ISWI Chapter 292-293

Chapter 292: There's No Such Thing as a Non-Sellable Item!

An Yuyi's talent was impressive in its own right, and now, as a Golden Core cultivator with a Grand Elder as her aunt, her status in the Divine Will Sect was far from ordinary.

Ye Chen, however, was on another level entirely. In the Great Chu Empire, he'd effortlessly crushed the Champion King, a figure capable of battling Nascent Soul cultivators. His talent had even earned praise from the Heavenly Evolution Holy Son, Hua Yunfei, a peak Deity Transformation powerhouse—an undeniable mark of a top-tier prodigy.

When the two arrived at Magic Peak, they were received with utmost respect. Soon, they met the Magic Peak Master.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist An, Fellow Daoist Ye…"

The Peak Master was an elderly man. Though his eyes sparkled with vitality, his physical body showed clear signs of decline, tinged with an air of twilight. When he looked at Ye Chen, his expression carried a mix of emotions. At less than fifty years old, Ye Chen had already reached the peak of the Golden Core stage—an achievement that took the Peak Master 270 years.

In youth, everyone dreams of being the protagonist of their own legend, charging toward immortality with boundless ambition. But by middle age, after facing resource shortages, weak techniques, and stagnant cultivation, most realize they're not prodigies—just slightly above average. Seeing a true genius like Ye Chen stirred a mix of envy, jealousy, and resignation in the Peak Master's heart.

After exchanging greetings, they sat down. The Peak Master smiled and asked, "May I know the purpose of your visit, Fellow Daoists?"

An Yuyi, skeptical about the outcome, hesitated to speak. Ye Chen, however, got straight to the point with a smile. "I heard that Fellow Daoist obtained a Spiritual Soul Fruit. I'm on the verge of breaking through to Nascent Soul, but my spiritual sense is just shy of perfection. If I could refine a Spiritual Soul Fruit, my chances of forming a Nascent Soul would greatly improve. So, I've come to ask if you might be willing to part with it."

The Peak Master's brow furrowed, and he shot a stern glance at his son standing behind him. He'd acquired the Spiritual Soul Fruit by chance while helping his son slay a demonic beast—a fact only his son knew. Clearly, the boy had let it slip.

The son, catching his father's glare, flinched and cast a resentful look at An Yuyi.

An Yuyi lowered her head, embarrassed.

Ye Chen observed the scene, feeling a pang of pity for the young man. Such was the fate of a simp—pouring his heart out for a girl, only for her to turn around and offer his secrets to her idol. The goddess one idolizes might just be another's simp.

The Peak Master quickly regained his composure and smiled at Ye Chen. "Fellow Daoist Ye, I do indeed have a Spiritual Soul Fruit. But I need it for my Nascent Soul breakthrough, so I'm afraid I can't help you."

His refusal was swift and resolute.

Ye Chen, however, smiled lightly. "Why not hear my offer first, Peak Master?"

The Peak Master shook his head. "I know you're wealthy, Fellow Daoist Ye. Your store has quite a reputation in Divine Will City—I've even bought top-grade pills there myself. But you must understand how crucial a breakthrough is to a cultivator. The Spiritual Soul Fruit is my only shot at forming a Nascent Soul. In the cultivation world, we fight for every chance, no matter how slim. So, please, don't try to persuade me—I won't give up my hope of breaking through."

An Yuyi shook her head inwardly. She'd predicted this outcome. The Magic Peak Master was set on his final attempt to break through to Nascent Soul, his resolve unshakable. He'd left no room for negotiation, shutting down Ye Chen's request outright. This wasn't something spirit stones could solve.

To the Peak Master, the Spiritual Soul Fruit was non-negotiable—no amount of spirit stones, not even a mountain of them, would sway him. Without breaking through, he had only a few years left. What use were riches then?

But Ye Chen just smiled faintly. Was there truly such a thing as a non-sellable item? If someone refused to sell, it only meant the offer wasn't tempting enough.

Unfazed by the Peak Master's stance, Ye Chen spoke with a warm smile. "Fellow Daoist's dedication to forming a Nascent Soul and pursuing the Dao is admirable. I wouldn't dream of asking you to give up. On the contrary, I'd like to help you succeed."

The Peak Master froze, caught off guard.

Ye Chen reached into his storage bracelet and produced a pill. "This is an ancient Tyrant Body Pill, a fourth-grade elixir. Upon consumption, it can surge your physical vitality for a full year."

