ISWI Chapter 1233-1234 (Patreon)

Chapter 1233: There Are Still Many Good People in the Buddhist Sect!

Two months later, the Tianzhang Monk, whose harvest had been enormous and whose head now bore a divine pillar, suddenly sensed fluctuations in the power of the laws. He raised an eyebrow and looked toward the core of the secret realm, mildly surprised. Someone was undergoing tribulation.

Among the three tribulations of immortals, there were the Golden Immortal tribulation of the fourth heaven and the Origin Immortal tribulation of the seventh heaven. No Ancestral Immortal of the sixth heaven had entered the secret realm, so an Origin Immortal tribulation was impossible. The only Profound Immortal present was Ye Chen. Therefore, Ye Chen had already begun his breakthrough to the Golden Immortal realm?

Recalling that Ye Chen had only been at the mid-stage Profound Immortal realm upon entering, the Tianzhang Monk could not help lamenting how truly fast Ye Chen was. The Immortal Spirit Root was genuinely enviable. Great power, strong combat strength, and rapid breakthroughs—there was not a single shortcoming.

The Tianzhang Monk immediately drifted toward the core of the secret realm, intending to congratulate Ye Chen at the first opportunity and then furiously harvest from the Heavenly Emperor's treasury.

While flying, however, the Tianzhang Monk's eyes lit up. A figure with a divine pillar that had already shifted from gold to red was flying ahead. The pillar stood so high that the man clearly possessed quite a few treasures.

The Tianzhang Monk immediately flew toward him. Upon recognizing the other, his enthusiasm grew even greater. "So it is Fellow Daoist Xie of the Supreme Hall! The Reincarnation Immortal Body is indeed extraordinary."

Sensing the Tianzhang Monk's arrival, Xie Linyuan's first reaction was to raise his aura. Yet seeing that the Tianzhang Monk did not appear intent on using him to test Ye Chen's strength, he immediately relaxed.

Compared with before, Xie Linyuan's present harvest was enormous. The successive injuries, though leaving him in a sorry state, had also brought blessings in disguise and made his foundation even more solid. After his divine soul recovered, it had grown stronger still. During the process of healing, he had even obtained several treasures.

Relying on those treasures, he had compressed his immortal power to eight hundredfold and broken through directly to the late-stage Golden Immortal realm. The increase in strength could only be described as extreme.

This was precisely why cultivators were willing to enter secret realms. So long as one seized the opportunity and obtained a fortunate encounter, a single year could yield the results of a century of bitter cultivation outside. The present Xie Linyuan felt only that he had become terrifyingly strong.

"So it is Master Tianzhang. May I ask what business brings Master to intercept me?"

Xie Linyuan was also polite. Relying on the Great Sun Golden Body, the Tianzhang Monk vaguely held the position of the foremost Golden Immortal. Xie Linyuan had no intention of provoking him. He only planned to follow the fluctuations of the laws and head to the place where tribulation was currently being undergone. He was certain the one undergoing tribulation was Ye Chen. With his strength greatly increased, it was the perfect chance to let Ye Chen witness his power so that the man would treat Long Wu more courteously in the future.

The Tianzhang Monk smiled. "I observe that Fellow Daoist's entire cultivation has been achieved through personal hardship and diligent effort. There may be some slight instability in the foundation. Does Fellow Daoist Xie have need of this Myriad Daos Heart-Condensing Divine Pill? I am willing to part with it to lend Fellow Daoist a hand."

As the words fell, the Tianzhang Monk took out a round, gleaming golden pill and placed it in his palm.

Seeing the pill, Xie Linyuan's eyes widened at once. The Myriad Daos Heart-Condensing Divine Pill? It was regarded as the strongest divine pill in the Immortal Realm for polishing one's foundation. Of course, he wanted it. Yet unsolicited kindness was either treachery or theft. Xie Linyuan remained especially wary and did not speak.

The Tianzhang Monk smiled faintly. "My junior sister Yan Ruyu's strength is insufficient, yet I promised my master that I would do my utmost to secure a place among the Ten Outstanding Ones for her. Treasures are difficult to find, so I can only resort to this lesser method. I wonder whether Fellow Daoist Xie would be willing to help?"

