During his time in the Origin Realm, Yun Fan's situation was extremely quiet.
Therefore, he embarked on the path of improving his cultivation, but it was evident that at his current level, his strength had reached an absolute ceiling.
Breaking through would not be easy, and it might even take countless epochs to see any progress.
Yun Fan was currently facing such a predicament.
Empress Xi was also very quiet, not even emerging from her seclusion.
Yun Fan knew that to defeat Empress Xi, he had to find her weakness.
After multiple attempts, he realized that Empress Xi truly had no intention of emerging, so Yun Fan decided to take a risk.
Of course, he wasn't planning to kill Empress Xi directly; that was impossible. Finding her weakness and killing her were two separate goals.
Only by achieving the first could he achieve the second.
Therefore, he prepared to infiltrate Empress Xi's place of seclusion to find her weakness.
That very night, Yun Fan set off.
He arrived at the center of the Origin Realm, the forbidden zone where Empress Xi resided.
Upon reaching the forbidden zone, Yun Fan suppressed all his aura and bypassed the defenses of Empress Xi's subordinates.
The entire process was smooth and seamless, without any obstacles.
Empress Xi had been in seclusion here for years. Even with his aura suppressed, Yun Fan couldn't guarantee that Empress Xi wouldn't sense him.
However, for him, it was a gamble.
The forbidden zone was extremely quiet. When Yun Fan reached the deepest palace within the forbidden zone, he discovered that the power of fortune here was incredibly dense.
The palace was covered in a lot of dust, indicating that Empress Xi had not lived here for a long time.
This meant that the so-called seclusion was a sham; Empress Xi was not actually in seclusion here.
"Strange, where could she have gone?"
Yun Fan was very confused. Empress Xi had mysteriously disappeared.
It seemed that Empress Xi's vigilance was far beyond his expectations.
Just then, Yun Fan prepared to leave, but as he turned, he saw a figure standing in front of him.
Yun Fan was startled, not by anything else, but because this person was none other than Wang Shuai.
"Wang Shuai, why are you here?"
Yun Fan asked, confused.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
Wang Shuai said, "Why are you trespassing in the Empress's forbidden zone of seclusion in the middle of the night?"
Facing Wang Shuai's questioning, Yun Fan replied, "I have some intelligence to report to the Empress. I only came here and realized she wasn't here, so I was preparing to leave!"
This was the excuse Yun Fan had prepared.
According to his plan, even if Empress Xi discovered him, he would use this excuse. But he hadn't expected to be discovered by Wang Shuai.
Wang Shuai said, "I see. However, this is still the Empress's place of seclusion. Outsiders are not allowed here without her permission. Of course, the reason I can come here is that the Empress ordered me to report to her here at any time!"
While reminding Yun Fan of the rules, Wang Shuai also cleared him of suspicion.
"Then I am truly sorry!"
Yun Fan said, "I didn't know the rules here. I hope you can forgive me, Commander Wang!"
"It's alright!"
Wang Shuai said, "It's normal that you don't know the situation. But if the Empress finds out about this, she might suspect your actions!"
Yun Fan didn't know if Wang Shuai was threatening him or warning him.
At this moment, Wang Shuai said, "But don't worry, the Empress won't find out!"
He found Wang Shuai to be a truly unfathomable person, simultaneously threatening him while also giving him sufficient reassurance.
Everything was so bizarre.
At this moment, Wang Shuai said, "Come with me! If you want to see the Empress, I can take you to see her!"
"Okay!"
Yun Fan nodded.
He didn't know what Wang Shuai's true intentions were.
Thus, Yun Fan followed Wang Shuai into the depths of the palace. Then, Wang Shuai chanted a spell, opening a separate dimension.
"Please!"
As the two entered this separate dimension, Yun Fan sensed Empress Xi's aura. It turned out that Empress Xi was in this separate dimension.
If Wang Shuai hadn't led the way, Yun Fan would never have found this place.
Just then, Empress Xi's figure appeared. Although it was only a clone, Yun Fan was certain that Empress Xi was within this dimension.
"Wang Shuai, is there something you need?"
Empress Xi asked, confused.
Wang Shuai quickly replied, "Your Majesty, there is indeed a major matter. Although most of the old worlds have been destroyed, our old enemies are stirring. It seems they intend to attack the Origin Realm!"
This was Wang Shuai's report.
Empress Xi nodded. "Guard the Origin Realm well. When I emerge from seclusion, it will be the end of our enemies!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Shuai replied, "Yes!"
"Why is he here too?"
Empress Xi pointed at Yun Fan and asked, clearly displeased with his presence.
