Chapter 287

Arrogant! Do you believe it or not...

That person had never been spoken to like that by a big black dog; he was furious, about to lash out, but Dao Yi raised his hand to stop him.

Dao Yi could tell the big black dog was extraordinary; its pitch-black fur rivaled divine weapons, and among the many divine beings he had seen, most likely fell short.

"A dragon horse? It's actually such a divine beast."

In an instant, he identified the dragon horse, marveling and unable to believe it.

"Fellow Daoist, that immortality elixir was left by my father..."

After a moment's thought, Dao Yi forced himself to speak; he understood the elixir's value, and since he had willingly followed them, it was awkward to ask for it back.

"Get lost! If you're not satisfied, come and take it!"

The dragon horse was proud and unruly, lifting its hooves as if to kick, its nostrils spewing fire.

"You're practically begging for death!"

The middle-aged man's face turned green with anger, but he dared not act on Dao Yi's orders, feeling so upset he wanted to cough up blood and swallow it.

Even a venerable ancient sage, being denounced by a dog and a horse who have cultivated the Three Severings of the Immortal Path, is a utter disgrace.

"I'll give you two options: first, we fight; if I win, the immortality elixir is mine; if you win, you can do whatever you want."

Second, I'm not heartless; I can break off a tender shoot and give it to you, then let you go.

Yang Chu spoke calmly; Dao Yi was certainly a notable figure, and he didn't want to go too far.

"You have no idea how high the heavens and deep the earth are; before you stands a divine heir, yet you dare act so disrespectfully!"

The middle-aged man could no longer contain himself; his whole body shook with anger, and after speaking he stepped forward.

The next moment, the ancient emperor's formation here reacted, as if slowly reviving...

"Boom!"

Yang Chu's fingertip emanated the Auspiciousness of the Great Dao, weighty as ten thousand jun, able to collapse the heavens and detonate stars, like a nine-heaven Milky Way hanging upside down, pouring down!

"How is that possible?"

The ancient sage's expression shifted; sensing a deathly aura from the myriad‑zhang Great Dao Auspiciousness, his hairs stood on end and his heart pounded. The Great Dao divine light froze time, chaos intertwining, arriving in an instant and hurling him sideways thousands of zhang.

"Pfft..."

Gorgeous blood blossoms erupted; the ancient sage's body was mostly blown apart, leaving only his head and half his chest, a horrifying sight! "You dare harbor killing intent toward me? I only give you this one chance."

Yang Chu's eyes were deep, intricate Dao patterns appeared, the void rang with the Great Dao's Reincarnation Heavenly Sound, and the Order Divine Chains intertwined, sealing the ancient sage's primordial spirit.

With just a thought, he could instantly obliterate the primordial spirit, destroying both body and soul.

"Fellow Daoist, this servant is ignorant; please show mercy and spare his life."

Dao Yi was stunned; he hadn't expected the person before him to be so terrifying that a casual strike almost killed an ancient sage.

He was deeply shocked; Yang Chu's strength was the greatest he had ever seen, far surpassing anyone he had encountered before.

"How's your decision?"

Yang Chu released that strand of primordial spirit; even a fifth‑level saint poses no threat to him.

"The Ancient Tree of Life... those who are capable know; since it wishes to follow you, fellow Daoist, it is yours."

After a moment of silence, Dao Yi took a deep breath, a strange light flickered in his eyes as he pondered, then clasped his hands and smiled.

Now the situation is such that, even if he is unwilling, he must first endure; judging by the circumstances, Yang Chu's party is definitely not to be provoked.

"I know you're deep‑scheming; if you stop here, that's fine, but if you let me find out you're spreading rumors everywhere, I will surely cut you down."

Yang Chu broke off a treetop and gave it to the other party, then immediately mounted the dragon horse and headed beyond the realm, intending to embark on a new journey.

"Are you a descendant of the Dao Yan Great Emperor?... I feel you're somewhat fitting; barely qualified to be an opponent of an imperial heir."

Before leaving, the big black dog glanced at Dao Yi with interest, uttered those words, then hurriedly followed.

"He's actually an imperial heir as well..."

Dao Yi squatted in place, his clenched fists slowly loosening as he watched Yang Chu's retreating back, falling into contemplation.

At this moment he suddenly understood, yet what made him unwilling was that, as fellow imperial heirs, why would the Ancient Tree of Life choose the other side?

(Ancient Tree of Life: I don't want to either, but he secured the Great Emperor's recommendation!)

"Imperial heir, just how strong is Dao Yi really?"

After leaving the ancient star, the black dog couldn't wait to ask; although he spoke arrogantly, he also knew Dao Yi's strength was not to be underestimated.

