrifying, which dashed straight towards the great formation.


    Meanwhile, from the Vampire Divine Court, blood qi surged forth and blood-red fists slammed against the great formation.


    The horrific and powerful attacks, almost unreservedly, rushed towards the Guardian Grand Formation. Judging by their momentum, these so-called great powers of the Four Great Powers hated nothing more than to exterminate the people inside on the spot.


    "Elder Bai, act quickly and teleport them in. Xiao Chuanqi, you all hurry in as well!" Ye Feng gritted his teeth and ordered coldly.


    In fact, these dozen or so great powers from the Yin-Yang Realm acted very swiftly¡ªonly in the blink of an eye did their attacks land on the Guardian Grand Formation. At that moment, Elder Bai''s white light had just enveloped everyone.


    In other words, Ye Feng had to withstand this round of attacks no matter what, or else the more than fifty people brought by Yu Feiyu were sure to be dead on the spot.


    After all, these fifty-odd people were merely at the Divine Path Realm or Foundation Establishment Realm, with some even at the Martial King Level¡ªtoo low in cultivation to possibly withstand the attacks of great powers from the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "Golden Dragon Shield, come forth!" Ye Feng gritted his teeth as a glittering shield burst forth from within him, enhancing the defense above the great formation.


    Boom... Boom...


    At that moment, the attacks from the dozen or so great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm descended. Although the Guardian Grand Formation had an extremely good defensive power, it couldn''t withstand so many great powers attacking at once. The protective shield of the outer formation just managed to hold up for a moment before it shattered.


    That''s when the Golden Dragon Guardian Shield quickly spread, enveloping everyone inside.


    The attack from the dozen or so great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm continued unabated, immediately rushing towards the Golden Dragon Guardian Shield.


    Actually, Ye Feng''s Emperor Sovereign Armor had already suffered damage during the Great Wall of Heaven''s resistance against the Demon Horn Tribe. In other words, the Golden Dragon Shield was damaged, hence its defensive power was greatly reduced. Now with a dozen attacks falling down, the Golden Dragon Guardian Shield was instantly blown away.


    It was only because the Guardian Grand Formation had absorbed some of the energy that the Golden Dragon Shield did not completely shatter on the spot.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s gaze intensified as he launched consecutive attacks.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!"


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!"


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    "..."


    "Heaven Guard Monument!"


    In almost one breath, Ye Feng unleashed several Supreme Martial Techniques, charging towards the incoming attacks.


    For a while, the entire mound was thunderously resounding, the heavens and earth paled and the ground shook ceaselessly.


    Ye Feng''s cultivation strength had already become extraordinary. With the earlier attacks from the dozen or so great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm somewhat nullified by the Guardian Grand Formation, his counterattack immediately broke through everyone''s assault.


    "Damn it, this kid actually blocked all of our attacks. How is this possible? How did he do that?" The Divine Shaman from the Wizard Alliance clenched their teeth in frustration. These people probably hadn''t seen Ye Feng''s confrontation at the Great Wall of Heaven against the Demon Horn Tribe, or else they wouldn''t be so incredulous.


    "This kid is indeed formidable. His cultivation has progressed by leaps and bounds. It seems that none of us alone could easily defeat him. It looks like this kid must have had a great encounter in the Heavenly Origin Secret realm; otherwise, he couldn''t have made such terrifying progress!"


    "That''s right, there must still be great treasures in the Heavenly Origin Secret realm that we are unaware of. Today, at any cost, we must not let this kid leave. We must kill him; the Heavenly Origin Secret realm must belong to us!"


    "Take action quickly, otherwise, this kid is going to escape!"


    Hong Wuji clenched his teeth and roared in anger, once again gathering the Great Fiery Sun Technique.


    At this moment, those Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm who had been watching from the sidelines had also joined the battle. They struck with thunderclap force, and upon careful count, there were actually more than thirty of them.


    These so-called Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Four Great Forces, who had been shirking their duties at the Great Wall of Heaven when opposing the Demon Horn Tribe just a few days ago, all too eager to hide and watch coldly from the back, were now, for the sake of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, all too ready to engage fiercely in combat, intent on putting the young pride of the Human Race to death.


    If this were to be known, it wouldn''t just cause a huge stir in the Human Realm; even the Demon Horn Tribe would scoff endlessly at it. No wonder they denounce the Human Race as a despicable and vile race.


    Just as Ye Feng was dealing with the first round of attacks from the other side, Elder Bai finally managed to send Yu Feiyu and more than fifty others into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, including Xiao Chuanqi, the Four Great Legion Commanders.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng felt a huge weight lift off his heart; now he had nothing more to worry about.


    "You leaders of the Four Great Forces, and even the leaders of the Human Realm, to think that each and every one of you could be such selfish creatures. The deeds you''ve done today, I, Ye Feng, have taken note of, and I will surely seek retribution with each of you in time!"


    Ye Feng gritted his teeth and spoke word for word, waving the Great Hand to recall the Golden Dragon Guardian Shield, while a hazy white light began to emerge around his body.


    Seeing this, everyone immediately understood what was happening¡ªYe Feng was planning to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Quick, stop him at all costs, we cannot allow him to enter, or else the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm will forever be beyond our reach!" Hong Wuji cried out in desperation, as the Great Fiery Sun above his head pressed down in an instant.


    "Hong Wuji, you boast the loudest, I''ll remember you!" Ye Feng''s voice faded, his entire being began to ripple, and then his figure rapidly became translucent, finally disappearing completely.


    Boom...


    Only at this moment did Hong Wuji''s Great Fiery Sun descend, completely flattening the small mound below, even creating a deep pit. Moreover, several other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm could not retract their attacks in time, reducing the area to ruins.


    However, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was not inside that small mound; it was a separate space, independent from the Outer Battlefield, and its entrance just happened to be there. Therefore, even if they razed the Outer Battlefield to the ground, without the ability to open the portal, it was impossible to destroy the independent space of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    The key point was that the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm had just opened not long ago, and according to precedent, it could only be opened again after sixty years.


    In fact, the once every sixty years rule now required Ye Feng''s consent and Elder Bai''s authorization to open it. Without the approval of Ye Feng, the owner, it wouldn''t open even in sixty years, a hundred years, or even ten thousand years.


    "Damn it, it''s infuriating that we let Ye Feng escape into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Now what are we to do?" Hong Wuji pounded his chest in frustration. Not long ago, more than a dozen Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers had joined hands, yet in the end, they failed to keep their quarry. It would be a huge loss of face if this got out.


    Fortunately, this embarrassment was shared by all Four Great Powers, so there was no scorn directed at anyone.


    "What do we do now? That youngster has already led people into the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and it is said that he has led nearly a thousand people in total. Looking at the situation, he seems to be planning to train all these thousand-plus people to reach the Golden Core Realm. In such a short time of two years, isn''t that going to drain the secret realm dry?" A Yin-Yang Divine Master said through gritted teeth.


    The Bu Family Patriarch spoke coldly, "Everyone has already run off; what''s the use of complaining now? Let''s think of a way to open the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm again. Since that youngster Ye Feng has a way to come and go freely, there''s no reason we can''t do the same!"


    "Exactly, let''s think of a strategy together. With so many of us old folks here, surely we can''t be worse off than that youngster!" A Divine Lord from the Vampire Divine Court declared firmly.


    For a while, many Great Powers searched the area, hoping to find some clues, but after three hours, they still had nothing to show for it.


    "Damn it, I really can''t understand how Ye Feng managed it. With so many of us here, being outplayed by him is utterly infuriating! When he comes out, I''ll make sure he''s skinned alive!" A Divine Shaman from the Wizard Alliance said through clenched teeth.


    Seeing this, the Bu Family Patriarch suddenly made another suggestion, "Let''s do this, everyone should immediately send someone back to fetch the Token Key for opening the secret realm, then we can join forces and try to open it!"


    "Excellent, this method might work, the key could very well lie in those four Token Keys!" Another Great Power from the Yin-Yang Temple nodded in agreement.


    Quickly, representatives from the Four Great Forces were dispatched to their respective headquarters to retrieve the Token Keys.


    Meanwhile, at this very moment, Ye Feng was standing on the plaza of the secret realm, with his hands behind his back, gazing into the vast void. As the owner of the secret realm, he was naturally seeing everything happening outside very clearly.


    "Elder Bai, they''re going to fetch the Token Keys. Once the four keys are put together, is there any chance they can open the gate to the secret realm?" Ye Feng suddenly asked.


    Elder Bai bowed and said, "Please be at ease Your Majesty, without the old servant''s permission, even if they put the four keys together, there''s no way they can open it. In fact, those four keys were intentionally created by the old servant back then!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, saying, "If that''s the case, then I am relieved. We need no longer pay attention to the outside world; our focus now should be on how to help these thousand people, and how to maximize the enhancement of their Cultivation Realms!"


    Once again, Elder Bai bowed, "Your Majesty need not worry, the old servant has already planned for this."


    "Very well, tell me your plan!" Ye Feng said.


    After all, over a thousand people was not a small number. Excluding the batch that had entered earlier, the few hundred who entered today all had generally low Cultivation Levels. To raise them to the Golden Core Realm in a short period of time, even with the secret realm, was no easy feat.

 Chapter 696 - 687: An Opportunity for a Challenge

    Outside the secret realm, the experts from the Four Great Powers were still not giving up, for as long as they could break open the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, they would be able to arrange for their trusted subordinates to enter and enhance their cultivation levels.


    The time until the Demon Horn Tribe''s next invasion was not far off, and at this point, whoever could maximize the strength of their own forces would undoubtedly increase their chances of survival in the upcoming great war. Even in the long term, whoever controlled the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm might very well become the leading power in the Outer Battlefield, dominating the Human Realm was not out of the question.


    The assembly of great powers did not have to wait long before the four Token Keys were brought over. However, the First Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall did not make an appearance, luckily the Token itself was handed over.


    Seeing this, it seemed that the First Hall Master was not interested in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. The Second Hall Master, Bu Family Patriarch, Hong Wuji, and others were only too happy for it to be so. Otherwise, if the First Hall Master also joined the fight for the secret realm, they naturally would not be able to outcompete him.


    "Come on, all Four Great Powers together, activate the Token. Let''s see if we can open this secret realm. If that Ye brat could enter, I refuse to believe we can''t!"


    The Bu Family Patriarch took hold of the Token and clutched it tightly in his hand. Beside him, Hong Wuji and the elders from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects naturally wanted to snatch it away but were a step too late; after all, when it came to cultivation strength, the Bu Family Patriarch firmly suppressed them.


    "Very well, let''s open it together!"


    After speaking, the four top experts from the Four Great Powers directly soared into the sky, each taking up positions in four different directions. Then, they threw out the Tokens in their hands. Under the propulsion of their Spirit Essence and magic spells, the four Tokens immediately burst forth with dazzling white light.


    Four beams of light shot out and finally converged in front of them, forming a massive beam of light. Usually, as long as this beam of light appeared, the entrance to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm would manifest, but now there was not even a trace of the entrance, and the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm did not appear.


    "Damn it, are we really unable to open it? How exactly did that Ye brat get in?" the Bu Family Patriarch gritted his teeth and cursed angrily.


    "Let''s try again, and increase the output of Spirit Essence!" shouted the Yin-Yang Divine Master from Yin-Yang Temple coldly.


    Thereupon, the four experts once again increased their output of Spirit Essence, sending out four even more brilliant beams of white light from the Tokens, converging at the center to form a huge beam.


    Yet the sky remained tranquil without any sign of movement. The anticipated entrance did not appear, and naturally, they could not enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    "Damn it, what the hell is going on? If even four Tokens cannot open the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, how did that Ye kid get in?" Hong Wuji and others stomped in anger, their faces filled with frustration.


    "The key is that kid. He even took so many people in with him. It really is infuriating. It seems like he genuinely controls the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and we can no longer enter!" The great powers from the Vampire Divine Court and Yin-Yang Temple shouted furiously.


    "If even the Token cannot open it, it seems there really is no way. What should we do now?" asked the two elders from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects.


    Hong Wuji said ominously with a snort, "What else can we do but wait? I refuse to believe that the kid won''t come out!"


    "Wait? But until when? If that Ye kid never comes out, do we just wait here doing nothing?" A great power from Yin-Yang Temple asked with a cold sneer.


    "Enough, enough. That Ye Feng, he really does have incredible luck. He actually even managed to control such a treasure as the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. The Wizard Alliance gives up. There are less than two years left, we cannot waste time on this anymore, we need to plan thoroughly, and furthermore, the establishment of the Global Alliance must continue to move forward!"


    Having said that, the multitude of great powers from the Wizard Alliance took flight and left.


    "Consider this kid lucky. But my Vampire Divine Court will not let this slide, unless he hides in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for life, otherwise, the Vampire Divine Court will never let him off!" Having said that, people from the Vampire Divine Court also left one after another.


    "We''re leaving too, that Ye, just you wait!" Following that, Yin-Yang Temple also left.


    Soon after, the rest of the powers, big and small alike, dispersed, and Xuanyuan Hall naturally had to leave the scene reluctantly.


    This entire scene was fully witnessed by Ye Feng and Elder Bai inside the secret realm.


    "Still thinking of killing me? Today none of you can hold me back, and the day I emerge from the secret realm, who among you will be able to do anything to me!"


    Ye Feng thought with a cold smile, then turned to ask, "Elder Bai, is this the only entrance to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    In truth, Ye Feng knew that although the many great powers had left, they would certainly have plants and informants lurking around, monitoring. The moment he and his team exited, the Four Great Powers would likely be informed immediately.


    Elder Bai smiled faintly, "Of course not, in fact, deep within the secret realm there is another portal. There''s a saying: ''A sly rabbit has three burrows,'' it''s always good to have a backup plan."


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng laughed and nodded, "Good, if there''s another portal, then there''s nothing to worry about. Now, Elder Bai, tell me about your plan."


    After speaking, the two withdrew their gaze as the crowd outside had already gone, leaving nothing else worth watching.


    Above the Secret Realm Plaza, over a thousand people stood there, forming four squadrons. Among these thousand-plus individuals, a hundred or so had experienced the great battle at the Great Wall of Heaven. Of course, these people were now basically elite, and there were also quite a few experts of the Golden Core Realm present, forming the backbone of their force.

 Chapter 697 - 687: An Opportunity for a Challenge_2

    As for those brought into this realm, whether they are students from the Martial Academy, members of the Northern Border Army, or persons from the Valley of the Medicine God and the Flora Sect, their Cultivation Levels should generally be lower.


    Elder Bai slightly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, as you now know, there are not many Pulse Sources left in the secret realm. This old servant has managed to scrape together perhaps only the last four Pulse Sources, and even this comes at the cost of damaging the secret realm. Once these four Pulse Sources are depleted, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm will be thoroughly destroyed, and Spirit Essence Pools will no longer form in the future."


    "There''s less than two years left, we can''t worry about that now. However, I fear these four Pulse Sources won''t be enough for over a thousand people to break through to the Golden Core Realm," Ye Feng slightly furrowed his brow.


    "Naturally not enough. After all, for more than a thousand people to break through to the Golden Core Realm, the energy required is truly enormous. At most, only six hundred people can achieve the Golden Core Realm in two years!"


    At this point, Elder Bai suddenly added, "In fact, Your Majesty, the Cultivation Levels of these thousand people vary, and naturally, so do their talents. For those whose talents are just a bit lower, it is impossible for them to break through to the Golden Core Realm within these two years, even with a Spirit Essence Pool."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "I understand. It looks like we will have to go through a selection process next, picking out about six hundred with exceptional talent to enter the Spirit Essence Pool. As for the remaining four hundred, they will just have to cultivate in the square."


    "Exactly so. Your Majesty truly is the Chosen One, immediately grasping this old servant''s plan," praised Elder Bai.


    Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively and said, "Then, you arrange this matter. Inside the secret realm, there just happens to be a Stele for testing Talent Potential."


    Elder Bai immediately bowed and said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, this servant will handle this matter well!"


    Ye Feng slightly nodded and waved his hand. Elder Bai immediately called for the nine hundred or so people who had just entered to follow him.


    Soon, the vast square was left with only about a hundred people, whose clothes were generally torn and tattered. Many of them bore injuries; they were the ones who had fought on the Great Wall of Heaven battlefield, those who had survived the fierce slaughter.


    Originally, there were a full five hundred people, but now only a little over a hundred remained. As the ancient saying goes, ''of those sent to battle, few return.'' War is truly cruel, yet it cannot be avoided.


    After all, when the enemy is about to invade your homeland, poising to dominate your lands and enslave your wives and children, you must naturally stand up and resist. Surrender is absolutely not an option.


    "Attention!" Ye Feng suddenly shouted. The spirits of the people below immediately jolted, each of them standing up straight and proud, even those in pain bit their lips to bear it, not uttering a single word of complaint.


    These people had become the elite of the Northern Border Army and were the embodiment of the Military Soul.


    "We have won this great war, and we have survived. You have all done well. But the war is far from over. For our homeland, for our wives and children, the war must continue. As long as the Demon Horn Tribe covets the Human Realm, the battle must go on, and we must fight!" Ye Feng proclaimed, every word loud and clear.


    "Defend the Human Realm, protect our homeland!" The voices of the hundred or so people below erupted like a thunderous roar.


    "Two years, we have less than two years left. The Demon Horn Tribe will inevitably make a comeback, and the war will likely be even more brutal than before. So, to better protect our land, and to protect ourselves to the greatest extent possible, every one of us must train harder over these two years, improving our own Cultivation Levels."


    As Ye Feng spoke, his gaze suddenly locked onto a handsome young man below and he called out, "You, step forward!"


    The handsome young man immediately stood proud, went down on one knee, and bowed, "My lord, what are your orders?"


    Ye Feng said, "The Northern Border Army has always rewarded achievements and punished faults. In the recent defense battle at the Great Wall of Heaven, you showed valor, fighting bravely against the enemy and killing a total of thirteen Experts of the Golden Core Realm of the same level¡ªyour achievements are indeed outstanding. I hereby promote you to the Commander-in-Chief of the First Legion."


    "Thank you for your reward, my lord!" The handsome young man bowed and expressed his gratitude.


    Among the Four Great Legions of the Northern Border, aside from the Legion Commander, the next rank down is the Commander-in-Chief. Hence, the Commander-in-Chief is already a high-ranking officer.


    "By the way, what is your name, and where are you from?" Ye Feng asked.


    "Your subordinate is named Chu Huaimin, from Tiannan Jiang City," Chu Huaimin responded with another bow.


    "You''re from Jiangdu? A Chu by surname. Are you from that Chu Family of Jiangdu?" Ye Feng''s eyes suddenly sharpened.


    Chu Huaimin bowed again and said, "To reply to you, my lord, I am indeed from the Chu Family of Jiangdu. It was because you bestowed a Hidden Dragon Order upon my family that I was fortunate enough to enter the Northern Border Army, and after climbing the ranks through various trials, I was eventually selected to join the Outer Battlefield."


    Ye Feng was momentarily stunned as he recalled the past.


    He remembered that he had had conflicts with the Chu Family of Jiangdu and, at some point, he had taken action himself, bringing down the Chu Family''s patriarch. However, considering that he saw Chu Huaimin''s Innate Bone Talent was quite remarkable, he had given the Chu Family a Hidden Dragon Order.


    Furthermore, at that time, Ye Feng had said he would give Chu Huaimin three years to improve himself, after which Chu Huaimin would have an opportunity to challenge him, giving the Chu Family a chance to seek revenge.


    At this thought, Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling emotional. It seemed that in the blink of an eye, several years had passed, and this young man of the Chu Family had actually improved to such an extent. It appeared he had not been wrong about him; this young man was truly a cultivation prodigy.


    Ye Feng let a slight smile curl up at the corner of his mouth as he said, "Since you received the Hidden Dragon Order, you should know that there is an agreement between us."


    "There''s an agreement between us?" Chu Huaimin was taken aback.


    Seeing his reaction, Ye Feng immediately understood that the Chu Family probably hadn''t told the youngster about the challenge.


    "Are you aware that your grandfather died at my hands?"


    As Ye Feng said this, he suddenly added, "So when I gave your family the Hidden Dragon Order, I mentioned that I would give you three years, after which you would have one opportunity to challenge me. If I were defeated, you could avenge your grandfather, but if you lost, from then on you would pledge eternal loyalty to me!"


    In truth, defeating Ye Feng was almost an impossibility. Although Chu Huaimin''s talent was good, it paled in comparison to Ye Feng''s. Clearly, the gap was wide.


    However, Ye Feng made this offer because it served as a way for the Chu Family to step down gracefully, and more importantly, it was a chance for Chu Huaimin to dissolve the feud between their families completely.


    This was a highly intelligent way of managing people, and such a proposition presupposed having sufficient self-confidence. Clearly, Ye Feng was such a person, with the strength to back it up!


    Meanwhile, Chu Huaimin below was stunned and remained motionless.

 Chapter 698 - 688 My skin isnt itching

    ```


    Hearing that his lordship allowed Chu Huaimin to issue a challenge, the many soldiers descended from the heavens suddenly had their eyes shining, each one becoming incredibly excited.


    Even though they knew they could not defeat their lord, for the Northern King''s power was simply too great, if they could cross hands with him, even defeat would be an honor, and even something to boast about for a lifetime.


    Therefore, the scene suddenly became somewhat restless, with everyone eager to try their luck.


    Yet Chu Huaimin suddenly prostrated himself on the ground and cried out loudly, "My Lord''s magnanimity is like the sea, and although I was not of age back then, I knew a thing or two about the affairs of my family. Indeed, my grandfather was at fault with the Chu family. Even if I harbored hatred back then, over the years, as I came to understand my Lord, especially seeing my Lord bravely fighting the enemy on the Great Wall of Heaven, I realized how narrow-minded and petty the Chu Family was."


    The more Chu Huaimin spoke, the more agitated he became; his eyes even reddened. He took a breath and continued, "My Lord is dedicated to the Human Realm, even fighting to the death against the Demon Horn Tribe for the sake of the Human Race, unconcerned for his own life; such spirit and magnitude, if I still harbored resentment against my Lord, then what difference would I have from those ungrateful, selfish wretches!"


    "Well said!" Sima Zhantian, standing on both sides of the platform, suddenly bellowed out in response.


    Xiao Chuanqi nodded and said, "This youngster is not bad, he understands the greater good, and his Innate Bone Talent is also quite exceptional. I suddenly find myself appreciating him. Chu Huaimin, if you wouldn''t mind, why not come to my legion? Serve under me as a Commander-in-Chief."


    Chu Huaimin immediately clasped his hands together in thanks and said, "Thank you, Regiment Commander Xiao, for your recognition. I have long admired the Regiment Commander, and am overjoyed to enter your ranks."


    Sima Zhantian, however, was not pleased and cried out, "Hey, Xiao Chuanqi, are you trying to steal him from me? I was just about to say that I wanted to take him, but you''ve gone and snatched him away from me. Really now..."


    Leng Wuming couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle, "Alright, big guy, didn''t you hear that the Chu family kid has always admired Regiment Commander Xiao? What does this have to do with you?"


    "But..." naturally, Sima Zhantian was not convinced, though he had nothing more to say.


    Xiao Chuanqi, however, turned to Chu Huaimin and said, "Look at those soldiers down there, one by one, they''re all so excited. I think you feel the same way, and to be honest, so do I. I can hardly wait to have a go at our Lord, knowing full well that I cannot prevail, but to cross hands with such a figure is a great honor indeed, a big deal to brag about for a lifetime. Since you, lad, have such an honor, you must seize the opportunity."


    Indeed, Chu Huaimin was also very tempted, but he had concerns, and so he asked, "But wouldn''t this be disrespectful to our Lord?"


    Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but curse, "Damn it, I was starting to like you, kid, but seeing you all hesitant now, you don''t fit the bill for my ranks. What kind of person is our Lord? He always keeps his promises. Since he already made a promise, he will naturally not go back on his word."


    Xiao Chuanqi added, "As long as it is a promise from our Lord, of course, it wouldn''t be considered disrespectful. You go ahead and cross hands with our Lord; it''s a kind of training for you, and a rare opportunity."


    "Alright then, thanks for the reminder, both Commanders. I understand now. I want to challenge our Lord!" Chu Huaimin finally stood up.


    The hundreds of soldiers from the Northern Border Army and students from the Martial Academy below immediately cheered.


    Ye Feng finally smiled, since he was very clear that even if Chu Huaimin would be defeated in the end, he had to take up the challenge now. If he chose to back down today, he might leave a mental barrier in his heart, which over time could even turn into a Heart Demon.


    At low levels of cultivation it might not be apparent, but at the Yin-Yang Realm or higher, having a Heart Demon would be a terrifying matter.


    "Come on, attack with all your might; let me see what you''ve got!" Ye Feng beckoned with a wave of his hand.


    Over there, Chu Huaimin''s figure flashed onto the platform and he said with a bow, "Then, please forgive my boldness, your Lordship. Offense intended!"


    "Give it your all, no need to hold back, you have three chances to strike!" Ye Feng said with a smile.


    "Yes!" Chu Huaimin clenched his teeth with a resolute look in his eyes, showing that he was a man of strong will. In fact, if he weren''t determined, he wouldn''t have reached this point nor would he have achieved his current accomplishments.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, now completely reassured that Chu Huaimin was not pretending; his display wasn''t for show either.


    "My Lord, here I come!"


    With a cold shout from Chu Huaimin, the Spirit Essence in his body surged forth. He was now a Grandmaster of the Golden Core Realm, and although his foundation was still weak, his Talent was tremendous, and it seemed that he also had some of his own unique encounters.


    Suddenly, with a whoosh, Chu Huaimin left an afterimage on the spot and then disappeared into thin air.


    Upon seeing this, the onlookers below were astonished, and many exclaimed, "What happened? How did Chu Huaimin suddenly vanish into thin air?"


    "You''re asking me? Who am I to ask? This is too bizarre, I can''t even capture his elusive movements. But his aura is still there, he''s still on the platform, it''s just that we can''t see him!"


    Even Xiao Chuanqi was quite impressed and said, "This youngster seems to have cultivated a very profound Body Technique Martial Skill. Even I can only vaguely feel his movements; weaker experts from the Golden Core Realm probably can''t see him at all."


    Leng Wuming nodded and sighed, "No wonder this kid stood out during the battle at the Great Wall of Heaven. Aside from anything else, just based on this profound Body Technique Martial Skill, he would be enough to give many experts of the Golden Core Realm a headache. At the same level, few probably could match his terrifying speed of movement."


    At this point, Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but ask, "With such a subtle movement technique, our Lord might not be able to handle it, right?"


    Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming grinned and said, "What do you think? If even we can vaguely sense it, could our Lord not see through his movement trajectory? It''s just that the people below can''t see through it, our Lord certainly can. After all, our Lord''s Power is so profound and strong now, he has long surpassed us by far too much."


    And as everyone below kept discussing, Ye Feng still stood there with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm and unruffled, his tranquility laced with a faint smile.


    ```


    Suddenly, with a swooshing sound, Chu Huaimin appeared out of thin air beside Ye Feng and a golden dagger thrust directly towards Ye Feng''s neck.


    This assassination attempt was incredibly sublime and could even be described as a certain kill. Many soldiers below saw this and exclaimed in shock, some even covering their eyes.


    One must admit that Chu Huaimin''s attack was very powerful, one that many ordinary experts of the Golden Core Realm would likely find very difficult to resist.


    However, Ye Feng was no ordinary Golden Core expert and was even beyond a normal Grandmaster of the Yin-Yang Realm, so naturally, he couldn''t be injured so easily.


    Just when Chu Huaimin''s dagger was about to strike, Ye Feng''s entire body turned into ripples and suddenly vanished into thin air.


    This was truly disappearing without a trace!


    There was no path to follow, and not only were the soldiers below unable to see through it, but even Xiao Chuanqi and others on the stage could not discern how Ye Feng had disappeared.


    "Gai Jiuyou, did you see the trajectory of His Majesty''s movement technique? His Majesty''s aura is still above the ring, and it''s not Void Teleportation, so he must have used a body technique," Xiao Chuanqi suddenly turned his head towards Gai Jiuyou.


    Indeed, from the beginning, Gai Jiuyou had been standing there like a statue, his expression cold with a head of disheveled long hair, giving off an aloof and unruly air.


    Although Gai Jiuyou had not been in the Northern Border in recent years, his renown was even greater than Xiao Chuanqi''s and, due to some special reasons, Gai Jiuyou''s combat power was the strongest among the Four Great Legion Commanders.


    However, Gai Jiuyou was naturally aloof and cold, not prone to casual talk, so many in the Northern Border Army were both in awe and afraid of him.


    It wasn''t until Xiao Chuanqi spoke to him that Gai Jiuyou slightly opened his eyes and said, "I can only catch a glimpse."


    After saying that, he closed his eyes again, but Sima Zhantian called out, "All three of us couldn''t see clearly, and you can catch a glimpse. It seems you might be a bit stronger than us."


    Gai Jiuyou suddenly said languidly, "It''s not just a bit stronger, but much stronger. If you''re not convinced, we can have a fight later on."


    Sima Zhantian threw up his hands, "I don''t want to fight with you, my skin is not itching."


    Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming both just smiled bitterly upon hearing this. In fact, they had to admit that Gai Jiuyou was much stronger than the three of them.


    At this moment, Chu Huaimin, after missing his strike, was slightly stunned. It seemed he was quite surprised that His Majesty could so easily evade his killing blow.


    Just then, Ye Feng''s figure suddenly appeared ten meters away, smiling faintly, "Your movement technique is good, but you need to pay attention to the use of Spirit Essence. Focusing solely on pushing your movement technique to the limit without integrating your own aura and Spirit Essence into it is like a bucket; though the bucket is large, it has weak spots, and it won''t hold much water."


    Chu Huaimin''s talent was indeed remarkable, upon being reminded, he immediately came to an understanding, clasping his hands and saying, "Thank you for the guidance, Your Majesty. I understand now."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "You have two moves left, come at me again!"


    Chu Huaimin closed his eyes in contemplation for a moment, then with a swooshing sound, his figure once again disappeared into thin air.


    Xiao Chuanqi narrowed his eyes, sighing and saying, "This young man really has impressive talent, to grasp what His Majesty said so quickly. His speed has not only increased, but he''s also completely integrated his Spirit Essence into his body technique martial skill. This is significant progress."


    Leng Wuming also exclaimed, "Indeed, I can feel that his aura has weakened. If he continues to train this way, he might really become a king of assassins, and then even we will have to be careful facing him!"


    All at once, Chu Huaimin reappeared out of nowhere and made his move again, but with his current Cultivation Strength, it was naturally impossible for him to be an opponent for Ye Feng, who deftly dodged the next two moves.


    "Thank you for the instructive fight, Your Majesty. I''ve learned a lot from this exchange!" After the three moves, Chu Huaimin immediately knelt on one knee and clasped his hands together.


    "Rise, your talent is good. It seems that this body technique martial skill is a fortunate encounter for you. Follow this path well," Ye Feng gestured with his hand.


    "Yes!" Chu Huaimin stood up and walked behind Xiao Chuanqi. Henceforth, he would probably follow Xiao Chuanqi, since Chu Huaimin was not yet qualified to follow Ye Feng directly on his present plane.


    "Cao Tian, step forward!" Ye Feng turned.


    Cao Tian was Boss Cao''s grandson and had also performed well in the defense of the Great Wall of Heaven. His Talent Cultivation and age were similar to Chu Huaimin''s.


    In fact, it was clear to everyone that the Sovereign was not only rewarding merits but also cultivating the next generation of young leaders.


    Just then, Gai Jiuyou suddenly spoke, "Let this young man, Cao Tian, come to me. From now on, he will follow me."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and turned to Cao Tian, "You are to serve under Regiment Commander Gai Jiuyou as Commander-in-Chief. Are you willing?"


    "This subordinate is willing, thank you for Your Majesty''s reward!" Cao Tian immediately knelt to the ground.


    Following that, Ye Feng rewarded a few more people based on their military achievements, and then this grand assembly finally concluded.

 Chapter 699 - 689 Three Months of Recuperation

    Just after Ye Feng finished rewarding his subordinates, Elder Bai had also used the testing stele to determine everyone''s talent.


    Following that, according to Ye Feng''s regulations, Elder Bai selected over six hundred individuals with stronger talents to enter the Spirit Essence Pool. As for the remaining three hundred or so people, they were arranged to stay in the plaza.


    Naturally, no one objected to such arrangements since Elder Bai had already made it clear to everyone in advance, following Ye Feng''s instructions¡ªadherence to the test of talent would ensure fairness and equity. There was to be no favoritism nor unjust exclusion of anyone.


    Having completed all this, Elder Bai''s figure flickered, and he appeared in front of Ye Feng, saying, "Sovereign, everything has been arranged on that end: six hundred and eight people have entered the Spirit Essence Pool, and the rest are in the plaza."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Elder Bai."


    Elder Bai immediately bowed and said, "It is my duty to do so. By the way, Sovereign, I still need to maintain the operation of the Pulse Source, so I''m afraid I won''t be able to appear at will for the time being. If you have any instructions, you can directly command this old servant."


    Ye Feng thought for a moment and said, "From now on, Elder Bai, you should just call me your lord. Calling me ''Sovereign'' is too awkward."


    "This..." Elder Bai obviously felt somewhat uncomfortable since he had become accustomed to it.


    "That''s settled then. Go and attend to your tasks!" Ye Feng waved his hand.


    "As you command, my lord!" In the end, Elder Bai chose to accept it, as in the end, it was just a title.


    In fact, Ye Feng could see that Elder Bai''s true loyalty was not to himself, but to that person from over two thousand years ago. Elder Bai obeyed him only because Ye Feng had cultivated that person''s cultivation technique and was regarded as the inheritor of the Sovereign of the Human Race from two thousand years prior.


    Of course, Ye Feng wouldn''t care to reveal this point; after all, he still needed Elder Bai at the moment.


    Moreover, Ye Feng also had confidence that he could achieve what the person from over two thousand years ago did¡ªresist the invasion of the Demon Horn Tribe and keep the entire Human Realm safe!


    Afterward, Ye Feng turned to look at the remaining hundred or so people. In fact, not everyone among those left had reached the Golden Core Realm despite having been on the battlefield. He then arranged for the remaining sixty-plus soldiers who were not yet at the Golden Core Realm to enter the Spirit Essence Pool.


    These individuals'' cultivation realms were already not low, and with the additional experience from battlefield combat and the aid of the Spirit Essence Pool, it was virtually certain that they would break through to the Golden Core Realm within two years.


    "All remaining experts of the Golden Core Realm, follow me!" Ye Feng waved a Great Hand, and immediately he swept forward, moving towards the back.


    The others quickly followed suit, and soon, they arrived at the Inner Courtyard.


    The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was actually quite vast, and the environment of the Inner Courtyard was even more exquisite and elegant. There was a lake as bright as a mirror, but of course, it was only a common lake, not the Spirit Essence Pool.


    Ye Feng sat in the pavilion in front of the lake. In fact, this was the traveling palace of the person from over two thousand years ago, so it was fully furnished with all kinds of objects.


    Xiao Chuanqi and the other Four Great Legion Commanders stood by his side, with a Commander-in-Chief following each of the Four Great Legion Commanders, who had just been selected.


    Ye Feng looked up at everyone and said in a resonant voice, "Intentionally not arranging for you to enter the Spirit Essence Pool, you all must understand the reason, right?"


    There weren''t many people present. Even including Xiao Chuanqi, the Four Great Legion Commanders, and Hong Qingyan, there were only about fifty people. In other words, Ye Feng''s team totaled only about fifty experts of the Golden Core Realm, which was far too few.


    What''s more, there were hardly any High-Level Experts or Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, except for Ye Feng himself, who could contend against such powers. Even Gai Jiuyou might not be a match for the Yin-Yang Realm, so overall, his strength was still too weak.


    Once the Demon Horn Tribe launched a large-scale offensive against the Human Realm, the strength Ye Feng would be able to bring to bear was far too insignificant; with so few, he would be unable to withstand the Demon Horn Tribe''s massive army.


    Cao Tian immediately bowed and said, "To report to my lord, now that we''re all at the Golden Core Realm, absorbing more Spirit Essence Energy from the Spirit Essence Pool is no longer much benefit to our cultivation. Hence, it''s better to make room for other soldiers who need it more, so as to maximize its effectiveness."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "What you said is correct, but that''s only one aspect."


    "There''s another aspect?" The crowd around became curious.


    Ye Feng''s expression remained calm, and with a flip of his hand, more than fifty Storage Magic Treasures appeared on the pavilion''s table. These Storage Magic Treasures came in various forms, including storage rings, necklaces, and even nose rings.


    Someone immediately recognized them and exclaimed, "These are... the storage rings of the Demon Horn Tribe, right? These nose rings and earrings, only the Demon Horn Tribe people like these styles."


    As everyone stared at the table filled with rings, they all marveled, "We never imagined, my lord, that you had taken so many Storage Magic Treasures from the Demon Horn Tribe. It''s unbelievable! When did this happen?"


    With a slight smile, Ye Feng said, "At the time of the truce between the two armies, I forbade you from plundering the battlefield. Did you really think I was that foolish? In fact, at that time, the real treasures had already been taken by some experts. For instance, these storage rings, while battling and slaying the enemy experts of the Yin-Yang or Golden Core Realm, I had already helped myself."

 Chapter 700 - 689 Three Months of Recuperation_2

    At that moment, Chu Huaimin suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Oh no, I''m such a fool. Why didn''t I think of taking their Storage Magic Treasures from the bodies of the slain Experts of the Golden Core Realm? I''ve really outdone myself in stupidity."


    Cao Tian also said, "Indeed, I didn''t think of that either. I also killed a few Demon Horn Tribe Experts of the Golden Core Realm but didn''t think to take their Storage Magic Treasures."


    Hearing this, Xiao Chuanqi laughed heartily, "That''s why, you young fellows, there''s still much for you to learn from our lord. But you''re not in our lord''s position; you don''t know he has to manage such a large team, there are too many things to consider. Playing both the father and the mother''s role is indeed not easy."


    Sima Zhantian couldn''t help but retort, "You''re not in our lord''s position either, how would you know it''s not easy for him?"


    Xiao Chuanqi was momentarily stunned, then laughed and cursed after a while, "You blockhead, it seems I haven''t beaten you up in a while - are you itching for a punishment, daring to tease me now?"


    Many soldiers below, seeing this scene, all burst into laughter. In fact, despite the Northern Border Army''s strict military discipline during marches and battles, the people were quite down-to-earth in private, including the Four Great Legion Commanders, who were very approachable, fostering a very harmonious atmosphere.


    Perhaps this was also the reason why the Northern Border Army was the mightiest force in the Xuanyuan Nation or even the entire Human Realm.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Alright, everyone come over and choose a Storage Magic Treasure. Of course, I haven''t closely inspected these items; I''ve only erased the original owner''s mark. So it''s like drawing a blind box for you all - whether you get something better or not is down to your own luck."


    Having said that, he paused, then Ye Feng suddenly added, "However, to better utilize these treasures, if there''s something in the Storage Magic Treasure you don''t need, you can exchange it with others. If you''re worried about making private exchanges, you can ask the Four Great Legion Commanders to witness the trade."


    "Great, our lord''s method is good!" The crowd below praised in unison.


    Suddenly someone suggested, "I think we should ask Legion Commander Gai to be the witness, as Lord Gai is known for his strictness and no one would dare to cheat in front of him - otherwise, they would be sure to be executed by his blade without a doubt!"


    At that time, even the usually stern Gai Jiuyou couldn''t help but laugh at the comment.


    With Ye Feng''s instruction, everyone stepped up to receive a Storage Magic Treasure, including the Four Great Legion Commanders.


    Seeing the Storage Magic Treasures in their hands, the many soldiers were undoubtedly delighted, as these were storages of the Experts of the Golden Core Realm. Moreover, the Demon Horn Tribe''s cultivation resources were far more abundant than those in the Human Realm, so the treasures within those storages were naturally very generous.


    Gai Jiuyou reached out with his Great Hand and grabbed the last Storage Magic Treasure out of thin air. After giving it a brief look, he tossed it towards Cao Tian: "I have no use for this trinket. I''ll leave it to you."


    Seeing this, all below cast envious glances toward Cao Tian. Despite Gai Jiuyou''s usual seriousness and cold demeanor, he had a very kind heart, especially towards his subordinates. It was for this reason that his prestige within the Northern Border Army was second only to Ye Feng.


    Xiao Chuanqi, Leng Wuming, and Sima Zhantian, the four Legion Commanders, didn''t feel right taking another Storage Magic Treasure for themselves, so they each handed theirs over to their respective Commanders-in-Chief, which caused another uproar of approval among the many soldiers, and of course, further stimulated their combat enthusiasm.


    At that moment, Ye Feng suddenly flipped his hand and produced four Brocade Boxes.


    Four black Brocade Boxes, with their lids covering the contents inside, it was not clear what Treasure was within, but seeing the lord''s solemn manner, it could be inferred that the contents of the Brocade Boxes were no ordinary items.


    "You four have followed me through life and death over the years without any substantial reward. These four Brocade Boxes are gifts for you!" Ye Feng said, and with a gentle flick of his right hand the four Brocade Boxes neatly arrived in front of the Four Great Legion Commanders.


    "Our lord, what are these?" Xiao Chuanqi was still inquiring, but the impetuous Sima Zhantian had already opened his Brocade Box.


    In an instant, wisps of Origin Energy wafted out from the Brocade Box.


    "Is this... Origin Energy?" The Four Great Legion Commanders, along with everyone below, changed expressions.


    Without hesitation, Sima Zhantian closed the Brocade Box and said, "Our lord, these are all Origin Energy, which is extremely precious. Moreover, you need them even more than we do - we cannot accept this!"


    Xiao Chuanqi and Leng Wuming also spoke up, "Indeed, our lord, this is too precious. Moreover, you need it more than anyone!"


    In fact, this Origin Energy was much more advanced than Spirit Essence Energy. After breaking through and completely stabilizing the Golden Core Realm, absorbing Spirit Essence for cultivation would be much slower. If one followed the normal cultivation process, it would take decades or even a century to break through from the Golden Core Realm to the Yin-Yang Mirror.


    Additionally, those who managed to break through needed to have exceptional Talent, which was as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns, indicating how difficult it was to advance to the Yin-Yang Realm.


    However, with Origin Energy, it was different. Origin Energy could not only purify Spirit Essence but also condense and refine the Golden Core. While it might not greatly aid in increasing Realm, it could solidify one''s foundation, significantly increase the chances of successfully breaking through to the Yin-Yang Realm, and even shorten the required time.


    This clearly illustrated the value of Origin Energy!


    "I still have some of this stuff, so you don''t need to push it away. Just take it!" Ye Feng said, again pushing the Brocade Boxes towards them with a wave of his hand.


    This time, the Four Great Legion Commanders didn''t decline again, knowing full well the resolve of their own lord. Once a gift was given by the lord, it wasn''t taken back.


    "The amount of this Origin Energy is after all too limited. I can only give it to the Four Great Legion Commanders for the time being. In the future, if I can obtain more, I will distribute it according to merit!" Ye Feng turned his gaze towards the many soldiers below.


    The soldiers below, while envious, also understood the value of this thing and naturally the rationale behind their lord''s decision.


    "Alright, dismissed. In the coming period, everyone should focus on your cultivation. Enter into secluded cultivation to recuperate for three months. After three months, I will determine the timing and then lead you out!" Ye Feng directly gave the order. After all, it''s not practical for these Experts of the Golden Core Realm to remain in the sanctuary indefinitely.


    Since little advancement can be made in the sanctuary, it''s necessary to go out into the field for combat experience as this is how one can maximally enhance their power and Cultivation Level. Furthermore, there are large unexplored areas in the Outer Battlefield, and it was natural for Ye Feng to want to investigate them in the meantime.

 Chapter 701 - 690: Lets See How This Egg Is Doing

    After handling the matters, Ye Feng swiftly carried Hong Qingyan and flashed towards the back.


    Behind them was the sleeping palace, which in fact had become Ye Feng''s forbidden area. Now, without his permission, no one could reach this place.


    The sleeping palace was extremely luxurious, with meticulously crafted pavilions and buildings all around. Of course, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan were not in the mood to appreciate and roam around, coming here was solely to enjoy their private world together, since it had been a long time since they had truly been alone together.


    Setting aside the period when Hong Qingyan was in a coma, even before that due to Hong Qingyan''s lineage, the Ancient Hong Clan was thrown into chaos, so the time they had to be alone was actually not much.


    The sleeping palace had a bed, and after being apart for so long, when they saw the bed, there was no need for words¡ªthey directly collapsed onto it. The sounds of the trembling bed emanated for three days straight, after which they emerged from it, content and satisfied, and went to the courtyard outside.


    Hong Qingyan leaned against the railing and gazed at the scenery ahead, suddenly speaking gently, "You rewarded all your subordinates just now, did you perhaps forget something?"


    "Forgot something?" Ye Feng was taken aback, but instantly realized the implication and laughed, "I know, with that look of silent reproach in your eyes, how could I possibly forget about you!"


    As he spoke, Ye Feng casually flipped his hand, and three brocade boxes and an exquisite ring appeared in his palm.


    "This ring, I snatched from a Second Seal Onmyoji, it held the richest collection of treasures, and I saved it especially for you." Ye Feng handed over the ring, naturally not putting it on Hong Qingyan''s finger because it was, after all, plucked from a dead man.


    Hong Qingyan received it and inspected it carefully, loving it immensely.


    However, Ye Feng sighed, "Speaking of which, I have never bought you a real ring, one that belongs to you and me¡ªour wedding ring. But rest assured, I will forge a unique ring for you in this world!"


    Hong Qingyan nodded and then suddenly added, "Actually, I don''t care much for these things. All that matters to me is that we can have a good life together."


    Ye Feng held her hand and said, "Don''t worry, in the next two years, I will surely find a way to withstand the Demon Horn Tribe''s assault and protect our homeland!"


    Hong Qingyan hummed in agreement, then sighed, "But don''t put too much pressure on yourself. Do what you can, for in these matters, it''s ultimately up to fate."


    As her cultivation level continued to rise, Hong Qingyan saw many things more openly and had her own unique insights into many issues.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and then handed over the three brocade boxes.


    But Hong Qingyan pushed them back, shaking her head, "You also need this Origin Energy, and you need it more than I do. Keep it for yourself."


    "Take it, then go into secluded cultivation, and strive to consolidate your cultivation level. That way, you should be able to fully control your Bloodline Inheritance Wings of Light, and when the great war genuinely breaks out, I can be a bit more at ease."


    When Ye Feng said this, he continued, "Don''t worry about me. In fact, this Origin Energy is not that beneficial for me anymore."


    "Is that really the case? You wouldn''t be deceiving me, would you?" asked Hong Qingyan.


    "Of course, it is. When have I ever deceived you?" Ye Feng sighed.


    Only then did Hong Qingyan stop declining and took the three brocade boxes and put them into her Storage Magic Treasure, suddenly laughing, "By the way, Big Brother Ye, have you forgotten about someone else?"


    Ye Feng knew she was referring to Yu Feiyu, but at the moment Yu Feiyu had already gone into secluded cultivation.


    The relationship between him and Yu Feiyu was somewhat awkward. Officially, they were mentor and student, but Yu Feiyu''s attitude towards Ye Feng was something even a blind man could see; it''s just that Ye Feng had never made his stance clear.


    Even when the Valley Master of the Valley of the Medicine God, Yu Xianhe, had explicitly proposed to accept him as the Valley''s son-in-law, Ye Feng still did not agree.


    Hong Qingyan had naturally noticed all this, but she didn''t say much about it, often pretending not to see, because Yu Feiyu also showed kindness towards her, caring for her all this time she was in a coma in the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    "You mean Yu Feiyu, right? I have one last brocade box left; when she comes out of seclusion, you can pass it on to her for me!" Ye Feng said as he handed another brocade box to Hong Qingyan.


    Hong Qingyan didn''t decline, took it with a nod, and replied, "Don''t worry, I will tell her."


    In fact, Hong Qingyan passing it on was naturally better than Ye Feng giving it to Yu Feiyu directly; it could prevent Yu Feiyu from having any wild thoughts.


    "I''m going into secluded cultivation. If there''s anything¡ªor nothing at all¡ªsimply send a message to me!" Ye Feng said and then darted deeper inside.


    Behind the sleeping chamber lay a Daoist training ground, which was in fact the place where the Sovereign of the Human Race had engaged in secluded cultivation more than two thousand years ago; it was Ye Feng''s first time visiting this place.


    Even Elder Bai had no authority to enter here, with Ye Feng being the only one who could reach it.


    The training ground was constructed based on the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams principle, but many things were no longer present; only a meditation mat remained at the very center.


    With a swift movement, Ye Feng arrived and sat upon the meditation mat.


    Originally, this Daoist training ground was connected to eight Pulse Sources and was truly a treasure land where Feng Shui converged, but now the eight Pulse Sources had been redirected by Elder Bai to other places, leaving this area quite ordinary.


    Of course, Ye Feng did not need Pulse Sources for cultivation. After all, at his current level of Cultivation, not to mention Spirit Essence Energy, even Origin Energy had little effect on him.


    That was because the concentration of the Spirit Essence within him was already exceptionally high, and the grade of its refinement was also very advanced; the extent to which Origin Energy could enhance it was limited. Moreover, concerning the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, advancing beyond two thousand nine hundred acupoints had become exceedingly difficult, even breakthroughs were arduous.


    Previously, Ye Feng had absorbed a great amount of Origin Energy, yet it only resulted in unlocking ten more acupoints; advancing further was even more challenging.


    However, apart from that, Ye Feng also possessed the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, an exceptionally ancient relic, even predating the era of the Sovereign of the Human Race from more than two thousand years ago, and naturally, it was far more powerful and mysterious.


    In fact, it was precisely due to the assistance of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll that Ye Feng had repeatedly survived perilous situations and cultivated at such a swift pace, ultimately reaching his current Cultivation Realm.


    At this very moment, Ye Feng could clearly feel tiny strands of white energy continuously converging towards the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. Although the quantity was slight and the speed of gathering slow, the flow was steady and persistent, especially with the amount and rate increasing even more over the past few days.


    In truth, Ye Feng did not fully understand what this white energy was¡ªit seemed similar to Luck.


    The appearance of this energy was due to his practice of the cultivation techniques from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. Indeed, the scroll contained three layers of cultivation techniques: the first layer, which Ye Feng was cultivating now, was the Emperor''s Dao; the second was the Dao of the Immortal King; and the final layer was the Path of the Divine King!


    Yet despite practicing for so long, Ye Feng remained at the first layer, far from reaching Great Perfection, with no knowing when he might enter the second layer of cultivation.


    According to the circumstances of the Emperor''s Dao Technique, these white energies were likely related to Ye Feng''s own influence. For instance, his reputation was growing nationally and even globally, and as the overall strength of his subordinates increased, the emergence and gathering of white energy gradually amplified.


    Thanks to the accumulation over this period, a significant amount of white energy had been stored on the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Ye Feng sat cross-legged on the meditation mat, quietly bringing his mind and spirit into a serene, almost ethereal state, and then began to draw upon these white energies to cultivate the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints.


    Indeed, as Ye Feng had anticipated, this white energy was of a far higher grade than the Origin Energy he had used before, and naturally, the cultivation results were much better.


    Thus, while he absorbed the white energy to continue his practice of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, he also used them to further condense and refine his Spirit Essence.


    Time trickled by, and three days blinked away.


    On the morning of the third day, Ye Feng opened his eyes, forced to leave his Cultivation State, as the white energy accumulated in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll over these three days had once again been completely absorbed by him.


    "The speed of their emergence is still too slow, and the quantity too meager," Ye Feng couldn''t help shaking his head in resignation.


    Indeed, to Ye Feng alone did this speed seem slow; during these three days, he had not only unlocked ten additional acupoints, but the Spirit Essence within his body had become more condensed and pure¡ªimproving to one third of its capacity. In other words, his Combat Power had improved by nearly a third.


    Had any Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm known of this, they would have been taken aback, even bewildered, since at such an advanced level, further augmenting one''s Combat Power in a mere few days was virtually impossible¡ªit would take at least several months or even years.


    Yet for Ye Feng, just three days yielded tremendous progress.


    Ye Feng remained seated cross-legged on the meditation mat and chose not to end his secluded cultivation since presumably, others were still in their own states of secluded cultivation, and a considerable time remained until the agreed-upon three months were up.


    He once again attempted Inner Vision, examining his Sea of Consciousness; the Mental Power Nucleus showed no change.


    It had to be acknowledged that, in comparison to the Art of Acupoints, cultivating the Mental Power Nucleus was undoubtedly much more difficult, the techniques far fewer. Up to now, regarding cultivation related to spiritual power, Ye Feng still hadn''t grasped the essence and could only let it take its natural course.


    Unable to cultivate the Mental Power Nucleus, Ye Feng suddenly found himself uncertain of his next course of action. Of course, it wasn''t a good time to seek out others; he scanned the entire secret realm with a glance, noting that everyone was still diligently practicing, so it was naturally not the right time to disturb them.


    "Ah, let''s see how this egg is doing!" Ye Feng thought to himself, and the Dragon Egg appeared in his hand out of thin air.

 Chapter 702 - 691: Comprehending the Void Dragon Claw!

    The Dragon Egg felt heavy in his grasp, yet there were still no signs of it cracking, only that the patterns on it had become even clearer.


    "The amount of energy this Dragon Egg is absorbing is just enormous. If it keeps going like this, and absorbs all the energy stored in the storage ring, it might become even more terrifying than the a Great Power of the Void Realm!" Ye Feng couldn''t even begin to imagine.


    What kind of being would the Little Dragon become once it hatches? Would it be comparable to a Great Power of the Void Realm right from birth?


    However, this was to be expected; after all, that Five-clawed Golden Dragon was no ordinary creature. A mere breath from its mouth was already so horrifying.


    Of course, even though there were still plenty of multicolored energies left in the storage ring and various types of Energy Stones, Ye Feng never entertained the thought of taking those treasures for himself, as the Old Dragon had instructed that those items were meant for the Dragon Egg and were not to be used by anyone else.


    Having promised someone, or more accurately, having promised a dragon, Ye Feng naturally intended to keep that promise.


    As Ye Feng let his mind wander, he continued to examine the patterns on the Dragon Egg. The more he looked, the more he felt that there was something unusual about them.


    This was, after all, a Dragon Egg, and the Five-clawed Golden Dragon was likely a very formidable race. So, it made sense that these patterns appearing on the Dragon Egg had some tricks to them.


    Ye Feng simply propped his chin with one hand, reviewing the patterns over and over again. In fact, he had already gained some insight the last time, feeling that these twisted lines looked more like Dragon Claws.


    However, at that time, it was just a concept without deep comprehension; now, the more he looked, the more they seemed to resemble claws, and these Dragon Claws appeared to be quite special.


    He became so immersed in observing the patterns on the Dragon Egg that time slowly slipped by, and before he knew it, more than ten days had passed.


    During this period, Ye Feng didn''t even change his posture, not even blinking, completely absorbed in a state of self-forgetfulness.


    With his continuous observation, the patterns on the Dragon Egg shell were now clearly imprinted in his mind.


    Gradually, in the Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace, lines began to emerge, these golden patterns changing and interweaving as if moving according to Ye Feng''s will.


    "No, that''s not right, it shouldn''t be like this, let''s rearrange them!" Ye Feng suddenly shook his head, talking to himself.


    As his consciousness continued to shift, the golden lines in the Sea of Consciousness intertwined and morphed again, slowly resembling the patterns on the Dragon Egg shell.


    It faintly looked like a Golden Dragon Claw!


    But at that moment, four big characters suddenly appeared in Ye Feng''s mind: "Void Dragon Claw!"


    The sudden appearance of these four characters in his consciousness took Ye Feng by surprise, but he finally understood that the patterns on the Dragon Egg were indeed extraordinary; they were truly part of a Cultivation Method and Martial Technique¡ªand this technique was the Void Dragon Claw!


    Moreover, this was a martial skill that only a Great Power of the Void Realm could execute, or to put it another way, a technique whose power could rival a blow from a Great Power of the Void Realm.


    "Void Dragon Claw, striking across the void, is truly unpredictable. Even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, at their Peak Realm, cannot resist or evade it because this is a martial skill that can only be executed by a Great Power of the Void Realm!"


    Ye Feng''s heart was racing with excitement; however, at that moment, he suddenly felt his spiritual power rapidly depleting. His complexion turned extremely pale, and his head throbbed painfully, almost as if it was going to explode.


    "This isn''t good. My spiritual power is still too weak. Just observing and practicing in my mind has already consumed too much spiritual power. I must stop!"


    Ye Feng was startled and forcibly withdrew from that state of comprehension. He immediately began regulating his breath, and after half a day, he had fully recovered.


    "This Void Dragon Claw is too powerful. Just by observing and practicing it in my Sea of Consciousness, I nearly couldn''t bear it. It truly lives up to being a martial skill at the level of a Great Power of the Void Realm!"


    Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes, filled with both awe and helplessness, because he knew that with his current Cultivation Realm, he was probably still unable to execute this Void Dragon Claw.


    "However, this Void Dragon Claw has already been slightly modified by me. From now on, let''s just call it the Claw of the Void," Ye Feng said with a slight smile before putting the Dragon Egg back into the storage ring.


    It seemed that the Dragon Egg still had quite a long time before it would hatch, but he had already fully imprinted the patterns on it in his mind and comprehended them, so observing the Dragon Egg shell wasn''t very significant anymore.


    "It looks like it''s necessary to focus on enhancing the Mental Power Nucleus next. As long as I take it up a notch, I should be able to execute the Claw of the Void!" Ye Feng contemplated.


    Nearly a month had gone by, and with two months left before the three-month agreement, Ye Feng had no intention to come out of his secluded cultivation. Instead, he closed his eyes again and continued to refine and perfect the Claw of the Void.


    But just after completing one round of refinement, Ye Feng experienced another bout of mental exhaustion. He had to interrupt the exercise and took another three days of breath regulation to recover.


    After ten days of this cycle, Ye Feng was surprised to find that the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace had grown slightly larger.


    "It seems that repeatedly using the Mental Power Nucleus can actually temper the mind, enhancing this very core!" Ye Feng rejoiced in his heart, for there had been a considerable period where his spiritual power had not advanced at all, but now he saw a glimmer of hope.


    However, this joy did not last long, as Ye Feng eventually discovered that, with continual refinement and perfection of the Claw of the Void, his Mental Power Nucleus could essentially withstand the strain. Although this meant a further strengthening of his mental prowess, it also signified that this method of tempering could no longer be continued.


    "Well, I''ll have to think of other methods then," Ye Feng sighed inwardly.


    Yet at this moment, Ye Feng suddenly felt an urge to unleash the Claw of the Void, especially after three months of deduction, now that it was almost complete and his Mental Power Nucleus had also been enhanced. Perhaps it could withstand it after all.


    Nevertheless, in the end, Ye Feng managed to suppress the impulse. It was too risky without sufficient assurance; should any damage occur to his Mental Power Nucleus, the loss would surely outweigh the gain.


    Considering the time, it was about right. Ye Feng''s figure soared up and he left the Cultivation Training Ground, heading to the outside chambers.


    To Ye Feng''s surprise, in the chambers, Hong Qingyan was chatting and laughing with Yu Feiyu, their conversation lively and animated.


    "Ah, Master, you''ve come out of secluded cultivation," Yu Feiyu was the first to react.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly as he walked over, his gaze naturally sweeping over Yu Feiyu, "Well done. In three months, your Cultivation Realm has completely stabilized and the foundation is much stronger than before. Keep striving to reach Great Perfection, then break through and become a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm."


    Yu Feiyu said with a smile, "That''s only because of the Origin Energy you gave me, Master. Otherwise, I couldn''t have progressed this fast."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Hong Qingyan. It had to be said that as a descendant of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan, Hong Qingyan''s talent for cultivation was indeed exceptional. With the aid of the Origin Energy from the three Brocade Boxes, her aura had become even more harmonious and formidable.


    "By now, you should be fully capable of controlling the Wings of Light, right?" Ye Feng asked.


    Hong Qingyan nodded slightly, "Almost. At least now, after using it, there won''t be any side effects, and the time duration is no longer as limiting."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, "Of course it can''t be without limit, since it''s a Technique of Bloodline Inheritance. Even the Innate Divine Ability of the Demon Horn Tribe''s tentacles talent has a time limit."


    Yu Feiyu exclaimed, "Sister Qingyan really does have amazing talent. At this rate, it might not be long before she can break through to the Yin-Yang Realm."


    Hong Qingyan laughed bitterly, "It''s not that easy. The Yin-Yang Realm is no trivial matter compared to the Golden Core Realm. To break through, one must comprehend the Power of Yin-Yang, and I still have no concept of it. It seems out of reach for at least the next five years!"


    "No, Feiyu is right," Ye Feng interjected, "you must all strive to break through to the Yin-Yang Realm as soon as possible, within two years at most, before the collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven. Not just you, Qingyan, but also Feiyu, as well as Xiao Chuanqi and the rest, must all break through to the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    Ye Feng continued with a long sigh, "Only if all of you break through the Yin-Yang Mirror, will you stand a chance of survival in the upcoming great battle. After all, the Golden Core Realm is still too weak."


    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu both fell silent upon hearing this; the topic introduced by Ye Feng was indeed heavy.


    They were all aware that once the Great Wall of Heaven collapsed, the Demon Horn Tribe would certainly invade in large numbers, leading to an epochal war, fraught with brutal slaughter.


    "Enough, don''t put too much pressure on yourselves. I will find a way to ensure that within these two years, all of you can break through to the Yin-Yang Realm," Ye Feng assured them with a smile.


    "Let''s go outside," he added, "they have already gathered at the pavilion, as per my instructions."


    After saying this, Ye Feng swiftly moved towards the outside, followed closely by Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu.


    When the trio arrived at the lakeside pavilion, Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, the Four Great Legion Commanders, and more than fifty soldiers were already waiting there. Ye Feng had previously instructed them to gather here upon his emergence from secluded cultivation.


    A quick glance was enough for Ye Feng to notice that, compared to before the three-month seclusion, everyone''s strength had improved to varying degrees. Particularly the Four Great Legion Commanders, whose cultivation had become increasingly robust. For instance, Gai Jiuyou and Xiao Chuanqi, whose Golden Cores were gradually becoming harmonious¡ªstepping into the level of Great Perfection.


    It would just take the right opportunity for these two to break through the harmonious state, comprehend Yin and Yang, and thus enter the Yin-Yang Realm!


    "I''m gratified to see that all of you have improved your cultivation over these three months, which is good. However, it''s still nowhere near enough; defending against the Demon Horn Tribe and holding them back from the Great Wall of Heaven is simply insufficient," Ye Feng spoke with a grave expression.


    He continued, "Now that your cultivation has reached the Golden Core Realm and staying longer in the Secret Realm is less effective, we must go out to gain experience, explore the Outer Battlefield to maximize our potential improvements."


    "Yes, we will follow the sovereign''s orders!" the fifty-plus soldiers spoke with a resolute voice.


    "Follow me!" Ye Feng nodded and, with a wave of his Great Hand, led the sixty or so subordinates out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    He didn''t disturb Elder Bai, nor did he arrange to exit through a different gateway. They left through the same portal in the small hill they had originally come from.


    The moment Ye Feng and his people appeared on the Outer Battlefield, the secret agents from several surrounding Great Powers immediately took notice.

 Chapter 703 - 692: Kill them all, leave none behind!

    ```


    "It''s Ye Feng, that kid finally came out of the secret realm, notify the Hall Master immediately!" The secret agent arranged by Xuanyuan Hall immediately began to send the message.


    "To think this kid would emerge in just three months, I thought he''d keep hiding inside!" The secret agent from the Yin-Yang Temple quickly sent a message too.


    In an instant, the secret agents from the Four Great Powers all hurried to report to their masters.


    Beyond them, the second and third-rate powers were also contacting their leaders at the earliest opportunity.


    The secret agent from the Wizard Alliance said sternly, "What do we do, it looks like Ye Feng and his men are about to leave, should we go up and stop them?"


    "Stop him with just the few of us, how? That kid''s cultivation combat power is extremely terrifying!" Another secret agent from the Wizard Alliance said through gritted teeth.


    "Alone we certainly cannot, but if we join forces with others, we might stand a chance, I''ll contact them quickly!" The Wizard Alliance agent began sending messages hastily.


    In fact, the moment Ye Feng stepped out of the Outer Battlefield from the secret realm, he noticed the secret agents lurking around. After all, his spiritual power was now impressively strong and their amateur concealment techniques were no match for his perception.


    He simply didn''t care to bother with them, and after the complete sixteen-person team had emerged, he briefly scoped out the direction and prepared to head west.


    The Outer Battlefield was vast, and while he had already explored part of it before, there were still areas like forbidden and deadly grounds that Ye Feng hadn''t visited. At that time, having recently entered and with lower cultivation level, he refrained, but now things were different. Ye Feng had fully grown in strength, and if he wished, he could at any moment become the fifth Great Power of the Outer Battlefield.


    With just himself alone, he was now strong enough to battle against several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. With his current combat power, even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm with Three Seals posed no threat to him.


    Of course, should he encounter someone at the Peak Realm, Ye Feng still didn''t hold too much confidence, such as the First Hall Master, who felt to Ye Feng like an incomprehensible vast expanse of stars.


    However, not long after Ye Feng and his team had walked away, a large group of riders quickly followed up from behind and surrounded them completely.


    It turned out that the secret agents from the Four Great Powers, along with people from the smaller factions, had reached a consensus after discussion and decided to join forces to block Ye Feng.


    After all, Ye Feng possessed the means to freely enter and leave the secret realm. It would be great if they could capture Ye Feng, but if not, just delaying him for a while until the real Great Powers of the Four Great Powers could arrive was also viable.


    "Ye Feng, unless you give up the method to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, do you think you can just leave like this?" a Golden Core Realm expert from Xuanyuan Hall demanded sternly.


    "Ye, if you know what''s good for you, spill the method to enter the secret realm quickly, or don''t blame us for being rude!" the expert from the Yin-Yang Temple similarly demanded sternly.


    "Northern King, we know you are powerful in combat, but don''t forget, behind us are the Four Great Powers. It''s best for you to readily reveal the method to the secret realm today, to avoid forcing us to take action and damage the peace!" said the agents from the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance with a cold shout.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh; he really couldn''t fathom where those few dozen people got the courage to block his path.


    There were over seventy people in total, indeed more in number than Ye Feng''s side, but when it came to cultivation combat power, Ye Feng''s side was undeniably overwhelming.


    Among the seventy, only about a dozen were at the Golden Core Realm, the rest being Half-Step Golden Core or Foundation Establishment Realm, and some were even at the Divine Path Realm. In Ye Feng''s current view, they were simply not up to scratch.


    "Since we are all part of the Human Race, I''ll give you one chance. Retreat now, and I can forgive your ignorance and stupidity," Ye Feng said indifferently.


    But as his words fell, the Golden Core experts from the Four Great Powers became enraged and started shouting with grinding teeth, "Ye, you are strong, but if you truly dare to act against us, then you are openly making enemies with the Four Great Powers. The entire Human Realm will have no place for you!"


    "Ye, you had better surrender without a fuss, don''t make a mistake, or the Great Powers of our Four Great Powers will never spare you!"


    Ye Feng shook his head and said, "Truly stubborn and courting death. Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin, step forward!"


    "At your command, my lord, what are your orders?" Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin, the two youthful Commanders-in-Chief, immediately stood to attention.


    "Take your subordinates and kill them, leave none alive!" Ye Feng commanded with clenched teeth, his killing intent soaring.


    Originally, he did not want to act against these people, for they were all of the Human Race, especially since in less than two years, the Demon Horn Tribe would be invading with a large force. But his repeated concessions only made these people think he was weak and easy to bully!


    "As you command, my lord!" Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin immediately saluted and accepted the order, and with a great wave from each, they led their respective groups of about fifteen men and swooped into the fray.


    As for Ye Feng and the Four Great Legion Commanders along with the other soldiers, they remained standing in place unmoved.


    There was no need for the overkill of using a cleaver to kill a chicken; for these trifling jesters, not only was Ye Feng not going to move, but even his subordinates from the Four Great Legions need not to lift a finger.


    In an instant, Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin, each leading their own men, charged into the group like tigers among sheep.


    ```

 Chapter 704 - 692: Kill them all, leave none behind!_2

    ```


    The secret agents of the Four Great Powers were utterly powerless to contend, after all, Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin were both experts within the Golden Core Realm, and they had even stood their ground and slain several experts of the Demon Horn Tribe of the Golden Core Level in that battle at the Great Wall of Heaven.


    Moreover, the rest of the people were all in the Golden Core Realm as well, so the two sides were not even on the same level.


    Even some secret agents from the Four Great Powers were slain before they could react.


    "Ah... Run quickly, this Ye Feng has gone mad, he''s actually slaughtering his own, everyone run!"


    At this moment, the people from the Four Great Powers finally realized the terror and scattered like birds and beasts, fleeing in all directions.


    But where could they escape to? Ye Feng had already said no one would be spared, which was akin to issuing a King''s Order, and all the soldiers would carry it out unconditionally.


    In fact, the battle had come to an end in less than two minutes'' time.


    "Ye Feng, you bastard, how dare you slaughter your own kin! The Four Great Powers will not let you off; you will surely die one day!" bellowed an expert of the Golden Core Realm from the Yin-Yang Temple, looking up at the sky.


    However, no sooner had his words fallen than Chu Huaimin appeared out of nowhere behind him and with a soft whoosh, ended his life with a sword strike.


    Throughout the process, Ye Feng''s expression did not change in the slightest, not even a ripple crossed his face. Xiao Chuanqi and the other commanders of the Four Great Legions stood like javelins behind him, and the other soldiers who had not engaged in combat all bore expressions of resolve.


    "Two minutes, clean up the battlefield!" Ye Feng''s voice rang out again.


    "As the master commands!" Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin and the others sprang into action once more.


    Of course, they knew that Ye Feng''s command to clean up the battlefield was not to take care of those people but to strip the deceased experts of the Golden Core Realm of their treasures.


    Furthermore, Ye Feng had a rule: whoever fought and exerted effort got to keep the spoils of the battle. Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin along with their teams were naturally overjoyed. However, that surely made the soldiers who had not engaged in combat extremely envious, they seemed like they wished they could have joined in the fight.


    Ye Feng merely smiled faintly without saying more and let them divide the spoils. Afterward, with a wave of his hand, the troop continued to advance westward.


    As for the dead, they had brought their fate upon themselves, and Ye Feng could not bother to give them a second glance.


    At this very moment, several thousand li away from the small mound, by a lake, there was a small detachment of the Yin-Yang Temple''s forces.


    There were twelve people in total, among them the True Heaven Divine Master of the Yin-Yang Temple, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Mirror of Second Seal Level, and another Yin-Yang Divine Master.


    Qingya, the peerless pride of the younger generation of the Yin-Yang Temple, was also among them. Overall, this small detachment of the Yin-Yang Temple wielded combat power that could be called high-end. It seemed they were preparing to enter the lake to search for treasure.


    Suddenly, the communication talisman of the Divine Master Tanaka beeped. He glanced at it and received the message immediately. His expression first froze, and then joy overwhelmed him.


    "Aha, Heaven truly favors me, it seems my Luck has been surging like a rainbow recently!" Divine Master Tanaka suddenly burst into laughter.


    One of the disciples from the Yin-Yang Temple immediately asked, "Lord Tanaka, what joyful news has made you so happy?"


    ```


    The others, hearing his unrestrained laughter, turned their heads one after another, and for the time being, they stopped preparing to explore the lake ahead.


    Divine Master Tanaka grinned and hummed, "It''s that kid from Xuanyuan Nation, Ye Feng. He came out, just now. A secret agent sent the message; he has emerged from the secret realm!"


    "Well now, I didn''t expect that after just three months, this kid would become impatient and leave the secret realm. Right, our location here is only a few thousand miles from the entrance to the secret realm; we can fly over there in an instant. This is truly a stroke of luck for our Yin-Yang Temple," another Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm said repeatedly.


    "No wonder Lord Tanaka just said that luck is like a rainbow. We are not far from the secret realm''s entrance, and it''s very possible that we are the closest group. There''s an old saying in Xuanyuan Nation, ''The early bird catches the worm.'' It seems that this Mr. Ye is destined to fall into the hands of our Yin-Yang Temple, and now the secret realm will belong to us!" an Expert of the Golden Core Realm said with a grin.


    "Indeed, time is of the essence. We must set out for the entrance to the secret realm immediately. As for this place, it''s just a groundless legend, and it''s uncertain whether there are treasures inside. Let''s put it aside for now and focus on seizing the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!"


    After Divine Master Tanaka said this, he waved his Great Hand and commanded in a deep voice, "Everyone set out at full speed! We must not let that kid Ye Feng escape this time no matter what!"


    As his words fell, Divine Master Tanaka soared into the sky, followed closely by the powerful members of the Yin-Yang Temple, each one looking extremely excited.


    However, Qingya, the pride of the younger generation of the Yin-Yang Temple, frowned at this moment, his face showing reluctance.


    Although he was a rival to Ye Feng, deep down, he admired Ye Feng, firstly because of Ye Feng''s extraordinary talent and cultivation level, and secondly because, on the Great Wall of Heaven, this top young man of Xuanyuan Nation had fought valiantly and even dared to step forward and take on a great burden.


    Qingya truly admired this, admitting to himself that he couldn''t do what Ye Feng had done. After the martial arts competition had ended, he felt somewhat resentful toward Ye Feng, but after the battle at the Great Wall of Heaven, Qingya knew that he might never catch up to this fellow from Xuanyuan Nation in his lifetime.


    Some people in this world are born as prodigies, even Chosen Ones, and such characters are destined to be looked up to by others!


    "Qingya, what are you dawdling for? Hurry up and move!" Divine Master Tanaka''s voice rang out sternly.


    Only then did Qingya come back to his senses, shook his head with a sigh, and hurried to follow.


    A distance of a thousand miles was not considered far, and about a half quarter hour later, the group had flown over, but Ye Feng had long since vanished. Instead, there were corpses haphazardly strewn about on the ground.


    "Damn it, it must be Ye Feng, it must be that kid''s doing. This is completely outrageous; this Mr. Ye actually has the heart to be so merciless to his own kind!" Divine Master Tanaka gnashed his teeth, word by word, shouting in anger, looking truly grief-stricken.


    Another Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm was also grinding his teeth, "The methods of this Mr. Ye are truly cruel; it''s infuriating. He has seriously violated the covenant set by the Four Great Powers. By committing such slaughter among the Human Race today, he has now become the public enemy of our race!"


    "Exactly, today, no matter what, this Mr. Ye must die. Our Yin-Yang Temple must eliminate this public enemy and attain justice for the Human Race!" Divine Master Tanaka declared righteously.


    Qingya still frowned and said nothing. In truth, he was very disappointed and dissatisfied with the performance of the powerful members of the Yin-Yang Temple during the battle at the Great Wall of Heaven, but due to his status, he had not said anything outright.


    Moreover, Qingya knew that these people, who did not even want to defend the Great Wall of Heaven and treated the battle with such passivity, would hardly stand up for the justice of the Human Race. The only reason they acted this way was to obtain the method to enter and leave the secret realm from Ye Feng.


    "Pursue him! Seeing that the blood on the corpses is still flowing, Mr. Ye must not have gone far. Lord Tanaka, we should still be able to catch up if we chase now!" the One Seal Yin-Yang Divine Master shouted with resolve.


    "Indeed, we have just come from the east and didn''t encounter the kid. It seems he must have gone west. We must set off immediately, at full speed; we should be able to catch up soon!" Having said this, Divine Master Tanaka himself soared into the sky and sped off towards the west.

 Chapter 705 - 693: Asura Shikigami, Withstand the Onslaught!

    The Divine Master Tanaka and a group of Yin-Yang Temple experts hurriedly flew westward, their eagerness suggesting that they were determined not to rest until they captured Ye Feng.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had already led his team away from the secret realm''s portal for half an hour, but he wasn''t in a hurry, so their speed was not very fast.


    Along the way, whenever they encountered a monster, Ye Feng would have Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin order their men to take action. After all, this was the Outer Battlefield, where monsters could emerge at any time. Sometimes, if they were unlucky, they would even encounter groups of beasts.


    However, given the current strength of Ye Feng''s team, even if they encountered monsters of the Golden Core Realm level, they were not afraid. In fact, Ye Feng wished for more to appear, to provide his subordinates with opportunities for training, as this was the original intention of their excursion.


    Therefore, Ye Feng chose not to take action himself, and even the Four Great Legion Commanders seldom had the chance to engage in battle, leaving it mainly to Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin to lead the fight.


    It didn''t take long before Ye Feng''s powerful spiritual power sensed something amiss, and he suddenly turned his head to look east.


    The observant Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong, Big Brother Ye? Is there some movement over there?"


    Ye Feng slowly curved his lips into a cold smirk and said, "I didn''t expect them to be so fast. However, I wonder which power''s forces have come this time."


    Under the perception of his powerful spiritual power, Ye Feng could sense from afar that there were about thirty people approaching, among them two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm and seven or eight experts of the Golden Core Realm, with the rest hardly worth mentioning.


    Given the formidable level of Ye Feng''s current team, he feared no one from any of the Four Great Powers, unless they united against him.


    Of course, even if the Four Great Powers joined forces, they would likely not dare to confront his team head-on, for he had over sixty experts of the Golden Core Realm, all of a high level. Moreover, the Four Great Legion Commanders, Hong Qingyan, and Yu Feiyu were almost able to contend with the Yin-Yang Realm.


    It could be said that Ye Feng now possessed enough strength to become the fifth Great Power of the Outer Battlefield!


    "Someone is coming? How come I don''t feel anything?" Sima Zhantian asked from the side.


    "If you could sense it, then you would be more than just a legion commander!" Yu Feiyu said disdainfully.


    Sima Zhantian dared not retort, since he was not inferior and knew that this girl was not only strong but a disciple of their lord, and even had an unclear and ambiguous relationship with the lord.


    However, at this moment, over thirty black dots suddenly appeared in the eastern sky. The black dots gradually enlarged, eventually revealing themselves to be human figures.


    In fact, in just a short moment, these thirty-plus people had already approached, and only then could Sima Zhantian and the others clearly see their faces and attire.


    "It''s the Yin-Yang Temple people!" Cao Tian, Chu Huaimin, and the others had just finished slaying a few monsters and promptly turned around and gathered towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng stood with his hands behind his back on a rock, his expression calm throughout, even when facing the Divine Master Tanaka, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm with the Three Seal Rank, he was not the least bit afraid. With his current cultivation battle power, he could sit on equal terms with any Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm level.


    Of course, the Yin-Yang Temple and other Great Powers did not see it that way. Even though Ye Feng shone brightly at the Great Wall of Heaven, single-handedly suppressing the tens of thousands of the Demon Horn Tribe''s army and preventing them from passing through the spacetime portal into the Human Realm, thereby playing the most critical role in the victory of the battle to defend the Great Wall of Heaven.


    However, the Yin-Yang Temple and other Great Powers would not acknowledge this point. They would think that the successful defense was entirely due to their own Great Powers'' valiant fighting and would still refuse to recognize Ye Feng''s strength, continuing to believe that he was just luckier than others.


    "Ye Feng of Xuanyuan Nation, I never expected you to really come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. This truly aids me, aids our Fusang Yin-Yang Hall, hahaha..." Divine Master Tanaka couldn''t help but burst into excited laughter upon seeing Ye Feng.


    Judging by Divine Master Tanaka''s demeanor, it seemed as though he had already secured Ye Feng''s capture and the acquisition of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Ye Feng looked at him coldly and scoffed, "Divine Master Tanaka, you and I are both of the Human Race. With the Great Wall of Heaven on the verge of collapsing, once that time comes, the Demon Horn Tribe will surely invade in large numbers. Do you really want to act in a way that will lead us to fight and kill one another?"


    "Pah, you cruel and bloodthirsty beast, how dare you utter such words to us? At the secret realm''s portal, you slaughtered more than seventy strong warriors from the Four Great Powers, your methods were horrendous, inciting outrage among both humans and gods!"


    Divine Master Tanaka adopted a righteous demeanor and gritted his teeth, "Ye, do you realize that now, you have become the common enemy of the entire Human Race?"


    "What a sanctimonious act. You, who cowardly hid at the back on the battlefield, afraid to die, do not have the right to criticize me!" Ye Feng retorted in a deep, cold voice.


    "Insolence! How dare a junior from Xuanyuan Nation show such disrespect to our Yin-Yang Temple''s Lord Tanaka! You have committed a capital offense!"


    Another Onmyoji from the Yin-Yang Temple angrily demanded, "Ye Feng, listen to me, hand over the method for the key to freely enter the secret realm immediately, and then cripple your cultivation level. We might spare your life, otherwise, all of you here today must die!"


    "All of us must die? What a joke. You think you can stand against my Northern Border Army just with that? Truly laughable in your ignorance!" Ye Feng roared with laughter.


    The Yin-Yang Divine Master Tanaka''s face darkened to the extreme as he said word for word, "Mister Ye, are you then determined not to hand over the method for the secret realm key?"


    Ye Feng spoke aloud just as clearly, word for word, "I can tell you right now, not to mention that I will not hand over the secret realm. All the treasures on you people here today must be left behind. Of course, it''s still not too late to leave now, but once you choose to make a move, you might as well leave your lives behind as well!"


    "Very well, what an arrogant brat. Since that''s the case, there''s nothing more to say. Attack, kill all of them, sparing not a single one!" With a furious roar, Yin-Yang Divine Master Tanaka led the charge, his Great Hand sweeping forward as he swiftly lunged to attack.


    "I''ll take these two from the Yin-Yang Realm; the rest are yours to deal with. Don''t hold back, kill!" In that moment, Ye Feng was equally filled with killing intent.


    Since they didn''t take the chance he had given them and were adamant about getting physical, he could hardly be blamed. What''s more, Ye Feng was well aware that even if it were two years later, during the grand battle with the Demon Horn Tribe, these people were unlikely to exert real effort. They might even turn coats and betray the Human Race, joining the Demon Horn Tribe.


    In fact, such individuals were not rare throughout history, especially after reading the secret history from more than two thousand years ago. Ye Feng had learned that there were indeed not many people of the Human Race who willingly served as Demon Horn lackeys, but they did exist.


    That war took place on the Outer Battlefield. Back then, many from the Human Race, for the so-called longevity, would curry favor with the Demon Horn Tribe and even lead them into the Outer Battlefield. It was fortunate that more than two thousand years ago, that individual of incomparable genius managed to repel the Demon Horn Tribe at a great cost.


    In the end, despite opposition from all over, he forcibly built the Great Wall of Heaven¡ªa formidable Formation¡ªthat ensured peace in the Human Realm for more than two thousand years!


