# Chapter 1267: Dark Clouds Gathering
The Banished Immortal Zi Qing Shi, the foremost among those cultivators from over twenty years ago, was a phantom-like woman who had left behind many legends.
Her return stirred up waves, becoming the focus of people's discussions.
Since these cultivators entered the city, the Guide Envoy had never appeared, yet the moment the Banished Immortal arrived, he regarded her with special attention, personally escorting her into his residence.
"What has she come for?" This was everyone's question.
Once one set foot on the Stellar Ancient Path, they could not turn back to strike at those who came later, nor could they re-enter the trial grounds. Returning held no meaning.
Could it be for the Dao Source? Those who set foot on the Stellar Ancient Path were no ordinary mortals. Common heavenly treasures and earthly rarities had long since failed to catch their eye; only such immortal objects could stir their hearts.
"Most likely it's for that very thing. That cultivator named Ye Fan is in trouble."
"Who would have thought the Banished Immortal obtained the Divine Light Platform, allowing her to reverse her return? With her prestige and strength, who can oppose her?"
Some people discussed in private, feeling that a good show was bound to unfold in the coming days.
The Blood-Colored Trial Grounds had left behind the shadow of death, yet they had also produced the heaven-defying Dao Source, tugging at everyone's nerves.
Even if the Banished Immortal Zi Qing Shi did not appear, people believed that other disturbances would inevitably arise. Things could not simply settle down like this.
Especially given that the Dao Source had not acknowledged Ye Fan, meaning others still had their chance—even making the city's original inhabitants envious.
In such an atmosphere, someone might suddenly rise up to attack, seize, and kill. Many were waiting for this scene to unfold.
"You don't understand Qing Shi the Fairy Maiden. She possesses a divine-like transcendence, like a fairy from the upper realm reincarnated. She would not make things difficult for Ye Fan. That is not her style." An elder in the city shook his head, making such a judgment about the Banished Immortal.
"The Dao Source can allow one to attain the Dao in the future. In this world, who would not be tempted? It is something that seizes the fortune of heaven and earth. It's a pity we lack the strength to contend for it. The Banished Immortal's return at this time makes her intentions very clear."
Naturally, there were also those who sneered at this. Faced with such a heaven-defying Dao treasure, what transcendence could there be?
The second city of the Human Clan was seething with undercurrents. It appeared calm on the surface, but it contained a killing intent. In the city, no one dared to openly seize the Dao Source.
Yet human hearts were unpredictable. A tragic disaster could unfold invisibly at any moment.
Clear moonlight scattered down. This was already the second night. Ye Fan sat cross-legged in the courtyard. His crown was crystalline and translucent, and through his hair strands, he drew in the starlight from the sky, refining his Immortal Platform.
"You can barely suppress it any longer. You need to choose a vast and extraordinary life-bearing imperial star to become a saint, or else major problems might arise," the Dragon Horse reminded.
Ten years ago, Ye Fan was already a Half-Saint, only lacking a thorough and satisfying life-and-death battle to become a saint, yet he had forcibly suppressed it.
Ten years of campaigning, ten years of bloodshed—he had learned many things. Deep within the Stellar Ancient Path, there were ancient grounds prepared for those who would attain the Dao. Becoming a saint in those special star domains would bring tremendous benefits.
"Xiu!"
Suddenly, a sharp immortal light shot forth, aimed directly at the back of Ye Fan's head as he sat cross-legged on a cushion in the courtyard. Someone had come to assassinate him.
The Dragon Horse rose up on its hind legs, its scales clanging loudly, shaking out a burst of red mist that blocked the immortal light, grinding it cleanly away.
But at that moment, a sound like a flood bursting its banks came from above. The sky was hazy and indistinct, and chaotic mist surged downward, covering heaven and earth.
"Who is it?" the Dragon Horse shouted.
Someone of no small stature had made a move, attempting to shroud everything here, cutting off all connection to the outside world. They had dispatched many experts to execute Ye Fan and his companions.
A patch of black clouds drifted past. The nearby houses felt a sense of oppression. Many people's hearts pounded with fear, and they couldn't help but look outside, yet they saw no one.
No one knew how long passed, but a great crash came from Ye Fan's courtyard. A corner of the formation was torn open, and chaotic qi burst forth like a tsunami.
Amid the rumbling, many buildings turned to ash. Screams came one after another. Blood rain scattered everywhere, and even some of the surrounding original inhabitants were caught up in it.
"Pu"
In the darkness, people saw Ye Fan make his move. He shot up from the chaotic mist, doing battle in the sky. There was much blood on his body, and he fought like a madman.
Everyone was horrified. This battle had probably been going on for some time, reaching a fever pitch, only now being discovered.
The Dragon Horse was also roaring, locked in combat with a sacred beast!
"Pu"
Blood splattered. Ye Fan fought desperately, blasting a man apart in the sky. Blood rain scattered everywhere. Then he swung a long spear, nailing seven or eight people dead in succession. His methods were cold, brutal, and violent.
A blurry shadow retreated. More than ten people had been killed in the sky. Their corpses fell, and heaven and earth shook.
"The battle must have been going on for some time before we noticed. Someone used chaos to conceal this place!"
Ye Fan had fought to the very last moment before breaking through the terrifying formation and mist. He had undergone a trial of life and death before finally breaking out.
"Sage blood... among the dead, there are saints!"
People were shocked. More than ten people had been killed, including saints among them. This was an extraordinarily terrifying force. Yet even so, Ye Fan had still cut a path to survival.
"Who is causing trouble, violating the city's rules!?" The Great Commander guarding the ancient city arrived at the first moment, moving with great speed, but the battle had already ended.
The Dragon Horse bared its teeth. Ye Fan also had many wounds on his body. His face dark, he stared in the direction where the blurry figure had fled, saying nothing.
