20: The first signs of an eerie atmosphere appear; the ancient road is about to open.

The aftermath of the battle with Su Zhiqing continued to ferment within Tianjiao City. The name "Lin Fan of the Eastern Region" had truly become a focal point of discussion among many Prodigies. Being able to take the Glazed Sword Heart head-on with his Physical Body without injury, and ultimately using mysterious means to interrupt "One Sword Separates Worlds" and force a draw with the Glazed Immortal Domain Saintess, was a feat sufficient to make anyone set aside their contempt.

The courtyard where Lin Fan lived seemed to have become much quieter because of this. Most of those Prodigies from various regions who had originally come with the intent to test or provoke him wisely chose to wait and see after weighing the gap between themselves and Su Zhiqing.

Lin Fan did not care about the disturbances from the outside world. He still spent most of his time on Cultivation and consolidation. The battle with Su Zhiqing had given him a more refined control over his own power, especially the remnant of the "Other-Transformation Freedom Magic" he had initially comprehended. Although he could not yet truly manifest a Clone, the mysterious Concept of momentarily blurring his own existence and interfering with aura locking was of immense value in actual combat. He constantly contemplated it, attempting to integrate this sliver of Concept into his movement and fist techniques.

At the same time, he had not neglected his Cultivation of the Star God Soul Condensation Art. The Star Chain within his Sea of Consciousness became increasingly solid, and his resonance with the star pagoda grew clearer. He could feel that the star pagoda, which lay dormant deep within his Sea of Consciousness, was slowly absorbing his Soul Power and the stray stellar energy from the outside world to perform some kind of self-repair. Although the progress was minuscule, it was indeed happening.

On this day, Lin Fan came to the Myriad Laws Tower once again. He needed to consult more information regarding the "Monster Realm" and the Cultivation systems of the Yao Race. After his clash with Su Zhiqing, he had a faint premonition that in this Tianjiao City where myriad races gathered, the possibility of encountering visitors from other realms was extremely high. Understanding them in advance was a way to be prepared for any eventuality.

Just as he was focused on a Jade Slip recording the "Ancient Yao Race Bloodline Catalog," a gust of fragrant wind quietly approached.

This fragrance was not the usual scent of flowers or powder, but carried a kind of wildness and sweetness, as if ripe berries were mixed with the scent of a jungle after rain. As it entered his nose, it actually stirred the most primitive restlessness deep within the human heart.

Lin Fan frowned slightly and looked up.

He saw a woman standing by the bookshelf next to him, smiling as she sized him up with great interest. The woman wore tight-fitting purple leather armor that outlined her breathtakingly graceful curves. Her wheat-colored skin radiated a healthy glow, and her features were bright and bold. Her fox-like eyes sparkled with life, naturally carrying a hint of charm in their shifting gaze while also revealing an unruly wildness. Her purple hair was draped loosely, adorned with several unknown colorful feathers, adding a bit of exotic flair.

"Oh, it seems my luck is quite good. To just wander around and encounter the most famous Little Brother Lin Fan?" the woman spoke, her voice carrying a trace of lazy hoarseness and a slightly rising tone, like a little hook tugging at one's heartstrings.

Lin Fan looked at her with a calm gaze, but his heart tightened. This woman's aura was restrained, but his Eternal Indestructible Body's instinct detected a deeply hidden, vast, and wild vitality, as well as a trace of non-human Demonic Qi. Although she concealed it extremely well, making her almost indistinguishable from an ordinary person, it could not escape Lin Fan's perception.

"Someone from the Monster Realm?" Lin Fan pointed out directly, his tone showing no ripples.

A flash of surprise crossed the purple-haired woman's eyes, and her smile grew even wider. Instead of the embarrassment of being seen through, she took a step closer, almost pressing against Lin Fan, her breath like orchids: "Little brother has good eyes! I am called Zi Linger, from the Myriad Yao Sky Domain. So, am I much more interesting than those cold, stiff women of the Human Race?"

Her boldness and directness made some of the Cultivators who were secretly watching from the side turn red in the face, yet they couldn't help but steal glances at her hot figure.

Lin Fan's figure did not move. The naturally flowing charm of his Eternal Indestructible Body blocked that invisible seductive force. He said indifferently, "Whether someone is interesting or not has nothing to do with race. Does Miss Zi Linger have business with me?"

Seeing that her charm had no effect, Zi Linger was not discouraged; instead, she became even more interested in Lin Fan. She tilted her head, her fox-like eyes blinking: "Can't I just chat with you if there's no business? I heard your Physical Body is very strong, so strong that even that ice-woman's sword couldn't cut it? It just so happens that I am also skilled in physical combat. My heart is itching, and I want to compare strength with you. What do you say?"

As she spoke, she even stuck out her tongue and licked her red lips, looking eager to try.

Lin Fan looked at her. This woman seemed unrestrained and direct in her speech, but deep within those fox-like eyes, there was hidden craftiness and shrewdness. This so-called "comparing strength" was likely not that simple.

"Not interested." Lin Fan withdrew his gaze and continued to look at the Jade Slip in his hand.

