“Heavenly dome…”
“Boom…”
A brilliant axe light vanished into the void. The ancient beast, roaring fiercely ahead, was finally reduced to ashes under this single strike.
“Ding, congratulations on defeating a high-level ancient beast at the Heaven Ascension stage.”
“Ding, congratulations on defeating a peak Heaven Ascension stage ancient beast.”
“Ding…”
“Damn, that was close. I actually stumbled into an ancient beast’s nest.” Lin Fan strode through the mountains, cutting down beasts without hesitation. These ancient beasts were ferocious. Although many were of low rank, the experience gained from them was limited.
Lin Fan gradually noticed a problem: ancient beasts above the Heaven Ascension stage started to show signs of intelligence. Perhaps because of this, high-level ancient beasts, having gained wisdom, had left these borderlands and migrated to the distant central regions.
People strive upward, just as water flows downward. Even ancient beasts have aspirations.
“Absorb…”
“The Firmament…”
“Boom…”
A brilliant axe light vanished into the void, and the ferocious ancient beast ahead roared in agony before disintegrating into ash under the strike.
“Ding, congratulations on slaying a high-tier ancient beast of the Supreme Heaven rank.”
“Ding, congratulations on slaying a peak-tier ancient beast of the Supreme Heaven rank.”
“Ding…”
“Damn, that was close. I actually landed in the lair of ancient beasts.” Lin Fan walked through the mountains, slaying beasts without hesitation. These ancient beasts were incredibly fierce, and although there were many low-tier ones, the experience they provided was limited.
Lin Fan gradually noticed a pattern: ancient beasts above the Earth Heaven rank began to exhibit a hint of intelligence. Perhaps it was because of this that the high-tier beasts, having gained wisdom, left the fringes and ventured into the distant central regions.
“People strive for higher grounds, water flows to lower places. Even ancient beasts have their aspirations.”
“Absorb…”
The dense demonic aura was all drawn into the “Demon City.”
The core of the semi-finished pseudo-artifact “Demon City” was an ancient demon, who was also the emperor of the demon race. It was unclear whether this ancient demon was a type of ancient beast or a powerful being that had evolved from ancient beasts.
However, having arrived in the Ancient Saint Realm and encountered so many races, Lin Fan understood that the world was full of wonders. It was hard to say that the ancient demon wasn’t a monarch evolved from ancient beasts.
Looking at the surrounding ancient beast corpses, Lin Fan flicked his sleeve, storing them all in his backpack.
Since he decided to leave tomorrow, he might as well kill more ancient beasts to provide enough food for the village.
The villagers themselves were not weak, but compared to ancient beasts, there was still a gap. Therefore, every time they hunted ancient beasts together, it was fraught with great danger.
What Lin Fan cared about most was Xuan’er, a cute little fox. This little girl was the most endearing child Lin Fan had met since arriving in the Ancient Saint Realm, and she was also very likable.
Although she appeared proud and aloof, Lin Fan found it even more adorable.
Lin Fan even thought that if he could successfully suppress the ancient race in the future, he would be happy to take Xuan’er with him and teach her slowly.
Having such a lively and cute little fox around would certainly make life less boring.
“Squeak…”
At that moment, there was a rustling in the grass ahead. Lin Fan swung his axe fiercely, creating a deep crack in the ground.
A rabbit-like creature stood dumbfounded, seemingly frightened by the scene.
“Huh, what’s this?” Lin Fan picked up the snow-white, palm-sized creature that resembled a rabbit.
With long ears and red eyes, it was indeed a rabbit.
“Heh, interesting. There’s actually such a creature in the Ancient Saint Realm.” Lin Fan examined it closely, feeling a sense of novelty.
It was harmless, with no sharp claws and short limbs.
“It looks quite cute. Xuan’er would probably like it.” Lin Fan thought to himself as he held the creature.
Children tend to forget quickly. After he left, having this creature by Xuan’er’s side might ease the pain of separation.
“Rabbit, behave, or I’ll roast you.” The snow-white rabbit, held in his hand, drooped its head, looking timid.
Lin Fan slung the Eternal Axe over his shoulder, holding the rabbit in one hand, and walked contentedly towards the village.
Although it was still early in the day, Lin Fan wanted to spend some time with Xuan’er before leaving tomorrow, and also teach her a few techniques.
After all, the Ancient Saint Realm was full of dangers, and it was hard to say what might happen in the future.
Under the three blazing suns, Lin Fan hummed a tune, leisurely walking through the mountains.
…
“How could this be…”
At the village entrance, Lin Fan looked at the scene before him, his relaxed expression turning pale. He stood at the entrance, stunned.
The village was a mess, with bloodstains and flames everywhere. The simple houses were smeared with blood.
Lin Fan’s expression hardened, and he quickened his pace inside.
The village looked as if it had been ransacked, chaotic and wild.
Only corpses were scattered throughout the village.
Every face was familiar, but now they were all lifeless bodies.
