Ye Chen gazed upon her peerlessly beautiful face, his eyes unmoving, as if looking at a piece of wood. “I don’t need your protection.”

The assembled crowd startled, unable to help but glance strangely at Ye Chen. Everyone present knew that even though this black-robed woman was merely a female, her strength was terrifying; throughout the entire Ancient Continent, only the Ten Hall Masters could possibly surpass her.

Unexpectedly, while he was so clearly outnumbered, with such a towering figure sheltering him, Ye Chen still actively refused.

As confusion rippled through the onlookers, Bai Yijun, standing beside Ye Chen, raised her clear eyes and said coldly, “Worry about yourself first. I suspect you’re close to being finished.” A sharp note of anger laced her words.

Seeing her delicate features, the others felt a suppressed amusement bubble up. With their seasoned judgment, they immediately recognized the special connection between this girl and Ye Chen, likely fueled by jealousy provoked by Hei Xue’s words.

Hei Xue frowned, sparing Bai Yijun a glance. Her swan-like, snow-white neck tilted slightly as she said dismissively, “Little girl, my words are not for you to interrupt. If I recall correctly, you are the Third Miss of the Bai family. I know you are a reincarnation of an Ancient Great Being. Say one more word, and I’ll send you back to the cycle of rebirth!”

Bai Yijun’s elegant demeanor betrayed no trace of emotion, yet her voice was chillingly detached. “You might not possess that qualification.”

A cold light flared violently in Hei Xue’s eyes. She let out a frosty laugh, raising her long, fair hand and clawing downward suddenly. The entire sky seemed like a sheet of cloth being pulled taut by that single grasp. Ferocious energy gathered maniacally in her palm, instantaneously condensing into a cloud of inky blackness. Within this black cloud shimmered faint threads of lightning.

The surrounding Six Stars of the Big Dipper held their breath, sensing a soul-trembling aura radiating from the dark vapor. They were inwardly aghast; they hadn't realized the patriarchs of the Nine Ancient Great Families were this formidable!

A chilling light flickered in Ye Chen’s eyes. He raised his hand, the Blood God Mode within him poised for activation. Just as he prepared to ignite it, the clouds above suddenly churned, and a majestic yet indifferent voice boomed out, “Who intends to send my daughter into the cycle of rebirth?”

From the void above their heads, a figure slowly descended. Clad in white like snow, his black hair streamed behind him, his handsome yet severe expression imbued with a disturbingly captivating charisma. He looked down upon Hei Xue, a cold smirk playing on his lips. “Patriarch Hei, long time no see!”

Everyone gasped, gazing at this man in white. Naturally, they knew this was the head of the Nine Ancient Great Families, the Patriarch of the Bai Family—Bai Tian!

The one most deeply affected was Ye Chen. He stared blankly at the figure in the sky, sensing he was utterly different from the man he had previously encountered. A century had passed; he had believed his vastly increased cultivation allowed him to face Bai Tian now, but seeing him again, he realized with a jolt that he had been profoundly mistaken!

Bai Tian simply stood suspended in the air, yet it felt as if the entire world revolved around him, creating a suffocating pressure, like a coiled divine dragon whose aura was impossible to withstand.

“Could this… be Bai Tian’s true form?” Ye Chen thought inwardly. He suppressed the shock in his eyes, frowned, and quietly tightened his grip on the small, soft, trembling hand he held. That little hand had quivered the very instant Bai Tian appeared.

At this moment, Hei Xue glanced at Bai Tian. The black cloud and lightning in her hand gradually receded, and her slender hand drew back into the depths of her black robe. She stated coolly, “So it is Patriarch Bai’s true form gracing us with his presence. I heard you were exploring the Ancient Realm Peak years ago. Seeing you emerge now after so long suggests your endeavors have yielded great returns.” With a few light, casual phrases, she deftly steered the conversation away.

Bai Tian offered a placid smile. “Thank you for your concern, Patriarch Hei.”

The Deputy Hall Master of the Temple of Light looked at Bai Tian and smiled pleasantly. “Your youngest daughter is certainly no simple person! I hear she once argued with you decades ago. From my perspective, those must have just been rumors!”

Bai Tian’s gaze flickered, and he returned the smile. “That is nothing, mere squabbles between father and daughter. I thank the Deputy Hall Master for his attention to the matter!”

The Deputy Hall Master let out a cold laugh and changed the subject, saying lightly, “Everyone gathered here today likely seeks only for…”

“Ye Chen!” Bai Tian suddenly interjected, cutting him off. The Deputy Hall Master frowned, his expression growing grim, and he shot Bai Tian a cold glare. Bai Tian, however, did not look in their direction. Instead, his gaze was gentle as he looked at Ye Chen, smiling faintly. “It has been many years. I never imagined you would rise to such prominence among men. I’ve been inquiring about your whereabouts all this time, hoping to repay your great kindness!”

Ye Chen’s eyes flashed, and he responded with a light, easy laugh. “Patriarch Bai, you are too polite. I am merely a junior; I owe you no such debt of gratitude.”

Bai Tian heard him call him plainly ‘Patriarch Bai’ and knew anger lingered in Ye Chen’s heart. Recalling the events of the past, he couldn't help but sigh deeply. “I misjudged you back then. I merely wished to secure a happy future for Xiao Jun, fearing she might suffer the same fate as her mother, dying because of my own inadequacy. That is why I was so insistent, almost driving you apart. Had it not been for you, Xiao Jun might have perished long ago. How could I, Bai Tian, not repay such a profound debt?”

