Chapter 1039: Genius Gathering

The Eastern Wilderness, located in the eastern part of the continent, is named for its vast desolate forests and swamps. Its territory is boundless, stretching unknown tens of thousands of miles, a distance mortals could not traverse even in a thousand lifetimes.

Ye Fan's consecutive attacks on eighteen strongholds of the Heavenly Emperor's Son shocked the world overnight. The five domains were thrown into chaos, and the entire world watched, with all cultivators focusing on the Eastern Wilderness!

This feat, unseen for over a decade, was astonishing in its ferocity and decisiveness. The bloody slaughter, which eradicated a large number of descendants of the Eight Divine Generals, left the ancient races stunned and deeply troubled.

Who exactly was this person, so audacious as to seemingly wish to defy the heavens?

The Undying Heavenly Emperor once reigned supreme. In ancient times, he commanded the Eight Divine Generals, who looked down upon the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands. Any single division could pacify the world and fight against external deities, sweeping all before them.

When this divine being passed away, the Eight Divine Generals were buried with him. Their descendants went into hiding across various regions, and although most had been eradicated over the long years, they still represented a force that could not be ignored.

Now, someone had actually dared to challenge this power, surprising even the ancient races. The Heavenly Emperor's Son was not without support; even the remnants of his descendants could intimidate the Eastern Wilderness.

Ye Fan, having killed hundreds with each step and departed quietly once his task was done, now stood on a small boat, drifting down the river. Monkeys cried and tigers roared on the banks, and tall mountains loomed. His expression was serene, devoid of any killing intent.

During that day and night, he had killed an unknown number of the Eight Divine Generals' descendants. Blood had stained his body, and even his dark-golden spear had become ferocious, wreathed in a murderous aura.

With hundreds, even thousands, of corpses at his feet, he had grown weary of the slaughter. A world flowing with blood, scattered with bone fragments – it was a nightmare for everyone involved, including himself.

Now, he had finally escaped. He anticipated that the Heavenly Emperor's Son would be furious, boiling with rage, as the loss of thirteen Dao Slayers was an immeasurable blow.

With the constant cries of monkeys on both banks, the small boat had already passed countless mountains. This simple raft held a wine jar and a few small dishes, and Ye Fan poured and drank for himself.

The great river flowed rapidly, carving its way through high mountains and deep gorges, moving ever forward, traversing endless wilderness. For tens of thousands of miles, human habitation was rare; only birds and beasts inhabited the banks.

By now, he had reached the Southern Domain, where the current gradually slowed. Leaving the vast wilderness, he entered areas frequented by humans, and large ships could occasionally be seen sailing on the river.

Ye Fan continued southward, knowing that the Heavenly Emperor's Son would surely erupt in rage and was likely plotting to hunt down his formidable enemy across the world. He was pleased by his opponent's fury, and thus traveled at his leisure.

Having just endured a period of slaughter, he wished to adjust, quietly awaiting his opponent's move, ready to strike a thunderous blow at the crucial moment. It would be ideal if he could kill the Heavenly Emperor's Son, who had now revealed himself, in one fell swoop.

Qingxia City, in the Southern Domain, boasted magnificent, picturesque scenery. It was a place blessed with exceptional people and natural beauty, home to many talented scholars and beautiful women, and the origin of numerous immortal poems.

Within the city lay Li Lake, which would be brilliantly lit every night. Many pleasure boats gathered there, attracting young talents. It was a place of entertainment, where scholars found romance and beautiful women captivated, leading to many delightful tales.

Of course, among the so-called elites were also cultivators. Qingxia City was one of the ten great cities of the Southern Domain, a holy land for cultivation, where many practitioners lingered.

It was another evening. Pleasure boats clustered together, forming rows and clusters, like fortresses on the lake, brightly lit. The sounds of string and wind instruments were constant, mingled with singing, toasts, and laughter echoing occasionally.

This was a haven of pleasure, yet also a stage for rivalry. As elites frequently gathered here, unconventional duels were naturally common.

Ye Fan continued downstream. Upon encountering a small tributary, he turned into it, entering Qingxia City. His bamboo raft sailed into the famous Li Lake, where he saw numerous ornate Phoenix boats.

"We're not late, are we?" some cultivators said, hurrying towards a large distant ship, seemingly bound for a very important gathering.

"For so many years, cultivators in our Southern Domain have been very low-key. It's rare to have such a small but grand event, so it can't be missed," someone whispered, as they all rushed to the same place.

