ISWI Chapter 567-569

Chapter 567: Taming Ye Chen!

Half a year passed in a blink. The cultivation world buzzed with activity. A rumor emerged from the Endless Sea: someone spotted a white, humanoid spiritual medicine in a mirage, standing on pure land, guarded by circling demonic beasts.

The vision vanished with the wind, but it drew countless eyes. The human-shaped longevity medicine, though not an immortal root, extended life by 300 years—a supreme treasure in an era of dwindling lifespans.

For the holy lands, prolonging a top powerhouse's life by 300 years was monumental. The immortal path wasn't just about prodigies' strength—backing was crucial. The mirage confirmed the medicine's existence, spurring countless cultivators to flood the Endless Sea, seeking the lost realms of the ancient powerhouse.

Central Continent's prodigies mobilized, driven by loyalty to elders or the chance to size up rivals. The Heavenly Demon Body, in the Myriad Races' Immortal City, declared his intent. An ancestor, who'd once guided him, neared death. He vowed to seize the longevity medicine, swearing death to any who stood in his way.

His words caused an uproar. As a top Myriad Races physique, he'd fought only thrice, crushing foes each time, never revealing his full might—a true face of their prodigies. His bold claim ignited Myriad Races' youth, while humans bristled. The era had changed—beaten to the seas by the Heavenly Emperor, how dare the Myriad Races act so brazen now?

Soon, a human prodigy responded. At a powerhouse's birthday banquet, Alkaid Holy Son announced he, too, had an elder nearing death's door and would head to the Endless Sea, eager to spar with the Heavenly Demon Body.

The crowd cheered. Then, the family of this generation's Heavy Pupil prodigy revealed their heir would debut, joining the hunt for longevity medicine. This news electrified all. Normally, only one Heavy Pupil existed per generation, but this era had two—Ye Chen, the Heavenly Emperor heir, boasting more than just Heavy Pupils. This dimmed the Central Continent Heavy Pupil's shine.

Yet, Heavy Pupils were a supreme Divine Ability. An ancient Heavy Pupil, at quasi-immortal peak, once slew an aged True Immortal with a divine beam, at great cost. Their might was undeniable.

Next, the Firmament Overlord Body's heir emerged from seclusion. A late-Unity Myriad Races powerhouse, physically formidable, challenged him—only to be torn apart instantly. Bathed in blood, the heir declared his intent for the Endless Sea, stunning all.

The Firmament Overlord Body, one of the two strongest physical constitutions, was the Sacred Body's nemesis, historically dominating until the Heavenly Emperor shifted the tide.

Soon, this generation's top prodigies emerged en masse. Even obscure clans and holy lands, lured by the longevity medicine, sent their heirs into the spotlight. The scene was staggering—everyone foresaw the Endless Sea becoming a grand battlefield.

A 300-year longevity medicine, though precious, shouldn't have caused such a stir. The real reason was its location—near the Great Yan Continent. Alkaid Holy Son's claim that Ye Chen, the Heavenly Emperor heir, was the era's top prodigy and likeliest to ascend drew all ambitious prodigies' attention.

Ye Chen's absurdity—Heavy Pupils, Primordial Supreme Heart, and a hidden Sacred Body—was overwhelming. How could anyone compete?

Most prodigies wanted to see if it was true. If so, many would aim to cut his immortal path short. Top physiques shone early but grew fiercer later. A quasi-immortal Heavy Pupil could kill an aged True Immortal. The Supreme Heart granted endless vitality, near-immortality. A mature Ancient Desolation Sacred Body could battle True Immortals. Combined, Ye Chen would be unstoppable. Yet, he hadn't visited Central Continent.

The longevity medicine's emergence gave prodigies an excuse to come to Great Yan and face him. If he was as invincible as Alkaid claimed, they'd unite to slay him, ending his immortal path.

…

In the Heavenly Emperor Hall, the golden-robed elder's face flickered with unease. Alkaid's words thrust Ye Chen into the spotlight, drawing countless enemies. This was why he hid his daughter's Chaos Body—exposing it invited ruthless schemes.

The cultivation world cared little for fairness. Peerless dominance bred despair, attracting sinister plots. The Heavenly Emperor faced this, nearly killed multiple times, leading to his later purge of human clans after expelling the Myriad Races. Many holy lands and ancient clans fell then, victims of his darkened heart. Back then, ascension had no quota. Now, with only one immortal slot, Ye Chen's path would be harder.

As the elder pondered, a voice echoed from the hall's depths. A figure shrouded in chaos, vaguely graceful, emerged.

"Father, I want to join the hunt for the longevity medicine!"

The elder frowned, scolding, "Nonsense! Our hall has longevity treasures—why chase this?"

Her voice remained firm. "Hiding clashes with my Dao heart, hindering my cultivation. With the Devouring Heavenly Demon Venerable's Meeting Without Recognition, I can conceal myself. I'll hide my strength, not using my Chaos Body. No one will recognize me."

