The journey back up Mount Olympus was smooth, without hindrance or incident; even Athena, that woman, didn't specifically seek trouble with him on the ascent.

Ye Wen knew that although he had punched the goddess's reincarnation, it posed no real threat to her; not her main body, and even her reincarnation would recover in moments, proceeding as before.

However, Athena likely wouldn't realize for a while that the item she had secretly hidden within her reincarnation had been discreetly taken by him, right? After all, to avoid detection by the woman, he had specifically used his own internal jinqi to simulate a similar mass of energy and placed it back in the original spot.

Upon reaching Mount Olympus, it remained exactly as it was during his last visit. Life's longevity meant that most Olympian deities rarely bothered with such trivial matters, so their long-time residence, Mount Olympus, saw very little environmental change.

Along the path, several demigods even actively greeted Ye Wen, much to Mino's astonishment—even if she didn't know the identity of each handsome, muscular man appearing one after another, once she realized her feet were treading upon Mount Olympus, she knew these figures were all renowned, major personages.

The fact that these individuals showed a degree of reverence toward the man before them inevitably stoked Mino's curiosity, drilling outward uncontrollably; her beautiful little face was filled with questions, nearly bursting out verbally.

"The demigods of Olympus deeply revere strength!"

With this context-less remark thrown out by Ye Wen, devoid of any further explanation, Mino pondered for a moment before grasping the underlying meaning: I am a powerful figure worthy of their worship!

"So incredibly arrogant!"

This thought she absolutely dared not voice to Ye Wen, only managing a dry laugh and a mental retort before letting it go. Yet, looking at Ye Wen's appearance, which entirely suited her tastes, another thought inevitably sprang up in her heart: "But... he's so manly!"

Although Mino still kept this thought unspoken, her unabashed expression thoroughly betrayed her. Ye Wen saw it clearly but could only pretend not to notice.

Returning to the palace he shared with Shen Gongbao, the colossal structure remained just as imposing. Mino looked up for a long time, until Ye Wen's figure was nearly out of sight, before hurrying to catch up—not that the Underworld lacked magnificent architecture, but for some reason, the buildings there never felt grand, only grim and eerie.

Catching up to Ye Wen, she discovered he was already standing in the hall, conversing with a man dressed in a Daoist robe. At the feet of the robed man lay a...

"Tiger?"

The Black Tiger opened one eye, glanced at Mino, then closed it again, remaining languidly sprawled there. Meanwhile, the nearby balcony was still occupied by the Jade Qilin.

The Jade Qilin was no longer in its previous wretched state; its emerald scales now radiated a jade-like luster, finally living up to its name.

Its horns had also fully recovered, and its blind eye had regained sight. Its once skeletal frame had been replaced by robust muscle; the term 'fleshy and strong' could now aptly describe the current Jade Qilin.

Looking at this auspicious beast now, even while resting, it exuded an extraordinary aura. Though Mino hadn't noticed the Jade Qilin immediately, once her eyes fell upon it, they were captivated, and the black tiger nearby was instantly forgotten.

"Qilin?" Turning to look at Ye Wen beside her: "This isn't your mount, is it?"

In her impression, Eastern immortals favored keeping mounts. Since the Black Tiger lay by the Daoist's feet, it was naturally the Daoist's mount. Looking around, it seemed Ye Wen was the most likely owner of the Jade Qilin—though there were others nearby, they were merely attendants of Mount Olympus, and a group of Caucasians seemed unlikely to be associated with a pure Eastern divine beast like the Qilin.

Even though Chris stood nearby, his Caucasian identity clearly placed him among the Mount Olympus faction in Mino's mind.

As she surveyed the scene, Ye Wen had already finished briefing Shen Gongbao.

"So, Sect Master Ye has already broken ties with Athena?"

"Broadly speaking, yes!" Ye Wen nodded. "But on certain matters, simple cooperation might still be possible, at least concerning this Holy War, we can continue moving forward!"

Shen Gongbao’s brow had been furrowed since the conversation began and hadn't relaxed. He didn't entirely approve of Ye Wen's choice. In his view, although Athena handled affairs imperfectly, enjoyed scheming, and was somewhat petty, she harbored no outright malice toward them and could still be considered a relatively trustworthy ally.

Although she had caused Ye Wen some trouble—because that Apollo was not an easy character to deal with—she had at least offered compensation—Artemis was certainly a captivating woman. Shen Gongbao, despite his deep mastery of Xuanmen Daoism, wouldn't claim to resist such an exquisite beauty.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but admire Ye Wen, the current Sect Master of the Shu Mountain Sect: "Don't let the Sect Master Ye's short cultivation time fool you; his Dao heart is far stronger than mine!"

Sighing internally with shame, Shen Gongbao pondered for a moment before suggesting, "In that case, we cannot stay on Mount Olympus anymore! While Athena might not actively harm us, given her petty nature, who knows what tricks she might have in store later! Staying here would inevitably put us on the defensive!"

