Chương 417: Chapter 416: Soul Communion

Fan Qinghe was genuinely bewildered. She now understood that Ye Chen's earlier actions, which had sparked her insecurity, weren't about freeloading. Instead, he'd been pressuring her to commit fully, ensuring she chose him decisively. Now, on the verge of becoming her protector, he no longer used Yi Qingwu to provoke her. Instead, he was willing to give everything for her nirvana to be perfect. But she was truly worried.

If Ye Chen's spiritual sense was drained completely, his immortal path might be severed, and hers along with it. Yet, his resolute gaze brimmed with a prodigy's pride. If she didn't follow his wishes, he might take offense, believing she underestimated him, and walk away. After a long internal struggle, she lifted her delicate face.

"Holy Son, you're an unparalleled prodigy. In my heart, even Yao, Ying, and Hua combined can't compare to you. But you must understand my feelings—I admire you deeply. If your immortal path suffers because of me, I'd live in guilt forever. So, how about this: after planting the divine seed and we commune spiritually… As I gradually draw your spiritual sense, if you feel it's too much, just say our safe word… I'll stop immediately!" Ye Chen nodded, satisfied.

The system's cooldown had ended, and he was eager to proceed. Seated cross-legged, he said earnestly, "Let's begin!" A faint smile curved Fan Qinghe's enchanting lips. This is his devotion to me. He couldn't wait a moment longer to become her protector. She'd also realized why he'd made her wait a week—it was to ensure she wouldn't regret choosing him, giving her time to think clearly. But what was there to consider? Ye Chen was the best choice. Now, understanding his heart, her resolve strengthened.

"Then, Holy Son, please open your sea of spirit sense and release all your mental defenses…" This was about her cultivation, so she shed her seductive aura, speaking with utmost seriousness. Ye Chen smiled faintly. His brow glowed with divine light, opening to her. Fan Qinghe's peach-blossom eyes shimmered as a mystical seed entered his brow—the divine seed of the Nirvana Scripture. It settled into his sea of spirit sense. Ye Chen offered no resistance, his heart free of hesitation.

He'd thoroughly investigated and consulted Elders Mo and He, confirming the seed posed minimal risks. It primarily established a connection between them, subtly influencing the protector to grow more devoted to the Divine Maiden. But this required the Divine Maiden's spiritual sense to surpass the protector's. The Nirvana Scripture already enhanced the Divine Maiden's spiritual sense, and absorbing the protector's further tipped the scales, making it nearly impossible for the protector to outstrip her.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. But Ye Chen was different. Based on his experience gifting to the little demoness, offering his spiritual sense would likely trigger system feedback. Even without a critical hit, the base 1, 500-times multiplier was staggering. What did that mean? Even top-tier Deity Transformation cultivators, like the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, might not match his Nascent Soul spiritual sense. And with a potential critical hit?

Surpassing Fan Qinghe in spiritual sense would be effortless. The divine seed couldn't affect him at all. So, he remained calm, fully opening himself to let her plant the seed. The process, though solemn, was swift. In a blink, Fan Qinghe withdrew her gaze, her face alight with joy. Ye Chen felt a subtle, profound connection form in his mind with her—a sense of closeness and trust, as if she were the most trustworthy person in the world, never to betray him. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.

This must be the effect of the divine seed. No wonder past Divine Maidens' protectors, even those with ulterior motives, ended up utterly devoted. But Ye Chen wasn't fazed. When it was finally over, Fan Qinghe let out a long breath. Planting the divine seed meant her life was now intertwined with this man's. Truthfully, she didn't love Ye Chen. Yet, perhaps due to the mystical connection, a faint stir of emotion bloomed in her heart as she looked at him. But planting the seed was just the start.

The first transformation of nirvana was the true crux. She parted her red lips to speak, but Ye Chen cut in first.

"Divine Maiden, let's begin!" His eagerness startled her, but she couldn't help smiling, her natural charm radiating. She sat cross-legged before him, their knees nearly touching.

"Holy Son, you don't need to do anything," she said earnestly.

"I'll guide you. Just enjoy the process." Ye Chen nodded. As she prepared to activate the secret technique, he suddenly spoke with grave sincerity.

"I offer my entire spiritual sense as a gift to the Divine Maiden! Will you accept it?" His formality caught her off guard. She could see his genuine intent. Unlike prodigies like Yao Gu, who sought to freeload, Ye Chen was utterly sincere. Her heart warmed. Nodding solemnly, she stood and bowed, her amber figure gracefully expressing gratitude.

"Thank you, Holy Son! I won't betray your devotion." Ye Chen nodded, pleased. She knows how to show gratitude properly. Fan Qinghe sat back down, her tone serious.

"The method of soul communion is a secret of our sect. I'll transmit it to you via spiritual sense. Holy Son, just follow my lead…" As her words fell, she activated the secret technique. A divine light bloomed from her brow. A faint, ethereal shadow emerged from it, entirely composed of spiritual sense—a miniature Fan Qinghe. She smiled softly at Ye Chen, then drifted into his brow. Entering another's sea of spirit sense was dangerous, but their established bond made it safe for her.

Soon, a stream of techniques flooded Ye Chen's spiritual sense. Then, a peculiar ripple emanated from his sea of spirit sense. No one could know what transpired within. But Fan Qinghe's peach-blossom eyes grew hazy, her lashes trembling, her amber face flushing with waves of color. Already naturally alluring, she seemed to ignite, exuding an enchanting aura. Across from her, Ye Chen let out a satisfied, exhilarated sigh…