ISWI Chapter 688-690

Chapter 688: Lu Ya Arrives!

The might displayed by the Holy Prince was simply overwhelming. Though he hadn't faced encirclement from everyone, he had still been besieged by seven human geniuses. Yet he had slain five of them. His strength was absurdly terrifying.

Now that the Holy Prince was leaving the Immortal Path to battle the Heavenly Emperor's heir. It filled the human race of the Central Continent with worry.

In the past, they had hoped Ye Chen would lose—but only to a genius from Central Continent. When Ye Chen stood against geniuses of the myriad races, however, they naturally wished for him to win. After all, Ye Chen was human.

"That Holy Prince is too terrifying. He possesses not only an invincible physical body but also a pair of golden pupils that can see through all of an enemy's secrets."

"He has even cultivated the True Dragon Treasure Technique, elevating his already outrageous offensive power to another level."

"Undefeated in close combat—far stronger than even a Sacred Body or the Firmament Overlord Body."

"The Heavenly Emperor's heir isn't necessarily weaker, though. Remember, he previously crossed an entire major realm to slaughter hordes of enemies like dogs. Word now is that he's broken through to the Holy Master realm of the second heaven."

"It's different. The higher the realm, the greater the gaps. Ye Chen could slaughter second-heaven experts like dogs while in the first heaven, but fighting third-heaven opponents from the second won't be nearly as easy."

The crowds buzzed with discussion, utterly fixated on this battle. Many cultivators with the means had already begun heading to the Great Yan Continent to witness it firsthand. After all, the Holy Prince was currently at the height of his fame—the son of a Quasi-Immortal with boundless talent.

While Ye Chen, the Heavenly Emperor's heir, had never tasted defeat since his debut. Their clash was bound to spark shocking flames. This battle would undoubtedly be world-shaking, showcasing all manner of supreme arts and techniques. It would also reveal whose physical body was truly superior—the Sacred Body or the Victorious Fighting Ape.

...

Meanwhile, in the Myriad Races Immortal City.

"Brother, let's go to the Great Yan Continent..."

Yao Yuekong, who had long since given up striving, was raising a cup with friends in an immortal city tavern. His sister's voice suddenly rang out. It caught him by surprise.

Turning around, Yao Yuekong sensed that his delicate, willow-like sister now carried an even deeper aura. She exuded a sense of perfect harmony and fulfillment. He transmitted his voice to her.

"Sister, you've reached the peak of the third heaven?"

Yao Yuezhi's brows curved like crescent moons as she nodded. Then she tugged at him, eager to set off together.

Yao Yuekong had also heard the news: the Holy Prince was leaving the Immortal Path to fight Ye Chen. But he wasn't particularly interested. He had already accepted his own limitations and no longer dreamed of immortality.

As for who won or lost between the others—it was none of his damn business. He prepared to refuse outright. Yet his sister knew him too well. She narrowed her eyes slightly, and he immediately hesitated.

Unable to hold back, Yao Yuekong spoke.

"I think Ye Chen is the stronger one. He's most likely going to win this fight. Though our clan doesn't get along with the Victorious Fighting Ape clan, if the Holy Prince loses, it'll be pretty embarrassing for us myriad races to just stand on the sidelines. Better not to go..."

As soon as he opened his mouth, he drew a wave of displeased glares. Someone even spoke up directly.

"Yao Yuekong, I bet it's because you lost to that Ye Chen that you're deliberately hyping him up—so we all think your defeat wasn't too humiliating."

"Exactly. Yao Yuekong probably wishes everyone would lose to Ye Chen. That way, his selling out his sister for survival wouldn't stand out so much."

"Yeah, if it were me, I'd be hoping Ye Chen achieves immortality this era. Then I'd have lost to an actual immortal."

Yao Yuekong faced the mockery without a trace of anger. He merely chuckled and replied.

"Since you all look down on Ye Chen so much, I suggest you join the Holy Prince in fighting him!"

Yao Yuezhi seemed utterly unconcerned by the taunts aimed at her brother. Her lovely face remained wreathed in smiles. Yet her willow-leaf brows arched gracefully, and her emerald eyes fixed deeply upon the few myriad race geniuses who had spoken.

But at that very moment, a figure arrived—clad in black robes embroidered with dark-golden patterns of the Fusang Divine Tree. The man had flowing golden hair and golden eyes. As he walked, endless solar radiance scattered around him. He nodded toward Yao Yuezhi and Yao Yuekong.

