Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 500: Chapter 505 Taiyang Monarch

“Brother Ye commands respect. Without using the power of the Dao, relying solely on his physical strength and speed, he overwhelms experts of the Fifth Transformation of the Dragon Transformation realm. He’s nearly invincible among the younger generation,” Xu Zixuan, the Feather King, chuckled.

“I’ve already crippled my cultivation base; I truly cannot use the power of the Dao. It was a matter of necessity,” Ye Fan said, shaking his head with apparent regret.

Beside him, Wang Chongxiao harbored endless doubts. He had witnessed the earlier battle firsthand but genuinely hadn’t seen Ye Fan use any divine energy or other such powers.

Xu Zixuan reached out a finger, sending forth a few Divine Feathers that instantly healed Gao Linfeng’s injuries. He then said, “Brother Ye, how about you let him go? He is impetuous and young, and his words were inevitably rash.”

“No problem. I won’t hold it against him,” Ye Fan replied with a smile and a nod.

“I never expected the famed Feather King to come to the Northern Divine City…” A hearty laugh echoed as Prince Xia Yiming of Great Xia strode in.

“I came to the Northern Region for the Yaochi Grand Gathering. Passing through the divine city and having the honor of meeting such distinguished individuals, true dragons among men, is a privilege,” Xu Zixuan, the Feather King, stated.

It was clear that Wang Chongxiao, Xia Yiming, and Xu Zixuan were the esteemed guests Gao Linfeng had invited, and now they had all arrived.

“Brother Ye, it’s truly wonderful that you’ve returned unscathed!” Xia Yiming laughed heartily as he approached.

“I narrowly survived a calamity. Though my life was spared, I had to cripple half of my cultivation base. Such is the helplessness of life,” Ye Fan sighed.

The others were somewhat speechless, unsure what to say. Everyone knew he had crippled his cultivation base half a year ago, yet he had still managed to kill the Yin Yang Saint Heir.

At this moment, Gao Linfeng’s face alternated between pale and ashen with extreme resentment. Today had been utterly humiliating, yet there was nothing he could do.

Especially now, hearing Ye Fan’s words—his opponent claimed to have crippled his own cultivation, yet he still wasn’t a match for him! This made him wish he could find a hole to crawl into and hide.

“The Yaochi Grand Gathering… even the royalty of the Central States are aware of it. Its influence is indeed significant,” An Miaoyi remarked with a light chuckle. Graceful as an immortal, she elegantly poured tea, while a beautiful maid served it to the guests.

“We were out seeking experience and heard of such a grand event, so naturally, we didn’t want to miss it,” replied Xu Zixuan, the Feather King. He was handsome and serene, exuding a unique aura.

Ye Fan knew this person must be extremely powerful. He recalled some rumors: the Feather King had ascended to the heavens, been reborn anew, with each secret boundary yielding a divine treasure. This man was likely an almost invincible figure among the youth of the Central States, and Ye Fan felt an invisible pressure.

Suddenly, light surged like a tidal wave, and a new figure silently appeared in the palace. Golden light blazed around him, as if a sun were burning intensely.

“Brother, you’re here?” Gao Linfeng’s gloom vanished, replaced by excitement. He quickly moved to greet the newcomer, simultaneously casting a murderous glare at Ye Fan, his killing intent boundless.

This was a tall man, built like a golden wall, exuding terrifying pressure. He stood motionless, his eyes like blades sweeping over them.

Dazzling golden light surged from him like waves. Ordinary people could hardly face its radiant brilliance, which was like that of a deity, making others feel ashamed of their inadequacy.

His thick black hair was tinted with a golden radiance by the Divine Light. His face was as if chiseled, with sharp features, and his eyes flashed like lightning, giving him an extremely commanding presence.

“Brother Gao, I didn’t expect you to arrive so quickly,” Xu Zixuan, the Feather King, said with a smile.

The Taiyang Monarch, a leader of the Central States’ younger generation, had arrived personally. His expression was cold amidst the blazing light, making him resemble a Divine Son.

He nodded. His towering stature, like a mountain, moved forward step by step, his blade-like eyes fixed unwaveringly on Ye Fan, an invisible murderous intent emanating from him.

