Chapter 216: Mountains and Rivers Great Seal Bearing the Blue Sky

On the reddish-brown lands of the Northern Domain, the Jiang Family produced Great Emperors, and Yaochi produced Empresses. It was precisely because of such figures that these sects created world-shaking ancient scriptures and left behind ultimate weapons, allowing them to transcend the mundane world and thrive for hundreds of thousands of years.

Inscriptions found within the Purple Mountain reveal that the ancients held Wu Shi the Great in the highest possible esteem. Sadly, because he left no lineage, this supreme Great Emperor, who once shook the Archaic Era, was gradually swallowed by the sands of history, and now few remember his name.

In ancient times, figures like Gu Tianshu, and more recently, Jiang Taixu from four to five millennia ago, all deeply coveted the Wu Shi Scripture. Their inability to ever see it was considered a profound regret of their lives.

What Ye Fan lacked most was a cultivation method, and he yearned for the Wu Shi Scripture. He wished he could re-enter the Purple Mountain, guarded by nine dragon veins, to open that weighty stone scripture.

"Grandmaster, you absolutely cannot let this Taoist priest escape! I'm sure he's from the same sect as that plump Taoist priest," Du Chengkun fumed, his eyes blazing as he struggled to his feet.

"Supreme Sect Leader, you must strike down this villain!" Li Youran exclaimed, seething with anger. He then commanded the surrounding disciples, "Seal off the mountain! Block the Green Cloud Sect completely, don't let him escape!"

Ye Fan glanced at them, shook his head, and said, "I'll handle it." He then cast all one hundred and eight large banners, sending them flying towards the Eighteen Peaks of Green Cloud, completely sealing off the area.

"You... you actually sealed *us* in here?" Du Chengkun and Li Youran were utterly surprised by Ye Fan's move, then scoffed.

"Do you truly believe yourself to be a grandmaster?"

"At your age, you think you can defeat the Supreme Sect Leader? This is truly... Hahaha..."

The Supreme Sect Leader of Xuan Yue Cave, his white hair fluttering, sat cross-legged on the mountaintop. He suddenly opened his eyes, which glowed like two bright pearls. "You are very confident," he said, "Do you intend to slay all of us here?"

"I believe I can accomplish that," Ye Fan replied with a smile.

"From your aura, you are clearly still a youth," the Supreme Sect Leader of Xuan Yue Cave remarked, rising to his full height. "A formidable young man, indeed! I just wonder if you truly possess such strength."

"You'll know if you try."

"Even a Holy Land successor, at your age, wouldn't dare to roam the mortal world. You are remarkably arrogant," said the Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect, emerging from behind a waterfall.

"Today, further talk is useless," Ye Fan said, adjusting his Taoist robe as he stepped forward. "You are here to kill me. And I returned to slay you. So, it can be said that only one of us will survive."

Seeing this, the surrounding disciples all began to murmur amongst themselves. Many simply couldn't believe that a youth could defeat two seasoned experts of the Dao Palace realm.

"Is he insane? Even if he can blast away Senior Brother Li, how could he possibly compare to the Supreme Sect Leader?"

"Don't you know there are some people in this world who are utterly arrogant? They always want to measure the height of the heavens and the depth of the earth, only to ultimately bring about their own demise, hahaha..."

In such a remote region, for sects of this lower standing, even the most gifted individual could never cultivate to such a formidable realm. They had all heard that even the most outstanding disciples from Holy Lands would find it exceptionally difficult to reach such a level at this age.

"Could it be that he truly has some powerful sect backing him, and his people are already here? Otherwise, isn't he just asking for death?"

"Some people are eager to die; why concern yourself? If I were the Supreme Sect Leader, I'd simply shatter all his bones with a single slap. But I'd let him live for a few more hours, not let him die instantly, so he could truly savor the bitter consequences of his arrogance."

Ye Fan cast a glance back at them. Though his gaze was calm, everyone present involuntarily fell silent.

"Let me see what methods you possess!" In front of the waterfall, the Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect floated over like a ghost, his feet not touching the ground, his body perfectly still. Still ten *zhang* away, he violently shook his arm. His right hand formed a claw, each finger several meters long and a dark bluish-black, with streaks of purple lightning coiling around them, crackling.

An awe-inspiring aura immediately spread across the sky. It was a destructive force, tyrannical and terrifying. The dark bluish-black giant claw continued to expand. In almost an instant, it covered the sky, spanning over a hundred meters, with lightning and thunder. Like a storm cloud, it completely enveloped Ye Fan.

*Crack!* Blood-red lightning, crisscrossing, descended from the giant claw, striking down. This was a swift and overbearing combination of secret technique and divine power. The colossal claw loomed overhead, dominating the sky and earth. This powerful attack created a suffocating sensation.

