Stop it, Taoist, Your Fight almost Ruins the DAO!

Of course, none of the major families revealed the core treasures of their clans to Yi Chen, but this was not particularly important to him.

His greatest gain was identifying the key players within those families. Through interactions with the heirs of these families and subtle probing, he discerned who held real power, which family was truly wealthy, and which was just an empty façade. With Yi Chen's current cultivation as the Magnetic Field Martial God, as long as he pinpointed the right people, everything would fall into place.

He would return like a storm in the future!

Without attaining the Dao Fruit, no cultivator could conceal their thoughts in front of Taoist Yi Chengzi.

On the second day, after touring the royal treasury of Qian Country, Yi Chen finally felt satisfied and prepared to depart.

"No one supports my soaring ambition; I shall tread the snow to the summit alone!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, the martial world is vast. Until we meet again!"

Outside the long pavilion, beside the ancient path, Bai Chenzi stared at the throng of noble heirs who had come in droves to bid Yi Chen farewell, marveling in wonder.

Over this period, Yi Chen treated everyone he encountered with proper respect, never showing a hint of disdain. He even provided each of them with sharp, incisive advice tailored to their personal situations.

For instance, Song Qingshu from the Song Family of Qian Country was deeply troubled. His father had a talented nephew whose cultivation aptitude was exceptional, always overshadowing everything Song Qingshu did regardless of his efforts. He could never catch up.

Recently, rumors had emerged in the family that the Zhang Family had agreed to transfer this illegitimate son to his father's lineage, officially into the Song Family—casting doubt on Song Qingshu's future as the Family Head.

Yi Chen's advice to him was straightforward: lie down and accept it. If you can't beat him, don't waste energy fighting; focus on your own affairs. Show more care to the elders in the family, especially your father. A hundred years from now, look at the outcome.

As long as your father doesn't want the Song Family to split, what is rightfully yours will still come to you.

Even if your father stubbornly stands his ground in the future, there will be plenty of people around to help you battle him!

Yi Chen's advice was always sharp and directly addressed the crux of the issue. Highly feasible, it left many of the noble heirs who gravitated toward him with a sense of enlightenment.

"Taoist Priest, you must visit us often in the future!" the group of heirs said reluctantly.

"Haha, of course! Who can predict life's encounters? I, this humble Taoist, wish all of you noble gentlemen to keep pursuing your aspirations even if no one supports you: tread the snow to reach your summit!"

"Whenever, wherever, keep striving like this humble Taoist!"

With a wave of his hand, Yi Chen soared into the sky, heading toward the next kingdom with Bai Chenzi.

Inside his Sea of Consciousness, the Three Corpse Primordial Spirit, Peng Jiao, reappeared at the perfect moment, grumbling incessantly.

"You really have no shame, huh? Crafting camaraderie with those heirs now while plotting to exploit their families later—you're spinning them utterly around your finger!"

"Damn you... ugh, Peng Jiao, eat food randomly if you must, but never spout nonsense! Just tell me—are the suggestions I gave them true or not?"

"Besides, all the wealth they have came from exploiting those beneath them. This humble Taoist isn't taking from them—I'm taking from the people of East Continent."

"What's more, am I using the Jade Coins for myself? No! It's for the sake of the common people, for fighting against the heinous fiends of the Ghost Worship Sect and True Blood Sect."

"Tell me—did I take a single extra coin from them?"

Inside the Sea of Consciousness, Yi Chen's Primordial Spirit unusually offered a spirited defense, leaving Peng Jiao momentarily taken aback.

After a while, Peng Jiao's elation returned, breaking into a smile.

"You're impressive, no doubt! You'll accomplish big things!"

"Don't worry, from here onward, Master Peng Jiao is with you! Whenever possible, Master Peng Jiao shall endure for your sake!"

"But you know as well, Master Peng Jiao has limits..."

"All I ask is for you to keep finding good things. Master Peng Jiao simply loves indulging in fine stuff."

"...."

Days passed swiftly, and after leaving Qian Country, Yi Chen traversed Yue Country and Zheng Country, finally arriving at the last destination of his scholarly journey: Xuanwu Country.

In Xuanwu Country's capital, amidst a banquet, the melodies of silk strings and bamboo pipes filled the air.

