ISWI Chapter 757-759

Chapter 757: Let's Talk Outside!

"Yao Yuezhi should have been crippled. Yet what happened? She suddenly broke through her limits and rebuilt herself—even slaying Feng Youhuang across realms. Her strength now nearly rivals mine. It must be Ye Chen sacrificing his own cave heaven origin. Otherwise, with his personality, he'd never hide behind a woman. But this time, he might truly be in grave danger! As the Clan Leader said, too many will strike him. And his guardians will be blocked—unable to reach him in time."

Little Peacock King agreed with the Clan Leader's speculation. Yet he harbored no intent to fight alongside Ye Chen. He wouldn't attack Ye Chen, but neither would he join him in certain death. He still wanted to live until his aunt returned.

The faint resentment that had lingered in the beautiful woman's brows vanished like mist before a breeze. She had fretted endlessly. Why hadn't Ye Chen sought her out lately? Had he lost interest? Now, hearing her son's words, realization dawned. Ye Chen's cave heaven origin was damaged. Likely, he worried he no longer deserved her—or feared rejection—and thus hesitated to approach. Utterly unnecessary. She always honored her promises.

After a moment's thought, the beautiful woman rose gracefully. Her alluring figure swayed as she strode purposefully toward the door. Since Ye Chen felt too shy to come to her, she would go to him. And conveniently warn him of the danger.

Yes—a fine reason. Otherwise, it might seem she was throwing herself at him.

Little Peacock King, learning his mother intended to alert Ye Chen, pondered briefly before standing. "I'll go instead. Informing him will settle our debt."

Though Ye Chen vied for his aunt, he didn't wish him dead. A warning would let Ye Chen prepare. But his mother smiled and waved him off. "I'll handle it. Stay home and cultivate properly!"

Little Peacock King persisted. "Then let me accompany you, Mother. I can ask how much his cave heaven has grown—whether it exceeds twenty thousand li!"

His mother halted, turning back. Her eyes narrowed…

Little Peacock King shivered and fell silent. Raised by her hand, he remembered all too well—when he slacked in childhood cultivation, her discipline had been merciless. Now, that narrowed gaze summoned the old dread, washing over him like familiar authority. Even as a Half-Saint, the suppression etched in his blood overwhelmed him. He could only watch silently as she departed through the gate.

Yet inwardly puzzled. Mother had always been aloof, bothering with nothing beyond her own affairs. Why this sudden enthusiasm? But realization soon struck.

Ye Chen had saved him. And she adored her son—so naturally, gratitude toward Ye Chen overflowed. Understandable…

Thinking how deeply his mother loved him warmed Little Peacock King's heart. Filled with motivation, he headed off to cultivate.

…

"Brother, you're so mean…"

Inside Ye Chen's cave abode, Yao Yuezhi harbored genuine resentment this time. Both her true form and Heavenly Demon Ancestral Form. Brother had savored her thoroughly, as though intent on devouring her whole. Yet when it came to the main event. He suddenly calmed, remembering "proper matters," and hurried her away. At first, she had indulged purely to please him. But now, she truly craved it. Halfway there—anyone would find it unbearable.

Ye Chen wiped the tea that had splashed on his eye corner and spoke gently. "We have all the time in the world. Why rush this moment? That Jade Profound Spiritual Ginseng has already been unsealed. Delaying further will only cause more Spiritual Qi to dissipate, greatly lowering transplant success. It's priceless—one stalk equals a hundred ordinary plants. In critical moments, it can instantly restore most injuries. Truly a rare treasure. So though I'd love to keep you here, I care more about your strength growing steadily. Go into seclusion first. Next time—for certain!"

He coaxed her patiently.

Hearing this, Yao Yuezhi's resentment melted into softness. Brother's earlier indulgence—letting her taste while tasting her—stemmed from deep love. Stopping midway and sending her away now—also from deep love.

"Fine… Brother, you're too good to me… Remember—next time for sure."

She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, parting reluctantly.

Ye Chen felt the same halfway frustration. But his current mindset refused to be led by desire. So next time remained uncertain. After seeing Yao Yuezhi off, the system prompt echoed in his mind.

"Critical feedback triggered…"

"Reward: One Thousand Nine Heavens Profound Ginseng Plants!"

"Nine Heavens Profound Ginseng: Primary ingredient for Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Pills. Stimulates cultivator potential, enhances…"

The reward met his expectations. His little tea princess overflowed with gratitude. But lately, every gift had been spiritual plants—the emotional impact gradually stabilizing. Maximum critical hits couldn't occur endlessly. An ordinary critical now felt reasonable.

