Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 235: Chapter 240: Yaochi Ancient Land

After several rounds of probing, Ye Fan finally gained some information. He learned that the Great Black Dog was not from an Ancient race but was somewhat close to Great Emperor Wushi.

However, he also tasted bitter fruit. In the days that followed, he was frequently bitten. The Great Black Dog was incredibly vindictive and would bite him unexpectedly, whether he was eating or going out. Ye Fan had to be careful.

Damn it, getting bitten by a dog every day! What kind of situation is this? He was truly at a loss for words, having never seen such a vindictive dog.

For a dignified cultivator to be bitten by a dog—if word of this got out, people would probably keel over laughing. What a disgrace.

If his body weren’t comparable to divine iron, he truly wouldn’t have been able to bear it. Even so, he had a few bruises.𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"If you bite me again, I’ll skin you alive and eat dog meat!" These words, once spoken, brought great trouble. For the next ten-odd days, he had no peace; the Great Black Dog would bite him stealthily from time to time.

Ye Fan also tried to fight back a few times, but he couldn’t do anything to his opponent. That slick, shiny black body was excessively solid; his golden Palm Finger strikes were thunderous but couldn’t budge the dog.

How did it train its body? It’s abnormally tough. The one thing he was thankful for was that the Great Black Dog, for some unknown reason, could only tear, bite, and pounce; it knew no techniques and arts, and couldn’t even fly.

It’s really odd; any other demon hound would be able to fly.

Ye Fan observed for over ten days. Every morning, the Great Black Dog would make a round trip to the purple mountain, then absorb the Sun and Moon Essence to cultivate. It engaged in no other activities.

"Black Emperor, you cultivate like this yet can’t even fly. Your Supreme Scripture is no good."

The Great Black Dog glanced askance at him and said, "My Great Dao is profoundly mysterious; my Realm has returned to true simplicity. What can you possibly discern? Don’t get any ideas about what I have."

"It’s just that your useless scripture isn’t fit for human race cultivation. Why would I be interested in it?" Ye Fan felt this big dog was too vigilant; getting anything more out of him now seemed harder than ascending to the heavens.

"Don’t think I don’t know what you want..." The Great Black Dog lifted his massive head, full of arrogance, and said, "I’m telling you, no chance. You’d better give up now."

Ye Fan rubbed his chin, feeling that this old fiend was truly impossible to deal with; it had lived for too long and was more cunning than any human.

"If you want the ancient scriptures, it’s not impossible. Get me a piece of Divine Source to eat."

Ye Fan wanted to pummel him. "Why don’t you just tell me to dig out all the Source from the Great Primordial Mine for you to eat? Still wanting Divine Source? I’ve never even seen one!"

"Then there’s nothing to discuss." The Great Black Dog tilted his neck to look at him and then swaggered off.

"Actually, I know the whereabouts of a demon race’s Great Emperor’s ancient scripture," Ye Fan said nonchalantly.

"You think you can pull that kind of trick on me?" The Great Black Dog was disdainful and didn’t even turn his head, walking away with his bald tail held high.

Ye Fan flicked his fingers, and a Blood Bead shot out. He said nothing and walked in the opposite direction.

SWISH! The Great Black Dog dashed back, his white, menacing teeth bared, blocking Ye Fan’s path.

"Black Emperor, what do you want?"

"Could it be that you’ve eaten the flesh of some Demon Emperor? I smell the scent of supreme Demon Blood." His expression was unfriendly, more expressive than a human’s.

"Do you think I’m as savage as you? I’ve never killed a living being in my life."

"This Emperor would sooner believe in ghosts than in your words!"

"Now do you believe me? This is the aura of a demon race’s Great Emperor. Do I, or do I not, know the whereabouts of a Great Emperor’s ancient scripture?" Ye Fan coaxed him patiently.

"No wonder I always have the urge to swallow you. Your body contains a trace of a Great Emperor’s essence blood!" The Great Black Dog’s canine teeth were bared, his bright red tongue licking his chops.

"Black Emperor, what are you trying to do?"

"This Emperor wants to eat you!" The Great Black Dog opened his cavernous mouth and suddenly lunged.

Ye Fan formed the Sun and Moon Seal and met the attack, his golden palm vibrating, attempting to strike this Great Black Dog to the ground.

The area rang with sounds as if a blacksmith were at work; the noise was deafening.

