ISWI Chapter 1172-1176 (Patreon)

Chapter 1172: What Will You Do If the Heavenly Emperor Returns?

Ye Chen's voice rang out, causing everyone to raise their eyebrows. Why were they so certain the Heavenly Emperor was dead? Did he not even know this?

Wang Teng immediately sneered. "As expected of a lowly creature who ascended from the lower world... Back then, the Heavenly Emperor most likely used some secret technique to burn his own potential and origin essence. He had already reached a point of no return, so he simply walked out of the Immortal Realm. Ten thousand years later, the origin lamp he left behind in this world was completely extinguished."

"No divination technique could find even the slightest trace of his existence anymore—not even Immortal Kings could. It was as if the Heavenly Emperor had never existed in the past or future. My Wang Family's ancestor declared at the time that the Heavenly Emperor had committed too many sins and met with misfortune in his later years, unable to withstand the backlash. In that case, if he wasn't dead, did he achieve transcendence?"

Wang Teng laughed coldly.

The others did not fully agree with his claim that the Heavenly Emperor had committed many sins, but no one dared speak up. The extinguishing of the Heavenly Emperor's origin lamp back then had indeed caused a massive stir in the Immortal Realm.

After the Heavenly Emperor had dominated the Other Domain, the Immortal Realm had been filled with confidence. His growth had been too rapid, and his combat strength too heaven-defying. As an Immortal King, he had swept across other Immortal Kings. Everyone believed he would advance further and might even lead a counterattack against the Other Domain one day.

Then the Heavenly Emperor departed, and his origin lamp went out. Countless Immortal Kings were shaken. They performed divinations and some even left the Immortal Realm to search for traces of him. Yet they found nothing. It was as if the Heavenly Emperor had never existed. In the end, everyone fell into despair. The Heavenly Emperor had likely overexerted himself. He had truly fallen...

...

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, then smiled.

From his encounter with the Heavenly Emperor's imprint in the imprint battlefield, he knew the Heavenly Emperor was definitely not dead. He might even be standing guard at the gates of the Other Domain's strongest experts. The reason others could not divine him was either that they were too weak or because the Heavenly Emperor had grown so powerful that he had already reached the legendary realm of transcendence.

Transcendence was only a legend, but given the Heavenly Emperor's heaven-defying nature, his history of betrayals, and his protagonist-like experiences, it was not impossible.

Looking at Wang Teng, who spoke with such certainty and arrogance—as if the Heavenly Emperor's death meant he could now dig up his grave—Ye Chen could not help but want to laugh. When the Heavenly Emperor eventually returned, he wondered what interesting expressions the Wang Family would show if they still existed.

...

After answering Ye Chen, Wang Teng looked at him with mocking eyes. "Only the weak need to rage. I am not particularly angry at the Heavenly Emperor. I only regret that he was not born in the same era as me. Otherwise, no matter how strong his physical body was, I am confident I could have severed his primordial spirit and destroyed him completely, body and soul.

"As for you, his so-called successor, you are nothing more than an ant in my eyes. I can give you a path to survival. Kneel and submit to me. Having a slave who is the Heavenly Emperor's heir would be far more interesting than simply killing one."

At the end, Wang Teng suddenly roared. Endless divine phenomena surged like a sky full of gods and buddhas, all staring fixedly at Ye Chen and exerting indescribable spiritual pressure. "Kneel! Submit to me!"

The terrifying voice echoed. The distant onlookers clutched their heads in agony, their faces filled with terror. They had known Wang Teng was powerful and cultivated the Soul-Quelling Decree from an Immortal King Scripture, but a single roar from him was enough to shake their divine souls and nearly extinguish their spiritual flames. His terror was simply unimaginable.

No wonder the Wang Family claimed he possessed the aptitude of an Immortal King. It was truly frightening. They could hardly imagine how devastating his Primordial Spirit Sword Embryo would be once unleashed.

Xie Linyuan raised an eyebrow. Wang Teng had some skill, but he remained confident. He glanced at Ye Chen. If Ye Chen could not even withstand Wang Teng, he would be far too disappointing.

Recalling his master's words before they had set out, Xie Linyuan could not help but smile. His master had even left him a life-saving method to use if the situation turned dire. Earlier, when he had learned of Ye Chen's cultivation, he had found it laughable and believed even his master could make mistakes. Now, although he recognized Ye Chen's extraordinariness, Xie Linyuan still felt absolute confidence. He would definitely win—there was no need for any life-saving measures.

