ISWI Chapter 582-584

Chapter 582: Unimaginable Gains!

For cultivators, even innate Divine Abilities or special physiques aren't fully mastered at once. They require insight, practice, and personal understanding to unlock unique applications. The same physique varies by wielder, much like identical techniques yield different results. Take Heavy Pupils: in the Heavenly Emperor's golden era, with prodigies and top physiques abounding, Heavy Pupils weren't the pinnacle.

Yet, one rose above, outpacing peers, the only foe the Emperor couldn't fully suppress before immortality. This shows physique strength matters, but mastery is key. Excelling in harnessing a physique or bloodline yields extraordinary combat power.

Ye Chen's physiques were a patchwork, too many to fully explore. He used their basic forms, never pushing limits—his rapid progress left little time for deep mastery, prioritizing cultivation gains instead.

Now, the system's rewards flooded his mind, sparking joy. The 4,000x multiplier's grandeur, though less than Yan Qingcheng's, was still staggering. A single ancient Heavy Pupil insight triggered rewards: Ancient Stone Immortal King, Heavenly Emperor, No-Beginning Immortal King, and Yin-Yang Divine Monarch's complete insights.

Save for the Emperor, Ye Chen didn't know these names, but their titles screamed otherworldly power, likely titans in the immortal realm. Their insights would elevate his mastery of Heavy Pupils, Supreme Heart, Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo, and Yin-Yang Dao Sea to unimaginable heights, their power reaching absurd levels.

This gift to Lan Nuo left Ye Chen ecstatic. Initially, her posturing annoyed him—without the 4,000x, he'd have wanted to smack her. Now, her flair seemed… adorable. His earlier feigned deference felt awkward, but now? She deserved to be hyped up. No amount of praise was too much. If critical hits kept coming, he'd gladly crown her the cultivation world's top prodigy.

Ye Chen gleefully absorbed the vast insights. The Heavenly Emperor's Supreme Heart mastery, beyond basics like Hand of Heaven and Heaven's Calamity Light, unearthed reincarnation-related power, capable of countering the Hand instantly.

At quasi-immortal, fully mastering the Supreme Heart, this reincarnation force could manipulate time, aging foes into oblivion with one strike—terrifying just to imagine.

Even more, post-immortality, the Supreme Heart might unlock a passive ability, boosting combat power several to tens of times, akin to the All-Word Secret's effect. The mere thought was absurd.

Beyond the Supreme Heart, Ye Chen's Heavy Pupils, Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo, and Yin-Yang Dao Sea each revealed unique marvels. For instance, channeling all power into Heavy Pupils could unleash a terrifying divine beam, alongside myriad Heavy Pupil divine arts with boundless applications.

The Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo offered faster cultivation, stronger Dao techniques, and methods closer to the Dao's essence. Various physique explosion techniques and the Yin-Yang Dao Sea followed suit. This wave of gains was unimaginable, pushing Ye Chen's already absurd combat power to defy the heavens. Fleeing foes like Alkaid Holy Son no longer mattered. His only rival now was the same-realm Heavenly Emperor. During his next Mahayana tribulation, he'd spar with the Emperor's imprint to test his hard-earned limits.

…

Like a diligent bee, Ye Chen savored the predecessors' insights. Lan Nuo, too, absorbed the ancient Heavy Pupil's wisdom, her understanding soaring into a new realm. Her combat power rose at least 30%, with even greater potential at Mahayana.

Confident now, she no longer feared instant defeat. She planned to block Ye Chen's first strike gracefully, then concede—not surrender, but praise his strength, admit a slight gap, claim insights from the clash, and propose a rematch at Mahayana. This would highlight her strength without suspicion. Smirking inwardly, she quickly hid it.

A week passed in a blink.

As the system's cooldown ended, Ye Chen opened his eyes, divine light bursting like stars, his terrifying aura unleashed to prove his recovery.

Onlookers, waiting patiently, buzzed with anticipation for the clash of this era's top prodigies. They retreated, fearing the fallout, while external Mahayana powers readied to protect their prodigies—such elites' battle ripples could rival Mahayana strength.

…

Under countless eyes, Lan Nuo rose, her gaze calm, exuding a prodigy aura without a word. But inwardly, she panicked. Moments ago, she'd felt confident to block a strike with flair. Now, face-to-face with Ye Chen's overwhelming aura—like a stream meeting the ocean, a leaf facing a forest—she saw reality. No rematch. She just wanted to go home to Great-Great-Grandma.

Chapter 583: Mutual Admiration!

Lan Nuo was panicking, but her instincts stopped her from blurting out, "Let's fight next time, I want to see Great-Great-Grandma."