    The impending battle was about to erupt, but to Ye Feng''s surprise, Qingya remained standing in place, showing no signs of taking action.


    Furthermore, Ye Feng noticed that Qingya''s face was a mix of confliction, even revealing a pained expression.


    "This guy, it seems he hasn''t completely lost his humanity and hasn''t become as selfish and rotten to the core as the others," Ye Feng silently nodded, feeling somewhat heartened.


    At that moment, both Divine Master Tanaka and another Yin-Yang Divine Master had already closed in, positioning themselves for a pincer attack against Ye Feng.


    "Zhen Ye, this lad Ye Feng has grown strong. We two teaming up should swiftly take him down and kill him, lest we become the bridal dress for others when more forces arrive!" Divine Master Tanaka said in a deep voice.


    "Rest assured Lord Tanaka, with both of us working together today, we will certainly take him down completely. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm will definitely belong to us!" Divine Master Zhen Ye sneered coldly with a grin.


    As they flew, they formed Dharma Seals with their hands, immediately unleashing a powerful pillar of light that reached the sky, and beside each of them appeared a Shikigami.


    It was the first time Ye Feng had witnessed the Shikigami of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. Divine Master Tanaka''s was an Asura holding a blood-red Battle Knife, exuding a powerful bloodthirsty aura.


    In contrast, Zhen Ye''s Shikigami was much weaker; it resembled a dog, with pale yellow fur, looking rather cute and even a bit adorable.


    Ye Feng hovered in mid-air, still looking coldly at the two without initiating an immediate attack.


    "Go, finish him!" Both Divine Master Tanaka and Zhen Ye pointed, and their Shikigami immediately received the command and charged out.


    The combat power of Onmyoji varied greatly, but if they have a high cultivation level, their Shikigami would definitely not be weak.


    Of course, there are Onmyoji whose Shikigami are incredibly powerful and who are also very strong in their own right, like Qingya.


    Divine Master Tanaka''s Asura Shikigami was clad in a suit of dark red armor, looking ferocious, yet it also radiated a domineering aura. Especially notable was the Blade in his hand, which seemed to surge with bloodthirsty energy.


    "Slice!" The Asura Shikigami bellowed and swung the Blood Blade down, instantly unleashing a fierce wave of Blade Qi that rolled towards Ye Feng like a tide.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed, the Emperor''s Armor materialized on his body, guarding him within, while he flipped his palm over to reveal the Emperor''s Sword in his hand.


    He was undaunted, charging straight towards the Asura Shikigami ahead!

 Chapter 706 - 694 Ye Feng Got Stronger!

    The terrifying blood-colored Blade Qi surged forward like an overwhelming tide, and as Ye Feng brandished the Emperor''s Sword, the Sword Qi slashed down like a long rainbow, instantly shattering the opposing Blade Qi completely.


    "How... how is this possible? My Asura Shikigami, whose Combat Power is considered exceptionally strong, you actually broke it with a single strike!" Divine Master Tanaka exclaimed, his face flushed with shock.


    Divine Master Zhen Ye gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "Lord Tanaka, it seems this youngster''s Combat Power is truly extraordinary¡ªhe must be at least at the Yin-Yang Realm. It looks like he''s deliberately suppressing his realm, making people think he''s only in the Golden Core Realm!"


    "Damn it, how old are you, kid, to have already reached the status of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm? How did you manage that?" Tanaka shouted angrily, unable to contain his wrath, and then he yelled, "That''s right, it must be the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Given the look of things, you must have had an incredible fortune there; otherwise, your Cultivation Level couldn''t have advanced so dramatically."


    "Regardless, today I must capture you. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm must be mine!"


    Divine Master Tanaka roared in fury, once again launching his Asura Shikigami, and swooped down towards Ye Feng.


    However, this time the Asura Shikigami burst into a blindingly red light, the air reeking of blood, and its whole body exuded a sky-high Blood Qi, appearing exceedingly ferocious and frightening.


    "Slash!" The Asura Shikigami struck again with a slash, the terrifying Blood Qi surging with the sweep of the blade, like a tide sweeping towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng hovered motionless in midair, continuously swinging the Emperor''s Sword. However, the might of the Emperor''s Sword proved limited, and after three strikes, he still couldn''t break through the terrifying Blade Qi.


    The blood-red Blade Qi loomed, and it seemed that it would devour Ye Feng.


    Seeing this, Divine Master Tanaka couldn''t help but sneer with delight, sneering, "Just over twenty years old, not even thirty yet. No matter how strong your Talent is, how much stronger can you be? You think you can break my Asura Shikigami with that broken sword? I really don''t know where you get your confidence!"


    However, at this critical moment, to everyone''s surprise, Ye Feng simply put away his Emperor''s Sword. By doing so, it seemed likely that he was no longer intending to resist.


    "Eh, what''s going on here? The kid isn''t resisting anymore. By all logic, this shouldn''t be happening!" The other Divine Master Zhen Ye''s eyes widened, his face showing disbelief.


    Even Divine Master Tanaka was stunned on the spot, clueless about what Ye Feng was planning to do. But he didn''t dare let his guard down; after all, at the Great Wall of Heaven, this guy had successively defeated many of the Demon Horn Tribe from the Yin-Yang Realm. Although those Great Powers of the Demon Horn Tribe were mostly below Second Seal, it did indicate that this Ye fellow was extraordinary.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but scream out when she saw this scene.


    "My lord..." Even Xiao Chuanqi and the other Four Great Legion Commanders couldn''t help exclaiming in surprise.


    However, at that moment, they suddenly heard Ye Feng''s voice transmission: "No need to come over, stay focused on the enemy!"


    Hong Qingyan and the others were momentarily stunned, then they finally relaxed, realizing that Ye Feng wasn''t overwhelmed but had chosen another way to resist.


    Everyone was curious as to why he would do this.


    Actually, the reason Ye Feng did this was to use the Blade Qi, which was like a tidal wave, to temper his own will, or more precisely, to cultivate and enhance his Mental Power Nucleus.


    That was because, just moments ago when the blood-colored Blade Qi surged forcefully, Ye Feng seemed to see a scene of the Asura Battlefield. At that instant, even his Soul trembled, and the Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace was affected.


    This Asura Shikigami was indeed out of the ordinary; its Blade Qi contained a trace of the true essence of the Asura Battlefield. If Ye Feng''s spiritual power hadn''t been strong enough, he likely would have been overwhelmed by now.


    After a lightning-fast thought process, Ye Feng made a bold decision to use this terrifying Blade Qi or, to put it another way, the horrific Asura Battlefield, to hone his willpower.


    So he simply put away the Emperor''s Sword and let the surging blood-colored Blade Qi envelop him.


    And at the moment when the terrifying Blade Qi surged, the vast Asura Battlefield became even clearer. He seemed to see countless bodies¡ªit was like Hell on Earth, the horrific sight filled with intense murderous and evil aura, continuously assaulting one''s spirit, eroding the will.


    But at that moment, Ye Feng steadfastly held on to his heart. His Mental Power Nucleus spun rapidly as he maximized his willpower, allowing the seas of corpses and blood to furiously crash against him, yet they were never able to affect his core being.


    At that moment, Ye Feng''s incarnation appeared on the Asura Battlefield. Stepping through the bodies that littered the ground, the sea of corpses and blood, he moved down the battlefield, yet the blood that filled the air never stained his clothing.


    This was an exceedingly dangerous trial; one misstep could lead to Deviation and falling onto the Path of Asura.


    At that time, Master Tanaka would undoubtedly capture him or even Refine him into one of his Shikigami, and then Ye Feng would be forced to unconditionally obey the other party forever.


    ```


    Of course, this is just the general situation. Ye Feng dared to take such a risk because he had a trump card, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in hand, making him fearless of the Asura Battlefield.


    In other words, if he truly couldn''t withstand it, he would just need to mobilize the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace, which could still protect his Mental Power Nucleus. It was precisely because he had such a trump card that Ye Feng dared to boldly attempt to temper himself.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had his eyes tightly closed, swallowed by surging blood-colored Blade Qi, yet it was consistently unable to harm him in the slightest.


    His spiritual will seemed to have entered that Asura Battlefield, wandering continuously through the corpses and bloodshed of the battlefield.


    Gradually, the fear and dread on Ye Feng''s face faded away, replaced by a rising emotion of pity and sorrow. He was mourning for the Human Race, grieving for those departed souls.


    And in this moment, a mysterious dark substance slowly floated up from the Asura Battlefield and started converging towards Ye Feng''s hazy will incarnation.


    In the blink of an eye, this dark material had all entered Ye Feng''s will incarnation, and at the same time, Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus was constantly strengthening, expanding by a whole size in a flash.


    Just then, the blood-colored Blade Qi that shrouded Ye Feng, attempting to devour him, suddenly dissipated, vanishing in an instant.


    It was then that Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes. His pupils were undoubtedly deeper than before, and his aura became more solidified.


    Without a doubt, Ye Feng''s idea succeeded. He had used the Asura Battlefield to temper and enhance his spiritual willpower. He achieved his goal as his Mental Power Nucleus had significantly grown. He had a premonition that with a bit more enhancement, he would likely be able to wield the Claw of the Void martial skill.


    However, at this time, Divine Master Tanaka on the opposite side, upon witnessing this scene, was so shocked that his jaw nearly hit the floor.


    "This... how is this possible? Not only could my Asura Blade Qi do nothing to you, but you also dispelled it; how can this be?!" Divine Master Tanaka roared repeatedly.


    His astonishment was not trivial at all. In fact, the Asura Shikigami had always been his pride and his strongest Shikigami. Especially the blood-colored Blade Qi, which was extremely powerful, and he was confident in defeating fellow cultivators of the same rank with it.


    But now, the opponent had broken through his powerful technique so effortlessly, without any resistance; how could Tanaka not be shocked!


    "This kid must have some kind of powerful Protective Magic Treasure, otherwise, it''s impossible for him to withstand it!" Divine Master Zhen Ye beside him said between clenched teeth.


    "That''s right, it seems so. This kid is indeed troublesome. However, no matter what, we cannot let him off today. Zhen Ye, don''t just stand there; join me!" Divine Master Tanaka said, grinding his teeth.


    "Go, Akita Divine Dog!" With a wave of his hand, Divine Master Zhen Ye sent the adorable-looking Akita Divine Dog Shikigami soaring towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng clasped his hand, and the Sky-breaking Divine Spear appeared.


    However, the Akita Divine Dog suddenly stopped midair and began howling to the sky.


    A very strange howl emitted instantly. The sound waves, almost tangible, resembled pale yellow threads, sweeping towards Ye Feng.


    "What is this?" Ye Feng wondered, flipping his Great Hand, and the Sky-breaking Divine Spear shot forth.


    To Ye Feng''s disbelief, when the Sky-breaking Divine Spear was fired, the pale yellow threads were dispersed, but they condensed and recovered quickly.


    "So it seems, this belongs to a type of Dao Technique related to sound waves. This Akita Divine Dog appears to be adept at using sound wave-based martial skills!" Ye Feng finally understood.


    It was no wonder then; after all, the Akita Divine Dog, looking so cute, probably didn''t possess wild offensive power. In contrast, a Dao Technique like sound waves was more suitable for it.


    Having figured this out, Ye Feng simply recalled the Sky-breaking Divine Spear and let the sound wave threads rush towards him.


    Divine Master Zhen Ye, seeing this, couldn''t help but sneer, "My Divine Dog''s sound waves are a very special attack mode. You actually think you can resist it without defense? You''re certain to die, and soon you will bleed from all orifices and have your internal organs shattered!"


    At that moment, the dense yellow sound wave threads instantly wrapped around and engulfed Ye Feng. It was then that the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the Sea of Consciousness suddenly unfolded, unleashing a raging suction force, instantly absorbing the energy of the yellow threads.


    Ye Feng didn''t even have to release his Emperor''s Armor, let alone the Emperor Sovereign Armor, which just goes to show that these so-called Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Temple, the Yin-Yang Divine Masters, were indeed a bit too weak for him now!


    In fact, it wasn''t that these two Divine Masters were weak; after all, especially Divine Master Tanaka, he was a Three Seal Rank Great Power. Even considering the entire forces of the Outer Battlefield, he wasn''t weak. It was simply that Ye Feng had become stronger!


    ```

 Chapter 707 - 695: You Are Also My Friend, Ye Feng

    Actually, when the blood-colored Asura Blade Qi surged over earlier, Ye Feng had thought about using the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to absorb it. However, the energy from the blood-colored Blade Qi was a bit too terrifying, and he didn''t have much confidence in doing so, which is why he didn''t end up using the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll in the end.


    But this so-called sonic fine-thread attack was different. The power it unleashed in an instant wasn''t very strong, which made it particularly suitable for absorption by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    However, Ye Feng discovered that after the scroll had absorbed these sonic fine threads, the resulting white Origin Energy wasn''t much, just a very small clump. It was probably not even enough for him to absorb and cultivate in the blink of an eye¡ªin other words, it wasn''t enough even to get stuck in his teeth.


    The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters of the Yin-Yang Temple all showed a grave expression on their faces. Only after engaging in battle did they realize that their opponent was far more powerful and terrifying than they had imagined.


    In fact, what they didn''t know was that up until now, Ye Feng hadn''t used his full strength, not even half of his Combat Power. Otherwise, these so-called Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm would likely have perished right here.


    Of course, the reason Ye Feng had not done so was to give young warriors like Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin the opportunity to gain experience through fighting.


    At this moment, the battle between the two sides was intense. In reality, this small squad from the Yin-Yang Temple was not weak in overall strength, with seven or eight in the Golden Core Realm, and even one at half-step into the Yin-Yang Realm.


    However, the battle didn''t last long; it quickly became one-sided. Ye Feng''s subordinates soon took the upper hand.


    After all, Ye Feng''s side had a full sixty or more experts in the Golden Core Realm, each possessing outstanding combat strength. Not to mention, young leaders like Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin were incredibly strong in combat power within their own ranks.


    Moreover, in addition to them, there were the Four Great Legion Commanders, as well as the top-level experts of the Golden Core Realm¡ªHong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu!


    At this very moment, Gai Jiuyou and Xiao Chuanqi were jointly resisting the half-step Yin-Yang Realm Great Power from the Yin-Yang Temple. Although Gai Jiuyou and Xiao Chuanqi were both still at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, after absorbing the Origin Energy bestowed by Ye Feng, their realms had become more harmonious, and their combat power even greater.


    Especially Gai Jiuyou, who previously practiced some unknown Cultivation Method and Martial Technique and almost deviated. To be precise, it was due to the blade in his hand; it was too terrifying, causing his will to continuously fall into darkness.


    Latterly, Gai Jiuyou somehow sensed this problem and sealed his blood-colored great blade, not daring to use it anymore, and instead picked up a new sword. Otherwise, if he had continued to use that Demon Blade to fight in the Outer Battlefield, it was likely that his will would have collapsed, and he may never have lived to see Ye Feng again.


    "Kill!" Although Gai Jiuyou''s murderous aura had lessened significantly, he was still teeming with killing intent. His hair was disheveled and messy, giving him an unrestrained and wild appearance. Anyone timid seeing his eyes would be frightened.


    Xiao Chuanqi was much steadier, but the Immortal Sword in his hands was incredibly ethereal, and even when facing the Yin-Yang Temple''s half-step Yin-Yang Realm, he was not at a disadvantage.


    Together, the two quickly suppressed the half-step Yin-Yang Realm Great Power, showing signs of imminent defeat.


    It was almost to say that Ye Feng''s subordinates completely displayed an overwhelming position!


    Soon, these dozen or so experts of the Yin-Yang Realm were either dead or injured. If this continued, it was likely they would all be accounted for here.


    Watching this, Divine Master Tanaka clenched his teeth angrily and said, "Damn it, that kid Ye Feng, his subordinates are so overbearing. It hasn''t been that long, and they''ve become so strong."


    Zhen Ye, grinding his teeth in anger, said, "Lord Tanaka, isn''t it because of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm? It''s precisely because this Ye brat has the secret realm that he was able to train so many Golden Core Realm experts in such a short time. Lord Tanaka, we can''t drag this out any further, otherwise the rest are likely to be completely wiped out!"


    "Indeed, it seems we have to show our real strength now!"


    After saying this, the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters once again formed their Magic Spells with both hands, and their wide Yin-Yang Robes billowed without wind as dazzling beams of light shot into the sky.


    Following that, two more Shikigami appeared above each light beam.


    Onmyoji usually have three Shikigami as a standard; there are few exceptions to this rule. Besides the previously seen Asura Shikigami from Divine Master Tanaka, another one was a Fujoshi Shikigami dressed in a floral robe holding a Folding Fan, and the other looked enormous, resembling some kind of Great Power Shikigami.


    The Shikigami of Divine Master Zhen Ye were even stranger. One of them was a gaunt old man holding a serpent-shaped staff. Just like the old man, the serpent staff looked very bizarre and ferocious, enough to make anyone who saw it feel genuinely unnerved.


    "Go, take that kid down for me!" With a wave of their hands, each of the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters sent their three Shikigami flying out, heading straight for Ye Feng.


    Confronting these six powerful Shikigami, especially the ones from Divine Master Tanaka, even an ordinary Great Power of the Three Seal Yin-Yang Realm might find it troublesome.


    However, at this time, Ye Feng remained suspended in mid-air, his expression unchanged.


    By now, the battle below was nearing its end, about to conclude. Naturally, Ye Feng no longer needed to hold back his strength.


    Ye Feng''s body suddenly burst into dazzling golden light, and then the Emperor Sovereign armor and Emperor Sovereign sword appeared out of thin air.


    "Slash!" Ye Feng''s right hand sliced down, sending powerful Sword Qi slashing through the air, and the so-called Asura Shikigami was instantly cleaved and sent flying.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and as the Great Power Shikigami was about to throw its punch, he struck out with a punch directly.


    The massive Fist Momentum surged forth like a long rainbow, immediately sending the Great Power Shikigami flying.


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!" Taking advantage of this moment, Ye Feng swung his left hand, releasing a black, ink-like Divine Spear. It shot straight out, knocking the Folding Fan from the Fujoshi Shikigami''s hand and even sending the Fujoshi Shikigami herself flying with the terrifying impact of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    Following that, Ye Feng waved his hand again, and the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal still formed.


    With a thunderous boom, the terrifyingly powerful Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal pressed down, immediately sending Divine Master Zhen Ye''s three Shikigami flying, and even the adorable Akita Divine Dog was smashingly injured on the spot.


    At this moment, Ye Feng had become an unrivaled War God, his combat power was simply too formidable. Not only was the quality of his Spirit Essence exceptionally high, but the quantity had also reached a horrifying level, surging and roaring without stopping.


    Even after performing so many Martial Skills in one breath, his Spirit Essence could completely keep up without any signs of exhaustion.


    "So-called Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, I think they are nothing more than this!" Ye Feng stated coldly, looking down on the world while hovering in mid-air.


    Divine Master Tanaka and Divine Master Zhen Ye''s faces turned extremely ugly, and finally, fear emerged.


    "Damn you, kid, to be so powerful that even our combined forces can''t take you down, it''s infuriating, truly infuriating!" Divine Master Tanaka roared through clenched teeth.


    Divine Master Zhen Ye then spoke in a low voice, "Lord Tanaka, this Ye Feng is too powerful. It seems impossible for the two of us to take him down no matter what. What should we do now, should we retreat for the time being?"


    "Retreat? How can that be possible? I''ve lost so many subordinates. If I don''t capture this Ye Feng today, if I don''t obtain the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and the Dao Techniques he has cultivated, how can I swallow this pride? Where would I, Divine Master Tanaka, put my face!" Divine Master Tanaka roared.


    "But, Lord Tanaka..." Divine Master Zhen Ye initially still wanted to speak.


    "There are no ''buts.'' Today, no matter what, this Ye Feng must die. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, it seems, is far from being as simple as it appears on the surface. Otherwise, this kid''s strength wouldn''t be so much greater. Today I must obtain it!"


    As Divine Master Tanaka spoke, his gaze suddenly noticed Qingya, who had been coldly observing from not too far away. The entire person immediately exploded like thunder, screaming, "Qingya, what are you still spacing out for? Hurry up and make a move. Help us eliminate this kid Ye Feng together."


    Qingya remained motionless where she stood, eventually having to speak, "Lord Tanaka, I think there''s really no need to keep fighting. First, you''re simply unable to defeat Ye Feng. Secondly, since Ye Feng obtained the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with his Luck, according to the rules set by the Four Great Powers, that means it belongs to him. Why should we make a move to seize it from someone else?"


    "Bastard, Qingya, do you know what you''re saying? You refuse to make a move and that''s one thing, but to actually dare to lecture me, you''re insubordinate! Hurry up and make a move to help!" Divine Master Tanaka was uncontrollably furious.


    Divine Master Zhen Ye also said, "Qingya, don''t be insane. Hurry up and make a move. You''re pretty strong yourself, and you''ve had a fortuitous encounter recently. Just help us out, and we will definitely be able to take down Ye Feng. Then you will continue to be the number one among the young generation in the Human Realm!"


    Qingya suddenly laughed, smiling sarcastically, "If I were to become the top genius in such a manner, I would rather not. I, Qingya, am not that despicable and shameless. Besides, there''s less than two years left until the Great Wall of Heaven collapses. The Demon Horn Tribe will inevitably invade in large numbers. This is the time when our Human Race should be joining forces against the enemy, not fighting among ourselves."


    "Furthermore, even if Ye Feng controls the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, as long as the warriors he trains can go to the battlefield and resist the Demon Horn Tribe when the time comes, isn''t that good? After all, everyone saw the previous defense battle. If it weren''t for Ye Feng, who knows what the outcome of that battle would have been!"


    "Shut up, you ingrate! You even dare to speak out for Ye Feng, this enemy of our Human Race. Shut your foul mouth, or else you''ll be recognized as a traitor of the Yin-Yang Temple!" Divine Master Tanaka roared.


    Qingya replied with a bitter smile, "I can shut up, but I will not make a move. Although I am not in the same faction as Ye Feng, it does not prevent me from admiring him. He is my friend, and I will not act against him!"


    Then, Qingya simply sat down on the rock.


    "You... you... you are infuriating me to death. Fine, Qingya, you think you can defy my orders now that you''ve grown strong wings, right? From today onwards, you are the enemy of the Yin-Yang Temple. All disciples of the Yin-Yang Temple should take note, she is to be executed on sight!" Divine Master Tanaka exploded in fury.


    Yet Qingya was already too lazy to respond.


    Ye Feng, seeing this, nodded and said, "Qingya, you''ve done well. I thought the Yin-Yang Temple was completely beyond redemption, but seeing you, I think not all is lost. Likewise, I want to say, you, Qingya, are also my friend!"

 Chapter 708 - 696: Subduing the Three Seals Onmyoji

    Qingya did not respond to Ye Feng''s words, but his back visibly shuddered.


    It was clear that Qingya was also in conflict, even in pain. After all, the Yin-Yang Temple was where he was nurtured, and Fusang was his homeland. Now, because of this exchange, he had become an enemy of the Yin-Yang Temple, and even a public enemy of his own country. Such a feeling was certainly hard to bear.


    Divine Master Tanaka roared in anger, "Qingya, you damn dog, do you think without your help, I can''t take down this brat Ye Feng? Just you wait, once I annihilate this Ye surname kid, then I''ll deal with you next!"


    Divine Master Zhen Ye also gritted his teeth and said, "Exactly, Lord Tanaka, Qingya dares to betray our Yin-Yang Temple. We must display his head on the Yin-Yang Hall and cleanse the dust of the hall with his blood. His body shall hang from the hall''s rafters to show the world that the authority of our Yin-Yang Temple must never be betrayed."


    Ye Feng laughed, his voice cold and mocking, "Just with you two old things, you''re still delusional about taking me down. I really don''t know where you get your confidence from!"


    Divine Master Tanaka snorted and said through gritted teeth, "Ye, I admit you''re strong, but do you think with that little strength of yours, I can''t take you down? Truly laughable. You''re just a frog in a well. Today, I will let you witness the true Power Technique of our Yin-Yang Temple!"


    As he finished speaking, Divine Master Tanaka''s hands rapidly formed Seal Formations, and in a moment, his body was glowing brilliantly, with three beams of light shooting up into the sky.


    "Shikigami independence, unite with the true body!"


    Following Divine Master Tanaka''s cold shout, the three beams of light suddenly surged wildly and then started combining continuously.


    The Suppressing Divine Master became exceedingly excited and said, "Uniting with the true body, Lord Tanaka is truly going to use this Magic Technique to merge the three Shikigami into the true body, thereby enhancing the true body''s combat power. This is really too powerful. It''s worthy of Lord Tanaka!"


    At that moment, Qingya''s voice suddenly floated through, "This Magic Technique is the Heritage Secret Technique of our Yin-Yang Temple, only executable upon reaching the Yin-Yang Mirror. It has three layers. Upon reaching the First Layer, after merging, the true body''s combat power increases by one third. After reaching the Second Layer, it can be increased by two-thirds. If one attains the Third Layer Great Perfection, it can be doubled, but there is also a time limit, lasting about a Half Quarter Hour."


    In fact, everyone could tell that Qingya''s words were actually for Ye Feng to hear.


    Ye Feng''s expression did not change in the slightest. What did it matter if the Shikigami merged into the true body? He was not afraid at all.


    As long as it wasn''t a Great Power from the Void Realm descending upon them, he feared nothing!


    When the three beams of light fully merged and entered Divine Master Tanaka''s body, his aura began to climb, increasing by one third in just the blink of an eye.


    Seeing this, Divine Master Tanaka had probably only comprehended the First Layer of this Heritage Secret Technique of the Yin-Yang Temple.


    "Ye Feng, this time I will make sure you have nowhere to bury your corpse!" Divine Master Tanaka''s features were fierce, and his figure seemed to grow taller and larger.


    He rose into the air and his hands rapidly formed Seal Formations, and a Magic Spell took shape in an instant.


    In that moment, a terrifying wave of light burst from between Divine Master Tanaka''s palms, quickly enlarging and forming a horrifying flash ring that enveloped Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng, holding the Emperor Sovereign Sword and clad in the Emperor Sovereign Armor, suddenly slashed down with his sword.


    The rainbow-like Sword Momentum fell instantly, causing the heavens and the earth to thunder. However, the flash ring was only briefly dispersed before it gathered again under Divine Master Tanaka''s Magic Spell.


    The flash ring contained enough Power to shatter heaven and earth. If one were to be engulfed by it, even the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm would struggle to withstand it.


    "Well done, let''s see how this kid will resist this time. This is indeed Lord Tanaka''s most powerful trump card move!" Divine Master Zhen Ye revealed a cold, smug smile.


    Ye Feng slightly furrowed his brows; he could certainly feel the terror of this flash ring gleaming with dazzling gold light. It seemed like it was the extreme limit of Power that the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm could unleas$h.


    "Heaven Guard Monument!" Ye Feng waved his hand, and the Stele directly swept across the sky. At this point, he naturally didn''t hold back anymore.


    The Stele soared into midair and rapidly expanded, spinning rapidly, and a destructive Power instantly burst forth.


    Qingya, who had originally turned his back, felt the breath-taking Power and suddenly turned his head around, his face showing shock.


    "This... this is too terrifying. Such a level of Power has already surpassed the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm and is even close to the Half-Step Void Realm!" Qingya''s face was full of shock. In just a few short months, Ye Feng''s combat power had grown so much that it was already approaching the Half-Step Void Realm.


    To think that during the great martial contest, everyone was only in the Realm of the Golden Core, although they were among the stronger ones in the Golden Core Realm, but at most, they were only just strong enough to compete with a Great Power at the One Seal of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    But now...


    The Heaven Guard Monument spun wildly, and the unleashed Power was still climbing insanely. By this time, even space itself began to crack.


    The terrifying Power blotted out the sky, and the flying sand and rocks seemed like the end of the world.


    "Suppress!" With a gesture from Ye Feng, the Heaven Guard Monument immediately pressed down, crushing down toward the immense flash circle.

 Chapter 709 - 696: Subduing the Three Seals Onmyoji_2

    Boom...


    Without any suspense, the Heaven Guard Monument fell down and instantly suppressed the dazzling golden halo wave. In a moment, streaks of golden light burst out with the overflowing ripples, lighting up the nearby Sky Dome until it was completely translucent and bright.


    As the dust gradually settled, everyone could then see that where the Heaven Guard Monument had crushed down, a huge pit had now appeared.


    "Hiss..." Everyone looking at this deep pit couldn''t help but inhale sharply, their faces filled with shock.


    Qingya clenched her hands tightly, murmuring, "I didn''t expect that you''ve become so strong, Ye Feng. Could it be that I will never catch up with you in this lifetime?"


    Once upon a time, Qingya was incredibly proud. With her powerful talent and being the top contender in the previous Martial Arts Tournament, she was so splendid and arrogant. But Ye Feng''s arrival, like a bright new star, had boldly entered everyone''s field of view and snatched away the brilliance that should have belonged to her.


    "Ye Feng, no matter how strong your talent is, or how powerful you''ve become, I, Qingya, will never concede to being left behind. One day, I will surely catch up with you, definitely!"


    After finishing her declaration, Qingya turned her head and walked away. She did not choose to stay any longer, and of course, there was no need to.


    From now on, she would no longer belong to the Yin-Yang Temple, and naturally, she wouldn''t join Xuanyuan Hall either. Although this path was lonely and desolate, she wanted to forge her own way!


    In fact, heroes are often lonely, but it is precisely this solitude that leads to greatness.


    So, in times of loneliness, and even when misunderstood by everyone, heroes never complain or give in to degradation. Instead, they turn this loneliness into strength and motivation to keep pressing forward.


    Ye Feng naturally saw Qingya leaving. He wanted to call out to her, but after giving it some thought, he held back, for Qingya probably needed some time to be alone now.


    "I hope you don''t succumb to the Heart Demon. When we meet again, I hope you can still say, ''I want to fight you again, Ye Feng. I, Qingya, am not convinced!''" Ye Feng silently sighed in his heart.


    At this moment, Divine Master Tanaka and Divine Master Zhen Ye finally recovered from their utter shock, disbelief spreading across both of their faces.


    "How... how is this possible? You, you broke my Supreme Spell, how can this be!" Divine Master Tanaka shrieked repeatedly.


    After regaining his senses, Divine Master Zhen Ye began to panic because he knew that was Lord Tanaka''s strongest card. Even the integration of the true form Shikigami with the Halo Spell couldn''t kill Ye Feng, which meant they both stood no chance against him.


    "Lord Tanaka, this kid Ye Feng is too strong. We are no match for him, flee, let''s quick flee!" Having said that, Divine Master Zhen Ye immediately turned to flee.


    "Right, right, if we don''t flee now, we''re surely dead!" Divine Master Tanaka also finally realized the urgency and began to run.


    "Think you can escape?" Ye Feng sneered. The Heaven Guard Monument flew out again, instantly appearing above Divine Master Tanaka''s head and firmly locking onto his aura, making escape utterly impossible at this point.


    Unless one was a Great Power of the Void Realm capable of Void Teleportation, but if that were the case, there would be no need to flee.


    Simultaneously, the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal swooped across the sky and suppressed towards Divine Master Zhen Ye not far away.


    Now that Ye Feng''s cultivation level had become more condensed and powerful than before, the power of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal had also significantly improved. Falling like a mountain, Divine Master Zhen Ye, merely at the level of One Seal within the Yin-Yang Realm, had no power to resist.


    "No, Ye Feng, you can''t kill me. I''m a Great Power of Xuanyuan Hall. If you kill me, you''ll be completely at enmity with the Yin-Yang Temple, and other Great Powers won''t ..."


    However, before he could finish speaking, he was already smashed to death, without even getting a chance to release his Yin-Yang Seal.


    Indeed, with the current power of the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, if Divine Master Zhen Ye had reacted quickly, it would have been impossible to suppress his Yin-Yang Seal as well.


    But from the beginning to the end, Divine Master Zhen Ye believed that Ye Feng would not dare kill him, so he never even considered escaping with his Yin-Yang Seal in advance, leading to his death with eyes unclosed.


    It''s actually quite laughable how one could desire to slay their opponent intensely and still think the opponent wouldn''t dare to retaliate. It was utterly ridiculous!


    Of course, Divine Master Zhen Ye probably thought that as a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm with a revered and exalted position, accustomed to throwing his weight around loftily for so many years, he had always looked down on those of a lower realm than himself. In other words, he had always scorned Ye Feng and looked down on this man under thirty years old.


    And at this moment, Divine Master Tanaka, both shocked and enraged, gritted his teeth and screamed, "You actually... you actually killed Zhen Ye, you actually killed him, you really have some nerve!"


    Ye Feng stood atop the Heaven Guard Monument, like a War God looking down at Tanaka below, and declared sternly, "Today, I''m not just killing him; I''m going to kill you too. How dare you try to slay me, thinking I wouldn''t dare to obliterate you both?"


    Divine Master Tanaka kept fleeing desperately, but no matter where he went, the Heaven Guard Monument followed, spinning madly and firmly locking onto his aura.

 Chapter 710 - 696: Subduing the Three Seals Onmyoji_3

    Divine Master Tanaka inwardly cursed his misfortune, finally filled with regret. He wondered why he had bothered to provoke this ferocious deity for no reason, only to end up losing more than he tried to steal, potentially even his own life.


    "Ye Feng, I know I was wrong, I was wrong, please show mercy and spare my life," he pleaded.


    At this moment, Divine Master Tanaka despaired. He had witnessed the terror of the stele and knew its strength; it was something he could not contend with. Once it bore down, his death was certain.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer, "Now you know you were wrong, but it''s too late. Save your repentance for King Yama below!"


    Having said that, with a sweep of his Great Hand, the True Heaven Guard Monument, having absorbed enough energy, pressed down forcefully.


    Tanaka''s eyes suddenly turned fierce, and through gritted teeth he said, "Damn you, Ye Feng. I didn''t expect you to harbor such deep hatred, to be so resolute. If I''m to die, I won''t let you off easily either!"


    As his words fell, three Yin-Yang Seals suddenly flew out from Divine Master Tanaka''s forehead. Two of the seals quickly burst into flames, and even his flesh body started burning madly, along with three of his shikigami, which also burst into flames.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng''s complexion changed drastically as he exclaimed, "Oh no, he''s chosen to self-destruct, damn it!"


    At that moment, while Ye Feng could retract the Heaven Guard Monument, doing so would likely endanger his surrounding troops, with many possibly killed instantly by the blast.


    After all, the self-destruction of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, especially one sacrificing two of the Three Seals, was immensely powerful!


    "Suppress!" Ye Feng clenched his steel teeth and still commanded the Heaven Guard Monument to press down.


    Boom...


    The Heaven Guard Monument, with its vast power, pressed down. At this moment, Tanaka''s two Yin-Yang Seals along with his flesh body and three shikigami exploded simultaneously, releasing a terrible shockwave that almost knocked the monument flying.


    Ye Feng planted his foot atop the Heaven Guard Monument. His Spirit Essence surged out of him, pouring into the monument.


    The monument erupted in dazzling divine light once more, its power surging once again, managing to suppress the terrifying energy from the self-destruction. Most of the energy was driven deep into the earth rather than allowed to escape and spread.


    "Phew... Finally resolved!" Ye Feng landed on the Heaven Guard Monument and let out a long breath, sweat forming on his brow, his breathing heavy.


    It had to be said that using the Heaven Guard Monument intensively twice in a row did take a significant toll on him.


    However, at that moment, a beam of white light suddenly shot up, streaking across the sky at an incredibly fast pace, and disappeared in an instant.


    "That is... it''s Tanaka''s third Yin-Yang Seal; damn it, he managed to escape!" Ye Feng felt annoyed, but it was clearly too late to give chase.


    It was only now that Ye Feng realized Divine Master Tanaka had used two seals as a diversion, allowing his last Yin-Yang Seal to escape successfully.


    But even if it escaped, and even if he could recreate his flesh body one day, Divine Master Tanaka was effectively ruined. His strength would drop by two Great Realms, and at most, he could only hope to reach the level of One Seal in his life.


    In other words, Tanaka was no longer a threat.


    Ye Feng immediately took back the Heaven Guard Monument and then swiftly descended to the ground. Even though he had used the monument to suppress most of the energy from Tanaka''s self-destruction, driving it deep into the earth''s core, there was still a significant residual force that spread out.


    Just from this residue, many of his nearby subordinates were injured, thankfully all minor injuries with no fatalities.


    "Creating such a commotion and delaying for so long, the people from the other Four Great Powers are probably nearly here. Clean up the battlefield quickly; we need to leave this place at once!" Ye Feng immediately gave the order.


    While he did not fear the so-called Four Great Powers, if they sent too many Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, it would still take quite an effort to contend with them. Especially since he had expended a lot of energy, and considering his troops, it was naturally best not to take them head-on if possible.


    Two minutes later, the battlefield was cleaned up. By then, the Storage Magic Treasures of Tanaka and Zhen Ye had found their way into Ye Feng''s hands. Afterward, with a wave of his Great Hand, the team quickly left the area.

 Chapter 711 - 697 Theres Something Strange Underground

    ```


    Due to the special nature of his cultivation technique, Ye Feng had returned to his peak condition moments later and led his team swiftly towards the west.


    This time, he wasn''t moving slowly but flying at full speed, knowing all too well that if the forces of the Four Great Powers caught up, another fierce battle would likely ensue.


    The sixty or so individuals were virtually Ye Feng''s elite force; he had to ensure the safety of his subordinates as much as possible to prevent any unforeseen incidents.


    However, after the recent skirmish with a small squad from the Yin-Yang Temple, none of his team had perished, which brought a sense of relief to Ye Feng. Moreover, through constant battling, his team kept gaining valuable experience, which was precisely why he had led them out of the secret realm in the first place.


    An hour after Ye Feng and his team had departed, the very location where they had fought with the great powers of the Yin-Yang Temple suddenly saw the arrival of another group of people. All of them were dressed in black robes, and they did not seem to be from the Four Great Powers; rather, they appeared to belong to other forces from the Outer Battlefield.


    There were over twenty individuals in total, with the weakest among them being in the Golden Core Realm, all led by a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "Goodness, what a commotion. By the looks of this deep pit, the level of power behind this attack is immense. Surely an ordinary great power of the Yin-Yang Realm couldn''t execute this," a strong individual of the Golden Core Realm at his peak remarked solemnly.


    The one clad in a black robe, a great power from the Yin-Yang Realm, looked at the staggering deep pit for a long time without speaking.


    The group landed in front of the pit and discovered that it was well over a hundred meters in diameter with a depth of tens of meters at the least, an impressive sight indeed.


    After a long while, the Yin-Yang Realm great power finally spoke with a gravely serious tone, "The force exhibited here is beyond what the Yin-Yang Realm can produce. Even someone at the peak of their power couldn''t achieve this feat."


    The previous speaker from the Golden Core Realm blanched and blurted out, "Do you mean to say that this is the handiwork of an exceptional being from the Void Realm?"


    The great power from the Yin-Yang Realm shook his head. "No, our world here is restricted by the space-time law, making it impossible for such exceptional beings from the Void Realm to appear. Even those from the alien space-time of the Void Realm would be immediately repulsed upon trying to enter here!"


    Continuing, the Yin-Yang Realm great power went on without waiting for anyone else to speak, furrowing his grey brows, "So it is highly likely that this was done by someone of the Half-Step Void Realm or perhaps it was the hand of a supreme genius at the peak of the Yin-Yang Realm. When these top geniuses exert their full strength, their power can often approach that of the Half-Step Void."


    A Golden Core Realm expert asked in a deep voice, "Does this mean that the creator of this huge pit was none other than that youngster Ye Feng? Does this imply that Ye Feng''s strength is now comparable to a great power at the peak of the Yin-Yang Realm?"


    This time, the Yin-Yang Realm great power fell silent for a long time, eventually sighing, "Whether it''s him remains to be seen, but it seems very unlikely. After all, how long has that youngster been cultivating? It''s not possible for him to have attained such a cultivation level so quickly. But irrespective of who it was, it''s not something we can get involved in any longer. We can''t continue the pursuit."


    "Indeed, even if we caught up, with what we have at our disposal, it''s unlikely we could contend with the adversary. Almost on par with an exceptional great power of the Half-Step Void Realm ¨C that is simply too terrifying!" exclaimed the subordinates of the Golden Core Realm, nodding in agreement.


    However, it was at that moment that a group of figures in red robes arrived.


    "It''s the people from the Vampire Divine Court!" declared the black-robed great power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Subsequently, everyone turned their heads southward only to see over twenty strong Vampire Clan members in red robes descending.


    The members of the Vampire Divine Court were all pale, so devoid of blood qi that their complexion was almost colorless. Their ears tended to be longer than average, and their noses were relatively straight, yet their faces appeared somewhat more fierce and intimidating.


    The aura of these more than twenty Vampire Clan members was quite formidable as well, most of them of the Duke Golden Core Realm, led by a Divine Lord of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Similarly shocked by the sight of the enormous pit, the Vampire Clan found themselves speechless for a good while.


    Meanwhile, the group of individuals in black robes became tense, with someone whispering, "What should we do now, my lord?"


    The black-robed great power of the Yin-Yang Realm replied in a cold voice, "What''s there to panic about? It''s just a small squad from the Vampire Divine Court that has come, we''re no weaker than them!"


    Just then, the Divine Duke of the Vampire Clan in a golden red robe turned around, glanced at the black-robed individuals, and hummed dismissively, "So it''s people from the Independent Cultivator Alliance of Xuanyuan Nation."


    After this remark, the Vampire Divine Duke turned away, no longer paying attention to the group.


    It turned out that these individuals in black robes were from the Independent Cultivator Alliance of Xuanyuan Nation, comprising loose cultivators and independent cultivator families, operating separately from Xuanyuan Hall. They did not follow orders from Xuanyuan Hall on the Outer Battlefield, acting independently instead.


    In reality, there were many such power organizations on the Outer Battlefield, with other nations also harboring independent cultivator alliances. For example, those who defected from the Four Great Ancient Clans usually ended up joining an independent cultivator alliance, and there were a variety of mercenary groups as well.


    Overall, the Outer Battlefield was dominated by the Four Great Powers because their collective strength was the strongest.


    For the moment, the two groups stood across the pit without any communication, but neither initiated conflict. In situations like these, without direct conflict or enmity, it is common for neither side to attack since both have roughly equal overall strength and no certain assurance of victory over the other.


    However, overall, the Vampire Divine Court''s presence felt more arrogant and powerful, given that they hailed from one of the Four Great Powers, which naturally granted them a sense of superiority over a loose alliance like the other group.


    "It looks like that Ye has long fled, and his aura has completely vanished; there''s hardly any chance of continuing the pursuit," mused the Vampire Divine Duke.


    ```


    ```


    "Then, Divine Lord, what should we do next?" asked a Vampire Duke.


    The Vampire Divine Lord pondered for a while, then said, "If this deep pit was really created by that Ye fellow, then his combat power is truly terrifying. I admit I''m not his match, and even if we managed to catch up to him, we wouldn''t be able to take him down. Currently, there are rumors that the Blood Sha Miasma in Sky Burial Valley is dissipating, and many powers are heading over there. Let''s go and take a look too!"


    "Everyone, follow me!" With a sweep of the Vampire Divine Lord''s Great Hand, numerous members of the Blood Clan swiftly moved, heading towards the southwest direction and soon disappeared into the sky horizon.


    "My lord, did I hear the Blood Clan folks mention that the Blood Sha Miasma in Sky Burial Valley seems to be dissipating? What are we waiting for? Let''s hurry over and take a look, we might even be lucky enough to find a treasure or two!" said an expert of the Golden Core Realm from the Independent Cultivator Alliance.


    The black-robed Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm narrowed his eyes, and coldly said, "Originally, Sky Burial Valley was a forbidden land of the Outer Battlefield, a place where even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm dare not venture lightly. Now that the Blood Sha Miasma that was spread there is dissipating, we definitely cannot miss this opportunity. Let''s go too!"


    After saying this, the strong members of the Independent Cultivator League also soared up, flying towards the southwest.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, leading a team of more than sixty people, was heading westward. Sky Burial Valley was in the southwest direction. If he continued on his current path, he would definitely not reach Sky Burial Valley. Instead, he would be getting farther away from it.


    Of course, since he had been in the secret realm and had not interacted with others, Ye Feng had heard of Sky Burial Valley but was unaware of the recent dissipation of the Blood Sha Miasma there, or otherwise, he certainly wouldn''t have missed it.


    Actually, the reason Ye Feng chose to travel westward was that he planned to head towards Ice Prison Valley in the west.


    Ice Prison Valley was also a forbidden and deadly area of the Outer Battlefield; however, up to now, it was said that quite a number of people had already ventured inside. For instance, Bu Fengning, who, from what Ye Feng knew, had missed the last Martial Dao Conference precisely because he was delayed due to entering Ice Prison Valley.


    As for what Bu Fengning ended up obtaining in Ice Prison Valley and whether he encountered fortuity, that remained unknown since he refused to mention anything about it after coming out.


    Combining all this information, Ye Feng determined that although Ice Prison Valley was dangerous, its danger level was probably controllable to an extent. With his current cultivation strength, if Bu Fengning could leave alive, then he naturally wouldn''t have a problem either.


    Moreover, the overall strength of the current team was already very powerful. Common areas of the Outer Battlefield could no longer provide good training effects, so from the moment he stepped out of the secret realm, Ye Feng had set his sights on Ice Prison Valley.


    As for other forbidden and deadly areas, Ye Feng had not yet considered them.


    The team continued westward, and naturally, they encountered many demonic beasts and monsters along the way. Ye Feng never took action, nor did Xiao Chuanqi or any of the Four Great Legion Commanders. It was mainly Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin who took the lead in killing these beings.


    Indeed, as Ye Feng had expected, although there were benefits from training in these common areas, the effects were not significant. However, he could not let the team split up and scatter, given the current unstable situation, where various powers were turning their attention towards them. If they split up to train, they might be defeated individually, which could result in losses outweighing the gains.


    Over the next three days, the team did not encounter any pursuit or encirclement by the Four Great Powers. Occasionally, they came across members of the Independent Cultivator Alliance and various mercenary groups, but upon witnessing the formidable strength of Ye Feng''s team, they wisely chose to avoid them, and Ye Feng, of course, did not create trouble for them without reason.


    In fact, along the way, when Ye Feng saw numerous independent cultivators fall into traps, he did not hesitate to help, which made many of them very grateful.


    On the fourth day of traveling, the team surprisingly arrived at a city, an ancient city that had collapsed almost to the point where only its general outline remained.


    The city did not look too large, empty and without signs of life. However, at that moment, Ye Feng suddenly sensed several powerful presences.


    The presences were not above in the city but came from under the ground!


    "Everyone stop!" Ye Feng immediately waved his hand, and the team of more than sixty people instantly halted without making any noise, because they knew their master would not issue such an order without reason. There must be something he had discovered.


    "My lord, is there something strange about this city?" asked a restless Sima Zhantian through telepathy.


    "There''s nothing strange about the city, but there is something strange under the ground!" Ye Feng replied through telepathy.


    "Something strange under the ground?" Sima Zhantian''s expression changed.


    Without further explanation, Ye Feng looked back at the team, feeling it was somewhat inappropriate to bring so many people into the city''s underground. After all, this was the Outer Battlefield, and the nature of what was below was still uncertain.


    Even Ye Feng''s spiritual power could not penetrate the city to explore the underground, as if something was blocking his spiritual power, making him even more certain that this city, which looked dilapidated on the surface, was definitely not simple!


    "Xiao Chuanqi, Gai Jiuyou, stay above with the team; everyone else, follow me down. Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin, come with me!" Ye Feng made a decision and issued his command.


    Because Xiao Chuanqi and Gai Jiuyou were more experienced and steady, and in addition to himself had the highest cultivation battle power, they could handle sudden situations to some extent even if something unexpected happened.


    "As you command, my lord!" Xiao Chuanqi and Gai Jiuyou, although curious about what was beneath the city, had no doubts about Ye Feng''s orders and chose to comply immediately.


    "You wait on the outskirts of the city until I come out, and keep in touch at all times!"


    Having said this, Ye Feng then took Hong Qingyan, Yu Feiyu, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and also Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin, and they darted into the city.


    ```

 Chapter 712 - 698 My Luck Is Coming

    Under unclear underground conditions, it was obviously inconvenient to rashly lead the team in. It would be much more convenient for just a few people to enter. Of course, taking Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin along, everyone could see that the lord was intentionally cultivating these two.


    The city was not large, in fact, because the outer areas had been mostly destroyed. Even many parts had been buried under the underground sands, leaving only the outline of the central city walls. But from these outlines, the past grandeur of the city was faintly discernible.


    Following the main street, Ye Feng''s figure swiftly swept forward, with Hong Qingyan, Yu Feiyu, and others closely following behind.


    Only when they reached the center did it seem more like a plaza. The plaza was not large, but there were about a dozen people scattered around standing there.


    A total of eighteen people, each tall and muscular with white fur on their bodies and mostly yellow, curly hair¡ªa typical sign of the Wizard Alliance''s men.


    "So it''s the Wizard Alliance''s men!" Ye Feng immediately gestured with his hand, signaling for everyone to hide around the street corner.


    At that moment, everyone fully concealed their auras. The realms of the dozen or so people on the plaza were not high, so for a while, they did not notice anything.


    "My lord, it seems that these dozen or so members of the Wizard Alliance are on watch here. The real elite experts must have gone deep underground. Given this, there may indeed be something strange about this underground, perhaps even treasures!" Sima Zhantian communicated telepathically.


    Ye Feng nodded in agreement with Sima Zhantian''s words. Earlier, he had roughly sensed the underground with his spiritual power and felt there were quite a number of strong individuals below, even not ruling out the possibility of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "My lord, what should we do now?" Leng Wuming asked.


    Ye Feng pondered for a moment before gesturing with his hand, "Wait here for now; I''ll be right back!"


    Without waiting for Sima Zhantian and the others to speak, Ye Feng''s figure flickered and disappeared into thin air on the spot. The next moment he appeared right in front of the Wizard Alliance men in the plaza.


    "Fall down for me!" Ye Feng''s eyes suddenly shot out sharp beams of light as, in that moment, the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness spun at high speed.


    Spiritual power swept out like a tidal wave. In an instant, the dozen or so members of the Wizard Alliance couldn''t withstand his spirit pressure and fell down one by one.


    Seeing this scene, Sima Zhantian and the others could not help but marvel because they had not felt any fluctuations of spiritual power in their lord''s body. Yet, suddenly, the dozen or so Wizard Alliance members had fallen, wondering what method their lord had used.


    Of course, Sima Zhantian and the others did not ask; after all, it was not appropriate. It wasn''t until Ye Feng waved at them that everyone swept over.


    Only then did everyone discover that in a corner of the plaza there was a stairway passage leading directly underground. It seemed these people were indeed stationed here on purpose. It was just that Ye Feng had acted too quickly and without any spiritual power fluctuations or noise. The dozen or so Wizard Alliance members did not have time to make any noise or send a message before they lost consciousness.


    Therefore, the strong members of the Wizard Alliance below naturally could not detect anything.


    "Let''s go, down we go!" After checking with his spiritual power, Ye Feng found that the secret passage went deep and was very long; even his spiritual power could not detect the end. However, he had ascertained that there were no immediate dangers below; it looked as if the Wizard Alliance''s strong members had already entered the depths.


    Immediately, everyone followed Ye Feng into the passageway. The passageway was dark but not damp. Only after going down did they realize that this was the true ancient city.


    The ancient city was built of rather rough stone and was very grand in scale. Even the roads were cobbled, the streets wide, and one could faintly make out the shops on either side of the streets. Evidently, this city must have been bustling and illustrious once upon a time, but for some unknown reason, it later declined.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but nod secretly, "It seems this part of the underground city must have sunk below due to some reason. It''s precisely because it sank that it has been preserved quite intact!"


    Hong Qingyan then said, "If that''s the case, this city might not have been discovered by anyone before. It''s probably only been uncovered by the Wizard Alliance recently. In other words, the items inside may not have been touched by anyone."


    Hearing this, Sima Zhantian''s eyes suddenly lit up and he blurted out, "Doesn''t that mean this underground ancient city might indeed contain treasures?"


    Ye Feng gave a slight nod, "Judging from the structure and materials of the ancient city, at the very least it''s over two thousand years old, and it might even be a city from the Ancient Era. There might indeed be treasures inside, let''s continue deeper and see!"


    It goes without saying Ye Feng was also rarely curious, not knowing what kind of treasures might be inside such a city.


    As they delved deeper, the darkness became more profound. Fortunately, at their level of cultivation, the darkness did not affect them, and it seemed almost the same as daylight. The air, however, became more stifling and oppressive.


    They continued along the ancient street until they reached the end, where a tall city wall blocked their path. Next to the wall there was a gate¡ªan extremely majestic one, with two animal sculptures on either side, unknown what creatures they were supposed to be.


    "These sculptures look like lions, but not entirely. They seem more like Qilins, if anything." Leng Wuming mused.


    Ye Feng raised his brows, "Judging from these sculptures and the city gates, this should be the City Lord''s Mansion of this city. Even if it''s not the City Lord''s Mansion, it''s still the most central place!"


    Of course, Ye Feng did not say the second half of his thoughts out loud¡ªif there were truly any treasures in this underground ancient city, they would only be in the City Lord''s Mansion.


    In fact, having reached this point, Ye Feng''s spiritual power had already sensed several powerful auras deep within the City Lord''s Mansion. It seemed the Wizard Alliance''s experts had already found this place first, but it was unclear if they had gotten their hands on anything.


    "Let''s go, let''s get in there!" Ye Feng no longer hesitated and immediately stepped through the half-buried gateway into the compound.


    The estate was equally vast, with what appeared to be a martial arts training plaza in front of them. Various treasure weapons were laid out on the ground, but their grades were not high ¡ª after all, they were merely items for visitors, and had corroded over the long passage of time.


    Naturally, no one was interested in those things. Bypassing the martial arts training plaza and crossing a gallery, they then entered the backyard.


    By that time, everyone could clearly hear the sounds of fighting and cold shouting from inside.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened; he sensed two familiar auras. It was Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark!


    "How are these two guys here too!" Ye Feng couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle.


    "Who did you say is here, my lord?" Sima Zhantian asked.


    Ye Feng did not answer his question as he had already sensed that Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark were being besieged by three powerhouses of the Wizard Alliance.


    The three powerhouses of the Wizard Alliance consisted of one Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm and two at the level of Great Perfection in the Golden Core Realm. No matter how strong Xiao Rulong''s and Chi Jark''s talents were, they were completely overwhelmed by these three Wizard Alliance experts and were already in a perilous state.


    "I''ll rush over first; the rest of you, follow quickly!" Ye Feng knew the situation was critical and after saying this, his figure swept up and shot forward.


    They would need to go through a narrow portal ahead which looked more like the door to a treasure vault; in other words, the vault of the City Lord''s Mansion should be inside this portal. Since it was a treasure vault, its name suggested it was a place where treasures were stored.


    In other words, the reason Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark were in conflict with the people from the Wizard Alliance was likely because they had found some treasure in the vault.


    With a whoosh, Ye Feng leaped through the portal and into the treasure vault.


    The vault wasn''t large ¡ª just over a hundred square meters ¡ª and five powerhouses were fighting...


    "Grusen, you lot are shameless! It''s clear that we discovered this treasure vault first and got our hands on these three treasures before you did. Yet you have the gall to follow us and attack us in secret. Do you have no spirit of agreement at all?" Chi Jark roared furiously through clenched teeth.


    Being attacked on both sides by two Experts of the Golden Core Realm at the apogee of their strength, he brandished his Silver Dragon Battle Armor and Silver Dragon Spear fiercely to resist but was gradually losing ground. If things continued like this, defeat was just a matter of time, especially since he was trapped in a corner with no chance of escape.


    "Bullshit about spirit of agreement. Today, as long as we kill the two of you, who will know we did it? You two may be prodigies from Xuanyuan Nation''s Ancient Clan, but you have become arrogant, acting alone. How else could we have found such an opportunity?" The Yin-Yang Realm Great Power named Grusen bared his teeth and coldly sneered.


    Xiao Rulong also shouted angrily: "Damn it, it took us more than two months to find this city based on some fragmented records from the Ancient Era. We were hoping to find some treasures, and we didn''t expect to be targeted by these Wizard Alliance dogs. It''s our own fault for being careless!"


    Xiao Rulong''s palm strikes were mighty, but facing a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, even though it was just a One Seal Level Yin-Yang Mirror Great Power, he was still unable to cope with the dangerous situation.


    Grusen, still smiling coldly with bared teeth, said: "Exactly. If there''s anyone to blame, it''s just that you two have been too stupid and careless. As top-ranked talents from Xuanyuan Nation, you''ve long been on the must-kill list of our Wizard Alliance. Naturally, we pay extra attention to you. Today, you should resign yourselves to your fate. Even your communication talismans can''t be sent out from here, so no one will come to save you!"


    "After we finish you two off and take the treasures, we''ll then go after that Ye Feng kid, and by the same token, we''ll get rid of that surnamed Ye as well, so that Xuanyuan Nation will have no one to follow up with and in the future, there will be nothing that can threaten our Wizard Alliance."


    Just then, Ye Feng''s figure precisely broke in and he stood directly in front of everyone, his mouth curling into a smile as he said, "What''s this? Why drag me into your conversation all of a sudden?"


    The three powerhouses from the Wizard Alliance were shocked because they now realized someone had broken in, and by the time they noticed it, the person was already before them, at an inconceivably fast speed.


    But when Grusen saw who had arrived, he also grinned and said: "Well, well, I thought I didn''t know who was coming, but it turns out to be you, kid. Just in time for today, we''ll take care of all three of you together and save ourselves a lot of trouble!"


    Upon recognizing Ye Feng, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark both shouted out in joy, saying, "Brother Ye, how did you get here? This is great, we should be saved now, shouldn''t we?"


    The two were clearly aware of Ye Feng''s combat power. With him joining in, even if they couldn''t overpower the three Wizard Alliance experts, they should be able to hold their own, or at least have a chance to escape.


    "Saved? Truly stupid and naive, you think with this kid''s rescue, you can contend with the three of us? Ridiculous!" The other two Golden Core Realm experts of the Wizard Alliance said with a cold sneer in their voices.


    Although they had heard about Ye Feng''s performance at the Great Wall of Heaven and knew that this kid from Xuanyuan Nation was extremely powerful, they had not participated in the battle, so they simply didn''t believe that this kid, not yet thirty years old from Xuanyuan Nation, could contend with or even crush a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Therefore, upon seeing Ye Feng break in, after their initial surprise, joy quickly spread across the faces of the three Wizard Alliance powerhouses.


    "They say you, kid, have mastered the Dao Technique to freely enter and exit the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Great, it seems today the heavens are helping me, too. Looks like my luck is about to turn!"


    Grusen, the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, immediately abandoned Xiao Rulong and pounced towards Ye Feng.

 Chapter 713 - 699: Praying Spirit Transformation Technique

    It was evident that for Grusen, Ye Feng held more value than Xiao Rulong.


    Ye Feng stood his ground, merely taking the opportunity to glance at a table in front of the treasure vault, where three treasures were placed.


    One of them was a pen, brilliant with gold light, another was a bead emitting silver light, and the last was a Brocade Box. Since the box wasn''t opened, Ye Feng could not see what was inside.


    Seeing Grusen abandon him to charge at Ye Feng, Xiao Rulong also moved swiftly to follow.


    Ye Feng shifted his gaze from the table, saying solemnly, "Brother Xiao, there''s no need to come here, go and help Brother Jark!"


    Xiao Rulong hesitated briefly, then gritted his teeth and said, "Grusen is a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, I''m afraid you might..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, Ye Feng said with a cold tone, "Don''t worry, I can handle it. Just leave it to me!"


    Xiao Rulong acted decisively as he had witnessed Ye Feng''s tremendous combat power at the Great Wall of Heaven.


    "Alright, he''s yours then. Brother Jark and I will join forces. We should be able to suppress them. Once we deal with these two, we will come to help you!" After saying this, Xiao Rulong headed straight toward Chi Jark.


    Grusen had reached Ye Feng, and through clenched teeth, he growled, "You whelp, I know you have strong talent and decent combat power. But I can tell from your aura that you are only at the Golden Core Realm. No matter how strong you are, with your Cultivation of the Golden Core Realm, you cannot hope to contend with me. You must realize that the chasm between the Golden Core Realm and the Yin-Yang Realm is not so easily crossed."


    Ye Feng laughed, responding with a cold sneer, "Then today, I will let you see that for a true peerless genius, there is no such thing as a chasm!"


    "What arrogance! Since that''s the case, I will put an end to you!"


    Having spoken, Grusen raised the dazzling Wolf Fang Club in his hand and leaped towards Ye Feng, bringing it smashing down.


    "Dare to outshine the sun and the moon with the light of a firefly?" Ye Feng sneered. With a raise of his hand, the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal immediately took shape and was hurled towards the other party.


    "Merely a child''s trick!" Grusen mocked with a jeering sneer through gritted teeth, intending to send the Great Golden Light Seal flying with a single strike.


    However, his expression drastically changed the next moment as he revealed a look of shock.


    For at the moment the Wolf Fang Club collided with the Great Golden Light Seal, Grusen felt an overwhelming strength, vast like a mountain range. Not only was he unable to send the Great Golden Light Seal flying, but he was also sent hurtling away by this immense force.


    With a thud!


    Grusen crashed into a bookshelf behind him, smashing the shelves to smithereens and even creating a crater in the ground.


    However, Grusen was, after all, a member of the Wizard Alliance, tough and resilient; he wasn''t even injured.


    "Damn it, blast it all! To think that you, boy, could be so powerful!" Grusen raged thunderously, unable to contain his fury.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark had already engaged two Golden Core Realm experts in combat. However, they had also been keeping an eye on the situation here. Seeing Ye Feng send his opponent flying with one move, both were immensely shocked.


    "So strong. He seems even more powerful than he was three months ago at the Great Wall of Heaven!" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark inwardly exclaimed in awe.


    That one strike was something neither of them could match in power. What they didn''t realize was that it was just a casual strike from Ye Feng.


    Had they seen Ye Feng''s true combat power, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark would feel just as desperate as Qingya, a despair born from the powerlessness of facing an insurmountable Ye Feng!


    Ye Feng was still standing in place, his expression as calm as ever. He had even slain Divine Master Tanaka, who possessed the power of Three Seals, so naturally, he was not concerned about Grusen, the Great Power of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm.


    Eventually, Grusen staggered to his feet. However, he put away his Wolf Fang Club and, clenching his hands into Dharma Seals, he snarled, "You brat, you''ve successfully angered me. Very well, now I''ll show you the true might of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Grusen completed his Dharma Seal. Instantly, black and white energies intertwined around his body, and his aura soared.


    "Is this the Power of Yin and Yang?" Ye Feng furrowed his brows.


    "Correct, this is indeed the Power of Yin and Yang available only to the Yin-Yang Realm!" After speaking, Grusen twisted his wrist, and a Giant Axe appeared in his hand.


    The black, massive axe head was visually striking, and under the augmentation of the Power of Yin and Yang, the might of this Giant Axe seemed even more terrifying. It emanated a dark glow, giving the impression that a single swing could split the earth in two.


    "Die!" Grusen roared, lifting the Giant Axe and chopping it through the air. In an instant, a horrifying Energy Wave sliced towards Ye Feng like a long rainbow.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and with a lateral movement, he evaded it.


    It must be said, although Grusen was merely a Great Power of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm, with the augmentation of Yin and Yang, he could exert the Combat Power of the Second Seal.


    Boom...


    The massive Energy Wave struck down, splitting the ground in half. The already dilapidated Treasure Vault was instantly showered with debris; countless items were flung into the air, some even ground into dust on the spot, and the sheer force even tore a startling crack in the ceiling.

 Chapter 714 - 699: Praying Spirit Transformation Technique_2

    The ground beneath their feet shook and shuddered without end!


    Grusen''s attack missed, and the giant axe in his hand once again swung out consecutively, sending two black energy waves crossing each other directly towards Ye Feng, sealing off all his paths of retreat.


    "Let''s see where you can hide now!" Grusen bared his teeth and coldly shouted.


    "Hide? Did I ever say I was going to hide?" Ye Feng sneered, and the Emperor Sovereign Sword appeared in his hand, which he then swung.


    Terrible Sword Qi, like a golden rainbow, streaked out. Upon collision, it sliced through the black energy waves from the giant axes as easily as cutting tofu.


    The scattered energy waves instantly destroyed the entire Treasure Vault and even half of the City Lord''s Mansion suffered damage. The whole Underground City kept shaking, unable to withstand such a massive impact of energy. If this continued, it wouldn''t be long before the Underground City completely collapsed and sank.


    "How...how is this possible? You actually, actually broke through my giant axe energy waves with a single sword strike, how can this be!" Grusen''s face showed shock once again, and this time there was even a hint of fear in it.


    When Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark witnessed this, the shock on their faces was even greater, and had the situation been different, they would probably have exclaimed aloud on the spot.


    Ye Feng, holding the Emperor Sovereign Sword and not even bothering to summon the Emperor Sovereign Armor, lightly sneered, "Merely a One Seal Yin-Yang Realm, and you think you''re so powerful? To me now, you''re too weak, so weak you''re crumbling!"


    "Ahhh!" Insulted and angered by the taunt, Grusen roared repeatedly, grinding his teeth and bellowed, "What did you say, kid? I''m crumbling? Damn it, I am a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, and you dare to look down on and humiliate me; it''s infuriating to death!"


    Having said this, Grusen suddenly grunted heavily, "Very well, Ye Feng of Xuanyuan Nation, you have once again succeeded in provoking me. This time, I will let you witness the true prowess of our Wizard Alliance!"


    At this time, because the fight between Ye Feng and Grusen was so intense and splendid, and the commotion so significant, not to mention the terrifying aftermath that was spilling out, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, as well as two Experts of the Golden Core Realm from the Wizard Alliance, all chose to stop fighting simultaneously.


    The four stepped aside to make way, preparing to deal with the scattering aftershocks, and of course, to better observe the clash between the two Great Powers.


    "What a Ye Feng," Xiao Rulong exclaimed from atop his perch, "In just a short three months, he has become so much stronger. The gap between us and him has undoubtedly been widened once again."


    Chi Jark also sighed, "Indeed, just the power of that one sword just now is sufficient to match a Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm Great Power. Back at the Great Wall of Heaven, because I didn''t look closely, now, watching from a close distance, I realize, Ye Feng is truly too powerful!"


    While the two men were whispering to each other, Grusen suddenly formed a strange Dharma Seal with both hands, and knelt down while muttering under his breath as if he was chanting some Curse Incantation.


    Not far away, two Golden Core Realm experts from the Wizard Alliance said heavily, "Unexpectedly, Ye Feng, a mere Peak Golden Core Realm cultivator from Xuanyuan Nation, has forced Grusen to use the Praying Spirit Transformation Technique. Even if Ye Feng were to be killed today, he would have died proud."


    "That''s right. Our Wizard Alliance''s Praying Spirit Transformation Technique leaves one very weak after the transformation, with severe side effects, and it is not used lightly unless absolutely necessary. It looks like to be able to kill Ye Feng, Lord Grusen is going all out."


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows upon hearing this. He had heard of the Wizard Alliance''s so-called Praying Spirit Transformation Technique. In fact, it was one of the forbidden techniques of the Wizard Alliance. The term "Praying Spirit" probably referred to awakening some mysterious spiritual object and exchanging something of oneself as a price for some strength, thereby achieving a transformation effect.


    In the blink of an eye, Grusen had completed the Praying Spirit, and his mouth ceased reciting the curse incantation.


    The next moment, his body erupted with cracking and popping noises, and then Grusen began to swell rapidly. In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a mountainous colossus.


    What was even more terrifying was that Grusen grew two long fangs, and all his hair changed. Even his eyes turned yellow. He looked extremely ferocious, like a yellow-faced, fanged humanoid monster.


    "Roar..." Grusen opened his mouth and let out a thunderous roar.


    Now that he had transformed, he directly ruptured the Treasure Vault. His enormous body burst forth with a violent aura, appearing incredibly powerful.


    Xiao Rulong couldn''t help but grit his teeth and said, "Damn it, I didn''t expect this guy to be so hateful, to resort to the Wizard Alliance''s forbidden technique. Judging by his aura, he is probably no less than a Great Power of the Three Seal Yin-Yang Realm, and his combat power is even more terrifying."


    Upon saying this, Xiao Rulong shouted, "Brother Ye, what should we do now? Should we flee? This guy is too strong; we simply can''t compete!"


    Chi Jark also said, "Yeah Brother Ye, we can let go of the treasures. There''s no need to lose our lives over them. Let''s scatter and flee. You don''t have to worry about us!"


    However, Ye Feng just grinned and said, "Remember what you said before, that you would follow me? In other words, you''re not only my friends but also my subordinates. I, Ye Feng, am not afraid of heaven or earth. What I fear most is abandoning friends and deserting my subordinates!"


    Listening to these words, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark were both touched, but they still shook their heads and said, "We know you value friendship and loyalty, Brother Ye, but now is not the time to be sentimental. This guy is too strong after his transformation. You possess far greater talent than both of us, and the Human Race still needs you. You must not fall again!"


    "Yeah, let''s hold them off; you should escape quickly, Brother Ye!"


    Grusen roared to the heavens, "Escape? You forced me to resort to a forbidden technique. Today, not a single one of you will get away. You will all die!"


    Ye Feng snorted with a smirk, "You really think I can''t beat you after you transform? Very well, today I will let you witness my true capabilities!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Feng waved the Great Hand, and the Heaven Guard Monument soared straight into the sky.


    Normally, the Heaven Guard Monument should soar into the void above and suppress from there to unleash its maximum power. However, since this was an Underground City, limited by the terrain, it was unable to soar high into the air.


    Even so, it was still enough to suppress this fanged transformation monster!

 Chapter 715 - 700: What Treasure Will You Get from the Blind Box?

    The Heaven Guard Monument spun and whizzed out, emitting strong Xuan Light throughout and containing terrifying power.


    This stone tablet was found by Ye Feng within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and by rights, it should also be the most powerful treasure in the Secret Realm. Originally, this monument acted as a suppressive force for its domain, with its most formidable feature being its crushing ability.


    The enormous Grusen roared continuously, "A mere little monument dares to contend with me, your father? You are far too ignorant and arrogant!"


    While speaking, the massive Grusen charged forward. With each step he took, a huge footprint crater appeared on the ground. What was even more terrifying was that, despite his increased size, his speed was not affected in the slightest; he was still as fast as lightning.


    Whoosh!


    Grusen had already arrived near Ye Feng, and then he threw a punch!


    His fist edge was sharp, instantly bringing up a violent storm, and even carried traces of the Power of Yin and Yang. If this punch landed, even a mountain would likely be leveled.


    "Go!" Ye Feng''s eyes converged. The Heaven Guard Monument quickly enlarged, bursting forth with horrifying power, and then charged towards his adversary.


    "Break for me!" Grusen wore a thick expression of disdain, intending to blast the Heaven Guard Monument away with one punch.


    However, in the very next moment, his expression drastically changed. His fearsome giant fist edge, upon striking the Heaven Guard Monument, not only failed to send the stone flying, but instead he felt an overwhelming surge of impact force rushing back at him in an instant.


    "How is that possible!" Grusen''s face changed dramatically, and he was sent stumbling backward by the rebound.


    Continuously retreating, all the treasures beneath his feet were destroyed by impact, eventually causing him to fall out of the treasure vault and smash into the backyard of the city lord''s mansion, completely ruining the eaves of the roofs.


    "Damn it, this monument is actually... actually so terrifying that even the strength of my fist edge can''t disturb it, and I''m the one sent flying with a punch?"


    Grusen fell to the ground, a profound look of shock washing over his face. If he hadn''t reacted a fraction faster just now, his entire right arm might have been crippled.


    At this very moment, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark were shocked to their core, both staring incredulously at Ye Feng with their eyes wide-open, speechless for a long time.


    After a while, Xiao Rulong finally gulped down saliva with a loud swallow, and he exclaimed, "Scoundrel, I have a feeling that in this life, I may never catch up with that guy Ye Feng."


    Chi Jark was no better off, nodding in agreement, "I feel the same way, too strong. That attack just now from that fellow could already match a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm at the Three Seal Rank, and it''s only been a mere three months!"


    The two of them sighed lengthily, suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of defeat and helplessness. If Qingya from the Yin-Yang Temple were present, all three of them would likely share a feeling of commiseration.


    Meanwhile, the two peak Experts of the Golden Core Realm from the Wizard Alliance were also shocked and petrified on the spot.


    "Grusen has actually, actually been repelled, that''s just too unbelievable. Could it be that the youngster named Ye has really become that powerful?"


    "Yes, after Grusen enacted the Praying Spirit Transformation Technique, and with the enhancement of the Power of Yin and Yang on top of the transformation, his greatest strength lies in physical power. But Grusen being repelled by the rebound is simply unheard of!"


    The two Golden Core Realm experts from the Wizard Alliance had hearts pounding, their nerves stretched tight to the limit.


    "However, Grusen hasn''t been injured; he can still fight. It must have been due to his carelessness just now. That youngster from Xuanyuan Nation couldn''t possibly be Grusen''s opponent!"


    "Indeed, Grusen is invincible, especially after the transformation, he is much stronger. Ye Feng is undoubtedly doomed!"


    Just as the two Golden Core Realm experts from the Wizard Alliance finished speaking among themselves, Grusen leaped up."


    "Boy, no matter how strong your talent is, today you must die!"


    Grusen roared again and again, his body emitting beams of azure light, and his aura becoming even more violent and fierce.


    Grusen had to take action quickly to resolve his opponent because the transformation had a time limit. Once the duration ended, he would fall into a brief state of weakness.


    Therefore, if he didn''t kill his opponent before the time ran out, the one who would surely die was himself.


    Roar!


    With another roar, Grusen charged forth wildly again!


    Ye Feng stood still, his gaze sharpening. The Heaven Guard Monument spun once more and dashed out.


    But this time, the monument was even more vast and majestic, with undeniably more terrifying power.


    "Smash!"


    Ye Feng commanded with a deep cold shout, driving the Heaven Guard Monument to smash towards Grusen, directly causing him to repeatedly stagger backward.


    "Damn it, damn it! Ye, I must kill..."


    But before Grusen could finish his howl, the Heaven Guard Monument charged at him once again.


    With a thunderous boom that shook the heavens, the immensely powerful Heaven Guard Monument once again sent the massive body of Grusen flying, this time even out of the City Lord''s Mansion, crashing hard onto the wide underground streets.


    "Ahhh, damn it! Ye, what is the origin of this monument, as it''s so dreadfully powerful? Even I can''t move it!" Grusen roared furiously.

 Chapter 716 - 700: What Treasure Will You Get from the Blind Box?_2

    Ye Feng suddenly appeared above the City Lord''s Mansion''s gates, looking down at Grusen, who was sprawled on the main street below, and sneered, "Want to know? Go ask King Yama!"


    As he said this, Ye Feng''s expression darkened as the Spirit Essence within his body surged out like a raging river, pouring into the Heaven Guard Monument.


    The Heaven Guard Monument shot up into the sky, spinning wildly as a world-destroying power erupted from it.


    Grusen looked up at the terrible stone stele above him, his face showing extreme horror as he cried out in disbelief, "No, this can''t be possible, this stele, it''s so terrifying!"


    "Suppress!" Ye Feng had no desire to waste words with him, waved his Great Hand, and the Heaven Guard Monument instantly fell.


    "No... You can''t kill me, you can''t..."


    Grusen''s yellow eyes revealed a look of horror and despair, and in his desperation, a brilliant silver light suddenly burst forth from his brow.


    Having experienced this several times before, Ye Feng clearly knew that Grusen was trying to let his Yin-Yang Seal escape.


    But having learned from past lessons, Ye Feng naturally wouldn''t let it get away. Before the Yin-Yang Seal could leave its host, the Heaven Guard Monument instantly dropped.


    Boom...


    In an instant, an earth-shattering sound erupted from the entire Underground City, and at this moment, the vast Underground City shook violently.


    Dust rolled over the streets, and the Heaven Guard Monument smashed into them, creating a massive pit over ten meters deep¡ªa sight so shocking it was heart-stopping.


    As for Grusen, he had already been smashed into pulp, dead beyond any doubt, and even his Yin-Yang Seal failed to escape and was directly extinguished.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark stood on the roof of the Treasure Vault, watching this scene unfold. They looked at each other, both too shocked to speak.


    After seeing the fearsome and powerful combat strength of Ye Feng, they no longer even entertained the thought of catching up. All they felt was deep shock and admiration, just like Qingya''s feelings at that time.


    "Lord Grusen, Lord Grusen was so powerful, yet he was killed!" an Expert of the Golden Core Realm from the Wizard Alliance shouted out in disbelief.


    "This is bad, we have to run, we must escape quickly! If even Lord Grusen was no match, we stand even less of a chance against him!"


    Having realized this, the two of them fled in panic, and even during their escape, they actually headed towards the display table, attempting to snatch away the three treasures.


    "Thinking of escaping, can you even get away?" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark reacted and chased after them.


    Now, both of them were at the Great Perfection Peak of the Perfected Golden Core Realm. In addition to their Heaven''s Pride Rank combat power, they were descendants of the Ancient Clan, capable of overwhelming their opponents one on one within the same realm.


    Soon, the two peak Golden Core Realm experts from the Wizard Alliance were completely overpowered. With Grusen dead, their will to fight had already dissipated, and it was not long before Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark killed them.


    At this time, Ye Feng stood quietly at the City Lord''s Mansion gates, watching. He chose not to take action. Firstly, because it wasn''t necessary, and secondly, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark needed the experience.


    Furthermore, and more importantly, after consecutive uses of the Heaven Guard Monument, Ye Feng''s consumption of Spirit Essence was significant. At that moment, he was panting heavily, sweat rolling off his face like large pearls.


    Only then did Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, among others, catch up.


    "Big Brother Ye, are you alright?" Hong Qingyan asked as she deftly wiped the sweat from Ye Feng''s face.


    Originally, at this moment, Yu Feiyu had already taken out a silk scarf and was about to come over, but seeing that Hong Qingyan had already reached out her hand, she suddenly stopped in her tracks and consciously tucked the silk scarf away in secret.


    The likes of Leng Wuming and Cao Tian behind her naturally noticed Yu Feiyu''s gesture, but of course, they were not foolish enough to mention it; they couldn''t help but admire in their hearts¡ªafter all, their lord was indeed their lord, surrounded by so many close female companions.


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "Don''t worry, I''m fine, just a bit overexerted, I''ll be okay after some breath regulation!"


    As he said this, Ye Feng glanced at the underground city that continued to shake and tremble, furrowed his brows, and said, "The foundation of this city is not very stable, and the recent battle has caused further damage. It seems it won''t last much longer before it collapses. Take this opportunity to go see if there are any other treasures!"


    "Two minutes, regardless of whether or not you find anything, everyone must gather here!"


    "Yes!" Leng Wuming, Sima Zhantian, Cao Tian, and Chu Huaimin instantly set off, scattering in every direction.


    Now that their lord had allowed them to move freely, according to the rules of the Northern Border Army, any treasure obtained through legal and proper means would belong to them without the requirement of reporting it.


    For people like Leng Wuming and Sima Zhantian, they naturally also sought their own fortuitous encounters.


    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, however, did not move; after all, they were not very concerned about treasures¡ªwhat they cared more about was Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng looked at the two women, smiled slightly, then swiftly moved to the desk in the treasure vault.


    By this time, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark had also eliminated the two experts from the Wizard Alliance, and similarly leapt over.


    The underground city continued to shake incessantly, numerous buildings collapsed one after another, and even the northwest corner had begun to sink. At this rate, it wouldn''t be long before the city was completely submerged.


    On the desk, three treasures still lay; during the intense battle, both sides had consciously avoided attacking this area, so the desk had not been destroyed.


    Among the three treasures was a resplendent golden light brush, another was a bead emitting silver light, and the last one was hidden inside a brocade box, its contents unseen.


    The three treasures were lined up in order, and the first two¡ªthe golden brush and the silver bead¡ªcontained powerful energies, clearly indicating they were formidable treasures.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark did not reach out for the treasures but instead turned to look at Ye Feng, evidently seeking his opinion.


    Although the two of them had spent over two months discovering the clues to this underground city from some ancient secrets, and they were the first to arrive at this treasure vault and see these three treasures, they would likely have lost their lives by now without Ye Feng''s help.


    So even if Ye Feng took all three treasures, neither Xiao Rulong nor Chi Jark would have any objections.


    However, Ye Feng was not going to do that, he looked at them and said, "How about this? We each take one of the three treasures. Do you have any objections to that?"


    "Of course not!" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark were overjoyed.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Brother Xiao inherited the Silver Dragon Armor and Silver Dragon Spear, so I think this silver bead suits you best. As for this Golden Light Brush, it will go to Brother Jark, and I''ll take this brocade box."


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark naturally had no objections; each had already set their sights on the silver bead and golden brush, respectively.


    Ye Feng, however, grinned and said, "We can''t see through this brocade box, nor do we know what treasure it contains inside. It may be more advanced than your two items, or it could be empty, which is a bit like a lucky draw."


    Having said that, Ye Feng reached out for the brocade box. It was heavy in hand and felt nice, but what lay inside was still unknown.


    And it was at this moment, with a glance from the corner of his eye, Ye Feng suddenly spotted a hidden passage next to the desk leading to even deeper depths!

 Chapter 717 - 701: The Origin of Sky Burial Valley

    Actually, this passage was very concealed, and had it not been for the recent battle causing the entire underground city to continuously shake and sink, this passage would probably not have been easily revealed.


    "I didn''t expect there to be a secret passage here, it seems to lead even deeper!"


    At that moment, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark also noticed, and the three immediately swept over to it.


    This even more hidden passage was actually built within the treasure vault, which one could easily deduce was extraordinary.


    As soon as Ye Feng arrived at the entrance of the passage, his heart suddenly stirred, and he immediately heard a very strange sound.


    "Did you hear anything?" Ye Feng hurriedly asked.


    "A sound? No, we didn''t!" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark both shook their heads.


    Ye Feng immediately leaned in to listen closely and discovered that the sound was intermittent. Paying closer attention, it seemed as though the sound was coming from a distance, perhaps from the primordial era, faintly resembling drumbeats, but not quite.


    He suddenly remembered, back when he was in Martial Battle City, he had also heard this kind of strange and unsettling sound, which likewise came from beneath the city.


    "Could it be that there truly is something terrible deep beneath the Outer Battlefield?" Ye Feng''s heart suddenly moved.


    This sound was ethereal and elusive, as if it came from an ancient age. Ye Feng only listened for a short while before he felt his mind and spirit beginning to waver, and he immediately realized that this strange sound was unusual and possessed a terrifying strength.


