ISWI Chapter 533-536

Chapter 533: The Fifth Nether Maiden!

Back at the Holy Land, Ye Chen didn't linger with Senior An or Elder Lin, heading straight to his cave dwelling to enter seclusion. With the Triple Charms Unity Method in hand and all preparations complete, he seized the moment to break into the Unity.

Sitting cross-legged, shadows of the Enlightenment Tea Tree, Fusang Divine Tree, and Moon Laurel Immortal Tree emerged behind him, casting endless divine radiance over his body.

Activating the Triple Charms Unity Method, his aura shifted, undergoing a profound transformation.

Yin and Yang Qi began merging, birthing his domain. Each cultivator's domain varied, shaped by their cultivated Dao, techniques, and the depth of their Yin-Yang Qi.

With sufficient foundation, a Domain Divine Ability could awaken. Ye Chen's Yin-Yang foundation was beyond what most cultivators could fathom, making him eager to discover his domain's wonders. Thus, he entered deep seclusion.

With the Triple Charms Unity Method, Yin-Yang Dao Sea, and Extreme Dao Dantian, his fusion speed was astonishingly fast. His momentum surged at an incredible rate.

…

Ye Chen's prior victory over the Heavenly Intention Holy Son wasn't widely recognized in the Central Continent, but crushing the Star River King Body across realms sparked massive discussion and awe.

Chen Lingxiao, the Star River King Body, was renowned in the Central Continent, only slightly inferior to the First Nether Son, narrowly missing the top ten prodigies.

No weakling, yet Ye Chen, the Heavenly Emperor's heir, easily suppressed him across realms, proving his formidable strength—likely top five in combat power. Central Continent's doubts about him vanished.

The Star River Clan became a hot topic, quickly replacing their fallen divine son, prompting speculation: would they repeat history, with three divine sons falling and no successors left?

In a Central Continent secret realm, the robust Heavenly Intention Holy Son stood calmly in the void. With a shudder and satisfied sigh, he casually shattered the drained body of a second-rate prodigy.

Amid swirling blood mist, he exuded an invincible aura. Now at mid-Unity realm, his greatest change wasn't his cultivation but his origin, bolstered by relentless hunting and Heavenly Intention Holy Land's covert support with dead powerhouses' origins. His origin had grown several times stronger, faint Chaos Qi swirling within him.

Though far from an Acquired Chaos Body, he was deeply satisfied. Compared to his last clash with Ye Chen, he'd improved tenfold. With the complete Healing Secret, even against Ye Chen's overpowering Heaven and Earth Manifestation, he wouldn't be helpless, recovering swiftly. Next time, he'd make Ye Chen pay. Scanning confidently, he prepared to leave the secret realm—a trap he'd set to hunt prodigies, yielding a rich harvest.

Outside, a black-robed figure with surging Nether qi calmly watched him. Ying Tiansheng, unsurprised, smiled. "First Nether Son, what brings you here?"

It was none other than the First Nether Son of Nether God Holy Land. Ying Tiansheng had once lured him to this realm and attacked, only to lose. Though his intentions were exposed, the First Nether Son didn't turn hostile. Instead, they cooperated, jointly slaying several prodigies. But the Heavenly Intention Holy Son stayed wary. His recent strength surge fueled greed.

The First Nether Son, ranked tenth among Central Continent's prodigies, possessed the Nether God Body, rumored to open a channel to the underworld, wielding terrifying power. To Ying Tiansheng, he was a valuable "great medicine." But with the Nether Son's many trump cards and unseen innate Divine Ability, Ying Tiansheng wouldn't act without certainty.

The First Nether Son spoke calmly, "Our holy land's Fifth Nether Maiden has been seeking Three Yin True Water. I know a spot near the Great Yan Continent, in the Endless Sea, where it's forming—complete in half a year. I'll inform her. You can ambush and kill her."

Ying Tiansheng raised an eyebrow. Three Yin True Water—a rare material for crafting avatars, also amplifying Unity realm cultivators' domains. The Fifth Nether Maiden, another Nether God Body, had gained fame in the Central Continent. He quickly deduced the First Nether Son's motive: fearing she'd threaten his status and resources, he wanted to borrow Ying Tiansheng's blade to eliminate her. But there was likely more.