Before Yun Fan could explain, Wang Shuai quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I brought him here. I hope Your Majesty can bestow the title of Daoist Brother upon Yun Fan and allow him to guard the Origin Realm with me!"
Hearing this, Yun Fan was deeply moved. He hadn't expected Wang Shuai to even come up with a reason for him. Frankly, at this moment, Yun Fan understood Wang Shuai even less.
They weren't even friends, so why was Wang Shuai helping him so much?
This point was worth considering.
"I see!"
Empress Xi said, "Besides you, no one else can come here, including him. Do you understand?"
"Understood!"
Wang Shuai quickly agreed.
"We'll let this slide this time. Next time, you two will be punished yourselves!"
This was Empress Xi's warning.
"Yes!"
Wang Shuai and Yun Fan nodded.
"Go! The Origin Realm is entrusted to you two!"
"Mm!"
Yun Fan and Wang Shuai then left.
Once outside, Yun Fan quickly said, "Thank you, Commander Wang, for helping me out!"
"It was nothing, really. But the Empress is naturally suspicious. If I hadn't said that, she might have dealt with you. You are a talent of our Origin Realm, so of course, I wouldn't abandon you!"
This was Wang Shuai's explanation. On the surface, it didn't quite add up, but it was the most perfect explanation.
So perfect that even Yun Fan couldn't find any reason to refute it.
"Also, the Empress cannot come out of seclusion yet!"
Wang Shuai added.
"Why?"
Yun Fan became even more confused.
Wang Shuai explained, "Because the Empress is currently refining the heavenly fortune. She has reached the most critical juncture. At this time, she must not be disturbed. Otherwise, for the Empress, her heavenly fortune will dissipate, and all her efforts will be in vain. Do you understand?"
He asked Yun Fan.
"I understand!"
As Yun Fan nodded, a storm raged within him. Why would Wang Shuai tell him such a secret?
Even Yun Fan didn't know if Wang Shuai was telling him the truth or a lie. If it was a lie, then Wang Shuai was definitely setting him up.
If it was the truth, then Wang Shuai was helping him.
But he truly couldn't find a reason why Wang Shuai would help him. Everything was so mysterious and complex.
Yun Fan didn't know what to do.
However, at this moment, Yun Fan didn't overthink it and left with Wang Shuai.
Upon returning to his living quarters, Yun Fan was in great distress. If Empress Xi succeeded in refining the heavenly fortune, he would have no chance to kill her.
By then, Empress Xi would have one foot firmly across the threshold of the Battle Heaven realm, and even with all his might, he wouldn't be able to defeat her.
Conversely, it would be even easier for Empress Xi to kill him.
At that point, he would likely be unable to escape Empress Xi's control. It had to be said that the path ahead was extremely complicated.
So complicated that even Yun Fan was utterly bewildered.
"What should I do? Should I take the chance or not?"
Yun Fan wrestled with himself. Of course, the reason he hesitated wasn't that he couldn't bring himself to act. On the contrary, if he had the opportunity, he would decisively deal with Empress Xi.
The reason he couldn't act was that he wasn't sure if Wang Shuai's words were true.
If they were false, he would have failed, and it would be impossible to find another chance to kill Empress Xi.
After much deliberation, Yun Fan decided to try. Even if Wang Shuai was tricking him, so what? Failure didn't mean death.
At least Yun Fan believed that with his full effort, he still had a chance to escape. This golden opportunity was right in front of him.
Hadn't Yun Fan been lurking and enduring precisely for this day?
Therefore, at this moment, Yun Fan resolutely went to the forbidden zone.
"Wang Shuai, Wang Shuai, I hope you're not tricking me!"
When he opened this dimension, he could no longer hide his strength. At this moment, Empress Xi's clone discovered Yun Fan.
"What are you doing here?"
Empress Xi's clone asked Yun Fan. Clearly, if Yun Fan couldn't give her a satisfactory explanation, she wouldn't let him off easily.
Fortunately, Yun Fan was prepared. He said, "I've come here because there's something very important to report to you!"
"But you were just here last night!"
Empress Xi stared directly at Yun Fan, her eyes filled with absolute killing intent.
Even Yun Fan was startled by her gaze.
"Because Wang Shuai was here yesterday, I couldn't speak to you. That's why I've come alone to see you today!"
"What can't be said?"
Empress Xi said, "You can tell me now!"
Yun Fan replied, "No, I need to see your true body to be at ease. Otherwise, I'm still not at ease!"
This was his stance.
