Chapter 1266: Overcast Skies

Fairy Qingshi, the foremost among the cultivators of two decades ago, was a mythical woman who left behind many legends.

Her return stirred up a commotion, making her the focus of everyone's discussions.

Since this group of cultivators entered the city, the Emissary had not appeared. Yet, upon Fairy Qingshi's arrival, he showed her exceptional favor, personally escorting her to her residence.

Everyone wondered about her purpose.

Once one embarked on the Ancient Starry Road, they could not return to attack later participants, nor could they re-enter the trial grounds. Turning back held no meaning.

Could it be for the Source of Dao? Those who embarked on the Ancient Starry Road were no ordinary individuals; common rare treasures no longer caught their eye. Only such divine artifacts could sway them.

"It was most likely for this very item, and that cultivator named Ye Fan was in trouble."

"No one had expected Fairy Qingshi to obtain the Divine Light Platform, enabling her to return by reversing the flow. With her prestige and power, who could possibly contend with her?"

Some people discussed privately, believing a good show was imminent.

The blood-soaked trial grounds left a shadow of death over people, yet a heaven-defying Source of Dao had also appeared, stirring the nerves of everyone.

Even if Fairy Qingshi had not appeared, people believed other commotions would certainly arise, and things could not have simply settled down.

Especially since the Source of Dao had not recognized Ye Fan, it meant that everyone else still had a chance, even making the city's indigenous residents envious.

In such an atmosphere, someone might erupt at any moment to launch an attack, engaging in snatching and killing. Many were awaiting this very scene.

An elder in the city shook his head, making a judgment about Fairy Qingshi: "You don't understand her. She possesses a divine detachment, like a reincarnated immortal from the upper realms. She would never make things difficult for Ye Fan; that is not her character."

"The Source of Dao can allow one to attain enlightenment in the future. Who in this world wouldn't be tempted by it? It is an item that seizes the creation of heaven and earth. Unfortunately, we lack the strength to contend for it. Fairy Qingshi's return at this time makes her purpose very clear."

Naturally, some people scoffed, arguing that in the face of such a heaven-defying Dao treasure, who could truly remain detached?

Undercurrents surged within the Second Human City. It seemed calm, but it harbored a murderous intent. No one dared openly seize the Source of Dao within the city.

However, human hearts are unpredictable, and tragedy might unfold invisibly.

Cool moonlight streamed down. It was already the second night. Ye Fan sat cross-legged in his courtyard, his crown luminous and transparent, as he absorbed the starlight through his hair, drawing in the brilliance of the myriad stars to temper his Immortal Platform.

"You can hardly suppress it anymore," the Dragon Horse reminded him. "It's time to choose a vast and extraordinary Emperor Star of Life to achieve Sainthood. Otherwise, there might be serious problems."

Ten years ago, Ye Fan was already a Half-Saint, needing only a vigorous life-and-death battle to become a Saint. However, he had forcibly suppressed it.

After ten years of campaigns and bloody battles, he had learned many things. Deep within the Ancient Starry Road were ancient lands prepared for those who would achieve enlightenment, and achieving Sainthood in those special star fields would bring immense benefits.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a sharp divine light shot forth, aiming directly for the back of Ye Fan's head as he sat cross-legged on a futon in the courtyard. Someone had come to assassinate him.

The Dragon Horse stood on its hind legs, its scales clashing loudly. It vibrated, emitting a crimson glow that repelled the divine light, eradicating it completely.

However, at that very moment, the sound of a breaking dam echoed, and the sky grew hazy as chaotic mist surged downwards, covering the heavens and earth.

"Who's there?" the Dragon Horse roared.

Some unknown figures had made their move, intending to obscure everything here and sever contact with the outside world. They had dispatched many experts to execute Ye Fan and his companion here.

A black cloud drifted past. Nearby residences felt a stifling pressure, and many hearts pounded with fear. They couldn't help but look outside, but found no one.

