Chapter 420: Young King

The sky was a pristine blue, like a vast crystal, unstained by a single blemish. A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees, brimming with infinite vitality.

The Northern Region was monotonous and barren, devoid of life. The earth was a desolate red for hundreds of thousands of miles, without a trace of human habitation, and even birds were absent.

Now, as deep winter had set in, snow fell across millions of miles, blanketing the land in a vast, white expanse.

However, Ye Fan's current surroundings were starkly different. Spring flowers bloomed, the scenery was picturesque, and birds sang sweetly. Various animals could be seen appearing occasionally.

He had left the Northern Region and arrived in a world full of vigor. Everything was pleasing to the eye, and the vibrant life force made one's mood optimistic and cheerful.

"That damn dog..." Ye Fan cursed.

Having traversed the void, he was a staggering 1.5 million miles from his destination. The big black dog had sworn the error would not exceed two thousand miles, but the actual difference was astronomical.

"This dog is truly unreliable!" If Black Emperor were in front of him, Ye Fan would have been tempted to give it a good beating.

Black Emperor, Pang Bo, Tu Fei, Li Heishui, and the others had not come along, as their presence would make their objective too obvious and easily arouse suspicion.

Fortunately, it wasn't entirely unacceptable; he had at least entered the general region of his destination. Although 1.5 million miles was an immense distance, it was still a relatively small segment of this vast territory.

If he hadn't reached this area, it would have been a true tragedy. He had little time left, less than half a year to live, and no time to waste on the journey.

A small boat drifted gently with the current.

Ye Fan was in no hurry. Lying on the lone boat, he carefully considered the various difficulties he would face and how to deal with them.

The river was neither wide nor turbulent. The banks were covered in water weeds, and the scent of grass mixed with earth filled the air, making him feel connected to nature.

Fish occasionally leaped from the water, creating splashes and revealing their white bellies, a lively sight.

As night fell, Ye Fan took out his wineskin, drank a few sips of wine, and ate half a roasted chicken. He then lay down on the boat and drifted peacefully to sleep, letting the small craft float naturally downstream.

"Thump!"

In the middle of the night, his small boat bumped into another vessel ahead. Ye Fan awoke, realizing he had somehow entered a wide river.

Under a sky dotted with stars, a large ship, several dozen meters long, glimmered with lights on the river. Many people looked down, and someone called out, "Who bumped into our ship?"

"My apologies, everyone," Ye Fan said, bowing in greeting.

The people on the ship were quite reasonable. Seeing Ye Fan's damaged small boat, they lowered a rope for him to come aboard.

"Thank you all." Ye Fan wanted to learn about the region from these people, so he didn't refuse their kindness.

This was a large ship that regularly sailed the river. It carried both ordinary mortals and many cultivators. Many people, unable to sleep at night, stood on the deck, chatting.

Ye Fan paid the ship's owner some silver, officially becoming a passenger. He quietly listened to the conversations of the people.

"Lately, heroes from all corners of the world have gathered in the Northern Region. First, there was the astonishing news of Emperor Wu Shi's legacy, and then rumors of the ancient Demon Suppressing Pot. It has truly stirred up the world."

Some cultivators sighed, discussing the recent major events.

Ye Fan was surprised. The Demon Suppressing Pot was truly about to appear; An Miaoyi's words were not false. However, he had stayed far from the eye of the storm and had not joined in the excitement.

There must be immense danger within. Although An Miaoyi hadn't stated it explicitly, she had given him strong hints not to go, and not to ask why.

"Speaking of which, the Sacred Body is such a pity. It broke a curse that lasted over a hundred thousand years, only to ultimately face death."

"Indeed. It drew the world's attention not long ago, only for such a outcome. It's lamentable, possessing battle prowess that overshadowed the younger generation, yet unable to endure in this world for long."

"It's also the fall of a generation's talent. In the future, there will be one less person with the hope of approaching the Great Emperor realm. For the Holy Sons, they can breathe a sigh of relief."

Many felt it was a pity concerning the Sacred Body. Otherwise, the younger generation would have engaged in fierce battles, with constant conflict. This outcome meant much less excitement.

