ISWI Chapter 630-632

Chapter 630: The War God Clan's Tradition

Hearing Luo Bingling's words, Dugu Sheng's face showed a calm smile. "The Dugu Wooden Sword was my ancestor's. As his most outstanding descendant, it rightfully belongs to me. Ye Chen, the Heavenly Emperor's heir, helped return the sword to the Sword Sect. I'll thank him for that. But the sword's ownership is an internal Sword Sect matter.

"Killing the Star River King Body is impressive. I met Wang Teng in the second realm of the Immortal Path. His aura was unstable, likely boosted artificially. His mastery of the Dao and laws wasn't perfect. Decent among the younger generation, but against my generation, it's a glaring weakness.

"My Dugu Sword Art is perfected, and I've acquired a fragment of the Sword Grass Treasure Technique, creating my own sword path! My sword comprehension rivals my ancestor's at the same realm. Even against the Heavenly Emperor's heir, I'm confident I won't lose. Our Sword Sect has a Fifth Heaven Saint ancestor from my Dugu lineage, who'll naturally side with me. So, no issue!"

Dugu Sheng was confident but not arrogant. He didn't claim he could crush Ye Chen. Ye Chen's record was too striking. But Dugu Sheng didn't believe he'd lose either. With the Sword Sect elders on his side, the Dugu Wooden Sword was within reach.

As for Gu Yunyun, he'd compensate her. As Sword Sect leader, she'd prioritize the sect's future. Dugu Sheng, the sect's greatest talent, harmonized with the Dao in a century, reached mastery in two, and matched his ancestor's swordsmanship. Under him, the Sword Sect would shine again. If Gu Yunyun cooperated, he might avoid enmity with the Heavenly Emperor's heir.

Luo Bingling, her face blending grace and valor, smiled. "Such boldness, fellow daoist. Let's ensure your success. The secret realm opens in half a year. We should hurry!"

Dugu Sheng smiled back. Now at the Great Yan Continent's edge, he locked onto the Sword Sect's direction and sped up.

…

Half a day later, Dugu Sheng and Luo Bingling raised their brows, looking afar. A Kun Peng true spirit's shadow streaked by, pulling a bronze war chariot. A terrifying figure sat calmly atop, like a king surveying his domain. The chariot moved impossibly fast, vanishing in a blink.

Luo Bingling's eyes lit up. "A Kun Peng true spirit pulling a chariot—only the Heavenly Emperor's heir has such flair in Great Yan Continent, right?"

Dugu Sheng frowned slightly. Ye Chen's dramatic entrance during the humanoid longevity herb battle, recorded on image stones, had spread across the cultivation world. He confirmed it was Ye Chen. And his direction was the Sword Sect.

Dugu Sheng narrowed his eyes. He'd planned to meet Gu Yunyun first, show his strength, gift a secret treasure from the Immortal Path, and have the elders speak on his behalf. That way, he'd resolve things cleanly.

Ye Chen's unexpected trip to the Sword Sect disrupted Dugu Sheng's plans. Though fearless, he didn't want to provoke a prodigy like Ye Chen, who was at his peak. So, Dugu Sheng adjusted his strategy. He'd return to the sect and consult the Saint ancestor first. With a Saint backing him, even Ye Chen wouldn't act rashly. Paying a higher price was fine.

The Dugu Wooden Sword, a supreme Extreme Dao Weapon imbued with his ancestor's sword intent, was his goal. With it, his combat power would soar, only then could he stand beside Luo Bingling.

The War God Clan's battle talent was terrifying. He couldn't match Luo Bingling's combat strength. But her bold personality and stunning beauty captivated him. He wanted her as his dao companion. Yet, the War God Clan revered strength above all. Their women only married men who could overpower them. Thus, the Dugu Wooden Sword was non-negotiable!

Dugu Sheng sped toward the Sword Sect.

Luo Bingling followed effortlessly, a faint smile on her cool, valiant face as she recalled Ye Chen's figure. She hadn't expected to encounter him so easily. This trip to Great Yan Continent was going smoothly…

…

Unaware he was being targeted, Ye Chen raced along, unbelievably fast. He didn't waste time on the journey. Using advanced techniques, he channeled the Dao Cauldron's gathered laws into himself, cultivating nonstop. With the Dao Cauldron, his cultivation speed was absurd.