Two hours later, Ye Fan’s arms were numb, and he couldn’t fight anymore. He flew into the air, pulled out a garment, and put it on because the Great Black Dog’s relentless tearing and biting had almost caused him a major loss.

Damn it, bitten by a dog again! Ye Fan looked at the canine teeth marks on his body, utterly speechless. Probably no other cultivator had ever been chased and bitten by a dog like he was.

The Great Black Dog panted, his red tongue lolling, and said, "I believe you now. You have indeed refined a Great Emperor’s essence blood. Your skin is too tough, and you don’t taste good."

Ye Fan cursed his rotten luck, turned around, and walked away.

"Don’t go! We can talk. If you find me a piece of Divine Source, I’ll tell you the whereabouts of an ancient scripture," the Great Black Dog shouted from behind him.

"Not interested!" Ye Fan didn’t turn his head, flying towards the stone village. The big dog was obviously tempted but still had the audacity to make an outrageous demand. Ye Fan knew he had to remain calm.

For the next two days, the Black Emperor remained composed and didn’t seek him out. This finally granted Ye Fan two days of peace, free from dog bites.

On the fourth day, the Great Black Dog finally showed up. "I say, kid, are you deliberately whetting my appetite? We both want ancient scriptures, so let’s sit down and talk."

"You give me three pieces of Divine Source, and I’ll tell you the whereabouts of the demon race’s Great Emperor’s ancient scripture."

WOOF... The Great Black Dog almost lunged at him, glaring fiercely.

"Alright, forget it. One piece of Divine Source then," Ye Fan said unhurriedly.

"Kid, now you’re trying to extort me! I’m telling you, not even half a piece of Divine Source! If you want a human race ancient scripture, then you bring me a piece of Divine Source!" The Great Black Dog gnashed his teeth.

"Dream on! I haven’t even seen what Divine Source looks like."

"Don’t think I don’t know. You obtained the Heavenly Source Book. In the future, you’ll definitely be able to find Divine Source."

"Even if I find some, I’m not giving it to you."

The first negotiation ended on a sour note; Ye Fan and the Black Emperor both refused to budge.

「The next day, the squabbling began anew.」

"Kid, give me one piece of Divine Source, and I’ll tell you the location of an ancient scripture. Give me ten pieces, and I’ll recite half an ancient scripture for you. Give me fifty pieces, and I’ll give you a complete ancient scripture," the Black Emperor said persuasively.

"Why don’t you just dive headfirst into the Great Primordial Mine? How many pieces of Divine Source do you think the entire northern region has? You casually ask for ten, then fifty pieces. Do you think these are sweet potatoes?" Ye Fan’s fingertips turned a faint gold; he really wanted to smack the dog on its head a few times.

"You can’t say that. Supreme Ancient Scripture is priceless. How about this: you tell me the whereabouts of the demon race’s Great Emperor’s scripture..."

"Everything you’ve said can be reversed. You can use Divine Source to trade for the Demon Emperor’s ancient scripture," Ye Fan smiled.

"WOOF! Fine, you’re tough!" The Great Black Dog’s tone finally softened a bit. "We’ll exchange information on the whereabouts of the ancient scriptures. That way, neither of us loses out."

"I think I’d be the one losing out. You old fiend are too crafty. Who knows if what you’re saying is true or false?" Ye Fan took out the glossy green Mystic Turtle, toying with it in his hand. He did this deliberately; this big black dog had mysterious origins, and he wanted to see if the creature could recognize it.

The result exceeded his expectations. The Great Black Dog’s eyes instantly turned green. He silently pounced, attacking with lightning speed, launching a stealthy bite.

Even though Ye Fan was prepared, he was still bitten twice. But at least he managed to prevent the Mystic Turtle from being snatched away and soared into the sky.

Damn it, bitten by a dog again! Ye Fan was furious, truly wanting to skin the dog and eat its flesh.

"Kid, what are you saying? ’Bitten by a dog again’? That sounds like you’re insulting me!" the Great Black Dog questioned self-righteously.

"Do you have any canine integrity at all? Always sneak attacks and dirty bites! I’ve never seen such a shameless dog!" Speaking to a dog this way felt a bit awkward to Ye Fan, but this dog was truly devious and wicked, no different from a cunning human who had become a spirit.