The elder hesitated.

She continued, "Ye Chen's predicament ties to me. He seeks longevity medicine for an elder but faces scrutiny. If he goes, prodigies will swarm him. I'll help him secure the medicine. If he faces mortal danger, I'll save him. It'll resolve our karma, easing my heart."

The elder sighed at her moral streak—useless in the cultivation world. But it touched her Dao heart, so he nodded. If she could tame Ye Chen, it'd be a fine outcome.

Chapter 568: The Old Sect Master Died?

Yan Qingcheng deeply respected her father and didn't want discord. She added, "I've begun studying the Heavenly Emperor Fist, but its reincarnation intent eludes me. Real combat might help me grasp it, greatly aiding my upcoming Mahayana cultivation."

Hearing this, the golden-robed elder had no objections. Anything benefiting his daughter's cultivation, he supported. As a veteran, he knew the value of biding time, but his young daughter needed to experience truths firsthand. Suppressing her wasn't ideal. With the immortal path yet to open and many unique beings still dormant, major forces wouldn't act recklessly. Letting her dominate lesser foes to build an invincible will was fine.

Her earlier words also stirred him. Ye Chen was meant as a shield, but his monstrous talent risked enmity with his daughter, countering his intent. Only slightly inferior to her, if she aided him now, he'd be grateful. Not allegiance, but a bond.

When she revealed herself later, given Ye Chen's character, he'd likely fall at her feet. Mentioning her prior aid then would ensure his devotion, serving her immortal path.

Ye Chen's strength made him an ideal vanguard for her. This era was wild—rumors confirmed a True Immortal's child, born flawed, was sealed in a divine source with vast treasures and arrays to perfect and enhance them, nearing emergence.

In past eras, a Heavy Pupil could easily ascend; now, even a Chaos Body might struggle alone. Ye Chen's support would bolster her. The elder said no more, fearing to annoy her. He'd personally guard her to prevent mishaps.

…

In Central Continent's Lan Family, a top ancient clan, an old woman with silver hair, exuding decay, her vitality like a flickering candle, gazed kindly at her gathered descendants. They looked worried—her lifespan had mere months left.

"I'll beg the clan elders for a longevity pill again!" one descendant said, rising angrily.

She smiled, shaking her head. "Sit down. The clan has three longevity pills, reserved for the immortal path, only for those above Immortal Platform Fifth Heaven. A Unity cultivator like me using one is wasteful—the clan won't allow it. I've lived long enough. A few more centuries mean little."

She was at peace, but her descendants couldn't bear it. This grandmother had devoted her life to them. They mentioned the Endless Sea's human-shaped longevity medicine, but it was a prodigy battlefield—most lacked confidence.

A cold voice rang out, "No need to worry. I'll act."

All turned to see a graceful woman in a light cyan dress, with an elegant oval face, approaching. The Lan Family's younger generation revered her—Lan Nuo, their generation's face, born with Heavy Pupils, famed across the Central Continent, a strong immortal path contender.

Seeing Lan Nuo, the old woman smiled but shook her head, chiding, "Too many people there—some might scheme against you. Stay and keep your great-grandma company instead."

Lan Nuo shook her head. "No matter. If anyone's fated to claim the longevity medicine, it's me. I'll return swiftly."

Her cyan dress fluttered, Heavy Pupils swirling with chaos, forming a passage. Her graceful figure stepped in, vanishing with the portal.

Great-grandma frowned, puzzled. "Nuonuo used to be talkative, always smiling with those cute tiger teeth… Why's she so cold now?"

No one dared answer.

After a pause, Lan Nuo's parents hesitantly transmitted, "During Deity Transformation, she got hooked on storybooks, always saying true prodigies shine before others…"

The old woman sank into confusion.

…

Great Yan Continent, Ascension Peak, Holy Son's Cave Abode.

As his aura stabilized, Ye Chen exhaled a dragon-like white breath, surrounded by Dao charms, like an exiled immortal. Feeling his cultivation shift, he smirked. He'd reached mid-Unity realm in just over six months since acquiring the Immortal Guiding Scripture.

Such speed was absurd—even Refining Qi breakthroughs weren't this fast. Even Ye Chen hadn't expected the Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo plus the scripture to be this potent.

"Mid-Unity took half a year. Late-Unity might take a year. With some buildup to peak, the entire Unity realm won't even need two and a half years."

He grinned—faster was better. In two and a half years, Heavenly Desire Goddess Fan Qinghe would still be stuck in early Unity, letting him gift her more Dao charms for greater feedback, straight to the top.

Rising to leave, he sensed someone waiting outside. Stepping out, he saw Ascension Peak disciple Mo Yuzhu holding a jade slip, eyes lighting up as she bowed. "Holy Son, a message from Green Cloud Sect."

Green Cloud Sect? Ye Chen frowned. Had the old Sect Master died? Taking the slip, he checked its contents and sighed in relief. The old Sect Master was still alive…

Chapter 569: It's Just Not Strong Enough!

