Chapter 2501: Fire Trees and Silver Flowers

Upon hearing the words, many disciples looked up. "Has the Shenzi emerged from seclusion?"

"Look! That prodigy couldn't hold back any longer." The true disciples of Hua Shan stood with their hands behind their backs, atop the mountain peaks, gazing toward Feng Tian Tai with sharp, bright eyes, eager for the spectacle.

"As expected." Many elders stroked their beards, showing no surprise at the Hua Shan Shenzi challenging Ye Chen. Before Ye Chen arrived at Hua Shan, the Shenzi had been the sect's most brilliant disciple, unmatched. Now, a sudden upstart like this stone spirit had stolen all his glory. It was no wonder he couldn't accept it—this battle was inevitable from the start.

"I wonder how he'd fare against the Shenzi after flicking Hua Yang away with one finger."

"The Shenzi is no ordinary first true disciple—he can't be dealt with in a single finger."

"What turbulent times! So many major events. This fight is bound to be extraordinary."

Early morning on Hua Shan should have been peaceful and serene, but this duel had stirred up a massive uproar. Every mountain peak was buzzing with discussion, and shadows flitted along every mountain path as people gathered toward Feng Tian Tai. How could anyone miss such a magnificent battle?

"That Shenzi of theirs isn't acting honorably!"

On Chi Yan Peak, Tai Bai Jin Xing snorted. He had met the Hua Shan Shenzi before. Though the Shenzi was at the Saint level in this scattered immortal realm, he was actually a suppressed Quasi-Emperor. Challenging a newly risen minor Saint like this was outright bullying.

"The victor is still uncertain."

Compared to Tai Bai, Tai Yi's expression was more profound. He understood Ye Chen better—Ye Chen's comprehension of the Dao was exceptionally high. Since arriving at Hua Shan, Ye Chen's legends had been everywhere: the Dao Jing recognizing him as its master, separating the Emperor's essence, breaking through four realms in a day, and producing eight pills in one furnace. All of it was mythical. And earlier, he had flicked away the first true disciple with one finger—his combat power was undeniable.

Ye Chen set down his carving knife and ascended step by step, heading straight for his destination.

From behind, he exuded an increasingly imposing aura. In this suppressed realm, he feared no one. Even if a Great Emperor were suppressed to the Saint level, he'd still fight without hesitation. If a simple flick didn't work, he'd try his Great Falling Stele Hand and send them flying to the ninth heaven.

"Little Stone, you're going the wrong way! Feng Tian Tai is over there." A disciple called out from below, pointing in the right direction and completely ruining his cool demeanor.

Ye Chen coughed awkwardly and made a sharp turn.

"Hurry, hurry!" The disciples swarmed forward in waves, heading toward Feng Tian Tai, with many elders following, hands behind their backs, ready to be faithful spectators.

"We can't miss this." Tai Yi and Tai Bai stroked their beards and made their way over, clutching the Dao Jing. For them, watching the excitement was more important than enlightenment—Hua Shan's dramas were the best.

"With the Shenzi's temperament, he won't back down." On Qian Kun Peak, the Hua Shan Xianzi murmured softly. She didn't go to Feng Tian Tai; from her vantage point at the mountain's summit, she could see everything clearly.

"It might do him good to suffer a bit."

The Hua Shan Zhenren replied calmly, leisurely brewing tea. He didn't need to watch to know the Shenzi wasn't a match for Ye Chen. Since Ye Chen could flick away Hua Yang, the Shenzi couldn't do the same. That fact alone decided the outcome—no need for the fight to begin.

Feng Tian Tai was already packed with people, crowds filling every side, the mountaintops, and the skies. Disciples and elders alike had taken their positions, all set to enjoy the show.

This platform wasn't for everyone; only true disciples and above could step onto it for battles. Ordinary disciples dueled at Feng Yun Tai instead.

On the stage stood a figure in purple robes, standing gracefully with eyes slightly closed and hands behind his back. His robes fluttered, and his black hair cascaded like a waterfall, each strand glowing with light. Immortal radiance enveloped him, making him resemble an ancient deity accompanied by mystical visions.

He was the Hua Shan Shenzi, a renowned figure among his generation in the scattered immortal realm and even the entire heaven realm. He was Hua Shan's designated next sect leader.

However, Ye Chen's arrival had disrupted that plan. The next sect leader was now uncertain, as the Hua Shan Zhenren's actions had made everything clear.

"He's even more formidable than before." The true disciples sighed with admiration, their eyes filled with wariness. Only the Shenzi and Shen Nü could evoke such feelings from them—not even the first true disciple, Hua Yang, was an exception.

"I don't believe he could flick you away with one finger." The Hua Shan Shen Nü spoke lightly, her voice clear and melodious. She was stunningly beautiful, with a graceful and sacred presence, like a flawless fairy from the nine heavens.

