Chapter 797: Calling Out the Ancient Clan

"Wait. To truly deter them, we must raise the fattest chicken, then slaughter it in a bloody display. Only then will its power be undeniable." He spoke calmly, yet a terrifying killing intent permeated the air.

For three consecutive months, the Bell of Wushi rang, silencing all races in the Northern Region. Even the powerful Ancient Ancestor Kings were filled with dread, such was the might of the Human Emperor. With each chime, the bell resonated across the world, through the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, subduing every living creature.

Spirit Valley, Myriad Dragon Nest, Divine Silkworm Ridge, and Blood Phoenix Mountain were all suppressed. Many immortal royal families felt deep anxiety, wondering who could possibly stand against an ancient Great Emperor if one were to appear.

Over these three months, ancient beings also emerged, reaching out to major human sects. They adopted a humble demeanor, hoping to uncover the true situation through these contacts. Yet, every royal family was disappointed. No one knew the true state of Purple Mountain; they couldn't uncover any definitive information.

Throughout these three months, humanity was exceptionally agitated. What began with tearful hope culminated in a surging fervor, with everyone yearning to see the human race’s past glory reborn. Many human cultivators journeyed from all directions to the Northern Region, approaching Purple Mountain step by step, bowing in reverence, their hearts filled with the spirit of pilgrimage.

"How can this be? Who can defy the passage of time? Who can live for millennia? Even the Undying Heavenly Sovereign vanished; by what right does the human race's Wushi endure?!" Inside Spirit Valley, a terrifying king roared, his voice low and guttural, causing the entire sacred valley to tremble and nearly bringing down a section of the sky.

"This is a conspiracy! I refuse to believe a Human Emperor could still be alive; no one can live that long!" The terrifying Ancestor King's low whisper sent shivers down the spines of everyone in Spirit Valley, causing many subordinates to tremble uncontrollably.

"Ancestor King, why don't we discreetly send out some individuals to launch a major attack and wipe out a few prominent human sects? We could test the situation that way," an ancient being proposed.

The Ancestor King cast a glance that seemed to span millennia, his eyes shimmering with the power of reincarnation. The speaker was instantly sent flying, reduced almost to a pile of pulp. At this critical juncture, despite their suspicions, no one dared to act rashly. They feared the worst-case scenario: if a Human Emperor had truly revived, it would be a suicidal move.

This sentiment was not limited to Spirit Valley; other races shared the same fear and skepticism. They reasoned that without achieving immortality, one’s lifespan eventually ends. Even ancient emperors couldn't live for hundreds of thousands of years.

"Why? How can a Human Emperor possibly endure for so long? No matter how powerful Wushi was, he couldn't have lived this long!"

After they had completely calmed down, all the ancient factions harbored suspicions. However, no one dared to step forward; no one wanted to be the first to stick their neck out, as being struck would mean certain, violent death.

"Human power has its limits. It's impossible to activate the Bell of Wushi for three months without an Emperor manifesting. How was all this accomplished? What exactly is happening?" Some ancient kings were also terrified, unaware that the Bell of Wushi could ring autonomously.

Over the next two weeks, the Northern Region remained silent, though beneath the surface, hidden currents surged as various races communicated amongst themselves. Coupled with the human cultivators making pilgrimages to Purple Mountain, the situation in the Northern Region grew complex, shrouded in an eerie atmosphere.

"Wushi cannot possibly still be in this world; he has been dead for tens of thousands of years!" Finally, someone stepped forward, articulating his stance with clear conviction.

It was the Heavenly Sovereign's Son who stepped forward, making this declaration openly in the Northern Region Divine City, not in private. This sent a very clear signal to all ancient races. Instantly, the Northern Region, which had been calm for days, was thrown into an uproar, and the atmosphere became significantly more tense.

