“Good. Now let’s hurry to where I hid my corpse.”
Cui Hong nodded.
“Senior, what are those?”
Ye Yunfei suddenly pointed at a nearby shattered, crumbling planet and asked curiously.
Inside this broken planet were many golden, sparkling grains of sand embedded deep within. If the planet hadn’t been shattered, they would have been invisible.
“Those are Stellar Mother-Sand, essence crystallized from a star, a type of extremely precious treasure. Magical treasures forged from Stellar Mother-Sand are tremendously heavy and possess fearsome power. There are also body refiners who refine this sand into their bodies, enhancing their physical quality and raw strength. I have to say, this Stellar Mother-Sand is quite suitable for you. However, wherever Stellar Mother-Sand exists, Star Beasts are always present to guard it. Each Star Beast is at least equivalent to a Primary Void God in strength. So, obtaining this sand is no easy task.”
Cui Hong explained.
“Senior, my current combat power is roughly equivalent to a Primary Void God. Would it be possible for me to try and collect it?”
After hearing Cui Hong’s words, Ye Yunfei’s heart stirred with interest.
“If there was only one Star Beast, you wouldn’t need to fear it. But there are at least seven of them nearby right now. The moment you move to collect the sand, you’ll be besieged by all seven. Nevermind whether you can defeat seven Star Beasts; even if you could, it would take a long time. Moreover, it might attract even more Star Beasts or other Deities who have entered to explore and seek treasure. It wouldn’t be worth the loss. So let it be for now. Everything can wait until we find my corpse.”
Cui Hong advised.
“Senior, where are these Star Beasts? I can’t sense them at all.”
Xiao Xiao, having heard Cui Hong, couldn’t help but ask.
“Star Beasts excel in spatial secret arts. They conceal themselves perfectly within space and are exceedingly difficult to detect. Let me show you.”
Cui Hong pointed out several locations. Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao immediately focused their senses on those spots and indeed detected terrifying auras hidden there.
“Let’s go.”
Cui Hong led Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao onward.
“Careful! The space ahead is filled with many ancient battlefield phantoms left behind from the past. Although they are merely phantoms, they contain terrifying combat energy, a fusion of energy and shadow. Do not get close, or they will attack you.”
After walking for a while longer, Cui Hong suddenly stopped and warned Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao.
As soon as Cui Hong finished speaking, Ye Yunfei sensed the roar of billowing energy coming from ahead. The space in front was constantly shaking and trembling.
Cui Hong cautiously led Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao forward, and soon, a vast battlefield appeared before them.
On this battlefield, numerous powerful figures were engaged in fierce combat. All of them were Deities. Some were exceptionally powerful, capable of blowing apart a star or piercing through a world with a single punch. Every move possessed earth-shattering power.
“Senior, there seem to be a few Divine King-level experts among them.”
Ye Yunfei suddenly pointed at several figures in the battlefield and said to Cui Hong.
Their strength was noticeably greater than the other Deities around them. One was a stout, corpulent ascetic with a tall frame, wearing a string of prayer beads around his neck, his chest exposed. With a single punch, he caused five or six Deities to explode. Then, he reached out, grabbed a gigantic star from the distant void, and hurled it like a weapon, smashing two other Deities into pulp. The surrounding Deities scattered, none daring to face him head-on.
Besides this ascetic, there were many other experts of this level on the battlefield.
“Correct. Those are Divine King-level experts. Before a Divine King, ordinary Void Gods would be crushed effortlessly.”
Cui Hong nodded.
“Are those the members of the True Phoenix Divine Clan?”
Ye Yunfei also noticed that within this vast battlefield were some particularly tall, handsome, and elegant Deities radiating with shimmering seven-colored light.
They were both male and female. The males were robust and majestic; the females were heroic and imposing, every bit as heroic as the men.
“Yes, those should be the legendary True Phoenix Divine Clan. Every member of the True Phoenix Divine Clan possesses combat power at the Deity level upon reaching adulthood. In ancient times, they were a mighty clan that shook the heavens and myriad worlds.”
Cui Hong looked at those tall, handsome figures and nodded in confirmation.
“It seems the reason the True Phoenix Divine Clan perished was due to invasion by foreign enemies.”
Looking at the brutal battlefield before him, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but remark.
“Indeed. The True Phoenix Divine Clan must have perished because of an invasion by formidable enemies. Otherwise, this expanse of void wouldn’t have become such a large-scale battlefield.”
Cui Hong agreed.
“Senior, I’ve noticed that some of the magical treasures in this battlefield seem intact.”
Xiao Xiao suddenly spoke up.
