ISWI Chapter 343-345

Chapter 343: No One Understands Gift-Giving Better Than Me!

Elder He's tirade gave Ye Chen a rough idea of who he was dealing with. In other ancient immortal families and Holy Lands, the core inheritance was always their own immortal scripture.

Contemporary Holy Sons and Holy Maidens typically cultivated their family's scripture, like Yao Xuanji, who practiced the Void Scripture, or the Holy Son of the Heavenly Intention Holy Land, who did the same. But the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land was different. The combat prowess of the Heavenly Evolution True Immortal was, historically, unremarkable among True Immortals.

The Heavenly Evolution Immortal Scripture, passed down through generations, focused primarily on divination. At its peak, it was said to grant insight into all things in the world. Its only flaw? It wasn't strong. Its offensive and defensive capabilities were mediocre, and it lacked powerful divine abilities. Its sole strength lay in its unparalleled divination.

This had its advantages—divination was a skill many cultivators sought, earning practitioners the revered title of Heavenly Master. But the problem was that true top-tier prodigies valued personal strength above all else. Why rely on divination to earn respect when being invincible felt so much better?

Moreover, the Heavenly Evolution Immortal Scripture was notoriously complex to cultivate. While its combat benefits were limited, its difficulty ranked among the highest of all immortal scriptures. Mastering it could take over a century. Top prodigies, busy cultivating, chasing opportunities, and vying for the immortal path, had no time to waste on a scripture that offered little boost to their fighting prowess.

Worse still, divination carried a risk: backlash. Peering into the secrets of heaven was akin to defying fate itself. Minor injuries were one thing, but glimpsing something forbidden could damage one's foundation or even shorten their lifespan. For top prodigies, this was unacceptable.

As a result, the First Holy Son and First Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land rarely practiced the Heavenly Evolution Immortal Scripture. Blessed with their own fortunes, they pursued other opportunities and inheritances. Though they were part of the Holy Land, they didn't rely on its core legacy.

But the Holy Land's inheritance had to be preserved somehow. So, the rules were changed. Instead of a single Holy Son and Holy Maiden, there were now three of each. The most exceptional two were free to do as they pleased, cultivating whatever they wanted, tasked with projecting the Holy Land's might and maintaining its combat strength.

Meanwhile, the Second and Third Holy Sons and Holy Maidens were required to uphold the Heavenly Evolution Immortal Scripture, ensuring the Holy Land's legacy endured. In essence, the Second and Third Holy Sons and Holy Maidens, despite their prestigious titles, were little more than tools—forced to perform divinations for the Holy Land's benefit, even at the cost of suffering backlash. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

What's more, the Second and Third Holy Sons were only a step below the top prodigies, far surpassing ordinary Holy Land disciples. Yet their paths in life were worlds apart. This disparity caused them more pain than it did the average disciple.

It was like in a school: the top students weren't troubled—they just studied. The slackers weren't troubled either—they just gave up. But those who were close to breaking through, yet lacked the talent to reach the top, and who couldn't bring themselves to give up entirely? They were the ones who suffered most.

It was clear now. Elder He, standing before Ye Chen, was likely a former Second or Third Holy Son. His displeasure toward Ye Chen? Perfectly understandable.

Elder He had dedicated himself to the Holy Land, a venerable elder worthy of Ye Chen's respect. So, despite the elder's cold demeanor, Ye Chen maintained a respectful tone.

"Elder, your tireless contributions to the Holy Land are truly admirable," he said earnestly. "I came today to express my gratitude for your years of service. Upon acquiring two bottles of Glazed Purification Water, I immediately thought to bring them to you. One can soothe and clarify the mind, which I hope will aid your endeavors. The other is for your granddaughter. I've heard she's on the verge of breaking through to the Golden Core stage, and Glazed Purification Water can enhance the quality of her Golden Core."

He continued, "Additionally, I have three bottles of Starry Essence Water, obtained by chance. They can boost cultivation in the Golden Core stage without any side effects, as long as the foundation is well-prepared and progress isn't rushed. Within five years, she could reach Golden Core perfection, ready to practice heart-refining techniques and refine her spiritual sense.