"I actually think the Holy Prince may not win. After all, this era's Heavenly Emperor heir possesses truly heaven-defying talent, bolstered by great destiny. The outcome is unpredictable. But the resurgence of the myriad races' greatness is the irresistible trend of the times! I will not allow such a formidable human genius to live in this era. Therefore, if the Holy Prince falls just short of victory, I will step in!"

Upon seeing this man, the crowd erupted in uproar.

"It's Prince Lu Ya of the Golden Crow clan! It's said that Prince Lu Ya's Golden Crow bloodline is nearly as pure as ancestral blood!"

"The Golden Crow clan's supreme Extreme Dao Weapon—the Immortal-Slaying Flying Blade—has reportedly been passed to Prince Lu Ya. That weapon once wounded an immortal and is stained with immortal blood..."

Lu Ya's fame was immense, for his talent was genuinely transcendent. He had earned the recognition of many elders. This allowed the Golden Crow clan—which had suffered heavy losses from the Heavenly Emperor's retribution—to once again hold their heads high. At many myriad races gatherings, they had regained their seat at the table.

Hearing that Lu Ya would also intervene, Yao Yuekong raised an eyebrow. Lu Ya's strength was indeed unfathomably deep. He, too, was only one step away from becoming a Semi-Saint.

Especially that Immortal-Slaying Flying Blade—it was truly terrifying, a supreme dao killing artifact. Once unleashed, it inevitably drew blood. Even experts of higher cultivation could suffer greatly—or even fall—if caught off guard.

Lu Ya's arrival lifted the spirits of the myriad races geniuses present even higher. The Heavenly Emperor's heir was undeniably powerful. But even if he could withstand the Holy Prince, how could he block Lu Ya's Immortal-Slaying Flying Blade?

After this battle, the foremost genius of the human race in this era was destined to fall. Everyone knew that, among this generation's prodigies, the chances of achieving immortality were highest. And Ye Chen was the most monstrous figure of them all. Only with Ye Chen dead could the myriad races breathe easy.

...

Inside the grand hall, the group of myriad races geniuses grew lively and excited. All planned to head to the Great Yan Continent to witness the Heavenly Emperor heir's fall.

Yao Yuekong also stood up, preparing to set off. Yet deep down, he still believed Ye Chen was stronger. After all, he knew better than anyone just how outrageous Ye Chen's physical body was. Even if Lu Ya ambushed him, Ye Chen might not necessarily perish.

But right then, another powerful aura arrived. It belonged to a strikingly handsome yet utterly aloof young man, his body radiating tri-colored divine light. The moment he descended, the bustling scene quieted once more.

Seeing him, the corner of Yao Yuekong's mouth twitched.

"The Little Peacock King is here too?"

This was another supreme existence among the demon races. The most dazzling genius of the Peacock clan. He had also reached the peak of the third heaven. Born with innate tri-colored divine feathers—though inferior to that legendary one—he still possessed top-tier talent. Rumors even claimed the Little Peacock King was attempting to refine the divine feathers left by his ancestor. If successful, both his talent and combat strength would advance further.

The Little Peacock King glanced at Yao Yuekong and let out a cold snort. Then he spoke indifferently.

"That Ye Chen dared to humiliate my aunt. If the Holy Prince proves incapable, I will take action!"

Chapter 689: He Even Brought Friends!

The Little Peacock King had arrived—and he, too, intended to strike at the Heavenly Emperor heir. Joy lit the faces of every cultivator from the myriad races present. The Holy Prince was already nearly invincible. Now, with Prince Lu Ya wielding the Immortal-Slaying Flying Blade and the Little Peacock King armed with his tri-colored divine feathers, the Heavenly Emperor's heir was truly doomed this time. Anyone with even a moment to spare immediately rose, gathered a few fellow daoists, and boarded immortal skiffs bound for the Great Yan Continent.

Yao Yuezhi narrowed her eyes in thought. Whether it was the Holy Prince or Prince Lu Ya, both were supreme geniuses. Only if the Heavenly Emperor heir could deal with men like these did he stand any chance of one day resisting the Undying Celestial Phoenix Clan's Celestial Prince. Only then could he resolve the desperate crisis she herself would soon face. If he couldn't even overcome the Holy Prince and his allies, then he wasn't worth her anticipation at all.

"Cousin, my immortal vessel is an Extreme Dao weapon—its speed defies imagination. Come with me!"

The Little Peacock King appeared before Yao Yuezhi. He gazed at her delicate, willow-like figure, her gently arched brows, her warm and lovable air tinged with a fragile charm that stirred pity in the heart, and smiled invitingly.

His cousin was indeed beautiful. Yet the one who occupied the deepest corner of the Little Peacock King's heart remained his aunt. That was precisely why murderous intent toward Ye Chen burned so fiercely within him.