"Kid, let me see that broken piece of jade in your hand," the Great Black Dog said, eyeing him sideways.

"Show it to you? That would be like throwing a meat bun to a dog—gone for good. Don’t even think about it!" Ye Fan remained airborne.

The Great Black Dog was very displeased with the "throwing a meat bun to a dog" saying. With a dark face, he said, "Isn’t it just a broken piece of jade? You’re too stingy. I just thought it looked a bit like one I used to wear. If you won’t show it, then forget it. We’re done talking."

He feigned indifference and strode off.

Ye Fan realized this Great Black Dog was truly devious, more cunning than any human. "Black Emperor, stop pretending. Do you really think I don’t know what this is? You have the nerve to call it a ’broken piece of jade’? This is a Divine Source Shell!"

WHOOSH! The Great Black Dog froze mid-stride, then turned his head. "Nonsense. I don’t know what you’re talking about."

Ye Fan sneered, "Keep up the act."

The Black Emperor stopped trying to leave and slowly trotted back. "This is just a Divine Source Shell; there’s not much of its enormous Qi left inside. How about this: I’ll generously count it as half a piece of Divine Source. You find another half, and I’ll tell you the whereabouts of the ancient scriptures."

"I’ve never seen such a deceitful dog. Stop pretending! I know a world-shaking secret is sealed inside," Ye Fan said slowly, a slight curl to his lips. "This is something I brought out from a magnificent Divine Temple in the Taichu Forbidden Area. I bet you’ve recognized something. If you want it, trade your ancient scriptures for it."

"Don’t be ridiculous! As if you could enter the Taichu Forbidden Area. Any random creature that jumped out could devour you," the Great Black Dog said, holding his head high.

Ye Fan dangled the green jade-like object in his hand. "This was enshrined on the Divine Platform in the Ancient Temple. Even Daluo Silver Essence has decayed, but this remains perfectly intact."

"Really? Let me get a clearer look," the Great Black Dog said, inching forward.

"You’re planning to launch another sneak bite, aren’t you?!" Ye Fan flew higher into the sky.

In the days that followed, Ye Fan and the Black Emperor bickered endlessly. He felt this dog was too difficult to handle; he truly wanted to cook it in a hot pot.

Unfortunately, this Great Black Dog was too tough to beat; his hide was even tougher than Ye Fan’s.

「Half a month later, Ye Fan couldn’t stand it anymore. He had no patience left for haggling and was about to leave the stone village when the Great Black Dog finally relented.」

"Kid, you win! This is the first time in this Emperor’s life that I’ve ever conceded to a human. I’ll point you on a path to find the scriptures. Whether you obtain them or not will depend on your luck."

The dog’s words were completely unreliable. Dark lines appeared on Ye Fan’s forehead. "Cut the useless talk. I only want the West Emperor Scripture. If you can’t produce it, then say no more. I’m leaving now, and you can forget about ever seeing this Green Jade Turtle again in your life."

The Great Black Dog’s expression flickered uncertainly. "You brat, you’re too ruthless! Why should I take you to find the scripture first, and only get my reward after you’ve obtained it? That’s too unfair!"

"I have a reputation for trustworthiness. Yours... is questionable!"

"Kid, what are you implying? Are you trying to slander this Emperor?"

"Let’s just say we won’t be seeing each other again!" Ye Fan turned to leave.

"Young people these days have no patience! Alright, fine! This Emperor will take you to find the West Emperor Scripture," the Great Black Dog said fiercely. "But first, you must promise that if you acquire anything, you will give me that Green Jade Turtle!"

"No problem," Ye Fan nodded in agreement.

"And you also have to tell me the whereabouts of the demon race’s Great Emperor’s ancient scriptures," the Great Black Dog added another condition.

"That can also be arranged."

"Kid, you’re agreeing so readily. Is this a trick?" the Great Black Dog asked suspiciously.

"I’m starting to wonder if you’re a black dog or a black fox."

"Dare to disparage this Emperor again, and you’ll pay!" the Black Emperor threatened.

The Great Black Dog only showed slight deference to Fifth Grandpa Zhang. Raising his bald tail in farewell, he departed with Ye Fan.

CRACKLE!

Ye Fan once again used the Heaven and Earth Changing Technique, transforming into a different-looking youth, his appearance greatly altered.

