Upon arriving in the Origin Realm, Yun Fan gained a more direct understanding of this world.
This was a world meticulously crafted by the previous generation of the Creation God. The outer realms, including the Eight Directions Dao State, the Realm of Alien Demons, and the desolate worlds Yun Fan had traversed, were all fragments that had separated from the Origin Realm.
Eons ago, some of the ancient ancestors of the Origin Realm had reached the level of Zhan Tian, possessing the ability to create Dao States.
They then departed from the Origin Realm to establish other Dao States in the outside world.
Over time, the world outside grew.
However, this had inadvertently diluted the fortune of the Origin Realm. This was precisely why Xi Huang sought to destroy those worlds.
She desired to reclaim the fortune and then recreate new worlds. The benefit of doing so would be her ascension to the realm of a Creation God.
That is, to transcend the Zhan Tian realm.
Despite Xi Huang's immense power, with Yun Fan being leagues behind her, she had not truly surpassed the Zhan Tian realm.
At most, she had only one foot across the threshold. After all, the Zhan Tian realm was rightfully called the ceiling; it was not merely a figure of speech.
Of course, it was precisely that half-step into the Zhan Tian realm that forced Yun Fan to concede, as that sliver of power was enough to crush him.
At this point, she addressed Yun Fan, "From today onwards, you are one of my four great emissaries. The other three are already waiting for you; you can greet them!"
With that, Xi Huang vanished.
After all, she still needed to merge the fortune and had no inclination to manage minor affairs. As for dispatching forces to destroy the old worlds, her subordinates were sufficient for the task.
Even the level of the four great emissaries was not required.
Their current duty was to guard the Origin Realm.
"Wait!"
"Do you have something else?"
Xi Huang looked at Yun Fan with a hint of confusion.
Yun Fan inquired, "Who is our sworn enemy?"
This was what Yun Fan truly wanted to know. The demise of the previous Creation God was not solely attributed to Chen Huang.
Chen Huang's contribution was merely the icing on the cake. The true power lay with the sworn enemy of the Origin Realm.
Xi Huang replied, "That is an existence who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with my father. After my father's death, that individual has yet to show themselves, likely having been severely wounded by my father before his demise and unable to recover!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan offered no further remarks. Knowing the opponent's caliber was sufficient.
As for the nature of the opponent, it was not something that required excessive attention, as they were bound to encounter them sooner or later.
Moreover, Yun Fan had a premonition that Xi Huang might be using him as a shield.
Subsequently, Yun Fan met the other three emissaries.
"Kid, I heard you've become one of us?"
The speaker was one of the four great emissaries, the逍遥大尊 (Xiao Yao Da Zun).
The other two were the 起源大尊 (Qi Yuan Da Zun) and the 罗刹大尊 (Luo Sha Da Zun).
Yun Fan declared, "That's right, but even though we are on the same level, don't expect me to work with you. You are not worthy, and we are not on the same plane!"
This was Yun Fan's stance.
The three were greatly displeased. They had initially intended to assert dominance over Yun Fan, but instead, Yun Fan had initiated the conflict.
As Xi Huang's most trusted subordinates, how could they tolerate this?
Especially after hearing that Yun Fan had previously killed 天风大尊 (Tian Feng Da Zun).
If Yun Fan's arrogance was not curbed, would he eventually trample all over them?
At this, the Qi Yuan Da Zun sneered at Yun Fan, "Kid, out of consideration for your ignorance, kneel down and kowtow to each of us three times, and this matter will be settled. If you refuse, I guarantee you will regret your words!"
"That's right! Will you kneel or not?"
The Xiao Yao Da Zun and Luo Sha Da Zun also stared coldly at Yun Fan. They were baffled as to where Yun Fan drew such confidence to speak to them in such a manner.
Yun Fan responded, "I'm truly sorry, but I will not kneel!"
As soon as these words left his mouth, the three immediately grew hostile. Before they could utter any threats, Yun Fan preempted them, "How about this! The three of you kneel and kowtow to me, and I won't trouble you in the future!"
"You court death!"
The three instantly erupted in rage and attacked Yun Fan without a shred of hesitation, unleashing their formidable power.
After all, they were all high-level Zhan Tian powerhouses. Crushing a mere Yun Fan was a simple task.
