ISWI Chapter 1246-1247 (Patreon)

Chapter 1246: Want Me to Work Like an Ox?

"In that case, let us go out…"

Ye Chen rose in a leisurely manner. Since his aunt had already reached perfection and this secret realm was about to end, it was time to present her with the Great Luo Dao Fruit.

Hearing this, Yan Ruyu nodded lightly, yet worry appeared in her eyes as she looked at Ye Chen. The secret realm was about to conclude. Once Ye Chen left it, enormous trouble would inevitably follow. Still, she would stand by his side with absolute firmness. Her master, the Seven Emotions Female Buddha, was also a top-tier powerhouse. Others would certainly feel apprehension.

Yan Wenwen was even more reluctant to part. Ye Chen smiled and stroked her head.

"Would you like to stay by my side next, either in my inner cosmos or at the Jade Pool Immortal Sect? Later, I can help bring Little Peacock King out of the Buddhist Realm as well and give him a better future. I will also spend more time with you!"

Yan Wenwen felt somewhat tempted by the words, yet she shook her head right afterward. She knew herself well. There were far too many female cultivators around Ye Chen. Following him might not necessarily bring her more favor. Not to mention anything else, within Ye Chen's cosmos alone, there were already three living people, plus a stone, and even one hidden inside a furnace.

On the Jianmu tree that continually grew and connected its branches and leaves to various planets lay an egg that might very well be female as well. The competition within a single inner world was already this fierce. It would be a miracle if her turn ever came. A man's mouth was a deceitful ghost.

By Yan Ruyu's side, however, things would be better. Ye Chen would certainly never forget Yan Ruyu. And since Yan Ruyu now cultivated a special technique that prevented her from becoming Ye Chen's Dao companion, she herself could take Yan Ruyu's place and enjoy even more sweetness. Thus, Yan Wenwen firmly shook her head.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. After watching Yan Wenwen return to Yan Ruyu's inner cosmos, he took Yan Ruyu's soft hand and gently walked out of his inner world.

…

Wang Xuanji, who had been keeping watch outside the entire time, smiled when she saw Ye Chen appear. Yet upon noticing the soft hand of Ruyu that he was holding, she frowned slightly. Still, she did not wish to argue with Ye Chen over a woman. Therefore, she completely ignored Yan Ruyu and transmitted her voice to Ye Chen.

"Ye Chen, I am Wang Xuanji. My current appearance was bestowed by the elders of my family using methods left behind by our Immortal King ancestor. Even ordinary Immortal Kings cannot see through or deduce it…"

Having spoken, Yan Ruyu waited for Ye Chen to reveal an excited expression. After all, they had not met for so many years. Given Ye Chen's feelings toward her, how could he not be overjoyed?

Yet in the next moment, she discovered that Ye Chen merely raised his eyes calmly and looked at her, without the slightest ripple of emotion in his expression, as if he had merely heard what she planned to eat for breakfast.

Failing to receive the reaction she desired, Wang Xuanji immediately frowned. Yet she quickly realized that Ye Chen must simply not believe her, which was why he showed no reaction at all. She continued transmitting her voice at once.

"I know you do not believe me, but I truly am Wang Xuanji! For my sake, you fought the Eight Crowned Kings with all your strength, forcibly resisted two true immortals of the lower realm, and even abandoned immortal qi to let the World Tree mature, all so that you could gift the World Tree to me!"

Wang Xuanji spoke of matters that almost no one in the Immortal Realm knew. This time, Ye Chen would certainly be able to confirm her identity.

Yet after listening, Ye Chen's calm eyes still showed not the slightest wave. He did not even bother to transmit his voice, merely looking at her indifferently.

"Mm, I know it is you. And then?"

Wang Xuanji froze…

What did "and then" mean? She was the woman he loved most. After such a long separation and reunion, should he not be wild with joy, happy that her cultivation had recovered, and ask what she lacked? Why was he so indifferent?

Wang Xuanji found herself speechless for a moment. Ye Chen could not be bothered to say more. He turned his head and carefully examined Yan Ruyu's peerless beauty. His aunt's appearance was truly top-tier. Every part of her was perfect; almost no flaw could be found.

Although the problem with her technique prevented them from growing too close, she had still served as a grinding tool for him inside the divine pool. Not to mention anything else, she was completely no inferior to Su Yuxuan.

The system still required half an hour before the gift-giving cooldown ended. Thus, for the time being, Ye Chen could only wait. As for why Wang Xuanji had suddenly revealed her identity and chosen to acknowledge him, Ye Chen felt she had most likely taken a fancy to something on him.

Thinking it over, it could only be the Great Luo Dao Fruit. Yet this woman possessed only the multiplier and no gratitude. When both she and his aunt stood at the peak of the Golden Immortal realm, there was simply no need to consider whom the Great Luo Dao Fruit should be given to.

Wang Xuanji was completely stunned. She truly had not expected that even after revealing her identity, Ye Chen would show not the slightest reaction, as if his earlier claim of not knowing Wang Xuanji had been the honest truth.