Among the ancient races, he was the most qualified to make such a statement, not only as the son of the Undying Heavenly Sovereign but also because he hailed from Ancient Emperor Mountain. In recent days, he had visited various royal families, clearly articulating his view: Wushi had passed away many years ago, and there was no need to fear. In an instant, massive waves surged, and the tranquil Northern Region seemed poised to welcome a violent storm.

In the current era, if anyone harbored the deepest hatred for Wushi, it was undoubtedly the Heavenly Sovereign's Son. Ancient Emperor Mountain, which belonged to his father, was ultimately seized by Wushi. This act was a grave disrespect, an insult to his father. Among many ancient races, Wushi's usurpation of Ancient Emperor Mountain was seen not as an elevation of Wushi, but as a desecration of the divine, a grave sin.

"Wushi is dead. If there is a true deity, it is only my father," the Heavenly Sovereign's Son asserted, holding firmly to his belief. He implied that Wushi was insignificant, having been dead for countless years. If anyone could achieve immortality, it could only be his father, the Undying Heavenly Sovereign.

The Heavenly Sovereign's Son held an esteemed position, possessing an exceptionally special status among all races. Even many Ancient Ancestor Kings showed him deference, simply because the divine blood of the Undying Heavenly Sovereign flowed within his veins. His public declaration caused a major upheaval. Many among the ancient races echoed his words, expressing profound agreement, and a significant number were awaiting any further response from Purple Mountain.

"Ridiculous! An ancient emperor who died many years ago is deified, and now even his son puts on airs, claiming to be a child of god. Emperor Wushi leveled your father's tomb; if you harbor resentment, just say so directly. Why stoop to such slander and drag the ancient royal families down with you? Then again, with Emperor Wushi's standing, why would he even notice an ant like you? It's the major royal families who might face difficulties."

At that moment, a human figure stepped forward and spoke. Many were astonished, and even the ancient races paid close attention. Some eyewitnesses described the speaker's golden blood energy surging, so powerful it seemed to engulf a section of the world.

"Human Sacred Body, I will cut you down!" The Heavenly Sovereign's Son's voice resonated through the air. He revealed himself amidst this sensitive atmosphere, showing no fear of the human imperial might.

"Heavenly Sovereign's Son, you egg! I extracted you from the Jade Pond back then, and yet you show no gratitude. Come on, I'll slaughter you, you ungrateful wretch!" The Human Sacred Body responded with forceful, albeit somewhat insulting, words.

The Northern Region was no longer calm. Given the standing of the Heavenly Sovereign's Son and the unique constitution of the Human Sacred Body, this confrontation was akin to a clash between the future champions of their respective races.

"Yuangu, you watermelon, get out here too! I'll slaughter both of you this time!"

Before people could recover from their surprise, the Human Sacred Body issued another challenge, explicitly naming the offspring of another ancient emperor to battle. The Northern Region erupted in an uproar. Humanity was astonished, while the ancient races were filled with shock and fury. The Human Sacred Body was truly audacious; challenging one ancient emperor's son was audacious enough, but calling out two was excessive.

"Sacred Body, I will personally cleave you!" Yuangu stepped forward, delivering a cold and ruthless response.

"You watermelon, and that egg, hurry up and get over here! I'll stew both of you!" the Human Sacred Body taunted.

What truly astonished everyone, however, was that these three individuals, destined to confront each other on their path to proving the Dao, inexplicably kept missing each other. The Heavenly Sovereign's Son raced from Divine City to Kaiyuan City, while the Human Sacred Body moved from Kaiyuan City to Divine City. Yuangu traveled from Tianmo Mountain to Divine City, and the Human Sacred Body then pursued him from Divine City to Tianmo Mountain.

"Yuangu, you watermelon! Heavenly Sovereign's Son, you egg! Why are you running? Wait for me to stomp you to death; don't flee!" The Human Sacred Body's aura was so formidable it seemed to swallow mountains and rivers, leaving everyone utterly dumbfounded.

