Shrouded Sky

Chapter 144 - First Clash Between Sacred Physique & God-King Physique

The great figures of the Ji Clan and the Radiant Light Sacred Ground had arrived, personally welcomed by the Supreme Mystery sect lord and several of the sect's venerable elders. On Dull Peak, once overrun with weeds and dead vines and marked by broken halls, the air now trembled with activity from all directions.

Nine azure flood dragons spanned the sky like forged steel, radiating a stunning force of raw power. They pulled a golden ancient war chariot that rumbled forward with grandeur and heaviness, as if emerging from the pages of history. The major figures of the Radiant Light Sacred Ground and the Ji Clan had arrived together in one chariot, now descending upon Dull Peak.

The 108 main peaks of Supreme Mystery Sect stirred with alarm, many elders gazing in this direction.

Inside the dilapidated temple, the old madman remained still, encased in a silver-white cocoon. A mysterious energy pulsed from him, making the entire mountaintop resonate. He felt like a demonic fetus… or an immortal seed, just looking at him made hearts tremble.

It was an indescribable feeling. As soon as the major figures from the Ji Clan and Radiant Light entered the temple, their expressions changed. They said nothing and immediately sat cross-legged, eyes closed, silently sensing the energy.

A peerless being from six thousand years ago now seemed on the verge of nirvana. To them, this was an immense opportunity. If they could comprehend the truth hidden in those pulses, it might benefit them for life, or even lead to immortality.

“Hey hey hey, why so serious? A rare chance to see real power up close,” Ji Ziyue said. She stood tall and graceful, her skin like jade, with sparkling eyes full of spirit. Grabbing Ye Fan's arm, she asked with suspicion, “Where are you going?”

“I’m finding a quiet place to cultivate. Rather than admire big shots, better to grow strong myself,” Ye Fan replied, walking down from Dull Peak.

“Liar. You look guilty, as if you're deliberately avoiding these big names,” Ji Ziyue said, her senses razor-sharp.

Ye Fan was trying to avoid them. Too many secrets could spell trouble. When facing ancient forces from the Desolate Era, he had to be cautious.

“Let’s go meet the folks from Star Peak. If we don’t go, they’ll think we’re afraid,” Ji Ziyue suggested.

“You go. I’m going to cultivate,” Ye Fan declined, wanting to avoid more complications.

Eventually, he found solitude in the mountains to meditate and reflect on his next steps. He decided to leave once the old madman’s condition stabilized.

Over the following days, many influential figures came to Supreme Mystery Sect, drawn by the old madman. That ancient hall on Dull Peak had practically become a holy land.

Ordinary people couldn’t even approach it. Everyone inside was a famous powerhouse, enough to shake the world.

One day, Star Peak again sent someone to invite Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue. The messenger emphasized there was no hostility, only a wish to ease tensions between the two factions.

“Why not? Let’s go see what it’s about,” Ji Ziyue agreed and dragged Ye Fan along.

However, they weren’t brought to Star Peak’s summit, but to a scenic valley between peaks.

The mountains were beautiful, wrapped in mist, with clear streams and ancient trees. A group of young men and women sat on the grassy slope, each with a wooden table laden with fruit and fine wine.

Ding ding dong dong…

A man in blue robes was playing the zither. His fingers danced like butterflies, producing graceful and lively music that calmed the soul.

Seeing Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue arrive, the blue-robed man stopped and stood, followed by the others. “With your arrival, the flowers across the mountains seem to have bloomed brighter,” he said warmly, inviting them to sit.

He appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five, with flowing azure robes and a gentle demeanor. His words were few, but he felt approachable and kind.

This was Hua Yunfei, whose name matched his nature, like flowing clouds and a gentle breeze. “I’ve just emerged from two years of secluded cultivation. Hearing of the tensions between Star Peak and Dull Peak, I invited you to apologize and ease the discord.”

Ye Fan replied respectfully, “Hearing you say that embarrasses me. It’s true I injured some disciples, but it was regrettably unavoidable due to certain circumstances.”

“Not at all,” Hua Yunfei said sincerely. “Star Peak has flourished in recent years, causing some arrogance among our disciples. They’ve acted like Star Peak alone reigns supreme in Supreme Mystery, which is not good. Your lesson was deserved.”

Ye Fan had long heard that the head of Star Peak was surnamed Hua. In Supreme Mystery’s history, half the sect lords came from Star Peak, and half of those were also surnamed Hua. It was no surprise, then, that the Hua Clan held great sway in the sect.

After exchanging courtesies, they sat on the grass. Li Xiaoman was also present, seated calmly beside Hua Yunfei.

“I’ll play a song to atone, and let this matter pass. May our two peaks coexist in harmony,” Hua Yunfei said.

He played his zither again. The melody flowed like a spring under moonlight, bringing peace to all who listened. Though Ye Fan couldn’t grasp the full symbolism, the song clearly had meaning.

Ji Ziyue whispered, “Now I remember, this Hua Yunfei is incredibly powerful.”

Ye Fan was startled. He knew Hua Yunfei was impressive but didn’t expect this level of strength.

Hua Yunfei was the grandson of Star Peak’s master, a prodigy. At eighteen, he was the top of Star Peak’s younger generation. By twenty-two, none of the 108 peaks’ youths could suppress him.

“Everyone thought my brother Haoyue was out of the picture for twenty years. In truth, he was secretly taken for training two years ago, and he fought Hua Yunfei.”

Ji Haoyue, of the God-King Physique, battled Hua Yunfei in a clash of titans. Though Ji Haoyue won, it cost him dearly.

“He’s that strong…” Ye Fan was stunned.

