ISWI Chapter 300-302

Chapter 300: The Ancestor Arrives! The Ancestor Falls!

Having narrowly escaped death by divine thunder, Han Feng's eyes glinted with a dangerous edge. As the Young Master of Heavenly Nether Sect, an invincible figure in the Golden Core realm, he'd nearly capsized in a ditch.

His gaze locked onto the fleeing Elder Lin. Turning into a black shadow, he pursued her with terrifying speed, catching up in an instant. In front of Han Feng, Elder Lin was powerless. Her head was crushed in a single grip, and with a flash of nether flame, her soul was seized and refined.

Only after killing her did Han Feng's expression soften slightly. He turned to An Yuyi, his voice low and menacing. "When you fall into my hands, I'll make sure you wish for death."

Meanwhile, An Yuyi had activated the array disk. A translucent golden barrier, roughly a few dozen square meters, materialized around her, its edges touching the ground where faint flames flickered.

Ignoring Han Feng's threats, she pulled out her sect token and activated its distress signal. Though far from the sect, they were still within Divine Will Mountain, where the sect had established several outposts. Her message would soon bring reinforcements.

She glanced at the transmission talisman Ye Chen had given her, hesitating briefly before stowing it back in her storage ring without activating it. Her eyes drifted to the black-robed elder in the sky, her mood heavy.

She hadn't expected Han Feng to have a protector. Such figures were rare in the cultivation world—high-level cultivators had their own paths to pursue and little time to babysit juniors, not to mention the loss of face. But as Heavenly Nether Sect's Young Master, it wasn't surprising for Han Feng to have a Nascent Soul guardian.

The elder's ability to nullify her divine thunder indicated at least mid-Nascent Soul strength. Ye Chen was formidable, but facing a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator was too risky. She decided against calling him.

Fortunately, the sect's ancestor had recently emerged from seclusion. Though only early Nascent Soul, the gap of a single minor realm shouldn't be insurmountable. An Yuyi felt a twinge of unease but chose to place her trust in the ancestor.

At Divine Will Sect, the usually tranquil main peak stirred with sudden activity. The Master of the Inner Affairs Hall rushed in, his face grave, reporting to the Sect Master. "Elder Lin from Spiritual Plant Peak sent a distress signal. She and Elder An Yuyi ventured deep into Divine Will Mountain."

The Sect Master, a late Golden Core cultivator, narrowed his eyes and immediately prepared to summon the elders for a rescue mission. But the Inner Affairs Hall Master's expression shifted again. "I just received a transmission… Elder Lin's life tablet has shattered. She's fallen. Elder An Yuyi has also sent a distress signal!"

The Sect Master's face darkened. He'd seen An Yuyi just days ago—already late Golden Core, her cultivation advancing at an astonishing pace. Trained by An Miaoli, her combat prowess was undoubtedly formidable. Yet, a late Golden Core and a mid-Golden Core elder together had lost one in the blink of an eye. What kind of enemy could do this? A demonic beast? A rogue cultivator? Or another sect?

As the Sect Master debated summoning all late-stage elders for the rescue, a robust voice boomed. "I'll handle it! In my Divine Will Mountain, I'd like to see who dares cause trouble on our turf. It's been a while since these old bones got some exercise!"

The Sect Master breathed a sigh of relief. With the Ancestor personally intervening, there was nothing to worry about. He and the Inner Affairs Hall Master bowed respectfully. The Divine Will Ancestor's hearty laughter echoed, fading as he swiftly departed.

...

Meanwhile, at Quiet Wonder Peak, Ye Chen stretched leisurely after finishing his cultivation. The system's cooldown had just reset, and with An Yuyi away, he planned to randomly select a lucky female disciple to gift a treasure.

But something caught his attention, and he raised an eyebrow. A token in his storage space had been vibrating for who-knows-how-long, unnoticed during his cultivation. Retrieving it, he recognized it immediately: the response token tied to the defensive array disk he'd given An Yuyi. When the array disk was activated, the token would react—a common feature in high-end defensive arrays, some even indicating the approximate location of activation.

This allowed sect elders, busy with their own cultivation, to monitor their prodigies' safety without constant supervision. If the array was deployed, it meant the user was in serious danger.

"Yuyi's multiplier may be lower, but her techniques, spiritual artifacts, and more are top-tier," Ye Chen mused. "Her cultivation method is solid, and she has the True Phoenix Treasure Technique. I even gave her a talisman capable of harming a Nascent Soul cultivator. To be forced to use the array disk under these circumstances?"

