ISWI Chapter 613-616

Chapter 613: Always Here for You

Wang Teng's face darkened. Since his rise, no one had treated him so coldly. His fists clenched under his robe. Once he had this woman, he'd make her pay for today's slight. Suppressing his anger, he spoke gently, "Why keep me at arm's length, Fairy Yi? I'm not in a rush—just hoping to be friends. I never met the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, but I'm sure he wouldn't want you so melancholic."

Other prodigies, sensing the tension, chimed in to ease it.

"Indeed, Fairy Yi, no need to resist. Let's discuss the Dao today and leave other matters for later," one said.

"Divine Son Wang's star techniques are profound, sharing roots with your Moonlight Divine Art. If you have cultivation questions, he'll surely answer freely," another added.

"Brother Wang's Star River King Body and Fairy Yi's Broad Cold Immortal Body are a perfect match. In ancient times, before the Heavenly Emperor's era, a Star River King Body and Broad Cold Immortal Body became partners, supporting each other to ascend the Immortal Path. If you two unite, it'll be a legendary tale," a third said, grinning. "Who agrees?"

The prodigies pushed the match, and many from their factions cheered loudly. Great Yan's cultivators, protective of their divine maiden, stayed silent, reluctant to see her claimed by an outsider but too wary to speak.

Yi Qingwu ignored them, her expression icy, her eyes still scanning the crowd, searching. Disappointment grew in her gaze. Then, her eyes locked on a figure, brightening. A smile broke across her face, warming Heavenly Intention Palace like spring.

Under her gaze, Ye Chen smiled back. A booming voice thundered through the palace: "My friend here and I both disagree…"

Ye Chen's voice echoed like thunder, stunning everyone. Who dared oppose the fearsome Star River King Body? Two people? Were they suicidal?

All eyes turned to the voice's source. The crowd parted hastily, fearing involvement, clearing a path.

On the platform, the prodigy who'd spoken frowned, snapping, "The Star River King Body and Broad Cold Immortal Body are a perfect pair. Who are you two to—"

His terrifying aura surged, ready to crush the insolent pair. But seeing Ye Chen's smiling face, his words died. His aura retracted, and he stepped back, sweating, unable to meet Ye Chen's gaze.

Ye Chen was really here?

Though only First Heaven Mahayana, same as him, and possibly weakened by hidden injuries after eight years' absence, the memory of Ye Chen's feats—fighting six peers and slaying three Mahayana cultivators across realms—made his heart race. He had no courage to face him, no desire to provoke him.

Ye Chen hadn't disguised himself. The crowd recognized him instantly, erupting in louder shock than before, parting further. Though expected, given his obsession with Yi Qingwu, his arrival still stunned them. A battle was now inevitable.

Many eyes fell on the young cultivator under Ye Chen's arm. To be so close to the Heavenly Emperor's heir, he must be extraordinary. Speculation about his identity swirled.

From the pavilion, the third-generation Star River King Body, Wang Teng, looked down at Ye Chen, chin raised. Noticing Ye Chen's mere First Heaven Mahayana cultivation, he relaxed. His clan had informed him that they'd attacked Ye Chen at Heavenly Desire Sect to clear his path. Though Ye Chen killed three Mahayana cultivators, he must've used forbidden techniques, injuring himself gravely. His absence from the Immortal Path confirmed it.

At the same realm, Wang Teng might've been wary, but a full heaven above Ye Chen? With the vast gaps between Mahayana stages, victory was certain.

Moreover, he wasn't alone. On the Immortal Path, he'd befriended the Alkaid Holy Son, who'd secretly arrived. If Ye Chen appeared, Alkaid would aid him.

"Heavenly Emperor's heir, what right do you have to oppose Fairy Yi's affairs?" Wang Teng suppressed his killing intent, aiming to use Ye Chen to establish his dominance, end his clan's cursed legacy of fallen Divine Sons, and forge his reputation with Ye Chen's blood.

But Ye Chen, like Yi Qingwu before, ignored him. Patting the trembling young cultivator's shoulder, he said, "Don't worry, you've got good taste. It's a waste as a rogue cultivator. Report to Heavenly Evolution Holy Land later—say I sent you. Pick any peak except Ascension."

