ISWI Chapter 331-333

Chapter 331: It Was All a Misunderstanding!

"Get lost!" Elder Mo snapped, his temper flaring.

Ye Chen's talent was simply too terrifying, already rivaling the likes of Hua Yunfei. Such a prodigy had the potential to reach the Mahayana realm and compete for the immortal path in the future. How could Elder Mo tolerate the thought of him being snatched away?

Unable to hold back, Elder Mo sneered, "The moment you see your prized genius beaten to a pulp, you immediately think of switching sides?"

Yet the Yao family elder gazed at Ye Chen with admiration, shaking his head dismissively. "Yao Gu may have high talent, ranking among the best in Great Yan Continent, but his character is sorely lacking. His potential doesn't even come close to his brother, Yao Xuanji. Unlike your Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, our Yao family pours all its resources into supporting Xuanji. As for guarding Yao Gu, that was only at Yao Xuanji's and the patriarch's request. Whether he wins or loses? I couldn't care less."

Elder Mo's face darkened at these words. Shamelessness, it seemed, was truly unbeatable.

…

To avoid dragging Green Cloud Sect into the fray, the earlier battle had taken place tens of thousands of meters in the sky. Now, Yao Gu lay suppressed, tossed before them like a broken rag.

Ye Chen spoke calmly. "Can we finally talk about Yao Xi?"

Yao Gu's defeat had been utter. His celestial steed, his war chariot, and even his Void Mirror had shattered. His fighting spirit was gone. Captured now, with his Protector making no move to intervene, he had no choice but to accept his fate.

Forcing a smile, Yao Gu said, "Brother-in-law, it was all a misunderstanding before!"

Brother-in-law? Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.

Yao Xi's expression turned odd.

"I much preferred when you called me Ye the Fourth," Ye Chen said, his tone dry, the joke delivered without a trace of humor.

Yao Gu's mouth twitched, and he hurried to explain. "I meant no harm earlier. I just wanted to test your strength, to see if you were worthy of my sister!"

Noticing the flicker of impatience in Ye Chen's eyes, Yao Gu, still bound by restraints, quickly continued. "Yao Xi is truly a member of our Yao family. Our clan has unique customs. Only those of the main bloodline can remain with the family each generation. For example, in my generation, my elder brother will surely take charge. My descendants, however, will have to leave the Yao family to establish their own branches elsewhere. That's why our bloodline is so widespread outside the clan. Yao Xi is one of those descendants."

He paused, then pressed on. "Now, our Yao family is selecting a new Holy Maiden. Only female cultivators of the Yao bloodline who have reached the Golden Core stage, are under fifty years old, and carry immortal blood in their veins are eligible to compete for the position. Yao Xi just broke through to the Golden Core stage a few days ago, and her name appeared in the clan registry. That's why I came to fetch her."

Yao Gu laid out his purpose clearly.

Ye Chen's frown deepened as he listened.

Was the Yao family's standard for their Holy Maiden really so low? Reaching the Golden Core stage before fifty was enough to compete for the position? The requirement of immortal blood, though, reminded him of the faint, special aura he'd once glimpsed in Yao Xi's body through his Heavy Pupil technique. Could that be a trace of immortal blood?

"What happened to your Yao family's previous Holy Maiden?" Ye Chen asked, vaguely recalling overhearing that she'd been a formidable figure, perhaps at the Deity Transformation stage.

Yao Gu sighed. "She went to Central Continent and met with disaster while crossing the Endless Sea. A great demon there targeted her Protector, who couldn't save her in time. She fell…" It was no secret; the news had spread across the Great Yan Continent.

Yao Gu didn't hide it. The cultivation world was fraught with peril. Even prodigies with protectors could perish.

Ye Chen mulled it over, then turned to Yao Xi. "Do you want to go?"

Yao Xi shook her head without hesitation. She knew her own limitations. Breaking through to the Golden Core stage had only been possible with her Junior Brother's support. Competing for the Holy Maiden title would only make her a laughingstock. All she wanted was to stay quietly at Green Cloud Sect, where Ye Chen might visit her now and then.

Ye Chen felt the same. With his system, he could easily carry Yao Xi to greater heights. There was no need for her to chase some Holy Maiden title.

So, he promptly refused.

He told Yao Gu to leave. Though they'd clashed earlier, the offense didn't warrant death.