The Heavenly Sovereign's Son remained unmoved and indifferent. Yuangu was ruthless, his gaze growing even colder. Both remained in their respective territories, calmly awaiting their opponents. "Spirit Valley, you bunch of hammers! Do you really think you're ancient emperors, trying to command the world and make the Southern Barbarians worship you? Did you bash your heads against a wall, or are you just hitting your own asses?"

Everyone was dumbfounded. No one had anticipated the Human Sacred Body's arrogance would reach such an extent; he not only abandoned two sons of ancient emperors but then provoked Spirit Valley as well. In the Southern Region, Li Tian, Li Heishui, Ji Ziyue, and others were all perplexed, finding the situation rather peculiar. It didn't quite align with Ye Fan's usual demeanor.

Spirit Valley was enraged, wishing to kill Ye Fan immediately. They dispatched a large number of masters that very day but found no trace of him.

"Spirit Valley, you bunch of hammers! You said I should kneel outside your valley and beg for death? I'll give you a big 'screw you'! Zitian was the first of yours I killed. Next, every one of your younger generation who dares to show themselves will be stomped to death by me. In the future, I will surely exterminate your entire valley."

"He's too damn arrogant!" This was the thought on every ancient race's mind. A mere human dared to openly hurl insults in the Northern Region. Many human cultivators were equally dumbfounded. The Sacred Body was outrageously fierce, truly someone who would 'trample anyone in his path, no matter who they were.'

"That watermelon, and that egg, I've been waiting for you for ages, why aren't you here yet?" After verbally assaulting Spirit Valley, the Sacred Body resumed taunting the two sons of ancient emperors.

The Heavenly Sovereign's Son's subordinates and Yuangu's followers were so enraged their noses flared. They desperately wanted to shout back, thinking, "You were the one who said you'd wait here for a decisive battle; why the change of heart?"

However, the Heavenly Sovereign's Son remained composed and went directly to Spirit Valley, while Yuangu's own eyes were icily calm, showing no emotional fluctuation.

"Go and slaughter the Southern Barbarians. Let their blood flow like rivers and their bones pile up like mountains. The Human Sacred Body will then surely come to fight to the death."

The Heavenly Sovereign's Son's words were simple but laced with killing intent. Upon arriving at Spirit Valley, he offered only this single suggestion. His status was exceptionally prominent. As a descendant of a deity, he was treated as an honored guest by the Ancestor Kings, who showed him great courtesy.

"This might not be wise. The Bell of Wushi has rung for three straight months. Who would dare to act rashly now? If a Human Emperor truly revived, it would mean catastrophe for our race." An Ancestor King from Spirit Valley frowned, his colossal body as towering as a mountain, so oppressive that it felt as if one's breath would cease. Dozens of massive wings sprouted from his back; such terrifying entities often sought to retain prominent racial characteristics.

"You, however, will destroy the Southern Barbarians and seize the Human Sacred Body's Myriad Materia Qi Cauldron for me. In return, I will allow you to read the first volume of the Heavenly Sovereign's Ancient Scripture," the Heavenly Sovereign's Son said indifferently.

"What?! The first volume of the Divine Ancient Scripture?!" An Ancestor King from Spirit Valley immediately rose in shock, his colossal, mountain-like body incredibly imposing. Dozens of wings unfurled from his back, instantly eclipsing the bright moon in the sky and stirring up monstrous demonic clouds.

The Undying Heavenly Sovereign was the sole deity in the hearts of all ancient races. The Heavenly Sovereign Scripture he left behind was known as the Divine Ancient Scripture, and every ancient race yearned to read it. It was a supreme immortal scripture that they revered. Legend claimed that merely reading the first volume would grant insight into the mysteries of life and death, revealing an ancient path to becoming a deity.

The opportunity to read a volume of the Divine Ancient Scripture was too valuable to pass up, especially since he firmly believed that no Human Emperor could have survived into the present era. No one possessed such an extended lifespan; this was a critical point of doubt.