Even though Tian Feng Da Zun had fallen to Yun Fan, they believed it was simply due to Tian Feng Da Zun's bad luck, and that he was the weakest among them to begin with.
Therefore, they decisively engaged Yun Fan, intending to make him regret his words, even if they couldn't kill him.
Yun Fan remained unfazed by their assault.
In a flash, he unleashed a burst of Zhan Tian power, repelling all three of them.
Time seemed to freeze in absolute silence. The three regarded Yun Fan with solemnity.
Yun Fan, on the other hand, appeared calm, as if everything was within his control.
"I'll give you another chance. Will you kneel or not?"
Yun Fan questioned them coldly.
The three exchanged glances. Though they did not kneel, they had softened their stance.
"Fellow Daoist, this was all a misunderstanding. Considering we serve the Empress together, perhaps we can let this matter rest today. From now on, we three will consider you our leader!"
The Qi Yuan Da Zun, who had been the most arrogant moments before, was the first to back down.
The other two nodded in agreement.
Although Yun Fan wished to eliminate these three, he knew he couldn't go too far. Xi Huang might not intervene, but that didn't mean she was unaware.
Thus, Yun Fan declared, "You are wise. This matter ends here. If there's a next time, see if my blade is sharp enough!"
With that, Yun Fan arrogantly departed.
After Yun Fan left, the three immediately spat out blood.
"Pfft!"
Their spirits were visibly depleted. Who would have imagined that with a single move, Yun Fan could inflict such grievous injuries upon all three of them? What terrifying power!
They saw in Yun Fan the potential of the Empress Xi Huang, though Yun Fan could never truly match her.
But that did not imply he could not reach that level.
At this moment, they finally understood why Tian Feng Da Zun had perished at Yun Fan's hands; they were simply not on the same level.
Even their combined efforts were no match for Yun Fan, which confirmed Yun Fan's earlier statement: within his sight, they were nonexistent.
After dealing with the trio, Yun Fan's mood greatly improved. Of course, he never forgot his hatred, and for Xi Huang, he would eliminate her at the first opportunity.
The time was not yet right, as he didn't even know the location of Xi Huang's true form.
Therefore, for the moment, he had to endure.
Just then, a shadowy figure arrived. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Luo Sha Da Zun.
"What do you want?"
Yun Fan asked him coldly.
Luo Sha Da Zun replied, "Fellow Daoist, there's no need for anger. I've come to discuss matters with you!"
"Is there anything left for us to discuss?"
Yun Fan retorted.
He chuckled, "Of course, there is. I know your strength is unparalleled, ranking as the third-highest expert in this era!"
"Third?"
Yun Fan questioned, "Not second?"
"That's impossible, as Empress Xi Huang is second, and you are second only to her!"
"In that case, I am very curious, who is first?"
Yun Fan asked.
He then informed Yun Fan, "The first is, naturally, the sworn enemy of our Origin Realm. Thus, your third-place ranking is already brilliant!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan understood the situation.
Therefore, Yun Fan asked, "And then?"
"An existence like you, how can you submit to Empress Xi Huang? So, I've come to discuss something important with you. How about we join forces, rebel against Empress Xi Huang, and I'll be the person ranked first beneath you!"
This was Luo Sha Da Zun's purpose in seeking out Yun Fan.
Yun Fan sneered, "Aren't you afraid I'll tell Empress Xi Huang what you've said?"
"Afraid, of course, I am afraid!"
Luo Sha Da Zun told Yun Fan, "But I know you won't, so I trust you implicitly!"
Yun Fan did not immediately express his stance but asked, "I want to know, why do you want to rebel against Empress Xi Huang? You are one of her most trusted individuals!"
"You don't understand!"
Luo Sha Da Zun explained, "Her destruction of the old worlds is inevitable, and most of them have already been destroyed. Once these old worlds are gone, the Origin Realm will be next. At that point, neither you nor I will escape destruction!"
"Really?"
Yun Fan looked at him with great curiosity.
"Of course, it's true!"
Luo Sha Da Zun told Yun Fan, "Don't think she trusts us now. In reality, if that day comes, no one can escape this fate. I've known this day would come for a long time, but I've been waiting for someone with the qualifications and strength to resist her. And you happen to be that person!"
