The schemer hadn't expected Yun Fan's actions to be so swift.
After all, he had only just arrived.
"Did you break through?"
The schemer looked at Yun Fan doubtfully.
He then realized Yun Fan hadn't broken through.
Although Yun Fan's aura was almost on par with his, indistinguishable even.
His realm, however, was still a notch below.
But undeniably, Yun Fan was far stronger than in his previous life.
"So you haven't broken through!"
"And you dare be arrogant in front of me? Who gave you the guts?"
The schemer sneered dismissively.
He had thought Yun Fan had broken through early. He hadn't expected Yun Fan to dare show himself without breaking through.
In fact, given the situation, Yun Fan couldn't afford *not* to appear.
If he didn't show himself, the schemer would annihilate his homeland.
The situation hadn't reached its peak yet.
But for Yun Fan, none of that mattered.
What mattered was that he could fight the schemer.
It was akin to being forced onto a stage, unable to be instantly killed by the schemer.
But whether he could defeat the schemer wouldn't depend on strength, but on luck.
Yun Fan then said, "Even without breaking through, I have the courage to fight!"
"Schemer, make your move!"
"Since you're so eager to die, I'll send you on your way!"
The next moment, the schemer charged forward, a world-ending force descending towards Yun Fan.
He was undeniably strong.
Especially after recovering his peak, his strength was in no way comparable to before.
Perhaps this was the mark of a true powerhouse.
Yun Fan turned his hand and met the attack.
After a palm clash, both were forced back, and the gap between them was unclear.
"You're this strong even without breaking through?"
The schemer was stunned. He had thought Yun Fan's strength was ordinary, only qualified to be instantly killed by him.
He hadn't expected Yun Fan to fight him to a standstill.
This was truly shocking.
In other words, if Yun Fan were to break through, would he still be a match?
Clearly, that was impossible.
"Since you are such a monstrous talent, I must eliminate you even more urgently!"
The next moment, the schemer moved rapidly, intending to finish Yun Fan instantly.
However, Yun Fan was prepared.
Thus, throughout their battle, a stalemate persisted.
Neither could gain the upper hand over the other.
The schemer was astonished by how outrageously strong Yun Fan had become.
He was fortunate he had acted swiftly; otherwise, it would have been truly over once Yun Fan broke through.
As their battle escalated, even the myriad heavens and realms seemed unable to withstand their fighting, on the verge of dissipating at any moment.
To avoid implicating his homeland, Yun Fan took a step, traversing countless miles.
"Trying to escape?"
The schemer sneered.
He pursued Yun Fan directly.
No matter what, he had to kill Yun Fan today, otherwise, he might not be Yun Fan's match next time.
They then engaged in a final battle in the boundless void.
Unfortunately, despite Yun Fan's defiance, he couldn't yet reach the realm beyond the mundane.
Thus, after hundreds of exchanges, he gradually fell into a disadvantage.
Then, the schemer struck him with a palm.
"Pfft!"
Yun Fan coughed up a mouthful of blood.
The situation seemed dire.
"Good. Despite your monstrous talent, you will always be suppressed by me. You won't be able to turn the tables!"
The schemer sneered.
This feeling of controlling the entire situation was immensely satisfying for him.
"I didn't expect to still be unable to truly stand shoulder to shoulder with you!"
"Naturally!"
The schemer said coldly, "The darkness I've endured to reach this point...
...the countless setbacks!"
"You simply wish to stand shoulder to shoulder with me? It's not that easy!"
His words were not untrue.
Although Yun Fan had endured countless hardships to reach this day, compared to the schemer's suffering, Yun Fan's trials were insignificant.
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "Don't get smug too quickly!"
"If I take you down with me, do you think you'll emerge unscathed?"
Without a doubt, Yun Fan was buying time.
His words left the schemer momentarily flustered.
Indeed, if Yun Fan were to fight desperately, he would at least have to pay half his life.
"You think I don't know you're stalling for time?"
The schemer said dismissively, "You're merely trying to instill fear in me and thus delay the inevitable!"
