In a distant location, where the once lofty Verdant Leaf Giant Peak had stood, only a leveled terrain could be seen. This towering mountain was now reshaped into a wide expanse resembling a large basin!
Ji Mingxiu, along with several other formidable individuals from the Purple Heaven Holy Land, and four members from the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, making a total of eight, found themselves in a face-off with four members of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and four Dao Palace realm demons.
These four demons were all ordinary Dao Palace realm powerhouses, their cultivation bases ranging between the Early and Middle stages.
Significantly, because their cultivation bases had not exceeded the highest threshold of the Bottomless Abyss, their power had been relatively preserved in its original state.
At this juncture, the intense conflict continued to flare up with unabated fervor.
Within the 'original plot', orchestrated by Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value, Dong Yuanzheng and his comrades managed to inflict severe wounds on the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple.
Their success was largely attributed to a strategic advantage provided by the unique geography of the Bottomless Abyss, combined with an unexpected ambush.
Only Ji Mingxiu and Xu Xinlan were fortunate enough to elude the devastating onslaught wrought by these two potent forces.
However, at this juncture, Dong Yuanzheng and his associates found themselves bereft of any upper hand.
The confrontation between the two sides was caught in a deadlock!
Suddenly, a cacophony of distressed cries cut through the tense atmosphere.
"Disaster strikes!!"
"Lord Long Tianlu's aura has dissipated!"
"Could it be... he has fallen!? Impossible! The strength of this continent is merely so!"
"When an aura vanishes, it signifies an unfortunate incident. We need to move quickly!!"
The Dao Palace realm powerhouses from the Nether Soul Demon Clan, one after another, through a unique sensory method, detected the abrupt disappearance of Long Tianlu's aura.
Recognizing that he must have run into a perilous situation, they were immediately engulfed by profound disbelief and shock.
Following this revelation, the four demons withdrew from the battlefield without hesitation, fleeing the scene posthaste.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Four dark silhouettes abruptly left the battlefield, plunging headlong into the depths of the Bottomless Abyss.
"What?!" Dong Yuanzheng shouted in disbelief.
"How could they just abandon the fight?!" one of his comrades questioned, aghast.
"Damn it, they've double-crossed us!"
"We're finished, what's our course of action now that they've fled!"
Caught off guard by this turn of events, the four members of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace were instantly overwhelmed. Consequently, under the sudden influx of combat pressure, they were filled with dread!
"The demons have taken flight!?" Ji Mingxiu exclaimed, trying to grasp the situation.
"What's transpiring!? Could this be part of their plot!?" an associate of his voiced out, equally confused.
They were all somewhat flabbergasted, not daring to initiate a full-scale assault on Dong Yuanzheng and his party.
Suddenly, a message vibrated in the transmission jade token nestled at Ji Mingxiu's waist. It was dispatched by Mo Yu.
With a swift sweep of his divine sense, Ji Mingxiu was immediately awash with exhilaration. He roared, "The leader of those demons has met his end! Slay these betrayers of mankind!"
"What!" Dong Yuanzheng gasped.
"Their leader has perished, Long Tianlu is no more!?" one of his crew members exclaimed in shock.
"Inconceivable," another added, "Lord Long Tianlu was a genuine Transcendence realm powerhouse! How could he have been vanquished!"
They were all vociferating in disbelief.
Yet, they understood the harsh reality; the demons wouldn't have abandoned the battlefield without just cause!
"The leader of the demons has fallen?" Xu Xinlan mused aloud, her eyes widening.
"So that's why the demons retreated so abruptly!" A sudden understanding dawned upon her face. With a determined glint in her eyes, she issued a chilling command, "Annihilate them all!"
Under the leadership of Ji Mingxiu and Xu Xinlan, their team of eight cultivators at the Dao Palace realm started to besiege and launch their assault against Dong Yuanzheng and his three accomplices!
It was worth noting that Ji Mingxiu and his group had come thoroughly prepared for this encounter!