The young man's ashen eyes widened with hope.

Ye Chen leisurely withdrew his arm, walking calmly through the crowd, his gaze fixed solely on Yi Qingwu, the Broad Cold Immortal Body.

Her radiant face bloomed with a smile, her eyes a mix of relief and playful reproach. "Gone so long, I thought you were dead. But you're still here…"

Her voice, melodious as an oriole, echoed like celestial music.

Ye Chen's smile softened. "Don't worry. I'm here. I've always been here."

Chapter 614: Who Approves? Who Objects?

Heavenly Intention Palace fell silent. The exchange between Ye Chen and Yi Qingwu was bizarre, sparking wild speculation. Everyone knew Ye Chen killed the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, making Yi Qingwu his enemy. Yet, their greeting felt nothing like enemies meeting. Instead, it was as if long-separated lovers feared for each other's safety.

Ye Chen's gentle "I'm here. I've always been here" left the crowd stuffed with awkwardness, feeling like outsiders.

Wang Teng had the ugliest expression. Ignored by Yi Qingwu and now Ye Chen, treated like air, he glared at Ye Chen, voice icy. "Heavenly Emperor's heir, answer me!"

Ye Chen glanced at him. In an instant, he moved.

Under countless shocked gazes, Ye Chen vanished, reappearing before Wang Teng like a flash, his trajectory invisible. A domineering fist shot out.

Wang Teng's face twisted. Ye Chen was too fast—he couldn't activate his physique or channel his laws. The fist slammed into his chest.

Boom!

Wang Teng's limbs and head exploded, his body pierced through, sent crashing into the divine spring around the pavilion, unleashing a massive wave.

The immortal city quaked, its grand array flaring in response.

Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief. The Mahayana Stage's gaps between heavens were vast, yet Ye Chen had crippled a Second Heaven King Body with one punch? His talent seemed even more monstrous than before.

Rumors of his origin injuries or dao backlash were forgotten. His absence wasn't what they'd thought.

...

Ye Chen didn't spare Wang Teng a glance. With a wave, he seized the two treasures Wang Teng had flaunted, still floating in the air. His voice rang out, calm but commanding. "Before the Heavenly Intention Holy Son died, he said I was stronger, more worthy of being Qingwu's man, and entrusted me to care for her. I keep my promises, so of course, Qingwu's affairs are mine to handle. Who approves? Who objects?"

The crowd was stunned. Ye Chen's story was absurd—killing someone, then claiming they entrusted their fiancée to him? Did he believe his own nonsense?

But his terrifying presence silenced even the Star River Clan. No one dared object, yet none agreed.

Noticing the awkward silence, Ye Chen turned to the prodigy who'd championed Wang Teng and Yi Qingwu's match, grinning. "Tell me, am I right? Do you approve?"

The prodigy, pinned by Ye Chen's gaze, felt his power freeze. Fearing a fist like Wang Teng's, he nodded frantically, blurring with speed.

Ye Chen turned to the crowd. They nodded in unison, their haste stirring a whirlwind in Heavenly Intention Palace.

Satisfied, Ye Chen's black hair danced in the vortex. Reputation mattered, and he'd maintain it. Weighing the two treasures, he strode to Yi Qingwu.

Yi Qingwu brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, tilting her head at Ye Chen's approach. "Why come to me right after seclusion? You killed my fiancé. No matter what he said, you're my enemy. Once I reach Mahayana, I'll kill you!"

The nodding crowd froze, minds reeling. Moments ago, their gazes were tender, almost dripping with affection. Now threats? Was this love-hate drama?

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. His fiancée was putting on an act again. When she fed him osmanthus spirit liquid, her words were far sweeter. But he wouldn't expose her.

Looking at the fiancée, he only wanted to give her a gift. Her multiplier had soared since their last meeting. His system's voice echoed in his mind: "Detected gift target Yi Qingwu multiplier update… Yi Qingwu: 3,500 times!"

The multiplier thrilled him—only 500 less than Heavy Pupil Lan Nuo. Her surge wasn't surprising. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son had devoured many, amassing immense origin. Yi Qingwu, refining it with the Indestructible Heavenly Art, naturally boosted her multiplier.

