ISWI Chapter 262-263

Chapter 262: Betting with Ye Chen's Life?

The Great Chu capital was colossal, dwarfing Divine Will City by more than tenfold. Even Ye Chen couldn't see the city's edges at a glance. Its surface shimmered with countless array patterns, exuding an impregnable aura. The ancient, weathered charm hit newcomers with overwhelming awe.

Wang Lun sneered inwardly at Ye Chen's astonished expression, his disdain palpable.

Unnoticed, Li Feihuang emerged from the cabin, clad in a golden gown embroidered with phoenixes, her red hair pinned high with a golden hairpin. Her regal beauty radiated a cold, commanding arrogance.

"The Great Chu capital—I'm back," she murmured, her eyes swirling with complex emotions.

Wang Lun smiled lightly. "In half an hour, we'll reach the capital. I'll notify my clan to welcome Your Highness at the city gate. Once news of your return spreads, the entire capital will be abuzz."

Li Feihuang nodded slightly. After her breakthrough to Golden Core, not only had the Wang Clan reached out, but all four major clans of Great Chu had courted her favor, sending treasures.

Countless minor clans and court officials had followed suit. When she'd fled like a stray dog, humiliated, her return now demanded attention. She would prove her strength, erase her shame, and reclaim what was hers.

She wanted the entire Great Chu Empire to know: Li Feihuang, Princess of Great Chu, has returned!

As the building-ship neared the capital, Li Feihuang unleashed her aura. Moon Phoenix power surged, and a divine phoenix silhouette materialized, circling above her, its wings scattering radiant moonlight. Bathed in its glow, she stood at the ship's bow like a lunar goddess, dazzling and untouchable.

Her terrifying presence forced Wang Lun to step back, his heart marveling at the Moon Phoenix Body's might. Ye Chen, however, remained unfazed, lounging against the railing, calmly watching her show off.

But as they approached the main city gate, Li Feihuang's brow furrowed. The gate was crowded, but most were mere spectators. Only a handful—barely dozens—had come to greet her, all from the Wang Clan. Where were the other clans? The court officials?

Though puzzled, sensing something amiss, she descended into the city under the phoenix silhouette's glow, her head held high, her aura undiminished. Her overwhelming pressure rolled out like a tide, making low-tier cultivators tremble.

The onlookers at the gate buzzed with shock at her display of power.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" The Wang Clan patriarch led his dozens of clansmen in a respectful bow.

Li Feihuang nodded calmly. "Why are you the only ones here?"

The patriarch sighed. "It's complicated. Please, Your Highness, come to our residence to discuss."

Now certain something unknown had transpired in the capital, Li Feihuang nodded, retracting the phoenix silhouette. She stepped gracefully onto the Wang Clan's ornate spiritual beast carriage but glanced back at Ye Chen in the crowd. "Fellow Daoist Ye, come with me."

Li Feihuang's heart stirred with unease, a flicker of panic beneath her composed exterior. She insisted on keeping Ye Chen close. His unwavering, costly support proved his loyalty—unlike the Wang Clan, which might falter, Ye Chen would never betray her. Having such an ally by her side steadied her nerves.

Her decision drew a frown from the Wang Clan patriarch, who sized up Ye Chen. Wang Lun's face darkened further, but Ye Chen ignored them, striding confidently onto the ornate carriage. The carriage soon glided into the city, escorted by the Wang Clan.

Inside, Li Feihuang sat in silence, her expression grave. Ye Chen observed her, noting her grand entrance had fizzled—her attempt to awe the capital had fallen flat with only a handful of greeters. He suspected Champion King had dropped his facade and revealed his true strength.

At the Wang residence, the patriarch's solemn revelation confirmed it: Champion King had stopped pretending. He'd shown his hand—capable of battling a Nascent Soul.

Li Feihuang maintained her calm facade, but her jade hands clenched beneath her sleeves. Champion King can fight a Nascent Soul? No wonder the major clans that had secretly backed her were absent, not even a shadow of them at the gate. They feared Champion King's wrath and future retribution.

