Chapter 1040: Gathering of Prodigies
The Eastern Wasteland, located in the eastern part of the land, was named for its many wild forests and great marshes. Its territory was boundless, stretching for who knows how many tens of thousands of miles, and mortals could walk for a hundred lifetimes without reaching its end.
Ye Fan had successively raided eighteen of the Celestial Prince’s strongholds, shocking the world overnight. The five domains were thrown into chaos, all eyes focused on the Eastern Wasteland, and every cultivator was fixated on it!
This unprecedented feat in over a decade was marked by a ferocity and decisiveness that drew admiration. With bloody slaughter, he swept away a large number of the Eight Divine Generals’ descendants, leaving the Ancient Clan stunned and then troubled.
Just who was this person? Their courage was too great—did they want to pierce the heavens?
The Immortal Emperor had once reigned over the realm, with his Eight Divine Generals in the past, looking down upon the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. Any single division could pacify the world and battle deities from beyond the domain, invincible wherever they went.
After this divine sovereign passed into stillness, the Eight Divine Generals were buried with him, while their descendants lay dormant across various lands. Though worn down over the long years, they still constituted a force not to be ignored.
Now, someone had challenged this power, greatly surprising the Ancient Clan. The Celestial Prince was no solitary figure—even the remnants of his forces could intimidate the Eastern Wasteland.
Ye Fan killed a hundred with each step, then brushed off his clothes and departed. At this moment, he stood on a light skiff, drifting down the river. On both banks, apes cried and tigers roared, and towering mountains rose high. His expression was serene, devoid of any killing intent.
That day and night, he had killed who knows how many descendants of the Eight Divine Generals. Blood had dyed his body red, and even the dark gold long spear had grown ferocious, wreathed in killing light.
Beneath his feet lay hundreds, even thousands of corpses, until he himself grew weary of the slaughter. A world of blood, the scattering of bone fragments—it was a nightmare for both the perpetrator and the victims.
Now, he had finally broken free. He imagined the Celestial Prince must be jumping with rage, his chest bursting with fury. The loss of thirteen Dao Cutters was an incalculable blow.
The apes on both banks cried endlessly; the light skiff had passed ten thousand mountains. This small boat was merely a simple bamboo raft, carrying a jar of wine and a few dishes of vegetables. Ye Fan poured himself a drink and savored it alone.
This great river flowed swiftly, cutting through high mountains and deep valleys, racing forward through endless wilderness. For tens of thousands of miles, human traces were rare; only birds and beasts roamed the shores.
Now, he had reached the Southern Domain, and the current had gradually slowed. He had left the wilderness behind and entered areas where humans appeared, occasionally seeing large ships sailing on the river.
Ye Fan traveled southward, knowing the Celestial Prince was likely exploding with rage, probably plotting to hunt down his enemy across the world. He took pleasure in the other’s fury, thus roaming freely.
Having just experienced a bout of slaughter, he wanted to adjust, waiting quietly for the enemy to make a move, then striking like a thunderbolt at the critical moment. If he could kill the Celestial Prince in one blow when he appeared, that would be even better.
In the Southern Domain, Green Cloud City was a place of magnificent scenery, picturesque and poetic. It was a land of outstanding people, home to many talented scholars and beauties, and countless immortal poems originated here.
Within the city was a Beautiful Lake. Every night, it was brightly lit, with many painted boats. Young talents lingered here, a place of romance where scholars were gallant and ladies graceful, giving rise to many beautiful tales.
Of course, the so-called talents included cultivators as well. Green Cloud City was one of the ten great cities of the Southern Domain, a sacred land for cultivation, where many Dao practitioners roamed.
Another night had fallen. Painted boats clustered together, one after another, like fortresses on the lake, brightly lit. The sounds of strings and bamboo pipes were endless; songs, toasts, and laughter drifted over from time to time.
This was a land of tenderness, but also a field of contention. Talents often came here, and naturally, there were unconventional duels.
Ye Fan drifted down the river. When he encountered a small tributary, he turned into it and entered Green Cloud City. His bamboo raft sailed into this renowned Beautiful Lake, where he saw a row of phoenix boats.
“We haven’t arrived late, have we?” Some cultivators hurried toward a distant giant ship, as if an important gathering was taking place.
“For so many years, we cultivators of the Southern Domain have kept a low profile. A small gathering like this is rare—we can’t miss it.” A few people murmured, heading to the same place.
