Chapter 546: Saint Shocking the Eastern Wilderness

**Chapter 550: The Sacred Body Shocks the Eastern Barrens**

The battle at Fire Devil Ridge made Ye Fan famous throughout the Eastern Barrens. Such an achievement left everyone dumbfounded; even the leaders of various sects were visibly shaken.

In fact, Ye Fan was already well-known in the Eastern Barrens before this, as very few people were unaware of him due to the many events that had transpired. However, previously, not many people feared him; many wanted to eliminate him. Now, everyone was profoundly shaken.

So many experts had gone, including numerous Supreme Elders from Sacred Lands, and several Half-Step Great Sages. Yet, in the end, even two Great Sages died, which was truly astonishing.

"This child must not be allowed to live; once he matures, no one in the world will be able to oppose him!" This was the first thought that came to those who wished to eliminate him upon receiving the news.

Thirteen Saint Sons were beheaded without hesitation, and Half-Step Great Sages were struck down. All the experts, each a renowned figure in their own right, were annihilated.

"The Ruthless Emperor is reborn!" Immediately, someone put forward this idea, causing a huge uproar and drawing widespread attention. Such methods, such decisiveness—invoking a heavenly tribulation, breaking a death trap, and ascending to the Great Perfection of the Four Extremities realm by treading on the bones of numerous heroes.

This style of action sent shivers down people's spines, labeling him as the Ruthless Emperor reincarnated and pushing him into the eye of the storm. Undoubtedly, many major powers secretly guided this public opinion to a fever pitch, making him the focus of all eyes, and naturally, a target of all.

Ye Fan's fame this time was indeed unavoidable; his achievements were truly astonishing. How many could accomplish such feats? In ancient times, there were unparalleled prodigies who, before the age of twenty, could eliminate peak Great Sages. This was not a legend, but true history. However, the current era is different; such individuals rarely emerge. Yet Ye Fan achieved it, and regardless of the methods he employed, one fact remains: he did not ask others for help.

"What a monstrous talent! He experiences a heavenly tribulation with every realm advancement. Even in ancient times, such people were rare!"

"Is he truly embarking on the path of a Great Emperor?" This question made many uneasy, especially those with old grudges against Ye Fan.

"He rivals those monstrous talents of ancient times; he can at least reach the level of an ancient saint!" Many people stared blankly, lost in thought.

The battle at Fire Devil Ridge caused a huge commotion in the Eastern Barrens. The corpses of the Saint Sons and Great Sages served to catapult Ye Fan's reputation. Among the younger generation in the Eastern Barrens, how many dared to compare themselves to him? People were shocked; perhaps only the Saint Son of Yaoguang and the Divine King of the Eastern Barrens remained.

Ye Fan advanced step by step, having caught up from behind. Now a cultivator at the Great Perfection of the Four Extremities, his realm was not much lower than others. His actual combat power was even more terrifying; even when he was at the second level of the Four Extremities, he could contend with the top figures of the Eastern Barrens' younger generation, let alone now!

Once he breaks into the Dragon Transformation realm, perhaps no other Saint Son will be his match. This was everyone's speculation. Ye Fan was like a primordial beast, closing in on the successors of the supreme great sects, forcing them to break through to higher realms. Otherwise, they would lose the qualification to be his opponents. But the Sacred Body's progress was too rapid, making every member of the younger generation feel breathless. From behind, like a terrifying savage beast, he was about to surpass them and charge past. This was an indescribable pressure, almost suffocating them.

At the Yaoguang Holy Land, beneath Immortal Peak, a thousand-foot waterfall cascaded down, a vast expanse of white, its roar deafening, like a stampede of a thousand armies. The Saint Son of Yaoguang sat cross-legged before the waterfall, eyes closed and unmoving. His black hair danced, his skin glowed with crystalline radiance. He had learned of Ye Fan's achievements, yet his expression remained calm as he quietly meditated on the Dao.

At the Ji Family, Ji Haoyue, the Divine King Body, wandered through a secluded forest, contemplating the nature of heaven and earth, watching falling leaves, and listening to distant flowing water. Everything was unhurried.

The Pearl of the Feng Clan stared blankly, murmuring to herself, "He actually possesses such combat power..." She began her seclusion that very day. She did not want to go to the Qi Shi Academy in the Central Region until she had advanced another realm, determined to forge the conviction of being the strongest.

Other successors of supreme great sects also seized the opportunity to enter seclusion as the Qi Shi Academy was about to open. None wished to be Saint Sons at the bottom tier; all aspired to reach a higher level. Because, in the near future, there would be a clash of the strongest young talents from the five great regions—the Eastern Barrens, Southern Ridge, Central Region, and others. Most likely, there would be monstrous existences comparable to, or even surpassing, Ye Fan. Not a single person was unworried.