At these words, Xie Linyuan's eyes lit up at once. So that was it. It was good that the other had a purpose. Of course, he was willing to trade.

"Master, how many do you feel one divine pill should exchange for?" Xie Linyuan asked softly.

The Tianzhang Monk pressed his palms together and actively sent the divine pill before Xie Linyuan. "I already feel embarrassed for troubling Fellow Daoist. Simply give whatever you deem appropriate."

Such generosity left Xie Linyuan somewhat admiring. As expected of the current-generation walker of Shaolin Temple, he was truly extraordinary, open, and magnanimous.

Xie Linyuan stared at the hard-to-obtain divine pill. Considering its miraculous effects, it would certainly solidify his foundation and raise the upper limit of his immortal power compression. Its value was inestimable.

At that thought, he proactively took out half of the secret-realm treasures he had obtained. Truthfully, in terms of pure value, they still fell a little short of matching the divine pill. After all, even Immortal Monarchs could make use of the Myriad Daos Heart-Condensing Divine Pill. Xie Linyuan therefore felt a touch of unease, worried the other might be dissatisfied.

The Tianzhang Monk merely smiled lightly without the slightest discontent. "Fellow Daoist is generous. Many thanks."

Xie Linyuan sighed even more deeply at the Tianzhang Monk's character and felt somewhat subdued. The next moment, however, the Tianzhang Monk took out another divine pill. "I wonder whether one pill is enough for Fellow Daoist?"

Xie Linyuan's eyes lit up. The Tianzhang Monk still had more. Naturally, the more Myriad Daos Heart-Condensing Divine Pills, the better. The more he possessed, the more solid and perfect his foundation would become, allowing him to accumulate even greater reserves within the Golden Immortal realm.

Yet gazing at the divine pillar above his head that had already been reduced by half, he hesitated once more. After a moment, he still gritted his teeth and produced the remaining half of his treasures.

Although only half a year remained before the secret realm ended, he would simply give them away. Afterward, he would block the exit. With his current strength, he would always be able to seize enough treasures to enter the ranks of the Ten Outstanding Ones. This divine pill, however, would never appear again if he missed it.

The two quickly completed the transaction. The Tianzhang Monk pressed his palms together and bowed deeply. "Many thanks to Fellow Daoist for your wholehearted assistance."

Xie Linyuan felt somewhat embarrassed. The Tianzhang Monk was far too polite. Moreover, in terms of value, he himself had gained the greater advantage. At that thought, Xie Linyuan also offered a serious salute in return. "Master need not speak so. It is I who have taken advantage."

Seeing Xie Linyuan's demeanor, the Tianzhang Monk hesitated a moment before taking out yet another divine pill. Xie Linyuan's eyes widened, yet this time he truly had no more treasures left.

The Tianzhang Monk spoke. "Fellow Daoist has given wholehearted help and sacrificed for others, leaving this humble monk truly grateful. This divine pill is offered in thanks to Fellow Daoist, not as part of any transaction."

Afraid Xie Linyuan might refuse, the Tianzhang Monk left the pill behind and drifted away.

Xie Linyuan stared at the divine pill floating before him, his eyes filled with shock and emotion. The Tianzhang Monk was truly far too generous. Clearly, it was he himself who had gained the advantage, yet the Tianzhang Monk still thanked him of his own accord for the trouble caused. This was truly…

In that moment, the Tianzhang Monk's figure stood towering and lofty in Xie Linyuan's heart. For certain reasons, Xie Linyuan had previously held little fondness for the Buddhist sect. Now, because of the Tianzhang Monk, his impression of the Buddhist sect had improved as well. "There are still good people in the Buddhist sect after all…"

Xie Linyuan also rose into the air and followed the fluctuations of the laws stirred by the heavenly tribulation in search of Ye Chen. One day later, he found the location. Looking at Ye Chen being struck by lightning, he confirmed that it was indeed Ye Chen undergoing tribulation.