Her words were directed at Hua Yang. Among Hua Shan's disciples, she ranked second in combat power, with Hua Yang as the third. As the first true disciple, he had been flicked away by a newly risen minor Saint—how could she believe it?

"I haven't truly fought him, so I don't know how terrifying he is." Hua Yang smiled, taking his defeat in stride. Mentioning Ye Chen's name, a hint of awe appeared in his eyes.

The Hua Shan Shen Nü raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly seeing the awe in Hua Yang's eyes. It was the first time she'd seen him like this, even in front of the Shenzi or Shen Nü. This sparked her interest in Ye Chen—who exactly was this mysterious figure that had intimidated Hua Shan's top disciple so?

"The Dao Jing recognizing him as master, separating the Emperor's essence, breaking four realms in a day, producing eight pills in one furnace—he's no ordinary prodigy." A female true disciple said meaningfully.

"Then I really must witness this." The Hua Shan Shen Nü laughed. After years of seclusion, emerging to such endless surprises, the entire Hua Shan was abuzz with tales of the little stone spirit. She was shocked, for Ye Chen's feats were unprecedented in Hua Shan's history.

"He's here." Hua Yang suddenly spoke, taking a deep breath as his eyes grew deeper and more focused. He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Under everyone's gaze, Ye Chen descended from the sky and landed on Feng Tian Tai. His aura was perfectly harmonious, devoid of any cultivator's energy, like an ordinary person. Though the Dao Jing wasn't with him, the sounds of the Great Dao echoed around him—it was his own Dao, with faint traces of Dao principles appearing.

"Truly extraordinary." The Hua Shan Shen Nü murmured, not overawed by his presence but impressed by his Dao essence. This little stone spirit's comprehension of the Dao surpassed hers. For a newly risen Saint to achieve this was astonishing.

"I've been waiting for you." The Hua Shan Shenzi said calmly, opening his eyes.

Instantly, two beams of tangible divine light shot from his eyes, piercing through space. His divine eyes embodied the Dao, recklessly probing Ye Chen.

After three years of seclusion, his Dao comprehension had advanced further. He believed no Hua Shan disciple could match him and saw himself as the undeniable next sect leader.

Yet, his emergence had been overshadowed by one legend after another.

A figure named Ye Chen—a little stone spirit—had the Dao Jing recognize him as master, separated the Emperor's essence, broke four realms in a day, and produced eight pills in one furnace. These myths had elevated him to the peak. The Hua Shan Zhenren favored him immensely, granting tokens, mountains, treasures, and divine metals. The intent was clear: to pass on Hua Shan's legacy to him.

How could the Shenzi accept this?

As Hua Shan's most brilliant Shenzi in history, no one should overshadow his glory. How could he tolerate a little stone spirit rising above him?

Thus, this duel had come about.

He would defeat Ye Chen in front of all of Hua Shan, declaring to the Zhenren, the peak masters, and the elders that he was the best choice for the next sect leader.

His gaze was sharp, but Ye Chen's eyes held a strange look.

"It's actually the Zi Fu Immortal Body."

Ye Chen murmured in surprise, recognizing that the Hua Shan Shenzi's bloodline was the heaven-defying immortal body. He knew of one in the various heavens, but it was from the younger generation. He never expected to find a Zi Fu Immortal Body in the heaven realm, and as Hua Shan's Shenzi no less. No wonder he was so arrogant.

Opposite him, the Hua Shan Shenzi raised his hand, holding up three fingers, clearly meaning: I'll defeat you in three moves.

Seeing him raise fingers, the disciples and elders in the audience felt it was odd, especially Hua Yang, who felt awkward. When he had challenged Ye Chen, he too had raised fingers—and more shamelessly, just one.

In the end, the little stone spirit had taught him a lesson with a single flick.

Now, with the Shenzi raising three, his fate would likely be the same.

Ye Chen, however, remained composed and unruffled. Unlike his fight with Hua Yang, he didn't raise any fingers. It wasn't a lack of confidence in defeating the Shenzi in three moves; he just didn't want to show off. He'd already caused enough stir—better to stay low-key. It wasn't time to reveal his full strength yet; he had his own plans, all for preparing to go to the Heavenly Court.

The Hua Shan Shenzi's lips curved slightly, not attacking yet. He simply shook his immortal body.

Immediately, the entire Feng Tian Tai trembled. Cracks appeared on the platform as tiny sprouts burst from the soil, flames swirling around them. They grew visibly into trunks and branches, with silver flowers blooming radiantly, shrouded in immortal light.

Before the world's eyes, the platform became covered in towering ancient trees—truly a scene of Huo Shu Yin Hua.

