Chapter 436: Ruthless Person

Li Xiaoman, it's really you! We haven't seen each other for five or six years. Zhang Wenchang found it hard to remain calm. His life had been bleak for the past few years, and meeting an old acquaintance from the other end of the starry sky filled him with warmth and excitement.

"Zhang Wenchang, are you alright? I haven't heard from you in a long time," Li Xiaoman said. Dressed in white, she was exceptionally beautiful and gave off a serene aura.

"I'm doing okay," Zhang Wenchang replied, somewhat awkwardly. After the initial excitement, he didn't know what else to say, as he didn't want to revisit the past.

"I heard about your situation. Take good care of your injuries," Li Xiaoman said, calmly looking at Ye Fan.

"It's nothing. Good people don't live long, but troublemakers last for a thousand years. How could a menace like me die?" Ye Fan chuckled.

Just then, some disciples from Star Peak flew over. They were clearly outstanding successors, all possessing high cultivation levels. They landed and approached Ye Fan.

"Brother Ye, we never expected you to return to Tai Xuan," they greeted.

Although they were enthusiastic, there was an underlying hint of apprehension, making them somewhat reserved. They still remembered how Ye Fan had once humiliated the Star Peak disciples.

No one had expected that in just about two years, this person would stir up endless storms. Even though he was close to death, no one dared to underestimate him.

"A young king from Zhongzhou saw you. Senior Brother Hua couldn't break away at the moment, and fearing you might leave, he sent us to greet you first. He'll come to invite you personally in a bit," one of them explained.

"Junior Sister Xiaoman is here too," someone greeted her.

"You can go. I'll join them to see Senior Brother Hua later." It was clear that Li Xiaoman held an unusual status, as all of them nodded and departed.

Although Zhang Wenchang was usually reserved, he was quite sentimental. He spoke much more than usual, feeling that his former classmates were the closest people to him in this world.

Li Xiaoman's gaze was like water as she quietly watched Ye Fan. "Is your life truly running out?" she asked.

"It's not necessarily a death sentence. In the Northern Region, the Peerless Divine King found a divine doctor for me, who said I could live if I crippled my own cultivation."

"Then live a peaceful life as a mortal," Li Xiaoman said.

In the distance, a blue light flashed, and a man in blue appeared. He was even more ethereal and graceful than a woman, moving with the agility of an immortal descended upon the waves. He possessed an unworldly aura; it was Hua Yunfei.

Jiang Yifei's elegance and Hua Yunfei's ethereal, almost immortal, presence had left a profound impression on Ye Fan. Hua Yunfei, in particular, made him wary.

Currently, many talented young individuals were rising in the Eastern Wasteland, yet someone as powerful as Hua Yunfei remained hidden in the Southern Region, his name not widely known.

"Welcome back, Brother Ye," Hua Yunfei said with a gentle smile, personally greeting him with an ethereal grace.

Ye Fan also showed a brilliant smile and said, "After two years apart, Brother Hua's demeanor is even more impressive than before."

"How can I compare to Brother Ye? Now your name is known throughout the world," Hua Yunfei said, shaking his head with a smile, revealing teeth as clear as jade. With utmost sincerity, he added, "Years ago, you cultivated here. Although you left, Tai Xuan will always keep its doors open for you."

"For Brother Hua to say so truly moves me," Ye Fan said. As he spoke, he couldn't help but cough, and a trickle of pale golden blood overflowed from his mouth.

"Brother Ye, are you alright?" Hua Yunfei stepped forward, asking with concern and tension.

"It's nothing, no problem," Ye Fan said, shaking his head and wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with a white cloth.

Hua Yunfei turned to Li Xiaoman and softly said, "Junior Sister Xiaoman, please bring that treasured sacred medicine of mine."

"Sacred medicine...?" Li Xiaoman responded, surprised.

"It's the sacred medicine left by Tai Xuan's founding ancestor. I believe it can alleviate Brother Ye's injuries," Hua Yunfei said with a gentle smile.

Li Xiaoman nodded, glanced at Ye Fan, and then gracefully flew away.

"There's no need. My injuries are not serious," Ye Fan said, shaking his head. As he spoke, he wiped away another trace of golden blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Brother Ye possesses extraordinary talent, a rare genius of ancient times. You are destined to rule the world one day, and you will certainly overcome this trial," Hua Yunfei sighed softly. Even with a furrowed brow, he remained as ethereal as an immortal.

"Senior Brother Hua, the Saintess of Yaoguang has arrived," someone reported to Hua Yunfei.

"Brother Ye, please don't leave. I've invited several other talented individuals, and soon we'll enjoy drinks and discuss the Dao. I must go and welcome Fairy Yao Xi now."

Hua Yunfei apologized to Ye Fan and was equally polite to Zhang Wenchang, asking them to wait for a moment.

"Brother Hua, there's no need to be so formal with me," Ye Fan said with a smile, watching him depart.

Just how powerful Hua Yunfei was remained difficult to ascertain. Years ago, Ji Ziyue had solemnly mentioned that before the Divine Physique Ji Haoyue's emergence, there was an astonishing battle, and his opponent was Hua Yunfei. The fight was incredibly fierce and hard-fought.