"I also have a set of top-grade spiritual artifacts, crafted by a master and infused with divine metals of the treasure level. Once your granddaughter breaks through, these will significantly enhance her combat strength, allowing her to shine in the Holy Land's grand competition in two years. I've seen her once—she's undoubtedly a prodigy, and I was delighted by her talent. If you're willing, I'd be honored to accept her into Ascension Peak and nurture her potential."

Ye Chen didn't mention his request outright. Instead, he began by showering the elder with gifts, culminating in the enticing offer to admit Elder He's granddaughter into Ascension Peak. This was no small boon. Joining his peak meant regular gifts of treasures, and with outstanding performance, she might even gain access to the Hundred Flowers Immortal Scripture. Unless a female cultivator was a top-tier prodigy with boundless prospects, the Hundred Flowers Immortal Scripture was the ideal choice—a rare opportunity.

Having learned that Elder He doted on his granddaughter, Ye Chen had prepared meticulously to enlist the elder's help. As a Holy Son, he had no right to demand an elder's assistance with personal matters, and only a handful of people in the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land were skilled in divination. Elder He was one of them. Though there were rumors of a Supreme Elder with even greater expertise, such a figure was beyond Ye Chen's reach. Elder He was his best option.

When it came to gift-giving, Ye Chen was confident no one in the cultivation world could outdo him. This array of offerings was sure to sway the elder. As expected, Elder He's initial reaction was one of surprise, his eyes betraying a flicker of temptation.

Glazed Purification Water not only increased the odds and quality of advancing from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core but also had a miraculous effect on nurturing spiritual sense, a vital asset for divination, which often took a permanent toll on the mind.

As for the Starry Essence Water, it was new to Elder He, but he trusted Ye Chen wouldn't deceive him. For his granddaughter, it could save decades of cultivation time—a remarkable gift. Ye Chen's sincerity and courtesy were impressive.

But when Ye Chen mentioned admitting his granddaughter to Ascension Peak, Elder He's expression darkened. After emerging from seclusion, he'd looked into this Fourth Holy Son and learned that, seemingly resigned to never claiming the Holy Lord's seat, Ye Chen had given up and turned Ascension Peak into his personal harem. And now he wanted to include his granddaughter?

"My granddaughter is only twenty-three…" Elder He muttered, his fists clenching.

Before he could say more, a cheerful voice echoed through the hall.

"That's wonderful! I want to join Ascension Peak!" A graceful young female cultivator dashed out, tugging at Elder He's arm. "Thank you, Holy Son! Grandpa, please help the Holy Son!"

Elder He's face softened, his clenched fists loosening as he sighed in resignation. He shot Ye Chen a sidelong glance, his lips twitching. "What exactly do you want to know?"

Chapter 344: Sword Sect!

Elder He's granddaughter clung to his arm, her innocent and vibrant aura radiating as her large, sparkling eyes gazed at Ye Chen with admiration. Once, while traveling with her grandfather, she had seen Yao Gu in an immortal city.

Yao Gu had clashed with several direct disciples from the Heavenly Intention Holy Land. Six or seven Nascent Soul stage cultivators attacked him together, only to be effortlessly suppressed by Yao Gu with a single gesture.

The sight had left a deep impression on the young girl. And now, her own Holy Son, Ye Chen, had surpassed Yao Gu despite being at a lower cultivation level. He was simply incredible. So, when she heard she could join Ascension Peak, her excitement was uncontainable.

Elder He, though helpless against his granddaughter's enthusiasm, privately acknowledged Ye Chen's strength. Her joining Ascension Peak wasn't a bad thing.

