Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 515: Chapter 520 Living Fossil

“The Qi Shi Academy reopens every ten thousand years, and I yearn for it!” Ye Fan said, his face full of hope, then his tone suddenly changed. “Alas, it’s a pity I’ve already severed my path, and from now on, there’s no way for me to cultivate.”

“Damn it, kid, are you really not going?!” the big black dog was the first to get anxious, secretly transmitting its voice with a look of someone who hated iron for not becoming steel.

Ye Fan’s current desire was to find a place for secluded cultivation, remaining in retreat until he reached the Saint Master Realm. At present, he possessed ancient scriptures if he wanted them, and the holy divine relics of Great Emperors if he sought them; there was simply no need to go there.

“That place is related to the Outer Domain and has karmic ties with places like the Ziwei Ancient Star. Don’t you want to go take a look?!” the big black dog urged.

“Did Great Emperor Wushi ever enter?” Ye Fan asked secretly.

“Throughout history, how many individuals have there been like Great Emperor Wushi? Although he may not have gone there to cultivate, it is said that he eventually fought his way in and obtained everything he wanted,” the big black dog muttered.

Ye Fan paid it no further attention. He sensed a crisis and wished to disappear from the world’s eyes for some years; only by reaching the Saint Master Realm could he roam the world freely.

“You don’t wish to go to the Central States?” The old man dressed in a golden Feather Robe was surprised. The reopening of Qi Shi Academy every ten thousand years was an event of great significance, and no one would willingly refuse.

“It involves a ten-thousand-year comparison of all the Kings from the Central States, Northern Plains, Western Desert, Southern Mountains, and Eastern Wastelands. If you don’t go, it’s truly a pity. Qi Shi Academy cannot be judged just by its surface…” The Queen Mother of the West reminded him.

Each of the Sacred Lands, even Immortal Dynasties, could only select two people. This showed the kind of strength those selected must possess, as even the weakest among them would be a Saint Heir or a sacred lady!

Qi Shi Academy reopens every ten thousand years. It definitely qualifies as a divine land and has a profound impact, leading various ancient inheritances to send their disciples there. There must be undisclosed benefits.

“I really do want to go, but the Divine Doctor from the Eastern Wastelands already said I have at most ten chances to use my full strength, and I’ve already wasted three of them,” Ye Fan said.

Everyone present was silent. Li Heishui and the others, knowing his situation, didn’t need to speak. A peculiar brilliance flashed in the eyes of the Queen Mother of the West and the three old men.

He had made three moves: first slaying the Yin Yang Saint Heir, then the Purple Mansion Saint Heir, and then the Wanchu Saint Heir. This had caused many people to seriously doubt the Divine Doctor’s words.

“What ancient scriptures does Qi Shi Academy teach?” Jiang Huairen couldn’t help but ask, as all of them were extremely tempted.

The old man in purple clothes, whose nobility was beyond words and who carried himself like an emperor ruling the world, said, “We have no ancient scriptures and do not teach mystical arts. We only impart the insights of past sages.”

Ye Fan firmly believed that he needed to comprehend his own path and ultimately transcend the ancient scriptures he had learned, because every Great Emperor had created their own path to become a supreme existence.

“One day, you might find that the vast Eastern Wastelands and the boundless Central States are not so large after all. Perhaps Qi Shi Academy can open another window for you,” said the ethereal old man, who seemed like a wisp of mist.

“It might be related to the Outer Domain. This is a rare opportunity!” the big black dog transmitted secretly.

Ye Fan was moved. Perhaps the path home could begin from this place. However, he didn’t want to become a public target. Once he entered Qi Shi Academy, it would be tantamount to proving to the world that he was unharmed.

At that time, some peerless Emperor might emerge and secretly eliminate him. Such a threat would be too distant for even the old madman’s deterrence to be effective.

“I’ve heard that the three strongest individuals from Qi Shi Academy’s past generations all eventually disappeared, and no one knows where they went…” Li Heishui muttered.

This was no longer a secret, but the ancient inheritances had not investigated, and others could not ascertain the situation, unaware of what had transpired.