Yet how was that possible? The World Tree Ye Chen had gifted her had allowed her to continue her immortal path. Such a precious item, and Ye Chen had given it to her without hesitation. How could he not love her?

Could it be that Ye Chen was still angry over what had happened during the ascension? If that were truly the case, it would disappoint her greatly. She bore the mission of her family and had been unwilling for anyone else to ascend to the Immortal Realm, lest news of her leak out and the World Tree be dug up once more. What fault could she possibly have?

Wang Xuanji took a deep breath. After a moment, she transmitted her voice again.

"Ye Chen, I know you are still angry about the previous matter…But can you not consider things from my perspective?"

Ye Chen could not even be bothered to look at her. This attitude made Wang Xuanji so furious that her hands trembled. Not to mention that Ye Chen had stirred up such enormous trouble, and she still had to find a way to help him. It was truly stifling. In the end, Ye Chen had done so much for her. Even if she remained angry, she still had to be tolerant.

Thus, Wang Xuanji suppressed her rage and spoke softly.

"Ye Chen, you have truly provoked a great disaster… With so many prodigies fallen, the outside world must already know. If you wish to survive, listen to me. Once we leave, say nothing at all. My father and the others have methods to conceal you and send you away from the Heavenly Secrets Hall…

"After you join the Wang Clan, my father and the others will use the methods left by our ancestors to cover up everything for you. Then you can make a fresh start within the Wang Clan…

"Although the conditions my father and the others set may be somewhat harsh, with me present, I will not allow you to suffer too much grievance."

Hearing this, Ye Chen's eyes widened. From his understanding of the Wang Clan's Nine Dragons and their way of doing things, if he truly joined the Wang Clan, the conditions would be far more than somewhat harsh. The treatment would absolutely make him the most hardworking ox among oxen, and he would probably even have to hand over what they believed to be the Heavenly Emperor's treasury.

At this thought, the way Ye Chen looked at Wang Xuanji changed. Before, he had merely been too lazy to pay her any attention. Now a dangerous light entered his eyes.

Wang Xuanji still failed to notice and continued speaking.

"At the same time, if I can fully restore my cultivation as soon as possible and later break through to Immortal King, it will benefit both of us… And that Great Luo Dao Fruit can lend me a hand. Give me this treasure right now! I can refine it before the secret realm ends and advance to the Great Luo realm…"

Chapter 1247: Wang Xuanji Strikes!

"Once I achieve the Great Luo realm and fully master a Great Luo law…I will have greater say before my father and the elders, and I will also be able to secure better treatment for you. This benefits both of us."

Wang Xuanji spoke softly of the pros and cons, trying to keep her tone as gentle as possible in the hope that Ye Chen would understand her. She had already discovered that Ye Chen truly possessed a rebellious streak. Her previous advice had all been well-intentioned, yet Ye Chen simply refused to listen.

Hearing this, Ye Chen directly laughed… Sending him to the Wang Clan was equivalent, on Earth, to packing him off to a labor camp. And on top of that, she wanted to take his Great Luo Dao Fruit, claiming it was good for everyone?

For a moment, Ye Chen could not even tell whether something was wrong with Wang Xuanji's brain or whether she was deliberately trying to strip him clean. Had he not asked earlier and confirmed that the World Tree could no longer be pried off, he would have wanted to dig it back up, install it on his aunt, and let her increase her multiplier.

Yet at this very moment, the system in his mind lit up. The gift-giving cooldown had ended. Ye Chen withdrew his gaze, no longer bothering with Wang Xuanji, and instead looked toward his aunt's face, a face that remained pleasing no matter how long one gazed at it.

"Aunt, you are now at the peak of the Golden Immortal realm. This is precisely the time to break through to the Great Luo!

"This Great Luo Dao Fruit is perfect for you!

"I previously gained some insight into it. This Great Luo Dao Fruit contains the Great Luo Spatial Law…

"Refining it will allow you, upon breaking through to the Great Luo, to master a complete Great Luo Spatial Law. If you wish, you can reach the peak of the Great Luo at once and prepare for a future breakthrough to the Sixth Heaven Ancestral Immortal…

"You may also continue comprehending other Great Luo laws."

"…"

As the words fell, Ye Chen directly took out the Great Luo Dao Fruit, which resembled a crystalline lotus seed. In that instant, both Yan Ruyu and Wang Xuanji widened their eyes.

Yan Ruyu's reaction was reluctance. Ye Chen's breakthrough speed was so fast, and unlike herself, who relied on relics and treasures, Ye Chen had climbed this far entirely on his own talent. In the future, he would certainly break through even faster. This Great Luo Dao Fruit was something Ye Chen might soon be able to use himself. How could she, simply because Ye Chen loved her, take every benefit for granted as if it were only natural?