Ultimately, the Divine King Physique Ji Haoyue paid a considerable price to narrowly win by a single move. Ji Ziyue had mentioned these details when Ye Fan first met Hua Yunfei.

Later, Hua Yunfei entered seclusion for two years, and the Divine King Physique truly emerged two years later. However, the two had not fought again.

Light flickered in Ye Fan's eyes, as if in deep thought.

"Is he very powerful?" Zhang Wenchang asked. He had heard of the Divine King Physique but never the name Hua Yunfei.

This was someone who dared to kill Ji Haoyue and his sister; how could he not be powerful? However, Ye Fan couldn't tell Zhang Wenchang these details, as it would only bring him great disaster.

"Since you're cultivating in Tai Xuan, don't ever provoke him. It's best to stay on Mount Zhuo and not descend casually."

In Ye Fan's view, Hua Yunfei was certainly comparable to the Saint Son of Yaoguang. Years ago, he had narrowly lost to Ji Haoyue by just one move. Several years had passed; if he were to battle the Divine King Physique now, it would be hard to say who was weaker or stronger.

"Tai Xuan Sect doesn't have ancient scriptures, yet he possesses such cultivation, capable of contending with the Divine King Physique. It's truly astonishing..." Ye Fan murmured to himself. He had never underestimated Hua Yunfei.

Aside from his cultivation, this person was also deeply hidden. Who could have imagined that he had once intended to kill Ji Ziyue? Whenever Ye Fan thought of this, he felt wary.

Not long after, Hua Yunfei returned, accompanied by an elegant and captivating beauty: the Saintess of Yaoguang.

"I know there might be some misunderstandings between you two, but past grievances are like smoke; everything is in the past. Today, you are both my esteemed guests," Hua Yunfei said, as if fearing the two might come to blows.

"How could that be, Brother Hua? You worry too much," Ye Fan said with a smile, looking at the Saintess of Yaoguang. "Fairy Yao Xi, it's been months, and you are as radiant as ever, like a blooming pearl, a beautiful immortal lotus."

Yao Xi responded with a captivating smile, but inwardly, she was seething. Ye Fan had suppressed her in the Blazing Fire Divine Furnace for nearly half a year, and he had even stolen one of her undergarments in the past. Every time she recalled it, she felt like going mad.

However, at that moment, no one could discern anything amiss with her. On the contrary, her smile was captivating, and intoxicating light swirled in her eyes.

Hua Yunfei had indeed invited several talented individuals. Ahead, flowers exuded fragrance, and spirit springs softly gurgled. There was a grove of purple bamboo, and within a pavilion, several extraordinary figures were gathered.

Wang Chongxiao, a young king from Zhongzhou, had a cold expression and remained unmoving. But when he saw Ye Fan approaching, he abruptly stood up, his killing intent permeating the air. "You want to kill me?" Ye Fan walked straight towards him, a cold, powerful sneer playing on his lips.

Everyone present grew tense and stood up. One was a king from Zhongzhou, the other the Sacred Body of the Eastern Wasteland; their meeting seemed poised to escalate into an immediate fight.

"Gentlemen, please calm down!" Hua Yunfei quickly stepped forward, placing himself between them.

"During our last battle, my body developed a reaction to you. So, seeing you suddenly appear just now, I naturally reacted somewhat excessively," Wang Chongxiao said, sitting back down.

Ye Fan couldn't help but cough, wiping a trace of blood with a white veil. A strange glint passed through many people's eyes.

Everyone sat down. Hua Yunfei smiled as he introduced the others. Besides Wang Chongxiao, there were two more talented individuals from Zhongzhou: the Saint Son of the Yin-Yang Sect and a princess from the Guhua Dynasty.

Additionally, there were a dozen or so cultivators from the Southern Region, though besides Yao Xi and Li Youyou from the Carefree Sect, the rest were not particularly famous.

Everyone conversed over wine, discussing the Dao. The atmosphere was harmonious, devoid of the previous tension. During this time, Hua Yunfei played a melody on his zither. The music seemed to descend from the Ninth Heaven, causing many surrounding flower buds to bloom prematurely and drawing numerous spiritual birds to descend and dance along.

His zither artistry had long reached the Dao realm, leaving everyone utterly astonished and stirring ripples in their hearts. If used in combat, his music could likely kill people invisibly.

Before long, Li Xiaoman gracefully returned, holding a small purple jade cauldron no larger than a palm. The moment she lifted its lid, a fragrant aroma immediately wafted out.

"Brother Ye, please take this medicine. It will surely alleviate your injuries," Hua Yunfei said, personally handing it to Ye Fan.

"I know my own injuries; there's no need to waste such a spiritual elixir," Ye Fan said, shaking his head.

"This is the Nine-Aperture Exquisite Pill, refined by Tai Xuan's founding ancestor. It absolutely has miraculous effects," Hua Yunfei stated.

