Chapter 240: The Ancient Grounds of Yao Chi
After several attempts at probing, Ye Fan finally gained something, initially obtaining the information he wanted. The big black dog was not of an ancient race and seemed somewhat close to Emperor Wu Shi.
However, he also tasted the bitter fruit. In the days that followed, he was often bitten by the dog. The big black dog held a serious grudge, striking him with a bite at unexpected moments. Whether he was eating or going out, he had to be careful.
"Damn it, getting bitten by a dog every day. What kind of nonsense is this?" He was truly speechless. He had never seen a dog so vengeful.
A cultivator being bitten by a dog—if this got out, it would probably cause a wave of laughter. It was truly embarrassing.
If his physical body weren't comparable to divine iron, he wouldn't be able to withstand it. Even so, he had a few bruised spots on his body.
"Bite me again, and I'll skin you alive and eat dog meat." As soon as these words were spoken, disaster struck. For the next ten or so days, he couldn't find peace, as the big black dog frequently launched sneak attacks.
Ye Fan struck back several times, but he couldn't do anything to it. That glossy, pitch-black body was absurdly tough. His golden palm strikes thundered through the air but simply couldn't damage it.
"How did it temper its body? This is ridiculously excessive." The only thing he was grateful for was that, for some reason, the big black dog only knew how to bite and pounce; it couldn't use any spells, and couldn't even fly.
"How strange. Even an ordinary dog demon would know how to fly."
Ye Fan observed for over ten days. Every morning, the big black dog would circle Purple Mountain, then cultivate by absorbing the essence of the sun and moon. It had no other activities.
"Black Emperor, cultivating like this without even being able to fly—your supreme scripture isn't working well, is it?"
The big black dog glanced sideways at him and said, "My Dao is profound and unfathomable. My realm has returned to simplicity. What can you see? Stop scheming against me."
"Your broken scripture isn't even suitable for human cultivation. Why would I scheme for it?" Ye Fan felt this big dog was far too vigilant. Trying to pry anything more out of it would be harder than ascending to heaven.
"Don't think I don't know what you want..." The big black dog raised its massive head, full of arrogance. "I'm telling you, no chance. Give up now."
Ye Fan rubbed his chin, feeling that this old monster was truly impossible to deal with. It had lived too long and was sharper than any human.
"If you want to get your hands on an ancient scripture, it's not impossible. Just find me a piece of Divine Source to eat."
Ye Fan wanted to punch it. "Why don't you say you want me to dig up the Primordial Ancient Mine and bring you its Source? You want Divine Source? I've never even seen one!"
"Then no deal." The big black dog tilted its neck, glanced at him, and then swaggered away.
"Actually, I know the whereabouts of an ancient scripture from a Demon Emperor." Ye Fan said casually.
"You think such a cheap trick will work?" The big black dog showed disdain, not even turning its head, its bald tail held high as it left.
Ye Fan flicked his finger, sending a drop of blood flying, and said nothing as he walked in the opposite direction.
The big black dog shot back with a whoosh, baring its gleaming white teeth, blocking his path.
"Black Emperor, what do you want?"
"You've eaten the flesh and blood of a Demon Emperor, haven't you? I smell that supreme demonic blood." Its expression was hostile, richer than any human's.
"Do you think I'm as savage as you? I've never killed anything in my life."
"I'd have to be possessed to believe that!"
"Now do you believe me? That's the aura of a Demon Emperor. I really do know the whereabouts of a certain emperor's ancient scripture." Ye Fan coaxed.
"No wonder I always have the urge to swallow you. There's a trace of an emperor's essence blood in your body." The big black dog's fangs were menacing, its red tongue licking its lips.
"Black Emperor, what are you planning?"
"I want to eat you!" The big black dog opened its massive maw and suddenly charged. Ye Fan formed the Sun-Moon Seal and met it head-on, his golden palm vibrating, trying to knock the big dog down.
The place sounded like a blacksmith's forge, the noise deafening.
Two hours later, Ye Fan's arms were numb. He couldn't fight anymore and flew into the air, pulling out a robe to put on, because the big black dog's tearing and biting had nearly put him in a bad spot.
"Damn it, bitten by a dog again!" Ye Fan looked at the teeth marks on his body, truly at a loss for words. He doubted any cultivator had ever been chased and bitten by a dog like this.
The big black dog was also panting, its red tongue hanging out. "I believe you now. You really did refine an emperor's essence blood. Your skin is thick and tough—not tasty."
Ye Fan cursed his bad luck and turned to leave.
"Wait, we can talk. If you find me a piece of Divine Source, I'll tell you the whereabouts of an ancient scripture." The big black dog called from behind.
"Not interested!" Ye Fan didn't look back, flying toward the Stone Stockade. The big dog was clearly tempted, but it was still asking for the moon. Now he had to stay patient.
For the next two days, Black Emperor was very composed and didn't come looking for him. This finally gave him two days of peace, free from dog bites.
On the fourth day, the big black dog finally showed up. "Hey, kid, you're deliberately stringing me along, aren't you? We both want ancient scriptures. Let's sit down and talk now."
