ISIW Chapter 500-502

Chapter 500: Ultimate Dao Sublimation

Yi Qingwu's reaction made Ye Chen smile. Gazing at her breathtaking face, he felt a surge of affection. Her mind might be a bit off, but she was genuinely good—always rushing to share treasures, dedicated to her "marking" with rapidly improving skills, and now sincerely trying to protect him in this crisis.

He couldn't resist reaching out, gently stroking her head, feeling her silky hair. Though he'd pressed her head during the marking, this tender caress was a first.

Yi Qingwu froze, instinctively wanting to pull away—she disliked head touches outside of "business."

But Ye Chen's warm, strong hand and his deeply loving gaze stirred memories of her father's doting looks from childhood. Her heart softened, and she closed her eyes, savoring the warmth.

Ye Chen spoke softly, "Once the formation breaks, don't plead for me or try to save me. I don't want Heavenly Intention Holy Son to misunderstand and affect you."

Her eyes opened, complex emotions swirling. Ying Tiansheng's sudden return, with soaring strength to crush Hua Yunfei and a Mahayana protector, left Ye Chen doomed. Yet he refused her help, fearing it would harm her. He was willing to die for her sake. His heavy devotion weighed on her, stealing her breath.

She regretted it. If Ye Chen were just a lustful scoundrel as rumored, his death wouldn't faze her. But his selfless love—giving everything, even his life, like her father—changed everything. With her father gone, losing Ye Chen would break her heart. She shouldn't have dragged him into this. Regret flooded her, but it was too late.

…

Inside the formation, Ye Chen waited calmly. The Mahayana strike, silent yet earth-shattering, seemed unstoppable, collapsing the void as it approached. But just then, a figure appeared before the formation, raising a hand to conjure boundless dao and laws, barely blocking the blow.

The crowd gasped. Someone blocked a Mahayana strike? Even if strained, it was shocking. Sharp-eyed onlookers recognized Elder Mo, Ye Chen's protector.

Ying Tiansheng frowned. Mo's presence wasn't surprising, but daring to face a Mahayana attack was. Ye Chen must be skilled at winning loyalty for Mo to risk death.

The white-haired Fang Qing, unfazed, smirked. "Mo Yixi, your Immortal Platform's been shattered for years, yet you blocked my strike? How many more can you take?"

He knew Mo.

Mo, pale from the effort, looked puzzled. "Who are you?"

Fang Qing's face darkened. Back then, Mo Yixi was a prodigy, making waves in the Central Continent, outshining many Holy Sons and entangled with several Holy Maidens. Fang Qing wasn't even on his radar. But now, he smirked. Times had changed. He was Mahayana, while Mo teetered on the edge of falling below Unity. They were worlds apart.

"You don't need to know me. Just know you're dead!" Fang Qing said coldly, thrilled at the prospect of killing someone he once looked up to.

Mo's aged face turned resolute. "Kill me?"

His aura surged, a terrifying pressure spreading across Great Shang Immortal City, making countless cultivators tremble. Even Fang Qing raised an eyebrow. Mo seemed to reclaim his peak, perhaps surpassing it, stirring danger in Fang Qing's heart.

Fang Qing knew Mo's past—Mo had survived the Mahayana thunder tribulation but was betrayed over a woman, shattering his Immortal Platform and falling to Unity. Now, back at his peak, his strength was terrifying.

Mo's black hair whipped wildly, eyes blazing with killing intent. "Who dares kill me?" He stood like the lord of heaven and earth, his aura boundless.

Ying Tiansheng's face paled. He hadn't expected Ye Chen's protector to regain his peak. What now?

Fang Qing, startled, sneered. "I heard you have an Ultimate Dao Sublimation technique, burning lifeforce to reclaim your peak briefly. That's why your old enemies never hunted you down. But so what? How long can you last? I can wait—can you?"

He radiated dao aura, retreating a hundred miles to stand in the void, choosing to avoid battle. Simultaneously, he sealed Great Shang with immense Qi, blocking Mo from sending messages.

Mo's face shifted, his trump card exposed. Fang Qing's refusal to fight denied him a final clash, leaving a trace of helplessness in his eyes.

Fang Qing grinned wider, relishing the control over a once-dazzling prodigy. Watching Mo weaken slowly before a crushing strike would be despairing.

