Chapter 522: Encounter
Immortal Emperor, legend said he had nearly surpassed the gods, so fantastical that even the ancient races could not confirm whether he had ever existed.
Was the Immortal Mountain truly manifested by him? That seemed unlikely. He had already passed away in the ancient era, impossible to have lived into later ages.
Immortality was ethereal and elusive. Even the ancient emperors could not achieve eternal life; they too had their time of sitting in meditation and passing away. The Holy Prince's father was such an example—having endured endless ages, his age terrifyingly ancient and extreme, yet he too failed to achieve everlasting life.
"The Immortal Daoist..." Ye Fan thought of the Immortal Daoist on the Sacred Cliff.
That precipitous cliff had been severed from the Immortal Mountain. The death of the Great Accomplishment Saint Body was likely related to it, later suppressed by Emperor Wu Shi using the God-Sealing List.
From this, one could discern the terrifying and unparalleled nature of the Immortal Daoist. He must have been an invincible existence capable of contending with the ancient great emperors; otherwise, such achievements would have been impossible.
"The Immortal Emperor could never be him. If he truly existed, he would be a powerhouse who nearly surpassed the gods!" the Holy Prince said.
After hearing everything about the Sacred Cliff, he made this judgment. In his words, he held the Immortal Emperor in the highest esteem.
"He is the god in the hearts of countless ancient races. Above the heavens and below the earth, no one can defeat him," the Holy Prince sighed.
His father was an ancient emperor who, after enduring endless ages and dominating the entire ancient era, still died before his eyes, his lifespan exhausted.
Having witnessed the fall of a generation of the Battle Saint Emperor, he knew his father had shaken the past and present, unmatched by anyone, yet he still believed the Immortal Emperor was stronger.
This was because the Immortal Emperor was the deity in the hearts of the ancient races, too illusory to confirm his existence, completely mythologized by people, nearly requiring worship.
"Most likely, someone held the Immortal Emperor in such high esteem that they named the Immortal Mountain after him. The beings dwelling there might have some connection to him, perhaps having inherited his legacy," the Holy Prince said.
"A pity, a lament. Even such great existences as the Battle Saint Emperor and the Immortal Emperor could not become immortals, worn away by the passage of time!"
"Isn't it the same for the ancient great emperors of the human race? In the end, they too fell one after another."
"How astonishing and terrifying the Ruthless Great Emperor was, looking down on the mortal world, unmatched through the ages. In the end, she even transformed into a divine fetus, living far longer than ordinary great emperors, yet she still vanished into the river of time."
"Yes, so many outstanding talents have turned to dust. Emperor Wu Shi, unparalleled in ancient and modern times, striding proudly across the universe, ultimately could not withstand the years and sat in meditation within the Purple Mountain."
All of them were deeply moved. No matter how great the ancient emperors or sovereigns, not a single one could survive—this in itself was a profound sorrow.
Immortality, so desperately desired yet unattainable. How many races, over countless ages, had produced the most remarkable and supreme figures, yet none could break the shackles of fate.
Little Nannan tugged at Ye Fan's sleeve, looking up with her childish face, and asked softly, "Big brother, what are deities?"
"They are also an ethereal and elusive existence, much like immortals. Perhaps they are ancient, most powerful individuals who were deified, giving rise to legends," Ye Fan replied.
"Why can't we confirm whether they exist?" the little one's eyelashes fluttered, her big eyes clear and pure.
"Yes, precisely because they cannot be understood, shrouded in a veil of mystery, various legends have emerged, evolving into such titles," Ye Fan patted her head and said, "Perhaps immortals and deities were artificially created in this way."
"The theory of no immortals..." The Holy Prince's eyes dimmed slightly as he thought of his father again.
The Battle Saint Emperor, one of the most powerful existences throughout history, known for contending with the heavens, pressing down on the sun and moon, plucking stars with a flick of his finger, yet he too regretted and ended his life because of immortality.
"Supreme beings do not revere immortals, but in the end, having no faith is also a kind of sorrow..." These were the final words of the Holy Prince's father.
"From now on, Nannan will believe that big brother is a god. Will big brother then evolve into a true spirit?" Little Nannan blinked her big eyes, speaking whimsically.
The Big Black Dog muttered something that no one heard clearly, but Ye Fan's heart stirred. Little Nannan was a divine infant—what was her true origin?
They asked the Holy Prince many questions, but unfortunately, he was too young back then and had limited understanding. He was not a pure living fossil and could not provide more answers.
"In the past, we always grouped the ancient emperors and royal clans together as ancient kings. Now we realize there is a distinction—only a few ancient emperors existed."
"The Ancient Forbidden Land..." The Holy Prince frowned. After hearing their description of its exact location, he seemed to recall something.
Before the ancient era, this forbidden zone of life did not exist; it evolved later. He pondered for a long while before saying, "If I'm not mistaken, the mysterious ancient human race appeared there."
