Chapter 400: Defying Destiny

…

Cangyun World, Sword Pavilion Sect Plaza.

Chen Huaian brought Li Qingran back temporarily.

Even though she was still in the state of Divine Wandering in the Void, it didn’t stop Li Qingran from returning to Cangyun World—though the time spent here would count against her remaining time in that state.

Chen Huaian summoned all the forces within his personal world that he could currently access.

He could now deploy an avatar at the Great Ascension Stage, but the cost was terrifying—so he’d only activate it when absolutely necessary.

Every second would drain an enormous sum of resources!

“Ancestor, what instructions do you have for us?”

Su Qinian stepped to the front of the gathered crowd and respectfully cupped his hands.

Chen Huaian glanced at Su Qinian’s waist and couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Normally, this sect master wore a wine gourd on his belt. But now? From left to right—five aluminum cans.

Clipped Cola, Blue Bull, Snow Wall, Wangzai Mighty Milk, and Brave the World.

All five were already opened. Clearly, this sect master was switching between drinks like a pro.

Only cultivators could get away with this. A regular person would’ve turned into a human firehose by now.

“Su Qinian, get ready and find a Nascent Soul elder with decent strength. I’ll be summoning you shortly using the Sect Summoning Token. Your mission: help me kill someone!”

Su Qinian’s eyes lit up. He pulled out one of the cans from his waist and said, “Is it that world where they make these drinks?”

“That’s right.” Chen Huaian nodded.

Before he’d even finished speaking, a flood of people surged forward—every single one a Nascent Soul-stage disciple or elder.

“Ancestor! Pick me! I can fight like hell!”

“Ancestor, do you think I’m suitable? I’ll follow every order!”

“Ancestor, I’m willing to work like a dog for you! Just let me see another world!”

Their thunderous voices drowned out Chen Huaian on the spot.

Most of the disciples were from Zhenwu Holy Land, while the elders were mainly from the Sword Pavilion and Alchemy Sect.

The female elders from Lingxi Valley were more reserved—but their burning gazes told a different story.

Chen Huaian fell silent.

Were these people seriously just trying to get into Earth to drink soda and eat snacks?

Where was their lofty cultivator mentality? Their sense of mystique? Their immortal-like bearing?

“Quiet!” Su Qinian bellowed, silencing the crowd. His voice turned stern. “What kind of behavior is this? Look at yourselves! This is disgraceful! The Ancestor said I would choose someone—why are you all rolling around in front of him like beggars? I’ve already made up my mind.”

He cleared his throat and waved to someone behind him.

“You, girl—come.”

“Coming~!” A cheerful voice piped up as a female cultivator emerged from the crowd.

A high ponytail swayed behind her. Bright eyes, radiant smile, and a... commanding chest. It was none other than Yue Qianchi.

“Early-stage Nascent Soul. I believe Yue Qianchi is the best candidate,” Su Qinian said seriously, completely abusing his authority with a straight face.

Chen Huaian blinked in surprise at Yue Qianchi’s now-Nascent Soul cultivation.

He remembered rescuing this girl when she was only at peak Golden Core.

Apparently, life at Jade Pool Holy Land had been a blessing in disguise—stuffed full of heavenly treasures and rare pills, she’d advanced instead of declining.

Still, he hadn’t expected her to break through so quickly.

“I object! Sect Master Su, you’re totally abusing your position!”

“Exactly! Let that girl face me in a duel!”

“Ancestor, we demand a fair selection!”

The crowd erupted with defiant protests.

Yue Qianchi’s grin vanished. She turned and glared at them with sharp brows, hands on hips.

“What are you all barking about?! I’m Li Qingran’s bestie—are you? Do you know what kind of relationship I have with the Ancestor? I can serve him tea and wash his feet—can you?”

“We can!” the crowd shouted.

“I can warm his bed—can you?” Yue Qianchi puffed out her chest proudly. “Are your melons this big? Can you use them as pillows? Can y—mmph!”

Su Qinian slapped a hand over her mouth, face turning black like he was ready to kill her himself.

Chen Huaian clenched his fists as he watched this madness unfold, lips twitching.

Li Qingran glanced down at her own chest, then over at Senior Sister Yue’s... and her eyes dimmed. Her little lips pouted slightly.

Suddenly, the entire crowd fell silent.

Everyone looked at each other, defeated.

Yue Qianchi was just... too overpowered. There was no way to win this one.

“Alright, alright. Let’s call it a day.”

“Sigh... so lame. This was totally rigged…”

The crowd reluctantly dispersed.

Chen Huaian’s sharp eyes caught Yun Baiyu lurking in a corner.

He waved him over, and also called out to Zhang Mengchu, who was munching on LeShi chips nonstop.

“Valley Master Yun, my true body’s strength has improved—I can now manifest an avatar at the Great Ascension Stage.

Once I wrap up this matter, I’ll immediately head to Jade Pool Holy Land to rescue your daughter!”

And while he was selling dreams, he made sure to give Yun Baiyu a strong dose of reassurance.

“I used Heaven’s Calculation to divine her fate—your daughter will be safe for now. What I need to do will only take a day. Trust me.”

…

Yun Baiyu froze, then light surged in his clear eyes.

He pressed his lips together and dropped to his knees with a heavy bow.

“Thank you, Ancestor, for your mercy!”

“Your grace will never be forgotten!”

Chen Huaian had Li Qingran help the emotional Yun Baiyu up and said gently, “Alright now, there’s no need for all this formality. I already promised I’d save your daughter—and I never go back on my word. Now that the time has come... Zhang Mengchu!”

“Here!” Zhang Mengchu quickly put away his chips and assumed a serious stance.

“Spread the news throughout Cangyun World—broadcast the existence of the Original Dao Physique. Make sure Jade Pool Holy Land and Burning Purity Holy Land shift their focus to finding it!”

“Yes, Ancestor! I’ll get it done!”

Zhang hesitated for a moment, then added, “But Ancestor... something’s off with Jade Pool Holy Land lately. What if spreading the news doesn’t spark a war, and instead they... team up?”

“What do you mean by ‘off’?” Chen Huaian frowned.

“It’s just... things between Jade Pool and Burning Purity have been pretty ambiguous. Real Person Yuyao has invited Monk Burning Karma to several events. And it’s not just him—she’s invited other sect leaders and elders too.

She even sent invitations to Sword Pavilion and Zhenwu Holy Land.

She says she wants to set aside past grievances and drink together as friends.”

“And you actually believe that?” Chen Huaian rolled his eyes.

Zhang Mengchu shook his head repeatedly.

Sure, he was the only one who’d ever slept with Real Person Yuyao.

But trust her? Not one bit.

“This is obviously one of her schemes,” Chen Huaian said coldly. “She’s probably gathering everyone to refine human pills or something! Just do what I said—spread the word, sit back, and watch. We’ll be in the shadows, free to pick the best time and method to strike!”

“Yes, Ancestor!”

…

After giving out instructions, Chen Huaian returned to Earth with Li Qingran.

Then he used the Sect Summoning Token to summon Su Qinian and Yue Qianchi.

His plan was simple:

First, send Yue Qianchi—an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator—to make a move on Li Buyi.

That would rattle him—but not so much that he panicked.

No need to show all his cards just yet.

Then, once Li Buyi exposed a weakness, Su Qinian—at peak Nascent Soul—would strike from the shadows and finish it in one blow.

Li Buyi wouldn’t even have the chance to activate his trump card.

Looking at the master-disciple duo curiously surveying their surroundings...

Chen Huaian muttered inwardly:

“Whether or not destiny can be broken—will depend on you two…”

…

…