Chapter 146: Focus

At this moment, only Ye Fan truly understood why he was able to withstand the Divine Physique's attack: it was purely an instinctive reaction of his Desolate Holy Body.

As he was being pressured, a strange energy surged from within his Sea of Suffering, effectively countering the phenomenon of "Bright Moon Rising Over the Sea." Even he didn't understand what kind of extraordinary power it was.

Of course, the most fundamental reason was that the opponent had suppressed his cultivation, placing both of them at the same level. After all, Ji Haoyue was in his prime; if he had exerted his full power, Ye Fan, no matter how special his physique, would undoubtedly have died.

Being in the same Sea of Suffering realm and ending in a draw, Ye Fan felt a chill in his heart. The Desolate Divine Physique was indeed formidable, making his Holy Body react instinctively as if facing a great enemy. What he didn't know was that Ji Haoyue was even more shocked than he was, his heart still not having settled down.

The moment he first saw Ye Fan, the Desolate Divine Physique reacted strangely, as if encountering a destined rival. Nine divine rings appeared above his head, activating his most primal instincts and a strong sense of resistance.

Hua Yunfei, clad in a blue robe, drifted lightly like flowing water. He stood up, ethereal as an immortal, possessing a remarkably agile and spirited aura. Raising his cup, he said, "You are all heroes among men, destined to make a name for yourselves one day. Living in the Southern Domain of the Eastern Wasteland, I hope we never become enemies."

In truth, the so-called Southern Domain of the Eastern Wasteland was vast and boundless. Strictly speaking, the area they were in was merely a small corner of the Southern Domain.

Everyone raised their cups together. Apart from the disciples of Star Peak, the dozen or so newcomers were all exceptionally talented individuals, elite disciples from various sects, nearly the most outstanding ones.

Everyone understood that never being enemies was impossible. In this shared region, various sects would inevitably have friction for their development, and these talented disciples would sooner or later clash.

However, the atmosphere at that moment was very harmonious. Everyone frequently raised their cups, conversing joyfully, sharing many insights from their cultivation journeys, and even discussing numerous secrets.

"That old lunatic, his divine might was unparalleled back then, overpowering all strong cultivators; no one could stand against him. To think, our previous Holy Lord of Yaoguang was utterly defeated by him, unable to contend. Six thousand years have passed, and everything has changed drastically. That former Holy Lord has long since died naturally and turned to dust. It's incredible that the old lunatic of Tianxuan is still alive."

The Yaoguang Saintess, holding her wine cup with an immaculate jade-like hand, took a delicate sip, exuding a captivating charm. Her head tilted slightly, revealing a smooth and graceful swan-like neck, and a hint of alluring smile played on her face as she sighed.

Ji Haoyue nodded and said, "The power of time is the most merciless. Even figures who shake heaven and earth cannot resist it; eventually, all return to dust." He then sighed deeply and continued, "Back then, my Ji family had three formidable figures, truly astonishing talents, who teamed up against the old lunatic, yet they still couldn't defeat him. These three supreme individuals had incredibly long lifespans, but they passed away four thousand years ago. Reflecting on the past, one can't help but sigh: how many heroes, as handsome as jade, how many powerful beings, who once shook the world, were ultimately ensnared by life and death, returning to the dust of history."

For the two of them to speak this way did not imply incompetence on the part of the Yaoguang Holy Land or the Ji family. On the contrary, it demonstrated their profound heritage; even if they were defeated by the old lunatic in the past, it was nothing to be ashamed of.

In fact, the major powers that had been passed down from the Desolate Ancient Era had all, in the distant past, produced invincible existences who stood at the pinnacle. They didn't need to specifically point this out to boast.

"This old lunatic is unfathomable. I wonder if anyone in the Eastern Wasteland today can match him..." Hua Yunfei mused, "He personally carved Dao patterns at my Taixuan sect, intending to cross through the void. Those patterns are incredibly profound, suggesting an extremely long journey. I truly don't know where he intends to go."

Afterwards, the conversation turned to the Desolate Ancient Holy Land. Everyone sighed in lament, recalling how the Ji family, Yaoguang Holy Land, and Jiang family had allied but failed, their forces completely annihilated.