The Peak Master's eyes lit up. He'd heard of the Tyrant Body Pill, a legendary elixir from ancient times, coveted by aging cultivators seeking breakthroughs. It could revitalize a waning body, significantly boosting the odds of success.

But its main ingredient was nearly extinct, and as a fourth-grade pill, it was practically a myth. Yet here was Ye Chen, holding one. Its value was beyond measure, especially for someone like him, whose body was failing. Even Nascent Soul or Deity Transformation cultivators would be tempted. It was arguably more precious than the Spiritual Soul Fruit.

The Peak Master's face betrayed his longing, but he hesitated. For a Nascent Soul breakthrough, spiritual sense was paramount. Without the Spiritual Soul Fruit, his spiritual sense wouldn't reach perfection, rendering the Tyrant Body Pill insufficient. Still, with it, his chances would improve dramatically. He couldn't help but ask, "Fellow Daoist, you're young and have time. Would you consider parting with this pill? In my travels, I once acquired a—"

Before he could finish, Ye Chen waved a hand, cutting him off. "No need to rush, Fellow Daoist. I'm not done."

He produced a spiritual talisman, its surface shimmering with intricate Dao patterns and an air of profound mystery. The Peak Master stared, then his pupils shrank as realization hit. "Is this… the Holy Infant Talisman from Heavenly Intention Holy Land?"

Ye Chen nodded with a smile. "Indeed, it's the Holy Infant Talisman from Heavenly Intention Holy Land. They're exceedingly rare—I was fortunate to obtain one. It can boost the odds of forming a Nascent Soul by twenty percent, making it the most effective breakthrough aid in existence."

Great Yan Continent had three Holy Lands, Heavenly Evolution among them. The Holy Infant Talisman required complex materials and was fiendishly difficult to craft, so even within the Holy Land, they were scarce. To see one in the outside world was almost unthinkable. The Peak Master hadn't expected Ye Chen to possess such a treasure.

Now, he was truly tempted. But without the Spiritual Soul Fruit to perfect his spiritual sense, even the Holy Infant Talisman wouldn't guarantee success. Spiritual sense-enhancing treasures were rare, and time was not on his side. With a regretful shake of his head, he said, "I appreciate your sincerity, Fellow Daoist, but the Spiritual Soul Fruit is…"

Ye Chen didn't let the Peak Master finish. With a calm flourish, he produced a third item. "This is a Clarity Jade. I'm sure Fellow Daoist has heard of it. It sharpens the mind and greatly enhances spiritual sense—its effects are even stronger than the Spiritual Soul Fruit."

The Peak Master's eyes locked onto the jade stone, shimmering as if it held a pool of clear water. He knew of the Clarity Jade; its ability to boost spiritual sense surpassed even the Spiritual Soul Fruit. But the Spiritual Soul Fruit worked faster, fully refining in half a month, and rumors suggested it could boost Nascent Soul formation odds if used within a month.

He stared at the three treasures floating before Ye Chen—each one vital to his breakthrough. His heart ached. Any one of them would be invaluable, but trading for just one wouldn't suffice. Without the Spiritual Soul Fruit, his spiritual sense wouldn't reach perfection. He needed at least two, if not all three, but the thought alone made him smile bitterly. Even the least valuable of Ye Chen's offerings outshone the Spiritual Soul Fruit. A one-for-one trade was already a steal—how could he dream of two or three?

After a long, reluctant gaze at the treasures, the Peak Master sighed. "Fellow Daoist Ye, your sincerity is overwhelming, but I truly can't agree. Please, take them back."

To his surprise, Ye Chen glanced at him and began to retract the items. "I didn't expect that even these three treasures together wouldn't sway you, Fellow Daoist. Your resolve is admirable. Let's consider this matter closed—my apologies for the disturbance."

"What?"

Three gasps echoed in the hall.

Three for one?

The Peak Master, fearing Ye Chen might change his mind, moved like lightning, pulling a jade box from his storage ring and thrusting it toward Ye Chen. "Fellow Daoist Ye, I'm willing!"

...

On the way back, Ye Chen toyed with the jade box, a faint smile on his lips. Beside him, An Yuyi's expression flickered between shock and heartache. She was stunned that Ye Chen had actually secured the Spiritual Soul Fruit, but the cost—three priceless treasures—pained her.

