Chapter 1322: Five Hundred

Volume 1, Chapter 1324: Fifty

Wang Ziwen felt a sense of melancholy; different moods create different views.

Ye Fan embarked on the path to heaven. While seemingly unrestrained, he harbored a different set of emotions, witnessing an era of prosperity and splendor, yet facing mountains of bones.

The land was picturesque, yet stained with the glory of blood. In the end, whose prosperity and splendor was it? Or was it a scene of desolation and tragedy?

Ye Fan returned to the main path, entering the former Human Sacred City, and began a new journey. As he traveled along this ancient road, he witnessed the shifting stars and the rise and fall of suns and moons.

The starry path was boundless, and the strong remained strong. Along the way, he grew accustomed to life and death, seeing much desolation. Blood rained down, and many heroes fell, becoming mere scenery in others' stories.

In the following year, Ye Fan became almost a lone traveler, rarely encountering other trial-takers, as he spent long periods advancing on desolate side paths.

Just as the Human Race's 30th Pass led to the Ancient Star of Heavenly Soldiers, subsequent passes also had such side paths. However, places with life were hard to find; many were simply uninhabited forbidden zones.

Ye Fan feared no hardship, continuously traversing, breaking through pass after pass, and tempering himself.

Some of these ancient lands had been abandoned for a hundred thousand years, while others were even older. Now, they were only open to a select few powerful individuals who chose to embark on them.

These ancient side paths were extremely arduous, full of hardships and numerous dangers, and many considered them dead ends.

"Young man, the Golden Side Path is the preferred choice, because that is the ultimate destination for the strongest; the most profound heroes seek out such trial grounds."

Along the way, an old man once said this. Ye Fan unexpectedly learned that in the deepest reaches of the cosmos, there were Golden Trial Grounds prepared for those contending for the Emperor's Path, many of which were located on side paths.

Ye Fan advanced resolutely, breaking through pass after pass and tempering himself.

Time flew by, and almost two years passed in the blink of an eye. Ye Fan had encountered dozens, even hundreds, of battles, both large and small. Traveling with the Dragon Horse, Golden Lion, and others, he arrived at the Human Race's 50th Pass.

He paused here, because this was a peculiar place—the half-century mark, a number significant in the Great Dao, and a very important sacred land.

"Awoo..."

The Dragon Horse, Saint Black Bear, and others all let out long cries. For the past two years, they had been frequenting various forbidden zones, constantly walking through desolate, uninhabited areas where they couldn't even find a bird's feather. They had grown tired of this monotony.

"Finally, we're entering an ancient land with life! This one can't wait; I want to arrive immediately."

This was a magnificent grand city, more imposing than any they had seen before. Floating in the cosmos, it felt vast and grand upon approach.

Ye Fan and his companions successfully entered the city.

In the early morning, the rising sun shone brightly. Dewdrops rolled on the beautiful trees and ancient vines by the roadside, illuminated by the radiant light, they sparkled like crystalline pearls, transparent and glowing, full of vitality.

The ancient city was peaceful, bathed in the morning glow. A layer of golden radiance flowed throughout the entire city, appearing solemn and sacred.

Particularly the ancient buildings, with golden light spilling onto their rooftops and grand halls, they appeared even more solemn and majestic, inspiring a desire for devout worship and inner tranquility.

The Human Race's 50th City was grand and extraordinary. As soon as Ye Fan entered, he felt the pervasive Dao traces, almost merging with the Great Dao itself.

"Awoo..." The Dragon Horse let out a long howl, breaking the morning's tranquility.

In the Human Race's 50th City, the streets were wide and paved with bluestone. The Golden Lion, Nine-tailed Alligator Dragon, Saint Black Bear, and others rushed in, like a sudden mountain torrent, their arrival resonating throughout the entire ancient path.

Some people stood on the bluestones, while others sat cross-legged on Dao platforms, breathing in the essence of heaven and earth. Columns of white energy erupted from their mouths and nostrils, sounding like thunder.

