ISWI Chapter 952-953 (Patreon)

Chapter 952: Going for Tea!

The Exiled Immortal had fallen. Yet the impact of this battle showed no signs of subsiding. The Eighth Realm was left riddled with holes, its landscape completely transformed. Countless cultivators remained immersed in shock. Everything they had witnessed and learned today carried far too much weight for them.

First, the Exiled Immortal had broken through to Quasi-Immortal in the middle of battle. Then, the Heavenly Emperor's heir had blocked an immortal artifact with his bare hand and even suppressed it inside his internal world. After that, they had learned the true origin and history of the Other Domain.

For the cultivators of the cultivation world, the impact was simply too great. Some even felt a wave of despair. In the past, they had heard of the Other Domain but had only regarded it as a world on par with the Immortal Realm. With the Heavenly Emperor standing guard, they had assumed the situation was manageable.

Now they finally understood the true severity of the threat. If the Immortal Realm fell, the cultivation world would naturally cease to exist as well. This concerned every single person's life.

The greatest problem, however, was that although these matters affected their very survival, they were completely powerless to do anything about it. They could not even reach the Immortal Realm. That was true helplessness.

Yet when they looked up at the sky and saw the distant figure of the Heavenly Emperor's heir, their eyes were still filled with awe and reverence. If the Heavenly Emperor alone could not hold back the invasion, there was now an even more terrifying heir.

He was still only a Great Saint, yet he had already far surpassed every record left by the Heavenly Emperor and created a new myth. If the Heavenly Emperor's heir continued to grow, he would undoubtedly surpass the Heavenly Emperor himself. Perhaps he could stand together with the Heavenly Emperor to guard the Immortal Realm and block the assault of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths!

In this manner, only after the Heavenly Emperor's heir had completely vanished from sight did the watching cultivators slowly disperse. They began gathering in small groups, exchanging words and sighing over everything they had learned today.

…

Inside Immortal City, it felt as if a pot had exploded.

Not only the younger cultivators, but even the Great Emperors and Quasi-Immortal old antiques were shaken to the core. Their faces were full of doubt and disbelief at what had happened on the Immortal Path.

It was simply too inconceivable. A peak Great Saint fighting a Quasi-Immortal was already close to mythical. But using his physical body to block an immortal artifact? That was truly unprecedented.

That was an immortal artifact. Even a single wisp of its awakened aura could shatter a Great Saint. One could imagine its power. Could a cultivator's flesh truly achieve such a feat?

Most importantly, how much time had passed?

So much had already happened. It was simply outrageous.

Thus, everyone stared fixedly at the Immortal Ascension Array.

Moments later, the array lit up.

When the divine light faded, a figure appeared within it. The robe embroidered with the yin-yang fish pattern representing Heavenly Evolution Holy Land made his identity clear. It was the Heavenly Emperor's heir.

The moment he stepped out, the outcome was obvious. The Other Domain's Exiled Immortal had truly fallen. The matter of the immortal artifact was also confirmed beyond doubt.

Among the Alkaid Holy Land cultivators in Immortal City, some revealed expressions of utter despair. First, their Holy Son—whom they had placed high hopes on and secretly supported with everything they had—had fallen at the hands of the Heavenly Emperor's heir. Then the Exiled Immortal, whom they had switched to supporting and even gifted an immortal artifact, had also perished.

At this moment, those cultivators were certain: No matter how the end of the Dharma era unfolded in the future, their Alkaid Holy Land had thoroughly offended the one who was most likely to become an immortal in this generation.

Destruction was already inevitable!

This left them in complete despair. As for the other forces, many had still been hesitating, weighing whether to side with the Heavenly Emperor's heir. They had worried that he might eventually lose and drag them down with him.

But now, countless powers made up their minds. They planned to dig out Feng Baiyu's old visiting card once more and draw closer to Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Back then, they had been extremely disgusted by Feng Baiyu's card. After all, while it was hard to say how strong he was as a prodigy wandering the Central Continent, his ability to disgust people was truly unmatched.

Yet now, no matter how much they still disliked him inwardly, they no longer had any other choice.

…

Ye Chen paid no attention to the surrounding gazes and flew straight into a pavilion within Immortal City.

The Holy Master and two Great Emperors, along with one Quasi-Immortal Supreme Elder, were already seated there. A cup of spiritual tea sat before each of them, with enlightenment tea leaves swirling inside. The Dao rhythm was refreshing and intoxicating.

Some cups had already been drained. Others remained untouched. In front of an empty seat was also a cup of tea—clearly prepared for Ye Chen.