"What is a Sacred Body worth? In an era where many kings rise, it would still fade into obscurity, not worth mentioning," a man in black iron armor suddenly interjected.

Many were startled. No one had noticed when he appeared; he seemed to materialize out of thin air, like a phantom.

Only Ye Fan saw this person step out of the void. He was exceptionally extraordinary, surprising even Ye Fan, who knew he must be a top-tier master of the younger generation.

"Who are you, and why do you say that?" Someone, displeased by his remarks, asked.

"Who I am is not important. I am merely stating a fact: in the ancient past, there was no record of a Sacred Body becoming a Great Emperor. When many kings rise, he would certainly not be the most brilliant."

This was a very young man, slender and upright, with handsome features and eyes that sparkled like stars. The black battle attire he wore gleamed with a cold metallic luster.

In his hand, he held a black battle-halberd, its blade exceedingly sharp, with faint glints of blood-red light. Infinite killing intent was sealed within it, as if it had drunk the blood of millions of beings.

"How many Great Emperors have there been throughout history? In an era without an Emperor, perhaps few could contend with the Sacred Body," someone on the ship said. They sensed he was unusual and dared not speak too aggressively.

"A Great Emperor must be born in this grand era; otherwise, it would be a disservice to the simultaneous emergence of so many ancient Royal Physiques. The Sacred Body cannot succeed; it cannot stand out," the young man said, his face stern, shaking his head repeatedly.

Against the backdrop of his gleaming black iron armor, his skin appeared very pale, yet he exuded no hint of effeminacy. With his black hair fluttering, he resembled a deity from the Nine Netherworlds.

"Young man, you are very confident and powerful, but throughout history, only a few Great Emperors have emerged from billions of people. To say one will appear in this era is perhaps too fanciful."

"This era is very similar to how it was hundreds of thousands of years ago, with various powerful physiques appearing one after another. Someone like Wu Shi will definitely be born," a young man stated with great conviction, his eyes sparkling like flames.

"This..." Everyone else was astonished. Many had also heard rumors of this.

"Ye Huiling, aren't you coming out? Let's not delay our battle for too long; I think it's time for a conclusion soon!" the young man in black iron armor, holding his halberd, transmitted his voice from the deck.

"Wang Chongxiao, you've arrived quite quickly!" From the second deck of the large ship, a woman emerged, her steps light and graceful. She wore a blue dress that fluttered in the night wind.

She was only about twenty years old. Her appearance and demeanor matched her name: stunningly beautiful, ethereal, with black hair like a waterfall, skin so delicate it seemed it would break with a touch, and lively eyes.

She floated down onto the deck, standing tall and graceful, her ethereal beauty captivating. Like a secluded orchid in a quiet valley, her exquisite beauty contained an aura of serenity and transcendence.

"What? They are the kings of the younger generation from Central Plains? It's said they fought their way all the way to the Eastern Desolation!"

"That's right, I've heard about it for a long time. There's a kingly battle among the younger generation in Central Plains, shaking heaven and earth. They all possess innate secret techniques, and even older generation figures cannot stop or kill them."

All the cultivators on the large ship were astonished. They hadn't expected to see young kings from Central Plains here. They indeed exuded an extraordinary aura, and there would surely be a fierce battle.

"I don't wish for a life-and-death duel with you recently, Wang Chongxiao. Why do you pursue me so relentlessly?" Ye Huiling's voice was soft and melodious.

"I know now that you have obtained the legendary 'Heaven-Covering Robe' and intend to use it to conceal your aura, enter the forbidden life zone, and pluck immortal medicine. Is that correct?" Wang Chongxiao's voice was calm.

Ye Fan's heart immediately skipped a beat upon hearing these words. A young king from Central Plains had come with an extraordinary treasure, and their goal was the same as his. This was not good news.

The other party had come to this region, likely with the same choice as him, entering the same destination. This was definitely a formidable competitor.

"You are mistaken. How could I enter so easily? I merely intend to rely on the Heaven-Covering Robe to observe from the edge of the forbidden life zone," Ye Huiling said, shaking her head, her beauty beyond compare.

