# Chapter 99: Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Ye Fan was not particularly worried. The mysterious green copper fragment lay dormant within his Sea of Suffering, and no one knew about it yet, so certainly no one would come looking for trouble with him over it.
"Perhaps the Central Province will cooperate with the Eastern Wasteland, since both sides have lost supreme treasures in the deep pool beneath the yin tomb."
"Legend says the Desolate Tower can suppress even immortals to death. If it were to emerge, it would surely be enough to seal the Demon Emperor's tomb."
"The Desolate Tower is inside the Demon Emperor's yin tomb. If you say that, then it's completely unsolvable—there's no way to break open the tomb anymore."
"What exactly is the Central Province's supreme treasure? How did it end up lost in our Eastern Wasteland?"
"The Central Province is ancient and mysterious. It's said their supreme treasure has existed since the dawn of time—not something people at our level could know about."
"What was lost in the Eastern Wasteland seems to be just a fragment. As for what it is specifically, almost no one knows."
Several cultivators ate and discussed as they went, allowing Ye Fan to gather quite a bit of useful information.
"Over two years now, that ruin has become a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. Who knows when there will be an end to it, or how many more will die. Thinking about it now, we loose cultivators are free. Otherwise, if we belonged to a major sect, we might also be dispatched there—anyone who gets close to that deep pool is practically doomed."
"It seems the various sects have taken the advice of some important figure, planning to use endless lives in a blood sacrifice to forcefully open that deep pool. I have a feeling that if they don't get the Desolate Tower out, the Eastern Wasteland will never know peace. That place is destined to become a blood-soaked demon land. The Demon Emperor is too terrifying—he probably foresaw this outcome back then. Truly a calamity lasting ten thousand years."
"Yes indeed. So many Holy Lands and Primordial Aristocratic Clans are determined to obtain the Desolate Tower. They won't just give up easily."
Ye Fan felt quite relaxed. After obtaining the green copper fragment from the Central Province, he had no interest whatsoever in the Desolate Tower. That wasn't something he could obtain—having the mysterious green copper fragment in hand was enough. What he needed to consider now was how to enter the Ancient Forbidden Land. He absolutely would not participate in the treasure-grabbing affair. He would stay as far away as possible.
Just as he was about to leave, Ye Fan overheard an important piece of news. He remained expressionless and sat back down.
"Several important figures from the Holy Lands and Primordial Aristocratic Clans are on the verge of death. It's said they're planning to target the Ancient Forbidden Land."
"Impossible. Who would still dare to break in? Since ancient times, countless people have explored it, but without exception, almost all were wiped out. Back then, a certain Immortal Gate Holy Land, at the peak of its power in history, mobilized all its strength—gathering tens of thousands of powerful cultivators to attack—and wasn't it reduced to ashes? That place is practically a living hell..."
"The Holy Land that was wiped out—they perished because they were too arrogant, trying to attack the abyss and push to the deepest parts. This time, some Holy Lands and Primordial Aristocratic Clans are also acting out of desperation. Some of their important figures are at death's door, wanting to gather the divine medicine on those Nine Sacred Mountains to save their lives. They're not trying to enter the abyss."
"I predict everyone who goes in will be completely wiped out. That Forbidden Zone of Life is definitely more terrifying than the Demon Emperor's tomb!"
"That's not necessarily true. Since ancient times, some people have successfully gathered sacred medicine. Of course, what price they paid is unknown. Those Holy Lands and Primordial Aristocratic Clans have deep foundations. Since they intend to gather the medicine, they'll certainly have thorough preparations. Their chances of success are still quite good."
"This is another major event that will shake the Eastern Wasteland. The Ancient Forbidden Land is one of the seven great Forbidden Zones of Life in the Eastern Wasteland. After endless ages, someone is finally venturing there again."
"When will those Holy Lands and Primordial Aristocratic Clans set out? Why don't we go and watch the excitement? They'll climb the Nine Sacred Mountains to gather sacred medicine—we'll just pick some ordinary spiritual herbs on the outskirts. It shouldn't be a big problem."