As for the rumors about Ye Chen, Elder He was confident. As long as he was alive, Ye Chen wouldn't dare act recklessly toward his granddaughter. So, with a resigned pat on her head, he gave Ye Chen an exasperated look. "What do you want to know? Don't ask me about True Immortal ruins or inheritances—anything related to True Immortals is beyond my ability to divine. Even attempting it would half-kill me. Opportunities tied to fate come at a steep cost, and there are all sorts of taboos. Divination isn't as omnipotent as outsiders think. Think carefully before you ask."

Ye Chen nodded. He had no need for opportunities—with his system, what couldn't he obtain? Smiling at the girl with her Heavenly Spiritual Root and five-hundred-times multiplier, he turned to Elder He with a serious expression. "It's not about divining opportunities, nor does it involve True Immortals. I only want to know the whereabouts of my master and my father."

Elder He nodded. "One at a time. Give me their details. If you have anything imbued with their aura, it'll make the divination easier."

Ye Chen began with his master. "My master is named Gu Yunyun, a sword cultivator. She had just broken through to the Golden Core stage when I last saw her, though I'm not sure of her current cultivation. She has a ninth-grade Golden Core. She enjoys drinking, soaking in hot springs, and loves peach blossoms…"

Elder He waved a hand to interrupt. "Enough, I don't need to know your master's hobbies. Do you have anything personal that carries her aura?"

Ye Chen nodded and produced a sword talisman. "This is something she left me. If I'm in danger and crush it, she'll sense it."

Elder He glanced at the talisman and gave a confident smile. "With this, finding her direction will be child's play."

As he spoke, he grasped the talisman. Instantly, the entire palace seemed to stir, as if rotating with the sun and moon. The countless celestial runes on the floor began to glow with radiant divine light, resonating with the stars above through the palace's structure.

A profound, mystical aura rose from Elder He's body. Moments ago, he had seemed unremarkable, but now a starry river flowed behind him, forming a celestial crown above his head, as if a Star Monarch had descended.

After a brief moment, Elder He opened his eyes, his gaze calm and indifferent as he looked at Ye Chen. "Sword Sect," he said simply.

Ye Chen froze. Sword Sect? The name sounded vaguely familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

Seeing Ye Chen's confusion, Elder He's granddaughter spoke up timidly. "Holy Son, the Sword Sect is a rare sword cultivation sect in Great Yan Continent. It's an ancient great sect that once produced a Sword Immortal, making it a top-tier force in Great Yan Continent, just below the Holy Lands. However, it lacks an immortal artifact to anchor its legacy."

The cultivation world spanned millions of years, with many achieving immortality and leaving behind their teachings. Yet, immortal artifacts were exceedingly rare, crafted from materials so precious they were nearly unimaginable. Even many True Immortals, long after ascending, still wielded sacred weapons.

True Immortals who could leave an immortal artifact to their sect were rarer still. A sect with an immortal artifact was virtually indestructible, unshaken even in times of decline, as no outsider dared challenge them. This was the foundation of Holy Lands, Eternal Dynasties, and ancient immortal families.

Sects without immortal artifacts, like the Sword Sect, often faded over time. If a generation failed to produce exceptional talent, they could fall into obscurity or even see their legacy extinguished.

Ye Chen smiled at the news. His master, such a remarkable figure, was clearly thriving out there. Joining a sect like the Sword Sect was fitting. Relieved, he turned to Elder He. "May I ask, Elder, what is my master's current cultivation level? And how is she faring in the Sword Sect?"

Elder He, noticing his granddaughter inching closer to Ye Chen, responded with a huff. "You want me to waste energy divining such trivial matters? You know her location now—go ask the External Affairs Hall. Did you think the Heavenly Evolution Pavilions we've set up across Great Yan Continent's immortal cities are just for earning spirit stones?"

Indeed, the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land maintained Heavenly Evolution Pavilions in nearly every immortal city in Great Yan Continent. Beyond generating income and expanding influence, their primary purpose was intelligence-gathering, ensuring the Holy Land was informed of any stirrings in the region. As a Holy Son, Ye Chen could simply inquire at the External Affairs Peak to quickly learn the details of his master's situation.