"Good. Those savages should disappear. We will drench the Southern Region in blood, striking a heavy blow to humanity and shaking them from their delusions!" The Ancestor King spoke calmly, but in his eyes, mountains and rivers collapsed, sun and moon fell, and blood flowed like rivers, imbued with the ancient vicissitudes and power of eternal reincarnation.

"Very well. The first volume of the Heavenly Sovereign's Ancient Scripture, I await your delivery."

"Please rest assured, Son of God. I will certainly deliver the Human Sacred Body's head along with his cauldron. We will cleanse the Southern Region in blood, but I will require some time."

The Heavenly Sovereign's Son departed, but the Ancestor King remained in place, his demonic energy surging like an immortal, towering demonic mountain.

"Ancestor King, is it not too risky to attack at this moment...?"

"Hmph, didn't I say I needed time? Now, wait patiently until the situation at Purple Mountain is confirmed. However, we can begin probing. Mobilize the warships..."

The Northern Region was struck with dread, as well-informed individuals discovered that Spirit Valley was once again preparing for war. Warships rumbled, poised for distant expeditions at any moment.

Under the moonlight, outside Purple Mountain, a terrifying array of figures stood. All were clad in loose black robes and draped in black cloaks, which fluttered menacingly in the wind. From a distance, they resembled a legion of grim reapers. They stood perfectly still, only their black garments stirring, as if petrified.

Ye Fan cut open a massive piece of Divine Source. Having mastered the Source Technique to an almost transcendent degree, he was not far from becoming a Source Heavenly Master, and thus would not harm the person sealed within. Many years ago, this woman entered Purple Mountain in search of the Fifth Generation Source Heavenly Master and died there of unrequited love, leaving only a final flicker of vitality, which became sealed within the Divine Source.

Yang Yi lay motionless on the ground, her beautiful eyes closed, utterly peaceful like a sleeping beauty. Although Ye Fan had exhausted his supply of Medicine King, he still possessed True Dragon Immortal Elixir. For someone with even a sliver of life remaining, consuming it made death nearly impossible. He carefully dripped a few drops of the True Dragon Immortal Elixir into her body. A radiant glow, like that of the bright moon, bloomed, igniting her vitality. In just a quarter of an hour, she awakened.

The divine moon hung high, its light pure and bright. She was utterly bewildered, her large eyes slowly gaining focus, as if everything was returning to her memory.

"Don't ask anything," Ye Fan said. "Someone wishes for you to live well."

"Is that you?" Yang Yi asked, her eyes welling with tears as she stared ahead. "Where are you going? Why won't you meet me?"

Without turning or looking back, the man cloaked in black led a group of reapers, striding forward.

"I know it's you..." Yang Yi wept, striding forward in pursuit.

The Fifth Generation Source Heavenly Master, his terrifying, red-haired body tightly wrapped in his cloak, without a single inch exposed, said in a hoarse voice, "Young lady, you've mistaken me. It has been ten thousand years. He passed away on a morning touched by the rising dawn, scattering into the wind."

Having spoken, he refused to linger further, leading the group of grim reapers swiftly away. He had but a single night of life. When the first ray of dawn appeared, it would be the moment he and all the grim reapers turned to ash. He had no time to spare.

"Kill! Kill for a bright, new world!" the Fifth Generation Source Heavenly Master roared.

Ye Fan remained silent. He wished not to witness this scene, yet he could not sway the Fifth Generation Source Heavenly Master's resolve to pacify the Northern Region through his own demise! He did not wish Yang Yi to see him in such a state. He wanted to leave her with a beautiful memory forever, untouched by the grim reality of the present.

"Come back!" Yang Yi cried, tears streaming down her face.

"Let me tell you: live well!" The Fifth Generation Source Heavenly Master's final shout, his voice trembling slightly, echoed as he and the group of grim reapers charged into the distance.

Ye Fan followed closely, accompanying them.