Shrouded Sky

Chapter 158 - Sacred Lords Arrive

Qin Yao chuckled lightly, her voice as clear and pleasant as the ringing of bells. She gently pulled away from Ye Fan’s arm but didn’t retreat far. Instead, she extended a jade-like hand to lift his chin and said, “A killing spree?”

Seeing how bold she was, Ye Fan laughed and replied, “You’re not afraid, so why should I be?”

“You little brat, you’ve grown up,” Qin Yao pinched his cheek, her smile enchanting and seductive.

“Looks like I really have to prove it...” Ye Fan brushed her hand away, and with those words, strode forward.

Qin Yao floated away gracefully, her silhouette swaying elegantly, laughter echoing in the night air. In the end, she fled skyward, not truly as open as she seemed.

“Careful, don’t fall into the lake,” Ye Fan laughed from behind. This vixen was indeed a beauty, full of charm and allure, no doubt trying to get information from him, perhaps about the secret techniques the Ji Clan had lost.

Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, a month had gone by. Ye Fan had been diligently cultivating, and the divine veins in his body grew thicker and more radiant, forming a Celestial Bridge across the Bitter Sea.

He felt that he was very close to reaching the other shore. Perhaps in a few more days, he could use that piece of “Source” to break through to the next stage.

During this process, his spiritual awareness became sharper, his life force surged, and his body reached an ultimate state. Everything was progressing smoothly in a favorable direction.

Yan Ruyu had been in seclusion, and no one came to him demanding the nurturing of the Imperial Demon Heart, perhaps they had sensed something.

The old friend of the Peacock Monarch turned out to be a powerful demon from the Northern Region, known as the Azure Flood Dragon Monarch. He crossed the void to enter this space but never showed his face.

This excited Ye Fan greatly. Since the man came from the Northern Region, perhaps Ye Fan could travel back with him. That would solve all his problems. Staying in the Southern Region was no longer viable, only by avoiding the Ji Clan and fleeing far away could he find peace.

The Azure Flood Dragon Monarch brought news from the Northern Region. Though he didn’t appear in person, the information spread.

Currently, the Northern Region was also restless. Just last month, moonlight gathered like water above the Primordial Mine, forming a river that flowed into the mine.

Some swore they saw ominous creatures with terrifying appearances near the mine, sending shivers down spines.

Others claimed to have seen humanoid figures controlling wind and rain, covering the sky and dimming the stars and moon.

Most shocking was the claim that heavenly music came from the Forbidden Burial Ground where the ancient mine lay, entrancing melodies heard by several witnesses.

What exactly was in the Primordial Mine? No one knew for sure after all these years. Perhaps only ancient, powerful clans like the Jiang Clan and the Holy Land of Yaochi had texts that could shed light on it.

Throughout the month, Qin Yao appeared from time to time, still as bold in her actions and speech. Ye Fan got most of his news from her.

“You’re saying the Azure Flood Dragon Monarch wants the Peacock Monarch to go to the Northern Region?”

“Yes.”

“For what purpose?” Ye Fan asked, puzzled.

“I’m not sure. But recently, the Radiant Light Sacred Ground and the Ji Clan also seem to be preparing, they might send people too,” Qin Yao replied, not knowing the full details. Ye Fan fell into thought; clearly something big was brewing in the Northern Region. “What about the Southern Region?” he asked, concerned about current events and the Ji Clan’s movements.

“Though there were some ripples, it’s starting to calm down. Ji Haoyue narrowly escaped with his life and returned to the Ji Clan...” Qin Yao sounded a bit regretful.

The Peacock Monarch's top disciple had chased Ji Haoyue for half a month. Though he was a God-King Physique, Ji Haoyue managed to survive several near-death encounters, escaping in the end. But he was seriously injured and wouldn’t recover for at least a year or two.

Meanwhile, the Sacred Lords of Radiant Light and the Patriarch of the Ji Clan gathered forces, searching for the Peacock Monarch, intent on eliminating him. Unfortunately for them, the Peacock Monarch wasn’t a hot-headed youth. Though he ignored them, they couldn’t touch him.

Of course, what most people were focused on was still the Bronze Immortal Palace. The gate was blocked by the Black-Gold Seal, and the entire palace was slowly sinking into the earth.

Many powerful figures had gathered there, yet no one dared to venture inside. For now, the palace’s aura was still detectable, and those people lingered nearby. “Rumor is, they want to lure out the Old Lunatic to lead the charge. Sadly, that crazed old man never appeared, and the Supreme Giants hesitate to act,” said Qin Yao.

“I’m sure someone will eventually enter...” Ye Fan replied.

Only those nearing the end of their lifespan would dare take the risk. The Bronze Immortal Palace had claimed many great lives throughout history.

Only those who had let go of everything and were prepared to die, old figures on the brink of death, would dare to gamble on that one last hope. “The graveyard of immortals… Who knows how many more heroes will perish there…” Qin Yao sighed, knowing that some demon elders would surely go.

Ye Fan looked uneasy. He was the one who revealed the secrets of the Bronze Immortal Palace. If someone died, it would be tied to him.

But he felt no guilt. Everyone knew what kind of place the palace was. In a way, he had given those near death a final chance.