Now, with the odds stacked at eight against four, this situation could only be described as a premeditated ambush.
Despite the fact that Dong Yuanzheng and his comrades had transitioned into demonic cultivation, amplifying their combat prowess, it remained within bounds.
Amidst the relentless onslaught led by Ji Mingxiu and his allies, Dong Yuanzheng and his party found themselves unable to flee or retaliate.
They could merely look on helplessly as the Dao Yuan Power within their dantian began to dwindle progressively.
"No, no!" Dong Yuanzheng cried out in desperation.
"Ji Mingxiu, we can negotiate, there's room for discussion, we were compelled into this situation!"
"As long as you spare us, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace is yours to command!" Confronted with the looming specter of death, he swiftly succumbed to fear and began to plead for mercy.
However, Ji Mingxiu and the rest were resolute, turning a deaf ear to the pleas.
Their onslaught remained as ferocious as ever.
They were determined to bring down Dong Yuanzheng and his companions!
Realizing that begging was futile, Dong Yuanzheng and his party were suddenly consumed by a profound sense of despair.
...
Simultaneously, over at Purple Heaven Holy Land, Jiang Chen, wielding the formidable might of a Dao Palace realm cultivator, swiftly eradicated the lingering remnants of the demonic beast tide.
He utilized the Wordless Heavenly Jade to draw out qi and blood from all the demonic beast and demon corpses strewn about.
In addition, as some cultivators were still affected by the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi, he devoted some time to their rescue.
If these individuals were left untreated, they would eventually degenerate into frenzied monsters, a fate they were helpless against.
Given Jiang Chen's current strength, purging the lingering traces of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi was a straightforward task.
Before much time had passed, all disciples under the influence of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi had been cured by him, resulting in a wave of profuse expressions of gratitude.
Following this, Jiang Chen proceeded to the Holy Land Grand Hall, placing the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword within.
This sword, now damaged, had exerted a significant amount of energy in the recent skirmish.
To restore it to its former glory, it required the age-old grand formation of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
"I must devise a method to mend it." Jiang Chen murmured, casting a glance at the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword before pivoting to exit.
At the threshold of the Holy Land Grand Hall, Ji Ruxue was already pacing nervously, anxiety etched on her face.
Witnessing the severe injuries Elder Mo Yu had sustained in the combat, she harbored genuine apprehensions that Jiang Chen might meet a similar fate.
"Ruxue, there's no need to fret, I'm unscathed!" With those words, Jiang Chen advanced to wrap his arms comfortingly around Ji Ruxue.
As they savored this moment of tranquility, a teasing voice chimed in, her tone a blend of envy and mischievous jest, "Jiang Chen, I demand a hug as well!" Xie Xiaojing interjected, having observed the intimate exchange following her own arrival.
Without a moment's hesitation, she insinuated herself into Jiang Chen's right arm, subtly nudging Ji Ruxue to his left.
The impish grin that danced on her lips conveyed her playful intentions.
Her relationship with Jiang Chen was no longer cloaked in secrecy.
The era of clandestine affection had passed and she reveled in the liberty to openly express her love.
Far from being offended, Ji Ruxue simply responded with a warm smile, shaking her head in mild indulgence at Xie Xiaojing's caper.
She had long since become familiar with this rapport.
With both women nestled under his arms, Jiang Chen's face turned apologetic, his words laced with a tone of self-reproach. "I apologize for not informing you both earlier about your sisters in the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain. I don't have a reasonable justification. The truth is, when I presented you with your nuptial rings, I was so consumed with the war and concern for your safety that it completely slipped my mind. I deeply regret this oversight."
"It's okay, Jiang Chen." Ji Ruxue, comfortably tucked under his left arm, lifted her face towards him. Her smile radiated understanding and forgiveness. "We comprehend that your mind was preoccupied with the war and our wellbeing. We can't fault you for that."
