Chapter 1113: Internal Strife and External Threats

Haven’t slept for thirty thousand years?

No wonder the old monster Bai has such a violent and irritable temper, constantly using harsh words and mocking remarks towards the likes of Lady Guihua and other Immortal Emperors...

Though Ning Fan is a Master and can go without sleep for days or even months, he has never tried not sleeping for tens of thousands of years. Even an Immortal can’t endure such torment; one’s sanity and spirit would gradually collapse due to the prolonged lack of rest. Under such circumstances, it’s no wonder that the behavior of the old monster Bai comes off as overbearing and insane—it’s only partly due to his domineering nature, with chronic sleeplessness being the major cause...

That being said, Ning Fan still feels that the old monster Bai’s actions at this moment are exceedingly inappropriate. If the confrontation between the old monster Bai and Lady Guihua and others were a friendly spar, no one would say much; but the old monster Bai first verbally humiliated Lady Guihua and others, and then proceeded to injure Chituo Immortal Emperor. In such a situation, if the old monster Bai and others start fighting, it wouldn’t matter who wins or loses, as there will inevitably be irreparable cracks between both parties afterward!

This is detrimental to the overall situation!

In peaceful times, if the old monster Bai wants to assert his strength and rampage through Eastern Heaven, no one would intervene.

But with a great enemy ahead, as cultivators, we should unite against the foe, rather than rashly initiating conflicts...

Ning Fan frowned, remained silent for a moment, then finally spoke, "Brothers may bicker at home, but united against foreign aggression."

His voice was not loud, but this utterance employed several Divine Skills, clearly reaching everyone’s ears, instantly quieting the previously noisy battlefield.

Brothers may bicker at home, but united against foreign aggression...

This is an ancient Immortal verse, meaning that no matter the internal disputes, when faced with foreign aggression, one must stand united externally.

Among the Eternal Old Freaks present, which one isn’t a figure of deep knowledge and extensive understanding, many have heard this ancient verse and know its profound meaning. They just didn’t expect such wise words to come from someone like Ning Fan, known for causing trouble. Instantly, everyone’s view of Ning Fan changed subtly.

The old monster Bai was already rolling up his sleeves, intending to fight with Lady Guihua and others, but upon hearing Ning Fan’s words, he was first taken aback, then his old face blushed, vaguely realizing he had gone too far. Initially, he had a whole stomach of provocative and humiliating words, but now he swallowed them back, refraining from embarrassing Lady Guihua and others further.

Lady Guihua and the others were also preparing to fight with the old monster Bai to uphold their dignity. Upon hearing Ning Fan’s words, they were either touched or started contemplating; seeing the old monster Bai halt, the five of them, after hesitating, retracted their Divine Skills, though their expressions towards the old monster Bai remained somewhat hostile.

On the battlefield, the imminent conflict was unexpectedly defused by Ning Fan’s words.

The frown on Ning Fan’s face finally relaxed, showing some relief.

Emperor Cang smiled approvingly. As the Alliance Hierarch, he originally intended to stop the private fight between the old monster Bai and others. However, he did not expect Ning Fan to make the first move to stop it. Such behavior was uncharacteristic of Ning Fan’s usual arrogant and domineering style, and Emperor Cang couldn’t help but regard Ning Fan in a better light.

"Daoist Ning’s words align closely with my thoughts. Everyone has traveled great distances to reach Taiyuan Crossing, not to vie for power and flaunt might, right? The stance of the Foreign Clans of Boundary River remains unclear, and war could break out at any moment. As cultivators, we should be united in spirit; that’s why this Boundary River Alliance is held. All of you are renowned figures, proud and inevitably competitive. Emperor Cang only wishes that when acting, you all consider thrice, putting the greater picture first. If even this cannot be achieved, this alliance would be but an empty title, better to call it off! The tragedy of thirty-two million years ago is destined to repeat!"

At the mention of the tragedy thirty-two million years ago, many of the old monsters’ expressions changed, showing seriousness.

The old monster Bai disappeared for eighty million years and wasn’t deeply touched by the previous chaos of different races, just standing awkwardly in the center of the battlefield, his old face turning blue and red alternately.

He already realized that his conduct had been largely inappropriate today. First, he barged into the Golden Bull Palace arrogantly, then belittled and humiliated people like Lady Guihua—though they are indeed rubbish—he did act somewhat irritably.

