Chapter 375: How Can You Imitate Me?

If Xu Chuan reached Core Formation, he would not be surprised in the slightest.

After all, the methods he displayed that day were already far beyond what a Foundation Establishment cultivator could achieve.

Even if the aura he revealed remained at the Foundation Establishment stage, others would simply assume his aura-concealing Secret Art was incredibly profound.

But Ye Fan...

He was simply too young!

So young that it felt completely inconceivable.

However, he also desperately hoped it was true.

Zhou Qingfang gazed quietly at Ye Xuehua's tombstone and silently thought, 'Xuehua, you have given birth to an extraordinary son!

If you were still alive, you would undoubtedly be proud of him!'

Ye Fan turned to Zhou Qingfang and said, "Grandmaster, I wish to relocate my mother's grave to the Dongxi Xu Clan's Mausoleum. May I ask for your permission?"

Hearing this, Zhou Qingfang fell into deep thought.

Thinking of the chaos that the Great Tribulation would bring, he guessed Ye Fan might be worried about this, and eventually gave a slow nod.

"Then let it be as you wish. By moving her there, you will also be able to visit her more often."

"Thank you for fulfilling my request, Grandmaster!" Ye Fan cupped his hands solemnly.

He immediately set to work, unearthing his mother Ye Xuehua's coffin and storing it safely inside his Storage Ring.

Afterward, he looked at Zhou Qingfang, pausing for a moment before suggesting, "Grandmaster... why don't you come back to Dongxi with us?"

Zhou Qingfang could hear the underlying meaning in Ye Fan's words; the young man was asking him to take shelter from the impending disaster.

"Then what about the tens of thousands of members in my Zhou family?"

Ye Fan fell silent at those words.

If Zhou Qingfang were to go alone, he believed his Honored Master would not refuse.

But relocating the entire Zhou Clan was something he had no authority to decide.

Moreover, the Zhou family had already separated a branch lineage to enter Dongxi. It was absolutely impossible for Xu Chuan to allow the entire Zhou family to migrate over as well.

Once this precedent was set.

What of the Qin family, the Li family, the Wang Family, the Chen Family, the Bai family, and all the other Vassal families?

And what of the Immortal Martial Alliance, founded single-handedly by the Xu Family?

What would happen to all the large and small families within the Immortal Martial Alliance who supported the Xu Family?!

Although the Xu Family seemed confident in surviving this Great Tribulation, no one actually knew how tragic the disaster would become, or how many Golden Core cultivators would emerge.

If they drew too much attention and provoked dozens or even hundreds of Golden Core experts.

Even if the invaders were only at the Early-Stage Golden Core, the Xu Family would still be unable to protect themselves.

Just how desperate would the Xu Family be then?

They had prepared for this exact day for decades.

Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, and Xu Deling—every single one of them had exerted all their effort to grow as rapidly as possible.

Only by surviving this Tribulation could the Xu Family truly expand enough to hold a massive voice across the entire Heavenly South, growing to possess a foundation of strength that would strike fear into countless factions!

And only with absolute power could they sever the endless, tragic cycle of bloodshed upon this land!

"Go on," Zhou Qingfang offered a faint smile.

This smile carried an indifference that seemed to see right through life and death.

It could also be their very last farewell.

Ye Fan silently offered him another deep bow before turning to Xu Deyue and the others, saying, "Let us go."

As Zhou Qingfang watched their departing figures, he whispered softly, "He is a good child, but everyone has Bonds. Bonds connect to more Bonds, and indecision will only lead to one's own ruin.

Having a kind heart is a good thing, but one must not have too much of it.

You still have much to learn from your Honored Master."

In Zhou Qingfang's eyes, Xu Chuan was exactly that kind of person.

He possessed many qualities—integrity, kindness, compassion—but never to an excessive degree.

When it was time to be ruthless, he was ruthless. When it was time to be decisive, he was decisive.

His gaze was always fixed ahead, never lingering with undue attachment to those he left behind.

At most, after those old friends passed away, he would occasionally remember them and briefly reminisce.

The entire Mausoleum fell dead silent. The only sound was the rustling of the rows of snow cedars—"Rustle, rustle"—as if murmuring in response to Zhou Qingfang.

A short while later.

With a soft sigh, he too departed from the Zhou Clan's Mausoleum.

Ye Fan and the others returned to Dongxi.

They immediately laid his mother, Ye Xuehua, to rest.

The tomb was built by Ye Fan's own hands, and the inscription on the stone tablet was carved by him as well.

Then, several days later.

Ye Fan went to the Jade Cold Pool to pay his respects to Xu Chuan.