Xie Xiaojing, nestled under Jiang Chen's right arm, rolled her eyes, a hint of sympathy flickering for her friend's naive disposition.
Having once been enchanted by Jiang Chen's eloquent words, she had now become immune to such charms.
"No, Ruxue, he needs to learn his lesson." While remaining comfortably nestled against Jiang Chen, Xie Xiaojing looped her arm around his waist, her fingers playfully pinching a small fold of his flesh, thus inflicting a mild, playful punishment.
Her amber eyes shimmered with a mix of slight annoyance and jest as she directed a playful glare at him.
Acknowledging his mistake, Jiang Chen offered no resistance.
He merely grimaced lightly at Xie Xiaojing's teasing pinch, allowing her to vent her minor frustration.
This heartfelt interaction lingered for a while longer before Jiang Chen, having bestowed a gentle kiss on each woman's forehead, progressively loosened his hold on them.
Inside the Void Tribulation Soul, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning bore witness to this intimate exchange between Jiang Chen, Ji Ruxue, and Xie Xiaojing.
On this occasion, Jiang Chen had intentionally refrained from severing their shared vision, and the scene stirred a whirlwind of emotions within them.
Both Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning shared a common characteristic: they had never been involved in an intimate relationship with any male cultivator before.
This was largely attributable to the overpowering influence of Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value.
This feature was not exclusive to them.
In fact, nearly every heroine who had associations with a protagonist possessed this trait.
The only exceptions were those protagonists who managed to win over even the most resolute hearts - the infamous 'homewreckers'!
At this point, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning had intertwined their destinies with Jiang Chen, becoming integral parts of his Heaven-Defying Fate Changer.
The secrets they shared had deepened their bond, drawing them closer than ever before.
Their perception of Jiang Chen had progressively transformed.
To them, he was no longer merely a fellow cultivator or a friend. Subtly but irrevocably, Jiang Chen had evolved into their man.
Watching him comfort Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing in his embrace stirred complex emotions within them.
This sight ignited within them a blend of desire, affection, and perhaps even a hint of envy.
How could they remain unmoved by such an intimate moment?
However, characterizing this as a battlefield of love would be incorrect, especially in the context of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
Their loyalty and commitment to Jiang Chen remained firm, solidified by shared experiences and trust.
There were no feelings of resentment or ill will towards him, only admiration and respect.
In this moment, Ji Ruxue spoke up, her voice tinged with relief. "Jiang Chen, we're relieved you're safe!"
She continued with a softer tone, "After such a fierce battle, you need to rest. We... we won't disturb you any further."
Her cheeks were tinged with pink, still warm from Jiang Chen's kiss, causing her words to falter slightly.
With that, she took hold of Xie Xiaojing, who showed apparent reluctance to leave, and they flew away together.
As Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing gracefully retreated into the expanse, Jiang Chen's gaze lingered on their elegant forms, a primal yearning awakening within him.
However, he promptly subdued that desire, committed to maintaining restraint.
He had already set a steadfast decision: only upon ascending to the Dao Palace realm would he progress their relationship.
He recognized that to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, their 'first time' bond carried immense significance - a grand opportunity, and he had no intention of compromising it for his own transient desires.
Moreover, in contrast to Ning Xian, Mu Tao, and Miao Xiaoru, whose need to amplify their powers for personal safety was critical, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing found themselves in a different predicament.
Nestled safely within the Holy Land, they didn't require Jiang Chen's assistance to enhance their cultivation base at present.
With that concluding thought, Jiang Chen ceased his contemplations.
Subsequently, he soared through the sky, returning to Ji Ruxue's three-story abode.
A Message from AlphaWIA:
We've hit Chapter 300! A huge shoutout to my amazing patrons for their unwavering support. Their contribution is a big reason we've come this far. To everyone reading, know that each chapter is fueled by their generosity and your encouragement. Onward we go!