Still, since Ye Chen was the Heavenly Emperor's heir and the Heavenly Emperor had once shared a close relationship with the Supreme Hall, Xie Linyuan changed his mind. He would only defeat Ye Chen without taking his life.

His eyes, swirling with endless samsara, burned with confidence. "Defeat Wang Teng and prove to me that you are qualified to be my opponent!"

...

Beside Ye Chen, Liu Ruyan trembled from the bottom of her heart. Her delicate body shook uncontrollably, yet she still clung tightly to his arm, pressing herself against him.

Ye Chen smiled faintly and reached out to cover her ears with his hand. He himself made no defensive preparations. Only after the invisible divine sense attack dissipated did he withdraw his hand and look at Wang Teng with a cold smile.

Even your sister didn't dare speak to me like this back then. Yet a mere disposable pawn like you, meant to draw attention away from others, has the audacity to act so arrogantly.

Still, Ye Chen felt a stir of interest when he looked at the river of stars revolving around Wang Teng's body. Although he did not recognize it, the fluctuations felt extremely similar to the Great Sun Origin Core he had received from the system. It would likely be useful for his inner universe. He decided to hold back slightly when he attacked, so as not to damage it.

Liu Ruyan bit her lip and spoke, "Young Master, please put this servant into your inner world! My strength is low and I cannot help you, but I also do not wish to become a burden."

She was not trying to escape. If Ye Chen died, she would still die inside his inner world. Ye Chen smiled. He withdrew his arm and then proactively wrapped it around her slender waist.

"There is no need," he said calmly. "Suppressing him requires only one hand."

Liu Ruyan's expression changed drastically at his words, but she did not struggle. She chose to believe in him.

Wang Teng, who had been watching with mockery in his eyes, also froze for a moment before his face twisted with rage. His earlier roar had carried boundless divine sense. An ordinary late-stage Profound Immortal standing before him would have had their spiritual flame extinguished, leaving only an empty shell. Yet Ye Chen had endured it effortlessly while still protecting the woman beside him.

Even so, that was no reason for arrogance in front of him.

Suppress him with one hand? Even the Heavenly Emperor at the same realm back then would not have dared say such words, let alone a worthless successor.

Divine light bloomed from the center of Wang Teng's brow. It was as if a gate had opened, and an incomparably terrifying existence was about to emerge. The sharp radiance shattered the surrounding void and shook the heavens.

Wang Teng stared at Ye Chen with a dark expression, his killing intent surging. "I was planning to play with you for a while... But now, you have truly angered me! Since you are so eager to die, I will send you on your way right now!"

Chapter 1173: Primordial Spirit Sword Embryo!

As Wang Teng spoke, the endless void shattered. Cracks spread outward like a tidal wave. The divine light carried an indescribable sword intent that seemed capable of destroying everything in its path.

The distant onlookers' expressions changed drastically. None of them wanted to be touched by even a trace of that sword intent. Their faces paled as they retreated frantically. In their hearts, all were filled with terror.

This was the Wang Family's Soul-Quelling Decree—one of the three supreme sword arts of the Immortal Realm, with unimaginable power. Its most terrifying aspect was forging a sword embryo from divine sense. It did not target the physical body, only the soul. If an opponent's divine soul was not strong enough, their soul would be shattered the moment the sword embryo appeared.

Back when the Other Domain first invaded, the Wang Family's ancestor had unleashed countless divine soul sword embryos with a wave of his hand, slaying a Other Domain Immortal King. The terror of that feat had shaken the entire Immortal Realm. Of course, the later revelation that the Wang Family's ancestor had become a traitor was another story.

In any case, the Soul-Quelling Decree's battle record was undeniable and terrifying. The onlookers retreated in fear, terrified of being grazed by even a sliver of sword intent that might annihilate their souls.

Wang Teng sneered at Ye Chen and stopped speaking. The next moment, endless thunder erupted from between his brows. Thousands upon thousands of thunderbolts exploded outward. Each bolt took the form of a sword, engraved with the shadows of immortals. Every thunder sword was like heavenly punishment, annihilating the void and cracking the firmament with apocalyptic phenomena.

In the next instant, all the thunder swords shot forward from every direction, converging on Ye Chen.

Ye Chen and Liu Ruyan's figures were instantly engulfed. The onlookers, who had already retreated to a safe distance, watched with awe and dread.

"Divine Punishment Thunder Domain. Every bolt contains top-tier thunder sword intent. If the opponent cannot withstand it, they will be reduced to dust within the tribulation light..."

"The Wang Family's Soul-Quelling Decree is truly terrifying, with countless supreme divine techniques."

"The Heavenly Emperor's heir will likely follow in the footsteps of his predecessors and perish here..."

