Chapter 1040: Person Among Men

Chapter 1041: An Exceptional Individual

The Emperor's Son has emerged from seclusion and will arrive with his Eight Divisions of Divine Generals, astonishing everyone. Who has dared to contend with him over the years? Now, a mere stomp of his foot can make the Eastern Barrens tremble three times over.

"It is rumored that this divine descendant is enraged and has sworn to slaughter the culprits, avenging his followers. We hear he has sharpened his celestial blade and intends to personally sever the enemies' heads to honor the deceased."

"When the Emperor's Son is enraged, tens of thousands will surely die, and rivers of blood will flow. This will be a great catastrophe!"

People discussed animatedly. The emergence of the ancient emperor's son, personally leading an assault on the Southern Domain, was an earth-shattering event that would undoubtedly draw global attention and widespread debate.

His power was now unrivaled. His vast army and formidable presence would undoubtedly stir immense turmoil.

Not far away, Ye Fan sneered. Would this divine descendant truly appear at the first opportunity? Unlikely. From past encounters, Ye Fan knew this individual often incited many powerful figures but rarely acted himself.

The floating island was abuzz with noise, as people couldn't help but discuss. Among those present, only Ji Zi remained calm and unperturbed, showing no reaction whatsoever.

When things quieted down, people couldn't help but turn to look at Li Qingzhou again. He had just revealed a startling piece of news, and some couldn't resist asking.

"Did the Sacred King of Yaoguang truly never leave this world? Weren't there rumors years ago that he embarked on the ancient star path for the strongest trial in history?"

"My master has never left," Li Qingzhou smiled, his teeth gleaming white. His skin shimmered with a radiant glow, and his pores seemed to emit brilliance, making his entire being appear vibrant.

People continued to arrive, ascending the island and bringing a stream of news, almost all of it from the Northern Domain.

"Can you guess who could have dared to slaughter so many ancient clan powerhouses like that? Their background must be extraordinary."

"Indeed... for so many years, not even the Sacred King of Yaoguang has done such a thing. Who exactly is he?"

The crowd murmured. This person, who had single-handedly raided eighteen strongholds and slain thirteen Dao Slayers overnight, had shocked the world. Everyone speculated, but no one knew his identity.

"If that person from back then hadn't left, I believe he could have done it, and dared to do it," someone offered, immediately drawing many gazes.

"Are you... the former Sacred Body, Ye Fan?"

"Yes, only he would dare to challenge the Emperor's Son in such a manner. But he left this world long ago."

"It couldn't be him. A Half-Saint once personally witnessed him act in the Fire Spirit Gorge and used a Heavenly Eye to observe his true essence. He completely lacked the golden blood energy of a Sacred Body."

When Ye Fan was mentioned, everyone shook their heads. This formidable figure had journeyed far away, becoming a part of the past, and was unlikely to reappear.

An hour later, various extraordinary individuals from the Southern Domain's sects arrived. Powerhouses were as numerous as trees in a forest, and masters as abundant as clouds. It inspired sighs of awe, a testament to the saying: "New talents emerge in every generation, each dominating for centuries."

In the Southern Domain, sects like Yaoguang, the Ji Family, and the Free and Easy Sect were among the most prominent. Observant individuals noticed that, with the exception of the Great Profound Sect, almost all had produced young geniuses.

"Unfortunately, since the banished immortal Hua Yunfei, the Great Profound Sect has not produced another astounding figure. There isn't a single prodigy from their sect present today."

Following Yaoguang, there was Li Qingzhou, who closely rivaled the Sacred Son of yesteryear. To see him was more impressive than merely hearing of his renown; he was clearly a prodigy.

As for the Free and Easy Sect, it produced Purple-Clad Marquis, who rose to prominence overnight. He fought against numerous heroes without a single defeat, and people already likened him to the Divine King Haoyue in his youth.

"Recalling those years, Hua Yunfei was an extraordinary hero, dominating the world alone, yet he died young. He was an unparalleled talent, scarcely inferior to Yaoguang!"

Someone remarked that when Hua Yunfei cultivated demonic arts, he was besieged from all directions. Yet, he broke through the encirclement and for over a decade, faced no worthy opponent, leaving the world helpless.

Ye Fan also sighed softly. This enemy had left a deep impression on him: elegant and ethereal, like a banished immortal. His zither music was unparalleled, causing myriad flowers to bloom and a hundred birds to flock in homage; it was truly transcendent.

Ultimately, he was a pitiful fish, struggling to leap, but each time caught back by a mighty hand, unable to escape his fate, bound to that unchanging river.

Of the many adversaries Ye Fan had slain, Hua Yunfei was one of the few he found regrettable, a worthy opponent to lament. Remembering Hua Yunfei's genuine sentiment at the end, his wish to be a simple zither boy, and his transformation into a shower of light, Ye Fan shook his head.

"One can only say that the Sacred Body was too powerful back then, causing such a peerless prodigy as the banished immortal to die with regret. However, his mistake was also cultivating the Heaven-Devouring Demonic Art, which heaven and earth could not tolerate."