The spectators' eyes shone brightly. They hadn't seen the Shenzi form seals or use any divine abilities; he had simply conjured this stunning scene. If it were them, they couldn't do it—nor could Hua Yang and the others. This was the gap between true disciples and the Shenzi.

But these weren't ordinary trees; they were both an array and a vision, carrying sealing and destructive power. The Shenzi's Dao was based on arrays and intent: trapping the body and dissolving the spirit.

"Three years of seclusion weren't wasted on you." The Hua Shan Shen Nü laughed, knowing full well how terrifying this technique was. Back on Feng Tian Tai, she had suffered a major loss from it.

"What a profound Dao." Tai Bai Jin Xing couldn't help but sigh.

"After three years, we see the Shenzi display Huo Shu Yin Hua again." The disciples' eyes sparkled with excitement, and many pulled out memory crystals to record the scene.

"How will the little stone handle this?" The elders stroked their beards, watching Ye Chen.

Ye Chen stood firmly, calm and at ease, sensing two forces sealing his body and spirit. An ordinary Saint would struggle against this technique and be completely destroyed. The Hua Shan Shenzi indeed had some skill; he'd be a talent even in the various heavens.

Unfortunately, Ye Chen wasn't an ordinary Saint.

"What a fine Huo Shu Yin Hua."

Ye Chen smiled, not moving or forming seals. He simply willed it.

The heavens and earth shook as fiery red Bi An flowers bloomed with vibrant petals, covering Feng Tian Tai. Each flower and leaf embodied his Dao.

"Is that... Bi An flowers?" The disciples exclaimed in surprise. They had never seen real Bi An flowers, only read about them in ancient texts. Legend said these vibrant red blooms grew along the Yellow Springs Road, where flowers never met leaves, forever missing each other through lifetimes.

"What beautiful flowers." Not just the female disciples, but even the female elders gazed at them with mesmerized eyes. The Bi An flowers were so stunning they outshone all worldly blooms.

"Has this little stone seen real Bi An flowers?" The Hua Shan Xianzi, watching from the shadows, furrowed her brows slightly, captivated by the red flowers. She had only heard of them, never seen them.

Even the tea-brewing Hua Shan Zhenren glanced over. Clearly, Ye Chen had seen true Bi An flowers; otherwise, how could he manifest such a vision?

The Hua Shan Shenzi narrowed his eyes. Ye Chen's Bi An flowers were even more profound than his Huo Shu Yin Hua, carrying an irresistible, mysterious power.

The vast platform grew more splendid with the Bi An flowers, creating a dreamlike scene of flowers versus trees, Dao against Dao.

Indeed, the Hua Shan Shenzi's Huo Shu Yin Hua was defeated. The silver flowers withered one by one, and the fire trees decayed, their Dao essence dissipating completely.

Now, only the Bi An flowers remained on the platform, blooming as if real yet illusory.

"I underestimated you." The Hua Shan Shenzi snorted coldly and vanished in an instant, no longer showing off techniques. He charged directly, reappearing in front of Ye Chen and slashing down with a palm blade.

Ye Chen said nothing, sidestepping the attack and countering with a palm strike. He wasn't fighting at full strength, deliberately slowing slightly to give an opening.

The Shenzi wouldn't miss it. He dodged and poked a finger into Ye Chen, piercing a bloody hole. It looked like he aimed to follow up with another palm.

But awkwardly, Ye Chen's fist was harder. After taking the hit, he retaliated, shattering the Shenzi's shoulder bone. Not wanting to show off didn't mean he wouldn't fight back.

In that exchange, both landed blows, each with gains and losses. Perhaps due to speed, the disciples with weaker vision couldn't see clearly, but the elders' keen eyes gleamed with insight.

"Two moves down." Di Yuan Zhenren said, hands behind his back.

Two moves had passed, and the Shenzi knew it too, his face turning fierce. He had truly underestimated Ye Chen—not only had he broken the Huo Shu Yin Hua, but his movement techniques were also eerily unpredictable.

Without hesitation, a wisp of purple immortal energy flew out, coiling around him.

It was the Zi Fu Immortal Body's purple immortal energy, also innate Dao energy, incredibly domineering and capable of cutting even an ancient sacred body. It was no ordinary force.

"He's already using the purple immortal energy?" Tai Bai Jin Xing raised an eyebrow.

"He said three moves—if he can't do it, he'd lose face." Tai Yi took a bite of a spirit fruit, disdainfully. "You're really going all out, aren't you?"

What was there to be ashamed of?

That was undoubtedly the Hua Shan Shenzi's response. To defeat the little stone in three moves, he no longer cared about pride. Unleashing the purple immortal energy, he had no doubt he'd win.

In an instant, the purple immortal energy surged, transforming into a vast purple sea that swallowed everything in its path.