Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 501: Chapter 505: Life and Death of the Peerless Divine King

Starlight shimmered like water. Ye Fan strolled through the divine city but didn’t linger long at Miao Yu Temple, as many eyes were watching him. Nowadays, his every move could stir the nerves of certain people, so he directly returned to his residence.

“Why hasn’t anyone come to assassinate us?” the big black dog whined. It was wearing large floral shorts and, with its massive paws clasped behind its back, paced back and forth on its hind legs, utterly bored.

“Are you actually hoping someone will come to kill us?” Ye Fan shot it a sideways glance.

“This emperor has even set up a corner of the Array Patterns from an ancient Great Emperor! For no one to come seeking death is truly a letdown,” the big black dog said quite shamelessly.

Elsewhere, the little pitiful girl slept soundly. A faint, seven-colored ripple of light emanated from between her brows, enveloping her small bed.

“AWOOO—!”

Early the next morning, as the sun ascended in the east, the big black dog let out its customary long howl, provoking curses from many people on the ancient street.

“Doggy, why do you always wake everyone up like this?” The little pitiful girl rubbed her large eyes and groggily sat up before obediently washing up on her own.

That day, Ye Fan and his companions wandered aimlessly around the divine city, waiting for Li Heishui to return so they could proceed to the Jiang Family. Their group attracted onlookers wherever they went. This was not only because Ye Fan was very famous in the divine city but also because the big black dog was so thoroughly despised. The little pitiful girl sat on the big black dog’s back, a string of candied haws in her left hand and a savory mountain roll in her right. She constantly tasted snacks and was utterly content.

“Big Brother, is it fun inside the Stone Workshop?” the little girl asked innocently.

Ye Fan was simply taking the little pitiful girl to broaden her horizons. They visited the food street, entered the Treasure House, and then toured the major Stone Workshops, causing quite a stir. Everyone assumed he was there to gamble on stones. However, Ye Fan casually waved his hand, indicating he had no such interest, much to the relief of the various Stone Workshops.

“Is that the dog?”

As evening fell, a stern, elderly voice suddenly cut in. The speaker wore an unfriendly expression and glared so viciously at the big black dog it seemed he was about to commit murder.

“Sir, please don’t be angry. Tu Fei will be fine,” Li Heishui advised from the side.

Flickering Light Sacred Master, the seventh great bandit of the Northern Region, had arrived, seeking to call them to account. His mere presence instantly cleared the street of people. The thirteen great bandits were renowned throughout the Northern Region; everyone knew of them. This was especially true for this particular master, who possessed the Heaven-devouring Demon Jar and, when angered, dared to capture even the Peacock King.

“Who’s this old codger? He’s fiercer than a street tiger, scared everyone off!” The big black dog bared its teeth and rolled its eyes. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, it added, “Could he be that old fossil who snatched the Heaven-devouring Demon Jar right before I could?”

“Where did you send my grandson?” Flickering Light Sacred Master demanded, his expression dark.

“Li Heishui, you sold me out?!” the big black dog growled furiously.

“You brought this on yourself. How could I possibly hide it?” Li Heishui retorted.

Nearby stood three young men familiar to Ye Fan: Jiang Huairen, Liu Kao, and Wu Zhongtian. They were close friends of both Li Heishui and Wu Zhongtian, and also descendants of great bandits.

“It has nothing to do with me, not even a single copper coin’s worth! Tu Fei wanted to visit the Northern Plains himself. I happen to remember his coordinates. How about I send you there?” the big black dog said with an air of utmost sincerity.

“Grandpa Tu, don’t let it fool you!” Li Heishui hurriedly interjected. “It says it’ll send you to the Northern Plains, but who knows, you might end up in the Southern Mountains!”

“Tell me the coordinates, now!” Flickering Light Sacred Master snapped, his face grim. His grandson had been lost by a dog, a fact that left him thoroughly exasperated.

The big black dog, surprisingly honest this time, didn’t dare to keep bluffing. It stated a set of coordinates so dizzyingly distant that even Flickering Light Sacred Master was left speechless for a good while.

