Chapter 2442: First Meeting

"This is the mission, and that's the long and short of it," Mingtu Dizi shrugged.

Ye Chen said nothing, casually pulling out his wolf-tooth club, which was transformed from the Chaos Great Cauldron. He could tell this guy wasn't unwilling to speak, but was clearly itching for a fight and wanted a beating.

"I really don't know," Mingtu Dizi protested innocently.

"He's not lying," Wangchuan Dinv stepped forward with a light smile. "The true mission is known only to Tianxu Dizi. As for the rest of us, we aren't qualified."

"Go ask Tianxu; he'll definitely tell you."

Lianyu Dizi said meaningfully, his eyes filled with poorly concealed anticipation. He genuinely wanted to see this Sacred Body clash with Tianxu Dizi—it would be quite the show.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. Truth be told, he was inwardly surprised. Even the Young Emperors weren't qualified to know the mission from the Five Forbidden Zones; it must be an extremely high-level secret.

Naturally, he was even more curious about that Tianxu Dizi.

Clearly, compared to the four before him, Tianxu Dizi was far more terrifying. He must be a powerful Young Emperor, and the fact that only he knew the mission was proof enough.

"Farewell."

The four Young Emperors left those words and abruptly turned to leave. It was truly a case of "no fight, no acquaintance." They now recognized this Sacred Body, seeing what he had created not as enmity but as karma.

As the four departed, Ye Chen slowly walked down as well.

"The show is over."

The spectators also dispersed one after another, still feeling unsatisfied. Their trip to the Ancient Burial Ground hadn't been in vain—they had witnessed the Sacred Body's mighty display, defeating two Young Emperors. Truly domineering.

The figures gradually receded into the distance, heading in all directions to continue their treasure hunts.

"Old Seven, you did great," Kui Niu grinned widely, standing up straight with pride. Having such a powerful brother boosted his confidence immensely; even Young Emperors had to kneel.

Ye Chen waved it off casually, still contemplating the matters of the Forbidden Zones and the mysterious Sacred Body.

"Hey, let's go find some Emperor Essence!" Xiao Yuan Huang scratched his monkey fur, still fixated on Emperor Essence. Along the way, he had been tempted by Kui Niu's Thunder Emperor Essence.

"Let's go." Kui Niu was in high spirits, striding forward with an arrogant gait.

Xiao Yuan Huang scampered after him, while Ye Chen remained silent.

As they walked, their group gained an extra member—Bei Sheng.

The top beauty of Xuanhuang Beiyue, she exuded unparalleled elegance wherever she went.

Kui Niu and Xiao Yuan Huang's eyes sparkled as they considered approaching to flirt, especially Kui Niu, who had gained the Thunder Emperor Essence and felt quite bold. He wasn't afraid of Bei Sheng losing her temper.

Ye Chen glanced sideways, sizing up Bei Sheng.

It had been years since she left the Lingdan Pavilion, and this was his first time seeing her. He felt that this woman had changed somehow—specifically, she now possessed a mysterious power within her, ethereal and elusive, flickering in and out. Even with his insight, he couldn't trace its origin.

"Enjoying the view?" Bei Sheng glanced at him.

Ye Chen stroked his chin, quite certain that Bei Sheng had gained significant fortune over the years. Her figure had improved too, particularly in a certain area—it was even more prominent than before.

"This item, I think you'll like it." Bei Sheng waved her hand and presented a treasure box.

Ye Chen eagerly took it.

Inside the box was a fruit—a purple one, shimmering with crystalline light, brimming with vibrant life force and overflowing with fragrance. Just inhaling it made one feel refreshed.

"Shengling Immortal Fruit?" Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, his eyes lighting up in recognition. This was an immortal fruit that replenished lifespan, beloved by those whose years were running out. Though not extinct in the heavens, it was extremely rare and served as an ingredient for refining Soul-Returning Pills.

"That smells pretty good," Xiao Yuan Huang licked his lips.

"Wouldn't hurt to take a bite," Kui Niu stroked his chin.

In the end, these two scoundrels were each kicked away by Ye Chen. I wanted to take a bite myself! Fruits like this were basically ruined after one bite.

Ye Chen chuckled and sealed the immortal fruit into his Chaos Small Realm.

Bei Sheng watched and rolled her eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of resentment, as if to say: I gave you such a precious treasure, and you're not planning to give me anything in return?

Ye Chen seemed to read her meaning and thought he should give something.

So, he began rummaging through his storage bag, pulling out a Quasi-Emperor level immortal sword but reluctantly putting it back; then an ancient divine mirror, which he also hesitated over and tucked away. He continued searching.

Finally, he took out another treasure box and handed it to Bei Sheng.

This box was undoubtedly precious, made of Linglong Immortal Jade, engraved with ancient immortal patterns, radiating flowing light and a captivating fragrance.

"Wow, Linglong Immortal Jade," Kui Niu's eyes lit up.

"The box is made of immortal jade, so what's inside must be a great treasure," Xiao Yuan Huang stroked his chin, his fiery golden eyes shining even brighter than Kui Niu's.

"This is more like it."

Bei Sheng smiled and accepted it without hesitation, assuming that whatever was inside must be an extraordinary treasure to match a box made of Linglong Immortal Jade.

Unfortunately, she had underestimated Ye Chen's nature. The box was indeed Linglong and extremely valuable, but what was inside was something rather odd.