The First Nether Son's attitude was odd—despite Ying Tiansheng's prior attack, he held no grudge. Something was amiss. Ying Tiansheng suspected he coveted the Devouring Heaven Demon Art, possibly aiming to kill both him and the Fifth Nether Maiden to seize it.

Unfazed, Ying Tiansheng saw opportunity. The Endless Sea near Great Yan was his turf, backed by Heavenly Intention Holy Land, giving him time to plan. His strength far surpassed his last clash. Taking down both Nether prodigies was feasible. Two top-tier Nether God Bodies would massively boost his physique, saving years. He smiled. "Then I'll accept your offer."

The First Nether Son nodded, shrouded in eerie Nether qi. "I'll notify you when she departs."

Not true allies, they parted with cold smiles, each hiding their true intentions.

Chapter 534: Against the Heavenly Emperor

Ying Tiansheng swiftly returned to his holy land's Central Continent stronghold, a former top-tier sect now occupied. He immediately instructed the elders and learned of Ye Chen's effortless defeat of the Star River King Body in Great Yan, narrowing his eyes. Then, he headed to an immortal mountain where Yi Qingwu, bathed in endless moonlight under a great moon, was cultivating. Sensing his arrival, the moon dimmed, and she opened her beautiful eyes. Noticing his growth, she realized he'd succeeded again, her heart sinking.

The Devouring Heaven Demon Art was terrifying, endlessly devouring others' origins to grow. With the immortal path nearing and prodigies emerging, the chaos was perfect for its development.

Ying Tiansheng's growth would only accelerate. If he achieved an Acquired Chaos Body, surpassing Ye Chen wasn't impossible. Could she still exact revenge? Worry gnawed at her.

Seeing her dimmed expression, Ying Tiansheng mistook it for despair over their widening gap. He smiled gently. "The holy land's resources went to me first because they're mostly from dead powerhouses' origins. Qingwu, with your distaste for such things, you wouldn't want them. This era's prodigies are many. Focusing resources to strengthen one person first is best for the immortal path. But don't worry. Once I achieve the Chaos Body, I'll dominate the cultivation world, harvesting prodigies to make you one too."

Yi Qingwu said nothing. She resisted the Devouring Heaven Demon Art, unwilling to devour origins, practicing it only to drain Ying Tiansheng, making him suffer her father's pain. Seeing her silence, he didn't dwell on it. Since Ye Chen's humiliations, her personality had shifted, less engaging with him. He didn't blame her—his weakness caused her shame. Once he killed Ye Chen, they'd return to how things were.

Changing topics, he mentioned returning to Great Yan to devour the Fifth Nether Maiden and possibly the First Nether Son. Hearing he'd return to Great Yan, Yi Qingwu's eyes lit up. "Will you seek revenge on Ye Chen?"

His expression turned awkward. He'd thought himself ready to crush Ye Chen, but learning Ye Chen had broken through and defeated the Star River King Body—who rivaled the First Nether Son—shook his confidence. His growth potential was vast, so avoiding Ye Chen for now was wiser.

He shook his head. "I could easily kill him, but he hides in Heavenly Evolution Holy Land. Mo Yixi's sublimation method is strange, and Hua Yunfei's true body is hidden. He's hard to kill. But don't be disappointed, Qingwu. When he comes to Central Continent, I'll act."

Comforting her not to rush revenge, he prepared to leave. Fang Qing, that useless ally, had found new targets for him to harvest. He'd boost himself, then head to Great Yan to take down both Nether God Bodies.

Before the Heavenly Intention Holy Son left, Yi Qingwu, with her breathtaking beauty, stood and said, "When you return to Great Yan, take me with you!"

Ying Tiansheng paused, surprised.

She smiled lightly. "I'm worried it's a trap—the First Nether Son and Fifth Nether Maiden might team up against you! With my insights into the Movement and Healing Secrets, plus the Devouring Heaven Demon Art's Dao and techniques, I can aid you."