Everyone couldn't help but feel regret and sigh deeply.

"Now, those astounding talents have either died or departed. The true contest is between prodigies like Purple-Clad Marquis, Li Qingzhou, the Chaos Sacred Son, and Ye Tong."

"That's right. The clashes between those world-shocking heavenly talents have extended to their disciples' generation. Even if some are no longer here, their legacies must still be decided."

Soon, people began discussing the battle between the Primordial Chaos Son of Wanchu and Ye Tong. Everyone was amazed by the power of Ye Fan's disciple, who was practically a second Sacred Body.

"Mo Xue of Wanchu is not a true Chaos Physique; it is said that such a constitution is impossible to achieve. He merely has the innate ability to accommodate chaotic energy. If, one day, someone with Chaos Blood truly appears, then there will be nothing left to contend for. In the future, he alone will dominate the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, proving his Dao!"

"Even if such a physique has never appeared since ancient times, we shouldn't make such assumptions and exaggerate its terror. Over twenty years ago, the Ruthless Great Emperor was merely a mortal body, yet she still slew all kings, stood alone in the Nine Heavens, and even deities could not bar her path."

"That's true."

"Speaking of which, Ye Tong is truly powerful. He might indeed fulfill his claim of fighting on behalf of his master in the future, sweeping away all of Ye Fan's former adversaries and upholding the invincible might of the Sacred Body."

"That's not impossible. With such a disciple, the Sacred Body should be pleased. His disciple sweeping away his past enemies on his behalf is the ultimate manifestation of his power, more fulfilling than acting himself!"

Although these people spoke in hushed tones, their discussion caused Li Qingzhou to frown slightly. Several exceptional human talents had successively left this world, and now his master was revered. Yet, he hadn't expected such comparisons, which clearly showed the immense influence of the Sacred Body's power.

"The Eldest Princess of the Ji Family has arrived, accompanied by Li Youyou of the Free and Easy Sect," someone announced. Many people instinctively stood up to show their respect.

Ji Biyue and Li Youyou were incredibly formidable. Even in an era as brilliant as that of Yaoguang, Ji Haoyue, and Hua Yunfei, they shone no less brightly, standing among the strongest individuals in the Southern Domain during that time.

Ji Biyue had a slender figure, with her long hair flowing around her. Her lips were a vibrant red, making her look sensuous and alluring. Dressed in a green ethereal robe, her bare jade-like feet were spotless, just as they always had been.

She was ushered in like the moon surrounded by stars. Numerous cultivators bowed to her in deference. She was, after all, the cousin of a generation's Divine King and now potentially the successor to the Ji Family. Who would not feel awe?

Ye Fan noticed that when Ji Biyue glanced at Ji Zi, the expression on her beautiful face visibly faltered. Only those with keen spiritual senses like him would have detected it; other cultivators would certainly not.

Li Youyou, on the other hand, was aloof. When people greeted her, she simply waved her hand and sat beside her martial nephew, Purple-Clad Marquis, saying little.

"Everyone is saying that the Path to Immortality has opened... Since we are all gathered today, perhaps we can discuss what kind of path it is. According to ancient legends, it might even be in our Southern Domain."

Ji Biyue smiled, but her eyes held a sharp glint. She was a person with a strong desire for power; it was her nature to seek control wherever she was.

After she spoke, a heated discussion immediately erupted. Someone, whose identity was unknown, had reportedly seen an ancient solitary text claiming that the Path to Immortality might open in the Southern Domain.

"Is there anything special about the Southern Domain that you all haven't guessed?" Li Qingzhou chuckled.

Many couldn't help but show surprise. Could he even deduce something about the Path to Immortality?

"I suppose your master has made some deductions?" Ji Biyue said with a faint smile.

"Yes... My master has carefully pondered this and believes that if the Path to Immortality is formless, then no one can guess its location. But if it has a tangible form, and if it's indeed in the Southern Domain, then it's most likely beneath the Primordial Abyss," Li Qingzhou stated.

"What?!"

With that declaration, the divine island reverberated. The deduction made by Yaoguang was certainly enough to astonish the world, leaving everyone in awe.

"My master said this is just one possible path, not necessarily the truth. No one can truly fathom the genuine heavenly secrets," Li Qingzhou added.

"The Sacred King of Yaoguang is being too modest. What kind of figure is he? Reigning over the Eastern Barrens, he must have sensed something to make such a judgment." Everyone chimed in, filled with immense reverence for the Sacred Lord of Yaoguang.

What kind of place was the Primordial Forbidden Zone? A place of no return. That barrenness was likely comparable to an ancient Great Emperor. Who could possibly break in there, unless they were occupying it to await the opportunity for immortality!

The thought of this made people's heads spin, their minds racing with countless possibilities. If the Eastern Barrens had seven great forbidden zones of life, what complicated secrets did the other six hold?

"The Phoenix Heavenly Maiden has arrived! She's a princess of the Feng Family, and the foremost figure of her generation in the Central Domain," someone exclaimed. Many people rose to greet the woman.

