ISIW Chapter 354-357

Chapter 354: Get Your Attitude Right!

The anticipated clash of prodigies began. Everyone expected a fierce, evenly matched battle between top-tier talents, one that might drag on for hours. Some quick-witted Sword Sect members had already pulled out recording stones, eager to capture every moment. A clear, comprehensive recording could fetch a hefty price.

After all, prodigy battles were a crowd favorite. In Great Yan Continent, one major faction specialized in duplicating recording stones, raking in fortunes by selling footage of epic clashes between powerhouses and prodigies. They paid top coin for original recordings, especially from multiple angles, then mass-produced them for sale. This lured cultivators to risk getting caught in the crossfire just to spectate, some even becoming seasoned commentators, gaining fame for their insightful play-by-play.

…

The thunder sea roared, its azure dragon ferocious, but Ye Chen's expression didn't waver. His Imperial Dragon Qi, with its unmatched offensive might, shattered everything in its path. Back when he fought Yao Gu, his Imperial Dragon Qi was merely at the beginner stage, yet it had crushed Yao Gu's body multiple times. Now, it was even stronger. Even with Ying Tianjing's Nascent Soul vision, he was no match for the Great Emperor Immortal Scripture, the supreme scripture of offensive power.

In the blink of an eye, the thunder sea dissipated, the azure dragon smashed to pieces by Ye Chen's palm. Before the Sword Sect crowd could gasp, Ying Tianjing summoned a top-grade spiritual treasure, the Sky-Overturning Seal. Crafted by a top Holy Land expert specifically for him, its materials surpassed the limits of ordinary magic treasures.

The seal transformed into a towering mountain, intent on crushing Ye Chen with unparalleled might. Its aura was so oppressive that even Deity Transformation cultivators would struggle to escape. Few treasures could rival it.

Yet Ye Chen didn't even blink. A faint shadow of a bell emerged from his brow. Without fully manifesting, a single chime rang out. The Sky-Overturning Seal, capable of suppressing all, shuddered, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface.

Ying Tianjing's teeth nearly cracked from clenching. His blood surged, and he shot skyward. Muscles bulging, his body glowed with divine light as he charged Ye Chen. His unique physique made his body extraordinarily resilient, and now he sought to clash head-on. Each punch unleashed rolling thunder, the void rumbling as the arena's center became a domain of lightning, obscuring the view from outside. The Sword Sect members watched intently, awaiting the outcome.

Moments later, the lightning domain settled. As the scene cleared, the crowd's eyes widened in shock. At the arena's center, Ye Chen stood impassively, one hand gripping Ying Tianjing's neck, holding him aloft like a ragdoll.

A collective gasp erupted. The grand battle everyone anticipated had ended so effortlessly? No dragon-and-tiger struggle, no days-long deadlock, no evenly matched showdown. All predictions shattered. Ying Tianjing, in front of Ye Chen, had been defeated with such ease.

But… something felt off.

Ying Tianjing had fought Yao Gu across realms, matching him blow for blow. Yao Gu, in turn, had only been slightly outclassed by the Fourth Holy Son. So how could Ying Tianjing, facing the same Fourth Holy Son, appear so utterly helpless?

The Holy Son hadn't even unleashed his trump card—his Heavy Pupils. Whether in spiritual power, physical prowess, or spiritual treasures, he completely dominated Ying Tianjing. They weren't even on the same level.

Could Yao Gu have grown stronger over the years, narrowing the gap with the Fourth Holy Son? The onlookers were baffled, but their shock was undeniable.

Gu Yunyun gazed at Ye Chen's figure, her expression dazed. Her own extraordinary encounters these past years had made her feel powerful, but watching Ye Chen now, she realized the chasm between them.

In the distance, Dugu Yue, with her narrowed eyes, trembled. Though a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, she was certain she couldn't withstand even a single glance from the Fourth Holy Son.

…

The victor was clear, yet the crowd watched with bated breath. This was no ordinary arena match—both fighters had ignited their killing intent. Would it truly end in a fight to the death? If the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's younger brother died, it would send shockwaves across Great Yan Continent.

