# Chapter 1241: The First Pass of the Human Clan
Moonlight scattered down, starlight cascaded like waterfalls, and silver-white rivers of stars hung in the sky, making the entire ancient city appear mysterious and grand—truly a land bordering the realm of gods.
In the surrounding wilderness, savage beasts roared, strange birds circled overhead, some with bodies as massive as mountains, others with wings that blotted out the sky. Each dominated their own territory, all of them ancient exotic species.
The imposing flood dragons, the divine deer with purple wings crackling with lightning, the ancient birds gnawing on azure flood dragons—all were mounts, each bearing a powerful figure who reigned supreme over their domain.
Before the ancient city, the gathered heroes stood silent, only the cries of fierce birds and savage beasts breaking the stillness. The oppressive atmosphere was palpable, the ancient city walls radiating a suffocating pressure.
Ye Fan furrowed his brow, sensing a profound antiquity and dominance. This colossal city gave one a feeling of immense grandeur, as if it had existed since time immemorial, narrating the entire history of the human race.
"When was this city built? Which era did it originate from? It can no longer be verified. It is known as the First Pass on the strongest trial path of the human race," someone murmured softly.
Ye Fan learned that there were many "minor ancient paths" throughout the universe, all leading to the final main trial route. This place was a node, like a great dam, unifying the paths of human experts from all directions.
Before this majestic giant city stood no fewer than two hundred and ninety people, each keeping to themselves. Every single one was a protagonist of their own domain, all outstanding talents among humanity.
"Quite a crowd. Are there that many life-bearing stars in the star domains?" The Dragon Horse was astonished, surveying its surroundings.
Not a single one was weak. Some among them even had mounts that had attained sagehood, dominating their regions with imposing authority.
Arriving at this place, Ye Fan once again saw the thirteen riders. Clearly, they were formidable, dominating one area, and no one wished to provoke them easily.
The Thirteen Iron Riders also spotted them. Several sneered, not taking them seriously, looking down on the assembled heroes.
"They are the Tianhuang Thirteen Riders, from an ancient star domain. Their strength is unfathomable. I've heard they fought bloody battles all the way, invincible wherever they went, even alarming the Guide Envoy."
Ye Fan listened attentively. He had traveled alone, arriving here without encountering a single competitor along the way, so he needed to understand the situation.
"What identity does the Guide Envoy hold?" Many cultivators unfamiliar with this trial ancient path also inquired of those around them.
"The Guide Envoy is the guardian of this First Pass of the Human Clan, commanding the army. He leads the heroes from all directions into the city and informs them of the path ahead."
In a sense, this was the true beginning of the strongest trial ancient path. Only those who reached this place were qualified to participate in the subsequent competition.
Those who had been defeated along the way or died in the starry sky would never even see this giant city. This was a crucial stronghold, gathering rivers into the sea, assembling heroes from all directions. Only by entering through this pass could one continue forward.
"The Thirteen Riders... This Lord will teach them a lesson," the Dragon Horse said coldly.
The people nearby immediately scattered, unwilling to stay near this one man and one horse. No one wanted to make enemies everywhere right from the start.
Of course, not everyone feared the Tianhuang Thirteen Riders. Many extraordinary individuals occupied their own positions, their eyes deep and profound, calmly waiting for the Guide Envoy, their fundamental resolve unmoved by external matters.
Ye Fan had questions. How could there be so many people? Did they all come from different star domains? How many life-bearing ancient stars must there be? It was truly astonishing!
A cold snort rang out. A Golden Wing Heavenly Roc descended from the sky, bearing a woman—a middle-aged Daoist nun of average appearance but extraordinary bearing, clearly a formidable expert.
Ye Fan frowned. He had seen this woman on the road. She had spoken coldly to him, telling him he might as well turn back and not bother participating in the strongest trial.
Although the Golden Wing Roc had shrunk its body, it was still several zhang long, its entire form golden and dazzling, powerful and vigorous. The moment it landed, fierce winds howled violently—a release of divine energy.
About eight or nine people involuntarily retreated, their mounts beneath them crying out in alarm. They felt a pressure, forced back by a powerful field, and their expressions changed. Before the middle-aged Daoist nun had even made a move, her mount alone inspired fear, suppressing the momentum of some and overwhelming them.
Ye Fan was also in this area, watching coldly without any reaction.
The Dragon Horse's four legs stood as immovable as iron pillars, staring coldly at that Heavenly Roc. If it dared to press forward, it would not hesitate to fight.
It did not act rashly. After all, this was before the First Pass of the Human Clan, with countless eyes watching. Making a move now would be unwise, drawing the attention of everyone.
Of course, if the other party took the initiative to provoke, that would be a different matter. The Dragon Horse would retaliate and counterattack with the most violent means.
The Golden Wing Roc landed, casting a provocative glance in their direction. Its wings shimmered with blinding light as it slowly folded them, its aura extremely overbearing.
"Not even a sage yet, and you dare put on airs before this Lord!" The Dragon Horse snorted, its killing intent undisguised. It was no longer as impetuous as before, now quite composed.
The Daoist nun cast a cold glance in their direction. Clearly, she also did not want to become the center of attention right upon arriving at the First Pass of the Human Clan. That would be very disadvantageous for her later, as she might be seen as a threatening competitor to be jointly eliminated.
She calmed her Golden Wing Roc, telling it not to act rashly, and waited for the time to enter the city.
Ye Fan remained calm throughout. The Dragon Horse did not press forward either. Both sides maintained peace, each occupying a favorable position.
They waited for an entire day and night without any fighting breaking out. Everyone was very restrained, and during this time, more people arrived.
Most came from the depths of the star domains, converging at this place. In the end, the number reached over four hundred—an astonishing figure.
