At this moment, Ancestor Tian Shang struck first, sending a wave of power towards Yun Fan from afar, like ten thousand horses galloping.
It seemed capable of piercing even dimensions.
Was this the power of an Ancestor? Yun Fan had never felt such immense strength from any being throughout history.
While he had clashed with Ancestor-level divine senses before, he had to admit, it was incomparable.
An Ancestor's true power was only felt through their physical body.
Bang!
This strike accurately hit Yun Fan, or perhaps Yun Fan himself wanted to know the true strength of an Ancestor.
Therefore, he could only choose to face it head-on. Only by doing so could he truly experience the Ancestor's might.
Under the impact of this power, Yun Fan was forced to retreat repeatedly, looking quite battered?
"You are too weak!"
Ancestor Tian Shang said dismissively, "Perhaps you could be arrogant when facing our divine senses, but today I will tell you, divine senses and physical bodies are two different things!"
"How could I not know that?"
Yun Fan replied, "Having witnessed your strength, please also witness mine!"
"Very well! I'd like to see how you struggle?"
Ancestor Tian Shang looked at Yun Fan with disdain, not taking him seriously at all.
In an instant, Yun Fan also unleashed an attack, imbued with the power of Zhan Tian (Battle Heaven). While not as astonishing as Ancestor Tian Shang's, it was still quite brilliant.
Boom!
When this force collided, it struck Ancestor Tian Shang as well, as neither of them intended to dodge.
Ancestor Tian Shang had expected this move from Yun Fan to have no effect on him, but the reality was quite different.
After this strike landed, he was forced back three steps by Yun Fan.
As for whether he was battered or not, it was hardly necessary to say, as the answer was written all over his face.
Ancestor Tian Shang's expression immediately turned grim.
"This child's strength is probably already infinitely close to ours!"
Ancestor Tian Shang formed a very direct assessment of Yun Fan in his heart: while Yun Fan's strength was not as great as his, he could still fight him, at least posing a threat.
"May I ask, what do you think of my strength?"
Yun Fan looked calmly at Ancestor Tian Shang.
"While it has some flair, it is ultimately just a trivial skill, not worthy of the grand stage!"
Ancestor Tian Shang said dismissively.
Then, he swiftly moved to Yun Fan's side, opting for close combat. Yun Fan did not retreat and chose to meet force with force.
Thus, these two mighty experts engaged in an ultimate duel on the Immortal Path.
The duel was brutal, and soon after, blood was shed.
It was evident that they were both using their full strength.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Yun Fan let out a series of coughs. In the previous exchanges, he had been heavily wounded by Ancestor Tian Shang more than once.
Originally, with his strength reaching this level, he was already invincible in the world. However, there was always someone better, and today he had truly witnessed it.
Of course, Ancestor Tian Shang was not faring much better. Despite appearing to have the upper hand against Yun Fan, he had also sustained significant injuries.
It was just not as severe as Yun Fan's.
"Damn it!"
Ancestor Tian Shang's face was filled with anger. He had never suffered such a great loss.
"Kid, you have truly surprised me. No wonder you dared to challenge me!"
"This is just the beginning. Even if I'm not an Ancestor, if I can achieve an alternative path to godhood, I might not be weaker than you!"
This was Yun Fan's response.
"Hahahaha!"
Ancestor Tian Shang burst into laughter, "It seems you are merely a frog in a well, only seeing the sky from your limited perspective. How dare you challenge the majesty of an Ancestor!"
"Shāng Zhī Lì (Power of Decay)!"
At this moment, Ancestor Tian Shang unleashed his strongest power, a power that surpassed that of a Heavenly Venerate.
This was the supreme power of an Ancestor. Every peerless expert who achieved the status of an Ancestor did so not by luck.
For they had all mastered an invincible power that transcended heaven and earth. Ancestor Tian Shang's invincible power was Shāng Zhī Lì.
He had created it himself, and since its inception, it had reigned supreme above the nine heavens. It shared a similarity with Zhan Tian Zhī Lì:
Both were invincible amongst peers. Eventually, through continuous refinement and evolution, it had achieved its current formidable strength.