Ye Chen stared coldly at Ying Tianjing, sensing his body struggling to recover. A flash of chaotic light glinted in Ye Chen's eyes, and Ying Tianjing's movements froze, his body locked in place. Yet his gaze burned with defiance and ferocity.

"Ye Chen, you dare kill me? If you do, not only you, but your master, your clan, and all your women will die. My brother isn't like you, drooling over every woman he sees. If I die, the heavens will turn upside down."

Even with his life in Ye Chen's hands, Ying Tianjing showed no fear, his confidence bolstered by his Holy Son brother. But Ye Chen didn't bother responding to his threats. Holding Ying Tianjing aloft, his right eye blazed with destructive divine light. Though Ying's body was formidable, a head destroyed by this light couldn't regenerate.

Sensing the terrifying aura from Ye Chen's pupils, the old man in the sky could no longer sit still. He roared, "Stop!" and lunged at Elder Mo. Whether he could win was a matter of strength, but whether he acted was a matter of duty. Strength could falter, but attitude had to be resolute. Otherwise, he'd have no excuse back at the Holy Land.

Elder Mo chuckled, casually deflecting the attack. At that moment, a voice echoed from the depths of the Sword Sect. "Heavenly Evolution Holy Son, cease. The victor is decided—why escalate further? Better to resolve grudges than deepen them." The speaker, likely a Grand Elder, was clearly a Sword Sect powerhouse.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. The elder seemed to be merely paying lip service, with no intention of intervening. His words were likely a gesture to Heavenly Intention Holy Land: I spoke up, but if the Heavenly Evolution Holy Son ignores me, what can I do? Ye Chen couldn't help but smirk—everyone was dodging responsibility.

But no matter who pleaded, Ying Tianjing had to die. Ye Chen wasn't bloodthirsty, but anyone who threatened his master crossed his line. He'd make it clear to all what his untouchable reverse scale was.

With a resounding boom, under countless shocked gazes, destructive divine light erupted from Ye Chen's eyes, aimed straight at Ying Tianjing's head, intent on obliterating him. Ying Tianjing gritted his teeth, stunned that Ye Chen truly dared to kill. As death's fear stripped away his ferocity, he screamed in panic, "Brother, save me!"

Ye Chen sneered.

Your brother won't help you now. Calling for him? Pathetic.

But then, his brow twitched. A dangerous ripple emanated from Ying Tianjing's forehead. The terrifying destructive light from Ye Chen's Heavy Pupils was somehow blocked. Ying Tianjing's forehead split open, radiating countless divine rays, as if something was about to burst forth.

Ye Chen narrowed his eyes and slapped down. "Get back inside!"

Chapter 355: The Heavenly Intention Holy Son Wants to Talk Reason?

With a single slap, Ye Chen aimed to shatter Ying Tianjing's head and end it all. He didn't know what was happening, but this wasn't a game—he wasn't about to stand around waiting for his opponent to transform.

At that moment, a beam of divine light shot from Ying Tianjing's forehead, hurtling toward Ye Chen. The sheer killing intent within it startled even Ye Chen, whose Imperial Dragon Qi was unmatched. The light clashed with his hand, unleashing a deafening explosion.

The arena's formation teetered on the brink of collapse, its divine runes thrown into chaos. Even Ye Chen himself was forced back several steps. A mysterious force enveloped Ying Tianjing, wrenching him from Ye Chen's grasp.

Ye Chen's brows lifted. The sudden turn of events drew every eye. Everyone thought Ying Tianjing was doomed, yet he still had a trump card. Truly, the Heavenly Intention prodigy was extraordinary. But what was this power that forced the ever-composed Fourth Holy Son to retreat for the first time?

…

Ying Tianjing's own face was etched with shock, unable to comprehend what was happening. He couldn't even control his body. His forehead seemed to split open, forming a heavenly gate. From it stepped a figure in white robes, emerging calmly.

Gasps erupted from the Sword Sect crowd as they recognized the face.

"The Heavenly Intention Holy Son?"