Feeling her concern, Ying Tiansheng smiled. Despite her recent aloofness—likely from guilt and anger over Ye Chen—she cared when it mattered, ready to fight alongside him. A good sign. Confident he wouldn't need her help, he believed a joint battle could mend their rift. He agreed, promising to bring her to Great Yan in a few months. Yi Qingwu's radiant smile left him momentarily dazed.

She wasn't worried he'd die—she feared he wouldn't. She'd contact Ye Chen. How? Glancing inwardly at the tally of marks in her primordial spirit, she felt confident.

…

Four months passed in a flash. Heavenly Evolution Holy Land was shrouded in endless thunderclouds, torrential lightning crashing like divine wrath. Amid the storm, all saw a figure strolling leisurely through the thunder, unfazed, as if the tribulation was nothing. How powerful must one be to treat a heavenly tribulation so casually? Truly the Fourth Holy Son—ferociously unmatched.

Far ahead, Holy Master Feng Baiyu and Elder Mo sipped tea, watching the tribulation with awe.

"Honestly, I'm starting to suspect this kid's the Heavenly Emperor reincarnated. How's he fiercer than me?" Feng Baiyu mused, doubting himself.

Elder Mo glanced at him, his look saying, Isn't it normal for him to outshine you? What's to doubt?

Annoyed, Feng Baiyu wanted to argue and defend the Chaos Ancient True Immortal's originality—no plagiarism! But then, the terrifying thunder calmed, signaling the tribulation's end.

Their banter ceased as they fixed their eyes on Ye Chen's location. For a prodigy like him, the thunder tribulations were mere appetizers. The True Spirit Tribulation was the real test. His Unity breakthrough was already unprecedentedly dominant. Both felt his True Spirit Tribulation might pit him against the Heavenly Emperor himself!

Chapter 535: No Need for the Future, I've Already Surpassed the Heavenly Emperor!

Above, the mountain-like thunder ceased. Yet, the tribulation clouds churned, endless thunder spirits forming a thunder domain, enveloping Ye Chen, and obscuring the view. Holy Master Feng Baiyu and Elder Mo, with their formidable strength, faintly discerned a humanoid figure within.

"If it's really the Heavenly Emperor, this is perilous. He reached the pinnacle in every realm," Mo said, worry etched on her face.

The Emperor was a towering monument in human history. Ten Great Venerables, invincible True Immortals—all bowed before him. His terror was unmatched, unprecedented, and likely unequaled. Ye Chen was outrageously strong, but facing the Emperor? Uncertain.

A past prodigy, deemed capable of reviving the myriad races' glory, had pressured humanity. No human prodigy matched him. Yet, in his Mahayana tribulation, he faced the Emperor's imprint in the True Spirit Tribulation. After a day's battle, he died, crushing the myriad races' hopes and deepening their fear of the Emperor. His lingering imprint still thwarted their rise. Mo's concern was justified.

Feng Baiyu, sensing the faint aura from the thunder, sighed, eyes tinged with melancholy. No one knew the Emperor's terror better. But after that great battle, he ventured to foreign realms and never returned. What was the point?

…

In the endless thunder domain, Ye Chen squinted at the figure formed of boundless heavenly power. Clad in a blue robe, the figure wasn't strikingly handsome but had bold brows and eyes, exuding grandeur. No invincible aura, yet Ye Chen felt a sharp danger.

"Finally meeting the Heavenly Emperor?" he murmured. He'd anticipated facing this human monument but couldn't help feeling awed. The Emperor's legends—slaying venerables, crushing myriad races—echoed everywhere in the cultivation world. Ye Chen walked the path he'd forged. Facing this human pinnacle, he dared not underestimate him.

Preparing for battle, Ye Chen was confident. The Emperor was unprecedented, but Ye Chen believed he'd surpassed him in many ways. Even against the Emperor in the same realm, he'd win.

But then, a voice spoke: "After a million years, they still remember me. My legend must echo through this world, praising me!"

Ye Chen's eyes widened as the Emperor's imprint spoke. Unlike the silent Kun Peng or ancient Heavy Pupil imprints, mere echoes of the past, the Emperor's could talk! Was this cheating?

