ISWI Chapter 587-589

Chapter 587: A Silent Era!

When the news first broke, it was met with widespread ridicule—too fake. Alkaid, Yao Yuekong, and others had countless admirers, clan members, and disciples. Both human and myriad races were outraged, some vowing to slay the rumor-mongers. But soon, mass-produced recording stones flooded major immortal cities, except places like Alkaid City. Sales exploded; nearly everyone had one.

The recordings silenced all anger. Ye Chen's invincible might shone: one hand crushed Yao Yuekong, another unleashed a Divine Ability sweeping Alkaid and four others, his domain trapped Ba Wang, splitting him repeatedly, preventing any approach. Amid this, he casually slapped the sneaking Star River King Body to death. Too absurd. Was the Heavenly Emperor heir that strong?

Many still doubted, but Alkaid, Yao Yuekong, and others vanished from sight. Ba Wang, newly emerged, reportedly retreated to his clan's ancestral grounds for seclusion. Other top prodigies disappeared too. None of the Central Continent's top ten prodigies refuted the claims, indirectly confirming them.

The cultivation world fell silent, especially the Central Continent, the heart of the realm. Central Continent prodigies always dominated other domains; defeats happened, but never a complete rout by an outsider. Even as the Heavenly Emperor's heir, Ye Chen's feat was unthinkable. Too outrageous. What was left to contest on the immortal path?

Yet, a silver lining emerged for the Central Continent. Though their top prodigies were crushed, Fairy Lan's performance shone. Confident and bold, she showed no fear of Ye Chen, refusing to join the ambush.

Ye Chen, who fought six, lacked confidence against her, delaying their battle twice, ultimately avoiding it and setting a Mahayana rematch. He claimed her Heavy Pupil mastery surpassed his, but many seriously suspected the male-female Heavy Pupil theory—perhaps hers restrained his, explaining his caution.

With top prodigies suppressed and in hiding, Lan Nuo became the Central Continent's young generation's face. The Lan Clan soared as the most dazzling ancient immortal family, flooded with visitors. Great Yan had Ye Chen; Central Continent had Lan Nuo. Even the least talented Central Continent cultivator puffed with pride.

The Star River Clan was mentioned too, but with complex emotions. Others, though battered, survived. Their new King Body, freshly chosen, was slapped dead. Hard to judge. The Star River Clan seemed truly cursed against the Heavenly Emperor.

Central Continent cultivators expected the Heavenly Emperor heir to stride into their domain post-victory, preparing for the immortal path. But, astonishingly, Ye Chen vanished—no trace, no appearances.

Speculation swirled: when would he come? Would he wait until the immortal path opened? Too slow, surely—yet arrogant enough to believe he could still crush all? Too bold.

Central Continent's cultivation world quieted. Once teeming with prodigies clashing daily, the cave-heaven battle changed everything. Top prodigies secluded themselves, others found fights lackluster. Every clash paled against Ye Chen's one-against-six annihilation, rendering all else dull. Prodigies despaired—his strength was too absurd, pursuit futile. On the immortal path, a mere glance from him might kill. What was left to fight for?

This era, before the immortal path opened, was eerily peaceful—no bloodshed, no grudges, unlike the recorded chaos of past eras. All because of Ye Chen, single-handedly suppressing top prodigies into hiding, sapping all fighting spirit. No one in history matched this feat.

Only the Lan Clan buzzed with activity. Prodigies flocked to visit Lan Nuo, most turned away. Those who saw her were awestruck, sensing an invincible aura and unprecedented Heavy Pupil mastery. Some begged for spars or guidance, but Lan Nuo, with a few glances and a shake of her head, dismissed them.

Rejections didn't breed resentment—suitors realized their weakness, unworthy of her. Her aloof, otherworldly demeanor fueled Central Continent's anticipation for her Mahayana clash with Ye Chen. How terrifying would it be? Could it shatter the immortal path itself?

…

Two and a half years passed amid this anticipation. At Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's Ascension Peak, in the Holy Son's mansion, Ye Chen, absent from gifting for a month, opened his eyes. Divine light and Dao charm cascaded from his gaze, godlike patterns swirling around him. Sitting cross-legged, he seemed a Dao Sovereign incarnate, his aura leagues beyond his last battle.

Inspecting himself, Ye Chen's lips curved slightly. Two and a half years of seclusion brought him to Unity's peak, progress maxed. His speed, though slower than expected, was still phenomenal.

Lan Nuo's feedback deepened his Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo mastery, accelerating cultivation. Yet, the Immortal Guiding Scripture and his physique devoured Dao charm like a pump, taking two and a half years to fill.

Chapter 588: Immortal Qi Forges the Immortal Platform!

Having reached Unity's peak, Ye Chen's next step was forging the Immortal Platform for Mahayana. Initially, he had three tasks, but with the complete Heavenly Emperor Scripture secured, he'd cultivate its Mahayana chapter directly, saving the trouble of seeking a method.