Among those present, Ye Fan had personally experienced it, but he couldn't reveal a single detail. Otherwise, Ji Haoyue and the Yaoguang Saintess would immediately fight him to the death.

Mentioning the Desolate Ancient Restricted Zone inevitably led them to discuss the Primordial Mine, located in the Northern Domain of the Eastern Wasteland. Its name, "Primordial," alone indicated its immensely long and untraceable history.

Innumerable eons ago, the Primordial Mine was the most famous 'Source' mine in the Eastern Wasteland. Later, inauspicious things were excavated from it, leading to its designation as one of the seven great life forbidden zones. "Legend has it that countless eons ago, some peerless 'Divine Sources' were unearthed, sealing powerful beings within. Some of these beings possessed human forms and slaughtered everyone, which truly feels unbelievable." "It is said that the formation of 'Sources' takes an extremely long time, beginning to condense at the very latest in the Primordial Era, and possibly even traceable to the Nether Ancient Era. It's truly unimaginable..."

These young disciples, gathered together, spoke of various secrets and past events, and naturally, they also discussed issues related to cultivation.

Soon after, the conversation turned to the issue of cultivators' physiques. Several years prior, rumors had spread throughout the Eastern Wasteland that Divine Physiques were about to emerge, and more than one instance was expected.

Those present instinctively looked towards Ji Haoyue, asking if he knew of any others. During this process, many also scrutinized Ye Fan, thinking it highly possible that this young man also possessed such a physique. "There should be two," Ji Haoyue replied. "To my knowledge, the other is in the Jiang family of the Eastern Wasteland's Northern Domain."

The Jiang family, an ancient aristocratic clan situated by the Jiang River, was renowned throughout the Eastern Wasteland and had always stood firm, making it one of the most powerful forces in this vast and boundless land.

Ye Fan immediately thought of little Tingting and Old Jiang. He wondered how they were doing after going to the Jiang family and if they had adapted to life there.

The Primordial Mine, the Jiang family, and the Jade Lake Holy Land were all in the Northern Domain of the Eastern Wasteland. Ye Fan had long decided to go there but had never been able to make the journey.

Speaking of which, there was also an enemy to guard against there: Jiang Yichen. To seize a precious treasure from Ye Fan, Jiang Yichen had sent the Jiang family's knights to chase him for a thousand li, leaving him nowhere to run.

Thinking of these things, Ye Fan felt a bit dazed. He decided it was time to leave, as it was truly not advisable to stay at Taixuan any longer. "Brother Ye, I wonder if you are also a Divine Physique?" At that moment, a woman in green spoke, and everyone's gaze turned towards him; many wanted to know the answer.

"If I were a Divine Physique, could I be so carefree?" Ye Fan said with a calm and candid expression. "I would have been carefully shielded long ago, just like Brother Ji. Without achieving something with a Divine Physique, it might be difficult to face the world." "That's true," someone nodded.

"Then that's even more astonishing, Brother Ye," the woman in green asked again. "If you're not a Divine Physique, how did you manage to withstand Brother Haoyue's supreme divine might with just your physical body?" She was Li Youyou, a talented disciple of the Carefree Sect.

The Carefree Sect, located sixty thousand li away and separated by dozens of nations, was also a super-sect in this region, second only to the Holy Lands and on par with Taixuan.

"It's a long story," Ye Fan replied. "It might be related to a strange fruit I ate in my childhood, which caused some inexplicable changes. There are some hidden details that are not suitable for outsiders." Ye Fan knew trouble was brewing and that he had to leave as soon as possible without delay.

Hua Yunfei smiled and said, "I shall play another tune to enhance everyone's drinking mood." He changed the subject, preventing Li Youyou from pressing further. On the grassy ground, everyone enjoyed their wine and conversation, all exercising discretion and not asking too many questions. The zither music enveloped them, like flowing water from high mountains, or an ethereal melody from the Moon Palace, intoxicating all who listened.

It must be said that Hua Yunfei's skill was almost Dao-like. Under his agile fingers, the zither strings produced various wonderful melodies, seemingly sketching a picturesque landscape.

