ISWI Chapter 421-432 (Patreon)

AN: Yes, you read that right, a full 12 chapters! But since I have some things to handle this weekend, I won’t be able to post updates for the next two days.

Chapter 421: The Fiancée Arrives Just in Time!

Ye Chen glanced at He Qiu, who was brimming with eagerness. With a helpless shake of his head, he reached out to pat her head, about to say something when Elder He leaned forward. Shooting He Qiu a stern look, he pulled her back behind him before turning to Ye Chen with a mix of curiosity and astonishment. "To be honest, I thought you'd broken through to the Deity Transformation stage…"

Elder He was genuinely shocked. The spiritual sense fluctuations Ye Chen had emitted earlier were terrifying—beyond even the Deity Transformation stage, perhaps rivaling the Unity stage. He'd genuinely believed Ye Chen had secretly broken through. Yet now, seeing him, it was clear he hadn't. That made it all the more astonishing.

Ye Chen smiled faintly, glancing upward where Elder Mo was concealed in the void, watching him. "Just a small gain, nothing more. Elder He, when do we return to the Holy Land?"

Ye Chen had learned that Fan Qinghe had left White Emperor City for the Heavenly Desire Sect. With her gone, there was little reason to linger. Next time they met, he'd let her absorb something else. Spiritual sense was a one-time offering; next would be something different. His only curiosity was what multiplier Fan Qinghe had achieved this time.

Nirvana wasn't just about enhancing spiritual sense—otherwise, the Heavenly Desire Sect wouldn't be so renowned. But Ye Chen wasn't in a rush. He'd find out when they met again.

Elder He nodded. "After the auction ended, we should've left already. But since you were in seclusion, we waited a bit longer. If you're done with White Emperor City, we can leave now."

Ye Chen agreed, "Let's do it."

With a wave of Elder He's hand, a shadowy figure descended from the void. Elder He led the disciples onto the ship, and Ye Chen followed. Just before departure, Elder He cast a reluctant glance toward the Heavenly Intention mansion. He'd heard Yi Qingwu would be there and had hoped her grandmother might show up too—a chance to reminisce about past regrets. But she hadn't come. A pity.

With another wave, Elder He set the massive Heavenly Evolution Holy Land ship soaring through the clouds toward their home.

At the same time, in the Heavenly Intention mansion, Yi Qingwu opened her eyes. Her grandmother had sent word: the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land had departed. A flicker of killing intent passed through her gaze as she rose calmly.

...

On the ship, Ye Chen sat at the bow, facing Elder Mo. The elder studied him with a hint of wonder. When Ye Chen had been entangled with the Heavenly Desire Divine Maiden, Elder Mo had cautioned him. But Ye Chen had told him not to worry, so Elder Mo had held his tongue. After all, a prodigy like Ye Chen had his own reasons for his actions.

Others thought Ye Chen had taken advantage of Fan Qinghe, but Elder Mo had seen the truth. When Fan Qinghe left, her spiritual sense had surged uncontrollably, while Ye Chen had been utterly drained of his. He'd truly been sapped dry. Yet now, Ye Chen's spiritual sense was surging once more, clearly due to some profound mystery.

"Could this be the same 'break and rebuild' opportunity the Heavenly Emperor seized back then?" Elder Mo asked, a rare eagerness in his voice.

Ye Chen understood the elder's urgency, but his situation wasn't what Elder Mo imagined. He wasn't even truly the Heavenly Emperor's heir. Explaining that would be tricky. Still, he appreciated Elder Mo's loyalty—fearless in the face of any opponent, though perhaps a bit too eager for chaos.

Ye Chen looked at Elder Mo earnestly. "I know what Elder Mo needs. But my method won't work for you. Still, I promise—if I find a way to help you rebuild your Immortal Platform, I won't hold back."

Elder Mo's face broke into a smile. From anyone else, such words might sound like empty promises. But Ye Chen was different—too extraordinary. Elder Mo, once a prodigy himself, had seen countless talents, yet none like Ye Chen. So, he chose to believe. "In that case, thank you, Holy Son."

Ye Chen grinned. "No, I should be thanking you for protecting me. Without you, I'd probably have been beaten to death by now."

As the two exchanged compliments, a majestic aura suddenly surged toward them.

"Ye Chen, come out and face me!"

Ye Chen's brow arched. That voice was familiar—the fiancée. He glanced up to see a figure in white descending gracefully from the sky. When his eyes settled on her, even he, accustomed to beauties, couldn't help but be struck. This was his first time seeing the fiancée in person, having only heard her voice before.

The woman atop the firmament was otherworldly, like a banished immortal. Clad in snow-white robes, she moved with ethereal grace. Her oval face was flawless, as translucent as fine jade, without a single blemish. Her long, dense lashes framed eyes that sparkled with life. Her slender figure, draped in a white dress, revealed skin so fair it seemed to glow with moonlight. Her dark hair cascaded down, radiant and captivating.

She was the opposite of Fan Qinghe's allure, yet capable of outshining every female cultivator in the world. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, marveling that she truly lived up to her reputation as the foremost female immortal. Elder Mo, stroking his chin, muttered his approval of her beauty. Elder He, who had appeared at the ship's bow unnoticed, gazed at Yi Qingwu with awe and a hint of nostalgia.

The fiancée had arrived. Ye Chen's initial surprise gave way to a grin. Perfect timing—she'd come just in time for a gift. If he could land a critical hit, great. If not, he'd beat her and take it back. Either way, he wouldn't lose.

The Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's ship halted. Yi Qingwu stood calmly in the distance, her serene gaze fixed on Ye Chen, showing no overt hostility. She spoke evenly. "Your matters with the Holy Son have nothing to do with me. If you hadn't crossed my path, I wouldn't have sought you out. But as the Holy Son's fiancée, now that we've met, how can I not act? Otherwise, others will question whether our hearts are aligned. So, Holy Son Ye, come and fight me."

Her voice was soothing, like celestial music, making even a challenge feel unoffensive, yet it carried an unshakable resolve, like the soft cry of an immortal phoenix. Elder He frowned slightly. The gap in their cultivation was too vast—this battle was meaningless.

Elder Mo, though silent, shared the sentiment. Yi Qingwu wasn't an ordinary Deity Transformation cultivator. With her Broad Cold Immortal Physique and the Moon Palace's inheritance, plus a full major realm above Ye Chen, even a prodigy like him was unlikely to win. Losing would only tarnish his reputation, with no benefit to gain.

Yet, to their astonishment, Ye Chen's eyes lit up. He stood without hesitation. "Since the fiancée has come, how could I disappoint her?"

The two elders exchanged a glance, falling silent. They knew their Holy Son's weakness for beautiful women had kicked in.

Yi Qingwu's gaze deepened, her voice still magnetic but now laced with a sharp edge. "The Fourth Holy Son is truly confident. I'm starting to look forward to our battle."

The edge in her tone clearly stemmed from Ye Chen's teasing mention of "fiancée."

Chapter 422: Heavy Pupils Are Nothing Special!

Elder He gazed at Yi Qingwu, his eyes tinged with nostalgia. If the moment weren't so inappropriate, he might have asked, "How's your grandmother doing?"

Elder Mo, meanwhile, furrowed his brow, scanning the surroundings before fixing his sharp gaze on Yi Qingwu. To him, this battle was pointless, but he could understand his Holy Son's weakness for a beautiful fiancée—after all, he'd been the same in his youth. Still, something felt off.

The instant Ye Chen leaped from the ship, Elder Mo sensed it. His hand shot out to pull Ye Chen back, but it was too late. Behind Yi Qingwu's stunning figure, twelve beams of divine light erupted, moving at an unthinkable speed. They solidified the void, forming a massive sphere that enveloped both her and Ye Chen, cutting off all outside sight.

Elder Mo's hand swept through, but it passed right through the sphere, as if it existed in a different plane of reality. He sneered. "The Twelve Stars Killing Formation? A petty trick, and you dare show it off before me?"

Raising his fist, he struck, unleashing a chaotic force that seemed capable of shattering the heavens. But at that moment, three figures descended from the void, each wielding profound laws and principles to block his attack. Among them was a middle-aged woman, graceful and regal, bearing a faint resemblance to Yi Qingwu. The other two were a middle-aged man and an elderly figure, both radiating the aura of Unity-stage powerhouses.

The woman smiled lightly, her charm captivating, and addressed Elder Mo and the stunned Elder He. "Let the younger generation settle their own battles. Why don't you two Fellow Daoists sit with us for some tea?" Her gaze lingered on Elder He, complex emotions flickering in her eyes, tinged with nostalgia. "Fellow Daoist He, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Elder He sighed, a trace of relief in his expression. Elder Mo, however, eyed the three coldly. "Step aside."

The Twelve Stars Killing Formation, a peerless array passed down from the Moon Palace and wielded by Yi Qingwu's lineage, was powered by the primordial spirits of twelve Deity Transformation cultivators. It could annihilate any foe, its might so great that even someone like Hua Yunfei might struggle to escape. Ye Chen, despite his extraordinary talent and deep inheritance, was still a step behind in cultivation. He could be in mortal danger.

Elder Mo's killing intent surged. The three, naturally, didn't budge. The elderly man sneered. "Mo Yixi, your cultivation's fallen to early Unity stage. Do you still think you're the same as back then?"

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow. "This space is sealed. You can't send for help."

