Chapter 164: Daring to Love and Hate

The life and death warrant had been signed, and the news spread like it had wings, reaching every corner of the Outer Sect overnight.

Some mocked Chen Chuan for overestimating himself and seeking his own death.

Some lamented his youthful impulsiveness, believing he had ruined his future.

Even more were simply waiting to watch the excitement on the Life and Death Stage a month later.

Within the Outer Sect, undercurrents surged, and everyone’s gaze focused on Chen Chuan, whether intentionally or not.

However, Chen Chuan, who was at the center of the storm, appeared unusually calm.

He collected his Sect missions for the month—routine tasks like gathering herbs and clearing out low-level Demon Beasts.

After completing the missions, he went straight back to his Disciple residence and began a period of closed-door Cultivation.

Inside the Quiet Chamber, sandalwood incense curled in the air.

Chen Chuan sat cross-legged, sinking his mind into his body.

Within his Meridians, Spiritual Qi flowed slowly like a stream.

He could clearly perceive that, relying on his own talent and effort, it wouldn’t be difficult to Breakthrough consecutively within a month to reach the Fifth Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm, even without the System.

But that was still far from enough.

"Fifth Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm... then it will be time to use money to level up."

Chen Chuan thought of the over 570 billion gold tickets he had on him, and a plan formed in his mind.

First, he would spend 80 billion gold tickets to forcibly raise his Cultivation from the Fifth Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm to the Half-Step Great Power Realm Ninth Level Peak.

Next, he would spend the massive sum of 300 billion to charge through that crucial Great Power Realm bottleneck and step into the First Layer of the Great Power Realm in one go.

In this way, he would possess the strength to confront or even crush someone at the Great Power Realm Ninth Level Peak.

When the time came, dealing with a Li Feiyun, who was built up by Medicinal Pills, would be as easy as flipping his hand.

"With the remaining 190 billion gold tickets, if I want to continue improving, it’s enough for me to break through five more minor Realms, reaching the Great Power Realm Sixth Level..."

Chen Chuan pondered, then shook his head.

"No need. The First Layer of the Great Power Realm is enough to sweep through the same Realm. I’ll save the remaining resources for emergencies."

With his plan set, Chen Chuan’s mind became tranquil. He began to fully operate his Cultivation Technique, absorbing Spiritual Energy of heaven and earth to prepare for the subsequent paid upgrades.

Time passed quietly, and several days later...

Slight footsteps came from outside the Quiet Chamber, and a familiar purple figure appeared at the door. It was Su Mengxi.

Her pretty face carried a hint of worry.

"Chen Chuan," Su Mengxi called out softly.

Chen Chuan opened his eyes and, seeing it was her, stood up to greet her. "Senior Sister Su, why are you here?"

"How could I not come?" Su Mengxi’s tone held a bit of irritation.

"Chen Chuan, you were too impulsive."

"In one month, even if you don’t sleep or rest, it’s impossible to Breakthrough from the First Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm to the Great Power Realm."

"This is fundamentally an unequal battle."

Looking at her anxious appearance, Chen Chuan felt a slight warmth in his heart, but he said calmly, "Senior Sister Su, I am not at the First Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm."

"What?" Su Mengxi was taken aback.

"I am now at the Third Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm." Chen Chuan released a hint of his Aura.

Feeling that Aura, which was indeed much thicker than a normal First Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm, a flash of surprise crossed Su Mengxi’s beautiful eyes.

How many days had it been?

He had actually broken through two minor Realms in a row?

This Cultivation speed was simply too astonishing.

But after the surprise came an even deeper sense of helplessness.

"Even if you are at the Third Layer of the Half-Step Great Power Realm, so what?" Su Mengxi sighed.

"There is still an insurmountable chasm between you and Li Feiyun."

"Chen Chuan, take my advice and give up."

"Go to the Deacon Hall, admit your mistake, and void the contract. At most, you’ll face some Sect punishment and lose some face, but it’s better than losing your life."

Chen Chuan shook his head, his gaze firm.

"Since I agreed and the contract is signed, there is absolutely no reason to flee before the battle."

"A man stands in this world doing what must be done. Even if I die, I will die standing; I will never retreat even half a step."

"Why are you so stubborn?" Su Mengxi stomped her foot in anger, her chest heaving slightly.

She was clearly quite angered by Chen Chuan’s unyielding attitude.

Seeing that she couldn’t persuade him, Su Mengxi bit her lower lip, seemingly having made a decision.

With a flick of her hand, a warm jade bottle appeared in her palm. The mouth was sealed, but it faintly emitted a surge of pure and majestic energy.

"Take this."

She thrust the jade bottle into Chen Chuan’s hand.

As soon as Chen Chuan held it, he knew it was extraordinary. Opening it, he saw a Spirit Transformation Pill inside, radiating a faint spiritual glow.

He was instantly moved.

"A Spirit Transformation Pill? Senior Sister Su, this is too precious."

"You are already on the verge of a Breakthrough. This Medicinal Pill is exactly the key item you need. How can I accept it?"

Chen Chuan really hadn’t expected that Su Mengxi would be willing to give up such an important Cultivation resource just to help him.

"I’m giving it to you, so take it!" Su Mengxi’s tone was firm, carrying a hint of authority.