The sounds tinkled and resonated like a clear spring in the deep mountains. They were soft and gentle, like a thin stream flowing from pine roots. Listening attentively, a sense of joy naturally welled up, its melody lingering and flowing like clouds and water.

Then, the ethereal zither music seemed to draw down the night curtain; moonlight scattered, heavenly palaces appeared faintly, and the Jade Lake emerged. Fairies danced gracefully, swaying elegantly, riding the wind over waves, their divine presence captivating as their noble charm flowed.

When the music ended, everyone discovered that all the flower buds around the grassy area had bloomed, releasing bursts of fragrance. The zither music actually contained a miraculous power that made all the flowers blossom simultaneously. Everyone applauded and praised it.

The Yaoguang Saintess was not far from Ye Fan, like a blooming divine lotus, her skin gleaming. Her smiles and soft words were like thin clouds obscuring the bright moon, or a gentle breeze caressing a jade flower, resplendent and captivating.

Her eyes, like water, conveyed a message with a faint smile, saying, "Brother Ye, you needn't fear anything. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to speak to me." Ye Fan's heart stirred, and he asked, "Will others cause me trouble?"

"Perhaps," the Yaoguang Saintess said, her pearly teeth like jade, her lips rosy and moist, glancing at him charmingly. "After all, your physique seems very special. Perhaps someone might want to invite you as a 'guest,' you never know."

"I just want to cultivate in peace, without being disturbed," Ye Fan transmitted casually.

"No worries. If there's any problem, I'll step forward to resolve it for you. I believe no one will easily trouble you." The Yaoguang Saintess extended an olive branch. Her beauty was exquisite, her figure like that of an immortal, shining like a luminous pearl, utterly captivating. Ye Fan instantly understood that she was trying to recruit him.

Just then, Ji Ziyue's large eyes flickered as she quietly transmitted, "After things here are settled, my brother wants to invite you to our Ji family."

Relatively speaking, Ji Haoyue was more direct. He explicitly stated his desire to invite Ye Fan to the Ji family, as he had too many questions and his heart would not be at peace until he understood Ye Fan's physique.

Being favored by two such transcendent major powers would normally be cause for celebration for anyone else, but Ye Fan felt a headache. He absolutely could not enter a Holy Land or an ancient aristocratic family under these circumstances.

Otherwise, the green copper block would definitely not be safe. More importantly, they clearly intended to probe his physique, which was completely out of the question. If his Sea of Suffering were probed, all his secrets would be exposed.

The most crucial point was that Li Ruoyu had once warned him not to expose his Desolate Holy Body to the major powers that had been passed down from the Desolate Ancient Era.

At this moment, the Yaoguang Saintess chuckled and transmitted, "Brother Ye, could you accompany me for a walk in a little while? I have something to tell you."

Simultaneously, two divine lights burst forth from Ji Haoyue's eyes as he personally transmitted to Ye Fan, "I would like to invite you as a guest to the Ji family."

At the same time, several more divine thoughts were transmitted, showing goodwill towards Ye Fan and expressing a desire to converse further with him.

Ye Fan knew things were going badly; the situation was very unfavorable. He patiently responded, politely deflecting each offer to buy time.

"Ji Haoyue, you're a Divine Physique. Why probe me for no reason and create such trouble?" Ye Fan muttered to himself. Little did he know, Ji Haoyue's Divine Physique was affected, compelling him to probe.

"Right now, I must muddy the waters, making it impossible for them to focus on me. I need to create a sensational focal event so I can leave amidst the chaos." Ye Fan pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up and said, "Everyone, perhaps you don't know this, but a major event, one significant enough to shake the Eastern Wasteland, is about to happen." "Such a thing?" The Yaoguang Saintess's black hair swayed gently, her face like jade, her eyes shining brightly and captivatingly.

"I believe everyone present has heard of the Bronze Immortal Palace," Ye Fan said, delivering a startling piece of news. "It has appeared again..."

The Bronze Immortal Palace, said to hold the opportunity for immortality, was recorded in the historical annals of the Eastern Wasteland. Each time it appeared, it would shake the entire Eastern Wasteland, causing immense turmoil, with peerless masters flocking to it like moths to a flame.