Chapter 1151: Chapter 1151: Fame Is but a Cage

Jiebeiguan is the second grand pass on the Sixth Waterway, its scale magnificent, second only to the main pass of this route, Xuanwu Pass. It is famous for the ancient monument written by a Quasi-Saint guarding within the pass.

Nearly forty percent of the allied forces of Boundary River are gathered at this pass, overseen by the Alliance Hierarch, Emperor Cang, and the only Nine Tribulations Immortal Emperor of the allied forces, Old Demon Bai.

At this moment, Emperor Cang and more than twenty Eternal Old Freaks are holding a small meeting within Jiebeiguan. All the Eternal Old Freaks are filled with worries, even Old Demon Bai, who recently achieved a great victory against the Foreign Clans of Boundary River, is looking grim.

The content of the meeting is to discuss a way to counter the four different race Half-Saints of the Sixth Route. A few days ago, an Eastern Heaven Quasi-Emperor risked his life to gather intel on the fourth Half-Saint at Xuanwu Pass. As a result, he was discovered by that Half-Saint and killed on the spot, his flesh devoured by the different races.

Fortunately, that Eastern Heaven Quasi-Emperor did not sacrifice himself in vain. He had a Divine Skill that, upon his demise, could transmit the battle scenes of his fall back to a Formation he had set up during his lifetime.

Thus, Emperor Cang and others saw the scene of Profound Tail Daoist killing the Eastern Heaven Quasi-Emperor.

Neither Emperor Cang nor Old Demon Bai is a Master who has lived since ancient times. Just by watching some battle scenes, they couldn’t determine the identity or background of Profound Tail Daoist, only roughly deducing that he indeed possesses strength above a Half-Saint.

But Great Emperor Chonghe recognizes Profound Tail Daoist!

The waterway Great Emperor Chonghe was in before has long been recovered entirely, so he received orders to be transferred to the Sixth Route.

An elder at home is like a priceless treasure. No matter what, Great Emperor Chonghe is an elder from the era of the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor. Even if he deliberately concealed his prowess, with not much strength shown, he could still earn the utmost respect from most of the Old Monsters of East Heaven.

Upon seeing that this Half-Saint is actually a formidable warrior at Demon-Sealing Peak, Profound Tail Daoist, Great Emperor Chonghe’s face turned pale on the spot. When inquired about the reason, Great Emperor Chonghe recounted the origins of Profound Tail Daoist in detail.

Upon learning that Profound Tail Daoist had once even poisoned a Quasi-Saint to death, who could remain calm? Is there anyone in Jiebeiguan capable of matching Profound Tail Daoist?

"What are we to do? The extra Half-Saint of the enemy forces, even if it were just an ordinary Half-Saint, we would find it difficult to handle. Unexpectedly, this fourth Half-Saint is not an ordinary person but the renowned Profound Tail Daoist. Despite my arrogance, I know I am not a match for Profound Tail Daoist. It’s rumored that Profound Tail Daoist’s strongest Divine Skill is the art of poison. To your ignorance, my weakness happens to be poison... If the enemy were an ordinary poison cultivator, I could rely on my strength to crush and defeat them. But if it’s a poison cultivator at Profound Tail’s level..." Old Demon Bai sighed deeply, as in future engagements with the different races, being the strongest at Jiebeiguan, he would certainly be the one to face Profound Tail Daoist.

If he couldn’t match Profound Tail Daoist in a one-on-one duel, it would be extremely difficult for others to deal with the remaining three different race Half-Saints.

"Bajing Daoist Friend and Luohu Daoist Friend have received the message and are on their way from the Third Route. Bajing Daoist Friend is a veteran Eight Tribulations Celestial Emperor, and Luohu Daoist Friend has recently become an emperor. Although his realm has just stabilized, according to Bajing Daoist Friend, his combat power has already surpassed most Eight Tribulations Celestial Emperors, slightly stronger than the Senluo of yore who unlocked the Ring of the Initial Saint. If these two friends come to aid, we can be much relieved," said Emperor Jin Heng of the Golden Bull Palace.

"The aid of these two is indeed a good thing, but alas, still not enough..." someone sighed.