The woman, still smiling, added, "Why make a fuss? Life and death among prodigies is normal, isn't it? If every genius could reach the top, the cultivation world would be overrun with Unity-stage masters and Mahayana cultivators would be as common as dogs. Just wait patiently—the outcome will be clear soon enough."

Elder He's face darkened. They couldn't contact the Holy Land. Both he and Elder Mo were at the early Unity stage, while their opponents numbered three—two at early Unity and one at mid-Unity. No matter how you looked at it, they were outmatched. Worse, the enemy clearly had no intention of fighting, only delaying—stalling until Yi Qingwu could kill Ye Chen. The situation seemed hopeless.

Yet Elder Mo remained calm, eyeing the three. "My Immortal Platform may be shattered, but I haven't wasted these years. I have a technique that can push me to my peak, undefeated even against a Mahayana cultivator. If you three don't want to die, step aside."

Elder Mo stood, his voice steady but carrying a weight that made the trio's expressions harden. He was two generations older than Elder He, a figure who, in his prime, wasn't just another prodigy but one of the most dazzling, leaving countless legends. If not for his shattered Immortal Platform, he'd already be a Mahayana powerhouse. His words now demanded respect.

The middle-aged woman frowned. "I believe you, Fellow Daoist Mo, but even if you restore your peak, how long can you last? Why sacrifice your life for a fleeting chance at fate? With us three blocking you, no one would blame you for failing to save Ye Chen. The Heavenly Evolution Holy Land won't hold it against you."

Her words were sincere, her voice as captivating as Yi Qingwu's but with a mature allure. Yet Elder Mo was unmoved, a smirk curling his lips. "Before I die, I'll take all three of you with me." His aura surged violently. Having sworn to protect Ye Chen, he wouldn't stand by and watch him fall. No one would kill Ye Chen before he did.

But just as Elder Mo's power peaked, it abruptly halted. His pupils narrowed, staring past the trio. The three, sensing something, turned to look, their faces paling at what they saw.

Ye Chen's spiritual sense was now immensely powerful. The moment Yi Qingwu's array enveloped him, he sensed it. Even with the space locked, he could activate the Kun Peng Treasure Technique to escape. Yet he chose not to, allowing the formation to swallow him.

The world around him shifted. Stars glittered coldly around him, their chilling light piercing to the bone. Looking up, twelve massive stars shone in the sky, each formed from a cultivator's primordial spirit.

At the center, Yi Qingwu stood high above, her flawless beauty and immortal-like presence untouched by the killing array's menace. She glowed like a full moon, shrouded in ethereal moonlight.

"Your spiritual sense wasn't drained after all," she said, her voice a soft sigh, like an immortal from the Broad Cold Palace. "But even so, your Heavy Pupils disappoint me."

She had prepared for his Heavy Pupils, anticipating all sorts of contingencies. Yet Ye Chen had been trapped so easily, leaving her feeling she'd overestimated him. Still, her attack was merciless. Without another word, the twelve stars blazed, unleashing beams of divine light toward Ye Chen. Each beam was terrifying, brimming with destructive power. Together, they seemed capable of annihilating heaven and earth. The locked space left no room to dodge—even the Kun Peng Treasure Technique felt slightly sluggish.

But only slightly. Ye Chen transformed into a Kunpeng, effortlessly evading the twelve beams. Yi Qingwu showed no surprise. It would've been strange if he'd fallen so easily. With a delicate flick of her jade finger, the twelve stars spun faster, their relentless divine light pouring toward Ye Chen in an endless stream.

Ye Chen glanced up at the circling stars, feeling like he was staring down a Gatling gun. The sensation was oddly thrilling. But he had no time to waste. She was clearly here to kill him, so his earlier thoughts of chatting and gifting were gone. Still, as the "2500x fiancée," he'd give her two choices: submit and become his gift-dropping tool, or die.

Chapter 423: Extreme Dao Weapon! Moon Palace!

The twelve stars spun, firing divine light at Ye Chen like a Gatling gun from his past life's battlefields. Yet Ye Chen paid it no mind. Ignoring the onslaught, he charged straight at Yi Qingwu. The attacks, capable of shattering heaven and earth, left only faint white marks on his body, unable to harm his physique in the slightest.

Yi Qingwu looked down from above, her delicate brows slightly raised. A hint of surprise flickered in her picturesque eyes, though not much. Know your enemy, and you'll never lose a battle. She had long known of Ye Chen's formidable physique, having meticulously studied every recorded battle of his in private. She was prepared.

As Ye Chen rushed toward her, her figure blurred, becoming ethereal, as if she existed in another world. He grasped at nothing. The Twelve Stars Killing Formation was endlessly versatile—not only did it unleash relentless, powerful attacks, but it could also create a pure sanctuary. This was her counter to Ye Chen's Heavy Pupils. In her ethereal state, Yi Qingwu's immortal grace grew even more elusive, scattering moonlight like a goddess descending.

She remained lofty, untouched by mortal concerns, her voice as soothing as a spring breeze. "Ye Chen, surrender. The Twelve Stars Formation is inexhaustible, its power only growing stronger. No matter how tough your physique, it will eventually be worn down. Hand over the treasures you won at the auction, and I'll spare your life, letting you live out your days as an ordinary mortal."

Ye Chen squinted, a smile spreading across his face. A mere formation? He had countless ways to break it. But he chose the simplest, most brutal method. With a wave of his hand, a storage bracelet on his wrist flashed, and an array disc appeared in his palm. It radiated a desolate aura, shaking the void.

Yi Qingwu's delicate brows lifted. Then she saw Ye Chen hurl the disc down. The Twelve Stars Formation trembled violently. Four radiant beams—wind, thunder, water, and fire—erupted, forming a new array within her own. The twelve stars in the sky exploded one by one, and the formation itself shattered, unable to withstand the force.

The world shifted.

Yi Qingwu's expression changed—she was now trapped in a new array, and she was no longer its master. Ye Chen's disc had obliterated her Twelve Stars Formation, replacing it entirely. How was this possible?

Ye Chen grinned. The Two Yi Red Sand Array he'd gifted Fan Qinghe could trap Unity-stage cultivators. Though it hadn't triggered a critical hit, it had returned the Two Yi Four Symbols Array, harnessing wind, thunder, water, and fire to trap and kill Unity-stage foes. Now unleashed, its effect was as impressive as expected.

Outside, the collapse of the Twelve Stars Formation and the emergence of the new array stunned Elder Mo and the others.

"That's the long-lost Two Yi Four Symbols Array!" one exclaimed. "It conjures wind, thunder, water, and fire, forming a new world. Escape is impossible—only annihilation by the four forces awaits!"

"Qingwu is in danger…" The middle-aged and elderly Unity-stage cultivators frowned. Yi Qingwu's grandmother squinted but shook her head. "No need to worry. A Two Yi Four Symbols Array can't harm Qingwu."

The two men froze, stunned. Even they would find such an array perilous. Realizing something, they looked at the woman in shock. She nodded, smiling calmly at Elders Mo and He. "Some time ago, I gave Qingwu the Moon Palace. It's enough to protect her."

Sure enough, in the blink of an eye, a terrifying aura surged. The woman's smile widened.

The heavens roared as the twelve stars vanished, replaced by the spirits of the Four Sacred Beasts, looming over the east, west, south, and north. Yi Qingwu had struck without mercy, and Ye Chen wasn't about to hold back either. Without a word, the Four Scared Beasts opened their mouths, unleashing beams of light infused with the powers of wind, thunder, water, and fire. Each strike was cataclysmic, as if birthing a new world.

With the Twelve Stars Formation shattered, Yi Qingwu was forced out of her ethereal sanctuary. Surprise flickered across her delicate face, but she faced the onslaught with composure. Moving like flowing moonlight, she glided effortlessly through the sealed space, dodging each attack with grace. Clearly, she wielded an extraordinary inheritance.

Yet her expression wasn't relaxed. The true terror of the Two Yi Four Symbols Array lay in its grinding annihilation. With every attack, even if it missed, the array's elemental forces grew denser, ceaselessly eroding and wearing down its target.

Yi Qingwu's white dress, a treasure in itself, dimmed in mere moments, corroded by the array's power. The longer the battle dragged on, the stronger the erosion became, until the enemy would inevitably fall. That was the array's true horror.

Even so, Yi Qingwu only sighed softly. "You truly have heaven's favor, to wield a lost array like this… But my Heavenly Intention Holy Land also bears the will of heaven. Your struggles are futile before me."

Her celestial voice fell, and moonlight bloomed behind her once more. Beams of lunar radiance repelled the array's elemental forces, even pushing them back. The endless moonlight formed an absolute domain around her, untouched by the array's power. A terrifying aura emerged, shaking the Two Yi Four Symbols Array itself, as if a supreme treasure were awakening. Its mere presence prickled Ye Chen's skin.

He raised an eyebrow. Then, the treasure revealed itself, rising behind Yi Qingwu—a palace of jade, seemingly forged from celestial divine jade, with faint immortal figures shimmering within. It cast endless moonlight, enveloping Yi Qingwu in an inviolable aura. Bathed in that glow, she was breathtakingly ethereal, like a dream incarnate.

Smiling faintly, she parted her lips. "Ye Chen, please, enter the Moon Palace for a chat…"

The Moon Palace. Ye Chen's brow twitched. He'd heard of it—an Extreme Dao Weapon, famed in the ancient era, once belonging to the Moon Palace Holy Land, which the Heavenly Emperor had destroyed. Later, a Heavenly Intention Holy Land cultivator with the Broad Cold Immortal Physique had found its ruins in the Central Continent and restored it. To think Yi Qingwu wielded it now.