Yao Gu, however, seemed reluctant. If Yao Xi didn't come, he couldn't call Ye Chen "brother-in-law." Ye Chen's combat prowess was staggering—despite his lower cultivation, he'd effortlessly crushed Yao Gu and shattered his imitation Void Mirror. He was undoubtedly a top-tier prodigy, on par with Yao Gu's brother or Hua Yunfei, far beyond Yao Gu's league.

Yao Gu had hoped that if Yao Xi became the Holy Maiden, he'd gain a powerful backer. Mentioning his brother already made people tremble; if Ye Chen's reputation grew and Yao Gu could call him "brother-in-law," who would dare cross him?

With that connection, he might even borrow Ye Chen's war chariot someday. That chariot was undeniably impressive—maybe even enough to catch the eye of the Heavenly Desire Sect's Divine Maiden. Inviting her aboard for a long, intimate night would be perfect.

With these thoughts, Yao Gu couldn't resist tempting them. "If she becomes the Holy Maiden, the family can awaken the immortal blood in her veins, causing her bloodline power to soar. Though it won't match my brother's innate immortal physique that suppresses all, once the immortal blood's concentration rises, she could awaken the Primordial Spirit Body!"

He continued, "The Primordial Spirit Body is unique to our Yao family. It naturally resonates with all origin energies between heaven and earth, granting incredible cultivation speed. Its potential is nearly limitless—as long as she doesn't fall, reaching the Unity realm is all but guaranteed."

Ye Chen's eyes widened slightly. The Primordial Spirit Body… He'd heard of it, one of the cultivation world's top physiques, exclusive to the Yao family. Could his Senior Sister really gain it by becoming the Holy Maiden? Was this for real?

Yao Xi, too, looked stunned. Her own mediocre talent had convinced her she wasn't even worthy to stay by Ye Chen's side, leading her to accept a passive role. But if she could obtain the Primordial Spirit Body and achieve the unimaginable Unity realm, wouldn't that mean she could stay with her Junior Brother far longer?

Her heart pounded. She feared it was too good to be true, that she might not even be a true Yao family member. Or that she'd have no chance in the competition. Yet, she couldn't help yearning to seize this incredible opportunity.

Ye Chen noticed his Senior Sister's excitement. He understood. If he were in her shoes, he'd feel the same. The Primordial Spirit Body was indeed among the cultivation world's elite physiques. Even with his system, he wasn't certain he could replicate it. If Yao Xi could obtain it, it would undoubtedly be a blessing.

But was the Holy Maiden position really so easy to claim?

"How is the Holy Maiden chosen?" Ye Chen asked.

"It's mainly based on aptitude, immortal blood concentration, and age," Yao Gu replied honestly. "But to be frank, the odds aren't great. The family has already brought back two Yao women with Heavenly Spiritual Roots and high immortal blood concentration."

Yao Xi's face fell, disappointment clear in her eyes. It seemed she had no real chance—being summoned was likely just to make up numbers. She chose to give up.

Ye Chen, too, let it go without much regret. He gently wrapped an arm around Yao Xi's slender waist, comforting her while pondering what kind of gift he could give to trigger a Primordial Spirit Body-level physique. Not just for Yao Xi—he wanted to equip all the women around him with such top-tier physiques. Wouldn't that mean everyone could become an immortal in the future? A perfect plan. Though he wasn't sure what gift would work, he was confident he'd find something suitable once his cultivation advanced further.

As Ye Chen mused, a presence descended, accompanied by a voice tinged with amusement. "No need to choose a Holy Maiden. I can assure you right here—Yao Xi will be the next Holy Maiden of our Yao family!"

Yao Gu's eyes widened in shock.

Ye Chen looked up to see an old man with an ethereal, immortal-like aura, smiling warmly at him. That look… it was almost as if he were sizing up a future son-in-law.

Chapter 332: The Wonders of the Primordial Spirit Body!

The old man spoke with authority, decisively naming the next Holy Maiden.

Sensing an aura akin to Elder Mo's, Ye Chen immediately recognized the newcomer as another Unity realm powerhouse. It left him slightly wistful. Before becoming a Holy Son, he'd never even seen a Deity Transformation cultivator. Now, as a Holy Son, Unity realm experts seemed to pop up everywhere.

But he understood why. Different realms revealed different worlds. In his past life, an ordinary person would rarely encounter a billionaire in daily life. For a rich heir, though, it was effortless. It was simply a matter of status.

Yao Gu, spotting the old man, was visibly surprised and quickly bowed. "Greetings, Ancestor." In an ancient immortal family like the Yao clan, Unity realm figures were rare, all revered as ancestors.

