ISWI Chapter 487-489

Chapter 487: The Heavenly Emperor Hall Drops Gold

"Give him the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid! Tell Ye Chen to fight this generation's Heavy Pupils and Heavenly Demon Body soon. If he performs well, the Heavenly Emperor Hall has top-tier life-extending herbs to satisfy him!"

The gold-robed elder spoke coldly via transmission.

The elders in another space were stunned. The Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, a supreme herb, could heal origin injuries—shattered Nascent Soul, broken primordial spirit, even Immortal Platform cracks. Its effects were astounding, and it was nearly extinct, with fewer than ten left in the cultivation world. Its value was immense. The elder's offer showed the Heavenly Emperor Hall's vast wealth and deep reserves.

"You're unusually generous. But he's only early Deity Transformation—can he handle the Heavenly Demon Body? The gap's too wide. And that Heavy Pupils female is mid-Unity." The purple-gold dragon asked curiously.

The elder's expression was calm. "Winning doesn't matter. He must step forward, letting everyone know he's the Heavenly Emperor's heir. Otherwise, some might sense something's off and deduce the true heir. If the Chaos Body is exposed, it'll become the cultivation world's target."

The Chaos Body was too dominant, almost guaranteed to ascend. Among the world's top physiques, it outshone Heavenly Demon Body, Divine King Body, and even Heavy Pupil or Supreme Heart. But standing out too much invited destruction. With the final immortal path opening, who knew if someone might try to kill the Chaos Body? So, the elder had to push Ye Chen to the forefront, even if it meant giving him treasures.

The dragon glanced at the hall's depths. "The Chaos Body's impressive, but the Emperor said physique matters less than the person. Some monsters can dominate with a mortal body."

The elder scoffed. "The Emperor, who crushed all, could say that. For most cultivators, physique is everything."

The dragon, uninterested, went back to its image stones.

The elder, eyes narrowed, grew more displeased with Ye Chen. Having received the Emperor's legacy, he should serve the Hall, the true orthodoxy. Yet, he haggled and shirked, infuriating the elder. When the true heir emerged, the first fight would be to crush Ye Chen, reclaiming all he'd gained from the legacy.

The Hall's benefits weren't so easily taken. Life-extending herbs? Just a hollow promise, not for a fake like Ye Chen. With a cold snort, the elder vanished. The dragon kept watching its stones, muttering about "a hundred times."

…

With the Holy Master in seclusion, Ye Chen's days in Heavenly Evolution Holy Land were carefree. Beyond daily cultivation, he gathered treasure leads, sending people to trade for what he wanted. In his free time, he had Senior An purge his poison—sometimes alone, sometimes with Yuyi.

He also visited Elder Lin Qingtan often. Since resolving her physique issue, her long-stagnant cultivation surged, reaching late Deity Transformation. Her mastery of demonic patterns grew refined, always surprising Ye Chen. With her one-day cooldown, when treasure trading drained him, he'd visit her, enjoying her patterns while farming rewards. Fun and profitable.

Frequent visits to Lin Qingtan meant often running into Li Feihuang. Sometimes, while Ye Chen was busy in the cave, his spiritual sense caught Li Feihuang pacing outside, hesitating. But she'd always sigh and leave.

Immortal Ascension Peak grew livelier, brimming with colorful elders and disciples. Most clearly had designs on their Holy Son. The curvaceous elder he'd saved kept inviting him to her cave to "thank" him.

The Heavenly Spirit Root disciple with the Ice Marrow Star Body often claimed cultivation issues, asking for his guidance in her cave. Ye Chen was exasperated but gave them no chances. Rumors about him had spread beyond the Holy Land. If he indulged, his reputation would be ruined. Those already "on board" were one thing, but new ones wanting in? Not so easy. He had to prove he wasn't that kind of guy.