Ye Chen smiled, descended gracefully, and sat down. He picked up the spiritual tea; it was still pleasantly warm.

Feng Baiyu and the elders all stared at him in shock. They too found Ye Chen's battle record utterly outrageous.

Ye Chen simply took a gentle sip, then shook his head and sighed softly, "I came back a little too late. Listening to the Exiled Immortal talk at the end wasted too much time. The spiritual essence has dissipated quite a bit, and the flavor is slightly weaker."

Feng Baiyu's mouth twitched. He knew Ye Chen too well. He knew Ye Chen was showing off.

The other elders, however, were full of emotion.

"Blocking an immortal artifact with your bare body—neither the Heavenly Emperor nor the Devouring Female Immortal ever achieved that."

"You must be the final supreme prodigy of the end of the Dharma era, carrying the essence of this entire realm."

"Although I am a Great Emperor, I am no longer qualified to protect your Dao. Next time, I won't come to take advantage!"

"I feel the same. Someone who can block an immortal artifact bare-handed has no need for protectors in this cultivation world where Quasi-Immortals are the peak—as long as no true immortal appears."

"And if a true immortal does appear, no one would be qualified to protect you anyway."

The elders' hearts were filled with both admiration and regret.

No cultivator enjoyed being someone else's Protector, constantly watching over another. Especially watching battles of those at lower realms—it was particularly boring for high-realm experts.

Yet they had willingly offered to protect Ye Chen's Dao, only to find that he no longer needed them. It was truly a pity.

Ye Chen set down the cup that still had half its enlightenment tea left and smiled as he shook his head. "Even if I no longer need the elders to protect me, I will not forget the previous agreements. I will still show filial respect to all the elders!"

Now that Ye Chen had almost no opponents left, he still treated these old fellows with such respect. This made them all smile with genuine delight. In the cultivation world, they had seen too many cultivators who became arrogant the moment they gained power. Someone with Ye Chen's temperament was truly precious.

Feng Baiyu, who understood Ye Chen best, asked directly, "Where to next? The Heavenly Emperor Hall, the Lan Clan Immortal City, or the Myriad Races Immortal City?"

All three places had Ye Chen's women.

Ye Chen showed no embarrassment at all and answered with a smile, "All of them!"

Feng Baiyu's mouth twitched again, but he had nothing to say. Together with the elders, he rose and followed Ye Chen onto the immortal ship that had been summoned. They drifted away gracefully, leaving behind countless cultivators who had already seen the recorded projection stones, staring in stunned silence.

…

Aboard the flying ship.

Feng Baiyu, who usually loved to show off alongside Ye Chen, seemed somewhat downcast today.

The reason was simple. The Exiled Immortal's revelation about the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths actively pushing the Great Tribulation was news even to him.It made him suspect that the Immortal Realm's long survival might indeed be because the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths had been deliberately holding back, using the pressure to forcefully drive internal reform and trigger the Great Tribulation.

If that was true, how could the Immortal Realm possibly hold? Especially since the Heavenly Emperor, though not dead, had run off somewhere to "block a gate" and was nowhere to be found.

Without the Heavenly Emperor, the hearts of the people were not united. Many major powers would become internal traitors for the sake of a slim chance at survival. When the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths returned in full force, they might sweep through everything. The Immortal Realm would have no power to resist.

And now, a million years had already passed since the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths shattered their previous world. Even if the number of internal cultivators had been drastically reduced, they must be approaching their limit. The next invasion would not be far away.

Ye Chen was indeed a little stronger than he had been back then, and perhaps a bit stronger than the Heavenly Emperor as well. But would it be enough?

Feng Baiyu felt rather pessimistic. He looked at Ye Chen, who was brewing a new cup of tea in front of him, and sighed. "When you enter the Immortal Realm in the future, there is no need to become enemies with the Other Domain!

"The Nine Heavens and Ten Earths are tolerant toward top prodigies. They have always wanted to find a way to completely solve the problem of world decline, so they constantly absorb top prodigies. It is said that the top prodigies from the previous shattered worlds all entered the Other Domain!

"You are only a lower-realm person. You have no duty to protect the Immortal Realm. If the situation becomes impossible, just reveal your talent and join the Other Domain!"

Ye Chen pushed a fresh cup of spiritual tea toward Feng Baiyu and smiled upon hearing this. The Immortal Realm seemed even more chaotic than the cultivation world. But for him, it really was not a big problem.

After all, his internal world could exist independently. It was already almost as large as the cultivation world. Once he became a true immortal and his internal world transformed into a universe, it might even rival the Immortal Realm.