"The Sacred Body is too powerful; I cannot rest easy until he is dead!" This was the heartfelt sentiment of those who hated him.

"Self-severance? That was a joke!" From beginning to end, many people didn't believe it and had been testing him. Now, with Ye Fan undergoing a heavenly tribulation, it was completely confirmed: he had been concealing it, and his Dao injuries had long since fully healed!

Without a doubt, when this thought occurred to them, many were terrified. If the Sacred Body reached Great Accomplishment, how many in the world could contend with him? Unless an ancient Great Emperor was resurrected, at most there would be those who could fight him to a draw among humans; it would be utterly impossible for one person to suppress him!

"That's good. The Archaic Kings are about to emerge. Finally, there's someone who can contend with them."

"Indeed, it's good to have a Sacred Body. Otherwise, who knows what might happen in the future?" Those who had no personal grievances with Ye Fan discussed it this way, without personal bias.

Ye Fan shook the world, and many major powers voiced their opinions, with quite a few directly calling him a great menace! Not long ago, he had slaughtered numerous experts in the Myriad Dragon's Nest, and now he had completely annihilated his enemies using heavenly tribulation. This left many harboring resentment. Many people stepped forward, fabricating various reasons and inciting powerful individuals in the Eastern Barrens to confront and kill Ye Fan, eliminating this future formidable enemy.

"He is the second Ruthless Emperor. If he continues, he will advance by treading on the corpses of countless strong individuals..."

"This child possesses extraordinary methods and a strong desire to kill; he is definitely a hidden danger!"

Some even spread rumors that Ye Fan had obtained the Ruthless Emperor's inheritance, otherwise, how could he be so resolute in annihilating all enemies, his style being very similar? Following this, rumors about him entering the Bronze Immortal Palace and acquiring the Heaven-Devouring Demonic Art, which circulated not long ago, were reignited, with many adding fuel to the fire.

People were not foolish; everyone naturally discerned right from wrong. Yet, this sentiment grew increasingly strong, with many clamoring for the Sacred Body to be eliminated. In fact, many major powers that could overlook the Eastern Barrens had already secretly begun to act. Great figures were dispatched to silently eliminate Ye Fan. This decision had been sealed long ago, after the bloodbath at the Myriad Dragon's Nest. It was only because Ye Fan had been hiding in Jade Lake Holy Land that they couldn't act. Now, with thirteen Saint Sons fallen, Great Sages struck down, and many experts meeting untimely deaths and turning into ash, some Sacred Lands were already beyond furious.

"Serves them right, they were all seeking death! We were just acting in self-defense!" the big black dog howled, its voice spreading throughout the Northern Region and disturbing the peace of the Eastern Barrens. Sects that had lost their successors and experts were all enraged, but powerless to refute. It was a fact: they had brought it all upon themselves.

Ye Fan's fame resonated throughout the Eastern Barrens, and for the first time, he gained the serious attention of the various Holy Lords. They had truly witnessed the methods of this junior and could no longer underestimate him. The battle at Myriad Dragon's Nest caused many senior figures to perish, but now, to draw down a heavenly tribulation and annihilate enemies this way was truly awe-inspiring and terrifying.

While Ye Fan's name spread throughout the Eastern Barrens, it also placed immense pressure on Jade Lake Holy Land. Many forces had already demanded that they release Ye Fan and cease protecting him.

"Ziling and I entered that immortal palace..." Inside Jade Lake Holy Land, Ye Fan and Liu Yiyi strolled and talked, and he received a surprising piece of news from her. After parting ways in the Eastern Barrens, Liu Yiyi, Zhang Ziling, Wang Ziwen, Lin Jia, Zhou Yi, and Li Xiaoman rushed out of the Ancient Forbidden Land, and some successfully entered the immortal palace.

Outside that Ancient Forbidden Land, there was a misty palace, which had been a legend since ancient times, almost impossible to set foot in. Only with divine favor could one enter and obtain a world-shaking fortuitous encounter.

"Not only Ziling and I entered, I think they all went in too."

"Is that so? I've seen Li Xiaoman, but never heard her mention it." Ye Fan paused in surprise. Liu Yiyi traveled with Zhang Ziling, and they almost got lost in the immortal palace. It was too vast, like a boundless small world of immortals. Zhang Ziling obtained an ancient weapon and several silver pages. He accidentally stepped on a formation pattern and disappeared, transported to an unknown location. As for Liu Yiyi, before a divine metal, she found a small white jade gourd containing an ancient pill. After consuming it, she slept for six years.

Ye Fan, hearing this, moved to take her pulse, and his heart immediately skipped a beat. A vast, terrifying divine power surged within her body!

"What kind of ancient pill allows one to sleep for years and produce such vast divine power..." Ye Fan was stunned. That immortal palace was indeed no ordinary place.

