Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 292 - 293 Chapter 298 Enlightenment and Source

293: Chapter 298: Enlightenment and Source 293: Chapter 298: Enlightenment and Source Fire Cloud City’s streets were ancient, the bluestone pavement pitted and uneven, worn down by countless pedestrians over a vast expanse of time, hinting at its profound age.

The city thrummed with vitality, awash in fiery red hues.

The people of this state cherished the Fire Cloud Trees, which lined the streets like colossal blazing torches or like Fire Dragons slumbering by the roadside.

Ye Fan strolled along the main street, feeling utterly relaxed, like an ordinary tourist exploring the ancient city with a carefree demeanor.

In bygone eras, this city had been home to Ancient Nobilities.

Though they were long gone, young cultivators still flocked here annually, hoping for a fortuitous encounter, a chance to inherit some forgotten legacy.

Alas, the Immortal Family, whose lineage had spanned over a hundred thousand years, had ultimately crumbled into the dust of history, leaving nothing behind for posterity.

Ye Fan was in no hurry to act, nor did he seek out the Ji Family’s people.

Instead, he meandered along the ancient streets, earnestly observing the city, feeling the palpable weight of its accumulated years.

This was the sedimentation of time, the accumulation of ages.

The ancient city was truly extraordinary, having weathered eons, allowing one to savor its profound depth.

The city was bustling, befitting its status as the heart of this oasis, yet it was not raucous.

The wide, ancient streets were generously shaded by Fire Cloud Trees, creating a cool atmosphere.

Many pedestrians were about, but it never felt crowded.

Ye Fan had been immersed in cultivation for a long time.

Now, occasionally relaxing his mind and wandering through the ancient city, a sense of ethereal tranquility emerged within him.

The ceaseless flow of people did not affect him.

Drifting with the current, he walked aimlessly along the ancient streets, becoming increasingly relaxed.

His Essence, Qi, and Spirit began to unify, and he entered a Miao Realm.

Ye Fan’s clothes were unstained by dust, his bearing light and graceful.

His every movement seemed in harmony with Heaven and Earth as he walked amidst the crowd naturally, each step resonating with Dao Glyphs.

In the Dao Palace, “Past Me” chanted scriptures for his current life, while “Dao Me” stirred the world, comprehending the Great Dao and nourishing the life master; the nine secret arts recorded in the West Emperor Scripture operated automatically.

At the same time, Ye Fan’s golden Sea of Bitterness oscillated.

A green lotus quivered, shrouded in mist.

The secret arts obtained from the Holy Body Remains cooperated with the Dao Scripture, operating on their own.

At this moment, mystical arts ran in parallel, harmonious and natural.

The Wheel and Sea and Dao Palace pulsated, divine energy traversed throughout, giving him a sense of Heaven and Earth Unity, an effortless flight across the clouds.

Ye Fan was as ethereal as the Dao itself.

Though standing in a sea of people, he felt as if he were on the clouds, suffused with a sense of transcendence.

He knew this was a wondrous Mystic Realm, an understanding and insight into cultivation.

The Wheel and Sea and Dao Palace resonated together, blending seamlessly, causing his power of the Dao to flow endlessly.

Ye Fan continued walking in this state, unconsciously arriving at a unique area in the city.

It seemed to be the city center, yet there were no grandiose buildings.

Instead, this area was planted with many ancient trees, not limited to Fire Cloud Trees.

All kinds of evergreens and ancient vines were numerous.

Many of the old trees were so thick that it would take more than a dozen people to encircle them, and some ancient vines were as thick as a person’s waist.

To find such a place in the heart of a city was truly astonishing.

These were the traces left by the Ancient Nobilities of old.

Beneath the ancient trees and vines, numerous pieces of rubble silently recounted tales of past prosperity and decline.

In truth, the entire site of the ancient city had once been merely a corner of that Ancient Nobilities’ domain.

Regrettably, nothing of it remained, save for these few relics beneath this patch of ancient trees.

Ye Fan had naturally wandered to this place, his body and mind ethereal.

Though unable to break into the Dao Palace Fourth Layer Heaven, he experienced a profound sense of naturalness.

