Chapter 519: Peach Banquet

"You… at such a young age, you disrespect your elders and dare to speak to us like that! I'll discipline you on behalf of your seniors!"

An elder swept his large sleeve forward, aiming directly for the monkey's face, intending to knock out his teeth and humiliate him.

The elder's cultivation far exceeded the Dragon Transformation Secret Realm. At their level, a successful strike would shatter even divine metal, let alone a mere flesh-and-blood body.

"Bang!" The monkey, utterly fearless, casually swung his palm. Battle Saint Light erupted like a rainbow, bathing his entire body in a golden glow.

"Pop!" The elder's large sleeve instantly shredded, becoming like a tattered fishing net, torn apart by streams of golden energy. The fragments fluttered like butterflies.

"Who are you?" He rapidly retreated, sensing grave danger as a mountain-like pressure surged towards him.

The monkey was incredibly fast. The Battle Saint Light flashed, and he strode forward, his golden hand descending to absorb all the surrounding energy.

"Thud!" The elder's arm buckled, broken by a single slap from the monkey, and cold sweat immediately beaded on his brow.

"Presumptuous old man, trying to hit my face!" The monkey, known for his fiery temper and as a member of the fearless Battle Saint Race, delivered another powerful slap.

"Boom!" He sent the elder flying with one slap, then delivered another, driving the old man straight into the ground as if hammering a stake.

"You think *you* can discipline me? Even an ancient saint resurrected wouldn't have the right!" The monkey was beside himself with rage.

His origin was truly astounding, giving him every right to speak with such authority. His father was the Old Battle Saint Emperor of the Primordial Era, a peerless and invincible figure throughout history.

Even such an awe-inspiring father had never spoken to him in that manner, so he naturally bristled at the Purple Mansion elder's outrageous claims.

"He truly thinks he's an ancient emperor resurrected, wanting to discipline this guy. This old man must have a death wish!" Li Heishui mumbled.

"You junior…" The elder, stuck in the ground, also seethed with rage and struggled violently.

"Slap!" The monkey, without a word, delivered a powerful slap. He sneered, "You dare to lecture me on behalf of my father?"

"Stop!" Several nearby elders stepped forward simultaneously, all striking out and grabbing at the monkey.

The monkey's golden eyes flashed with cold lightning, completely ignoring them. He spun his large hand, delivering over a dozen powerful slaps to the elder still stuck in the ground, causing him to vomit blood and look utterly humiliated.

"Buzz!" The void trembled as the elders, enraged, used their immense power to cover the sky, attempting to suppress him as they all closed in.

"Bang!" "Bang!"… The monkey moved like lightning, exchanging a palm strike with each of them. Battle Saint Light surged forth, brilliantly illuminating the surrounding lakes.

"Thud, thud, thud…" Everyone stumbled back, their arms limp. Even their combined efforts couldn't withstand the monkey, and they were all injured!

"Who exactly are you?" They realized this was an absolutely terrifying entity, likely even more powerful than a Saint Lord.

It was crucial to understand that they were not ordinary Grand Elders; they were all Half-Step Grand Immortals. Yet, they were utterly defenseless. If this individual wished to kill them, it would require little effort.

"I don't want to kill anyone in Yaochi. Now get out!" The monkey's golden eyes blazed, his demeanor powerful and domineering.

All around, the Saint Sons, Saintesses, and heirs of supreme sects were left speechless. Who was this figure? He dared to reprimand even Half-Step Grand Immortals in such a manner.

"Terrifying, he can suppress Half-Step Grand Immortals with just a raised hand!"

"When did such a divine figure appear? He's no less powerful than a peak Saint Lord, and he doesn't seem very old!"

At this moment, not only Xiang Yifei, but even the Yaoguang Saint Son showed a surprised expression, gazing at the Battle Saint Ape with contemplation.

As for everyone else, they were all deeply affected and uneasy. The monkey appeared to be of a similar age to them, yet possessed such formidable combat power, which was quite unnerving!

"You…" The elders' bodies trembled with suppressed fury.

"What about me? Aren't you going to disappear? Next time you dare to speak to me in the tone of an elder, I will shatter every single one of you with my staff!" The monkey glared at them.

