Yao Yuezhi watched Ye Chen furrow his brow in contemplation. She guessed at once that he worried for her. A smile curved her lips as her slender arms looped around his neck; she leaned close to his ear, gently rubbing her tender cheek against his.
In a soft whisper, she said, "Brother Ye, no need to fret. Since ancient tis, prodigies in the cultivation world have flowed like carp crossing a river—countless in number, most falling midway. Without immortality, no matter how demonic one's talent, one ends as painted skeletons, a handful of yellow earth!
"To have awaited Brother Ye's arrival, surviving with my life intact and even retaining Mahayana cultivation—I've already claid more than enough. And without hope of further ascent? All the better—I can stay by Brother Ye's side in peace, accompanying you always. I only wish to remain with Brother Ye every mont henceforth."
Yet Ye Chen shook his head without hesitation, his face grave as he t Yao Yuezhi's gaze; even disappointnt flickered in his eyes. "For sothing this minor, you surrender? If a path to solution exists, pursue it—salvation always lies possible. How will you know it's futile without trying? Don't lose heart. Next, I'll head to the Divine Silkworm Clan. Even at the cost of everything, I'll secure the Qiankun Cauldron with my own hands—to reconnect your immortal path!"
Yao Yuezhi froze at his words. Her gaze fixed on Ye Chen, emotions churning in tumult. Her initial choice of him stemd not from love, nor love at first sight. A woman as rational as she could harbor no such sentint. It was simply that Ye Chen had suited her needs best at the ti.
Yet now, learning of her peril, he had traversed vast distances to the Immortal Path for her rescue. And even in her own despair, he refused to yield—vowing to fetch the Qiankun Cauldron for her sake. Ye Chen—he truly loved her so! And this sensation of being cherished felt profoundly warm. Though she held scant hope of acquiring the cauldron. After all, the Divine Silkworm Clan wasn't fools.
But this ti, Yao Yuezhi fell silent, pressing her small face to Ye Chen's chest instead. She savored the warmth of his torso, listening to his heartbeat. In her ears, even Ye Chen's pulse thrumd with love for her.
Yao Yuekong paused at first, then guilt shadowed his features. Indeed—slender the odds. But this concerned his sole sister—how could he surrender? If even this brother-in-law braved the trouble, how much more her blood kin?
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"Yes—we cannot yield, but we won't burden Fellow Daoist Ye with the cost. Once we exit the Immortal Path, I'll contact our parents—drawing vast resources from the clan. They value my sister and equally—never scorning her for womanhood. With her injured, her treatnt will match mine; our parents will spare nothing."
Yao Yuekong spoke with conviction. Ye Chen, cradling Yao Yuezhi, twitched his lips. Half-right. Your sister might indeed claim such a favor. But you? Not so certain. Upon arrival, your parents hadn't ntioned you once. Yet voicing it would wound too deeply.
Ye Chen said no more, rely lowering his head to gaze at Yao Yuezhi in his arms—her eyes closed, lost in so unspoken thought—as he transmitted, "From now on, you must conceal the shattering of your cave heaven. Not even a whisper of your injury can reach outsiders. Otherwise, even if the Divine Silkworm Clan agrees to yield the Qiankun Cauldron, they'll demand the heavens in return!"
This was the essence of any negotiation. Let the other side know their solution was your only hope, and talks crumbled utterly. They might even dare ask for immortal artifacts.
Yao Yuezhi clearly grasped this too, nodding obediently in response.
Yao Yuekong and the Little Peacock King stayed silent as well, but their intent rang clear—they would hold their tongues.
"Let's go—back to the Immortal City. Just tell the Divine Silkworm Clan's location next."
Too many people now. Riding while others flew behind felt rude. So Ye Chen alighted with Yao Yuezhi in his arms, gesturing for Luo Bingling to descend too. He stowed the Heavenly Emperor War Chariot and led the group toward the teleportation array.
Yao Yuezhi said nothing, simply savoring the quiet comfort of his embrace—as if drifting into sleep. For her, this assault by three saints, her cave heaven's ruin, her immortal path's near-severance—all weighed crushingly heavy. Only in his arms, breathing his scent, did peace finally settle.
Beside them, Yao Yuekong addressed Ye Chen. "The Divine Silkworm Clan has co to Central Continent too—their outpost lies within the Myriad Races Immortal City. And we're headed back there ourselves. So we might as well travel together."
Ye Chen nodded noncommittally. On the flight ahead, Yao Yuekong described the Myriad Races Immortal City for Ye Chen's benefit. Luo Bingling chid in occasionally with additions.
The Little Peacock King alone stayed mute, his expression a knot of turmoil. After long hesitation, he finally steeled himself. He would honor his word, calling "dad" humiliated, but only fleetingly. Reneging, though? He'd never hold his head high before Ye Chen again. Thus, he turned to Ye Chen, lips parting to speak. But in that instant, the teleportation array humd to life—their figures vanishing in a flash.
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