Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 461: Chapter 466: Killing Intent

“I truly don’t believe Brother Ye would cut down his cultivation base. Once a person stands on the peak, they would rather die than return to an ordinary life just to survive.” The Saint Heir of Flickering Light laughed, his teeth white, his skin glowing with golden light, even his hair had turned golden, making him resemble someone clad in divine armor.

Ye Fan’s heart skipped a beat. He finally saw the sharpness of the Saint Heir of Flickering Light. It was the first time he had launched an offensive against him. Although not very obvious, it laid down a fierce killing intent.

Ye Fan had said he would cut down his cultivation base, but the other party’s remark left an indelible mark on everyone’s mind, inevitably prompting many to test him in the future.

Sometimes a remark is more effective and terrifying than an actual battle. The Saint Heir of Flickering Light had casually planted a seed in everyone’s heart with his words.

“Everyone’s mindset differs, so do their choices. I don’t have your grand ambitions, so naturally, I can let go. I only hope to survive,” Ye Fan smiled.

“Brother Ye has great courage. As the first sacred body to break the curse in hundreds of thousands of years, how could he willingly give up? I hope Brother Ye successfully overcomes this deadly trial.” The Saint Heir of Flickering Light beamed, his entire being radiating divine brilliance.

Ye Fan sighed and said, “Your path is the Supreme Emperor Road, whereas mine leads to a dead end. Here, I wish you smooth sailing.”

The road walked by the Great Emperors of old could not be smooth. It required battles against many kings, sweeping away the heroes of the world, and ascending the peak alone; only then could one reign supreme.

At Ye Fan’s words, the other Saint Heirs and Sacred Ladies showed no particular reaction, but what they truly thought remained unknown.

The Saint Heir of Flickering Light seemed unconcerned, his hair shimmering with golden light. He appeared as a resurrected divine spirit, offering a faint smile before saying no more.

“He definitely can’t survive this. Even if he cuts down his cultivation base, he won’t pass this hurdle. It would be even more tragic,” a young man from the Wind Clan murmured softly.

“Indeed! If he consumes the Qilin Divine Medicine Seed, it’ll just be a waste. It would be better to return it to our Wind Clan as debt payment!” another Wind Clan disciple expressed dissatisfaction.

Fenghuang’s maid, a stunning beauty, was not inferior in status to regular disciples from the Wind Clan. She harbored deep resentment against Ye Fan for suppressing her in the Northern Divine City.

Now, she also spoke up, sarcastically saying, “The sacred body’s fame has spread throughout the world; who doesn’t know of it by now? I wonder what birthday gift you’ve prepared for our clan’s Peacock King? He has always been fond of divine objects. Are you planning to offer the Holy Sword and the Qilin Divine Medicine Seed as gifts?”

Ye Fan glanced at her and said, “Just a mere servant. Is this the place for you to speak?”

“You…” The woman trembled with anger. As the maid of the Wind Clan princess, even the direct disciples of the Wind Clan treated her politely. No one had ever dared to speak to her like that.

“You don’t know your place. Go where you belong. You’re just a maid, yet you dare to dictate to me? What I offer is not for a servant like you to decide,” Ye Fan coldly rebuked.

“You… How bold!” As someone close to the Wind Clan princess, she was always arrogant and couldn’t tolerate such treatment. Her almond eyes flared with anger, and her body trembled.

With all the Saint Heirs and Sacred Ladies present, everyone looked on, their expressions varying.

“Yes, I’m indeed quite bold.” Ye Fan laughed lightly, ignoring her. He only briefly glanced at Fenghuang and said nothing more.

Fenghuang said coldly, “Back down!”

“Miss…” the maid cried out sharply.

With a cold gaze from Fenghuang, she quickly shut her mouth, fearfully bowed her head, and hurriedly left the Divine Island.

“My apologies, everyone. I failed to discipline her properly, making a fool of myself before you all,” Fenghuang apologized, then glanced at Ye Fan and spoke coldly, “Let’s not stoop to her level.”

Her remark was clearly a veiled insult, suggesting Ye Fan was demeaning his status by arguing with her maid. Her words were cold, tinged with disdain.

The big black dog bared its teeth. It despised such attitudes. If not for being in Wind Clan territory, it would surely have bitten someone.

The pitiful little girl, not even as tall as the Black Emperor’s leg, tilted her head up and gently pushed it with her small hand, saying, “Doggy, be good now. Don’t bite people. Even if you’re with Big Brother, you’ll still get in trouble.”

Ye Fan erupted in laughter, picking her up. “You’re such a good girl.”

Fenghuang heard this but found herself at a loss for words and turned away.

Other Wind Clan disciples looked at each other in confusion. Although some were displeased with Ye Fan, none dared to openly express it, aware of his current situation.

Many disciples from the great sects of the Eastern Wastelands had gathered here, a number of whom were remarkable individuals. They congregated in small groups, talking and socializing; many were destined to become leaders in their respective sects.

If they could establish connections and foster friendly relations now, it would greatly benefit them in the future. Those with ambition wouldn’t miss such an opportunity to network.

“Brother Ye, I’m willing to exchange a Nine Revolutions Divine Pill for your Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sacred Spirit Sword. It can extend your life,” Zhao Fa said, having returned with a smile.

His voice, although not loud, attracted the attention of several people nearby, who turned to look.

Ye Fan felt a surge of killing intent towards him. Zhao Fa’s words at this moment clearly echoed the Saint Heir of Flickering Light’s earlier insinuation, revealing a sinister purpose.

To trade or not? This was a challenge. With the Life-extending Treasure Pill offered, refusal would surely arouse suspicion. However, Zhao Fa had been discreet enough not to announce it to everyone on the Divine Island.