"Unfortunately, your scheme has been seen through!"
"True, you'll make me pay half my life, but once I kill you and refine your homeland, you'll be nothing compared to me!"
Hearing this, Yun Fan remarked, "You're quite clever, befitting the schemer!"
"Enough talk!"
"Die!"
At this moment, the schemer charged forward, intending to kill Yun Fan completely.
After all, at Yun Fan's current level, if they were to fight all out, he would surely die within another hundred moves.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan stated directly, "I'm sorry, my stalling plan has succeeded!"
The next moment, Yun Fan unleashed his full power.
All the tribulations of the heavens then converged upon them.
The schemer was greatly alarmed. He had never imagined Yun Fan would attempt to break through while fighting.
It was truly despicable.
Because Yun Fan had to share half the tribulations, at least a third would fall upon him.
This would allow Yun Fan to use the tribulations to block him.
At this moment, Yun Fan asked, "Schemer, do you wish to wait until I've broken through to fight again!"
"Or do you want to fight me now?"
Undoubtedly, Yun Fan was quite pleased with himself at this point.
The schemer thought he was stalling for time to recover.
Little did he know, he was stalling for time to use the tribulations to go head-to-head with the schemer.
The schemer was truly infuriated by Yun Fan.
He then angrily cursed Yun Fan, "Kid, do you think I'm afraid of your tribulations!"
"Even if I bear a portion of them, you can't contend with them!"
The more this was the case, the more the schemer couldn't let Yun Fan live.
If Yun Fan survived, he would be utterly defeated.
How could he give up after enduring so much to reach this final stage?
Therefore, he charged into the tribulations, engaging Yun Fan in a world-shattering battle.
"You're not even afraid of this?"
Yun Fan was dumbfounded. He had expected the schemer to be wary, but he showed no fear or apprehension.
His approach was pure desperation.
He was even more tenacious than Yun Fan.
Crucially, in this desperate struggle, he would never be a match for the schemer.
Thus, at this moment, Yun Fan, while seemingly restraining the schemer,
was actually being pummeled by him.
*Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!*
The schemer wielded the chains of order, striking Yun Fan.
His first move was a lightning-fast, five-hit flurry.
"Cough! Cough! Cough! Cough!"
Yun Fan let out a string of coughs.
Because at this moment, his body was being ripped and torn by the schemer.
It had to be said, while the tribulations couldn't block the schemer's attacks,
under the same tribulation, Yun Fan was no match for him.
*Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!*
At this moment, countless forces of tribulation bombarded them both.
Because the schemer had transcended the mundane realm, these tribulations could inflict damage upon him,
but not fatally.
Conversely, Yun Fan was in a precarious situation.
For this tribulation's power was even more terrifying than the five-hit flurry.
Yun Fan, struck by it, collapsed to the ground.
"Pfft!"
A mouthful of blood sprayed out, and Yun Fan became extremely vulnerable.
"Is this the power you're so proud of?"
The schemer scoffed, "It seems I don't even need to act; the power of tribulation is enough to kill you!"
Without a doubt, he was extremely arrogant at this point.
Because having reached this stage, Yun Fan was beyond saving.
If he didn't mock Yun Fan now, when would he?
Yun Fan was incredibly tragic; this fellow was simply too hateful.
However, at this moment, Yun Fan said, "Schemer, you're too naive. What can mere tribulations do to me?"
As if on cue, the situation unexpectedly changed.
All the tribulations of the heavens engulfed Yun Fan.
The schemer, who had intended to finish Yun Fan, was so frightened that he retreated repeatedly.
"Why are all the tribulations targeting him?"
"I'm in here too!"
Without a doubt, the schemer was stunned at this point.
Logically, if he stepped into Yun Fan's tribulations, he should have at least shared a third of the tribulation.
But now, all the tribulations were on Yun Fan, and he remained unharmed.
This scene was nothing short of bizarre.
"It seems he has angered the tribulations of the heavens!"
The schemer sneered. Now, all he had to do was wait for these tribulations to kill Yun Fan.
