“City Lord, save me!”
Fan Xian felt a blush of shyness, unaccustomed to her current form being completely seen by the monstrous Hong Meng Xuan Yan. Now, to be examined by Yun Fan as well, she felt incredibly uncomfortable. It was as if she had never truly returned to her original self, and now that she had, she found it difficult to adapt.
Yun Fan nodded.
“Let her go, and face me if you have any issues!”
“If I let her go, won’t I be at your mercy?” Hong Meng Xuan Yan retorted. “Her life is in my hands now. If you don’t want your woman to die, you’d best not get angry!”
“You… what nonsense are you spouting?” Fan Xian immediately cursed. “The City Lord and I are innocent and pure; how can you defile us?”
“Whether you are innocent or not, I don’t know, but I do know that I will absolutely not let you go!” This was Hong Meng Xuan Yan’s stance.
“Why must women make things difficult for other women!” Yun Fan said. “Don’t forget, you are both the same gender!”
“I don’t care. In special circumstances, women can act like men too!” Hong Meng Xuan Yan argued.
Good heavens, these were truly audacious words! Yun Fan found himself unable to comprehend her.
“City Lord, don’t mind me!” Fan Xian, fearing Yun Fan would be blackmailed by Hong Meng Xuan Yan, spoke up to remind him.
“It’s alright, I’ll handle it!” Yun Fan said. “Let her go, and I’ll allow you to leave!”
Upon hearing this, Hong Meng Xuan Yan smugly declared, “No problem. However, I must warn you, she is my woman, and you are absolutely forbidden from having her!”
“Hmph! I am not your woman!” Fan Xian stated coldly.
At this moment, Yun Fan compromised first, dismantling the formation and allowing Hong Meng Xuan Yan to leave.
“City Lord, I’ve become a burden to you!” Fan Xian said, filled with guilt. If it weren’t for her, it wouldn’t have been particularly difficult for Yun Fan to kill Hong Meng Xuan Yan. Furthermore, Yun Fan had let Hong Meng Xuan Yan go for her sake – did it mean he liked her? The thought made Fan Xian restless. What if Yun Fan did like her? Should she agree or refuse? Yun Fan was such a peerless figure; which woman could resist him? However, having disguised herself as a man since childhood, she was very resistant to romance. Yun Fan was the only one who didn’t elicit this resistance. Yet, she wouldn’t fall into lovesickness. This was the peculiar Fan Xian.
As it turned out, she had been overthinking. Yun Fan said, “As the City Lord of the City of Time and Space, I have a responsibility to protect everyone within it!”
However, in Fan Xian’s eyes, this sounded like a bit of sophistry and evasion. In reality, the reason Yun Fan saved Fan Xian was because he was now the City Lord. If he let Fan Xian be harmed, how would others perceive him? Of course, this was only one aspect. Another was that Fan Xian was needed to manage the City of Time and Space, and she managed it exceptionally well. He couldn’t find another suitable candidate. So, what did it matter if Hong Meng Xuan Yan was allowed to leave? Someone who posed no threat to him was hardly worth Fan Xian’s value in his heart. With so many factors combined, Yun Fan naturally chose to protect Fan Xian.
At this, Yun Fan said to Fan Xian, “Don’t feel too guilty. We’re practically family!”
What was meant as an ordinary remark was, however, over-interpreted by Fan Xian. “What is our relationship?” she wondered internally. To be honest, she couldn’t adapt so quickly. Therefore, she immediately said to Yun Fan, “Please give me some time to adjust!” With that, Fan Xian fled.
“What?” Yun Fan was dumbfounded. He didn’t understand the meaning of Fan Xian’s words either. The experience summarized was that they were on completely different wavelengths.