"It might still be a while. Right now is the most dangerous period in the Ancient Forbidden Land..."
In the end, Ye Fan left this small town, the words of those loose cultivators echoing in his mind. He felt he needed to think things through carefully.
"That Forbidden Zone of Life is far more dangerous than I imagined. The only reason I survived back then was probably because of the nine dragon corpses and the giant bronze coffin."
Ye Fan didn't fly but instead walked forward along the road, passing through Yan Capital along the way. This city was extremely majestic, covering a vast area. Its city walls stretched like the Great Wall, unbroken, lying across the path ahead.
Yan Capital was very prosperous. Watching the bustling crowds on the streets, Ye Fan felt many emotions. Two years of solitary cultivation in the deep mountains—the silence contrasted with the noise before him like two extremes.
Facing mountains, rocky cliffs, and streams every day, then suddenly returning to such a lively, prosperous capital, made him feel very warm and familiar.
"Honey dates with golden threads—big and sweet!"
"Crispy chicken wings—if they're not good, you don't pay!"
"Zhang's soup dumplings—thin skin, big filling, lots of juice, delicious! Come and try!"
"Candied hawthorn—just one copper coin per stick!"
All kinds of hawkers' cries filled the air. At the street corners, there were various street performers and acrobats, surrounded by many adults and children. In front of every shop, enthusiastic clerks pulled in customers, spouting baskets full of sweet words.
"Cultivation is too austere; the mortal world is full of charm..." Ye Fan couldn't help but sigh. He found all this very vivid and warm. Compared to the bitter life of cultivation, this simple existence was something he yearned for.
But he couldn't waver in his foundation of cultivation, because he wanted to go home—back to the place that truly gave birth to and raised him.
Ye Fan had been in this world for three years now. His bitter cultivation was over, and returning to the mortal world stirred countless thoughts. He couldn't help but think of everything from his homeland.
"Time flies—three years. I wonder how the other classmates are doing..." Ye Fan first thought of Pang Bo, feeling very worried for him. Then he thought of Liu Yiyi, Zhang Ziling, Lin Jia, Wang Ziwen, Zhou Yi, and the others.
"Perhaps, before entering the Ancient Forbidden Land, I should go see my former classmates." He wanted to visit Liu Yiyi and Zhang Ziling, to know how they were doing after three years apart.
"Big brother... I'm hungry. Buy me a bun to eat, please? Nannan is very hungry." Just then, Ye Fan noticed a pitiful little girl, covered in dirt, blinking her big eyes as she looked up at him. Her clothes were tattered, her face covered in grime—only her eyes were clear and bright.
Ye Fan could never bear to see such scenes. Every time, it made his heart ache. He bought several steaming hot soup dumplings from a nearby shop, wrapped them in oil paper, and handed them to the pitiful little girl. Then he took out all the coins he had and, when passersby weren't looking, stuffed them into her arms.
Even after he had disappeared down the street, the little girl was still staring blankly into space.
Ye Fan strode out of the city, realizing that Yuding Cave Heaven was the closest, only about four hundred li away. He remembered that Liu Yiyi had become a disciple of that sect, so he decided to go there first.
The Yan Kingdom stretched two thousand li from north to south and three thousand li from east to west. The Ancient Forbidden Land was located in its central region, surrounded by endless great mountains. Six sects—Spirit Ruins Cave Heaven, Yuding Cave Heaven, and others—were all arranged around the outskirts of this primeval area.
Yuding Cave Heaven was embraced by a range of immortal mountains, shrouded in mist and clouds. From a distance, it looked very ethereal, like a pure land beyond the mortal world.
When Ye Fan arrived at the mountain gate, he felt an atmosphere of nature and peace. Here, peaks were green, valleys were emerald, springs flowed, waterfalls cascaded, vegetation was lush, and birds and beasts were spiritual—like a world from a painting.
At the mountain gate of Yuding Cave Heaven, a strange beast stood guard. Its body was like a wild ox, its head like a qilin, its body nine or ten meters long. It lay crouched in a pool, its huge eyes half-open, staring at Ye Fan with ill intent.