…

Ye Chen lived comfortably in Heavenly Evolution Holy Land. But the Great Yan Continent's named prodigies had mostly headed to the Central Continent. Those from lesser factions went alone, but top forces like Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, Heavenly Intention Holy Land, and the Yao Family set up outposts, sending elders or protectors with their prodigies.

Heavenly Evolution's eldest senior brother guarded a ruin in the Endless Sea for a year before heading to the Central Continent. He'd gained some fame there, winning most prodigy battles, tying a few—respected but not overly prominent. Heavenly Intention Holy Land's Holy Son, however, made waves with ruthless strikes, killing several prodigies.

Ye Chen, watching recordings from his Holy Land, noted Heavenly Intention Holy Son had surged in strength. The fiancée, though, stayed behind. Her grandmother's hidden injury had flared, a core origin issue. Without a cure, she had only a few years left. Unwilling to leave her, the fiancée remained.

Ye Chen, hearing this, had a bold idea. Her 2,500-fold multiplier made her a prime gifting target for her grandmother's injury—potentially yielding an immortal root. But he lacked a treasure to heal origin injuries. Such items were too rare; no amount of spirit stones guaranteed them. It came down to luck. Where could he find one?

As he pondered, a Heavenly Evolution elder arrived with a treasure box. "Holy Son, this came from our Central Continent outpost. Resources from the Heavenly Emperor Hall, with a memory talisman!"

The Heavenly Emperor Hall? Ye Chen grinned. They actually delivered?

Chapter 488: Elder Mo Wants to Retire、

Ye Chen opened the box. A purple eight-petal lotus floated inside, its core pulsing with misty spiritual qi. One whiff cleared his mind, stirring waves in his sea of spirit sense.

Over the past year, Ye Chen had studied top-tier herbs thoroughly for immortal root farming. He instantly recognized the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, a rare treasure for healing origin injuries. It could resolve most cultivation dead ends, second only to legendary life-extending herbs. The Heavenly Emperor Hall had delivered something truly valuable.

He glanced at the memory talisman. Its contents were lackluster: urging him to head to Central Continent, spar with the Heavenly Demon Body and Heavy Pupils, and uphold the Heavenly Emperor heir's prestige. It promised life-extending herbs if he performed well.

Ye Chen tossed it aside, unmoved. Painting him a pie? Laughable. If the Hall claimed he was the Heavenly Emperor's heir, their treasures should be his by right. Using his own supposed inheritance as bait? Ridiculous.

The Hall might be shameless, but the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid came at the perfect time. The fiancée's grandmother was injured—an ideal chance for gifting. Plus, he missed her, not for her unmatched beauty in the Great Yan Continent or any carvings. He just wanted to ask if she'd mastered the Movement Secret.

But gifting such a precious item posed a problem. It shouldn't pass through a third party—too risky. A mishap could mean no system feedback, a total loss. Yet, the fiancée was in Heavenly Intention Holy Land, a bitter rival. The holy master had recently killed three of their elders, making a direct visit inappropriate.

After some thought, Ye Chen flew to Dao Evolution Peak. Its peak master, Elder He, was once close to Yi Qingwu's grandmother and might have a direct channel. Arriving, he found Elder He and Elder Mo drinking tea. Both smiled and invited him to sit.

"Holy Son, what brings you here? If it's about deducing family ties, forget it—I can't do it!" Elder He preemptively refused, fearing Ye Chen wanted lineage tracing. Everyone believed Ye Chen was the Heavenly Emperor's descendant, not just his heir. Deducing such a lineage was a death sentence.

Ye Chen shook his head. "Not for deduction. I just got a treasure herb." He revealed the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid.

Both elders' eyes widened.

"Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid? Mo, you're saved!" Elder He exclaimed.

Elder Mo's eyes flashed with joy, then sorrow. He sighed, shaking his head. "Too late. If I'd gotten it when my Immortal Platform first shattered, it could've helped. But now, with my deep dao injury, only an immortal root can save me."