Ye Chen manipulated his cave heaven, tossing the carrot-like Nine Heavens Profound Ginseng plants downward. Letting the realm evolve suitable growing grounds on its own. He prepared to cultivate. But just as he settled, his cave abode's transmission talisman stirred.

Learning the visitor's identity, Ye Chen arched a brow. Why had she come? After a brief hesitation, he stepped out. There at the entrance stood a voluptuous, curvaceous beauty—her mature allure radiating, face stunningly exquisite. It was Little Peacock King's mother.

In looks alone, she rivaled the late Feng Youhuang. This only heightened Ye Chen's anticipation for Yan Ruyu's beauty. Little Peacock King himself wasn't bad-looking either. The Peacock Clan truly led in appearance.

"What brings you here, fellow Daoist?"

Ye Chen couldn't gauge her intentions. He had no plans to invite her in—preferring a quick resolution. Little Peacock King's mother had arrived nervous, intent on repaying a debt. But seeing Ye Chen's surprise mingled with restraint upon greeting her. Her tension eased.

As the experienced one, she should take the lead and guide him. Thus, she met his eyes with a soft smile. "My visit has two purposes. First, to thank you for saving my son earlier. The second… isn't suitable to discuss outside. Won't you invite me in?"

Ye Chen had no desire to. Something felt off about this woman—as though she intended to measure his worth. And without a multiplier, he held no interest. He refused. "Better not. Little Peacock King and I are brothers. With Auntie so beautiful, entering my cave abode—if he learned of it—might breed misunderstandings… so whatever it is, let's speak here outside!"

Chapter 758: Why Wait for Another Day?

Directly refusing felt impolite, especially since she hadn't stated her purpose outright. Ye Chen called her "Auntie" again and mentioned Little Peacock King, emphasizing their brotherhood. This clarified her status and dispelled any improper thoughts.

To his surprise, Little Peacock King's mother blushed at the term "Auntie" and hearing her son invoked so casually. She bit her lower lip lightly, eyes shimmering with playful reproach. Yet a subtle joy stirred within her. She understood now.

Ye Chen hadn't sought her out—not only because his cave heaven origin was damaged, but also out of respect for her position. He feared offending her or tarnishing her reputation—and worried Little Peacock King might disapprove. Thus, even their talk remained outdoors.

The thought of him addressing her as "Auntie" while treating her son as a brother evoked a peculiar thrill. It reminded her of her youthful days—when her realm was low, adventuring through secret realms. With that in mind, she parted her red lips softly. "Little Peacock King holds you in high regard and worries deeply for your safety. He originally planned to come with me."

She paused, lifting her gaze to meet his, eyes brimming with warmth. "Since you call me Auntie, just Auntie Yan from now on. As for reputation, no need to fret. My son doesn't mind—what do outsiders matter? A clear conscience suffices. Come, let's speak inside your cave abode."

Before Ye Chen could demur, she glided past with graceful steps, entering uninvited. Stunned, black lines creased Ye Chen's forehead. The Peacock Clan's naming customs were unique—males surnamed Kong, females Yan—far from human norms.

Gazing at Auntie Yan's retreating figure, he felt speechless. She counted as one of their own, seemingly harmless. And with his designs on Yan Ruyu, he couldn't rudely drag her out. Reluctantly, he followed her in.

Once inside, Auntie Yan selected a spot and sat cross-legged with elegant poise. Her straight back accentuated her alluring form. Ye Chen remained standing, wary of her intentions, eager for a swift conclusion. He asked directly, "What's the second matter, Auntie Yan?"

Seeing him refuse to sit—so restrained, unlike the top prodigy myriad races dreaded—she smiled more warmly. She knew powerful men always faltered before women they truly desired. Thus, she should guide him.

With poised generosity, she gestured for him to sit opposite—like at home. Once settled, she grew solemn. "Many myriad races powerhouses have caught wind of your cave heaven origin being drained. Take my Peacock Clan—even now, three Half-Saints prepare to strike."

She frowned slightly, eyes filled with concern. "And that's just us. Once you leave the Immortal City, hordes of myriad races prodigies will swarm to suppress you. Your guardians will likely be stalled, unable to aid you."