"Since you don't dare to enter, just hand over the Heaven-Covering Robe to me, and I will collect the immortal medicine!" Wang Chongxiao sneered.

They had fought their way from Central Plains to the Eastern Desolation, clashing countless times, a truly evenly matched contest. However, the later stages would be even more intense, as the clash of kings was a battle of life and death.

"Since there's no other choice, why not fight?" Ye Huiling's voice, though soft, showed no weakness.

"All of you, leave! No one is allowed to look back and watch the battle, or you will be killed without mercy!" Wang Chongxiao's voice was cold as he swept his gaze across everyone on the ship.

The ship's owner immediately ordered the ship to set sail. He certainly did not want to provoke the young kings from Central Plains. Looking across the world, few in the younger generation could contend with them.

Wang Chongxiao leaped into the void, his black iron armor gleaming with cold light, his hair fluttering, standing with his halberd held high, looking exactly like a Yama King.

Ye Huiling's blue robe swayed, ethereal and pure. She stood silently under the night sky, a jade flute appearing in her hand. It was crystal clear, engraved with intricate and profound Dao patterns, and an aura of the Great Dao circulated around it. She seemed to merge with the heavens and earth.

"This is too arrogant! How dare they act like this in our Eastern Desolation? Why can't we watch the battle?" Some young cultivators were deeply displeased.

"Are they truly kings comparable to the Divine King Body?"

"Don't talk anymore. They are indeed heirs to ancient Royal Physiques, which haven't appeared for so many years. Do not clash with them, or no one will be able to withstand a single blow from them."

Wang Chongxiao cast a cold glance at the large ship on the river and said chillingly, "All of you, vanish immediately!"

"This is too overbearing! Does he really think he rules the world, giving orders in our Eastern Desolation?" Someone was extremely indignant.

Wang Chongxiao sneered, "Though I do not yet rule the world, I am not someone you ants can criticize from behind. Few in this generation of the Eastern Desolation are worthy of my notice."

"This is going too far!" Someone soared into the sky, their body radiating purple light like a shining star. This was a heroic young man who shouted, "By what right do you look down on cultivators from our Eastern Desolation?"

"By the right that I am a king of Central Plains' younger generation!" Wang Chongxiao's expression was indifferent; he didn't even bother to look at him properly.

"That's Xu Yueming, the chief disciple of the Moon Worshipping Sect, a super-large force! He's a cultivator at the Four Extremities Great Perfection realm, a top master of the younger generation." Someone exclaimed, surprised to find such a powerful individual on the ship.

"Let me see if you, the so-called king, are truly worthy of the name!" Xu Yueming charged forward.

"A mere grain of rice dares to shine!" Wang Chongxiao sneered. He did not use his halberd. Instead, a terrifying black wall appeared behind him, emanating a divine aura.

Countless divine swords and magical artifacts were embedded in it, creating a mysterious and ethereal sight! Without turning his head, he slowly drew a divine sword, blood-red in color, its tip emitting a soaring crimson light. He swung the sword down.

"Pffft!"

Blood splattered. Xu Yueming was cut in two. He was utterly powerless, as if fighting a god, unable to resist at all. Even his weapon shattered into pieces.

"This..."

Everyone was stunned, their hearts chilled to the bone. The young king from Central Plains was too terrifying; with just one strike, he had cleaved a Four Extremities Great Perfection realm expert in half!

"Clang!"

Without turning, Wang Chongxiao reinserted the blood-red divine sword back into the black wall behind him. The various divine weapons, sharp blades, and magical artifacts shimmered with light before disappearing along with the terrifying black demonic wall.

"Cough..." On the large ship, Ye Fan coughed up blood. He wiped it clean with a silk handkerchief and quietly looked up at the sky.

"In my opinion, apart from the Divine King Body of the Ji family and a few others like the Yaoguang Holy Son, everyone in the Eastern Desolation is simply not worth a single blow!" Wang Chongxiao's black hair danced, his eyes deep. Like a Yama King, his black iron armor was cold and intimidating as he looked down upon everyone on the large ship.