“That’s true. Within this battlefield before us, quite a few treasures remain intact. But this battlefield is too dangerous. With your current strength, even with my aid, we dare not enter this ancient battlefield. Even if we risked it, we likely couldn’t retrieve those treasures, as we might be attacked by these phantoms. So don’t entertain the thought. Alright, let’s continue.”
Cui Hong said.
“There’s a powerful figure inside who seems to be a body refiner.”
Suddenly, Ye Yunfei’s eyes narrowed as he spotted a tall, brawny man with bulging muscles, immense strength, and his path cleared of any obstruction. He was a Deity-level body refiner.
Ye Yunfei fixed his gaze on this man, meticulously observing his every move. He realized the man was exclusively using physical martial techniques. Magical treasures of Deity-level power slammed against his body only to be knocked aside, seemingly causing no damage whatsoever.
“This fist technique resembles the Great Strength Divine Fist of the Great Strength Fiend God, but there are differences.”
Ye Yunfei focused on a particular fist technique the brawny man was executing and suddenly gained some insight.
Ye Yunfei possessed two Soul Bodies and over twenty Soul Power planets. He now utilized them all, his analytical and comprehension abilities reaching an astonishing level. He quickly grasped some understanding of the man's fist technique.
“Although I cannot obtain the complete technique, some of the principles of harnessing physical power can be referenced for my future battles.”
After only a brief period of observation and contemplation, Ye Yunfei had already gained something.
Not just Ye Yunfei, Xiao Xiao was also observing the techniques and martial skills other experts on the battlefield were displaying and seemed to have gained some insights as well.
“Excellent. These two youngsters possess remarkable comprehension talent. Their future achievements will undoubtedly be extraordinary.”
Cui Hong noted their actions internally, nodding silently in praise.
“Hey, isn’t that Ye Yunfei from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds up ahead? How did this kid end up here? Since we’ve run into him, let's just kill him while we’re at it.”
Right at that moment, a voice suddenly rang out from behind.
Ye Yunfei whirled around and saw four figures exuding rolling black energy mist approaching rapidly from the distance behind them.
“They are Deities from the Dark Faction, and there are four of them. I truly didn’t expect the Dark Faction to have given rise to four Deities.”
Hun Lao immediately spoke up.
“Let’s not fight them for now. Hurry, let's go.”
Cui Hong urged Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao.
The three of them immediately accelerated their pace.
“Where do you think you’re escaping to?”
The four Dark Faction Deities also sped up in pursuit.
A cold light flashed in Ye Yunfei's eyes as he secretly activated his Sky-Piercing Divine Vine. The four Dark Faction Deities suddenly found dozens of thick green vines, like emerald dragons, thrusting out from the surrounding space, whistling as they coiled toward them.
Simultaneously, vibrant flowers materialized all around them, slicing toward their bodies.
Left with no choice, the four Dark Faction Deities had to halt and defend themselves.
Cui Hong led Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao on a wide detour around the massive battlefield before continuing forward. Thanks to his previous familiarity with these places, they progressed smoothly.
Once the four Dark Faction Deities shook off the green vines and flowers, they immediately resumed pursuit. However, the speed of Cui Hong, Ye Yunfei, and Xiao Xiao was formidable, and by now, they had long left their pursuers far behind.
“Forget it, let's not chase for now. Our primary task currently is to thoroughly explore this True Phoenix Tomb and see if we can obtain any opportunities. As for that kid Ye Yunfei, we’ll settle accounts with him when we have the chance later.”
After chasing for a while, the four Dark Faction Deities stopped simultaneously. One of them spoke.
“It seems the rumors are correct. Ye Yunfei indeed possesses strength at the Deity level. That little wretch beside him is definitely from the Flower Goddess Palace. It appears Ye Yunfei has formed alliances with the Fire Clan and the Flower Goddess Palace.”
One Deity remarked.
“So what if they’ve allied? In this fragment of void, the strongest faction is still the Guardian Faction. Even if we, the Dark Faction, don’t act, the Guardian Faction won’t let them off.”
Another Dark Faction Deity added.
“Send out the message immediately, stating that Ye Yunfei has entered the True Phoenix Tomb. I’m sure once the Guardian Faction and the other major powers know, they won’t let him go easily.”
One Dark Faction Deity took out a communication jade slip and immediately transmitted the information.
A Deity-level communication jade slip naturally had superior transmitting ability, so soon after, many Deities learned that Ye Yunfei had entered the True Phoenix Tomb.
“That brat Ye Yunfei killed a Deity from our Guardian Faction, causing our faction to lose significant face in this void fragment. We absolutely cannot let him go. From now on, kill him on sight whenever you find him.”
Upon receiving the news, the Deities of the Guardian Faction brimmed with murderous intent.
