ISWI Chapter 540-542

Chapter 540: Immortal Weapon!

Hearing the fiancée's parting words, Ye Chen felt something odd. This way of expressing longing seemed familiar, but he brushed it aside. His system chimed:

"Congratulations, host, gift successful!"

"Gift: Extreme Dao Weapon, Moon Palace!"

"2,500x feedback in progress…"

"Detected: Gift is highly significant to the recipient…"

"Critical hit triggered!"

"Reward: Immortal Weapon, Undying Heavenly Blade!"

Ye Chen's eyes lit up. An immortal weapon—finally his! Though unusable now, as even quasi-immortals could barely wield them, possessing one was another matter. Immortal weapons were why holy lands and ancient clans stood unshaken for eons. Hard to wield, but paired with arrays, their aura crushed foes, ensuring survival through weak eras. Even Great Saints couldn't withstand their might. Their importance was undeniable. But whose was the Undying Heavenly Blade?

Ye Chen frowned, reading on: "Undying Heavenly Blade: Immortal weapon forged by the Myriad Races' Undying Heavenly Sovereign, immensely powerful."

Myriad Races' Sovereign?

Ye Chen was stunned. In their prime, the Myriad Races' strongest were called Sovereigns, elite among True Immortals. The Undying Heavenly Sovereign, after the Heavenly Emperor's ascension, descended from the Immortal Realm to kill him. That battle was brutal—the Emperor's body shattered repeatedly, barely suppressing him.

The Sovereign, realizing defeat, fled through a heavenly gate, half his body crossing before being obliterated. His weapon, per the Emperor, vanished in the temporal chaos. The Sovereign's terror was clear, and his immortal weapon was extraordinary.

Ye Chen peered into his inner world. A bronze ancient coffin floated in the void, exuding desolation. Below, a golden staff with dragon patterns—the Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod—and a sword brimming with great killing aura—the Heavenly Emperor Sword—stood prominent.

Now, a divine blade joined them: the Undying Heavenly Blade. Its ferocious pressure flooded the inner world, wild and murderous, unsettling even his immortal roots.

Ye Chen marveled at its ferocity—worthy of a Myriad Races Sovereign's weapon. But the bronze coffin quivered, and the blade's aura instantly retracted, settling humbly beneath, radiating simple immortal light.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. This bronze coffin was something else, making even an immortal weapon submit. Satisfied, he withdrew his mind, deeply content.

Seeing the immortal weapon up close, Ye Chen realized its terror surpassed his imagination—capable of annihilating heavens and earth, akin to a protective nuclear arsenal in the cultivation world. Owning one was a massive boon for the future.

The only pity was he couldn't use it yet. Even Extreme Dao Weapons were currently out of reach, a real shame. Otherwise, wielding an Extreme Dao Weapon in the Unity realm against foes limited to Dao Weapons would be like cutting vegetables—a dimensional slaughter. A dream for most cultivators, but not impossible.

The Armament Secret, among the Nine Secrets, was the supreme art for weapon control. Mastered, it allowed perfect command of all divine weapons. At higher levels, it could briefly manipulate an opponent's weapon or even living beings. At its peak, with the right chance, it could seize an opponent's weapon—even Extreme Dao Weapons or immortal ones. Most crucially, it enabled wielding higher-tier weapons early.

Normally, cultivators used weapons matching their realm—stronger ones were hard to control and less effective. But the Armament Secret reduced the cost, allowing near-perfect use of advanced weapons, like Extreme Dao Weapons in late Unity or Immortal Weapons in the Mahayana realm. This was its magic.

Thus, Ye Chen craved the Armament Secret most—it could massively boost his combat power. Last time, gifting Senior An the incomplete Movement Secret yielded two Nine Secrets. Now, with the fiancée's incomplete Healing Secret, the right opportunity might trigger the Armament Secret. He was brimming with anticipation.

This Great Shang Immortal City trip was a jackpot: an immortal weapon, the Devouring Heaven Demon Art, and the Healing Secret fragment—pure profit. As for ambushing the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, Ye Chen took it seriously, planning to discuss it with the Holy Master. The Demon Art was terrifying; though fearless, he couldn't let Ying Tiansheng grow unchecked. It was time to act. Plus, the fiancée gave too much—he couldn't refuse.

