# Chapter 551: Representing the Heavenly Court in Punishment
The Holy Son of Great Evolution, Xiang Yifei, was killed—this was a blatant slap in the face. Not long ago, people were still marveling at the birth of a prodigy, and in an instant, he was beheaded.
This caused an uproar. Major sects from all directions were watching. Ye Fan acted without restraint, taking the initiative to strike, making many people wary.
"I can't defeat the old ones, but I can kill their successors!" This was clearly a very dangerous signal Ye Fan was sending out.
Among the various Holy Lands, there were naturally some who wanted to find Ye Fan and kill him. They all moved in secret, but found nothing.
Mist and rain swirled, distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, lakes and mountains were clear and peaceful, like an ink-wash landscape painting.
Ye Fan traveled westward, not rushing. In his current cultivation, seclusion alone wouldn't bring success; he needed to comprehend heaven, earth, and nature.
Watching the wild geese fly south, the flowing water recede into the distance, listening to the rain beat on banana leaves, the rustling of falling flowers, the stream flowing over stones—sometimes there would be a sudden enlightenment.
Thus he wandered among the mountains and rivers, strolling leisurely, his body and mind incomparably relaxed. He set aside grudges, love, and hatred, transcending them.
This was a kind of spiritual tranquility. It didn't need to be maintained every moment, just experienced.
"Letting go of everything—even the mountains and rivers seem more beautiful." Ye Fan murmured to himself, standing on a small boat, touring the lake in the misty rain.
Cultivators were not immortals; as humans, they all had the seven emotions and six desires. They needed to experience all kinds of worldly affairs. Returning to nature like this was a transcendent way of life, as well as a state of mind.
"Young master must be a busy man, rarely having such leisurely time," said the boat's owner, an old fisherman.
Inside the small cabin, a fire was lit. The old fisherman used local ingredients to make several lake fish dishes, then took out some yellow wine and placed them on a wooden table.
Ye Fan sat cross-legged, admiring the lake view in the misty rain while sipping wine slowly, feeling very content and at peace in his heart.
"This brother seems to be in good spirits." A small boat drifted over from nearby. On it sat a scholar in white, holding a wine glass, smiling at Ye Fan.
Ye Fan's pupils contracted slightly. This person was none other than Hua Yunfei, who had come from the Ziwei Ancient Star Domain. He was a descendant of the Ruthless Great Emperor, having cultivated the Devouring Demon Art, and was an extremely dangerous figure.
"Brother Hua has good taste as well." Ye Fan smiled faintly, not showing any abnormality.
The two boats drifted side by side. Hua Yunfei smiled and said, "I've long heard that Brother Ye is extraordinary. Meeting you today, you truly live up to your reputation."
"You flatter me." Ye Fan was calm on the surface, but inwardly he was on high alert. This person was too deep and unfathomable.
"I wonder if Brother Ye is interested in the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion? I heard you declined the invitation," Hua Yunfei asked casually.
"I have no interest in that place. I prefer to be free and unrestrained," Ye Fan replied lightly.
"What a pity. With Brother Ye's talent, if you don't enter the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion, you'll miss many opportunities to compete with the world's heroes," Hua Yunfei said with a hint of regret.
"Competing with heroes doesn't require going to the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion. The world is vast—where can't one compete?" Ye Fan smiled faintly.
Hua Yunfei was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Brother Ye, do you know that someone is going to make a move against you?"
"Oh? Who?" Ye Fan asked calmly.
"The Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty. They've already sent out experts to hunt you down," Hua Yunfei said meaningfully.
"I know." Ye Fan nodded, not surprised.
"Brother Ye seems very confident," Hua Yunfei said with a smile.
"Not confident, just not afraid." Ye Fan looked at Hua Yunfei, his gaze deep.
The two looked at each other, both smiling, but the atmosphere was somewhat strange.
"Brother Ye, take care." Hua Yunfei cupped his hands, and his boat slowly drifted away.
"Brother Hua, take care as well." Ye Fan also cupped his hands, watching Hua Yunfei's figure disappear into the misty rain.
"An interesting person." Ye Fan murmured to himself, a meaningful smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
---
The news of Ye Fan killing the Holy Son of Great Evolution, Xiang Yifei, spread throughout the Eastern Wasteland, causing a sensation. Many people were shocked by Ye Fan's strength and boldness.