Facing her threat, Ye Chen nodded perfunctorily. "I emerged yesterday and rushed here upon hearing the news. Of course, I missed you."

Yi Qingwu's gaze softened.

Not giving her a chance to speak, Ye Chen raised the two wooden boxes. "Which one do you want?"

The crowd fell silent again. The Star River King Body lay half-dead, and Ye Chen was already gifting his treasures? Yi Qingwu had rejected them once, dismissing them with disdain while vowing to kill him. Would she accept now?

To their shock, Yi Qingwu propped her flawless chin, pondered, then pointed at the Law Qi box. "I want that one."

Ye Chen asked, "Important to you?"

She nodded.

Without hesitation, he offered the box containing the 108-Law Qi. Though her expression remained cool, joy sparkled in her eyes.

Simultaneously, the system's voice rang in Ye Chen's mind:

"Congratulations, host, gift successful…"

"Gift: Law Qi with 108 laws! 3,500x feedback processing…"

"Detected significant emotional impact on target…"

"Critical reward triggered!"

"Reward: A strand of immortal qi sufficient for forging an Immortal Platform!"

Ye Chen's smile widened. His fiancée delivered. Gifting Fan Qinghe, even at max critical, hadn't yielded Immortal Qi directly—he'd had to gather it himself. Now, Yi Qingwu's gift triggered it instantly. Though this gift was more valuable, her potency was clear, nearly matching Lan Nuo's multiplier.

Ye Chen had amassed ample origins, including three from Mahayana cultivators. The third-generation Star River King Body, as suspected, practiced the Devouring Heaven Demon Art—Ye Chen's Indestructible Heavenly Art sensed it. From obscurity to prodigy, he'd devoured plenty.

Soon, Ye Chen would extract his origin, merge it with his stockpile, and purify it through the Devouring Heaven Demon Jar. He'd gift it to Yi Qingwu, boosting her multiplier further. His own physique might climb higher with this gift.

Chapter 615: Don't Your Eyes Get Dry?

The Immortal Qi was delivered directly to Ye Chen's inner world, its radiant light flowing with the essence of all worldly truths. Inspecting it, Ye Chen confirmed it matched his previously gathered strand, smiling. The only pity was its scarcity. Forging an Immortal Platform required far less than achieving immortality—a mere wisp versus a full strand, a gap of ten thousand times. This wisp couldn't be multiplied for ascension.

But Ye Chen had anticipated this. His master's cultivation was sufficient; he'd gift this wisp to her. Though the fiancée and other female cultivators were exceptional—some even surpassing his master—his master held a special place. She was the most stunning figure he'd seen entering the cultivation world, his deepest dream in his naive days.

...

The crowd watched, stunned, as Yi Qingwu casually chose and accepted the gift. When Wang Teng offered it, she didn't glance at it. Now, Ye Chen stole it, and she picked it eagerly. The favoritism was blatant.

Everyone was convinced—they were involved. Could the Heavenly Intention Holy Son really have entrusted her to Ye Chen? Some whispered darker theories: their affair predated the Holy Son's death, perhaps even a joint murder, or worse, Yi Qingwu herself killed him. If true, the Holy Son died unjustly.

But with Ye Chen present, no one dared voice these thoughts. The image of him crushing a Holy Master-level King Body with one punch lingered vividly. Who would court death?

After gifting, Ye Chen, under countless gazes, pocketed the second box for next time. Spectators inwardly groaned—stealing treasures and keeping one? Outrageous!

Ye Chen ignored their thoughts, calmly looking to a spot in the sky, about to act. Suddenly, Heavenly Intention Palace's surroundings erupted like a reverse waterfall. A terrifying aura exploded.

A divine whip, forged of starlight, radiating the aura of an extreme Dao weapon, lashed toward Ye Chen, as if to tear the heavens apart. A furious roar followed: "I'm not dead yet! You filthy rogue, I'll kill you!"