But Ye Chen could tell she could only superficially activate it. An Extreme Dao Weapon, meant for Mahayana cultivators, was taxing for anyone with lesser cultivation.

Smiling invitingly, Yi Qingwu extended a delicate hand, devoid of hostility. The Moon Palace trembled, its aura overwhelming, as moonlight streamed toward Ye Chen like silken ribbons, aiming to bind and suppress him, drawing him into the palace.

Ye Chen narrowed his eyes. If he got caught, he'd be crippled, if not dead. Smiling so sweetly in such a situation? A true femme fatale. But then he grinned. An Extreme Dao Weapon? Did she think she was the only one with one?

Instantly, white divine light shot from his brow, shattering the moonlight with ease. Yi Qingwu, standing atop the Moon Palace, raised her brows slightly.

Chapter 424: Impressive, But Nothing More!

Yi Qingwu's expression finally betrayed genuine surprise. Her red lips parted slightly as she stared at Ye Chen's brow. A silver divine ring slowly emerged from it, expanding rapidly. Hovering above his head, it radiated silver light, repelling the Moon Palace's invasive aura.

The ring gleamed, inscribed with natural divine patterns, exuding the majesty of the heavens. Even the Two Yi Four Symbols Array trembled under its influence, its four spirits dimming and quaking.

"Is that… the Diamond Ring?" Yi Qingwu's voice faltered.

She knew Ye Chen had gifted a fake five-colored ring before, but she hadn't cared. She never imagined he possessed the real thing—the authentic Diamond Ring of the Moral Heavenly Venerable, an Extreme Dao Weapon surpassing even the Moon Palace. Her beautiful eyes fixed on Ye Chen, complex emotions swirling within. She'd spoken of heaven's favor, but hadn't truly believed it. After all, as a prodigy, who didn't have their share of fortune? With her many inheritances and the Moon Palace, what were Ye Chen's opportunities compared to hers? Yet, the Diamond Ring in his hands was beyond her expectations.

Outside, Yi Qingwu's grandmother had just smiled at the Moon Palace's aura when another presence froze her expression—a force rivaling, even surpassing, the Moon Palace. It was terrifying. She stared at the Two Yi Four Symbols Array in disbelief, then turned to Elder Mo. "You gave Ye Chen an Extreme Dao Weapon for protection? What is it? Could it be your Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's…"

Elder Mo's face bore a cryptic smile, but inwardly, he was stunned. He had no idea Ye Chen possessed an Extreme Dao Weapon, let alone what it was. Seeing no answers from Mo, the grandmother turned to Elder He. "Fellow Daoist He, what Extreme Dao Weapon is Ye Chen wielding?"

Elder He glanced awkwardly at Elder Mo, then shook his head helplessly. "Fellow Daoist Yi, that's a Heavenly Evolution Holy Land secret. I can't say."

The grandmother, usually brimming with confidence, grew solemn. Yet she still trusted Yi Qingwu. Neither could fully wield an Extreme Dao Weapon in combat—only borrow their aura for an edge. With Ye Chen's Extreme Dao Weapon canceling out hers, it came down to strength.

Ye Chen, a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, couldn't match Qingwu's late Deity Transformation stage, especially with her Broad Cold Immortal Physique, which could create a spiritual sense domain for a direct clash. How could Ye Chen's spiritual sense compare?

The outcome seemed certain. Elder Mo should have been worried, but strangely, he wasn't. Seeing Ye Chen pull out one unknown trump card after another, he felt oddly calm. His task now was to keep the three from interfering. Smiling, he produced a tea set. "Didn't you three want tea? I have some Enlightenment Tea, a gift from the Holy Son. Shall we try it?"

His relaxed demeanor made the grandmother's phoenix eyes narrow, her attention sharpening on the array. Though the Extreme Dao Weapons' auras caused slight leaks, the array still blocked most of their senses, leaving them only vaguely aware of the battle within.

...

Yi Qingwu's surprise lasted only a moment. In an instant, her sweet smile returned, her dark hair dancing as her ivory-white figure glimmered under the moonlight. "Ye Chen, you've truly surprised me… But even an Extreme Dao Weapon is just an external tool. In the cultivation world, strength is the foundation. I didn't intend to fight you personally, but now I have no choice."

She paused, her voice softening. "Or, you could submit to me. Let me imprint the Broad Cold Seal on your soul, and I'll spare your life."

Ye Chen's wealth stirred her heart. His background—a minor clan—had been thoroughly investigated. Yet he'd risen to possess unimaginable spirit stones and such profound resources. Even Yi Qingwu couldn't deny he seemed favored by heaven. She wanted him as a servant, a tool to secure her path to immortality.

Standing beneath the Diamond Ring, Ye Chen felt the clashing auras of their Extreme Dao Weapons. He smirked. "You've played all your cards, and that's it? You may be someone else's fiancée, but I don't mind a tarnished flower. Kneel and submit to me, and I'll spare you."

Yi Qingwu didn't bristle at his words, instead offering a faint smile. "It seems defeating common foes like Yao Gu and my Holy Land's two legacy disciples has given you too much confidence. Today, I'll show you what a true prodigy is. Before my Broad Cold Immortal Physique, even your Heavy Pupils will pale."

Her hair fluttered as she spoke, her peerless beauty radiating an undeniable authority, as if she were a goddess issuing a divine decree. Ye Chen nodded, feigning agreement. "Submit? I wouldn't mind serving you day and night, Divine Maiden. But won't the Holy Son be upset?" His eyes blazed with divine light, chaos qi swirling as he peered at her figure.

Yi Qingwu's phoenix eyes narrowed, moonlight bursting from her to block his gaze. Anger finally flickered in her expression. Her body glowed with crystalline light, forming armor that covered her, leaving only her hands, feet, and neck exposed—likely to thwart his Heavy Pupils. The armor couldn't conceal her graceful figure, clinging like a second skin, exuding a unique allure. She transformed into a valiant war goddess.

Raising her hand, she summoned a terrifying full moon infused with a wisp of the Moon Palace's lunar essence, amplified by her physique's divine power. It surpassed the Twelve Stars Formation's divine light and even the combined might of the Four Sacred Beasts, radiating overwhelming destructive force. "Ye Chen, you've begun to disgust me. I retract my offer of a seal. Rest in peace."

Her voice remained ethereal and gentle, starkly contrasting her murderous aura, as if pronouncing his doom. Ye Chen's expression turned serious. Yi Qingwu was indeed the most formidable opponent he'd ever faced, worthy of her title as the foremost female cultivator. But in his eyes, she was merely that—nothing more.

As the moon descended, Ye Chen's blood qi surged skyward. He threw a punch, meeting it with raw physical might. His arm trembled, faint cracks appearing, but they healed instantly. The moon shattered in a chaotic explosion.

Golden wings sprouted from Ye Chen's back. Moving at blinding speed, he closed in on Yi Qingwu, his fist aimed at her breathtakingly beautiful face.

Chapter 425: Heavy Pupils Are Already the Path to Invincibility

Faced with Ye Chen's fist, which seemed to shatter the void itself, Yi Qingwu lightly brushed her hair, her lotus-like steps graceful as she swayed and effortlessly dodged. "Your physique is indeed impressive. If I killed you outright, I'd feel a touch of regret. Are you sure you want to pass up the opportunity I'm offering?"

Her magnetic voice was gentle, but her hands were merciless, unleashing crescent moons like ancient immortal weapons, slicing through everything in a relentless barrage.

Ye Chen's expression remained cold. Yi Qingwu seemed talkative, but it was a calculated tactic to unsettle her opponent's mind, much like the trash-talking gamers from his past life who provoked while dominating. When it came to mental games, though, Ye Chen had never met his match.

He raised his hand, unleashing the True Dragon Treasure Technique to sweep away the crescent moons. At the same time, he intensified his Heavy Pupils, chaos qi swirling as his gaze seemed to pierce through Yi Qingwu's battle armor, zeroing in with pinpoint focus. Her peerless beauty showed a slight shift in expression, but she maintained her lofty demeanor. "So what if you can see? You're still going to die."

As she spoke, endless moonlight surged toward Ye Chen, aiming to refine his body. He countered with the True Phoenix Treasure Technique, flames roaring to incinerate everything. Smirking, he remarked, "So big, yet they don't even sway with all that movement. Are they fake?"

Yi Qingwu's phoenix eyes narrowed sharply. "You…" Her attacks grew fiercer, more lethal. Moon Palace secret techniques unleashed ten moons into the sky, aiming to crush Ye Chen. Unfazed, he parried with Treasure Techniques while taunting, "Why don't they droop? Are you holding them up with immortal arts? That's not good for your health."

Her face turned icy, and she stopped talking, focusing solely on unleashing deadly techniques to suppress him. Yi Qingwu's repertoire was vast, seamlessly blending Moon Palace secrets with Heavenly Intention Immortal Scripture. Moonlight fused with thunderous strikes, reaching perfection, cleaving through everything. Her mastery was staggering.

But Ye Chen had more tricks up his sleeve, hurling a barrage of Treasure Techniques. The clash was spectacular, neither yielding. Yi Qingwu, with her 2500x potential, unmatched talent, and the legacies of Heavenly Intention Holy Land and the Moon Palace, held her own. Ye Chen, with his array of Treasure Techniques, kept pace but couldn't overpower her.