Hmph, if he had a proper sleep, he surely wouldn’t be this easily angered...

Forget it, forget it, he came with good intentions to support old friends at Boundary River, only to inadvertently offend a large group upon arrival. What face does he have to remain here and contend for the vice alliance hierarch’s position...

Guarding Boundary River? What’s it to him, he just missed his old friends and joined in for the excitement... Forget it, forget it, he’ll leave, he’ll leave, is that acceptable!

"Farewell!"

Arrogant by nature, even knowing he was wrong, he wouldn’t apologize to anyone, instead, he coldly uttered those two words, then turned to leave, intending to withdraw from the Boundary River Alliance.

Everyone was once again surprised, this time even Lady Guihua and others’ expressions shifted.

The old monster Bai’s foul temper indeed made things difficult for everyone, but his strength is undoubtedly among the top, towering over everyone.

If allowed to walk away, undoubtedly, this alliance would lose its only Nine Tribulations battle power; if the war with the different races truly ensues, lacking one top-tier combat power would significantly increase the danger everyone faces, affecting each person’s survival, it’s a critical matter...

"Daoist, please stay!"

"Just minor disputes, isn’t it too extreme to exit the alliance!"

"Does Daoist intend to watch Eastern Heaven suffer at the hands of different races!"

"Think of the greater picture!"

Countless voices spoke to retain him, and Emperor Cang, along with several Eight Tribulations Celestial Emperors, directly blocked the old monster Bai’s path, earnestly persuading him.

Even True Monarch Laijun, previously humiliated by the old monster Bai, forcibly set aside his resentment, earnestly advising him, making the old monster Bai’s old face turn even redder.

Then, considering thoughts slightly mixed, Mysterious Scholar Dan also joined the persuasion.

Emperor Chituo, Immortal Elder Dongling, Lady Guihua, though silent due to pride, showed reluctance on their faces, evidently unwilling to lose old monster Bai’s formidable combat power.

Finally, under the old monsters’ utmost persuasion and flattery, the old monster Bai ultimately conceded, agreeing to stay after all.

Afterward, upon the proposal of Emperor Cang and other four confirmed vice alliance hierarchs, the old monster Bai became the fifth vice alliance hierarch; no one opposed it, even those who were bullied by the old monster Bai like Lady Guihua, also silently nodded, approving this proposal.

The previous dispute between the old monster Bai and Lady Guihua and others was selectively ignored by everyone...

After the vice alliance hierarchs were selected, it was time to select other positions.

The yawning old monster Bai was led to sleep by disciples of the Golden Bull Palace; he had little interest in the subsequent nominations for Commander of Boundary River. Then again, the only ones he respected in this place were Emperor Cang and a few others; the rest were mere youngsters, unworthy of mention.

Once the old monster Bai left, the atmosphere gradually returned to its previous lightness.

Of course, since the great battle didn’t happen in the end, a few regretted not witnessing the old monster Bai’s Divine Skills. Considering that they’ll get to see it in the future, there was no rush...

But after this old monster Bai’s disturbance, the crowd instead became much more unified. The position of Commander of Boundary River, while not as significant as vice alliance hierarch, is nonetheless high and influential, bringing numerous benefits for one’s own people.

Without the old monster Bai’s disturbance, the Commander position would likely have seen competition; but this time, no one volunteered or sought after the position. Occasionally when someone spoke, it was to nominate others, and the suggestions were mostly fair.

Ning Fan was not interested in the vice alliance hierarch position, much less moved by the Commander position.

Someone nominated him as Commander, which he politely declined. His reputation is too poor; holding too high a position would arouse dissatisfaction and be detrimental to the greater picture. He clearly understood this balance.

Ultimately, the list of eight Commanders of Boundary River was determined, respectively: Emperor Jin Heng, Emperor Laijun, Mysterious Scholar Dan, Lady Guihua, Emperor Chituo, Immortal Elder Dongling, True Monarch Lei Xian, and Mount Hua Sword Monarch.

This time, Emperor Jin Heng once again used the excuse of hosting ambassadors to decline. Unfortunately, with all eyes on him, he couldn’t evade it this time. This far exceeded Ning Fan, as Ning Fan’s public reputation was poor...

