Heaven-Dominating Martial Emperor

To the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving's disappointment, although it had seen several beautiful and charming maids along the way, it still hadn't caught a glimpse of the Cyan Nether Bird.

"Should I ask around for you?"

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but ask.

The Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving was a demonic beast, after all. Having spent years in that sea of molten lava, its disposition was far less subtle and complex than a human's.

As a result, its disappointment was on full display, without the slightest attempt at concealment.

Hearing this, the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving quickly shook its head. "There's no need to trouble yourself, Master. If I didn't see her… then forget it."

"Oh."

Ye Chen nodded and said no more.

However, as he passed by the maids, he casually asked about the whereabouts of the Cyan Nether Bird.

"Hm? Sir, are you referring to Miss Qingli?"

To Ye Chen's surprise, however, the maids exchanged glances, all of them wearing strange expressions.

"Miss Qingli seems to have gotten very close with a guest these past few days."

"He calls for her to come to his room every night, and she often doesn't leave until dawn."

"Could it be that this sir has also taken a liking to Miss Qingli?"

They all chattered at once.

With every sentence, the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving's face grew a shade paler.

'Called to a guest's room every night?'

'And she stays until dawn?!'

'A man and a woman alone in a room… what could they possibly be doing in there?'

'They can't just be discussing philosophy!'

Looking at the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving's utterly devastated expression, Ye Chen couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.

"Thank you all for the information about Miss Qingli."

He cupped his hands in a salute to the maids.

"It's no trouble at all. If you want to know anything, Sir, just ask us."

"That's right, that's right! Especially for a handsome young man like you, we'd be happy to provide any service you require!"

The maids giggled and teased Ye Chen.

It was late at night, after all, and not official working hours. The atmosphere between them was less tense, and they were much more cheerful and lively than during the day.

If it were daytime, they wouldn't dare laugh and joke around in Sky-Rank Tower One.

That kind of behavior was simply courting death!

And if their supervisor found out, they would be in for a world of hurt!

"Er… alright. If the need arises, I'll be sure to ask."

Ye Chen's face darkened with annoyance.

'Is this the first time I've ever been flirted with by a girl?'

Ye Chen shook his head and didn't chat any longer. He led the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving out of Sky-Rank Tower One, and the two of them—one man, one bird—arrived on the deck of the Cloud Mist Tower Ship.

Countless stars dotted the curtain-like night sky. A cool evening breeze blew past, rustling the hem of Ye Chen's robes.

Billowing clouds and mist swirled around the ship's hull. At a glance, the Flying Ship looked as if it were advancing into the depths of a celestial paradise.

"The scenery here isn't bad."

Ye Chen walked to the railing of the deck, clasped his hands behind his back, and gazed into the distance.

The dim yellow light spilled from behind him, casting a flickering black shadow.

This was Ye Chen's first time riding the Cloud Mist Tower Ship, and also his first time standing on its deck to admire the passing scenery.

However, because the Cloud Mist Tower Ship sailed at a high altitude, his view was obscured by surging clouds and mist in every direction.

Aside from the initial novelty, the monotonous scenery quickly became dull.

Ye Chen gazed at the boundless river of stars, his mind gradually emptying.

An unprecedented sense of peace and leisure welled up in his heart. His body and mind grew joyful, and it was as if his entire being had entered a state of transcendent detachment.

Even the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving, which had just been hanging its head in a fit of heartache, was now captivated by the vast night sky and the river of stars, its emotions gradually settling.

"This feeling..."

Ye Chen slowly closed his eyes, allowing the night wind to caress his skin like a gentle hand.

The Spiritual Power flowing within him seemed to be influenced by this state of body and mind, surging through every inch of his flesh and meridians and giving him the sense that a breakthrough was imminent!

'Am I about to break through to the Fifth Layer of the Primordial Mansion Realm?'

Ye Chen mused to himself.

He let his mind empty further, wanting to shatter the shackles of his realm in this detached state, free of joy or sorrow.

His foundation was already incredibly solid. For him, a breakthrough was as natural as eating or drinking; it was simply a matter of letting things take their course.

This feeling of acting on a whim was novel to Ye Chen.

He had never experienced anything like it before, and he might not get the chance again.

Surging Spiritual Power continued to build up within his meridians.

Just as Ye Chen was about to break through to the Fifth Layer of the Primordial Mansion Realm...

Suddenly, a piercing voice shattered the silence of the night, jolting Ye Chen from his profound state of self-forgetfulness!

"Wow! What a beautiful bird! I want one too!"

It was the voice of a young girl. It should have been as melodious and pleasing as a silver bell, but Ye Chen's brows furrowed, and a trace of disgust flashed across his face.

He turned to look behind him.

He saw a young girl running toward him with light steps.

Behind her followed a refined-looking young man, fanning himself with a folding fan.

The girl was strikingly beautiful. The moment she reached Ye Chen's side, her sparkling eyes fixed on the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving on his shoulder, unable to look away!

"Yu'Er, slow down. Don't startle them."

The young man leisurely walked up behind the girl, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Brother Kun, I'm just so excited!"

"I've never seen such a good-looking bird! Look at its feathers! They look like a burning Flame! So beautiful!"

the girl said excitedly.

Hearing this, the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving immediately showed a trace of displeasure.

'What bird? How dare this little brat call it that? So rude!'

'Even if she had to call me something, it should be Lord Bird!'

If Ye Chen weren't here, it would have already thrown a fit!

"Let me see."

The young man came up behind the girl and carefully sized up the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving.

A strange look flashed in his eyes.

'What a magnificent bird!'

'Up close, I can even feel a faint, scorching aura.'

'Could this be a demonic beast?'

Even the young man was a little tempted.

"Brother Kun, I want it, I want it!"

The girl continued to stare intently at the Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving, stomping her foot impatiently.

"Alright, alright!"

"If you want it, how could I not get it for you?"

The young man chuckled, shook his head, and slowly walked over to Ye Chen. He struck a pose he thought was most elegant and composed, smiled, and said, "Little brother, how much for the bird?"

"What do you want?" Ye Chen frowned.

The Crimson Nether Flame Prison Carving looked even more furious, as if it had been deeply insulted. Its ruby-like eyes practically shot out Flame.

'How much?'

'What does he mean, "how much"?!'

'As if Lord Bird can be measured in money!'