Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 607: Chapter 611: 9 Secrets in Motion

“What kind of creature is this?” Ye Fan was taken aback.

The three creatures all possessed human forms, but they were covered in silver scales. Bone spurs, each nearly half a foot long, grew from their spines, making them look anything but benevolent. However, the flashing silver light gave them a somewhat holy appearance, unlike undead beings. Each creature had a pair of silver wings that flashed with silver light; with a flap, they could tear through the void.

Are they ancient creatures? No, most of them dwell in the Eastern Wastelands. These… they closely resemble the flying demonic yaksha, said to be transformed from unparalleled ancient masters after their death, each one powerful enough to invoke terror.

Ye Fan’s heart pounded wildly. If that were true, these were three demons, and their exact cultivation level would be hard to estimate—definitely not something I could provoke.

But the situation was different now. With the Heavenly Tribulation upon him, such malevolent spirits shouldn’t exist in this world, as they feared nothing more than the thunder’s wrath and were inherently restrained by it.

Ye Fan advanced. Rare Treasures and Exotic Marrow were too crucial for him. They contained Law Fragments that could allow him to achieve enlightenment and advance in ranks. With enough, he could continuously break through. These were invaluable holy divine relics.

As Holy Light flashed, the three silver creatures attacked simultaneously, each spitting out a ball of silver flames. The surrounding stone walls instantly turned into magma and then evaporated.

“Such heat!”

Ye Fan was astounded. Anyone at the First Layer Heaven of the Immortal Platform would be reduced to ashes. No divine energy or Dao law could block it; even ancient treasures would fracture.

“ROAR…”

A silver creature lunged forward, its emitted aura like a galaxy, causing the entire Ancient Cave to tremble as if it would collapse.

Ye Fan swung the thunderbolts, striking forward. The Heavenly Tribulation’s myriad paths and boundless lightning roared deafeningly, descending to pulverize the mining path ahead.

This silver creature’s eyes showed fear. It continuously retreated; the Heavenly Tribulation was its bane. The ancient evil corpse had transformed into a flying demonic yaksha, unwelcome in this world, for its life should have ended long ago.

“ROAR…”

The other two silver creatures shouted, their calls like muffled thunder, causing the Underground World to shake violently, demonstrating their formidable power.

Ye Fan broke out in a cold sweat. He was snatching food from a tiger’s mouth! The flying demonic yaksha refused to retreat, making him internally anxious. Such creatures’ real strength is terrifying. If I delay any longer and the Heavenly Tribulation disappears, it will be a disaster! Thinking this, he charged forward, carrying boundless thunderbolts, pressing on relentlessly.

“ROAR…”

In the end, the three flying demonic yaksha roared, extremely angry and frightened. The Heavenly Tribulation was approaching, and they instinctively trembled in fear, their hearts filled with dread, for they were naturally suppressed by it.

Though very unwilling, they had no other choice. Once the Heavenly Tribulation was triggered, they would turn to ashes, not permitted to defy the heavens and live two lives. This world has its rules: once dead, even if your corpse gains Spirit Communication and revives against the heavens, it is destined to face the hardship of obliteration. Life outside the Laws is not allowed to emerge.

The three terrifying creatures, filled with anger and resentment, ultimately fled, not daring to touch the thunder light.

These creatures seem sacred, but they specifically consume human Yang Qi. If they escape, it could be a great calamity. Unfortunately, I cannot eliminate them. As the Heavenly Tribulation neared its end, Ye Fan dared not pursue and had to stop.

SWOOSH!

From a distance, he summoned the Origin Qi Cauldron, collecting the thirty-six drops of Treasure Marrow into it. He didn’t dare to approach for fear that the thunder light might destroy it.

Thirty-six drops of Rare Treasures and Exotic Marrow! With these, I can reach new heights and undergo another transformation!

Ye Fan was thrilled. In the depths of Central State’s land lay the Ancestor Root of Heaven and Earth, which birthed this divine liquid of immeasurable value to him. These drops, each distinct and separate, glimmered like small bright pearls, emitting divine radiance and flowing with exotic colors. In a faint glimpse, one might see tiny dragons within, gently quivering, all formed in pale gold.

These are spiritual items, each drop worth over a hundred thousand jin of Source!

Of course, this was his most conservative estimate. At auction, this would only count as the reserve price; who knew how high it could fetch.

In the Marrow Pool, luminous mist swirled, with Dragon Qi constantly seeping out. This was the entrance to an Ancestor Root, and the Dragon Marrow was formed from its endless years of nurturing.

No, it’s not just a simple entrance; this is a Dragon Pool!

Dragon Marrow is rare in the mortal world, something one might encounter but never seek out. More precious than it is Divine Marrow, which is incredibly rare. It’s even considered a legend, having gained Spirit Communication and transformed into living entities, comparable to Immortal Medicines.