And the Wang Clan? Though they appeared to stand with her, given Champion King's ruthless reputation, he'd likely make an example of someone to deter others. The Wang Clan was the obvious target. They likely had no choice but to align with her, or they'd have abandoned her too.

Watching the recording stone's footage of Champion King's battle with the North Nether Ancestor, Li Feihuang's heart sank. Even with her confidence, the sight of him commanding an ancient war chariot, radiating imperial dominance, shook her resolve. Could she, a mid-Golden Core cultivator, really challenge him? At late Golden Core, she might have a strong chance to suppress him, but now…

Champion King clearly knew this, which explained why he'd broken tradition to advance the throne contest, catching her off guard.

At that moment, several figures with towering auras stormed into the mansion. The Wang Clan members moved to intercept but froze upon seeing the intruders' battle armor, not daring to step forward.

The burly newcomers, brimming with battle intent, stood before Li Feihuang, their eyes devoid of respect. "By Champion King's decree: if Li Feihuang concedes, she'll be named Princess of Peace, and all past grievances will be forgotten."

The Wang Clan's faces paled. If Li Feihuang surrendered, their hopes would collapse.

Li Feihuang let out a cold laugh. "A mere Champion King dares issue decrees? Let him become emperor first. And you dare to address me by name?"

In an instant, a phoenix silhouette materialized, unleashing torrents of Southern Radiant Fire. The intruders' expressions shifted as they cast spells, but the flames devoured their magic. Moments later, they were blasted back, coughing blood, their faces twisting in horror as the fire began to erode and burn their spiritual energy.

Li Feihuang gazed down coldly. "Scram!"

The intruders fled in panic.

…

The Wang Clan members' eyes glinted with hope at the display. The divine general who'd delivered the decree, a mid-Golden Core cultivator, hadn't lasted a single exchange against Li Feihuang. The Moon Phoenix Body's might was undeniable—ordinary late Golden Core cultivators wouldn't stand a chance. Perhaps Li Feihuang could indeed hold her own against Champion King in the arena.

Li Feihuang's expression remained aloof. As a princess, she could afford to lose, but to surrender without a fight? Unacceptable. She had to fight.

The Wang Clan was now tethered to her, with no choice but to back her. But Ye Chen? Her gaze flickered as she looked at him. Even if she lost, as royalty, she'd likely face only house arrest. The ancestor might not care who took the throne, but royal bloodshed was strictly forbidden. Internal power struggles never resulted in a royal's death.

However, Champion King's ruthless nature meant her supporters wouldn't be so lucky. They'd face dire consequences—likely a fate worse than death. Ye Chen had been unwaveringly loyal, sparing no expense for her cause. With victory uncertain, Li Feihuang couldn't bear the thought of him dying at Champion King's hands. Perhaps she should urge him to leave now.

Yet, Ye Chen's strength was formidable. He'd crushed Wang Lun effortlessly. If he faced Champion King, he could deplete some of his strength and reveal more of his trump cards, potentially giving her a chance to win. But that would mean gambling with Ye Chen's life for her throne.

For a moment, Li Feihuang wavered, torn by indecision.

…

Chapter 263: Why Should I Explain Myself to Anyone?

"Ye Chen, Champion King is formidable, and this battle is perilous. Even with my strength, I'm not guaranteed victory. If we fail, as my supporter, your fate will be grim. So, think carefully about whether you want to fight. If you choose to leave, I won't blame you," Li Feihuang said earnestly after a moment's hesitation.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.

Leave? I've come this far. The month-long journey would be a waste if he backed out now. Besides, Champion King? He'd seen the recording stone. Impressive, sure, but to Ye Chen, he was nothing special.

With a calm expression, Ye Chen replied succinctly, "What joy is there in life, what sorrow in death? Having chosen to support Your Highness, I won't back down now."

…

Li Feihuang's eyes widened, ready to persuade him further. Facing Champion King in the arena—or surviving the fallout of defeat—could be a death sentence. Yet Ye Chen's words, "What joy is there in life, what sorrow in death?" showed he was willing to risk his life for her.