Regret filled his eyes—it was too late for him. But he was touched, marveling at Ye Chen's character. To bring such a vital treasure to him first exceeded his expectations. His admiration for Ye Chen grew.

Elder Mo looked at Ye Chen with deep gratification. "Your strength grows rapidly, but my injuries worsen. In a year, I'll fall below Unity Stage. I've made too many enemies; dropping below Unity, I won't leave, lest I get killed. Next year, choose a new protector. With your talent, even late Unity elders would guard you—no need to worry." He patted Ye Chen's shoulder, delivering bad news.

Ye Chen hadn't expected to meet Elder Mo here. He hadn't planned to give the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid to him—Mo didn't trigger critical hits. Gifting it to the fiancée, with her 2,500-fold multiplier, could yield an immortal root to heal Mo. That was the plan.

Hearing the orchid was useless for Mo, Ye Chen relaxed—explaining would've been awkward. He looked at Mo earnestly. "Don't worry, Elder Mo. If the orchid won't help, I'll find something better to restore you. Please don't give up."

Ye Chen wouldn't let someone who'd helped him fall below Unity. Mo's combat prowess was top-tier; during the fiancée incident, he'd fought three-on-one while Elder He did little. If Mo reached Mahayana, Ye Chen would gain a stronger protector.

Mo smiled. The orchid was already rare; immortal roots were mythical, nearly impossible to find. But Ye Chen's sincerity touched him. He patted Ye Chen's shoulder firmly, resolved to protect him at all costs if danger arose.

Ye Chen stored the orchid and turned to Elder He. "Since it's useless for Elder Mo, I'll gift it to Yi Qingwu."

"What?"

Both elders' eyes widened. They knew Ye Chen was generous, but gifting such a treasure to a female cultivator from a rival faction? Outrageous. It could tarnish his reputation in the Holy Land and anger the ancestors for aiding an enemy.

Seeing their expressions, Ye Chen knew he had to explain. He summoned a fragment of the Moon Palace from his brow, its terrifying aura spilling out.

"The Moon Palace is with you?"

As expected, they were even more shocked. Only Yi Qingwu's grandmother and Heavenly Intention Holy Son knew it was taken; the news hadn't spread. Heavenly Intention Holy Land couldn't afford the shame. This was their first time learning Ye Chen had it.

He lowered his voice. "In our clashes, Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden secretly helped me. Knowing I was breaking through to Deity Transformation, she said the Moon Palace would aid me and lent it. The Battle Secret Stone Tablet? She gave that to me too."

Their eyes widened further, stunned by his words.

Chapter 489: The Holy Maiden Weeps!

"Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden has helped me greatly in secret. Since this orchid is useless to Elder Mo, I want to gift it to her to save her grandmother, as thanks for her past aid." Ye Chen spoke slowly.

His words left the two elders wide-eyed. They'd long suspected Ye Chen had a thing for Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden. With his ruthless nature, how else could enemies escape him multiple times unless he let them, smitten by her beauty?

But the truth was even more shocking: Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden was the one pursuing their Holy Son, even giving him the Moon Palace. Outrageous—especially since she had a fiancé.

Elder He felt defeated. He'd pursued Yi Qingwu's grandmother and failed; she used him and chose another. Yet Ye Chen had a betrothed Holy Maiden chasing him. The gap was stark.

Elder Mo, grinning, gave Ye Chen a thumbs-up. "Impressive."

The two Holy Lands were sworn enemies, their Holy Sons clashing for ages with mixed outcomes. If Ye Chen stole Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden, Heavenly Intention Holy Land would be humiliated for millennia. Mo even suggested, "Gift it in front of Heavenly Intention Holy Son. It'll hit harder."

Ye Chen's lips twitched. Elder Mo was a chaos-stirrer.

…

With Ye Chen's explanation, both elders dropped objections to gifting Yi Qingwu, even offering advice.

