"Battle Saint King!"
The four simple words, at this moment, were like thunderclaps exploding across the heavens and earth, resonating deafeningly in the ears of everyone present, causing all to stare in near-stupefaction at the young man before them with his amiable smile and ordinary appearance.
Gulp—
The sound of someone swallowing was faint, yet at this moment it seemed so loud, but no one cared who had made it, because more people were staring wide-eyed with expressions bordering on terror and shock.
He was the Battle Saint King?
The currently ascendant Battle Saint King?
Seeing everyone's stunned and horrified gazes, Ye Chen also smiled, appearing honest and simple. "Look at me, I forgot again—"
Crackle, crackle—a series of faint bone-cracking sounds rang out, and his origin aura rapidly transformed. A truly supreme aura emerged, a martial will that could suppress all the Great Daos of the myriad realms slowly unfurled, making everyone tremble with a desire to prostrate themselves from the depths of their hearts.
The youth was heroic, with sword-like brows and tiger-like eyes, black hair cascading like a waterfall over his shoulders. Even though he was only dressed in the simple attire of a boatman, at this moment he still possessed the bearing of a master who stood above all living beings.
This was—
The Battle Saint King!
Miss Qin's side exclaimed in surprise, while Crown Prince of Wushuang Kingdom and the others looked as if they had swallowed something foul, their expressions turning ugly.
How could they have imagined that this seemingly ordinary, unremarkable mortal boatman was actually the great figure, the great killing star known as the Battle Saint King.
Now they had kicked an iron plate, and one as hard as diamond.
Crown Prince of Wushuang Kingdom and Purple Heaven Saint Son exchanged a glance. At this moment, even proud and aloof as they were, their smiles carried bitterness.
Could they be any more unlucky?
Qin Ruxian widened her almond-shaped eyes, looking at Ye Chen who had restored his original appearance before her. Her red lips parted slightly, her face showing astonishment, an expression that made her appear charming and lovely.
Clearly, even she had not expected that the boatman brother she had kindly helped two or three times out of the goodness of her heart was such a peerless figure.
Ye Chen smiled at her, appearing gentle. But when he turned towards other young powerhouses like Robin, his expression became indifferent and ruthless, causing Robin and the others to pale with horror.
For they all remembered how they had mocked Ye Chen yesterday, and a thousand regrets instantly surged in their hearts.
In the next moment, Ye Chen no longer looked at them. Instead, he leisurely turned to face Purple Heaven Saint Son and Crown Prince of Wushuang Kingdom, Yang Han, striding forward as if about to make a move. But at this time, Crown Prince of Wushuang Kingdom hurriedly cupped his fists and said, "Your Highness Saint King, our earlier actions were unintentional offenses. We beg Your Highness to be magnanimous and show mercy. We are willing to withdraw and no longer contest the Three-Life Lotus."
Purple Heaven Saint Son also spoke up, agreeing to no longer contend for the Three-Life Lotus on Qin Ruxian's person.
This scene was somewhat unexpected, but the two Kings clearly understood the peerless might of the Battle Saint King. The four powerhouses who had attacked before the Heavenly Gate had been easily suppressed—they did not believe that was mere rumor, as the entire world had witnessed it.
If they truly chose to fight, they would only be seeking death.
Ye Chen glanced at the injuries on Qin Ruxian's body and said, "And Miss Ruxian's injuries..."
Before he could finish, Crown Prince of Wushuang Kingdom said, "Your Highness Saint King need not worry. Here is a bottle of healing pills, top-grade fifth rank. Additionally, there are two six-thousand-year Heaven and Earth Treasures with miraculous beautifying effects. Please, Miss Ruxian, accept them and forgive our earlier ignorance and overreach, would that be acceptable?"
Speaking to this point carried a tone of humility, a plea, even a supplication.
Given the proud status of the two Kings, only the domineering Battle Saint King could force them to this point.
Ye Chen looked at Qin Ruxian and smiled. "What does Miss Ruxian think? If you're still angry, I don't mind teaching them a lesson on your behalf."
Hearing this, the two Kings paled, while Robin and the others sighed inwardly. In all the heavens and earth, aside from the Battle Saint King, there really weren't many who could force two Kings into such terror.
A man's reputation is like a tree's shadow.
Qin Ruxian naturally understood that the two Kings' current submission was entirely due to the Battle Saint King. She was also a woman who knew how to advance and retreat. If she were to borrow his authority and bully them now, not only would she truly offend the two Princes, but it might also cause the Battle Saint King to feel a trace of annoyance.
To forgive is divine. Having been born into the Qin family, she understood this principle well. She spoke softly, "Big—Your Highness Saint King, this matter can be put to rest here. I hope Crown Prince Yang and Purple Heaven Saint Son will no longer trouble me and my companions."
These words were tactful and indirect, also giving the two Kings a way out. Crown Prince of Wushuang Kingdom and Purple Heaven Saint Son's eyes flashed with pleasant surprise, and they both cupped their fists towards Miss Ruxian. "Miss Ruxian's kindness, we dare not forget."
"Your Highness Saint King, we shall take our leave now."
As soon as the words fell, the two Kings did not wish to stay a moment longer. They immediately turned and left, soaring into the sky.
The matter of the Three-Life Lotus was thus concluded.
Ye Chen also showed a trace of appreciation for Qin Ruxian's smooth, appropriate, and tactful handling of the situation.
Although she could have continued to borrow his authority, borrowing the tiger's might to threaten the two Kings, it might have given Ye Chen a slightly unfavorable impression.
His earlier intervention to help was also because Qin Ruxian had previously helped him when he was a "mortal."
It could be said that their favors had canceled each other out, and their relationship had become indifferent. However, Qin Ruxian's attitude in handling matters had indeed won Ye Chen's favor.
At this moment, Qin Ruxian offered the healing pills and Heaven and Earth Treasures obtained from the two Kings to Ye Chen, speaking with a hint of restraint. "Your Highness Saint King, these are the compensations from the two Kings. Your intervention this time is already greatly appreciated. Ruxian dare not accept them; they rightfully belong to you."
Ye Chen, with a hint of a smile, said, "Do you really want to give them to me?"
Qin Ruxian looked at the two Heaven and Earth Treasures that could preserve beauty with reluctance. After all, regardless of cultivation level, appearance was quite important to a woman.
But she still resolutely offered them to Ye Chen. "This is what Your Highness Saint King deserves."
But Ye Chen laughed and refused. "Miss Ruxian, these were given to you by the two Kings. You should keep them. I'm not being polite; it's just that these pills and Heaven and Earth Treasures are useless to me. I consider them chicken ribs—tasteless to eat, a pity to discard."
"Also—"
"Also?" Qin Ruxian widened her beautiful eyes.
Ye Chen reached out and patted her head, treating her with the warmth one would show a younger sister, and smiled. "I really liked it when you called me big brother, not Your Highness Saint King."
Qin Ruxian was stunned for a moment, then pursed her lips into a smile, radiant and brilliant. "Big brother—"