Many people opened their eyes and looked toward them simultaneously.

"Burial Star... the Human Sacred Body has arrived!"

Someone uttered a remark, immediately causing a stir. Many people glanced sideways, staring at them incessantly.

The Ancient Starry Road had been interrupted for over twenty years, preventing Ye Fan from traveling. His arrival at the Human Race's 50th Pass only today naturally caused a significant sensation.

Some of his achievements from the Human Race's 10th Pass had gradually spread. His identity was particularly sensitive, naturally attracting the notice and attention of many.

However, with the Ancient Road interrupted for over twenty years, the achievements reported were very vague. Truth and falsehood were indistinguishable, with rumors being more prevalent, making them impossible to confirm or verify.

Of course, one thing people could be certain of was that Ye Fan was very powerful. He had killed a great commander of the Human Sacred City and slain the nephew of an enforcer, seizing the Enforcer's Sacred Robe and Divine Command.

These events occurred before the Ancient Road was interrupted, which was why they were clearly known.

"This is the Sacred Body from the Burial Star; he has finally arrived. The ancient road ahead is destined not to be lonely. We just wonder if those already ahead will find a way to return and fight him."

Many people were filled with anticipation, their faces showing unusual expressions.

The Human Race's 50th City was incredibly grand, accommodating a huge population. On this morning, many people were breathing in the essence of the morning glow; there were trial-takers as well as native residents.

This was a special ancient city. Within the Human Race's 50th Sacred City, even children knew how to practice Qigong and cultivate the Dao through breathing exercises. The city was filled with masters.

"A city at the half-century mark, a number of Great Evolution," asked the Golden Lion. "This grand city is extraordinary, and so many trial-takers have lingered here. Are they searching for something, or are they comprehending profound truths?"

"Everyone is looking at me; there's no helping it. Wherever I go, this one is always the center of attention," the Dragon Horse boasted shamelessly, feeling extremely good about itself.

In the early morning, golden rays of light shone everywhere. A group of sacred beasts and exotic creatures bathed in the radiance, appearing quite majestic and formidable. Indeed, many people's gazes fell upon them.

"This horse is indeed quite good," someone among the cultivators practicing breathing techniques by the roadside spoke.

Hearing this, the Dragon Horse raised its massive head, assuming an air of unparalleled dominance, looking down on all directions, and strutted forward proudly.

"Heh, young man, you're really something, to have subdued so many sacred beasts. Why don't you sell me this clumsy horse?" A burly man with a full beard, as sturdy as a black iron tower, spoke from the roadside.

The Dragon Horse immediately snapped out of its self-satisfied state. It twisted its large head, perked up its ears, and glared with its large, bell-like eyes, looking menacingly at the man.

"Damn it, a donkey meat restaurant?!" The Dragon Horse saw the golden signboard behind the man. It immediately became furious, stood on its hind legs, and was about to charge.

"Our shop sells top-grade donkey meat, and occasionally some horse meat," the burly man stated, rubbing his hands and looking like a butcher. He appraised the Dragon Horse up and down, pointing out its merits and flaws, and its fatness or leanness.

"Charge! Let's tear this place down together!" The Dragon Horse roared, signaling the Nine-tailed Alligator Dragon and others to join in.

Ye Fan was speechless. This burly man was truly ill-mannered, provoking the Dragon Horse like that. But he was indeed a tough opponent, clearly a master.

The Dragon Horse commanded great prestige among the Twelve Saints. With a whoosh, the other eleven rushed forward together. Holy might permeated the air, ready to strike.

"Ah, poor fellows, they've met such an unscrupulous guide."

Someone whispered not far away. Ye Fan was startled, a hint of surprise appearing on his face. This was actually the city's guide? Why was he like this?

"What, you're the guide? You provoked us first! This one is acting in self-defense, I'll suppress you first!" The Dragon Horse was quite domineering, signaling the others to attack.

