Chapter 200

Chapter 200

Yan Qingcheng bit her lip. Upon their analysis, her anger evaporated, replaced by a creeping sense of dread.

Back then, when Mu Chen and Ye Shi had defeated several king-level masters, many opposing factions portrayed them as fierce and unruly beasts. Many who were unaware of the whole truth saw them as vicious villains, including Yan Qingcheng.

A peculiar glint flashed in Yan Qingcheng's eyes, "Why would Mu Chen and Ye Shi suddenly appear here?"

"With the international summit approaching, it wouldn't be surprising to see Mu Chen and Ye Shi," Fei Zhong said.

Liu Jing gave a bitter smile, remarking, "Not surprising? Rumor has it that Mu Chen has become a Level 6 Alchemist, possibly even a Level 6 Rune Master. The more talented one is, the more they cherish their life, fearing their death would be a huge loss. Yet Mu Chen has chosen to come to the Cangqiong Empire at such a time."

"The wise one from the Spirit Tower predicts that the scale of this beast tide will be massive. After it passes, perhaps only one in ten cultivators will survive."

"A lot of experts have fled the Cangqiong Empire recently. Mu Chen and Ye Shi have been in exile for a long time, and staying away would be justified. Yet, these two returned. They truly aren’t afraid of death."

"Ye Shi's actions just now were swift and decisive!" Liu Jing observed.

Fei Zhong replied, "Indeed, very terrifying. Even an emperor-level expert might not handle that beast as effortlessly as Ye Shi did."

"Both Mu Chen and Ye Shi are Level 6 Array Masters. Their combat power is equivalent to emperor-level experts. Their return means the Xuanfeng Empire has gained the strength of two more emperor-level experts. The power balance among the nations might need to be reassessed."

Pondering, Liu Jing said, "Ye Shi casually used a Level 6 rune without hesitation. It seems the rumors of Mu Chen being a Level 6 Rune Master are likely true."

Yan Qingcheng frowned, commenting, "Mu Chen is truly an anomaly."

Liu Jing nodded in agreement, "Indeed."

"The creatures controlled by Ye Shi earlier were the Devouring Worms, right? I'd heard of their power, but never imagined it to be to this extent," Yan Qingcheng noted.

Liu Jing nodded, "Exactly."

"Among the swarm of Devouring Worms Ye Shi controlled, there were at least twenty at Level 5."

"Commanding so many Level 5 magical worms must be incredibly draining on one's soul force. Ye Shi's soul force must be significantly greater than that of an average king-level expert."

"Let's head back," Fei Zhong urged. "Senior Lei Hong is waiting for our report."

Liu Jing and Yan Qingcheng nodded in agreement.

Arms crossed, Mu Chen casually asked Ye Shi, "How do you feel?"

Ye Shi sprawled on the deck, stretching out and replied weakly, "Exhausted."

"First, activated a Level 6 rune, then commanded hundreds of Devouring Worms against the ene. Despite how easily defeated that Level 6 beast, soul force is almost depleted. Even though the Soul Elixir has enhanced soul force, it still feels insufficient."

Mu Chen coldly remarked, "Why waste your energy dealing with that cultivator then?"

Touching his face, Ye Shi responded, "Pride matters. I didn’t want them to see my weakened state. I wanted to maintain an image of a master."

Mu Chen shook his head, "Impressing a few king-level experts with your 'master' facade... What's the point?"

Holding his head, Ye Shi groaned, "Mu Chen, my head hurts."

Mu Chen gave an exasperated shake of his head, then handed Ye Shi a pill, asking, "Better?"

Leaning on Mu Chen, Ye Shi's face relaxed a bit, "Much better."

"That's what you get for showing off," Mu Chen said, lifting Ye Shi into his arms.

Ye Shi, now held by Mu Chen, looked slightly embarrassed.

"Ye Shi, you've grown," Mu Chen remarked with a smile.

Ye Shi pouted, "I've been grown... for a long time." He paused, adding, "A very long time." Biting his lip, there was a hint of hurt in his voice.

Mu Chen looked deep into Ye Shi's eyes, an intense glint in his gaze, "If that’s the case, then..."

Without further words, Mu Chen lowered his head and passionately kissed Ye Shi. The intensity was unparalleled.

Ye Shi felt Mu Chen's breathing grow heavier, sensing the surge of his aura.

Nervousness gripped Ye Shi, but his body involuntarily softened.

Gazing at Ye Shi's blushing face and his effort to stay calm, Mu Chen's eyes burned with passion, and his desires threatened to spill over.

Mu Chen had initially planned to wait a few more months until Ye Shi turned 18. But with the impending beast tide, neither knew if they could survive. If something were to happen...

Ye Shi's eyes twinkled, a mixture of anxiety and excitement, and a feeling of things falling into place.

A few years ago, Zhuang Yu gave herself to Lan Ruofeng. After his death, she became involved with Lu Yao. Though Ye Shi knew Mu Chen's hesitation was due to his age, he sometimes wondered if Mu Chen wasn't attracted to him.