…
The City of Time and Space did not remain quiet for long before experiencing further turbulence. As for Yun Fan, he had long anticipated this. Having killed three Heaven-Defying Path powerhouses who were at the Half-Ancestor stage, the Heaven-Defying Path had truly taken notice of Yun Fan. This time, the Heaven-Defying Path launched a retaliatory strike, and the lineup they dispatched was something Yun Fan had never imagined. That’s right, they sent an expert at the Ancestor level. Such an expert was at the pinnacle of the pinnacle. Even Yun Fan hadn’t expected such a terrifying existence to be deployed. Fortunately, the City of Time and Space had the protection of its formations, so Yun Fan wasn’t overly worried. However, experts at the Ancestor level had many methods. Yun Fan wasn’t sure if the opponent had a way to break the formation. To prevent any unforeseen events, Yun Fan decided to personally engage. On one hand, he could test the opponent’s methods. On the other hand, it was simple: he wanted to see how much of a gap existed between himself, after his transformation, and an Ancestor-level expert. After all, as a martial artist, one must constantly seek flaws and grow through self-improvement. Battling an Ancestor, though dangerous, was the best way to verify one’s strength.
“City Lord, you mustn’t be reckless!” everyone frantically advised Yun Fan. “Even if the opponent can break through the formation, it will be a disaster for our City of Time and Space. The City Lord need not make such a great sacrifice for us!” Although moved by Yun Fan’s suggestion, they found it impractical. If the formation were indeed breached, they were prepared to die. But Yun Fan had extraordinary potential. If they could escape with Fan Xian, there would still be hope for the future.
“Everyone, please don’t try to persuade me further. My mind is made up!” This was Yun Fan’s reply. The others could only nod in resignation, lamenting their inability to help Yun Fan in any way. In their eyes, as citizens of the City of Time and Space, they were unqualified. Of course, Yun Fan had never expected their help.
At this moment, Fan Xian reverted to her male form. It could be said that only Yun Fan and Hong Meng Xuan Yan knew her true identity. With everyone else gone, she spoke with Yun Fan alone.
“City Lord, no matter what, promise me you will return alive!”
“Don’t worry!” Yun Fan replied. “If it truly becomes irreversible, I will not be reckless and will return alive!” Fan Xian breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
“That’s for the best. If you die, I won’t live either!” Yun Fan was once again bewildered by her words. He could only bid Fan Xian farewell hastily and go to face the Heaven-Defying Path Ancestor.
“After this crisis is over, I promise you!” Looking at Yun Fan’s receding back, Fan Xian said with determination. As expected, Yun Fan had already arrived outside the formation. There was no menacing army of millions. Instead, one person could sweep through the heavens; this was the power of an Ancestor-level expert. Throughout history, there had been many with exceptional talent, but few had truly reached the Ancestor realm. The Heaven-Defying Path Ancestor before him was one of them.
“Boy, did you kill my three Heaven-Defying Path powerhouses?” he questioned Yun Fan, his voice filled with accusation.
Yun Fan replied, “That’s right. Do you have any objections?”
“Why did you kill them?” The Heaven-Defying Path Ancestor’s tone was extremely displeased at this moment.
Yun Fan stated, “Because they intended to kill me and annihilate the remnants of the City of Time and Space. Is that reason sufficient?”
“Hmph! They were mere ants, easily killed. When a Heaven-Defying Path expert wishes to kill you, it is your honor, and you should accept it!” Indeed, the Heaven-Defying Path, compared to the Heaven-Following Path, was more arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable.
Yun Fan responded, “Then I shall give you a reply: they were not skilled enough. It is their own fault for dying by my hand!”
“Very well, then I shall kill you!” Yun Fan declared. “Remember, the one killing you is I, Ancestor Cang Qiong!” With that, Ancestor Cang Qiong attacked, unleashing his absolute Ancestor power towards Yun Fan.
Bang! With a single move, Yun Fan was forced to retreat repeatedly.
“Peak Ancestor!” Yun Fan was deeply moved. He recalled that before merging with the City Lord’s abilities, he had battled Ancestor Tian Shang. Although he had been thoroughly beaten then, Ancestor Tian Shang was not at his peak. Now, with his own progress, if he were to face an Ancestor like Tian Shang, who was not at his peak, he would have a high probability of not being suppressed so severely. However, the Ancestor Cang Qiong before him, with his very first strike, had crushed him. It was evident that there was a gap between them, and it was not a small one. This was the strength of a peak Ancestor, truly formidable.
