Chapter 2827: I'll Shorten My Life

"Clever me."

In the vast starry sky, Ye Chen held the Changming Lamp in his hand and walked along with a cheerful smile, his acting skills impeccable. Those old fellows were completely baffled, staring in stunned amazement.

That's why it's important to deal with smart people often. Get schemed against enough times, and you'll naturally get wiser. Take their family's Lao Jiu, for example—back in the day, she was all looks and no brains, but now she's not only stunning but sharp as a tack too. Apart from being a bit spacey at times, she's got nothing else wrong. Intelligence is truly a wonderful thing.

Boom!

Suddenly, a tremendous rumble echoed, shaking everything violently. The entire starry sky trembled, and Ye Chen witnessed an elderly quasi-emperor flying by who, due to the shock, lost his balance and took a massive tumble.

"Taigu Honghuang."

Ye Chen murmured softly, instinctively gazing up at the vast expanse. He wasn't sure if it was an illusion or just his deep worry, but it seemed like he could see a tragic scene: a beautiful woman and Di Huang supporting each other, both covered in fresh blood.

Just as he thought, the two of them were in a dire state.

The trio from Zhutian had been on the run day after day, hunted by heavenly demons, intercepted by curse demons, and besieged by the first lineage of sacred bodies. Surviving multiple near-fatal encounters was nothing short of a miraculous legend.

It wasn't until some time later that Ye Chen lowered his gaze, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. Each successive tremor added another layer of mystery to Taigu Honghuang, something he couldn't quite fathom.

"Ye Chen."

The Changming Lamp trembled lightly, as if a voice was calling out—a clear, ethereal female voice, like dancing notes, beautiful and melodious. The flame burned hotter than before, nurturing more spirit within it, and swayed more vigorously.

"It's me."

Ye Chen smiled, knowing it was Beisheng calling him. Since it had a spirit, at certain moments, it would gain awareness, recognizing the world and even him, Ye Chen. It must be the pull of some fated connection.

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes."

A simple exchange became the most romantic words.

Ye Chen continued on his way, using his primordial spirit to gently nurture Jiuli Muxue's spirit all the while. In the future, she would be his wife, the closest person to him.

This romantic gesture, however, infuriated the people of the Jiuli clan.

In the dead of night, the Jiuli Shengzhu led a group straight to Da Chu. Their faces were as dark as could be—none blacker than the others—because some pig had charged into the Jiuli clan and snatched away their little treasure.

Of course, they weren't just angry about that. They were also furious at being tricked by Ye Chen. The mighty Da Chu sovereign, a peak quasi-emperor, was full of schemes! His outstanding acting was so convincing it seemed real.

In the quiet night, Ye Chen returned to Da Chu.

He reappeared in front of the Lingxiao Palace.

Inside the hall, Ruoxi, Chu Xuan, and Chu Ling had all taken on the appearance of children. They hadn't awakened for most of the past ten years, and no one knew when they would or whether this transformation was a blessing or a curse.

After looking away from them, he turned to Ye Ling. His precious daughter was still incredibly diligent, having spent the entire ten years in deep cultivation.

Buzz! Buzz!

The Lingxiao Hall trembled slightly, enveloped in an ancient aura. Its quiver carried a hint of surprise—it was seeing Ye Chen again after ten years, and he seemed different from before, though it couldn't pinpoint how. All it knew was that Ye Chen had become even more unfathomable.

"Oh, you're still alive?"

Along came Renwang, that guy, probably roused from sleep in the middle of the night. He strolled over with his hands tucked in, yawning nonstop, his sleepy eyes hazy and bleary.

Ye Chen glanced at him and found a spot to sit down. The way he looked at Renwang was still askew. I mean, come on! This old bachelor had nothing better to do in the middle of the night. Why not learn from Jianshen or Jiujianxian? They were probably snuggled up with their wives right now.

Renwang sat down too, occasionally stealing glances at Ye Chen without thinking. The Lingxiao Hall had sensed something extraordinary about Ye Chen, and so had he. He felt that Ye Chen had gained something new, though he couldn't say what. For years now, he'd been unable to see through him.

Ye Chen pulled out a wine flask and handed one over.

One was Renwang Fuxi, the other the Da Chu sovereign, both from the Zhoutian lineage. Reunited after ten years, they were like mentors and friends, sharing no words, just quietly drinking. Some things seemed to be understood in the silence.

"Emperor's dharma body."

Renwang finally spoke, seeking an answer.

Ye Chen didn't reply verbally but transmitted a divine sense. Within it were various scenes, mostly from the black hole, including his own state of chaos.

Renwang narrowed his eyes slightly, his brows furrowing.

Without Ye Chen explaining, he had already pieced it together—it must involve the emperor. The emperor's dharma body wouldn't vanish for no reason. Ye Chen was there that day, and connecting it to Ye Chen's identity made it all clear.

In that instant, the way Renwang looked at Ye Chen changed. He realized the emperor's dharma body hadn't disappeared; it had merged into Ye Chen's body without anyone knowing. Yet, even with all his effort, he couldn't detect a trace of it.

"Any unusual feelings?"

Renwang asked again, not glancing sideways.

"The world in my eyes is clearer than before."

Ye Chen replied slowly, not holding anything back.

"The emperor's perspective?"

Renwang murmured to himself. It must be the dharma body's integration granting Ye Chen this gift, gradually giving him aspects of the emperor's vision. In the future, there might be other opportunities—perhaps even heaven-defying fortunes.