It was unknown how much time had passed when a tremendous roar erupted from Ye Fan's courtyard. A corner of a formation had been torn open, and chaotic energy surged out like a tsunami breaking a dam.

Amidst the rumbling, many buildings turned to ash. Screams echoed one after another, and blood rained down. Some nearby indigenous residents were also affected.

Pfft!

In the dark night, people saw Ye Fan make his move. He burst forth from the chaotic mist, battling in the sky. There were many bloodstains on his body, and he fought with blood-soaked frenzy.

Everyone was aghast. This battle had likely been ongoing for some time, reaching a white-hot intensity, and only now was it discovered.

The Dragon Horse was also roaring, fighting a Holy Beast!

Pfft!

Blood splattered. Ye Fan fought desperately, blasting one person apart in the air, causing blood to rain down. He then brandished a long spear, impaling seven or eight people one after another. His methods were ruthless, bloody, and brutal.

A blurry figure retreated. In total, over a dozen people were slain in the sky. Their bodies fell, and the heavens and earth shook.

"The battle must have been going on for some time before we noticed it. Someone used chaos to obscure this place!"

Ye Fan had fought to the very last moment, only then breaking through the terrifying formation and mist. Having undergone a trial of life and death, he had just now emerged.

"Holy blood... There was a Saint among the dead!"

People were startled. A total of over a dozen people had been killed, and among them was a Saint. This implied a terrifyingly powerful force, yet even so, Ye Fan had still managed to fight his way out.

"Who is causing trouble and violating city regulations?!" the commander guarding the ancient city exclaimed. He arrived immediately, moving with extreme swiftness, but the battle had already concluded.

The Dragon Horse bared its fangs. Ye Fan also had many wounds on his body. His face was grim as he stared in the direction the blurry figure had departed, without saying a word.

Many people were alarmed. Even someone as powerful as he was injured, revealing the horror of the battle just fought. It was clear that the escaped leader must be an unmatched expert.

"Why the battle?"

"Someone tried to assassinate me."

"Did you find any clues?"

The Grand Commander of the city arrived with over twenty soldiers, his expression stern. He questioned Ye Fan and only left a long time later.

The chaotic energy dispersed, and starlight streamed down. A long time had passed. Ye Fan remained motionless amidst the ruins. His expression was very cold, and far from pleasant.

The assassins were not trial participants; these people had never been seen before. Clearly, they were a faction within the city who had come to assassinate him.

There were many reasons, but the most likely was to seize the Source of Dao.

Clanging sounds resonated as strands of divine light shot out from Ye Fan's body. Golden vital energy surged, and the 'Zhe' character secret art circulated. In an instant, he healed his true body.

The night quickly passed. By morning, everyone in the city knew about the incident: Ye Fan had been attacked. The extent of the attackers' strength was unknown, but the presence of a Saint's blood served as proof, sufficient to illustrate the terrifying nature of the invaders.

The atmosphere immediately grew subtle. The Grand Commander of the city personally led soldiers on patrol to prevent more intense incidents from occurring.

The Emissary also appeared. He stood silently at the battle site for a moment before slowly disappearing. He was very concerned about this and issued orders for a thorough investigation.

"Someone wants to muddy the waters, to make things difficult for the Emissary and prevent Fairy Qingshi from acting too forcefully. Even if the assassination fails, it has achieved its objective."

Ye Fan also let out a cold laugh. The waters were muddied, and those targeting him would now have a more subtle approach because of this incident. They would not dare act recklessly, bringing both disadvantages and advantages.

Two days passed like this. The city remained relatively calm, but the Emissary had not yet ordered the opening of the Primordial Dao Field for the trial participants to enter.

"Fairy Qingshi has appeared and will be gathering with old acquaintances in the Azure Wave Immortal Forest. She will also invite some trial participants then."

This news spread on that day. Many people passed it on, especially the young people in the city, who rushed to inform each other, all wishing to obtain an entry spot.