Elder He's logic was undeniable, leaving Ye Chen momentarily speechless. But his granddaughter wasn't pleased. Frowning, she said, "Grandpa, can't you be a bit nicer to the Holy Son? He's just worried about his master! He's anxious because he cares. Don't you understand?"

The smile vanished from Elder He's face. Ye Chen, on the other hand, grinned, giving the girl an appreciative look. What a good girl, he thought. Once you break through to the Golden Core stage, I'll grant you an immortal scripture to cultivate.

His granddaughter's allegiance seemed to lean outward, and Elder He was at a loss. Seeing Ye Chen's amused expression only soured his mood further. "What about your father's information?" he asked coldly.

Ye Chen thought for a moment before answering. "My father is named Ye Tianhe, at the eighth layer of Qi Refining…"

Elder He listened patiently, but when no further details came, he frowned. "And then?"

Ye Chen shook his head, a bit embarrassed. That was all he knew. He had only met his father once, in Silver Moon Market. By the time he returned to Green Cloud City, his father had vanished—alive or dead, no one knew. Truth be told, he didn't know much about him.

Elder He's lips twitched. "You knew your master's hobbies down to her love of baths, but for your own father, all you've got is a name and cultivation level? What a filial son!"

The elder was now even more convinced of the rumors. This Fourth Holy Son's mind was clearly consumed by women, with no room left even for his own father. His granddaughter, so beautiful and innocent, would be in danger around someone like Ye Chen. No, he'd have to talk to her later. Ascension Peak was not a place for her.

Feeling a bit awkward about the scant information, Ye Chen produced a magical sword. It was a gift from Ye Tianhe, which Ye Chen had later passed to Lu Jing for a reward. He'd specifically retrieved it for this moment.

Elder He raised a hand, drawing the sword into his palm. Closing his eyes, he began his second divination.

Chapter 345: Hurry and Serve Tea to the Holy Son!

The starlight flared brilliantly once more, this time even more dazzling than before, and it lingered far longer. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. Was divining his father's whereabouts proving more difficult than his master's?

After a full half-hour, Elder He opened his eyes, frowning in confusion as he looked at Ye Chen. "Ye Chen, do you really have a father?"

Ye Chen's mouth twitched. He suspected the elder was mocking him, but he had no proof.

Elder He didn't mince words. "I activated the Heavenly Evolution Immortal Scripture, but I couldn't trace a single hint of him."

Ye Chen sighed, his heart sinking as he came to a conclusion. "Then it seems my father has truly fallen."

If even Elder He couldn't find a trace, death seemed the only explanation. Perhaps Ye Chen had read too many fantastical tales, fueling his overactive imagination. He resolved to wait until he ascended to immortality, when he might have the power to resurrect him.

But Elder He shook his head gravely. "It's not that he's dead. If he were, unless it was over a century ago, there would still be traces for me to divine. But your father—I couldn't find anything at all. There could be other reasons. His traces might have been deliberately erased, or a great power might have shielded him from divination. He could also be in a unique environment that blocks such attempts. There are many possible causes."

Ye Chen's eyes widened. He hadn't held much hope for divining his father's fate. The Ye family was insignificant, and his father's cultivation was meager. Even if he was adopted, he'd shown no remarkable qualities. By all accounts, he seemed ordinary. But now, could there actually be something more to him? Did Ye Chen himself have some hidden background?

"Is there no way to find out?" Ye Chen asked, his curiosity now thoroughly piqued.

Elder He shook his head. "I've cultivated the Heavenly Evolution Immortal Scripture for eight hundred years. There are more advanced techniques that might yield results, but they come at a cost."

Ye Chen began to consider what price he could offer to persuade Elder He. Before he could speak, the elder's granddaughter tugged at her grandfather's arm, pleading sweetly, "Grandpa, if the cost isn't too high, please help the Holy Son. He must miss his father terribly. Why else would he bring so many treasures to ask for your help?"