    From this, one could infer that if there truly was something deep below, it was likely to be extremely dreadful!


    "Let''s go down and take a look!" Ye Feng suddenly decided. With a wave of his hand, he plunged into the secret passage, followed closely by Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark.


    To Ye Feng''s greater surprise, as he stepped into the secret passage, the sound that seemed to come from a great distance suddenly turned into a call, a call for him.


    It was as though something deep below the ground was summoning him, waiting for his arrival!


    "Could it be that there really is something beneath the ground that is related to me?" Ye Feng grew even more puzzled.


    However, just as the three of them had entered the passage, the entire underground city suddenly shook violently as if an earthquake had occurred.


    Suddenly, with a loud rumble, a huge rock collapsed, sealing off the path ahead in the secret passage.


    "This is bad, the entire city is going to collapse completely, and it''s continuously sinking. There might even be some terrible beasts lurking deeper underground, we should hurry and get out of here for now!"


    Ye Feng immediately made the decision. After all, even he would be in a tricky situation if trapped deep underground, not to mention facing some powerful underground beasts, which would pose a threat, let alone Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark.


    "Go, let''s head back the way we came!" Ye Feng hurriedly moved, and at that moment, even though he knew something below was calling for him, he couldn''t afford to care about that anymore.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    The three of them quickly swept out of the secret passage, by which time the underground city had already collapsed by more than half.


    Without a word, Ye Feng immediately picked up Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu from the treasure vault and rapidly flew towards the outside.


    "Everyone, listen up and leave this place quickly!" Ye Feng used his Spirit Essence Breathing to ensure that Sima Zhantian and the others could hear him.


    In fact, by that time, there was no need for Ye Feng to remind them, as everyone had already begun to fly back the way they had come.


    Whoosh!


    Suddenly, a streak of light soared into the sky, and Ye Feng, carrying the two women, burst out of the entrance of the underground city, eventually landing steadily on the plaza above.


    Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu were still somewhat dazed until then, neither of them speaking, and curiously, neither woman immediately chose to struggle out of Ye Feng''s embrace.


    Finally, it was Ye Feng who said, "Wait here; I''ll go down to check on Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin!"


    Since Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin had lower cultivation levels, it was only natural for Ye Feng to be more concerned about them. Just as he was about to let go of the two women and dive back in, Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin also safely emerged.


    "My lord, we are alright!" Cao Tian and the others didn''t forget to say a word.


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Good, everyone reacted well, no one was left behind!"


    Just then, even the outline of the city on the surface began to roar violently, collapsing crazily downward.


    "Let''s go, leave this place!" Ye Feng quickly rose into the air, heading out of the city.


    Only then did he realize that the dozen or so Wizard Alliance disciples who had been stunned on the plaza had disappeared without a trace, likely having woken up early from the shaking and left.


    It didn''t take long for Ye Feng and the others to meet up with Xiao Chuanqi, Gai Jiuyou, and others who had waited above.


    Seeing these sixty-plus individuals, all experts of the Golden Core Realm, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark stared wide-eyed and stood frozen in place. It took them a long while to speak, "Brother Ye, are all these experts of the Golden Core Realm your subordinates?"


    "That''s almost unbelievable. Their auras are so condensed and refined; they are already on par with experts of the Perfected Golden Core Realm!"


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "They are the first team I selected to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. Because they went through the test of the Great Wall of Heaven battle, they all have excellent character. Of course, their current cultivation levels are mainly due to their own hard work, and naturally, they also have good talent."

 Chapter 718 - 701: The Origin of Sky Burial Valley_2

    Xiao Rulong sighed, "There are more than sixty people here, one or two is one thing, but this is just too unbelievable."


    Chi Jark could only offer a wry smile, "Brother Xiao, it looks like we really need to step up our efforts, otherwise, it''s not just catching up with Brother Ye that''s the issue, we might even fall behind his subordinates soon."


    His words were indeed true, setting aside Cao Tian and Chu Huaimin''s group, to speak of Xiao Chuanqi and Gai Jiuyou, the Four Great Legion Commanders, their talents are quite remarkable, and in some respects, perhaps even far surpassing that of Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark.


    Take Xiao Chuanqi''s Immortal Sword Body, for example, and then there''s Sima Zhan Tian''s Immortal Blade Bloodline, both are extremely formidable. The only reason why the four of them have not fully distinguished themselves yet is that they abandoned Martial Arts for Daoism relatively late. If they could obtain abundant cultivation resources and Dao Techniques like those disciples from the Ancient Clan, their Realms would probably have already stepped into the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Ye Feng, however, waved his hand, not wanting to dwell on the topic. Although he did indeed have a considerable force and could even contend with the Four Great Powers, this was not Ye Feng''s goal. His goal was to guard the Human Realm and protect the Human Race, so these things were not worth boasting about.


    "By the way, Brother Xiao and Brother Chi, this ancient city, how did you come to discover it?" Ye Feng changed the subject and asked.


    Xiao Rulong laughed, "Actually, we stumbled upon it in a fragment of a secret scroll within our clan. Since we had nothing much to do during that period, we thought we''d explore and see if there were any gains. Little did we know, we would run into people from the Wizard Alliance, and if it hadn''t been for your timely arrival, Brother Ye, I fear Brother Jark and I might have been done for here today."


    At this point, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark once again clasped their hands in thanks, "We are eternally grateful for Brother Ye''s life-saving assistance today; we will never dare to forget this kindness!"


    "No need to mention it, we''re all brothers here, why bother with such formalities? Speaking of which, do you have any plans coming up?" Ye Feng asked.


    "Plans for what''s next? I really haven''t given it much thought..."


    As Chi Jark said this, his eyes suddenly lit up, "I almost forgot about this matter, a few days ago my family sent me a message saying that the miasma in Sky Burial Valley was showing signs of dissipating. They''ve already sent people off and told me to hurry there to meet with them."


    "Right, right, my family has also sent me a message. It looks like the miasma in Sky Burial Valley is indeed about to clear up!" Xiao Rulong also said.


    "Sky Burial Valley? What place is that?" Ye Feng was hearing this name for the first time.


    "Actually, it''s another of the forbidden deadly places in the Outer Battlefield. But because Sky Burial Valley is so terribly dangerous, far more than structures like Ice Prison Valley or Red Mist Forest, people seldom mention it. Brother Ye, you''ve only recently entered the Outer Battlefield and are not strictly considered part of the Four Great Powers, so it''s normal not to know."


    "So, Sky Burial Valley is really that dangerous?" Sima Zhantian couldn''t help asking from the side.


    "Of course, it''s dangerous. If the miasma wasn''t dissipating, even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm wouldn''t dare to step into it!"


    Xiao Rulong spoke solemnly, then paused before continuing, "This Outer Battlefield, in fact, is an ancient battlefield from over two thousand years ago. At that time, the Demon Horn Tribe launched a massive invasion into our Human Realm. The Eternal Sovereign led a grand army into battle against the Demon Horn Tribe in Sky Burial Valley, where a fierce and dark battle ensued!"


    "According to incomplete statistics, that battle saw casualties of both sides reaching hundreds of thousands, including many from the Golden Core Realm and the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    At this time, Chi Jark continued, "I saw in some records from my clan that the battle back then was so bloody that it nearly dyed the entire Outer Battlefield red. Even Sky Burial Valley saw the emergence of a Blood River, with corpses piled up like mountains, creating a truly tragic scene."


    Ye Feng asked, "So you''re saying that the miasma in Sky Burial Valley was left behind from that battle?"


    "Exactly. In fact, this miasma is mostly due to certain substances contained within the bodies of the Demon Horn Tribe," Xiao Rulong answered.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng remembered something that probably happened almost a year ago. At that time, miasma erupted in the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley, and it was quite terrifying. So he asked, "By the way, have you heard about the miasma outbreak in the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley half a year ago? Could that miasma have spilled over from the Alien Space-Time of the Demon Horn Tribe?"


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark shook their heads, "The Central Region had a miasma outbreak? We haven''t heard about that. The truth is, since entering the Outer Battlefield, we haven''t returned for many years, staying here all the while."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly. He could understand; in fact, the vast majority of people were like the two of them. Once they entered the Outer Battlefield and witnessed its vastness and the countless Heavenly Talents and Earthly Treasures it contained, they never wanted to go back, especially since, compared to Earth, the Outer Battlefield offered infinite possibilities.


    However, Ye Feng was already fairly certain that the miasma from the Central Region Fallen Dragon Valley must be related to the miasma in Sky Burial Valley, both originating from a certain unique substance inside the bodies of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    Chi Jark suddenly said, "The real danger in Sky Burial Valley isn''t the miasma. Although the miasma is frightening, those in the Golden Core Realm can somewhat resist it, and Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm have nothing to fear at all."


    "Then what is the truly terrifying aspect of Sky Burial Valley?" Sima Zhantian, who was quick-tempered, asked. He was really getting a bit impatient with these two fellows, who always spoke in such a slow and incomplete manner.


    "The most terrifying thing is the resentful spirit!"


    Xiao Rulong took over the conversation and said, "Because the catastrophic battle back then resulted in so many deaths and injuries, a massive amount of resentful spirit emerged. This kind of resentful spirit is colorless and odorless, directly attacking one''s heart and even the soul. Spirit Essence has no defensive effect against it. In other words, even if you are a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, you can''t block this resentful spirit!"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng sighed and said, "So it seems that Sky Burial Valley is really an Asura Battlefield."


    "Indeed, my Ancestor said the same thing; it looks like great minds do think alike," Xiao Rulong said with a smile.


    However, Hong Qingyan frowned and said, "If Sky Burial Valley is so dangerous, why do your two great clans still want to enter it?"


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark replied with a bitter smile, "Naturally, it''s because of the treasures inside, and there are probably quite a few. After all, the battle back then claimed too many strong lives. There are even rumors that the Eternal Sovereign of our Human Race, from over two thousand years ago, left behind a Peerless Magic Treasure there!"


    At this point, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark both turned their heads to look at Ye Feng. In fact, they were all well aware that the Cultivation Technique that Ye Feng was practicing was actually an inheritance from that Eternal Sovereign from more than two thousand years ago.


    As expected, Ye Feng''s eyes lit up upon hearing this, clearly moved.

 Chapter 719 702 Shall We Make a Bet?

    Ye Feng pondered for a moment before saying, "With the Miasma in Sky Burial Valley dissipating this time, I''m afraid the people from all the Great Powers in the Outer Battlefield will go, won''t they?"


    "Of course, the dissipation of the Miasma in the Outer Battlefield does not occur at fixed intervals. It is said that sometimes it may shroud the area for hundreds of years, and at other times, it dissipates every ten or so years. According to my family, the last dissipation happened over twenty years ago!"


    Xiao Rulong continued, "As far as I know, people from the Four Great Powers have already rushed there. In addition, various Independent Cultivator Leagues and Mercenary Groups will also rush there at the news. After all, that battlefield is a once-in-an-age event. Too many experts fell during that great battle, and naturally, their Magic Treasures and heritages are included among them."


    Yu Feiyu then asked, "Master, should we go to Sky Burial Valley to take a look?"


    Ye Feng slightly lifted his head and looked westward, saying, "I brought everyone out of the secret realm this time to train and experience. Although Sky Burial Valley is more dangerous than Ice Prison Valley, the opportunities are also much greater. Since we have encountered it, there''s no reason not to go."


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "Then Big Brother Ye, since people from the Four Great Powers will also go, what if they suddenly join forces against you and demand the secret realm?"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows, his frown revealing that this indeed was a problem.


    Although Ye Feng himself was not afraid of the people from the Four Great Powers, if a battle were to erupt between the two sides, there would likely be trouble for his subordinates. After all, it would be impossible for him to protect so many people at once, and casualties could occur, which was definitely not something he wanted to see.


    Xiao Rulong suddenly sneered, "Although the people from the Four Great Powers are selfish, they probably wouldn''t dare to rashly kill so many people. After all, with less than two years left, they must exercise some restraint. Moreover, Brother Ye, all of your more than sixty subordinates are experts of the Golden Core Realm. Even if the people from the Four Great Powers take action, they would need to consider the consequences."


    Sima Zhantian hummed coldly, "These damn Four Great Powers really think we are still so easy to manipulate. If they dare to make a move again, I''ll let them know what we''re made of!"


    Xiao Chuanqi also said, "Master, I know you are worried about us, but now, all of us are of the Golden Core Realm, and we are considered experts in our own right, fully capable of standing on our own. Besides, how can we see a rainbow without a little rain? Master, if you always protect us, once we become dependent, it will be difficult for us to become true experts in the future."


    Even Gai Jiuyou said, "Master, I''ve been wanting to say what Regiment Commander Xiao just expressed. When we first entered the Outer Battlefield, we weren''t even at the Golden Core Realm, and we made our way by relying on ourselves."


    Hearing the words of the two legion commanders, Ye Feng suddenly realized that these people, now in the Golden Core Realm, were fully capable of handling things independently. With about two years of time left, it was indeed time for them to experience life on their own and follow their own paths.


    Only by weathering the storm can one see a rainbow, and fledgling eagles can only soar in the sky after braving countless stormy weathers!


    It was the same for people!


    Ye Feng quickly made his decision, his figure dashed directly to the high platform, and while looking down at the more than sixty powerful subordinates below, he said word by word, "You all must have heard what Regiment Commander Xiao and Legion Commander Gai just said. It''s not appropriate to bring so many people into Sky Burial Valley. Moreover, since you''ve entered the Outer Battlefield, you''ve mostly been following my lead. I reckon you haven''t truly appreciated the grandeur of the Outer Battlefield nor fully experienced the opportunities and risks here."


    "Therefore, I''ve decided to adopt a divide and conquer approach. I''ll give you two years. You may choose to act alone, or you can form small teams of a few people, or follow one of the legion commanders. After two years, I will call you back!"


    At this point, Ye Feng paused and then added, "Of course, one thing you must understand, the harshness and danger of the Outer Battlefield are far beyond your current imagination. I hope that two years from now, before the Great Wall of Heaven collapses, all sixty-two of you can safely gather there!"


    "As your master commands!" the sixty-two experts of the Golden Core Realm responded in unison.


    "Now, you may freely choose your course of action!" Ye Feng said formally.


    No sooner had his voice fallen than Gai Jiuyou suddenly shouted, "I plan to go to Ice Prison Valley for training. Excluding Cao Tian, I intend to take five people to form a small team, and I am now accepting sign-ups!"


    "Me, me, I want to go to Ice Prison Valley!" Quickly, five people scrambled to sign up.


    Gai Jiuyou then turned around and saluted Ye Feng, "Master, I have only one thing to say, I take these six people with me now, and before the collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven two years later, I swear on my life to bring them there unharmed!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, "You''ve always been someone who prefers to act alone and dislikes constraints. This time, taking five people on an adventure is indeed beyond my expectations. However, I''m not worried about your strength. Just one thing, unless it''s absolutely necessary, do not use that Demon Blade!"


    "Rest assured, master, I know my limits!" Gai Jiuyou was not a man who minced his words. After bowing his hand, he immediately led Cao Tian and the others away with great strides.


    Leng Wuming also said, "Actually, I''ve long wanted to venture out on my own. I will take a small team as well, eight people. Everyone can sign up now!"

 Chapter 720 702 Shall We Make a Bet?_2

    More people signed up swiftly, and Leng Wuming turned to Ye Feng, saying, "My lord, ever since we entered the Outer Battlefield, I''ve practically been following you this whole time and haven''t really wandered around on my own. The world is so vast, and I''d like to take these two years to go see it."


    Subsequently, even Xiao Chuanqi and Sima Zhantian, who had followed Ye Feng for a longer period, also decided to lead their teams to gain experience and adventure on their own.


    Beyond that, members of the group also formed small teams in pairs and threes, while some chose to venture alone. Soon, the group of more than sixty people dispersed, leaving only Yu Feiyu and Hong Qingyan behind.


    As for Hong Qingyan, needless to say, she had been unconscious for so long, and now that she had finally reunited with Ye Feng, she naturally wouldn''t depart by herself.


    Yu Feiyu, however, said, "Master, I must remind you, my cultivation strength is quite low, so you are not allowed to send me away!"


    Before Ye Feng could speak, Hong Qingyan beside him chuckled, "Your master wouldn''t do such a thing. Don''t worry, Feiyu, if he dares, I''ll be the first to object."


    Ye Feng merely shook his head with a smile. Regardless, he couldn''t help but worry a little about the team splitting up and venturing on their own.


    However, Ye Feng also knew that if he always protected them, once they developed a psychological dependency, they would likely never become true Great Powers.


    Chi Jark looked at Ye Feng and suddenly quipped, "I''m saying, Brother Ye, seeing your Four Great Legion Commanders and those subordinates leave so decisively, aren''t you worried that once they leave, they might choose to go solo and never return to your command?"


    This was also a concern for Xiao Rulong, so he turned his head towards Ye Feng, his face full of inquiry.


    Ye Feng simply smiled faintly, "They won''t do that!"


    "You have that much confidence?" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark asked almost at the same time, "After all, the uncertainty in the Outer Battlefield is simply too great!"


    Ye Feng also turned his head to look at them and suggested, "How about we make a bet?"


    "How do you want to bet?" asked Xiao Rulong.


    "Let''s bet that before the collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven in two years'' time, under my summoning, except for those who meet with an accident, the rest of the people will all come to the Great Wall of Heaven to respond to the call!" Ye Feng said calmly with a smile, adding, "If even one doesn''t show up, then I lose."


    "Fine, we''ll take that bet. If in two years, all sixty-two people, barring those who have fallen accidentally, answer your call to serve the kingdom, I, Xiao Rulong, will call you my lord just like them!" declared Xiao Rulong.


    "I''m in as well, but if you, Brother Ye, lose, we won''t ask for too much. I want that Heaven Guard Monument of yours!" Chi Jark declared loudly, seemingly having taken a liking to Ye Feng''s Heaven Guard Monument for its great power.


    "Then I want the Golden Dragon Shield!" said Xiao Rulong.


    "No problem, in two years, I''ll be waiting for you to honor me as your leader!" Ye Feng laughed heartily.


    Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but laugh and asked, "Sister Qingyan, do you think our master will win when the time comes?"


    "Of course, Big Brother Ye never does anything he''s unsure of. Since he''s willing to make a bet, he must be absolutely confident. Also, I''ve noticed that Big Brother Ye probably wants to take these two Prodigies of the Ancient Clan under his command!" Hong Qingyan murmured in response.


    Yu Feiyu nodded with a mix of belief and doubt.


    "Let''s go. We shall depart now. Please, Brother Xiao and Brother Chi, lead the way!" Ye Feng gestured with a wave of his hand as he stepped aside.


    Now, with the team no longer following him, Ye Feng felt much more relaxed. The pressure wasn''t as great, and this would allow him to focus more on his training to enhance his cultivation strength.


    "Sky Burial Valley is located in the southwest corner of the Outer Battlefield. We just need to keep heading southwest. According to the map, if we start from here, it should take us about three days to reach it!" Xiao Rulong said.


    Ye Feng nodded, about to leap up, when a thought suddenly struck him. With a flick of his wrist, he took out the Brocade Box he had just received from the treasure vault of the underground City Lord''s Mansion and handed it to Hong Qingyan with a smile, "Qingyan, this is for you."


    "For me? What''s inside the Brocade Box?" Hong Qingyan was momentarily stunned.


    "Perhaps it''s indeed luck that we found this in such a place. Open it and you''ll see," Ye Feng smiled.


    Full of curiosity and with a trace of anticipation, Hong Qingyan opened the box. Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark leaned in too, clearly curious about what the Brocade Box contained.


    Upon opening the lid, inside the box was a lotus seed the size of a thumb, crystal clear and jadelike, emitting a faint green glow, and even a subtle fragrance could be sensed.


    "Is this the seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus?" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark exclaimed in mild astonishment before withdrawing their gaze, seemingly not that interested.


    "Indeed, it is the seed of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus." Ye Feng smiled, noticing their reaction. It seemed that even these two prodigies of the Ancient Clan did not know the true marvels of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seed.


    According to common belief, the Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seed was considered to have healing properties, and at best, it was more effective than others. However, in reality, if one could gather seven Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seeds and consume them, there was a great chance of increasing the probability of breaking through to the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Even for those with exceptional talent, it wasn''t just about a great increase in probability; it was a certainty that it would help them break through!


    Hong Qingyan''s talent was impressive, and now, with the aid of Origin Energy, her Golden Core was becoming more condensed and solidified, almost reaching Great Perfection. If she could collect seven Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seeds, there was a high chance she could immediately break through into the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Of course, these seeds were not easy to find. In fact, since then, Ye Feng had been inquiring about the whereabouts of the Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seeds, but so far, he had only found two.


    However, Ye Feng had heard that the Yin-Yang Temple might have a few seeds in their possession. Regrettably, he hadn''t been able to truly kill Divine Master Tanaka, otherwise, his storage ring might have contained some.


    "So, it''s these seeds. Then I''ll accept it, thank you, Big Brother Ye!" Hong Qingyan didn''t play coy. She simply smiled faintly, closed the Brocade Box and immediately put it into her storage ring.


    "Let''s go. We set out for Sky Burial Valley!" Ye Feng said, then soared into the air with Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu quickly following behind him.


    "This Ye Feng guy, he''s really quite lucky with ladies, huh? Wherever he goes, he has girls accompanying him, unlike us, always single wherever we go!" Xiao Rulong shook his head and sighed.


    "Brother Xiao, what you said isn''t quite right. Haven''t we always been together? How can you say we are single?" Chi Jark laughed.


    "Get lost, you damned cheeky man, I don''t go for men!" Xiao Rulong gave him a glare before leaping up and heading southwest, and Chi Jark, laughing loudly, also took off flying.

 Chapter 721 703: You Are Not Worthy!

    Ye Feng led a team of five as they constantly flew toward the southwest. With each member being not weak, their speed was naturally fast.


    However, the Outer Battlefield was just too vast, even larger than Earth. According to statistics compiled by some enthusiasts, it would take an expert of the Golden Core Realm approximately over a month to fly across the Outer Battlefield in a straight line, assuming no unexpected incidents occurred.


    By this estimation, even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm would need half a month, which was also related to the greater gravity of the Outer Battlefield. Greater gravity means greater suppression, and naturally, flight speed would be significantly slower than on Earth.


    Of course, the greater the gravity, the more stable the space-time typically is; the spatial barriers become more robust. For instance, if Ye Feng were to fight on Earth, a single punch could collapse the space itself given his current combat power.


    But in the Outer Battlefield, a punch would at most cause some changes in space, or perhaps slightly tear it apart.


    Having been in the Outer Battlefield for some time now, Ye Feng had come to understand that it wasn''t actually circular but square-shaped. The phenomenon was somewhat akin to ''Heaven is round and Earth is square,'' which puzzled him quite a bit.


    Nevertheless, due to the continuous exploration and destruction by the Human Race, coupled with the unprecedented war over two thousand years ago, the space of the Outer Battlefield seemed fragmented and extremely unstable, even showing signs of collapsing.


    Of course, these were things beyond Ye Feng''s ability to prevent. All he could do now was to maximize his cultivation strength and enhance his team''s combat power, aiming to exert the maximum force in the upcoming battle with the Demon Horn Tribe and defend the Human Realm.


    However, the battlefield would certainly be in the Outer Battlefield. After all, when the Demon Horn Tribe approached, they would first reach the Outer Battlefield before using it as a springboard to enter Earth of the Human Realm. In other words, the Outer Battlefield was essentially a buffer zone.


    Mid-flight was not suitable for conversation; Ye Feng''s mind was filled with random thoughts. But ultimately, he had limited capabilities at the moment and could only proceed step by step.


    Along the way, Ye Feng sent a message to Elder Bai, issuing an order for those from the Northern Border Army cultivating in secret realms: anyone who broke through to the Golden Core Realm and stabilized their cultivation should leave the secret realm for further trials and tempering.


    After all, only through trials and ordeals could his subordinates truly grow. Otherwise, like in the previous defense battle at the Great Wall of Heaven, out of several hundred people, only about a hundred survived. The casualty rate was too high, which could be attributed to the fact that although their cultivation realms had improved, their combat experience had not kept pace.


    For a whole day, the group of five encountered no accidents. Even the occasional solitary monsters and members of the Beast Race they met along the way were quickly dispatched by the punitive measures of three among them.


    It wasn''t until the second day that Ye Feng and his party suddenly came across another team, which happened to be from Xuanyuan Hall, numbering over thirty people.


    Leading the group were none other than two elder ancestors from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects, and among them was Hua Baimei from the Flora Sect. In fact, all three of them belonged to the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts.


    "I never expected to encounter them here!" Ye Feng said with a slight smile and swiftly made his move to greet them.


    The Confucian Sect elder ancestor was the Fifth Hall Master of Xuanyuan Hall, the Buddhist Sect elder ancestor was the Sixth Hall Master, and Hua Baimei of the Flora Sect was the Eighth Hall Master. Among these three, only the Confucian Sect ancestor was at the Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm level, and the other two were merely at the One Seal level.


    Ye Feng certainly had nothing to fear, especially since he had a fairly good relationship with Hua Baimei of the Flora Sect.


    Upon seeing Ye Feng, the two elder ancestors from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects were stunned for a moment. They then quickly gestured for their team to stop and stood their ground, their faces showing a guarded expression.


    Stopping about ten meters away, Ye Feng couldn''t help but smile and said, "What''s the matter? I''m not some heinous demon lord. We''re all from Xuanyuan Hall. There''s no need for such hostility upon seeing me, is there?"


    In fact, Ye Feng did have past grievances with the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, as he had once led the Northern Border Army to attack the Sects, forcing them to submit and hand over cultivation resources and martial arts techniques.


    Of course, those were issues of the past, and since entering the Outer Battlefield, the Confucian and Buddhist Sects elders had seldom returned. Decades had passed and their attachment to the sect had probably faded.


    As for their encounters with Ye Feng after entering the Outer Battlefield, they hadn''t had any direct conflicts.


    The Confucian Sect ancestor suddenly said with a heavy voice, "I didn''t expect it to be truly you, Ye Feng. I can hardly believe you have come out of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!"


    The Buddhist Sect ancestor also spoke sternly, "You''ve come out in less than three months. Aren''t you afraid that the Four Great Powers will cause trouble for you?"


    Ye Feng laughed and looked at them mockingly, "From the sound of it, it seems you''re also planning to trouble me?"


    The elder ancestors from the Confucian and Buddhist sects exchanged glances, both revealing hesitation and uncertainty in their eyes.


    After all, three months ago during the battle on the small earthen mound, more than a dozen experts from the Four Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were unable to detain Ye Feng, which was enough to demonstrate Ye Feng''s terrifying strength. The two of them alone might not be able to subdue him.


    After some thought, the Confucian Sect ancestor said coldly, "Ye Feng, we are both from Xuanyuan Hall, inhabitants of Xuanyuan Nation. Out of respect for the elders, I advise you: the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is not something you can monopolize. You encounter us and we are willing to talk, but if you meet the other Three Great Powers, they would have attacked you by now."


    The Buddhist Sect ancestor also said solemnly, "Indeed, Ye Feng, how about this: if you are willing to share the secret realm so that the three of us can equally divide its resources, the two of us are willing to guarantee your safety. After all, we are Hall Masters of Xuanyuan, and we do carry some weight in the Outer Battlefield."


    "Share the secret realm for the three of us to divide equally?" Ye Feng asked with a mocking smile.


    "Exactly, with the protection of the two of us, even the Three Great Powers would have to consider the consequences before moving against you. After all, the alliance of the three of us represents the combined might of three Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!" the elder ancestors of the Confucian and Buddhist Sects declared righteously.


    Ye Feng could no longer hold back and suddenly burst into loud laughter, looking up at the sky.


    "What are you laughing at, boy? Since we are all set to share the resources of the secret realm, naturally we would share the risks with you!" the two esteemed ancestors said, still full of self-importance.


    Ye Feng shook his head and sighed, "The two of you, I, Ye Feng, am no longer a three-year-old child, do you really think I''m that easy to deceive? Moreover, even if I were to look for partners, I would turn to the Xiao Family and the Chi Family, these two ancient clans, rather than you two, who are simply not qualified!"


    "You..." The ancestors from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects were instantly furious, their noses huffing and eyes glaring.


    "Ye, don''t be ungrateful. If it were not for the fact that we are all from the Xuanyuan Nation, we would have already taken action against you!"


    Ye Feng released his aura, gritting his teeth and saying word by word, "Then you can try to make your move, but don''t blame me for not warning you, right now I still respect you as elders of the Xuanyuan Nation, but once you take action, you''ll be enemies, and I have always been merciless to my enemies!"


    "What arrogance, to think that we wouldn''t dare to move against you!" the elders of the Confucian and Buddhist Sects also released their tremendous pressure, but despite their loud voices and strong presence, they still did not launch an attack directly.


    It was clear to see that these two old fellows still had great concerns and worries in their hearts, after all, the power that Ye Feng had previously shown compelled them to be cautious. If this had been any other common young genius, they would have already made their move without wasting so many words.


    The atmosphere became extremely tense and solemn. The reason Ye Feng hadn''t taken action was because he still respected the fact that they were from the Xuanyuan Nation; he wouldn''t initiate an attack unless they did, as it was against his principles.


    Of course, once the battle started, Ye Feng wouldn''t hold back and would utterly show no mercy!


    Hua Baimei, Elder Bai of the Flora Sect and also the Eighth Hall Master, seeing this, knew she had to intervene. She stepped forward and said, "Look, we are all from the Xuanyuan Nation, and also members of the Xuanyuan Hall. Is there anything that can''t be resolved through discussion? Why such hostility?"


    Then Hua Baimei added, "Let me speak fairly, Ye Feng naturally has this luck and opportunity to obtain the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, there''s nothing to be envious or jealous about. Now, with less than two years left until the Great Wall of Heaven collapses completely, we should be joining forces."


    "Besides, Ye Feng used the secret realm to cultivate experts of the Golden Core Realm, and he didn''t fail to contribute. You saw it yourself last time at the Great Wall of Heaven, the one who put in the most effort was Ye Feng!"


    The Confucian Sect Elder sneered coldly, "So what you''re saying is, Hua Baimei, you plan to side with this lad Ye, standing by him?"


    Hua Baimei said in a solemn voice, "I''m not necessarily taking sides with anyone. As you know, I always side with reason and not with relations. This time, it''s Ye Feng who is in the right, so I''ll support him!"


    After speaking, Hua Baimei directly moved to stand beside Ye Feng, indicating that if the Confucian and Buddhist Sects decided to act, she would definitely step in to help Ye Feng.


    As the sect elder of the Flora Sect, Hua Baimei was actually over a hundred years old, but due to her special cultivation method and excellent maintenance of her body, she still looked like a woman in her thirties, with a figure that was quite enchanting.


    "Fine, Hua Baimei, for the sake of us all being from the Xuanyuan Nation, today we will not stoop to the level of this kid surnamed Ye. Let''s go!"


    After saying this, the Confucian Sect Elder waved his hand and immediately led a dozen or so disciples away, soaring into the sky.


    "Ye, it looks like you''re heading to the Sky Burial Valley, aren''t you? It''s good that you dared to reject our proposal for cooperation. Very well, once you arrive at the Sky Burial Valley, let''s see how you deal with the troubles from the Four Great Powers!"


    The Buddhist Sect Elder also left quickly with about a dozen disciples of the Golden Core Realm under his command.


    Hua Baimei shook her head and said, "These two old men, the older they get, the more selfish they become. They''re truly regressing the more they live."


    But Ye Feng was too lazy to pay any more attention to these two old fellows, turned around, cupped his hands and said, "This time, I thank Sister Hua for stepping forward to help."


    Hua Baimei replied with a smile, waving her hand, "Calling me Sister Hua feels too young. I''m probably a whole generation older than your grandmother."


    Ye Feng was taken aback by her words, uncertain how to respond.


    Hong Qingyan stepped forward with a laugh at this moment, "Then it''s settled, we''ll call you Aunt Hua. It''s neither too young nor does it make you seem old, and of course, Aunt Hua really doesn''t look old at all."


    Hua Baimei laughed heartily, "Right, from now on you should call me Aunt Hua. You must be Qingyan, I have long heard from the Ancient Hong Clan about a bloodline awakener in this generation."


    Qingyan nodded slightly and then introduced, "Aunt Hua, let me introduce her to you; this is Yu Feiyu, the daughter of the Valley of the Medicine God!"


    The three women quickly got along and, as they say, ''Three women make a market''; they immediately began to chat relentlessly together, effectively sidelining Ye Feng.


    What left Ye Feng speechless was that most of their conversation revolved around how to maintain their skin and figures.


    "Let''s go, let''s continue on our journey!" Ye Feng called Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark over with a wave, and then they continued heading west.


    The three women kept talking as they followed, forcing Ye Feng to slow down.

 Chapter 722 704: I Can Choose to Snatch It Over

    Three and a half days later, the group finally arrived at the vicinity of their destination, the Sky Burial Valley.


    Sky Burial Valley is located on the southwestern edge of the Outer Battlefield, beyond which lies the endless pitch-black void.


    The turbulent flow of the void is torrential, and once one falls into it, even the greatest powers of the void have no return, not to mention those in the Yin-Yang Realm.


    From a distance, Ye Feng saw a huge valley situated between two mountain ranges, its depths unseen, with a thick purplish-black mist hovering above it.


    "So these are the miasmas of the Sky Burial Valley? Indeed, they are just like those in the Fallen Dragon Valley from before!" Ye Feng couldn''t help but think to himself.


    In fact, the Sky Burial Valley is a long and narrow area with great depth, making the terrain particularly suitable for ambushes. Therefore, Ye Feng guessed that the human race must have chosen this place for an ambush, leading to the ancient great war with the Demon Horn Tribe.


    But surely the Demon Horn Tribe couldn''t be that foolish, right? With the mountains high and the valley deep on both sides, they should not have been so foolish as to pass through here!


    At this moment, Xiao Rulong said, "It is said that more than two thousand years ago, the gateway through which the Demon Horn Tribe entered our Human Realm appeared at this location. Due to the mountains being extremely high, they had to pass through this narrow valley!"


    "So that''s how it is." Ye Feng nodded in understanding. Since the teleportation portal was here, they naturally had to take this route.


    However, there was one thing Ye Feng did not understand, so he asked, "Right, why did the Demon Horn Tribe choose to place their gateway in such a location in the first place? After all, this terrain is very disadvantageous to them."


    Chi Jark laughed and said, "That''s because they had no choice. As for why they couldn''t choose another place, I don''t know. It''s not detailed in the secrets."


    Ye Feng nodded and did not speak further, his gaze fixing towards the mountains on both sides.


    At this point, the peaks of the mountain ranges on both sides were already packed with dense figures, some gathered in twos and threes, while others formed teams of thirty to fifty people.


    The people from the Four Great Powers had all arrived, in addition to those from various Independent Cultivator Leagues, as well as various mercenary group teams.


    The scene was noisy and chaotic, bustling with activity. Ye Feng glanced around and roughly estimated that among the people who had come to the Sky Burial Valley for treasure hunting, there were nearly two hundred in the Yin-Yang Realm, more than five hundred experts in the Golden Core Realm, and countless others below the Golden Core Realm and in the Sacred Realm Martial Artist realm.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer, "Unexpectedly, so many strong warriors have come this time. More than two hundred in the Yin-Yang Realm¡ªwhere did all these people come from? Many were nowhere to be seen during the Great Wall of Heaven''s defense battle!"


    Xiao Rulong also sneered along, "Those in the Yin-Yang Realm have a very long lifespan. With so many years of accumulation, there are actually quite a few great powers in the Yin-Yang Realm in the Outer Battlefield, even more in the Golden Core Realm. It''s just that most only care about their own cultivation and have long developed an indifferent character, to put it unpleasantly, they are rather self-centered!"


    Chi Jark also huffed, "It''s indeed disgraceful. They didn''t come for the Great Wall of Heaven''s defense battle, but now that the Sky Burial Valley is about to open, they all show up¡ªoutrageous!"


    Ye Feng was already too lazy to criticize such people and shook his head, saying, "Right, where is our Xuanyuan Hall''s team?"


    "Over there!" Hua Baimei suddenly pointed towards the southeast direction.


    It was the largest mountain top, where the Xuanyuan Hall''s scattered teams settled on top of this peak.


    Among them, the Second Hall Master and Bu Family Patriarch led more than a dozen close followers, and of course, these people were essentially from his Bu Family Ancient Clan.


    Moreover, Hong Wuji, the Fourth Hall Master, was also leading about a dozen subordinates in the Golden Core Realm. In fact, each Hall Master usually cultivates some of their own trusted and advantageous subordinates and often brings them along when they go out.


    However, the First Hall Master was not present. Ye Feng searched for a while but did not find any trace of the First Hall Master.


    "This guy didn''t come? Doesn''t he even care about the treasures in the Sky Burial Valley?" Ye Feng murmured in his heart.


    By now, with his current cultivation realm, there were not many strong warriors whom Ye Feng still feared, and clearly, the First Hall Master was one of them.


    Even deeper in his heart, Ye Feng always had the feeling that the First Hall Master was too mysterious or rather, odd, always elusive, as if he was intentionally concealing something or plotting something.


    In fact, all this time, Ye Feng had been investigating the real identity of the First Hall Master, but the other party had not revealed any flaws or clues, so there was no way to find out.


    "Let''s go over there!" Ye Feng said and, with a wave of his hand, flew directly toward the highest peak over there.


    No matter what, he was still a member of Xuanyuan Hall, and with so many powers mobilizing now, Ye Feng naturally chose to first join the Xuanyuan Hall''s team.


    Currently, the miasma above Sky Burial Valley had not completely dispersed, and everyone was unaware of the situation below. Thus, no one dared to rashly descend; everyone temporarily chose to wait on the mountain, awaiting the complete dissipation of the miasma before they would swarm down to hunt for treasures.


    Before Ye Feng reached the peak, the Fourth Hall Master Hong Wuji suddenly turned his head. When he confirmed it was Ye Feng, his expression immediately darkened.


    In fact, it wasn''t just Hong Wuji¡ªthe Bu Family Patriarch and the elders of the Confucian and Buddhist Sects, and several other Hall Masters also looked displeased.


    "Unexpectedly, Ye Feng, you little rascal, have also come. You even dare to show your face!" Hong Wuji was the first to step forward and meet him with a cold snort.


    Ye Feng sneered, "There are rumors that treasures lurk within Sky Burial Valley, soon to be unveiled. Of course I''d come!"


    "Hmph, I''m afraid you may have come here alive, but leaving alive might not be in the cards!" the Bu Family Patriarch intoned grimly.


    The sages from the Confucian and Buddhist Sects likewise swooped in, and in an instant, the four Yin-Yang Realm Powerhouses from Xuanyuan Hall had Ye Feng completely surrounded.


    At the same time, the remaining three great powers had also noticed the commotion over here. When they discerned that it was Ye Feng, every one of the formidable experts instantly showed angry expressions, and quite a few had already launched themselves toward Ye Feng''s direction.


    The Bu Family Patriarch fixed his gaze on Ye Feng, saying, "Young man, you indeed have quite the gall. I had thought you would forever hide within the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, never venturing out. Yet today, you actually dare to come. I must say, I admire your courage!"


    Ye Feng let out a chuckle, "Admiration is hardly necessary. To be frank, I don''t hold in high regard the admiration from someone as selfish as you!"


    "You..." The corner of the Bu Family Patriarch''s eye twitched as he clenched his teeth and shouted, "What a sharp-tongued brat you are! You probably haven''t realized how perilous your situation is here. Someone like you, without any support, owning the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm all to yourself ¨C the other three powers will never rest easy."


    Hong Wuji snorted coldly at this point, "Ye, do you see? Right now, surrounding us are plenty of powerhouses who can''t wait to confront you for troubling them. You might be powerful, but can you withstand so many experts?"


    Continuing, Hong Wuji bared his teeth, "Therefore, in this current situation, your only option is to join forces with us!"


    "Join forces with you?" A mocking look spread across Ye Feng''s face.


    "Yes, cooperate with us. With the four of us great powers backing you, the other three great powers wouldn''t dare touch you!" declared the Bu Family Patriarch.


    The mocking look on Ye Feng''s face thickened as he teased, "That does sound like a decent idea."


    Hong Wuji bared his teeth again, "Ye Feng, you''re a smart guy. You should know what to choose, else, today, it''s unlikely you''ll leave here alive."


    It was at this moment that two powerful figures from the Yin-Yang Temple swooped in, sneering, "Ye Feng, though you share the same roots as Xuanyuan Nation''s people with these old men, you know what''s in their hearts better than we do. And according to our sources from Yin-Yang Temple, when you first arrived at Xuanyuan Hall, these hall masters even tried to suppress you, didn''t they?"


    "To ally with such people is akin to seeking skin from a tiger. Rather than that, how about joining hands with us at Yin-Yang Temple? Just agree to share the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with us, and you can name your terms!"


    "I can name my terms?" Ye Feng echoed.


    "That''s correct, you can make them right now," said the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters, barely suppressing their laughter.


    It seemed that these two fellows were still unaware that both Divine Master Tanaka and Divine Master Zhen Ye had already been slain by Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng just shrugged and said, "It seems to me that the two of you are blissfully unaware of a certain matter."


    The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters looked bewildered and asked, "Unaware of what exactly?"


    Ye Feng enunciated each word, "What I''d like to inform you is that your Divine Master Tanaka and Divine Master Zhen Ye from Yin-Yang Temple have been put to rest by me. Now tell me, are you sure you still want to collaborate with me?"


    "What did you say? Divine Master Tanaka and Divine Master Zhen Ye were killed by you? That''s impossible!"


    The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters'' eyes bulged, but they quickly regained their composure and sneered with bared teeth, "It''s laughable, really. With your current level of cultivation, you couldn''t possibly stand a chance against Divine Master Tanaka. If you really faced him, you''d be the one to die, as after all, Divine Master Tanaka is a Three Seal Rank Great Power!"


    The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters said this and chuckled again, "Ye Feng, we have come with sincere intentions. Just agree to cooperate with Yin-Yang Temple, and such a treasure," they gestured, "we can hand it over to you right now!"


    After saying this, one of the Yin-Yang Divine Masters rotated his wrist and revealed a delicately crafted Brocade Box in his palm. Opening the box, inside were unmistakably three Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seeds.


    Ye Feng''s eyes lit up when he saw this. Indeed, Yin-Yang Temple possessed Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds.


    The Yin-Yang Divine Master laughed, revealing his teeth, "My name is Watanabe Tanino. I understand you''ve been searching for the whereabouts of Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds. It seems you are in need of these seeds. Of course, the value of these three Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds can''t compare to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. This is just a sign of good will from our Yin-Yang Temple. Just nod your head, and they are yours."


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh, baring his teeth, "You''re right. These three Hun Yuan Green Lotus Seeds are indeed destined to be mine."


    The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters laughed even more heartily, asking, "So, Lord Ye Feng, are you agreeing to cooperate with Yin-Yang Temple then?"


    Yet, Ye Feng''s expression turned stern as he retorted, "When did I ever say such a thing?"


    "Didn''t you just say that these three lotus seeds are already yours? Isn''t that an indication of agreement to our cooperation?" the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters questioned.


    Ye Feng curved his lips into a smirk and playfully said, "It seems you''ve misunderstood my meaning. Indeed, I do want these three lotus seeds, but that doesn''t necessarily mean I have to cooperate with you. After all, I have other choices; for example, I could simply take them by force!"


    Upon hearing this, the expressions on the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters'' faces immediately darkened.

 Chapter 723 705: Meeting the New Lord Leader

    The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters had extremely ugly expressions on their faces. If it were not for their concern that they were on Xuanyuan Hall''s territory and the fact that the miasma of Sky Burial Valley was about to disperse, they would have definitely struck Ye Feng down with thunderous methods on the spot.


    Of course, that was just what the two of them fancied. With their One Seal Level of Yin-Yang Realm cultivation level, they were fundamentally no match for Ye Feng now.


    Indeed, most of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm present did not believe that Ye Feng had the strength to contend against those of the Yin-Yang Realm. At most, they assumed he could merely spar briefly with a One Seal Level Great Power, and even though Ye Feng had performed extremely bravely at the Great Wall of Heaven, they either did not believe it or did not want to believe it.


    In fact, on that day at the Great Wall of Heaven, the battlefield had been too chaotic, and they had not watched closely. Moreover, back then, Ye Feng had mostly used the Weak Water Divine Pearl to hold back the Demon Horn Tribe''s army. Now that Ye Feng''s Weak Water Divine Pearl had shattered, they arrogantly thought that Ye Feng no longer had any trump cards up his sleeve.


    Ye Feng, however, remained unperturbed and said coldly, "Just with you two fellows, you also dare dream of discussing cooperation with me? Scram immediately, or else I will treat you with deadly force!"


    "What did you say? You Xuanyuan Nation brat, you truly have an audacious tone!" The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters were seething with rage, their auras surging as if they could hardly be contained, yet they still did not dare to act rashly.


    As for the Bu Family Patriarch, Hong Wuji, and the other three Xuanyuan Hall Masters, they chose to coldly observe from the sidelines, even watching Ye Feng with a mocking expression.


    From their facial expressions, it was clear that if a fight really broke out, they would definitely not lift a finger to help Ye Feng. They even hoped that Ye Feng would be suppressed or severely injured, so that, in a desperate situation with nowhere to turn, he might agree to cooperate with them.


    At that moment, two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from both the Wizard Alliance and the Vampire Divine Court also flew over.


    "Lord Ye Feng, if you are unwilling to cooperate with the Yin-Yang Temple, you could consider cooperating with our Wizard Alliance. The terms we offer will definitely not be inferior to those of the Yin-Yang Temple!" A tall and formidable Wizard Alliance Great Power spoke up.


    "It''s better to choose our Vampire Divine Court. Our Divine Court is never short of treasures. Lord Ye Feng, as long as you agree to exchange it for the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, you may propose the terms immediately!" A Divine Lord from the Vampire Divine Court also spoke up.


    Suddenly, representatives from the Four Great Powers all extended their olive branches for cooperation, which in itself spoke volumes of Ye Feng''s strength. He had reached a level that warranted their respect and caution. Otherwise, these Great Powers would have simply beaten or crippled him right there and then.


    Ye Feng, however, sneered, "It seems to me that your interest in cooperation is fake, and your real goal is to devour my Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. If you want to cooperate, bring out all of your Palace''s Treasures, then maybe I will consider it."


    "Ye, you are clearly asking for too much!" rebuked a Divine Shaman from the Wizard Alliance.


    "Ye Feng, you better think it over carefully. We''re not near the entrance to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm anymore. Once we join forces against you, you will have no way to escape, and you''ll surely be on the path to death!" added a Divine Lord Great Power from the Vampire Divine Court.


    "Exactly, this brat is clearly unwilling to hand over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. We don''t need to waste any more words on him. Let''s join forces and take him down. After that, he''ll have no choice but to hand over the secret realm!" the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple also huffed.


    For a moment, the Yin-Yang Temple, Wizard Alliance, Vampire Divine Court, and even several Independent Cultivator League Great Powers, one by one, were full of rage, surging with auras, looking ready to make their move.


    Hong Wuji, who was standing behind, could not help but smirk and say, "See, Ye Feng? What did I tell you earlier? Given the current situation, you have no choice but to cooperate with us. Once they join forces, you are certain to die today!"


    The elders of the Confucian Sect and Buddhist Sect said in a deep voice, "Ye, I can tell you now that if you do not agree to cooperate with us and share the secret realm for our common use, we will also attack you, and then you''ll be even more certain to die!"


    "A mere nobody, relying on a bit of talent, dares to think he can claim such a valuable treasure like the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for himself, it''s impossible. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm cannot belong to just you alone. You are not worthy of possessing it!" the Bu Family Patriarch also said solemnly.


    The situation became tense in an instant as the powerhouses from the Four Great Powers all aimed their weapons at Ye Feng.


    Today, if Ye Feng did not hand over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the Four Great Powers would undoubtedly take action!


    The Loose Cultivators on a distant mountain peak, watching this scene, started murmuring among themselves, "Do you think Ye Feng will hand over the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    "I think he will, given that he has no other choice. If he doesn''t hand over the secret realm, the Four Great Powers will surely take action. Just look at the number of people the Four Great Powers have mobilized this time. Never mind the others, just the number of Great Powers in the Yin-Yang Realm amounts to over a hundred. If all these people attack, the Ye lad will probably be blasted to smithereens in an instant!"


    "But honestly, Ye Feng is really blessed with great luck. It''s only been about half a year since he entered the Outer Battlefield, and not only has his cultivation level skyrocketed, but he has also obtained such a treasure as the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. In a short period, he has cultivated a large batch of experts in the Golden Core Realm. Naturally, the Four Great Powers would panic. After all, if things continue like this, a Fifth Great Power might appear on the Outer Battlefield."

 Chapter 724 705 Visiting the New Lord Leader_2

    "Alas, I think the Great Powers have gone a bit too far. After all, we all witnessed Ye Feng''s performance at the Great Wall of Heaven; he cultivated quite a number of strong fighters and didn''t keep them to himself. Instead, he brought them all to the battlefield. In contrast, each of the Four Great Powers, in an attempt to preserve their own strength, disregards the safety of the Human Realm. That''s just shameless."


    The surrounding Loose Cultivators chattered one after another, expressing their opinions. After all, they dared not get involved in such high-level conflicts and could only enjoy talking about them.


    However, the eyes of the masses were still sharp, and there were also many Loose Cultivators present who sided with Ye Feng.


    One of the Mercenary Group leaders suddenly grinned and said, "If it were me, I''d choose to cooperate with two of the powers to join forces against the other two. This strategy called the ''Vertical and Horizontal Technique'' is about allying with one side to suppress another."


    "I think not. Ye Feng is a peerless hero, such a personage will never cooperate with any party. He would never demean himself!"


    In fact, these people didn''t understand Ye Feng. It wasn''t that he didn''t know how to employ the techniques of alliances, he simply disdained to do so, and of course, there was no need for it.


    In front of absolute power, what was the use of the Four Great Powers joining forces? They were all paper tigers!


    "What, the Four Great Powers want to join forces to deal with me? Very well, if you have the guts, come and try your hands!" Ye Feng stood proudly on the mountain top, his aura utterly fearless.


    "Well done, lad. We''re no longer within the range of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm''s portal. You have no way to escape today. Since that''s the case, let''s join forces and eliminate this mad devil!" Hong Wuji gritted his teeth and declared coldly.


    At this moment, the Bu Family Patriarch said, "The Outer Battlefield can only have the Four Great Powers; we cannot allow any other force to rise. Today, we of the Four Great Powers will join forces to slay this fiend!"


    "Then what are we waiting for? Let''s take action immediately!"


    In an instant, more than a dozen Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Four Great Forces stirred up their energy, surrounding Ye Feng in the middle.


    The great battle was about to erupt, and the atmosphere had reached a breaking point.


    But right at that moment, a cold shout suddenly came from the Sky Horizon.


    "Hong Wuji, do you really think Ye Feng has no foundation, just a kid you can pinch and bully at will?"


    As the voice died away, an old voice suddenly appeared out of nowhere in front of everyone.


    "Hahaha, the Four Great Powers, merely flies accruing only for their own selfish interests. Associating with people like you is beneath us. If the Human Realm fell into the hands of types like you, that would be a true disaster!"


    "Right, right, in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, the ones who don''t deserve power are not Ye Feng, but you, the Four Great Powers!"


    Suddenly, two more resonant voices emerged, and then two figures dashed from the distant Sky Horizon, reaching this side in the blink of an eye.


    These three newcomers radiated an exceptional and powerful aura, not any weaker than any of the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm of the Four Great Powers present, even significantly stronger.


    And that wasn''t all; from the Northwest Firmament, a surge of formidable energy came forth. Counting them up, there were no fewer than thirty people, each one a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Moreover, behind those thirty-plus Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, there were more than one hundred Peak Experts of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Hiss..." Seeing this, everyone couldn''t help but draw in a breath of cold air. This power was just too formidable. Just who did this force belong to?


    The Loose Cultivators and mercenaries had no idea, because they had almost never seen this powerful force before on the Outer Battlefield!


    Those three ancient voices appeared directly in front of Ye Feng.


    It was only then that people could clearly see that the first one to appear was none other than Old Man Huang Niu from the Northwest Little Mountain Village, followed by two white-haired elders whom Ye Feng did not recognize.


    However, it was at this moment that Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark exclaimed with great joy, "Ancestors, you have finally arrived!"


    Only at this time did Ye Feng realize that these two white-haired elders were the patriarchs of the ancient Xiao and Chi Families.


    But thinking about it, it was only normal. The aura of these two white-haired elders was incredibly sharp, hardly less than that of Old Man Huang Niu''s, apparently both at the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm in terms of Cultivation Level.


    The patriarchs of Xiao and Chi did not respond to Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, but instead stared intently at Ye Feng, and of course, Ye Feng was also sizing up the two elders.


    Suddenly, a scene shocking enough to take the breath away of anyone present unfolded.


    Without any warning, Old Man Huang Niu directly knelt on one knee before Ye Feng, bowing with his hands clasped, "Greetings, Lord Leader!"


    Following him, the two patriarchs from the Xiao and Chi Families also knelt on one knee before Ye Feng, their hands clasped in salute, "Greetings, Lord Leader!"


    Soon after, the more than thirty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm who had flown over all knelt on one knee before Ye Feng, shouting, "Greetings, Lord Leader!"


    Then, the more than two hundred Experts of the Golden Core Realm swooped over and knelt on one knee toward Ye Feng, shouting, "Greetings, Lord Leader!"


    The shouts resonated like thunder, nearly tearing the eardrums of everyone around.


    Not only were the many Independent Cultivator Mercenary Groups around shocked at this moment, but even the strong ones from the Four Great Powers were also stunned in place, their faces showing amazement.


    "This... this spectacle is far too grand; having seen such an earth-shattering presence in my lifetime, I have no regrets!" said a head of a Mercenary Group.


    "So it turns out these are the descendants of the Xiao and Chi ancient clans, as well as some strong ones from the Northwest Little Mountain Village. No wonder they''re so domineering. It looks like these three superpowers have joined forces, and they even acknowledged Ye Feng as their new leader, considering him as their master. This is a bit terrifying!"


    "I am more interested to see how the Four Great Powers will react, whether they still dare to resist Ye Feng directly or not!"


    The many Loose Cultivators once again started discussing among themselves, as the saying goes, loving to watch excitement without fearing it getting too big, they would rather have things stirred up to fish in troubled waters.


    Ye Feng was also stunned, he had not at all anticipated such a situation.


    However, it was at this moment that Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, after their shock, also knelt on one knee with their hands clasped, "Greetings, Lord Leader!"


    In truth, they were also helpless, but with their own ancestors paying homage, naturally, they couldn''t stay uninvolved.


    Even Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, as well as Eighth Hall Master Hua Baimei and Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen, now knelt on one knee in a somewhat bizarre manner, calling out, "Greetings, Lord Leader!"


    Ye Feng finally came back to his senses and quickly waved his hand, "This must not be done, everyone please get up!"

 Chapter 725 - 706: Astonishing Plan, When to Close the Net?

    No one expected that the usually non-contentious Xiao Chi and other ancient clans would arrive at the Outer Battlefield with a large number of strong warriors. After all, these two ancient clans always appeared too indifferent to desires and seldom showed up at the Outer Battlefield, let alone in the Mortal World.


    Therefore, for a long time, everyone had forgotten about these two ancient clans, focusing more on the Hong Family and the Bu Family, who were often in the public eye. That''s why everyone felt that the Bu Hong were stronger and more frightening.


    However, what these Loose Cultivators and mercenaries did not know was that it was not that the Xiao and Chi clans were unwilling to make an appearance, but rather they were burdened with the duty of guarding the rift passages to the Alien Space-Time.


    In fact, this protective mission was jointly shouldered by the Four Great Ancient Clans. It was just that later on, the Bu and Hong clans were unwilling to guard silently, so they gradually backed out, eventually disregarding the accusations about failing to protect the rift passages and instead went plundering resources on the Outer Battlefield.


    In truth, the Four Great Ancient Clans had a significant connection with the Northwest Little Mountain Village over two thousand years ago, especially the Xiao Chi clans, whose relationship was even more intimate. Therefore, many informed people present were not overly surprised when they saw these three powers suddenly arriving.


    What did surprise them was that these three powers were actually acknowledging Ye Feng as the new leader and were willingly following him. This was indeed shocking.


    However, unexpected as it was, when they thought about it carefully, it made sense.


    Firstly, the Cultivation Technique practiced by Ye Feng was inherited from an Emperor who lived more than two thousand years ago, and that Emperor was actually the lord of both the ancestors of the Northwest Little Mountain Village and the Four Great Ancient Clans. In other words, Ye Feng''s status as the new lord had its share of inherited connections.


    Moreover, Ye Feng''s performances at the Great Wall of Heaven, whether it was his Talent Cultivation or his spirit of fighting with all his might for the Human Race, were greatly recognized by the Northwest Little Mountain Village and the Xiao Chi clans.


    At the time, the old leader, Old Long, on the verge of death, had personally told Ye Feng that he would entrust the Human Race to Ye Feng for protection and wanted him to become the new leader of the Human Race.


    Now, what Elder Huang Niu was doing was simply following the old leader''s last wishes.


    Of course, there was another most important reason: in less than two years'' time, the collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven would occur and the Demon Horn Tribe would invade in large numbers; thus, the Human Race must have a new leader to step up and lead the safeguarding of the Human Realm.


    And this new leader of the Human Race, chosen by the Northwest Little Mountain Village and the two great Xiao Chi ancient clans, was Ye Feng!


    As for whether the other powers and the Independent Cultivator League acknowledged him or not, that was unimportant to them!


    By this time, Ye Feng had regained his composure and said to Elder Huang Niu with a bow, "Elder Huang, is everything okay back at the little mountain village? Also, how are Nannan and Sausage Sister doing now?"


    Old Man Huang Niu replied, "The little mountain village is all well, and those injured villagers have gradually recovered. As for Nannan and Sausage Sister, they didn''t come this time because they felt their own strength was too weak. They have already entered the village''s forbidden grounds for Secluded Cultivation and it will probably be more than a year before they leave Seclusion, but by then they should be able to Enter the Yin-Yang Realm."


    At this, Old Man Huang Niu hurriedly stepped aside and said, "Oh right, these two are the Ancestors of the Xiao Family and Chi Family."


    Ye Feng quickly offered a respectful bow and said, "Junior Ye Feng, pays respect to the two senior ancestors of Xiao Chi!"


    The Ancestor of the Xiao Family waved his hand and said, "I''ve heard about you from that kid Xiao Rulong; after all, you were chosen by Old Long. Indeed, very impressive, Chosen One, really impressive!"


    The Chi Family Patriarch then said, "Ye Feng, you have now become the new leader of the Human Race. Since this was Old Long''s last wish, we will naturally give you our wholehearted support and assistance. We hope you can shoulder the responsibility, protect the Earth of the Human Realm, and guard the Human Race."


    Ye Feng spoke earnestly, "I will give my all. I have only one thing to say: if the Demon Horn wants to enter the Earth of the Human Realm, they''ll have to step over my dead body!"


    The ancestors from the Xiao Chi families nodded slightly and said no more. After all, Ye Feng''s statement was enough.


    Elder Huang Niu then turned to look at Hong Wuji with a cold laugh, "Ancestor of the Hong Family, remember when you said our Human Race''s new leader had no foundation, just a green youth you could easily manipulate? Now, repeat that statement and let''s see."


    In an instant, more than thirty Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the little mountain village and the Xiao Chi families turned their heads and fixed their gaze on Hong Wuji.


    Hong Wuji immediately felt an immense pressure, as though a mountain was bearing down on him. Clenching his teeth, he struggled to remain upright, not daring to speak, not even daring to let out a fart.


    Elder Huang Niu then turned his head to look at the Bu Family Patriarch, saying coldly, "Bu Family Patriarch, do you still think our Human Race''s new leader is unworthy of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm?"


    The Bu Family Patriarch clenched his teeth and said, "Whether he''s worthy of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm or not, I won''t discuss this matter anymore. But there''s one thing I must make clear: though you may accept him as the new leader of the Human Race, my Bu Family does not!"


    Elder Huang Niu could not help but laugh coldly, "As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. Bu Family Patriarch, you will regret your foolishness, and your Bu Family will pay the price for it!"


    The Bu Family Patriarch snorted and kept silent.


    Elder Huang Niu then turned towards the other Three Great Powers and said in a deep voice, "How about you? Are you still planning to attack our Human Race''s new leader, ready to snatch the Heavenly Origin Secret from him?"

 Chapter 726 - 706: Astonishing Plan, When to Close the Net?_2

    The two Divine Lords from the Vampire Divine Court hastily said, "It''s a misunderstanding, you all have misunderstood. We simply wanted to discuss a partnership with Mr. Ye Feng. We''re all part of the Human Race, how could we possibly make a move against him, right?"


    "Indeed, indeed. Forcefully snatching another''s treasure is something our Wizard Alliance would not, and cannot do. Just now, we did indeed intend to discuss cooperation with Mr. Ye Feng. Since Mr. Ye Feng is not willing to cooperate with us, then we will take our leave!"


    Having finished speaking, the Great Powers of the Wizard Alliance one by one swiftly took to the air, returning to their respective mountain peaks.


    The Vampire Divine Court, as well as the Yin-Yang Temple and some Loose Cultivators who were Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, naturally didn''t dare to stay longer either, all hastily making their retreat.


    After all, the forces that Elder Huang Niu had brought this time were simply too powerful. Not to mention anything else, just Elder Huang Niu and Xiao Chi, these two Ancient Clan Elders alone, were figures few within the Four Great Powers could suppress, not to mention the presence of thirty formidable Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    If anyone still thinks that Ye Feng''s foundation and background aren''t strong enough, then that would probably be a senseless proposition.


    It can be said that, as of now, Ye Feng''s forces have clearly become the most powerful in the Human Realm!


    Watching as the powerhouses of the Three Great Powers scrambled away in disarray, Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged, and of course, he also didn''t forcefully stop them.


    As the new leader of the Human Race, he had the measure and vision for such matters. Besides, everyone was part of the Human Race, and more importantly, in the near future, when the Demon Horn Tribe Army launched its attack, these people would still be needed to serve as cannon fodder at the forefront.


    As for the Bu Family Patriarch, Hong Wuji, and the others, though they still remained on the mountain peak, they had deliberately moved some distance away.


    Hong Wuji suddenly transmitted his voice, "Bu Family Patriarch, who would have thought that the people from the Northwest Little Mountain Village would appear on time, even having the Xiao Chi and Liang Families clearly state their allegiance. What should we do now?"


    "Just watch and wait. However, this Ye Feng fellow is now untouchable, at least for the time being," replied the Bu Family Patriarch similarly through voice transmission.


    "But now, both the little mountain village and the Xiao Chi and Liang Families recognize this youngster as the new leader of the Human Race. If we don''t take a stand now, in the long run, he might become the legitimate leader. What will we do then? Do we really have to follow this youngster''s orders?" transmitted Hong Wuji.


    "Follow his orders? You think that''s possible? Even if the little mountain village forcibly elevates this youngster to the position, he lacks the qualifications, far from enough to be acknowledged by my Bu Family as the leader!" the Bu Family Patriarch retorted coldly and added, "It''s truly strange; up to now, the First Hall Master has not shown up. That old fox always disappears at key moments."


    "Yes, whatever is the First Hall Master planning? That person is already at the Half-Step Void Realm, and was initially most likely to become the new leader of the Human Race. Now he doesn''t show up at such a critical time, his intentions are really unfathomable," Hong Wuji voiced.


    "Enough of that. Let''s first handle the Sky Burial Valley issue. Regarding the rest, wasn''t there a suggestion to establish the Global Alliance? I have a way. For now, let''s join with the other Three Great Powers to form this Global Alliance, and then elect a leader for the alliance, to use against this youngster Ye Feng and his backing from the little mountain village!" said the Bu Family Patriarch in a heavy voice.


    "That''s good, a fine plan indeed. However, this needs to involve the First Hall Master. Without his involvement, based on our qualifications, I''m afraid we can''t pull it off!" Hong Wuji transmitted once more.


    Soon, the two had quietly plotted their course.


    At this time, Ye Feng sat down cross-legged, surrounded and accompanied by the many powerhouses of the Xiao Chi and Liang Ancient Clans and the Northwest Little Mountain Village.


    Seen from a distance, Ye Feng was seated cross-legged on a huge rock, with many powerhouses guarding him all around, making him look like an Emperor!


    "Ye Feng, this child, has finally made it!"


    At this moment, far off on the distant horizon, atop a towering mountain peak, Mu Rongtian stood with his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction of the Sky Burial Valley.


    Mu Tian, as usual, stood upright beside him and asked, "Father, you have allowed Ye Feng to grow time and time again, and now he has thoroughly made it. Even the little mountain village and the Xiao Chi and Liang Families have acknowledged him as their leader. Aren''t you afraid that the tail will wag the dog?"


    Upon hearing this, Mu Rongtian merely lifted the corners of his mouth in a mocking smile and said, "Don''t worry, everything is still within your father''s control."


    "That means father had already anticipated Ye Feng becoming the new leader of the Human Race?" Mu Tian inquired.


    Mu Rongtian spoke sternly, "If even this was not anticipated, how could I play such a big game? What I can tell you is that up to this point, Ye Feng is still just a chess piece in my hand, and for his entire life, it would be impossible for this chess piece to leave the chessboard!"


    Continuing, Mu Rongtian suddenly turned his head to look at Mu Tian and said coldly, "It seems you have become restless, possibly resenting Ye Feng assuming the role of the new Human Race leader. Also, have you become anxious seeing Ye Feng''s strength advance by leaps and bounds, almost surpassing you?"


    Confronted with his father''s interrogation, Mu Tian couldn''t help but turn his gaze away from the Sky Burial Valley, bowing his head and saying, "Indeed, my mind has been somewhat perturbed lately, and I''ve felt a certain pressure, which comes from Ye Feng. I even feel that one day this youngster will surpass me, which is why I think, Father, you might be letting him develop too freely."


    Mu Rongtian heaved a sigh and said, "Under normal circumstances, it indeed wouldn''t be allowed for Ye Feng to develop so smoothly, but time is running short, and in about a year and a half, when the Great Wall of Heaven collapses, our plans must be perfected and concluded before the Demon Horn Tribe Army''s attack, at the latest before their second comprehensive invasion."


    Confused, Mu Tian asked, "Father, I really don''t understand, does your plan necessarily require Ye Feng''s growth?"


    "Yes, it is essential for him to grow, and he must cultivate his Cultivation Technique to Great Perfection, because he is a crucial link. Without reaching Great Perfection, my grand strategy cannot be carried out and concluded!" Mu Rongtian intoned with emphasis.


    "Why is that?" asked Mu Tian.


    "Now is not the time to reveal heaven''s secrets. You just need to remember, everything I am doing is paving the way for you. Ye Feng is indeed growing fast now, but what of it? We must look to the long term. I can tell you that all of Ye Feng''s efforts now, in the end, will be nothing but a wedding dress that he''s making for you!"


    With a sneering smile, Mu Rongtian looked up at the sky, his eyes reflecting the confidence of one who controls everything; of course, he had the strength to back it up, being one of the few at the Peak in this expanse of time and space.

 Chapter 727 - 707: Dont Let Love Between Men and Women Delay You

    With the arrival of powers like Old Man Huang Niu and Ancestor Xiao Chi, the Four Great Powers dared not act rashly against Ye Feng anymore. Each returned to their own stronghold in silence.


    Seated cross-legged atop a mountainous rock, Ye Feng''s expression remained unchanged. In fact, even if Huang Niu and the others hadn''t appeared, with his current Cultivation Level, he wasn''t afraid of the so-called Great Powers.


    Of course, it was always better not to act if possible. After all, with so many eyes watching, it was wiser to conserve his strength. Otherwise, revealing all his trump cards now would make him an easy target in the future.


    And up until now, with the First Hall Master not yet showing himself, there was a festering unease within Ye Feng, a sense that the other party might be seizing the chance to plot something.


    The abyss of Sky Burial Valley was bottomless, and the dark purple miasma still floated in the air above. However, it was clear to all that the miasma was slowly dissipating, though it was unknown when it would completely clear.


    In truth, the miasma in Sky Burial Valley wasn''t the most terrifying aspect; it was the resentment that was most unpredictable. This resentment, colorless, tasteless, and invisible, attacked a person''s consciousness directly, somewhat similar to the attacks of a Heart Demon.


    Especially for those with wavering willpower, once invaded by this resentment, they could easily deviate and become fools.


    Beyond that, due to the miasma enveloping the area over the years, a Miasma Demon had formed. This creature could attack on its own accord and possessed formidable power. Even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm would find it troublesome if entangled and might even face the risk of falling.


    Old Man Huang Niu suddenly seemed to remember something, flipped his wrist, and a bronze mirror appeared in his palm. The mirror looked very ancient and somewhat worn.


    "This mirror is called the Heart-Protecting Mirror. It can safeguard one''s spirit from the invasion of resentment. It is a consciousness, spirit-type Magic Treasure, which is superior to the common Spirit Essence Defense Magic Treasures. Please carry it with you, Lord Leader, so you won''t have to fear the invasion of resentment," said Huang Niu as he offered the Heart-Protecting Mirror.


    Ye Feng did not reach out to take it.


    Huang Niu smiled and said, "In fact, this was Old Long''s belonging. Since you have inherited his legacy, naturally, the treasures he collected will also belong to you. So there''s no need to be modest. Besides, we have other Magic Treasures for protection."


    The Ancestors of Xiao Chi and Liang Families also said, "Yes, Lord Leader, you shoulder the future of the entire Human Race, please do not decline it."


    Ye Feng nodded, then reached out to take it. However, instead of putting it on himself, he handed it to Hong Qingyan and said, "Keep this with you. Once we enter, there''s likely to be a battle, and I may not be able to protect you."


    Hong Qingyan naturally refused, shaking her head repeatedly, "Big Brother Ye, you need this treasure more than I do. I cannot accept it."


    Ye Feng smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I have other treasures. The resentment won''t harm me. Be obedient and take it!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng stuffed the Heart-Protecting Mirror directly into Hong Qingyan''s hand and strictly admonished her to keep it on her person.


    In such a public setting, Hong Qingyan could hardly refuse and had to nod her head in embarrassment, especially since this was something Huang Niu had specifically given to Ye Feng, and now Ye Feng was giving it to her.


    Huang Niu and the Ancestors of both families could only feel helpless upon witnessing this scene. Naturally, since the treasure had already been gifted, they wouldn''t say much. After all, it was Ye Feng''s freedom to give it to whomever he wished, and as the leader of the Human Race, it wasn''t their place to question him too much.


    However, Feiyu, who observed all this, felt desolate and saddened. Indeed, Sister Qingyan was the most important person in their teacher''s heart. Whatever the matter, the first person Master thought of was always Sister Qingyan, leaving her feeling sour inside.


    Yet Huang Niu, noticing something off about his disciple, walked over and chuckled, "Apprentice, when we go down later, just stay by my side. As long as you don''t stray from your master, the resentment won''t harm you."


    Feiyu knew her master was trying to distract her, and immediately nodded, "Yes, Master. I''ll stay close to you. And Master, I feel my Cultivation Strength is still too weak. If possible, I''d like to return to the small village and undergo secluded cultivation like Nannan and Sausage Sister."


    Huang Niu was taken aback for a moment, then nodded approvingly, "Good, it''s excellent you''ve come to this realization and aren''t hindered by thoughts of love. I am pleased. After the matter with Sky Burial Valley, you shall accompany me back to the small village. Then you will devote yourself to secluded cultivation and strive to break through to the Yin-Yang Realm before the world descends into chaos."


    "Yes, Master!" Feiyu agreed, her face flushing hotly. Master''s remarks about not being hindered by love were akin to publicly acknowledging her unspoken affection for Ye Feng.


    Of course, Ye Feng understood as well, but at that moment he could only feign ignorance as if he hadn''t heard anything.


    Time ticked slowly by, and soon three days had passed. The miasma above Sky Burial Valley lingered, with little having dissipated. At this rate, it was uncertain how long they would have to wait.


    The Independent Cultivators and Mercenary Group members started to grow impatient after three days of waiting, complaining, "Wasn''t it said that the miasma of Sky Burial Valley was about to disperse? It''s been three days, and yet it''s still of no use. At this pace, who knows until when we''ll have to wait?"


    "Indeed, we can''t just keep idly waiting here; it''s boring as well!"


    There was even a noticeable commotion among the Independent Cultivator League. Some with weaker wills chose to leave outright.


    Ye Feng, sitting cross-legged on the mountain rock, his eyes still closed, observed this. In truth, he knew it was better for these faint-hearted individuals to leave, as they would only be walking a path to death if they encountered resentment in Sky Burial Valley.


    As time continued to elapse, the people of the Four Great Powers also became immersed in waiting. On the fifth day, just as everyone had grown thoroughly impatient, a sudden gust of wind began to blow from the depths of Sky Burial Valley.


    These gusts rose from the valley, and the crowd couldn''t help but feel puzzled, for there was hardly ever any wind in the Outer Battlefield.


    "Where exactly do these winds come from?" someone couldn''t help but ask.


    At that moment, Ye Feng finally slowly opened his eyes. He glanced at Sky Burial Valley and said, "If I''m not mistaken, there must be a space rift beneath Sky Burial Valley, likely caused by the destruction of that great battle over two thousand years ago."


    Old Man Huang Niu nodded and added, "Indeed, the epic battle over two thousand years ago was too intense. It is said that the heavens shattered and the earth cracked open, creating numerous space rifts. Some have healed, but space is not fixed; rifts might still appear occasionally."


    Ancestor of the Xiao Family also commented, "No wonder some people felt that the miasma in Sky Burial Valley was dissipating; it turns out that space rifts have appeared below."


    As they were speaking, the wind from beneath Sky Burial Valley grew stronger, and the miasma shrouding the valley quickly dispersed. Within half a quarter hour, everyone could vaguely make out some landscapes below.


    "The miasma is finally about to be dispelled!" At this moment, everyone present became exhilarated. After waiting so many days, their moment had finally come.


    Ye Feng, however, frowned, "Who would have thought there really are space rifts beneath us... This means that the space here is extremely unstable. Once we go down, everyone must be careful. Do not fall into it, or else it will be a matter of life and death!"


    "We understand!" agreed the two ancestors from the Xiao Chi and Liang Families.


    After pondering, Ye Feng continued, "Sky Burial Valley is vast and difficult to search. Moreover, this miasma might gather again at any moment. I suggest we don''t move in a large troop but form small squads for treasure hunting."


    "If we split into smaller groups, what should we do if we encounter powerful members of the Four Great Powers once we go down?" Ancestor of the Xiao Family couldn''t help but ask.


    Ye Feng laughed, "What else can we do? If they truly decide to make a move, then we''ll just have to engage in battle."


    "But Lord Leader, you..." The two ancestors from Xiao Chi and Liang Families looked worried.


    Before they could finish, Old Man Huang Niu gestured with his hand, "We should trust in the Lord Leader''s decision. You two old fellows needn''t worry too much. Since the Lord Leader has made such arrangements, he must be confident in handling the situation that arises."


    The two ancestors from Xiao Chi thought it over and agreed. If Ye Feng, after making such a proposal, met with a misfortune, it would only show his arrogance and overestimation of his own abilities. It also meant he was not yet qualified to be the leader of the Human Race.


    "You all form your groups. I''ll be acting together with Qingyan, and Senior Huang, Feiyu will be in your care. Please ensure her safety," Ye Feng instructed.


    "Rest assured, that young girl is my disciple. If I don''t protect her, would you?" Old Man Huang Niu retorted with a curl of his lip.


    Not knowing how to respond to that, Ye Feng could only shake his head with a smile and then, with a cupped hand salute, added, "Sky Burial Valley is fraught with danger, everyone, please be careful!"


    The surrounding crowd nodded in response.


    Meanwhile, Hong Wuji and the Bu Family Patriarch had been closely observing Ye Feng''s movements in secret, and upon hearing that Ye Feng was going to act separately, Hong Wuji angrily sent a message, "Bu Family Patriarch, did you hear that? That Ye lad, he''s actually choosing to act alone!"


    The Bu Family Patriarch sent back a cold message, "My ears aren''t deaf; of course, I heard it!"


    Ancestor of the Hong Family excitedly sent a message, "This is an opportunity! That Ye lad is so arrogantly ignorant to choose to act alone, which for us is a tremendous opportunity."


    The Bu Family Patriarch nodded slightly and sent back, "Indeed, it is a perfect opportunity!"


    "Once we go down later, why don''t you and I join forces and take the chance to deal with that Ye kid? Then the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm will belong to us alone," Hong Wuji sent excitedly.


    The Bu Family Patriarch mockingly replied, "Compared to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, I''m actually more interested in the cultivation technique that kid cultivated. Since that''s the case, let''s join forces temporarily. Once we''re down there and Ye is far from Old Man Huang Niu and his group, we''ll strike immediately!"


    "No problem!" Hong Wuji replied elatedly with a cold huff.


    Just then, someone from the Independent Cultivator League suddenly shouted, "The miasma has finally receded, completely receded! Hurry, let''s rush to Sky Burial Valley to hunt for treasures!"


    "Rush, Sky Burial Valley was the grand battlefield from over two thousand years ago. It''s filled with treasures left by countless fallen powerhouses. Hurry up and rush, if you''re slow you won''t get anything!"


    All at once, the Independent Cultivator League and Mercenary Group were mobilized and began to leap into Sky Burial Valley; soon after, members of the Four Great Powers also sprang into action.


    "Let''s move!" Ye Feng gave the order, then taking Hong Qingyan''s hand, the two of them dashed towards Sky Burial Valley.


    Yu Feiyu watched this scene, feeling both envious and troubled, biting her own lip in frustration.


    "Come on, silly disciple, no more watching!" Huang Niu shook his head helplessly and patted Yu Feiyu''s head. The two of them then also swiftly plunged into descent.

 Chapter 728 - 708: No Clue Despite Tireless Searching

    After descending deep into the Sky Burial Valley, Ye Feng discovered that the mountain ranges on both sides were already riddled with holes, some peaks even split in half, while others had their tops completely leveled.


    The area of Sky Burial Valley was vast, and the area below was shrouded in a hazy fog. Even when Ye Feng used his spiritual power, he could not probe too far, so for now, he was not entirely clear about the terrain of the entire valley.


    "Hold your breath, there''s still a lot of miasma below!" Ye Feng said to Hong Qingyan.


    Although their cultivation level had reached a stage where they no longer feared the miasma, if inhaled and a battle ensued, the miasma would still be rather troublesome.


    Hong Qingyan nodded and couldn''t help but telepathically communicate, "Big Brother Ye, why did you intentionally separate from Senior Huang and the others? When we were descending just now, I could clearly feel that people from the other great powers were watching you, and I guess they are searching for you right now."


    With a cold smirk, Ye Feng telepathically replied, "If we don''t split up, how would they dare to make a move? If they don''t strike, how could I have a chance?"


    Hong Qingyan understood and telepathically said with a laugh, "I see, Big Brother Ye, you want to turn the tables and hunt them instead."


    "Precisely. Let''s not talk about the others for now, those two Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple must die¡ªafter all, they carry Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds on them."


    Only then did Hong Qingyan fully understand. It turned out that Ye Feng wanted to help her obtain those Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds; he wanted to help her break through to the Yin-Yang Realm as soon as possible.


    With this in mind, Hong Qingyan''s heart gradually eased, and she was filled with gratitude.


    "Let''s go. This should be the outskirts of the ancient battlefield, where mostly ordinary soldiers are fighting. We should head deeper inside directly."


    Ye Feng surveyed the surroundings and realized that the dense remnants under his feet were very ordinary, and they were almost entirely decayed. After all, even the remains of a Golden Core Realm expert could not be preserved after more than two millennia, especially in such an atrocious environment.


    Ye Feng estimated that only a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm with at least Three Seals could possibly preserve some items, such as their Cultivation Method Inheritance, or Magic Treasures, for instance. Of course, these were precisely what everyone was here to search for.


    Besides that, the battlefield should also have relics from an unparalleled Great Power of the Half-Step Void, and Ye Feng''s real target was the treasure left by the Eternal Sovereign of the Human Race over two millennia ago. He had a feeling that this item was very important to him.


    Most of the outer edges of the battlefield were useless objects that had existed for so many years, and the miasma had likely dissipated quite a bit over time. Former visitors had already scoured these parts, so there was basically nothing valuable left here.


    "Big Brother Ye, it seems someone is coming!" Hong Qingyan suddenly said.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and his powerful spiritual power immediately sensed the presence of Hong Wuji and the Bu Family Patriarch.


    "These two old foxes, putting on an upright appearance on the surface, are actually disgusting inside. There''s no need to bother with them for now; let''s head deeper inside!" Ye Feng mentally sneered. In actuality, he also sensed many great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm around them. If a conflict were to break out here, it would surely attract more powerful experts, leading to an inevitable stalemate, which was the last thing Ye Feng wanted to see.


    Furthermore, the Bu Family Patriarch and the Ancestor of the Hong Family were no simple characters. As helmsmen of an Ancient Clan, they surely had numerous tricks up their sleeves. It would not be easy for Ye Feng to take down these two in a short amount of time.


    Immediately, Ye Feng, holding Hong Qingyan''s hand, continued to fly deeper into the valley and soon disappeared from their original spot.


    Although the miasma above Sky Burial Valley had dissipated, the valley bottom was still shrouded in a layer of gray-white fog. The visibility within this fog was extremely low, which meant that no one could sense too far a distance. However, Ye Feng''s spiritual power was strong, allowing him to sense even farther than a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm could.


    Of course, it was for this reason that Ye Feng could sense the movements of others around him before they even detected him.


    "Damn it, I clearly saw that lad Ye Feng heading in this direction just now, and then he suddenly disappeared!" The elder, Hong Wuji, flew to the spot where Ye Feng had just been standing and, after a thorough search and not finding Ye Feng, cursed profusely.


    The Bu Family Patriarch snorted, "It seems that this Ye kid is very cautious. He surely knows that once in the valley bottom, he would become a target for the strong from the Four Great Powers, so he wouldn''t stay in the same place for too long but would keep changing his location instead."


    "So what do we do now? This fog in Sky Burial Valley is too thick, and it''s full of dangers. We cannot fully unleash our movement techniques to chase after him; we will never find that lad this way!" The elder, Hong Wuji, said through gritted teeth.


    The Bu Family Patriarch flashed a cold smile and said, "Don''t worry. That kid is already skilled in his cultivation, and a regular Yin-Yang Realm expert won''t easily take him down, so there''s no need to worry about others for now."


