After bidding farewell to Zhenyu Imperial Son and the others, Ye Chen set off alone.
He stood atop the head of the Ancient True Dragon, which had transformed to a thousand-zhang size, and swiftly soared deeper into the Heaven-Mending Domain.
A new journey needed to begin from a more core location.
Heaven-Mending City, as the first city of the Heaven-Mending Domain and the Heavenly Venerate ancient city of the Heaven-Mending Clan, was Ye Chen's next destination.
Now, his flesh body had already reached the Tongtian Realm. On the surface, his cultivation seemed countless times stronger than ten thousand years ago.
However, Ye Chen understood better than anyone how difficult his path to the supreme heavenly throne would be.
The legacy of Zhen Tian War God, a peerless figure from the Taixu List of the Zhutian Era, along with the various true blood and origin remnants of a hundred Supreme Ones and Giants—including not a few half-step overlords of the Taizhen Realm—was enough to create a peak Taixu Realm top-tier Giant, even offering a sliver of hope to impact the Taizhen Realm domain.
Yet, it could only allow him to reach the Tongtian Realm.
One could imagine how arduous it would be for Ye Chen to advance further and become a Taixu Realm cultivator. It would require far more effort and resources, countless times greater than others, to achieve.
Of course, on the other hand, it also made his combat power incredibly terrifying.
Even as just a Tongtian Realm cultivator, Ye Chen was confident he could defy the heavens and slay immortals, crossing a major realm to battle Taixu Realm Giants, even suppressing ordinary Taixu Realm Giants.
Now, Ye Chen's next goal was naturally to step into the Taixu Realm.
To advance into the Taixu Realm or even higher realms, there was no other method. Only by going to the most core regions, places related to Taishang, ancient Great Venerates, or even supreme Heavenly Venerates, could he hope to achieve super evolution in a short time.
Without a doubt, Heaven-Mending City, this Heavenly Venerate ancient city, was his target.
The Thirty-Three Celestial Domains, as the core land of the Origin Place, gathered countless times more powerful experts than other great domains. The Heaven's Prides who arrived here from various domains not only possessed first-rate aptitude, but their cultivation levels were often at the God King, Quasi-Monarch level or above.
Even more, to obtain the supreme opportunity to ascend to the supreme heavenly throne, many Supreme Ones and Giants from the various major domains of the Origin Place had come.
Every single one who could prove their Dao and become a Supreme One was a peerless Heaven's Pride who swept across their region in their youth, possessing transcendent talent and an invincible Dao heart.
It was just that they were older than the currently rising Heaven's Prides and talents, but in reality, they could also be called peerless Heaven's Prides.
Facing the opportunity to ascend to the supreme domain, these Supreme Ones similarly spared no effort, arriving at the Thirty-Three Celestial Domains to compete for the supreme immortal fate, intending to advance further.
The changes over ten thousand years had caused the Thirty-Three Celestial Domains to gather far more top-tier experts at the Supreme One level or above compared to ten thousand years ago.
While riding the dragon along the way, Ye Chen saw many Supreme Ones constantly contending in various places within the Heaven-Mending Domain. Some were veteran Supreme Ones who had proven their Dao many years ago, while others were newly advanced Supreme Ones, all possessing extraordinary, peerless talent.
Numerous Supreme Ones contended within the vast Heaven-Mending Domain, not hesitating to compete with the super Heaven's Prides of the new generation for the ancient and modern opportunities that had emerged over the years.
It must be said that after ten thousand years, more ancient ruins had appeared within the Heaven-Mending Domain.
Some were legacies of peerless Giants who had passed away in the last one or two Chaos Eras. Some were inheritances of supreme powerhouses traceable to the Zhutian Era, at minimum at the Tongtian Realm level, not lacking legacies and immortal fates of world-shaking supreme powerhouses at the Taixu Realm or even Taizhen Realm, enough to drive the Supreme Ones of the myriad heavens to madness.
Only such opportunities could allow these Supreme One-level powerhouses to shorten vast amounts of time, advance further, and march into the anticipated supreme domain.
Of course, from Ye Chen's current perspective, ordinary Giant ruins, even Taixu Realm ruins, could hardly catch his eye. Unless they were ruins like Zhen Tian War God's from the Taixu List of the Zhutian Era, they wouldn't interest him.
On the road to Heaven-Mending City, the core first city of the Heaven-Mending Domain, arriving within a vast and desolate mountain range, Ye Chen saw an extraordinary carriage sweeping through the sky with billions of Dao principles. A top-tier Supreme One sat within the carriage, pulled by powerful Emperor-level ancient beasts as it flew through the air, causing exclamations from countless cultivators nearby.
"It's Venerate Huaming!"
"Venerate Huaming has also come here!"
"It seems this ruin is not simple, to have attracted a true Taishang descendant to come!"
...
Within the enormous desolate mountain range, cultivators from across billions of li had gathered, all searching for corresponding opportunities here.
