Shrouded Sky

Chapter 135 - The Natural Grand Dao

Ye Fan's heart trembled. The other party hadn't even touched his Bitter Sea, yet how could they see through his physique?

"The Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique is indeed extraordinary, with a Golden Bitter Sea interwoven with lightning, unheard of and unseen." Li Ruoyu spoke calmly.

To Ye Fan, these words were like a bolt from the blue. He felt uneasy, unsure of what other secrets the other party had uncovered. The green copper block must never be exposed, the motherly energy of all things and the Dao Scripture were equally extraordinary, not suitable to be revealed to the world.

"You don't need to be nervous; I mean no harm."

As if sensing his thoughts, a kind smile appeared on Li Ruoyu's wrinkled face.

Ye Fan felt that the other party was unfathomably profound. After receiving the true inheritance of Dull Peak, they became even harder to fathom. He asked, "Senior, how... did you see it?"

"Just now, both you and I merged with Dull Peak, and the Grand Dao flowed naturally, allowing me to perceive it," Li Ruoyu replied with a slight smile.

The Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique was extraordinary. If one deliberately concealed it, with the Bitter Sea silent, it would be nearly impossible to detect. Not long ago, when Dull Peak's inheritance was activated, the natural Grand Dao flowed, and both of them were immersed in it.

Ye Fan speculated that this might indeed be the case, his aura had inadvertently leaked and was sensed by the other party. "Please, Senior, keep my secret," Ye Fan said, uncertain of the elder's stance toward him. Though their interactions had been amicable before, their time together was short, and he didn’t truly know him.

"You can rest assured."

In fact, at this point, even if the Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique was discovered, it wouldn’t matter much. In the current era, people only cared about the God Physique of the Eastern Wilderness. However, if it became known that Ye Fan could cultivate without obstruction, that would cause significant trouble.

"It’s not simple to cultivate the Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique to the Celestial Bridge stage, quite remarkable," Li Ruoyu nodded.

Ye Fan felt uneasy. This was his core concern. Possessing the Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique yet cultivating so smoothly, if this were known, people would surely investigate. He felt that this elder had seen more than he let on. Now, the elder seemed like Dull Peak itself, ordinary on the surface but profoundly mysterious.

"Try not to let the Ancient Clans or Sacred Grounds find out," Li Ruoyu said simply.

"They..." Ye Fan’s heart tightened upon hearing this.

The Sacred Grounds and Ancient Clans, with legacies dating back to the Desolate Era, surely knew many secrets. "No need to worry too much. As time has passed, the Sacred Physique is considered obsolete. The great powers that have existed since the Desolate Era don’t pay much attention to it anymore; the world has forgotten this physique."

In the past, the Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique was unrivaled, shining through the ages. Now, even if someone knew of it, they would believe the Sacred Physique could no longer cultivate.

"Senior, do you know why the Sacred Physique is no longer suitable for cultivation?" Ye Fan asked.

"The reason is too ancient, and few can understand it clearly," Li Ruoyu said, looking at Ye Fan. "The Primeval Desolate Sacred Physique doesn’t necessarily hinder your progress. Everything in the world has its cause..."

Ye Fan nodded. In truth, he hadn’t been hindered in his cultivation at all. Since embarking on the path of immortality, his journey had been smooth.

"As long as you firmly believe you can cultivate, nothing can stop you," Li Ruoyu sighed. "My physique is ordinary, but I persisted and eventually achieved something."

"Congratulations, Senior, for receiving Dull Peak’s inheritance and greatly advancing your cultivation," Ye Fan stepped forward to offer his congratulations.

"Cultivation requires steadfast effort. A powerful inheritance alone doesn’t guarantee progress; even the most profound techniques require personal insight."

Li Ruoyu seemed to be guiding Ye Fan, saying, "In my early years, I was ignorant and wasted decades cultivating here before awakening to the true meaning of Dull Peak."

According to the elder, only in the past century had he found inner peace, gradually merging with Dull Peak, comprehending the mindset of past sages, and grasping the Dao of Dull Peak. Before receiving the inheritance, apart from that supreme secret technique, he had already understood the various profound truths left by predecessors, merging with Dull Peak and comprehending the natural Grand Dao.

Ye Fan was shocked. This elder was truly extraordinary. Despite having poor innate talent, his foundation could even be called terrible, he had achieved enlightenment here, grasping the natural Grand Dao and its supreme truths. Today, after activating the inheritance, Li Ruoyu had merely confirmed those truths. He was no ordinary person, possessing great wisdom in cultivation.