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
Ko-fi: [https://bit.ly/3KJOiH3]
Chapter 220: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
In a distant location, where the once lofty Verdant Leaf Giant Peak had stood, only a leveled terrain could be seen. This towering mountain was now reshaped into a wide expanse resembling a large basin!
Ji Mingxiu, along with several other formidable individuals from the Purple Heaven Holy Land, and four members from the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, making a total of eight, found themselves in a face-off with four members of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and four Dao Palace realm demons.
These four demons were all ordinary Dao Palace realm powerhouses, their cultivation bases ranging between the Early and Middle stages.
Significantly, because their cultivation bases had not exceeded the highest threshold of the Bottomless Abyss, their power had been relatively preserved in its original state.
At this juncture, the intense conflict continued to flare up with unabated fervor.
Within the 'original plot', orchestrated by Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value, Dong Yuanzheng and his comrades managed to inflict severe wounds on the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple.
Their success was largely attributed to a strategic advantage provided by the unique geography of the Bottomless Abyss, combined with an unexpected ambush.
Only Ji Mingxiu and Xu Xinlan were fortunate enough to elude the devastating onslaught wrought by these two potent forces.
However, at this juncture, Dong Yuanzheng and his associates found themselves bereft of any upper hand.
The confrontation between the two sides was caught in a deadlock!
Suddenly, a cacophony of distressed cries cut through the tense atmosphere.
"Disaster strikes!!"
"Lord Long Tianlu's aura has dissipated!"
"Could it be... he has fallen!? Impossible! The strength of this continent is merely so!"
"When an aura vanishes, it signifies an unfortunate incident. We need to move quickly!!"
The Dao Palace realm powerhouses from the Nether Soul Demon Clan, one after another, through a unique sensory method, detected the abrupt disappearance of Long Tianlu's aura.
Recognizing that he must have run into a perilous situation, they were immediately engulfed by profound disbelief and shock.
Following this revelation, the four demons withdrew from the battlefield without hesitation, fleeing the scene posthaste.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Four dark silhouettes abruptly left the battlefield, plunging headlong into the depths of the Bottomless Abyss.
"What?!" Dong Yuanzheng shouted in disbelief.
"How could they just abandon the fight?!" one of his comrades questioned, aghast.
"Damn it, they've double-crossed us!"
"We're finished, what's our course of action now that they've fled!"
Caught off guard by this turn of events, the four members of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace were instantly overwhelmed. Consequently, under the sudden influx of combat pressure, they were filled with dread!
"The demons have taken flight!?" Ji Mingxiu exclaimed, trying to grasp the situation.
"What's transpiring!? Could this be part of their plot!?" an associate of his voiced out, equally confused.
They were all somewhat flabbergasted, not daring to initiate a full-scale assault on Dong Yuanzheng and his party.
Suddenly, a message vibrated in the transmission jade token nestled at Ji Mingxiu's waist. It was dispatched by Mo Yu.
With a swift sweep of his divine sense, Ji Mingxiu was immediately awash with exhilaration. He roared, "The leader of those demons has met his end! Slay these betrayers of mankind!"
"What!" Dong Yuanzheng gasped.
"Their leader has perished, Long Tianlu is no more!?" one of his crew members exclaimed in shock.
"Inconceivable," another added, "Lord Long Tianlu was a genuine Transcendence realm powerhouse! How could he have been vanquished!"
They were all vociferating in disbelief.
Yet, they understood the harsh reality; the demons wouldn't have abandoned the battlefield without just cause!
"The leader of the demons has fallen?" Xu Xinlan mused aloud, her eyes widening.
"So that's why the demons retreated so abruptly!" A sudden understanding dawned upon her face. With a determined glint in her eyes, she issued a chilling command, "Annihilate them all!"
Under the leadership of Ji Mingxiu and Xu Xinlan, their team of eight cultivators at the Dao Palace realm started to besiege and launch their assault against Dong Yuanzheng and his three accomplices!
It was worth noting that Ji Mingxiu and his group had come thoroughly prepared for this encounter!