At this, Ancestor Cang Qiong disdainfully said, “You are quite good. To withstand my attack head-on is proof of your potential. But before an Ancestor-level expert, your strength is still insufficient!” In the next moment, he attacked Yun Fan again, his power sweeping across countless great planes, utterly destructive. It was as if everything in his path was a sin. Battling such an expert was a tremendous test and pressure for Yun Fan. Before he could ascertain his true combat power, Yun Fan chose not to retreat but to engage head-on. Yes, he craved this exhilarating combat experience. Even if he was inferior to the opponent, in Yun Fan’s eyes, if one didn’t dare to fight, how could they know their own potential? Under such killing moves, the two top experts engaged in a fierce battle. They fought for an unknown amount of time. Yun Fan was covered in blood.
“I never expected the gap between myself and a peak Ancestor to be so vast!” Yun Fan sighed, admitting his inferiority. Before a peak Ancestor, no matter how monstrous he was, it was not enough. However, Ancestor Cang Qiong was even more astonished. Although Yun Fan was not an Ancestor, he could fight him for so long. Throughout the entire battle, Cang Qiong had been the one suppressing Yun Fan. But if it were any other Half-Ancestor-level expert, they would have likely died many times over. It was evident that Yun Fan was indeed exceptionally monstrous. In this era, though the Heaven-Following Path was still strong, it no longer posed a threat to the Heaven-Defying Path. Yun Fan was a complete anomaly; he was not at the Ancestor realm, yet he was considered a threat by Ancestor-level experts. Yun Fan was absolutely the first man in history to receive such special treatment. Therefore, at this point, the battle between them became increasingly intense. Ancestor Cang Qiong wished to utterly obliterate Yun Fan, while Yun Fan sought to test his ultimate potential. By the end of the battle, Yun Fan had only half his life left. Of course, Ancestor Cang Qiong was also injured. Never before had an expert below the Ancestor realm inflicted such a serious injury upon him, but Yun Fan was an exception.
“It seems you must die!” Ancestor Cang Qiong declared. “I greatly admire monstrous talents and would even invite them to join my Heaven-Defying Path. But for you, I have no intention of inviting you. My goal is simple: I only want to kill you!” This was his attitude. Inviting them to join the Heaven-Defying Path was merely to ensure the Heaven-Defying Path’s dominance over the City of Time and Space. But Yun Fan’s potential posed a threat. Yun Fan, not yet at the true Ancestor level, dared to confront Ancestor-level experts head-on. If he were to reach the Ancestor realm, even they, the Ancestor experts, might not be able to suppress him. Therefore, in Ancestor Cang Qiong’s opinion, Yun Fan’s best outcome was to perish.
At this, Yun Fan said, “It won’t be so easy for you to kill me!”
“Is that so? Don’t think that because you can fight an Ancestor, you can truly be an enemy to Ancestors. You are still far from it!” In the next moment, Ancestor Cang Qiong decided to utterly obliterate Yun Fan. To his surprise, after verifying the true gap, Yun Fan had no intention of continuing the fight. With a flash, he directly fled.
“Damn it!” Ancestor Cang Qiong was furious. If Yun Fan managed to escape this time, he, an Ancestor, would lose face completely. Let it be remembered, he was a peak Ancestor, absolutely incomparable to those weakened, half-baked Ancestors. Therefore, at this moment, he prepared to pursue Yun Fan and end him completely. To his surprise, Yun Fan directly retreated into the formation and refused to come out. Ancestor Cang Qiong mistook the formation for a weak barrier and immediately unleashed his full power. To his shock, it was reflected back by the formation. After several consecutive attempts, Ancestor Cang Qiong withdrew, as he saw no point. He alone could not break this formation. Of course, it was not as Yun Fan had predicted, requiring three Ancestor-level experts. If just one more Ancestor-level expert were present, he would have a way to break the formation. However, in this era, other Ancestors were still in slumber. It seemed he would have to return and awaken a Heaven-Defying Path Ancestor. Regardless, he could not let Yun Fan live, for he saw an insurmountable potential in him. In other words, if Yun Fan reached his level, he would, no, he absolutely would not be Yun Fan’s match. In such a situation, how could Ancestor Cang Qiong allow Yun Fan to develop unchecked? He had to eliminate Yun Fan before he became a true Ancestor.
