Ying Tiansheng swiftly returned to his holy land's Central Continent stronghold, a former top-tier sect now occupied. He immediately instructed the elders and learned of Ye Chen's effortless defeat of the Star River King Body in Great Yan, narrowing his eyes. Then, he headed to an immortal mountain where Yi Qingwu, bathed in endless moonlight under a great moon, was cultivating. Sensing his arrival, the moon dimmed, and she opened her beautiful eyes. Noticing his growth, she realized he'd succeeded again, her heart sinking.
The Devouring Heaven Demon Art was terrifying, endlessly devouring others' origins to grow. With the immortal path nearing and prodigies emerging, the chaos was perfect for its development.
Ying Tiansheng's growth would only accelerate. If he achieved an Acquired Chaos Body, surpassing Ye Chen wasn't impossible. Could she still exact revenge? Worry gnawed at her.
Seeing her dimmed expression, Ying Tiansheng mistook it for despair over their widening gap. He smiled gently. "The holy land's resources went to me first because they're mostly from dead powerhouses' origins. Qingwu, with your distaste for such things, you wouldn't want them. This era's prodigies are many. Focusing resources to strengthen one person first is best for the immortal path. But don't worry. Once I achieve the Chaos Body, I'll dominate the cultivation world, harvesting prodigies to make you one too."
Yi Qingwu said nothing. She resisted the Devouring Heaven Demon Art, unwilling to devour origins, practicing it only to drain Ying Tiansheng, making him suffer her father's pain. Seeing her silence, he didn't dwell on it. Since Ye Chen's humiliations, her personality had shifted, less engaging with him. He didn't blame her—his weakness caused her shame. Once he killed Ye Chen, they'd return to how things were.
Changing topics, he mentioned returning to Great Yan to devour the Fifth Nether Maiden and possibly the First Nether Son. Hearing he'd return to Great Yan, Yi Qingwu's eyes lit up. "Will you seek revenge on Ye Chen?"
His expression turned awkward. He'd thought himself ready to crush Ye Chen, but learning Ye Chen had broken through and defeated the Star River King Body—who rivaled the First Nether Son—shook his confidence. His growth potential was vast, so avoiding Ye Chen for now was wiser.
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He shook his head. "I could easily kill him, but he hides in Heavenly Evolution Holy Land. Mo Yixi's sublimation method is strange, and Hua Yunfei's true body is hidden. He's hard to kill. But don't be disappointed, Qingwu. When he comes to Central Continent, I'll act."
Comforting her not to rush revenge, he prepared to leave. Fang Qing, that useless ally, had found new targets for him to harvest. He'd boost himself, then head to Great Yan to take down both Nether God Bodies.
Before the Heavenly Intention Holy Son left, Yi Qingwu, with her breathtaking beauty, stood and said, "When you return to Great Yan, take me with you!"
Ying Tiansheng paused, surprised.
She smiled lightly. "I'm worried it's a trap—the First Nether Son and Fifth Nether Maiden might team up against you! With my insights into the Movement and Healing Secrets, plus the Devouring Heaven Demon Art's Dao and techniques, I can aid you."
Feeling her concern, Ying Tiansheng smiled. Despite her recent aloofness—likely from guilt and anger over Ye Chen—she cared when it mattered, ready to fight alongside him. A good sign. Confident he wouldn't need her help, he believed a joint battle could mend their rift. He agreed, promising to bring her to Great Yan in a few months. Yi Qingwu's radiant smile left him momentarily dazed.
She wasn't worried he'd die—she feared he wouldn't. She'd contact Ye Chen. How? Glancing inwardly at the tally of marks in her primordial spirit, she felt confident.
…
Four months passed in a flash. Heavenly Evolution Holy Land was shrouded in endless thunderclouds, torrential lightning crashing like divine wrath. Amid the storm, all saw a figure strolling leisurely through the thunder, unfazed, as if the tribulation was nothing. How powerful must one be to treat a heavenly tribulation so casually? Truly the Fourth Holy Son—ferociously unmatched.
Far ahead, Holy Master Feng Baiyu and Elder Mo sipped tea, watching the tribulation with awe.
"Honestly, I'm starting to suspect this kid's the Heavenly Emperor reincarnated. How's he fiercer than me?" Feng Baiyu mused, doubting himself.
Elder Mo glanced at him, his look saying, Isn't it normal for him to outshine you? What's to doubt?
Annoyed, Feng Baiyu wanted to argue and defend the Chaos Ancient True Immortal's originality—no plagiarism! But then, the terrifying thunder calmed, signaling the tribulation's end.
Their banter ceased as they fixed their eyes on Ye Chen's location. For a prodigy like him, the thunder tribulations were mere appetizers. The True Spirit Tribulation was the real test. His Unity breakthrough was already unprecedentedly dominant. Both felt his True Spirit Tribulation might pit him against the Heavenly Emperor himself!
