"Three days from now, we depart for the Great Chu Empire!"

Ye Chen read the message from the transmission talisman, a smile spreading across his face. After all this waiting, it was finally time.

Li Feihuang had broken through to mid-Golden Core long ago but hadn't emerged from seclusion, focusing instead on refining her natal spiritual artifact. Her words now brimmed with confidence, carrying an air of dominance. For Ye Chen, the stronger she was, the better. If she could decisively defeat Champion King, it would save him a lot of trouble.

When Li Feihuang first broke through, Ye Chen had briefly considered sneaking in to give her a thrashing—just to remind her there were always stronger people out there and to tone down her arrogance. But recalling how his "secret" misdeeds never stayed hidden past the next day, he dropped the idea.

Imagine sneaking in for a beatdown, only for her to confront him the next day while he's delivering a gift: "Why'd you ambush me last night?" The awkwardness would be unbearable. Better to avoid unnecessary complications.

Once the Great Chu business was settled, they'd part ways for good. A five-hundred-fold multiplier was rare, but the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land would surely offer even higher ones. No need to cling to her.

…

After receiving the talisman, Ye Chen headed to An Miaoli's cave abode. He'd only be gone a few months—a short time for cultivators—but as a guest elder of the Divine Will Sect, courtesy demanded he inform her. He also wanted to ask her to look after the Green Cloud Sect in case something arose while he was away.

Upon hearing his plans, An Miaoli nodded calmly, agreeing to watch over the Green Cloud Sect. But when she learned he was heading to the Great Chu Empire, her brow furrowed.

She knew of Ye Chen's close ties with Li Feihuang—close enough that, despite her deliberate avoidance, he'd gifted Li Feihuang something as precious as phoenix blood.

Yet, over nearly two years, An Miaoli had observed that Ye Chen held no romantic affection for her. His decision to assist her now likely stemmed from other motives, which An Miaoli didn't pry into.

Her concern lay elsewhere. "Champion King is formidable. I encountered him once during my travels—a natural-born emperor. His physique is extraordinary, and he gained the allegiance of an ancient war chariot bathed in imperial blood on a battlefield. Though I never fought him, his combat power is far beyond ordinary.

"According to our sect's intelligence, two years ago, he reportedly battled a rogue Nascent Soul cultivator for three days without a clear victor. While this hasn't been widely circulated and we can't confirm its truth, Li Feihuang, at mid-Golden Core with her Moon Phoenix Body, stands little chance against him. If the rumor of him matching a Nascent Soul is true, her odds are even slimmer. This is why our sect, despite knowing her identity, didn't heavily invest in her."

She continued, "Champion King may exude imperial charisma, but he's vengeful and ruthless. I advise against wading into this mess. It could put your life at risk."

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Ye Chen raised an eyebrow at An Miaoli's words. Champion King is that formidable?

Li Feihuang had been boasting that breaking through to mid-Golden Core would let her crush Champion King, leading Ye Chen to assume he was on par with someone like Wang Lun—a pushover.

But now it turned out this guy had fought a Nascent Soul rogue cultivator to a standstill? Even if rogue cultivators were generally weaker than sect ones, a Nascent Soul was still a Nascent Soul. Champion King's strength was undeniable. Li Feihuang's overconfidence was almost laughable. Talk about delusional.

Still, Ye Chen was set on securing the imperial aura infusion. Opportunities to rapidly boost cultivation at the Golden Core stage were rare, and he wasn't about to let this one slip. Plus, he hoped to run into Su Yuxuan in the Great Chu Empire. As for the formidable Champion King? He sounded tough, but Ye Chen figured it wouldn't be a big issue.

Seeing his resolve, An Miaoli didn't press further. Top prodigies in the cultivation world were known for their unyielding determination; a few warnings about danger wouldn't sway them.

Ye Chen, with his Heavenly Spirit Root, had proven his mettle by tearing off the Wind-Thunder Jiao's wings in the Netherwater Pool—alive, no less. When An Miaoli refined the wings, she'd noticed they still held vitality. That alone spoke volumes about his strength.

A prodigy like Ye Chen could hold his own even in a Holy Land. He might not suppress Champion King outright, but he could likely match him.

…

With the small talk out of the way, Ye Chen got to the main point. "Senior, these past few days, I've felt the Nether Toxin flaring up again…"

An Miaoli's gaze remained calm, as if she'd anticipated this. "Very well, I'll examine you."

Ye Chen grinned. As she sat beside him, ready to channel her secret technique, he reminded her, "Senior, don't forget to use the spiritual artifact—it's more effective."

An Miaoli paused briefly, silent. Then the ribbon tied to her wrist glowed, activating the artifact. Satisfied, Ye Chen said no more.

As everyone knows, a man's hands can sometimes act on their own. Ye Chen was no exception. He didn't hold high hopes, given the divine light that had blocked him before. But this time, his eyes widened in surprise.

Glancing at An Miaoli, he saw her eyes closed, fully focused on the technique, seemingly oblivious to the world. Her demeanor made her stance clear. Ye Chen, wisely, kept quiet and let his hands… explore with focus.

As a result, today's "toxin purging" session wrapped up faster than usual.

…

"I've offended you, Senior. I'm truly sorry," Ye Chen said, bowing slightly.

An Miaoli waved it off. "No matter. You're the cultivator Yuyi cares for, which makes you my junior. I do this for her sake, so don't overthink it. A clear conscience is enough."

As she delivered her usual "clear conscience" line, Ye Chen left, though a trace of confusion lingered. Why hadn't she blocked him today? Sure, it was just her slender, perfectly proportioned calves and delicate feet—nothing he was particularly interested in—but it was still a significant step forward.

He pondered briefly but soon shrugged it off. Whatever the reason, progress was progress. Why dig into a good thing?

…

An Miaoli watched Ye Chen's retreating figure, her expression as serene as ever, though she sighed inwardly. The change today stemmed from Ye Chen's lavish gifts to Yuyi—the portable cave abode and the Star Technique. It was clear he didn't love Yuyi; his actions were likely a response to her earlier request to treat Yuyi better and avoid being hot-and-cold.

She hadn't expected Ye Chen to take her words so seriously. Yuyi's radiant happiness these days hadn't gone unnoticed, and as her aunt, An Miaoli was determined to keep that joy alive, sparing her niece the pain of insecurity.

To ensure Ye Chen's continued devotion, she had to make his efforts feel rewarded, giving him a sense of gain. That would motivate him to keep cherishing Yuyi, ensuring her happiness. Everything she did was for Yuyi's sake.

Even if it meant stepping slightly out of bounds, as long as her conscience was clear, that was enough.

…

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