The universe and starry sky, in fact, lack the concepts of up, down, left, and right. To determine directions, one must select a reference point.

The Boundary River is the reference point for the Four Heavens to determine direction.

The horizontal plane of the Boundary River defines the horizontal direction of Eastern Heaven; while the vertical direction penetrating into the center of the Boundary River is used to determine up, down, left, right, north, south, west, and east.

Entering the Boundary River feels like stepping from Eastern Heaven into another world. A step outside is the vast emptiness of the Eastern Heaven starry sky; a step inside is the tumultuous river where heaven and water meet. Two completely different scenes intersect at the boundary of the Boundary River, bizarre and colorful, giving one a sense of awe.

Although called a river, the width of its surface and the immense amount of water make it not an exaggeration to describe it as a boundless sea. At the border of the Boundary River is a gigantic ferry port built along the riverbank, existing since ancient times, known as the "Taiyuan Ferry." Every master entering or exiting Eastern Heaven must pass through here, either departing or arriving by boat...

From Taiyuan Ferry, there are twelve water routes connecting different realms. Nine of these routes have been abandoned over the long years, turning into dead zones; the remaining three routes connect to the North, West, and South Heavens, serving as the crossing paths for the masters of the Four Heavens.

Along the twelve water routes, there are giant bottlenecks appearing every few days’ journey, always guarded by Eastern Heaven cultivators: first, to prevent cultivators from other heavens from rampaging through Eastern Heaven’s borders; second, to guard against the Shui Clan from the riverbed of the Boundary River, against Eastern Heaven.

Due to the chaos of the Boundary River, hundreds of bottlenecks on the water routes have all been broken by different races, and the guarding cultivators were all massacred... Only Taiyuan Ferry, due to its strong formation and the River Guarding Immortal Emperor guarding it, hasn’t been quickly captured by the foreign clans of the Boundary River. Otherwise... at this moment, foreign clans might have already invaded Eastern Heaven, plundering and destroying...

This time, the conference at the Boundary River initiated by Emperor Cang is held at Taiyuan Ferry.

Though the conference was issued in the name of only nine Immortal Emperors, many Immortal Emperors responded.

On the surface, due to the chaos of Senluo, Eastern Heaven’s sixteen emperors were reduced to fourteen. Later, due to the sequential deaths of the Seventh Generation Slaughter Emperor and Emperor Hanyun, twelve emperors remain.

But in reality, there are even more hidden Immortal Emperors, unknown to the world, who have responded after seeing the decree of the nine emperors.

When Ning Fan arrived at Taiyuan Ferry riding the clouds, the ferry was already crowded with tens of thousands of Immortal cultivators, with hundreds of sect flags fluttering above, truly a gathering of heroes.

Moreover, over twenty so auras of Immortal Emperors faintly emanated from a gigantic palace within the ferry, a few of which Ning Fan recognized, but most were unfamiliar. Evidently, the owners of those unfamiliar auras were reclusive cultivators, not well known in Eastern Heaven...

Hundreds of sects are just the initial wave. Since Emperor Cang’s recruitment order was issued only six days ago, Eastern Heaven’s Second Step Immortal sects number at least tens of thousands, with varying distances from the Boundary River. Those arriving first are from the nearer factions; many more forces are still en route to reinforce the Boundary River...

The number of Immortal Emperors made Ning Fan slightly surprised, and then calmed internally. With so many Immortal Emperors stationed at Taiyuan Ferry, it was wishful thinking for foreign clans to truly invade Eastern Heaven.

He was a bit surprised by the enthusiastic reception from tens of thousands of cultivators as soon as he arrived at Taiyuan Ferry. The scene was so grand that it could be described as city-wide exhilaration.

This left Ning Fan both amused and helpless; being notorious as he was, he was unexpectedly welcomed so warmly by Eastern Heaven sects, an experience he was unaccustomed to.

Although unaccustomed, it was understandable.

Eastern Heaven was rife with wars, with battles breaking out nearly every day. From this perspective, Eastern Heaven should be the least united and peaceful heaven.

Yet when a crisis huge enough to affect the entirety of Eastern Heaven arises, the cultivators of Eastern Heaven often show unprecedented unity, united against external threats... History has proven this many times. Whether in the past battles of the Four Heavens versus the demon race or during the Boundary River chaos 32 million years ago, or even during the previous Senluo chaos, Eastern Heaven cultivators were extremely united.

