Chapter 326: The Bell of Purple Mountain Rings
Ye Fan’s heart suddenly leaped. He didn’t want An Miaoyi to bring up the Primordial Saint Body, so he kept silent, listening to the others’ discussions.
“I once heard that the bitter sea of a Saint Body is golden, not lifeless, possessing incomparably vast divine power,” someone said.
“I also saw a few scattered words in an ancient text. Their Dao Palace does not give birth to a deity; all Dao power is used to nourish their own body,” another person added.
Two people spoke in succession. Ye Fan was surprised—these people were indeed knowledgeable, knowing even this. He himself hadn’t understood that the Dao Palace would be like this and had previously worried that his cultivation had gone wrong.
Xu Heng, dressed in black clothes with skin as white as jade, was like a divine sword hidden in its sheath, his sharpness concealed. “This type of physique, once it reaches great accomplishment, its blood is comparable to divine medicine. The notes of ancient alchemists record that it is priceless and invaluable.”
“I would like to hear Brother Xu elaborate. Miaoyi is all ears.” An Miaoyi’s long eyelashes trembled slightly, her large, spirited eyes looking over.
Xu Heng had a significant background. His grandfather, Xu Tianxiong, was even more terrifying than the great power Azure Flood Dragon King, being the third great bandit of the Northern Domain. His family’s learning was profound.
His temperament was somewhat cold. Even his smile was like frost-carved ice. “That was something my grandfather inadvertently saw on a stone wall.”
Xu Tianxiong was a man of great fortune. Over a thousand years ago, he had already made a name in the Northern Domain. He once saw the notes of a Primordial alchemist on a cliff.
In ancient times, a Great Accomplishment Primordial Saint Body bestowed half a bowl of sacred blood, which an alchemist refined with herbs into a pill. Not only did it revive a dying man, but that person later broke through a major secret realm.
“Such divine effects?” Many were moved.
“Before the Primordial era, the land was chaotic. Even the Primordial Saint Body had days of continuous battle…” A man in golden battle clothes spoke. His skin was wheat-colored, his face chiseled and angular.
This man was named Jin Chixiao, the heir of the Golden Clan of the Northern Plains. He was extremely powerful, his status comparable to that of the Great Xia Prince. He had also seen related records.
In ancient times, the Great Accomplishment Primordial Saint Body used his own blood to revive many friends who were severely injured and dying. This was recorded in ancient texts—ten drops of blood could bring the dead back to life and regrow flesh from bones!
“Before the Primordial era, was the land truly chaotic?” An Miaoyi’s gaze rippled as she looked at Jin Chixiao.
“Indeed, it was very chaotic. Demons and monsters ran rampant, but they were eventually suppressed by the Saint Body and the ancient Great Emperors,” Jin Chixiao said.
Beside him, a man in purple clothes sneered. He was imposing, noble beyond words, and his eyes were deeper than the starry sky. “Demons and monsters running rampant? I think it was ancient creatures that hadn’t died out, wreaking havoc across the land!”
He was Yao Yuekong, the young master of the Heavenly Demon Palace, hailing from the western part of the Eastern Wasteland. This ancient demon palace was indestructible through countless kalpas, passed down from ancient times to the present, comparable to the Holy Lands.
“Yao Yuekong, what do you mean by that?” Jin Chixiao asked coldly, his sword-like brows rising.
“Just now, you said that during the Primordial era, the land was in chaos and the demon race ran rampant. I’m asking you what you mean by that!” Yao Yuekong’s purple clothes fluttered, rustling in the wind. He sat there, unmoving, but exuded an oppressive aura.
The ancient demon palace intimidated the world. From ancient times to the present, countless powerful demon kings had emerged from it. It was said that even the Azure Flood Dragon King had come from this palace.
Yao Yuekong’s status was supremely noble, and his strength was naturally astonishing.
“Isn’t what I said true?” Jin Chixiao retorted, unafraid, as he too had a significant background.
The Golden Clan was based in the Northern Plains but bordered the Northern Domain of the Eastern Wasteland. It was said that they had originally left the Eastern Wasteland, and there were even rumors that they were descendants of ancient creatures, carrying the golden blood of the Primordial era.
