Yun Fan countered the attack, pitting his Zhan Tian (Battle Heaven) power against Huang Tian's (Yellow Heaven) power.
Initially, Huang Tian believed that as a Heaven, he should at least suppress Yun Fan, if not defeat him in a single move.
However, when Yun Fan's Zhan Tian power was unleashed, Huang Tian realized his oversimplification. Yun Fan was not only matching him but actively suppressing Huang Tian's power.
After the first exchange, Huang Tian was repelled.
Simultaneously, Yun Fan's Zhan Tian power reformed and pressed its assault.
This left Huang Tian utterly dumbfounded.
Indeed, his premonition was correct; Yun Fan was exceptional.
At this moment, the entire arena was stunned.
Who could have imagined that a martial artist who was not a Heaven could put a Heaven at a disadvantage? It was an astonishing feat.
Such a situation seemed unprecedented in history.
"How is this possible?"
The crowd couldn't fathom the monstrous power Yun Fan possessed.
At this point, Yun Fan spoke, "Huang Tian, what do you think?"
Huang Tian was a mixture of rage and indignation.
Assuming the previous display was a fluke, he attacked again, his core technique being the profound essence of Huang Tian. He refused to believe Yun Fan could be so formidable.
To his dismay, Yun Fan's Zhan Tian profound essence proved even more potent.
With the experience from their previous clash, Yun Fan found it less difficult to manage Huang Tian.
The Zhan Tian profound essence directly shattered Huang Tian's profound essence.
At this moment, Huang Tian finally grasped the gravity of the situation.
Yun Fan's strength was no accident; he was undoubtedly capable of defeating him.
At this juncture, Huang Tian coldly asked, "Kid, how did you do it?"
An unprecedented sense of defeat began to well up within Huang Tian.
Yun Fan replied, "Naturally, through my own comprehension. Have you surrendered?"
"Surrender?"
Huang Tian sneered, "You're thinking too highly of yourself!"
Instantly, the winds and clouds churned. Huang Tian's spirit reignited as he unleashed the Heavenly Heart Mark.
While Yun Fan had surpassed him in power, his trump card was the Heavenly Heart Mark, the very essence of becoming a Heaven.
Huang Tian couldn't believe Yun Fan could contend with the Heavenly Heart Mark.
As expected, the Heavenly Heart Mark descended, bearing down on Yun Fan.
The inhabitants of the Huang Tian domain held their breath, eager to witness if Yun Fan could conjure another miracle.
However, this outcome seemed highly improbable.
After all, the Heavenly Heart Mark was an unparalleled existence.
No matter how extraordinary Yun Fan was, he couldn't possibly stand against it.
In a flash, Huang Tian's Heavenly Heart Mark enveloped Yun Fan.
Just as everyone anticipated Yun Fan's imminent demise, Yun Fan roared, "Zhan Tian Mark!"
Though it was merely a nascent form, not a true mark, it was sufficient for Yun Fan to contend with mere Huang Tian.
With the impetus of the Zhan Tian Mark, Huang Tian's mark was shattered.
"Pfft!"
Yun Fan spat out a mouthful of blood.
Despite his disheveled appearance, he had ultimately triumphed.
Meanwhile, Huang Tian's eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Yun Fan.
Unaware of the true situation, the onlookers believed Huang Tian had won, which was why Yun Fan was bleeding.
They failed to realize that neither fighter intended to strike, and the atmosphere became palpably strange.
At this moment, Yun Fan wiped the blood from his lips. "If you need to vomit, then do so! Don't force yourself to endure!"
"What?"
The crowd displayed renewed confusion. Could there be a twist in the outcome of the battle?
As expected, Huang Tian could no longer hold back and erupted in a torrent of blood, far more than Yun Fan.
He then slumped, utterly dejected.
In this confrontation with Yun Fan, he had ultimately lost.
"Why?"
Huang Tian's resolve began to waver. He possessed the Heavenly Heart Mark, making him the sole Heaven.
Yet, he had been defeated by Yun Fan. Naturally, he was unconvinced.
At this, Yun Fan stated, "No reason. The era of Heavens is destined to pass. My era is about to dawn!"
