ISWI Chapter 369-370

Chapter 369: Left with Nothing!

After seeing Ye Chen off, Gu Yunyun finally had time to visit the ancestors. At that moment, Lin Qian flew over, his expression conflicted, hesitating over whether to speak. He had no intention of stirring trouble—only a desire to protect Gu Yunyun from deception and future heartbreak.

"Sect Leader, I have something to tell you," Lin Qian said, maintaining a respectful distance with his refined demeanor.

Gu Yunyun's cool gaze met his. "Speak, Elder Lin."

Sensing the subtle distance in her eyes, Lin Qian sighed inwardly but pressed on. "During your seclusion, Sect Leader, Holy Son Ye frequently gifted treasures to the female cultivators of our sect, including several Dugu clan elders. I'm not trying to sow discord, but I hope you'll take note and perhaps advise Holy Son Ye. His past is irrelevant, but as your dao companion and a guest in our sect, he should show some restraint."

Gu Yunyun raised an eyebrow, then smiled with realization. "No wonder, upon emerging, the Dugu elders, once hostile due to my outsider status, softened their stance. And the prodigy disciples, previously resentful, grew more respectful. So, while I was in seclusion, Ye Chen did all this? Not only did he secure my position as Sect Leader, but he also ensured its stability."

Her gaze drifted toward the vanished skyship, her eyes brimming with tenderness. To have such a disciple was her greatest fortune. Recalling Ye Chen's parting words—hoping she'd guide him with her hands—she resolved to neither agree nor refuse, leaving it to him next time.

Nodding to Lin Qian, she floated away. Lin Qian, stunned by her words, froze. Since learning of the Fourth Holy Son's past, he'd felt Gu Yunyun deserved a devoted prodigy, not someone as fickle as Ye Chen. He believed no one loved her more than he did. But her words struck like lightning.

Ye Chen's gifts targeted either prodigies or influential elders—all female, yes, but all either powerful now or promising in the future. Their gratitude would solidify Gu Yunyun's leadership, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

This was true love—seizing the Sect Leader's role with might and subtly winning over key figures. Ye Chen acted wholly for Gu Yunyun's sake. Compared to him, Lin Qian's "love" was mere self-delusion. In that moment, he let go completely.

He sought his junior sister, who always waited patiently, listening to his woes and offering gentle comfort. But at her cave abode, he found her sealing it. Unfazed, he spoke softly, "Junior Sister, I've finally given up. Looking back, I realize…"

She smiled. "It's good you've let go, Senior Brother. With a prodigy like the Fourth Holy Son, the Sect Leader wouldn't look elsewhere."

Her words stung, but seeing her familiar smile and beauty he'd once overlooked, Lin Qian wanted to say more. She waved him off. "Hold that thought, Senior Brother. I spoke with the Supreme Elder about training at Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, and he approved. I'm heading to ask the Sect Leader. If she agrees, I'll leave immediately. With her influence, the Fourth Holy Son will surely accept me at Ascendant Peak. Training under such a prodigy will be invaluable. So, Senior Brother, until we meet again."

With that, she drifted toward Sword Peak, leaving Lin Qian stunned, his eyes vacant. Ascendant Peak—Ye Chen's "harem peak"? His junior sister was going there?

After a long pause, Lin Qian came to, looking around. He had nothing left.

…

Aboard the returning skyship, after a brief chat with Hua Yunfei, Ye Chen settled into a cabin, sat cross-legged, and flashed into his small world. With the critical hit feedback secured, he finally had time to examine the system's reward.

He'd chosen to place the Enlightenment Tea Tree on his main peak. Entering the small world and stepping onto the peak, he saw the Starlight Pool shimmering with radiance.

Nearby, several spiritual peach trees bloomed or bore fruit, a breathtaking sight. Ye Chen felt a pang of regret—he'd forgotten to show Gu Yunyun this pool, tailored for her. With the pool and peach trees, she'd surely be delighted, perhaps even joining him to cultivate in the Star Pool. A missed opportunity.