"I know this Medicinal Pill won’t let you Breakthrough to the Great Power Realm, but at least it can help you raise your Cultivation significantly. Every bit of strength is another chance to stay alive."

"Senior Sister, why go to such lengths? I cannot accept such a generous gift." Chen Chuan smiled bitterly.

Su Mengxi looked up, her beautiful eyes staring straight at Chen Chuan, her gaze clear and bold.

"Because I like you, Chen Chuan. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I’ll help however much I can."

Such a direct and bold confession left Chen Chuan momentarily stunned.

Looking at the undisguised affection in Su Mengxi’s eyes, his heart felt complex and difficult to describe.

Seeing Chen Chuan only smiling bitterly without speaking, Su Mengxi’s cheeks reddened slightly, but she went a step further.

Her voice carried a hint of shyness, yet remained firm. "If you feel bad about it, then consider this Spirit Transformation Pill as a token of my love."

"A token of love?" Chen Chuan was completely dumbfounded.

Where was this even coming from?

He took a deep breath, knowing he couldn’t let this continue, or else Su Mengxi would only fall deeper.

His expression became solemn as he looked into Su Mengxi’s eyes and said seriously:

"Senior Sister Su, I am deeply grateful for your feelings. But I cannot accept them. Because I already have a wife."

What?

Like a bolt from the blue, Su Mengxi’s delicate body trembled violently. The blush on her face vanished instantly, replaced by a pale complexion.

She stared blankly at Chen Chuan, her beautiful eyes wide with disbelief.

"You’re lying to me, right?" Her first reaction was to not believe it.

She felt that this was an excuse Chen Chuan had made up to reject her. "You don’t like me, so you’re using this reason to lie to me so I’ll give up, right?"

Chen Chuan shook his head, his gaze honest and carrying a hint of apology.

"I am not lying to you. Senior Sister Su, I have no romantic feelings for you; I have always viewed you as a close friend I can trust."

"As for my wife, her name is Ji Siyu. This is the absolute truth."

Looking at Chen Chuan’s eyes, which didn’t dodge her gaze at all, Su Mengxi’s heart sank bit by bit.

He wasn’t joking.

A massive sense of loss and emptiness instantly swept over her, making her feel as if a piece of her heart had been hollowed out, leaving behind an indescribable bitterness.

The light in her eyes quickly dimmed as she lowered her eyelids, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.

After a moment of silence, Su Mengxi finally looked up and asked in a slightly raspy voice, "She... her name is Ji Siyu? Then... who is more beautiful, me or her?"

Facing this classic and lethal question, Chen Chuan was instantly depressed, feeling his scalp go numb.

Under Su Mengxi’s persistent gaze, he said helplessly, "You are both extremely beautiful, each with your own charms and different temperaments. It’s hard to make a simple comparison."

"If you had to choose one?" Su Mengxi was relentless.

Chen Chuan sighed and had to speak the truth. "In my heart, naturally, my wife is more beautiful."

He paused and, seeing Su Mengxi’s expression darken even further, added:

"Of course, Senior Sister Su, you are definitely a great beauty, like a Fairy descended to the mortal world. You’re only a tiny bit behind."

"Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many Genius Disciples pursuing you."

However, this comforting praise failed to make Su Mengxi smile.

She only pouted her gorgeous red lips and glared at Chen Chuan with a face full of resentment, as if her gaze were accusing him of being blind.

Chen Chuan felt uncomfortable under her gaze and quickly looked away.

"Senior Sister Su," Chen Chuan said sincerely.

"You really don’t need to waste your feelings on me."

"With your qualities, talent, and looks, why worry about not finding someone better than me? I, Chen Chuan, am not a good match for you."

"I’ll decide my own feelings!" Su Mengxi suddenly looked up, a hint of stubborn fire reigniting in her eyes. "I don’t need you to tell me what to do! You having a wife is your business; me liking you is my business!"

After saying that, she didn’t wait for Chen Chuan to speak again. She turned to leave, tears already welling up in her eyes.

"Senior Sister, your Spirit Transformation Pill!" Chen Chuan quickly picked up the jade bottle and called out.

Su Mengxi’s footsteps paused. With her back to him, her sobbing voice came through:

"I never think about taking back things I’ve given away! Keep it!"

"Swallow it and Cultivate well. At least... at least it’ll give you another chance to stay alive..."

Before she could finish, she could no longer hold back, and tears streamed down her face.

She stomped her foot hard, and her figure, like a purple swan, quickly disappeared outside the courtyard gate.

Only a faint fragrance remained, along with that tearful instruction echoing in the air.

Chen Chuan held the still-warm jade bottle, watching Su Mengxi’s heartbroken figure depart.

His heart was also filled with mixed emotions, which finally turned into a helpless sigh.

Naturally, he wouldn’t use this Spirit Transformation Pill.

This was the key to Su Mengxi’s Breakthrough. He couldn’t delay her future because of his own affairs.

"In one month, on the Life and Death Stage, everything will be decided."

Chen Chuan composed himself, his gaze becoming firm and deep once again.

He carefully put away the Spirit Transformation Pill, sat back down cross-legged, and closed his eyes.

Inside the Quiet Chamber, Spiritual Qi began to slowly gather once more.