The crowd discussed among themselves, none of them optimistic about Ye Chen's chances.

Within the thunder, Liu Ruyan trembled violently, feeling as though she were facing total annihilation. Yet Ye Chen said nothing. If he had been alone, he would not even have needed to defend himself. Even with Liu Ruyan beside him, it was not troublesome.

His eyes opened and closed gently, releasing chaos qi that carved out a pure land around them both. The endless thunder swords slammed into the pure land and froze instantly. In the next moment, they were rolled away by samsara power and dissolved into nothingness.

Liu Ruyan's eyes widened. Her misty, dreamlike gaze filled with disbelief and shock. The next instant, Ye Chen felt her trembling stop. Her body temperature began to rise.

Ye Chen smiled and gently held her slender waist, feeling a touch of emotion. Only in the Immortal Realm could one encounter so many genuinely refined and exquisite women.

Liu Ruyan felt his large hand and her pretty face flushed red. Yet her heart grew calmer. Even in such a moment, her Young Master still had the leisure to act this way. What did that mean? He did not even regard Wang Teng as a true enemy. Though it seemed overly confident, it also proved that his strength was unfathomable. Perhaps she had truly bet correctly this time.

With that thought, her body temperature rose even higher. A faint mist rose around her as she leaned softly against Ye Chen.

...

Wang Teng stood proudly. Endless thunder swords rained down, transforming the area before him into a thunder domain. From the outside, nothing inside could be seen clearly. The thunder swords continued without end, like heavenly punishment, lasting a full hundred breaths. This alone demonstrated the terrifying power of his divine sense.

The onlookers watched in astonishment. Under such a relentless barrage, they did not believe any Profound Immortal could endure. Even a Golden Immortal might fall within it. The Heavenly Emperor's heir and his maidservant had likely been completely annihilated.

However, as the thunder slowly dissipated, the crowd drew in sharp breaths. Wang Teng narrowed his eyes. Even the distant Xie Linyuan could not help but raise an eyebrow.

At the center of the thunder domain that had nearly torn open a black hole, a pure land now stood. Chaos qi flowed gently within it, creating an aura of peace and harmony.

At the very center, Ye Chen calmly held Liu Ruyan in his arm, his expression tranquil and completely unaffected. The previous domain of thunder swords had passed over them like a light drizzle, not even dampening the edges of their clothes.

"Heavy Pupil Pure Land! That's the Heavy Pupil Pure Land!"

"This generation's Heavenly Emperor successor actually possesses double pupils!"

"No, this is definitely not ordinary double pupils. They must have been elevated through bloodline or divine ability to reach the level of immortal pupils. Otherwise, it would be impossible to block all of that!"

"How can such a terrifying monster be born in that barren lower world?"

The knowledgeable onlookers were all deeply shaken.

Xie Linyuan's pupils revealed a hint of surprise, which was quickly replaced by even stronger anticipation and rising battle intent. Chaos combined with samsara—he could hardly wait to fight Ye Chen.

...

Wang Teng was now thoroughly enraged, his killing intent completely unmasked. When Ye Chen had claimed he could suppress him with one hand, Wang Teng had only found it laughable and ignorant. But now he realized Ye Chen's strength far exceeded his expectations. The other party truly intended to suppress him with a single hand.

This was a humiliation Wang Teng had never experienced before. From the moment he had been born, protected by a divine palace, he had been a top prodigy. Within his family, only Wang Xuanji, the daughter of the Wang Family's Great Ancestor, had slightly surpassed him in talent. But after she was crippled, there were almost no other prodigies in the family who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him. He had received even greater resources and grown increasingly invincible.

Since his birth, Wang Teng had never known defeat. Everyone who looked at him did so with fear and trepidation. All prodigies treated him with utmost caution. Even Xie Linyuan, the descendant of an Immortal King and personal disciple of the number one Immortal Monarch, did not make him feel the slightest fear. He was confident he could suppress the other party.

All of this had forged Wang Teng's undefeated heart. He had never felt such blatant contempt before. No one had ever dared to be so arrogant in front of him.

At this moment, Wang Teng had only one thought: to crush Ye Chen completely and erase him from existence.

Without any further hesitation, he opened the gate between his brows to its limit. Under everyone's shocked gazes, a golden sword embryo burst forth.

The sword had no hilt, no divine patterns, and no edge. It was the purest, most primordial sword embryo. Yet the instant it appeared, the entire Sunset Secret Realm seemed to dim. The surrounding heaven and earth could barely withstand its existence, constantly twisting and collapsing.

