Over the course of seven years, having received frequent guidance from the Golden Crow Great Emperor, coupled with his own monstrously brilliant intellect and his status as a Chaos young generation's supreme, his talent that surpassed even the Strongest Young Supreme gradually manifested as time passed.
Now, standing in the Half-Step Divine King realm, how powerful and extraordinary he was, possessing cultivation that truly transcended the mortal world.
Naturally, Ye Chen, who could defy the world and slay Half-Step Divine King level Emperor Sons while at the Tenth Heaven, was now, as a Half-Step Divine King himself, countless times stronger than he was back then, his divine power even more vast and mighty.
Over these years, the Corpse-Devouring Insect Emperor, the Mountain Chicken, and some other Half-Step Divine Kings had also seen Ye Chen. From a distance it was one thing, but when truly facing him up close, they always felt an immense gap between themselves and Ye Chen.
This feeling was something they had never experienced before when facing peers of the same generation and realm, unless it was those Divine King realm Emperor Son-level figures.
But now, they felt this very sensation from Ye Chen, which was truly astonishing.
Even Divine Kings from the Golden Crow Emperor Clan had come by. There were veteran Golden Crow Divine Kings, whose vitality had flourished and whose cultivation had increased considerably, and who were not merely Divine Kings who had undergone two or three Divine King Tribulations. Yet, when facing a junior like Ye Chen at the Half-Step Divine King level, they too felt as if facing a formidable enemy.
This was something that had never happened before, yet it occurred today, somewhat hard to believe.
In the eighth year, Ye Chen was finally released by the Golden Crow Great Emperor, concluding a long period of cultivation and returning to his residence palace.
His return drew attention. Many human race powerhouses came, including Emperor Sons and Daughters in seclusion and Strongest Young Supremes who heard the news. Some came with joy, while others came with curiosity, wanting to see what level Ye Chen had reached after these seven years.
"Battle Saint King!"
"Little Moon!"
"Brother Ye!"
In Ye Chen's palace, a group of people visited, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Everyone is here, please come in quickly!"
Ye Chen personally welcomed them. Seeing close friends and family again after seven years, and sensing their improved cultivation, filled him with great joy.
When the many human race Emperor Sons, Daughters, and Immortal Dao Descendants saw Ye Chen, they were all greatly astonished. For although seven years had passed and the Battle Saint King did not intentionally release his aura, a terrifying imposing might continuously emanated from him, astonishingly shaking heaven and earth.
The many human race Divine Kings felt the same. Seeing him again after seven years, they could distinctly sense that Ye Chen's cultivation had become even more unfathomable.
Just how powerful was he now?
"Brother Ye, what is your cultivation level now?"
Shen Rong asked a question that many wanted to know. The current Ye Chen seemed to harbor a mythical ferocious beast within, giving people a heart-palpitating feeling.
"Like all of you, Half-Step Divine King!" His words were simple and direct.
"Really?"
Many did not believe it. Could the aura of a Half-Step Divine King be so terrifyingly overwhelming?
This feeling was not excessive even for a Divine King level Emperor Son.
Even many human race Divine Kings felt immense pressure.
"Senior Brother!"
Qin Wushuang was the most direct. He and Ye Chen were both of the Battle Saint lineage. Even though the latter had transformed into a Chaos Saint Body, he was fundamentally still a Battle Saint. He could feel the other's power more clearly and couldn't resist striking out with a palm—the Heaven-Shaking Palm.
"Wushuang!"
The others exclaimed.
But Ye Chen knew this junior brother was the most battle-loving. He smiled slightly and casually parried the blow, effortlessly dissolving the Heaven-Shaking Palm's attack.
"This—"
Everyone was shocked. At the very least, even other Emperor Sons, Daughters, or Strongest Young Supremes would not be able to withstand Qin Wushuang's Heaven-Shaking Palm with such ease.
"Are you really just a Half-Step Divine King?" someone asked dazedly.
Ye Chen smiled and said, "I haven't taken that final step yet. And over these seven years, I've gained some insights, making me slightly stronger than my peers among Emperor Sons, Daughters, and Immortal Dao Descendants, that's all."
Hearing this, many curled their lips. The man who could slay a Half-Step Divine King level Life Emperor Son back when he was at the late Tenth Heaven had no right to say such a thing.
Their moods were complex. Indeed, seven years had passed. They had reached Half-Step Divine King, and Ye Chen had reached it too, but his imposing might seemed countless times greater.
They all knew that below the Divine King realm, Ye Chen was truly invincible, even among other Emperor Sons, Daughters, Immortal Dao Descendants, and Strongest Young Supremes.
However, some were also excited and eager, burning with fiery battle intent—Shen Rong, Di Wushuang, Ye Cangqiong, and others.
Of course, there was no hostility, merely a pure desire for battle. Having also stepped into the Half-Step Divine King level, they possessed increasing confidence and similarly wished to see the gap between themselves and the Battle Saint King.
All being Half-Step Divine Kings, all believing themselves invincible and destined to prove their Dao and become Emperors, even if they believed there was a difference between themselves and Ye Chen, they thought it wouldn't be too great.
"Brother Ye, I wish to challenge you!"
Shen Rong was very direct. He was the son of the Slaying Immortal Great Emperor. In legend, the Slaying Immortal Great Emperor was said to have vowed to slay supreme immortals and even dared to challenge the Heavenly Emperor—an ancient Great Emperor known for his love of battle. As his son, Shen Rong was also an extremely battle-loving individual.
Seeing Shen Rong's exceptionally excited demeanor, Ye Chen also smiled. Over these seven years, he had advanced by leaps and bounds, yet he himself wasn't entirely clear just how far he had reached. A battle now might help gauge it somewhat.
The confrontation between the two greatest human race talents naturally caused a stir.
Of course, it was limited to their inner circle.
Ye Chen, with his profound mastery, subsequently opened up a temporary small world to serve as a martial arena. Interwoven with Chaos laws, it was quite sturdy, capable of withstanding Divine King level confrontations.
Both entered the martial world one after the other. It was vast but empty. Only such a place was most suitable for a confrontation between supreme powerhouses.
All eyes were upon them!
"Come, Brother Ye. It's been seven years. I very much want to know if the current you can overpower me, also a Half-Step Divine King."
Shen Rong was full of confidence, his hair flying. He was an extremely forceful and self-assured Emperor Son, with the capital to be so. As the son of the Slaying Immortal Great Emperor, he looked down upon the world, considering few worthy of his regard.
Back then, he had almost snatched away Ye Chen's three beautiful wives. Now, facing each other again in battle, though it was merely a spar, it excited him tremendously.
After all, Ye Chen was the first peer in his path to invincibility to have made him bleed. Facing him again now filled Shen Rong with anticipation.
"I also wish to know."
Ye Chen laughed, his deep eyes also blazing with fiery battle intent.
Boom—
Shen Rong suddenly shot through the air. Though only a Half-Step Divine King, his imposing might was countless times greater than that of an ordinary Divine King. Supreme radiance boiled around his entire body. In an instant, he closed in on Ye Chen and, without a word, raised his hand, unleashing a Divine King Great Dao essence and concept.
Immortal Slaying!