While waiting for Yi Qingwu to refine origin, he'd broken through to mid-First Heaven. Reaching the late stage might take just three more months.

…

Upon arriving at the Sword Sect, a Supreme Elder respectfully welcomed Ye Chen, drawing gasps, awe, and dimmed gazes. Many recalled meeting Ye Chen when he was just Nascent Soul stage. Back then, as the fourth Holy Son, he didn't warrant a Supreme Elder's greeting. How much time had passed?

While others hadn't crossed a single major realm, Ye Chen had become a Mahayana Realm powerhouse. And the Heavenly Emperor's heir. Most crucially, he'd made a name across the cultivation world.

The top of his generation, he swept through Central Continent's prodigies, felled three generations of Star River Clan divine sons, and forced the Alkaid Holy Son to flee. Unbelievable.

Elder Lin Qian, who once pursued Gu Yunyun only to lose his junior sister to the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, gazed at Ye Chen chatting with the Supreme Elder, his eyes completely dim.

Hearing his master was cultivating in Sword Valley's depths, emerging by evening, Ye Chen wasn't in a hurry. Learning the Sword Sect's Saint had left seclusion, he proposed paying respects. A Fifth Heaven Mahayana Saint was a top figure in the cultivation world.

Cultivation wasn't just about fighting—it was about connections. Ye Chen had resources he couldn't use, mere trinkets to look at. Used well, they could yield unexpected results. He couldn't always visit the Sword Sect. A Saint protecting his master would ease his mind.

Knowing the Sword Sect's Saint had less than a thousand years of lifespan, Ye Chen casually pulled out two ginseng fruits as a greeting gift.

Chapter 631: He's Mahayana Realm, I Can't Do Anything…

Initially, the Sword Sect's Saint wasn't keen on Ye Chen's visit. With only 400 years left to live—not the rumored thousand—he had no hope of immortality or reaching the highest realm. Beyond the Sword Sect's legacy, nothing mattered. He agreed to meet Ye Chen only for the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's sake. Deep down, he disliked Ye Chen. Ye Chen's presence blocked him from ousting Gu Yunyun, preventing the Dugu family from reclaiming control.

The Supreme Elder, aware of this, waited outside, expecting a brief meeting. But to his shock, Ye Chen stayed half a day. What stunned the Supreme Elder more was the scene when Ye Chen emerged.

The Saint, all smiles, patted Ye Chen's shoulder, escorting him out like a cherished son, his face blooming like a chrysanthemum.

What was going on?

"Don't worry, Ye Chen. I'm firmly with the sect faction, not the family faction. For the Sword Sect to regain glory, we need openness, not obsession with one family's name. Decline looms otherwise. I'll fully support Gu Yunyun. If she's in trouble, I won't stand idly by."

Hearing the Saint's words, the Supreme Elder was floored. The Saint had been a staunch family faction supporter, believing the Sword Sect belonged to the Dugu clan. Only after a severe injury and a thousand-year seclusion did the sect faction rise, reforming the Sword Sect. How had he suddenly switched sides?

Absurd, utterly absurd. If not for the Saint's terrifying aura, a mere glance instilling fear, the Supreme Elder would've questioned his identity.

…

After the Saint left, Ye Chen smiled. Resources paved the way, unstoppable. This was just a casual move with unused resources—useful if it worked, no loss if it didn't.

The Saint's might was indeed terrifying. Though aged, his life force decaying, his fleeting aura still exerted immense pressure. But Ye Chen was confident. With his physique, talent, the Dao Cauldron, and effort, the Saint Realm wasn't far off.

The Sword Sect's Supreme Elder was even more courteous than before. He respectfully escorted Ye Chen to Gu Yunyun's cave abode. As the Sword Sect's leader, her abode had moved to Sword Valley's core.

Ye Chen entered without resistance, smiling. Clearly, his master had left his aura in the restrictions. Bidding the Supreme Elder farewell, Ye Chen entered eagerly, awaiting his master's return. After some time, the cave's restrictions hummed softly. A commanding figure in red rushed in.

Ye Chen looked up, smiling. That unique red dress, the sharp aura of a sword cultivator, and a figure strikingly at odds with that identity. Across the cultivation world, who else but his master?