Ye Chen, however, showed no regret, only anticipation. He had over a dozen Tyrant Body Pills, hundreds of Holy Infant Talismans from system rewards, and the Clarity Jade, a recent acquisition, was useless to him and couldn't be gifted again. Trading them for a Spiritual Soul Fruit that might yield a Shakyamuni Fruit was an absolute bargain.

As he'd always believed, there was no such thing as a non-sellable item. If something couldn't be bought, the offer simply wasn't good enough. One day, he might even buy an entire Holy Land. Was the trade a loss? For someone with a system like his, such concerns were irrelevant. Early breakthroughs and greater strength were worth more than anything.

Money was never the goal—just a means to an end. Hoarding resources without purpose was meaningless, a lesson many from his past life on Earth failed to grasp, becoming slaves to wealth.

"Senior Brother, was it really worth paying such a huge price for a Spiritual Soul Fruit?" An Yuyi asked, curiosity tinged with concern. "Is there some technique you're practicing that requires it?"

Ye Chen smiled. "Senior An is at the peak of Golden Core, with her spiritual sense nearing its limit. The Spiritual Soul Fruit can be refined in half a month and boosts Nascent Soul formation odds. Saving time to help her break through faster is absolutely worth it."

An Yuyi's eyes widened. Ye Chen had paid such a steep price… for her aunt? Her heart swirled with conflicting emotions. She admired Ye Chen even more—how many cultivators would go to such lengths for the woman they loved? She was happy for her aunt, but a pang of sadness hit her. Ye Chen's heart belonged to An Miaoli, and she was just tagging along.

Noticing her dejection, Ye Chen smiled warmly. An Yuyi was only at the early Golden Core stage, far from even mid-stage, let alone forming a Nascent Soul. She had no urgent need for spiritual sense-enhancing items, so gifting the Spiritual Soul Fruit to An Miaoli was the better choice. But with An Yuyi's multiplier now at two hundred and capable of critical hits, boosting her cultivation could make future gifting more rewarding.

He patted her head gently. "Don't feel down. When it's your turn to form a Nascent Soul, I'll prepare just as well for you."

His tender words warmed An Yuyi's heart, her eyes sparkling with emotion.

Senior Brother is just too kind.

Chapter 293: Is This a Holy Land?

With a delighted An Yuyi by his side, Ye Chen arrived at An Miaoli's cave abode. Shortly after, An Miaoli opened the entrance, inviting them in.

It was clear that her cultivation of the Sword Peng Heart Refining Art had brought her spiritual sense close to perfection. Her presence grew even more ethereal, serene, and fairy-like, as if she were a true immortal.

"Senior, it seems you'll break through soon," Ye Chen said calmly, presenting the Spiritual Soul Fruit he'd just acquired. "This is for you."

An Miaoli glanced at the fruit and shook her head, ready to decline. "I've been at the peak of Golden Core for some time, and my spiritual sense is only two months from true perfection. This would be a waste on me. Keep it for yourself, Fellow Daoist Ye."

Ye Chen didn't retract the offer, instead smiling gently. "Breaking through even a bit earlier is always worthwhile. Please accept it, Senior An."

An Miaoli still felt it was excessive, but An Yuyi, clinging to her aunt's arm, chimed in. "Aunt, take it! This is Senior Brother's heartfelt gesture. You don't know how much he sacrificed to get this Spiritual Soul Fruit. He traded a Tyrant Body Pill, a Holy Infant Talisman, and a Clarity Jade—three treasures—just to secure it from the Magic Peak Master, all so you could break through sooner."

An Yuyi's words spared Ye Chen the need to boast. It sounded better coming from someone else, avoiding the air of self-praise. He mentally gave her a thumbs-up.

An Miaoli's red forehead mole flickered as her gaze settled on Ye Chen, a hint of wonder in her eyes. She hadn't expected him to go to such lengths—paying an exorbitant price—just to help her break through faster. It was a staggering loss, yet he'd done it to secure the perfect treasure for her. His sincerity touched her deeply. Refusing would be a disservice to his intentions.

With a nod, she accepted the jade box. "In that case, thank you, Fellow Daoist Ye."

Ye Chen waved off her thanks, his face beaming with a smile. At that moment, a system prompt echoed in his mind.

"Congratulations, Host, for successfully gifting an item!"

"Gift: Spiritual Soul Fruit!"

"Processing feedback…"

"Two-hundredfold feedback in progress…"

"Detected Host's gifted item…"

"Critical reward triggered!"