Endless sword intent carrying destruction and punishment pierced through the void, shattering everything in its path. All the cultivators' expressions changed once more. They felt as if they could not bear the pressure of the sword embryo's emergence, as though their divine souls were about to shatter.

This was the first time most of them had witnessed a Primordial Spirit Sword Embryo. It was also the first time they had personally felt its terror. A sword embryo that ignored the physical body and struck directly at the soul, with an aura that no one could resist!

Who could possibly block it?

Chapter 1174: It Has Something, But Not Much!

Xie Linyuan regarded the primordial spirit sword embryo summoned by Wang Teng and also revealed a cautious expression. The offensive power of the Wang Clan's Soul-Quelling Decree was indeed terrifying, worthy of being called unmatched. Yet it was not truly invincible. The Soul-Quelling Decree emphasized the primordial spirit while neglecting the physical body. Over the years, they had constantly hoped to locate the legendary Indestructible Scripture.

Unfortunately, after the Heavenly Emperor's disappearance, the Indestructible Scripture had also been lost. The Wang Clan had searched bitterly for hundreds of thousands of years yet still failed to find it. This had allowed every power in the Immortal Realm to set their minds at ease. After all, the Wang Clan's Soul-Quelling Decree was already sufficiently invincible. If they also obtained the Undying Scripture, and one of the nine dragons of the Wang Clan then achieved Immortal King, would they not become truly unmatched?

“I will send you on your way!”

Wang Teng’s voice was icy, as though it came from the Nine Netherworlds. The sword embryo circulated, strange phenomena rose, and endless shadows of immortals and gods surged upon it, bringing an extraordinary divine power. In an instant, a terrifying sword intent mixed with destruction and punishment shot straight into the heavens.

When the sword embryo roared forth, the Heavy Pupils Pure Land where Ye Chen stood actually began to tremble. An even vaster sword domain had formed at some unknown moment and enveloped the Heavy Pupils Pure Land within it. Inside the sword domain, everything was dominated by the power of the sword embryo. Time and space within were distorted. Once trapped inside, even the most top-tier divine techniques could not allow escape. The majestic sword intent continuously exhausted the power of the Heavy Pupils Pure Land, rendering it fragile and illusory.

The sword embryo crashed down, shooting straight toward Ye Chen’s brow. Distant cultivators all wore expressions of pain. They felt that even the residual waves were enough to crack their primordial spirits. Yet Liu Ruyan at Ye Chen’s side showed a trace of astonishment. She stood so close yet felt not the slightest pressure.

This…

Liu Ruyan could not help looking toward the man beside her. The arm that gripped her slender waist transmitted surging, fervent energy that flowed like liquid through her entire body, protecting her. At this, her delicate form grew even hotter. Under such circumstances, the young master could still shield her. It was sufficient to demonstrate his strength. She had a premonition that this time she might not merely have dug up treasure, but an entire rich mine of immortal crystal. After today she might truly soar to the heavens in a single leap.

Wherever the primordial spirit sword embryo passed, everything twisted. Wang Teng sneered coldly. His clan’s Soul-Quelling Decree was the greatest offensive technique of all. It ignored every defense, struck straight into the primordial spirit, and destroyed everything. Once the sword embryo was summoned, the vast majority of Golden Immortals would fall, let alone Ye Chen.

“Die …”

Wang Teng roared in fury. The speed of the primordial spirit sword embryo increased further. Ignoring the Heavy Pupils Pure Land that was on the verge of collapse, it charged in amid the twisted and collapsing void, shattering the pure land. Still, it advanced unstoppably. In the next instant it would touch Ye Chen’s brow, churn everything of his primordial spirit within his fleshly body into fragments, and leave behind only an empty shell.

Yet in the next moment Wang Teng froze. The onlookers froze. Xie Linyuan also froze. For in the instant the sword embryo was about to touch Ye Chen’s brow, it suddenly stopped. It was not halted by any invisible force, nor blocked by any defensive technique. Rather, Ye Chen’s only free hand, blazing with golden light, directly seized the sword embryo itself.

Ye Chen's strength was too terrifying. In the moment of seizure, even though unimaginable divine power wrapped the sword embryo, even though endless divine spirit phenomena obstructed, even though the sword embryo itself struggled with all its might, it was still useless. The sword embryo was firmly gripped in Ye Chen’s hand. It could not even tremble and remained frozen in place.

The shock in everyone's hearts reached its peak at this moment. Wang Teng opened his mouth. He had never imagined anyone could catch the primordial spirit sword embryo with a bare hand. For the first time, fear arose in his heart, and his icy face twisted further.