As for the hundreds of Immortal sects arriving now, very few were summoned unwillingly by Emperor Cang and others through stern wording of recruitment orders.

More sects came voluntarily, such as those hidden Immortal Emperors not forced by Emperor Cang and others, yet still came.

The blood and passion of Purple Astral Immortal cultivators are deeply imprinted in the bones of Eastern Heaven cultivators. Their cultivation and killing are merely done out of necessity for resource competition; but when external enemies arise and great disasters are imminent, the majority of Eastern Heaven cultivators still have burning passion, daring to resist the invaders.

The tragedy 32 million years ago serves as a warning to every cultivator of Eastern Heaven. Back then, the invasion of foreign clans into Eastern Heaven led to a seventy percent reduction in Eastern Heaven cultivators, the removal of tens of thousands of Immortal sects from history, and the desolation of countless cultivation stars... Many ancient beings remember the tragedy deeply, which is why they so heavily emphasize the Boundary River chaos.

To prevent the recurrence of such tragedy, numerous sects feel the responsibility of defending the land and voluntarily come forth; even hidden Immortal Emperors, still resentful over the last battle against foreign races, willingly step back into the mortal world to settle scores with the Boundary River foreign clans.

This time, with everyone united against external threats, Ning Fan’s arrival is naturally welcomed. Despite Ning Fan’s negative reputation, notorious and vile.

Who would blame Ning Fan for his considerable power, a formidable reinforcement worthy of anticipation? As an adversary, he is quite troublesome, but as a companion, there is no one more dependable.

When Ning Fan arrived, the conference had been ongoing for six days, with sect masters from various sects rushing from far away every day to this location.

Upon his arrival at Taiyuan Ferry, several Fragmented Thought Elders with considerable status appeared, their expressions cautious, interrogating.

"We are cultivators from the local Golden Bull Palace at Taiyuan Ferry, invited by Emperor Cang to oversee all reception matters for this conference. May I ask if you are the Slaughter Hall Master, Lord Ning Fan?"

Although Ning Fan’s name was already widespread across Eastern Heaven, only a few had actually seen Ning Fan; cultivators like those from the Golden Bull Palace, guarding the Boundary River for generations, remain uninvolved with the mortal world of Eastern Heaven. Although these Fragmented Thought Elders could sense the massive pressure emanating from Ning Fan and had memorized his appearance and aura, they still needed to interrogate to confirm Ning Fan’s identity.

What if the other party was a disguise by foreign clans of the Boundary River? Such incidents have occurred, and over these few days, several foreign clans of Boundary River have changed into Eastern Heaven cultivators’ appearances, attempting to infiltrate and disrupt the conference. Fortunately, they’ve all been caught by Golden Bull Palace cultivators.

"I am Ning Fan."

"Do you have proof?"

"How should I prove it?"

"Please place your palm on this killing intent stone; should you be a disguised foreign race, the stone will raise an alarm; but if you’re not, there will be no reaction."

"Oh? Has the conference experienced incidents of disguised foreign races?" Ning Fan asked, slightly astonished.

"Yes, until now, there have been forty-four instances of foreign clans infiltrating, with the most severe involving an Exotic Immortal King... Due to this, we juniors have to be more cautious. We apologize for any offense caused to Lord Ning Fan."

"It’s nothing, bring the killing intent stone over."

Ning Fan nodded, with no intention to complicate things for the Golden Bull Palace cultivators, placing his palm on the killing intent stone handed over by several Golden Bull Palace Fragmented Thought Elders.

As expected, the killing intent stone had no reaction.

Seeing Ning Fan cooperating like this, several Golden Bull Palace cultivators were surprised but also relieved internally, thinking that this Eighth Generation Slaughter Emperor seems not as unkind as rumored, at least towards those with lower cultivation; he is quite gracious, much more genial than many overpowering elders.

The few collected the killing intent stone, respectfully apologizing to Ning Fan, then courteously leading him to where the Golden Bull Palace was located.

Ning Fan consistently collaborated with the actions of Golden Bull Palace cultivators, thereby unknowingly gaining considerable favor from the Golden Bull Palace.

"Senior brother, this Ning Fan seems not as arrogant and rude as you said. I find him quite an honest person; perhaps we can take this opportunity at the conference to make his acquaintance..." Inside the Golden Bull Palace, an elderly Immortal Emperor with Six Calamities cultivation laughed to another Immortal Emperor with Seven Calamities cultivation beside him.