"About the same as Ye Fan, though this person is very deep‑scheming."

Yang Chu spoke truthfully, recalling how Dao Yi spent years of time and effort to set up a killing scheme, even scheming a great sage into it.

Although there were some hiccups at the end, the Ancient Tree of Life had half its foliage plucked by the Six‑Eared Macaque, yet this still shows his cunning.

Yang Chu took the Ancient Tree of Life; first, he fancied the divine elixir; second, he didn't want to see this divine tree torn in half as in the original story.

"It doesn't matter anyway; we trust you, if he dares play dirty, I'll just stomp him into minced meat!"

In a few years, the dragon horse's strength increased greatly; beneath the saint level, it can be said to have no rival.

After saying that, he produced an antique herb, took a few bites and devoured it; since following Yang Chu, he has never lacked various divine medicines.

"Xiaohei, this is for you."

Suddenly, Yang Chu leapt down from the dragon horse, took out the treasure wheel, and handed it to the Black Emperor.

This was obtained earlier in the Kunlun Mountains; it is a great sage's holy weapon, oriented toward formations, and perfect for the Black Emperor.

"Whoa... thank you, Imperial Heir!"

Staring at the flawless great sage's holy weapon, the Black Emperor's eyes shot green light, blazing hot.

Finally, he removed the black gourd from his neck, hung the treasure wheel on it, then strutted back and forth, quite pleased.

"What, I also have one?"

Immediately, Yang Chu took out the Antidragon Spear and gave it to the dragon horse; excited, it raised its hooves and its divine flame intensified.

I may often go into seclusion; by then you can rely on these, at least you'll have means of self-defense.

The ancient human road gathered the heaven‑chosen ones from all star fields; given the temperament of those two fellows, eight out of ten they would stir up considerable trouble.

If one day they are not by Yang Zhu's side, even with a holy weapon in hand they would not be too embarrassed.

"If anyone clueless shows up, I'll unleash the holy weapon and smash his head!" the Black Emperor shouted.

Yang Zhu continued onward, constantly traversing the ancient road deeper into the cosmos.

The big black dog is versed in formation arts, often setting up grand teleportation arrays that span vast star fields, so their speed is extremely fast.

Along the way they passed many ancient stars, encountered many powerful beings, and even fought great battles, all of which Yang Zhu suppressed.

Unlike other travelers on the starry ancient road who must endure countless life‑and‑death trials to press on, Yang Zhu virtually swept all before him, invincible in every direction! After obtaining the Ancient Tree of Life, they pressed on for over a year, finally entering a special route one day. "Haha, we've finally arrived!"

The horse trod across the star field, leaving a blaze, carrying Yang Zhu as he leapt into the heavens, making the very universe tremble.

Along this road they saw dozens of ancient steles pointing the way forward.

Along the way they successively encountered some individuals, all heaven‑chosen prodigies from every corner of the cosmos.

They were a group that had undergone the baptism of life and death, brimming with killing intent, their expressions cold, their auras not weak, drawing sideways glances.

"Roar……"

Many had mounts beside them—some like qilin‑dragons, some like serpent‑devouring beasts, with scales dense and killing intent rolling, truly terrifying.

The barbarian beasts let out long howls, emitted through divine sense, with surging blood energy, like a pack of prehistoric savage beasts charging forth, making the starry sky tremble.

"Who is this person? I actually cannot discern his true nature."

Yang Zhu's arrival immediately caused an uproar; many were shocked by his bearing and strength, casting curious glances his way.

He sat upon the dragon horse in a fluttering black robe, resembling a heavenly emperor on patrol, his very stillness giving off an aura of unrivaled supremacy across ages.

Such noble bearing emanated from his very bones, needing no deliberate display; it flowed naturally.

"Good heavens! What kind of divine beast is this, so handsome?"

Compared to the dragon horse, those wild beasts paled greatly, causing many onlookers to glance sideways and shout praise.

The dragon horse concealed nothing, showing its true form—its whole body fiery red, brighter than silk, bearing dragon scales like phoenix‑blood crimson gold that glittered radiantly.

The dragon horse stepped upon blazing flames, its entire body fiery red like the scorching sun, proud as a deity, bearing a look that overlooks the world.

"Neither dragon nor horse, yet bearing dragon scales on a horse's body—could this be the legendary dragon horse?"

"That is the exclusive mount of the ancient emperors—just where did it come from?!"

Those who can come here are hardly ordinary; soon someone recognized the dragon horse's identity, and curiosity about Yang Zhu's origins grew even stronger.