Elder He's expression faltered, a mix of exasperation and affection. He couldn't be upset with his granddaughter. Sighing, he explained seriously, "Those techniques would drain my lifespan! If the interference is too great, there could be unpredictable backlash, even loss of my foundation. And even then, there's no guarantee of success."

The girl's face grew solemn. "Is it that serious? Holy Son, my grandpa is already very old. I heard from my father that when Grandpa was young, he was beaten by the Holy Son of the Heavenly Intention Holy Land and injured his foundation. He challenged them again later to settle the score and got beaten again. So, let's not force the divination!"

Elder He's mood lightened at his granddaughter's concern, but his face twitched when she brought up his past. "It wasn't being beaten," he corrected hastily. "It was a narrow loss due to a slight misstep. And the injuries weren't that severe!" His dark history had been exposed.

Ye Chen was curious about his father's mysterious circumstances but wasn't about to demand that Elder He sacrifice his lifespan or foundation. The elder's words already hinted at significant possibilities—knowing his father wasn't dead was enough for now. If there was a grand background behind him, his father was likely faring well. That was sufficient. When Ye Chen's strength grew, his father would surely hear of him and seek him out. There was no need to rush.

The knowledge that his master was in the Sword Sect was already satisfying. Ye Chen bowed deeply to Elder He. "Thank you for your help today, Elder."

Divination carried risks, and despite the elder's gruff demeanor, Ye Chen understood his reasons. Seeing Ye Chen's respectful and courteous attitude, Elder He's mood softened. He gave a faint nod in acknowledgment.

Elder He's granddaughter turned to Ye Chen with enthusiasm. "Holy Son, my grandpa can't help you, but once I've mastered the Heavenly Evolution Immortal Scripture, I'll divine for you!"

Elder He's brief moment of relief turned to exasperation, his heart tightening again. He had already resolved to talk his granddaughter out of this. The Fourth Holy Son was trouble. He barely remembered anything about his own father but could recount every detail of his female master, down to her toes.

With Ye Chen's prodigious talent and Heavy Pupils, it wouldn't be long before his cultivation surpassed Elder He's. Then, unchecked by fear, he might make a move on his granddaughter. Worse, she seemed so taken with him—what if she took the initiative? If she showed up one day with a child in her arms, Elder He would be powerless. No, Ascension Peak was out of the question.

But just as Elder He was about to shoo Ye Chen away, Ye Chen gently patted the girl's head. "You have great talent, and I like your personality. Once you break through to the Golden Core stage, come straight to Ascension Peak. I'll personally teach you a technique from the True Phoenix Treasure Technique."

The True Phoenix Treasure Technique? The girl's eyes lit up.

Elder He, however, remained unmoved. The technique was valuable, but a single move wasn't worth the risk. He could find a way to acquire it himself. No way was she going.

But Ye Chen wasn't done. "Also, after reaching the Golden Core stage, don't rush to cultivate just any technique. I once obtained an immortal scripture called the Hundred Flowers Immortal Scripture. It's faster for cultivation, greatly extends a female cultivator's lifespan, nourishes the body, and enhances beauty and temperament. It even preserves youth, keeping you radiant even centuries later."

The girl's eyes widened in shock. An immortal scripture?

Elder He, about to dismiss Ye Chen, swallowed his words. In the cultivation world, while many had achieved immortality, not every True Immortal had the brilliance to create their own scripture. Some even lied, claiming to have crafted one while secretly recycling an older text.

Since immortal scriptures were rare and rarely circulated, few could tell the difference—until one prodigy compared their inherited scripture to another and found them identical, exposing the fraud to widespread ridicule.

True immortal scriptures were scarce, and those that survived the ages were even rarer. Yet Ye Chen possessed one—the Hundred Flowers Immortal Scripture, tailored for female cultivators?

Elder He cleared his throat and bellowed toward the palace entrance, "The guest has been here this long, and still no tea? Where are your manners?" Turning to his granddaughter, he added, "Jiujiu, no need to wait for the Golden Core stage. I'll take you to Ascension Peak with Holy Son Ye myself, right away!"