Chapter 137 Too Deep to Fathom
Ye Fan was shaken. He hadn’t even touched his Sea of Bitterness, how could this elder see through his physique?
“The Ancient Desolation Sacred Body is exceptional. A golden Sea of Bitterness with lightning and thunder is something I’ve never seen or heard of,” Li Ruoyu calmly stated.
When Ye Fan heard this, he was completely shocked, and extremely nervous. He didn’t know just which of his secrets might have been noticed. The green copper definitely couldn’t be exposed, and the Origin Qi and the golden tome of the Dao Scripture were extremely extraordinary and not suitable for revelation.
“You don’t need to be worried. I don’t have any bad intentions.” Seeing his state of mind, Li Ruoyu wrinkled face smiled kindly.
Ye Fan felt as if the elder was now completely unfathomable. After obtaining Zhuo Peak’s true inheritance, it was even more difficult to read him. “Senior…how did you find out?”
“Just now, I had merged with all of Zhuo Peak and a Grand Dao appeared. Naturally I could perceive it,” Li Ruoyu faintly smiled.
The Ancient Desolation Sacred Body was very unusual. If he wished to hide it, it was possible for his Sea of Bitterness to become completely concealed and almost impossible to be seen through. But when Zhuo Peak’s inheritance had revealed itself and a natural Grand Dao appeared, the two of them were very close. Ye Fan supposed that was the truth and was how Li Rouyu had seen through his strange physique.
“I’d like to ask senior to please help me keep this secret.” He didn’t know what kind of att.i.tude the old man would take with him. Although previously they had been very amiable with one another, the time they had been together was very short, and they didn’t have a deep understanding of each other.
“Don’t worry.”
In reality, if the Ancient Desolation Sacred Body were to be noticed, it wouldn’t be anything. The current world here only cared about the Eastern Wastelands’ divine body. But if other people were to learn that Ye Fan had managed to cultivate so smoothly, that would be troublesome.
“It’s remarkable that you’ve managed to cultivate the Ancient Desolation Sacred Body to the Divine Bridge realm. It really isn’t easy,” Li Ruoyu nodded at him.
Ye Fan was concerned. This was the thing he was most worried about! For him to have the Ancient Desolation Sacred Body, yet still be able to cultivate so smoothly, would definitely draw other people to come investigate. He felt that this old man had probably seen through even more things. After all, he was merged with Zhuo Peak, and although he looked very ordinary, he was now too deep to fathom.
“Try your best not to be recognized by the Sacred Lands and the Ancient Desolation n.o.ble Families.”
“They…” Ye Fan’s heart trembled. The Sacred Lands and Ancient Desolation n.o.ble Families had legacies from the times of the Ancient Desolation and definitely knew many secrets.
“You don’t need to be too scared. After all these years, the Sacred Body has become crippled. The great powers whose might extended from the Ancient Desolation no longer care very much. The world has already forgotten such a physique.”
Back in the day, the Ancient Desolation Sacred Body had been the king of its era. But now, everyone knew that the Sacred Body could no longer be cultivated.
“Does senior know just why the Sacred Body cannot be cultivated?” asked Ye Fan.
“Too much time has pa.s.sed, and too few people know. It’s possible the Ancient Desolation Sacred Body won’t hold you back. Everything in the world is related by destiny.”
In reality, Ye Fan truly hadn’t been held back in his cultivation. Ever since stepping on the immortal path, he had progressed very smoothly.
“As long as you persevere in your cultivation, nothing will hold you back.” Li Ruoyu sighed emotionally, saying, “My talent was very ordinary, but I continuously persevered and now I finally have some success.”
“Congratulations to senior on obtaining Zhuo Peak’s inheritance. Your cultivation will definitely improve greatly!” Ye Fan congratulated him sincerely.