Growing impatient—unaccustomed to prolonged battles—Ye Chen's eyes erupted with endless chaos qi, forming a Heavy Pupil Pure Land to trap Yi Qingwu. She wasn't surprised, clearly prepared. Her body blazed with divine light, bloodline power surging.

A divine moon rose, an immortal figure shimmering atop it. The moon exploded, obliterating a vast swath of the void and cracking a corner of the supposedly unbreakable Heavy Pupil Pure Land, allowing Yi Qingwu to escape gracefully.

"So this is the Heavy Pupil? Nothing special," she said, standing aloof, her dark gem-like eyes coldly sweeping over Ye Chen, her hair fluttering like a descended immortal. "I hear Central Continent has another with Heavy Pupils. Since there's only one per generation, yours must be a knockoff, far inferior to my Broad Cold Immortal Physique."

She taunted, aiming to rattle him, while relentlessly attacking with her profound techniques. But inwardly, she was shaken.

The terror of the Heavy Pupils could only be understood through direct experience. Had Yi Qingwu not been a full major realm above Ye Chen, she might have been trapped within his Pure Land. If Ye Chen were at the Deity Transformation stage, she might not have escaped so easily. This realization only strengthened her resolve to kill him. He could not be allowed to grow further.

Ye Chen, unfazed by her verbal jabs, smirked. "You barely escaped despite being a whole realm above me, and you dare say my Heavy Pupils are lacking? Your face is as thick as your backside… though how is it so perky despite that?"

The Heavy Pupil Pure Land had been broken for the first time, but Ye Chen wasn't surprised. The cultivation world wasn't so simple that having Heavy Pupils guaranteed invincibility.

Yi Qingwu was a top-tier prodigy with the Broad Cold Immortal Physique, a first-rate constitution. With the realm gap, it was reasonable for her to break his Pure Land. But Ye Chen wasn't relying solely on his Heavy Pupils. He'd only shown them publicly to set up moments like this.

A grin curved his lips as his right eye unleashed a beam of destructive divine light toward Yi Qingwu. Her hair fluttered as she raised both hands, summoning a massive moon to block it. Swaying gracefully, she flashed a radiant smile, her celestial voice light and teasing. "Your Heavy Pupils failed. Feeling a bit panicked, Ye Chen?"

Without responding, Ye Chen unleashed seventy-two golden True Dragons, as if urgency had taken hold. Yi Qingwu's lips curled upward. Ye Chen's combat prowess was astonishing—despite being only at late Nascent Soul, his spiritual Qi was profound, and his mastery of Treasure Techniques was exceptional. He could stand toe-to-toe with her, a late Deity Transformation cultivator, without falling behind.

Truly a monster, perhaps even stronger than Heavenly Intention's Holy Son in his youth. If he kept growing, no one in Great Yan Continent's younger generation might match him. But when strength was closely matched, it came down to mental fortitude.

Ye Chen's apparent haste suggested he was rattled, and she needed to seize this chance to crush this monster for good. Raising her hand, she conjured seventy-two True Dragons of her own, their killing intent roaring toward Ye Chen.

He raised an eyebrow. In her techniques, he sensed the same killing methods he'd faced when battling Heavenly Intention Holy Son's incarnation. Had Yi Qingwu learned them too? A smile spread in his heart—an unexpected bonus.

He'd already coveted her Moon Palace, an Extreme Dao Weapon. Gifting a fake had yielded his own Extreme Dao Weapon; gifting the real thing might yield an immortal artifact. Even if he couldn't use an immortal artifact yet, he couldn't pass up owning one.

Now, she'd revealed what seemed like the ancient Battle Secret technique, which could potentially unlock the true Battle Secret for him. Even if he killed the "2500x fiancée" today, this encounter was a massive win. With the complete Battle Secret, facing Heavenly Intention's Holy Son would be far easier.

The fiancée was truly his lucky star.

Emboldened by the thought, Ye Chen fought with renewed vigor. True Dragon Treasure Technique, Kun Peng Treasure Technique, and True Phoenix Treasure Technique erupted in unison, divine radiance flooding the sky with earth-shattering power, as if to obliterate heaven and earth.

Yet Yi Qingwu's eyes gleamed with amusement, spotting the lack of cohesion in his attacks. Clearly, Ye Chen's mind was rattled. Her ethereal figure danced through the chaos, her techniques surging like a tidal wave to engulf him. Gracefully navigating the turbulent waves of his power, she closed in, her delicate hand condensing a terrifying killing move aimed at severing his head.

But as she drew near, Ye Chen, as if anticipating her, lifted his gaze with a faint smile. From his chest, a blinding divine light erupted, a terrifying aura boiling forth. For the first time, Yi Qingwu's pupils contracted in shock. "What is this?"

She couldn't identify it, but the aura rivaled that of his Heavy Pupils. Disbelief washed over her. Could his heart be as extraordinary as his eyes? Heavy Pupils were already a path to invincibility—why would he need another supreme ability in his heart? For two top-tier bloodline Divine Abilities to coexist in one person defied all reason. What kind of heaven-defying luck could achieve this? It was unheard of. Was Ye Chen truly heaven's favored son?

Recalling the rare, legendary bloodline abilities tied to the heart, each one terrifying in its own right, Yi Qingwu felt a surge of retreat. She moved to pull back, seeking refuge in the Moon Palace to avoid his edge. But it was too late.

A colossal Hand of Heaven, radiating the light of divine judgment, descended like an unstoppable verdict from the heavens, crashing toward her with overwhelming force.

Chapter 426: Son of the Heavenly Emperor?

Outside the array, Elder Mo was in high spirits. Though he'd invited everyone to sit for tea, when the Enlightenment Tea leaves were brewed, he poured only for Elder He, sipping his own cup with serene contentment. Halfway through, he glanced at the trio from Heavenly Intention Holy Land, puzzled. "Why aren't you drinking?"

The elderly cultivator from Heavenly Intention, likely nursing an old grudge—perhaps a past thrashing from Mo—scoffed. "You didn't pour us any."

Elder Mo's lips curled. "I was just being polite. What, Heavenly Intention Holy Land can't even afford a single Enlightenment Tea leaf? No way, right?"

His mocking tone left the old man trembling, pointing speechlessly. Back in the day, he couldn't beat Mo and was ridiculed for it. Now, with Mo's Immortal Platform shattered and his path broken, this was his chance to retort.

Yet, frustratingly, he still wasn't sure he could win. The old man fell silent, inwardly vowing to pummel Mo if his cultivation ever dropped to Deity Transformation.

Yi Qingwu's grandmother ignored her teammate's humiliation, her gaze fixed solemnly on the array. Suppressing Ye Chen should have been a sure thing for Qingwu. But Ye Chen's Two Yi Four Symbols Array and Extreme Dao Weapon were unexpected, stirring unease in her heart.

Still, Qingwu's higher realm, mastery of Heavenly Intention's Immortal Scriptures, Moon Palace techniques, and the half-complete Battle Secret taught by their Holy Son before his seclusion should ensure victory. Yet the worry lingered.

She glanced at Elder He, who was sipping tea and sneaking looks at her, lost in thought. There shouldn't be any surprises, but if there were, she'd have to rely on old sentiments to ask him to stay out of it.

At that moment, a brilliant light tore through the sky, piercing the desolate void with an immortal aura. The group started, looking up in unison.

"That light… it's familiar…"

"Is that the Heavenly Tribulation Light?"

"Who summoned it? Does Ye Chen have a Supreme Bone?"

"The Supreme Bone is a top-tier bloodline Divine Ability, its Heavenly Tribulation Light sweeping all in its path."

"Impossible. Ye Chen already has Heavy Pupils—how could he have a Supreme Bone too? Only if both parents were supreme existences with Heavy Pupils and Supreme Bone would their child have a one-in-ten-thousand chance of inheriting both."

The trio from Heavenly Intention was stunned, their expressions grim with shock. Ye Chen having Heavy Pupils was one thing, but hiding a Supreme Bone too? Either alone could forge a top-tier prodigy. For him to possess both was staggering.

Elder Mo, however, wore a knowing look. He'd long suspected Ye Chen kept trump cards hidden. From his observations, Ye Chen only fought battles he could win. Against stronger foes, he'd shamelessly call for his senior brother. This was no surprise. Mo smiled calmly.

The middle-aged man spoke gravely, "The Heavenly Tribulation Light may be formidable in records, but the Broad Cold Immortal Physique should be able to withstand it."

The elderly cultivator nodded thoughtfully. Yi Qingwu's grandmother, her beautiful eyes clouded with uncertainty, was about to speak when the Heavenly Light above intensified, growing even more radiant. Divine patterns swirled within, transforming the light into a massive hand, imbued with indescribable mystique.

The hand, like that of a god, was lustrous as jade, etched with divine patterns, exuding terrifying power capable of shattering anything. This time, the group was truly stunned. Elder Mo's tea spilled onto himself.

"The Hand of Heaven? Ye Chen doesn't have a Supreme Bone—he has a Primordial Supreme Heart? Legend says the Heavenly Emperor, after his bones were dug out, tapped his inner Dao root with great resolve, birthing a Primordial Supreme Heart even stronger than before. Its Heavenly Tribulation Light evolved into the Hand of Heaven, unmatched in the world! Is Ye Chen not just his heir, but his son?"

