ISWI Chapter 1036-1037 (Patreon)

Chapter 1036: This Time, He Should Give It to Me, Right?

Ye Chen had already reached an entirely new height. He was on the verge of ascending to immortality. Unless something was exceptionally important to his cultivation, he no longer cared for it. Even if these treasures could be sold for massive profits, he felt little interest. The immortal realm surely held far better things. As for the Alkaid Holy Land, he would let it fend for itself.

Upon hearing his words, the Alkaid Holy Maiden had yet to react, but Wang Xuanji's eyes widened in disbelief. He was rejecting all of this? In the immortal realm, a mid-grade immortal artifact was enough to move most True Immortals below the third heaven. The other treasures could also be exchanged for a considerable amount of immortal crystals to fuel one's cultivation. This gift counted as a heavy one even in the immortal realm.

Just how many treasures had Ye Chen obtained from the Heavenly Emperor's vault for him to dismiss these so casually?

The Alkaid Holy Maiden lowered her soft waist even further. Yet her next words made Ye Chen raise an eyebrow.

"I came here today to offer these gifts as compensation. I am not asking the Fourth Holy Son to show mercy to the Alkaid Holy Land,” she said. "I only beg the Holy Son to let me stay by his side as a servant girl to attend to him.”

Wang Xuanji's eyes widened again. She was offering such valuable gifts just to become a servant girl?

Ye Chen also raised an eyebrow at first, but he quickly understood. He looked down at the Alkaid Holy Maiden with a half-smile.

She sensed his gaze and her heart skipped a beat. She felt as if everything had been seen through, and a wave of shame washed over her. Yet she had no other choice. The core members of the Alkaid Holy Land had been fleeing the entire way, but the cultivation world had countless methods. Someone would eventually catch up. Once discovered, they would face immediate encirclement and attack.

The Alkaid Holy Land originally had three Quasi-Immortals. Two had already been gravely wounded by immortal artifacts and could not recover. If they were discovered a few more times, the entire sect would be completely destroyed.

After a serious discussion, the Alkaid Holy Land had placed its immortal artifacts and most precious treasures into her cave heaven. A Quasi-Immortal ancestor then delivered her to the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

They did not ask for Ye Chen's forgiveness toward the Alkaid Holy Land. They only hoped he would accept her—even if only as a servant girl. As long as he took her in, the sect would gain a chance to breathe.

After all, everyone knew that the Heavenly Emperor's heir cherished his female cultivators and would not allow them to suffer the slightest harm. If she could stay by Ye Chen's side, outsiders would hesitate and naturally refrain from taking action for fear of offending him.

But now that Ye Chen had seen through her intentions, the Alkaid Holy Maiden felt especially uneasy.

Ye Chen glanced at her long hair and waved his hand again. "Leave.”

He had many things to attend to and no interest in adding another woman to his side—especially one who was only three thousand times.

Hearing this, the Alkaid Holy Maiden's eyes immediately reddened. She bent even lower, her figure's curves becoming more pronounced.

"Holy Son, are you disgusted because I was once the Alkaid Holy Son's fiancée?” she asked. "I swear to the Holy Son that I remain pure and untouched. I have never had any physical contact with him. Since his sudden rise, the Alkaid Holy Son has devoted himself solely to cultivation and has no interest in anything else. If the Holy Son does not believe me, you can verify it yourself!”

Ye Chen: "…”

The Alkaid Holy Son stayed away from women and focused only on cultivation. Meanwhile, he himself… Why did he suddenly feel like the villain here?

He had almost forgotten that she was the Alkaid Holy Son's fiancée. However, he had no interest in her. His previous fiancée, Yi Qingwu, had also come to him on her own initiative to provoke Ying Tiansheng. It was never his idea.

Seeing a flicker of movement in Ye Chen's expression, the Alkaid Holy Maiden felt a surge of hope and continued pleading, "This trip to the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land has already exposed my whereabouts. If the Holy Son does not keep me, I will die once I leave. I do not want to die. I only beg the Holy Son to accept me as his servant girl and spare my life…”

As she begged, she kowtowed heavily. Her originally smooth forehead soon became covered in blood.

Watching the Alkaid Holy Maiden like this, Ye Chen could not help but shake his head. He had always been soft-hearted, and he truly could not bear it.

"Fine,” he sighed. "I will accept these gifts, and you may stay.”

Joy instantly bloomed across the Alkaid Holy Maiden's beautiful face. She kowtowed once more and quickly changed her address. "Thank you, Master!”

Beside them, Wang Xuanji's expression grew complicated. Being taken in as a servant girl and still having to thank him for it… This trip to the lower realm had truly opened her eyes.

