"You brat, you're asking for death!"
Witnessing this scene, all the Heavenly Immortals of the Shen Family present erupted in fury. Shen Jie was a direct-line descendant of the Shen Family with a grandfather who possessed Demigod-level strength. He had always been one of the family's key core disciples, nurtured with the utmost priority. For him to be publicly blown apart with a single fist strike was a severe provocation to the Shen Family.
"Well struck!"
Peng Rou and her brother, however, cheered loudly. Peng Rou, in particular, felt immense relief. Since being pestered by Shen Jie, she had been endlessly annoyed, and in recent times, Shen Jie had completely shed his pretense, repeatedly trying to capture her by force. So, seeing Shen Jie shattered by Ye Yunfei's punch, she was practically jumping for joy.
Ah—!
A shrill, unwilling scream rang out as a mass of white Soul Power energy shielding a Soul Body shot out from the explosion of blood mist—it was Shen Jie's Soul Body!
"Oh? There seems to be a trace of a powerful expert's Soul Power protecting him. No wonder my previous attack didn't destroy his Soul Body," Ye Yunfei glanced at Shen Jie's Soul Body, slightly surprised.
"Ye brat! You destroyed my physical body! I will never rest until you are dead!"
Shielded by that mass of white Soul Power energy, Shen Jie fled into the distance while roaring with venomous hatred at Ye Yunfei.
"We were already in a fight to the death," Ye Yunfei replied indifferently. "And you won't get the chance. This time, you will die."
Hong…!
The moment Ye Yunfei's words faded, a colossal palm seal manifested, instantly piercing through the void as it blasted towards Shen Jie's Soul Body.
*Heavenly Dao Palm!*
The Heavenly Dao Palm Ye Yunfei unleashed could contend with a Perfected Heavenly Immortal. Using it against Shen Jie, now just a single weakened Soul Body, was more than sufficient.
"Who dares kill my grandson?!"
The white mass of Soul Power energy enveloping Shen Jie suddenly transformed into the face of an old man, who spoke in a wrathful tone.
"That seems to be a Demigod powerhouse's Soul Power trace! Be careful!" Hun Lao exclaimed with alarm.
"It's just a trace of Soul Power. I'll destroy it," Ye Yunfei said coldly.
"It's the Third Elder!"
The Shen Family forces, seeing that old man's face, were both shocked and overjoyed.
Honglonglong…
The Heavenly Dao Palm rolled forward mightily, suppressing Shen Jie's Soul Body in place, rendering it immobile. The old man's face released powerful Soul Power energy to resist the Heavenly Dao Palm. But as the palm seal advanced, it continuously converged energy and laws from the surrounding spacetime, its power growing ever stronger, ultimately suppressing the old man's face, making it unable to move.
"Brat, if you dare kill my grandson, I swear—no matter where you hide, I will find you and kill you personally!" Feeling the terrifying force of the Heavenly Dao Palm, the old man's face warped drastically as he roared.
"Grandfather… Kill this brat!"
Shen Jie screamed in terror. This old man was his biological grandfather, a Shen Family Elder, a powerhouse of Demigod strength, and his greatest supporter!
Ah…!
Before Shen Jie's scream ended, the Heavenly Dao Palm struck the old man's face, shattering it instantly. It uttered an unwilling roar before exploding with a loud bang. Although this old man's true form was of Demigod caliber, this was merely a trace of his Soul Power, far inferior to his true self and unable to withstand the Heavenly Dao Palm.
"I'll remember you, brat! What palm technique was that? How can it possess such power?"
A voice echoed through the spacetime before falling completely silent.
"Impossible! How dare he shatter the Third Elder's Soul Power trace?!"
The Shen Family forces witnessing this were utterly disbelieving. This Third Elder stood tall as a Demigod powerhouse in the minds of the Shen Family members. Not only within the family, but even across the entire Chaotic Void Sea, he was a formidable figure who could shake realms with a mere stomp. Though only a trace of Soul Power, it should have been effortless to handle a Golden Immortal. Yet, it was now blown apart by a Golden Immortal.
"No… Grandfather…!"
Seeing his grandfather's Soul Power trace shattered by Ye Yunfei, Shen Jie finally felt genuine fear. He desperately retreated while crying out.
"No one is coming to save you now," Ye Yunfei said indifferently, looking at the terrified Shen Jie.
Sou!
As the words left his lips, Ye Yunfei executed the Soul Sword and shot towards Shen Jie.
"Hehe… A Primary Heavenly Immortal's Soul Body. I'll take it."
Huang Shang appeared, engulfed in towering ghostly mist, blocking the path of Shen Jie's Soul Body with a cold laugh.