“Rely on him to return on his own? That would take twenty years, at least! That location is practically at the Divine Sea of the North Pole!” Flickering Light Sacred Master flicked his sleeves in frustration and turned to leave.

“I hear this dog is quite unscrupulous?” Jiang Huairen, Liu Kao, and Wu Zhongtian closed in with malicious intent, clearly wanting to teach the big black dog a lesson.

“You’re not allowed to bully Doggy!” the little pitiful girl cried out, staunchly defending the Black Emperor.

“WOOF!” The big black dog seized the initiative, snapping and biting dozens of times. Possessing Copper Tendons and Iron Bones, it made the three young men scream in pain. As long as the dog didn’t use lethal force, they couldn’t harm it at all.

It took a long while for the street to regain its calm. The three were covered in dog bite marks, finally understanding just how vicious the “wicked dog” Li Heishui had described truly was.

In the end, they found a restaurant and feasted to their hearts’ content, returning to Ye Fan’s residence late at night. These few had decided to accompany them on their journey.

The thirteenth great bandit, Jiang Hi, had already gone to the Jiang Family ahead of them. This time, Jiang Huairen would have to lead the way for them to enter the Jiang Family.

「The next day」

The group traversed the void, heading towards the most ancient heritage site in the Northern Region.

Great Emperor Hengyu had left a profound mark on the history of the human race, revered as one of the most powerful figures of all time.

The region where the Jiang Family resided was like a sacred Pure Land. Outside, tens of thousands of miles of barren land stretched out, but within, it was lush and verdant. Auspicious clouds and mists rose, and colorful fog flowed. Great Mountains, immense and ancient, were all suspended in the sky, never falling. Each Great Mountain possessed an awe-inspiring presence, as if it had existed since the dawn of creation, exuding an aura of ancient vicissitude. Some Great Mountains featured silver waterfalls plunging three thousand feet, like the Milky Way pouring down from the Nine Heavens. Others were wreathed in demonic clouds, towering and solemn, their oppressive aura palpable.

This was merely the tip of the iceberg; the sights in the deepest regions remained entirely unseen. It was said that innumerable ancient structures and ruins from before the Ancient Desolation lay hidden there, endless in number.

“Who goes there?” Even from a great distance, numerous powerful figures rushed out, shouting the challenge.

Jiang Huairen said nothing. He simply took out a Divine Wood Order and displayed it. At the sight of it, the guards’ expressions immediately softened. Soon, an elder flew out to greet them.

“Ah, it’s you, my dear nephew Huairen!” the elder said enthusiastically. “Now that you’re here, you mustn’t leave again. Recognize your ancestors and return to the clan. Don’t continue to wander outside. Even your grandfather is currently being persuaded by the clan’s elders to do the same.”

Jiang Huairen replied with a noncommittal smile, and they followed the elder inside.

“Today, we really have Jiang ‘Bad Guy’ Huairen to thank for this! It’s our first time entering an Ancient Nobility,” Liu Kao muttered.

Their group flying in naturally attracted many onlookers, especially from the younger generation, who cast strange glances at Ye Fan.

The Jiang Family’s domain was vast, with endless mountains and innumerable floating Divine Islands. Ye Fan and his companions traveled for dozens of miles before arriving at one such suspended island. This particular island was an important restricted area, not easily accessible to ordinary members. This was because an ancestor-level figure of the Jiang Clan was in seclusion here. Recently, Jiang Hi had also been residing here, undergoing persuasion from the clan elders.

“Where is Little Tingting? I want to see her,” Ye Fan stated.

The Jiang Family elder’s expression flickered. He had likely already guessed Ye Fan’s identity but hadn’t voiced it. Now, he looked troubled.

“What? I can’t see her?” Ye Fan’s connection with the peerless Divine King was widely known; the Jiang Family had no reason to obstruct him.

“The little princess has only just returned,” the elder explained. “Matters concerning the Divine King’s life and death are critical, so she cannot casually meet with outsiders. Please, be patient and wait a few days.”