It was also through Shāng Zhī Lì that he had become a rare Ancestor expert since ancient times, meaning the eighth realm of the Heavenly Mandate.
Even Yun Fan, standing at the peak of the seventh realm with one foot in the eighth, was a level below him.
Yun Fan activated his evolved Zhan Tian Zhī Lì, and the two invincible powers began to collide. Only the one who endured to the end would be the ultimate victor.
In an instant, the Immortal Path itself almost collapsed.
Their clash, though appearing calm and without grand fanfare, would have been enough to destroy half a plane if it had occurred on a mortal world.
For instance, if they were fighting on Pangu Continent now, half of Pangu Continent would be annihilated.
Invincible against invincible, it was merely a matter of who would ultimately be the true invincible.
Clearly, both were brimming with confidence, indicating a spectacular duel.
Their powers continued to grapple.
Yun Fan felt as though his Zhan Tian Zhī Lì was about to shatter. Shāng Zhī Lì was indeed invincible. It wasn't that Zhan Tian Zhī Lì was inferior to Shāng Zhī Lì.
It was simply because Yun Fan, who wielded Zhan Tian Zhī Lì, was not as strong as Ancestor Tian Shang. It was that simple.
"Puff!"
Yun Fan had expected to be the first to break, but to his surprise, Ancestor Tian Shang, who was so confident of victory, was the first to spit blood.
"Hmm?"
Yun Fan noticed something amiss. The outcome was completely unexpected, as the most likely result was a mutual destruction.
Or perhaps, he would be slightly outmatched and lose with regret.
"You are injured!"
Yun Fan saw the clue at a glance. Yes, Ancestor Tian Shang must be injured, otherwise, how could a dignified Ancestor be the first to falter.
"You saw through this too!"
Ancestor Tian Shang readily admitted, "Yes, I am indeed injured. However, your strength has exceeded my expectations. I can only say you are astonishing; you have the potential to become an Ancestor!"
This was his most direct evaluation of Yun Fan.
Because Yun Fan's Zhan Tian Zhī Lì was not weak. If they had fought under equal conditions, he wasn't sure if he could have suppressed Yun Fan.
Everything was an unknown.
He hadn't expected that in this later era, there would be a young man with the potential to become an Ancestor. Truly extraordinary.
At this point, Yun Fan said, "It seems your strength is indeed beyond my imagination. However, precisely because you are injured, I dare to imagine!"
This was Yun Fan's most direct assessment.
If Ancestor Tian Shang were at his peak, even Yun Fan, who was half a step into becoming an Ancestor, would be no match for him.
But in his injured state, Yun Fan believed he could give it a try.
"How interesting!"
Ancestor Tian Shang sneered, "It's good for young people to have ambition, but it must be based on strength. Otherwise, it's overestimating oneself!"
The next moment, Ancestor Tian Shang, despite his injuries, charged at Yun Fan.
Although he knew how difficult it would be to kill Yun Fan, he didn't have many other choices.
This time, he absolutely could not let Yun Fan live, otherwise, Yun Fan would threaten their rule as the higher beings.
Therefore, at this moment, he had to do everything in his power to kill Yun Fan on the Immortal Path.
Yun Fan chose to go on the offensive.
For Yun Fan, it was the same. Today, he was determined to kill an Ancestor himself.
Thus, the two engaged in a fated duel, almost shattering the Immortal Path.
Their battle raged fiercely, and by the final moments, both Yun Fan and Ancestor Tian Shang felt a sense of powerlessness.
Because they knew that at this point, they were evenly matched. Every move was an ordeal.
The most likely outcome was a mutual destruction.
"You dare to gamble your life against me, do you think I'm afraid of you?"
Yun Fan said coldly, then ignited his Zhan Tian Boiling Blood, and fought Ancestor Tian Shang with his life.
It must be said that at this moment, Ancestor Tian Shang felt fear, his face showing a trace of apprehension.
