Chapter 1102: Nine Heavens

Chapter 1102: Jiu Zhong Tian

Time passed quickly, and night fell once more.

Xie Yun remained seated in meditation, his eyes closed peacefully, his demeanor dignified and serene, showing no sign of awakening.

Ye Chen was still occupied.

Before him floated a Zhu Que enveloped in flames, the external manifestation of Xie Yun's bloodline origin. Ye Chen had previously extracted it from Xie Yun's body, and now he was refining the remnants of the Shidao Blood Pill within its bloodline.

Is this the bloodline origin of the Xuan Yu?

Mu Wanqing murmured softly. Without Ye Chen's divine abilities, she would never have seen the Zhu Que's external form.

A descendant of the Feng Huang!

As Ye Chen manipulated his Immortal Fire and Heavenly Thunder to envelop the Zhu Que's origin, he turned his head toward Nian Wei. Since she shared the same lineage as Xie Yun, her bloodline must be identical, though differing in purity.

Indeed, as the Holy Lord said!

Nian Wei nodded, not hiding anything, and revealed a secret. "The ancestor of the Zhu Que family was an uncivilized Feng Huang, fierce and unruly, who committed many sins. Fortunately, it was enlightened and reformed by Xuanyuan Great Emperor, leading to its nirvana and transformation. However, after endless ages of change, if the Tian lineage has persisted to this day, it no longer holds its former glory. Otherwise, it wouldn't have retreated to the remote edges of the star domains."

The ancestor of the Zhu Que family was actually a Feng Huang? This is the first time I've heard of it. Mu Wanqing sighed in amazement.

A Feng Huang bloodline—this must be a blessing from the heavens. Ye Chen smiled, feeling a stir in his own Sacred Body bloodline, as he had once swallowed a drop of seven-colored Feng Huang blood, which shared some connection with the Zhu Que family's bloodline.

The small world fell silent once again.

The Shidao Blood Pill mixed into Xie Yun's bloodline origin was extremely stubborn. Even Ye Chen took nearly three days to fully refine it.

Without hesitation, Ye Chen infused the Zhu Que origin back into Xie Yun's body.

Immediately, Xie Yun's body trembled, flames erupting all over him and radiating brilliant divine light. A massive Zhu Que spread its wings and appeared, radiating thousands of rays of light, like a guardian deity for Xie Yun.

Pop!

With the return of his bloodline, Xie Yun's cultivation at the peak of Ling Xu Jing began to loosen. It surged powerfully toward a breakthrough, advancing straight into Kong Ming Jing and climbing all the way to the sixth level before gradually slowing.

That's enough!

Ye Chen let out a deep breath. Everything had gone much smoother than expected.

After a brief rest, with Mu Wanqing staying behind, Ye Chen and Nian Wei left the small world. The Zhu Que family's old ancestor wanted to see Ye Chen, and with Xie Yun recovering, Nian Wei had to lead the way.

Holy Lord, in three months, can my imperial brother regain his former glory? Nian Wei turned to look at Ye Chen. The other eight imperial princes are at least at the seventh level of Tian Jing. The gap is significant.

Cultivation differences aren't the issue. Ye Chen smiled slightly. With his talent, bloodline purity, and profound foundation, even at the first level of Tian Jing, he has enough power to contend with a Zhun Huang.

I believe that. Nian Wei smiled charmingly. Back in the day, when he was at the first level of Tian Jing, he indeed slew a Zhun Huang.

As they spoke, the two arrived at the teleportation array leading from the second level of Jiu Zhong Tian to the third.

We've met again, Princess. The white-haired elder guarding the array bowed respectfully to Nian Wei, but his expression turned awkward when he saw Ye Chen beside her.

Senior, it's good to see you again. Ye Chen smiled at the white-haired elder.

This old one was blind to your greatness before and hopes you won't hold it against me. The white-haired elder coughed dryly.

No hard feelings, no hard feelings. Ye Chen chuckled and followed Nian Wei into the teleportation array, vanishing from sight.

What a foolish old man I am! After they left, the white-haired elder slapped his forehead hard, reminding himself to be courteous to everyone in the future. You can't judge a book by its cover.

Meanwhile, Nian Wei and Ye Chen had already made their way to the eighth level of Youdu.

On the eighth level of Youdu, floating pavilions and towers were everywhere, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing with divine light, far surpassing the lower levels. It truly felt like a celestial realm, peaceful and pure.

The people here were the core direct descendants of the Zhu Que family, all of extremely high status. Zhun Huang were common sights, and Huang Jing experts were plentiful.

Youdu's Jiu Zhong Tian—one level is a whole realm, each pressing down on the next. It's no joke. Ye Chen marveled as he looked around, like a country bumpkin seeing the world for the first time.

That is my residence, Ling Mountain. As they walked, Nian Wei pointed to a distant mountain shrouded in mist.

Quite impressive. Ye Chen stroked his chin. Compared to Nian Wei's Ling Mountain residence, his own ten-zhang property looked like a beggar's hut.

That one is the Ninth Imperial Brother's Ling Mountain.

That is the First Imperial Prince's.

The one next to it is the Third Imperial Prince's, and the eastern one is the Fourth Imperial Prince's.

Holy Lord, do you see that immortal palace? It's home to all sorts of extraordinary spirit beasts.