"You've arrived."

Xu Chuan sat cross-legged Under the Kurong Tree, his eyes remaining closed.

"Honored Master."

Ye Fan cupped his hands and bowed.

"Thinking of taking a trip to the Great Wei Imperial City?"

"I can't hide anything from you."

"And what do you plan to do once you go? Kill the Cao Clan Ancestor? Slaughter the entire Cao lineage?"

"I..."

Ye Fan suddenly paused, somewhat unsure of how to answer.

A moment later, he declared, "This disciple swore an oath before my mother's tombstone that I would definitely trample the Cao lineage beneath my feet!"

"So, will you kill them or not?" Xu Chuan pressed again.

Pausing briefly, he continued, "Whether you kill them or not, as your master, I will not stop you. The only condition is that you bear the consequences."

Ye Fan was confused. "Please speak clearly, Honored Master?"

"If there were no Great Tribulation, slaying the Cao Clan Ancestor would at most cause the Cao lineage to decline or be annihilated. Since they have a grudge against you, you wouldn't feel any psychological barriers.

But the situation is different now.

The Cao Clan is not just a Golden Core Aristocratic Family towering over numerous other factions; it is also the protective umbrella for the Millions in the Imperial City.

If the Cao Clan is destroyed at this moment, their grand array will collapse.

Once the Great Tribulation begins, the countless Mortals, Cultivators, Martial Artists in the Imperial City will be left with no power to resist.

Of course, that doesn't mean the people of the Imperial City will pass through safely just because the Cao Clan is present.

But for you, these are two entirely different threads of Mysterious Karma.

Do you understand?"

Ye Fan had never thought so deeply about it before.

But he immediately understood. "Does Honored Master believe that if I crush the Cao Family for my own sake, I will have to bear a portion of the murderous sins for the Imperial City?"

"Mysterious Karma is profound; whether that is the case or not, even I cannot say for certain," Xu Chuan replied. "Immortal cultivators are inherently meant to Defy Heaven, so Killing is nothing significant.

The key is whether you can bear the weight of it, and whether you can remain calm and fearless.

Perhaps it means nothing right now, but in the future, when you attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, you might face a Heart-Demon Illusion of the Imperial City being slaughtered.

Humans are ultimately bound by the Seven Emotions and Six Desires. Faced with such a massacre, it is difficult for anyone to maintain their composure."

Ye Fan's eyes rippled slightly as he seemingly fell into deep thought.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

He looked up at Xu Chuan. "If it were you, Honored Master, what choice would you make?"

Xu Chuan gave a slight, warm smile. "You are you, and I am I.

Our ideologies are different, our ways of thinking are different, our experiences are different, and our Dispositions are different.

How can you imitate me?

I might as well tell you—the number of clans I have personally slaughtered, or those wiped out because of me, numbers no less than ten, and some among them were Golden Core Aristocratic Families.

Do you wish to go and personally annihilate ten clans just to imitate your master?

Just to experience my current state of mind?"

Ye Fan was mildly startled in his heart, but a moment later, he sighed softly. "This disciple cannot compare to Honored Master. I implore you to point me in the right direction."

"In truth, everyone related to your mother's death had already been wiped out back then. The only one left is the Cao Clan Ancestor. The impact of this Great Tribulation is too massive; even I cannot divine it clearly.

But it is highly likely that the major aristocratic families will all be shattered. Even if they aren't completely exterminated, they will be reduced to scattered survivors, unable to pose any threat.

Since there is no need for you to act personally, why dirty your own hands?"

"Does Honored Master disapprove of this disciple seeking revenge?"

"If there is a grudge, it naturally must be avenged. However, with death comes the end of one's Dao, and karma is settled. Right now, you are merely suffering from a lump of pent-up frustration in your chest.

You just need to vent it out."

Xu Chuan looked at him and said, "If you are willing, I have a task to assign you."

"Please speak, Honored Master."

"This is a Jade Tablet that isolates Golden Core Spiritual Sense Probing, and this mask can alter your appearance when worn." Xu Chuan flipped his hand and retrieved two items, continuing, "It is a pity, however, that the mask cannot block Spiritual Sense Probing from a Golden Core cultivator.

But with the Jade Tablet in your possession, it won't be an issue."

"Ye Fan, are you willing to help your master test the Heritage of the Cao Clan, the Sima Family, and the Liu Family?

When the time comes, if you want to slap the Cao Clan Ancestor's face, feel free to do so and vent your anger.

If your killing intent truly cannot be quenched, wait until the Demon Tribulation arrives. Then, you can take another trip to the Imperial City and join the bloody feast."