At that time, even if the Immortal Realm shattered, he could perhaps stand alone, exist independently, slowly grow stronger, and seek true transcendence. With such a backup plan in place, neither the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths nor the Immortal Realm would trouble Ye Chen. So Ye Chen said nothing and simply gestured for Feng Baiyu to drink his tea.

Perhaps influenced by Ye Chen's calm demeanor, Feng Baiyu drained the enlightenment tea in one gulp and regained his usual state. With a cold smile, he said, "With your battle record this time, Alkaid Holy Land will definitely become a target for everyone. Whether they want to get close to you or stir the muddy waters, the number of participating forces will be far beyond ordinary. Even if they still have one immortal artifact left, under siege, their destruction is inevitable.

"You no longer need protectors. I will start planning right away. When the time comes, I'll get you the Dragon-Patterned Black-Gold Cauldron—their main immortal artifact. Its power and grade are both higher than the Heavenly Tribulation Thunder Halberd.

"You and the Heavenly Emperor both possess the Armament Secret, so you can preliminarily awaken an immortal artifact. Do you want Alkaid's Holy Maiden as well?"

Ye Chen grinned. This was the Holy Master he knew. He shook his head and refused. He already had enough women, and Alkaid's Holy Maiden had almost no reputation. Her aptitude was probably average.

No interest.

Ye Chen was also pondering how to gift the items. An immortal artifact could only be barely used by a Quasi-Immortal. Gifting one to anyone below Quasi-Immortal would be too forced and unlikely to produce the most precious rewards, so he set that aside for now.

The World-Destroying Black Lotus seed, however, was excellent. It was most likely a lotus seed produced by a lesser world's immortal root—a top-tier treasure for condensing black holes. The only question was who to give it to.

Lan Nuo, Yao Yuezhi, and Yan Qingcheng had probably all reached the Great Saint realm by now, but none had likely reached its peak yet. They were not in the most urgent need.

So Ye Chen decided to check on all of them first. If their situations were roughly the same, he would give it to Lan Nuo, who had the highest multiplier.

The first stop Ye Chen headed to was the Myriad Races Immortal City. It had been a long time since he last went to Yao Yuezhi's place for tea. It was time to pay her a visit.

Chapter 953: Meeting Yan Ruyu Again!

Several days later.

Ye Chen arrived alone at the Myriad Races Immortal City. As for the Holy Master and elders who had originally been with him, once they realized Ye Chen no longer needed protectors, they went off to deal with the Alkaid Holy Land. It was said they planned to form alliances and jointly target the Alkaid Holy Land to destroy it.

Although Alkaid Holy Land still possessed an immortal artifact, and the arrays left behind by a true immortal could restore the artifact's power to half its strength—far surpassing what a Quasi-Immortal could achieve—It was still useless.

After all, most top forces had Quasi-Immortal ancestors. As long as enough immortal artifacts were brought to bear, the Alkaid Holy Land would not last long.

Ye Chen naturally had no objections to this. Although Alkaid Holy Land had never openly stood against him, many of his enemies had received their secret support. There was no mercy to be had.

The only exception was Alkaid's Holy Maiden. Ye Chen had already seriously refused. Yet the Holy Master had emphasized several times that she was the former fiancée of Alkaid's Holy Son. The elders also seemed to have their own ideas.

It left him helpless. He really was not that kind of person. The rumor that he liked female cultivators who already had Dao companions was pure slander. Just like the rumor that he was a simp. Unfortunately, no matter how he tried, he could never clear it up.

…

Setting those thoughts aside, the moment Ye Chen descended into the Myriad Races Immortal City, a graceful figure arrived with a fragrant breeze and threw herself into his arms. "Big Brother Ye, I missed you so much! After hearing the news about you, I wanted to go find you many times, but I was afraid the other female cultivators around you would get unhappy and scold you! I'm different. I only know how to… feel sorry for Big Brother!"

The familiar tea fragrance washed over him. Ye Chen could not help but smile. It was indeed his little tea girl, Yao Yuezhi.

Ye Chen held her in his arms. "Alright, alright, stop acting so tea-like! After dealing with the Exiled Immortal, I came straight to find you. This time I'll stay with you longer!"

The corners of Yao Yuezhi's mouth curved up. "Then will Big Brother finally make me completely his? If your body is tired, I can ask Mother to brew some great tonic soup… Father said it's fine!"

Ye Chen's mouth twitched. He raised an eyebrow. After hesitating for a moment, he nodded.