"Can you see that gate now?"

Renwang asked once more—this was the second time.

Ye Chen sighed and shook his head gently.

Renwang felt helpless, or rather, frustrated. Ye Chen was the reincarnation of the emperor, and his cultivation was tied to the emperor's mark. In a way, the higher Ye Chen's level, the weaker the emperor's suppression. If he reached quasi-emperor perfection, it would be a monumental event for Zhutian, potentially adding not just a great sacred body but possibly even a great emperor.

Of course, that didn't mean Zhutian wouldn't produce an emperor if Ye Chen didn't advance—it would just be much harder. Even a slight increase in pressure could lead to total destruction, as the emperor's tribulation was no ordinary ordeal.

That's why most peak quasi-emperors at the strongest level were basically waiting. Those who knew his identity were all waiting for him to reach quasi-emperor perfection. If they were going to fight for it, they'd choose the most opportune moment—the chance was only once.

Unfortunately, achieving sacred body greatness was as difficult as proving the dao to become an emperor. Not everyone could afford to wait, especially those whose lifespan was running out—they were everywhere, beyond the help of medicine, forced to face the tribulation.

"Time to go."

After finishing two flasks of wine, Ye Chen stood up, brushed the dust off himself, and gradually vanished from Renwang's sight. His slender back looked a bit desolate.

"Am I expecting too much from you?"

Behind him, Renwang muttered with his hands tucked away. At just over a thousand years old, demanding he reach greatness was a bit unreasonable. Creating a myth was incredibly tough.

By now, Ye Chen had entered the small bamboo grove. He glanced at Hongchen and Liudao—the two were sleeping peacefully. They were so calm when quiet, but rowdy when roused, and utterly merciless when they lost their temper.

He arrived quickly and left just as fast.

On the mountain path, he spotted Chimai Xie Shen, accompanied by Haomie Shenwang. They looked quite the pair, as if they'd known he was returning and waited here just to say a simple thank you.

"With the flowers in full bloom and the moon so round, why are you standing here?"

Ye Chen asked with a smile, hands tucked away.

"Thank you."

Xie Mo bowed respectfully, without a hint of jest, and Mu Liuqing did the same, offering a sincere bow of gratitude. It was Ye Chen who had brought them back to the mortal world.

"Don't do that; it'll shorten my life."

Ye Chen chuckled and walked past lightly.

These two primordial-level great gods had such high seniority that, unless it was a great emperor, no one could bear their respect. There was a subtle force at play that could turn into a law. Like when he had paid respects to Yang Ge Lao in the past, the incense wouldn't light—not because it couldn't, but because Yang Ge Lao couldn't accept it.

The situation now was similar. In the moment Xie Mo and the others bowed, Ye Chen felt a slight oppression. If this were a minor heavenly realm cultivator, their bow could have been fatal.

"Nothing much to give, but take this."

Ye Chen walked a couple of steps, then turned back, secretly slipping a packet of powdered substance to Mu Liuqing. As the Dan Sheng's work, it had to be top-notch.

"Get lost."

Xie Mo's kick was delivered with dominating flair. Not having seen him in ten years, he'd thought this guy had straightened up a bit, but he was still the same—always carrying "specialties" wherever he went.

"You call that a kick?"

Ye Chen's face darkened a little. Forget the specialties; let's talk about back in the day when you played that chaotic love tune on your instrument—it was smoother than me giving gifts. As a senior, you set a fine example for us juniors.

If the main beam isn't straight, how can the crossbeam be?

"He's got issues; don't mind him."

Xie Mo felt a bit guilty and dragged Mu Liuqing away.

The word "issues" was spot-on, making Ye Chen take a deep breath, regretting not giving specialties earlier. He should have given laxatives instead, so your husband couldn't stand up straight for three months. You say I've got issues? You're the most twisted in all of Zhutian. Count up how many normal things you've done.

When he arrived at Yunu Peak, it was already packed with people.

The Jiuli Shengzhu and his group had arrived—all elders, making quite a scene and causing a racket, waking up the Hengyue people and surrounding his Yunu Peak completely.

"If I'm not mistaken, these guys are here to cause trouble."

"Having friends visit from afar—what joy!"

Xie Yun grabbed his weapon and yawned, wiping it with his sleeve. He'd been sleeping soundly when he was suddenly awakened. Coming out for a look, oh? Such a big crowd running to Hengyue for excitement—now that's rare.

The people of Da Chu were tough, especially those from Hengyue Sect.

Like Xie Yun, many had grabbed their weapons. In this era of recuperation, they had to find something to do, like pulling off a robbery. They were all pretty broke and needed some extra cash.

"Ye Chen, get out here!"

Jiuli Shengzhu bellowed, his old face pitch black.

As for Nanming Yushu and the others, they acted like nothing was wrong. They'd also been woken up in the middle of the night, each holding a small mirror and fixing their disheveled hair.

Ye Chen had taken Beisheng away!

They'd just learned about it, which explained their demeanor. Our daughter-in-law— what's wrong with bringing her back? The young couple hadn't seen each other in decades; it's normal for them to get close.

Just then, Ye Chen descended from the sky, scanning the group of elders. They sure moved fast!

"Hand over the Changming Lamp."

Jiuli Shengzhu extended his hand, eyes blazing with fire.

"Father, I want to stay here."

Before Ye Chen could speak, Beisheng's voice rang out.

That single sentence left the elders all feeling awkward.