    On that note, the Bu Family Patriarch glanced in a certain direction and continued, "With Ye Feng''s personality, he definitely wouldn''t care for the items here at the edge. He must have gone deeper inside. Let''s head directly into the depths. On the one hand, we can search for treasures, and on the other, we can just wait for that kid there."


    "But in truth, all the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm would be able to come up with this idea, and I expect everyone will also head to deeper areas immediately. Once all the major powerhouses are gathered together, if that lad has the backing of both Old Man Huang Niu and Xiao Chi, we won''t have a chance to make a move at all," Hong Wuji said angrily.


    "If you think this method isn''t feasible, do you have a better idea?" The Bu Family Patriarch said with a fierce tone.


    Hong Wuji fell silent, and it was only after a long while that he said, "It seems we can only do this for now. Let''s hope we have good luck on the way and encounter that kid. Then we can take him down quietly. That way, the other Great Powers won''t know it was our doing, and we won''t have to worry about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm being coveted by others."


    Bu Family Patriarch shook his head and, without further ado, soared towards the depths.


    At this time, Hong Wuji also kept silent, following closely behind. Of course, neither of them was exerting their full strength, as the Sky Burial Valley was not only complex in terrain, but also fraught with various unknown dangers.


    Meanwhile, at the Yin-Yang Temple, they too divided into several small teams and advanced into the Sky Burial Valley. In fact, everyone''s thoughts and plans were much alike; after descending, they aimed to head deeper into the valley first. Naturally, should they encounter any treasures along the way, that would be for the best.


    The Sky Burial Valley was really too vast. Once down, people realized that it was not merely a narrow gorge but an entire battlefield that even included the massive mountain range up ahead.


    The gray-white fog grew denser. Ye Feng kept hold of Hong Qingyan''s hand as he suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, Qingyan, that Hun Yuan Lotus Seed from before, have you refined it yet?"


    Hong Qingyan nodded and replied, "Don''t worry, Big Brother Ye, I''ve had idle time these past few days and have already refined it!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly; however, at that moment, his gaze sharpened, as he suddenly noticed a trace of emerald green silver light shimmering from a section of the valley.


    "Let''s go take a look over there!" Ye Feng, with Hong Qingyan in tow, darted toward that part of the valley, and they quickly arrived.


    The valley had no water sources left; any that had existed were long dried up. The emerald green silver light emitted from within the remains of a corpse.


    "I didn''t expect this skeleton to be so well-preserved compared to the others around here," Hong Qingyan commented, frowning.


    "That''s because this fellow had a high cultivation level; he must have been a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm," Ye Feng said with furrowed brows.


    "That''s not right, Big Brother Ye," Hong Qingyan said, still frowning. "This person''s bones look strange, not like they''re from the Human Race?"


    "Indeed, not from the Human Race; these are from the Demon Horn Tribe!" Ye Feng looked around, noticing nothing unusual.


    "What is this emerald green silver light on its body? It looks like some kind of necklace!" Hong Qingyan pondered and asked.


    "I''m not sure what exactly it is, but it seems to be a defensive magic treasure. To be able to emit divine light even after more than two thousand years, this treasure is no simple thing. At the very least, it can defend against a full-force strike from under the three seals of the Yin-Yang Realm!"


    Ye Feng analyzed slowly, internally marveling that they really might have stumbled upon a treasure this time. Defensive magic treasures were rare to begin with, and high-level defensive magic treasures were even rarer. Take Xiao Rulong''s Silver Dragon Armor, inherited from the Ancient Xiao Family, for instance; it probably had a defensive power comparable to this necklace.


    Without hesitation, Ye Feng reached out to take the necklace.


    Even though it belonged to the Demon Horn Tribe and it appeared slightly damaged, the craftsmanship was exquisite, and the damage did not seem to affect its defensive power. Taking it would be perfect for Qingyan.


    However, just as Ye Feng''s hand was about to touch the ancient emerald green necklace, a black gas suddenly streaked towards his palm and instantly disappeared, evidently having entered Ye Feng''s body.


    "Be careful, Big Brother Ye!" exclaimed Hong Qingyan, her face turning pale with fear; she was not foolish and had realized that this black gas was likely the infamous resentment energy well-known in legends.


    This type of resentment energy was extremely terrifying, capable of directly assaulting a person''s heart and soul!


    Everything happened too swiftly. By the time Ye Feng realized what was happening, the resentment energy had already entered his body, and it was too late to retract his hand.


    "Don''t worry, Qingyan, go ahead and take the necklace, and guard me for a bit," Ye Feng said, waving his hand with an unchanged expression.


    What was resentment energy to him? His spiritual power was now incredibly strong. Not to mention whether his mental power could withstand it, he also possessed the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, a tremendously powerful scroll that could even block the Dragon Breath from the Old Dragon.


    Almost in an instant, the resentment energy entered Ye Feng''s Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace, at which moment Ye Feng felt a slight dizziness in his consciousness.


    When the resentment energy within the Sea of Consciousness saw Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus, it was as if it had found an exquisite food and lunged directly towards it.


    "A mere wisp of resentment energy dares to attack and devour my consciousness soul?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer. Suddenly, his Mental Power Nucleus began to spin at high speed.


    At that moment, two figures were speeding towards this location.


    "What is that? That emerald green sheen... damn, that''s a treasure, someone''s taking it, hurry!" Exclaimed the two powerful beings, rushing forward full force, they reached Hong Qingyan in the blink of an eye.


    "Well, well, how fortunate, to think we''d bump into you here using your Xuanyuan Nation''s saying, ''No need to wear out iron shoes in fruitless searching, to have it come to you without any effort''!"


    These two powerful beings were none other than the Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple from before!

 Chapter 729 - 709 Hong Qingyans Resoluteness

    ```


    Until the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters approached, Ye Feng remained standing still.


    One of the Yin-Yang Divine Masters paused in surprise upon seeing this, then joyfully said, "This is fantastic, truly heaven-sent luck. This boy from Xuanyuan Nation, he''s been invaded by malice, hahaha, this is just great."


    "Indeed, Lord Muramasa, our luck is incredibly good this time. It seems we are the true children of fortune. We didn''t have absolute confidence in capturing this young man, but now that he''s been invaded by malice, he''s in no position to protect himself. This is the perfect opportunity for us to make our move!"


    Yin-Yang Divine Master Watanabe Tanino clenched his teeth in a cold smile. It was this very man who had previously wanted to obtain three Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds and sought to cooperate with Ye Feng.


    The other Yin-Yang Divine Master, Lord Muramasa, exulted, "That''s right, this is fantastic. It''s said that this youngster has cultivated the Cultivation Method Inheritance of the Sovereign of the Human Race from over two thousand years ago. Today, as long as we kill him, we can find a secluded place to cultivate, and then the entire Human Realm will be ours!"


    "There''s no time to waste, let''s capture this boy right now, to avoid others coming over later!"


    Upon saying this, Watanabe Tanino brought his hands together to form a Dharma Seal, immediately summoning his Shikigami¡ªa Ronin Swordsman, who held his sword across his chest with a haughty demeanor.


    "Precisely, ''strike while he is sick, take his life,'' we should quickly capture this boy, then make our getaway!" Lord Muramasa also took action to summon his own Shikigami, a Great Power Shikigami with a very burly figure.


    Indeed, many of the Shikigami summoned by Fusang''s Onmyoji tend to be Great Power Shikigami as well as Swordsman and Blade Warrior types, which probably has to do with Fusang''s history.


    "Attack, take him down!" The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters didn''t waste any more time talking and directly ordered their Shikigami to charge at Ye Feng.


    "You two really are despicable!"


    Hong Qingyan let out a cold shout, disregarding the necklace entirely and immediately stepping in front of Ye Feng.


    In fact, Hong Qingyan had time to retrieve the necklace when she saw the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters swooping in; however, she was uncertain if the necklace still harbored any malice. If that were the case and both of them were invaded by malice simultaneously, they would truly be on a path to certain death.


    Of course, this was also due to Hong Qingyan''s deep concern for Ye Feng, but she was not aware of the current state of Ye Feng''s body.


    As a matter of fact, although Ye Feng was still standing still, the condition inside his body was not as bad as it appeared on the surface.


    As soon as the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters appeared, he had already sensed them, and at that moment, the malice directly attacked his Mental Power Nucleus.


    Without any hesitation, Ye Feng immediately activated the Mental Power Nucleus to spin at high speed, followed by a mighty surge of spiritual power, which rushed towards the strand of malice like a tidal wave.


    Surprisingly, the malice had its own consciousness and, seeing the dire situation, turned to flee immediately!


    But Ye Feng had no intention of letting it escape. His immense spiritual power engulfed the malice in an instant. What was a terrifying force for countless cultivators and Great Powers was, for Ye Feng, without the slightest resistance, and was annihilated in just a moment.


    At this time, the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters had just closed in. Ye Feng had intended to open his eyes and strike, but the next moment he was overjoyed.


    Because he suddenly discovered that when the strand of malice was exterminated, traces of fine Golden Energy appeared.


    ```


    "What is this?" Ye Feng''s heart trembled; he could sense that this hint of golden energy was out of the ordinary.


    With just a thought, Ye Feng used his Mental Power Nucleus to directly absorb and gradually refine this golden energy, and he immediately felt his Mental Power Nucleus strengthen.


    "Indeed, this is an excellent supplement for cultivating spiritual power!" Ye Feng was immensely excited.


    Although that bit of golden energy was very small, and he refined and absorbed it in the blink of an eye, and the enhancement to his Mental Power Nucleus was somewhat limited, it had indeed grown stronger.


    You must know that Dao Techniques for cultivating spiritual power are extremely rare. Frankly, this Mental Power Nucleus was also something Ye Feng stumbled upon by accident, probably thanks to the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, but how to further cultivate it, he was totally clueless.


    Now that this resentment energy could assist in cultivating spiritual power, Ye Feng naturally wouldn''t pass it up!


    What''s most important is that the resentment energy of Sky Burial Valley was definitely not in short supply. Thinking of this, Ye Feng was somewhat excited, but of course, he couldn''t imagine that the resentment energy that all these Great Powers greatly feared would be such excellent nourishment to him.


    And just as Ye Feng fully absorbed that shred of golden energy, two Yin-Yang Divine Masters made their move, and two powerful Shikigami charged at him.


    Ye Feng was about to open his eyes and prepare to counterattack, but at that moment, Hong Qingyan rushed over and stood in front of him.


    Ye Feng''s mind stirred, and he immediately held back from making a move, continuing to close his eyes, pretending to be in the painful throes of battling with the resentment energy.


    Actually, Ye Feng''s action was mainly to give Hong Qingyan an opportunity for solo training. In fact, after entering the Outer Battlefield, since Hong Qingyan preferred tranquility, she seldom took action, which naturally meant she found it hard to get trained.


    During collective actions of the large group, as the Mistress, Hong Qingyan naturally couldn''t act without consideration like her subordinates; she always had to pay attention to her status.


    Therefore, Hong Qingyan rarely had the opportunity to take action, allowing her Cultivation Level to be not too low, but her combat experience was still very lacking.


    Moreover, Ye Feng was constantly aware of the situation around him; there was no one coming their way at this time, and both Yin-Yang Divine Masters were only at One Seal Level, whereas Hong Qingyan had already reached the Perfected Golden Core Realm and, after consuming the Hun Yuan Lotus Seed, was steadily enhancing her aura.


    So, if she were to harness her Technique of Bloodline Inheritance, Hong Qingyan might have a chance to fight.


    Hence, as he watched the two powerful Shikigami charge at them, Ye Feng still stood upright and motionless!


    Hong Qingyan, not understanding the reason, couldn''t help but silently reprimand herself, thinking why she hadn''t used that Heart-Protecting Mirror earlier. Then Big Brother Ye wouldn''t have been invaded by the resentment energy.


    "You little wench, just a peak Golden Core Realm, you''re no match for us. Leave now, and we won''t kill you. If you dare to stop us, you will undoubtedly die!" Watanabe Tanino gritted his teeth and sneered coldly.


    Hong Qingyan had already released her aura and said in a deep voice, "If you want to harm my husband, you''ll have to step over my dead body first!"


    "Damn it, since that''s the case, we''ll kill you first!" the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters roared in fury.


    The Shikigami, which included the Ronin Swordsman, drew out his longsword and slashed down through the air.


    The other Great Power Shikigami threw a punch, with an edge as sharp as a blade, and immediately the whole area began to shake and stir.


    Making such a commotion, if this continued, it wouldn''t be long before someone noticed and rushed over here.


    "Great Fiery Sun Technique!" Hong Qingyan didn''t have any intention of giving way. Ye Feng had helped her far too much. Even if it cost her life today, she would never yield.


    Under the surge of Spirit Essence within Hong Qingyan, a dazzling Great Fiery Sun suddenly appeared in the sky and hurtled downwards. It broke through the Swordsman''s Sword Qi on impact and even forced the other Great Power Shikigami to retreat.


    "Who would have thought this girl would be so strong? She''s only at the Golden Core Realm!" Watanabe Tanino clenched his teeth and exclaimed, his face showing a look of shock.


    "Damn it, it''s true that Ye Feng''s companions are not to be underestimated. This girl has incredible combat power. It looks like we have to summon our remaining two Shikigami. We must make it a quick battle. Otherwise, it will be troublesome if other strong figures are drawn here," Lord Muramasa grunted coldly.


    "You''re right, summon them quickly!"


    The two Yin-Yang Divine Masters began Magic Form Seals again, and as beams of light emerged above their heads, four Shikigami immediately appeared.


    Both of these individuals were Great Powers of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm. Generally speaking, their Shikigami, at the very least, would have one at the level of a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, and if they had exceptional talent, it''s even possible for one to be of the Second Seal. Of course, the weakest should be at the Perfected Golden Core Level.


    In total, there were six Shikigami, the weakest of which was roughly on par with Hong Qingyan, but none at the Second Seal Level. This showed that the talent potential of these two Yin-Yang Divine Masters was only average.


    However, even so, Hong Qingyan felt immense pressure as this meant she had to fight six strong opponents simultaneously.


    In just an instant, the six Shikigami lunged at Hong Qingyan.


    The heavens and earth changed color in that moment; the terrifying presence stirred up the surrounding grey-white fog violently, and even the ground trembled incessantly.


    "Wings of Light!"


    Hong Qingyan gritted her teeth and activated the Technique of Bloodline Inheritance; she had no choice but to resort to it given the circumstances.


    With a flash of silvery white light, pristine white wings emerged on Hong Qingyan''s back, looking utterly divine.


    "What is this thing?" Both Yin-Yang Divine Masters were stunned again; this was the first time they had seen such a thing.


    But by this time, the six Shikigami had already made their move. With a cold huff, Hong Qingyan''s wings fluttered, and she turned into a beam of light, shooting forward.


    With a bang!


    Hong Qingyan threw a punch and sent a Shikigami with a serpent''s head and a human body flying.


    However, before she could make another move, another Shikigami had already slashed down with its blade, forcing her to use the Wings of Light to flee once more.


    "Four of the Shikigami, keep this girl busy, and the other two, hurry up and capture that Ye fellow!" Watanabe Tanino ordered through gritted teeth.


    No sooner had he spoken, two powerful Shikigami turned around and charged towards Ye Feng.


    Hong Qingyan grew desperate, her gaze hardened, and a shocking beam of light swiftly took shape.


    The beam wasn''t large, its silvery white radiance beaming, yet it emitted a fearsome power.


    "Go!" With a sweep of her hand, Hong Qingyan sent the silver streak shooting out like a long rainbow.


    The two Shikigami heading towards Ye Feng changed expression, clearly aware of the beam''s terror and not daring to face it head-on. They abandoned their pursuit of Ye Feng and dodged to the side.


    Boom...


    The silver beam struck the ground, leaving a deep crater on impact.


    Just then, though Hong Qingyan had managed to repel the formidable foes, her own expenditure was enormous. The Wings of Light were already reaching their limit, and her use of the Divine Spear of Light had caused extensive depletion.


    "That young girl can''t hold on for much longer, go in now and finish her!" the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters roared.


    The six Shikigami charged at her once more.


    Hong Qingyan clenched her teeth tightly, still standing in front of Ye Feng without giving up. Her right hand released a dazzling white light again, and another Divine Spear of Light took shape.


    "Big Brother Ye, this is the last strike I can muster. You must wake up soon," Hong Qingyan said through gritted teeth.


    After speaking, the Divine Spear of Light took shape, and with a flick of her wrist, Hong Qingyan launched it at the Shikigami rushing towards her first, sending the Great Power Shikigami flying away.


    However, the remaining five Shikigami were still fiercely coming at her.


    Hong Qingyan was reaching her limit and couldn''t help but curse bitterly, "Could it be that Big Brother Ye and I are really going to fall here today?"


    "No, even if I die, I absolutely can''t let Big Brother Ye get hurt!"


    "That''s right, I can still use that one Forbidden Technique. Although I am very likely to die, I must take Big Brother Ye and get out of here safely!" At that moment, a look of determination flashed across Hong Qingyan''s face.


    With a solemn expression, she was about to perform the Seal Formation.


    However, just then, Ye Feng suddenly opened his eyes and said, "I''ve said it before, with me here, nothing will happen to you. Leave the rest to me!"

 Chapter 730 - 710 This is Too Strong

    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, Hong Qingyan finally smiled and nodded, "It''s good that you woke up in time, Big Brother Ye. I have fulfilled my duty as a protector!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly without explaining further. In fact, he had been awake for a while, but he hadn''t made a move because he was hoping that Qingyan would take the opportunity to gain some experience.


    "You little rascal, waking up so quickly. But that was the resentment of Sky Burial Valley, and just now, you still had a pained expression. It''s impossible to have subdued that resentment so quickly, so I conclude that you are pretending right now!" The Onmyoji Watanabe Tanino said through clenched teeth.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer, "Whether I''m pretending or not, you''d know if you tried attacking."


    "Boy, no matter whether you''ve been possessed by the resentment or not, meeting us means you''re undoubtedly going to die today. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and everything you have on you will belong to us!" The other Muramasa Unity Yin-Yang Divine Master commanded in a deep voice.


    "That''s exactly what I was about to say." Ye Feng raised his mouths corners slightly, mocking, "I was thinking of seeking you two out, and you''ve delivered yourselves to me so swiftly. You''re absolutely right, no need to go to great lengths to find something when it comes right to your doorstep!"


    "Clever boy, thinking you can covet the treasures we possess. Muramasa, let''s not waste words with this brat and take him down directly!" Watanabe Tanino shouted angrily.


    "Indeed, let''s just eliminate him directly, to avoid others arriving later!"


    As the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters spoke, they once again formed Dharma Seals with their hands, and beams of light above their heads burst forth with dazzling brilliance.


    "Charge, kill him!" With a wave of the Great Hands of the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters, six Shikigami immediately pounced towards Ye Feng.


    "To think that mere One Seal Yin-Yang Divine Masters are trying to kill me, what an overestimation of your abilities!" Ye Feng huffed coldly and took a step forward, confronting the leading Great Power Shikigami that rushed towards him first.


    "To compete in strength with me is simply looking for ..."


    However, the Great Power Shikigami hadn''t finished speaking when, at the clash of Fist Edge, it was sent flying out, its arm snapping with a cracking sound¡ªa clear indication of broken bones¡ªand upon landing, it smashed the ground creating numerous cracks.


    Pfft...


    This Great Power Shikigami spat out blood on the spot, evidently severely wounded, and as the owner of the Shikigami, the Muramasa Unity Yin-Yang Master naturally suffered a backlash as well.


    "Well done, lad. I didn''t expect you to be so strong, but it seems that you merely possess great physical strength!" Watanabe Tanino said through clenched teeth, immediately directing his three Shikigami to swoop in.


    In an instant, the Blade Warrior swung his blade, releasing a Blade Qi arc that flew towards Ye Feng like a rainbow.


    At the same time, a huge hammer came hurtling towards Ye Feng horizontally and, in addition, a chain cut through the air aiming for Ye Feng''s feet. The three directions seemed to trap Ye Feng with no escape, and with incoming attacks from the front and back, there was nowhere for him to avoid.


    Of course, Ye Feng didn''t avoid, and he didn''t need to.


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!"


    "Emperor''s Sword!"


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    In almost an instant, Ye Feng executed three supremely powerful Martial Skills. The Sky-breaking Divine Spear tore through the sky, piercing through the Blade Qi and, with undiminished momentum, impaled the Blade Warrior''s shoulder behind him in a domineering fashion.


    The Emperor''s Sword flew out, instantly severing the black chain and then rising again to come down with a golden glow, sending the Shikigami wielding the black chain flying with one strike, spewing fresh blood in mid-air and landing with barely a breath left.


    Then there was the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, which came crashing down, immediately sending the Shikigami with the Heavy Hammer flying upon impact, dead the moment it hit the ground.


    Afterwards, like a flash of lightning, Ye Feng struck out with three punches of the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist in one breath, like thunderclaps.


    The Divine Dragon Fist, with a faint sound of dragon''s roar, surged like a flood, sending the three Shikigami of Muramasa Unity flying away.


    "What... what is going on here, how is this possible?" Watanabe Tanino and Muramasa Unity widened their eyes in shock. Judging by their astonished looks, they hadn''t come to terms with the situation yet.


    In fact, everything happened too fast. From the moment Ye Feng made his move to the end, it was just a few breaths of time. And in this brief encounter, all six Shikigami were sent flying, dead or wounded, which was shocking for both Yin-Yang Divine Masters.


    Not to mention their disbelief, even Hong Qingyan was equally shocked. She had just fought these six Shikigami and knew first-hand their strength. Even using her Power of Bloodline Inheritance, she was only just able to compete with them.


    Moreover, Qingyan was well aware that if she had continued fighting, she would definitely not be a match for the six Shikigami. Once the time limit of her Power of Bloodline Inheritance had passed, she would have been powerless to defend herself.


    Yet these six powerful Shikigami, in a single encounter, were effortlessly dealt with by Ye Feng.


    "Big Brother Ye, you have really become stronger and stronger. Compared to when you just came out of the secret realm, you''ve significantly enhanced your power!" Hong Qingyan sighed inwardly.


    "Who can tell me what the hell is going on? This Ye kid, could he be possessed by some monster or demon?" Watanabe Tanino said through gritted teeth.


    "What do we do? Even the six Shikigami are no match for him. How are we going to handle this? This kid is ridiculously powerful!" Muramasa Unity said.


    Ye Feng, holding the Emperor''s Sword, didn''t even summon the Emperor Sovereign Armor. There was no need for it against the Great Powers of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm. He slightly curled the corners of his mouth into a cold smile and said, "Now, you should believe that Tanaka and Zhen Ye were killed by me, right? Even Tanaka, with his Three Seals, was slain by me. You still think you can hunt me down?"


    "You... You really killed Lord Tanaka?" At this moment, both Watanabe Tanino and Muramasa Unity were flustered, their complexions changing.


    "No, to be precise, I almost didn''t kill him--his Yin-Yang Seal managed to escape. Of course, if you''re lucky, you might just be able to find it," Ye Feng sneered.


    Watanabe and Muramasa stared at each other, then, without saying another word, immediately took to the air and fled.


    "Trying to escape? Do you really think you can get away?" Ye Feng sneered. At that moment, a massive Heaven Guard Monument suddenly appeared in the air.


    Suddenly, with a loud boom!


    Just as Watanabe and Muramasa were about to take flight, the Heaven Guard Monument suppressed them from above, crushing them into a pulp; even their Yin-Yang Seals couldn''t escape.


    "How preposterous for mere One Seals to even think about hunting me down¡ªsimply seeking their own death!" Ye Feng huffed coldly, waving his hand to retrieve the Heaven Guard Monument. Then, with a grab through the air, the Storage Magic Treasures of the two Yin-Yang Divine Masters were in his hands.


    However, at that moment, Ye Feng''s powerful spiritual power immediately detected several figures speeding towards this location from the east.


    "Not good, someone''s coming, Qingyan, quickly take off that necklace, let''s go!" Ye Feng immediately transmitted his voice.


    Hong Qingyan was quick to react. In fact, she had been waiting by the side of the necklace, ready to take it with her at the first sign of trouble.


    Now, it seemed her caution was correct. Without hesitation, she reached out and took the necklace into her hands.


    "Let''s go!" Ye Feng swept over, grasped her hand, and the two of them vanished from the spot instantly.


    Ten seconds later, five figures suddenly appeared at the site.


    "There was indeed a battle here recently. Judging by the looks of it, there must have been treasures involved, otherwise there''s no way the fight would have been this fierce and caused such a commotion!"


    All five were from the Wizard Alliance, among them two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm and three Experts of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Come quick, look here, there are two bodies. These must be people from the Yin-Yang Temple!"


    "Indeed, it''s the Yin-Yang Temple, and no less than Watanabe Tanino and Muramasa Unity. They''ve actually been killed by someone. They were both Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. Who on earth could have such capability to kill them?" an Expert of the Wizard Alliance from the Yin-Yang Realm exclaimed in shock.


    Hearing this, everyone was startled, and even the complexions of the three Experts of the Golden Core Realm changed.


    "Could it be the doing of that Ye Feng from Xuanyuan Nation?" another Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm asked.


    "That''s unlikely. The Ye kid, although talented, at best is just at the Peak Cultivation Level of the Golden Core Realm. He might just be able to slightly contend with us, the One Seal Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, but he definitely lacks the ability to kill two Great Powers at the same time!"


    "Indeed, Ye Feng mostly relied on the Weak Water to block the Demon Horn Tribe Army at the Great Wall of Heaven. Three months ago in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he only succeeded because he had set up a Guardian Grand Formation in advance. Otherwise, how could he have survived until now!" the three Experts of the Golden Core Realm spoke with resonant voices.


    The two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm frowned and said, "Regardless, Watanabe Tanino and Muramasa Unity died here, we must be cautious. This Sky Burial Valley is terrifying, and we must also guard against other powers making a move, or we will not even know how we died!"


    "That''s right, above all, let''s be cautious. Remember our mission: first, to search for treasures in Sky Burial Valley, and second, to kill that Ye Feng if possible!"


    After speaking, the Wizards Alliance experts searched the area carefully once again, confirming there was nothing of value left, and then they all soared deeper into the valley.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had already left that area with Hong Qingyan. As they moved farther in, they gradually noticed that the grayish-white mist was getting thicker and even small spatial rifts occasionally appeared around them.


    Furthermore, the scattered bones under their feet were much better preserved than before, indicating that this place was probably the heart of Sky Burial Valley, where fierce battles had taken place long ago. However, this was not Ye Feng''s reason for coming here.


    "Qingyan, let''s stop here. There''s no one around for the moment. Take this time to refine that Defensive Necklace. Also, here are three Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds. I will be your protector!" Ye Feng said as he passed her a Brocade Box, which he had seized from Watanabe Tanino.

 Chapter 731 - 711 In the End, the New Leader is Better

    Regarding Ye Feng''s suggestion, Hong Qingyan did not refuse, not because she was greedy.


    Hong Qingyan understood very clearly that under the current circumstances, she could only do her best to enhance her strength; otherwise, not only would she be unable to help Big Brother Ye, she might even become a burden to him.


    "First refine this defensive necklace. With it protecting me, even if I encounter a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm with the rank of Three Seals, it can block a full-force strike from them, providing an extra layer of security!"


    Ye Feng suggested, in fact, he had long wanted to find such a type of defensive magic treasure for Hong Qingyan, but such treasures were incredibly rare and appropriate ones were hard to come by. Unexpectedly, they stumbled upon one today.


    Hong Qingyan nodded, took out the defensive necklace from her storage magic treasure, and immediately, a surging energy burst forth from her palm, beginning to refine continuously.


    "Big Brother Ye, I feel like I can multitask. I might as well refine and absorb the Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds now to save time!" said Hong Qingyan. Without waiting for Ye Feng''s response, she directly opened her mouth and swallowed the Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds.


    Ye Feng naturally did not stop her; Hong Qingyan was naturally confident in her choice, as she had always been a steady and prudent woman.


    In fact, Hong Qingyan''s talent was not bad, and she quickly grasped the key; within half an hour, she had completely refined the necklace.


    Suddenly, there was a whooshing sound as the necklace in her hand burst into a ray of light and then flew straight to her neck. Eventually, the light faded, and on the surface, it looked no different from an ordinary necklace, perhaps only its quaint and unique design set it apart.


    Hong Qingyan was naturally overjoyed¡ªafter all, girls love beauty. Although she rarely wore accessories, she was naturally happy to do so.


    Soon, the three Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds had also been refined and absorbed. Although there was no evident change in her realm, Hong Qingyan''s aura became even more concentrated, and most importantly, after ingesting five Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds in succession, the power of Yin and Yang began to emerge faintly within her.


    "Indeed, the Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds can give rise to the power of Yin and Yang. Although one can''t see the changes with just a single seed, after taking a few, the changes slowly start to appear," Ye Feng exclaimed internally. He finally understood why so many in the Outer Battlefield were unaware of the marvelous uses of the Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds, simply treating them as healing medicine.


    Firstly, because the Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds were already rare and their healing effects significant, everyone would vie fiercely for them during their appearances, subconsciously using them for healing. Of course, people would usually consume only one, and eating a single lotus seed would not result in any changes relating to the power of Yin and Yang.


    Thus, there were naturally few who knew the marvelous uses of the Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds. And of course, those who knew, like Ye Feng, were unlikely to foolishly divulge such secrets, to avoid others driving up the frenzy and competition.


    "Big Brother Ye, I feel like I''m almost halfway into breaking through to the Yin-Yang Realm, but there''s a hurdle I can''t seem to overcome! It seems my talent is still too low," Hong Qingyan stood up, shaking her head and sighing.


    Ye Feng laughed without good humor, "Your talent is already high enough. You only broke through to the Golden Core Realm not so long ago. Meals need to be eaten one bite at a time; patience is necessary."


    Hong Qingyan stuck out her tongue and said, "But Big Brother Ye, you also broke through the Golden Core Realm not too long ago and have been able to contend with those in the Yin-Yang Realm, even killing the great powers among them."


    In fact, it was only when the two of them were alone that Hong Qingyan showed her rare, more feminine side. Otherwise, in most cases, she spoke very little.


    Ye Feng shook his head and said, "You can''t compare yourself to me; after all, I started cultivating when I was very young."


    "That''s true," Hong Qingyan nodded slightly.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng remembered something and asked, "By the way, the Divine Spear of Light you wielded just now, does it come from the Technique of Bloodline Inheritance?"


    Hong Qingyan nodded and said, "Yes, Big Brother Ye. Speaking of which, the Technique of Bloodline Inheritance is quite wonderful. Somehow, I just knew it out of nowhere; I had no inkling before, as if it appeared in my consciousness from thin air, and I naturally grasped the dao technique to use it. However, my cultivation realm is too low to fully unleash the might of the Divine Spear of Light."


    "That''s probably the advantage of bloodline inheritance. Once awakened, you don''t need to deliberately practice. With your current cultivation realm, using it will probably keep you from entering a weakened state. As for the timeframe, it''s still too low. But if you break through to the Yin-Yang Realm, you should be able to display its full power," Ye Feng hit the nail on the head.


    "I''ll work hard, Big Brother Ye, and strive to break through the Yin-Yang Realm as soon as possible, so I won''t be a burden to you anymore," Hong Qingyan nodded resolutely.


    "It''s okay, Qingyan, don''t put too much pressure on yourself; you''re already doing very well," Ye Feng said with a slight smile, then continued, "Alright, we should hurry to the deeper area; otherwise, others might snatch up all the treasures."


    Without further conversation, the two of them immediately soared into the air and continued toward the depths of Sky Burial Valley.


    As they delved deeper, the grey-white miasma became increasingly dense, not only reducing visibility further but also greatly limiting Ye Feng''s spiritual power.


    However, regardless, his spiritual power was still able to sense farther distances than cultivators of the same cultivation realm.


    After passing through the narrow stretch, the area before them suddenly opened up; in fact, the terrain of Sky Burial Valley was somewhat similar to a gourd.


    The place where the two of them had entered was like the mouth of the gourd, extremely narrow, but once through the gourd''s mouth, they entered the first "belly" of the gourd.


    Surprisingly, deep within the belly, there were also mountains and rivers, except that the rivers had long dried up, and the mountain peaks had been shattered to pieces. The sight was truly horrifying, with corpses¡ªwhether from the Demon Horn Tribe or the Human Race¡ªlittering the ground, battered and broken.


    All of these told of the tragic intensity of the great battle between the two races over two millennia ago!


    In the belly of the gourd, the skeletons were obviously better preserved, suggesting that they withstood the erosion of the long passage of time. Naturally, this also indicated that the warriors here had higher Cultivation Realms than those outside.


    However, Ye Feng quickly noticed that there were various sizes of footprints all over the place, and many had been disturbed. It seemed that people had searched this area before, and it was unlikely any significant Treasures remained.


    Of course, this area was primarily where Loose Cultivators and Mercenary Groups would search for Treasures.


    After all, this place wasn''t very dangerous; there weren''t many spatial fractures, and there was little miasma. Even resentful spirits rarely appeared. Although it had been searched before, many came hoping for luck, and in fact, quite a few people had found Treasures.


    Yet once Treasures appeared, Loose Cultivators, as well as Mercenary Groups, would often fight fiercely, turning the scene into utter chaos.


    As Ye Feng continued to observe the surroundings and saw all this, he merely shook his head and smiled. The Treasures that had been found were mostly mundane to him, so naturally, he wasn''t interested in acting. Of course, for those ordinary Loose Cultivators and Mercenary Groups, these Treasures were exceedingly extraordinary.


    "This place doesn''t seem to be where the true, exceptional Great Powers battled that year, let''s go deeper," Ye Feng said, grabbing Hong Qingyan''s hand and darting further in.


    In fact, a gourd typically has two bellies; the one they were currently in was just the smaller one, while the belly farther in was likely the main battleground for the strong. Of course, this wasn''t absolute since the tide of battle is ever-changing, and the strong wouldn''t necessarily have stayed in one place.


    For example, the Defensive Necklace Hong Qingyan had obtained earlier actually belonged to a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, moreover, one of the Three Seal Rank, yet that individual had died on the outskirts of the battlefield.


    Just as the two of them were about to fly deeper, a sudden wind surged up from deep beneath the ground. Then, a terrifying scene unfolded as billows of dark red miasma began to surge up from the earth below.


    "Not good, the miasma is coming! Everyone must close off their orifices and prevent the miasma from penetrating your bodies, otherwise, it will be very troublesome!" someone shouted amidst the chaos.


    Even though everyone was somewhat prepared, when the miasma arrived, panic and confusion still ensued. Worse yet, many were in the midst of fighting over Treasures and were quickly invaded by the miasma.


    Strong individuals above the Golden Core Realm actually needn''t fear this miasma, but for those ordinary Martial Artists or Cultivators with lower Cultivation Levels, it was considerably problematic.


    Once the miasma entered their bodies, it continuously eroded their channels and Spirit Essence. Their Cultivation Aura began to rapidly drop, and soon their eyes showed redness, looking like they could fall into a frenzied state at any moment.


    The scene was even more chaotic for a time. Ye Feng just watched coldly and made no move to help. These ordinary Martial Artists and Cultivators had dared to enter Sky Burial Valley and thus should have anticipated such an outcome. Moreover, with so many people, he couldn''t save them all.


    Still, after pondering for a moment, Ye Feng grunted, "Martial Artists of Divine Path Realm and Cultivators of Foundation Establishment Realm, try to remain calm, suppress your Spirit Essence, and hurry out of here. Once you leave Sky Burial Valley, you can temporarily control the miasma with your Vital Energy Qi Force."


    "Then head to the Imperial Divine Medical Sect in the Imperial Capital of Xuanyuan Nation; they will have a way to save you!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng quickly departed with Hong Qingyan, passing through layers of miasma.


    Only then did some people react, exclaiming, "Ah, it''s our Xuanyuan Nation''s Northern King Ye Feng, also known as Martial Academy Principal Ye Feng, and even the leading genius Ye Feng!"


    "You''re mistaken, Ye Feng is now the leader of our Human Race, the Lord Leader. He just said that if we keep calm and use the Spirit Essence, we can suppress it. Let''s do as he says!"


    "I''ve tried it; it really suppresses the miasma temporarily, and it''s no longer turbulent in my body. Let''s move now, everyone, leave Sky Burial Valley and head to the Imperial Divine Medical Sect in Xuanyuan Nation. The new Lord Leader said that the Medical Sect will have a way to help us expel the miasma from our bodies!"


    "Let''s follow the new Lord Leader''s method, try to suppress the miasma as much as we can, and leave Sky Burial Valley quickly, or else our lives might be at risk!"


    "I''m leaving first; I can''t stay here anymore, it''s too terrifying. Luckily, the Lord Leader warned us, or I would have definitely fallen into frenzied agitation!"


    "Indeed, the new Lord Leader is truly good. As long as the Medical Sect can eliminate the miasma in my body, from now on, I''m willing to follow the new Lord Leader!"


    "Me too, Ye Feng truly considers the wellbeing of our Human Race. I too am willing to acknowledge him as our new leader!"


    These words were muttered among the Loose Cultivators and Mercenary Group members, and soon, quite a few of them withdrew from Sky Burial Valley.

 Chapter 732 - 712: They Have the Qualifications

    Ye Feng, however, didn''t bother with those loose cultivators and mercenary groups, quickly moving on with Hong Qingyan from the first gourd''s bulbous part to the next position at the neck.


    Incredibly, there was a vast river here, but the riverwater had long dried up, the riverbed cracked, and occasionally numerous spatial fissures appeared. If one were to carelessly fall in, even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm would perish.


    Yet even so, Ye Feng still saw many strong individuals going down to the riverbed searching for treasures. As the saying goes, where there are risks, there are opportunities, especially in a place like the Outer Battlefield. Sometimes, one has no choice but to take a gamble.


    "Let''s keep moving inward!" Ye Feng transmitted through voice.


    The miasma surged non-stop. The minimum cultivation level one needed to reach this place was at the Golden Core Realm, as those with lower cultivation would find it difficult to withstand the invasion of the miasma for long.


    After passing through the second lengthy narrow stretch, the view suddenly opened up. However, to everyone''s shock, the area was filled with mountains standing tall like fingers pointing to the sky, a supremely magnificent sight.


    Of course, many of the peaks had already been broken, and the land was scarred all over, with the miasma even more fierce than outside.


    "Be careful!" Ye Feng warned Hong Qingyan through voice transmission, then tried to avoid the strong individuals from the Four Great Powers as they delved deeper.


    Just as the pair had not advanced far, Ye Feng''s formidable spiritual power suddenly detected movement to the left.


    "There''s something happening to the left, let''s go take a look!" Ye Feng said as he pulled Hong Qingyan by the hand, concealing their presence, and flew towards the left.


    The air was filled with a mix of miasma and greyish-white fog, making visibility extremely low. Moreover, because the miasma was mixed in, even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm did not dare to casually release their Spiritual Sense to investigate, so it was hard to detect anything unless someone suddenly approached.


    In such conditions, Ye Feng''s spiritual power became very important.


    Before they even got close, sudden loud thumping sounds could be heard from ahead. Judging by the noise, it was clear that some people were fighting and the skirmish was no small affair.


    "It''s Aunt Hua and Senior Zhao!" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened. At this time, his formidable spiritual power finally gave him a clear picture.


    At a stretch of the riverbank, there were three groups of people involved. The Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance had teamed up to launch a relentless assault on Seventh Hall Master Zhao Xuanzhen and Eighth Hall Master Hua Baimei of Xuanyuan Hall.


    Hong Qingyan said, "Deep within Sky Burial Valley, it is extremely dangerous. Unless there is deep hatred, people generally wouldn''t engage in a fierce fight. Could it be that some treasure has appeared in that place?"


    Ye Feng frowned, his powerful spiritual power scanning the area once more, and indeed he discovered a piece of bone that was relatively well-preserved on a corpse lying on the riverbed.


    This bone looked like a finger, but its entire body was polished and smooth. Despite the passage of long years, it still radiated a faint glow.


    More importantly, the bone was engraved with tiny characters!


    Clearly, the three sides were fighting over this finger bone. What Ye Feng could not have imagined was that the Vampire Divine Court had chosen to join forces with the Wizard Alliance to confront the people of Xuanyuan Hall.


    Looking at the battlefield, two Vampire Divine Dukes along with two Great Powers of the Wizard Alliance were joined in battling, nearly suppressing Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei to a point where they could barely fight back. The situation for the other Golden Core Realm individuals was pretty much the same.


    Based on this, it seemed a matter of time before Hua Baimei and Zhao Xuanzhen would be defeated and, given the dangers of Sky Burial Valley, they might even face the risk of being killed.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng said gravely, "Senior Zhao and Aunt Hua are in danger, let''s go help them!"


    After speaking, the pair swept up into the air. While flying, Ye Feng''s spiritual power spread out to ensure there were no other powers'' strong individuals around before deciding to show themselves.


    "You from the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance really have no shame, ganging up against Xuanyuan Hall like this!"


    With a cold shout from Ye Feng, he waved his Great Hand, and the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal above his head was smashed directly down.


    Because it was a surprise attack from behind, and also because of the rapidity of Ye Feng''s action, a booming sound rang out as one of the Vampire Divine Dukes was immediately sent flying.


    But that was far from all. Almost simultaneously, Ye Feng released the Sky-breaking Divine Spear, which shot out like a streak of light. With a whoosh, a Wizard Alliance Great Power who was launching a fierce attack at Hua Baimei was pierced through the shoulder and sent flying as well.


    Having decided to make a move, Ye Feng naturally wasn''t going to waste words with them, all the more so because he had long found these so-called Great Powers of the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance disagreeable.


    Besides, Ye Feng remembered that these four were the very ones who had attacked him at the small hillock gateway to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm!


    The sudden upheaval not only shocked the Great Powers from the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance, even Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei were stunned.


    However, upon seeing that the newcomers were Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan, Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei were immediately overjoyed, saying excitedly, "I didn''t expect it to be you, Ye Feng, that has come. This is great, now we''re saved."


    On the other hand, the Great Powers of the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance had an extremely grim expression, grinding their teeth and saying, "Damn it, it''s you, this brat from Xuanyuan Nation! You really have some nerve, ambushing us from behind."


    At that moment, the two Great Powers who had been beaten to the ground had already climbed up and stopped their injuries. The two roared angrily, "Ye Feng, you damn thing, how dare you ambush us from behind and even wound us, today, you''re bound to die no matter what!"


    "This brat, seeing us yet doesn''t know to hide or retreat, and even comes right to us¡ªit''s hard to tell if he''s ignorant or just arrogant!" a Vampire Divine Duke snorted.


    "Isn''t it better that he comes right to us? Saves us the trouble of having to find him. Today, the four of us will join forces and completely eliminate this brat. The treasures of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm we obtain will be divided equally among the four of us. Moreover, the Dao Technique he has cultivated can also be practiced by all of us!" a Wizard Alliance Great Power said with a grin.


    "Exactly, we were just careless a moment ago, and that''s how this brat got the best of us. Next, I must kill him!" another Vampire Divine Duke said through gritted teeth.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei had both rushed to Ye Feng''s side. Zhao Xuanzhen couldn''t help but sigh, "Ye Feng, thank you for helping us out just now, but honestly, I really wish you hadn''t stepped in!"


    Hua Baimei also said, "Yes, the opponents are four Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, including two at the Second Seal Level. I would have preferred you not to have taken action to save us."


    Although both of them knew Ye Feng was strong, at most they believed that Ye Feng could now contend with a Great Power of the One Seal Level of the Yin-Yang Realm. After all, Ye Feng had not been cultivating for long, and it had only been about a year since he entered the Outer Battlefield.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng just waved his hand with a smile and said, "Senior Zhao, Senior Hua, since I''ve intervened, that means I''m confident in handling this. You two should rest on the side for now. Leave the rest to me."


    Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei did not move. At this time, they naturally wouldn''t rest and leave Ye Feng to face the four Great Powers alone.


    Zhao Xuanzhen said, "Since it has come to this, lamenting is pointless. How about this, Ye Feng? I''ll hold off two of them, and you and the Eighth Hall Master take on one each. How does that sound?"


    However, as soon as Zhao Xuanzhen''s words fell, Ye Feng had already swept forward. Clasping his hand, the Emperor Sovereign Sword appeared, and the Emperor Sovereign Armor also emerged.


    After all, this was the Sky Burial Valley, thick with miasma. If one were not careful and inhaled the miasma during the fight, it could be choking. However, it was different after summoning the Emperor Sovereign Armor as one didn''t have to worry about the miasma invading.


    Seeing Ye Feng take the lead, a Vampire Divine Duke became furious and coldly huffed, "Good lad, since you''re so eager to die, this Lord will grant your wish!"


    With that, he too swept upward. In midair, a pair of blood-colored wings suddenly emerged from his back. He then reached out with his Great Hand, his sharp claws directly aiming to grab Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng launched a sword strike across the sky, and instantly a Sword Qi, like a rainbow piercing the heavens, shot out.


    "Damn, this Sword Qi..."


    The Vampire Divine Duke was taken aback and hurriedly retracted his hand, because he could see that the Sword Qi was too tyrannical, and he dared not withstand it.


    "Trying to dodge? Can you even escape?" Ye Feng sneered, his figure suddenly disappearing. In the next instant, he was behind that One Seal Vampire Divine Duke, and then swung out his sword.


    "Damn it, save me..."


    The Vampire Divine Duke had just let out a cry of alarm when the Sword Qi swept over. However, being a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, his reaction was not too slow. In a critical moment, his bald head emanated thick blood light from both hands, hoping to block this Sword Qi.


    Yet he had severely underestimated Ye Feng''s Combat Power!


    The terrifying Sword Qi slashed down, instantly crushing the blood essence, and then, with a visceral sound, the right palm of the One Seal Vampire Divine Duke was severed.


    "Ahh... Damn you, you little bastard, you actually, you actually cut off my hand!" the Vampire Divine Duke howled, quickly retreating.


    But that was not the end. Just as he was retreating, a gigantic Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal suddenly appeared above his head.


    With a thunderous roar!


    The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal pressed down instantly, smashing him into a pulp on the spot. On the ground, the pair of blood-colored wings fluttered twice, then stopped moving completely.


    The other Vampire Divine Duke and the two Wizard Alliance Great Powers witnessing this scene were utterly shocked, disbelief written on their faces.


    Even Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei were stunned. They both knew Ye Feng had tremendous talent, but they never imagined he would be this powerful. Just two exchanges were all it took for a One Seal Vampire Divine Duke to be killed, and he didn''t even have the chance to use his Yin-Yang Seal to escape.


    "This... Is he really that powerful?" Zhao Xuanzhen swallowed hard, then his face showed a bitter smile. He shook his head and sighed, "It''s only now that I truly understand what a peerless genius really means and why Huang Niu and Xiao Chi from the two Ancient Clans are willing to acknowledge him as the new leader of the Human Race."


    Hua Baimei nodded as well, "I now finally understand that it wasn''t just because of Old Long''s wish. It turns out that he is truly qualified on his own!"


    Meanwhile, on the other side, the three Great Powers looked at each other. The One Seal Wizard Alliance Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm couldn''t help but grind his teeth and say, "What should we do? This kid is unexpectedly strong. It seems his Combat Power has already approached the Three Seal Rank. What should we do now?"


    The tide of the battlefield reversed in a moment. With Ye Feng''s overpowering Combat Strength, combined with Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei, who were both Great Powers of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm, the three opposing Great Powers clearly felt immense pressure. At this point, they also harbored thoughts of retreat.


    However, just then, Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and he suddenly said coldly, "Someone''s coming, two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm!"

 Chapter 733 - 713: No Escape Even With Wings

    "Someone has come? We haven''t sensed any movement, have we?" Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei said in unison, their faces showing confusion.


    Ye Feng didn''t speak. At this moment, he had not only sensed the arrival of the newcomers but also ascertained their breath and cultivation level with crystal-clear clarity.


    A total of more than twenty people, among them the two leading were Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, while most of the others were experts of the Golden Core Realm, and there were also several ordinary cultivators from the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    It was at this time that Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei also finally sensed the presence, involuntarily exclaiming, "Indeed, there are people coming. What should we do now?"


    Since both of them could perceive it, the Vampire Divine Duke and the two Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance at the opposite end could naturally sense it too. For a moment, no one made a rash move, as everyone was in the dark about whether the newcomers were friends or foes.


    But at this moment, a slight smirk appeared on Ye Feng''s lips, his face revealing a mocking expression as he shook his head, "Well, isn''t this a case of ''adversaries are bound to meet''!"


    As his voice fell, the rolling mist ahead began to make a whooshing sound, and very quickly, more than twenty figures swept across the sky, approaching the crowd. Now, everyone could finally clearly see the faces of the newcomers.


    Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei''s expressions changed, as they gritted their teeth and said, "It''s actually the Fifth and Sixth Hall Masters; we didn''t expect it to be you!"


    A mighty figure from the Wizard Alliance cursed, "Damn it, our luck really is terrible; it turns out to be people from Xuanyuan Hall. Let''s flee quickly, otherwise, once they manage to surround us, we are doomed."


    However, the Vampire Divine Duke waved his hand and snorted coldly, "Wait, the two of them might be Xuanyuan Hall''s Great Powers, but they are not on good terms with this lad Ye Feng, in fact, quite the opposite¡ªthey have a conflict. This might be good for us!"


    "That''s right, up on the mountain top, both of them wanted to fight this Ye Feng lad. They are definitely not going to help Ye Feng!" Another mighty figure from the Wizard Alliance hummed.


    Actually, the two patriarchs from the Buddhist Sect and the Confucian Sect were also taken aback upon their arrival, but it didn''t take long for them to grasp the situation before them.


    Then, the Buddhist Sect''s Patriarch coldly snorted, "I really didn''t expect to encounter you here, Ye Feng lad!"


    The Confucian Sect''s Patriarch likewise commented in a heavy tone, "Indeed, it''s unexpected. We have been looking for this lad and now, to think that we actually stumbled upon him, it must be luck!"


    As the two Sect Patriarchs spoke, their eyes were fixed on Ye Feng, their faces showing a hint of mockery.


    Zhao Xuanzhen, seeing this, couldn''t help but snort, "Two sirs, after all, you too are people of the Xuanyuan Nation, and moreover, Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall. Right now, we three are being besieged by the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance; don''t tell me you are planning to kick us while we''re down?"


    Hua Baimei also shouted coldly, "We are all people of Xuanyuan Hall. Xuanyuan Hall has long-established rules that prohibit helping other powers to harm our own. It''s even more forbidden to attack a junior without cause; violators will be severely punished. So I hope the two of you do not make a mistake, or you will inevitably be punished by the First Hall Master!"


    "Punished by the First Hall Master? What a joke. Right now, no one knows where that old thing, the First Hall Master, is. Do you think you can scare me with that?" The Confucian Sect Patriarch said, laughing disdainfully.


    "The rules of Xuanyuan Hall are a joke; even the First Hall Master himself doesn''t strictly adhere to them, and you expect us to follow them? And as for this Ye surnamed lad, as a junior, he has repeatedly disrespected us. Not to mention the other things, but on our way to Sky Burial Valley, he even dared to threaten us¡ªdoes he really think we''ve grown old and lost our temper?" the Buddhist Sect Patriarch snorted coldly with a sneer.


    "Well said!" Suddenly, the Vampire Divine Duke started clapping, praising repeatedly, "Ancestor Kongyun speaks truly well. This Ye Feng lad really is too arrogant and presumptuous, relying on his talent and power, he doesn''t regard us old seniors at all, especially after obtaining the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm he has become even more lawless and rampant!"


    Another mighty Wizard Alliance figure also chimed in, "Ancestor Kongyun, Scholar of Azure Clouds, since our goals align, why not join forces next? As long as we get rid of this Ye surnamed lad, and also kill Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei, no one will know about this incident, and naturally, Xuanyuan Hall''s First Hall Master will not be able to find out."


    Ancestor Kongyun immediately nodded and said, "Fine, since that''s the case, let us join forces. However, we must be clear beforehand, once we have killed Ye Feng, how shall we divide the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm and the things on his body?"


    "That''s simple. We will each have an equal share of the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and as for the cultivation techniques on the lad, everyone can practice them together. As to who can comprehend more deeply, that will depend on each one''s talent and fortune, no problem there, right?" the Vampire Divine Duke said with a smile.


    "No problem!" The Buddhist Sect''s Ancestor Kongyun and the Confucian Sect''s Scholar of Azure Clouds said in unison.


    Hearing this, Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh and said coldly, "Are you already thinking about how to divide things up? Don''t tell me you think you''ve already won?"


    "Ye Feng, we all acknowledge that your talent and potential are good, but unfortunately, your conduct is too domineering and high-profile, your foundation is not yet solid. Not even reaching a half-step into the Yin-Yang Realm, yet you dare to be so disrespectful. Today, if anything happens, you only have yourself to blame; rest assured, after your death, this seat will recite the Rebirth Mantra a few more times on your behalf for a proper send-off," retorted the Buddhist Sect''s Patriarch with a cold laugh.


    Zhao Xuanzhen was furious and gnashed his teeth, "Kongyun and Azure Clouds, you two old fools better not contribute to tyranny, or you will regret it!"


    "Enough of your nonsense; we will take action immediately, eradicate them!" the two mighty members of the Wizard Alliance shouted angrily.


    "Take action!" Ancestors Kongyun and Azure Clouds, the two Sect Patriarchs, said as they immediately unleashed their own powerful auras.


    Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly roared, "Ye Feng, Hua Baimei and I will hold them off for now, you must take Hong Qingyan and flee immediately, leave this place!"


    Hua Baimei''s figure swept over and said, "Yes, Ye Feng, you guys must escape quickly, otherwise we''ll all die here today. After you escape, you must expose the shamelessness of those two old bastards Kongyun and Qingyun, and avenge us!"


    "Thinking of escaping? With the five of us Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm joining forces, plus so many Experts of the Golden Core Realm, you''ll find it difficult to fly away even with wings today!" Scholar of Azure Clouds, Ancestor Qingyun, snorted.


    Ye Feng shook his head and sighed, "Escape? Who said I was going to escape? Since you two are so eager to seek death, I shall grant your wish today. Senior Zhao, Senior Hua, please step back. Leave them to me!"


    Without waiting for Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei to react, Ye Feng''s figure had already dashed out.


    "Seeking death!" Ancestors Kongyun and Qingyun coldly sneered as they soared into the sky.


    The Scholar of Azure Clouds, Ancestor Qingyun, beckoned with his wrist, and a gold-radiant treasure pen appeared in his hand. Then with a flourish, he began to write large characters in the air.


    These characters also emitted dazzling golden light, each one infused with the terrifying energy of his own Spirit Essence through that treasure pen and special Dao Techniques.


    "Go!" Ancestor Qingyun waved his hand, and the sky-full of golden characters rushed towards Ye Feng.


    At the same time, Old Monk Kongyun spread his hands, and a string of beads from the Buddhist Sect appeared in his grasp; with a toss of his hand, the sizable bead chain floated towards Ye Feng.


    "A mere One Seal Yin-Yang Realm, do you really think you are that strong?"


    Ye Feng smirked and unleashed the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, a punch blasting out with the ferocious momentum of a surging flood, immediately dispersing the incoming golden characters.


    Then, Ye Feng''s sword, the Emperor Sovereign Sword, slashed horizontally through the air, sword qi flying, and with an unstoppable force, he shattered the Buddha Beads into tiny pieces.


    "How... how is this possible? These are our two great Magic Treasures; you disarmed them so easily. This is impossible!"


    Ancestors Kongyun and Qingyun suddenly widened their eyes, their faces filling with shock.


    That Vampire Divine Duke gnashed his teeth and hissed, "The Ye family scion has grown much stronger than he was three months ago. Just now, one of my disciples died at his hands. Henceforth, we must join forces; otherwise, we might find it difficult to defeat him!"


    "Damn, I didn''t expect that in just a short three months, this kid has become so much more powerful. Since that''s the case, we cannot let him live, or he''ll become a never-ending threat!" Old Monk Kongyun uttered.


    "If that''s the case, what are we waiting for? Let''s attack swiftly and finish him off!" Ancestor Qingyun bellowed.


    The Vampire Divine Duke, however, bared his teeth and proclaimed, "Ye, now I''ll show you the true strength of my Blood Clan!"


    After saying this, the Vampire Divine Duke suddenly opened his mouth and swallowed a Blood Witch Stone; in an instant, his aura began to skyrocket, quickly rising from the original Second Seal to become a Great Power of the Three Seal Rank.


    "We too will transform!" the two Great Powers of the Wizard Alliance stated as they knelt on the ground, muttering incantations.


    Boom...


    All at once, the two Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance swelled and grew in size, instantly transforming into two gigantic, ferocious monsters with green faces and fangs.


    Kongyun spread his hands, and a bronze-colored Golden Bowl emerged, spinning rapidly as it enlarged in mid-air.


    Meanwhile, Ancestor Qingyun threw a chessboard into the air which also began to rapidly expand.


    "Go!" Ancestor Qingyun cast his hand out, sending the chessboard soaring into the air and, subsequently, emitting a meshed network of beams. Interwoven together, they quickly formed a cage, trapping Ye Feng completely inside.


    "This kid is now trapped by me; he won''t have the chance to escape anymore!" Ancestor Qingyun said sternly and coldly.


    "Watch my Golden Bowl!" Old Monk Kongyun coldly shouted as the giant Golden Bowl soared into the sky, then released a beam of golden light from its mouth, which instantly enveloped Ye Feng.


    "Adding my Golden Bowl to the mix, this kid won''t be able to move or escape now!" Old Monk Kongyun said with a cold laugh.


    "Good, in that case, let''s make our move and kill him!" Immediately, the Vampire Divine Duke and the two Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance charged towards Ye Feng with thunderous ferocity.

 Chapter 734 - 714: Do you think you can escape?

    In the high sky, the vast chessboard''s interlocking light beams formed a net, enveloping this expanse of space, naturally trapping Ye Feng within.


    In the very center of the chessboard, there was a Golden Bowl, from which an intimidatingly powerful beam of light shot out and also encompassed Ye Feng.


    In that instant, Ye Feng felt a powerful force of constraint rush toward him, binding him on the spot so that he could not move, and even his Spirit Essence could not flow smoothly.


    He tried to struggle, however, it was very difficult to break free from the constraints of the chessboard and the Golden Bowl.


    Seeing this, Ancestor Kongyun and Ancestor Qingyun, the two Sect Patriarchs, couldn''t help but roar, "See, this Ye brat has been bound by us, this time there''s no way he can escape!"


    "No matter how strong your talent is, before you have fully grown, before you have reached the Yin-Yang Realm, you dare to act so recklessly and disregard us completely. This has doomed you, kid, to bring about your own destruction!" Ancestor Kongyun reprimanded with a stern voice.


    "You''ve done well. Now, let us finish off this kid!"


    The Vampire Divine Duke, his Blood Qi boiling tumultuously, unfolded huge red wings and instantly swooped into the air, then thrust out a sharp claw, aiming straight for the top of Ye Feng''s head.


    At the same time, after employing the Praying Spirit Transformation Technique, the other two Wizard Alliance Great Powers charged at Ye Feng like Vajra Iron Towers.


    Once the Praying Spirit Transformation Technique is used, the strength of the flesh body often becomes extremely powerful, which is why both of them threw punches at Ye Feng without hesitation.


    All three powerhouses used their most lethal moves with looks of ruthless intent, showing no mercy, as if they couldn''t wait to directly kill Ye Feng.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan, seeing this, couldn''t help but panic, her back suddenly sprouting Wings of Light, but even with the power of her Bloodline Inheritance, she couldn''t penetrate the crisscrossing light beams to enter the chessboard.


    "What do we do now, what should we do!" Hua Baimei couldn''t help but pace nervously, yet she was at a loss for what to do, as even they couldn''t charge into the chessboard.


    "Damn it, Kongyun and Qingyun, these two old things are really hateful, they''ve even conspired with outsiders against Ye Feng, they deserve to die!" Zhao Xuanzhen cursed angrily.


    At that moment, Hong Qingyan''s right hand suddenly burst into dazzling white light, quickly condensing a Divine Spear of Light that shot out with a whoosh piercing the air.


    But with Hong Qingyan''s current Cultivation Strength, she was far from fully unleashing the Power of Bloodline Inheritance. The Divine Spear of Light aimed at the chessboard only rippled and ebbed, unable to breach the chessboard at all.


    In the blink of an eye, the Vampire Divine Duke''s sharp claw was already overhead Ye Feng.


    Yet at that moment, Ye Feng''s lips curled into a cold smile, and then he threw a punch. The terrifying and vast Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist swept out like a storm, instantly shattering the blood-red claw, even sending the Vampire Divine Duke flying.


    "What... what''s going on, wasn''t this kid supposed to be bound? How can he still move, and even use Martial Skills?" The Vampire Divine Duke''s eyes widened in terror, his inner strength chaotically surging. Had he not reacted swiftly to dodge in time, it wouldn''t just be a matter of turbulent Qi-Blood now.


    Ancestor Qingyun and Ancestor Kongyun were both equally shocked, gritting their teeth and saying, "Damn it, how can our two Magic Treasures not bind you? How were you able to break free!"


    Ye Feng didn''t bother to reply with his face full of mockery, as there was no need to explain.


    In fact, as soon as he felt the restriction on his Spirit Essence, Ye Feng had immediately used his Mental Power Nucleus to communicate with the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. The scroll then opened on its own, and a mysterious yellow light burst forth.


    As this light emerged, the constraints on Ye Feng were swept away in an instant!


    And just at that moment, as the Vampire Divine Duke swooped over and reached out with his claw, Ye Feng naturally did not hesitate to launch his Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist and send his opponent flying.


    However, at this time, Ye Feng already knew that after the opponent had taken the Blood Witch Stone, his strength had increased significantly, and with the power of his Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, he could only repel, but not harm the Vampire Divine Duke.


    Both Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance were shocked and stood still, daring not to rush forward recklessly.


    Seeing this, Ancestor Qingyun and Ancestor Kongyun could only withdraw their respective treasures and flew forward, saying, "Since we can''t bind this kid, let''s just kill him outright. You three don''t need to panic, just now his Divine Dragon Fist might have been fierce, but that''s about it!"


    The Vampire Divine Duke huffed in a deep voice, "Right, his Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist might be fierce and overwhelming, but its killing power is not significant. It looks like that''s his limit; even if he''s a bit stronger, he can barely contend with a Three Seal Rank Great Power. With so many of us here, we''re sure to take him down!"


    "Let''s not waste any more words. Otherwise, our Forbidden Technique''s time limit will expire. Let''s kill quickly!" The two Wizard Alliance Great Powers charged forth.


    "Kill, no matter what, we must eliminate this kid. The Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is meant to be ours, and we also must obtain the Cultivation Technique he practices!" Ancestor Qingyun and Ancestor Kongyun also roared with anger.


    In the blink of an eye, all five Great Powers moved towards Ye Feng.


    With no chessboard or Golden Bowl to block them anymore, Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei also moved to provide help, and Hong Qingyan rushed over as well.


    "You don''t need to come over, mere Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm with First and Second Seal, I don''t take you seriously; with just them wanting to kill me, it''s laughable!"


    With a cold shout from Ye Feng, half of his Acupoints in his body began to burn furiously, and his strength surged in that moment.


    "How dare you say my Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist lacks killing power, now let me show you!"


    Ye Feng sneered as he shot out like a thunderclap, throwing a punch toward the Vampire Divine Lord.


    The terrifying Fist Momentum was like a rainbow piercing the heavens, causing the space it passed through to rupture and collapse.


    Bang!


    The Vampire Divine Lord had just tried to extend his sharp claws to counterattack, but he was sent flying by the horrific Fist Momentum.


    As he was sent flying backward, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of old blood, the effect of the Blood Witch Stone receded, and his breath instantly fell back to the Second Seal Level.


    The other four Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm were once again shocked, their faces filled with horror.


    "Damn it, this kid is so strong that we must hurry up and join forces. He''s using a secret technique, and he won''t be able to hold on for long!"


    Ancestor Kongyun immediately took out a Demon-Subduing Pestle and charged toward Ye Feng.


    "Right, we are five Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. There''s no need to fear this kid. If we work together, we will surely be able to slash this fiend!" Ancestor Qingyun said as he flipped his hand to take out the Golden Light Brush he had used before, and then started to write golden characters in mid-air.


    "Go!" Rows of golden characters imbued with terrifying power, even emitting traces of the Power of Yin-Yang, were stronger than the characters from before.


    Meanwhile, the two Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance also revealed their Magic Treasures, charging toward Ye Feng from the side.


    As for the Divine Lord of the Vampire Divine Court, he had slightly increased the distance and did not charge again. In fact, after that punch just now, he clearly felt the terrifyingly surging Spirit Essence within him.


    This Spirit Essence was not only vast in quantity but also the purity and quality of the Spirit Essence were enough to crush a Great Power of the Three Seal Rank. In other words, Ye Feng now was fully capable of challenging and contending with a Great Power at the Peak Realm.


    Once one had the Combat Power of the Peak Realm, it was not something several First and Second Seal Great Powers could contend with, so he chose to keep a distance and watch. If the situation turned against him, he would choose to escape immediately.


    "Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal!"


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!"


    "Emperor Sovereign Sword!"


    Ye Feng unleashed several powerful Martial Skills in one breath. Now that his body was brimming with vast Spirit Essence, he didn''t have to worry about running out of Spirit Essence.


    Boom...


    The first to strike was the Emperor Sovereign Sword. With one slash, the golden characters that filled the sky were dispersed, and the remaining power, undiminished, charged toward Ancestor Qingyun, sending him flying.


    At the same time, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear shot out, instantly knocking away Kongyun''s Demon-Subduing Pestle, and even Kongyun himself was sent flying by the frightening impact force of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear.


    At this moment, the earth shook and the sky changed color, with spatial rifts spreading everywhere. Zhao Xuanzhen, Hua Baimei, and Hong Qingyan had to retreat to avoid being drawn into the spatial rifts, for that would be a narrow escape from death.


    Next was the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal, which crushed one of the Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance with an irresistible force, not quite killing him but severely wounding him and depriving him of his combat power.


    As for the last Great Power of the Wizard Alliance, he was so frightened that he lost all his color and dared not come forward.


    However, Ye Feng was not planning to let him go and directly struck him down with the Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist, severely wounding him.


    In fact, all this happened in the blink of an eye, but Ye Feng had already defeated and crushed these four Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm with his domineering stance!


    At this moment, all five Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, including Ancestors Kongyun and Qingyun from the Sects, were injured to various degrees.


    The scene suddenly became as silent as death!


    "This damn guy, who knew he would be so strong? We can''t match him at all. If we don''t flee now, when will we?"


    The Vampire Divine Lord, who had already retreated a considerable distance, said before swiftly soaring up to escape.


    "Escape? I''ve already noticed you, do you think you can get away?" Ye Feng sneered and then pointed up to the sky, "Please look at what''s above your head!"


    The Vampire Divine Lord, upon hearing this, abruptly looked up, only to see a vast Monument appearing above his head at some unknown time.


    Boom...


    The Heaven Guard Monument showed no hesitation and directly crushed down!

 Chapter 735 - 715: Mysterious Knuckles

    In fact, Ye Feng had long been aware of the movements of this great power from the Vampire Divine Court. The adversary had silently moved behind him, allowing the other four to strike, while he himself was observing. If Kongyun and Qingyun and the other two had been victorious, then this fellow would have rushed forward to fight over the treasures the moment the battle was over.


    And if Kongyun and the others had been defeated, then this guy would have chosen to escape without the slightest hesitation, just as he was doing right now.


    Ye Feng had always profoundly despised such cowardly, selfish individuals, fearfully clinging to life for their own benefit. He had seen plenty of them during the defense of the Great Wall of Heaven. Therefore, during the battle, he had already summoned the Heaven Guard Monument and positioned it above the head of that Vampire Divine Duke in the high sky.


    Boom...


    The Heaven Guard Monument pressed down with an overwhelming force. The Vampire Divine Duke had almost no chance to resist, not even able to escape using his Yin-Yang Seal. He was instantly crushed into mush, dead beyond any doubt.


    "This... how is this possible, you actually killed him, you must know he was a Vampire Divine Duke of the Second Seal Level!" The two great powers from the Wizard Alliance were visibly horrified.


    Unfortunately for them, the limit of their Praying Spirit Transformation Technique was reached at that moment. Their huge bodies shrank rapidly, their energy began to fade and weaken, and they quickly reverted back to their original form.


    Moreover, because of the use of this secret technique, these two great powers from the Wizard Alliance were experiencing a backlash, their energy becoming even more feeble than before, their combat power not even matching their previous state.


    Given this situation, they had been unable to do anything against Ye Feng at their peak strength, let alone now in their weakened state.


    The two Sect Patriarchs, Kongyun and Qingyun, clearly realized the severity of the situation. They exchanged a glance and immediately began making Seal Formations with their hands.


    In an instant, their bodies emitted a burst of blood-red light, and then both of them turned into a streak of blood-light, fleeing in two different directions.


    "Ye, we admit defeat today, but we''ll remember this grudge. Just you wait!" The two sneered, their bloody aurora shooting out a thousand meters in an instant.


    All this happened incredibly swiftly. The moment the Heaven Guard Monument crushed and killed the Vampire Divine Duke, Kongyun and Qingyun had already used their escape secret technique, and the speed of the bloody aurora was so fast that even Ye Feng, in his current state, couldn''t catch up.


    It must be said, Kongyun and Qingyun might not be strong, but when it comes to escaping, they were second to none.


    "We must escape quickly too, this young man is too powerful, we simply can''t compete!" The two great powers of the Wizard Alliance cried out urgently.


    At this moment, their faces were ashen. They couldn''t match Ye Feng even at their peak, let alone now during their period of weakness.


    "They''ve escaped, but you two stay behind!" Ye Feng snorted coldly, his figure flickered and he rushed out instantly.


    Despite the fact that the two great powers of the Wizard Alliance started to flee, Ye Feng was faster, catching up behind them in an instant.


    The Sky-breaking Divine Spear pierced through the air and immediately penetrated the waist of one of the Wizard Alliance''s great powers.


    At the same time, the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal fell from above, severely injuring the other one!


    Ye Feng flicked his wrist, and two streaks of rainbow light from the Emperor Sovereign Sword flew out. The two great powers of the Wizard Alliance were beheaded in an instant, their heads soaring into the air before tumbling to the ground.


    Although they had lost their heads, the headless bodies of the two great powers of the Wizard Alliance still charged ahead several meters before finally collapsing dead on the ground!


    Ye Feng''s expression didn''t change in the slightest, as he waved his hand and sheathed the Emperor Sovereign Sword back into place.


    It was only by now that Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei, who were not far away, still hadn''t recovered from the extreme shock, staring wide-eyed at Ye Feng, their faces filled with disbelief.


    "This... this is too powerful, these were five great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, including two of the Second Seal Level, and they had no resistance whatsoever, nearly wiped out to the last man!" Zhao Xuanzhen couldn''t help but exclaim in amazement.


    Hua Baimei also exclaimed with admiration, "Originally, I felt that Ye Feng was strong enough, but I only thought that at most he could contend with a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm at the One Seal Level. Unexpectedly, his combat power almost crushes those at the Second Seal Level, and even those at the Third Seal are probably not his match. This is simply too formidable. It''s only now that I understand why the Patriarchs of the Xiao Chi and Liang Families, as well as Senior Huang Niu, recognize him as the leader of the Human Race!"


    "Indeed, with Ye Feng''s talent and combat power, he truly qualifies to be the new leader of the Human Race!" Zhao Xuanzhen nodded in agreement.


    Hua Baimei then said in a deep voice, "If it wasn''t for Kongyun and Qingyun, these two old geezers, using the Blood Escape Secret Technique, even they would have been slain. These two old fellows sure know how to make a clean break."


    Zhao Xuanzhen also sneered coldly, "Even though those two have escaped, the Blood Escape Secret Technique requires the burning of one''s Qi-Blood. After the technique is over, their realm will undoubtedly decline, and it''ll take several years at the very least to recover to peak status. Furthermore, their difficulties in attempting to break through to a higher Second or Third Seal will increase significantly. Undoubtedly, these two are done for!"


    Ye Feng, however, no longer paid any attention to the fleeing Kongyun and Qingyun. From beginning to end, he never regarded these two as significant; such insignificant elders, even if they escaped, couldn''t cause much of a stir.


    With a swift move, Ye Feng arrived beside the dry riverbed. Although there were still some spatial cracks around due to the recent fierce battle, there was not much danger as long as one was careful not to be sucked in, especially since these spatial cracks were not large.


    In the center of the riverbed, the skeleton remained fairly intact. It seemed to be the remains of a Great Power from the Demon Horn Tribe, and within the skeleton was a bone fragment, like a finger, emitting a clear translucent light. The bone was covered with tiny, dense inscriptions.


    Ye Feng knitted his brows, his intuition telling him that this bone fragment was no simple matter. The tiny inscriptions on it seemed to be a Cultivation Method and Martial Technique.


    At this moment, Hong Qingyan as well as Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei also swept over. Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "Big Brother Ye, what is this bone fragment? Do you recognize the inscriptions on it?"


    Ye Feng shook his head and said, "I don''t recognize them. They don''t appear to be in the script used by the Demon Horn Tribe."


    Although the Human Race knew relatively little about the Demon Horn Tribe, they had long since mastered their language and script. For these Outer Battlefield powerhouses who almost never forget what they have seen, learning the script and language of a race was effortless.


    "How strange, this isn''t the Demon Horn script, nor is it our Human Race''s script. Why would it appear here?" Hua Baimei couldn''t help but ask.


    "Yes, I can''t figure it out. What exactly is this?" Zhao Xuanzhen also asked.


    Ye Feng responded with a slight smile, "Have the two elders forgotten? There are not only the Demon Horn Tribe in the Outer Space-Time but many races. And this bone fragment is not necessarily a part of this Demon Horn creature''s body!"


    "Ye Feng, are you saying that this bone fragment isn''t from the Demon Horn Tribe, but from another race?" Hua Baimei couldn''t help but ask.


    Ye Feng nodded and then said, "Elders, although I do not know the origin of this bone fragment, it seems out of the ordinary. The script recorded on it could be a Cultivation Method and Martial Technique, but it could also be something mundane. I would like to take it back for research, if that''s alright..."


    Before Ye Feng could finish, Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei simultaneously said, "Lord Leader, please take it. It''s rightfully yours, after all. Had it not been for your timely assistance, we would have likely perished at the hands of those four Great Powers from the Vampire Divine Court and the Wizard Alliance."


    Without any pretense, Ye Feng nodded and said, "Then I shall accept the bone fragment. As for the storage rings from the bodies of those four Great Powers, each elder can take one, and the remaining two will go to your followers. How does that sound?"


    Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei were about to demur, but Ye Feng already waved his hand and said, "Since the elders have no objections, let''s settle it this way. Let''s clean up the battlefield and leave this place. The commotion just now was so loud that I''m sure more powerhouses will come soon."


    Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei then slightly nodded in acceptance.


    "Elders, I''m in a rather awkward situation right now, with nearly all the forces of the Four Great Powers searching for me. I''d rather not travel with you, and Qingyan and I will take our leave first. Goodbye!" With that said, Ye Feng saluted with his hands and immediately pulled Hong Qingyan up to fly off into the depths.


    Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei also promptly bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord Leader, for your assistance. Please do as you wish!"


    As their voices fell, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan had already vanished into the thick fog.


    [I''ve seen many readers asking about the update schedule. Here''s a clarification: normally, there will be two to three chapters a day. The frequency may reduce during holidays, such as when I go back to my hometown for the Mid-Autumn Festival and don''t have as much time to write. However, I will make up for it once the holiday is over. I wish everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and health to all your families!]

 Chapter 736 - 716: What on Earth Does Lord Leader Want to Do?

    The bone joint felt heavy in his grasp, suggesting either its substantial weight or an extremely dense makeup.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel curious; what species did this bone belong to? After all, even with his flesh body greatly enhanced by the practice of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, every aspect of his physical form, from bones to muscles and beyond, had undergone qualitative changes.


    However, Ye Feng knew that under similar conditions, his own bones were nowhere near as formidable as this bone joint, neither in mass nor in density. In other words, the owner of this bone joint must have had a terrifyingly powerful flesh body.


    Even more so, Ye Feng speculated that if the owner of this bone joint were still alive, they might crush any Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm with sheer physical strength; they could even explode a being of the Peak Realm with a single punch.


    This was, undoubtedly, the remains of a bone joint from a high-level species!


    "It seems that Alien Space-Time might host other, even more powerful species," Ye Feng inwardly exclaimed.


    But presently, there was no time to thoroughly explore the origins of this bone joint or the inscriptions etched upon it. Ye Feng tossed it into his storage ring.


    The two continued to make their way deeper, quickly passing through the narrow neck of the second segment of the gourd and into the largest and innermost belly of it.


    The scenery suddenly opened up before them, revealing peaks that soared into the clouds like Sharp Swords; however, these mountains were bare, without any vegetation, and many were broken. The earth was cracked and pitted, and even the occasional spatial rift was present.


    Bones lay haphazardly on the ground; due to the passage of time, most were heavily damaged, with only a few remaining relatively intact.


    Here, the grey mist mingled with the miasma was even denser than outside, and of course, far more dangerous.


    This was the deep inner region of Sky Burial Valley.


    However, upon arriving here, Ye Feng suddenly felt an odd sensation, as if something deeper within was calling out to him.


    "This sense of summoning again; could it be something left behind here by an Emperor from over two thousand years ago?" Ye Feng pondered.


    He followed this strange calling with a sensation, and then suddenly looked up, fixing his gaze on a pair of huge, faintly visible mountain ranges ahead.


    These two peaks were the tallest of Sky Burial Valley. The summit of the one on the left had been sheared off, while the right one had been cleaved in half, giving them a disjointedly bizarre appearance.


    Ye Feng realized that if something was indeed calling out to him, it had to be between these two mountains!


    Of course, he could also tell that these massive peaks had been altered with incredible strength not even he currently possessed, to shear away mountaintops and cleave them in half. This level of power was something only legendary Great Powers could achieve.


    In other words, the ultimate battlefield of that epic war from over two thousand years ago where the Sovereign of the Human Race and the strongest of the Demon Horn Tribe who entered the Human Realm fought was right atop these two mountains.


    "Qingyan, let''s go over there!" Ye Feng pointed to the two highest peaks, then took Hong Qingyan''s hand and soared towards them.


    Hong Qingyan naturally had no objections. Indeed, after reaching this point, the miasma was even more potent, and the grey-white mist had intensified to choking levels; she had to focus all her efforts to prevent its invasion into her body.


    Here, any Golden Core Realm cultivator faced peril at any moment, and even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm dared not take the situation lightly anymore.


    It was only then that Ye Feng realized the miasma he had encountered in the Central Region of Earth was actually quite thin and weak; otherwise, he and Zhang Wenyuan would not have been able to venture deep into it.


    Now, however, Ye Feng did not fear the miasma or grey-white mist of Sky Burial Valley, for he was protected by the Emperor Sovereign armor, impervious to the miasma.


    Because of Hong Qingyan, however, Ye Feng had to slow down their pace. They hadn''t gone far before encountering another group of people.


    "Big Brother Ye, it''s Feiyu and Old Man Huang Niu up ahead. They seem to be in trouble," Hong Qingyan called out as soon as she recognized the individuals ahead.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, his brow furrowing.


    At that moment, Old Man Huang Niu, Yu Feiyu, and several other Yin-Yang Realm powerhouses from the Northwest Little Mountain Village were huddled together, pressed against the foot of a huge boulder.


    Swathes of pitch-black wraiths were frenziedly attacking them.


    To Ye Feng''s shock, at the center of these black wraiths floated a black-and-red humanoid form of gas. Although gaseous in nature, it was nearly substantialized, even forming facial features of the Human Race, twisting into a ferociously grim expression, full of eerieness, as if it had an insatiable desire to devour Yu Feiyu and the rest.


    It was clear that this humanoid gas form was extremely fearsome and formidable, commanding the thick wraiths surrounding it to continuously assail the group under Old Man Huang Niu''s lead.


    "Is this... the legendary wraith?" Ye Feng exclaimed, his expression extremely grave.


    Indeed, where there is a tremendous amount of evil energy, wraiths often arise, and though these wraiths may lack much spiritual wisdom, they are inevitably formed from the soul consciousness of a powerful great being, corrupted by a heavy burden of resentment and spite after death.


    What''s even more terrifying is that after such a long time absorbing the negative energy and resentment around it, the strength of this wraith has reached an incredibly fearsome level, so much so that even the mightiest at the peak realm would hesitate to confront such a being.


    At that very moment, the wraith was fiercely rallying streams of resentment, ceaselessly launching attacks at Yu Feiyu and the others.


    Luckily, Old Man Huang Niu was exceptional and possessed a rather powerful defensive magic treasure; otherwise, it would be impossible to withstand the assault of such copious resentment.


    Even so, the yellow energy shield that was protecting Yu Feiyu and the rest of the Northwest Little Mountain Village''s villagers wouldn''t last much longer.


    Old Man Huang Niu''s hands moved continuously, forming Dharma Seals, while the spirit essence within his body surged out in an effort to maintain the shield, but under the relentless assault of uncountable resentful spirits, the light of the yellow energy barrier continued to dim.


    It was clear to see that once this energy shield shattered, save for Old Man Huang Niu himself, it was doubtful that anyone present could withstand the vast amount of resentment. And what was even more daunting was the presence of a wraith looming overhead.


    The situation was urgent, and seeing this, Ye Feng immediately instructed, "Qingyan, move to the side, and if you see the resentment coming at you, don''t hesitate to activate the Heart-Protecting Mirror, understand?"


    "I understand, Big Brother Ye, but you aren''t thinking of going over there to help, are you? There''s so much resentment, and there''s even a wraith," Hong Qingyan naturally knew the dire situation facing Yu Feiyu''s group, but she was more concerned about Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng replied gravely, "They won''t last much longer, I have to help them!"


    In fact, Ye Feng was not afraid of the resentment, for his spirit nucleus was quite powerful, and he had the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll as his trump card. However, the sheer number of resentments and the presence of a wraith made it an overwhelming challenge, even for him. But since both Yu Feiyu and Old Man Huang Niu were of great importance to him, he had no choice but to take the risk.


    Just then, the blood-red wraith hovering midair had evidently lost its patience, and suddenly its resentment surged wildly, the dense miasma rushing directly towards the yellow energy barrier below.


    "Qingyan, take good care of yourself!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened and he immediately dashed forward.


    "Ah, it''s Big Brother Ye, Big Brother Ye has come!" Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but rejoice upon recognizing the figure that swept across the sky.


    Old Man Huang Niu''s expression, however, sank completely, and he clenched his teeth and said, "This is bad, why did the Lord Leader come here? It''s too dangerous, he shouldn''t have come for our sake!"


