ISWI Chapter 411-413

Chapter 411: The Fairy Loses Her Composure!

Yi Qingwu had arrived half a month early for this auction, yet she was leaving empty-handed. Even someone as composed as her felt a deep sense of humiliation. Ye Chen had gone too far! Though confident she could strip him of everything once he left White Emperor City, the anger in her heart demanded release, lest it hinder her cultivation in the coming days.

As the final auction item came up, and Ye Chen bid, her stunning, aloof face lifted slowly. She calmly raised the price: "One million five hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones!"

She wasn't truly competing with Ye Chen.

You want to ensure I gain nothing? You don't care about wasting spirit stones? Fine, I'll make you bleed more.

Facing her challenge, Ye Chen didn't hesitate, immediately raising his bid. Yi Qingwu's lips curved slightly, and she followed suit. The final item was a rare immortal treasure, valuable enough to be the primary material for an Extreme Dao weapon, drawing many powerful bidders.

The price soared to 3.2 million top-grade spirit stones in no time. At this point, even great powers hesitated. The price exceeded the item's worth—further bids would be a loss.

Unsurprisingly, the 3.2 million bid came from Ye Chen. The cultivators in the hall marveled. The Fourth Holy Son had spent nearly twenty million spirit stones in this auction—a sum that would make even a Holy Land flinch.

Some cultivators' eyes glinted darkly, but recalling Ye Chen's status and his protector, their dangerous thoughts faded.

Hearing the 3.2 million bid, Yi Qingwu bit her lip lightly. Ye Chen's wealth was staggering. But after he'd ruined so many of her opportunities, she was determined to teach him a lesson.

As the auctioneer made his final call, she bid without hesitation: "Three million five hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones!"

She was certain Ye Chen would raise again. The crowd gasped—the price was exorbitant, a clear loss.

Yet Ye Chen's voice came swiftly, calm and resolute: "Three million six hundred thousand!"

Yi Qingwu's smile widened: "Three million seven hundred thousand!"

She'd anticipated he'd keep bidding. He'd never backed down from any item he targeted, so he wouldn't abandon this immortal treasure either. But she was cautious, planning to stop at four million to avoid getting stuck with it herself.

Ye Chen bid again: "Three million eight hundred thousand!"

This eased much of her frustration. Though she disdained such tactics, watching him spend more because of her felt satisfying. Her mood lifted, a smile gracing her face, captivating the two legacy disciples behind her.

She made her final bid: "Three million nine hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones!"

Then, she planned to stay silent. Making Ye Chen spend an extra 700,000 spirit stones was enough to satisfy her. But soon, her expression shifted slightly…

Before, Ye Chen always countered her bids instantly. Now, several breaths had passed, and his voice hadn't sounded. What was going on? Had he caught on?

Just then, his familiar voice rang out, briefly reassuring her. But his words turned her face pale.

"I didn't expect the Holy Maiden to value this immortal treasure so much. A gentleman helps others achieve their desires, so I won't compete with the Holy Maiden!"

???

Yi Qingwu shot to her feet. Her raven-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, shimmering with dark radiance. Her exquisite oval face, fairer than immortal treasures, gleamed with crystalline beauty. But her phoenix eyes blazed with killing intent…

She'd been played by Ye Chen. She'd won the immortal treasure at a price 1 million spirit stones above its value. Worse, her spirit stones weren't enough to cover it.

Yet, even in this predicament, Yi Qingwu didn't panic. Her icy gaze fixed on Ye Chen's booth, brimming with cold fury. "Ye Chen, you've truly enraged me!"

…

Ye Chen's lips curved into a smirk. From Yi Qingwu's earlier words, he'd sensed she might come for him later. Since mending ties was impossible, he didn't mind offending her further.

As for when she'd make her move, he didn't care. He was confident in his countless trump cards. Even with her Broad Cold Immortal Physique, if she dared confront him, he'd capture her. Once captured, he'd gift her the treasure. If it didn't trigger a critical hit, he'd take it back and use it as fertilizer for his Enlightenment Tea Tree. Her final bid was too obvious.

Though gifting the item at four million would still yield a massive profit, Ye Chen chose not to indulge her. He'd offend her to the fullest, giving her every reason to come after him.

…

Putting Yi Qingwu out of his mind, Ye Chen turned to Fan Qinghe, whose arms still enveloped him. She seemed slightly dazed, but a gloating smile spread across her enchanting face as she watched Yi Qingwu suffer a major loss.