“Cultivation requires one to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, and isn’t something that obtaining powerful inheritances can allow you to progress. No matter how profound a technique is, it requires a person to comprehend it.” Li Ruoyu seemed like he was trying to guide Ye Fan, saying, “Back in the day, I blankly wasted years. Only after cultivating for decades did I suddenly have an epiphany, like waking from a dream, finally understanding Zhuo Peak’s true meaning.”
According to what the old man said, only in the past hundred years had his heart become tranquil and gradually merged with Zhuo Peak, comprehending the mental state of the first generation, sensing Zhuo Peak’s natural Grand Dao.
Before he had obtained the inheritance, other than that supreme secret art, he had already realized his predecessor’s left behind wonderful truths and merged with Zhuo Peak, allowing him to a.n.a.lyze a natural Grand Dao.
Ye Fan was overwhelmed by how amazing this old man was. His talent was not good, and could even be described as terrible, but now he had comprehended the Dao and reached a natural comprehension of a supreme Dao’s wonderful truths.
Today, with the inheritance being opened, Li Ruoyu had sealed those wonderful truths. He was truly an amazing person, possessing great wisdom in cultivation.
“A physique is not a problem. Even the divine body is not necessarily unparalleled,” Li Ruoyu said, apparently to encourage him.
“Your body is special, and everyone in this world considers it to be garbage. But I feel that the extraordinary lies within the ordinary, and that it might be possible for you to successfully cultivate the sacred body.” Li Ruoyu concentrated his gaze on him. “Do you wish to become a true member of Zhuo Peak?”
Ye Fan’s heart shook. This old man was truly perceptive. He hesitated, not immediately responding.
“I know your intentions…” Li Ruoyu lightly sighed.
“Senior, I would like to enter Zhuo Peak.”
“There’s no need for you to be like this,” Li Ruoyu nodded, then shook his head, saying, “Right now you are temporarily just a normal disciple of Zhuo Peak. My Dao does not necessarily suit you. You can leave whenever you want.”
Ye Fan was startled. He sensed that this old man definitely had seen through more, and didn’t know as little as his previous words stated.
“Senior, in reality I already gained a portion of Zhuo Peak’s inheritance.” Ye Fan directly stated this fact, feeling this old man was too extraordinary and it would be better for him to just say it himself.
“I already know.” Li Ruoyu nodded, saying, “You obtained the secret art. You can cultivate it, but you are never allowed to pa.s.s it on.”
Ye Fan was feeling more and more like this old man was out of the ordinary. After having Zhuo Peak’s inheritance branded within him, he had truly returned to a state of simple truth.
“You and I are both in charge of Zhuo Peak’s gate. Follow me down the mountain to select disciples.” Li Ruoyu didn’t fly, simply walking down the mountain with Ye Fan following behind him.
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In front of the gate were many people, even some Elders were present who hadn’t climbed up without permission.
Those dozen Star Peak disciples Ye Fan had forced into labor didn’t know what they were feeling. The Zhuo Peak which they originally felt complete disdain for had now become the place where the outstanding disciples of all the main peaks were gathered. They had all sorts of thoughts within their hearts.
Ye Fan walked over and released their restrictions, letting them leave the mountain. But at this moment those few people were moving extremely slowly, not wis.h.i.+ng to be forced out so directly.
Even within Taixuan sect there were more rules for selection. To enter other main peaks was another chance to obtain an inheritance. But after joining Zhuo Peak, there was no way to change it. This was a rule that had been left behind since ancient times, speaking of how Zhuo Peak was different.
Li Ruoyu arrived in front of the gate, sweeping his gaze over everyone. “Do all of you wish to join my Zhuo Peak?”
“Yes!” many of them directly and loudly replied.
At this time, Li Ruoyu didn’t have any aura of above mortality or a graceful divine charm. He only looked like an ordinary old village man, making many disciples doubtful.
The Elders of the other main peaks walked over and greeted Li Ruiyu, all very courteous. These old seniors, even with their powerful divine eyesight were unable to see through Li Ruoyu, naturally realizing his current realm was completely unfathomable. Everyone realized that Zhuo Peak’s rise to prominence was already set in stone.