A young man who appeared to be only around twenty years old, arrogant and unruly, openly defying veteran Half-Step Grand Immortals. This kind of scene hadn't been witnessed in many years.

"Fine, fine, fine!" The elders turned to leave, but not before casting several harsh glares.

"Still harboring killing intent?" Unlike ordinary people, the monkey's spiritual senses were incredibly sharp. Without a word, he unleashed another powerful slap.

"Slap!" "Slap!"… The elders attempted to resist, but they were all slapped away, their bones cracking in multiple places, sent flying hundreds of yards like scarecrows.

They nearly plunged into a lake, landing awkwardly and coughing up mouthfuls of blood. All were pale-faced, and a look of profound shock was etched on their faces.

"Brother Ape, that was powerful and impressive!" Jiang Hairen grinned widely, barely suppressing outright laughter.

Everyone else around was filled with immense awe. Facing such a powerful being, no one dared to approach.

"The Battle Saint Race…" In the distance, by a lakeside, a girl in purple robes whispered softly, though no one heard her. She exuded an ethereal grace, surrounded by a faint purple mist.

"An Innate Dao Embryo!" Li Heishui whispered, a strange exclamation.

"Brother's wife, the mother of the second Wu Shi!" Liu Kou was even more direct.

Everyone nearby was speechless. They had all heard rumors about the Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo, but it hadn't occurred to them that these individuals were actually entertaining such an idea. Everyone's gaze turned strangely towards Ye Fan.

The Purple Mansion Saintess, as ethereal as a celestial being, turned and departed, seemingly unwilling to confront them. She glided away as if walking on water, her robes fluttering, utterly detached from the mundane world.

"This brother is…" Xiang Yifei, the Great Evolution Saint Son, began to speak. He felt unsettled, having never expected Ye Fan to have such a master accompanying him.

The Dao Yi Saint Son was also observing, eager to learn the monkey's identity. He exchanged a glance with the Great Evolution Saint Son, then approached to express goodwill, subtly probing for information.

The monkey largely ignored them, causing the surrounding crowd to feel awkward and unappreciated, so they grudgingly dispersed.

Ye Fan sensed a cold murderous intent flash and vanish. With his incredibly powerful divine sense, he keenly detected its origin.

"The Wanchu Saintess!"

In the distance, a woman departed gracefully, her silhouette beautiful, remarkably captivating, and truly striking.

Beside her was Yao Xi, accompanying her like a fairy from a painting, with bright eyes, pearly white teeth, waist-length black hair, and an ethereal, lively grace.

"I finally understand why Emperor Wu Shi made the entire world his enemy. Kill one, and it implicates many; always victorious, always forced to kill…" Ye Fan mused.

Everyone around shuddered. Now known as the 'Saint Son Killer,' was he planning another massacre?

Five days later, the Yaochi Grand Gathering commenced. The sacred land buzzed with activity as powerful figures from all corners arrived, strong individuals from across the land converged, and various remarkable recluses made their appearance.

The Yaochi Grand Gathering, also known as the Flat Peach Banquet, was held once every five centuries. It was a grand event attended by countless powerful cultivators.

However, this particular gathering differed from previous ones, as it involved the display of certain mystical stones for the mighty figures to observe.

"It's truly like a gathering of immortals!" Ye Fan exclaimed.

This was a realm of floating jade palaces, surrounded everywhere by lotus ponds and blossoming trees. Clouds and mist swirled beneath their feet, making it feel as though they were in the celestial realm.

Figures continually arrived on clouds, all individuals of great renown, truly like celestials attending a grand assembly.

"The Imperial Uncle of Guhua from Central State has arrived."

"The Palace Lord of the Arctic Ice God Palace has arrived."

"The Divine Monk Du'e from the Western Desert has arrived."

"The War King of the Southern Ridge War God Temple has arrived."

…One by one, great personages appeared, their divine carriages shimmering with radiant light, traversing the sky like the chariots of gods.

As far as the eye could see, there were flood dragons pulling carriages and phoenix descendants soaring, each exotic beast incredibly powerful and extraordinary.