Now, with the odds stacked at eight against four, this situation could only be described as a premeditated ambush.
Despite the fact that Dong Yuanzheng and his comrades had transitioned into demonic cultivation, amplifying their combat prowess, it remained within bounds.
Amidst the relentless onslaught led by Ji Mingxiu and his allies, Dong Yuanzheng and his party found themselves unable to flee or retaliate.
They could merely look on helplessly as the Dao Yuan Power within their dantian began to dwindle progressively.
"No, no!" Dong Yuanzheng cried out in desperation.
"Ji Mingxiu, we can negotiate, there's room for discussion, we were compelled into this situation!"
"As long as you spare us, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace is yours to command!" Confronted with the looming specter of death, he swiftly succumbed to fear and began to plead for mercy.
However, Ji Mingxiu and the rest were resolute, turning a deaf ear to the pleas.
Their onslaught remained as ferocious as ever.
They were determined to bring down Dong Yuanzheng and his companions!
Realizing that begging was futile, Dong Yuanzheng and his party were suddenly consumed by a profound sense of despair.
...
Simultaneously, over at Purple Heaven Holy Land, Jiang Chen, wielding the formidable might of a Dao Palace realm cultivator, swiftly eradicated the lingering remnants of the demonic beast tide.
He utilized the Wordless Heavenly Jade to draw out qi and blood from all the demonic beast and demon corpses strewn about.
In addition, as some cultivators were still affected by the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi, he devoted some time to their rescue.
If these individuals were left untreated, they would eventually degenerate into frenzied monsters, a fate they were helpless against.
Given Jiang Chen's current strength, purging the lingering traces of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi was a straightforward task.
Before much time had passed, all disciples under the influence of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi had been cured by him, resulting in a wave of profuse expressions of gratitude.
Following this, Jiang Chen proceeded to the Holy Land Grand Hall, placing the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword within.
This sword, now damaged, had exerted a significant amount of energy in the recent skirmish.
To restore it to its former glory, it required the age-old grand formation of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
"I must devise a method to mend it." Jiang Chen murmured, casting a glance at the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword before pivoting to exit.
At the threshold of the Holy Land Grand Hall, Ji Ruxue was already pacing nervously, anxiety etched on her face.
Witnessing the severe injuries Elder Mo Yu had sustained in the combat, she harbored genuine apprehensions that Jiang Chen might meet a similar fate.
"Ruxue, there's no need to fret, I'm unscathed!" With those words, Jiang Chen advanced to wrap his arms comfortingly around Ji Ruxue.
As they savored this moment of tranquility, a teasing voice chimed in, her tone a blend of envy and mischievous jest, "Jiang Chen, I demand a hug as well!" Xie Xiaojing interjected, having observed the intimate exchange following her own arrival.
Without a moment's hesitation, she insinuated herself into Jiang Chen's right arm, subtly nudging Ji Ruxue to his left.
The impish grin that danced on her lips conveyed her playful intentions.
Her relationship with Jiang Chen was no longer cloaked in secrecy.
The era of clandestine affection had passed and she reveled in the liberty to openly express her love.
Far from being offended, Ji Ruxue simply responded with a warm smile, shaking her head in mild indulgence at Xie Xiaojing's caper.
She had long since become familiar with this rapport.
With both women nestled under his arms, Jiang Chen's face turned apologetic, his words laced with a tone of self-reproach. "I apologize for not informing you both earlier about your sisters in the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain. I don't have a reasonable justification. The truth is, when I presented you with your nuptial rings, I was so consumed with the war and concern for your safety that it completely slipped my mind. I deeply regret this oversight."
"It's okay, Jiang Chen." Ji Ruxue, comfortably tucked under his left arm, lifted her face towards him. Her smile radiated understanding and forgiveness. "We comprehend that your mind was preoccupied with the war and our wellbeing. We can't fault you for that."