Empress Xi sneered, "My clone and my true body are the same. You want to see my true body. I suspect you're not here to report something, but to attack my true body!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan said nonchalantly, "Since you've already guessed, what else can I say? Yes, that's precisely my intention!"
"You have a lot of nerve!"
Empress Xi said coldly, "It seems your ambitions are still alive. Are you ready to face the consequences?"
"I am always ready!"
Yun Fan said, "As long as I can kill you, I will spare no expense!"
"You said it yourself!"
Empress Xi said coldly, "I thought you were a smart person, but since you're so unappreciative, I'll let you die!"
The next moment, she unleashed a palm strike towards Yun Fan.
Yun Fan decisively retaliated, no longer holding back his strength, but channeling the power of reincarnation and Battle Heaven to confront Empress Xi's clone.
Yun Fan's moves were fierce and domineering, completely suppressing even Empress Xi's clone.
It took him a hundred moves to defeat Empress Xi's clone, which showed how terrifying Empress Xi was.
Several epochs ago, the gap between Yun Fan and her was not that large. Unexpectedly, after several epochs, the gap had widened so significantly.
"Bring out your true body!"
Yun Fan said, "Your clone cannot defeat me. Why waste time like this?"
Facing Yun Fan's provocation, Empress Xi replied, "You took a hundred moves to defeat my clone. If my true body were to appear, would you still have a chance to live?"
"Whether I have a chance to live is my concern. Having made this decision, I will not regret it!"
This was Yun Fan's response. His attitude had never been so firm.
Empress Xi sneered, "Don't forget, you are still under my control. I can kill you whenever I want!"
"You can try!"
Yun Fan said, "I guarantee the outcome will move you!"
"You court death!"
Instantly, Empress Xi unleashed her destructive power, intending to shatter Yun Fan. She discovered that her power had vanished without a trace.
This meant that Yun Fan had already neutralized her power.
"How did you do that?"
Empress Xi asked in shock. Logically, Yun Fan should never have been able to neutralize her power.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan had completely deciphered her power this time. No wonder Yun Fan dared to come here.
It turned out that Yun Fan was well-prepared.
Yun Fan said, "You have never experienced my despair, so you will never know what means I possess. Bring out your true body! Otherwise, you will surely die!"
This was Yun Fan's attitude. He wanted to fight Empress Xi's true body.
Empress Xi said, "Although you have done something treasonous, I will still give you a chance. My true body will appear, and you will surely die. But now, if you admit your mistake and apologize, I will not hold it against you! After all, you are a strong individual, and it's normal for strong individuals to throw a small tantrum!"
If he were unaware, Yun Fan might have thought Empress Xi was incredibly understanding. But he knew from Wang Shuai that Empress Xi was busy refining heavenly fortune.
Therefore, in Yun Fan's opinion, Empress Xi's generosity and concession were related to her refining of heavenly fortune. This was something Yun Fan could not overlook.
For this reason, Yun Fan said, "I'm very sorry, I don't need your forgiveness. What I want is to kill you, or be killed by you!"
This was Yun Fan's stance.
Seeing this, Empress Xi's eyes instantly turned cold. "Did you find something out?"
She knew that Yun Fan was not being stubborn for no reason. Since Yun Fan was repeatedly forcing her hand, perhaps Yun Fan had learned something.
Yun Fan said, "What could I have learned? Empress Xi, our relationship has already soured. Don't try to stall for time!" Su Dan Novel Network
Instantly, Yun Fan unleashed a peerless power, directly shattering Empress Xi's clone.
Empress Xi's clone also hadn't expected Yun Fan to act so decisively.
"Kid, you will regret this!"
She cursed at Yun Fan.
Unexpectedly, at this critical moment, Yun Fan had barged in. This was undoubtedly a significant blow to her.
Because at this point, her true body could not immediately appear to kill Yun Fan. As long as she refined this portion of heavenly fortune and created new worlds, she would become a creator god.
If she were to fight Yun Fan now, even if she killed him, it wouldn't be worth it. Because if she missed the optimal moment, all her previous efforts would be in vain.
She could not afford this consequence. This was why she had repeatedly shown restraint, yet Yun Fan refused to back down.
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "I never regret my actions. Do you think this is the end? You are wrong. This is just the beginning!"
Upon hearing this, Empress Xi became completely enraged. "If you dare, come and try!"
With that, Empress Xi's clone completely dissipated, and Yun Fan fearlessly walked forward. Even if the path ahead was filled with Empress Xi's ambushes, Yun Fan would not be afraid.
Because his invincible spirit had been ignited at this moment.
