Chapter 1465: The Final Challenge

**The Final Pass**

A great era had dawned, with heroes rising in parallel. Ye Fan bore witness to the rise of yet another generation, but beneath the waves of change, it wasn't all heroic ambition; there were also tears, blood, and countless bones.

How many would remain in the end? No one could say for certain. This was a magnificent and glorious path, yet also a lonely and desolate one.

It was a glorious and prosperous age where heroes vied for supremacy, yet it also held the desolate solitude of one standing alone at the peak, with countless corpses beneath their feet.

With kings rising and prodigies emerging, it was destined to produce the most brilliant collisions, emitting a light that would illuminate the ages and be forever etched into the annals of cultivators.

That day was not far off. It had already stirred the hearts of cultivators and spread along the ancient paths. The desolate yet grand horn calls could clearly be heard, summoning the strongest from all races!

The starry sky had no beginning, no end, no time, no eras; few throughout history could fully comprehend it. For Ye Fan and his companions, twenty years had passed in the blink of an eye on their journey.

Along this path, they advanced steadily, step by step, towards humanity's final pass.

There were a total of one hundred and eight passes, but the path ahead was broken, requiring them to construct it themselves, even to establish five-colored altars and seek out the next life-bearing star region.

Evidently, this was also a test for the trial-takers.

The Star Path had existed for endless ages, and many sections had long since crumbled. Though nominally having one hundred and eight passes, in reality, apart from the first few dozen passes and special formidable strongholds like the 64th, 72nd, and 81st, the latter half was mostly desolate and fragmented.

Ye Fan and his companions sought the Dao by examining their hearts, diligently cultivating as they advanced, not skipping ahead, but proceeding methodically. This was because on the subsequent path, without knowing the next pass, there was no way to determine the final destination.

The ancient path was dilapidated. As they progressed, they saw no human settlements or signs of life, entering vast, desolate dead star regions where nothing could be sensed.

This was a path of introspection, requiring later generations to reconnect broken sections, repair the original human altars, and make the ancient path clear and unobstructed. This involved immense trouble.

Some places of desolation were vast seas of white bones, where five-colored altars were erected. As for the cities, they had long since decayed, turning into rubble suspended in the cold universe.

And this was merely a corner, a desolate glimpse of what they encountered on their journey.

Ages had passed, erasing too much. All the glories and old memories had scattered with the wind. Now, only the dust of history remained.

Perhaps in the next cycle, when the ancient path reopened, it would no longer exist.

On this path of introspection, seeking the immortal Dao, Ye Fan and his companions did not advance quickly. They sought out ancient relics, mended broken paths, and comprehended their own laws and Dao.

This was a process of arduous cultivation, and also an experience of seeking the Dao within one's heart, truly pointing directly to one's true self. They repeatedly questioned themselves on how to proceed, discarding all distracting thoughts.

Twenty years passed in this journey. For everyone, this was a tempering of the heart, a unique form of cultivation that involved not confronting others, but battling only with their own minds.

They had experienced too much, especially Ye Fan. He had delved into laws, comprehended the Dao, and engaged in bloody battles against many heroes, and now, he slowly undertook this arduous journey. It was a form of precipitation and also a sublimation.

Having fought all his enemies and observed all the laws of the world, he needed a period of tranquility. It was like experiencing a prosperous age, and when weary, yearning to step into the countryside—a moment for self-reflection.

On the road, for twenty years!

The group walked quietly, silently achieving enlightenment, shedding all extravagance and returning to simplicity, conciseness, and plainness.

After twenty years, as they neared humanity's final pass on the ancient path, they gradually began to encounter living beings. During this time, several bloody battles also occurred against formidable creatures from across the cosmos.

A group of tigers, silent for twenty years, were unleashed from their cage. Like an overwhelming flood, their first move shook the starry sky, announcing to the world their return.

As the news spread, it caused a sensation at humanity's final pass. When it reached this point, all the heroes paid attention, leading to a bustling atmosphere and widespread discussion.

The Human Saint Body had finally arrived, awaited eagerly for many years. On this generation's ancient path, he wasn't the first to arrive, but he was undoubtedly the most prominent.