His words were undeniably arrogant, but Yun Fan possessed the capital to be so.
His strength alone proved everything. He was not a Heaven, yet he could defeat a Heaven. His moniker, Zhan Tian, was no mere empty claim.
"Do you believe I'll shatter the Heavenly Heart Mark and kill you?"
Huang Tian was enraged. When had he ever endured such humiliation? Today, he felt utterly defeated.
His son had been killed by Yun Fan, and he, the majestic Huang Tian, not only couldn't defeat Yun Fan but was himself defeated.
The scene was beyond embarrassing.
Especially in front of so many princes of the Huang Tian domain, his reputation was utterly ruined.
And Yun Fan, the instigator, was still spouting bravado.
Yun Fan relished their inability to defeat him despite their dislike.
This time, he had avenged Xue Zhi thoroughly. But it wasn't enough.
Yun Fan believed that since he had come all this way, not extorting something would be contrary to his character.
Thus, Yun Fan declared, "Very well! Then shatter the Heavenly Heart Mark! It would be fitting for us to perish together!"
Huang Tian had no intention of perishing with Yun Fan; he still desired to live.
Therefore, he threatened Yun Fan menacingly, "This debt will be repaid tenfold in the future!"
"I don't think we need to wait for the future!"
Yun Fan countered, "Let's do it now! If you have the guts, then come at me!"
"You..."
Huang Tian hadn't expected Yun Fan to be so aggressive.
The various princes were awestruck. Yun Fan didn't even spare a Heaven's dignity, earning him the title of Number One in history.
At this point, Yun Fan not only did not leave the Huang Tian domain but arrogantly and imperiously entered the Huang Tian Hall.
Huang Tian's teeth were nearly ground to dust, yet he was powerless against Yun Fan.
"What do you want?"
Huang Tian asked in fury, regretting not having offered Yun Fan a way out earlier.
But now, it was too late for regrets.
Yun Fan stated, "I've traveled a great distance to be here, and this entire affair is your fault. Don't you think you owe me some compensation?"
His words left everyone speechless. Yun Fan was a prime example of pushing one's luck, killing a man's son and then demanding compensation.
In this regard, describing Yun Fan as the foremost in history was no exaggeration.
However, considering the circumstances, Huang Tian had indeed acted first. If he hadn't provoked this calamity, Yun Fan wouldn't have come seeking trouble without cause.
Now, what was the point of being Huang Tian if he had provoked such a formidable opponent and could only accept his fate?
"You dare demand compensation from me? Are you sure?"
Huang Tian raged.
What was utter disgrace? This was it. If he were truly to compensate Yun Fan, then he, the Lord of Huang Tian, would be utterly shamed.
More shamed than Qing Tian (Azure Heaven).
He had assumed Yun Fan was looking for a way to save face, and he was prepared to offer it. He had underestimated Yun Fan.
Yun Fan wasn't seeking to save face; he wanted compensation.
Who else dared to be so audacious? Huang Tian, far from dealing with him, was now at his mercy.
Yet, Yun Fan had achieved what even Huang Tian couldn't counter.
"We're both intelligent people. Don't force yourself to resist!"
Yun Fan continued, "You merely intend to threaten me with the Heavenly Heart Mark. Frankly, if you were truly willing to detonate it, you wouldn't have waited until now. Give me what I want! I don't want to waste your time!"
Huang Tian gritted his teeth and asked, "What do you want?"
"Half of your resources!"
Yun Fan declared.
Though his demand wasn't excessive in his eyes, Huang Tian considered it a brazen overreach.
"At most, one-third!"
Huang Tian refused.
"Then there's nothing more to say. Let the battle commence!"
Yun Fan stated, "I wish to witness the terrifying extent of a Heavenly Heart Mark detonation!"
His intention was clear: without the Heavenly Heart Mark, Huang Tian was no match for him, but with it, he would perish.
"Guards, give him half of the resources!"
Huang Tian ordered in anger, then vanished without a trace, wanting nothing more than to never see Yun Fan again.
"Wouldn't it have been better to agree to this sooner?"
Yun Fan remarked nonchalantly.
