At this very moment, on the battlefield of Three Mountains Island, Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing were being relentlessly pursued by Liu Xiong, their faces drained of color.
"Don't push me any further, you dark-robed villain!" Cai Xueqing shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.
"My Daoist friend, let's handle this with reason and restraint, lest we both meet unfortunate fates," Gan Ruifeng urged cautiously.
"Hold on, just stop! I possess a secret art that guarantees your defeat if used. Halt your chase, and a wealth of cultivation resources will be yours!"
"Pause! Be aware that a Dao Palace realm expert supports me. Do not force me to call upon him!"
Each continuously advocated for a peaceful resolution, employing a mix of threats and enticements.
Ignoring their appeals, Liu Xiong remained steadfast in his pursuit, chasing them as if his very existence depended on it.
Despair hovered at the fringes of Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing's consciousness, their hopes nearly extinguished.
Amid the chaos, Cai Xueqing's boast of a secret art was nothing more than empty words, lacking any real substance.
On the other hand, Gan Ruifeng's claim of a Dao Palace realm backer wasn't entirely without basis.
Yet, he was aware that this support was tenuous at best.
Their clan's relationship with the aforementioned Dao Palace realm expert was frail, founded on a series of ancestral favors granted long ago.
The question of whether that Dao Palace realm expert even existed anymore added another layer of uncertainty to their predicament.
Even if such a powerhouse were still alive, the chances of them being in the remote outskirts of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sea were slim to none.
The area was barren, lacking in resources, and not a place a Dao Palace realm expert would likely frequent.
At this critical moment, Gan Ruifeng found himself without any options, forced to resort to even the most desperate of measures.
Reaching into his storage artifact, he pulled out an unusual metallic coin and channeled Yuan Power into it. 'Oh, esteemed senior, please, make your presence felt!' he thought desperately.
All of a sudden, a strange ripple emanated from the metallic coin.
...
At the same time, far across the sea, Jiang Chen glided above the water's surface, his divine sense casting a wide net over the area.
'How could I have neglected to place a tracking mark on Wu Qian during our last encounter? What an oversight,' Jiang Chen thought, his brow knitted in concentration as he scoured the area for any sign of Wu Qian.
Just as he was deep in thought, a figure suddenly materialised under the sea, filling him with a surge of excitement. 'He's indeed close by!' Jiang Chen thought exultantly.
'I never expected there to be an area here that even my divine sense couldn't penetrate. Could it be the rumored location that holds a Transcendence realm opportunity?'
'Since Wu Qian has revealed himself, there's no need to be lenient with Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing anymore.' Without wasting another second, he issued the command, "Liu Xiong, finish them off!"
...
'At last, it's my turn!' Liu Xiong grinned inwardly.
With a mere flick of his hand, Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing's heads burst like ripe melons.
Upon Gan Ruifeng's demise, the metallic coin in his hand was deprived of its Yuan Power source, and the ripple it had been emitting abruptly ceased.
Instantly, Liu Xiong collected the metallic coin and secured it in his storage artifact.
Moreover, he also removed Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing's bodies, all in accordance with Jiang Chen's stipulations.
With all tasks accomplished, Liu Xiong donned a chilling smile and plunged into the battlefield beneath him.
...
Simultaneously, system notifications echoed in Jiang Chen's sea of consciousness.
[Ding! You have successfully altered plot. Protagonist Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 3000 points!]
[Ding! You've earned 6000 points of Villain Value!]
'Another alteration in the plot, wonderful.' A faint smile crept onto Jiang Chen's lips.
Meanwhile, at the seabed, Wu Qian stood steadfast amidst the churning currents, his eyes filled with a touch of confusion. 'Did I get teleported out again?'
'It seems I'm still unable to access that place.'
'I thought I sensed a familiar vibration for a moment. Could it be a token I left here a long time ago?'
However, a meticulous scan revealed nothing.
'Is my mind playing tricks on me?' he pondered. 'Well, if I can't detect anything, there's little I can do.'
Then, a voice that sounded vaguely familiar rang through his ears, jolting Wu Qian. "Hmm? Wu Qian, is that you?"
'Jiang Chen!? The Holy Son of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, Jiang Chen!?' His expression changed immediately, and employing his divine sense, he quickly located the source of the voice—Jiang Chen.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen wasn't in his dragon-human hybrid form, but his features still held enough resemblance for Wu Qian to recognize him immediately.