In the starry sky, there was a stepped path, paved with bluestone slabs, stretching straight ahead. Beneath the brilliant river of stars, it appeared distinctly unusual and mysterious.

It was in the cosmos, yet there was such an ancient bluestone path. Its strangeness was indescribable, yet no one dared to underestimate it. Walking upon it, one felt a sense of pilgrimage.

Unbeknownst to them, the bluestone ancient path began to resonate with bursts of divine chanting, deafeningly loud, like scriptures resounding on their own, or ancient gods preaching, enlightening and prompting self-awareness.

Just ahead, starlight flowed like water, brilliant and luminous, accompanied by mysterious and hazy mists, as if they had arrived at an immortal city.

“We’re here. Is this humanity’s final city? What will happen if we enter?” Pang Bo’s body was robust, nearly a zhang tall, resembling a half-bronze iron tower, his entire being emanating a precious glow, and his eyes shining brightly.

“It’s the final pass. Will anything unexpected happen?” Ji Ziyue’s large, spirited eyes gazed forward.

During the battle on the other shore, they had concealed themselves well. Their identities weren't revealed when they activated the green bronze cauldron, and when the heaven-deceiving formation patterns shattered, the external world was cut off by the immortal qi cascading from the Saint Prince’s Battle Rod.

Many years had passed, and they hadn't heard anyone discuss it. That battle seemed unrelated to them, but nothing in this world was absolute. Moreover, Di Tian, the Nine-Eyed Azure Toad, and the Great Devil had once perceived clues. They needed to be wary, but they had no fear.

Now that Ye Fan had reached this realm and controlled the broken green bronze cauldron, was he still afraid of people coming to slaughter them? At worst, they would fight. Even if stronger individuals arrived, he wouldn't necessarily suffer a great loss.

At the very least, they could always leave.

Immortal qi steamed, and star rivers converged. The entire ancient city was majestic and grand, far surpassing any they had seen before, serving as the final pass.

It appeared to be forged from black metal, shimmering with a cold luster. Faintly, a layer of dark red halo emerged, like scattered bloodstains. According to legend, this was the sacred blood, and even quasi-Emperor blood, shed during ancient wars and the demise of powerful figures throughout history.

Of course, it had long since dried up, its essence dissipated. Otherwise, this city would undoubtedly be filled with murderous aura and unapproachable.

The colossal gate tower stood hundreds of zhang tall, so tall that even ancient giants could pass through. It was magnificent and imposing, exuding a daunting sense of oppression.

The pair of grand gates were forged from a mixture of astral river divine sand and various divine metals. Unlike the city's main body in color, they emanated a dreamy radiance, astonishing all who beheld them. This was because these were supreme divine materials used by sages for refining weapons, and now they had become the material for forging gates, demonstrating the preciousness of this final city.

The bluestone path extended from the starry sky all the way here, leading directly to the city gates. Ye Fan and his companions encountered no obstruction. No one inspected them. Who would dare to act wildly here?

Humanity's final pass, unless a battle of dark apocalypse occurred, would otherwise remain unthreatened under any circumstances, because this enormous city itself was rumored to be a supreme treasure!

Not to mention ordinary cultivators, even Great Sages who entered would find it difficult to escape once the city gates were closed and the sky sealed, as if trapped in a cage.

Inside the city, people came and went, shoulder to shoulder. The moment Ye Fan and his companions entered, the entire street fell silent, and countless gazes turned towards them simultaneously.

A few breaths later, a clamor erupted.

“Are these the people? Is the one in the middle the Saint Body?”

Their entry into the city drew widespread attention, with countless eyes focusing on them. People began to discuss animatedly.

This was a reputation earned through battle. Even before reaching the final pass, Ye Fan had already engaged in battles with prodigies from other ancient paths. He had killed the strongest individuals from dozens of ancient paths, slaughtering until no one dared to claim supremacy. It was a major sensation.

Old men, strong middle-aged warriors, and even young maidens stood on the street, observing and softly discussing. This group was now undoubtedly the most captivating focus of humanity's ancient path.

