Chapter 2417: A False Alarm

Chapter 2417: Xu Jing Yi Chang

Ye Chen returned to Heng Yue as dawn approached.

The soft, cool morning light cast its first rays across the land, infusing every flower, blade of grass, tree, and bush with vitality. Diligent disciples had already left their rooms, some meditating on cushions, others climbing mountain peaks to absorb the essence of heaven and earth.

A new day brought even more vibrant energy.

Ye Chen smiled as he landed on Yu Nu Peak. Tying on an apron, he stepped up to the stove to prepare breakfast for his wife and children. Bathed in the morning light, he was no longer the emperor of Da Chu or the ancient Saint Body—he was simply an ordinary husband and father.

In that moment, his thoughts became crystal clear. No matter how terrifying his first life had been, no matter whose reincarnation he was, in this life, he was just Ye Chen. He hoped that when he one day reached the peak of the Great Dao, people would remember not only the Emperor Zun, but also the name Ye Chen.

This elevation of his state of mind led to a transformation. In a fleeting moment of distraction, his cultivation loosened, advancing from Quasi-Emperor first level to Quasi-Emperor second level without any warning whatsoever.

Brilliant golden light flashed like a meteor, appearing quickly and vanishing just as fast.

Once the golden light had fully receded into his body, his eyes appeared even deeper.

The Ming Emperor watched with a sigh, muttering that Ye Chen was a monster. It had been only twenty years since he became a Quasi-Emperor, and now he had broken through. This had nothing to do with being the Emperor Zun's reincarnation—it was all from Ye Chen's own enlightenment.

"Reentering the mortal world for recultivation holds great significance for the Emperor Zun." An ethereal voice echoed from the Heavenly Realm, spoken by the Dao Ancestor. It seemed he understood that the Emperor Zun's reincarnation was no accident.

"So, we must go to the Primeval Hong Huang for a look," the Ming Emperor replied calmly, glancing sideways toward the immortal pool of Tian Xuan Gate, his imperial gaze fixed on the beautiful woman there.

Ten thousand years ago, even the Emperor Zun and a million divine generals had been wiped out. Clearly, one Emperor Huang was far from enough. He needed assistance, and that assistance would come from the beautiful woman.

Two fully realized Saint Bodies would be like two supreme beings. Though only two people, their lineup would surpass that of the Emperor Zun and his million divine generals. With them supporting each other, at least their lives would not be in danger.

Squeak!

On Yu Nu Peak, a door opened, and Chu Xuan stepped out, dressed in simple, elegant robes. Her ordinary attire could not hide her ethereal fairy-like aura. Seeing the young master Ye, she smiled warmly.

"That damn Heavenly Tribulation!" Ye Chen complained while showing off his cooking skills. "If not for that tribulation causing trouble, I wouldn't be here obediently frying vegetables. With a wife around, why should I be cooking?"

"You could ask our ninth child—she ignores Heavenly Tribulation," Chu Xuan blinked her beautiful eyes.

"I'm not sure I could bring myself to do it."

"What isn't something you're too embarrassed to do?"

The two chatted happily, making Ji Ning Shuang, who had just stepped out, turn around and go back inside. She had heard every word clearly, and it was awkward so early in the morning.

"She must be shy," Chu Xuan said meaningfully.

"As if I needed you to say that?"

"Am I interrupting you two?" Chu Ling yawned as she stepped out, stretching lazily. Seeing Ye Chen and Chu Xuan deep in conversation, she chimed in with that remark. Already a mother for centuries, she still had a playful air, smiling brightly with her eyes sparkling.

"I have photos of you as a kid, running around bare-bottomed," Ye Chen chuckled.

"Get lost."

"Waking up to a meal ready—how nice."

"Wow, it smells amazing! Is the young master cooking again?"

"How thoughtful."

After Chu Ling, Nan Ming Yu Shu, Liu Ru Yan, and Lin Shi Hua also came out, chatting away like they were performing a comedy routine. The once quiet Yu Nu Peak suddenly bustled with life.

The stove area grew lively. Lin Shi Hua, ever the considerate one, helped by cutting vegetables like the thoughtful junior sister she was. Xi Yan, being playful, didn't do any real work and even sneaked a cucumber now and then. Ji Ning Shuang, more reserved and gentle, was already setting the table.

This scene was quite heartwarming—a peaceful interlude after war, ordinary moments amid chaos, truly precious.

Squeak!

Amid the laughter, another door creaked open, this time from Ye Ling's room.

As everyone watched, what emerged from the room was a pitch-black figure. To be precise, it was a person—a little black chubby one. Exceptionally dark, he stretched lazily and yawned, clearly not fully awake. He might have gotten up just to relieve himself before going back for more sleep.

Silence fell over the lively Yu Nu Peak in an instant.

Time seemed to freeze in that moment. Ye Chen, in the middle of stir-frying, stopped mid-motion. Even Ye Fan and Yang Lan stared in stunned amazement, their expressions a mix of surprise and amusement.

It was obvious that the little black chubby one, Tang San Shao, had spent the night in Ye Ling's room—probably sharing a bed. As for what they might have done, anyone with a brain could guess.

Hey!

The prolonged silence was shattered by Ye Chen's loud scolding. He abandoned the cooking, grabbed Tang San Shao with one hand, and the women all rolled up their sleeves in unison.

Especially Chu Ling—her eyes were already blazing with fury.

