A ball of light appeared before Yun Fan.
Yun Fan was greatly shocked, for this light contained not only profound mysteries but also boundless power.
This was the Time-Space City Lord's final resort, and he had endured countless ages and epochs waiting for an inheritor.
Now, he placed immense importance on Yun Fan as his successor.
This was because he saw decisiveness, ruthlessness, and a willpower beyond ordinary people in Yun Fan.
He was also firmly convinced that Yun Fan would be an even more outstanding individual than himself.
As long as Yun Fan could rise successfully, defeating the enemies of the Time-Space City would no longer be a problem.
Having learned from previous encounters, Yun Fan was more cautious this time, accepting the inheritance only after ensuring its safety.
As the power of the Time-Space City merged into his body, it guided the Battle Heaven Force to evolve further.
The evolved Battle Heaven Force was undoubtedly peerless.
Yun Fan was finally gaining true insight.
At this moment, the Time-Space City Lord said to Yun Fan, "Young friend, I have bestowed my inheritance upon you. Your talent exceeds my expectations. From here on, with just one crucial breakthrough, you will enter the Ancestor Realm. You are destined to reach this realm; it's merely a matter of time!"
The Time-Space City Lord was so resolute because he sensed a potential in Yun Fan that even those ancient ancestors and himself lacked.
Could Yun Fan truly reach the pinnacle of the upper three realms? Of course, this was a tale for another time.
Whether Yun Fan could reach that stage depended on providence.
Yun Fan, filled with gratitude, replied, "Senior, rest assured, I will not disappoint you. From now on, I will seek out the remaining warriors of the Time-Space City and protect them in your stead!"
Yun Fan was a person who understood gratitude, especially after receiving such a great boon from the Time-Space City Lord.
"Whether you can save them is not important. As long as you help me eliminate the ambitious individuals of the Heaven-Defying Dao and the Heaven-Following Dao, that will suffice. For the rest, decide according to your circumstances!"
The Time-Space City Lord decided to settle for less, as Yun Fan might become the first prodigy in history to break through all odds.
Therefore, more than the remnants of the Time-Space City, he wished for Yun Fan's well-being.
Yun Fan nodded, "Understood, senior. I will act within my capabilities!"
"Very well, my purpose has been fulfilled, and it is time for me to fade. Young friend, your stage in the future is vast, perhaps only just beginning. Never despair over temporary gains or losses. Believe firmly that you are the most potential-filled cultivator in history!"
This was the Time-Space City Lord's reminder and affirmation to Yun Fan.
Yun Fan's blood boiled. To receive such personal recognition from the Time-Space City Lord greatly boosted his confidence.
"Senior, though I never met you, you have provided me with immense help. Thank you. Farewell!"
Yun Fan felt a pang of sadness, as the Time-Space City Lord's subsequent dissipation meant eternal oblivion.
The Time-Space City Lord chuckled, "It's nothing. All must face death; do not be too despondent. For you have inherited my legacy, you will live on in my stead, and it is as if I am still alive!"
Before fading, he handed the City Lord's token to Yun Fan, after which Yun Fan could no longer sense his presence.
Yun Fan knew that the Time-Space City Lord had departed, with peace and ease, perhaps having fulfilled his lifelong wish.
Then, the space began to collapse, a natural consequence without the Time-Space City Lord's power to sustain it.
Yun Fan exited the space just before it completely disintegrated.
From this point onward, his life and path would be entirely new.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he emerged, he saw Xiao Liu Dao.
Indeed, Xiao Liu Dao was persistent. He sensed the immense threat Yun Fan posed, especially to the Heaven-Defying Dao lineage.
Therefore, he had been lurking in the vicinity. Although Yun Fan's aura had dissipated, his intuition told him Yun Fan had not left.
So, he remained, and the moment Yun Fan reappeared, he struck decisively to kill him.
He had not expected Yun Fan to reappear so soon.
At this moment, he said to Yun Fan, "Kid, you have nowhere left to hide. Have you decided to give up?"
Despite Yun Fan's significant threat, to Xiao Liu Dao, Yun Fan was merely a vanquished opponent.
Thus, he did not regard Yun Fan with much respect.
Yun Fan retorted, "Give up? Impossible. As the saying goes, 'After three days apart, one should look at a friend with new eyes.' I was defeated by you before, and I have reflected deeply. I challenge you again!"