Glancing at the jade slip's contents, Ye Chen smirked.

Good news: the old Sect Master wasn't dead. Bad news: he soon would be, with only two years left.

He hoped Ye Chen and Gu Yunyun could visit before his end. He also mentioned Fa Zhen, the Magic Peak disciple, now Golden Core, taking over as the next Green Cloud Sect Master. Then, he lamented a 3,000-pound dragon-blooded demon fish that slipped away.

Ye Chen smiled. He'd been tracking longevity medicines, but they were too rare. Even Heavenly Evolution Holy Land had some, but they were strategic reserves, usable only in dire times by top powerhouses to prevent decline. Neither Holy Son nor Holy Master could easily access them. Before, Ye Chen might've visited with his master to bid farewell. Now, the old Sect Master needn't die.

During his half-year seclusion, Ye Chen emerged weekly, staying informed. He knew of the Endless Sea's events, its proximity to Great Yan, and Heavenly Evolution's search efforts. He'd planned to head there post-seclusion. The prodigy gathering? He didn't care. To him, peers were ants—even the Chaos Body's strength was irrelevant; only its multiplier mattered. Storing the jade slip, he gifted Mo Yuzhu a treasure and flew to Cloud Summit Heaven Palace.

Meeting the Holy Master, he stated his intent. Feng Baiyu frowned. "Alkaid praised you in Central Continent, calling you the era's top, with a Sacred Body, likeliest to ascend. You're a target now. The longevity medicine hunt draws countless prodigies, likely sparking chaos, all aiming for you. They'll bring protectors. Heavenly Evolution can't touch them and might be blocked, unable to aid you in danger. Best to skip the Endless Sea."

Ye Chen knew of Alkaid's hype. He admired Alkaid's eye for recognizing his invincibility in one meeting—promising. But his vision was narrow; Ye Chen's physique surpassed the Ancient Desolation Sacred Body. He suspected Alkaid practiced the Indestructible Heavenly Art, with Ying Tiansheng as his "medicine," stolen by Ye Chen, sparking his grudge and public targeting. Hearing Alkaid would join the Endless Sea hunt, Ye Chen saw a chance to crush him and harvest his origin for the fiancée.

Smiling at Feng Baiyu, he said, "No worries—they're no match for me combined."

Feng Baiyu, sensing arrogance, advised gravely, "Don't get cocky. I thought myself invincible once, got beaten, and suffered greatly. Later, I realized pride doesn't solve everything."

Ye Chen shook his head. "That just means you weren't strong enough!"

Feng Baiyu's lips twitched. He wanted to argue, but Ye Chen's absurd combat power silenced him. Curiously, he said, "I didn't expect you to have a Sacred Body! You're even better at hiding than your Senior Brother! With a Sacred Body and Primordial Supreme Heart, your father must be the Heavenly Emperor. We're so close, yet you hide this? It breaks my heart."

Ye Chen's mouth twitched. "I don't have a Sacred Body. Alkaid's hyping me up to make me a target, just like the Heavenly Emperor Hall using me as a decoy."

Feng Baiyu was skeptical but, seeing Ye Chen's resolve, approved his Endless Sea trip. However, he'd bolster the escort. Elder Mo alone wasn't enough for Ye Chen's talent. He considered adding two elders, even a Third Heaven elder.

Days later, news confirmed the Cave Heaven's location. Heavenly Evolution had to act fast to compete. Ye Chen, unwilling to miss out, set off with the elders.

…

A once-quiet part of the Endless Sea now bustled. Skyships floated above, prodigies gathered—some alone at the helm, others drinking and debating with friends. Many knew they had no shot but came for the spectacle or a slim chance at the longevity medicine.

Suddenly, a massive skyship, blotting out the sky, arrived recklessly, smashing several smaller ships. Prodigies barely escaped.

An early-Unity prodigy roared, "Who dares act so arrogantly?"

A cold snort from the ship turned his face pale, blood seeping from his lips, eyes wide with fear. The crowd gasped—a mere snort injuring a Unity prodigy? Who was this?

Purple mist and monstrous demonic aura surged from the ship. A vague, towering figure stood at the helm, piercing purple eyes like divine lightning through the fog, awe-inspiring. The crowd's hearts sank, recognizing the Heavenly Demon Body. The injured prodigy lowered his head; others swallowed their complaints. Resentment simmered.

Then, a figure floated in, casting divine light to heal the injured prodigy and dispel the Heavenly Demon Body's pressure. A faint laugh followed, "Why so domineering, Brother Yao Yuekong?"

The Heavenly Demon Body snorted but stayed silent. As the newcomer stood clear, eyes lit up—Alkaid Holy Son, fearless against the Heavenly Demon Body.

Soon, another skyship arrived. A woman stood at its helm, melodious music with Dao charm resonating behind her, marking her extraordinariness…