These two are the Twin Emperors of the Golden Bull Palace, known as the "Two Sages of Boundary River," Jin Heng and Niu Heng.

The speaker is Emperor Niu Heng, clearly aged with white hair, yet he exudes a heroic aura, seemingly quite adept in the path of Body Refinement.

The other Seven Calamity Immortal Emperor is Emperor Jin Heng, who doesn’t readily endorse his junior brother’s words but says meaningfully, "It is easy to know a person’s face but not their heart. You, Junior Brother, are good at everything except for making friends indiscriminately; having friends all over, you must understand that worldly matters tend to be broad yet not deep, and as the lake and seas widen, they become mixed with fish and dragons..."

"Haha, Senior Brother still loves to preach. Old Niu has always trusted his intuition. I feel this Ning Fan is not bad; whether you believe it or not is up to you."

"Hmm, the individual has already arrived outside the Golden Bull Palace; it’s our turn to welcome him. Although he hasn’t achieved emperorship, he has killed an Immortal Emperor, infamous for his ferocity; we shall not underestimate him."

"Senior Brother, you’re so long-winded; Old Niu has already said he wants to make friends with him, why would I neglect him?"

The two exchanged smiles and transformed into two streaks of golden light, flying out of the Golden Bull Palace.

The Golden Bull Palace resembles a majestic divine bull gazing down at the Boundary River, symbolizing the duty of Golden Bull Palace cultivators: guarding the Eastern Heaven’s border across generations.

Ning Fan secretly observed the massive layout of the Golden Bull Palace. He felt that this arrangement was incredibly formidable, clearly concealing an extraordinary formation array. It is no wonder this time in the chaos at the Boundary River, the Golden Bull Palace, with only the Twin Emperors holding fort, managed to single-handedly repel the different race’s attack and guard Taiyuan Crossing.

These Golden Bull Twin Emperors and Two Sages of Boundary River possess true capabilities and are certainly not the weaker ones among Immortal Emperors...

"Haha, but the Slaughter Hall Master has arrived; it’s a shame not to have greeted you earlier, I hope Daoist Ning can forgive this once."

Two hissing sounds split the air, as two golden lights emerged from the Golden Dragon Palace, landed, and transformed into the two emperors who slightly cupped their fists toward Ning Fan.

"Indeed, I am Ning Fan; there’s no need for the two Daoists to trouble themselves with greeting me, you both are too courteous."

Ning Fan politely returned the two’s courtesy; while they secretly sized him up, he was also discreetly observing the Two Sages of Boundary River.

The one with the higher cultivation must be Emperor Jin Heng, whose aura is contained yet not released, but the surface of his body has golden light shimmering, giving an impression of all paths being invincible. This figure seemingly has cultivated some extremely formidable protective divine skills, making them a pinnacle existence among the Seven Calamities, with one foot seemingly stepping into the Eight Calamities, holding significant potential...

The one with weaker cultivation is Emperor Niu Heng, reportedly quite a character; anyone who catches his eye, regardless of their cultivation level, he would...

"Haha! They say life values heartfelt knowledge, and forming bonds should know no lateness or earliness; the true value lies in cherished companions. Although this is our first meeting with Daoist Ning, I strangely feel there’s a sense of familiarity. Daoist, would you be willing to become sworn brothers with Mr. Niu, to share blessings and face difficulties together?"

Ning Fan was somewhat speechless.

The rumors were indeed true!

This Emperor Niu Heng, upon meeting someone he finds pleasing, would... forcibly become sworn brothers...

"Junior Brother!" Seeing him act foolish again, Emperor Jin Heng’s tone slightly deepened, as a reminder.

Emperor Niu Heng seemed somewhat fearful of his Senior Brother; upon noting his displeasure, he quickly offered an awkward smile and said to Ning Fan, "Young Brother Ning need not reply hastily; the matter of brotherhood can be discussed another day, some other day, some other day..."

"Hmm, we’ll discuss it another day. I am more concerned about the current situation of the Boundary River; can the two Daoists provide some elucidation for me?"

"Certainly, even if you hadn’t asked, I would explain the chaos at the Boundary River to you... Let us continue inside the palace. Someone, brew a pot of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Tea settled on Heavenly Bull Furnace; I wish to entertain our esteemed guest!"

Sigh!

Upon hearing this, the cultivators of the Golden Bull Palace were slightly surprised.

