Chapter 1084: The Jade Pool Sect Has Declined!
The sky grew even darker. The entire world shook and roared from time to time. Clearly, Yan Ruyu's ascension tribulation had reached its critical stage.
Ye Chen knew it was time for him to leave.
Gu Yunyun would stay in the Green Cloud Sect for a few more days.
The Old Ancestor looked at Ye Chen with deep emotion, his aged eyes filled with reminiscence. "Back then, if I had been as bold as you and tried to have everything instead of thinking about lifelong fidelity… perhaps everything would have turned out differently. Ye Chen, even after you go to the Immortal Realm, do not forget those who once accompanied you. Some people, once missed, can never be seen again."
The Old Ancestor spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
Recalling the stories the old man had once told him, Ye Chen smiled gently and nodded. He then looked at his Master for a moment and said softly, "Master, I'm leaving, but I will come back to see you often."
With those words, Ye Chen no longer lingered. He shot into the distance.
The purple-gold divine dragon chased after him closely.
"Heavenly Emperor's heir, leave a way out so we can meet again in the future! Ye Chen, you must give me a time limit. You can't expect to command me for life. If that's the case, I'd rather stay in this realm and live freely."
The purple-gold divine dragon grew anxious when he received no response, his five claws clenched tightly together.
Ye Chen had no intention of pushing the dragon too far, but the creature was a slippery old fox with questionable character. He had too many secrets and did not plan to keep him by his side casually.
He smiled faintly and said, "I want you to guard one person until she becomes an Immortal King."
The purple-gold divine dragon stiffened. "Become an Immortal King? That's not easy at all! I see you just want me to work for you forever."
Ye Chen said nothing more and simply accelerated. The purple-gold divine dragon gnashed his teeth but could only follow.
The seal the Heavenly Emperor had left in his body was terrifying. Only Ye Chen, with his immense strength and cultivation of the Heavenly Emperor Scripture, could help him break free and gradually restore his cultivation. No matter how unwilling, he had no choice but to endure.
…
Ye Chen's current speed was unbelievable. Half a day later, he returned to the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.
Yan Ruyu's ascension tribulation had just completely dissipated. He had returned at the perfect time.
The moment he arrived at the holy land, the Holy Master's voice came from Cloud Top Heavenly Palace, summoning him.
Ye Chen ignored the still-grumbling and struggling purple-gold divine dragon and drifted inside. As soon as he entered, he saw his senior brother Hua Yunfei and the Holy Master sitting opposite each other, drinking tea.
Upon seeing Ye Chen, Hua Yunfei poured him a cup with a serious expression and pulled him down to sit.
Feng Baiyu, on the other hand, looked at Ye Chen with a speechless expression. News of Ye Chen giving away Immortal Qi again had already reached him, and he found it utterly ridiculous.
"Aren't you afraid that Yan Ruyu will betray you again? How could you dare?"
Feng Baiyu had always been mild-tempered, yet he spoke harshly this time.
Hua Yunfei waved his hand. "Junior Brother has always been like this. Deep affection is not a fault—it's those women who are unworthy…Holy Master, why don't you tell him about smuggling into the Immortal Realm so he can prepare in advance?"
Feng Baiyu sighed helplessly. "I know of a place where the space is thin, allowing one to sneak into the Immortal Realm. But the journey is extremely dangerous. Beyond the world, even True Immortals can get lost… If you encounter spatial turbulence, it's almost certain death. But I know you will give all the slots to your Dao companions, so it's best to prepare early. When the time comes, you can open your inner world and bring the rest with you."
The more Feng Baiyu spoke, the more frustrated he became.
Hua Yunfei laughed from the side. "Holy Master, since you dare to take that path, the danger can't be too severe. You've occupied the position of Holy Master for so long. You should continue taking care of us Holy Sons, right?"
Feng Baiyu looked as if he had eaten something unpleasant. "Do you think being Holy Master is easy? I've been cleaning up after Ye Chen every day. When the great war comes, all I see is him flirting with his women… I never should have taken this position! I should have resigned back then and become a Supreme Elder instead…"
Ye Chen chuckled and raised his hand. Two strands of Immortal Qi floated before the two men.
Feng Baiyu, who had been complaining nonstop, instantly fell silent. Hua Yunfei's eyes widened as well.
The corners of Ye Chen's mouth curved upward. "After studying the Heart of the World Tree, I gained some insights. Immortal Qi is no longer an issue."
He did not explain too much. The more he said, the more mistakes he might make. Neither his senior brother nor the Holy Master could be easily fooled.
Hua Yunfei looked even more doubtful about life itself.
Feng Baiyu's eyes lit up as he stared at Ye Chen like a walking treasure trove.
"You and Senior Brother don't need to sneak in. Just use these to ascend," Ye Chen said. "Holy Master, I actually have something I need to ask you about."
He turned to the Holy Master. Since Feng Baiyu could even smuggle people into the Immortal Realm, his knowledge of that place was undoubtedly extensive. It was the perfect time to ask about the Supreme Hall and the Jade Pool Immortal Sect.
