Chapter 08: From Heaven to Hell

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Chen Nan narrowly dodged the falling tree, then spun around and darted to the side. The giant couldn’t stop in time and kept moving forward. By the time he turned back, Chen Nan had already run more than twenty meters away, carrying the little princess.

“You’re so clumsy!” the little princess cried out. “Hurry up and hide up ahead! Hey, you idiot, why did you stop? Run!”

Chen Nan suddenly stopped in his tracks and dropped the little princess onto the ground.

“Ah…” Her plump buttocks hit the dirt instantly. “You scoundrel… Ouch, that hurts so much… You big jerk, ouch…”

Chen Nan ignored her. He reached up, took the Houyi Bow from his shoulder, stepped into a left-footed stance, and placed a dry twig on the bowstring with his right hand. His expression turned utterly focused; his eyes saw nothing but the giant ahead.

He pulled the bowstring taut. The ebony Houyi Bow glowed with a faint golden light as the primordial energy of heaven and earth surged madly toward it. Chen Nan and the bow seemed to merge into one. A golden radiance emanated from them, and a powerful wave of energy radiated outward.

The giant sensed the terrifying fluctuations. A hint of fear flashed across his face, and he halted.

At that moment, boundless cosmic energy crashed toward them like waves. Chen Nan’s entire body blazed with dazzling golden light—brighter than the sun itself.

The giant involuntarily stepped back, fear deepening on his face.

The young princess was stunned. She could not believe the man before her was the same scoundrel, Chen Nan. The difference was night and day. He stood like a mountain, his aura like a divine being or demon descending upon the world. Under that overwhelming presence, the ancient giant seemed to shrink while Chen Nan towered like a colossus commanding heaven and earth.

Is this really that scoundrel Chen Nan? Is this really that vile thief?

Suddenly, winds swept the heavens and earth, dark thunder rumbled, and a mist of light swirled around the Houyi Bow. Golden light flowed like a river into the withered wood of the bowstring. In moments, the twig transformed into a dazzling golden arrow, radiating a terrifying aura.

Wherever the golden light fell, the giant trembled. Chen Nan gently released the bowstring—but at the last instant, he swiftly shifted the bow’s direction. A violent gale howled, thunder rolled, and a streak of golden light sliced through the air like lightning, passing right beside the giant before vanishing into the roots of the forest’s mightiest Tree King.

The thirty-meter-tall Tree King exploded into splinters. The ancient giant let out a bloodcurdling scream and fled, trampling swathes of trees as mountains and forests trembled.

The giant’s towering figure vanished. The surging cosmic energy settled, and silence returned to the mountains. The golden light around Chen Nan gradually dimmed, yet his mountain-like aura remained.

“You good-for-nothing…” the little princess stammered. “Chen Nan… how could your archery be so terrible? You missed such a huge target.”

Chen Nan’s overwhelming presence receded. He looked ordinary once more. The little princess let out a long breath—she had truly been frightened by the god-like Chen Nan of moments ago.

Chen Nan sighed. “I wonder if I’ll ever have the chance in this lifetime to experience the feeling of the True Martial Realm again.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” the little princess scoffed. “Even my master can only hover at the edge of the legendary True Martial Realm—and you? Hmph, pure delusion!”

Chen Nan gazed at the pink dust drifting from the shattered Tree King and spoke, half to himself, half to her: “That arrow was shot with all my heart! In that moment, my heart had already ascended to the True Martial Realm. If I’d had enough power, I could have shot down the gods in the heavens!”

“Pfft, how shameless! You couldn’t even hit a giant, yet you think you can shoot down a god? Who do you think you are?”

Chen Nan smiled, fully returned to his usual self. “I’m your husband.”

“Hmph, shameless!”

Chen Nan ignored her teasing. “Once a divine arrow leaves the bow, it won’t stop until it drinks the target’s blood. Did you really think I missed? I simply wasn’t confident I could kill him with one shot. If I ended up as disheveled as you were after fighting that giant snake, wouldn’t that have invited death? So I used the arrow’s power to intimidate him. If I had enough strength—even just a little more—I would have shot him without hesitation.”