"Ye Fan is too arrogant. He dares to kill the Holy Son of Great Evolution so openly. Isn't he afraid of the revenge of the Great Evolution Holy Land?" someone asked.
"What's there to be afraid of? Ye Fan has already offended so many Holy Lands. One more doesn't matter."
"That's true. But this time, he's really gone too far. The Great Evolution Holy Land will definitely not let him off."
"Let them come. Ye Fan even dared to kill a Holy Son. Would he be afraid of a Holy Land?"
People discussed animatedly, all feeling that a storm was about to brew.
However, what surprised everyone was that the Great Evolution Holy Land remained unusually silent, not making any move. This made many people puzzled.
"What's going on? The Great Evolution Holy Land isn't seeking revenge?"
"Maybe they're afraid. After all, Ye Fan even killed a Holy Son. Ordinary people can't deal with him."
"Nonsense. The Great Evolution Holy Land has Saint Lord-rank figures. How could they be afraid of Ye Fan?"
"Then why aren't they making a move?"
"Maybe they're waiting for an opportunity. After all, Ye Fan is too slippery. If they can't find him, what can they do?"
People speculated, but no one knew the real reason.
---
Ye Fan didn't care about the outside world's discussions. He continued his leisurely journey, enjoying the scenery along the way.
He knew that the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty would definitely not let him off. They had sent experts to hunt him down, but he wasn't afraid.
With the Heaven-Deceiving Array patterns prepared by the Black Emperor on him, no one could deduce his location. As long as he was careful, he could handle any danger.
However, he didn't plan to just sit back and wait. Since the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty wanted to kill him, he would make them pay the price.
"Since you want to kill me, don't blame me for being ruthless." A cold light flashed in Ye Fan's eyes.
---
A month passed quietly. During this time, Ye Fan had been wandering among the mountains and rivers, comprehending the Dao of nature. His cultivation had improved somewhat, and his mind had become more peaceful.
But he knew that this peace wouldn't last long. The Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty would definitely not give up. They would send even stronger experts.
Sure enough, one day, Ye Fan sensed danger. Someone was spying on him.
"Finally here." Ye Fan sneered, not panicking.
He had long expected this. The Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty had mysterious divination techniques that could deduce his location.
However, he wasn't afraid. He carried the jade pieces prepared by the Black Emperor, which were engraved with Heaven-Deceiving Array patterns. No one could deduce his location anymore.
After a full month of silence, Ye Fan let out a cold laugh and disappeared into the night, preparing to take action.
After the assassination attempt on the lake, he didn't flee far. Instead, he used the Heavenly Court's secret technique to become invisible, tracking these people's movements and discovering some secret locations.
Over such a long time, he had already figured out the details of several secret locations. They were assassin training camps. When the old assassins weren't around, he chose to strike.
The world was dark, with no light visible. Ye Fan, like a ghost, infiltrated an underground palace.
The ancient underground stone palace was full of the vicissitudes of time. It had existed for who knows how many tens of thousands of years, filled with the smell of blood.
This was a training camp, only led by one Great Power. Unfortunately, he had left today and wasn't in the underground palace in seclusion.
"Crack"
Ye Fan slipped in, silently breaking the necks of the two assassins guarding the door, killing them on the spot.
At this moment, he had become an assassin, using such methods to deal with the Ancient Divine Dynasty. Like the God of Death, he moved through the underground palace.
"Puff!"
Ye Fan mercilessly swung the golden scepter, continuously reaping lives. From one stone chamber to the next, the underground was filled with the smell of blood and death.
"Who is it? Ah..."
Finally, someone noticed, but it was already too late. By now, dozens of people had been killed, and less than ten remained.
"You're Ye Fan!"
"I represent the Heavenly Court in exterminating you!" Ye Fan sneered. The golden scepter was like light, and his killing intent surged like an ocean.
"Puff"
Heads flew up, and dead bodies fell to the ground.
"Smack"
Flesh was smashed, becoming a pile of mud.
"You..." An assassin seed suddenly rose up, evolving the Mortal World's life-slaying great art.
"Eh?!" Ye Fan was startled. There was actually a young assassin at the first transformation of the Dragon Transformation realm here. He was definitely a trump card of the younger generation of the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty.
"If I kill you, the Mortal World will surely be heartbroken!" Cold light flickered in Ye Fan's eyes.
"You underestimate the Mortal World. There are people far stronger than me. He was born specifically to slaughter all kings. Even if you are a Sacred Body, you won't escape death!" This person went all out, attacking Ye Fan with life-slaying great arts.