He wouldn't even need to lift a finger.
Furthermore, he couldn't intervene at this moment.
If these tribulations had already found a target, attacking him again would be problematic.
Therefore, at this point, he simply had to wait quietly for Yun Fan's demise.
As expected, when countless tribulations of the heavens descended upon Yun Fan, they unleashed a barrage of attacks.
"Pfft!"
Yun Fan spat out a mouthful of blood.
One wave of tribulation after another struck him, leaving him battered and bruised.
"Ugh!"
Yun Fan let out a muffled groan. It wasn't just his body; his very soul was likely in peril.
"Schemer, if you have the guts, attack me!"
Yun Fan cursed, "What kind of courage do you have, hiding outside?"
"Hahahaha!"
The schemer roared with laughter, "You're still being stubborn on the brink of death. You're the one who should die now, not me!"
"You want to drag me into this, but I won't fall for your trick. I'll just watch you slowly await your death!"
The schemer wasn't foolish. In his opinion, Yun Fan was simply trying to provoke him.
Therefore, at this point, he could just sit back and watch.
After all, one couldn't haggle with a dead man.
As expected, at this very moment, the tribulations launched a second wave of attacks upon Yun Fan.
In this round of attacks, Yun Fan's situation was dire.
Even his physical body began to dissipate.
His soul was still resisting, but it wouldn't hold out much longer.
"Good riddance!"
The schemer sneered, "If I had known killing you was this easy, I wouldn't have struggled so much!"
Without a doubt, he was utterly contemptuous of Yun Fan at this point.
Soon, Yun Fan would be annihilated.
Then, all he had to do was refine Yun Fan's homeland to successfully complete his grand plan.
*Boom!*
As the final tribulation struck, Yun Fan's soul vanished into it.
"Is it over?"
The schemer showed a hint of confusion. In his estimation, Yun Fan couldn't have held out much longer.
Even if he perished, it would be within expectations.
But the tribulations had yet to subside, meaning Yun Fan wasn't entirely dead.
Yet, he couldn't see Yun Fan anywhere.
At this moment, he finally saw him.
A wisp of Yun Fan's soul was still clinging on within the tribulations, struggling.
Even though Yun Fan himself didn't know if he would vanish immediately,
he had no other choice.
He couldn't die in the tribulations; he hadn't yet killed the schemer.
"Truly tenacious!"
Even the schemer had to offer a few words of praise.
*Boom!*
As all the tribulations converged,
and struck downwards, Yun Fan's last vestiges of soul were obliterated.
"Now he's truly dead, right?"
The schemer sneered, clearly the victor.
Just as he was about to head towards Yun Fan's homeland, he unexpectedly found that all the tribulations suddenly engulfed him.
"The person is already dead, so why are these tribulations attacking me?"
The schemer was utterly dumbfounded.
After all, he had transcended the mundane realm.
These tribulations shouldn't have appeared for him.
This unexpected turn of events caught the schemer off guard.
Could it be that his schadenfreude in watching the battle had caused the tribulations to turn on him?
If so, he would be truly wronged.
*Boom!*
As the tribulations struck him,
the schemer was battered and bruised by them.
Because tribulations were special entities that ignored all defenses; even if one could be immune to all spells,
they couldn't be immune to the attacks of tribulation.
Therefore, it was impossible for the schemer not to be dumbfounded at this moment.
After being bombarded by tribulations several times, even he couldn't withstand it.
He wanted to retreat, but all escape routes were blocked by the tribulations.
Even more terrifying was that the tribulations were continuously intensifying.
It had to be said, this was truly a disaster for him.
After being struck by tribulations dozens of times,
"Pfft!"
The schemer spat out a mouthful of blood. Up to this point, the tribulations showed no sign of subsiding.
Although he wouldn't be killed by the tribulations,
if this continued, he would at least have to pay a heavy price.
He prepared to break through by force.
But at this moment, he discovered a shocking secret.
The frequency and speed at which the tribulations attacked him seemed to be highly organized.
It was as if something was controlling them.