Not long ago, a ruin of a Taixu Realm Giant from the previous Chaos Era had emerged, causing many Supreme Ones to contend frantically, resulting in terrifying Supreme One-level chaotic battles, with some Supreme Ones even perishing because of it.
These cultivators had come attracted by the fame. Naturally, the vast majority didn't dare contend for the true inheritance and opportunities of that Taixu Realm Giant, as only Supreme Ones had the qualification to compete for them. They only hoped to contend for some leftover legacies the Supreme Ones didn't need—perhaps beneath a Supreme One's notice, but still extraordinary opportunities for those below the Supreme One level.
Countless cultivators now watched the departing carriage with awe.
Because that was a peerless talent from a hegemon-level force within the Heaven-Mending Domain, rumored to be a Taishang's youngest son, a true Heaven's Favorite, a peerless freak born at the God King realm, flowing with powerful Taishang bloodline, with great potential to prove the Taishang Venerate position in the future.
Even for the countless cultivators of the Thirty-Three Celestial Domains, Taishang descendants were undoubtedly existences beyond reach.
The more powerful the existence, the more powerful their offspring.
Supreme One descendants were born at the Saint Treasury realm, while Taishang descendants were born at the God King realm. One could imagine how important bloodline was for the foundation of descendants.
Ye Chen looked up at the Imperial Son passing through the sky, his expression calm.
There was a time when he too had looked up at such Imperial Sons. But now, even so-called Supreme Ones were nothing special. To him, they weren't much different from a Saint.
As for the ancient ruin that had emerged within this desolate mountain range, though it involved a Taixu Realm Giant, Ye Chen didn't even bat an eye.
For the current him, despite being only at the Tongtian Realm level, in terms of combat power alone, he was definitely not inferior to the Taixu Realm. Therefore, he didn't pay excessive attention to ordinary Taixu Realm Giants, let alone just the ruin site of a Taixu Realm Giant. Unless it was a ruin left by a peerless figure like Zhen Tian War God from the Taixu List of the Zhutian Era, would he truly regard it highly.
Ye Chen rode the dragon, preparing to cross this vast desolate mountain range and head to Heaven-Mending City.
However, when he ventured deep into this desolate mountain range, he unexpectedly encountered that Venerate Huaming again, who was on a carriage pulled by seven Emperor-level ancient beasts, confronting a young Supreme One.
That youth was also very young, with prominent horns and an extraordinary bearing.
The two were in a standoff, countless terrifying auras emanating between them, causing the void to tremble, almost collapsing—truly astonishing.
Two Supreme Ones!
And at the Heaven-Mending Realm level, just a step away from stepping into the Tongtian Realm, qualifying as Giants among Supreme Ones.
But the Heaven-Mending Realm could also be called Quasi-Giants!
Not far away, there was a massive ruin, vaguely emanating Taixu Realm-level auras.
As expected, this was the Taixu Realm Giant ruin site that various parties were contending for.
In the distance, there were no fewer than ten other Supreme Ones, eyeing this ruin site covetously. However, due to fear of the two Jietian Realm Quasi-Giants, they didn't dare enter directly.
Venerate Huaming stepped out of the carriage, looking coldly at his opponent. "Xuji, you dare block this Supreme One's path. Aren't you afraid this Supreme One will strike and suppress you to death?"
The Quasi-Giant blocking Venerate Huaming was named Xuji, a long-renowned peerless figure of the current era, famous throughout the Heaven-Mending Domain. Looking at Venerate Huaming without the slightest fear, he said, "Huaming, though you are a Taishang descendant, I, Xuji, also want to know exactly how strong you are. Since I, Xuji, intend to prove the Dao to the supreme heavenly throne, I must suppress all Heaven's Prides of my generation. You are likewise someone I regard as a stepping stone!"
Hmph!
Huaming's cold snort was like thunder, his gaze icy. He, a dignified Taishang descendant, a Heaven-Mending Realm Quasi-Giant of his generation with transcendent talent, was actually regarded as a stepping stone by the other?
"This Supreme One wants to see what qualifications you have to make this Supreme One your stepping stone!" Venerate Huaming said coldly. His figure flickered as he actively stepped out of the carriage, radiating ten thousand glows, his Supreme One aura astonishing. Raising his hand, it transformed into a palm that could span a hundred thousand li, covering the sky and encompassing everything with terrifying Heaven-Mending Supreme One laws, fiercely slapping toward the opposing Xuji.
This strike was enough to annihilate ordinary Supreme Ones, extremely terrifying.
Xuji's figure was ethereal. Facing this hundred-thousand-li great palm, he stood fearless, similarly slapping out a hundred-thousand-li great palm imbued with powerful Void Heaven-Mending Realm might, meeting it head-on.
The two Jietian Realm Quasi-Giants began battling within this desolate territory spanning billions of li.
The various Supreme Ones didn't dare easily get involved, let alone other cultivators below the Supreme One level, who avoided it as far as possible.
Ye Chen, treading on the Ancient True Dragon, just glanced in passing before losing interest, continuing to ride the Ancient True Dragon through the air to leave.