At this, Yun Fan stated, "Then you may have found the wrong person. I will absolutely not rebel against her, and at that time, I will not be annihilated because she needs me. Your plan will fail!"
This was Yun Fan's response.
However, Luo Sha Da Zun retorted, "That's just your own thinking. I can only say that your idea is foolish!"
"Even if it's foolish, our relationship is not something you can sow discord into!"
The next moment, Yun Fan decisively attacked, aiming directly for Luo Sha Da Zun.
Luo Sha Da Zun likely never expected Yun Fan to act so decisively and without any hesitation.
Before he could evade, Yun Fan shattered his body with a single punch, leaving only his soul.
"Die!"
Yun Fan showed no mercy and immediately struck again, intending to completely obliterate Luo Sha Da Zun's soul.
"Wait a moment!"
Luo Sha Da Zun quickly pleaded, "Actually, everything I said earlier was just the Empress sending me to test you. I had no other intentions!"
However, Yun Fan paid him no heed and killed him directly.
Thus, Luo Sha Da Zun became the second emissary killed by Yun Fan, and after Tian Feng Da Zun, another unfortunate soul who met his end at Yun Fan's hands.
At this point, Xi Huang arrived. Though it was merely an avatar, her anger was palpable.
"Why did you kill him?"
Xi Huang questioned Yun Fan.
After all, she originally had four emissaries, and now, after such a short time, Yun Fan had reduced them to only two.
Yun Fan replied, "Because he is a traitor!"
With that, he immediately activated the mirror recording, and everything was revealed to Xi Huang.
"Even if he were a traitor, he should have been dealt with by me!"
She stated angrily.
But Yun Fan countered, "I was unaware of such a rule. Does that mean what he said was true?"
"What do you mean?"
Xi Huang looked at Yun Fan, confused.
Yun Fan explained, "He told me that you sent him to test me. If that's true, then I can only say that your test was unnecessary. You've already controlled me; there's no need for such a redundant gesture!"
This statement left Xi Huang speechless.
She told Yun Fan, "You're overthinking it. You don't qualify for me to test you. I can kill you whenever I please!"
Indeed, Luo Sha Da Zun had been sent by her to test Yun Fan, but she could not admit it now. If she did, wouldn't she lose face?
She was a person who valued her reputation greatly and would certainly not admit it.
"In that case, it's perfectly fine that I killed him!"
Yun Fan declared, "After all, he was here to persuade me to rebel against you. Since I am loyal to you, how could I do such a thing? Anyone disloyal to you deserves to die, including Luo Sha Da Zun. I was merely upholding your image!"
Alright! This time, Xi Huang was completely rendered speechless. She could only acknowledge that she had underestimated Yun Fan's decisiveness. Moreover, the person was already dead, and as long as it was confirmed that Yun Fan was truly not problematic, it would suffice.
Therefore, she immediately said to Yun Fan, "He's dead, and he deserved it. If there's anyone like this again in the future, you can kill them directly, but I will require concrete evidence!"
"I understand!"
Yun Fan nodded.
Then, Xi Huang's avatar, filled with fury, vanished. Yun Fan had witnessed all of this.
Indeed, before he had killed Luo Sha Da Zun, he knew Luo Sha Da Zun had been sent to test him.
The only thing missing was concrete proof.
After all, even someone as powerful as him had to choose to endure. How could a mere Luo Sha Da Zun dare to rebel against Empress Xi Huang? That was preposterous.
In Xi Huang's eyes, Luo Sha Da Zun was merely an ant. How would an ant dare to rebel against its master, unless it was tired of living?
Furthermore, Luo Sha Da Zun had served Xi Huang for so many years; he couldn't possibly be unaware of Xi Huang's terrifying power.
Knowing that rebellion had no chance of success.
Therefore, these reasons combined led Yun Fan to conclude that Luo Sha Da Zun was undoubtedly sent to test him, which was why he had acted.
Because he finally had an excuse to kill someone from Xi Huang's faction, and the key was that Xi Huang couldn't even retaliate.
In this regard, Yun Fan had succeeded.
He intended to eliminate Xi Huang's forces step by step. When the day came that he found Xi Huang's weakness, it would be her demise.