Ye Fan was shocked. Upon learning of the Dragon Marrow’s significance, he had spent effort collecting many books for detailed study. Exceptional dragon vein Ancestor Roots could sometimes nurture incredible Immortal Treasures. First, a Dragon Pool must evolve for the divine items of life to be birthed within it. This one-meter-square small pool in front of him was undoubtedly a Dragon Pool because its inner walls bore markings like Dragon Scales. This was the most obvious feature, a sign of the Dragon Pool’s birth—patches of green scales that shimmered but no longer had any life fluctuations.

In the distant past, this place birthed Dream Level Divine Marrow…

He quickly comprehended everything. No wonder there were human skeletons here; a great battle had taken place in the past. Immortal Treasures had been picked clean, leaving only the Dragon Pool, which, after countless ages, gave rise to these dozens of drops of Dragon Marrow.

Those three flying demonic yaksha were likely the terrifying experts who perished in that era!

Ye Fan let out a light sigh and left the Underground World. A world-shaking battle must have occurred here in the past. Who knows what kind of person acquired the Divine Marrow? But it was too distant now, all buried in the mists of history.

He reached the surface, smashing a rocky area and burying the entrance. Perhaps after many lifetimes, rare treasures could be born again, for an Ancestor Root existed here.

By this time, the thunder light weakened. The last bolt of lightning flashed and vanished, and the Heavenly Tribulation completely ceased.

Ye Fan dared not linger. Transforming into a stream of light, he traveled dozens of miles in an instant, disappearing without a trace.

「Half an hour later」

A Domain Gate appeared in the sky, silently opening. Over ten figures rushed out, their powerful divine sense scanning all directions.

“The High Disciple of the Divine Calculator predicted the exact location—right here!”

Members of the Yin Yang Sect and the Xiao Family showed up, filled with killing intent. Four sovereigns came, and the others were all elder experts of the First Layer Heaven of the Immortal Platform.

“He transcended his tribulation here!”

This was terrible news. Only a few months had passed since the last time, and Ye Fan had broken through again. He was progressing at a frightening speed, causing all their expressions to change.

If this continues, he’ll reach the Immortal Ascension Platform in just a few years…

They were all shocked. They had never expected Ye Fan to be such a prodigy. His progress was incredibly rapid, not much inferior to the Central Emperor. In the future, he might catch up—another Northern Emperor Wang Teng.

In the farther sky, a golden figure and a silver figure stood side by side—two powerful ancient creatures, their eyes flickering uncertainly.

“He escaped again. Our master wants us to take his head, but it’s been three months, and we still can’t track him down.”

「Soon after」

Ye Fan returned to the small Daoist Temple on Short Mountain, where he secluded himself for half a month, thoroughly solidifying his realm.

At dusk, a red-furred whirlwind swept by, and a few images appeared once more on Short Mountain. Ye Fan didn’t pay much attention. This old Saint was too transcendent, leaving nothing behind. He felt that no matter what, the other party couldn’t possibly chant some Scripture, so focusing too much would be useless.

No, that is…

Suddenly, he was startled. Under the ancient pine, he saw a young man dressed in flowing blue clothes, ethereal like an exiled Immortal, standing on Short Mountain, seemingly in Heaven and Earth Unity.

“Hua Yunfei!”

The ruthless Great Emperor had left behind a part of the Heaven-devouring Demon Technique, awe-inspiring throughout the ages. Even after all these years, it remained a taboo. Anyone who obtained it was doomed to be hunted by everyone in the world. In past years, Hua Yunfei had hidden deeply and was unexpectedly discovered by Ye Fan, thus exposed to the world. However, after a battle more than two years ago, he disappeared, never to be found again.

He actually came to the Central States and appeared in this place!

Ye Fan exclaimed. This must be a “playback” by the magnetic mountain rocks of past events! Hua Yunfei arrived at this place before me; he surely also became aware of the nine secret arts of the Cai Clan. Moreover, some things the old Saint left behind were likely taken by him. The ancient Saints practiced Creation, and any artifact they refined was a supreme treasure.

It’s ruined…

Ye Fan had found nothing here, thinking the old Saint left nothing. Now it seemed the situation had changed, and it was very likely Hua Yunfei had taken them.

“Where is the Cai Clan?” Under the ancient tree, Hua Yunfei murmured, facing west.

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan relaxed slightly; the other man hadn’t obtained the nine secret arts here. But then his heart sank again. Hua Yunfei had arrived much earlier than him, possibly more than two years ahead. During this time, it was hard to say whether he had found the Cai Clan.

He has such great fortune, obtaining the Heaven-devouring Demon Technique, and now he might acquire the nine secret arts as well.

Ye Fan furrowed his brows. It had been almost three years. Who knew what realm this formidable enemy had reached? It couldn’t be reasoned with common sense, for he could devour the essence of others! If unchecked, an invincible Demon Lord would soon rise, and no one could stop it.

I must cultivate while seeking the Cai Clan. If he gets there first, that would be terrible, a major calamity!

The Myriad Transformations Saint Technique, One Thought Flower Blooming, controlling the world—these were unparalleled abilities. If Hua Yunfei also acquired the nine secret arts, continued devouring the essence of others, and accumulated power to a certain extent, he might truly become invincible one day.

