Chapter 1157: My Son Wang Teng Has...
Ye Chen gazed at Huo Linglong's soft, delicate feet and smiled faintly. "Don't worry. All forty-nine of them combined are nothing."
His mentality was indeed more grounded than before, but that only applied when facing enemies whose cultivation surpassed his by many major realms. As for a group of Profound Immortals? They were merely one major realm above him. Ye Chen did not regard them as true threats at all. This trip was simply a matter of collecting what was his.
Huo Linglong listened to his overwhelmingly confident tone and chose not to respond. After all, what normal person spoke while staring at someone's feet? The slight concern she had felt earlier vanished instantly.
Forty-nine? Just Xie Linyuan alone would be enough to crush him!
Unwilling to engage further, Huo Linglong turned and returned to the cabin to meditate.
...
Westernmost region of the Boundless Continent—Sunset Divine Mountain.
The area was scorching to the extreme. Molten lava churned ceaselessly within the mountain, and since its birth, Sunset Divine Mountain had never dimmed for even a moment. Even in the dead of night, the mountain glowed with a yellow halo when viewed from afar, like the afterglow of a setting sun.
The air, constantly scorched by intense heat, seemed almost liquefied and distorted. Aside from a few fire-affinity demonic beasts, no other living creatures existed here. It was practically a land of deathly silence.
But today, Sunset Divine Mountain was unusually lively. Beams of divine light descended one after another, each radiating powerful immortal auras. Many of the arrivals knew one another and gathered in small groups to converse, though their eyes kept turning toward the center of the mountain.
There lay a vast valley where countless streams of lava roiled. The temperature inside rivaled immortal flames. Within it, a faint illusory world flickered in and out of existence. Clearly, the opening of the Great Sun Secret Realm was not far off.
"Elder Liu from the Sword Sect has come as well? I heard your sect's prodigy has already grasped the Lone Sword Intent at the Profound Immortal realm. His future is boundless!"
"You flatter me. Your family's genius is the true monster. I heard he defeated seven opponents of the same level single-handedly. Now that is a top-tier prodigy!"
"The Zhang Family's pride is even more impressive. A peak Profound Immortal who defeated a Golden Immortal cultivator."
"You exaggerate, you exaggerate..."
The crowd mingled without deep grudges, so they engaged in polite mutual flattery. No one hesitated to praise the prodigies from other families or forces. After all, a few compliments cost nothing.
But at that moment, a cold snort rang out, followed by a terrifying Immortal Monarch pressure that swept over the area. Everyone's expression changed.
The next instant, a golden war chariot thundered forward, shattering the void with every advance. The golden war horses left traces of laws with each step. The onlookers' faces grew even more solemn. Even the horses were at the sixth-layer Ancestral Immortal realm. The newcomers were clearly extremely wealthy and powerful.
When they saw the massive "Wang" character emblazoned on the chariot, as if a true king had descended, everyone immediately recognized their identity. The Wang Family, once an Immortal King clan, had arrived.
Although their Immortal King ancestor had died, the Wang Family still possessed deep foundations. Most importantly, they had the Nine Dragons formation, which had a record of resisting an Immortal King. A dying tiger still commanded fear. No one wanted to provoke such a family.
"What a bunch of crooked melons and split dates. In front of my son Wang Teng, they are nothing but chickens and dogs."
...
An old man and a young man stepped down from the war chariot. The old man had black hair and beard, with muscles that looked as if they had been cast from steel. Most striking were his eyes, sharp as lightning and arrows. His gaze alone exerted unbearable pressure on anyone he looked at. Clearly, his spiritual power had reached an unimaginable level.
Upon seeing the old man, the crowd's expressions changed once more.
"It's actually the Wang Family's Third Ancestor!"
"Just for a mere Sunset Secret Realm, the Wang Family sent an Immortal Monarch?"
"Incredible!"
"Wang Teng—I have heard of this youth's battle records and talent. He is truly extraordinary and deserves attention!"
The crowd was startled by the arrival of Wang Third Ancestor. Behind him stood a handsome young man with an arrogant bearing and an aura that seemed to look down upon the world. His features were striking, and countless divine lights flowed across his brow. Anyone who met his eyes would glimpse endless divine beings seated within, giving him an extraordinary presence.
Everyone present felt a surge of emotion. This was Wang Teng, the son Wang Third Ancestor had fathered within the last three hundred years. It was said that a divine palace had appeared in his brow at birth, nurturing deities inside. Yet Wang Teng had not chosen to worship them. Instead, he had used the Soul-Quelling Decree to slay the gods and refine them into his own sword embryo. His talent was truly unparalleled.
Many felt a twinge of envy and whispered among themselves.
"Wang Third Ancestor came personally to guard him. He really values this son."
"Exactly. The previous Immortal Spirit Root bearer, Wang Xuanji, was crippled. If they don't watch over this one closely, he might end up secretly killed too."