Ye Fan found it hard to believe there were so many life-bearing ancient stars. This did not match what he knew.
Here, he could only act as a listener, paying attention to some conversations to gain understanding. Soon enough, he indeed gained some insights.
"The First Pass of the Human Clan opens once every half-year to five years. This time, the number of people is on the high side," a bearded man spoke.
Ye Fan was startled. So that was it. No wonder so many people had gathered here at the same time. It seemed the opening day might be near, and many had been stranded here for over half a year.
"Although it's an opening day, passage is not guaranteed. I've heard that there must be at least one seed-level expert among the group for everyone to be allowed through. Sometimes this means waiting up to five years."
"Rest assured, we'll definitely get in this time. The Tianhuang Thirteen Riders fought bloody battles all the way, already alarming the Guide Envoy. Do you think they won't open the gates?"
"Hmm, that's true. Quite a few formidable characters have come this time. Guests from several ancient star domains have arrived. The Tianhuang Thirteen Riders are not the only outstanding ones. There are at least several groups of competitors, and these are only the known ones."
In the end, a total of four hundred and thirty-seven people gathered before the First Pass of the Human Clan, facing this vast giant city.
"Enter the pass!"
Finally, a divine thought transmitted, echoing like a great bell, shaking many people's bones and causing their blood to surge. Expressions of alarm appeared on their faces.
The ancient city gate creaked open, incredibly heavy. This was a giant city standing in the starry sky, with an environment suitable for human survival within.
The four hundred and thirty-seven cultivators, some urging their mounts forward, others walking on foot, advanced. None were calm.
The ancient city exuded an aura of primordial desolation, built from gray-brown giant stones, majestic and awe-inspiring. Soldiers were stationed atop the walls.
There were not many soldiers, all clad in cold, metallic armor. Their long halberds could split the sky, their iron spears could sever the void. Like a troop of heavenly soldiers, they stared fiercely at the crowd.
They exuded a killing aura, as if they had campaigned across many star domains and slaughtered countless experts. Now guarding this place, they inspired fear, like a group of fierce beasts lying in ambush.
Some disturbances occurred during the entry process. The strong were always strong and would not yield to others, especially on this path to becoming an emperor, where they would never retreat.
The first batch of top-tier figures appeared, each extremely dominant in their own area, forcing others to retreat and make way for them.
Clearly, the Tianhuang Thirteen Riders were a top-tier fighting force, causing those around them to nearly suffocate. The thirteen savage beasts roared, trampling through the sky, receding like a flood tide.
Several of them sneered, sweeping their gazes toward Ye Fan's direction. If not for nearly a hundred cultivators separating them, a battle would likely have broken out between them.
"Arrogant as hell! This Lord will fight you!" the Dragon Horse spoke.
Every few dozen people, there would be a dominant figure, causing others to dare not approach, clearing a path, and radiating a powerful battle intent.
Unsurprisingly, someone in Ye Fan's area also claimed dominance, wanting to seize the main path and shake the Dao hearts of other competitors.
One had to admit, the middle-aged Daoist nun was very powerful. Her battle qi overflowed, pressing down on people until they could barely breathe. The cultivators around her could not withstand it and retreated one after another.
Her Golden Wing Roc was even more unruly, looking down on all the heroes. It flapped its golden roc wings, golden divine light splitting the sky, extremely overbearing.
Everyone in this area had retreated, leaving only Ye Fan and his mount. Moreover, the Dragon Horse spread its steps, heading toward the city gate.
The middle-aged Daoist nun's gaze turned icy cold. Her Golden Wing Roc blazed with divine light, its entire body dazzling. It transformed into a golden bolt of lightning, chasing after them. It spread its sky-covering giant wings, extended its sharp claws gleaming with cold, sharp light, and grabbed at Ye Fan's body, trying to tear him apart.
The Dragon Horse was furious and was about to retaliate. In that moment, Ye Fan calmly took out a black long spear. His torso remained motionless, but his right hand, holding the dark gold spear, thrust out coldly.
Too fast! Faster than anyone's eyes, faster than anyone's reaction! A black lightning bolt pierced through the sky. Blood splattered, and roc feathers fell.
The roc only let out a brief, urgent cry of lament. Ye Fan, cold as a war god, had pierced through the Golden Wing Roc's head with a single spear thrust, killing it on the spot.
Blood flowed down the black spear shaft, shocking to behold. Ye Fan sat steadily on the horse's back, as firm as a rock. The scene froze at this moment.
"That was a half-sage level roc, and it was... pinned down with a single strike? Who is this?"
The nearby area erupted in uproar. Everyone's hearts pounded. This seemingly silent and taciturn expert was absolutely not to be provoked.
The middle-aged Daoist nun soared into the sky, avoiding the spear light. Her face showed fury. Rolling battle qi split the heavens. With a light cry, she was about to swoop down and attack.
A great shout came from the magnificent city tower. The soldiers raised their long halberds and iron spears, staring coldly downward.
"No one is allowed to engage in great conflict here!"
The words were very forceful, intimidating everyone. If anyone caused trouble, they might lose their qualification for the strongest trial.
"Slap!"
Ye Fan shook his spear with one arm, pointing it diagonally toward the southern sky. The roc's corpse shattered into pieces, blood rain scattering. Everyone was shocked into retreating.
One man, one horse, heading toward the city gate. After ten years of campaigning, his battle robe was tattered and stained with blood. The Dragon Horse was the same. Though they lacked bright and shiny armor, they possessed an unstoppable killing aura that shook people's hearts!
One man, one horse advanced. Before the majestic giant city, there was dead silence. Everyone let them walk toward the city gate. No one blocked their path in this area.
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