Wang Xuanji's fists clenched hard. The thing she least wished to see had happened. Because of the lower-realm incident, Ye Chen was sulking with her and was actually going to gift this Great Luo Dao Fruit to that vase of a woman, completely ignoring her good intentions.

Wang Xuanji was truly furious. Her figure moved, and she flew angrily before Ye Chen.

"Ye Chen, are you serious?

"I know your talent is outstanding and that you are indeed stronger than I am at present.

"But what use is that? You simply do not understand the terror of the Other Domain.

"Even if the Heavenly Emperor had not died and returned, it would be useless.

"Not to mention that you may not even achieve Immortal King before the Other Domain arrives.

"Joining me and relocating to the Other Domain with the Wang Clan is the only path to survival.

"I am a member of the Wang Clan. Only when I become an Immortal King will I have the qualifications to negotiate with the Other Domain based on the favors our ancestor once paid, and strive to bring you along as well."

"Therefore, giving the Great Luo Dao Fruit to me is what is best for everyone. Do you understand or not?"

Wang Xuanji was so angry that she no longer even transmitted her voice and spoke aloud. At the same time, her hand directly reached for the Great Luo Dao Fruit that had drifted before Yan Ruyu, intending to seize it at once.

She understood that Ye Chen was merely sulking and angry with her. Yet no matter what, Ye Chen would never strike at her. Under such circumstances, she of course had to take the initiative, lest such a precious treasure be wasted by Yan Ruyu, that Buddhist vase.

Yan Ruyu watched Wang Xuanji's movement and immediately narrowed her eyes. She was sharp-witted. Although she had not personally witnessed the events of those years, she had heard them clearly enough.

Hearing Wang Xuanji's words now and recalling her identity as a member of the Wang Clan, she vaguely formed a guess. This Wang Bin might very well be that Wang Xuanji. Yet what of it? This woman had accepted the World Tree, become an immortal alone, and betrayed Chen'er. She deserved death.

As for this treasure, although she herself did not want it, that was because she hoped Ye Chen would use it. What right did this woman have to seize what belonged to her?

Without the slightest hesitation, nine-colored illusory tail feathers bloomed behind Yan Ruyu like a fan, radiating extremely dazzling nine-colored divine light. Accompanied by her immortal power that had reached three thousand times compression and shone with pure crimson gold, it spiraled forth and slammed directly toward Wang Xuanji's large hand.

Wang Xuanji sneered coldly. A mere ant that had ascended from the lower realm dared to strike at her. Truly bold and reckless, unable to distinguish between king and subject. Did she really believe Ye Chen would help her?

Given Ye Chen's feelings for her, even if he did not assist her, he would certainly not intervene on the other side. She could take this opportunity to properly teach this woman a lesson. This Yan Ruyu was relying on Ye Chen's sulking with her to freely empty the Heavenly Emperor's treasury and squander Ye Chen's resources.

At this thought, Wang Xuanji's cold snort rang out.

"Courting death!"

As the words fell, her large hand turned. Immortal power, fully ten thousand times compressed, like a golden torrent, poured forth in an instant. The momentum was truly terrifying. The gap in immortal power between the two sides was unimaginable. Yet Yan Ruyu felt no fear. With the nine-colored divine light supporting her, she was not necessarily inferior.

Yet at this very moment, Ye Chen frowned.

"Presumptuous!"

Wang Xuanji's lips curved upward. Ye Chen was rebuking Yan Ruyu. After all, the rightful mistress had returned. Yan Ruyu still failed to recognize her place and remained as greedy as before. Of course, she deserved a scolding.

In the next instant, Ye Chen raised his hand and casually delivered a light slap. Wang Xuanji's face changed drastically. She felt her immortal power, which had flowed like a galaxy or a heavenly waterfall, extinguished in an instant. Her entire body, under a wave of intense pain, was blasted backward with a thunderous force. In the following breath, she was smashed deep into the chaos.

Wang Xuanji lay in the depths of the chaos for a long time without rising. It was not that her injuries were too severe. Such minor wounds did not even require the World Tree; she could recover in the blink of an eye. She simply could not believe it, could not accept it, could not understand it… At such a moment, Ye Chen had actually stood on that woman's side and struck at her!

How was this possible? How could Ye Chen bring himself to do it? How could he bear it?

Wang Xuanji's eyes sank into confusion as she began to doubt everything about her life.

Ye Chen, meanwhile, swept a cold glance over her. She had failed to obtain what she wanted through words and had turned at once to snatching. Her boldness was truly excessive. Calling it courting death was no exaggeration.

Still, the slap Ye Chen had just delivered had held back. Had Wang Xuanji's multiplier not been uniquely high, and had she been some other male cultivator instead, her divine soul would already have been inside his Human Emperor Banner.

No longer bothering to look at the wooden expression of shock on Wang Xuanji's face, Ye Chen turned his gaze back to his aunt. His aunt, who was usually rather reserved and never smiled with her teeth showing, now wore a rare brilliant smile. Clearly, her mood was exceptionally pleasant!