Seeing his shock, the Emperor's imprint smirked. "At my realm, even a fleeting thought of my name triggers my sense. Manifesting a wisp of will in my imprint is no challenge."

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. Sensing his name across thoughts? What realm was that? Real or not?

Noticing Ye Chen's shock, the Heavenly Emperor's imprint didn't mind. He glanced around, lingering on Feng Baiyu, then turned back to Ye Chen. "My heir in this realm?"

"West Emperess Scripture's Foundation Chapter, Eternal Cosmos Sutra's Golden Core Chapter, Great Emperor Scripture's Nascent Soul Chapter, Great Yin and Yang Immortal Scripture, Triple Charms Unity Method. You've learned them all! Why not the Heavenly Emperor Scripture? And the Primordial Supreme Heart, yet also Heavy Pupils? Two bloodline Divine Abilities together. Did something happen with Heavy Pupil during that great battle?"

His piercing gaze saw through Ye Chen's entire foundation, then drifted into memories.

Ye Chen's face darkened but he stood firm, shaking his head. "I'm not your heir. Everything I have, I earned through my own efforts, unrelated to you."

The Emperor's imprint frowned, gazing into the distant void. Deep in the void, the Heavenly Emperor Hall trembled. A gold-robed elder's eyes widened, and a purple-gold dragon raised its head, sensing a familiar aura.

Soon, the imprint looked back, sighing. "Time changes everything. Yan's descendants claim the Heavenly Emperor Hall as their own now."

He saw through it all but remained unbothered, his demeanor calm, as if it were trivial. Turning to Ye Chen with growing interest, he said, "So, you're retracing my path? But it's meaningless. Follow my path to live; mimic me to die! These scriptures, though supreme in each realm, are patchwork. At the final step to immortality, it's tough. You must forge your own path. I melded everything, survived near-death, and created my Heavenly Emperor Scripture, eliminating all flaws for perfect ascension. How can you ensure you'll do the same?"

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, unaware of this. He'd thought True Immortals wrote scriptures like academic theses—a tradition. Could he fuse everything into a perfect scripture? He asked himself, then smiled confidently. Of course he could. Even if imperfect, a single gift with thousands-fold amplification would perfect it. No big deal.

Seeing Ye Chen's confidence, the Emperor's imprint reminisced. He'd walked a perilous path with similar boldness. Perhaps out of admiration or nostalgia, he shook his head faintly. "With your talent, you should carve your own path, not follow mine. Follow my path, and you'll never surpass me."

Ye Chen grinned. "You proved this path is supreme. Why struggle for a new one? To surpass you, I'll outdo you in every realm. I've already done it. No need for the future—I've surpassed you now!"

The Emperor's imprint laughed. "Following my path, yet aiming to outshine me in the same realm? You're bolder than I was!"

His aura sharpened, golden blood qi surging. The battle was about to begin!

Chapter 536: The Heavenly Emperor Can't Handle It, Huh?

"What'll you use to fight me? Battle Secret, Movement Secret, Multiplier Secret, Healing Secret, True Dragon Treasure Technique, True Phoenix Treasure Technique, Kun Peng Treasure Technique, Thunder Emperor Treasure Technique? Not my heir, yet you've gathered so much. You're only a step behind my younger self. But too many Treasure Techniques aren't always good. Let me guide you, save you some detours!"

The Heavenly Emperor's imprint raised an eyebrow. Since leaving the cultivation world and guarding the foreign realm's exit for millennia, he hadn't felt such intrigue. He was willing to mentor this young man striving to retrace his invincible path. Though insignificant to the grand scheme, it was amusing.

Plus, this kid's talk of surpassing him was bold. Too long gone—millions of years had dulled the world's memory of his dominance. The Emperor wasn't boasting; he always fought above his realm. Few dared face him in the same realm.

Ye Chen wasn't polite, eager to crush the Emperor and claim his imprint. If the Heavenly Emperor Hall hid a true heir, there was a fifty percent chance it was a woman. If so, harmony could avoid bloodshed.