“Fool! You actually dare to touch it directly!”

As Wang Teng roared, boundless killing sword intent erupted from the sword embryo. This sword intent ignored the physical body and struck directly at the soul, capable of shattering and destroying everything.

Yet Ye Chen merely raised an eyebrow. He felt that the sword intent, which indeed had some substance, was mostly blocked by his physical body upon entering. By the time it reached his divine soul, only two or three tenths remained, where it began to wreak havoc.

Ye Chen's expression remained unchanged as he calmly observed. In the end, he reached a conclusion. The Soul-Quelling Decree's offensive power against the divine soul was indeed frightening. A full-powered strike like this would require him roughly a hundred breaths to heal the damage to his soul.

Truthfully, it did have some substance. Ye Chen gave Wang Teng an appreciative glance. As expected of an Immortal Realm prodigy with the aptitude of an Immortal King.

But after that moment of appreciation, Ye Chen's palm surged with samsara power as the Indestructible Scripture circulated. He clenched his hand with explosive force.

Wang Teng's twisted face stiffened when he saw Ye Chen's clear eyes. How was this possible? The sword embryo had struck with full power and made direct contact with his body. Even a peak Profound Immortal should have suffered a fatal blow, with their soul shattered and body left lifeless in an instant. Why did Ye Chen appear completely unaffected?

This was impossible.

His heart filled with growing fear as he desperately tried to recall the sword embryo. The Soul-Quelling Decree had its strengths and weaknesses. Forging the divine soul into a sword embryo made it indestructible and unstoppable, ignoring all barriers. But if the sword embryo suffered damage, the user would be gravely injured. Still, the Primordial Spirit Sword Embryo was extremely fast and ignored all obstacles, making it impossible to intercept.

Yet now...

While Wang Teng was still panicking, his expression changed drastically in the next moment. The sword embryo, forged entirely from his divine soul, emitted cracking sounds. Countless divine phenomena were annihilated. Cracks spread outward like a spiderweb from where Ye Chen's hand gripped it.

Wang Teng felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His face turned deathly pale as he violently coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"Stop..." Wang Teng roared, pushing the Soul-Quelling Decree to its limit in an attempt to recall the sword embryo. However, Ye Chen's strength was unimaginably vast. There was no way to pull it back.

The cracks continued spreading rapidly. At the same time, Wang Teng's aura weakened at a terrifying speed. He could no longer maintain his imposing presence. The fear in his eyes could no longer be concealed.

If the sword embryo shattered to this extent, it would take at least a thousand years to recover. But at least there was still a chance. If it shattered completely, there would be no hope of recovery. Even if he survived today, he would become a complete cripple—far worse than Wang Xuanji after her Immortal Spirit Root had been dug out.

"Don't... you cannot ruin my cultivation. You cannot kill me... I am the son of Wang Ninth Ancestor of the Wang Family. I am also the only monstrous prodigy in the current generation of the Wang Family. The Wang Family has already lost one prodigy, and their fury has been building. If you kill me too, it will be like lighting a powder keg... Nine Immortal Monarchs will come personally. Together, they can rival an Immortal King. They will overturn everything. Jade Moon Immortal Monarch will not be able to protect you. Huo Linglong will be powerless. The entire Jade Pool Immortal Sect will be destroyed. Stop now, and there is still room for reconciliation... Do not bring ruin upon yourself!"

Wang Teng tried to threaten, but the sword embryo covered in dense cracks left him terrified. In the end, his words came out weak and nearly pleading.

Chapter 1175: This Must Be an Immortal Spirit Root!

The entire scene fell silent.

They had expected to witness an earth-shaking battle between top prodigies. They had not expected it to end so quietly. Moreover, Wang Teng had been defeated.

Everyone stared at Ye Chen in disbelief. Even Xie Linyuan looked dazed. Even with his confidence, he had believed it would take several days of intense fighting to suppress Wang Teng. He was only slightly stronger than Wang Teng. Yet Wang Teng had lost just like that. What about him, then?

At that moment, Xie Linyuan's surging confidence rapidly withered. His previously boiling Samsara Immortal Physique cooled in an instant. He suddenly felt that his master truly was unfathomable. It seemed he really was not Ye Chen's match.

Recalling how he had taken Ye Chen's Supreme Token and his declaration that he would cripple Ye Chen before entering the small world, he realized this had essentially become a life-and-death grudge...

Xie Linyuan's heart sank. He stood frozen in place, his entire body stiff.

...

On Ye Chen's side, he merely smiled faintly at Wang Teng's threats. The next moment, samsara power surged wildly from his hand. Wang Teng's Primordial Spirit Sword Embryo finally reached its limit and exploded.

