Chapter 209: Critical Hit Triggered!

She had come to give a gift, to win hearts and demonstrate royal grace. And yet, her “subject” had turned around and given her something even more valuable. What was she supposed to do in a situation like this? Her father had never prepared her for this. Still, despite the internal awkwardness.

Li Feihuang found herself even more satisfied with Ye Chen. Being able to present Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold showed that—even when not at her side—Ye Chen had kept her in mind.

His strength was already formidable. Not too far beneath her own. His future prospects were bright. And now, he was even this considerate, shouldering burdens on behalf of his liege. A minister like this… truly rare. Once she reclaimed the imperial throne, she would reward him a hundredfold.

“Fellow Daoist Ye, you are most thoughtful! This item will indeed be of great use to me. I thank you. When I return to Great Chu, I will see you rewarded a hundredfold.”

Li Feihuang spoke with magnanimity and poise.

Ye Chen smiled. Not because of her hollow promise. But because, in his mind, the system’s notification rang out:

“Gift delivered successfully…”

“Item gifted: Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold!”

“Processing 300x feedback…”

“Detected item has extreme relevance to the recipient. Critical hit triggered!”

“Reward: Black Yellow Primordial Essence!”

“Black Yellow Primordial Essence, also known as the Materia Prima of All Things. Formed from the Mother of Heavy Earth and the Essence of All Creation. A supreme treasure for refining. It holds no fixed attribute, yet encompasses every attribute—capable of evolving into all things, and forging all tangible essence.”

Upon reading the feedback, Ye Chen was stunned.

Black Yellow Primordial Essence? Even something like that could be triggered? Absolutely insane. Black Yellow Primordial Essence, capable of replacing any refining material, able to evolve into all things. Even immortals sought after it.

To use it as the primary material for refining one’s lifebound spiritual artifact? In the future, it would undoubtedly evolve into an immortal-grade weapon. And even among immortal weapons, it would stand at the peak.

Ye Chen glanced at his storage ring. The Black Yellow Primordial Essence given by the system was floating inside, almost forming a small mountain. The sheer quantity was staggering.

This completely unexpected harvest made Ye Chen’s gaze toward Li Feihuang noticeably softer. As expected of a triple-hundredfold multiplier-level female cultivator.

With such a high base feedback, plus a critical hit, the rewards were absolutely insane. If he got his hands on phoenix blood, he wouldn’t even hesitate. He’d definitely give it to Li Feihuang.

…

Li Feihuang, sensing Ye Chen’s increasingly gentle expression, responded with a mix of nods and helpless sighs.

The nod was because she had once again confirmed her own value, being able to earn the recognition and support of a genius like Ye Chen proved she truly possessed the bearing of a future empress.

The helplessness, however, stemmed from the fact that Ye Chen, after just a few meetings, was already offering her unconditional support, even giving away treasures as rare as Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold. Surely, he had other thoughts about her.

To that, Li Feihuang had no real solution. Her beauty was what it was. For Ye Chen to fall for her was only natural. But once she reclaimed the throne, Ye Chen would understand the vast gulf between them and gradually let go of such ambitions.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

After a few more casual exchanges between them, Li Feihuang returned to her ordinary appearance and figure. She was ready to head back and begin meditating on the Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold she had just received.

…

Just as they stepped out of the courtyard, Ye Chen and Li Feihuang both spotted a young female cultivator standing on the street outside. Her features still carried a trace of girlish innocence, but her figure was outrageously bold and curvy. She stood with a frown, staring at the two of them. It was An Yuyi.

Li Feihuang glanced at her once, then left without a word, drifting away with elegance. Of course, she recognized An Yuyi. The niece of the Divine Will Sect’s Grand Elder, a fellow direct disciple. But she was a royal princess, why would she care?

…

As for Ye Chen, after seeing Li Feihuang off, he turned his gaze toward An Yuyi and raised an eyebrow. Clearly, she had come to find him. But where was her aunt?