In his eyes, his aunt was a celestial goddess. The first time he saw her as a child, his heart had nearly stopped. He dared not even look directly at her, let alone entertain the slightest improper thought—he would tremble at the mere notion. All he wished was to spend his entire life protecting her.

But that Ye Chen had actually dared harbor wicked designs and publicly sullied his aunt's reputation before the entire world. He had to die. No other outcome was acceptable!

The Little Peacock King shot a glance at Yao Yuekong and sneered inwardly. This man had sold his own sister just to save his skin—and now he even dared sell their aunt? If not for their blood ties and his cousin watching, the Little Peacock King would have beaten the wretch senseless first.

Yao Yuezhi's eyes sparkled with delight. "Wow—an Extreme Dao flying vessel? Cousin, your status in the Peacock Clan really is extraordinary!"

Yet she quickly shook her head. "Thank you, cousin, but my brother suffered a crushing defeat last time. His cultivation became unstable and he's now enduring backlash. He must remain aboard our family's immortal skiff to recuperate while traveling, and I need to stay by his side to guard him. It wouldn't be convenient to go with you…"

Hearing this, the Little Peacock King nodded and cast another contemptuous glance at Yao Yuekong.

Only after the Little Peacock King departed did Yao Yuekong finally speak, both helpless and confused. "Why not go with him? It would've been easier!"

Yao Yuezhi shook her head with a sweet, mischievous smile. "If he's going to attack Ye Chen and actually wins, fine. But if he loses and I'm seen arriving with him… it might ruin Ye Chen's impression of me."

Yao Yuekong felt utterly helpless. His little sister had clearly made up her mind: she intended to use Ye Chen as a shield against the arranged marriage. Stopping that marriage would enrage the Undying Celestial Phoenix clan. They never forgave slights and always sought revenge. Only a man of overwhelming strength could stand in their way.

Ye Chen might truly possess that strength. The problem was—however much Ye Chen loved women, no genius who had cultivated to his current level would throw everything away without counting the cost. No man would bear such terrifying consequences just for one woman.

In Yao Yuekong's eyes, his sister's plan was doomed to fetch water in a bamboo basket—nothing but air. Still, he spoke to her with grave seriousness. "Little sister, whatever you do, don't try to trick Ye Chen. That man is definitely a descendant of the Heavenly Emperor—he has countless hidden cards. If things go wrong, the consequences could be catastrophic…"

His sister was full of clever little schemes. But Yao Yuekong constantly worried those schemes would one day backfire and trap her instead.

This time, however, Yao Yuezhi actually listened. She nodded thoughtfully. Then, with a light flick of her sleeve, she summoned their immortal skiff and flew off toward Great Yan Continent alongside her brother.

…

Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Ye Chen lounged atop the Holy Son Peak, basking in the sun and counting the days. He wondered why the Holy Prince still hadn't shown up. He had waited so long he was starting to grow impatient. If this dragged on any longer, he might reach the peak of the Second Heaven—or even break through to the Third.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, I have something to discuss…" Luo Bingling appeared beside him at some point, her eyes sparkling. "I'm still two short…"

Ye Chen's head instantly began to throb at the sight of her. Ever since the day Luo Bingling had broken through her inner demons and he had given her that "tiny reward," she had become utterly addicted. Every time she swallowed, she would stare at him with those eager, expectant eyes…

It drove Ye Chen half mad with annoyance. In the end he had been forced to set a rule: for every ten times she "ate," he would give her one proper treat. Ever since, Luo Bingling came running over every single day to rack up her count.

What baffled Ye Chen even more was this: She threw herself at him so shamelessly and seemed to enjoy it so much—yet not once had she triggered a critical hit. Several times he had tested her by tossing in a few extra gifts, and still—always the base four-thousand-times return. The girl was simply absurd.

Today Ye Chen had no interest in sipping purple cherry juice. He was just about to find an excuse to send Luo Bingling away when Holy Master Feng Baiyu suddenly arrived. And he brought the good news Ye Chen had been waiting for.

"The Victorious Fighting Ape clan has sent word," Feng Baiyu said solemnly. "The Holy Prince wishes to fight you to the death in the Endless Sea. They have already begun setting up the battlefield. If you accept, the array will be raised under the witness of our Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

"Once activated, no one above the Third Heaven may enter—not even Saint Kings. No outsider will be able to interfere. The Holy Prince will reach the Endless Sea in seven days. Will you accept the challenge?

"There's more. It won't be just the Holy Prince. Prince Lu Ya of the Golden Crow clan and the Little Peacock King both nurse killing intent toward you. They will likely join in—a battle of attrition."