However, it wasn't that he could leave just because he wanted to. As the two Jietian Realm Quasi-Giants fiercely battled, their destructive power spread, soonaffect toward Ye Chen hundreds of thousands of li away, pulling him into it as well.
Moreover, both had discovered Ye Chen, but since Ye Chen didn't emit much Dao law fluctuations, they considered him just an ordinary cultivator—killing him would be killing him.
Both were lofty Jietian Realm Quasi-Giants, viewing ordinary beings as ants. They had no scruples about killing a mortal and felt no sympathy.
The cultivation world was survival of the fittest.
But soon, as the terrifying Supreme One laws they unleashed collided with each other, they were surprised to find all attacks had been dodged.
It was unclear whether it was due to that youth or the thousand-zhang dragon beneath his feet.
At this moment, Venerate Huaming suddenly became interested and couldn't help casually striking out an attack toward the distant Ye Chen.
Roar—
At this moment, the Ancient True Dragon beneath Ye Chen let out a mighty roar, its dragon cry resounding throughout the entire desolate mountain range. Infinite Supreme Emperor principles surged forth, neutralizing Venerate Huaming's casual strike.
"An Ancient True Dragon!"
"A Supreme One realm True Dragon!"
All parties were shocked. No one expected the thousand-zhang dragon beneath this unfamiliar youth to actually be an Ancient True Dragon, and one that had reached the Supreme One realm.
However, both Huaming and Xuji almost simultaneously looked at Ye Chen. Compared to being shocked by a Supreme One realm True Dragon, they were more astonished that this mysterious youth could tread upon a Supreme One realm Ancient True Dragon. Without a doubt, this person was no ordinary figure.
Similarly, the various powerhouses watching the battle from afar were greatly surprised, seemingly not expecting such a peerless powerhouse to be hidden here.
At this moment, Ye Chen's expression instead turned grim.
He had originally had no intention of interfering in the battle between the two. Yet not only had theyaffect him, they had even attacked him.
If he were an ordinary person, he would have already perished.
Ye Chen coldly snorted, immediately flicking his sleeve, piercing through the void and transforming into terrifying force that slammed into the two.
Boom—
Boom—
Venerate Huaming and Venerate Xuji's expressions changed drastically. Supreme One battle armor, Supreme One Emperor techniques, projections of origin Emperor worlds, and various other Emperor Dao methods—all appeared within less than an instant, forming layer upon layer of defenses.
However, facing Ye Chen's strike, those astonishingly heavy defenses were instantly destroyed like rotten wood, directly collapsing.
The two Jietian Realm Quasi-Giants were immediately as if struck by lightning, their figures uncontrollably sent flying far through the air, crashing onto the ground, successively smashing through who knows how many majestic mountain ranges.
When they shot skyward again, their Supreme One battle armor was shattered, their Supreme One Emperor bodies covered densely with fine cracks like porcelain, almost exploding. They opened their mouths and continuously vomited blood, looking at Ye Chen with immense shock.
Clearly, they were both shocked by his strength!
With a flick of his sleeve, he had sent flying and severely injured two Jietian Realm Quasi-Giants. What extraordinary means were these? It could only mean this person's cultivation far surpassed what they could match.
"With a raise of his hand, he sent flying two Quasi-Giants, Venerate Huaming and Venerate Xuji. He's probably a Tongtian Realm Giant."
"And likely not an ordinary Tongtian Realm Giant. You must know, Venerate Huaming and Venerate Xuji are not ordinary Heaven-Mending Realm Quasi-Giants, especially Venerate Huaming who is a Taishang descendant and cannot be measured by common sense. To accomplish this means this Giant is at least at the peak of the Tongtian Realm, or even stronger."
The various parties also discussed, all showing unimaginable astonishment.
"We pay our respects to Senior!"
Both were extraordinary individuals who deeply understood Ye Chen's terror. That level of cultivation was probably not simply a Tongtian Realm Giant, but possibly even a Taixu Realm Giant. Otherwise, how could he possess such astonishing means?
Ye Chen, however, looked coldly and did not let them off. His palm pressed lightly on space, instantly transforming into a terrifying great hand seal spanning billions of li.
His physical body had reached the Tongtian Realm level, qualifying as a Giant-level existence—a body-refining Giant, truly terrifying. At this realm, even without cultivating Dao laws, he still mastered many profound methods.
The hand seal before them was purely condensed from physical body blood qi, covering the sky and sun, instantlyblotting out the sky and sun almost the entire desolate mountain range, rendering the two Quasi-Giants, Venerate Huaming and Venerate Xuji below, unable to move.
Thegiant palm imprint descended, immediately blasting both apart, leaving only a faint voice: "This is a lesson for you two. There are heavens beyond heavens, people beyond people. Not everyone is weak and can be bullied at will by you two."
After saying this, Ye Chen rode the Ancient True Dragon and tore through space to leave.
Not long after, Venerate Huaming and Venerate Xuji reconstituted their flesh and blood. Their faces showed no shock or anger, but rather a feeling of having narrowly escaped death.
