ISWI Chapter 260-261

Chapter 260: A Fierce Man Who Can Fight Nascent Soul?

"Three days from now, we depart for the Great Chu Empire!"

Ye Chen read the message from the transmission talisman, a smile spreading across his face. After all this waiting, it was finally time.

Li Feihuang had broken through to mid-Golden Core long ago but hadn't emerged from seclusion, focusing instead on refining her natal spiritual artifact. Her words now brimmed with confidence, carrying an air of dominance. For Ye Chen, the stronger she was, the better. If she could decisively defeat Champion King, it would save him a lot of trouble.

When Li Feihuang first broke through, Ye Chen had briefly considered sneaking in to give her a thrashing—just to remind her there were always stronger people out there and to tone down her arrogance. But recalling how his "secret" misdeeds never stayed hidden past the next day, he dropped the idea.

Imagine sneaking in for a beatdown, only for her to confront him the next day while he's delivering a gift: "Why'd you ambush me last night?" The awkwardness would be unbearable. Better to avoid unnecessary complications.

Once the Great Chu business was settled, they'd part ways for good. A five-hundred-fold multiplier was rare, but the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land would surely offer even higher ones. No need to cling to her.

…

After receiving the talisman, Ye Chen headed to An Miaoli's cave abode. He'd only be gone a few months—a short time for cultivators—but as a guest elder of the Divine Will Sect, courtesy demanded he inform her. He also wanted to ask her to look after the Green Cloud Sect in case something arose while he was away.

Upon hearing his plans, An Miaoli nodded calmly, agreeing to watch over the Green Cloud Sect. But when she learned he was heading to the Great Chu Empire, her brow furrowed.

She knew of Ye Chen's close ties with Li Feihuang—close enough that, despite her deliberate avoidance, he'd gifted Li Feihuang something as precious as phoenix blood.

Yet, over nearly two years, An Miaoli had observed that Ye Chen held no romantic affection for her. His decision to assist her now likely stemmed from other motives, which An Miaoli didn't pry into.

Her concern lay elsewhere. "Champion King is formidable. I encountered him once during my travels—a natural-born emperor. His physique is extraordinary, and he gained the allegiance of an ancient war chariot bathed in imperial blood on a battlefield. Though I never fought him, his combat power is far beyond ordinary.

"According to our sect's intelligence, two years ago, he reportedly battled a rogue Nascent Soul cultivator for three days without a clear victor. While this hasn't been widely circulated and we can't confirm its truth, Li Feihuang, at mid-Golden Core with her Moon Phoenix Body, stands little chance against him. If the rumor of him matching a Nascent Soul is true, her odds are even slimmer. This is why our sect, despite knowing her identity, didn't heavily invest in her."

She continued, "Champion King may exude imperial charisma, but he's vengeful and ruthless. I advise against wading into this mess. It could put your life at risk."

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow at An Miaoli's words. Champion King is that formidable?

Li Feihuang had been boasting that breaking through to mid-Golden Core would let her crush Champion King, leading Ye Chen to assume he was on par with someone like Wang Lun—a pushover.

But now it turned out this guy had fought a Nascent Soul rogue cultivator to a standstill? Even if rogue cultivators were generally weaker than sect ones, a Nascent Soul was still a Nascent Soul. Champion King's strength was undeniable. Li Feihuang's overconfidence was almost laughable. Talk about delusional.

Still, Ye Chen was set on securing the imperial aura infusion. Opportunities to rapidly boost cultivation at the Golden Core stage were rare, and he wasn't about to let this one slip. Plus, he hoped to run into Su Yuxuan in the Great Chu Empire. As for the formidable Champion King? He sounded tough, but Ye Chen figured it wouldn't be a big issue.

Seeing his resolve, An Miaoli didn't press further. Top prodigies in the cultivation world were known for their unyielding determination; a few warnings about danger wouldn't sway them.

Ye Chen, with his Heavenly Spirit Root, had proven his mettle by tearing off the Wind-Thunder Jiao's wings in the Netherwater Pool—alive, no less. When An Miaoli refined the wings, she'd noticed they still held vitality. That alone spoke volumes about his strength.

A prodigy like Ye Chen could hold his own even in a Holy Land. He might not suppress Champion King outright, but he could likely match him.