Many were shocked. If even someone as powerful as him had been wounded, it showed how terrifying that battle had been. The fleeing leader must surely have been an unparalleled expert.
"Why the battle?"
"Someone tried to assassinate me."
"Did you find any clues?"
...
The city's Great Commander arrived with over twenty soldiers. His expression was stern as he questioned Ye Fan. Only after a long time did he leave.
The chaotic qi dispersed. Starlight scattered down. A long time had passed, yet Ye Fan still stood amid the ruins, unmoving. His expression was cold, not pleasant to look at.
The assassins were not trial-takers. These people had never been seen before. They were clearly some force within the city, here to assassinate him.
There were many reasons, but the most likely was to seize the Dao Source.
A clanging sound rang out. Rays of divine light shot from Ye Fan's body. Golden blood energy spread. The Presence Secret was activated, and in an instant, he healed his true body.
That night quickly passed. By morning, the entire city knew of this matter. Ye Fan had been ambushed. How strong the enemy was remained unknown, but the presence of sage blood among them was enough to prove the terrifying nature of the attackers.
The atmosphere immediately became delicate. The city's Great Commander personally led soldiers on patrol, preventing even more fierce incidents from occurring.
The Guide Envoy also appeared, standing silently at the battlefield for a moment before slowly vanishing. He was very concerned about this and ordered a thorough investigation.
"Someone wants to muddy the waters, making things difficult for the Guide Envoy and preventing the Banished Immortal Zi Qing Shi from acting too forcefully. Even if the assassination failed, they still achieved their goal."
Some people made such judgments.
Ye Fan also sneered coldly. The waters had been stirred. Those coming for him would now have to be more cautious because of this incident, unable to act recklessly. There were both advantages and disadvantages.
Two more days passed like this. The city was relatively calm, but the Guide Envoy had not yet ordered the opening of the Ancient Dao Field for the trial-takers to enter.
"The Banished Immortal has shown herself. She will gather with old acquaintances at the Blue Wave Immortal Forest and will also invite some trial-takers."
This news spread that day. Many people passed it on, especially the young people in the city, who rushed to tell each other, all wanting to obtain an invitation to enter.
For those who had seen Qing Shi before, she was a true banished immortal—ethereal and transcendent, possessing a divine nature rarely seen in the mortal world, peerlessly stunning.
Ye Fan received an invitation. Looking at the delicate handwriting on the invitation, it seemed like some kind of immortal Dao treasure mark, penetrating through the paper.
He did not refuse. Mounted on the Dragon Horse, he took to the streets and headed toward the Blue Wave Immortal Forest. This was a famous site, known to all the original inhabitants.
Many had received invitations and were heading in that direction. Some whispered softly, while others sighed in lament.
"Qing Shi the Fairy Maiden inspires awe. Through her handwriting, I sense a profound and unfathomable Dao cultivation."
It was not intentional—merely natural writing—but the delicate characters inevitably contained an essence and charm of the Dao.
"Even her little maidservant has become a saint. How terrifying do you think she is? Her strength is simply unimaginable! Among this batch of trial-takers, I think those who can withstand three of her moves can be counted on one hand."
The Blue Wave Immortal Forest was an ancient site within the city, planted with all kinds of strange ancient trees, lush and filled with spiritual energy, covering a wide area.
This street was very broad, with many people coming and going. Especially today, with a gathering at the Blue Wave Immortal Forest, some strange beasts carried experts here.
"Ao hou..."
A great roar threw the street into chaos. It was a barbaric beast's roar, deep and wild. A bloody aura swept through the street, shaking people's hearts.
A group of riders charged forward. Everyone hurried to avoid them, unwilling to have any friction with them. The entire street rumbled like thunder under their trampling.
"It's the Nine-Child Demon Qilin Tiger. I never thought they really tamed them. These are wild beast descendants with the true blood of White Tiger and Qilin flowing in their veins."
"The descendants of the old Great Commander are indeed extraordinary. They actually tamed nine such young beasts from the stars. Once they grow up, they will have immeasurable value."
Some people whispered, all very surprised.
A barbaric aura rushed forth. The bloody aura was intimidating. Nine creatures like Qilins or White Tigers galloped wildly down the street. The wind howled, scattering the clouds.
Ye Fan looked back and saw this scene.
Nine wild beasts led the way. Though not yet grown, they were already very large, with gleaming white scales, ferocious armor, and blood-red mouths that inspired fear.
Behind them were some young people, seemingly of extraordinary status. The one they revered most was a man with a golden crown binding his hair, seated on a strange beast. He seemed very satisfied with the nine beasts ahead.
Ye Fan recognized several familiar faces among them. Guan Cheng and the second leader of the Heaven Desolate Thirteen Riders were both accompanying this man. When the group looked in his direction, their expressions were unfriendly.
The second leader's eyes carried a cold light as he stared at Ye Fan. Then he transmitted a message, seemingly saying something to these people. The man with the golden crown looked over.
Then, a group of mounts charged forward violently, as if intending to trample over Ye Fan and his mount.
Ye Fan sat unmoving on the Dragon Horse. Seeing over a dozen riders charging at him, he let out a Dao Roar, activating the Om character heavenly sound.
The distance was not far. All the charging mounts were terrified. They neighed and reared up, nearly throwing their riders off.
"You..."
Many were furious. They struggled to control their mounts, but since they hadn't seen Ye Fan attack, they couldn't very well make an issue of it.
The man with the golden crown waved his hand, stopping them from saying more. The dozen or so riders halted here, staring coldly.
"So you are Ye Fan. Truly extraordinary in bearing, a hero of great skill. No wonder you dared to defy heaven and suppress the Dao Source," the golden-crowned man said. Between the flickering of his eyes, strands of divine light appeared.