Because they deeply understood that if that mysterious Giant hadn't shown mercy earlier, he definitely had the ability to slay them both here.
Blasting them apart just now was merely a minor punishment.
Even though Venerate Huaming was a Taishang descendant, he felt no anger and wouldn't inform his clan, let alone his Taishang realm overlord father.
When venturing outside, one must be prepared for life and death.
Similarly, they marveled at this mysterious Giant. His cultivation must be unfathomably deep; otherwise, how could he regard even a Taixu Realm Giant ruin as utterly beneath his notice?
"Truly, there are heavens beyond heavens, people beyond people."
Both deeply felt Ye Chen's words were not wrong; indeed it was so.
Especially within the Thirty-Three Celestial Domains, they deeply felt this saying held great truth.
After Ye Chen left, the two contended once more.
...
Striking out to deliver a minor punishment and teach Venerate Huaming and Venerate Xuji a lesson was just a trivial matter.
Within the Thirty-Three Celestial Domains, such occurrences were very common.
At this time, the man and dragon had already arrived at the core main city of the Heaven-Mending Domain—Heaven-Mending City!
This was the veritable first city of the Heaven-Mending Domain, and simultaneously, the Heavenly Venerate ancient city of the Heaven-Mending Clan.
It was said this was a Heavenly Venerate ancient city left behind by the supreme Heavenly Venerate of the Heaven-Mending Clan lineage. Having experienced the most terrifying Twilight of the Myriad Heavens throughout ancient and modern times, though it had been damaged and later repaired, farnot comparable to its former peak period, it remained peerless.
On the road to Heaven-Mending City, they saw who knows how many Supreme Ones from various domains rushing over along the way.
In the outside world, Supreme Ones could still be called experts who roamed the world freely. Yet arriving at Heaven-Mending City where heroes gathered, they seemed relatively ordinary.
Ye Chen and the Ancient True Dragon in human form entered Heaven-Mending City, immediately sensing this city's extraordinariness.
Even though Ye Chen had seen many ancientmetropolis in the past, like Southern Wilderness Boundary City, Boundless City, Seven Luminaries City, Desolate Ancient Ruined City, etc., none could compare to this Heaven-Mending City.
It wasn't that Heaven-Mending City was particularly magnificent, but it possessed a special sense of vicissitude and antiquity, as well as a special aura integrated with the Heavenly Dao, as if it were a Heavenly Dao ancient city representing the entire sky.
"The legendary Heavenly Venerate ancient city is indeed extraordinary." Ye Chen took a deep look at this Heaven-Mending City. Stepping into it, he felt the myriad Daos of heaven and earth become many times clearer, increasinglyhighlighting the extraordinary aspects of this Heavenly Venerate ancient city.
However, vaguely, Ye Chen always felt a special familiarity with this city.
He wondered to himself, had he come here before his memories were sealed?
Ye Chen knew his origins likely had heaven-shaking significance. But unfortunately, even with cultivation reaching the Tongtian Realm, he still couldn't remember. Only some memories had leaked out. One could imagine he was probably no ordinary individual.
Within Heaven-Mending City, there were countless powerhouses from various places. Even Supreme Ones were not few, with multiple Giants present, not lacking world-shaking supreme experts at the Taixu Realm or even Taizhen Realm,highlighting the special nature of the Heavenly Venerate ancient city.
"Truly worthy of being the first city of the Heaven-Mending Domain, the legendary Heavenly Venerate ancient city. Just upon entering, I sense no fewer than ten Giant auras above the Tongtian Realm, with three even at the Taixu Realm." Ye Chen thought to himself. And this was shortly after entering Heaven-Mending City. Thus, one could see how many hidden dragons and crouching tigers this Heavenly Venerate ancient city contained, not to be underestimated.
Ye Chen brought the Ancient True Dragon to tour Heaven-Mending City. As an ancient city left behind by a former supreme Heavenly Venerate, he had learned that during the Twilight of the Myriad Heavens era, this Heavenly Venerate ancient city had once shattered. Though later repaired, much of the city structure was not original.
The ancient city retained many traces of the Twilight of the Myriad Heavens. There had even been supreme Heavenly Venerates who struck Heaven-Mending City, leaving indelible heavenly marks.
Ye Chen's purpose in coming to Heaven-Mending City was to observe these various traces left by past supreme powerhouses, hoping to gain enlightenment and advance further on the path of physical body proving the Dao to the supreme.
Heaven-Mending City was vast, with many placesleft behind supreme power traces.
Naturally, many trace sites had numerous powerhouseslingered contemplating enlightenment.
Ye Chen also became one of them.
It must be said, Heaven-Mending City was truly a treasure land. Ye Chen oftenlingered contemplating enlightenment at various trace sites.
Unconsciously, a hundred years had passed since he came to Heaven-Mending City.
Though a hundred years was far from enough for him to step into the Taixu Realm, and the time was too short, very unrealistic.
