Chapter 136: Deep and Unfathomable

Ye Fan's heart trembled. Without even touching his Sea of Bitterness, how had the other person seen through his physique?

"The Desolate Ancient Sacred Body is indeed extraordinary. A golden Sea of Bitterness interwoven with lightning, unheard of, unseen before," Li Ruoyu said calmly. To Ye Fan, however, it was like a thunderclap. He felt uneasy and anxious, wondering what other secrets the elder had discovered. The green bronze block must never see the light of day, and the Mother Qi of All Things and the golden Dao Scripture were also extraordinary, not meant for public display. "You don't need to be nervous; I mean no harm." As if seeing through his thoughts, a kind smile appeared on Li Ruoyu's wrinkled face.

Ye Fan found the elder unfathomable, even harder to fathom after he had obtained the true legacy of Zhuo Peak. He opened his mouth and asked, "Senior, how did you... discern this?"

"Just now, both you and I merged with Zhuo Peak. The Great Dao flowed, and it was naturally perceptible," Li Ruoyu said with a slight smile.

The Desolate Ancient Sacred Body was extraordinary. If intentionally concealed, the Sea of Bitterness would be silent, almost impossible to discern. Not long ago, when Zhuo Peak's legacy opened and the Great Dao of Nature flowed, both of them were immersed in it. Ye Fan guessed that perhaps this was indeed the case: his vital energy had been released and perceived by the other. "Please, Senior, keep this a secret for me." Ye Fan didn't know how the elder would regard him. Although they had been harmonious before, their time together was short, and he didn't truly understand the elder's disposition. "You can rest assured."

In fact, at this point, even if the Desolate Ancient Sacred Body was discovered, it wouldn't be a big deal. In the current era, people only cared about the Divine Body of the Eastern Wasteland. However, if people knew Ye Fan could cultivate without hindrance, that would be a huge problem. "It's not simple. Cultivating the Desolate Ancient Sacred Body to the Divine Bridge realm is not easy," Li Ruoyu nodded.

Ye Fan's heart sank. This was the root of his concern. He possessed the Desolate Ancient Sacred Body, yet his cultivation was so smooth. If others knew, they would certainly investigate. He felt that this elder had seen more. Now, the elder was like Zhuo Peak itself—seemingly ordinary, yet profound and inscrutable.

"Try not to let the Holy Lands and ancient aristocratic families know," Li Ruoyu said. Upon hearing this, Ye Fan's heart was gripped with awe. Holy Lands and ancient aristocratic families, descended from the Desolate Ancient Era, surely knew many secrets. "There's no need to worry too much. With the passage of time, the Sacred Body has been rendered useless. The major powers inherited from the Desolate Ancient Era no longer care much, and people have even forgotten about this physique."

In ancient times, the Desolate Ancient Sacred Body shone brightly throughout history. Nowadays, even if someone knew about it, they would understand that the Sacred Body could no longer cultivate. "Senior, do you know why the Sacred Body is no longer suitable for cultivation?" Ye Fan asked. "As for why, too much time has passed; it's difficult for anyone to know for certain." Li Ruoyu looked at Ye Fan and said, "The Desolate Ancient Sacred Body might not necessarily hinder your progress. Everything in the world has its destiny..."

Ye Fan nodded upon hearing this. In fact, his cultivation had not been hindered at all. Ever since he embarked on the path of cultivation, everything had been smooth.

"As long as you firmly believe you can cultivate, nothing can stop you," Li Ruoyu sighed. "My physique is very ordinary, but I have persevered and finally achieved something." Ye Fan stepped forward to congratulate him, "Congratulations, Senior, on obtaining the Zhuo Peak legacy and making great progress in your cultivation."

"Cultivation requires a down-to-earth approach; one cannot advance simply by obtaining powerful legacies. Even the most profound arcane methods depend on personal comprehension," Li Ruoyu said, seemingly guiding Ye Fan. "In the past, I was ignorant and muddled for decades of cultivation here before finally awakening as if from a dream, comprehending the true meaning of Zhuo Peak."

According to the elder, only in the last century had his mind found peace, gradually merging with Zhuo Peak. He had comprehended the mindset of the ancient sages and grasped the Dao of Zhuo Peak.

Before obtaining the legacy, apart from that supreme secret art, he had already experienced the various profound truths left by his predecessors. He had merged with Zhuo Peak and comprehended the Great Dao of Nature.

Ye Fan was deeply shocked upon hearing this. This elder was truly extraordinary. His innate talent was not good, even terrible, yet he had attained enlightenment here, comprehending nature and grasping supreme truths.

Today, after opening the legacy, Li Ruoyu had merely confirmed those so-called profound truths. He was truly extraordinary, possessing great wisdom in cultivation. "Innate talent is not a problem; even a Divine Body isn't necessarily truly invincible," Li Ruoyu told Ye Fan, as if encouraging him.

"Your physique is special. Everyone considers it useless, but I believe the extraordinary can emerge from the ordinary; perhaps you can cultivate into a Sacred Body," Li Ruoyu gazed at him and asked, "Are you willing to sincerely join Zhuo Peak?"