The old man nodded with a smile, his gaze settling on Ye Chen. "Let Yao Xi return. I guarantee the Holy Maiden position is hers."

He wasn't joking. Compared to other factions, the Yao family's Holy Maiden role wasn't overly critical. Yao men with pure bloodlines could awaken immortal physiques, like Yao Xuanji, a rare pure-blood immortal physique unmatched in the clan's history. Women, however, couldn't awaken such physiques, only the Primordial Spirit Body.

The Primordial Spirit Body was remarkable, with myriad mystical abilities, but it wasn't geared for combat—more for support. Thus, who filled the Holy Maiden role wasn't a pressing concern. If they could use it to win over or even poach Ye Chen, having him support Yao Xuanji on the immortal path, it would be an ideal outcome.

…

Hearing this, Ye Chen frowned slightly and sent a mental message to Elder Mo, questioning the authenticity. An ancient immortal family treating the Holy Maiden position so casually seemed dubious.

Elder Mo soon replied: it wasn't a scam.

Ye Chen nodded to Yao Xi. This was her decision to make.

Suppressing her unease, Yao Xi cautiously asked, "Senior, can I truly become the Holy Maiden and gain the Primordial Spirit Body?"

The old man smiled warmly. "Of course. The Primordial Spirit Body cultivates swiftly and has a higher ceiling, though its combat prowess isn't exceptional. Its true strength lies in its affinity with the world's origin energies, making it easier to locate spiritual mines and treasures. It can also channel those energies to temporarily boost others' combat strength."

Yao Xi's eyes lit up. She didn't care about personal combat power; her only desire was to keep up with Ye Chen and aid him. The Primordial Spirit Body, with its rapid cultivation and ability to find treasures and enhance others' strength, seemed perfect. If she could obtain it, wouldn't she finally be able to help Ye Chen?

Having witnessed the recent battle, Yao Xi understood the terrifying prowess of the cultivation world's top prodigies—like Yao Xuanji, the Yao family's Holy Son, whom Yao Gu had mentioned.

Yao Xi was certain that Ye Chen would one day face powerhouses like Yao Xuanji. The path ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with danger. If she could wield the Primordial Spirit Body and bolster Ye Chen's strength, it would make his journey on the immortal path far steadier.

At that thought, Yao Xi nearly agreed on the spot. But she quickly restrained her impulse, her expression turning serious as she asked, "If I become the Yao family's Holy Maiden, will I have to marry for the sake of the clan?"

This was crucial. If marriage alliances were required, Yao Xi would rather stay put.

The old man chuckled, his face radiating pride. "Our Yao family, an ancient immortal clan, has no need to rely on marriages to outsiders to boost our strength. Even Heavenly Evolution Holy Land or Heavenly Intention Holy Land mean nothing to us."

He continued, "Our Holy Maiden can marry whomever she chooses. If you wish, once you become Holy Maiden, you can form a dao companion bond with young friend Ye Chen. I'll personally ask the patriarch to officiate for you both!"

The old man's confidence was palpable.

From the sky, Elder Mo's voice boomed, laced with irritation. "Not even regarding Heavenly Evolution Holy Land? Let's have a match, then!"

The old man smirked, pretending not to hear, and kept his warm gaze on Yao Xi.

Yao Xi, reassured by his answer, felt a weight lift. She turned to Ye Chen, her eyes soft as she sought his opinion. "Junior Brother, I want to go to the Yao family and become their Holy Maiden. Is that okay?"

Ye Chen's brow furrowed slightly. With his system, his potential was near limitless. If Yao Xi stayed by his side, her future would surely be bright. But how long would that take?

The Primordial Spirit Body, on the other hand, seemed perfectly suited for her. An ancient immortal clan like the Yao family would also have countless treasures to aid her cultivation.

After a moment's hesitation, Ye Chen nodded. "If that's what you want, then go."

Yao Xi's face lit up with a radiant smile. She sent a mental message to Ye Chen, her voice tender. "The thought of being able to help you in the future makes me so happy, Junior Brother. Don't worry—if you ever face the Yao family in battle, I'll stand behind you, boosting your strength to take down that Yao Xuanji!"

Her cultivation was low, and her transmission technique was rudimentary, so both the Yao family elder and Yao Gu overheard every word, their mouths twitching. Their new Holy Maiden seemed to have a rebellious streak.

But they pretended not to hear, gazing skyward.