He hadn't expected Yun Fan to be so daring. Even though Yun Fan had left many openings for him, at this moment, Ancestor Tian Shang calmed down.
Because their battle lacked any tricks or formations; it was a direct confrontation.
If they continued to fight like this, even if he could kill Yun Fan, he would have to pay with his own life.
With Yun Fan's current strength, even in his prime, killing Yun Fan would cost him half his life.
Let alone now.
It must be said that Yun Fan's strength had truly exceeded expectations.
At this point, Yun Fan asked Ancestor Tian Shang, "So, you're not going to make a move anymore?"
Because even Yun Fan could sense that Ancestor Tian Shang was no longer willing to fight.
Otherwise, by now, they would have likely perished.
Ancestor Tian Shang then said, "Kid, you are brave. I'll give you an opportunity: become a spokesperson for us higher beings!"
"What benefits would I get?"
Yun Fan asked calmly.
"There are many benefits for you. Serving us higher beings is your honor. With our help, you might have a chance to become a higher being in the future! Then you can hunt everything!"
In truth, this was merely Ancestor Tian Shang's ploy. What a joke! There were already six of them, the higher beings.
Why would they need another higher being?
Of course, if the offer was tempting enough, Yun Fan would certainly be moved. As for how to get rid of Yun Fan, that wouldn't be his sole concern.
After all, Yun Fan had already become a force to be reckoned with, and such existences were often the most dangerous.
At this point, Yun Fan said, "This offer is tempting, but it's not enough for me to serve your higher beings!"
"Then what else do you want?"
Ancestor Tian Shang asked Yun Fan, puzzled, as he also realized that Yun Fan's appetite was quite large.
At this point, Yun Fan said, "I want to know why your higher beings are trapped at the end of the Immortal Path, and what is their current situation? Since I am to serve you, I should know some secrets!"
However, upon hearing this, Ancestor Tian Shang saw through him. He now understood that Yun Fan was not genuinely moved at all.
He merely wanted to extract information. What a joke! How could he possibly reveal such confidential matters to Yun Fan?
Therefore, he said to Yun Fan, "As a subordinate of our higher beings, you are not qualified to know so much. When you become a higher being yourself, you will naturally know!"
"Then that's very unfortunate!"
Yun Fan said, "Our negotiations have broken down."
"Is that so?"
Ancestor Tian Shang said dismissively, "You should think carefully. Our higher beings will continuously emerge. At that time, do you think you can survive?"
This was Ancestor Tian Shang's threat.
However, Yun Fan replied, "You don't need to worry about that. Do you think you're the only one who can see through my intentions? I'm very sorry, but I've also seen through yours!"
"Therefore, I've decided to keep you!"
Yun Fan declared imposingly, "Throughout my life, countless Heavenly Venerates have died by my hand. In my eyes, Heavenly Venerates are nothing more than mere ants. But I have yet to kill an Ancestor! So today, I intend to kill an Ancestor myself!"
"Ultimately, you are overthinking things!"
Ancestor Tian Shang said disdainfully, "You overestimate yourself!"
The next moment, their duel was about to reignite.
Yun Fan had expected the duel to begin with a desperate fight, but to his surprise, Ancestor Tian Shang directly sealed the Immortal Path.
After enduring a heavy blow from Yun Fan, he vanished from the spot.
"Kid, you think I don't know your intentions? You're just trying to scare me. Are Ancestor-level experts something you can scare? It's simply wishful thinking!"
"If I can't scare you, then the question arises: why didn't you choose to fight me head-on?"
Yun Fan asked contemptuously.
"Don't rush. You'll have plenty of time to suffer!"
Ancestor Tian Shang said dismissively to Yun Fan, "But before that, I won't let you escape the Immortal Path. The Immortal Path has been sealed, so you can slowly wait for death here!"
As expected, Yun Fan then discovered that Ancestor Tian Shang had indeed sealed the Immortal Path.
However, Yun Fan wasn't too worried. If the Immortal Path was sealed, at worst, he wouldn't be able to see his family for a short period.