The onlookers were speechless, witnessing a high and mighty Heaven being extorted.
In Yun Fan's view, this was merely normal conduct. After all, he and Huang Tian, and even Qing Tian, could never be friends.
They were destined enemies, and in such relationships, sentimentality had no place.
He would extort as much as he possibly could.
Ultimately, Yun Fan departed with half of Huang Tian's resources, his journey a resounding success.
And his legend began to unfold in the Huang Tian domain.
However, Yun Fan did not rest. Having extorted Huang Tian, how could he let Qing Tian off the hook?
After all, this old scoundrel dared to meddle in the Cang Tian (Azure Sky) domain, his actions arguably worse than Huang Tian's.
Therefore, he immediately proceeded to the Qing Tian domain to extort Qing Tian.
Compared to Huang Tian, Qing Tian's demeanor was far more accommodating, having already been dealt with by Yun Fan previously.
Knowing Yun Fan's capabilities, Qing Tian adopted a cordial attitude.
"Fellow Daoist, what brings you to my Qing Tian domain?"
Qing Tian inquired with a hint of confusion.
After all, the Cang Tian domain was currently the most formidable power, boasting not only the equally renowned Huan Ling but also Yun Fan, who, despite not being a Heaven-level expert, could effortlessly overpower Heavens.
Without detonating his Heavenly Heart Mark, he couldn't defeat Yun Fan in one go.
But if he detonated it, he would perish. Thus, he was in a predicament and had no intention of provoking Yun Fan.
Yun Fan replied, "Old man, we're old acquaintances. I won't beat around the bush. Give me two-thirds of your resources!"
The various princes of the Qing Tian domain were astounded. Who was this Yun Fan, addressing Qing Tian as "old man"?
Not only that, but he dared to extort Qing Tian with such a brazen request.
Yun Fan was truly audacious, the first in history to extort a Heaven.
Why was he so remarkable?
In their eyes, Qing Tian would never agree and would likely retaliate.
After all, anyone in that situation would be unable to tolerate it.
Therefore, a grand battle seemed inevitable, with Qing Tian emerging victorious and crushing Yun Fan.
To their utter disbelief, Qing Tian replied with a troubled tone, "Fellow Daoist, you know our Qing Tian domain is poor. Two-thirds is simply unaffordable. How about half? What do you say?"
"What?"
The crowd was utterly stunned.
Qing Tian had actually agreed! Though he had reduced the demand from two-thirds to half, the difference was negligible.
The moment Qing Tian conceded, the outcome was sealed.
They were perplexed as to what made Yun Fan so exceptional that even Qing Tian feared him.
Unlike the princes of the Huang Tian domain, the princes of the Qing Tian domain were remarkably united.
Witnessing Qing Tian's humiliation, three princes stepped forward simultaneously, intending to slay Yun Fan.
However, with a single, effortless move, Yun Fan annihilated the three princes, leaving not even a speck of dust.
The princes of the Qing Tian domain could only seethe in silent rage, forced to swallow their pride.
Yun Fan's methods had utterly terrified them.
At this juncture, no one dared to be the first to act.
Thus, Yun Fan had completely intimidated them.
Qing Tian was beside himself with anger, but he could only express it internally.
"Half is not acceptable!"
Yun Fan declared, "Two-thirds. If you disagree, then I will remain in the Qing Tian domain indefinitely. If I do anything drastic, I won't be held responsible. You will bear the consequences yourselves!"
This statement nearly drove Qing Tian to his death. The sheer audacity of Yun Fan was pushing him too far, even bullying Qing Tian himself.
"Qing Tian, you cannot agree!"
"Indeed, we cannot agree!"
The crowd chanted in unison. No matter how powerful Yun Fan was, surely Qing Tian could handle him.
After all, Heaven-level experts were expected to crush other opponents with overwhelming force.
Therefore, at this moment, they glared at Yun Fan defiantly.
It was as if, at Qing Tian's command, they would rush to fight Yun Fan.
Ultimately, however, Qing Tian conceded, "Two-thirds it is. Let's consider it a friendship, Fellow Daoist. After all, this matter is partly my fault."
"What?"