“Finally, he’s gone!” Yun Fan breathed a sigh of relief. The people of the City of Time and Space felt the same. Ancestor Cang Qiong was too strong. If not for the formation, they would have been wiped out. However, they gained a deeper understanding of Yun Fan’s strength, which was truly unimaginable. Not yet an Ancestor, yet he could fight an Ancestor, even forcing Ancestor Cang Qiong to suffer injuries at a great cost. With Yun Fan’s strength and dominance, describing him as the number one ferocious figure in history would not be an exaggeration. Of course, that was all in the past. At this moment, Yun Fan was seriously injured.
“City Lord, are you alright?” Fan Xian asked with concern, her eyes filled with worry for Yun Fan. All other thoughts were cast aside. After all, as long as Yun Fan was unharmed, he was the pillar of the City of Time and Space.
Yun Fan shook his head. “Although it came at a great cost, this transaction was very worthwhile! I can fight Ancestor-level experts, but I am not their match!” This was Yun Fan’s most accurate assessment of himself. What others saw as monstrous, he considered far from enough. In Fan Xian’s eyes, Yun Fan had achieved something unprecedented, yet he remained unsatisfied with himself. Perhaps this was the difference between a monstrous talent and a prodigy.
At this, Yun Fan said, “However, for us, the real challenge lies ahead!”
“Does the City Lord mean that the Heaven-Defying Path might send another Ancestor?” Fan Xian asked with confusion. She had already guessed some of it, but receiving confirmation from Yun Fan would make it more accurate.
Yun Fan replied, “Precisely. The Heaven-Defying Path harbors an absolute killing intent towards me, wishing to eliminate me at all costs! Therefore, at this juncture, they will spare no effort!”
“Then how shall we respond?” Without a doubt, even Fan Xian felt the pressure at this moment.
“Shift the focus!”
“Huh?” Yun Fan continued, “The reason the Heaven-Following Path has not acted is to watch the tigers fight, hoping we will deplete some of the Heaven-Defying Path’s strength. How can I let them have their way?” In seeing through the essence of things, Yun Fan possessed his own unique insights. This might be why Yun Fan had survived crisis after crisis. This time was no exception.
“I have a plan!” Fan Xian quickly came up with a solution. Indeed, having an intelligent person by his side made things much easier. Therefore, Yun Fan asked curiously, “What method do you have?”
“Frame someone!” Fan Xian said. “The Heaven-Defying Path has a prodigy with extraordinary potential, who will even break through to the Ancestor realm in this era. The Heaven-Defying Path places great importance on her, not only because of her monstrous potential but also because she is the descendant of a Heaven-Defying Path Ancestor. She is similar to Hong Meng Xuan Yan’s status in the Heaven-Following Path, but her strength surpasses Hong Meng Xuan Yan’s. With your strength, killing her might be difficult, but not impossible. After killing her, we can frame Hong Meng Xuan Yan!” Yun Fan carefully considered the plan and immediately gave his approval. “This plan is feasible!”
“Who is she? Where is she within the Heaven-Defying Path?” Yun Fan asked eagerly. Fan Xian was delighted that her suggestion had been adopted by Yun Fan. She said, “Her name is Zhi Xian. She is in a secret realm within the Heaven-Defying Path. This secret realm was once a blessed land of the City of Time and Space, but after the Heaven-Defying Path conquered it, it was reluctantly ceded!” Upon hearing this, Yun Fan found it very interesting. He immediately declared, “I have consumed all the resources I have accumulated and have recovered my peak strength. I will depart now and must kill her!” Without a doubt, Yun Fan acted decisively and without hesitation. Fan Xian also did not falter, giving Yun Fan the coordinates and saying, “We can strike together and achieve a surprise attack!”
“There’s no need!” Yun Fan replied. “Given the current dangers, you cannot act with me. You must remain here!” Yun Fan’s arrangement was to ensure that there were no unexpected events in the rear. Upon learning the situation, Fan Xian, though unwilling, understood Yun Fan’s intentions and decided to stay. Yun Fan then set off alone.
“City Lord, I…” As they parted, Fan Xian wanted to say something but quickly fell silent.
“What is it?” Yun Fan asked, confused.