"Void Daoist Friend and Divine Void Daoist Friend also received the message and are on their way. The Shenhao Twin Emperors are skilled in joint techniques; if the two can team up, even if they cannot match a Half-Saint, they might be able to hold one off for a short time, alleviating some pressure on Brother Bai," said Yellow Turban Emperor, the veteran Immortal Emperor of the Old Monsters of East Heaven.

"Alas, that was in the past. Currently, the Shenkong Emperor has been severely injured, and his realm has dropped to only Seven Tribulations cultivation. The power of their joint strike with the Emperor Xukong has also greatly diminished. Although it might be difficult for them to hold off a Half-Saint now, their arrival does significantly enhance the strength of our Jiebeiguan," someone else shook their head and said.

"Truly, it seems we only have Ning Daoist Friend to rely on." Someone sighed deeply.

Ning Fan’s strength is now universally recognized as the foremost of the Allied Forces of Boundary River. But one must know, the war of Boundary River has commenced only a few decades hence.

Decades ago, what was the situation for Ning Fan? At that time, Eastern Heaven wasn’t facing a crisis; the cultivators of Eastern Heaven were not united then, and Ning Fan was still being hunted down by the Dark Clan...

Among those present, many had fawned over the Dark Clan and secretly targeted Ning Fan. Even those who maintained neutrality often had little fondness for Ning Fan.

Yet decades later, with the crisis in Eastern Heaven looming, Ning Fan unexpectedly became the beacon of hope for everyone, the most solid bulwark of the Allied Forces of Boundary River, his resounding victories one after another, earning immense admiration and reverence from countless allied cultivators, his reputation towering even higher than the esteemed Alliance Hierarch, Emperor Cang!

How could this not be poignant.

"When can Ning Daoist Friend arrive! If he is here, how insignificant would Profound Tail Daoist be? I’ve just received another piece of news from the Ninth Path; this Profound Tail Daoist reportedly appeared in the Ninth Route battlefield and was defeated by Ning Daoist Friend. Ning Daoist Friend’s Destroying Path Thunder Infant had directly crushed Profound Tail Daoist at that time."

"What! Ning Daoist Friend’s Destroying Path Thunder Infant directly crushed Profound Tail Daoist? Impossible, isn’t it? That Destroying Path Thunder Infant seems to be at just about Half-Saint cultivation. While formidable, to crush a Half-Saint from ancient times should still be insufficient."

"It is said that that Destroying Path Thunder Infant rides an Ancestral Thunder Sparrow, the fusion of their lightning power, thus allowing the Destroying Path Thunder Infant to exert its power exponentially, this means of enhancing combat strength by riding a sparrow is truly unheard of."

"I have heard some. In ancient times, many cultivators fought with their mounts, seemingly a very common practice. For us, cultivators of the Decline, riding a mount might just be for traveling, but some ancient powers seem to know the Secret Technique, capable of enhancing their own strength with the aid of their mount. This principle is akin to how mortal generals can significantly boost their prowess by leveraging the power of their warhorses. The quality of the warhorse can sometimes be the decisive factor in life-and-death duels for mortal generals..."

"That Profound Tail Daoist was defeated once by Ning Daoist Friend in the Ninth Route, yet coming to the Sixth Route, it is highly likely that he has devised a method to counter the Destroying Path Thunder Infant, something that cannot be ignored."

"If the opponent indeed has preparations laid out, this time it is uncertain whether Ning Daoist Friend can defeat Profound Tail Daoist again."

"Alas, the chaos of Boundary River, when will it settle, seeing friends and disciples dying one after another each day, yet powerless to stop it, it makes this old man’s heart ache."

"Daoist Friend Lin, who has witnessed countless slaughters, being so sentimental is truly unexpected for us."

"Alas, this old man indeed lacks peace of mind, but if peace could be attained, who would willingly be mired in the quagmire of war? I still cherish the once serene Boundary River."

"Once Ning Daoist Friend arrives, he might have a way to completely recover the Sixth Route."

"When will Ning Daoist Friend come?"

"He supposedly set out from the Ninth Path ten days ago, why has he not arrived yet."

"Why doesn’t the Alliance Hierarch contact Ning Daoist Friend to see where he is at this moment? Has he encountered any trouble on the way causing delays? If there indeed is trouble, we could dispatch manpower for assistance."