Ye Fan's heart stirred. The elder's words held significant meaning. He hesitated for a moment, not answering immediately.

"I understand your thoughts..." Li Ruoyu sighed softly.

"Senior, I wish to join Zhuo Peak."

"No need for that." Li Ruoyu nodded, then shook his head, saying, "For now, you can consider yourself an ordinary disciple of Zhuo Peak. My path may not necessarily suit you, and you are free to leave at any time."

Ye Fan was surprised. He felt the elder must have seen more than what he had just said.

"Senior, in fact, I have already obtained part of Zhuo Peak's legacy," Ye Fan said. He felt this elder was too extraordinary, so it was better to be direct.

"I already know," Li Ruoyu nodded. "You have obtained the secret art; you may cultivate it, but you must never pass it on to others."

Ye Fan increasingly felt that the elder was truly unusual. After confirming the legacy of Zhuo Peak, he had truly returned to his original, simple self.

"You and I are both disciples of Zhuo Peak. Come with me down the mountain to meet the others." Li Ruoyu did not fly, but walked down the mountain step by step, with Ye Fan following behind.

Many people had gathered in front of the mountain gate. Even some elders were waiting there, not daring to ascend.

The dozen or so Star Peak disciples Ye Fan had detained on the mountain didn't know what to feel at this moment. They had originally disdained Zhuo Peak, but now, seeing the outstanding disciples from various main peaks gathered here, they felt a mix of emotions.

Ye Fan walked over, unlocked the restrictions on their bodies, and told them to descend. However, at this point, the dozen or so people dawdled, unwilling to leave directly.

The Grand Mystery Sect had a rule: if one joined another main peak, there was still a chance to choose a different legacy, but once one joined Zhuo Peak, it could not be changed; it had been so since ancient times. This indirectly illustrated the peculiarity of Zhuo Peak. Li Ruoyu arrived in front of the mountain gate, scanned the crowd, and asked, "Do all of you wish to join my Zhuo Peak?" "Yes!" Many responded loudly and directly.

At this time, Li Ruoyu did not possess an ethereal aura nor a graceful divine charm. He merely resembled an ordinary village elder, causing many disciples to feel some doubt.

Some elders from other main peaks stepped forward, greeted Li Ruoyu, and were all very polite. These veteran powerhouses, whose divine eyes were like lightning, yet they could not see through Li Ruoyu, naturally understood his cultivation was unfathomably profound. To everyone, Zhuo Peak's rise was now a foregone conclusion. "We have come to send disciples. The Peak Lord commanded us, and we reluctantly part with them." Some elders felt quite uneasy.

"There's really no need for this," Li Ruoyu said, without the air of an enlightened master. "Everyone has their own unique path. The Dao of Zhuo Peak might not necessarily suit them." "The Sect Master also said it's merely about choosing disciples, and everything should be voluntary," another very old elder nodded. "We sincerely wish to join Zhuo Peak!" Many disciples were very astute, shouting loudly and kneeling forward.

Ye Fan felt speechless. Before today, Zhuo Peak had been deserted, but after the legacy opened, so many people flocked here.

"Don't block me! I'm Zhuo Peak's eldest disciple!" Just then, a crisp and melodious voice came. Ji Ziyue, who had been missing for days, appeared. Her large eyes were sparkling and filled with smiles, and her rosy cheeks were still smudged with lines, as if she didn't want to reveal her true appearance.

Ji Ziyue's small dimples appeared as she wore a sweet smile, hugging Li Ruoyu's arm and saying, "Senior Li, I'm back." "Good. From today onward, you are a disciple of Zhuo Peak," Li Ruoyu nodded at her.

Ji Ziyue had crossed the nine-step heavenly ladder, and her physique was truly astonishing. That day, she had eagerly wanted to stay on Zhuo Peak. If it weren't for the interference of the Star Peak elders, she, like Ye Fan, would have stayed there. The elder had a very good impression of her. "Senior, we too wish to join Zhuo Peak," those disciples in front of the mountain gate bowed again.

"All of you, meditate below Zhuo Peak. If you gain any insight within half a month, you may join Zhuo Peak," Li Ruoyu said, and then walked up the mountain, followed by some elders.

Just then, an elder from Star Peak stepped forward and whispered to Li Ruoyu, "That girl is a member of the Ji family; you must not pass it on to her."

Over the next few days, young disciples gathered below Zhuo Peak. Many disciples from the hundred and eight main peaks rushed here.

There were now rumors within the Grand Mystery Sect that Li Ruoyu had already comprehended the Great Dao of Nature and was very likely to rival ancient powerful beings in the future. If one were to follow such a master, their future achievements would certainly be immeasurable.

After many peak lords personally paid respects to Li Ruoyu from the hundred and eight main peaks, some indeed made such a judgment; it was not groundless.

Ye Fan never expected the deserted and desolate Zhuo Peak to become so lively. He couldn't help but sigh, the world of cultivation was just as realistic, no better than the mortal world.

