Chapter 1206: Great Enemies Everywhere

The evening glow spilled into the lake like scattered gold, reflecting a golden hue in the shimmering waves.

In the distance, grains swayed and rustled like ripples.

The sounds of chickens and dogs carried on the breeze, and the mountain village, bathed in the evening glow, was filled with peace, detached from worldly strife, like a secluded paradise.

An old man, sitting on a small stool with his back against a wall, told stories to a group of children. He squinted, looking into the distance, his tone slow and deliberate. "Listen closely," he said, "this is what happened on the extraterrestrial battlefield."

This was the new location of Tianzhi Village, hidden deep in the countryside.

In the distance, a green ox slowly walked by, a herdboy riding on its back and playing a flute, their presence like a cool, flowing spring in the desert, gentle and refreshing.

Several aunties were washing clothes by the river, while a few half-grown boys were catching fish, filling the air with laughter.

The Path to Immortality was about to open, yet Tianzhi Village had gone into seclusion, not wanting to get involved. They even planned to venture deep into the universe to escape this troubled land.

Because once the opportunity for immortality appeared, the entire ancient star would become a battlefield where countless people would surely die. This would undoubtedly be the most terrifying battle in all ages.

Everything was in preparation and brewing. The Black Emperor was working tirelessly, almost losing all its fur, to decipher stargates and thoroughly research the spaceship.

They might leave, so both children and the elderly were savoring this last precious period of time.

Away from the battlefield and temporarily separated from the cultivation world, this mortal life felt very comfortable to everyone. There were no secret arts, no ancient treasures, no conflicts among myriad races—only simplicity and joy.

People can always appreciate that sense of relief and satisfaction, when both body and mind relax, only after experiencing periods of tension, anxiety, and apprehension.

At the village entrance, under an old peach tree struck by lightning, Li Tian, the Holy Prince, and others sat on stone stools, gazing at the evening glow in the sky. Tea aroma wafted from the stone table.

Ye Fan tore open a pack of cigarettes and lit one. He skillfully held it between two fingers and brought it to his lips, and as the smoke drifted out, he felt a wave of relaxation.

This was perhaps one of the few "external items" he had brought back from the other side of the starry sky that he could still use. He didn't smoke much and wasn't heavily addicted, only lighting one after a major battle had concluded.

The monkey was curious and asked for one, but as soon as he took a puff, he immediately spat it out. The cigarette streaked like a meteor, piercing through a distant mountain.

Li Heishui, Li Tian, and others all followed suit, but they all ended up coughing dryly, truly unable to understand how this could be an enjoyment.

Little bald-headed Hua Hua, being mischievous, quietly pulled out a cigarette from his master's pack, lit it himself, and took a light puff. Though small, he acted old and wise, sighing, "Falling leaves don't understand the wind's embrace. This isn't smoking; it's clearly chewing on the bitter tenderness of the wind."

"Nonsense!" A group of people, including the Holy Ape Prince, Dongfang Ye, Yan Yixi, and others, each gave his bald head a tap. The little fellow cried out in pain, his eyes welling up with tears, and clutched his head as he ran off into the distance, looking utterly aggrieved. Everyone burst into laughter.

The sun set. Ye Fan tossed the cigarette butt into a distant bonfire, from which the aroma of roasting meat wafted. Golden, glistening roasted lamb legs were nearly done, and several jars of aged wine were also opened, their aroma intoxicating.

"Master, it would be very dangerous to go out now," Ye Tong said.

The outside world was already in great chaos and turmoil. Two great divine dynasties had been annihilated, and the Green Cauldron, containing the secret of immortality, had appeared, stirring the hearts of countless people.

Yan Yixi nodded and said, "Endure for a while. The situation is turbulent now. The ancient races are going crazy, searching everywhere. It would be easy to run into trouble if you go out like this."

The appearance of the shattered Green Cauldron made all the ancient imperial families restless. They emerged one after another, searching throughout the world for its traces.

Especially with the Path to Immortality about to appear, people believed that possessing such an immortal artifact might make it easier to approach immortality. Therefore, experts from across the world emerged together.

Fortunately, Tianzhi Village obtained four World Stones, which Killing Saint Qiluo refined, reopening a small realm and merging it into the void, making it untraceable.

And precisely because of the four World Stones, Killing Saint Qiluo gained a great fortune, coming into contact with the most fundamental essence of heaven and earth, and began his seclusion.