Ye Fan was surprised, showing a strange expression. Ahead, the giant city was dotted with specks of light. Above it, there was actually a floating island. Many cultivators registered from their boats, then all soared into the air and landed above.
Green Cloud City was famous in the Southern Domain and had a considerable reputation in the Eastern Wasteland. Beautiful Lake was a scenic wonder, and naturally, cultivators managed it. Such a suspended island was perfectly reasonable.
Ye Fan abandoned his bamboo raft and smoothly boarded this floating divine island. It had many ancient buildings, carved beams and painted rafters, bubbling springs, arranged pavilions, piled strange stones, and lush fine trees.
Under the moonlight, the island was very peaceful, as if covered in a layer of white gauze. Many people were seated there.
This was not a deliberately organized gathering; it had started as a small get-together of a few prodigies, but the news eventually spread, attracting many cultivators.
“The Purple-Robed Marquis has indeed come. Rising in recent years, sweeping through the Southern Domain, invincible wherever he goes, he might become a second Divine King in the future.”
People exclaimed, all looking toward a stone platform ahead. There stood a man in purple robes, no more than twenty-something years old, exuding authority without anger, carrying a very special aura.
“He is a disciple of the Carefree Sect. His rise has surpassed everyone’s expectations. In today’s Southern Domain, he is absolutely a prodigy of his generation!” someone praised.
Ye Fan was taken aback upon hearing this. The Carefree Sect was indeed a significant teaching sect, on par with the Grand Mystery Sect of Hua Yunfei—aside from the Holy Lands, they were among the strongest major sects.
Back then, besides Ji Haoyue, Hua Yunfei, and the Holy Son Yao Guang, the Southern Domain also had experts like Ji Biyue and Li Youyou of the Carefree Sect.
Unexpectedly, after all these years, a new generation had risen. This Purple-Robed Marquis was someone he had never heard of before.
Someone exclaimed, “Li Qingzhou has also come. He might very well become the future first Holy Son of Yaoguang! His momentum in recent years has shocked the Southern Domain, and he is invincible.”
In a pavilion, a radiant young man wore a gentle smile. His whole body seemed wrapped in a layer of holy light. Dressed in moon-white robes, he appeared extraordinarily transcendent and otherworldly under the moonlight.
“This person is extremely powerful. He has defeated everyone of his generation at Yaoguang, rivaling the Holy Son Yao Guang of the past.”
Many people murmured, especially some women, whose beautiful eyes sparkled with strange light as they gazed at Li Qingzhou.
“It is said that he was personally taught by the Saint Lord of Yaoguang. Look, even his bearing is similar—unfathomable. Even if he doesn’t become the number one in the Eastern Wasteland, he’ll be close.”
Clearly, people paid special attention to Li Qingzhou because his master was renowned throughout the world.
Ye Fan observed carefully and found that this young man’s aura was very similar to that of the Holy Son Yao Guang of old—a transcendent, holy presence. Even his hair shimmered with light, and his cultivation at this age was enough to astonish the world.
“Truly not simple. Yaoguang has raised an excellent disciple,” he murmured to himself.
“His strength is beyond doubt. Just think of who his master is—the only supreme being among humanity who can rival the Ancient Imperial Princes. In an age where saints do not manifest, he can be said to be invincible under heaven!” someone sighed.
“Yes, the Holy Son Yao Guang of the past, now the Saint Lord of Yaoguang—truly a prodigy through the ages. To have cultivated to such a realm, looking down on the world and contending with the ancient imperial sons, is nothing short of a divine miracle!” Everyone couldn’t help but marvel.
“Since ancient times, he is the only one who dared to take ‘Yao Guang’ as his name. On the path to becoming an emperor, he has never wavered, his heart as firm as iron,” people discussed.
The Holy Son Yao Guang of the past, now the Saint Lord of Yaoguang, had changed his name ten years ago, simply becoming Yao Guang!
If anyone else had done this, it would have invited ridicule, and the other elders of the Holy Land would have strongly opposed it. But when he made this decision, no one dared to say a word; all believed it was fitting.
“Yao Guang!” Ye Fan drank a cup of wine, sitting on a stone pier in a moonlit pine grove, listening to the babbling stream, quietly observing everyone.