Although Ye Chen was certain that when a female cultivator reached ten thousand times multiplier before becoming his Dao companion, there would definitely be special changes, there was no need to wait until ten thousand times for everyone. He would only keep a few key ones for that.

For example, Senior An, Yan Qingcheng, and his fiancée. Yao Yuezhi was so enthusiastic. It would be rude to refuse.

Besides, she kept provoking him with tonic soup. It was time to properly educate Yao Yuezhi. Let her know that a real man did not need supplements.

…

Ye Chen's arrival drew many onlookers. All races were present, but unlike last time—when many of the older generation had restrained themselves due to the bigger picture and refused to act—This time, the older generation showed zero desire to interfere.

Because everything that had happened in Immortal City had already spread, the Heavenly Emperor's heir had blocked an immortal artifact with his bare body and slain the Exiled Immortal from the Other Domain.

This was practically a myth. They had enough self-awareness to know that if they acted, they would only be sending themselves to death. So they remained exceptionally calm.

The gazes directed at Ye Chen were filled with awe. Not a single provocateur appeared. Even the great clans whose prodigies Ye Chen had mercilessly slaughtered earlier would offer a friendly smile if their experts met his eyes. Even the powerhouses of the Undying Celestial Phoenix Clan actively avoided him.

"Long time no see!"

Yao Yuekong stepped forward and greeted him, his eyes full of emotion as he looked at Ye Chen.

Yao Yuekong had only just reached the Half-Saint realm. Looking at Ye Chen—who had been at the same realm back then but had now far surpassed him and could even fight Quasi-Immortals—he felt a thousand emotions.

Ye Chen simply nodded at him. Then, carrying Yao Yuezhi in his arms, he flew toward the city.

Halfway there, however, a graceful figure stopped in the distance.

Sensing the familiar aura, Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. It was Yan Wenwen of the Peacock Clan. Dressed in magnificent robes, she carried a noble and mature bearing, like a proud flower.

But Ye Chen knew how proactive Yan Wenwen could be behind closed doors. She was definitely the type who could handle the hall and the kitchen.

Yan Wenwen stood still without approaching. Her beautiful eyes were gentle and affectionate as she looked at Ye Chen with watery tenderness.

Ye Chen nodded and transmitted his voice: "I'll come find you later…"

Yan Wenwen showed no jealousy at all. She nodded, exchanged a glance with Yao Yuezhi, then turned and headed toward the Peacock Clan's district.

Yao Yuezhi raised her eyebrows and leaned against Ye Chen's neck with a timid, delicate voice: "Big Brother, although Sister is not as pure and transparent as me—belonging only to Big Brother in the past and future—Sister is still very good. If Big Brother wants, she can come too… I don't mind at all. Big Brother doesn't need to worry about me. As long as Big Brother is happy…"

Ye Chen chuckled. Yao Yuezhi's tea flavor was getting stronger and stronger. Without another word, he carried her straight into the Heavenly Demon Clan's residence in the city.

After enjoying tea for a short while, under Yao Yuezhi's clear, water-like gaze, accompanied by a faint tea fragrance, the system notification finally sounded in Ye Chen's mind:

"Congratulations to the host for gaining a new Dao Companion — Yao Yuezhi!"

"Gift multiplier enjoys Dao Companion bonus — 6,000 times × 2"

"Gift cooldown reduced — Gifting to her now only has a one-day cooldown!"

Ye Chen had expected this notification, so he did not pay it much attention. After all, there were far more pleasant sounds than the system's voice right now.

In this manner, a full seven days passed.

With a faint smile, Ye Chen carried the still-recovering Yao Yuezhi and opened the cave mansion doors. Unlike when he had arrived, Yao Yuezhi had not yet recovered.

"Let your mother brew some great tonic soup for you!"

Ye Chen teased with a grin.

Yao Yuezhi, however, did not mind at all. She would never admit it. Her pretty face only showed exhaustion and happiness.

"Big Brother, are you going to the Peacock Clan next? I'm fine. I'll just drink some soup. You can go ahead! You only need to remember that in the Heavenly Demon residence of the Myriad Races Immortal City, there is a girl named Yao Yuezhi who has always deeply loved you…"

Ye Chen's mouth twitched. He gently patted her. "Alright, alright. I'll stay with you another seven days!"

After meeting Yao Yuezhi, Ye Chen had decided not to gift her the World-Destroying Black Lotus seed. It had nothing to do with her becoming his Dao companion, mainly because her previous 6,000-times multiplier was too low.