Wu Qian had formed a positive and respectful impression of Jiang Chen from their first meeting.
So, Wu Qian grinned and greeted Jiang Chen, saying, "Holy Son Jiang Chen, encountering you here again was unexpected!" He offered a traditional fist and palm salute across the churning sea waters.
"Hahaha, it's indeed a serendipitous occasion to run into you here, Daoist friend Wu. Fate must be weaving its threads once more," Jiang Chen responded with a hearty laugh. "The ambiance underwater isn't ideal for a conversation. Shall we move above the surface?"
"Agreed!" Wu Qian nodded, and both men ascended to the water's surface, facing each other amidst the rolling waves.
Looking at the remarkably young Jiang Chen before him, Wu Qian felt a tinge of inferiority wash over him.
Despite his early twenties, Jiang Chen, who stood across from him, had already shown the capacity to behead a Demon Race expert in the Peak-stage Dao Palace realm.
Compared to Jiang Chen's achievements at the same age, Wu Qian felt his own paled significantly.
Suddenly, Jiang Chen released a sigh.
"What's on your mind, Holy Son?" Wu Qian inquired, his curiosity sparked.
"Do you know, Daoist friend Wu, that the Nether Demon Clan has once again infiltrated the Immortal Martial Continent?" Jiang Chen's face took on a somber expression. "This time, they've directly taken control of both the Pure Frost Domain and the Vibrant Blaze Domain!"
Hearing this news, Wu Qian's face went ashen with astonishment. "What?! Has it really gotten this bad?!"
It was indeed chilling to think that shortly after Jiang Chen had exterminated that nether soul demon and quelled the demonic beast tide, two major domains on the Immortal Martial Continent had already been seized.
The gravity of the situation was irrefutable and unnerving.
"Yes," Jiang Chen confirmed, nodding gravely. "The situation deteriorates with each day that passes."
"I've lost my interest in cultivation for now and have been wandering, looking for any traces of the Nether Demon Clan."
"Although I haven't found any signs of them, I did uncover some other intriguing clues in this sea region."
Then, locking eyes with Wu Qian, he asked earnestly, "You reside in this sea area; you must've noticed something unusual too, haven't you?"
His tone carried a sense of finality, leaving no room for doubt.
Hearing this, Wu Qian's expression shifted subtly.
He knew that the mysterious cave dwelling he had guarded for years had been discovered by another, and he felt powerless; Jiang Chen was just too overwhelming.
In fact, during their first meeting, Wu Qian had already mentally prepared himself for a situation like this.
So, he swiftly regained his composure.
"Yes," Wu Qian readily acknowledged. "Your insight is indeed sharp, Holy Son Jiang Chen. There is, in fact, a mysterious cave dwelling in the vicinity."
Denial seemed pointless, and proactively admitting the truth felt like the wiser course of action.
Besides, he himself was unable to unlock the secrets of the cave, so seeking help from someone else appeared logical.
If he stubbornly denied it, he'd only turn Jiang Chen into an adversary. Wu Qian was well aware that he wouldn't last ten moves against someone of Jiang Chen's caliber.
"A mysterious cave dwelling?" Interest flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes. "Has Daoist friend Wu stayed in this area solely because you haven't uncovered what lies within?"
"Indeed, I haven't even managed to enter it," Wu Qian confirmed, nodding. He then smiled warmly, "Since Holy Son Jiang Chen has also found this cave, it's clear that fortune smiles upon the discoverer. How about we try to unlock its secrets together?"
"Your generosity is much appreciated," Jiang Chen replied solemnly, bringing his hands together in front of his chest and bowing slightly towards Wu Qian. "I'll always cherish this spirit of cooperation."
"You're too kind, Holy Son," Wu Qian returned the gesture immediately. "I've been unable to gain access to the cave myself. If we succeed in opening it and finding what it hides, your guidance will have played a key role."
"Haha, I can't guarantee we'll unlock it, but I can promise we'll put in our best effort," Jiang Chen chuckled softly, shaking his head.
As it stood, the opportunity within was intended for Gu Ran, and it was highly likely that only he had the ability to unlock it.
A Message from AlphaWIA:
Chapter 265 on X: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 350.