The crowd was completely dumbfounded. They couldn't understand why Qing Tian, who held the clear advantage, had capitulated.
Though they were resentful, they could only endure Qing Tian's decision.
Little did they know, Qing Tian and Yun Fan had already fought, with Yun Fan emerging victorious.
Therefore, Qing Tian had lost any desire to fight Yun Fan again.
Without activating his Heavenly Heart Mark, he was utterly outmatched by Yun Fan. With it, he would perish.
Thus, in his eyes, Yun Fan was a harbinger of misfortune, someone to be avoided at all costs.
"At least you're sensible! Unlike Huang Tian, whom I beat until he coughed up blood!"
Yun Fan stated casually.
These words, however, sent the princes of the Qing Tian domain into a state of panic.
Even Huang Tian had been reduced to spitting blood by Yun Fan, which explained Qing Tian's submission.
After all, Heaven-level experts, with the amplification of the Heavenly Heart Mark, were roughly on par.
If Yun Fan could trounce Huang Tian, he could trounce Qing Tian as well.
Qing Tian then said with a hint of shock, "I didn't realize Fellow Daoist had already visited the Huang Tian domain!"
His initial displeasure dissipated, replaced by a sense of balance. Since Huang Tian had been shamed, his own humiliation was less significant.
After all, he hadn't engaged in a direct combat with Yun Fan in front of his own domain's princes.
Subsequently, after giving Yun Fan two-thirds of his resources, Yun Fan departed with satisfaction.
"Qing Tian, why didn't you shatter him?"
The princes despaired. Qing Tian was their idol, and now that idol had been utterly humiliated.
Their faith began to crumble from within.
Qing Tian calmly advised, "Don't concern yourselves with him. It's not worth it. Focus on your own path!"
"Yes!"
The crowd nodded, determined to forget this shameful event.
At that moment, Qing Tian even considered joining forces with Huang Tian to eliminate Yun Fan.
However, he remembered Yun Fan's association with Cang Tian and realized that even with Huang Tian, they would be no match.
Thus, he abandoned the idea.
...
Upon Yun Fan's return to the Cang Tian domain, he recounted the events to Huan Ling and Xue Zhi.
The two women were immediately moved. They had expected Yun Fan to simply deal with Huang Tian, but they hadn't anticipated him bringing back such substantial resources.
These resources were more than enough to offset the losses of the Cang Tian domain.
At this moment, Xue Zhi's lingering melancholy vanished.
After fleeing to the Cang Tian domain, she had lived in fear of Huang Tian's pursuit for an extended period, only finding peace after Huan Ling's rise.
As Huan Ling was her junior sister, she knew she would be protected.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan had now avenged her. She couldn't help but feel immense gratitude.
To have exacted revenge before Huang Tian's very eyes, even though she hadn't been present, was incredibly satisfying.
That night, she couldn't resist the risk of Yun Fan's displeasure and ended up in his arms.
Her long-held vendetta had finally been avenged.
Some time later.
Huan Ling had prepared the Dao Fruits and went to retrieve Yun Fan's wives.
This time, Huan Ling had prepared dozens of Dao Fruits.
Yun Fan's responsibility increased even further.
Although he appeared invincible in the world, he still felt insecure.
Not for any other reason than that if either Huang Tian or Qing Tian were to decide on mutual annihilation, he would be instantly eliminated.
This was the source of Yun Fan's internal conflict.
Only by truly condensing his own mark could he achieve an invincible state.
With his own powerful mark, even if they detonated their Heavenly Heart Marks, he would still be in control.
With this thought, Yun Fan knew he still had crucial tasks ahead.
He needed to condense his own mark as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, the historical record indicated that all previous Cang Tian had met untimely deaths, so Yun Fan sensed unseen dangers lurking.
He was unsure what these unseen dangers were.
At the very least, for now, becoming a Heaven-level expert was essential for self-preservation.
Therefore, in the ensuing period, Yun Fan began the process of condensing his mark.
Time flew by, and a hundred years passed.
A century later, Yun Fan emerged from seclusion, having successfully condensed his own Zhan Tian Mark.
This was distinctly different from the Heavenly Heart Mark. While the concept was similar, the execution was entirely different.