Ye Fan faced it calmly, his counter-attack simple and direct. He swung his right fist to meet it, his golden fist not appearing like flesh and blood but rather radiating light as if freshly forged from a divine furnace. Everyone present had full confidence in the Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect. After all, he was a seasoned expert of the third Dao Palace realm; handling a young master would be almost effortless, if not entirely so. *Boom!*

Yet, the outcome was beyond everyone's expectations. The golden fist surged skyward, instantly shattering the colossal light claw, its power undiminished, flashing with electric light.

*Bang!* Ye Fan's golden fist, possessing unparalleled destructive power, was indomitable. It instantly shattered the palm and fingers of the Li Huo Sect's Grand Elder. Blood splattered, and streaks of light erupted. The Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect seemed as if struck by lightning, half his body trembling as he was sent flying horizontally. It was difficult to imagine the immense power of Ye Fan's golden fist. While it truly struck the light claw, it was merely the golden astral wind brushing against the Grand Elder's physical body that made it unbearable for him, completely deforming and twisting his entire right arm.

"How is this possible? How old is he? How can his physical body be so incredibly strong, actually sending a seasoned expert of the third Dao Palace realm flying?"

"This is utterly unbelievable! His physical body is comparable to a supreme treasure. Pure physical strength shattered the Grand Elder's arm... This is..."

All the disciples gasped, utterly shocked by this outcome. A chill ran down their spines as they recalled their earlier remarks. This young Taoist priest was simply a monster. He was probably even more terrifying than Holy Land successors of the same age. No one could even manage a smile when facing such an opponent.

At this moment, everyone's gaze turned to Ye Fan. They were shocked to see him standing with his hands clasped behind his back, his Taoist robe fluttering, as if his previous strike had been utterly casual.

"You..." The shock in the Li Huo Sect's Grand Elder's heart was beyond words. His white hair flew wildly. He quickly reattached his broken arm, then let out a roar. His palm and fingers slowly moved, as if lifting a massive mountain, unleashing a terrifying aura like a surging tide crashing against the heavens.

*Boom!* Within his embrace, a mountain actually materialized. Standing as if cradling the mountain, it filled his chest, emitting an ineffable suppression and an unparalleled, immense pressure.

"Mountain-Holding Seal!" the disciples of the Li Huo Sect exclaimed in shock. This was the Li Huo Sect's ultimate mountain-guarding technique, the highest secret of their sect. Several generations of sect leaders had failed to master it, yet their strongest Grand Elder had now succeeded. This mountain, so realistic yet quite small, exerted a terrifying, heart-shaking pressure, from which wisps of misty fog flowed. As the Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect held this mountain in his embrace, it unleashed terrifying, ocean-like fluctuations. It was incredibly heavy, and the void beneath his feet even collapsed.

The Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect merely uttered a single word, and the Mountain-Holding Seal pressed down, unstoppable. A massive mountain rose high into the sky, its might capable of tearing one's very soul, causing many to experience a terrifying, suffocating sensation, unable to breathe. Around them, the young disciples instantly collapsed to the ground. This immense pressure was like a demonic mountain suppressing them, making it utterly impossible for them to bear.

Ye Fan's heart tightened. Veteran cultivators of the third Dao Palace realm were indeed formidable. Each realm represented a world in itself; advancing a single realm was akin to ascending to another layer of heaven. This chasm, like the gap between immortals and mortals, was utterly insurmountable. Had it been any other cultivator, they would have been unable to resist, certainly suppressed to death on the spot.

However, Ye Fan's physique was unique. His body was like a bottomless pit, requiring far more heaven and earth essence during cultivation than ordinary people. This, in turn, gave him the foundation to strike down "immortals" as a "mortal," allowing him to cross heavenly chasms and slay experts from higher realms.

"Mountain-Holding Seal, you cannot kill me!" Ye Fan roared, yet he dared not underestimate the attack. His expression turned solemn as he slowly moved his hands, also unleashing a terrifying aura. Above his head, a colossal mountain materialized, as if it had traversed ancient heavens and earth, breaking through space and time. Its boundless grandeur and majesty made one's heart, soul, spirit, and mind tremble uncontrollably.

Although initially blurry, it quickly sharpened, appearing like a celestial dragon rising from the vast sea or a heavenly pillar erupting from the earth. The majestic ancient peak, like the very sky itself, stood above Ye Fan. He seemed to bear the azure heavens. At this moment, energy surged outwards from Ye Fan, raging in all directions. Above his head, the towering mountain seemed to prop up the sky, with birds and beasts clearly seen fleeing from it. Powerful energy fluctuations roared like a great river, surging forward, as silver waterfalls cascaded down, long rivers surged, and ancient trees reached for the sky.

"Mountain and River Seal!" Ye Fan roared, his hands raised to the sky. The colossal mountain soared across the heavens, like an abyssal beast unleashed, tearing through the firmament. This was one of the Nine Secrets, a supreme secret method among killing techniques. All directions trembled, and everyone was terrified.