He hadn’t expected that his former great enemy had gained such prestige—not only had he rectified his name, but he also had the momentum to reign over the world and look down upon the entire Eastern Wasteland, sweeping through the five domains without equal.
“I heard that the Divine Maiden Yao Xi of Yaoguang escaped twelve years ago, leaving the Yaoguang Holy Land. I don’t know if it’s true,” someone suddenly said.
“Yes, I’ve heard that too. This pearl of the Southern Domain once charmed countless talents, and many willingly fell at her feet. No one knows why she fled.”
“Think about it—Yao Guang’s fame shakes the world, becoming the sect master of a Holy Land. The Divine Maiden Yao Xi should be happy. Why did it come to this?”
“I once heard that when the Holy Maiden Yao Xi fled, she said that the Yaoguang Holy Land was like an old withered tree, with a mysterious sect taking root on it, transforming and emerging… about to overthrow the Holy Land!”
“Hmm, that’s right. There are indeed such secrets. It’s said that the Dragon-Pattern Blackgold Imperial Cauldron was born on a stormy, lightning-filled night, and there are hidden stories behind it—not just the five-thousand-year sacrifice and worship by the Yaoguang sages.”
“Shh, silence! Don’t speak such words carelessly, or great disaster will follow!”
Only a few people briefly discussed it before quickly falling silent, not daring to say more. But Ye Fan’s heart was greatly stirred.
“Hmm, look, Ji Zi has arrived. This is the most mysterious person in the Southern Domain today. Someone once saw an elder of the Ji Family bow to him, yet he looks only in his twenties—puzzling.”
In the distance, a man walked over. He was plain and unremarkable, with no special features. Even his appearance was ordinary, leaving no impression after a glance.
However, Ye Fan’s heart trembled. This person was far from simple, forcing him to take a few extra looks. He was no ordinary mortal!
“His name is really strange—Ji Zi. He has no notable achievements. I wonder why he can be ranked alongside people like the Purple-Robed Marquis and Li Qingzhou.”
“This person is unremarkable in appearance, with nothing outstanding about him. His bone structure doesn’t seem exceptional either. How is it that a living fossil treats him with such courtesy?” Some people were puzzled.
“It’s precisely because a living fossil of the Ji Family treats him politely that he gets to stand alongside prodigies like the Purple-Robed Marquis and Li Qingzhou. Otherwise, who would know who he is?” someone sneered.
Ye Fan ignored these discussions and secretly assessed Ji Zi. He couldn’t help but be inwardly shaken. This was no ordinary person. His cultivation was terrifyingly profound. Though he seemed plain, he had actually merged into the void—a manifestation of understanding the Void Scripture to its ultimate sublimation!
“Could the legends be true? Has such a figure truly appeared in the world?” he murmured to himself.
“Swish”
At that moment, Ji Zi turned his head and glanced in this direction. Still plain and unremarkable, but Ye Fan saw a hint of surprise deep in his eyes.
“Indeed, this is no ordinary mortal!” Ye Fan became even more certain. Such powerful and keen spiritual perception was definitely world-shaking.
Ji Zi’s arrival did not attract much attention from those present. Few people looked at him, and they didn’t think much of him.
“Hmm, I heard that two great figures, Ji Biyue and Li Youyou, will also come. Even a major figure from the Central Domain, the Phoenix Celestial Maiden, might arrive.”
“Who knows if that’s true? I also heard that the Saint Lord of Yaoguang might come, but there are rumors that he has already left this world.”
“My master will be present,” Li Qingzhou suddenly spoke.
People were horrified, looking at him in disbelief. Could it be that Yao Guang, who could look down on the world, was still in this world?!
Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. Some cultivators flew onto the divine island, their chests heaving violently under the pure moonlight, bringing extremely important news.
“Everyone, you must have heard. The mysterious, invincible figure raided eighteen of the Celestial Prince’s strongholds last night, sweeping away the descendants of the Eight Divine Generals. Now, there’s another big development! A half-saint has crossed southward, vowing to kill this person!”
“The Celestial Prince of the Ancient Clan has issued a kill order. He has tracked down the traces—this person is in the Southern Domain. He will personally cross over to slay this world-shaking figure.”
Instantly, the divine island fell into chaos. People knew that the Southern Domain was about to boil over. Many great figures would gather together.
After so many years, major figures like Yao Guang and the Celestial Prince were actually going to appear!