The so-called odd item was a pile of powdery substance—yes, the legendary specialty of Great Chu, in generous quantity. Its aroma was quite invigorating.

Now, not just Bei Sheng, but even Xiao Yuan Huang and Kui Niu, were twitching their mouths.

Why else would they call Ye Chen a talent? He had used such a precious box to hold Huanxi Powder. In an instant, the value of his Great Chu specialty skyrocketed several levels.

"A special refinement, one of a kind in the world," Ye Chen said deeply.

Bei Sheng's face had already turned red, whether from anger or embarrassment. She nearly choked and ascended on the spot. I gave you a Shengling Immortal Fruit, and you give me a box of specialties? Is that appropriate? Do I look like someone who needs specialties?

In the end, she didn't know Ye Chen well enough.

Recalling the past, this Great Chu Emperor had even used Di Huang's fresh blood as a chamber pot. Compared to that, this was nothing. There was no absurd thing he wouldn't do.

"Try the special blend!" Kui Niu said with a grin, looking at Bei Sheng.

"Get lost!" Bei Sheng was furious and hurled the treasure box at Kui Niu's face.

Xiao Yuan Huang was quick to react, picking up the box and stuffing it into his own small world. The whole motion was seamless, clearly implying: It's mine now, whoever wants it can fight me.

"How about this sword for you?" Ye Chen pulled out the immortal sword again.

"Keep it for yourself!" Bei Sheng's face grew even redder, her chest heaving as if she might explode if she didn't catch her breath. She looked ready to kill.

"Give it to me."

"You wish—it's mine!"

Kui Niu and Xiao Yuan Huang started bickering, nearly coming to blows over the box.

Ye Chen ignored them and suddenly stopped, closing his eyes slightly. He had caught a familiar scent again—faint and elusive, now here, now there. It was the aura of the mysterious Sacred Body.

Without thinking further, he soared into the sky, heading in that direction.

The three exchanged glances, then gave up on the box and their sulking, hurrying after him. When Ye Chen wasn't being serious, he was unreliable, but when he was, he was very reliable.

The four moved one after another, crossing rugged mountains and vast plains, before landing in front of an ancient city.

This ancient city was vast but weathered and ancient, its towering walls etched with scars from blades, spears, swords, and halberds. It was clear it had seen battles. The city towers were crumbling, with tiles falling, thoroughly dilapidated and eroded by time.

"Treasures here?" Xiao Yuan Huang looked at Ye Chen.

"Stay alert," Ye Chen said calmly, gripping his blood-stained Emperor Sword as he entered the city first. If even he was like this, the others had no need to mention it. Clearly, something terrifying lurked in the city.

As soon as they entered, a chilling wind blew, and the city was dim, as if covered by a layer of mist. Along the streets, stalls could be seen, but they were in disarray, covered in dust from the ages, confirming that this ancient city had once been ravaged by war.

Ye Chen walked steadily, scanning his surroundings as the winds carried eerie ghost howls. Along the way, he even spotted a couple of evil spirit-like souls.

In contrast, Kui Niu and Xiao Yuan Huang were restless, kicking at the debris on the street as they went. Their actions made them look like a pair of bandits—arrogant ones at that.

"What are you looking for?" Bei Sheng frowned, glancing sideways at Ye Chen.

"The Sacred Body," Ye Chen replied via voice transmission.

"The Sacred Body?" Bei Sheng's lingering anger was instantly doused by surprise. She knew this era had three Sacred Bodies: Di Huang, Hongyan, and Ye Chen. But from Ye Chen's words, there was a fourth one, and it was an enemy, not a friend—otherwise, Ye Chen wouldn't be holding a broken Emperor Sword. This wasn't about finding someone; it was about fighting.

Buzz!

As she marveled, space twisted.

Then, a blurry figure slowly materialized, cloaked in black robes, his body sometimes illusory and sometimes solid, like a ghost. He emitted no cultivator's aura, yet his presence made Bei Sheng, Kui Niu, and Xiao Yuan Huang tremble.

Only Ye Chen stood still, silently staring at the black-robed figure. He couldn't see his face, but he could see those eyes—devoid of pupils, like two black voids, utterly terrifying.

In that instant, Ye Chen's mind shook as well.

Also in that instant, his origin stirred, and his bloodline pulsed. He knew without asking that this was the mysterious Sacred Body, the first type, innately in a bloodline limit state. Though it revealed no aura, it was frighteningly powerful.

"Those eyes," Bei Sheng murmured softly, her brows furrowing deeper.

"How are they so like the bloodline limit?" Kui Niu and Xiao Yuan Huang both spoke up.

Ye Chen remained silent, just staring at the mysterious Sacred Body. He could clearly sense its bloodline; its origin was purer than his own. As fellow Sacred Bodies, facing this one made him feel like he was the counterfeit.

"Ant."

The mysterious Sacred Body let out a faint laugh, his form ethereal and desolate, yet exuding immense pressure, like a king issuing a decree, carrying supreme demonic power that made any subject think twice about defiance.

"Senior, could we sit and talk?" Ye Chen spoke up, his tone fairly humble. He was certain this mysterious Sacred Body's seniority surpassed even Di Huang, so calling him senior was fitting.

"You have no qualification."

The mysterious Sacred Body stepped forward from the sky and struck down with a palm.