Ye Fan calculated the days. Almost four months had passed. It was time to meet Pang Bo and discuss whether they could find the Cai Clan through Qi Shi Mansion.

「Two days later」

Ye Fan returned to Qi Shi Mansion. Purple energy surged, the cliffs were majestic, Spiritual Springs gurgled, Ancient Medicines wafted their fragrance, and tens of thousands of Great Dragons soared. This was a Heaven-Reaching Land.

According to the agreed time and place, he waited quietly in a mountain range. Before long, Pang Bo appeared.

“You’ve broken through!” both said almost simultaneously and then laughed heartily.

Sitting cross-legged on the coffin plank of the Enlightenment Ancient Tea Tree, refining Dragon Marrow, with Enlightenment Tea Leaves in his mouth—the speed was remarkable, almost unbelievable to Pang Bo.

Ye Fan sealed thirty-six drops of crystalline Treasure Marrow in three White Jade Bottles and handed them to him, saying, “We must rapidly increase our strength.”

“So much Dragon Marrow!” Pang Bo was shocked, unwilling to accept.

“No need to refuse. I can obtain it from a Saint Master Level auction as long as I have enough Divine Sources. Besides, under Central State, there are many dragon vein Ancestor Roots. I can search underground in the future, so I surely won’t lack them. I might even obtain Dream Divine Marrow.”

Pang Bo recalled something and said, “The second beauty of Central State, Moon Spirit Princess of the Jiuli Divine Dynasty—renowned for her legendary beauty, said to make fish sink and wild geese pause in their flight, and to make the moon hide its face and flowers blush in shame—recently sought an Earth Master. They seem to have found a super Ancestor Vein.”

Earth Masters, skilled in the study of mountains and earth veins, are indispensable when seeking Rare Treasures and Exotic Marrow within underground dragon veins.

Ye Fan nodded and said, “I heard as well. It’s an ancient mine, possibly containing Dream Divine Marrow, guarded by powerful beings. It’s said three sovereigns have perished there, with numerous other experts killed or wounded. Once I’m free, I will go and see for myself.”

He had great confidence in the Heavenly Source Book. The so-called Earth Master’s Observation Method was very similar to what he had learned in the Source Technique Observation Earth Chapter; they were essentially linked. Additionally, he had heard rumors that one of the five Heavenly Source Masters from the Eastern Wastelands had faced misfortune in his old age and traversed void space to reach the Central States. Perhaps he could find traces of him on this land and ascertain if he had ultimately escaped his destiny.

“Be careful. The guarding creatures in the Ancestor Roots are incredible things, even more terrifying than ancient creatures,” Pang Bo reminded.

Ye Fan nodded, then spoke about recent experiences, asking Pang Bo to help collect information on the Cai Clan within Qi Shi Mansion to see if they could find any clues. Qi Shi Mansion, with its ancient heritage and endless books, recorded much about the origins of various factions worldwide. It could possibly even directly reveal the whereabouts of the nine secret arts.

“Hua Yunfei has appeared again… When the time comes, I’ll go with you to take him down!” Pang Bo nodded.

“Hopefully, he hasn’t obtained the nine secret arts; otherwise, it’s very bad,” Ye Fan said.

“By the way…” Pang Bo frowned, mentioning a maddening incident where Li Heishui was severely injured, nearly dying.

“What?” Ye Fan was furious. Li Heishui had been very loyal to him, accompanying him during the stone gambling in the divine city and helping him greatly.

Pang Bo said, “I wanted to take action and kill those people, but Li Heishui and the others wouldn’t allow it, fearing for my safety if my presence in Qi Shi Mansion was exposed.”

Qi Shi Mansion had Wang Teng, who ruled over all the younger generation like a mountain, suffocating them. If Pang Bo’s relationship with Ye Fan became known, he would face great peril.

“Indeed, don’t be impulsive. I’m counting on you to bide your time and search for the ancient path of the starry sky to the Outer Domain. Leave this to me.”

“Li Heishui was severely injured and took a month to recover. Jiang Huairen and others were also hurt. I feel so stifled; I’ve almost lost control several times.” Pang Bo clenched his fists.

“Who was involved? I will take them down one by one!” Ye Fan said firmly, his killing intent palpable.

“Who else? The sacred lady of the Yin Yang Sect led eight or nine people, along with Yan Yunluan, to attack Li Heishui and severely injure him.”

“They’ve lived too long! I’ll wait for them outside Qi Shi Mansion. None shall survive!” Ye Fan knew this was definitely targeted at him, as they must have learned of his relationships with the others.

“Li Heishui had many bones broken and can now barely walk,” Pang Bo said hatefully.

“Alright, I will wait for them to come out. You should go back now and help me gather information,” Ye Fan said.

「Soon after」

Ye Fan arrived outside Qi Shi Mansion, waiting patiently before the mountain gate, muttering to himself, “For every one that comes out, I’ll kill one; for each pair, I’ll kill both!”

He held a scroll listing eleven individuals, all who had attacked Li Heishui, nearly crippling him.

…