"How is the Heavenly Intention Holy Son here?"

"How could he emerge from Ying Tianjing's forehead? That's impossible!"

"The Fourth Holy Son is in big trouble now."

…

High in the void above, the old man, who had been attacking to show his resolve, froze, staring in disbelief. His mind raced. Has the Holy Son's Heavenly Intention Scripture reached such a level? He's even mastered the Heavenly Intention Divine Will Technique?

The old man was genuinely stunned. The Heavenly Intention Divine Will Technique was one of the most profound immortal arts in the Heavenly Intention Scripture. It allowed the user to leave an imprint on someone close. If that person faced mortal danger, the imprint would activate, no matter the time or place, materializing the user's divine will to suppress the enemy. Though only a projection of will, its power was staggering, typically mastered only by prodigies at the Mahayana Realm. Yet the Holy Son, not even at Unity Realm, had already wielded it. Truly worthy of the purest Heavenly King Sacred Blood Body in nearly a hundred thousand years!

Though this was merely a divine will avatar, crushing Ye Chen would be effortless. The old man relaxed, smirking at Elder Mo. "Fellow Daoist Mo, shall we continue our tea? Let the youngsters handle their own games."

Elder Mo narrowed his eyes, studying the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's figure. After a moment, he sat back down, but fixed the old man with a stern look. "If you dare attack me again, I'll beat you down to my realm."

The old man's mouth twitched.

Ye Chen narrowed his eyes, studying the man who had emerged from Ying Tianjing's forehead. Clad in a white robe, the man bore no visible phenomenon, yet he effortlessly drew every gaze. Wherever he stood, he seemed the center of the world, the core of existence itself. High above, like the embodiment of the Heavenly Dao, he inspired an instinctive urge to kneel in reverence.

The Sword Sect members grew even more awestruck. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son must have reached an unimaginable realm to radiate such extraordinary presence in such an unassuming form.

Ying Tianjing, having narrowly escaped death, lit up with overjoyed upon seeing his brother. "Brother, this guy tried to kill me! If you hadn't intervened, I'd be dead! You have to avenge me—wipe him out!"

The Heavenly Intention Holy Son glanced back at Ying Tianjing. The once-unrestrained, ferocious prodigy immediately fell silent under that single look. Only then did the Holy Son turn to Ye Chen, his abyss-like eyes glinting with golden light, as if piercing through Ye Chen's very being.

Ye Chen, who hadn't even used his Heavy Pupils against Ying Tianjing—deeming him unworthy—now let chaotic energy swirl in his eyes, blocking the Holy Son's probing gaze. This was a figure on par with his eldest senior brother, with cultivation far surpassing his own. The way he appeared, stepping out from someone's forehead, was utterly unheard of. Ye Chen grew cautious.

While his Heavy Pupils shielded him from the Holy Son's scrutiny, they also scanned his opponent, seeking insight. The Holy Son's expression hardened, a faint divine light shimmering around him, but Ye Chen saw through the facade. This wasn't a flesh-and-blood body but a vast ocean of divine will, unfathomably deep. As expected, it wasn't his true form.

Even so, Ye Chen's heart tightened. A mere divine will had nearly injured him, its offensive power terrifyingly close to his own Great Emperor Scripture. The Holy Son clearly possessed supreme attacking techniques.

Ye Chen was also intrigued by this ability to leave a divine will to protect loved ones. Such a technique could safeguard those close to him, sparing him the need to always rush in at the last second. His senior brother had an avatar, and now the Heavenly Intention Holy Son did too. Ye Chen resolved to get one himself. They were all Holy Sons—why should he be outdone?

Cautious but fearless, Ye Chen's mind even wandered to idle thoughts. If the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's true body were here, Ye Chen would've bolted, shouting, "Eldest Senior Brother, save me!" But a divine will avatar? He wanted to test it.

At that moment, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son finally spoke. "Let this matter end here." His voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of a divine decree, compelling instinctive obedience.