At this point, Yun Fan's Zhan Tian Mark was a unique creation in history.
Even he had not anticipated such a smooth process.
Although it had taken a hundred years, to a powerful being like him, it was barely a blink of an eye.
Generally, the Cang Tian domain could only accommodate one Heaven-level expert, as the Heavenly Heart Mark recognized only one.
Any more would shatter the Cang Tian domain.
Thus, each era had only one Cang Tian.
However, Yun Fan had achieved something extraordinary. His mark did not conflict with the Heavenly Heart Mark.
His mark was his own, independent of the Heavenly Heart Mark, and even surpassed it.
He and Huan Ling resided in the Cang Tian domain, yet it had no impact on Huan Ling.
From this point forward, Huan Ling and the others recognized that Yun Fan had forged his own path to invincibility.
He was truly invincible, effortlessly overpowering everyone.
At least three Heaven-level experts had fallen before him.
Now, Yun Fan's strength had reached a new pinnacle, surpassing countless others.
Therefore, at this juncture, Yun Fan had achieved an invincible physique.
In the subsequent years, Yun Fan remained in place, using his own strength to train his wives.
He desired them to forge their own unrestricted paths.
Though the beginning was arduous, they were steadfast in their belief that they would succeed.
Consequently, with the exception of Huan Ling, they all followed Yun Fan's path.
Even Huan Ling wished to walk this path, but alas, she was already at max level and could not tread Yun Fan's.
Envy was unavoidable.
However, at this moment, even with her envy, she could only endure, for she was already the second most powerful expert, just below Yun Fan.
One day, an individual suddenly arrived, specifically requesting to see Huan Ling.
Huan Ling and Yun Fan were perplexed, so they proceeded to the Cang Tian Grand Hall.
There, they encountered a middle-aged man whose strength was also at the peak of Hedao (Harmony of Dao).
However, he lacked the augmentation of the Heavenly Heart Mark, placing him in the same tier as the deceased Hou Qing.
"Who are you?"
Huan Ling inquired, puzzled. She had never heard of such a powerful expert in the Cang Tian domain.
The middle-aged man stated, "Cang Tian, a decree from the Upper Heavens commands you to sacrifice half of your beings!"
"What is the Upper Heavens?"
Yun Fan coldly demanded.
Similarly, the knowledgeable Huan Ling was also perplexed.
The man replied, "The Upper Heavens are the rulers of all worlds. Even the Heavens cannot resist them!"
"What?"
Yun Fan and Huan Ling were equally shocked. How powerful could they be?
Indeed, Yun Fan's suspicions about the fates of previous Cang Tian were soon to be confirmed.
Huan Ling coolly asked, "What if I refuse the sacrifice?"
The Upper Heaven envoy responded, "Cang Tian, you have no room for negotiation. Several previous Cang Tian before you also refused directly, and you know the outcome, don't you?"
As expected, the deaths of past Cang Tian were indeed linked to this matter.
Yun Fan's deduction was correct.
"The Upper Heavens conduct a sacrifice every three epochs. Originally, only one-third was required, but every Cang Tian of your Cang Tian domain refused the sacrifice. Therefore, this time, the Upper Heavens demand half from your Cang Tian domain. Otherwise, death awaits you!"
The Upper Heaven envoy threatened coldly.
Huan Ling finally understood why she was unaware; sacrifices were made only every three epochs. The previous Cang Tian had died two epochs ago, and she was born then. She had spent another epoch rising to prominence, making it precisely three epochs.
Thus, Huan Ling declared coldly, "Go back and tell your master that if past Cang Tian refused, I will naturally uphold that agreement. Our Cang Tian domain will not compromise!"
This was Huan Ling's stance.
Her resolve received Yun Fan's affirmation. In his opinion, Huan Ling's decision was entirely correct.
He wholeheartedly supported her. To hell with the Upper Heavens! Half the beings! The Cang Tian domain, including the myriad worlds below, had countless beings. To sacrifice them was something neither Huan Ling nor he would ever agree to.
The Upper Heaven envoy's eyes instantly turned cold.
"Cang Tian, do you truly intend to oppose the Upper Heavens?"