"Give me three pieces of Divine Source, and I'll tell you where the Demon Emperor's ancient scripture is."
"Woof..." The big black dog nearly pounced, glaring at him fiercely.
"Fine, one piece of Divine Source then." Ye Fan said unhurriedly.
"Kid, you're trying to extort me now? I'm telling you, not even half a piece of Divine Source. If you want a human ancient scripture, give me a piece of Divine Source." The big black dog ground its teeth.
"Dream on. I've never even seen what Divine Source looks like."
"Don't think I don't know. You got the Source Heaven Scroll. You'll definitely find Divine Source in the future."
"Even if I do, I won't give it to you." The first conversation ended in discord. Ye Fan and Black Emperor refused to budge.
The next day, the argument flared up again.
"Kid, give me one piece of Divine Source, and I'll tell you the whereabouts of an ancient scripture. Give me ten, and I'll recite half of one for you. Give me fifty, and I'll give you a complete one." Black Emperor coaxed.
"Why don't you just dive headfirst into the Primordial Ancient Mine? How many pieces of Divine Source are there in the Northern Domain? You open your mouth for ten, close it for fifty. Do you think it's a sweet potato?" Ye Fan's fingers turned faintly gold, itching to slap its dog head a few times.
"Don't say that. A supreme ancient scripture is priceless. How about this: you tell me where the Demon Emperor's scripture is..."
"You can reverse all of that. Use Divine Source to trade for the Demon Emperor's scripture." Ye Fan smiled.
"Woof, you're ruthless!" The big black dog's tone finally softened a bit. "Let's exchange the whereabouts of scriptures. That way, neither of us loses."
"I think I'm losing. You old monster is too cunning. Who knows if what you say is true or false?" Ye Fan took out the green, glossy Dark Turtle and played with it in his hand. He did this deliberately. This big dog had a strange origin, and he wanted to see if it could recognize anything.
The result exceeded his expectations. The big black dog's eyes immediately turned green. It pounced silently, a lightning-fast sneak attack with its jaws.
Even though Ye Fan was prepared, he still got bitten twice, but at least he managed to keep the Dark Turtle from being snatched, flying into the sky.
"Damn it, bitten by a dog again!" Ye Fan was furious. He really wanted to skin it and eat its meat.
"Kid, how are you talking? What do you mean 'bitten by a dog again'? That sounds like an insult to me." The big black dog demanded indignantly.
"Do you have any dog dignity? Always sneaking attacks. I've never seen such a despicable dog." Ye Fan felt awkward talking to a dog like this, but this dog was truly sly and wicked, no different from a cunning human.
"Kid, let me see that broken jade in your hand." The big black dog squinted at him.
"Let you see it? That would be like throwing a meat bun at a dog—gone forever. Don't even think about it." Ye Fan stood in the air.
The big black dog was very unhappy with the "meat bun at a dog" comment. Its face darkened. "Isn't it just a piece of broken jade? You're so stingy. It just looks a bit like a sacred artifact I used to wear. If you won't show it, fine. No deal."
It acted completely indifferent and swaggered off.
Ye Fan realized this big black dog was truly sly, even more cunning than a human. "Black Emperor, don't pretend. Do you really think I don't know what this is? How can you say 'broken jade'? It's a Divine Source shell."
The big black dog froze instantly, then turned around. "Nonsense. I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ye Fan sneered. "Keep pretending."
Black Emperor stopped walking and slowly paced back. "It's just a Divine Source shell. There's not much essence left in it. How about this: I'll barely count it as half a piece of Divine Source. You find another half, and I'll tell you the whereabouts of the ancient scripture."
"I've never seen such a sly dog. Stop pretending. I know there's a shocking great secret sealed inside." Ye Fan's lips curled slightly as he spoke slowly. "I brought this out from a magnificent temple in the Primordial Forbidden Zone. I think you recognize it. If you want it, trade it for an ancient scripture."
"Stop joking. You? Enter the Primordial Forbidden Zone? Any random creature there could devour you." The big black dog held its head high.
Ye Fan shook the green jade in his hand. "This was enshrined on a divine altar in an ancient temple. Even the Great Luo Silver Essence had decayed, but this remained completely intact."
"Really? Let me see it more clearly." The big black dog moved closer.
"You're planning another sneak bite, aren't you?!" Ye Fan flew higher into the sky.
In the following days, Ye Fan and Black Emperor bickered endlessly. He felt this dog was too troublesome. He really wanted to kill it and make hotpot, but unfortunately, this big black dog was indestructible, with a life tougher than his own.
It wasn't until half a month later that he couldn't take it anymore. He had no patience left for haggling and wanted to leave the Stone Stockade. Just then, the big black dog finally relented.
"Kid, you're ruthless. This is the first time in my life I've given in to someone. I'll point you to a path to find a scripture. Whether you get it depends on your luck."
This dog's words couldn't be trusted. Ye Fan's forehead was full of black lines. "Don't give me that useless talk. I only want the Western Emperor Scripture. If you can't produce it, say nothing. I'm leaving now, and you'll never see this green jade Dark Turtle again in your life."
