Did the Divine Punishment Get Scolded Away by Chen Chang'an

The might of the heavenly punishment was too terrifying. Although Chen Chang'an had withstood most of the attack and protected the Alchemy Emperor Manor below, the residual force of the explosion still spread outward in all directions.

Everyone trembled as they felt this power, turning and fleeing without hesitation. Even though many chose to escape immediately, quite a few were still sent flying by the aftershocks.

"Even the residual force is this terrifying… yet Chen Chang'an is completely unharmed?"

"Is he even human? He faced the heavenly punishment head-on and endured its most devastating power!"

"I ran so far and still suffered heavy injuries, yet he’s completely fine?"

"Did you notice how many people just died?"

"I don’t know, but I suspect the ordinary cultivators and commoners in Alchemy Emperor City…"

Under the aftershocks of the heavenly punishment, it was impossible for everyone to remain unscathed. At least tens of thousands in Alchemy Emperor City had perished—and that was a conservative estimate.

"Damn it, I should’ve stayed in Alchemy Emperor City. Who knew the safest place would end up being there?"

"That’s only because Chen Chang'an blocked the heavenly punishment’s force and shielded the city. Otherwise, Alchemy Emperor City would’ve been reduced to ruins by now."

"Miscalculated!"

"Who could’ve guessed Chen Chang'an would actually withstand the heavenly punishment?"

Before this, no one believed Chen Chang'an could succeed. Even though Da Huang had spoken with confidence, there had still been a sliver of worry in his heart.

"Truly a freak!" Da Huang grinned, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

"Has the heavenly punishment… ended?"

Ended?

The crowd looked up—the heavenly punishment hadn’t vanished, but no more terrifying bolts of divine lightning descended.

At this moment, Chen Chang'an raised his head and glared at the heavenly punishment in the sky, his gaze far from friendly.

"Damn it, good thing I was fast."

"You’re really something else."

Chen Chang'an’s body was incredibly strong, but his clothes… not so much. Under the heavenly punishment, his garments had been obliterated in an instant. Fortunately, he had reacted quickly enough to change into a new set.

And since everyone else had been too busy fleeing for their lives, no one had noticed—otherwise, Chen Chang'an would’ve suffered a great loss!

Chen Chang'an’s words seemed to provoke a reaction from the heavenly punishment, as if it had taken offense.

"Don’t push your luck!"

"Get the hell out of here!"

Huh?

What was happening?

Chen Chang'an was cursing at the heavenly punishment? Wasn’t that the same as cursing at the Heavenly Dao itself?

Had this guy lost his mind? Did he have a death wish?

"He’s insane! Chen Chang'an is an absolute madman. Does he even know who he’s insulting?"

"I’ve seen plenty of lunatics in my life, but one this crazy is a first."

"Do you think we’re still safe here? Maybe we should retreat further?"

"Yeah, let’s back up. The next wave of heavenly punishment might—"

"Heav—heav—heav—"

"What are you stammering about?"

"The heavenly punishment! Look at the heavenly punishment!"

Huh?

Look at it?

Everyone raised their heads again, and in an instant, their eyes widened in shock. Some even slapped the person next to them hard.

Smack!

"Ow! What the hell was that for?"

"Checking if this is a dream or an illusion."

"Couldn’t you have slapped yourself?"

"It hurts!"

"Well, it hurts me too, damn it!"

No one could’ve predicted it. Just moments ago, they had been complaining, yet in the next second… the heavenly punishment had actually vanished?

And it had disappeared at an alarming speed. The moment Chen Chang'an shouted "Get out," the heavenly punishment hadn’t hesitated—it had simply fled.

"Damn, that’s insane!"

"Is Chen Chang'an the Heavenly Dao’s favorite son or something?"

"Or maybe… its father?"

"How is this even possible? He scared off the heavenly punishment by yelling at it?"

"Let’s go back and see what’s going on."

With the heavenly punishment gone, the crisis in Alchemy Emperor City had been resolved. The crowd no longer had any reason to worry.

Chen Chang'an watched as the sky returned to calm, lost in thought.

"Huh… it actually listened?"

"Am I really the Heavenly Dao’s dad?"

"Then who’s its mom?"

Chen Chang'an was baffled, but the disappearance of the heavenly punishment was a good thing regardless. Returning to the Alchemy Emperor Manor, he released the soul confinement on Yao Niming.

Once freed, Yao Niming stared at Chen Chang'an, his eyes filled with utter bewilderment.