"Who are you? What business do you have at Yuding Cave Heaven?" Just then, the disciple guarding the mountain gate also noticed him.
"I've come to Yuding Cave Heaven to visit a friend." When Ye Fan spoke Liu Yiyi's name, the guarding disciple's expression softened considerably. "Wait a moment. I'll have someone announce you."
Half an hour later, Liu Yiyi didn't appear, but a young man with graying temples walked over. Seeing Ye Fan, he immediately cried out, "Ye Fan, it's really you!"
Ye Fan was startled, then showed a delighted expression. "So you're also cultivating at Yuding Cave Heaven."
The newcomer was their former classmate, Zhang Wenchang. Whether in school or after graduation, he had always been ordinary and plain, naturally taciturn, not talkative. When many people gathered together, it was easy to forget he existed.
Ye Fan stepped forward, laughing as he punched him lightly. "You've regained your youth! Congratulations!"
Zhang Wenchang showed a bitter smile. "It's just that my skin is no longer wrinkled. Look—my temples are still frosted white."
"Much better than when we parted. Back then, you looked old and decrepit. Now you're like a young man with prematurely gray hair."
"I envy you so much, experiencing your youth all over again." The naturally taciturn Zhang Wenchang had even learned to tease.
The two laughed together, meeting an old friend, both genuinely happy.
Back then, the six Cave Heavens had each selected two people, dividing Pang Bo and the others among themselves, with Ye Fan being the only exception.
Zhang Wenchang and Liu Yiyi had been chosen by Yuding Cave Heaven and had been cultivating here for three years.
"Yiyi is the apple of the elder's eye. She has great potential and is currently in seclusion. It's said she might break through to the Life Spring realm within half a year or a year. That cultivation speed is terrifying."
"You're not bad either. You look well."
"I can't compare to Yiyi. I'm only average or below average in the sect. The reason my appearance recovered like this is because Yiyi begged a Supreme Elder to help."
Zhang Wenchang led Ye Fan into Yuding Cave Heaven. Inside, it was incredibly beautiful. Rows of verdant immortal mountains were like green jade, shimmering with specks of light. Immortal mist swirled, and waterfalls cascaded down, white ribbons seeming to condense from starlight.
On many mist-shrouded peaks, one could faintly see halls and pavilions, very ethereal, with the flavor of a celestial realm.
But what was most astonishing was a snow-white mountain at the center of the mountain range. It was entirely like jade, bare of any vegetation, sparkling with faint light, shaped like a round cauldron.
"Three years apart—today we must drink until we're thoroughly drunk!" Zhang Wenchang seemed very excited and happy.
"Do you immortal cultivation sects have wine and meat?" When Ye Fan was at Spirit Ruins Cave Heaven, he and Pang Bo had eaten vegetarian every day. That period had felt like torture.
"Don't worry—there's wine and meat. Now that I've officially embarked on the path of cultivation, I don't need to eat vegetarian to temper my mind like newly initiated disciples."
Yuding Cave Heaven was very vast. Passing through several mountain ranges, Zhang Wenchang brought Ye Fan to a peach blossom forest. Nearby were many small taverns, looking very poetic.
"Cultivators are human too. They also need to relax." Zhang Wenchang explained with a smile. "Of course, it can't be like the mortal world—wine, luxury, and overwhelming desire for power. Here, we can only have a little drink and enjoy some fine food."
"This is quite nice." Ye Fan nodded and laughed. "Otherwise, I'd really think cultivators had to cut off all emotions and desires."
The two found a small tavern and sat down. Elm wood eight-immortal table, peach wood four-legged chairs—they looked antique and elegant, placed right by the roadside facing the peach blossom forest, quite atmospheric. Other taverns were the same, with tables and chairs all set out in the open.
They ordered some wine and dishes and began to drink together. Coming to this strange world, meeting former classmates again, both were deeply moved, with endless things to say.