“Nothing. City Lord, have a safe journey. Regardless of success or failure, you must not be harmed!” Fan Xian said with concern. “Don’t worry! There will be no problem! I won’t rush to my death so easily, especially since I haven’t broken through to the Ancestor realm yet!”
“Mmm-hmm!” Fan Xian actually wanted to say, “I promise you,” but Yun Fan’s hints had become less obvious lately, even absent. Therefore, she decided to wait. She believed that after Yun Fan returned this time, she should take the initiative and not let Yun Fan continue hinting. Otherwise, continuing to hint would only chill Yun Fan’s heart.
…
Thus, Yun Fan soon arrived at the secret realm. As Fan Xian had described, this secret realm was truly extraordinary. Upon entering, Yun Fan could feel its profound mysteries. It was indeed the seclusion ground of the previous City Lord. Even Yun Fan was envious of this secret realm. It was no wonder Zhi Xian chose to cultivate here. However, for Yun Fan, such a mystical place, even if he coveted it, he could not take it away. The most important thing now was to kill Zhi Xian and frame the Heaven-Following Path. When it was time to act, he did not hesitate. As soon as he entered the secret realm, Yun Fan concealed himself, not rashly searching for Zhi Xian’s location. Being too ostentatious could easily attract Ancestor-level experts, and with his current strength, fighting Ancestor-level experts was still somewhat strenuous, especially without the protection of a formation, which could easily lead to disaster. For the sake of caution, he planned to wait until he found Zhi Xian before launching a surprise attack, aiming for a swift kill. Unexpectedly, as he was contemplating this, a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder, startling Yun Fan. Turning around, he saw a breathtakingly beautiful woman, who had indeed placed her hand on his shoulder. Yun Fan was startled. If this person could appear behind him silently, and if she had launched a surprise attack earlier, he would have been in trouble. While not necessarily fatal, he would have been severely injured. The woman before him was undoubtedly Zhi Xian. Therefore, at this moment, Yun Fan was deeply moved. Without absolute certainty of a one-hit kill, he refrained from acting.
“You were sent by them too, weren’t you!” Zhi Xian said to Yun Fan with exasperation.
“Them?” Yun Fan was somewhat bewildered, but he still braced himself and replied, “Precisely!”
“Then go back and tell them that I will not harm living beings. I am willing to use my own strength to break through to the Ancestor realm. Even if I fail, I will not kill anyone. Also, tell them that even if it means becoming the overlord of the City of Time and Space, what of it? It would merely involve harming the beings of the outer planes. Our Heaven-Defying Path should not be like this!” Upon hearing this, Yun Fan was somewhat taken aback. He never expected that the ruthless Heaven-Defying Path would have such a benevolent figure, or rather, such a kind person.
“But Saintess, have you really not considered it further?” Yun Fan pretended to ask. “After all, if the Saintess can break through to the Ancestor realm now, it would be a great help to our Heaven-Defying Path! The higher-ups have instructed that the Saintess need not be bound by her principles and can achieve her breakthrough at any cost!” This statement enraged Zhi Xian. She berated Yun Fan, “Get out! Get out right now!”
“I have my own principles. When is it your turn to lecture me!” It was clear that Zhi Xian was now filled with murderous intent. If he weren’t one of her own, she would have wanted to kill Yun Fan right then and there. Yun Fan quickly explained, “Saintess, you have misunderstood. This is not my intention; it is merely the meaning of the higher-ups! Moreover, I support the Saintess!”
“What?” Zhi Xian was greatly shocked. She never expected that there would be someone within the Heaven-Defying Path who supported her, which made her extremely curious about Yun Fan. Yun Fan continued, “Relying on killing all beings to increase one’s strength is ultimately not the right path. Only by improving one’s own strength is the true way! Killing all beings merely adds to one’s sins. Even if one grows, will there not be lingering shadows? The beings are innocent. If it were me, I would choose to increase my strength by killing enemies; there is no shame in that!” This was Yun Fan’s response. Unexpectedly, his thoughts aligned with Zhi Xian’s.
“You think so too?”
“Yes!” Yun Fan nodded. “I guarantee it in my name!” From the very beginning of his cultivation, Yun Fan had held this belief and had never broken it. Although he had countless opportunities, he had never done so, because he adhered to his principles and maintained his original intention. Little did he know that this had already garnered Zhi Xian’s favor.