The envoy sneered, "You know the fates of previous Cang Tian. To defy the Upper Heavens means meeting the same end! I advise you to be wise!"
At this moment, though he was no match for Huan Ling, he showed no fear.
"Do you believe I'll kill you right now?"
With that, Huan Ling prepared to strike but was stopped by Yun Fan.
Yun Fan then asked him, "Do the Huang Tian and Qing Tian domains also need to sacrifice?"
"Naturally!"
The envoy stated, "No Heaven can escape this boundary. Refuse, and face death!"
"In that case, be gone!"
Yun Fan declared, "In war, emissaries are not harmed. Go back and tell the Upper Heavens that if they wish to fight, we will fight!"
"Very well!"
The envoy responded, "You will regret this!"
With that, he turned to leave. However, the moment he turned, Yun Fan suddenly attacked, unleashing an invincible Zhan Tian power.
"Not good!"
Before the envoy could react, he was struck by Yun Fan's power. Yet, instead of being annihilated, he remained unharmed. A power of the Upper Heavens on his person had perfectly neutralized Yun Fan's attack.
"You wish to kill me?"
The envoy sneered, "You'll have to see if you have the ability!"
With that, he merged with the Upper Heaven's power, elevating his strength to the Heaven level.
Huan Ling was shocked, not having expected the envoy to possess such a capability.
Once elevated to the Heaven level, the envoy unleashed a supreme power upon Yun Fan.
Indeed, he intended to kill Yun Fan instantly.
However, Yun Fan activated his Zhan Tian profound essence and pierced through the envoy's body with a single strike.
"How is this possible?"
The envoy's eyes widened in disbelief before he plummeted to the ground, vanishing into nothingness.
"Hiss!"
Huan Ling gasped. She hadn't realized Yun Fan's strength had grown so immense with the Zhan Tian Mark.
Yun Fan then remarked, "The Upper Heavens are not simple!"
"What do you mean?"
Huan Ling asked, puzzled. Yun Fan had won so effortlessly, so why did he say the Upper Heavens were not simple?
"Because I discovered that the power of the Upper Heavens is comparable to my Zhan Tian power!"
Yun Fan stated gravely.
His Zhan Tian power had always been considered invincible, far surpassing even Heavens.
Yet, in his clash with the Upper Heaven's power, he had felt pressure.
This disparity was enormous.
Huan Ling then said to Yun Fan, "But I don't want to compromise!"
"There's no need to compromise!"
Yun Fan replied, "Half the beings, and randomly chosen at that. Who knows how many of our loved ones will die! Even the Upper Heavens are not to be feared!"
If Huan Ling had compromised, he would have been disappointed.
However, her unwavering resolve, mirroring his own, truly showed him what it meant to be united as husband and wife.
"Mmm!"
Huan Ling nodded firmly.
The sacrifices of previous Cang Tian had led to the abundance of life in the Cang Tian domain, with beings spread throughout. For her to compromise now would be a true disgrace.
Therefore, Huan Ling would never compromise.
At this moment, Yun Fan was deeply shocked, wondering what Huang Tian and Qing Tian domains would choose.
...
In the Qing Tian domain, after another Upper Heaven envoy arrived.
Qing Tian, though unwilling, ultimately chose to compromise.
"Qing Tian, you are a wise man. Your choice is correct. The Upper Heavens will surely favor you if they know!"
"Thank you!"
Qing Tian was greatly troubled, unsure how he would face his subjects.
After all, the Qing Tian domain had always been united.
Previous Qing Tian figures had all chosen submission, so he, too, opted for submission.
However, in doing so, he felt immense internal turmoil.
One-third of their beings! The scene would be one of widespread death.
But at this moment, the envoy received a message: the Cang Tian domain had chosen resistance and refused to compromise.
The next step would be a major battle against the Cang Tian domain, so the quota for the Cang Tian domain would be transferred to the Qing Tian and Huang Tian domains.
At this, the envoy said to Qing Tian, "First, you should be fortunate for your cooperation! Because the Cang Tian domain's non-compliance will lead to their bloodbath. Second, I have one more thing to tell you: your Qing Tian domain must sacrifice half of its beings, chosen randomly!"