Nian Wei acted like a tour guide, pointing out sights as they went, chattering excitedly and introducing everything to Ye Chen.

This scene left passing cultivators stunned. As they bowed to Nian Wei, they cast curious glances at Ye Chen. It was rare to see the Purple Spirit Princess smiling so brightly.

Ye Chen, as always, was the center of attention wherever he went.

It wasn't surprising—his reputation had soared in recent days, from the Mu family gambling house to the alchemist selection three days ago, and now walking alongside the Purple Spirit Princess. Everyone was curious about his identity.

Ye Chen ignored the curious stares from all sides. His eyes scanned the stalls, hoping to spot a hidden treasure. The most unassuming items often turned out to be the best.

Along the way, he saw plenty of good things, but nothing that truly caught his interest.

Hmm?

As they walked, Ye Chen's brow furrowed briefly before returning to normal.

Just a second ago, he had clearly sensed a killing intent, and he could pinpoint its source—a floating tavern where the assailant was at Huang Jing level.

Ye Chen's expression remained calm as he followed Nian Wei toward the teleportation array to the ninth level.

During their journey, he had detected more than one person watching him covertly—over a dozen waves of killing intent had locked onto him.

Ye Chen easily guessed who was behind it: besides the Ling Dan Pavilion and the eight imperial princes, who else could it be? The Ling Dan Pavilion wasn't just about alchemy; they had many powerful connections, and hiring assassins was routine for them.

As for the eight imperial princes, they all coveted the position of Zhu Que family's Holy Lord and desperately wanted the support of Ku Yue. Knowing Ku Yue desired Ye Chen's true fire, how could they pass up such an opportunity?

Fortunately, this was Youdu, where private fights were forbidden. If they were outside, hundreds of Huang Jing experts might swarm him in an instant to seize the true fire.

As he pondered, Ye Chen stepped into the teleportation array with Nian Wei and disappeared from the eighth level.

After he left, shadows emerged from various directions on the eighth level of Youdu—over a dozen groups, each serving different masters, but all sharing the same goal.

By then, Ye Chen and Nian Wei had arrived at the ninth level of Jiu Zhong Tian.

Wow!

Stepping out, Ye Chen exclaimed in surprise.

Though the ninth level of Youdu wasn't vast, it was a true immortal realm. Everywhere he looked, it was shrouded in hazy mist, and even the air was pure spiritual energy, ten times denser than the eighth level.

Let's go!

Nian Wei smiled charmingly and took Ye Chen's hand, stepping onto the clouds and flying toward a massive Ling Mountain.

Upon reaching the base of the Ling Mountain, Ye Chen's brow furrowed. Even before entering, he felt an immense pressure, a suppression deep in his soul, profound and immeasurable.

We've seen the Princess!

At the foot of the Ling Mountain, two white-haired elders sat cross-legged. Seeing Nian Wei approach, they bowed respectfully, their smiles warm and kind.

No need for such formalities!

Nian Wei replied with a light smile, not treating the two elders as mere servants.

Ye Chen glanced at their cultivations and was startled—they were both at the peak of Huang Jing. These two powerhouses were just gatekeepers, making him twitch his mouth in disbelief.

As Ye Chen observed them, the two elders were also sizing him up.

To Ye Chen, they seemed like kindly old gentlemen, without a trace of malice. To them, Ye Chen appeared more than he seemed on the surface—at the very least, his alchemy skills were exceptional.

After a bow, Ye Chen followed Nian Wei into the Ling Mountain.

Entering the mountain revealed an entirely new world, leaving Ye Chen in awe. The Ling Mountain formed its own realm, with rare exotic flowers and grasses planted everywhere, and springs flowing with divine water rich in essence.

At the peak of the Ling Mountain, in a bamboo grove, the two finally stopped. This must be where the Zhu Que old ancestor resided.

Ling'er, step back!

Before Nian Wei could bow, a ethereal female voice came from the bamboo grove.

Hearing this, Nian Wei bowed respectfully and glanced at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen smiled and stepped into the bamboo grove on his own. Deeper inside, he saw a woman in plain clothes with her back to him, painting a figure's silhouette.

This junior, Ye Chen, pays respects to Senior Zhu Que!

Ye Chen stopped and bowed politely to Ruotian Zhu Que.

So it's you!

Ruotian Zhu Que chuckled softly. Though she didn't turn around, it seemed she could see Ye Chen's face clearly.

Have you seen me before, Senior?

Ye Chen paused, looking at Ruotian Zhu Que questioningly.

The Chiyan Male Lion!

Ruotian Zhu Que only said four words, making Ye Chen cough awkwardly. The commotion that day had been huge, and Ruotian Zhu Que had likely used her Illusion Heaven secret technique to observe it. Now, seeing him in person, she knew it was Ye Chen.

Wait a moment!

Ruotian Zhu Que spoke again, still painting, nearly finished.

Ye Chen stood there, glancing around. Standing so close to her, he truly felt the pressure. A Zhun Sheng's power was no trivial matter—it could probably obliterate him in an instant.

Done!

On the other side, Ruotian Zhu Que added the final stroke, stepped back to admire her work, and then turned around, revealing her stunning face.

Eh?

Seeing Ruotian Zhu Que's appearance, Ye Chen let out a soft sound of surprise, his expression dazed, because that exquisite face was one he had seen before—in Da Chu, not on this Zhu Que Star.