Heaven and earth are born for me, all things are one.

He was undergoing a kind of baptism.

His physical body glittered, translucent and pure.

His spirit brimmed with vitality.

His body and mind were being refined, undergoing a sublimation that brought his original realm closer to perfection.

He remained in the Dao Palace Third Layer Heaven realm, yet he felt vastly different.

The Wheel and Sea and Dao Palace pulsated in unison; he had captured the traces of the Dao.

Indeed, the Dao Scripture and the West Emperor Scripture were blending seamlessly for the first time, harmoniously unified.

This purified his mind and body, so that when he raised a hand or foot, it was as if he were wielding the Great Dao itself.

“The Wheel and Sea resonate with the Dao Palace, the Dao Scripture and the West Emperor Scripture run in parallel, flawless and complete.

Indeed, these are the two strongest nine secret arts.” Ye Fan emerged from the Miao Realm, muttering to himself.

He felt that after the two scriptures harmonized, his combat power had improved significantly, and he had grown closer to the Dao.

He gently gest మనెడ్, and though the Attack Technique of the nine secret arts was not truly executed, he could sense that its power was much greater.

This was a small step, a transformation from mere skill towards the Dao.

“The power of the Dao…” Ye Fan then left along the ancient street.

After wandering around the ancient city and gathering sufficient information, he departed from Fire Cloud City, disappearing over the horizon.

Not long after, Ye Fan returned to Fire Cloud City, heading towards the Ji Family’s Gambling Stone Workshop.

This was a complex of garden-like architecture where dozens of knights resided.

“What, someone provided a clue?!” This garden area covered a large expanse, with piles of stone materials, and numerous palaces and pavilions.

Dozens of strange and powerful beasts were tied in the garden, each one ferocious and mighty.

Ye Fan stood in the garden.

He did not have to wait long before dozens of young people rushed out, all of whom he had seen previously outside the city gates.

“You saw that worthless body?

Where is it?

How far from Fire Cloud City?” the leading young man asked.

His name was Ji Yunge, a cultivator of the Dao Palace Fifth Layer Heaven.

He led this group with composure.

“If I provide the clue, will you immediately give me one hundred thousand jin of Source?” Ye Fan asked.

“What are you talking about?” a Ji Family disciple glared, saying coldly, “Providing a clue is only worth ten thousand jin of Source.

You really dare to make such a big demand from our Ji Family!” Those beside him were secretly pleased as Ji Yunteng sneered, “So, this fellow named Ye has finally been found.

This time, I’ll turn him to ashes.” “Indeed!

Because of that worthless body, we’ve been running around fruitlessly.

He should have been put to death long ago.” “He’s just a worthless body in the Dao Palace Second Layer Heaven.

Killing him is as easy as reaching into a pocket.

We just couldn’t find his whereabouts.

This time, I’ll refine him alive until he’s dead!” Their resentment was immense; all of them wanted to kill Ye Fan immediately and seize the cauldron.

This was not only because they had been tediously searching for days, but also because the Ji Family’s Grand Elder had been burned to death, causing everyone’s anger to simmer.

If a strong expert had killed him, it would have been one thing.

But for a dignified Grand Elder to be burned to death by a mere little cultivator made them all feel disgraced.

The most effective way to wash away this shame was to obliterate Ye Fan.

Ye Fan asked for ten thousand jin of Source, demanding they fulfill their promise.

“Take us to the mountain range first.

If the clue is true, you’ll naturally get your reward,” Ji Yunge smiled.

Many of them showed expressions of disgust, not expecting him to actually dare ask the Ji Family for the reward money.

They found it both surprising and contemptible.

Previously, they had received some clues, but those cultivators had all provided them voluntarily, not daring to ask for Source, merely hoping to cultivate closer relations with them.

“I saw the bounty announcement clearly.

It stated that as long as a clue is provided, Sources would be issued,” Ye Fan stated unyieldingly.

“What if your clue is fake?” Ji Yunteng sneered with disdain.

“In all the world, who would dare to trifle with the Ji Family?