A flash of light. The guide's large, palm-leaf-fan-like hand spread out, covering the heavens and earth. Enveloping the Dragon Horse, he raised his hand, ready to press down.

"Guide, why are you doing this?" Ye Fan shifted his position, standing in front of the Dragon Horse. A large, golden hand shot forward to meet the guide's, radiating immense divine light.

The guide withdrew his hand, shaking his head and saying, "It's too disadvantageous to match bare palms with you." He showed no embarrassment, calmly stepping back.

"Senior, you are this city's guide, yet why have you opened a restaurant here?" Ye Fan asked.

"Ah, a guide is also a person, and needs to live," the burly man said with a weathered expression. But no matter how one looked at him, he had a strange uncle vibe.

"Damn it, you really opened a donkey meat restaurant?!" The Dragon Horse's eyes widened in fury, its rage surging, ready to pounce at any moment. It said, "You have defiled my dignity!"

"Just greeting you, seeing you've come from afar," the burly man, whose beard was like steel needles, chuckled.

This was the guide of the Human Race's 50th City, powerful and living among mortals, without any semblance of dignity, greatly different from the guides they had encountered before.

The Dragon Horse scrutinized him up and down, knowing this individual was hard to provoke. Since the other party had said this, it didn't want to cause trouble. It said, "Old man, don't let it happen again."

"As an apology, I'll treat you to horse meat," the guide heartily invited Ye Fan, Tian Xie, and the others.

"Damn it!" The Dragon Horse was enraged, raising a hoof to stomp. It had never encountered such an annoying guide; it was utterly furious.

In the distance, there was a murmur of whispers.

"The guide was severely pranked by an old donkey back then. It's been four thousand years, and he's still holding a grudge. Who knows how much donkey meat he's eaten since then."

"Exactly, even some donkey-like spirits aren't welcome."

Hearing this, the Dragon Horse nearly spat blood. It was born from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, not a mortal creature. In a sense, it was a type of sacred spirit, yet it was being considered a close relative of a donkey.

Of course, no actual battle ensued. Although the guide had been severely pranked by an old donkey, he wouldn't randomly cause trouble for trial-takers because of it. He was an eccentric who simply enjoyed living among mortals.

"Ah, if you encounter an old donkey further on the path, you must be careful," the guide said with a bitter expression inside the donkey meat restaurant, claiming that they would most likely genuinely encounter one in the depths of the starry sky.

A group of fierce beasts pretended to console him. Led by the Dragon Horse, they relished seeing the guide's distress, finding joy in others' suffering. These fellows were all wicked-minded at the moment.

Ye Fan, Saint Black Bear, Golden Lion, and the others ate heartily, devouring the food quickly. With their level of power, they naturally didn't need to eat in this manner; this was simply an enjoyment of delicious food.

"Children, you've eaten your fill, had enough to drink. If you want to cry, then cry," the guide said.

Ye Fan was startled, unsure what trick he was up to now.

"What are you talking about? What did you give us to eat?" The Dragon Horse's expression changed, and it roared sternly.

"Horse meat," the guide stated straightforwardly.

"Old geezer!" The Dragon Horse let out a loud cry and bolted into the distance.

"Let's go explore and get familiar with this ancient city." The Golden Lion, Saint Black Bear, and others all slipped away, feeling it was dangerous to stay with the guide.

After they left, the guide's expression turned solemn, and he said, "The Human Race's 50th Pass holds extraordinary significance for you. There are some places you need to see."

Seeing him so serious, Ye Fan was puzzled, unsure of his intentions.

"Come, I'll take you to see," the guide sighed.

They headed directly to the central area of the ancient city, where there was a vast mansion, occupying an immense area and featuring extensive garden grounds, encompassing several mountain peaks.

Ordinarily, no one could enter. It had always been sealed, guarded by a terrifying great formation.

"Creak... Clang."

The guide activated the ancient formation, pushed open the ancient gate, and led Ye Fan inside. As soon as they entered, they detected a scent of blood.