Something was seriously wrong.

Ye Chen was surprised. Why hadn't An Yuyi contacted him? He glanced at the communication talisman at his waist, puzzled, then activated it, the talisman glowing softly.

Soon, it connected. "Yuyi, what's going on over there?" he asked, feeling the inconvenience keenly. Having grown accustomed to Earth's omnipresent signal coverage, the cultivation world's cumbersome communication methods were frustrating. No video calls, no instant messaging—just talismans.

On the other end, An Yuyi's voice carried a mix of joy and surprise, but her response was vague, as if she were hesitating to tell him the truth. Ye Chen's brows furrowed.

But then, a boisterous laugh interrupted, transmitted through the talisman. "Let's see who dares cause trouble in my Divine Will Sect!"

An Yuyi's tone brightened. "The Ancestor's here! Senior Brother Ye, don't worry. I ran into some trouble, but with the Ancestor here, it'll be resolved soon."

In the background, Ye Chen could hear the rumble of combat—earth-shaking clashes, likely Nascent Soul-level fighting. With the Divine Will Sect Ancestor on the scene, it should be fine, right?

Just as he was about to ask more, An Yuyi let out a startled cry, followed by a disbelieving shout: "Ancestor…"

Ye Chen: …

That didn't sound good. The Ancestor arrived—and fell?

Before he could press further, An Yuyi's voice returned, unnaturally calm. "Senior Brother, it's fine. The Ancestor handled it! I was wrong about things before, and I'm sorry. When you and Aunt become Dao partners, make sure she has a daughter as cute as me. Even if it's a boy, keep trying until you get a girl. Aunt loves kids; she won't mind. I owe her an apology too. I was too willful, making her do things she didn't want because she spoiled me. When I get back in a few days, I'll apologize to her."

She rambled on, cutting off Ye Chen's chance to respond, and abruptly ended the transmission. The talisman in his hand dimmed, crumbling to ash.

Ye Chen shook his head helplessly and stood up. It was obvious to anyone with half a brain—An Yuyi was in serious danger. But the enemy was likely just a slightly stronger Nascent Soul cultivator. If it were a Deity Transformation powerhouse, she wouldn't have had the chance to sit in her array and deliver a farewell speech.

Even if it was a Deity Transformation cultivator, it didn't matter. Ye Chen's Holy Son token wasn't for show. A Holy Land's authority was absolute—no one dared provoke them. A mere glance could spell doom.

Rising gracefully, Ye Chen's Kun Peng wings unfurled behind him, glowing a brilliant gold. A terrifying aura enveloped the entire Divine Will Sect. His figure shot into the sky, bypassing the sect's gates and tearing through the protective array, speeding toward the direction indicated by the token.

Chapter 301: The Ancestor's Life Matters Too!

"This is at least a fourth-grade defensive array disk, and it's top-tier quality at that. Even a peak Nascent Soul cultivator couldn't break it quickly!"

After killing Elder Lin, Han Feng turned his attention to An Yuyi. But despite his Nether Flame Triad Transformation, the fragile-looking golden barrier around her didn't budge. Even his Nascent Soul protector, Elder Qin, struck it to no avail, forced to watch An Yuyi sit calmly within.

The black-robed Elder Qin spoke calmly. "Young Master, we should leave. You've obtained Ancestor Lei's heart-refining legacy, perfecting your spiritual sense, and a low-grade Heavenly Nascent Soul technique. Once you break through to Nascent Soul back at the sect, you'll surely form an Immortal Soul, with a path to Deity Transformation ahead. There's no need to waste time on a woman. We're close to Divine Will Sect—their reinforcements could arrive any moment."

Elder Qin sensed something unusual about An Yuyi. A mere Golden Core cultivator with a talisman capable of harming Nascent Soul cultivators and an array disk he couldn't break? Her resources were too extravagant for a Nascent Soul sect's disciple. It was wiser to retreat.

Han Feng's face darkened, his eyes glinting with malice. "This woman nearly killed me—how can I let her off so easily? I want her True Phoenix Treasure Technique and her essence. I'd like to see how long this array can hold. As for the Divine Will Sect's reinforcements? A measly Nascent Soul sect with a dying early Nascent Soul ancestor? Even if he comes himself, what can he do? Elder Qin, with your mid-Nascent Soul strength, killing him would be effortless."

Elder Qin hesitated but nodded. Divine Will Sect posed no real threat, and their early Nascent Soul ancestor was negligible. His real concern was encountering Heavenly Nether Sect's enemies, given their sect's domineering reputation and long list of grudges. But this place was far from Heavenly Nether Sect, and no one knew the Young Master had come for Ancestor Lei's legacy. There seemed little to fear.