This was Yun Fan's stance. Did this Xiao Liu Dao think he was still easily bullied?
If Xiao Liu Dao hadn't cheated, he would truly be no match for Yun Fan.
But Xiao Liu Dao had cheated, which was why Yun Fan was helpless against him before. However, that might not be the case now.
His Battle Heaven Force had advanced another level; he might not fear Xiao Liu Dao anymore.
At this, Xiao Liu Dao said, "Very well. Since you do not fear death, I shall grant you your wish completely!"
The next moment, Xiao Liu Dao attacked, unleashing his peak power, intending to send Yun Fan on his way.
But Yun Fan stood his ground and, with a single move, shattered Xiao Liu Dao's attack.
"How is this possible?"
Xiao Liu Dao was dumbfounded, for the Yun Fan before him seemed like an entirely different person.
Although Yun Fan's realm had not significantly changed, and he had not broken through to the Ancestor Realm, his power had at least doubled.
Under these circumstances, he was no longer afraid of Xiao Liu Dao.
Therefore, his previous move was merely a probing attack.
Yun Fan then said, "Surprised? Then I can only tell you, the truly shocking part is yet to come!"
"Easily defeated!"
Xiao Liu Dao unleashed his power beyond the peak once more, forcibly elevating his strength by another tier.
Indeed, his sole objective now was to kill Yun Fan.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan took the initiative, and with the enhancement of his Blood Boiling attribute, he unleashed his full might, charging at Xiao Liu Dao.
Boom!
After a tremendous explosion.
"Ah!"
Xiao Liu Dao let out a cry of pain. No matter what, he had never imagined Yun Fan's strength to be so formidable.
With power exceeding the peak, Yun Fan severely injured him with a single strike. Helpless, Xiao Liu Dao reluctantly activated his rapid healing.
Soon, he returned to his peak state and looked at Yun Fan with trepidation.
"What benefits did you gain after you disappeared?"
Xiao Liu Dao asked furiously.
If Yun Fan hadn't gained any advantages, he would never believe it. He was convinced Yun Fan had obtained some sort of boon, otherwise, he wouldn't possess such immense power.
Yun Fan smiled, "You guessed correctly, I did gain benefits. But why should I tell you?"
"You court death!"
Xiao Liu Dao roared, "Even if you gained benefits, what of it? I can outlast you!"
"Is that so? Then I shall play this waiting game with you!"
Yun Fan said disdainfully.
Since Xiao Liu Dao wanted to play, he would indulge him. It mattered little.
After all, he had plenty of time.
As expected, at this moment, Yun Fan attacked again. Xiao Liu Dao, having just returned to his peak, was once again severely wounded!
Helplessly, Xiao Liu Dao had to activate his abilities again.
Although he could recover to his peak, the fear of being on the brink of death had spread throughout his heart.
Yun Fan's terrifying power far exceeded his expectations.
He couldn't fathom what kind of opportunity could make Yun Fan so overwhelmingly dominant within the same realm.
"How does it feel?"
Yun Fan mocked playfully.
Did Xiao Liu Dao, when he was cheating, ever imagine this day would come?
At this, Xiao Liu Dao said coldly, "Even if you can gravely injure me, what of it? Can you kill me?"
He had no choice but to seek validation in his constant recovery to peak condition, otherwise, he was simply no match for Yun Fan.
"Is that so? Then I shall fulfill your wish!"
The next moment, Yun Fan abandoned his playful demeanor and unleashed his full power.
With this peak combat strength, a single strike nearly shattered Xiao Liu Dao.
Though not yet dead, his demise was now inevitable.
"Impossible!"
Xiao Liu Dao could never have imagined Yun Fan to be so terrifying. With one strike, he was fated to die.
With his fate sealed, he had no chance to return to his peak. This meant he was now a dead man walking.
Only death awaited him.
"You are not yet an Ancestor Realm expert, and you have no chance of growing to that level. Soon, the pursuit against you will be overwhelming!"
Hearing this, Yun Fan scoffed, "We'll talk about that when the day comes. It's far too early to say!"
Then, with a wave of his hand, Yun Fan completely killed Xiao Liu Dao.