Among the eight commanders of the Boundary River, the first six were of the Seven Tribulations cultivation, while the last two were only of the Six Tribulations cultivation—though they were invincible among those of Six Tribulations.

True Monarch Lei Xian seemed exceptionally skilled in lightning spells. After being elected commander, his Daoist partner, Jade Flower Immortal Fairy, smiled, pleased for her husband.

The Jade Flower Immortal Fairy was also a Six Tribulations Immortal Emperor, but one who forcibly ascended, with a shaky foundation. Among the Six Tribulations, she was considered the weakest. It was said that she possessed secret techniques, and with her assistance, True Monarch Lei Xian’s combat power could be more than doubled, but its truth was unknown...

The Mount Hua Sword Monarch was one of the Three Sons of Jianyue, who were senior brothers, all being Six Tribulation Immortal Emperors: Mount Hua Sword Monarch had the highest cultivation; Mount Huang Sword Monarch next; Shushan Sword Monarch had just broken through to the Immortal Emperor a million years ago, making his cultivation the lowest among the three.

These three were also skilled in joint attacks and had once teamed up to battle the Eight Tribulations Emperor Tieli, though it remained unknown to the world...

After selecting the commander, they moved on to the vice commanders. Ning Fan wished to decline again, but this time he helplessly found that he couldn’t.

The remaining Immortal Emperors present had all been chosen as vice commanders. Even so, there were still two vacant vice commander positions.

By unanimous decision, the last two vice commanders were assigned to Ning Fan and Luo Hou. Luo Hou repelled Emperor Maha with three punches, and Ning Fan had personally killed an Immortal Emperor before, their fierce reputations unchallenged by any other Immortal Kings or Immortal Venerables.

Following the vice commanders, many other positions were also selected... Eventually, all the eternal old freaks present were given their respective roles.

After the meeting concluded, the eternal old freaks bade farewell and left the Golden Bull Palace. Ning Fan intended to leave with the crowd, but he was stopped by a transmitted message from Great Emperor Chonghe.

"Young friend, no need to hurry, haha. The old man knows where the Ancient Chaos is. Do you wish to know..."

Ning Fan’s expression remained unchanged, but he was shaken inside. The world did not know that the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor still existed and assumed him dead, nor did they know that he had quietly walked out of the Divine Tomb.

Even Ning Fan himself, even Xiang Mingzi, did not know where the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor went after leaving the Divine Tomb.

But this old Chonghe seemed to know many inside stories...

"I don’t understand what you’re talking about," Ning Fan said with a calm demeanor, transmitting his thoughts.

"Haha, young friend need not be suspicious. This is not a test but a certain fact. Young friend need not pretend in front of the old man; the matter of Ancient Chaos not being dead is something I’m well aware of. Don’t underestimate an Immortal Emperor who has lived from ancient times to the present..." Emperor Chonghe laughed with deep meaning.

Ning Fan frowned slightly but ultimately remained on the battlefield, not in a rush to leave.

He wanted to see what tricks this Emperor Chonghe was up to!

Regarding Emperor Chonghe, Ning Fan had no good feelings: On Mount Zhaoyao, Emperor Chonghe had once schemed against him with a shade thunder; within the Supreme Pill Sacred Domain, Emperor Chonghe’s subordinate, Flying Thunder Immortal King, also seemed close with the Dark Clan...

Some things he was too lazy to investigate thoroughly, not interested in settling accounts later, did not mean he was easy to bully.

If this Great Emperor Chonghe wanted to scheme against him again, he wouldn’t mind giving him some trouble.

Though the big picture was important, he wouldn’t kill Emperor Chonghe, but he couldn’t let villains act with impunity.

Before long, the eternal old freaks dispersed, leaving only Ning Fan, Emperor Chonghe, and his group on the battlefield.

Behind Emperor Chonghe stood the Two Kings and Six Venerables of Mount Zhaoyao, each wearing a silver douli, dressed as they did years ago on Mount Zhaoyao.

What was different was their gaze towards Ning Fan, eyes filled with awe, not daring to linger, unlike the pride of old.

"Everyone’s gone, if you have something to say, Daoist, just say it!" Ning Fan’s expression was indifferent, transmitting his thoughts.