Lin Fan saw a body ahead—it was the village chief.
Lin Fan immediately approached, “Chief, what happened…”
But the chief was already dead. His aged face bore a trace of anger, and a horrifying wound on his chest had long since dried up.
“Ancient race…”
Lin Fan clenched his fists, his expression hardening, “Xuan’er…”
At that moment, Lin Fan stood up abruptly and began searching frantically.
“Damn it, she must be okay.” Lin Fan roared in his heart, looking at each corpse.
“Not here…”
“There’s still hope…”
“Not here either.”
“Hope, give me some hope.” Lin Fan’s body trembled, and the rabbit he held struggled in pain, but Lin Fan’s only goal now was to find Xuan’er.
“Not here… Xuan’er, where are you?” Lin Fan looked at the empty village, roaring.
“She must have been taken by the ancient race. There’s still hope…” Lin Fan thought of how cute Xuan’er was, and that the ancient race might not have killed her.
As this hope grew stronger in Lin Fan’s mind, he began to believe it was the truth.
“No, I must hurry, or it will be too late.” Lin Fan immediately turned and prepared to chase after them.
“Uncle… Lin…”
Just as Lin Fan was about to chase, a faint voice came from a pile of grass nearby.
“Xuan’er…” Lin Fan’s expression lit up with excitement. He quickly cleared the grass away.
“This… can’t be…” At that moment, crimson blood was flowing out from the withered grass.
Lin Fan shook his head in disbelief, but when he cleared the debris and saw the scene inside, he was completely numb.
A broken blade had pierced through Xuan’er’s small body, and blood was gushing out.
“How could this happen…” Lin Fan looked up at the sky, his eyes tightly shut, unable to believe what he was seeing.
“Uncle Lin…” Xuan’er’s cute, lively face was now pale, and large tears streamed down her cheeks.
“Grandpa told me to hide here and not make a sound, but it hurts so much…” Xuan’er clenched her small face, her blood-stained teeth biting her lower lip, as if trying to endure the pain.
“How could this happen…” Lin Fan looked at Xuan’er’s current state, his steadfast heart now filled with sorrow. The immense life force of the Wutong Divine Tree surged into Xuan’er’s body.
But the life force, upon entering Xuan’er’s body, instantly dissipated, scattering into the air.
“Uncle Lin, Xuan’er is very strong. Even though it hurts, I didn’t make a sound… Am I amazing?” Xuan’er’s lively eyes gradually lost their light, slowly closing.
“Amazing, Xuan’er is the most amazing…” Lin Fan felt a deep pain in his heart, a pain he hadn’t felt in a long time.
For Lin Fan, the reason he always wanted to become stronger was to avoid experiencing such pain.
“Uncle… Lin… we are… friends…”
“Tap…”
Those weak, delicate hands tried to touch Lin Fan’s cheek, but in the end, they fell limply like a broken kite…
And the last glimmer of light in Xuan’er’s eyes vanished at that moment.
“Xuan’er…” Lin Fan was on the verge of exploding.
Such a lovely little girl, how could her life end like this?
“Damn you, ancient race! I swear I won’t rest until I’ve wiped out your entire clan!”
“Ding, activating the strongest mode hidden BUFF, One Blade Ascent, limited to one day.”
The semi-finished pseudo-divine artifact, the “Yao City,” was primarily constructed from an ancient great demon, who was the emperor of demons. However, whether this ancient great demon was a type of ancient beast remained unknown. Perhaps ancient beasts, after reaching a certain level of evolution, transformed into such powerful beings.
Since arriving in the Ancient Sage Realm and witnessing so many races, Lin Fan understood that the world was vast and full of wonders. It was hard to say whether the ancient great demon was not a transformed emperor of ancient beasts.
Looking at the piles of ancient beast corpses around him, Lin Fan flicked his sleeve, collecting them all into his backpack.
Since he had decided to leave tomorrow, he wanted to kill a few more beasts to provide sufficient food for the village.
The villagers themselves were not weak, but compared to the ancient beasts, there was still a gap. Thus, every time they hunted these beasts together, there was significant danger involved.
What concerned Lin Fan most was Xuan’er, a cute little fox girl. She was the most adorable child Lin Fan had encountered since arriving in the Ancient Sage Realm, and she was also very endearing.
Though she appeared to be quite tsundere on the surface, Lin Fan found this even more charming.
He even thought that if he could successfully suppress the ancient clans in the future, he would be more than happy to take Xuan’er along, nurturing and educating her.
Having such a lively and adorable little fox around would certainly make daily life less boring.
“Squeak…”
Just at this moment, a rustling sound came from the bushes ahead. Lin Fan swiftly swung his axe, cleaving a deep fissure into the earth.
At that moment, an animal resembling a rabbit stood frozen in place, seemingly terrified by the scene.
“Huh, what is this thing?” Lin Fan picked up the snow-white creature, about the size of a palm, which looked just like a white rabbit.
With two long ears and red eyes, it indeed resembled a rabbit.