Fang Qing was thrilled—he could wait. But Ying Tiansheng couldn't. His fiancée was still inside. What if Ye Chen, facing death, acted recklessly with her? The thought made his head throb, ready to explode. He urged Fang Qing, "Senior, he's just clinging to life with Ultimate Dao Sublimation. You can crush him easily—why wait?"

Fang Qing glanced coldly, ignoring him. This kid didn't know Mo Yixi's past ferocity—humiliating Holy Son-level figures. Even slightly weaker than his prime, Mo's sublimation was formidable. Fighting a desperate, doomed foe was the cultivation world's taboo. They'd drag you down with them. With over a millennium to live and a shot at immortality through his young lord, why risk dying with Mo?

Fang Qing dismissed Ying's urging entirely.

Chapter 501: Four Days with the Fiancée

Mo Yixi's arrival brought calm to the Great Shang Immortal City, which moments ago teetered on the brink of destruction. Fang Qing's face radiated confidence, a knowing smile curling his lips as if he controlled everything.

Mo Yixi, however, glared at him, his expression sour, weighing whether a sudden strike could subdue him. But Fang Qing kept his distance, ready to retreat at any moment. If he chose not to fight, he had no chance of stopping him.

Frustration burned in Elder Mo's eyes, yet he could only grit his teeth and sit cross-legged outside the formation, guarding Ye Chen within. His complex expression only deepened Fang Qing's amusement. To him, it proved the truth of the cultivation world: caution reigned supreme. No matter how dazzling Mo Yixi once was, he was now a pawn in his game.

The most anxious was undoubtedly Heavenly Intention Holy Son. The fiancée was inside, facing who-knows-what. Yet his protector, that old fool, showed no intent to act, ignoring him entirely. His fists clenched in rage.

On one hand, he realized his status within his inherited legacy was far lower than he'd thought, making him wary of his protector and even his sect. On the other, he was consumed with worry.

His mind raced with images of Ye Chen, trapped in despair, doing unspeakable things to his breathtaking fiancée. Like this? Or like that? The more Heavenly Intention Holy Son thought, the more his heart ached. He cursed his own weakness, unable to break the formation or slay Ye Chen when the fiancée was in danger.

"I must grow stronger," he vowed. "Only my own power is truth! When I obtain the Acquired Chaos Body, I'll sweep through the world! Ye Chen, Mo Yixi, Fang Qing, Hua Yunfei—you'll all be meat on my chopping block. You'll all die!"

Heavenly Intention Holy Son's aura surged, teetering on madness.

Fang Qing sensed his resentment but paid it no mind. To him, Ying Tiansheng was merely fodder for his young master. When the time came, he'd be harvested. Who cared about the hatred of a doomed man?

Inside the formation, Ye Chen was expected to die when it broke. Yet Elder Mo, at the cost of his own life essence, sublimated his power to protect him. This stunned Yi Qingwu, her exquisite face betraying surprise. Most protectors and prodigies shared a transactional bond—no one truly risked their life or immortal path for another.

Yet Ye Chen's protector chose to shield him with his life without hesitation. It was shocking. But reflecting on Ye Chen's character, Yi Qingwu wasn't entirely surprised. His generosity was renowned throughout the cultivation world. When his protector suffered a primal injury, he unhesitatingly offered the rare Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid. Clearly, Ye Chen spared no expense for those close to him.

Ye Chen and Hua Yunfei should have been rivals, their competition intensifying as Ye Chen grew stronger. Yet Hua Yunfei never targeted him. Instead, he protected Ye Chen without reservation, even dying twice for him—albeit as an avatar, but at no small cost.

Now, Mo Yixi was sacrificing his life for Ye Chen. All this proved Ye Chen's character. Only someone truly respected could inspire such loyalty. Compared to him, Heavenly Intention Holy Son was worlds apart, like heaven and earth.

"Ye Chen, can you contact Heavenly Evolution Holy Land?"

Despite Elder Mo stepping forward, Yi Qingwu remained worried. Elder Mo's sublimation through a secret technique wouldn't last long. Yi Qingwu hoped Ye Chen could summon reinforcements.

