Chapter Thirteen: The Great Saint War, Chapter Forty-Seven: Breaking Through to Divinity! Fourth Update
"You have the option to refuse, to live out the remaining 1,000,000 years of your life in peace. However, I hope you will take the chance to fight for it."
Fuxi's words were like a maddening echo in Ye Chen's ears. Ye Chen’s brow furrowed even tighter. Just then, a soft little hand gently clasped his own, and a voice, tender as moonlight, whispered, "No matter where you go, I will be with you. Don't worry about me."
Ye Chen turned to look. What met his gaze was a girl whose beauty rivaled that of a celestial fairy. A wave surged through his heart. His eyes softened, and he nodded gently before turning back to face Fuxi, his voice firm, "I'll go!"
A sigh of relief escaped Fuxi’s heart. His expression turned gentle. "Since you've decided, prepare yourself first. It would be best if you could achieve the breakthrough to Divinity while within the clan. If you manage that, the spectacle of your breakthrough will bestow immense benefits upon the clansmen, and it will also ensure greater safety when you eventually travel to the Ancient Realm Peak."
Ye Chen nodded. His purpose in coming to the Ancestor's family this time was twofold: first, to awaken his innate talent, and second, for the transformation that accompanied the breakthrough to the Divinity realm.
"Rather than living a comfortable million years, I’d rather risk it all. If I succeed, I can endure this Great Saint War, and in my long lifespan, I can remain with her forever." Ye Chen settled his mind.
Considering his lifespan stretched into the hundreds of trillions of years, a million years was fleeting, no more than a single day in the eyes of an ordinary person—too short to accomplish much, much like a mayfly whose entire existence spans a single day; brief in human terms, yet a vast expanse for the mayfly itself.
Fuxi looked at Ye Chen and instructed, "When you are ready to attempt the breakthrough to the Divinity realm, remember to notify me. I will arrange for the inner disciples of the clan to attend the viewing platform."
"Understood." Ye Chen nodded.
With nothing else to discuss, Ye Chen took Bai Yijun and requested leave. The two departed the Pangu Divine Hall and returned to the divine peak where they resided.
Hand in hand with the woman he loved, they strolled through the lush green forests and mountains. Gazing at the waterfalls plunging into deep pools, surveying the blooming flowers blanketing the slopes, and feeling the gentle mountain breeze caress them—in that moment of tranquility, they wished time itself would halt.
"You are never, ever allowed to leave me again," Bai Yijun said, her eyes, bright with deep affection, fixed on Ye Chen's as she gripped his hand. She spoke every word with profound clarity: "Even if it means death, you must take me with you!"
Ye Chen's heart jolted. Moved, he tightened his grip on her small hand, a surge of heat flooding his throat, catching his voice. With a gentle pull of his arm, he drew her delicate body into his embrace.
Held tight!
Even the mountain winds sweeping past seemed to soften, surrounding the couple.
After a long while, the two separated. Ye Chen held her hand, leading her through the mountain woods. He watched as she casually picked a vibrant, delicate flower to tuck behind her ear, watched her search the babbling stream for smooth pebbles, watched her run joyfully across the alpine meadows...
Ye Chen felt this entire scene was a canvas of breathtaking beauty, completely isolated from the chaotic outside world. Watching her, a thought suddenly crystallized: he would guard this beautiful, peaceful happiness, no matter the cost!
The Dark Great World? Ye Chen silently clenched his fist.
After playing in the mountains for a short while, they returned to their dwelling. When Ye Chen entered the small wooden cabin, he saw it filled wall-to-wall with small wooden carvings. The exquisite features on each tiny face unleashed a torrent of emotion in his heart, an unstoppable flood. Even his iron will faltered, and his eyes grew moist.
Bai Yijun walked gently to a wooden shelf and lifted a small carving, her eyes glittering with a mesmerizing light. Softly, she murmured, "For the past ten years, every time I thought of you, I carved one of these. This way, when I hold the little carving, my heart feels a little better, a little less pained..."
Ye Chen could hold back no longer. He pulled her tightly against his back, embracing her. His voice was low and husky, yet imbued with an unusual resolve: "I will never leave you again!"
Bai Yijun let out a soft hum, leaning into his embrace. The small cabin instantly became suffused with a warm, sweet tenderness.
After returning from the Pangu Divine Hall, Fuxi sent no immediate messages. In the following days, Ye Chen took Bai Yijun sightseeing throughout the mountains, and even in Pangu City, the main metropolis of the Pangu Nation, they wandered the streets like any ordinary couple, their days joyful, carefree, and overflowing with happiness.
About ten days later, Fuxi finally sent notification: the departure for Ancient Realm Peak was scheduled for about a week later, and Ye Chen should prepare accordingly.
Upon receiving the notice, Ye Chen calculated the timeline and replied to Fuxi, stating that they could proceed with the breakthrough once the personnel for the viewing platform were all arranged.
Fuxi was overjoyed by the reply and immediately issued the order, tasking Shao Hao with the management. A location within the Pangu Mountain Range that offered the most expansive terrain was selected for the viewing platform. Many among the 108 Earthly Fiends voluntarily offered their assistance in constructing the platform.