As a beauty herself, she harbored some resentment toward Yi Qingwu. In terms of looks and figure, she believed she far surpassed her rival. As for talent? Once her Nirvana Scripture reached great completion, she'd overtake Yi Qingwu too. The title of Great Yan Continent's foremost female cultivator would be hers in the future.

But all this hinged on Ye Chen aiding her cultivation. His attitude stirred unease in her. Though he targeted Yi Qingwu, who's to say it wasn't a ploy to attract her? He seemed overly focused on her, even casually calling her "fiancée." To an outsider, it might seem like Yi Qingwu was actually his betrothed.

Fan Qinghe was self-aware. In terms of allure to male cultivators, her status paled compared to Yi Qingwu's. Men loved conquering lofty fairies.

Ye Chen had won the visualization diagram but hadn't given it to her. Was he saving it for Yi Qingwu?

This sparked urgency and a sense of crisis in her. She seriously considered planting the divine seed now, taking a gamble. Though the seed couldn't control Ye Chen's mind, it could subtly influence him, making him admire her, keeping her image in his heart, and deepening his infatuation.

At that moment, Ye Chen turned to her, a gentle smile on his face. He retrieved something from his storage ring and presented it to her…

Chapter 412: Who's Really Being Drained?

"I was busy bidding earlier and didn't have time to give this to the Divine Maiden. Now that the auction's over, this belongs to you."

Ye Chen handed over a long wooden box containing the Queen Mother of the West visualization diagram.

Fan Qinghe, who'd been unsettled by Ye Chen's distant and seemingly displeased attitude, had feared he wouldn't give it to her. But now, he had. Her sharp mind instantly realized Ye Chen had been playing her, just as she'd been trying to control him.

Yet, she wasn't angry—only filled with the joy of regaining what she thought lost. This diagram was crucial to her. Only with it could she break through to Deity Transformation and stand a chance against prodigies like Yi Qingwu on the immortal path.

Holding the weighty box, Fan Qinghe made her decision. No more hesitation.

Ye Chen would be her protector. His unmatched talent made him the ideal choice, ensuring each of her nirvanas reached its peak. Moreover, his unimaginable wealth addressed a cultivator's insatiable need for resources, no matter their talent.

The Heavenly Desire Sect, however, was too small. Its internal strife, with too many female cultivators vying for power, meant elders often undermined her, leaving her short of resources. Even for this auction, she lacked enough spirit stones for the diagram, relying on Ye Chen's aid. Only with his full support could her immortal path be smooth.

She decided to take the gamble. If she won, she'd ascend to immortality, dominating the cosmos, perhaps surpassing even the Heavenly Desire Sect's founder. The founder's protector paled compared to Ye Chen, and a divine maiden's achievements were tied to her protector's caliber.

If she lost, she'd accept it. She wouldn't walk the path of the masses—she couldn't stomach it. Instead, she'd stay by Ye Chen's side. With his potential for immortality, as his partner, she might ascend alongside him.

In the immortal realm, immortal qi was abundant, making breakthroughs far easier than in the cultivation world. There, she could still have her chance at immortality. Win or lose, Ye Chen was her best choice.

…

"Congratulations, Host, on successfully gifting the item."

"Gifted item: Replica of the Queen Mother of the West Visualization Diagram!"

"1,500 times feedback in progress."

"Detected significant emotional fluctuation in the gift recipient…"

"Triggered top-notch critical hit reward!"

"Feedback: Pangu World-Opening Visualization Diagram!"

"Pangu World-Opening Visualization Diagram: A supreme figure of the Kuafu Clan, stirred by their bloodline, entered a dream of the ancient past, witnessing Pangu splitting the heavens and earth. This scene was recorded and imbued with the divine charm felt in the dream, forming this diagram."

As the system's prompt echoed in his mind, the faint smile on Ye Chen's face vanished. His pupils contracted, shock overtaking him. It had been a long time since a feedback reward stunned him like this. He'd seen much of the world, but this… this was staggering.

The Pangu World-Opening Visualization Diagram? The system could produce something like this?

Ye Chen had heard tales of Pangu in the cultivation world. The legend, initially spread among the myriad races, claimed Pangu was the first divine being born in the primordial chaos.

With the primordial essence of all things, he forged a divine axe and split the heavens and earth, only to perish from exhaustion. His colossal body transformed into the myriad races—their origin story.

