Chương 581: Chapter 580: The Ultimate Showdown?

"You said you'd fight anyone for this longevity medicine?" Ye Chen squinted, echoing Lan Nuo's earlier words. Lan Nuo's heart raced, fearing she'd angered him. Terrifying! Would he strike to kill? But her words were out—no backing down. Raising her graceful chin, she said firmly, "Yes!" Ye Chen smiled, glancing at the longevity medicine under his array.

"I set the array to protect it from battle fallout. Once cast, it can't be undone. It'll last a week. Since you insist on fighting, wait a week for the medicine to emerge, then we'll battle." Lan Nuo's tension eased—no immediate fight? Perfect! She nodded calmly.

"Fine, I'll act in a week." Sitting cross-legged in the void, black hair fluttering, she exuded supreme confidence. Disappointed onlookers, denied an immediate clash, grew more eager, anticipating a world-shaking battle. They stayed, joined by Mahayana protectors clustering at the Cave Heaven's edge, eager for the spectacle. … Ye Chen, noting Lan Nuo's confidence, wondered if she hid a trump card. Unafraid after his display? Impressive. But no matter her cards, they'd be useless against him.

Her cooperation pleased him. He planned to meditate, sorting Yan Qingcheng's massive feedback. Just then, the Holy Master's voice transmitted, "I brought a third heaven elder, an array grandmaster. Shall he undo the array to end this sooner? This girl's level seems like Ba Wang or Yao Yuekong's—no need to waste time." Ye Chen ignored it, face impassive, diving into deep meditation. Feng Baiyu, outside, frowned. Transmission failed? … For cultivators, seven days passed swiftly. All awaited with high expectations.

Ye Chen relished the time, Yan Qingcheng's critical hit rewards—enough to bypass seeking Mahayana techniques—astounding. The Heavenly Emperor Fist, especially, thrilled him, itching to practice. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. But Lan Nuo suffered. She knew her limits against Ye Chen. His seriousness—would he strike ruthlessly? Could she withstand one move? Maybe find an excuse to flee?

She transmitted to her ancestor, probing if the clan had urgent matters needing her early return, hinting she'd abandon the medicine. To her dismay, her ancestor missed her intent, encouraging her to prepare confidently. Too prideful to admit she wanted to run, Lan Nuo endured agonizing days under everyone's gaze, awaiting the array's dissolution. Seven days passed. Under eager gazes, the array dissolved, the longevity medicine's aura wafting out, invigorating all as if a single breath extended life by years.

Eyes gleamed, fixed on the two young, terrifying figures. Lan Nuo's heart raced, but her graceful form rose without hesitation.

"Come, my Heavy Pupils have waited too long!" Chaos qi swirled in her eyes, battle intent blazing, exuding peerless prodigy aura. The crowd's excitement surged. Ye Chen glanced at the medicine, rising slowly, eyeing Lan Nuo. So many posturing lines? If you were a man, I'd crush you for this. Inwardly grumbling, he had no intent to fight. Top prodigies were rare; he'd maximize gains, not end things quickly.

Under all eyes, the invincible Ye Chen—who'd crushed six prodigies and slain the Star River King Body—restrained his aura. He gazed at Lan Nuo solemnly, silent for a long moment. His gravity stunned onlookers. What trump card did Fairy Lan hold to make the Heavenly Emperor heir so cautious? Lan Nuo, already bluffing, panicked further. Don't take me so seriously! I'm scared you'll kill me! Let me take one hit, say some face-saving words, and leave! After a long stare, Ye Chen spoke, "I can't read Fairy Lan's aura.

Perhaps the strongest foe I've ever faced. In my last battle, I took hidden injuries. Against Alkaid's ilk, they'd mean nothing, but against Fairy Lan, a slight wound could change everything. I propose delaying the longevity medicine battle another week, until my injuries heal, to face you at my peak." His words caused an uproar. Coming from another, it'd be dodging. But from the invincible Ye Chen, it was genuine respect, treating Lan Nuo as an equal, even admitting weakness to delay a week.

What trump card made him so wary? The Lan ancestor was stunned. Is Nuo Nuo that strong? How didn't I see it? Does she have a hidden opportunity? Outside, Feng Baiyu was baffled. He knew Ye Chen's strength—yet he lacked confidence? Did Central Continent's Heavy Pupil have something special? A rumor surfaced: Heavy Pupils in the same era split into male and female, the male suppressing the female. Nonsense, he'd thought—but now, was Ye Chen's Heavy Pupil female?