"Reward: Shakyamuni Fruit!"

His efforts had paid off. The Shakyamuni Fruit, a treasure so rare it was barely a whisper outside Buddhist Holy Lands, had finally been obtained. With it, he could perfect the Shakyamuni Heart Refining Art in just half a year and begin his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

Buoyed by his success, Ye Chen's gaze softened as he looked at An Miaoli and An Yuyi. Senior An had always been reliable, consistently triggering critical rewards. An Yuyi, too, had turned over a new leaf. Once immature, she now not only triggered critical hits but also played the perfect wingman.

An Miaoli's aptitude needed a boost to ensure she remained a viable gifting target after reaching Nascent Soul, especially in the unpredictable environment of a Holy Land.

As for An Yuyi, her cultivation was still too low. A little help would go a long way—otherwise, her low realm would limit her to receiving only minor treasures, useful only for occasional spirit stone grinding.

Ye Chen's gentle gaze made An Miaoli's thoughts wander. Clearly, he was hinting at another detoxification session. She turned to An Yuyi. "Yuyi, these are my insights from studying Phoenix Cry. Take them and practice the technique. I need to discuss some matters with Fellow Daoist Ye regarding the Nascent Soul breakthrough."

An Yuyi pouted, casting a reluctant glance at Ye Chen before taking the jade slip and preparing to leave.

But Ye Chen waved a hand. "Hold on, don't go just yet. I have something to show both of you. It's highly confidential and must not be shared. If you're willing, please use these Heart Command Talismans."

Emotionally, he trusted An Miaoli not to betray him, and An Yuyi was likely the same. But human hearts were fickle. His small world, along with treasures like Soul-Swaying Mountain and the Star Pool, could tempt even Deity Transformation or Unity cultivators. A precaution was necessary.

An Yuyi didn't hesitate, immediately activating the Heart Command Talisman. An Miaoli smiled, unbothered by the implication of mistrust, and gracefully activated hers with a pulse of spiritual energy.

Instantly, Ye Chen sensed a subtle, profound connection form between him and the two women. Their curious gazes fixed on him, eager to know what could make someone who casually gifted the True Phoenix Treasure Technique so cautious.

Seeing their cooperation, Ye Chen smiled. "I'm taking you somewhere. Don't resist."

He raised both hands, directing one arm toward each woman.

In the next moment, their expressions shifted. A strange force enveloped them, pulling them as if toward a unique realm.

"It feels like a teleportation array activating…" An Miaoli remarked calmly, her heart free of resistance. To her, Ye Chen was the last person who would harm her. As for her niece? Reflecting on Yuyi's behavior since meeting Ye Chen, An Miaoli wasn't entirely sure she could be trusted. But no matter—she had no worries.

An Yuyi, meanwhile, trusted Ye Chen unconditionally.

A moment later, their vision went dark. When light returned, their eyes widened in astonishment.

They had been in the cave abode moments ago, but now they floated in midair. The sight before them was breathtaking.

It was an entire world.

Above, Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining immortal cranes soared in formation across the sky. In a vast lake below, spiritual fish leaped from the water. The surroundings brimmed with spiritual herbs and medicines, while gentle demonic beasts roamed freely. The world wasn't vast, but it pulsed with vibrant life.

What shocked the women most was the center of the realm: thirty-six towering peaks floated majestically in the air, adorned with countless grand palaces. The central peak, rising at least ten thousand meters, was the most striking. Waterfalls cascaded from its slopes, shimmering like a galaxy descending from the heavens.

Even An Miaoli, seasoned and worldly, was momentarily speechless. An Yuyi, wide-eyed, stammered, "Aunt, even a Holy Land couldn't compare to this, could it?"

An Miaoli nodded solemnly in agreement.

At that moment, Ye Chen appeared beside them. Gazing at the majestic thirty-six floating peaks, he couldn't suppress a smile.

Previously, he'd gifted the Champion King's mansion from Li Feihuang to the little demoness, expecting little in return. But perhaps because he'd mentioned something about a "wedding house," it triggered a critical reward: these thirty-six floating peaks.

Not just the peaks themselves—each came fully equipped with buildings and arrays, ready for cultivators to move in. Their addition elevated his small world to a new level.

Upon returning from Great Chu, Ye Chen had transferred the spiritual plants and beasts Sun Ye collected into the world, creating the paradisiacal scene before them.