"Do you see that? That bald man has layers of divine halos behind his head. His cultivation is terrifying!" Liu Kou pointed.

"Keep your voice down. That's a Divine Monk from the Western Desert. His cultivation is truly frightening; he's likely already an Arhat or even a Venerable."

"Isn't the Arctic Divine Palace an ancient sacred land located on the remote icy plains of the Northern Wasteland? Despite such a vast distance, even their Palace Lord has arrived. Yaochi's prestige truly is immense."

"The Southern Ridge War God Temple, they say it holds the secret to achieving godhood. Even their War King has come."

Not only Li Heishui and his companions, but everyone else was also discussing. Great personages continued to arrive from all corners of the world, along with many extraordinary individuals.

Here, immortal music filled the air, and various spiritual birds and auspicious beasts were on display.

Upon the white clouds, palaces stretched endlessly, strange flowers bloomed, and exquisite grasses carpeted the ground. Immortal mist surged, yet remained no higher than the knee, as numerous immortal cranes and luan birds danced, and longevity apes served peaches and poured wine.

"Why does it feel as though I've arrived at a mythical celestial palace…" Ye Fan exclaimed in surprise.

"Brother Ye…" A clear laugh resounded from nearby as a man in golden battle attire strode forward. It was Jin Chixiao, the heir of the Northern Plains Golden Family.

"Haha, Brother Jin!" Ye Fan greeted him, yet a cold sneer formed in his heart. On that bloody night, this man had manifested a divine entity from his Dao Palace to enter the Wu Shi Killing Formation, only for Ye Fan to destroy it.

Behind him, an ancient golden war chariot rumbled, etched with ancient markings, pulled by nine flood dragons. It stopped in the distance, signaling the arrival of the Northern Plains Golden Clan Patriarch.

Jin Chixiao accompanied him, appearing exceptionally cordial upon seeing Ye Fan. He was unaware that Ye Fan had long cultivated divine eyes and could clearly perceive the killing intent hidden in his heart.

"We shall share drinks and conversation later," Jin Chixiao said with a loud laugh, then followed his clan leader.

"If I hadn't cultivated divine eyes, it truly would be difficult to discern sincerity from deception…" Ye Fan watched his retreating back and shook his head.

"Nangong Zheng, the supreme Grand Immortal of the Human Race, has arrived!" someone shouted loudly.

Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished. Even some of the great personages within the jade palaces rose to their feet and looked outwards.

Clouds billowed, and translucent petals drifted gracefully, forming a crystalline path that stretched directly from the horizon, its fragrant aroma filling the sky.

The legendary Human Race Grand Immortal, Nangong Zheng, cultivated the Longevity Art. He made his home among plants, sustained himself with exotic flora, and was never without spiritual herbs by his side.

"Nangong Zheng has reappeared…" Everyone was deeply stirred.

Rumors had long suggested he had passed away five hundred years prior, yet to everyone's surprise, he had reappeared in the world a few years ago.

Subsequently, rumors circulated that he and a group of living fossils from the Eastern Wasteland had entered the Bronze Immortal Palace and never returned. Yet, to everyone's astonishment, he had appeared once more today.

"No wonder the elder generation refers to him as 'Immortal Nangong Zheng'!"

Everyone was curious to know if he had truly entered the Bronze Immortal Palace and what kind of extraordinary encounter he had experienced.

"I was fortunate enough to escape the Immortal Palace," Nangong Zheng sighed.

His words astonished everyone further. He had truly entered that terrifying bronze palace, a place known as the graveyard of peerless masters, yet he had emerged alive.

Numerous great personages welcomed him, surrounding him like stars around the moon, and escorted him into the celestial palace. All were eager to learn what had transpired.

"He escaped as well. I wonder if he ventured deeper than Ji Ziyue and I did," Ye Fan mused, surprised.

"The 'Immortal' character carries murderous intent through the ages, within its profound mystery lies heaven and earth, the blood of ancient emperors…" Nangong Zheng's words carried forth.

Ye Fan's heart trembled. The other party had undoubtedly ventured deep into the Bronze Immortal Palace, witnessing the 'Immortal' character carved from undying saint blood. Had he perhaps entered beyond the Profound Gate?