It wouldn't pose a fatal threat to him.
As for his earlier words, he wasn't bluffing Ancestor Tian Shang at all. If the latter had chosen to fight to the death, he was equally prepared to do so and make the necessary moves.
Seeing that he was safe, Yun Fan released Shui Yun Jian.
"Husband, are you alright?"
Seeing Yun Fan so heavily injured, Shui Yun Jian couldn't help but feel heartbroken.
"No significant harm!"
Yun Fan said, "I thought that with my strength, and with Ancestor Tian Shang being injured, I could keep him here. But it seems I was mistaken. If he wanted to leave, I couldn't stop him!"
Yun Fan didn't feel regretful, as the facts were plain. If the other party had been in his peak condition, it would have been Yun Fan who needed to avoid his鋒芒 (sharp edge).
Upon hearing this, Shui Yun Jian was utterly astonished. She never imagined her man could be so brave, it was truly astonishing.
In this regard alone, Yun Fan was worthy of being number one.
If Yun Fan could one day break through to become an Ancestor, then the so-called Ancestors would perhaps be as vulnerable as ants before him.
"Husband, you have already amazed everyone. Take your time!"
Shui Yun Jian comforted Yun Fan.
"Mm-hmm!"
Yun Fan nodded and informed Shui Yun Jian about the Immortal Path being sealed.
Shui Yun Jian quickly said, "Husband, even if this is hell, I am happy to be by your side!"
"You've worked hard!"
Yun Fan said to Shui Yun Jian.
"Husband, don't say that!"
Shui Yun Jian explained, "Being able to follow you is the greatest honor of my life!"
After a period of polite exchange, the two finally left the area.
Yun Fan had made up his mind. Since they wouldn't let him leave, he would create a great career on the Immortal Path.
He now had the capital to establish himself, and his next step was to accumulate the capital for overwhelming dominance.
In any case, he was unwilling to simply accept his fate.
...
At the end of the Immortal Path.
At this moment, the physical bodies of several Ancestors were channeling power into a woman.
The woman continuously refined their power, eventually reaching a critical point, after which the Ancestors withdrew their energy.
This was a forced enhancement of the woman's strength, but for the Ancestors, it was not a significant matter.
As long as the woman could become stronger, their sacrifices were worthwhile.
As the light dissipated, a pure and flawless woman emerged, radiating an ethereal aura.
Although she was not an Ancestor-level expert, her presence was already comparable to that of an Ancestor. Just a single breath from her was enough to instill fear.
Her aura also possessed the oppressive pressure of an Ancestor. Perhaps, like Yun Fan, she had achieved an alternative path to godhood.
To think that in this world, besides Yun Fan, there was a second person who had achieved an alternative path to godhood. It was truly shocking.
At this point, Ancestor Hong Meng asked her, "What is your name?"
"My name is Tai Xuan Saintess!"
She immediately stated her name. The Ancestors were very pleased, as this name had been chosen by them.
Indeed, she lived up to her name, worthy of the title "Saintess."
At this point, Ancestor Hong Meng asked again, "You are leaving on this mission with only one purpose. Do you know what that purpose is?"
"To kill Yun Fan and restore the majesty of the Ancestors!"
Tai Xuan Saintess replied fluently.
"Do you still remember your past?"
Ancestor Hong Meng asked the final question.
Tai Xuan Saintess shook her head and said, "I don't remember, nor do I need to. Because my life was bestowed by you higher beings! Therefore, my path only leads forward, never backward!"
"Mm!"
The Ancestors nodded in satisfaction. Clearly, they held Tai Xuan Saintess in high regard.
"You are qualified to become our disciple. As long as you kill Yun Fan, your merits will be fulfilled! At that time, we will take you as our disciple and make you the seventh higher being!"
"Yes!"
Tai Xuan Saintess nodded.
"Go! Do a good job!"
Then, Tai Xuan Saintess transformed into a beam of light and vanished from the spot.
...
On the Immortal Path, after being sealed, Yun Fan led Shui Yun Jian forward. Of course, along the way, he did not forget to seek resources.
