Chapter 1271: The Great Luo God's Son

"As long as you have that intention, it's enough." Dongyang Zhenren let out a long sigh, and the black lines crisscrossing his forehead gradually faded with Ye Chen's words. "The strength of Daluo Jianzong is beyond what we can handle. You should leave for now. As for the matter of Qingyue Shimei, I will make my own decision."

"Senior's decision is to hide here and prepare an ambush for Daluo Shenzi?" Ye Chen said leisurely.

"Since you've seen through it, I won't hide it from you."

"This is no different from suicide." Ye Chen remarked casually. "Now, forces from all sides are coming to pay respects to Daluo Shenzi. If you rashly launch an ambush, you won't even need Daluo Shenzi and his people to act—their sycophants will eagerly step in. You're strong, but you can't stand against them all."

"I know that." Dongyang Zhenren took a deep breath. "But I have to try anyway."

"Let me handle this instead!"

"You?"

"Compared to an ambush, a direct challenge would be more effective." Ye Chen took a sip of tea.

"Nonsense." Dongyang Zhenren said sternly. "Daluo Shenzi is not on the same level as the godchildren of Shenchao or Guihuang. His cultivation is at the peak of Huangjing, and he has slain countless Zhunsheng experts. He already possesses power equal to a Sheng. This would be suicide for you!"

"We won't know who's stronger until we fight."

"Don't be reckless."

"I know what I'm doing." Ye Chen smiled as he stood up, pulling Dongyang Zhenren along with him as they headed straight into the city. "A lively scene like this deserves good wine and food."

Haoyang Gucheng was incredibly prosperous, teeming with crowds of extraordinary cultivators. From afar, floating pavilions and jade railings dotted the landscape, with pure spiritual energy drifting through the air, enveloped in swirling clouds and mist. It truly resembled a celestial city on earth.

In the ancient city, the largest mansion was bustling with visitors, all because Daluo Shenzi was residing there. Waves of cultivators from various sides arrived one after another, many being prominent figures with deep backgrounds, each accompanied by a young disciple of considerable cultivation. All were full of vigor and in their prime.

Ye Chen and Dongyang Zhenren arrived, stopping in front of the mansion. Dongyang Zhenren had been reluctant the whole way but was still dragged along by Ye Chen. As for Ye Chen, looking at the throng at the mansion's entrance, he couldn't help but sigh in amazement. The crowd was enormous, with the weakest at the peak of Huangjing, countless Zhunsheng, and even some Sheng among them. Yet, no matter who they were, they all behaved with utmost propriety here.

They went inside. Ye Chen led Dongyang Zhenren, following the flow of people into the mansion. The guards, seeing Dongyang Zhenren's Sheng-level cultivation, did not stop them, assuming their pairing—one senior and one junior—was just like the others, all here for the same purpose.

Once inside the mansion, Ye Chen sighed again. The estate formed a vast realm, surrounded by immortal mountains brimming with life, with spirit trees concealing deep pavilions and towers. Rows of graceful immortal maidens carried trays of fruits, each one a stunning beauty with respectable cultivation. The passing cultivators were dazzled by the sight.

"This spirit fruit looks good—give me a plate!"

"That one is glowing too—bring me a plate of that!"

"Carrying them must be tiring—just give them all to me!"

Ye Chen helped himself boldly, taking plate after plate from the immortal maidens' trays. His actions left the maidens stunned and drew curious stares from the surrounding cultivators, who looked at him with increasingly odd expressions. Many elder figures subconsciously stroked their beards, giving Ye Chen a meaningful glance: He must be some kind of country bumpkin.

Ye Chen didn't mind at all, eating without a care in the world. Dongyang Zhenren, standing nearby, felt quite embarrassed, as Ye Chen's behavior made him the center of attention too. Clearly, everyone assumed Ye Chen was his junior.

"Let's go!"

Dongyang Zhenren quickened his pace, not forgetting to pull Ye Chen along. The two continued with the crowd toward an immortal mountain in the mansion.

To be fair, this mansion far surpassed the divine residences of Tianfu Shenchao. Not only Ye Chen was impressed—Dongyang Zhenren was secretly amazed as well. One was a Jian Shen inheritance, the other an Donghuang inheritance—how could the gap be so vast!

At the summit of the immortal mountain stood a radiant garden, where all the visiting cultivators had gathered. There were quite a few people, all seated, with many acquaintances chatting amicably.

Ye Chen and Dongyang Zhenren found a quiet corner table and sat down. Dongyang Zhenren scanned the surroundings with his aged eyes, a hint of worry in his brows, as if searching for Qingyue. Ye Chen, munching on spirit fruits, glanced around, his gaze lingering on several young disciples. With his keen insight, he could see that many of them possessed extraordinary bloodlines.

"Which one is Daluo Shenzi?"

"He hasn't arrived yet."

"What a big show-off." Ye Chen smirked. So many distinguished elders from various forces were here, yet they all had to wait for a Huangjing junior.

"Don't act impulsively." Dongyang Zhenren transmitted a message to Ye Chen. Causing trouble here would mean they couldn't leave the mansion alive—even if Tianfu Shenchao sent everyone, they'd be wiped out.