After Liu Yiyi awoke, she walked through the deserted palace and accidentally stepped on a formation pattern, being teleported out. Later, she was abducted and fell into someone else's hands, though she didn't know who her captors were.

"Ye Fan, you must be careful!" Liu Yiyi said, worried.

"Did he search your Sea of Consciousness?" Ye Fan asked, wanting to confirm some things to make a more accurate judgment.

"I don't know," Liu Yiyi shook her head. She had been imprinted for a long time and was unaware of these events.

"It's fine. It's someone who won't amount to anything significant." Ye Fan offered a bright smile, reassuring her not to worry.

"Sister, sister, eat fruit!" Little Nannan, holding a vibrant red flat peach in both hands, offered it to Liu Yiyi. The little one was delicate and naive, utterly adorable.

"So cute!" Liu Yiyi knelt down and stroked her head.

After examining Liu Yiyi's body, the Supreme Elders of Jade Lake Holy Land treated her like a priceless treasure. Such immense divine power saved her countless years of arduous cultivation. They immediately accepted her as a Jade Lake disciple, intending to cultivate her meticulously. Ye Fan smiled, which completely put his mind at ease. It was excellent that Liu Yiyi had found such a sect.

In recent days, major sects had continuously pressured Jade Lake Holy Land not to shelter Ye Fan. Although not explicitly stated, the implication was quite clear. Ye Fan prepared for a distant journey, not wanting to trouble Jade Lake Holy Land.

"Where are the Nine Secrets lost? Are there any left in the Eastern Barrens?" Ye Fan murmured to himself.

"Their inheritances are almost all severed. It's already a blessing from heaven that you found three secrets in the Eastern Barrens," the big black dog sighed.

"Is that so? In that case, it's time to leave the Eastern Barrens. We'll go to another land!" Ye Fan made this decision.

Farewell, Eastern Barrens! Ye Fan decided to leave this vast land and embark on a new journey. Before departing, there were still some matters to attend to.

Shortly after, they traversed the void and arrived outside the Taixuan Sect in the Southern Region. They did not enter, but instead sent a letter to Old Man Li Ruoyu. Now, Hua Yunfei's escape was entirely Ye Fan's doing, so it was not appropriate for him to enter the sect. However, he was worried about Zhang Wenchang, fearing he might be abducted just like Yiyi. Therefore, he came specifically to this place to deliver a letter of explanation.

Having completed all this, Ye Fan let out a long breath, preparing to leave the Eastern Barrens far behind.

"Boo hoo... Nannan doesn't want to be separated from Big Brother." Little Nannan wailed, clutching a corner of Ye Fan's clothes, looking up at him with a pitiful face, refusing to let go, heartbroken and in tears.

"The place I'm going is very far, with countless difficulties and dangers. I'll come back for you after I've settled down." Ye Fan knelt down, gently comforting her and wiping away the tears from her little face.

"But Nannan really can't bear to leave Big Brother..." The little one's eyes were brimming with tears, utterly piteous, refusing to part no matter what.

"Let him go. Soon, I'll go with you to find him," the big black dog also advised from the side.

"How long is 'soon'? Why don't we go now?" Little Nannan cried, and though she was asking the big black dog, her eyes were fixed on Ye Fan. The little one was reluctant to part. After much coaxing, she finally nodded through tears, saying, "Big Brother, you absolutely must come and pick up Nannan soon."

"Woof woof... You're not allowed to lie. If Big Brother doesn't come, you have to take me to find him." She made the big black dog swear, continuing to shed tears.

"These are several vast formation platforms for traversing great regions. They're more than enough for you to use a few times!" The big black dog handed some formation platforms to Ye Fan, telling him to put them into his cauldron.

"Where are you going?" Ye Fan asked.

"Back to Purple Mountain to have a look. If it can be opened, I'll take her in for a tour." The big black dog carried Little Nannan on its back.

Ye Fan's expression immediately changed. He stared at the big black dog, saying nothing.

"Don't look at me like that!" the big black dog grumbled, then continued, "I know you're thinking about the Beginningless Scripture, but I can't open it either. Besides, it probably isn't suitable for your cultivation. You should focus on cultivating the Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo as soon as possible. In fact, the cultivation methods you're currently practicing are the strongest profound arts from various secret realms; they are absolutely no worse than any ancient scripture!"

"Big Brother, please take care, and come pick up Nannan soon..." The little one raised her tiny hand, waving it vigorously, shedding constant tears.

"If fate wills it, we will meet again!" The big black dog, like a black bolt of lightning, carried Little Nannan and vanished into the distant horizon of the vast land.

"The matters of the Eastern Barrens are concluded; it is time for me to leave," Ye Fan murmured to himself, walking aimlessly through an ancient city.

"The Sacred Body must be slain! This great menace cannot be left alive!"

"This child must not be allowed to remain in the world!"

