Shrouded Sky

Chapter 157 - A Man, Not A Boy

The expressions on the Ji Clan elders were incredibly sour, especially Ji Hui, whose fingers were trembling beneath her wide sleeves.

Who in the entire Southern Region or even the Eastern Wilderness dared speak to the Ji Clan like this? It had been countless years since anyone dared. And now, a mere boy of about fourteen or fifteen had dared to shout at them. How could they possibly endure it?

Now the Peacock Monarch had arrived and stood shoulder to shoulder with that youth, repeating the same words. Every Ji Clan member clenched their fists in rage.

But none of them could act. The Peacock Monarch was no ordinary figure, he was a powerful being among the demon race, one who stood above all in the Southern Region. Unless the Ji Clan’s Patriarch himself appeared, no one could oppose him.

Even more pressing, if Ye Fan were to be pushed too far, he might release the Grand Void Art to the world, a catastrophic blow to the Ji Clan.

The elders of the Ji Clan were caught in a bind. Furious but unable to act, they didn’t know what to do.

Behind them, the younger Ji Clan disciples were seething with fury. Ye Fan’s face was now etched into their minds as the number-one target on their kill list, public enemy of the younger generation.

Though they were impulsive and hot-blooded, none dared to move. The air was silent as a grave.

Below, within the massive city, many cultivators had gathered. Some had been passing through, others were locals. All were stunned and parched with tension.

For generations, the Ji Clan stood high above, like gods atop the clouds. Everyone looked up to them. In the Eastern Wilderness, who dared defy them? Who dared speak to them rudely? Which faction had ever challenged them?

And yet today, they were being treated this way. The shock was overwhelming. All eyes turned skyward.

“The Peacock Monarch fought the Radiant Light Sacred Lord eight hundred years ago and stood peerless under heaven. It makes sense he dares defy the Ji Clan. But who is this youth named Ye Fan, to do the same? And the Ji Clan seems wary of him, could he have some extraordinary background?”

“Someone’s challenging the Ji Clan’s authority again. I wonder if he’ll survive. Throughout the ages, rebellious ones have always ended in tragedy. No one’s ever shaken the ancient clans or holy lands.”

“Take a step back and all is peaceful. But refusing to back down... there may be no path to life.”

“You know nothing. The Peacock Monarch has always been proud and untamed. If he backed down, he wouldn’t be the Peacock Monarch. And that boy might be the same kind, maybe even a hidden master.”

At this moment, Ye Fan had become the focus of all eyes. Not only was his name remembered, even his appearance was seared into people’s memories.

From now on, low-profile living was no longer an option. His name would be known across the Southern Region.

Standing side by side with the Peacock Monarch, he was seen as a peer in the eyes of many, excluding the Ji Clan, of course. Many cultivators mistakenly believed he was an unknown powerhouse.

“Still not leaving? Didn’t you hear me?” the Peacock Monarch asked.

His tone was calm, not forceful, but it made hearts pound. He had terrified the world eight hundred years ago, and today he was even more fearsome.

“Peacock Monarch, you are a senior, a true powerhouse. We know we are no match. But there’s no need to be so overbearing…” Ji Hui’s face was ashen as she spoke slowly, afraid to say anything provocative.

Behind her, everyone clenched their jaws in silence. For an ancient clan to be treated like this was rare, but no one dared act rashly. If they provoked the Peacock Monarch, all of them could die.

What was a true powerhouse? One who could stir clouds and rain with a flip of the hand, cover the sky with one palm, and stand atop the pyramid of strength. When such a person struck, mountains and rivers would shudder.

Ji Hui waved her hand. The entire Ji entourage slowly withdrew, full of unwilling fury, and flew into the distance.

“Take care now!” Ye Fan’s voice echoed mockingly from afar.

The ancient clan that had lasted since the Desolate Era, undefeated for generations, now had to retreat under pressure. But they had no choice, otherwise, they would have been wiped out.

The Peacock Monarch didn’t act because he had his own concerns. If he started a bloodbath without restraint, the Ji Clan would retaliate with everything they had. The demon races of the Southern Region would then face extermination.

Down below, everyone in the city looked at one another. The Ji Clan had retreated. What happened today would soon spread across the entire Southern Region.

“Not bad. You’ve got guts.” The Peacock Monarch turned to Ye Fan and laughed heartily.

But Ye Fan couldn’t laugh. He had just risked everything. He was prepared to die, hoping only for a small chance of survival.

Though the Peacock Monarch had saved him from immediate danger, in the long run, his situation was still perilous.

After all, this man was a great demon powerhouse. His interference wouldn’t just offend the Ji Clan, even the Radiant Light Sacred Ground might become hostile.

“Thank you for your help, senior,” Ye Fan bowed respectfully.

“It was nothing. A mere lift of the hand,” the Peacock Monarch smiled. “You don’t seem to have anywhere to go. Why not come with me?”

Right now, Ye Fan had no other choice. If he didn’t follow, the Ji Clan might turn back, and the whole ordeal would begin again.

Radiant lights filled the sky. A foggy road spread across the heavens. The Peacock Monarch led Ye Fan along it, vanishing in an instant.

After they left, the city below erupted into chaos. Many cultivators soared into the air, the day’s events were too shocking.

Far in the distance, the Ji Clan disciples clenched their fists tightly. Some howled to the heavens to vent their rage.

State of Jin – Sunset Glow Mountains

A once-lush mountain range had become scorched earth. Not long ago, the Peacock Monarch had battled Nangong Zheng here, leaving behind a desolate wasteland.