Simultaneously, before Empress Xi's clone completely dissipated, it notified her subordinates outside.
At this moment, Origin Grand Venerable and Carefree Grand Venerable were on their way.
They hadn't expected Yun Fan to have the audacity to trespass into the Empress's forbidden zone. Wasn't he seeking death?
Previously, it was because the Empress doted on Yun Fan too much that they couldn't take action against him, nor could they offend him.
But now, they didn't need to worry at all. Because of the Empress's order, they believed this was the perfect opportunity to eliminate Yun Fan.
Of course, they didn't dare to kill Yun Fan themselves. They were currently on their way to see Wang Shuai. As long as Wang Shuai took action, he would definitely be able to kill Yun Fan.
Last time, they had exaggerated their accusations, which failed to move Wang Shuai. Instead, they had been reprimanded by him.
This time, they were confident that Wang Shuai would act to kill Yun Fan, because this was the Empress's order.
With the Empress's order, no matter how wary Wang Shuai was of Yun Fan, he didn't need to worry.
"Greetings, Commander Wang!"
The two quickly said, "Commander Wang, the Empress has issued an order. That brat Yun Fan dared to trespass into the Empress's forbidden zone of seclusion. The Empress has instructed us to find you to deal with this brat Yun Fan together!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Shuai replied, "I have also received the Empress's order!"
"Commander Wang, you cannot let this brat off. Otherwise, if the Empress blames us, we will all suffer!"
They quickly reminded Wang Shuai.
Wang Shuai said, "Don't worry, I will not hold back this time!"
At this moment, Carefree Grand Venerable said, "Since that's the case, I'll go spread this news and let the Empress's other subordinates come to reinforce us!"
"Indeed!"
Origin Grand Venerable also said, "Although Commander Wang can handle this brat, this brat's cultivation is truly too strong. One more person means one more helper!"
"No need!"
Wang Shuai said, "I am enough. As for you two..."
"What should we do?"
The two looked at Wang Shuai in confusion, feeling as if his words held a hidden meaning.
Wang Shuai said, "As for you two, there is no need for you to live!"
"What?"
The two were greatly alarmed by Wang Shuai's words. Before they could even ask, Wang Shuai struck with his blade.
A broken blade directly severed them at the waist.
This blade not only inflicted physical damage but also spiritual damage, as even their souls were severed by Wang Shuai.
"Why?"
As they lay dying, the two looked at Wang Shuai with disbelief. No matter what, they couldn't believe Wang Shuai would kill them.
Wang Shuai calmly replied, "There's no why. It's just because you meddle too much!"
The two never understood why Wang Shuai killed them, even in death.
For them, their deaths were utterly inexplicable.
At this moment, Wang Shuai sneered, "Yun Fan, I knew you wouldn't be able to resist the temptation. Very good, I'll give you enough time. I hope you don't disappoint me!"
...
At this moment, within this separate dimension, Yun Fan found Empress Xi's true body. He discovered that Empress Xi was currently condensing heavenly fortune.
It was precisely at the most crucial moment. Due to Yun Fan's appearance, an unexpected change had occurred.
When Empress Xi's true body looked at Yun Fan, she was filled with burning rage.
"It seems you have finally stepped to the brink of self-destruction!"
Facing Empress Xi's threat, Yun Fan said, "It's not me who is seeking self-destruction. It is you who deserves to die!"
"Hmph!"
Empress Xi said coldly, "I shouldn't have spared you back then and let you join the Origin Realm!"
"I think it's because your true body couldn't appear, isn't it? Otherwise, would you have let me go?"
Yun Fan knew that Empress Xi's reason for giving him a chance to live back then wasn't because she valued talent, but because her true body couldn't appear.
Therefore, she had compromised with Yun Fan.
Yun Fan had seen this clearly long ago. Seeing Empress Xi again, his hatred was rekindled.
Although he knew his family might not be dead, that was just luck. If Empress Xi had personally intervened, his family would have undoubtedly died.
Knowing this well, Yun Fan understood that Empress Xi had to die, or at least her plans had to be thwarted.
She absolutely could not be allowed to succeed.
At this moment, Empress Xi said, "You will regret this!"
Instantly, she temporarily abandoned the refinement of heavenly fortune and unleashed her true body to attack Yun Fan. A destructive force tore towards Yun Fan.
Yun Fan exerted all his strength to resist, but he was still repelled by this force. It was evident how terrifying Empress Xi was.
It was simply outrageous.
Even Yun Fan was no match for Empress Xi's true body, as she had already one foot into the realm of a creation god.
They were simply not on the same level.