When Xiao Yao Da Zun and Qi Yuan Da Zun learned that Yun Fan had killed Luo Sha Da Zun, they were both furious and trembling.
They had not expected Yun Fan to be so ruthless. They had indeed underestimated him. Furthermore, Yun Fan had killed two of Xi Huang's emissaries and had not been punished.
This shocked them and filled them with a sense of grievance. What if Yun Fan, in his audacity, decided to kill them in the future?
Therefore, at this moment, their hearts were far from at ease.
As expected, after killing Luo Sha Da Zun, Yun Fan's subsequent days were remarkably peaceful. No one dared to bother him.
Even the two Da Zuns who disliked him the most were now keeping a low profile, afraid to harbor any thoughts of defiance towards Yun Fan.
Soon, Yun Fan's reputation spread throughout the entire Origin Realm. People knew that Yun Fan was Xi Huang's new favorite.
After all, Xi Huang had not favored anyone in such a manner for a very long time.
Of course, Yun Fan was not Xi Huang's most favored person. On this day, Xi Huang's most favored individual returned.
He was an ancient powerhouse, formerly the butler of the Creation God. Later, during the period when Xi Huang and Chen Huang were in their final battle and had disappeared, he had managed the Origin Realm impeccably, constantly supporting Xi Huang.
Therefore, he was the most senior and most trusted person in Xi Huang's eyes.
His name was Wang Shuai. After Xi Huang defeated Chen Huang, he had voluntarily stepped forward and destroyed the worlds that Xi Huang had designated for annihilation.
If there was anyone in Xi Huang's heart who surpassed Yun Fan, it would undoubtedly be this Wang Shuai.
And today, Wang Shuai returned. After Xi Huang crowned him, he intended to seek out Yun Fan.
However, on his way, he was intercepted by Qi Yuan Da Zun and Xiao Yao Da Zun.
"Wang Shuai!"
The two stood respectfully before Wang Shuai.
"My two, what is this?"
Wang Shuai asked, bewildered.
After all, these two had once been his subordinates.
"Wang Shuai, you must uphold justice for your brethren!"
Qi Yuan Da Zun said sorrowfully, "This brat Yun Fan is incredibly arrogant. Ever since he became Empress Xi Huang's favorite, he has been killing indiscriminately. Fellow Daoist Tian Feng and Fellow Daoist Luo Sha both met their end at his hands, yet the Empress, for reasons unknown, has not punished him. We implore Wang Shuai to punish him and bring justice for our departed brothers!"
"Silence!"
Wang Shuai said coldly, "How dare you speak ill of the Empress? The fact that they were killed and the Empress did not bring them justice proves they deserved to die. If you continue to chatter, do not blame me for being harsh!"
This was Wang Shuai's attitude.
However, the two persisted, "They were also your disciples! Now, this brat is acting with impunity, completely disregarding you. Perhaps in his eyes, he believes he is on par with you!"
They continued to instigate, "If Wang Shuai doesn't teach him a lesson, perhaps in the future he will dare to act wildly towards you! Oh no, he's already doing so now!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Shuai calmly replied, "Since the Empress values him so highly, it is sufficient proof that he possesses extraordinary qualities. We both serve the Empress, and I will not tolerate your instigation. Now, be gone!"
The two immediately dared not speak further. It seemed Wang Shuai had no intention of dealing with Yun Fan. If they continued, Wang Shuai might not punish them, but if Yun Fan overheard them, he would certainly not let them off.
Thus, they could only retreat.
"Hmph!"
Wang Shuai snorted coldly and then proceeded to the grand hall where Yun Fan resided.
"I've heard the Empress has gained a capable subordinate. Seeing you today, I must say, you live up to your reputation!"
Wang Shuai praised Yun Fan.
Upon first seeing Yun Fan, he sensed an immense potential within him.
Yun Fan immediately responded, "I am surprised that Wang Shuai would grace me with his presence. Please, come in!"
He knew that Wang Shuai was the most trusted individual by Xi Huang's side, so as long as Wang Shuai did not trouble him, he would not proactively create conflict.
Wang Shuai said, "Please!"
Subsequently, they sat in a pavilion.
"May I ask from which Dao State your esteemed self emerged?"
Wang Shuai inquired, very curious about Yun Fan's origins.