But his focus shifted. At the peak's summit stood a ten-meter ancient tree—the Enlightenment Tea Tree. Its leaves varied in color and shape: some gleamed like divine gold, others like immortal silver or radiant jade. Each leaf glowed with life. The tree itself was vigorous, its trunk resembling a true dragon, exuding both ancient gravitas and vibrant renewal. A marvel to behold, its extraordinary nature was evident even from afar.

As Ye Chen ascended the peak, the world transformed. Within five hundred meters of the tree, the Great Dao seemed to converge, enveloping him in tranquility and serenity. The excitement from meeting his master and experiencing her commanding presence faded, replaced by calm. Gazing at the newborn tree, Ye Chen's eyes filled with awe.

No wonder it was said that cultivating under the Enlightenment Tea Tree made one day equal a month outside—a supreme immortal root. He'd once thought the claim exaggerated, but now, standing before it, all doubts vanished. The tree bore 108 unique leaves, depicting true dragons, small cauldrons, divine emperors, true immortals, and landscapes, each pulsing with Dao charm.

Ye Chen gently plucked a leaf, its brilliance shimmering with dreamlike light. Sensing its Dao resonance, he confirmed it matched Hua Yunfei's gift—effective even for Mahayana cultivators.

Yet, drinking tea paled beside cultivating under the tree itself. The leaves were treasures, but the living, Dao-infused tree was the true supreme artifact, coveted by Holy Lands and even the Heavenly Emperor, who'd tried to transplant it.

Now, this treasure was his alone. With it, he could swiftly close the gap with this era's top prodigies, no longer relying on Hua Yunfei. His senior brother was reliable and caring, but Ye Chen couldn't depend on him forever. True strength lay in himself.

…

Chapter 370: The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's Fiancée!

Ye Chen placed the plucked Enlightenment Tea Leaf into the jade box and didn't linger in his small world. Hua Yunfei had helped him immensely and gifted generous treasures; staying secluded right after boarding wasn't courteous.

Besides, Ye Chen had two rare fruits, potent even for Unity Realm cultivators, boosting blood qi and physique—nearly extinct now. They'd make perfect return gifts. Taking without giving wasn't his style.

Exiting the small world, Ye Chen returned to the cabin and strode out. Hua Yunfei stood at the ship's prow, hands clasped behind him, gazing at the rolling clouds. His divine halo cast golden light, dyeing half the cloud sea gold, exuding a divine king's aura.

Ye Chen sensed a trace of natural Dao in his presence—standing there, yet seemingly fused with all creation. His senior brother's realm was unfathomably profound.

Noticing Ye Chen, Hua Yunfei turned with a light smile. "Junior Brother's out? Good timing—I have some things to warn you about."

Ye Chen nodded, retrieving a top-grade spiritual treasure tea set from his storage bracelet, placing two jade cushions, and brewing spiritual tea with sacred spring water. They sat at the prow, sipping tea and talking. Ye Chen avoided using his new Enlightenment Tea leaves. Though fresh tea warranted sharing, serving it right after receiving Hua Yunfei's leaf would raise questions. Better to lay groundwork and gift some in a few years—safer that way.

Hua Yunfei marveled at the tea set, crafted from exquisite jade—a lavish, almost wasteful choice even for Deity Transformation cultivators. The spring water carried a Buddhist glaze-like aura, clarifying the mind. The tea, too, was exceptional, aiding cultivation, nearly top-tier despite not matching the Enlightenment Tea Leaf. "Junior Brother's fortunes are enviable. Such wealth—I'm far outmatched," he remarked.

Ye Chen chuckled. "How can I compare to Senior Brother? Ancient stars, Enlightenment Tea Leaves—you gift them without blinking. One leaf outvalues my entire set."