"The Wang Family has committed too many sins. They were behind plenty of sneak attacks back then. Several Immortal Kings fell with their ancestors involved."
"Why hasn't their clan been wiped out yet?"
Though they sneered inwardly, everyone put on warm smiles and stepped forward to greet Wang Third Ancestor with proper respect.
Wang Third Ancestor raised his head proudly and patted his son's shoulder. "My son Wang Teng possesses the aptitude of an Immortal King. He is destined to become one in the future."
"The battlefield shows no mercy. I suggest you all take your prodigies and leave voluntarily. Otherwise, feelings may be hurt."
As Wang Third Ancestor spoke, Wang Teng swept his gaze across the gathered prodigies. That look alone brought unimaginable pressure to cultivators of the same realm, making everyone wary.
The guardians from various sects and forces felt displeased, but they could see that Wang Teng truly had the strength to crush everyone else. In the competition for the Great Sun Origin Core this time, Wang Teng would likely dominate unchallenged.
...
Although many despised the Wang Family, quite a few forces still approached them proactively to curry favor. Everyone knew the Wang Family shared a close relationship with Anlan Immortal King of the Fourth Realm. In the past, their ancestor had joined Anlan Immortal King in besieging the Heavenly Emperor. Though they had failed, their ties remained strong. Under these circumstances, the Wang Family might truly enter the Other Domain in the future. If there were extra spots to be gained through flattery, no one would hesitate.
Some from the younger generation also approached Wang Teng, who stood there like a god.
"Daoist Brother Wang Teng will surely become an Immortal King in the future."
"Even in the Other Domain, Daoist Brother Wang Teng will rank among the top prodigies!"
"In this secret realm, no one will be a match for Daoist Brother Wang. I am willing to follow your lead..."
The crowd buzzed with eager flattery.
Wang Teng scanned them with an indifferent expression and spoke coldly, "This time, I have come not only for the Great Sun Origin Core, but also to fight Xie Linyuan. Where is Xie Linyuan?"
His battle intent surged. Even before the secret realm opened, he wanted to clash with Xie Linyuan.
Everyone exchanged glances, but before they could respond, a calm voice came from afar.
"I am here!"
Wang Teng narrowed his eyes. In the distance, a figure wrapped in endless samsara phenomena thundered toward them.
Chapter 1158: Mere Celestial Immortal?
Wherever the figure passed, endless phenomena surged—images of the past and the future blending together. When the man finally came to a stop, his dark robes made him appear exceptionally cold and aloof. This was none other than Xie Linyuan.
Above him in the sky, an Immortal Monarch from the Supreme Hall stood high above, guarding him. Another Immortal Monarch protector had arrived.
His appearance caused another wave of commotion. Xie Linyuan's background was simply too deep. The Heaven Immortal Sect was an Immortal King-level sect of unmatched power, and he was the personal disciple of the Other Shore Immortal Monarch—the publicly acknowledged number one expert below the Immortal King realm, who was certain to break through to Immortal King within a thousand years and become a colossal figure.
Xie Linyuan himself possessed top-tier talent and cultivated the Other Shore Samsara Scripture, which perfectly matched his physique. Under these conditions, his combat strength was nearly impossible to gauge.
Wang Teng narrowed his eyes. Countless divine spirits seemed to stir within his pupils as he looked toward Xie Linyuan. Xie Linyuan also raised an eyebrow and met his gaze.
Although this was their first meeting, both had long heard of each other and already regarded the other as a rival. They instantly recognized one another.
"Among those competing for the Great Sun Origin Core this time, the rest are nothing but chickens and dogs. Only you, Xie Linyuan, are worthy of my attention and qualified to contend with me," Wang Teng declared, his voice filled with overwhelming dominance. "Since the secret realm has not yet opened, let us fight first to decide who deserves it."
Brilliant holy light bloomed from his brow, as if a sacred sword lay hidden within, ready to cleave apart everything in the world once unleashed.
Such arrogant words and open contempt for the other prodigies were undeniably overbearing. Yet the rest of the prodigies remained silent, not daring to speak. Wang Teng's battle prowess was simply too terrifying. His debut battle had shocked everyone. Though his words were unpleasant, they rang true.
Still, the Sunset Secret Realm offered more than just the Great Sun Origin Core. There were other benefits, such as fire essence for body tempering and the chance to refine one's immortal force to greater purity, which would benefit future potential. That was why they had all come despite knowing they had little chance of obtaining the core.
Xie Linyuan's expression remained calm. He smiled and nodded. Behind him, vast phenomena emerged—an endless river of time with the distant shore faintly visible. Upon that shore rested a single illusory flower. Surging samsara power flowed through the vision. Just looking at it made the onlookers feel as though they might be drawn inside and ferried to the other shore.