Besides the Guardian Faction, Deities from major forces like the Heavenly God Temple and the Source Fire Cult also began to watch for Ye Yunfei’s whereabouts.
Meanwhile, Cui Hong was still leading Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao forward.
As the trio advanced, suddenly, nearby, a small white rabbit radiating a brilliant divine glow appeared.
This plump, little white rabbit looked exceedingly cute.
“Senior, what race is that? It's adorable!”
Xiao Xiao, seeing the cute rabbit, immediately perked up and asked Cui Hong.
“That’s strange, Senior. This rabbit contains an immensely vast and high-grade essence of medicinal herbs and emits a rich medicinal fragrance. Why do I feel it resembles some kind of medicine plant more?”
Ye Yunfei also saw the rabbit and felt it was odd, so he asked Cui Hong.
Being an alchemist, Ye Yunfei was very familiar with all kinds of medicinal herbs. This rabbit in front of him felt more like a medicine plant.
“It is indeed a medicinal plant. Likely a type of divine medicine, one that has already taken form.”
Cui Hong looked at the bouncing little white rabbit in the distance, his expression turning serious as he slowly spoke.
A divine medicine that has taken form is extremely precious.
“What? A divine medicine that has already taken form?”
Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao were shocked upon hearing Cui Hong.
“Yes. Many high-grade divine medicines, after reaching a certain age, will transform, taking on the appearance of various beasts.”
Cui Hong nodded.
“Divine medicine is already extremely precious. The value of a divine medicine that has taken form is simply inestimable.”
Ye Yunfei couldn't help but exclaim in awe.
“Indeed. The divine medicine before us is extremely precious.”
Cui Hong nodded again.
“Senior, as far as I know, races belonging to medicine plants usually aren’t very strong in combat. Should we not attempt to capture it?”
Ye Yunfei sent a sound transmission to Cui Hong.
“You want to catch it? If you possess the ability, you can certainly give it a try.”
Cui Hong replied with a smile.
With a thought, Ye Yunfei quietly activated his Sky-Piercing Divine Vine. Immediately, dozens of thick green vines appeared in the space around the little white rabbit, reaching out from different directions to coil around it.
Simultaneously with Ye Yunfei’s move, Xiao Xiao also acted. Vivid flowers materialized out of thin air, densely packed, surrounding the rabbit from all sides.
While attacking, both Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao utilized their movement techniques, rushing toward the rabbit at their maximum speed.
However, a flash of white light, and the little white rabbit directly pierced through the space in front of it, traversing away. All of Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao’s attacks landed on empty air.
By the time Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao arrived at the spot where the rabbit had been, it had long vanished without a trace.
Unwilling to give up, Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao immediately released their Soul Power to try and track it, but they sensed nothing.
“So, how was it?”
Cui Hong laughed heartily.
“Senior, you already knew we couldn’t catch it, didn’t you?”
Ye Yunfei asked.
“Yes, I encountered this little white rabbit during my previous entry here. I also tried to capture it but failed to even touch a single hair. The combat power of these divine medicines indeed isn't very strong, but their speed and perception far surpass that of ordinary Deities. Catching them is no easy feat.”
Cui Hong nodded in reply.
“There’s a divine medicine up ahead, one that has already taken form. Move quickly to surround and capture it!”
While Cui Hong and Ye Yunfei were conversing, a voice suddenly rang out in the distance. Several Deities appeared far off, each radiating terrifying energy auras.
“Let's go. These guys are very powerful. They probably came from other fragments of void outside.”
Cui Hong glanced at those Deities and immediately sent a sound transmission to Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao.
“Why do I feel like our strength is being constrained everywhere we go in this Forbidden Land, always yielding, always running into walls? It's really frustrating.”
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm couldn’t help but send a sound transmission to Ye Yunfei, venting his frustration.
“Indeed. With our current strength within this True Phoenix Tomb, we must proceed with extreme caution. We cannot freely explore and seek treasures. It’s all because we are too weak.”
Ye Yunfei responded with a bitter smile.
Cui Hong led Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao away quickly. The group of Deities in the distance was busy trying to encircle and capture the transformed divine medicine and had no time to pay attention to Ye Yunfei's group of three.
“Let's speed up. We’ll soon reach the place where I hid my corpse.”
Cui Hong said.
Along the way, they passed many shattered planets and broken worlds. It was evident that this expanse of void was once a starry sky teeming with planets and worlds, a lively place. But now, it had become a wasteland, full of desolation and deathly silence, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
“We’re here.”
Cui Hong led Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao to a world whose barriers had been breached. He stopped and spoke.
“We’ve finally arrived!”
Both Ye Yunfei and Xiao Xiao felt their spirits lift.
“Come on, let's go inside.”
Cui Hong took the lead, walking into this devastated world.