ISWI Chapter 438-440

Chapter 438: Dual Detoxification!

After a long absence, Ye Chen and An Miaoli talked for hours. Her 500x multiplier was modest compared to Holy Maidens, Divine Maidens, or even some female cultivators on Holy Son Peak. Yet, to Ye Chen, An Miaoli's place in his heart rivaled his master's. Her serene, guiltless demeanor was utterly captivating.

"This is a gift for Senior," Ye Chen said, presenting the Infinite Ocean Visualization Diagram. "When you reach late Nascent Soul, use it to hone your spirit sense for the Deity Transformation Stage breakthrough."

An Miaoli, now mid-Nascent Soul, felt a pang of emotion cross her serene face. Visualization charts were rare treasures, and Ye Chen's was surely exceptional. Despite his trip to White Emperor City, he hadn't forgotten her, rushing to her first upon return. His sincerity, coupled with his higher cultivation yet unchanged respect in calling her "Senior," stirred her deeply, her eyes shimmering with misty warmth.

"Holy Son, after so long away, has the nether poison flared up?" An Miaoli asked proactively, her tone free of shyness or hesitation, as if Ye Chen truly suffered from a persistent nether poison.

Ye Chen smiled—his "poison" was, of course, unhealed. But he stopped her from activating her white silk spirit treasure gloves or tying up her hair. An Miaoli paused, puzzled. Her constitution had always required this method for detoxification. Did he want to take it further?

After a moment's hesitation, she nodded. "Holy Son, your cultivation now surpasses mine. You could restrain me directly, bind my wrists and ankles, or use spiritual chains to lock my hands and feet. That way, even if I instinctively resist, I can't escape. It'll help detoxify you better, and after the first time, it might get easier."

Binding wrists and ankles? Ye Chen thought, 'Senior, you really know how to play.' Though tempting, he wasn't that type.

"Senior, my nether poison has invaded my sea of spirit sense—far more critical than my body. I'll teach you a soul communion detoxification method to assist me."

His eyes flashed with divine light, beaming into An Miaoli's brow. She didn't resist. Nether poison in the sea of spirit sense? Any Golden Core rogue cultivator would scoff at such a claim. Yet An Miaoli, without a trace of doubt, absorbed the technique. A small shadow projected from her brow, and Ye Chen, smiling, sent out his primordial spirit.

As it was her first time with this method, An Miaoli was clumsy, her technique unsteady. Ye Chen patiently guided her, and soon the detoxification flowed smoothly, reaching a harmonious peak.

A figure burst into the cave abode. "Auntie, the Holy Son's back!"

It was An Yuyi, rushing in upon hearing the news. But seeing the scene, her eyes widened. Two ethereal figures were detoxifying in the air, their movements intense. Her aunt sat aside, forehead beaded with sweat, fair skin flushed pink.

"What kind of cultivation is this? Are they practicing some divine art? Should I not disturb them?"

Calming her excitement, An Yuyi felt she'd come at a bad time and prepared to slip away. But An Miaoli opened her eyes, her languid yet ethereal gaze fixing on her.

"Yuyi, you're just in time. The Holy Son's been gone long, and the nether poison has invaded his spirit sense. I'm helping him recover, but his body must be riddled with poison too. Assist with his physical detoxification to speed his recovery."

An Yuyi's eyes widened. She admired her aunt's ability to treat the "nether poison" excuse as fact, as if Ye Chen had truly been plagued for years. Though she saw through the pretense, she missed him after his long absence and didn't want to leave.

Approaching Ye Chen, she said softly, "Holy Son, I'll help detoxify you too." She sat steadily, ready to begin.

Ye Chen couldn't refuse her kindness, letting her fuss over him. Thus, spirit sense and physical detoxification proceeded together, doubling the bliss—an indescribable sensation, understood only by those who'd experienced it.

Ye Chen's long absence meant severe "poisoning." It took three full days to complete. An Yuyi, accustomed to this, tidied his collar with care. An Miaoli, however, leaned dazedly against a table, her icy fairy aura radiating charm. The new detoxification method had overwhelmed her with novel sensations, too much to process.