Indeed, the power of the Time-Space City made a difference; he could walk wherever he pleased.
Simultaneously, he discovered a method to counter the cheating of the Heaven-Defying Dao: absolute strength to crush them.
In the face of absolute power, all other tactics were futile.
Next, he needed to find the remnants of the Time-Space City. Of course, he would also be breaking through while searching, as the Ancestor Realm was his ultimate goal.
Thus, Yun Fan wandered through the vast and boundless Time-Space City.
No matter how hard he searched, he could not find any trace of the Time-Space City's remnants. He even began to suspect they had been completely annihilated.
Otherwise, there should have been some clue.
This was not good news for Yun Fan.
If they were truly wiped out, it would be a tragic end for the Time-Space City Lord's lineage, akin to inviting wolves into their home only to be devoured by them.
However, nothing was absolute. Yun Fan decided to search further. If he found nothing, then he would focus on breaking through to the Ancestor Realm, which was paramount.
His search was guided by the power of the Time-Space City Lord. He was very familiar with it; if any remnants survived, they would surely carry the Time-Space City Lord's power.
Initially, he found nothing, but one day, Yun Fan detected a faint trace of power.
At this, Yun Fan immediately set off towards his target.
...
"To think that after hiding for so long, we would still be discovered. Does annihilation await us now?"
In the most remote corner of the Time-Space City, the old, weak, sick, and disabled were filled with an unimaginable despair.
For they had been found by two Heaven-Defying Dao powerhouses, infinitely close to the Ancestor Realm.
They were the remnants of the Time-Space City. After the Time-Space City Lord's death, they had lost their protector.
They had been continuously encroached upon and annihilated, and by this era, their population numbered less than one hundred thousand.
Though one hundred thousand might seem like a large number, it was, in fact, not many.
Especially in this era teeming with billions of beings, one hundred thousand was insufficient even for a ripple.
Yet, this was the total number of all descendants of the Time-Space City.
They had been barely surviving, constantly evading the pursuit of the Heaven-Defying Dao and Heaven-Following Dao, only to face their doom today.
Their young master was fully engaged in a desperate struggle against two quasi-Ancestor Realm experts of the Heaven-Defying Dao.
Even a one-on-one fight was arduous, let alone a two-on-one battle. Thus, it was not long before their young master began to bleed.
"Young Master!"
The crowd cried out in despair. If their young master fell, it would mean the complete demise of the original inhabitants of the Time-Space City.
Therefore, before their young master was utterly defeated, they decided to act together, resolving not to let their young master fight alone.
Even if they died, they would die with glory.
However, before they could make their final stand, their young master was directly hurled from the heavens, landing before them.
His body was covered in blood, a tragic sight.
"Young Master!"
Enraged, the crowd roared, intending to charge forward, but they were stopped by their young master.
"Do not act rashly!"
At this moment, the two quasi-Ancestor Realm experts of the Heaven-Defying Dao descended triumphantly.
"Kid, though your strength is considerable, this is an era of the Heaven-Defying Dao. Your decision to confront us is sheer hubris!"
Facing their taunts.
The young master stated directly, "Kun Zhou, Ming Zhou, our lineage has been in dormancy, uninvolved in the affairs of the Time-Space City, and has posed no threat to your Heaven-Defying Dao lineage. Do you truly intend to annihilate our entire lineage?"
Upon hearing this, Kun Zhou scoffed, "To us, your very existence is a crime. No further explanation is needed!"
This was their arrogance and dominance.
"Therefore, you will either commit suicide, or we will act!"
Ming Zhou said, "The weak are not fit to live in the Time-Space City!"
There were many factions in the Time-Space City before, but as the Heaven-Defying Dao rose, those factions faded away.
To this day, aside from the Heaven-Following Dao, no one could restrain the Heaven-Defying Dao lineage.
This was the terrifying nature of the Heaven-Defying Dao lineage; their immense power allowed them to act with impunity.
"Young Master Fan Xian! We are willing to die alongside you!"
The crowd declared with resolve.
They were not afraid of death, only of dying without meaning. Therefore, at this moment, they were determined to face their fate.
Even before their deaths, they would display their spirit.
Fan Xian looked at them, his eyes filled with sorrow, for he knew he was powerless to reverse the situation.