During this period, Yun Fan's injuries gradually healed, and he was almost back to his peak condition.
"Husband, what do we do next?"
Shui Yun Jian asked Yun Fan, as she noticed he hadn't formulated a plan yet.
Yun Fan pondered for a while and said, "Wife, do you think I can break through to become an Ancestor if I absorb an Ancestor's power?"
It had to be said that Yun Fan's idea was extremely bold, but people always had to grow.
Yun Fan had no other choice besides breaking through to become an Ancestor. If he could successfully break through, he would no longer be passive but would become proactive.
Conversely, he would be extremely passive. Of course, the worst-case scenario was simply this, so what was there to fear?
"Husband wants to hunt Ancestor Tian Shang?"
Shui Yun Jian asked in shock.
"That's right!"
Yun Fan said, "If they dare to kill me, then I dare to kill them. It doesn't matter!"
Shui Yun Jian nodded, stating that no matter what Yun Fan decided, she would fully support him.
At this point, she said to Yun Fan, "Husband, you should recover first. I will guard outside for you!"
"Alright!"
Yun Fan said, "Be careful in everything. If there's any danger, come back immediately. Don't take risks!"
"Mm-hmm!"
Shui Yun Jian nodded obediently.
Then, she left with a smile.
Upon arriving outside, Shui Yun Jian strictly followed Yun Fan's instructions. If she encountered any danger, she would absolutely not take any risks.
For the Immortal Path was a solitary place, and she could not let Yun Fan be alone.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, a figure suddenly appeared behind Shui Yun Jian.
"No, she has been watching me for a long time!"
Shui Yun Jian exclaimed in shock, her entire being in a state of distress. She could sense that the visitor must be an expert.
Therefore, in that instant, she decided to seek out Yun Fan.
However, the other party said, "Don't bother struggling. The surroundings have already been sealed by me!"
Upon hearing this, Shui Yun Jian's face grew even more solemn. It seemed the other party had planned far beyond her expectations.
"Who are you?"
Shui Yun Jian asked.
"Tai Xuan Saintess!"
The other party directly revealed her name.
Shui Yun Jian had never heard of her, but she could feel that the other party's strength was immense, possibly even not weaker than her husband Yun Fan.
"Who do you represent?"
"I represent myself. My goal is to kill Yun Fan!"
Tai Xuan Saintess said with determined eyes.
"No one can kill my husband, not even you!"
With that said, Shui Yun Jian assumed a fighting stance.
Tai Xuan Saintess said dismissively, "Make your move! I'll give you the chance to attack!"
"Seeking your own death!"
Shui Yun Jian roared, then gathered all her strength, unleashing an invincible sword energy.
Even if she was outmatched, she had to give it her all.
To her surprise, her invincible sword energy inexplicably vanished before it even reached Tai Xuan Saintess.
"Damn it!"
Shui Yun Jian felt a headache coming on. She hadn't expected the other party's strength to be so outrageously high.
Tai Xuan Saintess shook her head and said, "Unfortunately, your move cannot harm me in the slightest!"
"Don't be arrogant, I still have a trump card!"
The next moment, Shui Yun Jian attacked again. However, this time, she wasn't attacking Tai Xuan Saintess but trying to break through Tai Xuan Saintess's seal.
Alas, the seal was too strong. Even with her full effort, she couldn't break it. Even though she was a top-tier Heavenly Venerate, in the eyes of the other party, she was no different from an ant.
This was the difference between a Heavenly Venerate and someone who had achieved an alternative path to godhood.
Conversely, Tai Xuan Saintess landed a casual strike on Shui Yun Jian, instantly knocking her to the ground. Shui Yun Jian was on the verge of death, her situation dire.
"Fragile!"
Tai Xuan Saintess walked indifferently towards Shui Yun Jian, who had no means or strength left, and sneered.
Shui Yun Jian felt a deep sense of despair. Even with all her effort, she had no chance of winning. Who could understand this feeling of powerlessness?
"So, are you going to send me on my way then?"