Chapter 403: The World's Attention
Since arriving in this world, Ye Fan had spent every moment in displacement and flight, struggling for survival. Now, at last, he could face the Holy Lands with calm.
In the past few days, he had accepted invitations from many major powers, constantly attending banquets and mingling among numerous cultivators. With the Divine King stepping forward to support him, his situation had completely changed.
What were the warmth and coldness of human relationships, the fickleness of the world? Only those who had experienced it could understand. The same person, merely because of the Divine King's protection, had suddenly become entirely different.
"Woof... Awooo..." The big black dog was dead drunk, barking like a dog under the moonlight one moment, then howling like a wolf the next, startling countless water birds.
This was a tranquil little lake. Water plants mixed with the scent of soil, with no fine trees planted nearby, nor pavilions or halls to adorn it—only pristine nature.
Water plants, wild birds, pond fish—it had a rustic, countryside flavor. In Divine City, it was definitely an unconventional spot. Though lacking elegant scenery, it was deeply loved by some cultivators.
"Facing wine, I sing a song. How many are the days of life..." Ye Fan sang loudly.
"Better to get thoroughly drunk..." Li Heishui swayed, raising his cup to the moon, nearly tumbling into the lake.
"You're really dark..." The big black dog, bleary-eyed, tilted its head to look at him.
"Damn it, you dead dog, how many times have you said that? Looking for a beating?!" Li Heishui roared in anger.
Everyone around burst into laughter. The atmosphere was joyful and lively as people clinked glasses and enjoyed their drinks.
In recent days, such social engagements were unavoidable. Many major powers extended olive branches, mostly sending their younger generation to win him over.
Today, the Holy Son of Dayan, Xiang Yifei, along with disciples from several major sects second only to the Holy Lands, had invited him. Ye Fan naturally didn't refuse, bringing Li Heishui and Tu Fei along.
It wasn't until late at night that the lakeside gathering dispersed, and Xiang Yifei and the others departed.
In the latter half of the night, Divine City was still brightly lit. It was an ancient city that never knew loneliness.
Moonlight scattered down like a thin mist spreading.
"I look forward to you breaking the curse. Otherwise, even if I capture you, I won't be able to refine medicine." At that moment, a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old youth walked over from across the way, robes fluttering like a banished immortal treading on waves.
He was dressed in pure white, spotless, with glossy black hair, skin as white as snow, eyes like black gems, red lips, and white teeth—extremely handsome, with a beauty that would make women jealous.
It was the young prodigy Xia Jiuyou. He stared at Ye Fan and said, "I'll wait for you at the Four Extremes. The Divine King has decreed that then the younger generation can fight you to the death. If I kill you then, the Divine King will have nothing to say!"
"Are you a brat or a little girl?" Black Emperor, reeking of alcohol, spoke without restraint.
Xia Jiuyou snorted coldly, reaching out a snow-white hand to grab the big black dog, intending to imprison it.
"Woof!" The big black dog's jet-black, glossy fur stood on end. Sensing danger, it opened its mouth to bite.
"Boom!"
The void trembled. A mysterious ancient stele materialized, adhering to Xia Jiuyou's fingertip, pressing down toward Black Emperor.
"Clang..."
Black Emperor spat out a large bell from its mouth, blocking the ancient stele covered in Dao patterns. A resonant, lingering tone rang out, traveling dozens of li and startling many cultivators.
It had to be said, Xia Jiuyou truly possessed a heaven-defying talent, rare since ancient times. Though very young, he was already a peak figure among the younger generation. He was definitely...
"An Miaoyi is choosing a husband. Little Leaf has a chance."
"Really?!" Tu Fei's eyes immediately widened. He screamed, "Ye Fan, I challenge you to a duel!"
"Don't listen to his nonsense." Ye Fan shook his head.
Li Heishui said, "Last time, Ye Fan fell from grace, and An Miaoyi decisively abandoned him. This time is completely different. With the Peerless Divine King backing him, if he breaks the curse, he can rival a Great Emperor in the future. He's definitely more advantageous than the other Holy Sons. If he enters the Four Extremes Secret Realm, there's no need to overthink it—An Miaoyi will definitely choose Ye Fan."
"Ye Fan, I'm going to fight you to the death!" Tu Fei screamed again.
"However, I think An Miaoyi might have already discovered a powerful young king. Ye Fan will have competition." Li Heishui said.
"You two, say something useful. I'm thinking about the trials of breaking through. There will definitely be stormy waves—it won't pass smoothly." Ye Fan was deep in thought.
On the ninth day, the Peerless Divine King returned, appearing once more in Divine City!
The White-Robed Divine King had been away for nine days, and many rumors spread across the Eastern Wasteland. Many had seen his lonely figure.
During these nine days, he had carried Caiyun Fairy's corpse, walking from place to place, all the regions they had once traveled together.
The Peerless Divine King revisited old grounds, reliving past emotions. But alas, the beloved was gone, leaving only the Divine King alone in sorrow.
On the day the Divine King returned, the entire ancient city shook. Everyone was waiting, quietly anticipating the Sacred Body's breakthrough.
The Holy Lands of the Eastern Wasteland paid close attention. The eyes of everyone on this land were focused here, all gazing from afar.
From the four Undying Imperial Dynasties of the Central Province, as well as the Hundred Schools of Thought, people had all arrived, solely to observe the ceremony.