Ye Chen smiled, offering An Yuyi cultivation advice before inquiring about An Miaoli's condition, especially her past-life issues. Things looked promising. Since severing her memories, she'd used the Thunder Emperor Soul Purification Technique daily, and no strange visions or traces of the Seven Absolutes Immortal Scripture had reappeared—a good sign.

Bidding farewell to the aunt and niece, Ye Chen left the cave. Mo Yuzhu and other disciples waited outside, bowing respectfully. They hinted at inviting him to their caves for a few days.

After a brief report on Holy Son Peak's recent affairs, Ye Chen waved off further details. On recruiting disciples, he changed the annual intake to every five years, then floated toward his Holy Son residence.

His spirit sense was now formidable, and with the visualization chart, he was ready to seclude himself for the Deity Transformation Stage breakthrough. He hadn't prepared a Deity Transformation Stage technique, but that could wait. At the peak, he spotted Lu Jing sitting listlessly outside his cave, gazing at the sunset, looking unwell.

Approaching her, Ye Chen startled Lu Jing, who leapt up. Recognizing him, her eyes lit up with joy, her gentle voice brimming with delight. "Young Master, you're back! How long will you stay? Shall I prepare some food?"

Chapter 439: Heartache! The Fiancée Has a Heart Demon!

Seeing Lu Jing's genuine joy at his return, Ye Chen couldn't help but ask, "When I'm away, do you just stay in the cave abode?"

He had five maids: Lu Jing, Lin Ke'er, Sun Ruoxin, Caidie, and Yun Qianyue from the Divine Will Sect. Though maids, Ye Chen treated them as disciples, granting them Holy Land resources and the Hundred Flowers Immortal Scripture—luxuries most disciples couldn't dream of. These were unimaginable for the maids before. Thus, they worked tirelessly, attending lectures, studying, and filling their days.

Sun Ruoxin, once a second-grade talisman maker at Green Cloud Sect, now neared fourth grade. Lin Ke'er reached the Golden Core Stage before his White Emperor City trip—a realm unthinkable for a former market-dwelling cultivator aiming only for Foundation Establishment.

But Lu Jing was different. She showed little excitement for the Holy Land or its resources. When Ye Chen was present, she hovered around him, attentive and content just to see him. When he was gone, she seemed to do nothing but wait.

At his question, Lu Jing shook her head. "When you're away, I keep busy. I learned spiritual planting, opened a spiritual field, and grew your favorite spiritual vegetables and fruits. I mastered the dishes you mentioned. In spare moments, I watch sunrises and sunsets, count the days you're gone, and guess what you're doing or when you'll return."

Her life revolved around him. Gazing into her gentle eyes, Ye Chen felt moved. He'd planned to seclude himself immediately but changed his mind, spending three days with Lu Jing. She was radiant, her cultivation advancing a minor realm, her eyes brimming with happiness. A bold idea formed: she no longer wanted to stay in the Holy Land. She yearned to enter Ye Chen's small world to be by his side always.

Previously, gifting the Infinite Ocean Visualization Diagram to An Miaoli triggered a critical hit, yielding twenty charts rivaling the Queen Mother of the West's silhouette. These ensured any female cultivator close to him would have a suitable chart for the Deity Transformation Stage. One, ideal for sword cultivators, was sent to the Sword Sect for his master. Another, suited for the Primordial Spirit Body, was sent to the Yao family for Yao Xi.

Now, Ye Chen unfurled the Pangu World-Opening Diagram. The first time, its axe's true intent had stung his soul. But with his spirit sense now vastly stronger, the pressure was negligible. He easily began visualizing, absorbing its essence. His spirit sense compressed, condensed, and transformed, coalescing into a primordial spirit as he stepped toward the Deity Transformation Stage.

Ye Chen entered seclusion, but the cultivation world of Great Yan Continent buzzed with talk of the Fourth Holy Son. His earlier feat of nearly defeating two Heavenly Intention legacy disciples was staggering, yet he'd also fought Yi Qingwu, the Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden, to a draw.