    Yu Feiyu was initially very happy, but upon hearing her master''s words, her face instantly showed deep worry. "Then, what do we do, Master? Big Brother Ye won''t be in danger, will he?"


    Another great power from the Northwest Little Mountain Village at the Yin-Yang Realm couldn''t help but bitterly smile, "Of course it''s dangerous. The resentment alone is already enough to cause us a headache, not to mention the wraith above us!"


    "So Big Brother Ye is definitely in danger? Master, please think of something, save Big Brother Ye!" Yu Feiyu was frantic. If she had to choose, she would rather die under the wrathful spirits than see Ye Feng in danger.


    Old Man Huang Niu chuckled sarcastically, "You girl, you get so anxious when you see your sweetheart in danger? You want me to find a way to save your Big Brother Ye, but does that mean the other villagers are not important?"


    "Master, at a time like this you''re still teasing me? Just think of a way to save us all," Yu Feiyu replied, exasperated.


    Old Man Huang Niu shook his head, "I don''t have a better idea right now. If the Lord Leader can''t hold on, I will withdraw the energy shield, then you all scatter and flee. Whether you can escape will be up to fate. As for the new Lord Leader, we absolutely cannot let anything happen to him. Does everyone understand?"


    "Understood!" Over a dozen villagers nodded. Despite the grave danger, there was no fear on any faces, and no one showed a hint of fearing or shrinking back.


    They were the people of the Northwest, the true guardians of the human race!


    What was completely unexpected to everyone was that upon arriving, Ye Feng did not release any energy barriers to resist, nor did he use any techniques to attack the resentment.


    After sweeping in, Ye Feng stood still, allowing the resentment to swiftly enter his body.


    Yu Feiyu''s face changed dramatically, and she couldn''t help but shout, "What is Big Brother Ye doing? He''s neither defending nor attacking, and he''s allowing the resentment to invade his body; isn''t that very dangerous?"


    At that moment, not only the dozen or so Northwest people, but also Old Man Huang Niu''s expression became extremely grave.


    "What exactly does the Lord Leader intend to do?"

 Chapter 737 - 717: Ive Been Waiting for You for a Long Time, Big Fat Sheep

    No one knew why Ye Feng chose to do this. If it were not for his identity as the Lord Leader, it''s likely that the many Great Powers of the Northwest Little Mountain Village would have cursed him for being stupid, ignorant, or even seeking death.


    After all, this was resentment energy, able to directly attack a person''s soul consciousness. Although the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm are quite strong in the Human Realm, they have still not touched upon the aspect of Soul Mental Power. Although many peerless powerhouses have been in search of Cultivation Techniques related to this, essentially none have found a breakthrough.


    The soul, after all, is too mysterious¡ªutterly profound and indescribable!


    It could be said that, in the current Human Realm, aside from a very small number of people who were naturally gifted and could sense the existence of their own Soul Mental Power, or a very small number who had had fortuitous encounters¡ªlike Ye Feng, who had found some Cultivation Techniques¡ª


    there were also an extremely limited few who accidentally consumed some Heavenly Talents and Earthly Treasures that strengthened their Soul Mental Power. Other than that, the vast majority of the Human Race had not reached this level.


    Even the Great Powers of the Void Realm were more focused on Spirit Essence and their own bodies, seeking a purer form of Spirit Essence as well as physical strength.


    All these things are tangible and had not touched upon the intangible, that is, they had not yet reached a higher level!


    It must be said that in this domain, Ye Feng was ahead of all the Human Race!


    Anyway, with the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll as a trump card to protect his life, after grabbing the opportunity, Ye Feng made the boldest decision¡ªthat was to not resist, nor to counterattack, but to let these resentment energies invade his body, then round them all up and use them as nutrients to enhance his Mental Power Nucleus.


    To these resentment energies, Ye Feng was an irresistibly enticing presence at this moment, his flesh body and soul consciousness far surpassing everyone present.


    Therefore, when the high-up Wraith saw Ye Feng, it suddenly became extremely excited and agitated, directly commanding a large amount of resentment energy, to give up attacking Yu Feiyu and others and instead rush towards Ye Feng.


    In an instant, streams of black resentment energy invaded Ye Feng''s body, aiming straight for his Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace.


    And at that moment, the Mental Power Nucleus at the very center of the Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace rapidly began to spin, and a strong spiritual power surged out like a tide, sweeping outward in all directions.


    If Ye Feng''s Sea of Consciousness were a vast ocean, then the spiritual power released by the rapidly spinning Mental Power Nucleus would be like rolling and churning seawater, and the resentment energies entering his Sea of Consciousness would be like tiny, flat boats.


    Right now, under the high-speed spin of the Mental Power Nucleus, the Sea of Consciousness stirred up towering waves, quickly swallowing the first wave of resentful energy''s small boats with the violent and surging spiritual power.


    With each wave of spiritual power that crashed over, a stream of resentment energy was immediately capsized or even dispersed, subsequently transforming into the most pure golden energy.


    As streams of black resentment energy were continuously engulfed and dispersed, soon traces of golden energy were refined out.


    While Ye Feng continued to urge the Mental Power Nucleus to release spiritual power, he was also secretly absorbing these traces of golden energy that had been refined out.


    Initially, while spinning intensely, the Mental Power Nucleus was depleting spiritual power very quickly, and in the blink of an eye, a third of the spiritual power was consumed, causing Ye Feng''s consciousness to blur slightly, and his body to stagger unsteadily.


    But soon, as he continuously refined and absorbed the golden energy, not only was the expended spiritual power replenished, but even the Mental Power Nucleus itself was fortified.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng was immediately overjoyed in his heart, and after just the first round, his consumption and replenishment had reached a delicate balance.


    This created a situation where, although dispersing and refining the resentment energy cost a significant amount of spiritual power, the refining process left behind pure golden energy. After absorbing this golden energy, the lost spiritual power was quickly restored, and in the process, Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus kept getting stronger and even grew larger.


    Originally, Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus was black, but now, having absorbed a lot of the golden energy, a faint layer of gold light emerged on it. It was no longer the previous black but had turned into a dark gold.


    Ye Feng had a feeling that once his Mental Power Nucleus completely turned golden, there would be a qualitative leap!


    Quickly, the feeling of a splitting headache vanished, and the haziness of his consciousness also disappeared. Ye Feng even felt an unprecedented sense of ease.


    Continuing at this rate, no matter how much resentment energy came, even if all the resentment energy from the Sky Burial Valley rushed at him, he had no fear. At this moment, Ye Feng would have wished for all the Sky Burial Valley''s resentment energy to surge towards him.


    However, to deceive the Wraith watching from above, and to take the opportunity to absorb more resentment energy to strengthen his Mental Power Nucleus, Ye Feng kept a pained expression on his face from start to finish, even purposefully letting a trace of black qi appear in his eyes.


    He deliberately clutched his head, screaming and howling madly, as if his head could explode at any moment, bordering on insanity or falling into a demonic trance.


    At this moment, not only were Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu and the others concerned, but upon seeing Ye Feng''s behavior, deep worry flooded their faces.


    "What do we do, Master? What do we do now? Looking at Big Brother Ye''s expression and state, he must be in great danger; he probably can''t hold on much longer. Master, you have to save Big Brother Ye!" Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but shout.


    Hong Qingyan was naturally more anxious than anyone else and, without any hesitation, she almost flew straight toward Ye Feng.


    However, it was at this moment that Ye Feng''s telepathic message immediately rang out in Hong Qingyan''s mind: "Stay there, don''t come closer, don''t ruin things!"


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but be stunned; she immediately stopped and understood that Big Brother Ye was pretending.


    After all, if his soul and consciousness were really attacked by malice to this extent, then Ye Feng''s consciousness would almost have been on the verge of collapse at this point, and he would definitely not be able to send her a telepathic message.


    Yu Feiyu, not understanding the situation, couldn''t help but shout continuously: "Master, if you don''t take action now, Big Brother Ye might really lose his life."


    At that time, Old Man Huang Niu felt helpless as well; even if he wanted to help, he was at a loss because the malicious spirits had already entered Ye Feng''s body, and there was no way for him to help expel them.


    With no other choice, Old Man Huang Niu could only wave his hand and retract the energy shield, especially since the malicious spirits had already rushed towards Ye Feng, and the energy shield was almost depleted, anyway.


    "You all wait here; I''ll go and have a look," Old Man Huang Niu said as he was about to leap over.


    Seeing this scenario, Ye Feng had to send another telepathic message: "Senior Huang, don''t come over, I have a way to deal with these wraiths."


    Old Man Huang Niu was taken aback and immediately stopped, though his expression remained calm.


    However, Yu Feiyu couldn''t help but say: "Master, you''ve stopped, weren''t you going to help Big Brother Ye?"


    Old Man Huang Niu could only give a wry smile and said: "I, too, would like to help him, but under the current circumstances, even if we rush over there, it would be of no help."


    "Then, what do we do?" Yu Feiyu asked.


    "For now, we can only rely on Lord Leader himself; no one else can help him!" Old Man Huang Niu said.


    "Yes, in this situation, even if we went over, we wouldn''t be of any help. Alas, if it weren''t for trying to save us, Lord Leader wouldn''t have fallen into such a dangerous situation!" the people of the Northwest sighed in unison.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, although he still appeared to be in great pain, was actually delighted inside.


    Half a quarter hour passed, and he had already refined and absorbed almost half of the wraith''s energy; his Mental Power Nucleus had grown significantly and was even faintly glowing with a golden color.


    Half an hour passed, and Ye Feng still wore an agonized expression, but the majority of the wraith''s energy had already entered his body, and despite his pained face, he still hadn''t fallen.


    At this moment, the wraith¡ªstill possessing some Spiritual Wisdom¡ªfinally sensed something was amiss and abruptly let out a scream that caused a shiver in the listeners'' consciousnesses.


    Then, with a whoosh, the blood-red wraith suddenly charged towards Ye Feng.


    "Damn it, stop it!" Seeing this, Old Man Huang Niu and the others had a sudden, drastic change in their expressions.


    However, the wraith moved incredibly fast, and before Old Man Huang Niu and the others could act, it had already reached Ye Feng, and then directly entered his body through his forehead.


    "Come on, I''ve been waiting for you for a long time, you big fat sheep!" Ye Feng felt slightly nervous inside, but more than that, he was thrilled and excited!

 Chapter 738 - 718: Transformation of the Mental Power Nucleus

    Wraiths, after all, are not comparable to mere resentful energies, for they still retain a measure of spiritual wisdom, and it''s not excluded that they possess some sort of cultivation technique or martial skill. Their capacity to damage the soul consciousness of cultivators and martial artists is therefore naturally much greater.


    However, Ye Feng did not hesitate at all. Although the wraith was strong, if he could vanquish it, the golden energy released would be even greater than the sum of all the resentful energies combined, and the benefits were self-evident.


    With the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll at hand, even if his mental power nucleus was not inferior, he had the scroll to fall back on for protection!


    It happened in a flash; with a whoosh, the wraith shot into Ye Feng''s glabella and next, appeared inside his Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace.


    "I really... dare, to have extinguished... me, with all my abundant... resentful energies, you dare, you indeed dare!"


    The wraith suddenly roared intermittently, and truly, retaining a little spiritual wisdom, although the speech was incoherent, the message was broadly clear enough.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but snort coldly, "What does it matter if you were a great power? You have been extinguished for over two thousand years. What if you are unwilling? You are nothing but a residual wraith. You can''t stir up much trouble!"


    "Fat sheep... such a big one, fat sheep, extinguishing you, I shall definitely... leap forward in my advancement!"


    A tone of thick ecstasy emerged in the wraith''s voice; finishing its words without waiting for Ye Feng to reply, the wraith charged straight towards the central position of the Mental Power Nucleus in the Heavenly Heart Palace.


    Looking at the wraith''s posture, it seemed to want to swallow Ye Feng''s mental power nucleus whole!


    Ye Feng let out a cold shout as his Mental Power Nucleus began to rotate at high speed once again. Now, his Mental Power Nucleus was a whole size larger than it had been before his arrival here, and furthermore, the previously pitch-black nucleus now seemed to be tinted with a layer of faint golden light, giving it a mystically divine appearance.


    Under the high-speed rotation of the Mental Power Nucleus, waves of spiritual power surged forward like a tide towards the blood-red wraith that was rushing forward.


    "Ha... hu..."


    The human-shaped wraith suddenly opened its mouth, creating a terrifying Wind Blade that instantly blew apart the tides of Ye Feng''s spiritual power; even Ye Feng himself felt a spiritual storm brewing, as if someone was stabbing his brain directly with a Silver Needle.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s consciousness also blurred!


    Fortunately, his Mental Power Nucleus was still strong; otherwise if it had been an ordinary person, just a blow from this Wind Blade would probably sink their consciousness on the spot, turning them into an utter fool.


    Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus was still rotating rapidly, bursting out with overpowering waves of spiritual power, which under the influence of his consciousness, instantly formed into a storm.


    "Seeking death..."


    The humanoid wraith roared up to the heavens and once again opened its mouth, ejecting an even more violent Wind Blade that immediately dispersed Ye Feng''s spiritual power storm.


    The Wind Blade charged directly towards the Mental Power Nucleus, and in this instant, Ye Feng''s entire being felt as though he''d plunged into an abyss, witnessing a sky filled with mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and the unspeakable horror of innumerable ghosts wailing and howling.


    "My will is so strong, my spiritual power has cultivated a nucleus; I cannot possibly succumb now!" Ye Feng shouted firmly, his consciousness instantly regaining clarity.


    But at this moment, Ye Feng could no longer stand, falling directly to the ground and revealing a pained expression on his face.


    "Big Brother Ye..." Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, upon seeing this state, were both alarmed, and both wanted to rush over immediately.


    Old Man Huang Niu hurriedly bellowed, "Don''t move recklessly, don''t touch him. Right now, Lord Leader is battling with the wraith, absolutely do not make contact!"


    Being an ancient creature who had lived for over a hundred years, Old Man Huang Niu''s experience far surpassed that of Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu, and he quickly discerned Ye Feng''s current condition. Moreover, he knew that under the wraith''s attack, Ye Feng was in a bad state.


    "Senior Huang, how is Big Brother Ye''s condition now?" Hong Qingyan asked urgently, naturally only being able to worry, as even if she wanted to help, she was helpless to do so.


    Old Man Huang Niu, twisting his gray-white eyebrows, spoke truthfully, "His situation doesn''t look optimistic. At present, his soul consciousness is battling with the wraith. This wraith is formed from the death of an ancient great power, extremely terrifying and formidable."


    Yu Feiyu anxiously inquired, "So what do we do now, Master? Is there really no way to help Big Brother Ye?"


    Old Man Huang Niu sighed and said, "We really can only rely on him now. After all, this involves deeper matters; even I haven''t reached that domain as of now. Let''s hope that Lord Leader has his own good fortune."


    The rest of the People of the Northwest also comforted, "Lord Leader is the Chosen One, with luck like a rainbow. Surely nothing will happen to him."


    "Yes, Lord Leader will be fine. He must lead us to protect the Good Person Realm!"


    Although everyone said so, it was clear that each person was very worried. After all, it was a wraith; even Old Man Huang Niu had no recourse. Our Leader is still young after all; can he truly withstand it?


    Speaking of Ye Feng at this time, although he had stabilized his consciousness and was no longer sinking, the situation within the Heavenly Heart Palace was far from optimistic.


    It must be said that the wraith was incredibly powerful, especially after absorbing the grievances from over two thousand years ago. This human-shaped vengeful spirit had become terrifyingly strong, to a degree which Ye Feng''s current level of spiritual power simply could not contend with.


    "Once I devour you, I can... level up, and then reconstruct... reconstruct my flesh body. I will be king of this place!" The blood-red human-shaped wraith roared repeatedly, suddenly opened its mouth and charged towards the Mental Power Nucleus, apparently intending to swallow the Mental Power Nucleus in one fell swoop.


    After two previous rounds of probing, the wraith had probably figured out Ye Feng''s strength and knew that although this human had great talent and powerful spirit, he was not strong enough to fight back.


    "Thinking of devouring me? You probably don''t know how to write the word ''death''!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer. Suddenly, with a thought, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll that was floating in the Sea of Consciousness within the Heavenly Heart Palace directly unfolded and swept over, arriving in front of the Mental Power Nucleus and opened itself in an instant.


    The human-shaped wraith just happened to charge towards the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll!


    The wraith had initially looked down upon the sight of the scroll, wearing a dismissive expression on its human-like face, so it naturally did not evade, only to realize its mistake a moment later.


    The instant the wraith entered the Divine Path Heavenly Edict, it immediately felt as if it had plunged into a vast ocean; a deep marsh from which it could not extricate itself. The more it struggled, the deeper it sank and the stronger the bindings became.


    "Damn it, what is this thing? Why can it imprison me, trap me inside?" the wraith screamed repeatedly, letting out a strange and powerful cry.


    Indeed, if they were outside, ordinary martial artists and cultivators¡ªanyone below the Golden Core Realm¡ªwould have their spirits disordered upon hearing its cries, and those with weak wills might even turn mad on the spot.


    However, the human-shaped wraith was now completely trapped inside the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and was not only unable to escape, but its voice could not be heard outside either.


    Ye Feng sneered coldly and said, "What is this? You might as well ask King Yama when you get to the Underworld. Actually, no, the landscape here is quite special, and the evil aura is extremely strong. After you died, your soul couldn''t reincarnate, which is why you became this wraith. Now that the wraith is destroyed, you don''t even have the chance to go to Hell and be reincarnated!"


    While speaking, Ye Feng''s gaze hardened. He immediately exerted himself to manipulate the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, and in a flash, beams of Xuanhuang color radiated from the scroll.


    Bundles of light poured out, and the wraith''s body immediately emitted a hissing sound as if it were burning. Then, a thick smoke rose from the wraith''s body, accompanied by its hysterical screams of agony.


    "I was wrong, I was wrong, have mercy, let me go. I submit, and I will be, I will be your servant from now on!" the wraith screamed repeatedly.


    "Your malevolence is too heavy, and your methods, too powerful. If I let you go now, it would be difficult to capture you again later. So, you''d better obediently be refined, become my nourishment!"


    Ye Feng said sternly and coldly, his expression unmoved. With the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll binding his opponent, he was not afraid of the wraith''s desperate struggle.


    As thick smoke continued to rise, the wraith was constantly being refined. Soon its human form was completely burned away, leaving behind a drop of the most pure golden energy.


    "Goodness, there''s actually one drop! I''ve refined so many grievances before, but I''m afraid they don''t add up to even one-fifth of this golden energy!" Ye Feng was incredibly excited in his heart.


    As they say, fortune favors the bold. Although letting the wraith charge in was somewhat risky, it turned out he had made the right bet.


    After all, if he hadn''t tricked the wraith inside and instead used the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to defend, it would have been difficult to trap and completely refine the opponent.


    Having refined the wraith, Ye Feng simply continued to sit cross-legged with his eyes closed, planning to absorb the drop of golden energy to maximize the enhancement of his strength. The place seemed relatively safe for the moment, and with Old Man Huang Niu acting as protector, even if they encountered powerhouses from the Four Great Powers, there was no need to worry.


    And as he absorbed the drop of golden energy, although there was no change in Ye Feng''s cultivation aura, his Mental Power Nucleus grew significantly larger in the blink of an eye. Moreover, his originally black Mental Power Nucleus had now taken on a black and gold color.


    "Phew..." After completely absorbing the drop of golden energy, Ye Feng let out a long breath and then opened his eyes.


    "Big Brother Ye, you''re finally awake. Are you alright? That''s great!" Seeing Ye Feng regain consciousness, both Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu were overjoyed.


    Ye Feng nodded and smiled, "I''m fine now, sorry to have worried you."


    Old Man Huang Niu''s face also finally showed a smile, saying, "Thank heavens and earth, our new Lord Leader, you are finally out of danger. If anything unexpected had happened, we would have been consumed with guilt. I wouldn''t know how to explain it to Old Long."


    The other dozen-plus People of the Northwest also bowed and said respectfully, "We are eternally grateful to Lord Leader for your intervention. We will forever remember this kindness."


    Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "We''re all on the same side. No need for such formalities!"


    Just then, Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and he huffed, "Someone''s coming."

 Chapter 739 - 719: Fight Until Submission

    As Ye Feng''s words fell, Old Man Huang Niu finally sensed it too, and he couldn''t help but say in a deep voice, "Quite a number of people are coming. Judging from their aura, they should be from the Independent Cultivator League!"


    Because the wraiths nearby and the resentment in this area had been eliminated, even the miasmic and grey fog in the surroundings had dissipated substantially. Soon everyone could see figures rapidly approaching this way.


    It was indeed the people from the Independent Cultivator Alliance of Xuanyuan Nation, led by an old man in a cyan cloth robe, who was thin and tall with a goatee beard.


    With a slight sensing, Ye Feng made out that this person was likely at the Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm in terms of cultivation level. In addition, there were two great powers of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm following him, and more than ten experts of the Golden Core Realm where behind them. In fact, those who could safely enter here were at least in the Golden Core Realm.


    Old Man Huang Niu transmitted his voice at this time, "This person is the Alliance Hierarch of our Independent Cultivator Alliance of Xuanyuan Nation, Qingzi Mountain, and he is somewhat upright."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly upon hearing this.


    By this time, the group had already approached. Qingzi Mountain stepped forward with clasped hands and said, "So it''s Mr. Huang and Mr. Ye Feng, what a pleasant surprise."


    He didn''t address Ye Feng as ''Lord Leader'' like Old Man Huang Niu and others did, which seemed to suggest that he hadn''t acknowledged Ye Feng''s status as the new leader in his heart. However, he added the word ''mister'' to Ye Feng''s name, showing recognition for Ye Feng''s current talent and strength and placing him on an equal footing.


    Ye Feng also raised his hand in greeting, "I have long admired Senior Qing''s renowned name, it''s an honor to meet you!"


    Subsequently, there were more pleasantries exchanged among the group. This was the first time Ye Feng had met a relatively friendly force since entering Sky Burial Valley.


    "Speaking of which, where do you all plan to go treasure hunting next?" Ye Feng directly asked. He felt the call from the area between the two mountains ahead growing stronger and did not want to waste too much time here.


    Qingzi Mountain didn''t beat around the bush and said, "We are planning on heading to Two Pillar Mountain."


    "Two Pillar Mountain? Is that the pair of large mountains side by side up ahead?" Ye Feng pointed forward.


    "Exactly, Two Pillar Mountain was originally the largest of the two mountains in this region of Sky Burial Valley, like two pillars plunging into the earth, and there used to be a huge waterfall hanging there in the middle. However, due to the great battle over two thousand years ago, Two Pillar Mountain broke apart, and even the waterfall has now disappeared," Qingzi Mountain explained.


    Old Man Huang Niu added, "During that battle more than two thousand years ago, it was on Two Pillar Mountain where the Human Race fought against the great power of the Demon Horn Tribe. Originally, we were planning to go there to investigate as well."


    Ye Feng nodded and proposed, "In that case, how about we travel together?"


    Qingzi Mountain pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement.


    "The miasma is getting thicker. We should not delay any further. Let us set off now!" Ye Feng said and clasped hands in farewell. Then, taking Hong Qingyan''s hand, he took the lead and flew upwards.


    Yu Feiyu''s expression darkened upon seeing this scene, but he said nothing more.


    "Let''s go, silly disciple, we''re leaving too!" Old Man Huang Niu shook his head, patted Yu Feiyu on the head, and then the people of the Northwest also rose and flew after them.


    At this moment, a great power of the Independent Cultivator League dressed in a black long robe approached Qingzi Mountain and whispered, "Alliance Hierarch, are we really going to travel with them? We don''t know this Ye Feng, what if on the way they..."


    However, before he could finish, Qingzi Mountain gestured with his hand and said, "It''s fine. Since he has been chosen by the Northwest Little Mountain Village as the new leader, his character should be decent, and he surely won''t do anything untoward. Besides, everyone has seen what Ye Feng did in the defense battle of the Great Wall of Heaven."


    The man nodded and then tentatively asked, "If you think Ye Feng is good, Alliance Hierarch, why not acknowledge him as the new leader?"


    "You''re still too young and know too little; your foresight is also limited," Qingzi Mountain chuckled in response. "Let me tell you, leaving aside the other Three Great Powers, just our Xuanyuan Nation''s Xuanyuan Hall, especially the First Hall Master, is not simple at all."


    "Does the Alliance Hierarch mean to say the First Hall Master can completely suppress this new leader, Ye Feng?" the man quickly asked, but the subsequent conversation was a private transmission, so they were not worried about being overheard by others.


    "Whether he can be suppressed is not something we can say right now. All you need to know is that the First Hall Master is extraordinary. Moreover, there''s the Bu Family and the Hong Family. Do you really think those ancient ancestors are the strongest of the Ancient Clans? Let me tell you, the Four Great Ancient Clans have been passed down for over two thousand years and are not as simple as they appear!" Qingzi Mountain continued and patted his deputy on the shoulder, adding with a sneer, "We of the Independent Cultivator League remain loose cultivators because we prefer not to be involved in such struggles for power. We''re used to being free and don''t like to be constrained. Of course, when the Demon Horn Tribe invades and the Lord Leader issues an edict, we must still rush to the front lines."


    "That''s a given, after all, the Human Realm is our home, and it is everyone''s duty to defend it!" the man said.


    "That''s good to hear. I''m relieved that everyone has such awareness. Regarding whether or not to acknowledge Ye Feng as the new leader, that''s not for us to consider. Besides, with his current qualifications, he might not be able to firmly hold on to that position. We''ll just watch the excitement from the side. Let''s go; it seems we''ve fallen a bit behind. Let''s catch up!" Qingzi Mountain finished speaking and, taking the lead, steered the group towards the direction of Two Pillar Mountain.


    Along the way, Old Man Huang Niu transmitted to ask, "Lord Leader, what do you think of Qingzi Mountain?"


    Ye Feng replied with a light smile, "He seems to be a decent person, but he is accustomed to freedom. Such people usually do not like to be bound, so I did not try to rally him earlier. Of course, there is no need to do so. I believe that when it comes time to defend the Human Realm, he will be able to unite and exert effort."


    Old Man Huang Niu nodded and smiled, "The new Lord Leader is indeed the choice of Old Long, your words are the same as what I told him back then, the overall policy is basically the same."


    However, Ye Feng suddenly furrowed his brows and said in a deep voice, "Nevertheless, there''s a saying which goes, heavy governance is necessary in chaotic times. It is precisely because of the slackened management before, even ideologically too lax, that everyone became carefree and even internal strife and consumption arose."


    Old Man Huang Niu could no longer smile and sighed, "Indeed, it was excusable back then, after all, the Great Wall of Heaven did not show signs of collapsing and crumbling, so everyone thought that with this natural barrier, there were no threats."


    Ye Feng continued in a cold voice, "But that was in the past, today is not like before. If we let this situation continue, when the Demon Horn Tribe invades in force, the resistance of the many powers of the Human Race will entirely depend on their conscience, which is very dangerous. If everyone is reluctant to put in the effort, hoping others will fight while they hide in the back and preserve their strength, who will be there to protect the Human Realm then?"


    Old Man Huang Niu pondered for a moment and nodded, asking, "Then in Lord Leader''s view, what should we do next to change this situation?"


    Ye Feng slightly raised his head and looked at the vast land ahead, his voice cold, "Right now, my cultivation level has not reached Perfection, and I am only recognized by you and the two ancient clans from Xiao Chi. As for the others, let alone the other Three Great Powers, even the Bu and Hong families of Xuanyuan Hall are extremely disdainful of me, not to mention recognizing me as the new Lord Leader!"


    "One year, I have set a target for myself. Within a certain time, I shall cultivate that technique to Great Perfection. Then, I will start with the Bu Hong Ancestor''s house. If they are not convinced, I will fight until they are. As long as the two great ancient clans are subdued, the influence of the Nine Great Sects will naturally not dare to act rashly, and then I''ll deal with the other Three Great Powers!"


    As he spoke, Ye Feng''s tone gradually grew colder, his entire presence exuding a sovereign''s dominance, "Just as the saying goes, heavy governance is necessary in chaotic times. In the upcoming defense battle of the Human Realm, I will absolutely not allow the occurrence of passive resistance from other powers like in the Great Wall of Heaven defense battle!"


    Old Man Huang Niu let out a long sigh upon hearing this and said, "Looking at it now, perhaps Old Long was wrong after all, he shouldn''t have been so soft-hearted."


    Ye Feng also sighed, "It wasn''t wrong for Senior Brother to be kind-hearted, but he was kind-hearted to the wrong people. I will definitely not walk the same old path as him!"


    Old Man Huang Niu did not speak any further, clearly agreeing with Ye Feng''s view. However, he was well aware that the path Ye Feng intended to take was undoubtedly the most correct given the current situation, but such a path was bound to be much more difficult, and the resistance he would encounter much greater.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s gaze shifted as he suddenly cracked a mocking smile, "They''re here."


    Old Man Huang Niu couldn''t help but ask, "Who''s here?"


    "The Bu and Hong families!" Ye Feng replied with a cold smile.


    It was not until then that Old Man Huang Niu sensed the movements of the people from the left, and he had to admit that Ye Feng''s cultivation strength had now completely surpassed his own.


    Suddenly, more than twenty dark shadows swept swiftly towards them. It wasn''t anyone else who arrived, but the Bu Family Patriarch and the Ancestor of the Hong Family, along with the direct lineages of the two great ancient clans.


    Including the two elders from the Bu and Hong families, these two patriarchs had brought two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm and ten Experts of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Haha, enemies often cross each other''s paths, who would''ve thought that I would finally catch you, Ye Feng. Now, what more do you have to say?" Hong Wuji shouted coldly as soon as he spotted Ye Feng, then swiftly charged towards him.


    Ye Feng could only sneer in response, "You''re right, I indeed have nothing to say to you!"


    "Good that you have nothing to say. After all, speaking more is just a waste of breath for a man about to die!" Hong Wuji snorted coldly as he swept near, while at the same time, the Bu Family Patriarch also led a group of strong cultivators towards them.


    Old Man Huang Niu hummed sternly, "Hong Wuji, seems like you really do not take the new Lord Leader seriously? Looking at you, do you want to start a war?"


    Hong Wuji only then noticed the group of more than a dozen strong individuals from the Northwest and clenched his teeth but did not dare to speak again.


    Although Hong Wuji did not take Ye Feng seriously, he could not disregard the forces of the Northwest people.


    After a while, many from the Independent Cultivator League of Qingzi Mountain also arrived. However, after assessing the situation, they directly moved to the side, making the attitude of the Independent Cultivator League immediately clear¡ªthey would decide whether to help or not based on how the situation unfolded.


    "Brother Bu, what should we do now? Should we make a move?" Hong Wuji suddenly transmitted a message to the Bu Family Patriarch.


    The Bu Family Patriarch also furrowed his brows. Although they had the numerical advantage, if a real battle broke out, the strength of the Northwest people was renowned, and they might not gain any advantage at all.


    "Judging from their direction, they should also be heading to Two Pillar Mountain. With Ye Feng having the backing of the Northwest people, it''s not advisable for us to make the first move and waste our strength. Let''s first go to Two Pillar Mountain and see the situation before deciding!" the Bu Family Patriarch said.


    Hong Wuji nodded slightly and then huffed coldly, "Starting a battle is unnecessary. Since this Ye has the support of you Northwest people, he''s lucky. It seems you also plan to go to Two Pillar Mountain, so let''s wait and see!"


    After finishing his words, Hong Wuji took the lead in moving quickly, leading the more than ten experts of the Hong Family away swiftly.


    "We should go too, head to Two Pillar Mountain first!" The Bu Family Patriarch stated and likewise quickly departed.


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes but did not make a move, after all, it was not yet the right time. With all the major powers now converging on Two Pillar Mountain, he also had to hurry there to investigate the situation further.

 Chapter 740 - 720: The Gap Between People, So Huge!

    ```


    Two Pillar Mountain, it could almost be said to be the two tallest peaks in the Outer Battlefield. Only because of the great battle over two thousand years ago, one peak''s tip was directly sheared off by immense forces, and the other was split in half¡ªthe left side collapsing thunderously, completely filling the waterfall between the two mountains.


    At this very moment, strong individuals of the Human Race who had entered Sky Burial Valley were heading towards Two Pillar Mountain. The first to arrive were several Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple, standing atop the left peak, staring thoughtfully down at a ravine below.


    The ravine seemed bottomless with miasma and wraiths swirling together tumultuously. Furthermore, numerous spatial cracks spanned across the ravine, with terrifying wind blasts blowing out of them, making the robes of everyone on the mountain flap wildly, which was enough to send shivers down one''s spine.


    These spatial cracks were not as small as the ones before but were markedly wider and distributed chaotically without any discernible pattern, ensuring certain death for anyone who fell into them.


    Below the ravine lay a vast expanse, but faint glows of yellow and purple light were intermittently visible, indicating the presence of treasures. Naturally, no one was foolish enough to overlook the lights emanating from these treasures, which must be extraordinary. Considering the depth of the ravine and the intense concentration of miasma and wraiths there, the fact that the light of the treasures could penetrate through the layers of mist to reach above was proof of their immense power.


    To think that after over two thousand years, the lights of the treasures had not yet faded, indicating the high level of the treasures. Besides, there were two divine lights shining upwards, one a golden beam, the other purple. In other words, there should be two treasures below in the ravine.


    "How about it, Tian Chengjun, shall we go down and explore for treasures now?" a Second Seal Yin-Yang Divine Master suddenly asked.


    "No, Yaxinjun. This ravine is too terrifying. Look at the wraiths below; they''re so dense that there must be wraiths and certainly not just a few. Our defensive magic treasures are no match for them, and wouldn''t be able to reach the bottom!"


    Tian Chengjun shook his head as he spoke. He was also a Great Power of the Second Seal Level in the Yin-Yang Realm. In addition to him, there were three Yin-Yang Realm practitioners from the Yin-Yang Temple, although all were at the One Seal or Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm Level.


    Of course, this was because Ye Feng had killed several great powers from the Yin-Yang Temple not long ago; otherwise, the number of Great Powers in the Yin-Yang Realm from Fusang wouldn''t be so few.


    "Then shall we just keep on waiting like this?" Yaxinjun couldn''t help but ask.


    "Indeed, we wait. We wait for other powers to come and go down together. After all, the miasma and wraiths are too heavy; we can''t withstand them. A slight misstep into the spatial cracks would mean certain death!" Tian Chengjun said solemnly.


    "Alright, then we''ll wait. I thought we were the first to rush here. Using a Xuanyuan Nation saying, ''Those close to the water get the moon first,'' but it seems this saying isn''t always correct!" Yaxinjun shook his head and smiled bitterly.


    Tian Chengjun merely gave a slight smile without speaking further, then crossed his legs and sat down on the stony ground. More than thirty experts from the Golden Core Realm also took their seats one after another.


    Even though they were desperate to rush down and seize the treasures, at this point, they had no choice but to suppress their impatience and wait honestly.


    Soon, people from other powers arrived¡ªthese were members of the Wizard Alliance, with a few Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm among them, the strongest being of the Second Seal Level too.


    "What a terrifying ravine. This place... Golden Core Realm experts who enter here would most likely die without a doubt, and even Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm face extreme peril. A single moment of inattention could mean death!" one of the Wizard Alliance''s Great Powers remarked solemnly after a glance at the ravine below.


    "There are so many wraiths and miasma gathered below; no wonder those fellows from the Yin-Yang Temple, despite arriving first, did not dare to rashly enter. If those wraiths and miasma entangled them, just their group alone would probably not be enough to even get caught between these wraiths'' teeth," another Wizard Alliance Great Power said with a cold laugh.


    Right at that moment, troops from another power appeared in the sky. This was the team from the Vampire Divine Court, led by several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, with more than thirty Golden Core Realm experts landing on the mountain top.


    "Ha ha, I didn''t expect you two powers to act so quickly. Isn''t there a great treasure below? Why don''t you get tempted and go down to fight for it?" a Vampire Divine Duke asked with a grin.


    "What''s the hurry? Although there are treasures below, we from the Yin-Yang Temple can''t monopolize them. Otherwise, if we''re attacked by the other three powers, it''s better to wait until everyone arrives before going down. Then everyone can fight for it based on their abilities, and there will be no complaints, right?" Tian Chengjun laughed in response.


    ```


    The Great Power from the Wizard Alliance said coldly with a sneer, "Lord Tian Chengjun, why disguise your words so nobly? It''s clear that you are not confident in dealing with these miasmas and wraiths, aren''t you?"


    Tian Chengjun still chuckled, "Mr. Gruji, a true gentleman doesn''t speak of what he sees through."


    The Second Seal Yin-Yang Divine Master, Gruji, from the Wizard Alliance couldn''t help but grin and scoff, "I''m no gentleman, so why should I beat around the bush with you!"


    "Alright, now that the three forces have arrived, we should be able to deal with the miasma and wraiths below. Let''s make haste before the people from Xuanyuan Hall arrive. How about we each use our skills to snatch the treasures quickly?" asked a Vampire Divine Duke.


    "Indeed, no time like the present. Let''s move. However, the ravine below is too perilous ¨C those at the Golden Core Realm level should not go down. It''s better for them to stay here," Tian Chengjun immediately nodded and said.


    However, just as the more than a dozen Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the three forces prepared to swoop down into the ravine below, the Bu Family Patriarch and Hong Wuji, along with the Xuanyuan Hall troop, swept across the sky and came over.


    "Thinking you can exclude Xuanyuan Hall and monopolize the treasures, you''re all quite optimistic!" Hong Wuji let out a cold shout, taking the lead and landing on the peak of the mountain.


    Soon, many Loose Cultivators and forces like Mercenary Groups also arrived, but those who could reach Two Pillar Mountain had a Cultivation Realm of at least the Golden Core Realm.


    "I''m surprised you all moved so quickly!" With a light chuckle, the powers of the Xiao Chi Ancient Clan had also arrived.


    As more and more forces swept over, the peak of Two Pillar Mountain was soon standing with quite a few people. However, compared to the densely packed figures outside of Sky Burial Valley initially, the peak of Two Pillar Mountain had become much less crowded ¨C most Cultivators and Martial Artists had chosen to stop at the perimeter to search for treasures.


    "Where is the new Lord Leader? Has he not arrived yet?" the Ancestor of the Xiao Family asked after a brief glance around.


    "He''s here, right behind us!" The Chi Family Patriarch said, stretching his hand to point behind them.


    As his words fell, Ye Feng and Old Man Huang Niu led over a dozen from the Northwest and swept across the sky.


    "Greetings to the new Lord Leader!" The members of the Xiao Chi Families waited for Ye Feng to land and stabilize before they came over and gave a respectful bow.


    "Elders, there''s no need for such formalities." Ye Feng returned the gesture modestly and looked around, "It seems that people from several Great Powers have almost all arrived."


    Old Man Huang Niu looked at the bottomless ravine below and sighed, "Old Long ventured into Sky Burial Valley last time, but he never mentioned this ravine. It seems to have appeared only in recent years, and who knows what''s down there."


    The Ancestor of the Xiao Family smiled, "The dangers below are indeed numerous. Not to mention the miasma and wraiths, the spatial rifts alone are troublesome to deal with. We must be extremely careful later on!"


    At this moment, the Chi Family Patriarch turned his head to look at Chi Jianren and others, "You have not reached the Yin-Yang Realm yet. You should wait up here later on; you absolutely cannot go down into the ravine."


    The Ancestor of the Xiao Family also instructed his clan members similarly, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jianren''s faces immediately fell upon hearing this, then turned to look at Ye Feng and said, "What about Brother Ye? He is not of the Yin-Yang Realm either. Does he have to wait here as well?"


    Hearing this, the Ancestor of the Xiao Family hummed sharply, "Do you even have the face to ask that? Although our Lord Leader is not of the Yin-Yang Boundary Level, his Combat Power is enough to crush ordinary Yin-Yang Realm. Can either of you do that?"


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jianren immediately fell silent, thinking to themselves that although they were similar in age, why was the gap between people so large?

 Chapter 741 - 721: Thats Because They Deserve to Die

    Just as everyone was ready to leap into the depths of the mountain ravine in search of treasures, suddenly two figures swiftly flew through the sky.


    "Ye Feng, Ye Feng, you heartless, crazed murderer of your own sect members, I can''t believe you dare show your face here!"


    The speaker was none other than the Fifth Hall Master, who is also the Ancestor Qingyun of the Confucian Sect.


    "Damn it, this Ye Feng actually had the audacity to attack us stealthily, his crimes are utterly unforgivable, absolutely unpardonable!" The other figure who came flying in was the Sixth Hall Master, also known as Ancestor Kongyun from the Sect, his face contorted with such fury it seemed as though he wanted to tear Ye Feng limb from limb then and there.


    Both men were in ragged clothes with disheveled hair and ashen faces, and their aura was feeble. They looked to have suffered serious injuries and appeared extremely wretched.


    In an instant, the two flew toward Hong Wuji and the Bu Family Patriarch, landing on top of the mountain.


    Hong Wuji, upon seeing this, could not help but exclaim, "What on earth happened to you two, to end up looking like this? And what about the more than twenty disciples of the Golden Core Realm that you led, how come only the two of you are left?"


    Kongyun and Qingyun both gritted their teeth and snorted, "This is all thanks to that damned Ye Feng!"


    "It was all because of this man surnamed Ye. If it wasn''t for his collusion with Zhao Xuanzhen and Hua Baimei, who ambushed us, we wouldn''t have ended up in such a wretched state!"


    Upon hearing these words, Zhao Xuanzhen immediately snorted, "You two are spouting complete nonsense. Don''t throw dirt on us, much less our new Lord Leader!"


    Hua Baimei also coldly snorted, "It was clearly you two who, upon seeing the treasure, became covetous and colluded with several Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance and the Vampire Divine Court in an attempt to kill our Lord Leader in the ensuing chaos. This is clearly you getting what you deserve for bringing it upon yourselves!"


    "Bullshit, you two are just making up wild accusations!" Though Qingyun and Kongyun were blatantly lying, their seemingly righteous indignation left some of the onlookers somewhat convinced.


    Hong Wuji and the Bu Family Patriarch, along with many other Great Powers, raised their eyebrows, even as the forces from the Wizard Alliance and the Vampire Divine Court turned their heads.


    "Who would have thought, Ye Feng, with his appearance of a noble gentleman, would instead stoop to such despicable sneak attacks on his own kind in secret¡ªabsolutely shameful!" A Divine Lord from the Vampire Divine Court coldly huffed.


    Upon hearing this, Qingyun quickly responded, "Indeed, this man surnamed Ye has acted most shamefully. He not only ambushed us in secret, but to hoard the treasures for himself, he also killed two Divine Lords from your Vampire Divine Court."


    Kongyun also nodded, adding "Not only that, but this man surnamed Ye also killed two powerful figures from the Wizard Alliance. Rumor has it that he even murdered two Yin-Yang Divine Masters from the Yin-Yang Temple!"


    "What did you say?"


    Almost simultaneously, the faces of the Great Powers from the Yin-Yang Temple, Vampire Divine Court, and Wizard Alliance convulsed with rage.


    "That brat actually killed a Great Power from my Yin-Yang Temple. No wonder we''ve been unable to contact Tian Chengjun and the others; turns out they were murdered by this brat!" Tian Chengjun ground his teeth in anger.


    "Dammit, this kid from Xuanyuan Nation dared to kill a Great Power from my Vampire Divine Court, crossing the line with our Divine Court. No matter what, we must extinguish him and wash away our Divine Court''s humiliation with his blood!" several Divine Lords from the Vampire Divine Court roared with equal severity.


    "And we from the Wizard Alliance will never let this kid off the hook either!" The Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance likewise sneered.


    The Great Powers from the Three Great Powers roared angrily, their teeth clenched as though they could hardly wait to tear Ye Feng to pieces.


    As for Hong Wuji, the Bu Family Patriarch, and the Great Powers from Xuanyuan Hall, Kongyun and Qingyun included, they appeared to be reveling in others'' misfortunes. Although they were from Xuanyuan Hall, they couldn''t wait for Ye Feng to die sooner, naturally, they wouldn''t speak in his defense.


    Faced with the furious accusations from the Three Great Powers, Ye Feng''s expression did not change in the slightest; the mild smirk on his lips even held a faint mocking quality. He was no stranger to such scenes, and to Ye Feng, these so-called Great Powers of the Four Great Powers were no longer of concern.


    "Ye Feng, what have you got to say for yourself, daring to slay the Great Powers of our Three Great Powers? Command yourself to commit suicide this instant; otherwise, we will ensure you suffer a fate worse than death," several Great Powers from the Yin-Yang Temple roared.


    Yet Ye Feng simply smiled faintly and said, "If you really want me to speak, then fine, I can tell you now; I killed them because they deserved to die!"


    "What did you just say?" The Great Powers from the Three Great Powers were instantly enraged when they heard this. Ye Feng''s words were like pouring oil on the fire, igniting their fury completely.


    "Let me advise you, if you wish to kill me, go ahead. But first, ask yourselves if you truly have the ability to do so!"


    Ye Feng snorted coldly and then took Hong Qingyan by the hand, saying, "Let''s go, into the ravine to seek treasures!"


    Before his words even finished, he had already taken the lead and swooped down.


    Although Hong Qingyan was not yet a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, that was no concern. After slaying a wraith, Ye Feng now had profound confidence and self-assurance. The miasma within the ravine posed no threat to them at their current cultivation level, as for the spatial rifts, as long as they were careful not to fall into them there was no worry. And as for the wraiths that caused countless Great Powers endless headaches and even fear, Ye Feng was entirely unafraid.

 Chapter 742 - 721: Thats Because They Deserve to Die_2

    Therefore, one could say that Ye Feng had nothing to fear in this mountain ravine!


    "Lord Leader, be careful, let''s go too!" Old Man Huang Niu, seeing this, waved his great hand and hurriedly swept down behind Ye Feng.


    "We should hurry down as well!" The patriarchs of the Xiao Chi and Liang families also leaped forward, bringing several family Great Powers in hot pursuit.


    It was evident that whether it was Old Man Huang Niu or the patriarchs of the Xiao Chi and Liang families, they naturally stood by Ye Feng''s side.


    "This damned kid, he even dares to be the first to rush down. Does he really think he''s invincible under the heavens?"


    Tian Chengjun of the Yin-Yang Temple snorted coldly and then, after thinking for a moment, said, "Gentlemen, this Ye''s talent is too strong. In just a few months, he''s become so much more powerful, now he can even kill Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm. If we let him develop further, no one will be able to suppress him in the future. Therefore, no matter what, we must kill him today!"


    "I propose that our Three Great Powers join forces and kill Ye Feng once and for all!"


    "The Vampire Divine Court agrees as well!"


    "And so does the Wizard Alliance; we agree to cooperate and deal with that Ye fellow together!"


    In an instant, the Three Great Powers reached an agreement to cooperate, and then they all turned to look at Hong Wuji as well as the Bu Family Patriarch and the numerous Great Powers from the Xuanyuan Hall like Kongyun and Qingyun.


    "What about you, Lord Qingyun? That Ye dared to launch a sneak attack in an attempt to kill you, don''t you want revenge?" Tian Chengjun of the Yin-Yang Temple said with a sneer.


    "I, of course, wish I could smash that Ye bastard with one palm. Fine, I''ll cooperate with you!" Kongyun immediately retorted with a humph.


    "I will cooperate with you as well, but listen well, it''s only for today. After this, we shall have no further involvement!" Qingyun also retorted coldly.


    Just then, the Bu Family Patriarch also said, "Now, with the support of the People of the Northwest and the guarding of the Xiao Chi and Liang Ancient Clans, Ye Feng is backed by a not insignificant power. It will not be easy to kill him!"


    At this point, he shifted his tone and continued, "Since today we all share the same goal, why not join forces? As for the treasure beneath the ravine, we can each compete for it after that Ye kid is killed."


    Hong Wuji, hearing this, also humphed coldly, "If that''s the case, I''ll cooperate with you too. Today, with several Great Powers of our alliances joining forces, even if that Ye kid has the support of the Northwest people and the Xiao Chi and Liang Ancient Clans, he''s bound to die!"


    "Very well, let''s not delay. Let''s set off and head down the ravine!" Tian Chengjun of the Yin-Yang Temple said and then took the lead, leaping down toward the bottom of the ravine.


    In an instant, numerous Great Powers from the Yin-Yang Realm flew toward the ravine, and the once calm ravine immediately became tumultuous with the actions of these scores of these Great Powers.


    Miasma churned tumultuously, while at the same time, dense clusters of black wraithful energies appeared. In addition, those blood-red human-shaped vengeful spirits were now slowly opening their crimson eyes.


    This ravine was where a supremely powerful being had truly battled over two thousand years ago. It was said that the Sovereign of the Human Race and the Demon Horn''s Supreme Power of the Void Realm had fought here.


    In the end, the Sovereign of the Human Race from over two thousand years ago managed to slay the Supreme Power of the Demon Horn''s Void Realm here. Of course, that Sovereign of the Human Race also paid a great price. He was gravely injured, and it was said that his most powerful magic treasure was also left here.


    The moment Ye Feng jumped down the ravine, he distinctly felt the calling from below growing stronger and stronger. He released his spiritual power but couldn''t see the bottom. Yet, he could faintly see strands of golden-yellow luster and some purple light.


    Suddenly, the sound of swiftly moving through air came, as clusters of the disturbed wraithful energy rushed toward them in a fast attack.


    "Qingyan, open your Heart-Protecting Mirror!" Ye Feng reminded out loud.


    Hong Qingyan nodded, and subsequent to that, a light pale yellow glow shone from her, not too bright, but enveloping her.


    The resentment rushed over at the first instant, directly blocked outside by a layer of pale yellow light shield, unable to penetrate. Then, they all changed direction, all attacking Ye Feng.


    Yet Ye Feng did not resist, letting these clusters of black resentment invade his body.


    Hong Qingyan, seeing this, couldn''t help but say, "Big Brother Ye, why don''t you defend? Maybe this Heart-Protecting Mirror..."


    However, Ye Feng simply smiled and said, "It''s fine. I allowed them to invade so that I can eradicate them all at once!"


    With Ye Feng''s current spiritual power cultivation level, let alone this resentment, he would not be the least bit afraid even if wraiths were to come ¡ª assuming, of course, that the wraiths in the gully did not swarm him all at once.


    In fact, Ye Feng had already roughly sensed that there weren''t many wraiths in the gully, probably only four or five at most. After all, these wraiths are formed from the souls of unparalleled powerhouses who, after death, absorbed countless amounts of spite and resentment, and their cultivation levels before death were at the least at the peak Yin-Yang Realm.


    Even two thousand years ago, such entities weren''t numerous, so naturally, there wouldn''t be too many wraiths.


    Cluster after cluster of black resentment instantly entered the Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace. However, before the resentment could launch an attack, the rapidly spinning Mental Power Nucleus inside Ye Feng burst forth with terrifying waves of spiritual power, instantly annihilating the resentment within the Sea of Consciousness, eventually transforming it into strands of golden energy.


    In fact, while doing all this, Ye Feng''s descent did not slow down in the slightest; he continued to head towards the bottom of the gully.


    As for the others, they were not so relaxed. Even Old Man Huang Niu and the patriarchs of Xiao Chi and Liang Families had to be extremely cautious when facing the resentment.


    Fortunately, they all had specialized Defensive Magic Treasures, and as long as they did not encounter wraiths, this resentment couldn''t possibly break through their defenses.


    But suddenly, a wraith shot across the sky, charging towards one of the People of the Northwest.


    "Old Huang, save me!" The villager from the Northwest Little Mountain Village was terrified, knowing that his Magic Treasure couldn''t withstand the wraith''s attack.


    Old Man Huang Niu reacted rather swiftly, instantly appearing beside the villager, then enveloping the latter with his own golden shield as well.


    The sound of tearing...


    The blood-red human-shaped vengeful spirit charged straight towards the shield, causing the golden shield to wobble precariously, but it held up at the crucial moment.


    The wraith let out a roar to the skies, shouting in a fierce voice, "You can''t stop me, can''t stop me, die, all of you, must die!"


    These wraiths were filled with malice, and although they retained a certain level of spiritual wisdom, it was no longer high, making their speech disjointed and incomplete.


    The human-shaped vengeful spirit launched another assault, meanwhile opening its mouth to emit terrifying Wind Blades toward the golden shield.


    The sound of cracking...


    Soon, cracks appeared on the golden shield; it definitely wouldn''t be able to hold out much longer in this way.


    And once the shield was breached by the wraith, it wouldn''t just be trouble for the villager from the Northwest; even Old Man Huang Niu himself would be in a great deal of trouble.


    "Dammit, the wraiths here are so powerful!" Old Man Huang Niu''s face changed color.


    Originally, Ye Feng had already gained some distance due to his continued descent. Hearing Old Man Huang Niu''s words, the Spirit Essence within him suddenly burst forth, and he rushed towards Old Man Huang Niu.

 Chapter 743 - 722: Protecting the Lord Leader!

    It must be said that the wraiths within the gully were far stronger than those outside; at least, the wraith Ye Feng was facing now was much stronger than the one he had subdued and refined before. Its body had almost turned a dark red, and the malevolence it exuded was far denser and more powerful.


    However, this was to be expected. After all, this was the real battlefield, where undoubtedly many unparalleled warriors must have fought!


    Ye Feng moved swiftly and soon arrived, but on the way, he handed Hong Qingyan over to the two patriarchs of the Xiao Chi Families.


    "Elders, please ensure her safety!" Ye Feng shouted.


    "Rest assured, Lord Leader, with us here the lady will come to no harm. But Lord Leader, what are you..."


    Before the patriarchs of the Xiao Chi Families could finish speaking, Ye Feng appeared beside Old Man Huang Niu, and at the same time, launched a direct attack on the dark red human-shaped wraith with his mental power.


    Originally, this wraith was attacking Old Man Huang Niu and the others with full force, about to break through their golden protective shield, when suddenly, it saw a human race charging at it and provocatively attacking it.


    Despite its residual spiritual wisdom, the wraith was immediately enraged. How dare this insignificant human challenge it? This was utterly insolent!


    All of a sudden, the wraith let out a sharp cornering noise, then without any hesitation, turned around and charged towards Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng did not take any defensive action, letting his opponent rush over and invade his body through the center of his eyebrows.


    "Lord Leader..." The patriarchs of the Xiao Chi Families exclaimed in shock upon seeing this.


    Though they could see the Lord Leader was trying to save Old Man Huang Niu and the others, they had never imagined that the Lord Leader would make no preparations for defense or counterattack. Ye Feng''s actions just now looked as if he was offering himself up on a platter.


    Old Man Huang Niu, however, was much calmer. After all, he had experienced something similar before, but he couldn''t help but feel unsure; this wraith was much more formidable than the previous one, so it was natural for him to worry about Ye Feng.


    Just at this critical moment, Hong Wuji, the Bu Family Patriarch, and others from the Four Great Powers rapidly descended from above, along with other great powers.


    Counting quickly, there were more than twenty of them.


    Old Man Huang Niu immediately said in a deep voice, "Protectors, quickly protect the Lord Leader!"


    The two patriarchs from the Xiao Chi Families were the quickest to react. Despite being confused and unclear about why the Lord Leader had acted as he did, the urgent situation left no room for further thought, and in an instant, both were at Ye Feng''s side, forming a triangular position with Old Man Huang Niu to safeguard Ye Feng.


    Then, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from Northwest Little Mountain Village, along with the Great Powers from the Xiao Chi Ancient Clan quickly moved towards Ye Feng and assumed a protective stance.


    What was even more dire was that more wraiths were rushing in this direction. Fortunately, there were no other wraiths in this area, or the situation would have been perilous.


    Hong Wuji and the others naturally noticed what was happening and stopped to hover in midair.


    "What''s going on over there? From the looks of it, could it be that Ye fellow has been attacked by a wraith''s malevolent energy?" Hong Wuji asked.


    "Impossible, it''s not just malevolence. After all, everyone who came down has a magic treasure to fend off the malevolent energy. It must be a wraith. Judging by the situation, Ye Feng has probably been invaded by a wraith!" the Bu Family Patriarch uttered gravely.


    "Hahaha, this is fantastic. What''s this called again? This is called ''those who do evil bring about their downfall.'' This kid actually dared to kill a Great Power of our Yin-Yang Temple, and now he gets his retribution!" Tian Chengjun and the other three Great Powers from the Yin-Yang Temple burst into laughter.


    "Excellent, Ye Feng is now being invaded by a wraith. This is a wraith we''re talking about; even we would be helpless if invaded and could only wait for death. It seems like this Ye fellow is doomed now!" Hong Wuji, too, smiled broadly.


    Meanwhile, the Wizards from the Wizard Alliance and the Great Powers from the Vampire Divine Court started to shout frantically.


    A Great Power from the Yin-Yang Mirror suddenly said gravely, "What should we do now? Should we take advantage of the situation and go finish off that Ye kid once and for all?"


    "Charge in now, are you insane? Didn''t you see more and more malevolent energy surging towards that side? If we go now, wouldn''t we just be asking for trouble? Since the Ye kid is already a goner, why bother doing anything extra?" A Divine Lord from the Vampire Divine Court snapped.


    "Indeed, there''s no need to waste our effort. While the People of the Northwest and the Xiao Chi Ancient Clans can''t break away, we should seize this opportunity to go down and get our hands on the treasure!" said the Bu Family Patriarch as he dashed downward towards the valley below.


    Because of the commotion just now, most of the malevolent energy was heading towards Ye Feng''s direction, while the Bu Family Patriarch and the others took advantage of the gap.


    However, some malevolent energy did charge towards the Three Great Powers, but not much, and since every Great Power that came down had a special magic treasure to protect their bodies, their descent was only slightly affected by this malevolent energy, which couldn''t breach their defenses.


    But the further down they went, the more spatial rifts they encountered, and the space within the valley was extremely unstable, so they had to descend slowly and carefully, or else being caught in a spatial rift would almost certainly mean a life-and-death situation.


    Meanwhile, Old Man Huang Niu and the others, upon seeing that the Great Powers from the Four Great Powers did not take the opportunity to charge at them, all heaved a sigh of relief.


    After all, the combined strength of these Four Great Powers is not to be underestimated, and with Ye Feng''s status unknown, the outcome of any conflict remains difficult to predict.


    "Why did the new Lord Leader just rush over without resisting and allow the Wraith to invade his body?" asked the Ancestor of the Xiao Family, unable to hold back any longer.


    "Yes, if it was just in his body, we could still help a bit, but now that it has invaded his body, we can only watch helplessly, unable to do anything. The Lord Leader was really too impulsive this time," complained the Patriarch of the Chi Family.


    Old Man Huang Niu waved his hand and said, "You both don''t know, last time we also faced an attack from a Wraith, and in the end, it was still thanks to the Lord Leader''s intervention that we were able to exterminate the Wraith."


    The Patriarchs of both the Xiao and Chi Families asked in unison, "Was the situation last time the same as this one?"


    Old Man Huang Niu nodded and said, "Roughly the same. The Lord Leader also allowed the Wraith to invade his body before exterminating it. I too was scared out of my wits when I saw that unfold."


    Having said this, Old Man Huang Niu chuckled and added, "Lord Leader is usually not a rash and impulsive person. Since he dares to do this, it means he is confident. Moreover, Lord Leader is, after all, the one chosen by Old Long, so naturally he has his own trump cards and methods."


    "That''s true, but we are still very worried. After all, this is a Wraith, no ordinary being. If things go wrong, it''s very possible to become an idiot, or even fall into Deviation!" exclaimed the Chi Family Patriarch.


    Old Man Huang Niu waved his hand and said, "Enough, there''s no need to say more. Besides, saying anything now is pointless. We had better devote all our efforts to dealing with this malevolent energy. We must not let it invade our bodies, or we''ll be in big trouble. What we can do now is wait, wait for the Lord Leader to wake up after exterminating the Wraith!"


    In fact, at this very moment, despite Ye Feng''s eyes being closed, he was fully aware of everything happening around him.


    Just now, he was fully mobilizing the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to suppress this Wraith, so he had no spare attention for anything else.


    The moment the Wraith entered his body and invaded the Heavenly Heart Palace, Ye Feng had already deployed the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to trap it inside.


    The Wraith likewise launched an attack immediately, causing the entire scroll to shake repeatedly; Ye Feng''s Heavenly Heart Palace also shook, and his consciousness blurred.


    At this moment, Ye Feng even saw terrifying visions of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, with horrifying malice filling the space, his consciousness at risk of falling into corruption at any moment.


    However, although the Wraith''s malice was fierce, it was never able to break out of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, held tightly bound by the scroll. Therefore, Ye Feng''s consciousness, although affected, was not seriously harmed.


    Meanwhile, under Ye Feng''s command, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll emitted rays of Xuanhuang-colored light. The light shining on the Wraith soon produced a sizzling noise, much like the Wraith he faced before, gradually being refined.


    "Ah... it hurts, it hurts so much, I was wrong, I know I was wrong, please, please let me go!" Trapped firmly within the scroll, unable to escape, the Wraith could only watch as it was slowly refined.


    "Let you go? That''s impossible. From the moment you entered the scroll, you were destined to become my nourishment," Ye Feng said with a cold hum.


    "No, I don''t want to die, I don''t want to disappear completely, please, let me go, I''d rather submit and be your servant forever!" the Wraith pleaded.


    "Sorry, once I let you go, I won''t be able to capture you again, so it''s impossible to let you go, and I don''t need your submission," Ye Feng coldly hummed, and maximized the activation of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. In a short while, the Wraith was completely refined, and then a golden energy grain, about the size of a soybean, appeared.


    "Goodness, this drop of golden energy is much stronger than the previous Wraiths," Ye Feng thought excitedly. After all, cultivating spiritual power is very difficult, and these Wraiths are the best thing for advancement.


    Without any hesitation, Ye Feng immediately absorbed the drop of golden energy. Given the extreme peril of the mountain valley, he naturally chose to maximize his Cultivation Strength.


    Shortly after absorbing the golden energy, Ye Feng''s Mental Power Nucleus had grown significantly larger, with his spiritual power being more than twice as strong as before. In addition, his previously pale golden Mental Power Nucleus now had a deeper golden hue.


    "Great, at this rate, by exterminating a few more Wraiths, my Mental Power Nucleus should be able to undergo a complete transformation, achieving a qualitative leap," Ye Feng thought excitedly as he slowly opened his eyes.


    Seeing this, the Patriarchs of Xiao Chi were overjoyed and eagerly asked, "Lord Leader, are you all right now? Has the Wraith indeed been destroyed by you?"


    Ye Feng waved his hand and smiled, "A mere Wraith cannot trouble me. I apologize for causing concern to my seniors, and I thank everyone for their protection!"


    Old Man Huang Niu couldn''t help but laugh and say, "I knew it. Lord Leader is the Chosen One. Since he dares to do this, he must be sure of his ability to cope."


    The Patriarchs of Xiao Chi nodded in agreement, both of them marveling internally at the selection by Old Long, recognizing Ye Feng''s immense talent and potential. Not even thirty years old yet, his Cultivation Opportunity had already reached such heights.


    Looking at this, it''s not impossible that our Lord Leader may truly step into the Void Realm someday and become an unparalleled Great Power!


    "Have Hong Wuji and the others gone down yet? Let''s hurry up and follow; we can''t let them get the upper hand!" Ye Feng said, reaching for Hong Qingyan''s hand and quickly heading downwards.

 Chapter 744 - 723: Royal Authority Divine Seal VS Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword

    The deep mountain ravine is bottomless, filled with spatial rifts throughout. Some of these rifts are even half a meter wide and over ten meters long. Falling into such a rift would undoubtedly spell certain death.


    Therefore, after reaching the lower area, everyone had to slow down. Fortunately, Ye Feng and the others didn''t encounter any more wraiths on the way. As for the occasional attacks by malicious spirits, since everyone had a Protective Magic Treasure, they weren''t too worried about those.


    Of course, Ye Feng had considered destroying those wraiths to enhance his Mental Power Nucleus, but he knew this wasn''t the time. After all, Hong Wuji and the great powers of the Four Great Powers had already descended below. If he delayed any longer, he might lose his chance to get to the treasures first.


    As they continued downward, Ye Feng felt the call from beneath the ravine growing stronger.


    "It''s hard to say what might be down there. If I''m not wrong, it should be something left behind by a Sovereign of the Human Race over two thousand years ago!" Ye Feng thought as he suddenly wrapped his arms around Hong Qingyan and swiftly surged forward.


    Just moments ago, a spatial rift had surged towards them, nearly swallowing them both.


    In fact, the rifts here were not fixed in place. Due to the instability of space in this region and the fact that space and time were always flowing, the rifts were constantly changing and moving without any particular pattern¡ªsometimes staying still for a long time before suddenly accelerating.


    It was at this moment that a dreadful scream suddenly echoed through the ravine!


    A Loose Cultivator, a great power at the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm, had carelessly fallen into a spatial rift. He only had time to let out a scream before being devoured.


    Naturally, the companions nearby didn''t dare to rescue him. In fact, the people around didn''t even have time to react before their companion had been swallowed by the rift.


    "Everyone, be careful and try to stay away from these spatial rifts!" Ye Feng called out as a reminder.


    He was not slow; soon, he could see Hong Wuji, the Bu Family Patriarch, and others.


    At this moment, Hong Wuji, who had also noticed Ye Feng above, couldn''t help but grind his teeth and roar, "Damn it, this Ye brat, he actually, he actually hasn''t died, how is this possible!"


    His roar immediately alerted the other great powers of the Four Great Powers, all of whom were shocked.


    "What? The Ye kid hasn''t died? Wasn''t he invaded by a wraith? How can he still be alive? It''s impossible, it''s absolutely impossible!" several great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Yin-Yang Temple coldly huffed.


    "How is it impossible? Look carefully, that kid is right above us, and he''s about to catch up!" a great power from the Wizard Alliance said through clenched teeth.


    "Damn it, this kid''s life is really tough. He even survived the wraith invasion. How did he do it? Could it be that this kid is unkillable?" a few Divine Lords from the Vampire Divine Court said with an annoyed tone, solemnly adding, "If we''d known that the kid wasn''t dead, we should have taken the opportunity to attack him earlier when he was sick and finished him off in one fell swoop!"


    "What''s the use of saying all this now? Let''s just decide whether we''re going to make a move and eliminate this kid first," Tian Chengjun from the Yin-Yang Temple huffed.


    The Bu Family Patriarch suddenly focused his gaze and huffed, "We''re almost at the bottom, and the two treasures are down there. Let''s secure the treasures first!"


    Having said that, the Bu Family Patriarch suddenly sped up, darting towards the source of the golden glow below, apparently intending to lay his hands on the treasure that was emitting the golden light.


    "You''re pretty fast for an old guy!" Hong Wuji sped off as well, heading towards another source of purple light.


    "You guys are fast, but we''re not slow either!" Tian Chengjun from the Yin-Yang Temple let out a cold laugh and also suddenly accelerated towards the source of the golden light.


    In an instant, over twenty great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Four Great Powers sped up, each one rushing towards the treasures in a race to be the first.


    Ye Feng, upon seeing this, said to Hong Qingyan, "Qingyan, there are fewer spatial rifts here, so you can slow down and follow behind. I''ll rush ahead first!"


    Hong Qingyan nodded and replied, "You go ahead, Big Brother Ye. I can take care of myself. After all, I have the Heart-Protecting Mirror and the Bloodline Inheritance of the Wings of Light. I can handle it!"


    "Good, then be careful!" After Ye Feng spoke, his figure instantly transformed into a rainbow light and shot out.


    "We should keep up too!" Old Man Huang Niu also went full throttle upon seeing this.


    Additionally, the two ancient clan elders, including Xiao Chi, also picked up speed; after all, they were not far from the bottom, and at this point, they could already vaguely make out the two bright treasures deep at the bottom.


    At this moment, everyone was naturally giving their all to speed up in order to be the first to seize the treasures!


    As everyone flew downwards, the bottom of the mountain stream finally came into clear view. It turned out to be a mountain stream waterfall, but since the water flow had dried up, the exposed bottom was strewn with a lot of red pebbles that looked very gaudy and strange.


    As for the two treasures emitting golden and purple light, the one radiating golden light was located in the middle of the riverbed of the waterfall, and it looked square-shaped like a Great Seal.


    Yet this Great Seal was covered in numerous cracks, and it was even missing a corner, indicating it was likely a damaged treasure.


    The treasure emitting purple light was partly buried in the sand and stones; judging by the small exposed part, it seemed to be a sword, a purple-black sword.


    "This is... this is the Royal Authority Divine Seal, the very powerful divine seal of the Sovereign of the Human Race from over two thousand years ago!" The Bu Family Patriarch was so excited upon seeing it that his eyes even started to shine, and he rushed towards the Great Seal like a madman.


    "And this sword, I''ve read about it before; it''s the Lifebound Treasure of that unparalleled warrior from the Demon Horn Tribe who competed with the Sovereign of the Human Race two thousand years ago, the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword!" Hong Wuji''s eyes also shone as he made a beeline for the purple-black treasure sword.


    Since that peerless great power of the Demon Horn Tribe was able to rival the Sovereign of the Human Race, his Lifebound Treasure was naturally extraordinary, probably not inferior to the Royal Authority Divine Seal and might even be stronger.


    After all, due to the restrictions of the Laws of Heaven and Earth of the Human Realm, the unparalleled warriors of the Demon Horn Tribe could not descend in their true form. Thus, even if they descended into the Human Realm through some means, their cultivation strength would be suppressed, preventing them from unleashing the full power of their Lifebound Treasures.


    Ye Feng, however, did not head for the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword. As he was about to reach the bottom of the mountain stream, he finally realized that the summoning feeling came from the damaged Royal Authority Divine Seal.


    This divine seal had been calling out to Ye Feng all along!


    "This Royal Authority Divine Seal must be mine. No matter who it is, they must not be allowed to snatch it away!" Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened as his speed surged once more, racing towards the divine seal.

 Chapter 745 - 724: Who Dares to Step Forward?

    Ye Feng''s gaze was firm and resolute, and even though the Royal Authority Divine Seal was damaged, since it could issue a call to him, it must be an extraordinary item.


    What was even more important was that Ye Feng vaguely felt the Royal Authority Divine Seal should complement his other offensive magic treasures. In other words, they might be able to fuse together, like how the Golden Dragon Shield had upgraded after merging with Emperor''s Armor and amidst the Emperors.


    Therefore, no matter what, he had to seize the Royal Authority Divine Seal and absolutely couldn''t let others take it away.


    However, the speed of the Bu Family Patriarch ahead was extremely fast; his Spirit Essence surged to the limit, leading the charge toward the Royal Authority Divine Seal, about to snatch it up.


    "Haha... This divine seal is mine!" The Bu Family Patriarch couldn''t help but burst into laughter, reaching out a Great Hand directly to grab it.


    "Thinking of taking the divine seal, have you asked me?" Ye Feng sneered, waving his hand, and the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal instantly swooped above the Bu Family Patriarch''s head.


    At this moment, although the Bu Family Patriarch could reach out and take the Royal Authority Divine Seal, that would mean he would definitely get smashed by the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal.


    Feeling the terrifying power contained within the Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal above him, the Bu Family Patriarch was very clear that if he were hit by the seal, he would be injured if not killed.


    And once injured in such a situation, it was undoubtedly very dangerous; even if he got the Royal Authority Divine Seal, he wouldn''t be able to leave alive.


    "Damn it, you little bastard!" The Bu Family Patriarch cursed, giving up on the Royal Authority Divine Seal and leaping aside to dodge.


    Boom...


    The Emperor''s Sky-Flipping Seal smashed down, creating a huge crater in the sandy ground, and even the surrounding space was trembling, with several spatial cracks affected and gradually widening.


    "Ye Feng, you bastard, dare to ruin my fortunes, you''ve got some nerve!" The Bu Family Patriarch bellowed furiously after stabilizing his form.


    Ye Feng coldly said, "Old man, treasures of the world belong to those with the strength. You can''t withstand my Sky-Flipping Seal, yet you shout and scream there, can you have a bit of shame?"


    The Bu Family Patriarch, upon hearing this, was furious, grinding his teeth and saying, "You sharp-tongued little brat, if that''s the case, this ancestor will extinguish you today!"


    As he spoke, the Bu Family Patriarch slapped forward with his hand, sending wave after wave of Palm Seals crashing toward Ye Feng like a tide.


    "Emperor''s Divine Dragon Fist!" Ye Feng bellowed solemnly, throwing out three punches in one breath.


    Three Fist Edges surged out like a flood, swiftly breaking through the opponent''s successive Palm Seals.


    "Sky-breaking Divine Spear!" Ye Feng once again waved his hand, a spear as black as ink shot out, aiming for the Bu Family Patriarch.


    The Bu Family Patriarch was taken aback, not expecting the opponent to be so sharp and quick, delivering two powerful martial skills in such short order.


    "Damn it, I didn''t expect you, little fellow, to be this powerful!" The Bu Family Patriarch huffed coldly, his movements quick as he raised his hand, and a shield immediately appeared in front of him.


    Suddenly, with a loud bang, the Sky-breaking Divine Spear blasted upon the shield, shattering it to pieces, but the momentum of the spear was also blocked.


    "Emperor Sovereign Sword!" Ye Feng huffed coldly again; as the Sky-breaking Divine Spear had just been launched, he raised his Treasure Sword for another attack, chopping down with it.


    In an instant, a rainbow-like Sword Momentum swept out, causing ripples in space wherever it reached, and many areas even began to collapse.


    This space was already extremely unstable, and if the fight went on like this, the mountain ravine''s space would inevitably collapse completely.


    However, at this moment, all powers were frantically competing over two world-class treasures, paying no heed to the spreading spatial cracks.


    Over where the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword was, although Hong Wuji was the fastest, just as he was about to take the Sky-breaking Sword, Tian Chengjun of the Yin-Yang Temple launched a Shikigami with hand seals, rushing forward.


    This Shikigami was exceedingly light and thin but was very fast, wielding a dagger that reached Hong Wuji''s back in a flash, then striking down directly.


    Hong Wuji was taken aback and had to abandon the Sky-breaking Sword to dodge, then a battle ensued between the two parties.


    Very quickly, whether it was the Four Great Powers or the few Great Powers among the loose cultivators and mercenary groups, they all made their moves to seize the Royal Authority Divine Seal and the Sky-breaking Sword.


    As for Old Man Huang Niu and the two ancestors from the Xiao Chi family, they were floating to one side without any intention of taking action. They were simply watching Ye Feng quietly, ready to strike with thunderclap speed and come to his aid should anything unforeseen happen to him. After all, their purpose for coming here was not to snatch treasures but to serve the newly appointed Lord Leader.


    What surprised them, however, was that even when facing the Bu Family Patriarch, the newly appointed Lord Leader was not at a disadvantage at all. Instead, he held an overwhelming advantage. It should be known that the Bu Family Patriarch could now be considered a Three Seal Rank Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    Of course, this was also because Old Man Huang Niu and the two ancestors from the Xiao Chi family had not truly witnessed Ye Feng''s combat power. If they had known that Ye Feng had once single-handedly put down several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, including a Three Seal Rank Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, they wouldn''t have been shocked by Ye Feng''s combat power now.


    "Indeed worthy of the man chosen by Old Long, the combat power of our new Lord Leader is not the slightest bit inferior to ours!" the ancestor of the Xiao Family exclaimed.


    "Yes, and it''s clear to see that the Lord Leader hasn''t even used his full strength yet. With this, we can rest assured!" the Chi Family Patriarch nodded and sighed as well.


    Old Man Huang Niu, however, was frowning deeply, saying, "The Lord Leader is indeed strong, but we can''t let down our guard now. Look at the space around us; it''s continually collapsing, and the spatial cracks are getting bigger and bigger. If this continues, it probably won''t be long before this place completely collapses. Moreover, several wraiths nearby have been disturbed and will probably charge over here soon."


    However, just as Old Man Huang Niu finished speaking, a wraith charged over with a surging torrent of vengeful energy, aiming first for the few Great Powers of the Independent Cultivator League, instantly engulfing them in vengeful miasma.


    But since these people had dared to come down, they naturally had Protective Magic Treasures. Ordinary vengeful energy could not break through the Protective Shields of their Protective Magic Treasures. However, at that moment, the human-shaped vengeful spirit suddenly gave a piercing, eerie scream that made one''s scalp tingle, and then it charged at one of the Great Powers among the independent cultivators.


    With almost no resistance, the wraith shattered the Great Power''s protective shield in an instant and shot into his brow.


    "Save me!" The man managed to let out a cry of terror, but very soon, he stopped moving completely, and his soul consciousness was extinguished, resulting in his immediate death.


    Seeing this, Old Man Huang Niu quickly bellowed, "We must leave, what are you few staying cold for? Hurry up and get out of here! Once the wraith devours his soul consciousness, it will soon come out, even stronger than before. Run for your lives!"


    "Escape! At this point, if your life is gone, what use are treasures for? Run!" the two ancestors from the Xiao Chi family also shouted.


    It was then that the few Great Powers from the Independent Cultivator League finally realized the situation¡ªthat this wraith was too terrifying¡ªand the two treasures below clearly were not something they could hope to snatch for themselves.


    "Let''s get out of here, life is more important!"


    Suddenly, all at once, several Great Powers of the Independent Cultivator League and the Mercenary Group''s Great Powers soared into the air at high speed, ascending above; the same was true for some of the Four Great Powers with lower Cultivation Levels, such as the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers, who also chose to retreat.


    After all, the bottom of this ravine was chaotic, filled with countless vengeful and miasmic energies, not to mention terrifying wraiths and various irregular spatial cracks. What''s worse, as the various forces clashed fiercely, the space continued to collapse. Just a moment ago, someone had fallen into a spatial crack and perished on the spot.


    "You guys too, get up there quickly!" Old Man Huang Niu turned his head and urgently ordered the people from the Northwest and a few Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Xiao Chi family.


    "Go, go up quickly!" the two ancestors from the Xiao Chi family said as well.


    Several Great Powers from the Northwest Little Mountain Village and the four Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Xiao Chi family then soared up as well, having no choice as the place was too chaotic.


    Indeed, in just a few moments, over at Ye Feng''s side, the Emperor Sovereign Sword slashed down like a long rainbow, instantly forcing the Bu Family Patriarch back.


    Ye Feng seized the moment and dashed toward the Royal Authority Divine Seal below. He reached out with his Great Hand from afar, and just as the divine seal was about to fall into his grasp¡ª


    Just then, a Great Power from the Wizard Alliance and one from the Vampire Divine Court rushed over, as if they had been waiting for this moment.


    "Kid, you''re dreaming if you think you can take the Royal Authority Divine Seal; you''re not qualified!" the two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm said gravely.


    "I''m not qualified, it seems like you two are the ones who don''t know whether you''re dead or alive!" Ye Feng sneered, his Great Hand slashing through the air, and the Heaven Guard Monument above his head pressed down, crushing the two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to death on the spot.


    "Whoever dares to come forward will die!" Ye Feng held the Heaven Guard Monument and donned the Emperor Sovereign Armor, appearing like a Celestial God descending, majestic and awe-inspiring.


    No one dared to step forward. The surrounding Great Powers were shocked by this scene.


    "Since no one dares to come up, the Royal Authority Divine Seal will be mine!" Ye Feng gave a cold snort, reached out his hand, and in an instant, the Royal Authority Divine Seal was in his possession.

 Chapter 746 - 725: Obtaining Two Peerless Treasures

    Seeing Ye Feng snatch the Royal Authority Divine Seal into his grasp, the surrounding Great Powers, despite grinding their teeth in hatred and unwillingness, did not dare to step forward and snatch it away.


    After all, the Heaven Guard Monument had descended and directly crushed two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm to death. Even though those were only two of the most ordinary One Seal Level Great Powers, this was enough to attest to the terrifying power of the Heaven Guard Monument. Its powerful suppression ability was fully on par with a Three Seal Rank Great Power, and even chased after the might of the Peak Great Power.


    "Damn it, who would have thought this kid could be... so powerful!" Tian Chengjun from the Yin-Yang Temple gritted his teeth in anger upon seeing this.


    "This is infuriating, what do we do now? This kid''s strength is already so formidable, I fear that at most we can only suppress you, and killing him is basically impossible. After all, Old Man Huang Niu and Xiao Chi, these two patriarchs are watching!" one of the Hong Family''s Great Powers said with a heavy voice.


    "Since we can''t kill this kid, what are we waiting for? Hurry up and seize the Sky-breaking Sword, then leave this damned place!" Hong Wuji snorted, then took advantage of the shock of the crowd to quickly swoop down towards the Sky-breaking Sword below.


    At this, the other Great Powers also reacted, with Tian Chengjun from the Yin-Yang Temple snorting, "Hong Wuji, you really have no shame, trying to monopolize the treasure. Have you asked for our opinion?"


    While speaking, Tian Chengjun''s hands rapidly performed the Seal Formation, and two Shikigami directly swept across the sky towards Hong Wuji, trying to sandwich him in an attack.


    At this moment, Hong Wuji had no chance to seize the Sky-breaking Sword because if he insisted on taking it, he would undoubtedly be severely injured by the two Shikigami. In such a scenario, once injured, that would undoubtedly be a fatal outcome.


    With no other choice, Hong Wuji had to dodge, while his eyes sharpened and the Spirit Essence in his body burst forth. An Inheritance Technique of the Ancient Hong Clan, the Great Fiery Sun, emerged and charged against the two Shikigami.


    Tian Chengjun from the Yin-Yang Temple probably also knew the strength of this Great Fiery Sun and dared not let his Shikigami take it head-on. So, he swiftly dodged aside.


    Boom...


    In an instant, the Great Fiery Sun struck the bottom of the valley, instantly blasting a huge pit into the ground. The earth trembled, and even space itself began to violently shake, with the spatial cracks widening and expanding from the impact.


    If this continued, the space in the valley was bound to collapse.


    It was at this moment that two Second Seal Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance suddenly knelt on one knee, forming strange Dharma Seals with their hands and then murmuring Curse Incantations. They appeared to be employing the Praying Spirit Transformation Technique.


    In just an instant, the two Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance began to swell immensely, turning into gigantic tower-like beings in the blink of an eye, their bodies brimming with explosive strength.


    "This space is about to collapse, quickly, take the Sky-breaking Sword into your hands, and let''s leave fast. Otherwise, if we continue to fight like this, we might lose our lives here!" The two Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance exchanged glances, then hurriedly rushed toward the Sky-breaking Sword.


    At the same time, two Great Powers from the Vampire Divine Court opened their mouths and swallowed the Blood Witch Stone. Instantly, their aura began to surge, and their eyes turned blood red as a pair of blood-red wings sprouted from their backs as well.


    "You Wizards Alliance think you can take the Sky-breaking Sword so easily? Not happening!" The two Divine Lords from the Vampire Divine Court flapped their red wings and surged towards the Sky-breaking Sword as well.