The next moment, however, he was surprised to discover that the Tianzhang Monk, from whom he had only recently parted, was also present. This left him somewhat curious. What was the Tianzhang Monk waiting here for? Could he intend to suppress Ye Chen? After all, the Heavenly Emperor of old had shared quite a few grudges with the Buddhist sect.

Chapter 1234: The Heavenly Emperor Came and Left!

Amid the rumbling tremors of immortal lightning, Xie Linyuan hesitated for a moment before flying over. "Greetings, Master Tianzhang!"

When the Tianzhang Monk saw Xie Linyuan, his expression turned somewhat subtle, yet he still nodded with the air of a venerable figure and pressed his palms together. "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xie!"

Xie Linyuan spoke seriously. "Master Tianzhang waits here. Is it because of the old grudges between the Heavenly Emperor and the Buddhist sect, and do you intend to act against Ye Chen?"

The Tianzhang Monk's body stiffened. "Hmm?"

Xie Linyuan continued. "I wonder whether Master could grant me a small favor and spare Ye Chen."

The Tianzhang Monk: "???"

Spare Ye Chen? When Ye Chen had still been at the mid-stage Profound Immortal realm, he had shattered the monk's golden body with a single slap. Now that Ye Chen was about to become a Golden Immortal, the monk was supposed to spare him? He would more likely be seeking his own death. Not to mention that Ye Chen was currently his greatest benefactor; he could not lick enough, so how could he possibly strike?

Afraid Ye Chen might misunderstand, the Tianzhang Monk immediately waved his hands. "I am not, I did not, you must not…"

Xie Linyuan smiled, feeling that the Tianzhang Monk was truly giving him face. He therefore spoke earnestly. "Once Ye Chen completes his breakthrough, I will act against him. At that time, a slight punishment will also serve to vent a bit of the Master's anger."

Hearing this, the Tianzhang Monk's expression toward Xie Linyuan changed at once and was filled with admiration.

Sensing the Tianzhang Monk's gaze, Xie Linyuan smiled. Ye Chen's talent was indeed remarkable, and he possessed a Heavenly Spirit Root, yet after tempering and turning misfortune into blessing, Xie Linyuan's immortal power had now been compressed eight hundredfold. His present self was terrifyingly strong.

Neither of them spoke further as they quietly watched the terrifying Golden Immortal tribulation in the distance.

Endless immortal lightning crashed down from the firmament. Ye Chen merely stood calmly in the void, making no attempt to resist and allowing the immortal lightning to wash over him. In this manner, the lightning struck for a full three days before finally ceasing. The thunderclouds, however, did not dissipate. Instead, they condensed into an ancient battlefield forged entirely from the essence of immortal lightning.

The few onlookers present were not surprised. After all, the imprint battlefield that only top-tier prodigies could encounter was something every one of them had experienced, and the opponents they met had all been great enemies. Still, Xie Linyuan and the Tianzhang Monk watched carefully, somewhat curious about whom Ye Chen would encounter.

Ever since the Other Domain had invaded years ago and been driven back, it seemed to have contaminated the heavenly dao of this world, or perhaps the contamination had been deliberate. Certain monstrous prodigies of the Immortal Realm had even encountered the youthful imprints of supreme existences from the Other Domain during their tribulations. Several prodigies had seen their immortal paths severed as a result. Therefore, they were all curious whether Ye Chen would meet the imprint of an Other Domain powerhouse.

Soon, however, a figure condensed and descended onto the battlefield.

Looking at that figure, both the Tianzhang Monk and Xie Linyuan could not help contracting their pupils. That face and the innate domineering aura it carried were far too well-known throughout the Immortal Realm.

Ye Chen's opponent was the Heavenly Emperor, the most terrifying and most monstrous existence the Immortal Realm had ever produced.

The Tianzhang Monk, recalling Ye Chen's fearsome combat strength, found it unsurprising that Ye Chen would encounter the Heavenly Emperor. Xie Linyuan, however, frowned slightly. He recognized Ye Chen's strength; the man's talent truly surpassed his own, and the speed of his cultivation breakthroughs was this rapid.