Feng Huang had clearly achieved Dao Slaying. A powerful aura, though contained within her, still inspired an involuntary sense of awe. Though her true face remained hidden, legend said her beauty would shame the moon and put flowers to blush. Her graceful arrival, with every step seemingly manifesting a lotus, and her sheer presence, effortlessly outshone all other women.

"Oh, it's sister Feng Huang. It's been years, and your elegance remains unchanged," Ji Biyue said with a smile.

"Sister Ruoyue is even more radiant than before. With Divine King Haoyue gone, are you soon to become the Ji Family's head?" Feng Huang replied with a faint smile, her body shimmering with five-colored light, her demeanor captivating.

No one dared to speak, holding their breath. It was clear they sensed a veiled antagonism between the two, as if old resentments lingered.

"How can I compare to you, sister? As the Sacred Lord of the Feng Family, revered throughout the Central Domain... The only regrettable thing, perhaps, was that marriage pact back then. Heavenly Maiden, you were truly extraordinary, not even deeming the Human Sacred Body worthy of your attention." Ji Biyue chuckled.

The island immediately fell silent. No one spoke, everyone as quiet as cicadas in winter, fearing they would invite trouble upon themselves.

"You..." Feng Huang clenched her fair, slender hand into a fist, clearly mortified.

Who among those present didn't know that the Feng Clan's brightest jewel had made that decision years ago? Later, when Ye Fan rose to prominence, many secretly mocked Feng Huang because of it.

Ji Biyue's dredging up of old affairs was clearly unkind, deliberately unsettling the Feng Clan's Heavenly Maiden. It was almost open mockery, causing her to lose face.

Feng Huang calmly replied, "Sister, thank you for your concern, but perhaps you should worry more about the Ji Family. I heard that after Divine King Haoyue and little sister Ziyue embarked on the star path, the Ji Family's prestige significantly declined. In the Northern Domain's mining area, even direct descendants were slapped by ancient clansmen. This truly harms the Void Great Emperor's reputation, as that brother and sister have the Great Emperor's blood flowing through them. Your succession, sister, truly pales in comparison to the Divine King's reign."

Everyone was astonished; they were unaware of such events. They never expected Feng Huang to be so well-informed and to reveal it publicly to strike at Ji Biyue.

The Feng Clan's Heavenly Maiden continued unhurriedly, "I heard that in the end, it was that mysterious powerhouse wielding a dark-golden long spear who eliminated all the ancient clansmen, saving your Ji Family some face, sister."

"What are you trying to imply, sister? Are you perhaps suggesting that person was the Sacred Body, Ye Fan?" Ji Biyue smiled. No matter what Feng Huang said, just this one point was enough to infuriate her.

Indeed, Feng Huang's gaze turned sharp. The last thing she wanted brought up was this old matter. She said coldly, "The descendants of the Eight Divisions of Divine Generals have already moved south. Sister, if you are a descendant of the Void Great Emperor, you should focus more on how to regain face. The Void Great Emperor is revered across the four seas and admired by all under heaven, deterring the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths! For his direct descendants, with his unparalleled imperial blood flowing within them, and even some fragments of his memory, to be slapped in such a manner is an immense disgrace to a Human Great Emperor."

Ye Fan noticed Ji Zi frown, then stand up and leave the island.

He was not tall and unremarkable in appearance, exceedingly ordinary. Yet, he made Ye Fan feel a pang of suspicion and concern; there was something truly special about this person.

Ji Zi was taciturn. If he stood in a crowd, he would go completely unnoticed, being very plain and ordinary. His departure caused no stir, as no one present had truly paid him much attention or considered him extraordinary.

More cultivators arrived, bringing a fresh batch of news: "I heard that the powerhouses under the Emperor's Son have successively entered the Southern Domain. The first contingent of the Eight Divisions of Divine Generals' descendants is currently in Cloud Peak Ancient City, 100,000 li away, arriving with a massive force."

Cloud Peak City was one of the Southern Domain's ten great cities, on par with Qingxia City, and had been a strategic stronghold since ancient times.

However, at that very moment, something terrifying occurred: the sky collapsed, chaotic energy surged from the earth, and the void was stained with blood. The resulting tremors seemed to transcend the realm of human power!

Not long after, a piece of news reached the divine island on Qingxia City's Beautiful Lake. Some people grew agitated, their chests heaving violently, their speech stumbling.

"Everyone, momentous news! A major event just happened on the continent!"

"The Emperor's Son's first contingent of forces are all dead! Not a single one survived! A strange ripple emerged from Cloud Peak City, the void fluctuated, and the bodies of the Eight Divisions of Divine Generals' descendants turned into bloody mist, leaving only their heads suspended in the air."

"Impossible! There were Dao Slayers among them, and a large number of masters. Did they just die like that?!"

"It happened very suddenly. No one knows what occurred. That part of the void seemed to possess life, slaying all the ancient clan masters!"