    "Damn you, you two vampire beasts, are you truly planning to oppose our Wizard Alliance?" The two Great Powers from the Wizard Alliance couldn''t help gnashing their teeth in anger. They had thought they were about to successfully seize it, but their effort was thwarted by the two Vampire Divine Lords.


    "This Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword was left by an absolute Void Realm powerhouse of the Demon Horn Tribe. This Treasure is no trifling matter. Even if we have to become enemies with your Wizard Alliance, so what!" The two Vampire Divine Lords said with a heavy voice.


    Both sides then erupted into fierce battle, with each person striking hard blows. The Yin-Yang Temple fought against Hong Wuji and the Bu Family Patriarch on one side, while the Wizard Alliance clashed with the Vampire Divine Court. The situation seemed evenly matched, with neither able to gain an advantage over the other.


    At this time, Ye Feng briefly explored the Royal Authority Divine Seal and immediately had an epiphany. However, he knew that now was not the time to Refine the divine seal, so he tossed it into his storage ring with a flick of his wrist.


    Old Man Huang Niu also swooped in at that moment, sending a telepathic message, "Lord Leader, this is an excellent opportunity. The three of us can make our move and seize the Sky-breaking Sword in one fell swoop!"


    Ancestor of the Xiao Family and another elder similarly arrived, nodding in agreement, "Indeed, if the four of us join forces, even if the Four Great Powers team up, they might not be able to get the better of us!"


    Seeing the current situation, it did seem fitting to intervene, but Ye Feng shook his head, transmitting back, "No. Now is not the time to make a move."


    "Why not? Isn''t this the perfect time? The three of us can block the attacks of those around you, and you can strike like Thunderclap. In an instant, you could take the Sky-breaking Sword, and then we could leave immediately!" Ancestor of the Xiao Family sent back.


    Ye Feng snorted with a telepathic laugh, "Have you not noticed that something is missing in this valley?"


    "Missing something? What''s missing?" Old Man Huang Niu and the others asked, puzzled.


    Ye Feng scanned the pitch-black valley carefully and said with a cold laugh, "According to what you''ve said, wasn''t that unparalleled Void Realm powerhouse of the Demon Horn Tribe killed here by an Emperor of the Human Race? With the ability of that Demon Horn Tribe''s Void Realm powerhouse, upon his fall, his soul consciousness would definitely become a Wraith, and an extremely terrifying one at that!"


    "Lord Leader, what do you mean by that?" Old Man Huang Niu and the two ancestors of the Xiao Chi both changed their expressions upon hearing this. They weren''t foolish and clearly had guessed a certain possibility.


    Ye Feng said with a faint, cold laugh, "I have already thoroughly scouted the area around the mountain stream and didn''t see the wraith of that peerless great power. Instead, it''s the Sky-breaking Sword that has a slight fluctuation that''s different, so I''m confident that the wraith formed by the Demise of the Demon Horn Tribe''s peerless great power is possessing the Sky-breaking Sword!"


    In fact, that''s why Ye Feng, after acquiring the Royal Authority Divine Seal, didn''t immediately take action. He realized there was something odd about the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, so he refrained from rashly making a move, after all, that was a wraith formed from a Void Realm peak great power, a matter of no small significance.


    Old Man Huang Niu and the ancestors of the Xiao Chi looked at each other and turned their heads to look at the Sky-breaking Sword, their faces reflecting mutual recognition. Indeed, they hadn''t thought of what Ye Feng just mentioned. If it really was that formidable wraith possessing the Sky-breaking Sword, then the first one to go for the sword would be...


    However, at that moment, a loose cultivator great power, hidden in the shadows, took advantage of the distraction during the clash between the Four Great Powers, suddenly soared into the sky, and in an instant, reached the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, extending a Great Hand.


    "Haha, the Sky-breaking Sword is mine!" This loose cultivator of the Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm laughed aloud and grabbed the Sky-breaking Sword in his hand.


    But the very next moment, the loose cultivator great power could no longer laugh. The originally purplish-black Sky-breaking Sword suddenly emitted a blood-red light. The light flashed and directly entered the loose cultivator''s brow.


    "What... What is this thing, is this a wraith?" The loose cultivator screamed in terror, his instinct to retreat kicking in. However, it was already too late. The wraith''s dark red light moved extremely fast, instantly penetrating his body.


    "Help... Help me... Ah, help me!" The loose cultivator let out an earth-shaking roar, his eyes turning bloodshot.


    "Now is the best moment, act!" Ye Feng shouted in a deep, cold voice, leaping up and swiftly heading towards the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, with Old Man Huang Niu and the ancestors of the Xiao Chi family following closely behind him.


    At this moment, the Four Great Powers naturally saw the condition of the loose cultivator, all being stunned, only reacting when Ye Feng flew across the sky towards them.


    By this time, Ye Feng had already reached near, and with a reach of his hand, he grabbed the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword and then with a motion of his brow, he stowed it away in his storage ring.


    Thus, the two peerless treasures of the Sky Burial Valley had both fallen into his hands!


    The people of the Four Great Powers shouted out in shock at the sight.


    "Damn it, Ye, you bastard, not only did you take the Royal Authority Divine Seal, but you even dare to snatch the Sky-breaking Sword. You''ve got some nerve!" Hong Wuji roared furiously.


    "Ye, you little brat, really don''t take us seriously, do you? You are openly provoking us!" The Bu Family Patriarch was similarly unable to contain his rage.


    "Kill! We must join forces quickly, today, no matter what, we must slay this damned kid!" Tian Chengjun of the Xuanyuan Hall was equally furious.


    Just now, the Four Great Powers had been struggling to snatch the treasures, only to end up unwittingly benefiting Ye Feng, which incensed them beyond measure.


    For a moment, the more than ten great powers of the Four Great Powers finally stopped fighting and rushed towards Ye Feng.


    At this time, no one noticed the loose cultivator who within just a couple of breaths had fallen limp and died completely.


    With a whoosh, a blood-red light streaked out from the corpse of the loose cultivator.


    Ye Feng''s gaze suddenly sharpened, immediately recognizing the terror and ferocity of the wraith. Even with just a slight sensing with his spiritual power, his consciousness felt slightly dazed.


    "Quick, leave! This wraith is unlike any other, leave this place at once!" Ye Feng said with a stern cold snort, directly rising rapidly upwards.


    "Let''s go too, follow Lord Leader!" Old Man Huang Niu and the two ancestors of the Xiao Chi hurriedly followed suit.


    "Damn it, to take the treasure and run, it won''t be that easy!" Hong Wuji snorted coldly, soaring up into the sky.


    "Chase, no matter what, we cannot let this Ye scum escape today!" The Bu Family Patriarch spoke furiously.


    At once, other great powers of the Three Great Powers quickly rose and chased upward in pursuit.


    And at this moment, the blood-red human-shaped vengeful spirit suddenly opened its wide mouth, letting out a strange cry. In a flash, the seven or eight lingering presences in the mountain stream, as if summoned, started moving, joined by rolling waves of resentment. Under the guidance of the peerless wraith, they surged upwards like a raging flood.

 Chapter 747 - 726: The Chest and Pattern of the Leader

    Ye Feng moved with incredible speed, but the space crack overhead was widening, so he had to navigate carefully. Moreover, the mountain ravine space had become extremely unstable after the recent battle. A moment''s carelessness could result in falling into a crack, which would undoubtedly be highly dangerous.


    "Hong Wuji, no matter what, you won''t escape today. You''re certain to die!" Hong Wuji gritted his teeth and coldly huffed, his Spirit Essence surging within him as he pursued relentlessly from below.


    "Not good, the wraiths from below are catching up. Everyone, run!" At that moment, the Great Power from the Wizard Alliance at the rear finally noticed something amiss and cried out in alarm.


    It was only then that everyone realized that the wraiths had also followed them into the ravine and were bringing with them rolling waves of resentment. It seemed like all the wraiths in the ravine were mobilized.


    Ye Feng was also aware of this and immediately knitted his brows. He needn''t worry about the wraiths catching up with him at his current pace, but once these wraiths left the ravine, that would be problematic.


    After all, on the slopes of Two Pillar Mountain outside the ravine, there were still the forces of the Four Great Powers, the Independent Cultivator League, and the Mercenary Group. Most of these people were only Experts of the Golden Core Realm; once overtaken by the wraiths or the resentment, they would surely die.


    As the new leader of the Human Race, Ye Feng knew that the assemblage of experts at Two Pillar Mountain was essentially the elite force of humanity. If most of them were to fall today, it would be a significant loss to the Human Race and extremely disadvantageous for the future battle against the Demon Horn Tribe. Therefore, he had to consider the upcoming conflict.


    Unfortunately, the Great Power of the Four Great Powers, single-mindedly focused on seizing the treasure and getting the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm from Ye Feng, paid no heed to the others'' life and death.


    The wraiths were incredibly fast, and as everyone continued to ascend rapidly, the distance between them decreased.


    Ye Feng took the lead, flying swiftly while secretly seeking a solution. As the Human Race''s leader, even if many of the people outside were from the other Three Great Powers, he had to consider their safety. It was a matter of the bigger picture, a leader''s concern.


    "Lord Leader, the wraiths and resentment below are getting closer. By this rate, once we fly out of the ravine, they will probably catch up. What about those on the mountain peak?" Old Man Huang Niu asked.


    Ye Feng''s frown deepened, clearly anticipating the unfolding situation like all the other Great Powers.


    "I''ll go up first and tell them to retreat immediately!" Ye Feng snorted, as one-third of his Acupoints suddenly ignited. He shot up into the sky, and in an instant, he was out of the ravine and landed on the highest peak on the left side of Two Pillar Mountain.


    "All of you listen, the wraiths and resentment from below are about to break through. Everyone run, escape quickly in all directions!" Ye Feng announced loudly.


    At that moment, the peaks and mid-slopes of Two Pillar Mountain were dotted with many people. Aside from a few Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, the rest were Experts of the Golden Core Realm, including those from the Four Great Powers, the Independent Cultivator League, and the Mercenary Group¡ªno less than two hundred in number.


    However, upon hearing Ye Feng''s call, everyone was startled and remained unmoved, especially those from the Four Great Powers who even seemed too lazy to care.


    Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark then asked, "Brother Ye, what exactly is happening down there?"


    Ye Feng replied in a heavy voice, "Listen to me, you two; quickly take your respective families and leave this place immediately. People of the Northwest, follow my order and leave now. Qingyan, Feiyu, you two leave here first. Let''s all head to the mountain on the east to take cover!"


    "As you command, Lord Leader!" The dozen or so experts from the Northwest Little Mountain Village did not hesitate to follow Ye Feng''s orders, swiftly taking flight toward the east, with Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu following.


    "Let''s go as well, following the Lord Leader''s command!" Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark said, and with a wave of their hands, they led their families east as well.


    As for the experts of the Four Great Powers, they still did not move. However, some Golden Core Realm experts from the Independent Cultivator League and the Mercenary Group chose to believe Ye Feng''s words and began to flee.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng did not bother to speak further. As the new Human Race leader, he still had not received recognition from the Four Great Powers, and under such circumstances, further words would be futile.


    Just then, Old Man Huang Niu and Xiao Chi, along with the Bu Family Patriarch and Hong Wuji, and then the Great Powers from the Yin-Yang Temple and Vampire Divine Court emerged from the ravine. All the forces of the Four Great Powers also successively flew out of the ravine and landed on the mountaintop.


    "Go, go fast. The wraiths are coming; escape for your lives!" The Great Powers of the Four Great Powers shouted one after another.


    But at that moment, it was too late. Suddenly, the sound of whooshing filled the air as nine crimson Human-shaped Vengeful Spirits burst out with rolling resentment, sweeping toward the people on the mountain like a tidal wave.


    "Ah, damn it! Why are there so many wraiths and resentment? Everyone run!" Many Golden Core Realm experts screamed and scattered in panic.


    However, the resentment spirits were incredibly fast and swallowed them in an instant. The experts of the Golden Core Realm, if protected by defensive magic treasures, were slightly better off, capable of resisting the onslaught of resentment for a moment. Those with a lower cultivation realm and without protective magic treasures simply couldn''t withstand it at all.


    Of course, the most terrifying were the nine crimson human-shaped vengeful spirits. Once attacked, not even protective magic treasures could defend against them; they would be breached instantly and invade the body, resulting in death on the spot.


    "Ah, save me, I can''t hold on anymore; this resentment is too terrifying, save me!" an expert of the Golden Core Realm from the Vampire Divine Clan screamed in agony.


    "Damn it, this wraith is too terrifying, it''s coming after me, help..." An expert of the Golden Core Realm from the Wizard Alliance hadn''t finished speaking when they were directly invaded and attacked by a wraith.


    The scene was incredibly chaotic; it was as if they had disturbed a hornet''s nest. The strong warriors of the Human Race cried and wailed ceaselessly. At this point, most of them were already engulfed by resentment, and attempting to flee was clearly already too late.


    Ancestor of the Xiao Family couldn''t help sighing, "Thank goodness our lord leader had us and our forces move out ahead of others just in time, escaping the range of the resentment. Otherwise, the consequences would''ve been unimaginable!"


    The Chi Family Patriarch also nodded, saying, "Yes, these wraiths and resentments are too terrifying. The experts of the Golden Core Realm simply can''t resist for long!"


    Ye Feng just frowned tightly, saying nothing.


    Old Man Huang Niu glanced at Ye Feng and said, "Lord Leader, there are too many wraiths now, as many as nine, and we simply can''t oppose them!"


    At this moment, even the Bu Family Patriarch, Hong Wuji, and Tian Chengjun of the Yin-Yang Temple were utterly panicked; none of them worried about Ye Feng anymore. Even they feared these wraiths, especially the enormously huge, dark red human-shaped vengeful spirit floating in mid-air, a wraith formed after the fall of an unparalleled powerhouse. Should they be invaded by it, even they would be dead for sure.


    "Let''s go, we must leave now!" Tian Chengjun snorted and directly ignored the cries for help from his Golden Core Realm subordinates from the Yin-Yang Temple, fleeing swiftly through the air.


    At the same time, the great powers from the Wizard Alliance and the Vampire Divine Court also chose to flee immediately. Faced with the mournful cries for help from their own disciples, they opted to ignore them completely. Even the likes of Hong Wuji from Xuanyuan Hall were no exception. When faced with great danger, the selfish and self-serving nature of humanity was undeniably exposed.


    Ye Feng quickly scanned the overall situation and spoke with a furrowed brow, "This won''t do. If things continue like this, the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm might be able to escape, but these experts of the Golden Core Realm will probably die. They are the elite forces of the Human Race. If they all die here, it would be a huge loss for our race!"


    "But Lord Leader, there are nine wraiths here, and one of them is extremely terrifying. Even we aren''t sure we can handle it!" Old Man Huang Niu said.


    Ye Feng shook his head, having made up his mind at that moment, "As the leader of the Human Race, I cannot stand by and watch them die. I will lead these wraiths and resentments away. You don''t need to make a move, but remember to protect me when the time comes, to prevent the Four Great Powers from taking advantage of the situation and attacking me!"


    "No, Lord Leader, this is too dangerous, absolutely not!" Old Man Huang Niu said deeply.


    "Yes, Lord Leader, this is really too risky!" the two ancestors of the Xiao and Chi families also said.


    "Don''t worry. Although it''s risky, I have a certain level of confidence. Remember what I just said. In addition, when I attract the wraiths, immediately call the People of the Northwest back to protect me!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng didn''t wait for Old Man Huang Niu and the others to respond. He rose up and flew out, charging towards the most terrifying, central dark red vengeful spirit, because the longer they waited, the more experts would die.


    With a flip of his wrist, the Emperor Sovereign Sword appeared, and Ye Feng, holding the sword, slashed down. A sword Qi like a long rainbow swept toward the dark red vengeful spirit.


    The dark red vengeful spirit suddenly let out a strange cry, seemingly enraged by the provocation of the Human Race. In an instant, the rolling resentment around it abandoned the fleeing experts of the Golden Core Realm and surged towards Ye Feng. At the same time, two other wraiths also obeyed the command of the lead wraith and rushed towards Ye Feng.


    With the sweep of resentment gone, many of the Golden Core Realm experts around him breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Perfect timing!" Ye Feng sneered coldly. The reason he took such a risk was partly to save these Golden Core Realm experts of the Human Race, but also to take this opportunity to wipe out and Absorb these wraiths, thus ensuring that his Mental Power Nucleus could truly transform.


    Of course, there were risky elements to this, but as the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Besides, Ye Feng had the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll for protection, and at the very least, he could ensure his life was preserved!


    As the two wraiths rushed towards him, Ye Feng did not fight back. With a whoosh, they penetrated his brow and entered his Sea of Consciousness, along with the rolling resentment. Inside his Sea of Consciousness, the Mental Power Nucleus began to rotate at high speed. In addition, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll also opened at the moment the two wraiths charged in.

 Chapter 748 - 727: You Have to Listen to Me in My Territory!

    Now Ye Feng''s pale golden Mental Power Nucleus had improved significantly, and as it surged wildly, countless grievances were instantly slain and then transformed into wisps of golden energy, looking like twinkling stars floating within his dark Sea of Consciousness.


    As for the two Wraiths that had invaded, they had no time to react before they were absorbed and bound by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    "Ah, what is this... We, we actually cannot move, damn it!"


    "Damn, this scroll is terrifying, we''ve been, been imprisoned!"


    The two Wraiths roared intermittently in their frantic struggle, but they were utterly unable to break free.


    Ye Feng couldn''t be bothered to waste words with them and directly urged the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to burst forth with Xuanhuang Color light, casting it upon the two Wraiths.


    Very soon, sizzling sounds emanated from the bodies of the Wraiths as the human-shaped Vengeful Spirits seemed to catch fire. In fact, within moments, the two Wraiths were refined, turning into two droplets of golden energy.


    Having done all this, Ye Feng, with his hand on the Emperor Sovereign Sword, raised it again and hummed in a deep voice, "Do you small Wraiths really think you can do anything to me, I? Totally overestimating yourselves. Today, I will harvest you all if you dare; bring it on!"


    After speaking, he directly launched a sword momentum like a long rainbow, slashing towards the most powerful Wraith Commander.


    The strongest Wraith issued another shrill scream, filled with rage and provocation. Its Spiritual Wisdom was exceptionally high, and it naturally understood the meaning behind Ye Feng''s words.


    In an instant, all the grievances changed direction, rolling and surging towards Ye Feng, while at the same time, four more Wraiths rushed at him.


    "Perfect timing!" Ye Feng sneered coldly, grinning as he hummed, "You filthy things are not even good enough to get stuck in my teeth. No matter how many of you there are, I will exterminate every single one!"


    The four provoked Wraiths, carrying a tide of grievances, enveloped Ye Feng in an instant.


    The rolling black mist obscured Ye Feng from view, and those around him could no longer see the actions inside. The Experts of the Golden Core Realm, who were initially fleeing in all directions, all stopped because the Wraiths were no longer attacking them. Even the Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Four Great Powers, who had escaped a good distance, also paused in their tracks.


    However, these people did not rush back immediately as the situation was unclear, and they dared not make any rash moves; they simply chose to watch from a distance.


    As for the more than ten strong individuals from the People of the Northwest and the Ancient Clan members led by Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark, as well as Hong Qingyan, Yu Feiyu, and others, they had all rushed back following Old Man Huang Niu''s message as per Ye Feng''s previous orders.


    After all, Ye Feng needed to concentrate on combating the Wraiths, and they had to fulfill their role as protectors. For the moment, the Great Powers from the Four Great Powers were still unclear about the situation and did not dare to act rashly.


    Hong Qingyan, watching Ye Feng enveloped by the rolling black mist, clenched her fists tightly, her face filled with worry as she said, "Big Brother Ye, you must hold on!"


    Yu Feiyu was equally worried, snorting, "Big Brother Ye is doing this for the sake of these so-called Experts of the Four Great Powers, for the Human Race. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have needed to take this risk!"


    The two old ancestors from Xiao Chi also sighed in unison, "Indeed, Lord Leader is truly unmatched in breadth of vision and magnanimity. Today, we are thoroughly convinced!"


    The rest of the People of the Northwest and the disciples from the Ancient Clan nodded in agreement, and even the Independent Cultivator Mercenary Group members around them were moved.


    Moreover, many Experts from the Four Great Powers were also clenching their fists, their faces showing signs of worry.


    As the saying goes, every person has a scale in their heart. Just a moment ago, in a critical situation, they had called for help, but the leaders of their respective powers did not come to their rescue. In fact, these so-called leaders had abandoned them at the first opportunity to save themselves.


    In contrast, Ye Feng, in order to save them, had drawn away a host of Wraiths and grievances, regardless of his own safety. This action undoubtedly demonstrated great vision and a generous heart, as well as boundless merit. Although no one spoke it out loud, it was obviously noted by everyone present.


    Back to Ye Feng, the pale golden Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness started spinning at high speed again, refining the surging grievances that flooded in.


    At the same time, the four Wraiths that had charged in were also bound and restrained by the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll like the previous two, and then quickly burnt and refined under the illumination of the Scroll Xuanhuang Light.


    This process did not last long; almost all the grievances had been completely refined. Now, in Ye Feng''s dark Sea of Consciousness, there floated countless wisps of golden energy like dense stars, including six slightly larger clusters of golden energy.


    Outside, the Wraith Commander finally realized something was amiss, grinding its teeth as it hummed, "Something''s not right with you, lad. My subordinates not only failed to capture you, they''ve all, all been exterminated and refined by you. There''s definitely something extraordinary in your Sea of Consciousness!"


    It must be said that this Wraith Commander was very powerful, possessing nearly complete Spiritual Wisdom, yet having little memory of its life before.

 Chapter 749 - 727: You Have to Listen to Me in My Territory!_2

    Ye Feng hummed with a deep voice, "I have already said that you ghosts are delusional if you think you can annihilate me!"


    "Boy, you are indeed very special, but today, you will still die. After this leader absorbs your soul consciousness, my power will surely advance further, and then I might even leave this cursed place!"


    After the Wraith Commander finished speaking, he suddenly whooshed forward, along with the remaining three wraiths, shooting directly towards Ye Feng.


    "Come on, just the four of you left, I will refine all of you!" Ye Feng said with a determined look on his face. Although the Wraith Commander was very powerful, to him, it was a huge opportunity, a fat sheep to be devoured. Devouring this big fat sheep would undoubtedly lead to the metamorphosis of his Mental Power Nucleus.


    Without making any attempt to block them, suddenly, whoosh, the Wraith Commander, along with three subordinates, shot directly into his body from his forehead and then appeared in Ye Feng''s Sea of Consciousness.


    "Hm, something''s not right. I smell a dangerous aura. Damn it, you, boy, have actually cultivated a Consciousness Core, and your mental power has materialized!"


    The Wraith Commander was shocked, but he knew that the Consciousness Core was not what made him truly feel danger. As for what it was, the Wraith Commander didn''t continue to look and chose to turn and flee without a second thought.


    At their level of existence, their sense of consciousness is often very accurate, so the Wraith Commander did not hesitate to choose to leave when he sensed danger.


    However, this was Ye Feng''s Sea of Consciousness, his home ground. Even if the Wraith Commander reacted quickly, once inside the consciousness, escaping faster than Ye Feng was absolutely impossible.


    Almost in an instant, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll unfurled and blocked the exit of the Sea of Consciousness in the Heavenly Heart Palace, naturally cutting off the escape route of the wraiths.


    "What is this... It seems somewhat familiar, but I can''t remember!" the Wraith Commander murmured in a deep voice. Now it finally confirmed that the danger came from this very ancient-looking scroll!


    Ye Feng smirked coldly and said, "So, you''re not planning to go in and take a look?"


    It had to be admitted that the Wraith Commander, possessing complete Spiritual Wisdom, was extremely cautious, unlike the other wraiths that blindly charged into the scroll.


    But that didn''t matter. Even if the Wraith Commander didn''t enter the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, it wasn''t a big deal. After all, it had entered his Sea of Consciousness, which meant it was like a turtle caught in a jar¡ªit would just be a little more difficult to subdue and refine.


    The Wraith Commander hummed coldly, "I admit your thing is somewhat formidable; probably my subordinates were all destroyed by it, so naturally, I will not be so foolish to go in!"


    Ye Feng hummed with a deep voice, "Do you think that I can''t do anything to you if you don''t go in?"


    "You can try!" After saying that, the Wraith Commander didn''t rush towards the exit that was blocked by the scroll, but instead, turned abruptly and pounced towards the Mental Power Nucleus at the most central location.


    Ye Feng knew exactly what the other was trying to do and would naturally not let him succeed. Almost in an instant, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll burst forth with countless Xuanhuang colored lights.


    Stream after stream of light shone on the body of the Wraith Commander and instantly bound him like ropes, restraining him.


    ```


    "This is my territory, and on my turf, you must listen to me!" Ye Feng said sternly with a cold snort. At that moment, his Mental Power Nucleus began spinning wildly, utilizing it to manipulate the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    The Wraith Commander, however, struggled furiously, unleashing terrifying forces of pulling, and even though it was entangled by the Power of Xuanhuang, it was still unable to be sucked into the scroll for the time being.


    "Damn you, how dare you bind me? If you know what''s good for you, let me go immediately, or I, your commander, will swallow your Mental Power Nucleus and eradicate you completely!" The Wraith Commander roared wildly, casting out blood lights to counteract the pulling force of the scroll.


    "Let you go? That''s impossible. Today, no matter what, I will capture you and completely refine and absorb you!" Ye Feng clenched his teeth and spun the Mental Power Nucleus furiously, as spiritual power surged out and poured into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    In fact, this level of confrontation was equally perilous for him because his spiritual power was rapidly depleting, and the situation outside was also very unstable.


    The Great Powers of the Four Great Powers who had originally opted to watch and wait saw the resentment disappear without a trace, and all the wraiths entered Ye Feng''s body. Especially seeing Ye Feng''s extremely pale complexion and beads of sweat on his forehead, they immediately became edgy.


    "Looking at it, is this kid Ye Feng fighting against that Wraith Commander?" Hong Wuji suddenly asked.


    "It should be so. Just now the Wraith Commander said, this Ye surnamed kid must have some extraordinary treasure in his body, which allows him to kill ordinary wraiths. But this Wraith Commander is no ordinary and extremely powerful bear, judging from the current situation, it seems that they have reached a deadlock!" said one of the Great Powers of the Wizard Alliance.


    Hong Wuji gritted his teeth and said, "Since it''s a deadlock and the kid can''t divide his attention to defend, they say to hit a man when he''s down ¡ª now is the perfect opportunity. What are we waiting for?"


    His words stirred up a commotion like a stone causing a thousand ripples. Several Great Powers from the Yin-Yang Temple immediately agreed, "That''s right, the treasures obtained by this Ye surnamed kid are simply too many, and he even dared to slay the Yin-Yang Divine Master of our Yin-Yang Temple. He has committed a capital offense, and today he must die, no matter what!"


    "Exactly. We from the Vampire Divine Court will also never let this kid off. Everyone, attack together, now is the time to finish him off!"


    "Attack, we from Xuanyuan Hall will also join in! Take this opportunity to take down this kid and remove the future trouble!" the Bu Family Patriarch said with a cold snort.


    All of a sudden, the Great Powers of the Four Great Forces made their move, each taking to the air and pouncing toward Ye Feng.


    Old Man Huang Niu saw this, raised an eyebrow, and said sternly, "Protect Lord Leader!"


    In almost an instant, more than a dozen Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from Northwest Little Mountain Village also sprang into action. Led by Old Man Huang Niu, they flew over and formed a protective ring around Ye Feng.


    "All members of the Xiao Family, heed my command, protect Lord Leader!" the Ancestor of the Xiao Family commanded with a wave of his Great Hand, likewise rushing over.


    "All disciples of the Chi Family, listen up, vow to protect Lord Leader with your lives!" said the Chi Family Patriarch, leading his family to charge over and protect Ye Feng at the very center.


    Hong Wuji and the Bu Family Patriarch were full of momentum when they arrived, but seeing such a formation made them halt their advance, and the other Three Great Powers also had to temporarily stop. However, the situation was already on a knife-edge, ready for a great battle to erupt at any moment.


    ```

 Chapter 751 - 728: Prosperity Gains Allies, Adversity Tests Them Part 2

    ```


    "Indeed, it was Lord Leader who timely reminded us at the bottom of the mountain stream; otherwise, we would have been devoured by the wraiths long ago!" an expert from the Independent Cultivator League suddenly spoke up.


    The moment he spoke, the nature and significance of the situation immediately changed because, after all, he was a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, unlike those Experts of the Golden Core Realm.


    Consequently, another expert from the Independent Cultivator League said, "Indeed, just now, these so-called leaders of the Four Great Powers didn''t care for the lives and safety of their subordinates, only thinking of fleeing at the first opportunity. Such conduct is even beneath us of the Independent Cultivator League; it''s truly despicable!"


    Following this, an expert from the Mercenary Group sneered coldly, "My eyes aren''t blind; I saw clearly who was running away and who stepped out first to save everyone. I could also tell who was cowardly clinging to life and who upheld the righteousness of the Human Race. I, Li Zhongli, am now telling everyone that from this day forward, I recognize Ye Feng as the leader. If anyone has a problem with Lord Leader, I''ll be the first to disagree!"


    As his words fell, Li Zhongli, the Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm with the One Seal, directly leaped out from the Mercenary Group to join Old Man Huang Niu, along with more than a dozen of his subordinates.


    "My eyes are equally clear, and my heart is not yet blackened. Without going into details, everything that Ye Feng did at the Great Wall of Heaven was seen by all. Compared to the selfish and cowardly Great Powers of the Four Great Powers, I truly have something to say: from now on, I choose to follow Ye Feng as Lord Leader, and I won''t agree to anyone who dares to oppose the Leader!"


    An expert from the Independent Cultivator League also leaped up and swiftly flew towards Ye Feng to guard him.


    Immediately after, two more Great Powers from the Independent Cultivator League and the Mercenary Group leaped over to Ye Feng''s side, and the situation underwent a dramatic change.


    Even some of the Experts of the Golden Core Realm from the Four Great Powers were moved by what they saw; they had witnessed everything that had happened. Their own leaders had fled in fear of death, and they were on the verge of being wiped out by the wraiths'' resentment, lucky that Ye Feng intervened in the nick of time.


    "With less than a year and a half left until the Demon Horn Tribe launches a major invasion, if we continue to fight among ourselves at a time like this, it would be inhumane. This so-called struggle is essentially just an outlet for private desires and personal vendettas; I will no longer participate!"


    Having said that, an Expert of the Golden Core Realm from Xuanyuan Hall rose and flew away swiftly with two companions, leaving the scene.


    "I won''t participate either. Instead of fighting, it''s better to think about how to improve my Cultivation Realm. If we continue to fight like this, the Human Race will be truly finished; the Human Realm will become the Demon Horn Tribe''s backyard!" Suddenly, an expert from the Wizard Alliance got up and left with more than a dozen Experts of the Golden Core Realm.


    When the Wizard Alliance Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm left, Hong Wuji, Bu Family Patriarch, Tian Chengjun, and others changed their expressions; after all, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm had departed.


    As expected, it wasn''t long before other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Four Great Powers rose and left with their followers.


    These individuals, being from the Four Great Powers, didn''t immediately declare Ye Feng as their new leader onsite, but they also didn''t want to oppose him any further because their eyes weren''t blind, and their consciences weren''t corrupted.


    In just a moment, a quarter of the forces of the Four Great Powers had left.


    Whereas three-quarters of the forces from the Independent Cultivator League and the Mercenary Group had directly chosen to follow Ye Feng as the new leader, joining his camp.


    With this loss and gain, the situation became crystal clear, and at that moment, Hong Wuji, Bu Family Patriarch, and others had extremely ugly expressions on their faces.


    "Damn it, how could this happen, how did it end up like this!" Hong Wuji cursed through clenched teeth.


    Bu Family Patriarch also darkly said, "Unexpectedly, this Ye fellow has garnered so much support. Looking at the current situation, it appears that even if we Four Great Powers join forces, we''re no match for him!"


    "Damn it, given the situation, it seems we''ll have to let this little brat Ye Feng off the hook for now!" Tian Chengjun of the Yin-Yang Temple grit his teeth.


    "What else can we do? Their strength now surpasses ours; we can''t even touch a hair on that Ye fellow. Let''s hurry up and leave while Sky Burial Valley hasn''t been completely engulfed by the miasma, so we can go elsewhere and look for other treasures!"


    An expert of the Vampire Divine Court snorted, then took off with his group to leave the area.


    Old Man Huang Niu, seeing this, exclaimed loudly, "It is said that virtue supports many, while evil receives little help. Today I''ve seen this to be true; Lord Leader truly deserves the title!"


    Xiao Chi and Liang Families'' elders also exclaimed, "After today, the name of the new Lord Leader is firmly established. I believe more and more people will support him in the future, and with this, our Human Realm still has hope!"


    Hong Wuji, hearing these words, replied with a heavy voice, "Even if the whole world recognizes him as the leader of the Human Race, my Hong Family will never ever serve him as the leader. In any case, I am determined to kill him!"


    Bu Family Patriarch also said, "The Bu Family feels the same way. To recognize such a despicable character as the leader would be like admitting we''re worse than dogs. My stance against Ye Feng is irreconcilable!"


    After saying this, the two patriarchs of the Bu and Hong Families hurried away with their forces.


    "This Ye fellow dares to slaughter Great Powers of the Four Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm; he has committed an unforgivable crime deserving death. Once we get out of here, I will proclaim his crime to the world, and then let''s see if this little bastard still qualifies to be the so-called leader of the Human Race!"


    Tian Chengjun of the Yin-Yang Temple huffed coldly and, like the others, left with his followers.


    Upon seeing this, the elders from the Xiao Chi and Liang Families couldn''t help but say gravely, "If it weren''t for the fact that this place is Sky Burial Valley, I''d really like to take action and eliminate that Tian Chengjun from the Yin-Yang Temple!"


    Old Man Huang Niu shook his head and waved his hand, "Right now, let''s not worry about that and let them go on their way. The most important thing at present is to ensure Lord Leader''s safety."


    Yu Feiyu asked with concern, "I wonder how Big Brother Ye is doing now; he doesn''t seem to look too well."


    As his words fell, everyone turned their heads to look towards Ye Feng in the center.


    At that moment, Ye Feng remained with his eyes closed, his face still deathly pale, and it seemed he was still struggling against the Wraith Commander.


    "Everyone needn''t worry too much. Lord Leader is, after all, the Chosen One; he should be fine," Old Man Huang Niu reassured with a smile, though even he wasn''t certain.


    ```

 Chapter 752 729: Completely Subjugating the Wraith Commander

    As the forces of the Four Great Powers withdrew one after another, Old Man Huang Niu heaved a sigh of relief and then instructed everyone to rest on the nearby mountaintops. There was no need to guard Ye Feng so closely.


    However, Hong Qingyan still stood by Ye Feng''s side and couldn''t help but ask, "Senior Huang, you don''t think anything will happen to Big Brother Ye, right?"


    Yu Feiyu consoled from the side, "Don''t worry, Sister Qingyan. Big Brother Ye is a man of good fortune and will be just fine!"


    Although Hong Qingyan nodded, her face was still clouded with worry.


    Old Man Huang Niu sighed and said, "Although I really want to help Lord Leader right now, it involves the domain of the spiritual soul, and I am powerless in this regard. From now on, it seems we must rely on Lord Leader himself."


    As they talked, the three sat down. Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark went over to their ancient ancestor and said, "Ancestor, after we return from the Sky Burial Valley, we want to enter that place."


    "Are you sure?" asked the two ancestors Xiao Chi.


    "We have decided. At present, we are almost reaching perfection in the Golden Core Realm, but if we follow the normal cultivation path, it might still take several more years to break through to the Yin-Yang Realm. However, time waits for no one. In just over a year, the Great Wall of Heaven will collapse. We must break through to the Yin-Yang Realm before the Demon Horn Tribe launches a large-scale invasion so that we will have some ability to protect ourselves!" said Xiao Rulong.


    Chi Jark also sighed and said, "You know, we are from the same era as the Lord Leader. Originally, the gap between him and us wasn''t so big, but in just over a year, the Lord Leader has far surpassed us. Now he can even overwhelm Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm below the Three Seals. This makes us ashamed. If this continues, I''m afraid we won''t even be able to see the Lord Leader''s back in the near future."


    After listening, the two ancestors Xiao Chi nodded and laughed, "It''s good that you have such an enterprising spirit, but one thing¡ªdon''t blindly compare yourself to others, especially with the Chosen One like Lord Leader, otherwise you''ll be very frustrated, and it might even seriously affect your State of Mind''s balance!"


    "After we go back, we will arrange for you to enter that place. With your talent potential, you should probably be able to break through to the Yin-Yang Realm within about a year!"


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng, who was locked in an intense confrontation with the Wraith Commander, no longer had any attention to spare for what was happening around him.


    It must be said that the Wraith Commander was extremely powerful. Even though Ye Feng had fully activated the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he couldn''t trap it inside. The opponent was still struggling desperately.


    "Damn boy, I told you, even with that scroll, you can''t do anything to me with your current abilities. Wise up and let me out!" the Wraith Commander roared repeatedly.


    Although Ye Feng had expended a tremendous amount of spiritual power, it was evident that the Wraith Commander had also taken significant losses. In fact, the gap between them wasn''t very large¡ªit was all a matter of who could hold out to the end.


    "Letting you go is impossible!"


    Ye Feng gritted his teeth and suddenly turned his gaze to the other three Wraiths, making a swift decision. Since he couldn''t temporarily trap the Wraith Commander in the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, he might as well first capture the three weaker Wraiths and then focus wholeheartedly on the Wraith Commander.


    Thinking this, Ye Feng''s brow twitched again, and the rapidly spinning pale-gold Mental Power Nucleus erupted with a tremendous force that surged into the scroll.


    Driven by the manipulation of his spiritual power, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll once again unleashed strands of Xuanhuang-colored light. The light, like ropes, wound around the three Wraiths, entangling them.


    Suddenly, an immense pulling force erupted, and the three Wraiths were dragged into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. In an instant, a sizzling sound erupted from the bodies of the three Wraiths, which spontaneously ignited.


    "Ah... it hurts so much, Lord Leader save us, save us!" cried the three Wraiths, wailing for help.


    But it didn''t take long for the three Wraiths to be completely refined into ash, leaving behind only three drops of Golden Energy.


    The Wraith Commander couldn''t contain his rage at the sight, grinding his teeth and howling, "Damn you, you dare destroy my subordinates right before me, you''ve got nerve, you really do!"


    While speaking, the Wraith Commander suddenly opened its bloody humanoid maw, and a barrage of terrifying malice-filled Wind Blades shot out like a pear blossom in a storm.


    Spurt, spurt...


    Where the Wind Blades passed, strands of Xuanhuang-colored golden threads were severed, and the Wraith Commander seemed about to break free.


    "Think you can escape that easily?" Ye Feng said coldly. Now that he had eliminated the other three Wraiths, and the imminent danger outside was resolved, he could concentrate all his efforts on fighting this foe.


    The pale-gold Mental Power Nucleus started spinning again, and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll erupted with even more dense, Xuanhuang-colored rays of light. The new lines quickly entangled the Wraith Commander once again, preventing it from breaking free.


    "Dammit, boy, do you really want to fight to our mutual destruction? Let me tell you, if you carry on this way, even if you capture me, your spirit will suffer massive damage that will take no less than a decade to fully recover!" the Wraith Commander said with gritted teeth.


    "So why not let me go now, and we both live and let live?" it continued.


    Ye Feng sneered in response, "I''ve told you before, letting you go is impossible. Besides, with your ability, once I let you out, it is impossible for me to restrain you. Then, wouldn''t all my companions and friends be threatened!"


    "Damn it, are you really determined to go down with me?" the Wraith Commander coldly huffed.


    "Sorry, but it''s you who''s going to die ¨C my net won''t break!" Ye Feng responded in a deep, cold voice, once again activating the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, gradually pulling the opponent toward the scroll. Under these circumstances, he was naturally bound to be the victor.


    Of course, this was also thanks to Ye Feng having absorbed countless grievances and refined a number of wraiths after entering the Sky Burial Valley. His Mental Power Nucleus had been greatly enhanced; otherwise, it would have been impossible to sustain such a long struggle, and he definitely wouldn''t have been able to contend with a Wraith Commander.


    Realizing that the situation was turning dire, the Wraith Commander roared repeatedly, "You brat, since you seek to annihilate without mercy, don''t blame me then! Even if I am completely extinguished, I won''t make it easy for you, and it''s still not certain who will be the last man standing!"


    Having said that, the Wraith Commander opened its huge, human-like mouth, and in an instant, terrifying Wind Blades swept out like a violent storm, rapidly cutting through swathes of Xuanhuang colored light.


    Seizing the opportunity, the Wraith Commander created some distance, continuously making its way toward the Mental Power Nucleus at the very center of the Sea of Consciousness.


    If it could get close to the Mental Power Nucleus, it would find a way to corrupt it and then gradually devour and refine the spiritual power. At that point, Ye Feng would inevitably be left facing death.


    Of course, Ye Feng was well aware of the current predicament, so he was also going all out to subdue this adversary!


    However, at this moment, Ye Feng could clearly feel that his spiritual power couldn''t keep up, and even the operation speed of the Mental Power Nucleus was gradually slowing down.


    "Haha, you''re just too inexperienced, your spiritual power is exhausted, isn''t it? Now let''s see how you''re going to contend with me!" the Wraith Commander suddenly laughed triumphantly.


    Ye Feng hummed, "You''re right, my spiritual power is indeed almost used up, but you must be reaching your limit too, right? Moreover, let me tell you something ¨C this is my home ground. I can replenish and repair!"


    While speaking, Ye Feng''s thoughts moved, and the strands of Golden Energy floating in the Sea of Consciousness surged toward the pale Gold Mental Power Nucleus.


    Having just eradicated countless grievances, the amount of these strands of Golden Energy was also significant. As they continuously gathered, the Mental Power Nucleus absorbed them as thirstily as a parched man drinking greedily. Soon, the Mental Power Nucleus was spinning rapidly once more.


    "This time, let''s see how you will contend with me!" Ye Feng said in a deep voice, laughing coldly as the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll exploded with dense Xuanhuang colored light, entwining and pulling relentlessly at the Wraith Commander. Within moments, it had closed much of the distance and seemed on the verge of being pulled entirely into the scroll.


    "Dammit, this is truly accursed, you can replenish your spiritual power, while I... I don''t have my wraith minions anymore, not even grievances to absorb; how utterly helpless I am!" The Wraith Commander despaired.


    At this moment, it was nearly down to its last breath, completely unable to resist any longer.


    "I was wrong, I truly admit my mistake, please spare me, please don''t kill me. I am but a Wraith Body ¨C if you kill me, I will truly cease to exist in this world!" the Wraith Commander begged continuously.


    Yet Ye Feng remained entirely unmoved. At this stage, releasing the opponent was absolutely out of the question.


    While furiously absorbing the Golden Energy, he manipulated the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, wrapping it around the Wraith Commander and pulling fiercely. It wasn''t long before he had dragged the entity to the front of the scroll.


    In complete despair, the Wraith Commander kept pleading, "Please spare me, I am willing to submit, willing to become your servant, please don''t kill me, please don''t...ah, don''t..."


    But before it could finish, Ye Feng unleashed his strongest strike, pulling the Wraith Commander into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Only then did Ye Feng finally exhale a long breath. Now that the opponent was trapped within the scroll, it was absolutely impossible to escape, and he didn''t have to worry about being attacked anymore. Otherwise, if that entity had reached his Mental Power Nucleus, the consequences would have been dire.


    After entering the scroll, the Wraith Commander desperately thrashed and attempted to break out, but it was futile; it could only continue to plead for mercy.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but coldly laugh and say, "Right now, you are merely a Wraith Body, having lost most of your memories from life. If you still retained the memories of your past as the great powerhouse of the Demon Horn Tribe, you might have been of some use to me. I might have spared you then, but as it stands, you will serve as nourishment for my advancement!"


    As his voice fell, Ye Feng''s spiritual power surged once more into the scroll. The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll immediately burst forth with countless Xuanhuang colored light, shining onto the Wraith Commander.


    In the blink of an eye, the Wraith Commander began to make sizzling noises as its body burned relentlessly.


    After about a half quarter hour, the Wraith Commander was finally completely refined, ultimately turning into a particle the size of a peanut, emanating Golden Energy.


    Besides this, there was also a grayish strip, not very long, but still floating within the scroll.


    "Hmm, what is this?" Ye Feng couldn''t help but become intrigued, as he had never encountered such a grayish strip after refining the other ordinary wraiths before.


    After a brief contemplation, Ye Feng used his spiritual power to approach it. As soon as he touched the floating strip, it instantly transformed into a flow of water, merging into his spiritual power, and then a segment of memory inexplicably appeared in Ye Feng''s consciousness.


    "So it turns out, this is actually a fragment of the Wraith Commander''s memory, and it''s even from its past life as the peerless Great Power of the Demon Horn Tribe?" After clarifying this, Ye Feng was immediately overjoyed.

 Chapter 753 730: A Duel Between Two Peerless Powerhouses!

    Although he had already eradicated the Wraith Commander, the forces of the Four Great Powers had left by now, and there was no immediate danger surrounding him. Ye Feng naturally didn''t rush to open his eyes, choosing instead to absorb and digest the memories contained within this grey strip first.


    After all, these were the memories of an otherworldly powerhouse of the Demon Horn Tribe from the Void Realm. Despite the memories being few, understanding some of the secrets within was extremely valuable.


    Soon, these fragmented memories began to flash through his consciousness like a slow-moving film.


    And so, Ye Feng saw a majestic and imposing man donning the Emperor Sovereign armor and wielding a Golden Great Sword, standing proudly atop one of the mountain peaks. On the opposite mountaintop, there was a three-meter-tall black giant holding a purple-black longsword, with long antennae on his head and blue eyes, his fangs were extraordinarily long.


    "Aren''t these two peaks the Two Pillar Mountain of this place? Then, the majestic and dominant man dressed in Emperor Sovereign armor, gripping the Golden Great Sword in one hand and a Golden Seal in the other¡ªcould he be the Sovereign of the Human Race from over two thousand years ago?"


    Seeing this, Ye Feng was utterly shocked and extremely excited, given that the main Cultivation Technique he was currently practicing, the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, was passed down from this man.


    "However, the armor he''s wearing doesn''t seem to be the complete Emperor Sovereign armor. It appears even more advanced than what I currently possess, and that Golden Great Sword seems stronger than my Emperor Sovereign Sword as well, as for that divine seal, it must be the Royal Authority Divine Seal!"


    Ye Feng muttered to himself, subconsciously wanting to get a clear look at the man''s face. However, it forever remained blurred¡ªa frustrating barrier, even though it was now his memory. He couldn''t see it clearly.


    Of course, this wasn''t a problem with Ye Feng himself. After all, these memories belonged to an extraordinary Great Power from the Void Realm of the Demon Horn Tribe, who couldn''t see clearly back in the day, resulting in these fuzzy memories.


    "The giant measuring three meters must be that unparalleled powerful being from the Demon Horn Tribe of the Void Realm, and that great sword must be the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword!"


    Ye Feng sighed with admiration, acknowledging the staggering strength of this exceptional powerhouse of the Demon Horn Tribe.


    However, he was confused. With the limitations of the Heaven and Earth Laws, it was not possible for peerless powerhouses from the Void Realm to descend to the Human Realm, and nor could the Human Race cultivate to the genuine Void Realm. So, how could this unparalleled being from the Demon Horn Tribe have arrived here?


    "It seems the Demon Horn Tribe has a way to temporarily allow their true bodies to descend, but this would likely affect their ability to exert their full strength," Ye Feng pondered. This was of crucial concern to him, especially with the Clan Assembly of the Demon Horn Tribe planning a grand invasion in just over a year. Powerhouses of the Demon Horn Tribe from the Void Realm might indeed descend then.


    Of course, being a practitioner of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints himself, Ye Feng was well aware that this Technique was unique and not cultivated through conventional methods. For example, though Ye Feng was currently still at the Peak Martial King and had not even reached the Golden Core Realm, his Combat Power could already crush a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm below the Three Seals.


    In other words, despite not having formed a Golden Core or cultivated the Power of Yin-Yang to step into the Yin-Yang Realm, this didn''t hinder his increase in combat strength.


    Moreover, Ye Feng was absolutely certain that once he cultivated the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints to Great Perfection, fully unlocking all Three Thousand Acupoints, he would indeed be able to contend with a Void Realm unparalleled powerhouse!


    So, in a way, even though he had not stepped into the Void Realm in terms of Realm, his combat power was on par with that of a Void Realm unparalleled powerhouse. Within the Human Realm, where the limitations of Heaven and Earth Laws were in place, the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints was undoubtedly a great cheat device.


    Yet Ye Feng also knew that to cultivate this Technique to the state of Great Perfection and fully unlock all Three Thousand Acupoints would be incredibly difficult, especially the last hundred Acupoints. Each step forward was excruciatingly hard¡ªcurrently, he had cultivated only two thousand nine hundred thirty-two Acupoints!


    In the fragmented memories, these two peerless powerhouses stood for a long time on the summits of Two Pillar Mountain, and below their feet, there were countless Human Race warriors and armies of the Demon Horn Tribe¡ªa scene of tense anticipation before a great battle.


    Suddenly, the memories underwent a dramatic change. The two peerless powerhouses soared into the air, and the Human Race Sovereign, clad in golden yellow armor like a king of the world, swung down his sword.


    Sword Qi spanned three thousand miles like a comet cutting through the night sky, sweeping towards the other side.


    The Demon Horn Tribe powerhouse then took a step, a single step that bridged the Void, and then swung out his sword.


    The black Sword Qi surged like roaring waves spreading in all directions.


    Eventually, the Golden Great Sword slashed down, cleaving off a portion of the left peak of Two Pillar Mountain as if it were nothing, even carving a gigantic ravine into the earth.


    And the black Sword Qi swept across three thousand miles, instantly shearing off the mountaintop on the right side of Two Pillar Mountain.


    "So that''s how the two peaks of Two Pillar Mountain and this ravine came to be!" Ye Feng was overwhelmed with shock. The might of these two strikes was nothing short of terrifying; even he would definitely not be able to withstand them now and would likely be obliterated on the spot.


    "Are these the methods of a Void Realm unparalleled powerhouse? Right, these two strikes seem to be extremely formidable Martial Skills; they are definitely something to observe and learn from!"

 Chapter 754 730: A Duel Between Two Peerless Powerhouses!_2

    Ye Feng''s heart surged, although the sword move executed by the Sovereign of the Human Race felt somewhat familiar to him, this swordsmanship and martial skills were somewhat different from what he had known before, and its power had greatly increased.


    As for the peerless expert of the Demon Horn Tribe, there was no need to mention, this was a completely new set of sword moves!


    Memories continued to flow gently forward like water, but they were somewhat scattered and fragmentary. Suddenly, the Sovereign of the Human Race threw the Royal Authority Divine Seal in his hand. The divine seal shone brightly, so dazzling that even the peerless expert of the Demon Horn Tribe at the Void Realm felt an unbearable sting to his eyes.


    Then, with a pained cry from the peerless expert of the Demon Horn Tribe, he was directly blasted away by the Royal Authority Divine Seal, and the memory froze there!


    "Phew... Who would have thought that it was part of the peak battle between two peerless experts at that time!" Ye Feng reflected with admiration in his heart.


    He hazily guessed that it was probably because the peerless expert of the Demon Horn Tribe could not exert his full strength due to the descent of a different world plane, resulting in his defeat and even death at the hands of the Human Sovereign. There was a tremendous unwillingness in his heart, which is why this memory was particularly vivid, so much so that it remained branded even after death.


    Although it was only a fragmentary memory, the grace of the two peerless experts was fully displayed, causing Ye Feng''s heart to surge uncontrollably, and at the same time, his direction for future cultivation became even clearer and more resolute.


    Furthermore, there were the sword techniques of the two peerless experts. One must know that these could be compared to martial skills of a Great Power at the Void Realm level, and now that Ye Feng had seized both the Royal Authority Divine Seal and the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, he needed only to continuously observe and comprehend them, and he should be able to reap rewards.


    "Looking at it now, my journey to the Sky Burial Valley has been extremely fruitful. I truly am the biggest winner!" Ye Feng couldn''t help but inwardly sigh with relief. Now that the wraiths and their resentment had been extinguished, there was no rush to refine and absorb the golden energy left in his Sea of Consciousness.


    After all, everyone around him was still anxiously waiting, and it wouldn''t be right for him to keep them worried for too long. Thus, Ye Feng slowly opened his eyes, and his complexion and breath returned to normal.


    "Big Brother Ye, how are you, are you okay now?" Hong Qingyan and Yu Feiyu asked almost at the same moment.


    At this moment, everyone else also turned to look over, their faces all revealing expressions of deep concern.


    Ye Feng gave a slight smile and then said, "Thank you for your concern. I saw everything that happened just now, and I thank everyone for coming to my rescue!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng stood up and gave a formal bow to everyone.


    "It''s great, Big Brother Ye is finally okay, I was really worried just now!" Yu Feiyu sprang up, overcome with joy and crying on the spot.


    Hong Qingyan was also very happy, saying repeatedly, "It''s good that you''re okay, Big Brother Ye!"


    Old Man Huang Niu also nodded again and again, his face brimming with joy.


    Xiao Chi and the two old ancestors said, "Lord Leader is too serious. Just now, you stood up to protect the Human Race. It''s only natural for us to guard you."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly without dwelling on the subject and then looked around at the situation, immediately saying, "Looking at the situation, the miasma should surge out from the spatial rift again in about a day or two. There might be other changes by then!"


    Upon saying this, Ye Feng immediately instructed, "Sky Burial Valley should still have many treasures left. Let''s search for them while we can. After one day, whether we find treasures or not, we must leave and meet outside the valley!"


    "Okay, then let''s split up and move separately; we will meet outside the valley after one day!" Xiao Chi and the two old ancestors said, bowing and then leading their respective family teams away.


    Old Man Huang Niu also left with Yu Feiyu and the People of the Northwest.


    Soon, only Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan were left on Two Pillar Mountain.


    Ye Feng thought for a moment, and with a casual flip of his hand, a hair-like strand of golden energy suddenly appeared in his palm.


    "Qingyan, quickly try and see if you can absorb this thing!" Ye Feng called out.


    "Big Brother Ye, what kind of energy is this? It seems like it hasn''t been encountered before," asked Hong Qingyan.


    "Don''t worry about that for now. I can feel that this energy is dissipating quickly. Try and see if you can absorb it!" Ye Feng shouted.


    Seeing such a serious expression on Ye Feng''s face, Hong Qingyan did not dare to hesitate any longer and immediately absorbed the hair-like energy into her body.


    In fact, Ye Feng wanted to see if Hong Qingyan could absorb it because this kind of energy was very special, only acting upon spiritual power, divine soul, and the sea of consciousness, with no effect on Spirit Essence. Of course, if Hong Qingyan could absorb it, she might be able to condense her own spiritual power.


    However, Hong Qingyan quickly furrowed her brows and shook her head, "Big Brother Ye, I tried to run my cultivation technique, but I can''t refine or absorb this energy."


    "Try using the power of your bloodline inheritance to see if that can absorb it!" Ye Feng shouted.


    "I''ve tried it already. The power of bloodline inheritance can''t absorb it either!" said Hong Qingyan, as she quickly forced the strand of golden energy out of her body and handed it back to Ye Feng.


    "Big Brother Ye, this kind of energy will disappear on its own when exposed to the world outside. Inside the body, it will not. You should take it back quickly. I can feel that this energy is very advanced, seemingly beyond what I have experienced so far," Hong Qingyan stated truthfully.


    Ye Feng nodded without hesitation and immediately took back the strand of golden energy. He then said, "Actually, this kind of energy involves our human consciousness and spiritual power, or rather our divine souls. It''s a different kind of Dao Technique compared to Spirit Essence cultivation and should be more advanced. Because you haven''t reached that step yet, that''s why you couldn''t absorb it."


    Hong Qingyan was naturally very happy. After all, Ye Feng always thought of her first whenever he had something good and even kept some for her, whereas Yu Feiyu didn''t receive such treatment.


    "By the way, Big Brother Ye, where are we going next? Are we going to tour other places?" Hong Qingyan asked.


    "Other places probably have nothing worth seeing now. After all, this location in Sky Burial Valley is the most crucial!"


    Ye Feng frowned slightly, then pointed to the highest peak in front of them, which was only half remaining and said, "Over the next day, I plan to comprehend some things there. After one day, we will leave. You can wander around here during this time, but don''t go too far from me, lest I can''t rescue you in case of an accident."


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask with a smile, "What if I want to go down to the mountain gully again to take a look?"


    "No, the space in that mountain gully is now extremely unstable. Although there are no longer any wraiths, it is still very dangerous. You can''t go there!" Ye Feng said with a heavy voice.


    Hong Qingyan laughed merrily and said, "Don''t worry, I was just teasing you. I don''t want to go anywhere else during this time. I''ll just stay by your side. As long as you are here, no other place in the world can compare."


    Ye Feng smiled faintly, then embraced the beauty into his arms, and the two of them leaped up, directly ascending the highest peak that only had half remaining.


    For the next day, Ye Feng planned to rely on his memories combined with the scene of this place, repeatedly scrutinizing it, to see if he could grasp the earth-shattering sword move of those two peerless powerhouses.

 Chapter 755 - 731: Comprehension, the Might of a Shocking Sword!

    Ye Feng sat cross-legged on the summit of Two Pillar Mountain, and Hong Qingyan, eager to stay by his side, naturally refrained from wandering around, lest she distract him.


    As various teams dispersed in all directions, Two Pillar Mountain returned to tranquility. With no wraiths to trouble the vicinity, the area had become relatively safer for the moment.


    Ye Feng slowly closed his eyes, and his Sea of Consciousness was once again filled with the image of those two peerless experts standing at the summit.


    In fact, the peak where Ye Feng was currently seated was the very one where the Demon Horn Tribe''s Void Realm expert stood over two thousand years ago; the only difference was that half of the peak had been cut away.


    "Sitting cross-legged is not as good as standing up, much like that Demon Horn Tribe expert!" Ye Feng said with a slight smile, and then slowly stood up, hands behind his back, gazing forward with an imposing look.


    Hong Qingyan curiously watched the scene but asked nothing. She simply leaned against a nearby rock with her eyes closed to rest, simultaneously acting as a protector.


    Suddenly, Ye Feng flicked his wrist, and a massive purple-black sword appeared in his palm¡ªthe Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword!


    Then, Ye Feng held it with both hands, mimicking the motion of the Demon Horn Tribe''s peerless expert swinging the sword again and again. Of course, he did not channel his Spirit Essence into it, so no Sword Momentum erupted; he was merely practicing the essence and charm of Sword Intent.


    Indeed, Ye Feng hadn''t fully refined the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, not because he didn''t want to, but because he lacked the time. The same went for the Royal Authority Divine Seal, and he hadn''t had the chance to absorb the golden energy in the Heavenly Heart Palace''s Sea of Consciousness either.


    For now, the key was to take advantage of the local geography to gain some understanding of the peerless experts'' Martial Skills.


    As for refining these two powerful treasures, Ye Feng had already decided to return to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm immediately after leaving Sky Burial Valley, then undergo a period of Secluded Cultivation.


    Once he emerged from Seclusion, Ye Feng believed his Combat Power would climb another rung on the ladder. By then, he surmised he would be able to crush even Great Powers at the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm, and possibly even match up to those at the Half-Step Void Realm Level.


    Ye Feng''s face remained calm, his state of mind entering a tranquil, undisturbed state, as he went through that memory over and over, wielding the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword time and again, swinging it thousands of times before half a day had even passed.


    In the end, Ye Feng stepped forward and, following the memory, emulated the Demon Horn Tribe''s peerless expert from past times, slashing out horizontally with the sword.


    Hong Qingyan watched quietly. While curious, she still did not speak. She was a sensible woman who even found pleasure in this silence, enjoying the quiet. She felt no greed for the potential treasures hidden within Sky Burial Valley, and preferred to stay here, contentedly accompanying the man she loved.


    Time flowed like water, and as the day was about to end, fierce winds suddenly whipped up from below the mountain.


    Normally, the Outer Battlefield was devoid of wind. Sudden gusts like these generally blew from spatial rifts, and along with the windstorm came billowing miasma.


    Seeing this, Hong Qingyan slowly stood up, realizing it was time to leave. The area would soon be consumed by the miasma, and unknown dangers might appear.


    But at this moment, Ye Feng was still suspended in the air, sword slashing out, one after another.


    Suddenly, a surge of energy burst forth within him, his aura soaring as his Spirit Essence wildly coursed into the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword in his hand.


    Then, Ye Feng, holding the sword with both hands, made a sweeping strike!


    Boom...


    Accompanied by waves of purple lightning, a swath of purple Sword Qi cut across three thousand miles, sweeping out like a raging tide towards the Void ahead.


    The space was cleaved wherever the Sword Qi passed, part of it striking an opposite peak, shearing the small summit clean off.


    The enormous commotion stirred the clouds as heaven and earth seemed to change color, causing even Hong Qingyan''s complexion to shift.


    Having reached her current Realm, Hong Qingyan naturally possessed a measure of insight. She could feel that Big Brother Ye''s rainbow-like Sword Qi could probably instantly kill an Onmyoji of the Three Seal Rank with a single strike.


    And as for Onmyoji at the Peak Realm, they should be able to put up a slight fight!


    Despite the sword''s powerful and domineering force, Ye Feng''s condition wasn''t good; he appeared pale and was breathing heavily, clearly having expended too much Spirit Essence on that one strike.


    "Who would have thought just one swing would consume two-thirds of my Spirit Essence? It''s truly worthy of being a technique usable only by the Great Powers of the Void Realm. Had my Spirit Essence not been so robust, I probably couldn''t have unleashed that strike!" Ye Feng said, shaking his head with a wry smile. Of course, the intense depletion of Spirit Essence was largely due to his not having refined the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword. If he had refined it and fully grasped the technique to a Harmonious level, then the required Spirit Essence would naturally be much less.


    "I will refine the Sky-breaking Sword after returning; after all, my previous Martial Skills are starting to fall behind. I must gradually improve my offensive power; otherwise, facing Peak Realm and even Half-Step Void Realm peerless experts in the future, I will have no chance to stand against them in combat!"

 Chapter 756 - 731: Comprehension, The Might of a Shocking Heaven-Defying Sword!_2

    Ye Feng inwardly sighed and then slid the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword into his storage ring. After a brief moment of breath regulation, he had returned to peak condition.


    Below in the valley, the landscape was now roiling tumultuously, and the miasma surged out wildly along with fierce winds, engulfing the sky above the valley.


    Hong Qingyan flew over to him and said, "Big Brother Ye, it looks like Sky Burial Valley is about to change, should we leave quickly?"


    "It''s time, let''s go!" Ye Feng nodded, then immediately grasped Hong Qingyan''s hand, and the two of them flew across the sky.


    Three hours later, Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan passed through the two gourd-shaped formations they''d encountered on their way in and reached the narrow strip of land at the entrance of the valley; then they soared into the sky.


    By then, the entire Sky Burial Valley was in a state of turbulence, the space had grown incredibly unstable and the miasma billowed intensely. In such conditions, even Ye Feng''s spiritual power could not probe too far ahead, let alone for ordinary people.


    At this point, if anyone were still in Sky Burial Valley, even a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm might not be able to find the correct path; in other words, they would get lost. To lose one''s way in the Sky Burial Valley could likely mean there would be no path out but death.


    Fortunately, as Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan were leaving the Sky Burial Valley, Old Man Huang Niu, Yu Feiyu, and people from the Xiao Chi and other ancient clans were already waiting at the mountain peak.


    Seeing Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan emerge, Yu Feiyu hurriedly came forward and said, "Thank heavens, Big Brother Ye, Sister Qingyan, you''ve finally come out. We were worried that you might have encountered some danger in the valley."


    Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "It''s fine, just got held up a bit."


    Looking around, he noticed that the troops from the Four Great Powers were gone, as well as the people from the Independent Cultivator Mercenary Group.


    "Where are the people from the Four Great Powers?" Ye Feng couldn''t help asking.


    "They left. They exited Sky Burial Valley before us and then departed. The troops from the Independent Cultivator League and the Mercenary Group have also left," Old Man Huang Niu said with a smile.


    Ye Feng nodded and said with a cold voice, "It seems they knew better. If they dare to lay a hand on me again, I won''t be so courteous."


    Old Man Huang Niu snorted coldly, "These big powers have always been selfish. Having taken a big hit this time, it''s unlikely they will let it go this easily. Who knows what sly tricks they will come up with next."


    With a playful lift of the corner of his mouth, Ye Feng said, "Don''t bother with whatever schemes they plot. In the face of absolute power, all their tricks are just paper tigers!"


    Saying this, Ye Feng turned to look at the ancestors of the Xiao and Chi families and said, "Eldereds, I heard that you both advocated for the establishment of the Global Alliance recently. How has that idea progressed?"


    The Ancestor of the Xiao Family said, "Some time ago, it was just a matter of everyone getting together to exchange views, but since the opinions were divided, we put it on hold for the time being."


    The Chi Family Patriarch said, "The hearts of the great powers are not united, and no one is willing to submit to another easily. Unless there is a strong leader, the Global Alliance will be difficult to establish. Even if it is forcibly united, the alliance is likely to be in name only."


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "I see. I will trouble the elders to continue to follow up on this matter. At the latest, the Global Alliance should be established within a year."


    The two ancestors of Xiao and Chi asked, "Regarding this Global Alliance, does Lord Leader have any specific ideas?"


    Ye Feng replied, "Not at the moment, but after a year, I will definitely stand up and take charge!"


    "Understood, in that case, we will continue to work on this matter!" the two Xiao Chi ancestors said.


    With a bow, Ye Feng said, "I appreciate the efforts of the elders," then he continued, "Well then, let''s part ways here. If all goes well, let''s meet again atop the Great Wall of Heaven in a year!"


    After saying this, Ye Feng took Hong Qingyan''s hand, ready to fly away.


    Yu Feiyu hurriedly called out, "Big Brother Ye, after I return this time, I will enter that place for secluded cultivation, as my master instructed. I promise you, within a year, I will surely break through to the Yin-Yang Realm. Then, I will wait for you on the Great Wall of Heaven!"


    Ye Feng listened and nodded, smiling, "Feiyu, your talent is good, I believe in you, you can definitely do it!"


    "Mhm!" Yu Feiyu nodded emphatically.


    At this time, Xiao Rulong and Chi Jark stepped forward and said, "Brother Ye, to be honest, we''d rather call you brother than Lord Leader. After returning to our clans, we will enter secluded cultivation. In one year, we will definitely break through to the Yin-Yang Realm, and then we can be your strong supporters!"


    Ye Feng extended his fist, punching the chests of these two guys in succession, and then smiled, "Of course, we are always brothers. One year later, at the Great Wall of Heaven, I''ll be waiting for you!"


    After saying goodbye to each one, Ye Feng stood up with Hong Qingyan and flew away, leaving the place directly.


    Soon, Old Man Huang Niu also took Yu Feiyu and the People of the Northwest away. The descendants of the Xiao Chi and Liang Ancient Clans quickly left too. The once bustling mountaintop of Sky Burial Valley soon returned to calm.


    At this moment, on a nearby mountain peak, two figures appeared abruptly.


    Cloaked in black robes, with upright stances and commanding gazes, they stood with hands behind their backs, looking in the direction of Sky Burial Valley. They were none other than Mu Rongtian and his son, Mu Tian.


    "Father, just as you anticipated, that boy Ye Feng successfully acquired the Royal Authority Divine Seal and even seized the Sky-breaking Sword. Once he refines these two treasures, his combat power will surely skyrocket!"


    When Mu Tian said this, he immediately changed the subject, "Father, Ye Feng''s cultivation strength is advancing by leaps and bounds. Aren''t you worried that one day he will be beyond your control and escape your calculations?"


    Mu Rongtian laughed, "Maybe one day that could happen, but for now, he lacks the capacity."


    Mu Tian couldn''t help but ask, "Then Father, do you really intend to let him continue growing stronger? Aren''t you worried about that day coming?"


    Mu Rongtian waved his hand, "The time is not ripe yet. What I can tell you is that as long as he hasn''t cultivated his technique to Great Perfection, it''s not yet time to close the net."


    Mu Tian then asked, "Father, now that we''ve reached this point, can you finally tell me what your grand scheme is?"


    Mu Rongtian''s expression darkened as he said, "I''ve told you many times, I cannot reveal the will of heaven. When the time comes, you''ll understand. Just remember that no matter how strong Ye Feng''s talent is, or how rapidly his strength increases, it''s all within my control. He cannot escape the palm of my hand."


    However, as he said this, Mu Rongtian slightly furrowed his brows and suddenly added, "But there''s one point that I''m somewhat puzzled about and can''t quite understand."


    "Which point?" Mu Tian immediately asked.


    "Wraiths. I can''t figure out by what means this boy so effortlessly annihilated those wraiths!" Mu Rongtian said with a furrowed brow.


    Mu Tian fell silent, for this was the first time in his life he had seen his father confused. From childhood to adulthood, his father had always been full of confidence, firmly in control of everything, exuding strong self-assurance.


    But now, regarding that boy with the surname Ye, his father had actually shown signs of doubt. Could this mean that Ye Feng had started to show signs of escaping his father''s schemes and control?


    This was not a good sign!


    "Father, since you can''t figure it out, why not take action and try to investigate?" Mu Tian suddenly suggested.


    "Indeed, you''ve reminded me!"


    Mu Rongtian chuckled and then said, "But I can''t make a move, at least not now. It seems I will need to make some arrangements and setup beforehand. Let Bu Hong''s two Ancient Clans make a move first. After all, we must fully understand this Ye kid''s background before closing the net, to prevent any unexpected situations!"


    With that said, Mu Rongtian soared into the sky, saying, "Let''s go, back to Earth for a bit!"

 Chapter 757 - 732: Mental Power Nucleus Transformation

    Half a day later, Ye Feng returned to the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm with Hong Qingyan. When they had set out with the main force earlier, their speed was relatively slow, but now with only the two of them left, Ye Feng fully unleashed his speed, greatly hastening their travel and shortening the time considerably.


    Just as they were about to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, Ye Feng abruptly halted, a cold smile revealing at the corners of his mouth.


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong, Big Brother Ye? Has something happened?"


    Ye Feng coldly chuckled, "Take a close look around us."


    Hong Qingyan immediately released her spiritual sense to scout the vicinity and quickly discovered that there were quite a few concealed sentries hidden around, and she couldn''t help but hum in a deep voice, "It seems like these secret agents must be from the Four Great Powers. It looks like they still haven''t given up!"


    "So what if they haven''t given up?" Ye Feng said. "They still want to covet my Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, but that''s impossible!"


    Speaking to this point, Ye Feng suddenly continued with a playful tone, "Of course, in another year, if they still want this Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, I''m not opposed to giving it to them."


    Hong Qingyan laughed and said, "After a year, the several Pulse Sources in the realm would be absorbed, and even the spiritual energy inside would probably be nearly depleted. By then, only an empty shell would remain. You certainly have quite the plan, Big Brother Ye."


    The secret agents lurking around naturally noticed Ye Feng''s return as well, but no one dared to approach him. After all, when they had emerged earlier, Ye Feng had directly slaughtered the dozens of people ambushed at the exit.


    "Let''s go, don''t mind them!" Ye Feng said, and with Hong Qingyan at his side, his figure suddenly flickered and vanished on the spot, the next moment, they had entered the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm.


    Elder Bai was the first to sense Ye Feng''s return and immediately appeared beside him, bowing and saying, "Your servant greets Your Majesty, warmly welcoming Your Majesty''s return!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and asked, "How has the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm been during my absence?"


    Elder Bai reported truthfully, "Your Majesty, during this time everything has been operating according to the plans and steps you designated. Now, over ten people in the Spirit Pool have broken through to the Golden Core Realm, and as per Your Majesty''s instructions, they have been allowed to choose to scatter and undergo trials in the Outer Battlefield."


    "Over ten people? That speed is indeed normal," Ye Feng nodded slightly.


    Elder Bai said, "At this rate, in approximately a year''s time, most of those little prodigies in the Spirit Pool should be able to step into the Golden Core Realm, while those on the square with slightly lower talent should also be able to steadily enter the Foundation Establishment Realm."


    Ye Feng nodded and responded, "You have suffered, Elder Bai. I ask you to continue to take great care in the coming days; I plan to enter secluded cultivation for a while!"


    Elder Bai immediately said, "It is this servant''s duty. Your Majesty, speaking like that is too humbling for your servant."


    After speaking, Elder Bai attempted to kneel, but Ye Feng waved his hand to stop him, pitying that Elder Bai, being a spiritual body without a flesh body, couldn''t cultivate; otherwise, he would be a great and powerful subordinate.


    Without further ado, Ye Feng, along with Hong Qingyan, first went to the edge of the square to look over everyone, and then toured the Spirit Pool area, finding that everything indeed operated in well-ordered fashion, so he naturally did not interfere further.


    In fact, outsiders couldn''t enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm anyway, and the few hundred people selected had good resolve and determination. Moreover, they all possessed a sense of urgency, so there was no need for prodding; they would diligently pursue cultivation on their own.


    "Let''s go, we''re heading back to the back courtyard!" Ye Feng then returned to the back courtyard with Hong Qingyan.


    The back courtyard was Ye Feng''s private domain, normally only accessible by a few confidants such as Sima Zhantian, so it was relatively quiet there.


    "Qingyan, I need to enter secluded cultivation for some time," Ye Feng instructed. "I''m not sure how long it will be just yet, a minimum of three months to a maximum of six months. During this period, find something to do for yourself, but try not to leave the secret realm."


    "Don''t worry, Big Brother Ye, You don''t need to be concerned about me," Hong Qingyan laughed. "I''m not going anywhere during this time; I''ll just stay here!"


    In fact, when they were at the Sky Burial Valley Mountains, Yu Feiyu had invited Hong Qingyan to join him in training at that mysterious location in the Northwest Little Mountain Village, aiming to break through to the Yin-Yang Realm at an early date, but Hong Qingyan had declined.


    Her reason for refusing was simple: she wanted to spend more time by Ye Feng''s side. As for the improvement of her strength, she regarded it with relative indifference.


    Of course, now that Ye Feng would enter seclusion, she wouldn''t slack off either, as she clearly understood in her heart that her cultivation level couldn''t lag too far behind Ye Feng''s. Otherwise, the gap would be too wide, and she would feel immense pressure even just standing next to him.


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then his figure flickered and he arrived at the most secluded cultivation site within the secret realm. There was only a meditation mat here, and even Elder Bai was not qualified to enter. This place was truly Ye Feng''s forbidden ground.


    After sitting down cross-legged, Ye Feng first reviewed his current cultivation status. His cultivation of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints had reached two thousand nine hundred thirty-two, but currently, there was no Origin Energy left, making further progress extremely difficult.


    "It seems I can only temporarily halt the cultivation of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints," Ye Feng silently shook his head with a wry smile. Then, with a wave of his hand, the Royal Authority Divine Seal and the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword appeared in front of him, as two lines of light flickered.


    "I must fully refine and control these two magic treasures. Doing so should greatly enhance my combat power. But before refining, I''ll absorb all the golden energy in my Sea of Consciousness first!"


    Ye Feng quickly sorted out his thoughts and made a decision. Cultivation, after all, works from the inside out. Only by strengthening the inside can there be stronger control and response to the outside world. In other words, if my Mental Power Nucleus is enhanced, then whether it''s refining or cultivating, the speed will increase, often leading to twice the result with half the effort.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s mind and spirit delved deep, and he began cultivating!


    In the Sea of Consciousness of the Heavenly Heart Palace, there were only strands of golden energy left, because a lot had been absorbed during the fight against the Wraith Commander. However, there were still about a dozen drops of golden energy transformed from the killed wraiths, particularly the one from the Wraith Commander, which was the size of a peanut.


    Suddenly, the Mental Power Nucleus began to spin rapidly, torrents of spiritual power surged out, enveloping the first drop of golden energy and absorbing it continuously.


    Time slipped away, and soon the first drop of golden energy was absorbed completely. Now, the Mental Power Nucleus had visibly increased significantly, and the golden luster had also become richer.


    Ye Feng then turned his gaze to the second drop. Five days passed in a blink, and he finally refined all the ordinary golden energy, leaving only the peanut-sized ball of golden energy.


    "Once it''s completely refined, my Mental Power Nucleus should have transformed, right?" Ye Feng felt a surge of excitement in his heart, and his Mental Power Nucleus started rotating once again, its spiritual power enveloping the ball of golden energy.


    Time flowed silently like water. Sitting cross-legged on the meditation mat with his eyes closed, Ye Feng allowed five days to pass swiftly. That day, his Mental Power Nucleus finally absorbed the last of the golden energy completely.


    "Hmm? Could it be that I''ve still not met the conditions for transformation?" Ye Feng could not help but frown slightly as he thought, wondering if his premonition was incorrect.


    However, at that moment, the Mental Power Nucleus, shimmering with brilliant golden light like a golden bean, suddenly made a crisp cracking sound.


    Of course, the Mental Power Nucleus hadn''t actually split open, but indeed made a clear sound. Immediately after, Ye Feng was shocked to see a small sprout of light green emerging from the top of the golden Mental Power Nucleus.


    "What''s this? It''s sprouting?" Ye Feng was completely stunned, hardly believing what he saw, and also filled with confusion.


    The Mental Power Nucleus had indeed transformed, but what was with the sudden sprout?


    "I originally thought that the Mental Power Nucleus would transform into a Little Golden Man like myself, but I never expected it to actually sprout roots!" Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh bitterly as it was completely beyond his expectations.


    But there was nothing he could do about it; as far as the cultivation of spiritual power was concerned, he was currently in the dark, only able to grope his way forward and let nature take its course.


    However, after the sprout emerged from the nucleus, Ye Feng clearly felt a sudden surge in his spiritual power, and he didn''t feel any discomfort at all, which meant that he hadn''t deviated on the path of cultivation. As for what would happen next, Ye Feng did not know, and he couldn''t care about that at the moment.


    "Now, my spiritual power has increased more than tenfold!" Ye Feng was incredibly excited. Although there was no noticeable change in his aura, he had been sublimated. For example, his understanding of space and time was now much deeper than before.


    For instance, a profound Dao Technique previously requiring half a month for him to comprehend might now be understood with just one glance.


    What surprised Ye Feng even more was that as he slowly opened his eyes, he actually saw the Power of Yin and Yang flowing through space and time.


    "I''ve actually comprehended the Power of Yin-Yang, and I can even control it!" Ye Feng was remarkably astounded.


    In other words, with his current powerful spiritual power, as long as Ye Feng wished, he could make himself a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, or even a Great Power of the Peak Realm, and control the Power of Yin-Yang to manipulate Spirit Essence, significantly enhancing the power of his Martial Skills.


    Indeed, this was also why a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm was much stronger than one of the Golden Core Realm. Simply put, with the empowerment of the Power of Yin-Yang, Ye Feng''s combat power had increased by a considerable margin compared to before!


    "Beyond the Power of Yin-Yang lies the Power of the Void. Let''s see if I can sense that!" Ye Feng''s mind dove deep again as the sprout on the Mental Power Nucleus emitted a gentle green glow.


    Then Ye Feng observed space-time continuously, but regretfully he could not sense any Power of the Void.


    "Due to the restrictions of the Heaven and Earth Laws in this space-time, there isn''t much inherent Power of the Void. Moreover, my spiritual power is still not strong enough, so I can''t sense it!" Ye Feng sighed to himself.


    He had hoped that if he could sense and slightly control the Power of the Void, as long as his Spirit Essence kept up with the demand, it would be equivalent to him stepping into the Void Realm, an undoubtedly terrifying prospect.


    "It seems that the metaphysical cultivation of spiritual power is much more advanced than that of Spirit Essence!" Ye Feng smiled slightly, very satisfied with his current cultivation results.


    After a brief rest, he summoned the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword into his hand with a gesture.


    "Next, I''ll refine this Sky-breaking Sword first. After all, I have some understanding of it from my time at Two Pillar Mountain, which should make its refinement relatively easier!" Ye Feng said.

 Chapter 758 - 733: I am Heaven, Suppressing Everything!

    Refining magic treasures is actually not a complicated process, but there is no shortcut either. Typically, one uses their Spirit Essence to continuously infuse it, familiarizing oneself with the treasure''s properties and understanding its characteristics.


    Of course, now that I possess a strong spiritual power, it''s different. I can directly release my spiritual power into it, which is akin to cheating, allowing me to swiftly gain complete control over the treasure.


    "Indeed, having powerful spiritual power has many advantages!" Ye Feng sighed in his heart, his mind suddenly moved, and he directly imprinted his spiritual power onto the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword.


    As spiritual power continued to permeate into the Sky-breaking Sword, Ye Feng felt as if the sword had become a part of his own body, truly achieving precision control. Moreover, with just a thought from him, the Sky-breaking Sword could rise into the air, completely manipulated by his spiritual power.


    "Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, it turns out there is actually a trace of purple thunder within the blade, enhancing its power!" Ye Feng smiled slightly.


    Suddenly he frowned, and in a moment, strands of purple lightning entwined around the Sky-breaking Sword, appearing very strange and domineering.


    "It''s just a pity that I still can''t comprehend the Power of the Void; otherwise, the sword''s power would be even greater. Now, even with spiritual power and igniting all acupoints, the power it can exert is probably only equivalent to a full-force strike from a Peak Realm Onmyoji!" Ye Feng lamented in his heart.


    But even so, it was still far more powerful than any martial skill or magic treasure he had before. Even the Heaven Guard Monument, when facing an Onmyoji of the Peak Realm, might not be able to suppress the opponent.


    "Take!"


    Because of the spiritual power imprint, with a thought from Ye Feng, the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword instantly vanished into thin air, entering his storage ring.


    Then, Ye Feng flipped his wrist again, and the Golden Royal Authority Divine Seal appeared in the palm of his hand.


    Facing this square golden seal, Ye Feng''s expression was somewhat solemn. He could feel that this seal was extraordinary.


    The material of the golden square seal was unknown; it had a small corner missing on one side, and there were also quite a few cracks on it, which looked to be damages sustained during a battle with that unparalleled fighter from the Demon Horn Tribe.


    At the top of the square seal, a majestic Golden Five-clawed Golden Dragon coiled around, forming a handle. The dragon looked dignified and commanding. As for the bottom, there were eight ancient characters inscribed.


    "I am Heaven; I suppress all things!"


    "Truly, these are eight words of great dominance, worthy of the Sovereign of the Human Race''s personal treasured possession!" Ye Feng sighed to himself.


    Without hesitation, he began the refining process. However, for caution''s sake, Ye Feng did not directly use his spiritual power but poured his Spirit Essence into it instead.