Through these past days, Yi Chen had become exceedingly familiar with these ceremonies. At this moment, he had already struck up lively interactions with various noble families in Xuanwu Country.

Without a doubt, whether Yue Country or Zheng Country, Yi Chen had investigated thoroughly—just like he had in Qian Country.

Once his journey through Xuanwu Country concluded, Yi Chen intended to act decisively, seizing and squeezing everything from these regions!

By his estimation, even if the Deep Red Points were insufficient for breaking through to the twenty-eighth layer of cultivation, it wouldn't be far off.

"Taoist Yi Chengzi, please finish this cup in full."

The newly rising prodigy of the Heavenly Star Sect, Taoist Yi Chengzi, infamous across the Eastern Continent for his love of treasures and beauties, was a reputation Xuanwu Country's King knew not to dismiss. During today's banquet, exquisite Mei Ji attendants had already been arranged to serve him closely.

One such Mei Ji shyly glanced at Yi Chen's wandering hand on her silk stocking-covered thigh, casting flirtatious looks as she handed him a cup of fine wine.

This scene instantly drew hearty laughter from everyone in the hall, complimenting Yi Chen for being genuinely carefree and natural—not at all pretentious.

Such is the world, where power endows one's actions with charm and justification.

Yi Chen chuckled warmly, continuing to converse with everyone while accepting the wine from the Mei Ji, ready for a hearty sip!

At that very moment, three streaks of Escape Light streaked across the sky, landing outside the Great Hall.

Two men and one woman emerged from the light!

One was a middle-aged Taoist with a sword slung across his back, exuding an aura as vast as the abyss. The other was a palace-robed Fairy holding a lantern, her beauty transcendent and ethereal, her jade-like feet exposed without silk stockings, the dazzling whiteness of her skin reflecting light like snow on a winter day.

Behind the duo stood a tall, handsome Taoist with sharp brows and starry eyes, radiating a vigorous aura.

The King of Xuanwu stroked his chin knowingly. With his experience, he immediately recognized that the two figures leading the way were undoubtedly Li Yan and He Xian, two of the Eight Celestials of the Heavenly Star Sect.

Just as he was about to rise and receive them graciously, the handsome Taoist behind them stepped forth with confidence.

"Situ Zhaixing has learned Taoist Yi Chengzi is present today. As candidates competing to become 'Children of the Stars' for the sect, Situ Zhaixing challenges Taoist Yi Chengzi to a duel. I hope the Taoist Priest does not decline!"

Situ Zhaixing's Daoist robe fluttered dramatically, revealing his impressive cultivation—a Stepping Heaven Realm, second layer!

At those words, the hall filled with numerous curious glances fixed on Situ Zhaixing and Yi Chen, ready for a show.

"So, Taoist Priest—will you decline today's challenge again?"

"Rest assured, Taoist Priest. It shall only be a contest of skill, stopping short of harming one another!"

"Well... fine. Since you insist on a match, and as Li Yan and Fairy He Xian are present today, refusal would indeed be improper on my part!"

"Situ Zhaixing, this is not the place for a duel. Let us step outside the hall!"

Surprised by the sudden appearance of the trio, Yi Chen's expression briefly froze, after which a smile of hidden meaning appeared at the corner of his lips, and he swiftly rose to his full height!

Since someone came knocking, there was no need to hold back!

His form blurred, transforming into streaming light that streaked into the skies—a display that left the onlookers in awe, their eyes glinting with intrigue. Following Yi Chen, they filed out one after another, eager to witness a grand battle between Heavenly Star Sect prodigies!

"Yi Taoist Priest, please make the first move!"

"No, Fellow Taoist, you may go first! I fear that once I strike, you won't have another opportunity!"

"Here's a thought—if Fellow Taoist can even cause me a scratch, I, Taoist Yi Chengzi, shall end my life on the spot!"

Under the watchful eyes of all assembled, Yi Chen suddenly burst into laughter! His expression exuded dominance, and his gaze swept teasingly over Li Yan and He Xian before finally resting firmly on Situ Zhaixing!

....

....

At this moment.

The Lingxia Realm rippled with spatial distortions as a golden Command Insignia emerged from the void...