Chapter 260

Chapter 260

Within a lofty pavilion, Jiang Chen returned, his expression calm, his entire being spotless, as if he hadn’t just experienced a life-and-death battle.

“Jiang Chen, you’ve struck it rich this time!” The Pure Yang Holy Son chuckled enviously. “Once Ye Changhe returns home, I bet you’ll be all he thinks about!”

“Watch your phrasing,” Jiang Chen replied, stepping back with a look of distaste. “All he thinks about? Do you know how that sounds?”

The Pure Yang Holy Son froze for a moment, then realized Jiang Chen’s meaning, his face twisting with a hint of annoyance. “You’re the one with the dirty mind! Don’t go blaming others for your own twisted thoughts!”

“Why don’t you ask everyone else whether I’m the one misinterpreting, or if it’s your poor choice of words?” Jiang Chen retorted calmly.

When the Pure Yang Holy Son looked around, he saw smirks on everyone’s faces, which only made him more irritated.

How was this his fault? Clearly, it was Jiang Chen’s evil mind twisting things. And he wasn’t wrong—Ye Changhe would certainly be plotting Jiang Chen’s death every waking moment.

“Jiang Chen, be cautious,” advised Qin Ershi with a serious tone. “After today’s battle, many factions will view you as a threat they need to eliminate. You’ll likely face significant danger in the future.”

A Saint killing a Saint King at the ninth level, and possessing the unparalleled Primordial Dao Physique—just the thought of Jiang Chen reaching his full potential was enough to terrify the factions. They would stop at nothing to eliminate him.

“Even without today’s battle, I’d still be a top target for all the factions.” Jiang Chen didn’t seem bothered. “I’m not afraid they’ll come after me; I’m only worried they won’t dare to.”

With his perfected Primordial Dao Physique, what was there to fear? Anyone who tried would only meet their end.

“I understand you have many means at your disposal,” Qin Ershi continued, “but you must recognize that your very existence has become an extreme threat to these factions. It’s highly likely that the ancient imperial clans and the Ye Family will join forces against you.”

“When that happens, the danger you face will be unimaginable. And don’t forget, they may wait until after you’ve faced your Heavenly Tribulation to make their move.”

Qin Ershi’s tone was cautious, fully aware of the immense threat Jiang Chen posed. He knew Jiang Chen’s Heavenly Tribulation was a formidable weapon in itself, something all factions feared. However, Heavenly Tribulation couldn’t be called upon at will; there would inevitably be intervals where he was vulnerable.

If they seize the opportunity, everything will change, and the pressure you’ll face will be unimaginable.

“You really need to give this serious thought!” The Pure Yang Holy Son spoke softly, “I don’t want to see you perish prematurely. I still hope to witness you break through history, becoming the first Immortal ever.”

“It would let us know if Immortals truly exist in this world, if the legends of immortality are more than mere myths.”

Jiang Chen rolled his eyes. “Wouldn’t my death be better for you all? It would give you a chance.”

At this, the Pure Yang Holy Son’s face grew solemn. “Don’t be petty-minded; I’ve never harbored such thoughts!”

“Besides, given the relationship between our sects, why would we hope for your death? We hope more than anyone that you achieve even greater heights. We’ve already lost the hope of becoming Immortals, but you still have that chance!”

“Your future shouldn’t be limited to the level of the Great Emperor.” The Pure Yang Holy Son’s tone was sincere, his words filled with genuine hope.

He had never sought to replace Jiang Chen, not even after tempering himself with the Pure Yang Root.

This was because of the bond between their sects and because he understood that Jiang Chen was likely the only person capable of breaking free from the world’s limitations and becoming a legendary figure. His ultimate limit should not stop at the Great Emperor; it should be Immortality.

“I was joking!” Jiang Chen chuckled. “If they want to kill me, it won’t be that easy. These so-called immortal factions won’t be enough to take me down!”

His tone was calm yet brimming with confidence—confidence that came from true strength.

—

Amid the vast crowd.

Du Guyun stood motionless like a stone, his gaze lingering on the sky, unable to forget the battle he had just witnessed.

His master, Cang Lao, remained silent, unwilling to disturb him.

“Master…” Du Guyun’s voice was hoarse, laced with despair. “I see no glimmer of hope in facing Jiang Chen. Even with the Immortal Devouring Technique, I can’t see a path to victory!”

“Jiang Chen is too powerful! If I had been in Ye Tian’s place, I wouldn’t have stood a chance against him either!”

The person most affected by Jiang Chen’s battle with Ye Tian was neither Ye Changhe nor any other prodigy—it was Du Guyun. Watching this battle plunged him into despair.

The gap between them was vast, like an unbridgeable chasm. It was as if he, an ant, were trying to reach the heavens. All he could feel was a deep sense of helplessness, unable to glimpse even a shred of hope.

Even someone as proud as Du Guyun felt the crushing blow to his aspirations. He increasingly felt that his plans for revenge were hopeless, with no glimmer of success in sight.

“Jiang Chen is hailed as the greatest prodigy of all time for a reason,” Cang Lao said gently. “He has transcended the ranks of young prodigies. He now contends with the older generation, and given his youth, within a hundred years, he may well overlook the entire Nine Heavens Realm.”

“To surpass someone like that is extraordinarily difficult. It’s natural to feel hopeless in the face of such an opponent.”

Cang Lao could only offer small consolation, for he, too, understood the daunting gap between them. Even with the Immortal Devouring Technique, it wouldn’t be enough.

In a contest at the same level, it was uncertain if Du Guyun could even defeat Ye Tian, let alone someone like Jiang Chen, who surpassed Ye Tian by several layers.

“Let go of these thoughts and focus entirely on cultivation,” Cang Lao advised. “You still have a chance to surpass him!”

“Once the Emperor’s Path opens, it will be your final opportunity. If you can obtain the Heavenly Heart Imprint and ascend to become an Emperor, not even the Holy Son of Primordial could stand against you!”

This was the only way Cang Lao could console Du Guyun, urging him to place his hopes on proving the Dao. It was his sole chance.