    What shocked Ye Feng was that the Royal Authority Divine Seal seemed like a bottomless pit, absorbing his Spirit Essence entirely, and no matter how much he infused, there was no sign of it being filled.


    "I refuse to believe it, that a small square seal can''t be filled!" Ye Feng gritted his teeth, once again driving his own Spirit Essence to surge into it.


    Soon, half of the Spirit Essence in his body had been depleted, yet the Royal Authority Divine Seal still showed no sign of stopping its absorption.


    Ye Feng vaguely understood that in order to refine this seal, he would have to fill it with his Spirit Essence, because he could feel that as he poured his Spirit Essence into it, the seal was transmitting a sense of delighted eagerness.


    "If that''s the case, then I''ll just have to fully satiate you first!" Ye Feng felt somewhat helpless. Having already infused most of his Spirit Essence, it was not good to give up halfway, so he could only keep pouring it in relentlessly.


    Soon, all the Spirit Essence in Ye Feng''s body had been poured in, causing his acupoints to show signs of exhaustion.


    "Damn it, I just don''t believe it!" Ye Feng clenched his teeth, and half of the acupoints in his body suddenly ignited, with torrents of Spirit Essence gushing forth like sand in an hourglass, continuously pouring into the Royal Authority Divine Seal.


    However, the Spirit Essence gained from the ignited acupoints was soon depleted, and yet the Royal Authority Divine Seal still showed no reaction.


    Ye Feng then steeled his heart and ignited all his acupoints. After all, he was in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, and as this place was a forbidden area, no one could enter, so he did not have to worry about safety.


    Rivers of Spirit Essence rushed in, and at last, not a drop of Spirit Essence was left in Ye Feng''s body. His complexion was pale, his face was covered with sweat, and he was panting heavily like an ox.


    "If there is still no response this time, that would be a big loss indeed, which would only mean the direction is wrong!" Ye Feng let out a wry smile.


    However, just then, the Royal Authority Divine Seal suddenly burst into a brilliant golden light, flying out of Ye Feng''s hand and hovering in mid-air.


    Beams of golden light radiated from the seal, like a myriad of rosy clouds, appearing like a scorching sun.


    What was more shocking was that the eight big characters at the bottom of the seal began to re-emerge from within.


    "Could these eight characters be meant to imprint upon something?" Ye Feng had a feeling of realization, but was not certain about the specifics.


    Despite this, he had now activated the Royal Authority Divine Seal and had a preliminary understanding of it. With a thought, the Emperor''s Sword, Sky-breaking Divine Spear, Emperor''s Armor, Golden Dragon Shield, and the Heaven Guard Monument, among others, were all summoned out.


    "Go!" Following a wave of Ye Feng''s Great Hand, the treasures and martial skills surged towards the Royal Authority Divine Seal.


    The divine seal suddenly shook and astonishingly absorbed all of these treasures and martial skills, subsequently beginning to rapidly fuse them together.


    "Sure enough, the Royal Authority Divine Seal contains a space for nurturing, and it can fuse these magic treasures!" Ye Feng''s heart was incredibly thrilled.


    In fact, he had encountered this phenomenon before, when the Golden Dragon Guardian Shield, the Emperor''s Armor, and the Emperor''s Sword fused together, ultimately transforming into the Emperor Sovereign''s Sword and Emperor Sovereign''s Armor.


    However, from his memories, Ye Feng knew that his current Emperor Sovereign''s Sword and Emperor Sovereign''s Armor didn''t look like the sword in the hands of that Sovereign of the Human Race he remembered, nor did the armor. Therefore, Ye Feng concluded that his Emperor Sovereign''s Sword and Emperor Sovereign''s Armor should be able to evolve again.


    Clearly, the key to this evolutionary fusion lay in the Royal Authority Divine Seal.


    The Royal Authority Divine Seal was still emitting ten thousand feet of golden light while continuously spinning. Ye Feng could feel that the treasures inside were fusing at an astonishing speed.


    Actually, he was well aware that these things could fuse largely because they were of the same lineage of treasures, in other words, they all appeared because of the Art of Acupoints.


    Suddenly, the Royal Authority Divine Seal shook, then the dazzling light instantly retracted, and in the next moment, a Golden Great Sword and a set of armor flew out from the divine seal.


    "This Golden Great Sword, along with this golden armor, is already very close to the great sword held by that emperor in my memory!"


    With immense excitement in his heart, Ye Feng reached out with a Great Hand, and the Golden Great Sword was in his grasp.


    "So it''s the Sword of Royal Authority, and this golden armor turns out to be the Supreme Armor, excellent, excellent, their power level has indeed been greatly enhanced!" Ye Feng nodded repeatedly.


    However, at that moment, the Royal Authority Divine Seal suddenly began spinning wildly, as streams of golden liquid energy spilled from it, rapidly healing the previously damaged cracks.


    "So it''s refining the Heaven Guard Monument to repair its own damage. This Royal Authority Divine Seal is indeed powerful, it can even directly dissipate the Heaven Guard Monument!" a shudder ran through Ye Feng''s heart.


    But in the blink of an eye, the golden liquid energy had already healed the cracks in the Royal Authority Divine Seal; even the missing corners were completely mended. However, by then, Ye Feng could no longer feel the presence of the Heaven Guard Monument. But that wasn''t important, after all, the massive Heaven Guard Monument was just enough to repair the damage in the Royal Authority Divine Seal.


    This was proof of the might of the Royal Authority Divine Seal!


    "Come!" With a gesture from Ye Feng, the Royal Authority Divine Seal rapidly shrank into his hand.


    Looking at the divine seal in the palm of his hand, Ye Feng was naturally overjoyed. Now with the divine seal in hand, his combat power was undoubtedly multiplied.


    Even if he were to meet with a half-step Void Realm extraordinary power now, Ye Feng had the confidence to fight against them. However, he was also clear that the Royal Authority Divine Seal was too powerful; with his current cultivation level, or to be precise, with his current number of acupoints, he could at most only activate the divine seal once.


    But even a single use was enough for now. After all, once the Royal Authority Divine Seal was unleashed, even the Great Powers of the Peak Realm from the Yin-Yang Realm would be suppressed!


    Now, with the Royal Authority Divine Seal, along with the Sword of Royal Authority and the Supreme Armor, Ye Feng finally had some confidence facing the forthcoming massive assault from the Demon Horn Tribe.


    What he needed to do next was to strive to cultivate the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints to Perfection within this year. In this way, even if a Void Realm Level extraordinary power from the Demon Horn Tribe descended, Ye Feng was confident he could slay or rout the foe!


    It was only then that Ye Feng noticed the eight ancient characters at the bottom of the Royal Authority Divine Seal were still emerging as if they were about to burst out from the Seal at any moment.


    "How odd, these eight characters haven''t even retracted yet. It looks like they want to be branded somewhere. Where exactly should they be imprinted?"


    Ye Feng furrowed his brows, but just then, a thought struck him, and his whole body began to tremble with excitement.


    "Come out!" At Ye Feng''s thought, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll emerged directly from his forehead.


    The ancient scroll, made of unidentifiable materials, was even older than the Royal Authority Divine Seal and predated the reign of that Sovereign of the Human Race, as it was a treasure that appeared five thousand years ago during the Ancient Era.


    Under Ye Feng''s control, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll slowly unfurled.


    Looking at the blank space at the bottom left corner of the scroll, even Ye Feng could not help but exclaim, "This Royal Authority Divine Seal is indeed perfectly suited to be stamped right here!"


    Certainly, Ye Feng realized that this was an act of madness, but once the idea sprang up, he couldn''t suppress it any longer. He was even somewhat looking forward to what would happen once the Royal Authority Divine Seal was stamped on it.


    "Forget it, since it''s suitable, let''s stamp it on!" Ye Feng wasn''t one to hesitate. Having made up his mind, he grabbed the five-clawed handle of the Golden Dragon at the top of the Royal Authority Divine Seal and directly stamped it onto the bottom left corner position of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    There wasn''t any special sensation when he stamped it, just like any ordinary seal would feel.


    "Hmm? No way, is there no change at all?" Ye Feng''s brow furrowed, as he felt puzzled.


    However, while he was lost in thought, both the Royal Authority Divine Seal and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict burst into blinding rays of light.


    The Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll even flew out, hovering in mid-air!


    And in that moment, not only the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm but even the Outer Battlefield and the Earth were all convulsed; the heavens and earth changed colors as if the end of the world had arrived.


    Rolling waves of Xuanhuang Energy surged from all corners of the world, converging towards the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.

 Chapter 759 - 734 The Whole World Was Shocked

    Seeing the surging Qi of Xuanhuang coming his way, Ye Feng was completely dumbfounded, and his face involuntarily revealed a deep shock.


    You must understand that this Qi of Xuanhuang is very important, and at this moment, it was being absorbed and stored inside the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    The Qi of Xuanhuang surged forth, and in an instant, the entire Heavenly Origin Secret Realm was alarmed. Originally, everyone was quietly cultivating, and the secret realm was very tranquil, but suddenly there were winds howling and even fierce gales blowing.


    "What''s going on here, how can there be wind stirring up in the secret realm all of a sudden, and there isn''t supposed to be any wind in the Outer Battlefield either!"


    The many disciples practicing on the square and the Northern Border Soldiers had no choice but to stop what they were doing and look up in wonder, while even the talented youngsters in the Spirit Pool had been disturbed and had to rise into the air and fly out.


    "Could it be that a powerful being is forcefully attacking our secret realm? This doesn''t seem likely though, so many fierce winds have poured into the secret realm, where exactly do these winds come from? Could they be from the Alien Space-Time?"


    Everyone gathered on the square was discussing this, of course, they could not see the existence of the Qi of Xuanhuang. In fact, all they could see was the howling winds rolling in.


    "Hmm? These fierce winds seem to be heading towards the back courtyard of the secret realm, that''s where the master''s private domain is. Could the master be in danger?" suddenly someone asked.


    "Hard to say, should we go have a look, could the master have encountered some trouble during cultivation? But we don''t have the authority to enter the back courtyard, right, where is Elder Bai, where is he? We can ask him!"


    Just as the crowd was bustling with speculation, suddenly a flash of white light blinked, and Elder Bai appeared out of thin air above the square.


    "Elder Bai has arrived, what on earth is going on, Elder Bai, why would such fierce winds suddenly pour into the secret realm?" the disciples hurriedly asked.


    Elder Bai waved his hand to signal everyone to quiet down before speaking, "This commotion is exactly what the master has caused, and right now the master is in secluded cultivation."


    "It was really caused by the master? Could the master''s cultivation have truly encountered a problem?"


    "It''s your cultivation that has encountered a problem!" Elder Bai directly shot a glance at the speaker and humphed, "Have you ever seen anyone whose cultivation encountered a problem capable of causing such a commotion?"


    The surrounding disciples listened and let out a series of sighs, many nodded in agreement and said, "That''s true, the wind is very strong and fierce, but it doesn''t feel chilling at all, instead, it feels somewhat refreshing!"


    "You''re not wrong, I tried to absorb and cultivate it a bit and discovered that the energy contained in this fierce wind is not at all inferior to the Spiritual Energy we used to have here in the square!"


    Hearing this, many immediately sat down with legs crossed and tried to absorb the energy. They then exclaimed in amazement, "It is true as this person said, these fierce winds indeed contain a unique energy, and I dare say the quality is very high!"


    "As expected of the master, merely meditating and it has caused such a great disturbance, this is too powerful!"


    The numerous disciples on the square all gasped in admiration, and someone suddenly asked again, "Right, Elder Bai, what exactly is the master cultivating to cause such a huge commotion? By the looks of it, the entire Outer Battlefield must have been stirred."


    Elder Bai could not help but laugh and said, "Why don''t you go to the back courtyard and see what the master is cultivating?"


    "Really, can I go?" the person who asked the question said.


    "What do you think?" Elder Bai looked at him with a teasing expression.


    The person finally realized and retorted with annoyance, "Oh, so Elder Mr. Bai, you were just teasing me. I almost believed you for a second."


    Around them, many laughed heartily and said, "You also know you''re naive, the back courtyard is the master''s forbidden area, not to mention we''re not allowed to enter, even if we had the authority, with the master at a crucial point in his cultivation, would we disrupt him?"


    "Indeed, and usually, one''s Cultivation Technique is not revealed lightly. You actually wanted to go and take a look, how bold are you really!"


    "Right, but speaking of which, the Cultivation Technique that the master is cultivating is too powerful, to cause such a huge commotion, could it be that the master is about to make a breakthrough to the Void Realm?"


    "Breakthrough to the Void Realm? Isn''t that unlikely?"


    For a time, everyone on the square was engaged in spirited discussions, all looking very excited.


    Elder Bai couldn''t help but roll his eyes and said, "What are you all excited about when the master is cultivating, look at those smart ones in the corner, they''ve already sat down cross-legged and started cultivating, taking advantage of this situation. After all, the Energy Level of these fierce winds is not low, unlike you fools and idiots who are babbling non-stop."


    Indeed, at this time, those who had the talent and had quickly responded were already sitting down and cultivating.


    "Damn, we were just too excited, it looks like these guys are indeed more talented and responsive than us, let''s stop dawdling and start cultivating!"


    "However, Elder Bai, these fierce winds are clearly rushing towards the back courtyard. Won''t we impact the master by intercepting and absorbing the energy here?"


    Someone suddenly asked.


    Elder Bai laughed and said, "With your Cultivation Realm, you won''t even absorb the real energy, so cultivate in peace. If it affected the master, he would have intervened long ago!"


    Having said that, Elder Bai''s figure flickered and disappeared into thin air, indicating that he had left the secret realm, and the next moment he appeared on a small mound just outside the gateway to the secret realm.

 Chapter 760 - 734 The Whole World Was Shocked_2

    At this moment in the Outer Battlefield, just as expected, there was a howling gale. The rolling wind surged violently. Strangely enough, the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm is, in some sense, an independent space, yet these howling winds could directly stream in from the Outer Battlefield.


    "From this, it seems that the lord must have acquired another impressive cultivation method. Otherwise, the mere Three Thousand Acupoints Techniques would not have caused such a huge disturbance!" Elder Bai thought to himself, before his figure flashed once more, returning to the secret realm.


    At this time, the Four Great Powers in the Outer Battlefield, along with the Independent Cultivator League and Mercenary Groups, and other somewhat stronger forces, were all startled by the sudden transformation.


    The entire Outer Battlefield was enveloped in swirling clouds and roaring winds, as if it were the end of the world.


    One Great Power after another emerged, looking up to observe, yet they could not discern the source of the violent wind nor where it was heading; naturally, they were also clueless about what caused this significant change.


    "Could it be that the Great Wall of Heaven has collapsed, and the Demon Horn Tribe has launched a massive invasion?" exclaimed a Great Power from the Yin-Yang Temple.


    "It shouldn''t be. If the Great Wall of Heaven had collapsed and the Demon Horn Tribe was invading, there should be surging black clouds, along with rolling miasma. But look at the winds now. They''re not evil, nor do they carry any miasma. Instead, they contain some kind of magical energy!"


    "Exactly, I''ve felt it too. While the energy is very faint, its quality is not low at all. It''s just a pity that the wind is too violent; otherwise, it could be used for cultivation," another Great Power lamented.


    "Right, is it possible that this is a sign of the emergence of Treasures of Heaven and Earth?" suddenly, another Great Power asked.


    "That''s possible. After all, this storm is very divine, somewhat like the signs that appear before the emergence of a peerless treasure. However, we can''t find out its source or where the storm is heading, so the exact location of this treasure''s appearance is also unknown!"


    While the few Great Powers in the Outer Battlefield were startled and guessing, the commotion on Earth was also significant.


    Even some ordinary people who didn''t understand the reasons behind it thought that divine beings had descended and started praying on the ground.


    And many with some foundation in cultivation, such as students from the Martial Academy, as well as ordinary disciples from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts and the Four Great Ancient Clans, could feel an unusual energy from these suddenly arising storms.


    Thus, they each sat down cross-legged and began to absorb it!


    What Ye Feng didn''t realize was that the huge commotion he inadvertently caused was, in fact, helping many people on Earth with their cultivation. This inadvertently led to an improvement in the overall level of Earth''s cultivators.


    Of course, these individuals were only absorbing scattered bits of energy while cultivating. The true Qi of Xuanhuang was actually entering mostly into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    This was also why only lower-level Martial Artists or Cultivators could take advantage of this to cultivate. In contrast, the Great Powers were unable to absorb it because the energy was too scattered and the disturbance was too great.


    At this moment, if there had been a Sky-reaching Powerhouse beyond the Void Realm, or someone with an extremely strong mental power, they would have been able to see streams of Xuanhuang-colored energy emerging from the land, mountains, and the bodies of common people, mixing with the violent wind and continuously pouring into the secret realm, and finally, all flooding into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s excited expression had yet to calm down.


    He stood on the ground, looking up as streams of Qi of Xuanhuang continuously poured into the scroll floating in mid-air.


    And the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll glowed divinely, shimmering and looking extremely mystical.


    Ye Feng naturally knew what this Qi of Xuanhuang was; it was an energy level even higher than Origin Energy. It could be used not only for cultivating the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints but also for enhancing the Mental Power Nucleus.


    Although Ye Feng had gradually obtained quite a bit of this Qi of Xuanhuang before, all of it added up was still far less than what he now had¡ªnot even one-fourth as much.


    Streams of Qi of Xuanhuang continued to surge in, and Ye Feng''s originally excited emotions gradually calmed down. At that moment, he couldn''t help but wonder why the Qi of Xuanhuang was suddenly rushing in from all corners of the world.


    Just now, all he did was to press the Royal Authority Divine Seal onto the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, which then triggered such a massive disturbance.


    "It looks like the combination of the Royal Authority Divine Seal and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll is what caused this miraculous event of heaven and earth!" Ye Feng contemplated in his heart.


    Suddenly, with a summoning gesture from the Great Hand, the Royal Authority Divine Seal returned to his grasp. The eight large characters at the base of the divine seal had lost their former luster and had become exceedingly dim.


    "Wait, could the problem lie with these eight characters: ''I am the Heaven, suppressing everything?''"


    Ye Feng''s mind stirred suddenly, and he repeatedly pondered the issue until he eventually came to a tentative conclusion.


    "So it seems, this Royal Authority Divine Seal has the effect of suppressing mountains and the world. The Heavenly Edict Scroll of the Divine Path that I''m currently cultivating happens to be the First Layer Emperor''s Dao Cultivation Method. The Royal Authority Divine Seal aligns perfectly with the Emperor''s Dao; hence, when the seal was pressed down, it activated the attributes of the Emperor''s Dao, forcibly seizing this world''s energy of Qi of Xuanhuang!"


    Ye Feng thought more and more that this must be the reason.


    "Considering this, could this Qi of Xuanhuang be the Emperor''s Qi?" Ye Feng frowned tightly; he really couldn''t fully comprehend this Qi of Xuanhuang.


    However, that didn''t matter. What was important was knowing that he could use this Qi of Xuanhuang for cultivation; other concerns could wait for later.


    Finally, after half a quarter hour, the tumultuous upheaval of heaven and earth gradually subsided, and the storm slowly died down.


    At this time, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll suspended in midair also began retracting its tens of thousands of Xuanhuang rays of light, returning to normal.


    "Return!" With a thought from Ye Feng, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll closed by itself and swept into his Sea of Consciousness through his glabella.


    "Hiss... My heavens, so heavy! Why has this scroll suddenly become so much heavier?" Ye Feng felt darkness before his eyes, and his consciousness almost blurred out, on the verge of fainting.


    Fortunately, his Mental Power Nucleus had transformed, and his spiritual power had been further strengthened, allowing him to grit his teeth and endure.


    But the feeling was extremely unbearable, as if a mountain was pressing down on his nerves, a thousand catties burdening his consciousness, making it impossible for him to even move a step.


    "To think that the Qi of Xuanhuang also has weight; thank goodness my Mental Power Nucleus has transformed. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have been able to withstand it. My Sea of Consciousness would have been crushed and shattered, turning me directly into an idiot!" Ye Feng couldn''t help but feel a rush of fear. Indeed, there were risks in cultivation, and one must be cautious in seeking Dao Enlightenment!


    "It looks like I won''t be able to leave seclusion in a short time. I''ll start by digesting and absorbing some of this Qi of Xuanhuang. But I really don''t know whether this time my Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints can make a breakthrough and reach the Great Perfection Realm!"


    Thinking this, Ye Feng slowly sat down cross-legged and, despite the heavy pressure on his consciousness, he closed his eyes and re-entered his Cultivation State.

 Chapter 761 - 735: I Already Learned It Just by Watching

    ```


    The global anomaly occurred quickly and dissipated just as fast, but even as the storm clouds cleared, people were still eager to talk about it.


    Particularly martial artists and cultivators with a certain level of training felt nostalgic for the benefits brought by the storm, as it contained traces of special energy, allowing many who were at a bottleneck stage or in the midst of cultivating to break through.


    Of course, this caused a sensation within the scope of Earth, and now with the continuous promotion of the Martial Academy of Xuanyuan Nation, more and more people were practicing martial arts, almost achieving Ye Feng''s initial goal of universal martial training.


    As Xuanyuan Nation kept promoting it, other powerful nations in the world also began to implement methods of cultivation. After all, the upper echelons of power understood that there was probably about a year left before the Demon Horn Tribe would launch a major attack, making the implementation of universal martial training imminent.


    However, unlike Earth, the entire Outer Battlefield was engulfed in extreme unrest as the Four Great Powers, including the Independent Cultivator League and many high-level great powers, mobilized in an attempt to find the source and cause of the storm.


    Because the major powers generally believed that such anomalies heralded the emergence of incomparable treasures, but no matter how much everyone investigated, they found nothing.


    It seemed as if the storm had appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as mysteriously, ultimately forcing the powerful entities of the major powers to give up their search.


    Ye Feng, the person directly involved, was unaware of the commotion caused in the Outer Battlefield and on Earth, as he was completely immersed in his cultivation.


    It must be said that this Qi of Xuanhuang was much more advanced than Origin Energy, and not only could it be used to cultivate the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints but could also be used to improve the Mental Power Nucleus.


    Given the current situation, Ye Feng knew that his priority was to cultivate the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints to Great Perfection, so he strategically slowed down the cultivation of the Mental Power Nucleus.


    After all, the Mental Power Nucleus had already undergone an initial transformation, so it made sense to set it aside and adapt to it for some time.


    As copious Qi of Xuanhuang surged forth from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and entered Ye Feng''s body.


    Under the cultivation method of the Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints, this Qi of Xuanhuang consciously targeted and charged toward each acupoint.


    Acupoints that were previously difficult to open even with Origin Energy began to loosen and were successfully penetrated under the influence of the Qi of Xuanhuang.


    "Such speed! If this continues, it won''t be long before I can fully cultivate this technique to the Great Perfection Realm!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help feeling invigorated, but he also noticed that although the acupoints were being opened quickly, the consumption of the Qi of Xuanhuang was equally rapid.


    After observing for a while, Ye Feng had a rough understanding in his heart, and he then fully dedicated himself, methodically continuing his cultivation.


    Time, like a fleeting steed, always slips away when one is least aware, and in the blink of an eye, three months passed.


    On a certain day after three months, Ye Feng finally opened his eyes and stepped out of his cultivation state.


    "Huff..."


    Ye Feng took a deep breath, and in an instant, a long breath swept out like a dragon, lasting for an extended period.


    Furthermore, Ye Feng''s eyes shone with bright brilliance.


    After more than three months of cultivation, the Qi of Xuanhuang from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had finally been absorbed and refined in its entirety, and Ye Feng''s acupoint count had successfully reached two thousand nine hundred seventy.


    "To think, this secluded cultivation allowed me to open several dozen acupoints in one go, this pace is quite fast. My Spirit Essence has strengthened threefold compared to before, and my combat power has greatly increased!"


    Ye Feng secretly estimated that if he now used the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, it would not drain all the Spirit Essence in his body with a single strike as it had on Two Pillar Mountain.


    "Now, I can at least unleash three strikes, and with the Royal Authority Divine Seal, assuming I burn my acupoints, I can definitely execute it twice!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but clench his fists slowly. In other words, he was almost invincible under the Void Realm.


    Any Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm was no longer his match, and even against a Half-Step Void Realm opponent, with the aid of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, Ye Feng was confident he could at least put up a fight.


    "Good, overall this secluded cultivation has brought tremendous gains. Both the Three Thousand Acupoints and the Mental Power Nucleus have greatly improved. It looks like it''s time to come out of seclusion!"


    Saying that, Ye Feng slowly stood up.


    But suddenly, he remembered that not only did he possess the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword, but also the Sword of Royal Authority.


    This Sword of Royal Authority was forged from the enhancement of the Sky-breaking Divine Spear and Emperor''s Sword among others, and its power was in no way inferior to that of the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword.


    Because it complemented his techniques better, Ye Feng found it more comfortable to use. For the same level of power, it consumed less Spirit Essence.


    In light of this, the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword seemed somewhat redundant.


    "Ah, right now, Qingyan doesn''t have a suitable offensive magic treasure. The Sky-breaking Sword will be perfect for her!"


    Thinking to himself, Ye Feng''s figure flickered and he disappeared on the spot. In the next moment, he appeared in the backyard behind the pavilions and terraces.


    At this time, Hong Qingyan was still sitting cross-legged on the pavilion, seemingly having been in secluded cultivation there for a while.


    Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed, immediately noting that although Qingyan''s realm had not changed much, her aura was more harmonious, indicating she was steadily approaching the Perfected Golden Core Realm.


    ```


    And thanks to the several Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds she had consumed before, Hong Qingyan faintly touched the threshold of the Yin-Yang Realm.


    "I almost forgot; I should pay more attention to see where there might be more Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds and strive to help Qingyan break through to the Yin-Yang Realm as soon as possible!"


    As Ye Feng thought this, he slowly walked over.


    Hong Qingyan seemed to sense someone approaching, so she immediately stopped cultivating and opened her eyes to see that it was Ye Feng, her face instantly filled with joy.


    "Big Brother Ye, have you finished your secluded cultivation?" Hong Qingyan quickly stood up and asked.


    Ye Feng nodded and said with a smile, "How has it been, waiting for me for over three months? Didn''t you feel bored staying here?"


    Hong Qingyan shook her head and replied, "Not at all, I''ve always liked the quiet. It''s usually very peaceful here, which I enjoy. Besides, knowing that you, Big Brother Ye, were nearby made me less inclined to go anywhere else."


    Ye Feng nodded slightly, then with a flip of his wrist, he took out the Purple Thunder Heaven-Cracking Sword.


    "This Sky-breaking Sword is for you. Spend the next two or three days getting a feel for it. Although with your current cultivation realm you cannot wield it, I''ve filled it with Spirit Essence, which will allow you to launch an attack with power comparable to a Great Power at the Peak Realm!"


    As he spoke, Ye Feng handed the Sky-breaking Sword over.


    Hong Qingyan didn''t accept it, but waved her hand and said, "Big Brother Ye, this sword has extraordinary power. I saw you use it at Two Pillar Mountain. You should keep it for yourself; you need it more."


    Ye Feng chuckled and replied, "I have another magic treasure that is more suitable for me. Take the Sky-breaking Sword. Remember to comprehend it well. This will give me peace of mind, knowing it can save you at a critical moment."


    Initially, Hong Qingyan wanted to decline, but Ye Feng had already stuffed the Sky-breaking Sword into her hands while remembering to add with a pout, "We''re already husband and wife; you shouldn''t be so formal with me. Take it quickly, or I''ll get angry!"


    After hearing this, Hong Qingyan accepted the sword, and with a smile she said, "Actually, Big Brother Ye, while you were using it at Two Pillar Mountain, I watched you perform those sword moves so many times that I''ve learned them."


    "Oh? You learned just by watching from the side?" Ye Feng asked somewhat surprised.


    "Yes. Do you want me to demonstrate it for you?" Hong Qingyan said confidently.


    However, Ye Feng shook his head with a sigh, "Everyone says I have strong talent, but it seems my wife has the real talent. I practiced so hard on Two Pillar Mountain, and yet just by watching you''ve learned it."


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help but laugh, "Back then I was bored, so I kept watching you. Naturally, I learned after seeing it many times."


    As she spoke, she grasped the hilt of the sword in both hands, ready to execute the moves.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng quickly stopped her, "Don''t perform it now. I''ve filled it with Spirit Essence, allowing you to strike with full force. If you release it now, wouldn''t that be a waste?"


    "That makes sense. In that case, I won''t perform it," agreed Hong Qingyan, nodding.


    Ye Feng said, "You ponder over it here. I''m going out to the square to have a look. I''ll spend a couple of days interacting with them, offering pointers to those little fellows."


    Hong Qingyan nodded in agreement, and then Ye Feng''s figure flashed, reaching the inside of the Spirit Pool.


    When people in the Spirit Pool saw their lord suddenly appear, they all withdrew from their cultivation state.


    "After cultivating for so long, take a break, everyone. Gather at the square. Over the next three days, I will discuss issues related to cultivation. You''re welcome to ask any questions you have; I believe this will be of help to you!"


    After speaking, Ye Feng vanished on the spot, and in the next moment, he appeared on the square.


    "What did our lord just say? Our lord is going to personally teach us? Did I hear that right?" a Northern Border soldier said excitedly.


    "You heard right; the lord did say just that. Think about it, it''s been almost two years since the Martial Academy was established, and our lord, as the dean, hasn''t held a single class there yet. Now we''re in luck to be getting special instruction directly from him!" a Martial Academy student exclaimed.


    "Forget your musings; those who are clever have already left. Hurry up and grab a good spot, and listen carefully to the lord''s teachings. Don''t miss this excellent opportunity!" someone suddenly shouted.


    "Damn, you guys move fast. Wait for me, hey!"


    Instantly, all the prodigies in the Spirit Pool were in an uproar, each of them rushing toward the square as if they were flying.


    And outside the square, the students with slightly lesser qualifications also became excited and thrilled upon hearing that their lord would be teaching.


    Ye Feng sat cross-legged on a meditation mat on the high platform, looking down at his subordinates filled with excitement, feeling very moved.


    This reminded him of the days when he was still in the Northern Border, how the Old Northern King would gather everyone in the training grounds on the first and fifteenth days of each month to impart Martial Dao.


    Gesturing for everyone to quiet down, Ye Feng began to share his Martial Dao experience. Over these three days, he was extremely forthcoming, imparting freely, and the crowd below listened very attentively.


    The last half-day was for an open question-and-answer session, and everyone was enthusiastic in asking questions, to which Ye Feng provided detailed explanations and answers.


    Then, on the afternoon of the third day, Hong Qingyan suddenly received an urgent message. As soon as she read the message, her expression changed drastically.

 Chapter 762 - 736: Kneel down and apologize with a kowtow!

    Hong Qingyan carefully confirmed the message on the Message Talisman, and then, without hesitation, immediately stood up and flew towards the square.


    At this moment, Ye Feng''s teaching on the square was reaching its end, and the numerous subordinates, after listening, were all frowning in thought, evidently reflecting on and trying to comprehend what Ye Feng had talked about these past three days.


    "Big Brother Ye, I''ve encountered a bit of a situation on my end. Are you available right now?" Hong Qingyan said after she appeared in the square.


    "What happened?" Ye Feng asked as he stood up and walked over.


    "It''s regarding the Ancient Hong Clan. It''s not quite convenient to talk about it here. Let''s go to the back courtyard to discuss," Hong Qingyan said with a somewhat flustered expression.


    Ye Feng nodded, and then the two of them went to the pavilion in the back courtyard.


    "What has happened to the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan?" Ye Feng asked.


    Hong Qingyan pondered for a moment before speaking, "I just received a message saying that my father, in his secluded cultivation, was in a hurry to break through to the Yin-Yang Realm, but something went wrong, he deviated, and now he''s in critical condition, possibly unable to last a few more days!"


    Ye Feng frowned upon hearing this and asked, "Who sent you the message?"


    Hong Qingyan shook her head, "I don''t know, it was a message from a stranger, and it only told me about this matter, nothing more," she said.


    Ye Feng''s brows knitted tightly as he fell deep into thought.


    In fact, he knew that though Qingyan did not have strong feelings for the Ancient Hong Clan, she was, after all, from the Hong Family, and as the saying goes, blood is thicker than water. No matter what, she still had some feelings for her father in Hong Tianguo.


    "Qingyan, what do you intend to do?" Ye Feng asked after some thought.


    Hong Qingyan sighed, "I don''t know. He is my father by blood and reason, and I should pay him a visit. But I know that the Hong Family has always been at odds with you, and I even suspect that this is likely a trap they''ve set on purpose, aiming to lure me back to the Ancient Hong Clan."


    Ye Feng slightly nodded, "Not ruling out that possibility, after all, that ancestor Hong Wuji of the Hong Family, has always wanted me dead," he said.


    However, as he spoke, Ye Feng''s brow quirked up, and he said, "But what if this is true? If your father really is suffering from deviation in his Martial Practice and his days are numbered, not being able to see him for one last time as his daughter, you might feel remorseful."


    Ye Feng understood Hong Qingyan very well, as she was his wife after all.


    Hong Qingyan has always been pure-hearted and kind, even excessively so. If this event were to cast a shadow over her heart, she might even face the risk of developing a Heart Demon in the future, which would undoubtedly have a very large impact on her cultivation.


    "Then how about this, Big Brother Ye, I''ll go back alone," Hong Qingyan suggested. "Whether it''s true or not, as long as you don''t accompany me, they will have no way to proceed with their plans."


    This indeed seemed like a good idea, but Ye Feng smiled at the suggestion.


    "What are you talking about, Qingyan? You''re my wife. It''s my duty as a husband to accompany my wife on her first visit back home," Ye Feng declared loudly.


    "But Big Brother Ye, what if it really is a trap set by the Hong Family?" Hong Qingyan said.


    Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively, chuckling, "Even if it''s a trap, it''s no matter. Speaking of which, as the son-in-law of the Hong Family, it''s about time for a visit!"


    Hong Qingyan wanted to say more, but was interrupted by Ye Feng, "No time like the present, let''s set off now!"


    Saying this, he immediately took Hong Qingyan''s hand, their figures shimmering, and they left the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, arriving above a small mound on the outside.


    The Great Powers'' secret agents were still hidden around the area, but upon seeing Ye Feng emerge, they dared not make any rash moves. After all, with Ye Feng''s current reputation, he wasn''t someone just any Expert of the Golden Core Realm could provoke.


    Ye Feng himself couldn''t be bothered with these people. After passing some instructions to Elder Bai through a Message Talisman, the two of them flew directly eastward.


    In less than half an hour, they had left the Outer Battlefield and reached the East Sea above Earth.


    Reaching Earth, Ye Feng definitely felt the gravitational laws lighten and the suppression on him was much less. Of course, the space of Earth was much weaker than that of the Outer Battlefield. Here, a light punch from him might be enough to create a hole in space.


    "Big Brother Ye, the Hong Family has messaged me again, saying that their people are waiting in the Northern Cloud Residence," Hong Qingyan said, and then suddenly added, "Looking at it this way, Big Brother Ye, this is very likely a deliberate trap set by the Hong Family. They are trying to lure me into it."


    Ye Feng merely smiled faintly upon hearing this and said, "What''s the harm if they try to ensnare me? Who ends up catching whom is still up for debate!"


    If this had been three months ago, Ye Feng may have been somewhat concerned, but after three months of cultivation, his Technique of the Three Thousand Acupoints was nearing Great Perfection, and with the transformation of his Mental Power Nucleus, as well as treasures like the Sword of Royal Authority and the Royal Authority Divine Seal, it wouldn''t matter even if this were a trap laid by the Hong Family!


    In this realm, there weren''t many who could stop Ye Feng now!


    "Let''s go, back to the Northern Cloud Residence!" Ye Feng said in a deep voice, promptly taking Hong Qingyan with him as they broke through the sky. On Earth, he could almost achieve Void Teleportation, and in just a few breaths'' time, moved from the East Sea to the Northern Cloud Residence.


    "People from the Ancient Hong Clan did indeed come!" Just a slight probe from Ye Feng, and everything within Northern Cloud Residence was within his sight.


    This time, the people from the Ancient Hong Clan were none other than three elders - Hong Tianze, Hong Dize, and Hong Renze.


    Speaking of which, there had been no small conflict between Ye Feng and these three elders of the Hong Clan in the past. Back in the capital city, before Ye Feng had stepped into the Cultivation of the Golden Core Realm, these three elders had clashed with him and even set up a Great Formation in an attempt to hunt down Ye Feng.


    At that time, it was for this reason that Long Nannan forcibly initiated her dragon transformation, and Hong Qingyan also forcibly used the ancient bloodline''s Wings of Light heritage.


    "Who would have thought that these three old fogeys would actually dare to come knocking on the door!" Ye Feng let out a faint cold laugh, then descended into the courtyard.


    In the reception hall, Hong Tianze and the other two men, upon seeing Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan''s sudden return, immediately stood up.


    The hot-tempered Hong Dize was the first to speak in a deep voice, "Just as I thought, you, surnamed Ye, have finally returned. And you, Hong Qingyan, I thought you would neglect your father''s life and death, but now it seems you are not completely heartless and disloyal."


    Hong Qingyan frowned slightly, but for the moment didn''t know how to respond.


    Ye Feng, however, looked at the three men and coldly laughed, "I really didn''t expect that now, in the face of me, you old fool still cannot rein in your temper. And you three old fogeys, who struck out at me that day, actually dared to come knocking today, your gall is indeed not small!"


    Hong Dize spoke gravely, "Surnamed Ye, we have heard about the commotion you caused on the Outer Battlefield. It must be said, your talent is indeed exceptional, but do not forget that behind us is the Ancient Hong Clan, our ancestor is the Hall Master of the Xuanyuan Hall on the Outer Battlefield!"


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but laugh upon hearing these words, and with a taunting smile, he said, "Indeed, your ancestor Hong Wuji is one of the Four Hall Masters of Xuanyuan Hall, but so what? Even Hong Wuji himself wouldn''t dare speak to me like this, let alone you!"


    "You, surnamed Ye, truly have a big mouth, to dare not take even our Hong Clan Ancestor seriously!" Hong Dize and Hong Renze were instantly enraged.


    In fact, regarding what Ye Feng had done on the Outer Battlefield over the past year, although people on Earth had heard about it, most had only heard rumors and didn''t have the full picture. For instance, people like Hong Dize and Hong Renze heard about Ye Feng''s deeds mostly through the descendants of the Ancient Hong Clan who returned from the Outer Battlefield.


    These descendants of the Ancient Hong Clan originally looked down upon Ye Feng, and inevitably would belittle him subjectively when speaking of him, leading to the misunderstanding that, whether it was the Hong Clan, the Bu Family, or people from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, none knew how powerful Ye Feng truly was.


    Otherwise, these three elders of the Hong Clan wouldn''t dare speak to him in such a manner, even if they had a hundred times more courage.


    Hong Tianze was somewhat more even-tempered and waved his hand, "Ye Feng, the clan leader''s life is at stake. I don''t want to talk about the previous grudges here and now. Since you''ve rushed back from the Outer Battlefield, it''s naturally because Qingyan wants to see her father one last time. In that case, let''s hurry on our way."


    Hong Renze said in a deep voice, "Our Ancient Hong Clan Territory is extremely concealed. If not out of consideration for Hong Qingyan not being able to find us, do you think I would be willing to come here to meet you?"


    Hong Dize also coldly snapped, "That''s right. Don''t really think we wanted to come to meet you. Do you really think, just because you''ve been to the Outer Battlefield once, you see yourself as someone important?"


    Hong Tianze waved his hands and said, "That''s enough from you two. Regardless, Hong Qingyan is the clan leader''s daughter, and Ye Feng is now our son-in-law in the Hong Clan. You should speak less, just follow the ancestor''s instructions and bring the two of them back, that''s all."


    At that point, Hong Tianze stepped aside and gestured, "The clan leader''s condition is not optimistic. Please come with us."


    Ye Feng, however, stood in place and said coldly, "I can go with you, but before we go, I want those two to do something."


    After speaking, Ye Feng extended his hand, pointing toward the two elders, Hong Dize and Hong Renze.


    "You want them to do something, what do you want them to do?" inquired Hong Tianze.


    "Kneel down, kowtow to apologize, and considering Qingyan''s feelings, I''ll let you two off the hook. Otherwise, don''t blame me for being impolite!" Ye Feng articulated each word.


    "What did you say? You want us to kneel down and kowtow to you? Did I hear that right? Have you gone mad or simply out of your mind? You truly have some nerve!" Hong Dize gnashed his teeth as he shouted angrily.


    "Surnamed Ye, I think since you''ve come out from the Outer Battlefield, you''ve become recklessly arrogant. You think, in over a year, only you have made progress, and we have not become stronger? I''ll tell you, we are not necessarily afraid of you in a real fight!" bellowed Hong Renze in fury as well.


    Ye Feng spoke in a frosty voice, "Kneel or not, you have ten seconds to decide!"


    "Decide my foot, I''ll tell you, lad, had it not been for the ancestor''s orders before coming here, forbidding us from acting rashly, otherwise, I would have already struck you down..."


    But before the two could finish speaking, Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, as he suddenly shouted coldly, "Kneel down!"


    As he spoke, two surges of momentum burst forth from Ye Feng towards Hong Dize and Hong Renze.


    Just as Hong Dize and Hong Renze intended to fight back, their expressions changed drastically in the next moment, for they suddenly felt as though a terrifying mountain was pressing down upon their heads, leaving them no room for resistance, and they fell to their knees with a thud.


    Yet that was not all, the fearsome momentum rushed into their bodies and shattered Hong Dize and Hong Renze''s dantians, and even their Eight Extraordinary Meridians were broken.


    Pfft...


    Both spat blood on the spot and nearly fainted.


    With just the outburst of his aura, Ye Feng had broken the meridians and destroyed the dantians of two elders of the Ancient Clan that were about to enter the Golden Core Realm. Hong Tianze, who was beside them, was scared stiff on the spot, feeling a chill running down his spine.


    "You... you actually, you''ve crippled us, you... you''ve got some nerve!" Hong Dize and Hong Renze gritted their teeth and screamed.


    Ye Feng stared at them, saying coldly, "Two ants who haven''t even reached the Golden Core Realm dared to be so arrogant and presumptuous in front of me. If you dare utter one more word, you''ll be killed without mercy!"


    Although Hong Dize and Hong Renze were filled with rage and humiliation, upon seeing the terrifying intent to kill in Ye Feng''s eyes, and the strong force emanating from his body, they finally did not dare to say another word.


    "Lead the way ahead!" Ye Feng waved his Great Hand, radiating an air of majestic disdain.

 Chapter 763 - 737: The Fish Has Taken the Bait

    Hong Dize and Hong Renze knelt there stiffly, their meridians now shattered and their dantians forced out, rendering them essentially cripples.


    Despite the severe pain ravaging their bodies, neither dared to make so much as a sound, for the aura Ye Feng had displayed was overwhelmingly powerful.


    Although Hong Tianze stood his ground, a chill shot up from his feet to his forehead. Even as he tried desperately to retain his composure, his legs still involuntarily trembled.


    Both faces were undoubtedly etched with intense fear.


    There was a time, not more than a year and a half ago, when the three of them could easily suppress Ye Feng. Back in the Northern Cloud Residence, they had joined forces to set up the Fiery Sun Great Formation and had almost left Ye Feng powerless to fight back.


    But in less than two years, Ye Feng had grown terrifyingly strong. Without even lifting a finger, just a single glance had brought Hong Dize and his comrade to their knees, even shattering their dantians.


    Hong Dize and his companion had already reached the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment, on the cusp of breaking through to the Golden Core Realm. Yet even at this level, they were still utterly crushed by Ye Feng.


    In fact, what Hong Tianze and his brothers didn''t realize was that even as strong as the Golden Core Realm, they would still be unable to withstand Ye Feng''s oppressive presence, for his power had reached unfathomable depths.


    Throughout this ordeal, Hong Qingyan had simply watched in silence without intervening. Naturally, she couldn''t care less to do so. Although she also bore the Hong surname, she had virtually no affection for the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. These three had even tried to kill Big Brother Ye back then, and their current crippled state was nothing but their own doing.


    Suddenly shaking his head with a sigh of resignation, Hong Tianze turned and motioned with his hand, "Mr. Ye, please go ahead."


    Without another word, Ye Feng took Hong Qingyan''s hand and stepped out of the hall.


    Hong Tianze quickly seized the moment to feed a Pill Medicine to Hong Dize and the other, improving their condition slightly.


    "The Old Northern King warned us not to provoke him. Don''t you understand?" Hong Tianze shook his head as he said, "Ye Feng is no longer the same. Do you regret your actions now?"


    Grinding his teeth, Hong Dize growled, "Who would have thought this Ye Feng had grown so much stronger? We concede today, but once we return to the clan territory, his death is certain."


    With gritted teeth, Hong Renze added, "When that time comes, I will personally slice off his flesh one piece at a time, drink his blood dry, and take his head for a trophy ball!"


    "You two, keep it down. If you anger him again, you can forget about your little lives!" warned Hong Tianze, shaking his head in disbelief.


    By now, Ye Feng had reached the courtyard, too indifferent to bother with the trio behind him. Just as he arrived, he suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure.


    This person, dressed in a green robe, was sitting by the lake, lost in thought.


    "Ning Weiwei?" Hong Qingyan was the first to call out before making her way over.


    Ning Weiwei, hearing the sound, turned to see Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan approaching and, without a word, made to leave.


    "Weiwei, wait a moment!" Hong Qingyan called after her, catching up and grabbing her arm. "Why are you leaving as soon as you see us?"


    Ning Weiwei, the daughter of the Old Northern King, had initially harbored resentment against Ye Feng due to her father and had been indifferent towards him. Even after realizing her father''s good intentions, there was still a significant distance between her and Ye Feng.


    Consequently, the proud and haughty Ning Weiwei had refused to follow Ye Feng, choosing instead to collaborate with the second- and third-generation members of the Utility Pavilion.


    It had been said that later, Ning Weiwei joined forces with some distinguished young men from the imperial city to venture into the Outer Battlefield. But her experience there seemed less than successful; as of now, Ning Weiwei had only reached the third layer of the Spirit Division Realm of the Divine Path.


    She had not only failed to reach the Saint Realm but had also continued on the Martial Dao, never choosing to abandon Martial Arts for Daoism. This undoubtedly left her far behind.


    Ning Weiwei was once considered a genius with some talent in the Utility Pavilion, but years of pride and obstinance had left her far behind, not even on par with Ye Feng''s subordinates, let alone matching Ye Feng himself.


    In fact, it wasn''t just Ye Feng''s subordinates¡ª even the subordinates'' subordinates, such as Gai Jiuyou''s commanders like Chu Huaimin and Cao Tian, were now well beyond Ning Weiwei''s reach.


    Blocked from departing, Ning Weiwei could only stop and say, "Why have you suddenly come back?"


    "We''ve returned for some business," replied Hong Qingyan. "Speaking of which, I heard you also teamed up to enter the Outer Battlefield. How did that go? Did you gain anything?"


    Ning Weiwei''s face fell dark as she shook her head, lamenting, "Let''s not talk about it. We barely started when we encountered a formidable monster. Many of our teammates died or were injured, and I only survived because I had a protective Magic Treasure. We returned from the Outer Battlefield shortly after that."


    Understandingly, Hong Qingyan nodded. "Yes, the dangers of the Outer Battlefield are many, and without sufficient experience or a powerful leader to guide, it''s easy to encounter danger. You''re lucky to have made it back alive."


    Pausing for a moment, Hong Qingyan added, "How about this, Weiwei? From now on, why don''t you join us? Big Brother Ye has become much stronger now, and with his guidance, it''ll be safer."


    Without responding, Ning Weiwei fell silent, biting her lip and looking down. Inside, she was already wavering, even tempted, but as someone always bound by pride, she found it hard to swallow her ego.


    Ye Feng, watching this, felt a sudden pang of guilt. After all, although Ning Weiwei could be stubborn and willful, she was inherently not bad by nature. And due to the history with the Old Northern King, Ye Feng and Ning Weiwei were, in a way, like siblings, considering how the Old Northern King had treated him like his own son.


    Ye Feng still remembered that when the Old Northern King was on his deathbed, he had entrusted him to take good care of Ning Weiwei in the future. However, now it seemed that Ye Feng had neither fulfilled the Old Northern King''s request nor carried out his responsibility as a brother.


    With this thought, Ye Feng stepped forward and said, "I need to return to the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan with Qingyan. Once things there are settled, I will take you to the Outer Battlefield and let you cultivate in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm. But before that, I have a task for you. Only after you''ve completed this task will you be qualified to enter the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm for cultivation."


    In fact, Ye Feng understood Ning Weiwei''s character very well. She was a girl with high aspirations and great pride, so his words had been carefully considered.


    Sure enough, upon hearing this, Ning Weiwei immediately raised her chin and asked, "I''ve heard about the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm too. It''s an excellent place to break through to the Golden Core Realm. Just tell me what the task is, and I assure you it will be completely done."


    Ye Feng immediately said, "I''m giving you half a month. During this time, you must abandon Martial Arts for Daoism completely."


    "Abandon Martial Arts for Daoism?" Ning Weiwei frowned.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng felt a surge of self-reproach. It seemed that Ning Weiwei still had no idea what abandoning Martial Arts for Daoism meant. Thereupon, he flipped his wrist and took out a piece of cowhide, saying, "On this cowhide, I have recorded detailed instructions about abandoning Martial Arts for Daoism. Additionally, there is a Dao Technique, which isn''t too profound. With your talent, you should understand it at one glance. Of course, if you can''t comprehend it, then there''s no need for you to continue on the path of Daoism."


    With that, Ye Feng flipped his wrist again and a brocade box appeared in the palm of his hand. He then handed the brocade box over, saying, "This brocade box contains fifteen superior Spirit Stones, enough for you to abandon Martial Arts for Daoism. In half a month, my condition is that you complete abandoning Martial Arts for Daoism and initially step into the Foundation Establishment Realm. If you don''t achieve this, it means your talent is too poor, and you''d better be an ordinary person from then on."


    Ning Weiwei was shocked, unconsciously widening her eyes as she looked at Ye Feng, and said, "Fifteen superior Spirit Stones, these are Spirit Stones, and superior ones at that! I''ve heard from other companions that Spirit Stones are extremely precious, not to mention superior Spirit Stones!"


    What Ning Weiwei didn''t know was that the parchment Ye Feng gave her was far more precious than those fifteen Spirit Stones.


    Hong Qingyan smiled and said, "Since it''s something Big Brother Ye has given you, you should quickly accept it."


    "Remember, half a month!" Ye Feng said no more, and immediately took Hong Qingyan''s hand and left.


    As Ning Weiwei looked at the weighty brocade box in her hand, she suddenly clenched her teeth and declared, "Half a month''s time, I will definitely do it. After all, I am the Old Northern King''s daughter, and I am not lacking!"


    Ye Feng, who had already walked a good distance away, heard her words and couldn''t help but lift the corners of his mouth slightly. That proud and lofty Ning Weiwei was finally willing to acknowledge her father.


    After they stepped out of the gate, the three elders of the Hong Family were close behind.


    Hong Tianze said, "The territory of the Hong Clan is located in the middle of the Kunlun Hundred Thousand Great Mountains to the west, and it''s a considerable distance away. The two of you must follow us closely and not get lost!"


    After finishing his words, he, along with Hong Dize and Hong Renze, soared into the sky, while Ye Feng simply smiled faintly, following closely with Hong Qingyan.


    The group of five moved swiftly towards the west at great speed.


    In fact, the Kunlun Mountain Range was the ancestral mountain range of the Xuanyuan Nation. Throughout history, many prodigies had chosen to seclude themselves there, and even in the Ancient Era, there were rumors that Kunlun Mountain was a divine mountain with immortal Daoist retreats. In short, Kunlun Mountain had many legendary myths associated with it.


    Ye Feng was not sure about the veracity of other stories, but the presence of the Four Great Ancient Clans in the depths of Kunlun mountain range was undeniable. With Ye Feng''s current level of cultivation strength, if he released his spiritual power, he could cover the entire Kunlun Mountain Range. In other words, if he so desired, not even an ant within the mountains could escape his divine sight.


    However, as one of the Four Great Ancient Clans, with a legacy spanning over two thousand years, they naturally had some unknown methods at their disposal. Not to mention, the Mountain Defense Grand Formation was definitely there, and these Great Formations were likely hidden and not easy to detect, even with Ye Feng''s use of spiritual power.


    About half a day later, Hong Tianze finally slowed down and began to descend slowly towards the deep mountains below.


    "Ahead is the entrance to our Hong Clan Territory!" Hong Tianze announced, pointing toward a secluded and deep ravine.


    The ravine was shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see the situation below, but Hong Tianze, followed by the other two, dove straight into it, with Ye Feng silently behind them.


    The ravine was not very deep, and soon they reached the bottom, but there was no path at the base, only some peculiar rocks.


    Suddenly, Hong Tianze pulled out a strangely shaped key and inserted it into a groove in one of the rocks. With a rumbling sound, the rock slowly moved aside, revealing a gateway.


    "Mr. Ye, after you," Hong Tianze said, stepping aside with a gesture.


    Ye Feng remained silent, taking Hong Qingyan''s hand and walking in.


    Seeing this, Hong Dize and Hong Renze couldn''t help but raise the corners of their mouths in a sinister, cold smile, "Good, the fish has taken the bait. Now it''s time to close the net; let''s see how this youngster dies this time!"


    "You two should talk less. I don''t know why, but nowadays, whenever I see Ye Feng, I have this inexplicable sense of trepidation. I''m afraid he''s no longer the man he once was, and even our Hong Family might not be able to handle him!" Hong Tianze expressed.


    Hong Renze clenched his teeth and snorted, "That''s impossible. Our Hong Family is one of the Four Great Ancient Clans with deep foundations. Now we''re even collaborating with the Bu Family to set a trap. This youngster Ye Feng is undoubtedly doomed this time!"


    Hong Tianze shook his head and said, "You should save your breath. In any case, once he''s been lured here, I have no plans to show up. I intend to enter secluded cultivation to breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm!"


    After saying this, the three of them also entered, and then Hong Tianze slapped the rock, causing the gateway to slowly close again.

 Chapter 764 - 738: You Finally Came After All, Kid

    Passing through a long corridor, the scene ahead suddenly opened up to reveal a level valley with rows of wooden houses. Some houses looked brand new while others were very dilapidated, evidently having stood the test of time.


    At first glance, it seemed more like an ordinary stockade in the deep mountains, at best just a slightly larger one. However, if you were to think that''s all there is to it, you would be greatly mistaken.


    To start with, the wooden houses might appear haphazardly constructed, but they were actually arranged according to the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams. In other words, collectively, the houses formed a very special formation. Moreover, the area around the houses had been arranged with some special materials, enhancing this Great Formation.


    As to what this Great Formation actually was, Ye Feng couldn''t tell for the moment because he found that even his spiritual power couldn''t penetrate the ground and look deeper, as if it were blocked by some special substance.


    Besides, above the valley floated a kind of colorful mist, which looked very magical. As for what this special mist was, Ye Feng also couldn''t discern, because he discovered that this colorful mist could also block the probing of spiritual power.


    "Please come this way!" Hong Tianze said as he slightly stepped aside, leading Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan along a bluestone path towards the wooden houses in front of them.


    This was clearly a secluded ancient village of a clan, so when the locals saw outsiders entering, the entire ancient clan turned to look towards Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan.


    Of course, these were not ordinary people. Despite their clothing looking similar to ordinary folk, their aura was very powerful. Ye Feng noticed that even the children here had some foundation in cultivation, with some youngsters in their teens having already succeeded in Foundation Establishment.


    "Indeed worthy of an ancient clan, these descendants of the ancient clan are much stronger than the common folk outside, even incomparable to the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts!" Ye Feng remarked to himself.


    Strictly speaking, these Four Great Ancient Clans have a legacy dating back more than two thousand years. Their isolation from the world has ensured the continuity of their heritage, and crucially, their Dao Cultivation Method has also been preserved. Although the turbulent times back then meant that the method couldn''t be entirely conserved and passed down, even the fragmented texts are still extraordinary.


    Unlike the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts, although they are also, in a way, inheritances from over two thousand years ago, because they are enmeshed in the secular world and have undergone much turmoil, their lineage has nearly been broken several times. Therefore, in terms of foundation, these Nine Great Sects are far inferior to the Four Great Ancient Clans.


    Soon, the entire Ancient Hong Clan was alerted, and people came out from various places, staring unblinkingly at Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan. The expressions on their faces were as if they were suddenly seeing aliens intrude.


    "See that young girl? They say she''s the daughter of the clan chief, what''s her name... right, it seems to be Hong Qingyan!" A few middle-aged women who appeared to be in their forties or fifties discussed among themselves by the roadside.


    It seems that the penchant for gossiping and wagging tongues wasn''t different based on cultivation levels¡ªit was almost a common affliction among middle-aged women across the Xuanyuan Nation.


    "That lass is pretty, and I hear she has even awakened our Hong Family''s ancient bloodline inheritance, the Wings of Light. That''s really something, indeed worthy of being the clan chief''s daughter!" another woman remarked.


    "Hong Qingyan is indeed impressive. After all, she''s the clan chief''s daughter, with both her looks and talent quite exceptional. But have you seen the young man beside her? He is rumored to be the Northern Border King of Xuanyuan Nation as well as the headmaster of the Martial Academy." Suddenly, another woman whispered among them.


    No sooner had this person''s words fallen than several women said, "Of course we know that. This young man is called Ye Feng. By rights, his talent is also quite remarkable, and his cultivation realm is not low. It is said that at this year''s youth martial combat competition in the Outer Battlefield of the Milky Domain, this lad even won first place, indeed a peerless genius."


    "Hmph, who would have thought that this kid, the very same who ranked first in this year''s Martial Tournament on the Outer Battlefield, could even surpass our Hong Family''s most esteemed talent, Hong Tianyu?"


    "Not only did Tianyu fail to surpass him, but in the last Martial Dao Conference, he took second place, and this time he wasn''t even able to make it into the top three. This sufficiently proves the strength and talent of this Ye surname kid. He could be said to be the strongest of the young generation in the world today. In theory, with Ye Feng''s talent and status, he indeed would be a match for the daughter of our Hong Clan Chief, only..."


    "Only what?" A number of members of the Hong Family who were unaware of the situation had their appetites whetted.


    The person who spoke before said coldly, "Only, this Ye surname kid doesn''t get along with our Hong Family. Remember, two years ago, our three Grand Elders had dealings with this kid, and it ended up in conflict because he was too arrogant. Later, when Ye Feng entered the Outer Battlefield, he didn''t give our Ancestor any respect at all and openly provoked our Ancestor."


    Hiss...


    Many of the Hong Family members gasped after hearing this, and a good number of them scoffed, "If you ask me, this Ye surname kid is way too arrogant. He doesn''t even pay respect to our Ancestor and dares to provoke him¡ªit''s just sheer ignorance of the heights of heaven and the depths of earth!"


    "Isn''t that the truth? Our Ancestor has lived nearly two hundred years and occupies the position of one of the Four Hall Masters in Xuanyuan Hall on the Outer Battlefield, with cultivation that can Reach the Sky and penetrate the earth. That this Ye surname kid would dare to provoke him, and even is said to have repeatedly opposed our Ancestor, he''s simply asking for a death wish!"


    "If that''s so, why on earth would this kid dare to come here? Isn''t he afraid of dying?" someone suddenly asked.


    "Who knows? Perhaps the kid is just thick-skulled, or maybe he''s become so inflated with pride that he no longer knows his place. Just wait and see. The Ancestor has already returned from the Outer Battlefield and is currently in the Council Hall on our clan grounds. We''ll soon see how the Ancestor will deal with him!"


    Not just Ye Feng, but Hong Qingyan too could hear all these various whispers around them. After all, at their level of cultivation, unless using a Secret Technique Voice Transmission to converse, even a hundred meters away and whispering, they could still hear clearly.


    Yet, regardless of whether it was Ye Feng or Hong Qingyan, both were too lazy to pay any attention to these younger members of the Hong Family.


    Under the guidance of Hong Tianze, the two of them walked along the long bluestone path, turned left at a bend, and then guessed their way to a plaza.


    The circular plaza appeared ancient, with a red sun in the center, which Ye Feng glanced at and knew straight away must be the totem of the Hong Family, as many of their Cultivation Methods and Martial Techniques were related to the blazing sun.


    Beyond the plaza was a five-story tall pavilion, which was the Hong Family''s Council Hall. Any significant events faced by the family were typically discussed in meetings here.


    "Mr. Ye, the building ahead is our Hong Family''s Council Hall. The Ancestor is inside, and my task here is now complete. The two of you can proceed on your own," said Hong Tianze, bowing slightly before turning and leaving.


    At that moment, the Ancestor of the Hong Family, Hong Wuji, accompanied by several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Hong Family, came walking out from inside.


    "Ye surname, you''ve finally shown up," Hong Wuji sneered coldly.

 Chapter 765 - 739: Why Treat Him Like This!

    Hong Wuji, clad in a black robe, stood with an air of imposing authority; behind him were four Experts of the Golden Core Realm and eight Experts of the Yin-Yang Realm. It seemed that this was almost the entirety of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan''s peak power, and they were all temporarily back from the Outer Battlefield.


    However, Ye Feng knew that these ancient clans with two thousand years of heritage would definitely not just have the forces that appeared openly. Old Man Huang Niu had told him that above Ancestor Hong Wuji, the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan seemed to have three Elders of the Supreme Clan.


    In fact, every one of the Four Great Ancient Clans had Elders of the Supreme Clan who were generally over two hundred years old, and some had even lived for three to four hundred years. These were the truest old monsters of bone ash level.


    These old monsters seldom made an appearance in front of others, only emerging if the clan encountered a life-and-death crisis, otherwise, they spent most of their time in seclusion, cultivating. Even if they walked among the clan lands on a regular basis, as long as these old monsters did not wish to reveal themselves, the people of the clan naturally could not recognize them.


    Thus, aside from a few high-level members of the clan, most of the younger generation barely knew of the existence of the Elders of the Supreme Clan, let alone having heard of them.


    Furthermore, as Old Man Huang Niu had said, the cultivation realm of these Elders of the Supreme Clan of the Four Great Ancient Clans was at least at the Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm. To live for centuries, such cultivation was a necessity, and there was even the possibility of some being in the Half-Step Void Realm.


    But what of the Half-Step Void Realm? Presently, Ye Feng was not afraid at all. He now had full confidence, so even though he knew this visit to the Hong Clan might provide them with an opportunity to exploit, he still resolutely came.


    Hong Wuji stood at the entrance, looking at Ye Feng with a mocking expression on his face.


    Members of the Hong Clan emerged from their wooden houses one after another, congregating in the square to watch the excitement.


    Ye Feng remained composed and said with a light smile, "Yes, I have come. Speaking of which, as the son-in-law of the Hong Family, I''ve been somewhat neglectful, as this is my first visit!"


    As his voice fell, Hong Renze immediately hummed with a heavy voice, "Son-in-law of the Hong Family? Do you really think you''re worthy? Our Hong Family has never acknowledged you as such!"


    "Indeed, you''re far too arrogant and oblivious of gratitude. Not even kneeling in the presence of our Ancestor of the Hong Family, this is simply outrageous!"


    Having said that, Hong Dize suddenly turned his head towards Hong Wuji and said, "Ancestor, this Ye Feng just now actually severed our tendons and even broke our Dantians, causing us to become invalids. He should be immediately captured!"


    Hong Wuji hummed heavily, "Good for you, Ye Feng, you''re truly too arrogant and disrespectful. It seems, you don''t take the Ancient Hong Clan seriously at all."


    Seeing the atmosphere suddenly tense up, Hong Qingyan quickly spoke up, "Today, Big Brother Ye and I came to visit just to see how my father is doing¡ªwhat''s his condition now?"


    Pausing, Hong Qingyan continued, "Since you called us here, we have just arrived and haven''t even drunk a cup of tea before you start making trouble. Could it be that this is the Ancient Hong Clan''s way of treating guests? If that''s really the case, then this so-called ancient clan with more than two thousand years of heritage, I think, is worse than an ordinary family outside. At least those families know the most basic hospitality."


    Hong Qingyan said all this in one breath without any pause; Ye Feng couldn''t help but silently marvel, as this was almost the most she had spoken in the past six months.


    It seemed that this time, Hong Qingyan was truly angry. In fact, the more upset Hong Qingyan was, the calmer and more steady she became, a stark contrast to those who rage when they''re angry. Of course, this was also to her advantage.


    Upon hearing this, Hong Renze and Hong Dize became furious and shouted through gritted teeth, "You little wench, don''t think that just because you''re the clan chief''s daughter, you can spout nonsense here. Let me tell you, even the clan chief must be respectful in the presence of the Ancestor!"


    But at this moment, Hong Wuji suddenly waved his hand and interrupted the two, saying in a heavy voice, "You two talk less. Hong Qingyan is not wrong. After all, we''re one of the Four Great Ancient Clans with a long history of heritage. We cannot abandon the most basic rules of hospitality, lest we become a laughingstock to others."


    Hearing their Ancestor speak this way, naturally Hong Renze and Hong Dize dared not say any more.


    In fact, many people present could clearly see that Hong Wuji was so accommodating with Hong Qingyan because she was not only a member of the Hong Family Direct Lineage but also the only one who had awakened the ancestral bloodline Wings of Light of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan.


    One must know that awakening such a bloodline meant a very high chance of breaking through to the Half-Step Void Realm in the future; even with the risk of entering the territory of the Demon Horn Tribe, it was not impossible to achieve the true Void Realm.


    In other words, even though Hong Qingyan''s Cultivation Battle Power was not the highest among the younger generation of the Hong Family, her potential was undeniably the strongest!


    Hong Wuji then stepped aside, saying, "The two of you come in, let''s have tea."


    Having said that, Hong Wuji immediately walked into the hall, followed closely by more than a dozen powerful figures.


    "Big Brother Ye, let''s go in first!" Hong Qingyan was holding Ye Feng''s arm all this time.


    Ye Feng nodded, and the two of them stepped into the hall. As soon as they sat down, servants approached to pour the tea.


    Hong Qingyan took a small sip and immediately asked, "Where''s my father now, and how''s his condition?"


    Having come from afar, her greatest concern was her father; as for the other matters of the Hong Family, Hong Qingyan couldn''t be bothered to ask.


    However, Hong Wuji asked, "Has your father ever told you the reason he abandoned you all those years ago?"


    "He did; I am fully aware of everything." Hong Qingyan nodded in response.


    "Then do you bear any resentment towards your parents? Resentment towards our Hong Family?" Hong Wuji continued to inquire.


    Hong Qingyan replied without hesitation, "If I still resented them, I wouldn''t have come today. As for the Hong Family, I don''t wish to make any comments."


    Hong Wuji''s brows furrowed slightly, feeling some displeasure in his heart. He, of course, could see that Hong Qingyan held grievances or even complaints against the Hong Family.


    Hong Wuji was well aware that once Clan Chief Hong Tianguo passed away, the tie between the Hong Family and Hong Qingyan would be completely severed, making her return to the clan all but impossible.


    Hong Wuji couldn''t help but say, "Since your father''s incident, during this period, our entire Hong Family has been trying our utmost to rescue him. Not only did an Elder of the Supreme Clan intervene, but we also invited a godly doctor from the Valley of the Medicine God. However, we have yet to find a solution."


    Hong Qingyan replied, "I want to see my father first. As for everything else, let''s discuss it after I''ve seen him, if that''s alright?"


    Hong Wuji nodded and said, "That''s fine, then follow me."


    From the looks of it, it seemed highly probable that Hong Tianguo had indeed met with trouble, and the Hong Family hadn''t lied about it. Whether Hong Wuji, the Ancestor of the Hong Family, had taken this opportunity to set up a scheme against Ye Feng remained unknown. At least for now, it wasn''t evident.


    Immediately, under the lead of Hong Wuji, the group left the council hall and walked along a path of blue and white stone tiles deep into the fortress.


    Many young members of the Hong Family closely followed behind. After all, it was rare for outsiders to enter their territory, and naturally, they were very curious. According to the rules of the Four Great Ancient Clans, clan members under eighteen couldn''t leave the clan grounds, and even if they were older, they had to be at least at the Half-Step Foundation Establishment in their cultivation realm; otherwise, they were equally forbidden from venturing out.


    This resulted in those with low aptitude in the common family ranks who''d spent their whole lives without leaving the valley, being naturally very curious about the outside world.


    Following the blue and white stone path to its end, they arrived at the foot of a greenstone mountain.


    The top of the large greenstone rock was enveloped by colorful mists, obscuring its height, but at the base, there was a stone chamber, which, judging by the surrounding traces, was clearly carved out manually.


    Before Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan could approach, they heard a series of clangs and roars coming from inside the chamber.


    "No, Wanrou, I won''t leave, I can''t go, I cannot leave you behind!"


    "Wanrou, I''m sorry, it''s my inability... I failed to protect you..."


    "Qingyan, from now on your name will be Hong Qingyan. Child, don''t blame your father, I''m heartless, I had no choice. To survive, I could only leave you behind..."


    Intermittent roars echoed from within the chamber. The voice went from loud to soft, now urgent, now descending into maniacal laughter, sounding delirious as if spouting madness.


    But as Hong Qingyan made out these words, she suddenly choked up, and tears streamed down from her eyes.


    The person inside the chamber was her father, Hong Tianguo. His delirium indicated that he had indeed fallen into madness, but it seemed that he hadn''t completely lost his mind, because the repeating phrases he spoke suggested that deep within his consciousness he still remembered some things.


    Of course, under such a state, anything that could still be remembered must have left the deepest impression or been something unforgettable to him.


    The phrases he obsessively repeated were about his wife and Hong Qingyan. From his words, it was evident that he was filled with immense guilt and self-blame towards his wife and daughter.


    It was even likely that his perpetual inner guilt and remorse towards his wife and daughter had piled up over time, eventually becoming his Heart Demon, causing him to deviate during his Golden Core Realm breakthrough.


    However, the fact that a person in such a frenzied and mad state could not forget these things means they couldn''t possibly be feigned.


    And it was because of this that Hong Qingyan choked up; if she ever held even the slightest hint of blame or resentment towards her father before this, it had now vanished into thin air.


    Because Hong Qingyan could see that her father had not had an easy life over these past twenty years!


    Inside the chamber, Hong Tianguo was shackled by four thick chains made of special materials, locking him in that narrow, dimly lit stone room. His appearance was disheveled, and his body was filthy, exhibiting an indescribable look of distress and pity.


    Upon seeing this, Hong Qingyan couldn''t hold back anymore, and her tears flowed like a flood breaking its banks.


    "Father..." She shouted, rushing over, but the chamber only had a small iron window, through which it was impossible to enter.


    Inside, Hong Tianguo continued repeating those phrases over and over, the thick chains clanging on the ground.


    "You, why are you locking up my father, why are you treating him like this?" Hong Qingyan yelled out.


    The Elder on guard sighed deeply and said, "We didn''t want to do this either, but the Chief has entered a state of frenzy. If we let him out, with his high power, he could bring disaster upon the entire clan grounds. Several of our clan''s young have already died by his hand, so we had no choice but to lock him up."


    Hong Qingyan shouted back, "Deep inside he still clearly remembers some things, which means he hasn''t completely lost his mind. Is there really no hope for him?"


    The guarding Elder still shook his head and sighed, "If there were a cure, could we bear to watch the Ancestor reach such a state?"


    Hong Qingyan fell silent.


    Yet Ye Feng frowned slightly and suddenly asked, "What''s going on, from Chief Hong''s aura, he seems to have reached the Golden Core Realm?"


    "Yes, he has indeed reached the Realm of the Golden Core," Hong Wuji replied.


    "So you mean to say, he only deviated after making a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm?" Ye Feng said, then shook his head slightly and continued, "That really is strange."

 Chapter 766 - 740: You Want to Ruin My Woman

    Hong Tianguo had indeed reached the Golden Core Realm, but probably because he had just broken through not long ago, his realm''s aura was not yet stable. Moreover, due to deviation, his realm was gradually collapsing, and even his Life Essence was continuously draining away.


    In his state of mental disarray, this condition worsened. If the situation continued as it was, the patriarch of the Ancient Hong Clan probably wouldn''t have much time left to live¡ªthree months at most before he''d perish.


    Hong Qingyan turned to Ye Feng and said, "Big Brother Ye, can you calm my father down? He is in too much pain like this!"


    Ye Feng pondered briefly before nodding and saying, "I can!"


    As he spoke, he was preparing to make his move.


    However, just then, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Hong Family sternly and coldly shouted, "Ye Feng, what are you trying to do? Are you planning to make a move on Hong Tianguo? Don''t tell me you want to take this opportunity to kill him?"


    Ye Feng was planning to use his immense Spirit Essence and spiritual power to knock Hong Tianguo unconscious. Hearing this, he had to stop himself.


    But Hong Qingyan scoffed, "Ye Feng is my husband. I asked him to do it, to temporarily knock my father unconscious so he can be quiet. Is that also a problem?"


    The Yin-Yang Realm Great Power responded with a heavy voice, "Who knows if he will take the opportunity to strike and kill Hong Tianguo? After all, he is the patriarch of our Hong Family!"


    Hong Qingyan couldn''t help gritting her teeth with anger as she said, "You keep saying he is the patriarch, but look at what you''re doing to him. You lock him in such a small, dark cell with his hands and feet shackled. This is not how you treat your own people. Nor does it seem like you have any intention of saving him. Right now, you''re clearly treating him like a dog!"


    She paused momentarily, then before anyone from the Hong Family could speak, she immediately added, "When he''s useful, he''s your patriarch. Now that he''s mentally deranged and deviated, you treat him like this. So this is the so-called Ancient Hong Clan¡ªtruly selfish and coldhearted!"


    "What did you say? That is utterly preposterous! Don''t think that just because you''ve awakened the Bloodline Inheritance of our Ancient Hong Clan you can speak so presumptuously. Do you believe I would cripple you right now?" snapped the very same Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm who had spoken earlier.


    Upon hearing these words, Ye Feng''s eyes narrowed, his whole body immediately erupted with a towering aura, targeting that person directly. He stated each word with precision, "What did you say? You want to cripple my woman? If you have the guts, do it now. Come on, try to make a move!"


    In that moment, a large Golden Sword appeared in Ye Feng''s hand. The sword momentum was daunting. If the other party dared to speak again or make a move, he would wield his sword without hesitation and cut his opponent in half, even if this was Hong Clan territory.


    To dare to insult and provoke his woman¡ªhow could Ye Feng tolerate that!


    The Yin-Yang Realm Great Power, faced with Ye Feng''s questioning and particularly the terrifying and immense aura that had erupted from him, had his face turn red but dared not to speak again, not even daring to let out a peep!


    After all, just over three months ago in Sky Burial Valley, Ye Feng had been able to kill even ordinary Great Powers of One Seal Yin-Yang Realm!


    As the atmosphere seemed to tense up once again, Hong Wuji waved his hand and said, "Enough, Qingyan is not an outsider, but the Inheritor of our Hong Clan''s Bloodline. What you said is wrong. It''s better for you to step down now!"


    Listening to the words of their ancestor, the Yin-Yang Realm Great Power stepped down, following the lead given.


    Hong Wuji then turned to Hong Qingyan and said, "I know you''re worried about your father. In fact, it''s not that we don''t want him to calm down, but you need to know that your father is currently in the Golden Core Realm. If we make a move, any slight misstep, or even the possibility to startle him, you must think it over carefully."


    Hong Qingyan nodded slightly, then turned to Ye Feng again, "Big Brother Ye, are you confident you can calm my father down without causing him any pain, unlike now?"


    Ye Feng said, "If it''s just to make him quiet, of course there''s no problem!"


    By now, his Mental Power Nucleus had transformed, making his spiritual power incredibly strong. And a significant reason for Hong Tianguo''s deviation was due to mental stimulation or trauma to the Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace. More severely, it could be the disturbance of a Heart Demon.


    To calm him, Ye Feng simply needed to use his spiritual power to create a storm, act directly on the other person''s Sea of Consciousness, which would be straightforward.


    Hong Wuji hummed with gravity, "Mr. Ye, you may proceed, but think carefully. If anything unexpected occurs to Hong Tianguo as a result, you''ll have to bear the consequences, and our Hong Family definitely won''t let you off easily!"


    Ye Feng replied with a faint, cold smile, "You already don''t treat him like a person, so why bother with such high-sounding talk!"


    Having said that, the Spirit Essence surged out of Ye Feng''s body, and at the same time, the Mental Power Nucleus in his Sea of Consciousness Heavenly Heart Palace began to spin rapidly. His spiritual power surged out silently along with the Spirit Essence, rushing into the stone chamber.


    He activated his Spirit Essence merely as a decoy, to blind the eyes of the bystanders, since he could not reveal the secret of his spiritual power.


    Since none of those around had cultivated their own spiritual power, they obviously couldn''t see Ye Feng using his own. They only saw Ye Feng''s overwhelming Spirit Essence rushing madly into the chamber, immobilizing Hong Tianguo''s entire body, making him unable to move.


    But at this moment, Ye Feng''s spiritual power had already entered Hong Tianguo''s body through his forehead and quickly reached his Sea of Consciousness.


    By then, Ye Feng could see very clearly that Hong Tianguo''s Sea of Consciousness was indeed in chaos, with waves storming unknowingly and a particularly bright red spot in the center, looking extremely bewitching!


    ```


    "This blood-red spot must be the Heart Demon, such a strange Heart Demon. Even when my spiritual power approached it, I felt quite uncomfortable!" Ye Feng sighed inwardly, for even a slight approach of his spiritual power affected his mind and spirit.


    Therefore, Ye Feng had to stop his spiritual power, initially wishing to see if he could take the opportunity to eliminate the Heart Demon and cure Hong Tianguo''s deviation, but now he had to abandon the idea because this Heart Demon was too terrifying. Moreover, it had intertwined with Hong Tianguo''s consciousness.


    Ye Feng estimated that this Heart Demon was even more troublesome and difficult to deal with than the wraiths he had encountered in Sky Burial Valley before. Now intertwined with Hong Tianguo''s consciousness, any mishandling could directly affect Hong Tianguo.


    If this were outside, Ye Feng might have been able to destroy the Heart Demon, but in Hong Tianguo''s consciousness, he was completely powerless.


    However, thinking about it, this kind of Heart Demon was generated along with Hong Tianguo''s own state of mind. If separated from Hong Tianguo, the Heart Demon would naturally cease to exist.


    After observing for a bit, Ye Feng gathered a large amount of spiritual power and shook it downwards, causing Hong Tianguo''s consciousness to faint.


    Having done all that, he then withdrew his own spiritual power and Spirit Essence.


    Hong Qingyan let out a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, Big Brother Ye."


    Ye Feng shook his head, "Why mention thanks between us? But honestly, your father''s condition is quite tricky, and it will be very difficult to cure him."


    Hong Qingyan''s face paled, and she nodded slightly without saying much.


    At this moment, a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Hong Family snorted coldly, "What''s the use of just knocking him unconscious for a while? As the Ye fellow just said, this is only temporary. Hong Tianguo''s condition cannot be cured at all, so we must not release him, lest he brings harm to the clan."


    Hong Qingyan had no strength to refute, so she remained silent.


    Yet Ye Feng suddenly thought of a possibility. Although he couldn''t cure Hong Tianguo, if he used the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to enter the other party''s Sea of Consciousness, could he forcefully absorb the Heart Demon into the scroll?


    But Ye Feng quickly dismissed this idea, because once he used the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll to take away the Heart Demon, he would also have to absorb Hong Tianguo''s consciousness since the Heart Demon had already merged with it.


    The key to treatment was how to forcibly separate the two, which Ye Feng couldn''t do at present, even with the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    "Is there really no other way?" Ye Feng furrowed his brows, then suddenly his eyes lit up as he thought of another possibility.


    "Yes, although I''m not a hundred percent sure I can cure him, I can choose to seal both his consciousness and the Heart Demon. That way, Hong Tianguo would fall into a deep sleep, and the Heart Demon wouldn''t be able to feed on his Essence, Qi, and Spirit!" Ye Feng felt a hint of excitement within him.


    If it had been three months ago, Ye Feng might not have been confident, but during his cultivation in the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm, he had used the Royal Authority Divine Seal to stamp it onto the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. This allowed him to suppress Hong Tianguo''s consciousness and the Heart Demon using the coercive power of the Royal Authority Divine Seal combined with the power of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    Of course, this was only a seal, not a complete cure. But with the Heart Demon also sealed, if someday his strength increased, or Ye Feng''s spiritual power became strong enough, he could then unseal it and destroy the Heart Demon, and Hong Tianguo would then be saved.


    After all, with the seal in place, the Heart Demon wouldn''t be able to feed on Hong Tianguo''s Essence, Qi, and Spirit. And since Hong Tianguo was now in the Golden Core Realm, even in a state of suspended animation without food or drink, he could survive for over a decade.


    Therefore, as long as a real solution is found within these years, Hong Tianguo could be saved¡ªmuch like cryogenic technology.


    Just as Ye Feng was about to share his thoughts with Hong Qingyan, a steward hurried over and said, "Elder Ancestor, two Elders of the Supreme Sect from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects have arrived!"


    "They''re here? Quick, let''s go out to meet them!" Hong Wuji immediately turned and walked outside.


    "I heard that these two Elders of the Supreme Sect from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects were once divine healers. I wonder if they can cure the Clan Leader this time!" Many people around started murmuring to each other.


    Ye Feng was about to tell Hong Qingyan his idea, but upon hearing the discussions around him, he held back for the moment.


    "The Elders of the Supreme Sect from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects, let''s see if these two old men have a way before deciding," Ye Feng thought to himself.


    After all, the Elders of the Supreme Sect from the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts were almost on par with the Elder of the Supreme Clan from the Four Great Ancient Clans. These Supreme Sect Elders seldom emerged from secluded cultivation, and they wouldn''t appear unless their sects faced an existential crisis.


    Even when Ye Feng went to the Buddhist Sect before, defeated their Sect Leader and experts, the Elder of the Supreme Sect from the Buddhist Sect still showed no intention of intervening!


    But now, these Elders from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects had come out of seclusion, it seemed that the Ancient Hong Clan had paid a tremendous price.


    "Big Brother Ye, should we go and have a look?" Hong Qingyan asked.


    "No need, they will be there shortly. We don''t have to go and greet them; let''s just wait here," Ye Feng said with a faint smile.


    ```

 Chapter 767 - 741 Did Good Intentions Go Awry?

    Hong Wuji and other top hierarchs of the Hong Clan hadn''t been gone long when soon after, they returned, accompanied by over a dozen powerful figures from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects walking on the bluestone path toward them.


    Ye Feng looked up and saw that two ancient ancestors from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects were also present, though at the moment these two fellows were merely accompanying the others.