In ancient times, the Ancient Forbidden Land was highly enigmatic, said to be connected to the outer realms, possibly linked to the Ziwei Ancient Star Domain, hiding an ancient path.
Ye Fan's heart stirred. Beneath the Primordial Abyss, there was indeed a Five-Colored Altar, undoubtedly an ancient stellar path. Had it existed for such a long time?
"The world is about to fall into chaos. Without strong power, one cannot stand firm in the future. Human kings appear simultaneously, the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion reopens, ancient races are returning, and sacred spirits are about to emerge. This is truly a chaotic era," the Big Black Dog muttered.
Hearing this, everyone felt the pressure. The future would definitely be a world for the strong; ordinary cultivators would likely be insignificant.
If all those races appeared, who knew what kind of prosperous age it would be? Perhaps there would even be a shocking battle between emperors and sovereigns!
"Since ancient times, never have two great emperors been born in the same era, but this time, it seems somewhat uncertain..."
"We're talking too far ahead. In the present, only one sage has appeared."
Talking as they walked, they strolled through the pure land of the Jade Pool, not in a hurry to return to the Purple Bamboo Grove where they were staying.
The Jade Pool was vast, with various terrains. Crossing a hilly area, they arrived at a scenic group of lakes.
Here, numerous lakes lay like mirrors, crystal clear and shimmering, reflecting soft light. Each small lake was transparent and bright, filled with strange fish and auspicious beasts.
By the lakeside, the scenery was picturesque. Weeping willows hung like mist, divine trees sparkled, flowers bloomed brilliantly, petals fell like rain, and fragrant scents wafted through the air.
This place had many lakes, beautiful as poetry. Some outstanding talents of the younger generation were strolling here, making friends and chatting.
As soon as they arrived, Ye Fan and his group spotted several holy maidens, each surrounded by some young men, becoming the center of attention.
"Are these guys trying to poach from those holy sons?" Liu Kou muttered, his eyes darting around.
"Don't cause trouble!" Wu Zhongtian warned.
"What are they worth? They're nothing compared to Little Leaf. For the sake of birthing a Innate Saint Body Dao Fetus and cultivating a second Wu Shi, he directly killed the Holy Son of Zi Mansion. That's fierce and unstoppable. Their little squabbles are nothing."
"How does everything get twisted when it comes out of your mouths?" Ye Fan glared at them a few times.
"We're telling the truth. Emperor Wu Shi was so powerful that before becoming an emperor, he could catch extreme imperial weapons with his bare hands. Who in history has ever done that?" Jiang Huairen said.
"If there's a chance to raise such a descendant, I'd snatch the child's mother even if I had to rob her!" Li Heishui said.
"Villain, Black Water... such names... Your grandfathers really had foresight, already predicting your temperaments," Ye Fan teased.
"Little Leaf, we're doing this for your own good. A second Emperor Wu Shi—this is the first time there's been a chance to replicate it!" Liu Kou shouted.
"Damn it!" The Big Black Dog was very displeased to hear this, but in the end, he nodded, saying, "It's a rare opportunity, very worth considering. To bring about such a physique, this emperor will go all out, send him into the Purple Mountain, and in the future, he'll sweep through all the kings!"
Ahead, a young man radiated holy light, his hair strands sparkling—it was the Holy Son Yao Guang. He dominated the younger generation of the Eastern Wasteland, as radiant as the midday sun.
Beside him were many female disciples from great sects, as well as male followers, surrounding him like stars around the moon.
"Brother Ye..." The Holy Son Yao Guang looked over, then parted the crowd and walked this way.
Those beautiful women and a few male followers all showed surprise. They were disciples of great sects and naturally knew everything Ye Fan had done.
Currently, the only one who had consecutively killed holy sons, almost overpowering the younger generation of the Eastern Wasteland. Those who could contend with him now numbered fewer than five fingers.
These people were all a bit nervous facing Ye Fan. This clean-looking youth seemed harmless, but he was absolutely a god of slaughter!
This was a kind of prestige. Ye Fan now subtly intimidated the vast majority of the younger generation in the Eastern Wasteland, giving them a strong sense of pressure.
"I heard you've also been targeted by the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty. We've become brothers in misfortune," Ye Fan laughed.
"I really don't know who wants to kill me." The Holy Son Yao Guang shook his head, his smile undiminished, his whole body radiating golden light.
"Haven't they already failed? They really want to smash their own signboard, don't they? The Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty is nothing special!" Ye Fan said.
"Brother Ye's cultivation is unfathomable. Perhaps you'll truly make the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty lose face." The Holy Son Yao Guang smiled, then said, "But don't be careless. In recent days, they've already killed twenty-nine senior figures in a row, including a sect master, without a single failure."