Moved beyond words, she couldn't hold back a promise: "If I defeat Champion King and become empress, Ye Chen, you'll be one of the most honored figures in the Great Chu Empire."

Ye Chen was unfazed by her pledge. Stay in Great Chu? Only a fool would. His sights were set far beyond.

The Wang Clan members, however, frowned. Li Feihuang's Moon Phoenix Body was formidable, capable of crushing peers, giving them hope she could rival Champion King. But this battle was tied to their clan's survival, and they didn't trust an outsider like Ye Chen.

If Li Feihuang won and became empress, the Wang Clan, having taken such risks, deserved the lion's share of rewards. Yet Ye Chen clearly held her trust more—a threat they couldn't accept.

The Wang Clan patriarch spoke up. "Your Highness, our clan's Wang Ming is powerful, a mid-Golden Core cultivator with combat strength far beyond his peers. For safety's sake, let Wang Ming take this Fellow Daoist's place."

Li Feihuang shook her head firmly. "Fellow Daoist Ye's strength is exceptional. There's no need for a replacement." She knew Ye Chen's capabilities—only slightly below her own. He'd trounced Wang Lun; Wang Ming wouldn't stand a chance.

Undeterred, the patriarch pressed on, his tone resolute. "Your Highness, our Wang Clan stands fearlessly behind you, defying Champion King's threats. We're betting three thousand years of our legacy and the lives of five thousand clansmen. Please, consider our loyalty and the fate of our clan."

His words made Li Feihuang frown. Meanwhile, Wang Lun's face darkened. Ye Chen's not just a gift-giving machine, he's a shameless bootlicker too? Spouting lines like "What joy in life, what sorrow in death"?

Disgusting. But then, a sly smile crept onto Wang Lun's face as he chimed in, "Your Highness, this battle decides the throne's fate—it's critical. Why not let Wang Ming and Fellow Daoist Ye spar? The winner fights, ensuring a higher chance of victory."

Hearing Wang Lun's suggestion and seeing the Wang Clan's expressions, Li Feihuang glanced at Ye Chen. She trusted his strength, but the Wang Clan was her only ally. She needed to reassure them.

Li Feihuang relented. "Very well, Fellow Daoist Ye, you'll spar for the spot."

Ye Chen nodded nonchalantly. Seeing her agree, the Wang Clan members exchanged pleased smiles. Soon, a towering figure, easily over two meters tall, strode into the hall. His muscular frame radiated raw power, exuding an oppressive aura. He bowed to Ye Chen.

The Wang Clan patriarch introduced him with a grin. "Wang Ming possesses a Yang Spirit Root and innate divine strength. He's destined to become a great asset to Your Highness."

Li Feihuang gave a noncommittal nod.

The Wang Clan, as a major family, naturally had an arena. The group relocated there, and Ye Chen and Wang Ming stepped onto the platform as the array activated.

Li Feihuang paid little attention to the match. Ye Chen couldn't lose. Wang Lun, however, watched with anticipation. He'd secretly instructed Wang Ming to go for the kill—or at least cripple Ye Chen—claiming it was an accident afterward. Li Feihuang wouldn't pursue it, clearing the way for Wang Lun to woo her unimpeded while securing the Wang Clan's dominance.

…

The battle began.

Wang Ming loomed over Ye Chen, his eyes dripping with disdain. In the cultivation world, true powerhouses were invited as sect elders. Only the mediocre settled for guest elder roles. A mere guest elder dared obstruct the Wang Clan? He deserves death.

Without a word, Wang Ming lunged forward, his massive frame closing the distance in a flash. His blood energy surged, and he swung a fist at Ye Chen's head. The strike echoed with the roar of a divine elephant, terrifyingly powerful, as if it could shatter Ye Chen's skull in an instant.

Ye Chen frowned slightly but didn't move. A golden shield materialized before him, effortlessly blocking the blow without so much as a ripple.

Wang Ming's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with colder intent. "Divine Elephant Transformation!" His muscles bulged further, lightning crackling around him. Each punch now carried thunder and elephant roars, as if capable of rending the heavens. The sheer force was staggering.