Though the crowd had dispersed, Ning Fan could still sense dozens of spirit senses locked onto the battlefield, clearly monitoring the situation between him and Emperor Chonghe.

Under such circumstances, there were many things he couldn’t say directly, still having to transmit his thoughts.

"Young friend, don’t rush. First, have a match with my subordinates; then, I will naturally enlighten you. Do not hold back, for even if you accidentally kill them, it’s because their skills are inferior, and I won’t blame you. Neither will the alliance of masters reproach you at all, because all of this is voluntary!" These words, Emperor Chonghe spoke openly.

Upon hearing this, the Two Kings and Six Venerables behind him were all terrified, their faces pale as ashes.

One must know, Ning Fan is capable of even killing Immortal Emperors. His prowess is unmatched, and in rumors, he personally went to the Dark Clan, fought fiercely, and managed to retreat unharmed...

Could our ancestor be crazy, as to why he would send us to fight Ning Fan, to...our deaths!

Could it be, could it be... A few strong warriors of Mount Zhaoyao figured out the reason, each with heart ashen, and looked at Emperor Chonghe with a hint of... reluctance!

In the shadows, the observing eternal old freaks were all astonished.

The world knew Ning Fan had stormed Mount Zhaoyao once and had a battle with the strong fighters there. Though specifics were unknown to the world, there was an inkling that unresolved grievances remained between Ning Fan and Emperor Chonghe.

No one expected Emperor Chonghe would at this time and place, keep Ning Fan, and utter such words.

Furthermore, this old Chonghe implied that Ning Fan could kill his subordinates!

Was he afraid of Ning Fan’s demon world, intending to resolve old scores by giving the lives of a few subordinates?

What a ruthless heart! To casually sacrifice disciples and followers! Truly characteristic of a hero!

"Emperor Chonghe is indeed ruthless. Having offended Ning Fan in the past, he now offers his subordinates as sacrifices to resolve their grievances with Ning Fan!"

"With great enemies before us, the big picture must take precedence. I should stop such private duels, but...if sacrificing a few Immortal Kings and Venerables can erase the grudge between Ning Fan and Chonghe, it might be a good thing. From this point of view, there’s no need to hastily stop them from settling personal grudges, better to see what transpires."

"It’s a pity for those few kings and sages of Mount Zhaoyao, to be treated as offerings to appease Ning Fan, who knows if the Slaughter Hall Master, who once said ’brothers quarrel within, but externally must defend against outside humiliation,’ will ruthlessly kill these fellows... He probably won’t hold back, for this is all at Chonghe’s will, and no one else can interfere without harming harmony..."

The crowd didn’t know the exact grievances between Ning Fan and Emperor Chonghe, assuming Chonghe only slightly offended Ning Fan. Thus, they thought a few Immortal Kings and Venerables’ lives should suffice to erase past offenses and dissolve grievances.

But Ning Fan knew, the enmity between him and Chonghe couldn’t be smoothed over by a few Immortal Kings and Venerables’ lives.

Emperor Chonghe once schemed against him with a shade thunder, the very shade thunder from the artifact within the Primordial Thunder Cauldron, the Eastern Mountain Divine Thunder!

Evidently, Emperor Chonghe sent the Flying Thunder Immortal King into the Supreme Pill Sacred Domain to aid the Dark Clan in unsealing the Primordial Thunder Cauldron, which was premeditated. In some respects, this was also a ploy against him.

What would have been the outcome if he hadn’t detected the scheming shade thunder and taken it into the Supreme Pill Sacred Domain, Ning Fan wasn’t keen to delve into.

As for what deals transpired between Emperor Chonghe and the Dark Clan, and why he schemed for the Primordial Thunder Cauldron, Ning Fan was not eager to investigate further.

Even the true reason the Immortal Emperor of the Thunder Sound Lineage destroyed the Punishing Ring in the past is something Ning Fan cannot be bothered to investigate.

Due to the Sword Ancestor’s affairs, Ning Fan, in the Supreme Pill Sacred Domain, does not have the heart to investigate the Dark Clan or probe the subordinates of Chonghe.

However, this does not mean he is broad-minded and does not hold grudges against these people’s schemes!

If every issue were to be pursued to its end, Chonghe Emperor might have to pay with his life!

Just killing a few Immortal Kings and Immortal Venerables from Mount Zhaoyao, how could that be enough!