"Don't be so cold!" Zi Linger was persistent. A slender jade hand shot out like a flash of lightning, grabbing directly for Lin Fan's wrist. A purple light flickered at her fingertips, bringing with it a tearing wind. "Let me test the feel first!"

This grab seemed casual, but it actually contained the terrifying power of her Yao Race form. Its speed was extremely fast and its angle was tricky. If it were an ordinary Divine Power Realm Cultivator, their wrist would likely be crushed instantly.

However, at the moment her hand was about to touch Lin Fan's wrist, his left wrist, which was holding the Jade Slip, turned slightly. It seemed slow, but it avoided her fingertips with exquisite precision. At the same time, he curled his right index finger and lightly flicked the wrist she had extended.

"Snap!" A soft sound rang out, as if striking tough cowhide.

Zi Linger only felt a concentrated vibration force travel from her wrist. It was both sore and numb, causing the blood and Qi in her entire arm to stagnate, and her forward momentum came to a sudden halt. She withdrew her hand as if she had been electrocuted, a flash of alarm appearing in her beautiful eyes.

She was extremely confident in her Physical Body strength. Although she hadn't used her full power, for the opponent to make her feel uncomfortable with such a nonchalant flick meant his Physical Body strength was indeed well-deserved!

"Little brother's hand is so hard!" Zi Linger shook her wrist. Instead of being angry, the Battle Intent in her eyes grew even stronger. "Now I want to fight you even more!"

Lin Fan put down the Jade Slip and looked at her, his eyes still calm: "This is the Myriad Laws Tower, not the Martial Arts Arena."

"Then let's go to the Martial Arts Arena!" Zi Linger immediately replied.

"Why should I fight you?" Lin Fan asked back.

"Uh..." Zi Linger froze, seemingly not having considered this question. Then her eyes darted around, and she smiled: "If you beat me, I'll tell you a secret about the Tongtian Ancient Road. How about that? A secret that only the Core Disciples of many great powers know!"

The Tongtian Ancient Road? Lin Fan's heart stirred. This was exactly what he needed to focus on next. Looking at Zi Linger's seemingly sincere but actually crafty smile, he knew the secret might not be that core, but given her personality, she would likely keep pestering him if he didn't agree. Rather than that, it was better to go along with it and use the opportunity to understand the Yao Race's way of fighting.

"Fine," Lin Fan nodded. "But if you lose, you must stop pestering me."

"Deal!" Zi Linger agreed readily, a triumphant smile of a successful scheme appearing on her face.

The two arrived at the public Martial Arts Arena once again. The news of Lin Fan's challenge with the Yao Race princess spread quickly as if it had grown wings, drawing an even larger crowd than the last time. The Yao Race princess, Zi Linger, was quite famous even in the Human Race territories, known for her powerful Physical Body and mysterious Demonic Techniques. A duel between two physical powerhouses was undoubtedly a great spectacle.

Inside the Martial Arts Arena, Zi Linger shed her flirtatious demeanor. Her eyes became sharp, and purple Qi faintly surrounded her. A wild, violent aura began to permeate the air.

"Little Brother Lin Fan, be careful! I won't be as polite as that ice-woman!"

Before her voice had even faded, Zi Linger's figure flickered, leaving behind trails of purple afterimages. Her true body appeared like a ghost on Lin Fan's left side. Her five fingers formed a claw, and her nails instantly became sharp and elongated, glinting with a cold purple light as she lunged for Lin Fan's ribs! Her speed was startling, and the wind she kicked up tore through the air.

Yao Battle Technique — Shadow Fox Steps! Soul-Rending Demonic Claw!

Lin Fan was unhurried. He stepped aside to dodge and simultaneously threw a punch to meet her sharp claws. When the fist and claw collided, a dull thud rang out and sparks flew. Lin Fan felt a sharp stinging sensation on the surface of his fist. The opponent's claw strike not only possessed immense strength but also contained an erosive Demonic Qi that attempted to burrow into his Meridians.

However, as soon as this Demonic Qi invaded, it was instantly obliterated by the vast blood and Qi and the Eternal Divine Light within his body.

"What a hard fist!" Having failed her strike, Zi Linger's figure changed again. She moved rapidly around Lin Fan like a spiritual fox. Her claws, palms, elbows, and knees—every part of her body turned into a lethal weapon. Her attacks were like a violent storm, coming from tricky and ruthless angles, accompanied by various illusions and mental shocks intended to interfere with Lin Fan's judgment.

Her fighting style was completely different from Su Zhiqing's extreme sharpness; it was more eerie and varied, perfectly combining speed, power, and Demonic Techniques.

Lin Fan stood his ground, meeting all changes with stillness. He deployed the Indestructible Divine King Fist. His fist momentum was like a mountain, each punch containing the power to shatter mountains and crack rocks, blocking all of Zi Linger's storm-like attacks. His defense was airtight; the Eternal Indestructible Body granted him not only defense but also unparalleled strength and reaction speed.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The sound of air explosions was incessant within the Martial Arts Arena, and the energy barrier vibrated violently. The surrounding crowd watched with dazzled eyes and racing hearts. Zi Linger's attacks were swift and eerie, while Lin Fan's defense was as steady as a rock. The collision between the two was a pure display of the extremes of power and speed, full of violent aesthetics.