Reality was indeed cruel. At this juncture, even he could do nothing.
"I am sorry, I failed to protect you adequately!"
Fan Xian said with remorse.
"Young Master, you have done all you could. Alas, time has not given you the opportunity to develop!"
The crowd lamented.
If Fan Xian had more time, he might have had a chance to ascend to the Ancestor Realm in the future.
Alas, time was a constraint, and they had no such opportunity.
Fan Xian immediately said, "There is no need to worry, everyone. Let these two see the spirit of our Time-Space City lineage!"
"Alright!"
The crowd's faces were resolute, but in the eyes of Kun Zhou and Ming Zhou, their actions were utterly foolish.
"Wait a moment!"
At this critical juncture, a voice rang out. The crowd looked in confusion and found the newcomer to be none other than Yun Fan, who had been tracking them by their aura.
Of course, they did not recognize Yun Fan, so his sudden arrival surprised them.
"Kid, who are you?"
Ming Zhou and Kun Zhou looked at Yun Fan with confusion, finding his arrival utterly perplexing.
It was as if he had suddenly appeared out of thin air.
What did this young man, who had materialized out of nowhere, intend to do?
Yun Fan said, "I've been searching for you all for quite some time!"
With that, he looked at the remnants of the Time-Space City. The people of the Time-Space City were shocked. What did he mean? Was Yun Fan here to kill them as well?
However, this was understandable. In the current climate, the Time-Space City was indeed weak, primarily lacking opportunities for development.
Otherwise, their foundation was still solid.
It was precisely because of this that everyone wanted to trample on the Time-Space City.
"No, no, no, you misunderstand!"
Yun Fan clarified, "I am here to protect you!"
Although the remnants of the Time-Space City said nothing, Yun Fan understood their thoughts from their expressions.
Therefore, at this moment, Yun Fan deliberately offered an explanation.
The faces of the Time-Space City remnants showed confusion, but amidst their bewilderment, they felt a sense of relief.
However, they were not optimistic about Yun Fan. The presence of an Ancestor Realm aura was clear, proving that Yun Fan had not yet broken through to the Ancestor Realm.
Yet, in the current crisis facing the Time-Space City, without an Ancestor Realm expert, nothing could truly be changed.
However, Fan Xian noticed something different about Yun Fan. After all, Yun Fan's expression remained calm and composed.
Therefore, in her opinion, perhaps Yun Fan possessed some extraordinary means.
But Yun Fan's claim of protection aroused suspicion, as they seemed to have no prior connection.
Could it be that Yun Fan was also a lost remnant of the Time-Space City?
"Fellow Daoist, I shall assist you!"
Fan Xian declared with resolve. Although severely wounded and on the brink of death, at this moment, her help to Yun Fan might be beneficial.
She never expected to kill Kun Zhou and Ming Zhou, but even repelling them and temporarily resolving the crisis was not impossible.
After all, this was all they could do at the moment.
Even if Yun Fan's intentions were impure, there was no choice now, as the weakness of the remnants meant they had no alternative.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan said domineeringly, "No need. These two ants are no match for me alone. You may step back!"
"What?"
The remnants of the Time-Space City were stunned, never imagining Yun Fan would possess such confidence. It was truly unimaginable.
Furthermore, in an era dominated by the Heaven-Defying Dao, Yun Fan couldn't possibly be unaware of how terrifying the Heaven-Defying Dao lineage was.
Yet, despite this, Yun Fan remained brimming with confidence. This alone was enough to prove Yun Fan's extraordinary nature.
Therefore, at this moment, they also wished to see if Yun Fan was truly capable of handling it alone as he claimed.
As for Kun Zhou and Ming Zhou, Yun Fan's words were a profound insult. Who didn't know how terrifying the Heaven-Defying Dao was?
A life of cheating was no joke, yet despite this, they had been insulted by Yun Fan, which angered them greatly.
They were determined to make Yun Fan regret his words for the rest of his life. The two of them would attack together, needing to instantly annihilate Yun Fan to vent their rage.
They wanted to show this arrogant and ignorant fellow their true power.
"Kid, you said it yourself. I hope your strength is as prodigious as your words!"
The two glared at Yun Fan furiously, wishing they could tear him to shreds.
"Rest assured, I will not disappoint you!"