"This old Chonghe is indeed sinister, but he wasn’t trying to redeem himself with a few subordinates’ lives. He’s testing the waters..."

"This person has come to me today perhaps to end an enmity, or perhaps, not just that..."

Ning Fan’s gaze was slightly cold as he glanced at Chonghe Emperor, the strong evil qi in his eyes was astonishing; Chonghe Emperor remained calm, with an enigmatic smile beneath his golden fighting hat.

After all, he was a figure from the Ancient Chaos era, having seen even the Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign, one of the oldest Immortal Emperors among the Eastern Heavenly Emperors. He had weathered many storms. Ning Fan was powerful, making him wary and not wishing to provoke too much, but he was not a pushover. His cultivation might be average, but his pride wouldn’t bow even before the Ancient Chaos, he wouldn’t be intimidated by the foe’s aura!

"I said, don’t be anxious, young friend, first have a fight with these subordinates of mine! I permit you... to kill them! Of course, if young friend chooses not to harm them, I would also gladly see that."

Chonghe Emperor had finished speaking and forcibly ordered the Two Kings and Six Venerables behind him to fight Ning Fan.

The Two Kings and Six Venerables feared Ning Fan, but seemed to fear their own patriarch more. Even knowing they might perish fighting Ning Fan, they did not dare challenge the patriarch’s orders, reluctantly stepping forward, one by one drawing weapons and magical treasures, encircling Ning Fan in the center of the battlefield.

Chonghe Emperor then smiled with satisfaction, his figure floating mildly, temporarily leaving the battlefield to Ning Fan and the others.

In his heart, he calculated silently that Ning Fan, facing a bunch of ants, would surely disdain using such an ultimate skill like Cross Halo, hence, according to his calculation, his eight subordinates, if coordinated well, could at least survive twelve breaths...

Twelve breaths...

Twelve...

Ten...

What a joke!

Chonghe Emperor had just flown out of the battlefield, not yet settled, when his smile stiffened, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

As he flashed away, the eight Immortal Venerable and Immortal King subordinates had already become dazed, spewing blood wildly, collapsing softly to the ground, fainting.

Facing the attack of the Two Kings and Six Venerables from Mount Zhaoyao, Ning Fan didn’t even raise a hand, nor did he move a step, merely blinking his left eye with a flash of Demon Light, resolving the battle instantly.

The entire battlefield was filled with soaring demon qi, the ancient demon qi left after Ning Fan used Illusory Art!

All the old freaks watching the place were greatly astonished, defeating eight Immortal Venerables, Immortal Kings with a single glance, even the Eastern Heavenly Emperors admitted they couldn’t achieve this, for among the Eastern Heavenly Emperors, none possessed Ning Fan’s level of Illusory Art expertise...

Perhaps only among the Western Heavenly Buddhist Cultivators or the Immortal Demon Realm Demon Emperor could such Illusory Art expertise be found!

While Chonghe Emperor’s heart was naturally shocked, compared to everyone’s astonishment, Chonghe Emperor was considering more. He discovered that although his eight subordinates were heavily injured by Ning Fan’s Illusory Art, they were not in peril of life, resulting in mixed feelings.

The joy was that Ning Fan had not killed his subordinates, indicating that there was room for maneuver between him and Ning Fan, and old grudges could truly be resolved through negotiation.

The worry was that although Ning Fan hadn’t killed his subordinates, he had injured them severely, which was a warning...

"This child wants to warn me; he knows all my schemes against him, instructing me not to entertain any illusions! If I truly wish to resolve old grudges, I must present everything sincerely!"

Understanding this, Chonghe Emperor’s smile could no longer persist, his face turning iron-like.

Just as he was about to gather some aura to speak to Ning Fan, Ning Fan seized the opportunity first, saying,

"I know you want to resolve the enmity with me; it’s just these people injuring from my hand is not enough."

"So what? Do you perhaps want to fight with the old man! I know your Cross Halo is formidable, but in the decades since your emperor’s ascension, the old man has studied your divine skills extensively, even then..."

"Rest assured, I won’t be using the Cross Halo you mentioned."

"Oh? If that’s the case, the old man does indeed want to see what confidence you have to take on an emperor like me from ancient times."