Ye Wen nodded in agreement: "I thought the same. That's why I came back to gather you all so we can leave the mountain together!" He paused briefly, then added, "Besides, our objective here is largely achieved. Even returning directly to the East wouldn't be impossible now!"

Shen Gongbao didn't understand where Ye Wen derived the confidence to assert that Mount Olympus no longer posed a threat to the Heavenly Court, but he recognized that this was not the optimal time or place for a detailed discussion. Therefore, without further ado, he nodded and agreed, "If that's the case, we needn't say more. Let's go!"

Both he and Ye Wen were unburdened; all important items were carried on their persons. There was nothing much to pack; they could simply take a step and depart.

Ye Wen glanced at Chris beside him. This disciple was rather composed. With that look, Ye Wen was implicitly asking: Have we forgotten anything?

Seeing Chris nod and then step alongside him, ready to depart, confirmed there was nothing left to settle. "Let's go!"

Turning, Ye Wen walked directly out. As for the Jade Qilin? There was no need to call it; the divine beast understood their intentions. Moreover, after years of companionship, a certain tacit understanding had formed, and it followed Ye Wen out of the palace. There was no need to bid farewell to anyone else, heading straight down the mountain.

Currently, there was no one on Mount Olympus worth bidding farewell to. Zeus, dedicated to playing his game, had fallen into a deep slumber.

Athena was in a similar state; unless necessary, her main body also remained asleep and didn't wander around aimlessly!

Hephaestus, who had a decent relationship with Ye Wen, wasn't on the mountain either. The only familiar face left was Artemis, and Ye Wen didn't even know her current whereabouts.

Thus, farewells were unnecessary; they could simply leave.

The only potential concern was Apollo, that obsessive sister-complex individual, suddenly appearing. Fortunately, Ye Wen's luck held; he encountered neither Apollo nor his subordinates on the way in or out. Only after everyone had descended Mount Olympus and flown some distance did the group begin to consider their next destination.

Shen Gongbao's suggestion was to return straight to the East now that their goal was achieved. However, Ye Wen couldn't simply return so readily.

For one, Yuwentuo was still in the Sanctuary, and Zhang Ling was waiting patiently in the snowy plains! Of course, he could communicate with Zhang Ling and have her return alone. But the crucial issue was the Valkyrie mother and daughter; if anything untoward happened to the pair after he summoned Zhang Ling away, things would become complicated...

"I still have some matters to attend to. Perhaps General Shen should return first!"

Shen Gongbao considered that staying served little purpose. Furthermore, he had grasped that this Sect Master Ye was not someone easily swayed. Though generally amiable, on major issues, the man already had his plans firmly set and didn't require others to interfere haphazardly. Moreover, since he wasn't a member of the Shu Mountain lineage, there was an inherent distance between him and Ye Wen. Staying likely wouldn't yield favorable results, so it was better to leave promptly and report back to the Jade Emperor.

"Just stating that Shu Mountain's Ye Wen has settled the gods of Olympus should satisfy His Majesty upon my return, shouldn't it?"

With that thought, he smiled, clasped his hands in salute toward Ye Wen: "In that case, let us meet again when fate allows!"

"Farewell!"

The two exchanged bows in the high air. Shen Gongbao then mounted the White-Forehead Black Tiger, turning to ask the Jade Qilin, "Will you return to the East with me?"

The Jade Qilin tilted its head, then shook its head at Shen Gongbao, signaling its intention to stay with Ye Wen. Seeing this, Shen Gongbao sighed quietly, "Sect Master Ye indeed possesses profound fortune... This matter cannot be forced. Very well!" Over several years, he had tried to build rapport with the Qilin, but it had never taken a liking to him, leaving him somewhat dejected. He slapped the Black Tiger's neck, stirring up a gust of wind, and vanished in an instant.

Because Mino lacked the art of flight, she was seated on the Jade Qilin’s back. Having overheard the recent exchange, she now realized the Jade Qilin was not Ye Wen's mount at all. Her mind began to race, and she suddenly leaned down to the Qilin and said, "How about you become my mount? I can be quite majestic, you know!"

Unfortunately, this suggestion was met only with a look of disdain from the Jade Qilin and Ye Wen's expression clearly conveying, Are you an idiot? Mino felt momentarily frustrated.

"Fine if you won't! Next time, I'll find a flying dragon to be my mount!"

Ignoring Mino's complaints, Ye Wen flew ahead. Chris, having unleashed his now-restored peak Purple Dou Qi, followed alongside. The Jade Qilin trod on auspicious clouds, pacing steadily at their side.

Mino, perched on the Qilin's back, looked curiously left and right, touching things. She then unexpectedly discovered a barrier, like a protective shield, surrounding the Qilin; no matter how fast they flew, she felt no gale wind hitting her face.

"That's wonderful..."

After observing for a while, she finally turned her gaze aside, looking at Chris flying next to her, and suddenly exclaimed, "Hey? Why are you following too? Aren't you one of the people from Olympus?"

Chris: "..."

