Chapter 1281: Apprehension

Everyone's hearts trembled. The power of this cauldron was immense; just a few wisps of primordial qi hanging down from it crushed two Saints. What a grand and terrifying ancient cauldron it was!

This was the Primordial Qi of All Things, an immortal material that even ancient Great Emperors found difficult to obtain. Yet, he had forged it into a cauldron.

It was rumored that over 200,000 years ago, a woman of astonishing talent, unparalleled through the ages, obtained this item but didn't have time to forge it into a cauldron. Had it ultimately fallen into his hands?

The round cauldron, with its three legs and two handles, was adorned with depictions of the sun, moon, stars, rivers, flying birds, roaming beasts, flowers, birds, fish, insects, Vermilion Bird deities, and ancient ancestors. All beings were present and lifelike, and primordial chaos energy permeated it, filling everyone with inexplicable awe and shock.

Such a cauldron stirred the hearts of everyone, especially the trial-takers who had embarked on the ancient Starry Sky Road. Extremely confident in themselves, they were naturally moved at the sight of a Dao weapon that only ancient Great Emperors could possess.

But who dared to step forward now? Ye Fan had even killed the Grand Commander of the Second Holy City of the Human Race. This was a 'reckless' madman, and no one dared to step forward and seize the cauldron.

In a sense, renown is forged through battle!

"Do you intend to act on their behalf?" Ye Fan asked, holding his dark-gold spear, his divine might awe-inspiring. Above his head, the Primordial Qi of All Things Cauldron hung, emanating thousands of strands of holy radiance that surged powerfully and majestically.

"It is not easy for these people to become Saints. I do not know why Brother Ye would take their lives, which is why I came to ask," said Fairy Qingshi. Her steps were light and nimble, graceful as an immortal, her arched eyebrows curved delicately, and her eyes held an indescribable spiritual aura.

"They are not trial-takers, nor are they human, yet they entered the Primordial Dao Field to ambush and kill me. Is that reason sufficient?" Ye Fan said.

Everyone gasped. The fact that six ancient Saints had entered the Dao Field together, and Ye Fan had managed to evade their ambush, was in itself enough to allow him to walk proudly on the ancient road.

All six were non-human; it was obvious, without thinking, that Grand Commander Yu Han must have let them in. Other trial-takers felt a wave of belated fear, wondering if they could have escaped if those people had targeted them. At this moment, people sided with Ye Fan because the Grand Commander had severely broken the rules!

"Such a thing happened..." Fairy Qingshi frowned, sighing softly, and drifted aside like a banished immortal.

Her figure was slender, her skin like ice and bones like jade, smooth as congealed fat and lustrous as jade. Her beautiful eyes held a lively sparkle, and her hair shimmered like silk, dazzlingly beautiful.

Whether friend or foe, everyone had to admit that this woman's temperament was otherworldly, ethereal and transcendent. Like a banished immortal treading waves, her white robes fluttering, she possessed an indescribably lively grace.

Many people felt regret, having thought that Fairy Qingshi, hailed as the top trial-taker twenty years ago, would make a move. They had not expected there would be no conflict.

Nearby, the little maid Ling'er's large eyes darted around, rolling about, their black and white clearly defined and holding a cunning glint. Unable to figure anything out, she mumbled softly, "How did he get so strong?"

Ye Fan's gaze swept in all directions. Unfortunately, he did not find the remaining four, but they should not have left the city yet, as embarking on a journey in the starry sky was very troublesome.

"Let's stop here," an old voice said.

Only at this moment did people discover the Emissary had appeared. It was a blurred shadow, standing indifferently in the square, with a pool of blood at its feet.

The Grand Commander and over a dozen soldiers lay dead here, their spilled blood a shocking sight. The Emissary only appearing at this time clearly indicated some issues.

The Emissary, being at the peak of the Saint King realm, could certainly oversee the entire city. No one would question his authority; his will was irreversible.

"What a pity," the Emissary sighed softly. "After so many years of cultivation, with one foot already in the Saint King realm, he was ultimately blinded by greed and will bear infamy even after death." He scattered a few white flowers; a gentle breeze passed, and the corpses, bloodstains, and other traces on the ground vanished.

No one spoke, and neither did Ye Fan. He had accomplished this with his actions, which was the most intense form of protest, without needing to say more.

"On the ancient Starry Sky Road," the Emissary said, "no commander guarding a trial ground may act out of personal bias; otherwise, enforcers will come to suppress and kill them."

"He ultimately did not truly endanger any of you, so let him atone with his death and let the matter conclude. I wonder if you all can accept this?" the Emissary said.

Naturally, no one would dispute further. In fact, they would be leaving soon, and offending an Emissary would be unwise, only bringing trouble upon themselves.

However, the wronged party, Ye Fan, did not want it to end like this. He calmly said, "There are six non-human individuals who brazenly entered the Primordial Dao Field to ambush and kill me, and they are still in the city. I request the Emissary to suppress and kill them!"

"The Holy City has been locked down; no one can leave now." After saying this, the Emissary disappeared from the spot, in an incredibly abrupt manner.

Many people showed surprised expressions. The Emissary's words and actions seemed deeply meaningful; he did not personally go to suppress and kill the non-humans but merely made those statements.

Non-humans infiltrating a human trial ground was no small matter. Although it originated with Yu Han and he was dead, how could the six non-humans not be punished? It seemed unreasonable.

However, the Emissary also mentioned that the Holy City was sealed and no one could leave, meaning these non-humans could not escape. What did this signify?