    In fact, even Hong Wuji, the ancestral patriarch of the Hong Family, had lowered his stance at this time, offering smiling greetings to the two elders with whitened hair and beards who were walking in the center of the path.


    These two elders appeared to be of a very advanced age, with white eyebrows that touched their shoulders. The person on the left, dressed in a white robe, seemed to be the Supreme Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect, while the other person, wearing a large monk robe, was a bald elder with long white eyebrows--obviously the Supreme Buddhist Elder from the Buddhist Sect.


    In terms of age, even Hong Wuji, the patriarch of the Hong Family, was a junior to these two Elders of the Supreme Sects, both of whom were over three hundred years old, contemporaries of the Elder of the Supreme Clan from the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan.


    Of course, it goes without saying that to live to such an age, the cultivation levels of these two were extraordinary.


    "To think that two esteemed seniors would condescend to visit us, my Hong Family is truly honored. If the two Elders are willing to help this time, then Hong Tianguo might yet be saved!" Hong Wuji said with a smile.


    The Supreme Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect on the left waved his hand and said, "Deviation is usually caused by the invasion of a Heart Demon, which is no trivial matter. Fortunately, Brother Tianyi and I are experts in this field, and in addition, Brother Tianyi knows an Ancient Incantation specifically targeted at objects of the Demonic Path. With the two of us joining forces, there should be a great assurance of success."


    "That''s wonderful to hear. If Hong Tianguo can be rescued this time, my Hong Family will be endlessly grateful!" Hong Wuji said, bowing slightly.


    The Supreme Buddhist Elder from the Buddhist Sect spoke solemnly, "Ordinarily, the two of us seldom make appearances in the secular world, and we rarely set foot in the Outer Battlefield. After all, at our level, unless our Sect faces great peril, or the Human Race reaches a critical moment of crisis, we would never easily take action."


    However, here he paused before changing the subject, "But the situation now is special. The Great Wall of Heaven won''t hold much longer, and it looks like the Demon Horn Tribe is about to launch a massive attack. At such a critical time, we old folks can no longer remain hidden from the world."


    The powerful figures of the Hong Family''s top hierarchy all spoke up, "The seniors hold the Human Race in their hearts and have decided to re-enter the world at this crucial juncture. It is truly a blessing for our race, and we are profoundly admiring."


    The Supreme Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect waved his hand and asked, "What about the three Elders of the Ancient Hong Clan? Do they have any plans to take action now?"


    Hong Wuji shook his head and said, "The junior has already gone to the back mountain to request their assistance once, but there was no response from the three Elders. They have always been in secluded cultivation, but the Elders have already declared that as long as the Clan Territory is in trouble, and the Human Race is in peril, they will definitely take action."


    "That''s good to hear!" The two Sect Elders from the Buddhist and Confucian Sects nodded slightly upon hearing this and then sighed with acknowledgment, "Once the Demon Horn Tribe launches a full-scale invasion, ultimately, our peak combat power is what matters. Indeed, it will be up to us to influence the outcome of the battle."


    "Indeed, indeed!" Hong Wuji nodded continuously. As they spoke, the group had already arrived at the entrance to the stone chamber.


    Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan had already moved aside, watching the two Supreme Sect Elders arriving without intending to step forward for greeting, as they were not familiar with them.


    Of course, the two Sect Elders simply glanced at Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan, then shifted their gaze away.


    Due to the uniqueness of their cultivation methods, even the two Supreme Sect Elders couldn''t determine the extent of Ye Feng''s cultivation. In their eyes, both he and Hong Qingyan seemed to be merely at the pinnacle of the Golden Core Realm. While such a cultivation realm at their age indicated some talent, it wasn''t enough to draw special attention from the two Supreme Sects.


    Nor did Hong Wuji intend to introduce them. Although he acknowledged Ye Feng''s talent and strength as extraordinary, he didn''t consider Ye Feng important enough to mention, especially since they were in the Hong Clan Territory.


    "Is this the current Chief of the Hong Clan? How has he fallen unconscious?" asked the Supreme Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect.


    "It''s like this, senior. It was this young man Ye Feng who took action and temporarily knocked him out!" said a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Hong Family.


    The Confucian Sect Holy Elder nodded slightly and said, "Being able to knock him out without harm does show some skill, but it''s only temporary. In less than four hours, he will wake up even more violent than before, and the Heart Demon in his Heavenly Heart Palace will be even more frenzied."


    The Supreme Buddhist Elder also spoke gravely, "Indeed, once this Heart Demon becomes more frantic, it will consume Life Essence even faster, which means his life will ebb away more quickly. Therefore, there was no need to knock him unconscious, as it will only backfire."


    The Yin-Yang Realm Great Power who had just spoken heard the Elders'' words and retorted immediately, "You hear that, Ye? You really thought showing off your petty skills was a good idea, but now you realize how severe it is, huh? By knocking our clan chief unconscious, you''ve not only failed to alleviate his suffering but have actually endangered him further."

 Chapter 768 - 741 Did Good Intentions Go Awry?_2

    "Exactly, they really think they''re geniuses who can do whatever they want, believing themselves to be more formidable than everyone else in the world. How ignorant, they even dared to criticize us earlier. Now do they realize their ignorance and stupidity?" Several other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Hong Family sneered.


    Hong Qingyan, hearing this, could not restrain herself. It was one thing to criticize her; she couldn''t care less about that, but it was unacceptable for them to belittle her Big Brother Ye.


    Just as Hong Qingyan was about to retort, Ye Feng gently patted the back of her hand, signaling her to calm down.


    "There''s no need to stoop to their level. Besides, I indeed hadn''t considered that point earlier; it was an oversight on my part," Ye Feng said to Hong Qingyan with a gentle smile.


    "Yes, we were also uninformed. Don''t worry, Big Brother Ye, I won''t blame you!" Hong Qingyan nodded slightly.


    Meanwhile, Hong Wuji turned his head and looked at Hong Qingyan with a smile, "Hong Qingyan, you see now, don''t you? It''s not that we don''t care about your father, nor that we don''t regard him as a person. The truth is we simply have no better solution, which is why we had to lock him up here. As you''ve also seen, we''ve gone to great lengths to bring in two Elders from the Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect."


    "These two are at the level of Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect. With both of them offering their assistance this time, your father should have hope for a cure."


    Hong Qingyan nodded and said, "I misunderstood earlier. I now implore the two seniors to please save my father!"


    The two Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect ignored the conversation, as they hardly paid attention to unrelated matters at their level of the Plane, even if it was about an upcoming talent like Ye Feng, whom they didn''t care to focus on too much.


    "Let''s go in and check the situation first!" the two Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect said.


    "Someone, open the gate!" Hong Wuji commanded at that moment.


    Soon, the strong guardian present took out an ancient copper disc, and with a sweep of his Great Hand, he tossed the disc into the air.


    The next moment, the ancient copper disc emitted a golden beam of light that hit the rock, after which the whole rock began to ripple with gleaming light.


    It was only then that Ye Feng realized this mountain stone was actually under a Formation, or to be more precise, that the Stone Chamber was under a Formation. It seemed that the Ancient Hong Clan had deliberately constructed this chamber to imprison powerful beings.


    Suddenly, the mountain stone began to rumble as a Stone Gate in front of the chamber slowly opened.


    "Senior Elders, please," Hong Wuji gestured for them to go ahead with a wave of his hand.


    The two Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect, without wasting words, stepped inside. The Stone Chamber was extremely dim, but that did not hinder them from examining Hong Tianguo''s condition.


    Throughout the whole time, Hong Qingyan was clenching her fists tightly, visibly anxious as this was likely the only chance to save her father. If even these two Sect Elders, who were experts in this field, failed, then her father was probably beyond help.


    Ye Feng was just quietly observing the two old fogeys, making no extra gestures, because he wanted to see if they truly had a solution. Of course, if they were able to heal Hong Tianguo, that would naturally be a good thing.


    About the cultivation realm of these two Elders of the Supreme Sect, for Ye Feng, who possesses great spiritual power, this was naturally not something he could be deceived about; both of them were at the Half-Step Void Realm.


    "Indeed, as expected of bone-ash level old things at the Sect Elder level, their cultivation realm is basically at the peak of this world!" Ye Feng silently exclaimed in his heart.


    Because they are limited by the space-time laws of this plane, reaching the Half-Step Void is already the limit. Even those true Void Realm supreme powerhouses of the Demon Horn Tribe or the Demon Horn Tribe with even stronger cultivation realms, their true bodies are unable to enter this world.


    Therefore, for those truly top-notch Great Powers of the Human Race, if they wish to take a step further in their cultivation journey, they can only leave the Human Realm to enter the territory of the Demon Horn Tribe or other broader planes.


    However, this poses a problem; once those supreme powerhouses who leave the Human Realm become true Void Realm beings, they cannot return. Even if they do return, they can''t come back in their true form; they can only temporarily appear through certain methods.


    In fact, due to the long-standing hostility between the Demon Horn Tribe and the Human Race, which amounts to enmity towards the Human Race, not many of the Human Race''s Great Powers or Half-Step Void Realm supreme powerhouses actually go to the space-time of the Demon Horn Tribe. After all, if discovered by the Demon Horn Tribe, they would inevitably face the risk of being hunted down.


    And there are many supreme powerhouses in the Demon Horn Tribe. Even those supreme powerhouses in the Void Realm are not considered the peak in the Demon Horn Tribe, at most they are just at an upper middle level of cultivation.


    Those two Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect examined for quite a while, their brows gradually furrowing, and took some time before they finally came out.


    Hong Qingyan immediately stepped forward and asked, "How is it, distinguished Elders, is there any way to save my father?"


    The two Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect shook their heads with a sigh, saying, "It''s really unexpected, your father has already broken through to the Golden Core Realm, which undoubtedly makes the effort of treating him more difficult. In addition, just now, in order to knock them out, you directly affected his Heavenly Heart Palace, which resulted in the Heart Demon becoming even more entangled with your father. Now, trying to treat him, the difficulty has indeed increased a lot!"


    Hong Qingyan was stunned, completely frozen in place. She had only acted out of goodwill earlier, aiming to alleviate her father''s pain, not realizing that her good intentions would lead to a bad outcome.


    The former powerhouse of the Hong Family said sternly, "Listen, both of you listen up. We told you not to act recklessly just now, and now look what has happened. This has caused Hong Tianguo''s condition to worsen, the difficulty of treating him has increased, what a foolish act."


    Several Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm also pursed their lips and snorted, "That''s right, this Ye fellow, relying on his bit of cultivation, criticized us all over just now, and now look, he has messed things up and might even endanger the life of the clan leader!"


    Hearing the cold voices of those around her, Hong Qingyan became so anxious she was almost in tears.


    Ye Feng stepped forward, took her hand to calm her, and said with a faint smile, "It''s okay, I''m here for you. In fact, things are not as bad as they make them out to be."


    "Not as bad as we say? Ye, you sure speak lightly. The elder has already said that if the clan leader encounters any accident because of your meddling, our Hong Family will definitely not let you off!" said the former, clad in a red robe, Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm of the Hong Family coldly.


    Ye Feng raised his eyebrows, anger now clear on his face. This person kept provoking repeatedly, did he really think Ye Feng had no temper?


    Hong Wuji waved his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, then asked, "Elders, now that things have come to this, do you still have a way to treat Hong Tianguo?"


    The two Sect Elders of the Supreme Sect frowned slightly upon hearing this, then exchanged a look and said, "Although there is no hundred percent certainty, we can still give it a try!"

 Chapter 769 - 742: I Have a Way to Cure Him!

    ```xml


    Hearing that the two Elders of the Supreme Clan could lend their aid in healing, Hong Qingyan was overjoyed and walked over to them with hands clasped, saying, "I thank the two seniors for your assistance, and now I will have to trouble you both."


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect said, "This stone chamber is too small and not convenient for treatment. Let''s find him a spacious and quiet place first, and we also need to make some preparations!"


    "I will start preparing right away!" Hong Wuji nodded and replied.


    The location was quickly chosen, precisely the square at the center of the Hong Clan Territory.


    There was a red sun above the square which, according to what the two Supreme Elders mentioned, the Heart Demon has a certain fear of sunlight, hence treating it here is more appropriate.


    At the moment, Hong Tianguo sat in the very center of the square, right underneath the totem of the red sun that symbolized the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. However, Hong Tianguo''s hands and feet were still bound by chains crafted from special materials to prevent him from going berserk and hurting others, just in case.


    As for the two Sect Elders, one sat in front of and the other behind Hong Tianguo, cross-legged. The Elder Buddhist from the Buddhist Sect had set up a wooden stick and a wooden fish in front of him and a Demon-Subduing Pestle next to him. The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect beside him had placed a Great Golden Light Brush along with an ancient book.


    It was apparent that these must be extremely powerful Magic Treasures. The two Half-Step Void Realm Elders of the Supreme Sect had probably entered the Outer Battlefield long ago and have already searched through it thoroughly, amassing many Treasures for themselves.


    "This Heart Demon is not to be underestimated. It seems we need to set up a Great Formation first!" the two Sect Elders said as they waved their hands repeatedly, projecting Spirit Essence from inside their bodies, which twined around the area.


    "Rise!" The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect suddenly tossed the book into the air, and then it hovered above Hong Tianguo''s head.


    "Stabilize!" Simultaneously, the Buddhist Sect Elder swung out a Great Hand, and a dark golden Kasaya soared into the air, likewise suspending above.


    "With these two Magic Treasures in our Formation, there should be no major issues. Next, I will serve as support while you take the main offensive role to capture and eliminate the Heart Demon in one fell swoop!" the Elder Buddhist declared.


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect nodded slightly and then turned to Hong Wuji, saying, "During our healing process, make sure to keep quiet and remember that no one must step even half a step into this Great Formation, or they will bear the consequences!"


    Hong Wuji quickly nodded and said, "The seniors can rest assured, I will restrain them well!"


    Without any further ado, the two Sect Elders began the healing treatment.


    The Elder Buddhist of the Buddhist Sect picked up the wooden stick, striking the wooden fish and chanting sotto voce. It seemed like he was reciting some Buddhist Scripture Spell.


    As soon as this Scripture Spell was voiced, the people around the square immediately felt a refreshing coolness, and their previously restless hearts settled. Many felt as if bathed in a spring breeze, very comfortable.


    Ye Feng also felt it and inwardly marveled, thinking that this must be a Dao Technique like the Heart Clarity Spell. Merely the slight dispersion was enough to influence many strong individuals present, showing the formidable power of the Elder Buddhist.


    With the continuing murmurs and incantations from the Elder Buddhist, mixing with the clear sound of the wooden fish, most of the sounds entered Hong Tianguo''s ears.


    At this moment, Hong Tianguo''s body shuddered, seemingly about to awaken. Yet, under the influence of the Scripture Spell, he immediately fell into a deeper sleep, appearing much more peaceful than before.


    "We can start now!" The Elder Buddhist signaled to the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect across from him.


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect gave a nod, then picked up the Great Golden Light Brush and began to write swiftly. In no time, characters of golden light were created, and with a wave of his hand, he struck these golden characters directly into Hong Tianguo''s forehead.


    These characters of golden light must be the key to subjugating the Heart Demon; with the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect taking the offensive and the Buddhist Sect''s Elder providing support by chanting Spells and striking the wooden fish to suppress the Heart Demon.


    One must say, these two old men do live up to their reputation as rare powers at the Half-Step Void Realm level, and they are also extremely skilled in the art of healing. Moreover, the Scripture Spells of the Elder Buddhist seemed naturally effective at restraining Objects of the Demonic Path.


    Therefore, the many onlookers from the Hong Family Younger Generation all nodded approvingly. Many whispered among themselves, "No wonder the Sect Elders of the Half-Step Void Realm are the ones to act. Looking at this, our Clan Leader is saved this time!"


    "There should be no problem now. Have you seen the Scripture Spells of that Elder Buddhist? Just a bit of it being emitted, and after listening, I immediately felt a lot calmer. It felt as if I was taking a leisurely stroll in a boat by the riverside in spring. The enjoyment is unparalleled. If I could cultivate in this state every day, I reckon my Cultivation Level would increase much more quickly!"


    "And that Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect, he actually wrote out characters that materialized, and even entered our Clan Leader''s body. Such a method of healing is truly unheard of and unseen. Today indeed broadened my horizons. These two individuals are truly supreme beings at the Elder level!"


    The many young members of the Hong Family whispered among themselves, until Hong Wuji said in a stern voice, "Shut your mouths, stop the unnecessary chatter, and don''t disturb the two Sect Elders as they heal, or this old ancestor will not be lenient with you!"


    Those who were just quietly discussing immediately dared not speak again. After all, Hong Wuji''s status within the Hong Clan was not low. In fact, had it not been for the impending collapse of the Great Wall of Heaven and the matters involving Hong Tianguo and Hong Qingyan, Hong Wuji would not have left the Outer Battlefield to return to the Clan. It was also unlikely for these people to even see him.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng furrowed his brows slightly. In truth, he wanted to release his spiritual power to probe into Hong Tianguo''s body, but he dared not act rashly. If his spiritual power were to disrupt the Elders'' healing process at this critical juncture, it could be disastrous and might even harm Hong Tianguo further.


    Still, Ye Feng was very curious as to how these two old men would go about healing Hong Tianguo. After all, the Heart Demon was tightly entwined with Hong Tianguo''s consciousness. Even if it were possible to exterminate the Heart Demon, Hong Tianguo''s own spirit would undoubtedly suffer substantial damage.


    ```


    So, while Ye Feng was curious, he was also very worried, for if things went wrong, Hong Tianguo might completely lose his mind, becoming an imbecile or entering a vegetative state!


    Right now, Hong Tianguo was still sitting there with his head lowered, seemingly asleep, while the two Elders of the Supreme Sect continued to take action. It appeared that the situation was developing in a positive direction.


    The younger generation of the Hong Family surrounding them all breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that it seemed there should be no problems now.


    However, just at that moment, Hong Tianguo, who had been in a comatose sleep, suddenly started shaking violently. His face twisted in pain, it seemed that he had plunged into agonizing torment, as he screamed out loud.


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect, while writing with the Great Golden Light Brush, said, "This is a normal phenomenon. I used a Divine Character on the Heart Demon, and it is gradually being obliterated. Now that the Heart Demon is in pain, it''s fiercely resisting, which is why the patient''s condition has become unstable."


    No sooner had he finished speaking, did Hong Tianguo suddenly open his eyes, revealing a ferocious and terrifying gaze, as he let out a roar.


    A blood-red wave of energy suddenly burst out from the center of Hong Tianguo''s forehead, heading straight for that Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect.


    Suddenly, there was a spurt!


    That Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect, who had been writing with the Great Golden Light Brush, suddenly opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "Holy Elder... What, what the hell is going on?" Those around, including Hong Wuji, were all shocked, as the situation had taken an unforeseen turn.


    At this time, Hong Qingyan was now clutching Ye Feng''s hand tightly, looking utterly worried and anxious.


    Ye Feng also furrowed his brows, noting that it seemed these two Elders of the Supreme Sect could not subdue and eradicate this Heart Demon.


    "What''s the matter, Holy Elder?" The Elder Buddha from the Buddhist Sect asked in a deep voice.


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect said through gritted teeth, "Damn it, I didn''t expect the Heart Demon to be so powerful, or perhaps Hong Tianguo''s obsessions are too deep, and it simply can''t be exterminated. The Heart Demon has become enraged. It just launched a counterattack, and I was caught off guard and injured. But it''s nothing serious!"


    The Elder Buddha asked, "I can feel it, this Heart Demon is very powerful. My Scripture Spells can''t even calm it down. What should we do now, should we continue?"


    "We''ve reached this critical juncture; of course, we must continue. Otherwise, where would we put our faces, and moreover, I also want to get my hands on the treasure that the Hong Family promised!" The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect said, taking a deep breath before picking up the Divine Brush and starting to write his characters again.


    However, this time, his Great Golden Light Characters could not penetrate Hong Tianguo''s forehead, naturally failing to enter Hong Tianguo''s Heavenly Heart Palace, the Sea of Consciousness, and thus unable to eradicate the Heart Demon.


    "Damn it, the Heart Demon is actually resisting me! Elder Buddha, hurry up and chant the Curse Incantation, you must calm the Heart Demon down!" the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect said through gritted teeth.


    "It''s unbelievable how powerful this Heart Demon is, and what''s even more abominable is that it''s now occupying Hong Tianguo''s Sea of Consciousness, which is a really a big constraint, preventing us from acting with full force!" The Elder Buddhist said through gritted teeth, as the speed of his Wooden Fish and chanting rapidly increased.


    "I just can''t believe this!" the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect said as he bit his own index finger, then sprayed the blood onto the Divine Brush. The Divine Brush suddenly shone brightly, and the characters it wrote carried even greater power.


    "Go!" With a wave of his Great Hand, the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect sent the empowered Great Golden Light Characters rushing into Hong Tianguo''s forehead, and subsequently into the Sea of Consciousness.


    But it wasn''t long before Hong Tianguo''s body trembled even more violently; his eyes turned blood-red, veins bulging on his arms and neck, and he began screaming wildly, almost on the verge of madness.


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect couldn''t help but grit his teeth and say, "Damn it, I didn''t expect the Heart Demon to be so tightly intertwined with him. At this rate, Hong Tianguo won''t be able to hold on. Elder Buddha, can you calm the Heart Demon down? If it continues like this, even if I manage to eradicate the Heart Demon in the end, the patient is bound to die too!"


    The Elder Buddhist from the Buddhist Sect also said through gritted teeth, "I can''t do anything either. This Heart Demon is too powerful, and it has gradually merged with the consciousness of the patient. I can''t make it completely quiet down."


    "Then... what should we do now? May as well just destroy the Heart Demon. Otherwise, if we let the Heart Demon successfully consume the patient''s spirit, it will surely become a great demon that will wreak havoc in the future!" The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect said through gritted teeth.


    "Indeed, we cannot allow it to cause misery to the people!" the Elder Buddha said.


    Seeing this, Hong Qingyan became even more anxious, saying urgently, "What should we do, Big Brother Ye? They''re so intent on eradicating the Heart Demon that they''ve begun to disregard my father''s life. If this goes on, my father will surely be beyond saving!"


    Just then, Hong Tianguo suddenly began to vomit blood violently, with blood even pouring from his eyes, nose, and ears. He clutched his head, howling in pain.


    Hong Wuji''s expression darkened, and he said with a cold snort, "It seems we only have the option to eradicate the Heart Demon. Since Hong Tianguo is beyond saving, there''s nothing we can do. We surely cannot allow the Heart Demon to turn into a demon that would be a great disaster for the Hong Family!"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Feng stepped forward and said, "Hong Wuji, tell them to stop. I have a way to save Hong Tianguo!"

 Chapter 770 - 743: Old Dog, Ive Tolerated You for a Long Time!

    ```


    Upon hearing Ye Feng''s sudden proposal, Hong Wuji outright ignored it, not even turning his head to look at Ye Feng.


    However, Qingyan Hong was visibly excited, quickly asking, "Big Brother Ye, are you serious? Do you really have a method to save my father?"


    Ye Feng nodded, "At present, there is no way, but I can ensure his life is not in danger, at least not like now, where they recklessly try to eliminate the Heart Demon without considering my father''s life or death!"


    Qingyan Hong then turned to look at Hong Wuji, "Did you hear that? Hurry and make them stop, Big Brother Ye has a way to save my dad, make them stop now!"


    Qingyan never doubted what Ye Feng said. In fact, since the first day the two met, Ye Feng had never lied to her!


    Only then did Hong Wuji slowly turn his head, snorting coldly, "You say this Ye kid has a way to treat him? What a joke. Not to mention, just now this kid showed off and took action on his own, leading to the exacerbation of your father''s Heart Demon. Just this alone is enough to prove that Ye Feng is nothing but a boastful talker!"


    The previously mentioned Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, Hong Yedu, also scoffed coldly, "Qingyan, you are simply too naive. Even if this Ye kid has some talent potential, it''s not that impressive, especially when it comes to healing and saving lives. In fact, Qingyan, you are the one with the most outstanding talent and greatest potential of this generation of our Hong Family. You can reach great heights in the future, so now you must be vigilant and not be deceived by certain people."


    The "certain person" he was referring to was undoubtedly Ye Feng.


    Qingyan Hong was infuriated. She never imagined that at such a critical juncture, these people would still be fantasizing about lecturing her.


    Although she was kind-hearted, it did not mean she was weak. Qingyan Hong''s face instantly turned grim, as she gritted her teeth and said, "Hong Wuji, the person inside is my father, and human life is paramount. I will not allow anyone to harm him. I''m asking you one last time, will you make them stop or not?"


    Hong Wuji''s expression darkened instantly as well, and it seemed he also became angry. It''s important to know that he was an Ancestor of the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan; no one in the family had ever dared to speak to him like this. But now, a young girl had the nerve to disregard him completely.


    "Qingyan Hong, what a bold move, daring to speak to the Ancestor like that, kneel and apologize immediately!" Hong Yedu beside him grated through clenched teeth.


    "What a bunch of selfish bastards! Since you won''t make them stop, I will do it myself!"


    After Qingyan Hong spoke, her aura suddenly erupted, her entire body shining with dazzling golden light, and behind her, a pair of golden wings condensed, looking incredibly magical.


    Her powerful aura swept out, instantly causing the entire square to surge with windless movement, and the strong aftermath forced the Hong Family disciples with lower cultivation levels to stagger back continuously.


    What shocked everyone even more was that above Qingyan Hong''s head, a golden arrow of light suddenly appeared!


    "Divine Spear of Light!" Qingyan Hong''s face showed determination; enveloped in golden light, she seemed like a different person, having left behind any previous frail appearance.


    Moreover, her aura had also climbed to the Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm. Of course, the reason she could do so was largely because she had eaten several Hun Yuan Lotus Seeds before, already vaguely sensing the existence of the Power of Yin and Yang.


    Now, by activating the Power of Bloodline Inheritance, she was able to touch the threshold of the Yin-Yang Realm. Of course, once the inheritance power faded, Qingyan Hong''s realm energy would fall back to the Perfected Golden Core Realm. However, if she could take the opportunity to profoundly understand this state and comprehend the characteristics of the Power of Yin and Yang, it was estimated she could soon step half a foot into it.


    Many younger members of the Hong Family around started discussing, "Is this the Wings of Light from the Power of Bloodline Inheritance? So powerful. Are those wings on her back formed from golden light? It''s so strong, a vast difference from how she was just moments ago."


    "Indeed, this is the Power of Bloodline Inheritance from our Ancient Hong Clan. It''s unbelievable that it has fallen to this young girl. And she married an outsider; there''s no justice in that!"


    "Our Ancient Hong Clan''s Power of Bloodline Inheritance absolutely cannot be given to outsiders!" Many of the Ancient Hong Clan members clamored on.


    Qingyan Hong, however, couldn''t care less about what they said. With a determined face, after all, the person inside was her biological father, and these people were willing to disregard his life in their efforts to destroy the Heart Demon¡ªhow could she tolerate this!


    "Go!" Qingyan Hong suddenly waved her Great Hand, and the Divine Spear of Light above her head shot straight down towards below.


    "Qingyan Hong, you dare defy the Ancestor''s orders!" Hong Yedu snorted sternly as he shot out, heading towards the Divine Spear of Light, attempting to block it.


    "Old dog, I''ve tolerated you for too long!" Ye Feng burst out in rage, soaring into the sky while his wrist flipped, and the Sword of Royal Authority appeared in his hand, as he swung it with a strike.


    The terrifying Sword Qi was like a long rainbow piercing the sky, reaching behind Hong Yedu in an instant. Hong Yedu was startled, but what surprised him even more was that at this moment, the Spirit Essence within his body was affected and he couldn''t operate it smoothly.


    "What Swordsmanship is this, so terrifying!" Hong Yedu exclaimed in his heart, frantically using his Protective Magic Treasure in a critical moment.


    ```

 Chapter 771 743: Old Dog, Ive Tolerated You for a Long Time!_2

    Accompanying a burst of purple light, Hong Yedu was enveloped in a purple defensive light shield when, at that moment, the Royal Authority Sword Qi came slashing down.


    Boom...


    Accompanied by a muffled sound, the purple defensive light shield instantly shattered, and Hong Yedu was hurled away by the powerful Sword Qi; and as his body was blasted away, his left arm was directly severed by the fierce Sword Qi and flew off.


    "Ah..." Hong Yedu let out a miserable howl, then stumbled to the ground.


    Hong Wuji immediately hurried over to stabilize his figure and injuries, then clenched his teeth and said, "You''re a Great Power of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm, but to think that this Ye surname kid could break through all your defenses with one sword! How did he do this!"


    Feeling both ashamed and angry, Hong Yedu gnashed his teeth and said in a deep voice, "Ancestor, I was careless just now, not expecting this kid to suddenly make a move. However, this Ye surname kid seems to have grown stronger than before. Ancestor, we can''t let him continue to grow, otherwise, it will be an endless trouble!"


    In fact, he used a secret technique voice transmission for the latter half of his statement, so no one present could hear it.


    Even if Hong Yedu had been careless just now, given the power of Ye Feng''s sword, he still wouldn''t have been able to withstand it even if he had resisted with all his might; after all, that sword was just too strong and terrifying.


    This sword attack, I''m afraid, could not be countered by any Great Power of the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm!


    At this moment, the many younger generation members of the Hong Clan were once again plunged into extreme shock, almost everyone looked up at Ye Feng, who was floating above the courtyard, with expressions of shock but also anger on their faces.


    "This Ye surname is simply too arrogant, too contemptuous. He actually took action on our Hong Clan territory, and even severed the arm of one of our Supreme Sect Elders. This is an unforgivable sin!" Many of the Hong Clan younger generation roared in anger.


    "This Ye surname kid is indeed too arrogant, not putting our Hong Family in his eyes. However, we have to admit, he truly is powerful, undoubtedly the strongest of the young generation in the world right now. With his current cultivation battle power, I''m afraid he could already be on par with a Great Power of the Second Seal Level of the Yin-Yang Realm!" sighed many others among the Hong Clan younger generation.


    "Even if his talent is strong, what of it? Can he compare to our Ancient Clan, the Hong Family? This kid is so presumptuous and lawless, today we must not let him leave easily, after all, the dignity and authority of our Hong Family of the Ancient Clan cannot be challenged by him!" Of course, many other members of the Hong Clan younger generation were shouting as well.


    Ye Feng didn''t continue to pursue and attack Hong Yedu, not because he didn''t dare to, but because he had to protect Hong Qingyan at that moment.


    After all, Hong Qingyan was trying to interrupt the two Supreme Sect Elders from below who were attempting to foil their great formation, prevent them from eliminating the Heart Demon and from killing Hong Tianguo.


    These two old foes were ultimately Half-Step Void Realm supreme fighters and naturally had big tempers. If they attacked out of rage, Hong Qingyan with her current cultivation simply couldn''t withstand them and might even get killed in one move.


    After all, Half-Step Void Realm is no trivial matter, so Ye Feng needed to be vigilant at all times against these two old fellows below from making a move.


    Hong Wuji naturally wouldn''t make a move at this time, although he had already broken through to the Three Seal Rank. But the power of the sword strike Ye Feng had just demonstrated was not something he was confident he could withstand with absolute certainty, and moreover, he could tell that Ye Feng had merely waved his sword effortlessly. In other words, the kid hadn''t even used his full strength.


    So, even Hong Wuji wasn''t certain he could contend with Ye Feng and thus chose not to act. Otherwise, in front of many of the Hong Family younger generation, if he failed to take down Ye Feng, this brat, then his status as the Ancestor of the Hong Family would suffer a great loss of face.


    Of course, the fact that Hong Wuji did not intervene, allowing the two to wreak havoc, was also based on the thought of provoking the anger of those two elders of the Supreme Sect. And if these two sect elders, enraged like thunder, struck out, then there would be a good show to watch. After all, they were both unparalleled powerhouses of the Half-Step Void Realm. Ultimately, if they managed to kill Ye Feng, then things would come full circle.


    The moment was there, fast like a flash!


    The Divine Spear of Light shot by Hong Qingyan directly broke the Great Formation that had just been arranged by the two elders of the Supreme Sect. Naturally, this meant that the two elders from the Confucian Sect and the Buddhist Sect could no longer continue to attack Hong Tianguo''s Heart Demon within the Heavenly Heart Palace, forcing them both to stop.


    Without any hesitation, Hong Qingyan immediately knelt on one knee before the two elders of the Supreme Sect, clasped her hands and said, "Elders, I''m immensely grateful for your attempt to heal my father, but I beg for your forgiveness. My urgency to save my father did not mean to offend or disrespect you, and I hope the two elders will understand."


    In truth, Hong Qingyan was also very worried that these two elders of the Supreme Sect would become furious and that Ye Feng would get involved. Since she had already noticed that the cultivation and realm of the two elders were unfathomably deep, she chose to apologize without hesitation.


    At that moment, the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect withdrew his Great Golden Light Brush, glanced at Hong Qingyan, then shook his head and sighed, "Let it be, let it be. Seeing as you are doing this for the sake of your father, we will not hold it against you. To speak the truth, we are also embarrassed. We came here to save someone, yet almost ended up killing them!"


    The Elder Buddha from the Buddhist Sect also shook his head repeatedly and said, "Indeed, it is a sin, it is truly a sin. Since we are powerless to save the patient, we shall stop here. As for this Heart Demon, it is best left to the Hong Family to deal with."


    After saying this, the two no longer paid attention to Hong Tianguo, who was gradually descending into madness. The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect put away his book, while the Elder Buddha from the Buddhist Sect retrieved his golden kasaya, and then both stood up.


    "Thank you, elders, for your understanding. With your noble virtues and compassion, I am deeply grateful!"


    Hong Qingyan bowed, then hurriedly walked over to Ye Feng, who had landed on the ground, and said, "Big Brother Ye, was it true what you said earlier about being able to temporarily treat my father? If so, please do it now!"


    Ye Feng nodded slightly and immediately walked towards Hong Tianguo.


    Hearing this, the Buddhist Sect Elder Buddha could not help but let out a cold, sarcastic laugh, "Little child, you are merely at the Golden Core Realm with a cultivation level, and your age is not even a fraction of mine. Yet you dare to claim you can treat Hong Tianguo? Do you even know where his illness lies and what the root cause is?"


    The Sacred Elder of the Confucian Sect also said, "Young man, this patient''s condition is no trifle; even our combined efforts failed to heal him. How could you possibly have a way? Let me tell you, he is afflicted by a Heart Demon. Be careful, or you might get burned, inadvertently drawing the Heart Demon onto yourself, and then you too, will undoubtedly die!"


    Hearing their words, Hong Qingyan''s expression changed dramatically, and she looked at Ye Feng with a worried expression.


    Yet Ye Feng just smiled faintly and said, "Honorable elders, you may not be able to heal him, but that does not mean I can''t!"

 Chapter 772 744: Remember, He Is My Husband!

    Hearing Ye Feng''s words, the Elder Buddha of the Buddhist Sect couldn''t help but let out a cold, contemptuous chuckle, "Truly, only the ignorant are fearless. With your level of cultivation, you actually entertain the delusion of healing him. Do you not realize that the Heart Demon has injured the patient''s mental spirit, affecting the Sea of Consciousness in the Heavenly Heart Palace?"


    Ye Feng curled up a corner of his mouth and snorted, "Are the two of you done? If so, you can make way. Of course, if you''re not done, you needn''t say any more."


    "You..." The Elder Buddha of the Buddhist Sect became furious, even his eyebrows seemed to stand on end. After all, he was an Elder of the Supreme Sect, a peerless powerhouse who had lived for hundreds of years. Now, to have someone dare to be disrespectful to him was utterly outrageous.


    However, before he could erupt, the Sacred Elder of the Confucian Sect waved his hand and said, "Enough, we have already warned him. Our words end here. If he wants to seek his own death, that''s not our fault."


    "A good heart treated like a donkey''s liver and lungs. Since that''s the case, I too can''t be bothered to say more!" After finishing his words, the Buddhist Sect Elder gestured grandly with his hand and walked off the square, followed closely by the Sacred Elder of the Confucian Sect. They quickly left the square,


    Seeing this, Hong Wuji hurried forward and said, "I''m truly sorry, esteemed Elders. This Ye fellow is utterly lawless, causing offense to both Elders. Please, have mercy on him!"


    The Sacred Elder of the Confucian Sect waved his hand and said, "You needn''t apologize. If anything, it''s because our medical skills and cultivation level are too low to heal Hong Tianguo. However, I must remind you of one thing¡ªthe Heart Demon has infested the patient''s Sea of Consciousness and the Heavenly Heart Palace, and moreover, it has intertwined with the patient''s mental consciousness. More importantly, this Heart Demon has grown quite formidable, to the extent that even the Scripture Spells of Elder Buddha could not suppress it. Ordinary people simply cannot subdue it!"


    The Elder Buddha also said, "Since Hong Qingyan is the daughter of Hong Tianguo, it''s not good for us to interfere too much. Anyway, we have made things clear. As for what to do, that''s up to you."


    "Thank you for the warning, Elders. I understand what to do!" Hong Wuji bowed slightly and then turned with his three subordinates, Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm, and walked toward Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan.


    "Hong Qingyan, you saw for yourself the efforts of the two Sect Elders to heal him. This Heart Demon is too powerful and cannot be easily exterminated through common means!" Hong Wuji said.


    Immediately, Hong Qingyan snorted, "So you can just disregard my father''s life without a care?"


    A Great Power of the Hong Family''s Yin-Yang Realm behind her huffed, "Hong Qingyan, don''t be ungrateful. The Patriarch is considering the bigger picture for the family. This Heart Demon is so powerful that if it devours your father and becomes stronger, our Hong Family could suffer great losses."


    "That''s right, Hong Qingyan, don''t be obstinate. Even the two great Sect Elders can do nothing. What can this Ye brat do? Don''t be foolish and miss the best opportunity to eliminate the Heart Demon!" two other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm added.


    Hong Qingyan was completely enraged and spoke sternly, "You keep calling Ye Feng a ''brat,'' but please don''t forget that he is my husband!"


    After a pause, Hong Qingyan continued, "Since my husband says he has a way, no matter what, I will give it a try. It''s better than killing my father without even trying to save him!"


    "Rubbish, we think you''re deluded. Do you really think we wouldn''t dare to act against you?" the remaining two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm said furiously. One was a Second Seal and the other, a One Seal¡ªit was clear they were already quite displeased.


    Ye Feng chuckled, "If you have the guts, then go ahead and try!"


    The two powerful members of the Hong Family stared intently and were about to step forward when Hong Wuji raised his hand to stop them, "If the boy is courting death, why stop him?"


    Only then did the two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm come to a realization and nodded, "Yes, the boy is like a dog biting Lv Dongbin¡ªhe doesn''t recognize a good person. Since he''s seeking his own death, why should we interfere?"


    Turning to Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan, Hong Wuji said, "You want to try to save Hong Tianguo by yourselves, I have no objections. You might as well consider this a dead horse being used as a living horse doctor. But I''m giving you just four hours; the Heart Demon is growing stronger, and we mustn''t delay any further. If after four hours, you still haven''t managed to cure him, then I will annihilate the Heart Demon and destroy your father once and for all!"


    Hong Qingyan bit her lip and didn''t speak, instead turning to look at Ye Feng for his opinion.


    Ye Feng nodded and said, "Four hours, that''s plenty of time."


    Only then did Hong Qingyan respond, "Fine, I agree. If my father''s condition can''t be alleviated after four hours, then you can do as you please!"


    Hong Wuji spoke gravely, "Remember, these were your words. Moreover, don''t blame me for not warning you¡ªthe Heart Demon is extremely powerful. Hong Qingyan, you mustn''t act. If this youngster insists on intervening, then let him face it alone to avoid backlash and implicating you too!"


    In reality, everyone could tell that Hong Wuji wasn''t genuinely concerned for Hong Qingyan''s well-being. What really mattered to him was the Bloodline Inheritance within Hong Qingyan, which was of great importance to the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. Such inheritances appeared perhaps once every few hundred years or even once in a millennium. The Hong Family couldn''t afford for it to end with Hong Qingyan.


    Still biting her lip, Hong Qingyan didn''t respond but turned her head again to look at Ye Feng.

 Chapter 773 - 744: Remember, He Is My Husband!_2

    Ye Feng let out a faint cold chuckle, "My intervention alone is sufficient, but I have a request, find me a quiet place for secluded cultivation immediately. This place is too noisy and crowded!"


    "No problem!" Hong Wuji snorted and then said, "The stone chamber we were just in has a secret passage inside. Following that passage downwards leads to a sealed chamber, you can go there!"


    In fact, Hong Wuji was more than happy to have Ye Feng choose that place. After all, there was a formation blocking the stone chamber, so even if Ye Feng failed and the heart devil became stronger, it would not be able to break free and cause harm to the members of the Hong Family.


    Ye Feng waved his hand, "Then I''ll trouble the Hong Family to bring your clan leader to that chamber."


    Hong Wuji slightly turned his head to signal, and immediately four experts of the Golden Core Realm stepped forward, took hold of four chains, and forcefully led the delirious Hong Tianguo back along the bluestone path to the stone chamber they had just left.


    Ye Feng, not wasting any more words, took Hong Qingyan''s hand and followed closely behind these four men.


    The surrounding younger generation of the Hong Family began chatting and commenting again.


    "This Ye kid really is arrogant, I don''t know if he''s truly ignorant or just foolish. Even two elders from the Supreme Sect couldn''t subdue this heart demon, and yet he thinks he can. Does he really believe he is a Sky-reaching Powerhouse of the Void Realm?"


    "Yeah, this kid is simply too cocky for his own good. Even if he has some talent potential, what of it? Not knowing how to keep a low profile and restrain himself, people like him are bound to be doomed sooner or later!"


    "Enough, didn''t you hear what the elder said earlier? Since this Ye kid is courting death, why should we stop him? Just wait and watch, let''s see how he is going to be killed by the heart demon!"


    As everyone continued to voice their opinions, they followed along, but the vast majority present did not believe Ye Feng was capable.


    Hong Wuji was about to follow, but noticing that the two elders of the Supreme Sect were still there, he decided to walk over to them instead.


    "I''m truly sorry for such an incident, elders. It must have been quite an amusing spectacle for you two!" Hong Wuji said, cupping his hands together in apology.


    The Sacred Elder of Confucian Sect waved his hand, "It doesn''t matter. I have a question: is this Ye person the same one who won first place at the Outer Battlefield Martial Dao Conference?"


    Hong Wuji nodded, "That''s him. Although the kid is too arrogant and conceited, I must admit, he does have some talent."


    The Sacred Elder of Confucian Sect asked again, "On the way here, I also heard that Old Long, before he fell, has appointed him as the new leader of the Human Race, is that correct?"


    Hong Wuji pondered for a moment, and although he did not want to admit it, he nodded, "It is as you said. However, up to now, apart from the people from Northwest Little Mountain Village, the other major powers have not acknowledged this kid''s status as leader of the Human Race."


    The Sacred Elder of Confucian Sect smiled slightly, "Old Long might be younger than us, but his Talent Battle Power and vision are much stronger than ours. Since he personally selected him, this kid should not be someone stupid and ignorant. It seems he might have some certainty since he claims he has a way."


    The elder from the Buddhist Sect, however, snorted, "The Sacred Elder''s words are not correct. With the dire and urgent situation at the Great Wall of Heaven back then, it seems that Old Long had limited choices, which is why he hastily appointed this Ye kid as the new leader of the Human Race under reluctant circumstances."


    Hong Wuji immediately nodded in agreement, "Elder Buddha is right. In fact, that''s what we major powers think as well. After all, this Ye kid is not even thirty years old; his experience and foundation are too shallow. Such a person is simply unfit to be the leader of the Human Race!"


    The Sacred Elder of Confucian Sect laughed heartily, "I was also a bit skeptical, for the kid indeed seems to have too shallow a foundation. However, since Old Long chose him, I''m going to see for myself today whether his successor is a dragon or a worm, out of respect for Old Long."


    After saying this, the Sacred Elder of Confucian Sect flung his sleeves and walked down the bluestone path into the depths.


    "Well, since you''re interested, I might as well go have a look, but I, Elder Buddha, believe that this kid might very well be devoured by the heart demon today!" After speaking, the Buddhist elder also started walking towards the direction of the stone chamber.


    "We''re going as well!" Hong Wuji waved his Great Hand and immediately took a step forward.


    At that moment, under the forceful pulling of the four Golden Core Realm experts, Hong Tianguo was once again taken into the stone chamber. Then, the elder guarding the chamber slapped a wall, and with a thunderous rumbling, a dark passage appeared.


    Straight after, the four Golden Core Realm experts led Hong Tianguo into the dark passage.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng was about to step into the stone chamber.


    But Hong Qingyan suddenly shouted, "Big Brother Ye, tell me the truth, how confident are you? If you''re not very sure, please don''t force yourself. While I do want to save my father, I can''t bear to see anything happen to you!"


    Ye Feng patted her head and smiled, "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine. I might not be able to cure him right now, but temporarily suppressing the issue shouldn''t be a problem."


    "Really no danger? What if the Heart Demon backlashes, wouldn''t you be..." Qingyan said.


    Ye Feng waved his hand to interrupt her, "Really no danger. Just set your mind at ease. Wait here for me, I''ll be back in at most an hour!"


    Having said that, Ye Feng entered the stone chamber and then followed the dark passage into the hidden chamber deep inside the mountain.


    Hong Qingyan was naturally extremely worried. She was concerned about her father, and of course, she was even more worried that something might happen to Ye Feng. Thinking this, she was about to step inside as well.


    Seeing this, Hong Wuji quickly said in a stern voice, "Hong Qingyan, have you forgotten the agreement just now? You can''t go in, or else we will not allow that youngster Ye Feng to make a move!"


    Hearing this, Hong Qingyan then stopped in her tracks.


    Hong Wuji said with a sigh, "You carry the Bloodline Inheritance of the Wings of Light of our Hong Family of the Ancient Clan. This inheritance must not be severed. It was Ye Feng himself who insisted on doing this, not us forcing him. So, just wait here!"


    While they were speaking, the four Golden Core Realm experts came out from the inside. Then, with a clang, the dark door on the wall of the stone chamber closed, and soon the stone chamber itself had also sealed shut.


    The noisy scene suddenly quieted down. In the open space in front of the stone chamber stood Hong Qingyan, Hong Wuji, two other Elders of the Supreme Sect, and behind them was a crowd of younger members of the Hong Family.


    Hong Qingyan''s heart was in turmoil, but there was nothing she could do at this time except wait.


    Meanwhile, Ye Feng had arrived at the hidden chamber in the depths of the mountains. Hong Tianguo''s hands and feet were still firmly locked by four chains, which he couldn''t break free from no matter how much he struggled.


    Ye Feng stood in front of Hong Tianguo and took a discreet survey of the chamber.


    "Not bad, this chamber actually has a Great Formation to prevent outside prying. Now that I intend to use the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, I don''t have to worry about prying eyes!" Ye Feng smiled to himself, but he still felt it wasn''t safe enough, since the formation was set up by the Hong Family members¡ªwho knew if they had tampered with it.


    He then waved his hands repeatedly, shooting Spirit Essence in all directions, quickly resetting a suggested Formation.


    "This should alleviate my concerns. Next, I will use the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and the Royal Authority Divine Seal to perform the Suppressing and Sealing Technique, and completely seal Hong Tianguo''s consciousness as well as the Heart Demon!" Ye Feng pondered, slowly sitting down cross-legged. He then flipped his right hand, and a Golden Square Seal Stamp appeared in the palm of his hand.


    Following that, he flipped his left hand, and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll emerged!


    "Go!" Ye Feng shouted deeply, and the two powerful magic treasures flew out from his palm, turning into a rainbow light that instantly shot from his brow into Hong Tianguo''s body.

 Chapter 774 - 745: A Thing That Does Not Know Whether It is Alive or Dead!

    The Royal Authority Divine Seal and the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll had just plunged into Hong Tianguo''s Sea of Consciousness when the Heart Demon inside immediately sensed them and even let out a strange, yearning screech.


    Of course, if an ordinary person heard such a screech, it would surely cause their hair to stand on end and damage their spirit, but Ye Feng''s spiritual power was now incredibly strong, so naturally, he would not be affected.


    Suddenly, the Heart Demon burst forth with a surge of bloody aura, charging towards the Royal Authority Divine Seal. It seemed intent on contaminating the divine seal and claiming it as its own.


    "Insolent Heart Demon, you sure know the value of treasures, recognizing that both items are supreme. However, thinking you can taint my divine seal, you are utterly overestimating yourself!"


    Ye Feng''s voice sank into a cold snort as his eyebrows twitched, and the Royal Authority Divine Seal erupted with terrifying divine light, then pressed down directly.


    Eight golden characters: "I am the heavens, suppressing everything!"


    These eight characters instantly scattered the incoming bloody aura, and then charged towards the Heart Demon.


    Startled, the Heart Demon finally realized the terror of the Royal Authority Divine Seal. It dared not launch an attack anymore but instead chose to merge directly into Hong Tianguo''s spiritual consciousness.


    The intention of the Heart Demon was clear, "If you truly dare to strike me down, then you must also kill this host."


    Indeed, this was the most difficult aspect because the Heart Demon had fully invaded Hong Tianguo''s Sea of Consciousness and was almost entirely fused with Hong Tianguo''s consciousness and spirit. Unless the two could be separated, any attack against the Heart Demon would inevitably affect Hong Tianguo as well.


    If the Heart Demon were alone, it wouldn''t be difficult to destroy. The real challenge was how to separate the two. The two Half-Step Void Realm Elders of the Supreme Sect certainly had the strength to obliterate the Heart Demon but were similarly unable to distinguish between the Heart Demon and Hong Tianguo''s spiritual consciousness.


    So, in the end, in order to extinguish the Heart Demon, they had no choice but to decide to kill Hong Tianguo as well.


    At this moment, however, Ye Feng had adopted a different approach!


    The vast suppressing force that burst forth from the Royal Authority Divine Seal crushed the Heart Demon''s capacity to strike back, forcing it to tremble and hide within Hong Tianguo''s spiritual consciousness.


    Of course, at this time, Ye Feng could have employed the Royal Authority Divine Seal to press down and crush the Heart Demon entirely, but doing so would also cause the collapse of Hong Tianguo''s spiritual consciousness and result in death.


    So he merely kept the Royal Authority Divine Seal in a suspended state without pressing down.


    "Damn you, Human Race, why do you possess such a formidable suppressive power? Go on, kill me if you can. If you do, this man will undoubtedly die as well!" The Heart Demon furiously roared, continuously taunting Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng couldn''t help but sneer, "Kill you? I''m not that foolish. But rest assured, even without killing you, I will not let you run amok!"


    Feeling relieved at his words, the Heart Demon burst into laughter, "Kid, I knew you didn''t have the guts to kill me. Be smart and withdraw that Great Seal immediately or else, once I devour and absorb this person''s spiritual consciousness, I will certainly be the first to come after you!"


    "Come after me? You dare to think that," Ye Feng sneered, and with a twitch of his brow, the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll swept across the sky.


    "What the hell is this?" the Heart Demon asked in surprise.


    "You''ll find out soon enough!" Ye Feng hummed, his hands performing Seal Formation after Seal Formation, as the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll suddenly burst forth with a brilliant golden light.


    At this moment, the Mental Power Nucleus within Ye Feng''s Sea of Consciousness began to spin at high speed. Streams of spiritual power flowed from the nucleus, pouring into the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll.


    "Imperial mandate, ghosts and spirits of heaven and earth, Seal!"


    As Ye Feng spoke, a massive golden Seal character emerged from the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, then rushed towards the Heart Demon.


    "Ah... damn it, you... you''re actually going to seal me, no, you can''t do this, I don''t want to be sealed, I don''t want to be sealed!"


    The Heart Demon''s hysterical screams revealed his fear - he could sense the terror of the seal, which was specifically targeted against a scourge like him.


    Unmoved, Ye Feng watched as the massive golden Seal character descended with unstoppable force, pressing down in an instant.


    The Heart Demon could only roar in desperation. Being suppressed by the Royal Authority Divine Seal, it was utterly immobilized and unable to even disturb Ye Feng''s spiritual consciousness, and could only watch helplessly as the golden Seal character descended upon it.


    "Damn you, how dare you seal me! I''m telling you, unless you never undo the seal, the day I break free of it, I certainly will not spare..."


    But before the Heart Demon could finish its threat, the golden Seal character had already pressed down, and along with a golden ripple spreading out, the Heart Demon and Hong Tianguo''s spiritual consciousness were both sealed.


    "Not spare me? On the day you break the seal, I can destroy you with a flick of my wrist!" Ye Feng scoffed coldly.


    Now, with both the Heart Demon and Hong Tianguo''s spiritual consciousness sealed, peace returned to the Sea of Consciousness.


    Ye Feng carefully scanned his surroundings for any anomalies. Finding none, he retracted the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll and the Royal Authority Divine Seal.


    However, in the moment he exited Hong Tianguo''s Sea of Consciousness, Ye Feng had a flicker of thought and with a bit of precaution, left a strand of his own spiritual power inside the other''s Sea of Consciousness. This way, should there be any movement in Hong Tianguo''s Sea of Consciousness in the future, or if the Heart Demon forcefully broke the seal, he would be forewarned.

 Chapter 775 - 745: A Thing That Does Not Know Whether It is Alive or Dead!_2

    After completing all these tasks, Ye Feng finally exited and then took a long breath out!


    It must be said that the deployment of the Imperial Decree Sealing Technique just now had consumed a tremendous amount of his spiritual power. At this moment, his entire being felt somewhat dazed, and sweat streamed down his face.


    In fact, this Imperial Decree Sealing Technique was something Ye Feng had only comprehended after imprinting the Royal Authority Divine Seal onto the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll. It turned out that there was a significant similarity between this Royal Authority Divine Seal and the First Volume of the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll: The Emperor''s Dao Method, which Ye Feng was currently cultivating.


    Therefore, after imprinting the Royal Authority Divine Seal on the Divine Path Heavenly Edict Scroll, various unexpected effects occurred, to the extent that Ye Feng felt a subtle connection to heaven and earth, as if he could vaguely perceive and even control the space-time of this realm.


    Ye Feng knew that the Royal Authority Divine Seal was likely the key to suppressing the fortune of this realm in the past, which is why he felt this way after refining the seal.


    At this time, Hong Tianguo, because his consciousness along with his Heart Demon had been sealed, was completely asleep. This state was different from the previous coma; he was now entirely in slumber, somewhat akin to a state of suspended animation or vegetative existence.


    "He has already reached the Golden Core Realm, even going without food or drink for over a decade would pose no issue!" Ye Feng glanced at him, and then Spirit Essence surged within his body, enveloping Hong Tianguo as the two slowly exited the secret chamber.


    Outside the stone chamber, an hour had passed, and Hong Qingyan was still waiting outside, her face fraught with worry.


    Hong Wuji and the others of the Hong Family, however, were not worried; after all, they cared little for Hong Tianguo''s fate. In fact, many of them were hoping for Hong Tianguo to pass away, which would give them a chance to become the Clan Leader.


    "An hour has gone by, and there''s still no movement inside. That Ye guy probably died in there, didn''t he?" whispered some of the Hong Family younger generation.


    "I think that must be the case, after all, that''s a Heart Demon, incredibly strong. How could that kid possibly deal with it!"


    Even the Elder Buddha of the Buddhist Sect said in a grave tone, "It seems that this young man is more likely to have met with misfortune."


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect, however, shook his head, "On the contrary, I feel that Ye Feng, that young fellow, might succeed. Even if he is unable to heal, he should be able to retreat safely."


    "The Sacred Elder has such high regard for that boy?" asked the Elder Buddha of the Buddhist Sect.


    The Confucian Sect Holy Elder chuckled, "To be precise, I have faith in Old Long. After all, he is the one who chose this person. Old Long has always been a spokesperson for the one from over two thousand years ago. In other words, the one chosen by Old Long is naturally the one chosen by that being from over two thousand years ago, thus it is unlikely he will fall so easily."


    The Buddhist Sect Elder Buddhist couldn''t help but frown, "That one has been dead for over two thousand years. Does the Sacred Elder really think that one has left something behind, or are you suggesting he could come back to life?"


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect shook his head, sighing, "That one was too powerful back in the day, so powerful that he crushed all of our Hundred Sects. We can say that he was truly an exceptional and unmatched Sovereign of the Human Race of his era!"


    "Before his demise, he set up so many things; it could not have been just in pursuit of the elusive immortality. There must have been some unspeakable purpose."


    As the Confucian Sect Sacred Elder spoke, he suddenly shook his head again, "I''ve said too much, too much. These ancient secrets from over two thousand years ago are better left unspoken."


    Hong Wuji and the rest quietly listened, with most of them barely understanding, shrouded in confusion. Naturally, they knew of that individual from over two thousand years ago, but as to the arrangements the Sovereign of the Human Race left behind, they were naturally clueless.


    Of course, they didn''t dare to ask any further, including Hong Wuji who refrained from inquiring more.


    The Buddhist Sect Elder Buddhist, however, snorted, "Even if he is the chosen successor of that person, it doesn''t rule out the possibility of an unexpected demise. After all, on the path of cultivation, countless talented geniuses have perished along the way. That Ye brat is arrogant and full of himself. Such a person will sooner or later..."


    However, before Elder Buddha could finish speaking, the door of the secret passage on the wall of the stone chamber suddenly banged open.


    Following this, to the amazement of everyone watching, Ye Feng stepped out of the stone chamber slowly with Hong Tianguo.


    "This...this kid actually... actually came out, safe and sound?" The young generation of the Hong Family was dumbfounded. They had all thought that Ye Feng was surely doomed this time, but now he had emerged unscathed and alive.


    Hong Wuji and several other Great Powers were also quite shocked.


    It was the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect who simply smiled slightly, saying, "What do you think, Elder Buddha, was I not correct?"


    The Elder of the Buddhist Sect snorted with a tone that was neither painful nor itchy, "It seems that this young man does have some tricks up his sleeve!"


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect laughed heartily, "Of course, after all, he is the chosen one. Such individuals often possess great fortune, and wanting him dead is not such an easy task. Alright, the matter has been resolved, and I will take my leave now!"


    When Hong Wuji saw him about to leave, he suddenly stepped forward, "Holy Elder, please wait. The Taichi Clan has a matter to discuss with you. Currently, the elders of the Taichi Clan are in secluded cultivation and have not emerged, so we humbly request that you move to the guest hall first."


    "The Taichi has something to discuss with me? Well then, I suppose I can wait!" The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect nodded slightly and left with the Elder of the Buddhist Sect.


    Unlike the others present, Hong Qingyan was overjoyed. She quickly went over to check on Ye Feng, asking, "Big Brother Ye, how are you doing? Are you alright?"


    Ye Feng smiled, "Don''t worry, I''m fine. Furthermore, your father is also temporarily safe now!"


    Hong Qingyan nodded vigorously, "Thank you, Big Brother Ye!"


    It was then that Hong Yedu asked sternly, "What''s going on, why has Hong Tianguo become like this, why has he turned into a vegetative state akin to feigned death?"


    Ye Feng said indifferently, "I have sealed the Heart Demon along with his spirit consciousness, naturally resulting in this state."


    Hong Yedu roared, "You''ve actually sealed his consciousness? Who gave you the right to do this? This is no different from killing Hong Tianguo; who allowed you to do this!"


    Ye Feng''s gaze hardened, and a burst of killing intent suddenly erupted from him.


    Just now, Hong Yedu had provoked him repeatedly. Out of consideration for Hong Qingyan''s feelings, Ye Feng had merely dislocated one of his arms instead of taking his life. But this guy really didn''t know when to quit, did he actually think he could be manipulated like clay?


    "Your name is Hong Yedu, right? I''ll give you five seconds to run. If I don''t kill you today, I''ll write my name backwards!"


    After Ye Feng spoke, his wrist flipped, and the Sword of Royal Authority materialized in front of him. In that moment, his entire aura surged, and his being radiated with intense killing intent. The vast territory of the Hong Clan suddenly experienced a change in the weather.


    However, Hong Yedu did not flee, instead sneering, "Kill me? You''re quite audacious, young man. This is the Hong Clan Territory; do you dare to kill someone here? Moreover, do you think you have the power to kill me?"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Ye Feng moved, both hands gripping the Sword of Royal Authority as he swung it out. In an instant, a sword qi like a heavenly rainbow piercing through the sky slashed directly towards Hong Yedu at breakneck speed.

 Chapter 776 - 746: You Kid Better Realize It

    The Sword Qi of the Sword of Royal Authority was majestic and piercingly cold, instantly appearing right above Hong Yedu''s head.


    Hong Yedu''s face drastically changed, as his entire Spirit Essence was suppressed and unable to circulate freely, unable to contend with the overbearing Sword Momentum of the Sword of Royal Authority.


    Even more fatal was the fact that, earlier, in order to defend against Ye Feng''s sword strike, Hong Yedu had already used his defensive magic treasure, leaving him now without any defensive items.


    What''s more, the power of this sword strike was even more terrifying and powerful than the previous one!


    "Ancestor, save me!" Hong Yedu''s face was ashened, so terrified that he even forgot to resist, though it was futile to think about resisting since he couldn''t mobilize his Spirit Essence.


    Hong Wuji did not move, firstly because Ye Feng''s sword strike was so fast that even he was a bit slow to react, and secondly, and most importantly, because the power of Ye Feng''s sword strike was so great that even he, a Three Seals Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, might not be able to catch it.


    Boom...


    The majestic Sword Qi slashed down like a rainbow, instantly engulfing Hong Yedu!


    The terrifying Sword Momentum surged out, threatening to affect the surrounding ordinary members of the Hong Family Younger Generation.


    "Truly worthy of being the chosen one by the Sovereign of the Human Race, to possess an attack strength powerful enough to be called a Peak Realm at such an age!"


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect, who had already walked a good distance away, let out a slight exclamation of admiration and then with a wave of his hand, a streak of white light shot out, quickly dispersing the residual waves of the Royal Authority Sword, preventing the ordinary children of the Ancient Hong Clan from being affected.


    But Hong Yedu, who was directly in the center of the Sword Qi of the Royal Authority Sword, was cleaved into two halves and died on the spot, not even his Yin-Yang Seal managed to escape.


    The sword Qi even struck the ground, ripping open a terrifying crack in the earth!


    All the Hong Family Younger Generation around were shocked and horrified, staring at Ye Feng with wide-eyed fear, too scared to speak.


    The Elder Buddha of the Buddhist Sect suddenly intoned in a deep voice, "This Ye fellow, he really does have some nerve, daring to kill a member of the Hong Clan on Hong Clan Territory, and a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm at that. Does he truly believe that the Clan Elders of the Hong Clan are pushovers?"


    The Sacred Elder of the Confucian Sect also couldn''t help but shake his head and sigh, "It is indeed a bit too much. After all, this was a Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm. The Elders of the Hong Clan will certainly not let this go lightly. It looks like those three Clan Elders will have to intervene now!"


    Originally the two of them were planning to head to the guest hall, but now they simply stopped, knowing that the three Supreme Clan Elders of the Hong Clan would soon make an appearance!


    Only at this moment did Hong Wuji and a few other Great Powers recover from their shock, gritting their teeth and shouting, "Ye Feng, you''ve got some nerve! How dare you kill a Great Power of the Ancient Hong Clan, and even worse, on Hong Clan Territory? You''re outrageously audacious, utterly lawless!"


    "Ye, you clearly have no regard for the Ancient Hong Clan. Today, no matter what, we will not let you off the hook!"


    Almost every single one of the younger generation of the Hong Family gritted their teeth in anger, their eyes filled with maliciousness towards Ye Feng, wishing they could devour his flesh and drink his blood!


    Hong Wuji suddenly spoke in a stern voice, "Originally, out of respect for Hong Qingyan, as long as you bowed your head, this Elder might have forgiven your previous disrespect towards me, but now there''s nothing left to say. Fellow Elders, come with me, and let''s capture this boy in one fell swoop!"


    It seems that Hong Wuji also realized that even with his Three Seals level, he might not be able to capture Ye Feng by himself, especially given the immense strength of Ye Feng''s sword strike just now, which is why he called several other Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers to join him.


    "Get him, capture this boy!" The other three Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers each flitted forward, directly surrounding Ye Feng.


    Among the Hong Clan, there were a total of four Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers, with Hong Wuji, having broken through to the Three Seals rank some time back; one of them was a Second Seal Yin-Yang Realm, and the other two were at the One Seal Yin-Yang Realm.


    Furthermore, not far away there were two Half-Step Yin-Yang Realm individuals, but they probably also knew that with their Half-Seal Level cultivation level, it wouldn''t be much use even if they went up to help.


    In fact, these Yin-Yang Realm Great Powers present almost constituted all of the Ancient Hong Clan''s high-end combat power, having all returned from the Outer Battlefield.


    Ye Feng stood motionless in the open space in front of the Stone Chamber, holding the Royal Authority Divine Sword in one hand and Hong Qingyan''s hand in the other, his expression unchanged.


    As for Hong Tianguo, he had been sent far away and handed over to the care of members of the Hong Family.


    Hong Qingyan''s face was stern as she gritted her teeth and said, "Elders of the Hong Family, considering that Big Brother Ye just saved my father and the Chief of the Hong Clan, could you make an exception and let us go? After all, it was Hong Yedu who repeatedly provoked us, forcing Big Brother Ye to retaliate."


    Hong Wuji suddenly snorted coldly, "The dignity of the Ancient Hong Clan cannot be challenged by anyone. To kill a member of the Hong Family on Hong Clan Territory is an unforgivable crime. If we let him go unscathed today, where would the Ancient Hong Clan''s face be, and what dignity would the Ancient Hong Clan have in the future?"


    "Hong Qingyan, considering you are still a member of the Ancient Hong Clan and carry the Wings of Light from our Hong Clan inheritance within you, step aside now, and we surely will not make things difficult for you!"


    Yet Hong Qingyan retorted resolutely, "Hong Wuji, during the time in the Outer Battlefield, you constantly hassled my husband and even colluded with other forces to attempt to kill him. I am indeed Hong Tianguo''s daughter, but I don''t acknowledge myself as a person of the Ancient Hong Clan. If you wish to harm Big Brother Ye today, I will not stand for it!"


    As her words fell, Hong Qingyan released her energy, her body bursting forth with streaks of golden light, and a pair of Golden Wings unfolded behind her.


    Seeing this, Ye Feng suddenly stepped forward to shield her behind him, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly in a teasing manner as he said, "When men fight, where''s the need for the wife to help out? Qingyan, just stand aside and watch. With these few, I could extinguish them in the blink of an eye!"


    After finishing his words, Ye Feng charged out directly.


    "Good lad, you''ve got guts, but today, you won''t escape death!" Hong Wuji was the first to rush out. The aura of a Three Seal Rank great power from the Yin-Yang Realm burst forth, and it was no joke.


    In an instant, winds rose and clouds surged; the sky and earth changed color, and amid the rolling clouds, a golden fiery sun suddenly broke through the layers of mist, appearing above everyone''s heads.


    This golden fiery sun was the Great Fiery Sun Technique of Hong Wuji. Compared to the red sun before, after breaking through to the Three Seals, Hong Wuji''s combat power had undoubtedly received a tremendous boost.


    "But a mere glimmer of light!" Ye Feng said in a deep, cold voice as he soared into the sky. Amidst his upward charge, he gripped his sword in both hands, sweeping out with the golden giant sword.


    A terrifying Sword Qi, like a comet, swept towards the golden fiery sun.


    "Break his Sword Qi for me!" Hong Wuji snorted coldly, and the golden fiery sun hovering in the sky suddenly shot out a golden beam.


    The beam shot straight at Ye Feng. However, the comet-like Sword Qi swept in like a sky-piercing rainbow, instantly scattering the golden beam.


    The unrelenting power of the rainbow Sword Qi instantly sliced towards the golden fiery sun.


    At this moment, Hong Wuji''s hands moved swiftly in Seal Formation, and the sun burst forth with streaks of golden light, its power immensely formidable.


    However, despite Hong Wuji''s resistance, he couldn''t withstand the power of this sword.


    Suddenly, with a loud sizzle, the golden fiery sun was cleaved into two halves by the Royal Authority Sword Qi!


    Hong Wuji''s body shook violently, and he spat out blood on the spot. It seemed that because the Great Fiery Sun had been torn apart, he had also suffered a severe injury.


    At this sight, the faces of all the younger generation of the Hong Family were filled with shock and horror.


    "How... how is this possible? Our ancestor, a Three Seal Rank great power of the Yin-Yang Realm, his Golden Great Sun Technique was... was actually cleaved by Ye Feng with a single sword strike, how is this possible?!"


    "Could it be that this Ye kid is powerful to this extent, even our ancestor can''t take him down?"


    The many younger generation members of the Hong Family murmured and discussed among themselves.


    Even the Elder Buddha of the Buddhist Sect couldn''t help but sigh, "He is indeed the one chosen by the Sovereign of the Human Race. Now, even I have to admit, this kid is very strong. His combat power has already proved comparable to a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm at the peak realm."


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect chuckled, "I have long said he is strong. He is, after all, the leader of the human race of this generation. If he didn''t have some tricks up his sleeve, how could he have been chosen by that one? Hong Wuji and the rest are unlikely to take him down. Let''s wait for the three Clan Elders of the Hong Family to take action."


    The Buddhist Sect Elder Buddha then looked up at the Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect and asked, "Holy Elder, by the looks of it, won''t you consider intervening to save this Ye kid later?"


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect pondered and said, "If it were in the past, I definitely would not have intervened, but you also know the situation now. The Great Wall of Heaven is about to collapse; our Human Race can''t afford to continue infighting and sustaining losses. Moreover, Ye Feng is a young man with exceptional talent potential. If those three Elders of the Hong Family go too far, I think I should intervene."


    The Buddhist Sect Elder Buddhist snorted coldly, "Even if you intervene, this Ye kid killed a great power of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Hong Family. Would the three Clan Elders spare him for your sake?"


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect shook his head and said, "I don''t know either. Let''s wait and see. However, I suddenly have a feeling that even if the three Clan Elders of the Hong Family take action, they might not be able to keep Ye Feng here."


    "Even the three Supreme Clan Elders of the Hong Family can''t handle this kid? Holy Elder, aren''t you exaggerating a bit? You seem to think too highly of that kid," the Buddhist Sect Elder Buddha snorted.


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect simply shook his head with a slight smile, not saying anything more.


    Hong Wuji, at this moment, had suppressed the restless aura in his heart and suddenly shouted in a deep voice, "Damn it, this brat is too troublesome. Set up the formation, the Fiery Sun Four Symbols Formation!"


    The Fiery Sun Formation Array was the unique inheritance formation of the Ancient Hong Clan, suitable for four people to set up the Four Elephants Fiery Sun Grand Formation.


    As the Spirit Essence in the four great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm flowed and intertwined, a huge purplish-red fiery sun soon appeared above their heads.


    With the sun overhead, a terrifying murderous aura immediately filled the land.


    Ye Feng''s gaze sharpened, and he could certainly feel the power of the purplish-red fiery sun. With streaks of golden light emerging from his body, the Supreme Armor appeared on him directly.


    "Ye, you will die today no matter what, brace yourself for the next attack!"


    Hong Wuji gritted his teeth and snorted, as he and the other three great powers of the Yin-Yang Realm formed seals with their hands. Instantly, the purplish-red fiery sun above their heads erupted with rays of purplish-red light.


    Beams of light shot forth, turning into a volley of space-piercing arrows. Soon, a dense shower of purple arrows rained down on Ye Feng.

 Chapter 777 - 747: Old dog, are you convinced or not?

    ```


    Hong Wuji and three other Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm from the Hong Family jointly set up the Fiery Sun Four Symbols Formation. Its power was extremely terrifying¡ªdense torrents of fiery sun arrows rained down, and it was feared that even a Three Seal Rank Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm would have to retreat and dare not confront it head-on.


    Ye Feng still had an unchanged expression, sneered, and coldly huffed, "Nothing but a trifling skill!"


    As his words fell, he once again soared into the sky, clasping the Royal Authority Sword in his hands, while the spirit essence within his body surged out wildly, pouring into the Royal Authority Sword.


    The Royal Authority Sword immediately burst forth with dazzling, eye-catching light, and then Ye Feng swung his sword!


    The terrifying sword qi, like a breached dike, poured forth, instantly scattering and destroying the dense shower of fiery sun arrows coming his way.


    Upon seeing this, Hong Wuji couldn''t help but gnash his teeth and angrily shout, "Damn it, this Ye scion is unexpectedly so strong that even the fiery sun arrows can''t take him down!"


    Another Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm said in a deep voice, "This young man is indeed powerful, it looks like we need to use that other move!"


    "Indeed, it seems we can only resort to the Fiery Sun Wheel now!" the other two Great Powers of the Yin-Yang Realm also said.


    "Alright, if that''s the case, then let''s activate it!" Hong Wuji gritted his teeth furiously, he simply couldn''t imagine that Ye Feng''s strength had already become so frighteningly powerful that if he had taken action alone earlier, not only would he have failed to defeat his opponent, but it was very likely that he would have been defeated instead.


    At that moment, Hong Wuji and the four Great Powers repeatedly formed seals with their hands, and the spirit essence within their bodies surged out once again, intertwining and gathering, flowing towards the blazing sun above their heads.


    In an instant, the blazing sun erupted with dazzling golden light, followed by the formation of a Fiery Sun Wheel that fell towards Ye Feng.


    "Nothing but the light of a tiny grain, watch me break it!" Ye Feng said in a deep, cold hum, swinging his second sword.


    The sword qi burst out like a rainbow, immediately dispersing the incoming Fiery Sun Wheel.


    "Next, the third sword!" Ye Feng''s eyes blazed, as all the spirit essence within his body was poured into the Royal Authority Sword, after which he swung with both hands again.


    In a split second, the color of heaven and earth changed, and the terrifying sword qi, like the Milky Way passing through the void, charged forth with vast majesty,


    Suddenly, the immense sword qi slashed downwards from above, directly splitting the Four Elephants Fiery Sun, which was suspended in mid-air, into two halves.


    The terrifying sword qi swept out, destroying all the Hong Family of the Ancient Clan''s wooden houses in its path, and even the Rock Mountain in front was cleaved in two!


    It was fortunate that the Holy Elder of Confucian Sect took action; otherwise, the surrounding common members of the Hong Family would have suffered numerous casualties.


    When the Four Elephants Fiery Sun was split in two by a sword strike, Hong Wuji and the other four were instantly subjected to a backlash, and they were sent flying on the spot, even the two One Seal Great Powers were unable to withstand the terrible might of the sword qi and spat out blood from midair, suffering heavy injuries.


    All the younger generation of the Hong Family around them were dumbfounded by this sight. They could never have imagined that even with the Ancestor of the Hong Family and the other three Great Powers working together, they still could not suppress Ye Feng. Instead, they were counter-injured by him, which was simply appalling.


    "What... what do we do now, even with the Ancestor taking action we can''t take down this kid, this Ye fellow is simply too powerful!" the members of the Hong Family exclaimed in horror.


    "Damn it, are we just going to let this Ye scion do whatever he pleases, rampaging wildly without any law or order on our Hong Clan Territory?"


    "Detestable! If only our cultivation levels were stronger, I would surely tear this kid to pieces. The dignity of our Ancient Hong Clan cannot tolerate any challenge!" Many of the Hong Family''s younger generation were shouting furiously.


    At this moment, Ye Feng was still hovering in mid-air, his body clad in the dazzling, golden Supreme Armor, holding the Royal Authority Sword. At this moment, he looked just like a Golden Armor War God, majestic and disdainful.


    "Hong Wuji you old bastard, are you going to submit or not?" Ye Feng looked down at him from on high.


    Hong Wuji''s face turned the color of a pig''s liver. He, the Ancestor of the Ancient Hong Clan, could never have imagined being so insulted and challenged by a young whipper-snapper like Ye Feng today¡ªit was like a vicious slap to his face.


    "Ye, I admit you''re indeed strong, but you think with just this small ability, you can act willfully and lawlessly in our Hong Clan Territory?" Hong Wuji roared through clenched teeth.


    Ye Feng replied sternly, "So it seems you old dog still won''t submit? In that case, I will just have to keep beating you until you do!"


    As his voice dropped, Ye Feng charged down, wielding the Royal Authority Sword with both hands as he flew, and swung his sword.


    The sword qi swept out like a comet, heading straight for Hong Wuji.


    Although Hong Wuji was now also a Three Seal Great Power of the Yin-Yang Realm, when the Royal Authority Sword Qi came sweeping over, he felt the spirit essence in his body being suppressed, even its circulation became unsmoothed. This situation undoubtedly made it impossible for him to unleash his true strength.


    "Damn it, what kind of sword is this? It''s so terrifying that even I feel suppressed!" Hong Wuji was both shocked and furious in his heart.


    Indeed, this was the horrifying aspect of the Royal Authority Sword. It belonged to that Sovereign of the Human Race from over two thousand years ago, who had unified Xuanyuan and even wielded great influence over the Earth World. He even attempted to refine this space and time, although he ultimately failed.


    ```


    But no matter whether it was his Royal Authority Divine Seal or the Sword of Royal Authority, they both exerted an invisible suppressive force on all the beings of this space-time, epitomizing the ultimate authority of an emperor!


    Hong Wuji subconsciously wanted to retreat, but at this moment, the many members of the Hong Family were watching. If he were to retreat now, it would certainly be a complete disgrace, so he had no choice but to steel himself and charge forward.


    Hong Wuji''s Great Hand slapped out, and a brilliant golden light burst from the palm of his hand, instantly releasing a golden sphere of light.


    However, just as the golden sphere shot forth, the terrifying Sword Qi that resembled a long rainbow swept over it and, in a mere encounter, completely dissipated the golden light.


    The majestic power of the Sword Qi did not diminish in the slightest and swallowed Hong Wuji in an instant!


    At this crucial moment, Hong Wuji''s complexion drastically changed, and suddenly, a dazzling purple glow erupted from his wrist, immediately forming a purple Protective Shield, and concurrently, a necklace on his wrist snapped apart.


    By the looks of it, the purple necklace appeared to be some powerful Defensive Magic Treasure!


    As the rainbow-like Sword Qi surged forth, a thunderous boom rang out, breaking through the purple light shield. However, by this time, the Sword Qi had already been largely blocked.


    Although Hong Wuji was shaken back repeatedly by the powerful Sword Qi, he was not injured.


    "You actually have a Defensive Magic Treasure. Now, I want to see how many protective treasures you have on you!" Ye Feng sneered coldly as his figure swept forward like a Flying Dragon, wielding the Royal Authority Sword for another strike.


    Sword Qi cleansed three thousand li, with the whistling of the wind continuous and ear-piercing, and the space where the Sword Qi traveled even began to crack.


    Hong Wuji''s face changed dramatically, his hands rapidly forming Seal Formations as he frantically mobilized the Spirit Essence within his body, creating a Fiery Sun Wheel protective shield before him.


    But now, Ye Feng''s Acupoints had already cultivated to more than two thousand nine hundred and seventy, his Spirit Essence was incredibly vigorous, and his Cultivation Level was extremely high. Furthermore, with the Sword of Royal Authority in hand, even someone of the Three Seal Rank would not be his match.


    The Sword Qi swept across, directly tearing the Fiery Sun Wheel protective shield apart, and then, with a roaring boom, it rushed towards Hong Wuji.


    "Damn it..." Hong Wuji''s face drastically changed as he was blown away by the ferocious and majestic Sword Qi.


    Mid-flight, he spewed a mouthful of blood, and finally he crashed heavily into the ground, where even a shocking sword wound appeared on his chest.


    "This..." The surrounding members of the Hong Family were so shocked that they were nearly at a loss for words. Each of them had their eyes filled with a look of horror.


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect smiled faintly and said, "What did I tell you? This young fellow is indeed the chosen Inheritor, truly powerful. Given his current Combat Power, he can already be said to rival that of the Peak Realm."


    The Buddhist Sect Elder Buddha harrumphed gravely, "Indeed, he is very powerful, much more so than I anticipated, but if he keeps causing trouble like this, I''m afraid the three Clan Elders of the Hong Family will not be able to stand by. Once the three Clan Elders make a move, he will not be able to withstand them at his current stage!"


    The Holy Elder of the Confucian Sect merely nodded slightly and remained silent.


    Ye Feng, holding the Royal Authority Sword, looked down at Hong Wuji and said word by word, "Old Bastard Hong, do you submit now?"


    A trembling Hong Wuji was bleeding from the chest and the corner of his mouth, his gray hair disheveled. Now lying on the ground, he undoubtedly seemed in complete disarray, as pitiful as a dog.


    In the Hong Clan Territory, seeing an ancestor of the Hong Family beaten to such a wretched state, not only did Ancestor Hong lose all his dignity, but the Ancient Hong Clan''s face was also thoroughly disgraced.


    If this matter were to spread, the Ancient Hong Clan would probably be unable to hold their heads up high for decades to come!


    All of a sudden, the scene fell eerily silent. Although members of the Ancient Hong Clan felt both ashamed and furious, at this moment, no one spoke up. Of course, they did not dare to mock their own ancestor, each simply bowing their heads and clenching their fists tightly.


    Qingyan stood at the edge of the Stone Chamber, watching over her father without any intention to mediate. After all, she was well aware that when Ye Feng had just arrived on the Outer Battlefield with low strength, Hong Wuji had attempted to make a move against him, even contemplating killing Ye Feng. Had it not been for the First Hall Master''s intervention, Ye Feng might have died by Hong Wuji''s hands then.


    Furthermore, there were many other instances where Hong Wuji had repeatedly made things difficult for Ye Feng, even joining forces with Great Powers of other major forces to deal with Ye Feng, which was simply going too far!


    Therefore, even though Qingyan carried the blood of the Hong Family, she looked down on Hong Wuji and would definitely not step in to resolve the situation. Now in the entire Hong Clan, she only cared about her father. As for others, she couldn''t be bothered to pay them any more attention. Indeed, her heart was not that large, and it was already nearly filled by Ye Feng; she had no desire to accommodate anyone else.


    Hong Wuji slowly got up from the ground, gritting his teeth and saying word by word, "Ye Feng, you''ve acted lawlessly and unbridled on the Hong Clan Territory today. Let me tell you, you are bound to die! Today, I shall use your blood to wash away the disgrace my people of the Hong Family have endured!"


    "So it seems you still refuse to submit? In that case, I will crippling you thoroughly!" Ye Feng''s gaze hardened, and he raised the Royal Authority Sword again.


    Hong Wuji suddenly looked up and bellowed in a clear voice, "Great disaster has befallen the Hong Clan, I beseech the Supreme Clan Elder to take action at once!"


    With his shout amplified by his Spirit Essence, it echoed throughout the Ancient Hong Clan''s Territory.