The first protagonist, armed with a system, takes the stage.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
At this very moment, on the battlefield of Three Mountains Island, Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing were being relentlessly pursued by Liu Xiong, their faces drained of color.
"Don't push me any further, you dark-robed villain!" Cai Xueqing shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.
"My Daoist friend, let's handle this with reason and restraint, lest we both meet unfortunate fates," Gan Ruifeng urged cautiously.
"Hold on, just stop! I possess a secret art that guarantees your defeat if used. Halt your chase, and a wealth of cultivation resources will be yours!"
"Pause! Be aware that a Dao Palace realm expert supports me. Do not force me to call upon him!"
Each continuously advocated for a peaceful resolution, employing a mix of threats and enticements.
Ignoring their appeals, Liu Xiong remained steadfast in his pursuit, chasing them as if his very existence depended on it.
Despair hovered at the fringes of Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing's consciousness, their hopes nearly extinguished.
Amid the chaos, Cai Xueqing's boast of a secret art was nothing more than empty words, lacking any real substance.
On the other hand, Gan Ruifeng's claim of a Dao Palace realm backer wasn't entirely without basis.
Yet, he was aware that this support was tenuous at best.
Their clan's relationship with the aforementioned Dao Palace realm expert was frail, founded on a series of ancestral favors granted long ago.
The question of whether that Dao Palace realm expert even existed anymore added another layer of uncertainty to their predicament.
Even if such a powerhouse were still alive, the chances of them being in the remote outskirts of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sea were slim to none.
The area was barren, lacking in resources, and not a place a Dao Palace realm expert would likely frequent.
At this critical moment, Gan Ruifeng found himself without any options, forced to resort to even the most desperate of measures.
Reaching into his storage artifact, he pulled out an unusual metallic coin and channeled Yuan Power into it. 'Oh, esteemed senior, please, make your presence felt!' he thought desperately.
All of a sudden, a strange ripple emanated from the metallic coin.
...
At the same time, far across the sea, Jiang Chen glided above the water's surface, his divine sense casting a wide net over the area.
'How could I have neglected to place a tracking mark on Wu Qian during our last encounter? What an oversight,' Jiang Chen thought, his brow knitted in concentration as he scoured the area for any sign of Wu Qian.
Just as he was deep in thought, a figure suddenly materialised under the sea, filling him with a surge of excitement. 'He's indeed close by!' Jiang Chen thought exultantly.
'I never expected there to be an area here that even my divine sense couldn't penetrate. Could it be the rumored location that holds a Transcendence realm opportunity?'
'Since Wu Qian has revealed himself, there's no need to be lenient with Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing anymore.' Without wasting another second, he issued the command, "Liu Xiong, finish them off!"
...
'At last, it's my turn!' Liu Xiong grinned inwardly.
With a mere flick of his hand, Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing's heads burst like ripe melons.
Upon Gan Ruifeng's demise, the metallic coin in his hand was deprived of its Yuan Power source, and the ripple it had been emitting abruptly ceased.
Instantly, Liu Xiong collected the metallic coin and secured it in his storage artifact.
Moreover, he also removed Gan Ruifeng and Cai Xueqing's bodies, all in accordance with Jiang Chen's stipulations.
With all tasks accomplished, Liu Xiong donned a chilling smile and plunged into the battlefield beneath him.
...
Simultaneously, system notifications echoed in Jiang Chen's sea of consciousness.
[Ding! You have successfully altered plot. Protagonist Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 3000 points!]
[Ding! You've earned 6000 points of Villain Value!]
'Another alteration in the plot, wonderful.' A faint smile crept onto Jiang Chen's lips.
Meanwhile, at the seabed, Wu Qian stood steadfast amidst the churning currents, his eyes filled with a touch of confusion. 'Did I get teleported out again?'
'It seems I'm still unable to access that place.'
'I thought I sensed a familiar vibration for a moment. Could it be a token I left here a long time ago?'
However, a meticulous scan revealed nothing.
'Is my mind playing tricks on me?' he pondered. 'Well, if I can't detect anything, there's little I can do.'
Then, a voice that sounded vaguely familiar rang through his ears, jolting Wu Qian. "Hmm? Wu Qian, is that you?"
'Jiang Chen!? The Holy Son of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, Jiang Chen!?' His expression changed immediately, and employing his divine sense, he quickly located the source of the voice—Jiang Chen.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen wasn't in his dragon-human hybrid form, but his features still held enough resemblance for Wu Qian to recognize him immediately.
