Chapter 263: Why Should I Explain Myself to Anyone?

“Ye Chen, Champion King is formidable, and this battle is perilous. Even with my strength, I’m not guaranteed victory. If we fail, as my supporter, your fate will be grim. So, think carefully about whether you want to fight. If you choose to leave, I won’t blame you,” Li Feihuang said earnestly after a moment’s hesitation.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.

Leave? I’ve come this far. The month-long journey would be a waste if he backed out now. Besides, Champion King? He’d seen the recording stone. Impressive, sure, but to Ye Chen, he was nothing special.

With a calm expression, Ye Chen replied succinctly, “What joy is there in life, what sorrow in death? Having chosen to support Your Highness, I won’t back down now.”

…

Li Feihuang’s eyes widened, ready to persuade him further. Facing Champion King in the arena—or surviving the fallout of defeat—could be a death sentence. Yet Ye Chen’s words, “What joy is there in life, what sorrow in death?” showed he was willing to risk his life for her.

Moved beyond words, she couldn’t hold back a promise: “If I defeat Champion King and become empress, Ye Chen, you’ll be one of the most honored figures in the Great Chu Empire.”

Ye Chen was unfazed by her pledge. Stay in Great Chu? Only a fool would. His sights were set far beyond.

The Wang Clan members, however, frowned. Li Feihuang’s Moon Phoenix Body was formidable, capable of crushing peers, giving them hope she could rival Champion King. But this battle was tied to their clan’s survival, and they didn’t trust an outsider like Ye Chen.

If Li Feihuang won and became empress, the Wang Clan, having taken such risks, deserved the lion’s share of rewards. Yet Ye Chen clearly held her trust more—a threat they couldn’t accept.

The Wang Clan patriarch spoke up. “Your Highness, our clan’s Wang Ming is powerful, a mid-Golden Core cultivator with combat strength far beyond his peers. For safety’s sake, let Wang Ming take this Fellow Daoist’s place.”

Li Feihuang shook her head firmly. “Fellow Daoist Ye’s strength is exceptional. There’s no need for a replacement.” She knew Ye Chen’s capabilities—only slightly below her own. He’d trounced Wang Lun; Wang Ming wouldn’t stand a chance.

Undeterred, the patriarch pressed on, his tone resolute. “Your Highness, our Wang Clan stands fearlessly behind you, defying Champion King’s threats. We’re betting three thousand years of our legacy and the lives of five thousand clansmen. Please, consider our loyalty and the fate of our clan.”

His words made Li Feihuang frown. Meanwhile, Wang Lun’s face darkened. Ye Chen’s not just a gift-giving machine, he’s a shameless bootlicker too? Spouting lines like “What joy in life, what sorrow in death”?

Disgusting. But then, a sly smile crept onto Wang Lun’s face as he chimed in, “Your Highness, this battle decides the throne’s fate—it’s critical. Why not let Wang Ming and Fellow Daoist Ye spar? The winner fights, ensuring a higher chance of victory.”

Hearing Wang Lun’s suggestion and seeing the Wang Clan’s expressions, Li Feihuang glanced at Ye Chen. She trusted his strength, but the Wang Clan was her only ally. She needed to reassure them.

Li Feihuang relented. “Very well, Fellow Daoist Ye, you’ll spar for the spot.”

Ye Chen nodded nonchalantly. Seeing her agree, the Wang Clan members exchanged pleased smiles. Soon, a towering figure, easily over two meters tall, strode into the hall. His muscular frame radiated raw power, exuding an oppressive aura. He bowed to Ye Chen.

The Wang Clan patriarch introduced him with a grin. “Wang Ming possesses a Yang Spirit Root and innate divine strength. He’s destined to become a great asset to Your Highness.”

Li Feihuang gave a noncommittal nod.

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The Wang Clan, as a major family, naturally had an arena. The group relocated there, and Ye Chen and Wang Ming stepped onto the platform as the array activated.

Li Feihuang paid little attention to the match. Ye Chen couldn’t lose. Wang Lun, however, watched with anticipation. He’d secretly instructed Wang Ming to go for the kill—or at least cripple Ye Chen—claiming it was an accident afterward. Li Feihuang wouldn’t pursue it, clearing the way for Wang Lun to woo her unimpeded while securing the Wang Clan’s dominance.

…

The battle began.

Wang Ming loomed over Ye Chen, his eyes dripping with disdain. In the cultivation world, true powerhouses were invited as sect elders. Only the mediocre settled for guest elder roles. A mere guest elder dared obstruct the Wang Clan? He deserves death.

Without a word, Wang Ming lunged forward, his massive frame closing the distance in a flash. His blood energy surged, and he swung a fist at Ye Chen’s head. The strike echoed with the roar of a divine elephant, terrifyingly powerful, as if it could shatter Ye Chen’s skull in an instant.

Ye Chen frowned slightly but didn’t move. A golden shield materialized before him, effortlessly blocking the blow without so much as a ripple.

Wang Ming’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with colder intent. “Divine Elephant Transformation!” His muscles bulged further, lightning crackling around him. Each punch now carried thunder and elephant roars, as if capable of rending the heavens. The sheer force was staggering.