ISWI Chapter 414-416

Chapter 414: Brother-in-Law, You're Giving Up?

News of the Fourth Holy Son's sweeping purchases at the auction spread across the Great Yan Continent in no time, fueling discussions about Ye Chen being the "son of the Heavenly Dao."

Spending over twenty million top-grade spirit stones in a single auction was outrageously extravagant. Even Deity Transformation or Unity cultivators, and most Mahayana elders, likely couldn't produce such wealth. This sparked growing curiosity among cultivators: whose inheritance had Ye Chen obtained?

More and more believed he was the Heavenly Emperor's successor. His cultivation techniques, Treasure Techniques, and lavish spending mirrored the Emperor's style.

The Emperor had forged a small cauldron from pure Black Yellow Primordial Essence; Ye Chen had crafted a small bell. If the Fourth Holy Son wasn't the Emperor's heir, who could he be? It was practically confirmed.

Yet, the cultivators were puzzled. Historically, the Emperor's successors were backed by a mysterious force called the Heavenly Emperor Hall, which rarely appeared and was said to guard the Emperor's mortal realm inheritance. It only surfaced when a successor emerged, protecting them on their path to enlightenment.

But Ye Chen, supposedly the Emperor's heir, had joined the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, and no trace of the Heavenly Emperor Hall had been seen. Strange… Had something happened to the Hall?

Beyond debates about Ye Chen's status, cultivators relished discussing how he'd targeted the Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden, snatching every item she desired. Rumor had it she was furious, lingering at the auction house for half a day after it ended, clearly enraged.

With the fiancée so humiliated, many believed the Heavenly Intention Holy Son wouldn't stand for it. Once he emerged from seclusion, he'd likely challenge Ye Chen to a thunderous duel. A spectacle was brewing.

…

As the auction concluded, White Emperor City's fervor began to wane. Many prodigies departed.

Seven days later, Yao Gu visited Ye Chen's residence to bid farewell.

"Brother-in-law, I'm heading back to the Yao family! But after the auction, you haven't seen the Divine Maiden. Did you two have a falling out, or have you changed your mind?"

Yao Gu's eager question betrayed his hope that Ye Chen had given up on Fan Qinghe. If so, he'd have a chance. He didn't care that she'd been intimate with Ye Chen in his presence—she was from the Heavenly Desire Sect, and surely had her reasons. He'd accept everything about her.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, giving Yao Gu a strange look. "Who said I changed my mind?"

?

Yao Gu was stunned. He'd closely observed that the two hadn't left the auction together. Fan Qinghe had later sought Ye Chen, but he'd refused to see her. Wasn't that a classic case of taking advantage and then cutting ties?

Before Yao Gu could say more, a servant entered the courtyard. "Holy Son, the Heavenly Desire Divine Maiden is here."

Ye Chen smiled faintly and stood. "Invite her in."

Turning to Yao Gu, he added, "Today is the day the Divine Maiden and I agreed to plant the divine seed. Since you're so curious, you can be a witness. But you can't come inside—just wait outside!"

Yao Gu's jaw dropped. Ye Chen was really becoming her protector? How could this be? With Ye Chen's prodigious talent, how could the Divine Maiden choose him? She was probably just after his spirit stones. When it came to choosing a protector, shouldn't she pick someone like him? If Ye Chen and Fan Qinghe truly bonded with the divine seed, his chances would be gone.

Yao Gu stood there, unable to believe it.

Fan Qinghe glided into the courtyard, instantly captivating the two men. Her amber skin shimmered under the sunlight, radiating a wild, seductive allure. Her breathtakingly beautiful face was enchanting to the extreme, exuding an almost palpable hormonal charm.

Most striking was her tall, curvaceous figure, draped in an exotic outfit—the ceremonial garb of the Heavenly Desire Sect's Divine Maiden. To Ye Chen, it resembled the flamboyant costumes of fortune-tellers from his past life's cosplay events. It fit her perfectly, enhancing her otherworldly beauty, making her seem like a bewitching sprite.

Yao Gu, standing nearby, stared wide-eyed. He'd seen many female cultivators, plenty of whom admired him, but none compared to the Divine Maiden. He genuinely loved her and didn't want her to fall into a trap.

He'd heard rumors of Ye Chen's failed attempt to gift Yi Qingwu, spreading in small circles. To him, this confirmed Ye Chen's duplicity—flirting with the Divine Maiden at the auction while secretly sending gifts to the Holy Maiden.

A master of time management.