Ye Wen’s sword light suddenly swerved ahead, and he turned his head to look at Mino: "You only just noticed?"

Perhaps realizing she was being somewhat dense, Mino felt a flicker of embarrassment: "I was too busy watching the Qilin just now, I didn't look to see who else was around! Besides... you hadn't said anything, so I didn't sense your presence."

Shifting the blame onto Chris, Mino became more convinced as she spoke, puffing out her chest and tilting her chin in a 'It's all your fault' manner, leaving Chris speechless for a moment.

Thinking better of it, Chris decided to ignore the girl who appeared from nowhere. Looking at Ye Wen flying ahead, he directly inquired, "Master, where are we going?"

The moment he spoke, before Ye Wen could react, Mino was startled again: "Wow, your Chinese is so standard!"

"..."

Ignoring Mino's loud exclamations, Ye Wen spoke without turning around: "To find Zhang Ling! And to let you meet your junior brother's wife and daughter into the bargain!"

"Huh? Junior brother's wife and daughter?"

Junior brother naturally referred to Yuwentuo. Chris had spent some time with Yuwentuo in the Sanctuary, and during that period, they were among the few who could talk to each other, thus forming a degree of familiarity. Among everyone on Shu Mountain, Chris probably shared the deepest bond with Yuwentuo.

Therefore, he was aware of his junior brother's devoted affection for that Valkyrie. Now that his Master mentioned the junior brother's wife, he could assume it was that Valkyrie, but the child... where did that come from?

Ye Wen briefly explained the situation, and only then did Chris understand, murmuring with emotion, "What a good woman!" before falling silent. Meanwhile, Mino continued to chatter noisily.

"A Valkyrie! A dignified Goddess of War! How did she end up as a married woman? Which junior brother are you talking about? I'm so curious what kind of man could conquer a woman like the Valkyrie!"

"Also, the Shu Mountain Sect... is your sect called the Shu Mountain Sect? Do you guys have moves like the Myriad Sword Art or something?"

"You even know my Master's signature move?" Chris was taken aback, suddenly realizing that this girl, like his junior brother, might also be a 'transmigrator'? This explained why the Master kept her close; perhaps he was about to gain a junior sister as well?

This time, however, it was Mino's turn to be stunned. She likely hadn't expected the man flying ahead to actually know the Myriad Sword Art, causing her mind to temporarily crash: "Is this man named Li Xiaoyao?"

Ye Wen, flying ahead, had no choice but to offer a relatively simple self-introduction: "I am the current Sect Master of the Shu Mountain Sect; my surname is Ye, given name Wen!"

"Ye Wen?" Mino finally realized she hadn't even learned this man's name until now. But she was more focused on the identity of the Shu Mountain Sect Master: "I didn't expect that someone who looks so young could already be a Sect Master! I always thought Sect Masters had to have white hair and long, flowing beards!"

Ye Wen turned his head to glance at Mino: "Don't judge by my appearance; regarding age, I am old enough to be your great-grandfather!"

That single statement left Mino speechless. Although many traditional customs from the era she grew up in had been almost entirely forgotten, some concepts were ingrained in the bone.

For instance, the concept of respecting the old and loving the young, instilled since childhood, wasn't something one could simply ignore. Before she knew his age, it didn't matter, but now learning that Ye Wen was of the elder generation made Mino unsure how to conduct herself; every posture felt awkward.

Shifting on the Qilin's back, she first sat up ramrod straight, like a primary school student listening in class, but then felt it was too forced. So she tried to relax slightly, yet feared that posture wouldn't show enough respect to the 'elder gentleman.' In a moment of fidgeting, she agitated the Jade Qilin beneath her.

The Jade Qilin, which had remained silent until now, suddenly burst out cursing: "Stupid woman, keep wriggling on my back and I'll toss you out of the sky!"

This utterance itself wasn't particularly shocking, but coming from the mouth of the Jade Qilin, it caused immediate surprise—Chris had been with the Qilin for years and this was the first time he'd heard it speak. He had always assumed the divine beast, like Garfield, possessed intelligence and sentience but lacked the ability to speak.

Unexpectedly, he now heard the Jade Qilin speak human words, and it began with such a stunning outburst: "Do you even know how much flesh you have on your backside? It's already uncomfortable enough, and now you keep wiggling... Try fattening up your backside before you start writhing!"

This comment left the group utterly stunned, shell-shocked. Ye Wen even stopped his sword light and hovered, looking at the Jade Qilin with surprise: "You can talk?"

The Jade Qilin raised its head: "As a divine beast, merely speaking human language is hardly a major event, is it?"

"Then why haven't you spoken before?"

The Jade Qilin narrowed its eyes, raising its chin even higher: "What is there worth talking about in human speech? I was simply too lazy to speak before..."

Ye Wen studied the Jade Qilin up and down, as if seeing it for the first time, which made the beast uncomfortable: "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing!" He shrugged. "I just didn't expect you to have this kind of personality!" He secretly added to himself: This certainly diminishes the imposing and majestic image of a Qilin divine beast.