The Sword Sect onlookers were taken aback. They hadn't expected the Heavenly Intention Holy Son to refrain from attacking and choose to spare Ye Chen. Some speculated he deemed Ye Chen beneath his notice, given the vast gap in their cultivation. Only someone like Hua Yunfei could be considered a worthy rival.

Ying Tianjing, however, was baffled and outraged. "Brother, he nearly killed me! You have to avenge me! I've never been humiliated like this!" He despised Ye Chen with every fiber of his being. Gifted and near-invincible among his peers, even higher-realm experts treaded lightly around him out of respect for his brother. Ye Chen was the first to dare attempt his life, casting a deep shadow over Ying Tianjing's heart.

The Heavenly Intention Holy Son glanced back calmly. "If you don't temper your reckless nature, even I won't be able to protect you in the future. When we return, I'll seal your cultivation for three years to refine your character."

Ying Tianjing's face twisted in disbelief. His brother, instead of avenging him, planned to strip him of his powers and reduce him to a mortal for three years?

"Brother, kill him now, or I'll develop a heart demon! I'll never reach a higher realm!" he roared.

But the Heavenly Intention Holy Son raised a hand, and a beam of divine light subdued Ying Tianjing, lifting him effortlessly as he began to drift away. The Sword Sect crowd marveled at the scene, rethinking the rumors about the Heavenly Intention Holy Son. Tales painted him as embodying "my heart is the will of heaven," acting decisively and without restraint.

Yet here he was, reasonable and composed. Despite Ye Chen's attempt to kill Ying Tianjing, it was Ying who had provoked him first. To possess such talent and strength, yet still uphold reason, was truly admirable.

…

Watching the Heavenly Intention Holy Son prepare to leave with a single sentence, Ye Chen smirked. His Heavy Pupils flared, chaotic energy surging, locking down the space around the Holy Son. Behind him, eighteen golden true dragons roared into existence.

"You can leave, but your brother stays. Ying Tianjing dies today—no one can save him. I said so."

Ye Chen's sudden move sent shockwaves through the crowd once more.

Chapter 356: The Battle Secret Reappears?

The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's emergence from Ying Tianjing's forehead, stepping onto the battlefield, was already shocking enough. Yet, even more astonishing was his decision not to strike the Fourth Holy Son.

In the cultivation world, most powerhouses lacked grace. Given the chance to crush a prodigy—especially one with Heavy Pupils—few would hesitate. But the Heavenly Intention Holy Son held back, as if such an act was beneath him. He seemed unafraid of Ye Chen's potential, even with his Heavy Pupils. This magnanimity left everyone in awe, his invincible conviction as a top prodigy evident in every gesture.

The crowd assumed the matter would end there, anticipating a future clash when Ying Tianjing reached the Deity Transformation realm, reigniting a prodigy battle with the Fourth Holy Son. But no one expected what came next.

As the Heavenly Intention Holy Son turned to leave, Ye Chen refused to let it go. His attack was earth-shattering. Eighteen golden dragons surged forth, their roars shaking the heavens, deafening all who heard. Each dragon was like an ancient dragon god, radiating terrifying might. And that wasn't all.

Ye Chen unleashed his Heavy Pupils, which he hadn't even used against Ying Tianjing. The pupils split the heavens, carving out a pure domain that enveloped both the Heavenly Intention Holy Son and his brother.

The sheer spectacle left everyone's eyes wide with disbelief. Was Ye Chen insane? With such a vast gap in cultivation, he dared to attack the Heavenly Intention Holy Son? Wasn't this just begging for death?

…

Ying Tianjing, dragged into the pure domain created by Ye Chen's Heavy Pupils, felt an overwhelming pressure, realizing anew the chasm between them. In their earlier fight, Ye Chen hadn't even used these powers, yet he'd crushed him effortlessly.

But now, an overjoyed gleamed in Ying Tianjing's eyes. With his brother here, he'd been unwilling to accept Ye Chen's survival. His brother's restraint might have been to leave Ye Chen as a stepping stone for Ying Tianjing's immortal path. But now, with Ye Chen daring to provoke his brother, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son surely wouldn't hold back. Ye Chen was as good as dead!

