ISWI Chapter 633-634

Chapter 633: Defying the Ancestor's Decision!

"What?"

"What!"

"What!?"

Dugu Sheng, meeting the Saint ancestor, was confident he could persuade him to intervene. As the Dugu clan's most gifted prodigy, he expected support. But after a few words, he was dumbfounded…

The ancestor didn't side with him. He seemed indifferent to the Dugu bloodline. When Dugu Sheng suggested using the ancestor's authority to pressure Ye Chen, the ancestor firmly opposed it.

Dugu Sheng felt he'd met a fake ancestor. For years, the ancestor had supported him in the Central Continent with resources, showing clear favor. He'd hoped Dugu Sheng would return to lead the Sword Sect. Why the sudden change?

Dugu Sheng tried to plead with reason and emotion. But the ancestor waved him off, issuing an eviction.

"Go. For the Dugu Wooden Sword, ask Gu Yunyun yourself if she's willing to trade. No coercion or threats. Or I'll clean house!"

With a wave, the ancestor expelled him. Dugu Sheng stood outside, stunned. What happened? Had he fallen out of favor? Did the ancestor have a new, prodigious heir? With the Immortal Path open, what use was that now? Ancestor, please love me again!

…

The ancestor's stance upended Dugu Sheng's plans. After settling Luo Bingling, he returned to his cave, deep in thought. He had to solve this. The Dugu Wooden Sword was non-negotiable.

For the secret realm's treasures to break through to the third tier, and for Luo Bingling, he'd take the risk. Even without the ancestor's support, he'd try. After days of planning, Dugu Sheng met several Dugu clan Supreme Elders. Preparations complete, he headed to Gu Yunyun's cave.

…

Luo Bingling, not seeing Dugu Sheng for days, wasn't anxious. She didn't care much for him. She spent her time wandering the Sword Sect, especially near Gu Yunyun's cave.

Human gazes of awe or wariness didn't faze her. But days passed, and Gu Yunyun's cave remained sealed. No chance encounter with Ye Chen. Her disdain for him grew. Such a womanizer, wasting his supreme talent. With her War God vertical pupil, she'd cultivate tirelessly. Why come to a backwater like the Great Yan Continent, mingling with former slaves?

Growing impatient, Luo Bingling sought Dugu Sheng. "Fellow Daoist Dugu, is the Dugu Wooden Sword settled? When we found the secret realm, it was hidden, but others could discover it anytime. Sooner is better. If it's impossible, I'll leave to find another way to open it!"

Dugu Sheng smiled. "Don't worry. I was just catching up with the Saint ancestor these past days… As the Dugu clan's top prodigy, the Sword Sect's treasures are mine. I'll speak, and Gu Yunyun will hand it over. I gave her days to bond with the Heavenly Emperor's heir. Now it's time for business! Fellow Daoist Luo, let's go!"

With that, Dugu Sheng flew toward the cave.

Hearing this, Luo Bingling's eyes lit up. Finally, a formal meeting with Ye Chen. She cast a water mirror technique, inspecting herself. Her face was refined, perfect. Her figure was curvaceous, her waist swaying with flawless abs, unhidden. Paired with her gem-like navel, she was breathtakingly beautiful. She'd seen Gu Yunyun's portrait—far inferior.

Even Ye Chen's other confidantes, she believed she could easily outshine. Only Fan Qinghe and Yi Qingwu might compare. But one was a third-rate sect's Divine Maiden, serving with beauty. The other, a mere second-rate Broad Cold Immortal Body. How could they rival her?

Given Ye Chen's ways, he'd be stunned by her. He might ditch his master and follow her to the Immortal Path. If the Dao Cauldron was with him, she'd use every trick to get it.

Confident, Luo Bingling smiled, rising gracefully to follow Dugu Sheng. Soon, they arrived at Gu Yunyun's cave. Oddly, several Sword Sect elders were present. Their auras were mediocre—mere ants.

Dugu Sheng scanned the area, ensuring all was ready. He lightly triggered the restriction, sending a visit request.

…

Inside the cave, Ye Chen sensed the system's feedback cooldown end. He presented a prepared gift.

Gu Yunyun, still upset from earlier, ignored him. But after he pried her mouth open, she couldn't hold out. Glaring, she accepted the gift.

Ye Chen smiled at the system's feedback. Even angry, her gift acceptance triggered a critical hit. She wasn't truly mad—likely just shy. Her heart wasn't as steadfast as Senior An's. But that's what he loved about her.

Seeing her take the gift and turn away, Ye Chen's desire surged. Though he had more feedback gifts, they weren't high-value. And his master was just too adorable. Adorable, tempting…

Defying his usual profit-driven nature, Ye Chen made a rebellious choice. Today was the day. But as he approached, ready to bridge the master-disciple gap, the cave's array chimed.

A visitor.

Ye Chen moved to silence it. Who answers calls at a moment like this?

But Gu Yunyun, unaware of his thoughts and duty-bound as sect leader, thought it might be sect business. She stood, activating the transmission.

A voice rang out: "Sect Leader Gu, I'm Dugu Sheng. I've returned to the Sword Sect with a small matter to discuss…"

Dugu Sheng?