“I’ve figured it out—you scoundrels aren’t just shameless, you’re a super-disgusting narcissist!” The little princess’s words were sharp, yet the memory of that arrow left her dazed. Deep down, she had to admit: at that moment, Chen Nan’s spirit had truly resonated with the Divine Bow.

How dare such an ordinary guy earn the Divine Bow’s approval? Damn it!

“Come on, wifey, let’s go home and tie the knot!” Chen Nan picked her up.

“You damn scoundrel, put me down! Put me down right now…” She cursed nonstop.

Just as he was about to hoist her onto his shoulder, she seized the chance, opened her mouth, and bit down hard.

“Ah…” Chen Nan cried out. “Ah, you little devil, stop biting…”

He grabbed her chin and pried her mouth open with effort.

Thud.

He tossed her back to the ground. Her bottom made its second painful landing, turning her face pale.

“Ah… you bastard, ouch… it hurts so much… you damn scum… ouch…”

Chen Nan unbuttoned his shirt. A neat row of purple teeth marks was imprinted on his shoulder.

“You little devil, you really are ruthless!”

The little princess’s eyes brimmed with tears from the pain. “You deserve it. I hope it hurts like hell… Ouch…”

“Haha…” Chen Nan burst out laughing. “How does that feel? Pretty good, huh? One more toss and your lovely butt will be ready to compete with the Third Prince.”

She glared at him with pure hatred. “You damn bastard, how dare you do this to me! I’ll kill you sooner or later. Ouch… it hurts so much…”

“Honey, I know it’s not really your fault. I know you’re hungry, but next time remember: you can’t eat your husband’s shoulder. Alright, let’s find a comfortable spot and have something to eat.” Smiling, Chen Nan carefully picked her up again and hoisted her onto his shoulders amid her endless curses.

“Chen Nan, you damn fool! How dare you treat me like this? I am, after all, a princess of a nation! How can you carry me on your shoulders like some kind of prey? You’ve sealed all my martial arts power—can’t I just walk on my own?”

“No, that would be too slow.”

After crossing two mountain peaks, a pale blue ribbon appeared at the foot of the mountains—a small river formed by mountain springs winding through the range. The sound of rushing water was the most delightful melody under the scorching sun.

The little princess’s eyes sparkled. “You good-for-nothing, there’s a river up ahead. Hurry over there—I’m dying of thirst.”

“Alright, let’s go there to rest and eat.”

The river was crystal clear, its bed strewn with multicolored pebbles. Fish swam joyfully, unafraid of humans. Chen Nan washed his face, took off his shoes and socks, and dipped his feet into the cool water, banishing the heat instantly.

The little princess was set down on the bank. Seeing his relieved expression, she complained, “You stinking thief! How could you leave me under the blazing sun while you cool off alone? You’re so selfish!”

“Ah, that feels good!” Chen Nan stretched dramatically. “Don’t get upset, my devilish wife. Just wait here. Once I return from hunting, I’ll grant you a moment of freedom.”

After putting his shoes back on, he headed toward the nearby woods.

The little princess kept cursing. “Hey, you scoundrel, you stinking thief, come back here! How could you just leave me here all alone? What if a wild beast comes? You damn bastard…”

Soon Chen Nan returned with two plump snow grouse. “My devilish wife, now you’ll have something to eat. Look—the finest delicacies!”

The little princess looked at the pure-white birds and scolded, “How could you be so cruel? Those were such adorable birds, and you just slaughtered them like that. You butcher!”

Chen Nan: “…”

Little Princess: “You executioner!”

Chen Nan: “…”

Little Princess: “You devil!”

Chen Nan: “…”

Little Princess: “You heartless monster!”

Chen Nan: “Enough already. Please, these are just two snow chickens to fill our stomachs. Could you stop elevating their lives to the level of humans? If you really had a heart, you wouldn’t have treated me that way earlier. I think you’re the one practically family with the devil.”

He patted her shoulder. “I’ll give you a moment of freedom, but don’t even think about running away. With your martial arts sealed, you’re no different from an ordinary person. You might end up as a wild beast’s snack.”

