Chapter 518: Encounter

The Immortal Heavenly Emperor—legend has it he nearly transcended the gods. Even the Primordial Races were unsure of his existence, which illustrates just how mythical he was.

Could Immortal Mountain truly be a manifestation of him? That seems improbable. He had already passed away in the Primordial Era; it's impossible he lived until later generations.

Immortals are elusive. Even the Primordial Sovereigns couldn't achieve eternal life; they, too, had their time of demise. The Monkey's elder father was one such case—having endured endless ages, frighteningly ancient and powerful, yet he failed to attain immortality.

"Immortal Daoist…" Ye Fan thought of the Immortal Daoist on Sacred Cliff.

That sheer cliff was broken off from Immortal Mountain. The death of the Great Accomplishment Saint Body was likely connected to him, and he was later suppressed by Great Emperor Wu Shi using the Investiture of the Gods.

From this, it's clear that the Immortal Daoist was terrifyingly powerful, an unrivaled existence capable of contending with ancient Great Emperors; otherwise, he couldn't have achieved such feats.

"The Immortal Heavenly Emperor cannot possibly be him. If he truly existed, he would be a powerhouse who nearly surpasses the gods!" the Monkey stated.

After hearing everything about Sacred Cliff, he made this judgment. In his words, he spoke of the Immortal Heavenly Emperor with the highest reverence.

"He is the deity in the hearts of countless Primordial Races; no one, either in heaven or on earth, could defeat him," the Monkey sighed.

His elder father, a Primordial Sovereign, had endured countless ages and awed the entire Primordial Era, yet he, too, died before him, his lifespan exhausted.

Having personally witnessed the demise of a generation's Battle Saint Sovereign, he knew his elder father was unparalleled throughout history. Yet, he still believed the Immortal Heavenly Emperor was even mightier.

This is because the Immortal Heavenly Emperor is a deity in the minds of the Primordial Races, so elusive that his existence cannot be confirmed, completely mythologized by people to the point of demanding worship.

"Most likely, someone who held the Immortal Heavenly Emperor in extremely high regard named Immortal Mountain as such. The being residing there might have a slight connection to him, perhaps even having received his inheritance," the Monkey said.

"Alas, what a pity! The Battle Saint Sovereign and the Immortal Heavenly Emperor, such magnificent beings, could not become immortals, but were instead erased by the passage of time!"

"And wasn't it the same for the ancient Great Emperors of the Human Race? In the end, didn't they also fall one after another?"

"How astonishing and formidable was the Great Emperor of Humanity? He dominated the mortal realm, invincible for eons, and even managed to cultivate a divine embryo, living far longer than ordinary Great Emperors, yet he too ultimately vanished into the river of time."

"Indeed, how many heroes have turned to dust? Great Emperor Wu Shi, unparalleled throughout history, traversed the universe with pride, yet ultimately could not contend with the passage of time, passing away in Purple Mountain."

All of them felt a deep sense of lament. No matter how magnificent the ancient Sovereigns and Great Emperors were, not one could survive. This in itself was a profound tragedy.

Immortality, something infinitely yearned for, yet unattainable. Throughout eons, countless races have given birth to the most formidable supreme figures, yet even they could not break the shackles of fate.

Little Nannan tugged at Ye Fan's sleeve, looking up with her innocent face, and softly asked, "Big Brother, what are deities then?"

"They are also elusive existences, similar to immortals, or perhaps they are legends derived from the deification of the most powerful individuals of ancient times," Ye Fan replied.

"Why can't anyone be sure if they exist?" The little one's eyelashes fluttered, her big, pure eyes clear and bright.

"Yes, it is precisely because they are not understood, shrouded in a veil of mystery, that various legends and names have evolved," Ye Fan said, stroking her head. "Perhaps immortals and deities were created by people in this very way."

"The 'No Immortals' theory…" The Monkey's eyes dimmed somewhat as he thought of his elder father again.

The Battle Saint Sovereign, one of the most powerful beings of all time, was said to contend with the heavens, suppress the sun and moon, and pluck stars with a flick of his finger. Yet, he too ended with regret due to the elusive nature of immortality.

"Supreme powerhouses do not revere immortals, yet in the end, a lack of faith is also a sorrow…" These were the Monkey's father's final words.

"In the future, if Nannan believes Big Brother is a god, will Big Brother truly become a deity?" Little Nannan asked whimsically, fluttering her big eyes.

The big black dog mumbled something that no one heard, but Ye Fan's heart stirred. Little Nannan is a divine infant; what exactly is her origin?

They asked the Monkey many questions, but unfortunately, he was too young back then, and his knowledge was limited; he wasn't a true living fossil and couldn't provide more answers.

"In the past, we always referred to the Primordial Sovereigns and Royal Clans collectively as Primordial Kings. Now we realize there's a distinction; there were only a few true Ancient Sovereigns."

"The Desolate Ancient Restricted Zone…" The Monkey frowned. After hearing them describe its exact location, he seemed to recall something.

