Heaven-Dominating Martial Emperor

"Sir, does that mean you've agreed?"

Song Yubing's face lit up at his words, and she spoke with excitement.

"I have," Ye Chen confirmed with a slight nod.

"That's wonderful!" Song Yubing's face flushed, her stunning features turning as red as a ripe apple, an endearing sight. "Thank you, sir, for your help!"

"There's no need for such formalities," Ye Chen said calmly. "This is just a transaction."

"You have your own objective: you want me to fight on your behalf. And for me, participating in the Peach Banquet offers many benefits as well."

"There's no reason for me to refuse."

After listening to Old Freak Wushan's explanation, Ye Chen found himself rather looking forward to the mysterious Peach Banquet.

In that respect, perhaps he should even thank Song Yubing for giving him Cyan Rainbow Hall's spot.

With his current strength, he could probably secure a spot on his own if he went to Dongxuan Province to register.

But that would introduce too many uncertainties.

All the slots for the Peach Banquet had likely already been claimed by the major factions. If he insisted on fighting for one, he would inevitably clash with one of them.

Getting a spot for free like this wasn't bad at all.

"Sect Leader, are you really leaving for Dongxuan Province in three days?"

Old Freak Wushan couldn't help but ask.

"Yes," said Ye Chen. "I'll use these next three days to take care of some things first."

"After I leave, all of you will follow the Supreme Elder's lead and guard the sect."

"The provincial government is no longer our enemy. With the sect's current strength, I doubt anyone in Lei Province would dare to cause trouble, even in my absence!"

Hearing this, everyone grew excited. A strong sense of belonging to the Demon Sect swelled in their hearts.

When they first escaped from the Luoyun Sect, they had only seen the Demon Sect as a refuge where they could huddle together for warmth and mutual support.

But now, under Ye Chen's leadership, the Demon Sect had, without them even realizing it, become one of the top powers in Lei Province!

It even boasted Primordial Mansion Realm experts like Luo Sandao and Li Yunxiao!

"Should I come back for you in three days, sir?" Song Yubing asked tentatively.

Ye Chen thought for a moment, then said casually, "There's no need to be so formal. Since we'll be traveling together, you can come directly to my sect's mountain."

"You can stay for three days. After that, I'll leave with you."

Song Yubing was pleasantly surprised. "That would be wonderful!" she said, her heart leaping with joy.

"I'll go inform my people right away!"

After Song Yubing left, Ye Chen and his party immediately returned to the Demon Sect.

The Demon Sect was just as they had left it: clouds and mist swirled, a grand array enveloped the area, and a dazzling radiance bloomed from the peaks of the mountains.

But as he looked at the familiar sight, Ye Chen suddenly felt as though a lifetime had passed.

This trip to the Dragon Prison Cave had been truly rewarding.

'Since the requirement to participate in the Peach Banquet is the Primordial Mansion Realm, I might as well use these next few days to break through!'

Back in his residence, Ye Chen mulled over what he needed to arrange and take care of before leaving for Dongxuan Province.

'Speaking of which, I still need to pay the Liu family a visit.'

'I wonder how Old Man Liu is doing.'

Ye Chen's eyes gleamed. He hadn't forgotten about this.

The map of the Dragon Prison Cave that Liu Yuchan had given him hadn't been very useful in the end, but he had promised to save Old Man Liu, and he couldn't go back on his word.

'The Liu family and the Demon Sect are on the same side now. I'll also ask the provincial government to help look after the sect...'

'I'm sure the Demon Sect will be able to thrive even while I'm away from Lei Province.'

Ye Chen mused for a moment, quickly arranging everything in his mind.

Just then, a flash of light appeared beside him.

Ye Chen's gaze shot over warily. He saw a figure in a white dress materializing before him, fluttering like a butterfly's shadow.

"You can come out?" Ye Chen froze. Her otherworldly beauty was like a treasure sculpted by the universe itself, enough to mesmerize anyone with a single glance.

The World Spirit glanced at Ye Chen, puzzled. "If I couldn't come out, why would I have had you take control of the Imprisoned Dragon Grotto Heaven to bring me out in the first place?"

"I don't even know how long it's been since I last saw this world."

Ye Chen's residence was situated on high ground within the Demon Sect. The World Spirit glided to the doorway with light, graceful steps.

She gazed at the lush greenery before her and the boundless blue sky. A smile suddenly blossomed on her face, which was usually as cold as ice, a smile so radiant it seemed to outshine everything in existence.

Even Ye Chen was stunned for a moment.

'The World Spirit's original form was just a young girl, after all.'

'After being trapped in the Dragon Prison Cave for so many years, she must be overjoyed to finally see the outside world with her own eyes!'

Even in the form of the Luoxia fairy, she could no longer maintain her cold composure. Her beautiful eyes were full of life and excitement, as if she wanted to drink in every detail of the magnificent view.

"Thank you."

Just then, the World Spirit spoke softly. She paused, her gaze softening as she stared at the green mountains and clear waters before her.

Ye Chen remained silent as the World Spirit continued, "If it weren't for you, I have no idea how much longer I would have been trapped inside."

"The Imprisoned Dragon Grotto Heaven may be beautiful, but it's ultimately just a prison."

"Only by breaking free and coming to this truly vast world can one feel endless beauty and freedom."

Suddenly, the World Spirit staggered. Her face went pale, her expression twisting in pain.

"What's wrong?"

Ye Chen's brow furrowed. He rushed forward and caught her delicate body.

Her soft, warm body fell into his arms, and a fragrant scent filled his senses, but Ye Chen paid it no mind. He just stared at the World Spirit with a grave expression.

"It's nothing... I'm just a little weak."

The World Spirit shook her head. She stopped trying to support herself and simply relaxed into Ye Chen's embrace, letting him hold her.

The familiar feeling she got from Ye Chen was warm and made her want to be close to him.

"Weak?" Ye Chen was taken aback for a second before realization dawned on him. "Is this because you acted against that Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator?"

"Yes." The World Spirit nodded faintly. "If an eternity hadn't passed, the terrifying array shrouding the Dragon Prison Cave wouldn't have been damaged. I never would have found a loophole to draw even a portion of its power."

"But even drawing that small amount nearly exhausted me."

The World Spirit's body suddenly began to turn translucent.

She was, after all, only a Spirit Body, without a true physical form.

When she was weak, it was difficult for her to maintain her form in the outside world.