Chapter 144: The First Collision Between the Holy Body and the Divine Body

Important figures from the Ji family and the Shaking Light Holy Land arrived, personally welcomed by the Tai Xuan Sect Leader and many esteemed elders. Although Broken Peak was overgrown with wild grass, covered in dry vines, and its buildings were dilapidated, today it attracted attention from all directions.

Nine azure dragons, appearing as if cast from water, gleamed with awe-inspiring power as they soared across the sky, pulling a golden ancient war chariot. It rumbled forth, majestic and imposing, as if emerging from an ancient scroll. The important figures from the Shaking Light Holy Land and the Ji family arrived together, sharing the chariot, and appeared on Broken Peak. Many powerful cultivators among Tai Xuan's one hundred and eight main peaks were startled, and numerous elders gazed towards the peak.

Inside the dilapidated hall, the old madman lay motionless, enveloped in a silvery-white cocoon. A mysterious power emanated from it, causing the entire mountaintop to pulse in sync. It was like a demonic fetus or an immortal seed, unsettling all who witnessed it.

It was an indescribable sensation. The moment the important figures from the Shaking Light Holy Land and the Ji family entered the hall, their expressions changed. They said nothing, simply sat on the ground, closed their eyes, and focused their minds to sense it.

For them, the suspected nirvana of a peerless figure from six thousand years ago presented an immense opportunity. If they could comprehend profound truths from this pulsation, it would benefit them for a lifetime, perhaps even offering a chance at immortality.

"Hey, hey, hey, why are you leaving? It's rare to see such important figures; we can finally get a glimpse of them," said Ji Ziyue, elegant and graceful, with skin like jade, pearly teeth, and intelligent eyes. She grabbed Ye Fan, looking suspicious. "Where are you going?" "I'm going to find a quiet place to cultivate. Instead of admiring the prestige of important figures, it's better to become powerful oneself," Ye Fan replied, walking down Broken Peak. "You're lying. I feel like you're guilty, as if you're deliberately avoiding these important figures," Ji Ziyue's senses were remarkably sharp.

Brother Ye was indeed trying to avoid them; having too many secrets was not a good thing. Facing powerful forces inherited from the ancient era, he had to be extremely cautious. "Let's go to Star Peak for the appointment. If we don't, they'll really think we're afraid," Ji Ziyue said. "Forget it, you go by yourself. I need to cultivate," Ye Fan didn't want to go to Star Peak to avoid stirring up more trouble.

Ultimately, Ye Fan cultivated quietly among an uninhabited mountain range, pondering his next steps. He decided to leave after the old madman's condition became clear.

Over the next few days, important figures continued to arrive at Tai Xuan Sect, all coming for the old madman. The ancient hall on the peak was practically becoming a divine land.

Ordinary people couldn't even approach it; those who could sit inside were all renowned individuals, powerful enough to shake an entire region.

One day, Star Peak sent someone again to invite Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue. The messenger stated clearly that there was no ill intent, only a desire to ease relations between the two factions. "Anyway, we have nothing to do, let's go and see," Ji Ziyue agreed, pulling Ye Fan along into the Star Peak territory. The guide did not lead them to Star Peak's main summit but to an area among the sub-peaks.

The scenery here was beautiful, with elegant mountains and thin, smoky mist lingering on the peaks. At the foot of the mountains, streams babbled, and ancient trees intertwined with old vines, creating a remarkably tranquil atmosphere.

Ahead, on a patch of fragrant grass, several young men and women sat on the ground. Each had a small wooden table in front of them, laden with fruits and fine wine. "Ding-ding-dong-dong."

Among them, a man in blue robes was playing a zither, his hands moving like dancing butterflies, giving a sense of agility and lightness. As his fingers glided over the strings, the music was beautiful and melodious, bringing peace to the heart.

Upon seeing Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue arrive, the man in blue stopped playing the zither and was the first to stand up, followed by the others who stepped forward to greet them. "With your arrival, the flowers and grasses across the mountains seem to have brightened instantly…" The man in blue was very courteous, smiling as he invited them to be seated.