The Alkaid Holy Maiden first healed the wound on her forehead, restoring it to its former flawless smoothness. She then presented the treasures to Ye Chen with both hands. Finally, she expanded the entrance of her cave heaven to its fullest before him, allowing him to see everything inside with perfect clarity.

"Master, I am unable to wield the immortal artifact. Please take it yourself,” she said.

Ye Chen nodded and hooked his finger lightly. The domineering Dragon Pattern Black Gold Cauldron immediately flew into his hand.

A single glance told him it was extraordinary—worthy of standing alongside the Undying Celestial Blade and the Devouring Heaven Demon Jar. He would pass it on later.

Wang Xuanji's eyes lit up at the sight. It was good that Ye Chen had taken it; the cauldron would be useful to her. In the immortal realm, she would not spare a second glance at even a high-grade immortal artifact, but in this world, it was practically at the peak. With it, her strength would advance further, which would benefit her future plans.

She spoke up immediately. "Fellow Daoist Ye, I heard you already possess the mid-grade immortal artifact Undying Celestial Blade. Could you lend me this Dragon Pattern Black Gold Cauldron for the time being? Once we reach the immortal realm, I will gift you a top-grade immortal artifact in return.”

Wang Xuanji spoke casually. From what she knew of Ye Chen, he was never stingy with material possessions. She expected no issue.

Yet Ye Chen frowned slightly. He disliked her tone—the implication that since he already had one, this one should naturally go to her. Moreover, he had already decided he would give away nothing except the World Tree. His choice was obvious.

"I'm sorry,” he said without hesitation. "I plan to give this cauldron to my friend Yan Ruyu. She should be breaking through to the Quasi-Immortal realm soon, so it will suit her perfectly.”

Wang Xuanji froze.

She had been rejected? Ye Chen would rather give the Dragon Pattern Black Gold Cauldron to Yan Ruyu than to her? And what did he mean by "friend”?

He had been rejected by Yan Ruyu multiple times. He had even slain an immortal's will and flattened a forbidden ground for her, yet she remained unmoved and returned directly to the Myriad Races Immortal City. Wang Xuanji knew the story all too well. Under those circumstances, he still wanted to give her such a treasure?

It was absurd. In terms of appearance, talent, and background, how was she inferior to Yan Ruyu in any way? Had Ye Chen lost his mind?

Beneath her sleeves, Wang Xuanji clenched her fists tightly, finding it hard to accept. Still, she forced herself to stay calm. She and Ye Chen had only just met, while Yan Ruyu was known as the number one female cultivator. Perhaps she truly held some unique appeal. The more one could not obtain something, the more one desired it.

With that thought, Wang Xuanji set the matter aside and turned her gaze to another treasure she had noticed earlier—one that would benefit her soul. Surely Ye Chen would not refuse her this one. If he did, she would truly become angry.

Chapter 1037: Ye Chen Has Never Had Anything Good!

"Fellow Daoist Ye, my spiritual root was previously dug out, causing my cultivation to regress. My soul sword embryo was also severely damaged, leaving my soul shaken. Among the items your servant girl offered earlier, I noticed a Void Soul-Calming Crystal. This treasure can slowly temper the soul while continuously healing it. It is extremely rare. I wonder if Daoist Ye could part with it. Once I return to the immortal realm, I will repay you generously.”

Compared to the mid-grade immortal artifact Dragon Pattern Black Gold Cauldron, Wang Xuanji actually wanted this Void Soul-Calming Crystal far more. Such a treasure was nearly extinct even in the immortal realm, yet she had unexpectedly found one in the cultivation world. It was truly a pearl covered in dust.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "There's actually such a treasure? Fairy Wang is truly knowledgeable.”

Following her hint, he took out the Void Soul-Calming Crystal. It was a tiny, diamond-shaped transparent crystal with faint purple soul flames swirling inside and ancient tadpole-like soul runes covering its surface. Holding it felt like touching warm jade, and even his mind felt clearer and more comfortable.

Ye Chen nodded in admiration. It was indeed a fine treasure.

Seeing him retrieve the crystal, Wang Xuanji smiled brightly. However, just as she waited for him to offer it to her, Ye Chen spoke with a smile.

"Thank you for the reminder, Fairy Wang. A friend of mine was once harmed by others and left with only a soul body. She only recently condensed a new physical form. This crystal would greatly benefit her soul. So, I'm sorry, but I cannot give it to you either.”

With that, Ye Chen flipped his hand and stored the Void Soul-Calming Crystal away.

Wang Xuanji's eyes widened, fury surging deep within them. Ye Chen had gone too far. She was a proud heavenly genius of the Wang Clan. Back in the immortal realm, whenever she wanted something, countless geniuses and elites would eagerly offer it to her. Yet here, she had lowered herself to ask twice, and Ye Chen had rejected her both times.

