NOVEL NEXT Chapter 265: I Was Here First!
Different regions of the cultivation world had their own customs. In the Divine Will Sect's domain, cultivators favored elegant spiritual robes and garments. In the Great Chu Empire, however, war armor was the trend for both men and women. Some female cultivators' armor was strikingly form-fitting, exuding a valiant, heroic charm.
Ye Chen was particularly taken by the armor's superior defensive properties, prompting him to purchase several sets. He also scooped up various unique treasures—rare in Divine Will City—tossing them into his storage space with a spending spree that left onlookers in awe. Several female cultivators' eyes sparkled; one Golden Core woman even sent a suggestive transmission, proposing a private "cultivation spar."
Such encounters weren't uncommon in the cultivation world. With long lifespans, some cultivators strove for progress, while others coasted. Those with limited potential often indulged in pleasure. But since the system didn't trigger, Ye Chen barely spared her a glance.
…
By evening, Ye Chen opted not to return to the Wang residence. Though he feared no reprisal, staying there felt awkward. Instead, he booked a month at an inn. As he prepared to meditate and study the True Dragon Treasure Technique, a knock interrupted him. Frowning, he called, "What is it?"
A sultry voice answered, "Senior Brother, didn't you say my feet were lovely and ask me to come? Open the door quick! Unless… you've invited another female cultivator? That'll cost extra spirit stones, you know."
Recognizing the familiar tone, Ye Chen's lips curved into a grin. With a wave, the courtyard gate swung open, revealing a white-skirted figure with slender, bare legs and delicate feet, her face a blend of innocence and allure—none other than Su Yuxuan. He'd planned to track her down, and here she was, delivered to his doorstep.
"How'd you know I was here?" Ye Chen asked curiously.
Su Yuxuan glided in, throwing herself into his arms. "No talking… kiss me…"
The gate slammed shut. Their reunion sparked intense passion. Pausing briefly, Ye Chen glanced up. "Where's the old granny?"
Su Yuxuan smiled mischievously. "Master's watching from within me. What, Senior Brother, feeling shy?"
But her pupils shrank as she froze, speechless. Upon hearing her master was watching, Ye Chen seemed more excited.
This Senior Brother really isn't a good guy.
…
Their battle raged so fiercely it seemed to erode the very Great Dao itself. It wasn't until noon the next day that they finally paused to discuss serious matters.
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"Senior Brother, I don't have many years left. Without the Nether King's Gall, I'll really die," Su Yuxuan pleaded, her large, watery eyes blinking up at Ye Chen. "The imperial aura infusion slot is also crucial for me. I need to break through to Nascent Soul soon, or the backlash will worsen, and my skin will wither like tree bark. You don't want your favorite little feet to end up like that, do you? So, Senior Brother, please go easy on me in the arena!"
Ye Chen's lips curled. Believe you? Not a chance. The Nether King's Gall and the infusion slot might benefit her, but only if he gifted them. He shook his head firmly. "No way."
Su Yuxuan pouted, her teeth nibbling her full lips, looking pitiful. "Senior Brother, you're so cruel! Do you have someone else? Is it that Li Feihuang? I was the one who got you the phoenix blood intel, and you just handed it to her! Now you're risking my life for her throne. You're heartless! I was here first!"
Ye Chen nodded calmly. "Yup."
Defeated, Su Yuxuan huffed, climbing off him and storming out of the courtyard in a sulk. Ye Chen chuckled, settling into cultivation and brushing off a Wang Clan messenger who came looking for him.
By evening, Su Yuxuan returned, launching another "no talking, kiss me" assault. After another round of "eroding the Great Dao," she spoke. "Senior Brother, I have a bold idea… Let's kill the Flying Tiger General! That'll leave Champion King short-handed. You could join his side, gain his trust, and we can ambush him later to steal that ancient war chariot. Or we could kill Wang Lun instead. There's a deep Peach Blossom Pool in the north—lure him there, and I'll drown him. That way, you can help Li Feihuang win the throne. It's a bit humiliating, but since she's the woman you love, I won't blame you. I'll just feel sorry for you."
Ye Chen burst out laughing but rejected her again. Su Yuxuan had to stay on the opposing side. If she got an infusion slot and a treasure from the treasury, who would he gift to?
Stung by his cold refusal, Su Yuxuan didn't even bother with her feet this time, stomping off in a rage.
Yet, on the third night, she returned. After another session of "eroding the Great Dao," she tried again. "Senior Brother, give me the infusion slot. The Great Chu ancestor is dying. Once I hit Nascent Soul, I'll capture Li Feihuang and offer her as your cauldron. I'll hand over the entire Great Chu palace as your harem. I heard the last emperor's consorts are still there—they'd all be yours."
…
At dawn on the fourth day, the throne succession ceremony was set to commence. Early that morning, the Wang Clan sent someone to fetch Ye Chen. Su Yuxuan, pouting, slipped away.
In her mind, Manjusaka's gloating voice echoed. "See? Men are unreliable. He only gives you his scraps, and you thought it was sincere. Now that he's cozy with a Moon Phoenix Body princess, his attitude's changed, hasn't it? I'm telling you, men like him are just playing around!"
She continued her tirade. "Why beg him? He's just mid-Golden Core. I've seen Champion King—he'd have been a top prodigy even in my Boundless Demon Sect, with terrifying strength. Ye Chen's no match for him. And you? You're not necessarily weaker. What's yours is yours; you don't need to grovel."
Having endured three days of watching, and still smarting from Ye Chen's "old granny" jab, Manjusaka's disdain for him boiled over, her words sharp and relentless.
Su Yuxuan nodded absently. Logically, her senior brother shouldn't stand a chance against Champion King—or even her. The past few years had transformed her, her gains immense. She was no longer the naive girl she once was.
Yet, an unshakable conviction lingered in her heart: Senior Brother is the strongest.
…