Chapter 1813

Tian Long Ancient City stood majestic and imposing, exuding an aura of ancient desolation. It had witnessed the passage of time and the rise and fall of Da Chu.

From a bird's-eye view in the virtual sky, it resembled a giant dragon coiled and dominating the eight wastelands. From afar, it appeared like a celestial city in the mortal world.

The homeland of Xuan Huang, immortal in the world, it stood as a towering monument, revered by all living beings and celebrated through the ages.

Ye Chen descended from the air, his demeanor relaxed and unhurried, as he stepped inside.

Under the morning light, Tian Long City bustled with activity. Crowds thronged the streets, with vendors hawking their wares, showcasing the vibrancy of human life.

As Ye Chen wandered through the crowds, his mind drifted into a daze. Visiting this city always stirred memories of the past.

It was here that he had obtained the Da Luo Divine Iron.

And it was also here that he first encountered Nan Ming Yu Shu, leading to a twist of fate born from coincidence.

Retracing the paths he had walked before filled him with endless emotions.

The seas had turned to fields, and time had transformed everything. The young cultivator of yesteryear had become the emperor of Da Chu, his name resounding across the myriad domains and heavens.

People aged as they journeyed through life. Like him now, he appeared young, yet his hair had long since turned white.

"That... that is..." A passerby exclaimed in surprise, seemingly recognizing Ye Chen. But before they could bow, Ye Chen had already vanished.

At the center of Tian Long Ancient City lay a cluster of ethereal immortal mountains.

Deep within the mountains was a secluded grove, peaceful and serene. Amid the bamboo grove stood a spiritual pool, radiating brilliant colors.

Before the pool stood a imposing figure, tall and robust like an unyielding mountain, resistant to any force.

It was Xuan Huang, the emperor of Da Chu, the father of Nan Ming Yu Shu, and the founder of the Chaos Wuji Dao.

"I have seen Xuan Huang."

Ye Chen bowed with his hands clasped, as a fellow emperor of Da Chu, always holding reverence for his predecessors.

"No need for formalities."

Xuan Huang smiled warmly, his expression kind and benevolent.

Ye Chen stepped forward and stood beside Xuan Huang, gazing at the spiritual pool.

Within the pool floated a woman, her form ethereal and illusory, like a soul clad in wedding attire, resting peacefully.

Her beauty was unparalleled, her dark hair shimmering with radiance, untouched by the mundane world and free from earthly dust.

Nan Ming Yu Shu, the devoted woman who had traded her life for another's.

Gazing at her, Ye Chen felt a sharp pain in his heart. He wondered what merit he possessed to deserve a woman who willingly gave her life to extend his three years of yang lifespan, smiling serenely even in death.

An unprecedented wave of guilt overwhelmed his mind.

He owed her not just a life, but a destined bond.

Like him, Xuan Huang at his side was also filled with guilt.

The emperor of Da Chu, revered and worshiped by millions, was not a good father.

The words of the Human King still echoed in his ears.

To save him, it required sacrificing a woman who loved him, offering her life essence as the only method.

There were many women who loved him; any one could be chosen, and they would sacrifice themselves without hesitation.

But he was the emperor of Da Chu! Bearing glory and the duty to protect all living beings, if a woman had to be sacrificed, he would rather choose his own daughter.

His daughter did not disgrace the imperial legacy. She smiled as she put on the wedding attire and smiled as she stepped onto the altar.

Fortunately, Nan Ming Yu Shu still lived. At the brink of death, Ye Chen had merged his last trace of spirit into her soul.

That trace reignited her life flame.

Now, she lived, and the one she loved had returned from reincarnation. The ill-fated couple could continue their bond.

With a final smile, Xuan Huang turned and left the bamboo grove for Ye Chen and his daughter. "I will wait for you at Tian Xuan Gate."

Ye Chen remained silent, only gazing at her quietly, his guilt deepening.

Suddenly, he stepped into the spiritual pool. Within it lay a hidden realm, its waters formed of primordial spirit power, nourishing her soul.

"Yu Shu, Ye Chen has returned."

Ye Chen smiled.

"Do not forget to marry me."

From the void, a faint laughter echoed, clear and ethereal, more melodious than any immortal tune.

"Through the ages, my vow remains unshakable."

Ye Chen smiled tenderly, his promise to her for a lifetime.

Then, he summoned the bronze furnace, pulling out the primordial spirit of the Qiong Qi Quasi-Emperor and suspending it in midair.

After the battle across the heavens, he had brought back the primordial spirits of all the prehistoric clan members he had captured, intending to put them to great use.

"The prehistoric clans will not let you go."

The Qiong Qi Quasi-Emperor gritted his teeth, his eyes fierce and sinister, like a malevolent ghost.

"The entire prehistoric realm owes Da Chu a life debt."

Ye Chen snorted coldly and struck out with a palm.

Screams erupted, shrill and piercing. Even a Quasi-Emperor-level primordial spirit was as insignificant as an ant before him.

Ye Chen showed no mercy, his methods ruthless. He erased the Qiong Qi's consciousness, leaving only the pure primordial spirit essence, which he held in his hand.

This was the primordial spirit power of a Quasi-Emperor from the prehistoric clans, among the first beings of heaven and earth. Its source energy was unparalleled, containing endless essence.

"Come, let this supplement you."

Ye Chen laughed, molding the spirit essence into a mass and merging it into Nan Ming Yu Shu's soul.

As the spirit essence integrated, her soul was instantly enveloped in a layer of multicolored divine light, dazzling and magnificent.

Strands of spirit essence flowed into her soul body, elevating her soul power and making her soul more substantial.

Ye Chen did not dare overdo it, as Nan Ming Yu Shu was still weak. After fusing one strand, he stopped.