This lineage’s position in the Northern Plains was like that of the immortal imperial dynasty Great Xia in the Central Province—unshakable. Naturally, they could contend with the people of the Heavenly Demon Palace.
Yao Yuekong snorted coldly. “In ancient times, ancient creatures stirred up trouble and were suppressed by the ancient Great Emperors. Some families had no choice but to flee to the Northern Plains, leaving the Eastern Wasteland.”
The two had already fought a great battle not long ago, harboring deep grudges. Now, they were at daggers drawn, and it was very likely they would engage in a life-or-death duel again.
Ye Fan was deeply shocked. He gradually caught the meaning and was surprised to learn that the Golden Clan and the Heavenly Demon Palace had such ancient and mysterious origins.
“Yao Yuekong, we are the Golden Royal Clan among the human race. Don’t you dare slander us!”
“Some ancient creatures once stirred up trouble, but now they call themselves the Golden Royal Clan among humans!”
Though they were great enemies, the two didn’t intend to come to blows. They soon calmed down, not wanting to give others a show.
An Miaoyi personally poured wine, then with a turn of her jade hand, two jade cups flew to Jin Chixiao and Yao Yuekong respectively.
“Miaoyi toasts both young masters. There’s no need for a contest of pride. Please drink this wine.”
Despite some tension, no one would make a fuss in such a setting. They wouldn’t turn hostile, so both drank the wine.
Someone beside them asked, “Brother Yuekong, the Heavenly Demon Palace has endured through the ages, producing many great demons in the past. During the Primordial era, they fought against the Saint Body. How much do you know about that?”
Yao Yuekong’s black hair danced lightly, his expression calm. “Although the demon race fought wars with the human race, that is long past. Now we coexist peacefully. The grudges of old have been buried in history.”
“Brother Yuekong, don’t misunderstand. I meant no harm.” That person quickly stood up and cupped his hands. In his view, the Heavenly Demon Palace was even more terrifying than the Holy Lands.
An Miaoyi smiled faintly, her jade-like teeth gleaming with crystalline luster, her bright eyes holding poetic charm. “Brother Yuekong, don’t mind. Miaoyi also wanted to ask this question. We truly wish to understand the Primordial Saint Body.”
Ye Fan was puzzled. Why was this woman so interested in the Saint Body?
“A Saint Body at great accomplishment is invincible…” This was the evaluation of the Primordial Saint Body by Yao Yuekong’s ancestors.
During the Primordial era, the demon race was at its peak. The Heavenly Demon Palace, if not ruling the world, came close. Great demons emerged in succession, but their battles with the Saint Body came at the cost of blood. Demon race giants fell continuously, nearly leading to their extinction.
“The Saint Body can overcome all divine phenomena. All domain laws are ineffective against him. In a life-or-death battle, he moves as if through an unguarded land.”
Most of those present were Holy Son-level figures. Some had cultivated ancient divine phenomena, allowing them to fight across secret realms. If they encountered a Saint Body, all of this would be useless—a disconcerting piece of news.
Ye Fan felt uneasy. These people, with every word, were digging out his secrets. This was not a good sign.
Yao Yuekong didn’t reveal more. “Hasn’t someone among the Holy Lands cultivated a Primordial Saint Body before?” He glanced at Xiang Yifei and the Holy Son of Wanchu.
Others also spoke up. “We’ve heard rumors, but we don’t know the details.”
Everyone’s gaze focused on Xiang Yifei and the Holy Son of Wanchu. An Miaoyi personally poured wine for them. “Brother Xiang, can you enlighten us?”
“That was tens of thousands of years ago. Unfortunately, it ultimately failed,” Xiang Yifei said.
The Dayan Holy Land, tens of thousands of years ago, had accidentally discovered a Saint Body. They spent a million jin of Source to help him advance to the fifth heaven of the Dao Palace.
“It was a bottomless pit. Although Dayan could afford ten million jin of Source, it would have severely drained their vitality. Many seniors speculated that even if they helped him break into the Four Extremes Secret Realm, he might encounter other unimaginable difficulties.”