In an instant, both men's auras surged. A great battle was about to erupt.
But right at that moment, an immortal boat drifted gracefully into view, drawing everyone's attention. The boat was elegant and decorated in vibrant reds and greens, clearly belonging to a female cultivator. The red lotus emblem and the Jade Pool Immortal Sect's markings were unmistakable. The female prodigies of Jade Pool Immortal Sect had arrived.
The crowd's eyes lit up instantly. They no longer cared about the impending clash between the two top geniuses. Although Jade Pool Immortal Sect's influence had waned in recent years, its female cultivators remained top-tier. Many prodigies dreamed of having a Dao companion from Jade Pool.
Moreover, there had been recent rumors of a supreme female cultivator possessing the Great Yin Immortal Physique and Great Yin Sacred Root. Could she be the one coming? No one knew what she looked like, but what truly captured their interest was another piece of news.
It was said that Jade Pool Immortal Sect had recently gained a male ancestor. Most shockingly, this male ancestor was not an old man, but a young cultivator. This left everyone feeling unsettled and filled with envy. After all, who in the entire Immortal Realm would not want to cultivate in Jade Pool Immortal Sect?
They had heard that the female cultivators of Jade Pool Immortal Sect went about their daily lives inside the sect without wearing any clothes. This applied not only to the disciples but even to the elders. Being the only man among a garden of flowers—what kind of bliss was that? They dared not even imagine it.
Previously, no one could enter, so they could only fantasize. But now, a man had entered the place they could never access and could come and go as he pleased. Who could remain calm? Their teeth itched with envy and resentment.
Although few knew the male ancestor's name, the number of young prodigies who wanted to suppress him could already form a major sect.
The moment they saw the Jade Pool Immortal Sect's arrival, many wanted to ask what exactly was going on. Who was that dog of a man who could enter and exit freely?
...
Upon seeing the Jade Pool delegation arrive, both Wang Teng and Xie Linyuan, who had been brimming with killing intent, temporarily restrained their auras and looked over.
Wang Teng believed he possessed the aptitude of an Immortal King and naturally deserved top-tier maidservants. A prodigy from Jade Pool Immortal Sect would be perfect. This was an excellent opportunity to subdue one and keep her by his side to serve him.
Xie Linyuan, on the other hand, remembered his master's words. His master had nearly perfected the Dao of Samsara and could not be wrong. Therefore, the person arriving had to be the male cultivator from whom he had taken the Supreme Token.
The corners of his mouth curved into a cold smile. He would use his strength to prove to his master that even though he had obtained the token by force, he was still the most suitable disciple.
...
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the immortal boat's divine light faded. Huo Linglong stepped out in a long dress that covered her completely except for her small feet. Yet this only enhanced her allure. The fabric stretched tightly over her figure, accentuating her stunning curves and making her explosive beauty even more pronounced.
Many elders from the older generation looked at Huo Linglong with expressions of longing, nostalgia, and reminiscence. In her prime, she had undoubtedly left a vivid mark on the Immortal Realm. She might not have been the undisputed number one female cultivator, but she had been the white moonlight in the hearts of countless prodigies. Seeing her now filled them with melancholy.
The younger prodigies, however, instantly locked their gazes onto the young man standing beside Huo Linglong. He was handsome, with sharp sword-like brows and starry eyes. His black hair fluttered gently in the wind, and he carried an imposing, majestic aura.
Was this the male ancestor they had heard about? What qualifications did he have?
The thought of this brat freely entering and exiting Jade Pool Immortal Sect, enjoying all its top-tier scenery, made their fists tighten. The idea that he might have already grown tired of sights they could never see ignited killing intent in their hearts...
Many had already decided they must teach this kid a harsh lesson. After all, he was only at peak Celestial Immortal.
Sensing Ye Chen's cultivation and seeing that he was male, Wang Teng immediately frowned. He swept a cold gaze over him and then directly ignored him. If it had been a female prodigy, he would have wanted to capture her. But a male cultivator at mere peak Celestial Immortal? He was not even worth a second look.
Xie Linyuan also frowned as he looked at Ye Chen. He trusted his master's judgment—after all, even the ancestor of his Heaven Immortal Sect treated the Other Shore Immortal Monarch with respect. Therefore, he believed Ye Chen's talent must be extraordinary.
But his cultivation was simply too low. He was only at peak Celestial Immortal, an entire major realm beneath him. Xie Linyuan instantly lost interest, and his killing intent faded. Once they entered the secret realm, he would casually cripple Ye Chen's cultivation. There was no need to kill him outright; that would make him seem narrow-minded and might displease his master...
...
At this moment, the ordinary prodigies were rubbing their hands together eagerly, ready to teach Ye Chen a lesson. Meanwhile, the two supreme existences both looked upon the newly arrived Ye Chen with disdain.