Ye Fan was surprised, his expression shifting. In front of the great city, streaks of light shimmered, and above it, a floating island appeared. Many cultivators, after registering on their boats, ascended into the air and landed on the island.

Qingxia City was renowned throughout the Southern Domain and held considerable fame in the Eastern Wilderness. Li Lake was a picturesque spot, and it was natural for cultivators to manage it, so the presence of such a floating island was quite reasonable.

Abandoning his bamboo raft, Ye Fan successfully ascended the floating divine island. It featured numerous ancient buildings with carved beams and painted pillars, gurgling springs, rows of pavilions, stacked exotic rocks, and lush, beautiful trees.

Under the moonlight, the island appeared serene, as if veiled in a layer of white mist, with many people seated there.

This was not a deliberately organized gathering, but rather a small meeting initiated by a few exceptional talents, the news of which spread, attracting many cultivators.

"The Marquis in Purple has indeed arrived! He has risen in recent years, sweeping across the Southern Domain, invincible. He could well become the second Divine King in the future."

People exclaimed, looking towards a stone platform ahead. There stood a man in purple robes, appearing to be only in his twenties. He possessed an imposing aura without needing to express anger, and carried a very unique demeanor.

"He is a disciple of the Carefree Sect. His rise has exceeded everyone's expectations; he is absolutely a genius of this generation in the Southern Domain!" someone praised.

Ye Fan paused in surprise upon hearing this. The Carefree Sect was indeed an influential school, similar to the Grand Profound Sect, where Hua Yunfei belonged. Aside from the Sacred Lands, they were among the strongest great sects.

Back then, among the younger generation, besides Ji Haoyue, Hua Yunfei, and the Shaking Light Saint Son, the Southern Domain also had several other masters, including Ji Biyue and Li Youyou from the Carefree Sect.

He had not expected that after all these years, a new generation would rise. He had never heard of this Marquis in Purple.

Someone exclaimed, "Li Qingzhou is here too! He is very likely to become the Shaking Light's future First Saint Son. His momentum in recent years has astounded the Southern Domain, making him unstoppable."

In a pavilion, a radiant young man with a gentle smile on his face seemed to be enveloped in a layer of holy light. Dressed in moon-white robes, he appeared extraordinarily ethereal under the moonlight.

"This person is incredibly powerful. He has defeated everyone in the Shaking Light's current generation, no less formidable than the Shaking Light Saint Son of old."

Many people whispered, especially some women, whose beautiful eyes sparkled with admiration as they watched Li Qingzhou.

"It's said that he was personally taught by the Shaking Light Holy Lord himself. Look, even his divine aura is similar. He's unfathomable. In the future, even if he's not the foremost figure in the Eastern Wilderness, he'll be close."

Clearly, people paid special attention to Li Qingzhou because his master was famous and known throughout the world.

Ye Fan observed carefully and found that this young man's demeanor was remarkably similar to that of the former Shaking Light Saint Son. He exuded an extraordinary, almost divine aura, with even his hair glowing. His cultivation for his age was enough to astound the world.

"Truly remarkable. The Shaking Light Sect has raised a good disciple," he murmured to himself.

"His power is, of course, undeniable. And just consider who his master is—the only supreme venerated figure among humans capable of contending with ancient imperial princes. In an era when Saints do not manifest, he can be said to be invincible!" someone sighed.

"Indeed! The former Shaking Light Saint Son, now the Shaking Light Holy Lord, is truly a genius of all ages. To cultivate to such a realm, to look upon the world with disdain, and to be able to contend with the direct descendants of ancient emperors—it is truly a miracle!" Everyone could not help but exclaim.

"Since ancient times, he is the only one who dared to take 'Shaking Light' as his name. His path to becoming an emperor is unwavering, his resolve as firm as iron," people discussed.

The former Shaking Light Saint Son, now the Shaking Light Holy Lord, changed his name ten years ago and simply called himself Shaking Light!

If anyone else had done so, it would only have invited ridicule, and the other elders of the Sacred Land would have vehemently opposed it. But when he made this decision, no one dared to say a word, all deeming it a perfectly fitting choice.

"Shaking Light!" Ye Fan drank a cup of wine, sitting on a stone stool amidst the pine forest under the moonlight, listening to the murmuring water, quietly observing everyone.

He had not expected his former great enemy to possess such prestige now. Not only had he claimed his true name, but he also held the potential to dominate the world, surveying the entire Eastern Wilderness with an overwhelming aura, sweeping through the five domains without an equal.

