Chapter 158: A Boy No More
The expressions of several senior members of the Ji Family were extremely ugly, especially Ji Hui, whose fingers hidden within her wide sleeves trembled slightly.
If one were to ask across the Southern Domain, or even the entire Eastern Wasteland, was there anyone who dared to shout at the Ji Family like this? No one knew how many years had passed since anyone had dared such a thing. Yet now, a youth of merely fourteen or fifteen years dared to rebuke them like this—how could they bear it?
Now, the Peacock King had also arrived, standing shoulder to shoulder with that youth, speaking the same words, causing everyone to clench their fists.
However, they could not act out. Who was the Peacock King? A Great Power of the Demon Clan, one who dominated the Southern Domain. Unless the Saint Lord of the Ji Family appeared, who could contend with him?
More critically, if Ye Fan were pushed too far, he would spread the Grand Void Art across the entire world. For the Ji Family, that would be a disaster. The several senior members of the Ji Family found themselves in a dilemma (unable to advance or retreat), their hearts filled with indignation, unsure of what to do.
Behind them, the younger disciples of the Ji Family burned with rage. Ye Fan's face was deeply engraved into their hearts, ascending to the top of their kill list. He would become the public enemy of the younger generation.
Although many of these young disciples were impulsive and hot-blooded, not a single one dared to cross the thunderous line. A dead silence fell.
Below, in the great city, there were many cultivators. Some were passing through, others had long lived here. All of them felt their mouths go dry.
How many years had it been? The Ji Family had stood high above, dwelling in the clouds, demanding reverence from all, with none daring to defy them. Across the Eastern Wasteland, who dared to provoke them? Who dared to speak insolently? Which force dared to court their wrath?
Today, they were treated like this. Everyone was shocked, finding it unbelievable. All raised their heads to watch the sky.
"The Peacock King once fought the Saint Lord of Yaoguang eight hundred years ago, dominating the world. It makes sense that he dares to provoke the Ji Family. But that youth named Ye Fan—what background does he have to act like this? And the Ji Family seems to have some scruples. Could he have an extraordinary origin?"
"Someone dares to challenge the Ji Family's authority again. I wonder if he can survive. In the endless years past, there were some arrogant ones, but they all ended in tragedy. No one can shake a Holy Land or an Ancient Aristocratic Clan."
"Take a step back, and the sky is vast; endure for a moment, and the wind and waves calm. If he doesn't, there may be no path to survival..."
"What do you know? A figure like the Peacock King has always soared freely, dominating the world. If he backed down, he wouldn't be the Peacock King. As for that youth, he might be the same kind of person. Perhaps he's even a senior Great Power."
At this moment, Ye Fan became the focus. Not only was his name remembered, but his face was also deeply etched into everyone's hearts.
From now on, he could no longer stay low-key or remain unknown. After today, many in the Southern Domain would know of him.
Now, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Peacock King, he was regarded by many as a figure of equal rank. Apart from the Ji Family, many cultivators who didn't know the full story mistakenly thought he was a hidden expert unknown to the world.
"Still not leaving? Didn't you hear what I said?"
The Peacock King's words were not harsh, spoken calmly and plainly, yet they made everyone's hearts pound. He roamed the Southern Domain, and eight hundred years ago, he could already intimidate the world. Now, naturally, he was even more fearsome.
"Peacock King, you are a senior Great Power. We know we cannot match you, but there's no need for such arrogance..." Ji Hui said through clenched teeth, her face ashen, not daring to speak overly provocative words.
Behind her, everyone gritted their teeth. For an Ancient Aristocratic Clan to be so humiliated during an outing was rare since ancient times. But no one dared to act out. Provoking the person before them would likely cost everyone their lives.
What was a Great Power? Turning one's hand, they could summon clouds; turning it over, they could bring rain. With a single hand, they could cover the heavens and earth, standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid, overlooking a region. Once they acted, mountains and rivers would tremble.
Ji Hui waved her hand behind her, and everyone slowly retreated. Then, carrying resentment and burning with anger, they rushed into the distance.
"Go slowly. No need to see me off!" Ye Fan transmitted his voice from afar.
A great power passed down from the Ancient Era, enduring endless years without decline—to be shouted down like this filled everyone with indignation. Yet they had no choice but to retreat. Otherwise, the only outcome awaiting them would likely be total annihilation. If the Peacock King harbored killing intent, he would show them no mercy.
The reason he didn't strike now was that he also had concerns. If he were to indiscriminately massacre without regard for consequences, then all the demons in the Southern Domain would also be in danger. The Ji Family would absolutely go all out to wipe them out, turning this land into a river of blood.
Below, in the great city, everyone exchanged glances. The Ji Family had retreated. Everything that happened today would surely spread across the Southern Domain.
"Not bad. You have some guts." The Peacock King turned to look at Ye Fan and laughed heartily.
Ye Fan, however, found it hard to smile. He had burned his bridges, prepared for a fight to the death, hoping to carve out a slim chance of survival.
But then the Peacock King had arrived, resolving his immediate crisis. Yet from a long-term perspective, his situation was very unfavorable.
After all, the other party was a Great Power of the Demon Clan. By intervening like this, not to mention the Ji Family, even the Yaoguang Holy Land would likely view him with hostility.
"Thank you, senior, for lending a hand!" Ye Fan stepped forward and bowed.