Yun Fan replied, "The Eight Directions Dao State, an inconspicuous place!"
"That place is remarkable, for the founder of the Eight Directions Dao State was an old acquaintance of mine. He was the Wuji Daoist. After I guided him, he became renowned and later left the Origin Realm to explore the outside world!"
"Such a coincidence?"
Yun Fan was greatly shocked. The Wuji Daoist was the master of the three strong Zhan Tian experts and had lived for a very long time. Yun Fan had never expected the Wuji Daoist to be the creator of the Eight Directions Dao State.
At this, he asked Yun Fan, "Do you know him?"
"Yes, but he is already dead!"
Yun Fan did not mention that he was the one who killed him. It wasn't out of fear of Wang Shuai, but rather completely unnecessary. In Wang Shuai's eyes, the Wuji Daoist was merely an insignificant figure.
Wang Shuai then said, "It's normal for him to be dead, as the Eight Directions Dao State was destroyed long ago!"
"Moreover, I personally led the forces that destroyed it!"
Upon hearing this, a murderous intent surged within Yun Fan, but he controlled it, preventing Wang Shuai from detecting it.
The atmosphere fell into a silence.
"Fellow Daoist, your complexion seems a bit off!"
Wang Shuai observed Yun Fan with a hint of inquiry.
Yun Fan replied, "Wang Shuai, you are overly concerned. I left the Eight Directions Dao State before its destruction. Recalling it now only sparks curiosity!"
"I see!"
Wang Shuai said, "After all, this was not something I could decide. The Empress ordered the destruction of the Eight Directions Dao State, and I could do nothing about it. Fortunately, you are not someone who dwells on the past!"
"Indeed!"
Yun Fan nodded. "There is nothing I cannot let go of. Wang Shuai's destruction was well done!"
At this moment, within his heart, Wang Shuai had been added to his kill list.
Wang Shuai then continued, "To be honest, when I was destroying the Eight Directions Dao State, I discovered a problem!"
"What problem?"
Yun Fan asked, confused.
Wang Shuai elaborated, "Before I destroyed the Eight Directions Dao State, their core members had already disappeared in advance. I suspect someone tipped them off! After all, in the core area of rebellion within the Eight Directions Dao State, I did not find any experts at or above the level of World-Ending!"
This statement deeply moved Yun Fan, as, based on the signal Wang Shuai was sending, his family might still be alive.
Because, according to Wang Shuai, if it were true, they might have escaped to a safe location beforehand.
This gave Yun Fan, who had been on the verge of despair, a surge of courage to live on.
At this, Wang Shuai continued, "Later, I tried to track down the whereabouts of these core personnel, but they vanished without a trace. Do you know anything, Fellow Daoist?"
"How could I possibly know!"
Yun Fan replied, "However, I must remind Wang Shuai that the Eight Directions Dao State was originally a remote and impoverished region, and it had also suffered attacks from alien demons. By the time I left, there were no longer any renowned strong individuals. It was merely a declining world. Perhaps what Wang Shuai saw was indeed the reality!"
This was Yun Fan's reminder. After all, Wang Shuai had many methods, and if he continued to investigate, there was no guarantee he wouldn't discover Yun Fan's family.
Therefore, at this moment, he needed to divert Wang Shuai's attention.
Wang Shuai said, "If not for your reminder, I might have wasted more time investigating. Since that's the case, it saves me time!"
Seeing that Wang Shuai had given up the investigation, Yun Fan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
At this point, he told Wang Shuai, "Wang Shuai, we both serve the Empress. In the future, if you require my assistance, I will wholeheartedly help!"
This was Yun Fan's attitude. He felt that Wang Shuai was subtly sending him a message, otherwise, he wouldn't have brought up so many trivial matters.
For instance, the Eight Directions Dao State was a trifle in Wang Shuai's eyes, yet Wang Shuai deliberately mentioned it to him.
Therefore, at this moment, although Yun Fan could not fully grasp Wang Shuai's intentions, he still showed Wang Shuai sufficient respect.
Wang Shuai replied, "Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. Since we both serve the Empress, we are all family. I will not be polite with my own family!"
"Indeed!"
Yun Fan nodded. For him, this information was sufficient; at least he had the courage to live on.