"How is it that I heard the Shaking Light Divine Maiden, Yao Xi, escaped twelve years ago and left the Shaking Light Sacred Land? I wonder if it's true," someone remarked at that moment.

"Yes, I heard that too. That Southern Domain jewel, Yao Xi, captivated countless heroes back then, with innumerable people willing to prostrate themselves before her. Why she fled, I don't know."

"Considering the Shaking Light's prestige moving the world, and becoming a Holy Lord of a sect, Divine Maiden Yao Xi should have been pleased. Why things reached this point is unknown."

"I once heard that when Saintess Yao Xi fled, she said that the Shaking Light Sacred Land was like an old, withered tree, and a mysterious sect had taken root within it, giving birth to something new... which would overturn the Sacred Land!"

"Hmm, that's right. There are indeed such secrets. It's said that the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Imperial Cauldron's birth on a stormy, thunderous night also holds hidden secrets, not merely the result of 50,000 years of refinement and worship by the Shaking Light's sages."

"Hush, be quiet! Don't spread such rumors carelessly, or great disaster will befall you!"

Only a few people briefly discussed it before quickly falling silent, none daring to say more. Ye Fan, however, felt a great stir in his heart.

"Hmm, look, Ji Zi is here. He's the most mysterious person in the Southern Domain right now. Someone once saw an elder of the Ji Family salute him, yet he appears to be only in his twenties, which is perplexing."

In the distance, a man approached, his demeanor simple and true, with nothing particularly remarkable about him. Even his appearance was ordinary, leaving no lasting impression after a glance.

However, Ye Fan's heart jolted. This person was far from simple, compelling him to take several closer looks. He was certainly no ordinary mortal!

"His name is truly strange, 'Ji Zi,' and he has no notable achievements. I truly don't know why he can be ranked alongside people like the Marquis in Purple and Li Qingzhou."

"This person is unassuming, with nothing extraordinary about him, and his physique doesn't seem exceptional. How could someone have seen a living fossil treat him so respectfully?" some wondered, filled with doubt.

"It's precisely because a living fossil of the Ji Family treated him with such deference that he is ranked alongside figures like the Marquis in Purple and Li Qingzhou. Otherwise, who would even know who he is?" someone sneered.

Ye Fan paid no heed to their discussions, secretly observing Ji Zi. He couldn't help but feel a tremor in his heart; this was no ordinary person. His cultivation was terrifyingly profound. Though he appeared unassuming, he had actually merged with the void, a sign of having comprehended the Void Sutra to its ultimate sublimation!

"Could the legends be true? Has such a figure truly emerged?!" he couldn't help but murmur to himself.

*Whoosh!*

Just then, Ji Zi turned his head and cast a glance in Ye Fan's direction. He still appeared unremarkable, but Ye Fan detected a hint of surprise deep within his eyes.

"As expected, this is no ordinary mortal!" Ye Fan became even more convinced. Such powerful and keen spiritual perception was undoubtedly world-shaking.

Ji Zi's arrival did not draw much attention from those present; hardly anyone gave him a second look, generally not valuing him highly.

"Hmm, I heard that two important figures, Ji Biyue and Li Youyou, will also be coming, and even a prominent figure from the Central Domain, the Phoenix Heavenly Maiden, might arrive."

"Who knows the truth? I also heard that the Shaking Light Holy Lord will be attending, but there are rumors that he has already left this world."

"My master will be here," Li Qingzhou suddenly spoke.

People were instantly stunned, looking at him incredulously, barely able to believe his words. Could the Shaking Light, who overlooked the world, still be in this realm?!

Suddenly, there was a great commotion outside. Some cultivators flew onto the divine island, their chests heaving under the pale moonlight, bringing incredibly important news.

"Everyone, you must have heard by now: a mysterious and invincible individual challenged the Heavenly Emperor's Son's eighteen strongholds at night, sweeping through the descendants of the Eight Divine Generals. Now, there's even bigger news: a half-Saint has crossed south, vowing to kill this person!"

"The Heavenly Emperor's Son of the ancient race has issued a kill order. He has traced the individual's whereabouts to the Southern Domain and will personally travel here to slay this astonishing figure."

Instantly, chaos erupted on the divine island. People realized that the Southern Domain was about to erupt, as numerous influential figures were gathering there.

After many years, major figures like Shaking Light and the Heavenly Emperor's Son were actually going to appear!