Besides, I’m taking you there myself.

Aren’t I afraid of losing my life?” Ye Fan argued.

“You really are interesting!” Ji Yunteng’s face was cold.

Even after all this, he still dared to ask for Source.

Did he think his life was too long?

“Fine, we have no time to delay.

Go to the Stone Workshop and bring out five thousand jin of Source!” Ji Yunge waved his hand, instructing someone to fetch the Source.

He then said, “If the clue is true, you’ll get the other half then.

If we catch Ye Fan because of your clue, even giving you one hundred thousand jin of Source wouldn’t be out of the question.” Before long, someone fetched five thousand jin of Source, which glimmered brightly as it was piled up.

Ye Fan, without ceremony, waved his sleeve and gathered it all.

“Now, lead us to that mountain range,” Ji Yunteng sneered continuously, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes.

Ji Yunfeng smiled faintly but said nothing.

He waved his hand, instructing everyone to mount their strange and powerful beasts and set off.

Simultaneously, they found a ferocious beast for Ye Fan to sit atop, serving as his transportation.

Dozens of knights charged out of Fire Cloud City, astonishing many people in the city.

Seeing them rush out so urgently, they knew something significant must have happened.

These strange and powerful beasts were quite extraordinary.

After leaving Fire Cloud City, they all trod upon the air, soaring high into the sky like a surging flood.

Rushing through the upper atmosphere with a thunderous roar, they headed toward the mountain range Ye Fan had indicated.

“It’s that mountain range ahead,” Ye Fan pointed to a lush mountain range before them.

The dozens of knights immediately dispersed, encircling the mountain peak Ye Fan had indicated from all directions.

“Sure enough, someone is cultivating here.

There are Dao Glyphs set up around this area…” A Ji Family disciple stepped forward.

Being quite knowledgeable about Dao Glyphs, he quickly broke the restriction in this place.

A murderous aura emanated from the riders as they charged up, reaching the summit of the mountain.

They directly split open the cave mansion, sending a plume of dust soaring into the sky.

“No one is here!” A Ji Family disciple immediately revealed a murderous intent, looking towards Ye Fan.

“Don’t look at me like that.

It has nothing to do with me.

I was just providing a clue; who knew he would suddenly leave?” Ye Fan said, looking very innocent.

Ji Yunge waved his hand and personally entered the cave mansion to observe.

The others also followed him inside.

“This piece of clothing is exactly the same as the one he wore that day!

It is indeed him!” “Look, there are still traces of the Great Void Handprint here!

This cave mansion was opened with the Great Hand Seal!” The Ji Family’s disciples quickly found many important clues, all of them grinding their teeth in fury.

“Damn it, he escaped again!

Otherwise, I could have stomped him to death with one foot!” They felt utterly stifled.

A mere waste with a cultivation base only at the Second Layer Heaven of the Dao Palace kept stirring up great turmoil and managed to escape every time.

They longed to capture him immediately and refine him into dust.

“Now do you believe me?

I wouldn’t dare provide false clues,” Ye Fan spoke up from the side.

At this moment, he felt killing intent; someone wanted to make a move against him.

However, he was not flustered and calmly said, “When we return, you can pay me the remaining five thousand jin of Source, right?” “Aren’t you afraid we might kill you here?” Ji Yunteng sneered.

“Before I came, many people in Fire Cloud City knew I left the city to provide you with clues.

I believe the Ji Family values its reputation.” Ye Fan wasn’t concerned.

Even those among them at the Fifth Layer Heaven of the Dao Palace were definitely not faster than him, so he had no worry about being unable to escape.

Ji Yunge smiled and said, “I’ll pay you the remaining five thousand jin of Source when we return.

The Ji Family keeps its word.” After lingering in the area for a long time and searching the entire mountain range, the group returned to Fire Cloud City, and Ye Fan followed them into the garden area.

“This guy really has the guts, daring to demand the reward!” a Ji Family disciple said coldly.

Ji Yunge glared at him and said, “This reward was set by the Ji Family itself.

Don’t mess around.