Ye Chen couldn't help but smile. His Senior Sister Yao Xi was different from Lu Jing. Lu Jing was like a delicate dodder flower, seeking a man's protection and craving stability.

Yao Xi, however, was different. Her previous indifference stemmed from self-doubt and an awareness of her own limitations, which kept her from leaving with him. Deep down, she longed to stand by his side and support him.

That's why the Holy Maiden opportunity, falling from the heavens, had stirred her heart so fiercely.

Ye Chen understood her feelings and gently stroked Yao Xi's silky hair, his voice soft. "I get it, Senior Sister. Grow quickly, and in the future, help me seize opportunities."

Yao Xi's smile was radiant as she nodded eagerly.

"We should get going…" The Yao family elder interrupted their tender moment, then turned to Ye Chen. "If young friend Ye is worried, you're welcome to visit our Yao family and see for yourself."

But Elder Mo's voice quickly cut in. "The Holy Land has learned of the Holy Son's presence, and the Holy Lord is urging him to return as soon as possible. So, the Holy Son has no time."

Ye Chen smiled, his gaze lingering on Yao Xi. Her departure to the Yao family meant it could be a long time before they met again. Though the Yao family elder guaranteed her the Holy Maiden position, suggesting little danger, Ye Chen still wanted to give her some protective treasures.

He considered gifting the Black Yellow Primordial Essence Bell. Though the Black Yellow Primordial Essence came from his system, he had personally forged the bell. Just as system-provided herbs could be refined into pills and gifted to trigger feedback, the bell should work similarly.

But after a moment's hesitation, he dismissed the idea. The bell was too precious, and he feared it might bring Yao Xi trouble instead. Better to keep refining it and give it to her when she had the strength to wield it.

Instead, Ye Chen retrieved over ninety Soul-Swaying Divine Stones from his small world, leftovers from An Miaoli's use. He also pulled out several talismans capable of harming Nascent Soul cultivators and a Concentric Talisman that would let him sense her. Handing them to Yao Xi, he instructed her to crush the talisman immediately if she faced any trouble.

The Yao family elder's eyes flickered with surprise as he saw the Soul-Swaying Divine Stones, his gaze toward Ye Chen growing even more intrigued.

Chapter 333: Neither Car Nor Wife Is for Lending!

After a bit more conversation, Yao Xi, despite her deep reluctance, had to leave at the Yao family elder's urging. The Yao family's Holy Maiden position couldn't remain vacant for long and needed to be settled swiftly. The ancestor also had to inform the patriarch promptly, lest the clan select another Holy Maiden, complicating matters.

Yao Xi pressed a gentle kiss to Ye Chen's cheek, her eyes soft as water, brimming with longing. "Junior Brother, come visit me at the Yao family when you have time. Or, once I've achieved something in my cultivation, I'll come find you at Heavenly Evolution Holy Land."

Ye Chen smiled and agreed. Once he settled at Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, he'd make time to visit her.

Watching Yao Xi's graceful figure ascend the skyship, her silhouette evoking memories of a full moon from his homeland, Ye Chen felt a pang of reluctance. He'd returned intending to bring her to the Holy Land, but this unexpected turn of events had changed everything. Still, he'd keep a close eye on the Yao family from the Holy Land. If Yao Xi's Holy Maiden position faced any issues, he'd rush to the Yao family to bring her back.

The Primordial Spirit Body was enticing, but by his side, it might not even be the limit.

The Yao family elder, seated at the ship's bow, chuckled lightly. "Young friend Ye, come visit Yao Xi at our clan often. If you two become dao companions, the Yao family will provide a generous dowry!"

Yao Gu, who'd once been wild and defiant, had been thoroughly subdued by Ye Chen's strength. Now, aboard the skyship, he looked at Ye Chen with reluctance. "Brother-in-law, they say the Heavenly Desire Sect's Divine Maiden is about to make her debut. Could I borrow your war chariot for a bit when the time comes? Don't worry, you won't need to go yourself. I'll return it in a few days, spotless."

Ye Chen's mouth twitched. Yao Gu's adaptability was something else. Not long ago, he'd been sneering "Ye the Fourth," and now "brother-in-law" rolled off his tongue with ease, not a hint of reluctance.

The Heavenly Desire Sect's Divine Maiden? Ye Chen hadn't heard of her. He knew of the sect, though—a dual cultivation faction with formidable strength and a sprawling business. They ran pleasure houses in major immortal cities, catering to both men and women.