Implying that he agreed to battle Ning Fan. In reality, the reason for letting subordinates fight Ning Fan first was to prepare for his own battle with Ning Fan.

If Ning Fan’s hostility towards him wasn’t irreconcilable, he wouldn’t mind battling Ning Fan without using the Cross Halo.

Chonghe Emperor understood well, to truly resolve enmity, merely showing goodwill was insufficient; he had to display power that the opponent feared.

As an ancient emperor, he certainly wasn’t as simple as he appeared; otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived the calamity of Zi Dou Immortal Domain.

The means he concealed, naturally, he didn’t want to display in front of others; even during the turmoil of Great Senluo, he didn’t reveal his trump cards completely. If not so, why would he specifically leave Ning Fan in the battlefield.

"Iron Curtain, open!"

Chonghe Emperor seemed extremely familiar with Golden Bull Palace’s battlefield, raising a hand to cast a spirit sense, immediately the entire battlefield was enveloped in a layer of black iron curtain, even an Immortal Emperor’s spirit sense couldn’t penetrate through it, no one knew what kind of battle would ensue inside the curtain.

"Our Golden Bull Palace’s battlefield actually has this use?" Several secretly peeping Golden Bull Palace Immortal Venerables were astounded.

Only Emperor Jin Heng and Emperor Niu Heng exchanged glances, each seeing the solemnity in the other’s eyes.

"Junior brother, did you teach this person master’s Summoning Iron Curtain Technique?"

"It wasn’t me."

"Nor was it me."

"Then it must be... taught by master?"

"It could also be from the much earlier former Golden Bull Palace Master... Rumor has it Chonghe Emperor is truly an ancient emperor, most people don’t believe it, but perhaps, it’s true..."

"Should we tear open the iron curtain and see how the old Chonghe and Daoist Ning are struggling inside..."

"Junior brother, don’t do that! Since Chonghe summoned the iron curtain, he must have something he doesn’t want us to see; this person may be an ancient emperor, yet he fears the Seven Tribulations, stuck at Six Tribulations. His divine skills lean more towards defense than offense, solely seeking to preserve life. Limited by cultivation and divine skills, even if compared to the Era of Decline’s Six Tribulations Immortal Emperor, he wouldn’t be much stronger... Younger Brother Ning should be fine..." Emperor Jin Heng said, frowning.

"But Younger Brother Ning said he won’t use his world-renowned Cross Halo in the battle against Chonghe." Emperor Niu Heng said worriedly.

"Let’s wait and see. Emperor Chonghe is not someone who acts without consideration. He came to resolve his past karma with Younger Brother Ning and surely doesn’t have the confidence to push Ning to a dead end... If things get out of hand, you and I will tear the Iron Curtain and rescue Younger Brother Ning! In my Golden Bull Palace, it’s impossible to let an outsider run wild! Even if he is an ancient Grand Emperor!"

...

Inside the Iron Curtain, Ning Fan looked at Emperor Chonghe with a faint smile.

It seemed Emperor Chonghe wanted to evade public attention and display some unknown means and powers to intimidate him.

Just as well, he too didn’t want the world to know the might of his Eternal True Body.

His Cross Halo is known for its invincible attack with astonishing damage; his Eternal True Body is equally formidable, a powerful physique forged in the Melting Refinement Furnace and Refining God Cauldron. Over the decades spent awaiting the Dark Clan’s retaliation, he bought numerous discarded treasures through the Ancient Kingdom Trade Array, further enhancing his physical defense...

"Have you heard of this old man’s reputation, young friend?"

"Ancient White Ape Elder Chonghe, I’ve heard a bit."

"Hehe, those are mere flattering words from some acquainted Daoists. The words ’Ancient’ are too grand to be taken seriously. But the ’White Ape’ part is indeed true. Young friend, do you wish to witness this old man’s Eternal True Body? Hehe, in the Era of Decline, this old man has only displayed his Eternal True Body three times, and none of those three survived beneath it."

"So, do you think the fourth person to die under your true body would be me?"

"Haha, this old man isn’t confident about defeating your Cross Halo with my true body, but if you don’t use that technique, I don’t think I’ll lose to you."

"Is that so..."