Xie Xiaojing, nestled under Jiang Chen's right arm, rolled her eyes, a hint of sympathy flickering for her friend's naive disposition.
Having once been enchanted by Jiang Chen's eloquent words, she had now become immune to such charms.
"No, Ruxue, he needs to learn his lesson." While remaining comfortably nestled against Jiang Chen, Xie Xiaojing looped her arm around his waist, her fingers playfully pinching a small fold of his flesh, thus inflicting a mild, playful punishment.
Her amber eyes shimmered with a mix of slight annoyance and jest as she directed a playful glare at him.
Acknowledging his mistake, Jiang Chen offered no resistance.
He merely grimaced lightly at Xie Xiaojing's teasing pinch, allowing her to vent her minor frustration.
This heartfelt interaction lingered for a while longer before Jiang Chen, having bestowed a gentle kiss on each woman's forehead, progressively loosened his hold on them.
Inside the Void Tribulation Soul, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning bore witness to this intimate exchange between Jiang Chen, Ji Ruxue, and Xie Xiaojing.
On this occasion, Jiang Chen had intentionally refrained from severing their shared vision, and the scene stirred a whirlwind of emotions within them.
Both Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning shared a common characteristic: they had never been involved in an intimate relationship with any male cultivator before.
This was largely attributable to the overpowering influence of Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value.
This feature was not exclusive to them.
In fact, nearly every heroine who had associations with a protagonist possessed this trait.
The only exceptions were those protagonists who managed to win over even the most resolute hearts - the infamous 'homewreckers'!
At this point, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning had intertwined their destinies with Jiang Chen, becoming integral parts of his Heaven-Defying Fate Changer.
The secrets they shared had deepened their bond, drawing them closer than ever before.
Their perception of Jiang Chen had progressively transformed.
To them, he was no longer merely a fellow cultivator or a friend. Subtly but irrevocably, Jiang Chen had evolved into their man.
Watching him comfort Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing in his embrace stirred complex emotions within them.
This sight ignited within them a blend of desire, affection, and perhaps even a hint of envy.
How could they remain unmoved by such an intimate moment?
However, characterizing this as a battlefield of love would be incorrect, especially in the context of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
Their loyalty and commitment to Jiang Chen remained firm, solidified by shared experiences and trust.
There were no feelings of resentment or ill will towards him, only admiration and respect.
In this moment, Ji Ruxue spoke up, her voice tinged with relief. "Jiang Chen, we're relieved you're safe!"
She continued with a softer tone, "After such a fierce battle, you need to rest. We... we won't disturb you any further."
Her cheeks were tinged with pink, still warm from Jiang Chen's kiss, causing her words to falter slightly.
With that, she took hold of Xie Xiaojing, who showed apparent reluctance to leave, and they flew away together.
As Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing gracefully retreated into the expanse, Jiang Chen's gaze lingered on their elegant forms, a primal yearning awakening within him.
However, he promptly subdued that desire, committed to maintaining restraint.
He had already set a steadfast decision: only upon ascending to the Dao Palace realm would he progress their relationship.
He recognized that to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, their 'first time' bond carried immense significance - a grand opportunity, and he had no intention of compromising it for his own transient desires.
Moreover, in contrast to Ning Xian, Mu Tao, and Miao Xiaoru, whose need to amplify their powers for personal safety was critical, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing found themselves in a different predicament.
Nestled safely within the Holy Land, they didn't require Jiang Chen's assistance to enhance their cultivation base at present.
With that concluding thought, Jiang Chen ceased his contemplations.
Subsequently, he soared through the sky, returning to Ji Ruxue's three-story abode.
A Message from AlphaWIA:
We've hit Chapter 300! A huge shoutout to my amazing patrons for their unwavering support. Their contribution is a big reason we've come this far. To everyone reading, know that each chapter is fueled by their generosity and your encouragement. Onward we go!
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
Ko-fi: [https://bit.ly/3KJOiH3]
Chapter 220: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
