While Ye Yunfei remained secluded in cultivation, focusing on refining the Yin Seed, armies of the Dark Faction marched in vast numbers through the Chaotic Void across the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
'The Dark Faction's Yin Seed has been taken by Ye Yunfei. The source of the World-Destroying War is gone, so why is the Dark Faction's army still on the move? Could it be they still intend to continue the war of annihilation?'
The beings inhabiting the various worlds of the Three Thousand Realms watched the Dark Faction armies, their ranks surging with killing intent, and trembled with fear.
News of what had transpired not long ago in the Dark Faction's Nurturing Yin Land had already begun to spread throughout the Three Thousand Realms. Many beings now knew the true reason the Dark Faction had launched the World-Destroying War. They also knew that the Yin Seed had been taken by Ye Yunfei to a mysterious place within the Tianpo Realm — a place so secure that not even the Dark Ancestor could breach it to reclaim the Yin Seed.
Hearing this news had filled countless beings across the Three Thousand Realms with excitement. Ye Yunfei's capture of the Yin Seed meant the source of the World-Destroying War had vanished. The war could potentially end, allowing the innumerable worlds of this spacetime to avoid utter disaster.
But now, the Dark Faction's armies had suddenly and massively mobilized, marching mightily through the Chaotic Void, causing the hearts of endless beings to clench with dread. They feared the Dark Faction still intended to carry on with the war of annihilation.
'Look! The Dark Faction army seems to be heading for the Canghuang Realm!'
'I heard the Canghuang Realm is Ye Yunfei's hometown. He rose from that very world.'
'It appears the Dark Faction seeks revenge on Ye Yunfei by striking at the Canghuang Realm!'
'That's odd. I heard the Canghuang Realm was already destroyed by the Dark Faction before. Ye Yunfei evacuated most of its inhabitants, didn't he? Why would they send another army there?'
'The information you received was incorrect. Ye Yunfei only evacuated those beings who had close ties with him. There was no possible way he could have evacuated the majority of the world's population.'
Soon, many beings noted the Dark Faction army's direction was indeed toward the Canghuang Realm and couldn't help but discuss it.
Before long, the Dark Faction army arrived at the entrance to the Canghuang Realm.
Truth be told, a Dark Faction army had already invaded the Canghuang Realm once before, leaving the world in a terrible state from which it had yet to recover.
'Oh no! The Dark Faction's army has returned! Our world will be annihilated!'
The cultivators within the Canghuang Realm swiftly detected the army gathered just beyond their world's boundary. Their faces paled with terror; they didn't know what to do. A profound sense of despair welled up within them. The power of a Dark Faction army was simply too overwhelming for the Canghuang Realm to resist in any meaningful way.
'Every living being within this world must die. Not a single one shall remain. Furthermore, the world's barriers are to be shattered. In short, this world shall be utterly destroyed!' the leader among the Dark Faction experts took several steps forward. His eyes brimmed with murderous intent as he spoke, his tone icy cold.
'Yes!' the Dark Faction troops behind him thundered in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
'Slaughter them!'
In the next instant, the Dark Faction army rushed into the Canghuang Realm like a black tidal wave. Wherever they passed, they slaughtered all living beings.
This day would become the saddest day in the history of the Canghuang Realm. A brutal massacre unfolded everywhere across the world. Countless innocent beings fled in panic and desperation.
'Amidst the Chaotic Void just beyond the Canghuang Realm, a young man appeared, his gaze fixed on the unfolding massacre within the world. His eyes were bloodshot, his fists clenched tight. 'These Dark Faction bastards have no shred of humanity!' he gritted out through his teeth.
Had Ye Yunfei been present, he would have instantly recognized this young man: it was Du Fan.
'Du Fan, you must see reason. We are best not getting involved in the affairs of the Dark Faction,' an old man appeared quietly beside Du Fan and spoke. 'The Dark Faction's origins are vast. In the outer spacetimes, they are an immensely powerful faction. If you provoke them now, it will bring you great trouble when you venture to other spacetimes in the future.'
Du Fan was engulfed in burning rage, struggling to contain it. Just then, his Master attempted to counsel him.
'But Master,' Du Fan replied, the fire in his eyes growing ever fiercer. 'The Canghuang Realm is my hometown. I rose from within it. That starry sky gave birth to me and nurtured me!'
'I can't just stand by and watch my homeworld be annihilated by the Dark Faction!' Du Fan prepared to take action.
'Du Fan, do not act! I have no desire to incur the enmity of the Dark Faction. The consequences would be severe!' The old man's hand came down on Du Fan's shoulder, restraining him.
'But Master... I cannot bear this.' The impulse to act grew ever stronger within Du Fan.
Yet his Master kept a firm hand on his shoulder, persistently trying to dissuade him.
It was at this very moment.
A sharp, metallic ring split the air.
From the far reaches of the Chaotic Void, a dazzling streak of saber light cleaved through the distance, supremely brilliant.
'Those who dare to violate the Canghuang Realm shall die!'
A furious roar sounded, carrying from afar and instantly arriving before the Canghuang Realm.
Then, Du Fan saw a young man of an age similar to his own. This youth stood upon that streak of saber light, which tore through space as he charged into the Canghuang Realm. Wherever he passed, it was like reaping wheat — he slaughtered groups of Dark Faction soldiers, one batch after another.
This young man's body was erupting with rolling waves of saber radiance, so dazzlingly bright it seemed he might illuminate the entire starry sky of the Canghuang Realm.
'It's him! Dugu Huan!' Du Fan exclaimed, his eyes widening in recognition at the sight of the familiar face. 'This guy vanished for so long, and now he suddenly shows up again!'
In the past, Dugu Huan had left the Canghuang Realm with Ye Yunfei, traveling to the Hongmeng Continent. Later, he had gone off alone to train and experience the world. Even Ye Yunfei did not know his exact whereabouts; he had seemingly vanished without a trace. To think he would appear now, of all times.
'Dugu Huan actually possesses combat power at the Golden Immortal level! His saber technique is so domineering!' Du Fan watched Dugu Huan continuously slaying Dark Faction soldiers and felt immense shock. The combat prowess Dugu Huan displayed was simply too powerful, already belonging to the tier of Golden Immortal strength.
'What on earth has this guy been through? How did his power increase so quickly? He might even be comparable to that monstrous freak Ye Yunfei!' Du Fan couldn't help but mutter in astonishment, watching as Dugu Huan continued to slash out one immense, overbearing wave of saber light after another.
'Kid! Who are you?! Why are you attacking and killing my Dark Faction troops?! Looking at your saber technique, it shouldn't belong to this spacetime. What is your identity? What grievance do you have with our Dark Faction?!' A Dark Faction expert rushed toward Dugu Huan, shouting harshly.
'You are mistaken,' Dugu Huan replied coldly. 'I am a being of this very spacetime. Moreover, I am a being of this very world. Your Dark Faction dares to violate my homeworld. You deserve death.'