Two tasks remained: 1. Visit Fan Qinghe, imparting all he could. 2. Gather spiritual qi for the Immortal Platform.

Neither was daunting. Fan Qinghe, likely still at early Unity, might not absorb all his teachings—his foundation was too vast. But any feedback was profit, and her multiplier had likely grown. Even if he couldn't give everything, it was fine.

For the second, as Heavenly Evolution Holy Land's fourth Holy Son and the undisputed top youth, the sect wouldn't skimp. They'd offer the treasury's best, and with a gift triggering a critical hit, he'd soar.

…

After lingering with Senior An, showing her his vast immortal root collection to reassure her, Ye Chen planned to see the Holy Master. But Elder Lin Qingtan, having broken through to Unity with her deep foundation and Ye Chen's gifts, welcomed him warmly. She invited him to observe new changes in her demonic patterns post-breakthrough.

Unable to refuse, Ye Chen stayed a few days. Lin Qingtan's pattern-painting game of "spot the difference" was a novel experience, while he sensed Li Feihuang lingering outside her cave, hesitating to enter.

Though these delayed him, Ye Chen saw no harm—balance aided cultivation. Afterward, he headed to Cloud Summit Heaven Palace to find Feng Baiyu. There, the Holy Master sipped tea, rarely secluding yet advancing swiftly—impressive. Beside him was Eldest Senior Brother, his familiar divine wheel sparking Ye Chen's smile.

Sensing his cultivation, Ye Chen was shocked—Eldest Senior Brother was also at Unity's peak? His progress was startlingly fast, and Ye Chen suspected this was just an avatar. His Heavy Pupils could likely discern true bodies from avatars now, but probing an ally felt rude.

Feng Baiyu, seeing Ye Chen, smiled approvingly. "I worried your fame would make you restless, rushing to the Central Continent. That's dangerous—your existence blocks all prodigies' immortal paths. Holy Lands might see you as a threat, even sending Third Heaven elders to ambush you. But you stayed grounded, cultivating for two and a half years! With your physique, you're likely nearing late Unity…"

His eyes widened. "Holy shit…"

Ye Chen didn't hide his cultivation aura. Feng Baiyu sensed it clearly—Unity peak in such a short time? How did he cultivate so fast? Counting the days since Ye Chen entered Unity, it wasn't even five years. Five years from entry to peak? Most couldn't match that in the Qi Refining stage. Even an Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo shouldn't be this ferocious.

Feng Baiyu was speechless. Hua Yunfei, beside him, was equally stunned by Ye Chen's heaven-defying speed.

…

After a long pause, they processed it.

Feng Baiyu looked at Ye Chen seriously. "So, you're here for Law Qi?"

Ye Chen nodded matter-of-factly.

Feng Baiyu wasn't surprised. "Forging the Immortal Platform requires Law Qi—special spiritual Qi from unique places, infused with traces of laws, crucial for future law integration. More laws in the Qi are better; they ease future law absorption, while others become harder. But suitability matters too. For example, great powers extract Great Yang Qi from the sun, ideal for Great Yang Bodies or fire-based cultivators. Unique forbidden lands, secret realms, or cave-heavens also breed Law Qis with varied effects."

"Our Holy Land has them: Immortal Gold Qi, boosting physical cultivators; Blood Moon Qi, enhancing mental cultivators; Demonic Marrow Qi, Lunar Qi… We even have a strand of Great Yang Qi. But for you, these are suboptimal. Your physique and Qi are both supreme—focusing on one aspect is a waste.

"Forging the Immortal Platform is a massive leap. Pity the cultivation world lacks Immortal Qi now. Before the Heavenly Emperor's era, elders used it for perfect platforms, blending all laws for all-around boosts and easier law integration. It's the best material. But with the Jianmu Tree broken, realms severed, no Immortal Qi remains except at the immortal path's end—and who'd use it for a platform instead of ascension?"

Feng Baiyu sighed regretfully. Perfect Immortal Platforms were extinct in this realm.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. He'd known this and always aimed for Immortal Qi. Feng Baiyu offered him free choice—Holy Land seed privilege.

Before Ye Chen could speak, Hua Yunfei interjected, "Junior Brother, check my Law Qi. Found by a Moral Heavenly Venerable's heir in a forbidden land, it contains 72 laws. With no weaknesses and all paths peaked, choose one with many laws for future cultivation benefits."

Ye Chen looked at his Eldest Senior Brother, surprised. Hua Yunfei smiled. This avatar, meant for the Central Continent to await the immortal path, detoured to the Holy Land just to deliver this Qi for Ye Chen.

Chapter 589: The Fourth Holy Son Clears the Field Again!