He was tall and slender, appearing to be only twenty-four or twenty-five years old. His flowing, water-blue robes fluttered in the wind. He spoke sparingly, yet his demeanor exuded gentleness and agility.

One could say this man in blue possessed a unique charisma that easily drew people in and fostered goodwill.

"I've been in secluded cultivation for over two years, and only recently emerged from Star Peak today. Upon learning of the friction between my Star Peak disciples and those from Broken Peak, I invited you both here simply to offer an apology, with no other intentions."

This person was Hua Yunfei, whose name suited him perfectly, evoking the ethereal and graceful image of flowing clouds and whispering wind. "Brother Hua, saying that makes me ashamed. Although there were reasons, it was I who injured Star Peak's disciples after all." Since the other party was treating him with such courtesy and respect, Ye Fan naturally reciprocated with politeness.

"I'm not being overly sentimental. In recent years, Star Peak's prosperity has led many disciples to become complacent and arrogant, believing Star Peak is unrivaled within Tai Xuan. This is truly undesirable, and I had heard about it. Little Brother Ye, your actions in disciplining them... in fact, they brought it upon themselves, and no one else is to blame. To be honest, I should even thank you for making them reflect on their behavior." Hua Yunfei spoke sincerely, his refined demeanor combined with a lively aura, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

Ye Fan had long heard that the Master of Star Peak shared the surname Hua. Historically, half of Tai Xuan's sect leaders had come from Star Peak, and among those, half were surnamed Hua. It could be said that the Hua surname held a pivotal position within the Tai Xuan Sect.

In fact, Tai Xuan's founding patriarch was also surnamed Hua, so while the Hua family was powerful, no one considered it excessive; many even believed it was only natural.

After exchanging courtesies, everyone sat on the fragrant grass. Li Xiaoman was also present, her expression calm, seated behind the wooden table to Hua Yunfei's left. "Today, I'll play a humble tune as an apology to Broken Peak. Let's consider this matter closed, and henceforth, may our two factions coexist harmoniously."

Hua Yunfei's hands gently caressed the zither, and the "ding-ding-dong-dong" of the music flowed out like a clear spring under the moonlight, bringing peace to the mind. This was a tune of apology, carrying a certain meaning. However, Ye Fan could only discern its general atmosphere, not the specific allusions. Ji Ziyue secretly sent a telepathic message, saying, "I remember now, this Hua Yunfei is extremely powerful..."

Ye Fan, listening from the side, felt a chill. Although he knew Hua Yunfei was extraordinary, he hadn't expected him to be so immensely powerful.

Hua Yunfei was the youngest grandson of Star Peak's master, possessing exceptional talent. At eighteen, he became the foremost among Star Peak's younger generation. By twenty-two, no one among the one hundred and eight main peaks of Tai Xuan could suppress him. "The outside world thinks my Brother Haoyue was kept hidden for twenty years, but in fact, two years ago, he was secretly taken out for training by the elders and once fought with Hua Yunfei."

Ji Haoyue, a Divine Physique of the Ji family, had battled Hua Yunfei two years prior. It was a clash between geniuses; although the Divine Physique shook the world, Ji Haoyue still paid a price to defeat Hua Yunfei. "That powerful…" Ye Fan was astonished.

"Yes, apart from the Divine Physiques, it's hard for anyone his age to suppress him. He's exceptionally gifted. My Brother Haoyue expended great effort to defeat him. Sooner or later, he will be famous throughout the Eastern Wasteland, almost invincible beneath the Divine Physiques," Ji Ziyue secretly nodded.

At this moment, Hua Yunfei's hands moved gracefully over the zither strings, like flowing clouds and swirling immortal mist, creating a truly ethereal sensation.

Although a man, he was more agile and delicate than a woman, playing a beautiful piece of music that resembled bubbling clear springs and flowing moonlight, creating a simple, ethereal, harmonious, and serene atmosphere.