This unprecedented humiliation made her blood boil. If not for her remaining rationality, she might have lost her temper on the spot.

Ye Chen looked at her with a concerned expression. "Fairy Wang, you don't look well. Are your injuries from the earlier collision still not healed?”

Wang Xuanji's mouth twitched. But remembering she still needed to rely on Ye Chen for the World Tree, she could not afford to fall out with him now. She could only swallow her anger and nod.

Ye Chen spoke gently, "Then please rest well, Fairy Wang. I need to go out for a while.”

Wang Xuanji frowned at once. She had come to get closer to Ye Chen and build a good relationship so he would eventually give her the World Tree. If he left, what was the point of her staying?

Moreover, where was he going? Could it be related to his promised battle with the Eight-Crowned King?

Wang Xuanji did not want to see that. Their relationship was not yet solid. If Ye Chen obtained the World Tree now, she would have no chance. She asked anxiously, "Fellow Daoist Ye, where are you going next?”

Ye Chen glanced outside. "I'm going to visit some old friends, catch up, and calm my mind. My cultivation has advanced too quickly in recent years. I need some time to consolidate.”

Hearing this, Wang Xuanji breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he was not going to fight for the immortal opportunity, she still had time. She also agreed that Ye Chen needed to stabilize himself. Even she could not see through the Eight-Crowned King's true strength. The single strike that had suppressed her earlier was already at the mid-stage of the True Immortal realm or higher. His foundation was terrifyingly deep.

Ye Chen was powerful, but he still needed more tempering. Otherwise, if he lost, how would she obtain the World Tree?

With this in mind, Wang Xuanji spoke earnestly, "The Immortal Qi will emerge soon. Fellow Daoist Ye should focus on cultivation. Use this time to bring your techniques and arts to their peak, and nourish your immortal artifact as much as possible so it can display greater power when needed. After all, the Eight-Crowned King's World Tree is truly extraordinary. It would be best if you visited your dao companions after this matter is settled.”

Ye Chen frowned. This woman was trying to manage him now? She was overstepping her bounds. He gave Wang Xuanji a cool, indifferent glance. "This is my own business. There's no need for Fairy Wang to concern herself.”

With that, he summoned his immortal carriage and prepared to depart.

The Alkaid Holy Maiden looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Master, may I accompany you?”

She needed outsiders to see her by Ye Chen's side. She had to make her presence known, or the Alkaid Holy Land would continue to be hunted. Her gaze was pitiful and full of entreaty.

Ye Chen understood her intentions perfectly. He beckoned with his hand, and she happily stepped up to stand at his side.

Wang Xuanji noticed his displeased tone and felt a flicker of resentment. She had only meant to help him. In the lower realm, Ye Chen could act freely thanks to his talent and resources. But the immortal realm was different. There were far too many geniuses and monstrous talents there. The level of competition was on an entirely different scale. If he continued indulging in women like this, he would surely be left far behind.

Yet when she kindly reminded him, he showed no appreciation… How overbearing.

Wang Xuanji's expression darkened. Still, seeing that he was about to leave, she swallowed her frustration and spoke up. "Fellow Daoist Ye, this is my first time descending to the cultivation world, and I am quite curious about it. Would it trouble you too much to let me travel with you? Observing this world might bring me some insights.”

Ye Chen's face remained calm. He nodded indifferently. "If Fairy Wang wishes to come, then naturally you may.”

Since he intended to keep stringing her along, letting her follow was necessary.

Wang Xuanji glanced at the Western Empress Holy Carriage. It was not large. If she joined him inside, they would have to sit close together, which she disliked. She said softly, "I prefer not to ride in carriages. I enjoy flying freely. I'll follow behind on my own.”

Ye Chen smiled and nodded.

The next moment, the Western Empress Holy Carriage shot forward with a rumble and flew out of the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Their destination was the Heavenly Intention Holy Land. It was time to deliver the Celestial Prince's origin. He had already given the Lotus Emperor's origin to the Holy Spirit and the immortal corpse's origin to Manjusaka. The Celestial Prince's source had remained with him until now, and this was the perfect opportunity. Besides, it had been a long time since he last saw his fiancée.

Wang Xuanji frowned slightly. Ye Chen seemed more difficult to handle than she had imagined. He was not the type to fawn over every woman he met. Even so, she remained confident. Since descending to this realm, she had seen several of his dao companions—such as Yao Xi, Elder Lin, and Li Feihuang. They were nothing noteworthy. As for Elder An, she seemed to be in seclusion and had not appeared, but she was probably no different. None of Ye Chen's women were qualified to stand beside her.

Ye Chen had simply never tasted anything truly good. Once she made her move, she would claim him with ease.