“Heh, how interesting. There are even creatures like this in the Ancient Sage Realm.” Lin Fan examined it curiously.
It appeared harmless, with no sharp claws and short limbs.
“It actually looks kind of cute. Xuan’er would probably like it.” Holding the creature, Lin Fan mused to himself.
Children tend to forget easily. After he left, having this creature accompany Xuan’er might help ease the sadness of parting.
“Rabbit, behave yourself, or I’ll roast you.” The snowy white rabbit, being held in someone’s hand, gave a nervous nod, revealing its timid nature.
Lin Fan slung the Eternal Axe over his shoulder, holding the rabbit in one hand, feeling quite satisfied as he made his way back to the village.
Though it was still early, tomorrow he was leaving, and Lin Fan wanted to spend some time with Xuan’er, perhaps even imparting a few techniques to her.
After all, in the perilous Ancient Sage Realm, it was hard to predict what dangers might arise.
With three blazing suns overhead, Lin Fan hummed a tune, leisurely strolling through the mountains.
…
“How could this be…”
At the village entrance, Lin Fan stared at the scene before him. His relaxed expression instantly turned pale, and he stood there like someone struck dumb.
Bloodstained and ablaze, the simple houses were smeared with blood.
Lin Fan’s expression darkened, and he hurriedly stepped forward.
The village looked as if it had been looted, in chaos and disarray.
Only piles of corpses lay scattered throughout the village.
Each face was so familiar, yet now reduced to lifeless remains.
At that moment, Lin Fan saw a body ahead—it was the village chief.
Lin Fan rushed over. “Chief, what exactly happened…”
Unfortunately, the chief was already dead. His aged face bore an expression of anger, with a shocking wound on his chest. The blood had long since dried.
“The ancient clans…”
Lin Fan clenched his fists tightly, his expression hardening instantly. “Xuan’er…”
At this moment, Lin Fan abruptly stood up and began frantically searching around.
“Damn it, please be okay.” Lin Fan roared inwardly, scanning each corpse.
“Not her…”
“There’s still hope…”
“Not here either…”
“Please, give me a little hope.” Lin Fan’s body trembled. The rabbit in his hand struggled in pain, but for Lin Fan at this moment, his sole objective was to find Xuan’er.
“No… Xuan’er, where are you?” Lin Fan gazed at the empty village, shouting in despair.
“They must have been taken by those ancient clans. There’s still hope…”
Lin Fan thought of how adorable Xuan’er was, and believed those ancient clans wouldn’t have killed her outright.
As this hope surfaced in Lin Fan’s mind, it grew stronger and stronger, making him believe it was the truth.
“No, I must chase after them immediately, or it’ll be too late.” Lin Fan immediately turned to head toward the distance.
“Lin… Uncle…”
Just as Lin Fan was chasing into the distance, a faint voice suddenly came from a nearby haystack.
“Xuan’er…” At this moment, Lin Fan’s expression suddenly lit up with excitement. He immediately rushed over and began clearing away the hay.
“This… it can’t be…”
At this moment, scarlet blood continuously seeped from the withered haystack.
Lin Fan shook his head violently, but when he cleared away the debris and saw the scene inside, he was completely stunned.
Half of a blade pierced through Xuan’er’s frail body, blood gushing out continuously.
“How could this happen…” Lin Fan looked up at the sky, his eyes tightly shut, unable to believe what he was seeing.
“Lin Uncle…” Xuan’er’s cute and lively face was now deathly pale, large tears streaming down her face.
“Grandpa told me to hide here and not make a sound, but Xuan’er hurts so much…” Xuan’er’s little face was tense, her blood-stained teeth biting her lower lip, seemingly enduring the pain.
“How could this happen…” Lin Fan looked at Xuan’er’s condition, his usually resolute heart now filled with sorrow. The mighty life force of the Wutong Divine Tree surged into Xuan’er’s body.
However, the life force instantly scattered upon entering her body, dissipating into the heavens and earth.
“Lin Uncle, Xuan’er is very brave. Even though it hurts, Xuan’er didn’t make a sound… Am I amazing?” Xuan’er’s bright eyes gradually lost their luster, slowly closing.
“Amazing, Xuan’er is the most amazing…” Lin Fan felt an unbearable pain in his heart, a pain he hadn’t felt in a very long time.
For Lin Fan, his constant pursuit of strength had always been driven by a desire to avoid experiencing such pain.
“Lin… Uncle… we are… friends…”
“Thud…”
That small, weak hand, trying to touch Lin Fan’s face, finally fell lifelessly, like a broken kite string.
At that moment, the last glimmer of light in Xuan’er’s eyes faded away.
“Xuan’er…” Lin Fan was on the verge of exploding.
How could such a lovely little girl meet such a fate?
“Damn you, ancient clans! If I don’t exterminate your entire race, I swear I’m no longer human!”
“Ding, activating the hidden ultimate mode BUFF: One Strike Power Surge, limited to one day.”
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