"The Primordial Supreme Heart isn't limited to the Hand of Heaven—it holds even more mysteries, capable of aging and killing foes in a single strike. Ye Chen hasn't mastered the Law of Samsara yet, but this Hand of Heaven is terrifying. Qingwu…"

The grandmother's heart trembled at the sight of the fearsome hand. She could no longer sit still, moving to rescue her granddaughter. Ye Chen could live—she didn't care anymore.

But Elder Mo chuckled, flicking his teacup. It exploded, shattering a swath of space to block her. "Let the youngsters spar. Why should we old folks meddle? What, upset I didn't pour you tea? Don't worry, I'll get you a cup."

The trio's battle intent surged, dimming the heavens. Mo, unfazed, rose leisurely, eyeing them with disdain. To save Ye Chen, he'd have needed to suppress them instantly, requiring him to activate Ultimate Dao Sublimation. But merely stalling them? Child's play.

Due to Mo's interference, the Hand of Heaven descended with unimaginable speed, piercing the Two Yi Four Symbols Array. The trio's faces darkened as Yi Qingwu's aura vanished within the array the moment the hand struck. The implication was clear.

"Mo, do you really want war with Heavenly Intention Holy Land?" the elderly cultivator roared.

Elder Mo, inwardly shocked by the Hand of Heaven's might, said nothing, merely smiling at them—an infuriating silence. The grandmother clenched her fists, staring at the array. But soon, she exhaled in relief. Mo and the others, sensing a shift, raised their brows, glancing at the array in surprise.

The jade-white Hand of Heaven was terrifying, locking the heavens and earth. As it descended, it grabbed for Yi Qingwu. Despite her myriad techniques—transforming into lightning, moonlight, osmanthus—she couldn't escape. Before the hand, she was powerless. It struck, and she fell.

Ye Chen was stunned. Since his Primordial Supreme Heart had advanced, awakening the Hand of Heaven, he'd never been forced to use it. Its power exceeded his expectations, felling Yi Qingwu in a single blow. A pity—she was a 2500x fiancée, and her ancient technique resembling the Battle Secret was now out of reach. But no matter. She'd come to kill him, so her death was justified.

His gaze turned to the Moon Palace, locked in a stalemate with his Diamond Ring. He'd try to claim it—perhaps it could yield an immortal artifact. That would make this worthwhile. Reaching out, Ye Chen tested whether he could seize the Moon Palace.

Chapter 427: Broad Cold Divine Realm!

As Ye Chen reached out, his eyes flashed. The Moon Palace shimmered, releasing vibrant threads of life force. A graceful figure materialized within the divine light. Ye Chen's eyes widened. Yi Qingwu, who had just fallen, was resurrected before the Moon Palace. It had such a power?

Her figure was stunning—slender, perfect, her body glistening like polished jade, her beauty unrivaled in the cultivation world. This was undeniably Yi Qingwu herself. The only difference was that, upon reviving, her robes hadn't returned with her. Ye Chen didn't need to taunt to unsettle her now—he'd seen everything.

Yi Qingwu sensed his gaze, aware that nothing was hidden from him. Yet she remained composed, raising a hand to conjure divine light that concealed her form. Her deep, gem-like eyes fixed on Ye Chen with wariness and shock, especially lingering on his chest.

The bloodline Divine Ability he'd unleashed was terrifying. She now realized it was the Primordial Supreme Heart. For one person to possess two top-tier Divine Abilities was unthinkable—few in history could compare. Those who did had dominated their eras, sweeping all before them. And with the Primordial Supreme Heart tied to the Heavenly Emperor, Ye Chen could be the next.

Her wariness deepened, but so did her killing intent. It wasn't just that she'd died once or that Ye Chen had humiliated her at the auction. This era might be the final chance for the immortal path to open. If a foe like Ye Chen continued to grow, how could she compete with him on that path? This wasn't just about personal honor—it was a battle for the Dao.

No longer hiding her killing intent, Yi Qingwu gently gathered her hair, her dark eyes coldly locked on Ye Chen. "You've exceeded my expectations, Ye Chen. But today, you will die. Any last words?"

Her voice remained aloof, prompting a chuckle from Ye Chen. To hear her, one might think he was the one who'd just died. He pondered for a moment. "I've got a lot to say. How about you step out of the Moon Palace, and we sit down for a proper chat?"

Yi Qingwu stood beneath the Moon Palace's gate, unmoving, clearly guarding against another Hand of Heaven. It was an unsolvable technique—she had no counter and could only avoid its edge for now. Unfazed by his taunts, she raised her hand coldly. "If you have nothing to say, then I—"

Ye Chen quickly cut in. "I do have something to say! You're truly stunning, Fairy. I looked you over carefully—not a single mole, like flawless jade. Were you carved from jade?"

Her hand trembled, and she fell silent. Divine light radiated from her breathtaking face as a strange power emanated from her brow. Her Broad Cold Immortal Physique's bloodline surged. She was about to unleash its most terrifying Divine Ability.

"Broad Cold Divine Realm…"

In an instant, the world within the array transformed. A wondrous domain began to take shape, catching Ye Chen by surprise. Typically, only those at the Unity stage could manifest a domain. For the Broad Cold Immortal Physique to create one? That was something else.

The moment the domain formed, it exuded a strange suction, not targeting the body but the spirit sense, pulling at the will of all living beings nearby. Ye Chen felt his Dao Sea stir as the Broad Cold Divine Realm tried to siphon his spiritual sense.

The force was formidable, but his Yin-Yang Dao Sea acted as a barrier, and his spiritual sense was unimaginably vast. The effect was minimal. Unless he willed it, the suction couldn't budge him. Ignoring it, Ye Chen raised an eyebrow at Yi Qingwu, pondering how to drag her out from under the Moon Palace. She was still so arrogant after dying once? He'd just have to kill her a few more times.

Yi Qingwu, however, brimmed with confidence. Once the Broad Cold Divine Realm was unleashed, any enemy with weaker spiritual sense would be helpless, drawn into it. Ye Chen might have some treasure to resist briefly, but his fate was sealed. She might lag in combat strength, but in spiritual sense? Few among the younger generation could rival her. Ten Ye Chens combined wouldn't match her.

Raising her flawless chin, she smirked. "No need to struggle. My Broad Cold Divine Realm is a spiritual sense domain. Those weaker than me are pulled in for a direct spiritual sense duel. There, your spirit will be crushed, utterly extinguished. Your soulless body? I'll take it back to the Holy Land, refine it into a Moon Soldier, and make it my guardian."

Her words sounded like a victory speech, but they were another attempt to rattle Ye Chen, hoping he'd falter and let his spiritual sense be taken. He was too monstrous—she didn't want this to drag on. Ye Chen, who'd been plotting how to kill the fiancée, lit up at her words. A spiritual sense duel? This was a gift.

Feigning struggle, his face paled. His sea of consciousness trembled, and a shadowy figure burst from it, pulled into the Broad Cold Divine Realm. Yi Qingwu smiled, her beauty radiant, and closed her stunning eyes. Divine light flickered at her brow, and a seven-colored immortal figure—her primordial spirit—emerged. It mirrored her but was even holier, like a celestial maiden, almost too beautiful to be real. With confident grace, her primordial spirit ascended into the realm, as if climbing a heavenly ladder.

No matter how monstrous Ye Chen was, in her domain of expertise, he'd fall. This battle was nearing its end. Within the array, only their bodies remained, standing still as the Broad Cold Divine Realm swirled.

Outside, Yi Qingwu's grandmother exhaled in relief, sensing her granddaughter's revival. The emergence of the Broad Cold Divine Realm brought a smile to her face. A spiritual sense duel was Qingwu's forte—there'd be no surprises now. She turned to Elder Mo with a light laugh. "Since you've invited me, I won't decline." Sitting across from him, she awaited her tea.

Elder Mo sensed the realm's aura too. Well-versed in its mysteries, he recalled the terrifying spiritual sense fluctuations Ye Chen had emitted after parting with the goddess, enough to unsettle even him.

Exchanging a glance with the equally bemused Elder He, Mo said nothing, pouring a cup for the grandmother. "Drink while it's hot. I'm afraid you won't have the stomach for it later."

Chapter 428: Are You Looking for Me?

Within the Broad Cold Divine Realm, Yi Qingwu's primordial spirit shone like a celestial goddess, radiant and breathtaking. The moment she entered, her spirit began to grow, swelling to an immense fifteen hundred meters. Like a towering war goddess, she glowed with seven-colored divine light.

Feeling her size, Yi Qingwu was pleased. This was the nature of the Broad Cold Divine Realm: once a spirit or soul entered, it expanded based on its strength. In this domain, there were no laws or techniques—only the raw clash of spiritual sense.

An ordinary late Nascent Soul cultivator's spirit would be about a meter tall, a typical Deity Transformation cultivator's around a hundred meters. Only prodigies could reach greater heights. With her Broad Cold Immortal Physique, Yi Qingwu's spiritual sense, upon forming her primordial spirit at Deity Transformation, was a thousand times stronger than an average late Nascent Soul's. Now, at late Deity Transformation, it had grown to fifteen hundred times. She was eager to see the fear on Ye Chen's face.

Smiling faintly, she scanned her surroundings. Nothing—only two massive pillars. Unfazed, she knew the Broad Cold Divine Realm conjured different landscapes depending on its casting. She was used to it. Lowering her gaze, she searched for Ye Chen, expecting to find him cowering in some corner, his expression one of panic. But no matter where she looked, he was nowhere to be found.