“It seems they will represent our human race’s ancient path in battle, vying for the position of the Cosmic First God.”

“Where are the Human King, Fairy Qingshi, Overlord, Di Tian, and the Great Devil now? Will they still appear?”

“I wonder if humanity will continue its grand glory in this generation.”

The Dragon Horse was majestic and spirited, looking imperiously in all directions. Its four hooves struck the bluestone floor, kicking up sparks. It was truly magnificent and mighty.

However, the Ancient Golden Roc showed no respect. It transformed into a length of over a foot and landed directly on its back, scanning with sharp, predatory eyes, its golden eyes shooting out streaks of electric light.

The Dragon Horse was furious. The two were apparently on bad terms and almost started fighting, but Ye Fan intervened.

On one occasion, quite remarkably, Ye Fan comprehended the Heavenly Emperor Fist, deeply influencing the Golden-Winged Great Peng King, causing it to fall into an ineffable Dao realm. Through that battle, it comprehended the Great Peng King Fist, and now, among the Ten Sages, it was second only to the Dragon Horse.

“Haha… Brother Ye has finally reached the final pass. Your great name has resounded like thunder for a long time; it's a privilege to meet you today.” Ahead, three men laughed heartily and walked towards them.

Ji Ziyue’s large, spirited eyes darted around, feeling surprised by these individuals. They were all very powerful, clearly not ordinary.

“We are the Three Heroes of Kunlun.” The newcomers introduced themselves, all dressed in moon-white robes, dignified in appearance, seeming quite transcendent.

Pang Bo was startled. Kunlun held special significance for them. He whispered to Ye Fan, “What’s their background? Have you heard of them?”

Ye Fan shook his head, walked forward, and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you all, brothers.”

“We come from Kunlun Star,” they said. “Knowing our foundations are shallow, we have no intention of pursuing the Emperor’s Path. We traveled all this way merely to meet the strongest heroes in the world.” The three were very cordial, showing goodwill to Ye Fan and his companions, and invited them to a feast.

One does not strike a smiling person, and furthermore, these individuals were full of sincerity. Ye Fan and his companions returned the courtesy and entered the city alongside them.

In the cosmos, truly ancient life-bearing stars were rare; most were small worlds within celestial domains. Upon learning they came from a place called Kunlun Star, Ye Fan and the others were very intrigued and paid close attention.

“Presumably, these are Brother Ye, Brother Ji, and Brother Pang.” Not long after they proceeded, another person approached. This was a Daoist of medium build, who appeared relatively young and had an ordinary appearance, yet was very calm and composed.

Nearby, someone exclaimed in surprise, “This is Daoist Tiangang! He narrowly lost to the Overlord, yet he has also reached the final pass.”

“This humble Daoist has no other intentions,” Daoist Tiangang said. “I merely wish to travel alongside Brother Ye, to witness a flourishing era, and record the magnificent divine battles that will unfold in the future.”

Many people were surprised. Did this young Daoist believe Ye Fan would achieve the Dao? Such behavior existed in ancient times; it was to record the life deeds of Great Emperors!

“I wouldn’t dare claim such a thing, Daoist priest, you flatter me too much,” Ye Fan said.

“I have foreseen the coming of divine battles and sensed scenes of sorrowful endings,” Daoist Tiangang said earnestly.

As their group proceeded, many people gathered along the road to watch, creating a clamor of discussions.

During their passage through the city, many people stepped forward with great enthusiasm, inviting Ye Fan for a talk and offering to host them. Eventually, their procession swelled many times its original size.

Suddenly, Ye Fan’s expression drastically changed. Upon reaching a deeper part of the city, he saw a lifelike portrait on a very tall wall.

It was a small girl, delicately crafted like jade, with a pair of pigtails, beautiful and adorable. However, her large eyes were filled with tears, on the verge of weeping, making her appear somewhat pitiful.

“Little Nannan!” Ye Fan cried out in alarm, never having lost his composure like this before. After so many years, he never expected to see the pitiful little girl on a sacred wall in humanity’s final pass.