At this moment, Yun Fan activated his Eye of Reincarnation, forcibly dragging Empress Xi's true body into the Eye of Reincarnation.
The Eye of Reincarnation was absolutely the bane of all warriors. No matter how strong you were, once you entered the Eye of Reincarnation, you would be devoured by it.
The Dark World Tree of the past was an example, and Yun Fan was also an example. If it weren't for the Battle Heaven power's strong assimilation abilities, he too would have likely perished.
Now, he had to resort to his ultimate move to defeat his opponent.
Empress Xi didn't expect Yun Fan to be able to use the Eye of Reincarnation as his own technique. It could only be said that Yun Fan's methods were truly terrifying.
Therefore, at this moment, she did not hold back and confronted Yun Fan and the Eye of Reincarnation with her domineering power.
"What?"
Yun Fan was stunned. He hadn't expected Empress Xi to be able to resist the attack of the Eye of Reincarnation. This was too terrifying.
As expected of a woman who had one foot out of the Battle Heaven realm, such power and methods were unparalleled in the world.
Even with Yun Fan activating the Eye of Reincarnation, he could only fight her to a stalemate.
Without the Eye of Reincarnation, his challenge to Empress Xi, although he might have a chance to fight, would likely end in defeat.
In this regard, Yun Fan had indeed succeeded, successfully achieving parity with Empress Xi.
At this moment, Empress Xi said coldly, "You think your methods can kill me? You're thinking too much!"
"You are mistaken!"
Yun Fan said, "I know your strength is immense, and I can't kill you. Therefore, I only have one goal: to prevent you from refining the heavenly fortune! I don't want you to reach the level of a creation god!"
This was Yun Fan's true intention. Once Empress Xi reached the level of a creation god, neither he nor his family, nor any world under the Origin Realm's dominion, would be safe.
Therefore, Yun Fan's prevention of Empress Xi was inevitable.
"Then I will kill you first!"
Empress Xi finally stopped holding back, as she knew that if her heavenly fortune lacked her empowerment, it would quickly dissipate.
Therefore, time was of the essence now. She had to kill Yun Fan instantly, otherwise, she could not afford the cost.
Seeing that Empress Xi had used her ultimate move, Yun Fan merged with the Eye of Reincarnation, reaching an unprecedented height.
At this moment, he could also be considered to have one foot out of the Battle Heaven realm, but it was incomparable to Empress Xi. Empress Xi was a genuine powerhouse, while he was merely a pretender.
How could a pretender compare to Empress Xi? For him, successfully delaying Empress Xi was enough.
No matter what ultimate moves Empress Xi unleashed against Yun Fan, Yun Fan did not die.
Because Yun Fan, fused with the Eye of Reincarnation, although his destructive power was far inferior to Empress Xi's, had one advantage: a thick health bar.
Even if Empress Xi's ultimate moves were flawless, Yun Fan could barely resist.
Thus, they engaged in combat for over a hundred moves, yet Empress Xi could not completely kill Yun Fan.
Meanwhile, the heavenly fortune she had left outside was gradually dissipating.
Even more unfortunate, her reinforcements had not arrived, and even her most trusted Wang Shuai had not yet appeared.
For Empress Xi, nothing could be worse than this.
As the battle dragged on, Yun Fan's strength declined from its peak, but Empress Xi's condition was not much better.
At this moment, upon realizing that she could not kill Yun Fan in a short period, Empress Xi directly shattered the restraint of the Eye of Reincarnation and emerged.
Upon coming outside, the sight that greeted her enraged Empress Xi, because the remaining half of her heavenly fortune had dissipated.
Even if it were gradually dissipating, it wouldn't dissipate so quickly. The only possibility was that her heavenly fortune had been shattered.
The culprit was none other than Wang Shuai.
"Why did you betray me?"
Empress Xi questioned coldly. Yun Fan's betrayal had a reason, as they had a prior enmity.
But Wang Shuai's betrayal was completely incomprehensible to her. After all, Wang Shuai was the person she trusted most, and he had never betrayed her even during her absence.
And now, Wang Shuai had also joined the ranks of betrayal. For Empress Xi, this was absolutely unforgivable.
Empress Xi said, "Your Majesty, I have no choice but to betray you!"
"Then you better explain yourself clearly!"
Empress Xi said coldly.
Yun Fan, emerging from the forbidden realm of reincarnation, was instantly shaken. He had thought he was the biggest traitor.
He hadn't expected Wang Shuai to have hidden even deeper. Indeed, he also wanted to know why Wang Shuai had betrayed Empress Xi.