Ye Chen shook his head. Fang Qing, a Mahayana stage expert, had sealed this realm, blocking all calls for help. But Ye Chen hadn't planned to seek aid anyway. He hadn't even used the golden Fusang Divine Tree in his small world.

Outsiders thought Elder Mo, with his shattered Immortal Platform, had barely repelled Fang Qing. But Ye Chen, who had given him the True Phoenix Undying Herb, knew better. That medicine not only restored his Immortal Platform but granted a nirvana, likely pushing her to a new level.

Yet Elder Mo played the part, pretending to be weakened. His expressive act was so convincing that even Ye Chen nearly believed it. No wonder old acquaintances gritted their teeth at him—this cunning streak was infuriating. But since he was on his side? No issue.

Ye Chen turned to Yi Qingwu. "You haven't finished explaining the last part of Movement Secret. With Elder Mo holding the line, let's continue. Otherwise, I won't add those final two strokes."

Yi Qingwu was stunned by Ye Chen's resolve. With Elder Mo's protection fading and death looming, most cultivators would panic. Yet Ye Chen calmly studied Movement Secret, unshaken. His mindset was astounding. With his talent and composure, he was destined for greatness—unless fate intervened. Because of her, Ye Chen's immortal path would soon end. Guilt gnawed at Yi Qingwu, but she said no more, diligently teaching him the rest of the Movement Secret.

When Ye Chen finished absorbing it, he smiled, satisfied. With his talent, grasping the Movement Secret was easy. But as he reviewed the text, he frowned slightly. Something felt incomplete, though he couldn't pinpoint why. Was Movement Secret meant to be this way, or was it truly lacking?

The fiancée had no reason to deceive him. Perhaps Heavenly Intention Holy Son had withheld something from her? Or maybe the sect had kept secrets from him?

Ye Chen couldn't tell and decided not to dwell. With his system, he could verify Movement Secret's completeness later. When he passed it on, the truth would surface.

Calculating the time, the formation would hold for about four and a half days. Enough time to give the fiancée one more gift before it broke. But how to spend those days?

Influenced by Ye Chen's calm, Yi Qingwu regained her usual poise. She looked at him, her cold lips curling. "Ye Chen, Mo Yixi can't protect you forever. Your fate is sealed—you'll die. I'll give you a choice: send me out of the formation, deliver me to my fiancé, kneel, apologize, and offer your origin for him to devour. You might live. But if you act desperate, knowing death is certain, and try anything with me, you're truly doomed—beyond redemption. I won't let you succeed, and my fiancé will never forgive you!"

Her haughty attitude and imperious words sparked an idea in Ye Chen. He knew exactly how to make the most of the next four days.

Chapter 502: The Formation Finally Opens!

Inside the formation, after Yi Qingwu's subtle hints, Ye Chen's lips curled. He pointed to a recording stone flitting about, capturing everything. "This has recorded it all," he said with a smile. "What do you think Heavenly Intention Holy Son's reaction would be if I gave him this stone before I die?"

Yi Qingwu's eyes widened.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. "Or should I activate it now, project the scene onto the formation, and let the million cultivators of Great Shang Immortal City see the Holy Maiden dining?"

Yi Qingwu swallowed hard, glaring at him in fury. "You wouldn't dare!"

With plenty of time ahead, Ye Chen enjoyed playing this domestic drama with the fiancée. His smile widened. "I'm about to die. What wouldn't I dare?"

Yi Qingwu bit her lip, her eyes blazing with defiance. "You demon, despicable Ye the Fourth! How else do you plan to humiliate me?"

She stood and knelt, as if surrendering. But Ye Chen shook his head, pulling her up. The fiancée had been good to him, gifting him this and that. For over two days, she hadn't stopped, likely exhausted. He couldn't bear to keep tormenting her the same way. It felt too cruel.

So, Ye Chen chose a different approach. Her face was the most beautiful, captivating beyond compare. But her commanding presence was equally striking, her curves perfectly rounded. Switching things up would be more effective—and bring new joys. Yi Qingwu's eyes widened again, but she cut him off. "The symbol is one stroke short. Finish them first."

Ye Chen sighed, complying with her request to complete the symbol.

Inside the formation, Ye Chen passed the time contentedly, awaiting the formation's collapse in seven days. Outside, Heavenly Intention Holy Son also waited, but with growing anxiety. His concern was impossible to hide, mixed with deep self-blame. He cursed his own weakness, unable to save the fiancée.