Sun Ruoxin had once hired a Heavenly Desire Sect disciple as a teacher, learning techniques that Ye Chen found quite impressive. As for this "Divine Maiden," she was probably just their top courtesan rebranded with a fancy title.

Ye Chen had no interest in such female cultivators. They didn't even qualify to trigger his system rewards, so what was there to care about? As for lending his chariot? Out of the question. Neither car nor wife was for lending.

…

Yao Xi stood on the skyship, reluctantly waving goodbye. The vessel was swift, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Elder Mo spoke up, "We really need to return to the Holy Land soon. Your name's already spread across Great Yan Cotinent. The new Holy Son ceremony needs to happen quickly. The Holy Lord and elders are eager to meet you. Plus, next year, the Holy Land will open its gates to recruit new disciples. You'd better select some for your Holy Son Peak as well."

Ye Chen nodded. "Got it."

But if he had a Holy Son ceremony, wouldn't the Yao family hold a Holy Maiden ceremony for Yao Xi? He wondered when it might take place. He'd have to attend to support his Senior Sister.

When he mentioned this, though, Elder Mo shook his head. "The Yao family only holds Holy Son ceremonies. In all my years, I've never heard of a Holy Maiden ceremony."

Ye Chen frowned slightly. The Yao family truly didn't value their Holy Maiden. The requirements weren't even strict—just possessing immortal blood was enough, and a single clan elder could pre-select the candidate. Yet, if it was so unimportant, why the rush to replace the previous Holy Maiden after her fall? It was peculiar.

When he asked Elder Mo, the elder didn't know either. Ye Chen tucked the matter away in his mind, resolving to visit the Yao family often. If there was any issue with the Holy Maiden position, he'd pull Yao Xi out.

Then, Ye Chen escorted Lu Jing and Lin Ke'er onto a skyship, preparing to depart. At the sect gate, he glanced at the old sect master, absentmindedly fishing.

"Fight's over?" the sect master asked. The earlier battle had caused a massive commotion, but he hadn't budged, still fishing. There was no point—he wouldn't have been able to help or even see clearly.

Ye Chen briefly explained what had happened. The old sect master's face lit up with disbelief when he heard Yao Xi was becoming the Yao family's Holy Maiden. "One Heavenly Evolution Holy Son and one Yao family Holy Maiden? How did Green Cloud Sect get so lucky to produce both a Holy Son and a Holy Maiden?"

He was genuinely stunned, even excited. With a Holy Son and a Holy Maiden, Green Cloud Sect would have the backing of two Holy Land-level forces. Even Deity Transformation experts might steer clear of their sect in the future.

"Old Sect Master, I'm leaving too," Ye Chen said. "If anything comes up, just send word, and I'll rush back no matter where I am."

It was time to officially depart for the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land. His Holy Son Peak hadn't even been formally established, yet he'd already recruited a thousand-fold elder. A two-thousand-fold Holy Maiden was waiting for him, and An Miaoli had reached five hundred-fold. His breakthrough speed was about to soar.

The old sect master nodded. "Go on, then. But don't forget to find your master. Before I kick the bucket, I want to see both of you back here together. I don't have many years left, so don't dawdle."

Ye Chen smiled lightly. Life-extending elixirs in this cultivation world were treasures so rare they were almost mythical, beyond the reach of even Nascent Soul or Deity Transformation cultivators. But with his system, he was confident he'd eventually produce one. When that time came, he'd send some back to let the old sect master live a few more years.

This trip to the Holy Land wasn't just about asking the elders to divine his master's whereabouts. He also needed to track down his father, Ye Tianhe. If he was truly dead, so be it—Ye Chen would one day ascend to immortality and fish him out of the river of time. If he was alive, Ye Chen would find him.

"Old Sect Master, you've got some skills! That's a huge softshell turtle you caught," Ye Chen said, glancing at the fish basket with surprise before leaving.

The old sect master waved dismissively, his face calm. "It's nothing special, just a two-hundred-year-old turtle. I fish for the sake of fishing, not for the catch. Want it? Take it."

Ye Chen chuckled, shaking his head. What would he do with it? Amid the old sect master's mutterings about the big fish that got away years ago, Ye Chen gracefully boarded the skyship. Under the expectant gazes of Lin Ke'er, Sun Ruoxin, and Lu Jing, he soared off toward Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Heavenly Evolution Holy Land lay in the central region of the Great Yan Continent. Even with Ye Chen's current strength, it would take over half a month to reach. Meanwhile, at the Holy Land, news of the Fourth Holy Son's imminent arrival had sparked a flurry of preparations.