However, it benefited Ye Chen greatly, granting him many insights. His supreme Chaos Body was also slowly evolving.
Later, Ye Chen spent a heavy price to reside in an extraordinary ancient hall at the city center.
This hall belonged to a Taishang family of the Heaven-Mending Domain, containing not a few cultivation abodes for Tongtian, Taixu, etc. As long as one could afford the price, they could enter to cultivate.
The ancient hall Ye Chen entered was a Taixu Realm-level cultivation abode, exceptionally extraordinary, especially since it was located within Heaven-Mending City, allowing cultivators to deepen their comprehension of the world's principles countless times over.
He spent a fortune to directly rent a Taixu Realm cultivation grotto for a thousand years, hoping to use it for contemplation, awaiting the day he could break through into the Taixu Realm.
Similarly, he also rented a Tongtian Realm grotto for the Ancient True Dragon for a thousand years.
Since this Ancient True Dragon was now following him, Ye Chen naturally wouldn't treat it poorly. While he progressed, he would let it progress alongside him.
The Ancient True Dragon was very grateful, understanding it had followed the right master, and buried itself in arduous cultivation within the Tongtian Realm grotto.
Thus, a thousand years passed. Ye Chen remained in Heaven-Mending City, cultivating and contemplating, gaining profound insights. His physical body improved somewhat further.
It didn't seem like much, but for Ye Chen, being able to advance further within a mere thousand years was already an extremely remarkable achievement.
Especially since he was already in the Tongtian Realm. Being able to progress further at such a level over a thousand years could be considered a monstrous cultivation speed.
"Although I purely cultivate my physical body and don't have a precise realm to speak of, if I really had to say what realm it is, it should be considered the middle stage of the Tongtian Realm," Ye Chen murmured to himself. This was his perception of his own realm, but he felt that wanting to advance further now was truly too difficult.
He had expended considerable resources to reach this point. Simple, arduous cultivation held little meaning anymore; he needed to venture out into the world for experience.
Of course, a better method was to obtain a peerless opportunity, such as the essence, refined blood, or legacy of a Taizhen Realm or above supreme powerhouse, or perhaps Heavenly Venerate ruins, all of which would greatly promote his cultivation.
"Should I visit the Heaven-Mending Clan?"
Ye Chen looked towards the exceptionally majestic and extraordinary grand hall at the center of Heaven-Mending City. That was the Heavenly Venerate Ancient Hall, an Heavenly Venerate ruin left for the Heaven-Mending Clan by the supreme Heavenly Venerate of the past, along with Heaven-Mending City and Heaven-Mending Tower.
That belonged exclusively to the Heaven-Mending Clan. Outsiders could not set foot there without permission, otherwise they would inevitably suffer attacks from the Heaven-Mending Clan.
Ordinary people simply had no qualification to enter Heaven-Mending Hall, and even many Taixu Realm Giants were the same.
Because for an Eternal Heavenly Race, even a Heaven-Mending Clan that was no longer as glorious as in its past, Taixu Realm Giants still could not be considered pillar-like, pyramid-peak powerhouses.
He wanted to visit the Heaven-Mending Clan, to come into contact with more Heavenly Venerate traces, to grow stronger further.
But unfortunately, it was destined to be very difficult.
Because over these years, while cultivating, Ye Chen had also been paying attention to the Heaven-Mending Clan. He had personally witnessed many Giants visiting the Heaven-Mending Clan, among them no shortage of Taixu Realm Giants. Entering the Heaven-Mending Palace wasn't difficult, but if they wanted to enter the core Heaven-Mending Hall, they were all refused entry.
Only occasionally, when a Taizhen Realm half-step overlord came, would the Heaven-Mending Clan permit them to set foot in Heaven-Mending Hall and other Heavenly Venerate ancient halls for a brief visit.
Without a doubt, the hope for a Taixu Realm Giant to enter a Heavenly Venerate ancient hall was not great, let alone him who was only in the Tongtian Realm—it was even more unrealistic.
As for forcing his way in?
Ye Chen had never entertained such a thought. That was purely suicidal behavior. The Heaven-Mending Clan possessed true Taishang overlords, and they were Heavenly Race Taishang, terrifying beyond measure, capable of killing Taixu Realm Giants with ease.
Ye Chen knew in his heart that to enter Heaven-Mending Hall, he must display an extraordinary aspect.
Moreover, he needed to come into contact with a core figure of the Heaven-Mending Clan to truly set foot inside Heaven-Mending Hall and contemplate the Heavenly Venerate traces within the Heavenly Venerate ancient hall.
Of course, there were other ways to enter the Heaven-Mending Clan's palace.
For example, becoming a Heaven-Mending Clan guest elder.
Although the Heaven-Mending Clan was an Eternal Heavenly Race with countless powerhouses within its clan, the number of Giants who had reached the Tongtian Realm level couldn't possibly be too high either.
Furthermore, in the current era, the various Eternal Heavenly Races and Heavenly Venerate-level powers placed considerable importance on top-tier powerhouses above the Supreme One level, often recruiting them as guest elders or the like for their clans.