To those who had seen Qingshi before, she was a true Banished Immortal Maiden: elegant, transcendent, and possessing divinity. Rare in the mortal world, she was unparalleled and stunning.

Ye Fan received an invitation. Looking at the invitation in his hand, the delicate characters on it seemed like traces of immortal Dao treasures, permeating through the paper.

He did not refuse. Riding the Dragon Horse, he headed to the street, making his way to the Azure Wave Immortal Forest. This was a famous landmark, known to all indigenous residents.

Many people had received invitations and were heading in that direction. Some whispered, while others sighed softly.

"Fairy Qingshi inspires awe. Through her handwriting, I can feel an unfathomably profound cultivation."

It was not intentionally done; it was merely natural writing. Yet, within the delicate characters, there was an unavoidable essence and charm of the Dao.

"Even her little maid has become a Saint. How terrifying do you think she is? Her strength is simply unimaginable! Among the current batch of trial participants, I doubt more than a handful could withstand three of her moves."

The Azure Wave Immortal Forest was an ancient site within the city. It was planted with various rare ancient trees, lush and permeated with spiritual energy, covering a vast area.

The street was wide, and many people passed by. Especially today, with a gathering at the Azure Wave Immortal Forest, some exotic beasts carried powerful individuals.

Aooooh...

With a great roar, the street erupted in chaos. It was the roar of a primeval beast, deep, rough, and wildly dominant. A wave of bloodthirsty aura swept through the street, shaking people to their core.

A troop of riders charged in. Everyone dodged out of their way, unwilling to clash with them. The entire street rumbled like thunder under their hooves.

"It's the Nine-Child Demonic Qilin-Tiger! I can't believe they actually subdued them! These are descendants of primeval beasts with the true blood of White Tigers and Qilins flowing within them."

"The descendants of the Old Commander are indeed extraordinary. They actually subdued nine such young beasts from the starry sky and brought them back. Once grown, they will possess immeasurable value."

Some people whispered, all greatly astonished.

A primal aura assailed them, and a chilling scent of blood filled the air. Nine creatures, resembling both Qilins and White Tigers, galloped wildly down the street. Powerful winds whistled, shattering even the clouds.

Ye Fan glanced back, witnessing this scene.

The nine savage beasts led the way. Though not fully grown, they were already enormous, their bodies chillingly white, their scales hideous and sharp, and their gaping, bloodthirsty mouths inspired dread.

Behind them were some young people who seemed to possess extraordinary status. A man with a golden crown binding his hair appeared to be their leader, riding an exotic beast, and he seemed very pleased with the nine beasts ahead.

Ye Fan noticed a few familiar faces among them. Guan Cheng and the second leader of the Thirteen Riders of Heavenly Desolation were both accompanying this man. When the group looked in his direction, their expressions were unfriendly.

The second leader's eyes held a cold glint. He stared at Ye Fan, then transmitted a message, seemingly telling something to his companions. The man with the golden crown then looked in Ye Fan's direction.

Immediately after, the group of mounts charged forward fiercely, as if to trample over Ye Fan and his mount.

Ye Fan sat steadfastly upon the Dragon Horse, unmoving. Seeing over a dozen riders charging, he let out a shout from his mouth, activating the Om character's Heavenly Sound.

The distance wasn't great. All the charging mounts were terrified. Each neighed loudly, standing on their hind legs, nearly tossing their riders off.

"You..."

Many were both shocked and enraged. They struggled to rein in their mounts, but since Ye Fan had not visibly attacked, they found it hard to retaliate.

The man with the golden crown waved his hand, stopping them from speaking further. The over a dozen riders halted there, looking on with cold indifference.

"So you are Ye Fan," the man with the golden crown said, as his gaze flickered and strands of divine light appeared. "Indeed, you possess extraordinary bearing and heroic prowess. No wonder you dared to defy heaven and suppress the Source of Dao."