“It’s an opportunity. Otherwise, why would all the Sacred Lands, which possess their own ancient scriptures and exceptional experts, still send their disciples to Qi Shi Academy?” the old man in the golden Feather Robe smiled.

“I am grateful for the seniors’ kind intentions, but unfortunately, I am unwell and cannot go to receive your teachings,” Ye Fan politely declined.

“To each their own aspirations.” One of the old men nodded, saying no more.

“Seniors, we will definitely go when the time comes! We’re just afraid we won’t be able to get in,” Liu Kao said excitedly.

“You only need to defeat a Saint Heir to qualify.” The old man in purple clothes had a dignified appearance but showed a hint of a smile.

“Little kid Ye, you have seven chances to make a move. Help each of us take down a Saint Heir!” Jiang Huairen chuckled.

The old man in purple said nothing, merely giving them a cursory glance before paying them no further attention.

When they left the swamp, the big black dog soon forgot about Qi Shi Academy. It kept looking back, its gaze fixed on the three Dragon Loaches in the distance, where golden light soared into the sky and Spiritual Qi overflowed.

“Doggy, don’t drool,” the pitiful little girl gently patted it.

“If you dare disturb the Dragon Loaches, I will suppress you in the North Pole Sea Eye for two thousand years!” The voice of the Queen Mother of the West came, serene yet causing the big black dog to shiver.

“Ah, the nostalgia. I remember eating one when I came here before,” it murmured in a barely audible voice.

They traversed a hilly area, moving away from the swamplands, before Li Heishui finally spoke. “Little kid Ye, are you really not going? There are definitely immense benefits there; otherwise, all the Saint Heirs, sacred ladies, and various King Bodies would never go.”

“The strongest of the younger generation from the Five Domains will gather. It will be a grand event, and missing it would be a huge pity. It only happens once every ten thousand years!” Wu Zhongtian added.

Jiang Huairen said, “I still want to see you display your might there, defeating all the Saint Heirs and overpowering the Kings, becoming invincible in the Five Domains! What a magnificent sight that would be! We would also share in the glory.”

“Exactly! And then we could casually tease the sacred ladies of the Eastern Wastelands, the stunning princesses of the Central States, and the Bodhisattvas of the Western Desert. What a delightful and carefree life that would be!” Liu Kao snickered.

Ye Fan smiled and shook his head. That’s too idealistic and would only end in tragedy. If I go, it will certainly mean danger at every step, smiles stained with blood, and who knows how many people will be killed in battle.

“I dare say that fellow Pang Bo is definitely going to Qi Shi Academy. He might even be waiting there for you,” Li Heishui said.

“He ought to thank this Emperor for giving him such a great opportunity, practically sending him directly to his destination!” The big black dog was so thick-skinned it could block swords.

But as soon as those words were spoken, Li Heishui, Jiang Huairen, and Liu Kao all started pummelling it, extremely frustrated. Tu Fei, their best friend, had been lost thanks to this damned dog.

“The Northern Plains are so vast; it’s truly unclear how he’ll ever return. Grandpa Flickering Light Sacred Master said that if he relies on his own abilities, it would take him at least twenty years to fly back!”

The big black dog felt guilty and dared not mention that topic again.

“Doggy, when will you bring Brother Tu Fei back? Didn’t you say you were considering traversing the void to fetch him?” the pitiful little girl asked gently.

“The time isn’t right yet. The Void Emperor’s Chessboard Array Patterns are peculiar, making the coordinates difficult to deduce. I’m afraid of making a mistake and ending up on Sumeru Mountain.”

“Brother Ape, why don’t you join us on our journey to Qi Shi Academy? Little kid Ye isn’t coming, and traveling alone would be quite dull,” Jiang Huairen suggested, hoping to recruit this powerful ally.

“I don’t have time. I must go to the Divine Ruins to search for my clan’s Undying Ancient Peach Tree.” The monkey had been deeply contemplating this matter.

The others gasped. The Divine Ruins was an incredibly sinister place; even Ancient Saints who entered could not escape. This monkey was far too daring.