Many were surprised, and quite a few had heard of this pill. Even Yao Xi was moved, saying, "Your esteemed ancestor refined a total of one hundred and eight pills back then. I imagine there aren't many left now, are there?"

Li Youyou of the Carefree Sect also exclaimed, "This pill can practically bring the dead back to life and regrow flesh on bones. While it can't compare to a divine medicine, it can certainly prolong life."

"I was fortunate enough to obtain one. I simply cannot bear to see a heaven-blessed talent like Brother Ye fall, and I wish to help him overcome this deathly trial," Hua Yunfei said, handing the small cauldron to Ye Fan.

Inside the purple cauldron was a pill the size of a baby's fist, possessing nine apertures. It resembled a small ginseng doll, shimmering with purple light all over.

Ye Fan politely declined a few times, then accepted it with a smile, saying, "Thank you, Brother Hua, for the pill."

This was indeed a gathering for discussing scriptures and the Dao. Everyone present shared some cultivation insights, and even the arrogant Wang Chongxiao spoke of some of his experiences.

Ye Fan was quite surprised that this person, who disdained cultivators from the Eastern Wasteland, could sit here today. Hua Yunfei truly had his ways. Finally, he couldn't help but ask, "Brother Wang, I heard that you had a great battle with Ye Huiling, and were ultimately ambushed by a mysterious figure. What happened? And where did Miss Ye go?"

Hearing his question, everyone else also looked over. Everyone present had heard this rumor, and Wang Chongxiao had disappeared for a long time because of it.

"Ye Huiling is definitely not dead. The person who ambushed us that day was very powerful, definitely an elder!" Wang Chongxiao gritted his teeth, refusing to say anything more.

Finally, Ye Fan coughed up blood and excused himself early. The gathering then dispersed, with plans to reunite in seven days.

"Is Brother Ye truly leaving? Why not stay at Tai Xuan for a while longer? Fairy Yao Xi, Wang Chongxiao, and the Guhua Princess are all extraordinary talents. We're meeting again in seven days to exchange insights; it would be very beneficial," Hua Yunfei genuinely urged him to stay.

"I must go search for a method to prolong my life; I cannot delay. I have no choice but to depart now. Brother Hua, we shall meet again. Thank you for your kind intentions," Ye Fan bid farewell.

Li Xiaoman saw him off, saying, "If you have no other choice, then cripple your cultivation. It's actually quite good to be a mortal."

"I know what to do," Ye Fan said as he departed.

He and Zhang Wenchang returned to Mount Zhuo, where Ye Fan met Li Ruoyu privately and said, "Senior, please do me a favor."

"What is it?"

"Help me intercept a terrifying individual," Ye Fan stated.

"What happened?" Li Ruoyu asked, puzzled.

"I anticipate someone will try to kill me. Please follow me for a few days and help me stop a formidable elder. If any young generation cultivators make a move on me, I will deal with them myself."

"You anticipate someone will try to kill you?" Li Ruoyu's eyes were as calm as water.

"Yes, I'm certain someone is going to act," Ye Fan affirmed with great certainty.

"Since you already know, why don't you avoid them and instead seek to confront them?" Li Ruoyu asked.

"Because I want to verify something," Ye Fan replied.

That very day, Ye Fan departed from the Tai Xuan Sect and traveled towards Yandu. He walked slowly, not rushing, carefully observing everything in the shadows.

"Buzz!"

On the seventh day, a dazzling light descended from the sky and struck towards him. It was a massive purple hand, covering the sky and earth, unleashing terrifying waves like an ocean.

"Bang!"

Li Ruoyu appeared, holding up the sky with one hand, extending an earthy-yellow palm to block the attack. With a 'rumble,' the peak of a nearby mountain was torn off, demonstrating the terrifying power involved.

"How ruthless! He's almost as strong as a Saint Lord!" Ye Fan's heart pounded, deeply worried for Elder Li Ruoyu.

"Bang!"

Li Ruoyu remained composed. Having comprehended the mysteries of mountains, rivers, and all things through the Dao of Nature, he appeared like a deity in this mountain forest, as a unique domain emerged around him.

Ancient trees towered towards the sky, gigantic vines coiled like dragons, covering the high heavens. Vegetation was everywhere, growing in the void, exuding terrifying power.

Every blade of grass, every vine, every tree drew power from the void. Their roots could be seen tearing through space, completely enveloping the area.

A gaunt old man was forcibly pushed out. He was trapped within this natural domain, unable to break free.

This was an incredibly powerful existence, only slightly weaker than a Saint Lord. His magic power surged, shattering an entire mountain peak, yet he still couldn't escape.

"Pop!"

An ancient vine bloomed in the void, drawing power from it. It shot out like a true dragon, coiling around the old man.

"Who are you? I seem to have sensed your aura before," Li Ruoyu said calmly, facing the powerful figure trapped in the void.

"You brat, you're truly cunning!" The gaunt powerhouse didn't reply to Li Ruoyu but instead stared coldly at Ye Fan.

"I've known for a long time that you would come to kill me," Ye Fan sneered. "Since you can't kill me, I'm sorry to say, I'll go kill him instead."