Only when that voice spoke no further did the dozens of Immortal Emperors slowly rise. Confusion filled their eyes as they extended their divine senses toward Ye Xingchen.
They knew that the one in the deepest reaches of the Demon Race was its only living Great Emperor in ten million years. Not only was that elder immensely powerful, but also proficient in divine divination, with an unerring eye. That elder would never have spoken up without reason for an ordinary mortal like Ye Xingchen.
Now, not only had that elder spoken, but had actually agreed. This was tantamount to acknowledging Ye Xingchen's identity as the husband of the Demon Empress, Luo Qingshan, and also accepting Ye Xingchen, a human.
The divine senses of dozens of Immortal Emperors swept over Ye Xingchen. Half an hour later, those Demon Race Immortal Emperors sighed helplessly.
They truly could see nothing special about Ye Xingchen. He was merely an ordinary human. Still, since the Great Emperor had spoken, there had to be a reason.
They withdrew their divine senses. The kindly old woman looked at Luo Qingshan, sighed helplessly, and said calmly:
"Since even the Great Emperor has accepted this man, there must be a reason. This old woman has nothing more to say. I only hope you can be happy, my child Qingshan.
"But this boy's cultivation is too low. Ordinary humans live no more than a hundred years. Even if you give him divine medicine to extend his lifespan, without powerful cultivation to sustain him, he will still slowly grow old.
"When that time comes, it may not be a happy thing for you, with your almost endless lifespan. I only hope this boy can settle down among our Demon Race and cultivate diligently, so that he does not let down your heartfelt devotion, my child Qingshan."
After speaking, the old woman raised her head and looked at Luo Qingshan affectionately.
Hearing the ancestor's words, Luo Qingye lowered her head slightly.
Her heart was in turmoil too.
She herself did not know exactly what she felt toward Ye Xingchen. Faced with that situation just now, she had simply not wanted to see him die.
Just as when they first met, Luo Qingshan could easily have killed Ye Xingchen, yet in the end she had used her own life-bound blood essence to save him. Just now, seeing the ancestor about to kill him, her heart had ached unbearably, as though she were about to lose something important to her.
Luo Qingshan had never experienced such a feeling before.
As the Demon Empress, Luo Qingshan should have been an utterly rational person who would never act on emotion. Yet ever since meeting Ye Xingchen, even Luo Qingshan herself did not know why she had become like this.
At first, Luo Qingshan had wanted to know who had brought him to her bathing place and for what purpose. Now, she did not even know what she truly thought.
In truth, Luo Qingshan could not be blamed. Often, those caught in the game could not see it clearly. No matter how powerful Luo Qingshan was, she was still a woman. Most women developed an inexplicable affection after giving themselves to a man.
Luo Qingshan had simply never experienced this before. Thus, her most instinctive reactions reflected her heart's truest thoughts. She did not understand only because she was caught within the game.
Watching Luo Qingshan lower her head, the old woman sighed softly. She turned to glance once more at the palace where Ye Xingchen was, then vanished. The dozens of mighty figures who formed the Demon Race's hidden foundations disappeared along with her.
Only after they had vanished did Luo Qingshan slowly glance toward Ye Xingchen. She had many matters to handle tonight, and in a flash, she arrived at the Demon Race's main hall-the Empress Palace.
This was where Luo Qingshan ordinarily handled the Demon Race's affairs. Because of the matter involving Dongfang Huang tonight, there were many subsequent matters for her to deal with.
On the other hand, Luo Qingshan did not know how to face Ye Xingchen. After all, she had been the one who had... At that thought, her lovely face flushed faintly. She turned to gaze at the clear, starry sky above the main hall and sank into thought.
Meanwhile, Ye Xingchen turned with a smile and went to the embroidered bed in Luo Qingshan's sleeping quarters. Breathing in the familiar fragrance of her body on the bedding, he slowly fell asleep, his heart utterly peaceful.
Early the next morning, Luo Qingshan's maid Qing'er woke Ye Xingchen. Qing'er looked at him shyly. This was the first time she had ever seen a man enter Her Majesty's sleeping quarters.