"The Emissary seems hesitant..." Some people quickly drew this conclusion.

After people whispered among themselves and agreed, they were all surprised. What kind of force could make the Emissary hesitant?

Ye Fan pondered slightly, then suddenly looked up at Fairy Qingshi and said, "Didn't these six return with you from the ancient Starry Sky Road ahead, arriving at this city?"

Everyone's hearts stirred, and they were all startled. This was indeed the key point. Only extraordinary individuals like the banished immortal maiden, who had performed great deeds, were rewarded with a Divine Light Platform, allowing them to travel freely on the ancient road.

Weren't these six with her? Everyone had initially assumed they were traveling together, but now it seemed there might be another explanation.

As expected, Fairy Qingshi shook her head and said, "They did not come with me."

Many people were greatly shaken. Someone else could return freely, bringing six non-humans to this city. This was a major event, yet it was unknown!

"So they didn't return with Fairy Qingshi then? I once saw them in your mansion and thought they were your retainers," Yu Xian said sarcastically.

According to the rules, one cannot reappear in a trial ground already passed, unless one starts over. Those who can travel freely on the starry road are extraordinary individuals who have obtained a Divine Light Platform.

Many people exchanged glances. Many had heard the name Di Tian, and their hearts trembled as they suddenly thought of him. Could this person have returned too?

"If anyone finds the whereabouts of those non-humans, inform me, and you will be handsomely rewarded!" Ye Fan rode away on the Dragon Horse, leaving these words behind before his departure.

Everyone knew he intended to kill the non-human experts within the city. This was truly a display of dominance; regardless of who those six had returned with, he would act to kill them.

Yan Chifeng's lips curled into a hint of coldness. He gave a faint sneer, sitting on an ancient beast, watching Ye Fan depart into the distance.

Ye Wuhun, the second leader of the Thirteen Riders of Heavenly Desolation, caught this expression. His heart stirred, and he said, "I really wonder what kind of person has arrived in the city. Does this 'Ye' person actually intend to fight someone who possesses a Divine Light Platform?"

Yan Chifeng showed a mocking expression and said, "Some people are not to be provoked by him."

"What's with this arrogance? Sooner or later, I will kill him and avenge our brothers!" said the third leader of the Thirteen Riders of Heavenly Desolation, with deeply etched hatred.

Of the thirteen riders, only Gu Ling, Ye Wuhun, and he remained. The three leaders survived, while all others perished.

In the distance, Ye Fan suddenly turned around. A large bow was drawn, shaped like a full moon, and a bone arrow, emitting pure white holy light, flew from the string, making a terrifying sound like ghosts wailing and gods howling.

Everyone on this side changed their expressions. No one had expected Ye Fan would dare to act like this, truly without any scruples.

The third leader of the Thirteen Riders of Heavenly Desolation was struck in the forehead by the arrow. He couldn't dodge it at all, and even though over a dozen defensive magic artifacts shattered, he was still shot dead.

Accompanied by a tragic shriek, blood splattered as his entire body exploded, scattering shards of bone and flesh everywhere, some splattering onto Yan Chifeng.

"If you want to kill me, just come!" Ye Fan said coldly, then urged the Dragon Horse away, leaving behind a towering and majestic figure.

This scene sent shivers down the spines of all the heroes, their hearts trembling. A seed-level expert shot dead in the street—Ye Fan was truly overwhelmingly powerful.

"Isn't he afraid of being suppressed by the City Lord? This time, he truly violated city rules," someone said, filled with doubt and surprise.

"The Grand Commander once sent people to the Primordial Dao Field to kill him, which was already a violation," someone said, seeing the essence of the problem. "In this city, the Emissary and others feel indebted to him and will not punish him."

The second leader of the Thirteen Riders of Heavenly Desolation gritted his teeth. Of the thirteen, only he and Gu Ling remained; all the others had been killed by Ye Fan alone! And now, he and the first leader, Gu Ling, disagreed and had temporarily parted ways.

"Brother Yan, you were once struck down by him in the Primordial Dao Field and escaped thanks to a substitute death technique. Are you just going to let this go?" asked the second leader, Ye Wuhun.

"If he honestly continues on his path, then so be it," Yan Chifeng said chillingly. "But if he dares to foolishly approach, he will absolutely be seeking his own death; even gods won't be able to save him!"

Ye Fan sat cross-legged in his dwelling, meditating all night, comprehending the various differences after becoming a Saint. Not until the morning glow shone on the second day did he open his eyes, which were more radiant than the dawn itself.

"Found them, saw those non-humans," Yu Xian exclaimed early in the morning. "That little kid Rui Wei found them. They're actually among Yan Chifeng's clan, and they just moved in!" Yu Xian, with bright eyes and white teeth, lively and active, and a sweet appearance, ran in, her large eyes blinking, to tell him this important news.

Rui Wei was behind her, having been forcibly brought along.

"Brother Ye, don't go," Rui Wei advised. "They are clearly fearless; even the Emissary is wary of them, which indicates they have a very powerful background. Don't take risks."

"It's fine, I'll go take a look," Ye Fan said, unafraid.

"I'll go too," the Dragon Horse boasted shamelessly, "to see which ignorant fellow it is and send him on his way with one kick." It then stood on its hind legs, striking a pose like an unparalleled master in solitary grandeur.

Yu Xian, as if fearing the world wouldn't be chaotic enough, clapped her hands cheerfully and said, "Good, let's make a big fuss today! I'll go with you to see if that arrogant pretty boy, who thinks he's destined to attain Dao, has really returned..."