Upon hearing this, Qing Tian's eyes widened in shock.
"Upper Heaven Envoy, wasn't it one-third?"
"It was initially one-third, but since the Cang Tian domain refused, it must be distributed among your Qing Tian and Huang Tian domains!"
He added, "You can only blame the Cang Tian domain for its lack of cooperation!"
"Damn it!"
Qing Tian roared in anger.
Finally, the envoy instructed him, "Furthermore, gather your army and prepare for battle! If the Cang Tian domain dares to resist, then it has no reason to exist!"
With that, he vanished.
The princes of the Qing Tian domain were filled with righteous indignation.
"Qing Tian, if we must sacrifice, we will do so without hesitation!"
The princes knelt before Qing Tian.
Qing Tian was deeply moved. Unlike Huan Ling and Huang Tian, since his rise, the entire Qing Tian domain had revered him as their sovereign.
No one had ever challenged his authority or rebelled. He was the faith of the Qing Tian domain.
Now, seeing his inability to protect these beings, Qing Tian could no longer contain himself.
He addressed the princes, "My lords, you need not worry. I have my own plans. Please wait!"
"Yes!"
The crowd expressed their unconditional trust in Qing Tian.
...
In the Huang Tian domain, after the last Upper Heaven envoy met with Huang Tian.
Huang Tian obsequiously declared, "Upper Heaven Envoy, have no fear. Let alone half, even two-thirds, I will naturally abide by the Upper Heavens' agreement!"
Indeed, in Huang Tian's view, sacrificing half the beings was a trivial matter. He was the least competent of them all.
Few of his princes were truly loyal to him.
Their loyalty was merely superficial. Thus, sacrificing half the beings was something he could readily accept.
In his words, it was a necessary purge.
Therefore, when the envoy presented the terms, he found no difficulty in complying.
The envoy then said to him, "Excellent. Prepare your army and join forces with my colleague and me to attack the Cang Tian domain!"
With two Upper Heaven envoys and two Heaven-level experts, they believed they had sufficient strength to attack the Cang Tian domain.
"Alright!"
Huang Tian readily agreed.
He then began to organize his troops.
Within a month, both armies converged outside the Cang Tian domain.
Such a mobilization could not escape the notice of Yun Fan and Huan Ling, who, with their own forces, also advanced to confront the opposing armies.
The two Upper Heaven envoys coldly declared, "Cang Tian, you dare defy the Upper Heavens' command. This time, your Cang Tian domain cannot escape!"
Hearing this, Huan Ling scoffed, "With you alone, you cannot touch my Cang Tian domain!"
"Is that so?"
The two Upper Heaven envoys sneered, "You overestimate yourself!"
"Attack!"
Subsequently, they, along with the two Heaven-level experts, charged forward.
However, upon seeing Yun Fan beside Huan Ling, Qing Tian and Huang Tian halted their advance.
Not for any other reason than they had both been dealt with by Yun Fan, and at this point, they suffered from severe psychological trauma.
"Huang Tian, Qing Tian, do you truly wish to sacrifice your beings, groveling in submission?"
Yun Fan questioned them coldly.
Huang Tian retorted contemptuously, "This is not groveling, it's called going with the flow. Your Cang Tian domain's defiance of the current will means its eventual dissipation from existence!"
Yun Fan, finding the irredeemable Huang Tian beneath further engagement, turned his attention to the silent Qing Tian.
"Qing Tian, I know you old curmudgeon are unwilling. Therefore, I hope you will consider carefully!"
Yun Fan advised, "You also know this will not end well!"
Upon hearing this, Qing Tian froze. He then looked at the princes behind him.
Finally, he asked Yun Fan, "If I join your ranks, will you help my Qing Tian domain?"
"What?"
No one had expected Qing Tian to ask such a question; it was entirely beyond their anticipation.
It seemed Qing Tian's resolve was beginning to waver.
Before the two Upper Heaven envoys could issue any threats, Yun Fan declared, "Since you join our ranks, you are comrades on the same path. Mutual aid is expected, and unity is essential!"