“Yes. Besides my brother, I don’t think any peer can beat him. He’ll become famous across Eastern Wilderness,” Ji Ziyue nodded.

Hua Yunfei’s fingers moved like flowing clouds, his melody ethereal and serene. Though male, he possessed a rare grace that surpassed even many women.

His music painted a poetic scene, immersing everyone in tranquility. Even birds were drawn to it.

A timid thrush landed near his zither, followed by an oriole. Within moments, hundreds of birds had gathered on the grassy field.

It was a stunning sight. Hua Yunfei’s aura merged with the environment, drawing nature itself to him.

Even Ye Fan couldn’t stay calm. “Your brother, the God-King Physique, needed great effort to defeat this man?” he whispered.

“Hua Yunfei also mastered an ancient being’s celestial phenomenon. He’s been in seclusion since their duel, he must be even more formidable now,” Ji Ziyue replied.

When the music ended, the birds lingered, fluttering around, adding to the beauty of the scene.

“This melody belongs in heaven. How often does one hear such music in the mortal world?” Ye Fan clapped in admiration. “Brother Hua, you are truly extraordinary. Your music moved the mountain and summoned birds, it’s remarkable.”

“You flatter me. It’s just for peace of mind,” Hua Yunfei said, lifting his cup. “To harmony between Star Peak and Dull Peak.”

Everyone drank in high spirits.

“I heard from Sister Xiaoman that you’re from a faraway place, one of great civilization, very different from Eastern Wilderness. I’m fascinated,” Hua Yunfei added.

Ye Fan was shocked. Did Li Xiaoman reveal the truth? That could cause huge problems. He looked at her closely.

She wore white, face calm and pure like a lotus, revealing nothing.

“It’s nothing compared to here,” Ye Fan said coolly. “Back home, no one can cultivate. Aging, sickness, and death are common. Living to a hundred is already rare.”

“You’re modest. I sincerely hope to learn from you someday,” Hua Yunfei replied earnestly, toasting Ye Fan again. “I believe your homeland is connected to ours in some deeper way.”

Ye Fan’s heart trembled. He felt Hua Yunfei knew more than he let on, had Li Xiaoman told him everything?

Ji Ziyue’s eyes sparkled. She felt Ye Fan was full of secrets, and she was determined to uncover them.

“The Ji Clan has long roots, famous across Eastern Wilderness. Having Miss Ji as our guest here at Supreme Mystery… we’ve been remiss,” Hua Yunfei smiled at Ji Ziyue.

The title "young lady of an ancient clan" surprised the others. Li Xiaoman’s expression changed slightly.

Ji Ziyue wasn’t surprised. Many on Dull Peak already knew her identity, let alone Hua Yunfei.

She smiled sweetly. “My name’s Ji Ziyue. Ji from Ji River, Zi from Purple Qi, and Yue like the moon.”

“Ji River?!” Ye Fan was startled. He’d never asked about her Clan. Did people here know of Earth’s Ji River?

“You didn’t know? In the ancient East, there’s a famous river named Ji. It flows past my house, and has for over fifty thousand years,” Ji Ziyue’s eyes sparkled.

That timespan was staggering, far beyond Earth’s Ji River.

“I should’ve visited Miss Ziyue earlier, but I’ve only just exited seclusion. I fought your brother before, we may not be strangers,” Hua Yunfei said, standing up. “I’m off to greet some guests. Please relax here.”

“No need, we’re already here,” came a voice.

A group of over a dozen people approached, men and women alike, all elegant and extraordinary, like immortals.

“Brother Haoyue is here…” Ji Ziyue muttered, hiding behind Ye Fan.

On Dull Peak, the presence of a six-thousand-year-old powerhouse had drawn powerful figures from every major faction.

Now, their most outstanding disciples had also arrived at Supreme Mystery, including Ji Haoyue, the God-King Physique of Eastern Wilderness; the Saintess of Radiant Light; and other young elites.

Hua Yunfei welcomed them with a smile, leading them over.

“Ziyue…” Ji Haoyue wore flowing purple robes, calm and refined like the moon, with an aura of divinity.

“Brother Haoyue!” Ji Ziyue ran over cheerfully and hugged his arm.

“Why are you with him?” Ji Haoyue asked, eyes sharp as he looked at Ye Fan, he remembered this man among many great beasts.

“Why not?” Ji Ziyue pouted and tugged his arm.

All eyes turned to Ji Haoyue and Ye Fan. Among them stood the Saintess of Radiant Light, astonishingly beautiful and ethereal.

Ji Haoyue took a few steps forward, staring down Ye Fan. “My sister’s been with you these past months?”

Ye Fan remained seated. Calmly, he replied, “Yes. We’ve lived and traveled together.”

“What did you say?!” Ji Haoyue’s calm face was pierced with intense light in his eyes.

“Sorry, poor wording. I meant we’ve traveled together, rarely apart,” Ye Fan corrected himself.

“You idiot, stop talking nonsense,” Ji Ziyue said, hitting him.

Ji Haoyue’s eyes gleamed as his purple robe fluttered. No one knew what he was thinking.

Suddenly, a vast ocean appeared behind him. Rippling waters and a rising full moon, Moon Rises Over The Sea, his Celestial Phenomenon, manifested. Moonlight flew toward Ye Fan.

“Brother, what are you doing?!” Ji Ziyue cried out, trying to stop him, but the wave of light froze her in place.

Everyone was stunned. No one expected Ji Haoyue to use his Celestial Phenomenon on this unknown youth. The Saintess of Radiant Light stared wide-eyed. Li Xiaoman stood up.

Hua Yunfei hesitated, wanting to stop it, but ultimately stayed still.