"Cough cough, with Ning Fan’s strength, how could he need our rescue."

"This old man is just acting out of goodwill and concern..."

Once Ning Fan was mentioned, the pressure on the old monsters of Eastern Heaven sudden relief. The clouds of worry over everyone’s hearts slightly dispersed.

They firmly believed that as long as Ning Fan came to aid, no matter how many different race half-saints there were, they would find a way to deal with them!

Emperor Cang heeded the advice of some old monsters and began contacting Ning Fan.

He was also somewhat worried about the trouble Ning Fan might encounter on his journey, after all, he had already known that Ning Fan could travel freely through the Boundary River without the help of a warship. According to his speed, he should have arrived at the Sixth Path days ago.

Yet, he was delayed for unknown reasons.

Ding ding ding.

It was the cross-domain communication from Emperor Cang’s jade talisman, trying to contact Ning Fan.

Buzz buzz buzz.

It was the sound of successfully contacting Ning Fan, but due to the magnetic interference of the Boundary River, the communication was not very effective, often accompanied by buzzing interference.

This was frustrating, but with Emperor Cang’s cultivation, there was no way to improve it.

"Does the Alliance Hierarch have business with me?" From the other end of the jade talisman came Ning Fan’s voice. Ning Fan roughly knew that Emperor Cang was looking for him for official business. Privately, he would directly call Emperor Cang Brother Daoist, but when it came to official matters, he would refer to Emperor Cang as the Alliance Hierarch to show respect.

"Hmm, you have been away from the Ninth Path for ten days and haven’t reached Jiebei Pass. Some Daoist friends and I are a bit worried that you might have encountered some trouble on the way."

Upon hearing this, from the other side of the jade talisman, it seemed that Ning Fan’s laughter came, a kind of joyful laughter.

Not only because he had just experienced a great victory, flattening Xuanwu Pass single-handedly.

But also because of Emperor Cang and others, who genuinely cared for him, which made him feel warm.

In the past, out of ten Eastern Celestial Cultivators, nine held hostility towards Ning Fan because his reputation was too notorious.

But now it’s different.

Ning Fan and countless old monsters of Eastern Heaven became comrades, became battle friends, feelings of mutual bleeding, feelings of men’s shared fate, feelings of jointly defending Eastern Heaven.

Among those who did not participate in the war, Ning Fan was not clear, at least among the Allied Forces of Boundary River, there was no one holding hostility towards him anymore.

On the battlefield, they were life and death comrades with Ning Fan.

If the war ended, and everyone returned to Eastern Heaven, they would not become enemies again, they would maintain this camaraderie...

"You seem to be in a good mood? It seems like you haven’t encountered any trouble? That’s good." Knowing that Ning Fan was safe and sound, Emperor Cang sighed in relief and also laughed.

All the old monsters present were infected by Ning Fan’s laughter from the jade talisman, and their pressure significantly lessened, as if merely hearing Ning Fan’s voice could dispel the current dire situations.

"Since you haven’t encountered trouble on the way, hurry to Jiebei Pass. We’re waiting for you to arrive and plan a strategy, to show the different races what we’re made of," said Emperor Cang.

"Uh, that might not be possible right now. I can’t split myself to go to Jiebei Pass, I need to stay at Xuanwu Pass for the time being..."

Ning Fan hadn’t finished speaking when all the old monsters present gasped.

What did they just hear!

Ning Fan said he is currently at Xuanwu Pass!

What a joke, does he have a death wish!

He actually infiltrated Xuanwu Pass alone? Entered the heartland of the different races?

"What! Why didn’t you say earlier that you were lurking at Xuanwu Pass! Do you intend to collaborate with us from inside and strike down Xuanwu Pass in one go! Although we don’t know how you managed to deceive and infiltrate Xuanwu Pass, quickly cut the contact, don’t let the half-saints of Xuanwu Pass detect it! Once they realize you’re within Xuanwu Pass, you’ll be in great danger! But this is also an opportunity, an excellent opportunity for collaboration..."

Emperor Cang’s powerful imagination had already pictured a scene.

The reason Ning Fan was delayed in reaching Jiebei Pass was because he had secretly infiltrated Xuanwu Pass.