Wang Teng's eyes went blank. His body shook violently. His face turned deathly pale as he coughed up immortal blood like it was free, nearly dyeing half the sky red. His cultivation plummeted rapidly.

Everyone who saw this felt a chill in their hearts. The once domineering Wang Teng had been completely crippled.

"How dare you! How dare you!" Wang Teng roared. "I am the only prodigy of the current Wang Family generation. I am the son of Wang Ninth Immortal Monarch. If you cripple me, you will die too! The moment you leave the secret realm, you will undoubtedly die!"

Wang Teng roared in fury. Previously filled with apprehension, now that he was crippled, he had fallen into complete madness.

Ye Chen's expression remained calm. Whether the Wang Family had become traitors had nothing to do with him. They had exterminated generations of Heavenly Emperor successors from the Yan Family and now threatened him. Their hatred toward Heavenly Emperor successors ran deep. Although he was not actually one, it would be difficult to explain. Their conflict was already irreconcilable, so he felt no need to show mercy.

As for Wang Ninth Immortal Monarch outside, Ye Chen was not afraid. The early-stage Heavenly Emperor Immortal Monarch imprint gave him a strong sense of security. Dealing with an Immortal Monarch like Wang Ninth should not be a problem.

But Ye Chen had one point of confusion. While he reached out from afar to grab the Chaos Star Orbit above Wang Teng's head, he asked, "I heard that eight of the Wang Family's Nine Dragons were killed back then. How come it sounds like they are still alive?"

Ye Chen remembered information revealed by the Heavenly Emperor imprint during one of his encounters. It had said eight had been killed, and Wang Ninth seemed to have already become an Immortal King. The current situation did not quite match what the Heavenly Emperor had said.

Wang Teng's killing intent surged even more fiercely when he saw Ye Chen seize his Chaos Star Orbit. He had once possessed a limitless future, but Ye Chen had caused all of this.

He stared at Ye Chen with a sinister expression. "Since the founding of my Wang Family, we have constantly sought top-tier body cultivation techniques. Although we never obtained the Indestructible Scripture, we acquired many other supreme divine abilities. How could we be so easily killed? We were only heavily injured and recovered soon after!"

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. He felt something was off, but he could not be bothered to investigate further. With the Heavenly Emperor imprint, even if Wang Ninth was an Immortal King, he should be able to hold him off for a while. Once he returned to Jade Pool Immortal Sect, the remnant soul of the Western Empress should ensure his safety.

So Ye Chen showed no more mercy. His eyes flashed as a terrifying destructive divine light shot out.

Wang Teng had nowhere to run and no way to block it. He glared at Ye Chen with resentment. "I will wait for you in the cycle of reincarnation!"

Before he could finish speaking, his body exploded.

Ye Chen smiled. He raised his hand, seized Wang Teng's divine soul, and pulled it into the Human Emperor Banner. He collected the origin essence and tossed it into the Devouring Heaven Demon Jar. Then he sneered. Wait for me in the cycle of reincarnation? Once dead at my hands, what reincarnation is there left?

Sensing the quality of the origin essence, Ye Chen revealed a satisfied smile. Unlike other cultivators who struggled bitterly for even the slightest improvement, the ways for him to grow stronger were truly too many. Wang Teng's origin essence was even denser than that of a Celestial Prince. It was enough to push his Primordial Chaos Supreme Body a step further.

His physique was too extraordinary, far surpassing all immortal physiques. Even a one percent improvement brought an unimaginable boost compared to ordinary cultivators.

Most importantly, such rich origin essence did not come only from Wang Teng. Ye Chen turned his head and smiled faintly at Xie Linyuan. He no longer cared about the Supreme Hall's character, but daring to steal from him was still courting death.

Above Xie Linyuan's head floated a full moon, radiating an aura similar to the Great Sun Origin Core and the river of stars he had just obtained. It felt beneficial for his inner world as well. This put Ye Chen in an even better mood. New grudges and old hatreds could all be settled today, and there would still be gains. How refreshing.

...

Wang Teng had fallen just like that. The entire scene fell silent. While some were amazed by Ye Chen's boldness, most were shocked by his absurd combat strength. After all, that was Wang Teng—an existence nearly invincible among his peers. Yet before Ye Chen, who was only at peak Celestial Immortal, he seemed to belong to an entirely different world. Even while holding a woman with one arm, Ye Chen had suppressed him effortlessly without suffering the slightest injury.