Ye Chen's eyes instantly blazed with excitement. "Has the Holy Prince obtained the Stasis Secret?"

Feng Baiyu nodded.

A fierce grin split Ye Chen's face.

Finally.

Without the slightest hesitation, he nodded. "I accept."

Chapter 690: The Heavenly Emperor Heir Is About to Face a Bitter Battle!

Feng Baiyu showed no surprise at the answer.

The Heavenly Emperor had vanished from the cultivation world a million years ago. Youngsters these days dared claim their ancestors were no weaker than the Heavenly Emperor, merely "less fortunate."

But Feng Baiyu knew exactly how terrifying the Heavenly Emperor had been. Ye Chen had met the Heavenly Emperor of the same realm inside his tribulation—and defeated him. Even if the Emperor had held back, that feat shook the heavens. Killing a monkey that had only just woke up, plus a random golden crow and peacock on the side? Child's play. And that was without counting the mountain of hidden cards Ye Chen carried—cards even Feng Baiyu couldn't see through.

"In that case," Feng Baiyu said, "I will take several ancestors to inspect the array personally. We cannot allow them to leave any traps."

A showdown of this level was a true life-and-death struggle between heaven's chosen. Not even Great Powers could intervene. If the enemy tampered with the formation, Ye Chen could die without ever knowing how.

Once Feng Baiyu left, Ye Chen's mood soared. The Holy Prince was finally delivering one of the Nine Secrets straight to his doorstep. And he had even brought friends along to gift their lives as well.

Ye Chen had heard of Prince Lu Ya—the Golden Crow prince. His essence and origin had to be extraordinarily rich. As for the Little Peacock King, Ye Chen knew nothing about him. Still, a peacock… Ye wondered idly if he was connected to that Saint King named Yan Ruyu. None of that mattered right now. Excitement surged through him. With a casual wave, he tossed out an array disc that sealed the peak from all outside detection. The summit instantly became an isolated world.

Luo Bingling, who had overheard everything, opened her mouth to declare that she would fight alongside him. Before a single word escaped, Ye Chen's palm gently settled on her slender waist. She shot him a half-hearted glare, swallowed her brave declaration… and slowly lowered her head, cheeks flushed.

"I'll make it up to you when I get back," Ye Chen promised.

Luo Bingling's eyes had held a trace of sulky dissatisfaction.

Ye Chen kept his arm loosely around her slim waist and smiled down at her. Five days had already passed. It was time to set out for the Endless Sea.

"Fellow Daoist Ye… I've run out of Dao Charm Pills," Luo Bingling said, letting the matter drop and changing the subject.

Ever since they had returned to the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, Ye Chen had stopped giving her Dao Charm Pills on a regular basis. Instead, he had generously passed down several supreme Treasure Techniques and profound insights, things far more valuable than mere pills.

Yet as a member of the War God Clan, her cultivation speed slowed dramatically once she reached the Mahayana stage. The stockpile of Dao Charm Pills she had accumulated earlier was almost exhausted. That was why she finally spoke up.

Ye Chen only chuckled. Without the slightest stinginess, he produced several thousand Dao Charm Pills and handed them all to her. Every single one had originally come from the feedback of her own "offerings."

Luo Bingling's eyes shone the moment she saw the amount. So many, one per week, that would last her more than ten years! She had definitely made the right choice.

In the past, Ye Chen had only ever given her ten at a time. And now? He had taught her both the True Dragon Treasure Technique and the Kun Peng Treasure Technique. He was handing over a thousand Dao Charm Pills in a single go.

What did that prove? The more she swallowed, the more she fed him, the higher her place in his heart rose. As long as she kept working hard, the Dao Cauldron was only a matter of time.

…

Ye Chen had no idea of the wild joy racing through Luo Bingling's mind. At that moment, Holy Master Feng Baiyu arrived. Still dressed like the same dashing, carefree scholar, he swept an appreciative glance over Luo Bingling, then looked at Ye Chen with faint regret.

Ye Chen blinked, then frowned. "The Holy Prince isn't coming?"

That wouldn't do at all. They had agreed the monkey would come try to kill him. He couldn't just back out! If the Holy Prince really didn't show, Ye Chen would march straight into the Immortal Path and drag him out.

Feng Baiyu shook his head at the question and sighed. "It's not that. The sky battlefield is ready. Unfortunately, the Victorious Fighting Apes were extremely cautious while the grand array was being set up. They gave me no chance to plant any hidden measures. What a pity. You'll have to fight him fairly."

The corner of Ye Chen's mouth twitched. "You've worked hard, Holy Master."

Yep. That was definitely his Holy Master's style.