“You are the first person to come here and persuade me without causing me to resent you. Why haven’t I seen you before?” Zhi Xian asked, her question striking to the heart of the matter. Yun Fan quickly explained, “Your Highness Saintess, you may not know, but I have only recently risen to prominence. Therefore, it is normal that you have not seen me before.”
“What is your name?” Zhi Xian asked Yun Fan. Since the other party did not know her name, Yun Fan immediately replied, “My name is Yun Fan!”
“Very good. You may return. If I emerge from seclusion in the future, I will certainly promote you!” Zhi Xian was very satisfied with Yun Fan. At this, Yun Fan naturally would not leave. What a joke! If he left, how could he kill Zhi Xian? Therefore, he quickly said to Zhi Xian, “The higher-ups have instructed me to remain here and await orders!”
“Then stay here!” Zhi Xian said. It happened that Zhi Xian also wanted to observe Yun Fan and see if his ideals were consistent with hers. If they were indeed aligned, that would be wonderful. When she emerged and took control of the Heaven-Defying Path, Yun Fan would become her helper and could change the Heaven-Defying Path’s cruel and unjust ways. This was Zhi Xian’s plan. Thus, Yun Fan stayed. Of course, for Yun Fan, even if he couldn’t find an opportunity to kill Zhi Xian now, he wasn’t worried, as he would soon have his chance. According to the intelligence gathered by Fan Xian, Zhi Xian would soon face a great tribulation. If she could overcome this tribulation, she would break through to the Ancestor realm. Conversely, if she could not, Zhi Xian would likely turn to dust. This was a tribulation every Ancestor had to undergo before reaching the Ancestor realm. Those who were lucky would become Ancestors; those who were unlucky would perish without a trace. As soon as Zhi Xian was at her weakest, he would launch a fatal blow, and she would surely die. At that time, he could then create a false scenario of Hong Meng Xuan Yan attacking here, thus successfully completing the plan. Therefore, Yun Fan was not worried at all; the plan would be completed soon anyway. During this period, Zhi Xian and Yun Fan chatted extensively and discovered that their goals were the same. Soon, she regarded Yun Fan as a friend, as he was the only one who understood her. Until one day, as Yun Fan was comprehending the cultivation method she had given him, and the envoy sent by the Heaven-Defying Path arrived, her mood became very somber, her expression not looking good. It was evident that she was deeply disappointed by something. Time quickly approached the night of her tribulation. She sealed the exit of the secret realm, preventing any martial artists from outside from entering. Of course, those inside could not leave either.
“Saintess, your condition seems dire!” Yun Fan observed Zhi Xian’s weakness and, at this moment, acted very concerned. Of course, this was merely an act. The truth was, he believed it was time to kill Zhi Xian. He had to admit, although the Heaven-Defying Path was cruel and unjust, Zhi Xian, through his interactions, was a very good person. If they were not from opposing factions, Yun Fan and Zhi Xian would undoubtedly have become friends. However, due to their opposing factions, despite his reluctance, he had to kill Zhi Xian. Was it cruel? Of course, it was cruel. But for Yun Fan, he had no choice.
“So, are you preparing to kill me?” Zhi Xian’s words almost made Yun Fan jump in shock.
“Saintess, how could I possibly kill you!” Yun Fan said awkwardly. Did Zhi Xian possess the ability to see through his thoughts? If so, that would be terrifying.
“There’s no need to hide it. I actually know your purpose. I also know you are not an envoy from my Heaven-Defying Path. You are Yun Fan, the Yun Fan who killed three of my Heaven-Defying Path powerhouses!” Upon hearing this, Yun Fan was deeply moved. He never expected Zhi Xian to know the truth. Therefore, he no longer intended to conceal it. “What the Saintess says is correct. I was pretending!”
“So, even the ideals you discussed with me were false?” Zhi Xian asked furiously.
“That’s not true!” Yun Fan replied. “Because these are my long-standing principles. I genuinely did not lie to you about this point!”
“I understand!” Zhi Xian said. “Proceed with the attack! I have made no preparations. Therefore, while I am at my weakest, killing me should be relatively simple!”