"I've heard that your ancient hall is paved with the skulls of kings. In the future, I'll go see it myself!" Ye Fan sneered, swinging the Heavenly Court scepter, also attacking with life-slaying great arts.
The two flickered in and out of visibility, dueling in the void, very eerie.
"You have no chance. Those far stronger than me will slaughter all you special physiques, all you 'kings.' He was born to kill you!" This assassin said coldly.
"Is that so? I'll wait for him. If he doesn't show up, I'll kill my way into your ancient hall and find him myself!"
"Puff"
Ye Fan, at the Great Perfection of the Four Extremes realm and mastering the Heavenly Court's life-slaying great arts, was even more terrifying than these people of the Ancient Divine Dynasty. He beheaded this top young expert, blood spurting high.
"Pop!"
He lightly tapped a finger, extinguishing his divine thoughts!
When it was all over, Ye Fan turned and left, crossing through the void, disappearing into the darkness, leaving only a pool of blood and corpses.
He rushed to the next secret location, because this opportunity only lasted one night. If missed, it would be hard to replicate.
At another secret location, similarly, there was no expert stationed. It seemed they had all received the same order and temporarily left.
"Puff"
Blood gushed, heads fell. Ye Fan silently slaughtered in the darkness, killing assassins.
This was a bloody late night. Many heads rolled, and lives were forever lost.
The next day, the news shocked the world. Ye Fan had single-handedly destroyed four training camps of the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty in one night, killing over 180 people!
So many corpses, so much blood. The four assassin training camps were exposed, and many people went to see for themselves.
The world was shocked. Ye Fan actually had such methods. He dared to counter-kill even the people of the Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasty, and he had even found several secret locations!
Although they weren't the halls of the Ancient Divine Dynasty, nor those ancient sacred places, it still severely slapped their faces.
"Mortal World, Hell, I represent the Heavenly Court in punishing you!"
This was the powerful declaration Ye Fan made in the Eastern Wasteland, truly shocking everyone. Now, anyone who wanted to make a move would have to weigh the losses first.
Ye Fan didn't stay long. That same day, he crossed through the void, left the Eastern Wasteland, and ended things thunderously and powerfully, heading westward.
# Chapter 552: Prodigies of the Five Regions Under Heaven
The Eastern Wasteland returned to tranquility. The outstanding successors of the supreme great sects had all traveled far away. This land seemed to lack vitality, somewhat gloomy and lifeless.
Ye Fan shouted his shocking declaration, then chose to turn and leave. That same day, he departed from the Eastern Wasteland, leaving behind a legend.
Many people were very frustrated. They couldn't find him alive or dead, couldn't locate his figure, and all gnashed their teeth in anger.
Seeing Ye Fan go all out, many thought there would inevitably be a great battle. Who knew he would make a graceful turn and disappear from this land?
Everyone punched into thin air, unable to exert their strength, very indignant, but there was nothing they could do. Ye Fan had simply vanished.
Central Province, Northern Plains, Eastern Wasteland, Western Desert, Southern Ridge—the five regions were vast and boundless. If relying solely on flight, even traveling between adjacent regions would generally take over ten years.
One could imagine what kind of vast land this was. It could be said to be boundless. The more one thought about it, the more awe-inspiring it felt.
Central Province represented antiquity and mystery, with endless legends.
It was said that it connected to other ancient stars, had domain gates to other realms, and held the secrets of the Immortal Domain...
Another ten thousand years had passed. The Extraordinary Scholars Mansion of Central Province opened again, with great influence. The younger generation of the five regions all stirred, and the heroes of the world gathered.
Some came from spiritual lands, some from remote mountains and harsh waters. Some were transcendent and natural, some were unruly and untamed. Each person had a different divine aura.
It wasn't limited to Holy Lands and immortal imperial dynasties. Many supreme great sects could also send successors. Even those without a sect or school could come as long as they had enough strength.
There was only one prerequisite: they must have Saint Son-level combat power. Everything had to be proven by strength!
The Extraordinary Scholars Mansion was located among spiritual mountains. Silver dragon waterfalls cascaded down, red cliffs and strange rocks stood towering and majestic, immortal divine trees towered, and ten-thousand-year spiritual herbs were fragrant.
On the stone platforms, clean and dust-free, qilin beasts lay alone, spiritual herbs grew alongside. On the cliffs, purple qi rose, orchids were fragrant, and colorful luan birds danced.