This discovery was enough to shock the schemer.
"Who is controlling the tribulations?"
The schemer roared in anger.
"It's me! Yun Fan!"
As soon as the words left his lips, Yun Fan's soul merged into the tribulations, unaffected.
"You're not dead yet?"
Now it was the schemer's turn to be unsettled. A young man who should have long since vanished under the tribulations,
was now appearing within them. Even more terrifying was that these tribulations weren't attacking Yun Fan.
Yun Fan stated, "I have conquered the laws of tribulation. Now, tribulation is my most potent weapon and power!"
"Schemer, are you satisfied with this outcome?"
Hearing this, the schemer's vision went black, and he nearly collapsed.
"Damn it! Why are you so incredibly powerful?"
Without a doubt, this was a devastating blow for the schemer.
Why could Yun Fan control the tribulations?
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "To control tribulation, one must conquer it. Clearly, I have conquered it. From now on, the laws of tribulation are my strength!"
"Schemer, my battle with you has just begun!"
Yun Fan sneered.
He then unleashed the tribulations once more, attacking the schemer.
The schemer was forced to retreat under Yun Fan's power.
No matter what, he hadn't expected Yun Fan to reach such a formidable level.
After being heavily wounded by tribulations over a hundred times, the schemer's physical condition was dire.
It had to be said, this time he had gambled wrong.
"Schemer, if you wish to break free from my laws of tribulation, you must pay a heavy price to escape!"
"Are you willing to pay such a steep price?"
Upon hearing this, the schemer was filled with rage.
He, who had the initiative, now found himself in such a predicament.
The current situation was far from optimistic for the schemer.
Therefore, he said to Yun Fan, "Kid, even if you've mastered tribulations, so what?"
"You'll still die at my hands!"
With that, the schemer decided not to linger. Prolonging the fight would bring him no benefit.
He paid nearly half his life's price to shatter the laws of tribulation.
Upon emerging outside, before he could even catch his breath,
he witnessed an astonishing sight.
Yun Fan had successfully broken through to the realm beyond the mundane using these laws.
Upon breaking through to the realm beyond the mundane, Yun Fan discovered the vastness of this new realm.
Reaching this point meant he was essentially invincible.
There was no longer a path forward; he would simply grow stronger with the passage of time.
This was the profound mystery of the realm beyond the mundane.
The path of cultivation had always been one with no discernible end.
But now, Yun Fan had reached the end.
Throughout history, only two individuals had attained this level.
One was him, and the other was the schemer.
The schemer was almost angered to death. Yun Fan's advancement to this level was entirely due to his underestimation and carelessness.
Otherwise, Yun Fan would have died at his hands long before reaching this point.
But it was too late now; the situation had reached a point of no return.
At this moment, he said to Yun Fan, "Kid, I didn't expect you to get lucky and break through after all!"
"Hmph!"
Yun Fan snorted, "My breakthrough was not as simple as you imagine!"
"Schemer, we are now at the same realm. What advantage do you have?"
"Moreover, you only have half your life left, while I am at my peak!"
Yun Fan's expression turned triumphant. The schemer had always held a significant sense of superiority over him,
which had greatly angered him.
But now, that superiority was gone.
Because standing at the same realm, his power was the strongest force in heaven, the ultimate combat power.
The schemer, let alone not being at his peak, even if he were,
Yun Fan had now transitioned from a passive position to an active one.
"So what if you've broken through?"
"In front of me, you are still insignificant!"
The next moment, the schemer charged forward.
Even with only half his life and a decline in strength, undeniably, he was still not weak compared to when Yun Fan had fought him in his previous life.
However, Yun Fan was no longer the same person as in his previous life. After his rebirth, how could his strength be comparable?
The next moment, Yun Fan decisively attacked, unleashing immense power.
With a single move, he sent the schemer flying.
"Pfft!"
The schemer coughed up blood, looking at Yun Fan with wary eyes.
"Why did I lose so easily?"
Without a doubt, the schemer couldn't believe how strong Yun Fan had become.
He had been pushed back with a single move.