Holding Ye Shi tightly, Mu Chen felt energy circulating between them, merging their soul forces.

In that moment of union, Mu Chen sensed a dramatic rise in his own power, seemingly approaching the peak of a Nine-Star Martial King.

Ye Shi felt the same surge, thinking: No wonder Zhuang Yu preferred dual cultivation. It’s not only pleasurable but also boosts power.

Their souls intertwined, resulting in a surprising surge in power.

Ye Shi extended his hand, embracing Mu Chen, who deeply kissed Ye Shi's lips, an indescribable thrill filling his heart. This man was finally his.

The spaceship slowly ascended, disappearing into the thick cloud layer, creating a romantic ambiance inside the cabin.

…………

"Elder Xiong! Elder Xiong!" Lin Nan rushed into Xiong Wei's chamber, panic evident in his voice.

Xiong Wei looked up, gazing at Lin Nan and remarked, "What has gotten you so flustered?"

"Elder, there's news of younger brothers Mu Chen and Ye Shi," Lin Nan said excitedly.

Xiong Wei's eyes widened, "Really? What news?"

Lin Nan nodded, "Yes, they were spotted in Liucheng of the Cangqiong Empire. Ye Shi, alone, effortlessly took down a Level 6 beast..."

"Wait, wait... You said a Level 6 beast? By himself? Are you sure it wasn't a Level 5?" Xiong Wei questioned with gritted teeth.

Lin Nan responded confidently, "Elder, it was indeed a Level 6. I've heard that the three martial kings led by Elder Lei Hong – Yan Qingcheng, Fei Zhong, and Liu Jing – were chased cornered by this beast. But Ye Shi, with minimal effort, dispatched it."

The entire incident was captured on a shadow stone, and the footage of Ye Shi in action went viral.

Xiong Wei's mouth hung open, "That's incredible!"

Lin Nan nodded, "Indeed!"

"These two, after just over a year, have become something else," Xiong Wei murmured.

"Though the two were spotted in Liucheng, they should have been here by now. I wonder why they haven’t shown up," Lin Nan pondered.

Xiong Wei raised an eyebrow, "It's not too puzzling. They could've lost their way; after all, Ye Shi has a reputation for being directionally challenged. Or, the pair could be up to some mischief somewhere."

"Elder, did Elders Lei Hong, Miao Qing, and Wu Ping arrive?" Lin Nan inquired.

Xiong Wei hesitated. At this four-nation summit, aside from the Xuanfeng Empire, he was the only imperial-level expert present. He wasn't the strongest among them, and often felt overlooked.

"Rare visitors indeed!" Xiong Wei remarked with an odd expression, understanding that these martial emperors weren't here for him, but for Mu Chen and Ye Shi.

…………

Ye Shi opened his eyes, nudging the resting Mu Chen beside him.

Mu Chen glanced at him, asking, "What is it?"

Ye Shi blushed, "We should head into the city soon."

Mu Chen nonchalantly replied, "No rush. The summit isn’t for another three days. The beast tide is under control. As long as we arrive within those three days, it’s fine."

Ye Shi fidgeted, "But Elder Xiong probably already knows we're close. He'll worry if we don't arrive soon. What if he asks what we've been doing?"

Mu Chen, noticing Ye Shi's flushed face, teased, "What are you thinking that's got you so red?"

"Nothing... just, I feel my strength has grown," Ye Shi quickly changed the topic.

Mu Chen nodded, "True, mine too. I think I'll soon break through to become a Nine-Star Martial King."

Ye Shi, with a tilted head, remarked, "Dual cultivation really is beneficial. No wonder Zhuang Yu is so fond of it."

Mu Chen smiled, "Indeed."

…………

Ye Shi began the descent of the spaceship.

"Who goes there? Flying crafts are prohibited in the imperial city. Please land," three martial spirits commanded from the city below.

Ye Shi turned to Mu Chen.

"Mu Chen, they're asking us to land," Ye Shi pouted.

Rules were rules, but they often varied depending on who was involved.

Mu Chen stepped out of the cabin, sizing up the individuals below.

Recognizing Mu Chen and Ye Shi, the three martial spirits were taken aback.

"We didn’t realize esteemed masters Mu Chen and Ye Shi were aboard! My apologies for any disrespect. Please proceed without our interference," the leading martial spirit said, his demeanor suddenly reverent.

Having once defeated several Martial Emperors, Mu Chen and Ye Shi were infamous. After the tales of Ye Shi's encounter with the Level 6 beast had spread, nobody wanted to confront them.

Mu Chen's spaceship is remarkably modest. To the untrained eye, it might be mistaken for a Tier-3 ship.

Ye Shi glanced at Mu Chen and asked, "Mu Chen, what should we do now?"

"Let's descend. It's inconvenient to have the ship in the city. Let's investigate Xiong Wei's residence," Ye Shi replied.

Ye Shi nodded, remarking, "It's been ages since I've seen Xiong Wei. I wonder if Elder Xiong has gained weight."