Giants like Ye Chen at the Tongtian Realm held even more distinguished status.
But wanting to use this to enter Heaven-Mending Hall still fell short. Unless one was a Taixu Realm-level guest elder, there was hope.
Moreover, Ye Chen didn't want to become a guest elder and be bound.
He could only wait for a suitable opportunity.
On this day, the Young Venerate of the Heaven-Mending Clan emerged from seclusion, drawing the attention of all sides in Heaven-Mending City.
Many people went to visit the Heaven-Mending Clan. Upon learning the news, the Heaven-Mending Clan's Young Venerate had successfully broken through his realm and was now a Tongtian Realm Giant, causing an uproar of astonishment among the world.
It was said that this Young Venerate was the youngest son of the current Heaven-Mending Clan Patriarch, of noble status, and also a direct descendant of the Heaven-Mending Clan.
The Heaven-Mending Clan Patriarch, who was the former Lord of Heaven-Mending City, a Taishang, had five sons in total.
The eldest son was the Young City Lord, who had long cultivated to the Taixu Realm and was also regarded as the next-generation Patriarch.
The other three sons had also reached the Tongtian Realm early on, and the second son was also at the Taixu Realm, not much inferior to the eldest.
The youngest son was the most youthful, having cultivated for only half an epoch, yet his cultivation speed was shockingly fast. Now, emerging from seclusion, he had reached the Tongtian level. His talent was supremely transcendent, surpassing even his four older brothers.
Rumor had it that the Heaven-Mending Clan had opened the Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool left by the Heaven-Mending Heavenly Venerate of old. The youngest son received the baptism and transformation of the Heavenly Venerate blood within the pool, his Heavenly Venerate bloodline strengthened, obtaining great fortune. That was why his cultivation speed had advanced by leaps and bounds over the subsequent hundred thousand-plus years, soaring from the Jietian Realm directly to the Tongtian Realm level. He was regarded as a peerless genius of the current generation with great hope of impacting the Tongtian Ranking.
"Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool!"
Ye Chen's gaze burned with fervor. As the name implied, the Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool was a blood pool containing Heavenly Venerate true blood. Of course, it wasn't composed entirely of true blood, but a blood pool diluted countless times over, yet it was still astonishing.
The supreme Heavenly Venerate's achievements were profound and miraculous. It was said that a single drop of true blood falling could kill a Taishang and submerge endless mountains and rivers—unimaginable.
If he could enter the Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool to cultivate, he would surely be able to break through his realm in the shortest time, stepping into the Taixu Realm, even the Taizhen Realm.
However, Ye Chen also knew that his desire to enter the Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool to cultivate was utterly unrealistic. Such an important place was a crucial core location for the entire Heaven-Mending Clan and was not open to outsiders.
The hope of entering Heaven-Mending Hall was greater.
Although he knew this in his heart, Ye Chen still went to the Heaven-Mending Clan, preparing to visit this Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate, hoping to strive for a slim chance to gain entry to the Heaven-Mending Clan's Heavenly Venerate ancient halls and the Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool.
The mansion where the Heaven-Mending Clan resided was vast, rebuilt on the foundation of the shattered Heavenly Venerate Palace of old, quite magnificent.
Now, many Supreme Ones and Giants had already come to congratulate the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate on his successful breakthrough.
Ye Chen arrived before the Heaven-Mending Clan's palace, expressed his reason for wanting to visit the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate, and after revealing his Tongtian Realm aura, the Heaven-Mending Clan gatekeepers allowed him entry, their attitude quite polite.
A Heaven-Mending Clan powerhouse directly led Ye Chen to an exceptionally magnificent hall. That was the Young Venerate's palace, extraordinarily extraordinary, shining with brilliant divine radiance, with billions of laws descending.
Within the palace, numerous top-tier powerhouses came and went, at the very least Jietian Realm Supreme Ones. Powerhouses at the Butian Realm, Tongtian Realm, and Taixu Realm levels were also not few in number, making Ye Chen sigh in amazement. Giants rarely seen in the outside world were seen here, no fewer than twenty.
And this was merely the palace of the Heaven-Mending Clan's Young Venerate. From this, one could see the might of an Eternal Heavenly Race like the Heaven-Mending Clan.
Ye Chen saw the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate. He was a divinely handsome young man, his body wreathed in myriad emperor lights, like a young Heavenly Venerate, exceptionally extraordinary. In his every movement, there was a special fluctuation that harmonized with heaven and earth. He was smiling as he conversed with various supreme powerhouses.
Ye Chen stepped forward, very naturally cupping his fists in congratulations: "Congratulations, Young Venerate, on your successful breakthrough. The supreme Heavenly Venerate throne awaits you in the near future."
Although the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate didn't know Ye Chen, he could keenly sense that this seemingly equally young youth before him was no ordinary individual. Moreover, vaguely, he actually gave him a sense of pressure, causing him to reveal a trace of astonishment. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist. May I ask which great being you are?"