The Heavenly Intention Holy Son was stopped in his tracks. He gazed at the eighteen golden true dragons, each radiating the aura of ancient gods, then swept his eyes over the chaotic-energy-filled pure domain around him. His expression remained unchanged, his gaze as calm as still water.

He looked at Ye Chen and said evenly, "You still have a chance to stop. Your fight with Tianjing, whether it ends in life or death, is but a minor ripple. But take one more step, and your immortal path will be severed. Choose wisely."

Locked by Ye Chen's Heavy Pupils and pulled into the pure domain, with eighteen golden true dragons roaring toward him, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son remained utterly composed, his words resonating with the heavens themselves. A mere glance from his indifferent eyes was enough to quell any thoughts of defiance in ordinary cultivators.

Yet Ye Chen was unfazed. "If you don't leave now, this avatar of yours will be buried alongside your brother."

His words sent a fresh wave of shock through the crowd. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son, with his terrifying aura and movements aligned with the Heavenly Dao, was merely an avatar, not his true body?

Ying Tianjing was equally stunned but not panicked. He knew his brother's strength better than anyone—even as an avatar, he was unmatched by Ye Chen.

The Heavenly Intention Holy Son fixed his gaze on Ye Chen's Heavy Pupils and said coldly, "Though not my true body, this is enough to crush you. Since you seek death, I'll send you to reincarnation."

As the eighteen golden dragons closed in, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son tossed Ying Tianjing behind him. His hands rose, forming seals that wove the principles of the Dao and Laws.

In the next moment, eighteen identical golden true dragons materialized behind him, their killing intent surpassing even Ye Chen's dragons. The two forces collided, shaking the earth and sky with a deafening roar.

Having made his move, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son strode forward, his fist crashing toward Ye Chen. The punch was terrifying, making the pure domain tremble as if it could shatter the world itself.

Ye Chen didn't retreat but advanced, sprouting wings on his back as he unleashed both the True Dragon Treasure Technique and the True Phoenix Treasure Technique. The pure domain erupted in divine light, the relentless sounds of cataclysmic clashes the only clue to the outside world of the battle's ferocity.

The Sword Sect onlookers were increasingly stunned. They marveled at the Heavenly Intention Holy Son—a mere strand of divine will as formidable as a true body. Just how terrifying was his real form?

Truly, he was one of this generation's pinnacle prodigies. Most cultivators couldn't hope to defeat even his divine will. Yet the Fourth Holy Son of Heavenly Evolution Holy Land was equally astonishing. Radiant and spirited, he showed no fear, daring to strike first and challenge the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's divine will head-on. His audacity was staggering.

High in the sky, the old man gasped in awe. "The Holy Son's Heavenly Dao Reincarnation Fist has reached such a level? Its killing power is astounding, as if fused with other techniques."

Elder Mo, watching the clash, observed the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's avatar weaving myriad Dao principles and laws in battle with Ye Chen. A glint of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Is that… the Battle Secret?"

The old man's eyes widened. Prompted by Mo's words, he looked closer and realized it did indeed resemble it.

The Battle Secret could manifest all forms of the Dao and its laws, its killing power terrifying beyond measure. The old man hadn't considered it earlier, as the Nine Secrets had been lost for so long, their existence barely whispered about. Only Elder Mo's remark jogged his memory.

"The Holy Son has obtained one of the Nine Secrets? What kind of heavenly favor is this?" the old man exclaimed.

Elder Mo's expression grew grave. "It's likely not the complete Battle Secret, or it would be even more terrifying. But even so, it's extraordinary."

The appearance of the Battle Secret made Elder Mo fix his gaze on the battlefield, ready to intervene and rescue Ye Chen if needed. Yet his eyes also held admiration. During Ye Chen's earlier tribulation, his battle against the Kun Peng revealed a severe lack of combat experience, leaving him at a constant disadvantage. But in such a short time, Ye Chen's skills had grown exponentially, now rivaling prodigies forged in blood and fire. His comprehension was truly astonishing.