It is known that Emperor Jin Heng has a personal dislike for wine, disinterest in women, and disdains fame, but harbors deep passion for the path of spiritual tea. Heaven and Earth Spiritual Tea is among the finest ranked, and despite the many responding Immortal Emperors, Emperor Jin Heng only used this tea to host five individuals, each being Eight Calamity Immortal Emperors...

Besides this, even while hosting Seven Calamity Immortal Emperors, Emperor Jin Heng has never used this tea... Could this imply that in Emperor Jin Heng’s eyes, Ning Fan’s importance rivals that of an Eight Calamity Immortal Emperor?

The party entered the Golden Bull Palace, the hosts and guests took their seats, and soon, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Tea was served.

Honestly speaking, Ning Fan was not one to indulge in such refined elegance; he preferred drinking hard liquor heartily rather than leisurely sipping tea.

However, since the other party treated him with such fine tea, if Ning Fan didn’t properly savor a few sips, it would embarrass the host. Therefore, he pushed his patience and gradually tasted the tea, slowly appreciating some of its flavors. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Emperor Jin Heng secretly observed Ning Fan; unlike Emperor Niu Heng, he was slow and meticulous in evaluating people, akin to sipping tea with delicate pecks and gradual drinking, savoring meticulously.

He realized that though Ning Fan didn’t enjoy drinking tea, he noticed Ning Fan’s adherence to etiquette. Such conduct was not a mere façade but a deeply ingrained habit...

"This individual seems really to have a commendable character. Thus, some crucial matters regarding this alliance can indeed be disclosed to him, without worrying he might act rashly for personal gain..."

Emperor Jin Heng placed considerable importance on Ning Fan’s character due to the possibility of the current Boundary River dispute escalating into a full-scale war between the Eastern Heaven and the Boundary River foreign clans. Although the alliance has attracted more than twenty Immortal Emperors, not all can be entrusted with significant tasks; there’s no denying, among these Emperors, some have intervened merely due to personal vendettas or for profits...

After certain observations, Emperor Jin Heng addressed the main topic and briefed Ning Fan on the situation of the alliance.

As of now, the Golden Bull Palace has accommodated twenty-two Immortal Emperors, forty-one Immortal Kings, seventy-three Immortal Venerables. This count excludes the duo of Emperor Jin Heng, Niu Heng, and Ning Fan.

In context to the Immortal Emperors of Eastern Heaven, there are only nine present, such as Emperor Cang and Shenhao Twin Emperors, known for their frequent engagements with worldly affairs; the others are Immortal Emperors who rarely engage in mundane matters. Over the long years, many ancient figures have faded into history, and few remain who remember these ancient Immortal Emperors.

"I didn’t expect that Emperor Cang’s call would rally so many Immortal Emperors. Thus, even if there’s a disturbance at the Boundary River, it should soon be resolved, right?" Ning Fan questioned.

"Difficult, very difficult. Daoist might find twenty-something Immortal Emperors to be numerous for this alliance; however, against the Boundary River foreign clans, even if our side accumulates over twenty Immortal Emperors, it remains at a disadvantage..."

"Oh? The number of Immortal Emperors from the Boundary River foreign clans is possibly greater? As far as I know, even the secret clans have just around twenty Immortal Emperors, and counting all in and out of Eastern Heaven, it’s just dozens of Immortal Emperors. These foreign clans in the Boundary River... should not surpass the secret clans or the entirety of Eastern Heaven combined, right?"

"Alas, you’re too young and likely know little about the last Boundary River turmoil. Have you heard of the Boundary River foreign clan crisis thirty-two million years ago?"

"Heard of it somewhat; it was said in the last chaos, the Boundary River foreign clans overwhelmed all in their path, almost conquering over ninety percent of Eastern Heaven’s starry skies, massacring seventy percent of Eastern Heaven’s cultivators..."

"Do you also know, the last Boundary River turmoil saw merely... less than ten percent of foreign clans’ Immortal Emperors dispatched..."

"What! Only ten percent of Boundary River’s foreign clans dispatched and created such chaos? Why has Ning never heard of this?"

"It’s not surprising that Daoist hasn’t heard; truthfully, few in Eastern Heaven know the foreign clan’s true strength because... delving deep within the Boundary River isn’t achievable by just anyone. The ancestors of Golden Bull Palace witnessed Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign suppressing the Boundary River foreign clans firsthand, bringing down information passed hand-in-hand through generations, with high credibility... Only because I trust Daoist is dependable do I disclose these facts; otherwise, I may not divulge it to others." Emperor Jin Heng remarked meaningfully.