Along the way, he heard many such discussions, with the Myriad Beginnings Holy Land being the most vociferous, almost openly issuing a kill order. Upon closer thought, they had no choice but to be enraged. Their Saint Son was slain by Ye Fan, their Holy Lord perished in the Myriad Dragon's Nest, and their Saintess Zhao Yanran was struck dead by heavenly tribulation. With such profound hatred, how could they possibly let it go?

Furthermore, the Violet Mansion Holy Land, Dao One Holy Land, and others were also furious, all searching for his whereabouts. Moreover, Ye Fan received another piece of news: Xiang Yifei, the Saint Son of the Great Evolution Holy Land, had recently broken through, becoming a powerhouse at the second transformation of Dragon Transformation, with his strength advancing by leaps and bounds.

"Our sect's Saint Son is truly a prodigy. At such a young age, how many can become a powerhouse at the second transformation of Dragon Transformation?" an Elder of that sect said to others.

"Truly extraordinary!" everyone exclaimed. One must know that a Saint Son who reaches the second transformation of Dragon Transformation is absolutely terrifying, far stronger than ordinary people, capable of killing across several realms. The Supreme Elder of the Great Evolution Holy Land was very proud, vaguely implying that Xiang Yifei could now suppress the Sacred Body and was the pinnacle of the younger generation.

"Xiang Yifei, he survived?" Ye Fan was surprised, instantly realizing that this person had passed through a heavenly tribulation, gained immense benefits, and broken through a realm. Xiang Yifei had first appeared on that night of bloodshed, wanting to enter the Beginningless Killing Array to kill him. This time, he had even joined forces with so many Saint Sons to launch a vicious attack, setting up a death trap for Ye Fan. Unexpectedly, he had actually succeeded in passing the tribulation, but he absolutely could not be left alive.

"Escaped and even broke through? I'll still send you on your way!" Ye Fan sneered. This person had to be eliminated. The breakthrough of Xiang Yifei, Saint Son of the Great Evolution Holy Land, to the second transformation of Dragon Transformation caused a sensation, earning him praise from many. Regardless, no one knew the cultivation levels of the Saint Son of Yaoguang and Ji Haoyue. Currently, he was the first Saint Son confirmed to be at the second transformation of Dragon Transformation.

Late at night, as heavy rain poured down, Ye Fan, holding a golden scepter, appeared like a demon god in a small town. After half a month of effort, he had tracked Xiang Yifei's whereabouts.

"Still daring to train outside..." Ye Fan sneered. He possessed divine eyes and had clearly recognized Xiang Yifei's identity that day.

Lightning flashed, and the heavy rain poured down. Ye Fan, holding the Heavenly Court Scepter, split the inn in two, and an endless aura of killing intent locked onto Xiang Yifei.

"Who's there?" the Great Evolution Saint Son cried out in alarm, soaring into the sky.

"The one who will kill you!" Ye Fan emerged from the heavy rain. With every step he took, the small town trembled.

"It's you, Ye Fan!" The Great Evolution Saint Son was startled. As lightning streaked across the night sky, he saw the true form amidst the pouring rain.

"Indeed!"

"Brother Ye, what is the meaning of this?"

"To send you on your way!"

Boom!

Overwhelming killing intent surged forth. The rain poured like buckets, a curtain of water shrouding the world in darkness. Ye Fan, wielding the Killer's Scepter, attacked.

Clang!

Dazzling light erupted as the Great Evolution Saint Son retaliated, engaging Ye Fan in fierce combat! Startling divine radiance and heaven-piercing killing aura, on this rainy night, with lightning and thunder, and flashes of blades and swords, startled the entire small town. The intense battle, with cold light scattering everywhere, illuminated the night sky.

"Argh..." The Great Evolution Saint Son cried out loudly. The golden holy sword in his hand was shattered by the Killer's Scepter. Then, with a soft "thud," his head was severed.

Ye Fan departed into the rainy night, vanishing into the downpour, leaving many with the impression of a demon god's retreating figure.

The next day, the news spread, astonishing everyone. People were still marveling at how formidable the Great Evolution Saint Son was. However, not long after, Xiang Yifei was slain. Many had clearly heard him call out Ye Fan's name, naturally knowing who was responsible.

"The Sacred Body is too dominant; he has absolutely no qualms now!"

"Good heavens, the Sacred Body is too audacious! He's openly slaying Saint Sons. What does he intend to do?"

Xiang Yifei, the Great Evolution Saint Son, was slain in a small town, leaving behind only a headless corpse, which horrified many. Is the era of the Sacred Body upon us? He is no longer concealing himself at all!

"Dare to pursue and kill me in secret again, and I will eliminate your successors one by one!" On that very day, Ye Fan released these words. As soon as these words were uttered, the Eastern Barrens erupted in an uproar. The Sacred Body was fearless, no longer afraid of anything!