Heavenly spiritual roots had always been recognized in the cultivation world as the pinnacle of aptitude. Their effects were profoundly powerful. For the vast majority of cultivators, a heavenly spiritual root's potential seemed boundless—capable of endlessly absorbing heavenly spiritual qi and converting it into personal cultivation.

Few could ever reach its transformation limit. But Ye Chen was different. His unique constitution acted like a super accelerator, while his cave heaven's domain force reached astonishing extremes.

Add the enhancements from his Dao Cauldron and Enlightenment Tea Tree, plus nourishment from countless heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Under such terrifying boosts, his heavenly spiritual root had begun to falter under the load. Its conversion speed could no longer keep pace with his absorption rate.

At this moment, the heavenly spiritual root—that dream of nearly every cultivator—had instead become the shackle limiting Ye Chen's further progress.

"There is still room to improve spiritual roots. But treasures suited to enhancing them are far too rare—and no one would ever sell them."

He knew well that for most other treasures, cultivators or clans who acquired them might consider selling for needed resources. Not every treasure held unique, irreplaceable effects—not everyone could benefit from them. But spiritual root enhancers were different. Everyone needed them.

Spiritual roots were tied directly to cultivation speed, realm ceilings, and ultimate potential. Any cultivator fortunate enough to obtain one would unhesitatingly use it on themselves or bestow it upon their clan's prodigies. Hoping they could walk farther on the path of cultivation. Unless cornered in absolute desperation—life and death on the line—no one would ever sell.

Thus, even knowing his heavenly spiritual root had hit its cap, Ye Chen had no immediate solution. Still, his mindset remained optimistic. He was already frighteningly fast. This "slowness" was only relative to himself.

Compared to other men, he was outrageously quick. The spiritual root bottleneck merely delayed his ascension a bit. At worst, he could wait until ascension, enter the immortal realm, then seek root-enhancing treasures in those vast expanses.

With this thought, Ye Chen's heart eased. He closed his eyes once more, immersing himself in cultivation.

...

Half a month passed in a flash. Ye Chen finally arrived at the Lan family's immortal city. His arrival prompted a grand welcome from the entire Lan clan. Other cultivators in the city gazed at his figure with eyes full of awe and admiration.

News of Ye Chen's battle in Myriad Races Immortal City had spread throughout the Central Continent. Everyone knew how the Heavenly Emperor's heir had schemed with his own body as bait—nearly wiping out the myriad races' young generation elites single-handedly. Not only that—he had crossed great realms to slay a peak semi-saint Holy Spirit against the odds.

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Such glorious feats defied belief. For humanity, Ye Chen's actions were undoubtedly a tremendous boon. Both myriad races prodigies and the Holy Spirit Clan had long been formidable rivals. His strikes had massively weakened the myriad races.

Thus, gazes upon Ye Chen held shock and deep reverence. His reputation in the Central Continent underwent a seismic shift. From an outsider prodigy of the Great Yan Continent to humanity's proud star.

Ye Chen himself cared nothing for external opinions. Along the journey, he gifted Luo Bingling precious items daily, causing his cave heaven's spiritual plants to multiply rapidly.

Though his spiritual root had reached its limit, his cultivation still advanced steadily—nearing the late third heaven of Mahayana.

"You came?"

Among the welcoming crowd stood Lan Nuo. She lifted her aloof chin slightly, greeting Ye Chen.

From their last meeting, Ye Chen already knew her true personality. Those adorable little canine teeth, contrasted with her deliberately cold facade before outsiders, created a striking moe gap. It only made her more endearing and captivating.

"I'm here!"

Ye Chen replied with a beaming smile.

Lan Nuo's beautiful eyes shifted as she regarded him seriously. "It's been a while. You've grown even stronger since last time!"

Ye Chen dropped his smile, his face turning solemn as he responded, "Fairy Lan is the same!"

Their exchange of words resembled old rivals meeting. This left the Lan family patriarch and several great powers with complicated expressions. The surrounding outsiders, unaware of the truth, stared wide-eyed in shock. The Heavenly Emperor's heir was already this ferocious.

Did Fairy Lan truly intend to spar with him? Just what level was Fairy Lan's strength? How could she be so confident?

Fearing his beloved might continue the act of "showing off before her lover," Ye Chen took the initiative. "I recently experienced a great battle and gained some insights, yet a few confusions remain... Thus, I came specifically hoping to discuss the Dao with Fairy Lan..."

His words triggered another wave of uproar among the crowd. Ye Chen's monstrous talent was plain for all to see. His mastery of various Treasure Techniques and the Nine Secrets had long reached perfection.

Yet now, he admitted to cultivation confusions requiring discussion with Fairy Lan? Was Fairy Lan's talent truly that extraordinary?

Some felt profound shock. Others understood but dared not speak, fearing reprisal.

Lan Nuo herself felt quite satisfied with the admiring murmurs below. She nodded her chin reservedly and replied coolly, "Friend Ye, please follow me!"

With that, she turned and drifted away, leading the way for him. Ye Chen smiled faintly, nodding to the Lan great powers before following. Leaving behind the great powers wearing knowing auntie smiles as they whispered among themselves.

"The Heavenly Emperor's heir truly dotes on Nuonuo—always giving her full face."

"The two standing together are truly a match made in heaven."

"I approve this marriage. Feng Baiyu should be nearby—why not invite him over to discuss?"

They chattered enthusiastically, all thoroughly pleased with Ye Chen. Of course, they had long seen through Lan Nuo's pretense. Not that Lan Nuo was weak. But Ye Chen was simply too strong.

No matter how fierce the Heavy Pupils were, they couldn't reach the combat level Ye Chen displayed. Thus, they all guessed this was merely Ye Chen indulging Lan Nuo's play. Yet as prodigies, each carried their own pride.

For Ye Chen to disregard his invincible reputation and accommodate Lan Nuo so fully proved his genuine affection. Only one great power, recalling the overheard matter of the Divine Silkworm clan leader's companion, hesitated inwardly. But he soon sighed.

The Heavenly Emperor's heir had merely committed a mistake any man would make. No grave principled error. No need for excessive blame. Turning to the others, he whispered seriously, "According to Immortal Path rules, that seven-colored nirvana jade gestating a Holy Spirit appearing in the fourth realm... Means the Holy Spirit within has surely reached semi-saint strength—at minimum peak..."

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