"The people from the various Holy Lands are truly a mixed bag," Li Heishui said indignantly. "We conquered the ancient divine dynasties, and only they saw the Green Cauldron. It must have been someone among them who leaked the information."

This was obvious. That night, Ye Fan used the cauldron to pierce through many worldly restrictions, delve deep into the void, and bring out the coordinates of the Celestial Domain, astounding everyone.

Everyone showed concern. Now, Ye Fan was practically an enemy of the entire world; as soon as he appeared, it would inevitably trigger fierce battles, and no one would let him go.

This was a huge crisis; if mishandled, he could be utterly annihilated, body and soul!

Even if he was powerful, could he truly stand against myriad races alone? Furthermore, many human experts likely harbored ill intentions.

"What's the big deal? Master is exceptionally gifted. So what if he's an enemy of the whole world? He'll just fight his way straight to becoming a Great Emperor!" the little bald-headed boy said, flattering him.

Everyone laughed, but it was a wry laugh.

Now, being an enemy of the world wasn't just facing the powerful figures of one ancient star, but numerous star domains, potentially escalating into a battle with all the Saints in the universe!

The Path to Immortality was about to open, and various Sages from outside the domain had appeared. Now, this was no longer the domain of Beidou cultivators but an ancient land where Saints from various domains contended for supremacy.

If Ye Fan went out, the most serious consequence would be attracting attacks from all Saints, leading to a life-or-death calamity.

This was a terrifying crisis, and everyone's brows were deeply furrowed, as they had an ominous premonition.

"It must be scum like the Four Symbols Holy Land and the Nine Heavens Holy Land," the Dragon Horse said, exhaling white smoke from its mouth. "Who else would be so shameless as to leak the news about the Green Bronze Cauldron?"

"Not necessarily," Li Tian said. "Human hearts are treacherous; who can say for sure? In any case, someone wants to corner Ye Fan to his death."

Ye Fan smiled, shook his head, and said, "The moment I took out the cauldron, I thought of it. This situation was destined."

Everyone was startled and looked at him together.

"What do you intend to do?"

"You know," Ye Fan said, "I will eventually step into the starry sky and walk along that ancient path."

"You're doing this on purpose, wanting to draw your enemies into the starry sky, so they'll follow you and be annihilated along the way?"

Ye Fan smiled and said, "Those who want to seize the cauldron and those who wish me dead will all set off with me on a distant journey. Not to mention other places, the Eternal Main Star alone is a vast battlefield, and both sides are always destined to fight. Why not let me be the one to pull the strings and add fuel to the fire?"

"You fellow!"

"For the evolutionary fluid, and to avoid the turmoil of the Path to Immortality, Tianzhi Village should also leave Beidou and go into seclusion."

Everyone discussed that on the day the Path to Immortality opened, ordinary people would have no chance to contend for it, so it would be best to stay away to preserve their strength.

As for the most outstanding among them, if they were unwilling to give up, they could return on their own to contend for the Path to Immortality!

"Tomorrow, I will go out," Ye Fan declared. "Do some people truly think I'm easy to deal with? I'll pay them a visit first! Come, let's drink this cup together."

Before the bonfire, people clinked cups and ate meat heartily. They drank large bowls of wine, creating a lively atmosphere, and even little Sparrow's face turned flushed from drinking.

The mischievous little bald-headed boy, needless to say, with a thick tongue, loudly insisted on going to Mount Sumeru to become the boss among the monks.

The firelight flickered. Fine wine permeated the air, and the divine meat of the Alligator Ancestor was naturally placed on a silver platter, a tragic fate for the demon saint in history. Whenever there was a feast, it was tasted by this group, who praised its goodness.

"Awoo... Let me tell you, Emperor Wushi, he..." the Black Emperor said, slurring its words.

The eyes of the group immediately lit up. They all gathered closer, eagerly watching it, hoping to hear secrets.

"He... actually loved roasted meat too!"

"Bah!"

The group collectively hit it. This dog was definitely deliberately teasing everyone.

"Let me tell you..." the Dragon Horse interjected, "The Ruthless Great Emperor you speak of went to Kunlun, and her brother died there... The Quasi-Emperor Rongcheng also went there and took away the mythical Ginseng Fruit Tree. I wonder if he will later call himself Zhenyuan Great Immortal." The Dragon Horse, having spent some time in the mortal world after leaving Kunlun, was familiar with *Journey to the West*.