Despite the beating he'd taken from Ye Chen before, Yao Gu mustered his courage. "Divine Maiden, are you really set on bonding with Ye... Holy Son Ye? Why not reconsider? This generation is a golden age. My brother mentioned that ancient prodigies, sealed by fearsome means, may awaken in our era to vie for the immortal path. With your qualities, you could surely find someone better."

Ye Chen glanced at Yao Gu, intrigued by the mention of ancient prodigies. Worth looking into later. But this "little brother-in-law" had nearly called him "Ye the Fourth" again. Clearly, the last lesson hadn't sunk in.

Ye Chen stayed silent, waiting for Fan Qinghe's response.

…

Fan Qinghe's delicate brows furrowed. Last time, Ye Chen had grabbed her so hard it hurt, then took advantage and left. For a week, she'd been paranoid he'd slip away, barely sleeping.

Now that she was finally here, Yao Gu was prattling about ancient prodigies? Could they surpass Ye Chen's talent or wealth? No comparison. Don't shake my resolve—my mind's made up.

She smiled gently at Yao Gu. "Thank you for the reminder, Young Master Yao… But from the moment I met the Holy Son, his image took root deep in my heart. No matter how many prodigies exist, my eyes see only him."

Yao Gu's pupils froze. Ye Chen's methods were that potent? To quietly win the Divine Maiden's devotion? Watching the woman he loved speak so passionately of another, his heart trembled.

Ye Chen, meanwhile, chuckled inwardly. Love at first sight? Nonsense. He didn't believe a word of Fan Qinghe's flattery—she was a master at boosting favor.

But he didn't call her out, instead gently taking her hand. "Your words honor me, Divine Maiden… Since your heart remains steadfast, please follow me inside. I'll bare everything, letting you plant the divine seed, and serve as your protector…"

Chapter 415: Take It All!

Hearing this, Fan Qinghe finally relaxed. Ye Chen had vanished after the auction, avoiding her for a week, even when she came in person. He seemed like a scoundrel who'd hurt her and run. But thankfully, the outcome was perfect.

"Thank you, Holy Son! My future is in your hands. May we walk the immortal path together, forever."

The two, seemingly smitten, held hands and headed toward the room. Passing Yao Gu, Ye Chen remembered the lingering bystander.

"You're still here?"

Yao Gu's heart bled, desperate to leave. But he'd heard the Divine Maiden's first nirvana was taxing, leaving her weakened. He'd prepared a vial of divine medicine, hoping to aid her.

"Brother-in-law, didn't you ask me to be a witness?"

Yao Gu mumbled sullenly.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. Just being polite, and you actually want to stay? Bold kid.

Fan Qinghe's eyes lit up, and she transmitted to Ye Chen, "Letting someone listen outside? Holy Son, you have such tastes? You're so naughty—I love it…"

Ye Chen glanced at her, startled. The Heavenly Desire Divine Maiden lived up to her name.

"No sound will leak out. He won't see or hear anything," Ye Chen replied helplessly. Though the idea was thrilling, it wasn't his thing—unless it involved his master. Otherwise, he didn't want anyone listening.

Fan Qinghe's peach-blossom eyes gleamed brighter.

"No sight, no sound, just guessing what's happening inside? That's even more thrilling. Holy Son, you're too good…"

Ye Chen: "…"

Is there something wrong with this woman's head?

As they spoke via transmission, they strode into the room, both eager for the moment. Before the door closed, Ye Chen waved his hand, sending Yao Gu flying out of the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's residence. The gate slammed shut, and silence fell.

…

"The Nirvana Scripture condenses one's core spirit into a divine seed, entrusting everything to the protector. In turn, the protector is influenced by the seed, growing ever closer to the seed's planter. The first transformation is the spiritual sense shift. Through soul communion, we open our hearts fully, embracing each other.

"In this process, I'll draw seventy percent of the Holy Son's spiritual sense… This isn't mere depletion—it's truly extracted, unable to recover naturally. But I've prepared divine medicine to help you restore your spiritual sense quickly. The Moon Laurel Tree fragment you have might also aid in the recovery process."

At this point, Fan Qinghe held nothing back. Seated cross-legged on jade cushions, she gazed at Ye Chen earnestly, explaining the Nirvana Scripture in detail. What was taken wasn't just spiritual sense, but its source. Depleted spiritual sense could recover over time, but losing its source permanently lowered one's ceiling, unrecoverable.