Both fell silent, coldly watching An Yuyi, waiting patiently.

An Yuyi, overhearing their conversation, felt a surge of panic. The protector was indeed mid-Nascent Soul.

Half a day passed, her mind in turmoil. Then, a boisterous laugh echoed. "Who dares cause trouble in my Divine Will Sect's domain?"

With a surge of bold aura, the Divine Will Ancestor arrived, riding a massive dragon conjured from spiritual qi. Despite his white hair and beard, his physique was robust, muscles like forged steel, exuding dominance. A single glance sized up the enemies. His spiritual qi dragon roared, charging toward Elder Qin.

He grinned at An Yuyi. "It's been over a decade, Yuyi—you've grown so much! Still remember your old ancestor? I held you when you were little!"

Seeing the Ancestor's confidence, An Yuyi relaxed slightly. She'd heard he was a formidable fighter in his youth, earning a notable reputation. Though a minor realm below his opponent, he should hold his own.

Elder Qin, facing the charging spiritual qi dragon, remained impassive. He pointed a finger, and the dragon exploded. His black robes billowed as he advanced, unleashing a nether qi cage that crashed toward the Divine Will Ancestor.

The Divine Will Ancestor laughed heartily, turning to charge at Elder Qin. "Once I suppress this fool, I'll take you back to the sect!"

His spiritual qi surged like a waterfall, divine light flowing around him. His aura was ferocious, nothing like a man nearing his end. He clashed with Heavenly Nether Sect's Elder Qin in a spectacular battle, spiritual energy roaring and the heavens trembling.

The Ancestor's dominance reassured An Yuyi. Our Divine Will Sect's Ancestor is no pushover! Should she lower the defensive array and strike at Han Feng to suppress him?

But her optimism shattered moments later. In just a few dozen breaths, the Ancestor was blasted from the sky, his robes tattered, blood spilling from his mouth. His body was corroded by nether qi, tinged green, and his aura had plummeted. He was clearly no match for his opponent.

An Yuyi sent a discreet transmission. The array opened a sliver, and the Ancestor slipped inside. Elder Qin noticed but was slowed by a desperate palm strike from the Ancestor, blocked by the array.

Safe within, the Ancestor began expelling the nether qi. An Yuyi's heart sank with despair. After her final words to Ye Chen, she ended the transmission. The enemy was too strong—even the Ancestor couldn't win. Ye Chen coming would only mean his death. With his talent, he'd surely reach Nascent Soul, maybe even Deity Transformation. He and her aunt could avenge her later.

The Ancestor, healing while grumbling, cursed, "Youngsters have no honor! That nether qi even pierced my spiritual treasure. If it was a fair fight, I could've suppressed him despite the realm gap."

"Who were you talking to, Yuyi? Why not call them for help?" he asked.

She shook her head. "The enemy's too strong. He'd die. I don't want him to."

The Ancestor, already poisoned by nether qi, nearly spat blood again, his face greening.

So my life's expendable? My life matters too!

But he was magnanimous, healing as he studied Han Feng and Elder Qin. He transmitted to An Yuyi, "Forget it. You're one of us—dying to save you is my duty. Those two are from Heavenly Nether Sect, right? That kid's talented, their Young Master? When the array weakens, I'll rush out and try to kill him. His Nascent Soul protector will prioritize saving him. You run immediately. Tell your aunt to train hard and avenge me. Heavenly Nether Sect thinks they're untouchable with a Deity Transformation ancestor? Our sect's protective array can hold off a Deity Transformation for half a month. Let's see if their base gets raided while they're out here!"

An Yuyi's eyes reddened, realizing the Ancestor was prepared to die.

He chuckled. "Why cry? Miaoli and Magic Peak Master are both attempting Nascent Soul. Magic Peak's probably doomed, but your aunt will succeed. As long as we have a Nascent Soul, our sect's legacy endures. You were talking to that Ye Chen kid, right? Heard he's strong. I planned to show off a bit to intimidate him and lure him to join us, but no time now. How long can the array hold?"

The array's glow was visibly dimming. An Yuyi's heart sank as she assessed it. "Half an hour."

The Ancestor nodded, swallowing a few pills. "No delays then. Prepare to act…"

He surged up, ready to charge Elder Qin, planning to feint and then strike Han Feng to buy time. But before he could move, a far more terrifying aura approached. A figure at a thousand meters' altitude radiated brilliant golden light, like a blazing sun. Despite the height, its overwhelming presence flattened trees below like dominoes.