Her exquisite face showed a playful curiosity. She wasn't in a rush, her expression like a cat toying with a trapped mouse. Yet, after searching thoroughly, she still found nothing. Her brow arched. Was Ye Chen hiding behind those towering pillars? Striding forward, she circled the enormous columns that seemed to pierce the heavens. Still nothing.

Perplexed, she considered the impossible: the Broad Cold Divine Realm didn't allow flight, only physical clashes of spiritual sense. Had Ye Chen climbed the pillars? Standing beside them, she finally looked up. Her pupils contracted, and her colossal figure shuddered involuntarily.

Above, an unimaginably massive face stared down at her with amused interest. A voice like rolling thunder, laced with mockery, boomed, "Are you looking for me?"

In that moment, one thought consumed Yi Qingwu: escape. She had to flee, dispel the Broad Cold Divine Realm, and hide in the Moon Palace until her grandmother could save her. She'd never felt such fear in her life. Those weren't pillars—they were legs, so vast she'd mistaken them for celestial columns. Ye Chen was enormous, his feet planted on the ground, his head brushing the domain's ceiling, forced to stoop because he couldn't stand upright.

She didn't dare fathom why Ye Chen's spiritual sense had grown so massive. The thought of her scouring the ground for him while he loomed silently above, watching, sent chills through her. As she turned to flee, his massive hand reached for her. "Holy Maiden, you found me—why run?"

Before Ye Chen's ten-thousand-meter frame, Yi Qingwu was like a child. She couldn't escape; in an instant, he seized her, lifting her into the air. Her fifteen-hundred-meter form was barely larger than his head. Held in his grip, her primordial spirit cracked.

Ye Chen considered taunting her further, but her relentless killing moves had drained his interest. No critical hit from gifting, and like Li Feihuang, her high multiplier meant little. Best to end it.

Under her terrified gaze, Ye Chen, bored, tossed her into the air. With a charged punch, he struck. Her primordial spirit shattered instantly, and the Broad Cold Divine Realm, forged by her bloodline Divine Ability, cracked like a mirror. Ye Chen's fist had obliterated it.

The domain's rules dissolved, and Ye Chen's spiritual sense returned to his body. The battle was over.

...

Ye Chen opened his eyes, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. The sensation of towering over everything in the Broad Cold Divine Realm had been exhilarating—like piloting a mech. Once he returned to the Holy Land, he'd immediately enter seclusion to break through to the Deity Transformation stage and condense his Heaven and Earth Manifestation.

His thoughts were interrupted as his pupils caught a glimmer—a streak of light darting toward Yi Qingwu's body, carrying the aura of a primordial spirit. Ye Chen's brows rose. She'd survived his charged punch? Impressive. But she was clearly weakened.

No way he'd let her spirit return. Activating the Kun Peng Treasure Technique, he instantly suppressed her primordial spirit, pinning it in the void before him. Looking closely, he saw her spirit had shrunk, its seven-colored radiance dimmed. Her eyes burned with disbelief.

Before he could speak, Yi Qingwu demanded, "Why is your spiritual sense so powerful?" That was what she couldn't accept. Her Broad Cold Immortal Physique had only reached fifteen hundred meters in the divine realm, yet Ye Chen had manifested a ten-thousand-meter form. His spiritual sense dwarfed hers, despite being only at the Nascent Soul stage. It was unthinkable.

Ye Chen grinned. "I know you're dying to know, but I'm not telling."

Her spirit's lips twitched, yet she raised her flawless chin with unshaken pride, showing no awareness of being a captive. Ye Chen had no patience for games. "Hand over the Moon Palace's control method and the half-Battle Secret, or death won't be your end. I'll refine you into my Human Emperor Banner. It's missing a Deity Transformation main soul."

Human Emperor Banner? Yi Qingwu raised an eyebrow. But when Ye Chen produced a banner wreathed in dark, rolling qi, her lips curled in disdain. "You want it? Too bad—I won't give it to you." Fearless, she didn't even dread death. Her spirit began to swell, poised to self-destruct.

Ye Chen's eyes flashed coldly, his terrifying spiritual sense sweeping out to suppress her, preventing the explosion. He recalled how she'd revived from the Moon Palace after his Hand of Heaven struck. If she self-destructed near it, she might revive again, hiding within its protection where he couldn't touch her.

Indeed, Yi Qingwu's eyes glinted with cold confidence, unshaken even as he thwarted her plan. Her celestial voice carried unwavering assurance. "Stopping me from self-destructing is pointless. My grandmother has sensed the disturbance and will soon break the array to save me. I underestimated you this time, but next time we meet, I'll kill you."

Ye Chen laughed. This woman was something else—defeated, yet acting like the victor, her confidence bordering on absurd. A next time? Did she really think he was out of options?

Chapter 429: What Will Heavenly Intention Holy Son Think?

Yi Qingwu's body stood under the Moon Palace's protection. Though her primordial spirit was detained, destroying it would only lead to her revival within the Moon Palace. It was indeed a tricky situation. But Ye Chen smiled.

If he couldn't kill her, he'd imprint her soul instead. During his soul communion with Fan Qinghe, she had taught him the Heavenly Desire Sect's soul communion technique, along with other spiritual sense arts. One such technique was perfect for planting a "safe passage" imprint on Yi Qingwu's soul.

It wouldn't make her fully obedient, but it would bind her spirit to his will. With a thought, he could suppress her soul, crippling her combat strength. Over time, it could subtly influence her mind, leaving her at his mercy. For someone as proud as Yi Qingwu, who had planned to enslave him, this would be a humiliation worse than death.

Calmly, Ye Chen raised his hand to place the spiritual sense imprint on her detained spirit. Despite its weakened state and lack of resistance, moonlight flowed around her, imbued with a strange quality that repelled his imprint. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.

Yi Qingwu's spirit smirked proudly, her celestial voice ringing out. "A mere Nascent Soul, no matter how strong your spiritual sense, has no right to imprint my primordial soul. You can't touch me. In the future, I'll repay today's humiliation tenfold."

Her arrogance was unshaken, even as a captive. She was confident—her soul's destruction would only lead to revival in the Moon Palace, and if Ye Chen spared it, her grandmother would soon break the array to save her. Either way, she was untouchable. Defeating her meant nothing.

Ye Chen couldn't stand her smug attitude and sneered. "I suggest you drop your defenses and let me place the imprint. You might not handle what comes next."

Her spirit's lips curled, her radiant smile laced with mockery. "Go ahead and try."

She was convinced he had no means to make her yield. Ye Chen chuckled. "Holy Maiden, you chose this. Don't blame me."

Seeing his smile, Yi Qingwu felt a flicker of unease but reassured herself of her invincibility. She fortified her spiritual sense defenses, blocking any imprint. Ye Chen silently activated his technique. A wisp of spiritual sense shot from his brow, forming a shadowy figure that drifted toward her.

She scoffed, dismissing it. But her expression shifted as his spiritual sense, imbued with a mysterious method, pierced her defenses, touching the core of her spirit. The strange power began to sway her mind, her eyes growing hazy. Snapping back, panic flashed in her gaze. "The Heavenly Desire Sect's soul communion technique?"

Ye Chen's spiritual sense was absurdly powerful. She'd dismissed the rumors of him being Fan Qinghe's protector as false, never considering this possibility. Yet here he was, using that technique.

The Heavenly Desire Sect, though not a Holy Land, had a profound soul communion art, far surpassing typical spiritual sense techniques. Through it, their spirits could merge, rendering her defenses useless and allowing him to easily place an imprint. Whether it was the imprint or the union itself, Yi Qingwu couldn't accept either.

In that moment, she knew Ye Chen wasn't bluffing.

The pride in Yi Qingwu's eyes finally vanished. She looked at Ye Chen, her voice soft as celestial bells, unusually gentle. "Ye Chen, it's better to resolve enmity than deepen it. The immortal path ahead is fierce, with the Central Continent's prodigies shining like stars. Why not join forces and vie for the immortal path together?"

Ye Chen laughed, continuing to channel the soul communion technique, breaking through her resistance while replying coldly, "Too late."

Rejected outright, Yi Qingwu's heart churned. Feeling Ye Chen's progress accelerate, her eyes flickered with haziness, as if teetering on the edge of an abyss. She trembled, unable to accept this. She was the fiancée of Heavenly Intention's Holy Son.

Biting her lip, she said, "The Battle Secret was an insight from the Holy Son, not a scripture, so I can't pass it to you. The Moon Palace is my Yi family's heirloom, impossible to give up. But I can share a wondrous technique from the Moon Palace's immortal scriptures. Can we call it even?"

Saying this humiliated her proud heart, tantamount to bowing to Ye Chen. Yet he only laughed, too lazy to respond, relentlessly attacking her primordial spirit. Her expression shifted completely.

"I'm Heavenly Intention Holy Son's fiancée," she snapped. "He's in seclusion, cultivating a complete inheritance. Once he breaks through to Unity, he'll be the top of the Great Yan Continent's younger generation—neither Hua Yunfei nor Yao's Holy Son will match him. If you persist, he'll kill you!"

She invoked Heavenly Intention's Holy Son to deter him, feeling the growing danger.

But Ye Chen's lips curled, not in fear but excitement. Normally, he wasn't like this, but in this battle, he couldn't let Yi Qingwu walk away unscathed. She was nearing Unity—a future threat. If he couldn't kill her, he had to seize this chance to imprint her soul, ensuring she'd never threaten him again.