Their little cabbage had been "拱ed" by a pig—unforgivable! If he had looked normal, it might have been bearable, but he was a little black chubby one. He looked unpleasant from every angle, and just seeing him made her inexplicably itchy to act.

"Dad, what are you doing?"

Tang San Shao flailed his arms and legs wildly as Ye Chen held him, but he couldn't grab anything.

The word "Dad" not only stunned Ye Chen but also the women—it was Ye Ling's voice, clear and crisp, like a string of notes dancing in the air.

In their bewilderment, Tang San Shao's form changed, transforming into Ye Ling's appearance.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, confirming it was his precious daughter, the real deal. It was a profound transformation technique, a true imperial immortal law that could seize heaven's creation, even mimicking bloodline and origin. If you didn't look closely, even his level of insight could be fooled.

"You're asking for it!" Chu Ling glared fiercely.

Ye Ling chuckled and stuck out her tongue. She had turned into Tang San Shao's form for a reason.

Last night, using the little black chubby's appearance, she had pulled off a big stunt.

The so-called big stunt was beating up the Lie Huo Zhan Ti who had wandered into Da Chu.

As for that little black chubby one, he was currently tied up in some remote mountain corner, hanging from a crooked tree. The one who beat him was the Lie Huo Zhan Ti, and he was left completely baffled, not even knowing why he was getting pummeled.

"What a false alarm."

Ye Chen let out a breath and released Ye Ling. If his precious flower had really ended up with that pile, he might have lost his mind over such a shocking start to the day.

"What a false alarm."

The women all rubbed their brows, seeing Ye Ling's mischievous grin and knowing this little rascal had caused trouble again. She must have tricked Tang San Shao—who knew if that little black chubby was even still alive?

Breakfast was still warm and cozy.

Chu Xuan and the others were there, along with Ye Ling, Ye Fan, and Yang Lan. It was their first big family gathering in twenty years. The past had blood and tears, but now they were at peace—it was no small feat.

"Dad's not reliable, so you two need to step up," Ye Ling acted like the big sister, referring to Ye Fan and Yang Lan, speaking with feigned seriousness. If you didn't know better, you'd think she was a proper person.

This made Ye Fan chuckle wryly.

Yang Lan, meanwhile, buried her little head, her face flushing bright red. "Big sister, we're still just teenagers. Isn't having kids a bit early?"

"Spot on."

Ye Chen stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming. Having a little grandchild early didn't sound bad.

"Spot on."

Surprisingly, the women agreed with Ye Chen. Though there were many on Yu Nu Peak, adding a little baby would make it even livelier. Before they knew it, they might become grandmothers, and a child from Heavenly Tribulation and Heavenly Calamity would surely be adorable.

"Talk about perfect timing!"

Hehehe laughter rang out as a few figures arrived, arms slung over each other's shoulders.

No need to look—they were Xie Yun, Situ Nan, and Xiong Er, those three scoundrels, teaming up to crash the meal, as they often did before.

But they were soon tossed out of Yu Nu Peak. This was a family meal, and outsiders weren't welcome.

Though they left, more visitors arrived, not for food but for a challenge. It was a young man with a powerful physique, his body enveloped in faint, flickering flames. War dragons circled him, and his aura was fiercely dominant, his divine eyes shining brightly with immortal light.

Seeing the newcomer, Ye Ling cleared her throat and stuck out her tongue again. This was the one she had beaten senseless yesterday—the Lie Huo Zhan Ti from the various heavens, a lineage of the war bodies.

"Are you free for a fight?" The Lie Huo Zhan Ti's gaze burned intensely, fixed only on Ye Fan.

"You sure know how to pick your moment, kid," Ye Chen laughed.

"I've been rude—greetings to all the seniors." Realizing his impropriety, the Lie Huo Zhan Ti quickly bowed with clasped hands. This was Da Chu, and Yu Nu Peak was their territory. As a guest, it was best to be proper.

"Have you eaten? Join us for some?" Ye Ling said with a smile.

"That sounds great." The Lie Huo Zhan Ti was straightforward and sat right down, not acting like an outsider at all—he even brought his own bowl and chopsticks. He'd heard the Saint Body was a master chef, so he had to try it.

Ye Chen's expression turned serious and thoughtful. This guy had really adapted to Da Chu customs on his visit—he couldn't tell what was polite anymore. And his appetite was no joke; at the table full of people, he was the one eating the most.

"Senior, does your family need a son-in-law?" The Lie Huo Zhan Ti suddenly looked up, his eyes full of sincerity.

"We do." Ye Chen hadn't spoken yet—it was Chu Ling who answered, smiling slyly. Well, now! Not only crashing for food but also trying to take their little cabbage. Were all the younger generation in the various heavens this direct?

"What do you think of me, senior?" The Lie Huo Zhan Ti put down his bowl and chopsticks, straightened his collar, and sat up straight. Notably, his teeth were strikingly white.

"Not bad," Ye Chen replied casually.

"Can you take a beating?" Ye Ling glanced at the Lie Huo Zhan Ti, her eyes twinkling.

"Pretty well."

"Come on, step outside."

With that, Ye Ling left the table and soared straight out of Heng Yue.

The Lie Huo Zhan Ti was confused and glanced at Ye Chen and the others.

"Some healing pills." Nan Ming Yu Shu, ever considerate, handed him a pill.

"This..."

"Get out here!" Before the Lie Huo Zhan Ti could finish, Ye Ling's impatient call echoed from outside the mountain.

The Lie Huo Zhan Ti coughed, stood up, and stepped out of the peak.