Ye Chen was pondering what to pick from the Holy Land's treasury when Eldest Senior Brother's words stunned him. His brother had prepared Law Qi for him?

Seeing Ye Chen's surprise, Hua Yunfei smiled. "Did you forget you gifted me a great treasure? I've been thinking how to repay you. I brought this Qi, expecting you'd need it years later, not so soon—almost missed you."

Ye Chen realized Hua Yunfei was referring to the Diamond Ring, still grateful for it. Truly a principled man.

Feng Baiyu, suspicious, eyed them. "What treasure did you give Yunfei? Why don't I know?"

Hua Yunfei just smiled, offering Ye Chen a jade box.

Ye Chen accepted with thanks, then, unable to resist, asked, "Is your true body already Mahayana?"

After a pause, Hua Yunfei nodded.

Ye Chen gave a thumbs-up, marveling at his brother's hidden depths, wondering when he'd see his true body.

With the Law Qi secured, Ye Chen didn't want to linger. Bowing to both, he said, "Holy Master, Senior Brother, I'm heading to Heavenly Desire Sect. After, I'll seclude for my breakthrough."

They exchanged glances, nodding understandingly. For others, nearing a breakthrough meant immediate seclusion, even over a Dao partner's childbirth. But their fourth Holy Son, infatuated with women, seeking one pre-breakthrough was par for the course. No need to dissuade him—his speed was already absurd; a brief delay wouldn't outpace others.

Feng Baiyu spoke gravely, "You've risen by crushing top prodigies; Heavenly Intention Holy Son's death marks you. Leaving the Holy Land, someone will likely target you. I want to see which faction is shameless enough. Prepare for two days before you go. Got more Ginseng Fruits? I need one to coax an ancestor out—not for them, but at their realm, only sect survival or such fruits move them from their path's study."

Fearing misunderstanding, he clarified.

Ye Chen: …

Who's more cunning than our Holy Master? Even my trip is a fishing scheme. He didn't doubt Feng Baiyu's request. Schemer or not, with his Chaos Ancient True Immortal inheritance, a mere fruit wouldn't tempt him. Still, Ye Chen wondered—how did the brash Chaos Ancient True Immortal choose such a sly Holy Master? Their styles clashed oddly.

Without a word, Ye Chen produced three jade boxes, sending two to Feng Baiyu and one to Hua Yunfei. One for the ancestor, one each for them.

Feng Baiyu had helped immensely, Hua Yunfei too, and with his brother's nature, more gifts meant better returns later. Both, seeing the Ginseng Fruits, widened their eyes in shock.

Hua Yunfei, astonished, smiled at Ye Chen. "Thank you, Junior Brother. I'll repay you richly one day!"

Ye Chen waved it off.

Feng Baiyu, eyeing the two boxes, gave Ye Chen an appreciative look. Requesting a Ginseng Fruit, Ye Chen not only complied but gifted an extra. Such generosity and gratitude made him a prodigy worth nurturing.

Then, Ye Chen offered two more boxes. "This year's new tea—Holy Master and Senior Brother, try it."

…

Leaving Cloud Summit Heaven Palace, Ye Chen cornered the slacking Lu Jing at his mansion, drilling her for days to refine her cultivation. After receiving Feng Baiyu's signal, he set off.

On a boat with Elder Mo, sipping tea and discussing the Dao, no one else joined. The half-month journey to Heavenly Desire Sect was expected to be perilous—great powers might strike to eliminate him, a roadblock to their heirs' immortal path.

Yet, strangely, no one appeared. Ye Chen found it odd but unbothered.

Leaving Elder Mo to sip tea on the boat, he descended. Heavenly Desire Sect's mature, alluring Sect Master, informed of his arrival, flew out alone, her smile radiant, enthusiasm tenfold from last time. Her warmth puzzled Ye Chen—did she need his help with some trouble?

Soon after he entered, over a hundred strong, high-status cultivators emerged, faces dark. A Yao Clan elder, at late Unity, was especially grim. A top power in Great Yan, he was forced out at his cultivation's critical moment.

Yet, none dared complain. Heavenly Desire Sect had cleared its grounds only once in millennia—years ago, for the fourth Holy Son. Now, another clearing meant Ye Chen's return. No longer just Great Yan's top youth, he was the cultivation world's, rivaling veteran powerhouses.

Many Mahayana feared him, rumors claiming he'd broken realm limits, wielding Mahayana strength at Unity. His immortal odds were high. Offending him? Unthinkable. Even grumbling required caution. Clearing the field was trivial.

…

Meanwhile, several terrifying auras slipped from Alkaid Holy Land. Alkaid Holy Son, surrounded by holy light, casually discarded a drained great medicine. His aura, now several times stronger, didn't prompt him to emerge. Instead, he entered a death seclusion, cutting off the world, and summoned a Law Qi to forge his Immortal Platform for Mahayana.