Yi Qingwu panicked. Mentioning her fiancé only seemed to excite Ye Chen further, defying her expectations. Her eyes flickered between clarity and haze, her distant body growing weak.

"Ye Chen, I beg you, stop!" she pleaded, a rare act for a prideful prodigy. "I'll find a way to give you the half-Battle Secret!" Her near-begging words would shock the Great Yan Continent if heard.

But Ye Chen was unmoved, sensing he was moments from breaching her spirit's core. Yi Qingwu's starry eyes grew hazy, her lashes trembling, her face etched with unwillingness, teetering on surrender.

"Ye Chen, stop the technique now!" she quavered. "I'll drop my defenses and let you place the imprint!"

Choosing the lesser evil, an imprint was humiliating and binding, but she could avoid him in the future. A soul communion, however, would haunt her forever, making it impossible to face her Holy Son. Ye Chen ignored her, suspecting a ploy to stall. He wouldn't be fooled.

The next moment, her spirit's core gave way. His spiritual sense merged with her primordial spirit in the void, unhindered, entwining completely.

Chapter 430: A Strange Request!

Divine light engulfed Ye Chen and Yi Qingwu's spiritual senses.

"Ah…" Yi Qingwu's primordial spirit let out a startled cry, drained of all strength. Her seven-colored spirit not only yielded to Ye Chen's guidance but began to actively cooperate.

Ye Chen's body, standing nearby, trembled slightly. This sensation was different from his experience with Fan Qinghe. Though both were spiritual senses, they were worlds apart.

Fan Qinghe's was vibrant and wild, while Yi Qingwu's was like cold moonlight—chilly yet profound. Neither was superior, but the experience was striking, feeling as real as the physical body.

Beneath the Moon Palace, Yi Qingwu's body wavered, barely able to stand. "This is fake, all fake. You can't shake my Dao heart, scoundrel!"

For the pure and pristine Yi Qingwu, this was utterly terrifying, as if she were truly experiencing it all. She nearly fainted from the ordeal.

Compared to her distress, Ye Chen recovered quickly. Having been through this before, he had some immunity. More importantly, his heart was set on the Dao, his will unshakable. He felt no pity for Yi Qingwu. She'd set up an array to ambush and kill him, armed with an Extreme Dao Weapon and the Broad Cold Divine Realm. Against anyone else, this would've been a death trap. His victory wasn't due to her mercy but his own strength. In such a case, he wouldn't hold back on retribution.

He'd intended to kill her outright, but the Moon Palace's mysterious connection to her Broad Cold Immortal Physique made that difficult for now. This was the next best option—making her pay a price.

From a distance, Yi Qingwu's body collapsed to the ground beneath the Moon Palace, her moonlit skin flushed with pink. Her voice, frail and trembling, pleaded, "Ye Chen, stop now, and I'll truly let you place the imprint!"

Watching their primordial spirits entwine in the void, she was on the verge of madness. Her spirit mirrored her body, making the sensations all too real—an unbearable scene. All she wanted was for it to stop; an imprint seemed trivial now. But Ye Chen ignored her, relentlessly driving his spiritual sense forward with forceful momentum. Even as her spirit faltered, he didn't pause.

He didn't trust Yi Qingwu. She was cunning, deploying countless tactics and killing moves against a mere Nascent Soul like him. Who knew what other schemes she hid? Ye Chen trusted only himself.

Just as when Fan Qinghe first underwent Nirvana.

After their divine communion ended, their spiritual senses merged seamlessly, allowing Ye Chen to effortlessly drain Yi Qingwu's spirit sense. It was the same now. Once it was over, he could easily imprint his mark at her core without her needing to lower her defenses.

In the void, the scene was breathtaking. Anyone witnessing it would be overwhelmed with excitement. This was undoubtedly the most stirring spectacle in all of Great Yan Continent.

After what felt like an eternity, it finally concluded. Yi Qingwu's true form beneath the Moon Palace could barely stand, collapsing to the ground, her body drenched in sweat. She tried to recall her primordial spirit but was engulfed in a languid haze, unable to move a single finger. Her flushed, bewildered face, like rouge dissolving in water, was strikingly beautiful—a sight even the Holy Son of Heavenly Intention had never seen.

"Ye Chen, you've gone too far…" Yi Qingwu scolded, but her words lacked strength, sounding more like a petulant whine.

Ye Chen's expression remained cold, devoid of any tenderness. His spirit sense flowed, swiftly forming two characters with a secret technique, striking toward the core of Yi Qingwu's primordial spirit. Not something trivial like "safe passage"—that would be too humiliating.

Ye Chen respected all beings and wouldn't stoop to such acts. The two characters he formed were his own name. Having subdued Yi Qingwu, using his name as the imprint was only fitting—not an insult.

Yet, as Yi Qingwu's primordial spirit saw those characters, her exquisite eyes widened, filled with humiliation and defiance. Powerless to resist, she could only cry out as Ye Chen's name crashed into her spirit's core, leaving an indelible mark.

"Ye Chen, you're a demonic cultivator…" Her beautiful face was etched with resentment, fists clenched tightly, but it was futile—she could only rage helplessly. His name now resided at her spirit's core, an imprint that would persist even if she ascended to the Immortal Platform. What greater humiliation could there be? Worst of all, she was the fiancée of the Holy Son of Heavenly Intention. How could she face him now?

Fury and shame consumed Yi Qingwu as she glared at Ye Chen. "I'll kill you someday! Kill you! Kill you! I'll tell the Holy Son everything—how you humiliated his fiancée. Not even Hua Yunfei will save you then! The Holy Son will crush you with the Secret of Battle!"

Her words were frantic, unfiltered. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. Her defiance was bold, even with his mark on her. Should he toss her into the Human Emperor Banner for punishment?

Sensing his displeasure, Yi Qingwu tilted her chin defiantly. "What? You'll just use those vile Heavenly Desire Sect techniques to torment me again? Think I'm scared? Bring it on!"

Ye Chen smirked at her bizarre challenge. He wasn't one for mercy. With a flash of his brow, his spirit sense surged again. Yi Qingwu's spirit sense gritted her teeth, eyes shut, fearless yet powerless, occasionally taunting him with a huff.

After a long while, calm returned. Yi Qingwu fell silent, eyes still closed. Ye Chen considered releasing her spirit sense. With his mark in place, she'd be at his mercy in any future encounters. For now, he could toss her the Laurel Tree fragment and force her to accept it, curious about the outcome.

If it didn't yield a critical result, he'd use it to fertilize the Enlightenment Tea Tree for a few extra leaves. The auction house mentioned there were more fragments in the Central Continent anyway. When vying for the Immortal Path, he'd head there, secure those fragments, and gift them to a Central Continent fairy—perhaps triggering a Moon Laurel Immortal Tree.

With that, Ye Chen casually released his hold, letting Yi Qingwu's primordial spirit go. To his surprise, she didn't flee. Instead, she raised her head proudly. "That's it? I may not have done anything with the Holy Son, but I know he'd outdo you in this. Once I return, I'll have him suppress you!"

Her taunts continued, mocking Ye Chen as inferior. No man could tolerate such provocation. Without hesitation, he unleashed his spirit sense again, pressing down ruthlessly.

Chapter 431: Is There Such a Thing as Betraying One's Fiancé Like This?

"The Heavenly Intention Holy Son is destined to become an immortal. You think he only has half of the Battle Secret? Hmph, he told me he also wields one of the Nine Secrets! When you meet on the Immortal Path, he'll leave you as nothing but bones!

"Your petty tricks can't make me submit! Why do you add another stroke to the spirit sense imprint every time it's over? Boring. I feel nothing. Even if you try a hundred or a thousand times, you can't shake my resolve!"

After two days, Ye Chen felt no regret. Most of the time, he stood, wielding divine techniques. Behind the two characters of his name in Yi Qingwu's primordial spirit core, he added two more strokes, forming "||||\."

Now, facing Yi Qingwu's continued defiance, Ye Chen paused, eyeing the stubborn woman with a strange look. Something felt off. This was meant to punish her, but it seemed to have no effect. Was she… addicted?

He had no love for writing. If not for punishment, he wouldn't bother. So, he ignored her, lifting his hand to release the seal on her primordial spirit, intending to let her go. After all, the Moon Palace, an Extreme Dao Weapon, was crafted for the Broad Cold Immortal Body. Combined, they produced a wondrous effect. With his current realm, he couldn't suppress such a weapon or truly destroy Yi Qingwu.

But what Ye Chen didn't expect was that, once freed, Yi Qingwu didn't leave immediately. Instead, she praised the Holy Son again, belittling Ye Chen in the process. Seeing no further reaction from him, her primordial spirit let out a cold huff and drifted back to the Moon Palace—slowly, as if daring him to intercept and continue "writing."

Ye Chen didn't move.

Her primordial spirit returned to her body. The moment it merged, Yi Qingwu's languid, weakened form, collapsed in the Moon Palace, could barely stir. Too proud to rise immediately, she lingered, catching her breath before slowly standing. Her delicate brows furrowed, her flawless face brimming with humiliation and defiance, fists clenched tightly.

Then, her graceful figure shot out of the Moon Palace, charging to suppress Ye Chen. Her voice, frail yet laced with furious shame, cried, "Ye Chen, I'll make you pay!"

Ye Chen's jaw dropped. What was this woman doing? Was she rushing out of the Moon Palace to serve herself up?

