The daylight god’s countenance was as somber as still water, without so much as glancing at the Dragon Seeker Grass in Ye Chen’s hand, his eyes fixed coldly on Ye Chen, his fists slowly clenching as he hissed, “You court death!”

Boom!

A surging torrent of energy slammed toward Ye Chen. He was utterly shocked, never expecting that in broad daylight, the other party would disregard the Dragon Seeker Grass entirely and resort to immediate deadly force.

Just as Ye Chen was about to be annihilated by the shockwave, a golden palm materialized out of thin air before him, completely neutralizing the incoming energy blast.

A sharp cold light flashed in Bai Tian’s eyes. He turned his head to stare at the South Sea Divine Buddha standing in the courtyard. He saw the Buddha slowly retracting his withered palm; it was clear that the strike had originated from him. Bai Tian immediately sneered, “What are you trying to do?”

“Amitabha,” the South Sea Divine Buddha intoned softly, his expression benevolent. “Clan Leader Bai, this junior has a connection with me. I hope you refrain from delivering a killing blow. Moreover, this person loves your daughter deeply. Given this sentiment, perhaps you could detain him first before deciding his fate?”

Bai Tian snorted coldly. “He is a toad dreaming of eating swan meat! With such meager strength, he dares to dream of marrying my daughter? He’s asking for his own demise!”

Ye Chen’s gaze was solemn, and he spoke in a deep voice, “If my blood is spilled here today, I will die without regret. I only ask to see her one last time. Additionally, this Dragon Seeker Grass possesses a unique curative effect against viruses. I hope you will allow her to take it.”

Bai Tian glanced dismissively at the grass in Ye Chen’s hand and scoffed, “Although this is a specialty of the Yan God Empire, does my Bai Clan not possess it? This thing can cure common viruses, but it cannot cure every ailment. Otherwise, would it fall to you to offer it?”

Ye Chen’s heart sank. Although he had harbored a suspicion, hearing this news still sent a tremor through his body, turning his blood cold and causing icy sweat to bead on his spine.

Incurable?

He had initially sought the Dragon Seeker Grass in the Tianwu Mountain after hearing passersby claim it could cure all viruses. Later, after entering the Genius Hall and learning about the Bai Clan from Master Bai Ya, he had vaguely suspected that a power like the Bai Clan would certainly have encountered the Dragon Seeker Grass.

However, his heart recoiled from extinguishing that sliver of hope, and he consciously avoided dwelling on it. To hear it confirmed by Bai Tian’s own mouth now was like having ice water poured over his head, leaving him utterly chilled.

He stood frozen like a puppet for a long time, forgetting to breathe, feeling as if the surrounding world had ceased to exist—silent, cold, and dead.

His body trembled slightly, and after a moment, he raised his head, looking at Bai Tian with difficulty, his voice turning somewhat hoarse. “Clan Leader Bai, is there any other method to save her?”

Bai Tian frowned, waved his hand, and replied, “You don’t need to worry about that. I have my own means.”

“What means?” Ye Chen’s spirit suddenly lifted, and he pressed immediately.

Bai Tian stared at him coldly. “She is my daughter. Am I not more heartbroken than you? This matter is none of your business. Guards, seize him!”

As the words fell, several figures immediately darted out from the dark corners of the courtyard, descending around Ye Chen and seizing his arms.

Ye Chen struggled slightly, only to be astonished to realize that these guards were all Peak Divine Spirit powerhouses. Together, they completely suppressed him, rendering his body immobile.

Just then, the green-robed elder from the Wind God Hall in the courtyard suddenly spoke, “Clan Leader Bai, may I ask what virus the Third Miss has contracted?”

Bai Tian frowned, shot a cold look at Ye Chen, then turned back calmly to face the elder. “It’s nothing serious; she will be cured soon enough.”

“Really?” The green-robed elder’s eyes showed suspicion.

A flash of anger crossed Bai Tian’s eyes, and he said coldly, “Do you think I would lie?”

“Clan Leader Bai!” A stout, heavily built middle-aged man among the crowd, clad in opulent brocade robes with a vertical needle mark on his forehead, smiled ingratiatingly. “I was fortunate enough in my early years to be taught some pulse-diagnosing techniques by the Shennong Clan of the Spiritual Civilization. While I am not perfectly versed, I can manage basic virus identification. I wonder if you might allow me to examine the Third Miss? Perhaps I can be of some help.”

“Yes, yes!”

...The medical skills of the ‘Living Dead’ are quite renowned; let him take a look.”

“I heard he can treat not only the living but even the dead! You should let him examine her!”

The others chimed in their encouragement.

Seeing the crowd’s actions, Bai Tian immediately realized everyone was growing suspicious. He frowned, casting a somewhat annoyed glance at Ye Chen, then fell silent for a moment before flipping his hand. A spatial vortex tore open in the air, and a white figure tumbled out, landing steadily on the ground—it was naturally Bai Yijun!

Bai Yijun had previously fainted, but she had awakened in the alternate dimension. Seeing the space open, she immediately leaped out and spotted the figure she dreamt of directly ahead. Her body trembled slightly, her eyes fixed immovably on Ye Chen, as if the entire world contained only him and nothing else could occupy her attention.