To evade detection by four half-saints of different races and infiltrate Xuanwu Pass was as difficult as ascending to the heavens for ordinary people, but for Ning Fan, it was not an impossible task.

Ning Fan surely intended to collaborate from the inside to seize Xuanwu Pass, hence his deliberate infiltration!

No wonder for the delay. It turns out that he’s planning such a dangerous endeavor. If he’s not careful, he would be attacked by the strong cultivators of Xuanwu Pass, with no place to bury his body!

Emperor Cang imagined this possibility for a moment and felt somewhat moved; the young and handsome face showed moist eyes.

Moved by Ning Fan, who risked his life to protect Eastern Heaven. This action is so reminiscent of the Quasi-Emperor who sacrificed himself for the greater good before, so alike, so alike.

The ancient Eastern Heaven was known for its lamenting souls. The ancients did not deceive me, did not deceive me...

The Old Monsters of East Heaven, with their intelligence, imagined various plans of Ning Fan infiltrating Xuanwu Pass, trying to collaborate inside and outside to break the pass.

In a moment, Ning Fan’s position in everyone’s hearts elevated. His selfless qualities and persistence for justice moved one iron-hearted man after another.

In the cold and selfish cultivation world, how many dare to sacrifice their mortal bodies for the rise and fall of the nation, infiltrating deep into enemy lines?

How brave!

How passionate!

Such is the true essence of man!

From start to finish, no one thought Ning Fan ran to Xuanwu Pass to fight countless enemies head-on.

No one expected that Ning Fan had already taken down the entire Xuanwu Pass, eliminating all the different races at this post, and none of the enemy’s four Half-Saints managed to escape.

"Uh, it’s not what you all think..." On the other side of the Jade Talisman, Ning Fan realized that Emperor Cang and others misunderstood something, feeling both amused and helpless.

"Here’s how it went: three days ago, I arrived at the Sixth Waterway, and then, effortlessly broke through Xuanwu Pass. Since my own power alone is difficult to quickly repair Xuanwu Pass’s formation, fearing the enemy would return and reclaim this post, I temporarily can’t leave and must guard it..."

Silence, a deathly silence!

Whether Emperor Cang or Old Demon Bai, each was left speechless, stunned by Ning Fan’s calm words that conveyed shocking news!

"...Alliance Hierarch, quickly move the main forces of Jiebei Pass to Xuanwu Pass. Only by rebuilding Xuanwu Pass and repairing the formation can this post truly fall back into the hands of us Eastern Celestial Cultivators," Ning Fan suggested.

Silence, still a deathly silence!

Emperor Cang was the first to react from the shock, his expression extremely vivid. With a very serious tone, he addressed Ning Fan, "Be serious. The matter of Xuanwu Pass is crucial to the Sixth Path’s situation, crucial to the success of Boundary River, no joking..."

He felt Ning Fan’s talk of reclaiming Xuanwu Pass was mere jest.

Other Old Monsters of East Heaven also thought Ning Fan was joking, as no one believed that Ning Fan could single-handedly crush four Half-Saints, twenty-two Immortal Emperors, and over two hundred Immortal Venerables and Immortal Kings, and level Xuanwu Pass.

This is too fantastical!

Even a Quasi-Saint might not accomplish this feat!

Among the enemy’s four Half-Saints is the famed Profound Tail Daoist, who has even poisoned a Quasi-Saint, how powerful he is.

This person likely found a way to deal with Destroying Path Thunder Infant... how could Ning Fan easily break the pass!

"I am very serious..." came Ning Fan’s slightly helpless voice from the other end of the Jade Talisman.

He knew that what he accomplished again would deeply impact many.

But what could be done?

I am strong, blame me...

One must know that there are many existences stronger than me amongst the different race, even the Blood God Gengwu...

If you knew that Blood God Gengwu existed amongst the different race, you’d probably feel despair for Eastern Heaven’s future...

Sure enough, the matter of Blood God Gengwu cannot be recklessly spoken, as it would greatly shake the morale.

However, it also can’t be unspoken, as it would lead Emperor Cang and others to make overly optimistic misjudgments regarding the pacification of Boundary River.

"You truly... reclaimed Xuanwu Pass alone?" This question was not posed by Emperor Cang, but by Old Demon Bai, known for his reputation at Azure Sky White Jade Tower.