It was certain that Yun Fan's strength might rival his peak.
Considering that Yun Fan had only just broken through,
and hadn't yet been tempered by time, how could he possibly match his peak strength?
Yun Fan replied, "Because I am invincible. Is that answer sufficient?"
"I don't believe it!"
In a fit of rage, the schemer charged forward. No matter what, he refused to let Yun Fan continue to be arrogant in front of him.
"Interesting. Since you refuse to face reality, I'll grant your wish!"
With that, Yun Fan unleashed his moves.
This time, he didn't just use a single move; he unleashed a full combo.
"Ah!"
The schemer cried out in pain and was sent flying back.
At this moment, he finally sobered up and realized the vast gap between himself and Yun Fan.
It had to be said, the disparity was not small.
In Yun Fan's presence, he lacked any fighting power.
He was passively taking hits, in such a desperate state.
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "It's about time. I should send you on your way!"
The tide had turned. Yun Fan now controlled the situation.
"Damn it!"
In a fit of rage, the schemer was pierced through the body by a powerful force unleashed by Yun Fan.
"Is it over?"
Now it was Yun Fan's turn to stand in confusion.
Because in his estimation, the schemer shouldn't have been able to withstand his palm strike.
After all, he knew how powerful that palm strike was; in the same realm, it was synonymous with invincibility.
"Hahahaha!"
At this moment, a series of wild laughter echoed.
Then, the schemer reappeared. Despite Yun Fan's powerful strike, he had not died.
Furthermore, he had recovered his peak strength.
"How could you recover from half your life to your peak in an instant?"
This time, Yun Fan was dumbfounded.
Because, in his view, this was also an incredible feat.
The schemer said dismissively, "Although you outsmarted me, I have lived for so many years. How could I not have a contingency plan?"
"So, you're relying on this contingency plan to instantly recover to your peak?"
Yun Fan looked at the schemer in disbelief.
"That's right!"
The schemer said, "While letting you grow to this extent was my mistake, there are still opportunities for amends!"
"Now, it's time for you to pay!"
With that, the schemer went all out and charged forward,
intending to crush Yun Fan, who had now become a formidable force.
Because his estimation was that Yun Fan's combat power was comparable to his peak.
Therefore, he used his final trump card, further boosting his strength.
If he wanted to kill Yun Fan, how could he not surpass Yun Fan's strength?
It had to be said, the schemer's methods were truly extraordinary; with just two techniques, they had played a crucial role.
These two techniques were truly beyond the capabilities of ordinary individuals.
Unexpectedly, even with this move that surpassed his peak, he could only fight Yun Fan to a draw.
"How is this possible?"
This time, the schemer was completely stunned.
Yun Fan scoffed, "Did you think I'd have no answer for you just because you surpassed your peak?"
"You are gravely mistaken!"
Yun Fan continued, "Although you have surpassed your peak, my strength can still match yours! Because when I fought you when you had only half your life left, I wasn't using my full power!"
Upon hearing this, the schemer's vision went black, and he nearly fainted.
He thought he was already quite cunning,
but he hadn't expected Yun Fan to be even more so.
"In that case, wouldn't that mean there's no advantage to speak of?"
The schemer couldn't help but feel a sense of collapse at this moment.
It seemed the only option was to engage Yun Fan in a battle of pure strength.
In other words, there were no more tricks, only a head-on confrontation.
It was a matter of who would emerge as the ultimate victor.
It had to be said, the outcome was indeed cruel.
At this moment, Yun Fan said to him, "Schemer, we have no more tricks to play!"
"Between us, we can only fight with all our might until one is annihilated?"
"Do you dare?"
Under Yun Fan's provocation, the schemer became furious.
"Kid, do you think I'll be afraid of you just because we're fighting head-on?"
Instantly, the schemer attacked with full force, wanting to see who would be the last one laughing in a pure test of strength.
At this moment, with both sides going all out, terrifying bloodstains appeared.
The entire space was permeated with their blood.
A contest of raw strength was like this, depending on who could laugh last.