Before the Primordial Era, this life restricted zone didn't exist; it evolved later. He pondered for a long while, then said, "If I'm not mistaken, that's where the mysterious Primordial Human Race emerged."

In the Primordial Era, the Desolate Ancient Restricted Zone was highly mystical, rumored to be connected to external domains, possibly linked to the Ziwei Ancient Emperor Star, concealing an ancient path.

Ye Fan's heart stirred. There was indeed a five-colored altar beneath the Desolate Ancient Abyss, undoubtedly an ancient starry road. Could it have existed for such an immense period?

"The world is about to descend into chaos. Without powerful strength, one won't be able to stand firm. The Human Race Kings are appearing, Qishi Academy is reopening, Primordial Races are returning, and Saint Spirits are emerging. This is truly an era of great turmoil," the big black dog mumbled.

As he said this, everyone felt the pressure. The future would undoubtedly belong to the strong; ordinary cultivators would likely not be enough to contend.

If all those races appear, who knows what kind of grand era it will be? Perhaps there will even be world-shaking battles between Great Emperors and Ancient Sovereigns!

"From ancient times until now, never have two Great Emperors been born in the same era, but this time, things feel a bit mysterious…"

"That's looking too far into the future. Currently, only one Saint has even appeared."

The few of them walked forward while talking, strolling through the Jade Lake Holy Land, not rushing back to their living quarters in the Purple Bamboo Forest.

Jade Lake is vast, encompassing various terrains. Passing through a hilly area, they arrived at a beautiful cluster of lakes.

Here, numerous lakes shimmered like crystal mirrors, reflecting soft light. Each small lake was clear and transparent, teeming with various unique fish and auspicious beasts.

By the lake, the scenery was picturesque: willows swayed like smoke, divine trees sparkled, and flowers bloomed profusely, their petals falling like rain, wafting a delicate fragrance.

This place, with its many lakes and poetic scenery, drew some young elites who were strolling, making friends, and conversing.

As soon as Ye Fan and his group arrived, they spotted several Holy Maidens, each surrounded by young men, forming the center of their respective circles.

"Are these people trying to steal those Holy Sons' thunder?" Liu Kou muttered, his eyes darting around.

"Don't cause trouble!" Wu Zhongtian warned.

"What are they even doing? They're nowhere near as fierce as Little Ye Zi! For the sake of the Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo and cultivating a second Great Emperor Wu Shi, he directly cut down the Purple Mansion Holy Son. He was incredibly fierce! Their antics are just petty squabbles."

"Why does everything get twisted when it comes out of your mouths?" Ye Fan glared at them.

"We're telling the truth! Great Emperor Wu Shi was incredibly powerful; even before he became an Emperor, he could block Extreme Dao Saint Weapons barehanded. Who else in history could achieve that?" Jiang Huai Ren said.

"If there's a chance to cultivate such a descendant, we'd even snatch the child's mother!" Li Heishui exclaimed.

Ye Fan teased, "With names like 'Huai Ren' and 'Heishui'… your grandfathers must have had foresight, foreseeing your personalities long ago."

"Little Ye Zi, we're doing this for your own good! A second Great Emperor Wu Shi – this is the first time there's an opportunity to replicate him!" Liu Kou shouted.

"Damn it!" The big black dog was very reluctant to hear it, but in the end, it also nodded, saying, "This opportunity is rare, very much worth considering. If such a physique appears, this Emperor will go all out, send him into Purple Mountain, and he'll sweep aside all the kings in the future!"

Ahead stood a young man, radiating sacred light, his hair shimmering. It was the Yaoguang Holy Son, whose renown among his peers in the Eastern Wasteland was like the midday sun.

Beside him were many female disciples from major sects, and also male disciples accompanying him, all gathered around him like stars around the moon.

"Brother Ye…" The Yaoguang Holy Son looked over, then parted the crowd and walked towards them.

Those beautiful women and a few male followers all showed surprise. As disciples of major sects, they naturally knew of everything Ye Fan had accomplished.

Currently, he was the only one who had successively slain Holy Sons, almost possessing the power to suppress the younger generation of the Eastern Wasteland. At present, those who could contend with him could be counted on one hand.

These people felt a hint of nervousness facing Ye Fan. This refined youth seemed harmless, but he was absolutely a God of Slaughter!

This was a form of prestige. Ye Fan could now subtly deter the majority of the Eastern Wasteland's younger generation, imposing a strong sense of pressure on them.

"I heard you've also been targeted by the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty. We've become fellow sufferers," Ye Fan said with a laugh.

"I truly don't know who wants to kill me," the Yaoguang Holy Son shook his head, his smile unwavering, his entire being radiating golden light.

"Didn't they fail? Do they really want to ruin their own reputation? The Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty is nothing special!" Ye Fan said.

"Brother Ye's cultivation is unfathomable; perhaps he truly will make the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty lose face," the Yaoguang Holy Son said with a smile. "However, don't be careless. In recent times, they have successively slain twenty-nine elder figures, including a sect master, without a single failure."