Hong…
As he spoke, Huang Shang unleashed furious attacks on Shen Jie's Soul Body. In less than two breaths, under the combined assault of Ye Yunfei and Huang Shang, Shen Jie's Soul Body let out a final scream, detonating under Huang Shang's strikes. Huang Shang then seized control of the shattered pieces of Soul Body. In the hands of a Ghost Cultivator like Huang Shang, Shen Jie naturally had no chance of survival.
"Brat! Shen Jie is the beloved grandson of our Shen Family's Third Elder! You dare kill him? The Third Elder will never let you go!"
The Heavenly Immortals of the Shen Family wanted to rush over to save Shen Jie but were blocked by the nine divine beasts of the Nine Palaces Totem Wheel and experts of the Peng Family, utterly denied the opportunity. The Perfected Heavenly Immortal from the Shen Family who had previously fought Ye Yunfei roared in anger.
"To hell with your 'esteemed elder'! Dare to provoke me, and I'll kill just the same!" Ye Yunfei laughed loudly. "Now, let me test how strong a Perfected Heavenly Immortal truly is!"
Resolving Shen Jie, Ye Yunfei's gaze turned towards the Perfected Heavenly Immortal as he spoke coolly. Then he moved, charging towards that Perfected Heavenly Immortal.
"Come on then, brat, if you seek death!"
Currently, that Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal was locked in battle with Peng Rou's father. Seeing Ye Yunfei charging at him, his killing intent soared.
Honglonglong…
Facing a Perfected Heavenly Immortal, Ye Yunfei did not hold back. He attacked with full force from the start—Soul Power Martial Arts, Heart Force Martial Arts, physical strength, sword techniques, along with the nine divine beasts of the Nine Palaces Totem Wheel—all erupted with astonishing might. Particularly the nine divine beasts, each mighty and exuding overwhelming, fearsome auras.
"Rou'er, what is this young man's background?"
Seeing the tremendous combat power Ye Yunfei displayed the moment he entered the fray, Peng Rou's father was both astonished and pleased as he sent a Sound Transmission to inquire. He had clearly seen this powerful young man suddenly appear to save Peng Rou and her brother, knowing he was acquainted with his children.
"Father, that's Young Master Ye, the one I mentioned earlier! Once again, he has saved us!" Peng Rou replied.
Not long ago, upon returning home, she and her brother had told their father about Ye Yunfei.
"So it's really him. He is the Young Master Ye from the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds... a great benefactor to our family!" Peng Rou's father had already vaguely guessed Ye Yunfei's identity but was now verifying with his daughter.
"Young Master Ye, let me handle this fellow. You may rest to the side. Rou'er, Fang'er, escort Young Master Ye to our home and entertain him well. Leave matters here to us."
Peng Rou's father first addressed Ye Yunfei, then instructed his children.
With Ye Yunfei launching such a ferocious assault on the Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal, Peng Rou's father actually felt a bit redundant. The sheer variety and intensity of Ye Yunfei's attacks—Soul Sword, Formless Heart Sword, Heart Force Lock, Myriad Swords Return to One Great Art, Heavenly Dao Palm, and the formation of dozens of battle arrays by over a thousand Golden Immortal treasures—all hurled simultaneously towards the Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal left him struggling to respond.
"Roar… Brat! I don't believe a mere Golden Immortal can defy me!"
Cornered and forced into a sorry state by Ye Yunfei's barrage, the Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal erupted with his full power in anger. A colossal silver pagoda rumbled as it descended to suppress Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei waved a hand, instantly deploying dozens of formations. Dozens of formation membranes shimmered into existence, releasing a torrent of formation energy to block the silver pagoda.
Hong! Hong!
Like a swarm of locusts, over a thousand Golden Immortal treasures densely assaulted the silver pagoda.
"Incredibly strong!"
Everyone witnessing Ye Yunfei contesting the Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal to such an extent could not help but gasp in admiration. Because that Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal possessed particularly exceptional combat strength, among the top of his tier, capable of easily defeating ordinary Perfected Heavenly Immortals.
"No wonder he repeatedly saved Rou'er and Fang'er. With such strength, who among Heavenly Immortal-level experts could hope to subdue him? Provided he doesn't encounter a Demigod, few are his match. Perhaps only those most ancient, massive heritage factions within the Seven Great Core World Clusters could cultivate such a monstrous young genius... Is he truly from that remote and backward world cluster, the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds?"
Peng Rou's father watched the intense clash, feeling profound shock.
"A Perfected Heavenly Immortal, that's all, it seems!"
At this moment, Ye Yunfei grew bolder with every exchange, exclaiming loudly.
While Ye Yunfei battled the Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal, the war between the armies of the Shen and Peng Families raged intensely. Truthfully, Ye Yunfei's appearance was merely a minor interlude; the true protagonists of the battlefield were the main forces of the two great families.
"Impossible!"
After a few moments of fighting, the Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal grew increasingly alarmed. Regardless of the methods he employed, he remained unable to overcome Ye Yunfei.