Test the three families?

Ye Fan thought for a moment, then suddenly gasped in shock, "Honored Master wants to take advantage of the Great Tribulation..."

"Although this region has declined, it is still extraordinary. These three families have been the overlords here for a millennium; it's hard to say what trump cards they hold in their hands.

They might possess Top-Tier Magic Treasures, incomplete Spirit Treasures, or peak Third-Tier and even Fourth-Tier Talismans.

If they truly do, it would naturally be better to seize them all and turn them into the Heritage of our Xu Family.

In doing so, we will also add another brick to the foundation of our Xu Family's effort to sever the cycle of slaughter in the Land of Imprisonment."

Ye Fan remained silent for a moment before cupping his hands in respect. "This disciple is willing to make the trip for Honored Master!"

"You can decide for yourself when to depart."

Ye Fan nodded, collecting the floating Jade Tablet and mask from mid-air before taking his leave.

When there were matters to attend to, a disciple should serve and bear the labor.

If Xu Chuan had to handle everything himself, he would undoubtedly be worked to death.

After all, he barely even had enough time to practice his Divine Sense Secret Method and Divine Abilities.

After returning.

Ye Fan spoke of this matter with Xu Deyue.

Xu Deyue pondered for a short while before telling him, "Grandfather has always been far-sighted and prudent. The Cao Clan is currently nothing in the face of our Xu Family.

Whether to kill them or not, and when to kill them—the decision rests entirely in your hands, husband."

Hearing this, Ye Fan sighed softly. "Very well. I will first make the trip for Honored Master, and also take the opportunity to vent this foul resentment. As for whether to kill them or not, I will give it some proper thought."

Three days later.

Ye Fan wore the Jade Tablet and then placed a dark mask over his face. His muscles and bones immediately shifted, forming a hideous, bone-deep scar across his cheek.

At this moment, Ye Fan resembled an unfamiliar middle-aged man in a black robe, bearing a vicious scar.

He was currently bidding farewell to Xu Deyue.

Right at this moment, the courtyard gate was pushed open with a "creak."

Xu Chongfei pushed the door and stepped in. He looked up, only to suddenly see an unfamiliar scarred man holding his mother's hand. He instantly froze in place.

He blinked his eyes several times, a mixture of shock, sudden realization, and even a hint of comical excitement flashing across his face. He hurriedly lowered his voice and whispered, "Mother! Has father done something to wrong you?

Don't worry, your son will definitely stand on your side. I absolutely won't leak a single word to father..."

Before his words had even finished echoing.

The black-robed figure flashed behind him like a streak of lightning.

Just as Xu Chongfei tried to react, a sinewy hand clamped down on the back of his neck, while another palm slapped the back of his head without mercy.

"Smack," rang out a crisp sound.

The youngster was smacked so hard that stars danced before his eyes, sending him stumbling forward several steps.

"Ouch! Father! My own dear father! Your son was merely joking, you hit way too hard!"

Xu Chongfei cradled his head and wailed miserably.

The muscles on the scarred man's face twitched faintly, a dark aura lingering around him.

"If you speak out of turn again, I'll make you properly experience how 'A Father's Love is Like a Mountain'."

His voice was hoarse and grating, completely different from his original tone.

Xu Deyue covered her lips with her sleeve, the corners of her eyes curving slightly with mirth. "Stop fooling around. Husband, it's time for you to leave."

Ye Fan let out a heavy snort. With a sweep of his Sleeve Robe, his figure instantly transformed into a streak of ink-black lightning, piercing through the morning mist and vanishing into the clouds on the horizon.

Great Wei Imperial City, West Gate.

The morning light gilded the towering city walls, while the Tier 3 Golden Light Spirit-Locking Array shimmered with a water-like glow.

Ye Fan restrained his aura down to Mid Foundation Establishment and slowly walked along with the crowd entering the city.

Although he encountered questioning upon entering the city and had to use Spirit Stones to purchase a City Entry Token, he safely made his way into the imperial capital.

A Tier 3 Formation, even if it was Low Grade.

With his strength, it would take him over a full day and night of continuous attacks to break through it alone.

Stepping through the city gates.

The familiar bustling atmosphere of the marketplace assaulted his senses.

The tavern banners were still hung in their usual spots, and the worn grooves on the bluestone paved roads remained just as they had been in the past.

The overall layout hadn't changed much.

Ye Fan's gaze swept over the flying eaves and wooden brackets, feeling neither sorrow nor joy in his heart.

He didn't stop. His figure flickered slightly, already transforming into a streak of crimson light shooting towards the Great Wei Imperial Palace.