"A trivial matter, not worth mentioning." The Peacock King smiled and said, "It seems you have nowhere to go now. Why not come with me?"
At present, Ye Fan truly had no choice. Only by following the Peacock King could he avoid the Ji Family turning back and repeating the same disaster.
A myriad of radiant lights and thousands of auspicious colors formed a hazy path that quickly extended to the horizon. The Peacock King led him onto it, and in the blink of an eye, they were far away.
After they left, the great city below erupted into uproar. Many cultivators soared into the sky. What had happened today was too shocking.
In the distant sky, the Ji Family members clenched their fists tightly. Some raised their heads and let out long howls, venting their fury.
In the Jin Kingdom, within the Qixia Mountain Range, a stretch of hills had been reduced to scorched earth, barren of life. Not long ago, the Peacock King had fought Nan Gong Yin here, turning the area into a wasteland.
Ye Fan hadn't expected that the Peacock King's secluded dwelling was deep within the Qixia Mountain Range. Leaving that scorched land and traveling another five hundred li brought them to the location.
Ahead, the terrain was steep, with jagged peaks rising, but it wasn't particularly beautiful. There was much mist and many marshes, with mountain streams and waterfalls visible everywhere.
Not far away stood a low, rocky mountain, very unremarkable, looking bare with only a few vines winding around (winding around) it.
When the Peacock King arrived here, he reached out and pointed. Countless stars appeared, and a patch of blue sky pressed down, shedding soft light. A portal immediately appeared on the rocky mountain.
Ye Fan stepped forward and followed him inside, walking through a dim passage.
Before long, a bright light appeared before them. The fresh scent of grass and trees drifted on the wind, and the melodious chirping of birds reached their ears.
A hidden paradise!
It was a world of fragrant flowers and singing birds, picturesque and poetic. The plants were lush green, the lakes clear, and the small rivers like jade belts. In the distance, rolling hills were faintly visible—a vivid world.
This was a self-contained space, isolated from the outside world, spanning about fifty li in circumference. Everything was fresh and natural.
"Are you satisfied?" the Peacock King asked with a smile.
"Senior, taking me in is a great kindness. I am very satisfied."
"This space was left by an ancient sage. When I discovered it, it was already badly damaged and on the verge of collapse. I later repaired it to this scale."
Creating a space—such an ability was astonishing. Ye Fan yearned for it.
"You can stay here for now. There are also some old acquaintances of yours here..."
After settling Ye Fan in, the Peacock King left the space, saying he was going to fetch an old friend.
This space was like a pure land. Various animals were unafraid of humans. Five-colored deer leisurely roamed the grassy meadows, and cranes circled overhead. They all brushed past, pushing their way through.
"It's not like last time, when I walked with you and they resented me for it. Honestly, you've nearly gotten me killed." Saying this, Ye Fan again pressed for news of Pang Bo.
"Don't worry, he's in no danger." Qin Yao didn't want to dwell on that topic.
In the following days, Qin Yao frequently appeared at the wooden hut, but unfortunately, she couldn't extract any information.
This space wasn't dark at night. It was hazy, as if moonlight was spilling down.
"Splash..."
Water splashed. In the small lake before the wooden hut, Qin Yao broke through the surface like a mermaid, tossing her black hair, crystalline droplets flying.
"What are you looking at, little brat?" Qin Yao chuckled softly. Her skin was like solidified fat (solidified fat), and she provocatively teased him from the water.
Ye Fan sat on the shore, finding the sight pleasing. He replied, "Watching a demoness bathe."
"Hehe..." Qin Yao laughed softly, her exquisite body faintly visible in the water. "According to reliable information, it seems you obtained a secret technique from the Ji Family, which is why they're hunting you. Is that true?"
Ye Fan was greatly alarmed. If outsiders learned of this, he wouldn't just face the Ji Family's pursuit—other major powers would also set their sights on him.
A seductive laugh came. Qin Yao broke through the water. Mist swirled around her jade-white body, graceful and alluring, faintly visible. With a spin, she quickly put on her clothes and walked across the waves.
A devilish figure, an angelic face, a swan-like neck, a slender waist, straight long legs—she swayed gracefully, her black hair lightly tossed, water droplets scattering. At this moment, she was truly a peerless seductress, exuding every charm.
Her bare shoulders were exposed, her gauzy skirt trailing on the ground, presenting an extremely alluring posture. Her two arms, white as snow and frost, shimmered with a captivating luster. Her body was faintly visible as she walked across the waves to stand before him.
"Still not telling me the truth?" She extended a slender jade hand, gently lifting Ye Fan's chin, licked her red lips, looking very sexy, her voice so sweet it made one's whole body tingle.
"There's really nothing to say. You're overthinking it. Also, don't try your beauty trap on me, or you'll lose your husband and your army, and gain nothing..."
Qin Yao was tall, with a round, slender waist, high peaks, and long legs. She laughed so much that her whole body shook, saying, "What does a little thing like you know?"
"You said that. Then I have nothing to worry about."
"What do you plan to do?" Qin Yao's big eyes sparkled as she asked provocatively.
As a modern man, Ye Fan was no longer a shy or innocent youth. Since she was provoking him, he wasn't afraid. He pulled Qin Yao's slender waist, feeling its warmth, and said with great aggression, "To prove I'm a man, not a little brat, today I'll have to go all out!"