At this moment, the stout man nicknamed the ‘Living Dead’ swiftly moved before Bai Yijun. Despite his bulk, his movements were light and airy, like a gentle breeze. His expression was kind and warm. “Third Miss, what virus have you contracted? Let me examine you, shall I?” Saying this, he reached out to grasp Bai Yijun’s wrist.

Although Bai Yijun was lost in gazing at Ye Chen, she sensed the movement. Her hand flashed, avoiding his grasp. She stepped sideways, moving a few paces away, and nodded slightly toward the stout man. “Master, there is no need to look. I have the Blood Moon Virus; it is incurable.”

Silence!

The entire scene plunged into instant quiet. Everyone’s heart constricted, and they stared blankly at Bai Yijun, showing expressions ranging from astonishment and pity to regret.

“The Blood Moon Virus—no civilization has cracked it to this day. This virus is exceptionally potent; it not only permeates the air but can infect the air itself, even light, time, and metal are susceptible. Once infected, even a God Emperor powerhouse will, at best, become a ‘Soul-Lost Wanderer’ within a month, roaming about, craving flesh and blood!” The stout man looked somewhat horrified, secretly relieved that he hadn't touched Bai Yijun’s skin, lest he, too, be infected.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Bai Yijun with a complex emotion, unaware that Bai Yijun avoided his touch not for fear of infection, but because, since childhood, no other man had ever touched her body, creating a natural habit of self-protection.

“Clan Leader Bai!” The green-robed elder from the Wind God Hall’s face darkened like water. “Your daughter is infected with the Blood Moon Virus, yet you concealed it? Are you trying to woo my Wind God Hall with someone who is practically dead?”

“Clan Leader Bai, this is highly unethical of you.”

The numerous God Emperor powerhouses in the courtyard watched Bai Tian with stern expressions laced with disgust.

The younger genius contestants standing behind them looked even more bewildered, never expecting that this devastatingly beautiful girl was afflicted with the continent’s foremost strange poison, which was utterly incurable.

Hearing their words, Bai Tian’s expression grew grim, his fists clenching until they cracked. He turned his head to glare at Ye Chen in the distance, fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes. He never imagined that Ye Chen would know this greatest secret!

In that moment, layered with resentment, was a thread of regret—he cursed himself for not striking down that brat immediately upon seeing him!

“Who else among you is willing to marry this Miss Bai?” A God Emperor powerhouse with a half-skeleton face stood up, looking coldly at Bai Tian, and announced loudly.

At this call, the geniuses standing behind the God Emperor experts all recoiled, feeling a chill down their spines. They looked at the beautiful girl on the stage with alarm, cold sweat beading in their palms.

Especially Feng Wuji, standing behind the green-robed elder, who looked somewhat fortunate. His gaze toward the nearby Ye Chen was no longer indifferent but touched with a degree of gratitude.

Just as panic gripped the crowd, a voice suddenly rang out: “I am willing!”

Everyone was startled and turned to look. They immediately saw the speaker was Ye Chen, still restrained by several Peak Divine Spirit guards. His eyes were bright and focused directly on Bai Yijun, and he spoke slowly yet firmly: “I am willing!”

These three words carried an unyielding, decisive firmness that was impossible to resist. Everyone present was deeply moved. After all, marriage meant inevitable physical intimacy, which would undoubtedly lead to infection. This was not marriage; it was clearly stepping into a fiery pit, inviting one’s own doom.

“Are you truly willing?” The God Emperor with the half-skeleton face looked somewhat impressed. “You must understand, Miss Bai is infected with the Blood Moon Virus and won’t live long. Marrying her will only cost you your life, and you will gain nothing. Clan Leader Bai won’t offer you any benefits either. You should reconsider carefully.”

Ye Chen swept him a cold glance. “No need to think!” Saying this, he gave a slight shake of his arm. Suddenly, his mind cleared entirely, and he executed the movement technique of the Blind Heaven secret manual. His body moved like a slippery eel, flashing past the restraining grip of the Peak Divine Spirit experts, and he darted forward, crossing the space to stand before Bai Yijun.

These Peak Divine Spirit guards never expected such power from a mere Half-God realm youth. They were all greatly shocked. Caught unprepared, he had actually slipped free. For a moment, they were unsure whether to pursue him.

Ye Chen looked at the tear-filled Bai Yijun, slowly reaching out to take her slender, delicate hand. It felt smooth and tender, like fine mutton fat, warm and sleek. A smile curved his lips as he stared directly at the beautiful woman before him, as if the entire world had vanished, leaving only her.

“Marry me.” Ye Chen’s voice was exceptionally gentle.

A blush rose on Bai Yijun’s cheeks. She slightly lowered her brow, gently biting her lower lip, and murmured, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll infect you?”

Ye Chen smiled slightly, gently pulling her hand to draw her entire body into his embrace.

In that instant, it felt as though he held the whole world!

“I love you!” Ye Chen whispered tenderly against her soft hair while holding her delicate form.

(To be continued.)