Zhan Xiong said, "Indeed, I have heard of them. The Supreme List and the Emperor List are only updated once every fifty years, and it seems that time is drawing near."

"Moreover, Emperor-level and Supreme-level Masters are rarely seen even among noble families. They are the true overlords who look down upon the entire Martial World."

Hearing Zhan Xiong’s slightly excited words, Ye Fan fell silent, but his deep, dark pupils burst forth with an unprecedented fighting spirit and ambition.

Emperor Level, Supreme Level! Even as the King of Heaven, he had not yet reached these realms. However, he firmly believed he would not be confined to the strength of a mere King.

"Elder Zhan Xiong, to your knowledge, who are the Emperor-level and Supreme-level Masters in the Divine Land?" Ye Fan couldn’t help but ask.

"As for Supreme Masters, I only know of one in the entire Divine Land: the Sect Master of the Kunlun Sect. However, the Kunlun Sect vanished a hundred years ago, and no one knows where they went. No one even knows if the Sect Master is still alive."

"In any case, everyone on the Emperor List and the Supreme List is a legendary figure. Beings of that caliber rarely appear in the world, so their existence is impossible to verify."

Ye Fan was shocked that no one from Divine Dragon was on the lists. Then again, considering how mysterious Divine Dragon was, it made sense. Besides, it was just a ranking. That didn’t mean there were only a handful of people in the world with that kind of strength. The truth was far more complicated. To give a recent example, neither the Yan Clan Patriarch nor the top masters from the Vampire Clan were on the lists. This led him to believe these rankings were as unreliable as the King List.

After learning all this, Ye Fan had a general idea of the situation.

There was one last issue. Ye Fan described Su Qingxue’s condition to Zhan Xiong.

Zhan Xiong stroked his beard. "That is a truly strange ailment, one I have never heard of before. How terrifying! By any chance, have you ever heard of reincarnation?"

He was somewhat skeptical of the idea. Then again, some things were indeed miraculous, like the reincarnation of the Yan Clan’s Holy Daughter.

Thus, Ye Fan asked, "Elder, are you suggesting the soul inside Qingxue is a reincarnated one?"

"Exactly. It’s entirely possible, but who can say for sure? You’ll have to take things as they come. Although her condition is worsening, you could try visiting some of the hidden sects."

"After all, those hidden sects possess methods unseen in either the secular or the underground worlds. Perhaps they can help you."

Zhan Xiong had given Ye Fan a new lead.

Ye Fan quickly expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for your guidance, Elder!"

"Don’t mention it. Flame Valley is secluded deep within Beimang Mountain. Their power is not to be underestimated, so be very careful," Zhan Xiong reminded him again.

Ye Fan nodded. Initially, Zhan Xiong hadn’t wanted him to stir up trouble or offend a hidden sect. But he knew Ye Fan’s impulsive nature and figured that with his strength, escaping wouldn’t be difficult if necessary. That was why he had revealed the location of Flame Valley.

Ye Fan nodded again, bid farewell to Zhan Xiong, and set off for Beimang Mountain.

「Two days later」

Ye Fan arrived at Beimang Village, located at the foot of Beimang Mountain. Although the mountain itself wasn’t particularly large or known for housing recluses, he knew that hidden sects often had their own small, separate worlds. He guessed that Flame Valley must have its own unique ’little world’ as well.

He hadn’t come here for any other reason but to settle a score. Flame Valley had stoked his fury, and he was livid. He was here to demand an explanation; otherwise, the endless assassination attempts would continue. He himself didn’t fear them, but his women and family were another matter entirely. They were his weaknesses.

Beimang Village looked like an ancient mountain settlement. The moment he stepped inside, Ye Fan felt a malevolent aura spreading through the air. The villagers all stared at him with ill intent.

Ye Fan calmed himself and walked down the village road. Just as he reached the area behind the village, several people blocked his path. An older man among them spoke. "Young man, turn back! This is not a place you should be."

"Why?" Ye Fan asked.

The man replied, "Anyone who has asked that question and learned the answer has never had the chance to leave this place! Are you sure you want to know?"

Ye Fan nodded. "I am. I refuse to believe such nonsense."

"There are immortals living beyond the mountain. If you step into their dwelling, you’re a dead man. When an immortal gets angry, people die. Young man, I’m giving you one last chance. Leave."

Ye Fan countered, "And what if I insist on forcing my way in?"

"Then you won’t be leaving at all." The men surrounded him. This village was already eerie and terrifying, but now the villagers themselves wore fearsome expressions, their excitement like that of hunters closing in on their prey.

"Are you planning to kill me?" Ye Fan asked.

"Outsiders are not meant to know this secret. Since you now know, we have no choice but to kill you, young man. We gave you a chance, but you didn’t take it. Don’t blame us for being merciless now." The men slowly advanced on him.

Ye Fan said calmly, "This is a modern, civilized society. Can you really act so recklessly?"

"The rules of the outside world don’t apply to us."

He hadn’t expected the villagers to be so barbaric and ignorant. What kind of connection did they have with these so-called immortals?

As he pondered this, the men charged.

Ye Fan struck out in a flash. A single punch sent one man flying backward to slam against a wall, knocking him unconscious instantly.

Seeing their companion sent flying by a single punch, the others realized Ye Fan was a master. This time, they rushed him all at once.

Ye Fan moved quickly. Though these men knew some martial arts, they were no match for someone of his caliber. After just a few moves, they were all unconscious on the ground.

The elder tried to flee, but Ye Fan grabbed him by the neck in a single, fluid motion.

The man stared at Ye Fan, his eyes wide with fear and dread. He had never imagined Ye Fan would be so powerful as to subdue him in one move.

Ye Fan said coolly, "You’d better cooperate. My fists and feet don’t have eyes."

"Who... who are you? What are you doing in Beimang Village?" the elder asked, his voice trembling with fear.

"Don’t ask what I’m here for, because I have no intention of telling you," Ye Fan replied. "Instead, why don’t you tell me why you people commit such heinous acts?" 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

From the looks of it, these people had killed quite a few trespassers.

The elder spat angrily, "We are protected by the immortals! They have granted us endless wealth and long life! Anyone who dares to threaten their peace must die!"

"And you are no exception!"

"Is that so?"

Ye Fan tightened his grip.

SNAP!

The elder’s wrist was shattered. He let out a wretched, pitiful scream.

"Lead the way," Ye Fan demanded, his voice cold. "I don’t care which immortal is protecting you. If a god stands in my way, I’ll slay it. If a buddha blocks my path, I’ll kill it."