She grew nervous, fearing Ye Chen might back out. But she had to be honest—planting the divine seed required his full consent. Without it, she couldn't take anything from him. So, she spoke cautiously, softening the downsides. Restoring spiritual sense, even if possible, could take years or decades. For a prodigy, that was akin to falling far behind peers.

Watching Ye Chen closely, she noticed his frown, and her heart sank. Then he spoke: "Why take seventy percent of my spiritual sense?"

Fan Qinghe pursed her red lips, assuming Ye Chen thought she was taking too much. In truth, choosing to take seventy percent was already her showing restraint. A Divine Maiden's protector couldn't be changed—there was only one for life. Taking too much could hinder Ye Chen's future cultivation, potentially barring him from higher realms. Then how could she continue to draw from him?

There was a precedent: a Divine Maiden had once drained her protector's spiritual sense entirely during the first transformation. It felt great at the time, but the protector couldn't even break through to Deity Transformation afterward, leaving her with nothing to draw from later.

Being a Divine Maiden was no easy task. She had to take enough to maximize her transformation and benefits, yet exercise restraint to avoid ruining her protector, which would sever her own immortal path.

Seventy percent was already conservative. But seeing Ye Chen's dissatisfaction, she relented further. "Then… sixty percent!"

Sixty percent was less, but given Ye Chen's prodigious talent and robust spiritual sense, it should still be enough to nearly perfect her first transformation.

To her shock, Ye Chen's frown deepened at "sixty percent."

Fan Qinghe was stunned.

You won't even let me take sixty percent? Are you really trying to freeload?

Before she could speak, Ye Chen's face turned stern. "Sixty percent? Are you kidding me? If past Divine Maidens and protectors heard this, they'd think I, Ye Chen, am stingy!"

Fan Qinghe blinked, hurrying to explain, "No, it's standard practice—it's our Heavenly Desire Sect's tradition…"

Ye Chen waved impatiently. "Standard? What's that supposed to mean? That's not enough for anyone to take! I'll name a number: take it all. Don't leave a single drop!"

His tone was resolute, without a hint of hesitation.

What a joke—when giving a gift, you give everything. Leaving scraps would be rude. Take it all for maximum gain.

Fan Qinghe was floored. She hadn't expected Ye Chen to complain she was taking too little.

"Holy Son, you can't take it all. If your sea of spirit sense dries up, it might never produce spiritual sense again. You'd be forever barred from Deity Transformation!"

Ye Chen's expression didn't waver. "No breaking, no rebuilding. The cleaner you take it, the further I'll go in the future…"

Fan Qinghe: "…"

He's really taking 'no breaking, no rebuilding' seriously? She felt an unexpected dilemma.

With a helpless smile, she tried to dissuade him again, but Ye Chen spoke earnestly. "I know the Nirvana Scripture doesn't just enhance spiritual sense—it transforms its quality, remaking your sea of spirit sense and elevating your potential."

"If you take too little, I fear your transformation will fall short. If you're going to transform, make it the best! As for me, I'm the Heavenly Evolution Holy Son, destined to reach the pinnacle of the Dao. How could losing my spiritual sense end my path? This transformation is your cultivation—and mine. So promise me: drain me dry! If you don't, it shows you lack true dedication to the Dao, and such a Divine Maiden isn't worthy of my protectorship!"

His eyes bore into her with pressure. Fan Qinghe was utterly stunned. This was absurd—completely absurd. For the first time, a Divine Maiden wanted to take less, and the protector was unhappy about it. She was certain no Heavenly Desire Sect Divine Maiden had ever faced such a predicament…

Chapter 416: Soul Communion

Fan Qinghe was genuinely bewildered. She now understood that Ye Chen's earlier actions, which had sparked her insecurity, weren't about freeloading. Instead, he'd been pressuring her to commit fully, ensuring she chose him decisively.

Now, on the verge of becoming her protector, he no longer used Yi Qingwu to provoke her. Instead, he was willing to give everything for her nirvana to be perfect.

But she was truly worried. If Ye Chen's spiritual sense was drained completely, his immortal path might be severed, and hers along with it. Yet, his resolute gaze brimmed with a prodigy's pride. If she didn't follow his wishes, he might take offense, believing she underestimated him, and walk away.

After a long internal struggle, she lifted her delicate face. "Holy Son, you're an unparalleled prodigy. In my heart, even Yao, Ying, and Hua combined can't compare to you. But you must understand my feelings—I admire you deeply. If your immortal path suffers because of me, I'd live in guilt forever. So, how about this: after planting the divine seed and we commune spiritually… As I gradually draw your spiritual sense, if you feel it's too much, just say our safe word… I'll stop immediately!"