Gu Yunyun, hurrying upon hearing of Ye Chen's arrival, showed a flicker of joy in her eyes. His decade-long disappearance had worried her, prompting several trips to the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

But the joy vanished quickly, her expression turning cold. "You're here…" she began, only to be cut off.

Ye Chen silenced her, leaving her muffled. Anger flared in her eyes, but unable to rebuke, she resisted briefly. Ye Chen, now Mahayana Realm, was beyond her resistance.

Soon, Gu Yunyun gave in helplessly, letting Ye Chen's hands move with a mind of their own…

After a long while, Ye Chen slowly parted from his master. Seeing her familiar expression—helpless, resigned to his actions—his smile widened. Holding her close, he whispered in her ear, "Master, let me show you a treasure!"

Gu Yunyun scoffed lightly. His earlier kiss brimmed with longing and love. Clearly, Ye Chen wanted to fully claim her. That was improper. But he was Mahayana Realm, while she was only peak Unity. What could she do? Only let this rebellious disciple have his way…

But when Ye Chen reached down and pulled something out, her eyes widened, tinged with disappointment… It wasn't what she expected. He produced an imprint pulsing with intense sword Dao aura.

Noticing her surprise, Ye Chen chuckled. He knew his master was ready. But he'd prepared many gifts, some with feedback potential. Of course, he'd give them all first.

Seeing his master's signs of embarrassed anger at his stifled laugh, Ye Chen quickly explained, "Master, this is the imprint of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass. When I faced the Mahayana Realm tribulation, I encountered the Heavenly Emperor's imprint. But he played dirty, swapping opponents, and I got mobbed. All were prodigies from various eras. The Nine-Leaf Sword Grass posed the greatest threat. Its sword intent was too sharp, piercing my body multiple times. After defeating them, I obtained this imprint and immediately thought to give it to you, Master. I believe with this, your sword Dao will advance further!"

Ye Chen spoke truthfully. Most opponents couldn't breach his defenses. But the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass was the biggest threat. Its sword intent could cut through anything, refined to the extreme.

Gu Yunyun, hearing his casual tone, sensed the danger he'd faced. Yet, after overcoming the tribulation, his first thought was of her. Her lips pursed… As his master, she knew Ye Chen never took back gifts. He'd traveled far to give her this.

So, Gu Yunyun reached out, accepting the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass imprint, storing it in her ring. She didn't thank him. Instead, like before, she leaned stiffly against the cave wall. Her cool eyes, complex with emotion, glanced at Ye Chen before closing slowly… Gu Yunyun stood completely unguarded…

Chapter 632: The War God Clan's Scheme!

Gu Yunyun braced herself, eyes closed, resigned to Ye Chen's rebellious antics. But after a long wait, nothing happened. Puzzled, she opened her eyes to find Ye Chen looking worried. "Master, are you okay? Why'd you go quiet and close your eyes? You scared me!"

Gu Yunyun's cheeks puffed up… Her already striking figure grew even more imposing in her anger. Ye Chen was full of tricks. Back in the Qi Refining stage, he'd cultivated nightly with maids. After leaving Green Cloud Sect, he'd gone wild. An Miaoli, An Yuyi, Li Feihuang, Lin Qingtan, Yi Qingwu, Fan Qinghe…

She didn't believe he missed her signals. Furious, absolutely furious! She shot him a glare, sat by the cave wall, and turned her back, silent.

Ye Chen was stunned. His master's angry pout was adorable, like a pufferfish. But with her upset, a dutiful disciple had to soothe her. He approached, calming her mind and body…

After a while, she wasn't puffed up anymore.

Ye Chen relaxed. He still had gifts to give, so he'd wait two weeks. Seeing her ignore him, diving into the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass's Mahayana sword Dao insights, Ye Chen sat beside her, smiling, checking the system alerts ringing in his mind.

"Congratulations, Host, for successful gifting…"

"Gift: Nine-Leaf Sword Grass Mahayana Sword Dao Insights!"

"Two-thousand-fold feedback in progress…"

"Detected: Gift is highly significant to recipient…"

"Triggered maximum critical reward!"

"Feedback: Sword Grass Treasure Technique!"