Moreover, she had only just entered the Great Saint realm a few days ago, and her aura was still unstable. The World-Destroying Black Lotus seed would naturally be best gifted to a female cultivator closest to the peak of the Great Saint realm. If their situations were roughly the same, He would naturally choose Lan Nuo, who had the highest multiplier. The effect would be optimal.

After arriving at the Myriad Races Immortal City, Ye Chen had already sent people to the Heavenly Emperor Hall and the Lan Clan Immortal City to inquire about the two women's current cultivation levels. He would decide based on the situation and head directly to the most suitable one.

Setting aside distracting thoughts, Ye Chen focused on accompanying Yao Yuezhi. After drinking a few bowls of soup together, the two returned to the cave mansion once more.

Finally, seven days later, even though Yao Yuezhi was still speaking in her delicate, tea-like manner and looking pitifully charming, Ye Chen still left. News had come back from both the Heavenly Emperor Hall and the Lan Clan Immortal City. Both Yan Qingcheng and Lan Nuo were at the mid-stage of the Great Saint realm. Since they were the same, he would naturally choose the one with the higher multiplier.

Whenever Ye Chen thought of Lan Nuo, he could not help but smile. He suspected that Lan Nuo was probably watching the projection stone of him blocking the immortal artifact every day, extremely excited. She might even be practicing some hand techniques, preparing to block enemy weapons with her bare hands in the future. She might even come to ask him for advice.

After leaving the Heavenly Demon residence, Ye Chen headed toward the Peacock Clan. Although there had been many twists and turns, he had indeed come for Yan Ruyu in the beginning, which had given Yan Wenwen her opportunity. But since the opportunity had been given, he naturally could not ignore it. Since he was already here, he had to at least make a visit.

The moment Ye Chen arrived at the entrance of the Peacock Clan's residence, a young figure was standing there.

Upon seeing Ye Chen, the figure froze for a moment, then immediately fled and disappeared without a trace.

Ye Chen laughed…

The one who had run away was none other than the Little Peacock King. He roughly understood the little fellow's thoughts, so he did not mind that the boy showed zero gratitude and did not even greet his benefactor…

Soon, Yan Wenwen and a group of Peacock Clan higher-ups arrived. Even the Peacock Clan's Quasi-Immortal ancestor personally came out to greet him.

From the ancestor alone, one could see how exceptionally blessed the Peacock Clan was in terms of appearance. Even though the ancestor was advanced in years and her skin had wrinkles, one could still feel her extraordinary bearing that transcended mere looks.

Ye Chen had no interest in exchanging too many pleasantries. After saying a few casual words, he took Yan Wenwen and left. The Peacock Clan's higher-ups did not feel that Ye Chen was arrogant in the slightest. On the contrary, they were all deeply grateful to him.

Because before leaving, Ye Chen had slipped the ancestor a ginseng fruit that could extend lifespan. For the ancestor, whose lifespan was approaching its limit, this was the most precious treasure. And the ancestor's extended life was a tremendous blessing for the entire Peacock Clan.

Under such circumstances, the Heavenly Emperor's heir not wanting to chat with them was nothing at all.

…

Seven days later.

Ye Chen rose leisurely. Yan Wenwen gently helped him straighten his robe. "Are you leaving now?"

Ye Chen stretched and nodded without hiding anything. "I'm going to the Lan Clan Immortal City first, then I'll return to the Great Yan Continent to break through to the Great Emperor realm!"

Yan Wenwen nodded. "I'll see you off…"

The two floated out of the Peacock Clan's residence gates, preparing to head toward the city gate of the Myriad Races Immortal City.

In the distance, a graceful figure drifted over. Noble, magnificent, cold, and enchanting—all these qualities gathered on the woman before them. Every movement she made was accompanied by flowing seven-colored divine light, making her look like a goddess descending to the mortal world.

The woman was none other than Yan Ruyu.

Ye Chen was startled and stopped in place. It was not because he was dazzled by her beauty. He had seen her twice before, so that was not the reason. The real reason was the system notification that suddenly sounded in his mind:

"Detected change in the multiplier of a suitable gift target…"

"Yan Ruyu — 8,000 times!"

This notification made Ye Chen raise an eyebrow. The last time he had seen Yan Ruyu, she had been at 7,500 times. How many years had passed since then? She had actually jumped by a full 500 times.

Vaguely, Ye Chen could see the shadow of an eighth divine light flowing within the seven-colored divine radiance around her. It seemed she had encountered another opportunity. But even 8,000 times alone was not enough to truly move Ye Chen. What really caught his attention was the cultivation level she was currently displaying…