It had to be said, in Myriad Abyss Island, seniority still carried considerable weight. A figure like Yan Wanjun — even if he was somewhat down on his luck at the moment — was not someone Prince Huo and the Return Spring Island Domain could afford to look down upon.
Moreover, with Jiang Chen's meteoric rise, Yan Wanjun's standing was sure to rise alongside his. This was an inevitability that no one could avoid.
Naturally, Prince Huo found himself unable to put on a tough front in Yan Wanjun's presence.
Guardian Chief Ding transmitted via divine sense: "Your Highness, Winter Extension Island is already lost. There is nothing we can do to reverse it. This Jiang Chen can influence the outcome of the Eternal Divine Kingdom's war, and recently he has dazzled everyone in the True Martial Divine Kingdom. He is simply not someone our Return Spring Island Domain can afford to offend. My advice — let the matter drop. Forge a good connection, and avoid bringing calamity upon the domain."
Prince Huo had previously paid no heed to Guardian Chief Ding's counsel, but now he had no choice but to seriously consider those words.
After a long pause, Prince Huo let out a bitter laugh and spoke in a clear voice: "Since Young Master Jiang Chen has taken up residence here, it is an honor for our Return Spring Island Domain. We are willing to cede Winter Extension Island willingly. However, this humble prince has one small request."
"What is it?" Yan Wanjun was, after all, an elder — unlike Jiang Chen with his sharp-edged youthful vigor. Since Prince Huo's tone had already softened, there was no need to press the attack.
Whether the island was willingly handed over or seized by Jiang Chen, Winter Extension Island would belong to Jiang Chen from now on and had nothing further to do with the Return Spring Island Domain. That much was settled regardless.
"Young Master Jiang Chen's residence here means he will be our neighbor from now on. The Return Spring Island Domain hopes to benefit from Young Master Jiang Chen's prestige as well. Should the opportunity arise, we would appreciate Young Master Jiang Chen looking after us."
The subtext was not difficult to understand. Anyone who suddenly found themselves with a supremely powerful neighbor would naturally hope to gain some protection.
In plain terms, it was a plea to be allowed to cling to a powerful thigh.
Yan Wanjun smiled faintly. "These are all easy enough to discuss. As long as the requests are reasonable, Young Master Jiang Chen is not an unreasonable or heartless man. But should anyone be unreasonable and devoid of all courtesy — then let them not complain when Young Master Jiang Chen proves even more unreasonable and even more merciless."
Prince Huo nodded frantically, repeating "Indeed, indeed" in a tone of genuine terror.
"Very well. You have arrived in full force and already dampened Young Master Jiang Chen's spirits. Depart for now." Yan Wanjun waved his hand dismissively.
Prince Huo nodded eagerly. "Of course, of course. This humble prince will leave at once and not disturb Young Master Jiang Chen's cultivation."
With that, Prince Huo waved his hand, and the Return Spring Island Domain's contingent breathed visible sighs of relief, fleeing the scene at top speed.
The moment they had learned of Jiang Chen's identity, fighting him had never even entered their minds. They knew such a confrontation would be virtually impossible to survive.
If they tried to force the issue, it would amount to little more than suicide.
Watching Prince Huo's people scurry away with their tails between their legs, Yan Wanjun felt a complicated swirl of emotions. He sighed inwardly: "This Jiang Chen — so young, and already he stands unmatched among the younger generation of the entire Divine Abyss Continent. Can little Huang'er keep up with his footsteps?"
But then Yan Wanjun reconsidered: "Still, it is fortunate that Jiang Chen is a man of deep devotion. He and Huang'er fell in love back in the human domain, and he has never abandoned her despite everything — that is no small thing. The way he throws himself wholeheartedly into caring for Huang'er's parents shows his sincerity. For a young woman to find a cultivation partner like this — there could truly be no better outcome."