Elder He said, "I have a channel to contact Yi Qingwu. But don't gift it near Heavenly Intention Holy Land. Their powerhouses would ambush you, maybe even a Mahayana cultivator. Choose Great Shang Immortal City, midway between our lands. If trouble arises, support can arrive quickly."

He settled on the location and began arranging for Ye Chen to connect with Yi Qingwu.

…

In Heavenly Intention Holy Land, Yi Qingwu gazed at her grandmother—hair white, face wrinkled, aura heavy with twilight—her eyes filled with sorrow. She harbored resentment. Her grandmother had chosen Heavenly Intention Holy Son as her father's direct disciple, leading to his death. But she knew her grandmother was innocent, unaware of the truth. It was all Heavenly Intention Holy Son's fault. Just months ago, her grandmother was a vibrant middle-aged beauty; now, she was like this. Yi Qingwu's eyes reddened.

Her grandmother smiled, patting her head. "No need to be sad. When your father died, our Yi family lost a top powerhouse, and our interests were carved up. I couldn't let that happen, so I overworked myself, letting hidden injuries pile up. Now, they've erupted—it's my own fault. I was worried, but you've reached Unity, with Mahayana potential, enough to protect our family's place in the Holy Land. I'm at ease. Qingwu, focus on cultivating. The Holy Son has ascension potential; stay by him, and you might ascend too. That makes me happy."

Her grandmother's words, like a final testament, broke Yi Qingwu. Tears streamed down her peerless face, evoking pity. "Grandmother, don't give up. A treasure herb could heal you." She couldn't bear losing her last kin.

Her grandmother, carefree, laughed. "Treasure herbs are rare, even scarcer now. Even our Holy Land's vault has none. It's not that easy. Instead, cultivate well. Visit me these last three months. After I'm gone, head to Central Continent—the immortal path is crucial, don't delay."

Unwilling to accept this, Yi Qingwu stayed a bit longer before leaving her grandmother's courtyard.

Back in the Holy Maiden Hall, Yi Qingwu asked earnestly, "Still no trace of the treasure herb?"

The elder bowed, replying, "Herbs that heal origin injuries are too rare. We've searched long but found nothing."

Disappointment clouded Yi Qingwu's stunning face.

At that moment, the elder handed over two memory talismans. "Holy Maiden, these were sent by the Holy Son!"

Yi Qingwu's expression didn't shift, assuming Heavenly Intention Holy Son was urging her to the Central Continent. But when she scanned the first talisman, her brow twitched, her face a mix of emotions.

"Qingwu, I've heard of Senior Yi's hidden injury. Upon learning this, I immediately searched for a cure and found traces of the Ethereal Pill in Central Continent. It can't heal dao injuries but can delay them, extending Senior's life by a few years. I'll soon acquire it. By the time this reaches you, I may already be returning to Great Yan. Don't worry, Qingwu. No matter what happens, I'll be by your side instantly."

The words were deeply affectionate, enough to stir any woman's heart. But Yi Qingwu's feelings were complex. Heavenly Intention Holy Son might love her, perhaps out of guilt, seeking to make amends. Yet, recalling his actions, she felt deep disgust. Still, if he could bring back the Ethereal Pill, it would help her grandmother hold on longer.

She showed little emotion, glancing at the second talisman. "Who sent this? Also the Holy Son?"

The elder shook his head. "Not the Holy Son—it's Ye Chen, the Fourth of Heavenly Evolution Holy Land!"

"Ye Chen?"

Yi Qingwu's elegant brows rose. She hadn't expected him to contact her. Was he craving her after so long, wanting to carve words again? She had no mood for that now. Besides, with Heavenly Intention Holy Son away, there'd be no one to provoke. The thought sparked irritation—men were all the same, lusting after her body.

Still, she took Ye Chen's talisman and read it. Her eyes widened, stunned.

"Qingwu, hearing of your grandmother's illness, I found an Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, hoping for her swift recovery!"

Tears welled in her eyes, turning them red. Ye Chen wasn't here to carve words or seek favors. He was here to help her.