…

In the battlefield, Ye Chen sensed something amiss. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's fist momentum was overwhelming, as if it could pierce the heavens. His manifestations of the Dao and its laws were endlessly versatile, their destructive power staggering, matching Ye Chen's Imperial Dragon Qi. It was like facing a different breed of supreme offensive technique.

Both sides' Dao and laws were so formidable that their clashes left mutual wounds. Ye Chen's body sustained injuries, and the damage from the Heavenly Intention Holy Son was resistant to the regenerative powers of his Myriad Star Body. Only by activating his Supreme Heart could he heal. In past battles, Ye Chen had always dominated, making it hard to notice his weaknesses. But now, facing the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's avatar, his shortcomings were clear.

His Myriad Star Body, once formidable, was becoming a liability at his current realm. His physical defenses also needed bolstering. For Ye Chen, identifying a problem meant he could solve it, so he wasn't anxious. His immediate priority was clear: defeat this avatar.

Divine light bloomed from Ye Chen's brow. The Black Yellow Primordial Essence Bell materialized above his head, cascading strands of Black Yellow Primordial Essence to shield his body. With a flap of his golden wings, he charged forward like a primordial deity, striking at the Heavenly Intention Holy Son with unrelenting force.

Chapter 357: Even a Holy Son's Avatar Can Be Slain!

Seeing Ye Chen brimming with killing intent, Ying Tianjing sneered with disdain. He planned to crush Ye Chen mercilessly once he fell. Though it was only his brother's divine will avatar, Ying Tianjing recalled how his brother, during his Deity Transformation tribulation, had refined a strand of divine will through the lightning, merging it with the tribulation's power to become indestructible.

Clearly, his brother had cultivated this technique for such a purpose. A divine will avatar that could withstand a Deity Transformation tribulation, even if not the true body, was surely comparable to a Deity Transformation expert. Killing Ye Chen would be effortless.

…

As Ye Chen charged, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son remained calm. He raised a hand, and countless divine and sacred weapons materialized behind him, forming an absolute formation that surged toward Ye Chen. Divine light filled the sky, its vast power spilling beyond the pure domain, shocking the Sword Sect cultivators. The aura was terrifying, exuding an unmatched dominance, as if it could rule the heavens and earth.

Facing the Holy Son's absolute formation, Ye Chen showed no fear. He pushed his Kun Peng Treasure Technique to its limit. The formation couldn't stop him. With a series of earth-shaking booms, the two clashed again, their momentum overwhelming.

The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's divine fists were unparalleled, while Ye Chen's Treasure Techniques were invincible. The pure domain created by his Heavy Pupils wavered, on the verge of collapse.

Yet Ye Chen, shielded by the Black Yellow Primordial Essence Bell and bathed in its protective aura, boasted astonishing defense. His Heavy Pupils intermittently unleashed beams of destructive light, targeting the Holy Son.

To onlookers, Ye Chen appeared to be overpowering him. A phenomenon began to emanate behind Ye Chen, amplifying his invincible aura, like a primordial deity set to suppress all.

The crowd was even more astounded. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's avatar was already this formidable, yet the Fourth Holy Son of Heavenly Evolution seemed even more terrifying, fighting as if he weren't a mere Nascent Soul cultivator.

The shockwaves of their battle were beyond what any ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator could withstand—approaching would mean severe injury. It was truly fearsome. Everyone grew increasingly curious about who would emerge victorious.

Just as Ye Chen pressed his advantage, charging forward with unstoppable force, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son suddenly threw a punch at the edge of the pure domain. The already unstable domain cracked open. In a flash, the Holy Son grabbed Ying Tianjing and darted out, piercing through the arena's formation, aiming to escape into the void.

Ying Tianjing's face was full of disbelief. "Brother, your divine will avatar endured a Deity Transformation tribulation—it could crush ordinary Deity Transformation cultivators with ease! Why are we fleeing? Is Ye Chen's combat power so monstrous that he can cross a major realm to slay prodigies?"