Ye Chen left Great Shang without incident and returned to the Holy Land, immediately seeking the Holy Master. The Holy Master had excelled in the Great Yang Dynasty ruins ambush, killing many with ease, making him ideal for this.

At Cloud Summit Heaven Palace, Ye Chen briefed him on the ambush plan. Yi Qingwu advised against going early—both sides, including the First Nether Son, were likely prepared and would clash first. Heavenly Evolution Holy Land should wait, letting them exhaust each other, then strike to wipe them out.

Feng Baiyu raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "So, you're teaming up with Ying Tiansheng's fiancée to secretly kill him?"

Ye Chen, mid-tactic, froze as the Holy Master's words hit. He'd felt something off but hadn't dwelled on it. Now, it clicked!

Chapter 541: Senior Brother Will Definitely Be Happy!

Ye Chen was initially a bit worried. But then it hit him. Hadn't he already killed Ying Tiansheng's younger brother?

Oh, well, no issue then. Ye Chen didn't bother arguing with the Holy Master. He and the fiancée had a clear conscience.

After Ye Chen spoke, Feng Baiyu raised an eyebrow. "I don't doubt that Yi Qingwu. After all, you two are… deeply in love. I trust your taste in women, so let's assume she's not trying to screw you over. But the Heavenly Intention Holy Son? How do you know he hasn't caught on to you two? What if this is a trap set just for you?

All that talk of the First Nether Son or Fifth Nether Maiden could be fake. Maybe they just want to kill you. And while they're at it, deal a heavy blow to our Heavenly Evolution Holy Land! Yi Qingwu tipping you off? Could be she's doing it right under their noses."

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. Okay, that wasn't impossible. After all, as a man, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son probably wanted him dead most, especially with the fiancée constantly stirring things up. So, what now? Ignore it?

Ye Chen glanced at his Holy Master.

Feng Baiyu grinned. "We're going. If they really start fighting, that's good for us. If we can take out a few of their Supreme Elders, Heavenly Intention Holy Land will be crippled for millennia. We'll stay hidden, far away. No casualties, we don't move. Unless a few Mahayana cultivators fall, we stay put. I'll call more Supreme Elders out of seclusion. The more, the better. If we spot an opportunity, we send half our forces—check for ambushes first. Oh, and here's an idea: secretly set up a killing formation. If there's an ambush, our vanguard retreats, luring them into the trap…"

Feng Baiyu schemed battle plans. Ye Chen listened briefly, already sensing the Holy Master's cunning. He cupped his fists, acknowledged the brilliance, and bolted.

Back from Great Shang Immortal City after a week, it was time to deliver gifts. First, the Healing Secret. The recipient? Senior An, naturally. Since Senior An gained the Seven Extremes Immortal Body from a remnant soul, her multiplier hit 2,000. With critical hits, she wouldn't disappoint.

But on the flight over, Ye Chen recalled the Fifth Nether Maiden. She had the Nether God Body. Seemed pretty strong. Maybe her multiplier was high too?

Ye Chen, kind-hearted as ever, couldn't bear to see someone caught in a plot and die unjustly. So, should he sneak a peek beforehand? Check if she's a good woman. How to judge? Over 2,000, she qualifies. Below that? No real value to him now.

…

Above the Endless Sea, a figure in a black robe, concealing her entire body, revealed only a pair of bare feet, strikingly fair and translucent. Spiritual bells hung on her ankles, jingling pleasantly with each step. As she neared Great Yan Continent, her steps grew lighter, the bells ringing with joy.

This was Su Yuxuan, the Fifth Nether Maiden of the Nether God Holy Land. Nominally fifth, but in truth, second. She was one of only two with the Nether God Body. Once she broke through to the Unity realm, she could vie for the title of First Nether Maiden.

"So happy?"

A female voice echoed in Su Yuxuan's mind. Su Yuxuan nodded without hesitation, replying through transmission.

"Master was right. It's been over a decade since we parted in the Great Chu Dynasty. Senior Brother will be thrilled to see me. I'm even tempted. Based on the news, the Three Yin True Water won't fully form for another month. With that time, I could make a round trip to Heavenly Evolution Holy Land!"