At those words, Ye Chen's eyes lit up. He had already sensed the crowd's greedy stares—like predators eyeing gold coins. This confirmed it, heightening his anticipation. Feng Youhuang's origin had been ruined by Yao Yuezhi—quite the loss. If masses of myriad races prodigies delivered themselves to compensate, it would be perfect—exactly what he needed.

With enough numbers, once collected, he might perfect his fiancée's Acquired Chaos Body in one go. Prodigies weren't slain casually. Even Alkaid Holy Son mostly ambushed lone targets. None harvested in droves like him—as if shopping wholesale. His fiancée might achieve Acquired Chaos Body first.

As for his Primordial Chaos Supreme Body—still at one-ten-thousandth progress. This chance might push it to one-one-thousandth. A mere tenfold leap from one-hundred-thousandth—already absurd.

This was welcome news. Ye Chen smiled at Little Peacock King's mother. "Thank you for the warning, Auntie Yan! But it's no trouble. I'll handle them myself. As for the three from the Peacock Clan, I'll show mercy and spare their lives."

Watching his demeanor, had she not known his cave heaven origin had been drained—and that he was weakened—she might have believed him. Yet she understood. No man willingly revealed vulnerability before a woman he favored. The considerate auntie refrained from exposing or dissuading him.

She shook her head instead. "No need for mercy. Those few have long targeted Little Peacock King, convinced he blocked their path and stole their resources. If prodigies from other races perish while they alone survive, it would only breed suspicion toward our Peacock Clan—whispers of secret collusion with you. In my view, killing them spares future headaches. Consider it their contribution to the clan."

Ye Chen's mouth twitched. What a kind soul Auntie Yan was! Having obtained the desired information, he moved to usher her out. "Thank you again, Auntie Yan. Since the matter is settled, allow me to escort you out!"

Hearing the dismissal, Auntie Yan's lips curved gently as she gazed at him. Did he adore her this much? Merely sharing space left him so restless? Afraid he might overstep?

Unmoving, she spoke softly. "There's a third matter yet unspoken…"

Ye Chen fell silent, listening patiently.

"I, Yan Wenwen, always repay kindness. I never renege on promises. Before, I said: save Little Peacock King, and I would grant any request. From the first moment I saw you, I knew what lingered in your heart. Why wait for another day when today suits perfectly?"

A faint blush touched Yan Wenwen's cheeks as she spoke. But with Ye Chen so restrained. If she didn't guide him, how could she repay the debt?

Ye Chen stared in shock. What did he desire? What misunderstanding was this?

The auntie before him was undeniably beautiful—elegant nobility blended with tender warmth, her figure curvaceous and alluring. And after lingering halfway with Yao Yuezhi, he did feel some pent-up fire. But without a multiplier—he held no interest. If anything happened. And word spread later—how could he approach Yan Ruyu?

In looks alone, Feng Youhuang had nearly rivaled his fiancée. Yet outsiders still deemed her half a step below Yan Ruyu. Her peerless beauty was evident. Her multiplier would surely not disappoint. He couldn't sacrifice the greater for the lesser. Yet he couldn't refuse too bluntly. If this auntie, denied, grew embarrassed and angry. What if she badmouthed him to Yan Ruyu?

After a brief thought, Ye Chen spoke without hesitation. "Auntie Yan, truth be told—I once caught a glimpse of Senior Yan Ruyu and fell deeply for her. Saving Little Peacock King was entirely for her sake. Toward you, Auntie, I harbor not the slightest improper thought…"

Chapter 759: And You Still Call Me Auntie!

Ye Chen believed he had spoken clearly enough. Yet Yan Wenwen's lips curved upward at his words. Far from anger, her watery eyes brimmed with amusement.

In her view, his remarks were mere excuses—words not matching his heart. Ye Chen must have learned of the peril from her warning. Fearing his death would grieve her, he invented this pretext to refuse.

But how could she fall for it? She would never retreat. She had promised repayment—and repay she would. It had nothing to do with his strength, Body, or looks.

Besides, tales of Ye Chen's romantic exploits spread widely across the cultivation world. Even she, living in seclusion, knew of his boundless "love" and universal affection. Her proactive offer proved she didn't mind.

Thus, Yan Wenwen rose gracefully and stepped lightly toward him. Her breath warm as orchids, she murmured, "Ruyu and I share deep bonds. She calls me sister affectionately—though I'm her sister-in-law, our closeness rivals blood sisters."