“Later, what fate befell that Saint Body?” someone asked. This was the question everyone cared about most.
Xiang Yifei did not answer, remaining silent.
“I heard that Saint Body was quite pitiful,” Xu Heng said indifferently.
“In the past, although a Holy Land could afford ten million jin of Source, they saw no hope, so they naturally stopped,” Xiang Yifei said.
“Now, the Holy Lands have opened many Source mines in the Northern Domain. If they spent ten million jin of Source again, it wouldn’t drain their vitality at all,” someone remarked.
“Unfortunately, it’s not worth it. Who knows if the Saint Body will face further shackles after entering the Four Extremes? No one is willing to gamble heavily,” the Holy Son of Wanchu shook his head.
Li Heishui stirred things up. “Now, isn’t there a Primordial Saint Body? I think the Holy Lands should consider it—cultivate an invincible expert for the world.”
Many did not respond. What a terrible idea. Not to mention the enmity between Ye Fan and Yao Guang, the fact that he wasn’t a disciple raised by the Holy Lands from childhood was enough to reject it outright.
“Fairy An, why are you so interested in the Saint Body?” Ye Fan suddenly spoke.
“Miaoyi is wholeheartedly devoted to the Dao. I wish to understand its origin and grasp its essence. I saw in a senior’s notes that the Saint Body is close to the Great Dao, so naturally, I want to learn more,” she said.
The Great Xia Prince laughed heartily. “The Saint Body, once renowned throughout the world. I increasingly look forward to him breaking the curse and entering the Four Extremes Secret Realm.”
An Miaoyi suddenly stood up, her jade-like figure graceful. She walked to a jade table and picked up a small bronze cauldron. “Everyone, Miaoyi would like to ask you to take a look. What is the origin of this object?”
This small cauldron was covered in green rust, engraved with images of fish, insects, birds, and beasts. It was very ancient, but it had no divine power, and its Dao patterns seemed damaged.
Everyone’s expression shifted. An Miaoyi wouldn’t casually show them something. She had invited them in tonight most likely for this object.
One by one, they stepped forward and examined it, but none saw anything unusual.
When Ye Fan held it in his hand, his heart suddenly leaped. He saw a familiar mark on the cauldron—a ghost face.
An artifact left by that Ruthless Person!
Jiang Yifei, dressed in white, transcendent and refined, with a jade-like demeanor, had said nothing the entire time. Only when he took the small cauldron from Ye Fan did his expression freeze.
“Fairy An, where did you obtain this?”
“Brother Jiang, your family’s learning is indeed profound. You must know what it represents.” An Miaoyi’s gaze was like water as she looked at Jiang Yifei.
“A mark left by a Great Emperor,” Yao Yuekong, the young master of the Heavenly Demon Palace, said, his heart also trembling.
“Behind you all are the most ancient traditions of the Eastern Wasteland. Truly knowledgeable. Miaoyi admires you,” An Miaoyi said with a smile.
“Fairy An, are you trying to tell us that this artifact can lead to finding that half of an Extreme Weapon?” Jiang Yifei asked calmly.
An Miaoyi nodded. “Yes, but it requires the Divine Body, the Saint Body, and the Heavenly Demon Body to come together. Only then might it be possible to obtain that half of the Extreme Weapon.”
“Dong…”
Suddenly, a bell tolled, resounding through heaven and earth. Everyone was greatly startled, their bodies shaking.
“What is that sound?!”
In that instant, the entire Holy City was alarmed. The sound, like a great bell or a giant chime, echoed throughout the Divine City.
Suddenly, Jiang Yifei’s face changed. “Someone has crossed the void and entered the Primordial Dao Platform of the Holy City. But… only the Saint Lords can do that!”
“What happened?!” All the young people present changed color.
At the same time, the entire Holy City fell into chaos. No one could remain calm.
Ye Fan’s heart trembled. He had heard that bell sound before and would never forget it in his lifetime. It was the bell from within Purple Mountain!
A Saint Lord had crossed the void, surely coming from Purple Mountain. The bell’s waves had even reached here!
What had happened at Purple Mountain? Had the Saint Lords fled to the Holy City?