The successive Twin Kings of the Central States had always been renowned worldwide for their fearsome constitution. Now, four thousand years later, a new pair had emerged.

Legend had it that when the Twin Kings united, they were invincible—the most formidable combination, capable of sweeping away all opponents of their generation, unmatched in the world.

This was because each one was equivalent to an Eastern Wastelands Divine King, possessing the most terrifying bloodline in the world. Most importantly, they complemented each other by nature; once united, they were invincible.

Historically, perhaps only the peerless Divine King had single-handedly slain Twin Kings; before him, it was unheard of for anyone to achieve such a feat against them.

However, the Divine King had not battled both members of a pair simultaneously; he had killed them individually, with these victories separated by four thousand years. Otherwise, even he could not have contended with them when they were united.

“Are you the Taiyang Monarch? If you want a fight, then come. Did you think I would be afraid of you?” Ye Fan stated calmly, utterly fearless.

The Taiyang Monarch was bathed in golden Divine Light, resembling an immortal god of battle reborn—tall, mighty, and imposing. He said nothing, merely staring steadfastly at Ye Fan.

“Brother, kill him!” Gao Linfeng gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with venom, desperate for immediate revenge.

Ye Fan naturally understood the source of their murderous intent. The peerless Divine King had slain two of their ancestors, and they had transferred their enmity for this act onto him.

Everyone knew the peerless Divine King had almost sacrificed his own life to help Ye Fan break the curse. Many considered him to have been cultivated by the Divine King through this sacrifice.

“It’s merely a misunderstanding. There’s no need for such hostility; it only harms the peace between you,” Prince Xia Yiming stepped forward to mediate.

“A fully developed sacred body can rival a Great Emperor, and united Twin Kings are invincible in the mortal world. Both of you are destined to be future unrivaled heroes. Why conflict over such minor matters now?” the Feather King also chimed in, attempting to persuade them.

An Miaoyi also stepped forward to mediate. Her captivating eyes and words, like a gentle spring breeze, calmed their minds and somewhat softened the tense atmosphere.

The Taiyang Monarch, being in the Northern Region, was wary of many taboos and didn’t want to fight Ye Fan at that moment. He snorted coldly, glanced at Ye Fan, and said no more.

“I’ll let you live a few more days!” Gao Linfeng’s eyes blazed with hatred.

Those present furrowed their brows. Even the Taiyang Monarch glanced at him, thinking this younger brother was too spoiled and would never amount to anything.

“It’s been a long time since anyone dared to speak to me like that. Even if your elder brother is one of the Twin Kings, it doesn’t give you the right. I’ll still teach you a lesson.” Ye Fan made his move.

BANG!

The Taiyang Monarch, engulfed in divine flames, reacted quickly to block Ye Fan, but he underestimated his opponent’s speed.

Ye Fan’s right hand transformed into a golden Heaven-Flipping Seal, instantly striking Gao Linfeng and sending him flying. The blow broke his bones and tore his tendons, nearly crushing him into paste.

“Next time, watch your mouth.”

“Argh!” Dozens of Gao Linfeng’s bones were broken, and the excruciating pain made him cry out uncontrollably.

“You…” Behind the Taiyang Monarch, a giant sun materialized, from which nine Golden Crows flew out, circling above his head.

A terrifying Qi Mechanism erupted like a monstrous flood, causing this Heaven Temple to tremble and attracting the attention of many. Numerous cultivators looked towards this location.

The Taiyang Monarch’s aura surged like a mighty rainbow, akin to a brilliant, overflowing river of stars. He raised his hand to strike Ye Fan. For Ye Fan to discipline the Monarch’s brother in his presence was tantamount to striking the Monarch himself.

BANG!

Ye Fan seemed to walk amid the sun and moon, as if traversing through time. He dodged at extreme speed, then swung a golden fist, shattering the vacuum, and smashed close to engage in melee combat with his unparalleled physical body.

As the two were about to battle, the Feather King and Prince Xia Yiming of Great Xia intervened. Endless Divine Feathers soared through the air, and nine streams of Dragon Qi sundered the sky, forming a barrier between the two combatants.

“This time, it truly was Linfeng’s fault. Please, don’t let this escalate into a life-and-death struggle,” remarked Xu Zixuan, the Feather King.