Wu Qian had formed a positive and respectful impression of Jiang Chen from their first meeting.
So, Wu Qian grinned and greeted Jiang Chen, saying, "Holy Son Jiang Chen, encountering you here again was unexpected!" He offered a traditional fist and palm salute across the churning sea waters.
"Hahaha, it's indeed a serendipitous occasion to run into you here, Daoist friend Wu. Fate must be weaving its threads once more," Jiang Chen responded with a hearty laugh. "The ambiance underwater isn't ideal for a conversation. Shall we move above the surface?"
"Agreed!" Wu Qian nodded, and both men ascended to the water's surface, facing each other amidst the rolling waves.
Looking at the remarkably young Jiang Chen before him, Wu Qian felt a tinge of inferiority wash over him.
Despite his early twenties, Jiang Chen, who stood across from him, had already shown the capacity to behead a Demon Race expert in the Peak-stage Dao Palace realm.
Compared to Jiang Chen's achievements at the same age, Wu Qian felt his own paled significantly.
Suddenly, Jiang Chen released a sigh.
"What's on your mind, Holy Son?" Wu Qian inquired, his curiosity sparked.
"Do you know, Daoist friend Wu, that the Nether Demon Clan has once again infiltrated the Immortal Martial Continent?" Jiang Chen's face took on a somber expression. "This time, they've directly taken control of both the Pure Frost Domain and the Vibrant Blaze Domain!"
Hearing this news, Wu Qian's face went ashen with astonishment. "What?! Has it really gotten this bad?!"
It was indeed chilling to think that shortly after Jiang Chen had exterminated that nether soul demon and quelled the demonic beast tide, two major domains on the Immortal Martial Continent had already been seized.
The gravity of the situation was irrefutable and unnerving.
"Yes," Jiang Chen confirmed, nodding gravely. "The situation deteriorates with each day that passes."
"I've lost my interest in cultivation for now and have been wandering, looking for any traces of the Nether Demon Clan."
"Although I haven't found any signs of them, I did uncover some other intriguing clues in this sea region."
Then, locking eyes with Wu Qian, he asked earnestly, "You reside in this sea area; you must've noticed something unusual too, haven't you?"
His tone carried a sense of finality, leaving no room for doubt.
Hearing this, Wu Qian's expression shifted subtly.
He knew that the mysterious cave dwelling he had guarded for years had been discovered by another, and he felt powerless; Jiang Chen was just too overwhelming.
In fact, during their first meeting, Wu Qian had already mentally prepared himself for a situation like this.
So, he swiftly regained his composure.
"Yes," Wu Qian readily acknowledged. "Your insight is indeed sharp, Holy Son Jiang Chen. There is, in fact, a mysterious cave dwelling in the vicinity."
Denial seemed pointless, and proactively admitting the truth felt like the wiser course of action.
Besides, he himself was unable to unlock the secrets of the cave, so seeking help from someone else appeared logical.
If he stubbornly denied it, he'd only turn Jiang Chen into an adversary. Wu Qian was well aware that he wouldn't last ten moves against someone of Jiang Chen's caliber.
"A mysterious cave dwelling?" Interest flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes. "Has Daoist friend Wu stayed in this area solely because you haven't uncovered what lies within?"
"Indeed, I haven't even managed to enter it," Wu Qian confirmed, nodding. He then smiled warmly, "Since Holy Son Jiang Chen has also found this cave, it's clear that fortune smiles upon the discoverer. How about we try to unlock its secrets together?"
"Your generosity is much appreciated," Jiang Chen replied solemnly, bringing his hands together in front of his chest and bowing slightly towards Wu Qian. "I'll always cherish this spirit of cooperation."
"You're too kind, Holy Son," Wu Qian returned the gesture immediately. "I've been unable to gain access to the cave myself. If we succeed in opening it and finding what it hides, your guidance will have played a key role."
"Haha, I can't guarantee we'll unlock it, but I can promise we'll put in our best effort," Jiang Chen chuckled softly, shaking his head.
As it stood, the opportunity within was intended for Gu Ran, and it was highly likely that only he had the ability to unlock it.
A Message from AlphaWIA:
Chapter 265 on X: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 350.
The first protagonist, armed with a system, takes the stage.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