Her Heavy Pupils glowed, no terrifying aura emerging, yet onlookers froze. Her eyes evoked an ancient abyss, souls teetering on the edge of sinking. As her Heavy Pupils opened and closed, runes flickered, chains of order danced, subtly altering the heavens.

Vaguely, spectators glimpsed suns and moons collapsing, star rivers withering in her gaze. Same-realm cultivators couldn't bear it, coughing blood after a glance. Even Mahayana felt a dangerous premonition.

All marveled—recordings showed Ye Chen's Heavy Pupil battles, but Lan Nuo's mastery clearly surpassed his. No wonder he treated her as a grave threat. Her protector, overjoyed, hadn't realized Lan Nuo had developed her Heavy Pupils this far. He'd thought their clan had no hope for the immortal path this generation, but her insight was astonishing.

…

Anticipation for the battle soared. Lan Nuo, sensing the crowd's awe, couldn't utter "let's fight later." But her Heavy Pupils, piercing illusions, sensed Ye Chen as a dormant volcano, hiding power that made her tremble. She couldn't win—truly couldn't. Too scared to speak, she stood rigid in the void, staring coldly at Ye Chen. Ye Chen, equally solemn, treated her as his greatest foe, his aura building to its peak.

In the sky, tribulation light flared, forming a Hand of Heaven far more terrifying than the one that shattered Alkaid's half-body. Mahayana trembled; peers shivered.

As Lan Nuo and all braced for the devastating strike, Ye Chen sighed deeply. The apocalyptic Hand of Heaven dissipated. The bizarre scene stunned everyone.

What happened?

Lan Nuo was the most shocked. That Hand had no flaws, no counter—perfect, uncrackable. She'd had no courage to resist. Why did he stop?

Under puzzled gazes, Ye Chen sighed to Lan Nuo, "I knew you'd gone far in the Heavy Pupil path, but not this far. Even the Heavenly Emperor's archenemy at this realm likely paled beside you. You can see through and counter all my attacks. With my Supreme Heart, I could outlast you, perhaps win, but such a fight lacks thrill. This battle is meaningless. Your Heavy Pupil inspired me. By Mahayana, mine will match yours. I hope you're still worthy to be my enemy then."

His words sparked an uproar. Lan Nuo's Heavy Pupil could see through all his attacks? The Heavenly Emperor heir, deeming victory uncertain, chose not to fight? Too absurd. Had her Heavy Pupil reached such heights?

Countless cultivators reflected: facing an opponent who saw through every move and tactic would be stifling. Even if stronger, victory would be elusive. Ye Chen, clearly feeling this, chose to avoid the fight.

All eyes on Lan Nuo shifted—she was leagues ahead in the Heavy Pupil path. Even the Heavenly Emperor heir, with Heavy Pupils, Supreme Heart, and Sacred Body, lacked confidence against her. This proved that more physiques weren't always better—mastering one path to its peak was just as formidable.

…

Lan Nuo was utterly bewildered. See through? What did I see? All I saw was that Hand of Heaven could kill me. Why didn't Ye Chen fight? And why praise her strength? Was he mistaken?

But—no fight was good. Relieved yet embarrassed, mixed with joy, her heart raced. The crowd's awe, her ancestor's pride, and the Mahayana cultivators' amazement amplified her complex emotions. Her life felt at its peak.

Ye Chen had spoken; it was her turn. She avoided arrogance, fearing she'd provoke him into fighting. Calmly, she said, "Fellow Daoist Ye is too kind. Your foundation is unmatched in my life. Even if I see through all, I may not win. Let's fight at Mahayana."

Ye Chen's lips curved, finding her adorable. Unlike others who boasted by belittling foes, Lan Nuo praised him to elevate herself—a cut above. Seeing her style, he added, "Your Heavy Pupil mastery is supreme. In a real fight, you'd likely win."

Lan Nuo waved coolly, "No, your deep foundation and invincible physique give you the edge."

Onlookers watched their mutual admiration, dumbfounded. Ye Chen proved himself against six; Lan Nuo's threat to him meant she could too. Everyone anticipated a clash of titans, yet they didn't fight—disappointing. But Lan Nuo's worth was undeniable; Ye Chen's deference proved it. Who'd avoid a fight without real doubt?

…

Ye Chen, tiring of the mutual flattery, wanted to end it. He raised a hand, claiming the longevity medicine. Onlookers raised eyebrows—avoiding the fight, yet taking the prize?