His words occasionally revealed intentions to foster goodwill, yet sadly Ning Fan, being in shock, did not respond to Emperor Jin Heng’s overtures.

Without Emperor Jin Heng’s disclosure, Ning Fan wouldn’t have known about the terrifying foundation of the suppressed foreign clans under the Boundary River, capable of nearly conquering Eastern Heaven by dispatching merely ten percent of their Immortal Emperors. If they fully mobilize, even secret clans and Quasi-Saints from the Eastern Heaven might struggle to curb them?

If he were alone, Ning Fan would not fear the powerful clans from the Boundary River. But he is not a lone wolf, he has too many people he cares about in the Eastern Heaven...

He is uncertain whether this Boundary River chaos will reach the extent of the previous one, and he is not sure if this time, so many people in the Eastern Heaven will still die...

Never for a moment has Ning Fan ever wanted to protect Eastern Heaven so much. He has never been a noble person who harbors the world in his heart, but his desire to protect his close family has been clear since he began cultivating.

After the initial shock, Ning Fan became serious, and after pondering for a moment, he asked,

"The foundations of the Boundary River clans are strong, but I fear they may be restricted by some reason, and can’t dispatch all their experts to create chaos at once, right?"

"Your guess is correct. The Boundary River clans can send at most twenty to thirty Immortal Emperors at one time to cause chaos, and that’s their limit."

"The restriction on the clans should be due to the seal laid down by the Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign, right?"

"Yes."

"With the seal in place, the Boundary River clans would send at most twenty to thirty Immortal Emperors to cause trouble. You wouldn’t specifically alert me if twenty Immortal Emperors were not enough of an issue. Could it be... there’s a problem with the seal placed by the Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign on the Boundary River? Is there some sort of weakening in the restriction on the Boundary River clans?"

"Oh? You even guessed this correctly. As the outside world says, you are indeed a person of great wisdom. To be honest, until now, the only ones eligible to be entertained with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Tea are the Emperor Cang, the Shenhao Twin Emperors, the Iron Plow Emperor, and the Eight Scenery Emperor. In the past, only these five were informed by me of the changes in the seal at the Boundary River. Other Daoists still do not know about this. The Boundary River clans have done this thoroughly, thinking no one has noticed, so I plan to secretly address the problem with the Immortal Emperor’s seal rather than making it public...

"Daoist, you’ve kept this matter under wraps but told six Daoists including me. Perhaps you need to harness our strength for something?"

"Exactly."

"Could Ning hear the full plan from Daoist before deciding?"

"Naturally. This time’s alliance is only truly starting; many Sect Masters on their way haven’t arrived yet. It is expected that more than sixty thousand Second Step Sect Masters will come to the Boundary River in six months, at which point the alliance will officially commence, with an oath ceremony. However, most of these Sect Masters are only Destiny Immortals and those of the Enlightenment faction. Forces above the Shedding Void Stage won’t number a thousand. I intend to suggest to the Alliance Hierarch—who is Daoist Cang—to station these forces at Taiyuan Crossing and along the coastal areas, to hold but not attack, guarding the only entrance to Eastern Heaven across the Boundary River. A few Immortal Emperors would be stationed, ensuring no insidious race invades Eastern Heaven!

"Then, half of the Immortal Venerables and Immortal Kings, led by the Immortal Emperors, will be assigned to reclaim hundreds of passes over the Boundary River. These passes are related to the Immortal Sovereign’s seal and are of key importance, not to be lost. If all can be reclaimed, our odds of victory against the different races would increase to fifty percent."

"Lastly, I need several Daoists with cultivation above the Eighth Tribulation to assist me in covertly penetrating deep into the Boundary River to secretly repair the Immortal Sovereign’s seal... This task is the most dangerous. I don’t compel Daoists to participate, but if you are willing, I would be very pleased to have a powerful ally like you."

Ning Fan’s expression was exceedingly grave.

Penetrating deep into the Boundary River? That is beyond the difficulty of defending against the clans on the river’s surface; it’s practically courting death!

