Chương 256: Chapter 255: Face Is Earned, Not Given

Shrouded in black mist, Ye Chen cast a cold glance at Wang Lun before soaring back into the sky. He hadn't killed Wang Lun, partly because he wasn't a demonic cultivator who'd slaughter someone over a few snide remarks. But the main reason was practical: if Wang Lun died, it could disrupt things in the Great Chu Empire, potentially derailing the entire contest. That would ruin his plans. So, he'd only given him a light beating—just enough to keep Wang Lun quiet and out of his way for the next six months or so.

Glancing around, Ye Chen noticed two streaks of light approaching from the edges of Divine Will City. One carried a dense aura, likely a late Golden Core cultivator.

"Madman, you dare cause trouble in Divine Will City?!" a furious roar echoed. The city's array flared with blinding white light, illuminating the night like day. The entire city was sealed—nobody could enter or leave. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator would struggle to escape quickly. Below, Wang Lun, who had briefly regained consciousness despite his mangled head, glared with venomous resentment. No matter what, he'd make sure this attacker died. But in the next moment, his eyes widened in shock.

The black-winged figure flying toward the array's canopy suddenly radiated brilliant golden light from its wings. Its already terrifying speed surged even further. The figure shot straight into the array's barrier and, like breaking through the surface of water, passed through without the slightest resistance. Within a few breaths, it vanished into the Divine Will Mountain Range, leaving no trace. Wang Lun fell silent.

The two Divine Will Sect elders who had rushed over were equally dumbfounded, clutching the array's control disc. They could sense no disturbance in the array. So, how had the attacker escaped? Even a Nascent Soul ancestor would need to break the array to get out. And if it was a powerhouse beyond Nascent Soul… why would he even bother running? The elders would be the ones fleeing. What was going on? The news quickly reached the Divine Will Sect, stirring the entire sect into action.

The Array Peak Master hurried to the scene, and dozens of Golden Core elders were mobilized to search for the culprit. Divine Will City was the sect's cash cow, generating immense wealth from rent alone. They couldn't afford for anything to go wrong. … The next day, Ye Chen returned to the Divine Will Sect alongside several Quiet Wonder Peak elders. The elders chatted among themselves.

"I bet that guy had some secret technique to bypass arrays."

"The sect issued a statement saying the array had a glitch, but it's been fixed. They're just calming the city down."

"Honestly, our search yesterday wasn't really about finding anyone. It was just to show the public we're taking it seriously." If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"That so-called top prodigy of the Great Chu Empire was pathetic. I heard he got taken down with one punch and one kick—his head was practically twisted."

"The Great Chu Empire's nothing special. Their princess still needs our Divine Will Sect's protection, doesn't she?" As they bantered, one elder turned to Ye Chen.

"Elder Ye, you're just a guest elder, yet you went out to help with the search. That's dedication. How about visiting my cave abode later?" Ye Chen, who had blended into the group, smiled and shook his head.

"Another time, for sure." Back at the Divine Will Sect, Ye Chen felt refreshed. Beating up someone who annoyed him was as satisfying as expected. He'd already finalized the design for the spiritual artifact for An Miaoli. With her seclusion nearing its end, he could refine it and present it as a gift, while conveniently asking her to "purge" his lingering Nether Toxin. As for whether his actions last night would be exposed? Impossible.

Shrouded in black mist, he'd altered his aura and passed through the array without engaging any Divine Will Sect elders. No one could trace it back to him. Musing, Ye Chen took out various spirit silks from his storage bracelet, summoned Myriad Star Fire, and began crafting the top-grade spiritual artifact. … In the small courtyard, Li Feihuang frowned at Wang Lun's pale face and still-twisted neck.

"How's the injury?" Wang Lun forced a nonchalant smile.

"It's nothing. The cultivators in Divine Will City are just too rude, ambushing me while I was cultivating. I was caught off guard, that's all. The injury's minor—I'll be fine in a few days." Li Feihuang nodded, her red hair swaying in the breeze.

"Did you see who attacked?" Wang Lun shook his head.

"They hid their identity. But their aura was formidable—possibly Champion King himself, or at least a powerhouse he hired, likely nearing Nascent Soul. Otherwise, even a sneak attack wouldn't have touched me." When away from home, face was something you earned. The stronger he made his enemy sound, the less it seemed like he was weak. Li Feihuang nodded thoughtfully.

"Then stay put and focus on recovering. I'm about to enter seclusion to break through to mid-Golden Core." Wang Lun smiled and nodded. But once Li Feihuang left, his face twisted with malice. He'd just arrived in Divine Will City and hadn't provoked anyone, yet he was attacked like this. That final kick was especially humiliating. A grand prodigy of Great Chu, not worthy of being called Young Master? The Divine Will Sect owed him an explanation and had to find the culprit.

Once he knew who it was, Wang Lun would use every means to show them what true cruelty meant. … Three days later, the artifact was complete. Ye Chen held the new top-grade spiritual artifact with a delighted grin. Not only could it instantly envelop the entire body, but it could also shift into various colors—black, white, or even purple, his favorites. He'd meticulously refined the material's texture, achieving an exquisitely smooth, unparalleled feel.

Naturally, its spiritual energy amplification and defensive capabilities were top-tier, though those were secondary details. But as he stepped out of his cave abode, a red-haired figure stood before him, causing him to raise an eyebrow. Li Feihuang? Why was she here?

"Did you attack Wang Lun?" she asked calmly. Ye Chen's brow arched again, suspicion flickering in his mind. Seriously? Li Feihuang's expression was resolute. She was certain it was him. Before Ye Chen broke through to Golden Core, he'd outshone her, a top-tier prodigy. Though she'd surpassed him after reaching Golden Core, his past ability to rival her meant crushing Wang Lun would be child's play for him.

Add to that his ability to bypass Divine Will City's array, which pointed to someone from the Divine Will Sect. Strength, capability, and motive—all roads led to Ye Chen. As for motive? Clearly, the sudden appearance of another male cultivator by her side had sparked jealousy. Ye Chen feared Wang Lun would steal her attention and trust, so he'd acted decisively that very night. Seeing Ye Chen stay silent, Li Feihuang sighed, her striking eyes gazing at him earnestly.

"Ye Chen, I understand your feelings. But rest assured, you supported me when I was at my lowest, earning my complete trust. The Wang Clan is merely adding flowers to the brocade—how could that compare to sending charcoal in the snow? I know who truly matters. You don't need to worry." Ye Chen, about to deflect, froze at her words, the corner of his mouth twitching. What the…?