“Feather King, don’t interfere! I’ve been patient enough, but he dared to strike. He deserves death!” the Taiyang Monarch declared, his killing intent soaring, his expression icy.

“I still have nine opportunities to return to the Four Extremes Secret Boundary. I could even duel a Saint Heir. If you force me to kill you, then by all means, come at me,” Ye Fan retorted, facing him down.

DING DONG…

An Miaoyi began to play an Immortal Song. The music was soothing, like a clear spring flowing among pine trees under the night moon, bringing a sense of peace to the heart.

“Everyone, please stop. No one has ever dared to treat my Miao Yu Temple as a battlefield,” her voice, heavenly yet carrying a hint of authority, interjected.

The Taiyang Monarch was extremely assertive, but having come to the Eastern Wastelands, he dared not be overly aggressive. His killing intent subsided, and he sat down to the side.

Ye Fan maintained a nonchalant attitude. Now that he had acquired the Swift-Movement Technique, he could go anywhere under heaven. Even if the world knew his injuries had healed, it wouldn’t matter much anymore.

After this confrontation, although they resumed drinking tea and conversing casually, the atmosphere remained tense. The Taiyang Monarch’s face was sullen, without a trace of a smile.

Ye Fan, however, seemed quite at ease, sipping tea while chatting with the Feather King and Prince Xia Yiming, occasionally directing a few questions to Wang Chongxiao.

An Miaoyi played her Immortal Song, filling the entire palace hall with a sense of harmony and easing the tense atmosphere. The only discordant element was Gao Linfeng, stained with his own blood.

“Do you know where the Saint of Celestial Jade has gone?” the Feather King asked.

Ye Fan smiled. Indeed, a living Saint of this era wields considerable deterrent power, he thought. Enough to make even the young powerhouses of the Central States inquire with such caution.

“He is in a hidden location, undergoing closed cultivation.”

With cultivation reaching such a realm, he still needs to go into seclusion? Is there hope for a breakthrough? Similar thoughts raced through the minds of Wang Chongxiao and the others.

The Taiyang Monarch also felt uneasy. Even though he knew Ye Fan’s words were likely untrustworthy, he couldn’t help but pay attention; after all, this was an existence comparable to the Ancient Saints.

Finally, late into the night, the guests rose to bid farewell. Ye Fan, however, left and then returned, meeting An Miaoyi in a different palace hall.

“Have your injuries healed?” An Miaoyi asked softly.

Ye Fan handed her a jade bottle filled with Divine Spring. Upon opening it, its fragrance filled the air. Any cultivator could discern that this was the Spring of Life, capable of bringing the dead back to life and mending bones.

“You truly astound me!” An Miaoyi’s beautiful eyes were wide with astonishment. “You ventured into the Ancient Desolation Forbidden Land and actually returned alive!”

Ye Fan didn’t deny it. He looked at her calmly and said, “I want to ask you some things.”

“I know what you want to say. If it’s about the ruthless person’s legacy, don’t inquire too deeply. You only need to know that I won’t harm you.” An Miaoyi laughed lightly, as graceful as an immortal, as she came to his side to massage his acupoints.

“Why?”

“Don’t ask so many questions.” An Miaoyi shook her head, unwilling to say more.

“Has Hua Yunfei come to the Northern Region?” Ye Fan asked.

“I don’t know. That man is very dangerous; you must be careful,” An Miaoyi warned.

Everyone has their own reasons; it’s impossible to lay all one’s secrets bare before others. Just as Ye Fan, who came from the other side of the starry sky, had never spoken of it to An Miaoyi.

“You are in great danger right now. A ‘Slaying Saint Alliance’ has recently appeared in the Eastern Wastelands. I’m afraid there’s a Saint Heir-level figure orchestrating it.”

“An alliance to slay me… Weren’t the two Ancient Assassin Divine Dynasties enough? And now another Slaying Saint Alliance.”

An Miaoyi solemnly warned, “The members within it all don’t know each other’s identities, but they are very much in sync. They all share one goal: to kill you.”

Ye Fan smiled. The Supreme Scepter of the Celestial Court truly has its use now, he thought. The Celestial Court should reappear in the mortal world!