“Not long ago, the Peacock Monarch fought Nangong Zheng. Who was stronger?” Ye Fan asked, eager to know.

“They only fought for an hour. It was too short to decide a victor. They’re not mortal enemies, so there was no need for a life-and-death battle,” Qin Yao said, her bare feet stepping on smooth stones in the lake. A breeze blew, and her dress fluttered, outlining her curvaceous figure seductively.

“Nangong Zheng must have gone to the Bronze Immortal Palace?” Ye Fan asked.

“Yes. According to the Peacock Monarch, Nangong Zheng has less than a hundred years left. He doesn’t want to die quietly, he wants to fight for peace of mind.”

“Not for immortality?” Ye Fan looked surprised.

“How many have become immortals through the ages? The Peacock Monarch said Nangong Zheng just wants to quiet his immortal heart. Perhaps he thinks the Bronze Immortal Palace is the best place to bury his bones.”

Hearing these words, Ye Fan sighed. To reach such a level in cultivation, only to face such sorrow, it was deeply moving.

“Is the Ji Clan still searching for me?” That was what Ye Fan cared about most.

“No. Everything is eerily calm,” Qin Yao said, shaking her head.

“That’s strange,” Ye Fan muttered, confused.

“You were rescued by a Supreme Giant of our race. Even if they want trouble, they’ll have to get through the Peacock Monarch first,” Qin Yao said with a smile. “What, you want them to keep chasing you?”

“I just think they wouldn’t give up so easily,” Ye Fan replied. He recalled what Ji Ren once said: even if the Radiant Light Sacred Lord obtained the Grand Void Art, the Ji Clan would still try to reclaim it.

“We’re going to the Northern Region. Will you come with us?” Qin Yao’s eyes sparkled as she smiled, her glossy red lips exuding seduction. “If you want to prove you’re a man and go on a killing spree, come to the Northern Region… In a few years, you’ll truly be grown.”

“I am a man already!” Ye Fan protested seriously. “By the way, has he really agreed?”

“He has. He promised the Azure Flood Dragon Monarch. Lately, he’s been preparing to open a domain gate,” Qin Yao said with a serious look. “The Peacock Monarch has a bad feeling. He thinks something big is coming, so he decided to take the descendant of the Grand Emperor to the Northern Region.”

Ye Fan was thrilled, he was finally going to leave the Southern Region and escape all his troubles.

CRACK! Suddenly, space trembled violently, and screams rang out in the distance.

“What’s going on?” Ye Fan jumped to his feet.

BOOM! A heavier explosion followed, the space had been torn apart!

High in the sky, a huge rift spread far and wide. Two figures descended like gods.

Qin Yao’s face turned pale. To dare barge into the Peacock Monarch’s hidden sanctuary, these were no ordinary people. The two arrived together, clearly indicating, they were two overlords!

Their forms were wrapped in hazy light, faces indistinct, like gods surveying the world. Just their presence evoked fear, making one want to kneel instinctively.

“Radiant Light Sacred Lord and the Ji Patriarch!” Ye Fan’s face changed instantly. He knew they must have come for,

“Kill!”

Suddenly, shouts of battle erupted. Outside the rift, countless figures charged in.“Radiant Light old man! Old man Ji! So you’ve finally come!” The Peacock Monarch’s thunderous voice echoed as he soared into the sky, like a godsword unsheathed, instantly silencing the battlefield.

Aside from the two overlords, all others instinctively retreated. In the face of a being who dominated the Southern Region eight centuries ago, fear gripped their hearts.

“Peacock Monarch, your sanctuary is indeed well-hidden. Eight hundred years ago, I couldn't find it. Today, I finally got my wish,” the Radiant Light Sacred Lord said, hands behind his back, his radiant aura godlike.

“Peacock Monarch, you’ve repeatedly provoked us. Do you really think you’re invincible in the Southern Region?” Patriarch Ji said coldly, standing high in the sky like a deity, exuding awe. “Let’s end this today.”

“Such arrogance. Looks like you’re here to kill me?” the Peacock Monarch laughed. “But man proposes, heaven disposes. You may be disappointed!”

“Do you really think our demon race has no one left?” a voice thundered as the space shook again. A middle-aged man with overwhelming presence shot into the sky to stand beside the Peacock Monarch.

“Who are you?” asked the Radiant Light Sacred Lord.

“Azure Flood Dragon Monarch!” the man’s voice exploded like spring thunder.

Hiss, Gasps rang out behind. Many knew that name, he was a Supreme Giant from the Northern Region.

“So what if there’s one more?” the Radiant Light Sacred Lord stepped forward, 108 radiant halos swirling around him, each like a separate world. With each step, the space collapsed under his feet, like a god surveying the heavens.

Patriarch Ji, meanwhile, merged with the Grand Dao of the Void, becoming like a silent universe, eternal and boundless, radiating deathlessness.

Ye Fan felt a looming catastrophe. He deeply loathed these people. Just when peace had returned to his life, everything was shattered again. The future was uncertain, life and death unpredictable.

The invaders came with malicious intent. Masters surrounded the area. Among them, Ye Fan even spotted the Radiant Light Saintess, Hua Yunfei, Li Youyou, and others. Clearly, the enemy had mobilized immense forces, even the young elites were participating.