The zither music conjured a picturesque and wonderful realm, immersing everyone present. Soon, even birds were drawn to it.

A thrush, somewhat timid, eventually descended and landed before the zither. Soon after, an oriole followed, drawn by the music. In just fifteen minutes, hundreds of birds had landed on the fragrant grass, positioning themselves in front of the ancient zither.

This was an extraordinary sight. Hua Yunfei, ethereal as an immortal, seemed to embody the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, drawing hundreds of birds to him. He blended with the scenery, as if becoming one with this small piece of heaven and earth.

Witnessing this phenomenon, Ye Fan found it hard to remain calm. This Hua Yunfei was truly no ordinary person. He secretly asked, "Your brother is a Divine Physique and has cultivated the 'Moon Rising from the Sea' phenomenon. Did it still take him a lot of effort to defeat Hua Yunfei?"

"Hua Yunfei also cultivated a phenomenon of an ancient great power. After that battle, he entered secluded cultivation for two years and has only recently emerged, so he must be even more unfathomable now. Besides my brother, I don't think anyone of our generation in this region is his match." When the music ended, the hundreds of birds seemed reluctant to leave, fluttering around nearby, adding to the beautiful scene. "Such music should only exist in the heavens; how often can one hear it on earth?" Ye Fan clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Brother Hua is truly a celestial being! Your music moves immortal mountains and draws hundreds of birds in homage. It's truly amazing and admirable." "You flatter me," Hua Yunfei replied, "It's merely for leisure and self-cultivation, nothing grand." At this point, he raised his wine cup and said, "May Star Peak and Broken Peak coexist harmoniously." Everyone raised their cups and drank, a scene of easy camaraderie.

"I heard from Junior Sister Xiaoman that Little Brother Ye comes from a very distant place, a land of splendid civilization, quite different from the Eastern Wasteland, which truly fascinates me."

Brother Ye's heart jolted. Had Li Xiaoman told the truth? Such a revelation could cause significant trouble. He couldn't help but gaze at Li Xiaoman.

At this moment, Li Xiaoman was dressed in white, her face serene and beautiful, her expression calm, like a pure white lotus, revealing nothing.

"It cannot compare to the Eastern Wasteland," Ye Fan said calmly, taking a sip of fruit wine and setting down his cup. "Where we come from, no one can cultivate. Birth, old age, sickness, and death are commonplace, and a hundred years is considered a long life."

"Little Brother Ye is too modest. I genuinely wish to consult you on a few matters, and I hope you won't hesitate to share your wisdom then." Hua Yunfei seemed very sincere as he raised a cup of fruit wine to Ye Fan. "I feel that your homeland has some inevitable connection to ours."

Ye Fan's heart trembled. He had a feeling the other party knew a lot. Had Li Xiaoman truly revealed everything to him?

Beside them, Ji Ziyue's large eyes constantly darted about. She felt that Ye Fan harbored too many secrets and secretly resolved to uncover them soon. "The Ji family, inherited from the ancient era, is famous throughout the Eastern Wasteland. It is truly negligent of us to have the young lady of the Ji family as our guest in Tai Xuan." Hua Yunfei raised his cup and smiled slightly at Ji Ziyue.

The identity of a young lady from an Ancient Aristocratic Family immediately surprised everyone else. Li Xiaoman, in particular, showed a hint of astonishment.

Ji Ziyue was not surprised. In fact, many disciples on Broken Peak already knew her identity, let alone the youngest grandson of Star Peak's master.

She smiled sweetly, a small dimple appearing on her left cheek, and said, "My name is Ji Ziyue. Ji from Jishui, Zi from 'purple qi coming from the east,' and Yue from moon." "Jishui?!" Ye Fan's heart stirred. He had never asked Ji Ziyue about her family, and now many questions arose. Did people in this world also know about Jishui?