The big black dog's expression shifted between uncertainty. "Kid, you're too harsh. Why should I take you to find the scripture first? I have to wait until you get it before I get anything? That's terribly unfair."
"I have a reputation for reliability. Yours... I can't see it!"
"Kid, what do you mean? You're slandering me!"
"We'll meet again if fate allows!" Ye Fan turned to leave.
"Young people have no patience. Fine, I'll take you to find the Western Emperor Scripture." The big black dog said viciously, "But let's be clear: if you get something, you must give me that green jade Dark Turtle!"
"No problem." Ye Fan nodded in agreement.
"And you have to tell me the whereabouts of the Demon Emperor's ancient scripture too." The big black dog added.
"That's also negotiable."
"Kid, you agreed so readily. Is there a trick?" The big black dog was suspicious.
"I really wonder if you're a black dog or a black fox."
"Insult me again, and you'll see!" Black Emperor threatened.
The big black dog was only slightly obedient to Zhang Fifth Master. It raised its bald tail in farewell and left with Ye Fan.
Crackle, crackle. Ye Fan once again used the Heaven-Shifting Earth-Transforming Art, transforming into a different young man's appearance, his features completely changed.
The big black dog sneered disdainfully from the side. "I can tell you've done terrible things. You even have to travel like this. What heinous crimes have you committed?"
"Stop showing off. Hurry up and take me to find the Western Emperor Scripture." Ye Fan felt this big black dog was really hard to deal with.
"First, take me to the nearby cities for a look." Black Emperor held its head high, scanning the reddish-brown earth.
"Why go to the cities for no reason? We're not sightseeing. We're looking for the Western Emperor Scripture. Didn't you say that when the Western Emperor Mother first created the scripture, she carved it on a cliff?"
"I've been in seclusion for years. The mountains and rivers have changed. I can't remember that clearly. I need to look around carefully to find the location." The big black dog's bald tail was held high, looking very aloof.
"How long have you lived? The landscape has changed dramatically... What a boast!" Ye Fan glared at it.
Even a Divine King could only live a few thousand years, and others had even shorter lifespans.
"Don't worry. After I look around, I'm sure I can find that cliff." The big black dog ran forward like a black lightning bolt.
In the following days, they visited over thirty cities. The big black dog wandered around, clearly just sightseeing.
"Kid, you've really done terrible things. Look, your portrait is posted in this city. A reward of a thousand catties of Source!"
In an ancient city called "Long Wind," Ye Fan saw his own image. Without a doubt, it was a wanted notice issued by the Ji Family and Yaoguang, posted by someone.
The immortal-slaying wanted notice—he had seen it at Old Bald Head's place. It was exactly the same.
"When I have free time, I'll kill all the younger generation who entered the Northern Domain."
"You want to use them as practice after getting the Western Emperor Scripture, right?" The big black dog saw through his thoughts.
"Haven't you found the location yet? Don't tell me you forgot." Ye Fan said darkly.
"I'm starting to remember. We can set out." The big black dog gave a definite answer.
After traveling for several days, Ye Fan felt something was wrong. The big black dog was leading him toward the Primordial Ancient Mine.
"Are you sure you haven't mistaken the way? This is the way to the Primordial Ancient Mine."
"That's right. This is the way to the ancient grounds of Yao Chi." The big black dog replied.
Ye Fan had heard something about this. The ancient grounds of Yao Chi were over ten thousand li from the Primordial Ancient Mine. Later, the entire sect moved. But now, no one knew where the so-called ancient grounds of Yao Chi were. No one could find them.
It was said that when Yao Chi withdrew, they completely sealed the area.
Around the Primordial Ancient Mine, the vast, boundless region was all mining areas. The big black dog, like an old horse knowing the way, observed the mountains and terrain, constantly detouring, passing through the holy lands' mining areas, and leading Ye Fan deep into the reddish-brown earth.
"Why did Yao Chi withdraw?" Ye Fan asked.
In fact, many ancient texts recorded that Yao Chi was ten thousand li from the Primordial Ancient Mine, without mentioning any relocation.
"No one knows the exact reason."
Moonlight was like water. Ye Fan and Black Emperor had been traveling through the uninhabited region for over ten days, yet they still hadn't found the so-called Yao Chi ruins.
"That's not right. The ancient grounds of Yao Chi had beautiful mountains and scenery, an oasis. It should be in this area. Why is it gone?" The big black dog was puzzled.
Under the moonlight, the red earth stretched endlessly, vast and empty. There were no mountains, not even large rocks to be seen.
Black Emperor looked up at the bright moon, then at the blood-colored earth. "This place is sealed. Kid, hurry up and search. If we enter a world of flowers and birds, we might find a great opportunity."
Suddenly, Ye Fan's heart jolted. He saw a white figure flying up from the distant horizon.
"Yao Chi Flying Immortal!" The big black dog's eyes shot out two divine beams. "It seems we've come to the right place. We must find the sealed ancient grounds of Yao Chi. I want to see why they withdrew."