The little princess muttered a few more curses but resigned herself. Chen Nan drew his sword and began plucking feathers.

She glanced at the distant mountains and forests, then at him. A look of resignation crossed her face as she turned toward the riverbank. The moment her back was to him, a smug smile curled at the corners of her mouth—the Devil’s Smile.

She stepped into the cool water. The refreshing current soaked her clothes. She cupped water to her lips, removed her hairpin, and let her long black hair cascade like a waterfall. Drenched, she swam back and forth with the carefree joy of a fish.

Chen Nan skewered the cleaned birds and began grilling them. Soon, a fragrant aroma filled the air. The snow grouse turned golden and glossy, fat sizzling into the fire.

Just then, the little princess sank beneath the water. Half a minute later, she resurfaced, her dripping hair sparkling, her features ethereally beautiful—like a lotus rising from clear waters.

Chen Nan turned and was transfixed. He murmured:

“The Goddess of the Luo… her slender neck and graceful form, her radiant complexion revealed. Her natural beauty needs no adornment; no makeup can rival it…”

He stared, lost in thought, recalling the day he first saw her completely naked—pure as an angel, beautiful as a fairy. Slowly, the scene stirred warm memories. A beautiful silhouette emerged in his mind—Yuxin.

Chen Nan’s eyes grew misty. He felt transported ten thousand years back. Yuxin seemed to walk toward him, smiling, eyes full of hope. He could almost hear her laughter again…

The dream was shattered. His heart broke. He knew Yuxin could never return.

Ten thousand years ago, after his crushing defeat against his father, Chen Zhan, Dongfang Xiaotian—an unparalleled master of the Dark Path—launched a night raid on the Chen Manor. To save him, Yuxin took the full brunt of the Ten Sky-Shattering Strikes, severing every meridian. She sealed herself in Hundred Flowers Valley for a death-defying seclusion.

“Even in your final moments, you were still comforting me, telling me to live on…” Chen Nan closed his eyes. Warm tears streamed down his face.

“Will you truly comprehend life and death and break through this crisis? Will you meet me again? I know it’s impossible—that parting was our final farewell! Yu Xin…”

Yu Xin was the eternal pain in his heart, the regret of his entire life.

It took a long time for his emotions to calm. He washed the tears away and whispered, “I thought I had let go of everything from ten thousand years ago… Ah! Some things can never be forgotten; true love that cuts to the bone can never be erased. Yu Xin, ten thousand years ago I failed you. Shortly after you left, I gave up on myself and went to a duel I knew I would die in… I never imagined I would be reborn ten thousand years later. Life is like a dream. In this life, I will definitely live well.”

“I know I’ll never forget you, but I still have to say: Let the past be gone!”

Suddenly, white mist rose from the river. The water around the little princess began to boil, bubbles surging, waves of heat radiating. Fish fled in panic.

She stood motionless, skin vivid blood-red, a faint glow flowing over her. The mist made her look even more otherworldly.

Chen Nan was shocked. How could I have forgotten the Blazing Fire Immortal Lotus?

He rushed to her side and struck her major acupoints repeatedly. Sweat beaded on his face from the effort. Dozens of strikes, yet a surge of energy blocked him half an inch from her body.

Not only were her previously sealed acupoints now open, but her true qi also circulated wildly. A protective layer dissipated with every palm strike.

Suddenly, a tremendous force erupted from her body, sending Chen Nan flying backward into the water. A massive wave crashed around her as the lotus’s medicinal power was fully unleashed.

Chen Nan scrambled to shore.

“Think you can run? It’s not that easy!”

A huge wave slammed into his back. He staggered.

The little princess leapt out like a water-walking fairy and appeared behind him. Gritting her teeth, she sneered, “Heh heh, scum, you filthy thief. I’ve put up with you for so long—now I can finally take my revenge.” She struck with a palm.

They clashed fiercely in the river. Fists and feet flashed, true qi surged, waves crashed, fish and shrimp flew ashore. Though Chen Nan fought with everything he had, his cultivation was no match. After a dozen moves, she kicked him hard, and he splashed into the water.