Wang Teng, humiliated by the punch and forced to watch Ye Chen and Yi Qingwu's affectionate display, burned with rage. Worse, his gifts, dismissed as weeds by her, became treasures in Ye Chen's hands. Restored instantly by his unified domain, spirit, and body, Wang Teng unleashed his full power, wielding the Star River Divine Whip to slay Ye Chen.

He'd been careless, caught off guard, defeated before unleashing his strength. Now, things were different. Plus, the Alkaid Holy Son was here. Even if he couldn't win, Alkaid would aid him. Victory was assured—Ye Chen would die today!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Star River Divine Whip was terrifying, lashing toward Ye Chen, trailing a river of stars, heedless of Yi Qingwu in its path, as if to crush them both. At Unity Stage, Yi Qingwu had no defense against such power. Yet, her face remained calm, gently brushing her hair, watching quietly.

Ye Chen's eyes lit up at the whip. His master already had the Dugu Wooden Sword, needing no more Extreme Dao Weapons. But the fiancée didn't. Imagining Yi Qingwu wielding the whip while radiating righteousness, Ye Chen felt a strange anticipation.

...

The crowd's hearts raced. Ye Chen's earlier dominance was due to Wang Teng's unpreparedness. Now, the Second Heaven Holy Master struck with a Extreme Dao Weapon. A fierce battle was expected.

Ye Chen reached into the void, pulling out a sword radiating supreme might, inscribed with "Heavenly Emperor." No one was surprised—the Heavenly Emperor's heir wielding the Heavenly Emperor Sword was fitting.

Wang Teng's face paled.

Ye Chen casually pointed the sword. The star-splitting whip froze midair, unable to advance. Divine light erupted from Ye Chen's eyes, annihilation beams blasting forth.

Wang Teng gritted his teeth, summoning a starlit disc to barely block one hit before it shattered—his King Body's divine ability. But Ye Chen's eyes seemed tireless, unleashing a relentless meteor shower of annihilation beams.

Wang Teng formed disc after disc, blocking dozens, but his face grew deathly pale, barely holding on. Panic consumed him. He knew Heavy Pupil's annihilation light, but Ye Chen's endless barrage—did his eyes never dry? Was his origin inexhaustible?

Locked by Heavy Pupil and his whip pinned by the Heavenly Emperor Sword, escape was impossible. Facing death, Wang Teng broke.

Where were his clan's ancestors? Wasn't he the greatest Star River King Body in a million years? And Alkaid Holy Son, his sworn brother—where was he?

Raising his hand, Wang Teng froze. His clan elders were fighting outside the city's array, unable to help. Heavenly Intention Holy Land's elders watched, hesitating to intervene.

Squeezing out his last shred of origin, Wang Teng formed another disc to block a beam, screaming, "Brother Alkaid, save me!" His voice was pitiful, stripped of all prodigy pride.

The crowd gaped. They'd expected a clash of titans, but it was another crushing defeat. In mere breaths, Wang Teng was begging for help.

Cross-realm kills were rare in cultivation history, limited to a few per generation. Such domination was even rarer. Even the Heavenly Emperor's cross-realm victories were hard-fought. Ye Chen, his heir, seemed to surpass him, fiercer still.

Chapter 616: Alkaid Arrives?

Hearing Wang Teng shout "Alkaid," Ye Chen's lips curled. A prime target practicing the Devouring Heaven Demon Art, coming to marry Yi Qingwu—Ye Chen had suspected a mastermind. Now, it was confirmed.

His hand didn't pause. Another annihilation beam shot out, infused with the Six Paths of Reincarnation's true intent. This time, Wang Teng couldn't withstand it. The beam struck, and he exploded, the cycle of life and death in the light ensuring no recovery. He was utterly dead.

The scene fell silent. Spectators gaped. The Heavenly Emperor's heir wielding the Heavenly Emperor Sword wasn't surprising, nor was his strength—his past feats were legendary. But to kill a Second Heaven Holy Master across a realm in mere moments? That was absurd.

Rumors of Ye Chen's injuries during his absence vanished. Clearly, he'd missed the Immortal Path's opening for something greater. His strength was flawless.

Glancing at Wang Teng's fallen form, realization hit. The Star River Clan's third Divine Son had fallen. The clan seemed cursed against the Heavenly Emperor. If they kept appointing Divine Sons, they'd risk extinction in centuries.