Even without knowing the bottom line of the Boundary River clans, Ning Fan had already heard of the dangers deep within the river. Emperor Chongming Phoenix had once gone in to retrieve the Thunder King Seal, and barely escaped with severe injuries... Emperor Hanyun led four hundred disciples into negotiations with the clans and couldn’t even escape back...

Now knowing the depth of the Boundary River clans, Ning Fan can infer that they’re absolutely not lacking in Quasi-Saints!

There might even... be ancient cultivators!

No wonder someone like Xiang Mingzi warned of the dangers of the Boundary River and tirelessly advised him not to get involved...

Perhaps even a Quasi-Saint like Xiang Mingzi lacked the confidence to infiltrate deep into the Boundary River. In that light, the Chongming Phoenix Emperor’s survival from deep within the river is already considered a miracle...

Chongming Phoenix Emperor...

Ning Fan sighed slightly. Over the years, entangled in various matters, although he gathered the Innate Soul-Nourishing Spiritual Medicine, he never started treating the Phoenix Emperor’s daughter...

Now that the feud with the Dark Clan has temporarily reached a pause, and Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor’s matter is beyond his control... perhaps he should fulfill other promises...

"Daoist lost in thought... Is something on your mind?" Emperor Jin Heng asked with a smile.

"Hmm, just recalled some personal matters related to the Boundary River, got distracted for a moment... my apologies."

"Haha, no problem, anything that strikes Daoist so at this juncture must be a matter of great importance."

"Hmm, it’s a promise owed to others, unfulfilled, guilt weighs on me."

"Need my brothers to help?"

"Haha, that’s not necessary. It’s not a difficult matter; I can handle it myself, thank you for your concern."

"If there’s anything you need my brothers’ help with, feel free to ask. Although I differ from my junior brother, I held some affection for you too. If you’re not against it, I’d brazenly propose to become your friend, would you honor me with this privilege?"

"Jin Brother is jesting. From the moment I drank your pot of Spiritual Tea, weren’t we already friends?"

"Haha! As you say, Daoist. In that case, I won’t be overly polite with Younger Brother Ning. I hope you seriously consider my request. No need to rush a decision; it’s not yet time to penetrate deep into the Boundary River. You have over ten years to decide."

"Hmm, I will consider this carefully."

"The other Immortal Emperor Daoists are resting in various side halls within the Golden Bull Palace. If needed, Younger Brother Ning may visit old acquaintances without feeling too restrained in the Golden Bull Palace. Having traveled a long distance, you might be fatigued. Shall I personally take you to choose a side hall to rest?"

"No need. I am not one for such formalities. Since Jin Brother is responsible for receiving the allied cultivators, I’m sure you have many matters to attend to, so I won’t impose."

"Very well, someone, prepare the finest side hall for this guest to rest."

"Yes!" Several charming maids, blushing, led Ning Fan away.

They had previously received orders from Emperor Jin Heng, specifically prepared as a cauldron furnace for Ning Fan should he require any biological needs...

Each maid had abundant yin energy, the lowest cultivation among them at Enlightenment, and each possessed a special cauldron furnace physique, all superior cauldron furnaces.

Considering Ning Fan as the inheritor of Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor, who practiced Dual Cultivation and had a natural affinity for women, Emperor Jin Heng arranged these top-tier cauldron furnaces to serve him. Other Immortal Emperors didn’t receive such treatment, for other Immortal Emperors were generally ascetic...

This left Ning Fan both appreciative of Emperor Jin Heng’s generosity, yet somewhat speechless.

His reputation in the world had indeed sunk to a new low, with everyone assuming he couldn’t resist women...

Several maids followed Ning Fan into the side hall, and immediately cooed, "Master, will you rest now? Need us to accompany you to bed..."

In truth, aside from his somewhat tarnished reputation, Ning Fan’s appearance, cultivation, and strength were all top-notch. His "Chun Palace Diagram" sold exceptionally well in Eastern Heaven; many Dong Tian female cultivators desired to spend a night with him...

Serving those grumpy, ugly old men might make these girls feel repulsed, but serving Ning Fan, it was mostly mutual consent...

Ning Fan rubbed his somewhat aching temples and sighed, "I don’t need anyone to sleep with me, you all may leave."

He had worries on his mind; he truly had no mood for the pleasures between men and women...

Several maids were somewhat disappointed as they withdrew.

Ning Fan did not immediately visit the other Immortal Emperors but sat silently cross-legged on the bed.

