Chapter 416: End Was Never Defying Heaven

The Wind Clan's proud daughter, like a celestial phoenix, held her flawless, radiant chin high. Her beautiful hair cascaded around her, and five-colored divine light enveloped her body, making her seem unattainable, as if standing on the clouds, looking down upon all below.

Ye Fan, by contrast, remained calm, as if detached from the situation. He quietly watched everything unfold, a faint smile playing on his lips, saying nothing.

Seeing him like this, the Wind Clan members' hearts fluttered. An elder told Feng Huang, "You've just arrived in Divine City. Go and settle down; there's no need to say anything more."

Feng Huang understood their intention. Raising her beautiful chin, she glanced at Ye Fan and declared, "I can see my own future; it will not be tied to anyone, not even the Sacred Body."

Her vibrant divine robe fluttering, she departed gracefully with light steps, leaving behind a faint fragrance. A few elders looked slightly embarrassed, their brows faintly furrowed.

The news of Feng Huang's arrival quickly spread throughout Divine City. Even the details of her first encounter with Ye Fan were disseminated, leaving nothing out.

"As expected, just like the rumors said, the Wind Clan's Pearl has no intention of getting engaged to the Sacred Body. This is going to be quite a spectacle!"

"This dazzling pearl truly has character; she didn't even deign to look at the Sacred Body who broke the curse. I wonder if she'll still be so arrogant when she looks back a thousand years from now."

"We knew this would happen. Who is Feng Huang? She is a celestial prodigy of her generation. The Wind Clan delayed making a decision precisely because they feared her resolute refusal; even their Saint Lord was unwilling to force her."

"The Wind Clan's Pearl is going to refuse the Sacred Body—what an unprecedented event..."

Every single detail was disseminated throughout Divine City, sparking widespread discussion, with many people actively fanning the flames.

It must be said that Feng Huang's esteemed reputation had spread throughout the Eastern Wasteland. Her immense charm attracted numerous suitors, who naturally supported her decision and all worked to build momentum for her.

Ye Fan dismissed it with disdain, simply not caring. Hailing from the other side of the starry sky, he naturally felt nothing about this so-called arranged marriage.

What if the other party was the foremost beauty of the Eastern Wasteland? He had seen countless peerless beauties in the world; he supposed she was merely on par with An Miaoyi.

Ever since Ye Fan arrived in this world where power reigns supreme, he had maintained a detached attitude towards emotional connections. He had never actively sought out that long-lost "spark."

In the following days, Feng Huang maintained a balanced profile, neither too high nor too low. She frequently gathered with friends, including many of her suitors.

Discussions about her were constant. People knew she was clearly stating her stance, firmly rejecting the engagement, which gave the Wind Clan elders a considerable headache.

Subsequently, she met with various Saint Sons. Although they had previously communicated, she would not have traveled so frequently if not for this impending arranged marriage.

Most surprisingly, Feng Huang's private meeting with the Golden-Winged Little Peng King caused a huge uproar, and the cultivators in Divine City began discussing it once more.

The Golden-Winged Little Peng King, along with the Yao Guang Saint Son and the Ji Family's Divine King Body, were regarded as the most powerful young experts in the Eastern Wasteland, standing at the pinnacle.

In the past, Feng Huang had once fought him, and they were evenly matched, a battle that shocked the central region of the Eastern Wasteland and fostered some acquaintance between them.

The Golden-Winged Little Peng King harbored a deep grudge against Ye Fan. On the night of the full moon, had the Old Peng King not restrained him, a world-shaking battle would have been inevitable.

Feng Huang's choice to meet privately with the Golden-Winged Little Peng King at this time inevitably sparked discussion, instantly making her the focal point of conversation in Divine City.

"The Wind Clan's Pearl has clearly made up her mind. Even if the marriage is forced, it will cause numerous complications."

"Feng Huang is explicitly stating her stance, meeting with the Sacred Body's formidable enemy, demonstrating her unwillingness to get engaged to him."

"In any case, the Wind Clan hasn't made a final decision. Even if this matter simply fades away, it would merely signify Feng Huang's personal triumph."

Amidst the swirling rumors, Ye Fan merely smiled them off. He couldn't be bothered to care, ignoring everything Feng Huang did, because he fundamentally had no need to act.

When many learned of his attitude, they were all surprised, secretly marveling that the Sacred Body was truly detached, seemingly just an observer of a play unfolding among them.

After he made his attitude clear, discussions escalated further. Both were extraordinary individuals, and their distinct approaches sparked considerable debate among cultivators.

The Peerless Divine King was preparing to depart and told Ye Fan to travel freely without worry. He seemed to sense his time was short and intended to eliminate some malicious individuals operating in the shadows.

Ye Fan's movements outside naturally drew attention, but no one dared to make a move, fearing the Peerless Divine King's thunderous strike. In his final days, no one dared to provoke him.

These past few days, he had been attending numerous banquets and gatherings with Tu Fei, Li Heishui, and the big black dog. He never refused the invitations from various sects and was constantly surrounded by people.

Clearly, the Sacred Body's reputation overshadowed Feng Huang's, sparking even more discussions. Few among the younger generation could contend with him; the future Great Accomplished Sacred Body was certainly someone worth befriending and observing closely.

It could be said that wherever Ye Fan went, he was practically known to everyone. No one failed to greet him, and everyone recognized him, especially many among the younger generation who were filled with trepidation towards him.

The members of the ancient Source families had distanced themselves, not a single one appearing in Divine City. Cultivators hostile to Ye Fan, such as Wu Ziming and Li Chongtian, became extremely low-key, rarely making appearances.