The Young Venerate did not act arrogantly relying on his status as the Heaven-Mending Clan's Young Venerate; his attitude towards Ye Chen was quite polite.
"Ye Chen, came from outside to gain experience, happened to enter Heaven-Mending City, heard of the Young Venerate's breakthrough, and came specifically to offer congratulations." Ye Chen's attitude was neither servile nor overbearing, but he appropriately expressed his congratulatory intent.
"Ye Chen?" The Young Venerate was greatly surprised. This name was exactly the same as that of the supreme Heavenly Venerate of the Chaos Celestial Mansion.
But he quickly shook his head. That supreme Heavenly Venerate was still in the world, merely in seclusion.
Ye Chen was taken aback: "The Young Venerate seems quite surprised by my name."
The Young Venerate smiled: "It's nothing. It's just that your name is the same as an invincible supreme Heavenly Venerate of the current era."
Ye Chen showed no surprise. His name wasn't special. In the Origin Land, there were far, far more than billions upon billions of living beings. It was just a coincidence that it matched the true name of that supreme Heavenly Venerate.
He looked at the Young Venerate and suddenly said: "I heard the Young Venerate broke through into the Tongtian domain. Besides offering congratulations this time, I also have a desire to seek guidance. Could I ask for a lesson or two?"
Ye Chen knew that ordinary methods to gain the attention of a Heaven-Mending Clan core figure were destined to be difficult, but if he used the pretext of a challenge, it would be much easier.
Especially since the Young Venerate before him was a very young Giant of the Heaven-Mending Clan, having undergone the baptism of the Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool, with hopes of impacting the Tongtian Ranking, and was a junior upon whom the Heaven-Mending Clan placed great expectations.
On the other hand, Ye Chen had also learned that this Young Venerate had always enjoyed challenging heroes and also had the heart to contend across the heavens and ascend to the supreme Heavenly Venerate throne.
The Young Venerate could see that Ye Chen had no intention of provocation, merely a simple desire to challenge, so he smiled and said: "Very well."
With that, he made a move against Ye Chen.
Within the palace, the various powerhouses also looked over.
Worldly rumors said the Young Venerate had received the baptism and transformation of the Heavenly Venerate Blood Pool left by the Heaven-Mending Heavenly Venerate, his Heavenly Venerate bloodline elevated, which was why he successfully broke through into the Tongtian Realm within a mere hundred thousand-plus years.
Moreover, as the Heaven-Mending Clan's Young Venerate, he was bound to be extremely powerful. It was said he had the qualification to impact the current Tongtian Ranking.
All those on the Tongtian Ranking were true Heavenly Venerate-seed characters possessing the bearing of a Heavenly Venerate.
From this, one could see how extraordinary the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate was.
The moment the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate made his move, it was a Tongtian Realm heaven-defying miraculous technique. Between his fingers and palm flowed billions of Tongtian Realm dao principles, giving birth to the phantom of a great universe, containing unimaginable power. He said to Ye Chen: "Be careful, Fellow Daoist."
Clearly, the Young Venerate was very confident in this move of his, enough to sweepingly defeat a Tongtian Realm opponent.
Ye Chen also made his move, raising his palm and pressing forward. No dao principles manifested; it was a very simple, direct palm strike.
However, everyone present was a top-tier powerhouse. Their eyes flashed with astonishment; they could all see the simplicity of Ye Chen's move.
Boom—
The two collided. The universe phantom instantly exploded, destructive power surging forth, enough to make a Tongtian Realm Giant feel a sense of mortal peril, and even Taixu Realm Giants feel a degree of threat.
But Ye Chen's palm was undamaged and flawless, like an eternal ancient weapon, indestructible and imperishable. No matter how terrifying the destruction of the universe phantom, it could not harm him in the slightest.
This was merely a spar between the two. The destructive power was well confined within a certain area, not spreading, also demonstrating that their cultivation was not something ordinary Tongtian Realm Giants could compare to.
The Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate's face showed astonishment, then he made another move, immediately unleashing several peerless divine abilities in succession, among them no shortage of Heavenly Venerate divine abilities, striking horizontally towards Ye Chen. All were peerless attacks capable of sweepingly defeating Tongtian Realm opponents, even posing a threat to Taixu Realm Giants.
Ye Chen's expression remained unchanged, calmly and composedly resolving them one by one.
And what was even more astonishing was that the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate did not sense any dao law fluctuations from him. From beginning to end, it was all physical body confrontation.
This shocked the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate. This person's physical body realm was so terrifying, strong beyond imagination.
Boom boom boom boom boom boom—
Soon, the two engaged in another series of peak-level collisions.
The Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate attacked at his peak each time, yet each time Ye Chen easily neutralized his killing moves, dazzling the onlookers and drawing great admiration.
Such capability was truly extraordinary.
Thus, after another hundred-plus exchanges of peak-level collisions, there was still no clear victor.
Finally, the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate stopped, and Ye Chen also appropriately ceased.