He had even slept in Her Majesty's embroidered bed. Had Her Majesty not left instructions, letting Qing'er know that this man might be her future husband, Qing'er would long since have swallowed Ye Xingchen in one bite.
One must not be deceived by Qing'er's petite, adorable appearance. Anyone who could become the empress's personal maid would never have low cultivation. Qing'er was currently a great demon king in the Heavenly Immortal Realm.
After eating breakfast with Qing'er attending him, Ye Xingchen took his bamboo fishing rod as usual and headed to the pavilion on the natural lake to begin his grand fishing enterprise.
Reclining comfortably with his eyes closed and one leg crossed over the other, Ye Xingchen paid no attention to whether the fish in the lake had taken the bait. Instead, he spoke to the system inwardly:
"System, perform today's sign-in."
"Ding, sign-in in progress. Congratulations, host. You have received the reward-Chaos Supreme Mystery Art." The Chaos Supreme Mystery Art is a Great Dao Grade cultivation method, evolved from endless chaos before heaven and earth separated. After the host cultivates it, it can help the host cultivate and absorb Immortal Spirit Qi automatically. Whether Immortal Spirit Qi, Demonic Qi, or any other gas that can be absorbed to increase cultivation, the Chaos Supreme Mystery Art can absorb it automatically. It also converts it into Immortal Spirit Qi beneficial to the host, unaffected by any space. Used together with the Great Dao Chaos Physique, its effects are invincible. "Ding, would the host like to cultivate the Chaos Supreme Mystery Art immediately?"
Hearing the system's voice, Ye Xingchen was overjoyed. Just when he lacked a suitable cultivation method, the system had delivered one to him—and a Great Dao Grade method at that.
It could actually absorb any gas in any environment, unaffected by space, and convert it into Immortal Spirit Qi beneficial to him. Moreover, he did not need to cultivate himself. It circulated automatically at every moment, increasing his cultivation. This was practically tailor-made for him. Unable to contain his excitement, Ye Xingchen said:
"System, cultivate the Chaos Supreme Mystery Art immediately."
"Ding, cultivating the Chaos Supreme Mystery Art. Congratulations, host, on successfully cultivating the Chaos Supreme Mystery Art. Because the host possesses the Great Dao Chaos Physique and was born with unparalleled luck, the Chaos Supreme Mystery Art has been cultivated directly to its highest level."
The moment the system finished speaking, all the information about the Chaos Supreme Mystery Art suddenly appeared in Ye Xingchen's mind as he lay in his chair.
As though he had cultivated it for countless years, vast quantities of Immortal Spirit Qi entered Ye Xingchen's body automatically and began circulating throughout it along specific meridians, slowly increasing his cultivation every moment. The feeling was truly wonderful, worthy of a cultivation method that had evolved from chaos itself.
From now on, Ye Xingchen would not need to deliberately cultivate at all. Even while he slept, the method would circulate on its own, increasing his strength every moment.
In addition, the Great Dao Chaos Physique could also absorb Immortal Spirit Qi automatically. Although it could not increase Ye Xingchen's cultivation, it could strengthen the cells of his physical body.
It also kept Ye Xingchen in peak condition at every moment, without any depletion.
This also made Ye Xingchen feel the system's power, and he could not help saying aloud:
"System, this young master simply loves you so much."
System: "Please remain rational, host. This system is the Invincible Luck Sign-In System, destined to lead the host in sweeping aside all enemies and towering over an entire era. This is merely the beginning."
Listening to the system, Ye Xingchen was left speechless. He thought to himself:
Why is this system becoming more and more human, and its boasts getting bigger and bigger? But this young master loves it!
System: ...