Roaring at the formation, he shouted, "Ye the Fourth, drop the formation and release Qingwu! I swear on Heavenly Intention Holy Land's name, I'll spare your life! Otherwise, when the formation breaks and Mo Yixi falls, I'll make you beg for death!"

Unlike before, Ye Chen didn't respond, as if preoccupied. Heavenly Intention Holy Son's fists clenched tighter. What could Ye Chen be busy with, facing death? He didn't dare imagine but couldn't stop himself. The more he thought, the more it felt real. The fiancée's voice seemed to echo in his ears. Veins bulged on his forehead as he lowered his head, hiding his murderous gaze. Toward Fang Qing, lounging smugly in the void, refusing to act, Ying Tiansheng's killing intent surged. Once he broke through to the Mahayana stage, Fang Qing would be the first to die.

Fang Qing, however, maintained his confident smirk, fully in control. He could sense Mo Yixi's aura, despite his efforts to conceal it, steadily declining. At this rate, in just over four days, his aura would hit rock bottom. The effects of his sublimation would vanish entirely. Over the next few days, it unfolded as expected.

Mo Yixi's aura continued to weaken. His face betrayed anxiety, and he even cursed at Fang Qing, challenging him to fight. But Fang Qing remained unmoved.

You're anxious, but hold on, he thought. Why would he let Mo Yixi fight at his peak? He'd rather let his stew, powerless, and revel in the control.

During this time, Heavenly Intention Holy Son noticed Mo Yixi's weakening. He repeatedly begged Fang Qing to act. The silence within the formation fueled his wild imagination. In his mind, Ye Chen and the fiancée had explored every "lesson" possible. The more he thought, the more frantic he became, unable to stay calm.

Yet Fang Qing ignored him, stoking Heavenly Intention's hatred—surpassing even his loathing for Ye Chen. If he ever got the chance, Ying Tiansheng wouldn't hold back.

Days dragged like years for Heavenly Intention Holy Son. Finally, the seventh day arrived. The formation's divine light dimmed, its core materials cracking, barely holding together. Mo Yixi's aura had fallen to an ordinary Unity stage level.

Fang Qing's lips curled. It was time to strike. Toying with his foe had been satisfying; now, crushing the once-legendary Mo Yixi would be even sweeter. This trip to Great Yan Continent was truly thrilling.

Heavenly Intention Holy Son, too, refused to wait longer. With Mo Yixi so weak, he thought, I can handle this! But as he prepared to charge, the formation shook and exploded.

Heavenly Intention Holy Son's True Martial Eyes blazed gold, scanning for the fiancée, dreading the humiliations he imagined she'd endured. Soon, two figures appeared in his sight. His pupils contracted sharply.

Inside the formation, Ye Chen surveyed his work with satisfaction. The fiancée's primordial spirit core now bore six symbols. On the projection of her delicate chin, only one stroke was needed for two more. Her commanding presence and perfect curves each gained an extra symbol over the four days.

Calculating the time, Ye Chen saw room for one more round and didn't want to waste it. He noticed Yi Qingwu's crystalline jade feet, toes like pearls, reminding him of the little demoness. He thought to reminisce about her through this. But the fiancée's obsession with completion took over. She insisted on finishing the final symbol on her chin before the formation broke, fearing she'd never get the chance.

Ye Chen, soft-hearted for her, couldn't refuse. This time, though, she demanded he lie flat in the void. Ye Chen was stunned. She spoke matter-of-factly, "I've been exhausted. Don't I deserve some enjoyment? Otherwise, I'll tell Heavenly Intention Holy Son everything, and he'll obliterate your soul."

Ye Chen's dawdling had worn her patience thin, even with her moon-like calm. To cultivation world men, her request was humiliating—prideful men couldn't tolerate a woman taking the lead.

But Ye Chen was different. As a transmigrator from the 21st century, he valued equality. Plus, the adorable fiancée deserved pampering. Seeing him agree so readily, Yi Qingwu's eyes held surprise and gratitude. Ye Chen was too indulgent with her. Then, Ye Chen's brow quirked.

Oh? A sweet osmanthus scent? Now that's something!