"Coming to this strange world, for a long time I couldn't sleep at night. I dreamed of going back. I miss my parents, I miss my friends..." The naturally taciturn Zhang Wenchang was unusually talkative today, his true feelings pouring out as if he had met a family member.
Li Xiaoman's coldness, Zhang Wenchang's warmth—the contrast between the two made Ye Fan sigh deeply.
"Perhaps, in the future, we can go back," Ye Fan said.
"Go back... I've stopped indulging in that fantasy." Zhang Wenchang shook his head bitterly. "These three years, how have you been? Were you at Spirit Ruins Cave Heaven, or living in the mortal world? I heard Pang Bo disappeared?"
Seeing an old classmate, Ye Fan wanted to tell the truth, but he held back. His experiences were complicated—speaking of them would bring trouble to both of them. He could only nod. "Pang Bo really did disappear. I'm very worried. I left Spirit Ruins Cave Heaven long ago and now I'm traveling around."
"Sigh. None of us have it easy. Ordinary people aren't easy, and cultivation isn't as beautiful as imagined. It's very tedious, and in the future, we might face all kinds of life-and-death trials."
"You need to be careful. It's best to focus on cultivation and go out less," Ye Fan warned.
Zhang Wenchang nodded, then smiled bitterly. "I can see now—no matter where I am, I'll never stand out. The same in the past, the same now. In this life, I can only live mediocrity. Maybe one day I'll leave here, go to the ordinary world, open a small tavern, and live out the rest of my life quietly."
"Don't be so negative..." Ye Fan tried to comfort him.
"You don't understand. The world of cultivators is very cruel. If I don't pull out, one day I'll die at someone else's hands. Then I'll die silently, like an ordinary ripple in a river. No one will know, no one will cry for me. Only I will know I'm no longer in this world."
Hearing this, Ye Fan felt deeply touched. He hadn't truly entered the world of cultivators yet, but now it seemed truly cruel.
Zhang Wenchang sighed. "I heard that Lin Jia, Zhou Yi, Wang Ziwen, and Li Xiaoman are all highly valued by their sects. It seems some people can shine no matter where they are."
The two drank and chatted, talking about many past events, then about their current difficulties. In the end, Zhang Wenchang was completely drunk. He lay on the table and began to sob. "I really want to go back. I don't want to stay in this strange world. When I left, my wife was pregnant. Our child was about to be born. When she needed me most, I disappeared and came here..."
He couldn't control himself, crying like a child.
"I want to go back so much... My child should be three years old now. I dream of seeing him, holding him, kissing him..."
Seeing Zhang Wenchang in such pain, crying loudly, Ye Fan's heart surged with emotion. He kept trying to comfort him.
"Who's crying over there? Oh, it's that useless old man." From not far away came several sneers. A few young men, with undisguised contempt on their faces, were walking over.
"Hair's already white. A half-useless man still has the nerve to cry."
"How ridiculous!"
They were all around twenty years old, each one mercilessly mocking him.
Ye Fan sighed. He finally understood that Zhang Wenchang had been living very unhappily at Yuding Cave Heaven. His eyes shot out two divine beams, staring at the few people ahead. "You should show some restraint with your words."
"Who are you? Mind your own business—you should first weigh your own worth."
"Do you really think you're a Life Spring realm expert? How laughable!"
"What kind of expert could be friends with a half-useless old man..."
"Don't say that. If Liu Yiyi finds out, she might go tattle again."
"It's you!" Just then, the youngest among them, a youth of about eighteen or nineteen, widened his eyes in anger, staring fixedly at Ye Fan.
"Junior Brother Han, you know him?" the other young men asked.
The youth's eyes were blazing with fire. He gritted his teeth. "Of course I know him. He's not from your Yuding Cave Heaven. He once stayed at our Spirit Ruins Cave Heaven—a truly genuine waste!"
Ye Fan sighed inwardly, feeling that this world was sometimes really small. He hadn't expected to run into Han Feiyu here.
"Is that so? A waste, huh? Sure enough, birds of a feather flock together. The half-useless old man's friend really is a waste." The other young men all burst into unrestrained laughter.