Gu Yunyun raised a brow, familiar with the name.

Chapter 634: Ignoring Is Concealment!

"Dugu Sheng, a prodigy of the last generation, left for the Central Continent after breaking through to Mahayana instead of staying as a Supreme Elder. Now back, he likely has news concerning the Sword Sect's interests."

Gu Yunyun, familiar with Dugu Sheng, stood to explain to Ye Chen. Noticing his displeasure, she pondered, then gently patted his head. "Don't mind it. I'll… be back soon… to continue studying the sword Dao."

Ye Chen grinned. Though veiled, her meaning was clear. For his master, this was bold.

Ye Chen stood. "I'm free anyway. I'll come along…"

Deep down, he was irked at Dugu Sheng for disrupting his rhythm.

You'd better not cross me, kid.

Seeing Ye Chen join, Gu Yunyun had no objections. But as she opened the restrictions to leave, Ye Chen stepped forward, grasping her jade-like hand. Her face flushed, and she shot him a shy, reproachful glance. They were master and disciple—how could they appear like this?

But her reputation, ruined by Ye Chen, was already infamous across the cultivation world. Plus, as a mere peak Unity cultivator, how could she resist her rebellious disciple? What could she do? Side by side, they stepped out…

…

Dugu Sheng didn't wait long before seeing someone emerge, smiling. He saw Gu Yunyun. Her striking presence, rare even among sword cultivators, briefly stunned him. But only for a moment. He preferred Luo Bingling, whose strength could aid his future.

The War God Clan had a tradition: a married woman, after consummation, devoted herself fully to her dao companion. As their princess, Luo Bingling commanded vast resources, crucial for his immortal path.

Dugu Sheng shifted his gaze to the young man beside Gu Yunyun. His aura was restrained, radiating natural Dao charm.

Dugu Sheng instantly recognized Ye Chen's extraordinariness. Recalling his feats, even Dugu Sheng marveled at his talent. But as a sword cultivator with an invincible will, he felt only admiration, nothing more. He smiled at Ye Chen in greeting, then turned to Gu Yunyun to discuss business.

…

Ye Chen paid Dugu Sheng no mind. His peripheral glance caught Luo Bingling, not for her absurdly perfect waist, gleaming mermaid lines, or radiant navel. Nor her unusual vertical pupil or purple hair. A system alert sounded in his mind.

"Detected gift recipient!"

"Luo Bingling: 4,000-fold!"

"Race: War God Clan!"

A 4,000-fold multiplier was high. But it no longer thrilled Ye Chen. He'd seen Yan Qingcheng's Chaos Body, Lan Nuo's Heavy Pupils. The fiancée had hit 4,000 too. Another 4,000 was just decent.

Besides, the system was on cooldown, and his master was beside him. He had… ambiguous master-disciple matters to attend to. Only a fool would show interest in this War God Clan's tiny waist now. Staring at another woman in front of one was taboo. Especially his master. No way he'd hurt her for a mere 4,000-fold! So, after a few glances, Ye Chen looked back, gazing tenderly at his master.

Luo Bingling finally met Ye Chen formally, her heart racing. She expected his womanizing nature to draw him to her. But after emerging from the cave, he glanced at her once while scanning the surroundings. Then, he never looked again.

Luo Bingling frowned slightly. This wasn't the plan, but no matter. She believed Ye Chen, with his love for women, couldn't be indifferent. He should at least be stunned. He was just pretending to be calm. Perhaps tomorrow, he'd "coincidentally" meet her, striking up a conversation. Regaining confidence, she relaxed.

…

Dugu Sheng smiled at Gu Yunyun, speaking politely. "Sect Leader Gu, I've heard of your exemplary deeds since becoming leader. Even as a Dugu clansman, I'm sincerely impressed. Your dedication to the sect is clear. It's a blessing for my ancestor's Sword Sect to have you."

Gu Yunyun, cool and composed before outsiders, frowned inwardly. A Second Heaven Mahayana cultivator praising her felt odd. But with her disciple beside her, she didn't dwell on it, assuming he wanted to curry favor with Ye Chen. She nodded faintly. "Thank you, Senior Dugu."

Dugu Sheng got to the point. "I've returned to the Sword Sect facing some challenges. My Dugu Sword Scripture is near mastery but lacks one step. If perfected, I'll advance, boosting the Sword Sect's prestige. So, I thought of the ancestor's wooden sword you brought back. It carries his aura and boundless sword intent. With it, I can perfect my sword Dao! I'm here to ask you to part with it.

"Of course, I'm not asking for nothing! This Azure Jade Radiant Sword, an Extreme Dao Weapon, was forged with my efforts and slight help from the Saint ancestor. Its sword intent soars, its power immense. And that's not all! I've prepared more gifts for you!"

Perhaps due to Ye Chen's presence, Dugu Sheng seemed sincere. Ye Chen, understanding his intent, raised a brow with interest. But Gu Yunyun shook her head without hesitation, cutting him off mid-list.

"Sorry, this was a gift from my disciple, deeply meaningful to me. No trade possible. I must disappoint you, Senior Dugu."

Her voice was cool, her tone resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.