Her master, Manjusaka, sighed helplessly. After all these years, Su Yuxuan still couldn't forget Ye Chen. But Manjusaka didn't try to persuade her otherwise. After all, Su Yuxuan's heart and eyes were gifts from Ye Chen. Even a golden core. Those gifts brought her endless benefits, enabling her to ascend to the Nether God Body, seize opportunities, and advance rapidly. Her attachment to Ye Chen was only natural. Not to mention, Ye Chen was now the Heavenly Emperor's heir, capable of crushing a Star River King Body with ease. Even Manjusaka was quietly amazed by him.

Still, she spoke seriously. "Head to the Three Yin True Water's birthplace first. The world's environment is harsh now; it's increasingly rare. We've searched for five years without a trace. It's a key material for refining my body, with no substitute. So, secure it first. As for Ye Chen, meet him later. If you see him now, you two will be inseparable for at least a week."

Manjusaka valued the Three Yin True Water highly. After five years of searching, she'd only recently bought information from a secretive source. Missing this chance could mean an indefinite wait.

Su Yuxuan, unfazed, let out a bell-like laugh. "Senior Brother's always full of tricks, so it takes a bit longer… but Master's right. Let's secure the Three Yin True Water first."

Though a little devilish, Su Yuxuan wasn't heartless. She knew her priorities.

Manjusaka smiled, satisfied, but couldn't resist a warning. "Men are no good. Ye Chen's strong, but no different… Masters, senior sisters, others' fiancée, even elders' orphans—he spares no one. Now, as the Heavenly Emperor's heir, he might've forgotten you already. Trust me, men are unreliable. Only women can truly help women…"

Used to her master's daily anti-man rants, Su Yuxuan just nodded along. "Mhm, mhm, mhm…" Then, locking onto her destination, she floated off with light steps.

She wasn't too worried about securing the Three Yin True Water. With her formidable strength and a Mahayana-stage protector assigned by the Nether God Holy Land, success was certain. Once this was settled, she'd find Senior Brother. Let him experience the moves she'd practiced in her spare time.

Su Yuxuan wasn't kidding. Her feet, now as nimble as a second pair of hands, were extraordinarily agile. They'd surely leave an unforgettable impression on her quirk-loving Senior Brother.

…

As Su Yuxuan neared the Three Yin True Water's birthplace, many lips curled into smiles… but they didn't act yet. Instead, they waited, as planned, for the water to fully form…

Chapter 542: I Miss the Little Demoness Too!

Ye Chen didn't know the little demoness had returned. He was about to gift the fragment of the Healing Secret to Senior An, eager for the rewards. The Seven Extremes Immortal Body was extraordinary. With Ye Chen's gifts of cultivation resources like Enlightenment Tea, An Miaoli's progress was swift. While Ye Chen broke through to the Unity realm, An Miaoli reached the late Deity Transformation stage.

Upon meeting, Ye Chen didn't hesitate to pass her the Three Charms Unity Method. The method left An Miaoli wide-eyed with shock. But that was just the start. One wave hadn't settled before another rose!

Soon, Ye Chen gently tapped her forehead. Instantly, the Healing Secret fragment flooded into her mind like a torrent. Only then did he speak. "This Healing Secret can instantly heal all injuries and restore the body. I'm giving it to you, Senior An. Please cultivate it well and stay safe!"

This time, An Miaoli was truly stunned. After the Movement Secret, this was the second of the Nine Secrets Ye Chen had given her. The Nine Secrets were priceless, rare even to find one. They were the pinnacle of the cultivation world.

Yet Ye Chen not only obtained two but gave them to her without hesitation. One for speed, one for healing—both to ensure her safety. It showed how much he cared about her well-being, unwilling to let her face danger. Their relationship had already crossed every line, proper or not.

At this point, An Miaoli wouldn't refuse. Her conscience was clear. Her cool, fairy-like face was full of sincerity as she thanked him. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Ye!"

Ye Chen smiled. "No need for formalities with me, Senior."

As he spoke, a system prompt sounded in his mind.

"Congratulations, host, for a successful gift!"