Of course, it was just a legend, its truth unverified. But among the myriad races was the Kuafu Clan, whose combat prowess ranked in the top ten. Rumor had it their bloodline carried a trace of Pangu's, granting them boundless physical strength and terrifying power.

As for the Pangu World-Opening Visualization Diagram, Ye Chen had heard of it too. It wasn't created by someone witnessing Pangu's act but by a supreme Kuafu Clan figure who, inspired by their bloodline, dreamed of that moment and recorded it, infusing it with the divine charm felt in the dream.

This diagram was the Kuafu Clan's supreme treasure, the cultivation world's foremost visualization diagram, renowned far and wide. Using it could vastly enhance a primordial spirit's grade, and the resulting Heaven and Earth Manifestation would be extraordinarily powerful.

However, after the Heavenly Emperor ascended, he wreaked havoc. A Kuafu Clan ancestor, who created the diagram, reached from the immortal realm and struck him with a palm. That blow was so devastating it silenced the Emperor for two years, leading many to believe he'd been killed. But when he reemerged, stronger than ever, he destroyed the Jianmu Tree and massacred the Kuafu Clan, rivers of blood flowing. The diagram vanished thereafter.

Many assumed the Emperor had claimed it. Countless Holy Lands and great factions sought it for their juniors to study, but the Emperor claimed he never got it. Few believed him, suspecting he was hiding it.

Now, it seemed he might've been telling the truth. The Pangu World-Opening Visualization Diagram landing in Ye Chen's hands was beyond his wildest expectations. With his already profound foundation, this top-tier diagram would make his breakthrough to Deity Transformation even more formidable. He might not even need his senior brother to suppress the Heavenly Intention Holy Son.

This unexpected windfall made him look at Fan Qinghe with heightened anticipation. A single visualization diagram had triggered this. What if Fan Qinghe absorbed his essence in the future? Could it yield something as outrageous as a Pangu Divine Body?

Right now, Ye Chen had one thought: I'm definitely becoming her protector.

…

"Thank you, Holy Son. Your great kindness, Qinghe will never forget!"

Fan Qinghe's peach-blossom eyes gazed at Ye Chen, brimming with deep affection, so intense it seemed to melt.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. "No need for formalities, Divine Maiden. My feelings for you haven't changed. But I sense you still have many reservations. A week from now, I'll leave White Emperor City, so I may not be able to wait for you any longer."

Since applying pressure worked, he'd keep it up. One trick could carry him far. Besides, his brilliance made him a target—lingering outside too long invited trouble. Ideally, within a week, she'd plant the divine seed, completing her first nirvana. Afterward, he'd return to the Holy Land. Not that he'd abandon her—he'd rush back for her second nirvana.

Fan Qinghe's long lashes trembled slightly. But she'd made up her mind. Her enchanting face turned serious. "Through our time together, I've seen my heart clearly and confirmed you're the one I've been searching for. I entrust my future to you, Holy Son. In all that lies ahead, please cherish me…"

Ye Chen smiled, though her words sounded off. To an outsider, they might think she was the one being drained.

Chapter 413: Pangu World-Opening Visualization Diagram

Fan Qinghe's words were odd, laced with a teasing charm, but Ye Chen didn't mind. He loved it.

I'm willing to let her drain me, and she's willing to drain me.

This mutual devotion was the kind of romance Ye Chen cherished.

"I won't let you down…"

He began to express his resolve, but mid-sentence, Fan Qinghe's delicate hand flicked, setting a restriction on the booth's door.

Her dazzling eyes sparkled as she looked at him. "Since the Holy Son is willing, why not… right here?"

This?

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. If Yi Qingwu could cover her bid, the auction would end soon. Wouldn't someone knock on the door?

Fan Qinghe licked her lips, her enchanting face brimming with excitement. "Doesn't that make it more thrilling?"

Ye Chen hadn't expected the Divine Maiden to have such a taste. He wasn't opposed, but the system was still on cooldown.

With a light tap, he lifted the door's restriction. Under her puzzled gaze, he gently cupped her face. Her skin was impossibly smooth, silkier than the finest satin—the best he'd ever felt among female cultivators.

Lowering his head, he gazed into her eyes, speaking earnestly. "I'm eager too, but this concerns your lifelong path to enlightenment. I don't want you to make a rash decision. Though I care for you, I want you to choose the best protector for yourself. For the next seven days, I hope you'll think it over carefully. If, after seven days, you're still certain, I'll officially become your protector. But if you change your mind, I won't blame you. I'll leave quietly, taking nothing, and wish you well…"

Fan Qinghe's eyes widened, not believing a word.