She was alive, and reforming her primordial spirit was only a matter of time. With an abundance of prehistoric primordial spirits, this was a heaven-defying act of creation. Her return would make her even more formidable than before.

Only after finishing did Ye Chen exit the spiritual pool. He stood under an ancient tree, took out his wine gourd, and drank quietly while watching.

"I see I've come at an inopportune time. I hope I haven't disturbed you two."

Laughter rang out as a figure entered—a young man.

Ye Chen turned his head and recognized him. Who else could it be but the son of the Zhan Wang? Xiao Chen's name was renowned throughout the heavens.

Back at the Ling Mountain in the Western Desert, Xiao Chen had slain the demon clan's divine child, making the Thunder Battle Body's fame known to the world.

"What brings you here?"

Ye Chen tossed him a wine flask. "Or could it be that you fancy this young lady?"

"Ye brother, don't jest. I was just passing by."

Xiao Chen chuckled lightly, glanced at the spiritual pool, and stood under the ancient tree.

"Yesterday at Heng Yue, there were too many people, and you left in such a hurry. I forgot to mention something to you."

Ye Chen said with a smile.

"Good news or bad?"

Xiao Chen brushed off some dust and sat down.

"Zhan Shen Xing Tian."

Ye Chen smiled mysteriously.

At those words, Xiao Chen, who had just sat down, abruptly stood up, his deep eyes flashing with brilliant light.

Zhan Shen Xing Tian—who in the heavens did not know him? The great god from the prehistoric era, the ancestor of the battle body lineage.

The legends of Zhan Shen had become immortal myths. It was said that a peak Quasi-Emperor prehistoric battle body could even fight against an emperor.

In terms of bloodline, his Thunder Battle Body paled in comparison to the prehistoric battle body, with no grounds for comparison.

Xiao Chen's eyes grew even deeper as he stared at Ye Chen, unsure of the implication behind mentioning Zhan Shen.

"I have seen Zhan Shen."

Ye Chen laughed. "More precisely, it was Zhan Shen's head, hidden on an ancient star."

"Zhan Shen's head?"

Xiao Chen could hardly believe it. The war god had perished for eons, yet his head still existed.

"I must congratulate you. Your heaven-defying opportunity has arrived."

Ye Chen sat down leisurely and continued, "Zhan Shen entrusted me to find a living battle body heir to pass on his legacy and continue the legend of the war god."

Xiao Chen's body trembled, whether from shock or excitement, as his eyes gleamed with golden light.

Clearly, Ye Chen intended for him to inherit the war god's legacy, which was an absolute heaven-defying fortune for him.

"This is the star chart coordinates."

Ye Chen handed over a jade stone, along with a storage bag. "Inside is a Quasi-Emperor weapon. Fuse it into your body and stay safe on your journey."

"Thank you."

Xiao Chen laughed, his expression filled with excitement. He took the jade stone and storage bag, then turned and left the bamboo grove.

In a way, Ye Chen was truly his benefactor.

This opportunity he received was the fortune of his previous life. How many dreamed of such a chance, yet it had fallen to him.

Watching Xiao Chen's retreating figure, Ye Chen could not help but smile.

He was celebrating for Da Chu, for in the near future, the younger generation of Da Chu would gain another prodigy.

The inheritance of Zhan Shen Xing Tian was of heaven-defying level, incredibly dominant. Once revealed, it would shock the world.

Ye Chen withdrew his gaze and sat cross-legged, gently closing his eyes.

The small bamboo grove fell into tranquility. Nan Ming Yu Shu was condensing her soul, while he was comprehending the Dao. His Saint Body divine treasury contained boundless Dao essence.

He did not know when, but night quietly descended. The brilliant starlight and pure moonlight scattered over the two of them.

Ye Chen sat like this for a long time, a full nine days. His mind had already been drawn into a profound and mysterious state.

Another peaceful night arrived, and someone entered the bamboo grove from outside.

Two young men, one on each side—one with an imposing presence, the other with a relaxed demeanor—both extraordinary.

Upon closer inspection, they were Long Teng, the son of Tai Wang, and Zhou Tian Yi, the son of Dong Huang. They were also passing by and came to visit.

"I told you Ye Chen was here."

As soon as they entered, Long Teng laughed, spotting Ye Chen in his state of comprehension.

"His bloodline and origin are several times more refined than in the past."

Zhou Tian Yi said with a smile, "It truly is a fortune each time he dies—a transformation and rebirth through annihilation."

"Now, even if all us emperor descendants combined, we might not be his match."

Long Teng chuckled awkwardly.

Zhou Tian Yi shook his head with a smile. Who could rival the one who had sealed the position of Da Chu emperor and slain a great emperor among his peers?

The two chatted and laughed but did not leave. One held a wine flask, as if waiting for Ye Chen to awaken so they could talk.

But this wait was not short—three days in the blink of an eye.

It was not until the fourth night's evening that they saw his sacred body tremble slightly.

Then, a strand of brilliant golden light flew out from his body, forming another human shape beside him.

That human shape, in appearance, features, demeanor, cultivation, origin, and Dao essence, was identical to him.

Or rather, it was another version of him, like a perfect copy, with no differences whatsoever.

"One Qi Transforms into Three Purities?"

Long Teng raised an eyebrow.

"I heard Ye Chen had self-severed this divine ability, yet it's been revived?"

Zhou Tian Yi said.

"Another Saint Body divine treasury."

At the peak of Ming Mountain in the Nether Realm, the Ming Emperor was watching, sighing, "This kid's talent is truly heaven-defying. How long has it been, and he's already comprehended three divine treasuries in succession? Far superior to you in your prime."

"You'll get used to it."

Di Huang laughed casually, showing no surprise, for Ye Chen had done too many shocking things—like slaying an emperor—and compared to that, this was nothing.