Ye Fan hadn’t expected the Peacock Monarch's residence to be deep within this very range. After traveling another five hundred miles past the charred lands, they arrived.

The terrain was steep and rugged, not picturesque. Mist curled through the valleys. Streams, waterfalls, and wetlands were everywhere.

Before them was a low, bald stone mountain, utterly unremarkable, covered only by a few vines.

The Peacock Monarch raised a finger. Stars filled the sky as a patch of blue light descended, bathing the stone mountain in gentle radiance. A hidden doorway appeared.

Ye Fan stepped forward, following him through a dark passage.

Soon, light returned, along with the fresh scent of grass and trees. Birds chirped melodiously.

A hidden paradise!

This was a land of flowers and birds, like something from a painting. The plants were vibrant, the lakes crystal clear, streams like jade belts. In the distance, mist-covered peaks dotted the land.

This was a self-contained world, completely sealed off from the outside. Roughly fifty miles in radius, it felt untouched and pure.

“Do you like it?” the Peacock Monarch asked with a smile.

“To be taken in by you is already a great favor. I’m very pleased,” Ye Fan replied.

“This space was left behind by an ancient sage. When I found it, it was collapsing. I later repaired it to this state.”

The ability to create hidden space, Ye Fan was amazed.

“You can stay here for now. You’ll find some old acquaintances as well.”

The Peacock Monarch left to bring back an old friend, leaving Ye Fan behind.

This space was peaceful and pure. Animals roamed freely and without fear. A five-colored deer walked leisurely across the grass. Cranes circled above. A white rabbit even leapt into Ye Fan’s arms, he couldn’t help but laugh.

His wooden cottage was tranquil and elegant, surrounded by vines, on flat green grass. A clear lake shimmered out front.

It was a beautiful, peaceful place, perfect for cultivation. Ye Fan felt his heart calm. After days of pursuit and bloodshed, this felt like heaven. Here, he was confident he could break through to the next realm.

Not long after, he met someone familiar, Qin Yao, the seductive demoness.

She was just as stunning as before: alluring and enchanting, curvaceous and tempting.

“Imagine meeting you here…” she said sweetly, a red mark between her brows.

Yan Ruyu was here too, though in seclusion. After their last battle, many had died, only a few elites made it here.

Qin Yao approached and pinched Ye Fan’s cheek, her voice husky and teasing.

“You’ve got guts, kid. You even forced the Imperial Demon Heart to appear. How’d you pull that off?”

Ye Fan countered without hesitation, lifting her chin.

“It came out on its own, what’s it got to do with me?”

“You little thing, you’re full of secrets. How did you get here?” Qin Yao asked.

“The Peacock Monarch brought me,” Ye Fan replied truthfully.

She left and didn’t return for three days.

“You troublemaker, the storm you stirred up is huge…” Qin Yao returned with news. The confrontation with the Ji Clan had indeed spread across the region.

Ye Fan’s name was now being listed alongside prodigies like Ji Haoyue, the Radiant Light Saintess, Hua Yunfei, Yan Ruyu, and Li Youyou.

Though his cultivation and origins were unclear, his name had gained weight. Facing down the Ji Clan had stunned many.

Ye Fan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Things were getting even more dangerous.

“I’m really curious, why is the Ji Clan so determined to hunt you?” Qin Yao pressed him, but Ye Fan dodged the question.

“It’s because I traveled with you guys last time, they’re holding a grudge. You almost got me killed.” He changed the subject, asking about Weiwei’s status.

“Don’t worry, she’s fine,” Qin Yao replied, avoiding the topic.

She visited his cottage often over the following days, but Ye Fan never revealed anything.

At night, the space wasn’t dark. A soft moonlike glow illuminated everything.

“Splash, ”

Water splashed in the lake before the cottage. Qin Yao emerged like a mermaid, her hair flicking, droplets flying.

“What are you staring at, little perv?” she teased, skin like snow, boldly provoking him in the water.

Ye Fan sat on the shore, appreciating the view.

“Just watching a fairy bathe.”

“Hehe…” Qin Yao chuckled. Her figure shimmered beneath the water. “Rumor has it you got a Ji Clan secret technique. Is that true?”

Ye Fan was shocked. If people knew, he wouldn’t just be hunted by the Ji Clan, other factions would covet him too.

Qin Yao emerged, mist swirling around her. Her white, jade-like body was mesmerizing. She spun, dressed quickly, and stepped across the water toward him.

Her body was a perfect blend of seduction and elegance: angelic face, swan neck, slim waist, long legs. She swayed as she walked, water droplets scattering.

Bare shoulders, flowing silk, flawless arms, her skin was luminous, seductive. She moved like a goddess.

“Still not telling me the truth?” she cooed, tilting Ye Fan’s chin, licking her lips sensually. Her voice was syrupy and magnetic.

“There’s really nothing to say. You’re overthinking. And don’t try to seduce me. You’ll get nothing and lose everything,” Ye Fan said.

Qin Yao laughed, her figure swaying. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

“You little brat, what do you know?”

“You said it yourself. I’ve got no reason to hold back.”

“Oh? And what are you going to do?” she asked provocatively, her eyes twinkling.

Ye Fan, a modern man, not some shy innocent, leaned in boldly, grabbing her slender waist.

Feeling her warmth and softness, he spoke with fiery confidence:

“To prove I’m a man, not a boy, tonight, I’ll have to unleash a massacre!”