"I have it under control." Ye Chen grinned, pulling another spirit fruit from his pocket.

"Daluo Shenzi has arrived!" As they spoke and the discussions around them buzzed, a resounding announcement echoed across the mountaintop, drawing everyone's attention.

Under the watchful eyes of all, a purple-haired youth descended from the sky, enveloped in immortal light. Every gesture he made wove intricate phenomena, his physique and bloodline exuding immense power, with surging vital energy.

He was Daluo Shenzi, like a dazzling star suspended in the vast starry sky.

What an itch to fight!

Ye Chen glanced at Daluo Shenzi, noting his impressive bearing, but the mocking smile on his lips irritated Ye Chen. He carried himself with supreme arrogance, looking down on everyone. Whenever Ye Chen encountered such types, he felt an uncontrollable urge to throw a punch.

Not a bad bloodline!

Ye Chen murmured to himself, discerning that Daluo Shenzi's bloodline was of an extremely yang nature. Still, no matter how dominant it was, it paled slightly compared to his Huanggu Shengti.

Beside him, Dongyang Zhenren's face turned icy cold, especially at Daluo Shenzi's appearance, as he struggled to suppress his killing intent, likely recalling the scene of Qingyue Xianzi's capture.

By then, Daluo Shenzi had gracefully landed, followed by three elderly figures, all Sheng.

"We greet the godchild!"

As soon as Daluo Shenzi touched down, people from all sides bowed and exchanged pleasantries, even the Sheng among them.

Notably, the young female disciples brought by the elder cultivators looked at Daluo Shenzi with unusual eyes, their cheeks flushing with a sudden blush, instantly smitten. This was the very picture of love at first sight.

"Forgive my tardiness!" Daluo Shenzi returned the gesture with his signature insincere smile, savoring the reverent gazes around him, which made him hold his chin even higher, his vanity thoroughly satisfied.

Once again the center of attention, Daluo Shenzi confidently took the highest seat. The elders from various sides felt a twinge of displeasure but dared not voice it.

It was all because Daluo Jianzong was too powerful, and they had heard of Daluo Shenzi's temperament. They couldn't afford to offend him—otherwise, the consequences could range from punishment to clan extermination.

"I'm telling you, a fool like him—I could take on ten at once!"

Watching Daluo Shenzi revel in his pretense, Ye Chen in the corner couldn't help but comment meaningfully.

At this, Dongyang Zhenren glanced sideways at Ye Chen, scanning him up and down with a look of approval: This act was spot-on.

What followed was a string of formal exchanges, full of empty pleasantries. The cultivators from all sides went out of their way to praise everyone from Daluo Jianzong, emphasizing their reverence and deliberately lowering themselves, which left Daluo Shenzi in high spirits.

Truth be told, Daluo Shenzi loved this kind of flattery. He was so elated he nearly floated away.

Everyone knew that mere words wouldn't win over Daluo Shenzi. To get their juniors into Daluo Jianzong, they had to offer substantial gifts. This was just the opening act; the real discussions would come after the gathering, when the elders paid private visits.

After a few rounds of drinks, a purple-robed elder smiled warmly and said, "We've heard that the Jiuyang Jianjue wielded by the godchild is extraordinarily powerful. Would we have the honor of witnessing this supreme sword art?"

As soon as he spoke, others chimed in, "To see the legendary Jiuyang Jianjue would be our great fortune. We humbly request the godchild to demonstrate it and fulfill our long-held wish."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Ye Chen watched the scene and couldn't help but click his tongue. He'd never seen such relentless flattery.

The truth was, these people were shrewdly gauging Daluo Shenzi's mood. Pretending to want to see the Jiuyang Jianjue was just an excuse—they really wanted to give him a chance to show off. And that's exactly what happened.

Their flattery clearly lifted Daluo Shenzi's spirits.

"Very well!"

Daluo Shenzi stood up, feigning reluctance with a serious demeanor, as if someone had a knife to his throat forcing him to perform.

His skill at playing innocent was top-notch!

His talent for showing off was flawless!

He stepped onto the clouds, lightly waving his sleeve to reveal a golden divine sword in his hand.

"What a fine sword!"

Ye Chen below brightened his eyes, fixated on Daluo Shenzi's sword. It was an exceptional divine weapon, forged from dominant divine iron, and a genuine Zhunsheng-level artifact.

"What a fine sword!"

The surrounding cultivators exclaimed in genuine admiration, as the sword was indeed impressive.

"Sword Pierces the Nine Heavens!"

Amid the praises, Daluo Shenzi suddenly raised his sword, pointing it toward the sky. A golden sword beam shot upward, truly piercing a massive hole through the nine heavens, just as he claimed.

"Excellent!"

Cheers erupted from below, merging into a roaring wave.

"I've shown my humble skills!"

Daluo Shenzi sheathed his sword and stood in the air, hands behind his back. To the unknowing, he looked like some enlightened master. A group of admirers was so excited they nearly threw themselves at him.

"Not all that impressive!"

Amid the chorus of acclaim, a discordant voice cut through, small but startling like a thunderclap.