"Is that true?" Ye Fan's heart chilled.

"Previously, they misjudged Brother Ye, focusing on tempering the younger generation. If they continue to fail, they will surely dispatch elder kings for ruthless extermination."

The disciples of those major sects, primarily women, quietly watched the two converse from the side. Not a single one dared to step forward and interrupt; all held a hint of reverence.

If these two were to battle, no one could predict who would live or die, who was weaker or stronger. But the victor among them would definitely be able to contend for the position of the Eastern Wasteland's foremost young talent!

At this moment, everyone saw both men smiling, without a hint of hostility, making it seem unlikely for sparks to fly and a battle to erupt.

"Brother Ye…" The Dayan Holy Son, Xiang Yifei, walked over, a smile on his face. Beside him were the Dao Yi Holy Son and several successors from top major sects.

Killing intent surged within Ye Fan's heart. That night, Xiang Yifei had definitely appeared, intending to act, but ultimately did not enter the Wu Shi Killing Formation.

He strongly disliked people who acted like gentlemen in public but were sinister behind the scenes. However, he put on a brilliant smile, keeping his killing intent hidden.

"Xiang Yifei, long time no see," Wu Zhongtian said, a hint of sardonic sneer at the corner of his mouth; all of them knew this person had appeared that night.

Xiang Yifei didn't seem to mind, walking forward alongside the Dao Yi Holy Son with great composure, greeting the others.

Ye Fan also smiled superficially, responding warmly, and exchanged a few polite words with the disciples of several top major sects.

"What a pity. The Purple Mansion Holy Son and the Wanchu Holy Son, those two, will never appear again," Xiang Yifei shook his head.

"We didn't expect them to have provoked Brother Ye," the Dao Yi Holy Son also sighed.

Ye Fan and the others were startled, not expecting them to voluntarily bring up the matter, unsure of their intention.

On the other side, the Yaoguang Holy Son smiled, saying nothing.

Other disciples of major sects, hearing this, all began to discuss, trying to subtly inquire with Ye Fan, but no one dared to ask directly, as it was too sensitive.

"Hmph!"

A cold snort echoed. From the lake's edge in the distance, several old men coldly swept their gaze over, fixing on Ye Fan.

"Damn it!" Ye Fan's heart chilled.

The Dayan Holy Son and Dao Yi Holy Son had merely hinted, sparking discussions among the others, but they themselves said nothing more. And, coincidentally, several Supreme Elders from Purple Mansion and Wanchu just happened to be passing by in the distance—it was truly too perfect.

"You are that Saint Body?" A purple-robed elder's face was cold as he stared at him.

"Indeed, it is I," Ye Fan calmly replied.

Now, everyone knew that Ye Fan had killed the Purple Mansion Holy Son and Wanchu Holy Son, though no one stated it outright, as those two had concealed their true faces when they went to kill Ye Fan.

"A hero emerging from the young!" Another elder's voice was chillingly cold, carrying clear killing intent.

"I wouldn't presume to claim such a title," Ye Fan replied with calm nonchalance.

At this, the expressions of the elders grew even gloomier. Their two Holy Sons had been annihilated by the person before them, leaving them with immense pent-up rage.

For the two great Holy Lands, this was a disgrace!

However, they couldn't just publicly slay Ye Fan; they absolutely dared not do so, given that an ancient Saint stood behind him.

They couldn't openly intervene, but if someone were to secretly eliminate Ye Fan, that would be another matter entirely.

"Youthful arrogance is not always a good thing."

"Being too sharp makes one easily broken."

The elders' killing intent surged towards Ye Fan, though it was difficult for outsiders to sense. They naturally couldn't act at that moment, but they had already made a certain decision in their hearts.

Ye Fan didn't care; his opponents could only display killing intent. He was confident they wouldn't dare to make a killing move on him in broad daylight.

"Since ancient times, many peerless geniuses have perished in their youth."

"Many astonishing talents are simply too presumptuous, ignorant of their limits, making it difficult for them to mature."

All the elders' expressions grew even colder, their killing intent evident.

"Is that so?" Ye Fan said nonchalantly, sweeping his gaze across them. "I heard that the two Holy Sons perished. Alas, perhaps they were too astonishing, truly peerless geniuses. What a pity, what a lament."

As soon as he said this, the old men nearly choked with anger, feeling sick to their stomachs and almost dying from his words.

"You old fools!" the Monkey suddenly interjected. He was in human form at the moment, appearing to be a young man of about twenty.

No one knew his origin, and seeing him dare to speak like that, everyone was startled.

"Youngster, did your elders not teach you respect for your seniors?"

"So young, yet you dare to speak recklessly in front of elders, ignorant of death!"

The elders' expressions were cold. They naturally wouldn't know this was the Battle Saint Ape.

"Stop acting like you're so old and get lost!" The Monkey was quite domineering, his eyes narrowed as he reprimanded the elders in front of everyone.