Beside Li Feihuang, the Wang patriarch nodded proudly. "Wang Ming's not just naturally strong. He consumed a Divine Elephant Fruit, and our clan secured him the Earth-grade Divine Elephant Scripture. Apart from his brother Wang Lun, he's peerless among his generation."

Li Feihuang nodded absently.

…

On the arena, despite Wang Ming's ferocious onslaught, his earth-shaking fists couldn't breach Ye Chen's shield. Ye Chen stood with hands behind his back, unmoving, gazing at Wang Ming calmly. "You want to kill me?"

Every strike from Wang Ming targeted vital points, brimming with murderous intent. Frustrated after failing to even graze Ye Chen, Wang Ming's blood energy exploded again, his punches conjuring faint elephant silhouettes. The impacts reverberated beyond the arena, shaking the Wang residence. He transmitted coldly, "Of course I'll kill you—rip your body apart."

Ye Chen smiled.

The shield vanished. Wang Ming, thinking Ye Chen had faltered, unleashed a killing blow. Ye Chen still didn't move, casually raising a hand to throw a relaxed punch.

Wang Lun sneered from below. Even I wouldn't dare clash physically with Wang Ming. Ye Chen's courting death.

Li Feihuang frowned, wondering if Ye Chen was overconfident.

The next moment, everyone's eyes widened in shock.

Ye Chen's casual, almost leisurely punch unleashed a dragon silhouette. The instant it appeared, Wang Ming's surging blood energy was forced back into his body. The divine elephant phantom, poised to roar, shattered instantly.

As their fists collided, terror flashed in Wang Ming's eyes. His muscular, mountain-like body exploded into a mist of blood, sent flying backward.

The Wang Clan patriarch and others below gaped in disbelief. Li Feihuang frowned slightly. Was Ye Chen's attack too ruthless?

On the arena, Ye Chen glanced at Wang Ming, half his body reduced to blood mist, and raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. Still alive? A faint glow of potent vitality emanated from Wang Ming's chest, barely preserving his organs. Clearly, he had some fortunate encounter.

But Ye Chen's lips curled into a smirk. For the first time, he moved, his body drifting like a breeze to hover above the still-flying Wang Ming.

The Wang Clan's eyes turned bloodshot. The patriarch erupted with aura, charging toward the arena. "Stop!"

Li Feihuang's frown deepened. Ye Chen intends to finish him off? Regardless of intent, the Wang Clan was her supporter. Killing their prodigy outright would cause significant issues, especially when her priority was the throne contest. Ye Chen was being reckless, disregarding the bigger picture.

She spoke up. "The match is decided, Ye Chen. Stop."

The Wang Clan's roars and Li Feihuang's command reached Ye Chen's ears, but his hand didn't waver. Under Wang Ming's horrified gaze, he smashed down a fist. Wang Ming's head exploded, and the spark of vitality in his chest snuffed out.

Wang Ming was dead, killed in the Wang Clan's own arena.

The Wang Clan's fury boiled over, their glares at Ye Chen dripping with murderous intent. Li Feihuang's eyes flared with anger.

Amid the crowd's stares, Ye Chen, in his pristine green robe, untouched by blood, turned with a carefree smile. "My apologies—my hand slipped."

Silence gripped the hall. Who couldn't see it was intentional?

The Wang Clan patriarch trembled with rage. As a late Golden Core cultivator, he yearned to charge forward, but the aura of Ye Chen's punch sent chills through him. Wang Lun paled, lacking the courage to confront Ye Chen.

They turned to Li Feihuang. "Your Highness, this man killed our clan's prodigy in a mere spar! Our Wang Clan has been loyal, striving to ease your burdens. Please, deliver justice!"

Li Feihuang's phoenix-like eyes narrowed, her commanding presence tinged with fury as she fixed on Ye Chen. "Why did you kill him? You owe me an explanation!"

Ye Chen chuckled softly, his body rising to float in the air, hands clasped behind him as he gazed down at the crowd. "I, Ye Chen, act as I please. Why should I explain myself to anyone?"

His words stunned the room into silence. Li Feihuang's eyes widened in disbelief.