Yun Fan scoffed, "Killing you is truly too simple for me. After all, I'm not unfamiliar with killing your Heaven-Defying Dao lineage!"
"What do you mean?"
The two looked at Yun Fan with bewilderment. Even the remnants of the Time-Space City looked shocked.
Had Yun Fan truly killed a Heaven-Defying Dao expert?
"There was one fellow who was even more ignorant of his limitations than you, and I eliminated him with a single strike. His name was Xiao Liu Dao, yes, that's him!"
Yun Fan explained calmly.
"What?"
Instantly, the two showed disbelief towards Yun Fan. Who was Xiao Liu Dao? He was their senior brother.
In terms of strength, he was on par with them. Firstly, Xiao Liu Dao couldn't possibly be dead. Secondly, the notion that he was eliminated with a single strike was even more preposterous.
From this, it could be seen that Yun Fan was merely a braggart with no real strength.
"Arrogant and ignorant. I don't know how you know my senior brother's name, but to think you could kill him is pure fantasy!"
The people of the Time-Space City also found it impossible. They were more inclined to believe Yun Fan had the strength to kill Xiao Liu Dao than to believe he could instantly kill him.
It seemed their lineage's calamity was unavoidable today.
Yun Fan was speechless. What was wrong with this era? Why did no one believe the truth? This was simply absurd!
To this, Yun Fan said, "I never expected you to believe me. You can come forward and try yourselves to see if what I say is true!"
"You court death!"
The next moment, Kun Zhou attacked, determined to instantly kill this arrogant and ignorant fellow.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he attacked, Yun Fan casually unleashed a move that not only shattered his power but also severely wounded him.
"Ah!"
Kun Zhou cried out in pain, appearing utterly withered and on the verge of death. Fortunately, he could recover to his peak instantly.
Otherwise, Yun Fan could truly have ended him with a single strike.
"How is this possible?"
Kun Zhou and Ming Zhou were dumbfounded.
Especially the people of the Time-Space City, they were shocked beyond belief. They had initially thought Yun Fan was merely boasting.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan truly possessed such strength, far exceeding their expectations.
"He is so strong!"
At this moment, even Fan Xian had to admit that Yun Fan was truly powerful.
So powerful that it was almost incomprehensible.
A single strike had nearly killed a quasi-Ancestor Realm expert. This was likely something only an Ancestor Realm expert could achieve.
But clearly, Yun Fan was not an Ancestor Realm expert; he was merely at the quasi-Ancestor Realm.
This was truly beyond their expectations.
At this, Ming Zhou and Kun Zhou realized that Yun Fan was indeed not simple. Thus, they stopped holding back.
Their strategy changed from one fighter to two attacking together, otherwise, they would have no chance at all.
Thus, the two attacked Yun Fan together with their peak strength.
Yun Fan knew he couldn't play around at this point; it was simply tedious.
Therefore, with a raise of his hand, he unleashed his Blood Boiling attribute and struck Ming Zhou with a single blow.
He also blocked Kun Zhou's attack.
"Ah!"
Ming Zhou screamed and immediately exploded, blood splattering everywhere. He didn't even get a chance to recover to his peak.
This was because Yun Fan did not allow it.
"What?"
This scene terrified the remnants of the Time-Space City. They had initially thought Yun Fan was just a bronze-tier fighter.
Unexpectedly, he was a king through and through. At this moment, they finally understood that Yun Fan was not bragging at all.
He truly possessed the ability to overwhelm heaven and earth.
"Senior Brother!"
For Kun Zhou, this was a dire omen. If Yun Fan could kill Ming Zhou with a single strike, he could do the same to him.
Since when did the lives of the cheating Heaven-Defying Dao become so insignificant in Yun Fan's eyes?
It could only be said that Yun Fan's might was beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
For the remnants of the Time-Space City, this was a narrow escape from disaster. Yun Fan harbored no ill will towards them, meaning he had not lied to them.
He might truly be here to protect them.
Fan Xian was somewhat dazed. When would she be as powerful as Yun Fan? As long as Ancestor Realm experts were not involved, who could contend with him?
At this, Yun Fan said to Kun Zhou, "It's uninteresting. You are too weak. I thought the two of you attacking together would create some pressure and surprise for me, but your frailty proves I overestimated you!"
