Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 490 My Name is Chi Jianbai

Ye Qingchen eyed his opponent and steeled himself for the fight. This was his last match in the preliminary round; winning it would bring him one step closer to his goal. His resolve remained the same: no matter the opponent, he would never give up.

His opponent was formidable. He hailed from an eight-star Sect and was equipped with exceptional Cultivation Techniques, Martial Techniques, and even weapons. To be chosen as a representative for such a Sect also meant he undoubtedly possessed rich combat experience. This was likely the strongest opponent Ye Qingchen had faced since his debut. Of course, this excluded the mysterious Saint Heir from the ten Ancient Clans; back then, Ye Qingchen hadn’t even been qualified to be his opponent.

The Three Beauties had all finished their matches and, without exception, advanced to the finals. Now, they gathered once again before Ye Qingchen’s stage to cheer him on. Any movement from the Three Beauties inevitably drew the eyes of the entire crowd. This was especially true now, as the upcoming match featured Ye Qingchen—the contestant with the lowest Cultivation Realm who had nonetheless defeated one strong opponent after another.

Almost everyone hoped to see Ye Qingchen utterly humiliated and defeated in front of the Three Beauties, a spectacle that would allow them to vent their resentment.

Jealousy twists people beyond recognition.

Although the Saint Heir from Wuji Immortal Palace wasn’t watching the match directly, he occasionally glanced in this direction. It was clear he was very interested in Ye Qingchen’s fight.

As disciples of the Central Celestial Academy, Liu Feng and his companions wished for Ye Qingchen’s loss but couldn’t openly jeer at him. Doing so would confirm the rumors of discord within the academy, a stigma they dared not bear. They could only stare intently at Ye Qingchen without uttering a word, silently praying that his opponent would beat him to a pulp.

At that moment, a somewhat sleazy figure appeared beside Xiao Xiao and spoke softly, "Master, Wanshitong has returned."

The figure was Wanshitong, the pet Xiao Xiao had acquired in the Demon Region. A rat demon who claimed to be omniscient, he had once saved Xiao Xiao, Ye Qingchen, and their companions from a perilous situation. Despite being only in the Martial Spirit Realm, he had used his innate talent for digging to help them escape to safety. Thus, after returning to the human world, Xiao Xiao always kept Wanshitong at her side.

While Wanshitong had initially resisted becoming Xiao Xiao’s subordinate, he now served her willingly after witnessing her true power. Not only did Xiao Xiao possess the ten-star Vermilion Bird Holy Soul, which inspired an involuntary sense of worship in him, but her cultivation talent was also astounding. Years of arduous training by others couldn’t compare to a single session of her closed-door cultivation.

With such talent, Xiao Xiao was destined for achievements that would place her above countless others. Wanshitong felt that following such a powerful master was nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, it might even present an opportunity to ride on her coattails. Of course, bound by a Soul Contract, Wanshitong dared not even entertain any treacherous thoughts. If the contract sensed any disloyalty, it would instantly trigger a backlash, obliterating both his body and soul.

Xiao Xiao had also brought Wanshitong along for the Sect’s Newcomer Competition. After encountering Ye Qingchen again, she had sent Wanshitong out to gather information. Her keen intuition told her that the mysterious Saint Heir’s abduction of Qin Yue might not target Qin Yue alone but could also be a plot against Ye Qingchen. That was why she worried the Saint Heir might send someone to tail Ye Qingchen and wait for an opportunity to do him harm.

Now that Wanshitong had returned, he immediately began his report. Since they were bound by a Soul Contract, they could communicate directly through their souls without fear of being overheard.

Xiao Xiao asked him directly, "How did it go? Any news about that mysterious Saint Heir?"

Wanshitong stroked his whiskers and replied unhurriedly, "Reporting to Master, I haven’t found anything yet. The information you gave me was too limited, and with the Sect’s Newcomer Competition underway, there are just too many people gathered in Eternal City. For the moment, I don’t know where to begin my search."

Xiao Xiao pouted, annoyed. "And you dare call yourself ’Wanshitong’ with such pathetic results? I heard from some Martial Artists in the Southern Domain about a local delicacy... something called ’skewered roasted mice’..."

Wanshitong felt a clench deep within and shivered all over. "Heh heh, Master, please calm down," he said quickly. "While I haven’t found any news about the mysterious Saint Heir, I did bring back another piece of information for you, and this one is extremely important."

Xiao Xiao glanced at him without a word, indicating for him to continue.

Wanshitong swallowed hard, relieved that his little life was spared, and hastily continued, "I discovered a mysterious force gathering in Eternal City. This power seems to belong to neither the Human Race nor our Demon Race. It’s the first time I’ve ever encountered such a force, so I can’t guess its origin."

Xiao Xiao glared at him irritably. "More vague news. You don’t know anything concrete, so what are you reporting to me for? Besides, the higher-ups will handle the affairs of Eternal City. It has nothing to do with us. Forget it. We’ll talk after the match."

At that moment, the referee announced the start of the match. Xiao Xiao had no more time to waste on idle chatter with Wanshitong and focused her attention on Ye Qingchen’s fight. Wanshitong, however, was filled with grievances. He had tried his best to gather information, but instead of praise from his master, he nearly ended up as a roasted mouse...

In truth, Xiao Xiao was just trying to scare him. She normally treated him quite well; otherwise, he would never have truly submitted to her. It was just that today, Xiao Xiao was already in a bad mood. Ye Qingchen’s match was underway, and Xue Zhao was constantly vying for her attention. Hearing Wanshitong report back with no leads on the task she had assigned him was the last straw, making it no surprise that she had spoken a bit sharply.

However, when Wanshitong saw the person on the stage, he understood. So this kid is competing too. No wonder Master is so concerned.

Wanshitong stared in surprise. It had only been a year since they last met, yet Ye Qingchen had already broken through to the third level of the Martial King Realm. I remember him killing a Martial King Realm Demon King back in the Demon Region when he was only in the Martial Spirit Realm. Now that he’s reached the Martial King Realm himself, just how strong has he become?

Thinking this, Wanshitong also began to focus on the match.

On the stage, Ye Qingchen’s opponent arrogantly cupped his hands and announced himself, "My name is Chi Jianbai! That way, when you lose, you’ll know who defeated you!"