Imperceptibly, Ye Fan had already established an aura of prestige, making even the Saint Sons wary of him. They tried to keep their distance, avoiding him whenever possible.

Even the Golden-Winged Little Peng King was suppressing his temper, obeying the Old Peng King's command to avoid conflict and refrain from meeting him.

When Ye Fan went out, he was met with endless enthusiasm, but he did not become arrogant. He treated everyone with courtesy, and when he encountered rivals, he did not provoke them, simply nodding as he passed.

"Pfft!" A mouthful of blood, crimson with a faint golden hue, spurted from Ye Fan's mouth, staining his clothes and presenting a shocking sight.

"What happened?!" Pang Bo sprang to his feet, his thick brows bristling, as he scanned his surroundings.

"What's wrong with Little Ye Zi?" Tu Fei and Li Heishui were equally surprised.

This gathering included many young generation experts such as Yao Yuekong, the Jade Lake Saintess, Dao Yi Saintess, the Great Xia Imperial Prince, and the Little Nun in White. No one had anticipated Ye Fan would suddenly cough up blood and collapse backward.

"Get out of the way!" Pang Bo disregarded everything else, shouting for everyone to clear a path. He picked up Ye Fan and carefully examined him. His white clothes were stained with vivid bloodstains. Ye Fan's eyes were closed and he lay motionless, his face pale; he looked very unwell.

The Sacred Body was in trouble, having collapsed at the banquet—this news quickly spread throughout Divine City, causing a huge uproar!

The scent of medicine wafted out from Ye Fan's room, where dozens of different elixirs were displayed. Several elders from the Wind Clan stepped forward one by one to examine his injuries, all of them frowning.

"How could this happen?"

"Ah, I understand now. It's a wound from the Great Dao. The Peerless Divine King is unparalleled; he used divine blood to help him sever karma and a divine overture to obliterate the innate Dao Diagram. However..."

"The innate Great Dao didn't destroy his fundamental cultivation, but it severed his life essence, leaving him with an incurable injury. He won't live for more than half a year."

The Wind Clan elders delivered a precise diagnosis, all sighing towards the sky. This outcome left them immensely disappointed.

"The curse of over a hundred thousand years was broken; he could finally cultivate, and we were on the verge of witnessing the future of a Quasi-Emperor, yet he has only half a year left to live..."

"This is a wound left by the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. Even a mature divine medicine likely cannot cure it."

Their expressions were volatile. The Wind Clan had spent three million jin of source for this, and even prepared for an arranged marriage, only for it to culminate in such an outcome, which was unbearable for them.

The Sacred Body was on the verge of demise—this news was no less than a tsunami, shaking Divine City and simultaneously spreading throughout the world, startling numerous major powers.

Divine City, in particular, was in an uproar, with all cultivators discussing the unforeseen turn of events that had occurred.

"The Heavenly Dao is irreversible. Even if the curse was broken, his life couldn't be preserved. It was predetermined in the cosmic ether."

"This was truly a fleeting flourish leading to a desolate end. Who would have thought it would turn out like this?"

"With less than half a year of lifespan, what can be accomplished? What a lamentable pity, after all the Peerless Divine King's painstaking efforts."

"The Sacred Body, having just come into being, had already proudly overshadowed the younger generation, yet he is ending so bleakly, heading towards the end of his life."

No one was not shocked; this outcome was far too unexpected, unforeseen by all.

"No, wait. Could this be a deliberate scheme by the Peerless Divine King to prevent Ye Fan from being assassinated—a tactic to fake his demise and hide him away?"

Quick-witted individuals immediately considered this possibility, making astonishing speculations.

As soon as this theory emerged, many unanimously agreed, believing it was a ploy—a smokescreen deliberately released to deceive the world.

However, it was soon confirmed that this was a genuine injury, not a disguise. The Great Dao of Heaven and Earth had severed Ye Fan's life essence, making recovery almost impossible.

The Wind Clan members sighed deeply, but were utterly helpless.

Two powerful figures from the Jiang Family also arrived, equally helpless. Even the Peerless Divine King furrowed his brow.

Wounds left by the Great Dao are difficult for mortals to reverse. Since ancient times, almost no one severed by the Great Dao has ever survived.

Representatives from numerous major powers came, expressing concern, examining Ye Fan's injuries, and leaving behind many spiritual pills. Their primary purpose, naturally, was to confirm if the news was true.

Those from Zhongzhou who had come for the ceremony and had not yet departed also visited. After carefully examining Ye Fan's injuries, they left some spiritual herbs and then departed.

The news was confirmed to be true by many great sects, leading to an uproar in the outside world. Some gloated, while others offered sympathy...

Ye Fan woke up and stared blankly for a long time. He hadn't expected this turn of events.

At night, the starlight flowed like water as he and Pang Bo lay side by side on the rooftop, gazing at the other end of the starry sky.

"If I die, you must find a way to return. Don't wait too long."

"Ye Zi, don't say any more. You'll be fine. You'll definitely survive, and we'll return together."

"Help me take good care of my parents."

"Don't say such things; it chokes me up."

With only half a year of life left—and that was the most optimistic estimate, as it could very well be less than a hundred days—even if his combat power was unmatched among the younger generation, it was utterly meaningless.

In the following days, Ye Fan's residence became deserted, with no one visiting anymore. The enthusiasm of many had turned into cold indifference.

A period of prosperity had drawn to a desolate close, leaving behind only the bleakness of autumn.

The ebb and flow of human warmth and the harsh realities of the world were too evident; everything was utterly pragmatic.

Perhaps it was time to depart from Divine City, but Ye Fan would go to say goodbye to certain individuals. He wondered if things would remain as they were.