The Ancestor's rising aura faltered. Elder Qin and Han Feng narrowed their eyes, on high alert. Only An Yuyi's eyes widened in recognition.

Chapter 302: Strike!

"Senior Brother Ye!"

Ye Chen's speed was blistering, his approach heralded by the crashing of collapsing trees. An Yuyi recognized him instantly, her voice breaking as she called out.

The Divine Will Ancestor raised an eyebrow, observing. "His aura's impressive, and that speed—it's slightly faster than mine. Those wings are extraordinary!"

But An Yuyi's face was etched with worry. "Why did Senior Brother come? That Heavenly Nether Sect elder is too strong—he'll die!"

The Ancestor's mouth twitched.

I nearly got beaten to death just now, and you weren't this concerned. You really don't value my life, do you?

He huffed, speaking gruffly. "Don't worry. I'll hold them off. Let this kid take you and run. With that speed, they won't catch up."

An Yuyi's eyes filled with guilt as she looked at her Ancestor. His plan would mean certain death for him.

The Divine Will Ancestor stood leisurely, preparing to act, even offering her comfort. "No matter. As the Ancestor, it's my duty to protect the sect. I'm old—you're the future of Divine Will Sect. We must kill that Young Master to cripple Heavenly Nether Sect's future."

An Yuyi's eyes reddened further, tears threatening to spill. But in the next moment, both she and the Ancestor's expressions shifted.

Ye Chen, charging in with unstoppable momentum, wasn't targeting Han Feng—he was heading straight for the Heavenly Nether Sect elder. His speed was so blinding that even the Ancestor couldn't react in time.

Han Feng's face darkened. As a self-proclaimed prodigy, he'd nearly been bested by An Yuyi, and now another late Golden Core cultivator approached, radiating an aura that unnerved him. Unacceptable. He sneered, "Elder Qin, suppress this man. I want those wings!"

The wings were clearly extraordinary, granting a mere Golden Core cultivator Nascent Soul-level speed.

Elder Qin, seeing Ye Chen barreling toward him, chuckled. "Young Master, you're truly blessed by the Heavens. I'll tear those wings off for you."

As he spoke, Ye Chen closed the distance. Elder Qin raised a hand, unleashing a gray-black nether qi dragon that roared forth.

Ye Chen didn't even glance at it. His golden wings blazed brighter, his figure a streak of lightning, undeterred. The nether qi dragon was sliced in half by his wings, dissipating into nothingness.

Before Elder Qin could register shock, Ye Chen's speed surged, as if teleporting, appearing right before him. A fist shot out, shrouded in countless dragon shadows, its might earth-shaking.

Elder Qin realized with horror that his defensive spells, spiritual robe, and crown were like paper before this punch. Worse, Ye Chen's eyes emitted a strange force, locking him in place, rendering his escape techniques useless.

In the next moment, under the disbelieving gazes of An Yuyi, the Divine Will Ancestor, and Han Feng, Elder Qin—who had just crushed the Divine Will Ancestor with ease—had his head obliterated by Ye Chen's single punch.

Nascent Soul cultivators, however, had many life-saving techniques. As Qin's headless body exploded, a tiny, infant-like figure shot out, fleeing into the distance. His Nascent Soul was escaping—a standard survival tactic for Nascent Soul cultivators, offering a chance to rebuild a body if it escaped.

Ye Chen didn't move. Opening his mouth, he unleashed a phoenix cry that echoed through the heavens. A torrent of radiant light poured forth, like a river of stars. Qin's Nascent Soul, caught in the deluge, didn't last half a second before vanishing completely.

As the phoenix cry's echoes faded, silence blanketed the battlefield.

The Divine Will Ancestor, who had been gearing up to rescue Ye Chen, froze in place. The Heavenly Nether Sect elder, who nearly killed him moments ago, was obliterated by a Golden Core cultivator in a single exchange? Not even his Nascent Soul escaped?

The Ancestor stood dumbfounded, questioning reality. Watching Ye Chen pull out the Human Emperor Banner and expertly collect Qin's soul, he muttered, "This Ye Chen… really from Green Cloud Sect? So practiced at soul collection—is he secretly from Misty Sect?"

An Yuyi didn't respond. Her eyes, rimmed with tears, fixed on Ye Chen, brimming with admiration and gratitude. The image of him arriving with golden wings, blazing like a meteor, was etched into her memory forever.