"I obtained some opportunities left behind by the Heavenly Emperor that would allow me to join either the Supreme Hall or the Jade Pool Immortal Sect. What is your opinion, Holy Master?"
Feng Baiyu frowned deeply. "The Jade Pool Immortal Sect?"
"The Western Empress died in battle back then, and the Jade Pool Immortal Sect suffered heavy losses. It seems only one Immortal Monarch remains. If the Heavenly Emperor had not saved a remnant soul of the Western Empress and protected the sect, it would have been destroyed long ago. Moreover, their Immortal King scripture was reportedly taken away by the Other Domain, leaving only incomplete fragments. The situation is probably even worse now.
"Without a complete Immortal King scripture, comprehending any great dao in the future will be extremely difficult. And although it is a female-only sect, because of the damaged scripture, few talented female disciples have been willing to join in recent years.
"With your talent, you will surely rise rapidly once you reach the Immortal Realm. Why would you step into a quagmire like the Jade Pool Immortal Sect?"
Feng Baiyu immediately tried to dissuade Ye Chen from considering the Jade Pool Immortal Sect.
Ye Chen frowned as he listened. Was the Jade Pool Immortal Sect really in such bad shape? They had even lost their Immortal King scripture?
Seeing the change in Ye Chen's expression, Feng Baiyu struck while the iron was hot.
"But the Supreme Hall is completely different. It's practically perfect for you!
"The Supreme Hall once had three Immortal Kings, one of whom was a top-tier existence who controlled two great daos. Although all three died in battle, their Immortal King scriptures remain. That means you would have four great daos to choose from once you join.
"Although the Supreme Hall no longer has any Immortal Kings, it still possesses seven Immortal Monarchs. Their strength is terrifying, and each is an outstanding expert comparable to those from the ancient chaotic era. Any one of them as your teacher would bring you immense benefits.
"Finally, there is the Supreme Hall's foundation. Having produced three Immortal Kings, it was once the number one power in the Immortal Realm. Its resources and heritage are incredibly deep. With your talent and their full support, your cultivation would advance by leaps and bounds.
"Besides, I still have some influence there. With a few words from me, you can enjoy a transcendent status right from the start, just like here in the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.
"Lastly, the three Immortal Kings of the Supreme Hall died fighting for the greater cause. They carry great righteousness. Others will naturally give you some face, which will also benefit you when interacting with female cultivators."
Feng Baiyu earnestly listed all the advantages of joining the Supreme Hall.
For a moment, Ye Chen felt as if he were listening to a recruiter from a third-rate college trying to sell his program.
Chapter 1085: Yan Ruyu Ascends!
Feng Baiyu was truly putting his heart into recruiting. Ye Chen's talent was simply monstrous. Killing True Immortals as easily as stepping on ants while still at the Quasi-Immortal realm was one thing, but being able to extract Immortal Qi directly from the Immortal Realm after merely studying the Heart of the World Tree was far too outrageous.
Such talent was unprecedented—not just in the cultivation world, but throughout the entire history of the Immortal Realm.
"Ye Chen, you don't need to worry about killing Gu Shan. Just don't mention that you came from the lower realm at first. Once they understand your talent, they won't care about the matter and will downplay it," Feng Baiyu said earnestly. "I will also head to the Supreme Hall in the future. I will continue to watch over you there. I have many connections and good relationships with various powers. If you fancy any holy maiden later, it can be arranged."
Feng Baiyu spoke with complete seriousness.
Ye Chen and Hua Yunfei exchanged a glance and smiled. Now that ascension was near, the Holy Master had stopped pretending. He was most likely a former True Immortal from the Supreme Hall and seemed to have a close relationship with the experts of the ancient chaotic era. No wonder he always defended their reputation.
After thinking for a moment, Ye Chen nodded. Although he was quite interested in the Jade Pool Immortal Sect, there was no point in joining if it could not provide him with real help. As for female cultivators, as long as he grew strong enough, he would naturally encounter high-multiplier ones. The Supreme Hall had seven Immortal Monarchs and the Holy Master as an old acquaintance, which made it a much safer choice.
"Since that's the case, I'll have to trouble you again in the future, Holy Master," Ye Chen said.
The corners of Feng Baiyu's mouth curved upward. He felt that his decision to reincarnate and start over had been the right one. With enough time and Ye Chen—this existence even more monstrous than the Heavenly Emperor—they might be able to recreate the glory of the past. One man guarding the pass so that no one from the Other Domain dared to emerge. The Heavenly Emperor had guarded the Fifth Realm; Ye Chen might be able to guard the entire Other Domain.
In high spirits, Feng Baiyu turned to Hua Yunfei.
Hua Yunfei understood his meaning and shook his head. "I have my own destination. I won't trouble the Holy Master. But we will meet again in the Immortal Realm."
He patted Ye Chen's shoulder. "Junior Brother, we shall meet again in the Immortal Realm."