The precondition was that the more inner disciples from their respective led races who could attend the observation, the better.
Time flowed on...
The viewing platform was quickly prepared—a circular structure with a diameter of ninety thousand kilometers. At its heart was a large circular wooden arch. Boundaries were meticulously drawn radiating outward from this central arch, allocating a square grid for each attendee.
When the day Ye Chen chose to break through to Divinity finally arrived, the entire viewing platform was a sea of humanity. Countless eyes watched expectantly. Under the guidance of the station guards and security detail, the crowd maintained an orderly arrangement, preventing any fatal crushing, though minor scuffs and twisted ankles were unavoidable.
The attendees were mostly ordinary folk, their physical constitutions ranging from levels 1,000 to 5,000. Those whose strength was too great would gain minimal benefit from attending the viewing.
At dawn, a pale, fish-belly white light appeared on the distant horizon. The gentle, fiery sun rose slowly, its warm rays peeling back the black curtain of night, bathing the entire viewing platform. The light illuminated the contours of every face, making them gleam.
Among the crowd stood several keen enthusiasts who had queued up since the previous day. Seeing the sun ascend, they knew the spectacle was about to begin, and some could not contain their excitement.
"Did you hear? This time, it’s rumored that the legendary Pan God is about to break through to Divinity!"
"Tsk, tsk. Which of the 36 Pan Gods isn't already a Divine Emperor level powerhouse? Yet he hasn't reached Divinity and has already become a Pan God. That’s terrifying!"
"I’ve seen this guy. He won first place in the Genius Tournament. His Scripture amplification granted him terrifying power, and he slew Divine Emperors using only Pseudo-Divine realm strength!"
"Too frightening! A monstrous talent!"
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, each proudly voicing their insights, as if knowing this news brought them honor, leaving the others to sigh in admiration.
In truth, Ye Chen had already become instantly famous across the entire Ancient World following his battle at the Genius Peak.
That engagement was epoch-making in its brilliance. He emerged during the Genius Tournament, instantly obliterating every genius of comparable rank. Those geniuses who had previously awed everyone on the stage appeared fragile as paper once he entered the fray.
Furthermore, slaying Divine Emperors with Pseudo-Divine realm strength!
This feat had already become a legendary ballad. Ye Chen was virtually idolized by all those with lower cultivation levels; he had proven through action that having a higher realm did not guarantee superiority over those with lower ones.
Most critically, his status as the Heavenly Dao's successor had stunned everyone.
Some ordinary people, living only a few hundred years, might not have heard the name of the Heavenly Dao, but the major families, the great commercial consortiums, and corporations were terrified by this title.
They understood precisely how monstrous the Heavenly Dao was, and what sort of calamity the emergence of his successor would incite!
The subsequent appearance of the leaders of the Six Halls and Four Nations, over 200 Divine Emperors, further sent the crowd into a frenzy. These commoners usually felt reverence and excitement just seeing one Divine realm expert; now, they were faced with over 200 Divine Emperors, along with the continent's most formidable and top-tier Hall Masters and Nation Lords. How could they not be thrilled?
Especially the scene where Ye Chen finally took control of the Heavenly Dao Mecha to pursue the Golden Mountain Great Emperor, which was played countless times, spreading like wildfire across the virtual network. Every time people watched that peerless battle, they were filled with nothing but shock, their blood boiling with excitement, losing themselves in the moment.
Consequently, the name "Ye Chen" now echoed across the entire Ancient Continent. Many people sharing the same name felt immense pride and honor, basking in the envious glances of those around them and silently thanking their parents profusely.
Amidst the discussions, several piercing whooshes cut through the air. It was Shao Hao leading a group—behind him followed a stout man, a handsome youth, and a woman with a seductive figure. All three wore an insignia of a great axe over their chests, radiating an aura of martial majesty.
Every person versed in civilized lore knew this insignia symbolized the highly esteemed Pan God Generals within the clan!
Shao Hao arrived atop the central circular wooden arch, surveyed the entire scene, and then looked back toward the distance. Two figures could be seen slowly approaching, gliding across the sky with effortless grace. Though seemingly slow, their speed was incredible; their robes billowed as they moved, resembling a divine, immortal couple.
"It's him!"
"It's them! I saw them! I saw them on television!"
"It's General Ye!!"
The momentarily quiet viewing platform instantly erupted into pandemonium. A wave of fervent cheers soared toward the heavens. Everyone erupted in the loudest clamor, watching the approaching figures with intense, blazing light in their eyes.
Seeing such a legendary genius, their excitement was no less than if they had bowed before the chief of the Ten Halls.
Bai Yijun, linked arm-in-arm with Ye Chen, arrived at the center of the viewing platform. Ye Chen nodded to Shao Hao, who had come forward to manage the area beforehand, and then, with a flicker of movement, he settled onto the platform.
Bai Yijun, Shao Hao, and the other three Pan God Generals stepped back, watching from a distance.
...
This is the fourth update. Yesterday I posted two. To lighten the load today, I wrote the first update around 5 or 6 AM last night, and have been writing since I woke up until now, finishing the fourth update.
Tomorrow, two updates are guaranteed. I will adjust my schedule and then proceed with three updates to make up for the remaining chapter.