Unlike others, Old Demon Bai did not doubt the truth in Ning Fan’s words. Being similar in nature to Ning Fan, he too would dare to single-handedly attack and level Xuanwu Pass if his strength were adequate.

The problem was he didn’t possess such strength.

Previously, besieged by three half-saints, he was actually at a disadvantage. Helplessly taking a risk to sell an opening, fortunately, the Water Buffalo God fell for it, and only then did he severely injure the unlucky Water Buffalo God.

Eastern Celestial Cultivators increasingly revered him due to this achievement.

Enemies became more wary of him because of it.

Only Old Demon Bai knew that the same achievement couldn’t be replicated a second time. If besieged again by the Water Buffalo God and three different race half-saints, they wouldn’t get tricked, and he’d be defeated due to insufficient strength in their siege.

He lacked the power to match the three enemy half-saints.

Nor did he possess the strength to defeat the four different race half-saints, including Profound Tail Daoist.

Adding in twenty-two Immortal Emperors and over two hundred Immortal Venerables and Immortal Kings siege...

Old Demon Bai broke into a cold sweat just imagining.

Could Ning Fan really achieve this!

If that’s the case, then Ning Fan is far stronger than he thought, not just by a little bit. He always assumed Ning Fan was stronger than him but not infinitely so...

"Yes..." Ning Fan helplessly replied once more.

"We need proof! This matter is important, not a joke!" Old Demon Bai’s voice trembled a bit.

"It’s easy. I’ll send over parts of the battle footage..."

Ning Fan reluctantly shared parts of the footage from the battle, omitting some matters concerning Netherworld Ghost Flower, leaving traces of editing in the video, making it look incomplete.

Even so, it was enough to confirm the authenticity of Ning Fan’s words to Emperor Cang and others.

Through the footage, the indomitable stance of Ning Fan crushing the different race deeply imprinted on the minds of each Eastern Celestial Cultivator.

No fakery; Ning Fan truly did level Xuanwu Pass with just his strength alone...

After a deathly silence, the old monsters suddenly began cheering, venting their inner joy!

A moment ago, they were worried about attacking Xuanwu Pass, and now they directly received news that Xuanwu Pass had already been breached, how could they not celebrate!

Ning Fan is definitely the greatest contributor to the Boundary River Alliance!

Ning Fan is undeniably the hope of Eastern Heaven!

So reliable!

The battle report of Xuanwu Pass quickly spread across Jiebei Pass, which soon drowned in a sea of cheer.

Emperor Cang and others couldn’t contain their joy, but they knew the most urgent task now was not to celebrate but to mobilize forces to enter Xuanwu Pass, repair its formation, and connect the formations of all Boundary River passes into one!

Thus, different race Immortal Emperor-level beings will find it exceptionally difficult to emerge!

Thus, the plan to repair the Immortal Emperor Seal and completely seal off the different race could be initiated! Soon, the turmoil in Boundary River could be truly pacified!

Great joy, great joy indeed!

Of course, not everyone was equally happy.

Old Demon Bai seemed petrified, staying in place in a deeply impacted stance.

He was not unhappy about the victory, but simply too deeply, too heavily impacted.

The former First Demon of Eastern Heaven not only got surpassed by successors but by several streets apart. That feeling is unpleasant, unpleasant indeed.

"Brother Bai, are you alright..." Emperor Jin Heng noticed Old Demon Bai’s abnormality, sighed, and asked.

"I’m fine, let me take a moment, just a moment. I’m getting old, truly old... the new generation’s power surges leave no vessel for an old man like me... the river’s waves push forward, refusing to admit age... this era no longer belongs to Bai Yulou, nor to any outdated Senluo era. It doesn’t belong to Emperor Cang, nor to Golden Bull Palace, nor to Godly Void Pavilion... this era is named Ning Fan, named Ning Fan..."

Old Demon Bai said, deeply impacted.

However, after the impact, there was also a sense of relief and clarity, as his mindset seemed to improve.

It turns out his mindset had been shackled by the false fame of the First Demon of Eastern Heaven.

When Ning Fan completely shattered this false fame, Old Demon Bai finally felt the breadth of the cultivation road ahead, and how limited his vision had been all along.

His path to Quasi-Saint seemed clearer now...