The Great Black Dog, standing by, sneered disdainfully. "One look at you, and it’s obvious you’ve done countless wicked things. You even have to disguise yourself when going out! Just what heinous crimes have you committed?"

"You can save the smug act. Hurry up and take me to find the West Emperor Scripture," Ye Fan said, feeling that this Great Black Dog was truly hard to deal with.

"First, take me for a tour of the nearby cities," the Black Emperor said, his head held high as he scanned the reddish-brown earth.

"What’s the point of aimlessly wandering around cities? We’re not on a leisure trip; we’re looking for the West Emperor Scripture. Didn’t you say that when the West Emperor Mother first created this scripture, she engraved it on a sheer cliff face?"

"This Emperor has been in seclusion for many years. The mountains and rivers have all changed; how could I remember so clearly? I need to look around carefully to determine the correct direction," the Great Black Dog said, his bald tail held very high, projecting an air of detached superiority.

"How long have you actually lived for you to say the landscape has ’greatly changed’... What shameless boasting!" Ye Fan glared at him. (The divine kings could only live for a few thousand years, and the lifespans of others were much shorter.)

"Relax. Once I’ve made a circuit, I guarantee I’ll be able to find that cliff," the Great Black Dog said and then dashed forward, moving like a black streak of lightning.

In the days that followed, they visited over thirty cities. The Great Black Dog wandered about in all directions, looking for all the world like he was merely sightseeing.

"Kid, you really have done some terrible things! Look, your wanted poster is even up in this city! A reward of a thousand Jin of Source, no less."

In an ancient city named Changfeng, Ye Fan saw his own portrait. It was undoubtedly a wanted notice issued by the Ji Family and Flickering Light, and someone had posted it publicly.

He had seen similar warrants for his own arrest from that old boss; they were identical.

"When I have some free time, I’ll eliminate all the younger generation they’ve sent into the northern region."

"You’re planning to use them for practice after you obtain the West Emperor Scripture, aren’t you?" The Great Black Dog saw right through his intentions.

"Still haven’t found the direction? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten," Ye Fan said, his face dark.

"I’m gradually recalling it. We can set off now," the Great Black Dog gave a definite reply.

「After several days of travel, Ye Fan felt something was amiss. The Great Black Dog was leading him towards the Great Primordial Mine.」

"Are you sure you remember the way correctly? This is the direction of the Great Primordial Mine."

"That’s right. This is the way to the Yaochi Ancient Land," the Great Black Dog replied.

Ye Fan had heard of it. The Yaochi Ancient Land was said to be over ten thousand li from the Great Primordial Mine, with the sect having relocated much later. However, nowadays, no one knew where the so-called Yaochi Ancient Land was located; no one could find it. It was said that when Jade Lake withdrew, the place had been completely sealed.

The area surrounding the Great Primordial Mine was a vast, boundless region, all of it mining territory. Like an old horse knowing the way, the Great Black Dog observed the mountains and Earth Formations. He continuously took detours, avoiding the mining areas of the Sacred Lands, and led Ye Fan deep into the reddish-brown earth.

"Why did Jade Lake withdraw?" Ye Fan asked.

In fact, many Ancient Books recorded that Jade Lake was over ten thousand li from the Great Primordial Mine but made no mention of any so-called relocation.

"No one knows the specific reason."

The moonlight was like water. Ye Fan and the Black Emperor had been traveling in the uninhabited region for more than ten days. Still, they hadn’t found the so-called Yaochi ruins.

The Great Black Dog wondered aloud, puzzled, "This isn’t right. The Yaochi Ancient Land was known for its beautiful mountains and charming scenery, an oasis. It should be in this region. How could it have disappeared?"

Under the moonlight, the red earth stretched boundlessly, empty and vast. Forget mountains, even large boulders were hard to find.

The Black Emperor gazed up at the bright moon, then looked at the blood-red land again. "This place has been sealed. Kid, hurry up and search! If we manage to enter a world fragrant with flowers and melodious with birdsong, we might encounter a great opportunity!"

Suddenly, Ye Fan’s heart skipped a beat. He saw a white figure flying up from the distant horizon.

"A Yaochi Immortal!" Two beams of Divine Radiance shot from the Great Black Dog’s eyes. "It seems we’ve come to the right place! We must find the sealed Yaochi Ancient Land. I’d like to see for myself why they withdrew."