Volume 1, Chapter 5: Controlling the Maiden Form, the Double-Slap Technique

Witnessing Yao Xi’s reaction, Ye Wuchen felt even more speechless; this really did feel like the rhythm of a female-oriented romance novel. "What are you thinking? I meant for you to let me take control of your body temporarily so I can help you reclaim your Emperor's Heart!"

Yao Xi was even more embarrassed now. After all, she didn’t even know if Ye Wuchen was a man or a woman, and realizing she had misinterpreted him made her want to crawl into a hole. Helpless, she finally retreated into her own spirit world with a blushing face, voluntarily yielding control of her body to Ye Wuchen.

As a flash of purple energy flickered through Yao Xi's pupils, after a day, Ye Wuchen finally experienced the sensation of regaining control over a physical form. However, this body was female, which was a vast difference from his previous one. He hadn't expected the sensory perception beneath the immortal robes to be even more drastically different—there was truly a slight "E" cup difference—and for a moment, this satisfied Ye Wuchen’s curiosity and desire.

It felt... not bad!

Suddenly, a crisp, sharp sound rang out. A clear, melodious slap echoed instantly. Luo Qinghan, whose frail body had been sitting on the ground absorbing a spirit ring, was sent flying like a kite with a broken string. She traced a perfect arc, struck a tree without warning, and slid to the ground.

There had been no warning at all.

Everyone was stunned! Not to mention Xu Changsheng and the other disciples, even Yao Xi herself was completely dumbfounded.

Luo Qinghan was the most bewildered of all. Her eyes were wide, for she could never have imagined that Yao Xi would actually lay a hand on her, dared to lay a hand on her, and possessed the capability to lay a hand on her!

Standing before her now was a graceful young woman in dark green robes, walking slowly toward her, her beautiful eyes filled with killing intent. The left side of Luo Qinghan’s face was already swollen, her eyes filled with disbelief. Two of her teeth had been knocked out, and blood flowed from the corners of her mouth. She looked utterly terrifying, her teeth clenched as she roared with bloodshot eyes, "You... you dare strike me?!"

Ye Wuchen let out a cold snort. "You shameless thing, you dare to touch what is mine? Who gave you the courage!"

"You bastard..." Xu Changsheng’s brows knitted together. He stepped forward, looming over Yao Xi and glaring down at her coldly. "You have no upbringing! How dare you strike someone?!"

"If you take another step forward, I will turn this world upside down and leave your corpse in pieces!" Ye Wuchen’s cold voice sounded as if it had come from the Nine Netherworlds; he was like a god of death descending, sending a chill down everyone’s spine.

"You..." Xu Changsheng’s expression changed. Even as composed and calm as he was, he couldn't stop his temper from flaring. This was the first time he had ever seen someone so arrogant. She had slapped the master’s hand-picked direct disciple, claimed she had killed this three-thousand-year-old spirit beast, and now, in broad daylight and under the open sky, she dared to threaten him.

But just as he raised his hand high, he hesitated. After all, she was so much younger than him and a girl at that. If he really struck her, where would he put his face afterward?

"Sigh, forget it. If you apologize to Junior Sister Qinghan now, I’ll consider the matter closed," Xu Changsheng said, crossing his arms.

"Senior Brother Changsheng is truly magnanimous."

"Of course, Senior Brother Changsheng is one of the top figures of Sword God Peak. He is both skilled in cultivation and a true gentleman."

"And what if I don't apologize?" An discordant voice shattered the fawning atmosphere. It was Ye Wuchen speaking.

"Hmm?" Xu Changsheng’s eyes suddenly widened, and the aura of a peak Great Swordsman surged forth, enveloping the entire forest. The weight of his presence left everyone silent. A flash of fear crossed everyone’s eyes. Only Elder Ji and Ye Wuchen remained unaffected by the Great Swordsman's pressure.

"I, Xu Changsheng, generally do not hit women. Do not test my patience." Xu Changsheng looked at the willow-like girl before him, his eyes practically spitting fire. He had intentionally displayed his peak Great Swordsman cultivation, hoping to see fear and panic on Yao Xi’s face.

But to his confusion, the girl’s face—beautiful to an excessive degree—bore only a faint sneer. What was going on? Why was Yao Xi not affected by his aura? It made no sense. She had only just awakened her sword spirit, and it was a useless one at that!

Xu Changsheng could rack his brain all he wanted, but he would never guess that the entity currently controlling Yao Xi’s body was an ancient monster. He had considered that Yao Xi might be the one who killed the spirit beast, but he quickly dismissed the thought. How could a girl who had only just stepped onto the path of cultivation possess such terrifying sword intent?

*Pretending! She’s just pretending!* Xu Changsheng sneered internally.

"Fine, I can apologize." When the atmosphere reached a point of extreme tension, Ye Wuchen spoke.

What?! When these words were uttered, even Yao Xi herself was stunned. Was this really the style of a senior expert?

"Tch! You should have apologized sooner instead of being so stubborn!" Those watching, who had expected a good show and thought Yao Xi would continue to show spirit, were extremely disappointed to see her cave so quickly!

"Hahaha... we are all fellow disciples, that’s better!" Xu Changsheng felt a surge of inexplicable satisfaction. He looked down on Yao Xi from the bottom of his heart and loved seeing her humiliate herself. So what if she was pretty? In this world where the strong reign supreme, it was all about strength.

"However." Before Xu Changsheng could enjoy his victory for long, Ye Wuchen spoke again.

"However what?" Xu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

"The condition is that she must kneel to receive my apology. Or you can take her place; I would accept that as well..." A brilliant smile appeared on Yao Xi's face, looking completely innocent and naive.

*Whoosh!* As these words fell, everyone—from Xu Changsheng and Luo Qinghan to the onlookers—had their pupils contract in shock. A clamor erupted. They had thought Yao Xi was forced to compromise and was being sensible, but instead, she had delivered such an insulting response!

Luo Qinghan froze for a moment, her expression turning as gloomy as water.

"You dare play me?" Xu Changsheng’s mouth twitched, and the hand he had just lowered rose high once again.

"If I don't play you, who would I play?" The smile vanished from Yao Xi’s face, replaced by a cold and indifferent mask.

With those words, the entire crowd was in an uproar! Had Yao Xi lost her mind to dare speak to Senior Brother Changsheng like that? Everyone cast disdainful looks toward her.

"She was running for her life and screaming for help just a moment ago, and now she’s acting all high and mighty."

"With that pathetic sword spirit of hers, I doubt she’ll even become a true Swordsman in a hundred years..."

"It was clearly our Qinghan who killed the beast; for her to claim the credit is truly ridiculous and laughable!"

The youths clamored, their voices filled with scorn and mockery. Ye Wuchen ignored them completely and said, "No one is allowed to lay a hand on my things!"

"What are you doing?" Seeing Yao Xi brush past him, Xu Changsheng’s mouth twitched. He finally snapped, clenching his fists and saying, "I am sparing you because of your youth; do not be ungrateful..."

"Noisy!"

*Slap!*

Ye Wuchen did not hesitate, backhanding him with a slap that landed heavily on Xu Changsheng’s face. Unable to defend against the sudden attack, Xu Changsheng was sent flying backward on the spot.

*Gasp!* The entire crowd was petrified, their heads buzzing.