Chapter 1672: King Qin's Palace

After leaving the Huang Quan Road pass, Ye Chen headed straight for Qin Guang Wang Dian.

The Ming Jiang personally appointed by Qin Guang Wang carried an aura of prestige wherever they went. Indeed, that was the case. Along the way, anyone who saw him would bow respectfully, except for the elders. It was all because Ye Chen's reputation was too overwhelming; he had terrified the Ming Jiang of the nine halls to the point of mental collapse. Among the younger generation, no one dared to cross him.

Ye Chen never paid it any mind; it was all just empty fame. The Ming Jiang of the nine halls had tried to kill him but ended up being slain instead—it was their own doing. He had no desire to dwell on those grudges.

He didn't know when, but he eventually landed in front of a grand palace. This was Qin Guang Wang Dian, the residence of the first Yan Luo. It was truly majestic, exuding an aura of suppression over all directions.

In front of the palace stood nine figures, lined up in a row. Each of the nine wore armor, looking impressive and dignified, with formidable cultivation: eight sages and one quasi-sage king. These nine were the top Ming Jiang under Qin Guang Wang: Yan Ming Jiang, Lei Ming Jiang, Shui Ming Jiang, Jin Ming Jiang, Tu Ming Jiang, Mu Ming Jiang, Feng Ming Jiang, Yin Ming Jiang, and Yang Ming Jiang. They had gone to the Shura Sea for training half a year ago and had only just returned.

Everyone in the underworld knew that Qin Guang Wang had a bad temper, and his nine Ming Jiang were all fiercely hot-headed. They never backed down from a fight, and no one should dare bully anyone from the first hall—otherwise, they would cause utter chaos. When Ye Chen was rampaging earlier, these nine happened to be away. It was fortunate they weren't there, or things would have been even more chaotic.

Sensing someone's arrival, the nine turned around in unison, scanned Ye Chen up and down, and then stroked their chins.

"Ye Chen?"

"It's me."

"I knew it! Our first Yan Luo hall is full of talents." Their eyes lit up as they crowded around him, circling Ye Chen one after another. If you knew what was happening, you'd think they were curiously examining him. If not, you'd swear they were about to gang up on him.

The nine grinned and clicked their tongues, staring at Ye Chen like he was a monster or a divine being. They had just returned yesterday and had heard the most about Ye Chen's exploits: drinking over a hundred bowls of Meng Po Soup, disrupting the cycle of reincarnation, shattering the underworld, and single-handedly making the nine halls' Ming Jiang wail in despair. Even with their pride, they were genuinely shocked. Compared to Ye Chen, they felt like amateurs. Any of the major feats he accomplished were acts of utter defiance.

After being away in the Shura Sea for half a year, only the Ming Jiang of the first hall under the ten Yan Luo remained intact. The other nine halls were decimated—some dead, some crippled, a truly pitiful sight. It was all thanks to Ye Chen. After all these years, the first hall had finally gained such face, completely overshadowing the other nine.

"When it comes to style, it's all about this brother. From now on, when we show off, we'll look to him." Lei Ming Jiang said meaningfully.

"How about we find a spot to become sworn brothers?" Feng Ming Jiang said earnestly, though he was really thinking of drawing some of Ye Chen's blood—the blood of the ancient holy body was better than any divine medicine for enhancing one's origin.

"Do you have a wife? I can introduce you to one!"

"Come on, let's go over some specialties of our first hall."

"This wine has been aged for over a hundred years—here, it's yours today."

The nine Ming Jiang chattered away, incredibly enthusiastic, handing over treasures, secret techniques, and even offering to set him up. It was rare for the first hall to produce such a talent, so they had to treat him well. In the future, when they went out to show off, they'd be counting on this little brother.

Ye Chen stayed silent, accepting whatever they gave—after all, it was free. These nine Ming Jiang were far more agreeable than those from the other nine halls.

"Since we're all gathered, how about a spar?" Lei Ming Jiang cracked his neck, his eyes gleaming with excitement—he was clearly a fighter at heart.

"I have urgent business with Qin Guang Wang. As for sparring, we'll talk about it another day." Ye Chen declined politely. He had no time for small talk, and besides, this guy's strength was nowhere near his level.

"Qin Guang Wang is still in seclusion for a while. We're just killing time anyway, so it's settled." Lei Ming Jiang said, already stepping back without waiting for Ye Chen's response.

The other eight Ming Jiang were sensible too, retreating to a distance. They were all curious to see just how formidable this man was who had taken down the nine halls' Ming Jiang. Today was their chance to find out.

Ye Chen didn't say a word—he hadn't agreed, but he hadn't refused either. Since he was idle anyway, if this guy wanted a fight, he'd oblige. There were plenty of people who sought trouble with him.

Lei Ming Jiang, facing him, stepped into the sky, his momentum surging. His entire body was enveloped in thunder, even his black hair laced with lightning. This guy had a strong bloodline, naturally attuned to thunder. As a dominant attacker, his origin exuded a fierce aura. Among saints, he was one of the elite. Being the second Ming Jiang under Qin Guang Wang proved his exceptional skill; few at his level could match him.

But unfortunately, he was challenging Ye Chen, the ancient holy body. That changed everything. In terms of combat power, holy bodies were unbeatable at the same level—everything else was just for show.

As he spoke, Lei Ming Jiang drew his saber, a sacred weapon and his life-bound tool, inscribed with runes and wrapped in thunder.

In contrast, Ye Chen was completely relaxed, standing still without any extra movements, as if nothing was happening.