Where was the prodigy? He was nothing but an ant. It was simply too outrageous. Even the Heavenly Emperor in his time, though capable of killing across realms, had probably not been this monstrous!

Just what level of prodigy was Ye Chen? It could not be explained by immortal physique alone, nor by a Saint Spirit Root. So...

Bold guesses formed in everyone's minds. Their expressions grew even more respectful and fearful.

Meanwhile, Liu Ruyan in Ye Chen's arms had grown scorching hot around her slender waist. Even through her immortal robe, Ye Chen could feel the heat. Moreover, she had started trembling again. But this time it was not from fear or anxiety—it was from excitement. Her body stiffened slightly, then went completely limp. Her clear eyes filled with watery emotion.

She had won the gamble. Her Young Master absolutely possessed the legendary Immortal Spirit Root. Only the Immortal Spirit Root, which guaranteed one would become an Immortal King, could produce such terrifying suppression. She would become the Dao companion of an Immortal King, standing high above all in the future, looking down upon the world...

At that thought, she lost all strength. Her entire body went soft as she clung tightly to Ye Chen.

...

Ye Chen held the increasingly limp Liu Ruyan with one arm. He felt something was strange about her— the moisture around her had increased significantly. What a peculiar preference. Still, he did not pay it much mind.

Instead, he turned his gaze toward Xie Linyuan. What descendant of an Immortal King with a Samsara Immortal Physique—this kid seemed quite formidable too.

The others noticed Ye Chen's gaze and also looked toward Xie Linyuan. Although they no longer believed Xie Linyuan could be Ye Chen's opponent, his background, origin, and talent were all exceptional. He might be able to last a little longer than Wang Teng, allowing them to witness just how terrifying the legendary Immortal Spirit Root truly was.

Chapter 1176: Hard to Make a Move!

The descendant of an Immortal King, personal disciple of the number one Immortal Monarch, and monstrous prodigy with the Samsara Immortal Physique—Xie Linyuan—did not say much, nor did he provoke anyone. His expression was neither cold nor arrogant, only indifferent, carrying the true bearing of a top prodigy.

This made the crowd's expectations for him rise even higher. They believed he was stronger than Wang Teng. The upcoming battle with Ye Chen over the Great Sun Origin Core might bring them some surprises. So the onlookers waited with great anticipation.

Ye Chen also watched Xie Linyuan with interest.

Under everyone's gazes, the indifference on Xie Linyuan's face quickly gave way to a smile. He flew forward proactively and stopped before Ye Chen. "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Ye. Your strength leaves me ashamed of myself. I feel as if I have wasted all these years of cultivation... Everyone calls me a prodigy, but only now do I realize I have been a frog at the bottom of a well. Meeting you today is like a mayfly gazing at the vast blue sky, allowing me to witness the bearing of a true pinnacle existence. Fellow Daoist Ye has given me immense inspiration and pointed out the path for my future!"

"Although you are not my master, this act of guidance is like that of a benefactor teacher. Please accept my bow! I was blind and failed to recognize Mount Tai earlier. That was my mistake. I beg Fellow Daoist Ye to be magnanimous..."

As soon as Xie Linyuan finished speaking, he bowed deeply.

The entire scene fell silent...

Looking at the somewhat flattering smile on Xie Linyuan's face, everyone doubted their own eyes. Had Xie Linyuan become afraid? And so afraid that he could say such shameless words, even calling the other party his benefactor teacher?

Liu Ruyan grew even more excited and could not help puffing out her chest. The more face her Young Master had, the more face she had as his maidservant.

Ye Chen's mouth twitched slightly. This guy had looked like a true expert earlier, but he changed faces quite quickly. Someone who could bend and stretch like this had the potential to achieve great things. Still, even if the other party had submitted, Ye Chen had no intention of giving him a future. Stealing his token and threatening to cripple him in public could not be brushed aside with a few soft words.

Ye Chen narrowed his eyes and sneered. Without speaking, he calmly raised his hand and clenched it into a fist. Endless samsara power gathered at his knuckles. Six vague worlds had already begun to manifest.

Xie Linyuan's expression changed drastically. Why was the samsara power Ye Chen controlled so thick and profound? Even with the boost from his Samsara Immortal Physique, he was far from being able to compare. Sensing Ye Chen's killing intent, Xie Linyuan felt as if his heart had stopped. He had a premonition that he could not block it. He really could not block it. If Ye Chen wanted to kill him, it would not be much more difficult than killing Wang Teng.

At that moment, Xie Linyuan finally understood his master's flawless foresight. He hurriedly spoke, afraid that any delay would result in Ye Chen killing him with a single punch. "Fellow Daoist Ye, please show mercy. There is truly a connection between us..."