The mountains were also full of vitality. Divine flowers bloomed, strange trees swayed, longevity deer and immortal foxes appeared and disappeared, spiritual birds and black cranes danced, occasionally appearing and vanishing.
At the source of ten thousand veins, the nest of the ancestral dragon, auspicious qi swirled, clouds steamed and mists rose, like a pure land beyond the world, stunning everyone.
On the first day, over ten thousand people came to the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion, gathering outside the mountain gate. All had extraordinary bearing, shoulder to shoulder, packed to overflowing.
One could imagine that in the following days, there would be even more people. But not all could be accepted. Historically, only a few hundred could enter.
According to ancient records, the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion had at most eight hundred disciples, at least five hundred, generally fluctuating within this range.
However, those confident enough to come, traveling tens of millions of li across regions, were all outstanding talents. None were willing to concede to others, so a great battle was inevitable.
On the very first day, a young expert at the fifth transformation of the Dragon Transformation realm appeared, from Southern Ridge. He swept through everyone, unstoppable, and was the first to enter.
The world was in an uproar. Even senior figures were alarmed. Who knew what other heaven-defying prodigies would emerge!
People from the Eastern Wasteland felt pressure upon seeing this. Only Holy Son Yao Guang and Ji Haoyue could still face it calmly.
On the second day, another monstrous figure appeared, casually slapping a King Body to death without much effort.
The world was shocked. Killing a King Body with one slap—such a monster was rare even in ancient times. People sighed, the great era had truly arrived!
On the third day, a child appeared, only nine years old, yet he overpowered many opponents and successfully entered the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion, passing the trials.
This achievement once again dropped countless jaws. Everyone found it unbelievable. This was a prodigy child, rarely seen since ancient times!
The Extraordinary Scholars Mansion's mountain gate would only be open for a month. Almost every day, stunning figures appeared.
The five regions under heaven had many extraordinary people and strange scholars. Disciples taught by extraordinary masters possessed unique talents. Recently, they often left people dumbfounded.
In nearly a month, many Great Powers sighed in admiration, feeling that their era was passing. If this batch of people grew up, they would definitely be kings among men.
During this period, some monsters appeared, deeply shocking people.
People witnessed what it meant to have heaven-defying talent, what it meant to be invincible among peers. Even senior figures sighed in amazement.
"Comparable to the monsters of ancient times, they have appeared again in this age, and not just one or two..."
During this time, there was also a small episode. A monster-level existence entered the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion while undergoing a heavenly tribulation, dropping countless jaws.
"Damn, how many people start undergoing tribulation at the Dragon Transformation realm?!"
"What a monster. He doesn't look strained at all, just walking through the mountain gate like this..."
"Such people have been rare since ancient times. They're all inhuman existences!"
"It's said that in ancient times, saints were all monsters when young, all 'inhuman'!"
Many people couldn't help cursing, and from this, they thought of another person from the Eastern Wasteland.
"Do you know? There's also a monster in the Eastern Wasteland who used tribulation to break a deadly situation, killing a group of experts, including a Great Power!"
People from other regions had also heard, vaguely knowing of Ye Fan's achievements, and discussed them here.
"Really? Even a Great Power can be struck dead? How terrifying must that lightning tribulation be?!"
Many were shocked. Many didn't believe it. Some beautiful women couldn't help but look over and listen carefully.
Any monster-level existence had to be noted and watched, because they would definitely be their most powerful future opponents.
"Unfortunately, I heard that the monster from the Eastern Wasteland won't come to the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion. He flatly refused the invitation."
"What's going on? He has such character, actually disdainful of the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion?"
"Last time, during the Yao Chi Flat Peach Festival, three great figures from the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion attended and sincerely invited him to come, but he shook his head and declined."
Someone revealed such secret news, causing an uproar. Everyone was very surprised. He didn't care about such an opportunity at all.
At this moment, Ye Fan hadn't come, but he was being discussed by some.
"I'd like to see him, see how remarkable he really is. When I go out for training in the future, I must meet him!"
"In the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion, you can see all the outstanding people of the same generation. Only he hasn't come. When we go out in the future, we'll naturally have to see how he really is!"
The Extraordinary Scholars Mansion's mountain gate was open for a month. Every day, over ten thousand heroes surged in, but in the end, only seven hundred and twenty people were kept.
Those who came here were all top figures of the younger generation, yet in the end, it was still selecting the best from the best, kings from kings. Relative to the huge base, those kept were pitifully few!
