Chapter 1996 - 1861: Setting Out Alone

Chapter 1996: Chapter 1861: Setting Out Alone

The desolate and barren ancient star had not the slightest breath of life.

In a certain valley, bursts of firelight rose, and Ye Fan, Tongtong, Bai Yan wolf, Peacock, and the rebellious Dragon sat around it.

The rebellious Dragon continually spewed golden divine fire, roasting strings of golden, oily meat jerky over it.

This was the jerky from that unfortunate Heavenly Centipede, very tender, exuding threads of Essence Qi.

Beside them were jars of fine wine, its fragrance spreading far into the night, as they ate meat in large bites and drank wine from large bowls.

In response to Divine Lady Tongtong’s questioning, Ye Fan only said he was not from the Demon Clan, offering no further explanation.

"I believe you!"

Looking into Ye Fan’s sincere and candid eyes, Divine Lady Tongtong chose to believe him.

Perhaps not wanting to tarnish the image of Ye Fan in her heart, Tongtong asked no more questions.

"The current situation is very unfavorable for you!"

Tongtong took a sip of wine brewed from Thunderfire Grass, her face flushed, exuding sacred allure.

She informed Ye Fan that during his seclusion, someone had killed some geniuses from the Human and Demon Clans, leaving important clues.

These clues pointed towards him, and almost all the trialists on the Xing Kong Gu Road believed he was an infiltrator from the Demon Clan, here to eliminate the geniuses of the Human and Demon Clans.

Now, various forces had sent strong people to apprehend or kill him to eliminate the threat.

"They’ve finally arrived!"

Ye Fan’s eyes shot out sharp, cold light.

"Who are they?" Tongtong asked.

"I’m not sure yet, but it’s almost certainly them!"

Ye Fan squinted his eyes. After listening to Tongtong’s account, he immediately realized that Tu Sihai and his group had arrived and infiltrated the Human Clan’s Ancient Star Path.

It wasn’t hard to guess; those who possess Death Martial Technique could only be them.

They slaughtered the trialists of the Human and Demon Clans, leaving death auras, just to frame him, a malevolent strategy.

What a vicious plan!

"I won’t let you succeed. Entering the Human Clan’s Ancient Star Path, you shall all stay!"

Ye Fan resolved, determined to thoroughly investigate and kill the Demon Clan geniuses who had infiltrated, to prove his innocence.

"I’ll accompany you. With me around, others won’t dare to openly attack even if they have doubts about you."

Tongtong said, looking earnest and expectant.

"No need!"

Ye Fan shook his head, refusing, "It’s easier for me to act alone. If they want to deal with me, it won’t be so easy. I’m not someone who sits and waits for death."

"Alright then, be careful."

Tongtong sighed, really wanting to stay by Ye Fan’s side. At least her identity as a Goddess could serve as an Amulet for Ye Fan, sparing him many troubles.

But she also knew that Ye Fan was walking a Godless Path and would not fear or avoid battle; he had to resolve everything himself.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyable, with Heavenly Centipede meat jerky being exceptionally delicious, imbued with vigorous Essence Qi.

The combination of delicacies and fine wine made even the Golden Divine Dragon feel a bit unreal, a little too extravagant.

After eating and drinking their fill, Tongtong suggested to Ye Fan that he and Bai Yan wolf, Peacock, and the rebellious Dragon temporarily separate, otherwise, they’d be too conspicuous.

They had practically become Ye Fan’s symbol; wherever they appeared, Ye Fan was surely nearby, so for his safety, it was best to split up for now.

"Indeed!"

Ye Fan nodded, accepting her suggestion. He wasn’t afraid of exposing his identity but preferred to act alone for greater flexibility.

He possessed Dragon Seeking Formulas, able to change his appearance and aura at will, unseeable even by those with Martial Arts Heavenly Eye, making it easier to hide.

If he brought along Bai Yan wolf and the others, hiding his identity would be impossible. As soon as Bai Yan wolf was seen, his identity would be immediately guessed.

"Old Bai, you should be careful on your journey and avoid being too conspicuous."

Ye Fan advised Bai Yan wolf and them, then added, "We’ll gather at Forty-nine Cities. After I’ve slaughtered the nine Demon Clan members, I’ll send out a message."

"You take care as well!" The cold Peacock nodded to Ye Fan.

"I will!"

Ye Fan agreed with a smile, then let Tongtong lead them on their way first, while he set off later.

"Kid, see you at Forty-nine Cities!"

Bai Yan wolf howled, waving its paw vigorously at Ye Fan.

"See you at Forty-nine Cities!"

Ye Fan waved his hand.

Then, under his watchful gaze, Tongtong took Bai Yan wolf, Golden Divine Dragon, and Peacock onto the altar, traversing the void away.

He chose Forty-nine Cities because this number was quite unusual, and he wasn’t sure how long it would take to kill Tu Sihai and the others who had infiltrated, so he wanted to give himself more time.

The number of the Great Transformation is fifty, forty-nine is used, and one is lost, which becomes eternal!