Ye Chen smiled. "What connection? The connection of you stealing from me?"

Although entering Jade Pool Immortal Sect had ultimately suited him better, that did not mean he no longer cared about having his Supreme Token stolen. He might not have cared about the token itself and could have given it away casually, but having it taken from him was an entirely different matter. The severity was completely different.

Xie Linyuan's heart sank. He immediately realized that Ye Chen already knew he was the one who had stolen the token behind the scenes. The grudge of blocking someone's path was irreconcilable.

Ye Chen truly wanted to kill him.

Xie Linyuan hurriedly spoke, "I am very sorry about that matter. It was indeed my mistake! That elder acted on my orders to seize Fellow Daoist's token on my behalf. However, before Master arrived, he instructed me to relay some words to you..."

"Master said that regarding the matter of you killing the Immortal Monarch's son-in-law, that Immortal Monarch was furious. He had already deduced the truth but deliberately suppressed it for you... At the same time, Master said he shares a very good relationship with Chaotic Ancient. Although Chaotic Ancient left the Supreme Hall, their friendship remains. He does not wish for your matter to affect that bond!"

"Master also said that if you are willing, you may join the Supreme Hall. He will personally teach you the Other Shore Samsara Scripture, and you may freely choose any other Immortal King Scripture as well!"

After relaying the Other Shore Immortal Monarch's words, Xie Linyuan spoke carefully, "Master told me to say these things if my life was in danger..."

Ye Chen frowned slightly upon hearing this. The Other Shore Immortal Monarch had actually instructed Xie Linyuan in advance to relay these messages to him. The first point needed no explanation. The Other Shore Immortal Monarch wanted him to owe a favor. Although he was no longer afraid of Immortal Monarchs with the Heavenly Emperor imprint protecting him, outsiders did not know that. It was indeed a favor.

The second part made Ye Chen raise an eyebrow. Chaotic Ancient... The Other Shore Immortal Monarch seemed to think he knew Chaotic Ancient. But he did not. His senior brother was definitely not Chaotic Ancient's reincarnation. The Eight Crown King was also unlikely. The Eight Crown King could wait a million years, which matched the personality, but Chaotic Ancient had not reincarnated at that time. So it was not him either.

Could it be the Holy Master Feng Baiyu? But the personality difference seemed too great—one was an old schemer, the other a reckless brute. They did not seem like the same person at all.

Ye Chen frowned and shook his head. He could not figure it out for the moment, but he decided to think about it later when he met the person. As for joining the Supreme Hall, he directly ignored it. Jade Pool Immortal Sect was good. Although it was a bit weak, it suited him perfectly. The big chili pepper and the others also matched his preferences. He had even prepared a pond. He would place it at the entrance later as repayment for the big chili pepper's care during this time.

Still, that favor, along with the possibility that Chaotic Ancient the True Immortal was the Holy Master, made it somewhat difficult for Ye Chen to act.

He narrowed his eyes and looked Xie Linyuan up and down.

Xie Linyuan's heart was filled with anxiety, terrified that Ye Chen's resentment toward him and the Supreme Hall would lead him to kill him anyway.

But a moment later, Ye Chen withdrew his fist.

Xie Linyuan immediately relaxed. The tension in his heart eased as he cupped his hands toward Ye Chen with deep emotion. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Ye, for showing mercy... With the Great Sun Origin Core, Fellow Daoist will surely advance by leaps and bounds and reach even greater heights!"

Xie Linyuan had already given up on competing for the Great Sun Origin Core. Being able to leave alive was already good enough. With the Nine Heavens Clear Radiance Realm Moon in hand, it was not too bad.

However, Ye Chen smiled coldly. "One matter at a time. For the sake of some messy reasons, I can spare your life. But you stole my Supreme Token, causing me to lose the chance to become a personal disciple, blocking my path, and nearly crippling me, turning me into an ordinary person... It cannot be settled so simply, can it?"

Vast pressure surged, causing Xie Linyuan's body to tremble. "That matter was entirely my fault. I am willing to compensate Fellow Daoist... Whatever you need, I will offer it!"

Xie Linyuan's sensibility satisfied Ye Chen. He immediately beckoned for him to come closer. Then he patted Xie Linyuan's shoulder and looked at the full moon above his head. "Linyuan, look. I now have a river of stars, and I will soon obtain the Great Sun Origin Core...

"But I still feel something is missing. It is not quite perfect. Linyuan, you are knowledgeable and experienced. Tell me—what exactly am I lacking?"

AN: The next update is the day after tomorrow.