She leapt over, sealed his acupoints, dragged him to the bank, dried her clothes with energy, and sneered, “You bastard—you never imagined this moment would come so quickly, did you?”

Recalling everything he had done to her, she lost control. She screamed and began punching and kicking him wildly.

“You filthy thief, you scum—how dare you treat me like that! I’ll punch you, I’ll kick you, I’ll scratch you…” At that moment, she was no longer a regal princess—just an angry little girl.

Chen Nan’s head swelled like a pig’s head amid his agonized screams.

“You little devil… I treated you with nothing but kindness and generosity before, and you… Ouch…”

The moment he spoke of the past, her arched eyebrows shot up, her face turning to ice.

“You dare bring up the past?! You… you damn bastard! How dare you treat me so rudely? I’ll kill you!” Shame and fury overwhelmed her. She grabbed the nearby sword and strode toward him, murderous intent blazing.

Chen Nan’s face turned ashen. Just moments ago, he had vowed to Yuxin he would live well—now death loomed.

The little princess suddenly smiled—a smile that could charm a city. To Chen Nan, it was the grin of a demon.

She had meant to end him with one stroke, but then she noticed the Houyi Bow. She remembered how he had turned the tide with three arrows in the woods. This seemingly ordinary man had drawn the sealed divine bow. The memory of that heaven-shaking arrow still captivated her.

If she killed him, no one would ever know the princess of Chu had been defiled. But if she brought him back with the Houyi Bow, Chu would gain a peerless master.

Reason won. She decided to spare him and make him serve the State of Chu. Yet resentment burned inside her. She glared and hissed through gritted teeth, “You scum, do you want to live?”

“Yes, of course I do.”

“Fine. I’ll give you a chance. Swear you will never mention what happened between us to anyone—keep it buried forever. Can you do that?”

Chen Nan instantly understood. She wanted to keep him for the bow but feared the scandal. He agreed without hesitation.

“Alright, I promise not to mention what happened before to anyone. Oh, nothing ever happened between us—so where would I even begin?”

She was satisfied. “You’re clever. I hope you stay that way.”

“I certainly won’t disappoint Your Highness.”

“I hope your actions match your words.”

The little princess used the sword to slice a strip of cloth from his robe, then brought the blade toward his fingers.

“Ah! What are you doing? You… are you going back on your word?”

She sneered. “Hmph. You’re as cowardly as a mouse.”

Chen Nan’s heart sank. In half a day, he had gone from captor to captive. Escaping her clutches now felt impossible.

Seeing his fear, she laughed gleefully. She sliced open his right middle finger, patted his back, and ordered, “You stinking thief, hurry up and write that indenture.”

“Ah, an indenture?”

“That’s right. Today, you sell yourself into slavery to save your life. From now on, you’ll be my personal property.”

“What? But… didn’t I already swear? I’ll never say anything out of line. What else are you worried about? You don’t have to be so ruthless, do you?”

“Hmph. What credibility could a shameless scoundrel like you possibly have? Only a fool would believe your oaths. Write it now.”

Chen Nan felt like spitting blood. Just moments ago, she had been his prisoner—now he was her slave. If he had the strength, he would have strangled her on the spot. He secretly regretted not doing something more ruthless earlier.

The little devil princess cackled coldly. “Being merciful to your enemies is being cruel to yourself. You shameless fool—you deserve it!”

“You stinking thief, hurry up and write!”

Chen Nan snapped back to reality. “I… can’t… write.”

“What? You dare not write?” She was furious.

“No, I can’t read or write.” He felt embarrassed. In the year since his rebirth, he had only learned the spoken language of the Tianyuan Continent; he hadn’t studied the script yet.

“You can’t read? Haha…” She burst into unrestrained laughter. “You don’t look like a good person at all. You’re too lazy to even learn to read—you really are a good-for-nothing.”

Chen Nan was speechless.

The little princess picked up the sword and carved elegant characters into the ground.

“Copy the characters on the ground.”

When you’re under someone’s roof, you have to bow your head. Chen Nan was forced to sign the contract, selling himself into servitude, and press his fingerprint onto it.

He sighed inwardly:

From heaven to hell…