Ye Chen nodded, satisfied. The system's cooldown had ended, and he was eager to proceed. Seated cross-legged, he said earnestly, "Let's begin!"

A faint smile curved Fan Qinghe's enchanting lips. This is his devotion to me. He couldn't wait a moment longer to become her protector. She'd also realized why he'd made her wait a week—it was to ensure she wouldn't regret choosing him, giving her time to think clearly. But what was there to consider? Ye Chen was the best choice. Now, understanding his heart, her resolve strengthened.

"Then, Holy Son, please open your sea of spirit sense and release all your mental defenses…"

This was about her cultivation, so she shed her seductive aura, speaking with utmost seriousness.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. His brow glowed with divine light, opening to her. Fan Qinghe's peach-blossom eyes shimmered as a mystical seed entered his brow—the divine seed of the Nirvana Scripture. It settled into his sea of spirit sense.

Ye Chen offered no resistance, his heart free of hesitation. He'd thoroughly investigated and consulted Elders Mo and He, confirming the seed posed minimal risks. It primarily established a connection between them, subtly influencing the protector to grow more devoted to the Divine Maiden. But this required the Divine Maiden's spiritual sense to surpass the protector's.

The Nirvana Scripture already enhanced the Divine Maiden's spiritual sense, and absorbing the protector's further tipped the scales, making it nearly impossible for the protector to outstrip her.

But Ye Chen was different. Based on his experience gifting to the little demoness, offering his spiritual sense would likely trigger system feedback. Even without a critical hit, the base 1,500-times multiplier was staggering.

What did that mean? Even top-tier Deity Transformation cultivators, like the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, might not match his Nascent Soul spiritual sense.

And with a potential critical hit? Surpassing Fan Qinghe in spiritual sense would be effortless. The divine seed couldn't affect him at all. So, he remained calm, fully opening himself to let her plant the seed.

The process, though solemn, was swift. In a blink, Fan Qinghe withdrew her gaze, her face alight with joy.

Ye Chen felt a subtle, profound connection form in his mind with her—a sense of closeness and trust, as if she were the most trustworthy person in the world, never to betray him.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. This must be the effect of the divine seed. No wonder past Divine Maidens' protectors, even those with ulterior motives, ended up utterly devoted.

But Ye Chen wasn't fazed. When it was finally over, Fan Qinghe let out a long breath. Planting the divine seed meant her life was now intertwined with this man's.

Truthfully, she didn't love Ye Chen. Yet, perhaps due to the mystical connection, a faint stir of emotion bloomed in her heart as she looked at him. But planting the seed was just the start. The first transformation of nirvana was the true crux.

She parted her red lips to speak, but Ye Chen cut in first. "Divine Maiden, let's begin!"

His eagerness startled her, but she couldn't help smiling, her natural charm radiating. She sat cross-legged before him, their knees nearly touching.

"Holy Son, you don't need to do anything," she said earnestly. "I'll guide you. Just enjoy the process."

Ye Chen nodded. As she prepared to activate the secret technique, he suddenly spoke with grave sincerity. "I offer my entire spiritual sense as a gift to the Divine Maiden! Will you accept it?"

His formality caught her off guard. She could see his genuine intent. Unlike prodigies like Yao Gu, who sought to freeload, Ye Chen was utterly sincere. Her heart warmed.

Nodding solemnly, she stood and bowed, her amber figure gracefully expressing gratitude. "Thank you, Holy Son! I won't betray your devotion."

Ye Chen nodded, pleased. She knows how to show gratitude properly.

Fan Qinghe sat back down, her tone serious. "The method of soul communion is a secret of our sect. I'll transmit it to you via spiritual sense. Holy Son, just follow my lead…"

As her words fell, she activated the secret technique. A divine light bloomed from her brow. A faint, ethereal shadow emerged from it, entirely composed of spiritual sense—a miniature Fan Qinghe. She smiled softly at Ye Chen, then drifted into his brow.

Entering another's sea of spirit sense was dangerous, but their established bond made it safe for her. Soon, a stream of techniques flooded Ye Chen's spiritual sense. Then, a peculiar ripple emanated from his sea of spirit sense.

No one could know what transpired within. But Fan Qinghe's peach-blossom eyes grew hazy, her lashes trembling, her amber face flushing with waves of color. Already naturally alluring, she seemed to ignite, exuding an enchanting aura.

Across from her, Ye Chen let out a satisfied, exhilarated sigh…