There were no tricks, no special moves.
It was either you kill me, or I kill you.
It had to be said, the scene that unfolded was incredibly brutal.
With equal strength, Yun Fan had no inherent advantage.
His advantage was being able to match the schemer, who had surpassed his peak. This was already a significant advantage.
Now, suppressing the schemer was entirely impossible.
Of course, it was also impossible for the schemer to suppress him.
From the beginning, this was a fight to the death.
After hundreds of exchanges, both were exhausted. Without a doubt, continuing the fight would likely result in mutual annihilation.
Because their strengths and injuries were evenly matched.
At this moment, both the schemer and Yun Fan wished they could tear each other to shreds.
This was, after all, a life-or-death struggle.
Only the one who survived would be the ultimate victor.
Therefore, the schemer immediately said to Yun Fan, "Kid, let this battle cease. From now on, we'll each go our own way, and neither will disturb the other!"
"Don't think about eliminating me, and I won't attack your homeland, how about that?"
Without a doubt, they were essentially giving each other a way out.
And it was the schemer who proposed it first.
The enemy who was once insurmountable now had to bow his head.
A sense of accomplishment washed over Yun Fan.
"Alright! You said it!"
Yun Fan replied, "I hope you'll keep your word!"
Originally, Yun Fan wouldn't have agreed, but a fight to the death with the schemer would result in too great a loss.
Furthermore, he had already been reborn once.
His previous rebirth was entirely due to his family giving him an infinite source of faith.
But now, rebirth was impossible. Once one reached this level of strength, the so-called faith had no effect.
Dying meant dying for good.
Otherwise, why would the schemer back down?
This cunning being wished for Yun Fan's immediate demise.
His retreat was a matter of necessity.
How could Yun Fan not see this?
Weighing the pros and cons, both sides had to compromise.
Unless they found a way to defeat and kill the other,
it was possible they might remain in a stalemate.
Now, it was akin to a mutual concession.
"I will certainly keep my word!"
The schemer said coldly, "The fact that you can live and protect your homeland is entirely due to luck!"
"Farewell!"
The schemer had no intention of lingering. With such severe injuries, he couldn't afford to stay.
Yun Fan was also at his limit.
"Finally done!"
Yun Fan breathed a sigh of relief.
This wasn't the final decisive battle; it was merely a chance encounter.
He retreated back to the City of Time.
The women were all excited. They had witnessed the battle between Yun Fan and the schemer.
They didn't ask for Yun Fan to kill the schemer; as long as he returned alive, it was the greatest comfort to them.
And their greatest joy.
"My wives, I may have disappointed you!"
Yun Fan said, "Until I can truly surpass him, I cannot kill him!"
At this moment, Yun Fan didn't conceal anything, nor did he exaggerate his strength.
If he couldn't kill him, he couldn't kill him.
"Husband, don't worry. We'll wait until you find a way to kill him!"
The women said to Yun Fan with concern.
Meanwhile, Yun Fan was planning an even grander scheme.
With his current strength, he had reached his limit. To grow further, he would need the passage of time.
This was an unrealistic method.
Therefore, he planned to construct a killing formation, with himself at the center, to battle the schemer.
His wives would control the formation, and together, they might be able to kill the schemer.
Otherwise, it would be impossible.
When he revealed his plan, the women were highly supportive.
Being able to help Yun Fan was their greatest wish, and now they finally had a chance.
How could they easily give up?
"Husband, no matter what you do, we will support you wholeheartedly!"
"We don't even care if we have to give our lives!"
The women were resolute. All along, Yun Fan had protected them. Now, it was their turn to step forward.
How could they be unwilling to make the ultimate sacrifice, their lives?
With their love for Yun Fan, giving their lives meant nothing.
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "This formation is still just a concept, but I have already discovered the schemer's weakness!"
"Therefore, I can create the world's strongest formation by exploiting his weakness!"
Yun Fan was an ambitious man.
Although the formation had not yet been constructed, Yun Fan had already given it a majestic name.
It was the Immortal Slaying Formation.