As Yi Qingwu flew toward him, Ye Chen struck with a single Heaven-Destroying Hand, effortlessly capturing her. The process was too easy, meeting no real resistance. The violet-gold hand brought the pristine, ethereal Yi Qingwu before him.

Yi Qingwu's face was icy, yet a seductive charm lingered in her eyes. Fearlessly, she glared at Ye Chen. "You only suppressed me so easily because you branded me, weakening my strength. Next time, I'll borrow the half-stone tablet inscribed with the Battle Secret from the Holy Son. Its killing power will be far sharper, and I'll crush you to wash away today's shame!"

Ye Chen's lips twitched. 'I didn't trigger the brand.' And was she really offering such a gift? He was indeed intrigued by the Battle Secret. The Nine Secrets and the Ten Vicious Treasure Techniques were the pinnacle arts of humans and myriad races, neither inherently superior—strength depended on the user.

But the Nine Secrets were the zenith of human techniques, created to counter the Ten Vicious Treasure Techniques, not imitate it. If he could obtain it, the insights would be profound. Combining it with the Ten Vicious Treasure Techniques would let him sweep the cosmos, reaching new heights.

Hearing her promise to deliver the stone tablet, Ye Chen's gaze softened. He couldn't kill her before, and now he had even less reason to. He'd wait for her to bring it.

Yet, staring at the flawless Holy Maiden fiancée, Ye Chen found her increasingly enigmatic. During the branding, she'd boldly declared that the Heavenly Intention Holy Son not only had half the Battle Secret but also a complete Nine Secret.

This stunned Ye Chen. The geniuses of the cultivation world were cunning, and he hadn't taken the Holy Son seriously, especially after struggling against a mere senior brother's avatar. But this revelation changed things. The Holy Son had kept one of the Nine Secrets hidden, unused, or Ye Chen's senior brother would've noticed. Yet Yi Qingwu casually spilled this secret to him, undermining the Holy Son's trump card and tilting the odds in Ye Chen's favor.

Now she was offering to borrow the stone tablet for a fight? Ye Chen almost wanted to ask: "Is the Holy Son really your fiancé? Or is he your enemy? Who betrays their betrothed like this?"

Sensing Ye Chen's gaze, Yi Qingwu lifted her delicate chin with disdain, cold as a swan. "Plotting something vile again? You've captured me, so I'm at your mercy. But know this—everything has a price. I'll kill you myself one day! Even if I lose and you humiliate me again, my fiancé will obliterate you with the Nine Secrets, cleansing my shame."

Ye Chen listened, his eyes tracing her flawless, divine figure. The strange feeling in his mind grew stronger. Yi Qingwu was stunning, worthy of her 2,500-fold reputation, but her thoughts were a mystery. Her arrogance, however, grated on him. What harm was there in branding her body?

Outside, the battle's clamor intensified. Attacks struck the Two Yi Four Symbols Array, making it tremble. The Heavenly Intention Holy Land was clearly assaulting it to rescue Yi Qingwu. Ye Chen sensed the array wouldn't hold much longer.

Elder Mo had endured for two days—impressive, but the remaining time wasn't enough to brand her body. Stopping halfway as the array collapsed would be awkward, like a couple caught mid-act as their house crumbles, with neighbors gawking. Though Yi Qingwu was another's fiancée, Ye Chen had no taste for such spectacles.

He waved his hand, dispersing the Hand and releasing her. Yi Qingwu frowned, wary. "What new scheme is this?"

Ye Chen gestured toward the sky. "The array's about to break."

He decided to end things here for now. Next time, he'd see if Yi Qingwu brought the stone tablet inscribed with half the Battle Secret. If she still provoked him, he'd find time to brand her body.

But Yi Qingwu's eyes widened, her face flushed with humiliated fury. "You're waiting for the array to break to shame me in front of my grandmother? Even the Central Continent's Nether God Holy Land cultivators aren't as vile as you! I'd rather die than be humiliated—Ye Chen, I'll fight you to the end!"

With that, she charged again. Ye Chen's mind froze, countless question marks flooding his thoughts like garbled code.

Chapter 432: Holy Maiden, You Don't Want This, Do You?

Facing Yi Qingwu's bold taunts and her clawing charge, Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. With a single Dragon Claw, he sent her graceful figure flying.

Frowning, Ye Chen had no love for pointless fights, especially ones with no reward. After all this effort, he hadn't gotten the Battle Secret, and the Moon Palace was likely out of reach. Even gifting the Moon Laurel Tree fragment now seemed unlikely to yield a critical result, given Yi Qingwu's erratic mind. Fighting and punishing her for so long was a total loss.

Unwillingly, he asked, "You really don't have that half of the Battle Secret? Don't lie to me."

Yi Qingwu raised her chin disdainfully. "Need an excuse to punish me? Just do it! I, Yi Qingwu, don't lie. I don't have it. Next time we meet, I'll bring the stone tablet and crush you. If you're lucky enough to win, take it and study the Secret yourself."

Ye Chen's brow twitched. Normally, he'd distrust such claims, but Yi Qingwu's absurdity made him oddly believe her. Sighing, he glanced at the radiant Moon Palace floating in the void, an Extreme Dao Weapon. If he could obtain and gift it, it might yield an immortal artifact.

Noticing his gaze, Yi Qingwu sneered. "Dreaming of stealing the Moon Palace? My fiancé will soon borrow it to refine his path and techniques. It's vital to him, and I'm devoted to him—I'd never jeopardize his journey. Even in my Unity Stage, I'll unleash its full power. No matter how you threaten or brand me like before, I'll never hand it over!"

Ye Chen was speechless. Talking to this woman was impossible—she seemed to radiate mockery. Yet her tone hinted at ambiguity, as if there might be a chance. Testing her, he said, "How about I borrow it? Let me study it, and I'll return it next time we meet."

Yi Qingwu's stunning face showed a raised brow as she tossed her hair dismissively. "You believe your own words? Why don't you lend me your Diamond Ring?"

Without hesitation, Ye Chen nodded. "Fine."

Though the Diamond Ring was stronger than the Moon Palace, it was a system reward, unusable for gifting. Trading it for the Moon Palace wasn't a bad deal.

Yi Qingwu blinked, surprised, but rejected him firmly. "The Diamond Ring is useless to me! The Moon Palace is my clan's treasure. Unless coerced, I'd never lend it out!"

Ye Chen narrowed his eyes. Did he catch a hint in her words? Or was he imagining things?

Ye Chen didn't hesitate, grabbing Yi Qingwu and pulling her close. "Holy Maiden, you don't want your grandmother and the others to see you being punished by me once the array breaks, do you? Or the entire cultivation world to know about the imprint in your primordial spirit's core? Your lofty fairy status would crumble, and the Heavenly Intention Holy Land would be shamed. You don't want that, do you?"

Yi Qingwu's eyes widened, a strange glint in them. Her face burned with humiliation and defiance, her small fists clenched as if ready to pound Ye Chen's chest in frustration. "Ye Chen, you're utterly despicable! No demon in the cultivation world is more evil than you!" Tears welled in her eyes as she cursed.

Then, a divine light glowed from her brow, connecting to the Moon Palace. It shrank, descending before Ye Chen, its vast Extreme Dao Weapon aura washing over him.

Ye Chen's eyes widened. 'She's really giving it to me?' He'd rarely been so shocked by a woman. Was Yi Qingwu truly at odds with the Holy Son? She'd just claimed he'd borrow the Moon Palace soon, yet here she was, handing it over without hesitation. What man would be lucky enough to have such a fiancée?

Puzzled but unhesitant, Ye Chen surged his spirit sense into the Moon Palace, meeting no resistance and forming a faint connection. Cautiously, he didn't store it in his Yin-Yang Dao Sea. Instead, he covered Yi Qingwu's eyes and sent her into a small world.

Yi Qingwu, blinded, raged, "Ye Chen, I knew you were tricking me!" But he removed his hand, and, keeping his word, shrank the Diamond Ring and offered it to her.

With the Moon Palace in hand and her promise to bring the stone tablet later, Ye Chen saw Yi Qingwu as a treasure trove with vast potential. He didn't mind building some trust. Trading the Diamond Ring for the Moon Palace seemed like a loss, but he could profit immensely by gifting it. So, he was generous.

Yi Qingwu opened her eyes, seeing Ye Chen still clothed, a flicker of inexplicable disappointment in her gaze. But when she saw the Diamond Ring, shock filled her eyes.

"I had reasons for giving the Moon Palace—it's useless without the Broad Cold Immortal Body. But you're really giving this?" Staring at the silver ring, her expression grew complex, then she shook her head. "This is precious, but useless to me. If I take it back to the Holy Land, it might go to my fiancé. Then what would I trade for the Moon Palace? Take it back, but keep your promise to return the Moon Palace next time. Or don't. When we meet again, I'll be in the Unity Stage. I'll strip you of everything and repay today's humiliation a hundredfold. This is your last chance to do as you please with me!"

Her odd threat made Ye Chen raise an eyebrow. "There's such a deal?" He sensed something amiss in the Heavenly Intention Holy Land. The Holy Son and Holy Maiden's relationship wasn't the harmonious facade the world believed. But that wasn't his concern.

Seeing her refusal, Ye Chen retrieved the Diamond Ring. He prepared to gift her the Moon Laurel Tree fragment to see what it might yield. But before he could act, a heavy blow struck the Two Yi Four Symbols Array. Cracks split its self-contained world, and with a deafening boom, it shattered.

The two returned to the greater world.