She paused, eyes drifting as if lost in memory. "I often urged her to find a Dao companion—to walk the immortal path together, supporting one another. Only then could I rest easy, for this world's road to immortality is perilous. She, remembering my early widowhood, frequently advised me to seek a kindred heart again.

"But no man in this realm ever caught our eye. Once, we even jested—suitable men are rare. Should we ever find one truly worthy, why not share him? With our bond, we'd never quarrel over such trifles. I think you'd suit us well. When Ruyu returns, I'll speak to her about you—see if our old idle talk still holds. But before that, I must settle this debt of gratitude. Otherwise, owing you, how could I stand tall and broach the subject with her?"

Ye Chen stared in shock, eyes widening. Worthy of a seasoned beauty—she turned even his refusal into gentle persuasion. Her words didn't seem false. Ye Chen truly wavered.

Objectively, the woman before him was stunning. But without the extra "multiplier" boost, his interest remained tepid. Yet if this opened a path to the legendary, heavenly beauty Yan Ruyu—it might not be unacceptable. He hesitated, torn inwardly. A battle raged between heaven and man.

Yan Wenwen watched him stand silent and conflicted. A soft laugh escaped her, eyes curving with deepening charm.

Silence meant consent. Thus, her slender, jade-like finger tapped lightly. A veil of tri-colored divine light instantly formed, covering his eyes. Then her graceful, alluring figure slowly sank downward…

…

Seven days later.

Yan Wenwen seemed reborn. Her complexion radiant, that parched heart of hers—withered for centuries—now brimmed with renewed vitality, as though nourished by sweet rain. Already breathtakingly beautiful, she glowed even more vibrantly. Her gaze toward Ye Chen softened further, laced with reluctance.

"I could stay a few more days. After all, your lifesaving grace to my son can't be repaid in mere moments."

Yan Wenwen murmured gently, eager to continue her "repayment."

Ye Chen halted her at once. Addicted to gratitude, was she? His system cooldown had ended—he needed to gift Yao Yuezhi next.

Seeing his firm stance, Yan Wenwen felt regretful. No matter. Ye Chen showed no signs of leaving the Immortal City soon. She could return tomorrow or the day after.

As she rose and donned her flowing spiritual gown, a sudden thought struck her. She cautioned him, "Next week's auction will feature many treasures immensely beneficial to cave heavens from various clans. They aim to probe if yours is truly damaged—while harvesting your wealth. They'll inflate prices sky-high, exploiting your desperation. Refuse once they exceed reason. Let them doubt and hesitate—questioning if your cave heaven truly falters."

Ye Chen stretched languidly, inwardly marveling. Auntie lived up to her reputation—a veritable essence extractor refined. Without his extraordinary Body, he might have struggled. Her words first stunned him, then sparked undisguised delight. He had held modest hopes for this high-tier auction aimed at Mahayana cultivators. Held annually, prime items were scarce—one or two at best. But now, clans probing—and bleeding—him had unearthed cave heaven aids? Perhaps even hidden heirlooms? An unexpected windfall.

At this realm, treasures often served as foundations, rarely sold—especially by great clans. Such chances were fleeting. As for price hikes? Eightfold, tenfold—irrelevant. Even a hundredfold meant nothing. A single turnover yielded four to five thousandfold returns, minimum—without critical hits. Their markups were mere drops in his ocean. Bidding high would only confirm their suspicions of his "desperation."

Ye Chen nearly hummed aloud. The myriad races treated him too well. An auction delivering treasures, followed by prodigies offering origin. He felt almost overwhelmed.

"Thank you for the warning, Auntie Yan!"

He cupped his hands in thanks.

Yan Wenwen shot him a coquettish glare, nibbling her lip. "And you still call me Auntie?"

Ye Chen paused, mouth twitching faintly. But considering the fine "experience" and potential bridge to Yan Ruyu, he ventured, "Madam?"

Her stunning face flushed. That mature nobility rarely betrayed girlish shyness. "Just Wenwen from now on."

Ye Chen pondered, then shook his head. "I prefer Auntie!"

Yan Wenwen's cheeks pinked. Truth be told, she relished the intimate, taboo ring of it. She rolled her eyes helplessly. "As you wish!"

Ye Chen headed for Yao Yuezhi.

Yan Wenwen was prepared to return home. But as they exited the cave abode, two figures approached from afar.

A glance made Ye Chen's mouth twitch. Yao Yuezhi and Little Peacock King. He turned back to Yan Wenwen—her rejuvenated glow unmistakable. Anyone not a fool could tell…