Feeling his cultivation increase ceaselessly within him, Ye Xingchen broke into a grin, his crossed leg bobbing lightly despite himself. Suddenly, the system's pleasing voice rang in his ears again:
"Ding, sign-in in progress. Congratulations, host. You have received the reward-Heaven-Dominating Sword Art. The Heaven-Dominating Sword Art is a Great Dao Grade martial technique, deduced by an ancient supreme expert after breaking through to the supreme realm and reflecting upon a lifetime of learning. It consists of seven forms, each incomparably domineering. These seven forms are: With the first sword, all beneath heaven trembles; henceforth, Immortal Lords are mere grass. With the second sword, the firmament breaks; even Immortal Kings must avoid its edge. With the third sword, heaven and earth split; even Immortal Sovereigns tremble in soul at its sight. With the fourth sword, all living beings perish; henceforth, Immortal Emperors vanish without a trace. With the fifth sword, the Heavenly Dao collapses; henceforth, none dare call themselves immortal. With the sixth sword, the Great Dao suffers; all things in the world return to nothing. With the seventh sword, the world shatters; like a new birth, a new world is created. "Ding, would the host like to cultivate the Heaven-Dominating Sword Art immediately?"
Hearing the system's voice, Ye Xingchen leaped up in excitement. He tossed his fishing rod straight into the pavilion and repeatedly pumped his clenched right fist.
The Heaven-Dominating Sword Art sounded incomparably domineering just from its name. It was actually a cultivation method created by an ancient expert after breaking through to the supreme realm. Moreover, from the system's introduction alone, it was clear that these seven forms corresponded to all the realms from the Immortal Lord Realm onward.
The first form: All Beneath Heaven Trembles. Once unleashed, it slaughtered Immortal Lord experts like grass. Any Immortal Lord expert could only submit to slaughter.
The second form: Firmament Breaks. Once unleashed, even Immortal Kings had to obediently avoid its edge, not daring to fight it head-on.
The third form: Heaven and Earth Split. Just as its name suggested, even an Immortal Sovereign encountering it would be shaken to the soul, not daring to take this sword strike head-on.
The fourth form: All Living Beings Perish. When this sword struck, all living beings perished. Even Immortal Emperors had to obediently flee, or they could only perish in bitter regret.
The more he read, the more excited he became. Ye Xingchen was so excited that he skipped straight past the last three forms.
This Heaven-Dominating Sword Art fit Ye Xingchen's dream martial technique perfectly. Upon meeting an enemy, one simple sword strike would kill them outright. No matter how mighty you were, he would destroy you with a single sword.
In his previous life, Ye Xingchen had read plenty of fantasy novels. He had also dreamed of being like their protagonists, holding a three-foot divine sword of blue steel and sweeping aside all enemies.
Now, he finally had the chance. Unable to restrain himself, he called loudly to the system:
"System, cultivate the Heaven-Dominating Sword Art immediately."
"Ding, cultivating the Heaven-Dominating Sword Art. Congratulations, host, on successfully cultivating the Heaven-Dominating Sword Art. Because the host possesses the Great Dao Chaos Physique, is naturally favored by the Great Dao, and has heaven-defying luck, the Heaven-Dominating Sword Art has automatically been cultivated to its highest level. Please note, host: the seven Batian forms correspond to different realms from Immortal Lord onward. If the host's cultivation has not reached the corresponding realm, forcibly using a form will cause backlash. In mild cases, this causes injury; in severe cases, it may even threaten your life. Please use them cautiously."
The moment the system finished speaking, a terrifying, domineering intent emanated from Ye Xingchen's body.
Seven sword phantoms of divine radiance appeared around him, each carrying incomparably terrifying power.
This terrifying power seemed capable of slicing through the void, soaring into the nine heavens, and extinguishing the stars with a single sword.
At that moment, Ye Xingchen seemed like a deity within chaos. Had the Black Tortoise Concealment Technique not hidden this terrifying, domineering sword intent, the entire Divine Desolation Continent would likely have sensed it.
Sword light flickered in Ye Xingchen's eyes, his domineering presence stunning enough to make others afraid to look straight at him. Then it slowly sank into the depths of his eyes and disappeared.
Sensing the seven Batian forms in his mind, Ye Xingchen knew that with his current strength, he could only barely unleash the first four.
If he wanted to unleash the last three forms-Heavenly Dao Collapses, Great Dao Suffers, and World Shatters-he would have to wait until he broke through to the corresponding realms.
Moreover, although he had completely comprehended these last three forms, as though he had practiced them for many years, they appeared dark gray in his mind.
The first four forms, meanwhile, shone with brilliant, piercing golden light. Thus, Ye Xingchen surmised that he could not use the last three forms with his current strength.