After some mutual flattery, Hua Yunfei's tone grew serious. "The Heavenly Intention Holy Son is in seclusion. Even if he breaks through, he'll need time to comprehend Unity Realm's Dao and laws, so you're safe from him for now. But Heavenly Intention Holy Land has several Deity Transformation prodigies, comparable to our Second and Third Holy Sons. Their talent is just a step below ours, and their strength isn't to be underestimated. Be cautious of their retaliation."

Ye Chen nodded, though inwardly unconcerned. With his system and Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's resources, he lacked for nothing. He could stay put, cultivating under the Enlightenment Tea Tree. By his next emergence, even the Heavenly Intention Holy Son wouldn't faze him, let alone mere prodigies. A trivial matter.

Hua Yunfei didn't dwell on those prodigies, merely cautioning. His expression turned graver. "Those prodigies are manageable, but one person demands your attention: Heavenly Intention Holy Land's Holy Maiden, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's fiancée. They're set to become dao companions after reaching Mahayana Realm. Her name is Yi Qingwu, said to possess the Broad Cold Immortal Body, a physique of the ancient Broad Cold Palace's Fairy Chang'e. Her talent is exceptional, hailed as the Great Yan Continent's foremost female cultivator, the First Female Immortal. Even the late Yao clan Holy Maiden fell to her, suppressed in both strength and beauty, driving her to seek opportunities in the Endless Sea, where she perished. Since you destroyed the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's avatar, Yi Qingwu may target you. She's at peak Deity Transformation, but her combat power far exceeds that. Be on guard."

…

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son had a fiancée? A Broad Cold Immortal Body? It sounded formidable. He wondered about her multiplier. A faint thrill stirred within him, though not overwhelming.

After a moment's thought, Ye Chen dismissed Yi Qingwu from his concerns. With his system, his immortal path diverged from traditional prodigies. He didn't need to roam, fight, or chase opportunities. Staying in Heavenly Evolution Holy Land sufficed. No matter how many enemies eyed him, it was irrelevant. What could they do? Storm the Holy Land? No one would dare court such death.

…

Hua Yunfei, noting Ye Chen's lack of worry, smiled. His junior brother's boldness was remarkable—having destroyed the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's avatar, he clearly wouldn't fear Yi Qingwu.

Ye Chen spoke up. "Thank you for the warning, Senior Brother. You've helped me so much, and I can't repay you enough. Please accept these two Tyrant Blood Dragon Fruits."

He presented the fruits, and Hua Yunfei's eyes widened. "Tyrant Blood Dragon Fruits?"

These ancient body-refining treasures, beneficial even to Unity Realm cultivators, had long vanished due to environmental changes. Only a few transplanted trees reportedly survived in a Central Province Holy Land, inaccessible to outsiders. Yet Ye Chen possessed them.

"Junior Brother truly is heaven's favored son, even obtaining Tyrant Blood Dragon Fruits," Hua Yunfei marveled. "They're perfect for refining my Deity Transformation avatar. I won't refuse—thank you, Junior Brother."

Hua Yunfei's generosity in giving matched his graciousness in receiving. With a sweep of his sleeve, he accepted the fruits. Ye Chen, noting the system's silence, felt relieved, his gesture complete.

They shifted to discussing cultivation insights, with Hua Yunfei, the higher-realm cultivator, sharing profound perspectives that enlightened Ye Chen. Their exchange stretched nearly ten days—rest was irrelevant at their level.

Eventually, the conversation turned to their Holy Maiden's technique. Even Hua Yunfei, typically composed, showed worry and wariness when mentioning her. "The Supreme Scripture is too sinister. Even switching techniques didn't help. Ten years ago, she sensed the danger and tried to address it. But last year, I noticed she no longer cared, showing no interest in fixing it. She believes the scripture is flawless. It relentlessly erases her true self, birthing a new one, warping her mind. If this continues, she'll forget who she was, becoming utterly emotionless."

…