With those words, he drifted away, clearly heading off to find a place to ascend.
After learning that Elder Mo was in seclusion, Ye Chen gave the Holy Master a large batch of Immortal Qi along with a package of cultivation treasures, asking him to distribute them and help Elder Mo ascend as soon as possible.
Seeing that Ye Chen still remembered Elder Mo even now, Feng Baiyu smiled warmly.
"I will go into seclusion to ascend soon. When will you leave, Holy Master?" Ye Chen asked.
Feng Baiyu shook his feather fan. "In a while longer. I am the Holy Master after all. I cannot simply leave. I need to handle our affairs properly… and there are other matters to settle. You should head to the Immortal Realm first. I will come find you at the Supreme Hall later."
Ye Chen: "…"
Handling our affairs? What the hell kind of "funeral arrangements" was that?
He said nothing more and drifted out of the palace.
The purple-gold divine dragon, who had been waiting outside, immediately flew over, still trying to negotiate.
At that moment, nine-colored divine light surged across the sky. Yan Ruyu descended gracefully, radiating immortal might. With each step, she carried an ethereal grace far beyond what she had possessed before. She looked even more like a heavenly maiden.
All the cultivators of the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land watched in awe and admiration.
"I did not fail my mission. I have successfully ascended," Yan Ruyu said, her beautiful eyes fixed on Ye Chen as gently as ever.
Ye Chen smiled. "This is wonderful. Once we enter the Immortal Realm, you will head to the Buddhist Domain. I cannot accompany you, so I feel uneasy. Therefore, I have arranged for this dragon to protect and escort you."
Yan Ruyu raised an elegant eyebrow in surprise and finally noticed the purple-gold divine dragon, whom she had overlooked earlier because her eyes had only seen Ye Chen.
Looking at the dragon, she could not help but raise her brow again. Although it was only at the Quasi-Immortal realm, its bloodline gave her a faint sense of suppression. It was clearly extraordinary.
Ye Chen turned to the purple-gold divine dragon and said, "It's her. As long as you protect her until she becomes an Immortal King, I will personally remove the brand and set you free."
The purple-gold divine dragon looked extremely reluctant. However, he knew this was his only chance to return to the Immortal Realm. After glancing at Yan Ruyu a few times, he nodded with great reluctance. "This little peacock's talent is not bad. If she works hard enough and has sufficient luck, she does have a chance to become an Immortal King. But I have one additional condition: if she still fails to reach Immortal King after ten thousand years as an Immortal Monarch, you must remove the brand."
Ten thousand years?
By then, Ye Chen would have reached an unimaginable realm. He would certainly be strong enough to protect everyone around him. Thus, he nodded and took out the immortal talisman.
The purple-gold divine dragon finally resigned himself. He floated listlessly in the air.
Before branding him, however, Ye Chen suddenly recalled something and frowned. "Can you take human form?"
The purple-gold divine dragon curled his lip in disdain. "What bloodline do you think I have? I am a Five-Clawed Purple-Gold Divine Dragon, a top-tier noble in the Dragon Domain, second only to the Ancestral Dragon. The stronger the bloodline, the harder it is to take human form. My clan can only transform after reaching the Immortal King realm. Besides, we disdain taking human form altogether. All that talk about the human form being closer to the great dao is nonsense. Do not compare us dragons with those inferior myriad races."
The purple-gold divine dragon spoke with extreme arrogance when mentioning his bloodline.
Ye Chen nodded. He knew that the stronger a demon beast was, the harder it was for them to take human form, and not all of them even wanted to. Satisfied, he directly smashed the immortal talisman forward.
In an instant, the brand sank into the purple-gold divine dragon's mind. The dragon's expression grew even uglier. He, a noble of the dragon race, had truly been enslaved. If word of this got out, he would lose all face. He would have to change his appearance completely.
Ye Chen paid no further attention to the dragon. He smiled gently at Yan Ruyu. "The purple-gold divine dragon possesses a powerful bloodline and carries the extensive inheritance of the dragon race. His knowledge is vast, and he has seen much. He should be able to help you greatly on your journey to the Buddhist Domain. This is the last gift I can give you in this realm."
Hearing Ye Chen's warm voice and seeing the gentle look in his eyes, Yan Ruyu suddenly felt a strong urge to cry. She had assumed that when Ye Chen left the Ninth Realm instead of guarding her, he had gone to arrange matters for his other female companions. She had never imagined he had actually gone to find her a guardian spirit beast—and a purple-gold divine dragon at that.
How precious this gift was, and how difficult it must have been to obtain. He truly loved her so much. Compared to him, her own feelings seemed insignificant.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Yan Ruyu could no longer hold back. She embraced Ye Chen once more, pressing every curve of her body tightly against him.
"Ye Chen, I still have time. I don't need to rush to the Immortal Realm just yet."
Before heading to the Buddhist Domain, she wanted to settle everything here.
Feeling her softness pressed against him, Ye Chen smiled. At that moment, a system notification sounded in his mind.