Ye Fan and his companions were settled on a tranquil small island. They waited for seven full days but still did not see Little Tingting.

However, they did finally meet Old Man Jiang. Although he was not entirely comfortable living here, his spirits had improved considerably. With a formidable uncle like Jiang Hi around, no one dared to slight him anymore. His daily meals were supplemented with spiritual medicines. Despite being a mortal, over the past year or so, he had begun to look younger, and his white hair even showed signs of turning black.

“Tingting has returned,” Old Man Jiang said, overjoyed to see Ye Fan, as if meeting his closest relative. “I’ve only seen her twice before she was taken away for seclusion training.”

“Old Sir, you look rejuvenated!” Ye Fan joked.

“Rejuvenated? I’m just an old bag of bones. What youth is there to speak of?”

Ye Fan stayed with Old Man Jiang for several days but was still unable to see Little Tingting. Even Jiang Huairen and the others grew impatient. Eventually, they sought out Jiang Hi, who was in seclusion.

“Not allowed to see her? Why ever not? I’ll take you there myself!” Jiang Hi was furious upon learning of the situation.

Old Man Jiang was his direct nephew, and he especially treasured Little Tingting. Indeed, he had returned to the Jiang Family precisely for these two.

When a renowned great bandit of the Northern Region personally wished to see Little Tingting, the Jiang Family members dared not obstruct him further. After all, he was the little princess’s closest living relative, leaving them no legitimate reason to deny the meeting.

Tingting’s place of cultivation was beautiful and tranquil. Clusters of flowering trees bloomed, and a stream gurgled merrily. Water cascaded from the edge of the Divine Island, veiled in a colorful, ethereal mist.

“Grand-uncle!” Tingting cried out, running lightly as if her feet barely touched the ground. She wore a snow-white dress, her dark hair flowing behind her, resembling a little spirit. Now over nine years old, she looked like a large, exquisitely crafted porcelain doll, with eyes as clear as water and an ethereal aura.

“Brother!” Upon seeing Ye Fan, Tingting was overjoyed and rushed towards him.

“Is this for real? This little girl is already a cultivator in the Dao Palace secret realm! She’s only been cultivating for a few years!” Li Heishui was utterly speechless.

“She’s already on par with Xia Jiuyou!” Liu Kao gasped, sucking in a breath of cold air.

“That’s my niece!” Jiang Huairen declared proudly.

“Little Uncle,” Tingting called out sweetly to him, much to Jiang Huairen’s delight.

“You all chat. I’ll take my leave now.” Jiang Hi affectionately patted Tingting’s head and vanished with a turn.

“Brother, you finally came to see me!” Tingting said, her happiness evident.

Ye Fan recalled their past encounters: that first meeting in a small restaurant in the Southern Region, where Little Tingting, despite wearing patched old clothes, had been so sensible and understanding.

Tingting has really grown up. He smiled, patting her head.

Tingting had a sweet way with words. She greeted Wu Zhongtian and the others one by one, calling each of them “Big Brother.”

“That’s my niece,” Jiang Huairen repeated smugly.

“Damn it! I was wondering why you kept saying that! You’re trying to take advantage of us and act like our elder! Get him!” Li Heishui and the others, finally catching on, all pounced on Jiang Huairen.

Old Man Jiang chuckled from the side, clearly enjoying the lively atmosphere. It’s often said that older people enjoy the company of the younger generation, and he undoubtedly felt the same.

“Sister, hug, hug!” the little pitiful girl chirped, stretching out her small hands towards Tingting. Barely over two years old, she was adorable, only reaching Tingting’s waist, and utterly endearing.

“What an adorable little thing!” Tingting said, picking her up. The little one immediately giggled, a mystical light shimmering between her brows.

“A Taiyin Body,” the big black dog muttered, circling Tingting. Its large, bell-like eyes rolled thoughtfully as it pondered something.

After much lively chatter, Ye Fan and Tingting moved to one side and sat down in a nearby pavilion. Ye Fan then asked about the Divine King’s current situation.