It wasn't that Yun Fan was boasting; he was simply stating the truth.
"Damn it!"
Although Kun Zhou was terrified, he was still enraged after being utterly humiliated by Yun Fan.
At this, he shouted at Yun Fan, "Do you truly intend to oppose my Heaven-Defying Dao?"
"You guessed correctly. I intend to oppose you, and not only that, I intend to destroy your Heaven-Defying Dao!"
This was Yun Fan's goal.
Although it seemed impossibly distant, there was no denying that once he broke through to the Ancestor Realm, the impossible could become a certainty.
"Are you from the Heaven-Following Dao lineage?"
Kun Zhou, though fearful, was still curious about Yun Fan's identity at this moment.
Not only him, but the remnants of the Time-Space City were also very interested in Yun Fan's identity.
"No, no, no, you misunderstand. I am neither from the Heaven-Following Dao nor the Heaven-Defying Dao! I am merely the savior of the Time-Space City!"
Yun Fan explained calmly.
"Based on what?"
At this moment, Kun Zhou could no longer hold back and attacked Yun Fan. Just as Yun Fan thought this fellow was coming to court death, he unexpectedly discovered that Kun Zhou was merely feigning an attack.
Kun Zhou's true intention was not to kill Yun Fan, but to escape. It was a joke; with the strength Yun Fan had displayed, he could instantly kill him. If he were to attack Yun Fan now, it would be sheer recklessness.
Therefore, at this moment, he chose to flee. Escaping was the priority.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan reacted swiftly and pursued him.
The remnants of the Time-Space City finally breathed a sigh of relief, for at this moment, they were no longer facing imminent death.
Yun Fan's appearance had completely saved them, so it was impossible for them not to be grateful.
Especially Fan Xian, who was very curious about Yun Fan. She wondered where Yun Fan came from?
Undeniably, she sensed a familiar aura on Yun Fan, indeed, the power of the Time-Space City.
This proved that Yun Fan might truly be a remnant of their Time-Space City. Little did she know, Yun Fan was merely an outsider.
It was the existence of the Time-Space City Lord that had forged a close connection between Yun Fan and the Time-Space City.
Just as they relaxed, a corpse descended from the sky, startling them.
Indeed, this corpse was Kun Zhou's.
Yun Fan would not allow Kun Zhou to escape, so instantly, Yun Fan caught up to him. While Kun Zhou was still in a state of fear and terror, Yun Fan powerfully took his life with a single strike.
There was nothing to be done; Yun Fan was simply that powerful.
As long as Ancestor Realm experts did not intervene, almost no one could restrain Yun Fan.
At this, Yun Fan smiled, "Everyone, do not panic. I mean you no harm!"
The crowd was, of course, not panicking. If Yun Fan truly harbored malicious intent, they, with their current strength, would not be enough for him to crush with a single finger.
Especially Fan Xian, who was already a quasi-Ancestor Realm expert, was nowhere near Yun Fan's level or dimension.
She had struggled desperately and barely managed to contend with the two Heaven-Defying Dao experts. To think that Yun Fan had resolved it with a single palm strike.
The difference between them was not slight; the gap between her and Yun Fan was truly immense.
"Thank you, fellow Daoist, for saving us. May I ask why you have come to our aid?"
This was not only Fan Xian's question; in fact, everyone was perplexed.
Yun Fan smiled, "Because I was entrusted by a senior. From now on, I will be your protector!"
"Who?"
The crowd couldn't help but ask curiously.
Yun Fan stated directly, "The Time-Space City Lord!"
"What?"
The crowd was utterly stunned, never imagining Yun Fan had been entrusted by the Time-Space City Lord.
"Has the City Lord not perished yet?"
Each of them looked at Yun Fan excitedly.
But Yun Fan shook his head, "He perished long ago, even his residual consciousness has vanished. However, do not be saddened, for from now on, I am the Time-Space City Lord!"
"What?"
Each of them looked at Yun Fan in astonishment. It was evident that Yun Fan was not joking about not wanting to die.
"I have accepted his inheritance. If I am not the City Lord, then what am I?"
Yun Fan had to say it again.
Furthermore, at this moment, he produced the City Lord's exclusive token.
Upon seeing the token, they all immediately knelt.
"Greetings, City Lord!"