"Is that so?" Ye Fan's heart tightened.
"Earlier, they misjudged you, mainly focusing on tempering the younger generation. If they keep failing, they will surely send out senior kings to mercilessly eliminate you."
The disciples of those great sects, mainly women, quietly watched the two talk. None dared to interrupt, all showing a hint of reverence.
If these two fought, who would live and who would die, who was stronger and who weaker, no one could determine. But the victor would definitely contend for the position of the number one figure among the younger generation of the Eastern Wasteland!
At this moment, in everyone's eyes, both wore smiles without any hostility, making it hard for sparks to fly and ignite a battle.
"Brother Ye..." Xiang Yifei, the Holy Son of Da Yan, walked over with a smile. Beside him were the Holy Son of Dao Yi and several heirs of top-tier great sects.
Murderous intent surged in Ye Fan's heart. That night, Xiang Yifei had definitely appeared, wanting to strike but ultimately not entering the Primordial Slaughter Formation.
He detested such people who were gentlemen in public but venomous behind their backs. However, he put on a brilliant smile on his face, concealing his killing intent.
"Xiang Yifei, long time no see," Wu Zhongtian said, a hint of a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth. They all knew that this person had appeared that night.
Xiang Yifei didn't mind. He stepped forward alongside the Holy Son of Dao Yi, very composed, greeting everyone.
Ye Fan also smiled hypocritically, responding warmly, exchanging pleasantries with the heirs of several top-tier great sects.
"A pity. The Holy Son of Zi Mansion and the Holy Son of Wan Chu. Those two brothers will never appear again," Xiang Yifei shook his head.
"Unexpected that they would provoke Brother Ye," the Holy Son of Dao Yi also sighed.
Ye Fan and his group were startled, not expecting them to bring up this matter voluntarily, unclear of their intentions.
On the other side, the Holy Son Yao Guang smiled but said nothing.
The other disciples of great sects, upon hearing this, began to discuss, probing Ye Fan indirectly. But no one dared to ask directly, as it was too sensitive.
"Hmph!"
A cold snort rang out. By the lakeside in the distance, several old men coldly swept their gazes this way, fixing on Ye Fan.
"Damn it!" Ye Fan's heart turned cold.
The Holy Son of Da Yan and the Holy Son of Dao Yi had merely hinted at it, sparking discussions among others, while they themselves said nothing more. And in the distance, several supreme elders from Zi Mansion and Wan Chu happened to pass by—too much of a coincidence.
"Are you that sacred body?" An old man in purple robes, his face cold, stared at him.
"That's right, it's me," Ye Fan replied calmly.
Now, everyone knew that Ye Fan had killed the Holy Son of Zi Mansion and the Holy Son of Wan Chu, though no one pointed it out directly, as those two had concealed their true appearances when they went to kill Ye Fan.
"A hero emerges from youth!" Another old man's voice was icy cold, with clear murderous intent.
"I wouldn't dare to claim that," Ye Fan said calmly, looking indifferent.
At that moment, the expressions of the several old men grew even darker. The holy sons of both their sects had been eliminated by the person before them, filling them with boundless rage.
For the two holy lands, this was a disgrace!
Yet, they couldn't openly kill Ye Fan here, not daring to do so, especially with an ancient sage backing him.
They couldn't act openly, but if someone secretly eliminated Ye Fan, that would be a different matter.
"Young people with too much arrogance—that's not a good thing."
"Excessive sharpness easily leads to breaking."
The murderous intent of the several old men surged toward Ye Fan, hard for outsiders to sense. They naturally couldn't strike here, but they had already made certain decisions in their hearts.
Ye Fan didn't care. They could only show murderous intent; he believed they wouldn't dare to kill him in public.
"Since ancient times, many peerless geniuses have fallen in their youth."
"Many dazzling prodigies were too reckless, not knowing their limits, and rarely grew up."
The several old men's expressions grew even colder, their murderous intent leaking out.
"Is that so?" Ye Fan said nonchalantly, glancing at them lightly. "I heard that two holy sons have fallen. Alas, perhaps they were too dazzling, both peerless geniuses. A pity, a lament."
As soon as he said this, the several old men nearly vomited blood from anger, hurting their lungs and livers. His words almost choked them to death with their own rhetoric.
"A bunch of old things!" The Holy Prince suddenly spoke. He was in human form, appearing as a young man of about twenty.
No one knew his origin, and they were all shocked that he dared to speak like that.
"Youngster, didn't your elders teach you to respect your seniors?"
"You're young, yet you dare to spout nonsense in front of your elders. You don't know your place!"
The several old men's expressions were cold. They naturally didn't know this was the Battle Saint Ape.
"Relying on your age to act arrogant—all of you, get lost!" The Holy Prince was quite domineering, his eyes sharpening as he scolded the several old men in front of everyone.
(To be continued)