I've already started my technique, and you're saying this? You were just playing me—don't think I didn't notice!

Her only worry was whether Ye Chen was getting cold feet at the critical moment. Breaking and rebuilding wasn't easy. As a prodigy like him, steady cultivation would already place him among the top. Was he backing out after taking a small advantage?

Panicking, she nearly planted the divine seed on the spot. But before she could speak, Ye Chen's face closed in, silencing her with a kiss. Her eyes fluttered shut instinctively.

Muah muah muah…

Soon, they widened again. His hands, previously cradling her face, had wandered with a mind of their own. She wanted to stop him but feared pushing too hard, hesitating. It almost looked like she was guiding his hands herself.

After a long moment, they parted, a delicate thread lingering between them. Fan Qinghe's eyes were hazy, her flushed face radiating natural allure.

Ye Chen nodded, savoring the moment, marveling at her honey-like sweetness. As for his hands? That was their own doing.

He spoke seriously, "Think it over carefully, Divine Maiden. If you're still willing, come find me at the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's residence in a week."

With that, he turned and left without a hint of reluctance.

Fan Qinghe stood stunned. Thankfully, he hadn't gone further, or she'd have had to refuse. But… was this his way of teasing her after coveting her for so long?

Her worry deepened, but Ye Chen's resolve left her helpless. Planting the divine seed required mutual willingness. She adjusted her clothes, donned her robe, and floated out of the booth. She decided to keep an eye on Ye Chen for the next few days.

You took advantage of me—you're not getting away.

The booth soon stood empty, leaving only a lingering, tantalizing fragrance… Back in his cave abode, Ye Chen, brimming with anticipation, retrieved the system's critical hit reward—the Pangu World-Opening Visualization Diagram—from his storage ring.

The diagram's material was unknown, incredibly tough, like the hide of an ancient divine beast. As he slowly unfurled it, a vague yet vast figure appeared before him. It was a back, just a silhouette, yet it felt as immense as the starry cosmos. One glance made Ye Chen feel infinitesimally small.

The figure stood in chaos, hands raised high, gripping a chaotic war axe. Though merely a back, it strained Ye Chen's spiritual sense to the point of pain, as if his entire skull might split under its weight. He couldn't help but marvel.

No wonder it was the cultivation world's foremost visualization diagram. Just looking at it was nearly unbearable—truly terrifying. If he could grasp its dao charm, he couldn't imagine how powerful his primordial spirit would become. The Heaven and Earth Manifestation he'd forge would be staggering. If he could condense a Pangu phantom with even a fraction of its divine charm, few could withstand it.

However, the diagram demanded an extraordinarily strong spiritual sense. Even Ye Chen could barely endure it. Among Nascent Soul prodigies, those capable of comprehending it could be counted on one hand. If one's spiritual sense was too weak, attempting to study it might annihilate it entirely.

But this only fueled Ye Chen's excitement. The higher the requirement, the greater the reward. Thus, he patiently awaited the system's cooldown, set to end in a week.

The Nirvana Scripture's first transformation was the spiritual sense shift. The Heavenly Desire Divine Maiden would absorb her protector's spiritual sense through soul communion to complete it. Even without a critical hit, a 1,500-times boost to his spiritual sense would be staggering.

The Heavenly Emperor was said to have reached the pinnacle of every realm, but Ye Chen doubted he could compare. And if a critical hit triggered, Ye Chen felt he could challenge even Pangu himself in the Nascent Soul realm.

Though the diagram was merely a great figure's dream, Ye Chen wondered if Pangu had truly existed. If so, could he one day trigger a critical hit for Pangu's divine blood or the World-Opening Divine Axe? If that happened, he'd be truly invincible. Upon ascending to the immortal realm, the Immortal Emperor himself might need to personally escort him.

Snapping out of his wild thoughts, Ye Chen carefully stored the diagram. He briefly recalled the soft, amber curves of Fan Qinghe, the exquisite sensation slipping through his fingers.

Her skin was unmatched, grand yet supple—the finest in the world. But with a steadfast dao heart, he didn't linger on it. He soon entered deep cultivation, refining himself further. This way, when the divine seed was planted, Fan Qinghe could absorb more. And the more she took, the greater his feedback would be.