"It seems young friend doesn’t believe it. No matter, seeing is believing. Next, I’ll let you witness the terror of the White Ape true body. Rest assured, this old man won’t harm you too much. Of course, if you have the ability to hurt me without using the Cross Halo, feel free. This old man’s visit is to resolve past karma with you. As long as you don’t harm this old man’s life, no matter how you injure me, I won’t blame you. This way, young friend can understand this old man’s sincerity."

"Are you sure? As long as I don’t harm your life, I can injure you at will..."

"Haha, a gentleman’s word is his bond throughout the ages!"

With that said, Emperor Chonghe transformed into a gigantic White Ape, towering a hundred zhang tall, within the Iron Curtain.

The White Ape’s fur was extremely long, surrounded by white celebratory clouds, and its head was covered by clouds spanning half an acre.

The giant ape’s physique exuded immense blood energy, almost ten times that of an ordinary Immortal Emperor!

Indeed, this might be Emperor Chonghe’s greatest reliance in the Era of Decline!

"This old man’s White Ape true body has cultivated the Earth Fiend transformation, capable of transforming four times in total. With each transformation, the blood energy increases tenfold of an Immortal Emperor. If fully unleashed, the blood energy can reach over forty times that of an ordinary Immortal Emperor. What do you think of this old man’s true body, young friend?" Emperor Chonghe, in the form of the White Ape, laughed heartily, boasting.

But Ning Fan merely remained expressionless.

Having witnessed the abnormal blood energy of Hei Sheng, seeing Chonghe, although impressive, was within reason and not too shocking.

"Your true body is the White Ape. Do you know what my true body is?"

"Oh? Young friend has a true body too? To form a true body before becoming an Immortal King, young friend indeed is extraordinary."

Emperor Chonghe expressed amazement with his mouth but didn’t truly regard Ning Fan’s Eternal True Body. Though rare, forming an Eternal True Body before reaching the Immortal King stage wasn’t unheard of. In ancient times, many could do so, making it unremarkable.

Moreover, as an Eternal Old Freak, everyone knew that after forming the true body, one must undergo transformations like Earth Fiend and Heavenly Gang to unleash the true body’s defiant power.

Ning Fan hadn’t been an Immortal Venerable for long. Though he might have formed the Eternal True Body, it was unlikely he had reached the threshold of Earth Fiend transformation, not worth fearing at all.

Three hundred breaths, this old man needs only three hundred breaths to subdue this youngster, making him experience my prowess!

"Impressive or not, you’ll know once you try."

Around Ning Fan, golden light burst forth, transforming him into a giant shield-bearing figure a hundred zhang tall...

...

Three days later, the Iron Curtain opened.

Though Ning Fan’s robe was tattered, his body bore little injury. Only a slight weakness of breath, showing fatigue, as he stepped out of the battlefield, he praised to the side, speaking to Emperor Chonghe, "Worthy of being an Ancient Grand Emperor, truly extraordinary. Our karma is settled. Though you have minor faults, your larger sense is without failure, much stronger than the Dark Clan and certain people in the shadows, not disgracing the Purple Dou Immortal Cultivator’s reputation."

Karma could indeed be settled, for he had learned everything he wanted from Emperor Chonghe’s mouth.

Where had Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor gone, where had the Dark Clan gone... astonishingly, this old fellow knew it all...

Emperor Chonghe, on the other hand, was much worse off. Not only was his aura weak, but he appeared like a blood-soaked figure from a pool of blood, his gaze at Ning Fan was that of seeing a monster, both apprehensive and defeated, looking like a beaten rooster.

"Thank you, young friend, for sparing me..."

As he spoke words of gratitude, inside, Chonghe felt utterly desolate, the roar of discontent echoing within him.

I can’t even defeat Ancient Chaos’s disciple!

I can’t even defeat a peripheral junior of the Lieyuan Sect!

A wasted life!

Truly a wasted life!

Ah!!!!!!!

The more he thought, the more obsessed he became, Chonghe almost went mad on the spot, behaving erratically, and even the Two Kings and Six Venerables of Mount Zhaoyao couldn’t stop his frenzy and roars!

Utter disgrace!

Secretly, the elder monsters who had been watching the battle were all shocked and pale.

This old Chonghe was driven crazy by Ning Fan, what on earth did he endure in those three days of battle...

Seeing this scene, the faces of the two Emperors Yuandan and Maha changed, though they said nothing, a heaviness settled within...