The colossal mountain pressed down, suppressing the mountain ahead. The Mountain and River Seal confronted the Mountain-Holding Seal. The mountains collided with immense force, as if the seas were collapsing, the earth sinking, and the heavens overturning. A terrifying aura radiated in all directions. Raging waves, beams of light, and destructive power filled every corner. Under this sky, there was no longer a tranquil spot.

*Boom!* An immeasurable roar filled the air as heaven and earth seemed to overturn, surging outwards in all directions. After the two mountains violently collided, a wild and tyrannical aura swept across the sky. The Mountain-Holding Seal was utterly defeated, while the Mountain and River Seal remained condensed, tearing the sky and shaking the earth.

The chest of the Li Huo Sect's Grand Elder instantly caved in. His body shriveled like a deflated drum and he was sent flying horizontally a hundred meters away. Bones throughout his body continuously popped and cracked; it was clear many were broken, and numerous parts were completely deformed.

Ye Fan stood with his head held high, completely unharmed, his Taoist robe fluttering. He stepped through the void, light and elegant, covering a hundred meters in a single stride, as if shrinking the earth to an inch, appearing before them in the blink of an eye. The Mountain and River Seal vibrated, its might suppressing all directions. As heavy as the sky, it hung suspended above his head. Two sharp rays of light shot from Ye Fan's eyes as the Mountain and River Seal pressed down, causing both mind and soul to tremble.

Although the Li Huo Sect's Grand Elder was beaten into a ruined state, he was indeed an exceptionally powerful cultivator. He opened his mouth and spat out a shining bronze furnace. The bronze furnace, only an inch high, was remarkably clear and dazzling. Unfurling against the wind, it rapidly expanded, instantly appearing before him and blocking the Mountain and River Seal.

*Clang!* The Mountain and River Seal pressed down, striking the bronze furnace, emitting a tremendous sound that echoed like a great bell, reverberating endlessly. Ye Fan was astonished. This bronze furnace remained undamaged and continued to expand, standing between heaven and earth with an aura of eternal indestructibility. He let out a soft exclamation, continuing to urge the Mountain and River Seal forward. He did not believe this bronze furnace could withstand a Combat Saint Art. He sent it smashing forward, unwilling to believe this bronze furnace could withstand it.

*Clang!* A lingering reverberation echoed through heaven and earth as the bronze furnace vibrated again. At the same time, it expanded considerably, shining brilliantly, now standing in the void like a mountaintop. Simultaneously, the shriveled body of the Li Huo Sect's Grand Elder crackled as his bones reconnected and his muscles swelled. Though severely wounded and having lost vital essence, he regained the ability to fight within a short time, mobilizing his potential and Dao power.

*Boom!* Flames surged from the bronze furnace. The Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect seized this opportunity to escape, appearing in the distant sky, looking at Ye Fan with incredulity. Such a crushing defeat sent a chill through his heart.

By this point, everyone felt a wave of terror. Such a young Taoist priest, possessing such terrifying combat prowess, with his great seal like a towering mountain, utterly defeating the Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect, was truly chilling. The disciples who had collapsed to the ground finally came to their senses. They quickly retreated, and when they looked at Ye Fan again, their scalps tingled. This young Taoist priest, with his peaceful smile, instilled endless fear in them. Remembering their earlier words, everyone couldn't help but feel a pang of dread.

Li Youran, the true disciple of Xuan Yue Cave, and Du Chengkun, the chief disciple of the Li Huo Sect's sect master, both turned ashen. This young Taoist priest was much younger than them, yet so overwhelmingly powerful that he nearly brought about the demise of a seasoned elder.

"Even the outstanding disciples from Holy Lands are merely this formidable," the Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect sighed.

"They..." Ye Fan smiled faintly and slowly walked forward.

On the mountaintop, the Supreme Sect Leader of Xuan Yue Cave, who had not yet made a move, descended. "If you are not a Holy Land successor, that is even more astonishing," he said. "In the future, you are destined to become a great adversary to the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens of all major Holy Lands."

Ye Fan had to face these two opponents squarely. Being in the third Dao Palace realm, a whole tier higher, they were indeed formidable adversaries for him.

"If he is allowed to grow, we will face a great calamity. Now, we can only join forces," the Grand Elder of the Li Huo Sect said with a solemn expression.

"Very well. Today, I shall suppress a genius and carry out an act of extermination," the Supreme Sect Leader of Xuan Yue Cave nodded.

"Want to suppress me? That might prove difficult. How about I send you on your way instead?" Ye Fan's expression was peaceful, yet an invisible killing intent permeated the air.

At this moment, he resonated with the firmament, as if heaven and man had become one. With every gesture, the aura of the Dao flowed, and his body vibrated with terrifying Dao power. Through the divine treasury of his lungs, he drew upon the grand trends of heaven and earth, truly as if an azure sky was pressing down. He bore the azure heavens, with the Mountain and River Seal suspended above his head. Birds flew and beasts fled, silver waterfalls cascaded, and mountains and rivers stretched far and wide, ancient and grand, radiating immense power.