Conversely, Ye Yunfei's confidence swelled.
"This fellow is undoubtedly a top-tier opponent among his peers. Your overall combat power has now surpassed many Perfected Heavenly Immortals," Hun Lao privately conveyed to Ye Yunfei via Sound Transmission.
"Indeed. But it's still insufficient. Merely a Heavenly Immortal... one cannot be considered a true powerhouse within the Chaotic Void Sea. Perhaps only Demigod-level combat strength qualifies one as a power here. And in ancient times, the Chaotic Void Sea held many genuine Deities. In short, my strength is far from enough."
Ye Yunfei replied after hearing Hun Lao's comment.
"Of course. Only Demigods, or even Deities, can be considered true powerhouses within the Chaotic Void. Heavenly Immortals truly pale in comparison," Hun Lao nodded.
In the past, within the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds, a Golden Immortal might be considered a significant expert. But now, after traveling and gaining experience across the Chaotic Void Sea, Ye Yunfei realized even Heavenly Immortals could not truly be called apex powerhouses!
"Hehe, truly worthy of a young genius from that ancient place, the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds... daring to kill a direct-line disciple of our Shen Family."
Just as Ye Yunfei and the Shen Family Perfected Heavenly Immortal fought to a stalemate, a plain voice suddenly sounded. Initially, the voice was calm and gentle, as if someone were speaking softly, even-tempered. But gradually, its volume grew, becoming louder and more resounding, until it boomed like the anger of heaven echoing thunderously across the entire Tianyan World Cluster. Everyone's ears ached with pain, and more terrifyingly, every Soul Body trembled in resonance with the voice.
Following that, everyone felt as if the vast, boundless time itself abruptly stagnated. Then, everything became silent.
As though a profound, unimaginable terror had suddenly descended!
Next, everyone saw a plainly-dressed elderly man in rough garments slowly walking into the Tianyan World Cluster from outside. This elder had his hands clasped behind his back, unhurried and composed, appearing to move leisurely.
Yet his speed was terrifyingly fast.
Upon first sight, he was still outside, entering from the void with hands behind his back. At the second glance, he had already arrived at the central battleground between the two armies, his icy gaze fixed upon Ye Yunfei.
A Demigod!
In that instant, everyone present realized this elder's strength was unquestionably that of a Demigod powerhouse! Only a Demigod could possess such a dreadful aura!
"We pay respects to the Second Elder!"
All members of the Shen Family forces were overjoyed, immediately performing ceremonial bows and shouting in unison.
"He is the Shen Family's Second Elder!"
"Rumors speak of many Demigod-level Elders within the Shen Family... the true masters of the family!"
...
Hearing the roar of the Shen Family army, most within the Tianyan World Cluster felt deep awe. A Demigod powerhouse had now entered the conflict between the two families.
"Your aura, young man, is profoundly mysterious. Could the rumors hold truth? That you obtained the Yin Seed the Dark Faction meticulously cultivated within the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds? Regardless, since you have killed a direct-line disciple of our Shen Family, this debt must be settled. Come with me to the Shen Family."
Arriving at the battleground, the elder completely ignored all others, disregarding any other matters, his gaze continuously locked on Ye Yunfei, firmly tracing Ye Yunfei's aura as he spoke calmly.
"This fellow... he seems to be here specifically for the Yin Seed!"
Sensing the elder's fearsome aura, Hun Lao felt a foreboding, urgently conveying his thought to Ye Yunfei.
"No good! Young Master Ye, this is the Second Elder of the Shen Family—a Demigod! Don't engage him! I'll find a way to cover you! Run, escape into our Peng Family world!"
Peng Rou's father, seeing the Shen Family's Second Elder target Ye Yunfei, was astounded and immediately sent a frantic Sound Transmission.
"You need not think of escape, youth. You cannot escape from my presence. You have killed someone from my Shen Family. This debt must be settled. Obediently accompany me back."
The Shen Family Second Elder's gaze never left Ye Yunfei as he slowly spoke.
Honglonglong…
Following his words, a colossal energy hand materialized above Ye Yunfei's head, containing boundless divine might and vast, heavy power, pressing down to suppress Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei felt his body sink, rendered completely immobile.
"Heavenly Immortals vastly outmatch Golden Immortals. Demigods tower even more overwhelmingly over Heavenly Immortals! Perhaps from a Demigod's perspective, so-called Heavenly Immortal powerhouses are akin to mere infants."
Ye Yunfei inwardly sighed, feeling the oppressive energy released by the Shen Family Second Elder.
"Young Master Ye, I've coordinated with all our Peng Family's Heavenly Immortals. We'll jointly attack to divert the old one's attention. Then you must rush into our Peng Family world! Remember: be as quick as possible. Demigods react incredibly fast—a moment's delay spells failure!"