All gazed at Ye Chen in awe.

...

"You're so strong—missing the Immortal Path is a pity," Yi Qingwu said, regretful for him.

Ye Chen smiled. The Immortal Path's benefits paled compared to forging his Immortal Platform with Immortal Qi. "Even missing it, I'm unrivaled this generation."

Yi Qingwu's smile bloomed at his confidence, but it quickly cooled.

Ye Chen didn't let her interrupt, waving to collect Wang Teng's lingering soul and origin—deliberately preserved. One went into his Human Emperor Banner, the other into the Devouring Heaven Demon Jar for purification.

At that moment, the sky lit up. A holy light scripture descended, its radiance sweeping to claim Wang Teng's remnants. A sigh followed: "I arrived too late. Brother Ye, it was just a misunderstanding—why kill? As his friend, I must return Wang's soul to the Star River Clan."

The voice was calm, righteous. The holy light scripture, unmistakable, revealed the speaker: Alkaid Holy Son. His Extreme Dao Weapon could kill, suppress, protect, or heal—unmatched in power.

Wang Teng's dying cry had sparked curiosity about Alkaid's presence. Now, he'd arrived, late but intent on retrieving Wang Teng's soul for his clan. A true brother.

Anticipation surged among the crowd.

Alkaid had once been suppressed by the Holy Son, but on the Immortal Path, he shone unmatched, surpassing even the Heavenly Demon Body. No longer the Alkaid of old, his encounter with the Heavenly Emperor's heir sparked anticipation of a grand battle. Yet, Alkaid's true form didn't appear—only his Extreme Dao Weapon, the Holy Light Scripture, descended to seize Wang Teng's remnants.

Ye Chen smirked. Returning the soul? Nonsense.

Alkaid coveted Wang Teng's origin, three to four times stronger than the Heavenly Intention Holy Son's, clearly from devouring many prodigies. The devouring lineage had invested heavily in him.

The Holy Light Scripture's aura was overwhelming, unstoppable by ordinary Mahayana cultivators. Ye Chen's Heavenly Emperor Sword was still suppressing Wang Teng's Star River Divine Whip, which, despite Wang Teng's death, needed containment to prevent it from escaping to the Star River Clan elders.

Ye Chen's lips curved. Alkaid had chosen this moment to strike, exploiting the gap. But who said he had only one Extreme Dao Weapon?

His other hand reached into the void, drawing a golden-red staff, its center stained crimson as if soaked in countless enemies' blood. With a sweep of the Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod, its killing power pierced the scripture's holy light, striking the book with a deafening boom, cracking the void around it.

Ye Chen aimed to suppress the scripture as he had the whip, intending it for Senior An—its style suited her. But Alkaid's control over his weapon far surpassed Wang Teng's. The scripture retreated like a meteor, vanishing into the sky, evading Ye Chen's Armament Secret suppression.

A voice followed: "Heavenly Emperor's heir, in this golden age, no one is truly invincible. Your actions are too domineering!"

With that, Alkaid's presence vanished. He was gone.

The crowd erupted in shock. They'd expected a titanic clash, given Alkaid's acknowledged strength, far above Wang Teng. Yet, he fled without showing his face?

This twist stunned everyone, their awe for Ye Chen deepening. Alkaid was no weakling, having bested many prodigies on the Immortal Path, including the Heavenly Demon Body. Yet, facing Ye Chen, he didn't even appear. Ye Chen's talent was terrifying.

Ye Chen scanned the void, finding no trace of Alkaid, and frowned. He'd really left, not even a hint of defiance. Too cautious, like his Senior Brother, but with far less flair.

With Alkaid gone, Ye Chen turned to his harvest. A wave of his hand swept up Wang Teng's origin and soul. The origin went into his inner world's Devouring Heaven Demon Jar for refining, joining a stockpile of pure essence. The soul entered the Human Emperor Banner, its purple aura intensifying.

He then activated the Armament Secret, erasing Wang Teng's and the Star River Clan's imprints from the Star River Divine Whip in an instant. The whip ceased struggling, and Ye Chen claimed it with a grin.

This trip was a massive gain.