Unwilling to accept this, Ying Tianjing seethed with resentment. The Holy Son didn't respond. With an unimaginable technique, he tore a gap in the Sword Sect's protective formation, preparing to vanish.

But Ye Chen sneered. "Think you can run after provoking me? Stay right there!" He unleashed the Kun Peng Treasure Technique to its fullest, his speed reaching an extreme. In an instant, he caught up, hurling several dragon seals like towering mountains.

The entire arena fell silent. Ye Chen was chasing down the Heavenly Intention Holy Son. Though it was only an avatar, not the true body, the feat was staggering. An avatar this powerful implied a true body of unimaginable might. Yet here it was, defeated and fleeing. When word of this spread, it would shake the world.

The Fourth Holy Son was simply too ferocious.

Ye Chen closed the distance in an instant. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son had no choice but to turn and face him, raising a hand to block the mountain-like dragon seals. He urged Ying Tianjing to flee first. Though seething with reluctance, Ying Tianjing could only cast a venomous glance at Ye Chen before turning to escape beyond the Sword Sect. He swore to himself that one day, he would have his revenge.

But Ye Chen had no intention of letting an enemy slip away. Once a grudge was formed, he preferred to cut the root. The thought of a vengeful foe lurking in the shadows didn't sit well with him. While bombarding the Heavenly Intention Holy Son with his True Dragon Treasure Technique, Ye Chen's right eye unleashed a beam of destructive divine light toward Ying Tianjing.

In that moment, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's composure shattered, his eyes blazing with fury. "Ye Chen, you dare oppose me when my true body isn't here?"

Ye Chen didn't bother responding. The first beam of destructive light obliterated half of Ying Tianjing's body. As Ying Tianjing glared with resentment, struggling to regenerate, phoenix flames materialized from the void, engulfing and refining him.

In a mere blink, Ying Tianjing was completely incinerated, his Nascent Soul unable to escape. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's brother was dead.

The Sword Sect members held their breath, stunned. The Fourth Holy Son had truly killed Ying Tianjing right in front of the Heavenly Intention Holy Son. Such audacity was unthinkable. This act would surely provoke relentless pursuit from the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, sending shockwaves through the cultivation world. The Fourth Holy Son was utterly fearless.

…

The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's rage erupted, the sky itself darkening with his mood. He summoned a heavenly stele, blocking all of Ye Chen's attacks. His black hair whipped wildly as he glared at Ye Chen. "Ye Chen, what you've done today will be the greatest regret of your life. I will kill you, and even Heavenly Evolution Holy Land won't protect you. In the future, I'll erase every trace of you from this world."

Watching his brother die, his threats sent chills through the onlookers. Anyone targeted by such a figure would quake in fear. With those words, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son turned to leave. His brother was gone—continuing the fight was pointless.

But Ye Chen was unfazed by the threats. Having killed Ying Tianjing and seeing the Holy Son attempt to flee, he sneered and unleashed a full assault. Since the feud was already set, he'd make it absolute.

Ye Chen didn't know the intricacies of this divine will avatar, but he knew such a powerful avatar must have come at a steep cost. Destroying it would deal a blow to the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's true body. Even if it was just an avatar, Ye Chen was determined to obliterate it.

Boom, boom, boom…

The heavens trembled. Ye Chen's intent was clear, his battle spirit soaring. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son's anger intensified, but despite his avatar's strength, tempered by a tribulation, it was still just a divine will—rootless water. Ye Chen, on the other hand, was terrifyingly formidable.

Finally, after a brief struggle, the avatar shattered under Ye Chen's onslaught, incinerated by the True Phoenix Treasure Technique. In its final moments, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's avatar said nothing, its rage fading. It merely gazed at Ye Chen, as if looking at a dead man.

Ye Chen didn't care. With a wave of his hand, he erased the last traces of the avatar.

Standing in the air, his yin-yang fish robe gleaming brilliantly, Ye Chen looked down at the Sword Sect. Silence reigned. Even the Deity Transformation elders, sensing his gaze, averted their eyes, bowing humbly.

In that moment, only awe filled the hearts of the onlookers.