“One spiritual pill in exchange for my Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sacred Spirit Sword? Are you trying to rip me off?” Ye Fan asked half-jokingly, his expression somewhat indifferent.

“Brother Ye, you misunderstand. This is no ordinary spiritual pill. It’s refined from supreme spiritual medicines tens of thousands of years old. It can revive the dead and regenerate bones—a life-saving sacred medicine, a priceless treasure for anyone in your situation. It’s a divine item for extending life,” Zhao Fa explained with a smile.

Ye Fan had already learned from the pitiful little girl that this person was not kind. Zhao Fa was trying to deceive him about his limited lifespan, intending to attack him later and seize his treasures.

“Hoarding a rare commodity to exploit someone’s need, are we? You’re essentially extorting me,” Ye Fan said. He knew this person was not benevolent and wanted to kill him for his treasures, but it wasn’t the time to reveal anything.

“How could that be? Brother Ye, please don’t misunderstand me. I just wanted to offer you what you need most,” Zhao Fa smiled civilly.

Li Heishui sneered, “If you really want to help Ye Fan, just give him a Nine Revolutions Treasure Pill. Why bother with a trade? Even Hua Yunfei once gifted little kid Ye a Nine Orifice Exquisite Pill.”

Zhao Fa’s face stiffened. “That’s not a funny joke, brother. Hua Yunfei and I are entirely different. He is deceitful, while I am utterly sincere.”

Nowadays, Hua Yunfei was rumored to be the inheritor of the ruthless Great Emperor, a fact known throughout the world, and no one wanted to be associated with him or even be compared to him.

“I’d only trade the Holy Sword for an Undying Divine Pill. Others are of little use,” Ye Fan smiled, saying no more.

Zhao Fa’s face darkened. He had nothing more to say and turned to leave.

Nannan’s large eyes, clear and bright, darted towards a certain direction as she listened intently. Then, she tugged Ye Fan’s arm and whispered, “Big Brother, he said he’s going to make you pay. He said it won’t be long before he tramples you underfoot.”

“That Zhao is truly two-faced, honey-tongued but with a heart of swords, just as the rumors say! He really should be cut into a thousand pieces!” Li Heishui’s face sank.

Yao Yuekong reminded, “Be careful.”

The Peacock King’s grand birthday hadn’t arrived yet, but Ye Fan had to consider what gift to prepare. Enlightenment Tea was out of the question; it was far too significant.

Divine Spring, sacred fruit, and the like were also unthinkable. Presenting them would instantly reveal that he had successfully repaired his Dao injury in the Ancient Desolation Forbidden Land.

After staying at the gathering for a while, he and Li Heishui left with the pitiful little girl, intending to visit the nearby Ancient City, Purple Heaven City, to prepare some birthday gifts.

The little nun in white was very fond of the pitiful little girl. As they were leaving, she gave the girl a bracelet intricately carved with a Divine Buddha smiling while holding a flower, looking remarkably lifelike.

The Eight Hundred Divine Islands of the Wind Clan receded into the distance. Ye Fan and the others had flown for several hundred miles when suddenly, a cold laugh echoed, and someone blocked their path.

The maid of Fenghuang appeared, a sinister smile on her face. She gritted her teeth and said, “Do you still think you can leave?”

An old man appeared behind her. Although dressed as a servant, his cultivation was unfathomable; he was clearly an incredibly powerful expert.

“What else do you want? Was it Fenghuang who sent you? What is the meaning of this?” Ye Fan asked.

“If it weren’t for the Wind Clan providing three million jin of Source, you’d be nothing but a nobody! Yet you repeatedly disrespect me. Don’t you forget what place this is?!” The maid of Fenghuang’s face grew colder as she declared, “You’re not leaving today!”

“Such big words. You’re just a maid of Fenghuang, yet you dare to intercept me here. Do you know what this means? Did Fenghuang send you?” Ye Fan looked at her calmly.

The woman held her head high, extremely arrogant, and said coldly, “You won’t leave today. Due to the divine king’s pressure, we won’t kill you, but we can still peel a layer of skin off you. It’s the perfect time to take back your Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sacred Spirit Sword, the Qilin Divine Medicine Seed, and the like! I’ll offer them to the Peacock King in your name to repay your debts!”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen such an arrogant servant, daring to act so audaciously. Truly one of a kind,” Ye Fan said.

The maid of Fenghuang seemed deeply offended by being called a servant and shrieked, “Even the princess has never blamed me, yet you dare to be so rude to me repeatedly! Just you wait and die! Uncle Yi, seize him quickly and break all the bones in his body!”

“Alright!” The old man in green clothes nodded and lunged forward to attack. His hair was gray, his frame thin, and from his fingers shot sharp, wind-like blades.

“The seventh Dragon Transformation!” Li Heishui exclaimed in shock. They couldn’t possibly contend with such a figure; the difference in their cultivation realms was too great.

This old servant reached out to grab Ye Fan, a grim smirk on his face, as if Ye Fan were already his.

“You’re nothing but an old servant of Fenghuang! Aren’t you afraid the Wind Clan will hold you accountable afterward?” Ye Fan retreated, loudly questioning.

“The young lady won’t punish me because you’ve gone too far and have long displeased her.” The old servant’s face was cold as his large hand descended. Endless Innate Patterns emerged, weaving into a terrifying black cage. He looked at Ye Fan with contempt as he tried to suppress him.

“You pair of insufferable servants!” Ye Fan’s face sank. He quickly dodged, then turned to the Black Emperor and ordered, “Seal them!”