If I find out you’ve done anything to harm the family’s reputation, don’t blame me for being unforgiving!” Before long, five thousand jin of Source were retrieved.

Ji Yunge came out and personally handed them to Ye Fan, allowing him to leave.

Ye Fan smiled, thanked him, and then departed without a backward glance.

“Giving him ten thousand jin of Source just like that?

His clue was completely useless!

We didn’t even see a shadow of that Ye fellow!” someone complained indignantly.

Ji Yunge glanced at them and said, “The people of Fire Cloud City are watching.

Do you intend to kill him here?

Besides, this isn’t without its benefits.

It’s akin to ‘buying bones with a thousand gold pieces’; others will bring more valuable clues in the future.” Speaking of this, Ji Yunge’s expression suddenly froze.

“Where have Ji Yunteng and Ji Yunbiao gone?” “They followed him out.

Most likely to…” “Foolishness!

If word of this gets out, how will others perceive our Ji Family!” Ji Yunge was furious.

“With Ji Yunteng’s temperament, he must have been dissatisfied.

He wouldn’t want that fellow to walk away with ten thousand jin of Source just for talking.

I think they’ve probably killed him by now,” another Ji Family disciple speculated.

Ji Yunge smashed a stone table in the garden area with a slap of his palm.

He remained silent for a moment before saying, “Since it has come to this, send a few more people.

Handle this matter cleanly.

I don’t want any rumors spreading.” 「Outside the outskirts of Fire Cloud City」 Ye Fan stopped and turned around, smiling.

“Friends from the Ji Family, why are you so enthusiastic as to escort me all the way out of the city?

Why haven’t you returned yet?” SWISH!

SWISH!

Ji Yunteng and Ji Yunbiao emerged from the shadows, both exuding killing intent as they advanced step by step.

“You want to kill me?

Why is that?” Ye Fan’s face hardened as he looked at the two.

“I kindly provided you with a clue.

Why do you repay kindness with enmity?” “Kid, do you think the Ji Family’s Source is so easily obtained?

Just by flapping your gums, you get tens of thousands of jin of Source?

Where can you find such a sweet deal!” Ji Yunteng sneered.

“Aren’t you too cold-hearted?

No matter what, I was the one who provided the clue, yet you want to kill me.” “So what if we kill you?

You led us to an empty cave mansion and just took the Source.

Don’t you find those Source a bit too hot to handle?!” Ji Yunbiao radiated a murderous aura.

Ye Fan suddenly burst into laughter, looking quite delighted.

“You’re about to die, what’s so funny?

I’ll send you on your way!” “Do you really think you can kill me?” A cold smile touched Ye Fan’s lips.

“I’m afraid you’ll only end up paying the price yourselves here.” “Just you?

You’ve barely stepped into the Dao Palace secret realm.

Does a firefly’s glow dare to compete with the bright moon?” Ji Yunteng sneered repeatedly, his murderous intent blatant.

“Killing you is no different from crushing a stinkbug!” Ji Yunbiao charged forward directly, striking down with the Great Void Handprint.

The massive black hand blotted out the sky, enveloping Ye Fan below with a thunderous rumble.

SMACK!

At that instant, Ye Fan made his move.

A colossal golden palm materialized in the air, instantly shattering the black hand and then slamming down, covering the horrified Ji Yunbiao.

SPLAT!

It was hard to imagine the terrifying divine energy contained within that golden palm.

It directly smashed Ji Yunbiao into pulp, reducing him to a bloody mist that vanished without a trace.

“You…

who exactly are you?!” Ji Yunteng roared.

An expert of the Dao Palace Third Layer Heaven had been slapped to death with a single blow.

The sight made his heart pound in terror.

“I am that Ye Fan you said could be stomped to death with one foot.” “What?!

How could it be you?!” Ji Yunteng stumbled backward in shock, his face ashen.

“Haha…” Ye Fan laughed heartily.

“Of course, it’s me.

Thank you for bringing me the Source.

I’ll use it to cultivate well.” “You…” Hearing this, and connecting it with everything that had transpired, Ji Yunteng was so furious his entire body trembled, even his fingers shaking uncontrollably.