"Domineering Thunder Slash!"

Lei Ming Jiang roared, gripping the saber with both hands and swinging it down from overhead. This strike was overwhelmingly powerful, splitting the heavens and earth. Few at the saint level could withstand it—it was incredibly fierce.

Ye Chen didn't even glance at it; he simply raised his fist and met it head-on, using his bare flesh to clash directly.

The saber and fist collided with a clang, sparking flames. The surrounding space collapsed instantly, turning into chaos.

With a spurt of blood, Lei Ming Jiang was sent flying. After landing, he staggered back three or five steps, and once he stopped, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood without a word.

Below, Ye Chen was perfectly fine, standing like an unmovable stele, completely unfazed from start to finish.

The eight observing Ming Jiang all clicked their tongues in amazement, marveling at Ye Chen's ferocity. Lei Ming Jiang's peak strike had been effortlessly repelled.

Lei Ming Jiang's defeat was swift and decisive, so the others saw no need to step in. Even the first Ming Jiang, Yan Ming Jiang, felt the same. Though he was a quasi-sage king, he was still no match for Ye Chen. Holy bodies were invincible at the same level, with their powerful physical bodies and abundant vital energy—it was no exaggeration.

In the underworld, there was already a successful example: the emperor. A fully realized holy body could rival a great emperor, making even the Ming Emperor wary. Though ancient holy bodies were rare, any one of them was extraordinarily formidable. The current Ye Chen was even more astonishing than the past emperor. Given enough time, he could surpass the emperor, and even the Ming Emperor might struggle to suppress him.

Lei Ming Jiang felt it the most deeply, grimacing in pain. His saber was still buzzing, its divine light faded, and his hand bones were fractured, with fresh blood seeping out.

"Impressed, brother. I'm impressed." Lei Ming Jiang took it in stride, laughing heartily. He had a bold personality—loss was loss, and he was gracious about it.

"Just luck." Ye Chen smiled, remaining calm.

"What luck? A win is a win. I can take a loss." Lei Ming Jiang slapped Ye Chen on the shoulder forcefully. "You're the one who took down the nine halls' Ming Jiang—you've got the power, and you've made us proud."

"After you see Qin Guang Wang, let's have a drink."

The nine Ming Jiang remained just as enthusiastic. Proud as they were, they respected the strong, especially someone like Ye Chen, a peerless force.

Ye Chen just smiled and didn't respond, quietly standing outside the hall. He hadn't forgotten his main purpose—fighting and drinking weren't the priority; seeking Qin Guang Wang was, hoping for an order from him.

Time passed slowly, with no summons from Qin Guang Wang. Ye Chen was getting anxious, but the nine Ming Jiang were perfectly at ease.

Ye Chen glanced at Qin Guang Wang Dian, then looked at the nine. "I have something to ask, brothers. Could you clear it up for me?"

"Go ahead, no need to be formal." The nine Ming Jiang laughed.

"The new Nai He Bridge goddess—has she gotten married?"

The nine paused, exchanging glances, then shook their heads in unison.

"Is that so?" Ye Chen frowned, puzzled. If she hadn't married, where did the child come from? Unwed and with a child?

"Be honest with us, have you got your eye on the Nai He Bridge goddess?" Feng Ming Jiang nudged Ye Chen with a wink.

"Why ask? It's all over the underworld that the ancient Ming Jiang spends his days at the Nai He Bridge."

"Good taste." Tu Ming Jiang gave Ye Chen a thumbs-up. "When you get married, don't forget to invite us for the wedding wine."

Ye Chen just smiled. His taste was fine, but he was troubled by where Chu Ling's child came from and who the father was.

As they spoke, the great hall trembled, followed by a commanding voice. "Ye Chen, enter and see me."

Ye Chen stepped forward at once, entering the hall. He was the later arrival, yet Qin Guang Wang saw him first, surprising the guarding ghost kings. What a big face he had! This left the nine Ming Jiang feeling a bit slighted. Still, they took it in stride—who could blame Ye Chen for being such a talent? Qin Guang Wang favoring him was only natural.

Inside the hall, Ye Chen stood still, surveying his surroundings. The palace was immense and grand, with nine massive copper pillars reaching the sky, engraved with intricate ghost patterns. The atmosphere was somber and authoritative, with even the blowing wind carrying a chill. Anyone else entering would shiver.

At the top, Qin Guang Wang sat throne-like, his eyes wide and piercing, fierce and intimidating, embodying the dignity of a Yan Luo and the pressure of a quasi-emperor. The first Yan Luo's reputation was well-earned.

Now, Qin Guang Wang looked like a normal person in size. Ye Chen recalled the time he disrupted the cycle of reincarnation—Qin Guang Wang had been enormous, like a mountain, with eyes like vats, standing tall as a giant. Next to him, Ye Chen had been like a mere insect.

Yet, even so, Ye Chen didn't waver in his own presence. He had slain an emperor before, carrying the aura of imperial malice within him. No mere authority could intimidate him—Qin Guang Wang's show of power was ineffective.

"What brings you to seek me?" Qin Guang Wang looked down from above, his voice like thunder, shaking the entire hall.

"I humbly request that Qin Guang Wang issue an order to release the new Nai He Bridge goddess." Ye Chen bowed with his hands clasped.

"The reason." Qin Guang Wang said calmly, stroking his beard.

"She is my wife. I want to take her away." Ye Chen spoke directly, meeting Qin Guang Wang's gaze with sincerity.