With these words, Qing Tian immediately stated, "Very well. In that case, I shall lead the people of the Qing Tian domain to join your ranks and jointly resist the Upper Heavens!"
"Welcome, welcome!"
Yun Fan nodded, surprised that there were still those with such mettle.
The two Upper Heaven envoys furiously cursed, "Qing Tian, you will regret this!"
"I will not regret it!"
Qing Tian proclaimed, "My people see me as their Heaven. Since I am their Heaven, I must do my utmost to protect them, even at the cost of my life!"
"We are willing to follow Qing Tian eternally, and die without regret!"
The princes declared with renewed vigor.
Perhaps this was the outcome they had all desired.
"Very well. Unappreciative fools, then await your doom!"
At this moment, the two Upper Heaven envoys bellowed in rage, "Soon you will understand what despair truly is!"
"Follow me to war!"
Qing Tian declared, ordering his subordinates to prepare for battle.
However, Yun Fan interjected, "There's no need!"
With that, he stepped forward alone, addressing the two Upper Heaven envoys and Huang Tian, "I will fight all three of you alone!"
"What?"
Everyone was momentarily stunned, surprised by Yun Fan's immense confidence and resolve.
In fact, Yun Fan felt the collective pressure was immense. Therefore, at this moment, he had to step forward without hesitation.
He aimed for his first decisive victory, to show the world that the Upper Heavens were not invincible.
Thus, he chose to fight three individuals alone, primarily because he did not take their strength seriously.
It was as simple as that, and as audacious.
"Kid, do you think you're invincible just because you possess some special power?"
Huang Tian roared, "This time, I will not be intimidated by you again!"
Yun Fan, however, responded, "You are mistaken. I have no intention of intimidating you; I intend to kill you!"
"What?"
At that instant, Yun Fan attacked, charging directly at Huang Tian. The two Upper Heaven envoys also moved, joining forces against Yun Fan.
Unexpectedly, Yun Fan unleashed a Zhan Tian power with a backhand strike.
*Bang!* *Bang!*
Two bursts of blood erupted, and the two Upper Heaven envoys were instantly vanquished by Yun Fan.
"What?"
Everyone was instantly astonished. No one had anticipated such an outcome.
Although the two Upper Heaven envoys were not the strongest, they were empowered by the Upper Heavens, placing them just below the Heavens.
Yet, Yun Fan had eliminated them in a single encounter.
This clearly indicated that Yun Fan's strength had advanced further, making him the undisputed foremost martial artist.
How powerful and dominant he was!
Instantly, the morale of the Cang Tian and Qing Tian domains surged. With a powerhouse like Yun Fan, why should they fear the Upper Heavens?
However, the army of the Huang Tian domain was in disarray. Huang Tian's decision had thoroughly disappointed them.
They had no desire to compromise, did they?
Now that Yun Fan had become so powerful, Huang Tian was destined to lose, and they saw no reason to perish with him.
"We surrender!"
"We pledge allegiance!"
With that, they all submitted to Yun Fan.
"Scoundrels!"
Huang Tian roared in fury. He could never have imagined his subordinates would be so utterly resolute in their defection.
At this moment, his situation was truly dire; no one was willing to follow him or fight for him.
Therefore, Huang Tian admonished, "Do you think betraying me will save you? You overestimate yourselves!"
With that, he prepared to unleash his Huang Tian power to annihilate these princes, as they carried Huang Tian's Dao Fruits.
However, he hadn't anticipated that his unleashed power would be blocked by Yun Fan. The defecting princes remained unharmed, as Huang Tian's runes were perfectly isolated by Yun Fan's shield.
"Kid, you meddlesome fellow, do you truly believe I have no means against you?"
Huang Tian roared in fury. He wasn't afraid of Yun Fan. Although Yun Fan's recent display of power was heaven-defying, he still possessed the Heavenly Heart Mark, and Yun Fan wouldn't dare act recklessly. Before Qing Tian and Cang Tian could intervene, he had ample opportunity to escape. However, he was deeply displeased with Yun Fan's repeated interference.
Yun Fan, however, replied, "Huang Tian, I am not meddling; I am here to send you on your way!"