Under such circumstances, Ye Chen would likely catch up to and surpass him before long. Therefore, he had to seize this sole opportunity. Once Ye Chen's heavenly tribulation ended, he would use his eight-hundredfold compressed immortal power to suppress Ye Chen and force the man to treat the goddess properly. Otherwise, he would no longer possess the strength to vent the goddess's grievances in the future.

Within the battlefield, Ye Chen saw the Heavenly Emperor and smiled as he offered a light salute. He saluted because the Heavenly Emperor was not only a senior, but the previous imprint had also saved Senior An. Excitement still stirred in his heart, however. Now that he had reached the Golden Immortal realm, he could finally claim the achievement of defeating the Heavenly Emperor at the same level.

The Heavenly Emperor raised an eyebrow as he looked at Ye Chen, a trace of surprise appearing on his face. "You brat has already reached the Golden Immortal realm? Rather fast. Yet why do you still carry my imprint?"

The Heavenly Emperor was indeed somewhat surprised, yet even more surprised that Ye Chen still possessed his imprint.

Ye Chen hesitated for a moment before looking at the Heavenly Emperor and asking, "Can Senior see how I obtained it?"

As the number of powerful beings he came into contact with continued to increase, Ye Chen occasionally worried whether the existence of the system might be perceived by others. If it truly could be seen through, better to let the Heavenly Emperor examine it first rather than an enemy.

The Heavenly Emperor at least appeared upright. Though opinions of him were mixed, overall he still counted as a good person. If the Heavenly Emperor saw through it, Ye Chen might even be able to ask about methods of concealment.

The Heavenly Emperor's imprint raised his brows at the words and then nodded. Instantly, a vast aura that did not belong to the Golden Immortal realm rose from the imprint's body. The Heavenly Emperor's eyes seemed like chaos itself, with endless great daos flowing within them. In that moment, Ye Chen felt that everything about him had been seen through by the Heavenly Emperor.

A moment later, however, the Heavenly Emperor frowned. "I saw many things. Your constitution is undergoing transformation, your spirit root is also extraordinary, and you even possess many treasures that would make me marvel. Yet I cannot see through everything. Deep within your body lies a mist that even I cannot penetrate to glimpse your greatest secret."

Ye Chen breathed a sigh of relief at the words and observed the Heavenly Emperor's expression. There was curiosity, surprise, even a touch of shock, yet not a trace of greed or desire. Still, the things the Heavenly Emperor had seen caused Ye Chen's heart to sink. From the way the Heavenly Emperor spoke, he had clearly perceived Ye Chen's constitution, spirit root, the Primordial Chaos Myriad Worlds Tree, the inner universe, and more.

Truthfully, these things of his would stir the heart of even an Immortal King. If they could be casually seen through by Immortal Kings, it would not be long before the entire world became his enemy. The situation would be even worse than what the Heavenly Emperor had faced in his day.

Noticing Ye Chen's thoughtful expression, the Heavenly Emperor smiled at once. "There is no need to worry. The reason your constitution, spirit root, that divine tree, and the rest could be seen through is that I was the one looking. Apart from me, no one in either the Immortal Realm or the Other Domain can see through them. As for that mist, since even I cannot pierce it, no one else can either. Therefore, you may cultivate in peace from now on."

The Heavenly Emperor spoke with complete calm, yet Ye Chen could sense the absolute confidence in his words. If I cannot see through it, then no one can. Just what realm had the Heavenly Emperor reached?

Nevertheless, Ye Chen completely relaxed. He saluted the Heavenly Emperor in thanks and then spoke with surging battle intent. "Please grant me your guidance, Senior."

Since there was no problem, he could now claim the achievement.

The corner of the Heavenly Emperor's mouth twitched. He then waved a hand. "Just now, in order to examine you, I introduced power that does not belong to this realm. This imprint has already reached its limit and can no longer fight. When you break through to the Origin Immortal realm, I will offer you guidance again."

With those words, the Heavenly Emperor's imprint drifted apart and dispersed with exceptional decisiveness.