"Gift: Healing Secret fragment!"

"Processing 2,000x feedback."

"Detected: The gift is highly significant to the recipient, causing intense emotional fluctuations…"

"Critical hit triggered!"

"Rewards: Full Healing Secret!"

"Rewards: Full Armament Secret!"

"Rewards: Immortal Longevity Venerable's complete insights on the Healing Secret."

"Rewards: Immeasurable Immortal Venerable's complete insights on the Armament Secret."

"Healing Secret: Created by Longevity Heavenly Venerable, a sacred healing art that instantly restores injuries. At its peak, it can heal even origin wounds and, if mastered, greatly extends lifespan!"

"Armament Secret: Created by Immeasurable Immortal Venerable, a weapon-refining art that vastly enhances refining skills. With sufficient cultivation, it allows control of all weapons, maximizing their power! At the late Unity realm, one can wield Extreme Dao Weapons. At Mahayana Seventh Heaven, one can barely control Immortal Weapons…"

Seeing the system's feedback, Ye Chen's face lit up with joy. Senior An was, as expected, incredible. Since her multiplier hit 2,000, her returns were phenomenal. Even a standard critical hit turned one fragment into two full secrets. And it included the Armament Secret, exactly what he wanted most.

With this, once he reached the late Unity realm, he could wield the Heavenly Emperor Sword and start slashing. Others used Dao Weapons; he'd use Extreme Dao Weapons.

Lost in thoughts of wielding Extreme Dao or even Immortal Weapons, Ye Chen suddenly sensed something off. Looking down, he found Senior An had lowered her head, diligently "detoxifying" him.

This…

He'd planned to give her the full Healing Secret and share the digested insights. How did they jump straight to this?

Feeling his gaze, An Miaoli, careful not to brush against him, lifted her head naturally, looking at Ye Chen to see what he wanted.

Ye Chen: "…"

Senior An's composure was truly remarkable. Though she was detoxifying, when she looked up, it was as if her cultivation had been interrupted.

"Senior, I only gave you the first half of the Healing Secret, along with my insights. I haven't given you the rest! How about we handle the important stuff first?"

An Miaoli, bending gracefully with her hands still in place, shook her head lightly. Her cool, fairy-like face showed no interest, calmly stating, "We'll discuss that later! When I follow you to the Immortal Realm, I may face my original body and meet misfortune. So, before you reach the Quasi-Immortal Realm, we must leave an heir to accompany Yuyi. Getting familiar now is only natural, so don't overthink it. Let's keep a clear conscience!"

Ye Chen: "…"

Familiar? Us? But with Senior An so at ease, what could he do? Follow her lead and keep a clear conscience, of course.

…

Over the next half-month, Ye Chen, guided by the insights of Immortal Longevity Venerable and Immeasurable Immortal Venerable, rapidly mastered the Healing and Armament Secrets.

Cultivating the Healing Secret, he felt his body's life essence surge with vitality. With deeper mastery, it might truly extend his lifespan. The Armament Secret, though profound, was fundamentally a weapon-refining art, advancing Ye Chen's crafting skills.

For instance, future spiritual silk treasures for Senior An would be smoother, thinner than cicada wings, and more versatile. His understanding of weapons also grew stronger. Now, he could not only maximize a weapon's power but even overdraw it for greater effect if needed. These undeniably boosted his combat strength.

Feeling his newfound power, Ye Chen was deeply satisfied. He didn't gift the Devouring Heaven Demon Art. From the incomplete Nine Secrets obtained from the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, Ye Chen could tell his lineage was flawed. Ying Tiansheng's status was likely low. Besides, Ying Tiansheng could devour others' origins—couldn't others devour him too?

Ye Chen even suspected that, even without his intervention, Ying Tiansheng wouldn't live long. The technique likely had a backdoor. Moreover, neither Senior An nor Lin Qingtan's temperament suited such a devouring method. Ye Chen thought the little demoness might be a good fit, though. If he gifted it to her, the critical hit might yield a way to resolve its hidden flaws.

Thinking of the little demoness brought memories of her bells and dainty feet. Ye Chen felt a pang of longing. Where had she gone? Why no letters? That woman, taking his golden core and running off—truly heartless.