"Innate talent isn’t the issue, and even a God Physique isn’t necessarily invincible," Li Ruoyu said to Ye Fan, as if encouraging him.

"Your physique is special. The world sees it as a useless body, but I believe there’s something extraordinary in its ordinariness. Perhaps you can fully cultivate the Sacred Physique." Li Ruoyu gazed at him and asked, "Would you sincerely join Dull Peak?"

Ye Fan’s heart stirred. The elder’s words were significant, and he hesitated, not answering immediately.

"I understand your intentions..." Li Ruoyu sighed lightly.

"Senior, I’m willing to join Dull Peak."

"No need for that," Li Ruoyu nodded, then shook his head. "For now, you can be considered an ordinary disciple of Dull Peak. My path may not suit you, and you’re free to leave at any time."

Ye Fan was surprised. He felt the elder had seen far more than he revealed; it wasn’t as simple as he made it seem.

"Senior, in fact, I’ve already received part of Dull Peak’s inheritance," Ye Fan said, feeling that this elder was too extraordinary to hide it from.

"I already know," Li Ruoyu nodded. "You’ve obtained a secret technique. You may cultivate it, but you must never pass it on."

Ye Fan increasingly felt that this elder was exceptional, having truly returned to simplicity after confirming Dull Peak’s inheritance.

"You and I are both disciples of Dull Peak. Follow me down the mountain to accept disciples," Li Ruoyu said, walking down step by step instead of flying. Ye Fan followed behind.

At the mountain gate, many people had gathered, including some elders waiting respectfully, not daring to ascend without permission.

The dozen or so Star Peak disciples Ye Fan had detained on the mountain were now unsure of their feelings. They had once looked down on Dull Peak, but now, seeing outstanding disciples from various main peaks gathered here, their emotions were complex.

Ye Fan walked over, released their restrictions, and allowed them to descend. But at this point, the dozen hesitated, reluctant to leave immediately.

According to Supreme Mystery Sect’s rules, one could switch to another main peak and choose a new inheritance, but once someone joined Dull Peak, they could not change. This had been the case since ancient times, indirectly highlighting Dull Peak’s uniqueness. Li Ruoyu arrived at the gate, scanned the crowd, and asked, "Do you all wish to join Dull Peak?"

"Yes!" many responded loudly.

At this moment, Li Ruoyu had no ethereal aura or graceful charm, resembling an ordinary village elder, causing some disciples to doubt. Elders from other main peaks approached, greeting Li Ruoyu respectfully. These seasoned experts, with keen perception, couldn’t see through him, indicating his profound cultivation. In everyone’s eyes, Dull Peak’s rise was inevitable.

"We’re here to send disciples, but our peak masters ordered us to let them go," some elders said reluctantly. "There’s no need for this," Li Ruoyu replied, lacking the demeanor of an enlightened master.

"Everyone has their own path; Dull Peak’s way may not suit them."

"The sect lord also said it’s just a matter of choosing disciples, all voluntary," an elderly elder nodded.

"We sincerely wish to join Dull Peak," many disciples shouted, kneeling forward.

Ye Fan found it speechless. Before today, Dull Peak was deserted, but after the inheritance opened, so many flocked here.

"Don’t stop me; I’m Dull Peak’s chief disciple!"

At that moment, a clear, melodious voice rang out. Ji Ziyue, who had been missing for days, appeared. Her large eyes sparkled with a sweet smile, though her delicate face was still smeared with streaks, as if hiding her true appearance.

Ji Ziyue’s dimples showed as she hugged Li Ruoyu’s arm, saying, "Senior Li, I’m back."

"Good. From today, you’re a disciple of Dull Peak," Li Ruoyu nodded to her.

Ji Ziyue had crossed the Nine-Step Heavenly Stairs, her physique remarkable. She had wanted to stay at Dull Peak that day, and if not for Star Peak’s elders intervening, she would have remained, like Ye Fan. The elder had a good impression of her.

"Senior, we also wish to join Dull Peak," other disciples at the gate saluted again. "Meditate at the foot of Dull Peak. If you gain insight within half a month, you may join," Li Ruoyu said, then walked up the mountain, with some elders following.

At that moment, a Star Peak elder approached and whispered to Li Ruoyu, "That girl is from the Ji Clan. You must not pass on the secret technique."

In the following days, young disciples gathered at Dull Peak’s base. Many from the 108 main peaks came here.

Rumors spread within Supreme Mystery Sect that Li Ruoyu had comprehended the natural Grand Dao and might rival ancient giants in the future. Following such a master promised limitless potential. After several peak masters visited Li Ruoyu, some confirmed this judgment, not baseless speculation.