…

With the small talk out of the way, Ye Chen got to the main point. "Senior, these past few days, I've felt the Nether Toxin flaring up again…"

An Miaoli's gaze remained calm, as if she'd anticipated this. "Very well, I'll examine you."

Ye Chen grinned. As she sat beside him, ready to channel her secret technique, he reminded her, "Senior, don't forget to use the spiritual artifact—it's more effective."

An Miaoli paused briefly, silent. Then the ribbon tied to her wrist glowed, activating the artifact. Satisfied, Ye Chen said no more.

As everyone knows, a man's hands can sometimes act on their own. Ye Chen was no exception. He didn't hold high hopes, given the divine light that had blocked him before. But this time, his eyes widened in surprise.

Glancing at An Miaoli, he saw her eyes closed, fully focused on the technique, seemingly oblivious to the world. Her demeanor made her stance clear. Ye Chen, wisely, kept quiet and let his hands… explore with focus.

As a result, today's "toxin purging" session wrapped up faster than usual.

…

"I've offended you, Senior. I'm truly sorry," Ye Chen said, bowing slightly.

An Miaoli waved it off. "No matter. You're the cultivator Yuyi cares for, which makes you my junior. I do this for her sake, so don't overthink it. A clear conscience is enough."

As she delivered her usual "clear conscience" line, Ye Chen left, though a trace of confusion lingered. Why hadn't she blocked him today? Sure, it was just her slender, perfectly proportioned calves and delicate feet—nothing he was particularly interested in—but it was still a significant step forward.

He pondered briefly but soon shrugged it off. Whatever the reason, progress was progress. Why dig into a good thing?

…

An Miaoli watched Ye Chen's retreating figure, her expression as serene as ever, though she sighed inwardly. The change today stemmed from Ye Chen's lavish gifts to Yuyi—the portable cave abode and the Star Technique. It was clear he didn't love Yuyi; his actions were likely a response to her earlier request to treat Yuyi better and avoid being hot-and-cold.

She hadn't expected Ye Chen to take her words so seriously. Yuyi's radiant happiness these days hadn't gone unnoticed, and as her aunt, An Miaoli was determined to keep that joy alive, sparing her niece the pain of insecurity.

To ensure Ye Chen's continued devotion, she had to make his efforts feel rewarded, giving him a sense of gain. That would motivate him to keep cherishing Yuyi, ensuring her happiness. Everything she did was for Yuyi's sake.

Even if it meant stepping slightly out of bounds, as long as her conscience was clear, that was enough.

…

Chapter 261: The Great Chu Capital!

"Let's go!"

Outside Divine Will City, a massive, opulent building-ship hovered, exuding grandeur. It belonged to Wang Lun's family. Stepping onto the deck, Li Feihuang's red hair danced in the wind, her aura commanding. Her stunning, regal face radiated unshakable confidence.

This return to Great Chu wasn't about proving her worth—it was about reclaiming everything she'd lost with her own hands.

Wang Lun stood behind her, his eyes gleaming as he envisioned his future as the imperial consort. Despite the setbacks during his time in the Divine Will Sect, as long as the outcome was favorable, nothing else mattered. He glanced at Ye Chen, who'd also boarded the ship, but paid him little mind. Once they reached the Great Chu capital, someone would make Ye Chen see the chasm between them. He'd abandon the slot and slink away in defeat.

With Li Feihuang's command, the building-ship ascended, its colossal bow piercing the clouds as it thundered toward the Great Chu Empire.

…

As the throne succession contest drew closer, the Great Chu capital buzzed with unprecedented activity. Cultivators from across the empire flooded in, joined by powerhouses from neighboring major forces to observe the ceremony. Discussions naturally centered on who would emerge victorious.

Champion King was renowned for his terrifying combat prowess, commanding an ancient war chariot that crushed all foes. Few in the Golden Core stage could challenge him, his reputation towering. Yet, the empire's princess, Li Feihuang, reportedly possessed the elite Moon Phoenix Body. Debates over who would win raged on.

Within the empire, various factions placed their bets, eager to claim the glory of backing the victor. But a sudden piece of news swept through the capital like a bucket of cold water, silencing the fervor.

"Champion King fought the North Nether Ancestor for three days and nights, and the North Nether Ancestor withdrew!"

The North Nether Ancestor was a famed Nascent Soul rogue cultivator, one of the rare few to reach that stage without a sect. Even if rogue cultivators were considered weaker, a Nascent Soul was still a Nascent Soul. That Champion King, a mere Golden Core cultivator, could fight him to a draw was staggering.