“Brother Ape, this is too dangerous!” Ye Fan advised. “If you intend to save someone, I can give you a sacred fruit.”

When they reached a secluded spot, Ye Fan took out a fruit shaped like a small cauldron and handed it to him.

“The Divine Silkworm Clan’s Undying Divine Medicine!” The monkey was astonished, a sharp glint shooting from his Golden Eyes.

The Divine Silkworm’s nine transformations, allowing it to become an unparalleled King of ancient times, invincible in Heaven and on Earth—this was revealed by the Heavenly Source Master and was now known throughout the world.

“You recognize it?”

“Of course!” The monkey’s Golden Eyes shone brightly.

The Divine Silkworm Clan’s Undying Divine Medicine, known as the Nine Marvels Immortal Medicine, matures only once every several thousand, or even ten thousand, years. It is ever-changing, different each time, with a total of nine different types of fruit that grow in a cycle of Reincarnation.

After hearing the monkey’s detailed explanation, Ye Fan finally understood why the Undying Divine Medicine from the Ancient Desolation Forbidden Land would produce nine different sacred fruits after being divided: its name was Nine Marvels, and it inherently possessed these nine forms.

“Does this mean that each of the great Royal Families of ancient times mastered a type of Undying Divine Medicine?” Ye Fan inquired.

The monkey nodded. “Almost. Before ancient times, those Undying Divine Medicines all had owners. Later, they likely fell into the hands of the human race’s Great Emperors, and after that, they probably found their way into the seven major Life Forbidden Lands.”

“What is the Undying Divine Medicine of Great Emperor Wushi? It seems to still be in the purple mountain, not having flown away, correct?” Ye Fan abruptly asked the Black Emperor.

“Undying Phoenix Medicine,” the Black Emperor subconsciously uttered these words before immediately shutting his mouth.

“This damned dog really knows a lot…” Li Heishui muttered.

“It seems there’s nothing it doesn’t know,” Jiang Huairen added.

“To think it’s such an Undying Divine Medicine! It’s truly one of the best!” Even the monkey was astonished, his gaze incredibly fervent.

“Damn it, I knew monkeys were trouble…” the big black dog muttered, almost inaudibly.

“Is the Undying Phoenix Medicine very special?” Ye Fan asked.

“Certainly. It can allow a person to be reborn and thoroughly remolded. Its medicinal efficacy ranks among the top few Undying Divine Medicines; it’s not as simple as merely extending one’s lifespan,” the monkey said, ignoring the big black dog’s disrespect.

“Do you have a brother who also survived?” the big black dog asked through gritted teeth.

“No. When the great catastrophe struck back then, it seems only an uncle, who was far away in the Western Desert, might have survived. I don’t know if he’s alive or dead,” the monkey sighed.

During the Ancient Times, the Fighting Saint Ape clan usually consisted of only two or three individuals. However, their bloodline was incredibly powerful, allowing them to intermarry with other races to continue the Holy Ape lineage.

“The Kings of ancient times are about to reawaken. I must find the Undying Ancient Peach Tree before it falls into the hands of other clans,” the monkey mused to himself.

“After they reawaken, will they try to seize the Undying Divine Medicines?” Ye Fan and the others were all taken aback.

“Most likely. After all, those medicines previously belonged to them, so naturally, they would want to reclaim them,” the monkey nodded.

However, he also explained that not all ancient species were ruthlessly savage. The slaughter of innocents was perpetrated by only a few clans; they were not necessarily irreconcilably hostile to the human race.

“During the Ancient Times, humans also existed, though their numbers were scarce. They seemed weak, but they too produced invincible individuals,” the monkey shared this piece of information.

“What? Humans existed as far back as the Ancient Times…” The others were all deeply stunned.

“Brother Ape, what exactly happened during the Ancient Times? Why does it seem like all life on earth was extinguished once?”

“And what’s the deal with the Life Forbidden Lands like the Great Primordial Mine, the Divine Ruins, Undying Mountain, and the Immortal Tomb?”

…

The monkey was undoubtedly a living fossil. As these questions surfaced, they gnawed at everyone’s minds, making them desperate to find out the truth…