"You are very strong!" The Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate's evaluation was high. This Tongtian Realm Giant before him was frighteningly strong, his physical body peerless. Even though he, the Young Venerate, had displayed the greater part of his methods, he actually hadn't been able to truly effectively injure his opponent.
What a terrifying, inconceivable physical body this was.
His opponent's attainment on the path of the physical body was extremely high.
However, he was not afraid, because during the earlier exchange he also hadn't truly displayed his full power. In a true peak battle, he was confident he could sweepingly suppress his opponent.
Only, he did not know that just as he hadn't used his full strength, neither had Ye Chen.
"The Young Venerate praises me too highly," Ye Chen said modestly, not overly arrogant.
The various parties marveled. Who exactly was this mysterious, young Tongtian Realm Giant? He could actually exchange blows with the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate without falling behind in the slightest.
It must be known that the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate was a peerless genius with the potential to impact the Tongtian Ranking.
"Brother Ye, your cultivation is very strong, and your physical body is peerless. In the current era, physical bodies as strong as yours can be counted on one hand," the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate said. "Even I dare not claim my physical body is stronger than yours. It's a pity I didn't get to see you employ dao laws."
Ye Chen shook his head: "I purely cultivate my physical body; I have not cultivated dao laws."
Hearing this, everyone present was astonished, then a look of admiration appeared.
The path of the physical body was extremely difficult to tread, especially purely cultivating the physical body to the Tongtian Realm level—it was even more difficult. Throughout all ages, there were many who walked the body refinement path, but those who purely cultivated the physical body were completely few and far between.
"No wonder Brother Ye's physical body is so strong, making me feel it's difficult to shake. So you purely cultivate the physical body and have cultivated to the Tongtian Realm. I must say, Brother Ye's willpower is immense, earning my great admiration," the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate also expressed admiration, sighing: "Perhaps the only ones who can surpass you are those few from the Desolate Heavenly Race."
Desolate Heavenly Race?
Ye Chen silently noted this Eternal Heavenly Race. He remembered that Desolate Tian was also from the Desolate Heavenly Race. It was said this Eternal Heavenly Race possessed extremely strong physical bodies.
Perhaps one day, he should go to the Desolate Heavenly Race to seek methods for physical body breakthrough.
Ye Chen said: "The Young Venerate praises me too highly. I am not as strong as the Young Venerate."
The Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate shook his head: "Brother Ye, where do you come from?"
"Southern Wilderness," Ye Chen did not deny it.
The Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate slightly frowned. After a good while, he remembered, and couldn't help but look at Ye Chen in surprise, because Southern Wilderness was a borderland of the Origin Land, a barren, desolate wilderness relative to the Origin Land.
From such a desolate wilderness actually emerged a Tongtian Realm supreme powerhouse with a peerless physical body—truly unbelievable.
In his heart, his admiration for Ye Chen grew even stronger. The Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate couldn't help but say: "Brother Ye, if you haven't joined any force, how about joining my Heaven-Mending Clan?"
After all, the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate placed considerable importance on Ye Chen's potential, especially since he had great hope of becoming the Heaven-Mending Clan Patriarch in the future, shouldering the heavy responsibility of an Eternal Heavenly Race.
At this time, he was already considering cultivating a corresponding support base.
If he could recruit a top-tier powerhouse who had broken through into the Tongtian Realm via the physical body to join, it would better strengthen his own supporting power.
Seeing the Young Venerate extend an olive branch to Ye Chen, many powerhouses revealed looks of envy. Being able to join an Eternal Heavenly Race—what an honor.
However, Ye Chen politely declined: "Apologies, I have no intention of joining for the time being."
If he agreed to join the Heaven-Mending Clan, he would be completely tied to the Heaven-Mending Clan's war chariot. Although the Heaven-Mending Clan was an Eternal Heavenly Race, his heart yearned for freedom. He was unwilling to join any force and be bound, as it would affect his state of mind and make it impossible for him to achieve the perfect realm on the path of the physical body.
Regarding this, although the Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate was somewhat disappointed, he did not become angry because of the refusal. He sighed: "A pity. If Brother Ye is unwilling to join the Heaven-Mending Clan, would you be willing to become a guest elder of the Heaven-Mending Clan? As a guest elder of the Heaven-Mending Clan, you would still be considered a free individual. The Heaven-Mending Clan would not force any guest elder; they would only need the guest elder's help when the Heaven-Mending Clan has need, and the Heaven-Mending Clan is willing to provide corresponding remuneration."
Hearing this, Ye Chen couldn't help but say: "Young Venerate, if I become a Heaven-Mending Clan guest elder, can I go to Heaven-Mending Hall to contemplate the Heavenly Venerate ruins?"
That had been his goal all along.
The Heaven-Mending Clan Young Venerate was slightly taken aback, then smiled: "Of course. All who become important guest elders of my Heaven-Mending Clan are qualified to enter Heaven-Mending Hall and contemplate the Heavenly Venerate traces."
"Good, I agree!"