Han Feng's hands trembled, his mind reeling. He couldn't fathom what he'd just witnessed. Elder Qin, dead? Killed by a Golden Core cultivator?

Qin was a prodigy of the previous generation, among the strongest of Heavenly Nether Sect's elders, with potential to reach Deity Transformation. Only an accident stalling his cultivation and a promise from Han Feng's father had made him a protector.

With such a guardian, Han Feng believed he was untouchable unless facing a Deity Transformation powerhouse. Yet Elder Qin was gone, his Nascent Soul eradicated. How could a Golden Core be this powerful? Why isn't someone this monstrous a Holy Son in a Holy Land? What's he doing in a trash sect like Divine Will Sect?

Shock and fear consumed him, but Han Feng forced himself to stay calm. Fleeing was futile—he knew he couldn't outrun Ye Chen.

Han Feng fixed his gaze on Ye Chen, speaking earnestly. "My father is the Sect Master of Heavenly Nether Sect, Han Ming, a Deity Transformation powerhouse. I'm his only son. If I die, he'll surely seek vengeance. I admit my fault in this matter, but Elder Qin is already dead. Your Divine Will Sect hasn't suffered losses—on the contrary, I was injured by that woman's attack. Why not let this end here? You wouldn't want to make an enemy of a Deity Transformation cultivator, would you? If it comes to that, not only you but the entire Divine Will Sect will be annihilated. Instead of mutual destruction, let's call it quits."

Ye Chen, still holding the Human Emperor Banner, remained unfazed by the mention of a Deity Transformation cultivator. He glanced at An Yuyi, noting she was unharmed, while Han Feng bore traces of being struck by the True Phoenix Treasure Technique.

Ye Chen wasn't concerned about Heavenly Nether Sect's retaliation, but he couldn't act recklessly. Divine Will Sect was a large organization and might not be eager to provoke such an enemy. It was best to consult them first. He turned his gaze to An Yuyi and the old man beside her, presumably the Divine Will Ancestor.

Catching Ye Chen's look, the Ancestor, still reeling from the earlier shock, broke into a smile. This kid's got manners, respecting the opinion of his senior. A promising lad.

Seeing Ye Chen pause, Han Feng exhaled in relief. Older cultivators always had concerns, and the Divine Will Ancestor would surely prioritize the sect's legacy. He'd likely let him go. Han Feng forced a gentle smile, confident he'd stabilized the situation.

But inwardly, venom festered. Once he returned, he'd beg his father to raze Divine Will Sect. This man, whose mere aura made him tremble, had humiliated him like never before. He vowed to personally tear off those wings and refine Ye Chen into a nether slave, condemning him to eternal torment.

The Divine Will Ancestor smiled at Han Feng.

Han Feng quickly mirrored the smile.

The Ancestor's lips curved. "Kill him!"

Han Feng's eyes widened in disbelief.

The Divine Will Ancestor's unexpected move caught Han Feng off guard, his eyes widening in shock. He roared, "If I die, you'll all die too! My father, who devoted himself to cultivation, only had me forty years ago. The wrath of a Deity Transformation powerhouse is beyond what you can bear. Everyone will pay for my death!"

In the cultivation world, the higher one's realm, the harder it was to sire offspring—rumored to be the Heavenly Dao's way of limiting the proliferation of overly powerful beings.

The Divine Will Ancestor chuckled darkly. "Took that long to have you? Then you're even more deserving of death. I may not beat a Deity Transformation cultivator, but making one feel the pain of losing a son? Worth it." He glanced at Ye Chen. "I overheard—this guy wanted to refine Yuyi into a cauldron."

High in the sky, Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. The Ancestor was sharp and skilled at stoking hatred. Targeting An Yuyi as a cauldron? Unforgivable. Even if the Ancestor had disagreed, Han Feng's fate was sealed.

Realizing his doom, Han Feng dropped all pretense, his face twisted with venom as he glared at Ye Chen. His body surged forward like lightning, spiritual qi erupting with a dangerous aura.

The Ancestor's expression shifted—Han Feng was about to self-detonate his Golden Core.

But Ye Chen's eyes swirled with chaotic qi, calmly meeting Han Feng's gaze. Han Feng's face paled. His body froze, uncontrollable, and his surging Golden Core instantly stilled.

What power was this? He couldn't even self-detonate?

Han Feng's eyes brimmed with disbelief.

Ye Chen smiled faintly, sweeping the Human Emperor Banner. Han Feng was sucked inside, where countless vengeful souls tore into his flesh, devouring him. In moments, only bones remained. His soul would suffer eternal torment within the banner.