Ye Fan never imagined that the once-desolate Dull Peak would become so lively, making one sigh that the cultivation world was just as pragmatic as the mortal one.

Ji Ziyue was unhappy. Li Ruoyu had directly asked if she was from the Ji Clan, and she couldn’t deny it. The elder was frank, stating he couldn’t teach her the supreme secret technique.

"Little brat, you really didn’t learn that secret technique? I don’t believe it!" Ji Ziyue glanced at Ye Fan with a sweet, soul-stirring smile. "When Dull Peak’s inheritance opened, you were on the mountain. How could you not have gained something?"

"Hmph, I learned some of the natural Grand Dao," Ye Fan chuckled. "You can trade the Void Scripture for it."

"You’re asking for a beating!" Ji Ziyue wrinkled her nose, grinding her teeth, recalling being captured by Ye Fan.

"...Fine, I’ll teach you," Ye Fan began expounding on the natural Dao, changing the topic. He didn’t dare teach the secret technique, as Li Ruoyu had solemnly warned him against it.

After her identity was revealed, Ji Ziyue washed off the streaks on her face, transforming from a little tabby cat into a sweet, vibrant beauty with peerless charm.

Supreme Mystery Sect, knowing her identity, took great care to protect her, ensuring no accidents happened. She wasn’t afraid of Ji Biyue coming for her.

Soon, over thirty disciples joined Dull Peak, sent personally by elders. Li Ruoyu couldn’t refuse.

Ji Ziyue was displeased. Some disciples followed her closely, annoying her. She knew her identity had leaked, and they wanted to connect with the Ancient Desolate Ji Clan.

As for Ye Fan, he avoided her daily, studying the Dao Scripture and the new supreme secret technique. Ji Ziyue was irritated, finding him too peculiar for dodging her, even worse than those following her.

"Little brat, you dare avoid me..." Ji Ziyue bared her little tiger teeth threateningly, her eyes mischievous, planning to use Ye Fan as a shield.

Ye Fan understood and vanished daily, not wanting to be targeted by other disciples. He was already considering leaving and had been searching for Supreme Mystery Sect’s Domain Gate to see if he could cross the void from here.

Once again, Ye Fan left Dull Peak, wandering Supreme Mystery Sect for half a day, passing many main peaks without finding the Domain Gate. He learned from some disciples that contributing greatly to the sect or providing enough Source allowed one to use the Domain Gate, with the sect facilitating the process. On his way back to Dull Peak, Ji Ziyue spotted him and blocked his path.

"Little brat, you’ve been sneaking around lately. Are you planning to escape?" Ji Ziyue, sharp as ever, sensed something amiss. "Are you hiding that you got the supreme secret technique? Why else would you have such thoughts?"

"No such thing!" Ye Fan quickly denied.

"If you dare escape, I’ll tell everyone your secrets, like the Imperial Demon Heart, the motherly energy, the mysterious green copper..." Ji Ziyue smiled sweetly, her eyes curving into crescents, dimples showing, looking playful and lively.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Ye Fan hurriedly interrupted, fearing someone might overhear, putting him in a precarious position.

"Let’s go wander elsewhere," Ji Ziyue said, bored from being pestered by Dull Peak’s young disciples and hiding at the base.

"Fine, let’s stroll," Ye Fan agreed, and they headed toward the nearby Second Peak, passing through scenic peaks until they unknowingly reached Star Peak’s territory.

At that moment, a familiar figure caught Ye Fan’s eye.

Li Xiaoman, in flowing white robes, with black hair like a waterfall, a refined face, and a graceful figure, appeared ethereal and otherworldly. She was with several Star Peak disciples, walking toward them, and the two groups met unexpectedly. Ye Fan and Li Xiaoman saw each other, not expecting to cross paths here.

Ji Ziyue, sensing something, whispered in Ye Fan’s ear, "Someone you know?"

"Kinda," Ye Fan nodded.

"Not an enemy, right? Should I deal with her for you?" Ji Ziyue smiled, looking ahead. She had visited Star Peak before but, with its countless disciples, hadn’t met everyone.

"Not an enemy, don’t cause trouble," Ye Fan quickly stopped her, not wanting any conflict. Li Xiaoman, now at the Life Spring stage, could hear their conversation, as they weren’t far apart.

Ji Ziyue pulled Ye Fan’s hand, gracefully approaching with a sweet smile, saying, "How should I address this sister?"

The group opposite noticed Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue, especially Ji Ziyue’s vibrant beauty, like a fairy, impossible to ignore.