"Whoo——"

The dragon horse bore a wild, untamed aspect, letting out a roar like a dragon's chant, exuding divine martial might.

"Get out of the way!"

In the distance, a purple‑hued qilin‑like beast galloped; its rider shouted a rebuke, and the person ahead instinctively stepped aside a few paces.

Just then, a refined‑looking scholar with a feather fan and silk headscarf came from behind, his feet tracing dao patterns that spanned thousands of feet with each step.

"Since ancient times the imperial road is littered with bones; with me invincible, no one on this route will yield to another."

He shook his head as he passed, a hint of contempt in his voice as he spoke those words.

"If you harbor fear and make way for others, why come here? You might as well turn back."

Others also spoke up: who among those who set foot on the ancient road does not have an invincible conviction? It is impossible to yield casually.

"Somewhat interesting."

The big black dog muttered, "The human ancient road is indeed extraordinary—everyone here is here to prove the Dao, each possessing the conviction to do so."

Yang Zhu and company pressed forward along the ancient road, treating everything around them as invisible; others were savvy, and no one dared to rashly provoke them.

Upon reaching the end of the stone stele, the crowd ahead swelled; everyone bore their own aura and pressure—at a glance they were all outstanding figures, with no ordinary ones among them.

"Good grief, have we… have we arrived?"

The big black dog was moved, his eyes widening involuntarily.

Ahead lay a majestic grand city, its atmosphere vast, with dragon chants and phoenix calls echoing; it stretched across the star‑moon sky, eternal through the ages.

Moonlight poured down, starlight fell like a waterfall, silvery‑white star rivers hung in strands, making the whole ancient city look mysterious and magnificent.

Before the ancient city gathered many travelers, at least three hundred plus, who now halted here, not advancing further.

Everyone present was a prodigy among prodigies, and many were especially conspicuous.

For example, in an open expanse stood thirteen riders side by side.

Each of them wore holy garments, flashing different metallic cold lights, like a steel torrent crushing forward.

And their mounts were all primeval exotic species, each exceedingly rare—like the ancient pixiu beast, mighty and martial, overlooking the heavens.

"They are the Thirteen Riders of the Primordial Wilds, said to hail from an ancient star realm, their power unfathomable, yet few have ever seen them act."

Some whispered among themselves; it seemed this group had not yet arrived, yet already possessed considerable fame.

"Half a year ago I heard they had been blood‑bathing all the way, sweeping aside all opposition, even stirring the guides."

Not long after, someone else revealed this astonishing news, shocking many.

The guides, by definition the guardians of the first pass, oversee an ancient gate, tasked with leading the multitude of travelers and directing them.

"Second Brother, that person actually rides a dragon horse—where does he come from?"

"I don't know, but I feel it's not that simple; I'll pay closer attention later."

Yang Zhu arrived, mounted on the dragon horse, instantly causing a stir—even the Thirteen Riders turned their gazes toward him.

"Hey, why are you all stopped here instead of going in?"

Faced with the multitude of accomplishments, the big black dog felt no fear, lifted his head, and casually asked someone for information.

"This place isn't opened daily; it usually opens once every half a year to five years, and the nearest opening is about ten days away."

Those who come here are hardly ordinary; the big black dog's ability to speak is no surprise, and he gave a fairly patient explanation.

"Besides, it doesn't open every time; it depends on the circumstances—this time the crowd is truly too large."

A young man crossed his arms and explained a sentence.

"When I arrive, it will naturally open."

Yang Zhu rode on a dragon horse, walking forward step by step, his aura leisurely divine, as if on a tour.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, a dull sound echoed from within the ancient city, rumbling like heavenly thunder rolling down, shaking many people's emotions into agitation.

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, the heavy city gate let out a "creak" and actually slowly opened! Rows of soldiers clad in iron armor, holding cold weapons, lined both sides; through the gaps in their armor, one could see pairs of utterly indifferent eyes.

A robust figure stepped out, his aura terrifying enough to make one gasp; even a casual wisp of his qi could shake distant stars! Upon his appearance, a powerful pressure swept forth, the six directions all moved, making the outside of the city instantly silent, no one daring to speak a word.

"Envoy of the First Pass of the Human Race, respectfully welcoming the Human Race Imperial Prince!"

Finally, he stood before the ancient pass, cupping his hands toward Yang Zhu in a bow, extremely courteous and respectful.

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts exploded like a pot boiling over, shocked to the extreme, none could remain calm.

The Human Race Imperial Prince has arrived, actually startling the guide; not only did he open the gate early, but he personally came out to greet!

This is unprecedented in ancient times; one can imagine how extraordinarily gifted the visitor is! (End of chapter)