Lan Nuo, caught up in the exchange, suppressing a flush of excitement, eyed the medicine. Her great-great-grandma needed it. But she knew the gap—Ye Chen's respect was a misunderstanding. If she pushed and forced a fight, she'd be done for. Silently, she hoped he'd take it and leave quickly.

Chapter 584: A Treasure Trove of Rewards!

Lan Nuo knew she couldn't win. Ye Chen taking the longevity medicine and leaving was ideal. She wasn't chickening out—she'd say his gift helped her slightly, so letting him have it was her return gesture. Though it pained her for Great-Great-Grandma, she couldn't compete. Her heart sank—Great-Great-Grandma was dying.

Yet, under countless eyes, Ye Chen held the longevity medicine, then sent it to Lan Nuo with divine light. Amid gasps, Lan Nuo's composure cracked, eyes wide with confusion.

Smiling, Ye Chen said, "I avoided this fight lacking a certain victory. Fairy Lan's graciousness is clear, but I can't shamelessly claim this. I delayed you half a month. Take this as my apology."

Lan Nuo's eyes widened further. She'd heard of Ye Chen's generosity, but this was beyond belief. Ancient Heavy Pupil insights, now a 300-year longevity medicine—given without hesitation. Too generous? She felt unworthy but couldn't refuse with Great-Great-Grandma's life at stake.

Ye Chen, seeing her reaction, smiled, scanning the crowd. "I came to meet Central Continent prodigies. Alkaid, Ba Wang, Yao Yuekong—beneath notice. But Fairy Lan delights me. With her as a rival on the immortal path, I'm not alone."

He summoned his chariot, Kun Peng emerging to pull it. Under awed gazes, he stepped aboard, the Kun Peng roared, and they pierced the cave-heaven's edge, departing.

Lan Nuo memorized his words reflexively. Staring at the floating longevity medicine, its vibrant life aura filled her with boundless joy. She'd actually obtained it—too perfect.

Despite inner turmoil, she kept a calm facade. Lacking a chariot like Ye Chen's, she stepped through the void, ascending like a celestial ladder, her graceful figure exiting under countless admiring eyes.

Onlookers buzzed. Though the anticipated battle didn't happen, Lan Nuo forcing Ye Chen to yield was staggering enough. News of this would shake the cultivation world.

Leaving the cave-heaven with her ancestor, Lan Nuo felt joy tinged with panic. She worried Ye Chen, already formidable, would seek her out at Mahayana, his power sky-high. Could she withstand even a drop of his blood?

Yet, her goodwill toward him soared—he'd helped her immensely. She envisioned returning to Central Continent, topping the prodigy list, her parents and peers staring in awe, Great-Great-Grandma marveling at her strength upon seeing the longevity medicine.

All thanks to Ye Chen. Though she knew he'd misjudged her, her gratitude was genuine. She resolved to raid the clan treasury for a fitting gift to thank him for this peak moment.

Her ancestor, amazed, spoke, "Your Heavy Pupil's progress is astounding. No Lan has ever topped Central Continent's prodigies, recognized as first. With you, our clan's prestige soars. I can brag to old friends now."

Though an ancient immortal family, the Lans weren't prominent among the top factions, their prodigies were usually minor players. This generation's Heavy Pupil brought newfound attention.

His praise thrilled Lan Nuo, but reflexively, she said, "It's not enough. With the Heavenly Emperor heir, I'm not invincible. Only when my Heavy Pupil reaches full mastery will I be unmatched."

Her ancestor's eyes widened in shock.

…

"Is that Heavy Pupil really that fierce?" Feng Baiyu asked Ye Chen, stunned. "You're already invincible, the immortal path nearly assured, yet you lack confidence against her? For a small cultivation world to produce you two—dragon and phoenix prodigies—is shocking. But with your Supreme Heart and Sacred Body, how could you lose? Is she that absurd? We should ambush her, cut her immortal path short."

Ye Chen waved off the bold idea. Lan Nuo couldn't die—she was a goldmine. Her surface alone yielded massive gains; deeper exploration might be euphoric.

Feng Baiyu, suspicious, seemed to guess something, staring at Ye Chen in shock.

Ye Chen ignored him, system prompts echoing:

"Congratulations, host, gift successful…"

"Gift: Human-Shaped Longevity Medicine!"

"4,000x feedback processing…"

"Detected: Gift critically impacts recipient, triggering intense emotional response…"

"Triggered maximum critical hit rewards."

"Feedback: Ginseng Fruit Tree!"

"Feedback: Black Tortoise Undying Herb!"

"Feedback: Nine Wonders Undying Herb!"

Even expecting it, Ye Chen's eyes widened at the rewards.