Moments later.

He arrived directly above the imperial palace's grand array.

His black robes violently billowed out as Golden Core Pressure erupted like a bursting volcano!

"Cao Jiyi, roll out here for me!"

His furious roar crashed down like Heavenly Thunder from the nine heavens. The visible soundwaves pushed away the clouds and rattled the palace tiles below.

Every Cultivator in the entire city could hear it.

"This Pressure is... a Golden Core Perfected Being!"

In the West Market Teahouse, the teacup in a white-bearded elder's hand shattered with a sharp crack.

Several beams of Foundation Establishment light rapidly dashed into mid-air, gazing over from afar.

"Who is the intruder?"

"Could it be that person from the Xu Family?" someone questioned in shock.

"Looking at this person's appearance, it doesn't seem like him, but it's hard to guarantee it isn't a disguise. We'll know once we see him strike," another refuted.

"This Golden Core powerhouse comes with ill intent. From the looks of it, he bears a grudge against the Cao Family!"

Countless people discussed the situation endlessly.

Great Wei Imperial Palace.

Ye Fan threw a punch directly onto the grand array.

A golden light flared abruptly as the array's barrier fully materialized.

At this moment, dozens of Cao Clan disciples charged out. Some flew on their swords, while others hovered mid-air.

At their helm was the First Elder, Cao Dezhang. With his Beard and Hair Bristling, he shouted fiercely through the barrier, "Who are you, Senior? Why have you come to cause trouble for our Cao Family?

What enmity does our Cao lineage have with you?"

"I just don't like the sight of your Cao Family, is that not allowed?" The scarred man's voice ground out like gravel against iron.

"Despicable!" the crowd of disciples within the array cursed angrily.

A young man wearing a reddish-gold Dharma Robe stepped out from the crowd. His eyes were like cold stars, and his cultivation had actually reached Late Foundation Establishment.

He raised his head and looked Ye Fan straight in the eye without the slightest hint of fear. "Cease your arrogance! The Cao Family is not a place where you can run wild!"

Ye Fan's gaze landed on his face, pondering inwardly: 'Is he the rumored Heavenly Spiritual Root Genius of the Cao Family?

'The Cao Family does still have some Providence left.

'But what a pity, you won't survive this Great Tribulation!

Even a genius is utterly useless if they can't live long enough to grow up!'

"Noisy brat."

He was too lazy to speak any further and was just about to form hand seals to continue attacking the grand array's Light Screen.

Suddenly, a streak of blazing fiery light blasted into the sky from somewhere within the imperial palace!

Cao Jiyi broke out of his seclusion, hovering outside the array. His gaze scraped over Ye Fan like lightning as the two confronted each other in mid-air.

"Who are you, sir?"

With completely white hair and a youthful face, his deep, piercing eyes stared indifferently. Clad in a simple green cloth Daoist robe, his voice carried the robust strength of an elder.

"What does it matter to you who I am?"

"Since you've come out, let me see just what kind of garbage you've managed to cultivate over the last few centuries!"

Ye Fan's black robes fluttered as he shockingly took the initiative to strike!

"Arrogant whelp!"

"You're courting death!"

Cao Jiyi didn't waste his breath either. Seeing Ye Fan's incoming punch, he flipped his palm, and an entirely Crimson Flying Sword materialized out of thin air. He immediately slashed out a beam of sword light to meet the attack head-on.

Ye Fan's fist was devoid of any flash or brilliance, yet it directly smashed Cao Jiyi's crimson sword light into pieces.

Cao Jiyi's expression shifted drastically.

Pointing his fingers to subtly guide the energy, a Scarlet Sun Shield engraved with the image of a three-legged golden crow shot forward, spiritual patterns flowing across its surface.

It had previously been damaged by Xu Mingwei, but it had now fully recovered.

Having shattered the sword light, Ye Fan's momentum didn't diminish in the slightest as he closed in on Cao Jiyi.

"Clang—!!!"

The collision of fist and shield exploded with a deafening resonance, like the striking of a massive bronze bell!

Ye Fan smashed straight through the shield's light barrier, heavily slamming into the Scarlet Sun Shield itself.

The spiritual patterns on the shield flickered rapidly. Along with the shield, Cao Jiyi was sent flying back over three hundred meters. A metallic sweetness rose in his throat, and he was forced to swallow down the mouthful of surging blood.

A tempest of sheer terror surged in his heart: 'Just what terrifying realm has this person's physical body reached, to actually be able to forcibly shake a Magic Treasure?!

'Could it be that he is a Body Cultivator?!'