A worried expression immediately clouded Tingting’s face. She had followed the peerless Divine King for over half a year, learning Endless Divine Techniques and cultivating almost every single day.

“Your body…” Ye Fan began, shocked. Tingting’s physical condition had clearly improved significantly, which, paradoxically, made him even more uneasy. This must be the Divine King’s doing.

“The Divine King has been baptizing me daily with the Divine King Rebirth Technique,” Tingting said, tears welling in her eyes. “I tried to stop him, but I couldn’t.”

“This…” Ye Fan was stunned. The Divine King is already at the end of his tether, yet he’s still using his Divine King Origin to baptize her! How dire must his own condition be?

“Where is the Divine King?” Ye Fan asked urgently. “I have the Undying Divine Medicine! It can save him!”

“The Divine King sent me back and then journeyed far away,” Tingting said, shaking her head, tears streaming down her face as she choked with remorse. “Even the most powerful experts in the family couldn’t find any trace of him. No one knows where he went.”

“Don’t cry. This isn’t your fault, Tingting,” Ye Fan quickly comforted her.

“But I’m so sad,” Tingting whispered.

Over the past six months, the peerless Divine King had taken Tingting throughout the Great Wilderness, visiting many Ancient Lands, as if he were reminiscing about something or someone.

It seems the Divine King is still heartbroken… Ye Fan sighed inwardly. He can’t forget the death of Fairy Caiyun.

“They say… they say the Divine King might have severed his own Divine King Origin,” the little pitiful girl whispered, fresh tears beginning to fall.

“Don’t cry, Sister, don’t cry.” The little pitiful girl climbed onto the stone bench to gently wipe Tingting’s tears.

The big black dog’s ears were exceptionally sharp. It had heard everything, and its expression shifted. “To sever his own Divine King Origin? What astounding boldness!”

“Shut up, you dead dog!” Ye Fan snapped.

“I’m saying this man is extraordinary to possess such courage!” the dog retorted. “He now faces only two possible outcomes: either his body and spirit will completely dissipate within three years, or he will be reborn into the mortal world within three years, living a second life, his cultivation soaring to the heavens!”

“Is what you’re saying true?” Ye Fan asked, startled.

“Naturally, it’s true,” the dog affirmed. “At this point, not even the Undying Divine Medicine would be of any use. Everything depends on him alone. This is a true self-severance. Perhaps he can indeed carve out a second life for himself.”

The peerless Divine King had drained his Divine Spirit Blood to help Ye Fan sever his Dao Fruit. He had exhausted his divine energy, reaching the end of his life, yet he had selflessly assisted Tingting, baptizing her daily with Divine Light and even severing his own Divine King Origin.

Thinking of all this, a pang of guilt and sorrow struck Ye Fan. He truly wished he could revive the Divine King, praying that he could live a second life and overcome this brush with death.

“Is there… is there really hope?” Tingting asked, her face streaked with tears.

“That all depends on him now,” the big black dog stated. “Having reached this critical juncture, if he can truly let go of the past, he will surely be able to live a second life.”

Ye Fan felt a surge of worry. The Divine King reached this state precisely because he couldn’t let go of Fairy Caiyun. Can he truly relinquish the past now?

“Big Sister, don’t cry. Be good now,” the little pitiful girl said softly, standing on the stone bench and carefully wiping Tingting’s tears.

After a long while, they finally calmed down. Tingting then seemed to remember something. “Big Brother,” she began, “your Origin Qi Cauldron…”

“What about it?” Ye Fan asked.

“Shortly after I returned, Brother Jiang Yichen borrowed it… and he still hasn’t returned it,” Tingting said, sounding somewhat aggrieved.

Ye Fan let out a cold snort. Is the Jiang Family actually trying to keep his Origin Qi Cauldron?

Jiang Huairen was instantly incensed. “Damn it!” he yelled. “Daring to forcibly appropriate my niece’s treasure! That Jiang Yichen is accustomed to being arrogant and domineering, but this time he’s truly tired of living!”