It was late into the night before everyone dispersed.

The next day, Ye Fan and the Holy Prince left the new site of Tianzhi Village and appeared in the outside world.

The winds of change presaged a coming storm!

Saints from outside the domain continued to descend, triggering a great storm. And now, with the news of the Green Cauldron resurfacing, the ancient star Beidou became even more turbulent.

Not only the ancient races, but even cultivators from across the universe were searching for Ye Fan, wanting to seize the cauldron.

"Caw..."

Fiery Crows soared across the sky, their golden radiance streaking across the land. Blazing flames surged forth, turning the desolate wilderness into a sea of lava and fire.

Amidst the clamor, two Golden Crows were the most arrogant, openly declaring that the Human Sacred Body belonged to them, and that both its soul and flesh were their blood-food.

As for the Green Cauldron, it belonged even more to the Golden Crow tribe, they claimed, because their Great Emperor had coveted it in ancient times, losing nine of his descendants in another star domain. Now that it reappeared, it was truly Heaven's will for it to return to the Golden Crow tribe.

"What Human Sacred Body, what Indestructible Golden Body?" they declared. "They are nothing in the eyes of our Golden Crow tribe. If they dare to appear, we'll directly crush them to death!"

Naturally, some found this unbearable, but they dared not act rashly, because, according to informed sources, Huosang Star was terrifying. The entire ancient star was inhabited by Golden Crows, and an ancient Quasi-Emperor had emerged from their golden fiery tree divine nest in ancient times!

After Ye Fan emerged, he did not immediately seek out the two Golden Crows to deal with them. Instead, he went in search of the Silver Moon Ancestor King.

Back then, it was he, along with the two great divine dynasties and others, who had advanced into Tianzhi Village, intending to kill him and the Holy Prince to seize the evolutionary fluid.

In the battle outside the domain, Wei Yi did not engage the Great Saint Qianlun, only killing that Killing Saint King and a few other minor figures.

The Silver Moon Ancestor King, as one of them, fled faster than anyone, escaping the calamity. After returning, he stirred up trouble, and the emergence of all the ancient kings was thanks to his efforts.

Fearing that the one from Mount Sumeru would settle accounts with him, he fanned the flames, shifting people's attention and making everyone in the world pursue the Green Bronze Cauldron. He personally reported the matter, prompting many to emerge from seclusion.

"Jumping around, drawing hatred for me," Ye Fan said, "Do you really think I don't know? I'll eliminate you first!"

"If you want to become immortal," the Silver Moon Ancestor King frequently urged others while moving around, "first kill the Human Sacred Body, seize the Green Cauldron, and you can obtain the secret of immortality!"

Given the Holy Prince's status, he naturally had dealings with some ancient royal families. People respected his father and told him many pieces of information, stating that the Silver Moon Ancestor King might be plotting against him too.

"Want to take a risk?" the Holy Prince sneered. "Then I'll kill him first to establish my prestige!"

The mountain ranges undulated, ancient trees were lush, and endless peaks stretched. Fierce beasts roamed, strange birds circled, and roars echoed continuously, presenting a primeval landscape.

The Silver Moon Ancestor King was truly afraid. These days, he had used some tactics merely to protect himself, wanting all the kings to emerge and deal with Ye Fan, incidentally offending the Holy Prince. If those two were killed, he could use that to escape.

The demise of the two great divine dynasties made him uneasy every moment, fearing that his own end would also come.

Since there were causes in this world, some consequences were inescapable. In this ancient mountain range, he was cornered by Ye Fan and the Holy Prince.

"You..." He turned to leave, but how could he escape?

He quickly confirmed that no one else had followed, only these two "juniors." He immediately sneered again and said, "You two are too arrogant. I am an Ancestor King. As long as you don't become Saints, you lack the power to suppress and kill me. I'll send you both on your way!"

Battle erupted. The Silver Moon Ancestor King was horrified: first, half of his body was shattered by Ye Fan's golden fist, then his spine was broken by the Holy Prince's staff.

A tragic end was inevitable!

When the news of the Silver Moon Ancestor King's demise spread, the world was in an uproar. "What does the Human Sacred Body intend to do?" people wondered. "He dares to fight against the current and go on a killing spree at such a crucial moment. His audacity is truly immense."