Senior figures were shocked to find that many Saint Son-level figures weren't good enough anymore. They were defeated and left dejectedly.
After a month of noise and excitement, it finally came to an end. Seeing some monster-level figures emerge, some felt immense pressure, while others were extremely excited.
Competing among peers, the future Extraordinary Scholars Mansion would surely be a place where dragons soared and phoenixes flew, definitely producing the most brilliant sparks of this age!
"Unfortunately, that monster from the Eastern Wasteland still didn't come." Some regretted losing an opponent—this was the confidence of the strong.
"The deadline has passed. He didn't make it. It seems he's not planning to appear. What an outlier!"
Many were disappointed. Whether heaven-defying maidens or strong ones flowing with king blood, all wanted to see this monster, after all, he was the only one who had refused.
"This batch, the people from the Eastern Wasteland don't seem strong. Apart from that monster, are there no other outstanding ones?" Someone said with slight contempt.
"You're wrong. Did you see that radiant young man who left? He is Holy Son Yao Guang. Legend has it that he also encountered a tribulation when advancing, but he's just not showing his hand now."
"That's right. And that purple-robed man is the Divine King of the Eastern Wasteland. You should have heard of this physique. When he goes berserk, his combat power defies heaven!"
"There's also an innate Dao embryo. Once he enters the Saint Lord realm, his magical power will be overwhelming, his body one with the Dao. At that time, he can probably look down on all kings."
Ten thousand years in a cycle. The outstanding talents this time were beyond imagination, greatly surprising even the people of the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion.
After thirty days, others could only leave dejectedly, without qualification to enter.
However, on the thirty-first day, an accident occurred. A barbarian, holding a wolf fang great club, wearing animal skin clothes, rushed over hurriedly and forcibly broke through the mountain gate.
"This guy definitely comes from remote mountains and harsh waters. He looks like he delayed his time and arrived late. Does he still think he can enter?"
"Clang!"
This barbarian, wielding the wolf fang great club, actually smashed open the mountain gate of the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
"What audacity! This fellow comes here to cause trouble..."
"Why did you destroy the mountain gate?" Inside the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion, a Great Power appeared, standing in the void and questioning.
"I'm late. Please give me a chance..." He spoke in a muffled voice, thrusting the wolf fang great club into the ground with a "boom," causing all the mountains to shake.
"How much strength does this barbarian have? I feel like he could uproot a great mountain!"
"This... could it be that monster from the Eastern Wasteland has come?"
Many were shocked. The several hundred selected people were all inside the mountain gate, watching, their expressions changing.
"Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. You came late and can no longer enter." The Great Power of the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion shook his head.
"I live deep in the mountains and forests, very isolated. I heard the news too late." This barbarian was anxious.
"Alright, I can give you a chance. You must be strong enough, outstanding enough." The Great Power of the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion nodded, not being unreasonable.
"What do I need to do?" This disheveled young man in animal skin, who looked very primitive, asked.
"Attack me with all your strength. If you satisfy me, I'll naturally let you stay."
"Alright!" The barbarian didn't say another word. He thrust the wolf fang great club into the green stone, swung his large hand, and struck.
"Bang!"
The Great Power of the Extraordinary Scholars Mansion reached out to meet it, producing a loud sound. Pure physical confrontation, like divine thunder descending, deafening.
"Stagger, stagger, stagger..." The Great Power actually retreated, blood flowing from his tiger's mouth, his hand twitching slightly.
Everyone was in an uproar, hardly believing what they had just seen. Just how strong was this barbarian's physical body?!
"Mother! This barbarian could lift and throw mountains!"
"He could definitely uproot a great mountain. Is he human? He even cracked a Great Power's palm!"
"Another monster! A heaven-defying monster with freakish physical strength!"
Everyone was dumbfounded, all extremely shocked. Such a physical body was too terrifying. Even a Great Power couldn't withstand it.
"Could it be that the monster from the Eastern Wasteland really came at the last moment? Is it him?" Someone made this guess.
"That's right. I heard that monster from the Eastern Wasteland also has heaven-defying physical strength. The two are too similar."
"No, it's said that the monster from the Eastern Wasteland is quite delicate, looking harmless. He's not this kind of barbarian."
"Give it a rest. Harmless? Even in Southern Ridge, I heard that kid is really not a good person. He used a heavenly tribulation to wipe out all his enemies."