Displaying the Supreme Heart—a talent rivaling his Heavy Pupils—he bore two top-tier Divine Abilities, a fortune so immense it seemed heaven itself was spoon-feeding him. Countless prodigies seethed with envy.

The rumor of Ye Chen being the Heavenly Emperor's heir grew fiercer. Previously, similarities in his path were debatable, but the Supreme Heart erased all doubt. He was undeniably the Emperor's heir, likely by blood. His renown in Great Yan soared, his stellar record and unmatched talents placing him on par with the three giants. Many believed, with equal cultivation, he'd sweep them all.

The Heavenly Intention Holy Land, inadvertently fueling his fame, became his stepping stone. Their disciples, nursing a grudge from their sect's rivalry with Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, were incensed. Historically, their clashes were evenly matched, but Ye Chen's rise left them humiliated, yearning for their Holy Son to emerge and crush him.

Unbeknownst to them, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, Ying Tiansheng, had already come out of seclusion. Clad in a white robe, his golden eyes radiated cold indifference, as if embodying heaven's will itself. Standing in the Holy Land's grand hall, he exuded supreme dignity despite no visible phenomena. Freshly broken through to the Unity Stage, his presence overshadowed even late-stage Unity elders, who marveled at him.

Informed of recent events, Ying Tiansheng's stoic gaze flickered only upon learning of Ye Chen's Supreme Heart. As the elders dispersed, he and Yi Qingwu remained. Her breathtaking beauty glowed with a smile, joy at his breakthrough mingling with faint guilt.

Ying Tiansheng softened, speaking calmly. "Qingwu, victory and defeat are common. Ye Chen's the Heavenly Emperor's heir—losing the Moon Palace isn't your fault. I can cultivate without it; it'll just take a few more days.

The Great Yang Divine Dynasty's ruins may surface in the Endless Sea in a year or two. Heavenly Evolution Holy Land will send forces, and I'll personally suppress Ye Chen and Hua Yunfei, reclaiming everything for you."

His tone was steady, yet his confidence was unshakable, compelling belief in his ability. Yi Qingwu's eyes lit up at the prospect of facing Ye Chen again. "He's become my heart demon," she said, her voice brimming with battle intent. "Next time, I'll crush him myself. Holy Son, can you lend me the Heavenly Tablet? I'll use it to shatter his True Dragon Treasure Technique!"

Ying Tiansheng's heart ached. His proud fiancée, now burdened with a heart demon from Ye Chen, had clearly suffered greatly in their battle, losing more than just the Moon Palace. A glint of killing intent flashed in his eyes.

Chapter 440: This Mark Must Stay!

Seeing Yi Qingwu's gritted teeth and lingering resentment, the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, Ying Tiansheng, deduced she'd suffered greatly. It was understandable—Ye Chen's Heavy Pupils and Supreme Heart made defeating someone a realm higher in the Nascent Soul Stage reasonable. That she wasn't captured was already commendable. But as realms progressed, the gap between Deity Transformation and Unity Stages would widen.

Ying Tiansheng produced a palm-sized, incomplete stone tablet, exuding ancient aura and intricate divine patterns, its extraordinariness evident at a glance. Yi Qingwu's eyes lit up. Handing it over, he said solemnly, "This tablet holds half the Battle Secret's divine patterns. It boosts attack power by twenty percent, nearly unstoppable. With this, and your imminent Unity breakthrough, you'll easily crush Ye Chen next time."

Yi Qingwu smiled radiantly, accepting the tablet. Her melodious voice rang out, "Thank you, Holy Son! With this, I'll erase my shame and annihilate Ye Chen, scattering his soul."

Ying Tiansheng smiled faintly but felt she could improve. "Offer your primordial spirit," he said gently. "My Heavenly Intention Sacred Heart Technique is complete. I can guide you to enhance it."

Yi Qingwu's expression faltered, and she shook her head. "Thank you, Holy Son, but my primordial spirit is perfected. I'll pass."

Her poorly concealed panic made Ying Tiansheng frown. Knowing her well, he sensed she was hiding something. Was her primordial spirit damaged?