"Feedback: Nine-Leaf Sword Grass's insights on the Sword Grass Treasure Technique…"

"Feedback: A leaf from the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass in Mahayana Realm…"

Ye Chen smiled at the feedback. His master's multiplier was lower, so even a max critical hit wasn't shocking. Still, the rewards were solid.

The Sword Grass Treasure Technique, one of the Ten Vicious Treasure Techniques, was the only sword Dao technique among them, immensely powerful. Mastering it equated to wielding top-tier swordsmanship.

Ye Chen wasn't fond of sword Dao. Its life-or-death intensity didn't suit him. He preferred surviving while enemies perished. But another Treasure Technique was always good. He aimed to collect all Ten Vicious Treasure Techniques, fusing them…

Each was top-tier. Combined, their power would surpass immortal-grade, unimaginable. Beyond the Sword Grass Technique and insights, a leaf surprised him. Placing it in his small world via the system, Ye Chen's mind probed, eyes lighting up. A meter-long, jade-like leaf appeared in the small world. It radiated sharp sword qi, rivaling the Dugu Wooden Sword.

Ye Chen was amazed. Though he'd dominated the Vicious Ten imprints in his tribulation, those were mere shadows, far weaker than their true forms. The Nine-Leaf Sword Grass, post-Mahayana, had leaves comparable to supreme Extreme Dao Weapons. Each swing matched their might.

At the Quasi-Immortal Realm, its leaves rivaled immortal artifacts. Its combat power was invincible. Tribulation imprints couldn't show this. The other nine vicious beings were similar. But Ye Chen was confident he could suppress their true forms without pressure.

Gu Yunyun, devoted to the sword Dao, quickly forgot her disciple's teasing. She immersed herself in the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass's Mahayana sword Dao insights.

Ye Chen, not disturbing her, quietly absorbed the Sword Grass Treasure Technique's insights. He planned to share these insights and the technique with his master later. Even the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass leaf, he intended to give her as a trump card. With two supreme Extreme Dao Weapons already, he had little need for it. The cave fell silent. Both cultivated earnestly…

…

Two days later, Dugu Sheng returned to the Sword Sect. His return caused a stir. Not of this generation's prodigies, he'd left for Central Continent a century ago after reaching Mahayana, finding the Sword Sect too small. Now, a century later, he was at the late second tier of Mahayana, a step from the Third Heaven Realm. Such a prodigy's return was great news for the Sword Sect.

Elders flocked, especially those of the Dugu clan, their eyes gleaming. Dugu Sheng introduced Luo Bingling, sparking surprise and joy. Though not human, she faced no universal prejudice in the cultivation world. Strength mattered most.

Luo Bingling, also Second Heaven Mahayana, was the War God Clan's princess. If she became Dugu Sheng's dao companion, the Sword Sect's power would grow. A win!

Learning Ye Chen was indeed here, alone with Gu Yunyun, Dugu Sheng frowned. Ye Chen's presence made the Dugu Wooden Sword harder to obtain. He didn't want direct conflict with Ye Chen. But with the secret realm's opening nearing, who knew when Ye Chen would leave?

After pondering, Dugu Sheng went to see the Saint ancestor. As his direct elder, the Saint's status and authority could sway Gu Yunyun. With proper compensation, Ye Chen might not cause trouble, respecting the Saint.

Arranging for Luo Bingling, Dugu Sheng flew to the Saint's cave. Learning Ye Chen was in his master's cave, Luo Bingling's eyes flashed with disdain. She knew Ye Chen's womanizing ways.

Fresh from flirting with the Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden, he now lingered in his master's cave, up to who-knows-what. This Heavenly Emperor's heir, despite stunning talent, lacked a true heart for the Dao. No immortal-bound prodigy indulged in women.

The War God Clan upheld monogamy. This deepened her contempt for Ye Chen. But she sighed. It was precisely Ye Chen's nature that brought her and Dugu Sheng to Great Yan Continent. She hoped the rumors were true—that Ye Chen gave everything to women he liked.

She hoped the Dao Cauldron, un-shattered, was in the Heavenly Emperor's treasury, now in Ye Chen's hands. His cultivation speed was unnatural. Even with heaven-defying talent, it shouldn't be this fast. The War God Clan elders believed their clan's immortal artifact, the Dao Cauldron, was likely with him… If true, she'd use every means to get it!