Hearing his impassioned defense, the Six Stars of the Big Dipper, who lived secluded in the wilderness, looked at Ye Chen with surprise. They hadn't expected this young man possessed such capabilities that he could save the daughter Bai Tian himself could not, thus incurring such a massive obligation!

The Deputy Hall Master now grasped Bai Tian’s true intentions, understanding why he had interrupted him so arbitrarily. He silently cursed the old fox!

Ye Chen felt the small hand in his shrink suddenly, trembling slightly. He subtly turned his head to look at the beautiful girl beside him. She kept her head bowed, her dark hair concealing her eyes, but the sight of her lower lip being lightly nipped between her teeth betrayed the immense inner turmoil she was experiencing.

Ye Chen understood her thoughts perfectly. He immediately patted her little hand lightly as a sign of comfort, then raised his head to face Bai Tian, smiling pleasantly. “Patriarch Bai, those are matters of the past. Why dwell on them? If you truly wish to repay kindness, then I ask you to help me kill her!” As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed directly at Hei Xue.

The crowd gasped again, utterly stunned by the demand Ye Chen made. Then, they saw the cold intent burning in the eyes of the white-robed man and felt a chill deep in their hearts. They realized that if Hei Xue had only slightly shown murderous intent toward him, she would immediately face retribution. This ruthless efficiency, audacious boldness, cold-blooded resolve, and unwavering commitment to vengeance possessed nearly every hallmark trait required of a supreme powerhouse.

Bai Tian’s brow furrowed slightly, clearly taken aback by Ye Chen’s request. He hadn't anticipated such an abrupt demand, which completely disrupted the dialogue he had prepared. However, being a transcendent expert, his thoughts quickly regrouped. He smiled faintly. “Patriarch Hei is one of the Nine Ancient Great Families. According to the regulations of the United Association of the Nine Families, mutual killing is forbidden. If she has offended you, I will certainly make her offer compensation. But the debt you owe me is not so easily repaid.”

He did not allow Ye Chen to speak further, continuing: “How about this? You and Xiao Jun share deep affections. I will betroth Xiao Jun to you. Furthermore, the future heir of the Bai Family shall be formally designated as you! As soon as you break through to the Divine Emperor realm, you may immediately take charge of the Bai Family!”

Ye Chen felt the smooth little hand in his palm tremble slightly, seemingly with excitement. His heart was greatly relieved. He tightened his hold on her hand and looked up at Bai Tian, smiling. “Patriarch Bai, your junior’s learning is shallow; I am incapable of governing the Bai Family. If you truly wish to repay me, allow me to travel the world with Xiao Jun. I would be endlessly grateful!”

Bai Tian smiled gently. “That is naturally understood; I will not restrict your freedom. However, I fear I do not have many days left to live. When you become a Divine Emperor, handing the Bai Family over to you will bring me peace. Otherwise, when I die, the Bai Family will be vulnerable to bullying, a scenario Xiao Jun would not wish to see.”

Ye Chen’s mind stirred. He glanced sideways and saw the beautiful woman biting her lip, remaining silent. He paused for a moment in thought, then suddenly looked up at Bai Tian. “Are you saying that once I reach the Divine Emperor realm, I can manage the Bai Family?”

Bai Tian paused, considering for a moment, then nodded. “Correct. At that time, you will be the Patriarch of the Bai Family!”

“Good! I agree!” Ye Chen nodded without hesitation, then added, “But you must issue a notice immediately, announcing it to the world. Otherwise, verbal promises mean nothing.”

The girl beside him, who had been silent until now, suddenly lifted her head, staring at Ye Chen in astonishment, tears welling up in her eyes. She choked out, “You, you…” Ye Chen knew exactly what she wanted to say. By agreeing to Bai Tian, he was now effectively part of the Bai Family, which meant Bai Tian would have a legitimate and justifiable reason to acquire the Heavenly Dao Scripture from him—that was Bai Tian’s true objective.

To achieve this, he was even willing to sacrifice his own daughter.

Ye Chen sighed inwardly. If what the senior Fuxi had said was true, then Bai Tian had already been consumed by the Demon of Affection, trapped by love, focused solely on resurrecting his deceased wife to the point of disregarding his own daughter’s life or death. It was truly terrifying, a level of infatuation bordering on madness!

Looking at the lovely woman before him, a surge of tenderness filled his heart. He smiled gently. “It is nothing. Never mind a mere scripture, even if the entire world’s treasures were laid before me, they would not compare to seeing your smile.” A soft breeze enveloped the two of them.

Bai Yijun suddenly felt her throat tighten. Gazing blankly at the familiar contours of the face etched into her heart, she felt a convergence of immense grievance and boundless joy. Her delicate frame trembled, and finally, she let out a sob, throwing herself into Ye Chen’s embrace, weeping softly until her tears quickly soaked the front of his chest.

The entire assembly fell silent.

Bai Tian’s smile stiffened slightly. As he seemed to sense the gazes of contempt cast by Hei Xue and Shen Shuang, his expression grew awkward. Even the Six Stars of the Big Dipper realized what was happening. Though they were unaware of the underlying conspiracy, Bai Tian’s actions revealed his scheme, and they, too, fixed him with looks of scorn.