Unable to break through after a long time, the purple light in Zi Linger's eyes intensified. She gave a sharp cry: "Taste my Life Divine Ability!"

Her figure suddenly retreated, and her hands formed seals in front of her chest. Purple Qi surged around her, and behind her, the phantom of a massive Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox faintly emerged! The phantom let out a silent roar toward the sky, and a terrifying pressure originating from the primeval wilderness spread out, causing many onlookers' spirits to waver, nearly making them fall to their knees.

"The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox phantom! She's getting serious!"

"What terrifying pressure! Is this the power of a top-tier Yao Race Bloodline?"

Zi Linger's aura surged. She opened her mouth and spat out a pillar of demonic fire that was concentrated to the extreme and dark purple in color. It was like a flood of destruction, surging toward Lin Fan! Everywhere the demonic fire passed, space distorted slightly, emitting a terrifying aura capable of incinerating the Divine Soul.

Life Demonic Fire — Soul-Burning Purple Flame! Facing this Life Divine Ability that was enough to heavily injure or even kill an ordinary Purple Mansion Realm Cultivator, Lin Fan's gaze finally turned solemn. He could feel the terrifying energy contained within this demonic fire, especially the threat to the Divine Soul.

He no longer held back. With a low shout, the blood and Qi within his body surged and roared like a great river. He pushed the Eternal Indestructible Body to the current limit of his control! Dazzling Eternal Divine Light burst from his body, making him look like an immortal god of war descending upon the mortal world!

He took a step forward, neither dodging nor avoiding. His right fist clenched tight, and all his strength, will, and his comprehension of that sliver of the "Other-Transformation" Concept were all integrated into this single punch!

"Indestructible Divine King Fist — World Breaker!" As the punch was thrown, it seemed as if all the light in the world was absorbed by it! In front of the fist's edge, space let out an overburdened wail. The surging Soul-Burning Purple Flame was actually blasted open from the center by this most rigid and powerful punch that could destroy all laws, flowing to both sides! The punch's momentum did not decrease, charging like a roaring golden dragon straight at the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox phantom!

"Roar!" The fist force and the phantom collided violently! Amidst a world-shaking explosion, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox phantom let out a shrill wail, distorted violently, and finally exploded! Zi Linger felt as if she had been struck by a heavy blow. She spat out a small mouthful of blood, and her delicate body flew backward, crashing heavily against the energy barrier before sliding down. Her face was pale, and her aura was withered.

As for Lin Fan, he still stood in place. The divine light around him slowly receded, and only his breathing was slightly hurried. Clashing head-on with the opponent's Life Divine Ability and shattering her Bloodline phantom was no small drain on him either.

The entire field fell into a deathly silence once again.

He won again! And in such a domineering and direct manner, he had crushed the Yao Race princess's killing move in a head-on collision!

Zi Linger struggled to stand up and wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. Her gaze toward Lin Fan was full of complexity. There was shock and unwillingness, but even more so, there was the excitement and recognition of having found a true opponent.

"You really are a monster!" Zi Linger panted, smiling bitterly. "I admit defeat. Your Physical Body is probably only comparable to those old fellows among the Primeval Species."

Lin Fan calmed his breathing and walked over to her: "That was a good match. Now, can you tell me that secret?"

Zi Linger rolled her eyes at him and said crossly, "All you think about is the secret! Fine, I'll tell you. It's not actually that big of a secret. It's just that the opening location and method for the 'Tongtian Ancient Road' might be different from previous years. This time, it seems a certain number of 'ancient path tokens' must be collected to trigger and open the true entrance. These tokens are said to have been scattered across Tianjiao City and some special surrounding areas."

ancient path tokens? Lin Fan's eyes flashed. This was indeed important information. If he didn't know this, he might very well miss the opportunity.

"Is the source reliable?"

"It should be. It's a revelation passed down by a Great Yao King in our Monster Realm who is skilled in divination." Zi Linger nodded, then revealed a crafty smile again. "So? I didn't lie to you, did I? But as for where the tokens are exactly or what they look like, I don't know. You'll have to find them yourself."

"Thank you." Lin Fan thanked her sincerely. This news was of significant value.

"No need for thanks." Zi Linger waved her hand, returning to her lazy, flirtatious manner. "If there's a chance in the future, I'll fight you again. That was truly satisfying! I'm leaving!"

After she finished speaking, her figure turned into a purple shadow and quickly disappeared outside the Martial Arts Arena.

Watching Zi Linger leave, Lin Fan stood in place, digesting the information he had just received.

ancient path tokens... It seemed that before the Prodigy Assembly officially began, a struggle for the tokens had already quietly commenced.

He felt the power still surging within his body and thought about the "Other-Transformation Freedom Magic" and the "ancient path tokens." His gaze became increasingly deep.

The waters of Tianjiao City were getting deeper and deeper. And this was exactly to his liking.

Only in a turbulent current can the sharpest sword be tempered. His Eternal Indestructible Body and his Dao were destined to reach their peak through constant battle and struggle.

The journey to find the tokens had begun.