Skepticism abounded, but as recording stones capturing the battle circulated, doubts vanished. The stones showed Champion King atop his ancient war chariot, wreathed in divine flames, wielding a long halberd against the North Nether Ancestor. Awe replaced skepticism.

The outcome of the throne contest now seemed a foregone conclusion. With Champion King's Golden Core strength rivaling a Nascent Soul, his power was near the pinnacle of what the stage could achieve.

…

"It's said Champion King obtained an ancient inheritance from the war chariot."

"That halberd he wields looks extraordinary, likely retrieved from an ancient battlefield."

"He's like an ancient war god, summoning battle spirits to fight his enemies."

"Champion King's methods are endless—a true son of heaven, a born emperor."

The crowd marveled, convinced the upcoming contest held no suspense.

In Champion King's mansion, a man in battle armor sat at the head, his gaze cold and commanding, as if the world lay beneath him. Below, his subordinates looked up with awe.

A man in a green robe entered, beaming. "Greetings, Lord! The Zhao, Qian, Sun, and Wang Clans have just sent calling cards, requesting an audience."

Champion King didn't even lift his eyes, his voice booming like thunder. "Tell the Zhao, Qian, and Sun Clans to offer a hundred times the resources they gave Li Feihuang as an apology. As for the Wang Clan? Throw out whatever they send. After this is over, their clan will be razed, and their line extinguished. The Great Chu Empire has no need for them."

His subordinates' eyes gleamed with excitement. The green-robed man bowed. "Your wisdom is flawless, Lord. You deliberately suppressed news of your draw with a Nascent Soul, luring Li Feihuang into agreeing to advance the throne contest before the ancestor emerges. You even spread word of her Moon Phoenix Body within the empire, baiting those who oppose you to reveal themselves. Now, you can crush them all in one sweep, killing the chicken to warn the monkey."

Unlike his exhilarated subordinates, Champion King's expression remained impassive, his eyes devoid of ripples. To him, neither Li Feihuang nor Wang Lun were worthy adversaries.

His gaze shifted to the far end of the hall, where a barefoot woman sat, idly swinging her feet, seemingly indifferent to the world. The others followed his gaze, their eyes flashing with wariness.

This woman, Su Yuxuan, was terrifyingly powerful. Her blood-path techniques were masterful. Had Champion King not intervened, his strongest subordinate, the Flying Dragon General, would've been refined alive by her. And her reason for attacking? To secure a subordinate slot in the throne contest.

The subordinates had been dumbfounded. With your strength, wouldn't Champion King have welcomed you with open arms? A simple spar would've sufficed—why go for the kill?

Despite her sweet, alluring appearance, no one dared linger on her, fearing her wrath. Only Champion King watched her with interest, his domineering eyes betraying unmasked possessiveness.

…

On the building-ship, Ye Chen leaned against the railing, gazing out. They had entered Great Chu territory days ago, and the capital was reportedly close. The nearly month-long journey hadn't been dull.

Beyond cultivating, Ye Chen soaked in the breathtaking natural splendor of the cultivation world—majestic mountains and rivers far surpassing anything from his past life's Earth. With Li Feihuang on board, he also kept up his gifting routine without delay.

At that moment, Wang Lun, dressed in an ornate robe, emerged from the cabin. His face darkened the instant he saw Ye Chen. This journey was supposed to be his chance to bond with Li Feihuang. He'd prepared an array of precious gifts, but Ye Chen had outdone him spectacularly.

Every gift Ye Chen offered was a treasure, valued at tens of thousands of high-grade spirit stones, some even reaching 100,000. In just a month, Ye Chen had gifted items worth at least 300,000 high-grade spirit stones, making Wang Lun's carefully curated presents seem too modest to offer.

Even worse, Wang Lun's two maidservants had started casting increasingly fervent glances at Ye Chen. His failure to outshine Ye Chen in gifting and relationship-building fueled his rage. His initial plan to merely teach Ye Chen a lesson and scare him off had evolved. Now, he wanted Ye Chen's treasures—and his life.

…

Though Wang Lun's heart burned with murderous intent, his face remained impassive, betraying nothing. Then, as the silhouette of an immense, sprawling city appeared on the horizon, a smirk curved his lips.

The Great Chu capital had finally come into view.