Ye Chen pondered whether this mysterious individual had disrupted the natural course of events.
"Never mind, it's pointless to dwell on him now. What's truly important is to focus on increasing my strength," Ye Chen decided, putting the thought aside. In this world, power was everything—without it, he was nothing.
"Right now, Lingxian must still have a poor impression of me." He sighed, a bitter smile on his face. In his younger years, he was renowned as one of Da Zhou's infamous playboys—a lazy, spoiled noble who couldn't even cultivate. Who could possibly take him seriously?
If he were honest, even he looked down on his former self.
"Before strengthening myself, I must partially awaken my physique. Even if I can't unlock it entirely, I need to be able to cultivate."
Ye Chen began laying out his rebirth plan. This time, he would ascend to heights unimaginable in his previous life and challenge the true giants of the Primeval Immortal Domain.
"If I remember correctly, an auction in Da Zhou's royal capital is set to feature a relic capable of partially awakening my War God Physique."
In his previous life, Da Zhou's little princess, Ji Lingxian, had acquired it at that very auction. It was only after she rescued him that he learned of it.
"If my timing is right, the auction will be held tomorrow. I'll need a significant amount of spirit stones to secure that relic."
He frowned, realizing he was short on spirit stones. But with his knowledge of high-level techniques and artifacts, he had options. At his peak, he had defeated numerous human emperors and even a few Heavenly Sovereign half-step practitioners. His storage ring contained countless treasures from those victories, enough to be a veritable mobile treasury within the Qingyun Realm.
Ye Chen knew that he could easily offer up a rare human emperor-level technique. In Qingyun Realm, such techniques were immensely valuable and represented the foundation of any sacred land or sect. Most sacred lands would have only two or three at most, whereas he had more than a dozen to spare.
But Ye Chen was cautious. An emperor-level technique would stir up tremendous waves in Qingyun Realm and all of Zhongzhou. Unveiling one of these would mark him as a target for everyone and risk the safety of his family.
"I'll just provide a Divine Mansion-level technique. That should bring in enough spirit stones," he reasoned. Divine Mansion-level techniques were still valuable in Da Zhou and would be far less suspicious. His father was a respected Grand Void-level expert, and it wouldn't be unusual for his only son to possess such a technique.
He had a ready excuse—he could simply say his mother had provided it, a plausible claim as she'd done similar things in the past.
"Good rest tonight. Tomorrow, I'll awaken my physique and start cultivating. I'll finally see Lingxian again," he murmured, excitement sparking at the thought. In this life, he would protect Lingxian and keep her from harm.
Zhongzhou was the heart of Qingyun Realm, its central land, abundant in spiritual energy, often called the "Immortal Soil" of the realm.
"Sir, Zhongzhou is exceptionally lively these days."
In the sky above, a hundred-foot-long dragon, exuding an immense aura, sped through the clouds. Resting on the dragon's massive back, a young man lay with his head on a woman's slender legs, eyes shut, looking utterly relaxed.
"And once you're here, Sir, it'll only get livelier," Chu Xinyue commented, gently massaging Qin Tian's face with both hands. As she did, she marveled at his otherworldly looks, thinking that even the most selective female cultivators from sects focusing on yin and yang cultivation would find him irresistible.
"Yiyaya! Yiyaya!"
Beside them, Yiyi was gnawing away on an ancient spirit stone as big as herself, chattering excitedly, as though in agreement with the "ugly" lady's words.
"One more word from you, and you won't get any spirit stones tomorrow," Qin Tian warned, glancing at Yiyi. As he watched her continue gnawing away, he sighed inwardly. Keeping her fed was an endless drain on spirit stones, even if he had plenty to spare.
Understanding the threat, Yiyi hugged her spirit stone and hurriedly scurried to the dragon's tail, shooting cautious glances at Qin Tian from time to time. Apparently, he'd deprived her of snacks a few too many times recently.
In the heart of Da Zhou's royal capital, Zhou Imperial City, the power and splendor of the dynasty were fully displayed. The city bustled with some of the empire's most influential figures.
The Ye family estate lay within the city. King of Ye was one of Da Zhou's few non-royal kings, an exceptional figure even among the Grand Void-level experts who served the dynasty. His heroic feats and brilliant career had made him a revered general. Unfortunately, his infamous "wastrel" son was just as renowned throughout the city.
Immortal Terrace Pavilion was the most famous auction house in Da Zhou and among the finest in Zhongzhou.
"Someone, I need to pawn something!"
An attractive young man strode into the grand hall, his voice confident and direct.
Recognizing him immediately as the son of a Grand Void-level expert, the auction house attendant rushed to greet him with a warm smile. She was aware of his high status and the commission she might earn from this transaction.
"Master Ye, what would you like to pawn today?"
The attendant's tone was polished and polite.
"I'd like to exchange a Divine Mansion-level technique." Ye Chen didn't waste any words. Immortal Terrace Pavilion was well-known for dealing in high-quality items, and he was confident they would accept.
"A Divine Mansion-level technique?" The attendant's eyes widened briefly, but then a look of excitement took over. Divine Mansion techniques were highly sought after, and this transaction promised a substantial commission for her.
In the Qingyun Realm, techniques were among the most valuable commodities. An excellent technique could strengthen an entire clan, making such items forever in demand.