It seemed the ancient legends were true. After the ancient war between gods and devils, many supreme mighty beings might truly have ascended to a higher world.
Thus, even though Ye Xingchen's strength had now broken through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm, the last three forms still appeared dark gray.
But that did not matter. He possessed a powerful system. One day, he would stand at the pinnacle and suppress all ages.
Slowly sitting back in his recliner, Ye Xingchen gradually calmed his excitement.
He took several deep breaths and slowly exhaled. Then, the corners of his mouth lifting, he picked up the fishing rod from the ground and gently cast it out.
Even Ye Xingchen's casting motion seemed so relaxed and carefree now that he could not help singing softly aloud:
"How, how lonely it is to be invincible, how, how empty it is to be invincible. Alone at the summit, the cold wind blows without end. Who can understand my loneliness, understand me? How, how lonely it is to be invincible..."
Suddenly, a snicker rang out, and a cool, sweet voice reached Ye Xingchen's ears.
Hearing that familiar voice, Ye Xingchen quickly turned his head and saw that the newcomer was the most beautiful figure in his heart.
Ye Xingchen immediately tossed aside his fishing rod, paying no attention to the fish that had just taken the bait. He hurried to that peerlessly beautiful figure and said gently:
"You're here."
The one who had laughed was none other than Empress Luo Qingshan, who had finished handling the aftermath of Dongfang Huang's affair.
Luo Qingshan had originally returned straight to her sleeping quarters, intending to find Ye Xingchen and explain the situation. But when she returned and found the room empty, she turned and approached her embroidered bed.
She saw the neatly folded bedding and fresh sheets. Looking at the replaced sheet folded neatly to one side, and the conspicuous patch of red upon it, Luo Qingshan's lovely face flushed slightly. She carefully put the sheet away.
As though sensing something, she came to the window and looked toward the pavilion on the lake. Spotting that familiar figure, Luo Qingshan flashed over and quietly appeared behind Ye Xingchen.
Watching Ye Xingchen lounging there leisurely as he fished, she found that he seemed to have encountered something happy. He had actually begun singing, and his song was so funny.
Luo Qingshan could not help bursting into a snicker. Suddenly realizing that this was somewhat improper, her face instantly filled with a rosy blush.
Luo Qingshan watched the smiling Ye Xingchen approach her and raised her head slightly to look at his handsome face. Her breathtaking features, covered in a rosy blush, became even more enchanting. Not knowing what to say, she softly murmured, "Mm."
The two stood there quietly like that. Ye Xingchen gazed silently at Luo Qingshan, while Her Majesty actually dared not meet his eyes and slowly turned her head aside.
Suddenly, a splash broke the awkwardness between them.
A fish in the lake had dragged Ye Xingchen's fishing rod into the water. Ye Xingchen turned to look, then walked to the edge of the pavilion. Watching the rod drift farther and farther away, he shook his head slightly and sighed helplessly.
Suddenly, the rod being dragged away by the fish flew up, heading straight toward the pavilion and landing securely in Ye Xingchen's hand.
Ye Xingchen froze briefly. Turning his head, he discovered that Luo Qingshan had already come to his side. Looking at the fish still struggling in the lake, she said softly:
"If you don't lift the rod now, the fish will get away."
Only then did Ye Xingchen come to his senses. With a strong pull, he brought a large, plump fish to the surface and lifted it into the pavilion. Quickly removing the hook, he held the big fish in both hands and said to Luo Qingshan as though presenting a treasure:
"Let me treat you to grilled fish tonight!"
After speaking, Ye Xingchen looked at the plump fish in his hands and discovered its belly was swollen. It was actually carrying roe. Luo Qingshan noticed this too, but then heard Ye Xingchen say helplessly:
"Looks like I can't treat you to grilled fish tonight. This big fish is carrying roe. Let's release it! Killing it would offend heaven's harmony."
After speaking, Ye Xingchen carefully crouched down and gently released the plump fish into the lake with both hands.
Ye Xingchen did not notice the flashes of light in Luo Qingshan's eyes at that moment, or the tenderness that flickered through them.