"I can sense it… the heavenly punishment is truly gone. And it seems… it won’t return."

"You actually managed to curse it away?"

Yao Niming could hardly believe everything that had happened today. It was too sudden, too unbelievable!

"If I said I don’t know how it happened either, would you believe me?"

"I just found it annoying and threw out a threat."

"Who knew it couldn’t take a little scolding?"

Couldn’t take a scolding? This was the heavenly punishment—the wrath of the Heavenly Dao itself!

It couldn’t take a scolding? What kind of joke was that?

"Regardless, Brother Chen, you’ve saved me yet again. Without you, today would’ve been my last."

Aside from his parents, Chen Chang'an had given him life twice. In Yao Niming’s eyes, Chen Chang'an’s kindness was no less than that of his own parents.

"Between us, no words are needed."

Chen Chang'an smiled and patted Yao Niming’s shoulder, signaling that there was no need for formalities.

At that moment, Da Huang was the first to come trotting back, waggling his way over to Chen Chang'an with an exceptionally lecherous look in his eyes.

"Hehehe… so white."

Huh?

So white?

Chen Chang'an’s expression darkened. Damn it, had this mutt seen everything?

"Want me to gouge out your eyes?" Chen Chang'an growled.

"Come on, if it’s that white and that big, why hide it? We’re brothers! Here, wanna see mine too?"

As he spoke, Da Huang rolled onto his back, ready to expose himself. Chen Chang'an kicked him in frustration.

"Get lost, you disgrace!"

Yao Niming was utterly confused. "What’s white and big?"

"Nothing. Just some clouds in the sky—white and big," Chen Chang'an replied dismissively.

Yao Niming knew Da Huang hadn’t been talking about clouds, but he didn’t press further. It was clear Chen Chang'an didn’t want to elaborate.

Before long, the others who had fled the Alchemy Emperor Manor returned, each one burning with curiosity about Chen Chang'an. Unfortunately, none dared approach him now.

"Master! You’re unharmed! This is wonderful!"

Medicine Destiny rushed forward, overjoyed to see Yao Niming standing there safe and sound.

With a thud, Medicine Destiny dropped to his knees before Chen Chang'an.

"Senior, I swear on my life that I will repay your kindness. Whatever task you require, I will do everything in my power to fulfill it."

Seeing Medicine Destiny’s sincerity, Yao Niming felt a swell of pride. Though his disciple’s talent was average, his character and integrity were beyond reproach.

"Get up. I saved your master because of our friendship. There’s no need for this."

"No, to me, this is different. My master is like a father to me. Such a great kindness cannot go unanswered."

Seeing Medicine Destiny so insistent, Chen Chang'an didn’t press further. After all, it wasn’t certain he’d need the other’s help with anything.

"Your body still has major issues, so you absolutely must not engage in combat with anyone."

"How about this…"

Chen Chang'an pondered for a moment before turning his gaze toward Kuang Zhongtang.

"Why not stay here? Remain in the Alchemy Emperor Manor as a guard or steward. What do you think?" Chen Chang'an asked.

Huh?

Stay in the Alchemy Emperor Manor as a guard?

This… this was practically too good to be true!

This was the Alchemy Emperor Manor—countless people would kill for such an opportunity.

"I’m fine with it, absolutely fine!"

"It’s just… I don’t know if the Alchemy Emperor…"

"Hahaha, since it’s Brother Chen’s suggestion, how could I refuse? You may stay here from now on."

Seeing Yao Niming agree, Kuang Zhongtang was so excited he nearly picked a fight with someone on the spot!

Staying in the Alchemy Emperor Manor would bring him nothing but benefits. Though the Alchemy Emperor couldn’t fight now, he could still refine pills.

With the Alchemy Emperor’s support, his strength was bound to break through.

"By the way, Master, I suspect Yun Xiao has ulterior motives."

"It seems he’s been eavesdropping on our conversations all along."

Suddenly, Medicine Destiny’s words made Yao Niming frown. Eavesdropping?

Why would he do that?

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. The fact that Master passed the legacy to me only just happened, yet Yun Xiao already knew. If he hadn’t been eavesdropping, there’s no way he could’ve found out."

"Moreover… after the heavenly punishment ended, Yun Xiao disappeared. He never returned, and no one knows where he went."

Hearing Medicine Destiny’s words, Yao Niming still couldn’t understand—why would he eavesdrop? He had been planning to pass his legacy to him.

"That kid… he’s hiding something!"