Though Ye Chen disliked grand battles, facing the Emperor across a million years in the Unity realm was thrilling. Without hesitation, he raised his hands, conjuring eighty-one True Dragons.

The Emperor smiled. Great Emperor Scripture's Imperial Dragon Qi, huh? Time to teach this kid.

But as Ye Chen's eighty-one Imperial Dragon Qis roared out, their flawless, textbook-perfect assault—born from mastering the Great Emperor Scripture's essence—made the Emperor raise an eyebrow. This kid's grasp was profound, surpassing his own at the Unity realm. Fine, no teaching Imperial Dragon Qi.

He countered with the Battle Secret, its killing aura shattering the dragons. "Nothing to teach about the Great Emperor Scripture. Let's try Battle Secret…"

Ye Chen, knowing this wasn't a mindless imprint driven by heavenly will, didn't argue. He unleashed a near-perfect Battle Secret, flawless divine techniques surging toward the Emperor.

The Emperor's brow twitched again. This kid's talent was something else—Battle Secret mastered to perfection. He'd only achieved that in Mahayana.

"Then Movement Secret…"

"Hey…"

"Multiplier Secret…"

"Show me your True Phoenix Treasure Technique!"

"True Dragon Treasure Technique?"

"Kun Peng…"

"Thunder Emperor!"

After a while, the Emperor's smile faded. He realized, with slight shock, that this youth was outshining him on his own path. Every top-tier technique and Dao, Ye Chen had mastered perfectly, as if taught by their creators. His comprehension rivaled an Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo.

With Heavy Pupils and Primordial Supreme Heart, despite a third-rate Myriad Star Body, his Indestructible Scripture made his physique rival the Emperor's Sacred Body. Most striking was his foundation—terrifyingly robust, several times thicker than the Emperor's at Unity. This kid had real substance. In the same realm back then, the Emperor might've struggled against him!

Lost in thought, the Heavenly Emperor's imprint was caught off guard, blasted away by Ye Chen's divine light.

Seeing Ye Chen charge, intent on crushing him with no respect for his senior, the Emperor laughed. Youthful arrogance. He didn't hide it—if he were truly at the Unity realm, beating Ye Chen would be tough. But he wasn't that Emperor anymore. His current realm's understanding of the world's workings was unfathomably deep. Even far weaker, he could defeat Ye Chen with transcendent skill. But that was pointless—bullying a junior with superior insight? He was the Heavenly Emperor; he couldn't stoop so low.

His aura erupted, surging from Unity to Mahayana and still climbing. Ye Chen, thrilled to crush the imprint, froze, lips twitching at the terrifying presence. Emperor, you can't win so you cheat? Imprints should have fixed strength, but with the Emperor, nothing was surprising—even ascending to immortality next wouldn't shock him.

Smirking, the Emperor said, "You've trained well, though flaws remain. Keep practicing. At your age, this level's impressive. I was only slightly better back then. I should mentor you, as you walk my path, practically my heir! But guests are stirring at the exit, and I must dissuade them. When you break through to Mahayana, I'll teach you."

With Ye Chen's foundation, the Mahayana tribulation would surely summon him again. His Mahayana self was outrageously strong—perfect to school this kid, showing his invincible Emperor title was earned, not boasted. For now, he'd let it slide.

Ye Chen's lips twitched, suspecting the Emperor dodged the fight, knowing he couldn't win. But he didn't press—gotta give the Emperor some face.

"Here's my imprint, with all my insights on the Heavenly Emperor Fist. You haven't even learned it—shameful. Go claim it from the Heavenly Emperor Hall. If they refuse, fight, but no need for mortal grudges—it's my descendant's daughter, a Chaos Body! You walk my old path; she walks my new one. I'm curious who'll go further."

Seeing Ye Chen's defiant yet silent look, the Emperor grinned widely. With that, his imprint dissolved into pure heavenly power, leaving only a fragment with the Fist's insights drifting to Ye Chen.

Stunned, Ye Chen thought, That's it? The Emperor was unreadable. But his focus shifted to the Heavenly Emperor Hall. A female true heir? With a Chaos Body? What multiplier would she have?!