"Qingwu, present your primordial spirit for inspection," he commanded, his voice majestic, undeniable, like a heavenly decree.

Hesitation and humiliation crossed Yi Qingwu's face. After a moment, seven-colored divine light flashed from her brow, and her radiant primordial spirit, mirroring her beauty, emerged.

Ying Tiansheng scrutinized it, his brows tightening, eyes narrowing. "Qingwu, why does your primordial spirit bear another's aura?"

His voice carried a sharp edge. Yi Qingwu's exquisite face flushed with shame. Her primordial spirit's brow glowed, revealing the core within. When Ying Tiansheng saw the two bold characters imprinted there, he stood abruptly, his aura menacing, his expression cold as heaven's will, glaring at her. "What is this? Why is Ye Chen's name in your core?"

Outsiders would be shocked. The reserved, stoic Holy Son, unshaken even by his brother's death, was enraged. Prodigies like him fiercely guarded their possessions, especially their women. Another's mark was the ultimate disgrace.

Startled, Yi Qingwu paled, her eyes reddening. Her heavenly voice trembled with a nasal tone. "In the Broad Cold Divine Realm, Ye Chen wounded my primordial spirit with a special technique. As the domain shattered, he seized the chance to imprint his name to humiliate me. That's why I lost the Moon Palace—my mind was in chaos." By the end, she was sobbing, unable to continue.

Ying Tiansheng's face turned ashen. How dare Ye Chen imprint his name in the fiancée's primordial spirit? It was worse than his brother's death—an unforgivable provocation. Killing intent surged, sweeping through the Heavenly Intention Holy Land, making elders and disciples tremble.

Yi Qingwu, stifling her sobs, gritted her teeth. "I know this shames you, so I told no one. But I crave revenge. That's why I asked for the tablet—to crush Ye Chen next time and erase all my humiliation. Holy Son, if you can't bear this, I'll dissolve our engagement."

Her pitiful state softened Ying Tiansheng. The mark was just an exploit, and her primordial yin remained intact—no risk of betrayal. That sufficed. But one thing puzzled him. "What do the two ||||\ after Ye Chen's name mean?"

Yi Qingwu initially didn't know, but realizing Ye Chen added a stroke per encounter, she understood it as a tally—two ||||\ for ten soul communions. She shook her head, feigning ignorance. Ying Tiansheng didn't press. Killing Ye Chen would reveal all.

Ye Chen's name in her core grated on him. "I have a method to erase the mark. Qingwu, don't resist—bring your spirit sense closer."

But Yi Qingwu instantly retracted her primordial spirit, startling him. Her expression resolute, she declared, "This shame can't be erased so easily. Only when I kill Ye Chen myself will I remove it. If he lives, this mark stays."

Ying Tiansheng paused. As a prodigy, he understood her resolve but struggled with another's name in the fiancée's core. After calming himself, he said, "I'll teach you the Heavenly Intention Sacred Heart Technique. Study it well—your spirit sense will soar. Then seclude yourself to break through to Unity. If you hurry, you might catch the Great Yang Divine Dynasty ruins' emergence. If Ye Chen's there, you can crush him."

Yi Qingwu nodded eagerly.

Later, she left with the half-tablet to seclude herself for the Unity breakthrough. Recalling Ying Tiansheng's ashen face at seeing "Ye Chen," she smirked. Next time she met Ye Chen, she'd not only deliver the tablet but let him leave more marks, more deeds, more words on her.

In the sealed hall, Ying Tiansheng sat alone in the shadows, his eyes glinting. "Hua Yunfei, Divine King Body, likely the Moral Heavenly Venerate's heir. Ye Chen, Heavy Pupils, Supreme Heart, probable Heavenly Emperor descendant. And the Yao family's Holy Son, pure-blood immortal body. If I kill and refine them all, I could gain the ultimate physique before the Immortal Path opens. Even Central Continent's prodigies would merely be my nourishment for ascension. The Great Yang Divine Dynasty's emergence is my chance to take them all down. But first, I must strengthen myself further…"