“We have come to send you disciples. If the peak master has any orders, we have no choice but to part with them.” Some of the Elders were very upset.
“Actually, this is not necessary.” Li Ruoyu didn’t act like an arrogant person, saying, “Each person has their own Dao. Zhuo Peak’s Dao may not suit them.”
“Head Elder also said that everything has to be voluntary when picking disciples,” another old Elder nodded agreement.
“We all truly want to join Zhuo Peak.” Quite a few disciples were very quick and shouted out loudly before coming up and kowtowing.
Ye Fan felt speechless. Before today, Zhuo Peak had been completely deserted, but once the inheritance had appeared, there were this many people coming.
“Don’t block me. I’m a senior disciple of Zhuo Peak!” Just at this time, a clear and pleasant voice rang out. Ji Ziyue, who had disappeared for this many days, had once more appeared, lively and smiling. Her face was still completely covered with makeup, not wanting to expose her true ident.i.ty.
Ji Ziyue’s small dimple once more appeared, and with a sweet smile she embraced Li Ruoyu’s arm and said, “Senior Li, I’ve returned.”
“Okay, from today onwards, you are a disciple of the Zhuo Peak,” Li Ruoyu nodded to her.
Ji Ziyue had pa.s.sed through the Nine Steps to Heavens and her talent was shocking. Back then she wanted to stay at Zhuo Peak. If it weren’t for the Star Peak’s Elders’ interference, she would have stayed here like Ye Fan. The old man’s impression of her was very good.
“Senior, we also want to join Zhuo Peak.” Those disciples in front of the gate once more bowed.
“You can all wait below Zhuo Peak for enlightenment. If after half a month you have some insights, you can immediately become a disciple of Zhuo Peak.” Li Ruoyu then walked back to the top of the mountain with a couple of Elders following him.
Just at this time, a Star Peak Elder walked up and quietly transmitted to him, “That girl is a child of the Ji Family. You definitely cannot transmit any grand techniques to her.”
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Over the next few days, young disciples converged at Zhuo Peak. Many of the 108 main peaks’ disciples hurried over there.
The news had already spread within the Taixuan Sect that Li Ruoyu had comprehended a natural Grand Dao and in the future was very likely to be comparable to those mighty elites of ancient times. By following such a master, a disciple’s future accomplishments definitely would be limitless.
Of the 108 peak masters, many of them personally came to pay a visit to Li Ruoyu. After meeting him, quite a few of them truly felt this wasn’t just an unfounded claim.
In any case, Ye Fan had never thought that the cheerless and empty Zhuo Peak would now become so bustling. He couldn’t help but sigh. The cultivation world wasn’t all that different from the mortal world.
Ji Ziyue was depressed. Li Ruoyu had directly told her that since she was a child of the Ji Family, she couldn’t obtain the inheritance.
“Little brat, you really didn’t manage to learn that secret art? I don’t believe you!” Ji Ziyue eyes cast a glance at Ye Fan, sweetly smiling in a way that could attract even a ghost’s soul. “Back when Zhuo Peak’s inheritance opened, you were on the mountain, so it counts as having destiny. Did you really not make any harvest?”
“I did. I learned a bit of a natural Dao.” Ye Fan mischievously laughed, saying, “You can use the Empty Void Scripture to exchange for it.”
“Brat!” Ji Ziyue’s wrinkled her nose, beginning to bring her teeth. She remembered how Ye Fan had held her captive.
“Whatever, I’ll just directly teach it to you.” Ye Fan started to speak of the natural Dao, s.h.i.+fting the subject from that secret art. He didn’t dare teach it to anyone, since Li Ruoyu had solemnly warned him already.
Having her status already exposed, Ji Ziyue removed the gaudy makeup on her face, a small cat-like face becoming a pleasant and clever maiden with an exceptional charm.