Ji Ziyue was unhappy. Elder Li Ruoyu had directly asked her if she was a member of the Ji family. She had no choice but to admit it, and the elder was also frank, clearly informing her that he could not teach her that supreme secret method.

"Little brat, you really didn't learn that secret art? I don't believe it!" Ji Ziyue peered sideways at Ye Fan with her large eyes. Her smile was very sweet and enchanting. "That day, when Zhuo Peak's legacy opened, you were on this mountain. How could you not have had some fortuitous encounter? Did you gain nothing at all?"

"Hmph, I learned some of the Dao of Nature," Ye Fan chuckled. "You can exchange it for the Void Ancient Scripture." "You're asking for a beating!" Ji Ziyue wrinkled her delicate nose and gnashed her teeth, remembering being captured by Ye Fan.

"Fine, I'll just teach you directly." Ye Fan began expounding on the Dao of Nature, changing the subject. He dared not teach that secret art, because Li Ruoyu had sternly warned him.

After her identity was revealed, Ji Ziyue washed away the colorful smudges on her face. She transformed from a small, painted cat into a sweet and vibrant maiden of unparalleled grace.

Knowing her identity, the Grand Mystery Sect naturally exerted great effort to protect her and prevent any mishaps. She was not afraid of Ji Biyue coming to kill her here.

Soon, Zhuo Peak gained more than thirty disciples, all personally sent up the mountain by various elders, making it difficult for Li Ruoyu to refuse.

Ji Ziyue was very unhappy. Some of these individuals surrounded her, following her everywhere, annoying her immensely. She understood that her identity had been revealed, and these people wanted to approach her to form connections with the ancient aristocratic families.

As for Ye Fan, he hid from her every day, meditating on the Dao Scripture and studying the newly acquired supreme secret art. Ji Ziyue was annoyed, feeling that this guy was too unconventional, actually hiding from her like this—even more annoying than those who followed her around.

"Little brat, how dare you hide from me..." Ji Ziyue gnashed her small canine teeth in a threatening manner, with mischievous intent in her large eyes, preparing to use Ye Fan as a shield.

Ye Fan naturally understood, and then disappeared for the entire day. He didn't want to be antagonized by other disciples. Now, he had already developed the idea of leaving. In recent days, he had been searching for the location of the Grand Mystery Sect's "Domain Gate" to see if he could cross the void from there.

Ye Fan once again left Zhuo Peak, wandering within the Grand Mystery Sect for most of the day, passing by many main peaks, yet he still couldn't find the so-called Domain Gate; he didn't know where it was.

However, he learned from some disciples that if one made significant contributions to the sect, or could provide enough "Source," they could use the Domain Gate to cross the void, and the sect could provide convenience. On his way back to Zhuo Peak, Ye Fan was discovered by Ji Ziyue, who blocked his path.

"Little brat, you've been appearing and disappearing mysteriously these past few days. Are you trying to escape?" Ji Ziyue was very sharp, acutely sensing something amiss. "Could it be that you obtained a supreme secret art and have been hiding it from me? Otherwise, why would you have such thoughts?" "No such thing!" Ye Fan quickly denied.

"If you dare to escape, I'll tell everyone all your secrets, such as the Demon Emperor's Sacred Heart, the Mother Qi of All Things, the mysterious green bronze block..." Ji Ziyue smiled very sweetly, her large eyes curved into crescents, and her small dimples appeared, making her look playful and lively. "Stop!" Ye Fan hastily stopped her from continuing. If anyone overheard, his situation would be perilous.

"Let's go wander elsewhere." Ji Ziyue was bored, and tired of being bothered by the young disciples on Zhuo Peak, so she hid down the mountain. "Okay, let's just walk around," Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue walked towards a "secondary peak" ahead, passing through beautiful peaks, and unconsciously arrived at Star Peak's location.

Just then, a familiar figure came into Ye Fan's sight: Li Xiaoman. Her white robes fluttered, her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her face was clear and beautiful, and her figure was graceful and slender. She was truly unblemished and otherworldly. She and several Star Peak disciples were walking in this direction not far away; they happened to meet. Ye Fan and Li Xiaoman naturally both saw each other, not having expected to meet here. Beside him, Ji Ziyue immediately noticed something unusual and whispered in Ye Fan's ear, "An acquaintance?" "Yes," Ye Fan nodded. "Not an enemy, is she? Should I take care of her for you?" Ji Ziyue smiled, looking ahead. She had been to Star Peak before, but with so many disciples and countless members, it was impossible to have seen them all. "She's not an enemy. Don't do anything reckless," Ye Fan quickly stopped her. He didn't want any trouble to arise. Li Xiaoman was now a cultivator at the Life Spring realm, so she naturally could hear their conversation; they weren't far apart.

Ji Ziyue took Ye Fan's hand, lightly walked forward, and with a sweet smile, asked, "How should I address this older sister?"

The people opposite all noticed Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue. Especially Ji Ziyue, who was incredibly lively, truly stunning, like a fairy—it was impossible for her not to attract attention.