Forty-nine is such an unusual number.

Ye Fan firmly believed that the Forty-nine Cities must contain earth-shattering secrets, and like the Ninth City, they hold great opportunities.

"Crackle..."

Ye Fan’s figure flickered, and his bones crackled loudly, quickly transforming into a different appearance.

At this moment, he was tall and robust, with high cheekbones, a purple-black complexion, and eyes bright like stars—majestic and extraordinary.

After changing into a new outfit, he completely transformed, ascended the altar, and crossed over.

At the eighth node of the Ancient Road, Ye Fan saw Bai Yan wolf’s distinctive mark left behind—a wolf paw print, guiding him swiftly to the altar.

The Ninth Ancient City stretched across the starry sky, towering and grand, with overwhelming momentum. Its walls undulated like dragons, extending tens of thousands of miles.

The Ancient City devoured heaven and earth’s essence, the endless starlight cascading like a waterfall, converging to this heroic pass, making it emit a sanctified glow.

The pass opened, people coming and going, all strong trialists.

Seeing Ye Fan arriving at the Ancient City alone, many were slightly surprised.

The Xing Kong Gu Road is fraught with dangers, not only with various powerful star sky profound beasts hunting trialists, but there’s also fierce competition among trialists themselves.

Usually, unless one’s personality is aloof and strength extremely formidable, they would gather followers or directly team up.

Individuals like Ye Fan, lone travelers, are rare, but no one dared to underestimate him.

Anyone who dares to travel alone possesses incredibly powerful strength, sweeping through a region, with scarcely any opponents even on the Xing Kong Gu Road.

Under their admiring gazes, Ye Fan strode proudly into the Ancient City, exuding a powerful aura.

The streets of the Ninth Ancient City were wide, with various taverns and shops densely packed, bustling with pedestrians—some trialists lingering here, others natives of the city.

Just like the First City, the natives here were also descendants of failed trialists from past eras, unable to return to their ancient star, choosing to settle here, leaving behind their descendants.

On the city walls, squads of soldiers stood solemnly, emitting a sharp iron-blood aura, with their war spears and long spears gleaming coldly.

Their eyes flickered with a disregard for life.

They had all emerged from mountains of corpses and seas of blood, their wills extremely resilient.

Yet, they were failures, defeated in the Emperor Road contention, fortunate to have spared their lives.

After failing, they chose to remain, guarding the Human Race’s heroic pass ancient city, welcoming and bidding farewell to batches of vigorous trialists.

Walking on the bustling streets, feeling the surging blood and qi around, Ye Fan felt as if in a different world.

"Serpent Dragon Meat buns, thin skin and rich filling, delicious and tasty, come and try!"

The nearby bun shop owner shouted energetically upon seeing Ye Fan approach.

"Candied fire fruit, let your taste buds experience the flavor of ice and fire!" A vendor carrying a bundle of sticks, with small skewers resembling candied haws, constantly wandered before Ye Fan.

"Uncle, peace charm, ensures safety, buy one!"

A ragged child, about eleven or twelve years old, came to Ye Fan, raising his innocent little face as he spoke.

Ye Fan lowered his head, warmth welling up in his heart—this is the legacy of humanity!

As long as life continues, humanity will never perish; this is the flame of hope.

Seeing the sharp gleam in Ye Fan’s eyes, the child hesitantly withdrew the hand holding the amulet.

"Swipe!"

Ye Fan made a move, and the rudely crafted amulet was already in his hand.

At the same time, a heavy piece of gold was placed in the child’s hand.

Ye Fan said softly, "Go back, study properly, and learn to read."

When placing the gold into the child’s hand, a gentle Pure Yang Qi simultaneously seeped into his body, healing all his diseases and hidden injuries.

The child stood frozen, unbelievingly staring at the yellow gold in his hand, before letting out a joyful cheer and disappearing into the crowd.

Although transactions between cultivators in the Ninth City of the Human Race are made using spirit stones, gold and silver remain the currency for ordinary people. With that gold piece, the child’s life might improve somewhat.

He’s no saint; this is all he can do. Many poor people inhabit the Ancient City, and he can’t possibly help them all.

Warmly greeted by the bun shop owner, Ye Fan entered the shop, chose a clean table, and ordered a drawer of buns.

The taste was good, but it wasn’t Serpent Dragon meat, just ordinary snake xuan beast meat.

The owner explained that nowadays, Serpent Dragons are very rare, his cultivation limited, and it’s impossible to hunt them personally, so he settled for snake xuan beasts.

After eating, Ye Fan paid the bill and continued along the street, seeking accommodation.

The Ancient City had no shortage of inns, and Ye Fan soon found one, paying a fist-sized top-grade spirit stone to check in.

After resting for a while, Ye Fan descended the stairs, heading towards the Treasure Pavilion base.

While eating buns, he inadvertently learned that the Treasure Pavilion had expanded its business onto the Xing Kong Gu Road, with branches in every Ancient City.

He planned to visit the Treasure Pavilion to gather the most complete and latest information, then formulate the next step!

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