From time to time, he took out the Shennong Hundred Herbs Garden, yet did not activate its transformations, simply placing the shrunken garden in his palm to toy with, his gaze falling on a similarly shrunken tiny soul grass—bitterness...

In his youth, he initially delved into the Yin Yang Transformation, indulging in women without restraint, but for some reason, ever since encountering the sword ancestor and meeting Ji Qingling, his feelings toward women had changed...

Saying he was fond of women might not be accurate; saying he was pure and abstinent might not be either...

He was never a man who revered purity like jade.

He could act without integrity, engaging recklessly with countless Cauldron Furnaces...

Previously, he thought that as long as it was for cultivating Dual Cultivation, as long as it was for absorbing enemies, he could take any woman...

He always thought he was such a person.

But in truth, it wasn’t the case...

He didn’t want to admit it, yet had to; on the Cultivation Road, there were always some women who could easily stir his desires, while most women naturally repelled him from matters between men and women...

This had nothing to do with whether the women were beautiful or ugly, whether they were enemies or friends.

It was a feeling...

Some women could make him feel something, most could not...

[...The moon of Primeval Mountain only comes full once every ten years... The tides of Nether Dust Sea rise once in a century... The mist of Vast Expanse Path dissipates once in a millennium... The green peach of the ancient Heavenly Court bears fruit once in ten thousand years... The Bell Orchid of Sky Desolate Ancient Realm blooms once in a hundred thousand years... Yet I am allowed a smile only once every several million years...]

[I waited for a long time, I left many things for you...]

You left me, what...

I transformed from a butterfly into a person; along the way, it seems everything was arranged by you. The Chaotic Ancient Master once said something I didn’t understand then, now I seem to...

[It was you, you are that butterfly! That woman came to the Purple Dou Immortal Domain for you, she sacrificed everything and reentered reincarnation for you...]

This is what the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor told him when he entered the Divine Tomb years ago...

Back then, Ning Fan didn’t know who the woman the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor spoke of was, but now he understood...

"You are the sword ancestor, the first Immortal Emperor of the Primeval Immortal Realm, yet for me, you came to the Purple Dou Immortal Domain, like a betrayal..."

"Chaotic Ancient Master said you once sacrificed everything for me, reentered reincarnation... What does that mean..."

"You seem to have done many things for me, yet I... remember none of them..."

Outside the window, the wind blowing into the side hall carried a sense of ominousness and turmoil.

Ning Fan grew increasingly irritable with the wind, yet only felt at ease when gazing at the tiny soul grass in the Hundred Herbs Garden...

That night, he dreamt a peculiar dream.

In the dream, he was still the butterfly of years past, a rogue wandering among flowers, but after plucking countless flowers, he found all had disappeared, leaving only the last one...

Awake from the dream, Ning Fan was lost in thought, unsure of the dream’s deep meaning, only feeling like something was lost.

Before dawn, an eastern glimmer of white appeared, and suddenly a visitor arrived, causing a commotion.

Before Ning Fan could welcome them at the door, the visitor entered without hesitation.

"Hahaha! Younger Brother Ning arrived at Tai Yuan Crossing but hasn’t visited us, instead staying in bed sleeping—what is the meaning of this!"

"A penalty! A thousand cups of penalty wine!"

"Come, come, Mr. Luo brought enough wine, we few boozy friends can drink until we don’t return sober!"

Ning Fan smiled wryly.

Early in the morning, with the sun yet to fully rise, these three mischievous friends had already disturbed his peace.

Luo Hou, Lv Wen, Cloud Thunder... these three also responded to the conscription order and came to participate in the alliance.

No, another aura accompanied them, another came!

"Hahaha! Come, come, Mr. Niu flipped through the Eastern Heaven calendar, today is suitable for marriages, groundbreaking, accepting gifts, fire setting, and most importantly... forming alliances! Yesterday we didn’t swear brotherhood; today, you must give me face and swear it!"

Ning Fan suddenly had a headache.

Why did Niu Heng Emperor casually show up here...

Yesterday, he spent most of the time discussing matters with Emperor Jin Heng, barely exchanging words with Niu Heng Emperor, right?

The two had hardly exchanged many words, yet Niu Heng Emperor dared to disturb him, truly... not holding back...

Yet for some reason, being disturbed by these people made Ning Fan’s sense of loss in the dream fade.

So be it, singing during the day must pair with wine indulgence... Though it is early... if there are wine and friends, then so be it—a grand drunken night!