At that moment, Ye Yunfei received another Sound Transmission from Peng Rou's father. Grateful that Ye Yunfei had repeatedly saved his children, he naturally did not wish to see Ye Yunfei fall into the Shen Family's hands.
Hong! Hong!
In the next instant, all Heavenly Immortals of the Peng Family unleashed their full power simultaneously, employing ultimate killer moves or activating high-level treasures to collectively assault the Shen Family Second Elder.
"Young Master Ye, flee now!"
Peng Rou's father roared via Sound Transmission.
"It is futile. You Peng Family cannot save this youth."
The Shen Family Second Elder gently shook his head.
Hong! Hong!
Simultaneous with his words, all Heavenly Immortals of the Shen Family also acted, colliding their attacks with those of the Peng Family Heavenly Immortals.
"Young man... come here."
The Shen Family Second Elder gestured, beckoning towards Ye Yunfei. The energy hand hovering above Ye Yunfei slowly descended, grasping down at his head. Ye Yunfei felt as though countless invisible, divine mountains descended from above, his body utterly unable to move.
"It seems this time I might have to sacrifice all my Stand-ins—perhaps even my physical body—just to preserve my life!" Ye Yunfei inwardly cursed bitterly.
With his current strength, encountering a Heavenly Immortal he could contend with... but facing a Demigod was beyond him.
"Hmph! Second Elder of the Shen Family... quite imposing you are, truly thinking our Peng Family lacks someone?"
Precisely then, a cold snort rang out.
Ye Yunfei witnessed a formidable, robust elder with a ruddy complexion, white hair and beard, take a step from within the Peng Family world.
"The Patriarch has emerged!"
Seeing this tall elder, all Peng Family members cheered in unison.
*A Demigod expert from the Peng Family as well!* Ye Yunfei's heart stirred.
"Hmm... Young man, truly deserving as a young genius from the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds. The energy and principles within you are profoundly mysterious. The world claims the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds to be a remote, backward place. It's merely a profound misunderstanding among mortals. Even to this day, the Three Thousand Great and Small Worlds remain among the most ancient and mystical realms within the Chaotic Void Sea."
After his appearance, the Peng Family elder also appraised Ye Yunfei for a moment before nodding in praise. Then, the Peng Family elder threw a distant punch—a massive fist seal materialized, directly shattering the colossal energy hand over Ye Yunfei.
Instantly, the pressure on Ye Yunfei vanished completely, his body regaining freedom.
Stunned with relief, Ye Yunfei promptly activated the Time Boots. In a flash, he disappeared, reappearing moments later at a distance.
"Oh?"
Both the Shen Family Second Elder and the Peng Family elder lightly expressed surprise.
"Hmm, so he possesses a Demigod-level movement amplification artifact," the Shen Family Second Elder noted, having noticed the Time Boots on Ye Yunfei's feet.
"Both these old fellows know your origin, and there's a deliberate nuance in their words. I believe you should be wary of both," Hun Lao secretly conveyed to Ye Yunfei.
"Yes, I must be cautious of both. Having slain Shen Jie, my involvement in this war between the two families ends here. Time to depart."
Ye Yunfei heeded Hun Lao's words, recalling what both the Shen Family Second Elder and the Peng Family elder had said. He nodded inwardly in agreement, replying via Sound Transmission.
"Young Master Ye! Now we are fine—our Peng Family's Demigod expert is here. We need not fear that old man from the Shen Family!" Peng Rou transmitted joyfully to Ye Yunfei.
"Young Master Ye, you are safe now!" Peng Rou's father also conveyed to Ye Yunfei at that moment.
"Young Master Ye, my father asked me to bring you into our Peng Family world, to be our guest at home. Once this war concludes, my father will personally host you."
Peng Rou shifted, moving towards Ye Yunfei's position. The appearance of the Peng Family's Demigod powerhouse boosted the morale of all Peng Family members.
"Miss Peng, I do not plan to enter your Peng Family world. I intend to leave now. There will be opportunities for us to meet again. Farewell for now."
After a moment's contemplation, Ye Yunfei transmitted his reply to Peng Rou. Simultaneously, utilizing the Time Boots, he flashed and retreated a great distance.
"Young Master Ye... you're leaving? My father just said you saved us siblings repeatedly—you are our family's great benefactor. He wants to receive you with honor to express our Peng Family's gratitude. Please be assured; though the Shen Family is strong, our Peng Family is not to be trifled with. With us protecting you, your safety is guaranteed!"
Hearing Ye Yunfei's words, Peng Rou grew anxious and immediately replied via Sound Transmission. Beyond gratitude, there existed a certain, indescribable, special sentiment in the depths of her heart towards Ye Yunfei. She wished to keep him as a guest in her home for longer, hoping to have more time together.