After learning of her ident.i.ty, the Taixuan Sect naturally did everything in their power to protect her, not letting any accidents occur to her. She didn’t fear Ji Biyue killing her here.
Thirty disciples quickly joined Zhuo Peak, all of whom were personally sent over by the Elders of other main peaks so that Li Ruoyu could not easily refuse them.
Ji Ziyue was very unhappy. Having learned of her status, she was surrounded by people and constantly pestered. She knew this was obviously because these people wanted to improve their relations.h.i.+ps with an Ancient Desolation n.o.ble Family.
As for Ye Fan, he dodged her every day, comprehending the Dao Scripture and studying the new secret art he had obtained. Ji Ziyue was angry that this brat would be so weird and avoid her like this. He was even more irritating to her than the people following her left and right.
“Little brat, you dare try to run from me…” Ji Ziyue ground her teeth menacingly. An evil glint appeared in her eyes as she prepared to use Ye Fan as a s.h.i.+eld.
Ye Fan naturally knew this, and the next day he completely disappeared. He didn’t want to be used as a s.h.i.+eld for her and attract those disciples’ hostility. He already began to feel that it was time to leave, and he was constantly searching for the Taixuan Sect’s Domain Gate’s location to see if he could use it to traverse the void.
Ye Fan once more left Zhuo Peak, roaming around Taixuan Sect for most of the day, pa.s.sing by many main peaks, but not finding any signs of the Domain Gate.
He learned from a couple disciples that if he made a great contribution to the sect they might offer him enough Source to activate the Domain Gate and traverse the void. This would definitely be convenient for him.
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On the path back to Zhuo Peak, Ye Fan was noticed and blocked by Ji Ziyue.
“Little brat, you’ve been continuously disappearing these few days. Are you thinking of fleeing?” Ji Ziyue was very clever. “Could it be that you’ve obtained the supreme secret art and have been hiding it from me? Otherwise you wouldn’t have such a thought.”
“No, no!” Ye Fan hastily refuted it.
“If you dare flee, I’ll tell all your secrets to everyone. Such as the Demon Emperor’s sacred heart, the Origin Qi, that mysterious lump of green copper…” Ji Ziyue’s smile was very sweet, her small dimple once more appearing and making her seem charming and lively.
“Stop!” Ye Fan quickly stopped her from continuing speaking. If someone else heard, his situation would be bleak.
“Let’s go somewhere else.” Ji Ziyue was bored. Afraid of being entangled with those young disciples of Zuo Peak, they hid below the mountains.
“Good, let’s just randomly walk around.” Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue started walking towards those ordinary mountains, pa.s.sing through beautiful scenery, at some time arriving at the Star Peak.
Just at this moment, a familiar figure was reflected within Ye Fan’s eyes. Li Xiaoman’s white clothes fluttered and her black hair was like a waterfall, her countenance beautiful and elegant. She had a grace that made her seem above mortality. She and a couple others of the Star Peak were not far away, walking over in their direction, meeting coincidentally.
Ye Fan and Li Xiaoman naturally saw each other, not expecting to meet here.
Beside him, Ji Ziyue immediately sensed something strange, whispering in Ye Fan’s ear, “An acquaintance?”
“Yes,” Ye Fan nodded.
“Is there enmity? Do you need me to help you handle her?” Ji Ziyue smiled and walked up. She had been at the Star Peak, but the disciples there were too many and she couldn’t possibly meet them all.
“She’s not an enemy, you can’t mess around.” Ye Fan hastily blocked her, not wanting to cause a disturbance.
Li Xiaoman was currently a Spring of Life realm cultivator, so she naturally could hear their quiet voices since they weren’t very far away.
Ji Ziyue grabbed Ye Fan’s hand, gently pulling him over. Smiling sweetly, she said, “What’s the name of this older sister?”
The surrounding few people all noticed Ye Fan and Ji Ziyue, especially Ji Ziyue who was exceptionally moving and an absolute beauty. She was like a sprite, unable to avoid attracting attention.