Chapter 278: The Holy Son and Holy Maiden Are Coming?

Li Feihuang paused to think. She quickly realized that Ye Chen was deliberately keeping his distance from her.

In the eyes of outsiders, Ye Chen’s public execution of the Champion King seemed to have caused barely a ripple. But within the Great Chu Dynasty, a storm was already brewing.

The royal clan’s elders gnashed their teeth in fury at Ye Chen. After all, no matter how fiercely the clan had vied for power in the past, one rule had always held firm: the lives of the Li family were untouchable. It was an unspoken law no one dared to break.

Yet Ye Chen hadn’t just killed the Champion King—he’d dug out his Golden Core and refined his soul. Such actions left the Li family both enraged and terrified.

The other prominent families were equally displeased with Ye Chen. His overwhelming strength threatened to carve away at the influence they had long hoarded.

The Wang family, despite their contributions to the dynasty’s rise, hungered for even greater power. The other families, having backed the wrong side in past conflicts, now schemed to push Ye Chen out and claim a place closer to Li Feihuang.

As a result, the decree Li Feihuang had issued to name Ye Chen the Golden Dragon Peerless King faced relentless opposition from both the royal clan and the court’s ministers.

Their goal was clear: even if the Ancestor’s seclusion prevented them from killing Ye Chen outright, they would drive him out of the Great Chu Dynasty.

Ye Chen, of course, was fully aware of this. Despite his unmatched contributions, he chose to distance himself from Li Feihuang, sparing her the burden of their conflict.

But Li Feihuang remained resolute. Her father had once taught her a simple truth: if her vassals agreed with her decisions, she was likely on the right path. But if they opposed her, it was an even stronger sign she was doing the right thing.

These vassals, these clan elders—they had all once stood with the Champion King. Even the Wang family only sided with her because they’d had no better option. They were nothing but opportunists, swaying with the wind.

Ye Chen, however, had been different. From the moment they met, he had stood unwaveringly by her side. He was the only one she could truly trust. And so, no matter what, she would ensure Ye Chen stayed.

The matter of Ye Chen killing the Champion King was no small affair. Once the Ancestor emerged from seclusion, he would undoubtedly hold someone accountable.

But today, Li Feihuang had already devised a solution. She arrived at the place where the Ancestor was in seclusion, deep within the underground palace of the Great Chu Dynasty. Even she, with all her authority, could not enter this sacred chamber.

Standing at the entrance, she took out a jade slip and imprinted her thoughts upon it. She passed the slip into the array, watching it slowly vanish. When the Ancestor emerged, he would see it immediately.

Thinking of the contents of the jade slip, a faint blush crept across Li Feihuang’s refined and regal face, despite her usual composure. Thankfully, only the Ancestor would see it.

But just as she turned to leave, an ancient voice echoed in her mind: “Feihuang, you wish to take this man as your consort?”

Li Feihuang froze, startled.

Wasn’t the Ancestor supposed to be in the midst of breaking through to the late Nascent Soul stage? How could he respond to her so quickly? And if he wasn’t focused on his breakthrough, why had he ignored the Champion King’s death until now?

The answer came to her swiftly. The Ancestor cherished her above all else. The Champion King had schemed against her with all manner of plots and tricks, earning the Ancestor’s ire. That was why he had stood by and done nothing.

Realizing this, Li Feihuang relaxed. She bowed respectfully and replied, “Yes, Ancestor! Ye Chen’s talent is extraordinary. He possesses a high-grade spiritual root and likely a powerful physique. At only the mid-Golden Core stage, he wields combat strength comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator. Beyond that, Ye Chen has a remarkable knack for commerce, amassing immense wealth.

“Taking him as a consort would bring tremendous benefits to the Li family. Our future heirs would inherit his bloodline. Moreover, Ye Chen has the potential to break through to the Nascent Soul realm, adding another mighty cultivator to our family and ensuring the Great Chu Dynasty’s continued expansion and eternal prosperity!”

Li Feihuang spoke with conviction. This was the only way she could think of to keep Ye Chen by her side—by making him one of their own. That way, even the Ancestor would have no objections. As for herself…

In the past, Li Feihuang might have arranged for a distant princess of the clan to marry him. But now, Ye Chen’s strength had earned her full recognition. He was worthy of being her imperial consort.

Moments later, the Ancestor’s voice echoed again: “Are you certain Ye Chen would agree to become a consort?”

In the cultivation world, prodigies were often proud and unyielding. Those willing to marry into a family as a consort were exceedingly rare.

Li Feihuang’s refined face broke into a confident smile. “Of course he’s willing!”

When she had been at her lowest, Ye Chen had spared no effort to support her. He had traveled thousands of miles to help her claim the throne. Now, with the chance to become her husband, Ye Chen would surely be overjoyed. How could he possibly refuse?

A moment later, the Ancestor’s voice returned: “You are weaker than him. If he reaches the Nascent Soul realm and harbors ulterior motives, what then? Could he seize the Great Chu Dynasty’s ten-thousand-year legacy?”

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Li Feihuang wasn’t worried in the slightest. Ye Chen had always been stronger than her, yet he had supported her without complaint. How could he ever betray her?

She replied confidently, “That won’t happen! And even if Ye Chen did have such thoughts, by the time he reaches the Nascent Soul realm, Ancestor, you’ll surely be at the late Nascent Soul stage, more than capable of suppressing him. With you here, Ancestor, what is there to fear?”

Her words fell, and she waited for the Ancestor’s response. But a long silence followed, as if the Ancestor was deep in thought.

After what felt like an eternity, his voice finally came again: “If he agrees to be a consort, he must offer up his True Dragon Treasure Technique and swear a Heavenly Oath. Furthermore, he must leave a wisp of his soul to create a soul lamp, which will be placed in the underground palace. If he refuses, he must leave Great Chu.”

With that, the Ancestor’s voice faded, leaving no further trace. Li Feihuang frowned slightly. These conditions were harsh. A Heavenly Oath was one thing, but the True Dragon Treasure Technique was priceless beyond words. And to leave a wisp of his soul for a soul lamp? That would place him under another’s control.

To Li Feihuang, it was clear the Ancestor didn’t trust Ye Chen. But the Ancestor’s word was law, and she had no choice but to obey. After a moment’s hesitation, she reasoned that, though the demands were strict, Ye Chen would likely agree for her sake.