"Don't you know? In the ancient East, there's a river called Jishui, very famous in the Eastern Wasteland. It flows past my family's doorstep, and it has flowed for at least fifty thousand years," Ji Ziyue's large eyes shimmered with a strange light. Ye Fan was astonished and doubtful. This was an incredibly long time, certainly far exceeding the Jishui on Earth.

"I should have visited Young Lady Ziyue earlier, but I just emerged from secluded cultivation. Your brother and I became acquainted through a fight, so we're hardly strangers," Hua Yunfei said candidly. At this point, he stood up and added, "I'll go welcome a few distinguished guests. Please make yourselves comfortable here." "No need for Brother Hua to go so far; we have already arrived."

The scenery here was exquisite, with fresh flowers and trees, unique rock formations, and dotted pavilions.

Not far away, a dozen or so people drifted into view, both men and women, all with extraordinary bearing. The men were handsome, the women exceptionally beautiful, as if they were celestial beings. "Why is Brother Haoyue here…" Ji Ziyue muttered softly, hiding behind Ye Fan.

At Broken Peak, the presence of a peerless figure from six thousand years ago in slumber had drawn important individuals from major powers like Shaking Light Holy Land and the Ji family, who were all gathered there.

Simultaneously, outstanding disciples from these powerful factions also arrived at Tai Xuan, including Ji Haoyue, the Divine Physique of the Eastern Wasteland, the Saintess of Shaking Light Holy Land, and young prodigies from other sects. Hua Yunfei greeted them with a smile and led the dozen or so people to the spot. "Ziyue…" Ji Haoyue, clad in flowing purple robes, was as serene as the bright moon, his demeanor transcendent, like a deity, seemingly enveloped in an endless halo. He gazed at Ji Ziyue.

"Brother Haoyue…" Ji Ziyue smiled sweetly, emerged from behind Ye Fan, and bounced over to embrace one of Ji Haoyue's arms. "Why are you with him?" Although Ji Haoyue's expression was calm, his gaze was somewhat pressing as he looked at Ye Fan. He clearly remembered that this person had been seen with many great demons. "Why can't I be with him?" Ji Ziyue wrinkled her delicate nose and shook Ji Haoyue's arm in dissatisfaction.

The dozen or so newcomers were all exceptional talents. Everyone looked towards Ji Haoyue and Ye Fan. Among them was the Saintess of Shaking Light Holy Land, whose beauty was so captivating it could make fish sink and geese fall, making the moon hide and flowers blush. She was like an exiled immortal descending to the mortal realm, radiant and otherworldly.

Ji Haoyue said nothing, but took several large steps forward, fixing his gaze on Ye Fan. "For the past few months, has my sister been with you all this time?"

Ye Fan remained seated, not standing up, and uttered a statement that would infuriate both gods and men: "That's right, we've been eating and living together."

"What did you say?!" Although Ji Haoyue's face was calm, like a bright moon suspended in the sky, his eyes flickered with a compelling intensity.

"My apologies, I misspoke. I meant to say we've been traveling together, almost inseparable." "You brute, don't just spout nonsense!" Ji Ziyue punched him.

Ji Haoyue's eyes shone with divine light, his purple robes fluttering. He stood there, staring at Ye Fan, lost in thought.

Suddenly, a shimmering emerald sea appeared, and a bright moon slowly rose above it. The 'Moon Rising from the Sea' phenomenon manifested behind Ji Haoyue, and moonlight, like flowing water, streamed towards Ye Fan. "Brother Haoyue, what are you doing?" Ji Ziyue exclaimed in surprise, rushing to intervene. However, a ripple of light from the emerald sea behind Ji Haoyue held her in place.

Behind them, everyone was astonished. They hadn't expected Ji Haoyue to unleash his phenomenon against this unknown young man. The Shaking Light Saintess's beautiful eyes widened, staring unblinkingly at the 'Moon Rising from the Sea' phenomenon. Li Xiaoman stood up and looked forward.

Hua Yunfei seemed pensive, intending to intervene, but ultimately did not make a move.